04/23/2011

My ride today was with two of my riding friends.
Miles today: 49+
Mileage this month APRIL: 754+
Mileage this year: 2763+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 39%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: -2 days
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +297 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 37+ (best ever)
Average miles per ride this month: 50+ (best ever)
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 4237, this well be an 800+ mile month (best ever) and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

We had great weather this morning, 71⁰F when I left home at 8:00 AM and 85⁰F with East winds from 10 to 17 mph when I got back. Headed north on the trail to Mandarin where we did the 4 mile loop, then back to the trail and on to Panera Bread for a bagel and coffee. Took International Drive north to SR 46 then back to Wilson Rd then west to Sylvan Lake Rd then, rode around in the park, then to the northern trail head where we took our second break. Then it was homeward bound, it was a perfect day.

Tomorrow I plan to ride with my daughter, we should get at least 45 miles, perhaps more.

I rode the Casseroll into town for the Earth day festivities at the Greenway by the Oconee River, 30 mile round trip. While there I paddled a kayak around for a bit in the river. My LBS is also a river outfitter and they were there giving demos. Quite fun. I think I could enjoy floating down the river with a rod and reel.

Later the Greenway was overtaken by kids and their parents for a huge Easter egg hunt. That was fun to watch for a little while, but I soon made my escape and met my wife and son in town for lunch at the Mexican place. Then I headed home.

Riding the heavier (especially today, carrying a rack bag loaded with things for the day), wider tired, steel general purpose bike on some of the same roads where I have been riding the new carbon ligtweight road bike was an eye opener. At first the bike felt sluggish and heavy, but once I changed my mindset and got into the rhythm of the bike I was on, it felt good again.

22 mile ride today during a several-hour break from rain. Then, again this evening got out for 5 miles in the near-dark but dry except for a few sprinkles.
Rain predicted again for Easter. The fenders are on to take advantage of opportunities.

Tour de Carroll in MD, metric. Cold and rainy for the first hour, and then only just cold. Still it was good to see so many people getting out despite the nasty weather.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/81025894

Beautiful easter sunday ! My regular 30 mile loop through the forrest. Very few people out, most of the regular crowd on a sunday have gone to their cabins in the mountains in pursuit of the snow. Did the same loop the other way around yesterday and since I was alone I could go really fast downhill. Hit 46 mph coming down here:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...k/IMG_1515.jpg
The ice is almost gone on the lakes so spring is coming to the forrest as well as in town where I live.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...k/IMG_1521.jpg

Plodderslusk, beautiful lake view. I recently read a cycling journal on Crazyguyonabike of a tour of Norway. Beautiful country with many fine small towns and friendly people - and you can ski in winter. Perfect.

Plodderslusk,

You've got a great place to ride, ski, and paddle.

I'm still waiting for my favorite lake to thaw. I'll do kayak workouts there in another couple of weeks.

Here's a pic at my place yesterday morning. I rode indoors on the trainer ... Yuk !
The snow melted later in the day.

Winter dies slowly at 9,000ft / 2745m elevation :)http://www.yostwerks.com/SnowApr23.jpg

...After the Spring thaw at 10,500ft / 3200m in a homebuilt clear skin kayak.... A good alternate workout.
http://www.yostwerks.com/JeffersonLakeNikumiC.jpg

If I am not mistaken, that is almost TWO MILES UP?? Dam, you be up there. The picture of your place is like a postcard!! :thumb:

There's fun snow and work snow ... here's the work variety :p... Though shoveling snow provides a good workout !
http://www.yostwerks.com/Plow18Apr09B.jpg

Snowshoes on board at 11,500ft / 3500m.
http://www.yostwerks.com/ApeTriShoe.jpg

Snowshoeing at Hoosier Pass in Oct 2010.... A great pre-ski season workout at near 12,000ft / 3660m
and a good area for road and mtn biking in summer.
http://www.yostwerks.com/SnowshoeHoosierOct10B.jpg

If anyone is put-off by my posts as they are certainly off-topic just say the word and I'll gladly remove them.
I like to ride, but riding alone is simply not enough to keep me interested, hence the variety in my workouts... Regards, Tom

