Southeast - Atlanta/Decatur needs a LONG "What's Up" thread too!

what a tease.

It rained Monday night and was cool, overcast, and foggy yesterday. Today was kinda cool. I guess a "cold front" moved thru because it only got up to 72 today. :o

As promised I took some pics to tease you. I rode north (from about mile 35) to the top end of the trail, then turned around and went south to the south side of Inverness.

Here is the view of "old" Florida from our patio.
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I pass a few pastures on my way to the trail.
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Here are two good eating places right on the trail in Hernando.
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Here are a couple of the "busy" cross roads on the trail.
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I'm almost to the top end of the trail.
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Anyone for fresh oranges? There are a lot of orange and grapefruit trees like this. Many of the locals don't bother with picking them. They'd rather buy high priced fruit at the store. :o
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Bottle art?
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Suncoast Bicycles located right on the trail in Inverness.
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Saw this painted on the Withlacoochee Trail every mile or so in the high pedestrian areas. I wish the PathFoundation folks would paint this on the Silver Comet and Atlanta-Stone Mtn bike paths. Maybe --- maybe the walkers would stay on the correct side of the path. :notamused:

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nice pix. especially that last one. hah! even in a hallway folks get it mixed up.

It was another lovely day on the Withlacoochee Trail. The high was ~79 degrees and sunny. :D
We've been on the road a lot this week so I haven't ridden since last Saturday and my legs and lungs could tell it. Only did 36.5 miles. :o

Warning -- teaser post. :rolleyes:

It was ~72F when I left for my ride on the Withlacoochee today and ~80F when I got back to the apt. Sunny and windy so I got a good workout. I decided to take it easy today so only did 37.3 miles. :beer:

thanks for the teaser post heads up. not that I'm jealous or anything. it's a cheery 45 in Tucker about now. might hit 57? would go out but this allergy season stuff in February is for the birds! hardly breathe. blah. but so glad you are having great weather and long rides in FLA. enjoy!

Allergies? All those allergy things at the drug store didn't work for me. I got rid of mine in the spring/summer of 2010. The folks at the health food store recommended quercetin. I take 3 in the am and 3 in the pm during the peak season. Other times I cut back to 2 in the am.
I buy it at Health Unlimited on N. Druid Hills, across from Toco Hill shopping center.


It has worked great for me down here in the swamp. There are many "strange things" blooming but I haven't had any problems. :beer:

http://www.valleynaturals.com/GetThumbnail.aspx?img=swatches/50210_L_vvs_000.jpg&q=50&W=200&H=300&z=3 http://www.allstarhealth.com/prodpics/250x250/P5245.jpg

really? that's the stuff in FRS. hmmm.... off the to the healthy store... :thumb:

It rained Monday night and was cool, overcast, and foggy yesterday. Today was kinda cool. I guess a "cold front" moved thru because it only got up to 72 today. :o

As promised I took some pics to tease you. I rode north (from about mile 35) to the top end of the trail, then turned around and went south to the south side of Inverness.

Here is the view of "old" Florida from our patio.


I pass a few pastures on my way to the trail.


Here are two good eating places right on the trail in Hernando.


Here are a couple of the "busy" cross roads on the trail.


I'm almost to the top end of the trail.


Anyone for fresh oranges? There are a lot of orange and grapefruit trees like this. Many of the locals don't bother with picking them. They'd rather buy high priced fruit at the store. :o


Bottle art?


Suncoast Bicycles located right on the trail in Inverness.


Its kind of funny, I've only rode the trail 1 time but took some of the same pictures as you did. I have one of the bottle art, one of the bike shop, I took a picture of the mile marker on the south end of the trail. I even have a picture of one of the same cross roads...

Makes me want to go back down and ride the trail again.... :D

I was out again today. Rode my age. :D Did 67.3 miles. I'll post pics tomorrow after I get them edited and uploaded to photobucket.




Its kind of funny, I've only rode the trail 1 time but took some of the same pictures as you did. I have one of the bottle art, one of the bike shop, I took a picture of the mile marker on the south end of the trail. I even have a picture of one of the same cross roads...

