The month of September was awesome. While I didn't hit my mileage goal of 240 miles for the month having only ridden 160 miles, I'm OK with that. There were other, more important goals that were met.
My dad and I rode Viva Bike Vegas 2013 together which was awesome. We also got in some other, quality rides after the big ride while they were visiting. As he said, its too bad we don't live closer so that we can ride together more.
Besides a quick ride around Long Lake with my dad and my brother in 2011 when we were up at my brother's cabin, this was the first chance we had to ride together in over 30 years. 30+ years ago we had ridden in several Bike-A-Thons for the March of Dimes, the last a 100 miler. Funny how we never "trained" for those rides, but just did them as a matter of course. They were easy since we were riding everywhere back then.
So, while I didn't make my mileage goal for September, I've decided to set a new one for October,increasing the mileage for the month. Leaving room for missed days and with hoping to get in longer rides leading up to the Bike MS back to back 30 milers, my goal is 300 miles for October.
Decided to start off strong and I was planning on putting in at least 12 miles this morning, but it seemed the fates had other plans for me and I decided to listen to them. I woke up about 10 minutes before the alarm was set to go off and my stomach was having issues. After attending to that I got dressed and headed downstairs.
I got ready, put air in the tires and turned on my Garmin. I grabbed my helmet, turned on the lights and was waiting for my Garmin to Sync with the satellites. I looked at it to check the progress and noticed it was off. I thought maybe I hadn't turned it on so I tried again. Nope it turned right off. For some reason the battery was dead. I always download and charge it every time I use it so this was a mystery to me.
I still had my Fitbit so I could time the ride, I just wouldn't have the file to upload to the various sites. So I started the timer and set off. The first couple of laps went well with nothing remarkable happening. On the third lap I noticed my front light getting dimmer and dimmer and within a half mile it was out. Now with the crazy inattentive drivers and the early morning I knew it wasn't safe to ride without a light for visibility. I headed in when I got back to the house, found the new package of batteries an changed them out. I turned the light on and it was nice and bright.
The strangest thing happened then. I turned my bike around and prepared to head out to put in some more miles and my light turned itself off. No matter what I tried, it refused to turn back on. SO I recognized the fact that someone or something didn't want me to ride this morning and put my bike away and came into the house, calling it a day.
So, to summarize, my October riding has started with a mere 3 miles today.
Hope you can get on your bikes and ride!
Showing posts with label persistence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label persistence. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Best laid plans...
As I posted last week, I had been planning on riding in the 3 Feet for Pete ride. The date of this ride was 9/14/13 which also happens to be my daughter's birthday. It is also the date when my nephew and niece needed to get to the airport early. To make a long story short, I was babysitting the grandkids instead of riding on Saturday morning.
I didn't mind not riding. Its always fun spending time with the grandkids. We had breakfast together and watched some TV and they played. When my wife and daughter got home, we then got the kids ready and went out for a combined birthday lunch for my daughter and myself.
Now, I didn't ride Friday morning, thinking I was going to ride on Saturday. On Sunday morning I was plan lazy and didn't get out to ride before the temperature shot up into the 90's so I didn't ride then either.
So the weekend was a bust in terms of getting miles in. I did get out this morning and put in 10.4 miles so I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm planning on riding at least 10 miles per day the next 3 days and then a bit less on Friday as my parents will be here and my dad and I will do a last ride before the Viva Bike Vegas ride on Saturday. This will be a shake down to make sure the bikes are ready for Saturday morning.
So, this morning's ride takes me over the 100 mile mark for the month of September. In fact I'm at 102/2 miles for the month. Not bad, but I have to make up some miles to hit my goal of at least 240.
I hope the rain isn't too bad across the country and you are able to...
GET ON YOUR BIKES AND RIDE!!!!!
I didn't mind not riding. Its always fun spending time with the grandkids. We had breakfast together and watched some TV and they played. When my wife and daughter got home, we then got the kids ready and went out for a combined birthday lunch for my daughter and myself.
