Great Lakes - Did you ride today?

I am resting... did the full century yesterday at Apple Cider Century. Um, excuse me?... where in their literature did it say HILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, the second half of that course was all ******* hills, LOL!!

I had some bike problems in the beginning... a squeak, a nut thingy came loose on my front week, which was causing all kinds of rattle, argggggggggggggggh!! I felt like Linus on a bike, LOL!! Then my tape started unraveling, wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! If the lake had been nearby, I would have tossed the bike in and walked back to my car:mad:

but instead the nice gents at the 2nd rest stop fixed her up for me, and I was able to do the full century. :D

Nevertheless, I'm exhausted today, took the day off of work, overslept a bit and woke up with a bunch of screaming emails from a user who paged me and I didn't hear the page because I was sleeping!! It has not been a restful day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:fight::(

Okay, that's my update... I need to take a shower, head for the salon to get my nails done and then to class.

btw... this was my 3rd century this year (and my 3rd century thus far):D

^^^^ you seem to be having a great year of cycling!! congrats.

later.

10/1 - yes , managed to get 17 miles ( and no flats) before dark. Trail was almost empty.

10/2: 10 miles in the morning. No buck today. Just a hawk and a few woolly bear caterpillars. After work: 10 more miles home.

Dang, I love bike commuting....

A non-spirited 10 miles.

Oh, and why did the chicken cross the road?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1056/1473675072_4fd5481639.jpg

To catch up with the turkeys !!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1356/1473675076_6db2125d2f.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1200/1473675078_c7348fac44.jpg

10-4 rode the bike trail did a 19 mile round trip. felt really good

i was on a easy ride with my dad and we were side by side..... i couldn't avoid a chipmunk... poor guy....

i was on a easy ride with my dad and we were side by side..... i couldn't avoid a chipmunk... poor guy....

Sweet....:D

10/6 - yes , 52 miles on Fox River and McHenry trails. Is it just me or Fox River trail is geting bumpier and bumpier every year?

10-6 rode the village pedaler ride. was an amazing day to be out riding

I was finally able to ride again. I've been under the weather the last 2 weeks. I took a nice easy 22 mile ride around the west side of Cleveland/Rocky River/Bay Village. I wasn't at my best, but it was good to be out riding again. To make it even better, It was my fist "real" ride on a new '85 Trek.

10/6 - yes , 52 miles on Fox River and McHenry trails. Is it just me or Fox River trail is geting bumpier and bumpier every year?

yes it is. kind of sucks because it means that they will be resurfacing sections over the next few years. That will be convienient.:rolleyes:

10-7-07... I stayed home today!!:eek: I did 48.1 with the group yesterday, and we were planning on doing a century today... but when I woke up, I was just spent. My cat hasn't seen me in over a week, I have fabric collecting dust on my sewing table (a thanksgiving project that needs to be completed!!), and I've got homework.... so I opted to stay home:rolleyes:

Oh well, at least I'll get my homework done, will be able to study well for my midterm tomorrow, get the sewing machine going to rid away the dust... and my cat will once again remember the hand that feeds him:D

I'm also watching the marathon, ugggh... it's a hot one to be out there for 26.2:eek:

Rode from my house up through the Skokie valley bikeway to Old Elm/Everette to St Mary's Rd [bike meca of Lake County:D] Went North on St Mary's and Oplaine to Gurnee and back. 65 miles round trip. Started early at 8am lots of roadies out.

Did a 30 mile option on the Pumpkin Pedal. I was hauling a trailer with my son. Lots of fun with a tailwind, not so much with a headwind.

Met up with SmokinMiles. My son had a blast. Good signs for the future.

10/07 Yes. Headed out to check out some new roads in a 40 mile loop this morning. Also to try out my new Ultegra 6620's from PBK (they rock). 10 miles in I get a flat...nail into my tire, through the tube, through the rim tape, and through my wheel! I put in a new tube, and a little patch where the new hole is....two miles later I'm flat again. Starting walking towards home, 1/4 mile later I took the shoes off and starting walking in my socks (didn't want to ruin my new cleats on the first day). You would think that with a million pick up trucks driving by, one of them would have stopped...I mean how threatening did I look wearing tight black shorts and a yellow jersey with a chicken on it? My wife was kind enough to drive out to pick me up. At least I've got my backup wheels for my ride in the morning.

