- Miles Rode Today 42.06
- Weather Conditions 82.3f & Partly cloudy, winds 15-20 mph and GUSTY!
- Miles 2009 999
Yes, I rode. Late afternoon start due to computer issues...what else is new.
Rode miles today. Felt o.k. other than neck ache by the last 10 miles and my injured hammy gave out near the end.
Yeah the usual waves on Trout Run both in and out of vehicles. Yeah the winds sucked. Yeah the guineas were about. Yeah a fresh dead deer on Druck Valley Road smelled. Yeah Glades Auction was booming. Same old same old.
w00t!
End of blog...
- Miles Rode Today 34.03
- Weather Conditions 87.6f & Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, winds 15-20mph AGAIN!
- Miles 2009 956
Another ride in. Amazing. I'm glad I did it though. I will be riding much less if at all eventually. I'll do my best to ride some though, and yes I'll keep this silly ass blog going just for the few that bother to read it.
HOT again, but winds made it fell less so. No matter though. I love it. Such is the title. I had on my Quickstep full zipper jersey today. I love that I can open it up entirely with my base layer on of course. The jersey blowing behind you in the winds, makes you feel like the pros in the tours 
It's just sorta a neat feeling...and with a base layer on...something even women can do! Although I'm sure the "less endowed" women can easily ride in an exercise bra. Yeah...that's something I'll never do!
I'd wave at Brad mowing early in the ride. A lot of waves to people in vehicles on Trout Run as usual.
"Drunken Tractor Man" was about in his garden. I waved and he yelled out "Hey how ya doing?" to me and I replied "Fine thanks" to him. He kinda freaks me out though...he was sitting in his tractor scoop watching me on my return from my turn around. He's sorta creepy!
A couple of black women stopped me as I turned onto Trout Run on one of my loops to ask were Market Street was. Giving directions is always a lot of fun isn't it? 
The guineas about, but I only saw three of them. Lately there has been less. Not sure if Brad got rid of some, or they are just in separate groups, which they do tend to do. The three I saw didn't attack me today though which is always a good thing.
A few rank smells of dead animals around on some spots of the ride I noticed today. The heat makes it worse. I also saw a fresh kill of a ground hog again. This time I didn't see it happen, but it wasn't there my first loop!
My last time back at the church I was tempted to not even go back out again for my final run. At that point, I was sorta tired. I pushed myself to finish the ride I had planned though. After all, I'm not sure when I'll get out again. So until then..."JUST RIDE" 
- Miles Rode Today 30.00
- Weather Conditions 88.9f & Partly cloudy, winds 15-20mph
- Miles 2009 922
The drops are used for many different reasons by cyclists.
The number one reason for roadies is perhaps being aerodynamic against nasty winds. Maybe you're in a race and use your drops more often then the typical pleasure roadie rider. Perhaps you're giving chase to catch another cyclist and just want to pound out the pedals for speed.
My reason however, would seem quite different, although I do use almost all of the above as well...especially in today's winds!
I noticed today, I use the drops mostly for security and safety reasons going downhill now on my rides. Probably a reaction from the two crashes I've had over my last five years of riding, to be cautious.
I want to be prepared to brake often, to slow myself up going down hill for various different reasons. I want to be able to brake safely in an emergency situation. I can't remember all the times this technique of mine has perhaps saved my life.
Today would mark just another day that my technique of covering brakes and being cautious has perhaps saved my life once again.
Picture going down hill on Trout Run to a stop sign. I'm covering brakes and pumping a bit to slow for that stop sign. Two deer jump off a stone wall onto the road just in front of me. Emergency braking saved me from crashing into them once again.
Call me over cautious, call me a whimp, call me what you will. I'll continue to ride smart and safe, it's whom I've become as a cyclist.
- Miles Rode Today 26.06
- Weather Conditions 82.6f & Mostly sunny, winds 7-12mph and NAGGING FACE CONSTANTLY AGAIN!