Now, I didn't ride Friday morning, thinking I was going to ride on Saturday. On Sunday morning I was plan lazy and didn't get out to ride before the temperature shot up into the 90's so I didn't ride then either.
So the weekend was a bust in terms of getting miles in. I did get out this morning and put in 10.4 miles so I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm planning on riding at least 10 miles per day the next 3 days and then a bit less on Friday as my parents will be here and my dad and I will do a last ride before the Viva Bike Vegas ride on Saturday. This will be a shake down to make sure the bikes are ready for Saturday morning.
So, this morning's ride takes me over the 100 mile mark for the month of September. In fact I'm at 102/2 miles for the month. Not bad, but I have to make up some miles to hit my goal of at least 240.
I hope the rain isn't too bad across the country and you are able to...
GET ON YOUR BIKES AND RIDE!!!!!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Another Registration...
When I was looking for rides this year, this one particularly caught my eye. Its called the BIKE MS Vegas Challenge and it is a 2 day event on November 9 & 10. The goal of the ride is to raise funds in the fight against MS. If you would like to donate, here is the link. It is a very worthy cause.
I liked this ride when I saw it as it is multiple days and it is a distance I feel I can manage. On Saturday there are several ride options - a 100 mile, 65 mile or 30 mile route. I decided the 30 mile route is for me. Here is a link to a map of the route. What I like about this route is the chance to ride along the strip, even if its not at night like the Viva Bike Vegas ride.
On Sunday there are 2 routes, a 50 mile and a 30 mile route. Again, with my current fitness level I figured back to back 30 mile rides would be great. Here is a link to the Sunday 30 mile route map. What I like about this route is that it heads out to my old stomping grounds along Boulder highway up into Henderson.
While MS has not touched me personally, I have known a couple of people that it has touched and this disease is one of the worst out there. It is dastardly in that it affects the body and makes it impossible to accomplish even simple tasks, but leaves the mind sharp so that the afflicted know full well what it has done to them.
Please take a minute and donate what you can so that a cure can be found. In case you missed it at the top, here is a link to my donation page.
Enjoy life, get on your bikes and RIDE!!!!
On Sunday there are 2 routes, a 50 mile and a 30 mile route. Again, with my current fitness level I figured back to back 30 mile rides would be great. Here is a link to the Sunday 30 mile route map. What I like about this route is that it heads out to my old stomping grounds along Boulder highway up into Henderson.
While MS has not touched me personally, I have known a couple of people that it has touched and this disease is one of the worst out there. It is dastardly in that it affects the body and makes it impossible to accomplish even simple tasks, but leaves the mind sharp so that the afflicted know full well what it has done to them.
Please take a minute and donate what you can so that a cure can be found. In case you missed it at the top, here is a link to my donation page.
Enjoy life, get on your bikes and RIDE!!!!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
August Challenge Day 28 Ride 28 and a question of etiquette
It was another lovely morning for a ride. I've been very lucky this month with my morning rides. The temps were in the low 70's and there was a light southwest breeze.
I saw a rabbit again this morning. He was sitting in the middle of the street as I turned onto Westchester. He sat frozen for a minute trying to decide if I was real I think, then decided I was and went running under the bushes.
The three women walkers/joggers were out again this morning. The were actually out on my first lap. This is where the question of etiquette comes in. They walk the same basic route as I ride, but in counter clockwise direction while I am riding in a clockwise direction. Obviously this means we pass each other frequently depending on timing. This morning it was 8 times as on two of the laps they were on the walking path between the subdivisions while I was on the street.
Now the first time we usually say good morning to each other and once or twice it might be a "good job" or "well done", but on many of the other occasions we end up smiling and nodding to each other. The last time we pass we usually say "have a good day" and that's it. My question is in regards to those times in between when we pass and really don't have much to say during that 2 to 3 second encounter. What should I do? Do I continue to nod and smile like and idiot? Is there some point of etiquette that I'm missing that says what should happen on those other passes?
I would love feedback as to what others do in this situation. I can't be alone in this.
Oh yeah, this morning takes me over 200 miles for the month!!!
