Total mileage for 2017: 1929.5
This morning I got a late start, not going out until about 11:00, as I spent the bulk of the morning composing. Once I got out there, I tried to tell myself that it would be a "fail" if I didn't ride three round trips to Marsh Park—but that motivational attempt did not work, as I settled for two (eager to get back to composing). And this 18.2-mile ride took my 2:08.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
119th ride of 2017 - Saturday, 7/29/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1911.3
Another GORGEOUS day for a ride—63° and brightly sunny when I started, at 8:15, and 75° when finished.. But I had lots of things calling to me to be done (including composition), so I keep the ride relatively short, and just did consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, finishing the 18.1 miles in 2:02. It did at least get me over a new milestone, however—1900 miles for the year.
Another GORGEOUS day for a ride—63° and brightly sunny when I started, at 8:15, and 75° when finished.. But I had lots of things calling to me to be done (including composition), so I keep the ride relatively short, and just did consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, finishing the 18.1 miles in 2:02. It did at least get me over a new milestone, however—1900 miles for the year.
Friday, July 28, 2017
111th ride of 2017 - Friday, 7/28/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1893.2
Thoroughly enjoying and taking advantage of the mild temperatures we are currently enjoying, this morning I did my fourth straight daily ride of over 20 miles. When I left at 7:15, it was 62°; and 21.3 miles and 2:36 later, it was up to 68°.
I rode consecutive round trips to Saline (Woodland Dr. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.), delighted that I can do this entire ride on trails and walks, thus honoring Michelle's request that I keep all my riding off-road.
Before leaving this morning, I traded early email with a former work colleague from Firestone, who was thanking for the birthday greeting I just sent him. In reply, I mentioned my riding, and he said that yes, he sometimes sees me. I told him to honk next time, although I probably wouldn't know it's him, as my distance vision is so execrable. (OK—at 7 a.m., I used the word "poor.:) 😅
Thoroughly enjoying and taking advantage of the mild temperatures we are currently enjoying, this morning I did my fourth straight daily ride of over 20 miles. When I left at 7:15, it was 62°; and 21.3 miles and 2:36 later, it was up to 68°.
I rode consecutive round trips to Saline (Woodland Dr. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.), delighted that I can do this entire ride on trails and walks, thus honoring Michelle's request that I keep all my riding off-road.
Before leaving this morning, I traded early email with a former work colleague from Firestone, who was thanking for the birthday greeting I just sent him. In reply, I mentioned my riding, and he said that yes, he sometimes sees me. I told him to honk next time, although I probably wouldn't know it's him, as my distance vision is so execrable. (OK—at 7 a.m., I used the word "poor.:) 😅
Thursday, July 27, 2017
110th ride of 2017 - Thursday, 7/27/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1871.9
Ever since I rolled the trike and got that 'road rash' last week, I've been leery of falling again and reopening it, so I've tried to be extra careful, hoping to avoid this. But, as it turns out, that hope was in vain.
I did another long ride today—a round trip to Baker Rd. (Dexter). And as I was returning from it, I encountered one of the many places where Ann Arbor seems to be carrying out a spate of seasonally appropriate sidewalk repair. At the intersection of Seventh St. and Stadium Blvd., as I was riding east on the sidewalk (toward the Big House), just after leaving the street I encountered a large sign, weighted with sandbags, informing me helpfully that the sidewalk was undergoing repair. In order to avoid a collision with the sign, I had to execute a sharp, quick turn around it—and this caused the trike to roll.
The result looks much more dramatic than it really was. The adrenalin spike I experienced actually kept the pain quite minimal.
At any rate, this slowed me a bit for the last three miles, sullying what had been a pretty good ride until then. The round trip was 20.5 miles, and took me 2:34. When I left, at 6:15, it was 63° (and just light enough to ride); when I finished, 74°.
Ever since I rolled the trike and got that 'road rash' last week, I've been leery of falling again and reopening it, so I've tried to be extra careful, hoping to avoid this. But, as it turns out, that hope was in vain.
