TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3572.4
Even though I aired up tires before my ride on Wednesday, the cold had reduced my air pressure in them to the point where I should have aired them up again today. I did not discover this, however, until I was out on the ride, and consequently today's ride was extremely slow and high challenging. It allowed me to close our 2016 having reached my goal (3500 miles), however—I got to ride on a partly sunny, and breezy, day, and did a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:27. Now the slate gets wiped clean, and tomorrow I start anew!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
225th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 12/28/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3562.4
I had hoped to do a mid-length ride today (18 miles) ... but the bright sunshine (as shown in the picture below, from Marsh Park (my halfway, turnaround point) had seduced me. Once I got out there riding in a 32° breeze (which, however, skyrocketed to 35° by the time I finished! 😅 ) convinced me that I was perfectly justified in shortening my plans. So I did a single round trip, finishing the 10 miles in 1:21.
I had hoped to do a mid-length ride today (18 miles) ... but the bright sunshine (as shown in the picture below, from Marsh Park (my halfway, turnaround point) had seduced me. Once I got out there riding in a 32° breeze (which, however, skyrocketed to 35° by the time I finished! 😅 ) convinced me that I was perfectly justified in shortening my plans. So I did a single round trip, finishing the 10 miles in 1:21.
Monday, December 26, 2016
224th ride of 2016 - Monday, 12/26/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3552.4
This afternoon I went out at 3:00, aired up my tires, threw my poncho on, and rode out in 50° rain, with the ground extremely wet due to the day-long nature of the rain. This surely was a ride in very far from enjoyable riding conditions ... but, on the other hand, the weather had completely eliminated the sidewalk ice that impeded my hill climbing on the way down to Ellsworth Rd. So I ended up doing the 10 miles in 1:08, heartily glad to be home now warming up and drying off.
This afternoon I went out at 3:00, aired up my tires, threw my poncho on, and rode out in 50° rain, with the ground extremely wet due to the day-long nature of the rain. This surely was a ride in very far from enjoyable riding conditions ... but, on the other hand, the weather had completely eliminated the sidewalk ice that impeded my hill climbing on the way down to Ellsworth Rd. So I ended up doing the 10 miles in 1:08, heartily glad to be home now warming up and drying off.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
223rd ride of 2016 - Saturday, 12/24/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3542.4
On this Christmas Eve, I "enjoyed" cold (39°), damp, gray conditions—for which the word "raw" would be a perfect description. Accordingly, I felt perfectly justified in limiting myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:18.
A friend from our previous church (Bob Hufnagel) had read in my blog earlier in the week about the challenge I faced due to the blockage of the sidewalk at Rodeo Drive (from plowing), and my inability to clear it myself, so he kindly took it upon himself to go there and shovel it out so I could ride across. (When I drove by it this morning, I wondered who the Good Samaritan was!)
The ride was still not challenge-free. I had hoped that yesterday's mild weather would have cleared the sidewalks, and while they were improved somewhat, a bumpy, slippery streak of ice remains, running down the center of some stretches. Most place this proved no problem, but on one uphill stretch (even though they are quite mild "hills" by traditional cycling standards), my rear wheel was spinning so that I slowed down more and more, and eventually stopped making any forward progress whatsoever. I had to get up and walk it 40 or 50 feet.
Despite the challenges that remained, I am so grateful to Bob for making it possible for me to ride at all—to get down to that trail (the Lohr-Textile Greenway) which the township had cleared promptly after our big snowstorm of December 11.
On this Christmas Eve, I "enjoyed" cold (39°), damp, gray conditions—for which the word "raw" would be a perfect description. Accordingly, I felt perfectly justified in limiting myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:18.
A friend from our previous church (Bob Hufnagel) had read in my blog earlier in the week about the challenge I faced due to the blockage of the sidewalk at Rodeo Drive (from plowing), and my inability to clear it myself, so he kindly took it upon himself to go there and shovel it out so I could ride across. (When I drove by it this morning, I wondered who the Good Samaritan was!)
The ride was still not challenge-free. I had hoped that yesterday's mild weather would have cleared the sidewalks, and while they were improved somewhat, a bumpy, slippery streak of ice remains, running down the center of some stretches. Most place this proved no problem, but on one uphill stretch (even though they are quite mild "hills" by traditional cycling standards), my rear wheel was spinning so that I slowed down more and more, and eventually stopped making any forward progress whatsoever. I had to get up and walk it 40 or 50 feet.
Despite the challenges that remained, I am so grateful to Bob for making it possible for me to ride at all—to get down to that trail (the Lohr-Textile Greenway) which the township had cleared promptly after our big snowstorm of December 11.
Friday, December 23, 2016
222nd ride of 2016 - Friday. 12/23/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3532.4
Due to the fact that we are celebrating Christmas this afternoon and evening with my family, and so Michelle had asked me to consider not riding in order to preserve energy; and also the tedium of riding laps inside our condo complex, since the walks outside of it are still impeded by snow; and also the low temperature (23° when I started at 8:45), I settled for about my shortest ride ever this morning, doing 3.3 miles in 25 minutes. (7 laps, at .47 miles.lap, coming out to 3.29).
Due to the fact that we are celebrating Christmas this afternoon and evening with my family, and so Michelle had asked me to consider not riding in order to preserve energy; and also the tedium of riding laps inside our condo complex, since the walks outside of it are still impeded by snow; and also the low temperature (23° when I started at 8:45), I settled for about my shortest ride ever this morning, doing 3.3 miles in 25 minutes. (7 laps, at .47 miles.lap, coming out to 3.29).
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
221st ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 12/21/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3529.1
This morning I went out at 10:00, and rode, once again like Monday, a single round trip to Marsh Park. Today it was 24°, so, by contrast to Monday's 15° ride, it felt practically tropical! Seriously, it did not really feel any different; but knowing it was that much warmer was advantageous psychologically.
The sidewalks on my usual route down to the start of the trail at Ellsworth remain impeded, but I was able to scout out an alternate route (still on sidewalks) through an adjacent neighborhood, that allowed me to do the ride. It was not without its challenges—at one point on the way home, for example, I had to move the trike manually over about a 50-foot stretch just after turning onto Oak Valley from Ellsworth, where the sidewalk had not been cleared. But overall, I was pleased to be able to ride outside, and once I got onto the (cleared) trail, it was a piece of (chilled) cake
Amazingly, the scenery accompanying my ride differs quite considerably from what it did in, say, June. This first picture is just as I am leaving our condo complex.
The second picture shows the view just starting back, leaving Marsh Park and looking west along the trail up towards State Rd.
Going this alternate way added slightly to the distance, giving me a ride of 10.6 miles, in a slow 1:21.
This morning I went out at 10:00, and rode, once again like Monday, a single round trip to Marsh Park. Today it was 24°, so, by contrast to Monday's 15° ride, it felt practically tropical! Seriously, it did not really feel any different; but knowing it was that much warmer was advantageous psychologically.
The sidewalks on my usual route down to the start of the trail at Ellsworth remain impeded, but I was able to scout out an alternate route (still on sidewalks) through an adjacent neighborhood, that allowed me to do the ride. It was not without its challenges—at one point on the way home, for example, I had to move the trike manually over about a 50-foot stretch just after turning onto Oak Valley from Ellsworth, where the sidewalk had not been cleared. But overall, I was pleased to be able to ride outside, and once I got onto the (cleared) trail, it was a piece of (chilled) cake
Amazingly, the scenery accompanying my ride differs quite considerably from what it did in, say, June. This first picture is just as I am leaving our condo complex.
The second picture shows the view just starting back, leaving Marsh Park and looking west along the trail up towards State Rd.
Going this alternate way added slightly to the distance, giving me a ride of 10.6 miles, in a slow 1:21.
Monday, December 19, 2016
220th ride of 2016 - Monday, 12/19/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3518.5
THANKS BE TO GOD that I was able to resume riding today, after having last ridden on November 30! At first, I waited out a two-week doctor ordered rest as I recovered from the removal of two small skin cancers on December 1, so that the elevated heart rate and blood pressure wouldn't cause swelling around the stitches. And then, more recently, I have been stymied by conditions—though the township promptly cleared the trail on which I ride after our first big snowstorm (Dec. 11), I could not get to it because an overzealous snowplow driver had pushed up a berm of snow that froze brick-hard at the end of the sidewalk where I need to cross Ellsworth Rd. to get to the start of the trail. I went down last week with a sturdy steel shovel, but could not really budge it after 10 minutes of effort.
