testing my news comments
I'm ready to go with Charlie. Let's start a fire and begin the meltdown on the ride of the century--a ride to outerspace. lol
I'm here, ready to go again!!
@CR - 'Brain Freeze', I'm chuckling! At least the wind died down today.
@MG~ great newsletter. 20 miles today. Brain freeze in effect.
I LOVE TESTING THIS SITE!
PennDOT puts out a nice, quarterly cycling-related newsletter. This year's first edition: http://tinyurl.com/mp6kjyf
Holy Icicles, Batman, that was a cold ride this morning. 4 degrees (F) and breezy when I left the yurt. Took about an hour for my big toe to warm back up. @CR, gonna need a few extra layers today!
@CR, I could do without it. Northwest winds always equate to a headwind on the way home. I particularly like the way downtown buildings compress and magnify the airflow right down the street. And, of course, the homeward journey is all uphill... .
@MG, managed 15 yesterday and 20 today. Nice breeze, huh?
@Paul, you should still be proud of what you did. A Century would take me three-four days, especially with our hills and constant headwinds. Can you please ship some of your weather our way? Eastern PA's gonna get spanked again this coming weekend with another "prolonged winter weather event" (NWS term, not mine). I need to see some green leaves, and soon!
Must be something about Mondays. I set out for a century. Made my drink mix for the first half, bagged up some drink mix to refill at halfway, plus a small extra for "just in case" and got to rolling. Had a good fast first hour, so I decided to go for a fast century. Maybe my first sub 6 hr? Was making great time. Almost 40 minutes ahead of where I needed to be.. Was riding harder than I planned, so I went through my first bottle faster than anticipated....
Got to the halfway point, and this is where I knew I would lose some ground as I was entering the climbing sections of the ride. And light headwind. But not to worry, the last quarter of the ride is usually fast (20+mph). Stopped to refill bottles...and sonofabiscuiteater!! I realized I left my mixes on the stand at home.
Clouds went away, sun came out in full force and the winds picked up. I was fading, and the ride home was very windy. Stopped for burger-no choice really-the scent of flame broiled beef at 70 miles and starving was impossible to overcome.
Was hating the ride home. 15-20 headwinds and still weak. Ended up with a riding time of 6:23 but overall was 7+. Almost 8 hours. Blah.
@Jerry, if you were outside and on the bike, it was a good ride. The rest is just details.
I can't believe I can mess up a good bike ride on Monday. It was a comfortable 50 degrees, no wind for a change. Left the house and after 15 minutes and five miles from home I reach down to grab my water bottle to get a drink. No bottles. I left them at home. So I ride back home, pick up my water bottles and leave again. I figure I just added 10 miles to my planned ride. I get out to Hygiene and the winds starts blowing. And keeps getting worse. I am getting wind gusts up to 50 mph. Enough to blow me all the way across my lane. So I decide it is too dangerous to go one and turn around to go home. And of course when I get to Hwy 66 the wind changes direction so I have a headwind all the way home. I could have had a good ride if I had left on time and not forgotton my water bottles. I want a long ride with no winds. But I least I got to ride.
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Tuesday. Extremely cold.
It snowed last night. No ride today.
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And the rest of the week does not look good for getting out.
London is starting on the right path to bicyclist safety:
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/london-spend-500-million-cycling-safer-160700136.html
Thanks Marty. Just got the official results, and I ended up with that top 10 after all. 10th overall, and 9th in mens. I hit 32.1 mph on a practice run Wednesday. Flat ground all the way. full disclosure-there was a 15-20 mph tail wind. But still a thrill to go that fast without a gravity assist. No wind at all during the TT, I hit a max of 24.
This is my first experience being coached, and with real training. Or any kind of training for that matter.
Progress has been faster than I expected. I don't know what to expect anymore. I don't know to set goals, because it seems the first ones I set were accomplished without enough of a challenge.
I do know the biggest gains come in the beginning, and progress will slow, but I was hoping just to be able to average 18 mph over an hour's ride. I was doing that in September, but it was near max effort.
If you would have told me that 3 months ago, I would have laughed. But now...it doesn't seem to far off. Maybe more than a few months though.
I can't wait to get out there and try it again.
@Paul - Based on the time of the year, and your setbacks, going just over 21 mph is pretty good! I'm guessing that in a few months, you'll be able to hold that pace for several hours, and get up to 23 mph in 1/2 hr.
My first TT today. 10.8 mile course. My time was 30:43. 6 minutes behind first place. Missed my goal by 44 seconds. Another 30 seconds faster and I would have had a top 10. Just a weeeeeee bit disappointed I didn't make it under 30 minutes, BUT-
I missed a lot of riding and training over the last 4 weeks. My weight this morning was up to 230.6. I was on a 26# bike, (no aero bars either) and I only had 4 hrs sleep.
So all things considered, I am pleased with my time.
;Another 23 miles today with that dreaded 12miles back into a 20mph gale force wind! At one point I found myself actually weaving a little as if I was going uphill... a really steep one! We are in for a really windy spring I am afraid. I hope I am able to do 23 again tomorrow in the group ride. I sure will be tired. Time to rush around and get to work... 12 hour shift!
@CR, are you friggin' kidding me???? Could you get a plate number by any chance?
@MG 15 more miles this foggy morning capped off by some jerk trying to hit me with a lit cigarette. As if it isn't hard enough out there...
Good luck Tammy. Ride strong but don't overdo it before your surgery. It definitely helps. I had a painless recovery form abdominal surgery years ago, and was back on the bike in 4 weeks.
And Michael...next time you need to shovel, use a trenching shovel. That should be plenty wide enough for bike tires, eh?
Glad you made it out today, CR. Was thinking about you this morning with the bright sunshine and relatively warm temps. Potholes, s#!+ piles and bad parking jobs make riding in downtown a real gauntlet; wish I had your scenic rides instead!
Finally was able to get out for a real ride today. 30 miles of sunshine. Still some ice on the roads, but it was glorious.
Hate to rub it in but we have had wonderful weather here in West Texasfor over a week and I have been able to take adveantage of it a few times. I am feeling good on the bike again and wish life would just stay out of the way! Ribs are healed from the car wrek but my elbow has something wrong.. Dr. is still trying to figure out what. Silver lining of the auto accident is we found out my only kidney is not working well and has a stone that has to be removed by surgery as soon as possible. I am trying to wait a few weeks just to get myself physically back in shape before I spend another period of time off the bike!! Rode 23 miles on sunday and 28 today.. dr appts other days have kept me from riding. Bummer! Wind 14 with gusts of 32 was fun today when I had a 10 mile stretch straight into it.... I really did feel like I was in a looong up hill marathon! Thought I would never get the wind at my back again and when I did it was only for about 30 seconds before I had to turn into it again but I was happy for that little reprieve.
I di exactly that And it was flat when I got home!. Put a new tube in it was ready to roll for this morning's practice run for Saturday's TT.
Paul, "...D'oh!!" Change that tire so it's ready for the next free hour. Finally, a day without shoveling s#!+ or chopping ice. I've been at it daily since Thursday last week. Heckuva workout, though.
It's a beautiful sunny day. Had an hour free before having to go to work, annnnndddd....back tire was flat. :-(.
I'd take a sick day, but I'm saving them for races.
Winter Olympians Bike to Work
http://screen.yahoo.com/sochi-olympians-bike-201902871.html
That must have been a lot of fun. I was tracking a few though facebook updates.I'm very tempted to go over for the start of RAAM if I can find a good race close by to tie into the trip. I'd like to attempt a 12hr TT this season.
@Paul,
We held our 12/24 Hours of Sebring this weekend. I had the honor of meeting Marko Baloh (naturally he won his age group for the race even though he is still recovering from a shoulder injury). Good turnout for the race, around 150 riders from all over the world. Fun watching all these dedicated individuals riding for 12 or 24 hours. Got to admire their drive/determination.
It's been raining here now for 15 of the last 16 days, and it's forecast for at least 6 more.I've been hesitant to complain about my weather, considering what a lot of you are dealing with, but when you can't ride, it gets really annoying. Weathering out an injury (no pun intended) takes some of the sting out of it. And when you can finally ride again (knee ref), but you can't ride, riding out this weather (ha HAA ha) is starting to impact my sanity!
Aaarrrggghhhh...
This is the one I want.
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http://surlybikes.com/bikes/moonlander
@Jerry, I'll give you a good deal on a 16-year-old Giant Boulder MTB. I'll even throw in the snow tires!
I wish I could ride when there is snow. But the only bike I own is my Cannondale Synapse. I would kill myself if I tried riding that bike in the snow.
@Marty. We are working at melting that snow alien.
I've been demanding summer be turned back on since September. Not having much luck with that.
I have not ridden much this year. On day in January, two days in Febuary so far. In January weather was an issue. And the days I could ride my wife Karen was so sick I could not leave the house so I could take care of her. I told Karen there were better ways to keep me from riding than getting sick.
I can't share pictures, but my ride this morning was very, exceptionally WHITE. 17 inches yesterday/last night. My back is killing me, but I still rode into work. That misguided male ego strikes again! @Jerry, thanks for sharing the pics. @CR, I hope you're doing your 'Summer Weather' dance; I'm getting tired of this stuff!
I know the mountains of the west well...from a 4 wheeled POV. And after 20 years of living at sea level, I am not afraid to admit that I am intimidated. A little. I still remember how easily winded I got a few years ago at Grand Canyon, just walking up a couple flights of stairs.
@Jerry - Did you manage to escape the snow alien at the start of your ride? (His eyes are just to the right of the top of the 1st big dry patch on the left side of the road. His short arms are sticking out like Superman, getting ready to get you, and he has a bird-like tail.)
OK, so maybe I've been cooped up so long in SE Wisconsin that I'm hallucinating. On the bright side, we've reached into the 20s for the second day in a row. (I think those are our 1st 20 degree days in over a month.) And we're supposed to hit the 30's several times next week!
@Paul - Keep in mind that your mountain is 5% grade. They are a little bit steeper on the Western mainland. But yours is the Matterhorn compared to anything around SE WI.
@Tammie. Come on out to Colorado and do Ride the Rockies. You will love it. Six easy days.
I always thought I rode at my own risk.
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http://tinyurl.com/mv3bdcg
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Hwy 7 out of Lyons. One of the roads washed out my our floods.
The start of my ride today.
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http://tinyurl.com/m52bqoz
It looks like spring is finally trying to peak out from under our blanket of snow in Omaha, NE!! It's currently sunny and 52F here!!! Let the thaw/freeze cycle begin... Now we just have been worrying about riding over black ice on the roads!! So remember corner easy, steer true/straight, and keep the rubber side down!!!!!
Here are my 2014 (highlighted) cycling goals: Ride the following races: Almanzo 100, Dirty Kanza Half Pint, Gravel Worlds, Hotter N Hell Hundred, and Jackrabbit Hundy. In addition I have a personal goal to ride one century ride each week beginning in mid May and ending in late Sep. I think that about sums it all up!!
@ Leonard...that was Jerry. But I would like to try that ride. Dreaming of RAW in 2015.
Climbing is my weakness too, and something I really need to start working on. I've been hitting our "mountain" once a month. 15 mi, 4k feet. And I have to see, I really enjoy it. So rewarding at the top.
Wow... looks like some ride! I can't imagine being in physical condition to be able to do such a difficult ride. Sure would be nice though. I am not much of a climber. I try! Did 12 miles yesterday and was tired. I can't believe I did 42 last saturday... how did I do it? The difference was I was alone and at home yesterday, not in a beautiful setting trying to catch up with my group for lunch! LOL
@Paul,
Maybe you can make it next year. I've got some friends from Canada coming down for the ride (one of them participated in the RAAM last year, another crewed in 3 different major events). Unfortunately it appears they will be bringing some of their Canadian weather with them. Temps in the 40's overnight, at least it's supposed to get back into the 70's during the day.
Ride the Rockies
I am looking forward to this year since I missed last year due to my crash.
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http://tinyurl.com/lvnp65t
Thanks all. I'm not too worried about the pounds. I gain fast, but once I get back at, I'll lose it fast.
Did an eeeeeasy hour yesterday. Did a bit more today with heavier load, but still light compared to my regular riding. Doc tomorrow. 3 miles from home. Is it proper etiquette to ride to physical therapy? ;-)
@MG 31 miles today. Almost to 800 YTD. I was ready for summer in September.
@ Paul sorry to hear about your setbacks! Hope you can return as soon as medically possible.
@Tammie - Welcome back!!
I’ve been on the road the last few weeks …Took a little time off to visit Charleston SC for a 5K run and 60 mile trek. Had a blast, Came back rested for about a week then off to a half marathon in New Orleans. Tried to get some biking in but the streets in the French Quarter & greater NOLA do not lend themselves to safe biking conditions. (Potholes galore!) It rained almost every day near freezing the week we were there and fog was so thick you couldn’t see houses or trees. For me fog is the worst if beads up on my glasses! YIKES!!
Biked a dangerous solo ride past the Audubon Zoo onto parts of the Mississippi River Trail. Many parts of MRT in Jefferson County were under resurfacing so with the rain, frog, and redirection to busy two way highways only got to 30 miles! Maybe next time.
And then many of the downtown streets are one way. With lots of resurfacing on St Charles frequent detours made navigating difficult. And watch out for the street car tracks. It’s a wonder I didn’t fall! Understandable streets may be the last to get attention as they did have a major hurricane devastate NOLA! Glad to see life coming back. Food & music were a blast…gained five pounds which made up for the poor biking conditions!!
BTW it’s been almost four weeks with Nitrogen in my tires and so far no refills needed. Someone else might want to Nitrogen in their tires to see if it works for them as well. Much smoother ride even at 100 psi
Take care and safe biking to all!
@Tammie, glad you had a good ride! Welcome back!
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@Paul, good luck with the recovery. Take it slow, bro... Don't sweat the pounds, you know they'll come off.
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@CR, get out there today; 8-10 inches coming our way, gonna be a few days before you can make it again. This white stuff is really starting to lose it's cache...
Those pounds just jump on so easily! I have put on a few myself. I tell myself that I can work them off quickly now that I can get on the bike.... now if the cold weather will stay away! Temp is in the 20's today!
And oh how I wish I could come play in your back yard this week Leonard...
It was exactly this week, one year ago when I was in PT for my ankle. I finished PT mid April, and was at 252 pounds. I am 6'2 and large frame. So if I can get to between 195-205, I will be in great shape.
My phys. therapist is an ex pro racer. What a great advantage to have someone that can fully understand my training plan and goals. He did what no one else (including myself) could do for 8 years- got me back on my bike.
Yeah...10 pounds is my net gain, btw. My body seems to want to be right around 240 if I am not exercising and following my regular (now old) diet.
Diet was my biggest weakness.
Not riding, I was up 14 pounds in 9 days. Took advantage of the time off to retrain myself on diet. And I do know proper diet. I'm just lazy in that are.
I've been tracking and noting my weight twice a week. The day before my last ride, I was 219.6. I peaked at 233.5 (I do drink an excessive amount of water daily). Yesterday I was at 230.2. Today is day 12 of no riding. I plan to be under 210 by 31 March.
@Paul,
Don't you just hate the way your body adds on he pounds when you're off the bike even for a little while. I put on 25 pounds the last time I was off the bike for a few months (OK, it ended up being almost 8 months but that's still WAY TOO MUCH to gain when I stop riding.....).
Talked to my doc this morning, I'm OK to do 1 hr/day on the trainer till my evaluation Thursday.
A wee bit of discomfort after a hectic work day yesterday, but otherwise pain free since Friday.
I'm not concerned. I believe I will get a full green light to ride ride ride. And boy so I need it Not just for my sanity, but I've gained 10 pounds!!
Back from Big Bend.. weather was absolutely wonderful! I managed 42 miles on Saturday and 10 on Sunday.. those were some of the most difficult 10 miles of my life and I actually walked up the top 1/3 of three of the hills!!! I will be in better shape to deal with them next year! The sunday ride was actually 28 miles total.. an out and back but I was done in after 5 and knew I had to head back. Crazy hills along the Rio Grande river 10 to 17%
@Paul,
Sorry to hear you're having problems. DEFINITELY follow the advice of your doctor. Believe me, I know it's hard to remain off the bike, especially when you get to feeling better. If you try to do too much too soon you will just set yourself WAY back. Hang in there, you will be backup to speed soon.
I am out for a bit. I've had issues with tendonitis in my knee in the past. Very mild and only lasting a couple days.
I've been having issues for the last two weeks. Bad at times but just not getting better.
Funny thing is, it never bothers me when I ride, but still...Had x rays done and I see a sports medicine doc next week for an evaluation.
So far, all signs are looking good. Doc just wants me to rest for a week.
They are thinking maybe just a little more severe case of tendonitis, aggravated by my hike a couple weeks ago, but they are concerned a bit that it may be an issue with my MCL.
I've been ignoring it, not wanting to admit it. Today makes 9 days off the bike. feeling almost no pain whatsoever. This is the most time I've had off since I started riding again, and it is going to be increasingly difficult to follow doctor's orders.
25 more miles today. Rode 20 yesterday, but had a flat, then got super-close buzzed by a school bus (yes, I reported the driver to the bus company). Have 650 miles so far for the year. Slushy roads really eating into my ride miles.
@Tammie - I was just wondering last night, after seeing Texas conditions on the CBS news, how you are faring in that weather. Glad you're feeling better.
Well, I have been absent most of the month. My ribs are healing and I did a total of 19 actual miles during January and several hours on my new trainer... miserable to ride a trainer even with a fan and the TV in front of me! LOL I leave tomorrow for Big Bend National Park.. Lajitas, TX for a club ride. About 20 of us will be down there. It is a 66 mile ride on saturday. I plan on only riding about 40 of it. There is no way I can do the big climb. Not physically ready for that but will enjoy the day and sunday ride too. It will be great to be reallyback on the bike and do everything I can. Snowing here today... hard to believe we will be riding in 70+ temp weather on Saturday just 240 miles south of me!
Christine@ - The new site shell is up, but its not running yet. Click on the link to your right under "NEWS FROM National Bike Challenge 2013" in the January 3rd post. Once on that site, you can have them email you when it is ready to go.
I've never been to Bristol for the faire, although I hear it is quite popular. Enjoy it! (That's good if that is the only cast you are in.)
Is the new site up and running yet? I've looked...but can't find it.
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Busy, busy lately. Was selected to be a part of the cast for the local renaissance faire, looking forward to that! Will have to have my picture taken on my bike in full garb and make it my new profile picture! Such a split personality!
3.9 miles on snow covered roads in Connecticut this morning. Found out my bike handles better from the drops than on the hoods.
On Saturday I washed all of the salt and grit off of my bike and replaced the batteries in both lights. This morning I rode through 4 inches of fresh s#!+ (and still falling like crazy); that heavy, snowman kind. Pretty ride, but gonna be a b!+@# to shovel later. At least the temp is in the lower 30's; only needed a base layer under my jacket and pants.
CT - 45'F saturday and 50'F sunday. Feb 1 & 2 , Great warmer CT winter weekend to get in some road rides, got in a 25 mi and 20 mi rides. saw a few other riders out both afternoons. I'm a 40'F plus rider, had to stay on streets bike trails had snow.
Going back to 30's and 20's next two weeks.
@James - Smart man!
Took a few months break from riding while I worked on my car. Headed out today for a 17 mile ride. Loved being on my bike again.
I had to miss a day this week. In Florida due to ICE! Bridges were very treacherous. Haven't driven into work since 1 May of last year. 2 weather things keep me from riding, fire (lightning) and Ice.
@Mike, don't you hate that feeling? I know hou you feel; I rode to work every day THIS MONTH except 1/8 due to long-distance travel for work. Still managed 20 commute-days (MLK Day was a holiday for us gub'ment folks), only 104 total miles, through three different snow storms, some butt-chilling cold and a nasty head/chest cold that wouldn't give up. I still managed my goal; other than work travel, no excuse was going to keep me off the bike and get me into a car or bus. Hopefully February will be just as kind to me. Be proud of what you did, however; not many commuters slogging it out on 2 wheels this time of year. Stay safe!
I missed my goal of riding to work everyday this week. I rode Mon-Thu but I had to drive into work today. Reason: My wife needed me to take the kids to school so she could take care of early morning errands. I guess that's good reason but I did miss throwing my leg over my steed and pedalling in.
20 miles today. Windy, but not quite as cold.
By Friday I'll finish the month with only 104 commuting miles. @MW, you and @CR get my admiration!
Besides, surviving (and enjoying) the weather is the easy part. It's the 4-wheeled knuckleheads on the same roads that'll hurt me before the wind chill does.
You go, @Mike! Most of my coworkers and MLW have adopted the same attitude. I've told them all that, as a 25-year (and counting) Scout leader, I spend weekends camping/backpacking in 100 degree heat, 10 degree snowy cold, flooding rains, you name it. A 20 minute ride twice a day ain't gonna kill me! That's actually how I survive the rides; I still have all of that cold-weather, wet weather, hot weather backpacking clothing that I use. Stay safe out there!
@ MG & CR: I'm having my best Jan to date with commuting into work and personal sport rides. I've logged 396 miles this month and projected to finish will about 450 miles. My co-workers have quit asking me if I ride on cold days b/c they already know the answer is YES. However, the past few days have been brutal regarding temps and wind chills. Yesterday was -5 low w/-35 WC. This morning was -3 low w/-11 WC. It's amazing how wearing the proper cold weather gear can keep you in the saddle! Keep the rubber down and keep spinning guys!!!!
Way to attack the wind today, @CR. Gonna be some chilly morning rides again this week. Wish it would warm up enough to wash the salt and grime off my bike.
20 slushy WINDY miles today.
Then again, my ride is only 15 minutes either way. i'm not doing the crazy-major mileage that you and many of the others are. You folks deserve some major kudos.
Heat or cold, looks like I'm up for either challenge. MLW still thinks I'm completely whacked-out for riding into work daily. Even my boss, a die-hard roadie (above 50 degrees, of course), thinks I've taken this challenge a little to far. "You know, there's no shame in driving once in a while" he says.
@MG, yeah only 405 miles this month so far... I'm a roadie so no trail type bikes... argh
I will personally punch anyone in the nose this summer who complains about the heat. Sweat or frost? No brainer.
Good to hear from you, @CR. Still tricky in those shady spots; watch yourself. Another 2-3 inches tomorrow. Can't wait for those 107 heat index days, huh?
@MG got out today for 15. Still too much slush on the roads to really have a go. Stay safe.
MG you’ve already earned your biking medals so be careful out there and live to ride another day!
I earned my miles this morning. 3 degrees, -14 wind chill, (yeah, yeah, a veritable heat wave for you folks in WI...), 8 inches of fresh s#!+, rear brake froze up against the rim and wouldn't budge, eyeglasses frosted up, and a chest cold made breathing extra fun. Someday I'm going to write an on-line blog about my misguided adventures in middle-aged machisimo. Oh, wait....
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Nice pic, @Joshua. Bet I got more s#!+ than you did ;-)
fourteen and a half miles in the snow today and all I got was this new profile pic.
@Burkklee a local auto Tire & Brake Shop has supplied all nitrogen in my family car tires for the last five or so years. My daughter first told us about it and of course I could not believe that it would work! But to my surprise both ride & mileage improved. With Michelin radial tires there is a remarkable difference. When our tires are rotated often no topping off is needed. I searched the internet to see it anything existed relative to bicycles/nitrogen to no avail. Thus my “experiment” as reported to the group. Three days in… no topping off needed! Ready for a nice ride in Charleston SC tomorrow will report back when we get back home.
@ Micheal...Love that advice! Awesome.
@JW - Interesting. Where do you get a nitrogen fill for your bike tires? I know some auto repair places here (well, one, actually), offer nitrogen tire fill.
NITROGEN TEST REPORT: Last week after four flats in seven days (yikes)…. I replaced old Bontrager tires (2500 miles) with new Gator tires. Tested new gators for a few days with regular air having to top off air each day to reach 100 psi. Yesterday bleed air and had nitrogen 100 psi placed in tires. Day 1 Immediately noted a much smoother 26 miler over a familiar bumpy route. It may have seemed easier to pedal as well, but that could be a rush from my excitement? Today (day 2) Gators/nitrogen remained stone hard on test around multiple curves where they cornered well over a l3 mile route. After two days nitrogen is performing as expected without topping off. Over next week or so will put to longer miles then report back. So far it’s looking promising.
Kudos to Arlington County for installing a "no turn on red" sign at the intersection where my wife got hit by a car last year (http://wp.me/p3v8dA-4R). Thanks to the local cycling advocacy community in the DC- NoVa area!
Hang in there Tammie, it's really great to hear from you. It takes time for a rib injury to heal. Sounds to me like you're doing the right thing. Trainers aren't fun but there better than nothing :-)
Actually, Tammie, put the idiot box BEHIND the trainer and turn it on to any daytime talk program. That's enough incentive to try and pedal AWAY from it as hard and fast as you can! Pedal, Forrest, Pedal!!!!
@ Tammie: Glad to see you trying to get back on the saddle. Make sure you put the trainer in front of the TV and watch a good cycling movie while spinning; it really helps to pass the time while looking at nothing whiz by you at aeon speed!!
@Tammie, thoughts and prayers coming your way. Keep the faith and positive attitude.
@Tammie - Heal soon!
Hello all.. I am still holding down the couch but I did buy a trainer yesterday. Need to get it put together then start trying a few miles a day. I cant wait for these ribs to stop hurting so much .. then I will be back out on the real road. I am missing so many group rides and events that are happening in the next few weeks and it is killing me! Had a couple beautiful days in the mid 60s and I really wanted to be out on my bike but it still hurts just to ride in a car.. guess the bike is definitely out since our roads are miserably rough.
@Brad, stay safe on the return trip. We've got liquid s#!+ now; white stuff and colder temps later this week.
Today in Wisconsin the air is white, filled with fine snowflakes. The forecast is for as much as 8 inches - and gusty wind. Here at work my mind is filled with anticipation as my fatbike is getting buried outside. The ride home certainly will be slow, but it should prove interesting.
Two fewer layers today, and 11 more miles than yesterday as well. 31 sunny, almost balmy miles.
@MG, never ride on that road, with some very few short exceptions.
I was looking, didn't see you. Was on 222 / Hamilton St. the entire trip.
@MG, can't come soon enough. You were in my neck of the woods. If you saw a cyclist, it was me.
@CR, soon back to shorts and tee shirts. At least it wasn't as windy as yesterday. No mileage for me today, had to travel to Allentown for PennDOT training.
@MG, squeezed another 20 today. Getting warmer starting tomorrow.
Seriously though, I'd probably wimp out if I had ride in some of y'all's conditions. I'll just echo what JW said.
On a semi related note, we don't have heaters or a/c here. Inside temps usually match outside temps. There have been many nights when I have had to sleep in 55-60 f in my bedroom. Low was 58 last night. Inside.
Starting to get cold here. Had to break out the full fingered gloves tonight.
We're at work, that's why :-p Glad you stayed mostly warm. Watch that prior frostbite site; once burned, they injure quite easily again.
@MG, thanks. Multi-layers worked, but the wind was howling making it very difficult to hear. Don't like to ride when I can't really hear what's going on. Slight bit of frost nip on my face where decades ago I had frostbite. Never goes away. Didn't see another cyclist. Wonder why?
You da MAN, @CR!
@MG, managed 15 nippy, windy miles.
In theory, you're correct. As usual, this morning was a bit of a tailwind but, it was gusting so much that here in an urban environment it was swirling around buildings more than straight-line winds. This afternoon will still be (head)windy and uphill, with a high of 8F. Still nippy, but at least on the positive side of 0. Good thing I had homemade sausage stew for lunch so I can fuel-up the natural gas fired heater in my pants :-)
@MG, In conditions like that if you are riding with a tailwind then the wind chill will NOT be as cold. Of course if you are riding into the wind, the wind chill will be even worse. Moral of the story, always ride with a tailwind :-)
Michael G LOL...Thats why you Rock while they wonder!
@JW, this morning it was -21 wind chill. Lots of coworkers (and MLW) called me names that are not FCC-sanctioned for use in a forum like this. Thanks for being positive!
I’d just like to add my voice of admiration for 1) all cold weather bike warriors, and 2) those of you that reached over 10,000 miles last year! You know who you are. Your posts of rides in all types of weather &/or for great distances are soooo inspirational. When I think it’s tough I remember your posts about layering up and go out and make it happen. ALL OF YOU are WINNERS in this world of biking. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
CR, cover up today; it's COOOOOLD out there, brother!
Finally got out for 35 WINDY miles.
According to my thermometer, its is 0 degrees farenheit outside. I just took a walk to get a cup of coffee and lunch, it really didn't feel cold at all, maybe it was the sun (or maybe Columbia Omni-heat really does "make your own heat"). I'm hoping to get out after work to give my studded tires a good test, the roads are mostly bare, but the trail should be pretty icy.
@Paul, its definitely :-). A bad day outside is always better than a good day inside! New treads just make it even better.
I have to say, I am pretty impressed and inspired by you, (Leonard), J. Hugh and Roberto putting up the miles day after day after day. Wish I could, but working a job and a half gets in the way. It might slow me down, but it won't stop me.
And folks like Micheal G, too...that's commitment, out there everyday in that weather, regardless of distance.
I have a feeling I am going to have another record high number this year-$$$ spent on tires. :-) or is that :-( ?
@Paul, Since I didn't start riding this year until mid-June my mileage was pretty low. I rode 4,190 miles during the challenge (110 day of riding for a 38 mile/day average) and had a total of 8,144 miles for the year - just about half of what I had in 2012 [and I missed the last 10 weeks of 2012 due to an accident the kept me off my bike from mid-October through the end of the year (and the first half of 2013)]. Since mid-June I haven't missed a day of riding, some days may not have been a very long ride but I did get out each day...........
Lofty goals are the best goals. I set mine high. I only rode 8 months in 2013. My best month was August. Had I rode all year at that pace, I would still have finished the year under 10k. 2014 goal is 15k. .
.......
I'd be curious to see how many people logged miles in each month of the challenge, and what their average was.
I plan on it. I got 4 people to sign up, but only one rode (or to put it more accurately, logged rides). If NBC could integrate Strava, I could get at least a dozen more, My friends are very set in there ways.
@Paul - To most of us reading this, 600 miles in 5 months is pretty easy, (as long as we're talking about non-Winter, non-Northern latitude months), but it will be a challenge. For 2013, we had 34,578 riders riding a total of 18,404,048 miles, or 532.2 miles per person.
I know we've occasionally talked about the thousands of people who've signed up and not logged any rides, or only logged once. But when compared to other Endomondo Challenges, we actually had a smaller percentage of no-shows. In fact, one of the Challenges I was in had more no-shows than we had in our entire Challenge.
If it we didn't have a lofty goal for 2014, it wouldn't be a Challenge!
Start recruiting!
NBC 2014= 30,000,000 miles and 50k riders. That's only 600 miles each, provided they get the participation.
http://nationalbikechallenge.org/
If you go to endomondo you can search for "national bike challenge" under the challenges page. There is a 2014 warm-up challenge or something.
Patrick,
I am having the same problem. I also get redirected back to the old web page. I hope they correct this soon so we can log miles.
NBC 2014 does not exist yet. The internet address is directed at the endomondo address in your browser window.
I have tried to go to the 2014 bike challenge and it keeps bringing me back here. Anybody else having the same issue?
Thanks guys, better duplicate advice than no advice at all!
Oops...Marty beat me to it...sorry for the duplicate advice. Happy new year, everyone!
Hi, EM. If you want log miles manually, without going through the NBC site, go through your Endomondo login. That is how I log my miles...and then they would show up on the NBC page. I think (but do not know) that your login in for the NBC might work for an Endomondo login, as well. Give it a try, anyway. Also, on the Endomondo site, you can log in a much wider variety of exercising than you can here. FYI for all you cross trainers.
@EM - Go to Endomondo.com, then just to the right of Training, Challenges, Routes, Events, and Friends near the top, click on "New Workouts" From there, it gives you options for how you want to log your miles, wither with or without adding a route, etc...
I log mine without a route. Just put in your miles, and make sure you do the pull-down for Cycling Sport or Cycling Transport.
Last year, if I remember correctly, we were able to post comments into January, and then, once they were getting ready to switch years, we couldn't.
Its goofy, I logged on this page, but I think it shows up on the new challenge. I can't figure out how to log on the new page (log manually that is).
I just logged miles
@Leonard - No. It is just your imagination.
Looks like it.........
Just curious, wondering if a person can still post comments to this page even if they cannot log miles from here????
For those of you in Northern climes, here is a link to a video that will show you a safe way to bike outside the rest of this winter, (thus, getting some great exercise), stay safe from vehicles, and also clear your driveway of that white sparkly stuff - all at the same time!
https://www.youtube.com/watch
Had to get in the last mile (technically, 1.25 miles ;-) ) of the year...on a trip to the post office. Actual temp. about 4 degrees above zero...wind chills double digits below. Still, it was a great way to end 2013...probably my best cycling year to date (final mileage total...5022, as implied above, my best ever). I am hoping to ride on the first day of 2014 but we might be getting 3 to 6 inches of snow over night. Ah, winter life in east central Wisconsin. Ya gotta love it. May everyone have a very good 2014. On to the next 20 (or 25...or 30?) million miles!
I did an 11 miler today. That is the last day I am riding in 2013. Next year I plan some trips to places that are nice to ride. 6236 miles this past year. I wish I didn't need to work. I can definately do much more. Oh, and Happy New Year everyone!
I rode 220 days in 2013. 988 miles. I can probably do better next year. If there's no snow on the ground in the morning, I may start the new year with a short ride. Other than that, we'll be having wine and cheese and crackers and binge-watching Downton Abbey tonight and tomorrow. A fine end to 2013, and a great start to 2014! A happy and pedally new year to all! See you on Rob's Pre-Challenge Challenge!!!
To all the Endomondo gang - Have a very safe and Happy New Year! The emphasis is on Safe.
@J.Hugh - 14,103 miles for the year is exceptionally impressive. And here I thought I was doing good with 9,000.
@J Hugh, that almost sounds like a song ;-p
Thanks to everyone involved with NBC 2013. Reached a new yearly mileage total. Great last day of the year ride. The best part about today is that tomorrow we can all start again. We can journey into the undiscovered country and go where no one has gone before. Bon ton roule its almost 2014. New goals ahead! Get your motor running, head out on the highway, fire all of your guns at once and explode into space! 14,103.3 miles enjoyed every second.
AND Michael G. I like of that you write.
happy New Year Kiribati Islands - it had to start somewhere.
Hi all, here's wishing all of you a safe & HAPPY NEW YEAR! I've had an AWESOME time meeting and hanging out with all of you here and Im looking forward to continuing this in the new forum that Rob has put together for us to gear up for the 2014 National Bike Challenge. I wish all of you many Happy Bicycling Days in 2014!!
Happy New Year to everyone! I have started the 2014 NBC Pre-warmup Challenge until the official site goes live this spring - hope you can join us to keep the fun and comments rolling. http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13586751
Here is a link to one final comic strip in 2013 - This one is about biking in the Winter. (Look at Dec 30th)
http://news.yahoo.com/comics/frazz-slideshow/
Logging the last miles of the year this morning. Nice quiet end to 2013. I'll have over 1100 miles for the entire year; a week's riding for some of you, I know, but that's still $675 in bus passes I didn't purchase and 423 useless car rides that I didn't have to make. Works for my economy! Even with purchasing a new helmet, new seat and Nokian studded tires, I'm still a few hundred bucks to the good. The added benefit - I'm healthier! Haven't lost any weight (I still enjoy eating), but I haven't gained, my BP is lower and my cholesterol is staying in check.
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Congrats to all of you who made personal bests this year! Keep at it.
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Tammie, heal quickly so you can join us again. I always tell the wife, "Watch out for the other knuckleheads out there; they're not watching for you!" To the rest of you healing, get better and get out!
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Have a safe, happy and healthy New Year to all! I've enjoyed (virtually) meeting all of you here. See y'all in 2014!
Wow Tammie. Hope you heal fast and get back out there.
I almost got taken out today by a right turner entering the road. in our congested town traffic. She blew right through a stop sign. You know what saved me? I was riding in the left tire track! I almost had to cross the double yellow. She NEVER seen me. Had I been edge riding, I'd be typing this from a hospital.
.....
Today's ride was my 3rd century in 8 days, and a new long ride PR. 130 miles.
...
Vehicle mileage vs car mileage...I thought I was going to catch but my truck had a 4 month head start. 5300 to 4650. But in June and every month since, my biking has been highr than my truck. And today's ride...one single ride...beats the mileage on my truck for ALL of December by 8 miles.
...
And congrat's to all you other 2 and 3 wheelers kicking 4 wheel a$$.
@Michael, I usually don't wear anything over my face. I tried wearing a scarf over my mouth and nose, but it caused my breath to vent upward, fogging my glasses.
@Jaime, Brrrr. Kudos to you! Question: How do YOU keep your eyeglasses from fogging in such cold weather? This discussion has graced the forum previously, but I'd be curious to know what you do.
I rode to work this morning. It was so cold that my bike computer thermometer stopped registering a temperature. But I passed a bank that read -7 on its sign.
Tammie - So sorry to hear about your accident. I'm not usually one for lawyers, but in this case, J. Hugh is right (just on the offhand chance that this child was also suffering from "affluenza.") I hope you mend quickly!
@ Leonard, your car versus bike mileage is fantastic.
@ Tammie, sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are able to collect some compensation. What a horrible situation. Hope the healing goes well.
Tammie, Get a Lawyer! Get a medical team including a chiropractor! Someone needs to pay other than you. Your situation is awful.
@EM, Bike mileage vs car mileage. Bought a new car in 2003, started riding my bike in 2007 - total miles on car 61,212 in 10 years (my wife and I both drive it), total miles on bike 83,821 in 6 years (at this rate I will have over 130,000 miles on my bike after 10 years).
Side note: the car had over 30,000 miles on it before I started riding my bike in 2007. For the last 6 year we put just over 31,000 miles on the car, I put well over 83,000 miles on my bike...........
(BTW, my wife puts 80% of the miles on the car - I'd much rather ride my bike.)
@Tammie, Licensed drivers are bad enough but to be hit by an unlicensed teenager out joy riding just adds insult to injury. Glad to hear it wasn't any worse than what you listed - that's bad enough. Really glad you were in your car, if you had been on your bike you wouldn't have stood a chance.......
I know your hurting, rest up and take it easy (not going to be much choice in the matter for a while), looking forward to watching your progress in 2014.
Well, finally got back on the bike today and managed a whole 6.5 miles! It felt wonderful to be riding!...I sit at 2,956 miles since the challenge began this year and was going to attempt to finish the year with a nice 3,000. My riding days are done for a couple weeks! Car accident this evening. Broadsided by a15 year old out joy riding! No drivers license and he was flying! Have 3 broken ribs major contusions on left elbow and other areas. Will miss a week or more of work... Sure wish I had some benefits with my job like paid time off! It's always something....
@Dameon, congrats to you too! My hats off to anybody who can put more miles on the bike than the car, and to more than double that: WOW!!
@ Marty way to go!! That is an awesome acheivement!
I can modestly say that I added another 20 to my total today. We got our friends to come out and play (ride around Creve Coeur Lake and a piece of the Katy Trail)
MM - congrats , may 2012 thru may 2013 1,200 m on SUV , 5,000 on our leaf ( all-e ) and over 14,000 willing miles on our bikes , trikes! not all can make this kind of comment but every mile has its rewards in so many ways .
The best bike , trike is the one you will ride! D.
For the first time since 1982, (and possibly 1983), I rode my bike more miles in a year than I drove my car. While this may be nothing for those of you who have eschewed an internal combustion engine entirely, for me at least, it is a good trend - one precipitated by everyone here on the NBC the last two years. Thanks!
@Michael - You guessed it!
@Marty: because it's HOLY!!! Ha!!!
@Burklee - They have been doing this for a few years, and with their experience, have found that they are better off using brine from brick cheese near construction sites, and brine from Swiss Cheese near churches, because its ________ (can you fill in the blank?).
"Streets paved with cheese"? That's a lot of swerving to miss all the mice. And just think how smelly that would be in the summer. I can see the headline now: "County cuts roads budget; forced to pave with limburger." That'd raise a stink, huh?
blog.cookingchanneltv.com/2013/12/26/milwaukee-uses-cheese-to-thaw-roads/
Cheese heads should be happy! Next the streets will be paved with cheese!
Taxes-I have yet to see any enforcement here, except in the case of an incident, a fine may be handed out. But they do have a way of ensuring that bikes do get registered and taxed. The bike shops have to register all new bikes sold (just like the auto dealers). They then collect the $15 fee from the customer. This doesn't help with bikes brought in from out of state, but it is at least a way for the state to get some money out of it. The registration is for life and transfers at ne fee to the new owner, and all money collected is used for bikeways/lanes/paths (or so they say).
Most bicycle taxes fail. $25 won't pay the cost of a government program of collection. In most of the info I have read it finally comes down to the fact the the car fees paid by bicycle drivers and the gas taxes paid by bicycle riders exceeds what can be collected for the the bicycle use. The other thought is that if you ride your bicycle and pay the car stuff you are a lower cost citizen than people who drive the cars while paying the car stuff.
@Marty I still go outside to ride to work. This is the first winter I have chosen to ride every day despite the cold and snow. I find riding in snow not all that bad. Just go slowly. Even though I don't have studded tires, I have managed to stay upright. With gripshifters on my Trek 7100 I can get by wearing mittens. I'll finish the year with over 6000 miles about 300 miles less than last year.
If Chicago were to impose a $25 bicycle tax, and if it could be enforced, would out of town visitors be subject to such a tax if they bike in the city? I could ride from Milwaukee to Chicago, and I plan to next summer. I don't see how it would be fair for me to pay their bicycle tax if I don't live there.
"Distracted driving, a problem for cyclists.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_142994.html";
It's not just motorists that get distracted.
Ashamed to admit, I almost ran over a pedestrian while on my bike when I allowed myself to get distracted for a moment. (it was a night ride- Christmas Lights tour by bike)
It's been a lot of fun following this thing. And it was especially nice seeing everyone's accomplishments. Even more so, those new to cycling.
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I know the challenge was mostly about getting people to commute, but I live right in the heart of my little town. 1/8 mile to work, and everything else I need is less than a mile one way, so I logged very virtually zero transport or commuting miles. I usually just walk to do all my town errands.
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Al the stories here, the accomplishments (and yes, even the leader boards) have been great inspiration and motivation. In just the seven months I've been riding again, I am already back at he pace I was when I stopped 8 years ago and on track for 2014 to be my best year ever.
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Looking forward to seeing you all in the next iteration of this challenge. Maybe by then I will have moved further away (as I have been threatening to do for months) just so that I can ride my bike to work.
@ Marty, we could all be Santa's helpers, getting more bikes to more people and working to make riding conditions better for all of us!
I just wanted to thank all the really dedicated people of the League, Kimberly-Clark, and Endomondo for putting on the NBC. I really enjoyed it. It was also fun (WITH ONE MAJOR EXCEPTION) interacting with all the other cyclists from all over. I got to beat my previous best years mileage by over 1000 miles.
See you on the road.
@EM - I don't want to take Santa's job, just be his helper. I'll post a picture sometime during the next NBC, (because I probably won't make it until July or August).
@ Marty, OOH, the bike sleigh, so you can bring bikes to all the good little kids next year!
Here is a link to an article about more people/communities trying to institute bicycle taxes:
http://news.yahoo.com/city-cycling-grows-does-bike-tax-temptation-162607878.html
@Jaimie - Only sporadically. I already handily broke my longstanding yearly mileage record for the 2nd year in a row, so with the weather, haven't been too motivated. But I just bought the fixings for making moose mitts. If I can figure out how to sew, that should get me outside a lot more starting in January. (I also bought solar and battery operated Christmas LED lights today, so I can add them to a bike sleigh I'll make for next Christmas - but that's besides the point. Clear ones for the sides, and red candy cane ones for the back of it.)
@ Burklee & Marty, DUHH (hits herself on forehead), I knew that!
Marty, are you still riding outside?
@EM - Happy Bicycling Day is definitely what Berklee said, plus when we're unboxing a bike on Boxing Day! (Didn't happen for me.)
@EM - Isn't everyday you get to ride a happy bicycling day? :P
@ Marty: Boxing? Isn't that the wrong sport for this forum? When do we get happy bicycling day?
Distracted driving, a problem for cyclists.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_142994.html
Happy Boxing Day everyone!
@Burklee - Sorry you're feeling under the weather. :(
20 million miles... only a couple months later than the original goal date, but still within calendar year 2013. This is all good
@J. Hugh - Looks like he'd cut a hole in the ice.
Congratulations, everyone on making 20 million miles!!! It would have been a nice day to ride today, but I caught some kind of Christmas sick. Perhaps tomorrow.
http://ht.ly/rt0uQ
Really looks dangerous!
Nice job J. That's a lotta lotta miles.
Thanks Endomondo and the NBC for keeping this page alive!
I totally agree with Leonard, making the 20 million is a fantastic Christmas gift. Stay safe and keep riding everyone.
In any case I got in 5000+ which is a new record for me.
WOO HOO!! 20 MILLION (S)MILES!!! Way to keep the wheels rolling everyone. I haven't contributed for a while, but just catching up on the posts and joining Rob's pre-challenge, makes me want to go for a ride. Its 29 degrees right now and supposed to hit 40 today. But Christmas is calling, so riding will wait for another day. Hopefully at least one more this year.....
@ Christine, congrats on the "new" heart. Between that and the "new" bike you should have an AWESOME 2014!!
@ Jerry, best film of the year, loved the bike rebirth story!
Merry Christmas.
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Hope everyone has a great year in 2014. And a safe year.
@ Laurie, congratulations on that diamond. All the best to you and that lucky guy! Hope you get a chance to earn the other kind next year.
Merry Christmas everyone!
WAY TO GO J. Hugh, congratulations on reaching your goal of 14,000+ miles. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to ride that many miles in one year.
double Christmas prize! 20 million for the NBC and 14,001 Miles for me. Fabulous riders, Happy Christmas! Roast Beef, Yorkshire pudding, Leifmans Cuvee Brut all await tomorrows celebration!
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone that participated in the 2013 NBC, we made it to 20,000,000 miles. I think it's a great Christmas present for all involved and a tribute to all the people that worked so hard to give us the opportunity to challenge ourselves in 2013. I would also like to thank all the sponsors who donated their time and prizes for the 2013 NBC.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone back again next year, till then let's keep in touch through the 2014 NBC Pre-warmup Challenge on Endomondo.
****MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE****
20 Million miles.... We did it. I rode 15.66 miles today in the freezing cold to get it done. Happy Holidays everyone!
32 nipply pre-gift-wrapping miles. Happy Holidays!
@Christine, so very happy to hear you're on the road to recovery. A true Holiday Gift! Merry Christmas to all, and to all safe cycling!
@Christine. Glad you are feeling better. Best wishes on a full recovery.
...J Hugh spoke of warmth, the rest of us had s#0w... Keep it going, folks!
Tis the day before Christmas, less than 4,000 miles to go - LET'S DO THIS!!!!!
****MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE***
Christine@ - I'm glad you're already feeling better! May your recovery continue smoothly, and have you feeling better than you have for years. Have a great 2014 and beyond!
@Christine "AN",
Glad to hear your cardiac ablation went well. It's been 3 years since I had mine done and it does make a BIG difference in how you feel and how active you are able to be. Procedure was done in 2010, I had over 17,000 miles in 2012 (only reason I didn't get more was an accident that broke my collarbone and had me laid up for a number of months). Looking forward to watching your miles pile up during the 2014 NBC.
@Christine - Glad you're on the road to getting well!!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Hello, all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone here! I just wanted to let you know that I had the cardiac ablation on the 18th, and I can already feel the difference. I'm still tired and my heart is still pissed at me for what I put it through, but I can tell that when the NBC comes around, I'll be ready to ride ... hoping for Diamond this year! Looking forward to pedaling my arse all over town in 2014!
What Does The Bike Have To Say After Confronting Death?
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http://viewty.com/2013/12/the-bicycle/
Bam! Diamonds People!!
@CR, he was much older looking than you and me. Had the long, grey, gnarly beard and hair to complete the ensemble. But I know well enough not to judge a book by its cover; I guarantee he could outride me any day of the week.
No, lets not mention that we have a white christmass. Never put out bait if you don't want to catch someone or something. I think its great that they enjoy styrofoam and that other stuff that goes with it. So, just turn on the air conditioner or go for a swim to cool off, but don't be telling our enjoyments and gifts. Merry Christmass Leonard! and remember mums the word.
J Hugh, Should we mention the fact that we do have a "White Christmas" in Florida every year (actually year around)?? Everywhere you look in Florida there are beautiful "White" sand beaches. Sand castles, swimming, picnics and fun in the sun. That is the way Florida does a "White Christmas". BTW, the temperatures hit 85 this afternoon. The north can have their "White Christmas" with all the S#@% and C@!$, I'll stay with our brand of a "White Christmas".
Record temps in Florida mid and upper 80 and winter is coming back we will be in the low 70's for Christmass and beyond until the warm up. We don't need styrofoam on the ground to enjoy our winters. Mind over matter: When it comes to age if you don't mind it does not matter and off you go. another fifty miles of enjoyment.
25 miles in shorts~ take that Florida~
@MG, how old is "old?"
Had quite the snow storm this morning, still managed 21 miles with most roads averaging about 6" of snow on them. Getting the feel for where to be on the road when riding in the snow, driver's don't expect to see us out there. Three tail lights and a 700 lum flashing headlight gets their attention
I would like to wish everyone a happy September 113th (today). It looks like we'll get our 20 million on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Everyone!
Everyone, have a Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday and Happy New Year. Thanks Endomondo and sponsors. Safe biking and good luck next year. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
Well, I just noticed the situation may hit the fan on Jan 1st. I will be riding next year.
I spent over 542 hours riding this year. I got too much time on my hands.
Temps yesterday in the 50's and 60's; gonna make a run at 70 today. All that white s#!+ melted overnight! Met an old, grizzled cyclist at the beer shop yesterday. An old Cannondale, BOB trailer, and a really great personality. We spoke for about five minutes, but he had to go. He had a 6 mile uphill ride with some groceries and 2 CASES of beer! What a guy!
Let's be careful up where its cold.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/when-is-it-too-cold-to-race-cyclo-cross
Frozen brakes cause recall and frostbite in one hour.
Glastonbury, CT, after about a foot on snow last week, it warmed up in 40's yesterday and 50's today, sides of roads were clear of snow pretty good, nice to get in a ride today..
The NBC should go on year round! Some of us do indeed ride through the winter. If anything the warmup before the challenge should start on January 1 instead of March 1.
I managed to log in 3 miles last night despite the sleet and freezing rain. I still have logged in miles everyday in this month. Tommorrow will be a challenge with the upcoming snowstorm!
Tammie, I took the full force of the handlebar end to the ribs as well. Happened about three weeks ago and still hurts to breath deep or when I sneeze. Though I did it to myself trying to bunny hop over a fallen log.
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1538835_10201534714823674_739502738_n.jpg
Ray S - I once heard a say that it's better to ask forgiveness than permission :) I'd say give it a try if there's no kids on the ice!
Paul - I did two for you.. the rest was for me and the dog! Check out the studded tires for your commuter bike, less expesive than a Surly.
10 miles on the Pugsly, 5 with the dog and 2 fofr Paul and 5 for me. 80% was either across the lake or breaking trail through the snow. Maiden ride with studded tires, didn't need them off the lake but it was just enough grip to make it safe on the lake when you weren't on snow.
Hi Tammie - sorry to hear about that, hope you heal up soon. You gave me an idea for a way all NBC'ers can keep up with each other until the 2014 NBC site is up. I have created a 2014 NBC Pre-warmup Challenge in Endmondono at http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13586751. Everyone is welcome to join and it is a way we can keep the conversation going. This challenge begins January 1, but the comments are open now.
Hi, Mike...I am with you in spirit, but I am afraid the main snow I dealt with was on the road during my short ride to campus to hand in my last grade sheet of the semester this morning. Yea! Let the holiday (Christmas for me) break begin!! So are you going to be riding IN the snow storm heaing our way tomorrow? My wife was picking up a gift for a friend at a local bike shop in Appleton and commented on trying to ride in the snow. The own told her a Surly could still make it through...but I seriously doubt that will make my wife as open as yours was for the snow machine! Do a mile or two for me. I will think of you while snowblowing. On to 20 million anyway and anywhere we can! Merry Christmas and happy new year everyone.
PS Congrats, Laurie! Now you just have to convince your fiance that he needs to help you get that "other" kind of diamond in the new year(maybe together?)...that way you can get BOTH kinds! ;-)
Congrats Laurie! I think I would prefer your kind of diamond! Got an email saying that NBC will become inactive as of Jan 1. Does this mean no more ability for this chat forum. Do we say goodbye until it starts back in the spring? I need your support! It is lonely here.... especially when I can't stay off the pavement! Yep, did it again but not as bad this time. The pain in my ribs is a different story! Took almost all of the fall directly onto the end of the handlebar of my hybrid bike right into my ribcage! Just missed a curb on a night ride with friends. Did not realize until the last second we were going up onto the sidewalk and could not make the turn!
Merry Christmass and a Happy New Year. Thank You endomondo for keeping the site all year.
Thank You. Merry Christmass
Sounds like a great weekend, Mike! I have studded tires under the Christmas tree, so I'm hoping for an ice storm. I doubt I'll be able to ride on a lake, but a couple of the county parks have ice skating, I wonder if they'll let me take my bike out.
Snow and in the 20's for the weekend, a lake with 12+ inches of ice and studded tires for the Surly. I think I'll put on some miles
Congratulations LaurieR Bless your heart ScottR I think traditions should be rethought. Giving a ring is such an ownership thing, while if someone asks you to marry them and gives you a new Bike that would be so freeing.
@Laurie - Congratulations to you both!!! YEA!!!!
@Laurie - Congratulations!!!!!!!!! Now, just because you have that, in 2014, don't forget about your bike or the NBC. (I do understand your priorities being slightly different than they were.)
Awright, @Laurie!!! Congratulations to you and the Lucky Guy! Best of Wishes to you!
Well, I didn't make diamond by year's end as I had hoped, but I did get the "other" diamond I was hoping for! It looks so pretty and sparkly on my finger :)
I've got 35 miles of commuting left over 4 days in the slushy, snowy paradise of Vermont roads.
Sorry, @Noel, I fear that today's commute may be my last mileage for the year. Since I'm off from work all of next week, the steel horse goes to the LBS for the annual overhaul. With any luck I'll have 'er back for Monday 12/30. To everybody here, have a Blessed, Safe and Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Joyous Festivus, or whatever holiday/Holyday you may or may not celebrate. Ride Safe in 2014. It's been a real pleasure following everybody this year.
Getting close - only 42,000 miles to go to reach 20 million before the end of the year. Keep those pedals churning (of course, that's easy for me to say from Miami)...
Paul,
We installed one at work (LexisNexis in Dayton OH) back in the early spring. Don’t think of its use as success, it’s more of an insurance policy. It makes people feel more comfortable that they have options if something does happen, which means they are more likely to start riding to work. We also keep the more common tubes for the employees to use. To us, success was did it drive more people to ride and it did.
The city of Springboro, where a lot of our employees live, just installed their 1st of 5 they plan to install over the next couple of years. They used the Fixtation. www.bikefixtation.com
Good to hear, @Paul. A good addition to Paradise! I had a winter day here again this morning; 17 degrees when I left the castle. Buuuut, gonna hit the low 40's. MELT, DAMN S*^$!!!!
Awesomeness:
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New Bike Repair Station at FMB! A bicycle repair station has been installed near the mauka entrance of the Fasi Municipal Building. The Fixit stand, made by Dero, has an air pump, a stand to hold a bike, and several tools for bike maintenance and minor repairs. This is the first Fixit station the City has installed; more could be in the works if this one is popular with the public.
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http://www1.honolulu.gov/dts/bikepage.htm
We had a winter day here last week. It got down to 62. I almost had to pit sleeves on. :-P
Seriously though....much respect to all of you riding in those adverse conditions. Not sure I could handle it, but may get my chance to see next year. Time for a new adventure...
J. Hugh - As Florida refuses to participate in winter with the rest of us, they are not part of my consideration. :)
Also, you can not visit the page now for NBC since its still redirected here. Surprises await on January 1 or whenever they start it up.
BCCG In Florida Winter does not begin until sometime in December and is over by early March. I think it matter where a person is to relate seasons and temperature. Hawaii would be one season.
@Marty, just shift over to the 'Winter Biking Challenge': http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/11251965
Endomondo/NBC just posted a note at the top of this page, stating that they are shutting this page down as of December 31st. Start preparing now for the inevitable withdrawl symptoms.
@Burklee, at least the days are going to start getting longer starting on Saturday. No matter what you call it or how you calculate it, Spring is coming either way!
Merry christmass and a Happy Peacefull New Year everyone. Thank You to Endomondo for keeping this website going until the end of 2013.
Prayer for everyone. Lord Bless You.
Thank You
I've decided that from now on, I'm going with the Celtic method of reckoning the start and end of seasons. They didn't use the equinoxes and solstices to recognize the start of their seasons, they used the "cross-quarters" of Samhain (approximately Halloween), Imbolc (around Groundhog Day), Beltaine(1st week-ish of May), and Lughnasad(1st week-ish of August). It makes more sense to me to say that winter begins at Halloween, since by the middle of November layers upon layers are already required. And it makes the groundhog's job seem more important. (Really, who doesn't want the groundhog to feel important?) Just think, using that method, we're about halfway done with winter!!
By the way, a big Thank You to the @Endomondo folks for keeping this discussion board up for so long. Considering the Challenge ended almost 3 months ago, we've still been able to enjoy each other's company and comaraderie. Thanks, Endo!
18 degrees at the igloo this morning. I know, Spring Thaw for you folks in Wisconsin, but nippy for us here in eastern PA. Congrats to those of you stilll hitting milestones; great to see people still out there pounding the pavement (or trail, or s$&%, or whatever you pound).
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@JW, good luck with the glasses. I have a pair of prescriptions from my eye doc, but they're more 'sports glasses' than cycling-specific. My problem is that they're dark polarized sun glasses; useless for morning and afternoon commute at this time of year. I need to get a pair of clear/amber lenses. Next year. If it matters, I use a handlebar-mounted mirror; works fine for me.
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@Jerry, Thanks for the video. How's that heated jacket working out? My heated pants and seat were necessary this morning, that's for sure!
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Stay safe out there today, all.
Thanks so much Hugh - it feels great! And thank all of you here for the comeraderie and support. It's been an adventure.
@ MG, Thanks for your suggestions. Six weeks ago my eye doc order two pairs of “biking eyeglasses” but after four weeks of back & forth with the supplier & glasses lab we were not successful. I was quite disappointed and began looking online but to no end. I see tons of safety glasses but not “biking glasses” with the prescription (transitions/progressive/UV) extending back to the end of the curved lens.
@ Brad, I’m a bit stubborn about mirrors but your tips are well received. The Bike-Eye looks promising. I kind of like that concept. I may have to give them a try to see when vehicles approach from the rear.
I’m still open to more suggestions if anyone else wants to chip in. I will continue to explore options and advise if successful. Stay safe everyone, enjoy your holidays and keep on biking.
Stuff bicyclists say
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http://vimeo.com/35553035
Congratulations Brad (nearly normal) Waldoch on 10,000 miles this year. Looks like lots of styrofoam on the ground in Wisconsin.
@Edgar - Nice story! I hope next year brings lots of biking to both of you.
I had a one speed clunker, and would ride 1 or 2 miles here and there, and then a friend in HS told me about a 100 mile charity ride. So, without any training, I borrowed my sister's 10 speed, and finished it despite not being able to get her bike seat any higher. (Leg cramps after 24 miles.) FFW a few years, and I did a 300 mile 6 day bike camping trip with my FIL. The next year, I wanted to do a Tri, so finally rode a bit. Then in 1982, gave my car away, and really started riding. (Yes, I'm old.)
Happy Holydays to All....thank you for all the great advice and ecouragement throughout the year! I also wanted to share this blog with funny stories of how my wife got into bicycles...do you all still remember what got you to ride?
http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/my-history-with-bicycles/
Paul - thanks for the help!
JW Jamerson - The bifocal transition can also be pushed lower down on request. That way you can still read your computer, but most of your view will be distance. I also agree that a mirror is the way to go, the trick is finding one that works well for you. On my MTB I like the helmet mounted mirror, it is always there and has a great field of view. However using that on my road bike and I'm mostly just looking at my shoulder. A bar end mirror isn't too bad there, but I'm still trying to find something better. Next season I plan on trying the Bike-Eye Frame mount mirror.
Hey, @Ben, I've been the only one at the bike rack since late September! During the nice weather, there's 4-5 of us. Luckily our bike parking is in an underground garage.
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Gave the studs their first run this morning in an inch of fresh powder. Felt so much safer and more in control. The best investment I've made in a looong time.
I'm getting my Diamond in 4 days!! 8°F is pretty chilly, and I had to shovel out my spot at the bike rack (the only bike there) this morning.
Rob, I use HRM, but with Garmin. Wahoo fitness makes a BT HRM for use with iphone. Lots of good reviews. Anything you want to know about bike tech, this is THE. MAN.: DC Rainmaker:
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/01/wahoo-fitness-blue-hr-bluetooth-low.html They also have a BT speed/cadence sensor.
@Marty, let us know throughout the winter how things work out. Stay safe, all.
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@Rob, can't help; sorry.
Need some help - Anyone here using HRM with Iphone and Endomondo. I'd like to begin tracking HR for training.
@Michael - The tire for the rear wheel will be a Kenda Klondike (makes me hungry). It has 252 studs in it. And the cheapie tire for the front is a CST MTB All Purpose, that I'll put 60 machine screws in. I'll have them ready to go by Wednesday or Thursday. It will be interesting to see which works best - but for the $50 price difference, I thought it was worth a shot.
Enjoy your riding!
Just finished putting the new winter tires on and trying them out. OH. MY. GAWD!!!!!! Those things are incredible!! Tried them out on clear ice and frozen, rutted slush. Monster difference. Weather folks calling for 2-3 inches tonight; I really hope it comes (I can't believe I just said that!).
GW - they need to change the date to Jan - Feb.
Less than 79,000 miles to go...
Milwaukee's underwear ride lol : http://wisconsinbikefed.org/2013/12/16/milwaukee-underwear-bike-ride/
20 windy, slushy, icy miles that I must say I'm glad are behind me. Just like my thoughts about a certain bloated Floridian.
I'd still recommend a mirror. On urban streets I couldn't safely navigate without it.
Also, your prescription may have to be altered slightly. I wear a bifocal, but my bike glasses (not the wraps like you want) we're made for the distance lens only. You may have to make the same change.
@JW, there are sport eyewear vendors out there in web-land. You can get a prescription from your eye doctor to send to them. Unfortunately you can't try them on ahead of time, and returns may be dicey as well. If you have one of the more (unfortunately) expensive stores like Oakley near you, give them a try. I have no experience in this matter other than some research for myself so can't speak from actual experience. You can also try one of the mall-based shops who carry a much larger selection than your eye physician. Again, get your prescription in writing and take it with you. Keep us updated please.
TO ALL: Much appreciate your sharing of biking information, pictures and videos! Please keep sharing!! As a newbie every day is another learning opportunity for me. I get a daily dose of inspiration from all you road warriors as you peddle the miles away and/or ride in all types of weather. RESPECT! I have what I hope is a simple question @ bicycle prescription eye wear. I’m in the market for bicycle goggles/glasses that carry the prescription all the way around to the back edge of the curved lens. When looking back over my shoulder I often have difficulty seeing to the rear. I’m too stubborn for contacts so I need help! Does this type of eyewear exist or should I … (yikes)… just get mirrors? All tips and suggestions are appreciated! Take care and stay safe out their!
CR I have just received an email from a friend of yours. I am sorry for offending you and will pray for you. I am terribly sorry for the pain and suffering you are experiencing..
12° and sunny for the ride to work this morning. Jeans, long-sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, wind vest, headband, gaiter, gloves. My legs were a bit cold as I had only one layer there, but I warmed up nicely once inside the building. The gaiter Jay made is really warm. In fact, my neck was actually a little sweaty when I got here. I'll take that, though, because I couldn't ride in this weather without it - I'd have a terrible cough from the cold. 14th Street is finally cleared of snow so I could ride today. They don't even touch the residential streets after snow here, so I have to be content to wait for them to become clear by warmer weather. Oh well, nice to be able to ride again.
@J. Hugh – Nice video. Thanks.
@CR – Very nice pic. They appear to do a better job of clearing the roads in PA than they do here in NE.
@MG, ever since J Huge decided to call me a cheater, the gloves are off. I doubt this clown even owns a bike.
@J. Hugh, thanks for the article; funny read before real work starts this a.m. It's the week before Christmas, can you and @CR play nice, please?
@CR, nice pic, keep sharing.
@Tammie, good to hear from you again. Dress for success, get out there in the cold! It was 23 degrees this morning and I was toasty warm. Just have to wear the right combination. I LOVE my UnderArmour.
@Marty, which studded tire did you buy? My Nokian 160's come today; can't wait to try them tomorrow morning in 2 fresh inches of sh!+ over ice. MLW thinks I need to "swallow my ambition in weather like this." I love her anyway.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25366998
Funny and curious story about commuters
What's boring are slams from some flat lander who is hung up on being "funny."
Another styrofoam photo of the north. Boring.
27 slushy miles to hit 12,000 miles.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1526202_10201501228706542_1756415628_n.jpg
Finally got my computer back and was able to upload my measly 46 miles I have ridden in the past week. I truly admire those of you riding in the cold "S" and such. I don't go out below 45 degrees! Yes, I am a hot house plant! Thanks for updating us on the status of your bike Jerry! LOL I was concerned about it. Getting dressed for a short about 15 or so mile ride today. Hope I can survive since I have not been able to ride much. I have a very, very slow leak in my rear tire and am waiting for someone to replace my tubes. He kept having flats ant borrowing my stash until I was out'! Now he says has ordered.... itck tock... tick tock!
@Leonard - Thanks. For some strange reason, it hasn't been as easy to get miles in up in WI. But, yesterday, I did buy a studded tire, so maybe that will change a bit.
Beautiful morning for a ride. Left the house at 3:30am (it was 71 degrees out), couldn't pass up the opportunity to get in another night ride. Got in 45 miles before sunrise - I'm trying to do my part to get that last 100,000 miles this year and hit our goal of 20,000,000 miles.
just did 6.3 miles in the pounding sleet with up to three or four inches of snow under it at times. Had to walk about 3/4 mile on a road that was just unrideable. Man did I have some fun.
My wife spent all day making soups/stews while I put lights up in the back yard. In the s@#*. Homemade chicken soup after a cold afternoon outside, doesn't get much better than that. Glad you stayed safe, @CR. Got my run in early this morning before this sh!+storm started.
I rode 25 sn*wy miles today. As long as it wasn't sticking everywhere, no problem. Better than fog or rain. Came home and made soup and baked some bread. Now the streets are buried, and it looks like this might go on all night.
We now have just under 100,000 miles to go to reach 20 million! It looks like it will happen either on September 115th, (otherwise known as Christmas Eve), Christmas, or Boxing Day.
@Michael - The Gladware containers will melt down best if you sauté them beforehand, with the onions and/or garlic. Enjoy the wine!
Hit the grocery store for a few items this morning before the dendritic frozen rain started. A nice young couple started complimenting me on my bike; we had a nice discussion. Came home with a few bags of frozen veggies for soup, some Gladware containers for the soup, 1/2 dozen donuts, and two bottles of wine for later. Need the wine for s#%+ shoveling duty. Stay safe today, everyone. @Jerry, hope the bumps/bruises feel better today.
J. Hugh,
Thank you for posting the link to the video, it's beautiful. It captures the essence of cycling in a way very few people ever understand. A must see for everyone that enjoys riding a bike.
@J Hugh - Thanks for the really nice video.
@Jerry - I hope you recover quickly.
@Michael - I'm glad you're in PA.
http://bicycletimesmag.com/the-quiet-season/
Jerry glad to know you are “okay!” Take care get some well-earned rest and come back strong in the saddle.
@J.Hugh. Of course I went to the chiropractor. The day before my fall.
...and odor-resistant!
MG I'll just hope that those pants are flame retardant.
I have heated pants. Fueled by natural gas ;-)
JerryB Did you get your Chiro adjustment? It has been shown to speed healing after a fall.
I just bought a DeWalt Heated jacket for the cold days. You can get one with or without a hood.
After a week of riding with temperatures around 1 degree, riding in today at 19 seemed almost balmy. HA HA
Bike is OK.
Glad you're not a guest at St. Eligius, @Jerry. Don't push the recovery; take the week off like the doctor said so. I'll have that steak for ya. How's the bike?
That sucks, Jerry. It sounds like you are okay, how about the bike?
Back home again. Just bruises. Road up into the mountains yesterday. It was cold in the canyons. Wet roads. Some icing. But I was being careful. But when I was back down in the plains, I was crossing the railroad tracks. I thought they were wet. But they had iced over. I was going slow but still hit hard. Rode five miles home. Then the pain got worse. So I decided I shoud have it checked out. So no riding for about a week. Bummer. I was planning on riding higher in the mountains today. The doctor let me go home last night. I told him I was hungry. Either feed me a steak or give me my discharge papers. He said steak was too expensive and sent me home.
So what's going on Jerry?
Nothing serious, we hope, @Jerry. Thoughts and prayers coming at you...
WHAAT??????
Back in the hospital again.
Just got an email, my Nokians are on the way. I'm stoked!!!! Shame I won't have them to try out on Saturday amidst our next blast of late-late fall weather.
DP Correction LW is a senior rider, old guys must be 80+.
@DP, it was chilly down here this morning - got down to 63 overnight. I waited for the sun to come up so it would warm up a bit before I started my ride. Yes I know, I'm a wimp but at least I'm a warm wimp :-)
I am currently completing a test of chains of different makers. My protocol is to use a wax based lube due to sand and to apply it once a week at the end of a ride. After letting it dry i wipe the chain off since the exterior plates just spread the lube to the cassette and derailleur wheels. I change the change when the park tool shows .50 or more stretch. 1. Sram 1800 miles per chain for two units. 2. KMC Chain 1900 miles per chain for two units. 3. Wipperman 2850 miles for first chain with second chain put on December 1.
The Wipperman, if you can get it at a good price is really good. After the Wipperman I wil be test the Shimano ultegra 6700. Also, I would never ride a chain with more than .75 in stretch due to cassette damage.
The Wax based lube is White lightning. I do it at the end of the ride since heat of use opens a chain to let the chain penetrate according to some 'experts'. It does make sense to me.
up to 12 at 5 am as I left ,better then the -2s and low lows of 4 to 6 - bike lanes still a mess and our river (the Truckee ) is now frozen shore to shore which did not happen til late Jan. last year and fairing fogs over from heat of legs and the challenges of riding in these last few days before winter sets in leads me to thoughts of an old guy smiling down in Fl. Ride on L.W.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER! D.
@Brad, the lubing I did last night was a two-pronged effort. The pivot points on the deraulleur were sticking in the extreme cold yesterday morning, so I obviously needed to refresh them. The chain was simply a quick and dirty way to flush the road salt/guck off of it till I can give it a proper cleaning. The White Lightning Epic Ride is a light, synthetic lube that literally flows like water, but penetrates and holds really well. I've had really good service with it. The difference this morning was 'night-and-day'.
Most componenets and bearings on a modern bike will last an exceptionally long time, however chains are the one component that you do need to think about and give constant TLC. ALL chains will stretch and wear, and if you let it go too long it will take the cassette with it (the chain rings are a little more resistant as they have many more teeth engaged, but if you work at it you can ruin those too). How much they stretch will depend on which chain, how you ride, terrain, weather, lube... The system that was proffered to me was to have about 5 chains and rotate then through every 1000 miles, by the time they all get to 5000 they're done and it's time to give a close look at the other components. Because of laziness or finances I swaped out my first chain at 2500 miles and stuck with that, at least for my first round. The stock chain that came on it (Ultegra), stretched .31 in overall length. The chains I've been using since (Dura -Ace) have typically stretched .06-.12 ovarall for the same 2500 miles. A freind has has good results with Campagnolo. Athough I think instead of using miles to determine how long to use a chain, stretch would be a better indicator. As some of you have mentioned (Michael G) lube is critcal. Lube often. I think after a ride is the best time, that gives the lube time to set up and minimizes spatter when you do start riding. Spray it down, work it in and then wipe it down. The stuff that matters is what seeps inside - the outter surfaces just need a film and unless you use a solvent, you're not going to wipe the protective film away. Too much is just gonna splatter all over as you ride, and attract dirt and grit (abrasive). For what it's worth; my favored lube is Pro Gold in a 16oz. spritzer bottle.
Good morning, all: 22 degrees and styrofoaming with a vengeance when I departed the hacienda this morning. FUN RIDE!!! Streets just barely starting to get slick so had to be careful at intersections, but a really enjoyable ride otherwise. After getting home yesterday I flooded my chain and touched-up the other drive train pivot points with White LIghtning Epic lube. Rode much, much better this morning. Can't wait till the Holiday break to give 'er a good, proper overhaul.
22 lbs for my road bike. 31 for my mountain bike and a 60t big ring to boot. I looove the hills.
Actually you do get styrofoam coating south of the Mason Dixon line. They have Ski resorts south of that line. The line separates PA and MD. Surveyed in colonial times by the Kings Royal Survey Team.
pcr that's a lot of styrofoam on the ground. Wow. looks pretty boring
For 2013, I was a whole herd of social butterflies, coming in at 92.8%, which is unheard of for me. (It would have been 83% if my bike trip had happened.)
Nice pic, @CR.
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Easiest way for me to lighten my bike (1998 Giant Boulder, steel frame animal) would be to cut back on my baked goods, red meat and scotch habits. Yeah, right!
You just don't get cycling like this south of the Mason Dixon Line... As for the weight discussion, this being a family-oriented site, I will tastefully decline to post my usual suggestion thereby "eliminating" any chance of ridicule.
@ Brad ( Nearly Normal ?) Waldock, I ride to slow to group ride and in last on every ride unless someone breaks down. @ CB A least your road is clear, my street is still s packed.
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1509049_10201475401820886_1723869395_n.jpg
Peter and et al, that's riding with people too much for me. Also, my bike was chosen for frame geometry, components and wheels and that the cyclocross bike might hold up to the Belgian Draft Horse pounding that I put it through. That it was light turned out to be the bonus not the goal. I will finish a round of chain testing soon and just started testing a new (for me) tire. So far, there are no stretch proof chains, most are not even resistant.
Peter I ride alone 97.2% of the time; you should be more of a social buttrerfly like me ;-))
The last time I weighed my bike with all the unused tubes, spare parts, tools, slide-in trunk and Camel Back backpack with water bladder = about a light 45 lbs. I ride alone 97.9 % of the time.
@Brad, nothing wrong with being a Weight Weenie. Back in my backpacking days, I preached it like a Minister on steroids. You know, cut the handle off your toothbrush then drill holes in what's left. An ounce in the morning is a pound at night.
Will do, @Marty. Thanks for the tip! Your city workers are like our Public Works crews; salt (to them) is cheap, so they spread it like frosting on a cake.
17# is pretty impressive Hugh. I get yelled at all the time to stop being such a weight weinie, yet my carbon everything road bike comes in at 20#. But 2 years later what still impresses me the most is that my friends 'wrought iron' bike (steel Waterford) also comes in at 20#!!! Doesn't that just mess with all your preconceptions.
@Michael - Get yourself a bottle of CorrosionX, and spray it on everything on your bike, including the spoke nipples, to keep them from seizing up. I did it the start of last March, and went through a month of the 3 S's, s($>, slush, and salt, and have not had to relube it yet. And in Milwaukee, they area city workers don't think of salt as a condiment, but more like an all-you-can-eat buffet for the roads. Most bike shops don't have it, so you will have to get it online. I bought the 16 oz pump spay version, and that will be enough to last me at least 20 years, spraying my bikes, car parts, locks, etc... It was designed for saltwater marine use, and is safe for electronics. (One video show them spraying the back end of an oscillating room fan while it is running and with the cover off.)
My road bike isn't that light. My Allez weighs 23lbs in current form, the TriCross is 29. Both weighed via a luggage scale while suspended from front wheel. The tires alone on my TriCross weigh about 3.25lbs (for the pair) according to the manufacturer's website. I'm not sure how much the rack on the back weighs, but it makes the back end feel pretty heavy. I really don't notice the weight, most of the extra work seems to be trying to breathe through the ninja mask.
Remember that non-moving deraulleur thread we had a few weeks ago? Guess who had the same thing this morning. 16 degrees at the yurt this morning, and I know there was moisture on it from riding home yesterday. Took 2-3 blocks for it to give, but it finally broke free and worked fine. Lots of ice on the roads,both black and block; had to pick my lines carefully and take turns slowly, but all worked out OK. MLW again gave me grief for riding in today; I'm embracing these challenges head-on. Besides, it WAS pretty with the white decorations on the bushes and trees.
@Jerry - Try one of the bike co-ops in the area. I don't know exactly where you are, but communitycycles.org says Colorado has 6; 3 in Denver, 1 in Boulder, and 1 in Golden. There may be others. I looked at that site a few months back and saw they had nothing listed for Nebraska. They've updated since I sent them info about Lincoln & Omaha. I just noticed that they have nothing listed for Kansas, and I'm pretty sure last year's NBC winner talked about volunteering at one in Topeka. Good for you, good for your community! (Disclaimer: I've been a huge fan of bike co-ops since I got involved in running the one here.)
I don't mind either hot or cold, but at least with cold I can always put more on. In heat, there's only so much I can remove before it gets really embarrassing (if not illegal). I just came in from digging-out six different neighbors' cars/parking spots. Full-body workout, ranks up there with @Karen-Jeans swimming. Gonna be dangerous riding in tomorrow morning; all this slop got soft and mushy this afternoon, but they want lows in the low 20's tonight. Gonna freeze solid.
NinJa Ray ride on man. My cyclocross bike weighs 17#, just how light is your road bike?
JerryB I understand the finances part, that's why the pawn Or you should check to see what the university students are unloading at the end of term. Around here you can get some pretty sweet beaters that could be put into service.
@j. Hugh. I only started riding seriously just over two years ago. I had a Trek Hybrid which I never rode for 1 1/2 years after I bought my road bike. So I ended up selling it. I wish I had not sold it now. I would like to get another bike for winter riding. It is a matter of finances, especially with this years medical bills. Plus trying to find a bike on Craig's List that I like.
Nothing wrong with a little snow and cold, I enjoy being able to ride without eating bugs (they are all frozen) or having to worry about sunblock (no exposed skin) It is also nice having trails almost to myself. And night riding can be fun when the trail is clear, but the sides are snow covered, with enough moonlight, you don't even need a headlight. Plus, my cross bike weighs 25% more than my road bike and all the extra weight of the cold weather gear means I'm getting a much better workout and will (hopefully) be much faster in the spring. And the best part? All my winter gear is black, so I get to pretend I'm a bike riding ninja :D
JB I find it hard to think of you as a one bike kinda guy. Another storm headed your way so just think about it. What about a used or pawned bike that you could elevate to the s&*# and ick scene. You could put moonlander tires on the right fat frame.
I wish I had a fat tire bike so I could be out riding in the snow. My bike shop said I should have one. But for some reason they wanted me to pay for it.
I am starting to see asphalt today. Tiny sections are poking through the white stuff.
66 when I left for 51 miles wind from mostly the south 80 when I arrived home for lunch. I don't care anymore! I have decided to join Leonard an rub it in. Oh! look new winter storm on the way, gosh our high here will only be 70, I wonder if I should use my cooling armorall or a regular jersey.
@Jerry, I have an actual written 'bucket list', and skydiving is #1 in line. Much to MLW's dismay. At terminal velocity I would think that water--in any state--would sting.
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The comments I've been getting from coworkers today have been priceless. "Did you ride your bike today? Really? Nah, c'mon, you can't be serious? You're nuts!" My replies have all been the same: "It was fun, and I got here faster than most of you stuck in traffic in your cars!"
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I decided on the Nokian Mount and Ground W160's. On their way!
We hate you Florida.
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http://tinyurl.com/ptllawa
When I used to skydive, which I still miss, when we jumped in crystallized rain or regular rain, it was not completely overcast. So we were able to see the dropzone. The interested thing about jumping in rain, is the visual effect. It appears as if you are at the top of a funnel. The rain starts as a point and appears to funnel out as you are falling. And rain stings at 120mph. And crystallized rain really stings.
@Jerry - Thanks for the video links. For anyone clicking on Jerry's Dear Motorist link from 2 hours ago, there are other videos on the right side of the page. One is of a cyclist facing backward on his bike going down a switchbacked mountain road at speeds up to 50 mph. I don't think I'll try that.
@Jerry, my lovely wife used a bunch of non-printable sentence enhancers this morning when I finally convinced her that I WAS riding to work in the blizzard. Skydiving? I'd love, love, love to, but don't think I'd get spousal support. How'd you spot your LZ in the crystallized rain?
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Nice video. Some people have way too much free time on their hands!
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@CR, you're forgiven. We all slip-up once in a while. JUST LIKE I DID IN THE S%&$ THIS MORNING!!!! HA!
@Michael. You should try skydiving in crystallized rain.
I guess I need to improve my bike handling skills.
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http://tinyurl.com/q9orss6
Photobucket.com for photos.
@MG, Facebook. Sorry for the mention of the s word.
For those of you who upload/share photos, what services do you use? I don't (and probably will never) do Facebook, so that's out of the question. I'd like to share some of my pics but need a simple way to upload them without being blasted by advertisements or spam. Comments and criticisms welcome.
Looking out the window, it's actually very pretty ouside now. Looking out over the city rooftops and City Park, the white stuff is sticking to everything. A veritable Winter Wonderland.
Aww...
@MG, no worries. My road bikes do not do snow.
http://www.bicyclemovies.com/dear-motorist/
In three winters of commuting, this is the first time I've had to ride in actual crystallized rain. Other than a single incident (see prior comment), it was FUN! Of course, some lessons learned and challenges to be overcome:
--Sticky s&^# sticks to the eyeglasses; need to have a wipe handy;
--Sticky s*%^ also sticks to the headlight; need to clean often;
--Low gears and slow speed are my friend;
--If I go clipless at some point, save the old platorm pedals for winter. Did foot-down stops lots of times at intersections. Always assume the other guy isn't going to stop;
--Be careful putting the foot down. Feet slide just as easily as tires do!
@Peter, that sounds like overkill for me. Except for today, of course. S@*$ing like a klondike storm and ice is forming under the white covering. Made it most of the way into work; hit a crown in the road and my tires just side-slid out from under me. Going slow, so the only injury was to my ego. Of course, the only person I passed the entire ride was 10 feet from me when it happened. My Nokian W106's WILL be ordered later today! Stay safe, all. @CR, STAY HOME!!!!!
JB Does your local government hate bicyclists? Maybe they should have to bicycle one day a week, like Monday's because most people don't like that day anyway. Ride & Smile for Life is Good. Good luck to all riders out there.
They opened up the three highways to Estes Park to bicycles. Of course they waited until they are snow covered to do it.
I used new knobby tires, 1.95 x 26 on front, 2.1 x 26 on rear. You can use used tires to save money. I used 8-32 nuts and Truss bolts because they have a larger head. Drill with 3/16 drill and drilled out a nut for a guide. Placed the guide between knobs and drill. I used 83 bolts per tire but you can use less. You need a rubber strip for between tube and bolts to protect the tube. Bolts were 3/16 long.
Homemade studded tires? Do tell...
My ride this afternoon on Ezzy my bike with homemade studded tires on snow packed streets. Temp was 16° and west wind of 27 mph making wind chill about -4°. I was dressed warm enough that made the ride enjoyable.
Will do, @CR. Have to stay till 5, so it's gonna be foggy AND dark. Good times!
@JB, they did say they were sorry. No charges of course.
@MG, got in 20 FOGGY miles. Be safe on the way home.
Bicyclist Struck And Killed By Sheriff’s Patrol Car In Calabasas
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http://tinyurl.com/mkcom3d
Wait for it.
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http://tinyurl.com/lbumofp
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/
Highlands Bikefest pictures.
Two inches of white misery last night followed by freezing rain overnight. Public Works crew did a bang-up job overnight, roads mostly just wet. Had a few dicey spots in the one alley I use to avoid a very busy street, but made it. I'm looking out the window now and see an accident at an intersection I rode through about 20 minutes ago. Now they're calling for another 2-4 tomorrow. Stay safe all. @CR, watch the slushy spots!
Hoping the crystallized water will be off the streets by Thursday so I can ride again. Indoor exercise is no fun.
181 great miles over three fabulous Days at the Highlands Bike Fest in Sebring Fl. Had the great honor of meeting Charlie Byrne, Daniel M. and the fabulous Leonard (I brag about the weather in Florida) Wright. Great food, riders of all ages, the young kids and families were great to see, and all those terrific people who put on this annual event of great riding and fellowship. Special thanks to all the Highlands Bike Club members who made it all possible.
Let's hope it changes to liquid by tomorrow morning. I don't have my winter tires yet and I really dislike taking the bus.
32 more miles ahead of a weather event that could include the crystallized version of water. Pretty nippy!
High around 35 with a brisk wind to keep you awake. Got in a good 30 mile ride. To me, it's never about the weather; it's always about the bike.
@Mike, J. Hugh is a better person than I am. I love to rub it in when it comes to south-central Florida weather. :-)
Overnight low in Sebring was in the mid-60 with a daytime high in the mid-80's. Bright and sunny day - typical winter weather for this time of year.
Only went 5 miles, was 3 degrees. Way over dressed and of course the dog didn't mind a bit. Enjoy the FL weather J.Hugh
Mike Roth first wow! Second your dog does not mind because he/she is with you. Third my Florida dogs would mind. Bon ton Roule! another great day at Bikefest in Sebring Florida, I won't tell you about the weather, but it does appear that all the good weather has come to Florida for the winter.
-1 right now... thinking about taking the dog for a ride through the woods to try out another layer of cold weather gear. Rode at 7 degrees yesterday and was comfortable, I think another 8 degrees colder will add another layer of gear and require goggles. Somehow the dog doesn't care!
@Paul & @Gene - I had predicted that we'd make it by September 113th, but especially with weather fronts like a good portion of the country is now getting, it will be tough to make it by Sept. 116th (Christmas). But, we just have to make it by Sept. 122nd. I'm not helping much either, with the weather we have in WI, and me being such a wimp.
@PJ If we average 7000 miles daily for the rest of the year, we will get to 20M and we seem to be doing that so far in Dec. I believe we will get there.
Lots of folks riding down here in Sebring, Fl at Highland Bikefest. Expecting even more riders for the Sat and Sun rides. Wish they all were NBC riders. Maybe we need to realize that the people who log miles represent certain segments of the cycling community and our miles totals are representative of the 100's of millions of miles that people actually are riding. forgot my cables for uploads so I'll catch up when I get back, Bon ton roule!
@PJ Here in Atlanta Georgia we are still riding strong. I just logged 15 miles and outside right now is overcast and 74 degrees.
Hard to beleve the midwest is under a blanket of snow and ice.
@CR, you ROCK! Glad you're safe; it was pea soup here all day yesterday. Did my regular commute in the rain today plus a few additional miles to the post office. I agree, life IS Good.
A question...do you think we will get to 20 million by the end of the year? The pace has really slowed, but I can relate to why...we're at about 10 degrees with a wind chill at about -2, and that is about our high here in northeast WI. I am afraid my contributions will be in rather small increments of 1 to 4 miles. Maybe our southern colleagues can pick it up over the holiday break times! Regardless, I am still cautiously optimistic.
@MG, logged 30 foggy miles yesterday and 30 more rainy miles today. Life is good.
@Roberto, were you out in that fog yesterday? For your safety, I hope not!
@Jerry, bummer about the derailleur. At least you caught the recall before it caught you.
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Nice ride in this morning. 50 degrees, dark, rain shower. Cool enough that being dressed for rain still didn't overheat me, and it was nice and quiet outside. At least the breeze was at my back (yes, Jerry, they DO exist!) so my glasses stayed dry. Unfortunately, the cold front is moving through now so this afternoon's showers will turn to rain, and the backside breeze will be a full-blown headwind. Temps already starting to drop, maybe some of that frozen stuff tonight. And I get to sit through a high school football game tomorrow!
@Ray. Glad you ride defensely and missed the idiot in the car.
The only bike I own is my road bike. I wish I had a hybrid or a mountain bike now.
And even if the weather was good I can't ride my bike for a week. My rear derailleur has been recalled. It will take a week to get a new one. At least I picked a good week to not have my bicycle.
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http://tinyurl.com/meeh5qz
I don't know about your town, Jerry, but here in Ohio, they salt if it might snow, and then salt even more if it does. Thus, my fancy road bike will remain hanging in the basement for the time being. With snow like in your picture, that just means the trails will be mostly deserted. With the warm weather we had here last night, I had to share the trail with a few other people, which would have been okay if they were considerate people that dimmed or redirected their headlights. At one point, there was a pair of cyclists riding side by side, both with crazy bright lights, from a distance I thought there was a car on the trail. They did go single file, but I was still blinded for a bit. Neither one had a tail light, but their headlights were so bright, it didn't matter, they were very visible from the rear. With sub freezing temps and snow in the forecast, I will probably have things to myself this weekend.
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As I was making a right turn onto the street before mine last night on the way home, an oncoming car turned left, luckily my tires gripped well enough on the wet pavement and I avoided slamming into the side of him, or worse, sliding under him. I had reflective stuff on, a Serfas Thunderbolt headlight on bright flash and a headlight on my helmet so I was plenty visible. He either wasn't paying attention, or figured that since we were both turning onto the same street it would be okay. It almost wasn't.
Farenheit.
Farenhiet or Celsius ;-)
It has warmed up to
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-6.
A Bee Stung My Boob! But Wait There is More!
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http://tinyurl.com/l3sn6r8
I know time travel will never be possible. If it was the instructions I left for my descendents would have brought them back and let me travel to summer during the winter months.
JB,
IF you are going to use the "S" word then you better believe I will "Keep rubbing it in".
BTW, Thanks for posting the picture, it helps remind me of why I moved to Florida after spending nearly 50 years shoving that sh%#.
@Jerry, get some studded tires. However, extended forecast has the temperatures rising.
I got out for 35 miles on a mild 50's type day. I don't long for anything, but rather try to enjoy where I am. After all, any weather on my bike is better than looking out the window.
@Leonard. Keep rubbing it in.
Opps. Sorry. I said the S word.
@Michael. That is my Cannondale. Too bad I can't ride it for a few days.
The bad thing about this snow is that it is going to stay cold. Normally when it snows it warms up and the snow is melted in 1-2 days. This snow will be here a while.
J. Hugh,
We'll be watching for you It was 82 earlier this afternoon. Light winds forecast for the weekend with temps in the low to mid-80's. Should be a great weekend for the rides.
Jerry B I'm not telling you about my ride today. But before I went i checked you weather and it was 7 degree and the radar was a dark blue (s*&^) and just now it was 11-16 at various points in your zip code with 5-10 inches of dark blue. I think this is what you expected this winter. Off to Sebring, Fl tomorrow for three days of riding in the land of Leonard W, David M, Billy Glades and all my other Sebring Endo friends.
@Jerry, I can't believe that you don't have s@$& tires for the Cannondale (assuming that's yours).
It happened again.
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http://tinyurl.com/n4h6ctp
@Jerry - Nice pics, but I have to stop looking at things like that. (Why is UPS ok to go on that road???? Do they have flying trucks now?) They just make me wonder, "Why am I stuck in this *$%#^#*@ cube??" As for The Tailwind... I don't think it exists.
Freezing rain in Lincoln today, so absolutely no riding for me.
HI all, finally got out for a ride again today. The temps were in the mid-50s but when the wind was blowing it felt a lot colder. It was also a little cloudy. But the good news is that none of this stopped at least a half dozen other people from gettng out and riding too. Under 200,000 left to go!!
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PS, Michael, I was laughing with you.
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@ PP, nice work on speaking to the speeder. I was doing 25 in a 25 zone today and got passed up. Later in my ride I got honked at, but I couldn't figure out why so I just ignored it.
They just want to get their money's worth outta that 'Free Delivery Before Christmas' offer! Otherwise, nice pics; wish I was there!
Someone must NOT like like UPS.
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This is at the end of Old St. Vrain Road in Lyons, CO.
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http://tinyurl.com/l82wu7g
I knew it was coming. I just hoped to beat it home. But I have been really good at finding headwinds this year. I don't think I will be able to ride the rest of the week. That S stuff is supposed to be here tonight. And very cold temps the rest of the week.
Just checked and the front is just north of you and closing in fast. Front is at Loveland sports park moving toward you. L is southeast of you at Brighton. The L probably caused the sudden wind shift. It is heading east south east.
Jerry B Cold Front past you and it was a dry one so you felt the wind shift and temp drop. You did nothing wrong, but you can check the weather and use a local map with a front indicator like weather underground. It can show you local reporting stations.
@Jerry, you're riding the wrong way at the wrong time! Gotta check the weather gauges and plan your rides for all tailwind times (attempt at humorous sarcasm here). I keep telling my kid, "you got a smart phone, use it to get smart!" C'mon, laugh with me here...
What am I doing wrong? I rode out to Lyons with a strong headwind. Really looking forward to a fast ride home. On the way home I was about a mile out of Lyons just booking along when the wind shifted 180 degrees and about stopped me in my tracks with a big gust. Then the wind slowly shifted out of the north during the rest of the ride home. It was 10 degrees colder when I got home than when I left. And it is still getting colder.
@JH - not only is slowing down safer for EVERYONE, but it also improves the gas mileage for those who feel it necessary to commute by car. Miami has wonderful year-round cycling weather but the roads and drivers make it a risky venture and helps make Florida the most dangerous state for cycling. What's up with that!
Rode 44 today. Saw lots of cars topped with xmas trees. Nice day for a 12/1 ride in N IL...mid 30's, sunny and dry, N winds < 10 mph and courteous drivers.
Another wonderful day for a ride. Temps in the mid 50's. Not bad! 18 miles and now time to go to work. I wish work would just stay out of the way. Hope everyone is doing well.
@Burklee, nice job on the low mileage year!
Hello everyone.. hope you survived your Turkey comas! I actually went out for a nice 19 mile ride after I let the turkey settle a while. Glad I did because after over 24 hours I still don't feel like eating!!! I have discovered that I can actually ride in 45 degree temps, the trick is DON'T STOP! Burrr! That was on wednesday, thursday was in the 50's, a beautiful day for riding off that indulgence. I went 6 days without riding due to the massive ice storm that hit us this past week. I spent more time just trying to get into my car each day getting to and from work! It added over 3 hours to my work day. I was completely exhausted all week and the roads were impossible. That was friday through monday. I think I have already had enough of winter.. bring on spring.
@PP, I had a similar experience today. I find that when I can keep my cool long enough to not want to strangle the offender, I can often reason and perhaps even educate the individual. Nice job, glad you're not injured.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/20/world/europe/london-cyclist-fatalities-bring-calls-for-truck-limits.html
It would be interesting to know why Paris has such a good record?
PP great story. I do know that most drivers, in Florida, are going 10 mph above the speed limit. The FHP did a slow down campaign yesterday and was criticized for writing tickets on thanksgiving. They only wrote those going 70mph in a 50 zone or higher. There were several tickets for going 100 mph in a 50. So, just know that 10 mph over is almost built into driving in most areas.
Got to have a little chat with a driver today. Two lane stretch of road. No shoulder. Speed limit 25.
I was doing 26, 27 mph consistently. I'm in the driver side tire track. I get passed with horn blaring.
Catch up to driver at stop sign. Inform her of the speed limit and that I was not holder up in any way and the horn was quite rude and offensive.
She goes on to say I shouldn't be in the road. I inform her that that is the safest place for me to be under those conditions, and my best place to be seen. She responds with "Well, I'm just worried that you could get hurt'.
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Really?!
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(80 pt bold font: REALLY?!?!
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My response: "Then how about NOT SPEEDING? If I was in a car would you have tried to pass me at the speed I was traveling?"
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"I'm really sorry", she said.
That part of the conversation, my parts were all pretty heated. Her apology seemed sincere. I calmed down and explained to her nicely the rules and principles of safe riding, safe driving and "share the road". We parted ways with a smile, and hopefully a proper understanding of each other's views.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!
Having a wonderful Thanksgiving because of family and friends.
Back at you, @CR and @Jerry, and best wishes to everybody here!
Have a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.
HAPPY CYCLING THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!
J. Hugh - I did see the video before I posted. It is one thing to go 102 mph on a set of rollers, with the fork locked in place, and it would be an entirely different animal trying to achieve that same speed while 6 inches behind a bumper cranking as fast as you can, wobbling back and forth, and then losing a little distance, (and the safety of the hood), and even partially catching a 90 or greater mph wind. If the gearing were different, the rider could be more in control, and would have a greater chance of surviving. (Not to mention the non-ideal pavement on the old runway.)
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and have safe travels, 2 or more wheels.
@PP: & Rick: Your tips on topping off are spot on! I know it’s important but when I get home from work “all I want to do is ride baby ride.” I’ll just have slow down and make time to check pressure before peddling off to adventure …. Especially since it only takes a couple of minutes!
@J Hugh: I couldn’t find much info on nitrogen in bike tires either. Thanks for your scholarly attempt/support. Good points on rider weight, tire pressure and road conditions.
My theory is very simple. Nitrogen MAY offer a smoother ride with less “topping off.” But that remains to be seen. Thanks again to all who replied to this inquiry.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!
Watch this video. http://www.donhoubicycles.com/
Follow-up - I know the article said the front gear was 105, but 104 is stamped in two places right on the gear, and that and 13 for the back is reported in the video.
@J. Hugh - The bike builder is a little delusional if he thinks his bike will be able to safely go 100 mph. He either needs to make a larger chainring in the front (and that is limited by the distance to the ground - maybe up to 120 or 125, or he needs to make the gear in the back smaller, or do a combination of both of them.)
Normal cycling cadence is 90 rpm. At 90 rpm, with his 104/13 set-up, (an 8:1 gear ratio), the bike speed would be just under 58 mph. The rider would have to pedal at 156 rpm in order to acheive 100 mph. I think anything over 120 or 130 rpm, and it is very difficult to keep the bike stable, even for a short time.
If he decreased the back gearing down to 10, he could achieve 100 mph with 120 rpm, (although the smaller the gear, the more friction there is).
With 125/12 gearing, (a 10.4:1 gear ratio), he could get there at 120 rpm.
@Burklee, really, really big fenders!
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57580273-1/fast-fixie-bicycle-with-giant-chainring-aims-for-100-mph/
see if this link works
news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57580273-1/fast-fixie-bicycle-with-giant-chainring-aims-for-100-mph/
from the same country as Monty Pythons Flying Circus. by the way next episode is July 1st live in London.
@Michael G - Fat tires and manure... You'd want some really big fenders for that.
@J. Hugh
Sand and snow, yes the FatBike works the same.... Float.. Float..
Ones warm....... And one is below freezing, but pedal away!!
Joe Sacco that looks great, bet it would work in the sun on the beach, too.
Rick Gilbert, from what I read on tire inflation research, mostly swedish and german, a loss of 5% of the inflation pressure has an effect of RR and on wear.
pcyclingR and We are so glad that you have those conditions and wish you lots of ice, snow and really cold weather, more evidence that exposure to ice, cold and snow can effect mental health is available through google.
Thanks for clarifying, @CR. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't something I'd have to shovel (and I don't mean manure...)
@MG, no, it is crystallized sunshine.
I'm guessing that white stuff falling from the sky isn't Manna from Heaven....
25 miles in 40 degree temps with freezing rain. Bet you don't get excellent conditions like this in FL.
@JW - no risk of any reaction between CO2 and N2 at bike tires and pressures. N2 is used as an "inerting" gas in welding and in some flammables tanks.
And I agree with J Hugh that maintaining correct pressure is key to tire wear and bike handling. The lower the tire pressure is to begin with (think Cruiser tires), the less of an issue it is. At 85 psi & higher -- an arbitrary starting point, but it's where my road/commuter tires run), 5-10 psi drop can happen in a day. I try to top up my tires at least every other day -- every day when I can fit it in. It really is only a couple of minutes with a floor pump. I just have to have the bike and floor pump together when I have a couple of minutes.
Why FatBikes could be for you!
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/why-fat-bikes-could-be-for-you
We put less than 2,000 miles on our van this year. That includes an out-of-the-ordinary 4 trips to Kansas, all grandbaby related. I used my bike as often as I could this year. I'm calling that a win!
From reading about nitrogen one can see that one of the chief benefits is that it stops the corrosion of the steel cords in car/truck tires. The main job of tires is to carry the load of the vehicle, and that means that what is really important is that you have the right inflation for the weight of the vehicle. There are, also, articles about optimizing inflation for the rider and bicycle combinations. It would seem that inflation should be related to the weight of the b/r combination and since corrosion is not an chief concern nitrogen may not offer any improvement. Not much science on nitrogen and bicycle tires to show any positive effects. I would also agree with PP that rider weight, road conditions and attention to inflation are very important to tire wear.
I don't think N2 and CO2 would cause a problem, other than just diluting the N2 (and any supposed benefit), but then, I'm no rocket surgeon, so my advice is to be taken at your own risk.
I notice I get more leakage when I don't ride than when I do. I check my tires before every ride. Even 5 pounds can make a difference (700x25). It takes less than 3 minutes to top off both tires. And considering the air from the pump is already 78% nitrogen, is pure N2 really worth the hassle and expense for a bike tire? I don't bother with my truck tires either as I average only 350 miles/month. And when they do need air, I use my bike pump to fill them. The coin-op and even free compressors at the service stations here have a ridiculous amount of water in them.
I seem to be averaging 1500 miles out of my back tires, and I am replacing my front tire for the first time tomorrow-approx 4000 miles. But we have terrible roads here, and I am over 200 lbs. That's not a tire friendly combination.
As for CO2, it's great for when you get a flat. I carry two cylinders on every ride, and if I do have to use it, I bleed and refill my tires with real air when I get home. I've had CO2 filled tires go flat overnight.,
@Leonard: Thanks for the feedback. You’ve gained impressive mileage with your tires! After two years on a mountain bike I just got a new road bike last month and current tires seem just fine. But I’m just not thrilled about real/potential air leakage from my tires. So N2 at first glance seems to be a possible solution.
@Rick: I like your points about refilling N2! Never considered I might need to top on the fly! My car tire dealer will fill all my bike tires at little to no cost but I didn’t plan on having the capability to add N2 myself at home (or) on a ride. I would just top it off with air at home. BUT on the road that’s another question. How would N2 and CO2 react combined at the high pressure required? Could this cause an explosion?
@MG: You were wise and this might just be a “can of worms.” But this is exactly why I asked this forum for thoughts.
Great points all.
@MG, thanks! I'm posting on Facebook. The camera is the one on my Samsung Galaxy S4. Great, huh? My son is an EE with AT&T so I get the family discount!
@CR, what photo sharing site are you using, and what camera as well? Really nice, clear pics.
Nice pics, @CR. Thanks for sharing.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1441309_10201250248512194_2021188931_n.jpg
Colorless swamps...
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1395211_10201225779540485_1450211387_n.jpg
Boring, flat...
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1452518_10201225780100499_1566643028_n.jpg
Yep, pan flat, that's PA...
Michael No apology needed. Just keep that gator from gnawing on you when you wear him.
@JW, I too have been using nitrogen in my car tires for years and feel the expense/extra trouble is well worth the effort. HOWEVER, as far as bicycle tires go I decided against trying to use it. If you want to have a bike tire that doesn't need to be "pumped up" more than once a month try using a "thorn resistant" tube. I went to those four years ago and find I only need to add air about once every month or two. An added bonus, I haven't had a flat tire in 2 1/2 years!!!! (Almost 40,000 miles). I also feel the "heavier" tubes allow me to achieve 15,000+ miles from my front tire and 5,000+ from the rear.
Hey, Hugh, I was only tossing some light-hearted sarcasm your way. In no way was I trying to offend, please don't take it that way. Every part of our great country has aspects that some folks embrace while others eschew. In my prior life I was a scoutmaster. We backpacked year-round, regardless of the weather. I prefer cold to heat, that's all. As for scenery, I've been to Florida and enjoyed it greatly. However, my heart still lies in CO/NM, even Thoth I'm a lifelong PA brat. I like my mountains BIG! Accept my apologies if I offended.
Also, do you really think we don't have amazing bird and animal life in Florida? Once again just proves the point.
Posting more myths about Florida is very funny. It proves my point. that trail looks pan flat and right by a swamp.
You go, 'Berto!
I've got N2 in the car tires (courtesy of Costco), but I'm just not buying a special gas cylinder to air up something as fragile as a bike tire. Even though I have had few flats, I wouldn't pay much for any tiny performance boost from nitrogen, given the risk that it could all bleed off in a matter of seconds, courtesy of a glass fragment. Auto tires are a bit more robust. The leakage rate through a tubeless tire carcass should be less than through a road tube, and the driving forces are less -- 30 psi auto vs 85-100+ bike. Finally the low volume of the bike tire means that even a little leakage is more likely to be significant than for a car tire. Now if O2 escapes more readily than N2, then I figure that my bike tires get at least some "nitrogen enriched" between flats or tire changes.
I know from experience that tire tubes leak CO2 like crazy. Fortunately, I had been warned of that (on this list?) before I put my first CO2 cylinder to the test in the garage this year. I'd been totin' a CO2 kit in my bag for 3 years without having actually tried it out. Tried one while remounting some tires for winter and, sure enough, 2-3 days later that tire was flat. As planned, the experience in the garage came in handy late last month when I had a flat on the way to a ride. Popping a CO2 cartridge is preferable to using the mini-pump (which I carry as a backup). Got home and replaced the CO2 with N2 rich, ambient air from my floor pump.
@Wrong Hat, so we shouldn't build bikeways because in some areas they might need resurfacing in 10 years? Not completely "redone," but even so, not a bad return on investment, I'd say... as opposed to having cyclists run over.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1456767_10201377476252808_2126782276_n.jpg
Or this... hundreds on migrating gulls on a shoal in the Lehigh River, Bethlehem, PA. Today, 21 hard-fought, grueling, soggy, cold, rainy miles. Saw absolutely NOBODY (which I'm sure isn't the case in Flatorida), and it was grand.
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1474654_10201377475732795_169973945_n.jpg
Nothing like this down south. To each his own. I'm glad I don't have to put up with living in pan-flat, boring, all looks the same territory, wherever that might be.
@J.Hugh, BURN BABY BURN !!!!
We do not have the same weather all the time in Florida. This is another myth caused by exposure to cold and ice. When people are exposed to insane conditions they must explain it to seem rational. Hence scenes like riding home in 34 degree freeszing rain and then fleeing indoors and standing in the warm saying how great their ride was. Really? So when its 70 and sunny you stay in and wait for those perfect freezing ass days? No you rejoice!
@J. Hugh, your same-all-the-time, boring weather gets old. I get to ride home in a 34 degree rain. Can't wait; you should try it some time. You can keep the helium in your tires; I want it in my water bottle (he types with squeaky voice!)
the hell with nitrogen in my tires, i want Helium.
Gators here in Florida do not want to be put around the neck, and I don't want even a little one around my neck. As to pulling the gator up over you face that seems to stretch the animal and might lead to getting gnawed on by the gator. I'm not sure while people up north want to use gators this way, but I'm not sure why people are up north anyway. Another Florida fall day, we are suffering with you. i'm out of sunblock.
Cycling Roberto: Bikeways do not last infefinitelty with minor maintenance. It's not the bikes that impact the trailways, it's the weather and tree roots. In New Mesico after ten years the trails are so buckled and filled with seams that they need to be redone.
MG Thanks for you summation & comments! I saw lots of crazy online posts on the subject… but not many from cyclists who had actually tried nitrogen in their bike tires. We’ve used nitrogen in family cars over the last four years or so and agree on two things …. 1) nitrogen produces a much smoother ride and 2) nitrogen maintains the tire pressure far better than “air.” Both traits would make my cycling more comfortable IMHO. I admire the expertise on this board and would appreciate opinions from any with such experience.
http://www.wanderlustbiker.com/nitrogen-in-tyres-advantages-and-disadvantages/
@JW, do you have any idea about the 'can of worms' you may be opening here? I foresee lots of opinions. Since you asked, here's mine:
Experience: Only the floor pump I used this morning using a mixture of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and trace gases. You know, the atmosphere.
Supposed facts:
--Airlines and race cars use nitrogen because it doesn't expand/contract with extreme changes in temperature. The only time you'll experience temps like that would be if you lay on the brakes (rims, not disk) all the way down from Pikes Peak to Manitou Springs, CO. I doubt you'll see that in GA.
--Pure nitrogen carries less water vapor. Agreed. But does that matter in bike tires?
--Oxygen causes deterioration of rubber compounds faster than nitrogen. Agreed. But, thats assuming you're purchasing pure N2 and not nitrous oxide (which is more readily available but tends to be more reactive).
--Nitrogen molecules are larger so the tire deflates much slower over time. True, but will the higher cost be worth a little less pumping?
I can't wait to see others chime in. Hope this helps.
Anyone have experiences (pro or con) inflating bicycle tires with nitrogen?
Thanks for the chuckle, @CR. I needed that!
@MG, like many things in life, neck gators might loose their form with age. Get yourself one with some life in it. Mine stays up nicely. Gator that is...
Good morning, all:
My elevator discussion this morning, with a person from another department that I know only casually from seeing them in the elevator:
"Did you ride your bike in this morning?"
"Yes I did."
"Isn't it cold out there?"
"I've heard rumors to that effect."
"Aren't they calling for snow, sleet and heavy rain later?"
"I've heard those rumors, too."
"But won't you get wet?"
"I'm dressed for it, no problem."
"Wow, uhhh, OK."
Oh, these poor, unbelieving souls.
.
@CR, tried my neck gaiter this morning like you suggested. Unfortunately, it's nothing more than a very loose cowl, so it wouldn't stay put. Thanks for the idea, however.
@MG, agreed that the guy who almost hit you was a jerk. Again, glad you're not injured. This really highlights the fact that we absolutely need separate bikeways free of motorists entirely. Why do all the roads have to be built for cars? Bikes have little to no impact on the roads they travel, so a bikeway would last indefinitely with minor maintenance.
@CR, I generally follow your philosophy. In this case, however, both cars had glare on the windshields and darkened side windows. I had no idea if they saw me since I couldn't really see inside their cars. In his case I'd rather be polite and let them go, that way we all knew what each other was doing. The driver that almost hit me, after I let the previous two go, was just being a jerk, plain and simple.
@MG, I NEVER wave cars through. If the two cars in your case both saw you, you should proceed ahead of them, thereby guaranteeing that you have a clear intersection to cross. I've experienced what you had happen to you while in the middle of crossing. Glad nothing else happened.
Oh, and to clarify, my headlight was flashing and I was dressed exactly as you see in my profile picture. "I didn't see you" would not have been an acceptable excuse on his part.
I almost became a statistic on the way home. Was stopped (foot down) at a 4-way intersection. I waved the two opposing cars (on my right and left) through the intersection, they showed their appreciation. I then proceeded through as it was my turn. The second car in line on my right decided that he didn't need to stop again since he was stopped behind the vehicle that was in front of him. Thankfully he heard my exceptionally loud "YEEOOOOOO!", about 4 feet from contact. At least it would have been a slow-speed impact and there were plenty of witnesses.
Way to go on 30 miles, today. Not exactly the heat of summer that you thrive on. You're an animal!
@CR, nonstop is the difference between you and me. Every stop sign/red light I encounter is when the fogging occurs. While in motion, no problem. Remember, my daily commute is downtown/urban, so lots of stopping (gotta make sure the other knuckleheads aren't doing anything stupid!) Not trying to argue or disagree with you, but those are my experiences.
Neck gator, covers as much of your face as you want, and no fogging. I too wear prescription glasses. Did 30 miles today nonstop, no fog, no frozen face.
My wife and I downhill and XC ski in VT almost every weekend in the winter. I don't wear any face covering, but she wouldn't leave the house without her Psolar clava. She has used one for the past 8 years under her ski helmet/goggles.
Thanks, @Thomas. Same questions, though: Do you use one, and how well does it work?
Take a look at the Psolar balaclava: http://www.exmask.com/psolarbx.php No fogging, easy to clean, and less expensive than the ColdAvenger.
Sorry, forgot that the goggles only fogged a little when I exhaled hard while looking down. I didn't do that again. Learning process!
@MG and all cold weather outdoor warriors. I use the ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava with the ventilator. The first time I used it was about 30° with wind chill of 21° and my face was very warm. Took the ventilator off. One other time in 27° and wind chill of 16° and even into the wind I was comfortable.
@Peter, that has some serious potential. Thanks for the link! What are your experiences, since you said you use one? Which one?
@MG please go to www.coldavenger.com because it does work for me but haven't used lately because of illness but felling much better today. I also use over the glasses ski goggles. Enjoy WI weather riding in PA.
@Brad, all good suggestions, but my glasses are prescriptions; I need them to see. Clearance goggles won't work, and don't know if ski goggles over prescriptions would work. I used the Dawn trick last winter; have to start using it again. (For those who don't know, massage a very little bit of dishwashing detergent on dry lenses and wipe it off with a clean cloth. I leave just a barely-perceptible bit of haze; you may not need that. The coating on the lenses help to prevent fogging). The downside to that is, once your glasses do start to fog, they won't clear unless you take them off and wipe them.
Ain't much of a choice between the cold wind stinging your eyes and making them water profusely vs. 'who turned out all the lights'? Goggles seem to be a better solution to the fogging issue. I found some decent Smith goggles on clearance for $22 (Competitive Cyclist). They are definitely better than glasses, but I haven't had them long enough to really prove 'em out good. I know you can spend a lot more on good ski goggles, and maybe they are worth it, but I can't say much more at this point. Some folks around here (WI) have started using snowboard helmets too, which seems like a good idea with the extra padding/insulation and ear coverage.
@CR, I need to cover my nose as well as the mouth; won't a neck gaiter pose the same problem?
Cycling Robeto,
How does the Neck gator help with the glasses fogging? I had to look it up but they look like they would have the same effect as the balaclava. I have the same issue as Michael, so I would love to know how help this. To help the fogging, I cover my mouth with the balclava but not my nose.
Thanks
@MG, try a neck gator.
Here is a rant by a CO newscaster. (WARNING: Contains the repeated use of one four letter word.):
http://now.msn.com/kyle-clark-kusa-news-anchor-rants-on-viewers-submitting-snow-photos-showing-patio-furniture
21 degrees when I departed the estate this morning. Beautiful crisp morning for the daily jaunt. Maybe a veritable heat wave for your folks in Wisconson, but friggin' COLD for us in eastern PA. But, as always, dressed for it so no problem. Just wish the glasses wouldn't fog up every time I stopped. The balaclava blows my breath up and straight onto the lenses; have to devise a better system.
@EM,
Thanks for being sensitive to my discomfort at the use of certain 4 letter words :-)
Working on the 300,000+ miles - I've ridden MORE miles in both October (1,200) and November (1,150 so far, planning on another 200-300) than I did during the challenge in September (1,003). Should be able to exceed September's mileage in December also.
I had six layers on today. I rely on wool as one of the layers. With lots of layers, it's easy to adjust my comfort level. On my feet, I use Smartwool socks, regular road shoes, and neoprene booties. Legs only had bibs and bib windproof tights. If it gets much colder, out comes the long johns worn over my bib shorts. Full finger gloves with liners. Double hat with helmet liner and neck gator.
HI all, back in the saddle again today after a couple of weeks buried in wo++ (oops almost let that word out, sorry Leonard) and some family stuff! @ Roberto, I got my cold weather challenge today. We don't have the s*** yet (its in the forecast in the next few days however), but I was riding in 30 degree weather. My layering was okay except I forgot my glove liners and by the beginning of the second hour my hands were so cold (temp was also dropping into the 20s by that point) I could barely shift. My toes were kinda cold too despite the hiking boots, so next time double layers of socks and gloves.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
CHRISTINE, YAY, YAHOO, CONGRATS ON THE NEW BIKE. May you ride many happy (s)miles!!!!
>>>>>>>>>
@ Tammie, really you got all the way here to St. Louis and I didn't even get to meet you. Now I am bummed, we gotta fix this situation....
>>>>>>>>
Ok so we still need just over 300,000 to make the 20 million. You people in the south need to pick up the slack. LOL
22 miles in the teens, 15-20 mph winds and sunny in N IL. Had the roads mostly to myself. You know its cold when all you hear are the old windmills creakin away.
20 miles with 28F and wind 25MPH. Great day! Froze me good! Time for chili to shake the chill.
Today I finally hit 5000 miles for the year, a personal record for me. A good number for someone who turned 55 this year. It took a bit longer than I had hoped due to weather and a busy semester, but it was certainly well-earned...although today I only went on a short 4 mile errand, the temp. was 15 with a windchill of 1 above 0 (F). We are definitely in "winter biking" season in Wisconsin. I, too, would love some of the 84 degree weather...hey, I would take 40 or 50. Regardless, keep on riding, but do it safely!
Another lovely 52 miles in the sunny and coolish Florida morning. Blue sky, sandhill cranes, eagles, hawks and lovely smells of farm fields growing crops.
@Wally, looks like we're gonna get a taste of that weather by tomorrow. Monday morning ride for me forecasted to be on the low-mid teens with the same NW wind. Can't wait!
@Paul. I could use a little 84 and sunny. The ride in to work this morning was 6 and windy out of the NW.
Hey @Paul, that's the kind of weather that makes @Roberto grin from ear to ear...
And to think I am considering moving back to Phoenix...
Man...you guys got it made riding in that cool weather. When I went out on my epic journey yesterday, I almost threw in the towel on my climb. 84 degrees and not a cloud in the sky to provide me with any shelter from the heat. And no wind either. Baked and roasted for a good 6 hours... ;-). At least it cooled down a little after the sun set.
@CR, You've nailed it, yes, 3:00am (OK I'm a little latter today). I do live where I want (I just like to tease others) and there is DEFINITELY something to riding when nobody else want to go out - like at 3:00am.........
Here is one of those rare instances where two concusions actually had a positive effect.
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/man-sustains-concussion--becomes-musical-genius-212005364.html
Over the last two years I've sorta attained a cult-like status at work due to the fact that I ride in every day, year round, weather-be-damned. Unless I have to travel out of town, I'm on the bike. Makes some of those challenging mornings in the brutal cold - and afternoons in the blistering heat - that much more worth it. Sunny and 70's every day - in a couple of years maybe, not ready for that yet.
@CR-AMEN, Brother! Variety is the Spice of Life, right?
Well, I've been trying to download rides from Garmin 800, and Endomondo is not doing it. Will try again next week- hope they will fix it soon-- I'd rather be pedaling than fighting with a website!
@LW, first, 3 AM? Really? And don't feel sorry for me. I can live anywhere I want. There's something to riding when nobody else wants to go out. Ask MG...
@CR, MG,
I feel sorry for you guys - started my metric century ride at 3:00am, 71 degrees out, very light winds. Beautiful morning for a ride - hope y'all enjoy your snow and ice for the next 6 months. I'll keep you up to date on how tough it is for us with our warm, sunny days LOL HA, HA, HA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
50 miles with winds and rain here in central Fla. Last ten sun came out and I was nearly dry by the time I got home. 12,498 for the year. 14K maybe?
@CR, they weren't 25 miles, but my rides both into work and back home were wet and chilly. I was dressed for it, though, so not a problem. Thankfully both featured civilized motorists.
25 wet windy chilly miles. Misery loves company, so who else had a weather-challenged ride today??
This week's Monday through Thursday versions of B.C. and Thursday's Frazz comic strips have a common theme - one we all know that rhymes with no.
Way to go, @Paul. Good Luck on your training endeavors; keep us updated on your progress. You'll be inspiration for many of us.
It was Marko and Jure Robic that put RAAM and ultra cycling on my radar back in 2003 when they were both rookies. I have been a fan and follower ever since. I miss Jure. DOS RAS is very high on my bucket list. I want to do it as nod and tribute to them both. They introduced me to what is becoming the greatest journey of my life. I WILL do RAAM. I'm targeting 2016/17. I am not a man of means, si finance may take a bit. And I want a solid year of training, and a solid year of racing ahead of it. I will find a way.
Thanks Leonard. And in a way, my speed is up. Before Marko, my speed would drop dramatically the longer my ride went. On a typical, I usually maintain 15.5 or so. This particular ride also had 7700 feet of elevation gain. So I'm fairly satisfied with it for now. We're just starting speed work now.
And Yeah...2012 6/12/24 TT Worlds I think it was...3:48 for a century. Unbelievable.
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I also want to add, if you've never done it , go and get a pro bike fit done. I had the Specialized Body Geometry Fit done, and the difference between the before and after is just phenomenal. I HIGHLY recommend this to any and all.
CONGRATULATIONS Paul!!!!
Isn't it wonderful how much easier it seems to do 100+ miles once you learn how to ride for distance. Don't worry about your speed, it will come. Right now concentrate on developing endurance. As I recall a year or so ago Marko set the world record for a century ride. If anyone can teach you about speed and endurance, he's the man!!! Looking forward to seeing more of your reports.
@ MG, A big Amen for thjat last comment. Just got in from 125 mile ride. Out for 11.5 hours. 2+ hours of screwing around uploading pics /FB updates.
..............
Clock turned back 3-4 months. Nanu nanu.
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I feel absolutely incredible. 3 months ago, I could not do a 100k without feeling a bit worked. I'd have to stop for a couple short breaks. 6 months ago, a 50k would have me begging for mercy. I had a few failed century attempts. Now a century is a walk in the park. I think I only stopped tonight because I was tired of drinking my food. I'm ready for some beer and pizza!
I'm still not the fastest...(14 mph avg tonight) but my endurance is growing by leaps and bounds. 100% of the credit for goes to Marko Baloh and his coaching.
Congratulations Christine.. wonderful news! I know you are exctted. I have just spent the last two days driving 1900 miles from West Texas to St Louis and back... Wow, what a drive! I have never been north of the Texas Oklahoma state line before this so it was exciting for me but a quick trip to take a rescue dog to its new owner. We met there.. she was coming from Wisconsin! I did take a little time to see the arch while I was there then drove home. I rode with my group tonight before the cold winter weathr moved in.. it will be really cold, windy and wet for about a week here so not much riding will be happening... not very happy about that! I am hoping it warms into the 50's by tuesday for a little riding.
@Leanord, they may be older than me but I'm still waiting to grow up. You're never too old to have a happy childhood!
@JB, CR, MG,
It's always nice to see you young kids talking about how old you're getting. My kids older than some of you........
You've only got 10 years on me; you're still a spring chicken!
@Jerry, I'd never do that to a person of your advanced, uhh, history /;-). (Pure fun intended, just to be clear)
@JB, the docs are always amazed at my RHR too.
I had an EKG today. It appears I am still alive. Even though the nurse was surprised that my resting heart rate was 44.
@Michael. Are you trying to make me feel old?
@Paul - :)
Thanks, @Jerry. Took me awhile to get over the throat/sinus thing. Still a little there, but I'm working around it.
Hey @Paul, you left PA at the same time I started my first job out of college. STILL HERE, 25 years later. Makes me feel old (I'm only 48). But I must say that cycling makes me feel better--and has gotten me in better shape--now than I did even 5 short years ago. I hope that I can be in the same kind of shape that @Jerry and @Roberto are in at their respective ages.
@Michael. Great to hear you are on the bike again and that you are feeling better.
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@Christine. Congratulations on your new bike. Hope to see you ride a lot of miles on it.
Hmmm...If I wasn't in the best shape of my life right now, that last comment would have made feel old. 22 year old me couldn't hold a candle to 47 year old me.
OH YEAH!! Time to go ride a few more years off!
Wow. It's been 25 years since I've seen that stuff. Left PA in 1988. I kinda miss it.
@Jerry: Aaaaaaack!!!!! Bad photo, bad photo! This is a family site; no saying, using, spelling or even displaying that 4-letter white stuff.
Bad, bad, bad. Really bad.
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http://tinyurl.com/l4s4f8k
Driver ticketed in Lefthand Canyon crash that injured cyclist.
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http://tinyurl.com/lbk8cuu
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It took long enough. But at least they finally gave the driver a ticket.
Way to go, @CR. Every morning I pass the local taxi depot. Part of that ride has me waiting at a red light, in the dedicated left-turn lane, with--many times--taxi's in the oncoming lane. Most of the time they want no parts of letting me go; they're always 'in a hurry', even at 7:15 a.m. Know that I'm usually the only one waiting to turn left; I'm always dressed brightly, have my lights on and my left arm out signalling my intentions. Over the summer it seems that many of the drivers have gotten to recognize me; I've been given the courtesy of passing more and more. Happened again this morning. Just like @Roberto's experiences, being polite and respectful and following the rules of the road does get us more respect in return.
35 solo nonstop miles. Today, I met Paul, 73 year-old horn honker. Didn't like me taking the lane at the stop sign, so he blew his horn. When I rolled up to him a couple blocks later as he was parking his car, I explained to him that what he did was rude. He said he wasn't sure what I was doing in the middle of the street. I told him not to worry about what I was doing; control what HE was doing. He thought about it, agreed, apologized, we shook hands, and after a brief conversation, we parted with a new found respect for one another. On to the next one...
http://www.seattlepi.com/comics-and-games/fun/Bizarro/2013-11-15/
Enjoy!!
J Hugh I hope you’re right! Time will tell. yuch!
Motorists involved in cyclist fatalities are rarely cited for anything criminal unless alcohol or drugs are involved. If they are cited, convictions are rarer still and the penalties are not much more than the proverbial slap on the wrist. Admitting that you weren't looking where you were going on a 65 MPH highway that then resulted in a fatality should be reason enough to issue a careless driving citation at the very least.
I attended Law enforcement school and a death investigation is a whole complex process unto itself. Just because no citation was issued does not mean there will not be serious charges. We all know that the system is not even close to perfect, but if you want a conviction you have to do a comprehensive investigation.
@JW, of course the motorist wasn't cited. He wasn't drunk or stoned, so free pass. Want to kill someone and walk, run over a cyclist. Disgusting.
To give everyone an update on the third of our three milestone guessing games - The dates for our original 5 guesses for when we will reach 20 million have come and gone. The earliest two guesses for that were September 40th, and the latest was September 72nd. As I mentioned earlier this (real) month, September 113th looks to be a much more likely probability.
This just makes me sick!!! Biker killed, driver admits neglect & is NOT immediately cited!
@Christine - So looking forward to details of your new bike, and possibly a picture... :) Very excited for you!
Back in the saddle again, FINALLY! Felt so gooooood. @Jerry, I have a vague idea how you felt earlier this summer. Due to work, family and illness I've ridden exactly once since October 29th. I didn't think I'd miss it as much as I did. According to my lovely wife, it's not the first time I've been wrong...
If the powers that be would only loosen the purse strings a tiny bit to improve/pave these scenic trails, more people would use them. As you can see, I had the place virtually to myself. Nice, but not sustainable.
Very picturesque; Thanks again for sharing!
Abandoned canal and railroad
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/8307_10201250251792276_133316939_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1473059_10201275404741084_1068579887_n.jpg
Lehigh Canal Path, Bethlehem, PA
Thanks for the thought and pic, @Roberto. Where is that? I like those ruins on the right side.
@Christine, good for you!
@MG, super windy day today, gusts around 35MPH, great day to be out on the bike! Just for you bro~ get better soon~~
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1465386_10201275404141069_941035431_n.jpg
Christine@ - SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad to hear it, @Christine! Enjoy the new ride!
