Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 Stats-Outstanding

                                              2010         2009        2008       2007
Total miles                            5354         3185        2861       3328
Total rides                             183           126           108         109
Average speed                       10.3          10.5          11           11
Average miles per ride            29.3          25.3         26.5        30.5
Bikejournal rating                    655           1643        1968       1516
Bentrider ranking                      17              49             76          76

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Old New Rocket



I have had some sellers regret and one of them was my 01 Rocket.  It served me well with it's easy transport, versatility, and light weight.  I took it on all my camping trips and it was the bike my son used on those rare bonding moments, like The 5 Boro Bike NY, BikeVa and our self-contained 4 day tour around southern NJ.  It was my love affair with trikes that prompted me to sell off my other bikes.  I have been eyeing this baby for the last month on Craigslist and finally decided to make an offer.  The seller and his wife turned out to be avid ICE T riders like myself.  As proud as I am of my 5350 miles for the year I was astonished that his wife had over 6,000 mi for the year and he had over 3k while working full time.  It was wonderful meeting these great folks and was worth the 4 hr drive. 
I have some changes I would like to do, like gearing and maybe adding a chain tube to avoid those chain tattoos I recall.  I have some other ideas but as you can see by the weather, I won't be doing any immediate riding.  I need to putter about for a while and see what flows.  I am excited with my new project and look forward to it's evolution.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Let It Snow



Looks like we didn't get the snow storm after all.  We got the Blizzard instead.  18 plus inches.
Try and
KEEP RIDING!!!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

But Baby It's Cold Outside

Yesterday, Christmas Eve Day, I did 23 utility miles running errands.  It was a bit windy but otherwise a balmy day in the mid 30's.  Within the 1st 3 miles I was obnoxiously honked at 3 times.  There were many cars on the road and people were in a rush.  I was not feeling the love.  It seemed that all drivers were The Grinch.  I realized quickly I had to keep a sharp eye out in order to remain safe.  I completed the day without incidence.  Today, Christmas Day, I decided to relax awhile at home before venturing out for a ride.  Finally, late morning, I hit the road.  It was cold and cloudy with temps in the mid 20's, but with little wind.  7 miles into the ride my hands and body started to warm up, unfortunately, my toes started to get cold.  It was a bit eerie as most stores were closed and there were few cars on the road.  As the ride progressed more cars appeared, but there was a calmness about.  After 26 miles the only honk I heard was someone gratefully asking me for directions and wishing me a happy holiday.
A safe and Happy Holiday to all.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Tough Time

I finally got out after 6 days for a 25 miler.  The weather has turned bitterly cold and windy for these bones.  Today what I thought was to be a milder day turned out extremely chilly.  The weather said it was going to be in the 30's with light winds and sunny.  What I found was grey skies and winds gusting over 11 mph and temps in the mid 20's.  You just don't know what to expect this time of year.  It's tough for a guy like me who needs to get out and ride.  It's not even officially Winter yet.  I can't imagine how your folks further north and into Canada handle it.  Lets hope for a short mild winter.
Keep riding!!!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Change Up

I decided it was time for a face lift.  Not only in my blog design, but in my cycling outlook.  It is true that I have become a recumbent enthusiast over the last 10+ years.  More importantly, I have realized that cycling in general is what gets my juices flowing.  I own a Dahon folder, Fuji tourer and my ICE trike at present and enjoy each one.  I have sellers remorse over previously owned bikes.  I hope to acquire different designed bikes when possible.  I enjoy riding by myself, riding with friends in my club, and just leaving my car and using my bike to get wherever I need to go.  When I rediscovered cycling over 20 years ago my favorite thing was to explore roads I never traveled and see what adventure laid ahead.  My love is in the ride not what I ride.  I recently joined The League of American Bicyclists and hope to take a class on becoming a certified instructor on safe cycling.  My goal is to open peoples minds to the joy of cycling.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Monday, December 6, 2010

BURRR!!!

