Pondering the next big bike ride

Since I managed to book a flight to Houston on the day of the Udder Century, I won't be riding in that one next year. I'm still considering other options, and one of them that looks interesting is the Tri State Tour, sponsored by Bicycle Illinois. The ride starts in Hammond, IN and ends in Kenosha, WI. You ride on bike paths along Lake Michigan for 75% of the ride, which would be pretty nice, and the route is reported to be "very flat" which is also nice for long distance riding. Its about 85 miles with an optional 15 mile loop up in WI to stretch it to a full century ride.

I've contacted Intern John about the possibility of doing this ride and I've set a countdown timer on the right of this page to countdown to the Tri State Tour instead of the Udder Century! The tour is actually run on two separate days, but its a one-day event. You just have two dates to pick from: July 18th or August 1st.

Today is actually a bit chilly: only 55 degrees currently and a high of 59. It is quite sunny though, and tempting for me to go out on the bike for a ride to the river or something later today. But the grass also needs to be cut and tomorrow is the IL QSO Party, in which I will be operating... so tomorrow is shot for any sort of cycling or grass-cutting activities.