My early-April rides, part 1

My first three April rides were on my "extended" weekend of April 1-4, during which time I rode a total distance of 54.7 miles.

My April 1st late afternoon ride took me to the Spin Doctors Cycle Shop in Bartlett, then along side streets in Hanover Park and Schaumburg. The ride covered 13.3 miles. Skies were mostly sunny with a record high temperature of 83 and moderate southerly  breezes. For the first time this season, I rode without base layers -- just my Livestrong jersey and shorts. It felt great!

My April 2nd ride took me in the opposite direction -- to the Roselle Starbucks and Metra Station and then in a wide loop westward through Schaumburg, Hanover Park and Bartlett. The ride covered 27.1 miles. I started my ride at 10:35 a.m. Skies were partly sunny with temperatures in the upper 70s and moderate southerly breezes. Once again, I did not need base layers for warmth.

After a Saturday cold front laid down some rain and cooled things off, my Sunday, April 4th ride was considerably cooler. Skies were partly sunny with temperatures in the mid 60s and moderate southerly breezes. As a result, I had to wear base layers under my Livestrong jersey. I started my ride at 11:45 a.m. and ended it around 1 o'clock. I rode a significant part of my ride off-road, following the Hawk Hollow and West Branch trails in Bartlett. The ride covered 14.3 miles.