- Miles 2009 892
So I wasn't planning on a ride today. I had to take my two dogs to the vet this evening, and I was afraid I'd run out of time before needing to leave.
What I didn't want to do was start or finish any big projects due to this. Soooo...why not do a work out and ride? After all...I had limited time to really start anything big today.
That is just what I did. Rode. A nice ride all in all. I timed it right with the traffic and to be home in time to shower and take my babies to the vets.
Lots of people on Trout Run today in vehicles and out saying hello and waving. Brad, Charlie both out and about yelling out hello to me. A lot of locals in vehicles waved big time. Strange...Sunday...nothing...today...a lot of waves? Must have been everyone coming home from work maybe.
I'd see the guineas, but they didn't attack. I'd almost hit a bunny rabbit, but it saw me coming and turned and gave chase AWAY from me. Two baby ground hogs on Lower Glades had to be coaxed off the road for me to pass. I'd see a lone deer early on the ride. Then at 3:17 p.m. the usual group or the couple and two of the smallest, cutest little babies I've ever seen! They looked but did not flee from me. After I turned around, they were still there getting ready to cross the road. I waited, but mommy got a bit scared and backed off, didn't run though. So I proceeded and waved at them and told them they could cross now
As tired as I was yesterday, I still pulled off 26 miles. I'm impressed with myself on that one. I didn't feel half bad today either. I so miss riding daily.
Tomorrow back to yard work and hopefully computer work as well. Not sure when I'll ride again. Maybe Wednesday...but most likely it will be over the weekend again...hard to say. One just never knows
OH...and just what was I reminded of? The fact that my brother reminded me in my last post in a comment that today was my anniversary of my clavicle crash in Wisconsin! I'm amazed I didn't crash and made it through a ride. Now the "HEX" of this date is broken, and I didn't even remember it! Goes to show just how busy I am and my brain is as of late!
- Miles Rode Today 31.10
- Weather Conditions 77.5f & Mostly sunny, winds 7-12mph
- Miles 2009 866
It's been since June 2nd since I rode outdoors. Today I set aside to ride.
Between bad weather, not having the bike since she was in the shop a few days, yard work and cleaning there was plenty of "off days" for a long time it seems. Not to mention one of the days I was suited up in my Quickstep kit and ready to go when I heard thunder. Off the kit came, no ride.
Finally today a long, yet seemingly hard ride. I was slow today. Probably since I haven't rode in a while. I'm sure my outdoor work yesterday had something to do with that too. Not to mention my tiredness right now. Additional weight gain doesn't help matters either. My legs didn't have a lot in them today. I actually did struggle a bit, but was persistent in getting in a longer ride since God knows when I'll get out again.
"Miss Just Natasha" sounded decent from her trip to the LBS. Almost all clear of funky sounds. She got a tune up which included:
Rebuilt front hub
Installed new bearings
Re-greased
Adjusted cones
Tightened
Removed spike protector
lubricated chain and derailleur
Jockey wheels
No luck on finding new cones though. So what is there will have to do. All this for $15.90. I could afford to pay that
The ride was quiet. The winds terrible. The rare occasion they are out of the WNW, they never stop with the "in your face" due to my entire ride being in a valley. Those direction winds just seem to swirl around the valley and never give me a break. I'm sure that had something to do with my struggling today as well. I also came to the conclusion that WINDS are what makes your nose run. That was indeed they case today for me!
I would see Brad chatting with someone in a vehicle my first time down Trout Run. He yelled out "Hi Trace" to me and I responded "Hey" back to him. A few nods from people. Guineas about on my last run down Trout Run, but they did not attack today. I passed one roadie on my way out starting the ride. This guy I've seen before. I call him "Loud Vest Guy". He always has on a very bright lime green vest. IN fact, yesterday as I was trimming trees as he passed me in my yard. I paused my iPod and put my thumb up to him. He said hello to me and I responded with "I'll be out there later!" to him. Funny...today as he passed me going the other way I yelled out "I told you I'd be out here" to him. I'm not sure he remembered or not. Always fun to make them think about that
Anyway, till my next post or ride..."JUST RIDE"
- Miles Rode Today 25.03
- Weather Conditions 80.3f & Sunny, humid, winds 10-15mph
- Miles 2009 835
I had planned on a ride today, but much of me doing so would depend on the weather. As it turns out...I rode.
