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05-11-17, 12:55 PM
#101
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5/11/17 Street Sweepers! Finally! 2nd job is really cutting into my cycle time ;-(
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-26-17 at 01:16 PM.
05-20-17, 05:53 PM
#102
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5-20-17
64-70 degrees
got surprised by a free day w no obligations. remembered the local dirt & gravel roads & trails down by the river. was surprised when I found the national park visitor center in Hudson
9.7 miles
22max
9.8 avrg
59min saddle time
kept the Riddlers on the black bike
getting my money's worth out of these Keens
64-70 degrees
got surprised by a free day w no obligations. remembered the local dirt & gravel roads & trails down by the river. was surprised when I found the national park visitor center in Hudson
9.7 miles
22max
9.8 avrg
59min saddle time
kept the Riddlers on the black bike
getting my money's worth out of these Keens
06-03-17, 08:54 PM
#104
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Sat 6/3/17 temps in the 60s. a light sprinkle passed thru. wore short sleeve, shorts & sandals. rode up to work & back. as I was snacking at the Tewksbury gas station, sitting next to my bike, it suddenly goes flat. a guy coming out offered to give me a ride home. he had a pickup. slightly creepy but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. told him I had 22 miles to go, 2 tubes, patch kit, 3 cartridges of CO2 & hand pump, plus was sitting at a gas station w an air pump, so I had no excuses. I'll be fixing it & riding home
all time record for getting my act together and on the road late
left the house at 4:31 pm (would not be home again for 4.5 hrs)
got to the gas station next to the office at 6:09 pm (1 pit stop to adjust saddle angle & move sportcam from stem to bars)
21.55 miles
32.4 max
14.7 avrg
1 hr 27 min saddle time
snacked on DD hash browns, peanut butter crackers & vanilla muscle milk
fixed flat & changed rim tape. still so happy w my schrader valves
left for home 7 pm
reached home 8:52 pm (just after dark)
whole ride 43 miles
32.4 max
13.5 avrg
3 hrs 11 min saddle time
all time record for getting my act together and on the road late
left the house at 4:31 pm (would not be home again for 4.5 hrs)
got to the gas station next to the office at 6:09 pm (1 pit stop to adjust saddle angle & move sportcam from stem to bars)
21.55 miles
32.4 max
14.7 avrg
1 hr 27 min saddle time
snacked on DD hash browns, peanut butter crackers & vanilla muscle milk
fixed flat & changed rim tape. still so happy w my schrader valves
left for home 7 pm
reached home 8:52 pm (just after dark)
whole ride 43 miles
32.4 max
13.5 avrg
3 hrs 11 min saddle time
Last edited by rumrunn6; 06-20-17 at 08:45 AM.
06-10-17, 10:27 PM
#105
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little 8.8 miler w Wifey. Concord Center to Bedford Depot Park, all dirt. got to try out the new Michelin 700x40 Protek tires. (I like them!) 14 mph max 8.4 avrg 1 hr 3 min saddle time. first hot day in a long time, but the whole trail is shady
Last edited by rumrunn6; 06-12-17 at 12:36 PM.
07-04-17, 09:12 AM
#106
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just a few days in a motel this year. last week in June aka before the July 4th crazies. got on 30 miles with the family. mostly on the CCRT but also some side trails & local roads. hot hazy sun, great for riding & jumping in the ocean. didn't see any sharks
motel allowed us parking near our room
local roads were nice and quiet
got in one evening ride to the beach too. glad I brought enough lights for all
motel allowed us parking near our room
local roads were nice and quiet
got in one evening ride to the beach too. glad I brought enough lights for all
Last edited by rumrunn6; 07-04-17 at 09:56 AM.
09-04-17, 06:57 PM
#107
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2 months later? grim. 27 miles w Wifey on Monday, Labor Day, Concord to Arlington via Reformatory Branch Trail & Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. she stepped off in Lexington so I did the Lexington to Arlington leg alone. gorgeous day temps in the low 80s maybe. rode the Trek FX 7.0 Alpha w the 40mm Proteks at 45 lbs. they were great on both the dirt & paved sections. finally christened the Lake Cycling 2015 Mens MX100 Mountain Bike Shoes BlackGrey size 48 & a Helmet from Sears. not sure why I liked this one, maybe cause it fit so well & surrounds my head more than my Giro which kinda just sits on the top of my head. could just be an illusion. the shoes fit great, glad to break them in on a short ride. the Proteks are turning out to be good trail tires. had to bomb past some road blocks on the MM over grass & dirt & they were sure footed. seems to be good thru some mud patches and softer sand sections near the farm coming from Concord on the Reformatory Branch
Last edited by rumrunn6; 09-06-17 at 09:59 AM.