I did another long ride today—a round trip to Baker Rd. (Dexter). And as I was returning from it, I encountered one of the many places where Ann Arbor seems to be carrying out a spate of seasonally appropriate sidewalk repair. At the intersection of Seventh St. and Stadium Blvd., as I was riding east on the sidewalk (toward the Big House), just after leaving the street I encountered a large sign, weighted with sandbags, informing me helpfully that the sidewalk was undergoing repair. In order to avoid a collision with the sign, I had to execute a sharp, quick turn around it—and this caused the trike to roll.
The result looks much more dramatic than it really was. The adrenalin spike I experienced actually kept the pain quite minimal.
At any rate, this slowed me a bit for the last three miles, sullying what had been a pretty good ride until then. The round trip was 20.5 miles, and took me 2:34. When I left, at 6:15, it was 63° (and just light enough to ride); when I finished, 74°.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
109th ride of 2017 - Wednesday, 7/26/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1851.4
This morning, took my good old sweet time, I didn't begin my ride until 8:15, but then (similar to yesterday) I did a long ride into relatively new areas. I didn't ride anywhere I haven't ridden before, but the combination was new to me. I rode surface streets (though all on sidewalks, of course) to Gallup Park, and then took the path that runs along beside the Huron River and goest out through the east end of the park, passes under U.S. 23 and Dixboro Rd., and then on to Parker Mills park. At the park I took a brief rest break, and then returned to Gallup Park, but exited the northern end of the park to continue on the B2B (Border to Border) trail and take a different route home. I ended up with a ride of 21.3 miles in 2:44.
This morning, took my good old sweet time, I didn't begin my ride until 8:15, but then (similar to yesterday) I did a long ride into relatively new areas. I didn't ride anywhere I haven't ridden before, but the combination was new to me. I rode surface streets (though all on sidewalks, of course) to Gallup Park, and then took the path that runs along beside the Huron River and goest out through the east end of the park, passes under U.S. 23 and Dixboro Rd., and then on to Parker Mills park. At the park I took a brief rest break, and then returned to Gallup Park, but exited the northern end of the park to continue on the B2B (Border to Border) trail and take a different route home. I ended up with a ride of 21.3 miles in 2:44.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
108th ride of 2017 - Tuesday, 7/25/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1830.1
Today represented absolute perfection in regard to riding weather. When I began, at 7:15, it was clear, calm, and the temperature was "just right" at 53°— not cool enough to render short sleeves problematic, but also avoiding the summer heat which has plagued us on so many recent days.I was awfully happy to be able to get "back in the saddle" again, too, after being unable to ride the past three days.
Accordingly, I rode easily and comfortably down to Saline along Maple Rd. (all on walks)—into the center of the city, and then west well past Wellers. The walk finally dumped into a community of condominiums (River Ridge), but when I continued west I found that the walk eventually resumed, exiting the condominiums and following Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12) for a ways farther before 12 continues on west out into the country, on toward Clinton and then the Irish Hills, and the area beyond where I grew up. So I followed the walk to its end, then turned around and headed home.
On the way, though, I turned east on Industrial, and wound my way around past Saline High School and down to Marsh Park (after all, my ride would hardly feel complete if I didn't visit the park 😇) before finishing up. This good ride of 20.6 miles took me 2:22.
And now I am rewarded with a gorgeous summer morning which I get to enjoy on our patio, sitting with Michelle as she does some work on her laptop, and I am about to turn to composing.
Today represented absolute perfection in regard to riding weather. When I began, at 7:15, it was clear, calm, and the temperature was "just right" at 53°— not cool enough to render short sleeves problematic, but also avoiding the summer heat which has plagued us on so many recent days.I was awfully happy to be able to get "back in the saddle" again, too, after being unable to ride the past three days.