This morning I (finally!) heard back from the Pittsfield Township office I had emailed about this last week. They replied that it is not their responsibility to clear the area I indicated, but speculated perhaps this was up to the townhouses on that corner. But when I went back down there late morning just to look, someone had cleared it!
I rode today in bright cold (15°) sunshine, setting a new personal best for the lowest temperature on a ride. Last year I only got down to 18°. I hope, conditions permitting, to do still better this year ... it seems to me as if I should be able to ride in single-digit temperatures. But still, I am grateful just to have been able to get out there again.
Today's ride was not without its challenges, however. The sidewalk I ride down to Ellsworth (where the trail begins) had been only incompletely cleared, making for a rough ride. And on one of the hills between Oak Valley and Ellsworth, my rear (center) wheel spun uselessly, so that I had to get off and walk it up 50 yards or so. A bit further, the cutouts at Rodeo Dr. were completely blocked, so that I once again had to get up, and this time carry the trike across the hindrance.
In light of the weather and the long layoff, I felt justified in settling for a single round trip to Marsh Park today, completing the 10 miles in a poky 1:20. And on the way home, I rode on Lohr Rd. from Ellsworth onward to our complex. I hated to do this, and felt guilty about breaking my commitment to Michelle to avoid riding on the road. But, given everything, I felt this was the best option, and the risk was lowered because of my enhanced visibility due to the strong clear sunshine, the spinners (or "tornadoes") on the back of my trike, and my bright yellow (or, as I tell Michelle, "maize") winter coat.
THANKS BE TO GOD that I was able to resume riding today, after having last ridden on November 30! At first, I waited out a two-week doctor ordered rest as I recovered from the removal of two small skin cancers on December 1, so that the elevated heart rate and blood pressure wouldn't cause swelling around the stitches. And then, more recently, I have been stymied by conditions—though the township promptly cleared the trail on which I ride after our first big snowstorm (Dec. 11), I could not get to it because an overzealous snowplow driver had pushed up a berm of snow that froze brick-hard at the end of the sidewalk where I need to cross Ellsworth Rd. to get to the start of the trail. I went down last week with a sturdy steel shovel, but could not really budge it after 10 minutes of effort.
This morning I (finally!) heard back from the Pittsfield Township office I had emailed about this last week. They replied that it is not their responsibility to clear the area I indicated, but speculated perhaps this was up to the townhouses on that corner. But when I went back down there late morning just to look, someone had cleared it!
I rode today in bright cold (15°) sunshine, setting a new personal best for the lowest temperature on a ride. Last year I only got down to 18°. I hope, conditions permitting, to do still better this year ... it seems to me as if I should be able to ride in single-digit temperatures. But still, I am grateful just to have been able to get out there again.
Today's ride was not without its challenges, however. The sidewalk I ride down to Ellsworth (where the trail begins) had been only incompletely cleared, making for a rough ride. And on one of the hills between Oak Valley and Ellsworth, my rear (center) wheel spun uselessly, so that I had to get off and walk it up 50 yards or so. A bit further, the cutouts at Rodeo Dr. were completely blocked, so that I once again had to get up, and this time carry the trike across the hindrance.
In light of the weather and the long layoff, I felt justified in settling for a single round trip to Marsh Park today, completing the 10 miles in a poky 1:20. And on the way home, I rode on Lohr Rd. from Ellsworth onward to our complex. I hated to do this, and felt guilty about breaking my commitment to Michelle to avoid riding on the road. But, given everything, I felt this was the best option, and the risk was lowered because of my enhanced visibility due to the strong clear sunshine, the spinners (or "tornadoes") on the back of my trike, and my bright yellow (or, as I tell Michelle, "maize") winter coat.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
219th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 11/30/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3508.5
Today is another stupendous day—almost unheard of weather for the last day of November. The record high for Ann Arbor on this date is 63°. When I began my ride at noon, I enjoyed 53° sunshine, which warmed to 56° by the time I finished. I only rode one round trip to Marsh Park today, though, finishing the 10 miles in 1:12—and at that, exceeded my goal of 3500 miles for the year.
I decided to keep it short because I was drawn back to read a book I just began. All my life I've been fascinated by the theme of time travel, and this hefty Stephen King novel, 11/23/63, deals with a man who finds an unexpected wormhole to allow him to travel back to 1962, and the book is about his plans to travel back and prevent the Kennedy assassination. But I don't have to issue a spoiler alert—I'm not far enough into it yet to have the vaguest idea how it will turn out.
Today is another stupendous day—almost unheard of weather for the last day of November. The record high for Ann Arbor on this date is 63°. When I began my ride at noon, I enjoyed 53° sunshine, which warmed to 56° by the time I finished. I only rode one round trip to Marsh Park today, though, finishing the 10 miles in 1:12—and at that, exceeded my goal of 3500 miles for the year.
I decided to keep it short because I was drawn back to read a book I just began. All my life I've been fascinated by the theme of time travel, and this hefty Stephen King novel, 11/23/63, deals with a man who finds an unexpected wormhole to allow him to travel back to 1962, and the book is about his plans to travel back and prevent the Kennedy assassination. But I don't have to issue a spoiler alert—I'm not far enough into it yet to have the vaguest idea how it will turn out.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
218th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 11/29/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3498.5
What a remarkable day for the end of November! When I went out to ride, a bit past 12:30, I enjoyed 56° sunshine, and that temperature climbed a degree during my ride. For the first time in several weeks, I was able to ride with neither coat nor gloves. Given the conditions, I felt as if I should have ridden for hours and hours.
Instead, however, I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 1:58. And one statistical milestone that I failed to note yesterday—that ride pushed me over 400 hours of elapsed riding time for the year.
I am rather dismayed to note that, of the 334 days in 2016 so far, I've only been able to ride on 218 of them. I feel as if the total should be well north of that, but those days on which I could not ride have run the gamut, from numerous mechanical issues (primarily early in the year, when I still had the old trike), days when we have been traveling (not a lot, but a few weeks' worth all told), a few days when I could not ride due to illness, and a handful of days when schedule conflicts (family or church commitments and the like) simply made it impossible to ride. Anyway—here's to a more disciplined 2017!
What a remarkable day for the end of November! When I went out to ride, a bit past 12:30, I enjoyed 56° sunshine, and that temperature climbed a degree during my ride. For the first time in several weeks, I was able to ride with neither coat nor gloves. Given the conditions, I felt as if I should have ridden for hours and hours.
Instead, however, I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 1:58. And one statistical milestone that I failed to note yesterday—that ride pushed me over 400 hours of elapsed riding time for the year.
I am rather dismayed to note that, of the 334 days in 2016 so far, I've only been able to ride on 218 of them. I feel as if the total should be well north of that, but those days on which I could not ride have run the gamut, from numerous mechanical issues (primarily early in the year, when I still had the old trike), days when we have been traveling (not a lot, but a few weeks' worth all told), a few days when I could not ride due to illness, and a handful of days when schedule conflicts (family or church commitments and the like) simply made it impossible to ride. Anyway—here's to a more disciplined 2017!
Monday, November 28, 2016
217th ride of 2016 - Monday, 11/28/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3480.5
Today's ride featured conditions which were not horrible, but were decidedly sub-par. I waited until just before noon to ride, and then ventured into a light, intermittent shower (not really bothersome, but enough to render my glasses into a prism within a very few minutes), a breeze (not heavy, but significant and one that affected my riding), and a cool (39°) gray day. I ended up riding (fairly slowly), all on walks, a medley of a couple of routes I have ridden many times, but never in that specific combination or order. I rode down to Saline (the intersection of Woodland Dr. and Ann Arbor Saline Rd.), and then on the way back, turned to take the loop that allows me to swing down around Saline High School. This gave me a total of 13.2 miles, in a leisurely 1:43. And now, I am delighted to be home drying off and warming up.