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@Roberto, nice pictures; I particularly liked Friday's! Thanks for posting.
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Was hoping to get back in the saddle this morning after a three-week hiatus. Doc sez no, have to wait until at least tomorrow. Need to clear the sinus' a little better first. Figures, this morning was in the 50's and really nice; tomorrow's gonna be butt-ugly cold again. Oh well, ride on anyway!
@Christine - That's sooo awesome!!! YEA!!
@Christine - Yipee!!!!!
I am so excited I can hardly stand it!! I HAVE A NEW BIKE! The members of our local Professional Police Association heard my story and were touched by it. On Saturday, the detective I'd been talking to and another detective brought me a beautiful bike (used but new to me!!) with a basket and a bull dog of a lock! I WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR AND PUT THIS YEAR'S MILEAGE TO SHAME! I'm so effing excited I think I could burst!
Carl, years back I left my garmin on and drove home from an event. Sure changed the average speed.
I guess I can track my speed also in my car. Yeah, I don't think I'm the only one that forgets to turn the app off.
Terrible storms. Terrible to lose life so suddenly. Maybe easier than a polar bear starving to death. Maybe the same cause.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1012491_10201290077267888_862943252_n.jpg
@Roberto. That photo reminds me of Topeka. I have ridden there during the fall when visiting my mother. Sometimes there are so many leaves you can't even see the trail.
I almost killed a bicylist yesterday with my van. It amazes me how stupid some people can be. He was riding on the wrong side of the street heading southbound. I was also heading southbound. I noticed the idiot bicylist and kept an eye on him. Just as I was approaching him he make a hard right turn to get into a driveway without looking. I braked hard to miss him. As I was braking he heard me and than swerved back left and almost hit a car headon that was northbound. Had I not been watching him he would have been dead.
I had planned on riding up Flagstaff Mountain today since today was the first day it was open to bicyclists since the flood. But with 30mph winds with gusts to 50mph I decided to play it safe on come home early.
@Laurie, takes a while it seems...
Did they stop updating points? I logged miles today and my points did not change.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/558943_10200494707684760_1295694124_n.jpg
Be careful out there. We just lost another cyclist in our area - he lost control on pine needles on the roadway and slid into oncoming traffic. There are only a couple of square inches of traction between a great ride and a disastrous fall.
http://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2013/11/13/cascade-man-dies-during-lunchtime-ride-in-redmond/
Colorado Cyclists Come Together After Floods
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http://tinyurl.com/o6khfyh
For those who think that cyclists (or pedestrians) who behave badly pose a danger only to themselves, consider the following:
http://xkcd.com/772/
(reposted after correcting typo)
@Tim - No matter if we bought our bike(s) new or used, (unless it was custom built), originally it came in a bike box. ;)
@Jerry,
I'm with BG & CR on the right turn situation. Act like a car. I have my own variant that's been harder to negotiate gracefully. In the last mile or so of my homeward commute, I have a stretch of 2 lane arterial (fog line, a shy foot of paved shoulder and then drop off to ditch on my side of the road). Speed limit is 35, but folks would like to drive 40+. I have to make a left turn from this road into my subdivision, and view of oncoming traffic is limited by a curve. On good days, I have no traffic behind, and either none in front or I stop and wait to make the left. On other days, I see a string of cars behind. Is shade to the right to the fog line, and they usually pass me without danger to them or me, but there's not a good gap for me to get in for my left without my coming to a complete stop in the road. On to Plan B. There's a very short cul-de-sac (4 houses) just opposite my subdivision entrance. I pull in there, U-turn and drop a foot to wait for an opportunity to cross the arterial. Here's where it gets interesting. Often, a driver coming from my right around the curve will see me waiting and will slow, then stop, to allow me to cross. Traffic from the left is often still too near and approaching too fast for me to take up the offer. I really want to be treated like a car. I'm in a roadway, and I can safely wait my turn to cross when traffic clears. The motorist on the right is treating me like a pedestrian, but I can't depend on the motorists on the left doing likewise. Beside that, I'm in the road not on the sidewalk at the corner. I've had to wave these people on, and on occasion, turn my bike away as though I decided not to cross. One result is that by slowing, one driver let the car behind him close a gap I had hoped to use to make my crossing. I got to wait a little longer. Sometimes motorists attempt to be too nice.
@Jerry,
Vashon is just across the sound from where I live, and I made a 'pilgrimage' to the bike this year. The one thing that puzzles me about the bike's placement in the tree is that trees grow upward from their tips. If you carve your initials in the bark 4 feet off the ground today, they'll still be 4 ft off the ground 50 years from now. It seems caught in the crotch between a limb and the main trunk, and both have grown together over the years, embedding the bike. It wasn't just abandoned at ground level. It seems that it had to be lifted into place when it was abandoned. Don Puz's story that he abandoned the bike because it was a girl's bike and too small for him matches what I had read in other sources.
These scenarios point out a cardinal rule of traffic cycling. That is, you never, ever, ever should be to the right of a potentially right turning vehicle! And this makes me wonder what kind of demonically possessed bicycle "advocate" came up with the idea of bike boxes? Obviously it wasn't someone who spends much time on a bicycle in traffic.
How did the bike become embedded in the tree?
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http://tinyurl.com/k3f6dhq
@Jerry & C.R. - In thsoe situations, I try to behave like a car. I wouldn't pull up beside them in the same lane in my car, so I don't do it on my bike. I just wait in line, same as I would when driving. Seems safer (and more courteous) to me that way.
I was in that situation this morning going to work... waiting at a light behing two cars in my lane, with two cars in the left lane as well. Another guy on a bike came up on my left, rode between the lanes of cars, and didn't stop at the light (cross traffic's light was red, but ours hadn't changed yet). It just seems obnoxious to me to do that. If you're on a bike in the bike lane and you can blow past cars just as the light turns green, that's fine, you've got your own lane. But riding between lanes like this morning's doofus... No wonder people think we're annoying. Even I was annoyed by that guy.
@Jerry, next time, pull up behind them after they so rudely passed you, and wait until they are gone rather than risk getting run over by coming up on the right. Just my 2 cents...
I had two drivers NOT right hook me today. But they still did it wrong. They both passed me, than stopped to wait for me to pass them. But I could only pass on the right. So I had to come to a very slow speed to make eye contact with them to make sure they would not turn into me. They should have stayed behind me. And it would have been faster and safer for both of us.
Sad story about the bicycle rider and the train. Trains are dangerous. It amazes me how people risk their lives and the lives of there family to try to beat a train to a crossing. Or to walk on tracks. Or even crawl under trains to get on the other side.
We had four college students here in Longmont decided to hop a freight train. One of the girls lost both legs.
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A very sad video of the results of trying to beat a train to the crossing.
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http://tinyurl.com/2bjbvv9
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http://tinyurl.com/k45yvv8
People Behaving Badly
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http://tinyurl.com/mb6jsrj
HI all, the weather today, less wind and temps in the upper 50s. Thats about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. So I had to go out and ride. Actually spotted a couple of other riders out seizing the chance. Just under 470,000 needed to make the 20 million. RIDE ON YA'LL.
@Roberto, I can see the trains moving through that section daily from my office. That particular stretch of line comes out of the Reading yard, so trains can extend out to where that young man was hit while their 'back ends' are still being put together inside the yard. There is no roadway grade crossing there; he was riding on the ballast/ties. Yes, he unfortunately should've known better.
@ Michael, how tragic. In addition to teaching your kids where not to ride, please go out and ride with them!
>>>>>>>
@Burklee, nice work! This emphasises the importance of not throwing that old bike stuff away. If you've got useful stufft that you don't need, donate it to an appropriate bike org/charity. Riding makes me happy to and riding with a friend/family member is even better. (S)miles to you & Jay!
>>>>>
Ok, I'm preaching to the choir again, but TAKE THE LANE: http://cyclingsavvy.org/hows-my-driving/
@MG, 50 trains a day traverse that line. I see kids walking along the tracks all the time. Sometimes the trains have to stop, but can move suddenly without warning. Riding a bike anywhere near one is super dangerous. At 18, this young man should have known better. At that age, you just feel invincible. Sad story.
@EM - Thanks! Yeah, I put that together from just a frame. I had help on things - Kyle talked me through installing the bottom bracket and Bianca installed the derailleurs and adjusted them. Other than that, I put it together. The chain, cables, housings, and derailleur hanger are new, everything else is used from donated LBK stock. I picked out the stuff I thought would make riding easier: index trigger shifters rather than friction, so there's no "feeling for the gear", just click and it shifts; handlebars that swoop back so she's sitting upright not having to put weight on her bad shoulder; and a nice wide, comfy seat. She really seems to like it, and that makes me happy. :) And thanks for posting the bait bike story. Glad they're doing something about what is a pretty big problem on campus.
Good morning, all: Due to way too many circumstances beyond my control (including the head/chest cold of a lifetime), I've been on my bike exactly once the entire month of November. Been driving me nuts, but sucking this extraordinarily dry air into my throat would be suicide. Should be back in the saddle next week.
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Parents, please hug your kids then teach them where NOT to ride their bikes: http://tinyurl.com/lypu6d4
Don't steal a bike on UNL campus. It could be a "Bait bike" and charges depend on the value of the bike: http://www.omaha.com/article/20131111/NEWS/131119856/1016
J. Hugh.. that is the type of day I rode the 63 miles in for the MS ride! It was quite a ride! Not to mention that we have days like that around here about once a week anyway... kinda get used to that kind of wind. Well, not really used to it but learn to put up with it. I have determined that I do not go out in gusts over 38 to 40.. I just can't make any progress over that. 25mph is almost every day at some point. Just got in from my first ride since last thursday. I have been so sick and expected to only ride a leisurly 5 miles or so just to get started again... well.... once I got started it felt soooo good! The longer I rode the better I felt and the next thing I knew I had ridden 16 miles and was going faster and riding harder by the minute! Only darkness and dropping temps ran me indoors. Actually darkness had nothing to do with it but I did not have anything to protect my ears and temps were dropping FAST! I was amazed at the wonderful feeling of the wheels spinning under me for those first few corners when I first headed out... pure heaven!!!
@ Burklee, congrats to Jay on that nice long ride. Holmes Lake, you were climbing. As I understand it, you had a hand in fixing up that bike for her. WAY TO GO!
Marty I will leave those patches of riding to the s&m riders of the Northern forests. I have been blown off the road before when a cold front passes like today. My wife worries a lot more on days like this, so I leave her with a sigh of relief.
Hi all, out today with 10 mph winds (acc. to forecast) and temps right around 45 degrees. I was testing my colder weather gear: full fingered gloves, tights with wind protection in the front over cycling shorts, an annorak over a long-sleeved jersey, a winter skullcap to replace the headsweats hat I wear under my helmet in warmer temps) and a light weight pair of hiking boots. When it gets colder I'll add wool as a base layer (socks and turtleneck shirt, and tights under the windproof ones) and glove liners inside my gloves. I was happy that my hiking boots fit inside the straps on my pedals. We had a dusting of snow a couple of days ago but it was only visible on the picnic table and back porch by morning and now its completely forgotten. Not winter yet! LOL
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@ Karen Jean, wool is great as a base layer because it wicks away moisture and keeps you warm at the same time. Also, it doesn't stink.
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Sorry I missed Veteran's day, belated thanks to all the Veterans among you. Jerry, I'm guessing Vietnam?
>>>>>>>>>>>
Less than 500,000 miles to go people KEEP RIDING!!
In eastern PA wind is almost a daily occurrence. Today for example, the wind is 15 MPH with gusts to 20 and the temperature is 39. Got in my 30 miles :) No ice, but lots of wet leaves. It brings tears to my eyes.
J Hugh - Try that with either patches of ice or wet leaves.
With the wind at 20 -25 mph sustained and gusts to 35 mph and boating warnings for all waters, I am not riding. I hate to miss a day, but it just does not seem safe.
Marty I heard the same thing and have worn bright colors ever since. It was like camo when Brad and I were Hippies but now its more like a UFO with lights.
Thank you Burklee. Next up:150 miles in 10 hours, and 24hr PR (this one will involve sleeping-not quite ready for 24 hr ride yet).
@Jerry - Thank you.
It is amazing the difference the way our military is treated now compared to 45 years ago. I remember being called a baby killer, spit upon, and cussed out for being in the military. Now you see people thanking our military for their service. And doing things for them, from the free and discounted things businesses do, to people reaching out and buying meals for our military. And it is nice to be thanked now for my military service in the past.
Why You Should Avoid the Door Zone
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http://tinyurl.com/o7afyya
@J Hugh - I'll never figure out why my teachers always talked about my clothing, even if I wasn't riding my bike to school. They would say, "You're not bright enough", or "You're not too bright" At least they were concerned for my safety.
@Burklee - Wishing Jay all the best! Hope that that bike helps her to be able to ride with you more often.
We'd miss you less if you rode more :P (back at 'cha!)
Aww, @Laurie, we miss you lots and lots!
Just thought I would pop in and say hi, in case anyone missed me. :P Except for a few planned group rides, I doubt I'll be on my bike much before spring. That may change on a nice sunny day when I have extra time and a case of cabin fever. Otherwise, I'll be spending the winter walking/jogging the indoor track and swimming laps occasionally.
KJG adding cyclocross, now you are multidimensional. Some people use cyclocross tires for winter riding.
B cc G Perhaps a better name than the Edmond Fitzgerald or the Lusitania.
DP you didn;t say hike.
King Marty Right on if my colors for the day are not bright and obnoxious I top things off with my Bike Florida Fluorescent Green vest. I look like a space ship at night between the vest and the flashing lights..
@Karen Jean - Jay is 44. She has some health problems of unknown origin that limit her ability to ride sometimes. I've tried her new bike. It is so comfortable. It's like a Barcalounger on wheels. :)
in case you have over looked it today is 11/12/13 and if you add military time to the equation @ 2: 15 it will be 11/12/13/14/15.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Karen Jean - Just buy a reflective vest. That way you can wear it over the brown jacket, or anything else to help increase visibility. For the last several years, i always wear one while biking. It may look a little dorky, (I'll beat everyone to the punch - at least then it matches me), but I know I'm a little safer.
@Burklee - As long as Jay doesn't go for a ride on Friday, December 13th, this year, she will be OK. (It was also on a Friday, on December 13th in 1872, that the last time anyone saw the ship.)[That incident may have added to the Friday the 13th mistique.]
I hope Jay's new bike isn't made of wood - then she might be in real trouble - but than again maybe not, as it would float.
@Burklee - Refresh my memory about Jay. How old? Sounds like a fine ride.
@Marty - I guess all that angst was getting to me yesterday. So much so that I did some errands today in blustery cold pre-snow conditions. You were on the money about riding in the cold. I never thought that I would admit to doing 4.2 miles as an accomplishment though. I can't afford one of those special vests or Winter jackets, but I found a Winter jacket that I now own that does not restrict my range of motion too much, which is what I was really concerned about, only the coat is dark brown. I suppose that I should buy some kind of reflector tape. Its not an expensive coat, so I am thinking I could tape it up to be more visible. Still need Winter shoes. I am trying to trek on, but I feel like I am at square one again or in first grade when riding in the Winter.
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Also, I went to pick the last of my veggies before the snow arrives later today at my community garden. I wanted to mention the cyclocross course that (I am guessing folks from Rodale) set up behind the composting center off of Minor Street in Emmaus. I did a short part of the course before going home. On a better day, I would like to do a few laps around it. I don't have a special bike, but if I let a little air out of my tires on my road bike, do you folks think that I could do it without any trouble?
Now that I think back on it, I think I did see a multidimensional park, but that was a good many years ago, back in my hippie days. That place seemed almost infinite at the time (and I don't think we even left Appleton), but I'm not sure how you would legislate something like that into existence ;-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Very cool number thing, thanks for pointing it out. And although we missed it once, if you're on the 12 hour clock you will have a second chance to experience 8:09:10 11-12-13. Party on dudes (and dudettes), I hope each of you has a most excellent day.
On a shorter, but no less auspicious (to me) note, Jay & I went for a ride on Saturday. We rode all the way out to Holmes Lake from the trails center, around the lake and back. We rode the length of the dam and all the way back to Antelope Park's playground, stopping only at stop lights. That's almost 3½ miles. That's the farthest Jay's ever ridden without needing to stop to rest. We hit the stop lights at just the right times, so we were stopped less than 15 seconds at those lights. She did so well, I'm just so darn proud of her! The new bike has really improved her riding. She's much more comfortable. We think the 700c wheels help, and I know the index shifters help. Jay named her bike the Mary Celeste, so I got kinda nervous while we were riding around the lake and along Antelope Creek, but other than that, it was a fine ride.
@J. Hugh - Sticks and Stones.......
@Paul - Wow, a 130 mile ride? That's really something. Congrats!
@Brad multidimensional like a star trek chess set. You don't have multidimensional parks in Wisconsin? I know they don't in PA they are way too one and two dimensional. Look around you may a have just missed the added dimensions.
Happy 11-12-13
17 degrees on my way in today. First cold day using the new Wolvehammer boots. After an hour the only thing that got cold were my fingers - so far so good. But I'll withhold judgement, colder cold will be here soon enough. Beyond that; with little wind and no rain it actually was an enjoyable ride. It seems worse from the inside looking out, once you get out there it isn't as bad as you imagined.
Hugh - Wow, a 12,000 mile park? How do they even fit that in Florida?
Two new PRs today
Distance on a single ride: 130.1 miles.
Elevation gain on a single ride: 6,175 feet.
Our first cold weather is moving in tonight. It looks like it will be a full week before I feel the wheels of my bike spinning again... I don't know how I am going to survive!
@CR - Some stuff works better than other stuff. Not fun for me to ride in my bulky Winter jacket, jeans and combat boots. (Ok for raking leaves though). Maybe if I had no other options or means of transportation I would have to make do, but practically speaking, if I just need some exercise, I have lots of other more appealing options than riding my bicycle, unless I find the right clothing to make it enjoyable. I know that
is not an issue for you, but for me that is what it comes down to.
12,000 mile park? Must be in Texas.
How to ride in cold weather: put more stuff on. Questions?
Sorry Marty, the article only covers cool weather!
@Marty - Thank you so much for researching that article. I am sure it will be helpful to other newbies. But for those people in Florida, they can keep laughing all the way through to April, and I will keep wishing I was there to laugh with them. :)
Here is an article on cool and cold weather cycling clothing:
http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/excursions/post/7-essentials-for-cool-weather-cycling/
@Ray S - Yes, I ment you. Hope you had a nice Veteran's Day.
@J. Hugh....ROFL? 12,000 miles. I'm good with the hard helmet too, but I see
how some people might like it.
Crossed the 12,000 mile park for the year, today! New Annual mark possible. Give me a hard helmet, and nothing around the neck to keep heat in. However, if you don't want your hair messed up and you live in Northern Europe or Wisconsin this might work.
@Karen Jean & @Rick - I also share Rick's concern for too much warmth in the neck area. Another issue is that, even though I think it might prevent concussions better than the types currently made, the problem is that because it is inflatable, without a hard shell, it probably wouldn't pass the ANSI or CPSC testing, as currently set-up. If I remember correctly, one of the tests is dropping the helmet (with a weight in it), straight down onto a metal rod or spike.
re Invisible helmet: 1) I like it. 2) I'd rather have something on my head than around my neck in the summer. 3) Where would I put my other safety device that helps me avoid crashes - my helmet mounted light.
All that said, it's such a nifty idea. But I probably need the full-body version to avoid repeating the hip fracture that resulted from my fall last December.
KJG Wool .....ROFL
Frank M Keep on riding... Bon ton Roule I'm saying the points count and they left early.
Tammie You are off the couch, way off the couch and those 100+ mile weeks will come again. Maybe even a few two hundred mile weeks?
I don't know if I'm the Ray you were referring to KJG, but I'll take it :) Thanks to all of my fellow Veterans, and Happy Birthday (a day late) to my fellow Marines. Semper Fidelis.
Anyone buy any wool baselayers from Ibex out of Vermont. They sent me a catalog. Thinking about ordering one of their "woolies". My husband gave me a nice warm balaclava or whatever its called, and I have nice warm tights, and gloves, but my torso is often still cold. It should complete my Winterwear. (Hopefully.) We may get some snow later on today. Taking my veteran out to lunch. Perhaps you know someone you can treat to lunch today also.
Amazing how people fall away after "The Challenge" ends. I am having a mediocre November and am in the top 300 nationally. I wouldn't be in the top 1500 during the Summer frenzy. This is my favorite part of Endomondo. When I can charge up the rankings while not working particularly hard. Cheap thrills.
Thank You Jerry, Ray, and all the veterans and their families. Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe. Thank you for enduring difficult training and constant studying. Thank you for risking your lives. Thank you for giving up family time. Freedom is not free. God Bless You all.
Well ! I guess on 11/06/13 I bragged way to soon. Do to my returning illness I didn't ride since Thursday and Monday doesn't look good at the moment either. But I'll be back soon because I miss the ride.
Well, three full days without touching a bike and I am miserable! The fact that I have been sick for two of them does factor into it I guess. I probably won't be able to have the strength to ride for a while too! Drats!!! I have only been riding about 50 to 80 miles a week lately and really miss those 100+ mile weeks. Of course, the weather has been a miserable tease ... absolutely BEAUTIFUL... no fair. I want to ride so much but can barely make it off the couch. ... there is always next week.
OOH, just noticed that I am at 7500 points on the dot!
@ J Hugh, congrats on the 12,000 points!
Hi all, out again today with gorgeous sunshine and temps in the 50s. The wind has not left town so sometimes I was flying down the road and others I was pumping hard. At least a dozen other riders out enjoying the day. RIDE ON!
@ Karen Jean I'm also in favor of anything that will make people safer. I would like to see more crash dummy testing, such as what happens if you go over the handlebars or get hit by a branch from overhead (like the mountain bikers). I would also like more information about how it gets recharged/refitted after it has deployed once. And can you buy a policy so that someone will reset it so it can be used again? (Sort of like the airbags in your car). Should you keep a regular helmet as backup in case it goes off and you can't reset it yourself? Ok, I admit I stole a couple of ideas from the discussion at this other web site: http://jalopnik.com/swedes-develop-invisible-bike-helmet-1460189477 I sincerely hope they will do the testing needed to answer these questions and that they get people to use it. Personally, I think I'll stick to more tradtional bike helmets (or the newer ones discussed earlier this year). But bottom line, I'm 100% in favor of anything that will make you safer.
If invisible helmets would get people to wear them, I hope they succeed. Lovely ride today. Passed 12,000 points on September 71st.
Excuse me, A coworker WHO is also a friend....
Thanks EM!
A coworker that is also a friend on facebook sent me this link a few days ago. I told
her I would share it with you. What do you think? A good idea or no?
http://vimeo.com/43038579
It is a neat idea, hope they make it to production.
More technology coming in electric bicycles and you don't have to buy a new bike! : http://www.flykly.com/#
Nice work CR!
@CR - I hear you. I had a relative who once said that they took a leaf blower when they went to a campground, and would blow any errant leaves off of their site.
30 solo miles. Stopped and thanked each person I saw doing leaves with a RAKE instead of a gas or electric powered blower! 5% of greenhouse gases come from lawn and garden equipment. 6 people in 30 miles not bad. Even got a hug from one!
Hi all, out this morning in beautiful fall weather: sunshine, wind, and temps in the upper 50s. About a dozen other riders out enjoying this day.
I just had to pick up an inner tube today. It was an 8.25 x 4, with an offset valve stem. I like the wide tubes/tires, as they really work well on my dolly. It has had good traction in the crystallized rain, when I've had to use it to haul things. (Here is the biking related portion of this post - I took the dolly with me on my bike trailer, to make sure I was getting the right thing.)
I'm here! Just been busy ... still riding almost every day. Went out in 49 degree temps the other evening for a brisk 18 miles and really enjoyed it! Did a group ride yesterday evening for 8 miles and dinner. We had so much fun with all out blinking lights. It wasn't so bad, we were dressed for the cool temps and even went to Baskin Robins for ice cream! Yes, we are nuts!
@Brad - an alternative to Jagwire- Gore cables- seals on the housings and thin jacket on the cable between housings. Not enough low temp riding here to challenge them, but my bike mechanic swears by them (not at them) for muddy MTB and cyclocross. About 17 months on this set so far (replaced OEM cables) and I'm happy with them.
About tires - I think one can flat all of them except the solids, and I'm not even sure that one can't flat a solid. Rear orig. equip. Vittoria Randonneur flatted twice in quick succession after about 8000 miles (700x32). Replaced with a Schwalbe Marathon Plus (700x28) that flatted on retread wire 3 months later. Retread wire is like goathead thorns. If it gets in the rolling surface and you don't find it quickly, it's going to cause a problem. This spring, I sprang for Vittoria Rubino ProTechs (700x28) for both wheels for non-winter riding. Much lighter than the Schwalbe and lighter and faster than the Randonneurs. No punctures a couple of weeks ago, when I picked up a piece of glass on my way to a ride. Missed the ride fixing the flat, but I still like the Rubino ProTechs. I keep them at max pressure (100), adjusted just about every day I ride. I might like some pricier road tires better than the ProTech, but for my kind of riding they are a nice balanced package of speed, ride comfort, cost, and flat protection.
But ask me again when I flat on the way home in the dark and the rain.
This guy really loves winter bicycling.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24728869
@ Karen Jean, Pennsylvania is one of those states that I haven't ridden in yet, so I'll let you know when I get there!
HI all, out again today. My late fall/winter riding goal is to go out as many days as possible when its nice. Otherwise its back to the WII Fit alternating Yogi and Boo Boo, er, uh, yoga and strength exercises. This time of year riding is defnintely slower partly because of wind and leaves all over the place. I also ride the heavier bike with fatter tires on the trail. But no matter, its fun!
@Burklee - Hopefully you can reach 5,000 points before the dreaded "Glass Shard" and Glass Slivers" zones. they tend not to be too good for tires. if not, hold off until you reach it during either the "BPA Free Plastic", "Recyclable Plastic", "Recyclable Plastic that isn't by your local recycler", and "Totally Unrecyclable Plastic" zones.
Then again, maybe just wait until Burlap. Its a good thing to fall back on, (provided there is padding below it).
@Burklee - Thanks for the heads-up! Goodman isn't too far from my planned route, which I will now deviate from.
Only 610 points to go to to... well, cut glass at this point. Not even cubic zirconia, and certainly not diamond. I'm still commuting by bike. Morning temps have been in the lower 30's mostly, so I really haven't had to layer up before going out. Not even gloves or headband have been required yet, except for a couple mornings. I'm not the only person around here still bike commuting. I see plenty of people on bikes while I'm riding to work, and there are a good number of bikes at the racks when I go out for break.
Lincoln is running a Winter Bike Challenge from December through February. I will continue riding when the weather is dry, but I don't have the tires for snow/ice, or the means to purchase them. So, I probably won't do terribly well in the standings here, but that's okay. The person I'm most interested in challenging, ultimately, is me.
@Marty - If you get to Goodman, MS, and you run into any Joneses, they're probably my family. Ride away as fast as you can - they're nuts! LOL
@Karen Jean - Thanks! It should be fun. That is an amazing amount of swimming. But one thing I found a little incongruous is right after you mentioed yoga, which is nice and relaxing, you talked about cramming in bicycling. The dichotomy made me laugh a little. I always have a hard time with the weather transition to colder conditions, especially if it so abrupt, like it was a few weeks ago. I create a lot of unnessessary angst about deciding to ride or not. And, if I do ride, I am usually pleasantly surprized at how much nicer it is than I had thought it would be. Its all a matter of wearing the right clothing, and realizing that you will go a little slower than under ideal conditions.
@Marty - I hope that you have an excellent adventure. If you have a camera, do me a big favor and post some pictures. Have a safe ride also. I only road 4 miles so far this week on my bike, (Don't tell CR!) I ran a total of 7 miles and by the end of the day will have put in 7 1/2 hours swimming in the pool and completed about 3 to 4 hours of yoga stretching. Hope to cram in bicycling this weekend - it is killing me getting used to the wind. My only excuse.
@CR - The posts are dwindling in rough proportion to the rider dropout rate.
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It took us 39 days to get the last million miles. (During the Challenge, we were doing a million every 8-9 days.) It will probably take another 39 days more or less to get the next 600,000. So, my revised guess is that we will reach our goal on September 113th.
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@Karen Jean - No six-sided multi-symetric crystalized rain drops here right now, but that is happening in Northern Wisconsin as i type. We will probably get some on Tuesday or Wednesday - which hopefully will signal my temporary exit from the dairy state, for my last bike camping of the year, in TN, AL, and MS.
Anybody heard from Tammie lately?
Seems the posts are dwindling down.
@KJG, on he day of that 2011 snow storm we took delivery of a new car. When we left Reading to go to Kutztown (20 minute drive), it was raining. By the time we got back home there was 4 inches of unmentionable white stuff all over the place. I had to get out of the car and move branches that were hanging too low so we could pass under them! We got lucky; no power loss, but had no land-line phone for 29 days. Fallen power lines up the block literally burned the phone lines; I watched the smoke from work!
@Jhugh - When my husband retires I want to be a snow bird and move in with my sister from January to March. (You can always dream.)
@EM - Let me know about your next trip.
@Marty - It must be snowing in WI or are you getting ready for a big storm (Just keep it there for a while). - At least we didn't get an October surprise this year. No ice storms. One year we were without power for 5 days after a storm that blew down the tree in our front yard. I had to saw it down with a hand saw - it was a birch tree and broke in two piece in the middle from all the ice, even after I spent a long time knocking ice off the tree in the middle of the night. You could hear tree limbs cracking all night long in Emmaus. In the morning I took pictures. Our Halloween Trick for 2011 and 2012. So I think we got off easy this year. We should count our blessings.
EM thanks for the reassurance that you won't move to Florida. We are full up.
Only 25 years, wow I'll bet Leonard could beat that. I think the crumbly is call dry rot.
PS, forgot to mention that my husband recently replaced his 25 yr old tires on his bike! They were crumbly. LOL
HI all, out for the first ride of the month today. I didn't ride for a few days due to family stuff. The temp was hovering around 60 and the wind was coming from the NW. Had to take it slower on the trail becuase of all the leaves. In some places it was not even possible to see the trail. At one point a leaf wedged itself between my rim and my break. Made an interesting noise. Beaufitul sunshine. But as far as climate goes, I like 4 seasons and this is as far south as I go for living.
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@ Karen Jean, I made a list of the 50 states and checked off the 13 that I have ridden in. Decided to join you on the mission to ride in all 50 states. This could take a while...
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@ Jim Jensen, congrats on making diamond: Sept. 48th and beyond....
@ Lori, nice work on the riding streak
>>>>>
That winter bike expo sounds like fun!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE, we still need about 500,000++ for the 20 mil
I haven't seen that much consensus since I got voted off the island... I guess JagWire is it then. Thanks all.
Jagwires keep my cables and derailleur from freezing up, too.
coated in teflon, per the website
@Brad~
Take your pick!!
http://jagwire.com/products/category/diy_cable_kits
@Brad - Joe is right. Jagwires are lined with something. When you cut them to length you've got to open up the end of the liner or you won't get the cable through. We sharpened a spoke to poke into the end & that did the trick. (I bought some new Jagwire housings when I put Jay's bike together.)
@Brad~ all ends are sealed, and lined with something, not sure what.
No crud/snow/water/mud/dirt... wait, those last two would be under crud...... Nothing can get into the cables to foul them up and impede brake or shifting. If something is up with shifting or braking it's not in the cable housing.
At least that's been my experience with the Jag wire cable housings; and I go through all kinds of crud!! ;)
Peace
Joe is there something inside JagWire that resists moisture and freezing?
@MG, thanks! The combo of wet leaves, 15 MPH wind, cooling temps, and rain made the hour in the saddle about all the "fun" I was up for today.
Hugh - that sounds like an outstanding day.
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I have had cables freeze up too. It was always the lower casing of my rear derailieur. I would yank it out of the stop, and pull on it to break it free of the cable and then work it back and forth a bunch before seating it back in. Oil didn't seem to help much, the next time there was a lot of moisture in the air and freezing temps, it would seize up again.
'Import From Garmin' is definitely not fixed. A drop down menu has been added to select workout type; I selected 'cycling, transport' but it logged as running. ONE aspect has been corrected - now the 'Include In Statistics' box IS checked. Remember this box MUST be checked or you will get no points added to the challenge for that workout. The safest bet has been, and continues to be, 'Import From File', and navigate to the desired activity (workout) within your Garmin. The activity will remain as you select, and Include In Statisics will be checked.
Short ride today. Kayak practice in the Manatee refuge with lots of birds and alligators. Cloudy early with mist. Started to break up and the wind shifted to the north. So, came home and took a short ride as the sun came out. Wondering if it was the same Eagle that I saw on the river that showed up over my house as I put the bicycle away. Fall can be so much fun.
You go, @Roberto! 15 in this slop is still a good ride.
Only managed 15 miles in windy, cold, and rainy conditions. "Man's got to know his limitations."
@Jerry, I'd rather have wild leaves than wild frozen rain drops in any meteorological form.
I was attacked by wild leaves yesterday on my ride.
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They just kept jumping off the trees and aimed for my face.
@Bill~ two words Jag Wire!!
For those that may find this interesting; and are within reasonable driving distance..... Check this out!!!!
Even if you have no interest..... It's still a cool event!! Lol
http://winterbikeexpo.com
Peace, Joe
@Bill, have you lubed the cables inside their housings? Sometimes moisture may condense inside there and, in your case, freeze up. You sound like the kind of cyclist that shouldn't need this question asked, but is your chain cleaned/lubed? It's amazing what a dry chain will prevent from happening throughout the rest of the drive train system. Either way, you don't necessarily need to ride in the rain for moisture to have an effect on things.
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Rode into work for the first time since Tuesday last week. Felt so good to be back in the saddle again. Bonus - it was 62 degrees and I beat the rain by 15 minutes!
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@Lori, Kudos on the riding streak!
COLD WEATHER RIDING - I was riding my bike this morning to work in Colorado with a temperature approximately 14°. I had difficulty shifting. At times it seemed as though something along the shifting process (either the rear derailleur or the cable) is frozen. At other times both the front and the rear derailleur shifter would not catch (meaning that I could move it back and forth without having any effect). The bike has not been exposed to moisture within the last week. I currently use Shimano XT shifting lever and have Shimano XT and LX rear and front derailleurs respectively. In the last couple I wrote to as low as 37 below 0. They recommended therapy that I used grip shifter's. I was hoping not to have to do that again in Colorado since the temperature rarely goes below 0 in Colorado Springs. Does anybody have any recommendations for preventing this freezing or ineffectiveness of the shifting levers?
"Eat one less doughnut a week". What if we don't eat doughnuts? :-)
And what about the cost factor of putting an already worn tire on the back when you rotate? Isn't that just speeding up the process of replacing the rear? I'm running Armadillo Elites, and I really like them. Front has over 3500 miles and still looks good. Wondering how long it will last as a rear? Shop told me guys my size + our roads, I was lucky to get 1500+ out of a rear tire. 700 28c if that matters.
@Lori, congratulations on such a long streak! Leaves are super dangerous and stay wet close to the ground after the ones on top appear dry. Avoid them if possible.
I have rode every day starting May 1,2013 and even was in the hospital overnite once. I did not write down what I did in April. Thanks to NBC and all the riders especially those that made comments.
@Lori - I know there are riders on here with longer streaks, but I'm very impressed! My longest this year (and forever, so far), was 80.
My consecutive days ride streak ended today at 152 straight days-one day short of 5 months! Rode 4367 miles in those 152 days. Last time I missed was June 6th. Rain, wind, and leaves, after a long day of work did me in today. Be careful out there. A friend who is a "retired" triathlete hit wet pavement with leaves and spilled on his bike a couple days ago. After surgery, he faces a month in rehab):
I just received a workplace survey. Did everyone who was in charge of their workplace also receive one?
Maybe that means they will also have a team based survey in the next few weeks?
Hi, Kids! Been out of town (and out of touch) since early last week; today's the first day back in the office. Unfortunately couldn't ride in today; had to attend a funeral for a co-worker's father.
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PennDOT posts a quarterly newsletter specific to bike issues called Spokes-People. Link to this quarter's issue: ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/Press/SpokesPeople/Spokes-People_Fall2013.pdf
Some nice stuff! Can't wait to ride in tomorrow, even though the weather forecast calls for a wet commute.
Good Job Melody! Also, for Leonard and Tim I have Bontrager AW1 Hard Case according to the sticker on the tire.
colder...slower...but still riding!
Leonard thanks for the suggestion. I am doing the test on the rear and conserving the Hardcase on the front. I have one on and one in reserve.
Tim M you and I are looking to solve the same problem with the x 32 hardcase Race lite. The AW1 has a 100 psi and is much more bulging than the HCRL tire, 10 psi and the tire design make a big difference.. Let me know if you guys find anything worth a try and I will do the same.
Makes very little sense to wear out the front tire to the point it needs replacing. Remember folks, that's your steering. Doing it the Sheldon Brown way you have new rubber up front each change, and that's where it counts.
I hate to agree with a certain FL resident, but putting the new tire on the front and the old front on the rear when the rear wears out is Sheldon Brown's recommendation as well. I do that too. Have you thought about the fact that let's say you spend $60 for a tire (which I doubt many of you do). You ride on it for 15,000 miles you say (I've never achieved that kind of mileage, but I'm not trying and don't buy tires based on mileage). That works out to less than a half a penny per mile. Even though I typically get about 4000 miles out of a Continental Grand Prix 4000x road tire (700x23), I'm spending about 1 and half cents per mile. For that extra penny I get tires with exceptional grip, super-low rolling resistance, and great road feel. So on a 40 mile ride, I think I'm worth the extra 40 cents. Eat one less doughnut a week and you can roll on premium tires instead of bulletproof mileage busters. BTW, I'm not talking about off-road tires... different tires for that, different topic. And I only pay $45 for them, so my cost is actually 1 and an eighth cents per mile, but who's counting?
@J. Hugh,
A couple months ago our local Trek dealer changed hands and a friend of mine opened a new bike shop here in Sebring. My friend doesn't carry Trek but he recommended the "Armadillo Elite". So far I've got about 2,500 miles on that tire (on the front) and it seems to be wearing very well. Very nice "crown" in the center of the tire seems to be holding up quite well. (The extra Bontrager tires I have are on the "back-up" bike I keep just in case something happens to my Trek.) I'm thinking about putting the Armadillo on the back just to see how it holds up. Will probably do that after my current rear tire wears out (it has about 4,000 miles on it so far).
@Tim, J. Hugh, Marty,
I hadn't heard about Bontrager discontinuing the Hardcase tires - bummer!!!! Fortunately I still have 2 or 3 new ones, should last me for a few years........
I have never bothered to rotate my tires, I get about 3 times the life out of the front tire - typically 15,000+ miles (about a years worth of typical riding) and have to replace the rear tire about 3 times a year. J. Hugh - I think I will keep my new Bontragers for the front and see what I can find as a replacement on the back. That way I should be able to develop a good idea of how well the new tire will hold up under my usual riding style.
Leave it to someone like McKinley to take my idea and become famous.........
@Leonard - Mckinley Page has you beat! he started out as a young kid riding behind street sweepers. (Probably has never had a flat tire.)
http://news.yahoo.com/njs-street-sweeping-machines-mans-150258249.html
Tim M and Leonard W, I, too, have used Bontrager Racelite Hardcase, and was shocked to see them discontinued. I have an AW1 and it is wearing pretty fast, including developing a flat top at 750 miles. I will wear this one out, but have to start looking for new tires. AW1 is not the replacement. I rotate tires front to rear and find it works well. Also, I am trying to afford a street sweeper truck, Like Leonard, but some people have all the best equipment.
Leonard, the bad news is that Bontregar has discontinued the RaceLite Hardcase Tires. I replaced mine with Bontregar AW1 Hard-Case which I was told by my local Trek store uses all the flat protection technology of the RaceLite Hardcase. Hopefully, but that remains to be seen.
Have you ever considered or thought about rotating tires. I have not, but I've seen where others have. I have been replacing both tires at once and just keeping the best (usually the front) as a spare. When my wife gets upset about the tires everywhere, I take a bunch to the local bike co-op.
The roads around Sebring must be smoother and cleaner than they are in the Tampa Bay area for you to get that kind of mileage.
Tim,
Well, they sort of fixed it.........
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I've been using the 700x23 Bontregar RaceLite Hardcase Tires for years. I use an oversize thorn resistant tube (28/32) and typically get over 15,000 miles from the front tire and 5,000+ miles from the back tire. It's been over 2 years and 30,000+ miles since I've had a flat. The oversize tube is a little hard to install but well worth the effort.
Leonard, they may have fixed it for you but not for me. "Cycling, Sport" just happens to be the top of the drop-down list and it looks like that's the change they made. However, most (87% so far this year) of my miles are "Cycling, Transport" and so I still have to drop down and pick that as my "sport" even though it's listed as my favorite.
With regard to the discussion concerning tires, I just replaced mine this past weekend after 6082+ flat-free miles. I commute almost daily 22 miles each way over debris strewn roads.
The tire setup I had for my commute bike was 700x32 Bontregar Race Lite Hard Case, with flat liners, and standard tubes. Prior to this, I had never gotten more than about 3000 miles on a set of tires and never had gone that long without a flat. Now I need some wood to knock on!
ENDOMONDO FIXED IT!!!!!!
I entered today's ride as I usually do by going to "Import from Garmin" and it registered my ride as "Cycling, Sport". I didn't have to use the drop-down menu to change the type of activity from "Running" which has been the default setting since Endomondo went to the new download system a month or so ago.
THANK YOU ENDOMONDO!!!!!
@Paul just get Gatorskins...problem solved
My last few flats were rim related, caused by road debris (rim strip was damaged, rim burred-minute stuff that took a few rides to figure it all out). Finally got that sorted. But most flats were small bits of wire, from radial tires. And glass. We have unusually large amounts of broken glass along our road sides.Take away the rim damage, and I'm closer to 800 miles on average. Still a bit high, I would think.
As for tire wear, I'm around 215-220lbs. Not tire friendly, but that's dropping. Doubt I'll get much below 200 with my build.
@ Noel;, Past experience (20 years ago) with slid tires hasn't been pleasant. Either too soft or too hard. I'm riding 5-6 hours at a time, and that too will be increasing, so flats vs comfort...I'll take the flats. But I will look into amerityre. A lot can change in 20 years.
Paul P, I have been riding on Vitoria Rabino Pro IIIs this year and have over 4000 miles on them with no flats (except for an old tube problem at the base fo the valve). The rural roads in WI are not terrible but it is not like riding on well-paved highways, thanks to weather-related deteriorization. I rotate the tires every thousand or so miles. I think I can get them to last through the rest of this year (although I won't be on the road bike in WI much longer, I suspect) and maybe through my winter indoor training. BTW, I am also not a "light" rider at about 175-180 lbs. Of course, I now will get a flat the next time or two out, but even if that happened, I have had some great luck with these tires. FYI
@Paul, you should check out amerityre.com - they sell solid tires that fit many different size rims. I have been using them for several years and enjoy not having to worry about flat tires ever!! BTW I get about 3,000 miles on my back tire and better than 12,000 on the front...
Our roads are terrible. I think I'm averaging flat about every 500 miles right now. And I'm running Armadillos. I averaged 8k miles mountain biking.
And I get about 1300 miles out of a back tire.
Actually, Leonard is famous in Sebring. He has a street sweeper truck that drives in front of him. It helps that he own the business.
@LW, good luck. Now you're guaranteed to flat. LOL
@CR, I'll let you know tomorrow what causes the flat :-)
@Karen Jean - You're definitely a better stateswoman than I am.
Must be great to have ALL the answers.
KJG Unbeatable.
@Marty - HI Your killin' ME. ;) If I couldn't ride my bike today ID WA-WA AL the way to my MA, OR ID sing FL LA LA LA LA Christmas carols that you would hear AL the way to WI. Good 4 U I rode my bike. OH OH OH - What Santa says when Dasher steps on his toes. Want any MO-MO-OR?
@Gregg - If I wasn't so desperate for a new bike, I would get ME one of those.
How many miles you get on tires has to do with road conditions, attention to inflation and riders weight. Leonard is a leprechaun so his tire mileage may not be typical of mere mortals, Belgian Draft Horses and Clydesdales. You can't jinx a magical figure of folklore.
@LW, I think you just threw down the jinx of all jinxes.
I think it is everything to do with luck, and rain/winter. I like knowing my tires have a mortality of some sor, though. My choices in 20" tires usually have horrible flat mileage.
Carl "BMX",
Getting 3,000+ miles without a flat is good - let me know when you've gotten over 17,000 miles on the same tire without a flat and I'll pass the crown over to you..... BTW, I haven't had a flat since 8/16/2011, over 2 years and more than 30,000 miles still counting - now watch, tomorrow I'll have a flat..... :-)
You can now pedal your bike on water with this. It attaches to any bike: http://images.gizmag.com/hero/2505_02.jpg.
It's pretty cool.
Just checked and in Oshkosh, WI I'm in first place so far in November with only two other riders recording their rides. I love the completion. Lol.
Well more like 3000+ miles, but even getting over 2000 miles without a flat is great for bike tires.
I finally got a flat with the Schwalbe Kojaks. I didn't know until checking the bike later at night (cleaning), and I found a long metal wire folded up on the tire. It was stuck in, and when I pulled it out, that nice "hiss" came. The tire didn't drain until an hour later. I'd say getting a flat after riding for 3 month or maybe 2000 miles, is fine by me. The tire has plenty of cuts from running over invisible objects. This is the time of year to get the flats though. Winter. also the fact staples are all over from the "vote for this guy" signs on all the telephone poles. Winter tires, or Schwalbe Marathons will be going on the bike. Slow, heavy, but worth it.
@CR & @Karen Jean - If she rides to her MD, does that count? And, too bad she lives in PA, otherwise she could bike to her dad's house, and cross off another state.
@Karen, you can ride to NJ or MD.
Thanks people! Lake Tahoe! How could I forget? Thanks dp!
KJG Looks like NJ, NY and Md are all pretty close. Maybe a day trip in those direction can get those covered. CT, RI, MA could be weekend trips, maybe. Good luck.
KJG- you have to add Lake Tahoe, Nv.
PA is home for me. Didn't get into mtb before I left. Would love to return for some.
@J. Hugh - Only states on my list. PA and Virginia. Hope to add to that in the new year.
@Marty - HA HA!!! :)
KJG I have a states list and a countries list. I try to add to it every year.
@Karen Jean - The reason you failed at running was because you were using a bike. It is very difficult to run on one of those things.
Failed attempt at running training this morning with me on bike, son running. He said it was too early. Unfortunately he can run faster up a hill than I can bicycle. What is a 50 year old mom to do?
I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to ride in Hawaii, and Florida, and Colorado, and Texas, and Nebraska, and Missouri, and Maine and New Hampshire and Wisconsin and North Carolina and Mississippi and California and Washington State and Oregon and Arizona and Michigan and Iowa and New Jersey and Rhode Island, and Maryland and Georgia and North Dakota and Alaska and Indiana and,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
http://gothamist.com/2012/08/09/psycho_cyclists_petrifying_central.php
Psycho cyclist not good for the PR or getting people to ride.
the delusional arrogance of cyclists http://www.2oceansvibe.com/2011/09/16/the-delusional-arrogance-of-cyclists/
Night riding is the best. My favorite time to ride is to set out a couple hours before sunset, and ride right through and for a couple hours after. You definitely want good lights. I highly recommend Nite Rider.
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And hills vs flats...I'll take the hills every time. I'm going this Sunday afternoon back to our hill climb race. 16 miles, 4000 ft!! And it's on the west side of the island, so it will make for an awesome sunset ride. I'll be breaking tradition on this ride- starting at the top, bomb down to earn the climb. Then camp, and do it all over again Monday for a sunrise ride.
J.Hugh, hardly. I can't say what seeps out of you. This is a family site. At least I never had to stoop to calling someone a cheater.
@Jerry, was the sun shining? 49 and sunshine, nice riding weather.
For all those people who complain about bicyclists runing red lights.
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http://tinyurl.com/knfm6lp
And Leonard is rubbing it in again. I waited until noon to ride. A nice warm 49 degrees when I left.
I like Florida during Febuary. Shorts and t-shirts. Other than that I will take Colorado.
Longmont cyclists optimistic about flood recovery
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http://tinyurl.com/n88dn4l
cr you are one sad guy. Must be very painful. It just keeps seeping out of you.
@J. Hugh, went right over your head, huh? Not surprise, although it was quite a climb I'm sure....
@KJ, good for you!
@Roberto - My nasty cold is just about over. Nice weather for Nov. 1. Got to ride late in the day after doing my Winterizing chores in the yard like putting things in the shed and blah, blah, blah. Wonderful to do a nice ride with my husband who keeps me hopping, but didn't drop me this time.
@Burklee - I feel your pain. It's been like that with my days lately.
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Now I have to catch up on the old posts.
Nice day outside in these parts. Wish I had the day off. I often envy the retired, semi-retired, and self-employed. I'm stuck in Cubelandia, dreaming of the great outdoors.... Sigh.
cr, wow your watch that crap. Sad.
J. Hugh, now I know why I recognize you... You're on "Swamp People." 30 dirt miles along the Lehigh River in glorious 70 degree temps in the sunshine. @Karen, hope you got out.
This is the best laugh I've had in a few days.
http://themetapicture.com/things-are-a-little-different-in-australia/
When i was a boy we caught gators for the fun of it. It is very hard to do. They do a lot to avoid you and for reptiles are very fast and smart. People from nebraska and PA are probably more dangerous with their driving here than the gators.
@Leonard Thanks I know some really dark roads without many lights. I think I might look like a low flying space ship with my blinky lights. Sounds fun.
@John T you can take a great deal off and still be legal. Check out the Fl beaches. And as Leonard points out you can ride at night and enjoy the AC after. Also, don't go below the equator you will not like Christmass there either.
I like having four seasons where winter has snow for Christmas. There is nothing stranger than Christmas carols in 60-70 degree weather. As I tell people who complain about the cold. You can always put more clothes on, but you can only take so much clothing off.
@J Hugh, Night riding is wonderful, of course I live in a VERY rural area. I can ride for hours and never see a car - also there are NO lights where I ride. In some places I am the only thing for miles around that has any kind of light. I've been told I can be seen for miles away..... If you decide to do some night riding try to find a dark area to ride in so you will show up. I've gone through housing developments and had cars pull out in front of me, one driver said my lights were lost in among all the other lights in the area........
@Burklee, Florida hasn't been hit by a hurricane in the last 8 years (this is from the National Weather Service). We don't talk about 2004-2005. In 2004 three hurricanes passed within 20 miles of Sebring, lost power for days after 2 of them.
Should have taken a picture of the snake I saw in the road the other day, about 7-8 feet long. Of course that was nothing compared to the one I saw while on a trail a few years back, about as big around as my wrist and at least 12 feet long. Saw it coming out of the brush, watched it cross the trail (head and tail were both in the bushes), waited a couple minutes after it passed. I figured if that thing wanted to come back across the trail, I didn't want to be there........
thanks CR some great news today.
@Tim Florida is flat and hot and has tourists and hurricanes. No one from PA would really like only one day below 50 and we pave our trails. Drew some bicycle routes out recently and got complaints because there were two many rolls. Yes Two many.
@Leonard I am going to try night riding next year. You like it so much. I just have to try it. Thanks
@Leonard, Tim, J. Hugh - Flat, nice weather - good. Hurricanes, big snakes, gators, spring breakers - bad. Pass.
Roberto, we have a multitude of seasons. There's hurricane season, thunderstorm season (which coincides with hurricane season), tourist season, snow bird season, and spring break season. We do also have at least one day of winter which is defined locally as any day in which the high temperature is under 50°F.
Couldn't drag me to FL to live with wild horses. FLAT is putting it mildly. No real seasons. PASS.
J.Hugh and Leonard, over here in St. Pete we were actually considering closing the windows and putting the air conditioner back on. The dew point is back up in the 70s and it's muggy in the morning on my ride to work.
Beautiful morning for a ride, 71 to start at 5:00am - 75 when I finished 50 miles later. I've been trying to switch myself over to daylight riding, REALLY prefer to ride at night!! I'm going to miss the night riding this winter, it's only the first day of November, I'm ready for summer to be here........
I have 5083 ;)
Jim - congrats on achieving Diamond!!
@Leonard I will be down your way for Highland Bike Fest. But it was 74 here at 6:30 you must be in a cold spot.
@Burklee, I lived in Michigan for 50 years - that's why I live in Florida now. I've been there, done that and I plan to brag about our weather all winter long. I can accept people don't like the bragging, but I feel I've earned the right to brag and besides, I enjoy doing it after going through 50 Michigan winters.
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@J. Hugh, I have to say I do feel sorry for you, living way up north where it gets COLD during the winter. You need to come down to sunny, south central Florida where it's MUCH warmer than the northern part of Florida where you live.
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Enough bragging, it's 5:00am and 71 degrees outside - time to go for a nice WARM early morning ride. @Burklee LOL
@Jim - Congratulations on the great biking streak!
The End . . . in the rain. I have biked more this summer than (probably) any time in my life and I thank the people who are behind the NBC - it has been a blast! I've biked every day since May 23rd, missing only 12 days of biking in the month of May. My goal became to bike through the month of October and I made it, though the weatherman made the last couple of days in Appleton, Wisconsin less-than-fun. My biking partner and I are looking forward to NBC 2014 and making Diamond! I made it this year, but on September 48th!
Anyone ever heard of this app? I just learned about it on Monday and have been checking it out - it is interesting. It is free and has the ability to automatically distinguish between walking, running, cycling and motorized transport. http://www.moves-app.com/ Would be interested to hear what you think about it.
70 mile round-trip ride from the suburbs to Philly, done. The ride was on the Perkiomen Trail, which is 16 miles of mostly gravel, then connecting to the Schuylkill River Trail for 19 miles of asphalt. Rained half the ride, and the east wind was a headwind going in, but a tailwind on the way back. Given that the prevailing wind is usually westerly, this was a bonus. SportLegs, my secret weapon, did the job once again. Wrapped up another 1000+ mile month for the year.
@J. Hugh - "The good weather has come to Florida for the months and months to come." Nobody likes a braggart - especially those of us freezing our tookuses. :P
11,500 + for the year with two months left to go. thanks to supportive friends It looks like an all new yearly record for 2013. Enjoyed great weather today. 16 mile sprint and a kayak trip. The good weather has come to Florida for the months and months to come. Yea!
Planning on a nice 70 mile round trip ride tomorrow with a good friend who has never done the route. I love sharing a route I'm love with a friend for their first time. This route is a bike route from the rural suburbs of Philadelphia right into the city. All off road, 15 miles unpaved and 20 miles paved. So the middle 40 is all paved. Both routes follow rivers and are rails-to-trails routes. Lunch will be at my favorite viewing spot for the pro bike race in Philly each spring. Just happens to serve a mean plate as well. Calling for light rain in the morning on the northern part of the route. But temps are supposed to warmer and a south wind will be tailwind heading north to home. Plus this will give me my 10th 1000 mile month this year.
HI all, it was a foggy morning. So I rode this afternoon when the temps were in the upper 60s and the sun popped out for a couple of hours. The soggy leaves make a different sound from the crispy dry ones. Part of my ride was on the trail and the mud on my back reminded me that I may want a rear fender for wet weather riding. Loving all the pumpkins and Halloween decorations everywhere.
@jerry B thanks very much. I noticed that having lane control is much better for passing, but the video is very impressive.
Thanks Jerry for the links. Good info with great pro biking points!
You’re going to kill someone
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http://tinyurl.com/o3s4xba
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Follow up: You’re going to kill someone
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http://tinyurl.com/jwrxe8w
More info on lane positioning
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http://tinyurl.com/29qgrj8
Lane Control v Right Tire Track
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http://vimeo.com/17300276
@Jerry, nothing happened (but Thanks for the concern). I have to travel for business today - Friday, then other events will conspire to keep me off my bike until next Wednesday. Life is getting in the way of cycling (sorry, @Roberto...it happens sometimes).
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Glad to hear there's some recovery going on, Jerry. Just ride safe out there. Enjoy the white stuff; bet it looks nice!
I missed something. What happened to you Michael?
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There is s... On the ground.
@Michael-you will be back on your bike in no time-with the way time is flying next week will be here before you know it!
Since I'm travelling out of town later this morning, I carpooled with The Better Half. Drove across town to drop the 14-year-old at school, then came back into town to drop me and the luggage. Traffic in this 'burg is a JOKE! Darn, I miss my bike already...
Cubic Zirconia! Doesn't seem right calling it Diamond since I didn't get it in the challenge period. All is going well with my training. Got to update all my profiles today...had to change weight from 230 to 220. :) I was 231 on Oct 7 (first day of training) and 218 today. Resting heart rate of 42!
In a rest week right now, with an anaerobic threshold test on Sunday. Next week, we're adding gym and core workouts, and likely going to incorporate running into the mix.
Sold my TV today as a result. 18-24 hrs/week cycling, and the added workouts on top of a 45 hour work week...something had to go.
Physically, mentally, emotionally...all on lifetime record highs right now. I have NEVER felt better.
The whispers are getting louder...RAAM is calling...
It has been raining for two days. And we are supposed to have s... tongiht and tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get out on Thursday.
Hwy 36 is scheduled to open on Nov 4th. A month ahead of schedule. I don't know if they will allow bikes at first. Photo of a section of the road after the flood.
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http://tinyurl.com/l4vzhsd
@SOS, No problem, I was hoping you were aware of a trick I didn't know that would allow us to select individual defaults. I agree with your comment, it shouldn't be a problem for a programmer to allow each individual to select their own default activity. Let's hope Endomondo updates the selection process soon - it would make it MUCH easier for everyone.
@Leonard -- Sorry...in my edits, I reversed the meaning of the message about default rides. I commented "to Endomondo that we need an ability to select a default ride type". We can't make that selection now, but it would be a really easy option for a programmer to modify.
@Roberto - My problem is I have two passions. Swimming and bicycling. Now you make me feel like I'm cheating or skitso. Work and Family gets in the way. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and the pool is heated. Outside it can be cccccccoooooold. (I know that it was a great day to ride bike this afternoon.) Enough excuses. Michael did warn me I would here from you. Also, swimming is #1, bicycling is #2. Now I am going to get shot. <o> (me ducking for cover.)
@CR-so true!
I signed up for the winter challenge some time ago. Have to see if I can figure out how to log miles. Will try what KJG suggested. I don't have a phone with internet access. Guess it doesn't matter?
Great day today! I honestly don't see how passion can be seasonable. Just sayin'
Thanks, @KJG. Stick around, I'm sure between myself and @CR we can give you some motivation :-)
@Michael - Under new workout on Endomondo page next to the bell icon. First option is manual. I started entering swimming workouts using this option and it seem to record on a Winter Swimming/Kayaking/Rowing challenge I entered. November 1 only a few days away, I hope it works for the Winter bicycling challenge, I need motivation.
@Michael-its so true! The first light in the morning for fall and winter does put a new look to everything. (Bet Mechanicsburg has grown and changed!) When I was young I used to ride my bike to Mechanicsburg from Mount Pleasant at least once a week. Tough ride on an old steel bike. Specially up Bowman's Hill.
@ Phil, Karen, EM and J.Hugh: Thank you for all the advice and best wishes. We may start a campaign to get a “No Right Turn on Red” sign at that particular intersection. http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/unwelcome-answer-to-my-question/
Good day, all as well! @Cynthia, I like riding in the first light of morning; puts a whole new 'look' on everything I pass. Unfortunately for me today is the last day that I'll be on a bike till next Wednesday. Tomorrow through Friday I'll be out of town for business (Mechanicsburg, PA for those familiar with the area), then Saturday - Tuesday next week other circumstances will prevail and prevent riding. Gonna miss it :(
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I've signed up for the Winter Biking Challenge on Endomondo but don't see any way to log points manually like we have here. I'm not using the Endomondo app but have instead been entering points through the website daily since May. Will there be a similar feature there as well?
Good Morning to All! Its been a wonderful time to commute and a lot of fun with the weather being not too chilly and not to hot. But gosh its hard getting up and getting going in the morning when it is still dark at almost 7 a.m. Ok, so I am trying to back log my miles and it doesn't seem to want to let me from the past couple weeks. I entered my miles in for this week so far though. Sunday was a wonderful 18 miles ride with my Mom. Beautiful day to out riding Sunday.
Edgar, hope your wife recovers quickly. 2 years ago, I rode into freshly poured, unmarked, non-barricaded cement where a sidewalk crosses a business driveway (I can legally be on the sidewalk here, was only there since the nearby trail was closed for sewer work - irony there too). Knocked unconscious, broken helmet, broken bike, 3rd degree separated shoulder. The crew was still there pouring more cement; they did not help me, they put up the barricades, smoothed off the cement where I rode thru, and washed the cement off my bike. Rush hour traffic, yet no one helped me. I had no video, no witnesses I could track down, even the police report was taken at the ER instead of on-site, which I requested. Ins Co said they'd pay only up to $1,000 for actual medical bills. Mine was only $250 due to great work insurance and no surgery. I got a lawyer (2nd one, not first...be picky) and 18 months later after 3 settlement negotiations, I got $16k. So, stick with it, be patient and change lawyers if need be. Ins companies will do anything to frustrate you...once they know you are serious, they try to delay settlement with paperwork. I was willing to go to court over this despite lack of evidence, that seemed to help. I wish you success.
4912 points ;)
@Steve O Smith, Thanks for reminding me about being able to select a "default" sport. Unfortunately, I've forgotten how to get to where I can make that select (I've heard one of the first signs of aging is loss of memory, of course that can't be my problem.....). I would appreciate a quick reminder of how to change the default setting. Thank you.
@Leonard: Ref your comment about selecting Cycling, Sport. I commented both last year and this year that each person could have a default ride type, just like a default commute lenght. My default ride is Cycling, Sport
@Roberto - Thanks for doing those miles.
@Jerry - Thank you for the Birthday wishes.
@Tammie - Great job!
@EM - Wish I was on that trail with them. Saw two bicyclists as I was leaving
for work. Jealous :(
@Edgar - Best wishes to your wife.
Hi all, out for a mid+afternoon ride today with temps in the upper 60s, sunshine, and not too much wind. Lots of riders out on the trail.
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@ Edgar, sorry to hear about you wife. Hope she recovers quickly. I hope others who have experience with traffic accidents will offer some advice.
@Tim, When you chose "Import from Garmin" after it initially imports the ride and BEFORE you save them there is a drop down menu that shows "Running". Click on the drop down menu, the first choice is "Cycling, Sport" and the second choice is "Cycling, Transportation". Select whichever category you want to use then "Save" your rides.
As far as being able to change the default from "Running", I haven't found a way, need to make the changes for EACH ride every time before you save the ride.
@ENDOMONDO, This needs to be fixed so each person can set their chosen "default" activity for all their rides..........
@Tim. This has been an issue for a couple of months. I don't know why Endomondo does't fix it. Just chose "import from file" instead of "import from Garmin" to solve this issue.
@Edgar Have your wife see her medical team, Get a lawyer. I didnt and learned. If there is a next time I will lawyer up immediately. Insurance companies have one goal, don't pay. A lawyer who really knows cycling is frequently recommended in articles I read after the fact.
When I upload my tracks from my Garmin, it shows all my tracks as running. Is the system trying to tell me I'm that slow that it thinks I'm a runner?
Seriously though, does anyone know how to change the default from running to something else?
Got a good case of irony...my wife wrote a blog about making your self visible while riding your bicycle (http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/can-you-see-me-now/), then 24 hours later she was in an emergency vehicle after been hit by a car turning ride on red. Any stories to share on how to handles this kind of situation (insurance companies, police repotrts, etc)? More details on the acciden on her next blog.
@ Jerry, nice to read an article that put some stats into the discussion instead of the usual scofflaws accusations. Training cyclists is definitely a good idea. Earlier today I stumbled across a Norwegian article that said that teaching kids to bicycle when they are young is the best way to perpare them to master traffic situations when they get older, regardless of whether they are bicycling, walking, or driving.
HI all, lunch ride today to take advantage of temps in the low 60s. We came back home via the trail, including the part thats high up and unprotected from the wind. No real wind, so it was the perfect fall day. Lots of people out riding, including parents and maybe grandparents with kids. WAY TO ROLL PEOPLE!
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@ Tammie, good job on your ride. The wind can sometimes be tougher than hills!
@Tammie, AWESOME! Especially like the "didn't put a foot down" bit. Rockstar!
Congratulations Tammie. Great job.
Rough road relations
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http://tinyurl.com/lse55cf
Hello everyone. It looks like the weather has generally been cooperative for some nice riding around the country. I just got home from a charity ride for Muscular Dystrophy - ALS in San Angelo, TX. They said the ride has an elevation gain of about 1,200 ft and I knew it would be a challenge. WELL, THAT WAS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Try more like 2,300 ft and some really steep climbs! There was an optional out and back section that had the majority of the climb and I decided to give it a try. I did it all without putting a foot down anywhere in spite of going up hill into the wind and seeing my garmin showing me going only 4.3mph ... how did I stay upright??? The total for the day was 63 miles and I was completely beat when I pulled into the finish.. dead last but proud as could be. One of the few to have done the complete course. The wind was a major factor of the day close to 30mph at times ... could have done without that!
Another lovely day here in Florida. Bike Florida ride was really good. 62.78 miles start at 53 and finish at 73. Really nice folks along and great rest stop support. Full sun winds pleasant.
Hit 14,500 miles for 2013 today. Let's ride!
Went out riding with the St. Vrain Chain Gang today. Chilly morning but warmed up quickly while riding. I am slowly getting better. This was my fastest ride I have done since my accident.
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Happy Birthday Karen.
Hit 10,500 miles for 2013 today
And double diamond. :)
Hi all, out for a late afternoon ride. Windy and temps hovering around 60. But it was sunny and there were quite a few people out riding.
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@ Carl, thanks for sharing the photos.
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I made a facebook page showing all the pictures of my rides, which include the last two NBCs. https://www.facebook.com/thenjriderridelog
Forever updating.
Lovely 36 miles after 4 hours of volunteers for the Bike Florida event in Deland, Fl. It is just the best weather here in Fla. Love the coming of winter.
@EM congrats on the bike lane, but the only thing magical about it may be your thinking
@KJG HB2u and many more. You get 28 miles credit for the BD..
@KJ, I did them for you. 30 brutal WINDY miles.
PS, a bike lane has magically appeared on a road near me! YAY!
HI all, out in the mid-afternoon with temps in the mid-50s, sunshine and mild wind. A handfull of other riders taking advantage of this great fall day.
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@ Matt J, thanks for sharing your story and all the best to you and your family for successful surgery and a speedy recovery (just thinking about getting back on your bike will keep you motivated)
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@ Mike & Burklee, I can't wait to join you and the other bike riding law breakers (LOL) in riding on Lincoln's new green!
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@ KJG, of course, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Good for you for getting out and riding and then getting in and recovering. ENJOY!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <-- inverted candles, flip them over and blow out as many as you like!
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@ Cynthia, we'd appreciate your (s)miles, the doggedly determined among us still want to make that 20 million!
@Burklee - Glad something really great in the annals of bicycle history happened on October 25 (Nice virtual b-day present.)
@Laurie - Thanks for the article. If only people in US were like-minded.
@Roberto - Came back from lunch and went to bed. I am afraid 28 miles is not in me today, but I promise that as soon as my cold gets better I will do those miles. (Not too smart swimming five hours this week with an upper resp. infection, but then again, I am afraid that I am an addict, aka swimaholic.)
@Cynthia - will do with that recipe writing it down AWS.
A bit of history from The Clymb website: On October 25th (that's today!), 1972, Eddy Merckx set the initial record for the amount of miles biked in a single hour on a bicycle. He used a drop handlebar, steel-tubed frame to bike around a velodrome in Mexico City for a grand total of 49.431km, or just under 31 miles. Merckx held his record for 12 years. He summed up the effort by saying, "It was the hardest ride of my life."
@Karen, Happy Birthday! Will you ride 28 miles?
No Bacon! Lol. I thought I would miss it but I don't. Amazing how your tastes change once you stop eating meats. Or other processed foods. Either way, that recipe sounds delish.
Try a mixture of chopped garlic, shallots, tomatoes, mushrooms, orange peppers, pepita (sp) seeds, and whatever other little veggie you want, toss with olive oil and Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese-slice eggplant place on baking sheet, top with mixture and bake.
@KJG, Mmmmm, baacooonnnn...... (Apologies to @CR and all the veggie-tearians out there).
http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/10/24/240493422/in-most-every-european-country-bikes-are-outselling-cars
Happy happy birthday, KJG!!!!!!!!!!!
@Michael - I'm Benjaima Button. Celebrating my 28th birthday today :) We had Spanish Eggplant yesterday which also includes peppers, onions and tomato sauce, and if you leave off the crumbled bacon on top (which I must admit it tasty) it would pass as a vegetarian dish.
@Marty - Cold, cold, cold, cold. Superman stood me up for Lois Lane AGAIN. It must be the kryptonite earrings I wear. It is just as well, since he would have had to take me to his ice castle just to thaw out. Sniffle, Sniffle. New 20,000,000 mile goal. Thanksgiving Day. :)
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Good thing I had a backup plan. My #2 brother, who works night shift, is taking me out to lunch at Sweet Memories. It is a quaint luncheonette in an old Victorian double in Emmaus that is a bakery and gift shop all rolled into one. Thank you all for the birthday greetings! Ride on. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii (Marty you don't have to count them -
28 birthday candles. And if I had my wish it would be that everyone has a safe and happy October 25th.)
@Michael-coffee was great this morning for sure! I was her first customer! No one comes out early here on days like this. In no time you will have your cold winter garb figured out. It's actually part of the fun to find out what works and what doesn't.
@KJG-Happy Birthday Girl and happy riding! Hope your cold gets better though. If it's any consulation-it's all up and down the east coast.
If I had realized we were still trying to get to 20 million miles I would have continued to log miles! Maybe I will try to go back and put those miles in. Guess I been out of the loop too long.
@KJG, Happy Birthday! 29 (again), right??? We have some cake here in the office this morning from another employee; I'll light a virtual candle in your honor. How'd those stuffed peppers turn out?
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33 degrees when I left the casa this morning. Butt-chilling cold! Days like this I wear my rain pants over tights just to act as a windbreaker/extra layer for my legs. Was a little too toasty when I got to work. Still refining the wardrobe for days like this.
Matt Joy...THANK YOU for sharing your experience and for your valuable advice. Prayers to you and your family over the next several months.
EM...looking forward to riding that stretch of road with you on one of your trips back home to Lincoln!
@Karen Jean - Happy Birthday! Not as much as right now. By the end of the day, we'll be around 19,150,000, without your efforts, so only about 850,000. I would suggest you start, NOW..
Oh, no Gavin used a dirty word! Hands over ears |O|. sl---. Yuck!
I have the most awful cold that won't go away, but I feel the need to ride on my birthday, so I will have to bundle up.
@Marty - How many miles do I have to do to get to 20,000,000? I will have to
find Superman. If he would push me from behind we could do it.
@EM - Thanks for posting the LJS story. I can't wait til that lane is done next August!! It might make it a bit easier to get to the farmers' market in the Haymarket. I read the other story on Lincoln's new Complete Streets policy. Of course, nobody missed the opportunity to bash bicyclists in the comment section, either. I don't think my day would have been complete without reading about how we're just all a bunch of no-account scofflaws, and we'd better get out of the way or drivers "just hope they can avoid running us over." (Sarcasm font off)
Long johns, cold lower brackets, sleet, a nice crisp west headwind, pickup truck drivers (black GMC) seeing how CLOSE they can get just because its FUN! Welcome to Vermont cycling, late October!
@Cynthia, bet that cup of java felt especially good this morning!
@Matthew J, Thanks for sharing and Best of Luck! Follow the advice of others here: Take the time to heal properly.
@Matthew and all-thanks so much for sharing your stories and sharing this information. Its so true that you just never know what is happening. I really appreciate your time and energy to make this post. Very educational. (good luck Matthew!)
Matthew J., after you have the surgery, take it easy and do what the doc says exactly untlil the doc releases you. It seems like a slow healing process for that sternum to heal, just give it time and you will do fine. You being in good shape will speed your recovery a lot faster than when I had my chest cracked.
GO LINCOLN: http://journalstar.com/news/local/bike-lane-design-through-centennial-mall-gets-ok/article_93164af2-5937-5433-99ec-6a2255ce964c.html
@Matthew J (and All),
Thanks for the comments Matthew. I had a similar experience in 2010. Mine wasn't as sever as your (although the doctors did say if I tried to ride before surgery it could be life threatening). Like you, I've spent much of my life on a bike and never had any medical problems. In 2010 my heart rate skyrocketed (230+) and stayed there for hours during a 12 hour race. No discomfort other than feeling tired all day. Didn't realize how high the heart rate was until I downloaded the Garmin after the ride. Turns out my heart had grown a couple extra nerve fibers that control the heart rate (basically it was a short-circuit in the nerves). Had surgery and during last year's NBC I rode over 10,000 miles in 4 months.
@ALL - As Matthew said, SEE YOUR DOCTOR on a regular basis no matter how healthy you think you are. The body does strange things, many times without any type of discomfort. Just because you aren't feel sick doesn't mean there isn't something going on that could prove to be deadly for you........
Another great fall ride today. About 12 degrees cooler than Tuesday. I was not able to red yesterday. I had two new 220 volt and two 110 outlets installed in my garage. I spent the day removing everything off the shelves, taking the shelves off the walls and removing the walls. Then putting it all back together. It was so tempting to stop working and go ride.
@Matthew. Best of luck on your surgery. At least you are doing it at the best time of year. Hopefully you will be back on your bike before spring.
Roberto - I didn't say my life WAS boring, but I am certainly not going to risk it for the sake of exciting video feed, neither do I have the time to sit and watch a video of something I've already lived. Seems to me that many people don't think reality itself is good enough and only see experiences as real if they are broadcast.
@Matthew - Thank you for sharing your story. I am hoping and praying for the best outcome for you. Keep us up to date if you can.
had to do the reuglar open heart sugery with replacing the section of the aorta with the synthetic graft, which was the main problem at that point, i got a tissue valve or cow valve...if in when that need to be replace it can be done less invasively
My son is a big GoPro nut. He has three at last count. It's a hobby folks. If you think you life is boring, that's your problem. Still fun to document those special rides, times, events, and the not-so-special ones that just make you smile reliving them. You don't have to be Steven Spielberg to enjoy GoPro.
@Matthew, thanks for sharing. BTW, my dad had a heart valve replacement using what is called a "Keyhole incision." No chest crack. Ask about it. Not all places do it. He went to the Cleveland Clinic to have his done (and we live near Philly). Best of luck.
A cautionary tale
Probably my last bike ride for the year was September 24th. The week before I had a somewhat annual physical with my family doctor. He heard a heart murmur that had not been there 17 months before in April 2012. He thought it sounded like an issue with one of the valves, but really could not tell for sure how significant it might be. He had me have an echo cardiogram that week which found a genetic defect in my aortic valve and an enlarged aorta. I scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist for the next Monday. His initial thought was to just watch with a follow up echo in 6 months to watch how the valve was acting, but he wanted to confirm the size of the aneurism on the aorta. So he scheduled a CT scan of that area of the heart to confirm the size the next day with a follow up visit with him the day after. So I road out to the local heart hospital on September 24th for the CT scan, then to a client’s office, home, to my office downtown, another stop on the way home and finally home. 27 miles for the day. Every doctor kept asking if I was having any symptoms, shortness of breath, yeah when I rode hard on the bike, chest pain?, no, swelling in legs, feet or ankles?, no, dizziness?, no, no, no, etc. See the cardiologist the next morning who says it is a good thing we did the CT scan. Normal size for an aorta is 3.5cm, the echo was showing mine to be 4.8cm, they do surgery when it is 5.0 to 5.5cm….well mine was 6.0 and extended all the way up the ascending side and started across the top before the descending side. It was a pretty scary picture when I saw it. We are going to schedule a Heart Catherization for next Tuesday and meet the surgeon to schedule the crack your chest, open heart, stop your heart, chill you down surgery.
I decided I had tempted fate long enough and stopped riding the bike.
Really the only reason I am posting this is do not think because you feel like you are in great shape from riding the bike a lot, have no symptoms, doctor checks are good, please see a doctor on a semi regular basis. I certainly was lucky that my doctor heard something he had not heard on my last check, myself, my family and friends will be forever thankful that he heard something and was aggressive enough to get it checked. This type of aneurism would have dropped me dead in minutes if it had burst. While I was not looking forward to the surgery and the recovery, I was more nervous about the bomb ticking in my chest than any of the pain and suffering I might have from the surgery. I have 6 to 8 weeks from the surgery before they will even think about letting me get on a bike to allow the sternum time enough to knit back together. That gets me in to December which around here may be getting pretty late for much riding if the snow has hit. Those rides for the annual check and the CT scan are probably my last longer rides for the day, but I should be good to pound some mileage this next year.
I have literally been riding a bike my whole life since I learned at 5 years old. I just turned 59 in August. I rode as a kid all the time, road to junior high and high school, was off road mountain biking in grade school and junior high long before anyone in Marin county had thought of the name, road all through college both to classes and the bars, have continued to commute to work, to clients, to the bars, restaurants, friends or wherever I may need to go. I certainly consider myself and my doctor agreed that I was in great shape compared to a lot of contemporaries my age, my heart worked well, reacted to stress and recovered well, low blood pressure, no signs of artery disease, controlled cholesterol. He just heard something that certainly saved my life and should give me many more years on the bike. Get yourself a check up by your family doctor on a regular basis no matter what your age.
@ Tammie, I'm sure you'll do the 60, no problems!
Woo, early afternoon ride and the wind was whistling all over the place. It was in the 50s when I started. Took a break at the library and when I came out it was windier and in the 40s. Next time the long fingered gloves for sure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
Good Luck Tammie-you will do great! Hey what's 60 miles? lol
Looks like our cold spell is going to continue all next week into Halloween with highs here only in the 40's and lows near freezing in the low 30's
All that s word talk shame on all of you.we're lucky here when we get it it's gone by noon.I am doing another charity ride this weekend for muscular dystrophy ALS. This one is 60 miles with hills, wish me luck. I am a lot stronger than I was when I did the bike MS in July so it should be more fun and I am determined not to hit the pavement this time. I would love to have a go pro myself but I agree it would show how boring my rides are a lot of rabbits and Mesquite.
I agree about the GoPro Hugh; but my thoughts were on the opposite end of the spectrum. I've been tempted, but I think if I had one it would only demonstrate how boring my life really is.
I meant to say morning, not warming....whoops!
Good Morning All! The only thing missing from my commute this warming was having warmer gear on! Whew! It was just a little bit on the side of freezing. Although by 5 pm the temps will be in the low 80's.
No "S" word applies here what so ever!
@Roberto-I agree, it is a drag to take layers on and off. But I wouldn't change doing it for the world.
Nice article from this morning's fish wrapper on one of our local rail trails: http://tinyurl.com/nsra3oh
Good Morning, all: An exceptionally crisp fall morning for a ride. To continue yesterday's discussion on climates, when I left the homestead at 7:00 this morning, the thermal tracking device read 39.8 degrees. By the time I got to the 'lower elevation' portion of my ride, the taxi drivers were in their storage lot warming their cars up and scraping the dense frost off of their windshields. Funny, in the afternoons when the white stuff flies the elevation GAIN gets colder; in the mornings, colder air sinks and it's the elevation LOSS that gets colder. Whoodathunk???
@KJG It appears to me that the Go Pro comes with a virus that infects minds. You tube is a source of substantial evidence to the go pro virus based insane stuff. In extreme cases it life threatening.
Yeah Marty, we had some of that stuff (with a headwind) up here in Appleton. However, riding in wintry weather still beats having to drive in it!
In Milwaukee, we had a trace of crystalline structured rain fluttering down as I was biking this evening. Not enough to write home about, but enough to post here.
The only drag about winter cycling is layering up. Beyond that it's really no big deal. I don't shovel since I live in a condo. Winter is to be endured if you live in eastern PA, but certainly never stops me from riding. I could live in a warm climate, but I wouldn't choose a flatland. Maybe AZ or most certainly CA or HI.
@J.Hugh - Like I was saying......
I won't be shoveling S word all winter long. From now until May lovely weather. Continuing the probability to ride every day. Love this macro climate.
Sorry, @CR, I let emotion get the bettr of me. No more four letter 'S'-bombs from me, I promise.
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@Rick, same applies here. My ride in the morning is down ~250 feet, then back up another ~70 feet. Reverse that in p.m. Many times in winter I leave the office in rain and get home 2-1/2 miles away to 4 inches of the white stuff on the grass and slick roads. Love those microclimates!
@MG, don't use the "s" word on the forum. It's a family site. :)
@Michael - we have some pretty amazing microclimate regimes here, especially in the winter. A little elevation and a small distance from the Sound make all the difference in the world. My house sits at about 340 ft. el. It's a 70 foot drop to the main road, about 1/2 mile away. One winter morning I left the house (by car) to take my daughter to school, 2 1/2 miles away. The weather was cold, and there was some snow falling, but the street was clear. A mile from the house I turned the corner from a decent road onto an ice rink. The ice was too thick to crunch through,and so slick that the car would not stay in the lane. It slid down the crown of the road toward the gutter. I managed to get to a golf course parking lot without hitting anything or getting hit and we walked the rest of the way. I walked back to the car that afternoon and drove home on a clear roadway.
Hey @CR, at least we're not shoveling snow!!!
905,258 miles to go to 20 million!
@CR - 30 miles, gravel, flat tire, freezing rain. Invigorating! :)
Lovely cool weather slipping into Florida. 54 forecast in the morning with highs around 72 looking like should last until at least Monday. Really lovely to have summer somewhat behind us.
@Karen. I'll stick with skydiving. Much safer. And much more exciting.
Today's 30 mile gravel ride included a flat tire and freezing rain. Great day to be alive.
@MG, consider stone busting delayed...
@Karen - Stuffed peppers at your house this week? And you live where?... :)
@KJG-nice last fall harvest-how exciting! I have some great eggplant recipes. Tee hee.
Keep warm and ride safe all!
@Cynthia - Didn't ride today, since I had to pick all my peppers and cherry tomatoes and eggplants, unfortunately it took my bicycling time. Weatherman says temps will be below freezing tonight, but I have those cold weather tights for tomorrow. Just wanted to say Hi. Looks like we are going to have a lot of stuffed peppers at our house for the rest of the week. :)
@Jerry - almost as thrilling as jumping out of an airplane?
Fro those of you who want more excitement when riding your bicycle than dodging vehicles on the road.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch
Here is some follow-up on that bat wielding incident in Texas, plus more general comments.
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/pickup-driver-fight-cyclists-leads-crushed-bike-jail-165443573.html
Oh my gosh what an angry man! What a shame...
Yep, its getting cold! Even for here it will be in 30's at night. Really unheard of for this neck of the woods. Guess I will have my lined tights on tomorrow morning!
Besides, I don't want @Roberto bustin' my stones for using weather as an excuse to avoid riding! (light-hearted sarcasm intended)
@Rick, it's incidents just like you describe that I'd like to avoid. I always check the National Weather Service temp reports from our airport, then look at my own thermometer and I always seem to be about 3-5 degrees warmer. However, my morning commute is downhill so, as I get closer to work - even though it's more urban - the temps still fall. Just like you experience. As I said earlier, I'll be investigating tires this weekend and make a decision from there. I have a spare set of rims, so I can mount 'snows' and change them out on an as-needed basis, knowing full well that I'll probably keep them on the bike non-stop between December and March. I hope TBH (The Better Half) doesn't rub it in too much. Thanks for the reality check!
@Michael G- which one it is depends on what stories you (or your survivors) are able to tell afterwards. I'm actually driving this week, with no rain and temps between 45 & 55. It's the FOG. We're talking thick, can't see past the bumper at times fog. So, my wife doesn't need the car this week, and I'm driving. Saw stupidity on a bike on my way in this morning - no helmet, no lights, no apparent reflectors, and "please hit me" black/brown/navy outerwear. It was just about sunrise, and with the fog I couldn't distinguish what color he was wearing.
And there's also my experience from last winter. Friday before Christmas, morning temps in the mid- to high-30's. Tuesday of that week, I found ice 'drops' on the edge of a patio table before I left for work on my bike, but rode anyway. When I turned in at a parking lot that I cross on my commute, I went down in black ice. No injury, and I made the rest of the ride without incident. So back to Friday. Seems a little warmer than Tuesday -- 38? Checked the patio table - only liquid water, no ice drops. Spousal unit offers twice to ferry me and bike to work, knowing that the afternoon ride home will be fine. But no, I want to ride. No problem until I decided to take a left turn while accelerating to catch another cyclist... Why am I looking at the sky? And why does my hip suddenly hurt? I caught something slick -- wet crosswalk stripe or black ice -- I hurt too much to investigate at the time -- and fell and broke my left hip.
Enthusiasm? Late-middle-aged pride? Stupidity? Ask the sweet lady who twice that morning had offered to drive me in to the office an hour before her regular wake-up hour. The same lady who spent the next several days getting me to and from the hospital for surgery and bringing me meals and helping me cope with the fracture until I was moving better with crutches.
Still, I'm in denial. It was while the fracture was healing that I searched and found the Conti' Winter tires and made plans to buy before this winter sets in.
27 degrees at 6:45 this morning. The first time I've worn long pants this year. Ok, but my sinuses got cold. I really wish the time change would come earlier!
32° for the ride in this morning. I wore a little fleece jacket under my vest, over my working clothes. It felt like it might have been just a bit too much. My legs are still fine in just jeans. I have one pair of tights I can wear under jeans when it gets colder. I'm not looking forward to the time when the weather is consistently frigid/snowy and I have to start riding the bus. The freedom of my bike makes me loathe the schedule of the bus... My bike never leaves without me.
@Cynthia, Welcome Back! You've been missed, I'm sure. Have an enjoyable vacation?
Hello All! Been out of the loop for awhile. I check in on these great conversations when I can. Was away for about a week. Still commuting to work and about town. Loving every moment spinning wheel. I stopped logging in miles though in NBC.
@Brad - Bicycling magazine has a big article about web sites like this in their recent issue. If some of the bicyclists who crashed used the hammerhead instead of their Garmins or I-phones they might be alive. I didn't read the whole article since I am not competitive on my bicycle, but you might be interested. I never saw such a detailed article on one topic in this magazine before outside of the Tour de France.
@J. Hugh - I do the fandango while riding my bike in the water. lol
@Michael - Groovy Man, Groovy!! Love the wine list!
Ahh, @Jerry, but at least you're back on the road. Savor the small victories.
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Dressed for winter this a.m.; headband, fingered gloves and all. Autumn is finally making an appearance in eastern PA. At least going to 'work' gives me a reason to ride!
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@Karen Jean, if you like chocolate, get thyself over to Long Trout Winery (Hamburg exit of I-78). They make some awesome chocolate-flavored wines. Look them up on the web: http://longtroutwinery.com/
@KJG WE are the champions! I was indicating shock at the very idea of a world without Freddie. So glad to see you Love queen, too. I can do the fandango, can you? Bicycle bicycle bicycle I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle What is saucisse de cheval? a hard salami literally sausage of horse.
@JerryB Glad you roads and weather are cooperating for your ride.
A great ride today. Riding in the mid 60's. Beautiful fall colors. A nice relaxing ride.
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My first time back on Hwy 36 between Boulder and Lyons since the week after the flood. I can't ride down the middle of the highway anymore. They is traffic on it now.
I agree with Roberto. "Work". Did that. Stopped that. Of course the fact they made me retire because I got too old may have had something to do with it.
@J Hugh - What is saucisse de cheval ? You may send me some with a big box of Lindt Chocolates, but only if you say you like the rock group Queen. They did produce the only rock hit that promos bicycling you know. (My birthday is on Friday BTW - you may send it express.) ;)
@J Hugh - I am sorry that you don't like Mr. Mercury's music. :( Baguettes and cheese but most of all Lindt chocolates.
90% Lindt. How about adding cocoa to your hot chocolate mix to make it really dark. Ever try Special Dark cocoa
Hammerhead isn't that the cyclist move that is caused by looking down and not seeing the large stopped truck directly in front of .... in contact with the cyclist.
Hugh - add pastries to the list. How about dark chocolate?
@ Burklee, well said! And congrats on braving the little bike so you could get out and ride. Neither rain nor snow, nor a bike thats a bit too small.... Glad to hear that Jay got the kind of bike she really wanted. Sounds like it made the ride much more enjoyable for her.
The tech-nerd in me loves this thing called a hammerhead. It provides visual navigation directions fed from your smartphone using light patterns. Do I need it? Probably not. Do I want it? HA, I'm signed on. They're in the final hours of their funding drive. Check out the video... http://www.dragoninnovation.com/projects/23-hammerhead
NO FM! I need some beer and cheese. Money can also get you French pastry in France, yummy baguettes and cheese and saucisse de cheval. But no FM surely you jest.
@Burklee - love it!
@J Hugh - I agree that the three of you are "going slightly mad." ;) - in a good way. Wish FM was still around, don't you?
http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13047613
@Brad while not discussing it directly we agree on Liefmanns Beer, Bikes and cheese. I only regret that you get to ride by the cheese maker and get the good stuff. Also, we agree that Marty is the Fizzology King!
http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13047507
@CR, work lets me have money so I can afford my hobbies: cycling, photography, woodworking, scotch, cigars, wine...
@CR - It REALLY does!!!
A wise and ancient prophecy - "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy bikes and bike accessories, and that's pretty darn close." Sage words.
What is this "work" thing you people keep mentioning, and doesn't it interfere with your cycling?
@Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin ;)
welcome http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/13045950
@Przemysław - All I know is that I'm not going to lend you one of my bikes. ;-P
@Brad and @Rick, thanks for the input. I found a rather informative article (granted, from a LBS website) that discusses winter tires http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp
A good education that changed my mind about studs. My big concerns are: 1) Being forced into ice or plowed snow at the road's edge, and 2.) Going to work on dry pavement but having to travel home in fresh powder/slush/packed snow. Not sure what I'll do, but the Conti's, Nokian's and Schwalbe's are all on my list to consider. My wife wishes I'd just take the bus or drive - I actually pay monthly for a covered space in the garage directly under my building - but I'd rather embrace the challenge of biking in all conditions. Is that enthusiasm, middle-aged pride, or just plain stupidity?
If you post a comment at 1 am that is the middle of the night. 3:30 am to 7am morning, 7-11 Brunch, 11-12 second breakfast.
@Michael G,
Check out Continental Top Contact Winter II 26 Inch (1.9 in wide). WesternBikeworks.com has these on sale right now, and buying 2 would qualify for free shipping. Not studded, but with a heavily siped tread to give you more gripping edges. The tread compound is designed for better grip at low temperatures. (It will be squishy in the 60's). I plan to buy the 700c version of the same tire before the real chill sets in here. A colleague bought the 26's last winter and is pleased with them. We don't get much snow in the Puget Sound region, but we get lots of wet days, and opportunities for spotty ice. If the weather gets bad enough for studs, I take the bus, put chains on the truck, or work from the house. I'm just looking for a little insurance on those other days against the kind of slip that took me down last December.
Roberto - middle of the night? ...I set out for work at 3:30A
...and I agree with Hugh. What were we talking about again?
Michael - I think studded tires are the best way to go. Rock solid on ice, but if the snow gets 2" or more you will squirm around because the tire floats and can't bite into anything solid. The downside is $150 for a pair of Nokians, and after 2 seasons of regular use the studs will be worn down. This year I'm alternating between a studded MTM and a new fatbike depending on conditions.
My virtual trening on Xbox 360 http://www.youtube.com/watch ;P
Thanks to all ;) I try to ;)
@Burklee - Glad you both had a nice ride. The complete change over should eliiminate the broken spokes.
I had to go without my bike since Friday afternoon. I've been snapping rear wheel spokes fairly regularly lately. When I adopted this bike, it had six broken spokes. So one of our mechanics said I should just replace all the spokes. I've never done that before, but the book Zinn and The Art of Bicycle Maintenance was really helpful. Gary finished truing it for me yesterday, since I've never trued "from scratch", as it were. While the wheel was apart I scrubbed the cassette really good and regreased the bearings. It's a thing of beauty today! I'll have to retrue the wheel now that the spokes are set after my ride.
Jay and I went out for a ride down the Homestead Trail on Saturday. She rode her new (to her) cute step-through, and I borrowed her old bike. The old bike, Wanda, is a very small-framed Gary Fisher. My knees spent the entire ride at a less than 90° angle. Over 10 miles of that. I couldn't keep up with Jay on that ride. Still, it was better than sitting at home. It was a gorgeous day. The only real disappointment was the leaves on the tress are still green. I was hoping for lots of fall colors. Oh well. We got out, and Jay enjoyed the ride on the new bike. It was great.
Nice cycling-fundraising article from today's birdcage liner: http://tinyurl.com/mfhg86g
OK, cold-weather riders, help me out please. I'm approaching my third winter as a daily bike commuter. Luckily, we've had little snow to worry about, so there's been no issues. My luck is bound to run out at some time. I'm looking for recommendations on winter/snow tires for a 26" MTB (1998 Giant Boulder). Commute is all city streets, so mostly plowed unless it's actively snowing at the time of my ride, then it's a roll of the dice. I'd prefer not to get studded tires since I'm on paved roads, but I'll keep an open mind. Your recommendations are appreciated.
Check out bike photos on the EPA web site: https://www.facebook.com/EPA/photos_stream
@Roberto, 7 a.m. isn't middle of the night, that's "leave for the office" time, at least for me. A balmy 55 degrees this morning, about 10 degrees higher than yesterday. Finally (yesterday) broke the tights and jacket out, and was comfortable. Probably could have used the headband to keep my ears a little warmer, but survived OK. The big issue this time of year is dressing in layers for the cool morning ride but being able to be in shorts/short sleeves for the warm ride home. At least until the middle of this week when autumn finally decides to stick around.
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@Karen, the key to adapting to the weather is taking notes for a few times each season to remember how to dress. I've found that the dewpoint temperature (a measure of humidity) plays a key role. There's a big difference in feel between a 55 degree/53 degree dewpoint morning and a 55 degree/45 degree dewpoint morning. 55/53 and I can get away with shorts and a long sleeved top; 55/45 and the tights make an appearance!
@Roberto - I went outside at 7:00am to check the weather. My son leaves for the bus stop at 7:00am. I decided that since I felt cold, I would try out my new Winter clothing - tights and gloves. I didn't look at the time when I left the house sometime after 7:00am, but it was light outside and still very cold. My main point was that I liked my new clothing, but needed some more and that I was trying to adapt to the changed in the weather and keep riding. I think enough said.
@Karen, 7 AM! Why are you riding in the middle of the night?
I agree with Marty and Brad. (that may be historic)
Hi Premyslaw, welcome to our forum!
Przemysław - I agree with Marty (that's a first)
@Przemysław - Beautiful pictures of scenery from your rides!
Never went above 45 F here in NE Wisconsin today and to top it off there was a 20 MPH headwind on the way home from work. Highs in the 40's all week with chance of snow flurries. Will ride to work each day until the snow sticks or the I can cross the river without the aid of a bridge.
hi im from poland ;)
I know about these changing temperatures. As I noted it was 45-ish when I started the century yesterday and about 75 by the time I got done. That means most riders spent a couple of hours in 40-some temperatures, a couple in the 50s and so on. The ride organizers were nice enough to allow you to check your clothing at a couple of the rest stops, and by lunchtime they had collected quite a few coats, pairs of tights, etc.
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Today I waited until afternoon to ride so I could take advantage of cloudy skies and temps in the lower 50s. I did a mix of trail and off trail and there were some strong gusts of wind just so I didn't forget that its October.
It's normally ~40F here in the mornings and late evenings in NJ, even if it was 70F during the day. Anyway, for my winterish riding I plan on having a fendered up Bike Friday, single speed of course to handle everything I throw at it. Work kind of made it so I only ride nights lately, but that didn't stop my riding.
@Roberto - It was not that warm at 7:00 am when I started in the morning. Fall you know with the shorter days does have greater temperature swings, and I never claimed to be good with cold weather - now I am getting testy so I will stop here.
To clarify, it is currently 65 degrees F here in eastern PA. Hardly cold. Just sayin'.
I wish it was 88 here in Colorado.
@KJG I need Baklava too.
@Jerry What a little mud, we got alligators and Water Moccasins on the trail. Not to mention it was 88 by 1pm.
@Marty Wonder what the ppm are in the south Chicago neighborhoods when the Peticoke dust from the Koch Borthers Plant get all churn up by the wind. Some say you have to wear a mask to ride there.
@Tammie when the weather is good ride all you can, you are in west Texas. sorry its not the south.
@Marty. I know. Bunch of wimps.What is a little mud? And crashes and broken bones?
@Jerry - Most of them weren't even biking.
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No matter what conditions you have to bike in locally, you can be thankful you don't have to try it in Harbin, China, where the air pollution reached 1,000 ppm of 2.5 micron particles. Visibility was down to under 20 yards. http://news.yahoo.com/latest-china-smog-emergency-shuts-city-11-million-055104682.html
Just a little something to brighten up your day.
Who says you need mountain bike to go off road?
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http://tinyurl.com/ot9gkbn
Hey all! I just got back from my errands on the bike in my cold weather duds. It was not at all bad, except my head was cold. I need one of those babayagas, uh, I mean baklavas, or is that babushkalavas. Ohhhhhh, I need a head onesie! lolololololol
@Tammie. It is going to be warmer here in Colorado this week...just mid 60's!
Been enjoying the 70's here in West Texas but tomorrow is going to be cooler....just mid 60's! Wonderful 23 miles today which is 3 loops around a nice development we ride on Sundays. Glad I had the energy to do three loops. Sometimes I can only manage two since I am working back to back and doing it on only 3 or 4 hours of sleep. Guess it is the cooler weather that makes it easier. I am not looking forward to the colder weather!
@Jerry, should be mid-60's out your way by midweek.
@ Jerry, thanks. Maybe you should consider going east or south for a few days of riding when it gets cold there in Colorado.
@E.M. Glad you enjoyed your ride. It must be nice to be able to ride in 70 degree weather. I keep hoping for a warm spell here in Colorado.
Wow, Jerry you are right. Most of that discussion was full of junk. People just like to hear themselves talk and most of the time they don't bother to listen to what they are saying. Its a shame that there can't be a civilized discussion. I got as far down as Benny Mac BB and finally there was a rational comment. Cyclists seem to have to defend every other cyclist on the road but nobody ever asks a driver to defend every other driver on the road when they do something stupid.
Rode the Rivers Century today. Met some great people and put in some fun (s)miles. It was way better weather than last year. Start temp about 45 degrees and ending temp more like 75. No rain and the wind was way less strong than it was last year.so the long stretches along the river were not as tough.
More on attack on bicyclists
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http://tinyurl.com/m973sr4
A video uploaded to YouTube earlier this week shows a bat-wielding unapologetic Texas man arguing with a pack of bicyclists that he allegedly brake checked and forced to crash.
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http://tinyurl.com/lvhhf2t
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Why is really sad is reading the comments after the article. How do you reach people like this?
@Rob thanks and glad you got to ride on that trail with your brother. It is a great ride. Hope you two get to ride the whole trail next time. Or maybe you will try the Withlacoochee trail up around inverness. Great ride two, with a totally different character.
Great ride J Hugh. Coincidentally, I was in Florida on Monday and rode 25 miles with my brother - we started at Mabel. I would love to ride it all the way to Polk City someday.
I biked only a 2 mile obligatory ride yesterday but later went hiking over something rather rugged terrain at Kettle Moraine State Forest. I have now discovered that apparently not all leg muscles are used in biking. Said muscles are protesting the workout I put them through. Ouch!
OOOHHH 19 million. Go for twenty in December, surreee wwweeee ccccaaaaannnn (some of us up north with chattering teeth)!!!
We just passed 19 million miles, since May 1st. That means, with the reduced number of participants logging miles, it took us 19 days for the last 600,000 miles. At that rate, we would make 20 million on November 20th, but with continuing diminution, it will be at least Thanksgiving, and probably sometime in early to mid-December.
Great work J Hugh! Congrats on 11,000 and for not becoming alligator dinner!
What a great ride on the James Van Fleet Trail (a state park) Challenge. Really enjoyed the ride. Alligators and snakes and great support along the trail. Really fun. Pictures on my ride for viewing. Temps 74-86 during the ride. I passed 11,000 miles for the year today.
HI all, out for my ride this morning with temps in the mid-40s to the 50s. Half a dozen other riders out there, some of whom I saw twice thanks to the loops in my ride. Out of those about half were wearing shorts. Not me. At this stage its not so much the cold but the wind that is a factor. It feels chilly. Tommorrow's temps are predicted to start in the mid-40s and end in the low 70s, layering should come in handy. Wind, well yeah, its October and its a river ride, so I expect a lot of that.
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@ Gregg, congrats on the 5,000 (s)miles for the year so far!
Great Job Gregg! I can only see half of you in the thumbnail. (If that is you..) :) Don't mind me, it is a slow day at work. lol
My ride home from the gym today will pass 5,000 miles for the year.
@ Karen Jean, if you have a bike organization/club, or maybe even a big bike store there, they might help push the process forward. They may know a good non-profit that could put in the application. Or they might somehow offer to match some funds (in case of a for profit bike store or the like) or at least have an idea of how to make it happen. The more of these we have around the country, the better GOOD LUCK!
@EM- I intend on trying to e-mail Allentown about that link. I know they already did a feasibility study that was tabled for now. If the mayor is not too busy trying to run for governor, he might be interested. At least I can make sure that they know about the opportunities available. I think Allentown is a good choice. It is growing all the time from transplants from NY, Camden, Philly and other places, and we have already I large park system. Connecting those areas with greenways would be the ideal. If only we had a modern day General Trexler around to funnel money and resources into the project.
@Marty - It is only October in PA and I have to force myself out the door some days and onto my bike, because of the cold. Can't understand it. I can plunge into cold water in the middle of January without blinking, but I have a hard time facing the cold wind. Perhaps it is the warm shower waiting afterward. Have to just force myself onto my bike until it is habit, or at least until I get the correct clothing and comfort layers figured out. Wisconsin in winter sound something like being in Siberia, but I suppose if you are used to it, it has its own charm. Also, I guess if the car batteries don't start in Winter, your bicycle would be the more reliable form of transportation.
P.S (I am glad you have a house and not an Igloo.)
@Jerry, Yes, I enjoy rubbing it in - wait till January/February, then I really start having fun :-) BTW, it's October 19 at 5:00am, 76 degrees outside - time to go for a night ride. Hope your area manages to get some of the roads fixed, not an easy thing to do during a CO winter.........
@Marty, Used to live in Michigan so I know all about all the different sunscreen treatments used up north. Worst sunburn I've ever had happened in January in Michigan. Had a 2 foot+ snowstorm, went out to shovel the next day - VERY sunny day, royally burned after 5 hours of shoveling.
@Leonard – I agree with you that the biggest problem with winter riding is sunburn. That is why in the Northern climes, we also apply plenty of sunscreen then, too. But our sunscreens in the Winter are much different from our Summer version.
Like the Inuit, who have fifteen lexemes for snow, and many hundred more words for it, we have fifteen lexemes for Winter Sunscreen. And because the sun’s rays can also be so much more intense in the Winter up here, particularly with the added effect of snow reflectivity, we usually use several of the fifteen different Winter Sunscreens at the same time.
They are (in alphabetical order): Balaklava, blizzard (and its various lesser, and non-self-applying) forms – sleet, snow flurries, snow flakes, snow storms, snow squalls, and whiteouts), boots, frostbite wound dressing, gloves, insulated long bike pants, long underwear, mittens, neoprene face mask, parka, ski mask, snow suit, wool socks, union suit, and finally, (but not in alphabetical order), a house, which seems to provide the most protection.
Green lanes use posts, parked cars, planters or curbs to make Dutch style bicycling lanes that are separated from the car lanes. New York City started building them in 2008, Chicago and Atlanta have also built them. Memphis pledged to build 15 miles in the next two years, and Omaha and Lincoln are in a race to be the first city in Nebraska to get one.
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PeopleForBikes gave grants and technical support to Austin, Chicago, Memphis, Portland OR, San Francisco and Washington DC to build these lanes. Now they opened the application process for Green Lane Project 2 for six more cities. Want to apply for your city?? Want to know more???
Go to: http://www.peopleforbikes.org/green-lane-project/pages/greenlaneproject2
How about Cyclocross Jerry?
Rub it in Leonard.
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At least we have mountains out here.
Too bad we can't ride in them right now. Some minor problem like the roads are gone.
well, that 'no wind' turned into 25mph real quick!! I just rode to Midland and back.. 32 miles. It was real work on the way there ... lucky it was mostly a cross wind but it was still work trying to stay upright! I did have a nice tailwind on the way back for the last 10 miles which made my pace about 22 to 24mph! wheee! LOL
Fits and starts today, since once I thought I got my ride started my bike got locked in the granny gear. It was okay for the first hill, but then I had to manually shift it out. Then that second hill (13% grade) and I had to manually shift it out again. Threatened to take it to the bike shop and then it stopped misbehaving. Will test it again tomorrow since I need it to work on Sunday for the Ride the Rivers Century.
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Lots of wind today and temps. in upper 50s to lower 60s. Did part road and part trail riding. Ok, I know guys can last all winter in shorts but the wind blocking tights are working great. Plan to layer Sunday when the temps will vary and I will want to put on something warm for the lunch stop. Today was just a preview. Expect lots of wind along the rivers since thats how it was last year.
dumb is a cheese head, er wait, dumb is a nearly everyday cyclist, er wait, No fair KJG that was a trick question. OH! Ask them.
@J.Hugh - How can you tell which is which? (Hug all around to my favorite comedians.)
@Tammie - And, you will probably beat me too. In September, I start training for swimming as my main form of exercise. Five days a week - hour and 45 minute nonstop sessions with an average of 2700-3500 yards. Some slow, some fast. I am also starting to do some running for the 5K Turkey Trot race that my husband shames me into doing every year. I would love to do more bicycling, but right now it is just for errands and weekends. If I were a triathlete I could do more, maybe when my son does not need me to drive him around and attend athletic events. I was just thinking today that I need to start doing the exercise bike at night, at least it is something.
Brad and Marty such fun to read dumb and dumber live on the list.
@Tammie the operative words are "no wind" quick to the bicycle and away. Particularly in Texas where there is so much wind! It blows all the way to Washington DC. I hear.
@leonard So glad that I live where if you want you can ride almost everyday! Florida! But if you don't live here please move to Texas, New Mexico or one of those places with way less people. We need to balance the boat.
@ Leonard- -thanks for the weather report. I was out biking last night under the full moon and the temperature was a balmy 44.
Hey, Karen Jean, I was browsing the leaderboard today and noticed that I am only 30 miles behind you in total miles since the beginning of the challenge! Closer in points at 5592 right now. I am considering a 40 mile ride today if I can convince myself that I can do it and still manage attending a hockey game and work all night. The weather right now is just perfect! 64 and no wind!
@Laurie, @Brad, @Marty - The Winter Biking Challenge looks like it will be fun. Winter is the best time of the year for riding. It's already getting really cool here, last night's low was all the way down to 71, fortunately it looks like it will be getting back up to 90 before the day is over (it's 88 right now). Biggest problem with winter riding is sunburn, very few clouds during the winter months - got to be prepared with plenty of sunscreen.
@Brad - Oops! Good catch! I spelled it incorrectly. It is Lutsen, but the ZIP Code is correct. Sorry to any Lutsenites or Lutseninians for my faux pas. It is about 17 miles before you get to Grand Marais on 61, right along Lake Superior. (Taking 61 by bike is one of the most beautiful trips one can take - I've done it 3 times, so far.) But seeing that anything in MN isn't in the UP, it will take you more than 3 days to get there. I think you better ask Mark, your other brother about the bathroom locking incident.
Jeffrey, so far here in eastern PA i have not had to resort to long pants (yet) for my morning commutes. I'll stay in shorts till at least ~48 degrees, then I convert. My only bike-specific clothing are padded shorts, some lycra tights and my padded fingerless gloves. All shirts-long and short sleeve-are from sale racks at UnderArmour outlets or Dick's Sporting Goods. Water resistant hi-vis Jacket was a lucky find on the sale rack at Old Navy. I wash and treat it with Nikwax products so it still repels water really well. Rain pants and other cold weather outerwear are leftovers from my backpacking days of yore when I spent waaaay too much $$ at Eastern Mountain Sports. Shoes are old, smelly, beat-up New Balance sneakers. Oh, and my helmet, of course! Looking at the weather forecast, I think the tights will make their seasonal appearance next week :(
Puppets, rappin about ridin!
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2013/10/watch-these-hilarious-puppets-rap-about-bike-safety/7280/
32° for the ride in this morning, with no north wind. The Market to Market Relay asked LBK to provide bike support for runners from 6-9pm last Saturday. The other ride captain and I got nifty zip-up Mizuno vests with the M2M logo. The back of the body is mesh, but the front & yoke are a surprisingly windbreakery solid polyester. I wore that over a short-sleeve & a long-sleeve t-shirt with jeans & running shoes, headband & suede gloves. I was warm enough with that. When it gets colder, I'll need to add a scarf to cover my face, a jacket in place of the vest and a layer under my jeans. Except for rainy days, I'll definitely bike commute til the end of October. After that, it will really depend on the weather, as I'm not as hard core as some.
Marty - I'm having trouble locating Lutzen - is that in the U.P.? We do have a weekend coming and I'm seeing SW winds forecast for tomorrow. If I take vacation Monday and the wind holds, I probably could make it in 3 days. I do know some decent roads in that direction, and I think I have enough power bars, and I better bring 2 spare tubes and a few CO2 crtridges... but waaaaait just a minute - hold on there, this isn't another one of your tricks, is it? Like maybe just to get me out of WI so you can lock the door behind me like you did at that party when I was in the bathroom? Well I'll tell you what Marty, I'm not falling for it again. YOU go to Lutzen!!! yeah, thats it - YOU go ...but...mmmmm... is that really where the chanllenge is? ...where is Lutzen again?
@Laurie & @Brad - I couldn't find oune by that name. The only one I know of, and am on is called Winter Biking. http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/11251965 It starts November 1st, and goes until May 15th. Brad, and several other on here are already on there.
32 degrees this morning with wind mostly against me at 12 mph. Also dark and overcast in southern Wisconsin. I don't own any bicycle specific clothing. I am still riding in tennis shoes and shorts. My legs just don't get cold! I do wear a warm jacket, stocking cap under my helmet to cover my ears, and cotton gloves. I have always been a cold weather person and wear shorts at least 9 months of the year.
Snow. Yuck.
I was looking for, and couldn't find the LINK, for the Winter Warriors Challenge. Anyone have it? Marty, a street address doesn't work for me :P
@Brad - I have it:
Winter Warrior's Challenge
P.O. Box 47
Lutzen, MN 55612-0047
@ Marty, me too either, I think!
@EM - I can't even remember 10 p.m. last night.
@Marty, thats 10 yrs old if you can remember back that far. LOL
Jeff Oz - ccould you share the address for Winter Warrior's Challenge. When I searched the only thing I found was Winter Warrior Commuters for UK only.
I never recieved a survey either. My notifications are coming through daily without a hitch. I am using my work email, so the survey could have been stopped by the corporate filter - lots of stuff does..
Survey emailed 03Oct
@Joshua - I received my email on the 4th day after. Could you have changed email accounts after you joined? (I posted a comment on one of your rides. See if you get an email notification of it.)
@Jerry - It's not 10 p.m. yet here, so you must mean a.m.?
What where you doing at 10?
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https://vimeo.com/76626819
d i miss the post challenge survey link? they said 48 hours and its now been 17 days but I never saw anything in my email on the message board or on Facebook. Anyone know?
Around here the trail use instructions tell you to use the audibles. Its the norm for this part of the country anyway. Sometimes I say "good morning" instead, depends on time of day. Also, waving and saying hi to drivers & construction people is good. Of course that clown gets around, I have seen him. He has a twin sister who roller skates and thinks she has the right to yell at anybody who disturbs her on the trail. She doesn't need to hear "on your left" cause she is psychic and already knows you are there.
Hi all, out today with noontime temps in the mid-60s. Its October, the wind doth blow. Made a road guy giggle because he was waving cars over to one side of the road so we could get by the roadwork. He pretended to wave me over, but obviously I didn't need as much room as a car, so it was just silly. We both got smiles out of it. Later in my ride somebody passed me up in a big hurry and then got stuck in a construction spot. At that point, I was I was happy to pass her up. Later I waved to a little kid who was having a happy walk accompanied by an adult, another kid about his size (maybe 2 yrs old) and a baby in a stroller. I did a quick wave to the kid and the adult caught it. Did she wave to you? She asked the kid. I was impressed that she even noticed me!
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RE: Cold weather, cycling shorts and some kind of moisture wicking shirt. The next layer is tights and a stretchy jacket. Long fingered gloves if needed. Mostly cross country gear for the outer layer(s). I have a pair of light-weight hiking boots that fit in the straps on my pedals and I plan to try them for really cold weather. I’m also going to try them next time it rains because they are waterproof. Keep testing, but the base layer has to be moisture wicking.
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RE: Audibles: I say “on your left” or ring my bell when when passing, especially on trails.
If you live in North America & plan to ride through this winter check out the Winter Warrior's Challenge. This challenge is for snow and ice riders. If you use (or really should use) studded snow tires on your bike any time during the challenge you are in. We had 18 riders last year. Average distance was 880.6 miles in Nov, Dec, Jan, & Feb.
@Kevin - That same clown really gets around. He was in Milwaukee last Thursday, but must have left his earbuds on the plane. He was riding with his hoodie on whie on a 4 lane highway. I passed him, and had to stop for a light. He caught up, slowed down, and then blew through the light. He then crossed all 4 lanes to ride on the left, against traffic. When I caught up, I yelled to him that he was giving bicyclists a bad name, but he couldn't hear me over the traffic. A little later, I noticed a car stopping on a sidstreet on his side, looking th turn right. I had a bad feeling. A couple seconds later, I turned back, and both his bike and him were down. (I think he avoided the car.) I went over to see if he was OK, and he was doing stretches to try and clear his head. I only said that he was in the exact worst position for traffic. He said the reason he switched sides was because he worked to the left of the next intersection 1/2 mile up. I bit my tongue, as I wanted to say so much more. To his credit, he did thank me for stopping to see if he was OK. I'm sure he had a concussion. But I think I'll be reading about him in the obits sometime soon.
One item I forgot.
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For my shoes, either a toe cover or a shoe cover that covers the ankle also depending on the temperature.
I had a clown on a bike just tonight. I was riding home from work on the mixed use trail and he passed me w/o warning. At every entrancae to the trail is says for biker to give an audible waring when passing. I sped up and to be honest yelled at hiim. Had to yell twice becuase the fool was riding with earbuds in and I don't think he heard me the first time. His comment was not fit for this board. I had an accident on this trail 2 summers ago avoid and skater who cut me off just as I was going to pass (his ipod was on high) after my bell and yelling on your left.
Sorry for the rant but clowns like this give cyclists a bad name.
@EM and Marty - Thanks for the info and the laughs, your humor is much appreciated.
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Glad the offices are now open. My husband can do his National Guard Training next month now. They cancelled training for October. No, he is not going to be paid for not training.
For riding in cold weather.
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Head Warmer, Part #:6489-0029 Specialized, $30.00
Gloves, All Weather, Part#:1425 Seirus, $34.99
Leg Warmers, Pearl Izumi
Arm Warmers, Pearl Izumi
Coat, Depending on the temperatures, either light weight or heaver.
Bib instead of shorts.
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My helmet adjusts so I can wear thin head caps.
I also us hand and toe warmers on cold days. They last about 3-4 hours.
40 degrees when I left. 50 degrees when I got back. Having hand warmers and toe warmers helped out a lot.
Michael Golembiewski. No joint pain with the weather. I have never had that problem. And the cleanup is slowing coming along. Bicyclists are banned from the mountain roads as they are repairing them. Hopefully it will not be a long term ban. Otherwise there will be an uproar.
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They fixed the bridge on CR21 so we can ride up to Carter Lake without having to ride on HWY287.
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I would expect that it will be 2-3 years before all the roads are repaired.
Ring my bell, passing on the left said loudly two times, and then treat them like an erratic squirrel by either slowing getting as much room as possible or both. i've stopped and talked to people on occasions this is most successful when they are in groups as they seem more willing to listen to information about how to be safe on a trail. Surprising that many people have no information and no where to get it. The mechanically deaf by device are a problem that bell ringing and shouting can not sometimes overcome so I am prepared to brake and be safe. The experience I have on trails makes me use them sparingly, but on occasion I ride a trail trying to pick the best time for a cyclist.
@Laurie - I hate the cold but have learned to tolerate it for the sake of my morning ride. My thin PI headband really works under my helmet and takes up very little space during my warmer afternoon ride home. Layers have made it possible for me to bike mornings that are in the 20s.
@Laurie - I have a Pearl Izumi headband. It's really thin, so it fits under my helmet, and yet is surprisingly warm. I highly recommend it.
@Laurie, tons of caps and balaclavas made to go under a cycling helmet.
@Laurie, have you thought about wearing a head band? I have a Columbia (granted, it's a few years old) that goes around my forehead and covers my ears. Works well on those mornings when a balaclava is too much but nothing is not enough. I don't wear a hat under my helmet; if it's that cold the 'clava comes out. Check out the usual outdoor suspects: REI, EMS, Columbia, North Face, the Campmor catalog. Nashbar.com has a few listed in their winter headwear section.
I am starting to believe that winter biking might not be so bad. However, it was chilly enough last night to give me an earache, so I know that layering to stay warm is going to be essential. Any suggestions? Right now I just want to know if any type of hat/cap will fit safely under a helmet.
I also give the "on your left" and "thank you" to the walkers, joggers and others on the trail I raide at the University. Those with headphones usually don't hear a thing even when I yell as loud as I can. It is scary passing some of them because they weave side to side on the trail and many have run me off the 2 inch high path into the very scary thorn and gravel side dirt. It is the drop off that scares me first then the worry of a flat. I am also always ready with a quick "the other left" when they move to the left when I alert them! I consider it practicing my biking skills running an obsticle course! Temps here have been cooler too. The group ride yesterday evening was in the 50's or low 60's and I got a bit chilly after 20 miles. Glad I have my new jacket. Time to buy full finger gloves!
@JW, I didn't include it in my previous post, but I also include the 'niceties' with my encounters on the trail. If I get a wave, I say "Good Morning"; if they have to actually move out of the way, they get a "Thank You". Momma taught me to use my manners!
Edgar I rode the DC trails this summer and got in the habit of warning walkers or slower bikers when I come up on them. "Bike Left" or "Bike Right" or a bell ring often gets attention. This is not common practice in my area. When they acknowledge me and move over I offer a polite “Thank You!” Which often draws a refreshing smile, or a nod of approval. The next time I see them I get a friendly wave … new friends made each day. Win-Win…. (Now if they have ear phones in …all bets are off)
Thanks Michael I think that might be the case. My last ride was apparently not added in yet!
@Edgar, since my commuting is all city streets, most of my audible warnings (to drivers) consist of, "Hey, I'm here!" as they try to cut me off so they can be first at the next traffic light. When casual riding on the local trail, I do give the "On your left" audible to the joggers, knowing full well that I can't be doing my NASCAR imitation. Many use headphones but are smart enough to keep them turned-down enough to hear outside noises. Most will give a wave letting me know that they got my message; if I don't get a wave I give another warning.
Do you give an Audible Warning? Interesting ideas from this blog:
http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/an-audible-warning/
@JW, point calculation seems to be off by about a day or so. At least that's been my experience this week.
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@Jerry, is the cold weather affecting your injuries? Feel any of the typical joint pain now that it's cooler? And, speaking of injury, how's the clean-up going? I read in the Denver Post about the multitudes of bridges that had damage. Gonna be expensive and time consuming, unfortunately.
I guess it is finally warm enough to go out. All the way up to 40 degrees. I miss summer.
Is anyone aware of glitches in the NBC point tabulation? I’ve ridden 415 miles so far this month but somehow have only received points for 389? The GPS also seems a bit off.
What a great ride in this morning. Temp was 65 degrees (yes, by the way, it IS mid-October), so a perfect morning for shorts and short sleeves.
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With it being darker in the mornings now, and even more so on cloudy days, I've been using my Road Noise vest ( http://www.roadnoise.com ) to make me more visible. If you've never seen one, it's a vest originally designed for runners that contains small speakers in the shoulders so you can have music while still keeping your ears open to the road. Now I'm still stuck in the late 70's - mid 80's time frame when it comes to music; I have on my phone everything from ABBA to ZZ Top. This morning's 'shuffle-mix' was some Eric Clapton, Doobie Brothers and Rush. Wish I could've kept going...
@EM - Neigh.
@Karen Jean - It is the seat stay. The seat stay is the tube that goes from the rear axle up at a 50 degree or so angle and connected to the seat tube, (near the top). The seat tub connected to the bottom bracket, the bottom bracket connected to the crank arm, the crank arm connected to the pedals, the pedals connected to the bike shoes, etc...
The stay mount is one of two options for one of the bike trailers, and it was recommended by someone in their comment section, to avoid it.
"Stay mount" = a stationary horse
@ Karen Jean, after the votes that just took place in the House & Senate, I guess the Arch and courthouse will be open (national parks/monuments). BTW:: I knew Wed. was called "hump day" but I guess I didn't realize the camel connection!
@EM - I suppose the good news is, if they know longer need the extra car lanes, they can give them to the bicyclist for bike lanes. And, I will have to start thinking about researching the attractions around St. Louis. lol - Hope you had a good "hump" day!
(Inside office joke from the popular camel commercial.)
@Marty - What is a "stay" mount?
Motor vehicle miles declining. Its a start: http://mobikefed.org/2013/10/us-vehicle-miles-traveled-level-or-declining-huge-shift-americas-transportation-direction
You can do it Burklee!
Only 999 more points to go to get to Diamond!!! LOL
HI all, all that crunchy leaves talk lately made me go pick the short winding trail today. Its got lots of trees, some breeze, and a rustling river neaby. Thats not to mention the lack of cyclists, and people in general. Unfortunately, its only about three miles long, so I did some other riding to get in more miles. Then I went to the library. Beautiful fall day here with the accompanying smells and sights. Plenty of pumpkins hanging around on people's porches, and graveyards and dancing ghosts in people's yards.
@ Michael, persistance pays off. Congrats on making platinum!
@ Karen Jean, wow it absolutely seems to be in the cards that you need to come to St. Louis. One of our sports stores is having a swap meet this weekend and when I dropped off the stuff I had for sale, I noticed few trailers. Wish I could help. ...
Thanks for the help @Michael and @Marty - I will do more research on craigslist and check out those suggestions also.
@Karen Jean, I originally replied to the trailers that @Marty suggested. I re-read your post and did some more quick sleuthing. The Frugah is 19.9# while the Avenir is 29# - ten pounds heavier! That being said, the Frugah is a single-wheel while the Avenir is two-wheeled. I've never used a trailer, so I can't speak for the differences but would think that load balancing would be much more critical on the Frugah than the Avenir, while the Avenir has the taller sides to contain a larger load (but still weighs more). Like I said earler, you're going to have to strike that compromise between cost, weight, and function. Others please chime in (and educate me in the process).
@Karen Jean, I fully understand the limited finances, but remember that--like most things nowadays--you get what you pay for. The most striking factor I've seen so far is weight; the Aesom's range between 21# and 41#, while a much more expensive Burley is only 15#. Given the hilly area you live in and the potential hauling you will be doing, I'd be very leery of an inexpensive trailer that weighs as much as the cargo you'll be hauling. You'll have to strike a compromise between price and weight. Others on the list here will know more than me, but my backpacking background is similar enough to cycling to know that a few extra pounds in the morning WILL become a real challenge by the afternoon. JMHO
@Karen Jean - Looking at reviews of the Avenir, there weren't too many negatives, so it might be good. You'll want to use a hub mount, not a stay one. The M-Wave is only a few bucks more, and looks like a better trailer. The Veelar is much less expensive, and looks like the M-Wave. But the Aosom looks like the best for carying grocery bags, as it is tall enough, with a cover, and still very inexpensive.
Do a search on Craigslist, using different key words, and it will lead to options up to over 100 miles away. Be patient. I'm thinking a child carrier could easily be converted into a cargo carrier. Just remove the covering, mount a sturdy base, maybe some sides, and some bungies.
@Michael- Congrats! And thanks for the official quote. I have one of those handbooks published by Penndot (If only I would read it.) p.s. - I have read most of it - so much for retention.
@Marty or others in the know - I have been looking on Craigslist and Amazon at bike trailers. The trailers do not seem to be any cheaper on Craigslist, and I don't seem to be lucky enough to pick one up at a garage sale. SO, I was wondering if someone would look up the specs on these and tell me if they look sturdy enough to work for Shopping and transporting big loads of veggies from my garden. I can not afford the $300+ models. Two I was interested in were on Amazon: Frugah New Steel Bicycle Cargo Trailer One Wheel $69.99 and Avenir Cargo Bicycle Trailer $177.87 - It can not be much more than $200 with shipping and taxes added. From your experience, is 70-77lbs. adequate?
If getting one side of the tire off the rim was a huge struggle, I'll leave the other side on, just to save myself the annoyance. I find it easier to manipulate the tire for a good inside check if it's completely off the rim, though.
I hit Platinum yesterday!!! Finally!! I guess delayed gratification is better than none at all...
@ Rick...I was thinking road bike. Never been able to do it with one. MTB on the other hand, easily with one, and sometimes none. And I remember the 3 lever days.
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@Roberto, maybe a personal preference. I just prefer to remove the tire completely. I just find it easier. Just one of those things that you have to find what you're more comfortable with.
hello tempe scottsdale via the greenbelt!!!yeaaaaaa!!!
Just mounted a new tire yesterday after rear tire had a catastrophic failure. Had to order it, was down for 3 days:-(
My Sun rims are .5mm more circumference than another 700 wheel which makes mounting a tire a total PITA without soap/water solution. The solution makes mounting any tires a breeze, you wont have to fight it at all. It will pretty much slip right on with using only 1 tool for mount or dismount.
Had a flat today. Fixed and gone in 10 minutes and it was the rear wheel. I can check the entire inside of the tire without removing it completely from the rim. Never in decades of riding have I ever had a problem. Do as you choose, but some tires can be really hard to get back on once completely off.
@ Brad Right Arm, er on!
@Paul Yep checking that tire can mean you don't have to walk home after the second flat of the day. Some get to phone home for a ride.
@Michael Thanks for the facts. It seems that safety is really important, If there is any doubt I stop. I even get the hell off the road if they are crazy folks in cars around. I choose not to be dead right.
Two singing Bald eagles, three red shouldered Hawks, four honking sandhill cranes, oops too early for the 12 gifts of christmas. Great ride on a cloudy cool day, way cool.
@Roberto - I didn't take the tire completely off the rim. And I've replaced a tube on this tire once before without tools, but not with wet rims and 50 degrees.
@Paul. The Crank Brothers tool I have is designed for a lift and slide motion to lift the bead over the rim with just the single tool. In retrospect, I don't remember breaking the bead set around the entire rim before trying to use the tool for this flat. That makes a difference. With standard levers, I've even seen instructions for the use of 3 levers - one to hold a starting point, locked under a spoke, and the other two alternating along the rim until enough bead pulls over to free the tire. I've never needed more than 2. On an MTB tire, I really don't need even 1, except that it's quicker.