Yesterday stayed home recovering from in-laws, children and grandchildren holiday weekend.  Priceless!Today, I had to get out, in spite of the cold.  Temps freezing around 32 with wind gusts over 22 mph, making it feel like low 20's.  Grey skies with some flurries.  Not the kind of day to get you excited for a ride.  The sun did show it's face for a few minutes, but not long enough to do my intended 32 mile ride.  28 miles is what it turned out to be.  I was happy to get home to a hot shower.  It's a tough time for us die-hard cyclists. 
KEEP RIDING!!!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Here We Go Again

Today I was stopped by 2 motorists who said I should use a orange flag and wear orange clothing.
I already look like Sherlock Holmes with my new hat.  I guess I have to add an orange nose and wig so I can look like Bozo the clown.  Then maybe I will get better noticed.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

I Did It 5,000 Miles

I did it.  Hit 5,000 miles for 2010 on Thanksgiving Day.  This is an epic event.  It is the most amount of miles I have ever done since I have been recording my annual mileage.  My goal has always been 3,000 but this year has gone well beyond my wildest expectations.  I still have one month to go so it will be even more exciting see what my final results will be.
keep riding!!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Just A Rant

Today was the 2nd time this week I was told, by a driver, I was difficult to see. Both times I was riding my ICE T trike. It is by know means small. It sits a bit higher as it is a touring model and I do ride with flags. It's not much smaller than a Mini Cooper or a Smart car. What really upset me today was while riding down Prodelin Way in Millstone (one of the most unfriendly cycling roads I ever came across). An older women drove up beside me will I was doing 12mph, rolls down her passenger window and proceeds to tell me how difficult I am to see. She is telling this to my face, while driving, holding up traffic behind her, and obviously not paying any attention to the road ahead. I said thank you and prayed she would move on before someone got hurt.
It seems to me the problem is not that I am difficult to see, it's that drivers are not paying enough attention to the road. They are driving big gas guzzling SUVs that they can hardly see over the hood, talking or texting on their cell phone, putting on make-up, eating, lighting a cigarette or racing to the next light. I have been an avid cyclist for over 20 years. I have had more close calls on 2 wheels than 3. I don't believe motorists are out to kill cyclist. They just want to get as close as possible to scare the shit out of you so you will stay off "their" roads. Riding a trike does not give them that ability to safely judge how close they are so they have to give you a wider berth. I'll take a trike on the road and feel safer than any 2 wheeler.
"Preaching to the choir"
KEEP RIDING!!!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Interestesting Comparison

Today I took my Fuji DF for my typical 32 mile loop.  I just added a cyclometer, but it has no average speed.  Fortunately, I am good in math, so I divided the time by distance to get my average speed.  To my surprise I was just 1/4-1/2mph faster than on my Trike.  This really amazed me because my Fuji weighs 34# with accessories while my faired ICE T trike weighs a whooping 52#.  You would think the 18# difference would transcribe into a much faster time.  Apparently, the aerodynamics of the trike is far more important, not to mention the comfort benefits.  I'm sure if I road a sub 20# bike I would be much faster, but that is not in my financial future.  I do believe my next bike will be a stripped down speedster designed only for fast club rides. In the meantime, I will continue to do utility miles and just ride for pleasure.  When I want company I will have to find slow club riders.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

"Seeing New York On Two Wheels"

