Rested up due to rain · 20 May 2010, 18:22
Rain kept me off the bike the last few days, but it was a welcome rest after 4 straight days of riding last week.
The sun came out today and the temps have been cool, so I was able to get 20 miles in today with the water I carry in 2 small bottles. Gotta make a trip out to Performance Bike and get another cage so I can carry a third bottle for those hot days of summer.
MTB: distance 21.06 miles, average speed 13.4 mph.
Four Mile Creek · 16 May 2010, 12:07
Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek, and Four Mile Creek Greenways combine to form a 5.8 mile nature trail. Having walked it in the past, I wanted to try my bike on it.
This morning, after having logged some good miles this week, I set off riding from my house towards the Rea Rd. entrance of Four Mile Creek. Riding on the streets brought back memories of the long rides I did when I lived in Central Florida, though I was riding a mountain bike this time, I still reached speeds of 30+ mph on some descents.
When I arrived at the Greenway, I had to slow down quite a bit. The trails are a mixture of paved, gravel and boardwalk, and walkers far outnumber riders. I wasn’t about to ditch my bike into the swamp if I happened upon a group of walkers who were shoulder to shoulder on the boardwalk.
All in all, I welcomed the slower pace, I enjoyed the scenery, and truly liked riding in the shade most of the time.
MTB: distance 27.34 miles, average speed 12.3 mph.
Up the miles · 15 May 2010, 11:04
Another couple of pounds and I’ll be able to fit into my old jeans. So far this week, I’ve lost 5 pounds and as I sit here writing this, I’m still sweating from today’s ride.
Today I decided to up the miles, went out early so I could stretch the water bottles by riding in cooler weather. A lot of people out there today, spring has a way of signaling to the body that it’s time to shed the winter pounds.
MTB: distance 20.64 miles, average speed 13.0 mph.
Snakes & Turtles · 14 May 2010, 13:17
On the trail today, all I saw were turtles and snakes crossing my path. There was this huge snapping turtle on the trail behind the lake, mosquitoes flying all over it’s head, no wonder it’s walk seemed dizzying. The snakes are cool, as long as you cross behind them, not in front of them.
MTB: distance 15.00 miles, average speed 13.3 mph.
Need another water bottle · 13 May 2010, 16:26
In order to go greater distances, I need more water. Right now the mountain bike has 2 bottle cages, but they hold the smaller 20oz bottles. There is the possibility to attach another cage underneath the bottom tube, and it could hold a larger 24 or 27oz bottle. With another bottle, I can start riding 20 to 30 miles without having to stop to fill up.
Yes, I drink a lot of water on a ride. It’s what I became accustomed to, it keeps my body from cramping up.
MTB: distance 14.99 miles, average speed 13.6 mph.