34.60 - Biking the SRT, WT, & CCT (03.14.09)

Total miles = 34.60
Starting miles = 589
Ending miles = 623

Ride feel/mood = no wind, moderate start, fast finish

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 219.96

Miles for 2008 = 623.84
2008 Goal = 3200

Today's ride was suppose to be a century...

My body could handle 100 miles today, but 34.10 will have to due. ARG!!!!!

After leaving Doug's GMA project a bit late, I got to REI to get some things for my bike. I was on the trail at Spring Mill by 2pm. I did the Philly leg of my century ride first. It was a good idea.

Today the trails everywhere I biked were very yuppy heavy. I haven't seen so many people wearing "Northface" ever. I swear I saw the same sorta tall, slim 30-some man with a blond gf/wife, yet wearing every yuppy outdoors outfit out there. LOL! I shouldn't bust on them, since they tend to be trail saavy enough to follow basic trail ettiquete. This trip to Philly wasn't as bad as most were, which was good for once.

After biking back to Spring Mill, I got my wind breaker on and headed on the CCT to Plymouth Meeting. When I was climbing the trail at Ikea, I switched gears, I felt a slip, then my chain was booth noisy and loose. The bolt on one of my sprokets failed and I lost my sproket. I was still able to ride my bike slowly 3-4 miles back to my truck.

Since I was near REI, I ended up getting a pack of sprokets there, since all the bike shops close after 5pm on Saturdays. (I was after 6pm). The bike mechanics pointed out some other issues with my bike, which I am going to get worked on at my bike shop in Collegeville.

I noticed I was missing screws, so I went to the hardware store. I knew they wouldn't have the ones I needed, but they did have something close to it, good enough to use to work on my bike. I ended up drilling out the broken bolt and was able to tempotatily fix my deraileur. I am not going to ghetto rig my bike, which I will put thousands of miles on, then the trip to Bike Sport tomorrow.

So how many days and miles will I lose while I wait to get my bike trail ready? I'll lose 80 miles that I had schedule to ride this week. I might just miss my 200 miles goal for the month. I'll do my best to get my goal or just barely miss it.

Labels: cycling

41.25 - Biking the SRT, PT, & CCT (03.13.09)

Total miles = 41.25
Starting miles = 548
Ending miles = 589

Ride feel/mood = no wind, moderate start, fast finish

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 185.36

Miles for 2008 = 589.24
2008 Goal = 3200

Labels: cycling

20.73 - Biking the PT & SRT (03.11.09)

Total miles = 20.73
Starting miles = 527
Ending miles = 548

Ride feel/mood = windy

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 144.11

Miles for 2008 = 547.99
2008 Goal = 3200

Labels: cycling

30.17 - Biking the SRT (03.09.09)

Total miles = 30.17
Starting miles = 497
Ending miles = 527

Ride feel/mood = warm, faster, very good

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 123.38

Miles for 2008 = 527.26
2008 Goal = 3200

I rode from Pawlings to Port Providence to Collegeville to Norristown and back. Fair first half of a ride, where I wasn't pushing it. Second half of the ride was near a 15 mph average. Today I felt in pre-summer form! Good, since I have 600+ miles to grab in March 2009!

Labels: cycling

54.37 - Biking the SRT (03.07.09)

Total miles = 54.37
Starting miles = 442
Ending miles = 497

Ride feel/mood = good, warm

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 93.21

Miles for 2008 = 497.09
2008 Goal = 3200

Labels: cycling

31.17 - Biking the SRT (03.06.09)

Total miles = 31.17
Starting miles = 411
Ending miles = 442

Ride feel/mood = good, warm

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 38.84

Miles for 2008 = 442.72
2008 Goal = 3200

Labels: cycling

7.67 - Biking the SRT (03.03.09)

Total miles = 54.20
Starting miles = 404
Ending miles = 411

Ride feel/mood = snow glazed, cool, broke bike

March 2009 Goal = 600
Miles completed in 3.09 = 7.67

Miles for 2008 = 411.55
2008 Goal = 3200

Even my over-ambition thought it was stupid for me to ride today. It snowed yesterday and of course it all is not instantly melted. Then the lazy me ended up keeping my bike out in my truck. Somehow my rear derailer cable got messed up, causing me to be stuck in a high gear. I did have a good idea to bike on the roads of Oaks, yet being in a high gear didn't help.

If the 7 miles served as a lesson to me, then fine.

If anything I ended up giving my bike a long over due bath. That was the first time I took apart my rear derailer. Of course I couldn't get it back together until I looked it up online. It was a matter of how I was feeding the chain. Now all is good with my bike!

Labels: cycling

54.20 - Biking the SRT (02.28.09)

Total miles = 54.20
Starting miles = 349
Ending miles = 404

Ride feel/mood = cold again, fair, fast start, steady finish

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 378.54

Miles for 2008 = 403.88
2008 Goal = 3200

14.0-14.5 mph average the first 25 miles, which for me is a good, yet really just a mdoerate pace. The weather and being hungry got to me the last 15 miles.

To the jerk in Mannyunk with the Ford Mustang... I don't say these kind of things, but if I ever see you again, I will punch you... well worth the legal problems it will give me. You brake checked me!!!! You saw that I was biking faster than you and was using the right lane to pass you up. You are a sad excuse for a human!

And to everyone else, I know you are just getting outside after a harsh winter. Trail rule #1: keep to the right of the trail. Don't hog up the trail. At least 50 (no exaggeration) people I encountered today on all parts of the trail did this. Much worse than a warm weather holiday.

On awesome note... 400 miles YTD during crappy winter season!

Labels: cycling

10.26 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.27.09)

Total miles = 10.26
Starting miles = 319
Ending miles = 339

Ride feel/mood = fair, warm (60F), slightly over dressed

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 324.34

Miles for 2008 = 349.68
2008 Goal = 3200

It was warm and I would love to bike all night, but spending time with my friend is more important. So far in February I've biked 324 miles, 350 ytd. I'll bike 50-60 miles tomorrow, which will put me at 400 miles for the year. That will be my best start ever and I am very pleased that doing a little more often, in the midst of winter weather, has paid off. That trend will continue.

Labels: cycling

20.39 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.26.09)

Total miles = 20.39
Starting miles = 319
Ending miles = 339

Ride feel/mood = slow/fair star, fast finish

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 314.08

Miles for 2008 = 339.42
2008 Goal = 3200

I felt tired and dragging when I started, but towards the end I had some runs going 14-15 mph, which for me isn't bad, especially in the cold. It is nice to know that I am on the verge of being able to push myself again on some 15+ mph rides. Maybe I can break the 20mph barrier this summer?

Labels: cycling

10.06 - Biking the SRT (02.25.09)

Total miles = 10.06
Starting miles = 309
Ending miles = 319

Ride feel/mood = fair

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 293.69

Miles for 2008 = 319.13
2008 Goal = 3200

Labels: cycling

21.30 - Biking the SRT (02.24.09)

Total miles = 21.30
Starting miles = 287
Ending miles = 309

Ride feel/mood = decent casual ride

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 283.63

Miles for 2008 = 309.07
2008 Goal = 3200

A cold, but fair ride. Spent most of the ride distracted in thoughts, which made the 2 hour ride go by quick. I was dressed warm, yet got cold towards the end, since I didn't eat a full meal all day, just snacks throughout the day.

Labels: cycling

20.23 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.19.09)

Total miles = 20.23
Starting miles = 267
Ending miles = 287

Ride feel/mood = good steady ride

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 262.33

Miles for 2008 = 287.77
2008 Goal = 3200

Guess in the past 2 weeks there were a lot of firsts. This is the first time I biked 7 days in a row, with no day less than 20 miles, totaling 190 miles. What impresses me is that this is February! Thursday I had bad weather and biked just fine. 4 hours after that ride the conditions were better, warming up and just foggy/misty. Wind is coming in a day, so Friday might not see a day 8 in this streak.

Labels: cycling

21.10 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.18.09)

Total miles = 21.10
Starting miles = 246
Ending miles = 267

Ride feel/mood = fair ride

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 242.10

Miles for 2008 = 267.54
2008 Goal = 3200

Was cold and rainy, but I was warm and mostly dry. 20 miles in weather I say I never would bike in isn't bad at all.

Labels: cycling

20.40 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.17.09)

Total miles = 20.40
Starting miles = 226
Ending miles = 246

Ride feel/mood = fair ride

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 221.00

Miles for 2008 = 246.44
2008 Goal = 3200

Almost slept in, but after a 20 minute restless snooze, I got up and was on the trail but 5am. It was in the lower 20's, he coldest weather I will dare bike in, no matter how well dressed I am. This was the furthest I biked in 20's, going 20 miles. I ended up stopping halfway through, then switched from parking in Port Providence to Pawlings. Also switched from bike helmet to a skull cap, where I raher risk head damage than frost bite, since my ear where cold. All in all a good ride.

Labels: cycling

22.09 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.16.09)

Total miles = 22.09
Starting miles = 204
Ending miles = 226

Ride feel/mood = steady fair ride

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 200.6

Miles for 2008 = 226.24
2008 Goal = 3200

Was not windy, but was moderately cold. No major complaints. Road from Port Providence to LPCP to Norristown and back.

