Did Someone Say Dinosaur

I did a weird thing this weekend. I was feeling a little bored with my usual rides so I decided to take my Fuji road bike on a club ride. Saturday morning I got up early, put my bike on a car rack and drove 1/2 hr to the ride start. I was not sure how I would fair on a 40 mile ride on a bike that weighs 35#. Of course everyone was dressed in their spandex attire and all had nice light weight road bikes. I was in my usual casual outfit with sneakers instead of sandals. Fortunately I made sure to find a ride within my riding capabilities. I must say I did well and had fun. In fact, I enjoyed myself so much, I decided to do it again on Sunday. This time the ride started 1 mile from my house which made me much happier as I could ride to the start. The ride was 50 miles. I was concerned about the distance, whether my tush could handle it, and if my developed bent legs could adjust. As it turned out, I did it and did it well in spite of the flat I got with a 2 inch screw. The gang was great and we had some good laughs. It was a fun weekend and I made some new cycling friends.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Gloom To Kaboom

The last 4 days have been cold, rainy, dark and dismal. Not good for cycling or someone who suffers from SAD(seasonal affective disorder). Today, as promised by our local weathermen, would be the 1st of a 10 day stretch of beautiful sunshine and back to summer weather. With a smile on my face, it was as they said, and 52 miles was just what the doctor ordered.

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Clowning Around

I have been searching for reasonable biking shorts. I pulled out my bathing suite and thought WOW these might work. Long, fast drying, great wicking, light and inexpensive although I do look like Bozo the clown. I went out for a 20 miler and if not for drawing more attention than usual they worked well. I gave up on spandex a long time ago. I usually wear some inexpensive wicking tank or T from Walmart or Old Navy. Then just some cotton boxer briefs, Fruit of the Loom fleece shorts and Sketcher sandals. Sketchers are my favorite shoes. They are light with a wide toe box and have a firm sole which makes them great for cycling. I decided to swap out my cotton briefs for something with more wicking capabilities. I found Body-Sensors by Terramar. They are 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex. Very comfortable and keep me dryer than cotton. I picked up 4 pair at Sierra Trading Post for a great price. My shorts are great but I would like to find something less bulky so I could easily rinse them out when touring. A bathing suite or Board shorts might be just the ticket. I will have to research further for something less conspicuous.

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Peaceful and Serene

That's what today's 52 mile ride was all about. Blue skies, warm sun, low humidity and light winds. It seemed there were more horses, deer, turkeys, hawks and chickens than usual. There were also many colorful Monarch butterflies, unfortunately, also camera shy. I stopped at one point and there was such a quiet calm that it was almost deafening. It was one of those days you felt you could ride forever. It's moments like this I,

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Change-Up

For a change of pace and sh_ts and giggles, I thought it might be fun to take out my Fuji bike. I have been racking up the miles in spite of the high temps. I am also feeling a bit bored with the same old rides. Today being in the 90's I new I better not due more than 25 miles. It seemed like just the right amount for a spin on this DF. I aired up the tires and off I went. The first 5 miles I was getting reacquainted. The next 10 miles I felt fast and strong with little pain. The last 10 miles reminded me why I switched to recumbents. My butt was sore, my wrists hurt and the small of my back had a major ache. I was however 1.5 mph faster. The bike weighed 35 lbs as equipped. My trike weighs 50 lbs. I carry way too much stuff. Seeing the world comfortably at 10 mph works for me.

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Goal!!! Shore Thing.

I did it. Hit my 3000 mile annual goal and it's only August. It's been a fantastic cycling year and if things keep up I will reach an all time high. I needed only 18 miles today, but, decided a trip to Belmar Beach would be interesting. I usual ride to the shore in the spring and fall when it is more quiet. It was another HHH Day and the beach was the place to be. It was a tough ride back. Wind in my face and a total of 57 miles. Loved every minute.

KEEP RIDING!!!