My second year on this ride. After a week of rain it amazingly held off for the ride. Cold however, 36 at the start. The route was lengthened a bit by adding a loop over Coon road, which includes a couple of steep hills. I was riding my new Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires, which did seem to make the ride a bit easier and more comfortable. We had a strong tailwind all the way back on Peoria road and I was able to maintain 17-19 MPH most of the time.