A phone call this a.m. from a friend set me up for a lunch date. I figured I'd eat light and still get on that ride. I did eat light and as we were driving home, the skies looked perfect. Not so when I got home and looked at the radar. Sure enough, storms headed this way.
So I worked on one of my web sites updating it. As I did so, the skies cleared. "What the ?" I thought to myself. I looked at the radar again. Sure enough, the storms went both North and South of me. My path was clear...and looked like it would stay clear.
I did a work out. I suited up as I waited on another friend to come over that wanted to borrow my truck to show up. Perfect timing there. I handed the keys over and grabbed my water bottles and headed out.
As I was clearing my computer for the ride at the top of the driveway, I got another surprise from a good...no great...friend I didn't chat long however, I really did want to get going in case any storms did pop up. After our goodbye, I headed down the road.
The ride was uneventful for the most part. It was a nice, humid, warm, sweaty ride...just the way I love it!
I would wave at a few people in vehicles on Trout Run. The guinea hens were about today and tormented me a few times. I'd gesture to a walking/running dude (he took turns doing each) a few times. A thumb up once and a nod the next I passed him. He nodded back and half smiled when I put up my thumb. This is a new guy, never seen him before.
I'd wave at a running lady on Druck Valley as she passed and I was waiting at the top of Lower Glades road. Her iPod on, she still smiled and waved back.
I decided I'd ride till at least 6 p.m. and then head home. This is were the title comes into play. Late afternoon, early evening rides pose the BBQ's going. Chicken on Lower Glades grilling had me wanting to stop and just grab a piece! It smelled SOOOO good! I'm usually not hungry when I ride and I had lunch obviously. So why? It just must have hit the sense that makes you drool I suppose
As I headed home, I'd pass a couple of roadies going the other way. Strange here...they were both women! That I never see. I put my hand up in a gesture. I think the first one smiled a bit, but no gesture from either. Geesh...I never knew woman roadies could be bitchy! Whatever...I chuckled and headed home.
Sadly, I had to deal with a couple of car issues just before home. I won't get into it. What I will say is this...I WISH PEOPLE WOULD REALIZE WE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD! End of story...
Till my next ride/post..."JUST RIDE"
- Miles Rode Today 33.03
- Weather Conditions 77.5f & Cloudy, drizzle at times, humid, winds 7-12mph
- Miles 2009 810
Yep, that's right. The grass had been mowed and I searched through the thick clippings to see at least one bottle still lay there. Amazing...
The ride was a nice one for the most part although I pushed it a bit. I was afraid I'd get stormed on. Rained on once, but short lived. It actually felt kinda good! I needed to burn off calories, so maybe pushing it was a good thing. I've been over eating as of late. I actually have food in the house!
Due to rushing, I actually pounded out a normal AVG. I haven't done that since my clavicle break. I've been overly cautious and taking it slow hitting my Winter AVG only since that break. I guess once in a while I may have to push it, so that AVG will happen RARELY, but it will
The usual waves to people in vehicles on Trout Run. "Drunken Tractor Dude" passed me in his car once with his dog bellowing out at me through the window. I smiled and chuckled at that and moved onward.
A lot of people out mowing today waved also on Trout Run. Makes me wonder...I guess EVERYONE is out of a job or having difficulty finding one! This doesn't surprise me...I'm there right now!
I noticed today that some of the school buses as they passed me put their emergency flashers on to warn vehicles in front or behind them. I was pleased to see this. VERY pleased. How nice of them and safe. It's good to know SOME drivers respect us roadies.
