Riding – distance, hours, frequency, fitness: Last year, my riding ended on August after suffering a herniated disk that pinched my sciatic nerve. several visits to a chiropractor and months of physical therapy corrected the condition, but it was late spring before I got back on a road bike. Then, work and weather conspired to keep me from getting all the miles I had hoped for. I had wanted to ride a century before the end of the year, but I only managed to get a Metric, prior to my trip in late September.

Touring/Vacations – any memorable tours, charitable events, vacation(s): In August, I was researching destinations for a vacation in Kentucky when I stumbled across this: https://www.bourboncountryburn.com/#new-page-1 We had been talking about riding between the bourbon distilleries, so taking a supported tour seemed like an easier way than trying to figure it all out on my own. I had a great time, although I was not prepared for the hills. If I go back, I'll definitely take a bigger cassette or a triple. I was so sore after 80 miles on the first day, that I only did 40 on the second day.

Bourbon County, Kentucky

Bike Collection – additions, reductions, grail bikes: When people find out I collect old bikes, I end up with a lot of junk. I loaded up some junk frames and steel wheels and other stuff and carted it off to the scrap yard. That netted me almost enough to fund my only acquisition for the year, a 1988 Trek 400T. It was dirty, but it shows very little wear, and the frame only has a few small nicks. I got it back together over the holiday weekend, but I may change some things before I settle on the final configuration.


1988 Trek 400T