RE: Flats...two tire levers are a must. And I always take my tire completely off the rim. It makes it easier to check for multiple bits of debris. Never assume there is only one. I run my bare fingers through the entire inside of the tire feleling for anything that might be penetrating. Three of my last five flats have been tiny bits of wire, like that in a radial tire. I had six of those little bits in a tire once.
Show me what you see. What did you smell? What do you hear? Tell me what you think when you’re out there. What do you believe? Give me poetry; give me humor; give me life. If we only see things in a limited scope, life is not very much, is it? If this is juvenile; be more juvenile... Please?
@Karen Jean and @Roberto - As taken directly from the Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver's Manual http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/Bureaus/pdBikePed.nsf/BikePedHomepage), Page vi:
Section 3112. Traffic-control signals.
(c) Inoperable or malfunctioning signal.—If a traffic-control signal is out of operation or is not functioning properly, vehicular traffic facing a:
(1) Green or yellow signal may proceed with caution as indicated in subsection (a)(1) and (2).
(2) Red or completely unlighted signal shall stop in the same manner as at a stop sign, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign as provided in section 3323 (relating to stop signs and yield signs).
Comment: Standard traffic signals sometimes do not detect bicycles. You may be unable to pass through a signalized intersection because the green signal is never received. When faced with this problem, you may treat the signal as malfunctioning and take the following steps to safely proceed through the intersection. First, determine that the signal will not detect you. Try to position the bicycle directly over the saw cuts in the pavement behind the white painted “stop bar” at the head of the lane. These cuts, which often take the shape of an elongated hexagon, contain the loop wires that detect vehicles. If no cuts are evident, you may have to guess their location. Wait for a complete cycle of the signal through all legs of the intersection. If you still believe that the signal will not detect you, treat the red signal as a stop sign and proceed through the intersection only after yielding the right-of-way to all intersecting traffic (including pedestrians) that may be close enough to constitute a hazard during the time when you are moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.
@Roberto - Glad to have that information about traffic lights. There are several lights I try to plan my rides around since I know I might get "hung up" there waiting for a car and have to wait or walk my bike across. Now I know that I would not be breaking the law by bicycling through after a reasonable stop. One light is especially annoying. It turns green for the traffic turning right on the opposite side of the street, but never turns green for thru traffic if a car is not waiting - it goes right to red again - I would sit there waiting for the green while the the traffic with the arrow is turning in front of my path going right, then my mouth would flap open when it goes directly back to red again, AND the walking button doesn't work- Try to go through that one, URRRRR. (Chestnut street at the Pizza Hut in Emmaus.)
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I also will use the hand warmer idea for my emergency bike stash (Thanks, Rick was it?)
Well, I know fall has arrived here. The majority of the traffic in the morning is farm trucks loaded with apples heading for the packing house. The sun is not cresting the eastern mountains before I get to work and it was -1*C when I left the house this morning.
Felt like fall to me.
@Ian, I can track the seasons by where/when the sunlight hits me on my morning commute. I either have sun on my back the entire time (summer), after about 10 minutes (late summer), not until I get into my 14th-floor office (first day of autumn), or not even streaming in my window till after I'm changed (this morning). The front/back blinkies have been very effective on the road the last few weeks with less light, particularly on cloudy mornings. Morning/evening twilight riding this time of year is almost magical, even here in the 'hood.
Fall has definitely arrived in Indiana. Our morning rides have been moved up to 9:30 and we are cycling to the start by 8:45 and it is just past sunrise. Beautiful morning light but it no longer sits atop the corn and soy beans. Most of the crops are in which means we have lost a lot of wind-break. Temps are now in the upper 40's to start and 60's by rides' end. We have to work harder in the brisk winds, but riding is still a thrill. Next weekend is the Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour in Southern Indiana and the forecast is quite favorable for about 5,000 riders. Not much wind in the hills and the fall colors are getting ready to peak. Last Saturday we had over 50 cyclists show up for the Columbus Fall Color Ride. It is just a club GT ride, but everyone is fine tuning the climbing skills for the Hilly 100 next week. Cheryl and I were very happy powering the tandem up the big climbs even though our legs are talking to us about riding too many days in a row.
@Rick, you know that you don't take your tire completely off the rim to change the tube, right?
@Laurie, when at a light with cars waiting, always move to the front of the line (providing there isn't a right turn lane). That way when the light turns green, you aren't lost in the sea of cars. However, "breezing" through without stopping is a good way to make that crossing your last.
I am aware of the law allowing a bicyclist to go through a red light. However, in this situation there were cars waiting for the light on both sides of the intersection when that rider breezed through without slowing down.
I took an early morning ride just in case the weather Chanel is right with a forcast of RAIN. The wind was SE at only 5 mph which made for a nice riding even though I only put on 5.4 miles. Still not bad for around 12:35 am. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
Left the house to join a group ride Saturday and didn't make it. Within 1 1/2 miles of the meetup location, rear tire flatted. Piece of glass. And with wet rims, my single CrankBrothers tire tool was tough to use to get the tire off the rim. (It had worked just fine in the garage last month.) The change-out took 30 minutes, and I missed the group. So I rode to the meetup point to count cars (about 7 with bike racks), and then to my favorite coffee shop for a warmer. Biked on down to meet my wife at an estate sale then home for a total of only 13,5 miles - but it was 13.5 miles. And I learned a couple of things. I've added a second tire lever to my kit and I'm packing a chemical "toe warmer" - smaller and cheaper than the hand warmers - to warm my hands up if I get stuck doing this on a chillier day this fall or winter.
@CR - In WI, it is the same, provided you wait at the red light for at least 90 seconds, if you think it is sensor activated.
@Laurie, in PA, you are allowed to go through a red light on your bicycle if you stop first. Since many lights are activated by the metal in your car, your bicycle might not trip the mechanism. Not saying that what your grunting cyclist did was correct; however you can proceed through the red light if you can do so safely when on your bicycle. In Pennsylvania that is...
I was out biking tonight and stopped at a red light. Across the intersection another rider whizzed past a couple of cars and blew through the light without even slowing down. He said hi to me, apparently thinking we had some kind of bicycle camaraderie. I said "do you realize you just ran a red light?" He grunted and kept riding. I really hate when other riders do stuff like that because those of us who bike responsibly lose respect and legitimacy.
carbon fiber, titanium, bamboo, 2X10 with a 11-27 cassette, Phil woods grease, eddy Merckx, Garmin, The Forest of Arenberg, champs Elysee, cadence, power meter, death by car from behind, Wipperman, KMC, Shimano, Selle, Bontrager, Are you specialized?, Sven Nys, Mariana Vos, blade spokes, moon lander bikes, 50 miles of gravel in the rain, helmets, and a big sense of humor to face a head wind when you get one in all directions of your ride of the day.
This board has descended into juvenile nonsense. C'mon guys, let's get back to cycling.
bubble wrap suits makes me think of my old auntees vinyl couch covers and when you wear shorts on a hot day and then you get up and ... No bubble wrap suit for me.
@ Brad, I'm in for the bubble wrap clothes. I think I'd go for rubber duckie yellow!
@Brad - Thanks for the laugh - I don't know what a rubber ducky fall is, but I can just imangine.
@Jerry - Thats one driver that needs to wake up before they put the key in the ignition. Put them in a corn maze and you wouldn't see them again until next September.
Thanks Jerry, that was a good laugh! I really need one of those bubble wrap suits.. I went riding yesterday and after 7 miles it started raining for the rest of the 18 miles. I have been feeling a bit stronger this past week and my challenge hill that the first time I tackeled it months ago I barely stayed upright..was at a 6mph crawl.... well, made it up yesterday at a constant 15 to 16mph and slowly gained on Dennis all the way up! I was so happy that as I turned at the corner in the pouring rain I was not as careful on the slick road as I should have been and the tires went out from under me! Nothing hurt other than my pride! Still happy as can be because Dennis usually turns around at the top and does circles waiting on me but this time he was surprised because I was right behind him!
I don't know if I want to be on the road with this person.
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http://www.dailydot.com/lol/worst-parking-lot-exit-ever-video/
@ jerry
2 thumbs up to the rider and another thumbs up for the out takes at the end and letting us see what it really takes to put together a vid like that.
A very enjoyable BMK bike video.
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http://haivl.tv/video/2079
Karen Jean - what a perfect lead in to my new line of bubble wrap cycling clothes. PVC is perfect for the cooler weather. And taking a fall doesn't have to be a worry any more. Bruises and lost skin are a thing of the past, and with the sounds created when you do, just TRY to contain the laughter. You will find yourself giving rubber duckies on purpose with absolutely no worries. YOU can be the life of the group ride. At select retailers now. Available in black, but I highly recommend the traditional transluscent. This is going to be a thing.
The Challenge was done !!! 100 kms MTB, that was rerally hard !!!!!!
Use Google or Ask if you want to read the science about Cell phones and bicycle accidents.
And 2011 was up from 2010 with 623, and 2009 with 628.
Don't get me wrong. The numbers are still far TOO HIGH. I just don't think you can attribute cell phone use to cyclists fatalities any more than any other distraction, including driving with a dog in your lap (my own pet peeve, pun intended).
@KJ, it's that more people are cycling, and information flows faster. Cyclists killed in 1995 830; 2011 677
One more thing. So happy that I got to enjoy a few miles on my bicycle today riding to my mothers house to rake her leaves. The leaves fall early at her house. Even enjoyed the ride home even though I was exhausted by that time. Fall is a different experience on the bicycle, and I so enjoy riding over the leaves when they are nice and crunchchchy - so like bubble wrap, what hey! (Or something like that - Brad and Marty?)
@Roberto - I find that statistic surprising. Not that I doubt your information, but it seems the opposite from the discussions here over the last 5+ months. Oh, yeh! The Halloween Parade in Emmaus is having a hard time collecting donations to put on the parade this year - if you looked in the Morning Call this weekend you would find them begging for funds. They would have had a few more dollars from me if they weren't so mean to bicyclists.
@KJ, actually bicycle fatalities are on the decline.
this summer I learned that in France if a cyclist is struck by an auto it is the auto drivers fault, unless the driver can prove the cyclist was at fault in a court of law. This was the explanation that I was given when i asked why people were so good to cyclists on the road in France. If it is true it would be a proven successful model.
@ Ian, I say give them all bicycles. Take away the driver's licences of these people who hit pedestrians and cyclists and make them ride a bicycle if they want to get around. Murder by motor vehicle, murder by guns, yes take those things away and give them a bicycle or tricycle or other human powered vehicle.
Just wondering if anyone has done a study of the correlation between the rise in cell phone use and the increase in pedestrian and bicycle related fatalities like in the "lol teen driver" in Jerry's post last week. I wonder if stronger laws related to cell phone use while driving would help lower the statistics. Just one more thing to think about and talk to our elected officials about. (Good luck getting one to listen since they don't seem to care about the people anymore, just their pals in Washington and people with the big bucks.)
OK Ian you got my signature. I still want to point out that in 1900 the most popular gun sold in American was called "a Bicycle revolver". Maybe we should be showing a hip holster. Bet you some driver would notice then.
Just learned today at a SAG stop that a friend was out west and was hit by a car,AGAIN. He is a very experienced ride leader and touring cyclist. Last hit was a fractured hip. Do not know yet what damage was done this time. It seems like every day now a cyclist or pedestrian is struck by drivers that' did not see them". For the past 2 weeks, in our metro area, there has been someone injured or killed by inattentive drivers every dsy. On the days when there are no pedestrians/cyclist/wheelchair victims there is a murder by guns.I think we should petition for the substitution of bicycles for guns in the second amendment and add a clause punishing voluntary stupidity !!!
In Tucson, lives of walkers, cyclists are cheap
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http://tinyurl.com/lm862re
If I add in the warm up period for NBC I passed triple Diamond.
Hi all! It sure felt like I deserved 20 points for wishing I could ride my bike today. I had to work all day as a substitute for a coworker, and I came home with a cold, all run down to see my husband and son's bike setting out. If there is such a thing as "bike envy" I sure felt it today. After all the rain it was a nice day to ride. I am sure Roberto made up his miles today, I hope that I will be able to do the same tomorrow.
@Jerry - Thanks for including the links.
Today is the 285th day of 2014. @EM When i look at the leader board 5014 participants have at least one mile. King Marty is correct if a ride is less than one mile you do not get the 20 point bonus. Also, in the Challenge period section 27992 people have at least 1 point.
I watched a cyclist on ear phones talking on his cell phone ride off the road on a curve and into a ditch. He was fine, just embarrassed to have been practicing distracted driving. So, ride, drive or pull over to use your devices of any kind because you can be in a spot and your mind and attention can be far far away.
17 Year Old talks about how texting caused him to kill a bycyclist.
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
Local cyclist and advocate speaks out after crash
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http://tucsonvelo.com/news/local-cyclist-advocate-speaks-crash/17478
The second easiest way to avoid getting that darn 20 points for riding at least 1 mile in a day, is to ride, but ride less. Both people with 4 points for October have multiple days with rides totalling less than 1 mile in a day. One has 6 days riding .35 miles twice a day, for 4.2 miles. And the other should have 24, but for some reason, Endomondo didn't quite calculate one of their days correctly. There are 6 days with 2 rides each of .31 miles, for 3.72 miles, and one day with 4 rides of .31, which is 1.24 miles, and should have earned them 21 points.
I have been oh so bad this month. I have already taken 4, yes 4 days off since the first! I did have the excuse of my injuries but I am feeling quite a bit better now. The ribs still hurt when I try to sprint and need those really deep breaths and my neck still is requiring treatment twice a week but compared to how I felt a month ago... I feel great! I only rode 6 miles today just because I ran out of time! Total for the week so far is 90 miles. The temps have been fantastic but winds have been in the mid 20mph range! UGH!!! Did I ever mention I hate wind? Trying to make friends with it. Doing better all the time but 20+ mph is just not fun.
@ Roberto, OH, so thats where the 1 point comes from!
@EM don't you get a point for thinking about going for a ride?
@ Randy, I was going by the leaderboard it shows just under 5000 riders with 1 point or more for the month of October. There may be more riders, but I can't see that they did any riding this month. Plus, I don't know how you get 1 point.
265 days of riding.
@Randy, yeah I guess the 10,000 miles I've ridden this year so far doesn't count.
@EM - Close. This is the jolly young soul, who sometimes has a mohawk.
@ Marty, I was guessing that 6 was that guy with the white beard and the reindeer!
@ Rick, YEAH, never a bad time to ride, and no excuses needed!
@J Hugh about Google - basically, there's no bad reason to get on a bike. Any excuse is good enough. Like, say, biking to the cafe in one campus building from another building that probably also has a cafe. Neat! Now we have an excuse to bike back to where we started.
http://video.wired.com/watch/google-conference-bike
Who get these points?
@Laurie - Correct!
@Brad - Howdy.
@Karen Jean - Corrent. We won't make it by Canadian Thanksgiving, and will be lucky to make it by U.S. Thanksgiving.
Not quite 5000 riders logging (s)miles and points now, so we're gonna have to work hard to get to 20 million!
Hi all, temps in the lower 70s and partly cloudy skies. With the exception of a little wind, it was a great day for a ride. Same ride as yesterday but no glitches with the Garmin. YAY. Could be getting your rain tomorrow, so IRIR, maybe. Congrats to Roberto for taking a day off. You will be rested and restored and ready to roll... RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
You mean I rode on a day that @Roberto didn't? Wow, I musta been whacked!!
@Laurie - You can make it by October 25! That is the day we are going to reach 20,000,000
@Roberto - You could always go to the pool. They have hydobikes. -(Just joking) Did a 3000yard swim workout today, but if the rain lets up I will do some miles on the bike before I make supper. I am really getting lazy with the rain, but Roberto don't feel bad. Every trainer I talk to, and every book I read suggests one rest day each week, especially if you go hard at it and do sprinting for at least two days in a week. The body does better when it is given a chance to rest and repair. (Correct Marty?)
@Marty - Congratulations, and you didn't even have to do you Superman flight.
@Jorge - Wishing you all the best! (And if you see a Chupacabra take a picture and post it on youtube.)
First non-riding day since June 10th. Driving rain all day, plus Friday motorists are the worst... no paved trails nearby... so, guess I'll have to draw a goose egg.
@ Laurie, don't let a little old deadline stop you. Keep riding, you will make diamond!
Tomorrow is the big challenge, 100 kms of MTB CHUPACABRAS race !!!!!
Brad forgive Marty he finished the challenge in 34,611th place.
#6 checkin' in, eh?
Well, September 40th came and went, and I am still 598 points away from Diamond. Hope to get it by the end of the month. Marty, would that be September 61st?
@Randy, the September 40 concept goes back to mid-summer when some folks were concerned that they would be close, but may not get, their personal goals (Platinum, Diamond, or 20 million miles by the official end of the NBC (Sept. 30). Not a typo or misprint, just something fun going around the blog here.
Marty: Check your calendar, my friend, because 40 just seems like a few too many days in September to me.
Here are the final results of the September 40th Guessing Contest. And, since I didn't quite last to midnight, the results are tabulated as of this morning (which didn't change the overall standings).
1) 152,210 Marty Malin
2) 184,515 Karen Jean Goth (Would be 1st if contest were for Sept. 41st)
3) 210,507 Rick Gilbert
4) (tie) 1,240,065 EM Matteson & Rick Gilbert
6) A certain person of interest up nort der hey.
LESS MILES BY MOTOR VEHICLE. NBC deserves some credit for this, YAY NBC!! http://mobikefed.org/2013/10/us-vehicle-miles-traveled-has-level-or-declining-huge-shift-americas-transportation-directio
@ Paul, congrats on the personal best
@ Michael, I agree down to about 45 degrees the rain is nice. Then there is a bone chilling zone where precipitation and cold are bad. Then you get below freezing and its a nice clean cold that is okay!
@Paul - Congratulations X 6!
Well, yesterday morning I thought the lovely women in my life were over my bike commuting obsession. Today proved that to be a wet (because it's raining, for those with dirty minds) dream. "I can't believe you're riding AGAIN today; it's raining harder! You're friggin' NUTS". Call it pride, a challenge, or whatever you want. Aww hell, call it middle-aged stupidity; I LOVED IT!!! Everything's quieter, the rain hitting the road makes that nice white-noise sound, even the drivers were more polite to me at left turns. it's just like my backpacking days; as long as you're dressed for the weather, the weather doesn't matter. That being said, the rain hitting my face on a 55 degree day isn't so bad. When it's sleet on a 33 degree day, well, that's another matter (and I've done that already).
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@Paul, Congrats on the PR's. You and I are about a year apart in age, but you're light years ahead of me in fitness level. Keep at it!
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@Roberto and everyone else, stay safe today.
@Paul - Great banner day for you! [||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||]
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Crepe paper streamers - or my car stopped in its tracks to watch you speed
by. Congratulations! Time for a victory lap,a recovery drink, and a quiet spot to record your ride in one those new log books. :)
Had my best day yet. Hit all six PRs that endo tracks*. And even took over 23 minutes off my best 100k from July 1st. Very excited. Maintained 18mph avg over 75 miles. Previous best was 16.1 on 75 and 17.2 on a 50k.
And then I hit walmart up on the way home. New Composition books!!! Even got one with a red cover just for tracking progress on PRs!
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* Some of my PRs listed on my profile are a bit better than the PRs I actually set today. The first three (the shorter ones) on my profile were all heavily gravity assisted on extreme downhill, which I choose not to recognize. Today's were ALL on flat ground. Not a hill to be seen. NO gravity assist.Had one hour today of 19.26.
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I am faster NOW than I was in my peak, 15 years ago at age 32. All of these improvements, I got on my own in the last five months with no real training. Now that I have the fastest man on a bicycle coaching me, I can't wait to see where I will be in 6 months.
Thanks, @Roberto. Just wanted to ensure that I wasn't missing anything. Like the refrigerator idea for the shoes!
Oh, I will wipe the frame down to remove any dirt that resulted from riding in the rain, but that will happen on a sunny day.
@MG, since my bicycle is aluminum I just let it drip dry. The drive train is another matter. Before my next ride on this bike, I will clean and lube the chain, get all the grit out of the cogs, and wipe off the brake pads. Shoes get left close to the bottom of the refrigerator to dry overnight. Stuffed with newspaper to help keep shape and draw out moisture.
I wanna party with you folks!!! I'll bring the Scotch and cigars.
@ Michael, plenty of limes for all of that and a few key lime pies to boot. Yeah, I'm cranking up the Jimmy BuffetT1
@Michael - "are the limes to go with tequila, Corona, or gin & tonic??" Yes. :)
@EM, are the limes to go with tequila, Corona, or gin & tonic??
@Roberto, after a ride in such pleasant conditions like you had today, what do you do for your bike? Cleaning, drying, lubing, that sort of thing. Just looking for recommendations, please.
The lovely riding weather is moving to Florida for the winter. Such a great day here. Sorry for all the bad up north kind of weather, but you and I knew it was coming. I am really excited that we have from now until mid May 2014 of pretty great weather. I certainly have all of you in my thoughts and prayers to be safe.
Hi all, with temps in the mid-60s and a partly cloudy or partly sunny forecast, depending on who you believe, I think we got the good weather here. At any rate my ride was going well until the last half mile when my Garmin suddely when bonkers and credited me with a few hundred extra miles that I didn't ride. So I had to guesstimate my total. GRRR. I don't know why that happens. Alien radar I suppose. Or maybe its a Sept. 40th time warp thing. At any rate the limes should be arriving by bicycle messenger in two days and the party will be on! LOL
@Karen Jean - Don't give up. When we get to 18,751,222 miles, you and Rick will be tied for 2nd. The next mile, and you're in second all by yourself! That should happen within the next two hours.
But, unless recent decreases in logged miles somehow reverse themselves dramatically, it will be really tough for the total mileage board to read 18,780,371 by midnight, Central time.
Why do you guys look for excuses to bail on such a lovely day? @MG, have a great commute home. Of course you're looking forward to it.
You GO @ Michael yourself! (You both put me to shame today. Alas, my son came home with a cold at I now have a sufficiently convenient excuse not to do my IRIR ride.) :)
You GO, @Roberto!!!! Getting ready to do my 2.6 miles home straight into that north wind-driven rain. Actually looking forward to it!
21 sodden miles in driving, cold rain to hit 10,000 miles for 2013 so far. Don't know if it was determination or stupidity. Got 'er done.
Aww, c'mon @Karen, you're no Little Miss Wimpy. You've logged a bazillion more miles than I have.
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Sorry I couldn't make the event at the Cycling Center last Friday evening. With a high school freshman in the house, autumn Friday nights are now spent at the football stadium. Go, Saints!
@Marty - It seems like Rick snuck up on me. How many IRIR miles would I have to do to win and I will get my Wonderwoman cape out and fancy lasso and rustle me up some lightning fast miles? (Actually, I am going to get some hot tea and a good book and let you and Rick win like a true wimpette.)
It's raining and cold, and I am all out-of-sorts - whaaaaaa :( Don't want to ride in the rain. Signed, Little Miss Wimpy
This bike commuting thing has finally, officially, after 2-1/2 years, become second nature in my house. Today is a truly butt-ugly day here in eastern PA. Rainy, north wind, low 50's, just bone-chilling miserable. Yet preparation for this morning's ride was mostly unlike any other day. What was different, however, was that I didn't even consider riding the bus like I typically would. Even my lovely wife and 14 year old daughter--who always bust my chops about riding in less than perfect weather--didn't even give me a second glance. Just the usual "bye-bye" smooches and well wishes to "be careful, see you later, luv ya". Although it's a short commute, I'm still logging my points. After all, I was hoping for my Platinum by September 40th but, alas, I'm 47 points shy...
@Laurie - Well, look at it this way. You aren't doing any worse than Brad.
@ Marty, I didn't submit a guess at all, which means even the losers will be lapping me :P
J. Hugh - Thanks. That makes sense. And, congratulations on Double Diamond!
And yes, it is September 40th, which means, at midnight tonight, Central time, it will be time to name the winners of the September 40th guessing contest.
Currently, I am in 1st place, 130,887 away from actual, and Rick Gilbert, (if he isn't disqualified on a technicality), is in second, 189,184 away. Closing in quickly on both of us is Karen Jean Goth at 205,828 off of the mark. And EM Matteson and Rick Gilbert are tied for 4th. (Rick's first guess is in 4th place, and his 2nd is currently in 2nd.) And I won't even mention Brad Waldoch's name, (so as not to embarrass him), since he is way back in 6th place, otherwise known as dead last.
Today is September 40th. I passed double diamond today.
King Marty in London it was like paint. It could have been colored asphalt in the Netherlands but I do not remember looking closely enough to really know.. The green stuff I have seen is like the coating on green tennis courts, which is designed to be grippy.
In an article about a concussion sensing (actually G-force sensing), product, they mention how much more likely one is to get a concussion with each successive one.
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/futuresport/201310/introducing-smart-cap-concussion-testing
@Rob - I've never seen it up close. Is it blacktop that has green color added to it when mixing?
Jeffrey Arnold...give your wife greetings from Ripon! If you all do any mountain biking, she should bring it when she comes to an alumni weekend...or bring the road bikes and enjoy the great surrounding country roads. Ripon is a bking heavan, IMHO.
The green pain in London and Paris is not slick in the rain. There are other colors used in some EU countries, large cities are where you usually find paint cycle ways and lanes.
I agree with the barrier but in reality it is not feasible in most locations. This is a great start, won't be any more slick that black asphalt.
@ Rob, love that color! Would be great to have bike lanes everywhere brightly colored like that.
@Rob - Definitely an improvement over what they had, and I'm sure it would be an improvement on most streets throughout the country. But there still may be some issues, like if it were in a rainer city, how slick would the paint be during rains or even at night/early in the morning? Does the parking lane allow enough room for the door zone, before the bike lane starts? And the best type of bike lane would still be one with a physical barrier.
One is one too many. Interesting discussion asking for ideas: http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/the-gorilla-in-the-room
@ Laurie R close calls are common in Oshkosh. I wish they would install the bike lanes that I saw in the master plan. Start continuing to the bike lanes from the college and make continuing lanes instead of start where ever and stopping a little ways later. It's a very slow works in progress. Plus driver education, car drivers and some bicycle drivers.
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/23642654/2013/10/08/city-of-phoenix-debuts-bike-lanes-painted-bright-green
This is very cool and should be a national standard
Guy in Ohio not as lucky:
http://www.ohio.com/news/man-on-bike-killed-in-collision-in-jackson-township-1.435482
Wow Peter, sorry to hear about your near misses, but glad that you're okay. Sounds like experiences I had biking in Oshkosh earlier this summer.
HI all, out today with even better weather than yesterday. Temps in the upper 60s, but the sunshine made it feel warmer, and the wind wasn't blowing as hard as it was yesterday. Still not many cyclists out there. It occurred to me that the rate of miles being added to the NBC is slowing down, probably because there are fewer people reporting their (s)miles since the official challenge is over. So it many take another month to get to 20 million.
>>>>>>>>>
RE: SFPD, I suspect that there are similar attitudes around the country. Its going to take all of us working together to change these attitudes. Incentives to get more police officers to walk and ride bikes would help. (Potential bike donation and training programs for police departments????) It certainly couldn't hurt!
When leaving McDonalds in Neenah I decided to walk my bike across the busy street think crossing with a walk single it would be safer. A half way across the 12 second count down started. Got about 2/3 across a red SUV making a left turn missed me by a few inches. She just about hit the curb and drove always down the bicycle lane. Good thing I didn't take the time to mount the bike, then ride across. The only other closes call along Hwy A was a pick up truck that missed me by inches when he passed. He drove quite a ways very close to the white stripe. He must of been afraid of the center line. All in all I had a enjoyable ride and made good time going into a SSE 7 mph wind. For me this was my best time from Neenah into wind.
Got new gloves for this coming winter but as for now I am still wearing shorts and t-shirt.
GO LINCOLN!!
I just found out last night at the city budget information meeting that Lincoln now officially has a Complete Streets policy. That's awesome. And the Public Works Director said the N Street Link is fully funded and will definitely happen. Yea, Lincoln!!!
Wow, glad I don't live in SF! Enjoyed a 19 mile very windy ride yesterday evening. I was very thankful my new jacket arrived from Nashbar just before I left the house.... it came in very handy after the sun went down. The temp drops very quicly at that point. I will be doing a group ride today about 18 miles. I really enjoy those but then we go eat! I try not to over indulge but when having so much fun with a group of friends, you know how it goes. I am glad everyone is still here enjoying the fall weather and putting in the miles that make them happy.
@Jeffrey - Thanks. I guess I would have had a rather difficult time finding it in town, and would have never thought to look for it in the next state.
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@Jerry - That is terrible the Police conditions those bicyclists are confronted with. Hopefully, it starts to change soon.
@Marty, the Donut Shop is in Hebron, IL. Just 5.26 miles from my door.
@ Paul, my wife is a proud Ripon Alumna, class of 81.
Victims Share Tales of SFPD Anti-Bike Bias and Hostility at City Hall
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http://tinyurl.com/q9phzxp
EM--thanks for the kind words re Ripon's riding. I am a bit of a stats junkie related to the NBC. Another feat for Ripon's 22,000+ miles...we beat four entire states--AL, ND, WV, and WY. Don't know if that is good for us or not so good for them (or both). Regardless, I was still amazed when I came across this data in my end-of-year review. Even more impressive is the fact that there were some single riders that I know beat some of these states, as well. Ride on and add the (s)miles! (h/t to EM for the "(s)miles")
RE, journals: My Garmin takes care of the data and I just write things down when I get back from my ride. Its amazing how alive your senses are when you ride and how much you can remember when you get home!
@ Karen Jean, thanks for sharing the link about the cancer patient. Such a sad loss of an amazing young man and such a wonderful way to carry on his legacy.
Karen, I never carried anything with me. My bike computer recorded the stats. I just copied them later. Now mt bike journal is digital. I'm using a wordpress blog.
@Karen Jean - 1) Another similar plank to the swimmer one is the Superman.
2) It is best to generally just keep the journal at home, and record things afterwards.
3) Inspirational story about the young man, and it is great that they are continuing his message of hope after he is gone.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/allentown/index.ssf/2013/10/message_lives_on_for_young_all.html
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Since we were talking about Superheros and Cancer Patient. I thought I would share this link. This young man was in the library often. I still can't believe he is gone.
Ment to write: I guess Paul's composition books may be too large to bring on the bike ride.
Thanks Cynthia and Paul! Is it small enough to carry with you on the ride? I just Paul's composition books may be too large. (Sorry you lost them, Paul - I can also see how your family will be disappointed not to have them. I studied history in college- primary source material - real bummer!) And, Cynthia, the way you write about your bike trips, you could probably publish yours.
@cynthia. awareness to foods and about how our bodies react to exercise is not posted enough. respekt.
I keep a manual bike journal. I track how I felt, what I ate and drank, miles, average speed, and who I rode with or alone. I also record any cool thoughts I had (if I can remember them). I keep it simple though. Just the basics so there is something to compare too.
Notes are nice too. About the weather, how you felt before/after...odd occurrences that may have affected the ride.
I had over a dozen of those composition books we used to use in school filled with ride logs, and lost them all in a flood. So bummed.
@ Karen,
Distance
MPH
Avg MPH
Time
Elapsed time
Avg will let you track improvements, how you are getting stronger, faster
Time vs elapsed time...for longer rides if you stop, as the gap closes, that indicats improving strength as well.
I have a few established routes, and keep separate sheets for each to track improvements.
@Jeffrey - Congratulations on doing so well for your town. Even though Superman doesn't live there, I'm going to have to make a point of riding through there next Summer, and I'll stop at the donut shop. Zenda is home of the famous Zenda meteorite, and also home to Buddy Melges, Olympic Gold medalist in sailing! Impressive for such a small place.
I am sure that this was a record year for me, but since I don't keep a bicycle log, I have no way to tell. I have been thinking of starting one next year. I know that we discussed this before, but I am wondering what I should record besides millage and MPH. What is most helpful?
@Marty - I did "swimming planks" at the pool today. I don't know why, but they made me think of you. lol (They were hard to do BTW.) Got to work that core for next year's NBC.
@Shawn - Good luck!
See you all tomorrow - Same bike time, same bike channel!
@ Tammie, good for you for taking some time off to heal. I know you will enjoy the cooler weather once you have a chance to get out again. It was cooler here for a few days but now its warming up again.
@ Marty, congrats on exceeding your record from last year!
Hi all, out for a ride this morning with temps that managed to get just above 70. Not many other riders out there.
>>>>
@ Paul, interesting stats. Congrats on your college for rolling so many (s)miles.
@ Shawn good luck with the run/race and congrats on dropping the pounds!
RE: Superman versus Batman, I think Superman would win a bike race, whether on or off the road!
19.17 miles done by road bike after not biking for a week! Got a biathlon coming up (5k run/18 mile road ride race) so need to train all I can! Hopefully I do better this year than last year as I am 90 pounds lighter! But I did win 2nd in my age group 26-29 last year so that ain't bad I suppose...
Way to go on the descent, Paul!
Marty, I was the only rider in Zenda, WI. Way less than 200 residents. I was very surprised by the results, as you can imagine. Superman doesn't live here either!
@Mike - Thanks for catching that mistake. That means it must be way too long ago that I read comic books. I'll have to correct that situation. (And superhero movies, too.) Its on to the bat cave, (as my comic book tree is no more)! (Growing up, I used to climb to the very top of a white poplar tree in our driveway with about 5 or 6 comic books, wrap myself around the main stem, [which was under 1" diameter at that point - I was really skinny], sway with the breeze, and not come down until I was finished reading.)
Gotham, WI only had two bicyclists in the Challenge - both with the same last name, but not Wayne. Somehow, I don't picture Batman as a bicyclist, like I could Superman. Batman relies on the batmobile too much.
@Marty JBFKM 10/7 13:56 post: Superman's home town was Metropolis, Batman's was Gotham City. Gotham, Wi has population <200 which means there are a lot of bikers/ capita.
Marty, you forgot one area where WI ruled over NE in this year's NBC. Among Colleges and Universities, the U of Wisconsin--Madison at #2 topped Nebraska-Lincoln at #3, and my little (a bit under 1000 students) Ripon College (#16) topped every other high ed. institution in the state of NE, including U of NE @ Omaha. Ripon even would have taken 4th in the Big (can't count to) Ten. We topped all other liberal arts colleges in the nation, as well. Go Redhawks!
@Marty-awesome on that record.
@Paul-wow what a ride!
@Burklee-no worries-never act your age and there are a lot of us that love animated super hero movies!
Well, no ride home last night as a storm has settled over the area, with the torrent beginning at about 3pm and still going strong till about 6pm the roads were flooded by the time I got off work. Had to get a ride home-and then this morning the winds are at about 25 miles mph with rain! So IRIR was not a safe go this time....
You give some. You take some. And sometimes, you just get some in return. Today, in two separate instances, I had cars pull toi the side to let me pass!!!
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5300 feet descent on a 20 mile course. Grades of -6, -8, -12...all the way up to -19%. And I earned every bit of it doing the climb first. 40 miles round trip bottom to top to bottom. with 50+ total on the ride.
Go, Marty! That is what is so great about NBC... you may be doing this with so many others but you are really challenging yourself! This is only my first year.. can't wait to see what I do next year.
Yeah, Marty!
Thanks in no small part to the NBC, for the second year in a row, I broke my long-standing yearly mileage record from 1982. In 2012, I broke it on December 11th, (and set my new personal standard on Dec. 16th). This year, I'm a little over 2 months ahead of last year. Thanks everyone!
I don't care what the speed limit is when the local PD posts a speed sensor. What fun to sprint to victory over me. Current winning speed 27 mph, think that down hill really helped.
@ Allen, I have a spot where the limit is 20 mph its fun to beat that however briefly!
I have to find me some of these things :)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
@ Marty, yeah, I get the POINT about the good Wisconsin beer!
HI all, out for a ride today with windy weather and the temperature right at about 70 degrees. A couple of other riders out there including one very speedy guy, but I don't think it was Clark Kent. LOL
@ Marty, thanks for posting all the results. KUDOS to all the winning towns including Appleton, Wisconsin, without which, we would not be doing this challenge. And thanks for posting the update about Jack Hoffman. His story is bringing badly needed attention to the issue of children with brain cancer. Its wonderful that his is in remission.
Marty - Re: Clark Kent riding his bike faster than the speed of light - not only do you have the issue of melting tires & rims, there's that whole time travel thing to contend with, which can turn out badly. I know, I just watched "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox" this weekend. (That's right. I rented and watched an animated Justice League video. As far as I know, I'm not actually required to act my age.)
Marty - Thanks for posting the GMA story. Love that video of Jack's TD run. Never hurts to watch that, just one more time. :) And congrats to Madison & Wisconsin!! Y'all made it an excellent challenge. Mike's invite to anyone who'll be in town for the post-Challenge party is genuine. If you're here, come join us. We'd love to see you!
Other good news for Nebraska - Jack Hoffman's brain cancer is in remission!
http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/young-nebraska-cornhusker-fan-jack-hoffmans-brain-cancer-160649677--abc-news-topstories.html
@Lincoln & @Nebraska - You guys/gals kicked our butts in Madison and Wisconsin as a whole, and should be commended for a job well done!
We are busy drowning in our sorrows, (luckily, with enough beer stored up until April 30th), but we stil didn't do too bad on the Community Leaderboards.
In Class IV, we had 2 of the top 10, including Gotham, where Clark Kent lives. (Too bad we couldn't get him to ride a bike faster than the speed of light. I guess the tires [and the rims] kept on melting.)
Waterloo, WI won Class III, and led 4 other Wisconsin communities in the top 10!
In Class II, Appleton led everyone else, and was followed by two other WI comunities in the top 10.
And in Class I, our 2nd and 6th place showings were only beat out by your 1st and 4th.
23 IRIR miles.
Hello everyone! I see things have continued on without me. I have been busy with work and actually took 3 of the last 7 days off from riding. My body thanks me so very much as do the herniated disk in my neck and the cracked ribs. I took two days in a row and then was able to ride 28 miles yesterday and felt great until I did a sprint and need to take some really deep breaths.. BIG MISTAKE! LOL I guess moderate and steady is going to have to stay the order of the day for a while. Absolutely LOVING the cooler weather! It was in the 70's yesterday! I understand why some of you have been able to ride those long miles.. I could have ridden longer if did not have to go to work! I too am not looking forward to the cold stuff but am slowly buying what I need to keep on riding as much as I can through the winter. I can't imagine those of you who have real winters! Burrrr!
Just one more reason to love Lincoln!
Go Lincoln!
I don't know I think everyone went away...
Can you tell, from the previous two posts, that Lincoln is quite pleased about having won the Class I title? :)
http://bicyclincoln.org/2013/10/02/press-release-for-lincoln-bike-challenge/
Lincoln, NE will host a celebration of this years Challenge with a gathering at the Brewsky's Haymarket location in downtown Lincoln on Monday, October 14 from 4pm until 8pm Any Challenge bike riders are invited to attend!
Hi all, here's a truly inspiring story: http://waytooindie.com/review/movie/ride-with-larry/ GO LARRY!
@ Cynthia, beautiful description of your ride!
Hi Karen, nice find on the winter riding gear. Once you start riding in colder weather with the right clothing, you will enjoy riding! Its really not that bad. I love it. And I hate the cold.
Well commuted to work all week via bike, miss being out there to log the miles. Will get back to it in week or more. Tomorrow instead of riding with group I am going on a kayak journey. kayaking ok. Takes some effort to get accustomed too. Then off to Florida mid week this coming week until next Monday with no option to bring bike or ride!!! But, once I get back, will get into a riding routine with milage that Is Not commuting miles. Don't think I can stay away from the road too long.
KJG I have heard of swim bike canoe here in Florida. But maybe you could start a new race Bike, run , Hot tub.
@Gregg - I like the idea of a swim, bike, swim race - only not in Wisconsin on a cold day if you get my drift. BRRRRR!!! lol
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Update on the Velofest - Wish I had more money to spend. They had a multitude of bikes on sale. From old classics to racing bikes. No child carriers, at least not the kind I was hoping to find. I have to remember to check craigslist more often. I did get a new helmet with visor for half price (new from a dealer.) Also new from dealers: Winter legging and winter gloves for really great prices- at least I am going to try to keep riding through the cold weather.
@Gregg - Congratulation! Thank you for sharing!
J. Hugh, you haven't had a kind word for me since day one that you decided to call me a cheater. I publicly called you out hoping you'd go away. Now you seem to be backpedaling, when if you read "birds of a feather.." as joining in my sarcasm, you have to be on acid. Get a grip.
I finished 5th out of 16 in my 50-54 age division and 36 overall in the Aurora Bay Care Duathlon this morning at the Aurora Bay Care Sports Medicine facility in Green Bay. I wore my Get Up & Ride Bike Challenge jersey as a way to celebrate the end of the bike challenge this year and this was the last race of the year for me. I only do races that have some biking in it, never just running, since I really don't like running all that much. I have never done an aquathon before (swimming, biking, swimming), but they are growing in popularity and I definitely like to swim more than running. I had some really tough competition in my age division today because there were people who won awards in the younger age divisions with higher times than me. My older age division was faster than some of the younger age divisions. lol We ran 3 miles and then biked 26 miles on a hilly course, and then ran another 1.5 miles to the finish line. My total time, including transitions, was 1:54:13, so that was very good for me considering the gusty winds, wet roads, and the hills. On one of the downhills with the tailwind on the 2nd half of the course my chain fell off the bike as I was shifting into my highest gear. I probably lost about a minute and a half because it took me about 30 seconds to put my chain back on and because I was going downhill at about 24 mph, I coasted a ways before I stopped to take advantage of the downhill. But I count my blessings because it's better than having a flat. The bike course was the longest distance of all my multisport races this year. This was a new location and course this year, so I can't compare from previous years and I probably should have practiced this course a few times before. But I did the best ever in the 1st 3 mile run with a little over 20 minutes and I ranked 20 overall in the 1st run!!!! This was terrific and I am getting much better at running. My average bike speed was only 19.6 mph and is the lowest speed I have ever done this year in a race. It was probably the slowest speed for everyone else, too, because even the top speeds were only 22-24 mph. The wind was so brutal the first half of the course and since no drafting is allowed and we were climbing in elevation as well, I was riding in a very low gear and could only sustain about 16 mph through much of the 1st half of the course. But with the tail wind the 2nd half, I was sustaining over 24 mph and even hit 35 mph down a moderate hill! The weather was crappy with the wind, mist and wet roads, but at least this year it was warm with the temp 60 degrees at race time. Last year it was also windy and was only 48 degrees at race time and we needed skull caps, long pants and jackets, and full finger gloves.
Go for a ride and look for your sense of humor. You must have lost it out there somewhere. i was joining in your sarcasm about Doug D. No one rides 3500 miles in one day, so making him your hero was funny. I joined your humor. Very sad to see so much suffering rushing out of you on to this comment board. I hope the pain goes away.
I took the survey and suggested a way to block members you find offensive. I can think of one right off the bat.
Birds of a feather flock together. Way to get noticed Doug Drysdale.
Here are a couple (much more successful) downhill bicycle rides in France:
http://www.youtube.com/watch
Doug Drysdale is my new hero.
@DavidS, There are more than one winner! BikeArlington All-Stars won the medium size team category. Congrats to Gainsville for finishing in first place overall and for winning the large team category. They have some great riders but BikeArlington All-Stars earned more points per rider. :)
@Karen, very cool you bike to swimming lessons! If I got that correctly. Have fun at the bike flea market. Maybe some good finds even items that have been suggested on this forum.
@Karen, have fun, but 8 bucks just to get in and drool... pass.
Hey all, We had Indian Summer here again today, wish I had more time to ride, too much work to do to ride to the pool - my coach really pushed us all hard today. I hope the nice weather holds out until tomorrow so I can ride longer and attend the bike flea market - Mike and Roberto its not too far for you to go also, say hi if you see a 5" 2" women with long brunette hair in a Penn State baseball hat looking totally overwhelmed.
@Rick - I hope that they go with the business card idea. EM I think did that too. I handed out full page ones to my pool friends and posted at work. At least they were polite, but no one joined. It was a little disappointing. I am going to push hard with the two men in my house next year. They did some miles with me, but they blew me off about joining. (Maybe I should refuse to do their laundry until they sign up next year.) I tried to do the Survey, but couldn't get in. They posted a link on my e-mail account. I will have to try again this weekend.
On the survey, I put in my plug for an NBC promo template in business-card format that we can print and easily carry with us. I made up my own this year and gave them to folks I talked with about the Challenge. I figured the card would be a reminder to check out NBC when they got home. I'm just not stuffing a jersey pocket full of postcards (for which there was a template), nor did I want the expense of printing in that format; but a 100 business-card-sized handouts would be fine.
Wonderful weather in the PNW for a day or two here, albeit a little cooler than normal. Nice ride to work, and looking for the same kind of ride heading home.
@Cynthia - your ride description almost makes me want to return to that part of the country. There are certain times of year when it's a grand place to be.
Wounded Warriors just went by, we all went out and cheered them. The entourage included support vehicles, motorcyclists and bicyclists. Town residents are providing lunch for them over on the beach. Talk about inspiration! There were about 15 cyclists.
@Hugh. It is only for one day. I should be able to get out tomorrow.
@Christine, any new recommendations on the SB bourbon front? My Angels Envy is gone (sniff). I'd get another, but my wife already has dibs on it as a stocking stuffer. She's the BEST!
@jerry B Well maybe it won't last long. I'll pray for an indian summer for you.
@WrongHat: thanks. I also found it in my work spam folder.
@Cynthia, if we had buttons, I'm pretty sure everyone would "like" your latest contribution! I surely do!
@J.Hugh, love 3 and 4! @EM, 3 and 6 are great ideas! I'd love to "see" some of my friends!
@Michael-sorry about trash day! Yes, it's was a Friday morning stop at Mavericks Java for coffee and wine. Now, if only it were 5 o'clock. lol
@Cynthia, coffee and wine day for you?
Rain and sleet. And cold.
@Cynthia, how poetic and descriptive! Wish I were there instead of here (deep sigh...). Today is trash day, so my commute was an olfactory assault. But at least all of the motorists I encountered were nice to me!
Wow, what a great commute I had this morning! I was thinking this is my life, this is something I choose to do, this is amazing as pedaled on and could not help but stare at the beauty of the coastal fall sky. There is nothing to beat it. The sun rises over the waterway awakening and shining as its rays stretch through the puffy clouds that hang over the ocean. The suns light is a fall light; a dim vision of summers past now. And is reassurance that season continue to change allowing us all to be a part of it. Keep it simple and ride on with peace!
@RodS - when I look at the Challenge period it shows Gainsville as #1. No matter what, it was a fun challenge. Just disappointed I couldn't get anyone else in AETC to participate on the team and I know we have several tri-athletes here in the HQ.
http://www.minds.com/blog/view/231844919164014592/guy-gets-ticketed-for-not-riding-in-bike-lane-makes-video-of-himself-smashing-into-things-in-bike-lanes
To all those wondering why October points are still being added to the Challenge totals: The same thing happened last year, for a short while. A week or two after the Challenge ended, they added another category to the pull-down menu, and that was titled something like Overall - comprising May - December. I expect they will be doing the same, although they didn't mention anything this time (just like last year).
It does continue as it always has. The only thing that ends is the actual contest itself. Keep riding my friends.
Thank you Stan. I totally agree. It's like the Challenge is officially continuing.
Yep, BikeArlington All-Stars won! I'd like to see a list of ALL the winners!
@RodS.--Hit leaderboard--then teams--then challenge period. Then hit the asterick to go to the 1st place.
@StevenK--It was on the League of American Bicyclists webpage.
How come the totals from October are still be added to the challenge period totals? Should that have been frozen at the end of October?
@Roberto, I'd like to see a list of the winners of the challenge, not the winners of the drawings. My team won, but I haven't received an email asking where to send the plaque. I'm going to drop into LAB headquarters tomorrow and see what's up. :)
Hi all, has anyone received the survey?
@Rod under prizes
Is there a list of winners?
Survey completed. I suggested:
1. start & end on weekends
2. buttons on comments section
3. award prize(s) for spirit (motivating other riders)
4. Fliers to advertise start of challenge available in advance of challenge
5. help with organizing locally
6. Photo page to upload photos from NBC related rides/events
Ok, I copied some of those from you guys, but I figure the more repeats the more likely they are to happen!
Took the survey.
1. begin and end on weekends
2. invited all who participated this year.
3. start warm up in January
4. Have cool down through December.
5. Fix Garmin upload problem.
6. Put buttons on this comment section
7. Invite people to organize locally.
Bon ton roule
Great ride only 14miles but lots of hills.
@ Christine- - if they already had buttons I would've liked your comment. :)
Took the survey! Suggested buttons.
My story is that I'm 29 with 40 years experience. And at the end of Dec. it will be 41 years experience and still 29 years young. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
29 Jerry, 29 - when you start getting into the 30's you're admitting to being too old
@Leonard. I agree with you. They tell me I am 59 years old now. But I know they are wrong. I can't be older than 30.
@Leonard. Your stepfather pushing people around in a wheelchair at the hospital reminded me of an experince with my father-in-law 20 years ago. He had a heart attack just before the National Model Railroad Convention we were going to. He missed most of the convention, but I took him one day to see the train show. I was pushing him around in a wheelchair. Which I told him was totally wrong. I was the one who broke my back four months earlier. And I was pushing him around. It just wasn't right.
Last year I was climbing up to Ward. A rider caught up to me and we talked for a few minutes. Then he took off and left me in his dust like I was standing still. He was 85 years old.
@Cynthia, super idea! My recommendation for South Dakota is to ride the Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills. An excellent ride.
After the Flood
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What happens when everywhere you ride is gone?
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http://blogs.bicycling.com/blogs/boulderreport/2013/10/01/after-the-flood/
@ Leonard And there is a lady, from Canada, that comes down to Florida for the winter months in the Tampa area. She still competes annually in the Senior Games and entered 4 cycling events and one triathlon this year and she just turned a young 85. Her daily training is 25 miles riding a triathlon bike + a 2 mile run + a 1 mile swim, four days a week, sometimes 5.
My grandfather passed away at 96 a number of years ago. He only had about 10% lung capacity left after being riddled with emphysema (lifelong smoker) and black lung disease (coal hauler as a young man). However, till the day he died, every brain cell worked and every synapse fired in the proper sequence. The best story about the way he lived his final years was that his daughter could not keep a home-bound nurse for him. Even in his 90's, he'd make an inappropriate grab for them every time they bent over near him. A 'dirty old man' till the very end. He may not have been a biker, but he still had energy!
@Cynthia. We are lucky with were we live. It is beautiful here. And overall the weather is great. Sunny most of the year. Even when we get snow it is usually warm within 1-2 days to melt the snow.
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The only bad thing right now is getting to the our beautiful mountains in this area. Further south there is no problem. But we spoiled. Only 20 minutes away from the mountains here. To get to the mountains down south we are looking at 2-4 hours. Estes Park is 45 minutes away from our house. Now it is a three hour drive to get there.
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I really feel sorry for those who live in the flooded areas. It has been hard on them even if nothing is damage.
HI guys, just finished a short ride. The temps are in the 80s and it is just plain HOT. But I found some shade here and there so not a bad ride. All your posts today are totally making my day. Its so true, you are as old as you feel and the more you ride the younger you feel. At least it works for me.
@ Cynthia, I'm sure you can do at least one organized ride in every state. And yeah you can even double up and do a couple of rides in the same year or some rides that take you through two or more states. That way, who knows, maybe you can go around twice!
RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE!
Great inspirations! You are all the best!
Karen Jean's comment about her friend reminded me, there is a lady in our area that still rides 30+ miles a day, 5 days a week - she's 84.
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@Cynthia, There's no reason you can't keep going well into your 80's/90's.
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My stepfather received an award one year for the most volunteer hours at a local hospital. He used to push the old people around the hospital in wheelchairs (he was in his 90's).
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Yes Marty, I'm repeating myself. The story seemed to appropriate for the topic. It's not a case of old age causing a loss of memory about what I had posted last week. My mind is still just as tarp as a shack.
@Rick - Seattle to Vancouver sounds like a dream to me, if only I could fall asleep.
(Seriously, I have been wanting to vacation there for ages.) You and Cynthia must get to work immediately. lol
@Cynthia - I was good friends with an elderly women when I was in my twenties, like a third grandmother to me, she was alert and active until she was 104. You have a chance.
All the talk about age, I have to admit I'm 29. I used to be 39 but I decided I didn't want to be that old so I went back to 29. Always remember - age is just a case of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it don't matter.
True story - Up until about 5 years ago I had my grandson convinced I was 29 until his mother said she was 40 and there was NO WAY I could be only 29 - I said she was just jealous because I was so much younger than her.
{ OK, my body is 67 but my mind is still says I'm 29 - that's my story and I'm sticking with it!!!! }
@Burklee-so with you! Cycling is the best antipressant, stress management EVER!!! If I did not bike to work on ride on a regular basis I am not sure what I would do. Its my sanity maker!
@Rick-great idea-I will write that one down!
@Burklee - when talking to people about Wilma (my touring/commute bike), I generally refer to her as my 'mood stabilizer.'
Sometimes there's a bit of a hurdle committing to that morning commute, but once on the bike, it's always better. Even that day last winter when I fell and broke my hip. It was still a good day to ride.
@ Cynthia - here in Puget Sound, you could knock off two states in one ride with the STP - Seattle to Portland. Or you could even start to add Canadian Provinces with the RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party).
@Burklee, YES! I agree completely with all you said! (We, REALLY need Educational, Interesting, Funny, Agree, Disagree, and Love buttons for the posts so we don't clutter up the list agreeing with each other!! Guilty!!!)
Wow, some really great conversations overnight and this morning! @Jerry, congrats to Karen! @Michael, put your desires out to the universe and maybe you will have two retirement homes! @PAUL, you are SO right, as is everyone who posted other benefits of the NBC! The friends I've made here have helped me immeasurably, in many ways. While you might not be able to see it right now, I AM better, stronger, faster than I was before the NBC.
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And to all of you "spring chickens", in my brain I feel 26, in my body (when it's not going nutz) I feel like I'm between 45 and 50 (I feel MUCH better - mentally, emotionally, and physically - than I did when I was 50!). And I walk--no, I biked!-- over the 60 hill in April! They say you're as young as you feel...I'm so glad biking made me feel so much better, so that I feel so much younger! Wahoo and RIDE ON!
There's a blog post on the LAB site that's really good. It talks about getting more people interested in biking. When reaching out and talking about running or yoga, bloggers always emphasize the emotional/spiritual/medication-like aspects of those sports. That's totally how we should talk about biking to others who don't bike. We talk about it here all the time, but here we’re just preachin’ to the choir. My bike is my anti-depressant. It doesn’t have a page-long list of detrimental side effects, and it starts to work immediately. My bike is my anger management tool. It keeps me from biting the heads off my co-workers. I have a better outlook on life when I ride regularly. This is the stuff we need to tell people to get them interested in biking. It’s a good article that you can get to by clicking on the League’s logo at the top of the page.
@Cynthia - My brain is back A LOT more than 10-15 years, and I'm only 48. Remember, you're never too old to have a happy childhood!
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@Jerry - Congrats on getting your wife out. Best of luck to both of you!
@Jerry-you must live in a very beautiful place with all the mountains and lakes.
Wahoo! I did, and 100 years it is....just goes to show you how short and precious this life is. I don't feel 51 and so I don't think like I am old. I guess my brain is back about 10 or 15 years.
@Cynthia - If you already did an organized bike event this year, (or if you haven't, there is still time), then you only have to bike until you are 100.
@EM. Now you have an idea what it was like for me when I started riding again after my accident. X 1,000.
So I had this thought yesterday-a new bucket list or ongoing bucket list would be to do an organized cycling event in each of the 50 states. At least one a year, I am thinking its a great way to travel and meet people. Well, then I realized....I am 51! ...I will need to live and be able to cycle till I am 101! Think I can do it? lol
@EM & Paul-so so right about us all being winners! Wahoo and we roll on.
@ Paul, add to that more friends, more (s)miles, and more fun!
I got a prize from this challenge. And I'm sure many others received this very same prize:
"Better, Faster, Stronger".
Who could ask for anything more?
@Don - Don't be too disheartened. Things tend to even out over time. While it does look like you had only one winner in the months of May, June, July, and September, (a smaller percantage of winners than your 2.9% of participants), Washington did have five winners in August, making you about even for the entire Challenge.
WOOHOO!!! Bike shop called. I get my mountain bike back tomorrow!!
Well, one person from WA got a free water bottle. No other winners from our state though.
On my ride today I had the feeling that I hadn't ridden for a long time. Really, I only skipped one day. It wasn't that I felt sore or out of condition, it was just that it felt SOOO GOOODDDD to ride. Post NBC withdrawl syndrome???
Thank you
Go to the top of this page and click on prizes.
Can anyone see the September winners? When I click on the link it just go to this page.
Karen enjoyed her ride. But she does not have a passion for riding like me. And she will only ride on the greenways. Which don't exist anymore other than the one around MacIntosh Lake. Though she will ride on the street to get to the lake. When she was riding she would ride 20 miles. Today she made 5.23 miles. Hopefully she will ride tomorrow. And than it gets cold on Friday with rain and possibly snow.
All this talk of two places gives me an idea. Perhaps I could use Brad's guest room when the weather is hot and humid in Florida. @Brad W I asked Dad and he said sure thing Brad would love to share, but then he suggested that Marty would be upset that I was not staying at his house and riding. Just when you have a plan there are those complications of people getting their feeling hurt. But I don't have an accent for the language of Wisconsin, either.
@Jerry - Yea for Karen!
Sure-then Michael would be able to bike in all those states!
@Jerry-how did she feel? Hopefully like a kid again and riding lifted her spirits.
@Jerry - Super!
@ Jerry thats WONDERFUL!!
Today, Karen, my wife was able to ride on her first bicycle ride since Mother's Day.
@Michael - I was thinking that you would get retirement homes in North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, AND New Mexico, and have the best of all four worlds.
@Cynthia - Sure, two houses, no problem! Except when we vacation in CO the 'Better Half' would want to come back. Now THAT would be a problem....
@Michael-well you have a house here and a house there in CO. hee hee Of course the NC/SC mountain areas are beautiful and then your still close to the beaches by a few or more hours.
@EM, way to go for your whole family!
It's been feeling more like summer here in Wisconsin with temps 15 degrees above normal. It's even been a little humid,. But I think big temperature drops are headed for the Midwest by the end of this week. In fact they are forecasting snow in some parts of the country and even a blizzard in the Dakotas. I'm not ready for snow and winter yet and I want it to stay warm yet for awhile. But it looks like it's going to be a very cold and windy day for the duathlon in Green Bay on Saturday. This one is a 3 mile run, 28 mile bike, and ends with another 1.5 mile run. The bike course goes on both sides of the Fox River and we cross the bridge in Wrightstown. It is very scenic and beautiful with the fall color, but hopefully we don't see any of the white stuff that morning. I don't think I would do the race, if it is snowy or icy. It's my last race of the year. I have won 3 awards this year in my age division (1st place in Green Bay Triathlon, 3rd place in High Cliff Triathlon, and 3rd place in Run, Bike, Unite Duathlon in Steven's Point). And my highest speed ever on the bike was in Race the Lake this year (90 mile bike race) with a finish time of 3:32:13.93, which was an average of 25.1 mph. This was totally incredible for me and I still can't believe it yet. It qualifies me for the elite pro wave 1 next year, going for over $15,000 in prize money. To qualify for this wave, you need to average at least 25 mph in a race of at least 60 miles in distance. Anyone can enter the other waves, if you can average at least 12.5 mph. The date for next year is August 17, 2014. This year there was over 2,000 riders. Although you get a timing chip, many do it like a bike tour and don't race. It is the largest and longest all citizen bike race in the United States and involves law enforcement in 4 counties. The bike course passes through my hometown of Neenah and only a mile from my house, which is cool and we have great support in the community for this race. There is always a lot of spectators here in Neenah. We finished 1st overall in the bike challenge in the Fox Cities and 6th overall among all cities nationally and 4th in the class 3 cities (<50,000) nationally.
@michael G Humidity is relative. From now through early May we dry out and cool down making riding very nice. But if humidity is a concern the summer (May to October) can be hard. I lose speed over the summer due to humidity and what seems to me to be huge sweating and maybe lung function. Yes, please consider moving to a state with less people. We should spread out. @ Cynthia I sent you a private note on a ride.
@J Hugh, may be cool but the year-round humidity would keep me away. Give me a dry heat any day! Big difference between my wife and I; she wants to retire south (NC/SC), I want to go west (CO, NM). Somehow I think we're gonna stay here in PeeAyy.
@J Hugh-do you ever participate in Bike MS events down there? Apparently there is one for Break Away to Key Largo. Was wondering what that is like-no doubt flat!
(I have family in WPB).
@Michael G Cooling down here in Florida only in the mid and upper 80's but the best 7 months of cycling lie ahead.
I will continue to post miles and here on this board until we can't anymore. Then we will roll through a couple winter months and be right back b4 we know it!
@Jim, because we're not cooling down yet! Weather forecast for Reading, PA today is for a high of 85 degrees, with low 80's for the rest of the week. Calendar may say October, but it's still summer!!!! Keep racking up the miles, kids!
@Christine-great to have you back! I hope you get well and are back to the two wheeled adventure soon.
@Michael-well said a few pages back. (I lived in Shippensburg for many years btw).
@Karen-me too-#1 rider and only rider for my workplace and my town and whole area for that matter although I think there are may have been a few riders from Wilmington NC who are an hour north of me.
@Em-hey, that's cool that out of seven participants your family made up four of those. That says a lot! Well, that your definitely a biking family too!
The world and its creatures and everything else are better viewed from a bike. Hands down!
So with the challenge over why are they still updating our Challenge standings? Before the challenge we had warm up points why aren't these considered cool down points?
I was also first and last at my workplace, since I'm the only one here. However, under the "self employed" category for the challenge I was #5. I never bothered to look at community before, but by zip code I am in "Ballwin" and I just found out that I was #1 for community, my husband was #4, my daughter #5, and my son #7 for our community. Thats not saying much becuase there were only seven people entered for the challenge period. But hey, it was FUN!
@Karen, I was also #1 here at work (out of 1), but #3 out of 8 here in Reading. Last week one evening we had a Great Horned Owl surprise us in the alley out back. Just saw a HUGE silhouette on the electric wire in the full moon. No mistaking that beauty! Sat out back yesterday after getting home from Shippensburg and watched three Common Yellowthroat Warblers migrate through the yard. Not bad for an urban landscape!
LOL @Karen! I was first, and only, at work, too! However, for Kenosha, there were 10 or 11 riders, most of whom were from UW-Parkside, so I'm pretty sure they were all younger than I am!
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We had a red fox and a deer in our neighborhood recently, and I live in the "city" of Kenosha. I'm a bit nervous to see "wild" animals so close to "civilization". It usually means bad things for them. Hoping not...
I just saw what I think is a red-tailed hawk across the street from my house as I was finishing a ride to my garden and back. It let me get 10 feet from it and didn't fly away. That was fun - it didn't look sick or injured.
@Christine - I was first in Emmaus, PA and at Work. Then again, I was the only rider from Emmaus and the only rider from Work. ;)
Yay Christine!
Hey, Marty! I was #1 for the entire challenge period for the community of Kenosha! That's diamond for me!! ;-D
Christine@ - It may not seem like it right now, but you have been a winner the better part of this Challenge, and you will be one again!
If last year is the template, in a few days, or maybe a week or so, Endomondo will add an overall option in the dropdown, which will have all of the points from May 1st and forward, up to December 31st, and revert Challenge to its September 30th end date.
@Tammie, I've not been reading much in here lately, and didn't know you'd had a crash! Heal well and quickly!!
@Leonard, THANK YOU for your info on the ablation! They are talking about doing that if the meds don't work for me, so it's extremely wonderful to know I will be able to ride again after! I am SO sick and tired of this heart doing the "whackety whack" all the time! It really is debilitating and annoying!!
I can't get the list of September winners to open! Did I win anything? I know I didn't ride in September but that shouldn't disqualify me from winning should it?
:::removing tongue from cheek:::
Oops, almost forgot: Please keep in mind those cyclists we lost this year (moment of silence). Keep them in your hearts when you ride.
Could there be a drop down on the Leader Board that shows the "Frozen" NBC results as of Sept. 30? Now that "Challenge Period" totals go beyond the actual challenge period. I am glad to have the annual totals, but it would be nice to be able to reference the "fixed" statistics. Actually, maybe there should just be an "annual total" that then picks up the warmup, NBC, and post-NBC. Some ideas/requests/suggestions...but thanks for all the work you all at Endomundo and NBC have done.
I wish I could be enjoying this incredible early autumn weather here in eastern PA; absolutely perfect. My commute yesterday was 4 hours IN THE CAR, and I despised every minute of it. To top it off, I spent 8 hours in a university classroom (Shippensburg) learning about Census statistics used in transportation planning. Interesting, but what was outside the windows was calling me... .
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I'll still be on the board here as long as Endomondo keeps it up, but--with the official end of the Challenge--just want to say Thanks to all for your friendship, knowledge, enlightened banter, communal spirit, and overall good times. Congratulations to all who met or exceeded their personal goals, and best of luck to those who have or are facing adversity in the face of injury, accident, illness, weather, or other difficulties that keep you off the bike. Enjoy the weather, increase your mileage, and--most of all--Please Stay Safe.
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Thanks to all of the sponsors of the Challenge. This was my first year involved and, though I didn't win any prizes, your participation made the Challenge that much more enjoyable. Participants, support our sponsors!
@Marty - I watched the video. Holy crap, that looks painful!!!
@Laurie, slacking off never works.
@Karen, what's a recovery day?
@ Karen Jean, not sure since they are talking kind of fast. But they wanted to know if the one guy was okay. They commented on the damage to the bushes and at one point the guy who takes his helmet off and faces the camera thanks God they are okay. Then one of them asks if they want to do it again. But obviously one of the bikes has a damaged front wheel. The also say something about the trail. Sorry, I can't make more out of it. This is why I'm a translator (which means I translate stuff that is on paper from one language to another) and not an interpreter (that's the people who do the talking, saying what somebody said in one language in another language without writing it down).
Fall riding is the best! Except we are having a Northeast type fall! It's normally not this chilly this early. I didn't commute in yesterday due to hurting my back Monday night so I just took it easy and a friend drove me into work. I am doing pretty good without my car so far.
Can't wait for next years challenge! I have already set my goals for the challenge period. I will still recreation ride and commute from now till then. this will make my 3rd year of commuting to work by bike. And for all those who aspiring to do just that-know that it takes to time to learn, what to pack, what to wear when weather changes, and how to not let life get in the way. It's amazing how you fall in love with it and how you well you can adapt.
I feel wonderful today after my day off. I knew that my big problem was not factoring in recovery days, but I was too stubborn to give up my - through H--- or high water -approach, and every day bragging rights. Like many out there, I am looking forward to 2014, setting my new goals, and enjoying the extra weeks of Summer. Enjoying the Ride! (Also remembering our friends on the other side of PA.)
@Mike - I forgot about riding to the Pagoda, (thinking about MTB). Fall would be a good time, if I can get my husband interested.
@EM - What are the MTB saying in Marty's video link?
@Craig - Thanks - you and Marty should collaborate!
@Marty - At least the bush broke their fall. The one time I went on a mountain bike trail, it was an easy trail and I loved it. There is something about tracking a line that adds to the difficulty and fun. Too bad my tires weren't up to the challenge. My son and I, (my son owns a mountain bike) had to wait for an hour for my husband to show up. BWT - a cheap tire pump is not worth the money, better to just flush your money down a toilet.
@EM - You're close. The extra includes those abroad who work for a company with U.S. ties, (and they are eligible for prizes - you can find them without a state listed in the prize winner lists for most months), and those with no U.S. ties, who aren't eligible for prizes.
@ Laurie, thats the spirit!
******
@ Craig, the difference may have something to do with riders who live abroad. They were allowed participate in the challenge if the company they worked for had some connection to an American company. They just weren't elegible for prizes.
@ EM -- I keep kicking myself for slacking off in September and missing Diamond. I am going to keep going until I get the points, just to know that I accomplished that goal, better late than never.
I put together an excel file of National Bike Challenge summary data for each state -- it let's you play with the rankings a bit... You can get it at http://beeline.org/endo
Top 5 total miles/rider : South Carolina, West Virginia, Nevada, Florida, Delaware
Top 5 transport miles/rider: Nevada, Oregon, Maine, Nebraska, Virginia
Top 5 average points per non-0 rider: South Carolina (1943), West Virginia, South Dakota, Louisiana, Virginia
One thing I can't figure out is that if you sum the states, you only get 33,018 riders and about 17.4M miles, less than the leaderboard summary. Seems like fuzzy math.
I don't think the points earned today should change anything. There won't be any more prizes, but I say go for the virtual diamonds anyway. Its still about personal bests.
Points made today shouldn't change the leader board, should they? Seems like it should be like the warm-up period, where it still keeps track, but doesn't actually count towards the challenge period.
Happy October 1st. I am still wearing t-shirt and shorts on my commute.
@ Christine, hugs for your healing. And let us know where we can contribute to your new bike!
@ Tammie, hugs for your healing too, only maybe I need to hug Black Beauty until your ribs are up to it.
Now that the Challenge is done for 2013, if you're thinking of getting into mountain biking, here is how you do NOT want to do it: http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/excursions/post/taking-a-jump-instead-of-a-turn-leaves-mountain-bikers-in-a-heap/
Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year's challenge. It doesn't matter if you can ride 5 or 105 miles if you are 5 or 105 years old, this sport is something that can be enjoyed by most. I am not done pedaling yet and will be monitoring all of the progress until the challenge starts again next year.
Yay Brad, so we are masters of the universe after all!
I'm satisfied with how I did this year:
4,260 miles (way below my 10,043 miles last year)
6,500 points (just over half of my points total for last year)
355 overall national ranking
Unfortunately I didn't start riding until June 12th so I missed the first 6 weeks of the challenge. June was more of a warm-up period for me, I only had 404 miles in June. If I had started May 1st, I would have had around:
6,426 miles
9,426 points
These numbers would have put me somewhere around 50th nationally. That gives me a target to shoot for next year. Bring on the 2014 NBC, I'm warmed up and ready to begin :-)
@Tammie and Christine - Get well soon, both of you.
Anyone in PA or thereabouts - Saturday, Oct. 5 - 8:30 - 2:00(I think it ends at 2:00) Bicycle flea market at the Valley Preferred Velodrome. ($8.00 admission.) With a season pass I get in free. Maybe I can find some bicycle stuff cheap. I am hoping!
@Christine "AN" S,
I've been where you are. Had heart problems back in 2010. They did a Cardiac RF Ablation procedure that corrected the "electrofizzyology" condition. The procedure isn't all that much, basically just another heart catheterization where they trace out the electrical circuits of your heart and find out where it's miss-connected i.e., shorting out. The worst part is you remain awake during the procedure (they do give you a sedative to sort of "twilight" you, help you relax) but you MUST remain perfectly still throughout the procedure. It's not easy to lay perfectly still on an operating table for 4 hours even when you are in a "twilight" state. The good news is I was back to riding in a couple weeks and managed to ride over 10,000 miles during the 2012 NBC (4 months long or an average of over 2500 miles/month). What that means for you is that you will be better, faster and stronger after the procedure. Hang in there, next year you will be in FANTASTIC shape for the 2014 NBC.
Keep it going, day by day. If you adjust you're clothing gradually as the weather changes, you may surprise yourself with how long you can keep going.
@Brad - Back in the saddle tomorrow I guess with 20 makeup miles to do.
Nathaniel -- awesome! I'll go with that and keep chasing my Diamond. Thank you so much for pointing this out to us :)
Since I guessed the closest to the final miles maybe I should buy a lottery ticket.
However, I did not win a prize again this year so I probably better save my $.
@ Christine/Tammie-Get well soon.
@Christine. We are looking forward to seeing you back next year. Healty and ready to ride. Keep getting better.
@Tammie. Hope you get to felling better. I know about the sneezing. I dreaded it when I felt a sneeze coming on. The spike in pain hurts a lot.
I'm not done until New Years EVE at 11:59PM
I finished #1022 Nationally for the Challenge period and #20 in Texas.. #1 Female in Texas.. can't complain about that at all. I have a couple hours to decide if I am going to take another day off from the bike. Last friday was difficult enough to do but have come to the determination that I do have a cracked rib and it has finally reached the most painful period in the healing stage.. 3 weeks since my crash. Bone breaks become the most unstable at this point when dead bone has been absorbed leaving a gap and makes the break unstable until new bone grows into the gap. ... bottom line, breathing HURTS! I sneezed last night and did not know if I wanted to laugh or cry. I bit my tongue instead. ... darn I want to take a short ride! Congrats on the bike win! Nice to have a spare available. You never know when it will come in handy.
Bruce - the points I gained today DID add into the challenge period (we're not done til we say we're done)
Oh no. I forgot to add in the May milage. Now it looks a little better.
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3,282 Points.
1,957 miles.
145th in Colorado
3,452 National.
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1,023 miles is what I would normally ride in a month during the summer. It was discouraging when I first looked at that. But than looking at what I was able to ride after my crash I am pretty happy with it..
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Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragment during my recovery. You made the summer much better than it would have been without all your help.
So now that the challenge is over. The site is continuing to track miles and points. Does that mean standings for the "The Challenge Period" will change as we continue to ride? I like the way it continues to Track but would like the Challenge Period to lock at the value it had a midnight last night. It has been a great summer. Managed to get in over 2900 miles so far this year.
Hail Caesar! And Nathaniel, his lieutenant! Anything to stretch September out a few more days. Since it's now only Sept 18, can we bring back the pre-equinox daylight as well?
@ Nathaniel, thanks now I get to have my birthday all over again! LOL
@Cynthia. I bet you waste time sleeping every night when you could be out riding. <grin>
@Nathaniel - That is brilliant!! Keep riding everyone, we still have 12 days!!! LOL
Hi Jerry,
Your weekly ride sounds so nice.
Maybe someday I will be able to easily fit in one 63.5 mile ride per week!
3,282 Points.
1,023.6 miles.
145th in Colorado
3,452 National.
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1,023 miles is what I would normally ride in a month during the summer. It was discouraging when I first looked at that. But than looking at what I was able to ride after my crash I am pretty happy with it..
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Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragment during my recovery. You made the summer much better than it would have been without all your help.
Hey Roberto-a real face with a name!
I must not be too bright. Pati and I went out this morning and rode up to Pinewood Reservoir and Carter Lake. AGAIN. 63.5 miles with that hard climb up to Pinewood Reservoir and then up the north side up Carter Lake.
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We have decided to make this a weekly ride, weather permitting.
I thought I got it all out of my system with yesterday's post/rant, but here's one last idea for everyone looking for extra time to meet their goals, pad their miles, or who just can't bear to see the challenge end just yet. If I am not mistaken, today is only 18th of September, Julian. Given our current rather ungoverned state, I say feel free to reject the Gregorian reform, and Hail Caesar! for the next few days.
BTW, thanks to all for compliments and kind words.
@Burklee, thanks!
@Roberto - you're right about the weather. Here in the PNW, we've had a wacky last few days. Blue skies and broken white clouds to black-sky squalls and downpours back to blue skies and that's over the course of an hour or two. Too busy to ride is just too busy, but I was just that this past week. Managed to sneak in one brief ride on Sunday between the storms for my last miles in the official challenge. Looking forward to a 50 miler this Saturday.
@Roberto - Nice selfie there, mah man!!
October off to a good stop with 40 solo nonstop miles. We used to call this warm type of weather Indian Summer, but with the seasons so out of whack, "typical" just ain't no more.
Thank you, everyone - I've been lurking and reading your conversations, and they've been a huge motivator. I started bike commuting in May (just two miles a day), but I think the NBC and the community here has been a big reason I've stuck with it. You all made it fun and satisfying. And putting up some extra points last night with a 23 mile ride (the longest I've done to date) was extremely satisfying. :-)
My guess for Sept 40th is 18,499.
My name didn't make the prize list, but someone on my team did win a bike light earlier. That still feels like winning to me. Something to look forward to next year.
And the points system is like it should be. Twenty points per day helps overcome the inertia that otherwise keeps us off the bike. Once one gets on the bike, it's easy to rack up the miles - unless something like "arriving at one's workplace, and needing the income" gets in the way. Enjoyed riding vicariously with you. Congratulations, all! Ride safe, and ride often!
Go, Dixie! Gonna try to make WA more competitive next year. We'll need Dixie to get there.
Congratulations, Laurie!
@ Laurie, SWEET! When you posted your message I almost went for a bike ride to celebrate your new bike. But today, I'm suppposed to be getting other things done that I have put off, so I'll save the victory lap for tomorrow! Enjoy your new ride!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WOAH, Way to go Dixie!
@ Marty - I'll guess proportionally this time - 18,553,703 for Sept 40th, and with a little windage for 20MM - Halloween. I hope I underestimate our performance, but those are my entries.
Thank you, Dixie Elementary is looking forward to NBC 2014.
Dixie WA deserves commendations for the effort they put out. The town population is <200 and 33 of them signed up for NBC! That is amazing. Good work #1.
Nice bike, Laurie! Can I have your old one? ;-D
@Laurie-short and sweet story-lol. Nice bike! You will enjoy rolling out and around on that!
@Laurie - Congrats on the win!
This is the bike I won: http://americancycle.com/product/13se-bikes-palisade-7-speed-bike-17096.htm
The story is, at our local NBC Celebration on Sunday, reps from Scheel's were there and were holding a drawing for the bike. I signed up. They called me. That's a short story... sorry Marty :)
@Christine - I hope the news continues to be good, and that you have to take the least amount of meds possible.
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@Brad - Thanks for noticing. I just put down how far away what you gave me for a guess was from actual - nothing more, nothing less. One of my best skills is as a party crasher, so buy extra.
Hi, all! Heart catheterization showed NO blockages! Now we're looking at the electrofizzyology side of the A-Fib that's plaguing me. First meds, then stronger methods if the meds don't work. I hate that I lost the second half of challenge, but, God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back next year, primed and ready to go!
@Laurie! Congratulations! Can't wait to hear all about it and read your story!
hugs and love to all!
Marty - thanks so much for finding room for me on your list. I appreciate that you were able to include me in the fun - and the sheer exhileration I was able to provide you being able to find somewhere to put me in last place (and by the way if I have any more parties with the best beer you've ever had in your life, this time you're not invited). Cheers bro ;-p
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm looking forward to being able to take a day or two or three off without having to worry about losing 20 points. I put in anywhere from 1 to 107 miles on all but 1 day during the challenge, I'm ready for a vacation. I already beat my 4000 mile goal for the year and I still plan to ride year round, but for now I'm back to riding when I want to.
@Laurie-how awesome! You must be so excited! Do tell the details!
@Everyone - Wait until you hear Laurie's bike winning story. It will be good!
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@Karen Jean - Thanks for the September 40th guess. You're right, Pennsylvania did drop a notch on the Leaderboard, despite having the second most total number of miles for the second year in a row. Utah was one of the big improvers, going from 17th place last year to just beat Pennsylvania for that 7th place ranking.
@JOM - thanks for sharing - Hope you cold improves!
@Marty - Sept. 40th - 18,948,725
and it is fun to see other States doing better this year. I think PA dropped from 7th to 8th place this year if I am remembering correctly.
@J Hugh - didn't mean to "diss" people who are retired, but it is a bit easier to work the bike around a schedule, and hit the road, when you don't have to make sure the children at home are safe and sound is all. Thanks for all your help and the fun posts during the challenge.
OMG Scheel's just called me! I won a bike! Gotta go pick it up then I will post details!
Gotta agree with Burklee!! And diamond was a big motivator for people this year. For those of you who are close, keep going for that diamond, its your challenge, Sept. 40th and beyond >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
@ Laurie, WOW, CONGRATS!!!!
There is still time to guess both what our mileage will be on September 40th (October 10th), and when we will finally hit 20 million. Get your best guesses in.
The final results of the Total Mileage Guessing Game are:
1) Kevin Mackey 59,918
2) EM Matteson 79,266
3) Marty Malin 123,582
4) Scott Van Zyl 137,091
5) Rick Gilbert 149,454
6) Randy Reed 195,437
7) Howard Hess 269,727
8) J Hugh Strickland 280,457
9) Karen Jean Goth 302,760
10) Leonard Wright 373,124
11) Robert Jay Breitling 658,418
12) Cynthia Nelson 1,094,418
13) Mike Wagster 1,353,037
14) Mike Heyl 1,470,961
15) Brad Waldoch 18,405,582
Ditto what Burklee said. I probably would have biked one-tenth of what I did if the Challenge had not spurred me on to keep riding. Thank you NBC. Thank all you wonderful, encouraging, helpful people here. I can't wait until next year!
@Karen-I so agree about the jersey! Would love one! Lol. Maybe next season I will spring for one.
@Burklee-well said and I feel the same way!
This is what I got up to on the Penultimate day of the Mileage Challenge - http://www.youtube.com/watch - racing at Iron Cross XI - the original North American Ultra CX race.
The state that improved the most this year was Hawaii.
They went from 48th place last year, all of the way up to 23rd!
How did they do it? They (almost) tripled the number of people signed-up for the Challenge, going from 51 in 2012 to 152 this year. And those riders quintupled their total mileage, going from 11,649 miles all of the way up to 58,161! Impressive!
NBC - How about a sale on leftover Jerseys from this years challenge for those cheapskates among us? (as in me.)
I am very proud of myself and everyone else out there that stuck with the challenge and kept up their miles! Congratulations everyone! I had some very inspiring teammates who kept my spirits up through the heat of the summer and kept me motivated! Thanks to Todd, Theresa, Patti, Heather, Kit, Tim, Emily, Sam, Nate, Lynnette, Ryan and Brian!
@Cynthia - Last year I tracked miles up to December after they rearranged things.
@Paul - more sorting options would be an improvement, I agree.
@Marty - Who won the guessing game?
Please understand what I'm about to do... Yea, Lincoln!!! Yea, Nebraska!!! Great riding, everybody in the NBC!! Thanks LAB, Kimberly-Clark, and Endomondo for giving us this great motivator. Thanks to the prize donors, even though I have yet to win anything.
I didn't make it to Diamond this year, but I think the van sat undriven even more than last year. Reading the comment board is a great part of my day. I feel like I'm a safer, more prepared rider because of what I read here. Y'all are most excellent!! Pat yourselves on the back... Approximately 27,000 people put up 18+ million miles in 153 days. Pretty amazing.
One more thing for all the historians out there...the "original" WI Bike Challenge of 2011 was, as I read on these blogs, inspired by an internal Kimberly Clarke Bike Challenge. The company challenge was expanded and K-C supported the first WI--and then the subsequent NB--Challenge(s). I wanted to be sure to give credit where credit was due!
Karen, I agree that we should keep the point system as it really does encourage a wide variety of cyclists to enjoy the Challenge. And I am fine having the points system as the main way of ranking/encouraging folks. I would just like a different way to sort the data. As an historical FYI, for the original WI bike challenge in 2011, on which the NBC was based, there were lots of different ways to "rank" the data--by points, miles, calories, number of rides, kinds of riding (transportation, sport, mountain), etc. The initial rankings were by points, but you could sort the data by many catagores...like we can somtimes sort our email--date recievce, subject, sender. I really liked this option. But you are right, the points is a better way to encourage diverse riding and riders!
@Kurt~
Be thankful it wasn't like last year!!
When the challenge was done, boom....... everything was shut off, like they turned off the light switch and left the room dark!! LOL
PEDAL ON!!
Peace
My 2 cents - NBC is not a race, it is a "Challenge" to get people off their sofas, love seats, couches, day beds.... and on their bikes. It is to encourage non-bicyclists and weekend bicyclist to ride more often and for more than just recreation. Its purpose as they state it is to encourage "sustainable" living alternatives like commuting to work. I chose to "play" the Challenge as it was presented, by its own rules. The best I could do this year, at my skill level was to ride every day and increase my fitness in doing so. Next year I will be going for the miles. I think the rules should stand as they are to help out the "not so fit" bicyclists have a "handicap." It only makes the better bicyclists work harder (and get fitter themselves.) What they do about state rankings is not so important I think, but if they change the way they calculate the totals to make it more equitable, fine by me.
@All-it has been such a pleasure conversing with you all, hearing stories, sharing ideas, knowing what other people from all over the country are doing, where they ride and picture sharing. I can't wait for next years challenge and I vow to reach out to at least 10 people and encourage them to join the challenge, mainly from work. And I will expect that maybe one or two people will actually join. Thanks for all you do and have done NBC! I hope over the next few years this event gets bigger and better and I couldn't be prouder to have participated!
One question-how long can we continue to track miles in the system before it "shuts off"?
There will be a post ride survey so please fill that out with all the great ideas you have for next year. My suggestion (actually somebody else came up with this idea) is to have the official challenge start and end on a weekend so more people have a chance to organize and participate in events to officially kick off and close down the challenge!
An early suggestion for next year...please allow sorting/ranking by (only) miles ridden, not just Challenge points. For some folks, that is just (if not more) important. For example, WI looks to come in third among states in pts per citizen (kudos to VT and a late surging NE--alas, my almost midnight ride of 17 miles...after doing 38 and 7 earlier in the day, didn't hold you all off. ;-) ), but we crushed the entire field in terms of total miles ridden (about 3.5 million...unless there were some major changes I haven't be able to check yet, I don't think any other state was over 2 million).
I suspect that they shut it down to "finalize" it for the official Challenge period results. Once that has been done, I imagine it will be up and running as usual.
What happened to the leaderboard?
Everyone! I am taking a rest day off my bike to celebrate the end of the challenge. I guess I will see if I became addicted to bicycling after a few hours. I can't see my stats for riding in the challenge (don't really care.) I got my diamond, I didn't break anything. I wore out two tires and had to repair one wheel. Stretched my husband's patience, then made a bicyclist out of him (If you can't beat 'em join 'em comes to mind.) My son is even including bike riding as "cross-training." - a term I am sure he learned from his fellow runners. And I had a interesting Summer conversing with everyone here. I will keep posting miles at least until November, but will only bike five days a week. Got to train for the Turkey Trot - a 5K race held the day after Thanksgiving in Bethlehem, PA on a hilly course. This is my 3rd year and I am always humbled by the number of runners who put me to shame. But, my husband takes me out to lunch afterwards and I get a free t-shirt as a reward. Something tells me training will be easier this year. To my fellow posters and lurkers thanks for the memories.
Okay, so who broke the leaderboard?
@ Marty, sorry. I was brain fried last night.
I only managed just over 4000 points.
Hawaii: # 23 State
Kapaa: # 1102 for Community
HME, Inc. # 1513 for Workplace (I am the sole rider)
Clydesdales on Bikes: # 265 for Team
Me: # 2154 for Rider
It's been a fun first year, and it will be even more fun next year improving immensely on all those numbers.
Congratulations to Vermont, for winning the Challenge for the second year in a row, and to Nebraska, for passing Wisconsin right at the end for 2nd place! (And everyone else, too!)
@Jason, @Laurie, @Jason again - Check the post right before Rick's post (the one he was referring to) for these three states.
Tennessee
Alabama too
Nebraska gets two vowels and Missouri has a record breaking three!! LOL
@ Rick: Mississippi
@Laurie - Congratulations on a new PR! (And a new wardrobe!)
My brief two hour reign as closest guesser in the total mileage game has come to an end. Kevin Mackey is now in sole posession of 1st place, only 90,517 miles off and dropping. I am 92,983 miles away, and EM Matteson is making a late charge, and will shortly pass me for second. She currently is 109,865 off the mark. Rick Gilbert is in 4th, and Randy Reed has dropped to 5th, but will soon be overtaken by Scott Van Zyl. J Hugh Strickland is in 7th. Howard Hess is in 8th, Karen Jean Goth just beat out Leonard Wright for 9th.
The next four are Robert Jay Breitling, Cynthia Nelson, Mike Wagster, and Mike Heyl.
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And don't forget everyone, there is still time to enter the September 40th mileage guessing game, and also the what day will we reach 20 million miles game.
I wanted to end the Challenge with a bang, and decided to shoot for 50 miles today. Didn't quite make that, but I DID beat my previous personal best by 1.3 miles, so I'm pretty happy with that (exhausted too!)
It has been awesome being in the NBC this year. Gained a lot of new friends along the way, and lost enough weight to need a new wardrobe (the money saved by not having to put gas in the car sure came in handy).
Looking forward to next year!
For whatever its worth, I was first in my workplace (last too for that matter) LOL!
@ Rick, thanks for the laugh!
With a little bit less than 3 hours for the NBC total mileage guessing game (Central time, since that is all I can see), currently, here are the leaders (and how far they are from current actual):
1) Me 76,844
2) Rick Gilbert 102,716
3) Kevin Mackey 106,656 (moving up fast - both Rick and I are headed in the wrong direction with each additional mile logged in)
4) EM Matteson 126,004 (1st woman on this leaderboard)
5) Randy Reed 148,699
@Rick - Thanks. I was being lazy.
@EM - check the comic 'Frazz' from 9/27 and 9/28 re 'honkers.'
Not as many miles as I'd hoped for this year, but lots of smiles, thanks in part to a bunch of good people on this blog. Of course I'll keep riding into the fall here. Enjoyed it, folks!
Marty - Arkansas has just 3 vowels, but all are the same, as does Alaska. Kansas - 2 a's. After that, I don't think there are any other mono-vowel states.
Ended the challenge with 2243 miles and 4082 points. Going to keep riding and maybe get Diamond by the end of October.
I've enjoyed this Challenge, too. Without all of you last year, I would not have broken my 30 year old mileage record by just over 100 miles. And this year, with more determination on my part, plus the inspiration I received from seeing what is possible by everyone else, I am only about 250 miles from breaking last year's record. I will do that shortly, and add on more with a 500 miles trip planned for later in October for Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, (And something I just realized while typing - each of those states have exactly 4 vowels, and each of those vowels within that state are the same. Are there any other states like these?), and more still to follow, to hopefully break my current PR by well over 1,200 miles.
It was nice to see some new posters on here in the last few days.
Thanks to American League of Bicyclists and all the sponsors and of course Endomondo for a great 2013 National Bicycle Challenge. I am please to have reached today.
6360 Miles
9379 points
50th place in NBC
4th in my sunny Florida
8th in my workplace and it is work being retired.
Bon ton Roule
Hi all, I ended my challenge (S)miles today with a 44 mile ride. I set out to do 40 but a zig here and a zag there and I had it. I ended the challenge with 6333 points, and I rode 3693 miles during the challenge period. I did not get to ride every day but I managed to ride every day in June and July. I finished somewhere in the 400s overall and at the moment 4th overall for Missouri.
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Ironically, after I posted about the 1925 complaint about motorists honking their horns to annoyingly announce their presence, I had an annoying honker behind me today. It was in a spot where I cross a major intersection and then take the middle of a lane to avoid being run over. There is plenty of room and most drivers just go around me in the left turn lane or in the right turn lane. But, some people just don't get why I would be "in the middle of the road and make sure I know they don’t like it!" HAH!
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Done with my riding for this challenge, I'm sitting around in my all-time favorite, and 20-some year old bike t-shirt. Its in mint condition, I only wear it for very special occasions like today. It has a bike on it and says "miles per gallon unlimited. . . .” And of course, I am wearing one of my many pairs of socks that have bicycles on them. All this is so I can reflect on my lifetime of bicycling from a blue kids bike to a red road bike and everything in between. I’m thinking about all the great friends I have made on this challenge, all the cycling secrets I have learned, all the life experiences we have shared. Good, bad, happy, sad, angry, glad. Its all so amazing and my life is so much richer for it. My greatest wish is that all of you continue to pursue your cycling goals and continue to go for those diamonds until September 40th and beyond. Continue to fight for the rights of cyclists everywhere. Continue to remember those we lost. Continue to ride for a better planet, better conditions for cyclists, better health, for your personal bests, to reach your personal goals. Continue to enjoy the (s)miles that every ride brings. You have been doing your part by inspiring others, coaching the teams, and getting people to add their miles to the cause, or by simply being out there on your bike. I won’t name names for fear of leaving someone out. I will just say I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. And of course I’m looking forward to next year! THANKS ALL OF YOU, RIDE ON, and RIDE SAFE!
@Nathaniel - :)
My profile says I saved $400 by commuting on my bike. With the extra food and wear on my bike I'm not sure I really saved anything. I don't ride for humanitarian reasons. I ride because I love it.
2175 miles
5135 points
... and I am about to go out on a ride with some friends that is typically about 20 miles.. hope I can get back in time to get it logged in before midinght! Just got home from a short 7 mile ride. Had to give Black Beauty a ride on the last day of the challenge since I will be riding my hybrid 'Blue' this evening. The 'Rebel Riders' are not typically road bike type riding. LOL
7861 points
4821 miles
333th overall and falling
1st in state
1st in community
1st in company
Looking forward to next year and reaching some new goals.
8661 points
5761 miles
74th overall
8th in state
1st in community
1st in company
Thanks to the folks behind the scenes of the NBC for putting this together. Great meeting new folks on here, and I hope everyone continues to advocate for safer bicycling infrastructure. Enjoy, and see you on the road.
Midnight in which time zone?
@Carl....I would be so riding one more mile. LOL
@Burklee Yes Sir, you are living life! Thanks.
@EM Thanks. It's all good.....Just starting to walk again, so it'll only be a matter of a few hours before I'm on the bike. LOL
6699 final points for this years NBC. 3800 miles is what I put out in the challenge also. Maybe next time I will do more?!
Is it time for the 2014 Challenge yet???? I've had a ball riding , and road more miles on a bicycle than I have thought I was capable of. I'm gonna miss this :(
@ Brendan, so sorry your challenge ended in such a painful way. I am happy to see that you are out and about again and wish you all the best!
@ JIm Johnson, what cool creative keyboarding. Love it!
@Brendan - Sorry you're Challenge was shortened. Glad you're doing better. You're right, it IS the little things... properly inflated tires, taking the long way around on errands, my sweetie's hug, shuffling through fall leaves, the cat sitting on my lap, Barbra Streisand in my earphones. Sigh. Life is alright, you know?
@ Ray gorgeous photo!
Unfortunately, my challenge came to an end on Aug 27. It was fun while it lasted.
http://brendandefaoite.blogspot.com/2013/09/lifes-wicked-curveballs.html
Thanks, Nathaniel!
@Nathaniel-superb and awesome and it had a beat you could roll to it-would make a great commercial for NBC.....Happy Diamond Day to you!
@ Nathaniel, thanks for such a spectacular summary. Enjoy that final mile and let that diamond shine on!
Poetical!
Wow! Nathaniel, I think you got it all in there.. kudos! Well said.
Nathaniel Pak, Thank you! You have summed up the last 153 days to perfection.
@Nathaniel - Beautiful!!! Bravo! I think you got everybody. Thank you for lurking and riding. Cheers to you!
Nathaniel; Thanks for the perfect, alliterative, illustrative, hearing-the-beat-in-the- background, virtually symphonic celebrational Challenge synopsis and sendoff!
Been lurking around this comment board since the start of the NBC, never felt the need to jump in, just enjoying the buzz of the conversation. But lately, on the final day of the challenge it occurs to me...
Here's to the cyclists, the riders; the bikers, the pedalers; the bicyclists, the cyclers, the bicycle riders, the peddlers. To the new-to-it-alls and the know-it-alls. To the raw, the seasoned and the cooked; the cussed and the concussed; the fabulous and the fabulists; the poets and the poseurs. To more petit fours, less petty force. To the spinners, the mashers, the crashers, the flashers. To winkies and blinkies and fixated twinkies. To mountain bikers, bmxers; roadies, tourists, cyclocrossers; commuters, fixters, low riders, cruisers; 'bents and tandems, tandem 'bents; newer random French words, older Dutch bike connoiseurs. To Cu w/Sn, Ag, Au, Pt; C (fiber), Ti, Al, Fe w/C,Cr,Mo; apply heat and pressure to reach pure crystalline C (it's real!). To rear wheel lockers, front wheel floppers. To the clipped in, the clicked in, the strapped in, the trapped in; the clipless, the strapless, the shoeless, the clueless. To carlessness, and less car mess (carefree, but careful, never careless). To the midnight miles, and the forty miles daily. To the skinny, the knobby, the slick, bald, and fat; the tubular, tubeless, airless, and flat; the skoshi bit, sorta, kinda, semi, and flat out (re) tired. To Endomondos, mondo endos (panic stops), wheelies, manuals, barspins, grinds, and (silly rabbit...) bunny hops. To Garmin geezers, Charmin squeezers; TP winners, PT spinners. To the outlaw rebel riders; and the level headed law abiders. To wildlife spotters, people watchers; road construction, traffic cops; rolling, track stand, foot down, fall over stops; heelers, healers, heavy breathers; rain gear, sunscreen, drought, and floods; gels, goos, honey stingers, otter pops; backpacks, baskets, panniers, trunks; racks, trailers, milk crates, bungeed junk; taking lanes, aches and pains, oiling chains, greasy stains; friendly feuds, favorite foods; vegetarians, carnivores, fast food junkies, locavores, mileage munchers, number crunchers. On city streets, country roads, suburban parkways, rural routes, fire trails, single track, velodromes, skate parks, alleys, parking lots, narrow shoulders, broad bike lanes, sharrows, side paths, bikeways, highways, asphalt, concrete, gravel, dirt, mud, snow:
Ride on, in peace.
Finished yesterday's Honolulu century ride a mile and a day short of diamond, so I'm going home; I'll sit down, patch my bones, then get back...
...on
@Jim - CRAZY!!! LOVE IT!!
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I am not used to those long rides. Nothing at all hurts today, if you don't include a sour throat, but I have absolutely no energy. It was difficult for me to do five miles total from my garden and back. Perhaps I will feel better after work. At 2:10 we had 18,245,505 miles. Mine is the last 5. Hope I can add to that later, but now I feel like taking a nap before work. I did my part yesterday, so I need some last day troopers to do some miles for me. (I rode every day of the challenge from May 1 to Sept 30.)
@Jerry - Wow! I have to admit that I called the police last week about two neighborhood teens who were racing around our quiet neighborhood, this while I was out on my bicycle- I saw the same boys twice in the same week at around 2:30 in the afternoon. Its a shame that they don't seem to realize the implications of their actions.
The seemingly carefree life of a teenager appeared to hit rock bottom last Saturday as Darriean Hess reportedly struck and killed two bicyclists and seriously injured two others.
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Darriean Hess posts on Facebook laugh about speeding, drug possession
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Throughout Hess' arraignment, defense attorney Tony Naro described his client as "absolutely grief-stricken" and said she hadn't left the house in days except for one time to get food, since she hadn't been eating.
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Naro painted Hess as a chaste 19-year-old with no prior criminal record who made a simple mistake. But her Facebook photos shine a different light on her life.
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http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130927-NEWS-309270388
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Also see the related stories in the sidebar.
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"So Hess is grief stricken. So are four families of the bicylists she hit. She just wants to go home to her family. There are two familes that will never have a family member come home again.
Final (I think) Challenge ride in beautiful, blustery, fragrantly- leaf-blown, filtered-through-stained-glass seasonal sunshine. Congratulations to all persistent pedalers for every accumulated mile and smile along the way! Many thanks for the increased motivation and enhanced sense of community generated by generously shared stories and imagery here. I am immeasurably richer for having pedaled across your respective, collective, variously informative, inspiring, entertaining and lyrically poetic paths. THANKS! Autumn Beckons..Roll On…EnJOY the RIDE!
Time to cook more roadside-gathered puffballs from yesterday’s ride: Otherworldly orbs sprouting overnight beneath autumn’s more familiar Kodachrome hues, and harvested at the firmest, whitest peak of their alien life-span. Surprising tasty. (-; Here’s to a pedaled pace inviting observation and celebration of all autumn gifts..Ride on!
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~~~_(`\_>
~~~(o)/ (o)
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This is me riding off into the sunset after the National Bike Challenge!!
@Laurie - I know you'll do it. Enjoy the bike/book/lunch! Can't beat the weather.
@ Marty -- gonna take my lunch and a book and bike to the river before work this afternoon. Then a longer ride after work. I'm still hoping to hit Diamond by October 15th or so.
@Ray - Beautiful scene!
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@Laurie - Go for it.
It's a beautiful fall day here in Wisconsin, sunny and 62....couldn't ask for better biking weather! Let's see how many miles I can squeeze in today to finish the Challenge in style :)
Here is a picture of the Cleveland skyline (if you want to call it that) from Edgewater Park, taken on Saturday afternoon. For the geographically challenged, that body of water is Lake Erie ;) http://goo.gl/eezmx2
Current total mileage guess leaders (and how far they are from current actual):
Randy Reed 21,758
J Hugh Strickland 63,262
Rick Gilbert 67,741
Me 93,613
Leonard Wright 155,929
Next update in about 8 hours.
@ Paul, congrats on making 4000 and even more for sticking it out in the face of that last minute psssstttttt.......
@ Howard, congratulations on your mission accomplished plus earning the diamond ! SHINE ON & RIDE ON!!!
Mission accomplished! The workplace squad I organized for NBC crossed over our goal of 30,000 miles last night, just in time! Impressive to me, when you look at the fact that our company logged about 12,000 miles during the same five months last year. Kudos to the team! Oh, and I earned diamond a few days ago, icing on the cake! :)
Today's the day.
What a ride. Got the metric century in. At 44 miles, I stopped at a beach park 2 miles from my house to fill my water bottles, and it started dumping rain. And this was in the dark. I decided to push on. At 55 miles, I was literally 1/4 mile from my house when I felt my rear tire was low. Decisions, decisions....bag the ride? Gix the flat? I was mostly dry (thanks to all the great winds-except my feet were still soaked). Seemed to be a very slow leak....so decided to forgo changing the tube...CO2 to the rescue. Just kept doing laps, not getting more than 1 mile from my house, just in case.
Finishe d the ride, got the 100k, and missed a PB by 8 minutes. I could have easily had it as I was taking it easy to get the miles.
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I broke 4000 points for the challenge. 65 miles for today. Clost to 40 of them as night riding. 214 miles for the week. Not bad considering I got a total of about 275 for the last 4 weeks combined due to illness/colds/flu.. Feels so good to be back to full health. 473 miles for the month with one day, and a planned century to go. Hoping for 125. If I can manage 135, by 5pm, I will have 200 miles for 24 hours. 101 miles tomorrow will give me my second best month.
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On such a high right now. More focused, motivated and driven than I have ever been.I have to believe a lot of that comes from this new adventure I am about to embark upon. I should have my first training plans week!! The anticipation is killing me!
With 21 hours left in the Challenge, J Hugh Strickland is in 1st place with his guess for the final tally, but fading, with Randy Reed pushing into second place, ahead of former leader Leonard Wright. Rick Gilbert is currently in 4th, but is getting close to overtaking My Wright, with your's truly in 5th,
Rounding out the top ten are Kevin Mackey, EM Matteson, Scott Van Zyl, Howard Hess, and Karen Jean Goth.
To give you an idea, J Hugh's guess was 14,000 under the current mileage total, and Randy Reed's guess was 70,000 over the current tally.
There is still time to post your guess.
@Cynthia - You're getting ahead of yourself. Check your calendar. We are still in 2013.
My weekend wasn't too bad. I did my Bike MS City to Shore Century and and the 75 second day ride. Nice weather. There only seemed to be a head wind going north, like on the Century turn off, and the 152 bridge on day one. Day two there was a head wind somewhere around Hammonton. All in all the Century only took me 6 hours and 55 minutes on day one, and day two's 75 miles, or really 80 miles, was 5 hours and 27 minutes. I did fine on BMX bike. I learned one about Endomondo that day. I can't run it and expect the battery to last 5 hours in my smart phone. It made it so my pictures were kind of minimal. Day two I even forgot to turn it on, and didn't turn the app on until nearing the end of the ride. I think a Garmin is in my sites.
Super stoked - the team I Captain will win the Teams category of the Mileage Challenge! We cracked 500,000 points today, brilliant!
We've hit 18 million miles, if everyone updates their miles tomorrow we'll probably hit 19 who knows maybe 20?
Hey all, soon to be on the bookshelf: the most exciting new book about the history of bicycling is Carlton Reid's "Roads were not Built for Cars." Among the many amazing things he uncovered in his research is an article discussing annoying and dangerous thiings that motorists were doing in 1925. One annyoing habit some people had was honking their horns to get people out of the way. The article goes on to say that similar behavior by pedestrians would not be tolerated and among the recommendations made was a ten mile an hour speed limit!!! If you want to know more of the amazing and interesting things Reid uncovered, I suggest you take a look at: http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/
I am anxiously awaiting the publication of this book with all the connections between bicycles/bicycling and cars/driving ,including the fact that the first people to heavily promote paved roads in the US and the UK were bicyclists!
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@ Roberto: bookshelf recommendation for you: "Road to Valor" the history/biography of Italian cycling legend Gino Bartali and Italy during WWII. Excellent book, highly recommended for pasta lovers who ride bicycles and play the accordian!
@ Karen Jean, nothing wrong with an early birthday present. And all for a good cause, so it was great of your family to let you have one present a little early!!!
@Roberto and EM too - I was meaning to say earlier, that my guess for the day we reach 20,000,000 miles was October 25, which is also my birthday. My husband gave me the day off to ride my bike as much as I want to, which was suppose to be on my birthday as EM suggested, but in order to include the miles in the NBC I took the day off today. But, I will accept the happy birthdays today. Today, however, is Jerry's birthday, I think. He might be eating cake as we "speak." I did interrupt my ride to attend my son's soccer game and also to make a simple supper, so I am thinking that I really COULD do the MS or maybe even a century if they don't pack up and leave after 8 hours, which they might.
HA HA guys, I was predicting for Sunday, when in fact I meant MONDAY, Sept. 30!! LOL
@Karen, BTW, did I get it right that today is your birthday? Happy Birthday!
@Karen, next time!
@Roberto - Yes, you smiled nicely and said hello. I tried to say, is that you Roberto?
I don't think you heard me, but you ride a lot faster than I do, and I am pretty shy, and I was not sure it was you, so I didn't stop myself.
@Karen, I was around mile 45 at that point, and getting hungry. I remember saying hello as we passed going in opposite directions.
@Roberto - Yes, sir you did, and now I know why you didn't stop. I was not sure, however, if it was you. :)
And great mileage! :)
@Karen, did I pass you at the railroad crossing in Albertis today?
Hi all, out today in Illinois where I rode around Carlyle Lake over by Carlyle, Illinois. It was a beautiful day for a ride. A lot of wind, but that's life in Illinois. I think it will help me be ready for the Ride the Rivers Century next month. My husband also got out and put in some (s)miles around the lake today so the NBC got some extra miles.
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@ Kathy, congrats on your century.
@ Karen Jean, WOO HOO, YOU DID IT!!!! WAY TO GET OUT THERE AND RIDE!!
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get us to 18 million plus+++++++
RIDE ON EVERYONE, RIDE ON!!!!
I just completed the: END OF NBC 2013 - 60.6mile
KAREN JEAN GOTH ONLY INVITATIONAL -
BEST I CAN DO AND STILL GET OUT OF BED TOMORROW -
BETTER GET A NEW SADDLE IF I TRY THIS AGAIN -
DO MORE MILES THAN ROBERTO FOR ONE DAY -
STOP WHENEVER YOU CAN FOR NO APPARENT REASON -
DRAG IT OUT AS LONG AS YOU CAN AFTER DARK -
BECAUSE YOU CAN'T BEAT HIS MILES ANY OTHER WAY -
SCENIC EMMAUS TO LONGSWAMP AND BACK -RIDE!
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Congratulations Roberto! We both know who the real champion is!
Nice ridrs, Roberto and Kathy.
And Kathy ...be carefil. Centuries can be addicting. :-)
http://www.bikereader.com/contributors/etc/haiku/BRhaiku.html
enjoy this is a kind of wind, too.
55 nonstop solo miles in 3 hours and 38 minutes of steady pedaling. Not bad considering a stiff East wind for a 25 mile return with headwind.
Hello All! What a beautiful day. I missed all the posts since yesterday morning and I have enjoyed catching up!
To all those who made Diamond-Congratulations! Awesome and way to go.
@all who knock being vegetarian-don't knock it till you try it! I could go on and on but I won't....lol
@Jerry and Karen-Happy Birthday! Hope this day and the coming year are the best ever! Your both awesome and its been a pleasure getting to "meet" you.
@Kathy-hi stranger! Hope your first century was great!
@All-the NBC 2014 has been a great ride! Wonderful to interact with you all, learn, an d grow in our sport. I can't wait for next year already! Although Diamond was not in my sights this year, it's still been great. Maybe for 2015! Wahoo!
Ride on with peace all and keep on riding, commuting, enjoying, and living!
Karen...yes, further and faster. My new philosophy.
@Leonard...thanks. I am finally learninh to pace myself.
Coming from a mountain biking and downhill background, my old philosophy was "Faster and Faster-until the thrill of speed overcones the fear if death". The time is right for change. I feel ultracycling calling to me. I did nit choose the direction. It is just where I feel my journey is taking me.
Only 720 more miles before we hit 18 million. It looks like we won't quite make 20 million, but this is still a big achievement.
@Tammie and J Hugh,
Same thing, when I downloaded my Garmin this morning the mileage showed up right away - it took a couple hours for the points to update but they did eventually.
@tammie I think its just the end of the month/weekend slow down. Should clear up in a few hours. I noticed that my endo stats changed but my NBC points didnot. so It seems like the usually pattern.
I think I'm going to go out for a ride today because I can't stand those zeros and because it's suppose to rain tomorrow and 2 days off seems like too much. And I want to add a few more miles to the total. Congrats to @Kathy for the Century. I hope to do one eventually. And congrats to the Diamond achievers. What amazing accomplishments.
Looks like we are into the end of the month point freeze. Mine have not updated since I entered my ride yesterday. I used the endemondo app that uploaded automatically and it has not shown here so I tried uploading through my garmin.. still no change. I guess there will be a big jump when all those who have the same problem suddenly show up. I will be riding about 20 miles today. ... last night to work before I get three nights off.. YEA~!!
@Kathy. Congratulations on your first century.
At only a few hundred miles below 18 million, we're reached our combined mileage goals for 2012 & 2013. If you recall, we were over 12 million miles last year, when our goal was 10 million.
But, if everyone in the Challenge only did 1.5 miles per hjour from now until the end of tomorrow, we would make our 20 million!
@Everyone - "dije in hitreje" means further and faster in Slovenian. Good Saying, only to me it applies to swimming. Totally appropriate for an endurance athlete, whatever the sport. It must be a form of mental illness though, and I think I have the ailment because I totally "get it."
Rode my first century in the MS ride yesterday. And then I passed out and slept like a rock.
@Paul Perry,
According to the t-shirt I received from Marko back in 2011(12?) when he was selling them as a fund raiser for his RAAM ride, the correct spelling is "dlje in hitreje". I made a typo on the earlier message. I think your idea of having a sticker made with the message on it is a wonderful tribute to both of them.
Congratulations for all the miles you have been doing this year. Have a great time on your 125 mile ride. Don't try to set any land speed records. The goal for the day is to complete 125 miles, just relax and enjoy the ride.
And Leonard, I found a website that makes professional type stickers like the pros use with their names on their bike frames. I am going to have this mad for my bike "dlie in hitreje"
Although google suggested this spelling: dlje in hitreje
Which is right? Because that sums up exactly how I feel about riding.
I want to keep it in Slovenian, as it was Jure Robic that first got me interested in ultacycling, It was a story I had read somewhere about how he was pushing the limits of training. That in turn led me to RAAM, and to Marko. I have been following both since their 2003 RAAM races. I think it would be a fitting tribute to both.
And I want to add to what others have said about the posts and people here...
I would not be at the point I am now had I not discovered this app and this site. So many great folks here that I would love to go out and ride with.
Your stories are all very inspiring. And I know NBC is not a competition, but when I see my name on a leader board, I just can't help but try and climb it.
All of you + NBC + Endomondo challenges = me already surpassing and consequently having to re-write almost all of the goals I have set for myself to hit by the end of this this year.I want to thank you all for that.
I'll be making up for some lost opportunities on Sunday and Monday myself. Shooting for a 100k Sunday night, and then a PB on Monday as I attempt 125 miles. Hoping to do the 125 as a single ride.
I just hope and pray it's not as windy as last Monday was.
@Marty, As of 1:58 am we were at 17,990,240. Going to add another 100 to that in a few hours (2 days of riding, not a century ride.....).
@Jerry B,
Oops, my bad. Got to learn to read what is actually written on the page, not what I think is written.
I'm afraid that many miles per day may be too much even for your fantastic abilities :-)
In my defense, I was on my way to bed and my eyes were already sleeping............
PS, prediction for Sept. 30, 18,484,848 (s)miles that is!
I think we've reached 18 million miles! (But the odometer is on its usual end-of-month routine. If I remember correctly, the mileage total hasn't changed for at least an hour.)
So, we have just over two days to do 2 million miles. Its time to start recruiting some ringers.
Hi all, out in the late afternoon today. I was expecting to IRIR, but it didn't rain so my rain jacket just stayed stuffed in my bag and I raced up and down the trail and took all the side trails I could find to rack up some miles.
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Congrats to all the new diamond owners Timothy, Kevin, & Don.
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@ TAmmie good for you for taking care of you and Black Beauty. A day off can may you stronger when you get back on.
@ Jerry, its your birthday toimorrow, and you are already eating your cake? Is this because you are secretly planning to have chocolate chip cookies for your actual birthday??? Watch out, cookie commandos have been known to swipe cookies from unsuspecting victims and eat them to power their rides! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
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@ Karen Jean, WOO HOO, YOU DID IT!! You got a birthday and you got a day off so you can RIDE!! YEAH, YEAHOO!! ZZZZZZZZZ and ride on HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO YOU!!!!
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Gotta go catch some z's myself, ride in Illinois tomorrow cause it would take us too long to get to Appleton, but thanks for the invite Rob!
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!!!
@Jerry, not with all that meat weighing you down.
@Leonard. I need to ride 839 miles on each day. Total of 1,678 miles. Still think I can do it?
@Karen Jean - I know, I shouldn't have done it, but I'll be nice to Jerry his entire birthday. Right now, I'm a little dizzy, (OK, a lot dizzy), trying to count all of the virtual candles. I think it would have been a lot easier for me about 4 or 5 years ago, when I could see better. BTW Nice creativity on the candles.
Here are some after they were pulled off of the cake. / ~ l \ __ ^ ) (One broke in half, and some partially melted)
@Marty - OOOOO, going for the jugular, and its Jerry's birthday tomorrow, shame shame. -tee,hee - I think we will reach 20 Million on October 25th, my birthday - |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| - approximate number of candles on my birthday cake - and now Marty is going to count them (They are virtual candles Marty.) Maybe I should have typed iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.
The number of candle I can blow out in one breath 111111111111111111iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.
Candles on an upsidedown cake - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
I think I am done now, tomorrow is a big day, family gave me the day off to ride my
bicycle. Time to ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Notice how the ones who are talking about eating meat are the ones who are always falling off of their bikes?
My guess... 18,675,309.. in honor of Jenny :)
Check out Friday's and today's Frazz: http://news.yahoo.com/comics/frazz-slideshow/
@Tammie. I agree with you. Real meat. Not vegetables.
@Roberto. Actually I two pieces of angel food cake my wife made me for my birthday tomorrow.
Congrats Kevin, did it with 4 days to spare myself
Congrats Don
With just over 2 days left, we have 12 guesses for the final mileage number, with an average guess of 18,735,127.72. And so far, everyone's guess is still in the running. Any more takers in this winner take all event?
Right now, Leonard Wright is the closest to being right, with J. Hugh Strickland in second place, and Randy Reed to show.
Also, you can get in all three guess Chalenges for the price of none: The second one is how many miles on September 40th, (which we may owe to Mr. Leonard Wright), and when will we hit 20 million.
Jerry B.
Local record for 24 hours is 523.9 miles (Jim Verheul, 2012 Bike Sebring, Recumbent, 24 hour Drafting Event). If you get 523.9 miles on Sunday then you can catch a few hours of sleep and only have to do 315.1 miles on Monday (piece of cake). With your awesome determination it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see you make it...........
At the beginning of this thing I thought that if I avoided injury I could hit Diamond in mid September. I did it on September 16th.
Diamond with 2 days to spare!
I, like Lawrence A, would like to thanks all the folks involved with the NBC this year. It has been a good year, even if looks like we won't hit 20 million...but 6+ million more than last year is not bad! I am looking forward to 2014 already! But with regards to 2013...I had some of my toughest riding today...an hour+ into a 20-25+ mph head wind. Brutal...but I really cruised on the return! May everone have a good last few days!
Jerry...my recommendation...Head west...that way you get an extra hour every time you corss a time zone...now, once you get to the west coast... getting to Hawaii for some of the last NBC riding will be your last challenge. Does water biking count for the NBC?
@Mary, it's a shame that a beautiful state likes ours ranks so low on the LBA bicycle friendly list. But anyone who has used the "Bike Routes" knows, what those green signs really mean is, "Find another way."
@Cycling Roberto, we have both the A Route and the Z Route. I've ridden parts of A and all of Z and they seem to take the most direct and busy roads. I don't care for most of the routes though A includes the Presque Isle Peninsula which is a great place to cycle. The group rides avoid them as much as possible.
@Jerry, piece of cake.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1374735_10200974634062005_894110033_n.jpg
Does your state have these? Funny thing is, this is about as far into cycling infrastructure PA goes. And if you follow these routes, you might just get yourself killed on some of the sketchy roads ever. Obviously designed by a non-cyclist.
Today's ride was nearly 43 miles of gravel. Getting off the road on amateur day.
A few days ago I checked when the last day I took a day off riding was and it was May 6th. This is the first time I've ever gone an entire summer without having to take at least a few days off for injury. Last year I had to take about a month off total. First I broke a bone in a foot walking into a door frame, then I had major eye surgery, and in August I had a minor crash that cost me a few days.
@Tammie, good for you that you have enjoyed the NBC and achieved Diamond. As forf the vegetarian bit, as my grandmother used to say, "What you eat doesn't make me fat." Watch the documentary, "Forks over Knives."
I only have to ride 839 miles tomorrow and Monday to make Diamond.
It was 37 degrees when I left this morning. Fall is here. I want summer back. Especially since I missed most of it.
I was bad yesterday and actually took a day off my bike. I really was not feeling well and decided it was time to actually take a day off. Strange but my body was telling me to rest and my brain kept saying "just a little ride will make you feel better!" ... I listened to my body. I am going for a short ride today before heading off for work. LOOOONG work week... only one day off in a long line of 12 hour shifts. They did find someone to work tuesday night. Otherwise, I have been working since sunday and will finally have next monday off... I am TIRED! I too am so glad I found The Challenge in my first year of riding. I have learned so much and had so much fun with all of you. Acheiving Diamond was a goal I am very proud of ...what is next? LOL Sorry you vegiterians.. I am a carnivore all the way! I do eat a lot of fish though.
I've been planning on posting exactly what A Lawrence said but he said it better. I didn't make Diamond but when I realized I wasn't going to make it. I set my goal to 4000 points which I achieved today with a 51mile ride around Wine Country in north west PA. It included wine tasting but my riding buddy was on a deadline so we only really stopped for lunch. You guys are awesome and reading your posts have given me encouragement when things were looking down. Thanks. Next year I will get to Diamond.
@A Lawrence - you said it all, man. Congratulations and glad to have you with us!
I need to thank all of you who post on this board. From helpful tips to encouragement to inspirational stories I have leanred more by paying attention here than I can adequately show my gratitude. A lifelong rider and mostly of mountain bikes as of late, this year I turned 40 and put together my first road bike using spare parts and eBay, and got the last shake-down runs where I felt confident on the thing in mid-June. Learning through a series of falls into luckily grassy areas what it meant to clip in, and realizing what I already knew about how relaxing it can be to crank out 2 miles or 20 miles, it is understated to apply the term 'welcome addition' to this FrankenBike; so much so that I have also spent the summer running 5Ks (see also-not a runner), canoeing and kayaking more and ultimately signing up for an adventure triathalon that is approaching fast, as in next weekend fast.
Today, I hit Platinum in my morning ride of 21+ with a challenge total of 949 miles, and that acomplishment is placed appropriately behind the offering of thanks to all of you from this first-time NBC Participant in this post.
If you are near Appleton, WI tomorrow, you are invited to join us for our free Challenge Celebration. We achieved our local goal of 1 million miles! The weather looks great for some fun, food and riding! https://www.facebook.com/events/532695420125231/
@Paul Perry,
Congratulations, have a great time training with Marko. He is a great cyclist.
dlie in hitreje
@Paul - That sounds very exciting! Wishing you all the best!
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Just wanted to let everyone know that my husband informed me yesterday, he is not in danger of missing his paycheck if we have a government shutdown. His workplace is covered under a special provision related to military readiness and is part of another fund. I wish he would have told me a few weeks ago when I was talking to him about it, but as the married ladies out there can verify for me, sometimes when your husband says, "Yeh, uhu, I know," he is not really listening, only pretending to do so. Still, it was good news. I am still remembering this morning, however, that some people would not be so lucky.
I did it. (not diamond ). I made the commitment to take my cycling to the next level. Signed an agreement today with my new coach...Marko Baloh!!! I can't even begin to express how excited I am to start working with him. He's been a hero and an inspiration to me for quite sometime. Training begins in October. I feel like now I finally have the direction I need to get both the quality and quantity of miles in.
103 on a mtb is quite an impressive ride. I think my best was 75 over the course of a day, but not as a single ride.
103 miles of super technical MTB riding in Morocco done. Need to try and find another 64 points before Monday to get diamond... Could be tough!
@Karen, thanks, and yes it is tofu. I haven't had lemon tofu sushi from Wegman's. I normally do everything from scratch homemade. I'm also use as much organic ingredients as well as locally produced as possible. My biggest gripe with the local farmer's markets... nothing organic. Not so elsewhere, but here in good old home of "Organic Gardening" magazine, nada. Oh well.... guess that goes with the zero bike lanes. End of rant.
@Roberto - You Da Man!! I am not a vegetarian, is that tofu? Yum! Have you had lemon tofu sushi from Wegmans? Very Good!
@EM and Burklee - Thanks, I just snagged your graphic representations of your stellar personalities, or perhaps, maybe, Burklee --- is---Uh, you're saying --a, a talking bear? - Smarter than the average, Hey, Boo-Boo!!
Thanks Marty-my memory is a mess!
@Roberto-that looks yum! Sounds like your going to have another person to help clean up...just got done leafing thru the Fall issue of Vegetarian Times btw.
@EM, I always share. Lifelong vegetarian, have knives, will travel.
http://www.upworthy.com/a-dutch-guy-is-disgusted-by-america-but-he-has-a-hell-of-a-point
More on how the Dutch see it...
@ Roberto, YUM! I'll wash up if you want to share! LOL
@Burklee, nap? Then who would fold the wash, prepare dinner, and then do the dishes afterward?
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1380395_10200971068292863_1976927330_n.jpg
I know who came up with September 40th but I'm not saying...........
@KJG-neat on the photo montage.
@Burklee-great pic of ya! lol
2Roberto-looks like the perfect ride day in a beautiful setting. Thanks for sharing.
Had to drive again today (he makes an excuse), and this weekend's not looking good for two-wheeled travel - or four-wheeled, for that matter. Saturday's forecast is heavy rain (100%) with steady south winds at 21 mph, with significantly higher gusts. Sunday lets up a little. The forecast last weekend missed big time, and we dodged the rain-bullet. I'm not expecting that kind of luck two weekends in a row.
I'll take a raffle ticket, even with a penalty point - 18,256,128. And I'm doubling my NBC entry fee so the pot will be bigger.
@Karen Jean - Of course! 11 guesses at an average of 18,778673.15 for September 30th, 19,537,333 for September 40th, and October 20th for 20 million.
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@Cynthia - September 40th was the guess several weeks ago for us to reach 20 million, since we were already behind pace to make it on the 30th. I don't remember who came up with it, but it was good!
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@Mike - September 40th would equate to October 10th. (30 days has September...)
@EM - :)
@ Roberto, nice place to spend your day!
@Roberto - Well, that'll tire a guy out, won't it? Have a nap.
View from the trail of the Lehigh River:
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1174814_10200969062682724_1112537193_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/551206_10200969606536320_1651988470_n.jpg
Where I rode today. 42 miles of gravel.
HI all, out today for two rides. The first was my regular route to put the miles in. The second was a lunch ride. My husband had a half day off. Temps. rose into the 80s but it didn't feel hot since its been cooling off at night. And the clouds moving in and out helped the cooling off process. Lots of other people out riding today. YAY!! RIDE ON PEOPLE!
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@ Karen Jean, a photo montage, what a great idea. In case you were wondering my "photo" is four cookie commandos riding bicycles. Long story, its a secret club! LOL!
@ Burklee, I was hoping for one of you on your bike! I'm so jeaolus, I love your fur!
@Karen - Did you get my picture? You should, I was having a really good fur day that day. :P
Are we keeping you up, Roberto?
@Roberto - copied your new picture for my own photo montage of the NBC people I have talked to. You have been very helpful with your tips. Thanks for putting up with my shinanigans (not sure of the spelling, but you know what I mean.)
Yawn
@Mike-check back through the pages, Sept 40th was a date picked through some back and forth conversation as a wishful end date for the challenge....I think I remember that correctly....Marty-help! lol
@ J Hugh & Joshua, congrats!
21 points to Diamond
My prediction: 19,758,619 miles when NBC officially closes.
@ J. Hugh: Way to roll!!! 10k miles in a year is an awesome milestone....
@ Joshua B: Welcome to the Diamond club!!
@ Cynthia: What calendar are you using -- Sept 40th??? LOL I guess that equates to Oct 9th??
@J Hugh-awesome guy!
@Joshua-awesome on catching that diamond before Sept 40th!
finally hit diamond today. so excited.
@Marty - Are you getting all these down? lol
@J. Hugh - Good job J. Hugh!
______
Was watching Xtreme bicycling earlier today with bicyclist flying of mountainous ramps. I watched a similar video of a dare devil bicycling off his roof at home. (I am not recommending this.) Here I was today, if you can picture this, on my mothers porch roof trimming wisteria vines, moss and leaves out of the gutter on my stomach, spread eagle most of the time. How in the world do they have the courage? Now jumping out of a plane, well...............? (Smiles, Jerry.)
I passed 10,000 miles for the year today.
I think there will be 18,125,125 miles in the NBC 2013
@Roberto, yes I know. My point is that these people get off. The policeman here who killed two teenagers in a car "accident" was driving way over the speed limit and texting and God knows what. Long story short he keeps trying to get his drivers license back. What they should say is if you need to get somewhere so badly, get a bicycle. NO DRIVER'S LICENSE EVER. Sometimes they get them just to drive to work and back. NO MORE EXCUSES. NO MORE LICENSES.
19,876,543
My guess 18,542,673 miles.
@Jerry-wow sky diving-what a brave brave soul! My feet tingle just standing on high overlook after hiking! And like KJG said-lucky wife. lol.
I was so saddened to hear about that cyclist who was rear ended! My heart is with those who love him as the go through this time. And like Roberto said-I can compare his age to my sons who is only a couple years older. I hope they throw the book at the person who was behind the wheel.
@EM, this wasn't an "accident." The man is being charged with vehicular homicide. He was stone drunk. You drink, you drive, you kill, you do time. As it should be. He should never be free again. The man he killed is my son's age.
@Dean, so sorry for the loss of yet ANOTHER cyclist on the roads of America. We average two a day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
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Fun MTB video, hope you all like it!