On a personal note, had a very prayerful ride. Ok, enough with this religiously PC stuff... I felt God's spirit throughout the ride. Had some awesome God time during the ride. Not that I'm trying to broadcast this, rather just making a personal note. My bike rides tend to be quality alone time with God, which is good and one reason I love biking.

Labels: cycling

21.72 - Biking the ALT, PT, & SRT (02.15.09)

Total miles = 21.72
Starting miles = 182
Ending miles = 182

Ride feel/mood = dragging start, faster finish

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 178.51

Miles for 2008 = 204.15
2008 Goal = 3200

Didn't get much sleep, plus was also fatigued. First 8 miles was tough, yet I picked up for the last 12-13 miles. It was off and on breezy, sunny, and cold. Wasn't dressed exactly for the ride, since my Under Amor winter clothes were dirty. Still, I did ok.

I am going to have to do some work on my bike soon...

Labels: cycling

50.09 - Biking the SRT (02.14.09)

Total miles = 50.09
Starting miles = 132
Ending miles = 182

Ride feel/mood = dragging start, steady/slow but energetic finish

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 156.79

Miles for 2008 = 182.43
2008 Goal = 3200

One of my best 50 mile rides... best/longest winter ride.

Really sucky beginning, where i felt like I could barely do 10-20 miles. Then the energy kicked in when I hit Philly. I refueled with a Cliff bar at Lloyd Hall, which made the difference on the ride back. Also started to snow from that point on. I kept warm the whole ride back. I started to get soaked the last couple miles, but was fine.

When I was at the Schuylkill Banks Junction near the art musuem, I was marking a way point, then was going to take a photo of the heart on the Amtrak building. I got interupted twice. First interuption was this hot lady on a run, who wanted me to txt the photo I was about to take. I never got the chance, since she didn't wait, since I was marking a waypoint on my phone. Oh well. Immediately after that, some young yuppy guy asked to use my phone to call for a tow truck for his Jeep, which was broken down on I-676. He forgot his phone. So I might not have txt the lady but I did help out.


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Labels: cycling

40.17 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.13.09)

Total miles = 40.17
Starting miles = 91
Ending miles = 132

Ride feel/mood = good start, cool night, hungry finish

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 106.7

Miles for 2008 = 132.34
2008 Goal = 3200

I biked from my apartment through Phoenixville on to the trail all the way to Conchy. Was a good first 30 miles, yet the hunger kicked in and I got cold towards the end. I finished stronger than I though I would, climbing those Phoenixville hills.

Tried out Google "My Tracks" on my Android phone. Was ok, though it kept shutting off my GPS and the elivation, plus some other numbers were off. I hope this gets fixed soon. Was good to use to mark waypoints for reference.


View Larger Map

Labels: cycling

8.57 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.11.09)

Total miles = 8.57
Starting miles = 83
Ending miles = 91

Ride feel/mood = good, winter warm, energetic, steady (2 days in a row)

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 66.53

Miles for 2008 = 92.17
2008 Goal = 3200

Wasn't planning to ride today, but it was warm and I had the itch all day. Might get up early to get 10 more in so I can get my first 100 miles in for the year!

Labels: cycling

14.07 - Biking the SRT & PT (02.10.09)

Total miles = 14.07
Starting miles = 69
Ending miles = 83

Ride feel/mood = good, winter warm, energetic, steady

February 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 57.96

Miles for 2008 = 83.6
2008 Goal = 3200

Biked from Port Providence to Betzwood to LPCP and back. Was very very pleased that Montco finally finished paving that 0.5 stretch between Oaks and Port Providence! (Thank you Montco!) Now Chester County needs to get their act together and start/finish the leg from phoenixville to Pottstown!

Labels: cycling

13.83 - Biking the SRT (02.09.09)

Total miles = 13.83
Ride feel/mood = good, but technical frustrations
Starting miles = 55
Ending miles = 69
January 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 43.89

Miles for 2008 = 69.53
2008 Goal = 3200

Labels: cycling

30.06 - Biking the SRT (02.08.09)

Total miles = 25.64
Ride feel/mood = sprinting start, fresh, windy slow finish
Starting miles = 25
Ending miles = 55
January 2009 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 02.09 = 30.06

Miles for 2008 = 55.70
2008 Goal = 3200

Once again, I hate wind. Warm February day in the 60's. Good ride though the last 15 miles sucked due to the freaking wind! I am very optimistic about this year for cycling!

Labels: cycling

25.95 - Biking the SRT & PT (12.25.08)

Total miles = 25.95
Ride feel/mood = fair
Starting miles = 2115 (2167)
Ending miles = 2192
November 2008 Goal = 125
Miles completed in 12.08 = 25.95

Miles for 2008 = 2192.95
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000 [x]
Tier 4 Goal = 2500
Max miles = 2750

I am missing 50.09 miles since the math adds up to 2141.91, where my bike computer says 2192. So my last ride was for 50.09 miles.

For 2008, I come 30 some miles short of my top year, which I would have borken if it was not for my arm injury, being a slacker at times, and bad weather during momment I was free to go biking. Oh well, 2009 should be my top year.

Labels: cycling

30.95 - Biking the SRT & PT (11.23.08)

Total miles = 30.95
Ride feel/mood = good start, slow finish, cold

Starting miles = 2085
Ending miles = 2115
November 2008 Goal = 125
Miles completed in 11.08 = 55.68

Miles for 2008 = 2115.95
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000 [x]
Tier 4 Goal = 2500
Max miles = 2750

Farthest I ever biked (30.95) in weather under the freezing mark. My arm left are got a bit sore the last 10 miles, but held fine. I needed to dress a bit better and I made a mistake of not drinking anything. I need to make adjustments if i am going to get 100+ miles in by end of the week.

Labels: cycling

19.63- Biking the SRT & PT (11.21.08)

Total miles = 19.63
Ride feel/mood = fresh, slow pace, cold start

Starting miles = 2069
Ending miles = 2085
November 2008 Goal = 125
Miles completed in 11.08 = 24.73

Miles for 2008 = 2085.35
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000 [x]
Tier 4 Goal = 2500
Max miles = 2750

I am missing an entry for a 16 mile ride. Likely one of my late October rides... This happened before my last ride, which was a 5 mile ride.

Replaced my rear tires with the top of the line hybrid bike tire. They ride good and I can feel the difference. Also replaced front & rear brakes, which the cold weather will brutalize. Finally got a new pump and it works great.

It was below freezing, almost to my low temperatire limit for cycling. I rode slow, but got off to a fast start. I felt fresh and felt like I could handle a 30-50 mile ride. My arm is very usable, though it is still not 100% yet. I aimed for 10 miles and got 20, even in the cold weather. I'm pleased!

Labels: cycling

5.10- Biking the SRT (11.7.08)

Total miles = 5.10
Ride feel/mood = sore usable left arm, much improved, good pace

Starting miles = 2044
Ending miles = 2049
October 2008 Goal = 250
Miles completed in 10.08 = 5.10

Miles for 2008 = 2049.72
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000 [x]
Tier 4 Goal = 2500
Max miles = 2750

What a beautiful and perfect fall day!!!!!!

This is the first time I could use my left arm normally when cycling since my crash. I had speed and push. Unfortunately, I am having tire issues. I need to replacfe my rear brake, my rear tire, and get a new pump. After 2.5 miles, I lost air on my tires, going just about flat in the rear tire.

I could have done 50 miles... I don't have time, nor is my bike ready for it. But I'll get my goal for this month and my top year... I'm happy about that!

Labels: cycling

31.05- Biking the SRT (10.23.08)

Total miles = 31.05
Ride feel/mood = injured left arm, improved, moderate pace

Starting miles = 2013
Ending miles = 2044
October 2008 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 10.08 = 195.36

Miles for 2008 = 2044.58
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000 [x]
Tier 4 Goal = 2500
Max miles = 2750

Labels: cycling

25.17- Biking the SRT (10.23.08)

Total miles = 25.17
Ride feel/mood = injured left arm, improved, moderate pace

Starting miles = 1988
Ending miles = 2013
October 2008 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 10.08 = 164.31

Miles for 2008 = 2013.53
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000 [x]
Tier 4 Goal = 2500
Max miles = 2750

2000 miles!

For the second time in my life, I biked 2000 miles in a year. Of course that is nothing to the typical road cyclist. But for me in a year that I only bike 300 some miles Jan-June, biking 1700 miles in 4 months is pretty bad. The last hundred miles has been tough with bike problems and nursing a left arm injury, due to the bike accident I had two weeks ago. I wanted to reach this milestone even if it cost me. Now I have 500 miles left to finish off the last 2 months of this year, hopefully with my arm back at full strenght!

I could actually keep my left arm on the bar almost the whole time. I couldn't straighten my arm, yet just being able to hold the bar kept me balanced. With around 5 miles to go, my left arm weakened and my right arm had to compensate. It was cold tonight, yet I kept warm. No wind like two days ago, which is always rough, even when your body is in prime shape.