09-11-17, 08:39 AM
#108
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type two, fun recently heard that phrase referring to biking w/o much sleep
left house 4:05am
crossed canal 5:30am
reached So Wellfleet parking lot behind general store (closed) & post office
charged my light Friday night cuz I thought I would be riding in the dark Sat. AM, but arrived (6:23 am) at the trail head just after sunrise (6:15 am) so left the light in the car when I started at 6:44 am
at end of CCRT extension in So. Dennis 8:22am
after break, started back 8:31am
back at car in Welfleet 10:28am
couldn't find bike computer when packing, approx 46 miles
approx 1.5 hrs 1st half
approx 2 hrs 2nd half (at one point after a 'pit stop' I past a dead rabbit for the 2nd time. it had been struck & killed after my 1st half so seeing it a 2nd time meant I was going the wrong way! asked a cpl ppl to be sure then turned around, this easily added 10-15 minutes to my 2nd half time)
approx 3.5 hrs saddle time
home 8:33pm
door to door including sightseeing w Sister on Cape 16.5 hrs
always a pretty ride tho!
starting temps in the 50s, later in the day it would be 70s, not sure of temp at end of ride, certainly 60s
wore this:
thin beanie & light gloves for 1st half
long sleeve thick jersey & cotton t-shirt
MTB shorts
new lake MTB cycling shoes w short REI hiking socks
new grey helmet
no eyewear
2 bottles of lemon water was enough
1 banana & box of yogurt raisins at 1/2 way point
the Newcomb Hollow dune cave-in that swallowed a car recently is sad & dramatic. wonder if The Beachcomber will let ANY cars park in the front lot next year. looks like they dumped some sand at the top rim of the gap. they were having a season ending charity for $30 a head but sister didn't want to go in - she's shy, I was disappointed. chatted w staff over the fence, they're so nice. decided to go back-to-back-to-back w 3 restaurants for clams, cocktails, appetizers & a lunch ... too much fun! (& spent way more than $30 ea)
clams tequila & beer at Pepe's
nap on the bay side before driving 200 miles home
just occurred to me, if I was clever, I could plan this ride over two days, where I park at one end, stay in a B&B or motel at the other end, then do the return trip the next day. the only hitch is finding legal overnight parking at one end
found these two clips showing the new parking lot in So. Dennis & the new bridge over route 134
left house 4:05am
crossed canal 5:30am
reached So Wellfleet parking lot behind general store (closed) & post office
charged my light Friday night cuz I thought I would be riding in the dark Sat. AM, but arrived (6:23 am) at the trail head just after sunrise (6:15 am) so left the light in the car when I started at 6:44 am
at end of CCRT extension in So. Dennis 8:22am
after break, started back 8:31am
back at car in Welfleet 10:28am
couldn't find bike computer when packing, approx 46 miles
approx 1.5 hrs 1st half
approx 2 hrs 2nd half (at one point after a 'pit stop' I past a dead rabbit for the 2nd time. it had been struck & killed after my 1st half so seeing it a 2nd time meant I was going the wrong way! asked a cpl ppl to be sure then turned around, this easily added 10-15 minutes to my 2nd half time)
approx 3.5 hrs saddle time
home 8:33pm
door to door including sightseeing w Sister on Cape 16.5 hrs
always a pretty ride tho!
starting temps in the 50s, later in the day it would be 70s, not sure of temp at end of ride, certainly 60s
wore this:
thin beanie & light gloves for 1st half
long sleeve thick jersey & cotton t-shirt
MTB shorts
new lake MTB cycling shoes w short REI hiking socks
new grey helmet
no eyewear
2 bottles of lemon water was enough
1 banana & box of yogurt raisins at 1/2 way point
the Newcomb Hollow dune cave-in that swallowed a car recently is sad & dramatic. wonder if The Beachcomber will let ANY cars park in the front lot next year. looks like they dumped some sand at the top rim of the gap. they were having a season ending charity for $30 a head but sister didn't want to go in - she's shy, I was disappointed. chatted w staff over the fence, they're so nice. decided to go back-to-back-to-back w 3 restaurants for clams, cocktails, appetizers & a lunch ... too much fun! (& spent way more than $30 ea)
clams tequila & beer at Pepe's
nap on the bay side before driving 200 miles home
just occurred to me, if I was clever, I could plan this ride over two days, where I park at one end, stay in a B&B or motel at the other end, then do the return trip the next day. the only hitch is finding legal overnight parking at one end
found these two clips showing the new parking lot in So. Dennis & the new bridge over route 134
Last edited by rumrunn6; 02-07-18 at 08:23 AM.
