TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2466.9
Today I cut back on my intentions, and settled for consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 2:07. When I began, at 10:00 a.m., it was 73°, and when I finished, it was 79°.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
149th ride of 2016 - Monday, 8/29/16
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2448.9
This morning was absolutely spectacular for riding—a bright, unclouded blue sky, low humidity, and 69° when I started off just before 9:00, having risen to 79* when I finished. I rode three and a half round trips to Marsh Park (turning around at Textile the fourth time). I covered the 30.1 miles in 3:11.
It was a pleasure also to see my friend Doris Granum. We passed toward the end of my first round trip—she overtook me from behind and rode beside me for a minute, while we chatted (as best I can), about yesterday's piano performance I gave at church. (She knew about it because I had mentioned it on Facebook.) Then she went on ahead and reached Ellsworth before I, turned around, and started heading back south on the trail again. Once I turned around I was well behind her, but, pushing hard, I eventually caught up to her (in a little less than 2 miles), and we then quasi-"raced" to Textile, where she eased off and allowed me to take the corner first. But, rounding it too quickly, I tipped over—although, as she accurately noted, at least I fell in the grass. (And it is lush, thick, and soft right now from our rain last week.)
Importantly, this put me in position to make my mini-goal of 2500 miles before September if I ride three round trips each of the next two days. And it also put my 2016 mileage above what I achieved in 2015 (2423.8), when I didn't even get the trike until May 4.
This morning was absolutely spectacular for riding—a bright, unclouded blue sky, low humidity, and 69° when I started off just before 9:00, having risen to 79* when I finished. I rode three and a half round trips to Marsh Park (turning around at Textile the fourth time). I covered the 30.1 miles in 3:11.
It was a pleasure also to see my friend Doris Granum. We passed toward the end of my first round trip—she overtook me from behind and rode beside me for a minute, while we chatted (as best I can), about yesterday's piano performance I gave at church. (She knew about it because I had mentioned it on Facebook.) Then she went on ahead and reached Ellsworth before I, turned around, and started heading back south on the trail again. Once I turned around I was well behind her, but, pushing hard, I eventually caught up to her (in a little less than 2 miles), and we then quasi-"raced" to Textile, where she eased off and allowed me to take the corner first. But, rounding it too quickly, I tipped over—although, as she accurately noted, at least I fell in the grass. (And it is lush, thick, and soft right now from our rain last week.)
Importantly, this put me in position to make my mini-goal of 2500 miles before September if I ride three round trips each of the next two days. And it also put my 2016 mileage above what I achieved in 2015 (2423.8), when I didn't even get the trike until May 4.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
148th ride of 2016 - Saturday, 8/27/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2418.8
This morning I left at 6:45, in a temperature of 68°, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 2:04. By the end the temperature had climbed 69 72*. I had planned to ride three round trips, but I'm playing piano in church tomorrow—my first public performance in nearly a quarter century, since my accident of May 22, 1993—and I decided I wanted to leave myself sufficient time for a last run through, especially to check the score, since I'm planning to play from memory tomorrow.
This morning I left at 6:45, in a temperature of 68°, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 18 miles in 2:04. By the end the temperature had climbed 69 72*. I had planned to ride three round trips, but I'm playing piano in church tomorrow—my first public performance in nearly a quarter century, since my accident of May 22, 1993—and I decided I wanted to leave myself sufficient time for a last run through, especially to check the score, since I'm planning to play from memory tomorrow.
Friday, August 26, 2016
147th ride of 2016 - Friday, 8/26/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2400.8
This morning, I set out at 7:00 and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park to push me over 2400 miles for the year, completing the 18 miles in 2:05. Now—the next mini-goal is to make 2500 before September arrives.
