Total mileage for 2017: 104.9
The snow that had been forecast for today never arrived. Still, though, the riding conditions were decidedly unpleasant, leaving me highly grateful that I was able to work in a ride at all. I rode in an intermittent light 38° sprinkle—but the worst of it was the significant wind (16 mph from the west), and when I wasn't riding directly into it, as I was for much of my ride back from the park, it lowered the wind-chill to 28° and flung the raindrops, stinging, into my face. Given all this, I decided to settle for a single round trip to Marsh Park today, grinding out the 10 miles in 1:14.
In order to make my goal of 4000 miles for this year, I'll have to average 11.46 miles per day for the remaining 339 days. This figure, however, will be much easier to meet, and usually to exceed (gradually bringing the daily needed average down) once the spring and summer days arrive.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
9th ride of 2017 - Wednesday, 1/25/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 104.9
Recent days have seen us enjoy amazingly mild weather for a Michigan January. But true winter is supposed to return to us (both snow and cold) beginning early tomorrow morning. I was, therefore, especially glad to be able to get a good ride in today, doing consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, finishing the 18 miles in 2:11. It was cloudy (and damp) throughout, and the temperature ranged from 35° when I began, about 9:30, to 40° at the end.
Having been unemployed since December 2014, I try to treat my riding as a job, to a degree—bringing to it the same kind of discipline, dedication, diligence, and focus on quality that I would to an employer.
Recent days have seen us enjoy amazingly mild weather for a Michigan January. But true winter is supposed to return to us (both snow and cold) beginning early tomorrow morning. I was, therefore, especially glad to be able to get a good ride in today, doing consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, finishing the 18 miles in 2:11. It was cloudy (and damp) throughout, and the temperature ranged from 35° when I began, about 9:30, to 40° at the end.
Having been unemployed since December 2014, I try to treat my riding as a job, to a degree—bringing to it the same kind of discipline, dedication, diligence, and focus on quality that I would to an employer.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
8th ride of 2017 - Tuesday, 1/24/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 86.9
Today I rode in much less than ideal condition—a temperature of 40°, with a steady and healthy wind of 10-15 mph bringing the wind-chill down to 33°, and a light, misty sprinkle. Despite this, however, I had intended to ride two round trips to Marsh Park. I have, though, been making good headway on a full orchestra piece I just began yesterday, and when I got some ideas for furthering it during the early part of today's ride, I made the decision to cut it short and get back to spend more time composing. (I was reminded, as well, of the counsel of my friend and former high school English teacher, the late J. Larry Roberts, who died last July. When I expressed being torn between composing and riding, he would often tell me, unhesitatingly, "You should compose. Your gift is music, and you are not likely to achieve fame riding your trike."
In the end, then, I settled for 10 (chilly) miles today, in 1:10, and was grateful to return home to dry off and warm up.
Today I rode in much less than ideal condition—a temperature of 40°, with a steady and healthy wind of 10-15 mph bringing the wind-chill down to 33°, and a light, misty sprinkle. Despite this, however, I had intended to ride two round trips to Marsh Park. I have, though, been making good headway on a full orchestra piece I just began yesterday, and when I got some ideas for furthering it during the early part of today's ride, I made the decision to cut it short and get back to spend more time composing. (I was reminded, as well, of the counsel of my friend and former high school English teacher, the late J. Larry Roberts, who died last July. When I expressed being torn between composing and riding, he would often tell me, unhesitatingly, "You should compose. Your gift is music, and you are not likely to achieve fame riding your trike."
In the end, then, I settled for 10 (chilly) miles today, in 1:10, and was grateful to return home to dry off and warm up.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
7th ride of 2017 - Saturday, 1/21/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 76.9
This morning I went out at 9:30 and rode a single round trip to Marsh Park in a heavy, clammy fog. Still, though, I was grateful for the mild weather that allowed me to ride in 41°-44° conditions on the morning of January 21!
I had hoped to do a longer ride, but was beset by a problem that convinced me to shorten it. My airhorn (which I got last summer) has been kaput for the last few weeks. When I took the trike to Wheels in Motion yesterday to have new tires put on, I asked them to look at the horn, and they said that although air was audibly leaking out, there was nothing obvious, such as a hole in the hose. They speculated that it might be a blown seal inside the horn, and that I'd probably just need to replace it.