Today's ride featured conditions which were not horrible, but were decidedly sub-par. I waited until just before noon to ride, and then ventured into a light, intermittent shower (not really bothersome, but enough to render my glasses into a prism within a very few minutes), a breeze (not heavy, but significant and one that affected my riding), and a cool (39°) gray day. I ended up riding (fairly slowly), all on walks, a medley of a couple of routes I have ridden many times, but never in that specific combination or order. I rode down to Saline (the intersection of Woodland Dr. and Ann Arbor Saline Rd.), and then on the way back, turned to take the loop that allows me to swing down around Saline High School. This gave me a total of 13.2 miles, in a leisurely 1:43. And now, I am delighted to be home drying off and warming up.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
216th ride of 2016 - Sunday, 11/27/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3467.3
On this cool (29°), calm, clear morning, I left at 7:00 a.m. (headlight flashing away) and round a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:14. My standards are clearly evolving, in my description of a 29° morning as "cool" rather than "cold." However, I know much colder weather is coming—and I figure anything I can do to help prepare for it psychologically is all to the good. Last winter the coldest ride I had was 18°, and this year, my goal is to go lower.
On this cool (29°), calm, clear morning, I left at 7:00 a.m. (headlight flashing away) and round a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:14. My standards are clearly evolving, in my description of a 29° morning as "cool" rather than "cold." However, I know much colder weather is coming—and I figure anything I can do to help prepare for it psychologically is all to the good. Last winter the coldest ride I had was 18°, and this year, my goal is to go lower.
Friday, November 25, 2016
215th ride of 2016 - Friday, 11/25/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3457.3
On this cold (39° when I began at 8:30, 41° when I finished), I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in 2:11. I had wanted to do three round trips, but composition was calling to me, as I want to continue with an Easter anthem for choir, organ, and trumpet that I began this week. So, I told myself, "18 miles is not insignificant."
On this cold (39° when I began at 8:30, 41° when I finished), I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in 2:11. I had wanted to do three round trips, but composition was calling to me, as I want to continue with an Easter anthem for choir, organ, and trumpet that I began this week. So, I told myself, "18 miles is not insignificant."
Thursday, November 24, 2016
214th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 11/24/2016 (THANKSGIVING DAY)
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3439.3
I had wanted to ride three round trips to Marsh Park this morning in order to help make room for turkey and pie -- but then, during my ride, I remembered a task to which I had committed, that needed to be done before we leave for my brother's house late this morning. So I figured I'd better cut it short and just do two round trips, and I finished these consecutive round trips (18 miles) in 2:13.
Hoping to do the longer ride, I set out at 6:30 in pitch-black conditions (my trusty headlight flashing away), and we were severely fogged in and cold (38°). But at least all precipitation was blessedly absent! My glasses were soon useless (prismatic) due to the high humidity, but this posed no difficulty, riding on that trail that prohibits motorized vehicles. I saw a few other early denizens of the trail ... but not many. By the time I began the second round trip, daylight was beginning to filter in, the sky having changed to a dirty shade of blue gray.
I should explain for those "late to the party" something I have explained previously. Michelle requests that I do all my riding off-road. And it is my great good fortune that a nice asphalt trail exists quite near us. It begins about a mile from our home, and I reach it by sidewalks. Called the Lohr-Textile Greenway, it runs a couple of miles south, along the east side of Lohr Rd., and then turns east and parallels Textile Rd., crossing over to the other side of it at one point, and employing three nicely constructed boardwalks to cross wetlands, running out to a park east of State Rd. If I do a single round trip to the park, finishing off with a lap around our condo complex, it's just 10 miles. Most days I try to do multiple round trips, but additional ones are only 8 miles, because I turn around at Ellsworth Rd. rather than going all the way home (in order to avoid some busy crossings, and to avoid climbing some significant hills).
Following is a collage I put together in June 2015:
I had wanted to ride three round trips to Marsh Park this morning in order to help make room for turkey and pie -- but then, during my ride, I remembered a task to which I had committed, that needed to be done before we leave for my brother's house late this morning. So I figured I'd better cut it short and just do two round trips, and I finished these consecutive round trips (18 miles) in 2:13.
Hoping to do the longer ride, I set out at 6:30 in pitch-black conditions (my trusty headlight flashing away), and we were severely fogged in and cold (38°). But at least all precipitation was blessedly absent! My glasses were soon useless (prismatic) due to the high humidity, but this posed no difficulty, riding on that trail that prohibits motorized vehicles. I saw a few other early denizens of the trail ... but not many. By the time I began the second round trip, daylight was beginning to filter in, the sky having changed to a dirty shade of blue gray.
I should explain for those "late to the party" something I have explained previously. Michelle requests that I do all my riding off-road. And it is my great good fortune that a nice asphalt trail exists quite near us. It begins about a mile from our home, and I reach it by sidewalks. Called the Lohr-Textile Greenway, it runs a couple of miles south, along the east side of Lohr Rd., and then turns east and parallels Textile Rd., crossing over to the other side of it at one point, and employing three nicely constructed boardwalks to cross wetlands, running out to a park east of State Rd. If I do a single round trip to the park, finishing off with a lap around our condo complex, it's just 10 miles. Most days I try to do multiple round trips, but additional ones are only 8 miles, because I turn around at Ellsworth Rd. rather than going all the way home (in order to avoid some busy crossings, and to avoid climbing some significant hills).
Following is a collage I put together in June 2015:
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
213th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 11/23/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3421.3
"Miserable" is too kind a word for the conditions of today's ride. I rode in a cold (37°), light rain, beginning about 10:30, and while my poncho helped, my cloth gloves (inexplicably and stupidly chosen rather than my heavier ones) did not. I wanted to stay close to home, and so rode 4 loops of a circuit near us. I call it the Arcadia Loop, because it turns north on Arcadia Dr. from Ellsworth Rd. (all on sidewalks), and winds its way up through a subdivision.
I hope to do a good ride tomorrow morning in order to make room for the Thanksgiving feast. We'll see what the conditions permit. The current forecast is for light showers to end about 6 a.m., and then cloudy and cold conditions to persist through the morning. Cold I can deal with, so long as I'm not getting wet, too.
"Miserable" is too kind a word for the conditions of today's ride. I rode in a cold (37°), light rain, beginning about 10:30, and while my poncho helped, my cloth gloves (inexplicably and stupidly chosen rather than my heavier ones) did not. I wanted to stay close to home, and so rode 4 loops of a circuit near us. I call it the Arcadia Loop, because it turns north on Arcadia Dr. from Ellsworth Rd. (all on sidewalks), and winds its way up through a subdivision.
I hope to do a good ride tomorrow morning in order to make room for the Thanksgiving feast. We'll see what the conditions permit. The current forecast is for light showers to end about 6 a.m., and then cloudy and cold conditions to persist through the morning. Cold I can deal with, so long as I'm not getting wet, too.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
212th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 11/22/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3412.9
Another milestone passed in mileage today— now the next one, 3500, will put me past my goal for the year. That should be quite easy, but I am dubious about making it to 4000 this year. If I don't, that'll give me something to shoot at in 2017!
I rode today at 11:15, by which point it had heated up to 32°. And after doing consecutive round trips to Marsh Park (18 miles) in 2:09, it was a sizzling 38°! The heavy gloves and coat were most welcome today!
One mild bit of adventure—just a couple of minutes into the ride, the chain came off the from gear, so that my pedaling began spinning far too quickly and easily (with no resistance). Initially, I failed to notice the cause, and was stymied for just a moment; however, employing the teaching I've received from Doug, I quickly had it spotted and rectified the situation.
Another milestone passed in mileage today— now the next one, 3500, will put me past my goal for the year. That should be quite easy, but I am dubious about making it to 4000 this year. If I don't, that'll give me something to shoot at in 2017!
I rode today at 11:15, by which point it had heated up to 32°. And after doing consecutive round trips to Marsh Park (18 miles) in 2:09, it was a sizzling 38°! The heavy gloves and coat were most welcome today!
One mild bit of adventure—just a couple of minutes into the ride, the chain came off the from gear, so that my pedaling began spinning far too quickly and easily (with no resistance). Initially, I failed to notice the cause, and was stymied for just a moment; however, employing the teaching I've received from Doug, I quickly had it spotted and rectified the situation.