By JAKE COYLE • THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 1, 2010
In his essay, "Taming the Bicycle," Mark Twain cautiously recommended bicycling: "You will not regret it, if you live."
That has always gone doubly for biking in New York.  But the city has undergone a two-wheeled makeover. In the last four years, the New York City Department of Transportation has added more than 200 miles of bikes lanes. The number of cyclists has increased 80 percent in the past decade. The city's goal is 1,800 miles of total bike lanes by 2030.  Earlier this year, National Geographic Traveler magazine did something that might once have been unthinkable: It put New York on a list of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, alongside Portland, Ore.
While biking has exploded for New Yorkers, tourists are quietly following. It is, after all, a great way to experience a new place: Faster than walking so you can cover a lot of ground, but far closer to your surroundings than a car.
In New York City, it can be dizzying: rolling past Washington Square Park one moment, breezing along the Hudson the next. In a city where freedom of movement can often feel locked in gridlock, on a bike, one sails through the throngs.
Musician and New Yorker David Byrne wrote in his 2009 book "Bicycle Diaries" that riding through a city "is like navigating the collective neural pathways of some vast global mind." The "neural pathways" of New York, though, are often strewn with potholes, aggressive drivers, unobservant pedestrians and — often the worst of all — pushy cyclists. New York has been significantly tamed when it comes to biking, but it's not exactly Amsterdam.  Nevertheless, tourists, having long endured double-decker buses and plodding ferries, are understandably looking for a new vantage point. A number of tours have sprung up and found visitors willing to strap on a helmet.  "A bus tour just did not hold the same appeal to me — it's too passive," said Michelle Wright, 45, of Graham, N.C.  Recently, Wright and her two kids — a 15-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son — did a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and along the Hudson River through Bike and Roll NYC. The company has several locations for renting bikes, including Pier 84, near 12th Avenue and 43rd Street; Battery Park, and Central Park at Columbus Circle. The Pier 84 location provides easy access to the bike path along the city's relatively new but much-cherished Hudson River Greenway, which runs along the West Side of Manhattan from Battery Park at the southern tip to Dyckman Street on the northern tip.
Bike and Roll NYC tours ($40-50, two to three hours) depart daily; popular routes include Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. The company is listed among sightseeing choices on discounted visitor passes like the Explorer Pass.  "I felt very safe," Wright said. "More often than not, we were on a designated greenway. We felt the most in danger from the manic bikers on the Brooklyn Bridge."  The tour guide, too, made Wright feel like she was "sneaking in a little bit of historical sightseeing on my kids without them realizing it." A bike rental, a helmet and water were included, as is the case with most tours.
Gary Deliz, 26, visited New York with his girlfriend. They chose a Central Park tour, thinking they could save a little time on their itinerary.  "If you didn't do the tour, you wouldn't know where to start," said Deliz of Central Park. "It's so big!"
There are other tour companies, too, such as the Central Park Bike Tour, with tours generally around $50-65. In addition to its Central Park route, the company also offers a Harlem tour, a nighttime tour and an architecture-focused tour. Some of the more arduous rides are only for those 18 and older.  More distinctive tours are given by Bike the Big Apple. Their expeditions generally cost around $90, but they're longer (approximately six hours). They include an "Ethnic Apple" tour through multiple boroughs, a Friday nightlife tour and tours before and after the New York marathon — an "urban mosaic" tour and a "mellow-out/recovery" tour, respectively.  Just note that most bike tour and rental companies do less business in late fall and winter than in the warmer months, so call ahead to check on schedules.
Becky Greenberg, 65, came from St. Augustine, Fla., with her 79-year-old husband. They've spent many summers biking on Cape Cod, which got them accustomed to "lovely, twisting bike paths."  They did a Brooklyn Bridge tour and found it to be "such an adventure."  "Congestion is a friend to bikers," Greenberg said of the traffic they sped past.
Tours are a good option for visitors who are nervous about biking without a guide and those looking for maximum safety. But a bicycle, after all, is built for one, and many may prefer to explore on their own.  Both Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway offer straightforward routes that are hard to get lost on. You might want to plan on some stops, too, like a drink at the Boat Basin Cafe on West 79th Street along the Hudson, or to relax in Sheep Meadow in Central Park.  Or you might have your own destinations in mind. Maybe you want to meander around the cozy streets of Greenwich Village, or simply get lost. Cyclists may feel most at home in Brooklyn, where — particularly in neighborhoods like Park Slope and Williamsburg — biking is practically the preferred mode of travel. In summer and early fall, free ferries can take you to the bike paths of Governors Island, located in New York Harbor.
It's not difficult to rent bikes and make your own routes, even if you're an out-of-towner. The website Ride the City can steer you on the safest course (one of mostly bike lanes) and gives you all the nearest bike shops. Google Maps also offers directions by bike. 
But setting off unguided, while offering more freedom, can also mean more trouble.  Stewart Hunt, 51, of Dallas, and his two teenage stepsons rented bikes in the city.  "We went there and thought, "Oh, this will be a kick,' " Hunt said. "Then we realized there were things you had to be aware of."  They began to feel some trepidation after seeing a cyclist hit by a cab. They had difficulty finding the onramp to the Brooklyn Bridge, where they also had to wrestle with large crowds and fast native bikers.  Hunt said their trip was still a great experience and that he'd do it again, though next time he said: "I'd study the map a whole lot more."
Crime is a consideration as well. Never leave a bike unattended without a secure lock, not even for a moment.  More ambitious cyclists may want to plan their visit around the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, a 42-mile ride through all five boroughs that drew more than 30,000 participants last year. The next ride is scheduled for May 1, 2011; registration begins in February.
There's even mountain biking in New York on trails in Highbridge Park in Upper Manhattan and Cunningham Park in Queens — a good option for those who like thick tires and irony.
New York is actually home to the oldest bike path in the country: the Ocean Parkway bike path in Brooklyn, which begins near the southeast corner of Prospect Park and ends in Coney Island. Constructed in 1894 and designed by Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (the designers of Central Park and Prospect Park), it's a designated landmark.  New York, it turns out, has always been a bike town. 
BIKE AND ROLL NYC: Rental locations include Pier 84, 12th Avenue and 43rd Street; Battery Park; Central Park at Columbus Circle. Daily tours; check website for hours. 212-260-0400 or www.bikeandroll.com/newyork/.

CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS: 203 W. 58th St. 212-541-8759 or www.centralparkbiketour.com/.

BIKE THE BIG APPLE: 877-865-0078 or www.bikethebigapple.com/.

OTHER NYC BIKE RESOURCES: http://www.bikenewyork.org/; www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/bikeways; http://www.ridethecity.com/.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Recap




Back in April I did a story on cycling caps.  Walz caps and Pace caps.  At the time, I felt the Pace cap was a better fit for me.  6 months later I am now on my 3 rd Walz cap.  I gave up on cotton and purchased wool.  The wool cap is so much more comfortable, soft and has better wicking.  It is great alone or under a helmet.  I recently received an email notification from Walz. They have had tremendous interest in their caps with ear flaps and have added a few new designs.  Now that the weather is turning colder I thought I might try one.  I bought the plaid one as can be seen in the photos.  At first, I questioned my choice, thought it might be too dorky, and should have gone with safe black.  When I got it I was quite impressed and my wife liked it too.  The ear flaps are formed and have elastic to create a nice comfortable fit.  You do look a bit dorky, but that is the price you pay for comfort and necessity.  You are also able to fold in the flaps and it looks and feels like a regular cap. Today was a perfect day to try out my new Walz cap with ear flaps.  Temps started in the mid 30's and finished at 40 after 30 miles.  The one benefit to the cap I did not realize was, the ear flaps continue around the back.  It places the rear of the cap at your hair line.  This with the elastic keeps everything snug and the back of your neck and ears covered and warm.  A great addition to my cycling clothes. 









KEEP RIDING!!!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Stiff As A Board

I woke up this morning with sore legs and an ache in my back.  It all started on Saturday when I decided to do a club ride on my Fuji Tourer.  Normally not a major problem, but this ride was a bit faster and had more climbs.  There were only 5 of us. I new I was out classed with 2 Titanium, 1 Carbon, 1 Aluminum and me with my 35# Cromoly frame but I was determined to try the ride.  I advised the leader that if things got too tough for me I would jump off.  I had no problem finding my way home.  I did suck wind on some of the climbs and they were kind enough to wait.  On the flats and down hills I was on target.  The ride started off quick and I was curious if all could maintain that pace.  As it turned out 2 of the riders had trouble keeping up towards the second half so I was pretty happy with myself.  This was a 40 mi ride, but since I rode to the start, the ride was 52 miles for me.  The following day on Sunday there was another club ride right by my house.  It was a familiar slower pace and flatter ride so I felt comfortable.  More riders and all with their usual feather light bikes.  There was an old friend I hadn't seen in a while who new me as a recumbent rider only. We laughed as she made fun of my steel bike with fenders and kickstand.  I met some old and new people and had a great time on this 40 mile ride.  Today, Monday, I woke up stiff as a board.  The weather was unusually warm and I decided the best remedy would be a relaxing ride by myself, at my own pace, on my trike.  At first, I had trouble and found myself using lower gears, especially on the hills.  As the ride went on I felt stronger.  I was surprised to finish this 30 miler with my usual average speed.  Not quite as sore anymore either.  I also realized it's easier to go from Recumbent to Diamond Frame, than the other way around.  Great couple of days.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Radical Alfa ICE Side Pods.