09-16-17, 06:16 PM
#109
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just found an old post that belongs well before the beginning of this thread
65.77 miles (Bolton; Hopkinton; Harvard Square Cambridge; Arlington; Lexington; Bedford; Concord then home)
33.4 max
13.4 avrg
4 hrs 54 min saddle time
... working my way up to the overnite century
5/1/10 that amazing feeling when you've made it back home
giant loop this afternoon into the evening and made it home before 9:30. finally got over 60 miles for the 1st time since last summer. previous longest ride was 57 miles. on the couch now before the hot soak, so gotta make this quick:
giant loop this afternoon into the evening and made it home before 9:30. finally got over 60 miles for the 1st time since last summer. previous longest ride was 57 miles. on the couch now before the hot soak, so gotta make this quick:
65.77 miles (Bolton; Hopkinton; Harvard Square Cambridge; Arlington; Lexington; Bedford; Concord then home)
33.4 max
13.4 avrg
4 hrs 54 min saddle time
... working my way up to the overnite century
09-16-17, 06:27 PM
#110
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this must be on the CCRT from South Dennis, then right at the rotary to Chatham. pretty short one way ride to the lighthouse, good to know
4/1/11 got my 30 miler in finally - ride to Chatam 49 degrees; windy; drizzle
29.7 miles
27.5 max (not bad for rolling terrain)
12.7 avrg (due to wandering through town)
2 hrs 20 min saddle time (includes walking it to the tavern)
4/1/11 got my 30 miler in finally - ride to Chatam 49 degrees; windy; drizzle
29.7 miles
27.5 max (not bad for rolling terrain)
12.7 avrg (due to wandering through town)
2 hrs 20 min saddle time (includes walking it to the tavern)
09-16-17, 06:33 PM
#111
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3/31/12 got my ride in seems like your time is your time regardless of the bike. did my old commute, a 26 mile round trip on a significantly newer lighter bike but my stats aren't noticeably different than the older heavier bikes. maybe they are but not big numbers. I'll have to look uo my old stats and consider them more closely. the old commute had an overall elevation loss going in and an elevation gain coming home. going home was always slower and took longer. also a small deviation of route due to traffic issues. the old hills are still there. Goodman's Hill, I still hate you. 'specially being out of shape. I don't think the triple on this new road bike goes as low as the triple on my roadified hybrid. anyway, I passed my online course before sunset so I rewarded myself with a ride which ended in darkness so I broke out the old reflector rain jacket. the chemical toe warmers were great cuz it was only 38 degrees. I love brifters but I can't use my old roomy winter gloves with them 
trip down
13.5 miles
55 min
30.2 max mph
14.5 avrg mph
trip home
12.9 miles
59 min
29.5 max mph
13.1 avrg mph
maybe this summer I'll be stronger and hit the lights just rite and finally get it done in 45 min door to door
trip down
13.5 miles
55 min
30.2 max mph
14.5 avrg mph
trip home
12.9 miles
59 min
29.5 max mph
13.1 avrg mph
maybe this summer I'll be stronger and hit the lights just rite and finally get it done in 45 min door to door
09-16-17, 06:36 PM
#112
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4/14/12 faster today, not sure why but I like it at the 1/2 way point
16.5 miles
38.7 max
17.3 avrg
57 minutes
Stats after the 2nd 1/2 always have a slower avrg speed must be the hills; downtown Concord and waiting to cross route 2
28.5 miles
max never exceeded 1st 1/2 of 38.7 watch out 40 I'm on your tail
avrg dipped down to 15.9
1hr 47 min
just my 4th ride of the season so maybe I'm getting better quickly but will plateau soon. longer stem got me down lower. got a good pump in so maybe my tires were a couple pounds harder. warmer today maybe 60 degrees. getting stronger? certainly learning the bike better.
16.5 miles
38.7 max
17.3 avrg
57 minutes
Stats after the 2nd 1/2 always have a slower avrg speed must be the hills; downtown Concord and waiting to cross route 2
28.5 miles
max never exceeded 1st 1/2 of 38.7 watch out 40 I'm on your tail
avrg dipped down to 15.9
1hr 47 min
just my 4th ride of the season so maybe I'm getting better quickly but will plateau soon. longer stem got me down lower. got a good pump in so maybe my tires were a couple pounds harder. warmer today maybe 60 degrees. getting stronger? certainly learning the bike better.
09-24-17, 07:09 PM
#113
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Saturday 9/23/17 temps in the 80s
12 miles w Wifey
Assabet River Railt Trail Corridor & beyond, testing the new bicycle infrastructure investments in our town, as well as where there is room for more
12 miles w Wifey
Assabet River Railt Trail Corridor & beyond, testing the new bicycle infrastructure investments in our town, as well as where there is room for more
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-24-17 at 02:35 PM.
09-26-17, 03:52 AM
#114
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9/25/17 temps in the 80s even after the sun went down. ran out to the Minuteman, Bedford to Arlington. the Kickstand was closed at 8pm so I was glad I brought a protein rich, nutrition bar to tide me over until dinner
Bedford to Arlington
8.7 miles (so short)
19.6 max
13.6 avrg
38 min
Whole Ride
17.56 miles
21.2 max (hmmm musta sped up going back?)
13.4 avrg
1hr 18 min (saddle time)
almost everyone else had a light
the bathrooms were open when I got to the parking lot at 7:15 pm
crossing Mass Ave in Arlington was still a curious event. not sure if I was doing it correctly. that green painted bike lane is for ppl heading West, I believe
dipped my headlight when I approached ppl on the trail & kept the rear lights on steady, not strobe
Bedford to Arlington
8.7 miles (so short)
19.6 max
13.6 avrg
38 min
Whole Ride
17.56 miles
21.2 max (hmmm musta sped up going back?)
