zzOtherlandzz

You know I was just kidding Before the last few months I rode 99.9% of the time by myself. And I am getting a bit bored riding the same ride all the time on the road bike. I'm not bored of riding... just riding the same ride. I really wish I had more time to go different places to ride..

Anyway... I'm going to give myself a motivational pep talk to do a ride tomorrow.... and then go to bed...

RonH

Did my usual route today. Getting stronger and slightly faster.

kjc9640

Today’s events: Decided to do a social ride with the Florida Free Wheelers today. Got up early so I could get a few miles in before I met them at 8:00 AM. There was a little chill in the air so I rode to Einstine Bagels to get some breakfast instead. At about 7 AM I headed for the trail head and about 20 riders showed up for the ride. The ride leader discussed the rules and we headed out. One group stopped at Panera and about 8 of us went on, since I had already had my bagel I stayed with group to the end of the trail. The ride with them was about 30 miles at a leisure pace so when we got back I headed out to do another 24 miles then headed for home. On my way home I stopped at the local bike store on the trail and test rode a Raleigh 29er. Man that thing is a beast.

Statistics for: 05/07/2011
Group/Solo ride today.
Miles today: 54+
Mileage this month May: 233+
Mileage this year: 3203+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 45+%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: -2 days
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +517 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 39+ (best ever)
Average miles per ride this month: 46+
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 3796, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Tomorrow I plan to ride with my daughter (perhaps).

kjc9640

Today’s events: Short ride with my daughter. We would have ridden longer but as it was Mothers day we cut it short.

Statistics for: 05/08/2011
Father/Daughter ride today.
Miles today: 20+
Mileage this month May: 253+
Mileage this year: 3223+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 46+%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: -1 days
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +537 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 38+
Average miles per ride this month: 42+
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 3776, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Tomorrow will be a rest day.

SullyTDI

Had a great 43 mile country ride on a new route today. Excellent long rolling streatches, and flats. And only two dog chases.......

Lindaosm

three days of riding the mountain bike in Paynes Prairie state Park. Friday we basically rode the park roads and some of the short trails. About 7 miles total. Saturday we did the Cone's Dike Trail. Only about 4 miles out to the middle of the prairie but we did see wildlife (buffalo/bison). Today we rode another 6 miles on the mountain bike down to the Chacala Pond (which really looked more like a lake). Lots of deer sightings today. Weather was great on all days. We left early Saturday for the ride out into the Prairie as it said there was not much shade. Pictures below...


The first is looking out at the Prairie on just entering Cone's Dike Trail. 2nd shows some of the trail that is stone...almost like ashalpt but it doesn't last. Warning...they do show this as a biking trail but there is a locked gate at the very beginning. We had to lift the bikes over the gate and then go through a small walk through to get onto the trail. There was a hiker there and he says they won't allow it to be opened as they are afraid the wild horses and bison will get through.


don't know if you can see them but it's Bison...came across the path in front of us and luckily headed away from us. Was surprised they moved so fast.

towards the end of the dike trail. Mostly grass riding with some areas of sand but not bad.

this is the trail called Chacala Pond Trail. Looked more like a Lake to us. About 4 miles down to the "pond". Some areas were pretty sandy but we stayed on the sides and could get through.

Many of the trails were very well marked and you can get a map at the Ranger Station on the way in. (I normally hate having my picture taken....especially since I still haven't lost the 20 pounds I put on after my knee surgery )
Overall 3 great days of riding in great weather. Lovin' my mountain bike.

zzOtherlandzz

Great pictures... Makes me want to go out there again and ride... And I do remember that gate that you talked about, the trail goes down hill to the gate if I remember correctly. I didn't go beyond the gate, I was by myself and didn't feel comfortable going out on the prairie.

Lindaosm

yes, there is a hill that goes down to the gate! In fact, I wasn't sure I could ride back up that hill but I surprised myself. I can understand why you would not go out there by yourself! Those bison, even as far away as they were, were a little intimidating and riding in that area by yourself was probably not a good idea.

zzOtherlandzz

Yep, I remember wondering if I could get clipped back in to go up the hill from the gate. I did manage, but just barely lol. Did you guys see the old cattle ranch cabin?