So 500 more miles to go to close off this year, then I can focus on 3000-4000+ miles for 2009.

Labels: cycling, milestones

15.54 - Biking the PT (10.21.08)

Total miles = 15.54
Ride feel/mood = injured left arm, slow, uncomfortable, windy

Starting miles = 1942
Ending miles = 1988
October 2008 Goal = 300
Miles completed in 10.08 = 139.14

Miles for 2008 = 1988.36
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

It was very windy. Since I have an injured left arm, I did not want to fight two battle, so I went to tree cover, meaning I did the Perkiomen Trail. Of course I had off road conditions, yet at least I could go slow enough to dodge objects on the trail. Better than fighting the wind!

I aimed for 30, yet settled for half. I had the legs to do much more, yet the awkard balance didn't do me much good. I hope this arms heals quick so I can full full weigh on it and bike normal again. Otherwise it is going to be a tough year to end out.

Labels: cycling

30.09 - Biking the SRT & PT (10.20.08)

Total miles = 30.09
Ride feel/mood = injured left arm, slow, uncomfortable

Starting miles = 1942
Ending miles = 1972
October 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 10.08 = 52.27

Miles for 2008 = 1972.82
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Yes, it is hard to cycle when you don't have both arms to push you down the trail. By body felt fresh and could have done double the miles, yet dealing with balance made it hard to govery far without stopping to recover. This means tomorrow I'll do the same and take lots of photos.

This goes on my stupid list! Guess not so stupid.

Labels: cycling

22.18 - Biking the SRT (10.13.08)

Total miles = 22.18
Ride feel/mood = slow, steady, too adventurous

Starting miles = 1920
Ending miles = 1942
October 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 10.08 = 22.18

Miles for 2008 = 1942.73
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Warm day and late start to my ride. I hit the trail just before 5pm at my usual spot over by Pawlings Road. Decided to bike as much within 5 miles of my truck as I can, so I could get 50 miles done without having to bike to Mannyunk and Center City. (Didn't want to risk a flat on my bald front tire and face a long walk again). So did the Audubon Loop, Perkeoman, Schuylkill River (to Phoenixville) trails, plus some on road biking. Got in around 16 miles by the time I hit Valley Forge National Park.

I descided to get some hills in and do the main trail in the park, which I tend to avoid. Of course, could have been a good idea to avoid...

Went slow, but fine through the park. Was on the back end of the trail, maybe 0.5 miles from PA-23, going down the hill by the one rest room area. I slowed down, though the hill builds quick momentum. I didn't see the orange plastic fence byt the road/trail construction until I was up on it. My instinct caused me to slam on the brakes instead of crashing head on. (You can laugh at this, because I sure did). I did a front wheelie, then like a cartoon character came flying over my bike, landing on the ground. My left arm took all the initial impact and I was fine everywhere else.

Two speed walkers were there and made sure I was ok. I sprained my arm, didn't break anything or any major factors. I walked maybe a mile to George Washington Chapel and waited from my friend to come with ice and Advil.

So a 50 mile ride went short. I'm glad all I got was a sprained left arm. Maybe crashing into the orange fence would have been better. And so far all my crashes thus far, my helmet made no difference. Yet I'll keep wearing it because the time it will make a difference, I want it protecting my head from drain bramage.

LOL! & Ouch!

Labels: accidents, cycling

49.73 - Biking the SRT (10.10.08)

Total miles = 49.73
Ride feel/mood = fair, slow pace

Starting miles = 1870
Ending miles = 1920
October 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 71.33

Miles for 2008 = 1920.55
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Labels: cycling

21.60 - Biking the SRT (10.7.08)

Total miles = 21.60
Ride feel/mood = slow, fair, relaxing

Starting miles = 1849
Ending miles = 1870
October 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 21.60

Miles for 2008 = 1870.82
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

2 days shy of 2 weeks since my last ride. I was sick with a cold that was heading south into my lungs, hence the extra time off. And today I had delays, go figure. Still had to fix my flat. I did get a new tire, which I did not change, yet should have took the time to do. I hate delays when I just want to put my bike in the truck and head out to the trail head.

At mile 21.6, just before my return to Norristown, my tire was low. I stopped, inflated, then rode off. Not but a handful of feet I lost pressure. I concluded I have a bad tire, causing my last two very unconvenient flats. So with nothing on my schedule, I decided to hike my bike back to my truck the whole 8.5 mile. Why do that? I have a spare tube, yet who knows if 1-2 miles down the road I'd have another flat. Yes, that has happened to me before. Since my bike budget is very limited, I went the cautious and conservative route, conserving my spare tire until I can swap out the tire.

So I had a nice 8.5 mile hike, which wasn't too bad. Did lots of much needed thinking, which is good. I was in no rush, since I am not working at all this week. Was a more pleasant crisis, not nearly the nightmare it was my last ride, or the worse nightmare a colder + wetter night could have been, especially at a longer distance.

So I have to replace both tires, meaning I have to go to the bike shop again and swap out the front tire. I was just going to rotate the rear tire to the front, yet my bold mid-grade tire is in better shape than the new el cheapo rear tire. Next spring I'll have to upgrade these tires, since I'll only get 1500-2000 miles out of them, not the 3000 miles I get out of the mid grade tires. I wonder how much I can get out of the high end ones that have the kevlar treads? Hopefully 6000+ miles???

Labels: cycling

39.04 - Biking the SRT, PT, CCT (9.25-9.26.08)

Total miles = 39.04
Ride feel/mood = rainy, fair

Starting miles = 1810
Ending miles = 1849
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 344.46

Miles for 2008 = 1849.22
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Well it was a bit colder and rainy. Was aiming for 50 miles, though was a couple off. About a mile before Pawlings Road, I started to get a flat. For about 3-4 miles up to Point Providence, I kept nursing the flat. When I hit PP, I tried to fix the flat out of the rain, yet could not get the tire off without ripping it off. So I left my bike there and hiked 3-4 miles home. I then picked up my bike and took it home. If it was 10-15 degrees cooler, that would have been a nightmare.

Labels: cycling

26.35 - Biking the SRT & WT (9.21.08)

Total miles = 26.35
Ride feel/mood = fair, sore/crapped left calf/butt

Starting miles = 1783
Ending miles = 1810
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 305.42

Miles for 2008 = 1810.18
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Labels: cycling

76.09 - Biking the SRT, CCT, WT (9.20.08)

Total miles = 76.09
Ride feel/mood = fast start, steady finish, tiring end

Starting miles = 1707
Ending miles = 1783
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 279.07

Miles for 2008 = 1783.83
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Stage 1: Mens Ministry Ride

Rode for 3 other men from my church. We had a moderate pace the whole way through. 35 miles total, with a break midway at Starbuck in Mannyunk. At the last mile my legss lost power and I went from leading to getting dropped last in the pack. Still, around a 14 mph pace.

Stage 2: 40 mile Philly ride

After the ride, got lunch, at at Betzwood (VFNHP), then parked at Conchy SEPTA station. My average went down to around 12 mph, which for me on a long run wasn't bad. I was getting 14-15 mph speeds towards the end.

I did two laps around Fairmont park. I hate the multi-use trail on Kelly Drive, due to ridiculous ignorance. So on my second lap of the loop, I ended up just doing River Road back, which is so much less crowded and the last time I'll bike on the open road there til April with traffic being blocked off.

Labels: cycling

76.43 - Biking the SRT, PT, CCT (9.19.08)

Total miles = 76.43
Ride feel/mood = mostly chilly, slow, steady

Starting miles = 1631
Ending miles = 1707
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 202.98

Miles for 2008 = 1707.74
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Labels: cycling

30.19 - Biking the SRT (9.7.08)

Total miles = 30.19
Ride feel/mood = powerful, fast, slow end

Starting miles = 1601
Ending miles = 1631
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 127.55

Miles for 2008 = 1631.31
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

First 20 miles was above a 15 mph average. At mile 17 or 18 I had almost a 16mph average. Then the most powerful legs I had all year and since 2006 just gave out at mile 20. Then I dipped down to a 13.5 mph finish. All those speeds are slow, yet still for me it was good.

So at one point I maintained 17-18mph average for around 2-2.5 miles. I was going speed up to 21 mph. So going maybe 18-19 mph I get passed like I was standing still, well almost. Any cyclist would get ticked at that.

Anyhow, the mile I ran on Friday has paid off and the soreness in my legs has yielded power in my ride. For the first time I look to make progress in the fall which will go a long way to achieving my long term fitness goals. It will suck when it gets cold and I'll have to switch to other fitness activities and cycling indoors.

Yes, my "Steelers fast" was in full effect. Well, not full. I did catch the last 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter before I headed out to the trail. And I did eat lunch at the church picnic, which I'd otherwise skip. DVR is my friend, though it is against the religion of Steelers football to not watch the game live. And it is almost impossible not to catch the final score. Oh yeah, some dude had Sirius on his bike and was listening to it.