This morning, I set out at 7:00 and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park to push me over 2400 miles for the year, completing the 18 miles in 2:05. Now—the next mini-goal is to make 2500 before September arrives.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
146th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 8/25/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2382.8
Today was pretty much a copy of yesterday's ride—I left again at 6:30, and rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. The only differences were that I was slightly slower today, covering the 26 miles in 2:58 rather than yesterday's 2:52, and as day broke, it revealed a slightly less brilliantly blue sky today, with some clouds interspersed. It was a bit warmer today, though—71° at 6:30, and 73° when I finished. And by the end, the cloudiness had increased somewhat, and a light sprinkle was just barely beginning.
As the Jedi Master of setting intermediate goals,
Today was pretty much a copy of yesterday's ride—I left again at 6:30, and rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. The only differences were that I was slightly slower today, covering the 26 miles in 2:58 rather than yesterday's 2:52, and as day broke, it revealed a slightly less brilliantly blue sky today, with some clouds interspersed. It was a bit warmer today, though—71° at 6:30, and 73° when I finished. And by the end, the cloudiness had increased somewhat, and a light sprinkle was just barely beginning.
As the Jedi Master of setting intermediate goals,
I realized last weekend that I I really pushed myself in a very disciplined and diligent manner, I could reach 2400 miles by this coming weekend, and 2500 before September arrived. So far, so good—I've put myself in position to do that, so now I just need to continue pushing (and pedaling).
As in the past, I found today that the mental aspect of keeping myself going is by far the most challenging aspect of doing a "longer" ride. It's so easy to think, as the second round trip is drawing to a close, "Well, this has been a good 18-miles ride ... I don't really need to do that third round trip today." But, I'm heartily glad I could push myself to do it.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
145th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 8/24/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2356.8
This morning I left at 6:30, before the sunrise—but it was near enough so that the deepest dark of night was long gone. It was a brisk 57° (though by the time I finished, 3 hours later, it had climbed to 71°), and it was a beautiful thing to watch the day being birthed, as the eastern horizon first began to glow, and then the sun rose and gradually climbed higher and higher. Rain is supposed to move in this afternoon, so, again, I'm delighted to have been able to ride early.
I did three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 26 miles in 2:52.
This morning I left at 6:30, before the sunrise—but it was near enough so that the deepest dark of night was long gone. It was a brisk 57° (though by the time I finished, 3 hours later, it had climbed to 71°), and it was a beautiful thing to watch the day being birthed, as the eastern horizon first began to glow, and then the sun rose and gradually climbed higher and higher. Rain is supposed to move in this afternoon, so, again, I'm delighted to have been able to ride early.
I did three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 26 miles in 2:52.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
144th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 8/23/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2330.8
This afternoon, due to another pressing commitment, I rode only two round trips to Marsh Park rather than the three I had wanted to. But those went beautifully, under a rich blue sky that was 79° when I began just before 2 p.m. and 81° when I finished, 18 miles and 1:53 later.
This afternoon, due to another pressing commitment, I rode only two round trips to Marsh Park rather than the three I had wanted to. But those went beautifully, under a rich blue sky that was 79° when I began just before 2 p.m. and 81° when I finished, 18 miles and 1:53 later.
Monday, August 22, 2016
143rd ride of 2016 - Monday, 8/22/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2312.8
This morning I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park in absolutely glorious conditions. When I began, at 9:00, the sky was cloudless and 60°—by the time I finished, it was up to 71° and only a very few clouds had moved in. I was happy to see my friend Doris Granum a couple of times, and when she asked me, a bit past 10:00, what round I was on, I felt sheepish about my late start and the ability to hold up only two fingers. I covered the 18 miles in 2:05, and this ride pushed me over 2300 miles for the year.
Despite the weather, though, my heart was somewhat heavy because of an incident yesterday. After my early ride (6:00-9:00) I put the trike away and drove to Meijer. But just starting out, at a curve in Lohr Rd., I got distracted for a moment (don't even know from what) and took my eyes off the road momentarily. This allowed my right front wheel to run up on the curb, and I fishtailed (fortunately there was no other traffic within sight at that hour on Sunday morning) and ended up lightly clipping a road sign. I thought no damage had occurred, but when I got to Meijer I discovered that it had caught the trike rack and ripped it off. When I went back, someone had already removed it. So, for now I'm rack-less.