Here is the view from my ride today.... I was sitting in the ditch waiting for a ride after I busted a spoke on the back wheel. It makes me wish I had a conventionally spoked wheel. In that case I could have just adjusted the nearby spokes and rode back to the van. I carry a spoke tool with me because there has been ONE spoke (not sure if its the one that broke or not) that keeps coming loose. If it is that spoke I probably messed it up from tightening it all the time. I have been trying to give the local bike shop some business.. because I want him to stay in business. But I don't know if he will have one of those flat sided spokes in stock or not. He doesn't sell or have a lot of road bikes in his shop. Sooo looks like i'll be on the 29'er for a bit if he doesn't. Ohh.. 11.56 miles out when the spoke busted...

Ohhhh I forgot.... A woman saw me sitting in the ditch with my bike... turned around and asked If I needed a ride... Had a bike rack on the back too. Just thought that was cool!!

RonH

Put the new handlebars on the Specialized. Took it out today. MUCH nicer ride. The Specialized handlebars are not comfortable at all. They have a flat top for resting your hands but it wasn't comfortable for me, thus the new round bars (Easton EA50).
Did my usual 30 miles, including a lap around Stone Mountain.
Still trying to get the hang of shifting (Sram Apex) while doing standing hill climbs.
Why is it taking so long to get comfortable on this bike. I wish the shop had a 6 month return policy.

RonH

Put the new handlebars on the Specialized. Took it out today. MUCH nicer ride. The Specialized handlebars are not comfortable at all. They have a flat top for resting your hands but it wasn't comfortable for me, thus the new round bars (Easton EA50).
Did my usual 30 miles, including a lap around Stone Mountain.
Still trying to get the hang of shifting (Sram Apex) while doing standing hill climbs.
Why is it taking so long to get comfortable on this bike. I wish the shop had a 6 month return policy.

zzOtherlandzz

Yep, Post office ride and 4 miles extra on a small state forest trail near the post office. For a total of about 10 miles. A bit over an hour of ride time. I have ridden this lil trail (its a bit over a mile long) about 7 or 8 times. All of those times I have rode it the same way counter clockwise. Today I rode it the usual way and when I got done decided to ride it the other way.... OMG its like finding a new trail to ride on, it is TOTALLY different when ridden the opposite way. Soooo did another loop the opposite from normal way

RonH ... On my ride today I was actually thinking about swapping bars from my old mountain bike to the new one. The new one has flat bars, that I'm not sure I like.. or maybe I just need to get used to them.

kjc9640

Today’s sightings: 3 deer, 2 wild turkeys, 3 sandhill cranes. I did a solo ride to the Wekiva river, north of SR 46.

Statistics for: 05/10/2011
Miles today: 46+
Mileage this month May: 299+
Mileage this year: 3270+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 46+%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: -Even
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +583 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 38+
Average miles per ride this month: 42+
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 3729, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Tomorrow will be a rest day.

FunkyStickman

I've been commuting still, the LHT is a fantastic bike. It's consistently a couple of MPH faster than my mountain bike was... and it's the same drivetrain and wheels! I don't understand how all the roadies are complaining that "the LHT is a fat, slow pig" man, this bike is fantastic! No complaints. I rode 2.5 miles with my wife last night, that went well. I might be able to bring her over to the dark side eventually! Really, I just want to see her in spandex. But a riding companion would be awesome.

RonH

Did 33 miles today. Saw a fair sized group of FAST riders at Stone Mountain today. Saw them again at the rest area getting water. The oldest one in the group looked to be younger than my youngest son. There's no way I was going to keep up with them.

kjc9640

Today’s sightings: Loads of Cardinals, 3 sandhill cranes. I did a solo ride to the Seminole Heights area, north of SR 46. Stopped at Panera for the usual.

Statistics for: 05/12/2011
Miles today: 55+
Mileage this month May: 354+
Mileage this year: 3325+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 47+%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: +1
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +638 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 39+
Average miles per ride this month: 44+
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 3674, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Tomorrow will be a another 50+ miler weather permitting.

zzOtherlandzz

Yep.... Started at about 3pm and it was HOT... Rode to the post office... And did a big loop around the subdivision. One of my friends was with me... He adjusted his seat before we left.... and about half way through the ride it started coming loose. I had every size allen wrench but the one he needed. By the time we were about 4 miles from the house it was un-rideable. Called for a ride... and forgot the bike rack wasn't on the van.. So he got a ride home and I rode the last 4 miles to the house. I felt pretty good when I left (way better than the last few days). But by the time I got home I felt like crap. I guess the combination of the bug I had/have and the heat really got to me. Anyway I think I rode about 18 miles or so (forgo to reset the bike pc). I haven't had a chance to get a new spoke for the road bike so I'm riding the mountain bike for now.

kjc9640

Today’s sightings: Loads of Cardinals and sandhill cranes. I did a solo ride to Panera for the usual. My legs felt like I was riding a bike with flat tires today.