Labels: cycling

50.12 - Biking the SRT (9.5-9.6.08)

Total miles = 50.12
Ride feel/mood = fair, sore from my run

Starting miles = 1551
Ending miles = 1601
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 97.36

Miles for 2008 = 1601.12
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Yeah, i rained. Yes I was sore in my legs. But a nice nite ride.

Labels: cycling

47.24 - Biking the SRT & PT (9.4-9.5.08)

Starting miles = 1503
Ending miles = 1551
Total miles = 47.24

Ride feel/mood = adventurous, touristy, good
September 2008 Goal = 500
Miles completed in 9.08 = 47.24

Miles for 2008 = 1551.00
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

This was more a cruising ride for enjoyment than for miles or performance. Was hot and humid at night, yet a pleasant night. I stopped at river walk to pray, relax under the stars, and post to my lj. When I hit VFNHP, I ran 1 mile, first time I ran a mile in years.

Labels: cycling

30.18 - Biking the PRT, AHT, & Pittsburgh (8.30.08)

Starting miles = 1503
Ending miles = 1473
Total miles = 30.18

Ride feel/mood = adventurous, touristy, good
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 31.55

Miles for 2008 = 1503.76
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500 [x]
Tier 3 Goal = 2000

Got a late start since I got to sleep 3:30am. I parked at the state park on the southside and was on the trail by 11:30. I took lots of photos, which is unlike me on a ride.

View Album

Get your own

I biked to Station Square, then took a bridge into downtown. I then biked over another bridge to the northshore. Btw, I love Pittsburgh's bridges. They are very bike and pedestrian friendly. Honestly NYC and Philly bridges suck, plus you have to pay bloated tolls!

I looped Heinz Field and got lunch at the Labor Day Rib Fest. (No ribs, rather lemonade and burgh style fries. Yes, Kennywood still has the best fries ever!)

After Heinz Field, looped PNC Park. I so want to go to a Pirates game there! (I never said I hated the Pirates, I just don't care for baseball! Going to a baseball game is actually fun!) They had kayak rentals at the docks near PNC Park, which next time I will rent one. (Yes, I have canoed the Allegheny before, yet never that far south). I love the ballpark area a lot!

After Heinz/PNC, I biked the North Shore all the way to the 32nd Street bridge. I then bike south through the Strip District through downtown, then over another bridge to the southside.

I took the Heritage trail all the way to Homestead. The means I passed the Steelers UPMC training headquarters. No Steelers there that I could see. Saw REI too, which is one of my outfitters.

So I biked mile 1500 in the city of Pittsburgh! Oh yeah!

Lots of weird people at the parking lot! (Women bring your dog nd other protection around there.) I was trying to take a polish shower and there were these old dudes just sitting there starring at stuff, at me too. (Creepy). And some dude my age stopped me I drove out the park. He was asking were the police station was, then kept insisting I give him ride out of my way over to Oakland. No way! So I drove off and started typing this log..

Labels: cycling

25.25- Biking the SRT & PT (8.25.08)

Starting miles = 1448
Ending miles = 1473
Total miles = 30.23

Ride feel/mood = slow, tired, cramped, sore
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 61.73

Miles for 2008 = 1473.58
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

Yes, I forgot my bike computer, so I stuck with a known 25 mile route. I was cramped, sore, tired, slow. Means I over did it last week, which is ok. My knees and joints are fine, which is a very good sign. I just need to keep up with recovery and keep pushing myself wisely. I'll break this plateau and will finally get to the next level of fitness.

So, 50 more miles until my weekend rides in Western PA and Ohio. By week's end I hope to have 180-190 miles logged and reach 600 miles for the month. With out a doubt I'm on pace for this being my second best cycling month ever.

Labels: cycling

45.82- Biking NYC (8.23.08)

Starting miles = 1402
Ending miles = 1448
Total miles = 30.23

Ride feel/mood = slightly disappointing; fair
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 86.98

Miles for 2008 = 1448.33
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500
[description pending

Labels: cycling

78.14- Biking the SRT, PT, ALT, CCT, & Philly (8.22.08)

Starting miles = 1324
Ending miles = 1402
Total miles = 30.23

Ride feel/mood = steady, good finish
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 131.8

Miles for 2008 = 1402.51
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

So for the first time all year, I did two things (in Philly). I biked over the Ben Franklin into Camden, NJ. (Tomorrow I'll be biking over the GW into NYC). The second one is that I biked 2-3 miles on the Wissohickon Trail, just outside of Mannyunk.

Side note, the Red Bull Soap Box Derby is Sept 6 in Mannyunk. (Website: http://www.redbullsoapboxusa.com/Philadelphia-2008/default.aspx). Mannyunk has crazy hills like Pittsburgh does (which is why mannyunk reminds me of Pittsburgh). So this ought to be good to witness!

So, yes, I did break all my rules and got almost a century in today. 80 miles felt good and I could have easily done a century. I need to save my legs for 50 miles tomorrow in NYC!

Labels: cycling

30.23- Biking the SRT & PT (8.20.08)

Starting miles = 1294
Ending miles = 1324
Total miles = 30.23

Ride feel/mood = moderatley fast, relatively fresh
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 209.94

Miles for 2008 = 1324.37
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

Again, I hate wind!

I stopped about every 5-7 miles to rehdrate and to freshen up my legs. Ended up going 15.18 mph over 30.23 miles. Fastest 30 for me this year, though in reality that is only a moderate pace. I'm pushing myself a couple times each week, since I have to up my performance level, otherwise I have plateaued and biking all those miles means nothing more than walking fast over long time periods.

And I was yelling at my body at a whisper level, pushing it to go faster when I dipped under 15mph. The pushing I think will pay off. Now I have 150 miles left to do this week. And yes, I'm breaking my 35 mile limit, doing 3 50's the next 3 days.

Labels: cycling

35.01- Biking the SRT & PT (8.19.08)

Starting miles = 1259
Ending miles = 1294
Total miles = 35.01

Ride feel/mood = steady, good, windy
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 240.17

Miles for 2008 = 1294.14
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

I hate wind! And what looked to be rain turned out to be sun. This was a good steady ride.

Labels: cycling

30.14- Biking the SRT (8.17.08)

Starting miles = 1228
Ending miles = 1259
Total miles = 30.14

Ride feel/mood = fresh, moderate pace, smooth, under-hydrated
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 275.18

Miles for 2008 = 1259.13
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

Wanted to make sure I got my miles in today. So I biked this morning. Was a good start, yet it finished hot. Felt good, even though I was very tired. Saw something happened to the River Walk condos in Conchy, which I got to find out about. (Looked like a tornado look it out, yet we don't get tornados here???)

Labels: cycling

38.49- Biking Virginia Beach (8.16.08)

Starting miles = 1190
Ending miles = 1228
Total miles = 38.49

Ride feel/mood = fair, adventurous, underfueled
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 305.32

Miles for 2008 = 1228.99
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

This was the day two ride, where I decided to ride at least 40 miles, making up for lost miles the previous day. The evening prior to the ride there was a storm that went through the area. So that crappy Cape Henry Trail was extra crappy, leaving my bike a sandy/dirty mess. Too many early morning runners on that trail, which was a good thing, just another obstacle for me.

Ended up biking the road instead of the last mile of that crappy trail. By the time I got into the resort area, I found a 711 and got a much needed breakfast, since I forgot to get something for me to chow down before the ride. After eating breakfast on the board walk, I discovered the bike trail was on the side of the board walk, so I road it all the way through the resort area.

Then I picked up the trail over the bridge and bike 3-4 miles more on the paved trail. By the end of the pavement, I took a turn on a main road where the V.B. Loop Trail (whatever it is called) went another 5 miles. I only did 3-4 more to get me to mile 20 of the ride. I then looped it back, eventually going through Fort Story again.

Beaches tend to have an odd selection of bikes. You get those retarded looking cruiser bike with the long bent in handle bars. This beach area had a "car bike", which was two bikes welded together, with a canopy, where two or more people could pedal and mybe 1-2 others could ride along. They went so slow and took up half the trail, but I guess were fine for tourists that had all day to go slow on those dorky bikes. Aside from that, people along the trails were more friendly and talkative than I am use to. Of course the nice people around where I live tend to be the trail dwellers, yet everyone else tends to be a pain.

Maybe the 50 mile loop trail was better than the small portion I did. Yet not as good of a ride as I am use to.

Labels: cycling

21.71- Biking Virginia Beach (8.15.08)

Starting miles = 1168
Ending miles = 1190
Total miles = 21.71

Ride feel/mood = adventurous; rushed; good
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 343.81

Miles for 2008 = 1190.5
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

Since I was visiting family in Virginia Beach, I decided to camp. So I picked "First Landing State Park" up in Cape Henry. Since US-60 ends the the resort beach area, also going through the state park, I found a route to get myself some beach ride time.

There was a trail through the state park, mostly off road type trail, which took me right to the VB resort trail. That trail I guess was ok for the type of location, yet my hate for sand on a trail, along with tree roots, was put into action. At the last mile or so of the trail it was super sand, which was doubly annoying, with many spots only walkable, due to deep sand. A horrible trail in my opinion.