This morning I went out at 9:30 and rode a single round trip to Marsh Park in a heavy, clammy fog. Still, though, I was grateful for the mild weather that allowed me to ride in 41°-44° conditions on the morning of January 21!
I had hoped to do a longer ride, but was beset by a problem that convinced me to shorten it. My airhorn (which I got last summer) has been kaput for the last few weeks. When I took the trike to Wheels in Motion yesterday to have new tires put on, I asked them to look at the horn, and they said that although air was audibly leaking out, there was nothing obvious, such as a hole in the hose. They speculated that it might be a blown seal inside the horn, and that I'd probably just need to replace it.
Anyway, though, the horn had come loose from its holder, and was hanging over the handlebar in recent days. And during this morning's ride, it slipped off and became entangled in the wheel, ripping the horn from it's hose.
At any rate, I did the 10 miles this morning in 1:12, and though this was neither a good time nor a good distance, I guess the important thing is to keep chipping away at it.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
6th ride of 2017 - Thursday, 1/19/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 48.9
This afternoon I went out at 12:30, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for the first time since November 29, finishing the 18 miles in 2:05. It didn't heat up as much as projected today, as I rode at 38°, but it was tolerable, and warmer weather is supposed to be on the way. They're still calling for +50° on Saturday (the current forecast calls for 53°).
This afternoon I went out at 12:30, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for the first time since November 29, finishing the 18 miles in 2:05. It didn't heat up as much as projected today, as I rode at 38°, but it was tolerable, and warmer weather is supposed to be on the way. They're still calling for +50° on Saturday (the current forecast calls for 53°).
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
5th ride of 2017 - Wednesday, 1/18/2016
Total mileage for 2017: 48.9
Today I had lunch with my good friend Doug Tidd, the fellow who got me into cycling back in 2012. Over lunch we discussed this summer's PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) ride, which he plans to do, having done it numerous times before. I plan to also, though I will be a PALM virgin.
PALM is a weeklong group bicycle ride that takes place annually in June (since the late nineteen-seventies). Their website says, "PALM always begins along the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan and heads east along a different route from the previous year. Typical routing includes paved, lesser used roads and generally avoids major urban areas. We try to choose roads with shoulders and a smooth surface, however, you may encounter heavier traffic due to urban sprawl, road construction, and/or limited routing choices . The total distance of the ride is between 250 and 300 miles. Daily rides range from 30 to 60 miles averaging approximately 50 miles. We also provide longer optional routes each day (except Friday). Schools along the route serve as our overnight stops. We camp on their grounds and use their facilities for showers and meals. Trucks transport our luggage from site to site. SAG [Support and Gear] vehicles support our riders during the day. Bike shops accompany the tour and can make repairs in the evening.
This year's route will begin in Saugatuck (on Lake Michigan). Those of us originating on the east side of the state will be bussed there on Saturday, June 24. Sunday's ride, to Otsego, will cover 41 miles. Monday's, to Nashville (Michigan, not Tennessee) will cover 46 miles. Tuesday's will be 45 miles, to Eaton Rapids. Wednesday's, to Grass Lake, will be 44 miles. Thursday's 41-mile ride will take us to Milan, and on Friday, June 30, a final 31-mile segment will allow us to finish at Lake Erie Metropark.
I had contemplated riding two round trips to Marsh Park today, which would have been my first time of doing more than one since November 29. But Doug and I had discussed the need for me to work on speed, and as I was pushing myself pretty good today, and haven't been riding much in recent weeks due to weather, I was pretty well spent as I came toward the end of the first one, and decided to let that suffice, and shoot for two tomorrow. That should be quite feasible, as the next several days are supposed to feature exceptionally mild winter weather. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a high of 47°, with 55° on Saturday! Short sleeve weather? We'll see. Anyway, today I did the 10 miles in 1:07, very far from a record time for me but the best I've done in several months. When I began, a bit before 1:00 p.m., it was 38°, and when I finished it was a sweltering 39°.
Today I had lunch with my good friend Doug Tidd, the fellow who got me into cycling back in 2012. Over lunch we discussed this summer's PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) ride, which he plans to do, having done it numerous times before. I plan to also, though I will be a PALM virgin.
