3,000 Mile Mark

Lunch Stop

Today, in spite of being tired from my last 3 busy days, I managed to get out for a 50 miler.  The weather was warm and sunny with a light breeze.  It was a slow start and my leg muscles were hurting.  I only needed about 20 miles to reach my annual goal of 3k miles.  I was hoping to do more miles and decided to use the wait and see method.  15 miles into the ride I was beginning to feel myself again.  Slow and steady was the attitude of the day.
Last year was an all time best for annual mileage.  I far exceeded my 3k goal and finished with over 5300 miles.  I decided to compare my mileage and number of rides to date with last year.  Last year on August 6th I had 3039 miles with 112 days of riding.  This year I have 3027 miles with 100 days of riding.  It's amazingly close.  It will be interesting to see how the year pans out.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Prince Of A Day



Make A Wish Foundation Castle



Shopping after

Today was like a Fairy Tale Day.  I went out early expecting it to get really hot and humid.  Instead the weather was quite delightful.  It was in the 80's with low humidity and a mild northerly breeze.  Still waiting for the other shoe to drop, I was expecting things to quickly heat up.  That did not happen and I managed a 37 miler wanting more.  Passing that castle being built by The Make A Wish Foundation made me feel more like a kid.  When I got home I had a Honey-Do-List.  I decided to continue my enjoyment by taking my bike another 6.5 miles for the much needed shopping.  I have just come off a great shore weekend with my wife and have a busy next 3 days a head.  I am very grateful for this super cycling day.

KEEP RIDING!!! 

Am I Nuts?

Yesterday, I drove my car, down to Virginia to check out a bike.  It was 213 miles each way.  It was a beautiful cycling day and I hated to waste it in the car, but for me, it was for a good reason.  I have been wanting to add a Tour Easy Gold Rush to my stable.  The problem is they come in 6 sizes and cost a boat load.  I needed to check my size carefully before dropping so much money.  I found what appeared to be a nice used one at a reasonable price on the web.  The bike was a big disappointment.  It was way too big and did not look well cared for.  Fortunately, the shop owner had other GR sizes in stock and I got to check out more bikes.  I was finally able to get on a small and take it for a test ride.  I never road a Tour Easy before but new of their outstanding reputation.  To cut to the chase, I was not feeling the love.  Besides the bike being a bit too small for me, I found the ride too upright and not as comfortable as my old Stratus.  After all was said and done, I thanked the shop owner for his time, and drove the 200+ miles home.
If I tell this story to non cycling enthusiasts, they would say I am nuts.  For me it was time well spent learning what I like and dislike about potential bike purchases.  I wonder how many other cycling enthusiasts have done the same.
Keep Riding!!!

Out of the Heat?

It has been brutal out there. Not just in NJ, but throughout the country. Record breaking temps in the triple digits has made cycling almost impossible. I have gone out for short 3-7 mile utility runs and also tried to do short 20 mile rides. Both of which have made me feel exhausted, foolish, and down right dangerous. Luckily I have air-conditioning and a pool to cool off in. Today, on the other hand, we had a break in the weather. temps down into the 80's with overcast skies making riding somewhat bearable. I managed a 36 mile ride, but in all honesty I did not feel the love I had hoped. My body has not recovered from all this heat and it will take some time before I recharge. Tomorrow, I am working and the weather looks promising, but I think I will leave my bike and commute by car.
Taking a break so I can,
KEEP RIDING!!

Take The Lane

I have been riding my Fuji more.  It is a great commuting bike and works for quick jaunts to the store.  Initially, I found it to be quite slow, but as time went on I became faster.  I guess my recumbent leg muscles  had to readjust to conventional biking.  What else I have noticed is riding 2 wheeler's, recumbent or not, do not make cars congenial.  What I mean is cars do not give you any room.  They try to squeeze you to the side.  On my trike they can't judge as well and give me an extremely wide berth when passing or will not pass until they safely can.  They are not always happy about that, but, they give me the room I deserve.  On my Fuji I do not feel as safe and find I have to watch out more for passing cars.  I have had cars come so close they raise the hair on my skin.  In addition I have had cars pass me at blind spots.  I can certainly understand peoples insecurity when riding a bike on traffic roads.  As a cycling advocate and knowing we have the same rights as motor vehicles, I have learned to drive both offensively and defensively.  Initially I thought keeping to the right was the best safety measure you could do.  I have since learned this is not always the case.  You have to leave yourself room from impending danger like potholes, gravel, parked car doors opening etc.  If I feel safety is an issue I will move out into the lane to keep cars from passing at an inopportune moment.  It not only saves my life, but, also the driver of the vehicle that may not see as clearly what dangers lay up a head.  THINK SMART, RIDE SMART and BE SAFE.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Picture Perfect Day

Blue Skies



Of course I helped him across the road



Scenic road

Today was one of those picture perfect days.  Temps in the low to mid 80's, low humidity, minimal wind and plenty of sunshine.  A Marty Day as I like to call it.  After the July 4th holiday weekend it was a refreshing and relaxing day that brings a smile to you face without a care in the world.  I am fortunate to have these scenic roads just 2 miles from my home.

KEEP RIDING!!!  

'Third time's the charm'

This is used when the third time one tries something, one achieves a successful outcome.
On Saturday July 2, I commuted to work on my bike.  As you may recall the 1st time it rained heavily about 3 miles from work.  I was soaked but, luckily my place has a laundry facility so I was able to dry out.  My second commute resulted in heavy down poor with hail and lightening just as I left work.  Lucky to be alive.  My latest and 3rd commute resulted in a beautiful relaxing ride to and from work.
KEEP RIDING!!!