By the time I finally hit pavement again, I biked through a marsh area, then hit the trail the followed Atlantic/Pacific Ave. It was really a side road that was open to runners, hikers, bladers, and cyclist, which was better actually nice. Ended up going a handful of blocks, then turned back, going through Fort Story. That was cool, since I had to show my ID to check in on that road bike route. After a few miles, I ended up on US 60, just 0.5 miles or less from the entrance to the camp grounds.

Got in at least 20 miles, which was better than nothing. Not an ideal ride by a long shot, yet at least a change of scenery. More exploration the next day.

Labels: cycling

34.48- Biking the SRT (8.9.08)

Starting miles = 1133
Ending miles = 1168
Total miles = 34.48

Ride feel/mood = surprised, energetic, faster (not fast)
August 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 365.52

Miles for 2008 = 1168.79
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

This was a ride with my church's men's ministry group. First time I rode in a group, outside of maybe 1-2 people. Was nice to have an aerodynamic advantage. Yet I learned nearly midway through the ride and the second half of the ride that if you fall out of the draft, you get dropped quick. And my performance level is not up there yet enough to sprint to the lead group.

I did have one of my fastest, if not the fastest 30-35 miles rides of the year, averaging a moderate speed of 14.26 mph. I would have been closer to 15, yet I stayed back with Brent, since he was having some issues with his thighs.

We stopped in Mannyunk at Starbucks for 30-40 minutes. I didn't get anything, just ate my powerbar. (A latte would have dehyrated me). Was nice to chat both while cycling and resting. If I can get my performance level up, maybe I could regular with a cycling group. Lots of work ahead of me.

My mistake, which I don't regret, it at Shawmont, I hiked up the cobblesone like I always do. I got a flat once speeding up hat bumpy hill. That cost me an initial .25, then .5, then .75... They eventually stopped between Conchy and Norristown, yet I still got dropped on the hills. Sorry, but I am not going to hurt my knees at this point trying to keep up. Aside form that, I was going 15-17 mph on my own, yet the leg cramps were getting to me by the time I got to the other side of Norristown.

Lots of words for a quick 34.5 mile ride. I'll end by saying there is a reason I don't bike in the late mornings. Way too crowded!

Pictures to come...

Labels: cycling

34.88- Biking the SRT & PT (08.08.08)

Starting miles = 1099
Ending miles = 1133
Total miles = 34.88

Ride feel/mood = good start, sore finish
Agust 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 400.00

Miles for 2008 = 1134.31
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

This was a good ride, though my legs were screaming at the beginning of the ride. As I settled down, I was better. My hands were screaming the whole time, since wearing my old crappy gloves did me in big time yesterday.

35 mile a day limit til mile 450

Between now and mile 450 of August 2008, I am to bike no more than 35 miles. (IF I bike 1-2 miles over, no biggie). If I bike more than that, I'll take a two day penalty, meaninig I can't bike or do anything on any trail. Point of this is to limit long distances to give my legs, feet, and arms a break from the abuse of over cycling. By end of month, I need to at least upgrade my shoes and/or pedals.

Once I break the 450 mark, I can ride no more than 2-50 mile rides or 1-75 mile ride.

Labels: cycling

65.12- Biking the SRT, PT, CCT, & University City (8.7.08)

Starting miles = 1034
Ending miles = 1099
Total miles = 65.12

Ride feel/mood = good start, sore finish
Agust 2008 Goal = 500
Miles to Go = 434.88

Miles for 2008 = 1099.43
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

I went slower than expecting, thinking having 7 days off I'd be fresh and off to the races. I should have biked 30, instead I pushed myself. Did ok, just went slow. Didn't have my regular glove, so my arms were more sore. Other than that, general soreness. Guess I should expect that since I pushed myself a bit to hard last night.

Cool thing is the Cross County Trail is now finished up to Germantown Pike, which was likely that way for a while now.

Unusual & odd stuff

Forgot my gloves in my backpack, which isn't odd, just unusualy. Almost had 2 bat fly into my face, around Valley Forge. Almost got sprayed by a skunk just before Norristown. Almost ran into a valet guy on the streets of Mannyunk. I was hungry when I got to Center City, yet didn't have my energy bar, so I biked through Drexel and UPenn to the Wawa I use to go to when I worked at UPenn. That's about it.

Labels: cycling

100.39 - Biking the SRT (7.31.08)

Starting miles = 933
Ending miles = 1034
Total miles = 100.39

Ride feel/mood = tiresome, great start, ok finish, pushed myself big time

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600 [x]
Miles to Go = -106.11
Total miles 7.08 = 706.11

Miles for 2008 = 1034.31
2008 Goal = 1000 [x]
Tier 2 Goal = 1500

Stage 1: Pawlings to Center City to Pawlings (49 miles)

Got a great start, yet the heat climbed up from the higher 70's to the 90's. Biked this stage between 7am and 12am. I was going to go 60 miles, finishing off the extention to Phoenixville, yet I tired out as I approached mile 40. Made it barely to Pawlings, wondering if I was done by the 50 miles mark. Just needed rest and food.

Btw, never have I been so hungry while cycling, where usually I am fiending liquids and sugars.

Also, I discovered as I loaded my bike in my truck that I did not have my bike pack loaded, which has all my emergency gear, mainly bike tube. If I had a flat, I likely would have been toast and due a long hike to the nearest bike shop, which at that point might not have been open yet. Scary and darn lucky with the set of circumstance. Yiks!

Rest

Got me some Wendy's, then drove to the Pottstown trailhead. Rest there for an extra 40 minutes or so, then forced myself to get whatever miles my body had left in me. The food and rest paid off.

Stage 2: Pottstown to Reading to Pottstown (45 miles)

My performance dropped, do to being overall tired and general soreness. I was trying to squeeze out and extra 6 miles by looping back. I got so sick of Berks County's lack of pavement (stupid fine gravel) that I decide to rest for 20 minutes while I drove to Port Providence (outside of Phoenixville). I say by mile 70 the energy boost you get from burning all those calories pushed me past my fatiquing, where now it was only a battle of hydration and soreness.

I was running low on power/gator aid as I returned back out of Reading. I hit PA-10/US-222 to get more liquid at a Hess station. The young dude working was nice and was trying to pawn off a deal on water, which I decided, since I could only carry so much with me. He offered to hold it and I come back, where I replied I was heading to Pottstown. Got some sort of awe reaction from him. LOL!

Btw, West Reading scare me more than Norristown and parts of Philly...

Rest

With 6 miles to go and being annoyed with the Thun section of the SRT, I decided to drive closer to home and finish off the remaining section I hadn't biked yet. That 20 minutes rest paid off.

Stage 3: Port Providence to Valley Forge to Port Providence

I was dreading doing this stage, yet rather deal with that 0.5 miles of rough gravel twice than more of the Thun section of the trail. Bike all the way to the national park boundary, then all the way back to Port Providence. I kept a slow, steady pace and was careful on my knees with the climbs. At the last mile, I was able to do a slow sprint, which is always encouraging after a long ride. At mile 100, I did a futurama and family guy quote, which only I could hear. LOL!

Not sure why, yet I called my dad immediately after the ride. Told him what I accomplished today. He was in awe! My dad is definitely proud of me! :)

Milestones of this July 31, 2008 Century

1. A century ride; first month I've done 2 within the same month.
2. Biked 706.11 miles in a month, my highest month ever!
3. Met my low goal for the 2008 year of 1000, finishing at 1034.
4. Bikes all but 1.5 miles & the Phoenixville Trail of the SRT. (Most ever in one day)
5. Biked 122 miles with a 30 hour day (without sleep)

Labels: cycling

22.09 - Biking the SRT - (7.30.08)

Starting miles = 911
Ending miles = 933
Total miles = 22.09

Ride feel/mood = faster pace, steady, good, more powerful ride

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600 [x]
Miles to Go = -5.72

Miles for 2008 = 933.92
2008 Goal = 1000

[description pending]

Labels: cycling

22.24 - Biking the SRT - (7.29.08)

Starting miles = 889
Ending miles = 911
Total miles = 22.24

Ride feel/mood = faster pace, steady, good, more powerful ride

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 16.37

Miles for 2008 = 911.83
2008 Goal = 1000

[description pending]

Labels: cycling

49.98 - Biking the SRT - (7.27.08)

Starting miles = 839
Ending miles = 889
Total miles = 49.98

Ride feel/mood = stormy, awesome, fast(er) ride

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 38.61

Miles for 2008 = 889.59
2008 Goal = 1000

[description pending]

Labels: cycling

14.76 - Biking Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (VA) - (7.26.08)

Starting miles = 824
Ending miles = 839
Total miles = 14.76

Ride feel/mood = solid short ride

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 88.59

Miles for 2008 = 839.61
2008 Goal = 1000

[description pending]

Labels: cycling

53.2 - Biking the Road [Rt1 OC/RB] - (7.25.08)

Starting miles = 771
Ending miles = 824
Total miles = 53.2

Ride feel/mood = best start (30), awful finish

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 103.35

Miles for 2008 = 824.85
2008 Goal = 1000

[description pending]

Labels: cycling

Biking the PT, ET, ALT, Road, & SRT (7.24.08) - 49.42
Starting miles = 722
Ending miles = 771
Total miles = 49.42

Ride feel/mood = fresh, steady, and good

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 156.55

Miles for 2008 = 771.65
2008 Goal = 1000

Actually biked the Evansburg Trail today all the way to the state park. I'll explore more when I have light.