This morning I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park in absolutely glorious conditions. When I began, at 9:00, the sky was cloudless and 60°—by the time I finished, it was up to 71° and only a very few clouds had moved in. I was happy to see my friend Doris Granum a couple of times, and when she asked me, a bit past 10:00, what round I was on, I felt sheepish about my late start and the ability to hold up only two fingers. I covered the 18 miles in 2:05, and this ride pushed me over 2300 miles for the year.
Despite the weather, though, my heart was somewhat heavy because of an incident yesterday. After my early ride (6:00-9:00) I put the trike away and drove to Meijer. But just starting out, at a curve in Lohr Rd., I got distracted for a moment (don't even know from what) and took my eyes off the road momentarily. This allowed my right front wheel to run up on the curb, and I fishtailed (fortunately there was no other traffic within sight at that hour on Sunday morning) and ended up lightly clipping a road sign. I thought no damage had occurred, but when I got to Meijer I discovered that it had caught the trike rack and ripped it off. When I went back, someone had already removed it. So, for now I'm rack-less.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
142nd ride of 2016 - Sunday, 8/21/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2294.8
I couldn't ride yesterday due to an extremely full day, including Aunt Til's memorial service and then the luncheon for family following it, and a gathering at JB's last evening with Christy and the kids. So I was very glad to be able to get back out there today, and left at 6 a.m. in brisk conditions (around 60° when I started) and did three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 26 miles in 2:48, by which time it had warmed to 66°.
I couldn't ride yesterday due to an extremely full day, including Aunt Til's memorial service and then the luncheon for family following it, and a gathering at JB's last evening with Christy and the kids. So I was very glad to be able to get back out there today, and left at 6 a.m. in brisk conditions (around 60° when I started) and did three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 26 miles in 2:48, by which time it had warmed to 66°.
Friday, August 19, 2016
141st ride of 2016 - Friday, 8/19/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2268.8
Today I could not ride until 11 a.m., by which time it was already 80°, so I shortened my ride a bit from what I had originally intended. Still, it felt great to get out there again after having to take yesterday off due to the repairs I needed at Jack's in Dearborn, and it also felt great to be riding with the security of two brand new front tires, replacing the old worn ones. So I ended up doing two and a half round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 22.1 miles in 2:18 on a quintessential late summer day—warm (85° when I finished) and sunny, with only a few thin clouds in the bright blue sky.
Today I could not ride until 11 a.m., by which time it was already 80°, so I shortened my ride a bit from what I had originally intended. Still, it felt great to get out there again after having to take yesterday off due to the repairs I needed at Jack's in Dearborn, and it also felt great to be riding with the security of two brand new front tires, replacing the old worn ones. So I ended up doing two and a half round trips to Marsh Park, completing the 22.1 miles in 2:18 on a quintessential late summer day—warm (85° when I finished) and sunny, with only a few thin clouds in the bright blue sky.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Thursday, 8/18/2016
As I described it to Michelle, today was a crazy "interesting" day. Because of various errands this morning, I was not able to ride until 11 a.m., but then set off, intending to do a split ride because of the 1:00 Tigers game. I was just getting started out, only less than 5 minutes into the ride, when (slightly south of where Oak Valley crosses Lohr) I hit an offset in the sidewalk that gave me a flat. However, I felt good about being able to walk it back the couple of hundred feet to where I could chain it to a pole, walk back to our condo, get one of the spare tubes from the garage and also get our car, and then go back down and successfully load the trike onto the rack and take it over to Wheels in Motion to get the flat repaired. (At the same time, though, I realized how fortunate I was that this happened in such close proximity to our home, and I realized anew that I really need to learn how to repair a flat when I'm out riding.)
