Last ride of 2007

Today I got my last ride in for 2007. 15.6 miles with an average speed of 11mph on my ICE T. It was a cold windy day but, the sun was shinning. It was great to get out. My statistics for the yr as follows:

Total miles for yr 3328.20
Total rides for yr 109
Average speed per ride 11mph
Average mi per ride 30.5
Average mi on T 2800
Average mi on Stratus 500
Average mi on Rocket 28

It appears I finished 1516 of 7524 riders on Bikejournals log. Indicating I am in the top 20% of riders. This is considered a large online bicycle journal, so I am quite impressed. It also appears I have finished in the top 25% of Bentrideronline riders 76 of 284.

It has been a great yr. Most of my rides have been on the trike and I suspect that will increase next yr. My total rides per yr has increased, but my average mi per ride has decreased. I think this is due to age as I no longer due centuries and reserve metrics for special days. 30-50 mile days has become quite satisfying.

Tomorrow will be a new yr and I hope to start it with a ride. It has been a fun and interesting yr. I have been blessed with 2 children's weddings, a grandchild on the way and a wonderful understanding wife.

I look forward to what new adventures lie ahead for 2008.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Visiting an old friend

Today I decided to take my old friend for a ride. My 2000 Stratus has been collecting dust since my purchase of my ICE T. I recently read an old review from Bob Bryant of RCN about the Rans Stratus XP. It got me thinking how much I loved my Stratus. It has about 18,000 mi on it with no changes other than component maintenance. I did change the Crank to a 165 Suguino 26/36/46. Love that crank. This bike fits like a glove and has been my favorite ride of all time.

Today, the day after Christmas, I decided to dust off the cob webs and take this baby for spin. Actually, I just aired the tires and away I went. I new no adjustments were needed. It has always performed beautifully and required little maintenance. It was as I expected. Like putting on an old shoe, comfortable and predictable. I glided 28 miles through the cold crisp air singing "Old Friends" by Simon and Garfunkle.

The Stratus is by far the most comfortable bike I ever rode. With its long wheel base design, it eats up road vibrations. It almost feels like a suspended bike. The Rans seat is considered the standard in mesh seats. The steering does have tiller effect and climbing steep hills takes practice and requires lower gearing. Both of which I have become quite practiced in. This bike has proved itself many times climbing over the Blue Ridge Mt's weighing 50 lbs with accessories. It was very rare for me to walk a hill. In fact, one time I drafted off a guy who was walking. For me slow and steady wins the race.

The Stratus has been my best cycling friend. It is always there for me and has never let me down. It is and always will be a keeper.

It's getting tougher all the time

December 1st, temps 32, wind gusts, God knows. All I new the sun was shinning and I had to get out for at least a 15 miler to hit 3200 for the yr. I know I advocate riding all yr round, but putting on all that garb for a short ride is a hassle. 2 sets of wool socks, my favorite sneakers, long sleeve synthetic shirt, light cycling jacket from France(a gift from my daughter), fleece and nylon windbreaker. and of course my XC pants. Also included a balaclava, wool cap and fleece mittens. Everything worked well. I probably could have used 1 more pair of woolen socks, but then I needed bigger shoes.

This was my old time favorite loop when I thought I was a big shot doing 15 mile rides. Now I do this ride in my swim suite taking a break from my in-laws.

It's tough having to put on all these clothes for such a short ride, but that is how I must survive the winter so I can keep on
Enjoying the ride.