This has to be my favorite accessory on my trike.  It holds 25 liters, does not require a rack and weights about 1 lb.  Since I do many utility miles, it is important to always have available space to carry items.  These bags have served me well for the past 4 1/2 yrs.  They are by no means water proof or even resistant but they have held up well and carried more than their share of weight and volume.  I used these bags for my 2 day tour on the Pine Creek Trail.  They also help fill that void behind the seat on a trike.  This makes them well suited as a second pannier for those extended self contained tours.  You just have to make sure you secure your items in water proof bags.  The one major problem is price.  They run from $110-$175 depending where you buy.  This seems to be the norm on most recumbent specific products.  I paid about $100 and was a bit disappointed when I opened the light and flat package, especially compared to my other bags.  Sometimes it's a test of time to see what works best.  For me this was a great decision.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Great Long Sleeve Shirt



I have a few Sporthill Infuzion shirts that I swear by.  Unfortunately, they are a bit expensive and work best in colder weather.  Now that the temps are a moderate 50-60 I needed some less expensive long sleeve wicking shirts.  I found such shirts at Target for around $15.  They are made by Champion using their Duo-Dry fabric.  These shirts have a great true to size fit, are extremely comfortable and can be used alone or as a base layer.  I even got 2 thumbs up from my son on style.  I am obviously no model but these pix give some idea of fit and style. 

Monday, October 18, 2010

Getting In And Out With My Streamer Fairing



I have received a few request on what acrobatics are needed to get on and off my trike with the Streamer Fairing in place. Some times explaining just doesn't do it. So as they say actions speak loader than words. Enjoy the video.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Monday, October 11, 2010

A New Milestone


I just hit 4000 miles for the year. My annual goal is over 3k and this has been an outstanding year so far. I was hoping to hit 5k, but with just 2 1/2 months left I would have to manage 100 miles per week. This is not impossible but with life's obligations and the upcoming season it would be quite difficult. I do expect to finish off with over 4500. In either case this has been one of my best cycling years yet and it's not over.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

It's That Time Again





Fall has slowly arrived and that means it's time to install my Screamer Fairing. Having rained for the past few days gave me the perfect opportunity. Temps predicted in the mid to upper 60's did not warrant immediate installation of the fairing, but, the 15 plus mph winds did. It's not that the fairing makes me faster as it does not. It does help cut through the wind therefore making pedaling against it easier. In the freezing temps it does help in keeping my feet warmer, but you still have to dress appropriately. It is like driving your car without heat with the windows closed instead of open. It's still cold but the wind is not biting at you. It is difficult to get on and off the trike and it loses any transportability but for me the benefits far out way any inconvenience. It adds minimal weight, is great eye candy, and most of all allows me to,
KEEP RIDING!!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Yin and Yang

This weekend I decided to ride my trike on Saturday and due a Club ride with my Fuji on Sunday. Saturday was a beautiful fall day and I managed to get 35 carefree miles in. The repairs I did were spot on and the trike performed flawlessly. Sunday I left my house at 8:30 to make a 9:30 club ride as scheduled at Thomson Park in Jamesburg. I like when rides start from that location as I am only 8.5 miles away and I can ride my bike to and from the rides. As usual I did not call the ride leader to confirm the ride. To my surprise, the park was filled with about 1000 cars and I realized it was Staten Island's Annual Pumpkin Patch Club Ride. I decided to ride around and see if I could find my club, but to my dismay, I could not. I did not want to just ride home so I decided to follow the short route of 25 miles. This is my backyard and I ride this area all the time, but, since I did not pay for this event I would not utilize their rest stops. I miss riding these events with my old cycling buddies so it was fun to reminisce. The weather turned cool and the 2nd half was against the 15-20mph winds. After all was said and done I did 43 miles and had a good time. I will have to find out what happened to the original club ride.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2 Part Harmony