At Wheels in Motion, the man quickly had the tube out and noted that it was shot, and then opened the box for the spare tube I had brought. But with equal quickness, he pointed out that there are two kinds of valves for bike tires—Schrader and Presta—and what I had brought in was a Schrader, but what was needed was a Presta. At this point I was sorely tempted to pack it in for the day, but upon thinking it over I realized that I could do nothing until I got back to Jack's Bicycle in Dearborn (where I had not been since getting the new trike on May 14). I had the trike and the rack, and, well, "no time like the present," so I set off for Dearborn, praying fervently for safe travel (as I had not yet used the rack to transport it that far).
When I got the new trike back in May, I had bought a couple of spare tubes, and when I explained the situation to them, they conceded that they must have sold me the wrong type of tubes, so they swapped them out at no charge to me, and also fixed the one that went bad today. And they also pointed out to me that both front tires were badly worn and very thin (with cords showing through on one), so I bought two new tires. By the time I got home mid-afternoon, I was happy to have everything fixed and ready to go, but also sufficiently sapped of energy and gumption that I decided to take the day off after all.
At Wheels in Motion, the man quickly had the tube out and noted that it was shot, and then opened the box for the spare tube I had brought. But with equal quickness, he pointed out that there are two kinds of valves for bike tires—Schrader and Presta—and what I had brought in was a Schrader, but what was needed was a Presta. At this point I was sorely tempted to pack it in for the day, but upon thinking it over I realized that I could do nothing until I got back to Jack's Bicycle in Dearborn (where I had not been since getting the new trike on May 14). I had the trike and the rack, and, well, "no time like the present," so I set off for Dearborn, praying fervently for safe travel (as I had not yet used the rack to transport it that far).
When I got the new trike back in May, I had bought a couple of spare tubes, and when I explained the situation to them, they conceded that they must have sold me the wrong type of tubes, so they swapped them out at no charge to me, and also fixed the one that went bad today. And they also pointed out to me that both front tires were badly worn and very thin (with cords showing through on one), so I bought two new tires. By the time I got home mid-afternoon, I was happy to have everything fixed and ready to go, but also sufficiently sapped of energy and gumption that I decided to take the day off after all.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
140th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 8/17/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2246.7
Today I left at 6:15, in fairly dark, 64° conditions, hoping to ride three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. And today, I actually did it! Although I covered the 26 miles in a relatively slow 3:11, I am glad that I was able at least to keep going.
As I rode, the sun rose, and by the time I was done, it was up to 74° under a gorgeous, cloudless blue sky.
Also, I was pleased to see my friend Carl Combs as I was heading back from the park toward home for the third time. Though it was nice to see him, at that point it was probably good that I am unable to speak anyway, because since I had been riding for over two and a half hours by that point, I was just eager to push on home and finish up.
Today I left at 6:15, in fairly dark, 64° conditions, hoping to ride three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park. And today, I actually did it! Although I covered the 26 miles in a relatively slow 3:11, I am glad that I was able at least to keep going.
As I rode, the sun rose, and by the time I was done, it was up to 74° under a gorgeous, cloudless blue sky.
Also, I was pleased to see my friend Carl Combs as I was heading back from the park toward home for the third time. Though it was nice to see him, at that point it was probably good that I am unable to speak anyway, because since I had been riding for over two and a half hours by that point, I was just eager to push on home and finish up.
Monday, August 15, 2016
139th ride of 2016 - Monday, 8/15/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2220.7
This morning I had hoped to ride three round trips to Marsh Park. However, once I got going, two seemed more feasible in light of the two-day layoff I experienced when Michelle and I traveled this weekend.
Still another contributing factor to this decision was the weather. While the temperature was agreeably moderate during my ride (74°), the air was extremely heavy with humidity. We got some badly needed rain overnight, but it held off while I was riding. Despite this, though, the humidity made it feel like I was riding through a bathtub.
I settled, therefore, for consecutive round trips, riding the 18 miles languidly, in 2:20.
This morning I had hoped to ride three round trips to Marsh Park. However, once I got going, two seemed more feasible in light of the two-day layoff I experienced when Michelle and I traveled this weekend.
Still another contributing factor to this decision was the weather. While the temperature was agreeably moderate during my ride (74°), the air was extremely heavy with humidity. We got some badly needed rain overnight, but it held off while I was riding. Despite this, though, the humidity made it feel like I was riding through a bathtub.