Monday, November 21, 2016
211th ride of 2016 - Monday, 11/21/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3394.9
Today's ride was surprisingly gloomy and cheerless, given the fact that I rode under a clear sky. But after a very full and busy day, I wasn't able to ride until we got Michelle home from school at 4:30, and at that time the daylight was quickly fleeing, with the temperature at 31°.
A good chunk of the day's busyness was hauling around our 30-year-old TV that we no longer use, but still works fine, trying to find a home for it. But Salvation Army, Goodwill, and the ReUse store all told me no. When a worker at ReUse told me they don't accept TVs, I asked him, "Where?" He suggested, "I'd take it to the recycling drop off station." I hated to do this, as it seems wasteful, since the TV still works. But I went there — only to find they are closed Mondays. So I'll go back tomorrow.
I had wanted to do two round trips to Marsh Park today, but two incidents early in the ride sucked all the gumption out of me.
1) The high winds during my early morning ride yesterday had badly tangled the spinners, or 'tornadoes,' on the back of my trike. I didn't have time to disentangle them yesterday, and forgot to do it today before I set off. A few minutes in, I remembered and stopped to do it, but in the low light and cold I was unable to get it done. (Once I got home I brought them inside, and it was child's play for Michelle to straighten them out.)
2) Then just a few minutes later, I rode one part of the sidewalk where overhanging branches have stolen the spinners in the past (breaking them at one point). Even though I am very conscious of the danger, I could not avoid it today, and when the branches pulled them out and I heard the clatter as the poles struck the sidewalk, I stopped the trike to retrieve them—and the last bit of desire to try for a longer ride vanished.
Accordingly, I rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 10 miles in 1:15, very glad for that flashing headlight! The daylight, which was "quickly fleeing" when I started, was almost wholly gone by the time I finished. It was not yet quite pitch black ... but such a condition wasn't far off.
Today's ride was surprisingly gloomy and cheerless, given the fact that I rode under a clear sky. But after a very full and busy day, I wasn't able to ride until we got Michelle home from school at 4:30, and at that time the daylight was quickly fleeing, with the temperature at 31°.
A good chunk of the day's busyness was hauling around our 30-year-old TV that we no longer use, but still works fine, trying to find a home for it. But Salvation Army, Goodwill, and the ReUse store all told me no. When a worker at ReUse told me they don't accept TVs, I asked him, "Where?" He suggested, "I'd take it to the recycling drop off station." I hated to do this, as it seems wasteful, since the TV still works. But I went there — only to find they are closed Mondays. So I'll go back tomorrow.
I had wanted to do two round trips to Marsh Park today, but two incidents early in the ride sucked all the gumption out of me.
1) The high winds during my early morning ride yesterday had badly tangled the spinners, or 'tornadoes,' on the back of my trike. I didn't have time to disentangle them yesterday, and forgot to do it today before I set off. A few minutes in, I remembered and stopped to do it, but in the low light and cold I was unable to get it done. (Once I got home I brought them inside, and it was child's play for Michelle to straighten them out.)
2) Then just a few minutes later, I rode one part of the sidewalk where overhanging branches have stolen the spinners in the past (breaking them at one point). Even though I am very conscious of the danger, I could not avoid it today, and when the branches pulled them out and I heard the clatter as the poles struck the sidewalk, I stopped the trike to retrieve them—and the last bit of desire to try for a longer ride vanished.
Accordingly, I rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 10 miles in 1:15, very glad for that flashing headlight! The daylight, which was "quickly fleeing" when I started, was almost wholly gone by the time I finished. It was not yet quite pitch black ... but such a condition wasn't far off.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
210th ride of 2016 - Sunday, 11/20/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3384.9
I would describe this morning's ride as "adventurous" (though never dangerous), and several factors contributed to this.
First of all, it was my coldest ride so far this season, making me extremely glad for my new wool socks that I got from R.E.I. yesterday, my heavy yellow winter coat, and my heavy-duty winter gloves. I woke a bit before 6:00, and actually began my ride about 6:45. After first turning on the car and shining its headlights into the garage so that I could undergo my Sunday morning routine of airing up the tires, I turned on my flashing headlight and pedaled off into the dark, in 30° conditions with a brisk wind from the northwest. I was happy, though, after the "blizzard" conditions described by the commentators at the end of yesterday's Indiana-Michigan game in the Big House, to see no snow on the ground.
I had wanted to do two round trips to Marsh Park. But in the end, I settled for one, due to two factors:
1) The rubber band around my right pants leg broke quite early on, and this caused the pants to snag on the pedaling mechanism and the frame numerous times (though, thankfully, it never caught in the chain). I was still debating the wisdom of pushing on despite this, when I reached Marsh Park, and turned around to head back toward home. The first leg heads westward, and there is quite a lengthy open patch as I ride upwards towards State Rd., and ...
2) When the 20 mph wind hit me, it knifed right through me. That made up my mind for me!
I finished my 10-mile battle with the wind and cold in 1:18.
I would describe this morning's ride as "adventurous" (though never dangerous), and several factors contributed to this.
First of all, it was my coldest ride so far this season, making me extremely glad for my new wool socks that I got from R.E.I. yesterday, my heavy yellow winter coat, and my heavy-duty winter gloves. I woke a bit before 6:00, and actually began my ride about 6:45. After first turning on the car and shining its headlights into the garage so that I could undergo my Sunday morning routine of airing up the tires, I turned on my flashing headlight and pedaled off into the dark, in 30° conditions with a brisk wind from the northwest. I was happy, though, after the "blizzard" conditions described by the commentators at the end of yesterday's Indiana-Michigan game in the Big House, to see no snow on the ground.
I had wanted to do two round trips to Marsh Park. But in the end, I settled for one, due to two factors:
1) The rubber band around my right pants leg broke quite early on, and this caused the pants to snag on the pedaling mechanism and the frame numerous times (though, thankfully, it never caught in the chain). I was still debating the wisdom of pushing on despite this, when I reached Marsh Park, and turned around to head back toward home. The first leg heads westward, and there is quite a lengthy open patch as I ride upwards towards State Rd., and ...
2) When the 20 mph wind hit me, it knifed right through me. That made up my mind for me!
I finished my 10-mile battle with the wind and cold in 1:18.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
209th ride of 2016 - Saturday, 11/19/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3374.9
What a delightful day for a ride! When I went out, at 10:15, it was cold (39°, dropping to 37° by my finish), gray and windy, and with a light rain spitting at me. (The rain, however, changed to a stinging snow in the last half of my ride). Accordingly, I limited myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park today, covering the 10 miles in a slow ride of 1:15. NOTE TO SELF: wear heavy winter gloves tomorrow, as well as the new wool socks I went to R.E.I. and picked up after I finished (with the car heater turned on high).
What a delightful day for a ride! When I went out, at 10:15, it was cold (39°, dropping to 37° by my finish), gray and windy, and with a light rain spitting at me. (The rain, however, changed to a stinging snow in the last half of my ride). Accordingly, I limited myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park today, covering the 10 miles in a slow ride of 1:15. NOTE TO SELF: wear heavy winter gloves tomorrow, as well as the new wool socks I went to R.E.I. and picked up after I finished (with the car heater turned on high).
Thursday, November 17, 2016
208th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 11/17/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3364.9
Our gorgeous weather persists (however briefly), and today when I went to ride at 12:00 noon, the early morning heavy fog had entirely burned away, and under bright sunshine the temperature was 50°, which climbed to 63° when I finished. Once more eager to return to my compositional work, I limited myself to consecutive round trips to Marsh Park today, covering the 18 miles in 2:08.
Our gorgeous weather persists (however briefly), and today when I went to ride at 12:00 noon, the early morning heavy fog had entirely burned away, and under bright sunshine the temperature was 50°, which climbed to 63° when I finished. Once more eager to return to my compositional work, I limited myself to consecutive round trips to Marsh Park today, covering the 18 miles in 2:08.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
207th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 11/16/16
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3346.9
Today, as our glorious weather persists, I set out at 11:15 in 52° sunshine and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in 1:55. I had strongly considered riding three, but was eager to get to a choral anthem I am just beginning. I wrestled over this option for a while in my mind, but then recalled the words of my friend and former teacher, J. Larry Roberts, who died this past July 14. When I would report on pondering this sort of decision, Larry would tell me (and I could see the twinkle in his eye as he wrote it), "Music is your gift. You are not likely to achieve renown as a cyclist." (I didn't tell him, but I thought to myself, "I'm not likely to achieve renown in any field of endeavor!)