Time to get out and RIDE!!!!!!! - Ride safe Y'ALL!
@ Tim, congrats on the diamond!
@ Dean, so sorry about the accident. The driver should be charged with hit and run and his license should be taken away. If he claims he needs it to get to work they should give him a bicycle.
18,465,500 miles.
@ Timothy Walsh, that diamond looks great!
It's been a beautiful week here this week, perfect riding weather. Fall here at the beach is so unbelievable. The sunsets are the kind they put on postcards. The marsh grasses change colors and everything seems to glow with Carolina blue sky and sunshine.
Well, guess this is the last official week of the challenge the last week to report my Friday stop at Mavericks.
Made diamond level with my ride yesterday
We lost a local cyclist last night here in Big Sky Country, rearended by a drunk driver. http://www.kxlh.com/news/bicyclist-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle/
So far, we have 5 guesses for total miles as of midnight on September 30th (and since it is the only one I can see - Central time), with an average guess so far of 18,632,824.12. Leanord Wright has the most precise guess, going down to the 100th of a mile. But since they only show whole number mileage for the total, he will win if the total is less than one away from his guess - either side. We need everyone else to take a stab at it. Winner takes all, in the big jackpot, which is comprized of a percentage of everyone's entry fee to be in the NBC.
(To be fair, anyone guessing on Friday will get one penalty point, 2 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday, and on Monday, the penalty will double every hour.)
And, since we've already had two guesses for September 40th, you can either guess that number too, or the date we finally hit 20 million miles, for a lesser prize. My guess for the 40th is 18,612,000, and for 20 million - November 11th.
I did not go riding today because I had a free spinner class tonight. I wanted to see what the class was like for this winter on days I cannot ride. They about killed me. I may have to do this on snowy days. Yuck!!!!
Hey, Jerry! - Karen is one lucky woman.
Cynthia, E.M., Tammie. All of you and the others on this challenge were a great encouragement to me during my recovery. Without all of you I would have had a really rough time this summer.
.
And yes Tammie. There is one more thing I want to do. I want to start skydiving again. But my wife won't let me. It was my life for years. From 17-25. Until I choose to get married. Karen did not make me quit. It was my choice. Because I was and still am addicted to skydiving. I spent every two day, three day, and four day weekends on the dropzone. Plus any day during the week that I could. 10-12 jumps per week. With my best week of 44 jumps in one week. But it wasn't fair to Karen to have me spend so much time on the dropzone. And I knew I could not cut back if I still kept jumping. So I choose to sell all my equipment. And give up skydiving. I miss it more now than when I quit. But Karen is far more important to me than skydiving. I have never regretted my decision to give it up. But it doesn't mean that I don't want to go skydiving. But I know better.
@Rick - THANK YOU!!!! Someone finally explained what IRIR means.
@Marty - 18,708,342
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Had to drive my car an hour to watch my son run in his second race. He was a little disappointed, 63rd out of about 150 boys, but he has only been running since the middle of August, so I told him to just look at how far he has come, not how much he fell short. Since the long drive, I had to ride my bike after dark, but it was such a lovely evening I stayed out as long as I dared, thinking my family would start to worry and send out a search party I made my way home. The crickets were out chirping, and I road by the High School as the band played a half-time number. Breezy and warm and peaceful.
Have missed riding this week. Too many commitments mid-day and after to make bike commuting practical. It does take more time than driving, and my DW is out of town, so the truck is available. I know, it's mainly excuses. And the bummer is that today is sunny, the rain comes back tomorrow through Sunday, along with lower temps and fierce winds in the forecast. Maybe the forecast will be wrong. Maybe I'll go for a couple of IRIRAW's anyway (Intentional ride in the rain and wind).
@ David-I only use the trunk bag on the hybrid. I have other issues with that beast (low gear ratio for the flat rides etc) but its paid for and it gets me to work. The road bike only has a wedge bag under the seat.
OK everyobody, its time to turn in your (s)miles. If you don't the challenge police are going to come and collect them! So please record them!!!
@Tammie, nicely done.
@Kevin I have the same trunk bag w/o the side panniers - catches too much wind. It's my main tool for commuting and is a snap to get on and off. Beats the bungee cords I had been using with other bags.
@ Cynthia- I have the TOPEAK trunk bag with panniers on a TOPEAK quick release rack. the panniers will hold my laptop on one side and rain gear/clothes on the other. If you don't need the panniers you can zip them up. MTX Trunk Bag DTX is the one I use. It even comes with a shoulder strap if you so desire to carry it to your office.
Buena Suerte, !!!!! not bad, undertand, thanks Michael Golembiewski !!!!!!
Thanks all for the tips! I do so appreciate them. I did try dropping cloths etc off at work about once a week. My problem is I don't have a locker or any real storage area and I do have to dress business causal so my cloths especially in winter do get a little bulky.
You are all the best! Keep rolling with peace!
@Cynthia, I use a Topeak MTX trunk bag. Started with it on a seat post mount, but that swung around too much... so it's on a rack mount now. Quick release. Works great for hauling my emergency stuff as well as my lunch. I have the luxury of a locker at work, so I haul in fresh clothes via car about once a week, and bring home the dirty stuff. Really happy with my setup, but I may have a different opinion if I had to haul lots of stuff with me. Although, there is also a version with panniers...
26.05 Miles by Road Bike completed. Folks if anyone is interested, I started a cycling blog sometime back at Cyclistville.com and I am looking for guest bloggers. If you have a site yourself, we can add it to your guest blog for some extra promotion. Just hit that contact link on the top right and let me know if your interested at all!
I will ride in some "form" until it snows ...my time at night is limited once the clock is turned back and it is pitch dark by 5pm....I will miss it terribly and can't wait until next May...
@Rick - Like you, I can generally get away with a single pannier. Once colder weather (and heavier clothing) comes, I'll go back to two. I don't have locker space, so I have to creatively fold and roll my stuff. Boy Scout backpacking training comes into play here! Also, depending on what I take for lunch and/or snack stocking, I'll take a second pannier with me. Very, very rarely (like once per year) do I need both bags and a trunk. Since my only bike serves as both commuter and non-commuter, the rack, fenders and seat wedge stay on year-round.
@EM - 20MM by Sept. 40th. Sounds like a plan!
My prediction, we will make 20,000,000 by Sept. 40th. RIDE ON EVERYONE!!
@Cynthia - another possible approach is rethinking what you have to have for your commute. I normally use a single pannier, but I do have the luxury of a full height locker at work. I keep office shoes there and ferry in fresh clothes by car about every week or two (usually via my wife's stopping by on her way somewhere, or her picking me up for an evening meeting or for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant). And I just stuff each day's dirties in the pannier to take home.
Then I put Wilma (my all-purpose touring-commuter) on a diet before the STP - bye-bye rack, fenders, and hello lighter wheels and tires, and a seat wedge. After the STP, I hated to put the rack back on, and I managed my commute with just the seat wedge and minimal stuff in the little drawstring pack that I got in the STP packet.
With the return of the fall rain, the fenders are back on, and the rack will go on soon. In winter, I need heavier biking clothes that I may only need one way on the commute, and I don't want to wear any kind of pack for that. But I am continually rethinking how I commute, and whether or not what I'm carrying is really necessary.
My Novara pannier is not waterproof, but it has a rain-fly that is. It's easy to pull out and cover the pannier under wet conditions.
@William-sweet! See ya next year! Some miles are better than no miles.
Eat well, play well, work well. It's all a part of it.
64 pounds lighter, a combination of a smarter approach to eating and cycling.
Both have been a pleasure. I just wish i would have been consistentwith logging my miles, what i have logged unfortunately is far less than what i have done. My goal for the next chal;lenge is to meeet it and to be more consistent. I have truly enjoyed reading about the experiances of other riders and i am proud to be among them
HI all, out this morning with temps in the upper 70s and 60+ percent humidity. Half a dozen other riders out there. Some blasts of wind, trying to blow my socks off!
@ Jerry, I have to echo what Tammie said. You have done your share of inspiring the rest of us and that matters for about 10,000 brownie points!!
@ William, if you have time and know some miles from your big rides, please record. In any case thanks for participating and congrats on losing those pounds!
@Michael-thanks much-will try it again. Really helps out. I have Bike Nashbar panniers too-I do like them and no, they are not waterproof so I did spray some stuff on but it doesn't really work-so yes, thank goodness for zip lock bags! I just needed a little more room to carry stuff and for my commute and trail trips along with the panniers. So that is why I got the trunk. Actually got it from Walmart and its nice. Will try securing it again. Oh, I have been using mine for about two years too. They are really holding up well. I just needed some more space.
Bueno Suerte, @Jorge (if I correctly remember my high school language classes from 30 years ago...)
Training for the next chalenge, 100 km Chupacabras MTB race in Juarez Chiuhuhua Mexico. Oct-12
@Cynthia, I have a Nashbar Deluxe Rack Trunk that I use on a Delta Post Rack. It straps on with long velcro tabs, 2 on each side. The straps don't cross over the wheel, which makes it nice. For panniers, I use Nashbar ATB Panniers. The trunk is big, but--like yours--it hangs slightly over the edges of the rack. I haven't used it in tandem with the panniers, but the potential exists to have the same issue that you do. What's nice now that I think about it is that, to get the panniers off, you just unhook the velcro on one side of the trunk (but don't completely remove it), slip the pannier off, then restrap the velcro back onto the trunk. Repeat for other side. Really, about 5 seconds of effort per side. Both trunk and panniers holding up surprisingly well after 2 solid years of use. Not waterproof, however; that's why Ziplock bags were invented!
@ Tammie: CONGRATS on achieving DIAMOND!!!! And it do it on Diamond St is even cooler.
@ John: CONGRATS on achieving DIAMOND as well. Quite an accomplishment considering your setback in late June!!!
Jerry, you did more than your share with your spirit and encouragement during those dark days! I think it is amazing how you have recovered and are riding again so quickly after your accident. It will always be inspiring for me. You have overcome not only that but floods have not kept you off your bike... anything else want to try??? LOL
18,032,457.69
@Jerry-you had spirit-that should count for something. And now you get to look forward to next year! You did great considering all you have been through.
I just know I did not do my share of miles this year.
I am looking for a trunk for my back rack. What kind of trunks does anyone have? I was looking at a quick release trunk. Seems the everyday ones you have to strap under the rack and over the wheel. A little awkward to try and do. Is it just me? Also, the trunk that straps hangs a little over the panniers so I have to take the trunk off to get the panniers off! Which mean unstrapping it and restrapping. Kind of a pain.
Nineteen and half million...my guess, what did we do last year?
My guess is 18,210,145 miles.
Congratulations Tammie on your Diamond. A major accomplishment.
So far, with all of the guesses we have in to this point, the average is 18.673 million. Once we get the other 34,448 guesses, I will calculate that average, see how it differs from our first average (above), and how they both differ from actual.
19.064 million miles
My Prediction - 18.282 million miles. What is your guess?
Beautiful commute in this morning, although it was a little rainy. Amazing what you can experience in just a 3.5 mile stretch. All the thoughts that go through your mind and the beauty you get to take in. The day just couldn't get any better and it certainly makes work a lot less stressful.
Way to go, @Tammie and @KJG! Aren't those rewards and the personal satisfaction so sweet?! I have to prevent any more weight gain; have to get into my tuxedo in two weeks.
Go Tammie and John! Hope Diamond feels great.
Yea, I am worried about weight gain too. Specially after the Bike MS ride and all the preparation for that. So, I am going to try some other things to help maintain the weight I have lost. Everyone is complimenting on how I look so slim. I tell 'em to ride bike.
Way to Go Tammie!!
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Just tried on a dress that my mom bought for me five years ago, but never could
wear. It fits now. Never give up. I say to them at the pool all the time, at my age, it's two steps forward, one step pack, but I am making progress. It is nice to hear that many of us have the same reward for doing the challenge. On to ride for a cup of free coffee at McD's and work on my brother's lawn. Oh, yeh! Tell your congressman not to shut down the government, we would like to pay our mortgage this month.
YAY Tammie!!
@Tammie - Congratulations!
Why does the Facebook link break half way through? I have tried to correct it but it keeps doing the same thing? Anyone have any suggestions?
DIAMOND!!!... with 2 points to spare. LOL I calculated perfectly and the mile that put me on the 5,000 point was at Diamond ST... took a picture. If you have facebook you should be able to see it here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/tammie.porter.58 I even celebrated with a beer when I got back to my van! Congrats John.. we did it on the same day. Feels good doesn't it? It took me 2,120 miles to reach that 5,000. I am also very happy with the weight loss that went along with it!
@John - Congratulations! You made it with plenty of hours to spare.
@ John, ouch, glad you recovered enough to get in those 5000 (s)miles!
Hi all, noontime ride today with temps in the 70s and enough humidity to make it feel hotter. About half a dozen other riders. And DA WIND has not gone away!
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@ Roberto, we appreciate all the miles you are putting in !!
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@ Rick, no worries, I have written down my serial number and I agree that everyone else should do so as well. I heard a story about a bike being recovered by local cyclists faster than the police could do it. It was recovered by a local bike group posting photos on their web page. PEOPLE NEED TO DO BOTH, HAVE PHOTOS AND THE SERIAL NUMBER!!!
@Shawn - be sure to get 'fitted' to get the proper width seat (sit on a cushion for your tush imprint). Makes sure your sit bones and hips can move properly while riding...too wide seats inhibit their movement.
Finally made it to 5000 pts. I had my doubts after being hit by that pickup back in June.
@Cynthia- Thanks for following my blog!
@EM, I'll get right on it.
@Rick, the serial number on my Eddy Merckx is 58 of 100 made. Special Edition. Many manufacturers allow you to register your bicycle with them. Often for warranty purposes but excellent proof of ownership as well.
@ Tony, YAY
@ Roberto, nice work, now can you just add another 10,000 or so, so we can make the challenge goal?
@EM - a good description is great for identifying the bike that you say is yours. Having the serial number registered in your name is the way to prove it (or a sales receipt with the ser. number). The serial number is stamped on the bottom bracket. You generally have to flip the bike over to see it. I think it's put there because it's not very aesthetically pleasing. But it is a fairly permanent way of marking a bike. Hard to eradicate without completely compromising the integrity of the bike.
Yeah!!! Made it to 2500 points!!!!
@Michael, keep the rain away thanks very much.
@Cynthia, it's all about priorities.
@Burklee, no problem; there's more where those came from.
Thanks guys!
@Roberto - Brother can you spare 1500 points? ;)
@Roberto-that's so awesome. It's cool that you get the opportunity to pursue your cycling passion and log so many wonderful miles!
You go, @Roberto! Gorgeous week here in beautiful PA, though we need some real rain, soon. Things outside are getting crunchy again!
50 nonstop sunny miles for my 250th day of cycling this year; 9416 miles, 8352 points. Good day on the bike. Now for some America's Cup action.
Nice to have a day with no rain and with lite winds. My seat is padded with a Bell gel cover..makes my old bones feel better.
Go coffee!
@Miguel-nice looking seat...may have to write that one down and keep it in mind. Thanks for sharing!
@ Burklee, yeah they were city licences and you got them for the lifetime of the bike.
RE: Serial numbers. Found mine down by the pedals. You might be able to figure it out if you Google the make/model and year of the bike. But it is really secondary when it comes to identifying the bicycle. Better have some photos handy. The bike will get identified a lot quicker by appearance. If we're gonna go with registration, I agree that the lifetime of the bicycle makes sense. I'd think most people would be okay with $10 and just saying its to help identify it in case it gets stolen, lost, or damaged. Anybody talked to insurance people, what kind of requirements do they have??
http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/large/YS-SSCG-NCL-ANGLE.jpg
I like a comfy seat that's not so much gel. I'm on a wilderness trail bike seat.look emup and see if they got emi n your area.
25 miles done by road bike. Was fairly windy today and I think I need a better saddle, the ole'Bontrager Affinity 1 just isn't doing a whole lot for me. Any suggestions from my fellow roadies?!
@Michael - Or do you need MORE coffee?
Scratch that, @Paul. I read "bikeways", but my brain said "greenways". My bad, sorry for the misunderstanding. Gawd, I need to lay off the coffee.
@Paul, while I heartily agree with you, you may want to think about your last sentence. You comment that bike licenses pay for bike paths and greenways; can you then convince a motorist that you belong on the road because you paid for paths and greenways?
@Laurie-hope it all comes together soon for you!
@Michael-I was going to guess it was something from their Christmas Store. Unbelievable place. Do you know I never get there. Oh cool, sounds like you will have something to look forward too. One restaurant you will need to put on your list if you haven't been there already is Sugar Shack in Ocean Isle Beach.
We have mandatory bike licensing here. $15. Good for the life of the bike, and transfers with the bike to the new owner. There may be a $1 fee for that, but I am not sure. All money from bike licenses goes to bike paths and bikeways. So I do no mind paying at all. It gives me something to stand on when I have an uniformed motorist say something to me. I can point it it and let them know that I paid for the right to be there.
@Cynthia, we get the annual Christopher Radko Breast Cancer Awareness ornament every summer. Unfortunately this year they were not released as yet; Calahan's took the name and number and actually remembered to call about 2 weeks ago to confirm that I wanted it. We've never been anywhere in Sunset Beach other than the beach adjacent to the pier, and--this year--the seafood houses just down the street from Calahans. Your discussions about the rest of the area have me planning day trips for next year. Sigh........
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If my 1998 Giant Boulder MTB has a serial number, I've yet to find it, and I've looked EVERYWHERE.
I was planning to drop my bike off tomorrow, and pick it up Friday, to get new brakes put on (which are VERY overdue). Last night I noticed a slight bulge in my fairly new Kevlar-type tire, so took the bike in this morning instead. They told me they would simply replace the tire. But..... 2 days without my bike :( Even though I haven't been riding every day lately, still it's a comfort to know my bike is there when I want it to be, so I'm going through some major withdrawal right now. But group rides Friday night and Sunday, as well as participating with the local bike group in Octoberfest on Saturday, should partly make up for it.
"Cause I'm the tax man....yeah yeah I'm the tax man....if you take a walk I'll tax your feet...."
You know somewhere in my distant memory I seem to recall somewhere in PA where they had local registration for bicycles.
@Michael-what did you get her? Ever been to the Blue Heron Gallery in Sunset Beach? Yep, would love to be on this trail.
Does anyone know where to find the bikes serial number? I need to locate mine to register with the police department. I can't seem to find it on my bike.
@JHugh - Folks who think along those lines don't think these things through. So, you make the registration fee high enough to actually generate revenue, which means covering the cost of record keeping, etc, and guys like that will scream about government reaching into people's pockets some more, and it's outrageous that government thinks it needs more money, and my kid just wants to ride his bike to baseball practice and he could save me some money by me not having to drive him and now he can't because the bike license costs too much, blah, blah, blah. You just can't talk to some people, and they ain't never happy.
The City's bicycle ordinance also calls for, at the time of registration, a safety inspection of the bicycle and a rider's test of the registrant. Yeah, right!!! Like we have the manpower for that.
@EM, here in Reading, PA our bike licenses have a serial number that is printed on a (roughly) 2"x3", reflective sticker that gets placed on the bike. Once on, it's there for good. Costs a buck for a lifetime registration. Records are still kept on pre-printed index cards in the Police Bureau. In PA, bike registration is a municipal responsibility, not the Commonwealth. When I registered my bike last year, the clerk doing it had no idea how to complete the card, or even where they were; someone else had to find them for her. Tells you how many registered bikes there actually are...
@EM - Those were city issued licenses. When I moved here 20+ years ago, they cost a dollar, you could get them at any fire station, and they inscribed a license number on the bottom of your bottom bracket shell, in addition to putting the sticker on your bike. Those licenses are no longer available.
@Cynthia - Yup, very sad. And yeah, he could be a "tax-dodging" bike rider if he chose. Perfectly legal. I'm sure he has no idea that the vast majority of road maintenance money comes from general funds, like income tax and sales tax, which I pay. I wonder if he would like people who walk on the sidewalks to have their feet licensed?
I am glad to say that I passed my NBC Challenge goal today. I have 9032 and still 5 rides to go.
@EM M and Capt. comp. I like that Idea, but you know that rate would cost goverment to administer a bike license fee, and if you let them set the rate to generate any revenue it would be much higher. Perhaps we should be insured on our auto, not just by law as in Florida.
@Cynthia, nice picture. Know where I'd like to be right now? Let me give you a hint: Yesterday when I got home, there was a package from Callahans of Calabash waiting for me. Early Christmas gift for the wife. Can you guess the answer???
@ Cyntiha, its about time they did see some cyclists. Way to go, making our presence known is part ot the challenge!
@Burklee, when I was a kid, we actually did have bike licences right here in Lincoln, Nebraska. If I remember correctly, the cost was about $2.50 a year. The idea was if the bike got stolen, it would be easier to recover. However, it was just a paper sticker you put on your bike, so I suppose it could have been removed if the bike got stolen. I don't remember if the serial number was recorded in connection with the license and I don't know if it was a state license. Maybe somebody else can jump in here with more info.....
@Burklee-wow-how sad. So, he could ride a bike if he chose to instead of using his car. And at some point you do pay taxes in your county or state-doesn't that go toward road maintenance in some round about way? You still have to pay those taxes regardless of whether you drive or ride.
Guess he never rode bike as a kid and experienced that joy and freedom or maybe he just forgot.
Just took an early lunch and rode down to the post office. A lot of vehicular traffic in that general area. Got a lot of strange looks from drivers. Guess they don't see cyclists down that way much. lol Oh well...
Changed my profile picture-it's where I would like to be right now!
Spoke to a fella yesterday who doesn't like bicycles. Bikes are in the way on the road, you know, and they don't pay for anything. And, of course it's not enough that a bike rider pays for car tags for a year and then doesn't use the car (and cause the concomitant wear and tear on the roads.) So, I have decided to give up on that line of reasoning. I have decided that I will gladly pay to license my bike, in an amount commensurate with car licensing. I pay around $250 a year for car tags. My vehicle weighs approximately 2500 pounds. That comes up to about a dime per pound. So, State of Nebraska, feel free to institute a bike licensing requirement. I will happily pay my $2 for my 20 pound bike, if it means bike riders will finally get the respect and courtesy we deserve as fellow road users.
Hi Gina Gil-I already subscribe to your blog. Been getting posts lately.
I have recently taken my car off the road and am going car free.
At lunch time today I will be taking a package to the post office to mail. Have it stowed in my grocery pannier! Wahoo!
Hi, I am car-free mom who often writes about cycling for transport in the DC metro area. Check out my blog!
http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/yelling-and-yielding/
@Rick- Thanks for the read and your comments!
@Allen-thanks for the Rails to Trails link-I did not know about the conservancy and I want to join. Does anyone get the actual magazine for that? Do you like it?
@Jerry-nice riding in those elevations, and it sounds so beautiful. Hope your area recovers as quickly as you have!
@Karen-after reading a similar article in The Complete Book of Long Distance cycling, I definitely have become more aware of my breathing and how I breath when cycling. It makes a huge difference!
I wish I was even semi retired!
@Janice-very very cool! You go girl!
Also, interesting excerpt from Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book of Road Cycling about breathing. Of course, as a swimmer I am used to breathing drills, but on a bike, no. Davis Phinney, p.23
"Even breathing. Try a rhythm where you take long, even breaths and begin exhaling at the top of a stroke. Alternate legs each time. By tying your breath to the pedal stroke, you are less likely to exhale incompletely and start gasping. Use a consistent gear and effort. Try counting, "1, 2, 3, in; 4, 5, 6, out." And, "Quick in, long out. U.S. cyclist Alexi Grewal, the 1984 Olympic road champion, used to work on exhaling as slowly as possible--like a weight lifter timing the push phase with a breath. Because cycling is pretty much a continuous push phase, he would inhale deeply and quickly (1-2 count) then slowly exhale (3-4-5-count), like air leaking from a balloon." Any one else find this interesting? I can quote a little bit more later about Breathing through your nose, etc., if anyone is interested. The purpose, by the way, is to master hill climbing easier and faster, with much less effort.
See, these Bicycling Magazine guys are not all about marketing (the only connection I have with Rodale is geographical.)
For the Mountain Bikers and wan-to-bes:
http://sandiegovideoproduction.blogspot.com/2009/11/quotes-about-mountain-biking-collected.html
There is one road out of Estes Park.
Estes Park Hwy 7 to Peak to Peak Hwy to Nederland, then over to Blackhawk, Golden, then either Denver or Boulder.
@Laurie, no.
@ Jerry. SO sorry to hear about all the damage out there. As I think I mentioned my spouse and I vacationed out there for a week in 2011 and ironically enough we stayed up on Greenwood Dr, right before that little drop down to Pinewood Reservoir after the crest. We took our bikes on the trip and rode into Estes Park one day, I still remember that beautiful ride along 34 into Estes Park, hard to visualize the road all destroyed. But I must say you, Sir; are being modest. We rode that climb up to the Pinewood several times. It's a BEAST. The first time up I had to stop twice to catch my breath and it took me 45 mins from the base to the top. And I had a compact crank. Later in the week after we had time to acclimate to the altitude (house was at about 7000 feet elev), we were able to do it without stopping. But it never got easy. You are doing wonderfully to tackle that so soon after your recovery. Keep that in mind and take it from someone who has doen the same climb!
@Laurie - Simple - Just get 2 more miles tonight, and then 110 miles each of the next 6 days. Alternatively, to get it by the 40th, 8 more tonight, and 29 more a day.
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@Janice - Congratulations! (Although I am not a woman.)
I'd love to hear from other 60+ aged women who have hit their Diamond Badge already. (I'm 61.)
I still have 792 points to make Diamond. Can I do it?
@ Edgar, thanks for posting that blog. Very nicely written.
@ Jerry, I heard on NPR this morning about how Estes Park is anticipating potential problems getting patients to further away hospitals when there are cases the local hospital can't handle. Even with helicopters its going to be a problem. So I sincerely hope that they get at least one road fixed quickly!
WOW Jerry, I knew it was bad when I was driving around the area, but you couldn't see the results (it was raining too hard) at the time.
Just got some information on our three roads to Estes Park washed out during our floods.
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Hwy 36 Lyons to Estes Park 40% destroyed.
Hwy 7 Lyons to Estes Park 50% destroyed.
Hwy 34 Fort Collins to Estes Park 85% destroyed.
Sounds like everyone is having wonderful weather to get out and enjoy their bikes. I just finished 16 nice miles myself which now brings me only 38 points away from Diamond! Tomorrow is the day! I have someone I will be riding with and will be riding by a street named Diamond about the time I hit the 18th mile tomorrow.. pure planning! LOL Definitely picture time! We have been talking about this for several weeks. Nothing like a little fun to make a day out on the bike even better.
http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2013/09/24/the-alternative-list-10-great-trails-for-fall-not-in-new-england.aspx
@Jerry, good on you. Keep up the good work.
On another note the teenager who struck and killed two female cyclists in NH has been charged with vehicular homicide and assault. She has no driver's license, and she was stopped 7 hours earlier and ticketed for speeding. Question: why was she allowed to drive away from the first stop with no license? She wouldn't have killed anyone if the police had arrested her the first time.
Just about a perfect day for riding. A bit chilly when starting out. 42 degrees. Needed a lightweight jacket, long fingered gloves, and a skull cap. Removed all of them 40 minutes into the ride.
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I can see I still have a long way to go on my recovery. 65 miles. 4 hours 59 minutes. Normally this would be a four hour ride. Though the 3797 elevation gain and the headwinds impacted it. Especially the elevation gain to Pinewood Reservoir. That was a steep climb. At times slowed down to 3.1mph.
@EM - You are a genius!
@Roberto - Sorry, ment no offense - just being silly.
@Edgar - thanks for the link. We're not car-free, but a lot of "Yelling and Yielding" sounds like my bike commute experience.
A ride with Pati Pascoe Walker to Carter Lake and Pinewood Reservoir. I knew it would be a hard climb to Pinewood Reservoir. I just didn't know it would be as hard as it was. Mostly 10% grades with sections of 12-13% grades. I am worn out. Hardest ride I have done since my accident.
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This was my first time up to Pinewood Reservoir. Beautiful scenery. Deep valleys, beautiful views. Far better than I expected. I will have to make this a weekly ride since we don't have Jamestown anymore.
@EM-what a great way to spend quality family time for your birthday. Great idea....!
Hi all, my head was so full of lawnmowing mush that I forgot to tell what happened today. I was going up one of my hills and two cars passed me. The first guy was okay and the second guy got way over into the left lane and almost hit somebody making a right turn into that lane. And he HONKED at the guy making the turn. If it had been an accident, I would have had to explain to the cop that the guy who passed me was way over the double yellow line. Well that didn't happen but when I got up to the top of the next hill there was a cop with a car pulled over. It was THAT GUY!! I don't know why he got stopped, speeding maybe??, or did the cop actually see the almost accident? Needless to say, I didn't hang around to find out. But I couldn't help but find it funny.
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@ Karen Jean. Ok, next time its your birthday, you give yourself a big present. On the weekend closest you your birthday you declare your present to be a ride. Announce that everybody else will have to take care of food, laundty, etc. Great present, NO? Or alternate, use mother's day. Personally, I use mother's day to say okay the whole family is going for a ride and then we have lunch, either in the middle of the ride or at the end. Best present ever!
@Karen, I'm semi-retired.
Heading for my first sub-1000 mile month since March. Too many B-cycle rides in Denver for relatively short distances.
Criminy, my head hurts!!! J Hugh and Roberto, can I be retired and change places with one of you for just one day, so that I do not have to miss riding on a beautiful day like this? I should not complain, since I was lucky to be allowed to participate as a part-time employee in a department meeting with the director, but my mind is mush from concentrating for three hours - even though it was interesting, its been over ten years at home and my mind is in overdrive. Coming out of the meeting, seeing the beautiful day, riding with head banging, and knowing I have to go back to work in the next hour, just deflating. One day guys, just one day to just ride my bike - all you have to do is put the chicken in the oven and do the dishes, I will be home before bedtime. No? Shucks! I thought you would say that. :(
HI all, out today and the wind was back. Managed to mix the ride with another errand today. Then reality had to mow the yard. It was nice riding, with temps in the 70s but I noticed the heat a lot more while mowing (felt more like the 80s).
@ Cynthia, nice ride. So much can go through your head. Nothing like a nice long ride to sort it all out.
@ Paul, wow a century a week. I'm doing good to get one in per year. I know its going to be windy because a lot of it is along rivers. Wind, well thats just a fact of life!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
single speed hill rides = feel the burning crawling up my legs.
Interesting blog post about sharing the road at: http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/yelling-and-yielding/
@KJG-have you done an event like this before? If not, I highly encourage it! What you give to it and get from it is more than you can imagine. It's not a race and if you finish you finish if you don't you don't.
@Michael-thanks bro-lol
@Tammie-I am so cheering for you and your diamond status! You go girl. Its only a few miles away.
@Paul-you doing great too! Sometimes, you just can't get through it all. Been there done that. There's always tomorrow and always a new ride!
@Cynthia - Me Too! Our local MS race is also in September. I didn't think I was good enough to finish the race. I am learning that is not the main idea. It sounds like a great event to be part of. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
Way to go, @Cynthia! Proud of ya!
@Tammie, I bet you'll be doing a century before you know it. Just prepare properly, and remember one thing...the major battle in doing a century is mental. Don't let it intimidate you. But don't just rush into it either. Work up to it. You'll get there.
@Cynthia, nice job on your ride. We do a fundraising event here, two days, 150 miles. I have a hand in designing the route.
As for my century, I wanted to do more, but time was limited. Had to have miles logged for an endo challenge. I wanted to do 100, but feeling the way I did, I would not have made it. I would have stopped after besting my previous best of 102. Soooo close...
I've had several 100+ mile days over the last few months since I started riding again, and I felt great throughout and after. I knew the century was going to be tough, but it was a bit tougher than I expected. I battled 15-20mph headwinds throughout half the ride. Unfortunately, it was second half!
I've already planned my next century for next Monday. This time with a little better preparation. My goal is 125 this time.
Congratulations on your successful ride this weekend Clynthia! I knew you would enjoy it! Wow, Paul.. way to go! I don't know when I will be able to do such a ride. I just finished a 28 mile ride this evening. Only 74 points left till Diamond!!! Nothing is going to stop me now.. not even knowing that I do have a vertebrtae shifted slightly out of place in my neck from my accident 2 weeks ago.. yes, I did finally go to the doctor today for x-rays because the headaches did not stop. Have an MRI tomorrow. He thinks I may have strained or torn some ligaments in my neck. I am so used to ignoring pain that I have been just 'pushing through the pain'.. that is just me. That is why I hurt so much the few days after the accident. Not really hurting so much now but I get a headache when I look down.. I know, don't look down! Good thing is, when riding a bike, you are looing UP! Yes, I am taking this seriously.
10,000 mile charity trip cut short by driver's mirror. The only good thing is that the young man is still alive. http://gma.yahoo.com/cross-country-bike-ride-hearing-loss-derailed-truck-204208740--abc-news-topstories.html
@Paul-a century will make you feel alive and broken and when your done and the smoke clears and you calm down some-did you find yourself wanting to go again? Even for just a few miles?
Sorry it was 136 miles.
Just finished my first century in over ten years. i never felt so good feeling so beaten and battered. I think I may have to make this my new Monday thing. I do have a goal for a weekly century in 2014.
Hi All! I had the greatest event ever! 130 total miles. Found my legs, my gears, the weather could not have been any more perfect on Saturday, Sunday was overcast, windy but still not too bad. Met some awesome people. Had a great support team(partner and dog) and just relaxed into the saddle and let myself roll. I thought about you all during the many miles I rode alone. (alone was just fine). And I wondered about the conversations I was missing and the people writing them. It was an amazing weekend one I will never forget. Not to mention this particular ride always falls on my birthday-its a great present to myself.
@Michael-I did not go over the bridge...I almost did. The ride actually ends at "Town Center" there is an option to go over the bridge.
I had many a-ha thoughts while riding. Many ideas, emotions. After the lunch stop temps reached 92 degrees while riding through the fields and farms and of course dry head winds for approx 20 miles. As I was pedaling and sweating I found myself singing out loud "Let it snow, Let it snow". Lol
Thanks to all those who donated to this event for me-I helped to raise monies over my goal.
The organizers and volunteers who spend thier time and energy, the hotel that had employees come in early to get breakfast going for some eager to get going cyclists (who filled the hotel) and to all the behind the scenes goings on we will never exist....this is one of the reasons I ride...
@Karen Jean - The other core work will help you get ready for the back planks. Back Planks work the abdominals and shoulder girdle. The front planks (similar to pushup position) work the back muscles. If you want, in a few weeks, try them with your hands or forearms on the edge of a bed, and your heels on the floor.
@Marty - those back planks have me puzzled, as I still can not seem to be able to do them. I should have strong back muscles from swimming, but maybe its just me. I am not good at the back stroke when I swim either. I am doing other core exercises and the other planks, maybe when I am stronger or leaner I will try again.
@Rick this has been a saga. Stupid state sent the renewal notice a week after the kids took the car out of state for school. So we had to retrieve the car and then get the tests and then get the registration. Long story short there was only a few days to complete the task Hence the standing in line. Oh well, got it done and renewed for 2 yrs.
Very windy day in PA The ride home from the pool was nicer, even with the wet hair underneath the swim cap underneath the baseball cap, underneath the bike helmet. I think I deserved the weird looks that I got when I stopped by the grocery store for a few items. The crosswinds were blowing coming as I rode down a hill near home. I was nearly swept me off my bike. First time that happened. Maybe I was not balanced properly with the bag on the one side of the rack.
I renew my vehicle tabs online, so no bike or motor vehicle required. But I did need a certificate that the vehicle passed required emissions testing. Took the truck in and it passed. Don't think they'd have let me do that on my bike. Darn.
@ Cynthia, oh yeah you also took your bike into the DMV to get the car registered. Love it!
@ Elaine, very cool way to meet the bison!
HI all, out on a very blustery day today. But I guess that is what I will have to deal with when I do the Ride the Rivers Century next month. Zigged and zagged and copied Burklee's idea of registering the car by bike. Yep, I took the bike inside the BMV with me! A guy was making jokes about having to register the bicycle and getting a license to ride. Lots of traffic and a handful of bicycles. And I hed the experience of having to move aside and stop for an emergency vehicle. No shoulder so I just went off into the grass.
@ Michael on the Bicycle, & Christine hope your recovery continues without obsticles! You each get mega brownie points for keeping up the spirits and inspring the rest of us. Remember you have until Sept. 40th!!
RIDE ON EVERYONE.
Saturday rode in the Cycle Yellowstone "Old Faithful" ride. 30 miles from West Yellowstone MT to Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park. Experienced bison up close and personal, traffic up close and personal, awesome people, a fabulous support team and a gorgeous day. Didn't ride out due to the winds and the nerve wracking traffic. I have a new stiicker on my car from Freeheel and Wheel in West that says "I survivied the traffic in Yellowstone National Park". Ride on.
http://www.wncn.com/story/23483852/1-biker-dead-1-hurt-in-chapel-hill-hit-and-run
This was in our paper last week - this couple had a 6k mile trip home for his HS reunion http://tinyurl.com/lp9qogv
This was in Saturday's fish wrapper. Couple biked to their high school class reunion. Same year as me! http://tinyurl.com/k3hzuhf
My crash kept me from Platinum!
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I just enjoyed a lovely article on the NY Times website. Thought some of you might enjoy it as well. http://tinyurl.com/kgn8l8o
@Michael on Bicycle. I know the feeling. My crash is keeping me from reaching diamond this year also. But at least I am riding. I was not expected to be able to ride until the end of September at the earliest. I started riding on August 10th.
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How is your hand doing?
Michael on bicycle i hope you are healing. Keep that riding for recovery frame of mind.
@Brad yes I agree that its hard to defend against the silent dogs. Glad I've only seen one in all my years.
@ Tammie: I know you're recovering from an injury and just getting back on your bike - but I have faith you can achieve Diamond by Wed!! GO FOR IT!!!!!!
Bummer, my 7/20 crash will keep me from reaching the diamond level. :'(
Dean, my pepper spray is in a sheath hanging from my handlebars using a zip tie. Quick access. I needed it once this summer and it worked like a charm. The dog was at my heels maybe 5 feet back, I gave him a shot and he shook his head (probably trying to get rid of it), then turned for home. I almost needed it Saturday; the dog was running towards me and was just coming out onto the road, he chased until he started getting beyond his yard then turned back. I had the spray out with my finger on the trigger, but didn't need it. As long as I anticipate as soon as I hear a dog and start preparing before he gets to me, it seems my reaction time is adequate. The only problem I forsee is if a dog would start persuing WITHOUT barking, so that I would have no warning. I have read that there are a few breeds that are known for just such attacks.
I a.m back I'm back and read 15 pages of posts, you all have been busy! I did not get to ride like I was hoping during cyclefest. I ended up working working working. It was raining Friday night when we got there and I was only able to ride my 1.5 miles in the rain on muddy gravelly unfamiliar dark roads ..that was an experience. Working SAG was a great experience meeting lots and lots of fantastic people on the ride. I did not do the hill climb I was cautioned buy those who ride with me that I was not ready for it I did help with the climb and after seeing it, I'm glad I did not try it this year! I have my work cut out for me training for it next year. my goal is to achieve Diamond by Wednesday which means I have to ride a total of 38 miles on Monday and Tuesday! that's what I get for not having time to ride over the weekend.
What is the best way to ward off an attacking dog? I've never had one come at me before at a dead run from about 200 feet away, there is hardly any time to react, I barely got out of my pedals and used my bike as a shield while I reached in my bag for the pepper spray. I'm thinking of a smaller bottle of pepper spray velcroed to the handle bars or cross bar. I like dogs, but I've always been on alert for the very few problem ones.
@Jerry - re your TC line article. Nice. I'm having a conversation on FB with some folks who seem to think that all cyclists are hazards to navigation. Their complaints are general. My responses are specific. These folks (and others) seem to think that safety training and licensing of cyclists will remedy the problem of bad cyclists. I reminded them that all the specific motor vehicle infractions I cited were committed by people who were supposedly state-licensed drivers. The bicycle does not cause the bad behavior.
@Laurie - Last year, Endomondo kept this site usable until December 31st. After that, you could look here for another 2 or so months. It will probably be the same this year.
@ Karen, I do plan on doing some swimming. I am very slow but I keep plodding along until I get 18 laps in. I have a kit locker at the Y so can keep my suit and other necessities there. Also want to see if my knees can handle jogging now that I've lost significant weight. I do NOT want to lose the gains I've made this summer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch
Until cyclists in the USA are willing to demand improvement, it will not happen. Write your government representative, and tell them to End the Slaughter.
@Laurie - I know you know what I am going to do for exercise. Swim, Swim, Swim Swim!!!!!!!!!! Low impact. Good for the heart and the muscles! Did I mention NO CARS!!!!! And if you get cold easily, wear a one piece dolphin suit with a rashie like I do, and bring a hair drier in your gym bag. (I know that Jerry will give me demerits for writing this.)
Several questions: Does this site stay open all winter, so that we can keep up on the message boards? And, for those in cold climates who aren't going to bike during the winter, what do you all plan to do to stay in shape?
I loved seeing all those bicycles in Amsterdam!
@Jerry - Hope things get repaired soon. I am sure that you are doing what you can to be a help to your community. Thanks for the response that you wrote.
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I was riding with family today and lost it with a motorist going too fast down a side street in front of me since my son was riding a block ahead. She pulled into the Seven 11 minute mart where we were going to get something to drink. What was so important? - a movie rental. She got the "mean mom if looks could kill treatment." And my son did 10 miles - Yipee! Don't ask me why he won't join the challenge. Maybe next year.
Beautiful fall day here. Waited for the temps. to warm up and had a nice casual ride over to Kirkwood for lunch in the brilliant sunshine. Took a meandering way back down most the the Meramec Greenways trail then cut through Valley Park to backtrack to our neighborhood! Great sunshine and no wind! AWESOME!
@ Wrong Hat, what a gorgeous place to ride. Congrats on the diamond.
Er enomondo mapnot neon.
@Jim on my blackberry I can be as much as 1 mile off in10 to 15 miles compared to my sigma bike computer. When I look at the Neon map it has me riding through buildings or crossing the river without a bridge. It may be my blackberry but I have seen iphone and aneroid users complain to..
@Jim, Garmin
Amsterdam what a great place. The bicyle parking garage is even more amazing in person. You can't believe the numbers of bicycles. Quick I need a waffle cookie.
Great video. The system of numbers bicycle paths is great and also great in Belgium.
So I had a little time to kill just now, so I took my new iPhone 5s and started it the same time as my Garmin 800. Did a short ride. Garmin had me at 6.80 miles with an avg speed of 15.3 while Endomondo had me at 6.74 miles with avg speed of 15.1. My Garmin is mounted just in front of my handlebars while my iPhone was in my pocket. So to all you numbers people which do you think is more accurate? This is the first time I used Endomondo. I've always used my Garmin.
Ah, fall temps, luv em! This will be my second year bike commuting in winter...coldest ride last year was 4 degrees, just 7 miles each way. New desire this year is to ride on the frozen lake, of course with the studded tires. Perhaps at dark, with full moon too!
Be safe those who ride in the darker times now, lots of lights and reflection please.
I enjoyed this video "Kona Bikes in Amsterdam." A great plug for bicycle commuting. http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Jerry - well done article
11 miles done yesterday doing real mountain biking... 22 miles done by mountain bike today from a concrete path at the campground I stayed at.
Congrat @Wrong Hat
Here's where I was when I earned my Diamond today--I'm the photographer.
http://s986.photobucket.com/user/Wronghat/media/SimonCarolinebyenchantedmesa_zps8b1b370b.jpg.html
It was an absolutely glorious autumn morning.
Trainer miles are not allowed in the NBC.
Countdown 8 days and I have 4223 points. Sooooo want to make Diamond! I have 5 more twice a day commutes and 3 long (usually 50 miles) ride days. I may have to do some rides on my trainer at night. Any suggestions?
Of course being a train addict it was interesting watching them repairing the track here in Longmont.
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http://youtu.be/w_rQaRCvQ3A
All that volunteer time really cuts into my bike riding. What was I thinking?
@ Jerry, well said. I'm glad the entire thing got published in the paper. We need to educate motorists any way we can!! BRAVO and RIDE ON!
@Jerry, I got in more miles that week in Denver on B-cycles. C'mon dude, get back on your program.
Photos of some of your washed out roads and the Greenway in Longmont.
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http://tinyurl.com/l66cy64
Weekly milage once I got back on my bike after my accident.
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Week 1: 3.1
Week 2: 129.4
Week 3: 176.6
Week 4: 207.5
Week 5: 163.7
Week 6: 38.1 The week of our floods
Week 7: 89.2
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I seem to be going the wrong way on my milage.
@Jerry Nice job! really like what you said and how you said it.
Our local paper has a "T-C Line" where people can call in and leave a short message. Which is usually complaints about something. This last Monday this was in the paper.
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How are motorists supposed to cpy with arrogant bikers who refuse to get over to the right and dare you to pass them if they don't, even on a street where there's a bike lane.
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My response which was published in Saturday's paper.
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Cars, bikes can share roads
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There was a TC Line complaint about bicyclists who won’t get over to the right and “dare you to pass them” even with streets with a bike lane.
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Why don’t bicyclists ride in the bike lane. It is not arrogance. It is for our safety.
There are several reasons bicyclists don’t ride in the bike lane. Many times there is debris that you can’t see from your car in the bike lane that makes it unsafe to ride there.
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When we are riding next to parked cars we ride far enough out in the lane so that if a driver opens their car door we don’t hit the door. Hitting a car door will cause at the least serious injury and has killed bicyclists.
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When approaching a red light I will move over to be in the line of cars. I will not ride next to the cars due to the danger of a car making a right turn when I am going straight.
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Another reason for riding out in the lane is to keep a car from passing us without enough clearance. If a car is approaching from the other direction, on many roads there is not enough room for both cars and a bicyclist.
We don’t want to be hit by the car coming up behind us. Many times a car will pass a bicyclist with a car in the other lane. Missing the bicyclist by inches. Risking their life. You are required by law, and common courtesy
to give a bicyclist three feet of space when passing them. Even if the bicyclist does not ride out in the lane, don’t pass a bicyclist until it is safe to do so. It is not worth hitting a bicyclist to save a few seconds. I a sure you
don’t want to hit the bicyclist.
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Yes there are bad bicyclists. There are bad drivers. I have had two drivers in the last two weeks create dangerous situations. One driver passed me when I was in the lane as a car was approaching from the other direction.
He almost hit that car head on. To save a few seconds At the next intersection I was right behind his car. Just where I would have been if he had waited ten seconds to pass me when it was safe. Another driver deliberately
tried to hit me with his car when I was not blocking him at all. He yelled at me to ride on the sidewalk. Which is much more dangerous than riding on the street.
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We have to share the roads. Bicyclists are husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters. Don’t risk our lives to save a few seconds. And bicyclists need to ride safely. Don’t judge all bicyclists by the ones who don’t
ride safely. As I don’t judge all drivers by the ones who drive dangerously. And if you do come across a bicyclist who does not ride safely, call the police, don’t risk his life to teach him a lesson. It comes down to what we were
taught in kindergarten. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
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Jerry Bengtson is a Longmont resident
For cold weather riding up here in Alaska I like to use varying thicknesses of balaclavas. If I start to get too warm I can just pull it down to expose my nose and mouth and then cover back up for warmth. Mittens are also a lot warmer than gloves. And then there are "Hippo Hands" or poggies that go on the bars covering your grips for extreme cold. Good luck, have fun, and warmest regards from way up north.
As long as you are dressed properly cold weather biking can be a lot of fun. I usually just pull my scarf up over my nose and my breath keeps me plenty warm. For my winter commutes to work I have an adapter that puts my bottle cage on my handlebars and I bring some hot chocolate along on especially cold days. Just be careful not to overdress, doesn't take long to get warm with a couple of layers on in any temperature and too much sweat in extreme cold can be dangerous.
Basically one more week to go. It seems to me the miles ridden are slowing down. I know for me I've ridden my butt off these last five months and I'm tired. Will cut back to my 30 to 35 miles a day soon. May even start this week.
@Laurie. I agree with you. I do not like cold weather biking. But I do it anyway. Riding a bike when it is cold is better than not riding. Right now I can wait until noon to to go ride for warm temps. But soon I will have to start off with cold weather clothing and shed layers as I ride and warm up. And then winter will be here and I will really have to layer up. I have to force myself out of the house when it is cold. But once I am riding I am fine. Especially after about 15 minutes of riding when I have warmed up.
@ Peter... brrrrrr. I am realizing that cold weather biking is not my thing. More power to you!
Up in the UP getting ready for my ride in 40° damp weather before we leave for Northern Michigan University to visit our grandson. Of course not by bike!
@Howard - sounds like a great plan.
@J. Hugh - Could not get on with your link - have family in NH . I will have to look it up myself.
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I had to work today, and too much to do to before that to commute. 2 meager miles today. I will have to make that up tomorrow. So much for doing more than normal, sigh. The dueling dynamic duo will have to pick up the slack for me.
@ Richard G - I get to Columbus once a month, for business; have been doing it for 13 years now. Been fortunate enough to keep a bike in the hotel maintenance closet for the past year or so, which has been great! Probably logging ~1000 miles / year as a result; much, much better than spinning on the exercise bike in the hotel :)
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/21/20624886-two-bicyclists-killed-two-others-hurt-as-car-slams-into-annual-nh-ride
Prayer and good thoughts please
Why does Endomondo show almost double my calories burned vs what my Garmin says I burn?
HI all, waited for it to get past 60 today so I could get out and ride. Beautiful fall day but some strong wind for my early afternoon ride. Sunshine and lots of other riders out today.
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@ Ian, you are making me want to do the Hilly. But I haven't been able to talk anyone else into going!
sometimes when someone gives you a straight line opening for a joke, you have to avoid being Don Rickels and let it go flat.
Howard Hess glad you could ride during your visit to Columbus, IN I live in Indianapolis and thought of doing the Hope ride Myself. Safe cycling.
40 gravel miles, the last two with a flat tire.
So glad I don't live in FL.
44 points until diamond... will reach it tomorrow! :)
Way to go, Ian! I was actually in Columbus Indiana this week, and had some friends trying to convince me to stick around for the Hope ride :) Next year, I will definitely plan my schedule better, so that I can do the century. (I did manage to do a ride from Columbus to Hope on Wednesday, though!)
Just finished the Hope Ride, SE of Indy. It is always a very beautiful route and the sky was brilliant blue and white. Thousands in attendance, but not too many for the 5 distances. 13-100 mile routes. Temps in the 60's and pretty windy. I always forget how many hills are on the longer routes. Lots of iron bridges, horses, lakes,etc. It is so good to be alive and our tandem makes it even better. We get stronger every year and what used to be difficult is now just plain pleasure. Can't wait for the Hilly Hundred in October, followed by the Crane Cruise.
www.upworthy.com/maps-what-your-state-is-good-at-and-what-its-lame-at Since this is a challenge here's some state maps.
Stop reading if you don't like blinky safety lights. Others I have this one and its sure is bright and I have notice a difference in driver behavior, for the better. Really bright
http://www.cygolite.com/products/hotshot_2w.html
Awesome autumn everyone.
I got damp from light rain yesterday and couldn't ride in the heavy rain in the late afternoon. Got damp this morning but made it to the Mobil station in Gulliver before a heavy shower that lasted about 15 minutes. All in all enjoying the UP.
@jerry I posted the Drone mapping story to facebook. In the middle of a mess it seems to me what you need is more information about the mess.
@Brad you very wise and you didn't mention his name.
232 points to diamond. Thats less that 6 miles per day and since my commute round trip is 14 miles I should make it be next weekend.
...I don't care who started it; don't touch each other, don't even look at each other, if you two don't knock it off right now you're both walking home!
@ Paul, sounds like you had exactly the same illness I had. I finally got over it, but too late to get Diamond by 9/30. I do plan to keep biking and get the points sometime in October. Even though they won't count toward the challenge, I will still know I accomplished something good :)
@EM - You are absolutely right about my son. I am not going to push him into bicycling, it would just make matters worse. Hope he doesn't read that post as I was a little frustrated last night - have to let him be a teenager. That's the way of things. Used to be, he was pushing me along just six years ago when I was wishing I could ride again. I was the one asking to go home then. but it made me cry inside. How things have changed. At least he has running. That makes me happy for him.
@Marty - I will give back planks one more try. :)
3 weeks of crap health, and I am finally feeling better. First steep, then a throat/lung infection. Went out for a short ride last night to test the lungs and legs...feel like I'm ready for some good riding again. Yesterday was the first day I woke up not hacking my lungs out. Probably one of the windiest nights I've had to ride in too. But wow, what a moon. made for some great night riding, short as it was. Felt like I could have easily tacked on another 20-30, but decided to play it cool. Feeling like an animal in a cage right now.
Was kinda cool watching/reading about those of you hitting and closing in the milestones. Lots of diamonds out there. Congrats all. It just wasn't meant for me this year. Just have to go for a double nxt year, I guess.
@EM, Limes being arranged, expect delivery by bicycle messenger Sept. 42nd.
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Last time I looked less than 23,000 riders had logged at least 1 mile per month (100 points in 5 months). That means we almost achieved our goal of 20,000,000 miles with less than half the number of riders the challenge was planning on to reach that goal. Personally I feel everyone has done a FANTASTIC job this summer. Enjoy your rides and above all, BE SAFE.
@ Rick sorry you didn't get the grant. I would have clicked the button a few more times, but was afraid they would think you were cheating. Glad the project will go through anyway.
@ Rob, kudos to you for getting the ball rolling on this party. Don't forget we have until Sept. 40th. Then Leonard is going to send up 14, 000 limes from Florida so we can have our big WE DID IT BLAST!!! LOL RIDE ON ALL!
2013 has been a great year. 853 NBC riders have earned Diamond and 4930 Platinum thus far. I hope to earn my Diamond on Monday. Nice job team - lots of good encouragement on NBC. A lot of negative vibes in the world around us, glad there is so much positive here. Thanks everyone!
@ Karen Jean, I thought with a buddy he might give the road another try. RATS! I guess you have to figure out which friends have the mountain bikes and go from there. Maybe just try it with rentals instead of making an investment. Wish I could be more help. But on the positive side, the running seems to be going well, so maybe he deserves a break for a while.
@Karen Jean - Instead of being on your forearms, you can do the back planks by supporting yourself on your hands (and heels). That will provide more than enough clearence.
Also, I haven't looked at the issue yet, but if you can play jacks while in the plank position - more power to you!
@Jerry - Hope they fix things soon, so sorry :(
@EM - My son is not a road biker, he is definitely holding out for mountain biking. He just finds road biking boring and came with me just to get some "cross-training" as he put it - HA ! - 33 min. - 4 miles - that's all he could stand. I can just hear the mountain bikers saying an amen and a HOORAH to that. Now, how do I drum up some mountain-biking friends for him? And the bribe of a treat didn't work either, if you can believe it. Signed, disappointed mom. :(
@Jerry, I was in Longmont, and the rain was epic. Sorry to hear of all the damage.
@Jerry, time to get a canoe and a mountain bike.
I was supposed to ride 65 miles today up to Carter Lake. But my riding partner was sick. So I rode around Longmont photographing the flood damage as the waters recede. Our greenway is gone. I found three sections that I can ride on. Two are 3/10's of a mile long. One is 1/2 mile long. One section of the river is completely filled up with rock and dirt. And the river is about 100 yards north of where it used to be.
Hi all, its been raining on and off all day here. Managed a couple of rides to do errands. Looking forward to a much nicer weekend so I can put in some real miles.
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RE: bribing, yeah, go for it. If it gets your kids to ride, so much the better. It works with my kids. Also getting one of your kid's friends to go along on the ride is a good bribe. They don't want to look like wimps in front of their friends, throw in a treat and wolla!
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The cycle club in Cincinnati had a halloween ride when we lived there. Everyone put on a costume and we got out our lights and rolled on. It was great fun! For more fun, throw in a snack stop at the end: apple cider & doughnuts anyone?
treats make every ride a pleasure. plan the treats into the ride.
Fema is so not helpful.
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http://intellihub.com/2013/09/18/fema-asks-volunteers-colorado-flood-stop-go-home/
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They didn't ask for them to go home. They threatened them with arrest.
I would love to meet some of the folks on this forum. For various reasons; some should welcome me with open arms; some should run and hide. You know which category you fall into.
At any rate, had a glorious sunny ride on the D&L Trail along the beautiful Lehigh River.
@Andrea - nice idea, do you think my son would go on a bike ride with me if I promised him a chocolate yogurt cone? (My son is 14 and only rode once with me this Summer.
@Marty - I did the planks today. Only on 3 sides. I can do a regular plank 30 seconds, no problem as I have been doing them for years. I always find side planks hard to do - did both sides for 20 seconds. The other side plank I just don't understand. Ain't no way, yes I know ain't is not a word and...., again, ain't no way this butt is going to leave the floor in a straight line any time soon, (INSERT HUGE GUFFAW HERE IN REFERENCE TO MY BUTT.) I can, however, do the jackknife as I have also done these a lot before, and the yoga bridge, but I just do not understand that kind of plank, unless I am understanding you wrong. Also, Bicycle magazine has core exercises in their October 2013 issue: tried plank jacks and prone shoulder presses which were fun. You should look on page 35 and tell us what you think. Next week I will move on to the squats. When I did squats before they were indeed more strenuous. Right now it is enough to be doing the swimming training and the NBC at the same time.
@Peter............uh, maybe it was me. Maybe it wasn't. But we did get one of my favorite candy bars. A King size Twix! Yum!
Just sitting and relaxing in our travel trailer and getting sleepy because of the rain that started about 1/2 hr after I got back from riding my bike. I think sin e the rain is letting up, I will take a nap with light spitter-spatter on the roof! ZZZzzz.
@Andre, who really wanted the treat?
September is almost over. After doing the MS150 City to Shore with its Century ride, September might be the last "full" riding month (every single day just about). I still ride in the cooler months, but the every day thing is beating me up. The year flew by, so maybe the next 3 months can also..... lol
I went on a very short bike ride (5 miles) with my teenage sons yesterday. It was so nice to share that time with them. I think they only did it because I bribed them with a treat! Whatever it takes! :-)
Of course rain is coming, you know who is back. Flood watches have been issued.
@ Karen It's already sprinkling here in my part of PA, good thing I was out at day break :)
I am off to ride some miles after a very strenuous swimming work out this morning. PA people take advantage of the sunshine, I heard on the weather forecast that rain is a coming! Repeating the common adage, Ride on, and ride safe!
@Laurie - I hope that you didn't think I was making fun at your expense. Blame it on that one cup of coffee in the morning that sets me off. (I'm just upset that they won't let me ride in the Halloween Parade is all.) I plan on setting my sights on Diamond earlier next year also. May was a slow month for me, so if I ride some over the Winter, and manage to keep off the extra Winter weight gain, I should be able to make a better start next year, of course if I win or buy and new bike that would help as well. Hey, you can always dream, right?
@ Gregg, you sure picked a great time to vacation in Wisconsin's northwoods. I am also looking forward to biking through the fall colors over the next month or so. Have fun!
I'm on vacation next week and spending the weekend and next week in the northwoods. This will be a fun way to end the bike challenge with daily rides touring the fall color of the northwoods. Looking forward especially to the 76 mile "Lakes & Leaves Food Ride at Summit Lake tomorrow morning.. We will be touring the lakes and fall color in Langlade County. Food rides are my favorite kind of ride lol
@Tammie about the hills - Roberto's advice is good. He has a lot of experience and a lot of miles. But from a guy who has fewer miles on the saddle - if you get to a point that you are getting plumb tuckered out on the hill, remember it's not a race. The goal is to get there, not to get there fastest. On my first 1-mile-600-ft-climb, I was trying to use a couple of other riders to pace myself. I stayed behind them to keep from over-driving. Then they each pulled over, one from fatigue, the other to wait on the first. Tried to keep my plan, but legs just got tired. Pulled over to the side and just dropped a foot on the curb (convenient to have a curb), waited about 20 seconds, and started pedaling again. It was like fresh legs. Now two things resulted. First is that I have no qualms about pulling over and dropping a foot briefly (or pulling onto a flat side road for a few yards) before pedaling upward. The second is psychological. Knowing I can drop a foot, rest and continue if I have to actually makes it easier for me to keep pedaling toward the crest without stopping.
Ride safe and have a great time!
Final tally on the Volunteer Champions Challenge. We did not get the grant. Our cause (Federal Way Biking - bike & pedestrian greenways) was 4 Likes behind the winner (189 to 185), with the next project down the list receiving 161 votes. Thanks for all your support, though. Not getting this grant doesn't stop the project by any means, but it would have been a real boost to morale for certain members of the team (me, for one). Ride safe; ride often!
Congrats to all the new diamond riders, happy birthday to celebraters, way to go to the personal best acheivers (riders & runners)! I have a miserable cold, and I'm going home. Great weekend, all!
I wasn't being serious when I suggested the extension. I'm just frustrated that events in the last month or so have conspired to keep me off my bike far more than I would like, and I was venting. Next year I plan to make a much stronger start so that I can achieve Diamond on time :)
Congrats Kathy!
Foggy morning and just got done breakfast and the fog is clearing up. Since I have only a choice of east or west but still US 2. I waited so I could be seen even though life is short. Why shorten it! Now the enjoyment of kitting up and enjoying a ride. East or West will be decided when I get to US 2 which is only one tenth of a mile, not much thinking time.
Diamond is a girls best friend.
Extending the NBC would take the C out of it. Hopefully, there's always next year. Just keep riding regardless.
I think that we should look at last year's stats, because everyone plans extra miles the last week. (I know that last year, when I started in August, I bicycled at least double what I normally did on the last day of the challenge. That should take us up to maybe 19 million - you think. So if we all do 3x our normal ride starting today we should make it! (Always the optimist, Karen.) - If you dwell on the positive, the positive repels the negative - psychologically speaking that is.
@Laurie- just wait until next year, NBC will end the challenge on Halloween night and we all will have our own parade with bikes shining in lights, while we wear our NBC jerseys and ride down main streets all over the country. (Of course NBC will have upped the goal to 25,000,000 miles and we will be still a few million miles short, but it would be awesome to see.)
Could they extend the challenge through October 31? Then I'd get Diamond for sure and we'd get the 20 million... "Smiles"
The last million took us 10 days. So, with 11 more days of the Challenge, including the end-of-the-month bump, we will end the Challenge right around 18.5 million. Not bad.
17 million miles! 3 to go!
Thanks for the tips Roberto. I am still not really strong and balanced well when I try to stand. Getting better at it though. Only 199 points to diamond now. Did not get to ride much today. So much to do to get ready for Cyclefest! I will be doing some riding while down there after the riders are finished though. I can't go down there and NOT get to enjoy the area! It sure is great to have Black Beauty home where she belongs!
@ David, congrats on the diamond
@ Rob, WOW, way to roll, not just miles but down to one car, thats AWESOME!
@ Karen Jean, congrats to your son!
Also, I am finally getting my own comfort zone down in my cold layers. I have come to realize that I am going to be cold and slightly uncomfortable for the first half hour bicycling in the mornings now, until I warm up, and after that I am good. I bought two sets of never worn woolen socks at a community garage sale recently for $3. They are just what I needed to keep my toes warm this morning, along with the two layers of clothing. I will have to slowly buy the bike specific clothing, however. Word of a possible government shut down is not happy news in our household this week.
@Nyla - nice to see you are still enjoying the ride!
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My son did well in his first race today. There were about six schools racing. He came in at 14:08 on a course that was a little more than 2 miles. He was in the first third of the runners. Two weeks ago he ran his first timed 2 miles in 15:50. A nice improvement I think. Sorry, this proud mom couldn't resist bragging on him. (Now, if I could only get him to finish his history assignments early.)
Here is an endo challenge that gives away 5 free memberships. It Started August 1 and ends September 30th. It would appear that this challenge will acheive 20 million miles before the end of the month.
339,691
participants
280.63
years
18.91 M
miles
3,684 M
calories
Moon's up and the lunatics are out
17 million miles! Nice work team. Some people I know in my area are planning a big ride to finish out the 2013 Challenge - route is to circumnavigate a big body of water. Anyone else have similar plans?
@Tammie, you go, girl!
@Cynthia, Good Luck with your MS 150 this weekend. We'll be rooting for you. Think of me when you go over that bridge and hit the sand!!!
@Roberto, glad you chose to take the High Road. We're glad you chose to stick around (at least THIS local rider is!).
@Rob, that's quite an improvement. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the kind words.
Well my cycling dedication has improved since last year, although I ride every year but just started Endomundo last year. I hit 3000 points Dec 31 of last year and I will hit 3000 tomorrow morning this year. Most of these miles are strictly commute miles but not all. I don't track mountain biking at all. I got our (wife and me) down to 1 car which forces me not to be lazy. Once I had my car down to 2k a year I knew I didn't need it anymore. I am a self motivator but I also use other peoples strengths for motivation also. Cycling Roberto doing 40 miles a day is awesome but I just don't have the time for that yet.
Won't be in touch until Monday! Have a great weekend riding all!
@ Michael - You're right, how could I forget! Except it was only about a 4 mile ride so I was probably already putting my bike into my car and thinking about the drive downtown with the windows open. I love fall.
@Tammie, remember start at the cadence you want to finish at the top in. Shift when needed, and I always try to stand for a couple of feet at least before shifting to a lower (easier) gear. Don't spin yourself out too early. Good luck. And congrats on the return of your bike.
Yea! My bike is ready.. I am going to pick up Black Beauty...she will be with me on Sunday for my first real climbing challenge! Everyone says I have to at least TRY so I will. It is a 7 mile long real climb and I hear it is really, really tough. Nothing to lose and a lot of confidence to gain. I am looking forward to the effort... spin, spin, spin! LOL
@Tammie, and the rest. You've given me reason to re-evaluate my choice. (THANKS TAMMIE), and I am happy to continue to join in the conversation. The forum needs a "block" option like Facebook has.
Broke the 8000 point mark today and 9220 miles for 2013 so far including @Jerry, over 60 miles on B-bikes! Those things are monsters.
I appreciate the kind comments. I will do my best to have a thicker skin.
See you on the road.
Congrats Tammie and David-this is one of the best diamonds you could have!
I don't mind riding in the rain now and then, but every single day this week on the way home is starting to get a little old.
@ David congrats on diamond
@ Roberto, remember your friends outnumber your enemies here. You will be missed. Keep rolling buddy!
17 million miles coming up soon! Get peddling everyone. Guess the rest of the laundry will just have to wait. Congratulations David.. I am not far behind. My plan is to reach it on wednesday.
I hit Diamond today! Woohoo!
oh, only 227 points to Diamond!!
... speaking of cold... it is only 73 right now! Wow! Is winter here already? LOL We even had a little rain shower. I have been very lazy on the couch so far today. Need to actually get things done and take a ride before our thursday evening casual dinner ride which only nets me a total of about 9 miles and tons of calories! Sorry to see Roberto go... I just ignore the things I don't like.. it's easier and they are just words. We choose what we allow to bother us. Life is too short.
19.28 miles by road bike today! 13 mile per hour wind gusts along with 90 degree (f) temps. It sure was a ride today! Sported to ole' Freemason Cycling Club jersey today!
@Roberto-so sorry and sniffle sigh. Ride on with peace, we hate to see you go. Very sad that this is happening.
I didn't think I would like riding in the cold but gosh I love it with the proper apparel. I just really hate being cold. Maybe I should move to a much warmer clime....
@Roberto. Sorry to see you go.
@Tammi~
The hardest part of the ride in the cold is leaving the house!!! Lol
As I learned to dress for the cold, I found it's actually very pleasant to be out in extreme cold temps.
It's not for everyone, but I love it!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I will continue to log my miles, but I'm leaving the message boards. I'm tired of the backhanded slights being sent my way both on this board and on private comments by Mr. Strickland. He thinks he's being funny, but this type of behavior is more acceptable in grade school. Sorry guys, but I don't hang with bullies. And he just won't let it go in spite of numerous requests and reporting him to the moderators. So rather than put up with Strickland's attacks, I'm moving on. Happy trails all, and see you on the road.
@J. Hugh, pick another target.
I am still having trouble comprehending myself on a bike below 50! I see a fireplace with a trainer in front of it! Not as much fun but sure would be a LOT warmer!
I;m just hoping that there is no bad moon rising.
@Scott, how could you forget Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon'?
@Jim~
I don't break out my cold weather gear till it's consistently 20 and colder.
Until that time the only thing that changes is a long sleeve base layer, and maybe foot wear. My rain gear (both jacket and pants) serve me well, up until the temps go below 20.
In my cold weather tuff-tote I have Craft Storm XC ski tights/pants. These have worked well down to -50 with no base layer. 2nd best purchase of cold weather gear I own!! It may need replacement since it's going on year 4 of use.
The 1st??? A NeoShell heavy weight jacket handmade by Lou of foxwear.
Size xxxl (for layering purposes) with xxl arm length.
Dogwood Design Plus Pogies to keep the digits warm, with only summer weight riding gloves need being worn.
3rd best cold weather purchase. Don't underestimate warm hands!! Lol
A couple different sets of base layers. Use dependent on length of ride and weather conditions.
A heavy weight LS performance fleece jersey........ Only worn on the coldest of days, or as a top layer on warmer days..... Very dependent on weather, and if I know I'll be stopped for any length of time during a cold ride through the woods! ;)
For my feet, two different gram weights of Rocky boots, 1,000 gram for normal riding days and 1,600 grams for the coldest days.
Carried in my frame bag are hand warmer packets, (unused in 5 years!! Lol), big old time "chopper" gloves for extended stops. 2 or 3 different beanie hats.
Wow, when I type this all out it doesn't look like all that much!! Ha Ha
I understand some may look at this, and say "are you crazy??"
Why yes, I may be a bit touched; but come see me after I haven't pedaled for a week straight and I'll show you crazy!!!!! ;)
Pedal On!!
Peace
Boy, I must be OLD, all that is going through my mind is Moon River right now. Maybe, it I can hack the cold, I will ride around a little bit tonight.
@Jim - Cut and Pasted your clothing suggestions for cold weather, looks like it might be helpful.
I get discouraged talking to people about joining the NBC. I don't know of anyone who actually logged miles because I told them about it, and I have told quite a few people. It would be nice to get a few business cards to distribute for next year from League of American Bicyclists for the people who are members that logged a predetermined number of points, just a thought (probably to expensive.)
@ J. Hugh, I just read your comment, and guess what song is playing on Pandora right now? lol
@Scott-great tunes!
Gosh, I really need to get one of these lights to ride at night. Feel like I am missing something! Although when I exercise at night I have trouble getting to sleep. Anyone have that issue?
@Jim-seeing as how I freeze when the temps go below 80 degrees-I pretty much do the same as you except I am wearing long sleeves and/or more winterized clothing at 40 to 70 degrees.
@Scott and the MOON should be very bright again tonight. Weather permiting and if you get any from the street lights the Moon Shadows are really cool. So just go leaping and a hoping on a moon shadow if you can.
@ Scott, I took the scenic route home from work last night, so got to enjoy the full moon along the way. But... priorities.... I HAD to be home before 9 pm to watch Duck Dynasty, otherwise I would have kept riding and enjoying the peace and beauty of the evening.
Man, did anyone do a ride last night? I made a short trip here in Nebraska last night after 9 pm. The moon was up and bright. I had all kind of "moon" songs going throught my head, Blue Moon, King Harvest's Dancing In the Moonlight, Van Morrison's Moondance, The Police-Walking on the Moon, and the Rolling Stones-Moonlight Mile. I only met one other rider and a jogger. If you have a chance, experience that (with lights of course).
I posted this on my local page but I thought some of you southern riders would like to see what us all year riders up north have to do.
Now that cold weather is starting I thought I'd share my clothing layering plan
60 and up T shirt and shorts
50-60 Jogging pants, long sleeve t
40-50 Jogging pants, T shirt, windbreaker, head band closer to 40
30-40 Jogging pants, long sleeve, wind breaker, head band,closer to 30 i add an additional head band to cover my face.
20-30 jogging pants, t shirt, wool socks, under armor, long sleeve, wind breaker, head bands
10-20 jogging pants, under armor pants, under armor shirt, long sleeve, sweat shirt
below 10 two pair nice socks one wool, everything above will use a balaclava. I try to keep rides under 30 minutes as my toes get COLD
Due to my diabetes and Raynauds I wear gloves below 50. below 40 I start to layer many gloves.
what do you do?
It's just amazing and truly inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story Rick. And then, they also golf once or twice a week and travel and all this stuff.
Promoting the NBC is a great idea. Sounds like they would for sure add to the states numbers!
I did mention the NBC to some of them this year but they didn't seem interested. Like you have done, I need to do up some biz card type of promotion and hand them out. Having some type of reference in your hand as opposed to talking about it while riding together are two different things.
@Cynthia - one of the great things about being out here in the Seattle area is the number of calendared daily rides on Cascade's web site. I rode my first one last Friday, and I was one of the youngest of the 15 riding. MId-60's and up is what I'd guess for most of the group. It was a 40 miler with 2000+ feet of climbing between about mile 5 and mile 25. One of the older guys in that group was on each of the the other 2 Cascade rides I did Saturday and Sunday. Word is that he rides just about every day. He left the first ride early when his atrial fib monitor went off on one particularly steep climb that happened to be close to his home. (He's wearing the monitor so they can figure out what's wrong and fix it.) Still he was back out for more 40 milers on Saturday and Sunday. I'm looking to lobby some of these folks next spring to join NBC to help boost Washington numbers. They're out doing what we're promoting. We just aren't capturing the data.
@Michael-thanks for sharing. It's so inspiring though. The same here, our local bike group is predominatly older men 70 and on up who map their weekly routes ahead of time and get out there and spin. They actually meet twice a week and do 30 to 50 miles each time! They ride at about 20 24 mph!
Nice article in this morning's bird cage liner about 'more experienced' cyclists: http://tinyurl.com/nr2w66o . Don't forget to click on the 'Related Articles' link and also the pictures. What's scary (for me) is the 82-year-old they interview was my principal in junior high school! He was always an avid runner; he holds a number of statewide records in that sport.
Gosh, you wouldn't believe what it is like here during a full moon event and then high tide coming in to boot! Swelling body, can't sleep, people are definitely a little more whacked out! I would have never believed it to experience it if I did not observe this for myself and living here. But I will tell ya-the moon full or not is beautiful at any time but when you see a full moon rise up off the oceans horizon, there is nothing like it. Incredibly beautiful as it casts its rays over the waters.
@EM - The first, and only time I was in St. Louis was when my husband and I traveled (by truck) to California on our honeymoon. I didn't feel like we were making any progress until we saw the Gateway Arch. We stayed at campgrounds mostly, and that evening we tented in such awful heat that my husband wanted to go home, but I wouldn't let him. We were at a state park and the only relief was touring the awesome caves you have in your state. From there, we traveled towards Texas, Arizona and on to California. My family thought we were crazy. Next time we take bicycles, and who cares what they think. - Thank you for the invitation. I would be honored to share a cup of coffee with anyone I have met here at the NBC. EM, if you should ever be in Emmaus, I would be happy to return the offer. Enjoy that birthday!
@Richard M Wow what a close call that you made it home without injury.
@Brad If you look at the research it actually says that other stages of the moon may be more indicative of luiatic activity depending on the complaint and the place reporting the info.
@Leonard W You are amazing with your ridnig.
JHugh - I don't believe it's an all or nothing proposition; there are an infinite and wonderous array of degrees of crazy.
Nyla, I think you're right - I'm getting taller.
For all of you that are moon struck today - the full moon occurs at 7:13 EDT this morning (Sept 19th). Now (2:03am) is a great time for a night ride.
And yet......the moon controls the tide.......and we are about sixty percent water........hmmmmm (-;
I thought my steering felt a bit funny on the ride home...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php
Does the full mooncause crazy behavior? http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/moon.html
Short answer is NO, you either are crazy or not.
PS, bring your own helmet!
@ Karen Jean, clearly you need to take a trip to St. Louis. We have all those exciting stores! Just let us know to make sure we're home. We've got lots of room and can even rustle up a bike or two in case you bring a riding buddy!
You might check into natural food stores. My local, mom and pop, gives a discount if I buy in bulk. It is the best source for things like puffed barley cereal, which is really amazing. Nuts and other products take planning and they seem happy to help when I do a bulk quantity. How about a coop organization? We have several in the area and over the years have participated in many areas with like minded people.
now that the horrible heat is gone I'm back in the saddle!!! WOOOO!!!
@Karen, no Whole Foods either. They won't build here. Take a look around. Enough said.
@Cynthia - I am reading: Bicycling Magazines Complete Guide to Road Cycling Skills. Hope you have a great birthday!
Lehigh County, PA has no REI store, no Costco and no Trader Joe's. (Sigh) Anyone out their who works for these companies check out the Promenade Shops area - perfect location for REI store or Trader Joe's - I am feeling a little deprived here. ( I do think that Costco plans on building a warehouse in the area, however.)
@ J. Hugh, the moon is awesome on my way to work in the morning.
The moon while not officially full is very bright where I am. If you are a night rider you don't have to wait until tomorrow night. Maybe a two for one. But becareful out there it is the FULL MOON.
Trader Joe's is a bit of a 'boutique Costco.' Limited brand selection, but good everyday prices on most stuff all the time - often as good as sale prices at other grocers on comparable products. Difference from Costco is that package sizes fit in a small pantry. No storage locker needed. Not knocking Costco - we're just a two person household now and don't need mega-sizes of peanut butter or pickles, a tray of giant muffins or milk by the multi-gallon pack.
Thanks to all of you who responded to my call for FB Likes for our grant funding project. The final tally isn't in, but I believe we fell a few votes shy of winning the challenge. Even so, your support is encouragement as we continue to work to make Federal Way, WA, a friendlier, safer place for pedestrians and cyclists. Ride safe, and ride often!
@J. Hugh, broken link. But why the hell you decided to zero in on me with accusations that I "made up rides," and now this stupid name you've tagged me with, I mean, c'mon and grow up. This isn't third grade. This is supposed to be about cycling and its benefits. How it became a personal crusade with you about me is beyond understanding. Please STOP. If anyone is moderating this board, could you please inform Mr. Strickland that I do not find his comments amusing.
@ Cynthia, not sure if you consider them bulk but at least there are lots of choices on the TJ nuts. They have roasted, not roasted, salted, unsalted, lightly salted etc.
*******
Oh, yeah, I have some fresh chocolate chip cookies for the party too!
You can buy raw nuts and roast them yourself. These are great, no salt or oil and all favor. Also, HB2U and many more.
Costco is also a good place to buy nuts in bulk. A Trader Joe's just opened an hour north of me-I have yet to get up there to check it out. Will have to check out there bulk nuts if they have them.
And I have some pumpkin beer!
Awesome virtual party Karen! Hey I have some champagne in the fridge....
@ Karen, on the nuts, if you have a Trader Joes you can get nuts there more cheaply than in the regular grocery store (at least thats the case around here).
lol
Thanks for the b-day wishes. Having a great day. @ Cynthia, Happy B-day early. Sharing some of Karen Jean's virtual party. Don't forget the LIMES!!! HA HA!
Confetti ',',',',',',',',',',',',',',',', Streamers ===================
Bubbly %%%%%%%%%%% Cup Cakes (] (] (] (] (] HAPPY VIRTUALLY
BIRTHDAY PARTY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hip-Hip Horray!
Important weather http://www.weather.com/weather/today/18062
Also for those that like night riding tomorrow is the FULL MOON! It was great on the rise tonight.
and he Cycling Roberto posted on my workout for today
4 minutes ago
What is your deal? Knock off the name calling. I don't like it. I've reported you once, and will do it again if you persist. Get the message?
J. Hugh, I know you're trying to be funny with the name, but it isn't funny to me. DROP IT.
We are sooooo close to 17 million miles! Amazing!
The ride home today felt like I was in a wind tunnel.
@EM-hey-Happy Birthday! Mine will be this weekend for this 50 something gal too!
Hope your having a great day. And now since everyone is posting all at once, I see you have had your sparkling diamond for a while now. Belated congrads!
@Rob-hope you catch your diamond!
@EM-I did bring my bike in the DMV! Did you make Diamond? If so, I missed it in your post-that is awesome!
@Karen, oh yes! Pine nuts are way too expensive, when making pesto I use walnuts (instead of pine nuts) which are also a good on the run snack or almonds. Other good snacks is putting togehter raisins, craisens, cashews, walnuts, almonds and seseame sticks. If you buy these items in bulk and mix them together and have them ready in a baggie-you will not only be choosing a healthier non junk food chemically laden snack, it will give you a bit of energy. I mean "you" in the general terms.
If I am in a minute-mart type place I try to choose nuts or pretzels. And some places now are carrying hummus with veggies in little snack packs. That is always yummy.
I love popcorn! I eat a few times a week. Done on the stove with a little oil and natural sea salt tossed on it. No microwave popcorn.
What book are you reading?
Have any of you gals out there read any good books that are specific for women and cycling?
@Jerry - Wow, too much. Towns all along the South Platte in Nebraska are sandbagging now in anticipation of the flood waters. Oy!
@Karen - Big sparkly congrats on your diamond!
@Cynthia - Turned in your plates? Good for you, brave soul. Love that you rode your bike to do it! I've started riding my bike over to renew our plates. They look at my helmet, then they look at me funny when I say I'm there to pay my plates. It's great.
@ Jerry, well maybe its not raining in Southern California. Oddly enough my husband just drove home in heavy rain, but there was none at all in our neighborhood just a few miles away.
@ All, its been a crazy week here, but I finally got out for my ride around 2 this afternoon. Was waiting for a friend to get off work so we could blaze our way down the trail. Could have ridden earlier but hey its my birthday and this 50-something couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than ride with a friend. Temps were in the upper 80s, so its not completely fall yet. BLAZING BLAST!!! LET THE FUN TIMES ROLL!!!!
@ Rob, just to clarify I was congratulating Karen Jean. I got my diamond a while back, but thanks and GO FOR YOURS. You are toally right this is great fun.
@ Jim, what do you mean nuts? Its nuts if you aren't having total fun. Congrats on breaking your miles per ride barrier!
@EM, congratulations. Hope to get my diamond next week. This is fun!
@ Cynthia, HAPPY DANCE. Way to go to turn in those plates. Did you take your bike inside when you turned them in! CONGRATS!!!
@EM - Thanks!
@ Christine, good to hear from you again. Good for you for putting your foot down. Now if you can just tell us what bike shop you are ordering your wheels from, we can all pitch in and make a contribution. ROLL WHEN YOU CAN. Even a jaunt around the neighborhood can make you feel better!
@Aesop see PA wants you to stay and ride. You brought out the sun.
@ Karen, YAY DIAMOND!!! WOO HOO!!
@Cynthia - Wishing you a great ride this weekend!
@Christine - So good to hear from you!
--------
I am reading yet another book on bicycling, guess who published it? Rodale must just send every book they publish to my library. (joking) They suggested a bunch of healthy snacks to pick up when you are riding, for example from a minute-mart type gas station. I like popcorn, he didn't mention that one. Anyone have a favorite "buy on the run snack" available at one of these stores? He also mentioned pinenuts, which I thought I might like. It took me 30 minutes to find them in the local Giant - Almost $10 for 4 oz. - WOW! They are too expensive for me.
@Jim Jensen-have fun going nuts! Biking is an excellent sport to go nuts over.
Didn't know if it was clear but I did ride my bike to the DMV to turn my tags in. What fun!
@Christine-hi there! Great to hear from you! Sounds like your doing ok. No doubt your ready to log in some miles.
And, Jerry did great during his recovery!
Yesterday (Sept. 17) my riding buddy and I did the Elroy-Sparta (Wisconsin) Bike Trail. 35 miles in 3 hours and 25 minutes of biking - 4 hours on the clock. That was milestone #1. Milestone #2: that is the longest single ride either of us has done. #3: we did the least amount of talking of any bike ride we've taken together! #4: nobody passed us! We now know there are 4 bike trails over there and we want to ride them all now! The National Bike Challenge is turning us into biking nuts.
Ok, it's been quite the day. Took today off to get a nice 40 mile or more ride in preparation for the Bike MS this weekend. 24 of those miles was to the DMV and back to my town. I thought it would be appropriate to ride to the DMV and turn my tags in.
Well-nothing and mean nothing turned out the way I planned this morning. To make a long story short, I only did 24/25 miles and yes, Michael, I did turn my tags in. The woman there was so nice (I have spoken to her on the phone about this a couple times) and she said she admired me for what I was doing. I thought there would be more ceremony going on within myself-but-honeslty I have been wanting to try this for so long that it just felt natural. So, I am going to give through the winter and see how I do. After doing more research, thanks to everyones help here, I found that it is quite simple to reregister my car and reinsure it. I think too that with the upcoming ride this weekend I am a little preoccupied so it has not sunk in yet.
Remember how I said it finally stopped raining.
.
http://youtu.be/uPZyWSrLq5w
Hi All! Just catching up on the conversation today....what fun I have missed!
@Heather-I have fleece cycling tights. They were expensive but well worth every penny. Wash and wear great! I recommend too get some gloves. I went simple and inexpensive as it is not quite that cold to need cycling winter gloves here, I use a good pair of fleece/wool gloves with liners underneath and they work great!
@Roberto-glad you back with us. I think you were missed!
@All-no comments on the no pants as maybe I have considered going pants free on occasion, butt, for obvious reasons I have not.
@Karen-you got your diamond! Wahoo! I am so happy for you!
@Christine - Hey, been missin you, girl! You're ready to ride again, already? That's awesome! Don't overdo it, though. Hope you find just the right bike!!!
@Jerry, glad to know we helped. Time to now direct the collective support to the recovery in CO.
@Roberto, Welcome Back!
@Christine, keep with it, and don't let the overpaid professionals get the better of you!
@Cynthia, did you turn those plates in yet? Howzit feel?
One last plea for support in our quest to win a $1000 grant to support our efforts to get greenways and other improvements to safety for walkers and cyclists in Federal Way, WA. We're in second place right now and within about a dozen votes of the lead and only hours from the deadline. Your vote matters, and I will appreciate it. If you've already responded, I really do thank you.
To vote for our project, go to the WYmakingWAVES page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/WYMakingWAVES, find the posting from Brent Frandsen that includes the Federal Way Biking video, and 'Like' it.
Ride safe, and ride often!
Christine, it's great to hear from you again. Go for those little rides as soon as possible. I bet they will speed recovery, fizikally and spiritually.
JHugh - I appreciate the sentiment. Someday we will be able to share some of that rare and lustrous Cuvee, and perhaps a few of our other favorite beers. And when I'm out biking some skirt trials, and the wind is ruffling my feathers (so to speak), I will be thinking of you.
@Christine. Glad to hear from you again. Hope you get back on your bike soon.
.
How do you know I didn't go loopy? Actually it was the support and encouragement from everyone here that helped me through my recovery.
@J. Huge, you need better material.
Sunny days here in PA and a nice ride in the countryside.
@Abby Normal Go for that ride. Good for you.
@Brad My transporter is broken, scotty is bitching about not being able to fix it, so I am going to have to ride with you another day. Butte the ride, beer and testing skirts is so inviting.
Google cycling kilts and look for the collection of images, sorry could not get the link to come up on NBC. wow, who knew?
Hi, all! I'm still alive, believe it or not. I've been going through a bit of a rough spot with MDs not listening to me and me having to put my foot down (on their toes, when needed) being as how I'm the one being "treated". Knee MD has okayed me to ride again, but I'm really coaster-brake-bike-shy. I'm headed to Milwaukee to try out a Public bike this weekend, but it will have to be ordered if I decide to get one, so no telling if it will be here before the end of the challenge. I'd really like to go platinum before September 30! Maybe it would be worth riding the old cruiser for a mile around the neighborhood??
.
I've really missed riding. Jerry, I can't imagine how you went so long without going loopy! Hoping to be back on a bike in the next couple weeks. Miss y'all a bunch, but I'm way behind at work and need desperately to catch up! Later!
@Laurie - Nice attempt at making the case for bikes & bike lanes after that article. Sadly, you and that one other guy were outnumbered.
@Brad - Should you decide to experiment with riding a bike while wearing a skirt, please post video of said experiment. You know, for scientific purposes; peer review, analysis of your methodology, that sort of thing. :)
Laurie - remember when capris were pedal pushers? Strangely appropriate.
Agreed JHugh, but money can only carry you so far, and eventually people will realize who the bad guys are here - and its not the teachers.
However, I get out of work at 3, anyone want to do some skirt trials and maybe get a couple beers after? I heard of a nearby tavern that caters to bikers.
@ Karen, congrats on your Diamond!
Toot, Tooooot!!! Toot, Toooot!!! Just made diamond. (Barely) Now I have to go and mow the 2 foot high lawn my son couldn't mow this weekend because of the Minuteman Challenge.
@ Tammy, I rode to work in the low 40's this week already. I will ride till there is snow on the Fox River Trail (Green Bay) and streets. Last year I made it to Thanksgiving and the year before that it was Dec 1st. Then I hit the basement and the trainer. Don't trust the drivers to ride in snow and Ice. By November I'll be wearing wind proof tights, long sleeve T's, long sleeve jersey, fleece vest and a wind resistant shell. Balacava on the head, toe covers for the feet and claw fingered gloves.
@ Brad, I'll leave it to you to do that research. I prefer capris and shorts.
@ Brad, excellent point. After the night of tornadoes earlier this summer, during the cleanup a lot of twigs and branches somehow ended up in the bike lanes of the College Ave. bridge, and were there for a few days until a member of the local bicycling association contacted Public Works about it. In the meantime it was perilous to cross the bridge.
So would biking in a skirt perform like a hood scoop? At certain temps, there could be an advantage. Hmmm, that may be worth some trials.
I've never tried to bike in a skirt.......
...and few people take the argument far enough; if the streets are so broken up and the edges strewn with debris, what value are bike lanes if you fear to ride in them?
Our local newspaper published an editorial about the unnecessary-ness of bike lanes: http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20130918/APC0602/309180163/Editorial-Reject-bike-lanes-Appleton-s-Badger-Avenue
I'm over 30? Just when was somebody going to tell me? Shesh, I supose now I'm going to have to get more serious... if I have to... I guess.
@ Burklee, good one :)
@Brad - And now that you're over 30, we're all glad you're wearing pants! Thanks, Bro!
@Jerry B I think Aesop is going to move there. Will there be ark building when that happens? Also, others report that when Roberto left the sun can out in several regions of CO.
@Brad W I know there are naked bike rides butte now I am wondering If its every day above 40 degrees in Wisconsin. That would be 360 days a year in Florida. I've ridden when it was 39 degrees here, but that was only once and I was in tighhts and multilayers. It reached 72 shortly after on that day which is how you sweat lodge on a Bicycle ride. AHHHH Winter. What about cycling kilts for men? that would give you a cooling draft, although reduced aeroness, and no one could lament your spandex. Just when it looks like Appleton Wisconsin is worth visiting to cycle, there comes the Koch Brothers editorial against bike lanes. I am waiting for the bill that bans bicycles from the roads and streets of Wisconsin because cars are the way to go to see your Governor. Also, what is the big deal, When the bikes lanes have crap in them I call up and the appropriate maintenace is done in a day or two, but this is not Wisconsin.
Did you notice that when Roberto left Colorado it is no longer raining?
Pants are for the 20's:D
The message board is going to get interesting again.......
Monday and Tuesday morning were 41 and 46 - felt great. I don't even put on pants until we hit 30's haahhha. (waiting for Marty)
Tammie, I know it's all in one's perspective, but I'd love to have 50 degree temps all winter :P
Welcome back Roberto! Glad to hear the rains seem to be receeding along with the waters.. sorry the damage left behind is so severe. Hope they are able to take the chance to make things better when they make the repairs. I too am starting to buy winter wear and got some winter fleece riding tights. I nearly froze this spring when temps were in the 50's .. LOL NO, I am not used to anything cooler than 80! I managed to ride at 2am on monday and 11pm on tuesday night a minumum of 2 miles each at the beginning and end of my work trip to Dallas so technically, I did not miss a day. Yea! (still feels like cheating but I got my points anyway) Riding the borrowed bike is physically killing me and my neck and back are going into spasms.. lots of pain. Can't keep this up for long. I need my black beauty that is fitted to ME back! They did their best fitting this bike but the adjustable stem makes a BIG difference. Cyclefest in Ft Davis, TX is this weekend and I really would love to be able to do some riding down there. I don't know how many entrants there are, traditionally it is about 400-450. Looks like it should be beautiful riding weather. Our club holds this event every year. This is my first year to be a club member so I am learning it all this year. So much to learn, so little time. LOL
@Roberto - so glad to hear that you're OK - and even better than OK.
@ Heather April - Also, I suggest looking into full-fingered bike gloves. Your legs will warm fairly quickly (yea, you gotta put with with chilly shins and thighs for the first mile or so) as you pedal while your fingers remain fairly inert and taking the brunt of the wind (natural and by your pedaling).
@Heather - Nice!!
I got the registration numbers for my first metric century yesterday. I also bought cycling tights to cycle through fall. Firsts!! :)
I love it when I click on the leaderboard in the morning, and see that my company has moved up to the next page. Home stretch, think we're going to (barely) make our target of 30,000 miles as a team!
@Jerry, so I had to pick the historic week of rain... oh well, I will return soon. Denver is an amazing bicycling friendly city. In spite of the rain, I rode every day using the bike share bikes. Not exactly my Eddy Merckx but acceptable non the less. Got to sample the Cherry Creek Trail and a short section of the Platte River Trail. Loved the cycling infrastructure throughout the city. Got up to Loveland and saw the cycling opportunities there too.
This is what it looked like when three Boulder residents evacuated from Four Mile Canyon.
This is a great video. Don't miss it.
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http://tinyurl.com/lfo5zne
@Burklee, good luck. I forgot to mention that they are giving away 10 bike helmets with the show's logo as prizes!
@J Hugh-liked the post about todays ride. I could feel the spirit of what you were describing.
@ Roberto, glad to hear from you again!
@SWS - Can you do it? Yes, you can!!
@Roberto - Thanks for posting.
@Roberto-welcome back! Have a good trip with some great riding and no flooding?
@SWS-sure you can catch your diamond. We have till September 40th.
@Laurie-maybe you will be back in the game by the end of the week.
@Jerry-thanks again for the pics. Hope they can restore roads sooner than later.
I hope you took all your rain back home with you.
Finally. Two days of camping. Six days to dry everything out. The camping gear is finally dry and put away.
so close, can I make diamond by the end of the month
This morning, leaving to go to work, I had car problems, and since I needed to be there in 20 minutes, caught an emergency ride. Back home after my morning shift, it occurred to me that maybe this was God's way of telling me to get back on my bike. So this afternoon I biked to the library and then to work for my afternoon shift. And... it wasn't nearly as bad as i had feared, guess I am closer to being healthy again than I realized :)
I'm here, and I haven't missed a day since June.
Just check profiles and it looks like Roberto has left us. No rides logged since Aug 17. I just hope he's OK and rolling safe wherever he is.
@Cynthia - Sure! Why not?
I was out riding today exploring to see what roads are open.
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Lefthand Canyon toward Jamestown 1.3 Miles from Hwy 36
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http://tinyurl.com/l94q5wn
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Note you see the bike lane and the right lane. The left lane is gone.
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http://tinyurl.com/lsg5r4j
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Video of Lefthand Canyon
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http://www.youtube.com/watch
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I will never be able to do this again. Hwy 36 between Boulder and Lyons. No traffic due to flooding.
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http://youtu.be/jJ994nM2ZQc
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Approaching Lyons on Hwy 36
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http://tinyurl.com/msuhhlh
@EM - Done! I love haiku.
I had a great ride today. It was in the low 80's with 100 % humidity. I rode mostly into the wind for about two hours and then turned to home with the sweat flowing out of my sandals. That's when, a great relief came, it was a non thunder/non lighting rain of intensely cool water. It soaked me completely and came down so strongly that I had to peak over the top of my glasses and pedal on. For 2 miles the cool, wet ride soaked me and washed my bike, then I cycled out from under that cloud and the down pour. 6 miles of riding later, I was nearly dry and oh so cool and refreshed. Made it all the way home from there without sweating. No rain at my house.
@Burklee-how about it?
Hi all, the Takeaway is having a Bike Haiku (Baiku) challenge.. You can enter by going to:
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http://www.thetakeaway.org/story/318334-enter-bike-challenge/
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We all know Nyla is likely to win if she enters, but hey its fun so why not?
Bike Cleveland, ride everywhere!!
An IRIR going home last night. I have to say, I just love the sound of rain falling on the leaves on the trees.
@ Shawn, glad you didn't get bumped off and that you gave that fat chiwawa a little exercise. I hope if you get the dream bike its not by getting run over!
26.02 miles completed by road bike. Got chased by a fat Chiwawa today... the poor little obese thing looked like it needed the roadie more than I do... A few cars overtook me but no wreck so far... All they have to do is barely bump me, I'll fall on the ground, flop like a fish and say don't you touch me til the helicopter gets here, LOL. Then maybe I can get my dream bike, a Trek Madone 7.9 =P
Cool weather here too, barely 70 degrees when I took my ride at 11 am. But I braved it in shorts and a short sleeved jersey. Suppose if it gets below 65 I'll try the long sleeved jersey. It was a bit windy and I got sprinkled on too. Spotted a turkey today. Only a couple of other riders out there. RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE EVERYONE.
@ Michael, what a great view from your work window. My office is downstairs so my view is our back yard!
@Ray, yes, shorts in the 40's. I had a long-sleeve UnderArmour top over a tee shirt, mountain bike shorts with liner, and short socks with my shoes. Only part that got cold was my fingers! Otherwise, it wasn't bad. Then again, I have an excess of insulation around my middle (protective packaging for my rock-hard six pack, or so I tell the wife!), so the heat can be sent to other parts of my body.
I haven't lived in NC for a few years and can't recall what it costs to keep a car on the road annually, but here in OH, it only costs me $50 to keep plates on each car for the year. I store a car in the winter and suspend liability and collision coverage during that time, but Ohio doesn't require me to turn my plates in. Without liability, I cannot legally drive it, but all it takes is a phone call and I am immediately covered again and can hit the road if I need to. You've probably already checked into all of that, but if not, you may want to verify before you turn those plates in
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Shorts in the 40s? I must be getting weak, it was in the high 50s last night and I was wearing full finger gloves, thermal long sleeve top and tights, I even taped over the vents on my shoes. I didn't break out the winter gear though. I'm going to have to toughen up before the snow starts falling.
@Michael-thanks for the tip!
@Cynthia, just a word of caution on de-registering your car. Make sure it's garaged or at least out of sight. Here in Pennsylvania, many local jurisdictions have ordinances against outdoor storage of unlicensed, unregistered and/or uninspected vehicles, whether it's on your property or not. Not sure how it is in your area, but you may want to check. All it takes is one neighbor with a bad attitude or an overzealous codes inspector to make your life difficult. Congratulations on your decision!
@Michael-what a boost to your spirit to see such beautiful scenery from your office! Gosh in the 40's? It's cold here today-and windy. Has to be in the 50's. Or maybe it just feels like it.
@Laurie-sorry to hear your still not feeling the best.
Well, after a great deal of thought and consideration-I decided to take my car off the road. I am going to turn my tags in tomorrow. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I decided to keep the car and not sell it. Since it's paid for at least if I decide that being car free is not for me I can get it registered again without a great deal of expense.
@Karen-good luck on finding a bike trailer!
What a great ride in this morning. Temps in the low 40's, so time to break out the long sleeves. Still in shorts, though fingered gloves may have to make an appearance. Got into work and was greeted by a phenomenal view out the window. My office is on the 14th floor of our building, so we get good views. The sky was clear, there was no haze at all, and the morning light spilling over the hill was a photographer's dream. Could clearly see the mountain ridge 20 miles away. Shame I couldn't get back on my bike and ride for another hour or so. WHERE'S @ROBERTO?????? I get the feeling he decided not to come back. Flooding aside, Colorado is such a beautiful state, visitors don't want to leave.
@Jeffery and Peter - Thanks for the feedback on child trailers. I seems like the easier option for the short term.
@ Laurie, feel proud of your accomplishment and remember you have till Sept. 40th!
I'm back again, after another busy weekend out of town. Still trying to get rid of my cough/respiratory illness, and get some more biking in before the Challenge ends. I am so sad to give up my hopes of Diamond this year, but I keep trying to convince myself that 4000+ points is also an accomplishment. There's always next year.......
HI all, a cool and a very blustery day here. Finally got out early this afternoon with temps barely reaching the 70s. Work on my desk today so at first I was thinking, i'll just go a few miles, or make that 15, or once I got going, sure, I'll do 20, but my bike convinced me that anything less than 25 was just silly. I'm happy it wasn't raining. Hey, who says we have to leave for the winter? I hope you guys pop up now and then. WISHING YOU ALL GOOD RIDING WEATHER!
Whoops forgot to say to Shawn-sounds like that was a great ride with the wind in your hair....
@Jerry-very creative young entrepreneur! Thanks for sharing.
For all the women out there. More info on women's clothing. Bicycle underwear for use under regular clothing.
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http://303cycling.com/friday-fun
26 miles by road bike, a bit windy but it was about 70 so it wasn't bad, wasn't too bad at all =)
@Karen Jean - 10 minutes every other day is plenty to start out. You can do them without any equipment. 20 second planks on all 4 sides is what I start most everyone at. If you can't do it for the full time, just drop down for a second, and come right back up. the other I have them do are a combination of strength and flexibility in the hip area. After several weeks, and you're comfortable at 20 seconds, then bump it up to 30, and add standing lunges, single leg squats, lateral squats, both walking and skipping on the 3 days, and do your easy routine on the other days. If you want, you could eventually get a swiss ball, and incorporate that.
@Rick, sounds like a good riding weekend.
I doff my chappeau to Randy Reed, impressively crazy man on a mountain bike!
Did three 38-40 mile rides this weekend (Fri-Sun) with groups organized through the Cascade Daily Rides series. Great fun. The routes are defined, the pace is stated ahead of time, and the ride leaders are well-qualified through a process set up by Cascade Bicycle Club. Two of the rides were mentoring rides for new ride leaders, a preliminary for one candidate and a final qualifier for the other. This was a nice alternative to finding a route and having to navigate it on my own or finding a larger organized ride event. Also, I put the first 80 miles on the new Brooks saddle on the latter two rides.
I took Friday off and planned to take advantage of what was forecast to be a sunny weekend - one of the few that remain before the "long dark" of the Pacific Northwest sets in. No sun Friday, no sun until well after I got home Saturday, and even a light mist at the start of the ride Sunday morning (Sun in late afternoon after I got home). The upside of all this was that temps ranged between 60 and 70 - perfect for riding.
So I missed the sunshine, but in light of what's going on in Colorado, I have to say our weather was great this weekend. Still hoping and praying for an end to the rains in Colorado for a while so that recovery can begin.
@Brian-unbelievable on your friends miles! Very impressive indeed.
@Karen-I started doing ab exercises about 15 mins a day at least 3 days a week and I have noticed a difference already!
@Rob-yes, I am doing 130 miles for Bike MS this coming weekend. That should be a great way to log miles! I am so excited!
Will miss the challenge and all the people who have been contributing to this forum. It's become a part of daily life.
I got a nice child trailer at a garage sale for $20! It looks to have been used about twice! I like it for keeping things covered and maybe someone won't actually try to hit you if they think you may have kids in there.
@ Brian Hermes - Sounds like Randy Reed pulled a "Leonard Wright" - multiple consectutive centuries. Nice job Randy and the rest of NBC riders. Some of the folks in my area are planning a long ride to close out the Challenge on 9/30. Anyone else have any plans like that?
I use a children's trailer because you can protect the load from weather conditions. You must balance the load with more weight towards the back. On a big shopping trip I just made two trips splitting up in two days.
Go Randy, GO!
@Jerry - Keep posting so we know you are OK! PA newspapers are full of scary news from your neck of the woods.
@Roberto - I wish you would post too. I am sure I am not the only one who is worried.
@Marty - Thanks for the info on the trailers. Thankfully I am past my crumb cruncher days, at least until my son decides to have kids. Maybe a child carrier would do for now until I am able to do that cross country trip I keep dreaming about.("My Travels with Charlie" sans dog and RV.) Please note: You are always very helpful, and I am hounding you today, but I am starting more indoor exercises to strengthen the core after the challenge is over. How many minutes, and what frequency do you suggest? I will have more time to do them in a couple of weeks.
I use a children's trailer because you can protect the load from weather conditions. You must balance the load with more weight towards the back. On a big shopping trip I just made two trips splitting up in two days.
I wanted to take time to commend a friend's biking effort. Out of Lincoln, Ne, Randy R. Reed CrazyManOnAMountainBike completed 7 straight 120+ mile days and 9 centuries out of the last 13. All the while of being on a mountain bike. This is pretty impressive.
No rain finally. Sun is supposed to be out by noon.
@KJG-good questions about the trailers. I have been looking for one for the same reasons, to run errands and use to bring groceries home in. Craigslist is a great source to try to find one inexpensively. Although at least in this neck of the woods they sell fast! I have a grocery "bag" that attached to the side of my rack. It's simple and it it works great and even though it will hold a lot, but not as much if you were doing a full shopping trip and errands where you would need more room to stow stuff.
@ Marty, UHHH, BURLAP!
@Karen Jean - If you went the trailer route, I would highly suggest one with two wheels. They can hold a lot more weight than a one wheeled type (100-200 vs 35-40), and even if you don't plan on transporting a lot of weight, they are much easier to handle with a lighter weight because of the universal joint where it attaches to the bike. The one wheeled type have more of a solid attachment, so the weight in the trailer tends to want to push the bike that way if you sway away from vertical. The one benefit of that is that it gives your upper body a better workout.
Also, backing up with either type of trailer is more difficult.
You will have a difficult time finding a used transport type trailer, but more luck finding a used trailer for hauling children. Those can be used to transport stuff, although my guess is that they can't haul as much as a transport trailer. The big benefit of using a children's trailer for other things is that you won't have to periodically stop to feed the contents animal cookies/cheese crackers/etc... or open up juice boxes for same.
I made it to Burlap today! I was getting my mother's garage ready for the Fall, and found a burlap sack/bag.
@ Barbara, yes you get 5,000 virtual brownie points for biking during the floods!!
@Marty - While I have your attention. I want to know about the bicycle trailer in your picture. How hard is it to ride with one? Who sells them? I have been wishing to do more transporting of veggies from my community garden and more trips to the grocery store with my bicycle.
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Anyone else have a comment about such trailers. The velodrome has a flee market in a few weeks. I might be able to buy one there, or look for a used one on Craigslist.
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One more question about mountain bikes for anyone who knows. I tried out a mountain bike with hydraulic brakes on Saturday. How much better are they? Are they hard to keep clean and keep functioning in the sloppy mud that sometimes is part of that kind of bicycling? And, what about repair costs?
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The more I think about it, the more I am more inclined to want 3 bikes: A better road bike, so I can push my fitness level a couple times a week, A "go for errands bike" with a big basket area or trailer for transporting items, and a mountain bike. I did not like the way the hybrid "mountain bike" felt when I peddled around the parking lot of the bike store on Saturday. I would not want to ride it around on a day trip as the review for the bike suggested. I suppose I am just too familiar with my road bike.
@Marty - Ha, ha! :) My son took that picture. I included it to show the beautiful setting for the rest area. The boat has an eagle and a flag on the side. Whoever was piloting the craft was offering a salute to the wounded warriors - I am guessing the person at the wheel was a retired officer. We were located at a small park beside the Delaware River in a suburban area surrounding Philly. Still, I laughed at your comment, as always.
Hi all, home again but its dark now, not summer any more. But will ride tomorrow.
@ Rick, clicked on for your cause.
@ All those in Colorado. Stay safe and heres hoping the rain will stop and recovery can begin soon.
@Karen Jean - I'm not familiar with the rules for the Minuteman Challenge, but it looks like the two people in your last picture are openly breaking them, and thus having an unfair advantage.
@J Hugh - There are some things that even a king cannot do.
Not feeling the best today but managed to ride 13.13 miles today, and not by design. Also I hope the rains stop for a while for Jerry and the rest of the people. Thanks Jerry for making the videos available.
Maybe we will here from Roberto this week and he can tell us about his travels on two and four wheels. On behalf of us all-hope your safe and sound out there.
@Rick-went onto FB and clicked like for your cause!
@Karen-thanks for sharing those pictures of the event you volunteered for. Get some rest, a new week is here to log more miles. lol
@Jerry, oh my gosh, how horrible! Hopefully you and your wife live in a safe place. Seems the flooding is all around you? The video of that flooded "river" was unbelieveable. Water is a very powerful thing. We should never take it for granted.
For any riders there-stay safe and sane.
Hopefully it will all end soon.
Jerry -- here's hoping the rains stop soon sot that recovery and rebuilding can begin. Stay safe!
4" of rain at our house so far today. The are evacuating some homes near us but not affecting us so far.
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Video from Glen Haven. One of the popular routes up to Estes Park. Used during the Pro Challenge last month.
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http://tinyurl.com/knlrhgs
@King Marty I request a Royal proclamation decrying the rain in Colorado and directing it to the arid areas of the planet in smaller doses. Also, Jerry Bengtson, Barbara McCann and Bill Eberhardt, along with the untold other suffering cyclists of Colorado deserve a royal proclamation for their never say die go ride if at all possible attitude.
It is raining again. 1" in the last 30 minutes.
Two weeks left to go!!
Hi all, out of town this weekend so I didn' get to ride. Hopefully when I get home later today I can get in a ride. Sorry about all the flooding in Colorado. No sign of Roberto either, but maybe he didn't take his computer with him.
RE: The parade keep up the efforts Karen Jean, and I think you will get to be in a parade soon.
RE: Bicycling Magazine. I have been reading it for a few years off and on and now get it regularly becuase I'm a member of the League of American Bicyclists. It has been changing recenlty. Less stuff for high end elite racers and more stuff for regular riders doing different kinds of rides including commuters, off road, travel, etc. Also, a lot of health into. nutrition and stuff like that. So borrow a few recent editions and give it a look.
RIDE ON ALL!
https://plus.google.com/photos/106032750097522220937/albums/5923647031817099505
If this link works, it should show you folks photos of lunch at the Minuteman Challenge yesterday. See Ride2Recovery website for more information if you are interested in participating or donating to their cause.
@Barbara - No, but you've easily managed to impress us all! Terrible conditions. It looks like it will take quite a while to repair everything.
Do I get extra credit for biking for transportation in Boulder during the deluge and floods?
I just noticed something even more astonishing I am only 9 miles short of 2000 miles since the challenge started! I will definitely noticed that nine mile mark tomorrow.
349 points to diamond! The headache is gone! stupid me did not recognize a migraine when I have one it's been several years since I've had one. the medicine I take has been working so well I just forgot what they were like. no wonder I felt so sick for 3 days. I feel like an idiot now .. an idiot who rode 24 miles today! still no rain in our part of the world. I have plenty dead grass to prove it. my van has a shiny new bike rack on it. I will be working a few extra shift! pay for it too! I decided if I was going to get one I might as well do it right. it is a to bike tray type the bikes sit in instead of hanging.
The video was not mine. I am not crazy enough to be out in dangerous situations. I had enough of those in the military.
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One more day of rain and then we are sunny again.
Safer communities for human-powered transportation. Safe routes to school & local parks & shopping. Yes this is a reminder of my blatant request for Facebook Likes for our Federal Way Biking project posting on the Weyerhaeuser making WAVEs Facebook page. We're trying to win a $1000 grant to help support our efforts for the first Federal Way greenway (aka bike boulevards). Although the actual expenses for greenways implementation will likely come from city funds or other grant processes, this grant would help fund outreach and advocacy efforts,
If you would like to support our cause, please go to the WYmakingWAVES page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/WYMakingWAVES, find the posting from Brent Frandsen that includes the Federal Way Biking video, and 'Like' it.
The deadline is Sept 18.
Thanks for your support.
And a special thanks to those of you who've already "Liked" our project.
@Jerry - Do they forecast an end to the rain? It looked dangerous just to be recording the flood in that area, I hope that you don't take any chances photographing the damage - for your wife's sake.
One of the other places I ride. This is normal just a little river.
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http://tinyurl.com/mx2nnoq
@Tammie, Your health comes before getting Diamond. It would be great to get your dianmond. But not at the expense of your health.
Rode up to Rabbit Mountain today. Which is just outside of Lyons which was badly flooded. Don't know why they call it a mountain. It is just a hill. But a fun hill. I will try to get photos up soon.
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More rain tomorrow. Hopefully not too much. Although we are already getting flood warnings again.
Dumb typos! Like I said, I'm very tired.
Hi All! Boy am I wiped out! Just think how the riders in the Minuteman Challenge must feel! But, they did not look any worse for wear as they rode in for lunch with only about 20 more miles or so to ride into Philly. They rode from Boston to Philly in stages over multiple days. I spoke to one 15 year old boy who did the entire ride. Some folks pedaled with their hands on adapted bikes. What an honor to help out. My son took some pictures; I took some pictures as well. If the pictures look good, I will try to post some. While we were near Plymouth Meeting I checked out the REI store and a test road a hybrid for a couple of miles, so technically I road a bicycle today, just in case I am too tired to ride tonight after dark. However, they all inspired me so much that I can not help but to get out their tonight, try to think about the day, and cruise on my bike.
@Tammie: only 354 points to diamond, for me... race you! :)
Totally perfect day to ride in Indy today. The CIBA ride started at 9 am under bright blue skies and 59 degrees. By the end of our 58 miles the bike computer said 70 degrees in the sun. If we have weather like this next month for the Hilly Hundred it will be a rave year. Southern Indiana is breath taking when the autumn colors peak, The hills are not for newbees or riders that do not keep their shifters in good shape, but the scenery is well worth the serious climbing.
Anyone do the GranFondo Niagara Falls Ride this morning? I wish I could have been there. It was a 125km ride that started and ended at the Horseshoe Falls.
@Noel C A few years ago I tried solid tires. You had to buy a special tool to put them on with and to take them off. They seemed to make bad road feel like I was being beaten up. What is your experience with road vibration transfer throught the tires. How hard is it to get them on and off?
@Jerry-hope your safe!
@Tammie-good luck catching your diamond! You have worked so hard for it!
@Noel-thanks for the tip...
@Paul-get better soon.
For all of you putting all of those miles on your bikes, you know what a pain those flat tires can be. As a commuter, they sometimes even made me late to work. So, I switched to solid tires and never looked back. I realize they are not for racing, but I get over 3,000 miles on a rear tire and over 10,000 miles on the front (even with drop handlebars most of the weight is on the back of the bike). The online distributor is offering a 25% discount coupon (HSHE62) till the end of the year. Check out www.solidtiresdirect.com. I don't work for them - I'm just a satisfied customer that's going to be just shy of Diamond at the end of the month...
Get that diamond, Tammie. I have officially written mine off. That sinus thing has been going round here too. And a lung thin to go with it. I got more of the lung thing than the sinus thing though. And just as I finished my round of antibiotics for strep. Actually considered going to the ER Monday night due to difficulty breathing/sever throat pain. Doc has me on allergy meds. Cough is almost gone. Anticipate being back to 100% Monday. Probably about 70-75% now. Anything beyond a vigorous walk gets me hacking.
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Jerry, I feel for you. and everyone around you. When our rainy season hits, we can get rain for days on end, with no mercy. This year is the first year in four years where I did not have water two inches or more above my floor. Last year was the worst. My floors were six inches under water. I could literally kayak around my property.
Correction! Only 393 points to diamond.... LOL. Gee getting closer all the time. If I rode those 2 miles with the splitting headache I did last night, I think I'll do just about anything to achieve this goal. Ride on all!!!
I am no longer concerned with anyone else's points. Diamond is only 397 points away for me. Unfortunately I have gotten this dreaded sinus problem going around and for once don't want to be on my bike! All I want to do is sleep. I did manage to force my body through two miles before going to work two hours late tonight. Did not even work the night before. First day of work missed in six months. I did go in this morning instead for 5 hours. Had a hitch put on my van today so next stop is the bike shop for a bike rack! Tired of trying to cram my hybrid into that van and when transporting two bikes, it sure gets crowded in there. I am SAG for Cyclefest in Ft Davis, TX next weekend so needed it for that .... It was definitely time. Anyone coming down for Cyclefest?
@Ken - I can think of at least two ways. 1) If they didn't log their June and August rides until the next months. 2) If there is a glitch with Endomondo. Last year, about a week after I joined in May, there was a glitch where I couldn't access the State board. I still logged my miles every day. Just before the end of the month, I could access WI, but my total for the month was zero, and for the Challenge period was correct. I noticed several others from other states had a missing month in other months.
How is it that someone who logged 814 points in May, 0 points in June, 1082 points in July, 0 points in August, and 584 points to date in September has a total of 4,394 points right now? hmmmmm
@Rob - Thank you for the input. I need to talk to the local bike club and see if they are interested in maybe the Labor Day or Memorial Day Parade. We are just a small community, not many parades, Halloween is the big one. People come from out of town because it is a nice parade.
@Jerry - I can't stop thinking about the people of Colorado. I am sure that everyone here is thinking of all the people effected - wishing you well!
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Tomorrow is the Minuteman Challenge and we are helping with lunches. My son does not know what to think, but I believe it will be a good experience for him. I don't make him do enough community service things (except doing his grandmother's lawn.)
@Jerry, I've been following the flooding in the Denver Post. Awful doesn't begin to describe it. Sounds like you're ok, though. Stay safe on your rides; don't forget to look up as well as down.
Some sunshine today. Went out riding trying to find a way out of Longmont to the south. Our greenway is gone. Hopefully the city will repair it quickly.
Just checkign out the damage here in Longmont. But the police have most areas blocked off. Photos tomorrow.
@Rob-very positive advice.
@Jerry-hope your ok in Colorado!
@Karen Jean - I am in Wisconsin, but if we were closer I think we could get some of our folks together to make the trip and ride with you. All the best and keep working at it. We first tried for the Christmas parade, but it has so many floats that we initially did not make they cut. They suggested we try for the Flag Day parade, which we did and it was successful. We are now good to go for the Christmas Parade! Keep trying, never give up, get a few like minded people to work with you and you will prevail in the end! Good luck to you and Emmaus!
@ cynthia parades run by governments are political events for the benefit of the government employee, mostly the top ones, so they can see look how great this is and we did it. Bicycle times and Wheelman much better for actual cyclists. Bicycle magazine seems to be a publication for it advertisers. I get a free copy of Bicycling which takes about two minutes to thumb through because I don't see it being about cycling for the large sections of people who ride bicycles.
What about flash mobbing the parade with bicycles with lights?
@Karen-this parade sounds a little political! Bikes should be allowed and if standards are in place to make sure they are operating properly and in "parade sync" then it should be ok.
I got my first issue of Bicycling Magazine yesterday! Yea! I used to get a long time ago but it was geared to high end riders/riding. Although it had some good information in it, it just wasn't good for the "lay rider", seems they made some changes now, so can't wait to check it out!
@Hey Michael - have a great weekend! lol
@J Hugh - Amen, Brother; two fingers it is!! (note twisted arm behind back)
@Rob - I printed out the Wheelman article. I think that I "burned my bridges" with the coordinator, but I still think that an organized group of bicyclist SHOULD be allowed to enter the parade, even if they have to walk the bikes all the way through. The parade says no businesses, but allows some of the special Emmaus Main Street Partners to participate as well a special "Halloween Haunt" businesses, why can't they give a special ok for some bicycles to be allowed in? Just venting here - now I feel a little better.
Micheal G My Scottish ancestors always had two fingers after giving blood, whether in battle or not I think the Scottish spirits have voted: two fingers.
Jerry B those pictures and the latest ones on Weather chan and other news sources look really bad. This is the problem with the thinking that higher ground is safe from flooding.
Cynthia A N I hope your uncle was not in it.
I THINK IT IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT BICYCLE ARE BANNED FROM A PARADE IN EMMAUS, PA AND YES i AM SHOUTING AT THE COMPUTER AS i TYPE.
@Cynthia - Sorry, I thought you lived in Florida. I love Ocean City, Bethany Beach on down to the Florida Keys. If its a beach, I'm there. lol (I also got a bit testy with the parade coordinator and told her that she was doing the equivalent of offering a steak to a vegetarian, I also told her she was snarky - I don't think that was very nice of me, but I was annoyed.)
When I got up it was not raining. But it is raining again now.
@Michaeal-oh yea, you know it! Got my coffee but no wine...in training mode till after next weekend. Enjoy that scotch!
@Cynthia - Friday, that means weekly coffee and wine run, right :-) Got me a new bottle of single-malt Scotch last night! Too bad I just gave blood this morning, will have to have only 'one finger' instead of two!
This is a little off the biking subject but a couple of years ago up in Muncy Valley Pa there was a similar situation with flooding and my uncle house was swept away.
@Karen-hope you feel better soon too. Sad that is the way it is with that parade and chairperson, even sadder is that she didn't even offer to work through alternative solutions to make bikes a part of the parade. Kind of a kick in the shin that she asked you to do volunteer work for it. Geez.
(I am not quite as far down south as the state of Florida)
Hope Roberto is doing ok, of all week to visit! Maybe all is ok where he is at.
@Michael-it's Friday!
@Michael-its Friday!
@Laurie-hope you feel better soon. Just remember all you have done and there are still a couple weeks in the challenge.
@Jerry-that is unbelievable damage! It's so sad. Gosh, you were't kidding about the rain. I was thinking of you this morning when the local NPR station was giving a report of the devastation there.
@Karen Jean - our local group had a successful time riding at this years Flag Day Parade in Appleton, WI. By riding in circles or formations, you can maintain sufficient speed to bike while keeping your groups place in the parade. I would be happy to send an email in support of bikes in parades if that would help. Here is a link with more information on bikes in parades to share some ideas. Good luck to you - we will be doing it again at our Christmas parade, can't wait! http://www.thewheelmen.org/sections/publications/pdf/09.pdf
@EM, I've been the Philmont three times, all as an adult advisor (1991, 1998, 2003). Best Scouting memories ever! The beauty of the area far exceeds any challenges that present themselves. What makes it really special is that, over the last few years, Philmont has really increased the mountain biking activities available to participants!
PS, the local NPR station reported on a guy who became a bike commuter because his truck got stolen 3 years ago.: http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/why-st-louisan-avid-bike-commuter-his-truck-was-stolen
@ Jerry, I've only seen limited flooding when I was on a ride in Illinois earlier this year. In one spot we were able to ride through the water. It was more serious in two other areas and we carried our bikes like the guy in your photo. In a way it was kind of cool to think that only the bicycles could get through but no motor vehicles. The flooding and mud slides in your area are terrible. I hope it stops raining soon so damage repair can get underway.
@ Michael, congrats for making it to Philmont. My son did get to do a trek there when he was in scouts.
@ Karen Jean, maybe your comeback should be: The only way I'll work on the parade committee is if bicycles are allowed in the parade. I still wonder about Bicycling Magazine. Maybe a letter to the editor complaining about bicycling conditions in the area and the parade in particular is in order.
@Jerry - Since 1980 I've spent a fair amount of time in CO and NM, though mostly south of you in CO Springs and south into Cimarron, NM (Philmont Scout Ranch). The geography of the whole Front Range makes it susceptible to slides and flooding, though I've never seen it like that. Makes me sad to see that kind of destruction. Glad you're safe, prayers for the recovery efforts. Sounds like you're smart enough to know where you can and shouldn't ride, but please don't let your enthusiasm/frustration get the best of you.
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@KJG, don't let local officials get you mad. "We've always done it this way" is a standard mantra in these parts, if you haven't figured that out yet. One of the reasons @Roberto is looking to move west.
@Jerry - Your state and town will be in my thoughts and prayers today. Hope that all your friends and family are safe and unscathed
It is hard to see the suffering of all the people who have lost their homes or have damaged homes. The damage is incredible.
Hope I feel better today. I struggled to just get a few miles in yesterday. The Halloween Committee chairwoman really made me angry yesterday with the response to my email. Bicycles, she said, are not allowed in the parade because they fail to keep their "place" in the parade when it stops, and just ride ahead of everyone.At the end of her response she "welcomes" me to get involved with volunteering on the parade committee. I did not take her up on the offer.
@Cynthia - So much fun to read your Florida ride descriptions. Next best thing to being there. I am downloading the Seagull Century info. It would take some planning, and a lot of coaxing to get my family involved next year, but I will give it a try. It seems to be more of an event than a race. Do they encourage, or want riders who might not want to do the whole century? I am thinking about my son. I don't want to plan a vacation without him - he did so enjoy the last trip we took to that region.
Jerry I am really sorry that your ride routes have been so destroyed. Praying for dryer weather. The pictures show the extent of the terrible situation. I understand that Lyons is cut off from everyone else due to road damage. All the best be careful.
@Jerry - Very serious damage. Hope that you find a safe place to ride your bike, like maybe doing laps around your house. Anyone else worried about Roberto?
@Jerry - No wonder why you haven't been IRIR.
@ Cynthia, thanks for sharing those sights and smells!
One of the routes out of Longmont
http://tinyurl.com/m29o46l
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One of my favorite roads to ride on.
http://tinyurl.com/m6feknk
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Guess I won’t be riding here for a couple of days.
http://tinyurl.com/k8rysw4
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Obviously he does not know how to ride a bike in water.
http://tinyurl.com/ktt29zd
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Even after they clear the roads I won’t want to ride up here.
There will be rocks and mudslides for a while.
http://tinyurl.com/n8nkt3e
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The greenway here in Longmont is about 16-18 down.
http://tinyurl.com/lzwvsou
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The path down to the greenway
http://tinyurl.com/mb6p7rm
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Before the water hit the bridge at a low spot on the greenway
http://tinyurl.com/md7h68f
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Lyons, Colorado. One of our routes up to the mountains.
http://tinyurl.com/kqm2zbl
Now here are people who will try to ride in the rain.
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http://tinyurl.com/krk32c4
Here is a photo of one of my favorite roads to ride on.
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http://tinyurl.com/mmcwdb8
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I won't be riding here for a while.
Liking this dry weather we are having in Wisconsin. Hopefully, those of you in the floods, can also dry out now.
Only 18 days left in challenge. and we have over 3 million miles to reach 20 million. It looks like we are going to be a little short, unless we pick up the pace.
@Cynthia, Thank You. No explanation, just "Thanks!"
I am so frustrated. Thanks to being sick, I haven't biked since Saturday, but I was starting to feel better, so decided to do a little 10 mile ride last night. Guess my lungs were not up to the challenge yet, and all day today I have been feeling miserable again. Will I EVER be well enough to finish my Challenge goals?
@Cynthia - It felt like I was in your pannier. Very descriptive! Thank you. Now I have to climb out and stretch my legs.
Sounds like a wonderful and beautiful ride, thank you for sharing it with us!
Tonights 2 wheeled excursion was great! Again tonight, jumping off my commuter wheels and onto my road wheels I set out to get some miles in. No Mom with me tonight.
The only real direction was to traverse the bridge and ride the island with no real route in mind after that. Once over on the island I decided to just do laps around it.
After a very long day at work I just didn't have the energy to be on the mainland roads with traffic. I was tired, dead tired and also hungry. I was in such a rush to get out the door I forgot to grab an energy bar, in fact, I even forgot my water bottle and got a few "blocks" away when I realized it and went back for it.
It was so beautiful seeing the sun hitting the marsh areas and the predusk blue sky waiting over the ocean. The tide was half past full and I could see the wild goats on a small piece of grassy land within the waterway as I pushed to the top of the bridge.