PALM is a weeklong group bicycle ride that takes place annually in June (since the late nineteen-seventies). Their website says, "PALM always begins along the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan and heads east along a different route from the previous year. Typical routing includes paved, lesser used roads and generally avoids major urban areas. We try to choose roads with shoulders and a smooth surface, however, you may encounter heavier traffic due to urban sprawl, road construction, and/or limited routing choices . The total distance of the ride is between 250 and 300 miles. Daily rides range from 30 to 60 miles averaging approximately 50 miles. We also provide longer optional routes each day (except Friday). Schools along the route serve as our overnight stops. We camp on their grounds and use their facilities for showers and meals. Trucks transport our luggage from site to site. SAG [Support and Gear] vehicles support our riders during the day. Bike shops accompany the tour and can make repairs in the evening.
This year's route will begin in Saugatuck (on Lake Michigan). Those of us originating on the east side of the state will be bussed there on Saturday, June 24. Sunday's ride, to Otsego, will cover 41 miles. Monday's, to Nashville (Michigan, not Tennessee) will cover 46 miles. Tuesday's will be 45 miles, to Eaton Rapids. Wednesday's, to Grass Lake, will be 44 miles. Thursday's 41-mile ride will take us to Milan, and on Friday, June 30, a final 31-mile segment will allow us to finish at Lake Erie Metropark.
I had contemplated riding two round trips to Marsh Park today, which would have been my first time of doing more than one since November 29. But Doug and I had discussed the need for me to work on speed, and as I was pushing myself pretty good today, and haven't been riding much in recent weeks due to weather, I was pretty well spent as I came toward the end of the first one, and decided to let that suffice, and shoot for two tomorrow. That should be quite feasible, as the next several days are supposed to feature exceptionally mild winter weather. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a high of 47°, with 55° on Saturday! Short sleeve weather? We'll see. Anyway, today I did the 10 miles in 1:07, very far from a record time for me but the best I've done in several months. When I began, a bit before 1:00 p.m., it was 38°, and when I finished it was a sweltering 39°.
Monday, January 16, 2017
4th ride of 2017 - Monday, 1/16/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 38.9
This morning I did a ride that was cold, but tolerable. When I left, just past 9:30, it was 28°, and when I finished it was 31°. Much of the ride, however, enabled me to "enjoy" a light wintry mix of rain/snow pelting me, crinkling off my helmet and my coat.
I settled for a duplication of my first ride of the year, back on New Years Day—to Marsh Park, and then on the way home, south on Wilson Road towards Saline, and then my loop around Saline High School, for a ride of 12.6 miles which, however, I did 5 minutes faster today than on January 1, finishing in 1:30.
This morning I did a ride that was cold, but tolerable. When I left, just past 9:30, it was 28°, and when I finished it was 31°. Much of the ride, however, enabled me to "enjoy" a light wintry mix of rain/snow pelting me, crinkling off my helmet and my coat.
I settled for a duplication of my first ride of the year, back on New Years Day—to Marsh Park, and then on the way home, south on Wilson Road towards Saline, and then my loop around Saline High School, for a ride of 12.6 miles which, however, I did 5 minutes faster today than on January 1, finishing in 1:30.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
3rd ride of 2017 - Saturday, 1/14/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 26.3
The weather this morning allowed me to ride outside for the first time since January 4. I set off a bit past 9:30 and did a dry, cool ride—a single round trip to Marsh Park, at 25° when I started out, and all the way up to 27° when I finished! I aired up my tires before riding, as the cold weather had decreased their pressure, but still could not go too quickly—I did the 10 miles in 1:12. But I'm glad I could finally get outside again!
I didn't ride on this date last year, but my blog post from the closest date to it (January 5) follows:
Today's ride ended with (mild) adventure. Riding on a 24° morning, at least I did not have to worry about heatstroke! It was made feasible by the near total absence of wind, and bright cheerful sunshine.
It brought to mind a piece I heard the St. Olaf Choir sing during my freshman year at the college (1975–76), and even though it was 40 years ago, I still remember the crisp bounce of its 5/8 rhythm, and the cheerful text (which I think begins, "Sing to the world, the Lord is now come, on this, a winter morning"). I have not my son John's gift of perfect pitch (which he inherits from his mother), or I could identify its key as well.