Statistics for: 05/13/2011
Miles today: 38+
Mileage this month May: 393+
Mileage this year: 3363+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 48+%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: +2
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +677 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 39+
Average miles per ride this month: 43+
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 3636, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Tomorrow will be a 50+ miler weather permitting.

abracapocus

Finally. Got in a little ride to stretch out the knee scab. Yay! After work rode to meet a bunch of people for dinner. A storm is coming, so I took a gamble that I'd miss it. And I did. Only about 8 miles total, but some good hills in there. The knee was a little ouchy on the way out, but didn't feel it on the way back. Too bad it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow.

kjc9640

Today’s sightings: Loads of Cardinals, 2 Box turtles , 4 sandhill cranes, 2 African Spurred Tortoise. The African Spurred Tortoise are also known as the African Spur Thigh Tortoise that live in the Sahara dessert. This tortoise is a mainland tortoise and according to the records, the oldest African Tortoise lived up to 56 years whereas they can live up to 80 years long! They are herbivores and they get their foods from the wild such as dried grass and leaves. They can grow to about a 100 pounds in weight. I met up with my friend Jim and his wife and after a stop at Panera for the usual we rode out to Wekiva Park. On the way home we stopped at the Sylvan Lake Park to watch his granddaughter play soccer. It was a great ride and I got home just as it started to rain.

Statistics for: 05/14/2011
Miles today: 49+
Mileage this month May: 442+
Mileage this year: 3413+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 48+%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: +3
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +726 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 39+
Average miles per ride this month: 44+
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 3587, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Tomorrow will be a rest day.

Lindaosm

Yes, a little over 15 miles on the Withalchochee Trail from Central Ridge Park to the north end and back with a few side trips. Decided to go out early to miss the humidity and rain. Winds were fierce on the way back south but we did miss the rain. Decided to use the mountain bike today instead of the road bike. (I think the road bike is starting to feel a little left out.)

RonH

Did 30 miles today. I was watching the dark clouds but no rain.

Saw a guy (looked to be about 45) at Stone Mountain who was pushing his new hybrid up the last hill. He hoped on the bike when he got to the top. His seat was way too low. His knees were almost hitting his chin at the top of the pedal stroke.
I pulled up beside him and suggested he raise the seat a few inches. He just grumbled and said he got the bike this morning and was very unhappy with it and was retuning it to the shop as soon as he got back to his car.

zzOtherlandzz

I see that all the time.... (well no mountains in Florida) people with the seat soooooo LOW.... It makes my old knees hurt just watching them ride....

zzOtherlandzz

Yep, 18.56 miles on the 29'er with the one friend (other one baled at the last minute). 16.56 of the miles off road. We decided to ride the Florida trail from hwy 20 to hwy 19 near the barge canal. Temp was great nice breeze. But there was a 2+ mile section that was ass kicking sand... lol Wasn't so bad on the way out.. but kinda sucked near the end of the ride on the way back. Great ride though... saw some mud boggers, 4-wheelers, a couple of trucks where they should not have been & a wild turkey. I think total ride time was about 2hrs 40 minutes or so... Ohhh almost fell over a few times because gunk got caught up in my shoes & pedals. New pedals and first real ride off road with them. I need to adjust them a bit more, make em easier to un-clip...

pic 1.. Exiting the trail on SR19 near the barge canal. We rode to the trails office at the barge canal

pic 2.. The exit/entrance to the trail on SR19. We signed the log. So far this year 20 people/groups have hiked this section of the trail. Check out my friends boots, he rides in those every time we go. He did get some bike shorts ... but I cant convince him to get a pair of sneakers to ride in, let alone clipless...

pic 3.. Pretty good section to ride on all out in the sun though.

Pic 4.. Nice hard packed shaded section.

pic 5.. Beyond this gate is HELL..... Errrrrr 2+ miles of sand....

pic 6.. This 1/2 mile section was un=rideable a couple of months ago. It was just barely rideable (by us anyway) today. But hey after this section we had the 2 mile sandy section to look forward too.... ahhhh

mrz80

Well, yeah, first ride of the year, I'm moderately ashamed to say. Needed to hit the bikeshop for some spare tubes, and decided to ride instead of drive. $thing$two threw on some shorts and tagged along. Lovely weather, except for the Lemondian Omnidirectional Headwind(tm). Total was about 15 miles. Kid's getting better about handling herself in traffic, too.