Also biked the ALT-road-SRT loop before biking home on the SRT.

I'm going to attempt 100 miles when I bike OC, MD on Friday. I got to do no less than 60 miles. I can smell my 600 mile goal coming!

Labels: cycling

Biking the PT, ET, & SRT (7.21.08) - 22.36

Starting miles = 699
Ending miles = 722
Total miles = 22.36

Ride feel/mood = ok & adventurous

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 205.97

Miles for 2008 = 722.23
2008 Goal = 1000

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & PT (7.20.08) - 35.48

Starting miles = 664
Ending miles = 699
Total miles = 35.48

Ride feel/mood = optimistic & relatively good

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 228.33

Miles for 2008 = 699.87
2008 Goal = 1000

Biked the VF/Philly section of the SRT

One of the worst days to bike in the high sun. I was shocked in a good way. I had two speed bursts, one between the 15-18 mile mark (Port Royal to Spring Hill) and one between the 31-33 mile mark (LPCP/PT). Bursts were 14-15mph average, with the last burst near 18-21 mph speeds.

This ride shows me that I am making real perfromance progress and that Saturday off was worth it! -28 on my goal, where I should have 200 miles to go for my 600 mile goal, not 228.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (7.1808) - 30.39

Starting miles = 634
Ending miles = 664
Total miles = 30.39

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 263.81

Miles for 2008 = 664.39
2008 Goal = 1000

Biked the VF/Philly section.

A slow ride due to poor condition and too much riding. Took Saturday off, which was unscheduled. Attempting to get in 20-30 miles on Sun.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (7.17.08) - 43.59

Starting miles = 590
Ending miles = 634
Total miles = 43.59

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 294.2

Miles for 2008 = 634.00
2008 Goal = 1000

Biked the Thun Trail section.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT, PT, & ALT (7.16.08) - 30.98

Starting miles = 559
Ending miles = 590
Total miles = 30.98

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 337.79

Miles for 2008 = 590.41
2008 Goal = 1000

Sucky ride, yet at least my sucky rides are getting faster. I hate 95F sunny weather & cycling! Or any trail sport!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & PT (7.15.08)

Starting miles = 529
Ending miles = 559
Total miles = 30.13

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 368.77

Miles for 2008 = 559.43
2008 Goal = 1000

Was delayed getting on the trail, since I had to go to my bike shop near Collegeville. Of course I forgot the chain lube, yet I got 2 tubes and 2-20oz bottles. I'll get chain lube at the bike shop 0.5 from my apartment on Pothouse Rd. (Don't like getting tubes there).

I parked in the township park near Oaks. Biked to the SRT, then biked to Springhill, which is next to Conchy. Biked back, feeling good. I picked up speed the last 5 miles of my ride, which is a good sign.

Made it home just in time to be on-time for work. Next time I need to get all this prep out of the way so I have more time before work. I'm looking forward to grabbing 30-35 more miles on Wednesday, then picking up the other 140 miles between Thursday and Sunday. Guess that is 35 mile a day average, which is very managable. That would make my next rest day next Monday.

Things are looking up for me with cycling again, finally! I must fight distractions!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & PT (7.13.08)

Starting miles = 488
Ending miles = 529
Total miles = 40.84

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600
Miles to Go = 398.9

Miles for 2008 = 529.3
2008 Goal = 1000

Teechnically this is three days in a row of biking. And today, I honestly should have kept it between 25-30 miles. I'll have to keep my miles low for a while until I build myslef out. Doing 100 miles was a shocker without any training building me up to that point. I don't want to be out of the game with sores and repetitive stress fractures/injuries.

Yes, eventful Sunday ride....

Trail n00bs annoy me. And I bet I at rare times add to the annoyances, but not like some morons on the trails near Philly. Just biking around Philly, other than ghetto kids, trail patrons are more polite and exercise trail ettiquette. Near Philly, you get more ignorant drivers, trail hogs, rude/uncourtous people, and unattended children on the trail.

Some girl under age 7 was biking all by herself or at least her sibblings where .25 miles back. She was in the middle of the trail, looking straight down at the ground, slowly verging into my lane. I shouted out "Watch out!" to her, but no response. By the time she looks up, she almost wrecked head on into my bike. The skreech of my tires alerted her, sending her into an instant ear shattering scream. Normally, I am kind to kids and as kind as possible to trail morons, yet I uttered something civil, yet stern to this girl as I passed her by. Never did I show such trail ignorance at her age. Shame on that little girl and her family, mainly her parents. Staff of the trail until you can handle it or with your parents!

Towards the end of my ride, I was biking the Oaks to Phoenixville leg of the SRT. I saw two women, they seemed a bit out of it, yet where hiking. About 20-25 minutes later I pass them coming back into Oaks, seeing them sit on the sit of the trail, probably leanign on trees. OK, I do that some times to rest up. Then when I get near US-422 on the PT, I see an ambulance on the trail. The ambulance was heading to the women. Not sure if it was exhaution, heart problem, sting, bite, asmha? Glad to see they got care.

And around the time of the ambulance, a slow moving paleton, if you can call it that, or a cluster of bikes formed a draft. I was on the tail end of it on the PT, then broke off, as I made my U-turn. Was kind of cool to have a draft like that, since I am never fast enough to have a draft with the fast cyclist.

And 200 miles of biking within a week has cost me physically. It isn't fatique, rather sores in the inner butt area. Hopefully my legs and knees are fine, since those could show some delayed pain. I need new shoes, this time cycling shoes, to help my feet+. Clothing is fine, just need minor wearing adjustments. So I might have to skip riding on Monday in order to heal my sores. Better to lose 1 day than 5-7 a shot, like I did in 2006 for crotch sores.

And 9 days into the TDF... Nothing exiting for me in this tour.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & PT & CCT (7.11-7.12.08) - 105.5 miles
biked a century!

Starting miles = 383
Ending miles = 488
Total miles = 105.5

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 439.74

Miles for 2008 = 488.46
2008 Goal = 1000

[post to be updated at later time]

Stage 1: Pottstown to West Reading

I tried a new trail today, which is the old "Thun Trail" or the extention of the SRT from Pottstown to West Reading. It is 20 miles 1 way. I ended up biking a side trail, plus some road in Reading.

In general I equally love and hate this portion of the SRT. What I love is that it is realatively flat, where I was expecting lots of hills. I also love there there is a good amount of tree cover, which bring shade from rain and hot sunshine. Also love the fact that people on the trail were friendly and considereate, minus the ghetto people near Reading. What I hate is that this trail is very fine gravel, like what I bike on in Mannyunk on the towpath. I can tolerate 1-2 miles of this, yet not 15+ miles of this. Guess it is better than the harsh gravel of the 0.5 miles of unpaved trail in the portion between Oaks and Port Providence. So in all mentioned spots, get that paved!

It took me 5 hours to ride back and forth. I stopped for a break in West Reading, plus a couple spots on the trail. In Gibirtron (???) in the "on-road" part of the trail, there is a Turkey Hill. That's a perfect spot and I was able to laod up on Power Aid and Vitamin Water, when my bottles just had emptied. I got back to Pottstown by 8pm, after a 3pm start. And I have to say I do look forward to doing this ride over much of the PT, since the PT is full of hills and rough spots.

1.5 Hour Break

I'm glad I'm a backpacker and expert camper. I ended up having a Mountain House freeze dried meal, which was one of my favorites, beef stroganoff. I had my backpacking stove and backwoods cooking set. Made it nice and easy to relax at my truck, while cooking, eating, and rehydrating. The spot I parked at, near the SRT main office on College Ave in Pottstown was not crowded at all, yet not empty.

Since it was nearing 9pm, I needed light to bike in. Both bike lights I have are busted, one has a bad clip and the other has battery issues. Since Radio Shack was closed, I took a hit and headed to Wally World (forgive me for my consumer sinning). The batteries I got still didn't work for my new bike light. Luckily I bought an energizer head light, which I mounted on my helmet, like a dork. (Don't get me started with any of this!)

After the shopping trip was done, I drove myself and my bike home. After changing clothes adn making other adjustments, I kept my truck at home and biked from my apartment through Phoenixville onto the new portion of the SRT. It was 10pm at this point in time...

Stage 2: Phoenixville to Oaks/Aububon to Valley Forge

It wasn't "First Friday", yet maybe they delayed it a week, due to Independence Day the prior week. Sorry, yet I don't want to display my dorkness on Bridge Street, so I took back roads to the SRT path through Phoenixville. Eventually I crossed the bridge into Mont Claire and was finally on the road portion of the SRT to Port Providence. And nearing the 50 mile mark, I felt real good, still fresh!