Today, as our glorious weather persists, I set out at 11:15 in 52° sunshine and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in 1:55. I had strongly considered riding three, but was eager to get to a choral anthem I am just beginning. I wrestled over this option for a while in my mind, but then recalled the words of my friend and former teacher, J. Larry Roberts, who died this past July 14. When I would report on pondering this sort of decision, Larry would tell me (and I could see the twinkle in his eye as he wrote it), "Music is your gift. You are not likely to achieve renown as a cyclist." (I didn't tell him, but I thought to myself, "I'm not likely to achieve renown in any field of endeavor!)
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
206th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 11/15/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3328.9
Our terrific weather persists, but it is supposed to change radically by this weekend. The high on Saturday is predicted to be 42° and on Sunday 39°, with a chance of rain moving in. However, this morning, when I went riding at 9:45, it was 43°, and when I finished, just before noon, it was 56°, with enjoyable sunshine throughout the morning. I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park today, finishing the 18 miles in a few seconds under 2 hours flat. I had considered a longer ride, but was eager to leave myself plenty of time to practice piano this afternoon.
Our terrific weather persists, but it is supposed to change radically by this weekend. The high on Saturday is predicted to be 42° and on Sunday 39°, with a chance of rain moving in. However, this morning, when I went riding at 9:45, it was 43°, and when I finished, just before noon, it was 56°, with enjoyable sunshine throughout the morning. I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park today, finishing the 18 miles in a few seconds under 2 hours flat. I had considered a longer ride, but was eager to leave myself plenty of time to practice piano this afternoon.
Monday, November 14, 2016
205th ride of 2016 - Monday, 11/14/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3310.9
This morning I aired up my tires before riding, in a beginning-of-the-week ritual that's steadily becoming an indispensable part of my routine (and one which I had inexcusably neglected for far too long until recently.) Then I went out and rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 26 miles in 2:42, and pushing myself over the 3300-mile threshold for the year. It was yet another spectacular fall day—brightly sunny, and 45° when I started at 10:30, up to 59° when I finished.
Just a note, regarding my progress ... if I can average about 14.66 miles/day for the remaining 47 days of the year, I'll reach 4000. I'm not necessarily aiming for it yet, but it's certainly in my thoughts.
This morning I aired up my tires before riding, in a beginning-of-the-week ritual that's steadily becoming an indispensable part of my routine (and one which I had inexcusably neglected for far too long until recently.) Then I went out and rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 26 miles in 2:42, and pushing myself over the 3300-mile threshold for the year. It was yet another spectacular fall day—brightly sunny, and 45° when I started at 10:30, up to 59° when I finished.
Just a note, regarding my progress ... if I can average about 14.66 miles/day for the remaining 47 days of the year, I'll reach 4000. I'm not necessarily aiming for it yet, but it's certainly in my thoughts.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
204th ride of 2016 - Saturday, 11/12/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3284.9
On a beautiful Michigan late fall morning, I had a good ride today. However, due to a tactical error on my part, it was shorter than I had intended. Last night night was our coldest night of the season so far, dipping down into the upper twenties, and when I began my ride at 8:30, it was brightly sunny, calm, and 31°. I was tempted to try getting away with my cloth maize and blue gloves—but within a very short time, my fingers were tingling vigorously, so I decided to shorten my plans. By the end, it had warmed up to 43° and I considered driving myself onward—but by that time I had already made up my mind to do a shorter ride, and was unable to reinvigorate myself. So I did my 12.5-mile loop where I go to Marsh Park, and then, on the way home, head south on Wilson Rd. and then swing down around Saline High School.
I was also pleased to cross paths with my friend Carl Combs. When I first passed him and his wife, walking, just east of the intersection of Textile and Lohr, I came up behind them and wasn't positive it was him, even though he greeted me by name and the voice certainly sounded like his. But then, later, on my way back west from Marsh Park, I met them again, head on, and this time could see it was him.
On a beautiful Michigan late fall morning, I had a good ride today. However, due to a tactical error on my part, it was shorter than I had intended. Last night night was our coldest night of the season so far, dipping down into the upper twenties, and when I began my ride at 8:30, it was brightly sunny, calm, and 31°. I was tempted to try getting away with my cloth maize and blue gloves—but within a very short time, my fingers were tingling vigorously, so I decided to shorten my plans. By the end, it had warmed up to 43° and I considered driving myself onward—but by that time I had already made up my mind to do a shorter ride, and was unable to reinvigorate myself. So I did my 12.5-mile loop where I go to Marsh Park, and then, on the way home, head south on Wilson Rd. and then swing down around Saline High School.
I was also pleased to cross paths with my friend Carl Combs. When I first passed him and his wife, walking, just east of the intersection of Textile and Lohr, I came up behind them and wasn't positive it was him, even though he greeted me by name and the voice certainly sounded like his. But then, later, on my way back west from Marsh Park, I met them again, head on, and this time could see it was him.
Friday, November 11, 2016
203rd ride of 2016 - Friday, 11/11/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3272.4
Today's ride was a frustrating one. Although it was not exceptionally windy, there was a pretty healthy breeze out of the north, that kept strengthening as my ride continued. By the end it was 17 mph, and as I was riding the last couple of miles directly into the teeth of it, I had all the challenge I wanted! I started at 9:15 in balmy 46° conditions, and by the end, it had skyrocketed to 47°!
The wind kept tangling the tornadoes (AKA spinners, or windmills) on the back of my trike. They'd get caught around each other so that, of course, they wouldn't spin. I had to stop five times to get up and disentangle them within a stretch of just a few hundred yards after I turned back from Marsh Park. Finally, after the last time, I gave up and decided to just leave them that way for the rest of the ride.
Accordingly, I decided to settle for a single round trip to the park today, covering the 10 miles in 1:13. And I think I'm going to address this problem (with which I've dealt in the past) by removing one of them, and only riding with two in the future on perfectly calm days.
Today's ride was a frustrating one. Although it was not exceptionally windy, there was a pretty healthy breeze out of the north, that kept strengthening as my ride continued. By the end it was 17 mph, and as I was riding the last couple of miles directly into the teeth of it, I had all the challenge I wanted! I started at 9:15 in balmy 46° conditions, and by the end, it had skyrocketed to 47°!
The wind kept tangling the tornadoes (AKA spinners, or windmills) on the back of my trike. They'd get caught around each other so that, of course, they wouldn't spin. I had to stop five times to get up and disentangle them within a stretch of just a few hundred yards after I turned back from Marsh Park. Finally, after the last time, I gave up and decided to just leave them that way for the rest of the ride.
Accordingly, I decided to settle for a single round trip to the park today, covering the 10 miles in 1:13. And I think I'm going to address this problem (with which I've dealt in the past) by removing one of them, and only riding with two in the future on perfectly calm days.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
202nd ride of 2015 - Thursday, 11/10/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3262.4
This morning I went out at 9:15 in sunny, breezy, 47° weather and rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park in just a few seconds under 3 hours flat for the 26 miles. Glad I could keep plugging away at it, and not give in to sloth. When I finished, it had climbed to a delightful 61°.
This morning I went out at 9:15 in sunny, breezy, 47° weather and rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park in just a few seconds under 3 hours flat for the 26 miles. Glad I could keep plugging away at it, and not give in to sloth. When I finished, it had climbed to a delightful 61°.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
201st ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 11/9/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3236.4
Today I waited until 11:15 to ride, and then settled for a slow single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:15. It was 47° and sunny when I started, and heated up to 50° by the time I finished.
Today I waited until 11:15 to ride, and then settled for a slow single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10 miles in 1:15. It was 47° and sunny when I started, and heated up to 50° by the time I finished.
Monday, November 7, 2016
200th ride of 2016 - Monday, 11/7/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3226.4
This morning, I aired up my tires, and set off at 9:30 in calm 46° bright sunshine. One hour and 56 minutes later, I had completed consecutive round trips to Marsh Park (my record for that ride is 1:42:08, last May 18).