04/24/2011

My ride today was with my daughter.
Miles today: 45+
Mileage this month APRIL: 800+ this could well be a 900+ mile month (best ever)
Mileage this year: 2808+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 40%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: -2 days
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +306 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 37+ (best ever)
Average miles per ride this month: 50+ (best ever)
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 4191, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

We had great weather this morning, 71⁰F when I left home at 8:00 AM and 82⁰F with East winds from 10 to 14 mph when I got back. Headed north on the trail to Mandarin where we did the 4 mile loop, then back to the trail and on to Panera Bread for a bagel and coffee. Took International Drive north to SR 46 then back to Wayside road then west to Sylvan Lake Rd then, rode around in the park then to the northern trail head where we took our second break. Then it was homeward bound and into the wind, it was a perfect day.

Tomorrow I plan a rest day and will clean the bike.

No riding today, since I have to work, but I got in 42 miles yesterday. I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever warm up here this spring. It was 41 degrees and dropping when I rode yesterday. Luckily, the wind, which had been up to 35 mph in the morning, had dropped off significantly by the time I made it out for my ride. I'm afraid we're going to jump from the 40s to 90 one of these days and miss the nice temps in between.

Surprised to wake to a weather.com forecast for a several-hour break in the rain so was able to attend the local club's Pedalmentalist Easter Service, a 33-mile ride through suburban/rural areas to the north or Indy.
No rain, a little mist here and there and temps around 60F.

I rode fifty miles yesterday. I did want to ride some today but my daughter who is a fitness nut told me after yesterdays ride I am to rest. Don't see her much so staying home Easter Sunday was good.

I rode 12.2 mi today. This was the second time on my new bike, a 2010 Gary Fisher Chronus. I have so much to (re-) learn about cycling, but my great new ride is certainly motivating me.

I rode on a new bicycle trail in our area, the Chester Valley Trail (http://www.traillink.com/trail/chest...ey-trail-.aspx). I had a nice ride, although the trail was understandibly crowded on a beautiful Spring morning. I am starting to get the hang of the clipless pedals and other new technological features of the bike.

I had a blast--that's the main thing!

35 miler late today (after family obligations - and lots of carbs). I got bold and explored a new route north of where I typically ride, which I've been avoiding for some time because there's a lot of rolling hills there. It was quite enjoyable and the roads were a lot better than I expected. I passed quite a few lovely pastures and there was hardly any traffic. The iPhone GPS was really helpful, especially after I took a wrong turn!

Yesterday I rode about 20 miles with my oldest son, who has been bugging me about getting the Trek. It was basically a shakedown ride to check and adjust his fit on the bike. He kept up pretty well, and set the pace for part of the ride. I avoided the hills, since he needs more practice with the brifters, but he insisted on using the SPD pedals, even though he's never ridden them before. He actually did pretty well. I think he's hooked. LOL

Now my younger son is asking to ride. I've been looking for a way to spend more time with him, so this might be a good opportunity. Of course, that means I'll need another road bike. :D

I'm a bit late on writing this. I can tell it's going to take some time to get my legs and thighs back in shape. Saturday I did a 25 mile ride and really could have kept going if we hadn't already had plans for the day. Yesterday I did a 15 mile ride. So 40 miles isn't so bad for a 59 year youngun who's just getting back on the saddle! Lovin' every minute of it!

Ha, put off?? they are a TURN ON!! :thumb:

My nephew just got a Aprillia RSV4 basic. We supposed to hook up pretty soon. Will post a pic of that ride..

In the meantime, just letting you know, you all ain't the only ones that have fun when it is cold out!! :D



http://www.cehoward.net/snow.jpg

In the meantime, keep pics coming...:beer:

81.7 on Saturday (65ish for the Ride for the Children charity event, plus I rode to/from the event) @17.1 ave. I did not drink my electrolyte soon enough, and had some thigh cramps after about 52 miles. Was lucky to pedal thru them. I also could have done a better job of fueling. I started to fade with about 4 miles left in the ride, and did not feel strong at all on the ride home. Live and learn.

Got in 26 miles yesterday.. was windy (had to work to ride downhill), but was pleased with my effort. I do need to move my saddle back some, I think. I am getting some soreness in my left knee.