13.4 avrg
1hr 18 min (saddle time)
almost everyone else had a light
the bathrooms were open when I got to the parking lot at 7:15 pm
crossing Mass Ave in Arlington was still a curious event. not sure if I was doing it correctly. that green painted bike lane is for ppl heading West, I believe
dipped my headlight when I approached ppl on the trail & kept the rear lights on steady, not strobe
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-24-17 at 02:36 PM.
09-27-17, 07:33 AM
#115
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9/26/17 had a surprise night off, so for the 2nd night in a row I got out on the MM Bikeway, Bedford to Arlington. this time I was prepared & got going approx 5:30pm, still light out. temps in the low 80s again but humid too. there was so much condensation on the outside of my water bottle I dropped it & ran over the mouthpiece. 
it still works, but the mouthpiece was a useful feature. had a cpl weird road crossings, in particular one where the road curves & the drivers can't see us crossing. I made sure to stop at my stop sign, but as soon as the coast was clear & I started across a Jeep comes flying around the bend & screeches to a stop. I stopped too cuz I was just started & backed up, but he was stopped so I started again. yeah that crossing needs some work, I think. have to be at the Kickstand by 7pm for last call, cuz I think they close at 7:30pm
Bedford to Arlington
8.75 miles
21.7 max
14.1 avrg
37 min
(tiny bit faster than last night, maybe cuz is was still light out?)
Whole Ride
Back at car 7:44pm
17.51 miles
23.7 max (must be a downhill grade I was ready for, did better on it than last night)
13.3 avrg
1hr 19 min saddle time (this could have been shorter had I not dropped my water bottle (& those cpl of awkward rd crossings?)
it still works, but the mouthpiece was a useful feature. had a cpl weird road crossings, in particular one where the road curves & the drivers can't see us crossing. I made sure to stop at my stop sign, but as soon as the coast was clear & I started across a Jeep comes flying around the bend & screeches to a stop. I stopped too cuz I was just started & backed up, but he was stopped so I started again. yeah that crossing needs some work, I think. have to be at the Kickstand by 7pm for last call, cuz I think they close at 7:30pm Bedford to Arlington
8.75 miles
21.7 max
14.1 avrg
37 min
(tiny bit faster than last night, maybe cuz is was still light out?)
Whole Ride
Back at car 7:44pm
17.51 miles
23.7 max (must be a downhill grade I was ready for, did better on it than last night)
13.3 avrg
1hr 19 min saddle time (this could have been shorter had I not dropped my water bottle (& those cpl of awkward rd crossings?)
Last edited by rumrunn6; 09-28-17 at 07:01 AM.
10-05-17, 07:25 AM
#116
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10/4/17 gave the tires some air before loading it on the car
got another ride in after work, temps in the high 70s to low 70s by end of ride
left Bedford Depot approx 5:50pm
at Cafe approx 6:30pm
snacked on apple juice & a yogurt parfait w berries & granola ( a little on the thin side, could have been thicker) also bought a cpl bagels to go, sliced for the next day
8.7 miles
20.3 max
14.7 avrg
35min saddle time (I should stop my computer when I get to the end of the trail at the big intersection cuz it takes so long to make the crossing across both roads
left Cafe shortly after 6:44pm
back at car approx 7:30pm (if I repeat this tonight should be home in time for the 8:25pm kickoff)
whole ride
17.4 miles (I can probably extend this past the Cafe)
26.1 mph max (yeah I know where the downhill grade is & when it's worth stomping on it, maybe tonight I'll get out of the saddle to see if I can hit 27 but when it's so dark I run the risk of hitting a bunny, don't want that!)
14.0 avrg
1hr 14min saddle time (not big rides but at least got an hour or so of exercise)
brought a headlamp this trip so I could check the mileage after dark. hung it from my neck & flipped it on whenever I wanted a peak. it def helps me calculate effort knowing miles remaining. also pit stops. glad the bathrooms were still open when I got back to the car, cuz I was counting those miles tick away ...
got another ride in after work, temps in the high 70s to low 70s by end of ride
left Bedford Depot approx 5:50pm
at Cafe approx 6:30pm
snacked on apple juice & a yogurt parfait w berries & granola ( a little on the thin side, could have been thicker) also bought a cpl bagels to go, sliced for the next day
8.7 miles
20.3 max
14.7 avrg
35min saddle time (I should stop my computer when I get to the end of the trail at the big intersection cuz it takes so long to make the crossing across both roads
left Cafe shortly after 6:44pm
back at car approx 7:30pm (if I repeat this tonight should be home in time for the 8:25pm kickoff)
whole ride
17.4 miles (I can probably extend this past the Cafe)
26.1 mph max (yeah I know where the downhill grade is & when it's worth stomping on it, maybe tonight I'll get out of the saddle to see if I can hit 27 but when it's so dark I run the risk of hitting a bunny, don't want that!)