I am by no means making this a firm goal, but I realize that I have an outside shot at making 4000 miles for the year, smashing my goal of 3500. So I'm going to keep track of how I'm doing relative to that endpoint. After yesterday's ride, I had to average 14.4 miles/day for the remainder of the year to make it. And after today's, that figure dropped slightly to 14.33 (with 54 more days left in the year).
This morning, I aired up my tires, and set off at 9:30 in calm 46° bright sunshine. One hour and 56 minutes later, I had completed consecutive round trips to Marsh Park (my record for that ride is 1:42:08, last May 18).
I am by no means making this a firm goal, but I realize that I have an outside shot at making 4000 miles for the year, smashing my goal of 3500. So I'm going to keep track of how I'm doing relative to that endpoint. After yesterday's ride, I had to average 14.4 miles/day for the remainder of the year to make it. And after today's, that figure dropped slightly to 14.33 (with 54 more days left in the year).
Sunday, November 6, 2016
199th ride of 2016 - Sunday, 11/6/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3208.4
On another fantastically gorgeous fall day (brightly sunny, and 52° when I began at 10:15 a.m., 64° when I finished), I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, starting later than I like, because our handbell choir played at the 8:00 and 9:00 services at church. I covered the 18 miles in a decent, but by no means "great," time of 2:06.
On another fantastically gorgeous fall day (brightly sunny, and 52° when I began at 10:15 a.m., 64° when I finished), I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, starting later than I like, because our handbell choir played at the 8:00 and 9:00 services at church. I covered the 18 miles in a decent, but by no means "great," time of 2:06.
Friday, November 4, 2016
198th ride of 2016 - Friday, 11/4/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3190.4
Today's ride was a very good one. I did three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for the first time since October 19, covering the 26 miles in 2:56. (Though my record for that ride is 2:27:05, last May 30, I have usually been over 3 hours for it.) And when I started, about 9:15, it was a brisk 41° (so that my gloves were perfect), with mostly sunny skies. During the middle of the ride, clouds moved in, but by the time I finished they had cleared, leaving it mostly sunny again.
Today's ride was a very good one. I did three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for the first time since October 19, covering the 26 miles in 2:56. (Though my record for that ride is 2:27:05, last May 30, I have usually been over 3 hours for it.) And when I started, about 9:15, it was a brisk 41° (so that my gloves were perfect), with mostly sunny skies. During the middle of the ride, clouds moved in, but by the time I finished they had cleared, leaving it mostly sunny again.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
197th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 11/3/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3164.4
Today I had every intention of doing a longer ride (3 round trips) and was prepared physically and mentally to carry through on this. But I've been somewhat "in the zone" lately compositionally, feeling especially good about a handbell piece I finished earlier this week. So during the early part of today's ride, when ideas started flooding my head for a new handbell piece, I was too eager to get home and begin working them out to do any more than a single round trip, and so covered the 10 miles in 1:07, after starting at 11:00 a.m. in partly sunny 53° conditions, and finishing when it was 56°. I was happy, too, to pass my friend Doris Granum while riding down near the park, and she had evidently seen a photo I posted on Facebook yesterday, as she cheerfully called out an encouraging remark about my new "tornadoes."
Today I had every intention of doing a longer ride (3 round trips) and was prepared physically and mentally to carry through on this. But I've been somewhat "in the zone" lately compositionally, feeling especially good about a handbell piece I finished earlier this week. So during the early part of today's ride, when ideas started flooding my head for a new handbell piece, I was too eager to get home and begin working them out to do any more than a single round trip, and so covered the 10 miles in 1:07, after starting at 11:00 a.m. in partly sunny 53° conditions, and finishing when it was 56°. I was happy, too, to pass my friend Doris Granum while riding down near the park, and she had evidently seen a photo I posted on Facebook yesterday, as she cheerfully called out an encouraging remark about my new "tornadoes."
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
196th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 11/2/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3154.4
Today I got out at 9:00, and rode a fairly brisk round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:04. It's nowhere near my record of 53:46 (May 19), but it's better than I've done in quite some time. And today I didn't make the mistake of overdressing, as I did yesterday! It was 57° when I began, and 63° when I finished—I wore a hoodie, but no jacket over it. I brought my poncho along, as they were calling for scattered showers through the day, but I saw not one hint of rain.
Today I got out at 9:00, and rode a fairly brisk round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:04. It's nowhere near my record of 53:46 (May 19), but it's better than I've done in quite some time. And today I didn't make the mistake of overdressing, as I did yesterday! It was 57° when I began, and 63° when I finished—I wore a hoodie, but no jacket over it. I brought my poncho along, as they were calling for scattered showers through the day, but I saw not one hint of rain.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
195th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 11/1/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3144.4
This morning I was not able to ride until 11:00 a.m., and then, although I took my gloves with me, it was much too warm to wear them, at 56° when I began and 68° when I finished. In fact, I shouldn't have worn a jacket either, but I did, and so worked up a good sweat. I rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:16.
For visibility, I have the flags shows in this video on the back of my trike. People have variously called them spinners, windmills, and other names—my favorite is that of my grandson Danny, who says they look like "tornadoes." A couple of weeks ago, though, one caught on an overhanging branch and tore out and broke, so I had to get replacements. They arrived yesterday (I got red, white, and blue ones rather than the colors I had before), but today, in the breeze, they kept getting caught on each other, so I had to keep stopping and untangling them. This is a real pain in the neck, as it means unclipping my cleated shoes from the pedals each time I get up, and then refastening them when I'm ready to go again. Oh well!
This morning I was not able to ride until 11:00 a.m., and then, although I took my gloves with me, it was much too warm to wear them, at 56° when I began and 68° when I finished. In fact, I shouldn't have worn a jacket either, but I did, and so worked up a good sweat. I rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:16.
For visibility, I have the flags shows in this video on the back of my trike. People have variously called them spinners, windmills, and other names—my favorite is that of my grandson Danny, who says they look like "tornadoes." A couple of weeks ago, though, one caught on an overhanging branch and tore out and broke, so I had to get replacements. They arrived yesterday (I got red, white, and blue ones rather than the colors I had before), but today, in the breeze, they kept getting caught on each other, so I had to keep stopping and untangling them. This is a real pain in the neck, as it means unclipping my cleated shoes from the pedals each time I get up, and then refastening them when I'm ready to go again. Oh well!
Monday, October 31, 2016
194th ride of 2016 - Monday, 10/31/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3134.4
Since I aired up my tires on Friday evening, with Doug's help, I had found that it made a huge difference in the ease and efficiency of my pedaling when I rode on Saturday. (I didn't ride yesterday.) The tires say 35-40 psi, but Doug told me I could run them a little higher (say, 45) for an even easier ride. So I did that before going out this morning. And it again made a massive difference. I was able to ride with an ease and at a pace that I hadn't known since shortly after getting the trike, last May 14.
I'm ashamed to confess that I hadn't added any air to the tires myself since getting the trike, although I've had a couple of flats changed since then, and they checked the pressure and added air as needed. Today, though, I was able to breeze through consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in just a few seconds over 2 hours flat. By comparison, last Tuesday I rode it in 2:25, and Friday I did it in 2:35. (My record for that ride is 1:42:08, last May 18.)
My times had slowed drastically over recent months, and I attributed it to aging, though I was puzzled at the steep, sharp drop off. But now I see that it was merely a matter of neglect on my part, not keeping the proper air level in the tires. This, while still a problem, is less serious than aging—the tire pressure is a correctable issue, and I really am trainable, so can (and will) learn from this bout of stupidity.
Since I aired up my tires on Friday evening, with Doug's help, I had found that it made a huge difference in the ease and efficiency of my pedaling when I rode on Saturday. (I didn't ride yesterday.) The tires say 35-40 psi, but Doug told me I could run them a little higher (say, 45) for an even easier ride. So I did that before going out this morning. And it again made a massive difference. I was able to ride with an ease and at a pace that I hadn't known since shortly after getting the trike, last May 14.