Any way to fix this, or am I screwed out of a wheel?

The culprit and the damage
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa25/sp1toon/Reynoldshole.jpg

10/07 Yes. Headed out to check out some new roads in a 40 mile loop this morning. Also to try out my new Ultegra 6620's from PBK (they rock). 10 miles in I get a flat...nail into my tire, through the tube, through the rim tape, and through my wheel! I put in a new tube, and a little patch where the new hole is....two miles later I'm flat again. Starting walking towards home, 1/4 mile later I took the shoes off and starting walking in my socks (didn't want to ruin my new cleats on the first day). You would think that with a million pick up trucks driving by, one of them would have stopped...I mean how threatening did I look wearing tight black shorts and a yellow jersey with a chicken on it? My wife was kind enough to drive out to pick me up. At least I've got my backup wheels for my ride in the morning.

Any way to fix this, or am I screwed out of a wheel?

The culprit and the damage
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa25/sp1toon/Reynoldshole.jpg

Ouch! I hate to say it , but it looks like you're screwed. A hole punched through the rim that large - even with those deep dish rims - is going to damage the rim's integrity.

It's toast. Especially because it has already opened up to the valve hole.

Not to mention you will most likely never be able to fill in that hols and will always be prone to flats.

If you had to ride it I would put some heavy thick cloth rimtape over it. Even then it would only last a ride or two at high pressure.

:( - sorry man.

9/1 metric century in Cleveland Metro park from Rocky River to Brecksville and back.

I was finally able to ride the metro parks system as well. I rode with the Lorain Wheelman yesterday through the Emerald Necklace to Brecksville and back to North Olmstead. 54 miles in all. I was surprised by the climbs that surround the park area. We hit a few climbs that were just west of Brecksville that I know were somewhere in the 20% grade range and lasted for a 1/2 mile or so. Weather is awesome for this time of the year. Mid 80's with very light clouds. Our parks are an absolute treasure. If you did not know that you were surrounded by a urban city you would have no way of knowing. The road system was built in the bottom of a river valley. As you climb in and out of the valley you are treated to lots of shade from a full canopy of trees for most of its 70 miles. Thank goodness someone had the foresight many years ago to put this system in place.

I spent an hour and a half rolling around Zion and Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, mostly the Illinois Beach State Park and the marina just north of there. Very neat area and nice cool breeze off the lake.

Quiet roads !

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/1509861719_23df88a989.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/1509861703_46db37bf24.jpg

GO PACKERS !!!! (Packers vs Bears today)

http://www.packerpalace.com/palace07/neon-gbcheeseheadAni.gif

Rode the Blue Water Ramble on Sunday, with record heat and a record turnout. Below is the route, showing the St. Clair river with Michigan on the left and Ontario on the right. I rode the 60-mile loop counter-clockwise (there are 40-60-80-100 options).
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwrmap.jpg

It was foggy and getting warm as the ferry from Walpole Island approached.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr001.JPG

Canadian immigration consisted of “American Citizen? OK.” and our cluster was through in about two minutes. Walpole Island is an Indian (“First Nations”) res, connected to the mainland by a swing bridge.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr002.jpg

Lunch on the Canadian shore of the river is a big draw in this event, and the food tent did not disappoint.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr003.jpg

You see all sorts of weird contraptions, especially in the way of recumbents. But this is the biking equivalent of a double-trailer semi: a tandem, trail-a-bike, and a child trailer bringing up the rear.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr004.jpg

No offense to our Canadian friends, but these interior roads in southwest Ontario are BOH-ring!! Almost looks like Illinois or something.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr005.jpg

A freighter cruising upriver as seen from one of the rest stops along the way.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr006.jpg

The other ferry on the way back to the U.S. It then took 30 minutes or more to get through the U.S. immigration booth. They’re used to handling a few cars every 15 minutes – not dozens of bikes coming off all at once.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr007.jpg

My moving average for the ride was 15.6mph, which is not bad for an old guy riding solo. Today I feel about equivalent to having run a 10-miler or an HM as far as my legs go. Next year I’ll definitely go for the 80-mile route, and someday maybe the century!

No offense to our Canadian friends, but these interior roads in southwest Ontario are BOH-ring!! Almost looks like Illinois or something.



As a resident of the great and politically corrupt State of Illinois, I would take great offense at this comment, but how could I be offended by a simple fact?