The wind was feirce coming across the islands streets and I willingly choose to ride into the wind instead of putting it at my back, I was thinking quality ride not quantity, thinking that only a few laps would not gain much milage. I stayed steady and strong and kept a comfortable pace riding into the wind instead of pushing against it, for approx 8 miles.
As I reversed my direction for my last lap the half moon had become high in the sky over the ocean and the sun was setting quickly. Not having a light to see with, mine only allows people to see me, I decided to not do the two more laps I was hoping to do and headed back over the bridge to home. There were other cyclists doing what I was doing! In fact there were more cyclists than vehicles.
The traffic was sparse although there were mid September island visitors walking and jogging and I don't know who was grilling or what they were grilling-but it smelled great. I was hungry enough to go invite myself! lol. I guess the fruit, english muffin for breakfast and salad for lunch today just wasn't enough.
Tonights ride netted exactly 20 miles. Not one bit more or less. Came home happy. Cleaned up, had a grilled cheese and some tomatoe soup for dinner.
Just wanted to share. Thanks for letting me!
Ride on with peace "ya'll" tomorrow is a new day.
At least not hurt bad.
@ Tammie, glad you didn't get hurt. Hopefully your bike gets back to you soon.
@Cynthia - If you have a long post, or one that just takes a long time from when you first start, copy it before clicking on the Comment button. (There is a time limit on pending comments) If it is lost, then you can just paste it back. (Its happened to me a few times - very frustrating.)
Well. Almost 5 oclock! can't wait to get home and get an evening training ride in! Wahoo!
If I only I could remember! ha ha
@ Jerry, glad to hear you aren't in danger of being flooded out. Sounds like you won't be able to pick your route, you will just have to go with the flow (or away from it as the case may be).Sorry, couldn't resist, I know the flooding isn't funny.
@Cynthia. Retype. We want to see your posts.
Jerry and Tammie-you just kicked my posts out...can't retrieve them....oh well.
We are safe. Our house is in no danger from the floods.
It is RAINING again.
Time to find new adventures! I have worked so hard to stay at or near the top of the leaderboard of women in Texas.. suddenly 3 women appear days into the month with hundreds of miles.. never seen them through the entire challenge. They are from the same Dallas region.. driving me crazy! LOL How does this happen? You get familiar to the people around you .. fun competition then suddenly the 'strangers' appear. Unnerving. Oh, well, time to jump on the bike for a ride to moms house! Then later this evening a nice city ride with friends for dinner. This is my casual day!
@Tammie. I would love to send some of this rain your way. I heard a little while ago on the news that we have not had this much rain since they started keeping records back in the late 1800's.
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It has stopped raining. But it is just to fool us. It will be raining again soon. And is forecast to continue through Friday. At least.
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No floaties for my new bike. I hope to get out on Saturday, weather permitting. I am not sure where I will ride. So many of the places I ride, the roads are washed away.
LOVE the bike vs car repairs! Unfortunately, the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to pay for both. Have no idea yet what the bike repairs are going to cost but the bike shop did find a road bike for me to use until Black Beauty comes home. I actually cried when I walked out of the shop leaving her there. Rode 20 miles with the group on the loaner yesterday then another 8 miles with friends on my hybrid last night to enjoy our local 9/11 tribute. The flag display around a local small pond/lake is simply beautiful and we rode around it then took a ride around town until after midnight. Feeling much better today.. I can take a deep breath without pain. Glad I still heal quickly. I will be leaving town for work at 3am on monday so it looks like I will be taking a very early morning ride that day! LOL Not going to miss out on those 20 points and have to make them up in miles!! I'm still going to get that diamond!!! Jerry, send that rain down this way PLEASE!!! Not fair keeping it all to yourself. I wonder if bikes work with floaties on them? Have you tried yet?
@ Travis, congrats on Platinum
@ Zdenek Way to make diamond. Not only did you succeed in meeting your goal, you also succeeded in getting a "new" bike and shedding a few pounds. You totally earned the champagne.
@ Burklee, what you said. so true. I hate to think about all the money we spend on car repairs. Could buy a couple of new bikes.
@Michael - Thanks for explaining things for me. I sometimes tend to take things a little to literally, (mostly because it is more fun).
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@Robert - We wondered the same thing last year. And then if you add all of the people who just logged in one ride, that even makes it more perplexing. I think J. Hugh is right about the main reason. Another biggie would be confusion about how to do things or get to things on this website. Since we have been on here for several months, or even from last year, we're pretty comfortable accessing what we want, but if we think back to our first time on Endomondo... (Other, less common scenarios would be forgetting a password, or that you already signed-up, or even testing the system - During the Warm-up, I did see one person who had their name in 3 times. They only used one of the accounts, but my guess is that they were testing things with the other two [it was the same ZIP Code for all three, so it had to be the same person. I didn't think they had the technological expertise to clone themselves.])
Wait till Roberto sees all the fun conversation he has missed. lol
It could be some people signed up for challenge, are still riding but not logging miles. I know a couple people here that signed up and then "unsubscribed" as they didn't want to do it. I don't know why seeing as how they bike 100+ a week anyway, it only takes a moment to log miles.
@Burklee-loved your bike to car comparison.
I figure my gas savings alone come close to paying for the 'extra' operating expenses of bike commuting - bike maintenance (mostly by me), parts, lights, panniers, clothing, shoes. I have a 14 mile round-trip commute. Even though my truck gets decent gas mileage, I figure that a 7-mile one way trip starting with a cold engine is 1/2 gallon of gas, or about a gallon a day. Twenty days/month at 3.75 /gallon is... let's see, put down 1, carry the two... about $75 per month in gas savings. In truth, if I started driving most of the time again, there'd be a lot of other expense, because we reduced to only one vehicle once I started riding full time. Although my spouse doesn't need the truck every day, I wouldn't like stranding her home alone without a vehicle. She's not a 'cyclist', although I keep trying to change that. So, I'd have the capital cost of another car, additional car insurance, and the other wear & tear expense of maintaining a second car.
@J Hugh - He's going to have to explore CO by paddling instead of pedaling.
Micheal G I am sorry, but you are utilitarian, Is that like a unitarian?
Marty I can just see the Mall of America commuter corp.
jerry I hope its just rain, you don't want the flooding part from the pictures that are out.
I wonder if Cycling "Aesop" Roberto took a life jacket and rain gear?
@Marty, you're a hoot! Please allow me to rephrase: "...I am a daily commuter with very little non-commute riding."
@Robert Schultz I would say that there are thousands of reasons, and some of those folks actually rode miles and never recorded them. Some I have talked with say I forgot. Lack of internal motivation lies at the bottom of all the excuses.
Almost ever place I ride around here is flooded, washed away, or closed. It is unreal.
Why would thousands of people sign up for this challenge and then never log a single mile? How hard could it be?
Leave it to Marty.......
@Michael - How do you commute with very little outside riding? Do you live on one side of a place like Mall of America and work on the other?
@Burklee, I'm lucky; my boss is a serious cyclist. I always have someone to talk 'shop' with! The difference between us is that he is a fitness/weekend rider, while I am a daily commuter with very little outside riding. He just bought a new Garmin Edge 510, so I've been getting the lowdown on his new toy.
Burklee --- SO true! All the points you mentioned, plus many many more, all add up to the fact that getting from point A to point B is almost always better when done from a bike vs. a car.
I was thinking about a statement my boss made about someone spending $3000 on a bike. A $3000 bike is most likely new & bike shops often give some sort of lifetime minor adjustment deal with the sale. A $3000 car is used, nuff said about that. We had to replace a tire on our minivan, $145. I replaced a tire on my bike, $30. New bike brake pads, $20 total, front AND back. New car brake pads, I don't even want to think about. Tune-ups for a bike require no diagnostic equipment other than hands & eyes. Cars require computers and someone who can read codes. A new bike can last... well, how long have some of you had yours? With a car, you can get to the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth within 6 to 10 years. Filling up the tank for a bike (your stomach) is a lot more fun than filling up the tank on a car. You know, $3000 for a bike doesn't seem like all that much. :)
Oh. And by the way. Yes, it is still RAINING.
@Zdenek. Congratulations on your Diamond.
@Zdnenek-awesome on catching your diamond. Hope the champagne was delish! Yep, better $$ spent than a doctors visit because of illness from not moving or a car repair which could be just as much or more.
Pedal on with peace and health!
More rain. Flash floods. Jamestown, one of the more popular rides has lost structures.
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http://tinyurl.com/lexl6wq
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This weather is so unusual for Colorado. I don't remember weather like this in my entire life here.
Way to go Zdenek! ...and wouldn't we all prefer to spend our money on bike stuff rather than gasoline?
@Marty-yes, my Mom used to race, in her late 40's early 50's. I only can hope I am as healthy as she is when I am her age. Truly an inspiration.
@Laurie-hope you get progressively better and better!
@Travis-congrats on Platinum!
@Jerry-hate rainy spells! It's like, is it ever going to end? I got to roll! lol
Zdenek you now "Shine bright like a diamond", way to go!
A good reminder, but alas; I'm preaching to the choir!! LOL
AMEN!!
http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2013/09/cars-vs-bikes.html
Pedal On!!
Peace
Congratulations Zdenek! A toast to you - enjoy your champagne!
@ Zdenek: congratulations!
I have just reached diamond level. Wow! It was my dream/wish/target. I will open bottle of champagne. And what about cost? I lost 5 kilos - it is great! I wished it. I spent 600 $ on spare parts - two chains, two tires, pedals, derailleur, sprocket wheels, break blocks..... My bike is nearly new now.
Good chllenge this year! Thanks organizers!
@Jerry - Is it still raining?
Still Raining.
Finally went for my first bike ride since Saturday... I think I overdid it. But it felt good to be back in the saddle anyway.
@Cynthia - Yes, it must be nice to be able to ride with your mother. Didn't you say a few months ago that she used to race?
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@Laurie - Nice job, at your job!
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$Travis - Congratulations!
Great job Travis!!!!!
YAY! Broke into Platinum tonite!
@garmin 800 users What I do is to import the fit file from the import the file section of Endo. It reads my ride as cycling sport and get the data from the garmin correctly. I would say the the elevations on my garmin are always off compared to the data after doing the elevation corrections at the bottom of the page. Elevation can function like a barometer so pressure throws it off.
Garmin importers-you can change the activity on the"save your workout" screen before you save it. There is a drop down menu in the activity description. This eliminates the need to edit.
@Rick- well wishes for the greenways funding! How exciting!
@Rick--I didn't have that problem but I import my data from my Garmin instead of doing it manually. After I import it, I edit it, change it to a sports ride, check the box to include it in statistics and then save.
@Larry and Cynthia - Very nice sentiments.
Tonight after biking home from work, I quick changed into other riding cloths and switched bikes from commuter to road and headed out for a Bike MS training ride with my Mom. It was great! Pushing over the bridge across the island and back over the bridge and circling around town to get as many miles as possible before the sunset. Mom behind me all the way. We rode at about 14.5 mph. It was amazing and I am fortunate to have a Mom who rolls with me. She is a real trooper.
So are we all wondering how Roberto is?
@Laurie-nice job with the coworker. I hope he takes your advice to heart and keeps learning and pedaling! Oh, and feel better soon.
@Larry-sounds like a great ride. I too rode with 911 on my mind this morning and had a moment of reflection. I don't know about anyone else, but, I don't think I will ever forget and it didn't help that I had to write the date all day long at work. All we can do is make today better and move forward. One person and one action at a time.
Just noticed that when I uploaded data for the weekend from my Garmin, Endomondo/NBC didn't credit me with the 20 pts/day for riding. It seems to be a recent problem, but if your points aren't building as fast as you expected, you might look at that as a source of the problem. It may be related to the fact that Endomondo brought the rides in as "running," and I had to change the activity manually, but I would have thought the NBC point processing would have handled that. My workaround was to log an additional 1 mile ride for each of the weekend days. The extra 2 miles isn't going to change my ranking, but getting credit for the days sure makes me feel better.
@Laurie, nice job with the coworker!
@Jerry, Roberto brought the rain to you and left me the knuckleheads behind the wheel to deal with. He owes us...
Today I was driving to work (yes I said I was going to bike but didn't feel well enough yet) and one of my co-workers was biking. He was dressed in brown and tan, and staying on the right shoulder, signaling to turn left into the parking lot. He was lucky I was the car behind him, because I hung back to allow him to turn, where another car probably would not have even noticed him. Once in the parking lot, I caught up to him and commented on several things. 1. that his clothes made him almost invisible, and 2. that when turning left he is much safer in the center of the lane than on the right shoulder. He said he was nervous about moving into the lane, to which I replied, I understand, but it really is safer to make yourself as visible to cars as possible. I hope some of what I said he took to heart, for his own sake and safety.
I wore black from my ankles to my shoulders, out of respect for those who lost their lives, due to the terrorist attacks of 911. A ride of contemplation and also one of soaking up a beautiful, September day, in which I pedaled at a comfortable pace, trying to recover from yesterday. Along the way, I decided, to work with every vehicle, which came up behind me- really going out of my way, to help them get around me. Most of the drivers, waved, or gave a little beep to show appreciation. I even got a Thumbs Up ,which I like much better than the "Finger". All in all, one of the most beautiful rides of the year for me, just to experience the joy of being alive!
@EM - about the license & insurance - of course you don't need it to ride a bike. You obviously need it to use the road. So keep your bike (and your little pedestrian tennis shoes) off the road unless you have a license and insurance. Yeah, it's amazing how some motor vehicle drivers think -- or don't. Too bad we don't have a required brain check before hitting the road. Some motor vehicle operators would never get out of their driveways.
And "I didn't see the cyclist -- because my phone didn't snap a photo and pop it up in front of my text message screen." It's amazing to me how often I see someone looking to turn left onto a roadway from a parking lot with one hand on the wheel and the other holding a phone against his/her ear. Split attention in one of the more risky driving maneuvers.
On a brighter note:.We have another meet-up for the local greenways project tomorrow. Looking forward to the ride before (only 5 miles) and to meeting again and figuring out next steps. We gathered a bunch of ride/walk surveys at the local Farmers' Market last Saturday. Looking forward to seeing the stats from those and our other outreach events. I think our plan is to go to City Council for greenways funding in October.
I think the rain we are having here in Colorado is Roberto's fault. We don't have weather like this in Colorado. This is midwest weather. Roberto must have brought it with him.
@Tammie, Just read about your fall. Hope you are felling better from that. Anytime you hit your head you should get it checked out.
@Tammie. Hope you get your bike fixed soon. I am really fortunate with my bicycle shop. They have a one day turn around time. And a lot of things they will fix whlle our wait. As far as I know they are the only shop around that does this. Most shops have a two day to a two week turn around time.
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Laurie. Get well. Don't overdo it.
So much for getting to ride my bike after my bike after giving up on our camping trip. It is pouring rain outside. Roberto picked a good week to check out Colorado.
@EM They are not in the Vehicle so they don't see the cyclist. What I mean by that is that their mind is somewhere else. Human error is really in most cases a loss of concentration, I know that it is true for me. Did you ever forget how you got somewhere whether on a bike or in a car just because you were not really their mentally? It is so hard to be compassionate for ourselves and others when we are being human and it scares someone.
@Peter, good thing one of you was paying attention!
I finally got to tell about my fine ride this morning except: a Ford Explorer coming from my left and blew the yield sign and tried stopping. I saw him coming and hammered the brakes and slowed enough to continue on behind him by five feet. Heart rate went up, of course. Drive carefully and Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
@ Gregg, great story, & Leonard, you guys just made my day: fly on the dumpster, I'm gonna remember that.
@Gregg, You've heard of being a fly on the wall, I would have liked to have been a fly on the side of that garbage dumpster - dealing with the smell of a garbage dumpster would have been worth it to hear the conversation that surely took place between the officer and the driver :-)
@ Gregg, another driver who seems to think the rules of the road don't apply to her. And they have the nerve to say that everyone who rides a bicycle doesn't follow traffic laws. Sigh.
While riding home from work on A by the Vineyards Bar and Grill that was robbed last week, a car went whizzing by me going at least 60 mph in a 45 speed zone and I didn't have to get her license plate number because the Winnebago County Sheriff was heading south at the time and saw her. She knew he saw her, but tried to sneak into the parking lot of the Vineyards Bar and Grill and hide her car behind the garbage dumpsters. lol After the sheriff turned around he knew she pulled into the parking lot and tried to hide behind the dumpster and he pulled in right behind her. haha. I think she is going to get a double coupon for trying to hide. lol I would have liked to have heard this conversation :)
HI all, yesterday was so crazy that I forgot to report on my ride. I saw a turkey and a snake yesterday. It was just a little snake, a rat snake I think. At any rate I did not see that snakeon the road by the curb today so I assume it is alive and well. Yesterday's other excitment was that I spent two hours as a volunteer counting bicycle and foot traffic at a very busy intersection. Its amazing how, in the midst of all that motor vehicle traffic, you can easily spot the cyclists and people walking/jogging. Just makes you wonder how people can try to use the excuse "I didn't see the cyclist"......
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@ Michael, sounds like you sort of picked your moment to lose your cool (seemingly less threatening with the kids in the back seat). But what I want to know is since when do we need a driver's license and insurance to ride a bike?
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Todays ride was good. I broke 14 mph (which isn't easy with stop and go traffic) and along the way I got a thumbs up from a police officer!! I saw a group of people walking on Clayton Road. They were on their way from St. Charles to the arch in downtown St. Louis to commemorate 9/11. MOMENT OF SILENCE.
MG Glad you survived. Except Marty we all lose it occasionally it seems.
@Tammie - I'm gonna "bright side" you here... You have a new Trek, so your rear derailleur is attached to a derailleur hanger, which attaches to your bike. When you go down hard on your drive side, the hanger breaks away so that you don't end up with a bent frame. Without that detachable hanger, fixing your bike could be much harder, or impossible. I think maybe you ought to take this as a sign from the universe to take a few days off and give your head some time to recover from what really sounds like another concussion. Give yourself a few days to recover while your bike is recovering.
It took me 2-1/2 years, but I finally had a "@Cycling Roberto"-style encounter with a motorist yesterday. I was on my way home from work on a narrow city street. About 1/2 a block from a stop sign, I checked my mirror-saw there was a car behind me but far enough away that I could safely move over-and began to position myself further into the lane. Note that this is a two-way street but has no lane markings. Driver decided he didn't want to be behind me, so he gunned it. We both arrived at the stop sign at the same time, with him about 2 feet from me. I shouted, "Hey, I'm right here!". He shouted back that he wanted to see my drivers license and insurance. I answered back that I had mine, where was his?
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I proceeded forward for another block; he let me go, but stayed a solid 5 feet behind me the whole way. After I proceeded across the next intersection, I dismounted my bike and retrieved my drivers license, car registration and insurance card from my wallet. I held them up as he passed me and shouted, "Here's mine, where's yours?" He stabbed the gas on his lowered rice grinder and nearly blew his coffee-can muffler clean off!
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In hindsight, I know I shouldn't have stopped. If he didn't have two kids in the back seat I certainly would not have pushed the issue. In the heat of the moment of the "you had to be there" situation, hormones, ego and pride push common sense to the bottom of the pile. Thankfully I survived without getting shot and have the opportunity to 'armchair quarterback' the day after. Lesson for us all, I guess: Stick up for what's rightfully yours, but don't push your luck.
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@Tammie, be proud of what you've done this year, take a well deserved rest, and come back stronger when the weather cools (well, relatively so in your neighborhood!).
@Laurie, get better yourself. I had a sinus infection last week; killer on hills!
@Jerry, I've been a camper/backpacker for over 40 years. We can swap lousy stories any time!
@Jerry-gosh, what a bummer for that camping trip! Sounds like you were close to home though which is nice as you didn't have to trek around too much with wet stuff.
Hope your wife feels better soon for whatever is troubling her.
We love to camp too! In fact if anyone is ever in the Myrtle Beach area check out Huntingdon (sp) State Park. Its a beautifully park right next to the ocean and there is lots to do while staying there.
@Karen-Assateague is so beautiful. Next year I am going to do the Seagull Century. The mid point to the ride is on Assateague. Its a great ride!
our local bike shop is so busy busy busy I know it will take a while to get my bike back. they once told me it would take 2 days just to change my tires. I am broken hearted my bike is not quite 3 months old about 1,500 miles on her. I really want to be riding her when I make diamond! A very nice cyclist stopped to help me today He was very very nice! I don't think I could have gotten that out of the spokes myself it was a mess! I had never seen a chain taken apart before either. Always something new to learn.
Tammie check with your local cycling club - their riders may have a bike they could loan you. Some shops will even be nice enough to let you ride a loaner bike while they repair your derailleur hanger. If it is a replaceable hanger the fix should not take long. Another option is to put high pressure road slicks on your hybrid - that will make it roll like a road bike though it will probably still be a bit heavier. Thinking of a few options for ya!
@ Tammie, Don't worry about the diamond. You have already done amazing things and have lotsa bragging rights. Maybe you and your bike both could use a little break. Then you'll both be stronger when you get back to riding.
@ Jerry, bummer about the rain. Hope that delicious dinner you made helped perk you both up and that Karen is feeling better soon.
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@ Laruie, glad you check with the doc and got the medicine you need. Taking a day off here and there is supposed to help restore your muscles etc.
Send the rain our way.. we need it and I can't ride anyway.. my bike broke! The derauiller snapped off while I was riding today. More damage than I thought from my fall last night. Off to the shop tomorrow. Diamond may be out of reach. I may ask about renting a bike if it is anywhere near affordable. I just don't think I can put the miles I need on my hybrid in the limited time I have with the hours I am having to put in for work. Congrats on the diamond.. and sorry about the wet camping.
It feels so strange to be Tuesday night and I still have zero points for the week. Yesterday I finally decided to stop self-diagnosing and medicating, and went to the doctor, where I found out I have a sinus infection. 4 doses of antibiotics later, I am starting to feel human again, and am planning to bike to work, so I'll have at least 15 miles in tomorrow. Maybe I'll be able to stay in the saddle for a while again :)
@Jerry B Your Mother nature just thought you needed a shower before dinner.
I cooked steaks and corn on the cob for dinner tonight on the grill. Planned on eating my our firepit with a nice fire. As soon as I started to pull the food off the grill it started raining. I am soaked. And the grill is only 10' from the door.
@Jerry - We went camping near Assateague Island one year (the place with the wild horses.) Ask me about thunderstorms coming in off the ocean and sand fleas. It was not my best camping trip, but it can make a great story. I thought I was going to have a heart attack - we spent the night sleeping in our car, well not really sleeping.
@Jerry - Sent my best wishes to your wife, Karen. I hope that everything gets better for her soon. Glad to hear that you are not giving up on camping.
With Karen's medical issues right now she cannot do much. I plan, pack, cook, clean, set up, tear down. Usually Karen cooks breakfast and lunch and helps clean. But not this year. We will try again in a week or two. Or we may just go up in the morning, relax, have a fire in the evening, then come home. And do this for 2-4 days.
@Jerry - So, Sorry :( - So much work, and now to have to clean it up. I know how that is. We tent camp also. I do all the packing and the cooking and cleaning up. My husband sets up the tent and makes a fire (sometimes.) We have a place to go were you can take your bikes and ride around too. Sometimes we take a Kayak (my grandfather built it for me before he died. He made it from a kit.)
Karen relaxed while I set up camp. Did I mention we are tent campers. Within an hour of getting everything set up it started to rain. It would start and stop. The next morning we woke up to sunshine. I went down to our house to pick up more firewood as it was chilly up in the mountains and Karen wanted a morning fire also. Five minutes after I got back it started to rain. And rain. And rain. Brought Karen home this morning with some of our stuff so she could get out of the rain and the cold. I went back up to tear down our camp. It was raining even harder when I got up there. I was cold and wet when I got home. All our gear is wet and dirty. It was not a relaxing trip.
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But I least I get to ride my bike now.
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And the bicyclists here are a bunch of wimps. I did not see a single bicyclist when I brought Karen home or on my trip back and down from our camping site. Just because of a little rain. OK. A lot of rain.
@Jerry - I ment I hope you and your wife found time to relax somehow, not you and you bike. tee hee
@Paul - I didn't know that helmets had a shelf life, at least not 3-5 years. I will have to go home and check mine out - I need a good one with a built in visor anyway. We had a lot of bicycle riders out today. It was a humid 80 degrees and sunny. Most smile and try not to laugh when they see the baseball hat, helmet combo, but my nose really does need to stay out of the sun for medical reasons.
@Jerry - Glad you had such a good time on "vacation." ;) I am sure your new bike will make it up to you after a few rides around that pretty lake near your home. I hope that you both got to relax somehow.
We left Sunday for seven days of camping. Both my wife and I needed some time to relax and get away.
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We experienced the "Camping Trip from Hell."
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Rain, more rain, and even more rain. And then even heavier rain. Did I mentioned it rained?
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We came back after two days. I have at least two days of cleaning and drying before everything is put away.
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And I have 19 pages of comments to catch up one.
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At least I get to ride my bike now.
@Jim - Yea, Diamonds!!
I ride an old steel Schwinn so I am declaring today Diamonds and Rust day for me. HA 5009 points
Beware Bicycling dot com its all about the sponsors and what needs to be pushed to sell.
A helmet only helps if it fits and you wear it properly... http://www.bicycling.com/beginners/bike-fit/make-helmet-fit
@ Paul & Burklee, agreed. I plan on getting the new design helmet the next time I need one.
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@ Paul, there can be an advantage to organizing your own ride. When you do the Hilly Hundred in Indiana, they will not even let you pick up your registration packet until you have watched the safety video. As with all good rides, helmets are not optional. And all organized rides need the disclaimer, if you take your helmet off, we are not responsible......
@EM – Thanks for the helmet article. It looks like about the time I’m due for a new helmet, those AIM or MIPS helmets will be more widely available. I’m surprised at the number of helmet industry execs who don’t think the honeycomb design will do any good. Didn’t any of them at least take high school physics and do the “egg test”? (My egg survived!) Also, I’m so very shocked that the government’s willingness to toughen the standards is based on the cost to manufacturers (sarcasm). I’m not willing to pay more for better venting or a helmet that weighs 10 grams less, but I will shell out dollars for a helmet that will reduce my likelihood of concussion.
I think most in here know this already, but some of the new riders may nopt know-helmets DO have an expiration date. As they age, the materials can dry out and become more brittle, reducing their effectiveness in a crash. Look inside your helmet. There will be a manufacturing date. Some helmets put the replacement date as well. usually 3-5 years.
Helmets-can not be stressed enough to never ride without one. And ALWAYS replace a helmet after a crash.
I've worked a lot on charity rides, and fund raising events for various issues. I am at the point where I want to try and start putting on my own events as an organizer And the first fundraising event I do will be for brain injury awareness (an issue that hits close to home for me) and helmets for the under privileged.
@ Marty, I thought it was very well researched. We can only hope that more helmet manufacturers adopt the new research into their helmets and that the prices become reasonable in the process.
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During the ride I did on Saturday I saw two women with their helmets hanging on their handlebars. This was maybe 40 miles into the ride. I assume they thought it was getting too hot so they just took them off. I yelled at them "helmets belong on your heads." If it was too hot for them, they should have stopped riding and called the sag. Its disappointing to see adults who obviously know better behave in a manner that can lead to injury or worse.
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PLEASE RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!!
Words of wisdom Marty, and excellent advice. I am one of those ones that practically need to be chained up when I have an injury. I decided to actually play smaet last week when I had my illness and stay off the bike to let my body recover.
I atill felt a bit weak when I rode Sunday night, but I convinced myself it was the time off the bike. I got caught up in "challenge node" and rode Monday far more than I should have. And that was just the morning ride. Pushed myself to do an afternoon ride as well. All for that pixelated blue ribbon. I now hav a Dr's appointment in 90 minutes to find out why my lungs are so stressed and irritated.
@EM - Thanks for the great article on bicycle helmet research and our helmet's current limitations.
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@Tammie - I would highly recommend that you read EM's article, before you consider riding next. The dangers from concussions is more than just the headache that can last a few days. There is a reason that now NFL football players are subjected to exacting tests before they are allowed to practice again, and that usually, the timeframe is at least a week. There is also a reason that many former players who had concussions won't allow their sons to play football.
I know, stopping your riding for a week runs counter to your strong drive to be the not only the top woman in Texas, but reach Diamond. But think of how much infinitely greater your brain is worth, especially when compared to a small blue pixellated ribbon icon, that disappears the second you leave this page. You've done so much to improve yourself biking in such a short time, I and everyone else on here are quite impressed, and commend you.
But I remember that you rode through your last concussion a month and a half ago, but now having two in such a short time is much more than most football players get.
@Tammie - I was going to mention checking into a crash replacement discount for your helmet; glad to see you've done that. And, I agree that Nite Rider lights are awesome - I use one for commuting, best option I've found for the $$$.
@Tammie-you can still sign up for this MS Ride! lol. Come on along. First leg of it is hills hills and more hills but a lot of fun like you said. The sand hills of NC/SC are pretty but very unique. Then it comes onto flat land and then on to sea level. The ride ends literally at the beach or at least a couple miles from it.
Anyone looking for a new helmet should read this article: http://www.bicycling.com/sites/default/files/uploads/BI-June-13-Helmet.pdf New research on bike helmets.
@ Laurie & Cynthia, congrats on PLATINUMMMMM!!!
@ Tammie, you go girl. You have figured out what works for you and you have to stick with that. Same concept applies to the people who need customized bikes. If its not comfortable, its not fun. And FUN is what its all about!
for really good info on helmets try http://www.helmets.org/
@andrew Dobbs Everything you say is true, but careful shopping gets most of the best for half price of retail.
Tammie...I may be belaboring the obvious...but in Texas, I hope you got a WHITE helmet, and not just because of visibility. ;-)
I know how you feel, Tammie, I have enjoyed migraines for my entire life as well. I could never wear hats either, until my hair started to disappear. My body decided to turn off that migraine trigger in order to save my scalp. I do still notice a difference in my head when I wear a hat or helmet, but it doesn't set things off like it used to.
High end helmets are high priced for the following reasons: more adjustment for fit, strength to weight (less material/same strength), more venting and different materials used. High end helmets use more "exotic" materials than lower end helmets.
Also, a tonne more R&D goes into them and that ain't free! ;-)
@Tammie - Not trying to dis you about the price, love. You gotta get what works for you and won't cause you pain. I don't have that particular problem, so I would balk at that price, but if it keeps you riding and you can afford it, go get it. Take care of your head, and beware the mile-high speed bumps!
I have noticed one improvement that the extra $5 for the Bontrager got me. My previous helmet was a Bell, and the plastic shell was attached only in a few places around the outside. When I would ride fast or in windier conditions, the shell would rattle against the foam. It took me some time to figure out what that annoying noise was. The shell of the Bontrager isn't loose anywhere, so it doesn't rattle at all. It's surprising what a difference that makes.
I really wish I did not have to pay that for a helmet but I am truly prone to headaches. I lived with severe migraines most of my life until about 4 years ago when we found a medicine that works. When I don't have insurance it costs me over $500 per month but I would rather have it than food. I tried on a TON of helmets trying to find one I could wear. I can barely wear a baseball cap without it causing a headache! The GIRO Atomos turned out to be the one that I barely notice I have on my head. It is lightweight and fits. No pressure points in the places that bother me. Bonus... in the Texas heat .. I don't get hot! With all the money I spend on this sport, my mothers favorite statement is " good thing you are working" LOL
@Ray - I'm with you on that $180 helmet price. When I got a new helmet earlier this summer, I was a bit cranky that the $35 Bell had a plastic piece that dug in just at the base of my skull, so that I had to spend $5 more for the Bontrager. It's a comfy helmet, adequate venting, and the red & white colors look great. I've seen the more expensive ones, but can't justify the price if they all meet the same standards.
I agree, NiteRider seems to be a great company. I complained about the poor mount that came with my Solas tail light and they sent me two upgraded mounts free of charge. That fixed the slipping issue on the tilt, but the rotate part is still pretty weak. It also rattles like crazy, but a piece of tape should fix that. I have a MiNewt 600 as well, it is a great light, but I wish it had a lock switch to prevent it from turning itself on when jostling around in the bag. I was caught in the dark without it on Saturday night because it had turned on in the bag at some point during my ride. I was lucky that it didn't melt or potentially start a fire in my bag from the heat the LED generated. My "see me" light was enough to get me home, but those last 20 miles were pretty slow.
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$180 for a helmet? I guess I'm cheap, mine was a third of that price. I have a "good" Giro helmet and a "better" Specialized helmet. The Specialized is lighter and allegedly has improved venting, but I really don't notice any difference in weight or airflow. $180 is a bit more than I want to pay for a "throwaway" item, either due to a crash or age.
Go Tammie-good to know your taking care of yourself. Don't want to get to where you can't ride at all. That would really be sidelining it and frustrating.
I love bike ms-it's always a great time.
@Marty-love that video-the tires are so cool-also loved where he was biking-that would be fun, and loved the back round music as well.
I know there was talk of bike lights here, somewhere. Lol
I've been looking to rig up my young riders with fairly inexpensive lights, and thought I'd share this site here.
For the price of some of these lights on this site I could buy and throw away 6 or so sets before I get near the price of my two lights!!
Anyway............ Here ya go.
http://dx.com/
Pedal On!!
Peace
I remember them coming out with something like the airless tire for cars some time ago. It seems great for Mountain Bikes... what about Road bikes? Would have to have some kind of unbelieveable structure for the small road bike tire. Sure would be great not to have to worry about flats. Had a gal run me off the track yesterday and thought it was going to knock my tire off the rim. Had to stop and check everything. I was soooo ticked off. She was WALKING and suddenly started weaving side to side on the track and nearly ran into me chatting on her phone. I just yelled at her 'pick a side'. The drop off the pavement there was about 3 inches into gravel in lots of weeds .. it was rather scary.
If anyone hasn't seen this new airless, tubeless, nano tire technology, here it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch
I hope it comes out in the next year or two, (and isn't too terribly expensive).
That Bike MS is FUN ... wish I was going on it with you Cynthia! Congrats on the Platinum. Feels great doesn't it to get there? I am still determined to get that diamond. I see the top people on the leaderboard have kicked it in gear! I rode 17 miles yesterday and fell quite a distance! over 25 miles each day barely keeps me in place! AND to really get me aggrivated.. some gal has shown up fro nowhere and is #1 in Texas! I have lived with headaches all my life.. this one is not going to slow me down... much. It doesn't take much to cause me to have a headache. If it gets bad, I will go see my neurologist. I will be on the bike this afternoon with friends but will definitely be taking it easy... just cruising and letting them do all the crazy stuff. I'll watch from the sidelines. I'm not stupid. Tylenol is my friend today. We will be in town so lots of water is available at every corner store. I will be taking monday and tuesday next week off (not by choice!) to go to Dallas for work. will be in withdrawl by wednesday.. still trying to figure out if I will have time to put in a couple miles on monday before I leave! DETERMINATION!!!
Yes, that fall was during the Bike MS on July 20th. I need to learn to stay off the pavement! The dark parking lot covered with speed bumps did not help! I don't know why they have to make those things so darn sharp and HIGH.. almost impossible. My Chrysler 300 can't go over many of them at all. Good thing GIRO has a crash replacement discount program.. that $180 price tag hurts! I have a second one already... I have learned to 'be prepared". Still have the headache this morning and have found quite a few more places that hurt. Feel like I was in a car accident! LOL On a good note.. NiteRider is THE BEST!! My new Lumina 550 light was rattling inside and on rough roads it was driving me CRAZY.. I called them and they are sending me a replacement with an envelope to return the defective light! I LOVE the light. Was riding out in DARK West Texas at night downhill and was comfortable at high speed and able to see the road ahead with this light. You don't feel like you are riding at night.
@LRH-congrads on the Bike MS 156 in that kind of heat! It's going to warm here too. But not that bad!
@Tammie-please take care of yourself. That sounds like a nasty fall. And then you fell and hurt your head not too long ago?
Hi all Did the MS ride last weekend in Pratt Kansas. 100 degree weather but made it both days for a little over 156 miles. Got me up to Platinum level.
Tammie, get that head injury looked at, they actually have a series of tests now. A lady I work with, son just went through it, he got a concussion playing football.
@cynthia - Congratulations on Platinum! And good luck in the Bike MS Ride.
Yahoo! Platinum!
Even though I haven't been chiming in much, I am still keeping up with posts. Just love reading everyone's stories and experiences.
My focus, mental and physical is on my Bike MS ride coming up next in 12 days.
@Tammie - I agree with everyone. Take a few days off, see your doctor, and please be as careful as you can be. That's the second time you've hit your head hard in a little over a month or so. Please make the next one be 30 years from now.
@tammie that sounds like a horrible day. :( I hope you feel better soon. Rest up a bit? Those spills lead to major aches later. You probably know that by now.
@ Tammie, sorry about your spill, take a couple of days off and recover. Get your riding buddies to record some miles for you.
@Tammie - ouch! Agree with Michael; get your helmet replaced. And, I'd suggest stopping by your doctor's office and have them check you out. I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn Express lately, but this does sound like a concussion to me as well. Best to be safe. Take care of yourself!
Gosh, Tammie, sounds like a nasty spill. Hope you feel much better today!
@Tammy...that was quite a ride. Time to take a couple days off...sounds like you had a concussion. I would replace your bike helmet too.
Take care of yourself, Tammie. That sounds like a nasty bump on the head. Remember to keep the rubber side down, just like it says in the bike owner's manual.
You all are giving me a headache or is that from the two.. yes, two falls I took today. The first was just plain stupid.. couldn't get the clip undone fast enough. I was actually stopping to adjust my clips on new shoes and just couldn't get my right foot out fast enough and over I went! Skinned right knee and elbow. Felt like a fool. ... but I did move the clips where they work right for me. Then later I really did it. Going about 12mph in a parking lot hit a speed bump when I was trying to go around the end of it. Really don't remember the fall because I did hit my head.. helmet is really messed up in the back but it is the front of my head that hurts. Lots of bruises and scraped elbow. The worst is the headache and my jaw hurts. I sat on the curb for a while just trying to get my thoughts straight then managed to get the chain back on .. slowly rode around and actually hit a shopping basket!!! ... did not fall.. lucky! That was when I realized how slow I was thinking and reacting. I was waiting on some friends to arrive at the Starbucks so was just riding around.. lucky one got there so I stopped and sat down for the next 2 hours. Terrible headache another hour later.. hope I feel better tomorrow. I did get 17 miles in before the pavement ended my ride for the day. I have to learn to stay off that stuff... it hurts!
@Mr Ed - Someone is selling pictures of the banner in your avatar sans bike for big bucks. I think with your bike and panniers in the picture, it could be worth more.
Klingon? Here you go . . . "neH 3 qamDu' HInob" which of course means, "Just give me 3 feet" somthing I always hope drivers will do.
@Jim. Yes, a number of people (and Klingons - they should, it is their native language) do.
Does anyone speak Klingon.
The only languages I'm fluent in are English and, well, that's it. And even then, there is so much I don't know.
@ Laurie great job!
@ J Hugh, thanks!
OK, I'm done showing off now. English and Spanish are the only languages I'm fluent in, although I can passably read French, Italian, Portuguese, and German.
EM Þú ert mjög klár og á reiðhjóli verður að gera þér betri.
@ Laurie, FANTASTICO!
@ J Hugh: Yeah, at cykle er en fantastisk ide. Det er det bedste jeg ved.
@ Laurie, me alegro tambien. Que cosa buena, cuando es posible hablar y escribir en otras idiomas. Y lo mejor que todo es cuando es posible ir en bicicleta en otras idiomas!!!!
@ EM, la mejor prueba de dominar otro idioma es cuando el dialogo de sus suenos es en el otro idioma. Eso me pasaba durante el tiempo que vivia en Mejico.
Me alegro ver que algunos aqui hablan otros idiomas. Me inspiraron demostrar my propia bilinguismo. A ver quien primero pueda traducir lo que escribi.
Mae hyn yn ymddangos i fod yn llawer o hwyl. Ewch reidio eich beic.
KJG no headaches for fun!
EM Such a multi-talented linguist.
Brad W More creativity, I would have expected polish from you.
RE: COCO, cute, but kids don't try this at home. If they're in love they should care about his brain!!
@ Karen Jean, thanks its what I do! And if you don't think translators are worth their dinero, just back translate what you translated with Google translate. Then you'll understand why the world needs us!
@EM - That is way cool!
@J. Hugh - Thank you for teaching me about google translate. I has been fun, but making me dizzy. Wonderful to talk to such intelligent people! Buenos Noches.
Nej, ikke græsk, men dansk, norsk, og svensk kan jeg godt! Forstår også spansk, tysk, og noget finsk!
@Brad-cute video. Very upbeat. Bicycle songs are great. But, he did some pretty impressive stunts like sitting side saddle and holding on to a moving vehicle.
@brad, that one is cute too. I think Nora Jane both sounds and looks adorable. I love bicycle songs!
yeah, me too Marty. Ale Google Translate pozwala oszukać tak łatwo.
Nora Jane Struthers has a beautiful voice. And another whimsical song from Coco Love Alcorn - http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Brad - At least that is a language that I SHOULD know. (Emphasis added)
Szybciej, szybciej. Jestem prawie na miejscu ...
It's all Greek to me...I think.
Вы люди дают мне головную боль.
Shoot, where's my babelfish when I need it?
@EM Matteson Hvis du kan oversette greske deg på hell
@King Marty I think your greek is fine.
@ Heather, sweet. Think I'll add it to my I tunes if possible!
@ Marty & J Hugh, hvad snakker du om? Jeg taler også fremmed sprog!!!!
Heather -- great video!
Really enjoyed the video as I am working away dreaming of being out riding instead of my desk. Great little tune. Thanks for sharing Heather.
@J Hugh - Τα Ελληνικά μου είναι δεν είναι καλά. Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε?
@Heather - That was nice. Thanks for sharing.
@Heather - It was a very happy, peaceful song.
I am linking a very cute song and video. I can't wait to get a townie like this for commuting and just having fun. http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2013/08/06/209598674/first-watch-nora-jane-struthers-bike-ride
this is one of my favorite sources for learning about cycling. It focuses on urban mostly. http://www.sillycyclists.co.uk/2013/09/episode-47/
@Aeosop Έχετε ένα καλό ταξίδι.
https://ride2recovery.com/event.php
I think that they need volunteers in Newbourgh, NY Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 - Registration is closed now for the Minuteman Challenge - our volunteer coordinator let us know about the need for help there. So all you NBC riders living near that staging area, think about volunteering?
@EM -Aliens?, I think it was hackers. (Marty where were you last evening? ;)
@Roberto - safe trip, enjoy!
@Cynthia - I see Platinum in your future.
@Laurie - Get well soon.
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It looks like we are headed for Philly to help with lunch at the
Minuteman Challenge. If I am lucky enough to get some good photos of the
event, I hope to share them with you all. People in NY. It looks like they need
volunteers and riders for the Ride2Recovery in your state, just in case someone would like to check it out.
Shortest ride of the year, only 15 miles, but I'm flying later to Denver. Didn't want my arms to get tired.
@Tammie-nice on that milage over two days.
I could not access the website either, aliens could really add to the miles! We would not need to go till September 40th. lol
Glad to know I was not the only one unable to access the site yesterday. I still have two days of riding to log in since I couldn't and had to get to work. Did a total of 62 miles between my Saturday and Sunday rides. I will get them added when I get home. Guess they will just have to help us reach that 17 million instead.
@ Heather, 50 miles, WAY TO ROLL!!!
@ Cynthia, yes I seek out those organized rides. I'm secretly a food taster for new cycling snacks. LOL I had an awesome homemade snack at one of the stops on Sat. I could taste peanut butter among other goodies. YUM!
@ Laurie, you are doing great. Keep going you have till Sept. 40th. Maybe you can talk one or two others into adding some extra miles for you.
@ Roberto, enjoy Colorado
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16 million and counting. And when I could not get on this web site yesterday, I was sure it had been abducted by aliens. Maybe we can talk some of them into contributing their miles for the 20 million!!
Could not add my 7 mile commute today. Life got in the way this morning! That's ok though. I plan to make up those 7 miles another time this week. I would have made Platinum today. It will have to be tomorrow.
@Laurie-what you have accomplished is amazing and better than not riding at all. Sounds like you have a lot of positive things happening in your life and this is one of them. Don't forget you do have till September 40th to get your diamond and get better soon.
@Roberto-hope your trip and riding in Colorado is fun!
Ride on with peace all.
@Laurie - Sorry you're sick. So, you can hit Diamond and push us over 20 million at the same time.
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We just broke 16 million miles! (On target for just under 19.)
@Laurie, Take you time and recover, you can always go for your Diamond by September 40th :-)
@Laurie R, get well soon and ride on. Late is better than never. Sorry that you won't get your diamond by the end of Sept.
Good morning everyone :)
I came to the conclusion yesterday that getting Diamond by September 30 is out of my reach this year. Several exciting changes in my life over the past couple of months have cut into my biking time, but I still had hopes of pushing to accomplish this goal. Now I got slammed by a virus and have absolutely no energy for any substantial ride. I will keep biking once I recover and expect to hit 5000 points sometime in October, so it won't be a total wash.
One thing I know for sure: the NBC and all of you have inspired and challenged me to do far more than I ever would have done with only my own motivation :)
@Cynthia, I will be checking out their bike share program. Will most likely also rent a road bike for a day or two, however the rates are kind of pricey. Bike share seems more likely.
Hey NBC'ers! We are close to 16 million miles!
@Roberto-you have a bike to ride there?
Great conversation on here as always. Spending a little time catching up on the weekend posts.
@EM-there are a lot of organized rides where you live. Seems there is always something going on!
Yesterday I got a small 11 mile ride in before having to report to work. This morning I headed out with the bike group. We did a pretty long ride. And you know, I just couldn't get into it or with it. I hate when that happens.
Anyone ever go through that?
Of course I enjoyed the ride and I met some new people who joined us today.
@Heather, keep riding. And thanks.
Off to the Mile High City tomorrow to explore the cycling culture. Side trips planned to Ft Collins (one of 4 Platinum cities rated by the LAB), and Boulder. Looking forward to a week of checking out the scene.
@burklee-the bike kitchen sounds amazing. I wish I could come visit it.
@mike roth-also congrats on your diamond! Big news. :)
@Roberto-that is big news! I don't think I will make it as far as you. I admire that platinum!
PS. I installed my first cateye computer on a bike this week too. Also, changed my first tube. All kinds of new experiences.
I did my second fifty mile ride yesterday. We fared far better than the first, in both stamina and recovery. The only negative was my behind hurt! I need a better chamois. I know, too much information! Anyway, it was a beautiful day and I am looking forward to our first metric ride next month. Also last week, I spent two nights tooling around downtown on my bike with friends. We did all sorts of riding to our college campus and back-down the newly painted bike lane. WOO! Good times.
@Andrea, in lightning, seek shelter.
@Andrea B Way to go. sometimes when you get caught out you have to ride on.
@Marty, better yet would be to fly Sarah Palin over. Get her elected Gov. then she can build a bridge and EVERYONE can ride on over. AND...that should help us hit the 20 mill mark.
Holy cow! I survived the biggest, baddest rain/lightening/thunder storm I have ever been in. The lightening was right above me and the thunder went on and on. It was amazing and very scary, too. 23 miles. I really needed 26 to reach my goal of 100 miles this week, but I think I'd rather be safe. I was soaking wet and muddy by the time I arrived home, but I did it! :-)
@Karen Jean - No problem. I'd be happy to help.
@Marty - Thank you. HA HA! Will I never resist the temptation to post at work when I have a free moment? My attention is always divided - like my brain - the left side of my brain is always trying to kick the right side's butt. You will help me understand learning to use my heart monitor if I get stuck, I hope? And, I think I will let Santa worry about my Christmas list.
Hi all, over to Trenton Illinois to do a DARE ride. Lots of riders participating with everything from 11 miles to 100 mile options. Lots of people with kids doing the 11 mile option. One guy with his son (maybe 12-14 yrs old) doing the 100 miles. It it got hot, temps in the upper 80s by the end of the ride. Personally I went for the metric century, 62 miles. I'll wait until later in the fall when things hopefully cool down and do the Ride the Rivers Century. Kudos to the organizers of todays ride for great snack stops and for setting up rides that families could do together. Also thanks for putting that rest stop right where I had a flat LOL. Too much debris on the road, lots of people with flats today. Also, thanks to the guy who helped me change my flat (I was half done changing it and he just jumped in). ALL IN ALL A GREAT DAY!!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND GET THOSE KIDS RIDING WHEN YOU CAN!
@Paul - Better than me putting the classes on line - Fly me out to your state, (and eventually, back), and I will teach you the class for free.
@Karen Jean - I have full confidence in you that, with a little practice, you will be able to put it on your Christmas list.
Trying to catch up on all the reading. Regarding heart rate monitor. I use one that reports to my bike computer. Very helpful for tracking and monitoring effort. Not quite as accurate as riding with a power meter as some bicyclists, do but those are more expensive. They also have heart rate monitors and receivers that work for those who are runners and bicyclists both. Some are like a watch and then there is special mount if you want to put it on the handlebars of the bike. I do need to refine my HR zones though.
Pre-Grats Roberto on the plat-level. Ian, nice ride description, I had that riding back in the stormy night last Saturday. Enjoy the riding all. Keep turning the wheels.
@Karen. I cannot find the info on finding your max heart rate I was looking for. When I get back from my trip I will try to find it for you.
When a bee stings it leaves its stinger, giving its life for the colony. When a Wasp or hornet sting they do not leave any stinger. The number and kinds of wasps are pretty amazing. After the sting, you can put some tobacco on it, wet with spittle or you can use Mitigator or a sting stick that has Ammonia in it. The importance of quick treatment can not be underestimated for those that are sensitive. I am one of those and living in the wasp capital of the US, it is regular occurrence for me riding in Florida. The tobacco cure is an old native american cure.
@Marty and Jerry - Thanks for the help. I will have to put it on my Christmas List, but I am not confident in my ability to do it properly. It is something to work on for next year.
Jerry, I got a bee sting on my inner thigh. Didn't affect me the way yours did, but day 3 was the worst. Felt like a hard lump under the skin, maybe about double bb size, and took nearly three weeks to go away. Was itchy like a mofo for a week too.
@Jerry, they were here first.
Platinum today. 9000 miles tomorrow.
Marty-put those classes online. I'd sign up. ;-)
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I haven't been properly training. Just riding. In April, when I started riding again, my avg speed on my 15mi loop was low 14mph, and my avg HR was mid-high 80s %max. Now, my avg is breaking 16mph, and my avg hr is mid 70s %max. Resting hr has dropped about 12bpm, and recovery rate time has fallen by about half. Got one big challenge/goal I want to get through this weekend, then I am going to stop obsessing so much over total miles and start focusing more on quality and fitness level, and getting faster and stronger. Going to finally start running again, and get more into threshold training.
I can't believe the bee sting I got yesterday. It only hurt for an hour. And I had a 3" red area from the sting. When I went to bed is was a 6" area. This morning it was 6"x12" and it was hurting. My leg was swollen. I did not realize how bad the swelling was until I took off my bike shorts. I had some deep impressions from the shorts due to the swelling. Those bees need to stay out of our way. They have no business on the road. Roads are for bicycles, not bees.
@Roberto-Congads on Platinum!
I have seen many riders wearing heart rate monitors and have often considered purchasing one. No doubt it is good for getting the most of your workout.
@Karen. I use a heart rate monitor. It has increased my riding speed and also keeps me from overdoing it. But to use it properly you need to determine your max heart rate and your lactate Threshold heart rate. The best way is in a lab. But that is expensive. You can get close by testing on your bike. I will try to find the article that explains how to determine this on your bike on post it later.
Nice 8 mile round trip to this library this morning. 80F with intermittent showers in Appleton, WI.
@Karen - I teach some classes for using a HRM, and also have my Advanced runners use them. I don't have time to read the entire article, but the first part was good. Using charts to get Max is highly inaccurate. My max is 16 higher than the standard chart.
But, resting HR is best done with the fingers and looking at a clock.
Also, I don't like seting a range, as it can get quite annoying, especially if you have to bike in the city. Plus, it won't work for you and your son, since his max is probably about 20 bpm faster than yours, and RHR are different too.
http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/heart-rate-monitor-training-for-cyclists-28838/
@Paul - Took your advice and found a helpful article I wanted to share with all of you.
Hello everyone. Lots to read to catch up! It is amazing how fast one can d top on the leaderboard if you don't do your usual miles every day. Two days and I have only done a total of 5 miles... gasp... the horrors. LOL But I finally got some much needed sleep and have actually eaten too.I still feel like I could sleep for a month and I feel like a slug to top it off. I a, driving 110 miles to a friends tomorrow after I sleep a little and we plan to to ride about 35 miles. It should be nice. It will be quite a workout since there are hills there. Worth the drive. Everyone is hoping the warm weather holds out and I am looking forward to the cool down! Tomorrow is supposed to be low 90's .... See, already cooling down. Still chasing the diamond. Hoping for the 25th... Have a ride that day that takes me by a street named "Diamond" and hope it will be time to take a picture!
HRMs are an indespensible piece of equipment when it cimes to training. And nothing will speed weight loss faster than zonetraining . Make sure to get one with high and low alarms to help you stay in the zone. Goigle heart rate training or zone training for detailed explanations.
@Karen, tons of cyclists use them. All kinds of models available including ones that will show on your bicycle computer. I don't use one myself, but most pros ride with them.
Be seen when you're out riding your bike. http://www.lloydlemons.com/cycling/2013/09/when-you-ride-your-bicycle-ride-it-big.html
Come on 16 million! Marty, how are we looking for 20?
I have been reading a bicycling handbook. Most of the information mirrors everything I have been learning on this site over the course of the Summer. The author does suggest using a heart rate monitor which I have seen a lot of runners utilize, but not many bicyclists. Does anyone use one of these and find it helpful? He says that it would help people improve faster and help them not to overdo. Does anyone have a good model to suggest. I may get one and share it with my son the fledgling runner.
(Man, I have got to learn to lay off of caffeine, I have an early day tomorrow, but I can not seem to go to sleep.)
@Rob, thanks!
@Mike, congrats. I'm lapping.
You go Roberto!!!! Great job.
Congrats Roberto.... Diamond tomorrow for me
Platinum tomorrow
@Marty - Now you can celebrate our efflugent praise. May I recommend the champagne Pepto Bismol concoction. I hear that 2013 has been an exceptionally good year.
Finally in the 60's
Jerry: At least it didn't sting the back of your throat (after it flew into your mouth) while you were riding like a bee did to my wife, Trena, while we were riding the Mopac a couple of years ago.
Marty, you are the man!
Yea! Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzolgy King" Malin. We really count on you. What would we do without you?
What would we do without Marty?
See Marty cleared that right up.
The extension will work provided there is either a) A counterweight to offset it. or b) Scaffolding at least 1/3rd of the way out (in this case, somewhere into early August), to help support the extra months of the unofficial Challenge.
*sprays hairspray into the sky* Come on global warming, give me that good warm riding weather all year around! >_<
@Kevin - it wasn't the rain. It was the lightning potential. I'm a year-round bike commuter here. Icing conditions will move me to alternate modes of transportation - especially after I fell and broke a hip just before Christmas last year. If I can land a tadpole trike, I might not let the ice get in my way either.
I got a plea email from endo the other day about asking to ride more to reach their "quota" for the challenge, so maybe they extended it *shrugs* As long as it stays warm, I can continue to add miles to it =)
@Paul P i understand that the Challenge will officially end on September 30. The totals on your score will continue to increase, but your Challenge period score will remain the same as it end on sept 30. I think I remember that the warm up will then be added back in and the challenge conversation and totals will run through December. This kind of extension was done last year. I do not remember prizes continuing. That means that the over all tracker will account for From Mid February to the end of December, but that will be different from the Challenge. We can see how this works out, and I know that Mr. Know it all, not Bullwinkle the other one, Marty the Burlap King of fizzology will post the appropriately boring engineering take on the rules and how the extension will really work. so don't believe me until King Marty has spoken.
Challenge Period now lists months through December on the Period drop down menu on the leaderboard? Error? Extension?
Just an easy ride today to be tortured by my therapist. Than on the ride home a bee strayed into the greenway and decided to sting me. Ouch.
26.04 Miles today by road bike! Yay no one tried to run me over today!
I am not biking in Africa anytime soon. lol
@Howard-like those colors!
@joe S Who throws their bike at the vehicle?
@howard H very good work and nice look.
@Ian Sounds like the lights on the highway in Close encounters of a Third Kind.
Anyone ever hear of bike rage??
1st time I've heard of it!!
http://sunthisweek.com/2013/08/26/cyclist-charged-felony-bike-rage-incident/
Pedal On!!
Peace
Starting the weekend early. Am in Gettysburg for the Civil War Century tomorrow, am taking the battlefield tour route (via bike) today. It's amazing outside right now, perfect weather to put some rubber to the pavement! :)
@Burklee: Glad to see the picture can be seen this time! :) Yea, I do work for an engineering company. Our division designs emissions devices for trucks and cars.
Ian; Your vivid description of all those varied lights pulsating in darkness conjures terrestrial version visions of a gathering of wondrously bizarre bioluminescent sea creatures. Thanks for sharing the view... And for all subsequent smiles evoked(-: Carpe Diem...Roll on!
@Howard - Very nice. Do you work for an engineering firm?
HI all, out late this morning with a nice breeze and temps in the upper 70s. Lotsa riders. Got yelled at for taking the lane. All I heard was something about "can't ride in the middle..." I yelled back "perfectly legal" but I'm sure nobody heard me. ..
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@ Burklee, congrats on the Bike Kitchen grand opening. Told my kids to stop by if they have a chance. Seems I'm always in Lincoln on the wrong weekends. DARN. Well have fun anyway.
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@ Howard, that worked, nice jerseys!
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@ Ian, the night light ride sounds like a blast.
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MAKE YOUR NEXT RIDE A GREAT ONE!!!!
@Cynthia: I switched the settings for the picture from friends to public, let's see if that does the trick...
@Burklee-good luck with that grand opening.
Back in the saddle again this morning for 45 miles after a 29 mile dinner ride last night. Riding along the silent corn and soybean lined roads in the pitch black is so refreshing. There were not many motor vehicles out, but the ones we did encounter seemed to think we were UFOs. Most cars stopped in their tracks to observe our other-worldly appearance. Every bike on the ride had different types of lights blinking, stobing, and pulsating as we passed through the darkness. Especially good fun on full stomaches.
road dangers we don't have in america
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php.
Old inner tubes are also great for landscaping: Use one with 2 Tee posts to train your new trees to grow straight for the first year after planting.
I'm gonna post this here for the folks who live near Lincoln NE but can't access the Lincoln Bike Challenge page...
Saturday is Lincoln Bike Kitchen's Grand Opening Celebration!. We start at noon with games and races for kids and adults, around 4 we'll fire up the grill with burgers & veggie dogs, and music starts after 6. All day there will be activities, nibbles, a raffle, and FUN!!! Come on over to 1st & Garfield this Saturday, September 7th. We'd love to see you, and introduce you to Lincoln's all-volunteer bike co-op!
@Laurie-enjoyed reading your story and you go girl on that Diamond! You can do it!
@Howard-try to post your picture again. What you did with your work is inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
@Karen-sounds like an easy fix for your brakes. Lots of great information out here.
Thanks Marty and Roberto! Checking out my brakes will be a must do pre-ride chore along with checking the air in the tires. Lizzie sure is getting a workout this Summer, I hope she holds up until I can purchase a new bike. ( My Ironman friends were impressed with my 2,000 plus miles on the bike when I went back to training for swimming this week but I told them that they are twice as fast as I am, and I wouldn't make it under the cutoff time for their race.) Just a note, bicycling gives me an impressive dive off the blocks, and an envious pullout for breaststroke, not to mention a strong kick - thank you Lizzie old girl!
@Karen - thanks for letting me know. Will have to figure out how to post a facebook link here... although I pasted in the full link, it's not coming across that way. Grrrr.... :)
@Laurie - You still have time!
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@Karen Jean - You may have bumped the pads when you put the wheel back on. While spinning the tire, slowly close the brakes. If the rearmost portion of the brake pad touches the rim first, , then the brake pad is most likely vibrating, causing the noise. Rotate the pad a little, so the front of the pad touches first. (You'll want to rotate the front of the pad up a little, but not so that it is touching the tire.)
YAY me! I finally went over 4000 points. Might a Diamond still be in my future?
@Karen, you don't need rear brakes any way. Stop using them. Meanwhile, you can clean the surface of the pads with steel wool.
@Howard - can't see your pictures, sorry dude.
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I wore down my rear tire to the threads and went to purchase a new tire at SMC in Emmaus, the bike repair man was so backed up he could not take the time to install the new tire for me, so off I went with the tire slung around my neck to fix it at home. Since I remembered most of "Army Jay's" tutorial from (2 weeks ago?), It was not too bad to replace it. I also cleaned my bike, but now my brake pads squeeeeelll something awful. Last time I was in the shop, the owner said I could try sanding the surface if they get hard. I think I may try this tomorrow before I decide to buy new pads. I think maybe the dirt on the bike masked the fact that I needed new pads. Any ideas people in the know?
I biked to work today, then after work decided to spend the early evening biking before going home. First stop was at Subway/gas station to get some supper. They didn't have a bike rack anywhere around the building so I took my bike inside. No one said a word about it; if they had I would have gently suggested they get a bike rack for future customers. Got my sandwich, chips, and soda, and then decided that somewhere along the river would be a great place to eat.
A few weeks ago I had stumbled across a bike/walking path along the edge of the river, so went down there. There was a long low dock that extended far out over the water that looked like a perfect picnic site, so I parked my bike and walked out on it. Suddenly there were a bunch of people around. Turns out they were a local rowing club, and they had 2 boats getting ready to race them up and down the river. I chatted with them while they were setting up, and they said I was welcome to take pictures of them racing. Great dinner entertainment!
Another item to add to the list of "things you see from a bike that you'll never get to see from a car". "Smiles"
I definitely will have a group photo in a few weeks with the jersey! :) In the meantime, here's the final proof:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
Been really happy with the support I've been able to muster this year. It really helps that the HR manager and CTO are both avid cyclists :)
@howard H way to go. You get the big gold star. How about a picture of the Jersey. You could post it with your workout or commute and then tell us. Great going.
@ Howard, thats awesome. You'll have to don a jersey and take a pic so we can all see it!
I've been trying to get our cycling community organized at work, and NBC has really been a help. Last year, we had 17 people registered for NBC. This year, we're up to 67 riders. Convinced management to get some gift cards to give out as swag each month, and got them to sign up as sponsors for two local benefit rides. But the best part? We convinced them to get company jerseys this year. They came in today, and they ROCK! Looking forward to seeing several dozen coworkers sporting our logo at a benefit ride in a few weeks...
For all my friends out there that commute. You have a dictionary. http://ht.ly/o93U9
@Rick- you let a little rain stop you? As a native of the PNW (EVERETT, WA) I never let rain slow me down and now that I live in the land of Frozen Tundra only snow/ice on the roads/trail stop me from riding.
@Dwain you are thinking too big.
@Capt Comp Try low of 74 humidity 100% high rising to 94 degrees humidity 85% From June to mid October. Average 10am temp 85 with 95% humidity.
@Paul ride your bike not people
@J Hugh Thanks for the clarification about Northfield and Northfield Falls population. I understand they gave more points to small towns to make it competitive, but I think the formula must be a little off. Next year I will have to start a new town and have a population of 50!!
Humidity? I couldn't imagine riding without it!
The points system def. favors smaller communities when larger communities fail to get the proportionate amount of riders.
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@ Marty-I have enough dixie cups leftover from the marathon tu supply each resident of Dixie with about 100 cups each. Got to meet Dean and Tyler. Missed Julie.
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And my riding the last 10 days has been nearly non-existent. Finally getting back to normal feeling.
@J Hugh - There is that weather thing. Of course, we also say bad things about the weather guy when it's 90+ with humidity above 60% in the summer. Love you, J!! Now, go have a croissant for me.
@Burklee CC VFunny. The challenge is on the opposite schedule to the Florida Weather. Image if the NBC was say from November to the end of March. Those 70 degree days, dry season conditions and nights in the 50's here in Florida might be an advantage over the ice, snow, sleet, cold, even colder, stupidly cold and frozen of Nebraska. Just like the heat and humidity of Florida, are an advantage for the icy north when the summer time comes to Florida. So ride on Nebraska, the ice is coming. South texas, Florida, Southern AZ and So cal will be riding while your scrapping, shoveling, and saying bad things about the weather guy or gal.
A blatant request for support. My company's volunteer grant program is holding a "Volunteer Champions Challenge" contest. The prize is $1000 for the non-profit or eligible governmental entity of the winning entrant's choice. As I posted a few days ago, several of us are working to get the first greenway (also called 'bike boulevard') established in one of the residential areas of Federal Way. This first one would link people to schools, parks, and shopping along a route with signs and pavement markings indicating its shared usage by bikes, pedestrians and cars. If you are so inclined to support our cause, please go to the WYmakingWAVES page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/WYMakingWAVES, find the posting from Brent Frandsen that includes the Federal Way Biking video, and 'Like' it. The posting with the most "Likes" by 9/18 wins the grant. And you may find the post in one of two places on the page. "LIke" either one and your vote will count. The grant could help us make progress toward making our community more "friendly" to human powered transportation. And thanks.
Oooops...derned typos.
@Cynthia - They do. And your description of your IRIR made me wish I had had a bike to ride all those times we visited relatives in Mississippi when I was a kid. Not too hilly where my grandparents lived, lots of trees & wildlife. Crazy drivers there, though. Some of whom are my relatives.
@Burklee-I will have to remember to save old tubes to repurpose. Darn, threw one away the other day....great idea. I bet they work well.
Yeah, yeah, you could cut some of the rope to tie up the rope, but you get my drift. It's repurposeable.
@Rick - Don't toss that tube! They're great for tying up stuff you've got to store in the garage (rope, electrical cord, garden hose). You can also cut it up and make small rubber bands for the same use on smaller items.
@J Hugh - So the NBC was designed for Nebraska to be a heavy hitter? That's a pretty big surprise to me. I was as shocked as anyone that we finished so well last year. I suspect a wee bit of jealousy that Florida is only 31st, dear man. :)
A great ride up into the foothills. A nice overcast day. Beautiful scenery while riding along the river.
I have to get picked up once in while. However, the other evening I rode down to the grocery store after work and of course as always it just poured down rain at 5pm. I got down there ok although a slight bit wet. I had a ride from the store to home but I opted to bicycle home even though it was still raining. Not to hard by that time. I was so glad I did, it was one of the prettiest rain falls I have ever seen. It was gentle and slow with the sun illuminating the rain fall through the pines. I was looking for a rainbow (didn't see one) and feeling that it was somewhat comforting and unique to be out riding and witnessing this very beautiful part of nature. I felt alive and free and all I could do was smile inside and out.
@ Rick. I find that trying to make a tube last forever is not possible. They fail at the stem. Little bitty dry rot cracks. And you did mean that you recycled your tube, I know you did. Do not blame the tools, they did not do anything wrong. You live in the Pacific northwest, I thought you folks had webbed finger and toes from all the rain. Never blame not riding on saving your wife from something. It sounds funny. Better luck on the weather tomorrow.
@ Dwayne L what Marty is trying to say is that the contest is rigged. It was suppose to help Wisconsin and Nebraska battle it out for the states and the little cities would get the rights to the crowns of Glory, but nobody thought about the unintended consequence of the whole formula. More miles does not win. Fewer miles by fewer people from tiny little villages where the main attaction is a cross roads wins for towns and cities. Marty will now try to explain this again, just remember he is from Wisconsin.
@Dwain - It is easy to get Northfield and Northfield Falls mixed up. Northfield, VT has a population of just over 6,000. Northfield Falls, VT, which is just NE of Northfield, has a much smaller population. For this Challenge, the calculation comes out to 80. And Dixie's population comes out to 160. (At least not too many people mistake Dixie and Dixie Cup.)
One more reason to never ride without a spare tube. Was getting ready to leave work yesterday afternoon and decided to top of the tires - we have a floor pump in the bike 'garage.' Front tire - done. Rear - when I attached the pump, I started hearing a hiss. Turned out it was a leak where the valve stem joins the tube. Not patchable. I did have a spare tube, and 20 minutes later I was on my way home. Darn Topeak levers aren't quite as easy to use as my other sets. I just use levers to start removal, not to install. Trashed the bad tube and put a new one in my seat bag when I got home.
No ride today, although I could have ridden in the drizzle that followed the thunderstorm early this morning. More severe storms predicted for this afternoon, so I drove and saved my wife the likely chore of picking me up at work in a thunderstorm.
Could someone explain something to me? I was looking at the community leaders Northfield VT and Dixie WA. Northfield has 2 riders and 2300+ points and Dixie 4 riders and 3800+ points. The population of Northfield is 6,000+ and Dixie is 197 according to the 2010 census. Therefore, how can Northfield be ranked ahead of Dixie? It doesn't make mathematical sense. Help me understand.
Yep 25 days left! of challenge! Right now it's more like temps we would have in July here, and our July temps were like September. What gives?
thanks for the motivation J Hugh.
@Miguel - Welcome back! (You have the only 1/2 set of wheels that makes me hungry.)
Wha, huh? Oh, thanks Laurie. I guess I must have fallen asleep on the keyboard.
HEY WAKE UP YOU GUYS, WE STILL HAVE SOME CHALLENGE LEFT! LOL Got my ride in this morning to beat the heat, but despite the forecast, they saved the real weather for this afternoon (80+). Got stopped by 2 guys in a pickup truck asking for directions. When they left one of them told me to "BE CAREFUL" I thought well, it might be safer with less pickups on the road. HA HA.
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@ David, too bad you didn't catch that on film. What a great sight.
RE: Pee Wee Peddlars, we used to call them "Mighty Mites" in our bike club. But whatever we call them we could maybe have a family challenge category where you get bonus points for riding with kids, say age 12 and under??
RIDE ON AND BE CAREFUL!!!
With today's ride I am at 9,010 for the year. Still a chance for a 13K year.
@wronghat Love the snake. Coyotes really good shot of skittery beasts. Even if it not the same day.
25 more full days left, and the rest of today. i like to move it, move it. How about you? http://www.youtube.com/watch
"Pokes Marty to get him to stop snoring"
well I'm back in the saddle after taking the summer off to soar in life.
zzzzzzzzzzzz....zzzzz
It is very quiet-everyone is winding down....lol.
Hey Burklee, guess you didn't see me over here in the corner chillaxing... lol
Awfully quiet here today.
You know, what a great idea to promote a kid NBC. Like an invitational challenge and what kid doesn't like that?
I used to ride my bike to school.....I loved it!
Next year I plan to promote the NBC better too.
well since you mentioned "pee wee peddlers"; highlight of the commute today, besides the Fantastic Boston weather, was a dad with two little ones on bikes. 4 and 5 years old? tiny bikes with training wheels. They are on the side walk, approaching a small cement barrier (sign says sidewalk closed) and the bigger of the two leaps off his bike, runs to the barrier, and in a pretty sweet move goes belly on, leg on, then over the barrier. It was so perfect (although in the movie version he'll shoulder the bike), I assume dad does cyclocross.
@Karen, how about working on the local school district to get them to demand safe bicycle lanes so the students can ride their bicycles to school? Until the community invests in some safe infrastructure for cycling, promoting the sport to children seems like child abuse.
I have been thinking about how the NBC could appeal to more people under 18, or if they could have a "challenge" designed just for them. Just a thought NBC. How about promoting an alternative "kidcentric" challenge just for the "pee wee peddlers?"
Do ya Harlem Shake!!!
If we had everyone who rides a bike in the U.S. in this Challenge, we would reach more than double our 20 million mile goal on the first day, and it would probably take about 2 months for all of those rides on the first day to be updated.
@ Wrong hat, love the pics
@ Rick, a table at the bike swap, what a great idea. Maybe if I volunteer for the next winter one (I'l be out of town for the Sept. one) I can hand out fliers or somehow promote the NBC. Missouri has tons of riders, somehow the message just isn't getting there.
Yeah, I'll do without the snake @Wrong Hat
Regarding the path to 20 million miles. It's a shame we in Washington state haven't been able to recruit more riders into the NBC. So far, it's 657 registered (525 logging trips) for a little over 340,000 miles. But in May alone, 12,959 riders in King & SNohomish counties alone logged a total of 1.73 million miles in the annual Commute Challenge. These were commute miles ONLY - and taking the long way around instead of the direct route didn't count for added mileage. Then there was the STP, in which over half of the 10,000 riders were probably from WA. Assuming 5000 Washington riders for the 200 mile trip makes another million miles. I tried outreach this year, and I'll try again next year. I'll be more aggressive during the Commute Challenge and other events. Maybe a table at the Bike Swap meet next February or March. A national goal of 20 million miles should be an easy mark.
@Wrong Hat - Thank you for the pictures. Would rather see an elephant any day rather than a snake. You gentlemen sure do like snakes. lol
@Roberto. Enjoyed the article about you.
Whoops--only 6,7 and 8 are today--the others are earlier.
Pictures from today's ride along the Bosque trail in Albuquerque.
https://plus.google.com/photos/107958363890844650543/albums/5841944510774579809/5919857534746017122
@ Roberto - Great day to ride, Yes!
Thanks all for the kind words. Great to have an opportunity to share my story and that news of a potentially disabling disease doesn't have to mean it's the end of life as you know it.
Got in a calming 40 miles of brilliant sunshine.
I know a lot of you like ice cream. My favorite after hot ride bike treat is mango or lime Italian ice - YUMMMMY!
Hi all, out late this morning. Temps. in the low to mid 80s and a bit of wind, but it was still cool in the shade.
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@ Roberto, nice profile.
@ Rob, congrats on the platinum
@ Ian, yes to Ice cream, or in the St. Louis area frozen custard!
Way to go Rob on achieving platimum. Ian, I've got to second you on your sentiments - for me no better combination than biking and ice cream.
Back in the saddle again today for 46.8 miles. We had a fantastic time over the weekend in Greene County, Ohio at the 2013 Midwest Tandem Rally. We rode both ice cream routes on Friday night for 17 miles, 50 miles on the Saturday route, 62 miles on the Sunday route, and stretched out the breakfast route to Young's Jersey Dairy on Monday morning for 37 miles. Cycling is always awesome, but riding with 350 tandems, tripples, quads and a quint is pure heaven. Lots of good roads with plenty of rollers and hills. The trail system is awesome in Ohio also.
Guess what day it is. Yes it's hump day but it's also the day I just made platinum. WooWoo.... :-)
@Dan Donahue-if I still lived up in Frederick I would so be doing the DC Metro Challenge.
@Marty-thanks!
Picture sharing has been enjoyed much. Like Laurie said, life is so much better when seen from a bicycle.
@Cynthia - If you believe one New York newspaper, in-state rivals North and South Carolina are doing pretty good in the Challenge. South Carolina is currently in 23rd place, and coincidently should finish with about 230,000 miles. North Carolina, will finish with about 210,000 miles, and is currently one spot behind Missouri, in 37th place.
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This is one time I wish I were on Facebook, because I'm missing out on some good pictures.
@Roberto-your profile was awesome. Enjoyed reading it and more about you and why you ride. Health is our greatest asset! Thanks for sharing pictures too!
@Laurie-couldn't access your pics.
@Marty-where is North Carolina in the standings? I think South Carolina is doing pretty good, yes?
I just did some calculating for myself and I will just make Platinum this year probably by over by a couple hundred points. That doesn't include 2 days for riding for Bike MS the 3rd week in September. 20 points for each of those two days and 130 miles to log if I complete the whole course. Wahoo!
@Roberto - Thank you for sharing your story. Some of your pictures look familiar. I am thinking around Longswamp and Alburtis?
@Carl BMX - You pictures are especially interesting ones!
All Washington DC Metro area Challenge riders (both clubs and solo pedalers) are invited to come out to boost your September mileage figures. Oxon Hill Bike & Trail club's annual century ride event: The Indian Head 100 is being held Sunday, Sept 8th. Routes of 16, 29, 43, 60, and 100 miles are available. Weather predictions for Southern Md for Sunday look wonderful. I assisted w/ route marking and can attest that the 43, 60, and 100 mile routes are truely beautiful. Early registration has passed, but you can still sign up at ohbike.memberlodge.org. Cost is $30 on-line. Walk-up registration at the event is $40.
Great pictures everyone! The world looks so much better from a bike than from a car :)
MS150 City to Shore pictures of my bikes... lol yeah I did the MS150 3 years now on a BMX. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/
hmm https://www.facebook.com/media/set/
From about 3 years worth of riding. Wish I cared more to take pictures beforehand.
OK, since we're sharing pictures... https://www.facebook.com/brad.waldoch.3/media_set
yes David I am in Texas fighting the heat and wind and working 12 hour shifts. I work 1-9 hour shift and 3 12 hour shifts every week... all nights! I am perpetually exhausted... and I ride every day. I have only missed two days since the challenge began due to a back injury. I rode even when it hurt. Wind= hills here! I am in where texas where it is flat. I have to drive at least 60 to 100 miles to find any real changes in elevation.
@Laurie - Sure, you'd be out of a job, but we would keep Nebraska, and now Missouri at bay, and you would have enough time to get your Diamond! How's that for a solution?
My favorite quote is, "If Burlap chafes, make chafing dishes."
@Laurie, you inspired me to share some of my photos too:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.rescheske/media_set
@ Laurie, lovely photos. Maybe we should make that SILK BURLAP for the over 4000 crowd, just plain BURLAP for the under 500 crowd and say JUTE BURLAP for the 501-3999 group.
@ Marty -- Burlap chafes. I prefer Diamonds :D
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Like your idea about recruiting the kids and their parents though..... but if they all biked to school, I'd be out of a job :(
@ Marty, great idea. I think everyone who rides and takes the time to log their miles for the NBC should get at least BURLAP for their efforts!
@Laurie - I was going to send you a special message that if you now aren't going for Diamond, at least try for Burlap. (Say, maybe 4,747?) How was the first day bussing the kiddies? Don't forget that you have a captive audience, so you could work on your NBC speech with them, convincing them and their parents to join. They could form a team, "Tikes on Trikes", or Tikes - Wisconsin on Training Wheels" (TnT or TWTW for short)
@ Marty, I think I missed the memo :(
@EM - Thanks for the heads up. I've just informed everyone in Wisconsin to batten down their hatches, in case Missouri goes speeding by.
@Karen Jean - A few other numbers to throw at you, to give you an idea of the task at hand.
Even though 125+/156+ miles for September (see 4 hours ago), appears easy, here are the averages per month for the 1st 4 months for PA. 100.6/124.89, and daily, its 3.27/4.06. So, basically you would all have to ride about 25% more in September than you averaged the 1st 4 months to reach 1.5 million.
There are quite a few riders from every state, including PA, who have only logged 1 or 2 rides. It would be interesting if the organizers would contact a number of them and find out why they stopped logging rides.
Look out everyone, Missouri is up to 29th place for the month (we have been at 34-35 for most of the challenge) !!
@ Matt, yeah we have hills all right. I can't go anywhere from my house without going up then down or down then up. LOL!
@Rob - You're welcome.
@David - Does it count if one works 12 hours at a ferris wheel?
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Tammie , who just posted on the previous page, works long hours, and is in TX.
Who all works a 12 hour rotating shift? This makes it really hard to keep my miles up. How many riders are from Texas and riding in this heat and 30 MPH southern wind every day?
@ Roberto Hey nice! Interesting coming to know you better through the profile. See you on down the road :)
Very flattered that I was selected to share my story by the League. Thank you for the opportunity:
http://www.bikeleague.org/content/challenge-profile-rob-erbeau
PS, Shawn, if its hills you want, don't take Grant's Trail. LOL
@ Shawn, plenty of rides in the greater St. Louis area, come on over. Check out the Trailnet website for some ideas: http://www.trailnet.org/events
@ EM Matteson
was out your way two summers ago. Stayed down around Meramec State Park to your southwest. Pretty countryside but the hills just didn't stop :)
Hi everyone, got back from my ride today and logged in. Then a friend called and wanted, guess what? To go for a ride. So yep, I was out there for a second time, but it was a leisurely cruize down Grant's Trail this time, so a few extra miles for the cause. We are now up to 34,000+ riders, still short of the goal. So don't be afraid to get your riding buddies to add their miles. And if anybody from Bicycling Magazine is reading this, how can you let your community be bicycle unfriendly??
Hi, Marty. Thanks for the statistical reflections. I am still cautiously optimisitic, but I know it is a long shot. For pespective, though, we still improved over last year at the four month mark (weren't we around 12 million + last year?). Regardless, I am still psyched about my small college (Ripon) having more mileage that two states--AL & ND. Keep riding and logging!
Only 753 points away from diamond! That 36 mile late night ride last night was really nice and got me that much closer and to top it off NO WIND! LOL Really enjoyed the stars so far out of town and the roads we were on were quiet and sooo smooth... going to have to do that one again.
I will make platinum tomorrow, yeaaaaa. Diamond 1st or second week in December at my current pace.
I am feeling so unmotivated. It's starting to look like I won't make Diamond after all.
@Aeosop pick up the pace i'm 302 ahead now.
@Marty - I thought we would have to do a lot more miles! Thanks. (I am writing posts while I am suppose to be doing art work for the library - why all the mistakes - I think I should concentrate on work now.) Let's all get riding tomorrow!- Two more miles until I reach 2,000 since May. I think after work I will cruise around the neighborhood.
Thanks for cipherin' Marty!
213 points to platinum.
@Burklee - We can break 20 million, but we have to get a lot more people logging in miles than we have, in order to do it. Right now, we are on pace to get right about 19 million - still a great accomplishment!
If we achieve 20 million or not I think is somewhat immaterial. The big point is that we are racking up miles and points at well over 20% more per day that we had last year. The goal may have been a little high, but if we would have only had a goal of 15 or 16 or even 17 million, it wouldn't have been a Challenge. With the 20 million goal, we've accomplished more.
@Karen Jean - Surprisingly not much. Assuming the good folks of Pennsylvania reach 1.149 million by tonight, you only need to each do 125.94 miles, or 4.67 miles per day. (But that is counting in the ones who don't have any miles logged yet. If one only counted those who've logged at least one ride, those numbers become 156.35, and 5.79.) p.s. The Harley-Davidson bikers have really helped our state's totals.
@Marty - how many miles would each person in the NBC from PA have to do by September for PA to reach 1.5million? (Remember you have all those Trek and Harley-Davidson Employees working for your states points.) :)
Rode my bike to therapy today. Then I rode straight home. Sort of. Or maybe I did not.
But Marty, the question is, can we ALL break 20 million? Gonna be tough... 4.7 million in 28 days.
Wisconsin just broke the 3,000,000 mile mark, and will be the only state to break not only 3, but also 2 million, (and even 1.5 million), for this year's Challenge.
The only other state that has broken 1 million is Pennsylvania (currently at 1.146 million), but they won't reach 1.5 before the end of the month. Nebraska is set to break 1 in about a week or so, and Ohio will reach that milestone in about 2 or 3 weeks.
(Forgive me if I missed any other high mileage states.)
@Roberto - Sorry for the error in bike knowledge, Sigh! You can't fight Borough Hall :(
Afraid I am Dutch, however. We don't all say that. I know you were not talking about me though.
@Karen, those kids aren't on fixie bikes; they're on BMX bikes. And yes, there's a huge difference. Welcome to Emmaus! Forget about why they won't let you. Notice the complete lack of bike racks almost everywhere. And again, the absent bike lanes. Nope, the reason isn't as visible as kids on skateboards. Remember the saying in Emmaus, if you're not Dutch, you're not much. Tractors and muscle cars, yes; bicycles, not so much.
@Cynthia - That's the NE for you! I should just crash their party and see what the cops do, but I am not as brave as J. Hugh.
Hello NBC - still hearing about people having trouble getting miles/points logged from devices - resulting in having to delete to add manually. If not caught, miles don't get included. Doesn't really bother me, but if Endomondo fixes this, it's more likely the 20M milestone is reached. . .
Gosh-everyone needs to just relax. I guess when I think of parades I think of floats, cars, golf carts and bicycles. The world has just become to complicated. lol
I need to go ride in STL, its not far from me at all. I hear its a great place to ride...
@Cynthia - I e-mailed the chairwoman of the Halloween Parade earlier today. I included some of the objections you all have mentioned here. The only thing I can think of is that they are afraid of the young fixie riders and skateboarders: worried that they would ride around without lights and ride into the crowd lining the parade route. I noted that they could put up restrictions such as lights and an age limit to make it safe. They include large dogs, antique tractors and tripped-up cars in the parade already. I should mention I have encountered fixie riders doing tricks off the Borough Hall Building steps and asked them if they weren't worried about getting into trouble as the police station is around the corner. The boys are usually nice to me, but on this occasion they didn't seem to care to discuss it. Perhaps it is a problem for the town, but nothing that can't be addressed.
HI all, Good weather continuing here in the greater St. Louis area today so I got in a noontime ride. A little windy but not too much traffic. At one stop sign I was sure the driver wasn't going to notice me, so I waved and yelled HELLO since he had his window rolled down.
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@ Paul, happy birthday. Where is it you teach again? I think I'll sign up for your class. Cookies sound good. LOL
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@ Karen Jean, I think there is a consensus here that Bicycling Magazine should be backing you up on getting bicycles in the parade.
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Rick is right, none of us can do thia alone. Thanks to all the NBC promoters out there for helping to make it happen.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
25.99 miles done by road bike. Found a new route which I like more. Lots of steep hills, yay! =)
Don't worry Jim. There's always next month! And if you win it then, you should have some of it in time for Halloween TP-ing fun!
I've been out of touch and off the bike since my ride home Thursday afternoon. Was a 4-day, butt-bustin', daily-grinding, "git-'er-done" kinda weekend around the house. Gonna try and put a For Sale sign on it in spring, and the time has come to catch up on the 'to-do' list. Felt good to get back in the saddle this morning, but that lowly Platinum by Sept. 30 may be out of reach at this point. Out of town for the next two days on business doesn't help the cause. Hope all has been well with everyone on the Board over the holiday weekend.
A colleague of mine won a bike light. It's almost as good as if I had won it, since I'm the one who's been promoting the NBC at work. This is a team event, after all. None of us will log 20 million miles on our own --- except perhaps CR. Keep'em rollin', and rollin' safe.
Crap - Didn't win the toilet paper
@Cynthia, I've been asking that question for a decade! Same story with Organic Gardening, yet the Emmaus Farmer's Market has zero certified organic producers and there are zero vegetarian restaurants in the entire Lehigh Valley, let alone Emmaus. We don't even have a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's in the third largest city in PA.
Happy Birthday Professor!
How is it that Bicycling Magazine is based in Emmaus and there is no cycling support?
Hey, hey...what a way to start my birthday...to learn I won a membership to Better World Club (of course, I have to figure out what that means ;-) )! Now if I can get a ride in later in the day, it may be just about perfect. (And my students should enjoy the cookies I baked for them...I am both a baking and biking professor.) Happy riding everyone! On to 20 million!
Cool mornings. Loving it. Kids are in school after 9 too.
@Karen, it's Emmaus. What did you expect? Note the total lack of cycling lanes or paths (even though the town is home to Bicycling Magazine). Note the warning to parents against allowing their children to ride their bikes to school. Talk about a town of hypocrites. Let's make money off cycling, but do next to NOTHING to make Emmaus bicycle friendly.
@KJG-how can you have a parade without bicycles? I agree Rob-be the change....isn't it a fun thing to decorate bikes and put in parades?
@Laurie, I drove school bus for over 10 years before retiring. Just be firm and consistent and treat the children with respect. Enjoy the ride and the 2 wheel ride will be better.
Karen Jean - be the change you want to see! Ask them if they will allow the rules to be changed, or what it would take to change it. Good luck!
@ Karen Jean, maybe a little protest is in order. Why not bikes, they can't be more dangerous then cars.
A little disappointed this morning, after reading in our Emmaus newsletter, I found out that bicycles are not allowed in our Halloween Parade accept on a float. Rats!
@Laurie-good luck and hope it isn't too bad. At least you can look forward to a bike ride for distressing.
@KJG-that post was neat. However, I wanted to see how he got off the bike and into his tree house and visa versa.
@Ahhh back in the saddle again missed it so much!
Deep breaths..... start a new job today driving a school bus. I am quite sure I'll be needing a VERY long ride this evening after dealing with all those kids for hours :)
KJG Marty was the consulting engineer. While GPS doesnot work, an old fashioned magnet type does.
@ Karen Jean, does he count miles? Its outdoor cycling. Maybe by revolutions of the wheel. LOL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch
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@Marty - Don't you wish you thought of this idea?
Diana Nyad - 65 year old former Olympic swimmer swam from Cuba to the Florida Keys - she made it on her 4th try. Cold, jelly fish stings and other dangers stopped previous attempts. She made it this time. First without a shark cage, and at 65 years of age. Now, that's a swimmer! Maybe we can all do an extra mile or two on our bikes tomorrow remembering her determination.
Absolutely gorgeous day today: not too hot, not too windy, and not too crowded for a ride from Creve Coeur Lake over to the Katy Trail for a late afternoon lunch in St. Charles. Maybe fall is coming (knock on wood).
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@ Heather, congrats on making 800. You have been doing some good distances during this challenge. Thirty-five for ice cream is absolutely a big deal. And consider that you have made other people aware of the challenge and inspired other people to get out and ride, so in a way you can take credit for the miles of those other riders. Ride on SISTA!!!
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@ Benny, sorry to hear of the problems recording the miles. Its wonderful that people have been inspired to ride more often by getting those daily points. That is one of the goals of the challenge, and its fantastic that you are using it was a way to push for more bike friendly conditions in your area. Keep up the good work!
'll set up both cameras to get some "same ride/same time/side-by-side" footage for comparison. (not that anyone is likely to run out and buy a Contour-although I would if the discount was deep enough).
Want to add-the image was far more stable than my Contour recorded. Speking comparatively form handlebar mounted footage. The gopro mounts seem tyo be more stable, and more forgiving than contour's. But Contour's was more of an "out of the way/more unobtusive" system which may be the reason for the differences.
@Peter, get a Mowercycle. No kidding, Google it.
Initial thoughts on the GoPro-I am impressed with the features and picture. My first exp. w/GoPro. I have a Contour+ and I really like the form factor of Contours. That was actually the main thing that turned me off to gopro.
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I've been in the market for a second camera, and really like contour. But I checked out gopro while researching, and the new Garmin VIRB, but I am always leary of first gen tech. I walked into a surf shop yesterday, and they had the contour+2 camera marked down to 1/2 price. That was when I found out that Contour went bankrupt. So I opted for the gopro. They seem to be the dominant force in the market, so I figured it was time to jump on that ship.
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The wifi is a nice feature. Very nice. I like the app as well, from what I have seen so far. Haven't tried the remote ability of the app yet, but it was nice to have it a display to set the camera right. I'll get my vids up on youtube soon. First take and unedited at default settings. I bought the black edition, so I got the wifi remote with it. Not sure yet if that will be a better option on the bike. One more think to take up alrerady limited resources on the handlebars, and that brings up the next issue...
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Battery. I got just under an hour out of it. It was on it's first full charge, and I forgot to turn wifi off, so it was on for the entire run. I didn't take battery life into consideration, as you can add a second battery to the camera and buy additional batteries. Not much else you can do about it otherwise, anyway. Haven't checked to see if it can record while charging, as I have some 9000 ma/h backup batteries for cell phone designed for USB devices.
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Bottom line, if you are into gopro already, I think you will be pleased.
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Disclaimer: I have limited photography experience. I am a simple user. Will have to do me some lurnin' afore I can start using advanced features, so consider that before taking my advice. But so far, I am happy. Had it set up running within an hour and got some decent raw footage.
Enjoying my time in the UP. Only if I could include my mileage for cutting grass ( about 1/4 acre ) with a push power mower. To pushed out to ride and pedal.
New Neighbors Contact Service is #553 on the leadboard. Not bad for a one-man company.
Just got home from 3 glorious days camping. Biked a bit, but hills and heat and humidity in combination don't agree with me! Back to flat Appleton, where I need to rack up miles again for this new month :)
Been out of the loop-spent time this morning catching up on all the great NBC discussions I have missed since this last Friday. Life got in the way this weekend. 3 day weekend and not able to get one mile in. Life will be back to normal tomorrow. Whew....
@Becky - Try to make all of your rides at least 1.00 miles. For shorter rides, you miss out on the free 20 points.
Arrived at 7523 points for NBC. On to September 30th and the undiscovered total for this year.
Grateful for the cool and the overcast skies today, after the heat's kept me away from my bike for almost two weeks. 1.34 mi--a midlength ride for this total newb. :-)
@Paul. Let us know what you think of the GoPro3. I have debated buying one in addition to my GoPro2. But I have heard a lot of complaints on the battery life. Let us know how you like your GoPro3.
The road the rider was injured on from my earlier post is one of the most popular rides in Boulder County. It is a winding road with a good shoulder climbing up to Jamestown. On weekends there are hundreds of cyclists riding the road.
@carl "BMX" I like your attitude. 247 hours on your bike is fantastic. Go, Go, Go!
Only managed 50 k today. But that was on two hours sleep and working the Kauai Marathon today. Got to see a lot of amazing runners. And F-A-S-T too. Tyler McCandless took two minutes off the course record. This is three years in a row now he has won. And two of 3 record breaking. It;s got me inspired. And some of that inspiration translated to tonight's ride. Had it not been so windy, and a bit of rain, I may have beat my own best 50k. I was under 2 hrs. Can't complain about that.
And I got a GoPro3 today. This is going to be fun to ride with.
@E.M. I'm laughing now. Your monthly totals are higher than my whole challenge period. I know many people here like that. However, I do the best I can given my lifestyle and committments. I think it's great that there are many different types of cyclists here. You kick that roads a**, girl!!!!!
Scratch that-I'm way down the chart in MD now. heh. Oh well- I am number 1 in my book!! :)
I would be thrilled to win a years worth of toilet paper, as long as it's not 1 ply. hehe Hey, that's one less trip to the store, right?
Yesterday, I hit 800 miles in the challenge and figured out that I am number 7 in my state. I should try harder to get in the top five. We are doing two big rides this fall. It was crazy hot yesterday and it was a hard ride. We went to get ice cream-35 miles round trip. Hope you are all having a great holiday weekend!
@J. Hugh - I like your priorities.
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Yesterday I wore a neon yellow Filo shirt on my ride because I knew I would not finish my ride until after dark. I felt like a bug magnet as the little flying bugs collected all over the shirt by the time I finished, I felt like I was test marketing a new black bug polka dot fall fashion that doubles as a bug strip. That, matched with the Kamikaze squirrels out today fighting and gathering nuts, it has been an interesting two days on the road.
@Jim - you really DO want that toilet paper, don't you.
@Marty - who knew? Your deductive powers are working overtime, I prescribe more time out-of-doors on your bicycle, to be administered on a daily basis for one more month.
Obviously the reason we ride is the fun, but the points aspect of this challenge has been a great way to motivate many people in my community to ride more often. I have seen several people become more consistent riders during the NBC. The team I lead has been running in second place in my state throughout this year's NBC, but we were leading the month of August from the1st right up until the last couple of days of the month when we dropped into second again. I have really been pushing them to ride every day and get their points, so it is very frustrating for these glitches to show up like this and make the results so uncertain. Who knows if we should have been in first or not? We use our success in this competition as leverage to get our city officials to work harder towards Bicycle Friendly status and the improvements that go with achieving that goal. This isn't the end of the world, but it is something that will have negative impact on keeping many people riding consistently.
My 'rebel rider' friends really put the pressure on me tonight to skip work and go riding with them. Sure was tempting but car repairs and a new smart phone this week need to be paid off. I stopped at Starbucks on my way to work to share in the pre ride white mocha frappachinos and some nice conversation. Sure was hard to watch them get on their bikes as I got in my car! Now I sit at work knowing what they are doing now. Just wait till tomorrow night when I am off! Just my luck, none of them are available to ride!!!! THEY HAVE TO WORK... LOL
@Jim J - They initially ship you a computerized wifi dispenser roller and one roll. As soon as the dispenser senses that you are getting low, it sends a message to Kimberly-Clark to FedEx you another roll. After a year, you just send the computerized sensor back in the pre-paid envelope, which is provided.
@Benny. There have been several posts on a bug that showed up 2-3 weeks ago. You need to import files from your Garmin directly to have them show up properly. Just go back a couple of days in the comments for more info. They thought they fixed the bug but then other problems showed up.
Another idiot driver finds a new way to take out a bicyclist. Critical injuries.
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http://tinyurl.com/odq4b37
I have to agree that FUN is the number one reason for hanging out here and doing the challenge. That includes meeting all the cool cyclists here and learning your stories. Of course, the number two reason is to encourage everyone else to ride on and have fun in the process and for all the reasons the challenge exists in the first place (healthier, happier, less polluted planet brought to you by the people taking this challenge).
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I have logged my miles manually every single day that I ride and with the execption of a couple of days, my points and miles have appeared accurately within an hour or so of posting. I have no clue why this is the case, or why other people have had so many problems with posting.
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So I hope everyone will continue to ride on, continue meeting those personal goals for the challenge, and continue to tell your stories.
EM
I assume many of you would ride regardless of the NBC. I'm certainly one of those people. Points are fun to tally, but in the long run it's my love affair with the bicycle that keeps me going. I used to tally miles on Excel, then I found about bikejournal.com, and then I heard about the NBC. For decades, I didn't have a bicycle computer, and I didn't care at all how far I rode. I just rode. Might be time to toss the computer again. After all, who cares really?
How do they figure out what a years supply of toilet paper is? Maybe some previous winners can enlighten us.
Twenty-seven other people are tied with me at 21 points for the first day of September--I feel like we're the NBC peleton.
J Hugh - That's why I ride with my Garmin. If there are any questions I have back up to prove my data.
My Priorities in riding in this or any challenge
1.Fun
2. shared experience, even though virtual, is supportive
3. fitness, not weigh loss or BMI, My energy is increased by my activity
4. preparation for travel to unexplored countries. See #3
5. Distance, because out there in the second hour of a three hour ride there is no pain or mental distraction found in the state of being in one place at the exact moment you are there.
6. Speed its a cool breeze on a hot and humid day. Or a great French Pastry a little closer.
As to questions about the unbelievable miles some post in a day or week; When they have the data and the map i believe it. If not, so what. One guy recently posted 4263 miles in what turns out to be a single week. All his info is private, so what does that say. Why is your bicycle ride data so protected? Who is being fooled? The numbers on the challenge about how we rank are approximations at best because data is not required. If it were then many would not participate for their own reasons or lack of equipment. The NBC is about broad participation. So there are limitation. If looked at with a sense of humor, this challenge and any other can be pretty fun and funny. There are some really good people who having come into contact with i am all the better for that association and hope it continues as we ride on.
@ Tammie good for you for deciding not to wear yourself out. Its waaayyyyy more important to have fun.
Thats for Sept (today) only, but wow, thats a lot of miles.
There are so many inconsistencies in the awarding of points in this challenge that it is almost not worth the trouble. When I noticed that my points total never changed after logging a 60 mile ride yesterday, I looked to see if my points for the month were right. Turned out I had only been awarded 654 points despite logging 427 miles and riding 23 days which should have given me 887 points for the month. I can only assume that many other people are having similar results. Great purpose, but with such a flawed execution, I don't see how the numbers really mean anything. Very dissappointing.
Really...362 points in just one day on Sept. 1. How does that compute for #1 on the National Leaderboard list?
Well, Roberto, what are you going to do with all the extra time you now have on your hands? I managed to go 17.4 miles today but absolute exhaustion made that almost impossible. Temp 100 and the wind felt like a blast furnace. Each breath took the moisture out of you. Congratulations Jerry on your rapid improvement since you got back on the bike. I know you are really enjoying your rides. I have decided to really try to enjoy the journey along the way. I know I am going to acheive my goal of diamond sometime in September..near the end so why kill myself getting there.
@ Jim, if you win that, I'm sure your wife will want you riding again next year. LOL!
Hope I win the toilet paper in the August prize drawings.
Looks like my team's totals are being updating on the NBC leaderboard. 100 miles for my team logged today, including my 10-mile ride, which was uploaded just a few minutes ago.
Last update seems to be 9 hours ago.
5:10 pm edt No challenges have updated with miles including NBC. It seems when there is a lot of activity and it the beginning of a month this is a slow down. So, its not just NBC. Since the upload problems are still going on for every kind of activity it seems this may be a time for endo staff to be silently pulling the hair out while looking for the bug. Maybe this is like a very long steep hill, just be patient and keep going while you catch those who seemed so speedy on the flats.
Chuck, don't feel bad because my points are not on the leader board either. They are on endomondo and Facebook and I'll enter manually later this afternoon again and watch for double entry. Maybe I'll delete one if both show up, my memory is good but I do forget.
It appears that the hamsters powering the leaderboard have been given this holiday weekend off.
516 miles for me since I started riding again on Aug 10th. It is so great to be back on the bike again. Plan on riding up into the foothills tomorrow to Jamestown. We will see how that ride goes.
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My ranking in Colorado is better than it was on Aug 9th. I am up to 154 for the challenge. And up to 46 for the month of August.
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The National is not so great. Only 3710. But better than the 8900+ I was on Aug 9th. And 1583 for August.
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But ranking is not important. It is just nice to see how I compare to other riders. It is just nice to see that I am improving. That slowly my strenght and endurance is coming back.
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@Roberto. Heat is affecting me more now then it did before my accident. I had to stop yesterday and take a break in the shade before riding home. I think is was because of the headwinds combined with the heat wore me out.
Wow, 30 miles seemed short today, even with high humidity and temps. Listening to my body arguing with my head. Body wins today.
@Matt, congrats on the double. That's really something.
@matt D Aliens are now using bicycles. The increase in ridership across the country is directly related to them riding off those spaceships and into our communities. Also, regardless of what you say 200 miles in one day seems to me to put you in the committed category. If the peleton of aliens comes up on you just remember to grab that wheel.
Hi all, out this morning cranking the (s)miles. For the first few (s)miles only an occasional car to disturb the solitude. Lots of other riders out there but no large groups like yesterday. Took the northerly route again and was rewarded with some quiet stretches of road. Saw rainbows from the arcs of water from the sprinklers. Since everyone is talking totals, I just crunched some numbers and found that July was my best month with 970 (s)miles. Second best was June with 833. September is off to a good start, since I can proudly say that I have ridden every day this month! HA HA!
Grats too, to you folks bagging n the 1000 mile plus months. That is a lot of biking and commitment. Especially when you are out every day on a bike. I usually am out only 4 days a week unless that pesky work interferes :). I did manage 1000 miles in July, but that was only because of that special biking Ultra event and even then it was only 1012 miles, not like some of you committed, i.e. read "crazy" ;), folks.
@ Heather & Cynthia Thanks guys. Bagged my first Double. 70 miles each way then a 60 mile loop in the small hills around a State park (2600 feet of climb). Made it back last night at 15 mins before the witching hour. Wouldn't have taken so long except dodging a whole line of thunderstorms across the state all the way back. Had to hole up three times, twice for driving rain and once for a lightning front-line getting too close. Some pretty spectacular light shows in the distance most of the 70 miles home, though. At one point (and for about 45 mins) a whole cloud bank in the distance continually looked like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". Kept expecting to see ships burst out of the clouds ;)
Welcome to September and the final month of the challenge! It's the home stretch. Let's pedal to the end.
41 pts to Platinum and had a personal best month of 602 miles in August. Not too bad for a guy that weighed 360lbs 2 years ago on Sept 3.
Since I care more about the time on my bike than the distance. Since May 1st, when the National Bike Challenge started, I spent a total of 247 hours (61 average hours per month) on my bikes, riding a total of 2967 miles. 61 average hours is pretty much 2 hours a day. 2 hours that didn't add more smoke pollution to our ever-filling atmosphere tank surrounding the Earth.
Finished the month off with 616 miles but I think there may be a 4 mile duplicate I need to find and delete. This garmin glitch fun stuff is NOT fun. I have my daily needed miles down to 9.3 to achieve diamond by the 30th. I think I can do that. Jim, I can't imagine 1300 miles. Does your wife remember what you look like? This has been fun and sure has brought out a competitive side of me. I am in the top 10 in Texas for August! I think I will back off a bit now I know I can do it. Sleep is more important now. I plan on only rising about 18 miles tomorrow since I am working 12 hours tonight and tomorrow night.
Too many bugs with this site.
Frys grocery carries it at their store on 20th st and Camelback
@JC--it may be the Garmin problem. Imports from Garmin have been registering as runs instead of rides. So edit the ride, change it to a ride, and check the count for statistics box, then save. Hope that's it.
@Jim, Nice job on 1300 miles here in the hot month. Where did you find the beef bacon?
Thank you. I think 1300 miles in one month is my max. I have to admit I'll be glad when the challenge is over. 5 months is a long time. Will still continue to ride my 1000 miles per month the rest of the year. Sometimes my butt feels like I've ridden the entire 15 million miles myself.
Should have said I am a little jealous here, sorry for the typo.
Great job Jim! Just tell your wife it keeps you out of trouble. 1300 is double my best month BTW, I little jealous here.
Anyone else not getting credit for miles ridden today?
Just finished a 20 miler to reach my goal of 1300 miles for the month. Ended up with 1306. My wife forbids me from doing this challenge next year. Says I'm to competitive.
Cool, we just passed 15 million miles today :) Oh, and congrats Roberto for an impressive month!
@Karen. Boating? I thought the lake was there to ride by.
Thanks folks!
@Roberto - Smoothie, YUM! Great job, you earned it! I have to get out there again yet today to reach my goal, humidity stinks right now and have to make supper, but hey, I have a few hours yet, I should get it done.
@Jerry - I liked your photos. Not much shade on that ride. Do you go boating on Carter Lake?
@Roberto. Congratulations on making your goal.
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I just rode my first 40 mile ride since my accident today.
I am tired. Decided to ride up north today. Light overcast with mild winds. A perfect day for riding. Only planned on 32 miles. But when I got to my turn around point my new bicycle started arguing with me. Refused to turn around. My bike insisted he wanted to see Carter Lake. So on we went. Averaged 16mph in the first hour. Then I started the climb to Carter Lake. The climb is 8-10% grades. With a easier grade on the switchbacks of only 5-6%. Then a beautiful ride along the lake to the marina. Refilled my water bottles and started home. And the winds started. The flags are standing out from the flagpoles. It is a headwind. So much for my average speed today. And it is getting hot. Finally had to take a break in the shade to cool down while on the way home. I was worn out when I arrived home. And my bike didn’t even apologize for getting me into the winds. All in all. A great day.
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Photos from the ride
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http://tinyurl.com/ny4jw4l
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http://tinyurl.com/momg2jv
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http://tinyurl.com/mneqt4z
@ Roberto, congrats on reaching your goal!
@Tammie. It is the last day of the month. A lot of people uploading. Points and leaderboard are always slow to update on the last day of the month.
Goal accomplished! Today's 40 made it 31 days of August with 40+ miles every day, and so I also gained a new PB for a month with 1342 miles. Time for a smoothie.
Well, Jerry, I tried uploading like you said..directly from the garmin and it did update the miles under the 'this week' and 'today' properly but the points are still not updating so the leaderboard does not update. I still have 4050 points where I should have 4118. My points for the month also should be 1163 instead of 1231. I hope they get it fixed before midnight. Roberto.. I know how you feel when you make that commitment to yoursef.. I am TIRED and can't wait to take a few days off but not until after Sept 30th! I have my total for the week up to a respectable 135 miles. Got off my tail and went riding when I got off work this morning.. now I am dead tired and need to go to bed.
Nice job, Roberto. Always nice to accomplish goals. Esp. the more challenging ones. I'm still just -averaging- 25+/day. Would love to ride everyday and ride more, work just does not affored me the luxury.
And congrats J. Hugh on the PR.I;m still chasing the elusive 1k month myself, but my goal was to be there by year's end. I'll make it. I doubt Sept will be that month though, as I want to start running again, and I want to work on my riding to get stronger and faster. May have to reduce the mega mile days to do that.
It's always an adventure though...always a journey...and the best part-it's a journey that has no end!
@CR,
I fully understand your comments about committing yourself to do XX number of miles a day. I did the same thing for August and I'm really looking forward to cutting back my mileage next month. I am slower than you and I found myself riding almost 4 hours a day (OK, night since 95% of my rides started around 2:30am). Congratulations for reaching your goal of doing 40 miles a day, it takes a lot of determination to do something like that day after day.
Only two more months of summer here in Florida to go. I did enjoy my end of the month ride, setting a new months pr of 1403.28 miles. Closing in on 7500 points and 9000 miles for the year. I am hoping to keep the pace up for September.
Hi, out at a lazy 7:30 ish taking the northern route on Conway Road and NO outer 40. Surrounded by cyclists in ones and twos and groups too large to count. Brunch in Kirkwood where we watched passengers board the Amtrak Train to Kansas City. Grateful for every bit of shade as the temps climbed into the 90s and the humidity is at 44%.
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Please anyone who has miles they haven’t recorded, add them in and get your riding buddies to do the same. Lets make the 20 million!!!
Hi. Just noted I can just post random comments. Well, I have 768 points. working on 800 for the season. Maybe 900!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/arianelange/facts-that-will-make-you-fall-in-love-with-bicycle-helmet
Last day of my month of 40's+ and I must say I'm glad. I like personal goals, but this one has been a tough one. Harder than I thought it would be. Just the fact that I committed to at least 3 hours a day makes it difficult at times. Still a goal is only as good as the commitment to achieve it.
A nice blog by a lady here in Boulder, Colorado about cycling in this area.
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http://www.jennifersroberts.com/category/cycling/
I love beef bacon also. Not always easy to find. Grew up with it. Also I have no interest in eating Kevin Bacon.
This has been a very fun challenge, sorry I haven't been very good about always logging my miles. My co-worker and I have a goal of 1000 miles before we have to hang the bikes up for winter. We have less than 300 miles to go.
I love beef bacon. Can't eat pork. I just could never eat kevin bacon.
Upload the file directly from your Garmin. Then everything processes properly.
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Select <New Workout> <Import from file>
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Your rides will load properly.
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Do not use <Import from Garmin> until they get it fixed.
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If you have rides that are not loaded properly, delete them and import them again from files.
What is this about the garmins measing up again and at the end of the month when we have no time to fix it! I have not uploaded yesterdays ride yet measly as it was. I only had time for 5 miles before I had to go to work. Only 9 hours off between shifts yesterday and really needed sleep. Barely had time to find food! I hope I can find time to ride a little Saturday. Barely have gotten over 100 miles this week. OK pull the wimp card now.
@CR - If you read my last two posts carefully, you will see that I said that Madison Square Garden was named AFTER Madison, WI. I implied causation, just to see if anyone would bite the bait, but I would have actually meant causation if I had said FOR. The current MSG is the 4th building to be named that.
The first one, built in 1870, wasn't named that until 1879. It was an open air stadium, after being a train depot. It was demolished in 1889, and a new (totally enclosed) one built on the same site in 1890. That was demolished in 1926, and replaced by the New York Life Building, on the same site.
The 3rd MSG, was built in 1925, and was the only one not located near Madison Square. It was on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets in Manhattan, on the site of trolley car barns, in Hell's Kitchen, and lasted until 1969. Its two biggest tenants were the Rangers and the Knicks. Worlwide Plaza now stands where it did.
And of course, the current one site where it dows, on the square.
I'm lousy at stretching, but I was totally accurate - just a little sneaky.
Thanks.
@Karen, as long as you're enjoying your rides.
@Marty, nimble use of Wikipedia. Is this like the "Kevin Bacon Game?"
@Marty - You can add historian to you title now too.
@Roberto - You can draw that Wimp card again. I am still just closing in on 2000miles for the challenge (Probably 2500 miles for the year) - I should track my swimming miles and factor them in though, just to be fair.
HEY PEOPLE! THEY WON! THEY WON! THEY WON! Without a double one of the most exciting bicycle races I have ever witnessed. I hope that they post the highlights on Youtube sometime soon so you all can see it too. Bobby and Jackie, thank you! and Congratulations!!!
Here is the full Madison History in a nutshell: (Note - There is a bicycling tie in.)
James Madison - born 1751, 4th president 1808-1816, died 1836.
Dolley Payne - born 1790, married John Todd 1790, John and second son died of Yellow Fever 1793, married James 1794, acted as 1st Lady for Thomas Jefferson, who was a widower, and was friends of the Madisons.
Madison, WI - Named for James just after his death, when owner of swamp and forest land lobbied original WI territorial legislature to make it the Capitol of WI Territory. He even bribed them with buffalo hides to keep them warm while they met in the Winter of 1836, and gave prime land to ones who were on the fence - all this while the town just existed on paper.
Madison Square Garden - 1st of 4 buildings to be called that in 1879, was the New York and Harlem Passenger Depot, then leased to PT Barnum and named Great Roman Hippodrome and Barnum's Monster Cloassical and Geological hippodrome, then Gilmore's Garden, which saw the 1st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and also had the most prestigeous velodrome in the U.S., and top racers of the circuit would earn between $100,000 and 150,000, when top elecricians earned $10,000. It was later named Madison Square Garden, for James.
the Madison - Named for Madison Square Garden.
So, when I said which was named after which, I was correct, as they happened in that order chronologically, but wouldn't have been if I would have said for.
Upload the file directly from your Garmin. Then everything processes properly.
427 points to platinum.
And none of the rides were counted in any of the campaigns or challenges. Had to manually enter a work out to get credit for the miles before the end of the month.
Anyone experiencing problems with uploading data from Garmin and the comment above the summary states "Excluded from Statistics"? Also notice when you upload the website now offers the option to choose the activity type, but it doesn't save and you need to still edit the work out to the correct activity type. The "Excluded..." comment started appearing in all the workouts I've uploaded since this change.
@marty In Italy and France they call the Madison race the Wisconsin American. So it makes perfect sense that its named after the your state capital. You are so smart. I'll be you are even related to Dolly Madison Parton.
@marty re: running. Thats been my approach for my return to cycling. Forget all about what I've done or accomplished in the past. It would only lead to disapoointment and frustration. Rathet than add pages or chaptets to the old book, I decided to start a whole nee book altogether. Bigger, better, stronger...a whole new level. And I know thayarathon is really going to spark my motivation.
@Karen and @CR - A little known fact is that they were both named after the Capitol of Wisconsin, which was named after Dolley.
Cuvee Brut Leifmann's for me. Or as a back up Liefmans Goudenbond or Oud Bruin. I went to the Brewery in Oudenaarde and met the brew master. Amazing. But that's my favorite and their are 1129 other Belgian beers. now that is a challenge.
@Karen, I suppose you know that the Madison was named for Madison Square Garden?
One more day of my month of 40+miles/day. Closing in on 9K for the year.
98 heat-rashy degrees here in Nebraska. Did someone say "Beer"?
Sorry if I am interrupting any deep conversations, but tonight is the last night for the Valley Preferred Cycling Center Velodrome and it is Madison night - my favorite night of the year and my favorite team is going to be there, yes Jackie and Bobby you are the best! Hope you win, but if not, you are still my favorites, so Good Luck Gentlemen!!! - Like as if they would follow NBC. So I am off to the races, YAHOOOO!!!!
@Marty - I like the way your mind works
@J Hugh - How about combining that with the +26 Belgian Draft Beer Challenge? One can go for a Lambic or Oud bruin, or top either of those with a Tripel.
http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/12278437 BMI +26 Belgian Draft Horse challenge. If your BMI is 26 or greater here is a challenge. Body Mass Index is a number based on the height and weight of an individual. Calculator free on the internet, just google
Just had a thought - anybody here from Portland? Don't you have a big commute challenge there in Sept? Talk with the organizers and see if they'd be willing to promote NBC. Maybe we can all send them limes for their margaritas!
Today's comments crack me up! Heloise of the NBC, millions of limes, September 40th. This place is hilarious. It would be very exciting to come up with some ingenious plan to see the NBC odometer roll past 20 million miles at about 8:37 pm on September 30th!
@Paul - The people who are starting running who have the most difficult time are those that ran before. The big key is to forget about how easy it was, how far you were able to run, and how fast you were able to go. If you can do that, then you'll be fine.
Starting out, do a run/walk, making sure when you run that you are talking out loud to the person next to you, even if no-one is there. This assures that you are going at the correct pace, and that your neighbors will think you are nuts. The walk should be a recovery walk, not a power, speed or othwise fast walk.
It's so good to know that other people's bikes talk to them too....
Go Laurie! You can do it!
Laurie...Keep plugging. Remember...if you bike everyday in September, that is 600 points not even counting miles. Then you just need to average about 20 miles a day, which is certainly doable. I hit a milestone this month (August)--my first-ever 1000+ mile month, with a day left to go. I've been around 900+ a few times, but not gotten over the top, until this year. So aim high! You are more likely to hit your goal when you set it! Here's to your diamond...a cyclist's best friend? ;-)
OK, I now have 1205 points to get diamond. Hoping I can do it!
If the National Bike Challenge covers the period from I May to 30 September, why do some teams show members with credit from mileage earlier in the year?
Garmin loaded which is progress but it's still importing it as a run instead of a ride. I can fix that with a simple edit tho.
Marty, def. interested in starting a running program. Used to trail run years ago. Finished PT in April for two fractures in foot and plantar fasciitis. Tried to run, barely made a mile before pain returned. (pavement). Was able to get three "power hiking" w/o pain in April. Was going to start again in July, then August...but every time I grabbed my running shoes, my bikes growled at me (they're pretty fierce). But I had a long talk with them and they have agreed that Sept, I can start running. Would LOVE to go to Maui in Nov for Xterra Worlds, but doubt I;'ll be up for 18mi by then.
@Jerry-thanks for those incredible photos.
@ Jerry, beautiful photos!
Hey, we aren't exactly at 50,000 riders either. If everyone went out and got one person to join and add their miles, that could help to reach the goals of the challenge.
I'm having trouble importing my ride from my Garmin 500 again. This time it does not dectect the Garmincommunicator plug-in but the site it redirects me to says everything is up-to-date and working. Anyone else with such a problem?
Glad to see you back on the board Christine. Hope your recover goes well. And fast. Tell your physical torturer you will recover faster if they put you on a real bike.
@Paul - Its exciting even helping at a marathon. I've been helping at the Lakefront Marathno in Milwaukee for years. Let me know if one year you want to switch races.
You've got some big guns running it. (Two other recent running news items - A guy just basically ran up and down the Matterhorn in under 3 hours, a climb that normally takes between 9 and 12 hours. [Under 2 hrs up, under 1 down], and Kate middleton's first post baby official appearance earlier today to help kick off the 135 mile Ring O Fire Marathon (an Ultramarathon).)
More progress. I ventured up into the foothills today. Riding through the trees, In the Canyons. Along the river. It was great to be back into the foothills.
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Photos from the ride.
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http://tinyurl.com/oa9f97u
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http://tinyurl.com/q9wyzrn
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http://tinyurl.com/ndphh8y
I'm doing well knee-wise. They took out some shredded cartilage and debraded the knee some. I start rehab Tuesday and am looking forward to it! I'm tired of not moving.
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The heart thing is something else altogether. Rat poison, everyone jumping up and down over what have been my "usual" heart rhythyms for the past 30 years. Yes, it occasionally gallops at 140 bpm. Yes it occasionally stops for a few seconds. Wouldn't you if you'd been beating constantly for more than 60 years??
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Don't count me out just yet. I'm still hoping to get some riding in before the end of September (especially since September has been lengthened to at least the 40th!). And I will be back next year, even if it's on a tricycle!
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THANK YOU all for your prayers and good wishes. I've missed being here!
Those wild mountain bikes must be avoiding the roads. None have attacked me yet.
May have to break a commitment. Doc wanted me to get a couple days rest, which I did. Was going to saty off the bike till Sunday afternoon, as I have to be up at 0430 to set up and man our aid station for the Kauai Marathon. BUT...my mountain bike is ready to be picked up from the shop today with it's brand new fromt fok. No time to ride today, but my Saturday is wide open till noon. arghhhh....temptation...
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The marathon is going to be awesome (I'm not running, just volunteering). Dean Karnazes, Julie Weiss and Tyler McCandless, among others are all going to be there.
This calls for some Jimmy Buffett
@ Jim, its a time warp thing!
Okay the party is on for Sept. 40th. If everyone rode to St. Louis, we could easily make that 20 million.
Leonard is Wright. At 9:36 tomorrow morning, we should be at 16,000,000 miles, (80% of Challenge timewise), if we want to get to 20 million before the usual September end date. For some strange reason, I'm really getting thirsty for a citrus drink!
My calendar only goes to Sept 30th. Yours must be defective.
I am all for going to Colorado to catch a wild mountain bike, then we can ride to EM's for Marg's....all the while logging miles into NBC until Sept 40th. Play hard, work hard, ride much.
PS, I'm in favor of extending the month of September!
@ Leonard, make that KEY LIME! Or maybe just (s)miles! LOL
@ Cynthina, if the reports are true, maybe you can go to Colorado and catch a wild mountain bike! LOL
@EM, 14 million "limes" - you must be looking forward to a LOT of margaritas.
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So far we have been averaging 8 to 10 days to get a million miles. With 5 million left to go in September we need to add some days to the end of the month to reach 20 million miles by September 40th.
Hi all, thanks for the KUDOS. @ Mike and everyone else. Keep going after your personal goals for the challenge. There is a month left and you can all make it. 14 million limes and counting. It takes a village!
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@ Christine, welcome back. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi Christine! How are ya?
@Christine - Hi! How's the leg? I'm not on BTs but I know someone who is.
Christine@ - Welcome back! One of my runners is, and has been for 2-3 years. He experienced some of the classic symptoms, like easy bruising and unusual tiredness and weakness. But he's gotten past most of that and is still an excellent age group longer distance runner.
Hi, all. Quick question: are any of you on coumadin or other blood thinners?
There is a cool Chinese guy and he has a cool name.
His cool name is 李岳青, that in English is Yue Qing Li.
COOL!
@Matt- get that diamond!! Congrats :)
EM, congrats on Diamond!!! You are beyond amazing.
@cynthia I am glad that you are feeling better :)
National Bike Challenge 2013:
Stop spamming up my news feed. It's mine. USE UR OWN NEWS FEED!!!
@EM - Congrats on Diamond!!
Way to go on catching your Diamond EM!
Only a lil bit more to 15 million. We'll hit our goal of 20 million in no time!
Hi all, out by 6:15 this morning to get my beat the heat ride in. Last night I found a wire in my tire. Thanks to Mr. Tuffy it was just stuck to the outside of the tire and did not penetrate, so yippeee, no flat to change. Met another rider at that very long red light this morning. Rode together chatting all the way up Wiedman, including THAT HILL and then he headed west and me east on Clayton. Told him about the challenge but not sure I convinced him to join. Saw two deer and three turkeys today. Actually, he pointed out the turkeys in a spot where I hadn't seen any turkeys before. When I got home a friend called and asked if I wanted to go for a ride. I said sure, but then she got a call from work and had to go. Turns out I got a bunch of work after that. Nothing like a holiday weekend to bring out all those rush jobs. LOL!
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Got a report from Colorado yesterday that there are bands of wild mountain bikes roaming around the state. @ Jerry can you confirm this?
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@ Ray, I agree that layering does the job for the winter cold. I even wear a peir of glove liners under my full fingered gloves for winter cycling. The rest of the extra gear comes from X-C skiing stuff.
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DIAMOND !!!!!!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE & RIDE SAFE
@Marty - That's whay I like about you, Marty. Always thinking, coming up with the helpful hints so we can save $$. You're like the Heloise of the NBC. :P
I ran outdoors in the single digits over the winter and was out on my bike when it was in the high teens low twenties, never felt the need for supplemental heat as long as I was moving. The only time I got chilly was at a long red light or if I took a break. I don't think that jacket would help in those situations anyway as it was mainly the moisture "breathing" through the jacket starting to freeze that gave me the chills. I think I bought everything I need last winter, but will be ordering an extra pair or two of gloves soon as that was my biggest cold complaint on long rides last winter. My hands were warm until the sweat started to freeze, this year I want a spare set of dry gloves to put on when that happens.
@Ray-not so sure on burning calories from a breakfast like that with just a 2 mile ride....lol. You may have to ride the extra miles in the time you would have normally gone there during the weekend. Skillet sounds great! Just take out the meat....
To make that jacket more affordable, you can save money by not buying the battery and charger. While using their equipment will have a run time on the low setting of about 6 hours, and probably about 2 hours on high, you can greatly extend those times by just using your car battery, thus saving the msrp of $49, and just take your own battery with you. Not only will you get at least 10 hours of run time on high, but the slight extra battery weight, especially if mounted on the rear luggage rack, will help give you more traction in the snow. And, stranded motorists will think more highly of bicyclists, after you give them a jump start.
@Cynthia. The jacket is $179 Plus the price of a battery and charger which I think is around $35. The jacket will be released this fall.
I got up early and made the very strenuous 1 mile ride to my favorite local breakfast place. That is usually my Saturday & Sunday routine, but with the holiday weekend, I had to change plans. The never empty cup of coffee and "Southern skillet" made for a great start to the work day. A layer of home fries, another layer of scrambled eggs with sausage, bacon & tomatoes, all covered in sausage gravy and then topped with melted cheddar cheese. Two slices of wheat toast on the side. The 2 mile round trip on the bike surely burned off all those calories, right?
@Cynthia. Glad you are feeling better.
@Cynthia - Glad you are having a better day this morning, hope it is full of GREAT adventures!
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Ok, folks in PA, get ready for a soggy Holiday!
Sooo-feeling much better today. Up and at 'em early. Got in an extra workout today-planks, crunches, arm work, squats. Then headed out the door. Rolled on to my Friday stop-Mavericks Java for my weeks end treat of coffee shop coffee and a bottle of wine for the weekend. Then rode down to the bank and into work. It's a little cool this morning, but like a sticky cool. Had to put a light long sleeve top on to commute this morning. Passed Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Green Herons, some squirrels and a lot of people walking; taking advantage of the beautiful morning. It's great to be alive! Will celebrate that every moment of the day to day. Ride on with peace ya'll!
@Jerry-very interesting jacket.....what is the price tag on something like that?
@Matt-go on that double century-maybe someone else could log your miles in for you while you sleep! Also-catch that diamond-hope its shiny and bright!
I too have considered trying mountain biking lately....
@Jerry "the" Bosch jacket looks rice nice.
@Rob - I can't tell how much riding you do, so my answer won't be as good as it could. But if you have racing experience, I don't see why you couldn't give a near all out effort for 7 or 8 minutes. I would say take it a little easier than you want to average for at least the first 30 second or minute, as the adrenaline will want to make you go faster than you are capable of sustaining for the entire time.
Befoerhand, you would want to practice once or twice a week doing 3 or 4 near all out intervals of 2-3 minutes with 2 minutes recovery between each, after a 15 or so minute warm-up. If you do a lot of biking, you can repeat that effort after a 10-15 minute easy recovery. As a change of pace, you could occasionally do 2 or 3 four minute intervals with the 2 minute recovery.
Borrowing a road bike from your LBS would shave 30 seconds or more from your time, but depening on how much time before the tri, and how much before the tri you can borrow the bike, you might be just better off riding a bike you are used to, and more importantly, are used to while going all out on.
The morning of, make sure you are warmed-up, and hydrated, as there won't be any time to take a drink during.
I am going to have to look into this jacket for winter riding.
Bosch 12V Max Heated Jacket
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http://tinyurl.com/pwkjyzl
I have a ? I need advice on. I have been blessed to help my friends daughter in a mini-tri for kids with Down's Syndrom. I am to do one event and that is the 2.5 mile bike race. I want to give the best score I can get for her. My ? is, should I do an all out sprint for the entire 2.5 miles or is there a better approach. My racing experience is in BMX and mountain biking only. The bike I am using is a Cannondale Bad Boy which is an urban commuter, basically a mountain bike with road wheels. It also had Mountain bike gearing. I can possibly borrow a road bike from my LBS if needed. All advice would be helpful. Thank you.