As for stats:
10.4 Miles
45:12 Elapsed Time
Month to date:
28/28 rides
206.3 Miles
16:24:43 Elapsed time
Get on your bikes and ride!!!!
I saw a rabbit again this morning. He was sitting in the middle of the street as I turned onto Westchester. He sat frozen for a minute trying to decide if I was real I think, then decided I was and went running under the bushes.
The three women walkers/joggers were out again this morning. The were actually out on my first lap. This is where the question of etiquette comes in. They walk the same basic route as I ride, but in counter clockwise direction while I am riding in a clockwise direction. Obviously this means we pass each other frequently depending on timing. This morning it was 8 times as on two of the laps they were on the walking path between the subdivisions while I was on the street.
Now the first time we usually say good morning to each other and once or twice it might be a "good job" or "well done", but on many of the other occasions we end up smiling and nodding to each other. The last time we pass we usually say "have a good day" and that's it. My question is in regards to those times in between when we pass and really don't have much to say during that 2 to 3 second encounter. What should I do? Do I continue to nod and smile like and idiot? Is there some point of etiquette that I'm missing that says what should happen on those other passes?
I would love feedback as to what others do in this situation. I can't be alone in this.
Oh yeah, this morning takes me over 200 miles for the month!!!
As for stats:
10.4 Miles
45:12 Elapsed Time
Month to date:
28/28 rides
206.3 Miles
16:24:43 Elapsed time
Get on your bikes and ride!!!!
Monday, August 26, 2013
August Challenge Update - Rides 23, 24, 25, and 26
I have been remiss in my updates and for this I apologize.
Its been a rather busy few days and the good news is I have gotten in a ride everyday. I am still on track to ride all 31 days in August. The bad news is my oldest grandson went home to Michigan on Saturday. It was really tough this year as he has grown and matured so much. We were going to do a last ride on Saturday morning before he left, but it didn't happen as he slept a bit later and then had to get to the airport.
Friday's ride was a ramble to look at all the streets in the subdivision and the one next door. Sad to say after 3 years of living in the house there were streets in our small sub I hadn't been on. One interesting note, one of the bordering street has a single house on it, all alone. The other houses around it all face into the subdivision and are accessed off the internal roads. A nice, private oasis.
Saturday was a couple of laps around the block with Dillon, Nick and Ceanna, who only made it part way up the block and was too tired.
Sunday Dillon was the only taker and we re-rode most of the streets in the subdivision since he hadn't been down them.
This morning it was back to the usual 4:00 am ride of 10.4 miles. It was nice seeing the 2 women who were walking last week were back and they had a third woman with them. We exchanged greetings on one lap. 2 laps later the woman who seemed to be the leader was jogging while the others were walking.
So, month to date we have:
26/26 rides
183.4 miles
14:44:44 elapsed time
Hope you are able to Get On Your Bikes and RIDE!
Its been a rather busy few days and the good news is I have gotten in a ride everyday. I am still on track to ride all 31 days in August. The bad news is my oldest grandson went home to Michigan on Saturday. It was really tough this year as he has grown and matured so much. We were going to do a last ride on Saturday morning before he left, but it didn't happen as he slept a bit later and then had to get to the airport.
Friday's ride was a ramble to look at all the streets in the subdivision and the one next door. Sad to say after 3 years of living in the house there were streets in our small sub I hadn't been on. One interesting note, one of the bordering street has a single house on it, all alone. The other houses around it all face into the subdivision and are accessed off the internal roads. A nice, private oasis.
Saturday was a couple of laps around the block with Dillon, Nick and Ceanna, who only made it part way up the block and was too tired.
Sunday Dillon was the only taker and we re-rode most of the streets in the subdivision since he hadn't been down them.
This morning it was back to the usual 4:00 am ride of 10.4 miles. It was nice seeing the 2 women who were walking last week were back and they had a third woman with them. We exchanged greetings on one lap. 2 laps later the woman who seemed to be the leader was jogging while the others were walking.