Accordingly, I rode easily and comfortably down to Saline along Maple Rd. (all on walks)—into the center of the city, and then west well past Wellers. The walk finally dumped into a community of condominiums (River Ridge), but when I continued west I found that the walk eventually resumed, exiting the condominiums and following Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12) for a ways farther before 12 continues on west out into the country, on toward Clinton and then the Irish Hills, and the area beyond where I grew up. So I followed the walk to its end, then turned around and headed home.
On the way, though, I turned east on Industrial, and wound my way around past Saline High School and down to Marsh Park (after all, my ride would hardly feel complete if I didn't visit the park 😇) before finishing up. This good ride of 20.6 miles took me 2:22.
And now I am rewarded with a gorgeous summer morning which I get to enjoy on our patio, sitting with Michelle as she does some work on her laptop, and I am about to turn to composing.
Friday, July 21, 2017
107th ride of 2017 - Friday, 7/21/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1809.5
I was quite lazy this morning, not starting until 7:45, and then settling for just a single round trip to Marsh Park. However, composition was calling to me quite strongly, and I am hoping/planning to tack on another this evening, after the temperature has crested and it begins to cool a bit.
At least it was another "milestone day, though, getting me above 1800 miles for the year. When I began today, it was already 71*, and 76* when I finished. I completed the 10.2-mile ride in 1:08.
Here is a picture of me on the trike that I rented from the Ft. Collins Bike Library that I rented when we visited Christy in Colorado just about exactly two years ago. It's not a recumbent, but I was awfully glad to be able to ride while out there!
I was quite lazy this morning, not starting until 7:45, and then settling for just a single round trip to Marsh Park. However, composition was calling to me quite strongly, and I am hoping/planning to tack on another this evening, after the temperature has crested and it begins to cool a bit.
At least it was another "milestone day, though, getting me above 1800 miles for the year. When I began today, it was already 71*, and 76* when I finished. I completed the 10.2-mile ride in 1:08.
Here is a picture of me on the trike that I rented from the Ft. Collins Bike Library that I rented when we visited Christy in Colorado just about exactly two years ago. It's not a recumbent, but I was awfully glad to be able to ride while out there!
Thursday, July 20, 2017
106th ride of 2017 - Thursday, 7/20/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1799.3
Today it was absolutely critical that I ride early, for two reasons. First, yesterday was our hottest day of the year, at 91° mid-afternoon, and today is supposed to be even hotter. Second, scattered thundershowers are projected for much of today.
So I went out at 6:20, absolutely delighted to have on my riding shoes so that I could once more clip into the pedals (unlike yesterday), and, though I had considered riding three round trips to Marsh Park, by the end of the second, the weather was beginning to pick up somewhat (though rain was not yet falling), and I could hear composition calling to me, so I settled for consecutive round trips, completing the 18,1 miles in a few seconds under 2:10.
Today it was absolutely critical that I ride early, for two reasons. First, yesterday was our hottest day of the year, at 91° mid-afternoon, and today is supposed to be even hotter. Second, scattered thundershowers are projected for much of today.
So I went out at 6:20, absolutely delighted to have on my riding shoes so that I could once more clip into the pedals (unlike yesterday), and, though I had considered riding three round trips to Marsh Park, by the end of the second, the weather was beginning to pick up somewhat (though rain was not yet falling), and I could hear composition calling to me, so I settled for consecutive round trips, completing the 18,1 miles in a few seconds under 2:10.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
105th ride of 2017 - Wednesday, 7/19/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1781.2
Always some new challenge, it seems.😇
This morning I went out to ride nice and early (before 6:30), hoping to work in 3 round trips to Marsh Park (a ride of about 28 miles). However, you know what they say about "the best laid plans" ...
I wear shoes with cleats that hook into the pedals for my cycling ('Specialized' brand)—but they have often proved somewhat troublesome to remove from the pedals when I've done, and this was especially true yesterday. When I got to the trike this morning, there were no cleats! I assumed they had torn off during the difficult removal yesterday, and I was ready to head back inside and prepare to head off to Jack's Bicycle for their 9:00 a.m. opening today in order to purchase some new shoes. But then, i realized that the day was only going to heat up considerably from the 66° temperature I was then enjoying, so I decided to ride anyway, and just be careful.
