Today I rode in to work and back for lunch and back to work and back home - a total of 8.5 miles without even trying. Excellent. I had some crazy driver of mini-van blasting the horn at me as I moved around a delivery van and into the left turn lane to make a left. Not at all a dangerous situation from my assessment but I don't think they liked a cyclist impeding their progress. Probably a potential "dead right" situation... They decided to pass me by going into the oncoming lane - an interesting solution. I gave bike commuters a bad name by giving the driver (and all occupants for that matter) the one-finger salute... I have bike rage, I know, but it is something I am going to work on. Maybe waving and saying "have a nice day" is a solution I should try.
Kev and I got together to explore a new mtb place to ride after work and the afternoon thundershowers. Riding on city/county property isn't legit in Rochester/Monroe but this place seems to be where the powers that be turn their heads the other way. It is actually a very beautiful place to ride - we saw a ton of wildlife. The trails are a bit sketchy in places but we took it easy and explored about half of the available riding. Next time we'll check out the rest. I had a bit of foresight and brought the menu for the pizza joint and called ahead so the pie was ready when we got back. Excellent.
Today was the lil' bro's birthday. Tried to get in touch with him but no such luck. We talked last night but it would still be nice to wish him a happy birthday on the actual day.
I have noticed these posts are getting pretty wordy. I think I need to start adding pictures. But not tonight.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Day, Earth...
Well, here it is Earth Day and I drove to work today. I need to get a system figured out so I don't have to rely on the car so much. However, I did get to bike in to work two days last week so there was a little less carbon in the air.
These past few evenings I have taken advantage of the 15 degree above average temps to get out and ride, trying to work off some of the winter rust (aka poor shape, flab, etc.). It has been good so far and a great way to unwind from a stressful work environment. I just hope I can keep it up and make this part of my daily schedule. Tomorrow I might try to get out and explore a local mtb area that is the closest to my current abode.
I also tried my hand at wheel truing for the first time. I am not sure they were too much better than when I started but at least the brake and rim aren't rubbing so much.
Lastly, my yearly mileage is almost on par with 2007 - time to see if I can up the ante and beat the monthly total...
These past few evenings I have taken advantage of the 15 degree above average temps to get out and ride, trying to work off some of the winter rust (aka poor shape, flab, etc.). It has been good so far and a great way to unwind from a stressful work environment. I just hope I can keep it up and make this part of my daily schedule. Tomorrow I might try to get out and explore a local mtb area that is the closest to my current abode.
I also tried my hand at wheel truing for the first time. I am not sure they were too much better than when I started but at least the brake and rim aren't rubbing so much.
Lastly, my yearly mileage is almost on par with 2007 - time to see if I can up the ante and beat the monthly total...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Lots of Firsts
Well, today was the NRS' first off-road, non-gravel path experience. It was also my first mountain biking of aught-eight. Great biking experience but man, oh man, am I double oh es. Out Of Shape. It was a slow, painful, start to the year. Lung searing, leg burning, walk on stuff I should be riding, that sort of event. I could blame it on the new bike that I am not used to but who am I kidding. I will need to do some serious work to get in line for the May Farmall series.
The bike handled well but not as snappy as Michael's NRS. Dryer Road has lots of twists and turns and I expected to be "thrown around" a bit as I tried to muscle through these but none of the twitchiness was there. I am wondering if it has something to do with the handlebar (I went with a Nubar). I will ask at the shop when I take it in for the stem sizing. It was great to be back out on the trails even if they did cut me down to size. I am really looking forward to a good season. I have decided to name the the NRS Pacifier - because it is typically a settling, inner-peaceful experience to be on a bike and because of the pacifier Michael gave to me for Christmas that will adorn the saddle when I get around to zip-tying it there.
In other news, Maggie now has her bike up here so I hope to get her out on the canal path. Mom and Dad brought it up when they came today. She estimates it has been ten years since she last went for a bike ride and judging by the "newness" of her bike, I guess she didn't ride much even back then. Oh, and I have five bikes in my apartment right now, all in working condition with the exception of a flat that needs to be fixed.
The bike handled well but not as snappy as Michael's NRS. Dryer Road has lots of twists and turns and I expected to be "thrown around" a bit as I tried to muscle through these but none of the twitchiness was there. I am wondering if it has something to do with the handlebar (I went with a Nubar). I will ask at the shop when I take it in for the stem sizing. It was great to be back out on the trails even if they did cut me down to size. I am really looking forward to a good season. I have decided to name the the NRS Pacifier - because it is typically a settling, inner-peaceful experience to be on a bike and because of the pacifier Michael gave to me for Christmas that will adorn the saddle when I get around to zip-tying it there.
In other news, Maggie now has her bike up here so I hope to get her out on the canal path. Mom and Dad brought it up when they came today. She estimates it has been ten years since she last went for a bike ride and judging by the "newness" of her bike, I guess she didn't ride much even back then. Oh, and I have five bikes in my apartment right now, all in working condition with the exception of a flat that needs to be fixed.
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