Good report!

<snip>
No offense to our Canadian friends, but these interior roads in southwest Ontario are BOH-ring!! Almost looks like Illinois or something.
http://run.wdgordon.com/bwr005.jpg
<snip>
No it doesn't. In Illinois the corn would be taller. Duh!


;)

Nice ride.

No it doesn't. In Illinois the corn would be taller. Duh!

QFT.

Yesterday it was this tall:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/cylowe97/DSCN7235-1.jpg

:)

QFT.

Yesterday it was this tall:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/cylowe97/DSCN7235-1.jpg

:)

Nothing like a good corn maze to make for good October entertainment in Indiana and Illinois. Send me info so I can take the family next weekend.

Kuiper's Farm off of 38 between Elburn and Maple Park. More fun maize labyrinth stuff in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=351108).

Ahhhhhhhhhhh...85 Degrees in October. Here are a few pics from my out-n-back route I have been riding from my house. It runs north from Avon Ohio to Lake Erie then West into Lorain Ohio and back.

Leaving out of my Hood.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture042.jpg

Heading north on Jaycox road towards the lake
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture002.jpg

Warming up the legs..
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture004.jpg

Rolling North still
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture007.jpg

Heading West on Lake Road through Avon Lake. Lake Erie is just behind the homes on my right.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture012.jpg

Obligatory Bike Porn
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture013.jpg

Beautiful Day
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture015.jpg

Entering into Sheffield Lake Ohio
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture022.jpg

I dig Lighthouses.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture024.jpg

Ready for winter?
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Lake%20Erie%20loop%2010-07/Picture039.jpg

Nice route. What is that ... a ski lift??

Great pics from everyone, keep 'em coming.

:)

Nice route. What is that ... a ski lift??


:)
Not a ski lift. I do not know why he has it out there. I was thinking maybe his kids used it for shelter when they wait for the bus in bad weather......

^ Those used to be made out of wood... That looks like a space shuttle!

Okay, I see ... but it _was_ from a ski lift.

Cool ... I want one.

:p

No it doesn't. In Illinois the corn would be taller. Duh!


I was going to say "like Illinois, only flatter". The highest elevation on that side of the river is actually a speed bump. :D

15 miles in West Bend mostly on the Eisenhoosenhosen (what is it?) trail. Wanted to head west into the hills but ran out of time. Gotta go back soon.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/1525838347_ed9ddd8fb1.jpg

15 miles in West Bend mostly on the Eisenhoosenhosen (what is it?) trail. Wanted to head west into the hills but ran out of time. Gotta go back soon.


John, what's that trail surface? It sort of looks like recycled asphalt like was used on one of our local rail-trails. Any problems with regular road tires on it?

10/9 - yes, 20 miles on local trail. I was glad it's a circle alowing me to alternate nasty head wind with pleasant high speed crousing with tail wind.

10/9 .... 32 miles on the Chicago Lakefront Trail. Got on near the Museum Campus and headed south, went all the way to Horseshoe Casino then turned around. Got stopped at the drawbridge to let a sailboat through, and used my lights for the first time since spring. I'm going to bring my camera for next week's after work ride. I don't see it often, but the Chicago skyline at night is just awesome to see. Some wicked winds out there, but the path was pretty much empty :D

i rode and it was cold i turned around.... lol so im thinking i may need to do more than just add arm warmers to ride in the cold

i rode and it was cold i turned around.... lol so im thinking i may need to do more than just add arm warmers to ride in the cold

+1 - in this weather you should be sporting at least some knee warmers if not tights. A wind vest is also a nice light addition that keeps the wind out and goes a long way towards keeping you warm enough.

John, what's that trail surface? It sort of looks like recycled asphalt like was used on one of our local rail-trails. Any problems with regular road tires on it?

No problems. It's a very nice ride. I'm hoping they extend the paving another 4 miles north into the next town, Kewaskum. That would be a great way out to the excellent roads out that way. :)

I rode 1 hour yesterday 10/11. Polypro longsleeves, windbreaker, winter hat, and gloves. Still in shorts yet.

Heading out shortly, may be time for the BenGay on the legs though. ;)

10/12 - ye..e..s.. 18 very co..o..ld miles. :) I guess I need to buy some kind of cycling jacket tomorrow. Just two layers of polyester did not help. At the same time legs / knees were OK in tights.