However, about 4 miles into the ride (just as I was approaching Wilson Rd., a little before the boardwalk coming up to State Rd.), my feet flew off the pedals, and my left foot got caught between the ground and the frame of the trike, and flipped it on is side. Fortunately, my leg was totally uninjured. When my arm struck the asphalt trail, though, I did open up a pretty nasty patch of 'road rash.'
In light of this incident, I decided to cut my ride today down to a single round trip to the park (and completed this 9.9-mile ride in 1:11). And when there, I went to take a picture of the damage ... and discovered I didn't have my cycling shoes on after all! I was wearing an old pair of work shoes from my Firestone days. I usually keep them in my closet, but had them out to wear recently and hadn't put them away yet. The two pairs are similar—both black and both somewhat uncomfortable and 'clunky'—so the confusion is not totally inexplicable. I would still use that word for it, though, because the ones I wore today tie with laces, whereas the cycling shoes fasten with velcro tabs. And though I was donning them at about 6:15 a.m., early morning is easily my favorite and best time of the day. Oh well!
Always some new challenge, it seems.😇
This morning I went out to ride nice and early (before 6:30), hoping to work in 3 round trips to Marsh Park (a ride of about 28 miles). However, you know what they say about "the best laid plans" ...
I wear shoes with cleats that hook into the pedals for my cycling ('Specialized' brand)—but they have often proved somewhat troublesome to remove from the pedals when I've done, and this was especially true yesterday. When I got to the trike this morning, there were no cleats! I assumed they had torn off during the difficult removal yesterday, and I was ready to head back inside and prepare to head off to Jack's Bicycle for their 9:00 a.m. opening today in order to purchase some new shoes. But then, i realized that the day was only going to heat up considerably from the 66° temperature I was then enjoying, so I decided to ride anyway, and just be careful.
However, about 4 miles into the ride (just as I was approaching Wilson Rd., a little before the boardwalk coming up to State Rd.), my feet flew off the pedals, and my left foot got caught between the ground and the frame of the trike, and flipped it on is side. Fortunately, my leg was totally uninjured. When my arm struck the asphalt trail, though, I did open up a pretty nasty patch of 'road rash.'
In light of this incident, I decided to cut my ride today down to a single round trip to the park (and completed this 9.9-mile ride in 1:11). And when there, I went to take a picture of the damage ... and discovered I didn't have my cycling shoes on after all! I was wearing an old pair of work shoes from my Firestone days. I usually keep them in my closet, but had them out to wear recently and hadn't put them away yet. The two pairs are similar—both black and both somewhat uncomfortable and 'clunky'—so the confusion is not totally inexplicable. I would still use that word for it, though, because the ones I wore today tie with laces, whereas the cycling shoes fasten with velcro tabs. And though I was donning them at about 6:15 a.m., early morning is easily my favorite and best time of the day. Oh well!
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
104th ride of 2017 - Tuesday, 7/18/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1771.3
Today, like yesterday, was an almost picture-perfect day for riding. It was clear, calm, with low humidity, and warm but not hot (though it was just a touch warmer than yesterday—70° when I started at 9:30, and 80° when I finished just past 11:30). I rode easily again, going down to Marsh Park but then, instead of making a round trip, on the way back I turned south on Wilson Rd. and made my way down to the center of Saline and back up, glad for the MapMyRide app that tracks my mileage so I don't have to remember the route and then measure it on the maps pedometer, as I had to do formerly. Today's 16.6-mile ride took me 1:55.
Today, like yesterday, was an almost picture-perfect day for riding. It was clear, calm, with low humidity, and warm but not hot (though it was just a touch warmer than yesterday—70° when I started at 9:30, and 80° when I finished just past 11:30). I rode easily again, going down to Marsh Park but then, instead of making a round trip, on the way back I turned south on Wilson Rd. and made my way down to the center of Saline and back up, glad for the MapMyRide app that tracks my mileage so I don't have to remember the route and then measure it on the maps pedometer, as I had to do formerly. Today's 16.6-mile ride took me 1:55.