No one was on the trail from Phoenixville to Oaks and Valley Forge. Was nice to have the trail to myself. I did see a red fox just as I was nearing VFNHP. As for wildlife I saw the whole ride, probably the widest variety. Lots of deer, as usual near the Pheonixville to Valley Forge portions of the trail. I remember seeing an owl. Saw all the usual furry creatures. Had 8 cottontail rabbits cross by path. Of course 1 black cat on the Thun Trail negated 1 of the rabbit, making it a lucky #7 for me on my 7/11 century ride.

Stage 3: Valley Forge to Mannyunk to Plymouth Meeting

I made stops every 7 miles to let out the leg cramps, circulate my arms, hydrate, and cool down. Scary thing is that in the middle of the night in that portion of the trail there is not many places to refill my bottles. Of course, in Mannyunk, I got there maybe around 1-2am, yet I am not going to venture those yuppy streets on a Friday late night, with the bar scene in full swing. Besides, I still had a nealy full bottle.

I rested at Port Royal for what seemed to be 5-10 minutes, yet was twice that. I then had a hydration crisis on my hands. My options were bike to Indian Head (outside of Valley Forge) to that water fountain. Other option was biking to Plymouth Meeting to one of their shopping Centers. The third option was Norristown in the middle of the night.

So I biked to P.M. I was hunting down a soft drink vending machine. All of them were inside the locked entrance ways of stores. My "Giant" grocery store has them, yet not the one in P.M. No convience stores witout biking 1-2 miles over hills. And even though Giant is a 24 hour store, I was too lazy and to dorky concious to venture into Giant to get anything.

So to Norristown on near empty bottle it was...

Stage 4: Plymouth Meeting to Oaks to Phoenixville

I did fairly well with less than half a bottle left biking into Norristown. Now by then it was 4am and for some reason there were ghetto people awake and out on the streets. Not too big a shock for this city boy, yet the shocker was that this one house was grilling at 4am. And some ghetto lady just had to make a comment, "that outfit looks attractive", which was total ghetto sarcasm. Sorry lady, I don't wear bike gear for looks.

Anyhow, I hit a set of vending machines that was out of power-gator-aid. I got water and some nasty sugar free fruit drink. That was plenty to get me home.

I hit the 100 mile mark as I biked near the under part of the Oaks Bridge. Great calculations on my part, since I didn't want to get 100 miles closer to Phoenixville, in case I bonked or hiked the rest of the way. Still had 5 miles to go and was feeling ok, yet ready to end my ride.

Once again, I endured that 0.5 mile rough gravel spot between Oaks and Port Providence. Each mile after the century mark became a bit more annoying, sore, tiring, etc. Eventually at the 104 mile mark I hit Phoenixville. I ended up walking 0.6 miles or so, with the ball of my left foot slightly swollen. It was easier to bike on that foot than walk.

Eventually when I finished hiking the hill, I biked the rest of the way to my apartment. Just as my 5:25am alarm clock on my phone went off, I hit my drive way. Loaded my bike into my truck (being lazy) and then showered & ate... 3 hours of "sleep", then off to community day at church.

Overall Stuff...

I should have trained another month or two before an attempt at a century. A month earlier I attempted a century and only made it 20-25 miles. And my bike performance levels all year have been sucky, with speed averages between 9-10.5 mph, which is extremely slow. Not sure how I pulled this off, yet my body, the weather, and the day all cooperated. And I'm glad! And this kickstarted me back into a steady cycling routine, something that has been missing for 2 years.

I tend to do big write-ups on big rides, unless I am lazy. (Took 3-4 days to do this full write up). This time around this 105.5 mile ride was a big deal in more ways than one. Fitness wise, the past 18-20 months have been my worst. In that time span, I was the fattest I ever been. Funny that exactly 2 years ago, I was the most fit I have been in my 20's and was visablly losing gut, actually getting skinny.

For me 2 years later, I'm fighting more than poor fitness and fat, I'm fighting sloth, a lot of personal crisis, etc. It pained me that I had the time the past 6 months to bike, yet my work and sleep schedule, plus my sloth got in the way. And I hated losing to that.

Now my work schedule has shifted slightly, giving me 2 more hours to play with during the day. It is summer, so I can bike all hours of the day, depending on my schedule. So I set a goal of 600 miles for this month and gave me no excuses not to reach and surpass that goal. Once that happens, it will be my best month cycling. Also, my body will have been jumped started in the slimming process, as well as to higher fitness and health levels. It will be hard, yet I'm 200+ miles on my way. And I feel so much better already!

Last Century Biked: 2 years 3 months on 3.11.06 for 104.5
Total time biked 105.5 miles: 11.5 hours
Total time spent: 14 hours
Average speed: near 10 mph

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & On-Road Near Blue Bell (7.8.08)

Starting miles = 328
Ending miles = 383
Total miles = 54.76

Miles in July 2006 = 514.12
July 2008 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 545.24

Miles for 2008 = 382.96
2008 Goal = 1000

My truck was in the shop. Perfect opportunity to log on miles on the bike. So I bike to work. Actually, I biked some, then bike to work. 20 miles one way to work.

I was defeated by the 2-3 mile steady hill from Norristown to Blue Bell on my way to work. On the way home, it was a blessing, mostly coasting 20-25mph speed in most parts. Yet my speeds were slow. Mostly due to a mix of being way out of shape, my screwy sleep schedule, weather, etc.

I learned that morning cyclists make me feel bad. Never been passed so much. And by so many women. Made me feel like I need to bike 600 miles this month to get my self back in shape and in ideal cycling form.

Also pondering cycling like this to work at least once a week, maybe last day on my shift? Or Mondays?

Labels: cycling

1Biking the SRT, PT, & CCT (6.7.08)

Starting miles = 270
Ending miles = 328
Total miles = 57.29

June 2008 Goal = 400 miles
Miles to Go = 318.14

Miles for 2008 = 328.2
2008 Goal = 1000

Heat index 100F+. I am so far from being filly fit and in cyling for. So I fought bonking all day long and hit the bonking point 0.5 miles from Center City Philadelphia. I rested for 2 hours and took forever to get home. My new jersey was soaked with sweat, like I had been through a rain storm.

Good points: I kept hydrated. Lots of sports drinks, water, and Coke. I also took a couple polish showers along the way, keeping that crusty salt of of most of my body. I was dressed for the weather. I biked just shy of 60 miles, 15 off the 75 mile mark I was aiming for. (If I was in better shape I sould have had it.

Bad points: I need a new bike. I need to get fit again in 2006 form. Due to my screwy sleep & work schedule, my internal clock is screwed up, thus resulting in part of the reason I don't have the strenght and power I normally have. My average mph is pathetic and is too embarassing to mention.

My tired, sweaty right leg rest in Fairmont park, not even .5 miles from Center City Philly. This heat and my lack of fitness is not fairing so well. Alas, the sun is nearing its western set... Yay!




My sweaty face resting in Fairmont Park.




Statue of the wagon wheel, by Steven Vincent Benet

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (6.6.08)

Starting miles = 270
Ending miles = 246
Total miles = 24.57

June 2008 Goal = 400 miles
Miles to Go = 375.43

Miles for 2008 = 270.91
2008 Goal = 1000

I started out thinking I could do 100 miles overnight. I knew better, since I haven't been conditioned yet for a long run. Summer is here. Unfortunately do I have time to do all the biking I want to do? I predict once I get momentum, something will distract me. And my body screams every day at the distractions!

Tour de Pennsylvania coming up!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (5.30.08)

Starting miles = 235
Ending miles = 246
Total miles = 10.91

April 2008 Goal = 50 miles
Miles to Go = 49.09

Year to date cycling miles = 246.34
Miles to go for 2008 goal (1000) = 747.22

After a 2 hour delay (2 trips to two different bike shops), I finally got on the trail. Ended up only doing 10 miles, from Pawlings Road to Phoenixville/Montclair and back. Nice day too!

Now will I end up buying a new bike? Hopefully I can resist next week.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT, PT, & CCT (4.12.08)

Starting miles = 188
Ending miles = 235
Total miles = 46.78

April 2008 Goal = 100 miles
Miles to Go = 53.22

Year to date cycling miles = 235.43
Miles to go for 2008 goal (1000) = 758.13

Was aiming to do 65-80 miles. Ended up barely doing just under 50. I'll take what I can get. Not a bad day for a ride. Near perfect weather, though it is hinting off and on some rain.

Labels: cycling

Starting miles = 138
Ending miles = 188
Total miles = 49.94

March 2008 Goal = 250 miles
Miles to Go = 97.09

Year to date cycling miles = 188.65
Miles to go for 2008 goal (1000) = 811.35

I don't even want to talk about this ride...

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & PT (3.14.08)

Starting miles = 85
Ending miles = 138
Total miles = 52.82

March 2008 Goal = 250 miles
Miles to Go = 147.03

Year to date cycling miles = 138.71
Miles to go for 2008 goal (1000) = 861.29

Either I am going to kill someone and/or someone is going to kill me today in Manyunk!