YARRR!!!! Stopped by my LBS today. My MTB was there with it's shiny new fork!! I get to bringer her back home tomorrow!!
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And Laurie=mountain biking is awesome. And a mtb is totally justifiable as a second bike. Can't wait to start hitting the trails next week.
Opps Must be tired form tonights ride... 118 away from Diamond.
@ Cycling Roberto: Just noticed in your profile picture you are wearing the RAGBRAI shirt from my first year out there. Great ride/ great jersey that year.
Catching up on all the posts
@Cycling Roberto and Cynthia N: Nice work on getting close to bagging Plat. And if I missed anyone else good job bagging it or nearing that goal. I am 118 its away from Plat and if it doesn't storm am planning a century on Saturday, with a slight chance to perhaps bag my first "Daily Double" (two centuries back to back in the same day). Have to make sure I don't fall asleep on Saturday night before logging in the miles ;)
I wanted to try a new adventure today, so when I dropped my son off at work, I drove to the state park nearby to try out some of the bike trails there for the first time. My hybrid is perfect for the trails I usually ride, but I found out in a hurry that the state park trails are much better suited to mountain bikes. I did okay on the trails, but felt much more comfortable once I got back to pavement.
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Now I want a mountain bike!
@KJG-thank you.
@Cynthia - I hope tomorrow is a better, healthier day for you.
@Rick, on behalf of all transportation planners, Thank You for getting involved. Only through citizen interaction with government at all levels can positive changes arise. We try, even with limited funds and shrinking pools of funds, but we really need to know what the citizens (whom we serve) want. We don't know unless we hear from you. I could go on all night, but I hate typing on a phone. However, to all participants in the Challenge: Get Involved and Be Heard!!
Twice today I saw the grill of a car up close and personal as a driver didn't "see" me. Made me realize that drivers tend to be in auto-pilot and even though Im sure they saw me, they didn't register me enough to over ride the auto-pilot.
Also realized I wasn't taking my own advice, assume they don't see you, don't just assume I have the right away because I followed the rules. The law of gross tonnage still trumps the right away, and if Im a grease spot on the road it doesn't matter if I had the right away.
On a different note, I think she was messing with my head, but I had a lady at a light ask if I was going to get out of the saddle when the light changed. I told her yes, and she said "good, I'll hang back". The light changed and sure enough she hung back till I settled back on the saddle, then she passed with a toot and thumbs up. I'm pretty sure my backside isn't anything to hang back for, so she was probably just messing with me, but still......
Only 26 more points to platinum. No diamond for me this year. We are planning a week long camping trip in September. So I figured out I would have to ride 108 miles a day in September on the days when I am home. That is not happening.
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But I am happy with what I was able to ride considering my accident. Especially since I did not expect to be riding until the end of September.
@Roberto. Great story. It is great when we can interact with motorists and help them learn why we ride like we do. It is surprising he apologized and was willing to talk. That is so unusual today.
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Yesterday when I was at the dentist (a broken crown from my accident) We were discussing why bicyclists ride in the lane and do not always move over. She understood why when we finished.
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Today when we were out riding on rural roads I had to block cars from passing us when cars were approaching from the other direction. But once we were clear we would move to the right and wave at the drivers to thank them for waiting. One of the advantages of living here is we do not have as many problems with motorists as some parts of the country. Not to say we do not have our idiots here too.
I am 244 points to reach Platinum and missing today riding due ANOTHER horrible sinus headache I would be 244 less 27 points. Ugh.
Go Ro-Bert-To gooooooooooooooo
@J, you got me on that one? Don't understand the connection.
@CR You are just the Aesop of Penn.
Only 550 more points to platinum.
@ Michael - no, I'm not a planner - I'm a resident living and working in Federal Way, WA, and I'm looking for ways to help this bedroom community get over its car-centric past.
Like one of the interviewees on the video, I'd love it if my wife felt comfortable hopping on a bike and riding to the local shops or to yoga class. We're still a long way from realizing that goal, but we have to start somewhere.
I got wind of the efforts on the Bike/Ped Master Plan and Complete Streets Ordinance about 1 1/2 years ago and attended a couple of the meetings, including the Council meeting where both items were adopted. Cascade Bicycle Club was helpful in sponsoring a couple of education events for the local government folks and the project team. A local conservation and community building organization, Forterra, also provided assistance in the project and is helping us put this greenways project together. They shot the video footage at an organizing meeting about a month ago.and edited the video. We have volunteers from that meeting who are staffing tables at public events (a back-to-school barbeque, the farmers' market, block parties,etc.) to raise awareness and get input from the community. The first project, a greenways loop that connects homes in one small area with shopping and some schools, would consist primarily of signage and some share-the-road pavement marking, so it should be fairly low cost. We have a proposed route, and now we're soliciting input from the community on whether or not the routing would meet their needs. And since some of the events involve areas outside this initial greenway -- Federal Way has about 90,000 residents -- we're also asking about other areas in the city, specifically what infrastructure improvements would make a particular area feel safer and more attractive for walking and biking to local destinations.
@Roberto-loved your story. Can just about envision the interaction too. Me too-I like today and every single day is great day to be alive! I was making comparisons from past to present.
Great story Roberto. The way it should be. We should never be afraid to approach someone and attempt to talk to them in a rational manner.
@Cynthia, when we were young we didn't have the Internet to discuss all this stuff. I'm not a big "good old days," kind of guy. I like new stuff, and I think NOW is a great time to be alive. As to riding off without looking, people walk off and ride off sidewalks ALL THE TIME without looking. That's what makes it so dangerous.
@Jerry, just booked a vacation trip to Denver arriving on 9-9.
Today's ride of 40 miles was interesting alright. I was run off the road by a guy driving a tandem axle pick-up truck. He screamed, "Get off the f*cking road," as he ran me into the grass alongside the road. I had been trying to hold my lane on a blind corner, and he took exception to that. When I came around the curve, he had pulled his truck over and was standing behind it waiting for me. This guy had "biker" written all over him; ZZ-Top beard, tattoos, and he says, "What was your problem back there?" I already had my phone out, and told him to calm down and we could talk, but if he wanted to get aggressive I was calling the cops. He seriously thought I was just being a jerk, but when I pointed out that had the oncoming truck been 100 feet closer, he would have to make a choice: hit me or head on into the truck. He swore he would've never swerved into me, saying many times that he actually respected cyclists. When I said he would've swerved instinctively without meaning to hit me, he paused a minute, smiled, and then he APOLOGIZED. Glenn and I talked a bit more (I asked him his name after the apology), and I told him that most motorists that hit cyclists certainly never MEAN TO do it. But that this type of accident was easily avoided by just slowing down a minute. After all what was his hurry? At that he offered a firm handshake, and we parted company. I got a toot of the horn as he caught up and this time passed me with a wide leeway. Sometimes you can't avoid interacting. I could have just ridden past his stopped truck, but that would have confirmed his suspicions. As it was, maybe next time he'll think twice about passing dangerously. At least I'd like to think so.
EM: Thank you fot the literary suggestion..it sounds like a delightful book...I checked to see if it was available through my regional online library system, but it isn't there. Seems like the sort of book I would like to keep in any case....so I'm ordering it from Amazon (-:
Beautiful morning for a ride. Just riding along the farm fields. Watching the cows gathered all together under the trees for shade. Then along the greenway with all the wildlife. But no snakes today. I think it is time to start venturing up into the foothills.
@Rick, nice Plan; found it on the City's website. Now to get federal and state money you have to work with Puget Sound Regional Council. Cooperation between government entities is key!
@Rick-one step forward for mankind....hope that bike plan gets the funding to get it going. We are dealing with the same thing here along with residents who "don't want a path on their street".
@Burklee-interesting article. Wonder if any of those non specified were cycling related deaths? It's possible she died due to the medical attention she got as to the actual incident itself. Like cancer, you don't always die of cancer itself but from complications of the treatment you receive.
@Ray, I get it, "broken chain", haha!
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@Rick, great to hear about your Complete Streets Ordinance and Bike/Ped Master Plan. Are you a transportation planner by any chance? Who sponsored those documents?
@ Paul - somewhere below about 60 F is where I start THINKING about adding sleeves or a long sleeve base layer. It's still shorts and SS jersey if it's 60 when I start and forecast to get any warmer during the ride. Winter here is not like winter in a lot of the lower 48, but summer here is like winter in certain parts of the lower 48 - only with much longer daylight hours.
Once I get my new "Aaahhh-bike," I will forward it to 5 people. Those 5 people will each have to forward it to 5 more, so on and so forth. If anyone does not forward it, the chain will be broken and then we'll all have only an "Awwww-bike" :D
@ Rick, congrats on the complete streets and good luck with making the changes. This is what the whole country needs!
@ Burklee, agreed, you just never know (and most of the time its best that you don't). But it just makes you wonder: what kind of shoes was she wearing? My brother's foot got run over by a lawn mower in the old days before the blades would stop automatically. Luckily his big toe was saved because he was wearing those gym shoes that had the big piece of rubber at the front.
Slowly surrendering to the changing seasons - Wilma is wearing fenders again. She's not happy, but after getting soaked by road spray yesterday (rain had stopped), I decided it was time. Actually warm and humid for this area - last night the temps were still around 70 at bedtime. Highs forecast around 80 over the weekend.
A little project we're working on here in Federal Way. The Complete Streets ordinance was passed, and the Bike/Ped Master Plan was adopted, but all those things need funding and demand for something to happen. We're trying to get the first neighborhood greenway established to help connect folks with schools and shopping/services.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
You just never know...
http://journalstar.com/news/local/cindy-lange-kubick-when-a-shopping-bag-breaks--/article_8d810735-2f27-53f7-9935-c7c13293adb6.html
Life is too short to live angry or afraid, holed up in your house. Make the most of it, everyone!
@KJG, are YOU hitting the coffee a little too much today?????
KJ, and then you get the no prize prize!
@ Karen Jean, you have to wear your NBC jersey (if you have one) and sing the bicycle song ("Bicycle Built for Two") while riding. Then you have to post your mileage here..
@ Marty, thats a relief, you had me worried for a while there.
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@ Cynthia, agreed. Just a simple way to acknowledge drivers. I also say hello or good morning to joggers, people walking dogs etc. Just a message that hey, I'm doing the same thing you are. Just getting out and getting some fresh air and getting from A to B in the process. And yeah, its a way to remind people that this biking thing could be fun, like remember FUN?
@Mike-yahoo on catching your diamond.
KJG is going to have to sing to you now. hee hee
@Karen Jean - There is absolutely NOTHING I can say to that - either version!
@Mike - Congrats! Now I have to get out there myself and rid.
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I am beginning to get silly. Sorry for getting carried away, especially to Mary, uh Marty. Have a good one, and thank you for the Quiz. P.S.( Do I get an almost right prize? )
Whoop whoop - - I just achieved Diamond status!!!!!
That should have been : "Doo Wop Doo Wop Doo Wop" I think?
@EM - Just their home was fictional.
@EM-hey like your new tactic!
You know almost everyone rode a bike when they were young. Carefree, roaming around; how and when they wanted on their bike. So young kids today are doing just that. Not really thinking about laws or consequences or careless drivers or even other vehicles that might endanger them.
Or their actions having consequences-like riding off a sidewalk into traffic(which I am sorry, but, isn't it just common sense to not do that or to think to stop and look first? You wouldn't step into traffic without stopping and looking if you were a pedestrian).
Things have changed since we were all young. Nothing is as it was or as simple. There are more cyclists on the roads now and riding in a whole different capacity too. It seems some of these operators of vehicles forgot their carefree days of riding bicycle. They are in a hurry, not paying attention to what is around them and just generally not operating the vehicle is save manner. The only cyclists they tune into are the ones who are not riding properly-just like they are not properly operating their vehicles properly.
Where is tolerance and common courtesy and understanding?
And, where it may be very dangerous to approach a vehicle to try to talk to the driver, how scary is it that you would even have to worry about a gun toting driver?
Hope all that makes sense and ya'll get the idea of what I am trying to say.
@ Marty (not Mary) You are a Rama Lama Ding Dong! Do Whap Do Whap De Whap! (Or something like that.) JOKING DISCLAIMER.
@ Marty, wait, what Happy Days not real?
@Ray S - Congratulations! Will you let the rest of us try out your new bike sometime?
HI all, out by 6:40 and made my usual rounds while the temps were still in the 70s. Later today they will get into the danger zone with heat index above 100. Lots and lots of joggers toda. I suspect they were trying to beat the heat too. New tacktic for building good PR: I say hello or good morning to any driver I see and can get the attention of if their window is rolled down. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
From the fictional home of Happy Days, and the real home of the Bronze Fonze, it will be an Aaahhh-bike.
Does that mean it will be an e-bike? That will make the hills and wind so much easier.
@Christina-hope your doing ok out there! Just sending vibes over the airwaves.
@Ray S - Give me a few days to get it packaged and ready for shipment, and then look for it in your e-mail inbox.
What do I win? Perhaps a new Trek CrossRip for winter riding?
Did Ray get the answer?
@Ray S - BINGO!!!!
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Quiz postscript follow-up
If anyone was perplexed about the second hint, the two companies start with what I started with in my original query. I started every paragraph with a word that started with 'T' and then 'h'. (T for Trek, and h for Harley-Davidson.
Sorry everyone for the trick question, but Harley-Davidson is a bike company. (And all of my bicycle rides of the last few days have been punctuated periodicically by their trademark low pitched staccato audio reminders.
Slept in to have a lot of energy to make my ride to 5000 points, yes DIAMOND! When I get to the mileage needed I am going to stop and saver the moment and record the ride.
Oooh, oooh, I know. Trek and Harley-Davidson.
Quiz follow-up #3
The second bike company is celebrating their 110th Anniversary this weekend in Milwaukee.
@ Rob - Thanks for the suggestion.
@Marty - All is forgiven, now give us another hint, pretty please with sugar on top. ;)
Quiz follow-up #2
I don't know where Lemond bikes were first made, and they aren't being made anymore, at least until issues with them and Trek can be resolved.
I also don't know where Saris racks were first manufactured. (I do have a bones model that works great, but has been largely unused the last few months because I haven't really used the car it is on.)
Trek and Saris
@Marty - Trek and Lemond
@Karen Jean - Don't be too pained, as it is sort of a trick question, but once I reveal the answer, (or someone asks for another hint), it will be obvious, and you'll hate me for raising your blood pressure. My reference materials aren't as extensive as yours, so I didn't know about Juju's owner.
@Karen Jean - check these out for your Halloween parade. I bought a set, a bargain at less than $10. And they work great and last a long time. They have several colors, but this one might work well for Halloween. Good luck! http://www.christmaslightsetc.com/p/Battery-Operated-Christmas-Wide-Angle-Lens-20-Amber-LED-Lamps-4-inch-Spacing-Green-Wire--19261.htm
@Marty - It is painful for me not to be able to find an answer to your question quickly since it means I am no longer as good as I once was in answering reference questions, You know I was just teasing you, right? Mary is my ex-brother-in-law's third cousin who lives in Saskatchewan with her cat Juju. I thought you knew.
Quiz follow-up #1
Trek is the gimmie answer.
Waterford is a very good answer, but as far as I know, they are only made in Wisconsin. And, they don't fit my second hint.
Pacific is a surprize answer, and not too bad either, as they are definitely a big company, but I don't think they've ever made bikes in Madison. They also don't fit my second hint, either.
Does anyone want another hint?
@Karen Jean - Why do you think that I am sadistic, and @Mary isn't sadistic, just mean? (And who is Mary, by the way?)
Well, I for one have never heard of Pacific. You didn't by chance mean Paramount which became the Waterford facility?
Trek & Pacific (argue that Waterford is not as well known as Pacific)
Changing my answer. Trek and Waterford Precision Cycles.
Trek and Cannondale
@Marty - Geez!, Don't give a librarian that kind of challenge first thing in the morning, you are going to ruin my schedule for the day. Perhaps someone from Wisconsin knows the answer. The closest I came was Trek and Waterford, but that doesn't fit your hints, so someone else please give the answer so that I can go do my ironing or I will go nuts thinking about this the rest of the day. Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin - you are sadistic. ;)
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On another note. Does anyone else have a really nifty Halloween Parade in their town. I am planning on riding my bike in our parade to promote my involvement in the NBC. Any ideas on how to "Trick" out my bicycle for the event. I plan on purchasing a NBC jersey if I don't win one in the challenge to wear as well.
@Mary - Please, I really do not think you are sadistic, just mean. ;)
This is a quiz:
There are two Nationally famous bike companies headquartered in Wisconsin. Can you name them both? (Please don't answer if you can only name one of them.)
They both used to be manufactured only in Wisconsin, but now are made in several different countries. (Hint #1)
They start with what I started with. (Hint #2)
@ Jerry, sorry to hear about your friend.
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@ Paul, ever heard of road rage? People get attacked for all kinds of reasons and also for no apparent reason. It can happen any time at any place so you just never know. I agree we need to educate the public, but thinking one stuation is any safer than another is pushing your luck. We need massive media campaigns all over the country to educate the public. Cyclists could take a lesson from the people who ride motorcycles...
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@ Nyla, I have been reading the book "How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle: Reflections of an influential 19th century woman" by Frances E Willard. She learned to ride a bicycle at the age of 53 and gradually "learned the location of every screw and spring, spoke and tire, and every beam and bearing that went to mke up Gladys." {Gladys is the name of her bike). At any rate I think you might enjoy this book and I have to say that Frances Willard's prose is almost, almost, as lyrical as your own!
@Laurie, she hasn't been responding to any posts lately that I've seen. Hope all is ok with her.
Has anyone heard how Christine is doing after her surgery?
Well wishes for your friend, Jerry. I always enjoyed riding off into the sunset.
And I think you have to consider circumstances to determine risk. Wee hours of the morning, guy on foot wearing a hoodie, approaching a car... likeliness of gun play may be very high, but middle of the day guy on bike, wearing spandex. Who is going to find that threatening?
Great ride tonight with the Chain Gang during our "Ride into the Sunset."
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Except for one of our riders crashed at 30mph after hitting a 2"x2"x4" piece of wood. He finished his ride in the ambulance. Road rash. broken shoulder, concussion at the least.
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I made sure to tell everyone no one needed to take my place as the "Broken Rider."
Ride and have fun. I don't have facebook but I think it's like what happened here. :-)
Heh. Pretty much. No ill will here though (I hope). I'm taking all of this friendly convo. I just believe that the laws regarding cyclists are mostly unknown by drivers, and there is simply not eough effort put into changing that. What better opportunity than to approach it when an incident occurs?
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I guess the part I am having a hard time understanding is why all the fear of armed motorists. Is it really that common? I know we are pretty isolated over here, but I am just baffled by that thought process.
I understand Paul, but you will lose. Knock on a door you might get a surprise. I am all for bicycle safety and awareness. My state recognizes the Idaho Stop law and I use it on my morning rides only but I guarantee most people are unaware of it and more than likely would like to educate me.
Rob, I totally understand what you are saying about Joe Public. But if someone damn near kills me out of stupidity or inattention...I'll be more than happy to give them a second opportunity to do it with the small arms cache they may or may not be carrying in their cars.
http://www.bikeleague.org/content/ranking
There's always a chance of getting hit by lightning. Or a bus. But that doesn't stop us.
When we are at a dead stop, and I am beside the car/driver, his vehicle no longer poses a threat. Whether or not they have a gun is another issue, but I have more faith in humanity than to think that there is a likely chance of me confronting some psycopath at random. I keep KPD on my phone speed dial, and it's always in my right side jersey pocket for easy access, and I always have phone in hand when I go talk to a driver. If it looks like it will escalate, I'll be the first to dial. The simple act of placing a phone to ear and a "We'll let the police decide" has been enough to descalate a situation in the two times I've had to do it.
40th I meant in the National Bike Challenge. Yes, LAB does seem to rank NJ 7th surprisingly.
@Carl, where did you come up with NJ being #40?
My dad had an answer for riding on the sidewalks when we were kids. He told us that if we ever hit anybody he would take our bike away. Talk about SCARY, needless to say, I never ran into anybody!
BTW, NJ is ranked #7 by the League of American bicyclists. I don't know where someone got the #40 from, but it's not NJ.
@carl i love traffic circles. too bad we don't have many in Fla. I really loved them in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Once you get the hang of them its great, particularly in heavy traffic.
Even public parks have rules. There's a park here in Allentown that allows cycling only every other day. Being public doesn't mean you can go ripping around the golf course on your bicycle. As to sidewalks, pedestrians will tell you why it's a bad idea to encourage kids to use them as bike paths. I was trying to point out that better infrastructure is the answer. And coming off a sidewalk into the street is still one of the easiest ways to get hit by a car.
RE: the golf courses. If its a public golf course in a public park, who can keep you out? I have actually cross country skiied in a golf course. The snow was just better there. I have also test ridden a bike in a golf couse. I was looking for a hill to test the bike on and there were a couple of good hills. It was a public golf course and I did not ride on the grass.
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RE: the kids riding on the sidewalk today. I would have to have a lot more information before I could say anything. For example in some places it is perfectly legal to ride on the sidewalk. And since I don't ride on the sidewalk there, I don't know the rule. Also, in that spot the KIDS were probably safer. There are other areas nearby where riding on the street is the norm. In any case the kids were very alert to traffic and they were wearing helmets. A few days ago I witnessed something much scarier. Two kids were riding the wrong way across two lanes of a four lane road that had an island in the middle. Those kids were weaving all over the place and they were not wearing helmets. I'm not even sure if they were wearing shoes. They seemed to have absolutely no regard for safety. To my relief they only rode to the end of the island and then crossed the road to ride off in the correct direction. BUT OMG, that was scary! Their complete disregard for safety was so obvious.
Most people believe it is not up to Joe Public to educate them, Regardless of the situation. Some dude straddling his bike is an easy target to defeat. No thanks I will wave, smile and continue on my ride.
There is always a chance of drivers having a gun, or just calling the cops for you, yes, you, the rider, for yelling at them.
4 way stops I .. make sure to yield to the "crossers" or the ones likely to hit me, if we all stop at the same time I will way the right guy to go. I stop, like always, anyway, and if a car is opposite I may go when that one goes. 4 ways were horrid when I was younger, but lately they aren't bad, in NJ anyway. I get around fine on traffic circles too, with no issues, also. What is worse? 4 way stops or traffic circles?
@Paul, sorry for the miscommunication. Right on.
@J. Hugh, crickets.
It is just more reason to ride 15MpH max on the roads. ..lol..
As always Roberto you are right about everything.
I think there is some miscommunication, Roberto. No threat of gun play here. I go in non-confrontationaly to begin with. But when it's obvious that someone sees me, as they give me plenty of room when they pass, lay on the horn, and then pull a hard right hook 20 feet in front of me...THAT will get an angry reaction every time. There is a time and a lace for everything, and sometimes a stern angry message is needed to get the point across. By "blow up" I was referring to lost temper. Anger. I am on your side on this issue. Bad drivers need to be educated/.alerted at every opportunity.
Re: golf course riding...i know i know i know...but still...sometimes the little devil trumps the little angel. And we stuck to the paved cart paths. No damages. Not justifying it...just sayin'...
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And our municipal golf course runs right along side out highway. I've had my care hit by a golf ball and have seen golf balls bounce by both in my truck and on my bike.
Is this the wild west or what? The lady nearly ran me over as she swerved around me, so I rolled up next to her to remind her that what she did was illegal. I didn't yell or swear or confront her. But I'm not about to get bullied either. I doubt any sane person would resort to gun play because of what I did. @Paul, some paradise if you have to worry about getting your head blown off. @J. Hugh, she was stopped. If she had opened her door, nothing would have happened. And why do you assume she was a sociopath?
Remember, we are talking 4-way stop, school zone, lots of people around. Not the OK Corral.
As for confronting...I see these as opporunities to educate. I have no problem with going up to any driver, anywhere. I check my attitude first and try to approach them in a manner that is non-confrontational. On the flipside, I have no problem, blowing up and yelling at what is blatantly stupid or egregious. And being 6'3, 230 lbs often helps to get the point across.
@ Tammie, and anyone else that finds themselves on Kauai...def. hit me up. I would welcome an opp to ride with any of you. I can even arrange for bikes if you travel without.
Just ride in South Jersey... You'll likely kill yourself eventually riding everyday. ... lol... I have a huge feeling that is why NJ is 40th in the ranking of 50 states, or really it means there are 9 other states that must be worse for riding I guess.
@Rob Adams I agree with you. What if she had opened the door and after hitting roberto said oops. Or if she had just put her gun or can of halt out the window and did Bang.
@ Tammie you are doing great. and I agree being adult and not destructive and antagonistic is best. When I lose my compassion for others it is never the outcome I want.
Definitely, Roberto, the voice of reason. Nothing destructive. Just a little fun on our 'Rebel Rides'. We are responsible adults. Especially here in drought ridden West Texas, I know how difficult it is to get anything green to grow! I just uploaded my two rides I did today when I took my van in for repairs.. I am now just two miles short of 4,000 points. I will get those in a little while. That last 1,000 points will go by quickly I think. Paul.. I want to come ride with you!!
@Roberto. Not arguing for or against you. I was brought up that if it is bigger than you, yield to it regardless. Here where I live, and most other places a lot of people can get intimidated easily and won't hesitate grabbing the gun 1st. I would prefer it wasn't that way but I am a realist.
@Rob, it was a woman in a SUV at a busy intersection in front of a school. I didn't really imagine her escalating the situation as she sat waiting her turn. After all, she nearly ran me over to get her spot in line. Wasn't that enough? I was directly behind her and pulled up a few feet. Not really sketchy at all.
@Paul, South Mountain is a great ride. The Cholla cactus has had it's share of victims too. Glad you didn't experience that part of it.
Riding up to a driver door of a vehicle to tell them what they supposedly did wrong could escalate a mundane situation into a matter of life and death. I wouldn't recommend doing that.
I love my humidity. Last time I visited Mom in Phoenix, I don't know what bled more-my chapped lips or my nose. And South Mountain was always worth every drop spilled.
Cycling on a golf course? Really? How about getting arrested for trespassing? How about just the negative type of publicity our sport needs? Let's not get carried away folks. There should be some responsibility that comes with expecting respect from the public at large. Going out on a moonlight cruise on the local links isn't going to cut it.
@Paul - Aloha! I bet you are better with humidity than we are.
@Ray - :P
I've never cycled on a golf course, but I have done donuts on a green in a golf cart. It was quite exhilarating and I didn't feel guilty in the least. In fact, I think I drove on 9 greens that day. Good times.
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For night riding fun, I have ridden the towpath running through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the middle of the night. The headlight shows you where to go, but you can't see all those creatures going bump in the night which gives it an air of excitement.
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Ok, for the golf fans out there, here's the disclaimer. I was working at that course and the owner and I were aerating and top dressing the greens. I got to drive the car around in circles with a "rake" hanging off the back to distribute the "dirt." Still, it was fun breaking the rules.
@Karen: Kauai, Hawaii AKA middle of freakin' nowhere. Literally.
And you guys riding in true winter conditions...that to me is heroic. I haven't done that since my 20's in Chicago and Pittsburgh. I would probably die if I had to do it now. (sensing a wimp card about to come into play)
@Paul - where is "over here."
To join the winter riding convo...over here, winter gear is the same as summer gear, with on small addition. Arm sleeves. And usually, those are reserved for night riding. And for those nights that drop below 70, I'll add leg sleeves. And maybe a bandana under my helmet.
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:-)
@Karen, afraid not. Birds eat butterflies. Spread your wings and soar.
Ah. Thanks. I get to do that on occasion over here.
@Tammie - Your night rides sound like so much fun. Wouldn't I love to have someone to ride with at night or in the rain!
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Yes, please, what is IRIR?
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@Roberto - Can a butterfly morph into a bird?
No need for that card yet, Roberto...although it would definitely be motivating to have that thrown at me.
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And what is IRIR?
@Paul-Intentional Riding in the Rain
Birds fly in the rain; butterflies not so much.
IRIR from work this afternoon. Only 5% of the distance @Roberto covered, but a solid tropical downpour the entire way. Glad I had my lights on, as most drivers didn't. Doesn't anybody in this town know about the wipers=lights law in PA?
@Paul, good choice. Now I can put the WIMP card back in the deck.
40 miles in absolutely dreary, rainy, humid conditions. The only thing good about today's ride was the ride. Had a lady nearly run me over in her SUV as we approached a stop sign. Since she had to stop and wait, I rolled up to her driver's side window and informed her she just broke at least two laws. Her reply, "You're not allowed to ride in the middle of the street." IGNORANCE IS BLISS. I won't tell you my reply.
Ooops. Just reread what I posted...should say NOT writing it off yet. Thanks for drawing my attention to that Tammie. It will just be a little more challenging.
Oh my-night time golf course ride? That could be very interesting, since we have plenty of abundant miles of those around here.
@Nyla-beautifully put. Well said.
Oh, Paul, I hate to hear of you giving up on diamond. I will be crossing the 4,000 point line tonight.. finally! Golf Course... oooh, I don't know about that.. my father golfs 6 days a week! Sounds like you have a little Rebel in you too. We are going out again tonight.. wonder where we may end up??? LOL I am really enjoying our cooler temps.. it is only 88 right now! ( although the ever present wind is at 16mph gusting to 27!) I am about to jump on my road bike for a ride to moms house for a hop into the pool.. ride and reward! That's the way I like it. I am afraid these new night rides starting at Starbucks with the reward part are going to be a problem.. yum.. that stuff is way too good!
@Paul - Golf course?? :O Naughty! (I have little room to talk... I drove over a newly constructed footbridge near campus many years ago.)
Thanks to all for the well wishes, but I am going to bundle that positive energy and forward it to those with more serious issues than my little illness that will only keep me off the bike for a few days. As for diamond-I'm writing it off yet. A brief break from riding usually returns me to ridin even stronger.But if I don't get it, I wonm't be disappointed. The 800+ miles I logged just in the first three weeks of August alone is more miles combined than I rode from june 2005-June of this year, so I certainly can not complain.
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Lights: I have to recommend Nite Riders. I have never been disappointed. I have a 750 pro that I run on my helmet and I have a 700 minewt on the bars. I am upgrading that to the pro 2200 dual beam. I like a LOT of light, and I plan on racing/competing in overnight events soon. The 700/750 combo I currently run is plenty bright enough for typical night riding. I would highly recommend a helmet light as a secondary light. Nice to have as a backup, and nice to have to be able to see around turns, where as a handlebar (primary light) will stay fixed dead ahead. The minewts are a little heavy as a head lamp, so I placed it on my bars. The pro series has a different lens/reflector setup and throws a bit of a wider beam. I can't speak for other brands, as I never used anything but Niteriders, going back to my prime riding/racing days 15 years ago.
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Tammie-there's one more rebel badge you need to get-golf course. Definitely a night ride though. Well after dark.
@Nyla - I share your deep & abiding aversion to stationary sweat. It's been near 100 for the last several days in Nebraska, and we've had the ridiculous 60-70% humidity to go with it. The sweating starts the second you leave the air conditioning. NOAA predicts we'll be back down into the 80's next week. I sure hope so, cuz this weather is gross.
@Nyla, such literary prose that emanates from your effervescent fingers...
Briefly, blessedly cooler; benignly cloudy calm this morning. Primarily pedaling recently near the milder dawn and dusk margins of Midwest marinating in 70% humidity. multiple nineties and triple digit heat indexes. I am ever more impressed with Tammie’s consistently intense and triumphant rides into the blast furnace apparently comprising typical Texas summer. I have no objection to exercise sweat….I’ve earned that, but I’ve a deep and abiding aversion to stationary sweat -- the sort arising in the absolute absence of any exertion whatsoever, .seeping offensively and unbidden from every pore, insidiously shifting my entire body into some hideous swamp-troll perversion of an underground spring.
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On the plus side; the heat renders rationalizing “Riding for ice cream” effortless ….and the current frozen yogurt flavor at the dairy is Black Forest Cheesecake (-; Keep Pedaling!
@Burklee & Marty-thanks for the light tips. Much appreciated. I have a little LED that flashes or stays steady that I got at Walmart. It does not illumate the way so well but people can definitely see me coming. I ride at night in the fall and winter, if I am meeting someone for dinner or whatever and ride from work to meeting up and then home. There is a severe lack of street lights here. So its very very dark going. In fact when I moved here from DC area, its the first thing I noticed-no lights anywhere! Crazy to adjust too. My main concern is running into critters that don't know to not run out in front of you as John Tyson just mentioned.
@John - It was expensive, but when you consider the cost (monetary, pain, time off biking), of getting either hit by an animal or car, or crashing to avoid them at the last second, it is more than worth it.
Note: There are 1,200, 1,500, 2,000, and now 2,600 lumen (that is brighter than TWO halogen car headlights!), headlight out there, too.
I just saw that eBay has at least five 2,000 lumen options, all in the $25 to $91 price range. (That is a lot less than I paid for my 900 lumen one. Maybe they don't spread the light out as nicely as mine, which makes it easy to see an animal on the side.)
@Marty - I will have to get one of those lights for my ride in the morning. The most of the animals I saw this morning was within 15 feet before I saw them run in front of me. It also did not help that it was foggy as well.
I have a 900 lumen Sigma, and usually only have it on the lowest of 3 beam options. In Virginia last December, shortly after I bought it, a motorist saw me and put their high beams on. Usually, when that happened in the past, I would take one arm and would shield my eyes. But this time, I just set it to high beam, and the motorist immediately switched back to low beam. I'm still waiting for that to happen in Wisconsin, as it was empowering. (900 lumens is about 80% as bright as one halogen headlight on a car.) On low beam, it lasts about 11 hours before needing to be recharged. With something like this, you don't need to slow down at all from your daylight speeds.
@Michael - If your frog counts, you can quit your job and go on tour with it!
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@Laurie - Why would we notice if your points didn't get added from last night?
@Laurie: if your points are not being added, it may be because you are importing data from a Garmin device. My rides imported from a Garmin 500 are being imported as runs instead of rides, and so do not count as part of the Bike Challenge. I edit my rides, change them to rides, and check the box to include them as statistics, and then save. Be sure to go back and check previous rides because Endomondo has been doing this since Sunday.
@Cynthia - I have a "head light", one of those lamps that is attached to a headband. It's on my helmet. Mine is 45 lumens and tilts, so I can adjust it to the right angle. It shines wherever I look, allowing me to see off to the side of the road if I need to. I also have a light attached to my bike, allowing me to always be seen. I think it's a good combination. Mine is just an Eveready we picked up at Walgreens. I originally got it for Jay to see if it would make her feel safer. (It did.) We then replaced hers with another from Scheel's. Hers is around 80 lumens. It's an option I heartily recommend.
I bought the light on eBay for $93 free shipping. it lasted for hours on the low setting which is about 200 lumens the middle settings three hundred and something it is wonderful it really lights the way. I was the lead rider on Comanche trail since we were in pitch black. it has a good white bean so you can see to decide enough and see around curves. you don't feel like you have to slow to a crawl. I hope to go to Florida to visit my brother someday I will definitely take my bike!
Love all the wildlife reports! Wild Turkeys are so cool too!
@Tammie-sorry-wind has picked up here can't take any at this time. Rebel Riding sounds like great fun. I am going to look into the light your using. I need something that illuminates the path, not just makes me visible to vehicles and other persons. Glad you decided to enjoy the ride! Always the best thing anyway you can.
@Robert-good luck getting back to the riding life!
I just moved to Indiana from Florida. The weather has been beautiful. Even the hot days are manageable. I am coming back from some health issues and it has been great to ride again. Now I need to remember which box all my bike maintenance items are stored in and I will be set.
http://floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law/ If you live in Florida or are going to vistit this is a good site to see the rules of the road and highlights recent changes. The sidewalk issue is really tricky since in many areas the state says you can but the local government says you can't. There are a great many articles devoted to this confusion. I just ride in the road. Saw 11 wild turkeys in a field with two sleeping wild pigs.
I was BAD last night and had a blast. Did some true rebel riding around town. Late night.. after 10.. we rode till after midnight. Did downtown sidewalks, parking garage.. the only one in town and all! LOL Went down to Comanche trail which is tree lined wonderland .. unfortunately it had rained and what we thought was water turned out to be mud! Spent an hour cleaning near concrete off our bikes ... but it was FUN!!! LOL Yep... streets with NO CARS rebel riding can be fun.. we did see one car and the driver leaned out and said he thought he had 'aliens' coming toward him... all our blinking lights. We were not crazy and used caution where needed.. just having some fun. My NightRider 550 was a dream light! This morning my van had to go into the shop for leaking oil. I threw my bike into the back for a nice ride home. The guys were apalled and kept offering to put my bike int he back of their trucks and drive me home. It was only 3.5 miles home. Took me no time.. wish it was further! I am actually taking it easy this week. Not planning any really long rides. Keeping them under 20 miles. Just got way too tired last week. I have figured out that keeping it fun is best. Right now I am having to learn a new phone.. mine died yesterday... isn't that a joy. NOT The only weather to report here is WIND.. lots and lots of wind.. can I send it to anyone? Any takers?
@EM, riding on the sidewalk is illegal in most states and for good reason. Not only is it hazardous to pedestrians, but one of the number one ways to get hit by a car is coming off the sidewalk into the street. Luckily for the kid this morning it didn't happen. Instead of these kids riding on the sidewalk the community should consider a bike train. A volunteer parent leads and tails a group that snakes through a neighborhood picking up student cyclists as they go. Better than riding in Old Yeller. The need for a bike path preferably or a bike lane at least would make these kids' rides safer, legal, and promotes the correct way to ride.
I like wild turkeys. Ben Franklin wanted to make them our national bird.
@Amber - that is the proper attitude (and attire) for rainy weather. Enjoy your ride home!
Hi all, good ride this morning. Got out just about 6:40 and seem to have dodged most of the morning traffic except for the stop sign line. But at least today the stop sign line was moving pretty quickly so I only had time for a few sips of water. Saw three turkeys in the meadow at So outer 40. Later I saw three kids (10-12 yrs old I'd guess) on bikes on their way to school. Helmeted and aware, they were doing the sidewalk ride. Two of them made the crossing and they first one warned the third one, CAR COMING, CAR COMING, TOO LATE. And I'm happy to report that the third kid waited patiently for the car to go by before crossing the street. YAY!
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RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
@Brian H - I do believe we talked and rode together at the Nebraska Heatstroke (HP Jersey). You rode fabulously and it was a pleasure to meet you! Awesome ride on the hybrid. We got in 85 tough miles. You should join our team for the Bike MS ride Sept 7/8. If interested, email me at [email protected].
@Karen Jean, you think that's entertaining, you should hear me after I switch from coffee to scotch!
@Peter - Thanks for the "Diamond", but I am hoping to get a "Diamond" on my own next month. (About 750 points to go.)
@Michael - Of course, Nyla is the expert, but I vote for Doggie doo. Keep drinking that coffee, It makes for an entertaining morning when I am stuck inside from a thunderstorm.
@Nyla, does the frog in my fish pond count? Doggie doo by the dumpster? Clutter in the gutter? Stonemasons scaling scaffolding on the surface of our structure? Gawd I need to cut back on the coffee!
@Michael - sounds like Allentown, did you take a wrong turn somewhere?
@Jerry - I try to be polite, but equally as loud. For example, on Sunday (at the top of my voice)," Hi, Do you see me?" - She laughed and said, "Yes, I see you." - Then why was her car inching forward moments earlier? - Of course, this works better when the car window is open like hers was at the time.
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Finished my ride last night after dark and startled five deer coming into Emmaus from between two houses at the edge of town. I feel lucky to have spotted them, but also since they decided to turn around and walk the other way and not bolt in front of me.
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Now I am going to make Roberto proud of me and ride my bike to the drug store in the rain. OOOPS! I just heard thunder, that wet trip will have to wait one hour.
one morning last week, it was all about the animals - racoon crossed the road, coming almost toward me - thought it was a possum, but saw the tail and then looked at his head - it was stuck in a food jar! later on the ride, 2 skunks, one with tail raised, but I was going to fast to be hit by it's spray.
@Jim, me too. Agree the cops need to do a MUCH better job.
Michael, surely also something analogous to a partridge in a pear tree, just to round out the list?....pigeon in a parking lot perhaps?
@Paul-so sorry about your diamond!!!
@Laurie-sounds like you got some IRIR time in!
Well, for 4 years in a row my son has rode the Bike MS 150 Break Away to the Beach ride with me-found out this morning he may not be riding this year. Oh well. Be a time for some quiet time. Just chill and pedal and chat with new people I meet.
@John, my commute this morning had me pass a feral cat, two drug dealers, three kids walking to school and four homeless guys. All in all, a normal day here in paradise (sarcasm added)...
Call me crazy but I love riding in the rain. It feels like an adventure for me. Loving my new rain trench! Now at work with a nice hot cup of tea and clothes are drying. Bromptons are made for the rain! :)
Great ride into work this morning seeing a fair amount of wildlife. A couple of rabbits, fox, Canadian geese, a deer and a skunk. Of all the animals I saw, the skunk with its tail raised was the one I could do without meeting.
I don't think my points updated last night. Anyone else notice this?
I'm a yeller at stupid drivers. The sad part is nothing will ever change until the police start enforcing the law on both stupid drivers and stupid cyclists.
@:Laurie, all valid reasons. Especially the thunder and lightning bit...
@ CR, we had sideways rain coming down in sheets, and it was almost impossible to see. Plus my brakes weren't happy about being so wet. Also, there was thunder and lightning, and I'd rather err on the side of caution and make up the miles another day.
@Jerry, I sit up, wave my hands, and holler. Gets their attention.
@Karen, good, hope to see you on the road this winter.
@Laurie, once wet, why stop?
Several times today I checked the weather to make sure it wouldn't rain when I was ready to ride. Then I got 3 miles into a 20 mile ride and it started pouring. Went another mile then decided to turn around. On the way back, the rain slowed down, so I figured I would keep riding in the new direction. Sure enough, started pouring again, and I took shelter in a little porch area at the cemetery. Finally the rain died down again (pun intended) and I kept riding. My planned 20 mile ride turned into a 10 mile one, but it was still fun. And the hot shower when I got back home felt extra good :)
@Paul. Eat all the ice cream you want. It is only calories. And pounds. But it will make you feel better.
@ Paul, hope you recover quickly and you can get your diamond.
@jerry Only her body was in the car, her mind was else where. she won't remember driving where ever she was going. All to often this is the reason for accidents.
My ride tonight was a test ride with my readjusted clip-less pedals and shoes. Yes, both were adjusted.
It doesn't surprise me anymore but I continue to be amazed how people can be so blind when they drive. Pati and I were heading east on a rural road. A car was heading west and signaled that she was going to turn left. We had the right of way. We moved to the center of our lane to help the driiver notice us and slowed down assuming we would not be seen. And she turned left right in front of us. And it was obvious from watching the driver she never saw us.
@ Burklee, but diamonds are girls best friend, I've been told.
My shiny diamond...slipping away...
Had a bit of a sore throat last night. Woke up this 4am with chills. Went downhill from there. Strep. And its the second time in 6 months. Doc is worried about colonization of the bacteria. I go see an EN&T to see if I'll be having a tonsilectomy.
I believe that entitles me to guilt free ice cream, right?
@ Karen Jean, as soon as I get the points and NBC sends me the "DIAMOND" I' ll get it to you if your husband agrees! lol
@Laurie - If you mean the pain is on the OUTSIDE or distal side of your knee, it is Illio Tibial Band Syndrome, or ITB Syndrome. It is something you don't need to go to a doctor for, as it can be cured by doing about 5 or 6 very specific exercises, a few times a night. It is very common for runners to get it, and also somewhat common to get it while bicycling, particularly if one is upping their mileage, like you have been, or if using slightly too big a gear.
Doing the exercises will get you to your diamond.
It is also my favorite injury. Partly because I'm predisposed to it and have gotten it so many times over the past 30 years, and partly because it is so treatable, without having to take medications or injections for it.
@Michael-funny humor.
@Laurie-good luck at the doc. And, how can you not bike 12 miles there? lol. Story was a good one!
@Peter-diamond is just a day away.
@Brian-your Heatstroke adventure story was awesome. Thanks for posting.
@Laurie - That was an amazing article - too funny! Thanks for posting!
@Peter - I'll take a diamond, I lost mine on a camping trip last year and my husband has not replaced it yet. Sob :(
@Laurie. Hope it is not serious.
Oh, and by the way, I am going to bike the 12 miles or so to the doctor's office... hehehe.
A month or two ago, I had to kneel down and instantly had a sharp pain, like someone was stabbing sharp needles in the side of my knee. Other than kneeling, it was fine. Well, now it's progressed to where even sitting or walking I get that same pain. I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow for it. This better NOT wreck my hopes for that Diamond!
PS, Burklee not a cyclist, what nonsense!!
http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/excursions/post/woman-steals-own-bike-back-from-thief/
@ Brian, congrats on the hybrid ride. My sister will be happy to know that the wind speed was 15 with gusts up to 25. We had heard that the speed was 20 mph. We noticed that the wind from the side was almost as pesky as riding into the wind. Maybe next year we'll have time for the entire ride...
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RE: Winter riding. I don't mind the cold and in fact rode quite a bit last winter. However, when snow and/ or ice are at dangerous levels I reserve the right to get out my X C skis and/or sled and travel by that method!
@Peter - Why not keep this one for yourself? You deserve it.
I don't want to Jinx myself, but I should get DIAMOND on Thursday. Who should I give this diamond to because I gave my wife a diamond 49 years ago ?
@Michael - HA!
@Brian - Thanks for the story.
@Roberto - Sorry to sound so wimpy. I will give it a try this Winter.
@Michael and Cynthia - Inspirational as always.
@Brian - Congratulations to your hybrid! And to you, sir! We are giving Madison a run, aren't we?
@Rob and Michael about 50-55 degrees is my winter. toe covers on my sandals. long sleeve wicking shirt for the sweating. also, I get to work on hills, I mean wind. Starts in December lasts until March, we get little bursts of winter two to three days at a time. Most of the time its like the average late spring in Wisconsin.
@ Brian H Way to go.
Red tailed hawks, sand hill cranes, really beautiful butterflies. Some that road on my bike of me for several miles, shockingly strong grip. Pasted through three stretches where the cicadas were so loud they blotted out the bird songs.
@ Michael, that is funny.
@Rob, about 50-55 degrees is my cutoff for shorts (get it, cutoff shorts, haha).
I am still 3 months away from getting out my cold weather clothing. Will still be wearing shorts through mid Dec. with a light riding jacket.
@Burklee-you are a cyclist!
I want to tell a story about my Giant Hybrid bike. Last Sunday it participated in the GPBC Heat Stroke 100, Ashland, Nebraska. Upon arriving at the event, it was somewhat overwhelming seeing all those other bikes that were better prepared and more expensive. My hybrid though was up to the challenge. The day was filled with challenges as the wind was 15 mph with gust to 25 and out of the south, and the heat index reached over 100 degrees.
It was determined that my bike would take on the longest route first. The start of the ride started out with a number of hills, which is not the bike’s strong suite. But it got off to a decent start and arrived at the first check point in pretty good shape. The route then proceeded North and my hybrid began to take advantage of the nice tail wind. At one point we had to slow down, and four road bikes came up on our tail. But as we regained our speed, my bike was quite surprised that it was pulling away from the other bikes. The bike reached the point where it had to turn West and was at first concerned about the cross wind. My bike found that it was able to maintain a steady speed, cutting thru the wind. The hybrid was eventually caught by two road bikes and passed. But again to the surprise of the bike, it was able to catch the draft and was able to stay with these sophisticated bikes. My hybrid even took several turns at leading the pack until it would tire and then fall back into its place in line. This portion of the route was what most hybrids only dream about. Eventually, my hybrid had to let the two bikes pull away, but it had already accomplished more than it could imagine. The route was finished with 50 miles at a 16.5 mph average. Not bad for an average hybrid bike. It finished the day with 77 miles and was quite tired.
Burklee, you ARE a cyclist. People who don't have to deal with 3-4 months of snow and ice and 40 below zero wind chills might not understand why we'd be reluctant to winter bike.
I guess I must not be a cyclist.
@Mike - I've got a pair of Garneau 0 degree Ergo Grip shoes for winter commuting. They have a water resistant 'bootie' top attached to the leather upper. I've used them two seasons and like them. Garneau claims them to be waterproof, but I've had water migrate through the top layer and eventually to my socks. They've got hard lugged soles and give pretty good traction on snow & ice. With my Novara Headwind pants pulled down over the tops, I stay dry enough for my winter rides. I like that they have a no-tie pull tab to snug the laces and a protected zip top on the bootie cover - they go on and off quicker than a separate shoe & shoe cover - good for commuting. And since the bootie top is attached to the shoe, I'm not walking around on shoe cover fabric and wearing it out. I won't intentionally ride in icing conditions, so these are mostly for our typically cool, wet winter days (mid- 30's F to about 50 F). They're a little pricey, but a certain store in Portland, Oregon, has a good sale price on them right now, with free shipping.
I have been gearing myself up all summer for my winter commuting. I'm only lacking a decent pair of cycling shoes/boots to complete the whole package. Any suggestions? A bonus would be an extra wheelset so I don't have to change tires going from dry to wet conditions.
At the end of Aug I will have ridden just over 3,000 miles for the months of June, July, and August!! That was my TOTAL distance for all of last year. I will also achieve Diamond status on Thursday, earning 1,000+ NBC points in August alone!!
@Roberto-how did I guess you were Italian?
Cycling is a sport to be enjoyed anytime of year anywhere. It doesn't have a season.
My worst weather riding was actually IRIR-it was a charity ride in January, a 60 mile route and it rained the whole trip and yes, it does get cold here in January. But, it was fun, I had a great time. Some younger guy (student) caught up with me and we rode and talked through the rain drops almost the whole distance. That's part of what its all about and one of the many reasons why I ride.
I have to say though, a lot of people ride in extreme temps of heat and cold and I have not had those type of experiences, I am sure if I did, I would still ride. I give them immense credit for pursuing their passions in extreme conditions.
As far as the cold, once you start out and get warmed up-you don't even notice the cold as Carl said.
@Carl, sounds like you need your own bike path. There's room for everyone. Just don't label folks, and we will all enjoy the sport in our own way.
@Laurie, think time in the saddle, not miles. Get in at least a good 30 minutes, and you should be good to go once you feel like the weather is more suitable.
I like the winter/fall riding more than the "naked time" summer riding. At least this year has been cooler than last year, but that isn't always the case. I was riding my neighborhood, developement at 3 or 4 am when it was 4 or 5F. Once warmed up, the cold isn't that noticable. Wind though.. that is sometimes the make or breaker. 3am rides were the result of working all day and it was the best time (no rush hour traffic like 6pm after getting home). ......................................................................................... I say "death speeds" as in 30+ Mph. What really annoys me is when I'm passing a walker and someone has to try passing me at the same time. There just needs to be rules, like waiting on line, like you normally would in a car, kind of rules. It would help if lanes were painted on the pathes, too. Also it would be nice if people/riders didn't ride 2 abreast at all.
So, CR, let's say I bike 3-5 miles during the middle of the day all winter long, just to keep muscles from atrophying. Would that be sufficient for maintenance until warmer weather returns?
Of course, I'm Italian, started cycling before I was 2, and my first name is "Cycling" Just sayin'
The way I see it, if you're a cyclist you ride. A pianist doesn't stop playing his piano because the concert season is over. I never really think about the seasons, but rather what do I need to wear to be comfortable while cycling. There are no substitutes for cycling. It is a passion that can only be savored by being outdoors, looking over the handlebars, and pedaling your way to wherever you chose. The time of year is irrelevant.
Winter riding is great. When you can gear up to ride in the lower temps its not bad at all. In fact it can be quite comfortable.
I have been planning to ride as far into cold weather as I can tolerate. I think I'll draw the line when it comes to trying to negotiate 2-4 foot snowdrifts. After September 30, I also won't feel the compulsion to ride every day, but I probably still will do so :P
Winter riding is superb. I don't understand why people think cycling is a warm weather sport. Haven't you people heard of clothing? Seriously, "the weather beat me..." C'mon. We don't even get serious cold here in SE PA. I lived for 8 years in Jackson Hole, WY. That's cold. And we still got out. This question boggles my mind.
@Karen Jean, click on my profile picture and enlarge it; there I am in all of my winter-wear glory!
@Cynthia - After the NBC, I will ride as much as the weather will allow. I'm getting better at cold weather riding, thanks to the stuff I've read on the comments board here.
Another 40 in my August of 40+ mile days.
@Karen Jean, between Thanksgiving and MLK Day in January I leave home in the dark and leave work in the dark. You have an idea where I live, and yet crime is the least of my worries. I ride on lit streets where there's both auto and foot traffic (witnesses), and try to keep moving as much as possible. Besides, moving keeps you warm! As for wind chill, my face is the only problem. My outermost layer is a windbreaker jacket and GoreTex rain pants from my backpacking days. My biggest issue isn't even the exposed skin (I wear a balaclava below 28 degrees), but the breath fogs my glasses when I slow down. Besides, most criminals hate the cold!
I was disappointed with my progress since I have started riding again. Then it dawned on me today. I am not trying to get back into shape after being off the bike for a month due to weather. I am trying to get back into shape after spending two months recovering from an accident and almost complete inactivety. When I cannot ride I work out in a gym with weights and stationary bikes. So getting back on a bike and getting back to my normal ability takes no time at all. But getting back into shape after doing nothing tor two months is totally different. So I am happy with my results so far. I don't know why it took me so long to realize this.
@Cynthia, riding has been (since May 20, 2011) and will continue to be my year-round daily commute. When temps hit the low 20's and below will I switch to a bus. That's only because the super-dry air aggravates my exercise-induced asthma. My goal after the Challenge is to ride for more than just commuting. We'll see...
@Cynthia - 1) I'm going to guess 11,468, (17.6 billion, if this is a trick question, and you want to know how many people in the whole world, including those in the Southern hemisphere, who will be just starting to ride in their Spring.)
2) Their names are too numerous to list.
@Cynthia - I will try to ride as long as I can. I hope the weather won't beat me inside again this year. I don't know if I am tough enough to continue all Winter. I find it easier to run outside as exercise in the Winter instead of bicycling (because of the wind chill.) Also, I can't see commuting to the city at night with the crime problem. Gosh, I'm talking myself out of it already. Someone, please tell me what I would be missing.
I will continue to ride. All winter weather permitting.
I nice ride up to Buckingham Park with Pati. Just barely into the foothills.Meet two riders from the Jelly Belly team at the par who where getting ready to continue up into the mounatains.
Here is the question(s) of the day-out of curiosity: How many people will still ride after the challenge is over? Who is riding just to participate in the NBC?
Me myself-will continue to ride and continue to commute.
@Mike Wagster - Holy smokes!! Nice mileage!!
@Andrea - GOOOO!!
@ Mike W, way to roll!
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@ Andrea, make it so!
If all goes well, I'll be platinum by the end of the week! Wahoooo!
@ EM: I did my share of riding this weekend to improve NE’s national standings by riding 48 miles on Friday (local ride), 150 miles on Saturday (Gravel Worlds race), and 109 miles on Sunday (Heatstroke 100)! Sorry but I only logged 6 miles, yes six, miles yesterday and only 18 miles today. But next weekend I will log ~117 miles on Friday and ~130 miles on Saturday when I ride with a group of friends from Omaha to Kansas City.
A reminder to Garmin users who import their data to Endomondo--since Sunday it's been recording my rides as runs and not adding points to the Bike Challenge Statistics. Others report the same malfunction. To get the points to add to the Bike Challenge, edit, change the run to a ride and check the box to add it to count as statistics.
There is also a lot of good core strength info and demo's on You Tube.
@Jim J & ALL
Thanks for the information on Tom Danielson's Core Advantage. I've found it is also available for the Kindle as well as paperback from Amazon.com
I don't believe i will ever make the 1 trip to the moon at my current pace.
We are approaching 20 million miles. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next 5 weeks. Here in Wisconsin, we have some of the best riding weather all year. However, with school activities starting back up and reduced daylight it can become more difficult for folks to ride. Whatever the result, have fun everyone and be safe out there!
That did the trick Paul.. that check box 'include in statistics' needed to be changed. I bet it is messing up a lot of people who are unaware of it! I have found that I need to pay attention to speed limits in some places also. Get above 20 at times and some of these low limit areas will get you. Had a jerk of a kid in a muscle car buzz near me last night laying it on his horn and try to see if he could intimidate me. Don't know what he thought he was going to accomplish other than try to run me off the road. The rest of my 13 miles around town was full of nice drivers in a town full of cars.
A good book on core strength is Tom Danielson's Core Advantage. I've had it for a couple months now with not a lot of success. I think it will work better if I start reading and doing the workouts. It's available for Velopress.
@Marty - thanks for the previous core exercise tips. Good stuff!
@Jim Johnson- LOL LOL LOLOLOLOL LOL!!!
#8 on Ft. Carson, 52 miles. My two cousins, one is 6 (I think) and the other one is 4 (I think) are beating me by 700 miles. I'M NINE!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's pretty cool that I'm #8 in Ft. Carson and my uncle is #1. Ride on, Bill!
@Marty Maybe... IDK. Last time I checked was Saturday, and we hadn't reached 14 yet. I'm not perfect.
@Nicholas - I thought we hit 14 on Saturday or Sunday, but I could be wrong. But, the big bump was an email sent out to all participants, reminding them to log their miles. That email evidently was successful.
14 million miles yeasterday... and we're already up to 14,452,092???!!!
OOH Burklee, be carefull about speeding. I was in the far lane this morning and a school bus was stopped going the other direction. Decided that I had better stop too. We want respect for cyclists so we need to remember to respect the other traffic.!!!!
In Arizona school zones are 15 mph. I've actually had a policeman use his radar gun to clock me as I went through the zone. Thankfully I use my Garmin 800 to keep me at the proper speed.
I was perilously close to being a law breaker on my way to work this a.m. Riding on 13th street to catch the light, I was going 18 mph. It's a school zone & the speed limit is 25. And it's not even down hill. Yikes! :)
Thanks, @Cynthia; you're the BEST!
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@Christine, any updates? Hope you're feeling OK.
@ Marty, who would want to go to NE, me of course! LOL Anyway NE is more into graduating Academic All Americans and helping kids with brain cancer (Jack with the famous red-white game run) than into crushing other teams. Personally, I don't like games where they run up the score. I would rather watch a good close game. As for the NBC stats, maybe I should get my kids to change zip codes so they can help Nebraska. Missouri is still plodding along at a mule's pace. I'm doing my part however, got out at 6:30 and the traffic was better than at 7 am yesterday, so I'll try to stick to the earlier start time. Heat index is heading to the danger zone again later today, and I know I'm better off riding in the cooler temps.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE
Well-on a lighter note-got my butt out of bed early this morning and was on the road riding by 6am. A training ride for Bike MS in a few weeks. My goal-hill work, hill work and more hill work as much as I can-since there are no hills here I will rely on the bridges that cross the intracoastal. So todays 15 mile ride encompassed riding from my house over the bridge onto the island and crossing the island twice in a figure eight. The sun rose higher and warmer into the sky I stopped long enough to change the lenses in my glasses and noted that traffic was increasing as the sun got brighter. Up and over the bridge again, and then turned around and up and over again for a total of three times. Wahoo! Speeding into work to shower (I should have gotten up and out 15 mins earlier) ate breakfast-fruit-wheat toast and nuts-and be at my desk for an 8:30 start work time. Someone from another department walked by and made the comment "your hairs wet". Right!? No kidding! Geez.
@Michael-I did not forget to tell the ocean hello from you.
Wow-missed several pages of interesting conversation over night!
@All and Roberto-yes, and why isn't there stricter enforcement or charges filed against motorist who kill, maim, or seriously injure cyclists???!!! This has been a topic of conversation all through this year's NBC-it is truly an outrage. Not just cyclists being upset but for the human population in general to have concern for a person killed while bike riding. I just do not understand the lack of thought process especially with local and state and federal government that this isn't a topic of concern. Of all the articles posted on people who have been killed, that one woman scientist sticks in my mind. How horrible and senseless a death as of course they all are. How does "not seeing" the cyclist relieve you of responsibility because "I didn't see them". You just killed someone!
@All-I save all living creatures in distress; along a ride-especially the oh so prevalent turtle population here.
@Gene, I was referring to the other cyclists on this board!!
@Brad - It is nice to not have to drive, or to only drive a little bit. So far this month, I've driven about 90 feet, but haven't tried it in two weeks. But, I may have to actually drive it to a destination on the 31st, as my bike trailer can't haul a canopy, much less the two I will be using at a 24 hour run. (not running this time, just helping)
@Carl, WTF, speed up man! "Death speeders?" HAHAHHA You're probably one of those blurs I pass.
Thanks for the tip Paul, that did the trick. Still I hope they correct the Garmin upload function so that isn't required each time. This morning I had to put something in my truck and I noticed the interior light didn't come on - it's been so long since it was started the battery is dead. Why do I feel a little good about a dead battery?
RE: rides recorded as runs/editing rides....my latest also record as runs. I noticed when editing them that sometimes the box for "include in statistics" gets deselected. Make sure you have a check in that box when you edit your rides. Otherwise, your ride will record and show in your news feed/calendar, but it will not be credited in any challenges/stats
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When you go to your calendar, and look at a particular ride, look to the left where it has the activity type and date. It will say "excluded from stats" under the date if that box is deselected.
Got a nice metric Cen in anyway. 85 miles for the whole day. PA is just so nice, especially at a touring pace of 15 Mph. The gravel path part of the Perkiomen Creek path, I was a little slower, but I got up to Skippack, PA. I like the gravel part of the path more and more every time I take it. There isn't a single road biker blasting by going death speeds on it, and if anything I keep passing other riders. I never seen so many drivers yield to me at the road crossings, or so many people in leasure clothes riding their beach cruisers. I wish NJ had trails like this, or really drivers that actually yield. The ride to the Perk trail still had its death speeders, on the Schuylkill trail, but it was well worth the 28 mile ride getting to and from the city.
@Marty, sorry, it just have been somebody else. I've only been on Endomondo since just before the mileage challenge. I can tell you first hand that wider tyres were a big advantage at my most recent event.
On my bike ride tonight, I saw several families of ducks, about 100 gulls on the lake, a beaver, a mother deer and her fawn, and a skunk, which ran across the road in front of me. This is in addition to the mosquitoes who tried to eat me alive and the gnats who were nice enough to fly into my eyes and nose and mouth. Ah, the joys of biking....... I wouldn't trade any of it for the world!
@J OM - NO, I didn't see that link a few weeks ago. I remember that it was last year, but maybe it wasn't mud, but I definitely remember the rider having at least one flat. It might not have been you, but I also remember one caption being the comparative advantage of racinig tires/wider tires at different points of the race. The videos were equally as good.
@Marty, Savage CX was a new race for 2013. The race I believe you're thinking of was the 2013 Hilly Billy Roubaix, which I posted a few weeks ago. There were a couple of mud pits which covered everyone in sludge, at mile 10 of a 70 mile race, lovely :)
@Tammie. Even deleting the ride and uploading it again as a cycling ride did not work for me. It still showed up as running. I imported the file directly from my Garmin to get it to work.
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They must still have an issue with uploading from Garmin. Some of my rides uploaded properly. But today's ride did not.
EM - I could definitely do it, but who would want to go to Nebraska?
Also, last year's Big 10 Championship game was Wisconsin 70 - Nebraska 31. (I will give you credit that your team did beat us early on, 30 - 27, but that wasn't for all of the marbles.)
Also v.2, if you look at August's totals for the NBC, Nebraska is falling further and further behind 2nd place Wisconsin, which would make even a strong September finish by Nebraska a moot point.
@ Marty, its only about 500 miles from Madison to Lincoln, I'm sure you could do it. LOL As for who is crushing who, I think you have it backwards!
@J OM - Nice video! Did you post last year's version of the same race back then, which, if I remember correctly, was a little wet in spots?
@Tammie. You need to delete it. Upload it again making sure it shows cycling.
On a positive note, some of us racked up points with racing the past weekend - http://www.youtube.com/watch - available in HD!
CR says "Why aren't more cyclists up in arms about this?" What I want to know is why more PEOPLE aren't up in arms?
I just noticed that it did not add the miles to my total. I did not notice that before. It did that on sunday also .. uploaded my ride as a run. I wonder if it did the same thing then also? I had several rides uploading at the same time and only one came up as a run... strange. I am not sure what to do fix it. I want my points to be correct. Hey, EM, my road bike is a Trek Lexa SLX also. I bought 'Black Beauty' in June. I love my bike!
@Laurie - That means we are now at 9 cyclist deaths this year in Wisconsin. That is only one less than we had all last year. Not good at all.
@Howard - Thanks. Glad you are OK because you had fellow riders that knew what to do.
@EM - Too bad I didn't live closer to Lincoln. It would be great to bike there and use their service while watching UW crush them. (But since we are in different divisions, we can only crush them in Big Ten Championship games.)
Game day bike valet. GO BIG RED!
http://www.wowt.com/sports/headlines/To-Dodge-Husker-Gameday-Traffic-Take-a-Bicycle-220935411.html
@WrongHat - I had the same issue with two rides which I logged initially as runs. Although I changed htem to rides, they didn't show up in my NBC points, or as miles on my YTD in Endo. Deleting them and then uploading again (remembering to choose cycling - sport) fixed the issue.
@Marty - way to go! I suffered a similar fate on a ride a month ago, and two other riders helped me to cool off. It's scary, feeling that helpless. Glad to hear you recognized the situation for what it was and lent a helping hand! :)
Looking like the granGablefondo will put me at the diamond level on Sunday. Hope the weather cools off in Iowa.
What if the cyclist had been a cement mixer? Bet the motorist would have thought twice about passing. This nonsense and the BS reasons for letting killers walk free has got to stop. Why aren't more cyclists up in arms about this? SAD
If the motorist would of hit another car, would there been a citation written on the spot?????
Human beings are animals. Come on Marty.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/helmet-cams-for-cyclists-set-road-users-on-collision-course-8744982.html
You can complain to Victoria University, Wellington, NZ if you want. I did.
I know this isn't what J Hugh was looking for, but on Saturday, I helped rescue a human. She was suffering from heat exhaustion, (very close to heat stroke), only 100+ feet from the finish of a half marathon, and fell down. When I got there, realized that she wasn't going to recover in that spot, so carried her 130+ feet to a sprinkler, got her in the shade, and sprayed water on her carotid arteries, (actually, her neck). After about 1/2 hour, she was well enough to slowly eat pretzels and sip salt water, and in about 45 minutes, was well enough to walk back to where she fell, and then walk to the finish, and ended up getting the last medal.
It made me feel good, that my training and experience helped someone else in need.
@Roberto - Sorry, didn't see your post. You are right!
@Laurie, the comments and the fact that the driver was not cited are disgusting. The only way IMHO to end the carnage is to make killing a cyclist (unless extremely mitigating circumstances) end with jail time and fines to cover all costs. Hitting someone on a bicycle head-on while you pass another vehicle is criminal. To expect the cyclist (as some comment do) to dodge the oncoming vehicle is absurd. If we are not willing to pay for SAFE infrastructure for cycling, then make motorists who kill pay. And PLEASE stop feeling sorry for the "perpetrators."
On Saturday I saw a golden cocker spaniel roaming a neighborhood that I like to do warm up rides in because it goes around in a big .4 mile circle with lots of trees. The dog was a cute little fellow and followed me up the street where I saw an open garage door. As I figured, after ringing the door bell and speaking with the (I'm guessing) 6th grader, the kids let the dog out by accident and were anxious to get their puppy inside. The turtle, however,the one I saw a couple weeks ago, I didn't save. I don't know what a snapping turtle looks like, so I didn't pick it up to move it, now I'm thinking, in hindsight, that I should have found a stick or something. Hopefully, he was not run over, but I think he was OK on that road.
Another senseless tragedy: http://www.wbay.com/story/23248265/2013/08/24/bicyclist-killed-in-accident-in-seymour#.UhvCbQkb27E.facebook
@Jerry - Well, at least the torture was bookended by the nice rides. They didn't get that in the Inquisition.
@J. Hugh - Anytime we see doggies or kitties out loose, we try to rescue... check tags, call Animal Control if nothing else. It makes me sad to see loose pets.
Beautiful ride this morning. Rode out north of Longmont. Open fields, cattle grazing, except for one cow head butting another cow. Just a nice peaceful morning ride.
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Then I rode to therapy where my therapist's tortured me for a while. Then a nice ride home.
@ J Hugh, my husband helped rescue a pelican while we were in Florida in March. I have chased a couple of turtles off the road so they wouldn't get run over.
i reported the endo problem. It did it to me and to Jerry B and it seems that if you change it the data does eventually catch up.
Rescued two turtles today, and last week got to help two dogs all while riding. any one else do animal rescue? Also, saw some great Swallow Tail Kites enjoying the wind.
How do I report a problem to Endomondo? Endomondo--tho not GarminConnect--records my ride today as a run. I edit it to a ride but the National Bike Challenge does not add it to my ride totals. This is the first time it has had this problem.
@ Rob, nice!
Looks like the bike sharing program is getting a lot of attention. My city is next up next. http://ktar.com/22/1657944/Mesa-to-join-bicyclesharing-program
@Cynthia, just thinking of the piles of layers I need to pull on to go out and freeze my eyelashes shut in January makes me smile when I'm feeling off about a ride in August.
@Roberto-it does indeed!
Today Endomondo recorded my import from Garmin 500 as a run instead of a ride. It was easy to fix but what an awesome run it would have been.
DETERMINATION RULES!
@Cynthia, well said about not putting it off. My personal goal was to ride each day this month, as I will not have the chance to do it in September. However, a family outing caused me to miss out on one day, but then it spilled into another day, and then another, and so on. Pretty soon 5 days of excuses has past me by. That's 100 points (before miles) that I have forfeited! UGH! Well, the past is the past, gotta look ahead.
My thoughts and prayers to Christine, I have been out of touch on these message boards, so I don't know what has happened. Hopefully nothing serious.
Christine is having her surgery today. Let us know how you are doing when you feel up to Christine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
@Cynthia, when it comes to work, I'm a total slacker. Always been self-employed because nobody else would have me. Not sure I'd hire myself. :P
@Cynthia - Way to go! Shaking is perfectly normal, especially the first few weks. It will actually fire off your muscles using more of your muscles than if you were totally stationary, so it will speed up your getting stronger. Hold it for as long as you can, drop down for a second, and repeat, until you've hit 20 seconds. The other thing to remember is not to have your butt too high. You want to look as straight as possible while doing them.
Holding your stomach in while riding also helps strengthen those muscles, too. Another benefit I've found is that holding my stomach in makes it easier to make turns. The handlebar doesn't hit it. lol
@Roberto-fine fine job. You get a gold star for effort today. lol
Honestly, kinda how I feel about being at work today. Made myself do it.
OK, my slant: Did I want to ride today? Not particularly. Did I ride today? Yes. Did I enjoy my ride? It was OK, not great, but enjoyable none the less. Am I glad I pushed myself to ride? Absolutely. I set a goal of at least 40 miles a day for August. No reason. Just a goal. Totally arbitrary. But I made myself a promise. So I've kept it. 40 miles on a day when I could have just said, "Forget about it." That's how I roll.
@Ray-don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. You never know what will happen to tomorrow to derail plans, or in this case, meeting your goal. Hope that is helpful.
I am way ahead of schedule on my 'more miles each month' goal for the NBC. I only need 11 more miles in August to beat July. Now the dilemma, shoot for 1000 miles in August or take the opportunity to rest because it would be almost impossible to find the time to do 1000+ in September to meet the goal? Back in January, I set a 4000 mile goal for the year, I met that yesterday. Decisions, decisions. I think I'll shoot for the thousand, if the weather allows.
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Yesterday I took care of my good deed requirement. I helped a stranded cyclist put his ridiculously dirty chain back on. I know chains get dirty, but it looked like he had painted his chain and cassette with axle grease. The chain had dropped off the front ring and he had somehow managed to get it pulled off the pulleys in the back. I tried to talk him through what he needed to do to get it back on, but he wasn't having any luck, so I had to get my hands dirty. I was glad to have a paper towel and some wet wipes in my bag.
I never got to mention that my saddle is a Velo, for a road bike. On line it looks to be at a $35 price tag. It's a great saddle, I thought it would be uncomfortable by the looks of it but, it certainly was deceiving. My feet and hands wear out long before my butt does.
@EM-I almost bought a Trex Lexa SLX. I really like it when I test road it, but, I had my heart set on a Fuji and as soon as I saw it-well-love at first site!
@Marty-I started doing planks! I shake at about 8 seconds. I am working up to holding the plank for 12 seconds. When I ride, even during my short commute I work to remember to keep my stomach pulled in. I don't know if that is normal to do, but I do find it makes a big difference and ease in my riding.
Hi all, back from a great time in Nebraska. Saturday's ride (for Christine) ended up being on the trail from the Lancaster County line at Hwy 34 into Lincoln. I followed the trail to 22nd (I think) and X street. Then I headed towards downtown, riding a ways on Antelope Parkway trail. I ended up with 16 miles and spent the rest of the day running all over town doing the kids’ last minute back to school shopping. On Sunday my sister & I did the 35 mile loop of the Heatstroke 100. Loved the "Bicyclists ahead " signs and the rest stops and food. Didn't care as much for the 20 mph winds. But when we turned the corner where the sign said "Ashland 5 miles" and there was a downhill and the wind at our backs, we were loving it and tempted to add some more miles. Then we turned the corner to head back to the SAC museum and it was uphill and into the wind so we decided, maybe not the extra miles after all. Besides our mom was rustling up a BBQ for the family, so back to Weeping Water.
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Hi to the people with the Nebraska license plate “4 CYCLIN.” My Missouri license plate is “4 BIKN” (not to be mistaken for the other kind of biking since it has an image of a guy riding a bicycle).
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Sorry Burklee, no chance to make it to the Bike Kitchen since was I only in Lincoln on Thurs., Fri. & Sat. this time. One of these trips....
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Agree with Gregg that summer has arrived for real. After a mostly cool summer, the humidity is something like 70% this morning and I got out and got my ride in while the temps were in the 70s. Temps. are heading for the heatstroke range (100) and the heat index is supposed to get over 100 later today. Since I got going at about 7am, there was a lot of traffic: people on their way to work and school. I got into a long line of cars at one stop sign to make a left turn. Just wanted to make an impression on all those drivers that yes, bicyclists obey the rules and wait our turn to well, make a turn. It is hot to wait between two cars so I think I downed a half a bottle water while I was waiting. LOL
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In the bicycle department I have an old (1980s, classic) Cannondale road/touring bike that I love and still ride, especially if the trip will involve some gravel I will probably be buried with that bike. I also have a new Trek Lexa SLX, which is my main road bike. Both have WTB progel saddles.
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RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
@Karen Jean & @Cynthia - You're welcome!
For the planks, if you can't go for 20 seconds, take a second break, and get up again. Eventually, you will be able to do them, first with some shaking, and then, nice and steady. Once you have them nice and steady for a week or two, up it 10 seconds.
For side walking lunges and side shuffle lunges, the position you are in should look like you are just starting to sit down. Keep your feet pointed straight ahead. Once you are comfortable at a height, then sit down about an inch lower, and work on that level.
The standing lunges - Standing upright, then taking one BIG step forward, making sure your shin is no more than perpendicular to the ground, (If you don't step far enough, then you put too much strain on your knee), stepping back, and then doing the same with the other leg. Repeat 4 more times.
For the single leg squat, I like doing them using my arms, like I were running, but in really slow motion. Keep your balance, and try not to touch the raised foot to the ground.
You know, fire ants are evil! I just cannot imagine having one in your ear. Oh my...
Since the NBC started this year I have lost 7 lbs! My goal is 10 lbs. Biking, health, wellness, and weight lose all go hand in hand. I am so excited. I am also making a conscious effort to keep it off. And, I am also working on my core. Will have to try Marty's suggestions. Like KJG said-thanks coach!
@Shawn and Mary-thanks for sharing those neat adventures. Sugar River Trail sounds great.
This mornings commute was typically quiet and unusally chilly! What gives? Passed a lot of people walking and on bikes. Had to use my bell a lot. Some of them seemed to be sleep walking and didn't hear me call "on your left."
@Jim - Impressive number of miles. I am only closing in on 2000 - but only challenge miles. If I would have recorded all of them, I think it would be over 2500.
@Marty - Thanks for the free exercise lesson, coach. You are making me look up "proprioceptors" (Sounds like a dinosaur name.) I am going to find a very private spot to try the low butt to the ground ones, or a may land on the aforementioned body part. :)
Passed 6000 miles for the year this morning.
@ Tammie -- congrats on being so close. I have been really lazy the last couple of weeks, and now have to do 18 1/2 miles per day to make it. Arghhhhhhhh.
That diamond is getting more obtainable by the day. I now have it down to only needing to ride 11 miles each day. Nice to know I can do short days and make it up on others now. I may only have time today for a few short miles. That fire ant found me when we were resting waiting for some of our group. I sat down on a little wall... Big mistake! Still amazed at how something so teeny can feel so HUGE when crawling around in your ear! LOL. I discovered the remarkable qualities of a frozen bottle of water in the middle back pocket of my cycling jersey yesterday! Don't leave home without it on a hot day. Handy when you want to cool down and that cold spare water is great.
Closing in on Platinum!
@Karen Jean - You don't need to use kettle bells to strengthen your core. Just using your body weight is a lot safer.
Some of the ones I have my runner do (which either don't need an explanation or just a short one):
20 seconds each prone, supine, right side, left side. After a few weeks, we up those to 40 seconds each.
Standing lunges (5 each leg alternating)
10 yards walking sideways, with butt as low as you can, not crossing legs, and back.
Single leg squats, done very slowly, (to keep balance, and really have all of your proprioceptors working in your feet, ankles, and lower legs. 5 with one leg, and then switch legs.
20 yards sideways, with butt as low as you can go, except this time do it while shuffling your feet.
If yuo do the above 3X per week, your core will dramatically improve. Not only will it help your biking, but your swimming, too.
@Cycling Roberto - I think Tammie got the fire ant in her ear from leaning way, way, too much on the turns.
@ Mary, those sound like beautiful rides, I need to add them to next summer's itinerary :)
My Garmin is still importing successfully. I never appreciated it until it stopped working last week. Thanks for whoever did the dirty work.
@Karen - it was a lot of fun! I think its a great thing to integrate into cycling :)
We biked the Sugar River Trail from Monticello, WI to the Badger State Trail which we took to Fitchburg, WI. If you haven't been, the trails are well maintained, the countryside is very scenic, and there is an amazing tunnel that is one of the best highlights of the ride. If you're in the area, you've got to check it out!
@ Shawn, geocaching is on my short list of things I most want to do.
@ C R, go ahead and lap me -- I need to catch up on my sleep, but I did ride to the gas station and back this evening to get some chips :) Tomorrow I will catch up on miles and chase that Diamond again.
@Shawn -Last year I did geocaching with my husband (He who worked with GPS on a regular basis when he was in the Air Force.) It can be frustrating when someone steals the box, however. It is also a nice compliment to a bike trip, just in case anyone would like to investigate geocaching further - it brings out the "inner detective" in you.
20 miles on the mountain bike and did geocaching for the first time in my life! Pretty sweet! =)
@Laurie, talk about timing; I'm sitting here reading your post and Margaritaville is on the radio! "Waistin' away, again, in Margaritaville..."
@Laurie, go ride. I'm about to lap you.
@Tammie, how do you get a fire ant in your ear while riding?
Other that somewhat burning out riding too much, I got to Diamond finally. I will try riding every day until 12/31, but in 2014 I plan to ride maybe 2 days a week instead of every day. It seems like it has been too much like the "w" word that I don't like doing daily either.
@ Tammie, the tailgating party was so good that even if there hadn't been a concert it still would have been an awesome day! The concert just sent it over the top! Now, back to reality and biking..... :)
Oh,Laurie I envy you! I went to a Jimmy Buffett concert in California about 13 years ago. The parking lot party was as good as the concert! Rode17.4 today had to cut short due to a bug in my ear. Fire ant got in and bit me. I now have a nasty ear ache. If bugs insist in getting involved I do prefer eating them! ... Not that I enjoy that either.... Did that yesterday too!
I am back after a couple of days off. Did totally non-bike-related things this weekend... specifically went to a Jimmy Buffett concert. It was a fantastic 12 hour long party! I had no time to squeeze in even a one mile ride on Saturday, and even though I'm dead tired right now, I am going to do some riding tonight. Realized that if I take off even one more day between now and September 30, Diamond will probably be out of my reach this year........
Just finished the Heatstroke 100 in Nebraska It lived up to its name this year with temps of 95 degrees and 20 mph winds. Saw a couple dozen wild turkeys and some chicks on the ride. Also lots of turkey vultures in one area, I guess waiting for some unfortunate rider!
So many great posts this weekend-enjoy reading each one! Hearing other peoples stories and adventures is really neat.
@Karen-my hybrid/commuter/get around town bike has straight handlebars. I have had the bike since '97. I put extender bars on the ends of the handlebars. I makes it really easy to change hand position and its also comfortable to reach up and lean on them a little. As Roberto said-its all about the core and try not to put all your weight on your hands. Although an elbow issue might be something more. But if your hands are tingling, just keep changing position on the bars or shake them out a little. I really like the extender bars for sure.
Todays Sunday ride was uneventful, I missed going with the bike group and got out later on my own. There was a lot of wind, not as windy as it could have been but just enough to slow me down. I made friends with the wind and instead of beating myself against it-I slowed down and geared appropriatly and used the slower time to drink more, relax a little and pay attention to my breathing, and my pedal stroke. I made time up when I was able to break away from it. Wahoo!
Well, off to make some lentil soup......Happy riding with peace to all!
Bike MS-3 more weeks.....
@Gregg - Good job on getting 3rd place. Your Lakes and Leaves Bike Ride sounds a lot like our "Donut Derby." I can't say that I am entering this year, I actually really do not like donuts, but it sounds like a good time. (Today is the last day to register too.)
http://www.active.com/cycling/breiningsville-pa/the-donut-derby-lehigh-wheelmen-2013
I got to watch my first cycling road race today! I volunteered to be a course marshal for part of the races. Great experience and fun to watch. It amazes me the skill these people have on their bikes. I just purchased my first road bike a couple weeks ago and I feel like I'm learning to ride all over again! It's so much different than my hybrid. Still can't get use to breaking well with my short hands.
Does anybody here race? Any tips for someone just starting to learn how to ride a road bike who might be interested in entering a race one day down the line?
Predicted temps high nineties to triple digits and humidity in excess of 70%, necessitated morning ride to town for weekly watermelon purchase. Intended heat-beating earlier start thwarted by the need to rectify last night’s flat (“quick-release” seat post rack on hybrid being inadequate for the task of transporting requisite fruit) Group of cyclists parking by corner café as I rolled by...one gave me a “Way to stick with it!” cheer…Another spontaneous smile for my “Why I Ride” file (-:
I’m certain the phrase “old beater” referenced in Roberto’s earlier post was merely a fond, quaintly personalized euphemism for “cherished classic” (-;
My legs are stiff today from running in the duathlon yesterday, so I need to ride today to loosen them up. Running is so much harder than biking for me and it is very hard to transition from biking to running. I can bike 100 miles and not feel as sore as I do from two 2 mile runs. I don't know how people run a marathon. I did get in a little swimming yesterday after the race, but swimming in lakes will be over in a couple weeks as overnight temps start to cool down our lakes. They never did get very warm this year with the late spring and cool summer.
Wisconsin is finally getting some hot humid weather, just in time for back to school. We have had a wonderful biking season this year in Wisconsin with some very cool temps. We have not had many hot days this summer. I'm glad the duathlon was yesterday when the temps were in the upper 60's, but today its muggy and going to be in the 90's for highs. I won 3rd place in my 50-54 age division and was 1st in biking in my age division and 6th in biking overall. I don't train much in running, though, and it showed yesterday. Looking forward now to the Lakes & Leaves Bike Ride in the northwoods in Langlade County the 3rd weekend in September. I will be doing the 72 mile ride, but they also have 6 mile, 18 mile, and 38 mile routes. I call it a food tour, because lots of rest stops with food and drinks and a picnic at the park. There is also a pre-ride party the night before in Antigo, to meet and socialize with your fellow riders.
@Roberto - You make a great coach for someone I have never actually met. BTW, do you know a fellow bicycle enthusiast named Jay, he was also very helpful. I know, I know, I have not done Kettle Bells or Yoga since I started the challenge. You are making me feel guilty, but I do have a large freezer full of veggies for the Winter, I guess it was a trade off. It always come back to the core! Thanks.
@cara nice story, thanks for sharing. you have amazing friends!
An interesting blog post.
Lycra Plus Craziness Spells A Recipe For Disaster
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http://tinyurl.com/ley8jav
It was interesting to watch today's Pro Cycling Challenge (stage 6). To watch them race on the roads I ride on. Especially the climb up Devil's Gulch. It my favorite climb. Plus watching them deal with our rolling hills in the "flat" sections. I wish I could have been there in person but I knew better than to ride to the race course at this stage of my recovery.
@Wrong Hat Please tell us all the details. You will have people praying for you and supporting you. I have seen it on this list before when people have problems.
And my hemorroids.....
@Wrong Hat, TMI
@Karen, you could be leaning on the bars too much and gripping them too tightly. See if moving your hands around on the bars, relaxing your grip helps. Also core strength is essential so that your weight isn't on your arms.
@Nyla, LOL sorry but it the way you put it is hilarious.
Missed morning ride because I'm at urgent care getting a diagnosis of shingles for the hot, red rash under my right arm. Rode this evening in sprinkles and rainbows. Cool breezes from pedaling in the rain drops soothe the oozing pustules. I"m glad I forgot to ask the doc if I should be riding..
I wanted to thank everyone for the well wishes for my Son in his running progress. He seems very happy to be involved with it.
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Wishing I could ride more, but school starts on Monday. Having problems with my left elbow. I must be gripping the bars the wrong way. Trying to hold my elbows out now. Anyone else have this complaint? Just wondering.
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I have a blue Fuji Supreme 1983 12-speed with cheapo 27" x 1 1/4 tires and an old leather seat. "Lizzie" gets me there and back, that's all I ask or expect of her. One day soon she is going into semi retirement to be used for short shopping trips. after getting me through the 2013 NBC - 4122 points as of yesterday, she will never be sold by me.
Not particularly superstitious by nature..and yet…. despite earlier post scrupulously avoiding any smug, fate-tempting reference to the welcome, peculiar longevity of my $7 wire bead front tire/ $5 tube combo,(well over 3000 miles), When I was ready for my evening ride I found it mysteriously, suddenly and utterly FLAT. sigh…….But neglected hybrid was long overdue for a trip, and provided a very pleasant (albeit even slower than usual) ride, (front derailleur frozen to immobility from disuse notwithstanding) . Please STOP talking about tires now (-;
@Don, of course not. Just like my old beater car. However, if somebody does want to spill for a chill ride, why not? I ride 12,000 miles a year. About 30-40 miles a day. If I spent $5000 on a bicycle, and that bicycle is good for 10 years, comes out to less than a nickel a mile. I'm worth that at least.
Still, if an older bicycle is still making you smile, and it didn't cost much to begin with, who cares? It's your ride; enjoy it!
BTW, I found an amazing, fully restored Pinarello all-steel bicycle on craigslist for $450.
"Cycling Roberto Great comments regarding everyone's rides. Amazing the variety of bicycles that people use."
You don't have to have something expensive/fancy to do this. I ride an old 1988 Trek 900 hybrid and I have almost 4,100 points.
Great comments regarding everyone's rides. Amazing the variety of bicycles that people use. Equally interesting are the choices for saddles and tires.
Keep 'em coming. The more the better.
Congrats on that accomplishment, Tammi! :)
Maybe this one, biggest so far
http://www.google.com/url
still looking for big, but so far
news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57580273-1/fast-fixie-bicycle-with-giant-chainring-aims-for-100-mph/
@Brad - Luckily you don't know my real plan, which is to ride a mile tomorrow, and double my mileage each and every day thereafter. On September 30th, your puny 75 miles will pale in comparison to my 68,719,476,736 miles, plus the 20 points for riding that day. (Now, I just have to figure out how to ride 47,721,858.84 miles per minute. I'll probably have to get a bigger chainring.)
My bike is a 2006 Cannondale bad boy. I use Michelin city tires and a Brooks saddle. Monkey lite bars and has a rack for panniers. Pedals are Crank brothers 50/50's. I use this bike to go anywhere I need to go. I use Niterider minewt lighting. Seatpost is a Thomson due to the Easton carbon one breaking.
That's what I'm not talking about. I just don't like the 8th rule, (as opposed to Djedkare, the 8th Ruler of the 5th Dynasty - one can't say enough good things about him).
@Brad - Luckily, I know your plan. But, I am getting a little sleeeeepppyyy..........................zzzz
There is no fight club, Shut up!
Ooops. I think I said too much. What was that first rule of Fight Club again?
Marty just to show what a good sport I am I'll back off to 37 miles a day (which will also lull you into complacence)... then on the final day - entered at 11:49PM - 75 miles. Bazinga!
@Brad - Don't look now, but your point total is within my reach. If you keep on averaging just under 38 miles per day, all I have to do is average 97 miles per day until the end of September, (37 days), and I will finish ahead of you in the standings.
Brad I think that is two of us. just a little.
Marrrr-teeee! You know how dad gets when you make fun of my disabilities. None of us want to see THAT happen to you again. Well maybe one of us kinda does. Just a little.
Friend Gary found a 2009 Trek 7100 WSD frame so we're gonna put that together for Jay. She's been wanting a step-through frame so she can wear a skirt while she rides to work. I'm excited to get it built for her!
800 more points to platinum. 55 miles today in glorious sunshine on the Merckx.
Dad, Marty is picking on Brad. He is making fun of his injuries. Make him stop
My bike, Eurus, is a 2007 Trek 7300 that I adopted from LBK last year. Bontrager WSD commuter gel seat & Bontrager Hard Case tires with tire liners. It's got a rack & wire folding baskets so it's great for commuting, going to the grocery, or hauling off the recycling. No Garmin, just a Cateye Velo 8. Love, love, love my bike!
@Brad - At least last October provides a logical explanation for your cranium's functional capacity.
oh, almost broke the top 500 nationally too.. 507!
Oh wow.. won't last for long but I am on the first page in the standings for Texas! #10 .. as soon as people start uploading their rides for the day I am sure I will drop down but it sure looks nice for the moment! Rode 42 miles today. Time to get some SLEEP before I have to go to work!
I figure out my miles on Google Maps.
@Joe. Those older bikes are classics. Keep on riding it. I have an old mid 80's Cannondale I don't ride anymore but can't bare to part with it. My plans are to restore it to its former glory.
Someone who lies about their miles deserves to be banned!
@Dave - If you get the rise in feet for a hill, and the distance just for that hill, divide them, and that is your grade. (So, you would need shorter sections.)
My MTB is a Specialized FSR Enduro Pro (2004). No intention of ever replacing it. Love this bike so much it will be buried with me.
I ride a 1997 Bianchi Veloce with indexed shiters in the brake hoods - Campy 39/53 chainrings, 12-23T 8 spd cassette, Bianchi Selle Italia seat, Contii Gator Hardshell / Specialized Armadillo tires. Steel frame, made in Italy, totally out of style but IMHO still a good looking bike that gets me from one coffee shop to the next. Happy riding and ride safe, folks.
I ride a 2013 Trek Madone 6.5 with a Selle SMP Pro saddle with Hutchinson Intensive tubeless road tires.
If This link works: Can any of you tech savy folks tell me if, with this info, I will be able to figure out the grade of the hills I'm riding? Not important, just wondering. Cheers.
And from our Jurassic Park division:-1972 steel 10 speed (long obsolete Azuki Grand Sport) with original vinyl saddle and rusting rat-trap pedals. Rear tire (replaced after MS TRAM blowout): Continental Ultra Sport 27x1 ¼ ; front tire: $7 wire bead Cheng Shin 27x1 1/8 ). No shortage of aspirational bicycle acquisition fantasies, but still rolling happily; cycling remains consistently immensely pleasurable and I anticipate many joy rides ahead with "Jonathon" (okay… perhaps a bit embarrassing now....but I was 17, the bike is pearlescent white, and there was this book about a seagull....(-;) Whatever you pedal, Travel safely and EnJOY the Ride!
I ride a Trek Cronus CX Ultimate customized with Bontrager trekking bars and road tires. It has the double click shifters which are good, ultegra Wheels and Sram 900 drive train. It has 46/36 chain rings with 11/27 cassette, if I were strong enough to use all those gears it would be great. I got it in February as a result of a car totaling my Trek FX7.9 Put a Selle SMP Evolution seat to increase comfort and ergo grips to avoid any hand nerve numbness. I posted a picture of this bike on my ride for today.
Diamond seems to be in my sights. Not sure on today getting it, but it will be close.
This October past I found out just how tough that Fuji carbon frame is. Left the road at 20mph and an immovable object brought me to 0mph in an instant. When I picked the bike up, the back wheel was flopping around loose and I thought the frame was in splinters. But in reality the wheel just popped out of the frame slots (!!!) My shifters and aero bars were all twisted out of whack, but the only real damage was a crack in the fork and me dragging around a dead leg for 4 weeks. A little time and a few hundred dollars and now it's just a bad memory. But bad memories are what we live for, right? Or something close to that
Brad, that Moonlander set up sounds awful (Jedi Mind Trick), you should probably put that in a box and ship it to Me, in MA (Jedi Mind Trick). You will be much happier then!
I only put the Nokias on when there is guaranteed ice sheets, I find then a bit sketchy for city riding (road paint, manhole covers, etc) Loved my Velocaraptors, Got about 5 winters out of them. This year my LBS only had Kenda 26x2.1. Threw it on the back worked great. Put an unused old Hardrock 1.9 on the front and either it or the fact my frame is too small, tried to kill me three times last winter. All on down hills, rush hour, some pelting slushy snow-front wheel decides to move 5 inches to the left.
Im thinking about a 1X1 frame to make a winter bike
Cynthia, love the Fuji - my road bike which sees the most use is a Fuji Altamara 2.0. The Oval brand seat that came on it has been fine for me for rides up to 9 hours, although a friend got me started on Selle An-Atomica seats and one by one all my other bikes are sprouting these. They're sorta like a leather hammock, split down the middle so that each side can flex independently as you pedal. For anybody having trouble finding a comfortable sit, I would give one of these a try. If you get on their e-mailing list, they occasionally have special sales/promo codes. Tires are Michelin ProRace 3 which feel smooth, fast and grip well - even in rain with a raging side wind (that incident was definitely NOT IRIR). Also have a Trek hard tail MTB (4600?) and a Raleigh M-80 with Nokian studded tires that I use in winter (I found that the studs aren't much help if the snow gets deeper than about 2" and studs wear down after 2 seasons of regular use). Which led to my newest aquisition: a Surley Moonlander (4.8" wide rubber here folks) with a NuVinci internal shift hub which is totally sealed, 360% gear variation, and the coolest part - continuously variable - no gear steps, just turn the grip type shifter and it just ramps smoothly up (or down) like magic. Hopefully Wisconsin will get plenty of snow this winter to prove out this fattie.
My road bike is a Fuji Newest 1.0. Great little bike! I love it! The seat that came with the bike everything the bike shop promised-I love it too. Now-after having to remove my tire and thinking I was buying another one-I copied down all the information on the tire and went on line shopping. Ok, it was much more overwhelming than I anticipated and what is all that writing on the tire for anyway?
Oh, forgot - 21 speed
My ride is a 1998 Giant Boulder MTB, 26", steel frame, no suspension, heavy bugger. Outfitted with Bontrager road tires, fenders, Delta Post rack with panniers, Lyberty Bioactive seat, under-seat bag with emergency kit, NiteRyder Mako 1-watt light up front and a Nashbar 5-LED red light on back. My daily commuter, errand runner and rail trail rider. Gets the job done and, unlike a car, it's paid-for!
I'm still running a triple. Specialized Secteur. For the rest of this year anyway. Took a Venge for a test ride, man, what a sweet ride that was. Still leaning towards the Roubaix, but I can get a helluva deal on a Tarmac sitting in my LBS that hasn't sold. Might even be a sweeter deal in January.
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Flats-I seem to average one every 300 miles (road). On my mtb, I was always the blessed one. I think I went almost three years w/o a flat. and that was riding 800-1000mi months.
I'm more of a single speed guy myself, (my road bike isn't single "yet" but I don't really like riding it anyway). I don't use clips.
My seat has been the Fi'zi:k Alliante VS for the last 3 years now. If anything it is more comfortable without padded riding short than with.
Continental hardshell gatorskins. They have to survive this horrible chip seal they resurface our roads with. Might as well be cobblestones! Some places at so bad you need a mouth guard to keep from chipping a tooth. My saddle, not sure. The beautiful white one that came on my bike nearly killed me within a week. I went to the bike shop in misery and they sold me one they said was popular. It is OK. I know it has some gel but I will eventually find another. Problem is it is a little expensive to keep buying saddles until you find 'the right one'!
Up until this month ride #1 is a 70"s Univega super 12-running as a fixed gear-flipped and chopped bars, toe clips on platform pedals, WTB Speed V pro Gel, miss-matched tires on 27 1/4" wheels (the back tire is the new continental puncture resistant that started my tube issues last week), Full fenders.
If I have to ride during rush hour or after a big Bruins or Celtics game, I have a Dahon (full size-internal 8 speed) folding bike. Schwalbe Big Apple (26") (Summer) and WTB Velocaraptors (winter) for tires. Went back to the stock saddle after snapping a rail (odd thing-seat post is a air pump) (secretly loath this bike-long story) (1st frame failed-replacement is 2 sizes too small-squirly in the snow)
New this month and vying for #1 spot is a Jamis Nova Sport all stock now but the saddle may not last much longer. Great hill climber and handles dirt and gravel well. Good for central MA. Not what i was looking for but fits really well.
Also Jamis Comet, Sella San Marco Rolls saddle, Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires.
Now, no more flat tire talk. Time for a new discussion. What kind of bike, saddle, and tires do you ride? Eddy Merckx Corsa Special Edition, Sella San Marco Rolls saddle, and Continental Grand Prix 4000s tires.
Endo has fixed the garmin loading issue- seems to be working normally! Thanks!
Sheesh, I didn't even join the "I haven't had a flat in ### miles" club, but I had a flat earlier. Lucky for me, it was before a ride, so I had the pleasure of ogling Mary Tyler Moore on the big screen while I changed the tube. :D
Wait, you guys are using gears? Probably just a fad.
I assumed we were all on fixed gears(cogs). I tried clip less but I couldn't find a shoe that I felt safe getting on and off the train with the bike and pack and stuff with. As a commuter I find having all the bikes the same a lot easier. I use toe clips (summer) or BMX (winter) style pedals Any pair of shoes and any bike and run out the door.
Had our first experience of loading the kid up. Did Boston to Philly and back. Hit NYC rush hour on the way down and Hartford CT on the way back. CT alone took over 3 hours. Missed two days of riding. Awful.
And, sorry. I may have started the whole "flat" thing last week. I hope all our offerings of rubber and air have taken care of things for a while.
EM - If triple cranksets are old-fashioned, then I'm Egyptian. At least 3 of my 4 bikes are triples, including one mountain bike. (I don't remember my nicest road bike is since I received it as a gift, and haven't ridden it yet.) Cages all around, except for the nicest one.
Hi all, sorry for the rolling commentary but I'm on my laptop and its hard to keep track of the discussion on this small screen. No riding yesterday as I was getting my kids loaded and driving and unloading stuff yesterday. Today more unloading and then some meandering around beautiful downtown Lincoln. Tomorrow I'm looking forward to a longer ride, maybe from Weeping Water to Lincoln. Then maybe an ice cream ride in the afternoon. And on Sunday the Heatstroke.... GREAT fun. ROLL ON EVERYONE!!
@ Nicholas Scott Werling, welcome to the challenge! I love all your enthusiasm and how much fun you are having. It just makes me feel like going out for a ride!!
@ Paul P, I hate to disappoint, but there is still at least one person out here who still uses the toe clips and straps: me. Acutally I recently bought some leather straps to match my bike and I like them a lot better than the wimpy nylon ones. The stay open. Acutally I know I'm not the only one because I have family members who use the straps too. For the record I wear MTB shoes and have a triple (granny gear) in the front of my bike. Maybe I just like to annoy people by being old-fashione with my gear. I was recently on a ride where the converstation about the steep hills we had just climbed started out with "Nobody has a triple any more." I got to point to my bike and say "I do"... LOL!
@ Christine, good luck with the surgery. Like others have pointed out here, its great that cycling has already helped strengthen your legs and that it will help you with your recovery. I will dedicate my tomorrow's ride to you.
@ Karen Jean, congrats on getting your son running. Hope that continues to go well!
276.6 miles on my new bike until my first flat. I hope I have a better average then this.
@Nicholas - I would send it to the League of American Bicyclists, since they are one of the organizers. (I don't think there is a separate office for the NBC, but I could be wrong.)
It took four flats in two days for me to find a piece of glass smaller than the head of a pin that was causing me to lose $20 on tubes and tons of aggravation.
@Matt. There were three cars in front of me. After the first car went through the intersection the left turning car coming the opposite way cut off the second car to make his turn.
Ok, I am not going to talk about my problems with any flats today. I did not go to South Mountain Bicycle to purchase new tubes. I did not have a kind man named Jay show me how to replace another flat tire the proper way, and I was definitely not very, very full of gratitude, and today is not Friday, August 23, 2013. lol
@Jerry, maybe your clip stopped too short, I didn't see any issues.
smoke has taken over our valley with about 1/2 mi. visibility. wasting away inside on what could have been a wonderful riding day if not for the smoke and the fact that Burning man starts tomorrow. maybe its not all the fires around here after all ?
I can't believe it. The white car turning left didn't even wait for me to get the intersection to cut me off. He did it after the 1st car went through the light and cut off the 2nd car.
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http://youtu.be/JCGbbkuF_7g
A video of the snake on the Greenway this morning.
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http://youtu.be/arbuXEgI6fM
33,795 riders, 2,127 teams, 13,931,766 miles, 322,549,547 calories, 5,098,930 pounds of CO2, and $1,618,906, I think were doing pretty good. 68,234 more miles, and we've hit my target.
What is the address for the National Bike Challenge?
@Cara M Terrific! Great effort and attitude. amazing.
@Cara-nice article! Good luck on your cycling journey.
@Tammie. Are you sure you just didn't ride the same route twice each day?
Uploaded my garmin.. the miles sure looked nice.. until I had to delete the duplicates! DARN
On our Greenway, they rebuilt a section when they redid the flood plain. And created a collision hazard. They have a pathway leading down to the Greenway just after you go around a curve. The warning sign is after the curve. If you are not familiar with the Greenway you could collide with someone coming down the pathway.
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See video. The pathway is at 12-16 seconds.
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http://youtu.be/NZwYqkakWdg
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I have notified the ciy to get this fixed.
I agree Rick. I love that sound also when a large group is clicking and shifting gears all at once. Music to my ears.. so much fun. Jerry, love the pictures. I don't know how to share pictures like that. Thanks for doing it. OK, STOP the flat talk! I have had my share already this year.. just daring the flat faries! I really don't want any more practiice. I proved I could fix a flat. Let's leave it at that. I am up to 95 miles so far this week and still need to ride today and tomorrow.... wow.. I think I am impressed with myself.. LOL and tired!
Christine; Hope you're feeling the abundant positive energy flowing in your direction from a steadily expanding fan base/online cycling support community. Stay connected. May you mend swiftly, irrepressible spirit intact, and may you find a splendid bicycle waiting to welcome you with gently knee-strengthening exercise and a full 64-Crayola box of opportunities for every hue and shade of irresistible experiences to explore and share whenever you are ready to ride again. (-:
@Jerry, I have some neighborhood vermin that would satisfy his appetite!
Found a friend on the Greenway today.
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http://tinyurl.com/n77jsxk
It is all Roberto's fault. I had a flat today. I was not saying anything about Roberto's flats. But I got one anyway.
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Goathead. One each..
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http://tinyurl.com/nx7cow6
www.bicycletimesmag.com/content/qbp-launches-new-brand-aimed-sportsmen
If you are bothered by drivers a bow and arrow or rifle rack might get their attention. This rack could be put on a commuter. Here in Florida carrying a gun is allowed if you are going fishing or hunting so this I guess opens the door for armed bicycle riders. America what a country!
Welcome aboard, Nicholas. Ride safely, and enjoy!
@Roberto - or maybe we "click in" to clipless pedals. It's always fun in a mass ride like the STP to hear all the metallic clicks as folks start off from a "mass stop" at traffic light.
But right now I've got a pair of Candy's installed -- waiting for a rebuild kit for my ancient EggBeathers -- and the Candy click-in is almost silent.
@Thanks Nick!
Slow at my work today. Took a little longer lunch and rode to the LBS-chatted with them about the upcoming MS ride, grabbed a couple Co2 cartridges and some more Nuun Tablets (going to try fruit punch this time). Added 3 extra miles to my log today. The sun is shining and life is good. What a great way to break up the day. I don't get this chance very often. C'mon 5 o'clock-can't wait to get back on my bike and ride home. Well you know, I guess it's 5 o'clock somewhere-hey I am outta here now!! ha ha.
@ Paul - same here - I'm using Eggbeaters at the moment, but all three pair of shoes - road touring, mtb/casual shoes and winter "boots" have the same cleats. Of course, 90% of my riding is on one bike, but I have had 3 bikes and the same pedals on all three. If I were a racer (big LOL) I might have roadie pedals and roadie cleats, but I'm happy with the MTB style setup, be it Shimano or Crank Brothers.
@Abby Normal - Thoughts. prayers, and wishes for an easy surgery & speedy recovery.
C'mon guys! I know you can do it! 14 million miles!
All my Garmin rides saved this morning--Yipee ti yay--thanks somebody.
I hope we reach 14,000,000 miles soon. Got to 12,000,000 miles on August 5th, 13,000,000 on August 14 (it's growing REALLY FAST!), if we just get in 101,068 more miles, we'll have reached 14,000,000 miles! We've already gone 13,898,932 miles! It is amazing to know that if I was never born, the mile counter would only say 13,898,895 miles!!! It is nice to know you contrubituted, in this case 36.01 miles. I havn't rode yet today, but yesterday I rode 10.44 miles. I think I might ride 7.5 miles today. I have been riding a lot in th last 3 days because my uncle, Bill Werling came, and he rides about 40 miles a day, so I rode 36.01 miles in three days. He left today, to his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With Bill, I rode to my friend (from school) on Apple Lane. He lives close to The Mosquito Park, on Maxwell Way. My 9 year old (I'm nine, too) friend said I could visit him sometiome. His name is Drew Peterson. He lives on the 3rd house on the right of Apple Lane. Back to Bill! Bill showed me www.nationalbikechallenge.org. Bill Werling, his wife Kim Werling, his two sons Aiden and Garrett Werling and me, Nick Werling all have accounts. I hope to come see Bill at his house, someday. Bill lives in the mountains, and his elevation is 6,010 feet!!! My love goes out to Bill, Kim, Aiden, and Garrett Werling, plus their foreign exchange student. Bill, If you read this, please tell me via phone.
@Christine - I had both of those surgeries in '92. Unlike Roberto's surgery, my ACL repair worked and gave me back a stable knee joint. Rehab felt like it took forever, though, and I couldn't be as active as I wanted for several months, so that was a bummer. Sadly, you'll miss the last 6 weeks of this NBC, but here's hoping rehab goes well and you're back piling up the miles for next year's NBC!
special thanks to the endo staff who worked the extra to find the problem for Garmin users. Upload is working well.
@Tammie, it's a misnomer that has stuck. You don't actually clip in any more. But people use that term because it is in the vernacular. The cleat on your shoe attaches by "stepping in" to be correct. And it attaches to a "clipless" pedal.
My Garmin updated Endomondo successfully today. YAY!
@Karen. Tell your son we are all cheering him on.
Good Morning All,
Another great commute this morning-how can be anything but great. I want to post this link for anyone who lives in the Frederick MD area, or is just interested in doing the ride-the person this ride is in support of is amazing person. The C & O Canal is also amazing.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/JP1845/jp1845
@K.J.G., big Kudos to you and your son! Fitness and outdoor activity are great together, whatever form they may take.
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@Tammie: After we explain the conundrum of clipping into clipless pedals, we'll discuss the dichotomy of Parking in a Driveway after Driving on a Parkway.
@Paul - I also use MTB shoes, and have SPD pedals on all of my bikes (road, CX, hybrid). Have Shimano A520s, M520s and (I believe) A530s on my various bikes. I like the MTB shoes as they allow me to walk into the office after my commute.
I use spd shimano a600 pedals, but did use a520 for some years. Both are very good with the cycling sandals.
Endo has announced that the Garmin repair has been made and emails have confirmed that users are back to uploading normally with their devices.
@Marty - Thank you. We do have a really good running store in town. I will have to take him in for a pair of shoes.
And speaking of pedals, I run the same pedals on my road bike as I do my mountain bike. (mtb pedals/mtb shoes), so I only need one pair of shoes. Anyone else do this? And mtb shoes are sooooo much more comfy to walk in that roadie shoes.
Pedals used to have straps on them, or plastic sort of clip thing that went over the front half of your foot to hold it to the pedals. The straps/clips were generally referred to as "toe clips". So when those went away, the new terminology was "clipless". Which, oddly enough, essentially ALL pedals were before the straps came along. And that's your bike history lesson for today. ;-)
@Christine-thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Well, Christine, the good thing is that you are already involved with the best sport to rehab your knee! Best wishes. 12 miles per day now will get me to diamond by sept 30th. That is down from 14.7. I took Sunday off and may take those Sunday off also. I just need some rest. Will someone PLEASE explain where this clipless clipping came from. We clip in on clipless pedals. Just plain crazy. LOL
I just crunched some numbers because of minor health problems ( wife said health problems ) but having to do only 11.56 miles per day through the end of the month for the DIAMOND. Maybe the clipping clip-less pedals and shoes I purchased will improve my comfort and mileage. I had the out of town LBS set the clips as loose as possible. Tomorrow will be my first full day with them. If all goes well for a few days I'll putt clipping clip-less pedals on my other bike.
@Christine - I wish you good luck on the surgery!
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@Karen Jean - For a first mile, that time means that he's got some wheels on him. (So that make it relevant to this message board.) He definitely has a future as a runner.
A word of caution, (coming from a running coach), one cannot improve or increase the workload running as quickly as one can bicycling. So, have him take days off, and only increase his distance gradually. Every day should not be hard, either, as it takes longer to recover from and adapt to running than it does bicycling.
If he doesn't already have them, get him a good pair of running shoes designed for his type of foot, not just something that looks cool or is on sale. For that, you will need to take him to a running shoe store. The three different types of feet - high arch, flat footed, and in between - require different levels of motion control and cushioning. Once they have dtermined his foot type, have him try 4 or 5 different brand shoes in that type, for the one that feels the best. And have him try both shoes on, not just one.
@Christine - I would just like to add my hopes and prayers along with the rest of the NBC "gang".
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I can't help but be proud of my son. He ran his first mile today, 7min. 4 sec. I have no idea if that is good or bad, but he seems to want to keep at it. I know it is off topic, hope you all don't mind my sharing it here.
@Christine. Hope all goes well with your surgery. Hopefully you will not need the second surgery. Looking forward to seeing you on a bike again.
@Jerry-great article! Nice of you to share.
@Roberto-40 miles in the rain and a flat? Whew-hope your cycling journeys get better through the end of the week and the weekend.
@Christine-as per Roberto's experience with his knees it sounds hopeful!
@Christine, the other thing about the ACL repair was it required my leg to be immobilized while it healed. I was a month in a soft cast. And like I said, it didn't take after all that, and I'm fine. Good luck!!!
@Abby Normal I'll be riding for you on Monday. Pedal power! Keep us updated.
Road Aggression In America
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http://tinyurl.com/kvumndt
@Christine, I've had both of those surgeries. The cartilage is no big deal. Easy recovery. The ACL, not so much. My "reconstruction" (done over 25 years ago) failed. Never took, but that was in the early days of doing this type of "repair." I have no ACL in my knee as a result. Obviously, hasn't slowed me down at all. You might want to really consider if you actually need that surgery. The cartilage must be done or it will cause much more damage, but the ACL, not as important to fix.
40 miles today in a downpour. And I hate to bring it up, but another flat. I've really jinxed myself (throws black cat over his shoulder)!
Best of Luck, @Christine! Will be thinking 'bout ya...
@Christine-hey, another plus for the cycling sport! Hope your hanging in there! Will keep you in my thoughts. Keep in touch and post how it goes when you can.
@ Christine, good to know the surgeon has a plan to repair your knee. I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way that it is a success, and that you can be biking again next summer. Keep us posted :)
Surgery on Monday. The cartilage is folded over onto the outside of my knee, so the surgeon is going to go in and either fix or remove it, depending on what he sees. Then in about 10 weeks he's going to rebuild the ACL. He said normally he wouldn't "bother on someone [your age]", but since my knees are in such great condition from riding he feels it would be worth it. He will know for certain after he gets in there on Monday.
@Cyn It contradicts my anti-mr. tuffy somewhat, but a tube is smooth, even all the way around. Just cutting the tube down the middle, and the valve off (this is a old, had holes too big to patch tube) is what I'm saying about.
@Cyn a cut inner tube inside the tire would keep the "filled" tube from trying to escape any holes also. I found that the extra layer helps glueless patches last forever, too.
@Rick-thanks much! That helps immensely! So now I can roll on with confidence.
@Cynthia - if the nail punctute is a simple hole in the tire - not a tear - I'd still trust the tire. Since it was a roofing nail, I might throw a patch on the inside of the tire in a (possibly needless) attempt to reinforce the edges of the tire around the hole - and make it a little tougher for some later sharp - glass fragment, etc. - to opportunistically use the same hole. I scan my tires periodically for embedded debris and have pulled out glass fragments that cut the tread and went pretty deep in the tire. I don't replace the tire because of that or a simple puncture.
We are creeping up on 14 million.. I bet that number jumps when everyone is able to upload their garmins!
Laurie, I know how you feel posting everything manually. I was doning that in the beginning myself until I got my little garmin 200. It is the lower end one but does everything I need it to do without the high price! It is wonderful! Only if I someday start doing rides in big cities or in places that have lots of possible routes will I need one of the garmins that shows things like that. Where I live, we have very few choices! I doing the manual thing until they have it fixed. Glitches are just a part of life with technology! I ended up with a total of 30 miles yesterday. I don't think I can keep up this pace for long... between work and 20 to 30 mile days.. I am DEAD TIRED (and my house is a mess)! But I love it! LOL (not the messy house)
Endo is being fixed. Chill out. This is the National Bike Challenge not the Bleeding Tour De France. Repair is expected by friday 6pm GMT.
@ James, I was giving a light-hearted viewpoint, not criticizing anyone or anything. I know that's hard to convey on a screen.
@Laurie The problem here does not appear to be Garmin. My Garmin works on every site I've uploaded to except this one and this week. The problem from my perspective is that Endomondo made a change without proper testing and did not have a plan to backtrack if they ran into a problem.
Thanks for the advice, the nail punctured through the tire and I replaced the tube. My concern is extended use on the tire as I am training for MS 150 which will be in 3 weeks and then also riding the event. I don't want a worn tire while doing the ride. Local Bike Shop will install a new tire a lot quicker than I can order one on line and get one here and do it myself.
Throughout the NBC, I've had to come home from every ride and manually map out my ride, then log my miles. And I had to do it quickly, before I forgot exactly what route I rode. I admit being a little jealous and intimidated by all the high-tech devices everyone else seemed to have to record their rides. I am planning to move up the technology scale as time and budget allow, but it's also good to do things the "old-fashioned" way sometimes.... unlike Garmin, mapmyrun has worked well all summer :P
My Edge 500 still won't save the ride.
I had 2 flats early in the spring, and then someone on here suggested I get Kevlar tires. I did, and am so happy with them. Not one flat, and my tubes seem to hold air better also.
Hello there,
I have been invited to take part in the Extra Mile Challenge (http://www.extra-mile.org.uk/ ). Basically it is a 3 day 500 mile road cycling event in France in September.
I am wondering if you would like to sponsor me for the event… The event expenses are paid for already so ALL of your money goes towards the Charities.
I have attached details of the event and you can see more at the web link above.
You can sponsor ME and the 4 man team here > http://tinyurl.com/mhu6dks
Thanks in advance.
Regards
TOM
@Cynthia,
I find it is usually difficult to ride on a flat tire, plus it can damage the rim when the tire rolls to the side [my apologies to Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin, I couldn't resist :-) ]
Assuming you have removed the nail and installed a new/patched tube, there is no reason you cannot continue to use the tire if it was nothing more than a simple puncture. Years ago I was riding in an area than caused at least a flat a week (worst was 4 flats on one ride!!!). I had reached the point that I would ride with patched tubes and didn't replace the tire until the cords started showing. Today I use better tires and tubes, ride in a much cleaner area and don't have flats very often. (Tomorrow I will probably have to report fixing my first flat in over a year just because I opened my big mouth.....)
@Laurie. You mean you would let a few tornados keep you off your bike? Think of the excitement, the thrills, the challenge.
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Not that I would ride around tornados. I don't need that kind of excitement. I've had all the challenges I need for the year.
Flat #11 of the season, but now I have no fear of flats! My flat fixing confidence level is at 98%. First flat took over one hour to take care of, while this last one was patched and pumped in less than 15 minutes.
Flat tire conversation brings me to a question I wanted to post this morning to ya'll:
Over the weekend I had a flat. Punctured tire from a roofing nail-question is-can I ride on that tire till I can get a new one and if so-how long can I ride on it. Plan on having it fixed with the week.
@Laurie-don't mind the heat at all. In fact, you get used to it.
Hey all! Fixed my first flat of the season last night. The girly girl in my wants to brag about doing it myself, but I am with Roberto and the rest. No more from me about flat tires. (Knock on Wood.)
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My son seems to like cross-country too. EM is right. He made more progress running in 3 days, than I could get him to do in 3 weeks. I am hoping the exercise running will make him more inclined to get on his bike, eventually.
J Hugh,
I didn't see your post from Garmin before I made my previous comments (you probably posted while I was doing my download). Even with all the comments about problems I have to admit I haven't had any trouble downloading my Garmin Edge 500 this week. I normally download every other day (the Garmin will easily go 100 miles without recharging so I just wait till it needs to be charged to download). Best of luck to everyone with your efforts to download.
Looks like Endomondo may have gotten the Garmin download problem fixed. I just downloaded my rides from yesterday and today without a problem. All the numbers look correct and it didn't hesitate at any time during the downloading process. Hope it works for everyone else.
(copied to this list FYI report to help line for the future)
Endo Mikkel (Community Assistant) 3 hours ago
Hi Guys
Just to provide a quick update on this: Our developers are working on a fix for this problem, that should be deployed today or tomorrow.
If you get it to work after this update (e.g. with your weekend workouts) we'd very much like to hear it
We'd of course also appreciate the feedback, if the problem persists. In case you continue to experience problems after 6 PM GMT on Friday, and after having cleared browser cache (at that time) please report back with:
OS
Browser and version
Garmin Watch
Plug-in version
Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Cheers,
Mikkel
@ Jerry, we're talking tornado force winds. A couple of weeks ago we had 6 tornadoes come through, and last night's storms could've done the same. No way I'd bike in that, especially after dark.
Anyone have any experience with these guys? I'm thinking a jersey and sleeves may be a worthwhile investment.
http://www.glimmergear.com/index.html
@Jerry - I give up. What IS a little wind, rain, and lightning?
@Laurie. What's a little wind, rain, and lightning?
Some day are just too hot to do much biking. I don't know how all y'all Southerners do it... lol. I had planned to do an after-dark ride tonight to make up the miles I just couldn't do this afternoon, but then some strong storms came through. Oh well, tomorrow is another day :P
Two and A half hours of riding my "Front Rangers" friends at Red Rocks tonight.
Two hours of physical torture. With dry needling no less. Then a 30 mile ride with headwinds. It is great to ride.
Sorry to put this up again. Endo is having trouble with Garmin uploads. You can do it with the manual file upload from your unit or an exported gxp file.
Endo staff is working on the problem. Honest engine.
@ Paul ~ The Garmin upload is not working at all for me. It get to the point of importing ride, and freezes.It hasn't worked for me for 2 days.
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@ Cycling Roberto ~ I know the feeling all too well about the flats. I had 2 in one day and 3 in less than a week about 2 weeks ago. So like you from this point on I do not wish to talk about it.
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I now have 3872 miles in this year for cycling sport. I have also broken 5380 points so far for this challenge.
Broke 8300 miles for 2013 today. 1000 points to platinum.
Garmin uplaod worked finr for me today. FR910XT, V2.70.0.0 software.
Also broke 3000 points last week, and 2000 miles for the year today (riding since April).
I will never discuss flat tires again. Rode today with a buddy of mine (rare, since 99% of my rides are solo) and had not 1, but 2 flats. Didn't really hold me up too bad, and my handy frame pump handled the job. But I'm sure the jinx was on... so lips are going forward.
ARGH
@Michael - Sounds like you are a real bird watcher. Seeing a hummingbird is a rare treat for me. Love to see the chickadees too in my front yard, and in the Fall the cardinals.
@Jerry, thanks for posting the article about the hit and run victim. I think the closing point should have been, "only when motorists are jailed for killing cyclists will we see an end to the carnage."
Kill a cyclist (unless EXTREMELY mitigating circumstances are proven) you go to jail and pay all expenses of the victim. "I didn't see them," doesn't work any more.
Thanks to "more French Pastry" (Hugh). I'll wait a few days to see if endo fixes the garmin upload ... and will be sure to get all my august rides in there before the month ends, one way or the other!
@K.J.G., I got an earful from the resident hummingbirds (yes, they squeal!) when I inadvertantly chased them this morning while letting the dogs out. Then on my ride into work (to keep it relevent...) I heard a super-loud Carolina Wren. Then watched one of our urban falcons chasing a bunch of sparrows. All while keeping my attention on the road, of course.
Sorry to put this up again. Endo is having trouble with Garmin uploads. You can do it with the manual file upload from your unit or an exported gxp file. I am putting this up on the list because you can't always click to a person and leave a comment since that is a choice people can make in their participation.
@Cynthia - Saw a blue heron today when I biked to my garden. He was standing silently and unmoving, like a dignified honor guard, at the corner of the drainage pond near our the field. While I was riding in the parkway earlier in the day, I heard bird calls like you would hear near the seashore, wish I knew what bird they came from. You always make me wish I was in Florida.
@EM I keep running Schwalbes with race/green guards. I never liked Tuffys due to the "bump" they add. Also in hot weather, or the bike sitting in the sun on hot days, the Tuffy kept cutting the tube also. It's also good to not go too fast, and be able to see crap, like glass, on the roadss. Nails, theres no with, but they only bothered me 2 times in my life and both cases it was trying to accelerate hard to cross a intersection.
@Jerry-powerful article. I shared it on my FB page...
Is anyone else having issues with uploads from a Garmin device into endomondo? It's reading my rides, but will not save - just freezes up. I've been using my Garmin for logging rides in the challenge with no issues this year or last. Until now. My uploads into Garmin Connect are working great, so it seems like the problem is within endomondo, not Garmin or my laptop.
@ Burklee, back in the dark ages (BC= before children) my husband and I did some riding in western Nebraska, we learned about tire killing thorns and good old Mr. Tuffy. Road riding usually doesn't produce that many flats. I blame my flats on all the construction around here lately. But I don't want a blowout on the Heatstroke, my old friend Mr. Tuffy is back (knock on wood).
The More Innocent The Cyclist, The Greater The Number Of Deleted Comments
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http://tinyurl.com/n7jgkyz
@EM - I have Mr Tuffys in both my tires. I also have Bontrager Hard Case tires, front and back. Even before I got the Hard Case for the front, it had been a while since I had a flat (knock on wood.) I think you'll like them.
thanks Ray S, I also got an email from endo saying what you did. The only incorrect data was the ascend, descend info. I edited to agree with the corrected version on the Garmin site, but it is much easier. Heart rate and cadence seem also to be ok using the fit file. Ah! software updates! Heart
Philly, aftar 1am during the weekdays is probably the nicest time to ride it. Even getting home around 2am where I live in South Jersey it's real nice. No traffic at all. Only oddity last night was a skunk crossing the road, but I didn't bother it at least. Skunks and groundhogs seem to be all over the place around here.
Hi all, out this morning on my regular route. After 10 am with temps in the 70s. I only spotted one other cyclist and the traffic was otherwise pretty light. Mr. Tuffy is working so I will add one to the front tire now.
Just some FYI that may or may not be helpful.
Check out www.youtube.com/gcn
Global Cycling Network (GCN) for quick tips for things you wanted to know, didn't know or just want to brush up on things you already know.
Depending on the type of Garmin, you may also be able to upload direct from the file stored on the device. The Edge 500, for example, shows up as a disk when you plug it in to the computer, you can find your activities in the garmin\activities folder, there will be a .fit file for each activity.
So many beautiful descriptions of everyones rides. Yesterday I saw a dead snake and more mesquite. ... blowing dust.
Garmin direct to endo upload unavailable. Many reports to that effect after announced fix. I know they will keep trying. As a reminder upload ride to garmin connect then export gpx or other file and upload to endo. Correct time, mileage, ascend, descend and elevation if needed to agree with garmin.
@Tammie-forgot to mention-I made friends with the wind long ago.
Well looks like I passed that 2000 points mark! Yahoo! On my way to Platinum. I know I will make it.
@Tammie-awesome on those 1500 miles.
@Burklee-there are no Bike Co Ops near me : (. The closest one is 3 hours away. It's so cool you devote your time to yours.
This mornings commute actually sported SUNSHINE and NO CLOUDS which mean NO RAIN!! The past two weeks here have been like rain central.
Looking over the marsh I saw what seemed like hundreds of White Egrets sitting in the trees along the marsh area. They looked like they were painted in the trees; long white dots amongst the green of the trees.
A flock of Ibis flew over head at one point. That was so cool.
Then as I looked to my right when making a turn a gray/black/white fox squirrel was right on the edge of the road sitting up right eating its breakfast. It must have been good as it did scurry away as I passed.
Make it a beautiful day all. Ride with peace and spread that to every one you meet.
@Tammie... We have a saying here in Superior "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes. It will change." The wind can shift and temperature drop 20 degrees in a matter of minutes. It is pretty amazing to see the wall of cold air coming. You can tell who lives here as they carry a jacket when it 75 or warmer.
Woke up to see that in less than half a week I biked enough miles to top what I used to consider a pretty decent weekly total. I have progressed this summer far beyond what I expected a few months ago, and I think I can safely say I'm addicted :)
Garmin uploading is being repaired by endomondo support. Unitl then you can save your workout to Garmin connect then export a gpx file to your computer, then unload through endo. You may need to adjust time, asced, descend and mileage slightly from the record on garmin as report have it that there are differences.
I don't think anyone know why we can't upload our Garmins.. just that it reaches the saving screen and stops. Has been that way all day. I entered my ride today manually.
Garmin won't upload for me either. It gets to the 'Saving Workouts..." window, and just hangs.
Anybody know why I cannot upload rides from Garmin? Got 'em uploaded from my 800 Edge into Garmin Connect, but Endo won't import for some reason. Got 4 rides stored and waiting to upload...