Monday, July 17, 2017
103rd ride of 2017 - Monday, 7/17/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1754.7
What an absolutely gorgeous day for a ride! Bright sunshine (nearly cloudless skies in the early part of the ride, although a few moved in later) combined with mild temperature (68° at 10:30 when I began, and 76° when I finished), plus notably low humidity. Riding easily, I took advantage of the new separated walkway that was a part of the renovations to Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. a couple of years ago, and rode north to Eisenhower Blvd. Then I went east to Stone School Rd., and then south past our old apartment (Pheasant Run, where we lived 1993-2004) down to Ellsworth Rd., and then east to Platt Rd., along which I rode the Platt Rd. Greenway—an asphalt trail very like my Lohr-Textile Greenway—down to Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12). The Greenway stops there, but I could see that a broad sidewalk continues for a ways, so I crossed when it was clear and rode south for another quarter mile or so to where the walk ended, and then turned around and retraced my route home. This 15.9-mile ride took me 1:59—not very fast riding, but extremely enjoyable.
What an absolutely gorgeous day for a ride! Bright sunshine (nearly cloudless skies in the early part of the ride, although a few moved in later) combined with mild temperature (68° at 10:30 when I began, and 76° when I finished), plus notably low humidity. Riding easily, I took advantage of the new separated walkway that was a part of the renovations to Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. a couple of years ago, and rode north to Eisenhower Blvd. Then I went east to Stone School Rd., and then south past our old apartment (Pheasant Run, where we lived 1993-2004) down to Ellsworth Rd., and then east to Platt Rd., along which I rode the Platt Rd. Greenway—an asphalt trail very like my Lohr-Textile Greenway—down to Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12). The Greenway stops there, but I could see that a broad sidewalk continues for a ways, so I crossed when it was clear and rode south for another quarter mile or so to where the walk ended, and then turned around and retraced my route home. This 15.9-mile ride took me 1:59—not very fast riding, but extremely enjoyable.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
102nd ride of 2017 - Sunday, 7/16/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1738.8
After being at family camp (Camp Luther in Ohio) for the last week with Michelle, my daughter Christy, and our two grandchildren, Izzy and Danny, it was good to be able to climb back on the trike today. I had considered riding last evening, but by the time we got home after a long drive, it was 5:00 p.m., the Tigers were on at 6:00, and I was inclined to just sit and relax. For that matter, I broke back in this morning in easy fashion as well, only riding a single round trip to Marsh Park (9.9 miles in 1:09). But at least I'm back at it now.
After being at family camp (Camp Luther in Ohio) for the last week with Michelle, my daughter Christy, and our two grandchildren, Izzy and Danny, it was good to be able to climb back on the trike today. I had considered riding last evening, but by the time we got home after a long drive, it was 5:00 p.m., the Tigers were on at 6:00, and I was inclined to just sit and relax. For that matter, I broke back in this morning in easy fashion as well, only riding a single round trip to Marsh Park (9.9 miles in 1:09). But at least I'm back at it now.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
101st ride of 2017 - Sunday, 7/9/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1728.9
Today was a perfect morning for a ride_when I left, just before 7:00, it was already brightly sunny, and yet only 54° (it had warmed up to 64* by the end of my ride). Nevertheless, I kept the ride short, because of the need to make some final preparations for a long road trip on which we are departing this morning. Michelle and I are making about a four-hour drive to a church camp (Camp Luther) in Ohio, right on Lake Erie and almost over to Pennsylvania, where we'll be enjoying family camp for the next 6 days along with my daughter Christy and her kids (our grandchildren) Izzy, 7, and Danny, 4.
We are terrifically excited about this, but it also means that I won't be riding again until next Sunday, and thus my blog will also be on hiatus.