So, month to date we have:
26/26 rides
183.4 miles
14:44:44 elapsed time
Hope you are able to Get On Your Bikes and RIDE!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
August Challenge Day 21 Ride 21
Having been awake since 2:00 AM I wasn't feeling it when 4:00 rolled around and it was my normal time to get up and ride. I thought about putting it off, but decided that since I was up I might as well go and get in at least a short ride. When I went out, I had every intention of taking it easy and only doing a couple of miles.
That changed within the first few pedal strokes I felt good on the bike and decided I should just go ahead and push it a bit. So I did.
According to Strava I did my 3rd fastest loop at 4:01 for my first lap and the next was at 4:04. Not bad at all. My finishing time for the same 10 miles I rode yesterday was almost 5 minutes faster!
One interesting note was that where I saw several pedestrians yesterday - there was no one out there this morning.
This morning's stats:
10.4 Miles
43:44 Elapsed Time
Month to date:
21/21 Rides
157 Miles
12:27:53 Elapsed Time
Do something good for yourself - Get on your bike and ride!!!!
That changed within the first few pedal strokes I felt good on the bike and decided I should just go ahead and push it a bit. So I did.
According to Strava I did my 3rd fastest loop at 4:01 for my first lap and the next was at 4:04. Not bad at all. My finishing time for the same 10 miles I rode yesterday was almost 5 minutes faster!
One interesting note was that where I saw several pedestrians yesterday - there was no one out there this morning.
This morning's stats:
10.4 Miles
43:44 Elapsed Time
Month to date:
21/21 Rides
157 Miles
12:27:53 Elapsed Time
Do something good for yourself - Get on your bike and ride!!!!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
August Challenge Day 20 Ride 20
Warm, humid start to the day. I checked my tires before the ride as usual and was concerned when I found my front tire at less than 40 psi. It seemed the issue was with the valve and not with a puncture. I tightened the inner valve and pumped up the tire and it seemed to be holding air, but I didn't have faith in its staying inflated so I stopped a few times during the ride to check it out.
Overall it was a good ride. It was interesting in that there were very few cars, but there were several pedestrians this morning. Two women were out walking laps. I passed the 4 or 5 times. A gentleman was walking his dog and on the last last there was another man out for his morning exercise. That's more people out and about in one morning than I've seen the rest of the month combined.
This morning's stats:
10.4 miles
48:33 elapsed time
Month to Date:
20/20 rides
146.6 miles
11:44:09 elapsed time
Heading into the home stretch of the challenge.
Get on your bikes and ride!!!!
Overall it was a good ride. It was interesting in that there were very few cars, but there were several pedestrians this morning. Two women were out walking laps. I passed the 4 or 5 times. A gentleman was walking his dog and on the last last there was another man out for his morning exercise. That's more people out and about in one morning than I've seen the rest of the month combined.
This morning's stats:
10.4 miles
48:33 elapsed time
Month to Date:
20/20 rides
146.6 miles
11:44:09 elapsed time
Heading into the home stretch of the challenge.
Get on your bikes and ride!!!!
Monday, August 19, 2013
August Challenge Day 19 Ride 19
The rain persisted on and off until about 3:30 this morning. I know because it was raining at 10:00, it was raining at 2:00 and it was still sprinkling at 3:20 when I looked at the radar loop on my phone. I was thinking that I would wait until after work to get my ride in today as I lay back down to try and get some sleep.
I kept thinking about how yesterday's ride was so short and mainly a token effort. I thought about how the weather forecast was for more thunderstorms this afternoon and in all likelihood I would end up making only a token effort today.
I decided that for good or bad, I was getting up and riding this morning. I am glad I did.
The roads were still wet when I got out there a little later than usual, but I decided to just start out nice and easy and see what I could do with the time I had. There was a lot of sand and grit on the roads, especially on Quarterhorse by the construction site.
I did my first lap and thought to myself, "this isn't too bad." The temperature was 73, and although a bit humid, it was nice riding weather.
I know I was slower than usual as I was taking it easy, but I decided 4 laps in that I could make the scheduled 10 laps in what time I had. And that's what I did and I am happy.