New Guy Here
 

Not new to cycling, though not riding as often as I should. Yesterday (Easter) did 32 miles from downtown Houston out to southwest Houston and back. My time was right at 3 hours, very disappointing! :cry: Couple of things I take into account, first, not enough practice. Second, the wind. Had a headwind going south and west, but I guess it shifted, it was worse on the return trip. At times I was fighting gusts and only hitting 7 or 8 mph. (Determination + inspiration = perserverance) Third was brake drag. Need to look at that. Had a Clif bar halfway through, lots of water, drinking before I got thirsty, but I lost all my jam around 29 miles, the rest was punishment. Maybe should have had a second energy bar, but didn't want to spoil my Easter Supper!

I ride a 1984 Mercian, and I love it. Quietest, smoothest bike I've ever had, I'll never sell it. But I think I need a bit of truing on the rims. I never got out of 2nd gear/ 14 mph, as if I were pulling an anchor. Front rings are 52/42T, rear freewheel 7 speed is 12 - 21. If I can build up some more strength I would be a blur...:lol:

Rode 30 miles yesterday before heading to our neighbor's for the Easter feast. Great ride.
Did the same route today on the Specialized. Still trying to get it dialed in so it rides as smoothly as my Litespeed. :beer:

Enjoyed church yesterday, and a great day for a ride today. Yesterday got windy. HR is getting better each week. My next ride day I will spend in the dentist chair, getting a root canal and crown. Oh joy!!. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/81602695

Yes i did ride today. 40 miles, head/side winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40. I was heading south, had a headwind first 3 miles then hit the west winds all the way to the beach. It got a little calm a few miles from the beach. Went east along the beach for 5 miles then turned around. Going west into a 18 to 25 mph head wind with sand stinging my legs. Finally turn north for the nice west to east blasts most of the way. Got near home with the wind calming the last mile or so which made it nice. Avg 16 mph for the trip. Gotta get the miles in for my birthday next month, need 66 miles.

I have skied the Flume trail many, many times, it's one of my favorite ski tours, back into the upper bowls for some great powder tele skiing! Thanks for the memories!

04/26/2011

My ride today was with my Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday ride partner.
Miles today: 56+
Mileage this month APRIL: 856+ this could well be a 950 or 1,000 mile month (best ever)
Mileage this year: 2864+
Percent of 2011 goal achieved: 41%
Over/under riding days 2011 vs. 2010: -2 days
Over/under miles 2011 vs. 2010: +329 miles
Average miles per ride this year: 38+ (best ever)
Average miles per ride this month: 50+ (best ever)
Miles needed to hit my 2011 goal of 7,000: 4135, and an 8,000 mile year (best ever) is not out of reach.

Could not sleep last night so I left the house well before sun up to get a few miles in before meeting my Tuesday ride partner at the San Sebastian Trail head at 7:30 AM. I rode down to the tunnel but it was still locked and wasn’t due to open until daybreak. I turned around and rode back to the Burger King and got a cup of coffee. I got back on the trail and rode to Spring Oaks where I can get a nice 5.5 mile loop with very little traffic. By the time I finished that and rode back to the trail head it was daylight and I had 12 miles in already. We had great weather this morning, 71⁰F when I left home at 5:30 AM and 84⁰F with East South East winds from 10 to 14 mph when I got back. However the humidity was brutal. We headed north on the trail to Mandarin where we did the 4 mile loop, then back to the trail and on to Panera Bread for bagels and iced tea. After leaving Panera we headed north through Heathrow to Deer Path which is north of SR 46. Then back to Sylvan Lake Rd and west to the park. We did the normal loop in the park then to the northern trail head where we took our second break. Then it was homeward bound and into the wind, it was a perfect day.

Tomorrow I plan a solo ride if the weather is good.

103 miles on Saturday with 6000 ft of climbing on one of my favorite loops for a distance ride. Today I joined up with our locals and did our Tuesday night ride. We had 5 riders show up including me. We debated going out as there were nasty storms surrounding the area. We got in 30 miles and I drove the group as hard as I could for as long as I could. Just the type of workout I needed! Oh yeah, played 18 holes of golf earlier in the today.