Anyway, keeping the ride short, I did one round trip to Marsh Park, and one loop in Stonebridge, the subdivision on the west side of Lohr Rd. about halfway from Ellsworth Rd. down to Textile Rd. It goes through and around a very nice 18-hole golf course, and is where I did almost all my riding for the first few months after I got my trike in May 2015, at Michelle's suggestion (largely because of the good visibility there, and their very low-traffic roads.
This 12.7-mile ride took me 1:23
Today was a perfect morning for a ride_when I left, just before 7:00, it was already brightly sunny, and yet only 54° (it had warmed up to 64* by the end of my ride). Nevertheless, I kept the ride short, because of the need to make some final preparations for a long road trip on which we are departing this morning. Michelle and I are making about a four-hour drive to a church camp (Camp Luther) in Ohio, right on Lake Erie and almost over to Pennsylvania, where we'll be enjoying family camp for the next 6 days along with my daughter Christy and her kids (our grandchildren) Izzy, 7, and Danny, 4.
We are terrifically excited about this, but it also means that I won't be riding again until next Sunday, and thus my blog will also be on hiatus.
Anyway, keeping the ride short, I did one round trip to Marsh Park, and one loop in Stonebridge, the subdivision on the west side of Lohr Rd. about halfway from Ellsworth Rd. down to Textile Rd. It goes through and around a very nice 18-hole golf course, and is where I did almost all my riding for the first few months after I got my trike in May 2015, at Michelle's suggestion (largely because of the good visibility there, and their very low-traffic roads.
This 12.7-mile ride took me 1:23
Saturday, July 8, 2017
100th ride of 2017 - Saturday, 7/8/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1716.2
I didn't get to ride yesterday ... and for a while I wasn't sure I was going to be able to today, either. But early morning schedule questions resolved themselves, and I was able to do a milestone ride from two aspects -- it was my 100th ride of the year (although, 189 days in, this is nothing to crow about), and it pushed me over 1700 miles for the year.
I rose way early (before 5:00), but didn't begin my ride until 7:00, in 62° weather (that heated up to 68° by the time I finished). At one point I had hoped to ride two consecutive round trips to Baker Rd. today, but schedule constraints made me need to limit it to one. I just pedaled easily, enjoying a perfect summer morning, and covered the 29.6 miles in 2:32.
I didn't get to ride yesterday ... and for a while I wasn't sure I was going to be able to today, either. But early morning schedule questions resolved themselves, and I was able to do a milestone ride from two aspects -- it was my 100th ride of the year (although, 189 days in, this is nothing to crow about), and it pushed me over 1700 miles for the year.
I rose way early (before 5:00), but didn't begin my ride until 7:00, in 62° weather (that heated up to 68° by the time I finished). At one point I had hoped to ride two consecutive round trips to Baker Rd. today, but schedule constraints made me need to limit it to one. I just pedaled easily, enjoying a perfect summer morning, and covered the 29.6 miles in 2:32.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
99th ride of 2017 - Thursday, 7/6/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1695.6
This morning I did my third straight day of riding consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. I needed to keep the ride relatively short today because I'm going to the Tiger game with my friend Roger Kappler (shown below), and he is picking me up at 11:15 for the 1:10 game in Detroit
Roger and I got to be friends a number of years ago when we were both on a church mission trip to help restore order in the wake of Nashville's horrendous 2010 flooding. Oddly, we became know as the Hooters boys, because on the way down, when we stopped for lunch at the Ohio/Kentucky border, our van parked by a big billboard for a local Hooters, and for some reason totally unknown to me, other members of the team began teasing Roger and me about being regular at Hooters—even though neither of us has ever been near one, or had any desire to go. But he's a big Tigers fan, which also cements our friendship. Roger is also a runner—at age 74, he still runs several miles a day outdoors on the gravel roads surrounding his rural home, even through the winter (except on the very worst days).
At any rate, I covered the 18.1 miles in 1:57_one of the few times I've been below 2 hours. Must've been eager to get to Comerica Park and have a hot dog! 😎
As I rode, I also thought about the following chart I drew up early this year, and how I look forward to extending it at the end of the year.