Tammie...kudos on your first 1500! I am sure it will be the first of many more years of "1500+." About your wind...I can relate, but for a slightly different reasons. On my (longish) ride today, I was so psyched to have the wind and hills on my side most of the return of a 40+ mile ride...only to run into two stretches of "new" road constructions...which sent me back into the wind going up the hills for about my last additional 8 miles. But you know what they say...if it doesn't kill you, it (usually) makes you stronger! Hang in there...you will catch a great tail wind one of these days...and it will be a BLAST!
Just noticed.. just passed 1500 miles in the challenge. I am amazed that I have done that on a bike. Today is 5 months since I bought my first bike. I think I had ridden about 300 miles before the challenge started.
I tried to upload my Garmin .... finally gave up and manually entered the information. Hope they get it fixed. I have never had any problems before. Rode with the fast group today and they nearly killed me. They started out like jackrabbits at 18mph into the wind for the first 7 miles and I was about to die. I finally had to slow down or drop dead. I am a 13 to 14mph rider! Yes, I wanted to be challenged but dead, no. By mile 10 I was so overheated I was having chills and it was 94 degrees outside and we were still riding into the wind. Mile 11 I turned into the Stripes convenience store almost dropped my bike, went in and sat down in a heap. I was a good 5 minutes before I could move and the chills I was having subsided. Finally got up for some ice and water. Wet my shirt down in the bathroom and got ready to turn around and head back... really looking forward to that tailwind after having the wind in my face all the way. WELL, the wind had another idea.. it had shifted! And we got to run all the way back with , you guessed it.. WITH THE WIND IN OUR FACES!!!! At times it was so strong you had to hang on to keep from being knocked over. Just so much fun. I was so tired by mile 18 I wanted to get off my bike and walk... really! I actually thought about it! I did not and managed to get back and actually rode around the parking lot the additional half mile to make it an even 22 miles for the day. Did I ever think I would make friends with the wind.... shoot me for thinking that!
@Marty. Found them. But they were not where you said they were.
@Marty. Normally my slideshows are not as wild as this one. I just had to get my feelings about riding again out.
@Jerry - I'll 3rd the seizure inducing slide show motion. Nice pictures, (at least the ones I saw, but it needs to be a lot less busy. (I only watched a minute of it before I came to my senses and closed it.)
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@Michael - I would recommend that you see your MD if you are experiencing 7-15 movements per day.
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@Jerry - I think your batteries and charger are on the top of the left shelving unit in your garage.
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@Laurie - I used this method first in my only 25 minute job ever, they said I was too aggressive to be a parking checker. They received 3 complaints the first 12 minutes just because I would jump on car hoods and start chalking their tires as they were backing into a parking spot. I guess that's what I get for trying to be efficient. (The extra time was how long it took me to go back to the office and turn in my chalk.)
@ Marty -- too funny! Do you know this from personal experience?
One helpful hint when using EM's chalk trick. It is easiest to come to a complete stop before applying the chalk to the tire.
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@Jerry - Maybe your Garmin is a little latent rust from all of that inactivity?
I packed three GoPro batteries and a charger before Ride the Rockies. Which of course I did not get to ride in due to my accident. Now I cannot find where I put them. Frustrating.
Darn. I wanted to have a 30 mile day. Ended up with 29.38 -- I could have gone around the block again if I'd known before I came home and mapped it out :(
I hate typing on a phone! Trains between Phila/Wilmington, going either north to Allentown/Newark/New England or west to Harrisburg and the rest of the continental U.S. Usually have 7-15 movements per day of distance freight, plus local quarry stone operations. Fun times!
three laps of my easyyyy 22mi. route today, only stopped once (had to) and just beat the wind and sprinkles .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Jerry: Both! I've been to CO a number of times and fell in love with the area, particularly CO Springs and south into northern NM. Plus I've always been a rail fan. My 14th floor office window looks out over the original Reading Railroad yards. Still used as a control point for trains moving between Philadelphia/Wilmington
Time to watch the USA Pro Cycling race here in Colorado that I recorded earlier today. And to eat our cheeseburgers fresh off the grill. And of course hot chocolate chip cookies for dessert. If I hadn't missed the train today on my ride, it would be a perfect day. It's almost perfect. Which is far, far better than two weeks ago.
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@Christine. You will be back riding again. Our prayers are with you.
@Michael. The trains or the area I ride?
@Jerrry, you make me jealous more and more...
@Ray. I missed the train at Niwot by only three minutes today. Bummer. I loved to be stopped by a train.
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I chased a train from Longmont to Lyons on day. I don't know what the engineer thought seeing the same guy on a bicycle at all the crossing on his way to Lyons.
Hey guys what's up?
Jerry, James,
I have a Garmin Edge 500, didn't have any problems when I downloaded my data this morning around 8:00am. I will admit I have had some days where I had to try 3 or 4 times before I could get the data to download to Endomondo.
@Karen Jean,
With the bright full moon it's hard to see the stars. The plus side is, if it weren't for the critters on the road, you wouldn't even need headlights to see where you are going.
@Karen - If there's a bike co-op in your area, and you've got the time, I bet they'd love to teach you, and to have the help. Finding the time is always the problem...
@Burklee - You are amazing! Wish I knew how to work on bikes like that.
@Jerry - What J Hugh said.
Wow Jerry I just had a seizure from the Video. ROFLOL
A slideshow of today's ride.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch
Thanks for the info on Garmin uploading problems. At least I know it is not on my end.
@EM - Lincoln Bike Kitchen is open Sunday Noon-4pm, Monday 5-9pm, and Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, is Women and Transgender Only Night. If you're in Lincoln, come on by!! Warning - Sundays & Mondays can be crazy busy! It's a bit like a bike emergency room on those days, somebody always needs help. It's exhausting, even when there are 6 mechanics there. But I love being able to help folks earn a bike, or fix their bikes and get back out there.
@Mike Ruane thanks the gpx file works, but along with the time elevations were not consistant with the garmin site. I got the file from the garmin site. I am sure they will get it fixed. Thanks again
I am a prem subsriber and I sent an email to alert to the problem. It is clear that their is a bug in the software. It will come around. If you have a garmin and are having problems speak up so that it get noticed quickly.
That happens to me quite often Jerry, I usually just let it sit for awhile and then refresh the page. It only seems to happen on longer rides though. By the way, I got stuck waiting for a freight train last night (two tracks run through my city), but I didn't have my camera, so no video. It was after midnight and only a few cars idling around me, but there were enough to block out the cool sound of the wheels on the rails. When I lived much closer to the tracks I hated those things, but now that I'm far enough away to barely hear the whistle, I enjoy watching them go by.
I had the same problem with my garmin. Took a gpx export of the ride from strava and imported it to endo with no issues....other then tweaking the ride time to get the right average mph
510 here @Jerry and I'm having the same problem. I can say I've done everything you have as well. No luck.
@ Karen Jean, if your son has a good friend that you might be able to bribe to come along (say for a bike ride) that might be a good motivator. One teenager alone might be bored but get two of them and off they go..... At least it could be worth a try!
Anyone having a problem uploading from a Garmin Edge 500 today? I get to the point of "Saving Workout" but nothing happens. I am able to upload to other sites with no problem. Tried this on two different computers. No luck uploading my ride.
PS one thing you might like to add to your bike kit: a piece of chalk. I rub it on the tire so I can read that otherwise dark and mysterious message: Inflate to +++
@Tammie - WOOOW! Puuuurple spoke lights! Gotta get me some of those! lol Night riding is fun went you don't have a lot of cars around, at least until it gets cold. Yes, there was a wonderful bright moon out last evening. Sorry, Leonard did not notice any stars in town.
Hi all, out this morning after I changed a flat in my kitchen. Tiny piece of wire or something in the tire. No clue where it came from but glad to change it at home and not on the road. Got a honk and friendly wave from a guy in a pickup truck today. Then I got another friendly wave from a guy who had two bikes on the back of his car. Nice to meet some bike friendly drivers. My kids took off with the cars so I had to go the the LBS, by guess what, the BIKE ta da! Got a Mr. Tuffy to put inside the rear tire becuase I don't really want any flats when I do the Heatstroke on Sat. Also picked up a quarter on the road today. Lets see: "see a penny and pick it up, and all the day you'll have good luck..." so I guess if I pick up a quarter I'll have 25 times as much good luck? LOL
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@ Christine good road vibes from my ride today. Hope they will help with the knee. Or maybe you will pick up a lucky coin!
@ Burklee, when's the bike kitchen open these days? Could try to stop by when I'm in Lincoln just to see.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE, KEEP IT SAFE AND FUNNNNNN !!!!
22.85 miles by road bike. A dump truck driver keeps honking at me, I assume its because he doesn't like me riding on the road. My response? I wave at him like I know him... I am hoping he will stop and start something with me - I ain't backing down... However, its probably someone that knows me and they are just honking lol. Nice to see the heat and humidity back! I missed it! =)
Sorry you are going through this Christine. Good Luck. Denver sounds like heaven for a cyclist! Nothing here is bike friendly. I haven't found a single bike rack anywhere.... yet... still looking. The highway between the two cities is our main road for long distance riding. It is 16 miles long and we ride on the service road. It is being built up now.. lots of new business and I don't know who the fool is that thought sidewalks with huge curbs would be a good thing but they sure are not bike friendly!!! There is absolutely NO PLACE TO GO fo a bike when a fool car decides to crowd you off the road.. no shoulder now! Just this huge curb and sidewalk that absolutely NO ONE is EVER going to use!!! I got crowded within 2 inches of that scary curb 3 times yesterday! I did not really ride on sunday, just my minimal 1 mile around the parking lot where we were doing our Bike MS fund raiser. I barely got 2 hours of sleep that day before going back to work. Burning the candle at both ends lately. Finally got in 20 miles yesterday but was out after dark, intentionally to try out my new NightRider 550 light, NICE! I now have 3 blinking red lights on the back, 2 blinking on front and my bright headlight. If you can't see me, you are blind. LOL Oh, and purple spoke lights....just for fun.
@Burklee, it is definitely the pivoting that is causing the most slipping and sliding - and pain. But as General MacArthur said: I shall return!
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Thank you all for all your good wishes. I feel your support and appreciate it greatly.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/central-park-danger-zone-pedestrians-news-investigation-finds-16-cyclists-breaking-25-mph-limit-speeding-road-bikes-article-1.1132150
Although this article is one year old it does give me reason to think about cycling and its dangers to others.
Another car free weekend!!
http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/19/crater-lake-national-park-to-announce-annual-carfree-weekend-92555
@ Roberto - My guess would be those voices got drowned out by business owners who don't realize that slowing traffic down outside their business brings them more business, or by homeowners who will have to give up parking spaces. That almost happened here in Lincoln re: the N Street connector lane. Businesses downtown don't want to give up the on-street parking. Then a study was done that revealed that most of that precious, front-door, on-street parking was being used by... wait for it... employees of the businesses. As far as I know, that lane is still in planning and hasn't been shot down yet. Yet. Money talks, and often shouts down really good ideas. *sigh*
@Karen, where are the voices in a community home to so many cycling institutions: Bicycling, Velodrome???? CRICKETS
@K.J.G., If I'm correct, you are unfortunately dealing with 'City Hall'; I'm a county guy. Yes, I'm one of the 'good guys', but I have plenty of obstacles above me to work through. Good Luck with your son.
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@Christine, more thoughts with you this a.m. Keep the faith!
@Christine - I gotta go with Roberto on this one and guess surgery. I injured my knee in '92. Doc thought it was just a cartilage tear. Didn't find the partially torn ACL til scoping the cartilage. I tried playing softball with just a brace, but it was my right knee, & pivoting the bases just hurt too much. It took surgery to repair the ACL to get rid of the pain. Good luck and good thoughts to you, sweetie!!
@Michael - Do you want to move to Allentown? They were planning a bicycle lane, but got all kinds of backlash and now decided to not go through with it. So, you are one the good guys? That means we have at least one on the "inside." Thanks.
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More time to bicycle this week. My son started cross-country in middle school. He has a really great coach that will work with him at his own level. None competitive, anyone can join at this level. Just what my son needs. First, I tried to make him a swimmer like me, he can swim, but is not a "fish." Next, I tried to get him into bicycling. He rode his bike once with me this season, but he likes to mountain bike, hence I am saving for a hybrid bike this Fall, hopefully I will have it in the Spring to coax him out on the trails next year. Running is my last hope. His father is a runner, so I am praying it is in his genes somewhere. I just want him to stay healthy and exercise when he gets older and not follow in his uncle's footsteps, who as you might remember my brother has health problems related to not exercising. He's a real smart kid, but has his own challenges which is why I work only part time. Wish us luck this week. Hoping that he sticks with it.
@Michael-what an awesome opportunity to promote cycling. That has to make you feel really good.
I am in the beginning of an exciting project. As I've said in the past, my day job is as a Transportation Planner with our county planning commission. One of my many roles is to work with bicycle and pedestrian transportation. I am working with a 9-county agency (funded by federal clean air funds) to begin compiling an online map of bicycle racks in our downtown. I've been photographing and providing details about those racks. The goal is to provide a resource to promote biking in our downtown (along with the others in the region), with the ultimate goal of providing the information countywide (864 square miles!). My new-found passion for bike commuting has professional as well as personal meaning!
I am sorry I meant to say my bank...not my bike....see I was not supposed to drive today.
Yes, I hated it. I grumbled and kicked and screamed. lol. Friends and family keep telling me I have to run my car once in a while.
My bike has promised to look into installing a bike rack. # business down-several to go.
@Roberto-sounds like your ready for a new adventure. Colorado is an amazing state.
@Christine-good luck today! Your in my thoughts.
@Cynthia, doesn't it really grate on you having to drive to work? I hate that feeling when I have to take a bus or, even worse, drive. Ruins my entire day. At least you put some fresh gas in the tank, so that's a positive.
No miles to log today. Had to drive to work. In fact, had to put gas in my car. Such a foreign thing to do anymore. I actually had to think about side my gas tank was on! lol.
@Christine I am so sorry to read that you have hurt your knee again. How frustrating. :( Please keep in touch and goo dluck!
@karen, I never bought gear for cycling through winter either. I don't cycle past fall. I switch to other forms of exercise.
@laurie, I used to think I would hate riding my bike after dark. Once I started commuting, I learned to enjoy it. There is very little traffic, the streets are calm, and it's usually cooler by then.
Getting ready to leave the great UP of Michigan. Had some riding and the four parties, yes 4 parties were great. Will be packing up and than a light breakfast. Most important I'll be going for a bike ride with our grandson. He'll be leaving for college Thursday, so he is doing a lot of packing. I really don't want to leave this beautiful weather but all good things come to an end.
Laurie; Did you have clear skies to enjoy the splendid full moon?
@Laurie - Usually, they can be quite peaceful. (Especially if you've won at bingo.)
I may have completely lost my mind now. This afternoon, a friend invited me to go play bingo with her in a town about 40 miles away. I asked her what time we'd be back, because I wanted to bike to her house (about 7-8 miles from me). She assured me that we'd be back before 9. Well, didn't get back to her house until well after 10 pm. I've been on rides before that started in daylight and ended after the sun went down, but this is the first time ever that I've deliberately done an entire ride after dark. And it was fun!
Not too into motorized sports Rob.
Take up sand buggies Roberto. It's a lot of fun. The Dunes are not far from here.
Another point: I used to ski over 100 days a year for a long time. So getting back to the Rockies will allow me to renew my love for that sport as well.
@Karen, click on that link of Jerry's. Denver is serious about cycling. Just like the rest of the state. PA is ranked 16th in the country while CO is 2nd. Amazing given the history of cycling in these parts. But I need to go where I can enjoy my passion. I've had a good run here. Time to move on.
I like windstopper products for the cold. The gloves worked great and worked on motorcycle as well.
@Roberto - Thanks, I will remember that advice about the lights. So good gloves and wool clothing - check. (I have a good shower pass jacket already - bright orange.)
@Karen, you should ride in the winter. Layering is key. NO COTTON. Good base layers, and wool are my protection against cold. Wind layer (which I recently discovered after all these years does not have to be on the outside), and yes gloves. I wear gloves with liners. They make some pretty heavy duty cycling gloves. Fenders, not really necessary. Keep in mind that riding after dark in the winter is a bit riskier than the warmer months. Motorists do not expect to see you in daylight, let alone at night even with lights. Just a word to the wise. If you have daylight hours in the colder months, use them. Plus, if you think it's cold out during the day, wait until you hit that cold air at nighttime.
@Roberto - We will miss you.
@Jerry, been watching on TV. I've been to CO plenty of times. I lived for 8 years in Jackson Hole, WY. Prior to that it was winter vacations to Snowmass, Vail, Winter Park, A-Basin, Steamboat... plus I love the SW corner of the state, with Mesa Verde and Durango. The Million Dollar Highway... Glenwood Springs hot springs... and then of course Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods, Cripple Creek... even the Gorge Bridge... Eagle County with its abundance of bald eagles...but, I've never lived there. So seems time for me to check it out. Tired of dodging cars and being looked at as if I'm an alien from outer space. Booking a flight out beginning of September to scout around for a new place.
@Christine - All my hopes and prayers go with you tomorrow.
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I had good intentions last year to ride through the winter last year, but come January I couldn't get myself to go out in the cold. I averaged 2-3 hours a day on the exercise bike which just about made me ill thinking of it by April. The Winter is my intense Swimming season. We have a mini meet with our group before Christmas and in the Spring, I do training for that primarily from September-May. Hopefully I can bike some though the Winter this year. I think I just don't have the proper clothing. Now I have lights, which I didn't have last year during those shorter days. I guess I need a good set of gloves to start with. Probably fenders I am thinking.
Don't forget the USA Pro Challenge race is going on in Colorado this week.
@ Roberto, Flagstaff or Tuscon not yet but when I go to San Diego I take my bike with me. When I go to Germany to visit family on vacation I use bikes from them.
@Jerry, drooling...
July 31, 2004, I broke my left kneecap. After the surgery, my doctor told me "No horses, no bikes". I still ride my horse (when it isn't too hot), but I've stopped riding bikes except on the trainer stand. The doctor DID approve my riding a TRIKE, however. I now have a TerraTrike, and love it! Many folks I know switched to help rehab an injury, and kept at it. Good luck, Christine, whatever happens.
@Roberto. Info on Denver's bike trails.
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http://tinyurl.com/4q4tlvd
@Christine, thinking about you, good luck tomorrow. A little bit of that Angels Envy certainly won't hurt.
@Jerry, I'd be content if I could find a nice 40-50 route through the Metro area without being out in the street too much. That would suit me in the winter. From what I've read there are miles of paved path. Is that accurate? And yes, we get "black ice" here in PA. Super dangerous.
@Rob, I bet the locals feel REALLY nippy in the mid-20's. Do you ever get up to Flagstaff or down to Tuscon to ride?
@Christine. I so sorry to about your knee. Hope your MRI turns out well and no surgery. I feel your pain about not riding. I told you, you did not have to take my place as the broken rider.
Roberto, there are times it gets mid 20's but usually just lower 30's but never snow or ice.
@Christine, this sounds like you will most likely need a repair. I've had two knee surgeries, the last one nearly 20 years ago. And things have obviously come a long way since then. Luckily, cycling is a good recovery exercise for this type of injury. Good luck! BTW, (and humor is how I deal with this type of stuff), you're lucky you're not a horse. Just sayin'...
@Rob, but it's a dry heat, right? LOL
Thanks for the link for the Winter Challenge. I joined it but don't forget, I live in Phoenix. I will hit 2000 points tomorrow yeaaaaaaa.
@Roberto. We have mostly sunny days in the Front Range. When it snows it is "usually" in the high 40's-50's the next day. So the snow melts quickly. One or two days. Occasionally we have snow and several days of cold weather. I have ridden in the mountains during the winter. Though to get dry mountain roads in the winter is not common. Even when it does melt off the mountain roads the snow melts and water runs across the road. Which can freeze and turn to ice. So every time you see water across the road you have to slow down in case it has a layer of ice under the water.
You won't believe this: I damaged my knee again this morning! I was going to work and, instead of sitting and pivoting into the car, I put my right leg in then pushed off on my left leg - habit. I discovered that pivoting on that leg was what was causing the problem. I could not move afterwards. I called husband and he came home and took me to the MD. Long story short (I know: too late) I've got an MRI scheduled for tomorrow at 7:30 AM. Anyone want to start a pool on whether or not I end up with surgery? I miss riding my bike...a lot.
From what I understand the NBC is alot of effort. The sponsors are appreciated, maybe more of them will kick in over time. I can see this theme growing. I certainly hope it does. Thanks League of American Bicyclists too!
Ok, joined the winter challenge since I ride all winter why not? But, do you have to have a subscription to Edomondo to join or is it like the NBC-open to all?
@Pamela in Charlotte-yea, it never stops raining here. 5 days now. I still ride though.
@Jerry, I gave my hybrid and early version Trek mountain bike away too. D'oh. Still here in eastern PA, winter usually doesn't mean much in the way of snow cover. Of course, by winter I hope to be living in your neck of the woods. Does Denver stay pretty clear of snow most of the winter?
Joined the Winter Challenge. I won't be able to ride when it snows. I should have kept my hybrid bike.
Hey, Winter Challenge, count me in!
Seems to me if you don't like the setup here, move on. I appreciate the work and dedication it takes to put on the NBC. Thanks to all who make this possible.
@Marty, thanks, I'm now tied with you for the Winter challenge.
@J Hugh - There are rules. They are just stated more precicely for that particular topic in the FAQs. I'm sure we've all seen things at work or other places that are stated one way in one place and summarized or paraphrased incorrectly in another. It is a National Bike Challenge, just one that is set-up a little bit differently than you or other people might have. When they set it up they wanted to be more inclusive than exclusive, and that inclusiveness is based on workplaces.
Just came back from a short ride after converting my clincher wheels into tubeless. Hope this works well. Will have to see how long the sealant lasts in this Arizona heat.
What I posted was copied off the site. So there are no rules. Then its not a National Bike Challenge, its just a bike challenge. Sort of misses the point. Maybe we should recruit the fablous Fernado and his zillion miles. Then there are all those Euro guys who have ridden over 15,000 already. I bet we could claim 20 mill that way.
@Cycling Roberto - There is a Winter Challenge on Endomondo, going from November 1st to May 15th, starting and finishing at 3:00 a.m. While it is not the NBC, it still will be fun!
Right now, I am in 6th place, but also tied with everyone else with zero points.
How about a Winter NBC? No need to hang up the bike in October. Gives us cold weather cyclists something to do.
There should be bonus points for biking in the rain. It's been rainy here a alot! I'm in Charlotte NC.
I did my first race ever yesterday...the Race the Lake, an almost 90 mile ride around Lake Winnebago in Wisconisn. Didn't quite know what to expect but had a great time. I love riding in the "peleton." It REALLY makes a difference. For the first two hours, my wave was averaging just under 25 mph, which is faster than I have ever gone over such a distance. I bonked around mile 65 for about 15 miles, but caught onto the fast group of the wave behind mine and came in strong. Ended up at 4:01:08, a time I am very please with (22.1 mph). Of course, now I HAVE to do it again to see if I can get it under 4 hours. August 2014 won't get here fast enough for me...a nice way to head in my "Double nickels" birthday next month. (BTW, not everyone went at such a pace, but I think the vast majority of folks had lots of fun...do try to get a group ride in as they can really be fun. I probably waited too long, but better late than never.)
Ok, so I just killed my post. Sunday was canoeing and today was two rides. One to have lunch with my son and his GF. Saw a rider going the wrong way riding on the shoulder, this morning and managed to say "OVER THERE" and point across the road and yell "YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO RIDE OVER THERE." I got kind of a sleepy startled look back.
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@ Christine, sending good vibes your way and a HUG! You are due for some serious good luck! Maybe you should set up a way for us to make contributions to your new bike!
PS, congrats to the Omaha group for what sounds like a fun ride and a great activity for the kids!
@J Hugh - In the FAQs, they have, "The Challenge is open to all persons who either live in the US or work for an organization with US employees." as the answer or partial answer to questions #2 & #12. While the wording from the prize program and the FAQs aren't quite the same, the real intent of the prize program is the same as listed in the FAQs, because there were 3 prize winners in each of the first three months who don't live in the U.S. (Although, I didn't see a prize winner from New Mexico.) ;c]
http://www.bicycling.com/fallclassic
Here is another opportunity for a nice ride. I think I may try to overcome my trepidation and register for this one. No official points though, as it falls in October.
All Challenge participants that reside in the United States are automatically entered into the prize program.
Participants accumulate points each day they ride at least 1 mile
Point totals are carried over into each new month of the Challenge.
You are eligible for prizes as soon as you reach the Bronze point level. The prize value increases as you achieve higher point levels.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of each month for prize levels Bronze, Silver and Gold, and at the end of the Challenge for Platinum and Diamond.
There will be over 300 prizes distributed throughout the four prize levels.
All you need to do is ride and enter your miles!
Participants are eligible to receive no more than one prize per month.
Notice the first rule. people from other lands can play, but they can not win a prize.
@Paul-I like your profile picture. Hope you don't mind but I printed it for my "motivational" collage.
Recreational trails are just like roads in that you must consider time and day and day of the week. You must choose wisely to increase your safety. There is no training for using these kinds of trails so most people are just clueless because they are out to have a good time. What I learned in the park service was that people check their brains when they go to the park far too often. Blowing up at them does not help at all, but explaining does over the long haul spread the word. Nice manors Paul P. Great attitude.
I live right across the street from the midpoint of an 8 mile multi use path. I use it mostly as a cool down at the end if my rides, so I am usually fulky decked in "serious" cyclist gear. I make it a point to call out brfore oassing, say thank yous, and only go fast enough to maje the pass. I immediately fall into the far right of the path after doing so, and stay at my reduced speed for a bit and gradually accelerate to not give the appearance of speeding iff. Its all methodical and intentional, not just because its proper etiquette, but I hope tgat if folks see'serious' cyclist behave on tgat manner, they eill see and learn from tge example set .
@laurie and others re: oblivion on the path...so so soooooo many times I have been tempted to get theitr attention with a dousing from my water bottles.
@Laurie - Wise choice. Just keep going, 'cause you don't know what level of crazy somebody might be at on any given day.
When I ride the trails, I do so fully expecting to have to go slower. To be perfectly honest, the only people that really bug me are the ones that give me a dirty look or make a comment when I alert them of my intention to pass. Whether they are in the way or not, I alert them as a courtesy and because it says so on the signs ;) That "I'm not in your way" look is worse than having to wait for someone to pull their dog out of the way.
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I agree with Roberto though, the oncoming cycling gangs always seem to think that they have right of way and apparently think that I'm going to move. They always move over eventually once they realize that I'm not about to hit the grass.
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I pass people wearing earbuds all the time, most of them give a wave or move slightly to the right so I know they heard me. I don't mind if people listen to music "at a reasonable volume" while exercising, I do the same. I seldom do while riding though, mainly because the wind noise drowns it out. While the signs say to be courteous and alert when passing, none of them say to be courteous and acknowledge when you've been alerted, so quite often you just have to assume the people know and be ready to brake.
Search the web for Marek Dittmann. Apparently he's in the America's doing a cycling sojourn from Canada to points in South America before returning home to Poland.
Now you know why I don't use the recreational paths unless I have no choice. The real kicker is that the bicyclist is liable for everything as the pedestrian has the right-of-way. Sorry for your bad experiences with them, Laurie.
Regarding this morning's comments about slow vs. fast, one of my biggest peeves is people using earbuds. I've been behind joggers who don't seem to hear me call out that I'm passing, so I cautiously stay behind and to the left of them until I'm reasonably sure they aren't going to weave to the left as I'm passing them. What took the cake last night was a woman walking 2 large dogs. Her dogs were spread across the entire recreational path, and she was wearing earbuds which prevented her from hearing me. I had to ride in the grass to avoid her dogs. I was so tempted to stop and discuss the issue with her, but I just kept on biking until I cooled off about it.
@ Burklee, thank you!
@Laurie - Nice profile about you and your son. That's a good picture of him!! You have good reason to be so proud.
@Greg J - Anyone can join the NBC. (With so few challenges out there like this one, why not let anyone in who wants to have fun?) Having said that, if someone wants to win a prize, they can live outside of the U.S., but they would have to work for a company that also has a U.S. workforce. (And, if you are just curious, why did you capitalize every letter of National? Don't you think that he is a citizen of a Nation?)
@Greg J. - Marek Dittman is from Poland. He must work for an American company, or a company which has locations here.
Just curious: The number 1 rider in the NATIONAL Bike Challenge hasn't specified his community. Does he even live in the U.S.?
Charity ride section is an awesome idea!
@Gregg-your a machine. lol Nice diamond!
I hit Diamond when I was in Niagara Falls last week. Race the Lake yesterday was a great end to a nice vacation. But I don't think the Race the Lake course is quite 90 miles because my Garmin watch tracked me with 87.64 miles. Unfortunately, I can't boast that my feet never touched ground this year on the course because our wave 3 got stopped by a train in Oshkosh for about 3 minutes, so I got a 3 minute rest. lol There was a difference of about 3 minutes from my bike computer to my Garmen watch because the time on my bike computer stops recording time when I am not pedaling. So my chip time was 3:35, but we are going to have our times adjusted and with the adjustment I finished with an average speed of 25 mph. This was incredible and was a new record for me. I shaved 15 minutes from my time last year and the highest average speed in the race was 26.5. I finished just 11 minutes after the overall top male rider.
@Nyla and @Mike: what a great idea to have a separate "charity" category! We'll definitely look at that for next year's Challenge. Keep these awesome suggestions coming!
For anyone interested:
http://www.vacreepertrail.com/index.html
@ Nyla: I second your idea about asking NBC to add a new ride catagory for CHARITY. There many, many charity rides that all of us participate in. Having these miles officially seperated from our transport, sport, and mountain bike miles would show how many riders do such events.
How about NBC Officials???
@Michael-gosh you were busy this weekend. No, though. I don't think that classifies as a 2000 ft (15 mile) descent on an old gravel rail trail in the VA mountians. Working to plan a trip but I wanted to know if anyone has done it to find out how it was and some other logistical concerns. The total trail is 34 miles. The other 14/15 miles is a regular trail Crosses many old trestle bridges.
@Mike-that's pretty good. Also, neat you got to meet a lot of the people you are in touch with on Endo. What fun.
@Cynthia, I pulled some Virginia Creeper from my garden yesterday. Does that count?
I have to use a rear view mirror. I have been using it for many years. I do keep my eyes to the front and I also look back in the mirror when I need too. I try to be intent on listening as well. I tried to not use a mirror and just look behind me. It just doesn't work and I have no confidence in taking my eyes from the road and turning to look behind me. If you use a mirror it only takes a glance back in it to see a vehicle coming up from behind. Aren't you taking your eyes off the road whether you turn to look behind you or use a mirror? It's a truly personal thing along with comfort level.
Has anyone out there done The Virginia Creeper Trail?
Good morning NBC riders!! How was your weekend? Mine was full of many hours and many miles in the saddle... just as I like it!
On Sat we had our first (and should I dare say annual) NBC Social Ride for the Omaha, NE area. We met 27 of our fellow riders face-to-face for the first time. It was good being able to put a face to the name we see so often on the local Endo pages. All riders donated multiple boxes of granola bars, energy bars, fruit bars, etc. to benefit the organization Bicycle Riders Against Gangs and Guns (BRAGG). Use this link to learn more about BRAGG and how you can start a chapter in your local area (bragg-usa.org/).
On Sun I logged lifetime century ride #37 and 2013 century ride #6; logging 108 miles with a 15.5 mph average. The strong south wind beat down my overall avg on the last half of the ride. But I got it done!!
Next weekend will be truly epic when I attempt to ride a 150 mile gravel road race on Sat: then the next day I will ride a 105 mile road race. This will be my first attempt at completing back-to-back century rides so wish me strength and endurance to knock it out of the park!!
@Roberto, no s-storm from me; different strokes, you know? Since I commute in downtown Reading, I feel that need the mirror to supplement head-turning. It helps me know who's coming up behind/aside of me with just a minumum of attention taken from what's in front. Unlike many drivers, I was taught--and still do--look far ahead so I can anticipate what the knuckleheads down the road may do. Trust me, though, I do still turn my head and make eye contact with drivers when necessary. As for my reaction to the spider, he/she just caught me totally by surprise. After 40 years of camping and backpacking in Scouting, I'm not afraid of them, it just wasn't expected ON MY BIKE!!!
@Michael, I am against rear view mirrors (I know, here comes another s-storm) for cyclists. Distracts you from what's in front of you. And on trails, very few people pass me. On the road, I think turning my head to see the car gives the motorist the message that I see them. I don't have headlights because I never ride after dark. BTW, you and my son have the same reaction to spiders. He turns 30 this month, but he returns to a little boy at the sight of an arachnid.
@ Ray, I didn't see the link for the article, but I have plenty of experience with varied speed riders. I am one of the slower ones (yes it's quite possible to ride 8-12 mph without falling over). Sometimes I pass other riders, and sometimes other riders pass me. No issues there for anyone, at least in my part of the world. There is a popular trestle bridge crossing a lake, that usually has lots of walking, jogging, skateboarding, and bike traffic on it. Even the fastest riders know they have to slow down across the bridge in order to share it responsibly -- they can always resume their usual speed on the streets just beyond the bridge.
@Christine - So sorry to hear about your fall & doctor's appointment. Sending good thoughts you way. Consider yourself hugged!!
@Jerry - Glad you're feeling better and getting back out there. I may ride in next year's Tour De Cure, if I remember to sign up. I'm not good at asking people to donate, though I know it's a good cause.
Speaking of donations, Lincoln Bike Kitchen is now a 501(c)3 organization!!!! We're very excited. We're having our Grand Opening Celebration on September 7th, in case any of you will be in Lincoln. Games (yes, including a slow bike race), food, music, and a raffle. Anyone who will be in Lincoln then is welcome to join in the fun at 1st & Garfield, noon to whenever on September 7th!!
@Ray and @Roberto, I've learned to use my headlights on flash even on trails; lets even the most clueless people know you're there. Mirrors also alert you to the faster cyclists coming up behind you.
@Cynthia, Charlotte only got about three blocks; not enough to log!
@Cynthia - Spider is tandem rider and only counts as one ride. lol
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@Ray - I have great balance. I don't fall over standing still on my bike. Waiting for school to start to do real riding. In town, yes speed is 8mph - lots of stop signs and such. I Wear spandex because it is just common sense. Multiuse trails - try going early in the morning before the slower people are out of the house if practical, only a suggestion. Peace.
@Jerry, he's lucky I had a heart and didn't smush him on the road. He almost caused me to wreck; scared the heck out of me!
@Ray, agree completely. Another annoying item is when you are approaching a group (read gang) of cyclists coming in the opposite direction taking up the entire trail. Do they think I can fly over them? I've had people look so startled I was sure they were going to crash when they realized they were cycling straight into me coming right at them. I always alert anyone I'm passing, and I never pass unless I can do so safely.
Interesting WSJ article, but a bit offensive to those of us who actually ride for fitness and/or wear spandex for reasons other than trying to look like a hardcore cyclist. My riding faster than average on the trail may annoy the slower people, but that doesn't make it any worse than the significantly larger number of slow people annoying the faster people. I did 4 "laps" of a section of one of the local trails yesterday and dealt with countless slower people, I always alerted them of my intent to pass and slowed beforehand. Was I "dangerously flying by" people? I'm sure a few of them would say so, but I'm not about to dismount and walk my bike to pass in order to appease them. The walkers think the joggers are going too fast, the joggers the runners, everyone the cyclists. At one point yesterday, I was stuck behind an older and apparently hard of hearing gentleman who was weaving left and right taking up the entire trail. I yelled and rang the bell a few times, weaved back and forth to try to get his attention in the mirror he never looked in, but he never reacted, luckily I was able to creep by him after he stopped weaving as we approached an oncoming runner. I politely passed everyone and even slowed to engage in small talk with parents of young out of control cyclists to make sure they knew that I wasn't going to race by their children. Long story short, I utilized the trail the way the vast majority of people do, with a lot of give & take, yet I'm sure plenty of people would say that I was a crazy spandex-clad wannabe-Olympian speeding down the trail with no regard for anyone else.
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Average speed 8-10mph? How do you not fall over? :D
@ Michael. I can't believe you destroyed that poor spiders home. And then you take him away and abandon him out on the road. Poor homeless spider.
@Michael-did the spider log his miles in? lol
@Michael - Funny story! I too have family responsibilities calling me. There is much to do for a mom getting her son ready for school. Trying to get him in the habit of going to bed sooner, now that's a tough one.
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My husband had is bike fixed and rode two times this weekend. Yesterday he went out riding with me, and I promptly got dropped. Oh well, road down to the local park and picked up part of the Summer concert by going around and around the park area. Its not a big park, but the music was good.
@Christine - Have a great day!
Left a little time in my commute this morning to ride down to the grocery store to get cat food. And yes, it is very easy to bungee cord a box of 24 cans to your back rack, and continue with 2 full panniers! Oh Yea-I just love it.
Tonight I have to run errands after work I can't wait. To be on my wheels doing these things is such a feeling of freedom. This too is why I ride.
One more thing-Walgreen's and CVS have both left me messages that they are considering putting bike racks at their stores. They both also offered the opportunity to park my bike in their stores until a decision is made to install them. Wahoo!!!
Now-just have to contact the doctors offices, the bank and the Food Lion
This mornings commute was another amazing trip of thankfulness and peace.
There was a thick haze settled in the pines and the palms. The herons and egrets blurred creatures as you could barely see their figures through the mist. The sun struggled to shine its rays and the always stillness and quietness as I passed through the lake and the marshes was so loud you could only hear it whispering "Good Morning", it's a beautiful day. Ride on with peace and happy Monday to all.
Nice job, all, on your long rides this weekend. I unfortunately spent Saturday in retail therapy with the wife and 14-year-old daughter. Back to school shopping. Yesterday had to be a catch-up day at home; too much to get done and not enough time to do it.
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That said, I went out to unlock my bike this morning and it had this HUGE spider web between the seat, handlebars, front wheel and crank. Got rid of it, packed up and left. Sure enough, about three blocks away, I found a stowaway. Big spider, scared the $#!* out of me, crawling across the handlebars straight to my thumb! Stopped, looked at him (he was actually neat looking!), convinced him to stay on the curb, and went on my way.
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@Christine, you're in my thoughts; hope your recovery goes better.
@ Travis-Ray-Robert-way to go! Robert caught his Diamond!
Great job Travis!
First time doing 60mi in one day. Two rides but still an accomplishment for me.
After not biking yesterday (the first day I've taken off in over 3 months) I was back in the saddle this evening with a lovely 26 mile ride. And... I have only 1601 points to go to hit Diamond. I think I might actually get it :)
@Robert, great job!
DId Race the Lake today (88 miles around Lake Winnebago, WI in 4:14:30) and finished diamond. What a day!
I was all excited to hit bronze today, but I guess they fixed that bug.
But somehow I just don't remember the flat tires.
@Christine. Sorry to hear you are not doing better. I was wondering how you were doing since we had not heard from you. We will keep you in our prayers. Keep us posted on your progress.
one of the best things I did a few years back was to start using a gps cycling computer. I started slowly just finding the mileage and time way more accurate, As I got in better shape, I started at 300 #, I wore out my first bike. As the years have passed I have added monitoring my heart, and working my cadence to try to maximize my fitness riding. Several times a year I go on tours as a reward for the fitness and mileage goals. So many great places have appeared as I go along the roads. So many great shared adventures.
@Cynthia, love riding in the rain. My daily goal is at least 40 miles. I do not take the same route every day. But I've covered every road within a very large radius of where I live. My friends call me the human GPS. Lately, it's been trails as well as the road. The one trail I ride most often is a 40 mile out and back. One way to get good at changing tires is to take an old wheel and tire and just repeat the process for practice purposes. I change all my new tires myself. I used to feel incompetent about tires, so I decided to practice until it was no big deal.
Fixing flats aren't the time taker. It's the "oh why me, why now" crap before fixing the flat that takes all the time.
@ Christine thought about you on my ride...sending hugs, prayers and good karma your way.
@Nyla-yes, your experiences would make one good at fixing flats! After today I can say those experts are truly impressive. I am sure a LBS Owner has changed more tubes and tires, etc than any of us could ever imagine. They are wizards, its what they do.
@Roberto-yes, You Tube has some excellent vidoes on changing flats. I have watched them and I can change a tube, it takes awhile only because I have only ever had to do it twice. I have been very fortunate. So not having to do it often enough makes it a slow process. You go on that 40 miles in the rain. That is work indeed. Been down that road. But still a great feeling to rise to the occasion. Do you take the same 40 mile route everyday?
Cynthia: The experts, (amateur and pro) , are truly impressive.- Had a major blowout 3 miles into Day 3 of MS TRAM…”Ride Marshall Steve” rolled up within seconds, patched the tube without removing the wheel..adding my dollar bill to the tire. Rode a few more miles to Rest Stop 1 for lightning fast replacement of both tube and tire by support guy from “Bicycle Chain” . Welcome contrast to customary solitary endeavors, although by necessity I’ve become fairly proficient at tire changes after unprecedented number of flats in 2011…(well into double digits, involving four different bikes). but I can still change a car tire faster …and “pinch flats” aren’t an issue
(-;)
@Christine, I hope you are feeling better soon.
@Jerry, really? Change a flat in under 10 minutes. Tons of advice on YouTube. Kudos on your return to cycling.
I got in 40 miles in the rain. Missed being on the LiveStrong Challenge today. Considering the Austin event in October.
@ Peter j Feyen- grew up ( ha ha ) in Mi. born in Ann Arbor (go blue) and H.S. in Battle Creek dad had a cabin just below the bridge and have many good memories of the U P . even had a scholarship offer to NMU, but when I went for a visit in feb. you could walk up to the second floor dorm rooms via snow banks . NO go U there!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Christine: healing thoughts, prayers, vicarious hugs all emphatically yours, wish I had more tangible supprort to offer. Stay connected and let us know how you are.
@Christine-big hug to you-and yes, your lack of presence was noticed. Keep us posted-you sound like a strong woman, may that carry you through this.
@Karen-you have snowy egrets there? There are very plentiful here. You see them every day and every where here. Awesome birds.
@Jerry-right?! I can change a flat but I can relate too-it takes me a while. I felt so fortunate-I think there will be a six pack at his bike shop steps with a little thank you card. lol
@Cynthia. I need someone like your bike shop owner for when I have flats. It takes me a while to fix a flat.
Hi, all. Not doing so great. While doing some careful walking on Friday, my knee gave out on me and I went down *hard*. It took me a good half hour to get up (I was alone at the time), and I'm back to where I was on Monday…perhaps even a little further back.
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Also, while at the MD on Thursday, I mentioned something that happened on 8/7 and was told I had a TIA, sometimes called a mini-stroke. I've got appointments for four different test in the upcoming week. I wasn't going to bore y'all with all that, but I felt I needed to explain my absence over the last couple and next few days.
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I could use some supportive prayers if you are so inclined. This is more than a physical hit as our medical insurance deductible is $8K!!! I'm afraid that other bike may have to be put off longer than a few months. I'm off to cry in my beer. Hugs all around.
Did I mention the egret was white? HA HA
Carl: Thanks for sharing that smile-eliciting, completely relatable link (-: I’m glad the Bike Challenge provides opportunities to support and celebrate all kinds of cyclists and cycling. Apart from the addition of a helmet, my fundamental approach has remained fairly consistent since kidhood: Get on and pedal-- fast or slow as wind, terrain and spirit incline…inhale deeply…listen closely….look around..laugh out loud at sudden raindrops; pause to explore along the way; Savor the sheer wind-in-face exhilarated glee of the unrestricted downhill glides…. STOP for ice cream ….ENJOY the RIDE!
Have to share my nature moment for the day. Caught a snowy white egret sleeping on a park bench with his head tucked under his wings, as it was lightly raining. He looked like a perfect white feathery white teardrop and didn't budge when I circled him into the park to take a better look.
So much fun to read through all these weekend posts! Had 10 pages to catch up on. Great for a Sunday afternoon when just chillin.
@Jerry-so happy for your milage with Tour De Cure. As I was reading your post I was also happy to see you did not take the 50 mile route. No doubt this ride was a great way to get back in the saddle, be with good people and also help a good charity.
Had a great ride with local bike group this morning! It was supposed to be a leisurely ride and it wound being an out and out road trip. Some of the 15 riders were not prepared for that and didn't have enough fluids with them. Of course a pit stop at a little local store fixed that. I caught a flat. My tire picked up a roofing nail and it punctured right through tire and tube and made a horrible blow out sound. Everyone heard it blow. I get flats so rarely, I was prepared to change my flat myself and kind of looking forward to it just to get the experience. But, before I could even get the sigh out, the whole group stopped with me and one of the riders was our local bike shop owner-he flipped the bike over and had the tire off, tube changed (without barely removing the tire) and skillfully and deftly had my tube replaced in literally the blink of an eye. I was so amazed and then thankful. He used a dollar bill to "patch" the whole in my tire. I believe members of this forum had spoke about this before. It was great to see it in action. I love being part of a group like this. Where you are so supported. I am more than fortunate to ride with such a great group of people. So we headed back out on the road and not but another 1/2 mile and someone elses tire blew. Our super hero bike shop owner was at again and in no time we were on our way. Will bring the wheel in for a tire replacement and the bike shop owner will get his dollar back. lol.
34.33 miles and my average speed was 13.4. Not to bad. But would have like to be a little faster.
The rain here has been horrible! Friday night commute home left me soaked thru and the rain continued through yesterday early afternoon. My rain gauge is overflowing at the 4" mark.
My first week back on the bike. Last Saturday
3.1 miles
+39 feet
13 min
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Last week
129.4 miles
+7,292 feet
9 hours 42 min
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It is great to be back on the bike again.
My kind of riding, really. I know it seems unethical for most of the people in the challenge, but.. the real idea is fun. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324823804579012611353639956.html
Putting on some mileage in the UP but with the Thursday Fry Party, Friday after Golf Party( I didn't golf, just partied ) , Saturday Extravanza IV Party and getting ready for the Sunday ( name less right now ) Party. First time in my retirement that I went to four parties in a row!
http://www.thevelodrome.com/ - This links for you Jerry if it works, if not, just remember I have been a partial stay at home mom for fourteen years.
Oh yeah, that new yogurt store in my hometown is called Mixies not Mixes. Frozen yogurt is not on my diet, but if I can bribe my son to ride his bike, I may stop in for his sake after the ride.
@Wayne - sounds like a fun ride. My uncle lives in Summers Point, and he is not doing well physically. I have been trying to convince my family to spend the day in Sommers Point NJ to enjoy his company and visit the NJ shore. If I get to go, I will definitely make them pack my bike. (I hate driving the "Sure Kill" Expressway to NJ.)
@jerry I'm with Leonard. Mine was 45.22. Get with it. Ride to your recovery.
Props to the City of Ocean City NJ for putting in a bike/pedestrian path on the causeway to Summers Point NJ. One awesome ride this morning...11.7 miles.
@Jerry,
That just means it's time for you to go for another ride :-)
BTW Mine says 50.14 50.14 Gotta love those early morning rides - no 0 0
On no. The 0 0 display is back that I have been seeing all summer.
Today is the LiveStrong Challenge in Philly. Thanks to all who ride to fight cancer. This is my first time in 7 years not riding.
@Laurie - You can do it.
@Jerrie - I got the date wrong, the riders are coming on Sept. 14th. The lady in charge has yet to email me info on helping. I am going to try and email her now to ask about helping again. If all else fails, I can just head on down to Philly for the day and take pictures. I am looking forward to participating any way I can.
@Marty - What would my day be like without your sense of humor? BORING. I love my hometown, I don't mind being a walking billboard for it. I will have to paste green mango shavings in my hair and dot it with curry paste croutons for the Halloween Parade, while I ride my bike in a T-Town T-shirt, tow a Bicycling Magazine/ Rodale cart, and have Armetta's pizza boxes attached to my wheels and Mixes cones as the hubs. What do you think? :)
Wow.... missed one day of biking, now I need to ride an extra mile every day if I want to find my Diamond. Sigh.........
So much contagious enthusiasm and so many shared experiences here regarding participation in rides raising money for a wide range of worthy and personally meaningful causes. I wish Endomondo offered a “charity/fundraising” designation in addition to “sport, transport and mountain” . Would be interesting and potentially motivating to track the thousands of miles pedaled with such commitment.
@Karen Jean - If they're peddling exotic salads, you should get them to join the NBC! They could get 20 points for serving daily, and a point for every green curry paste crouton.
@Michael, thanks.
I was in charge of hosting my family reunion today, so was busy from early morning to evening with it. Then went for a couple of miles walk to unwind afterwards :)
@Laurie. It's not too late. You still have a couple of hours left.
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You do what feels right. If you need a day off you take it. Riding is supposed to be enjoyable. Forcing yourself to ride when you don't want to is not neccesary. But as a note, sometimes I don't want to ride when it is cold. But once I start I enjoy the ride. But if I started riding and it was not enjoyable I would not force myself to continue.
Today is the first day I have not biked since Mother's Day. What is wrong with me?
Here you go Karen.
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Ride to Recovery - Please help out vets.
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https://ride2recovery.com/
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https://ride2recovery.com/event.php
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All you do Karen is copy the link in your browser and paste it in the comment section here. Highlight the link. Ctrl-C to copy. Ctrt-P to paste.
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Not sure which link you wanted. Hope one of these is it.
@Roberto, we know your miles are real. Don't sweat it!
Glad it went well for you today, @Jerry. I spent today with the wife and 14 year old daughter partaking in retail therapy at King of Prussia Mall and Philadelphia Premium Outlets. 'Spensive...
Hey all, talking about lights, I am practicing riding my bike at night. I love the Fall smells beginning to show the change of season, especially the fire pit wood burning smells coming from the back yards as people enjoy the cool, but still pleasant Summer evenings outside. And, the great metropolis of Emmaus has those quaint hot spots open after 9:00 at night. You can go to Armetta's for pizza and beer, the new Mixes, (No not alcoholic beverages, they would be referring to Yogurt.) and the Thai, Thai House, my personal favorite that peddles the best exotic salads I ever ate.
@Jerry, careful, somebody might accuse you of cheating.
@Jerry - I have been very busy today helping out a family member, just now realized your ride was today. I am glad it went well. Charity rides are always the most fun, I think. We have the Minuteman Challenge going on in Philly Sept. 15. I am hoping to help hand out refreshments for the people crossing the finish line. Maybe you can make a link for me at ride2recovery.com (I don't know how, I have tried to figure it out twice.) The team from our National Guard in Horsham is participating. I am hoping that I will have a better bike next year and be able to join them.
And just for clarification, I wasn't serious about the 50 miles. But I could not resist teasing them about it. As I said 50 is 50. Who cares about miles vs kilometers.
Recipe for a perfect ride:
- 27 cyclists and friends for a morning's ride
- A wagon full of nutritional snacks for young students/cyclists, plus cash. (Thanks!)
- A loopy trip around Council Bluffs
- Cross the Missouri, twice
- Smile and have lots of fun
- Post-ride cafe for coffee, pastries, and other treats
- Mix well, at 15mph
- Go home when done\\\\\Think about making this an annual ride Saturday, before the CCC. And what, pray tell, should this ride be called? What could possibly precede the CCC. Why the BBB, of course: the BRAGG Bike Bonanza. Or some other name. ////Thanks Lowell and Miah for working with the children. \\\\Thanks Mike for the meet&greet idea, Carrie for the route, and all the cyclists for their contributions and safe riding.
http://omahabikes.org/get-involved/b-r-a-g-g-is-on-the-lookout-for-positive-mentors-who-can-share-their-passion-for-trail-running-and-riding/
just logged my most fun mile of this challenge: riding up and down the street on my new drift trike (aka adult big wheel). actually catch air hitting the speed bumps on the downhill :)
Congrats Jerry, your bones and your family and friends will thank you for taking it easy this time. ENJOY!
Congratulations Jerry! and Thanks for describing your ride, which registers at every level as a Celebration- of cause, company, commitment, setting, support system of family and friends, event itself, and your own ongoing recovery and consistently inspiring spirit. Carpe Diem! Keep rolling along and sharing the view
(-:
Well, my new NightRider 550 just arrived. I at least have a great headlight for visibility at night! My nightrighter .5 is a great blinker for daylight. 20 miles this morning before going to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. We have another fund raiser for our Bike MS accounts and I work tonight and tomorrow. I will have to squeeze in a few miles somehow. Congrats Jerry. Glad you had such a great time. The 50 will have to wait for next year.
@Jerry,
WAY TO GO!!! Glad you had a good ride. Afraid I have to agree with those that didn't want to turn left and extend the ride to 50 MILES. You will get there sooner than you think. Take your time, you are out riding on a regular basis now, the last thing you want to do is to mess something up and have to stay off the bike for another month or more.
Good info on lights for bikes http://bikinginla.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/guest-post-a-review-of-high-intensity-rear-lights-for-improved-safety-day-or-night/
way to go Jerry.
@Jerry, just for a breath of fresh air, big kudos on your recovery and accomplishment. Takes guts to get back "on the horse." Chapeau!
@Roberto That is an interesting article. Living in the city and being surrounded by lights I know that it's sometimes difficult to notice a bike unless its light is blinking, though I could see how it may be unwise in a rural area that has little to no light at night. If drunk drivers like blinking lights maybe we should install them into the road so they can safely make their way to the police station:D
First anybody who's lame enough to think I would waste my time inventing mileage is really reaching. Second, I don't have to prove anything to anyone, including some know it all people who think they invented cycling. Finally, I hope the moderators of this board take into consideration a feature that would allow members to block other members who insist on this type of behavior. I thought this community was about cycling, not beating on one's chest. Cheating, that's a real joke. Seems someone is feeling guilty, maybe?
This is the kind of harassment I'm talking about: A private post to my workout page from J Hugh whatzhisname:
"I've delete my comments at your request. At least I don't make up rides."
Get a grip.
I had a great ride today in the Tour de Cure for diabetes. I only did the 50k (32 miles) due to my injuries. I am trying to be smart about my bicycle riding as I recover. I rode with Taryn, her husband David, Taryn’s sister, Kelsey, and her mother-in-law. It was a nice relaxing ride as they ride slower than I do. Which forced me to take it easy during the ride. It was great to get to visit with all of them and get to know them better on the ride. Great weather for the ride. Light overcast and not too hot.
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When we came to County Road 8 I suggested we turn left instead of right and make it a 50 mile ride instead of a 50k ride. No one thought that was a good idea. hmm. Taryn told me Karen would kill her if she allowed me to ride 50 miles today.
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The highlight of the ride was Taryn conquering her nemeses hill on 95th street. Taryn has never made it up this hill without stopping. I told her today was her day to conquer the hill. She did great. We rode up the hill together. Keep encouraging her to keep going and not give up. Congratulations Taryn for conquering your hill. Now you are ready for Jamestown.
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After the ride lunch and visiting with many of the other riders. The Tour de Cure is my favorite ride of the year. I really enjoy the ride and all the people who make it a great ride. From the volunteers to the riders. Thanks to my wife Karen for taking me to the fairgrounds, taking photos, letting me ride, and for being a fantastic wife.
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Thanks to everyone here for your support. I had a blast today doing this ride.
Yeah, thats worth bragging about too!
How about a chain ring grease stain on the face? LOL
Hi all, squeezed in a ride today between this and that around lunchtime. Temps in the 70s and the wind was coming in from the east at a rate that was even faster than yesterday. There were so many riders out on Clayton Road today that it made me think there might have been some kind of organized ride going on. I was glad to see them. Thoughts are with Jerry today, hopin' the tour goes well.
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@ Shawn, yes you have earned bragging rights for those scratches. Glad the bike is okay too. The other way to earn bragging rights is to get grease stains on your jersey that are in the pattern of the chain ring. LOL
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RIDE ON YA'LL AND RIDE SAFE!
64 miles by road bike done for organized charity bike ride. Had to take a detour due to a non-cyclist related fatal accident. The detour forced us to ride on a gravel road where I wrecked... bike okay... im okay but scratched up a bit... battle scars to brag about, right?! :D Good ride tho!
It seems to ruffle the feathers of some members of this community should somebody posts something they don't entirely agree with. I was posting something that I thought would be worth considering. If you care to disagree, that's of course your choice. But to start insulting me with private messages is unacceptable. If you have something to say about me or anything I post, put it up HERE. I don't claim to be right all the time. I like to stimulate discussion and thought. End of story and rant.
@J Hugh, any more comments posted privately on my workout page will be deleted without reading. Grow up.
@Ray S - If you see a study that says the exact opposite, just hold it up to a mirror - it will be much easier to read.
20 million miles is slipping away. Yesterday at noon, we should have been at 14,000,000 if we wanted to be on pace to reach 20,000,000 by the end of the Challenge. After the July end-of-the-month bump put us on target to reach 19.2 million, we've slipped back and are now on pace to reach 18.7 million. Only you can prevent entropy. Sign someone else up. There's still time.
@Ray S - I read a study about that once...., or was it twice?
The problem with studies is, for every one that says one thing, there is another that says the exact opposite.
OK send Jerry energy, good thoughts, prayers, or white light to peddle without pain and in complete fun. He is obviously on a lot of minds and hearts today.
To clarify, the issue isn't that drivers don't see you, it's that impaired drivers ONLY see you, and fixate on you, and because of the narrow profile a cyclist offers, have trouble with distance and end up rear-ending you. NEVER said they can't see you; in fact, just the opposite. Also to compare the little tiny blinkie lights on bicycles to the strobes on emergency vehicles is laughable. And if you notice, the light rack on an emergency vehicle is the entire width of the vehicle. LOTS of lights. No comparison.
I can't wait to hear Jerrys report! Well, yesterday was sleep and lazy day for me. Unintentional but time got away from me. I did get the dogs petted and fed, some laundry done and actually ate a meal. Miracles never cease,a full 6 hours of sleep! Unfortunately something had to give so I only got in 11 miles and ended up late to work. Working late this morning to make it up. Looking for that lottery ticket... I did find a nickel and three pennies the other day...... it's a start.
Best of Luck, @Jerry!!
@Jerry,
Have a great ride for the Tour de Cure. Looking forward to seeing how the event goes.
Off to the Tour de Cure in the morning.
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Thanks to everyone for their support.
I've got an amber/yellow blinky on the back. Its round so makes me look like one of those construction signs on the highway that you are supposed to avoid. Wonder if there is any difference between yellow and red blinkys with respect to if people try to stay away or get closer. At any rate in Missouri we are constantly being reminded that we have to take the other lane to pass emergency vehicles that have stopped. You're supposed to do the same for any kind of vehicle that is stopped whenever possible. So maybe most people are trained to go around the flashy thingys. The electronic MODOT signs on the highway also remind us to watch for motorcycles. I would agree with Ray about the bikes and motorcycles. Every time I see one of those "Watch for motorcycles" signs I wish they would add two words: "AND BICYCLES"
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Ray. Nice bonus for your ride.
Years ago the California Hwy Patrol turned off there flashing lights after they pulled someone over because drunks would get target fixation on them. But I noticed the last time I was in California they now leave them on. I do not know why they changed their policy.
I use blinking strobe lights in front, and blinking red lights behind my seat, and I turn them both on from about an hour before dark until I get home. I also have an obnoxiously bright orange backpack that I usually wear. As far as I can tell, no drivers have ever had a problem seeing and avoiding me safely.
2 blink heads
3 tails- 2blink 1 steady ( steady is 3ed brake lite off an SUV )
2 - 1 red -1 yellow blink downward from rear dropout
all run off my 18 v rechargeable cordless drill batt:
and 1 green string lite wrapped the length of my flag ( flow: green & yellow ) pole my choice of 3 modes. my thought IF YOU GOTEM-USEM ANYWAY YOU FEEL LIKE. DONT GOTEM -GETEM...................
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I have no say on the blinking vs steady, except for the front btw.. Other than being on a BMX as a bike to ride distance (usually getting crap for it), lights usually get yells out windows just as much as the high seat post. Lights help people target me in laughter I guess. ..
hmm http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/74358303/blink-steady-the-bike-light-youve-been-waiting-for
http://www.mybikeadvocate.com/2011/06/should-you-flash-motorists-moth-effect.html
This is an article that makes a lot of since about lights, particularly for urban riders since its from an urban source.
The front light I keep constant. It hurts my eyes with the strobing. This is when it is real dark, not like in the city where it is pretty lit up in the streets where in the city the blinking I can't even notice it... I always have the rear blinking. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What I did see, was dump trucks with blinking lights in the rear that "speed up" when the truck hits the brakes. I seen a few motorcyclist have lights like this also. I want lights for my bike that do that. Rear lights anyway. That and turn signal lights, amber barend lights, or pedal lights. IMO plenty of improvements can be made in bike lighting. Standardization like with cars would be nice.
Read the article.
Not saying take your lights off. I'm saying flashing lights can cause target fixation which has been proven to be fatal to cyclists.
When they take the flashing lights off emergency vehicle and emergency warning I will take them off my bike. I am told frequently that my lights make me more visable and remind people I am there. Day or night it holds true where ever I ride. It was even true in france.
Sorry about that Jerry, it should work now... http://tinyurl.com/cvsrfrombike (others can watch it too, its a video, safe for work)
In regard to lights, flashing or blinking taillights have been found to cause target fixation and current advice is to run your lights steady rather than in blinking mode.
Read about it here:
http://www.bikede.org/2013/01/14/just-ride-chapter-19/
As someone that is well known for their 3:00am starts I will add my two cents worth to the comments about lights. I use three tail lights, all flashing - I've been told they are visible from well over a mile away. I use two headlights up front, one flashing and one steady at night then both flashing during daylight hours. During one of the local weekend bicycle fests held in Sebring the driver of our SAG vehicle told me he could see me coming from a couple miles away in the middle of the day. Lights are a definite safety factor for cyclists DAY and NIGHT!!!! (Side note: Ever notice the difference in your ability to spot cars during the daylight when they have daylight running lights?? I can spot those cars MUCH further away than I can cars that are driving without their light on during the daylight hours.....)
I haven't been liking certain times of the day for some reason. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/thatbmxguy/IMG_20130816_165614_zps4b8ddac8.jpg
@ Jerry, the old mechanical kind. Suppose I could hook the washer up to a bicycle and try getting some wash done that way. HA HA
@Cynthia. You mean the train or the real scenery?
@Ray. The video is listed as private. Can't see it.
@EM. I remember when washers did not need a brain.
Eat your hearts out. I am sitting here eating hot chocolate chip cookies I just pulled out of the oven.
@Roberto. Only when I just finished sprinting.
Hi all, out for a noonish ride. Quite windy today with temps. in the 70s. Funny everyone is talking about life interfering with cycling because I spent half my morning shopping for a new washing machine. The old one lost its brains. Guess I should have called the Wizard of OZ. LOL. Anyway I took a shortcut to save time and ended up on a road that was under construction. Bumpy as all get out, gave up and took to the sdewalk instead. Then I missed a turn in a neighborhood on the way home and ended up with an extra hill and an extra (s)mile since I got to go down as well as up (dead end). So true what was said earlier about people who work from home and retired people having more time to ride. Keep in mind that the NBC is not a race and keep the challenge at a comfortable pace for yourself. Its about challenging yourself, not neglecting your cats and dogs and (PU) laundry. But I do have an excuse to neglect mine for a couple of days until they deliver the new machine. DON'T TORTURE YOURSELF, ROLL ON BUT KEEP IT FUN!!
@Jerry, are you a mouth-breather? Just sayin'
Yesterday I was riding the safe greenway. A runner coming toward me decided to look at his wristwatch. While looking at his watch he swerved into my path. Fortunately for both of us I had slowed down. I definitely got his attention when I yelled at him.
It is hot here in Phoenix. Just did my 5 mile round trip to the bank and my Garmin temp reading hit 118.7 with all that heat coming off the black asphalt. Official temp so far is 109. Not really looking forward to my 15+ mile commute home. Fill my Camelbak to the rim with cold water and ice.
@Tammie. I would have eaten the bug but it was stuck. I could not swallow it or get it out. Stupid bug.
Oh, yuck on that bug Jerry. I hate when that happens. Or when a big one hits you in the face right under the lower part of your glasses.
I always have my lights on, front and rear of the bike. In fact, I have been told they are quite bright and very effective. I run them day or night-wherever and whenever I am riding. And...on either bike. Road or hybrid. They are on the bike, why not use them. The more visible you can make yourself is all the better.
I have a NiteRider Solas 2 watt tail light, that thing is blinding. An upgrade from my Planet Bike SuperFlash Turbo. Sometimes I will run both when I out really late, the Solas (rechargeable) on solid and the SuperFlash on, well, super flash. Up front my "see me" light is a basic Bell Dawn Patrol from Walmart, doesn't put out a lot of light, but is extremely bright. In the dark I have a NiteRider MiNewt 600 on the handlebars and before I broke the mounting ring, a MiNewt 300 on my helmet. I have spokelights on my hybrid, but they were annoying on my road bike as they very noticeably threw off the balance, never got around to trying to counterweight the opposite side.
@Ray - besides lights, I wear bright colors. No black jerseys or dark jackets for me. My jerseys are red, orange, and hi-vis yellow. My vest and rainjackets are high-vis yellow. My new helmet is a bright yellow Lazer. I try to stand out. My wife wanted me to festoon the bike with flowers and balloons, but I had to draw the line somewhere.
@ Ray - About the only time I don't use lights is on a large, organized group ride - like when I'm one of the 10,000 cyclists headed from Seattle to Portland. Here in the summer, its a Light & Motion Urban 550 up front and a Vis 180 rear light pulsing on my left chain-stay. When the dark and wet period begins and the fenders and rack go back on, the Vis 180 will move back up to the seatpost (trading seat wedge for pannier), and the Taz 800 will go on the bar up front. I'll move the Urban 550 back up to the top of my helmet. That way, I can point a light where ever I think I might find trouble - down side streets, etc. Front lights are on flash in daylight, on steady in the dark. My old helmet has a 'superflash-wannabe' blinkie mounted to the back for head-level rear visibility. Haven't figured out how to mount anything better than a Spok flasher on the rear of my new helmet. Don't care much for the rear flashers I've seen specifically designed for helmet mounting. If a driver can't see me coming it's almost got to be that he/she was looking down at a phone (or engaging in similar disengaged-from-driving behavior).
Oh, Jerry, that bug was just volunteering his protein to your efforts! Should have just swallowed and enjoyed. LOL As to the forgetting to eat, I have discovered the salted caramel GU gels.. oh, my.. almost an excue NOT to eat before riding! Scenery, what scenery? If you like endless views of sand and mesquite, I can show you lots of that if I knew how to share pictures. ... and 3 ghost bikes along my regular route. I have told you drivers are crazy here! Lights: Blinking Lightning bug on the front and blinking red on the back. ALWAYS on if I am riding.. unless I forget and turn on as soon as I realize it! Just ordered more red blinking for the rear of both bikes. Also have headlights for when it gets dark. You can not have too many lights! I also have little colorful disk lights on my spokes I turn on after dark. On our group rides we have a lot of fun wondering what the drivers are thinking and wondering what they think they see coming toward them with all our lights! UFO's
This is for you, Jerry... http://tinyurl.com/cvsrfrombike
Ohh, ohh, @Ray, my lights are ALWAYS on! The knuckleheads I dodge every day have no excuse if they hit me! Always dressed brightly, always have lights on. Have to around here. Not just drivers, however, but time of day and environment play roles. Going in/out of sunlight and shade in the early morning and afternoon make it hard enough for drivers eyes to adjust, let alone see a cyclist. Most of us are also drivers, so remember to put yourself in both situations. Saved my bacon a bunch (and I luv bacon!)
In the interest of safety, have the bicycle people ever consulted with the motorcycle people to potentially collaborate on the "look twice, save a life, motorcycles are everywhere" (and the like) ads to replace "motor" with "ALL" and include bicycle, moped, etc icons? I see those signs in front yards, on billboards, on license plate frames all the time, yet very seldom see the same for the even more vulnerable cyclist. I know everyone gets upset at the "I didn't see him" excuse when a cyclist is hit, so don't forget that there is a reason why those signs show up at the start of motorcycle season. If people don't notice a motorcycle, why think they'd notice a bicycle?
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Motorcyclists are either required or choose to have their headlight(s) on at all times, so why do so many cyclists shun lights when riding on the road during daylight? In my opinion, daylight visible lights make other cyclists much more visible, yet I very seldom see anyone else with lights on. I'm sure some use the battery excuse, but rechargeable are really not that expensive. I always run my lights when I'm on the road, day or night. At night, I wear a high-vis safety vest, but usually only wear it in the daytime if I'm on my hybrid, leaning forward on a road bike makes it mostly disappear. If you don't use lights, why not?
Jerry; seems back, arms, and other assorted muscles and joints simply need a bit longer to catch up with where heart and soul have already arrived. So glad to know you are once again EnJOYing the Ride!
@Jerry - Tastiest bug, ever? :)
@Michael - My dad worked for BN. I had a winter coat that green color with the old BN logo. I liked that color, too.
@Jerry-is that the scenery you see on a regular basis? Beautiful!
@J Hugh-thanks for sharing that adventure. I looked up Sand Cranes-very cool birds!
NBC could publish a book of pictures taken along the roads from cyclists. Like highway and byway scenery from riders in different states. You know like a coffee table type book. Only smaller. Some of the proceeds could help fund NBC and or other cycling organizations.
@Jerry, an old BN hopper; thought they would've all been repainted by now. I used to like their particular green color on the loco's.
God bless you, Jerry!!! HUG!!!
30 miles today with a bonus.
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http://tinyurl.com/lfx4q6x
But @Jerry, you went from 3 miles to 25 miles to 30 miles in less than a week. Smile; you'll be doing centuries back in the foothills in no time.
@ Marty - I never do nails while riding either. I'm too much of a weight weenie to carry a hammer. Wait... oh, you meant THOSE kinds of nails.
It is not fair.
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Break a few bones, Spend two weeks in the hospital and rehap. Then take two months for partial recovery and no bike riding.
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And then I get on the bike. And I have to get used to sitting on the seat again.
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Then I ate a bug today. Sort of. The bug got caught in my throat. Took two miles to get the bug out. I can't ride in the mountains. 30 miles is harder than 100 miles used to be. My back hurts. My arm hurts.
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And I don't care. I AM RIDING MY BIKE AGAIN!!!!!!
Yogi Berra is one of my heros. I watched on TV as Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese called the games always hoping the the NY Yanks and Yogi were on. Yogi Berra has helped me with cycling as much as any article in any magazine I ever read about cycling. Here are today's examples.
Yogi said "Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical". That is exactly true of cycling. Today's ride was not a ride to be remembered. No legs, no lungs, humid, so humid even the clouds were sweating. Change your mind, and change your ride.
Yogi said " If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else". So if your route is becoming the usual, change it, better yet be spontaneous and see where that gets you. Today, a little spontaneous was great for the spirit because of the large number of Sandhill Cranes I saw.
Today's ride was not to be remembered and I know what to do. As Yogi said "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four".
@ Karen, I really like that "No Pressure, No Diamonds". Sounds like the perfect motto!
Hi Folks! Enjoyed reading the posts. Talk about lawns, I now have 4 trash cans full of weeds and trimmings from my front lawn waiting to go to the compost center on Saturday, had to stop since I ran out of trash cans. I still have to do the two sides and the back, but the front has the most landscaping and flowers. My husband has been most understanding (I think it was the 12-13 lbs. I lost.) Perhaps we shouldn't discuss some areas of my house like the patio and garage.
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Bought back to school clothing for my son yesterday, aren't grandparents great! Found a T-shirt on the clearance rack "No Pressure, No Diamonds" , couldn't resist buying it, have it on now for my morning ride as inspiration.
@Jerry and All-there is never enough time to bike all we want-eat sleep ride. Life gets in the way. Hopefully someday I will be retired and can ride as much as possible every day possible. Biking is a great addiction isn't it folks?
Each day I get out riding now I start off thinking I could at least go do a ride in the foothills. After 15 miles I know that would be a bad idea. So I will stay done here in the plains for a while. Hopefully I will be able to get up in the foothills before in snows.
Just like Tammie, my early rides this season were less than 10 miles, and I thought they were difficult. Came a point where I committed myself to riding at least 10 every day, but soon realized that wasn't enough. For most of the summer, I've been biking 15-25 miles per day, as much as possible avoiding using my car for commutes and errands.
There have been many times I've come home from a long ride, and felt like I wanted to/could ride double the distance. If only the daylight lasted longer, or laundry or other life necessities weren't piling up........
@Tammie. You are doing great in your riding. I know the feeling of wanting more time on the bike. Michael is correct. Many of us are retired so we can spend more time on the bike. And I still want more. We still have to get other things done. Like spending time with Karen, which is much more important to me than riding my bike. Then of course for me, my model railroading and woodworking. Then of course those other things we waste time on like cooking, chores, and sleeping cut into our bike riding.
How do I put in all my miles? I have the great fortune of working from home so those things that most people have to do after work, I can do during work. I miss out on the opportunity to commute via bicycle, but I can use that time for more sleep before work and more riding after. Working at home is great, but spending nearly every hour of every day in the house isn't all it is cracked up to be, so 2, 3, 7 hours out riding my bike is refreshing. Being anti-social helps too ;)
@Michael-well said.
@Roberto-what a nice day! Can almost envision how wonderful a trip that must have been.
@Tammie-right?! I only wish I had the time to even consider getting in 100 miles a week....let alone more.
@Jerry and Marty-what a sad stories! What is wrong with people?
My morning commute consisted of heading out 15 crucial minutes late! Still, took the time to stop Mavericks Java for my Friday coffee house treat and weekend bottle of wine. I was inspired to pedal faster, playing with gear shifting as I rode into head wind at about 8 mph. While the skies are still dark and gray (still so odd for here) I looked up to see bits of blue peaking through the cloud cover. Thinking maybe the sun will shine at some point today, but, then this is the coast and you really just never know.
@Tammie, I get the feeling a lot of the high-mileage folks here are retired, semi-retired, self employed, or have exceptionally understanding spouses (or none at all). And some may have lawns as tall as the laundry piles. Some eschew sleep, others need it. Some don't eat, others (like me) love to. The thing to remember is that they all (like you) are MAKING the time to ride, not just (like me) fitting it into their schedule. Riding plays a large role in their lives (like it seems to be with you), instead of just being a small part of it (like me). Don't get me wrong, I love my daily commute, short as it is. I look forward to it, every day, year round, as long as the weather keeps it safe. But I don't schedule ride time into the rest of my day like so many others do. I admit, laziness plays a role here. One of my personal goals, once certain parts of my life clear up, is to consistently start making the time after work and on weekends to get out there and put up some mileage. The miles you've racked up should make you and your family proud. It's become apparent that you have a sizeable fan club here! I wish I had your drive to get out there more. Keep at it, and stay safe!
WHAT have you done to me? It was not long ago that I thought AND FELT that 5 or 10 miles a day was an accomplishment and enough. Well, those days are definitely in the past and now it seems that a 20 mile day is a disappointment! I physically FEEL like I need to ride more. Problem is, there are just not enough hours in the day. I really need some sleep ( I know,over rated) and people around me do prefer that I do laundry occasionally. My dogs and cat like to eat on a regular schedule and actually I try to remind myself to do that also. My employer also prefers that I put in my 43 hours a week I am scheduled. HOW do you others do it????
@Karen Jean - You nailed it!
You would never catch me doing my nails while biking. (Or at any other time, either.)
@Jerry - Although I don't know the current status, it sounds similar to a 13 year old girl in Milwaukee last year. She was driving a stolen vehicle 100 mph on city streets very early in the morning, and when her friend said, watch out for the bicyclist, (who was commuting with lights on), she said, oh yeah, watch this, and aimed for him.
She ditched the car, got in the stolen car that two others were in, and was found later that morning driving still another stolen vehicle. She had no remourse.
An 18-year-old accused of killing a bicyclist with his car has had a vehicular manslaughter charge upgraded to murder in part because he boasted about speeding on Twitter, prosecutors said Thursday.
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http://tinyurl.com/lvv8jqx
Finally back home. Long exhausting day.
I enjoy being able to go out and do a longer ride without wondering if I will finish, how I will feel later, etc. I especially enjoyed the guy at the farmer's market today who asked me, "You're, what now, 60?" Made my day.
@Roberto - I am so glad you enjoyed your ride and lunch in Philly!
@Christine and Marty - Thank you for the tips. I will have to stash more things at work for the times I work days and can commute. Marty - I guess that means that doing my nails while I ride is out of the question too, HUH? ;)
Being on the US Government Cycling Team helps Howard. And BTW, thank you for your hard work and your contribution to my retirement.
@Roberto, actually, I think you may have passed me a while ago - I'm struggling to stay in the top 60 in PA. But, you just passed another Howard H recently, who 's also from the area. I just can't put up the miles you hard core guys are doing - I'm lucky if I crank out 150 miles / week... :)
@Howard, yes I passed you on the state leaderboard recently. :)
@Roberto, you were in my stomping grounds today. I commute daily on the Perk Trail, head down onto the SRT, and then onto the Audubon loop. Nice 28 mile R/T commute, where almost all of the trip is on the trails.
Hi all, managed to squeeze in a ride today between a ton of other stuff. Why is back to school (that is, helping the kids get ready for it) so complicated? At any rate temps were in the 70s and there were only a couple of other riders out there. Traffic was light too. Forgot to mention the egret we saw from the trail yesterday.
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@ Christine, your drs. report sounds good. YAY!
@ Laurie, congrats on finding someone who will ride and good luck with the new job.
@ Jerry, I only did 25 today too, but it felt good, since my miles have been down (a couple of goose eggs due to guests) recently.
@ Roberto, eat and ride, thats the way to live!! So much fun to discover those back roads and be away from traffic and insanity!
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CONTINUE TO RIDE ON INTO SEPTEMBER!!!
@Laurie, pedal faster, I'm going to lap you.
@Chris, from Green Lane in Montgomery County I took the Perkiomen Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail.
I better rack up some serious miles before Cycling Roberto catches up to me!
@Roberto, what trails did you take into the city?
Halfway to platinum
Decided to take a ride through a part of town I haven't been in before. Turned the corner and found a hill straight down to the river flats. The truth that "what goes down must come up" kept running through my mind. Riding along the very edge of the river for a while made the trek back up the hill totally worth the effort. :)
70 miles today, all off road, into Philly and back. Had lunch at my favorite cafe. So good to be able to ride from far out in the suburbs all the way into the city without riding on the road. We need more of this.
@Christine, glad to hear the great news! Take it easy, but take it as much as you can.
@Christine - Yay!!!! I know when I tore cartilage in my knee earlier this summer, walking hurt, but riding did not. The ortho doc said riding might help me recover as long as I didn't push it to the point of pain. He was right. I used a cane for to help with the pain while walking for about 5 days and continued to ride my bike to work and for errands. A week after I hurt my knee, I was feeling better. I hope you recover as quickly as I did!!
Great NewsChristine! Stairs will be the worst but they always are no matter what. I twisted my knee years ago skiing and it still bothers me.. I just tell it to shut up and go on! This day is getting away from me. Put a small pump on my bike the other day and it was beating the daylights out of my frame, just redid it with a bit of cork padding.. no noise.. can't stand little noises.
@J. Hugh, my docs agree with you: riding helps you be be healthy! They said lose the brace, drop the crutches, listen to your knee, and don't overdo it. I've been walking around (albeit gingerly) and it feels okay. They said if I hadn't been riding as much as I had, I probably would have been hurt worse and wouldn't be coming around so quickly! Yay!
Only 25 miles today. Had to get back to teach someone LIghtroom. Off to the IPMS Convention, then to my model railroad club. Busy day. WIll have to catch up on all the messages tomorrow.
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Have a safe day riding.
From my personal experience if you ride regularly you get healthier, if you ride daily it happens faster. I weighed 300 # when I started and did not focus on weight but on fitness. Be aware that if you diet and exercise your body can digest you and you lose muscle mass as well as fat. This usually brings on the dreaded plateau. I find that eating good proteins, veg and fruit, yogurt and lots of water has been a pretty successful life style shift. so if you are a Clydesdale, like me and I probably will always be one, then its about your individual fitness and health, not some magazine article by somebody with the genes not to be a Clydesdale. I think that if you Body Mass index is 26 or greater you are a Clydesdale. Since BMI is an idex of weight to height it could be used to judge that your not the body type to be a pro cyclist or a jockey. BMI is questionable because it does not take into account fitness, skeletal size or density of muscle mass. BMI is just an index of height to weight. I go by how my clothes fit, how I feel, and I try to ride everyday. Even if its a short ride.
Karen, I definitely understand! I have several things motivating me right now though.. points, trying to overtake the girl just ahead of me as number one in Texas for the month.. I keep being just a few points behind her every day no matter how many miles I ride. (it is like she is reading my mind) Trying to improve my endurance so I can then work or speed so I can join the group and not feel like I am disrupting their pleasure. They ride at an average speed of 15 to 18mph!!! They were talking last night about their ride out was 22 to 24! If I want to some day join all the fun group rides they have, I need to be able to keep up. Finally, best of all, my personal goal is just to do a bit better every day.. finish a ride and still be able to stand up and not collapse in a heap. Have energy left over. I actually did that yesterday after the 23 miles and it was fantastic! I did not want to quit but it was getting dark and everyone was heading off to Rosa's for dinner... yes, we EAT after some rides. LOL
I agree with Mark.
Bowing out due to redundancy.
Yes, I was going to mention the same thing as our Mr. Missing Marty just said. For a long post I copy the post and if it doesn't take or kicks me out I can paste it. Like that is what I did for this last post. Works well.
You know-love these points and logging miles and of course chatting with everyone here. Last year I was at Diamond or whatever the last ribbon was-and I was about 20 miles from reaching the ultimate end points. And there was absolutely no way to fit them in. I was driven to get to the end, the top. I was so bummed!
This year I am much more relaxed and enjoying the ride so to say although I do plan to make Platinum. I am not a big diamond girl anyway. lol.
Next year will be different-I already have a plan in place to achieve Diamond.
@Tammie-it is so neat to hear your stories and see how far you have come in so short a time for being new at riding. Your driven to reach your goals. There is no doubt you will get to the end of that Diamond Rainbow! Cheers will be waiting when you do.
@Karen-everyone's hair is different. But, you know that is such great concern. I do some things to my hair before I leave home. I use a spray bottle to wet my hair a little-then, scrunch my hair and put on some hairspray that seems to help a great deal. (I have curly hair which frizzes in this climate). Then I do have towels, washcloths, soap, natural oils (which I use instead of perfume) and hair products at work and I redo with my hair whatever is needed (usually not much if anything) once I get here. I also have makeup products at work and apply that once I am here. It seems to be working out so far. Please note-it took awhile to get all this down. Now its like no big deal at all.
Really, Laurie?? This is the first time its ever happened to me in the two years I've been doing this challenge. I'll try to be patient but at least I sent them a message in the meantime. Thanks :)
@Karen Jean - I would caution against doing anything with your hair while you commute, (Other than have it in a helmet.). Shampooing, conditioning, highlighting, curling, and the like, only make it more likely that you will be distracted during the ride - in fact, they pretty much guarantee it.
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Regarding losing your post. If you take too long to finish typing your comment, it will disappear while trying to post. If I have a long post (although that has never happened), if I remember, I will copy my comment before trying to post it. So, if it goes away, I can quickly just paste it back.
Sometimes the points take several hours, even overnight, to update.
I noticed my point total has not updated either after logging my 32 miles for today's ride.
I just finished a short ride (11.6 miles); however, I did not receive my points for the ride. I posted the problem on the endomondo/help page. Does anyone know how long it will take for them to respond/fix this issue. Is anyone else experiencing this?? It is showing the miles I rode today, it just hasn't updated my points for today. I'm still sitting at the same points I had from 2 days ago. :-(
@ Paul: Congrats on reaching the Diamond level and have fun on your race!! You should consider doing a slower pace 10 mile recovery ride immediately after the race to get in a full century.
@Tammie - Lady, you are waaaay out ahead of me. You are making me keep riding those miles. If it sounds like I am doing it just for points, but that's part of the fun for me. It's just the way my mind works, and keeps the old bones moving when they want to quit. The points are the carrot, and I am the rabbit. It just adds to the fun, and the sense of accomplishment. Not that I am riding only for the points. I am so enjoying the ride along the way. I think you can relate.
@Cynthia - I am doing this piecemeal since I lost the first post. Do you have any beauty secrets for hair when you commute? The only thing I did not like about my commute last Saturday was the way my hair got all sweaty and wet during the ride. Do you have that problem? We do not have a locker to change, only a women's bathroom in the basement. Maybe I need to take something to dry my hair.
@Paul Perry and EM - thanks for the encouraging posts. Paul, you are inspirational, also.
@Christine - You are in my prayers today! Hope the Doc has good news.
Lost my first post, Shazbat!
@Cynthia - Marty is out making Ketchup and engineering his new "Hardcover-Paperback" at J. Hugh's house.
A personal best last night--22.2 mph over 32+ miles--thanks to a great paceline on my group ride. Diamond level on this morning's ride. Doing my first race on Sunday--The Race the Lake--90 miles around Lake Winnebago in WI. It just doesn't get any better than this. Ride often and ride safely...and enjoy these last days of summer.
Going to MD soon. Will report back when I get home.
My Uncle used to race bikes well several years ago. He is a true bike lover in every sense, from making his own repairs, building his own bikes etc. He got away from the sport for awhile. But, now he is slowly coming back, riding 10 miles a day and learning to work up to a good pace again. When you race for so many years I guess you have to learn how to ride and not race. He just started on this journey-I told him about the NBC.
Where has Marty been?
@Laurie-wow lots of life changes-hope you can find time to get on that bike, it will help keep you sane. Riding to work is a great way to get your saddle time in. Good luck with all your new endeavors!
@Michael-don't you just love those endorphin rushes! They just make your day.
@Jerry - It wasn't so much an elevated heart rate as an elevated joy rate. I hear that can happen on a bike. :)
@Christine - How's the knee, hand, and head today?
I was on such an endorphin rush that I was typing faster than my brain was processing. Wanted to ask @CHRISTINE how she was feeling this morning. I know @Laurie's doing well!
@Michael-sounds like you had the perfect trip! Except not being able to continue on your journey. lol
This morning's commute was well to say the least-a little messy (your so right Michael). 60 degrees-head wind-and rain rain! It rained heavy all night here. This time of year is usually 80 degrees in the mornings. No adventures to note, just a windy rainy commute. Although I did scare a couple Great Blue Herons from their breakfast. They took flight as I quietly passed them, they are so skiddish. Be safe all and ride with peace.
The past couple of weeks have been hectic. Started training for a new job, and also started a new relationship. It's been getting harder and harder to squeeze in time for a long bike ride, but I have been biking most days to the new job. And all the riding I do has inspired Mr. Wonderful to get on his bike too occasionally :) I still need to do 16-17 miles per day til the end of the challenge to hit Diamond. It's doable, but finding time on the weekends for a few 30-40 mile rides would definitely make it easier.
My little overnight trip to Door County definitely paid off. I hated those killer hills by the end, but I lost 3-4 pounds doing them, and gained a ton of self-satisfaction. Nice trade-off, in my humble opinion.
@EM & Paul-all your words are so true. Each person has their own challenges and goals and a responsibility to care of our health. The NBC has been amazingly helpful and educational. It is also amazing at what a support forum is and the people you come to know. There are 30,000 riders out there doing the same thing. There is something to be said for the sport and how it motivates each individual.
@Jerry-your determination and love of biking will get you back to where you were before your accident. With each pedal stroke and each mile you ride you will be right back to yourself.
@Paul and @EM, nice sentiments. What a ride into work this morning! 52 degrees, 45 degree dewpoint, blue sky, no traffic and even a polite driver behind me! Wanted to keep going to the local rail trail, but, alas, the bosses require me to sit in front of my computer today. Oh well, at least I made it here safely.
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@Tammy, you keep on pushing those pedals, girl!
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@Laurie, how're you feeling this morning?
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@Cynthia, stay safe on those wet roads today. Looks like you have a few days of nasty weather coming your way.
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Everybody else, stay safe and enjoy all that life gives you today!
@ Paul, well said. The stories of others here on the NBC have made me truly appreciate things I might otherwise take for granted. As long as I can stay safe and healthy while riding, nothing is blocking me from getting to diamond by the end of this challenge. I have good equipment, I don't have health challenges, and there are reasonably safe places to ride around here. What others have shared on this board has, I think, made me ride better and safer and make me appreciate every mile I get to ride even more. Being outside, breathing the air, appreciating nature, and the fun of heading towards 20 million miles enhances my experience. I love to ride period and I love it even more when I can convice other people to get out and ride with me. I wish I knew another 16,400 riders who I could talk into joining me. The planet needs all of us riders. SO TO ALL NBC'ers, KEEP RIDING, KEEP POSTING, AND KEEP INSPIRING.
@ Jerry...It may seem a bit of a downer starting out again and seeing your numbers below what they were before. And I know...I spent 8 years away from cycling. But there is a silver lining. Tracking your progress. I get motivated as all hell when I see the progress I am making. I imagine yours will come faster than my did as you weren't off the bike that long. But the point I am at now is FAR beyond where I just expected to be by the end of the year. I had to re-write all of my goals. I'm back to probably 80% of where I used to be 8 years ago, and I've only really been riding since June. I even set a few all-time PBs for myself last week. I can't even begin to describe what that does for my motivation, or how incredible it makes me feel. What I was riding two month's ago...distance wise, pace wise...and what I am riding now is world's apart. I am now expecting that by the end of the year, I will be in my best bike shape ever. Even better than my peak 15 years ago. When I started riding again, I decided that this wasn't going to be a new page in the book, or even a new chapter. I decided I was going to ignore everything I accomplished before, and where I was at before, and this was going to be a whole new book altogether. A Whole New Level. And I am well on my way to making it happen. And as much as my progress motivates me, it pales inn comparison to the motivation I get from y'alls stories and obstacles you've all had to overcome. I have no compelling stories. I just got lazy. You all are awesome, inspiring and motivating. And there are two people in here that especially stand out to me as bike "Heroes". Heather April, for her "why I ride", and Tammie, for a newbie, with her attitude and the level she is at already. Just awesome.
@Jerry - some of that 20 beats per minute was just joy and excitement at being back with the pack. 23.4 is a good start. Your heart rate will get back to normal soon enough.
Congratulations on your 23.4 miles today.. that is the same amount I rode today! I know your miles were so much more special. I did manage to make the third loop today without feeling tired. I even had a mini race on the way back to the bike shop! I was the last one but still had the legs to participate! It was a wonderful day. Congratulations Roberto.. you are keeping us all humble. I KNOW I will reach diamond by the end of the challenge.. I was getting discouraged a week ago.. now I I have no doubts! Today is only wednesday and I have already reached my 105 miles needed for the week!
I bought a Trek Madone 6.5 this last Feb. absolutely love it. I've logged a little over 5000 miles on it. Will be converting over to tubeless this weekend. We'll see how that goes. Bought the conversion kit from Stan's NoTubes.
@ Jerry, wow did you get to ride the doctor's new bike across the office? LOL Wow, what a ride that kid did. I would need two days for sure.
Since February, 11-year-old Susheel Cheeti has biked more than 1,400 miles. Of those, Susheel completed a little over 200 within 17 hours during the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic over the weekend of July 13.
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http://www.issaquahpress.com/2013/08/13/not-too-little-for-long-bike-ride/
By the way I got permission from my doctor to ride during today's visit.
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He just bought himself a new bicycle. A Trek Madone 5.2. Nice bike. On of the bikes I tested when I was deciding what bike to purchase two years ago.
We have three groups in the St. Vrain Chain Gang. The fast group, the medium group, and the slower group. I normally lead the medium group. Today I had to work hard to keep up with the slow group. Until about half way through the ride. Then I had a gel packet, got more energy and lead the slow group home. My heart rate was about 20 beats a minute higher than normal for my rides.
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http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1636256
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It was great to be back out riding with my friends.
Who cares about rain. 23.4 miles.
@Roberto - congrats! Keep safe and keep rollin'!
@ EM - Yeah, Cascade (biggest regional bike club in the country) didn't want to confuse things with 2 promotions running simultaneously, but I still talked to folks and handed out info about NBC at the Captain's Bash - a social/cheerleading/free-beer event for team captains at the beginning of the Commute Challenge. And I advocated that Cascade publicize the NBC at the end of the Commute Challenge as a way of continuing the momentum. Other than my blog posts on Cascade and on the Commute Challenge web site, I saw nothing.
Oh, and how am I responsible for your REI dividends? Was it something I posted last year? The dividends are nice - and even better with the additional 5% dividend you get from making REI purchases with an REI branded VISA card.
@ NBC staff - any chance of getting next year's challenge mentioned in publications like Bicycle Paper?
@Jerry - better to ride and get wet than not to ride at all - keep the rubber side down and enjoy the ride.
@Jerry-so did you still ride? I rode home in the rain but not the longer route I had wanted to take.
@Kevin-thanks much. Great advice I will use.
@Roberto-so awesome!
@Jerry, it's Liquid Sunshine!
@Cynthia- I agree with Burlee. Choose your fenders by the tire diameter and width. I have 700C X 35 tire on my hybrid and I bought some fenders (Planet Bike) from Nashabr that fit the 700C X 35-38 with. Don't buy a set for 700C X 25 you will find they will rub your tires because they are not wide enough. All you need to mount are a small adjustable wrench (aka Crescent) or a set of box wrenches and a screw driver. The trickiest part is on the rear wheel down near the pedals. You may have to use a zip tie if there isn't a hole in the to run a bolt through the fender to attach to a frame. Trust me you want it anchored down there some how. Front fender is easier to attach.
@Roberto - Rooting section is cheering you on!
@Jerry - "Sing, (and riding) in the Rain!" Laddie da da, Laddie da da..... (Think Gene Kelly.)
15 minutes until I leave to join my friends for our ride.
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And it is raining.
Finally got my ride in this afternoon with temps in the 70s !! The good news is that by waiting I got a friend to ride with me!
@ Rick, well said. My problem is that the biggest bike org. around here won't let me promote the NBC while they are having their own challenges (month of May is out). I was bummed by that and it made me hesitant to go back to them again. I explained that they NBC doesn't compete against them, they could log the same miles for both, but still no go. So its leaving brochures on cars with bike racks and one LBS let me leave a few there. Also, I think you are the guy I have to thank for those good REI dividends! LOL
@Roberto, great job as always!
@Luke, my city has a 72 hour limit. Thankfully they only enforce when someone calls and complains, and my neighbors like me! I have two out front all day; my wife has a company car. Ordinance is meant to keep Junkers from ruining the neighborhood; unfortunately it can screw well-meaning folks like us.
Cracked the 8K mile mark for 2013 today. Also up to 70 on the Leaderboard. Good day on the bicycle.
I feel annoyed right now that I get penalized by city ordinance for leaving my car parked on the street in front of my house and choosing to use my bicycle for transportation instead. Apparently I am required by city ordinance to move my car every 24 hours. Why am I not getting tax reimbursement instead? The air quality is better, congestion is reduced and wear on the street reduced all because I bike instead of drive.
@Burklee-thanks much!
@Kate-your pedaling even on a bakfiet-that's still a bike, right? You can still log miles.
BTW-just got educated-didn't know what a bakfiet was till I looked it up. So very cool.
Rick Gilbert; Well said!
Next year there should be a category for family transport cycling. Most of the miles I log are on a bakfiets with two kids and other stuff. I think I am saving a lot more co2 and burning a lot more calories.
@Cynthia - For the most part, if you've got a screwdriver/allen wrench and an adjustable wrench, you can put fenders on your bike by yourself. You've probably got places where screws will go right into the frame near your wheel hubs; depending on your bike you may have a small hole near your back brakes to which the fender would attach. Go to communitycycles.org to see if there are any bike co-ops near you. Then you could purchase fenders from the LBS (supporting them), and have someone at the co-op help you put them on. It'll save you $50.
Might have to take the long long way home to help get miles in for the 13 million mile mark. Wahoo!
I want to put fenders on my hybrid commuter bike. I just checked Bike Nashbar and I was surprised to see all the fender options. Like anything I can assume some are made to fit my type of bike and my pocketbook. Would they be easy to install myself? My LBS said he would put a set on for $50.00.
@Karen Jean,
Glad you enjoyed your night ride. I find I usually ride a little slower at night. I figure I'm on my bike enjoying myself, why rush. The whole idea of a bike ride (for me) is to go out, get some exercise and enjoy myself. Speed doesn't matter, I enjoy the sights and the cool (relatively speaking, it's typically upper 70's this time of year) weather. I've always been a bit of a star gazer and love getting out into the darker areas, stopping and turning off my lights (as long as there aren't any cars around) for a few minutes just to look at the stars.......
@ Jaime & LIli - just remember that the purpose is to get more people out on bikes more often. The Platinum level seemed low to me last year. Diamond is a challenge that I'm unlikely to make this year (but next year...) You want to keep the elite riders in the game, but you also need to draw in more of the public - Total ridership is well below the goal. Here in Washington state, it just seems that the word isn't out there. The Commute Challenge in May (King & Snohomish counties) drew almost 13,000 riders logging trips totalling over 1.7 million miles. And only commute miles count in that challenge. But for the NBC challenge period, we only have about 525 active riders who've logged just under 300,000 miles over the entire challenge period. We clearly have some outreach to do. I tried to spread the word at events and during rides. I even printed business-card-sized versions of the NBC promotional postcard to hand out to riders I'd meet on rides or on commutes. I'm not going to buy/print and carry postcard sized promotional material when I'm riding, but I'll print up and carry business-card sized stuff. So for next year -- NBC should provide a business card template with the basics of the NBC - the ones I printed had too small a print, but I told everyone to remember NationalBikeChallenge.org, and to keep the card as a reminder to check it out when they got home. And try reaching out more to the local clubs and bike advocacy organizations - Cascade Bicycle Club here in Seattle, Tacoma Wheelmen, etc. We're all in this for the same reason - supporting and encouraging more people to ride bikes more often. The Commute Challenge should be a great opportunity to promote the NBC. In the past, Cascade has tried programs to maintain the momentum of the one month Commute Challenge into the summer without much success. NBC has the infrastructure to pick up those riders from the May Challenge and give them something to work for all the way to the dark season here in the Pacific Northwest.
OK. 'nuff preachin' Time to get back to work.
@Jerry, doing so-so. Can't sit without the let elevated for very long (10 minutes?). Pain has lessened to a dull ache unless I move it the wrong way; doesn't seem swollen till I try to bend it. MD appointment tomorrow at 11:15 to see what's next. The thing that's bothering me the most is my whole body seems to be retaining water - perhaps because of lack of activity?
@Leonard - Went on a 2 1/2 hour long ride last night, all in the dark. Very nice, but needed to go slower than average mph, only 20 miles. I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
@Jaime - My #1 goal this year is to ride every day. (One 2 days were squeakers, less than 2 miles the weekend my husband took us to the races.) So far I have been on the bike every day, and I also swim too, and help my son with cross-country. My Ironman friends would be proud. I am slowing down, but I am determined to finish with a diamond.
@Cynthia - Love your animal descriptions. Last week I saw a box turtle crossing the road while I was riding. That was a hoot, hope he didn't get hit by a car. (My first trip to work went reasonably well, I will try it again, despite the inconveniences.)
@Christine. How are you doing today?
And I see I can't spell. Sorry Tammie.
@Stephanie-welcome!
@Jerry-stay smart! Best way to go. Don't set yourself back. At least you will be out riding which is better than not and in no time you will be ready to roll like your used too.
@Tannie. Way to go. Some great riding.
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I see the doctor today at 2:15. Way to late. I will be going out this evening with the St. Vrain Chain Gang. Only a 20 mile ride. Hopefully it will not be raining. I don't want to overdo it before the Tour de Cure on Saturday. So I plan on keeping the milage down to 30 miles a day or less. Then next week I hope to slowly increase my milage. But most of my longer rides are in the mountains. I will have to find new flatter places to ride. I really wanted to do the century on the Tour de Cure but that has a really steep climb into Estes Park. I don't want to set myself back. I plan on being smart about riding. We will see if I am stay smart.
@ Burklee, that's pretty much the same thought I had about Jerry!
Waiting for Jerry B to report his doc giving him the green light. (I know it's only 8:40 there.) I wonder if he'll even stop to tell us about it, or if he'll just go straight to his bike, and we'll get the post century report. :)
@Stephanie - Welcome to the Challenge!!!
To all those who have reached Diamond and beyond-congratulations! No doubt your miles let you see and experience many wonderful things.
Personally looking forward to next years challenge and making some personal goals. This year, I am just along for the ride and having fun.
It felt like a long time just getting to Platinum (last month I think). Diamond probably will be here for me in a week too. It was definitely a nice season. It sucks winter is almost here already, or really, 2013 is almost over.
@ Tammie: Way to go girl on your epic ride yesterday!! I'm sure that beer tasted really good and it was well deserved!!
@ EM: I'm sure I will be tired when I ride the Heatstroke 100 after competing in Gravel Worlds race the day before. My goal is to finish both races; I don't care about my overall times! Have a fun ride with your sister.
@ Stephanie: Welcome to the NBC! And back log your miles as EM suggested.
@ Jim & Jamie: Congrats on Diamond status. I will be joining the club by the end of Aug!!
@Jaime, that's a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion! We're looking at making the 2014 Challenge bigger and better, and increased incentives are on our list!
Now that I'm about to achieve Diamond within the next week, I wish NBC would've added more incentives to achieve further. It seems they keep underestimating how far some of the elite riders are going. One thing they could add is a perfect attendance award for those who have logged miles and gotten their daily 20 points for every day in the challenge. I have not missed a day riding in this challenge. In fact, my streak goes back to April 23rd.
I can't believe I'm sitting here waiting for the temps. to get up to 70. It's almost 9 am. Don't feel like getting out the fall gear either.
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@ Tammie, way to roll. @ Stephanie, if you have been keeping track of your miles since May, you can add them. It could take a while, but if you have time...
@ Jim, new nickname "Diamond Jim" LOL!
@Cynthia, you got the same cold front this morning that hammered us yesterday. And I mean Hammered; over 2 inches of rain in 5 hours. At least your timing worked-out better than mine did.
Welcome, @Stephanie! Like you, yesterday's commute reverted to public transportation; first time since June 13th. Raining way too hard to be safe on a bike. Today was a much more pleasant situation!
I had not heard about this, but have been logging the miles for myself since I got my recumbent trike. I cycle to the store and to my appointments. I had hoped to try my long commute (about 14 miles each way) yesterday, but we had thunderstorms so I had to revert to the bus. I'm so happy to be a part of this now!
WAY TO GO Tammie, Just gotta love those rides that start out to be short and just keep going and going and going and.......................
Kudos, Jim. I am not far behind you. I think I will hit it this weekend, if not before. Certainly by Sunday, if I do the Race the Lake! And we even have another month and a half until the end of the NBC...but my school year starts at the end of the month, which may put a slight crimp in my riding...especially long rides during the week. Ah well, it was a pretty good summer of riding. Here's to a great (and long?) fall, as well. Ride safely!
Diamond level achieved this morning!!!!
A storm came through the area this morning, predawn, by the time I was packing the panniers it was down to an after effects drizzle. Dark and gray, unusual for here for sure. Never the less, my intention was to ride in. My partner says, you ridin? You know its raining right? When my response was "but, of course", the response back was-"hoorrahh-you go girl". And so I went. And here I am. On my ride I saw a black fox squirrel-adorable creatures-diligently digging a hole-it almost looked like he was doing Downward Dog he was so intent and tensed. I looked up toward the sky to see very small glimpses of sun trying to work its was through the cloud layers. I said my morning thank you's to that higher power for again having this morning to ride and another thank you for all that is good in this life.
@Roberto-very neat sentiment.
@Jerry-have a route and how far you will go for your first outing?
For those of you in N. Philadelphia, new LBS. Not near me, just thought it was a nice article: http://tinyurl.com/mfo93eh Nice to see a bike shop on a bike lane!
Ahh..refreshing morning ride, 47 degrees out. I almost dug out my lite weight gloves, but I couldn't do it. It's just too early to bring out the fall riding gear.
Good luck Jerry. Hope your doctor has sense and understands mileage.. none of this 1 to 3 mile stuff. Well, I went out in the 'calm' day. Winds were only about 11mph, nice. Did my first 9 miles around town doing errands, bank, dollar tree, sporting goods store.. none have bike racks so my bike got to see the inside of each. I always ask as I enter opening with " I don't see a bike rack" ...LOL It immediately puts the problem on them to accomidate the customer and gives my reason for standing there with a bike. Frequently customer service offers to watch my bike while I shop... handy. Anyhoo... did those things then went to moms to swim for a couple hours. Refreshing. Temp was up to about 92 by then. Still a very nice day. Got back on the bike and started riding. You know how this story goes, kept riding, and riding. Headed out on the 'long ride' road 191 which is the highway between the cities of Midland and Odessa. about 16 miles distance. It is almost the only place semi safe to ride because there is a service road. Reached the 'point of no return' at the half way point and well, just kept going. Did the whole thing! Total for the day 40.3 miles. It was dark when I got home. I took a break in Midland at a restaurant and had a beer! A little stiff this morning.
@Jerry B,
I was thinking about you during this morning's ride. Looking forward to hearing that you have received the "All is well, go have fun" from your doctor.
@Jerry, good luck! Hope he gives you a formal "All's Well!"
As anxious as you are Jerry you should have had a 12:01 A.M. appointment.
@ Jerry, good to see your doctor has finally come to his senses LOL. Are you going to tell him the truth, is it a case of "what happens on a bike stays on a bike"?
Tomorrow I get permission from my doctor to ride.
OOOHHH heading towards 13 million (s)miles!
@Rob, no, long gone.
@ Roberto: Do you still have your 1st bike? I don't but I still have my 1982 Redline BMX bike I raced with. I actually had a bad accident and when I came home from the hospital all my BMX bikes and all gear had been thrown away by my dad. BMX racing was over as I was a little to tall. In 2010 my dad's friend was moving and while cleaning out his attic saw my Redline. It was all that was kept but they both had forgotten about it.
After work I was ready to tackle 106 degrees and ride home. Got on my bike, started to get in the groove and "Boom", industrial staple found it's way to the tube. Ride lasted .39 miles. Bike tube is fixed and ready for tomorrow.
My first bicycle was purchased for me by my parents in December, 1949. It cost $5. Hit 6000 points today and tomorrow will break 8000 mile mark for 2013. Good investment mom and dad. Thanks wherever you are.
Just to make your bike commute more interesting.
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http://tinyurl.com/kgnmdtd
HI everybody, Wow what a lot of things going on in the past few days. We had guests from Denmark, and since we live in the "Show Me" state we had to show them some stuff. But this morning I got to show a couple of them Grants Trail and our favorite outdoor cafe in Kirkwood. They were impressed by how polite the riders were (follow the rules of riding on the trail), so now I'm not sure if I want to ride in Denmark. LOL!! I learned that in Denmark they shout "bagfra" [from behind] instead of "on your left" but I recommended that they say "on your left" or just ring the bell since not very many people around here speak Danish. HA HA.
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@ Christine, sorry about the knee. Hope it heals a lot faster than you think and you are back on that bike in no time. At any rate take Leonard's advice and don't abandon us. Otherwise you will have to spend a month reading all the posts. LOL
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@ Burklee, YOU GO GIRL! Congrats on the personal best!
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Needless to say Jerry, you continue to inspire.
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@ Mike, I will be doing the Heatstroke 100 also, but I haven't decided how many miles yet. My sister will be riding at least part of it with me so I'm really excited about that. I'll just have to see what the weather is like and how tired I am from helping my kids move into the dorms.
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@ Marty, take your time with the book, I probably won't have time to read it until winter anyway.
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@ Everyone, RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE
@Roberto - I think I've missed unclipping twice. I can't recall the specifics of the second time, The first event was memorable, happening just a few days after I began riding 'clipless' pedals. My commute route led through a parking lot, at the end of which I had to get off the bike and portage it up some steps and down a short "walk-only" trail. I pulled up in the corner of the parking lot where I planned to dismount. Just as the bike attained zero forward speed and the front tire touched the curb, it occurred to me that I was still clipped in on both pedals. No where to go but down. At least I got to choose direction. I leaned left and fell over slowly onto the the mulch bed that bordered the parking lot. No witnesses, no YouTube video. I still felt pretty silly.
@Mike. Sounds like you are going to have a blast the next couple of weeks. Wish I was riding with you.
@Michael, thanks for the laugh! My MIL reneged on her offer of her bike, as I knew she would, so I'm not all that disappointed. My soul is completely at peace with my bike plan (ride Turque till the end of the season, and buy the bike I want in spring when the taxes come back) and I am willing to wait patiently for that to happen. Peace and waiting, patiently or not, are not things that come easily to me, so this is obviously the right thing for me to do! Thank you for riding for me! It felt great!
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@Jerry, FIRST OMG! I hope that driver has learned a really valuable lesson really well! NOT good on his part! Second, I do have a tablet but I loathe typing on it. I had almost finished the note to Michael above and bumped something the wrong way...and it disappeared! ARRRUGH! Quick sit down at the computer to get these notes to y'all.
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Thank you ALL for your well wishes! I feel okay today, except sore and my knee hurts big time (and sitting at the computer is NOT helping). I know I'm going to have to take my time with this, and I won't push it. I will ride again next year if I'm careful. If I'm not, I may never ride again, right? I'll be around riding vicariously through all of you!
@unclippers, really? Never happened even once to me. Seems basic. When stopping, unclip.
@ Shawn: I can't count how many times I've not been able to get my foot unclipped before I spilled on the ground. Luckily, I've never been seriously injured; just embarrassed like you.
@ Paul: Great job on achieving all your personal goals and pulling your community up in the standings. Diamond status is doable, just keep pushing the pedals!!!
@Rick, ICE CREAM!!!
@Cycling Roberto, I agree! I plan to getting me one of those GoPro's just for recording stupid drivers on the road. If the cops don't do anything about it, I will put it on youtube, make model license plate numbers and all... being a web marketing guy as well, ill make sure a lot of people see the videos!
@Jerry, these "accidents" will continue to happen until we start giving jail time to motorists who kill. I'm sick at the comments saying what do cyclists expect. Also, no amount of awareness can help you when a semi decides to turn into you. Sounds like this was a case of the truck ignoring or not seeing the cyclist coming in the opposite direction. Lock up the driver.
45 miles in the jungle of PA.
Had my best week of (road) cycling ever lsst week. Set a single day mileagecrecord, then beat it the next day (118) had my best 3 day total-316, first time ever back to back 100+ days, best 7 day toal-440. On track for my biggest month ever. Hit platinum..Realized diamond is definitely doable. Got number 1 in the state for August NBC for myself and my community. Got my community to #3 overall with 2nd in reach. 1st will take a massive effort. And as great as my week was, its still only #2 to Jerry's week How awesome that first ride back, and on a sleek new machine, must have been.
Haha Jerry... yeah I started panicking when I knew I was falling, didn't think to hurry up and unclip, fell right in front of a car behind me (no danger to me as the were stopped). They didn't ask if I was okay but I am fine with that as I was pretty embarrassed, LOL. I suppose it has to happen to someone, it happened to me so another person was left alone =P
Defining awesome: turning your 16 mile loop into a 20 mile loop because now it is too short, and finishing the 20 miles faster than you did the 16 miles 6-8 weeks prior.
The time I fell over because of my pedels was three weeks after I bought my "old" new Cannondale Synapse. I was riding in the Tour de Cure 100k ride. Longest ride before that ride was 30 miles. I had never riden hills. I was climbing my second steep hill and had to stop. Unclipped my left foot. Leaned right. Embarassing.
A 20 mile road ride turned into a 30 mile road ride due to construction! But that is okay! Had my first road bike wreck today! I guess I forgot I was clipped in after stopping at an intersection, fell right over... nothing was injured besides my pride....
I know what you mean, Jerry. I hate it when people catch up to me, pass and then pull away while appearing to be barely even pedaling.
Quote from Nick. Another very sad story this morning being reported in the Daily Camera, Cyclist killed on Valmont and 63rd by a truck turning in front of cyclist.
This is a reminder to us all: be aware of your surroundings, and be aware of distractions when cycling (talking can be a distraction, looking down instead of in front of your bike, wearing headphones etc etc)
Lets all stay safe!.
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http://tinyurl.com/kp2c4lk
@Karen-how was your maiden commute to work? Did you like it?
@Karen. But they don't have it in Colorado for me. Some professional teams ride arouind here. But they really show me how outclassed I am. I will be riding up a mountain working hard. The team will pass me riding at a relaxed pace for them just talking away with each other.
@Jerry - You continue to amaze! There is a reason, you know, why they but the cycling Olympic training center in Colorado.
72 degrees. 44% humidity. Light overcast with sunny areas. Only six miles. I did not want to come home.
@ Jerry: It's good that you recognized the upcoming hazard and were proactive in positioning yourself so you had bail out points in both directions! A few years ago I had a good friend (David Butterfield) that was caught in a similar situation; unfortunately his ordeal did not turn out good at all as he hit the dump truck that pulled in front of him and died on scene from the accident. Here is the write up on it: http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/troopers-identify-victim-in-fatal-bicycle-crash
I have another cyling friend that told me there is now a ghost bike at location honoring Dave!
My fourth bike ride this morning. A city garbage truck tried to kill me. I was riding west when I saw the garbage truck pulling up to the street from an apartment parkign lot. I pulled out into the center of the lane to help the driver see me and give me maneuvering room is case I needed it. Which I did. He pulled right out in front of me making a right turn. I had to brake hard and go left to miss him. I was prepared for evasive action if he had turned left also. Four days on a bike and they are trying to kill me already.
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Called the police. Transfered to city works. They will have a talk with the driver. They are actually planning to talk to all their drivers about watching out for bicycles. The driver did see me after I avoided him hitting me. I think from the expression on his face it really scare him.
@Christiine. Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you heal quickly. I know how you feel about the stairs. I had to deal with them in our house also. Recover quickly.
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If you don't own a tablet, make your husband buy you one. It is so nice to sit on the couch when you are broken to go online vs sitting with a computer at a desk.
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See, I told you to go buy a new bike when your husband wasn't payting attention to you. Now as MIchael said, you have to pull a @Jerry and get a new bike. Tell your husband it is required for your recovery and to prevent future accidents
@Christine - Hope you heal fast!
@Michael and Roberto - hoping to get that ride in a little now, but more after work - remember the forecast for the rest of the week in our neck of the woods looks great, we will make it up then.
@Cynthia - Missed your posts, welcome back - (You missed it, I road to work for the fist time Saturday.)
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Thanks all for the helpful info about my headlights - I am sure the battery was too close to the wireless bicycle computer.
@Greg - I will have to put that Niagara Falls trip on my "bike tour bucket list."
@Mike - You have amazing stamina. - Heatstroke 100? - Are you sure about that one? ;)
@Marty - You publisher must be late on that book release, maybe some engineering problems? ;)
@Mike-that is so awesome! Good luck on all your events. Catch that diamond! Hope it glitters and shines brightly.
@Mike, you're an animal; keep at it!
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@Christine, I seem to recall, oh about 55 pages ago, you were plying your husband for a new bike. Yesterday, you had an unfortunate mishap. Are you pulling a @Jerry on us? Using an accident to get a new bike? (Please note, innocent attempt at friendly humor here, nothing nasty implied)
I just crossed the 4,000 point barrier this morning with 4,002 points currently. I have a riding schedule that includes five century + rides for the upcoming weekends:
Aug 18: Corp Cycling Challenge (100 miles)
Aug 24: Gravel Worlds (150 miles)
Aug 25: Heatstroke 100 (105 miles)
Aug 30: Kansas City Tour Day 1 (117 miles)
Aug 31: Kansas City Tour Day 2 (120 miles)
I declare I WILL achieve Diamond status before the end of this month!!!
Since we seem to be trending to weather reports. At beginning of the ride 78 degrees with 100 % humidity at the end it was 92.5 with 85% humidity. winds about 10 mph and variable, as with most cycling seemed to be a head wind no matter which direction I went. You folks with cool weather reports sound like winter in Florida. Birds are pretty smart with that migration thing.
Heal quickly, Christine. Take care of yourself.
By the hair on my chinny-chin-chin. Platinum -- finally. Diamond is slipping out of reach, although if September weather holds here, I might pile on some miles. I'll be "home alone" for 3 1/2 weeks while my wife & daughter are away visiting family. "Let's see... nobody's home. What shall I do for dinner today. Well, I could just ride for a while." Sounds good.
Temp 84, winds 6 to 11mph with humidity 48%.. what am I doing on the couch reading posts? Rare chance to ride in low temp and wind situation! Now WHERE did that humidity come from? LOL Almost an absolutely perfect day. I think I will suit up and take a spin just to see what it is like to ride without a strong wind. Will report back later!
@christine, I feel for you. I had a bad crash two summers ago and was off the bike for two months. This year, I've fallen once, but I was already stopped and fell into the grass. :( I will keep you in my thoughts as you heal.
The C in Challenge for the Great Lakes region is Chilly. 45 degrees F here in Appleton, WI. Pedal on everyone! PS - Joe Sacco, great comment. I can appreciate that in a few short months...
39 degrees on Minnesota's Iron Range this morning!! My type of weather is right around the corner, YEAH!!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Today will put the "C" in challenge. Expecting at least 2" of rain.
@Christine - Hope you get well soon. Get lots of rest and heal quickly.
@Cynthia, Welcome Back! You have about 40 pages of comments to catch up on; get reading!
@Christine, I'll get that ride in for you, I promise.
@Christine-oh my-so sorry to hear about your fall! Heal as quickly and as patiently as you can.
@Gregg-nice picture, hope your having a wonderful trip.
I thought about the NBC and all the participants that communicate on this forum. I really missed it.
Well, made it back from visiting land. Even though I had my bike with me with every intention to ride each day, it just couldn't happen. It rained for two days. And then family obligations were constant. But, it was nice to have "Jane" with me. Now back to home and back to reality. And I just could not wait to ride to work today and get back in my riding routine and training for Bike MS. My goal now is to is to reach Platinum by the end of August.
Here is a pic of me in front of the American Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada: https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1093903_10200522844816937_274412270_o.jpg
Enjoying my rides in Niagara Falls. The weather has been sunny and cool for riding. Ontario, Canada has excellent biking trails and would love to ride the circle tour through the Niagara Escarpment--complete circle tour of paved off road trails through Niagara Falls of 85 miles. A portion follows the famous Welland Canal where ships pass through the locks from Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. We watch a ship go through lock 3 in St. Catherines. The Ontario police ride bikes to patrol in Niagara Falls.
Sigh, not gonna happen today. It's 'go-no go' decision time, and the rain is falling just too hard with no breaks in sight. If I was training for the Olympics, sure, but it's only going to work. Oh well, I'll try to knock a few miles out when I get home. At least I'll still do my part to save the planet; those bus passes have been awfully lonely since I last used them on June 13.
@CHRISTINE,I KNOW THE PAIN GIRL.TOOK A FALL ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO AND FRACTURED ONE RIB.AND 8 STITCHES.RODE FOR A WEEK AND PAIN GOT TOO MUCH AFTER WORKING AND RIDING TO WORK.TOOK LAST FOUR DAYS OFF AND RODE IN TODAY.YOU WILL BE BACK.BEING IN SHAPE IS A HUGE BENEFIT WHEN HEALING A INJURY.CYLING SAVED MY LIFE!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMIILE EVERY DARN DAY.SO GOOD TO BE ON THE MACHINE OF LIFE !!!!!!!
@Christine,
Knee injuries are rough. Take it easy, relax and recover. Follow Jerry's lead, keep in contact with us and let us help you get through this. Looking forward to seeing your progress reports. Hang in there, this to will pass.
Christine; in empathy BAD WORDS INDEED! You'll Be BACK!
I see the update on the leaderboard is frozen again.. was looking forward to seeing what my 23 mile effort did for me. I also was looking forward to seeing my points go over the 3300 mark.. getting there.. one mile at a time.
So sorry to hear about your crash Christine. My first one also involved a U-turn and a curb! I hope the knee is not as bad at it seems right now. STAIRS... hope you don't have a lot of those in your life daily. I feel almost guilty for the ride I just got in from thoroughly enjoying. I did not even know if I was going to be able to ride today but got out for a quick ride and did it again.. just kept going... 23 miles. Bought one of those GU packets at the bike store today.. salted caramel.. tried it.. YUM!
@Karen Jean - It will be a flip book. One side will be hardcover, with all of the detail, but if you flip it over to the softcover side, it will be more like the Cliff Notes version. (A not so short section in the middle will explain the engineering behind combining the two covers at the spine.)
@Christine, at least your injuries are (hopefully) minor. Heal yourself properly so you can attack the Challenge next year. With any luck you can still get a few miles in before September 30. Will have you on my mind tomorrow on my way to work...
Christine@ - I'm sorry to hear about your accident. They're always way too sudden. At least you were wearing a helmet! I'll pray for your quick recovery so that you can not only commute again, but get back in the NBC.
Awww Christine, so sorry to hear that! Hope you recover very very quickly and are able to finish the challenge with us :)
Sigh. I crashed today. I was making a u-turn and was going too fast. I realized I was about hit the curb, so I reached for my non-existent hand brakes. When I realized they weren't there, I put my left leg down to catch myself. Can you say hyperextension? I went down backwards, rolled onto my arse and shoulder, slammed my hand down and bounced my head a couple times. Five hours later, nothing is broken, my knee is immobilized, and heaven alone knows how long I'll be off my bike. @Jerry, you have more than my sympathy especially considering that the worst thing about my injury is stairs. I cannot imagine what you've been going through. However I really, really hate that I'm probably done for the rest of the NBC.
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BAD WORDS BAD WORDS BAD WORDS!
@Laurie. I know the grade of a hill by my Garmin Edge 500. But with all the hills I have ridden I can estimate the grade pretty accurately by how much effort I am putting out. It is hard to estimate the grade by looking at the hill. At least in the mountains. Sometimes it looks like it is uphill when it is a slight descent.
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And you can map out a ride with ridewithgps.com. It has a grade display beneath the map that is easy to read. You can move your cursor along the grade and it shows where you are on the map.
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Thanks for the photos. It is beautiful there.
108 degrees with 8.7 M.P.H. headwind with 17% humidity makes for a sweat free ride, until you stop.
@Laurie,
The link works. Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing them with us :-)
Trying to share the photo album of my Door County ride.... please let me know if it works. https://www.facebook.com/laurie.rescheske/media_set
@Jerry - I have been wanting to ask this question for a while. How do you know what a hills grade is without instruments. Can you just tell by eyeballing it or do you look on a map? I just look at a hill and say "Boy, that one looks steep!"
@Marty - Would that be in hardcover or paperback? ;) You know we all look forward to your statistics.
From where I live I have so many close choices. For a short 30 mile ride I just go to Lyons and up Hwy 7. For a 40 mile ride Jamestown is a great ride. Carter Lake which is mostly just rolling hills with two steep climbs for fun is either 50 or 60 miles. Ward is a nice 50 mile ride with a very steep section climbing up to Ward. With the option of riding up to Brainard Lake. Or the easier 70 mile ride to Ward through Lyons. And then of course rides to Estes Park from 60-100 miles depending on your route. Peak to Peak Hwy. Lookout Mountain. Lee Hill. Old Stage Coach Road. The Flatter Than Heck Cenury (which is not flat) but is for Colorado. Just a small fraction of what we have locally.
@Lauire. Move to Colorado.
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Actually I do not know what to tell you to get used to riding hills. When I started riding in the mounatins, I rode up from Lyons on Hwy 7. For 4.5 miles it is a max 4% grade. After that it got steep and my the time I reached five miles my legs would not turn the crank anymore. I started riding up to Jamestown which hits grades up to 10% but just for very short sections. Most of it is around 4% with some sections at 5-6 percent for a while. The section from Hwy 36 is about 8 miles of steady climbing. Which is great to getting used to climbing. Then I started climbing harder sections in the mountains.
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We are so fortunate to live in this part of Colorado. Great weather most of the time. Plains with rolling hills, mountains to climb. Not much of a problem with cars compared to most of the country.
@Laurie, find a hill, climb it; repeat.
@Laurie R spend a lot of time riding into the wind on as often as possible.
@ Jerry, any advice on getting acclimated to hills for someone who lives in mostly flat country?
@Tammie. 9245 to 8471.
Hills. And mountains. Love climbing both of them. I feel sorry for those of you in flat country.
@Karen Jean - You'll have to wait for the book to come out next week.
@Marty: Yay, PeeAyy (PA). @Karen Jean and @Roberto getting us there; I'm doing my small part to help.
For all those interested in the "CVS bike rack saga"... I called the customer service number and spoke with a very nice young lady. Made my case for bike racks and when she asked if there was anything else she could do I asked "Is there?". She took my name and number and assured me that the district manager in my town would be calling me back within 2 days to discuss my request for bike racks. Not sure how far this is going to go (or how fast) but it was a very positive encounter.
@Laurie - Ugh, hills! I know what you mean. I hadn't ridden any highway miles before the Cornhusker State Games. The hills bout killed me. Glad you made it!!
@Laurie - Like Cynthia would say, "It's all good!" Proud of you.
@Marty - Let's see the math. Oh, no, what am I saying!!!
I just got back from my overnight trip to Door County. Didn't ride nearly as much as I had planned, mostly because I didn't count on hills. I am totally unused to them and they were not fun :( A couple of them, I was almost at the point of putting my foot down, but found that last little bit of sheer stubbornness and conquered them. Clearly more practice on hills is necessary before I attempt this trip again.
In about 5 days, Pennsylvania will become only the second state to reach 1,000,000 miles! Today, Wisconsin reached 2.5 million! On Wednesday, we will collectively reach 13 million miles.
@Mike - they should have BRAGG in Allentown, I will have to check out that link.
@ Christine: I often take the lane when riding in the Omaha metro area. You're correct in that it feels more comfortable and allows for a less-stressful ride. Glad to hear you're claiming what is rightfully yours to ride! Just remember to keep your head on a swivle and never assume a motorists intentions. Continue to keep the rubber down and ride safe!!!
@Michael - thanks for riding those miles for me Saturday. I didn't mind the commute home from work, but once it gets dark outside when I leave, I will have to stop - too dangerous. I also need panniers, I looked like a drug dealer I'm sure, with my canvas bag slung around my shoulder,(which I used to carry my change of clothing.) I had panniers in college, when I biked to school, but they got really ratty, and I threw them away years ago. Terry has some really nice looking red ones I have been thinking of getting, good thing my birthday is coming up in a couple months.
FYI -- We have a large number of cyclists in the Omaha, NE community that know each other via the NBC but we've never met in person. The situation will change On Aug 17 when we come together as a group for the first time to have a 20 mile social ride. But we've taken it our social ride step further by asking each rider to donate to a local grassroots organization known as BRAGG (Bike Riders Against Gangs and Guns). Are you doing anything to make a difference with your fellow cyclists? Feel free to use this idea as a model to make a difference in your own cycling community.
Use this link to read more about BRAGG:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130805/LIVEWELL02/130809540/1161
Was just looking at the leaderboard and am really sad about North Dakota. Figured we had more riders or at least riders tracking miles.
@J.Hugh. I checked out the brakes today on the downhill stretches. But of course they need more testing tomorrow.
@jerry B you are very thorough checking out the adjustments of this new bike and making sure that it really is fit to ride. Great job! I'll bet you need to check how well it goes downhill tomorrow and whether the brakes are exactly adjusted to your tastes.
Another five miles today with a couple of short steep hills to climb.