I'm ashamed to confess that I hadn't added any air to the tires myself since getting the trike, although I've had a couple of flats changed since then, and they checked the pressure and added air as needed. Today, though, I was able to breeze through consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in just a few seconds over 2 hours flat. By comparison, last Tuesday I rode it in 2:25, and Friday I did it in 2:35. (My record for that ride is 1:42:08, last May 18.)
My times had slowed drastically over recent months, and I attributed it to aging, though I was puzzled at the steep, sharp drop off. But now I see that it was merely a matter of neglect on my part, not keeping the proper air level in the tires. This, while still a problem, is less serious than aging—the tire pressure is a correctable issue, and I really am trainable, so can (and will) learn from this bout of stupidity.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
193rd ride of 2016 - Saturday, 10/29/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3116.4
This morning I went out at 7:00 a.m., in the still dark conditions, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for the second straight day. It was 56° when I started, and 59° when I finished. As my friend Doug Tidd stopped by at my request last evening to give me some tips on airing up my tires, my ride today was significantly easier (and 18 minutes faster, as today I covered the 18 miles in 2:17).
Today is the big in-state rivalry football game between Michigan and Michigan State; since I am an alumnus of both school (UM - Master of Music, 1982; Michigan State - Doctor of Musical Arts, 1988), I suppose in some sense I can't lose. The game is at noon, so I was eager to ride early and get done so I could settle in to watch the game in this shirt:
On the home stretch of today's ride, I passed a group of 4 women walking in Michigan State apparel. I raised my UM glove and hailed them with a hearty, "GO BLUE!" They grinned and returned, in unison, an equally hearty, "GO GREEN!"
This morning I went out at 7:00 a.m., in the still dark conditions, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for the second straight day. It was 56° when I started, and 59° when I finished. As my friend Doug Tidd stopped by at my request last evening to give me some tips on airing up my tires, my ride today was significantly easier (and 18 minutes faster, as today I covered the 18 miles in 2:17).
Today is the big in-state rivalry football game between Michigan and Michigan State; since I am an alumnus of both school (UM - Master of Music, 1982; Michigan State - Doctor of Musical Arts, 1988), I suppose in some sense I can't lose. The game is at noon, so I was eager to ride early and get done so I could settle in to watch the game in this shirt:
On the home stretch of today's ride, I passed a group of 4 women walking in Michigan State apparel. I raised my UM glove and hailed them with a hearty, "GO BLUE!" They grinned and returned, in unison, an equally hearty, "GO GREEN!"
Friday, October 28, 2016
192nd ride of 2016 - Friday, 10/28/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3098.4
This morning I went out and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. Leaving at 9:45, it was 34° (and sunny), but by the time I finished, close to 12:30, it was 51°. Had I remembered what my mileage was, I'd have tacked on a little more to push me over 3100 ... but I'll get there soon enough, I guess. As it was, the 18 miles took me 2:35.
This morning I went out and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. Leaving at 9:45, it was 34° (and sunny), but by the time I finished, close to 12:30, it was 51°. Had I remembered what my mileage was, I'd have tacked on a little more to push me over 3100 ... but I'll get there soon enough, I guess. As it was, the 18 miles took me 2:35.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
191st ride of 2016 - Thursday, 10/27/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3080.4
Today brought me a second straight ride in miserable cold (40°) wet conditions. The rain was light but fairly steady (although it did ease up a bit in the second half of the ride). It had turned my glasses into a prism within a very few minutes, and I was very glad to reach my turnaround point at the park, stop for a moment, and swab them off. I was happy again to be able to limit myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:25.
Today brought me a second straight ride in miserable cold (40°) wet conditions. The rain was light but fairly steady (although it did ease up a bit in the second half of the ride). It had turned my glasses into a prism within a very few minutes, and I was very glad to reach my turnaround point at the park, stop for a moment, and swab them off. I was happy again to be able to limit myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:25.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
190th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 10/26/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3070.4
Today they were predicting rain to move in from the west about 9:30. I was able to get my ride started in dry conditions at 9:00. But when a cold, light sprinkle began drumming into my face after I reached Marsh Park and turned back toward home, that was all I needed to persuade me to limit it to a single round trip today.
It was a cold and slow ride, covering the 10 miles in 1:28,, at 40° when I began and 42° when I finished, making me rejoice, once again, over having had the foresight to wear my gloves. The coldest day on which I rode last winter was 18°, and, frankly, I don't now know quite how I did it ... presumably I'll be able to gradually build up to colder weather riding, though.
Today they were predicting rain to move in from the west about 9:30. I was able to get my ride started in dry conditions at 9:00. But when a cold, light sprinkle began drumming into my face after I reached Marsh Park and turned back toward home, that was all I needed to persuade me to limit it to a single round trip today.
It was a cold and slow ride, covering the 10 miles in 1:28,, at 40° when I began and 42° when I finished, making me rejoice, once again, over having had the foresight to wear my gloves. The coldest day on which I rode last winter was 18°, and, frankly, I don't now know quite how I did it ... presumably I'll be able to gradually build up to colder weather riding, though.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
189th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 10/25/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3060.4
Though I didn't do a long ride today, at least it was longer than yesterday's and many recent days. I managed to eke out consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 2:25.
By the way, though for ease of reference I refer to my most frequent destination as Marsh Park, this picture shows that its full formal name is considerably longer and less wieldy (user-friendly).
Today's ride fell on a quintessential Michigan fall day—mostly sunny, and cool but not uncomfortable (48° when I began at 11:30, and 50° when I finished.) It was comfortable wearing a jacket over a sweater, as well as my new gloves (though the gloves would not have been necessary, perhaps, their maize and blue brilliance cheers me).
I also saw my friend Doris Granum out riding on the trail today, passing her a couple of times.
Though I didn't do a long ride today, at least it was longer than yesterday's and many recent days. I managed to eke out consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 2:25.
By the way, though for ease of reference I refer to my most frequent destination as Marsh Park, this picture shows that its full formal name is considerably longer and less wieldy (user-friendly).
Today's ride fell on a quintessential Michigan fall day—mostly sunny, and cool but not uncomfortable (48° when I began at 11:30, and 50° when I finished.) It was comfortable wearing a jacket over a sweater, as well as my new gloves (though the gloves would not have been necessary, perhaps, their maize and blue brilliance cheers me).
I also saw my friend Doris Granum out riding on the trail today, passing her a couple of times.
Monday, October 24, 2016
188th ride of 2016 - Monday, 10/24/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3042.4
Again today I settled for a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:21. Quite honestly, I'm disappointed in myself, and feel the need to try to ratchet of my determination and drive so that I can at least get back to consistent daily ride of multiple trips to the park.
Today's ride featured one novel aspect—I got a new pair of gloves yesterday to help me better deal with the falling temperatures as winter looms ever closer: GO BLUE!!!
Again today I settled for a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:21. Quite honestly, I'm disappointed in myself, and feel the need to try to ratchet of my determination and drive so that I can at least get back to consistent daily ride of multiple trips to the park.
Today's ride featured one novel aspect—I got a new pair of gloves yesterday to help me better deal with the falling temperatures as winter looms ever closer: GO BLUE!!!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
187th ride of 2016 - Sunday, 10/23/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3032.4
Yesterday I couldn't ride because of a very busy day (an early trip up to Okemos for Izzy's 9 a.m. soccer game, and then I had a pair of tickets for the 3:30 Illinois/Michigan game in the Big House, to which I went with Pastor Jim from our church). So I was glad to get back to it today, even though it was a light ride, and slow—what's new? I left at 8:15 a.m. and rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:23. When I left it was 43°, and when I finished it was 46°, convincing me to wear gloves for future early morning rides.
Yesterday I couldn't ride because of a very busy day (an early trip up to Okemos for Izzy's 9 a.m. soccer game, and then I had a pair of tickets for the 3:30 Illinois/Michigan game in the Big House, to which I went with Pastor Jim from our church). So I was glad to get back to it today, even though it was a light ride, and slow—what's new? I left at 8:15 a.m. and rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:23. When I left it was 43°, and when I finished it was 46°, convincing me to wear gloves for future early morning rides.