I settled, therefore, for consecutive round trips, riding the 18 miles languidly, in 2:20.
Friday, August 12, 2016
138th ride of 2016, Friday, 8/12/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2202.7
This morning I rode 1.5 round trips to Marsh Park (on the second one, I turned around at Textile), and am so glad that I was able to ride early! When I left at 6:30. it was already 77° and excessively humid—I felt like I was riding with a big, heavy damp blanket over me. Accordingly, I rode the 14.1 miles in 1:50.
This morning I rode 1.5 round trips to Marsh Park (on the second one, I turned around at Textile), and am so glad that I was able to ride early! When I left at 6:30. it was already 77° and excessively humid—I felt like I was riding with a big, heavy damp blanket over me. Accordingly, I rode the 14.1 miles in 1:50.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
137th ride of 2016 - Thursday, 8/11/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2188.6
This morning I left at 7:00 (75°) and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, extremely glad to have gotten the ride done early today, as it is already quite humid, and both the humidity and the temperature are supposed to amp up considerably today. I covered the 18 miles slowly, in 2:15, and when I finished it was up to 79°.
This morning I left at 7:00 (75°) and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, extremely glad to have gotten the ride done early today, as it is already quite humid, and both the humidity and the temperature are supposed to amp up considerably today. I covered the 18 miles slowly, in 2:15, and when I finished it was up to 79°.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
136th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 8/9/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2170.6
This morning, I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park quite slowly, completing the 18 miles in 2:14. When I began, at 6:45, it was a comfortable 59°, but by the time I had finished, it had already climbed to 75°.
This morning, I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park quite slowly, completing the 18 miles in 2:14. When I began, at 6:45, it was a comfortable 59°, but by the time I had finished, it had already climbed to 75°.
Monday, August 8, 2016
135th ride of 2016 - Monday, 8/8/16
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2152.6
This morning, I cut myself some slack, and did just a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 71 minutes. I was starting and stopping a lot, as I had my iPod with me to take pictures of the route; but I was particularly glad to have it when, late in the ride, I saw my friend Ron Cundiff, riding with his new wife Donna (whom I had not met previously), and was able to get their picture, too.
This morning, I cut myself some slack, and did just a single round trip to Marsh Park, covering the 10 miles in 71 minutes. I was starting and stopping a lot, as I had my iPod with me to take pictures of the route; but I was particularly glad to have it when, late in the ride, I saw my friend Ron Cundiff, riding with his new wife Donna (whom I had not met previously), and was able to get their picture, too.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
134th ride of 2016 - Sunday, 8/7/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2142.6
Today's ride featured idyllic riding conditions—a clear, calm, peaceful early Sunday morning. When I left, at 7:15, it was 59°, and when I finished it had climbed to 70°.
Just for variety's sake, I round a totally new route today. (New to my striking, that is—I had, however, ridden it one time back in 2013 when I was still on a regular bike.) Riding on sidewalks, I went east on Eisenhower and then Packard until I got to Plaa, then then followed it south, to where the Platt Rd. Greenway begins. This is a paved trail, similar to the Lohr-Textile Grenway on which I do most of my rides.) Then I followed this down to Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12), and turned around and retraced my route back home. This 15.4-mile round trip took me 1:54.
Today's ride featured idyllic riding conditions—a clear, calm, peaceful early Sunday morning. When I left, at 7:15, it was 59°, and when I finished it had climbed to 70°.
Just for variety's sake, I round a totally new route today. (New to my striking, that is—I had, however, ridden it one time back in 2013 when I was still on a regular bike.) Riding on sidewalks, I went east on Eisenhower and then Packard until I got to Plaa, then then followed it south, to where the Platt Rd. Greenway begins. This is a paved trail, similar to the Lohr-Textile Grenway on which I do most of my rides.) Then I followed this down to Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12), and turned around and retraced my route back home. This 15.4-mile round trip took me 1:54.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
133rd ride of 2016 - Saturday, 8/6/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2127.2
This morning, on the heels of a late night out with Michelle and Christy, I cut back my planned two round trips to Baker Rd., and instead just did a single one, completing the 18.5 miles in 2:29. I slept in, and didn't start my ride until 8:10, when it was 62°; when I finished it had climbed to 76*.
