Wednesday, July 12. There were eight road riders on hand at the palatial Kraft estate on County Highway M in Medford. The riders who were in attendance were Joe, John, Mark Wenzel, Mark Temme, Kathy, Tom, Katrina, Ken Jones, and Bryan. A number of mountain bikers also showed up at Ken’s place. The roadies did a 38 mile loop that went west on M to County Highway E, North on D to the Park Road, through the park to County Highway D, South on Highway 13 to Fisher Creek Road. In Chelsea, the road turns into Settlement Drive and from there the riders continued south into Whittlesey. After heading South on Ball Park Drive the riders came to County M and from there it was west back to Ken’ place. We took a refreshing stop at the Artesian Well at Mondeaux Dam, a welcome place on a warm evening. The final sprint, if you could call it that, came down to John, Ken, and Mark. Mark kicked it off by sprinting up the last hill. John and Ken chased him down, with Ken taking the prize.

It was Mexican Fiesta night at Ken's! Ken once again served up some mighty fine victuals and beverages. Additionally Ken’s icicle lights, put up just for this occasion, further enhanced the festive atmosphere. Thanks Ken, you are the host with the most!

Bryan again this week featured his Bicycles of the Tour De France. This week’s ride was a Cannondale. Cannondale was ridden to a number of stage victories by the great Mario Cippolini. Cannondale scored an advertising bonanza when during the TV coverage of one of the stages; Super Mario turned to the camera and said, "Cannondale is best bicycle, eh?" This would be akin to the Pope announcing that he was going to turn Protestant.

Jersey Update. I have sent the jersey order off to the good folks at Pyroapparel. Pyro tells me that they expect to deliver our jerseys at the end of July. The cost will come in at $38. My original estimate was $36. We came in slightly higher because we have 41 jerseys on order as opposed to my original guess of about 30 jerseys. Still $38 is a super price, so no one has a right to complain.

As promised I am posting directions to this week’s ride at the Temme cabin in Rib Lake. Turn east on to County Highway D in Westboro from Highway 13. Proceed approximately 3 miles to Rustic Road. Turn Left or North on Rustic Road. Bear right and stay on Rustic Road heading east through the intersection of Rustic Road and Harper Drive. The road into the cabin is approximately ¼ mile past the intersection. The road into the cabin is on your left.

Tour Talk. I had hoped to give you some actual talk about the Tour this week. However, my free OLN and hence Tour viewing came to an abrupt end this week. It was pretty clever of OLN to make the free viewing run from the middle of June to the middle of July and therefore pull the plug on the Tour just when things were heating up. Easy come, easy go.