Taking My Cruiser, "Rusty" For A Spin In Illinois

Don't get me wrong, I don't just drive around the country with my rusted cruiser bungee corded to the back of my car just to make my ride look stylish, sometimes I actually get on it and take it for a ride.  More specifically, two times I have taken it off for a spin.

Today was one of those days.

I drove to Illionis to visit my friend, Adrianne.  I am usually last minute on planning things so I told her not to worry about her plans and that I would tag along and do whatever she already had plans to do.  On this particular day, it was the weekly meeting of the Bloomington Women's cycling club for their evening ride.  I warned Adrianne that I only had a cruiser, flip flops, no helmet, no fancy bicycle clothes and only one speed for the ride.  She assured me that this was a "fun ride" for all levels.

When I arrived at the shop, I met the ladies and some looked at me and said, "awww, you're not going to join us this evening?" (as I wore flip flops and walking shorts). When I pointed to my cruiser they looked at it and paused to think of the correct words instead of the, "are you kidding me" that most likely went through their head.  I even joked that I found it on the corner with a "Free" sign attached to it and one woman nodded her head and said, "oh, that makes sense. "

I didn't mind.  I just wanted to go along for the ride and take pictures along the way.  It was a fun ride until I couldn't see the group anymore.  Every now and then someone would fall behind so I could keep tabs on the direction we were headed.  As long as I knew the direction we were going, I was fine.  I just had my camera phone in hand the entire way to snap these photographs as I was riding along.  I had a good time seeing the back roads of Illinios and snapping pics as I passed by.

The ride ended with a welcomed snack assortment and social hour at the Bloomington Bicycle shop.  I am so glad I was able to join these wonderful ladies on their weekly ride.  If you live in the area, ride a bike (anything you have will do) and are a woman, this is a great social group to join!

I can't wait to see what else the weekend has in store in Bloomington, Illinois!

Horse Camp On The Oregon Coast

I took a tip from fellow campers that there is a free campsite along the Oregon coast.  Not only was it free, it was one of the best campsites I've ever been to.  The perfect combination!  About 10 miles north of Florence in the Siuslaw National Forest, you turn East on Forest Service road 58 for about 3.5 miles.  There are 15 sites and each one comes with your own horse stable!

When Max and I arrived, we were thrilled about the space and availability.  It's nestled in the forest and at night you can hear the ocean breezes rustle through the trees.

Not only did we like the spot, we enjoyed talking to our camping neighbor, Sandy.  Sandy came to camp a few nights with some friends and her horses Hank and Hoss.  She's been riding for over 35 years and resides in Cheshire, Oregon.  We starting chatting about horses, traveling and camping and after a while, I knew she would be a perfect fit for the "sisters on the fly" group.  I asked her if she's ever heard of them and her eyes lit up.  She is so excited because she's been eyeing a trailer to fix up and decorate the way the sisters do best.  Be on the lookout for a new sister coming your way!  As for me, I am a sister number #1416.

I enjoy taking portraits of people I come across on my travels so be on the lookout if I run into you and ask to take your picture.  It's been great that eveyone has agreed to let me snap away, even a police woman that I came across in Oregon.  More on that story to come.

For now, Max and I are grateful to the campers who told us about this free site and to Sandy who was very friendly to chat with me about her life and her horses, Hank and Hoss.  I look forward to the adventures to come.