Lots of hot young women out today walking their dogs.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (3.6.08)

Starting miles = 35
Ending miles = 85
Total miles = 50.15

March 2008 Goal = 250 miles
Miles to Go = 199.85

Year to date cycling miles = 85.89
Miles to go for 2008 goal (1000) = 964.11


Let's see...

I was close to getting attacked by a white goose in Philly's Fairmont Park. And for the first time in my life, I think, I got passed by a runner. He was going 7-8 mph while I was going a very very pathetic 6-7 mph.

I haven't biked in 2 months. I don't care if I go 5 mph, I will do 50 miles today! Now I just have 24 more to go. Hopefully I won't bonk, cause the weather isn't nice enough for how I am dressed to hike it most the way home.

ETA of Pawlings Road @ Valley Forge is 4pm...


::Post Ride EDIT::

9.34 mph average, taking 5:21:56, my slowest 50 mile ride since I started up riding again in 2005. Back then I was doing 8-8.5 mph average rides that took nearly 5.5 to 6 hours.

In short, I really suck and am in the worst cycling form in 3 years. Have no fear, if I keep up 50 miles a week for a month, I'll be back to doing 13-14+ mph averages, putting me in the "I don't suck as bad as the weekend warrior, yet still suck" range.

Think my record for 50 miles thus far was on June 11, 2006, where I did 50.09 in 3:33, which is still a slow 14.1 mph average. I want to break the 3:30, 3:15, and 3:00 marks in 2008, which means I have some serious training ahead of me. To break those time marks, I'd have to have to average 15-17.5 mph over 50 miles, much means I'd have to get myself to sustain 18+ mph for 60-75% of the ride and not go slower than 14 mph for up to 30 seconds. If I can do that, then I'd be nearing semi-pro performance levels.

Anyhow, today was a punishment ride and I deserve the embarrassment of getting passed by a runner...

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT & PT (1.8.08)

Starting miles = 0
Ending miles = 35
Total miles = 35.74

Jan 2008 Goal = 300 miles
Miles to Go = 264.26

Year to date cycling miles = 35.74
Miles to go for 2008 goal (1000) = 964.26

Norristown on a 70 degree day with no wind. Perfect weather. You might not be able to see the 'Steel' logo on the tank. Know I will have a little Pittsburgh every time I ride the Schyukill River Trail to/from Philly.

A trail surveyor asked me after I posted this how I liked the new cut of the SEPTA station portion of the trail. Was pretty cool to give feedback to the people who work on the trail.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (11.22.07)

Starting miles = 667
Ending miles = 717
Total miles = 50.27

Nov 2007 Goal = 250 miles
Miles to Go = 169.36 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 717
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2481.88

Nearly 70 degrees and prefect weather up until the last 5 miles. 40 miles was my limit today, yet like a fool, I pushed 10 more miles. First 30 miles felt good and normal. My average speed sucked, yet what you expect. Only got pass by 4 women cyclists, which the trail was 3 times more populated than last Saturday. Still kind of empty, with more people around the Valley Forge end of the trail. It rained towards the end, just in time for me to stop at the national park to grab some much needed water. Waited out the storm for 10 minutes, which resulted in a 10 degree drop. Not nice, since it was wet and I had on my short sleeve jersey.

A decent thanksgiving ride overall and my legs "thank me" for it! lol!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (11.17.07)

Starting miles = 667
Ending miles = 636
Total miles = 30.37

Nov 2007 Goal = 250 miles
Miles to Go = 219.63 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 667
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2532.15

3 months... And what you'd expect on a 30 mile ride happened. I should have done 20, yet pushed for 30. Started to drop around 20 miles. Then with 2 miles to go, I started to bonk. Got passed by 4 woman and the trail was virtually empty. (Nothing wrong with women riders, yet you catch my drift). But I feel real good just moments after the ride. And yes I did make it to Philly/Roxborough!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (8.12.07)

Starting miles = 585
Ending miles = 636
Total miles = 51.00

Aug 2007 Goal = 400 miles
Miles to Go = 298.6 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 636
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2562.52

Back logged entry, because it was missing...

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (8.10.07)

Starting miles = 549
Ending miles = 585
Total miles = 135.31

Aug 2007 Goal = 400 miles
Miles to Go = 349.6 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 585
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2613.52

Nice slow rain showers made this evening ride in the dark and enjoyable one!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (8.5.07)

Starting miles = 534
Ending miles = 549
Total miles = 15.09

Aug 2007 Goal = 400 miles
Miles to Go = 384.91 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 549
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2648.83

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (7.12.07)

Starting miles = 519
Ending miles = 519
Total miles = 15.12

July 2007 Goal = ??? miles
Miles to Go =??? miles

Year to date cycling miles = 534
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2663.92

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (5.22.07)

Starting miles = 506
Ending miles = 519
Total miles = 13.57

May 2007 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 302.51 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 519
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2679.04

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (5.20.07)

Starting miles = 475
Ending miles = 506
Total miles = 31.72

May 2007 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 316.08 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 506
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2692.61

Lots of wind this weekend. So on my 15 miles back to Pawlings Road, I fought wind most of the way. I hate it. Near prefect tempurature. A decent ride, even with wind, with a 13.2 mph average.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT, CCT, WT, PT, & ALT (5.13.07)

Starting miles = 410
Ending miles = 475
Total miles = 64.83

May 2007 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 347.8 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 475
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2724.33

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT, CCT, PT, & ALT (5.12.07)

Starting miles = 376
Ending miles = 410
Total miles = 34.13

May 2007 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 412.63 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 410
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2789.16

Got caught in a quick refreshing storm. A good ride on a good Saturday.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (5.11.07)

Starting miles = 345
Ending miles = 376
Total miles = 30.51

May 2007 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 446.76 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 376
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2823.29

It was a steady ride, with no performance goals. 30 miles at a 12-12.5 mph pace. Much needed to get out the pent in energy of the week out. Warm and sunny, with a beautiful sunset.

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT, CCT, & PT (5.6.07)

Starting miles = 201
Ending miles = 263
Total miles = 62.01

May 2007 Goal = 600 miles
Miles to Go = 537.99 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 285
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 2914.52

Surprisingly good moderately paced ride. At end of ride, I still felt like I cold do 10-20 more miles, if only I took a break to rehydrate and stretch.

I discovered a new trail called the "Cross County Trail" (CCT), which connects from/to the SRT in Conchy, just at the hill, by the trail bridge. That stretch is only 3 mile, which goes through the business district in Plymouth Meeting. Trail end need the Mid-County Toll Plaza.

I set a primary goal of 200 miles by Sunday evening. Secondary goal is 300 miles. I'm aiming for 300 miles. That would get me up to 600 miles for the year, 550 or so under last year's pace at this time. This time last year I hit 1000 miles for the year. I'm 720 under last years pace. And it is only my fault. A long way to go to 3200 miles...

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (3.26.07)

Starting miles = 3453
Ending miles = 3463
Total miles = 10.22

March 2007 Goal = 200 miles
Miles to Go = 158.51 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 152
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 3047.69

13.5 mph pace, close to 14 until I started to fade the last 2 miles. Fair weather, not crowded. Much needed 10 mile ride.

Labels: cycling

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Labels: cycling, tips

Biking the SRT & PT (1.14.07)

Starting miles = 3279
Ending miles = 3334
Total miles = 54.93

Jan 07 Goal = 200 miles
Miles to Go = 110 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 90.27
Miles to go for 2006 goal (3200) = 3110

Awesome warm, foggy, drizzly January day to go cycling! It was a slow pace, yet felt good to the end. If I can get 50 miles on a January day, this is a sign that I'll have a strong year cycling!

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (12.19.06)

Starting miles = 3219
Ending miles = 3244
Total miles = 25.16

Dec Goal = 50 miles
Miles to Go = 0 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 2240
Miles to go for 2006 goal = 0
Secondary goal of 2500 = 259.6

Labels: cycling

Biking the SRT (12.14.06)

Starting miles = 3130
Ending miles = 3153
Total miles = 22.32

Dec Goal = 50 miles
Miles to Go = 16.33 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 3149
Miles to go for 2006 goal = 0
Secondary goal of 2500 = 351.03

A warm, foggy, december night. It was a good ride. I needed that natureal energy burst after a drag of a morning.

And by the way, I broke my all-time December record for cycling today! OK, it previosly was 20miles. Still, this year I want to crush it!

Labels: cycling

Biking the PT (12.3.06)

Starting miles = 3119
Ending miles = 3130
Total miles = 11.35

Dec Goal = 50 miles
Miles to Go = 38.65 miles

Year to date cycling miles = 3126
Miles to go for 2006 goal = 0
Secondary goal of 2500 = 373.35

Nothing much to post about. I'll keep on cycling!

Labels: cycling

Backpacking Hawk Mountain Pinnacle on the AT for JTT (6.20-6.21.06)

Backpacking miles total = 12.0

Previous miles = 6.0
Year to date backpacking = 18.0

Of course my JTT trainees got a grand total of 16 miles of backpacking, 4 less than I did. Many stories with this one, which I'll spare for this post. I'll edit in a link to the recap and photos.

Labels: cycling