Today's stats:
10.4 miles
48:31 Elapsed time
Month to date:
19/19 rides
136.2 Miles
10:55:36 elapsed time
Get on your bikes and ride!
I kept thinking about how yesterday's ride was so short and mainly a token effort. I thought about how the weather forecast was for more thunderstorms this afternoon and in all likelihood I would end up making only a token effort today.
I decided that for good or bad, I was getting up and riding this morning. I am glad I did.
The roads were still wet when I got out there a little later than usual, but I decided to just start out nice and easy and see what I could do with the time I had. There was a lot of sand and grit on the roads, especially on Quarterhorse by the construction site.
I did my first lap and thought to myself, "this isn't too bad." The temperature was 73, and although a bit humid, it was nice riding weather.
I know I was slower than usual as I was taking it easy, but I decided 4 laps in that I could make the scheduled 10 laps in what time I had. And that's what I did and I am happy.
Today's stats:
10.4 miles
48:31 Elapsed time
Month to date:
19/19 rides
136.2 Miles
10:55:36 elapsed time
Get on your bikes and ride!
Friday, August 16, 2013
August Challenge Day 16 ride 16
The plan last night was to get up this morning and go for a ride with the grand kids. I was thinking we would get out pretty early to try and beat some of the heat. Normally the kids are up by 7:00 or 7:30 so I was thinking if we rode by 8:00 or so it would be good.
Finally at 9:15 I said it was time for them to get up so we can go. We got out there at 9:28 and it was already hot. Jacob, Dillon, Nicholas and PT all went with me. We did a nice ramble around the neighborhood and rode by the house about 1.9 miles into the ride The kids wanted a break so PT and I went on a quick trip around the block while they came in and got a drink.
When e got back to the house. Nick was inside and not going any farther. Jacob, Dillon, PT and I took off for another "lap" but just at the corner, Jacob decided he was done and headed back to the house.
Dillon hung in there and completed a total of 4.1 miles today in the heat. PT and I completed 4.6 miles.
I am proud of all of them for how far they went. They are all riding better and better.
Today's Stats:
4.6 miles
33:29 elapsed time
Month to date:
16/16 rides
123.5 miles
9:54:21 elapsed time
Get on your bikes and ride!!!!
Finally at 9:15 I said it was time for them to get up so we can go. We got out there at 9:28 and it was already hot. Jacob, Dillon, Nicholas and PT all went with me. We did a nice ramble around the neighborhood and rode by the house about 1.9 miles into the ride The kids wanted a break so PT and I went on a quick trip around the block while they came in and got a drink.
When e got back to the house. Nick was inside and not going any farther. Jacob, Dillon, PT and I took off for another "lap" but just at the corner, Jacob decided he was done and headed back to the house.
Dillon hung in there and completed a total of 4.1 miles today in the heat. PT and I completed 4.6 miles.
I am proud of all of them for how far they went. They are all riding better and better.
Today's Stats:
4.6 miles
33:29 elapsed time
Month to date:
16/16 rides
123.5 miles
9:54:21 elapsed time
Get on your bikes and ride!!!!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
August Challenge ride 13
Before I talk about this morning's ride I want to wish my eldest grandson Jacob a Happy Birthday!!! Today he turns 11.
Only 3 things to mention about this morning's ride - some wind,a rabbit and some creaking.
This morning there was a southwest wind blowing 12 to 15 mph which meant I was cycling into the wind on the slower parts of my route. It was definitely a bit more work.
On my 4th lap as I was heading north on Quarterhorse, a rabbit almost committed suicide by running across in front of me. He timed it poorly, though and successfully made it across with a couple of feet to spare. I guess he misjudged how fast I was in fact riding.
At about the 9 mile mark this morning, I started to notice a creaking coming from the left pedal and/or bottom bracket area. It seemed to only do it when I was pushing the left pedal so I need to look at it this evening. To avoid possibly damaging anything I took it really easy on the last mile this morning.
Today's stats:
10.4 miles
47:09 elapsed time
Month to date
98.1 miles
7:50:29 elapsed time
A side note, as of yesterday both my mom and dad were still in the challenge having walked and ridden everyday so far in August respectively. I believe my dad was even slightly ahead mileage-wise for the month. I am so proud of them!!!!