This morning, on the heels of a late night out with Michelle and Christy, I cut back my planned two round trips to Baker Rd., and instead just did a single one, completing the 18.5 miles in 2:29. I slept in, and didn't start my ride until 8:10, when it was 62°; when I finished it had climbed to 76*.
Friday, August 5, 2016
132nd ride of 2016 - Friday, 8/5/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2108.7
This morning I rode to Marsh Park, and then on the way back, took Wilson Rd. south toward Saline so that I could do my loop around Saline High School, completing the 13.5 mile ride in 1:34. And our glorious weather continues—sunny throughout, and 70° when I started at 6:45, 75° when I finished. Glad I rode early, though_it supposed to get uncomfortably hot and humid today, with possible storms moving in.
This morning I rode to Marsh Park, and then on the way back, took Wilson Rd. south toward Saline so that I could do my loop around Saline High School, completing the 13.5 mile ride in 1:34. And our glorious weather continues—sunny throughout, and 70° when I started at 6:45, 75° when I finished. Glad I rode early, though_it supposed to get uncomfortably hot and humid today, with possible storms moving in.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
131st ride of 2016 - Thursday, 8/4/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2095.2
This morning I left at 6:00 a.m. and got back to three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 26 miles in just 9 seconds under 3 hours flat. The "adventure" portion of today's ride happened early—about 5 minutes into the ride, I felt a PLOP on my shirt, and found that the right lens of my glasses had fallen out and was lying there. Feeling fortunate to have found it undamaged, I tucked it into my pocket so I could take it to Pearle Vision at Briarwood Mall, where I got the glasses, for repair.
I was happy to see my friend Carl, too. We met on the trail one day last year, and since then have passed one another again several times.
As I rode, I reflected on what a tremendous difference my new trike makes. Back on May 14, the manufacturer, TerraTrike (Grand Rapids) gave me a new Rambler model in exchange for my old problematic Traveler that I had gotten in May 2015. That one seemed to have a breakdown of some sort every couple of weeks; but, by contrast, the Rambler has been trouble free, and it's impossible to overstate what a huge practical difference that makes to my riding, as well as to my peace of mind. I've ridden the new one over 1250 miles in the three and a half months since getting it.
This morning I left at 6:00 a.m. and got back to three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 26 miles in just 9 seconds under 3 hours flat. The "adventure" portion of today's ride happened early—about 5 minutes into the ride, I felt a PLOP on my shirt, and found that the right lens of my glasses had fallen out and was lying there. Feeling fortunate to have found it undamaged, I tucked it into my pocket so I could take it to Pearle Vision at Briarwood Mall, where I got the glasses, for repair.
I was happy to see my friend Carl, too. We met on the trail one day last year, and since then have passed one another again several times.
As I rode, I reflected on what a tremendous difference my new trike makes. Back on May 14, the manufacturer, TerraTrike (Grand Rapids) gave me a new Rambler model in exchange for my old problematic Traveler that I had gotten in May 2015. That one seemed to have a breakdown of some sort every couple of weeks; but, by contrast, the Rambler has been trouble free, and it's impossible to overstate what a huge practical difference that makes to my riding, as well as to my peace of mind. I've ridden the new one over 1250 miles in the three and a half months since getting it.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
130th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 8/3/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2069.2
This morning I had another "adventurous" ride—not mechanical adventure, like I experienced so frequently last year and early this year with my old, problematic Traveler model (but which has now blessedly become absent due to my almost problem-free Rambler that the company gave me in exchange for the old one back in April), but instead, a somewhat adventurous route. I decided to ride to Saline, and was traveling on the sidewalk on the south side of Woodland Dr., nearing Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., when I came to a patch where workers had torn up the driveway and the sidewalk across it. So I stopped, and began to turn to head back (up the hill at that point), and as I turned, I got caught in a chain link gate they had laid down in the grass. I was beginning to figure out how best to work my way out of it, when one of the workers hustled over, smiled, and asked, "Can I help you out with a push?" I told him thanks, and was soon on my way, with his parting comment—"Sorry about that. We'll have it all cleaned up by tomorrow."