Makes me want to go back down and ride the trail again.... :D
You may have some of the same pics I took today.
Let me know if you want to head over here and ride with me.

I was out again today. Rode my age. :D Did 67.3 miles. I'll post pics tomorrow after I get them edited and uploaded to photobucket.




You may have some of the same pics I took today.
Let me know if you want to head over here and ride with me.

I live almost 2hrs away from the north end of the trail. (north and east) I used to get down that way more when my sister lived in Dunnellon (north end). So I have ridden the northern 10 miles of the trail quite a few times. If it was summer I would suggest you go check out rainbow springs in Dunnellon. NOTHING like riding 20 or 30 miles when it is in the high 90's and then jumping in the springs to cool off.

well completed 243 this month.

As promised, here are the pictures from yesterday's 67.3 mile ride to the south end of the Withlacoochee Trail.
This sign is posted in Inverness, in the city park section. :eek:
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0316.jpg

There are several scenic lakes along the trail. Good fishin' in all of them. :thumb:
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0317.jpg

Lots of picturesque horse farms too. The two smaller horses aren't ponies, they're some breed of small horse.
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0320.jpg

Istachatta is a tiny little town on the trail. These pictures show the entire town. :rolleyes:
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0325.jpg
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0326.jpg

Watch out for the goats. One of them got out of the enclosure.
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0328.jpg

Like Atlanta, Florida is also having drought problems. These cypress knees are supposed to be in water. The difference in the coloring in the pictures is because one picture was taken when it was overcast and the flash made the colors kind of funny. The other was taken without the flash in bright sunlight.
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0334.jpg
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0335.jpg

Here is Sandy's House of Flavors, located right on the trail in Floral City. Notice the sign next to the trail letting riders know there are goodies (carbs) just a few feet off the trail.
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0343.jpg
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0344.jpg

I got a brownie and a raisin and fruit filled turnover. Both very tasty. :)
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Withlacoochee%20Trail/DSCN0346.jpg

Very cooooool pics !!! Very true about the drought too. Its sad riding my bike over bridges with NO water under them anymore. The same bridges that had LOTS of water under them just a few years ago....

I've seen several dry lakes or puddles that were once ponds in the pastures. :(

Great riding day in Atlanta. I got home too late to partake, so ran a couple 5 miles instead. Saw plenty of Outback Bike kits out today on the run, wish I could have joined. I still took the time to test my new shoes on my commuter bike.

I went up to Trenton and met lookinUp. We rode 27.8 miles on the Nature Coast Trail. She was on her brand new Trek Madone 6.5 WSD. Beautiful bike. :thumb:
Here are the pics. --> http://s373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/RonH/Nature%20Coast%20Trail/

Did 76.3 miles today in the warm sunshine and now I'm pooped. :)

Did 76.3 miles today in the warm sunshine and now I'm pooped. :)

:speedy: wow! sounds like you really are having a road trip!

If you read thru the last several pages of the Did you Ride Today (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/396990-Did-You-Ride-Today) threads you'll see/read more of my Florida adventures. :beer:

Aren't you Atl folks riding? Or are you riding and not posting? ;)

caught me out. not riding much and not posting that I'm not riding.

We got back to Atl on Sunday afternoon. :( I'm missing the bike trail already. :cry:
No riding yet. I crashed near the end of the Clean Air Ride on Saturday. It started sprinkling and somehow my right cleat became disengaged and my foot slipped off the pedal while I was sprinting. Lost control of the bike as it skidded into the leaves along the side of the trail. I went down on my left side. OUCH!! After a moment I managed to get up but limped home in the sprinkles that changed to rain when I was about 3 miles from the apartment.
My bike is ok but I still have to check it over before I ride it again. I think I'm ok but my left side still hurts like the dickins. :notamused:
Here's what my handlebar looked like when I finally picked myself and the bike up off the ground. :( A quick 5mm allen adjustment fixed it.

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I was hoping I'd be able to ride ~1500 miles while in FL. I got "swamp fever" :rolleyes: the second week of March and was off the bike for about 5 days. My mileage for the FL vacation ended up being just a little over 1100 miles. :D

I'm going to be in town on April 13th/14th. Any good rides going on. I will be in buckhead.

