What day is it?

weather: 71, overcast, light SE winds
route: Thiensville (counter-clockwise)
time & distance: 2:05, 34.5
critter report: 6 bunnies, 3 fawns, 1 scrappy and scary springer dog

Monkey's first day of a well-deserved vacation and this rare occasion was marked by a fine, long ride. But, since they normally do such routes on a Sunday, both Owl and Monkey were decidedly confused by the heavier traffic on I-43 and Lake Drive. Poor working slobs trudging to the office during rush hour while the Intrepid Pair indulge in a life of leisure!

The trek to Thiensville was altogether pleasant and both Owl and Monkey encountered no troubles on any of the hills. Owl commented afterwards that it was most encouraging to put in nearly 35 miles and have it feel like a comparative breeze.

This ride was the first of the season to Thiensville which is an altogether charming town and Owl certainly would have no objection to living there (except that it is notoriously conservative). Yet, there are lovely little shops, cafes like Fiddleheads, pretty Victorian homes, and one Pink Flamingo Garden!

Mequon's Polygamist Sect?

weather: 63, clear, 10 mph NNW
route: Northerly W->E meander to Donges Bay (no Hill) with Upper River Rd. loop
time & distance: 1:41, 26.5 mi.
critter report: 1 fuzzy-antlered deer, 6 bunnies (better!), 3 ducks

Ah...Wednesday morning dawns with a promise of a lovely pre-work ride. Owl and Monkey set off northwards and, despite just a slightly pesky north wind now and again, the conditions were nearly perfect.

Monkey didn't quite feel like taking on The Hill on Donges Bay and led his Owl around a slight detour on Upper River Road where there are one too many McMansions...good gracious, how big of a house and lawn does one really, truly need? Case in point. It never ceases to amaze Owl that people probably pay a great deal to have a lawn service cut these huge plots...why bother? It would be so much nicer if they let Nature do her own work.

Once again, Owl counts the blessing that is Virmono Park (yeah, yeah...she knows now that it really is Virmond, but it will always be Virmono in her brain). While making their customary pitstop, Owl and Monkey came upon this trio, a male duck and his "harem"...might it be Mequon's very own polygamist sect? It would have been something had the females donned some fundy fashion!

Weekend Recap

Saturday, July 5th
weather: 56, partly cloudy, variable wind
route: the usual Saturday meander to Schlitz via Ravine Dr.
time & distance: 1:08, 18.6 miles
critter report: 1 deer, 1 groundhog, 2 bunnies

As it was just a mere 51 when 6 am rolled around, Monkey and Owl decided to cool their jets for a bit until the temperature climbed to slightly more comfortable levels. While Monkey was practically back asleep before reaching the bed, Owl - in very atypical Owl behavior, FELL BACK ASLEEP TOO! At the computer, no less. Egads, is the world coming to an end??

It was nearly 7:30 by the time they made it out to the bikes and with her internal clock all askew, Owl didn't feel like doing much at all. However, once she got outside, felt the nice, warm sun, she just couldn't let such a day pass her by - boy, was she ever glad she made the right decision! Another wonderful ride...


Sunday, July 6th
weather: 61, clear, 9 mph S
route: Donges Bay via The Hill with Pheasant Rd./University School loop
time & distance: 1:45, 28.9 miles
critter report: 1 deer, 3 bunnies

A slightly shorter route for Our Pair this Sunday as Owl just wasn't feeling into it and a little fatigued throughout. But, just like yesterday, she was sure glad she persevered and had a delightful ride.

Where, oh where are all the bunnies?? It was not uncommon to see 10-20 bunnies on such a ride, but this summer has been unfortunately rather bunny-less!