14.0 avrg
1hr 14min saddle time (not big rides but at least got an hour or so of exercise)
brought a headlamp this trip so I could check the mileage after dark. hung it from my neck & flipped it on whenever I wanted a peak. it def helps me calculate effort knowing miles remaining. also pit stops. glad the bathrooms were still open when I got back to the car, cuz I was counting those miles tick away ...
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-05-17 at 11:16 AM.
10-06-17, 07:58 AM
#117
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10/5/17 another short ride after work. wasn't feeling as fired up as the night before, not sure why. was it the thicker humid air or the 1/2 hour on the stair climber at lunchtime? stopped at Mystic St to chk stats so the big intersection wouldn't interfere & didn't put computer back on bike until after my break & reaching the same spot near the paved trail. moved my sportcam & light, each right next to my stem, one of either side, hoping to eliminate the shadow from the brake-shift lever & eliminate the view of one or both hoods. it might be better but I need to do more work to alleviate those artifacts. have an accessory on order but would rather avoid using it. snacked on apple juice & a chocolate chip croissant. was thinking about extending the ride past the cafe but it's only another mile to Alewife so didn't see the point considering that whole Mass Ave road crossing is such a buzz-kill. it's been interesting starting at dusk & pleasant being able to see, too bad Nov 5, 2017 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
Sunday, November 5, 2017, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to 1:00:00 am local standard time instead. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 5, 2017 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning. but alas, these after work rides will be in complete darkness. better enjoy the light while it's here!
temps were warm, 70s I think & maybe dipped to high 60s by the end
left lot approx 5:47pm
reached Mystic St approx 6:28pm
FIRST HALF
8.6 miles
19.1 max
13.7 avrg
37 min
left Mystic St to head back to Bedford approx 6:48pm
back at car 7:29pm
WHOLE RIDE
17.24 miles
26.1 max (disappointing considering I tried harder incl out of the saddle to reach 27)
13.5 avrg
1hr 16min saddle time
having a computer takes the guesswork out of feeling like it's not your best ride, & knowing it
I like this kind of photo
Mystic St benches
just for the record, this is my kind of woman, bikes to yoga. talked to her at the next big intersection while waiting to cross together & she confirmed my assumption with a big smile. just realized she had no helmet
Sunday, November 5, 2017, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to 1:00:00 am local standard time instead. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 5, 2017 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning. but alas, these after work rides will be in complete darkness. better enjoy the light while it's here!
temps were warm, 70s I think & maybe dipped to high 60s by the end
left lot approx 5:47pm
reached Mystic St approx 6:28pm
FIRST HALF
8.6 miles
19.1 max
13.7 avrg
37 min
left Mystic St to head back to Bedford approx 6:48pm
back at car 7:29pm
WHOLE RIDE
17.24 miles
26.1 max (disappointing considering I tried harder incl out of the saddle to reach 27)
13.5 avrg
1hr 16min saddle time
having a computer takes the guesswork out of feeling like it's not your best ride, & knowing it
I like this kind of photo
Mystic St benches
just for the record, this is my kind of woman, bikes to yoga. talked to her at the next big intersection while waiting to cross together & she confirmed my assumption with a big smile. just realized she had no helmet
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-06-17 at 11:50 AM.
10-08-17, 05:24 PM
#118
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Sat, Oct 7, 2017 temps on the high 70s Stow to Arlington. tried the sport cam mounted to the stem, right in the middle of the bars. but this sets it back a little so it captures both hoods now! ugh. another downside is, it is subjected to much harsher vibrations causing very weird blur artifacts
do like hand holding to get an interesting still. but finding it more difficult to get something unique & interesting
11:10am left house & took the streets
12:06pm Bedford & took the MM paved trail
12:28pm Lexington pitstop
12:51pm Mystic St Arlington (just before the big intersection w Mass Ave)
20.56 miles
27mph max
13.2 avrg
1hr33min saddle time
1:14pm left Arlington
1:40pm Lexington
2:03pm Bedford & got off the paved trail to take the dirt Reformatory Branch Trail back to Concord ctr
2:37pm Great Meadows (last bathroom before home)
2:50 Concord ctr (started streets again no more stops)
3:21pm at Maynard Fest (to meet Wifey)
3:41pm Home (basically away from the house approx 4 hrs)
the Bedford rail car was open! & it's air conditioned!
41.65 miles
27mph max
12.5 avrg
3hrs 19min saddle time (but basically away from the house approx 4 hrs)
I like this ride because:
do like hand holding to get an interesting still. but finding it more difficult to get something unique & interesting
11:10am left house & took the streets
12:06pm Bedford & took the MM paved trail
12:28pm Lexington pitstop
12:51pm Mystic St Arlington (just before the big intersection w Mass Ave)
20.56 miles
27mph max
13.2 avrg
1hr33min saddle time
1:14pm left Arlington
1:40pm Lexington
2:03pm Bedford & got off the paved trail to take the dirt Reformatory Branch Trail back to Concord ctr
2:37pm Great Meadows (last bathroom before home)
2:50 Concord ctr (started streets again no more stops)
3:21pm at Maynard Fest (to meet Wifey)
3:41pm Home (basically away from the house approx 4 hrs)
the Bedford rail car was open! & it's air conditioned!
