All About Mick's World

I walk out into the garage, slap the push button on the wall to open the overhead door. After the door is up I hear a mechanical sort of rustling from the north wall where I store my babies (aka my bikes). I look out on the driveway, and it's obvious why the kids are excited. Sunny, little wind, and 75 degrees. "Which one of us will be the lucky one today?" I imagine them wondering as I walk in their direction. Walter, the TT rig, knows that it's Friday, and my ride is likely to be a shorter, hard one, just exactly what he does best. Maude, the road beauty, says that it's a perfect day for a leisurely ride up to the lake, grab a beer, and then head back before dinner. The Dude, my fixie, is confident that it's his turn, he hasn't been out much lately, and it's perfect weather for him. I walk up to the threesome, pause a second, shake my head sadly, and continue on to check the oil in the mower. Sorry, gang, but this is a three day weekend, and ea...

The Capitol City Century or How Not to Get “Lucky” by Mick Hannah April, 2000 * This describes my experience from a near-century in September, 1999, with updates added throughout, and at the end. Enjoy! After reading all the entertaining articles in the past few months of this newsletter ( McLean County Wheelers ), I thought I’d try my hand at relating my experiences at one of my annual favorite rides, The Capitol City Century in Springfield. This event was the site of my very first century back in 1991 and I haven’t missed one since. The ride is put on by the Springfield Bicycle Club and is always nicely run with ample food stops and plenty of SAG support. Perhaps my favorite part of the ride is the post-ride party, with free brats and beer. Those of you reading this who know me well know that I would find the latter part particularly enjoyable. Few things in life are more satisfying (to me anyway) than finishing a good ride, taking a refreshing shower, and having a brat and a co...