tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750272993338849259.post2933942502698735072..comments2015-03-31T23:17:11.476-07:00Comments on Paris or Bust: Onwards to the Concurrence of our RamblingsT.C. O'Rourkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16146929726820396795noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750272993338849259.post-53064852908478149722007-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:002007-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00T.C. – you’ve inspired me. Or rather exhausted me...T.C. – you’ve inspired me. Or rather exhausted me with your tales of training and incessant non-stop maniacal pedaling. 275 miles in 24-hours? That’s not what a bicycle is for!<BR/><BR/>I’m going to start a randonneur right here at home, only a different kind. A Reverse Randonneur, or maybe a Rondonneur Inverse to use the French. <BR/><BR/>A ride and a route you must complete slowly and leisurely, complete with its own sets of rules and requirements.<BR/><BR/>I haven’t worked it all out yet, but it’ll be something like this:<BR/><BR/>- The route, in honor of your travels, will be Chicago-Savanna-Chicago – the same distance, 275 miles, roughly.<BR/><BR/>- You must take no fewer than 10 days, 9 nights, to complete the route. Anything shorter immediately disqualifies you.<BR/><BR/>- Instead of Rt. 64 the route will be to take the Lakefront Path, the Plank Road Trail, I&M Canal trail, the Hennepin Canal Trail, and the Great River trail. <BR/><BR/>- Pictures along the way are required. No fewer than 30 pictures a day, and must include landmarks, and have pictures of the rider in no fewer than 5 with the landmarks.<BR/><BR/>- Strangers must be met and talked to. Each day’s travel requires a conversation with no fewer than 5 people or groups. (And not just “Hello, how are you?” either!)<BR/><BR/>- Flowers must be smelled along the way. A list of a least 10, with pictures, must be submitted to the Committee at the conclusion of the ride. (Non-odiferous flowers, such as the common chickweed growing along the highways, don’t count.)<BR/><BR/>- A daily nap is required. No pedaling between Noon and 3 PM for a least one continuous hour.<BR/><BR/>There may be more; I’m still working on it.<BR/><BR/>Meanwhile, keep the wind at your back and the rubber side down.Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14734060122878818399noreply@blogger.com