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.
Monday, October 31, 2016
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!
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
177th ride of 2016 - Wednesday, 10/5/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2886.8
Summer weather has clearly returned. I went out at noon today in 67° sunshine, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, finishing the 18 miles in 2:20, by which time it had climbed to 75°!
Summer weather has clearly returned. I went out at noon today in 67° sunshine, and rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, finishing the 18 miles in 2:20, by which time it had climbed to 75°!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
176th ride of 2016 - Tuesday, 10/4/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2868.8
Today I chose to forgo my usual morning ride, which I enjoy—at 9:00 we were still severely fogged in. However, waiting had decided benefits—when I went out at noon, I entered a sunny, 66° world (that climbed to 70° by the time I finished, allowing me to return comfortably to riding in summer clothes (which I had only abandoned for long sleeves and pants for the first time yesterday).
I did, however, restrict myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park, as I was too eager to return to composing on a piece of choral music that I just began writing this morning. I completed the 10 miles in 1:20.
Today I chose to forgo my usual morning ride, which I enjoy—at 9:00 we were still severely fogged in. However, waiting had decided benefits—when I went out at noon, I entered a sunny, 66° world (that climbed to 70° by the time I finished, allowing me to return comfortably to riding in summer clothes (which I had only abandoned for long sleeves and pants for the first time yesterday).
I did, however, restrict myself to a single round trip to Marsh Park, as I was too eager to return to composing on a piece of choral music that I just began writing this morning. I completed the 10 miles in 1:20.
Monday, October 3, 2016
175th ride of 2016 - Monday, 10/3/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2858.8
This morning I got a later start than I like, as I was not able to ride until 9:30. But then I rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 26 miles in 3:28.
This was quite a slow ride, as my record for that route is 2:27:05, last May 30. But I was glad to be able to do it all, as it's the first time I've ridden that far since September 22, and only the third time since I was quite ill in early September. I just kept plugging away at it, though I will confess to being quite tired.
This morning I got a later start than I like, as I was not able to ride until 9:30. But then I rode three consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, covering the 26 miles in 3:28.
This was quite a slow ride, as my record for that route is 2:27:05, last May 30. But I was glad to be able to do it all, as it's the first time I've ridden that far since September 22, and only the third time since I was quite ill in early September. I just kept plugging away at it, though I will confess to being quite tired.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
174th ride of 2016 - Sunday, 10/2/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2832.8
This morning I went out early (7:15) and did a slow, single round trip to Marsh Park in cool conditions—50° when I left, and 53° when I finished. But at least the rain that has dogged us in recent days was blessedly absent!
This morning I went out early (7:15) and did a slow, single round trip to Marsh Park in cool conditions—50° when I left, and 53° when I finished. But at least the rain that has dogged us in recent days was blessedly absent!
Saturday, October 1, 2016
173rd ride of 2016 - Saturday, 10/1/2016
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2016 - 2822.8
This morning I left at 7:30, in barely light, cool, and sprinkly conditions. I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park again today, though slightly slower than yesterday, covering the 18 miles in 2:24. When I began, it was 57°, and when I finished it was 61°. Fortunately, the sprinkling had stopped by the first time I reached the park, but by then my glasses were thoroughly obscured.
Toward the end of my ride, I believe I passed Mary Winn Granum out running with her dog (a big, golden one) -- though I am not positive it was her. She waved, and I would have asked, "Mary Winn?"—if I could've.
This morning I left at 7:30, in barely light, cool, and sprinkly conditions. I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park again today, though slightly slower than yesterday, covering the 18 miles in 2:24. When I began, it was 57°, and when I finished it was 61°. Fortunately, the sprinkling had stopped by the first time I reached the park, but by then my glasses were thoroughly obscured.
Toward the end of my ride, I believe I passed Mary Winn Granum out running with her dog (a big, golden one) -- though I am not positive it was her. She waved, and I would have asked, "Mary Winn?"—if I could've.
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