I would stop on my last loop/lap to chat with Brad briefly. I had an e-mail to give him for his business, so I had intended on stopping to give it to him on my way home from the ride in the end. That may have been a bad idea, since some of the letter was sweat stained! He was out in his golf cart so I yelled I'd stop after I turned around. We chatted a bit about the e-mail and his wanting to rent part of his house out for income. I don't blame him. That's just something I would...or even could...do. I don't trust people period. I hope he finds the right "roomy" though. God knows I need some income somehow and soon. Tempting as it may be, I just won't do that.
So another safe ride. Another good ride. I suppose inspired by the Giro as well today. I've been watching some of that
Hard to say when I'll get out again. As I've mentioned before...it will most likely be once or twice a week for the rest of my cycling life. Sucks doesn't it? Oh well...such is life at times...sucks!
- Miles Rode Today 36.13
- Weather Conditions 83.7f & Sunny, winds 5-10mph
- Miles 2009 777
I am a big fan of the heat. I love it. I'll take that any day over bundled layers in Winter! In fact...I love it period. Even the cool breezes of Spring I don't care for.
I intended on a nice long ride today. I decided to take the day off for ME for a change. I need the solitude of myself and my "Miss Just Natasha" and will make sure I get in at least ONE longer ride a week over Summer. Hopefully I can do more, but these days...it's just not plausible.
Plenty of action today. Brad said hello on my first run down Trout Run. He would yell a jovial "HEY" to me on my second time around to which I yelled "HEY" back at him. It looked like he was preparing the carriage for a gig, most likely tomorrow.
I would see "drunken tractor dude" as well. He even said "Hello" as I passed and waved. Then proceeded to yell at his dog not to go after me. I had un clipped and was prepared for an emergency stop. I saw the dog was loose on my way down to my turn around spot before coming back and passing them. All was fine, the dog listened to "drunken tractor dude" and I proceeded on.
I would work it so I didn't hit Druck Valley at 3-3:30p.m. I came up the second time to the church and for whatever reason...tackled the "Dreaded Druck Valley Climb" today. That took a lot out of me.
I spun back down and hit Trout Run again and looped 3x around. By now my neck was getting sore and my broken screwed together clavicle was acting up. Even my legs were starting to say "that's enough" to me. I headed home.
I went up the the church to turn and go back home since a car was behind me as I approached my driveway. After I signaled and pulled in I stopped and low and behold...I see a roadie coming towards me. I've seen this guy before. He's on a Specialized. Ten bucks says he was giving chase up that hill for me I stopped and waited. I waved and he said "Hey how ya doing?" to me. I said "Good, how about yourself?" to him. EXACTLY what I'd expect came out of his mouth. "I hate this hill" he said to me. I responded loudly "So do I!" and he kept pumping up and yelled back something I didn't quite hear. I smiled. I tackled that bitch of a hill today...and I'm damn proud of it every time I do!!!
- Miles Rode Today 22.33
- Weather Conditions 80.8f & Sunny, winds 7-12mph
- Miles 2009 741
I returned home from a lunch date today, which strangely enough, I didn't eat at. I wanted to ride this afternoon. No food, just a couple glasses of iced lemon water.
Yesterday I had to shop for food...which is a rarity in itself for several different reasons in my life right now. I actually bumped into Trudy and her husband in the store. That was something different! She didn't have Spikey of course
On return, I was tempted to ride, but opted to wash "Miss Just Natasha" instead and totally clean and lube her up.
That made a difference on today's ride, always seems to at least on that first ride after I clean up the bike. She is still making way too many noises for me though. I suppose I should head to the LBS soon or if I see Eli again soon, I'll hit him up for the tune-up.
The ride. Quiet for the most part. Excellent weather. I waved at several locals on Trout Run mowing their lawns. That was about it today. Easy going, slow paced spinning, burn calorie ride.
Thus the title for today's post...a clean bike and a clean safe ride. My ultimate goal...ALWAYS STAY SAFE
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