After returning home from vacation the weather turned nasty. Unable to ride I decided to do some needed work on my trike. Finally the weather broke and I was able to get in a 32 miler. It was a Marty Day, temps 70's and winds under 5 mph. It was easily a 50 plus day but I had many chores to due and had to scale back the ride. I had been contemplating doing a club ride on my Fuji but I missed my trike and wanted to test my repairs. Here is were I must confess. For the past month prior to vacation I had been getting bored riding alone. I started doing club rides on my Fuji DF and enjoying it. Riding a trike on club rides is too slow and strange to the other riders, so I just wind up riding by myself. I am still an oddity as my Fuji is set up as a tourer with fenders, rack and mustache type handle bars. Not to mention it's 35#. I still wear shorts and sneakers or sandals. I obviously do not fit in with the sub 20# carbon fiber bikes and spandex. I ride with a slower group so I can keep up. What I found is I have become quite a strong rider. If I opted for a light weight road bike I bet I would be one of those smoking A rider Rodie's. The point I am trying to make is I enjoy the company and the pain of riding a wedge is diminishing. In fact I like that bike as I ride it more. Don't get me wrong I am not converting back. I still love recumbents and will always use them as my main ride, but I am finding all bikes have their place. Just like my Dahon folder worked when traveling, so does the Fuji when I want company on a club ride. I am looking into a inexpensive MT bike for winter trails. As I learned in life variety is the spice.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

IN TOW



































































































It's been a while since I used my trailer and I thought I would post some pix in tow.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Sorry For The Delay

I just got back from vacation touring West Virginia and Kentucky. The only cycling I did was with my Dahon folder around a couple of State Parks. It's perfect to carry in our motor home. One major high of this trip was white water rafting down the Gauley River in WV. It is one of the most popular advanced white water runs in the Eastern United States with it's class 111-v rapids. One of the most exciting things we have ever done. When the guide tells you which side to swim to if you fall out of the raft you begin to question your sanity as to why your doing this. There were a few instances where we almost went overboard. The rest of our trip consisted of scenic railways, coal mine tours, hiking to beautiful natural arches and water falls. 14 days of exploring beautiful countrysides with great vistas, meeting with locals and enjoying their cuisine. One of our most memorable trips.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Pine Creek Trail


























































































































I caught wind of this trail on my recumbent news group. It's a Rails To Trails in Tioga County in north central Pa and rated one of the 10 best. It is known as the Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pa. It's 61 miles of hard packed crushed gravel with a 2% grade.
After a hearty breakfast I picked up a sandwich and 62oz of Gatorade for the ride. I got to the southern trail start, Jersey Shore, at 8am. Although it was predicted to be very hot it was a nice cool morning and I was psyched. I decided to take my time as I had reservations in Wellsboro and there was no need to arrive early. With camera in hand I was ready. The trail was flat as a pancake and the hard packed gravel easy on my trike. With the 3 tracks of the trike it was a bit slower so 9 mph was my easy exploring pace. I stopped everywhere taking in all it's beauty. Pine Creek with it's mountain views was just spectacular. Being Wednesday the trail was quiet, tranquil and serene. The area is known for rattle snakes and I was hoping to see one. I met up with an older gentlemen named Fred on his 3 wheeled bike. He was into following eagles and their nestings. He said he would be surprised if I didn't see a rattler, especially after Blackwells. At around mile marker 20, 41 miles into the ride, there it was in the middle of the trail. A 3-4 ft rattle snack. At first I thought it was dead, but then I saw it moving. Of course I took pictures from a distance. I made sure I got the rattle at the tail. I met up with some Dutch people and the father was quite intrigued with my trike. I finished that days ride with another 3 miles to Wellsboro. It was a great small town with lots of places to eat and drink. After a nice hearty breakfast I packed up and was on the trail by 7 am. It was cool with light fog. A good start to what would end up another hot day. I did notice I was 1-2 mph faster heading south so I guess that is were the 2% grade comes in. Most of the people I met on the trail were riding casual mountain bikes. Many older folks would park in some designated area and ride a few miles up and then back. It's such an easy trail to ride you could do it with any single speed bike. Besides the endless beauty the highlight of my ride back was seeing a gray fox dart out 20 feet in front of me. A rare sighting I was told.
I ended the ride with a grand total of 132 miles at an average of 9.3 mph. The trail is extremely well maintained with no ruts. It is carry in and carry out. I did not find 1 piece of garbage in all 132 miles. This is a must see and do trail to be added to you Bucket List.
KEEP RIDING!!!