41.65 miles
27mph max
12.5 avrg
3hrs 19min saddle time (but basically away from the house approx 4 hrs)
I like this ride because:
- it gets me over 40 miles
- it's not all street riding
- it's broken up by various distinctive & interesting sections
- there 4 bathrooms along the route (7 if you include round trip counting)
- no killer hills so it's a relatively easy ride
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-09-17 at 08:17 AM.
10-11-17, 03:55 AM
#119
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10/10/17 temps in the low 70s high 60s by time I got back to the car
rode the MM Bedford to Davis Square Cambridge using a cpl side trails at Alewife
when the sun fell the darkness left everyone grasping for vision, didn't expect it to be so dark so early
before the sun set I tried my light but it didn't turn on, thought I would have to use my backup. eventually it turned on by itself, super weird, maybe it's the switch? a wire? the battery? decided to leave the light on even tho I didn't entirely need it. maybe I haven't been running it long enough between charges. my night rides are not that long. maybe I bought a battery too big for my purposes
5:40 pm left Bedford Depot
6:34 pm Davis sq
11.22 miles
20.3 max
13.8 avrg
48 minutes on the saddle
took a pit stop at Au Bon Pain got a sandwich & big bottle of apple juice
7:52 pm back at car in Bedford
22.98 miles
22.7 max
13.1 avrg
1hr 45min saddle time
continuing past Arlington only added approx 4 miles. but the section from Arlington to Alewife & Davis Square, was too congested. & after the intersection with Mass Ave & Cedar St. it was a walking path. not advisable around & after rush-hour. had to loop around using streets (bike route). earned some street cred, or maybe I burned some. thanks to two separate Cambridge Cops, I stayed on course & survived a road crossing near an EMT truck. forgot my sportcam so just a cpl bad cell phone pics
looking forward to the mounting accessory for the light & sportcam
rode the MM Bedford to Davis Square Cambridge using a cpl side trails at Alewife
when the sun fell the darkness left everyone grasping for vision, didn't expect it to be so dark so early
before the sun set I tried my light but it didn't turn on, thought I would have to use my backup. eventually it turned on by itself, super weird, maybe it's the switch? a wire? the battery? decided to leave the light on even tho I didn't entirely need it. maybe I haven't been running it long enough between charges. my night rides are not that long. maybe I bought a battery too big for my purposes
5:40 pm left Bedford Depot
6:34 pm Davis sq
11.22 miles
20.3 max
13.8 avrg
48 minutes on the saddle
took a pit stop at Au Bon Pain got a sandwich & big bottle of apple juice
7:52 pm back at car in Bedford
22.98 miles
22.7 max
13.1 avrg
1hr 45min saddle time
continuing past Arlington only added approx 4 miles. but the section from Arlington to Alewife & Davis Square, was too congested. & after the intersection with Mass Ave & Cedar St. it was a walking path. not advisable around & after rush-hour. had to loop around using streets (bike route). earned some street cred, or maybe I burned some. thanks to two separate Cambridge Cops, I stayed on course & survived a road crossing near an EMT truck. forgot my sportcam so just a cpl bad cell phone pics
looking forward to the mounting accessory for the light & sportcam
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-11-17 at 11:10 AM.
10-16-17, 04:03 AM
#120
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got in a different kind of trail ride
10-16-17, 04:18 AM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
I'd call it an epic fail but it wasn't really, just not an ideal ride. I am convinced though that there is no way I'm gonna bike commute to the new office. Every time I bike there on the weekend I remember my awesome 13 mile sprint commute to the old place. This 22 mile excursion isn't the same. The company isn't the same. No part of it can compete with past perfection.
Saturday I figured I knew the route so I didn't mount the GPS but kept it handy for the occasional fork in the road. Well I blew it and wound up getting off track twice, extending the ride in to 25 miles instead of 22. No biggies really but for the stops to reconnoiter and also a dam flat.
Working on your personal record with all prevailing conditions in your favor, good health, good sleep, good nutrition, light traffic, cloud cover from the sun, seemingly perfect temperatures, blah blah blah, and then stopping for directions, getting lost and getting a flat. so much for my perfect epic ride of the summer. Hmpf!
So I take out my repair kit and resolve to take no more than 15 minutes for this, which I complete within personal spec for a tube change. However I have to struggle with a lame defective presta valve, fumble with my adapter, and try feebly to swap my bike pump back and forth from presta tip to schrader tip cuz I'm an idiot and put the adapter on upside down and the pump comes apart on the sidewalk and I have to hunt for parts in cracks within weeds. So I'm cranky and this happens. ugh. I get the whole thing resolved without really losing my temper but not especially pleased except for getting in done in 15 min or less. Only problem is I can only pump my front tire to a rideable pressure and considerably less than what I prefer.