Keep those pedals turning.
Only 3 things to mention about this morning's ride - some wind,a rabbit and some creaking.
This morning there was a southwest wind blowing 12 to 15 mph which meant I was cycling into the wind on the slower parts of my route. It was definitely a bit more work.
On my 4th lap as I was heading north on Quarterhorse, a rabbit almost committed suicide by running across in front of me. He timed it poorly, though and successfully made it across with a couple of feet to spare. I guess he misjudged how fast I was in fact riding.
At about the 9 mile mark this morning, I started to notice a creaking coming from the left pedal and/or bottom bracket area. It seemed to only do it when I was pushing the left pedal so I need to look at it this evening. To avoid possibly damaging anything I took it really easy on the last mile this morning.
Today's stats:
10.4 miles
47:09 elapsed time
Month to date
98.1 miles
7:50:29 elapsed time
A side note, as of yesterday both my mom and dad were still in the challenge having walked and ridden everyday so far in August respectively. I believe my dad was even slightly ahead mileage-wise for the month. I am so proud of them!!!!
Keep those pedals turning.
Friday, August 9, 2013
August Challenge rides 8 & 9
So the weekend is starting off on a busy note starting yesterday. I managed to squeeze in a quick ride in the morning before doing my errands for the day. Today I just rode around with the grand kids - not far at all, but it was fun getting them out there. Unfortunately it started getting dark so we couldn't go very far.
So, some stats:
Ride #8
3.3 Miles
15:15 Elapsed time
Ride #9
1.8 miles
13:01 Elapsed time
So far this month:
61.9 Miles
4:49:50 Elapsed Time
There have been challenges getting a couple of my rides in, but having this challenge has been enough to make sure I'm at least on the bike daily.
Keep those pedals turning!!!!
So, some stats:
Ride #8
3.3 Miles
15:15 Elapsed time
Ride #9
1.8 miles
13:01 Elapsed time
So far this month:
61.9 Miles
4:49:50 Elapsed Time
There have been challenges getting a couple of my rides in, but having this challenge has been enough to make sure I'm at least on the bike daily.
Keep those pedals turning!!!!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
August Challenge Day 7
Its 4:00 am on a work day in August so I'm getting up and heading out on a ride. I normally have a routine I follow which involves a trip to the restroom, but I changed it up slightly this morning and that impacted my ride.
The temperature was a reasonable 80 degrees with a light Southwest breeze. A good morning for a ride.
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention yesterday, I passed the 500 mile mark for the year with yesterday's ride. It took me until September 22 (the Viva Bike Vegas ride last year) to pass that mark.
I was feeling pretty good out there especially considering this is my seventh consecutive day of ride. That is until about 4.5 miles into the ride I started to feel some rumblings in my intestinal tract. Things weren't too bad and I convinced myself to carry on, which I managed to do until about 2 miles later when the rumblings became quite insistent and the call of nature was quite urgent.
I made it back to the house, having completed only 7.2 miles, but it was enough for this morning.
Stats:
7.2 Miles
32:22 Elapsed time
Month to date:
56.8 miles
4:21:36 Elapsed time
Keep those pedals turning!
The temperature was a reasonable 80 degrees with a light Southwest breeze. A good morning for a ride.
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention yesterday, I passed the 500 mile mark for the year with yesterday's ride. It took me until September 22 (the Viva Bike Vegas ride last year) to pass that mark.
I was feeling pretty good out there especially considering this is my seventh consecutive day of ride. That is until about 4.5 miles into the ride I started to feel some rumblings in my intestinal tract. Things weren't too bad and I convinced myself to carry on, which I managed to do until about 2 miles later when the rumblings became quite insistent and the call of nature was quite urgent.
I made it back to the house, having completed only 7.2 miles, but it was enough for this morning.
Stats:
7.2 Miles
32:22 Elapsed time
Month to date:
56.8 miles
4:21:36 Elapsed time
Keep those pedals turning!
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