Did a short 20 as the kids were home from school today and I don't trust them by themselves for Long. Chilly morning with temps in the mid 40's. I donned my wool jersey, vest, Bibs and leg warmers. If the cool temps were not enough the humidity and damp roads were enough to keep the enjoyment at bay. At least I did get a few miles in.

so i finnaly got some ear warmers and new gloves and a nice fleece pullover (ghetto set up but it kept me warm..... till the sun went down) and did a nice 36 miler today...

bad news. on the last block of riding back to my house i poped a spoke and ruined my rim..... so yeah i need to get this fixed asap its October i cant lose riding time before snow!

so i finnaly got some ear warmers and new gloves and a nice fleece pullover (ghetto set up but it kept me warm..... till the sun went down) and did a nice 36 miler today...

bad news. on the last block of riding back to my house i poped a spoke and ruined my rim..... so yeah i need to get this fixed asap its October i cant lose riding time before snow!

Mavic Open Pro + Ultegra Hubs. At Performance usually. RIght at $200 for the set. Set it, and forget it.

Mavic Open Pro + Ultegra Hubs. At Performance usually. RIght at $200 for the set. Set it, and forget it.

That's the only set up I will ride and they ARE pretty bullet proof ... but on rare occasion I have pulled a spoke through those rims too. Fortunately, it's no problem getting just a new rim, taping it next to the old one and simply moving the spokes over. Presto! New wheel! :)

ill def be looking into those rims... for now im going the free way mine was fixed today so i could ride this week and the shop is calling specialized on monday for new rims since these have always had issues

20 miles on 3 hrs sleep on Milwaukee's north lake front. Felt good until half way, then that ride went geriatric in a hurry. Legs kicked in again with 2 miles to go ... sorry, too little too late. It was fun though.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/1563523616_0e0c2a86a2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/1563523596_5c23b107e7.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/1563523636_2fa8213ccb.jpg

24.7miles / 1h30m / 16.4avg / 32.6max

Did one of those "there's a rode I don't know, let's go down it!" type rides.
It was near 60 degrees and I've learned that somewhere between 50 w/30mph winds and 60 w/mild wind is my transition point from shorts/shirts and pants/jacket. I wasn't feeling real strong but I did drope some small hammers w/solo sprints ~30mph.

Have to savor the decent weather that's left.

10/14 = A BIG FAT YES


its been three weeks since my last ride. finally done with that marathon thing and i am able to ride just for the fun of riding. i was giddy with excitement. i got up early and out the door at 7am. i was bundled up with arm and knee warmers, wool socks, skull cap, and long finger gloves. three miles out the rain started. so i pulled over and put my PI Optik Jacket on and kept going. it was like my first ride of spring all over again. 28 miles in the rain and i enjoyed every mile.

i like running, but the marathon training was more like work. riding is never like work. its just fun. good times.

hello, i am aham23 and i am a cyclist. :)


later.

10/14 = A BIG FAT YES


its been three weeks since my last ride. finally done with that marathon thing and i am able to ride just for the fun of riding. i was giddy with excitement. i got up early and out the door at 7am. i was bundled up with arm and knee warmers, wool socks, skull cap, and long finger gloves. three miles out the rain started. so i pulled over and put my PI Optik Jacket on and kept going. it was like my first ride of spring all over again. 28 miles in the rain and i enjoyed every mile.

i like running, but the marathon training was more like work. riding is never like work. its just fun. good times.
hello, i am aham23 and i am a cyclist. :)


later.

Hi aham.

Today I rode the Mid Ohio Bikers Fall-N-Leaf ride. It was a metric century through some beautiful and very challenging terrain. Vertical feet climbed was just under 5,000 feet. Lots of VERY steep but fairly short climbs. Unfortunately the leaves around Mansfield had only started to change. I hear that normally the color is stunning on this ride. Here are a few pics.

Cruising through the corn
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Picture006-1.jpg

and again...(that's me in red)
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Picture007-2.jpg

Rolling hills........
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Picture011-1.jpg

and again....
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Picture018.jpg

Little Steeper.....
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Picture025.jpg

And a little steeper
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/Picture026.jpg

10-13 rode the village pedaler fitness loop. was a bit cold legs and lungs werent feeling that great till the second half.