This morning I did my third straight day of riding consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. I needed to keep the ride relatively short today because I'm going to the Tiger game with my friend Roger Kappler (shown below), and he is picking me up at 11:15 for the 1:10 game in Detroit
At any rate, I covered the 18.1 miles in 1:57_one of the few times I've been below 2 hours. Must've been eager to get to Comerica Park and have a hot dog! 😎
As I rode, I also thought about the following chart I drew up early this year, and how I look forward to extending it at the end of the year.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
98th ride of 2017 - Wednesday, 7/5/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1677.5
This morning I really noticed how the daylight is beginning to constrict, only three weeks past the solstice. I started my ride today at 6:15, and it was as light or lighter at 5:30 a.m. back on June 20! When I began it was a refreshing 55°, and by the time I finished, before 7:30, it was already up to 69°.
I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, once again feeling the call of music, to return and begin to work out ideas for an anthem that crept into my head during the early part of my ride (a choral setting of Psalm 100). I covered this 18.2 miles in 2;02, and was struck by something. A long stretch of my ride, from the intersection of Lohr and Textile going eastward to the park, is heading directly into the early morning sunshine, and on a bright day like today, even with the bill of the cap I wear under my helmet, numerous time I had to raise my hand to shield my eyes and be sure I wasn't going to be colliding with any pedestrians on the trail, my vision was so abysmal. But all went fine.
Today was also noteworthy because I exceeded 200 hours of elapsed riding time for the year.
This morning I really noticed how the daylight is beginning to constrict, only three weeks past the solstice. I started my ride today at 6:15, and it was as light or lighter at 5:30 a.m. back on June 20! When I began it was a refreshing 55°, and by the time I finished, before 7:30, it was already up to 69°.
I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, once again feeling the call of music, to return and begin to work out ideas for an anthem that crept into my head during the early part of my ride (a choral setting of Psalm 100). I covered this 18.2 miles in 2;02, and was struck by something. A long stretch of my ride, from the intersection of Lohr and Textile going eastward to the park, is heading directly into the early morning sunshine, and on a bright day like today, even with the bill of the cap I wear under my helmet, numerous time I had to raise my hand to shield my eyes and be sure I wasn't going to be colliding with any pedestrians on the trail, my vision was so abysmal. But all went fine.
Today was also noteworthy because I exceeded 200 hours of elapsed riding time for the year.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
97th ride of 2017 - Tuesday 7/4/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1659.3
Today I slept in and didn't ride until 7:30, at which time it was 62° with gorgeous clear blue skies. I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18.1 miles in 2:01, and when I was done it had heated up to a still-delightful 72°.
Further, I received a pleasant surprise just as I was starting out. I reached the exit to our complex, where it meets with Lohr Rd., and was surprised to find that someone had discovered the Road ID I lost yesterday, and had laid it carefully on the sidewalk, with the ends rejoined, obviously hoping the owner would find it (as I did). However, I had already ordered (last night) a replacement—a different style (a dog tag that you were around your neck). So now I'll have a back up.
Today I slept in and didn't ride until 7:30, at which time it was 62° with gorgeous clear blue skies. I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18.1 miles in 2:01, and when I was done it had heated up to a still-delightful 72°.
Further, I received a pleasant surprise just as I was starting out. I reached the exit to our complex, where it meets with Lohr Rd., and was surprised to find that someone had discovered the Road ID I lost yesterday, and had laid it carefully on the sidewalk, with the ends rejoined, obviously hoping the owner would find it (as I did). However, I had already ordered (last night) a replacement—a different style (a dog tag that you were around your neck). So now I'll have a back up.