I haven't ridden since March 31 so guess its time to get out on the road. :eek: I think my side is rested enough. Its still a little sore in one small area but I can move my arms and lift things and bend everything like before the fall so I guess I'm ok.
I haven't ridden hills since January so I'm not going to push myself. If you see an old guy on a Felt riding slow and looking a little stressed because of the traffic (there was zero traffic in FL) its probably me.

I haven't ridden since March 31 so guess its time to get out on the road. :eek: I think my side is rested enough. Its still a little sore in one small area but I can move my arms and lift things and bend everything like before the fall so I guess I'm ok.
I haven't ridden hills since January so I'm not going to push myself. If you see an old guy on a Felt riding slow and looking a little stressed because of the traffic (there was zero traffic in FL) its probably me.

join the club. have been most delinquent. the bike is making rude nasty sounds as I pass by in garage. :-( need to ride more. I will say the weather has been spectacular for riding. get out and enjoy a quiet ride somewhere.

get out and enjoy a quiet ride somewhere.
A quiet ride in Atlanta??? My rides on the Withlacoochee were very quiet and relaxing. :beer: I know. I got spoiled while riding in Florida. :)

Went out Saturday. On my way home I had a flat. First one since 2010. :notamused:
Only did 18 miles. Nothing relaxing about all the noise and traffic. :(

Looks like I'll be moving to Atlanta, GA.

I'm currently living in Columbia, SC and heading to a new job. Will be commuting daily (or at least 4 times a week) from Vinings to downtown, as well as some extra mileage during the week and 100+ mile weekends. I also race when I get an opportunity. Anyone know some good links to good routes around? Will probably need some help finding a good commuting route to work dowtown as well once I confirm where I will be living.

Wow Creatre, this is crazy, I'm in literally the same exact situation.
I'm moving to ATL in a week for a new job, also will be living in Vinings and commuting to downtown...
Hit me up on PM, would love to chat, especially since I don't know anybody in ATL lol.

Creatre and hao -- contact the good folks at the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (http://www.atlantabike.org/) for commuting route info.

Creatre and hao -- contact the good folks at the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (http://www.atlantabike.org/) for commuting route info.

EXCELLENT! Thanks!

When is it going to be a little warmer so I can ride. :( I got spoiled riding in FL in Feb and March. Temps most days were in the mid-60s to low-70s by 10:30 when I'd leave to go riding. :beer:

Anyone have some hookups for a race team based in ATL? Being unattached is lame.

I always ride to Stone Mtn and then do laps and ride home. Lately I haven't felt safe riding alone through some of the neighborhoods between Decatur and SM. So this morning my wife suggested that I drive to SM and do laps around the mtn. :eek:
For the past 11 years I've seen hundreds of cars pass me with the bike on the roof rack or trunk rack and headed for SM. I always asked myself, "Why drive when you can ride?" I guess I now know why. Maybe today I'll try that. :o

Well I'm back after a long while. I was just waiting for the pollen to die down. Got my vintage steel all shined up, made all the checks and everything is set to go later this week. I want to get in as much ride time before July to build up my physical stamina. I need a battery change in my implanted ICD and have to go to the VA to go under the knife for that. So I have to do a lot of catching up.
Ron, sorry to read about your fall. Hope all is ok.
Al

Hi Al and welcome back. Sounds like we both need to do some serious riding. :o Want to meet up somewhere and ride?

Ron,
Hay Ron. Let me get out a few times and I think we are going to do that this year. How much (cost) to get into SM? Any senior discounts? I would drive there. Something to think about. I know I couldn't make it all the way from Doraville. I'm going over to my usual haunt in the industrial complex where my wife works on Wed. I wanted to cycle year round but that didn't happen. One day was cold and my Bell odometer froze up. The other problem I had was sucking in cold air into my lungs creates a runny nose. Having to stop and blow my nose was a pain. The cold didn't bother me, I was dressed for it. So I hibernated all winter. Taking a nap in the afternoon was my norm, but I have no energy. I feel slugish. I did so well last year that I was discharged from Cardiology at the VA. I actually got my VO2 max up to 72!
But we will do something this year before I get my new battery.
BTW have you noticed any difference since the 3 foot rule became state law in Georgia. I'll see how I make out on Wed.
Al

Kudos on the VO2. I don't have a clue about that stuff. Never had it measured.