A little over a half mile from home, having ridden a round trip to Marsh Park, I was crossing a road and going back up onto the sidewalk, when I heard a CRACK, and the trike canted slightly to the right. I thought it was something in the fastening of the seat that had given way ... but this proved not to be the case. I got back to our complex OK, and was riding my concluding loop within it, when, about halfway around, the front wheel clamp (that holds the "outrigger" into position) gave way, and I collapsed to the ground. I was able to find the clamp with no trouble, and pull the trike back around to our garage, but it will mean a trip back to Jack's Bicycle in Dearborn tomorrow for repair. I am grateful to God, though, that this happened when I was so close to home.
So, at any rate, the slightly truncated ride meant that I did 9.8 miles, in a slow 1 hour and 8 minutes.
The weather this morning allowed me to ride outside for the first time since January 4. I set off a bit past 9:30 and did a dry, cool ride—a single round trip to Marsh Park, at 25° when I started out, and all the way up to 27° when I finished! I aired up my tires before riding, as the cold weather had decreased their pressure, but still could not go too quickly—I did the 10 miles in 1:12. But I'm glad I could finally get outside again!
I didn't ride on this date last year, but my blog post from the closest date to it (January 5) follows:
Today's ride ended with (mild) adventure. Riding on a 24° morning, at least I did not have to worry about heatstroke! It was made feasible by the near total absence of wind, and bright cheerful sunshine.
It brought to mind a piece I heard the St. Olaf Choir sing during my freshman year at the college (1975–76), and even though it was 40 years ago, I still remember the crisp bounce of its 5/8 rhythm, and the cheerful text (which I think begins, "Sing to the world, the Lord is now come, on this, a winter morning"). I have not my son John's gift of perfect pitch (which he inherits from his mother), or I could identify its key as well.
A little over a half mile from home, having ridden a round trip to Marsh Park, I was crossing a road and going back up onto the sidewalk, when I heard a CRACK, and the trike canted slightly to the right. I thought it was something in the fastening of the seat that had given way ... but this proved not to be the case. I got back to our complex OK, and was riding my concluding loop within it, when, about halfway around, the front wheel clamp (that holds the "outrigger" into position) gave way, and I collapsed to the ground. I was able to find the clamp with no trouble, and pull the trike back around to our garage, but it will mean a trip back to Jack's Bicycle in Dearborn tomorrow for repair. I am grateful to God, though, that this happened when I was so close to home.
So, at any rate, the slightly truncated ride meant that I did 9.8 miles, in a slow 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
2nd ride of 2017 - Wednesday, 1/4/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 16.3
Nippy ride today! I decided to wait and ride at midday, after it had heated up a bit. HA! When I went, at about 11:30, it was 24°, which would have been tolerable if not for the stiff 24 mph wind out of the west that brought the wind chill down to 4°. I was a wimp and succumbed to the elements, only riding down as far as Regents Park Court (about 3/4 of the way to Textile) before turning around and coming back. This gave me a ride of only 3.7 miles today, in 30 minutes that I was glad to finish.
Nippy ride today! I decided to wait and ride at midday, after it had heated up a bit. HA! When I went, at about 11:30, it was 24°, which would have been tolerable if not for the stiff 24 mph wind out of the west that brought the wind chill down to 4°. I was a wimp and succumbed to the elements, only riding down as far as Regents Park Court (about 3/4 of the way to Textile) before turning around and coming back. This gave me a ride of only 3.7 miles today, in 30 minutes that I was glad to finish.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
1st ride of 2017 - Monday, 1/2/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 12.6
I was glad to be able to get started with my riding for 2017 today, after feeling some abdominal pain yesterday that made me feel I should not ride. It was a shame to have to waste a sunny, mild day (39°).
I decided to wait until late morning so it could "heat up," and went about 11:15, when it was 35°; by the time I finished, 1:35 later, it was all the way up to 38°! I wanted to do more than a single round trip to Marsh Park, but not push myself too far, so I rode to the park, and then on the way home, went (via Wilson Rd.) to Saline, doing my familiar loop around Saline High School, and this gave me a modest ride of 12.6 miles.
I was glad to be able to get started with my riding for 2017 today, after feeling some abdominal pain yesterday that made me feel I should not ride. It was a shame to have to waste a sunny, mild day (39°).
I decided to wait until late morning so it could "heat up," and went about 11:15, when it was 35°; by the time I finished, 1:35 later, it was all the way up to 38°! I wanted to do more than a single round trip to Marsh Park, but not push myself too far, so I rode to the park, and then on the way home, went (via Wilson Rd.) to Saline, doing my familiar loop around Saline High School, and this gave me a modest ride of 12.6 miles.
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