I get my butt back on track only to find I have to ride 3 miles on route 38 in freaking armpit Tewksbury. a 3 mile kill zone over shoulders plagued with killer potholes scarred by with the rims of blown out tires hunting for a coin-op or legit compressor gas station pump or better yet a bike shop with a tech who can do me a solid and get my front tire back to 115 lbs. 1st station has a coin op, but I only have 3 quarters. Go inside for change and the guy gives me attitude, why cuz I sweaty? cuz I'm not buying anything? cuz I'm riding a bike? thanks for nothin' a-hole. Then the darn nozzle doesn't work with the adapter on my presta cuz the pin is too broad and doesn't fit all the way in or something like that really I don't know cuz that presta is not behaving as expected, meaning I can't push it in no matter how I screw it in or out. How I was able to pump it with my bike pump and the adapter I don't know.
Next station has a legit pump but the worker removed the head cuz he's working on a car. Pass the new office which stinks compared to the old one and I spit, and hit the next station which only has a coin op but I like the people there cuz they are friendly. But as I pull in I almost wipe out cuz that front tire isn't up to full pressure. My heart skips as I almost embarrass my self again for the 5th time that day
Check the pin at this cheap pump and it's the same. Go in get some nutrition way too late, it's been like 2 hrs with only water ... dumb. call the only bike shop I know within 5 miles (out of my way) and they are closing soon, and they are not on my way home and my tire is rideable. Call information and ask for a bike shop near me and the Texan hottie can only suggest a motorcycle salvage shop which I dismiss summarily but maybe shouldn't have.
I try to put a couple more lbs in the tire with my bike pump, but still can't get it as hard as I normally like. please spare the puns, thank you
11 miles later I take yet another break for nutrition and this station has absolutely no pump ... eventually make it home but I'm not happy with my stats. luckily 3 hrs of cycling does wonders to wear off frustration and I'm ultimately glad to have gotten a decent ride with mileage over 40. it's been a couple months.
Yesterday I bought 4 Sunlite tubes 700x20-25 (27x1) 48mm schrader valve at REI for $5.50 ea. and will be swapping them in before my next ride
46.6 miles
32.3 max
14.4 avrg
3hrs 14 min saddle time (considerably more door to door including the multitude of stops)
Here's to better days and better rides!
Saturday I figured I knew the route so I didn't mount the GPS but kept it handy for the occasional fork in the road. Well I blew it and wound up getting off track twice, extending the ride in to 25 miles instead of 22. No biggies really but for the stops to reconnoiter and also a dam flat.
Working on your personal record with all prevailing conditions in your favor, good health, good sleep, good nutrition, light traffic, cloud cover from the sun, seemingly perfect temperatures, blah blah blah, and then stopping for directions, getting lost and getting a flat. so much for my perfect epic ride of the summer. Hmpf!
So I take out my repair kit and resolve to take no more than 15 minutes for this, which I complete within personal spec for a tube change. However I have to struggle with a lame defective presta valve, fumble with my adapter, and try feebly to swap my bike pump back and forth from presta tip to schrader tip cuz I'm an idiot and put the adapter on upside down and the pump comes apart on the sidewalk and I have to hunt for parts in cracks within weeds. So I'm cranky and this happens. ugh. I get the whole thing resolved without really losing my temper but not especially pleased except for getting in done in 15 min or less. Only problem is I can only pump my front tire to a rideable pressure and considerably less than what I prefer.
I get my butt back on track only to find I have to ride 3 miles on route 38 in freaking armpit Tewksbury. a 3 mile kill zone over shoulders plagued with killer potholes scarred by with the rims of blown out tires hunting for a coin-op or legit compressor gas station pump or better yet a bike shop with a tech who can do me a solid and get my front tire back to 115 lbs. 1st station has a coin op, but I only have 3 quarters. Go inside for change and the guy gives me attitude, why cuz I sweaty? cuz I'm not buying anything? cuz I'm riding a bike? thanks for nothin' a-hole. Then the darn nozzle doesn't work with the adapter on my presta cuz the pin is too broad and doesn't fit all the way in or something like that really I don't know cuz that presta is not behaving as expected, meaning I can't push it in no matter how I screw it in or out. How I was able to pump it with my bike pump and the adapter I don't know.
Next station has a legit pump but the worker removed the head cuz he's working on a car. Pass the new office which stinks compared to the old one and I spit, and hit the next station which only has a coin op but I like the people there cuz they are friendly. But as I pull in I almost wipe out cuz that front tire isn't up to full pressure. My heart skips as I almost embarrass my self again for the 5th time that day
Check the pin at this cheap pump and it's the same. Go in get some nutrition way too late, it's been like 2 hrs with only water ... dumb. call the only bike shop I know within 5 miles (out of my way) and they are closing soon, and they are not on my way home and my tire is rideable. Call information and ask for a bike shop near me and the Texan hottie can only suggest a motorcycle salvage shop which I dismiss summarily but maybe shouldn't have.