It looks like the cost to get into the park is $35 -- annual pass. Click the link to see all the pricing options. http://www.stonemountainpark.com/tickets-pricing/

I drove out there today and parked in the SM Marta parking lot (near 4th St and E. Mountain St). Its a few blocks from the west gate (bikes and pedestrians only and free admission). I could meet you at SM whenever you'd like, as long as I have an opening in my busy schedule :rolleyes: (appt tomorrow, doctor Wednesday, eye doc Thursday).
If you want to add a few more miles you could park in Clarkston. There's a huge church parking lot that many cyclists use (about 6-7 miles from SM). Or you could park at the church next to the cemetery on Ponce in Tucker (about 2 miles to SM). Or you could park somewhere in the industrial park between Tucker and SM (about a mile from SM). I can meet you at any of these locations.

I need to get back up to speed too. I was in Florida for 2 months (Feb and March -- snowbird??) riding on the FLAT Withlacoochee Trail (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/crossflorida/trails/with_state.htm) :beer: so my climbing muscles have gone into hibernation. :eek:

Send me a PM when you're ready.

ok what's up with the thermal nuclear weather? nearly died yesterday on ride home after work. out 87 is hard to deal with. need to ride more and get acclimated. winter hibernation is not good for the body. I am back on the road again however so things are looking up.

Bikegeek57: glad you made it out of hibernation. Today was my first day on my bike since last year
and my metabolism is like a run-a-way train. My endorphins are swinging from the chandelier !

Glad you made it out yesterday Al. I was at the eye doc yesterday. I'm scheduled for a "cataract consultation" next month. :o If the doc says its time for eye surgery I'm putting it off until Nov or Dec.

Let me know if you want to ride, either over my way or I can meet you at your favorite haunts.

Glad you made it out yesterday Al. I was at the eye doc yesterday. I'm scheduled for a "cataract consultation" next month. :o If the doc says its time for eye surgery I'm putting it off until Nov or Dec.

Let me know if you want to ride, either over my way or I can meet you at your favorite haunts.

Ron let me get some more ride time in before we do that. That Stone Mountain track scares me a bit. I'll let you know. I had a good run for the first one.
Al

The ride to/from SM is the "enjoyable" part of the ride. The ride around the mtn is the real workout. :eek:

Newbie here from the East Cobb area just north of Atlanta. I will be looking for riding buddies after I get a little settled in on my bike. I just finished building it and while I run a lot, my legs are still too new to keep up with a group of riders. I plan on taking out to the silver comet trail soon to put in some slow long mileage. Happy riding!

The ride to/from SM is the "enjoyable" part of the ride. The ride around the mtn is the real workout. :eek:

No kidding! It's especially rough if you take the longer way around. There are a couple of hills on that longer route that I simply don't have low enough gears for. These days, if I'm taking a casual ride, I ride to Aztec Cycles and turn around.

I've done the outer loop twice. Once in 2000 when I just started cycling and didn't know any better and again in 2003 when I was riding out to SM and doing 4 laps on the inner (5 mile) loop and then riding home (~44 miles total). It was still a struggle. I haven't tried it since. Now that I'm getting older (67 :rolleyes:) I'm not going to bother with it anymore. :o

I always ride to Stone Mtn and then do laps and ride home. Lately I haven't felt safe riding alone through some of the neighborhoods between Decatur and SM.

What has caused you to not feel safe? I make this ride frequently from Grant Park and have never experienced anything personally but have heard different stories over the years.

What has caused you to not feel safe? I make this ride frequently from Grant Park and have never experienced anything personally but have heard different stories over the years.

ditto! I've never had problems on the route in the past 10-20 times I've ridden it. I go from Inman Park to SM as my solo ride on every Sat and Sun if I can't make a group ride.