The sun has been winning the battle and while some trees lose their leaves because of the cold others go into bloom.  Anyone who lives near a citrus orchard can enjoy the smell of all the blossoms while other trees show their colors. While riding the local neighborhoods I reacquainted with the South Lake Trail at Lake Mineola with a friend who likes to challenge me by having me ride my mountain bike, which I thoroughly enjoy, instead of the road bike.  It’s always a great ride and as I look back at my first group ride of 44 miles, on my mountain bike while everyone else was riding their road bikes, at the Horse Farm Hundred.  On this ride we went 47 miles and didn’t even break a sweat.  That is the benefit of training.  Instead of focusing on just getting to the end now I can yak the whole way and enjoy the company and scenery.  The last couple weeks saw 155 miles.  I think I’m beginning to see my next virtual stop at Northern Mariana Island coming up.  It’s been a long journey across the Pacific Ocean and I look forward to discovering some land based sights.