Monday, July 3, 2017
96th ride of 2017 - Monday, July 3, 2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1641.2
This morning I wanted to allow for the possibility of a longer ride, so I got up at 4:30 and began riding just before 5:30. It had rained considerably overnight, and in fact I still heard thunderstorms rumbling overhead around 5:00, so the ground was extremely wet. But weather.com said the rain was ending around 5:30, and I experienced none of it. However, as before in recent days, I allowed myself to be called away from a longer ride by the desire to compose -- when I was up early, I made good progress on the major choral piece I'm writing (Minnesota Blue), and was eager to return and continue on it. So I settled for a single round trip to Marsh Park, 9,9 miles in 1:03.
The ride included a breathtaking moment, however. As I rode east on the trail, paralleling Textile Rd., shortly after turning where Lohr Rd. intersects Textile, a couple hundred feet before I reached Silo Ridge Dr. E., two deer came bounding across Textile, crossed the trail a couple hundred feet ahead of me, and then disappeared into the subdivision. Even at that early hour (roughly 5:45) there would have been enough light for video, I think, but they were too quick, and were gone before I could dig my phone out. But it sure made this ride memorable!
One minor calamity today -- the velcro Road ID bracelet I wear with identifying and contact information has grown tenuous in recent weeks (the velcro no longer sticking as securely as it once did), and it fell off my wrist at some point during the ride. I didn't realize this until I got home, and was putting things away, so I'll have to order a new one now. But that's no big deal. It was much more critical back in 2013, when I was bicycling on the road, and fell and was injured multiple times. But now, on the trike, I don't fall, and all my riding is off-road, so a few days without it will not prove problematic.
This morning I wanted to allow for the possibility of a longer ride, so I got up at 4:30 and began riding just before 5:30. It had rained considerably overnight, and in fact I still heard thunderstorms rumbling overhead around 5:00, so the ground was extremely wet. But weather.com said the rain was ending around 5:30, and I experienced none of it. However, as before in recent days, I allowed myself to be called away from a longer ride by the desire to compose -- when I was up early, I made good progress on the major choral piece I'm writing (Minnesota Blue), and was eager to return and continue on it. So I settled for a single round trip to Marsh Park, 9,9 miles in 1:03.
The ride included a breathtaking moment, however. As I rode east on the trail, paralleling Textile Rd., shortly after turning where Lohr Rd. intersects Textile, a couple hundred feet before I reached Silo Ridge Dr. E., two deer came bounding across Textile, crossed the trail a couple hundred feet ahead of me, and then disappeared into the subdivision. Even at that early hour (roughly 5:45) there would have been enough light for video, I think, but they were too quick, and were gone before I could dig my phone out. But it sure made this ride memorable!
One minor calamity today -- the velcro Road ID bracelet I wear with identifying and contact information has grown tenuous in recent weeks (the velcro no longer sticking as securely as it once did), and it fell off my wrist at some point during the ride. I didn't realize this until I got home, and was putting things away, so I'll have to order a new one now. But that's no big deal. It was much more critical back in 2013, when I was bicycling on the road, and fell and was injured multiple times. But now, on the trike, I don't fall, and all my riding is off-road, so a few days without it will not prove problematic.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
95th ride of 2017 - Saturday, 7/1/2017
Total mileage for 2017: 1631.3
I managed to get my lazy self out the door for an early ride today, wanting to get a good one done before the day heated up too much I rose a bit before 5 a.m. and began riding just before 5:45, turning in a round trip to Marsh Park and then a round trip to Baker Rd. (Dexter) -- riding all on sidewalk, of course, that one that runs all the way out there alongside Jackson Rd. -- and this gave me a 30.1 mile ride in 3:52. At quarter to six it was a lovely 67°, and by the time I finished, it was still tolerable, at 72*.
I managed to get my lazy self out the door for an early ride today, wanting to get a good one done before the day heated up too much I rose a bit before 5 a.m. and began riding just before 5:45, turning in a round trip to Marsh Park and then a round trip to Baker Rd. (Dexter) -- riding all on sidewalk, of course, that one that runs all the way out there alongside Jackson Rd. -- and this gave me a 30.1 mile ride in 3:52. At quarter to six it was a lovely 67°, and by the time I finished, it was still tolerable, at 72*.
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