This week looks iffy for riding outside with rain predictions and temperatures in the 40s.

I will take care of this  bike first.  I store the bikes in an unheated garage to keep the wet weather off.  I place cardboard under the tires to provide a buffer between the cold cement.  I also set out a disposable dampness collectors from the hardware store. Throughout the winter I would add air to the tires as needed.  These precautions worked last year and the bike was ready when in the spring.

General battery awareness leads me take the it inside for the winter, because the temperature is warmer and better for battery life.

What else should I do?  I found out to only
1. charge the battery to 60-70% .
2. Store in a cool, dry place and out of the sun. Regular house temperatures would be safe.
3. The battery may lose some charge, so check the loss during the winter.  Recharge to 60-70%. Do not let the battery totally discharge. 
4. When you are ready to ride that is the time to charge the battery to full 100%.

The fields will have corn, soybeans, wheat,  and hay.

I find a peace in riding these roads through the year.  I know that I am not alone. I hope that you enjoyed this three part series on riding the country roads.

Part of the enjoyment of the country roads is that they are different every ride.  You may have to look very closely, but there are changes;  animals may be by the road, and there are beautiful wild flowers.

Usually the flower gardens are not close to the road, but wildflowers add colors at different months.

This entry will finish up with some unusual animals for the Midwest states.

Look for part 3 soon.

Within a mile of my doorstep I can ride on a dirt road.  I  probably get out once a week to do a ride on those neighboring roads.  The surface can be smoother than some of the paved streets in town.  The county road commission is responsible for grading and will spread a liquid to keep the dust down.  

I enjoy the  2.1" knobby tires vs the road tires of the same size.  My city bike has fenders and they make a noisy rattle on the dirt and gravel. At times fresh gravel is added and the knobby tires work best.  I will pass many gravel riders and I am sure that they have no trouble.

Part of the fun of riding the farm land is to see the preparation of the field and see the growing crops.  My grandfather was a farmer and I have great memories of being on the farm as a kid.  This is a happy ride.  

I do not have to deal with much traffic.  The drivers are very considerate and give me plenty of space.  Many, in fact, will slow down as they pass.  I do watch for pinch points and I some times move to the side as trucks and farm machinery pass.

I am always looking for photo opportunities.

It is common to see horses and cattle in the fields.

They keep a safe distance away.

This shot gives a good view of the road surface too.

I still have other photos, but I will keep those for another post. I hope you enjoyed the views from my country rides. 

Last week we had beautiful temperatures, which means it is not raining and above 50 degrees F.  The cold air makes it hard to breathe as it constricts my airways. A couple of bikes are in the garage and I brought one inside to be on the trainer until the temperatures become consistently warmer again.

The workouts on this set up provide spinning practice. About every 30 minutes I will get off and walk around and use different muscles.  When you ride outside there a various opportunities to give your legs a break. I enjoy having a window to look out during the rides. The cable on the floor is the controller for changing the resistance in the unit. The regular bike gears may be changed during your session.

Outside rides breeze by very quickly for me, but on the trainer I find the time dragging.  I have had great luck finding  YouTube videos that show rides and I can feel like I am out in the woods on the trail.

The recumbent position uses some different muscles. The resistance is also greater than on the other trainer. I like having this option to add variety. There are multiple training programs available on this unit.

This screen shows a ride in Utah.  There are many places that I will never get a chance to ride. Some others would be too technical or too high of altitude to allow me to breathe.  Seeing these places while I ride is enjoyable.  

The hotel provided breakfast and I enjoyed making two waffles.  I prepared the bags the night before and I took a bagel with peanut butter and jelly for lunch. The trail left right from the parking lot of the motel.  It looked like it might rain so I brought my poncho.

I experienced great shade through the ride. The beginning temperatures were in the upper 60s and the threat of rain raised the humidity to 91%.  I appreciate the shade that grows along the old train lines in Michigan.  On the other side of the tree and brush lines would be flat farm fields.

The description of the trail mentioned going through potato country.  Michigan is #8 in the country in the production of potatoes gathering 1.9 billion pounds.  Do you like chips and fries?  Americans eat about 124 pounds of potatoes per year.

Part of the fun of visiting these towns is discovering interesting facts: 1.) This is where the first Meijer grocery opened in 1934 2.) In 1892 a refrigerator company opened and this town was known for many years as the "Refrigerator Capitol of the World." 3.) During World War II the refrigerator company made the gliders for carrying infantrymen that were used in the Normandy Invasion. 4.) The town attracted many Danish and each August there is a festival.  I ran out of time and could not find a replicate statue of "The Little Mermaid." which resembles the one in Copenhagen. 

Now I better understand how these trails carry the Fred Meijer name.  I am so happy that they were created.  You should check them out. You will enjoy the ride.