Out and About

I've been cooped up for days with cabin fever. Today still quite cold with temps in the 20's but little wind. I had an appointment in Freehold just 7 miles away. The ride was slow but bearable. My biggest concern, crowded roads from incomplete snow removal. You really have to keep an extra eye out. I managed to make it home without incident. It will be some time before any of this mess clears. I will have to pick my rides carefully and keep them to a minimum if I am to survive.

The Morning After

With temps hitting 40 I new the roads would be sloppy after yesterday's storm. My fendered ICE T was my bike of choice. Winds at 15 mph didn't seem so bad with the higher temps. I wasn't planning on doing extensive miles. I was happy just to get out for an easy 22 miles. The next 2 days call for more snow and colder temps. Looks like riding might be on hold for a bit.

Birthday Ride

Following yesterday's torrential rains I opted to use my full fenderd ICE T. After all, it's seen more than it's share of foul weather. My plan was for only 40 miles. I shouldn't say only because 40 is a lot especially in Winter. The weather called for mid 40's and gusty winds. I left late with temps in the upper 30's. The winds didn't seem too bad and I had warmer temps to look forward to so I began to entertain thoughts of doing my "Birthday Ride".  With the weather being extremely unpredictable I figured it wasn't going to get any better than this so at 17 miles I made my decision and turned off with no going back. The next 5+ miles was wind in my face. Although the weather said 45 it felt colder. In fact I went through 3 small snow showers. It never did quite warm up and the skies remained cloudy. My motto became, keep pedaling.  At 40 miles I was wishing I was done as originally planned. I could have ended the ride at 50 but I was not about to admit defeat. I started this tradition at age 50. I may have to do metric miles at age 80.

Wind Blows

I figured I best get a ride in today before the big freeze tomorrow followed by rain. I new it would be a tough ride due to heavy winds but add cold to the equation and it just felt like I was riding through molasses. It was one of those damned if you do and damned if you don't. To add insult to injury my hat blew off on the worst stretch of busy rode. This 37 mile ride felt like 67 at least that's what my legs are saying. If I only lived in Florida. Hmm...

Not Quite There

Another 4 days passed without riding. Just too damn cold!  Temps barely reached freezing and the sun didn't come out till late but I managed 27 miles. It seems to boil down to wind. Under 10 mph I can manage with temps in the upper 20's. Over that, I need mid and upper 30's and sun. I didn't want to push my luck so I opted for a smaller ride with a stop at the store. The Expedition bags will hold some groceries but heavier shopping will have to be done with the T. Lets hope the weather continues to cooperate.

Still Good

I left today with temps at 20 degrees hoping to get 20 miles.  It was bright sunshine and calm winds. 10 miles into the ride and all was good so I took the chance and detoured. Temps climbed into the mid 30's and my toes were holding up. It's my birthday but still too cold to ride my age, That ride will have to wait. In the meantime I enjoyed 36 miles. Nice to get out.

Too cold

4 days and no riding, too cold even for me. It's been in the teens, plenty of wind and light snow. Sunday looks possible with temps in the mid 30's but it's my birthday and the wife usually has something planned. Maybe a short ride. After that cold again and if it warms up rain is forecasted. Looks like weather may break in the latter part of next week. I'm so bored I'm watching my hair grow.

STS

I did the same ride as yesterday and I was almost 2 mph slower. It was 20 degrees colder and winds gusting over 25 mph. I learned winds out of the NW are tougher than SW. I rode in spite of the winds because the next few days call for 20's, more winds and snow tomorrow.

New Accent Flag

Fast Ride

Crumby day so I swapped out the front tires to new Trykers and the back to an old Conti Sport Contact. I have a Kojak 1.3 on order for the rear. With nothing else to do and the rain holding off,  I decided to take these new puppies out for a quick spin. It was no surprise the ride was smoother. What did surprise me was my speed. I haven't averaged this high in over a year and that was on my Stratus. It was a windy day with gusts up to 18 mph. Riding in a loop had me fighting them for a number of miles but provided a strong tailwind on the return. It was however unseasonably warm with temps in the upper 50's. I am slower in the cold. I am contemplating lighter faster tires but fear I might be sacrificing some comfort.  I'll continue as is and see how things play out.Whatever the reason it was a fast 19 miles. The Expedition continues to shine as a Sport-Tourer.

Happy New Year

30 miles

2014 Stats

Year                   2014     2013      2012       2011      2010      2009      2008     2007

Total miles          6305    6900      6169       4714     5354      3185      2861      3328

Total rides             181      220        199         159       183        126        108        109

Average speed       9.5     10.4        11           11         10           11          11         11

Av.miles per ride     35       31         31           30         30           25          27         31

Bkjournal standing  275     254      460         829        655       1643     1968     1516

Bentrider standing     9       10        13          24          17            49          76         76

Mileage Breakdown                  

Expedition              200

Stratus                   837        4557      2105

ICE T                   4317       1390      1552

Greenway             872         821      2445

Fuji                         79          132         57