The middle of September brought unfriendly bicycle weather to South Dakota with winds the primary foe for any bicyclist. Even as I write with only a few days of the challenge left, we're seeing winds at 30 MPH gusting to 45 MPH. For weeks 3 and 4 of my challenge, I was only able to get three rides completed. With only a few days left of the month, I've ridden just 120 miles of my 160 mile goal. Cross your fingers that I get 40 miles of additional riding done before this challenge is over.
As we end weeks three and four for this ride challenge to help fight kids' cancer, I'm still asking for additional sponsors to donate to this great cause. If you wish to donate and help me raise funds for children's cancer research, please visit my Great Cycle Challenge page and consider contributing to this worthy charity. I've set a goal of raising $500 and every dollar is of value to this charity.
The Great Cycle Challenge started in 2015, and after just 5 years, the event has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the United States. In 5 years, their community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of 18,831,310 miles, and together they've raised close to $25 million in support of research to develop better treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.
Ride 4 - Sep 15, 2020 - 4.7 Miles (Total: 75.2 Miles)
With windy days and a busy schedule this ride was the shortest distance for my bicycle. I rode the bicycle through my neighborhood and added just under 5 miles to my total. However, it's an important 5 miles because I would later find out the weather and life would keep me from riding for a full week. And in retrospect these miles will help alleviate the need for five rides to complete my goal. I can now reach my goal of 160 miles with just four additional rides.
Ride 5 - Sep 24, 2020 - 19.2 Miles (Total: 94.4 Miles)
For my fifth ride, winds were light but I didn't get to start the ride until the early evening hours. In order to beat the setting sun, instead of leaving the house on bike I drove to the bike trail and just did a complete circle around the city via the bike trail. The leaves on the trees are just now changing colors which demanded a few stops for pictures. It was a great ride but I am somewhat saddened to see the sun setting earlier with each passing day.
Ride 6 - Sep 26, 2020 - 25.7 Miles (Total: 120.1 Miles)
Saturdays are always the best day for a long ride despite the forecast of breezy afternoon winds. This time though, I got lucky with only light and variable winds for the ride with winds not picking up until I completed my ride. On a side note, my bike isn't shifting too well and something doesn't sound good with the gears. I'm too afraid though to get the bike checked or check the bike myself as I can't afford any downtime for the bike with two more rides needed to complete my Great Cycle Challenge.