So I went back to Maple Rd., followed it south into Saline, and then made my way westward via several small streets until I got eventually to Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., which I was was able to take north to Woodland, and then, riding on the other (uninterrupted) side, was able to get back to my usual route and then home. Anyway, all this messing around made for quite a slow ride—when I got home and could check it on the pedometer, I was mildly surprised to find I had ridden only 13.8 miles in 1:49. But our stretch of terrific weather continues—it was sunny, and 64° at 7:30 when I left, and 76° when I finished.
This morning I had another "adventurous" ride—not mechanical adventure, like I experienced so frequently last year and early this year with my old, problematic Traveler model (but which has now blessedly become absent due to my almost problem-free Rambler that the company gave me in exchange for the old one back in April), but instead, a somewhat adventurous route. I decided to ride to Saline, and was traveling on the sidewalk on the south side of Woodland Dr., nearing Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., when I came to a patch where workers had torn up the driveway and the sidewalk across it. So I stopped, and began to turn to head back (up the hill at that point), and as I turned, I got caught in a chain link gate they had laid down in the grass. I was beginning to figure out how best to work my way out of it, when one of the workers hustled over, smiled, and asked, "Can I help you out with a push?" I told him thanks, and was soon on my way, with his parting comment—"Sorry about that. We'll have it all cleaned up by tomorrow."
So I went back to Maple Rd., followed it south into Saline, and then made my way westward via several small streets until I got eventually to Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., which I was was able to take north to Woodland, and then, riding on the other (uninterrupted) side, was able to get back to my usual route and then home. Anyway, all this messing around made for quite a slow ride—when I got home and could check it on the pedometer, I was mildly surprised to find I had ridden only 13.8 miles in 1:49. But our stretch of terrific weather continues—it was sunny, and 64° at 7:30 when I left, and 76° when I finished.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
129th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 8/2/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2055.4
This morning I eased up on myself, and just rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 10 miles in 1:10. And our glorious summer weather continues—sunny, and 66° when I began at 8:00, 75° when I finished.
This morning I eased up on myself, and just rode a single round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 10 miles in 1:10. And our glorious summer weather continues—sunny, and 66° when I began at 8:00, 75° when I finished.
Monday, August 1, 2016
128th ride of 2016 - Monday, 8/1/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2045.4
This morning I introduced a degree of variety into my ride—something which is out of the ordinary for me both in terms of needs and of desires. I rode to Saline and back, all on paths/routes I've ridden before, but in a new combination. I took Woodland Dr. down to Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., and then and then came back up to Industrial Dr. and follow it down to Michigan Ave., turning and going into town until the sidewalk ran out (not too far), and then back up to loop down around Saline High School and cut back up to my old familiar trail, which I took down to Marsh Park before heading home. This ride of 15.8 miles I did slowly, in 2:05, just soaking up the morning sunshine. I left at just before 9:00 a.m., and it was 77° when I began, and 79° when I finished.
This morning I introduced a degree of variety into my ride—something which is out of the ordinary for me both in terms of needs and of desires. I rode to Saline and back, all on paths/routes I've ridden before, but in a new combination. I took Woodland Dr. down to Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., and then and then came back up to Industrial Dr. and follow it down to Michigan Ave., turning and going into town until the sidewalk ran out (not too far), and then back up to loop down around Saline High School and cut back up to my old familiar trail, which I took down to Marsh Park before heading home. This ride of 15.8 miles I did slowly, in 2:05, just soaking up the morning sunshine. I left at just before 9:00 a.m., and it was 77° when I began, and 79° when I finished.
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