Friday, October 21, 2016
186th ride of 2016 - Friday, 10/21/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3022.4
Today's ride was in cool, cloudy, breezy, gray conditions—but at least no rain! When I began to ride, just past 1:30, it was 51°, and by the time I finished, it had fallen off to 50°
I rode again a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:22. Such slow rides are, unfortunately, becoming the norm. My record for this ride is 53:46, last May 19. But of my recent rides, several have been over 1:20, and I have not broken 1:10 since July 8. Oh well -- guess I'm getting older and slower. BIG surprise! All I can do is keep chipping away at it, the best I can.
Today's ride was in cool, cloudy, breezy, gray conditions—but at least no rain! When I began to ride, just past 1:30, it was 51°, and by the time I finished, it had fallen off to 50°
I rode again a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:22. Such slow rides are, unfortunately, becoming the norm. My record for this ride is 53:46, last May 19. But of my recent rides, several have been over 1:20, and I have not broken 1:10 since July 8. Oh well -- guess I'm getting older and slower. BIG surprise! All I can do is keep chipping away at it, the best I can.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
185th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 10/20/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3012.4
Today was another day for riding with my poncho.
The hourly forecasts on weather.com made it look as if this morning would be better for a ride than this afternoon. And, to be sure, it was never a heavy rain—but a fairly steady drizzle, combined with the spray from the trail, left my arms and legs and seat quite drenched, despite the poncho. Though the conditions fell short of what I would call "miserable," it was in no way pleasant.
Consequently, though I had hoped to do a longer ride, in the end I settled for a single slow round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:28.
Today was another day for riding with my poncho.
The hourly forecasts on weather.com made it look as if this morning would be better for a ride than this afternoon. And, to be sure, it was never a heavy rain—but a fairly steady drizzle, combined with the spray from the trail, left my arms and legs and seat quite drenched, despite the poncho. Though the conditions fell short of what I would call "miserable," it was in no way pleasant.
Consequently, though I had hoped to do a longer ride, in the end I settled for a single slow round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 1:28.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
184th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 10/19/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 3002.4
It was a joy to have lovely weather today in which to break a big milestone. When I went out to ride, at 8:45, it was sunny and 50°, and when I finished, it had climbed to 61°. I rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 26 miles in 3:26.
Although my goal for 2016 is 3500 miles, for a while this summer it seemed to me that 4000 might be within reach. I suppose it still is, technically, but I'd have to average nearly 14 miles a day for the remainder of the year, no matter what the weather, and driving myself this hard just doesn't seem worth the effort. So I think I'll be satisfied with the not-inconsiderable achievement of 3500, and save 4000 for next year, when it should be more feasible.
It was a joy to have lovely weather today in which to break a big milestone. When I went out to ride, at 8:45, it was sunny and 50°, and when I finished, it had climbed to 61°. I rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 26 miles in 3:26.
Although my goal for 2016 is 3500 miles, for a while this summer it seemed to me that 4000 might be within reach. I suppose it still is, technically, but I'd have to average nearly 14 miles a day for the remainder of the year, no matter what the weather, and driving myself this hard just doesn't seem worth the effort. So I think I'll be satisfied with the not-inconsiderable achievement of 3500, and save 4000 for next year, when it should be more feasible.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
183rd ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 10/18/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2976.4
Today, I had a morning bloated with errands to do, and consequently could not ride until 1 p.m. At that time it was warm (67°, climbing to 70° when I finished), extremely cloudy, windy, and "thick" (quite humid). I chose to ride a single round trip to Marsh Park, and that quite slowly, finishing in 1:27.
Today, I had a morning bloated with errands to do, and consequently could not ride until 1 p.m. At that time it was warm (67°, climbing to 70° when I finished), extremely cloudy, windy, and "thick" (quite humid). I chose to ride a single round trip to Marsh Park, and that quite slowly, finishing in 1:27.
Monday, October 17, 2016
182nd ride of 2016 - Monday, 10/17/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2966.4
Michigan is once more displaying its schizophrenia, as summer is back! Today when I went out to ride at 11:45, it was a sunny 71°, and by the time I had finished, it had climbed to 80°. I rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park (slowly, but it was still plenty of challenge), finishing the 26 miles in 3:17.
Michigan is once more displaying its schizophrenia, as summer is back! Today when I went out to ride at 11:45, it was a sunny 71°, and by the time I had finished, it had climbed to 80°. I rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park (slowly, but it was still plenty of challenge), finishing the 26 miles in 3:17.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
181st ride of 2016 - Saturday, 10/15/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2940.4
After taking yesterday off because of the time spent searching for my missing wallet, I was glad to get back to riding today—and since Michelle kindly helped me by reattaching my headlight to the trike last evening, I was able to go out early today, before we head up for Izzy's soccer game. Leaving at 6:00 a.m., I rode the whole ride in the dark, glad to be on that trail which prohibits motorized vehicles, with my headlight steadily flashing. By the time I finished (10 miles in 1:19), it had actually dropped 1 degree, from 43° to 42°. I was comfortable riding in a jacket over a hoodie (the one that draws so many smiles and comments), but was keenly persuaded that the next time I do an early morning cold ride, I need to wear gloves!
After taking yesterday off because of the time spent searching for my missing wallet, I was glad to get back to riding today—and since Michelle kindly helped me by reattaching my headlight to the trike last evening, I was able to go out early today, before we head up for Izzy's soccer game. Leaving at 6:00 a.m., I rode the whole ride in the dark, glad to be on that trail which prohibits motorized vehicles, with my headlight steadily flashing. By the time I finished (10 miles in 1:19), it had actually dropped 1 degree, from 43° to 42°. I was comfortable riding in a jacket over a hoodie (the one that draws so many smiles and comments), but was keenly persuaded that the next time I do an early morning cold ride, I need to wear gloves!
When I turned back from the park today and began riding west, I was headed directly into a low bright full moon, just hanging there and inviting me onward. It really was quite stunning.
Also, I forgot to mention an enjoyable incident from yesterday's ride. On the trail, on my way back home, I passed a group of about 15 or so young children, shepherded by two young women. The kids were 4-5 (likely Preschoolers or Kindergartners); enchanted by the novelty of seeing an adult riding a tricycle, they were all huge grins and energetic waves.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
180th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 10/13/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2930.4
Fall! This morning when I went out to ride at 9:00, it was sunny and a crisp 48°; and when I finished over 2 hours later, it had soared all the way to 50°! The weather made it feel perfect to wear a jacket over my "TEAM ALLEN" hoodie!
Fall! This morning when I went out to ride at 9:00, it was sunny and a crisp 48°; and when I finished over 2 hours later, it had soared all the way to 50°! The weather made it feel perfect to wear a jacket over my "TEAM ALLEN" hoodie!
I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 18 miles in 2:20.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
179th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 10/13/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2912.4
After a four-day layoff (Saturday through Monday I was on my trip to Milwaukee for the concert, and yesterday I was just plain too exhausted), I was glad to get back to riding today, going out at 8:00 a.m. (60°) to ride a round trip to Marsh Park, doing the 10 miles in 1:13.
After a four-day layoff (Saturday through Monday I was on my trip to Milwaukee for the concert, and yesterday I was just plain too exhausted), I was glad to get back to riding today, going out at 8:00 a.m. (60°) to ride a round trip to Marsh Park, doing the 10 miles in 1:13.
Friday, October 7, 2016
178th ride of 2016 - Friday, 10/7/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2902.4
This morning I waited until 8:00 for it get light enough, and then went out and rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, in cloudy conditions (57° when I left, 61° when I finished). This 10-mile ride took me 1:17. However, later in the morning, I had to go to Kinko's, and since Michelle was gone with the car, and I could do the entire ride on walks, I did that (5.6 miles in 42 minutes). So, together, the two ride pushed me over another mileage milestone for the year—and the next one (which I hope to make by next weekend) will be a BIG one!
This morning I waited until 8:00 for it get light enough, and then went out and rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, in cloudy conditions (57° when I left, 61° when I finished). This 10-mile ride took me 1:17. However, later in the morning, I had to go to Kinko's, and since Michelle was gone with the car, and I could do the entire ride on walks, I did that (5.6 miles in 42 minutes). So, together, the two ride pushed me over another mileage milestone for the year—and the next one (which I hope to make by next weekend) will be a BIG one!
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