I try to put a couple more lbs in the tire with my bike pump, but still can't get it as hard as I normally like. please spare the puns, thank you
11 miles later I take yet another break for nutrition and this station has absolutely no pump
... eventually make it home but I'm not happy with my stats. luckily 3 hrs of cycling does wonders to wear off frustration and I'm ultimately glad to have gotten a decent ride with mileage over 40. it's been a couple months.Yesterday I bought 4 Sunlite tubes 700x20-25 (27x1) 48mm schrader valve at REI for $5.50 ea. and will be swapping them in before my next ride
46.6 miles
32.3 max
14.4 avrg
3hrs 14 min saddle time (considerably more door to door including the multitude of stops)
Here's to better days and better rides!
I think you have surpassed my friend that got 7 flats in about a 60 mile ride. He was working at a bike shop and was very good at fixing flats. That helped a little. We spent a lot of time looking for something in the tire. ? Finally a little wire hidden in the tire was found.
10-20-17, 03:50 AM
#122
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one night ride this week, I guess is better than no night rides. getting cooler used a short sleeved base under my short sleeved cycling shirt
frustrating than there wasn't enough light for the sportcam's still image mode to capture something sharper. I wonder if I use burst mode would force a faster shutter speed
experimented w a new mounting accessory for the light & sportcam. the new mount does eliminate the shadow from the cables & when the camera is parallel w the ground, the hoods are out of sight. BUT when I hit hard bumps it wanted to rotate forward so I think I have to mount it straight up, move to a more consistently parallel part of the bars rather than the sloped / tapered portion so close to the stem. by the end of the ride it all shifted enough enough to show a cable shadow & see the hoods again ;-(
used part of an old bar end rubber grip to thicken the attachment point for the light. might add some for the cam mount too. it all looks like quite the contraption tho. I'm sure it doesn't help me slip thru the air either ;-(
all-in-all it was fun to get out
5:45 pm left lot
6:26 pm @ cafe 8.7 miles 18.6 max 13.9 avrg 37 min
7:29 pm back at lot 17.4 miles 20.6 max 13.6 avrg 1hr 16min
frustrating than there wasn't enough light for the sportcam's still image mode to capture something sharper. I wonder if I use burst mode would force a faster shutter speed
experimented w a new mounting accessory for the light & sportcam. the new mount does eliminate the shadow from the cables & when the camera is parallel w the ground, the hoods are out of sight. BUT when I hit hard bumps it wanted to rotate forward so I think I have to mount it straight up, move to a more consistently parallel part of the bars rather than the sloped / tapered portion so close to the stem. by the end of the ride it all shifted enough enough to show a cable shadow & see the hoods again ;-(
used part of an old bar end rubber grip to thicken the attachment point for the light. might add some for the cam mount too. it all looks like quite the contraption tho. I'm sure it doesn't help me slip thru the air either ;-(
all-in-all it was fun to get out
5:45 pm left lot
6:26 pm @ cafe 8.7 miles 18.6 max 13.9 avrg 37 min
7:29 pm back at lot 17.4 miles 20.6 max 13.6 avrg 1hr 16min
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-23-17 at 07:45 AM.
10-22-17, 07:40 AM
#123
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1st test was pretty good but I remounted it vertically which I think will be more stable. also torqued the screws pretty good this time. glad my other bikes don't require this kind of hassle
10-24-17, 08:19 AM
#124
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Bedford to Arlington. temps in the mid-60s. wore some light glove liners for the whole ride. nice thing is, the entire glove can be used to wipe sweat, instead of just a small patch on cycling specific gloves. week by week, darker still ...
17.5 miles
22.5 max
13.7 avrg
1hr 16min
done by 7:15pm
still getting the hoods & a cable shadow in the compositions
17.5 miles
22.5 max
13.7 avrg
1hr 16min
done by 7:15pm
still getting the hoods & a cable shadow in the compositions
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-24-17 at 08:24 AM.
10-28-17, 09:28 PM
#125
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shorter than expected ride. away from the car approx 2 hrs. just under 15 miles. but it was a pretty day. temps started in the high 40s lows 50s but ended in the mid 60s. started w a long sleeve pullover, ended in just a t-shirt base
Mass Central Rail Trail, parked at 49 Miles Rd, Rutland
14.5 miles
20.5 max
10.2 avrg
1hr 25 min saddle time
in Barre tried some bushwhacking but that didn't last long
haven't been out on the Riddlers since the spring!
only brought the sportcam
fast & fun gravel hairpin turn, not so fast going back up
talked to a fly fisherman. he was closer to the bridge on the way back
good test of the new bar mitts. might save me from buying new gloves this winter
Mass Central Rail Trail, parked at 49 Miles Rd, Rutland
14.5 miles
20.5 max
10.2 avrg
1hr 25 min saddle time
in Barre tried some bushwhacking but that didn't last long
haven't been out on the Riddlers since the spring!
only brought the sportcam
fast & fun gravel hairpin turn, not so fast going back up
talked to a fly fisherman. he was closer to the bridge on the way back
good test of the new bar mitts. might save me from buying new gloves this winter
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-29-17 at 04:45 PM.
