Jerry in So IL

I just got back from St Louis and the Moonlight Ramble they had last night. The Oldest Princess and I did the long 18 mile course in pretty good time. ALOT of little kids bunched up and older yahoo kids playing grab ass on the course! Anyways, I was pleased with our 13 mph "pace" and good finish time. They had alot of hills in Forrest Park (funny, I didn't remember them in the car).

1)I felt I can keep up with "real" cyclist now. I had to hold back on the pace a little, the Oldest had a three hour volleyball practice in the afternoon. She was one tired puppy by the time we hit Market Street for the finish. But I felt I could have pushed the pace to 15 or even 16 mph. Even on my Nomad Fitness!

2)After the ramble, and my free beer, I had alot more miles in me. I proved it by running down to the new Busch Stadium and the River Front for another hour of hill climbing. We had alot of time to kill. The metro didn't start up again til 5:30 am! But the sun rise ride in St Louis was breath taking. So, I'm thinking really serious about upping my miles and even commuting (at least part way for starters) to and from work.

I also learned a few more things:
1) Empty your damn bags before riding! I had them full of tools and supplies that I didn't need, leftovers from a neighbor who gave them to me on a ride when he saw me. But, at least I "power trained" with the extra weight.

2)Bags suck, for me, in general. Too many heel strikes when I'm in my straps. I'm going to a trunk bag. It will hold all I need.

3)Riding in a crowd of mixed riders takes the comuting power of a hyper ADD! Talk about multi tasking! I'm watching around me, and my Oldest, and talking to her keeping her pumping and close to me. I think I was more mentally drained than physically.

4)Riding is a blast! We did the 18 mile "dodge and run" and then another 15 sight seeing. My legs are a "good" sore, but I'm ready to go again tonight.

Anyways, I'm beat. I'm going to shower and get some sleep. Thanks to all who has written your stories and milestones. They make me get off my lazy ass and want to do something! You all have put the air into my sail. Thank you.

Jerry

Tom Stormcrowe

Well, 'grats, Jerry. Sounds like you have the bug.......bad!

jboyd

Oh Jerry, your killin me

Glad you had a great time. Sorry I bailed. The Pneumonia lungs had to stay behind.

Later,
Jay

Jerry in So IL

Jay

Get yourself well! I'm training for those hilly rides daily.

Pretty much a good thing you didn't come. The cool night air and those steep climbs would have had you coughing badly, with the way your lungs got. I wish I had a dollar for every "well" cyclist I saw puking their guts up after the Forrest Park ride. Could have gotten a new trailer!

But, the view of the musuem at night was just beautiful. Also was Barnes West lake and basicly Forrest Park in general. The animals from the zoo had a pretty strong odor at night also!

I'm thinking that a metric century is very possible in the spring.

Jerry

Stujoe

Sounds nice! I thought about doing the Ramble but I had too much going on this weekend. I still would like to do a ride this year as I have never done one. I am thinking my only opportunity might be Trenton's Ride To The Lake in Sept. But I am not sure I can do the 50 or 62 mile rides. lol

Jerry in So IL

Stujoe

There is a Autumn Apple Pie Tour on Saturday, September 6. It has a 14, 27, or 40 mile loops. Info on the ramble's website.

BTW we need to get together and do a few bike paths in St Louis.

Jerry

jboyd

Hey guys, don't forget that we have a perfect 50 mile trail down here, complete with 578' long, 95' high trestle and 500' pitch black tunnel

My buddy Jarvis and his S/O are wanting to make sure and do a full ride before year end, and you know how gorgeous it is down here in October. Actually my buddy is wanting to start in Harrisburg and ride the full length and back, but he is an athlete and NUTS!

Let's get our heads together and make sure and do the Tunnel full length in Oct. Maybe by then I will be able to take full breaths.

Jay

Jerry in So IL

I'm in Jay. I haven't forgotten Tunnel Hill, its just I like the metro so much! Reminds me of Germany and Europe.

Let's see if we can get it for the middle or last weekend. Me and the Oldest will be there.

Jerry

Stujoe

That apple pie tour is the same day as the ride to the lake. I will have to look into it.

I am still hoping we get down to Southern Illinois this year but it isn't looking real good. My father in law was in the hospital for a while (he owns the place down there that we visit) so we haven't been down. He is out now and doing good but I am not sure if he will be down there much before the end of the year.

Jerry in So IL

Stujoe

I'm willing to ride with you if you want to do the Ride to the Lake. As long as there is a t-shirt, I'll ride it!

Jerry

Jerry in So IL

Stujoe

BTW, how is your road bike riding coming along?

Jerry

Stujoe

I haven't even tried it again since the last post. I think I am built for a flat bar. I may end up getting a Specialized Sirrus next spring. At least that is what I am currently enamored with. lol

I am still thinking on the Lake ride. I am not sure I can actually do it. My longest ride ever was around 40 miles and that was last year. Since I got back in country in June, I haven't ridden over 20 straight although my weekly commuting miles are averaging 60-80. If I can get out for a recreational ride here in the next week, I might be able to judge my ability a little better.