Drove in to Indy this morning at 4 am. Should have been up at 6 to ride the M/W/F, but Mrs Helper let me sleep till I woke up (7am). So I was catching up to the group on 2/3 of a cup of coffee and left my water bottle in the garage....duh. At least the max was 75 degrees here verses the 99 degrees every day in St. Pete, Florida. Rode with the 18-22 group there and was delighted that they have really cleaned up their (safety) act. We do have the tools to increase safety and I am Mr Happy Face when we apply what we are learning. There was even an arm-propelled trike in the double paceline. Mucho Kudos to the SPBC. Last year that ride was scary. This year they were totally correct and a credit to safe cycling. What a great ride!
On a more serious note: I tried the "taking the lane" thing yesterday and today. Yesterday was more successful, only because today some old fart got right on my arse and laid on his horn for a while. That was the ONLY person who did so, and I was in high traffic areas most of the time I was taking the lane. Amazingly, it *is* more comfortable and for some reason, drivers aren't that perturbed about it. As long as they have a lane to move into, they seem to be okay with a bike moving like a car. The only places I got nervous were areas where drivers wanted to make a right turn and wanted to get over into the right lane. I need to do some more research on that part.
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I've also begun following directions when someone in a car signals me to go. Hey, if they want to wait for me to get my bulk moving on a single speed bike, they can wait. I'm willing to wait my turn, but if you tell me to go, I'm going to (provided no one else is getting impatient).
Or as a thong....
If the Handerpants came in black...
@Christine, when I read that my first thoughts were of you and your experience. Sometimes it helps knowing you're not alone...
@J Hugh - Just because you have a squirrel, doesn't mean that everyone else does. (Or, just because you are squirrelly...)
@Brad - I try and do that ride once or twice a day. It is fun!
When I saw those handerpants i thought of people who don't wash their gloves, and how much they might take to washing their handerpants with their regular underwear, but then when @Capt. Competitive posted just say no. I understood that you don't wash your gloves, you are not going to wash your handerpants. They also sell underwear for your squirrel.
@J. Hugh - Handerpants?? No. Just say no.
@Michael, thanks for that link. I understand exactly how he feels.
Good job Burklee, it's always nice to see improvement in yourself. I can't say the same though, I did my second century on Saturday (107.33 miles to be exact) and only averaged 15.2mph, compared to the one from last year (100.22 miles) at 15.6mph when it was at least 15 degrees warmer. I was in no hurry this time, actually had to force my brain to fight through the boredom, plus I got stuck in concert traffic a couple times. There were way too many rednecks out on their way to see Miranda Lambert, I took a couple unplanned detours to avoid the jacked up pickup trucks, rebel flags, squirrel tails hanging from antennas, cowboy hats and the smell of Pabst Blue Ribbon :D
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On Friday night, an obvious cycling fan shouted some words of encouragement to me, though it sounded an awful lot like "f^($ing moron" On Saturday, as I broke the 100 mile mark, a car full of youths decided to throw trash at me, there's never a cop around when you need one. I did see a cop at mile 104 though, I made a complete stop, to include putting a foot down, at that stop sign ;)
My NiteRider lights occasionally make my heart rate reading go berserk, but have never messed with my speed. I'm not 100% certain, but I think the issue only happens when I use my Forerunner, my Edge doesn't seem to have the problem even though I use the same heart rate monitor for both. The Edge is bike specific (and a few years newer), so maybe they added logic to account for the interference. It has something to do with the noise frequency from the LED light or the lithium ion battery.
Well, so goes for finding my bed. Got home and gt asked back to work. I just have a good heart and could not say no. Don't know how long I will be working. Hopefully enough to pay for the extra 40 miles in gas. My car is a gas guzzler. Wish I had the heart to trade in the car bit I love my Chrysler 300!
The ride I took on Friday is my new personal best! Last year I had a 45.65 mile ride. It took me 5 hours, 39 minutes. Friday's ride, 42.1 miles, took 4 hours 5 minutes. Same trail, same bike, better equipped rider. This time I had my Camelbak, 2 bottles with Skratch in them, 2 Powerbars, and 2 packs of Shot Bloks. And I think I'm stronger and more knowledgeable this year. (Pretty sure the knowledgeable part comes from all of you on here.) After last year's ride I was just done. I could barely move. Friday, I felt pretty good. The NBC is great, and you are all terrific!
@Jerry - Now that you're back on you bike, authorized or not :), I'm sure it won't be long before you pass me. You already had over 1600 points in June. That looks like one excellent bike. What are you gonna name it?
@Christine - 25 miles?!? You roll, girl!!
@Karen - Sounds like your commute isn't as easy as it is for some of us. Way to get it done.
@ Karen, I had a wireless computer and went bonkers when I had the flashing headline on and near business that had electronics like sports bars. I then put on a wired computer and no more problems.
One of the columnists in our local rag had his bike stolen. His letter to the thief in yesterday's edition: http://tinyurl.com/n3jkgad
What happens to trials riders when they grow up? They don't... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
@Tammie. I feel great after a ride. No pain. Too bad I cannot recreate the feeling I had Saturday after my first ride. Yesterday was an enjoyable ride, but without the extreme high I had on Saturday. I hope the rides will be continue to be pain free as I start the longer rides on Wednesday. It is so good to be back on a bike again even if they are short rides.
Hey Jerry, I see you are clawing your way up the leaderboard! Up to 9245 already! You will be moving up by leaps and bounds. How do you feel after your ride? BTW, that 6 miles last night was my second ride for the day. My total for yesterday was 18.12 miles. Not bad for only 4hours of sleep. I can't wait to get off work and find my bed this morning.
Had a wonderful casual group ride last night. The largest group yet. 23 met at the park for a casual ride through the city streets to a concert in the park series, the last one of the summer. The ride back after sunset was beautiful with all our lights shining and blinking! I ride my hybrid for these and love this bike for this. I need to get a rack or basket for it. The round trip was only a little over 6 miles but very pleasant all the way.
23 in a half miles today by mountain bike - been a while since I rode the ole'29er!
@Jerry,
I miss-spoke (typed), you are correct, I did mean non Doctor approved points. Keep them points coming, authorized or not :-)
Karen, is your computer wireless? I've seen those speed spikes with mine on night rides. Batteries can give off electromagnetic signals that can affect wireless computers. I think it only (or mostly) happens when the battery is active (light on or charging). I noticed my bike computer start recording data when it was sitting on my desk beside a charging battery as well.
Wind and hills here too. Sometimes, it's almost like a/c. Other times, it's like riding in a convection oven.
@Karen. You had a great speed going there at 56mph. Just think, if you had not fixed it you could have ridden 56 miles in an hour. You could have really racked up some mileage in the next 1.5 months.
I'm in Door County! Rode 33 miles today, not the 40 I had planned, but there were lots of hills. 2 of them almost made me cry but they did not defeat me. I am gonna sleep GOOD tonight and hit the roads again tomorrow morning!
@Jerry I think you are referring to you pre-riding in order to make adjustments to your equipment and to be certain that no further shop adjustments are needed.
Techno question from a clueless "nightrider". So I try out my new headlights tonight and my cycling computer starts logging my mph as 56mph. Yikes! I turn the light off quickly and fiddle, fiddle, fiddle - almost ride into the back of a parked truck - fiddle some more - move the light away from the computer - still wacky - move the battery away from the headlight - light bulb goes off in my head - that's why the long cord. Why the interference? (I adjusted my ending miles for the night.)
@Leonard. Non riding points? You mean non Doctor authorized points.
so is this something cyclists should consider. http://www.handerpants.com/
@Jerry,
Sure am glad you are following your doctors advice. Hope he clears you to start riding in a few more days - till then enjoy the non-riding points you are accumulating. Every turn of the pedals makes you stronger.
Only three more days until I get permission from my doctor to ride my bike.
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And added 26 points to my total today.
Too funny, @ J. Hugh! I was singing that song (in my head - didn't want to cause a riot by singing it out loud) all the way home. A-way out here they've got a name for wind and rain and fire....
@Tammie. I am sure Odessa is like Colby Kansas. There is a day without wind once every 30 years.
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The bad thing when it is windy in Colorado is riding up the mountains with headwinds and crosswinds. So we get the hills and the winds.
I have this thing I keep[ repeating in my head as I ride into the wind... "this is what others call a hill in other parts of the country"! LOL It helps me cope. You have to understand... the wind blows here ALL THE TIME!
Thanks all for the unclipping advice. The tension in my pedals was set to the lowest setting at the bike shop so that's not the issue. I'm just fairly uncoordinated and will need to continue to practice until I get the hang of it.
Is Killer the translation of the name of the wind in the song "they call the wind Mariah"
@Tammie. So once you get used to the wind it is not Killer. What is your secret?
Oh, Christine, if you are not used to it, that wind is Killer! Linda, if you are having trouble, definitely try decreasing the tension on the pedal. I hope you have the multi directional cleats that release more easily. They are metallic in color usually and have an 'M' on them. I manage to release with mine in unexpected circumstances and have not fallen... yet. I have come close a couple times but have managed to get released just in time. I am also a newbie. Bought my first bike, hybrid, 4 1/2 months ago and my road bike in June! I have regular pedals on the hybrid and just use the clips on the road bike. It feels strange now to ride without them! ... and I only started after July 1. I have pedals on my road bike that are plain on one side and accept the cleats on the other but have learned they were not necessary. I also bought mountain bike shoes... much more confortable!!! I am not a racer so really don't need road shoes. Go for the comfort!. You can walk in them more easily with the cleats too.
Fell short of my hoped for 25 miles by quite a bit: only went 11.1 miles. Not much sleep last night, strong wind today. Just didn't have it in me, I guess!
Lincoln NE’s residents are doing a great job of logging miles. BicycLincoln checked in with one rider, Michaella Kumke, who has been posting daily updates on her journey. It’s an inspiring one!
http://bicyclincoln.org/2013/07/16/guest-blog-rise-to-the-challenge/
@Linda: Leonard has excellent advice here. Only work on getting one foot unclipped, so that you can use that foot to rest on when you stop. BTW, if you're having problems getting that one foot unclipped quickly (not sure if that's a factor at all either), you may want to consider loosening the tension on the pedal as well. Good luck - riding clipless is great, once you get the system worked out.
@Linda,
Just unclip one foot, pick whichever one you are most comfortable with. The only time I ever unclip both feet is when I am getting off the bike. When I stop for stop signs, red lights, to talk to friends, EMERGENCY STOPS, I only unclip on one side and put that foot down. ALWAYS the same side so it becomes automatic (I don't have to think about unclipping, it just happens). It does take practice and some time to get used to riding clipped-in but it is worth the effort. I rode a bike without clips this spring, after a 1/4 mile I stopped and went back to a bike with clips.
Looking for advice on clipping in...I'm a fairly new cyclist, started with a hybrid in Feb. and am now riding about 100 miles a week. I've decided to upgrade to an entry level road bike. A cycling friend advised me to buy bike shoes and peddles and get used to riding clipped in on my hybrid before I go to a road bike. I'm really having difficulty in unclipping fast enough in emergency stops. I'm doing fine with clipping and unclipping when I know a stop is coming up. But I've been trying emergency stops (into grass for a soft landing) and I just cannot unclip fast enough. I go down every time. I can get one shoe unclipped but can't unclip both before I am falling. Any advice? I'm about to give up :(
@Jerry...welcome back!
Today I finally will set out on this summer's "bucket list" trip -- 2 days biking around Door County Wisconsin. An old college friend and I are going to ride from one small town to another and see everything that those poor motorists will be missing. I am SO excited!
@Christine and Marty - Thanks, I will definitely try to do it again. Next time I will know more what to do, and I WILL sneak out next time.
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Also, I got my new, bright headlight. Now I can be the "Nightrider." Thank you everyone who shared their headlight recommendations. They were all great lights. Out of necessity, I chose the cheapest one.
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@Jerry - Your progress continues to amaze!
@Karen - Congratulations on your commute!
Welcome back Jerry B, and start out as a beginner so you can build up to the end.
@Karen Jean, I've had people offer me that, too, and my ride home is about 2 miles. My co-worker said "TWO MILES on a bike?? I'd be dead at the end of that!" Can't wait to tell her about my weekend on Monday! LOL
@J. Hugh, Jerry is STILL picking the bugs off of his teeth. How do you tell a happy cyclist? Count the bugs on his teeth!
@ Christine, YAHOO!!!
I can't really describe what it felt like to get back on my bike again. I promised Karen to keep the rides short until Wednesday when the doctor will give me permission to ride again. It was so hard to come back home and only ride three miles. But the emotions of being able to ride again were intense. When I arrived home I was so high. It is impossible to put into words the feelings I was experiencing.
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My new bike is amazing. I loved my old Cannondale Synapse. But this Synapse is like driving a sports car instead of a sedan. It is so responsive and agile. The gear shifting is very crisp between gears. Amazing bike.
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Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement.
@Roberto - I know what you are saying, I agree to a point. Yet, as a beginner, the numbers help me to strive and get better at bicycling. They can be a great motivator for the novices like me out there.
@Karen, thanks. I was trying to point out that we can all easily become number obsessed and forget the passion for cycling that is the heart of the matter.
CONGRATULATIONS Jerry, It's good to see you are back on the bike. Relax and enjoy your rides, take it easy and rebuild your strength. GO JERRY, GO!!!!!
@Roberto - We know you will do that ride when you are ready, some day soon. I hope it wasn't the thought of eating a cheesesteak (I forgot for a minute you were vegetarian), but you know Philly and cheesesteaks are known to go together. :) I am disappointed in my numbers this month, but I am trying to take a little breather to go all out in September, when my son is back in school and the weather is cooler, but not too cold to slow me down.
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Felt like I was a visitor from Mars the way my coworkers looked at me in my cycling clothing as we left the library together. I was not sure how to get my bicycle out of the basement without setting off alarms, so I had to parade myself in front of the whole crew to talk to the custodian. ( I was hoping to sneak out of the building.) They all thought that 6.7 miles was a long way to go home. One friend offered to put my bike in the back of his van and take me home. Nice offer, but I think he was missing the whole point. I logistical nightmare, but a great sense of accomplishment riding to work. I respect anyone who goes through the extra effort on a daily basis to commute to work.
@Jerry, about time. LOL Congrats
Here is a jperson who is really serious about riding a bicycle.
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http://tinyurl.com/mfpq583
@Tammie, trust me I know. Today I "only" rode 42 miles. I came home feeling defeated. I had planned a much longer ride, but when I got up this morning, I knew I wasn't up for the distance, 90 miles. So I changed my plans. Remember, I'm riding solo, so I didn't have to worry about anyone else's plans. Had a great ride. Still, felt defeated as I said. Then I gave myself a reality check. I've ridden 7836 miles this year so far. 42 miles is a decent ride. Pushing for numbers can spoil the fun. Yes, I wanted to get back in the top 100 after a vacation in June. Now I'm in the 70's, but that's not what makes me go. It's my own goals that I set, and today I didn't cut it. So BFD. There's tomorrow, the next day (I hope), and so on. Where we end up on the Board is irrelevant. How much fun we have getting there is EVERYTHING. So have fun with the numbers, but keep your great attitude about cycling too. I have to remind myself about this ALL THE TIME.
oh, and I am definitely NOT 'growing'.. I have lost 3 more pounds!
Grown? I have gotten competetive with what? A bunch of numbers! May I just wanted to be in the top 2000 nationally and worked my newbie tail off to barely stay in that number. Then came July and top 2000 was no longer enough. That top 1000 was staring at me so I tried harder and daily managed to squeek up into those numbers. NOW I am just pushing to see what I can do. At the moment 710 but when you get into these numbers, as each of you know, everyone is riding all the time and it is just plain competetive! Pedal on and have fun! At least I have my state of Texas where I am #20 at the moment WOO HOO LOL
I wish that I could have seen the bikeyface that Jerry had during his 3 miles, Don't you?
I am amazed at how people are growing through riding a bicycle.
Way to go, @Christine!
Yea Jerry!!! I am so execited for you. I knew that bike would be broken in sooner than later. Let the real healing begin. The spirit will be free. I know it felt odd and wonderful at the same time. Christine, just one of many I am sure. like the potato chips, no one can ride just one. Once you know you can do it, you just keep trying for more. LOL It's part of the addiction.
Christine@ - Congratulations! Another way of thinking of it is that it was your first Metric 2/5ths or 4/10ths of a Century. (43.55KM) And tomorrow could be your first multi-state day.
@Jerry, **beautiful**!! May you ride long and well, and never, ever have a crash with that bike!
WHAT A RIDE! My first ever 1/4 century (tee hee). 27.06 miles in 2 hours 43 minutes. Fastest mile 4:46, slowest 7:21. That was great fun. I will definitely be doing that again. Tomorrow, I'm going to try the southern route and see if I can get to Zion and back. I've got *rocks* under this flab!
WOO HOO, Rocky Mountain High Jerry!!!
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@ Shawn some friends talked us into heading over to your neck of the woods for some riding today. Schoolhouse and some other trails and some on the roads when we wandered off in the opposite direction from the one we intended to go. Had a blast and some Peel's pizza in Edwardsville to top it off. My kind of rolling!!
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!!
@ Burklee, work versus riding, HMMMM. Well congrats on making Platinum!!! RIDE ON!!
About 23 miles rode by road bike! Didn't get rained on today! Yay! In fact, my cycling tan probably got a bit darker =)
@Jerry - I'll bet I know the reason why the wasp stung you during its century ride. Since it was a paper wasp, it was just so mad at having to wear a tyvek bib number the first 99 miles. Don't worry, it wasn't mad at you.
I just go out into the yard. I grew up here and looking up to see a rocket going up was just part of life. I even remember one of the first night launches that succeeded when I was about 6. The other thing I won't forget was the Apollo launch vehicle sound and vibration. In the summer of 1969 you could see a skyscraper go into space.
@J Hugh, you sound like a Space Shuttle fan! Ever been to any launches? I got one in, May 1997 (STS-84), on the causeway at the Cape, 4:07 a.m. Launch. Coolest. Experience. Ever!
Congrats to newly platinum souls, and all those reaching personal goals (-;
Jerry; WHEEEEEE! First ride return to Pedal turning Nirvava....congratulations and Welcome back to the road! Enjoy the Rides!
and we have lift off. Go Jerry Go! The bicycle has cleared the driveway!
Awwwriiiight @Jerry!!!!!! Felt soooooo good, I bet!
Talking about hitting bugs. I have had a few bugs collide with me. Eaten a few bugs that flew into my mouth. Yuck. And last year I had two separate occasions when a wasp hit me in the neck and than had the audacity to sting me after colliding with me. One was on a century ride. With only one mile to finish. At least it was at the end of the ride instead of at the beginning of the ride.
@Tammie. Great ride. Keep it up and enjoy those rides.
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J.Hugh. Congratulations on your 6000 points.
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@Nyla.& Michael. So sorry for your losses. It is so hard to lose a child. We never stop loving them after they are gone.
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@Burklee. Platinum. Fantastic. I will never catch up to you now.
I am so high right now. For the first time in my life.
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http://tinyurl.com/k3d6sek
WAY TO GO Tammie!!! You've got the fever, keep the pedals turning and you will have diamond without any problems :-)
Well, I finally did it.. I forced myself to stay awake when I got off work today and I went out riding! It was a perfect morning with lots of clouds except for the 17 to 25mph winds. I did the first 6 miles directly into the wind so I would have a fun ride back... wheee! That 6 miles back went really, really FAST.. about 21mph fast and I was barely doing any work. I was more like resting from the work it took to get out there. Then I rode around for a while for a total of 20 miles until the sun came out... time for this vampire to now get some sleep. I am still working on that diamond. I keep this up I won't need 14 miles every day to get there.
passed 6000 points. 51 days left to ride. congratulations to all those who have persevered to attain their goals in riding.
Congratulations, Burklee! Now on to Diamond!
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I've got a great day planned. Praying all goes well. Stay tuned for when I get home.
Kudos to those hitting their personal milestones! I just finished a quick 10 on the local canal trail. Tons more bikes today than last week. @Karen Jean, this ride was for you!
Everyone must be out riding this morning, and here I am stuck at work. I was 15 minutes early since I , gasp, rode my bike to work for the first time. Apart from the sweaty wet hair, which I combed and put up, all went pretty well, since I gave myself extra time. I took a "shortcut" through the Parkway though and overshot the library, had to walk (sigh, yes wallk) up a Pittsbugh like hill to come in the back way to work. And now I get to spend my day helping our fine youth locate "Captian Underpants" and "Dork Diaries." Have a great day everyone! Think of me while you are out there and ride an extra mile.
http://www.newstatesman.com/science/2013/08/we-still-don%E2%80%99t-really-know-how-bicycles-work
oK marty, time to solve this puzzle.
Welcome, Robert Wayne Busby....had to Google "Sun Trike"....the name elicits smiles and conjures sunlit imagery. Thanks for sharing a bit of your early morning view (-: EnJOY the Ride!
Sweet ride, Jerry. My lights finally showed up today. Now I can beat the heat and ride after work.
Congrats Burklee! I really wanted to take a few hours off and ride more today. I am having so much trouble with the heat it is I insane so when clouds moved in I got going and managed a total of 15 miles before I had to head to work. I was still 30 minutes late but it was worth it! I rode 4 miles earlier in the day and gave up because the heat coming off the asphalt was killing me. I could hardly breathe. Barely made it to my parents house made it inside changed and literally fell into the pool! I usually make the ride to my parents at least 8 to 10 miles. Jerry, can you really let that bike sit there without at least a little test ride? That is worse than having presents under a Christmas Tree! Congratulations and condolences all at once! LOL
WOO HOO Burklee!
@Nyla.& Michael - so sorry for your losses. Hits to you both.
@Laurie - Yea for you both!
PLATINUM!! I had to take the day off to get it. Rotten trade, I know... Bike ride instead of work. 38 great miles down the Jamaica North & Homestead trails, then a ride around the neighborhood to get up to 42 miles. Platinum, baby!
Good comments all over the place today... whew it was hard catching up. I feel so blessed to be part of this community!
But, Brad! What do you do when 4 other people pole climb their bikes after you do??
@J. Hugh, I'd pay to use those!! That is really neat!
@EM, I had one fly directly into my third eye a while ago. Talk about pain and watering! The bug got the worst of it, though. I'm still alive....
Four more days to go.
I want to ride my bike.
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http://tinyurl.com/lpxuk62
@Robert - Sounds like a great way to start the day!
I ride a sun trike daily or just about every day for 2 to 3 hours depending on my energy. Most of my trike rides start between 6 AM and 7 AM and end any where from 9 AM to 11 AM depending on my energy levels and the weather...smiles
Jerry: HURRAH ! 4 more days as of tomorrow ?
@Roberto... I am planning to ride the SRT tomorrow morning as well, am doing a RT from VF to Philly in the morning. Perhaps we'll cross paths...
@Jerry - Yess!!! - No, I have not been drinking. Enjoy! Leaving you all in peace.
@ Yes!!!
I now own a bicycle.
@Cyclo Roberto You won't stop, I mean, you seemed to say that if you put your foot down it doesn't count. Go non stop. You the man, Dog.
@Roberto - Jeez almighty, please forgive the typos, just came back from a very buggy ride. Two bugs flew into my eyes. They were something awful after the thunderstorm. They were all over my arms as well. A few must have made it to my brain, perhaps they can help fix things in there.
@Michael, all trail
@Roberto - Don't forget to get of your bike and enjoy something in Philadelphia before you go home. A cheese steak maybe? ;) Have fun, even if all you each are cliff bars, turn around and come right home again. The joy is in the journey, especially for Roberto.
@J.Hugh - But, my bicycle, "Lizzie", is scared of heights" ;)
@Roberto, how much of that ride is road vs. trail? You should be able to do that one with your eyes closed.
@Brad W I would get one of those if I lived in the city. German engineering.
@Carl D No we were talking about when your not riding it.
@Cyclo Roberto To far to get to the start for me, but I'm sure others might like to go with you.
Love the bicycle lift Hugh. Here is another smaller scale variation of the same principle: http://www.youtube.com/watch
J.Hugh, I flip mine over .. lol
Half of that ride looks familiar, Roberto. I haven't had it in me to get past Oaks coming from the city. One day I can get out real early though, I may try for it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
Bike parking and theft protection, wow.
anybody like cat ears when they ride?
Why does a bicycle need a kick stand or must be leaned against something?
because they can't always be hanging in the garage
Or its not cool to add that much weight to a carbon bicycle
or someone's butt hurts and is resting it
or they are not Roberto and take breaks on rides
or if you lay your bicycle in the grass the ants will get it
or?
Hi all, on my ride this morning I got smacked in the face, right below my lip by a bug. Luckily I didn't eat him. But OUCH, man that hurt. I applied Benadryl (stick itch relief) but I don't think I got stung. My other adventure today was changing a flat. This one appeared overnight at home. Good thing too, because it turned out that bike didn't have the tire irons. Thanks to all the good advice I learned here, I checked the tire carefully and sure enough I found a piece of metal inside that caused the flat. Its all happily been cured.
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@ Marty, all these bikes seem to have that too tired problem. How do we get all those miles out of them?
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@J Hugh - The answer to the second part is because its two tired to stand by itself.
@Nyla - Amen, Sister!
Of course Michael is right; No one is unscathed. We exist in a universe of contrast and dimension: light and shadow; peak and valley; grief and joy. Each heart carries wounds and scars...everybody bleeds. We are likely to be more gentle with one another, remembering that. We choose to move forward, honoring those lost by using the gifts we have and living with awareness, passion, love and laughter. We put one foot in front of the other, and here...we keep the pedals turning (-: Breathe In, Look around, share and celebrate life...Roll On!
Why does a bicycle need a kick stand or must be leaned against something?
@ Robert, welcome, glad you can join us!
@ Roberto, going around the second time? How fun!
Gold today!
Just saw this site after reading an e-mail on tracking bike or in my case trike miles and am adding my miles...keep a journal like most folks do...smiles
Thanks all for your kind thoughts. What a group! To maintain perspective, lets remember that each and every one of us here has suffered in some way, at some point, and yet we're here celebrating that one commonality that brings us together: Our love of cycling. To quote a famous song, "Get on your bikes and ride!"
Certainly for a parent, the death of a child is no less than a holocaust.
@Luarie - So happy for you!
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I will be thinking of you also Nyla and Michael when I ride this evening. Is not each day a gift to cherish and not to waste fretting away? And, each small triumph worth a fortune.
@Nyla & @Michael - You have suffered and continue to suffer more than any parent should.
Laurie, I am proud of your son also. What a wonderful day for both you and him. I know it is just the first of many wonderful and exciting miles for the entire family ... together!
Thank you, @J. Hugh, for saying exactly what's been on my mind lately. My words have failed me, buy (that's for you, @Marty) your words are perfect! MWAH!
@EM - I was not but that would of been pretty cool! I love severe weather haha, so look for me to chase a storm by road bike eventually >_<
@ Shawn, you aren't that far away from me. Were you on the Trailnet ride when we had to walk our bikes through some flooding? We have new flooding here in Missouri too, but not where I live (just west of 270).
so my computer screen keeps getting all blurry from these posts. I can now say that sometimes I laugh until I cry and sometimes I just go all weepy at the beautiful hearts and souls that I have the pleasure to enjoy the ride with. Thanks for sharing yourselves, all of you in your own special ways.
A quick 18.89 miles of road biking in, the flooding rains hit me as I got back to town! Barely made it I'd say!
@ Michael & Nyla, what beautiful memorials. Peace!
Thankyou Michael, Marty and EM. Merynda is with her brother, Joren Kye, stillborn October 20, 1995, and their sibling ,who should have been my May baby, miscarried October 1996.....each forever cherished, absent parts of my heart. Michael, my condolences to you also...Thankyou for sharing a brief touch of your namesake son. . One of the very few lifelines amid devastation was connecting with others who understood. Didn't mean to take up so much comment space on such a topic, but it all underscores how blessed we are to wake up amid a world of possibities, with the opportunity to share our enthusiasms, interests and sense of wonder with those we love. Carpe Diem! May you ride with awareness and gratitude.
@Nyla: My condolences, I know time doesn't completely heal wounds like that. Five months after your daughter was born, we lost our little Michael to a previously undetected metabolic disorder. We were blessed to have had him for 2-1/2 days. Tonight when I talk to him I'll ask him to look Merynda up in the Heavenly directory.
@Nyla - Sorry for your loss. I'm sure you wish to this day that you had even a few days, if not years, to experience Merynda Ryane and all she would have brought to your life.
@ Nyla, what a great way to memorialize and celebrate at the same time. You will feel the joy with every pedal stroke.
Riding today in honor of my daughter , Merynda Ryane, stillborn October 4, 1997. She had Down Syndrome. Riding also in celebration of Laurie and her son, an expanded sense of possibilities, and his very essence of a JOY Ride.
@ Jerry, done. Happy you are riding with friends. Take it easy out there!
Thank you everyone for the help in raising my support for the Tour de Cure. I am looking forward to riding again. And I am so greatfull that I will be able to ride in this years ride. I don't think I would have done as weill in my recovery without everyone's support and encouragement here on the forum.
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I have three people to ride wtih in this years Tour de Cure. I am riding with a young lady I became friends with last year on a training ride for the Cure I was helping to lead. She got married just before last years ride. She, her husband, and her husband's mother are joining me. It will be nice to have some friends riding with me for the entire ride. And they will force me to keep my pace down and not over do it. I will be doing the 50k ride with them.
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Specail thanks to Christine, Karen, Tammie, Nyla, B.J., and Michael.
@ Laurie, awesome, you deserve to be proud! Happy dance, or make that happy ride. Congrats!
Yay Laurie. I'm so happy for you both.
Laurie; also a perfect illustration of a fundamental element of this challenge: it is the determination and satisfaction of the "doing" which matters more than the distance. your son's two miles would match any century.
@Laurie, so COOL! Way to go Mom and Son! Now, can he teach my 14 year old daughter how to ride?
@Jerry - Done!
@Laurie, I've got tears in my eyes! God bless you and your sons!! Doing the dance of joy for you!
Laurie, that is so wonderful! Please send me an email at [email protected] if you'd like to share your story on a Challenge profile!
@Laurie - That is just fantastic! Congratulations to you and your son!
Those few miles are worth more than all of the miles that any of us have ridden.
@Laurie, great story. Congratulations!
Laurie; That is surely a celebrational moment to add to the "Share your Story" link. What a perfect example of the opportunity to support, encourage and inspire cycling. Cheers to you for passing along your own enthusiasm, and Cheers to your son for spirit and persistence! Thanks for starting my day with a smile and a nudge to "Get up and Ride! (-:
@Lauri. That is great. I hope your son has many great rides on his bike. You deserve to be pround of your son.
Had to share this quick -- I have a 19 year old son with Down Syndrome. A few times, we've attempted to teach him to ride a bike, but he always got too scared. For a couple of years, he had an old adult trike, but we finally junked it last year. This year, with mom riding so much, he got bike fever again. A neighbor of my mom's sells refurbished bikes, so a few weeks ago we bought one. He's been trying so hard to figure it out, and yesterday he and my older son rode their bikes to the park a mile or 2 away. I AM A PROUD MAMA TODAY!!!!!
My brain was well done yesterday. I am hoping I can convince myself to get on the bike instead of in the bed when I get home in a little while. Just waiting for my relief to arrive. It is a 20 mile drive and I get very sleepy during that highway drive.
@Tammie - If I only had a brain - Good job!
@Tammie - God job! Glad we didn't move to Texas when we had the chance. Just kidding.
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Got my Road ID activated a few minutes ago. Ready to roll!
Jerry- done. Hope you reach your goal and beyond. You have been an inspiration to many of us Here. Today was one of my worst thanks to the heat. It was 102 and I could not make it 10 miles of our weekly EASY group city ride without having a pitcher of water dumped on me! Ah did that feel like heaven. I was laying on Jeff's front sidewalk where we went to get water. Did he give it to me! One person dropped out after 4 miles so it wasn't just me. Lucky we were near his house. I was like a kid in the back seat of the car, "are we there yet" just wanting to be done. Once we had reached the restaurant, eaten,and temps cooled to a nice 98 it was much easier to ride. LOL
I used to live in Europe and the fuel tax is severe but other taxes are lower. Cost of living remained the same for me. I don't buy a car now based on fuel economy at all. I ride a bike because I grew up on it and I like to ride. Buying a SUV with a 16 MPG rating doesn't phase me.
@JHugh - I'm sure we'd have many more cyclists in the US if we were paying $10.61 per gallon.
This is for all you Cannondale die hards and bike enthusiasts!!!!! (I am a Cannondale loyal person).
@Joe - I thought you would think I would copy that phrase, sp I went for a different one, and at the last second, switched back to the one I thought you would think I would take, just to be sneaky.
@Marty~
Just what line I thought you'd grab!!!! Hee Hee
@jim Johnson with the price of fuel many younger folks are just not buying or using cars. Some car share. I paris it is sometimes hard to get a bike share public bike to use. My daughter lives in NZ where fuel is $2.80 per liter.
@Joe - Oh, piezoresistive force sensors - why didn't I think of that?
Here's one for all you super geeks.... aka Marty!! ;) J/K
I should also add the rich, or without children types!! Lol
http://gearjunkie.com/garmin-vector-pedal
Pedal On!!
Peace
Interesting article in the International version of Der Spiegel today on the problems being caused by the increase in bicycle usage in Europe.
@ David, what a bummer. Glad you made it to work in spite of all the trouble. You are certainly due for a bunch of good luck now!
@ Christine & Burklee, YOU GO GIRLS. GLAD YOU WILL HIT PLATINUM!
@Jerry, I have a feeling you won't have much trouble reaching your goal. Good Luck!
@Roberto. That's great.
Gold tomorrow!!!
@Jerry - Done!
hate to ask for your help on this forum. But I did not know if I would be able to ride in this years Tour de Cure for diabetes on Aug 17th so I have not been trying to raise support. Now that I know I will be able to ride I need to raise my support. If anyone is willing to help me I would greatly appreciatie the help.
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http://tinyurl.com/mtqbq4z
@Christine~
Now that's apples and oranges, moose to deer.
I'll take a deer anytime any day!!!
I'll take neither on a motorbike, and I don't wish either on anyone.
We just had a fatality (within the last week), south of town involving a deer and motorbike, not good, not good at all!!
Hitting a moose is totally different, and much more dangerous.
A moose and a motorbike..... Ah I don't like the motorbikers odds there.
Sorry about you cuz.
I've come upon moose/car accidents before, twice to be exact, and it wasn't pretty, for moose or driver!!
Moose are taller and when hit with a car, the whole of the moose body goes right through the windshield, not good!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I dunno, Joe. My cousin was killed on a motorcycle when a moose ran in the road in front of him. Either way, there will be injuries, eh?
Head on into a moose's torso at any speed faster than a slow walk is bad news.
@Jerry~
Hands down take the deer over a vehicle any day!!!
I love this vid!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Michael - The Giro cap I bought about 3 weeks ago is made of an open mesh, and doesn't interfere much with ventilation. It's similar to a Headsweats cap I have, except the bill on the Giro is smaller and not as stiff. It works better with my helmet than the Headsweats. Your experience may be different. Still, the best cap I have for sun is my freebie Cliff 2-mile Challenge cap (by Walz), but it's cotton twill, black, and does get hot in the summer sun.
Why you should always ride on the road.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch
After watching "Royal Pains" recently, I think helmets at spinning class should be required!
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The hubster is gone for 4 days to visit his mom (poor guy). I'm gonna ride my arse off this weekend! (If only I could actually do that! ;-D)
LOL! I understand where you're coming from Karen Jean, but don't wish your son's life away. It's too soon that they're grown and out of the house and you're missing the tykes they used to be!
@Christine - The weather looks like it's gonna be beautiful here for a nice Platinum ride on Saturday. I expect you'll be along to Platinum shortly. :)
I looked at the CyclingSavvy video, and I am convinced to get out of the right tire track when I do have to ride in the street. Thanks Jerry.
And, filed under "You Never Can Be Too Careful", on Reddit I saw a picture of a woman riding a stationary bike at the gym... while wearing her bike helmet. Caution, indeed.
My poor, beautiful son. I'm starting to wish him back at school so that I can do longer rides in the country.
@Jerry,
Thanks for the "Lane Control Videos". Excellent information, now I don't feel so bad about riding down the middle of the road at night (I do it mainly to avoid critters coming out of the grass/weeds alongside the road). I still tend to slide over to the right as a car approaches, might need to change that practice. Appreciate all the information you have been giving us since your accident - you may have saved a number of cyclists from injury/death because of your thoughtfulness in posting information. Only 6 more days, looking forward to seeing you back on the bike.
@ Burklee and Christine -- you'll both get platinum before you know it! Congrats in advance :)
@Christine and Burklee - Ride on and on and on ladies! Almost there.
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I am beginning to understand about lane control, but my friends who don't ride are going to hate me. I will have to try and convince them; a live friend is better than a dead one. Seeing is believing, thank you gentlemen.
Aw, Burklee, you're going to beat me there for sure! I still have 243 to go! If I just rode a mile a day, it would take me 11.5 days to get there. It should take you less than 3! Ride on!
Wow, David, not a happy morning for you! I hope the rest of your day goes in exactly the opposite direction! May there be clouds under your feet all day.
Couch Potato to Savvy Cyclist in 4.0 Months
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http://tinyurl.com/796dmdx
@Tim - Calvin and Hobbes, the Best Comic Strip Ever! Love it!
62 points to Platinum!
Jerry, here's another lane control video which shows the same vehicle passing two cyclists about twenty seconds apart. One is an edge riding cyclist that experiences a very close pass and the other is a lane controlling cyclist who experiences nothing but a pleasant ride home.
Obviously, it's not as well made Keri's. She has a wealth of information available, both at cyclingsavvy.org and commuteorlando.org.
http://vimeo.com/62475272
@Dave - Rough commute!! Sorry to hear that, guy.
Lane Control Video.
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http://vimeo.com/17300276
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FAQ: Why do you ride like that?
Joining the Jerry B countdown: 6 more days!
@ David~ been there, done that!!
It can only get better!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
law of the universe seems to be the hurrying does not make you go faster and can keep you from going farther.
@Dave....Buy a lottery ticket, after a day like that you luck has to change!!! :-)
@ David, sounds like Murphy's law was working overtime for you. Hope today's commute goes much much better!!
Soooo close. Only 7 points from Platinum. I tried, but it was just too dark, and I had no headlights. But I did set my new PB for mile in a day: 114. Did it over 4 rides. Last one of the day was 61mi. Was only going to be 25...but I was feeling good and having too much fun to stop. I even beat my best week ever form 15 years ago by one mile: I'm at 376 so far. And I did it in six days, so I can build on that tomorrow.
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And J. Hugh, here's a number for you: 40+. That's what I need to hit Diamond. 46.425925 to be exact. That's a tall order for me. This past week of riding is definitely NOT typical for me.
@David - I would have been frantic, too. Sometimes, the best plans...
Those days when the commuter gods frown on you. Sorry, but its rantish. Please learn from my mistakes.
Ive been pushing my normal commute rout to get more miles on the bike and less on the train. Today was supposed to be my longest yet buy biking to the next town over, to catch the train, then getting off the train 25 miles from work and enjoying the day. Instead i had a puncture (brand new, puncture resistant Continental tire) about 1/2 mile from the next town and had to run the rest of the way with my 20# bag and the old trusty fixed gear. Made it with a minute to spare. I rushed the repair a bit (BIG MISTAKE). Patched the tube, found nothing in the tire and put her back together, snapping a leaver in that last little bit, but just in time to get off at the planned stop. I entered the ultra high priced bike shop to ask if i could use a pump to get the high pressure needed for this tire (yes I can, but outside please. I'm in commute gear, sweaty, and filthy at this point.) I now discover that i pinched the tube and flatted again. Bought new tube and leavers, and repeated my first mistake "cause the clock is ticking on weather or not i can make it to work on time and get my ride. I pinched the new tube as well. : ( !!!! I bought another tube and headed back to the train station with tail well between legs. third times the charm, Got to work just a bit late and covered in grease. Just 10 hours on my feet in a hot kitchen and back on the bike for a lovely ride back to the train. Only one construction truck, one landscaping truck and one pedestrian tried to take me out today, so all and all, not a bad commute, and i got 15 out of the 40 miles i hoped for.
@J Hugh - Speaking of shazbot, I'll bet that Shabazz Muhammed said that when he got kicked out of the NBA Rookie Transition Program this week.
Christine@ - I live so close, and I've never been there. As king, I will have to make an appearance on Jerry day. I'll be the one not in a grass green skirt. (Or in any other color skirt, for that matter.)
@Tammie. A day from riding. Horrors!!!!!!!!
@Laurie - The anti-social one never show up to a party, but the shy one usually does, along with all the rest. The best thing is that we all can get drunk on less than a 6 pack. Then, when I'm getting ready to hit the hay, the anti-social one shows up, and starts harassing me... It takes all kinds.
I experienced something today I was completely unfamiliar with.. I felt something on the back of my neck. Had no idea what it was, reached back there. It was WET! I had sweat dripping down the back of my neck! It usually dries before that can happen but the humidity was up around my house after the SINGLE CLOUD IN TOWN ACTUALLY RAINED ON ME today. LOL I had just come in after struggling 4 miles against 37mph wind gusts to get home and was very tired. I even wimped out on the group ride because I did not want to go back out into that wind. I waited until it settled down and did some riding around my area instead for a total of 19 miles for the day. I finally have done enough extra miles that I have my needed daily miles down from 15 to 14 to reach diamond by the end of the Challenge. As much as I love riding, I honestly am looking forward to taking a day off on October 1.... unless there is a fun group ride... I'll be there!
@Michael, try a Headsweats cap, designed to allow airflow. I love mine.
This looks like fun.
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http://tinyurl.com/kmn9sbn
@ Cynthia, have fun riding in the DC area. If your bike gives you trouble, you can just go into the city. DC has a big bike share program. That might even be a way to get someone to ride with you. In any case have fun with your grandson!
@ Michael, I tried the Halo headband, which I liked pretty well. But then I switched to the "headsweats" cap which I like even better. I don't get overheated and I don't get sunburned.
I had not looked at the leaderboard for a some time. Still discouraging.
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National: 5586.
Colorado: 255
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I plan on fixing those figures next week. I hope.
@Roberto, I've worn a cap in the past but it blocks airflow through the vents. I end up overheating rather quickly even on my short commute.
A while back I mentioned that I took off six days in June to travel with my son, and plummeted off the top 100 on the Leaderboard. I'm happy to report that as of tonight, I'm back in the top 70's...80's for sure.
Rolling on...
@Michael, get a cap.
@Michael, they make a visor. I'm thinking about getting one, though I wish it had a "French Foreign Legion" flap in the back to keep the sun off my neck, too.
going through the same thing In Fl Tammie....hot and steamy
I could use the front of that 'sombrero' to keep the rain off of my glasses!
That 'sombrero' visor might get some laughs but we frequently talk about inventing a portable shade for our bikes around here. A few days ago I realized I was actually appreciating the teeny bit of shade provided by the electrical lines! Shade is so rare here ANYTHING is appreciated.The recent drought has made it so much worse.. many trees have been lost. It is cooler today.. only 93 but windy. I have only ridden 8 miles so far, half directly into the 37mph wind and it wore me out trying to get home. I am waiting for it to calm down to get some more miles in for the day. Congrats on that spirit award Jerry, you definitely have earned it.
@ Marty, sounds like you can have a party without even inviting anyone else.... hehehe
You're all coming to the Bristol Ren Faire to give Jerry his Spirit(s) Award??? Way cool! I'll be the one in the "grass green skirt"!
@Laurie - Not for me. I'll just listen to all of the different voices in my head.
This winter is going to be long and boring without the message boards to keep up with :(
@Cycling Roberto- I love "racing". Like you I single out younger guys to drop. But unlike you I make my moves on flat or downhill terrain where my recumbent has an advantage. I am slower than a slug going up hill!
@J Hugh - I will have my scribes compose a proclamation worthy of Jerry's many accomplishments for the good of the people of the NBC, and have couriers disseminate the news throughout the land in time for the August 14th Celebration, complete with court jesters, minstrels, and dancers - Invited guests will be in his driveway, and front and back yard. For the peasants, there will still be much revelry at Everly Montgomery Stadium, into the wee hours of the morning.
BTW, don't forget we have the world famous Trexlertown Velodrome in this area, so many of the cyclists out for a "spin" are actually pros in training. Respect.
@Roberto - Liked your story!
So does anyone else enjoy "racing"
other cyclists on the road? On today's ride, I was cruising along at a nice leisurely pace. I heard this guy call out, "On your left," so I turned, smiled and watched a guy about a decade younger than me and a younger still guy who appeared to be a son perhaps? At any rate we were going up a very gradual incline that has a little kicker at the end of a 1 mile run. I sat about 20 or so feet off the back wheel of the younger guy, and I'm pretty sure the older guy didn't realize I was there. Just as we approached the little kicker, I decided to pass them and see if they were going to try and keep up with me. Just a bit of a game I play. So as I cruise by, the guy mentioned, "I hate this hill." So I took the pace up to about 25 MPH to see if the two of them were going to hang. After all, they did pass me! They receded into the background, and I somehow felt like I had won the sprint on the Champs-Élysées. Silly stuff, but all in good fun. And trust me the shoe has been on the other foot, when my lungs are coming out my nose trying to pass somebody who has just passed and dropped me. Keeps it interesting.
@Jerry - The brim hat wouldn't give me any more laughs than I already get from wearing a baseball cap under my helmet. I should actually look into it. I had two biopsies done a few years ago, testing for cancer, and I am constantly worried about my nose. So far so good, I still look like I used to, unless you do a closeup photo shoot, so for some people this would be helpful. Thanks!
I hereby request that Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin issue a royal proclamation honoring Jerry B for his 2013 NBC Spirit award.
Hi all, out for a ride this morning with temps in the 70s and some sprinkling going on. A few other riders out there. Thought I had to get my ride going because it was supposed to rain this afternoon. Now we have clear blue skies and temps. in the 80s. Just goes to show you can never trust the weather forecast. But at least it forced me to get on with the day and all that other junk I need to do.
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@ Marty, I think Fat Tire beer is made in Colorado, so I think that would the be the appropriate choice.
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@ Jerry, that ride doesn't look so bad on paper, you just go up and you go down again. We've got plenty of hills around here and it makes me think: hmm, maybe I could do that Ride the Rockies thing. But my bucket list of rides just keeps getting longer so if I make half of them I'll be doing good. BTW, the sombrero is pretty funny, but it makes sense! Can't wait to see your sculpture.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Jerry - Actually, Jay's been looking for something like that. I sent her the link. Thanks!
@Jerry~
I saw a couple on a cool tandem wearing these this past Saturday. Pretty darn cool, and I did giggle a bit after they left!! Lol
Bet they work well!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
One of my favorite rides last year was from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO when I raced the train Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad from Chama. I beat the train in by two hours. Actually only one hour as they take an hour break for lunch It was a nice ride all the way from mountains to high desert plains.
It was fun to race the train up the mountain and watch it from varous points during the climb. The scenery along the route is beautiful. Riding in the canyons and among the trees, along the river, and lakes. And then to watch everything change as I descended into the high desert country. From trees to sagebrush. One of my most enjoyable rides.
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http://ridewithgps.com/trips/709047
And here I was going to come home and whine about another day on the stationary bike. And the spinner bike I added today. And now I can't do that.
@Laurie, guess the bad driving behavior is finally make it's way to your neck of the woods.
40 rainy, chilly miles on the road. Couple rude drivers (one of whom I did confront, only to see them peel out from the light), but nothing out of the ordinary.
Here here for Jerry! Wahoo! Congratulations!
Bike Helmet Sombrero Combo Gets Laughs, Blocks Killer Sun.
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http://tinyurl.com/mp4ss9k
Thanke everyone for the support. Without the support I have had from everyone here it would have been an even longer and harder time recovering.
The NBC Spirit Award - what an awesome idea! Jerry, your positive attitude has been an inspiration for all of us here at the Challenge!
I move that the nominations be closed and without objection, the 2013 NBC Spirit Award go to Jerry B for his great attitude and his many great, nearly great and ok contributions to the life of the NBC. I do think he needs to post picture of the bike art sculpture in his garden since he has the resources to do the project and it would be great therapy, until he is unleashed again on mountain roads. Bon ton roule
Definitely deserved! Which spirit should we award him, Whiskey? Vodka?
I second that nomination!
I hereby nominate Jerry B for the 2013 NBC spirit award! Congrats on the new bike. We're all looking forward to you riding again!!
@Jerry B,
While I appreciate the invitations to come out and ride with you in the mountains I'm afraid it would be a VERY short ride. I have enough trouble riding the flat lands of Florida, give me a 2% grade and my speed drops to almost a standstill :-)
Laurie, when I encounter that, I do confront. My favorite question to ask a driver is "Do you want to sit across a courtroom from my mother and explain to her why her son is dead and you are responsible?"
Tammie, you're doing an awesome job for a new rider. You'll only get stronger. And almost all of my longer rides have been extnsions of planned rides. Just don't want to stop.Last night was no exception. Set out for 20-25, and went 45. Just started hitting my stride at about 40, and the sun set. I have lights on the way, so I had to stop. Felt like I could have got another 20. I've really been pushing myself the last two days. Entered a challenge to do 500km in 5 days. Fool that I am, I decided to try to wrap it up in three. Got 200 mi for two days. I. Am. Worked. right now. Need 111 to finish. If I get half today I'll be happy.
Looking forward to seeing you log milkes again, Jerry. The more I have to try and keep up with, the better.
You all just reminded me of ..... A couple of years ago, I was in a month-long fitness challenge at the Y. A few days before the end, I needed to have some outpatient surgery. The following day I was back at the Y finishing my points for the challenge. Came out of the locker room and ran into the surgeon who the day before had given me strict instructions for my recovery time. But all she said was that as long as I didn't strain my stitches or get into the pool or hot tub, I had her blessing.
@Laurie - It is amazing what some people will do for a second or two advantage, or in this case, a perceived advantage.
Jerry, your my new doctor. When I had surgery 8 years ago, my doc was adaant I stay off the bike for four weeks. I complied. He aslo told me walk only around the house for the first week. Then I could do some longer walks around the neighborhood. Again, I complied. But when I went for my first outside walk, I went to Sleeping Giant. A very popular hiking trail here. 900 feet ascent in 3/4 mile. He freaked when I told him what I did and read me the riot act. I told him, it was just a "walk". He was not amused. But I sure was!
This morning I biked to a dentist appointment, then to Walmart. Coming out of the Walmart parking lot into mall traffic, there was a stop sign just ahead so I stayed in the center of the lane to turn left. 15-20 feet before the stop sign, an SUV swerved into the oncoming lane to beat me to the stop sign, at which both of us turned left. 30 seconds later we were stopped side by side at a stoplight. I wanted so badly to ask the driver what she thought she'd gained by recklessly passing me.
Thank you to everyone for your insight/encouragement about riding after the accident. I'm recovering from a compression fracture of my L2 so I've been taking it slow so as not to overwork the area and prolong the recovery. I've been walking 25-30 miles per week with a friend for about a month or so to begin reteaching/strengthening the muscles in the area. I agree, 6 miles at a time "seems" low; however, he didn't say per week or per day. He said per ride. If I have more than 1 ride per day, so be it. ;-) Between his advice and listening to my body, I'll be back to my normal 250+ per week in no time.
@Christine, you were watching 'Perception'? Just a bit of irony there, don't you think?
@Marty, you put your fingers on the wrong keys and trust spell check!
Perfect day for riding. Overcast and 71 degrees.
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Whine.
@Teri Marty has a good idea. Ride six miles. Stop at a stop sign. Tell yourself, "I finished my ride. It was great." Then start a new ride.
He wasn't drinking (though he'd had a beer earlier {Schlitz has gone back to its 1960s formula and we love it!}) and he wasn't watching sports (we were watching Perception). But you're all right: he wasn't paying attention to me. He says he's too poor to pay attention.
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Jerry, my riding does not warrant that kind of bike, believe me. I'm having difficulty justifying the cost of a Public or an Electra Amsterdam for how I ride.
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Teri, I'm with those who are saying that's restrictive. I read it as "X miles per DAY", not per week! I'd look for a second opinion.
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@Cynthia, have fun in the DC area. I spent the worst three years of my life living "outside DC". That meant having all the cost of the DC area and none of the benefits. Feh.
Christine@ - How do you but a Public bike?
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@Teri - That's great that you'll finally be out. Since your doctor did say six miles per ride, then you can do several six mile rides per day, maybe adding up to Jerry's totals, without going against your doctor's wishes.
@terri lamour I was hit by a car and took two weeks off the bike. I returned slowly, but your Dr;s recommendations seem low. How much does your Doctor ride? If none, then that's like the Dr that wanted to put a pace maker in Leonard for having a resting night heart rate in the mid 30's. Its all individual but the standards of care are generally for a much more couch potato type person. Congrats on getting back to riding.
@Christne Abby Normal So, have you booked the flight?
@Chrisine. What sport was he watching on television when you told him this? Instead of going out to CA, just tell him you are going to the bike store to buy a high carbon fiber bike under the same circumstances you told him you were going to CA. And record it so you have a record of it. That will teach him not to listen to you.
@Christine, he wasn't hitting any of that small-batch bourbon at the time, was he?
@Teri. That seems pretty restrictive. You sure the doctor didn't mean 60 miles per ride for the first week, 100 miles per ride the second week, 150 miles per ride the third week? And then let you get down to serious riding after that.
Told my husband last night that I was going to fly out to SF, CA, and but a Public bike, then ride it home. He didn't even blink, just said, "That's great. Have fun!" Hmmmm....
@Teri - Yea for you! And for your ninja bunnies in the picture. :)
The doctor gave me the "green light" for riding yesterday!! Six miles per ride for the first week, ten miles per ride second week, fifteen miles per ride third week. If all is good with that, I'm free to ride without restriction :D
Now I can FINALLY help log these miles :-D
@Laurie. Hopefully. Seven more days of not riding. See the doctor next Wednesday and get more X-rays. Then come home and ride. I hope.
@ Jerry, 7 more days, right?
Thanks all for your well wishes and support!
@Jerry-will get a couple miles in for you. And I am sure the hills and "mountains" where I am going and the non hills where Leonard is in FL have nothing on the thin air and ginormous "real" mountains of Colorado. No doubt that can be somewhat intimidating if your not used to that climate and terrain.
@Roberto-would much much rather be out riding than at my desk working. Especially on what is a gorgeous day today.
Took a fun, enjoyable ride yesterday evening from one end of the city to the other. During the night some massive storms came through, and most of the area I biked in got hit hard. Power lines and trees down everywhere, extensive power outages, etc. Weird to think what a difference a few hours can make.
@Jim. Checklist was a good idea.
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Bronze. Check!
Silver., Check!
Gold. Check!
Bicycle Accident. Check!
Broken Bones (4). Check!
Ambulance Ride. Check!
Hospital Stay. Check!
Rehab Facility Stay. Check!
Arrive Home. Check!
Cry over Destroyed Bicycle. Check!
Get Support from NBC Riders. Check! Check! Check!
Do Physical Torture. Check!
Ride Stationary Bike. Boring. But I think I am still sane.
Order new Bike. Check!
Get fitted to new bike. Still waiting.
Ride new bike. Can hardly wait.
Platinum. Hopefully.
Diamond. Not this year.
@Cynthia. Have fun riding the hills. Last year I keep inviting Leonard to come ride with me in the mountains of Colorado. I assumed he would get bored riding all the flatland in Florida. But for some reason he would not come out here to ride our mountains.
Spend less time posting and more time riding.
@Cynthia. Have a great time with your grandson.
@Cynthia, here's wishing you safe travels (both auto and bike). Enjoy your time away.
@Karen, You're right, it is very nice riding at night but you definitely need a GOOD headlight. You MUST be able to see everything on and near the road. Case in point, last night I spotted a couple deer about 10 feet off the road, usually they run into the bushes but this pair decided to run across the road about 5 feet in front of me. If I hadn't seen them alongside the road I never would have been able to slow down enough to miss them when they ran across the road (I had slowed as soon as I saw them because I never know what they might do).
@ Cynthia - Just noticed you new post. Have a great time! Check out the new museums for me if you can. I have been wanting to visit the Native American Indian Museum - I think that's what they call it. Sounds like fun! Ride safe - isn't there a lot of traffic around DC?
@Leonard-that would have been very scary if they ran out in front of you being that close!
Night riding is awesome by the way.
@Karen, will be in the suburbs about 45 miles west. Hills hills and more hills! I am really hoping to get up very early before my grandson does and get in at least 10 miles if I can. Great training for my Bike MS event end of September. My son lives on a mountain ridge. There is only one way down and one way up.....the climb on both sides is about a mile long. And there are hills all around after that. I used to ride around those hills all the time, but, now I am a "flatlander". The only hill I have is the bridge over the waterway. And I got that down pat.
Going on vacation starting tomorrow for about 5 days. Up to the north, DC area. Will not have computer access. Will miss keeping up with the conversations on NBC. I am bringing my bike though! Wahoo! Might be able to squeeze in a small ride or two ....that is if my grandson lets me....lol
@Paul - Nice job! I'm just happy to be in the top 100 in PA. And Roberto - he's in the top 10. Nice going guys. :)
@Burklee - I did my miles yesterday. (5.7mi.) Half in twilight, half in the dark. (Leonard - it's calm and pleasant riding in the dark when there is not many cars around, I can see why you like it - as long as it is not too cold. Just didn't seem safe with my insufficient headlights.) I scarred two neighbor boys who were out, but then they liked my Spokelights. A couple of days ago I gave their mom a copy of a pamphlet PA publishes about bike rules and bike safety. (You can order it free from the internet.)
@Marty - I knew I heard "Shazbat" somewhere. Hey everyone "Nanu Nanu"!
Well, Paul, you can do like I did yesterday and just keep going and going and going. I really set out for the day hoping to push myself to do maybe 20 or 25 miles.. I never dreamed I would do 35! I would give anything to have a few more days with temps at 90 or below. It would be heaven! I have been browsing headlights trying to find something affordable to make it possible to ride at night when the temps are in the 80's. The light I have now really just makes me visible, not the road ahead. When it gets dark here.. it is DARK! Everyone is welcome to come down here for a visit.. we can try out all the neighbors driveways.
Two days to platinum!! Unless I can pull off 122 miles tomorrow.
ha-haaaaaaaa...that's not going to happen.
AND, I managed to get back in the top 10 for the challenge period on my state leaderboard.
@J Jugh - Now you've got me watching all of the old Mork and Mindy shows - many I'd never seen. Thanks!
@Jenny - Everyone is free to bike into my neighbor's driveway - no-one likes him. Although I would suggest we do it in shifts, as it can't hold all 33,426+ bicyclists at once. Perhaps alphabetically? Or by height?
Anyone in the Bar Harbor, ME area? We will be visiting. Sounds like great cycling in Acadia and on MDI. Thoughts on Cadillac Mountain for this flatlander? Thanks!
Decided to take a relaxing evening ride around town. I just kept going and going, and the cicadas and crickets and a few frogs serenaded me along the ride. The last 3-4 miles, my legs wanted to quit, and I figured I had gone at least 23-25 miles. But mapmyrun says it was just under 20. I've been having too many low mileage days lately, and need to find my groove again, it seems. :)
@JH pretty scary I would not have been that brave. I like Marty's suggestion about the neighbors driveway.
No cops on bikes here.. rarely see any cops anywhere because they are busy working the fatal car accidents! No joke! Temps today were supposed to be 105 so I got on the bike about 3 and headed over to my mothers to swim. Was going to ride about 8 miles first .. well, storm clouds started forming and I high tailed it over there with 7 miles on the odometer and got about 5 minutes in the pool before the rain arrived. Waited a couple hours and it finally cleared enough to head home.. got rained on a little then it really was VERY NICE WEATHER FOR RIDING.. temp around 90 and so I just kept riding... and riding.. and riding.. really! Total... 35 miles! LOL I think I would have continued but the sun went down and I did not have my headlight with me. Amazing how much more I can do when the heat is not draining me. That was sooo much fun! ... even if I was just going around and around at the college campus. There were tons of people out and a lot of people with kids on bikes but I was the ONLY ONE with a helmet! That was very disappointing.
I know just the neighbor, oh shazbat! no compassion again.
@J Hugh - The visual of that is hilarious, but you're right, potentially very dangerous. Plus, that is one person who will probably never like (or trust) a bicyclst again. [And, if they gave chase, or just followed, would have known where you live, putting household members at risk.] So, the lesson learned is to always scoot into the driveway of a neighbor that you don't like. JK
Hi all, I was out this morning to clock my miles. Temps were in the 70s and it was cloudy. There were a few other riders out there. When I got to the bottom of a hill, I continued straight into the going straight lane so I could go straight. Some knucklehead in a van honks and goes around me on the left to get into the right lane to turn, guess which way, yeah right. I yelled that I was going straight and moved up to put my foot down on the island until the light changed. I was just lucky that there was enough room for that guy to go around me on the left to turn right. I was thinking I should bring this up with Trailnet or MOBikeFed to see if I could get a bike lane painted at that intersection. Don't know how much difference it would make, but if something equally stupid happened again, at least I could say that I was in the bike lane. Well, I guess it'd be free to ask. Fortunately the rest of my ride was uneventful other than getting sprinkled on, on the way home.
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Enjoyed the Austin article. Its like we discussed earlier this summer, if there were more cops on bikes there might be less problems for cyclists.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
The other day an irate driver started screaming at me for being on the road in the paved shoulder. I screamed back pull over. So he did. I waved as I went by. He jumped in his car and gave chase. I once again yelled pullover pull over as he approached. He did. I continue on this time pedaling as fast as possible and turning off the road for the quarter mile sprint to home.
On reflection although it was fun, I do think I took a chance getting shot or run over. I would not do it again. I share this because in an instant I can make an error in judgement or a bad decision whether I am a cyclist or in a car. Compassion is sometimes harder to keep than ice water on a 95 degree day.
I went to A & W, asked for a little float, and they gave me a highly decorated little toy wagon, pulled by four equally decorated mice.
@Burklee - We could get to 20 million miles if one person, who hasn't logged any miles yet, would just ride 7,800,000 miles tomorrow.
Last Thursday evening, I almost was the victiim of two left hooks, on my way to work. The first was on a bike path - I was slowly overtaking a woman on rollerblades. I yelled, passing on your left, and about 3 seconds later, she stumbled, quickly curved to her left, but luckily just barely caught herself just inches before T-boning me. The second was partly my fault. I just turned into a one way, and a car with no turn signal was stopped. I assumed they were dropping someone off at school, but they were waiting for a diagonal parker to leave. (The diagonal parker was already directly ahead of them when I got there, making it look like they were dropping someone off, too..)
Bike-bike collisions aren't that rare and can be extremely hazardous. On the trail today, a couple of times I had to alert oncoming cyclists of my presence... coming straight at them. Be alert whenever cycling, on the road, on the trail, anywhere.
I missed getting hit on my way home this afternoon - by another bike - ridden by a 10 year old! Kid came flying out of a parking lot without looking or stopping. Had I not braked he would have T-boned me. Lucky for him I wasn't driving a car!
@Rick - HA!!!!
@ Michael - so you're saying I look like a cop when I ride - I never wear earbuds. :-)
Maybe I was too hasty. It did say 'radio' rather than 'iPod,' so maybe it was her police radio. Still, visible earbuds aren't a good example to set.
I am assuming the earbuds were for her police radio so she could hear the other officers on the police radio.
Bronze. Check!
Silver., Check!
Gold. Check!
Platinum. Check!!
Diamond. About Thanksgiving!
@Rick, I took the earbuds to be part of a disguise; she was trying to 'blend in' and not look like a police officer. Though she had a radio attached, the article doesn't specifically say what (if any) music she had playing, did it? I assumed (hoped) they were just for show.
43 relaxing miles along the scenic Lehigh River. I'm not going to ride on roads recently resurfaced with tar and stones and then subject myself to angry motorists if I can help it. Trails are few and far between around here, but today it was worth lugging the bicycle in my car to get "away from it all."
@Rick - At first, I was surprised by this too, but then, I assumed from the rest of the article, that those "earbuds" were part of her police radio equipment. Perhaps I assume wrongly, but that what what I gathered.
from the Austin article: "Rheannon Cunningham tucks a radio into her backpack, turns up the volume on her ear buds, climbs onto a bicycle and heads into traffic." Huh? This is a police officer? Where did she take cycling safety class? I'm thrilled that they're enforcing vulnerable user laws, but riding with earbuds in traffic is an invitation to disaster, and a bad example for other cyclists.
@ EM - And miss my 20 points! Not on your life! LOL
@ Karen, or you can do 10.something or other tomorrow. LOL!
@Karen - You could do them tonight. Or you could take a nice long ride on a day off. And checking my numbers, I have to bump my average/day up by about 2/3 of a mile. I'm such a slacker.
We can get to 20 million miles if everyone who has recorded at least 1 ride to date were to ride 5.345 miles per day. I believe we can totally get to 20 million miles!
@ Burklee - That means I will have to do 5.345 miles tonight in the dark. ;)
@Gregg - Nice! If only we had an A&W in Lincoln. :(
It's National Float Day and I rode to A & W for a free root beer. The small root beer floats are free today at all A&W's nationwide from 2 pm until close. Enjoy the ride and your float. haha
@Jerry~
I had that same thought...... about not seeing the bicyclists.
How can that be, aren't you suppose to be aware of your surroundings as a driver??
They say the same about us bikers!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
It is nice to see the Austin police doing this. They have a reputation for harassing bicyclists and not even giving tickets to drivers that kill or serious injure bicyclists. It looks like they are trying to change that.
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What is so sad in reading the article is the number of drivers who said they did not see the bicyclist.
@Joe - Its nice to know that some police departments are conscious of our safety and concerns. Austin is a nice area to bike - I went through there about 35 years ago on a bike trip.
@ Joe, thanks for sharing that link.
Good read, it fits the topic of the last 24-48 hours very nicely!!
http://ireader.olivesoftware.com/Olive/iReader/AustinAmericanStatesman/SharedArticle.ashx
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ Frank Mcintosh....My error?? intersection was a "T" interdection with the stop sign on the one road, and me traveling on the through road. Am I supposed to stop at every intersection??? I didn't even see the guy until his front bumper was in the intersection (he was going so fast.)
@Jerry Bengtson...Thumbs up that was the onlty thing that saved me. We were the only two vehicles on the road! Traveling in the middle of the lane safely was the only thing that kept me from getting hit, it happened so fast. if I was on the side of the road I woud nave been a road pizza!!!!
@Burklee, LOL! My husband's favorite movie line!
@Christine-just looked that up. Pretty neat. Its says more styles are coming soon.
My band is wearing and the plate needs replaced so definitely going for one of those new ones. Thanks for sharing.
@Christine, I saw the elite badges recently. Very cool! They are planning to have a bunch more too.
@Christine - I just went to the RoadID site to look at that bike chain badge. I like that. And now I feel obliged to say, "Badges? We don' need no stinking badges!"
Echoing what Jerry said about lane position - plus moving to the center of the lane gives you more time and space to react if necessary.
Hey, alla y'all who wear RoadIDs: they've come out with "badges" for the elite version, one of which is a BIKE CHAIN! Off to place an order. Wheeee!
8 more days.
Or really is there a smaller smart phone that works with the App?
@Paul. Could not sleep. It has been an issue since my accident and the four days my wife was really ill. Doctor said it is a common side effect of this type of injuries combined with taking care of my wife and getting very little sleep. It disrupted my sleep pattern. He gave me a prescription to help me sleep. It works great. It is not a sleeping pill. It has no side effects. It just helps your body to get back on its sleep cycle. I am trying to get off it. Last night was not successful.
How is the Galaxy III with battery life running the app, compared to the "giant" Galaxy IV?
@Tammie - check your tire again. Inspect the outside very closely for wire or glass embedded. Wire would be the more likely culprit. Glass would cause a more visible slit. My two slow-leak flats on last year's STP were the result of a tiny piece of car/truck tire wire. After the first flat, I inspected the inside of the tire for the penetrating object and couldn't find it by sight or feel. When the tire went soft again an hour down the road, I looked very carefully at the outside and found the wire. It took a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out. I think it was being pressed through the tire into the tube each time that part of the tread hit the pavement and then pushed back flush by the tube during the rest of the revolution. Eventually the wire dug a tiny hole in the tube, but remained flush with the inner surface of the tire casing - couldn't feel it on the inside of the tire after either flat.
I was on the road for over 80 miles yesterday. I was passed by hundreds of vehicles. I remember only two coming too close on the pass. Seemed to be a lot of repect and awareness out there. I ride to be seen and predictable. one thing to note, we just had our annual fundraising Paradise Ride Kauai over the weekend. Two days of touring the island by bike. Over cyclists riding 50 miles Sat and 100 miles Sunday, plus all the roadside vols and support vehicles. I'm sure that helped.
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And thanks Marty, for the numbers. I owe you an aspirin, and a cold one.
Appreciate all the advice, and I usually do call the police when I am involved in something. If for no other reason than to educate these types.I was right hooked by an irate anti-cyclist type once (yelling at me to get off the road, then turned in front of me). No injuries to me, but I scratched the hell out of the side of her car with my cleat. She was yelling she was going to call the cops if I didn't pay. I already them on the phone. Needless to say, she got a pricey education. As for yesterday's incident, he literally hit me the force of someone bumping into me in a halway. I've been injured enough to know that was nothing. "hit by a car" isn't always as bad as it sounds. No pain and not even bruising today. Anything more serios, and I would have filed a report.
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Jerry, it's still playtime here. I'm UTC-10. 3 hours earlier than the west coast. So what are YOU still doing up? ;-)
All this talk of bikers getting hit, and what not..... makes me glad I ride 90% of the time in the woods!!!
When I do pedal around town, I always make sure I'm seen; even if that means I get honked at or get a dirty look. Far better those two things happening than getting hit!!!
Ride like you belong, as someone here (sorry can't remember who), always says!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Frank made one point people may have missed. Besides assuming that a driver will not see you, a good technique when approaching an intersection or parking lot exit with a vehicle approaching is to move from the side of the road to the middle of the lane, traffic permitting. This does two things. It makes you more visable by being in the middle of the lane. And the movement from the side of the road to the middle of the lane helps the driver to notice you.
Glad you caught that Marty.
I have the sneaking suspicion that the drivers who lump all cyclists together as law-disregarding, road-hogging, irresponsibles that don't belong on the road, are probably the same drivers who think the speed limit doesn't apply to them, that turn signals aren't necessary, that being first instead of yielding is always the way to go, etc etc etc.
My hope is that by consistently following the laws whether I am in a car or on a bike, in a small way I can educate/inspire others to do the same.
@Paul - I just happen to remember some numbers from last year.
For the 4 states with the biggest improvement: LY mi to eoYR/2013 to date mi/% improvement already; LY total sign-ups/2013 to date/% improvement already; LY Loggers for Challenge/LY Loggers to Dec 31st/2013 Loggers to date/% improvement over LY Challenge period already.
Utah: 104,470/189,160/81% 236/566/140% 191/192/472/147%
New Mexico: 29,838/46,100/55% 75/124/65% 51/51/92/80%
Mississippi: 6,767/27,074/300% 30/79/163% 24/24/59/146%
Hawaii: 11,649/41,262/254% 51/147/188% 23/24/101/339%
Give a big shout-out to those states!
Now, my head hurts from remembering all of that, at least to the best of my recollection.
@Cycling Roberto - Paul was walking, @Frank was talking about Wayne, who was riding.
@Frank, he was walking. Beside that, good advice.
Wayne, the mistake was yours with idiot driver. It is always a mistake to imagine that a car will stop at a stop sign. Regrettably, a cyclist faced with a car approaching a stop sign must assume they will at least proceed into the right of way before even assessing whether it is safe to be there. You need to slow a bit and move more to center of the lane you're travelling in. And don't forget your "hey." A lot of times they just don't see you, so you have to proceed to the second most effective option--making sure they hear you. You're asking to be "dead right" otherwise.
@Wayne, every day.
Once again I was almost hit by a driver that thought stoping at a stop sign was optional. Either blowing the stop sign completely for slowing down, then putting the pedal to the metal seems to be common for some morons. Just wondering, anyone else having near misses with idiot drvers? Be careful out there!!
@Paul-so happy to hear your a new rider logging miles into NBC. So happy you weren't hurt!
I ment zucchini pizza. The crust is made with shredded zuchhini. It was delicious.
Paul, you might want to check out Amerityre (http://www.amerityre.com/) for flat-free riding. They are a little bit slower, but I get at least 3,000 miles before having to even think about a new tire.
@Karen - Thanks Cynthia and Marty for the friendly admonishments, what you both said is all to true. I am still doing Yoga and Kettle bells, however, as they really do help tighten those offending stomach muscles.
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Sigh. My vegetable garden, and working with my son getting ready for cross country, is really cutting into my bicycle miles this month. I have got to get that light for the bike so that I can do more mile, if I have any energy left to do them that is.
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For those vegetarians out there, we had veggie pizza this week. My husband even liked it, but I had to put some ground sausage on it to please him. He lifts weights and will not go without meat or protein. You would be able to make it without meat though, but it does call for mozzarella cheese. (I planted soy beans and black beans this year to see if I can supplement some protein with those beans, they are drying on the vine now.) What this has to do with a bicycle? Not much. Hope I get to ride today.
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J.Hugh - Shazbat. (Made me smile - Thanks.)
Call the police and get a lawyer if any damage or injuries. I regret not getting a lawyer from my January accident, guy backed out in front of me in residential area. Still trying to settle the insurance issues. My car insurance is required to cover my injuries and that seems to be a problem for them. Three months after the accident they said :"where are the pictures of your injuries?" Shazbat!
@Paul. Jerry's right. I got at low speed and didn't think anything about it until the next day. I woke up with bruising on my right leg. My bike landed on that leg. Luckily I did get the police involved. Thats because the kid tried to run.
Paul. I hope you called the police. Anytime you are in a collison you need the police involved. Even if you think you are not hurt, you could have some injuries that do no show up for a few hours.
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And I hate it when I cannot sleep. And why are you still awake Paul?
@ Marty, re: States. What was the increase in rider numbers for states with big improvements? Namely Hawaii. We have 147 registered riders, but only have 101 with points.And only half of those have over 500 points for the challenge period. I'm a new rider this year, and would like to think I am part of that increase. And there are a couple other riders here riding some insane miles. May be Diamond already (I'm closing on Platinum), but I don't know if they were in it last year. I've managed to get my community to number 1 for August so far, and I am the only rider. And I may possibly get it into 3rd for the challenge period overtaking Honolulu by the end of the week. Following this is very motivating. I want to get my community to number 1. And the riding here is year round. The only downsides-hills. Lots and lots of steep hills. And the island I'm on is only 555 sq. miles in area.
Had to pay some cycling dues today. 3 flats, a wasted back tire. Garmin died before my ride ended (fortunately, I had the app to take over), had to walk a mile to a bike shop (not my regular one-so I couldn't get a tire on faith), and to top it all off, I got hit by a car. While I was walking, and IN the crosswalk. My bike is fine. Fortunately it was on the outside of me, so my body shielded it from the car. I'm fine too. Some punk kid turning left. How the hell he could not see me in my bright cycling clothes is beyond me. He slammed on the brakes and hit me just hard enough to knock me down, No damage. No injuries. Bright side= I almost made him cry when I yelled at him, and I got a new tire today.
@Stan - I beg to differ. (i've just computed these percentages based on total participants and totals for each state - which I've found in the past to be a reasonably good estimate of the percentages at each medal level.) Wisconsin has 20.7% of the participants in the NBC, so their 13 prizes for July puts them right at 19.4% of all prizes. (So, they are actually underrepresented by almost one prize.) Nebraska did get 10.45% of the prizes, but still has 5.7% of the participants, so that is an outlier. But Montana with 0.5% of participants and 3% of prizes, and Alabama, with 0.13% of participants and 1.5% of prizes might be bigger outliers.
But with 67 prizes, one can't expect someone from every state to get a prize, so the sample size becomes an issue. Based on statistics, your state of Maryland should have had one prize winner, (1.5%), with 1.64% of the participants, but that just happened to be the luck of the draw.
Adventure Cycling Association's member magazine "Adventure Cyclist" is a very interesting read. It is filled with stories of people biking all over the world. It is mostly about long distance travelers but also features daytrippers and overnighters.
Jerry B....I feel your pain doubly...not just the physical part of your accident (I have had a few but not as serious as yours...my worst resulted in a broken collar bone), but the emotional pain of losing not just your bike, but a Synapse! ;-) Here's hope love can strike again with the new one. Ride safely...and don't over do it too soon!
PS, I forgot to add that I would happily chip in for Christine's bike and similar efforts
Thanks to everyone who gave me tips earlier today about my upcoming bike trip. We've had to reschedule it 4 times already this summer due to conflicts, and I am really hoping to go on Sunday and Monday and not have to reschedule AGAIN..... summer is winding down too fast :(
HI all, just a quickie ride this morning so I could get to the Amtrak station. Had to go get the car back from the KC airport. Long story, related to the fact that my son had to get to a wedding but isn't old enough to rent a car...
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Anyway, so much going on here. Again my heart goes out to the accident victims. The mirrors thing is scary. When we were in Texas in March we saw these monster sized pickup trucks that made the Honda Pilot seem small, and the Pilot makes cars seem small. Those trucks have some monster mirrors, I don't even want to think about what kind of damage they could do to a cyclist.
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When I was on my rdie on Sunday, I encountered a couple of cyclists riding facing traffic on and tried to explain they they were supposed to ride with traffic, only I managed to say just the oppostie. They probably thought I was nuts. ARGGGHHH....
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As for cycling magazines, I read "Bicycle Times" and "Bicycling" and "American Bicyclist>' There has been some overlap lately, but generally BT is more focused on every rider except racers, "Bicycling" has traditionally been geared towards the racing crowd and testing new bikes, but lately has been doing a little more on women and families riding and even a little about touring. "Bicycling" recently featured an excellent article about bike helmets called "Sensless" which you can look up and download. "American Bicyclist" is the League of American Bicyclist's magazine. They are mainly focused on making conditions better for bicycling all over the US with their bicycle friendly (businesses, cities, campuses, safe routes to school, etc.) programs. They have put some focus on the largest growing groups of cyclists in this country: women and minorities. I haven't read any women specific magazines, but the good news is that all of these three are paying more attention to women riders. I have to say that the increase in women riders is also evident here in the NBC. We have a lot more women participating regularly than we did last year
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RIDE ON and RIDE SAFE!
Jerry, I bet you take it up and down the street when you get it.. you HAVE to test it out! Just got in from a very short 5 miles after changing the tube ... again! The patch from this morning did not work. Just getting more experience. Second time went faster. I keep this up I am going to get good and changing flats! OK all you experts out there, know anything about thoracic outlet syndrome? Cutting off circulation to my right arm. My arm went numb today.. I went to my chiropractor since my neck has been hurting since my fall. He told me what it was and it is has been happeining off and on slightly since saturday but got really bad suddenly this afternoon when my entire arm and hand went completely numb. It kept doing it while I was riding a while ago. Very aggrivating and uncomfortable. If it's not one thing, its another! LOL I just need to do whatever I need to do to STOP IT.
@Paul. This will be my second Synapse. I killed my first one when it was destroyed after I crashed in June. I loved that bike.
Jerry B. I think you will love the Synapse. I have a 2011 Syn 6 alloy. Pretty much all entry level...but a big step up from my Schwinn Traveler! I have about 9500 miles on it and still love it. Since yours will have nicer bells/whisles...I suspect you will enjoy yours even more. Enjoy counting the days down. Best wishes for a safe reentry to your cycling.
@karen, that is amazing!!! I love to see people of all abilities on bikes.
Wow! 20 of the 67 winners were from Wisconsin or Nebraska. That's got to be a multi-sigma event.
Jerry, Clearly your interests in bicycles and model railroads involve similar levels of focused energy, attention to detail, knowledge, preparation, and flat-out, life-enhancing, whole-hearted enthusiasm. May each passion continue to enrich your existence for many years to come. And may you continue to mend swiftly, so you will enjoy many miles of cycling on the NEW bike still to come this season, before the weather shifts, and the railroads entice you indoors again (-;
@Jerry - I think my blood pressure just went up. A good safety video though. Wishing you on that bike.
@Nyla. But those model trains are great for snowy days. And I love operation. Instead of runing trains in circles which gets boring after two minutes, those of us who operate, actually swtich cars. Even a small switching layout of 15"x6' can occupy you for 1-2 hours. And for those us who have friends with large layouts, it takes 12-14 people to run the layout, with dispatches's panel, radio communitcation, signals, yards, and switching. Hours of enjoyment.
Why you don't ride close to parked cars.
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http://news.sky.com/story/1124343/lucky-escape-after-car-door-opens-on-cyclist
@ Jerry - A good LBS is nice A great LBS is a wonderful thing. My LBS - Phil's Bike Shop - does quick turn-around work for me. They know I'm a bike commuter and depend on my bike for transportation. Most of the time I can ride in, get a repair or adjustment, and ride on home. It helps that the shop is just 100 yards off my commute route.
A little more on the Enumclaw crash, per article comments - narrow road, no shoulder, on curve. Speed limit is 25, but past audits show 42 mph is more typical motor vehicle speed. Bets that the F550 driver was driving at 25 or less? How about even 30? We'll probably never know.
If you encounter a cyclist coming head-on, stop.
I can say I have a bike for every day of the week, if I wanted to ride them all.. I had enough for two weeks, but started realizing I had too many.
Model railroads make a marvelous hobby.....but you can't actually ride the tiny trains...a new bicycle, on the other hand.......
Also last night, I was in a marked bike lane, and 2 people were riding abreast each other toward me in my lane instead of the one across the street where they belonged. They separated to go around me, and I asked them why on earth they were on the wrong side of the street. They answered something but the wind took their words away. Probably just as well, because they were probably saying something rude or worse. #shakingmyhead
The only bad thing about buying this bike is I have to sell even more of my model railroad supplies than I planned on.
@Scott. I always wonder what goes through some people's heads. Obviously not thoughts.
Three cheers for Jerry!!!
I hope!
Only nine more days.
Congrats Jerry!! Happy you're getting a new ride. You'll be on it before you know it!!
@Laurie. Those bicyclists drive me nuts. People notice them and than assume all bicyclists are like that. They don't notice or remember those of us who ride properly.
Last night I was approaching a quiet four-way stop intersection. No traffic coming from the left or right, but another cyclist was approaching from the opposite direction. I stopped and then went forward through the intersection. The other guy suddenly swung to the left right in front of me without signaling. I had to brake to not hit him. I wonder if he would have done that if I'd been in a car instead of on a bike.......
I pick up my new bike on Friday. Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod 2 SRAM Red. Sells for $5,500. Cannondale is selling it to me for $4.050 thanks to my bike shop pressuring them. There are no Synapse Carbon 3 Ultregra bikes available right now. All the 2013 models are gone and still waiting on the 2014 models. There are hardly any Synapses available now due to the transition of model years. Fortunately my bike shop is one of the better bike shops so they got one of the first Synapse bikes.
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The customer service at this shop is amazing. Most repairs are made while you wait. Major repairs or major tuneups are a one day turn around. They go out of there way to help you. Without the time and effort they made for me I would not have received any payout from my insurance company.
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University Bicycles in Boulder, Colorado.
@jerry, on average, two cyclists are KILLED EVERY DAY in the US. I am so sick of reading, "Alcohol was not involved," as though this was a free pass to say, what the heck, it's a dummy on a bicycle on a road with cars. Lock up motorists who hit cyclists.
A couple of weeks ago while riding on a straight stretch of road, in town, I encountered another cyclist riding on the wrong side coming at me. An older man in full kit riding close to the parked cars. There was still some distance between us, so I moved more to my left to give him room. He countered my move by drifting to his right and coming once more at me. Thinking he was going to cross into his proper lane I moved to the right and he promptly swerved back into a collision course with me. I squeezed as close to the parked cars as I could get barely missing them, hoping that no mirrors stuck out too far. Our handlebars almost hit as he, staring straight ahead, went by.
@Jerry - and no more than 20 miles from where I live. I wonder if a truck side-view mirror was involved.
Another bicyclist hit.
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http://www.courierherald.com/news/218367951.html
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Broken neck, back, among other injuries. Only one block from home.
Let's see, in PUget Sound we have the cool-to-cold wet and dark season, the cool, wet and not-quite-as-dark season, summer (sometimes briefly - and it looks like spring almost anywhere else, except for the extremely long daylight periods), and the getting-cool-and-wet-and dark season.
I don't tend to ride in the wee hours, but I get plenty of IRID time (intentional ride in the dark), so most of the year I have a Taz 800 on the bar, an Urban 500 on my helmet, Vis 180 on the seatpost, and an off-brand blinky on the back of my helmet. Except for around Christmas, when I add more lights.
I am would like to share a picture of the Tandem Races at the VPV Friday night. Look at the red team. The man in the back - they called the back seat driver the "stoker" -
is visually impared. I was amazed and happy to see him out there. The team in the back wone the title for the year. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BcXdq4gelE9DzHdHMttRNdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0
@ Laurie - I was off the bike for 3 months this year - January through March, and then back to my regular 14 mile round-trip commute. I only got in 2 rides of 30-40 miles and one of 75 miles before riding the STP in mid-July (100 miles on Sat, and 80 on Sunday). It was fun ride, and I wasn't beat after either day. I'm betting you can handle a century, provided that the terrain is not a lot more challenging than your training routes. Ride at your normal pace, stay hydrated and fed. The risk with riding slower is that it will put you in the saddle that much longer. I'd ride comfortably near my normal pace. Test out any food or electrolyte products on rides before your main event. You don't want something new that your G.I. tract fusses about in the middle of your long ride. Plan on stopping for a few minutes every 10-15 miles, just to make sure you're getting fluids. Look for opportunities to take a little weight off the saddle periodically, particularly if you hit chip-seal or other rough roads, e.g., stand in the pedals on a downhill. Because I've had cramping events in the past, I take SportLegs capsules per pkg directions on longer (50+ mi) rides. You may not need that expense. Hope you have a great ride! Stay safe!
Although I will say, last winter was so mild that I made four rides each of the months of Oct-December.
Riding has a season here in the Mid-atlantic, at least for me: only when it's between 70-100 degrees. That means May-Sept. It's rare for me to get rides outside any other month of the year. I envy the Floridians!
Since we're just under 4 weeks from when the Challenge ended last year, and we have almost an identical amount of total miles, I thought I would mention some states that are already doing better than for the entire 4 months of last year's Challenge.
Top 4 on the improvement list belong to Mississippi, going from 51st place up to 44th, Utah, going from 20th to 7th, New Mexico going to 24th place from 39, and our big winner, (drum roll, please), Hawaii which last year was in 45th place, and has skyrocketed up to 21st. (If they keep this improvement up, next year they will be in negative 3rd place!)
The other states that already have more points/1,000 than last year - Nebraska, Pannsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Washington, Virginia, Alaska, Idaho, South Carolina, Michigan, Maine, Delaware, Florida, Missouri, California, Massachusetts, New York, Lousiana, Kentucky, and North Dakota.
States that are really close to breaking last year's totals - Indiana, Rhode Island, Maryland, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Congratulations to all!
...Bikeyface, Nice.....but where is "buggyface"?...for the inevitable moment when you realize you've inadvertently ingested an insect?
Since I've lived in Kenosha WI, the least snow we've gotten in a winter is ~27". We had one winter where we had close to 100". I'm old, I hate being cold, and I don't own bike snow tires, so yes, at this point in my life, biking has a season. That said, IF I get a geared bike prior to the snow setting in, I'm planning on buying studded snows for it and riding this winter. If I don't chicken out. Even if I don't bike this winter, I am planning to remain carless. I will either walk or snowshoe to and from work. I think I need to get some "ski pants" before the cold weather sets in.
@Laurie - Last weekend, I did a 2 day bike camping trip, with rides of 76 & 82 miles, and almost 1/2 of each on the gravel portion fo the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
All of your daily rides that you've already done will help, especially towards the end of last month, so your butt should be fine. Butt in hindsight, it would have been better to do a few longer back to back weekend days both in the 30's, maybe even one in the 40's.
If the other people are more experienced - you control the pace. Don't get sucked into their faster pace. You will also want to go just a little bit slower than you normally do, adjusting down a gear when necessary to keep on spinning.
Take frequent 3-5 minute rest breaks in the shade, drink a little every 15-20 minutes (a product like Heed, Succeed, NUUN work better than just water (has electrolytes, amino acids) or Gatorade - (better for your stomach and low in simple sugars, high in complex carbohydrates), and make sure you eat at least moderate sized amounts more frequently (every 2-3 hours) than normal. Trail mix for some of the stops, healthy sandwiches for others. Have a good sized breakfast beforehand - not high in fat.
Change your hand positions frequently, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, take along insect repellant for breaks, if in woodsy areas,
If you are bike camping (doesn't look it from your post), then only take the bare minimum.
Afterwards, keep on snacking/eating, and drinking for the next few hours.
And finally, and most importantly, ride safe!
@J Hugh, also a scrunchy face that happens when biking directly behind a garbage truck in mid-summer, and the gaggy face when behind a car/truck with a nasty exhaust.
@ J Hugh..... I like this too. Thanks for sharing. Except they forgot the squinty face that happens when biking directly toward the sun.
http://ht.ly/nvYGy
I like this. Bikeyface.
I ride in all seasons here in south eastern Washington state. When the snow and ice come I just swap out my smooth tires for my studded snow tires and add some more layers so I can keep riding. We are fortunate not to get deep snow most winters. If we did I would have to buy yet another bike for the big fat deep snow tires. :)
every time I see someone refer to bicycling having a season, I have to remember that most of the folks on NBC and the other endomondo challenges don't live in Florida where I can ride nearly every day. I have seen, on average, only about 4 days a year that I can't ride here in central Florida. Having said that winter in Florida is like summer and fall in Wisconsin, and from June until November the heat and humidity will make you rise early to ride, a la leonard Wright from Sebring who can be found out riding at 4am. I do not ride that early buy regularly morning temps are 78 at 100% humidity and then by 11 am its 85 with only 75% humidity. I hang my kit in the garage and clean up the puddles later. I think in an ideal world I would spend June, July and August in Appleton, Wisconsin or some parts of Canada and September and October in France. Oh! have to go buy my powerball ticket.
I like the magazine "Bicycle Times", gave up on Bicycling due to their focus and marketing focus.
I think that if you are going to ride long 75-100 miles time on the saddle is really important. I've done a number of 400+ week tours and the folks that leave seem to be the ones who, while fit, have problems where the seat meets the saddle. so if going long or if riding for 5-7 hours a day I would be one who would prepare my seat with longer and longer rides mixed in with my regular (40) rides.
@Christine, riding has a "season"? I thought it was the other way around, that 'seasons' encompassed riding: cold season, first windy season, hot season, and second windy season :-)
@Christine, I have my eye on a public bike too. Such beauties!
@laurie, I am training for a century too. Some of the training depends on your speed. I'm fairly slow and I'm at the 50 mile level now. Sitting in the saddle for hours isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I find it's good advice to get a ride or two in that is nearly the length of the big one. The smaller ride distances done regularly do condition you, but solid time in the saddle tests you differently than gapped rides. I am sure you will do great though!
@Michael G., I know you would. Thank you! I honestly should not be grousing about this. I'm trying to convince myself that riding season is almost over and I should just ride my single speed till we get the taxes back next spring and buy myself the bike I think I really want. Looking at the Electra Amsterdam or the Public C7i. It's just so disheartening to find out you're not going to get something you really thought you were. No pony under the tree this Christmas!
Only 4 more days before we set sail across Lake Michigan on the Badger Ferry on our trip to Niagara Falls--looking forward to riding in Canada and the Niagara Falls region. I hope there isn't a terrorist attack next week and they close the US borders and I get stuck in Canada. That would be awful to get separated from my bike and can't ride until they reopen the borders again. lol
@Heather-thanks!
@Laurie-there is so much information out there to help you educate yourself and get ready for century! Books, magazines, You Tube...
@Great idea Michael-it would be very cool if NBC/League of American Bicyclist had a fund to help-I would give too.
@Tammie-way to go on fixing your flat tire. Always room to learn and grow with your sport!
@Laurie, as a former backpacker, I can only offer the same kind of advice that I used to prepare scouts for High Adventure trips. If you're going to be doing 50-60 mile trips, with loaded panniers and hills, then you need to train with 50-60 mile trips with loaded panniers and hills. That will not only get you physically and mentally 'trained', but also reassure you that you are, in fact, totally ready for it. Of course, you may already ride 20 miles with hills now and your trip may be 50 miles of flat, but--in the end--only you can judge your physical and mental readiness. Funny, it was always the high school football players that were the biggest babies on long backpacking trips. The difference: They were used to short-duration, high-intensity burts. Backpacking--like very long distance cycling--is long-duration, medium-intensity action. BIG difference in the two, and big difference in how you train for the two. This may or may not be very reassuring, but hopefully it helps.
@Christine, I know it's little comfort, but if we could convince the NBC folks to set up some kind of collection for you and @Jerry, I'd kick in a few bucks. Guarantee others would as well. Wish we could do something...
Can I get a bit of advice? Most of my daily rides lately have been in the 18-22 mile range, and my top daily total so far has been 36 miles (2-3 shorter rides that add up throughout the day). I'm going on a 2 day bike trip next week that will probably be 50-60 miles per day. I'd like to try for a century, but depends on how much sightseeing we end up doing.
What I want to know is, is there anything I can do to make sure I am totally ready for this? Or am I already sufficiently conditioned?
@cynthia I have gotten Bicycling Magazine for years. We absolutely love it. Momentum is another good bike magazine. I know of none geared (haha) specifically for women. I have read a couple of decent books on riding. I'll get you more on that later tonight.
I did my "long" fun ride yesterday for the first time in eons. I had forgotten how much I like that ride, even on my single speed. I think I'm going to try to do it several times a week instead of being lazy, as I have been being. My grandson's limit is about a half hour in the trailer, so I can't take him along on that one. But I *need* to do more riding than just back and forth to work!
Not a happy camper. My mother in law reneged, as I said she would. I guess I should not have counted on it so heavily. Now what am I going to do for a bike?? sigh. It could be worse. I could have a bike and be unable to ride!
Well, I discovered my flat was not due to my error in fillng the tire with air.. I did have a true flat! And.... drum roll... I just changed a tire by myself for the first time. I tried doing a patch using a 'scab' so it may not hold but thought I would give it a try since it is a brand new tube and was a teeny pin prick leak. I could not find what caused the hole even looked at the area with a flashlight and felt really well with my fingers. If it doesn't hold, well, I know how to fix it! LOL Hey Roberto, it's nice to have a new personal best.. I am so very lucky that I have room for a new best almost every day. I can't imagine an elevation gain of 2,900 ft! Around here we are lucky to get 300 for an all day ride! LOL Can you say FLAT! ... but we have plenty wind to more than make up for it.
Bike shorts for rides of 15+miles, no undies. Camelbak for those rides. I wear a helmet with a visor for all rides, as well as gloves for every ride. I've had road rash on the palms of my hands, and would like to avoid having that ever again. I usually wear shorts over my bike shorts cause I like having pockets, unless it's gonna be really hot. I got a moisture wicking shirt and I really like it. It didn't weigh 12 pounds from all the sweat on the Cornhusker State Games ride. RoadID for every ride.
I had a second bike, an old Schwinn road bike. I donated it to a friend whose bike got wrecked. Been thinking about another road bike. Perhaps when the right one comes along.
For all the women out there who may be interested-I just ordered a new book-Bicycling for Women by Gail Bernhardt. I am so excited to get it. Has anyone read this book by any chance.
Now I want to find a monthly cycling magazine that may be geared toward women. Anyone know of one? Does anyone get Bicycling Magazine?
Not trying to make this about women but our needs are a little different then men's when it comes to how you eat and performance, etc. And when your over 50 things change too. Dramatically! Any input is much appreciated.
The Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour this past Saturday.
A great day spent riding with over 700 plus like minded people!!
Great people were met, awesome memories were made!!!
http://joboo1967-joboo.blogspot.com/2013/08/our-mesabi-tour-ride-in-pictures.html
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Heather-sounds like a wonderful touring ride!
@Thanks all-it does, you just don't know how quick things can happen and life can change in an instant.
Ok, after all of the comments about contacting CVS to install bike racks, I contacted Walgreens, which is right across the street to also consider intalling a bike rack, not only for my store but also for them to consider intalling them at any store that doesn't have one. Two businesses down in my town about 7 more to approach on this subject. Now if it actually happens that will be a wonderful accomplishment. Even if only a couple of the businesses participate in placing bike racks, that is better than none.
@Cynthia, hope for the best. Like Marty said it only takes a split second. Stay sharp everyone. The NBC odometer just passed 12 million - yeah!
@ Cynthia -- will be keeping your relative in prayer.
Short ride for us yesterday, but a new experience. We drove about 90 miles to a peninsula on a peninsula and toured the marshes and waterways on our bikes. I think it was about fifteen miles of harsh wind and sun. I took a lot of photos of abandoned buildings. The area used to be a thriving oyster farming community, but not anymore. :(
@Cynthia - Sorry for your relative. Unfortunately, all it takes is a split second.
@Cynthia, prayers for your relative and his family, from one bike commuter to another...
@Ray-amazing on that climb! And yes, life gets in the way. It is such a bummer.
@Roberto-so happy for your personal best! That is always a great feeling.
It's fun to share the scenary from rides with like minded people who can truely appreciate what your saying. Hope that makes some sense.
Hey-have to share a very sad situation-a distant relative who lives in Wisconsin commutes on his bike to work. Apparently he was commuting one morning when he turned his head back to look for an approching vehicle and he lost control of his bike and went into a ditch. 10 stitchs in his face and a broken verterbrea. They sent him home from the hospital after a few days and then the end of last week in was back in the hospital and in ICU due to fluid on the brain and they can't seem to get the situation corrected. He may not make it. It so sad! Please keep him in your thoughts as you ride. He is a young career man with a wife (who also commutes by bike) and two young children.
@ Tammie, sounds like you had a rough time of it :( but good that you still enjoyed your rides. I always think something will go wrong when I fill my own tires, so I stop at the bike shop 1-2 times per week; they check and fill them for me :)
I did 85 miles yesterday, the only scenery I saw besides asphalt was trees and a couple dead snakes. I also saw a lot of hills, Mr. Garmin says I climbed 2,913 feet. I gained 29 more feet than I lost, somewhere there is a hill I forgot to go back down ;) I had the legs to go for the century, but had to get home in time to mow the lawn. Those stupid adult responsibilities get in the way some times.
Well, ,managed 24 miles yesterday over two rides' one which I swear nearly killed me. It was only about 99 but felt looks 110 to me! Guess it was that low rear tire I did not notice until someone pointed it out on mile 16! I knew the road felt really rough and I was working extra hard! I just messed up when I released the valve when I filled it,entirely my fault. I don't like my pump. I rode another 1.5 miles and gave up I was about to drop in my tracks. A friend went ahead ,got his vehicle and picked me up.. Friends are great! The second ride was a short 6 mile social ride to the city concert in the park. That was great on my hybrid after a little rest. Then I had to rush home and rush to work. We may not have any scenic routes around here but we have some nice people to ride with! I REALLY enjoy the reports about scenic rides since all I have here is asphalt and heat!
@ Marty -- zzzzzzzzzzzz.
@Laurie - Go to sleep.
@ Marty, you do spreadsheets? i never would have guessed..... :P
@Karen Jean - Don't be so hard on yourself. We're all our own worst critics.
I use a 900 lumen light that has three power settings. I usually only need low, and it lasts 15? hours, and is rechargable. It is amazing what I can see with it!
@Dean. Ride the Rockies is an annual ride in June that covers 6-7 days and 450-550 miles. No 2500 miles for me until I get to France.
@Rob & @Peter = Most of the things I remember are on my beloved spreadsheets.
I recommend the Park MT-1 and the CT-5 chain tool. Light weight. ... My AAA in my frame bag (if anyone was wondering) is.. just a Specialized Air pump mini, the Park MT-1, 2 tire levers, Park patch kit, and one tube. That is for my normal rides in the frame bag on the BMX bike. I'd bring a CT-5, for longer rides, and maybe another tube, possibly even a folding tire which would have to be in the seat bag. My road bike only uses the Seat bag, and 2 tubes are always with that bike. The tool I have for it is a Topeak Mini 18+, and the Pump is a .. Mini pump by Blackburn, Air Stik 2 stage, but its mounted on the water bottle cages mounts. I always have one of those Presta to Schrader adapters with both bikes. The farther you need to ride, the more stuff that should be brought IMO. Like every 50 miles, another tube, another water bottle, another sandwich or meal
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@Paul and Roberto... am definitely planning on getting a spare link and a chain breaker next time I swing by the LBS. Was on a 500-mile ride back in June and had someone need to fix their chain... glad that the group had what they needed, made me realize that I really should be a little bit more prepared.
It was a nice Sunday. The summer was, so far, fairly good. A lot of rain, but nowhere near as hot as last summer. In NJ of course.
@ Shawn, nice!
@Brad = How fast was that parked pick-up truck going?
@ Jerry, thanks for that link! Made me smile..... and know I'm not alone :)
Almost everything you needed to know about bike racks
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http://bikeyface.com/2013/07/28/racking-up-points/
@Gregg W. Too bad you don't live closer to Ripon. I could give you some swimming tips (a VERY LONG time ago I used to give lessons when I was in college). And maybe you could give some tips for the Race around the Lake. ;-) Actually, you might look into the a place like the Appleton YMCA (or a Y nearer to you?). They might have some folks who might give you pointers/one-time lessons. Plus, they might have access to things like kickboards that might help you work on your kicking techniques (although for my money, improving stroke and breathing are sometimes the most important). If you are doing lap swimming somehwere, you might talk to people who seem to be good swimmers. Sometimes they might have been competitive swimmers and could give you some friendly suggestions. When I lived in Dubuque, I used to swim with some serious "Masters Swimmer," one who was on the 1980 US Olympic team that was not able to compete due to the boycott. She was still impressive 20 years later! Best wishes on learning the aquatic sports! They are great when the roads are not bike friendly (I swim more in the winter). !
@Jerry B., on your bucket list, the Rockies. Is that the continental trail from the top of Montana to Mexico, about 2500 miles of biking?
Hi all, over to Illinois today for a Trailnet ride. It was a perfect day for a ride with temps in the 70s to 80s and not a lot of wind. You know that the farmers are doing well when they tell you to be careful at the corners because the corn is so high!
RIDE ON EVERYONE!
Does anyone know any great biking roads in SoCal? I have been riding on th PCH from Santa Monica to Leo Carillo but it is kinda risky on that road
Biking to the nature preserve, then walking through it, then finding a new route home, is a wonderful way to untie the knots that life puts in one's mind and spirit.
If you enter your ride on the endo main page it will be recorded on any challenge you are a member of. Use the little button on the top right. Simple choices and you can record distance and time there. I started that way until I go a garmin with the map.
@Roberto,
2 years and 10 days (but who's counting??)
Last year I rode over 10,000 miles during the 4 months of the 2012 NBC. That was my personal best for a 4 month period (that included 50 century rides during the NBC).
@Roberto. Congratulations on your new personal best. It always feels great to improve, especially as we get older.
Sometimes I get discouraged from not being to able to go riding. But then I remember that the original x-rays showed that I would be flat on my back for 12 weeks to recover from my broken bones. After the cat scan it was determined that my broken pelvis was load bearing, so instead of 12 weeks in the hospital I was able to get on my feet the day after my accident. Even if was extremely painful to be on my feet, it was worth it to know that I could get up.
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But I still want to go riding.
Why does the log default to 2 rides? I can see from looking at many riders statistics that they must be double logging without realizing it since the default is 2. Why not make it 1? Then if you are doing an out and back, or a commute, you can up it a notch.
I think it's time to get rid of all the zeroes on my computer screen. A nice ride to the nature preserve should take care of that!
@Thanks Leonard and Kathy!
Great day for cycling in Indy. CIBA put on a short/medium/long ride from the Major Taylor Velodrome. After the ride we had a pitch-in lunch under a long tent set up along the ballistrades and watched the USCF Masters National Championship track races.YES,EXCITING. Nothing like a ride and outdoor lunch with a few hundred of your closest friends.
@Leonard, thanks old man. A whopping 2 years older.
@Steven, thank you.
@Roberto,
Congratulations on your new personal best, it's always nice to see young kids like you improving yourself.
@Roberto: You really are an inspiration for us newbies. Congrats on the personal best.
23.96 miles by road bike, a nice ride!
Since I do not own a bucket, I do not have a list.
@Howard, you can ride on a flat. Broken chain, you're going nowhere.
How often is it possible in life to achieve a new personal best (especially at my age)? 63 solo nonstop miles is a new nonstop best for me. Couple of climbs, some exhilarating descents, and even the tar and chip roads I found didn't bum me out too much. Good day on the bicycle.
I use a Niterider Lumina 650. Very bright it's great for the winter commutes when it's dark coming and going to work and for 4am rides in the summer. 118.00. Rechargeable with 3 brightness levels plus strobe.
@Karen Jean,
I use a Cygolite Expilion 350 with a Expilion 180 as a back-up. Both are rechargeable, one-piece compact headlight that work quite well. I've had cars flash their lights at me from a 1/2 mile away because I don't "dim" my headlight. I have seen reflective street signs from over a mile away (measured distance). It casts a wide enough beam that I can see both sides of the road (I ride down the middle of the road at night, I'm more afraid of critters running out in front of me than I am cars - I can see the cars, critters in the grass/weeds along the side of the road are hard to see). I'm not a fast rider and have never had any problems dodging debris/potholes in the road. Here is a link to the 350 on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-350-Lumen-USB-Rechargeable-Headlight/dp/B005DVA37Q/ref=sr_1_4
For reference, it's $64.99. Battery life is about 3 hours (that's why I carry two of them, last year most of my starts were closer to 2:00 am - about 4 1/2 hours before sunrise).
@Gregg-thanks for sharing your adventure! Enjoyed reading it.
@Karen-no doubt you look as great as you feel. 12lbs heavier or lighter.
@Gregg - Rodale Aquatic Center, Allentown PA ask for Scott, if you are ever in town.
He will charge a fee though - He runs the place and is an Ironman. A little too far for you to go? ;) Nice to hear your story.
@ Jim - Thanks. Just can't afford it now, but wrote down the information.
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I did some research on my old bike. It's a 1983-1985? Fuji Supreme 12-Speed with a Valite Frame, probably worth about 50$ -LOL - a classic though.
____
Took a picture of myself with the bike. (Heavy sigh.) Think I will wait to post any pictures of myself. I have to start doing the yoga again, kettle bells also. I though I would look better than that after loosing 12 pounds, you know what I mean?
Awesome Gregg! Congrats!
What a beautiful and perfect morning for a triathlon! The lake only had small ripples on it and was warmer than the air temp. Everyone was cold coming out of the water into transition to the bike course, but within minutes on the bike course, I was completely dry and warmed up already. I didn't even put a shirt on because it was warming up in the sun and I knew I would get hot on the bike. And besides its hard to put a shirt on with a wet body and wastes too much time to towel yourself dry and put a shirt on and a shirt just creates more wind resistance, so I biked shirtless today. In transition I only slipped a pair of socks on and my bike shoes, helmet, and sunglasses and I ran out of transition as fast as I could carrying my bike to the mount line on the road and I quickly got out of town on to country roads on the bike course and was passing lots of riders who all got ahead of me in the swim. I'm not a very fast swimmer, but I caught up to everyone on the bike and since the majority of the event is on the bike, it is an opportunity to shave minutes off of your time, which I did. My average bike speed broke my personal record of 22.4 mph which I did at the High Cliff Triathlon and I did 22.5 mph today. I ran carrying my bike into transition again and took off my helmet and bike shoes and slipped on my running shoes with the laces already tied and ran out of transition on to the 5k running course that begins by crossing the famous Wolf River fishing bridge in Winneconne and I had the best 5k run time ever with a time of 22:16.33 and it was the 3rd best run time out of 20 in my 50-54 age division. But I fell short of an award and placed 5th in my age division. What eliminated me from an award was my 1/4 mile swim time of 10:56.59, which placed me only 13th out of 20. If I want to consistently win awards in triathlons, I need to work on my swimming more. I've never taken a swimming lesson in my life, but learned how to swim as a kid on my own and I know my breathing and form is bad and have developed some bad habits. A few lessons from an experienced triathlon swimmer would greatly help me. So if any triathlete wants to give me some swimming lessons, I would like that. I was only 3 minutes from an award this time and with just a little improvement in swimming and transition time, I can consistently win triathlon awards in my age division. However, Mike Jovanivich, who is in the 55-59 age division is going to be an unstoppable competitor when I move into his division again in a couple years because not only did he win 1st again in his age division, but he beat everyone in my younger age division and finished 10TH OVERALL on the bike with an average speed of 23.6 mph. At his age and for solo riding and no drafting this is amazing. The Post Crescent has written articles about him because he such a great triathlete and wins 1st every time and his speeds on the bike at his age are amazing. But you are never too old, if you stay active and continue to train.. A guy who was 83 years old finished.the race. I can't even imagine being able to finish a race like this at his age, but if you stay active and healthy and continue to train, he is proof, it can be done, even at 83 years old! Everyone there cheered for him when he crossed that finish line.
@Karen - I ride early each morning and I have a Taz 1200. At is brightest setting it's 1200 lumens which is quite bright. I use a lower setting since the battery will wear down in about an hour at he brightest setting. You can find it on Amazon for about $275 and its rechargeable.
@Leonard - Do you have really bright headlights? I have been wanting to ride at night after dark, but I am afraid of not seeing something in the road, or a pothole. I have gone flying over my handle bars once in my life, I am not anxious to repeat that experience, even if I was asking for it at the time.
@Cynthia - Thank you for the description of Florida, I could really visualize your ride. MS to Key Largo sounds wonderful. The water their is such a deep blue, and riding between the Islands, I can picture it - Flat? That's an MS Ride I wouldn't mind traveling two days through multiple states (in a car) to do.
Arghhhh, trying to catch up with 2 days worth of comments is not fun! Especially when I still have major sleep deficit :( I only squeezed in a short ride yesterday, but did some hiking through Horicon Marsh too -- gorgeous in any season :) My agenda for the rest of today is a nap and a long catch-up bike ride.
@Leonard "4am" Wright. My cat would love you. The two of you get up at the same time. I agree I use Bontrager tires and get really good mileage. Currently, testing chains this year to see what gets the most bang for the buck. When I tested tires Bontrager hardcase won, that was a two year test.
@Tammy yes you can make Diamond make plan and ride it.
@Jerry you are sounding like a man who is healing. The physical shape you were in prior to your accident is important in your rehab. Remind you physical torturers of your the physical shape you were in. Show them the data. You may need more. They are rehabing a non rider couch potatoe model patient, not Jerry "the hill climbing hammer" Bengston.
I don't really have a bucket list. I just keep discovering new places to go with my bike. This year, I am discovering some of the bike routes that are in the next county. I have been enjoying some of the benefit rides that I have done and would like to continue to do them, as well.
I've been using Bontrager RaceLite Hardcase 700-23C tires with oversize 28/32 puncture resistant tubes. Not the easiest combination to install but since I haven't had a flat in years and typically get 15-16,000 miles from my front tire I consider it worth the effort. I will admit after looking closer at the tire after I changed it, pushing it to over 17,000 miles was probably going a little too far. Rubber had pulled away from the Kevlar inner lining and all kinds of sand and grit had worked it's way between the tread and the inner parts of the tire. Oh well, I will watch the mileage closer from now on.
My bucket list for bicycle riding.
1. Ride the Rockies. Since I blew it this year.
2. Ride Trail Ridge Road, both directions.
3. Ride up Pike's Peak.
4. Ride up Mt. Evans.
5. Ride every stage of the Tour de France the day before each race stage.
And the one thing on my bucket list not related to bicycling is to
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Skydive off El Capitan if they ever make it legal again. They stopped all jumps off El Capitan one week before I was scheduled to jump off the cliff.
I was thinking Leonard's tires must be made out of steel. Or he has a time machine and is getting his tires from 100 years in the future.
How to Adjust a Rear Derailleur
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http://tinyurl.com/kpyfvqz
Leonard what type of tire do you use? Concrete?
I knew the front tire on my bike was looking kind of worn. Just checked the mileage, it has over 17,000 miles on it. Guess I need to change it pretty soon, I'd hate to have it come apart some morning at 4:00 am on a dark road.
Rob, I don't think Marty remenbers but I bet he keeps all this tid-bits on his computer!
@Tammie. Don't worry about making Diamond. Just enjoy riding. If you push yourself beyond what you want to do, you take some of the enjoyment out of it. No problem with goals that push yourself. But let the goals be the ones you set.
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I keep telling my physical torturer that I need a real bike to ride when I show up to be tortured. But they refuse to buy one. I think they are afraid I would not be back in my 15 minute time limit. It would be 1-2 hours before I came back.
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I hate those 0-0s too. I see them every day.
@Jenny. Thanks for making me feel better about your iPod.
@Tammie,
We're tied, I just reached 3000 points today also. Relax and enjoy your rides, don't stress over the points. The main thing is to get out and ride, points don't really count, riding counts.
18 miles this morning ( did not wear undies under my shorts today, was much more comfortable sorry had to share) at an average speed of 12.88 mph.
Heres the story:
Alarm went off, got up got dressed and was ready to roll by 7am. The birds were singing and the sun was rising over the pines as I paused-you know that prepartory moment before you take off where you mentally get ready to ride, turn your lights on, and take one quick swig of water, and adjust the helmet. I had a general route in mind but still not sure where the road would take me. I headed out.
Turning onto a mainroad the sun was not full in the sky, riding thru a dark area of overhanging trees I almost ran over a baby alligator on the side of the road! I could barely see him till it was almost to late and there was a car coming up beside me. Needless to say I put myself fully and quickly in the moment and navigated around the dead creature and avoided getting crunched by the passing vehicle.
Another female rider passed me riding in the opposite direction. She had a smile from ear to ear and such an expression of contentment on her face. I was so happy for her as she was obvioulsy enjoying her early Sunday morning spin.
There is 5 times as much traffic on the roads for a Sunday morning here. Newly arrived vacationers heading out to get their coffee and paper to take back to their vacation homes to relax.
Once on the island I noticed cars from NJ, NY, OH, VA, KY, TN, NC., GA. The island streets were filled with bikers, joggers, walkers, little boys on their bikes with their Dads trailing behind, couples on their bikes with beach chairs on their backs as they rode to their favorite beach access. Everyone up and out early on this fantastically beautiful day-wanting only to squeek out every single moment of vacation, only to sieze the day.
By the time I traversed the island and headed back over the bridge there were at least 10 other cyclists heading over the bridge to get their mainland ride in. Flat, no wind. They have been waiting all year to come here and do just this.
If this is the beauty I see where I live, imagine what you could see out in the world.
The only sad thing was no lottery tickets or road change along the road.
@Tammie-apparently there is a Keys MS Ride. My sisters live in Florida and they told me about it. Bke MS: Break Away to Key Largo. It looks like its an April ride. I am serioulsy considering it for 2015, but prob won't be till 2016.
Would love to ride cross country US on bike. Maybe someday.
@Tammie, don't worry, be happy. Have fun with the Diamonds and just ride and see how it goes. On October 1 you will be glad, no matter what happens if you take this approach. At least that's my philosophy. Because a few years from now while you are in the 2016 NBC, what happened in 2013 won't really matter and none of us (except Marty) will probably even remember.
@Tammie. Your doing great. Just keep pedaling you can make diamond status. Don't fall short of your goal. 2 months to go. ;)
Let's hit 12 million together soon NBC!
Oh, gee,I so hate Sunday mornings when those glaring 0-0's are staring me in the face on this home page. I worked soooo hard last week to get that 108 miles up there and now they are GONE! Now to start all over. I just about decided yesterday that making diamond may be just barely out of reach this year. I am wearing myself out and not getting enough sleep the days I work. I may be about 60 to 80 points short. I will reach 3000 points today. Hey Jerry, you need to remind the doctor that a real bike is MUCH easier to ride than a stationary one. As for that bucket list, haven't started on one yet.
@J. Hugh - You probably don't have a bucket list. You probably have the strength of will to just live your dreams. But just in case you are asking, "What is a bucket list?" There was a movie out some time ago, and without doing the research on the movie, it was about two men who had, I believe, terminal cancer, and decided to just go and do the top ten things on their wish list before they died, as in "Kick the bucket." I should really go watch the movie.
@Jerry B yes that seat does look more comfy than your modified one.
Any one here use Cat ears? I forgot to list them, but I really like them.
what bucket?
Howard: " Should carry a chain tool and spare link, keep on thinking about this when I'm miles from home..."
That was me until I actually needed a chain tool miles from home. Nothing like playing Fred Flintstone on a bike 12 miles from home with a few hills averaging 800ft each to drive that message home.
My bucket list in no particular order:
RAW Solo
RAAM 4 person team
Furnace Creek 507
C2C ride-US mainland
West Coast - BC - Baja
Leadville 100
Continental Divide by mountain bike
Death Ride (Tour of Ca Alps)
Tour of the US Southwest on my own terms and routes
Road bike: Seat bag with CO2 (2 cylinders), patch kit, multi-tool, $20 bill. Small compact pump on the frame, and two bottle cages. Spare tube in jersey pocket. If I'm riding over 50mi, I wear a camelbak, extra tube and extra nutrition.
Mountain bike: Same supplies. But all in a camelbak. No bags on the bike.
I wear dog tags when I ride, and have sets that live in each camelbak and seat bag.
@Jerry - Ok, I ordered my Road ID. Thanks for the prompting! It only took about an hour and a half to input most of my info, accept for a good photo of me. You see the camera is always in my hands, and I can't find any recent ones of me. The exception being last year, when I had my son take a picture of me with my head through a cutout mermaid display on our last vacation at Norfolk That one looks just silly.
There is a Bike MS to the FL Keys!? Tell me more! My brother lives down there. I need an excuse to go visit him! I am guilty of using my iPod but have it way low and only have one ear plug , actually cut the other off. It barely even goes in my ear at all . I wear it the same way I do the radio at hockey games and continue to carry on conversations with the people I am with while I listen to the game on the radio and watch the game. I have little top tube paniers. On both of my bikes where I keep a multi tool, patch kit, cliff bar, head light, little wallet with some cash and ID, menthol cough drops to keep my mouth moist when it is really hot and I can't just constantly drink water, chap stick and on the hybrid a lock. There is some spare space for anything I may need on any particular ride. My phone is usually in my jersey back pocket unless I am going to be pouring water down my back to cool off then it goes in there too. Temp today was another warm one at 101 and I managed 13.7 miles. It would have been more but I really have to reserve a little energy to stay awake at work all night. ....darn it
I see people riding the roads here all the time. Beach cruisers, riding on the wrong side of the road, weaving over the white line into the road and back to the shoulder, no helmets, ear phones in their ears, or texting, or smoking. I get so upset!
@Jerry, I have an old pair of speakers that I hook up to the ipod. I never use earphones when I ride.
Ok, here is a cycling bucket list-no doubt every rider has one. Would love for anyone to share theirs.
1. NC Coastal Land and Trust Ride
2. Sea Gull Century ( for a 3rd time)
3. Tour De Pickle
4. Take the Lake (for a 2nd time)
5. Five Borough Tour (can't wait-would like to do it at least once)
6. The Virginia Creeper Trail
7. C & O Canal end to end (already completed all but the 60 miles most north)
8. CNC (Cycle North Carolina) from the mountains to the coast.
9. All the while keeping in mind the desire to tour and travel via bike.
10. And, continue to always be on the lookout for more and more rides and keep on trying as many as possible for as many miles as possible for as long as this body will let me and my purse will let me.
10. P.S. maybe the Bike MS to the Florida Keys....
@Karen, glad to help. BTW, my road bike doesn't have the pump, that's the bike I use for trails and inclement weather. So there could be a time (has happened) where I needed to use a pump that called for the adapter.
I use a saddlebag, and in it carry two tire levers, a multitool, one tube, driver's license, credit card, health insurance card and $21 ($20 for emergencies, and a dollar bill to use as a tire patch). Used to carry CO2, but now just have a pump mounted on my frame. Cell phone inthe pocket, and road ID on the ankle. Should carry a chain tool and spare link, keep on thinking about this when I'm miles from home...
@Karen, since I use Presto valves, if I happen to be in a situation (gas station) where they only have Schrader pumps, the adapter allows me to use their pump. It's tiny, so easy to carry just in case.
@all those looking to relocate-its beautiful and there is noooooooooo traffic! Although they do have to improve on bike ways-at least in this part of NC. Our bike group doesn't have a problem at all getting out for a 50 mile route.
For commuter bike I have in my pack-spare tube, small bike pump, bungees for those items that need a strapped on my rack like cat food etc, tissues, a couple dollars and some bandaids. I wouldn't be riding that bike too far from anywhere if I needed help but these would all be patches to get me to help if needed.
Road bike-I have this cool top tube bag-has additional ID, natural lip balm, cash. It also has room to stash my cell phone and a Luna Bar-then under the seat is a small first aid kit, co2 cartridges, tube, and all things needed to change a tire if needed, along with all the other things people on this forum sugggested like rubber gloves, paper towels, pliers etc. Its a small bag too! I really was able to stuff quite a bit of emergency essentials in there.
I want to get a trunk pack for my commuter bike though. My panniers are an ok size but not as big as I need. Like Friday on my way home I had more than I could carry and it would have been nice to have that extra pack.
On Fridays we have farm fresh organic eggs delivered (only $2 a dozen), needless to say they had a tightly suqeezed ride home and not one was broken by the time I did get home. That included going over 3 speed bumps.....
@Roberto - Thank you for the rain info earlier. Here is a stupid question, why a valve adaptor, doesn't your tire pump fit the valve on your tire?
@Jenny. You don't listen to your iPod while you are riding do you?
Under the seat bag. Two tire irons, two tubes, patch kit, C02 inflator, four C02 cartridges, two disposable gloves, tiny tire pump, sunscreen, Wet Ones packet.
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Tube bag, cash, eye drops.
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Only ID I carry is my Road ID. Plus phone has the Road ID app which has emergency contact info on the splash screen.
J.Hugh. Seat looks more comfortable than my bicycle seat after I modified it.
My bikes are my transportation. Lately though I have been working on the 4 wheeled kind, but mainly to relocate to less polluted air, more consistant weather, or just a friendlier people area. I know NJ isn't such a place... PA not much better.
I have 2 bags, one near the handle bars that carries my phone, ipod and an emergency whistle. Then I have saddlebags that carries a spare bottle of water, sunscreen, bug spray, bike lock, small first aid kit, and bungee cords (if I am bringing home something that doesn't fit). I have room for snacks and sweatshirt or jacket. I don't have tools or tire repair stuff. That's what the phone is for...lol. I bring my wallet too so have ID
Frame bag for tools self AAA, seat bag for food or a camera.
@Cyclo Roberto Same as you plus health insurance card, insect bite stick, small first aid kit, cell phone and rag for wiping hands or things. underseat and when touring a frame bag.
@Jerry B Great bike but looks slow and the seat not very inviting.
Ok, we found out about undies, visors, chamois cream, now... how about what do you carry in your saddle bag? And is it an under-the-seat or handlebar bar?
I use an under, and I carry co2, spare tube, two tire irons, chain tool, spare chain links, valve adapter, ID, $5, and a small Ziploc bag. I also have a frame pump on the bicycle I use on the trail.
What's in your bag?
Found an interesting bicycle today.
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http://tinyurl.com/lskkywe
Good luck, @Roberto. I know how you feel...
@Michael, I too am planning to move. Not enough bicycle infrastructure present or planned to keep me here. The once sleepy country roads are now buzzing with all the folks moving into the endless sprawl of housing developments in the western Lehigh Valley. That's the purpose of this road trip. Check out some new locations.
I also don't have the time/interest/desire to traverse the roads via bicycle that are necessary to reach my destinations.
@J Hugh, moving is in my future, just not yet. Been in our house 22 years. Don't really want to move, but the wife's knees can't handle all of the steps here plus we are probably going to have college students renting next door. Time to go, hopefully within 12-18 months.
I too will drive to ride. In fact, I'm just planning a 2000 mile road trip that will take me to some of the trails I've only read about. To me, the bicycle isn't a replacement for my car; it's an alternative. Sure, I could spend the next 4 or 5 months cycling the 4000 miles round trip to these distant places, but the odds of doing it safely are slim. No thanks.
Most of my rides start from home, but sometimes I will venture out 10 miles or so in the car to get a differernt starting point. Get to see a little different scenery.
Google Reading Pa and see the only town I've ever seen that you must take a limit access highway to cross. Amazing. Why not move Michael G?
@EM. Do you have a Road ID?
@Michael, good for you for getting out. Crossing town in your neck of the woods could be hazardous to your health. Smart.
40 super muggy miles today. Capped off another 300+ mile week.
Micheal G really you can reach the other side of town only by a limited access highway? No credit. 20 point penalty. Bike on the car transport. But you get a do over tomorrow.
@Michael, I give you credit. Sorry for my confusion. Thanks for clearing that up. :p
Heading out for a 60 mile ride along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.
No @Rod the bike trail was 1/2 mile from my wife's gym which is on the other side of town and reachable only by limited-access highway. Gimme some credit!
Hi all, out this morning with muggy cloudy weather with temps starting in the upper sixties. Lots of other riders out there. Stopped for brunch outdoors in Kirkwood. Then headed for the trail. Afternoon temps headed to the 80s so it felt a lot more like summer than it has for days. Hot and not as humid this afternoon.
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RE clothing, forgot to mention that I almost always wear a pair of cargo shorts over my biking shorts. They are made from stretchy fabric [Lee brand]. I like having the extra pockets. Thanks to Jerry's advice I am always carrying my billfold and my phone in one of my pockets, either the bike jersey or the shorts pocket. The headsweats cap and gloves get washed every week or so, all other clothing goes in the wash after each ride. I always have a visor on my helmet. I often ride east when the sun is coming up so I couldn't see otherwise.
Wait a minute. You're a bicycle commuter who put his bike in a car to get to a bike trail 1/2 mile from your home?
Maybe it's the Pacific Northwest climate, or maybe it's lucky fit of shorts & saddle, but I don't routinely use a chamois creme, even for longer rides. I carry a 'single use' pack of 'chamois butter' on longer rides (50+ mi), and have only felt the need to deploy it on a couple of occasions. Riding here in this drier, relatively cool climate - we're talking summer riding here - probably makes a difference.
Good day, all! I did something today that I haven't done on a Saturday in years: I rode my bike! As many of you know, I am a commute-only rider. Last evening my wife was making plans to hit the gym when I had an epiphany; the county parks trail (mostly canal tow path) is only 1/2 mile away. Why not? Threw the bike in the back of the car and did 12 miles, learned that the padding in my gloves is shot, saw some wonderful scenery, and had a grand old time. Gonna hit it again tomorrow!
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I have a visor on my helmet. Since I'm upright on a MTB, i need it to keep rain and road spray off my glasses. Have 6 pair of bike shorts that I rotate through on a daily basis. Just got a new pair of gloves at Dicks about a hour ago. Most of my shirts are Under Armour, all gotten off the clearance rack at the outlet, all either hi-vis yellow, green or orange. Shoes are either old sneakers or Keen sandals with a covered toe (use regular pedals since i have a lot of traffic lihts to stop for). Have an assortment of tights, rain pants and jackets for cold weather, I go year round.
I use a Nutcase helmet with a visor. A visor is a must for me as I ride east in the early morning and at this time of year, the Sun is starting to be right on the road.
From top to toes
Helmet with visor with peddler mirror mount to visor, the rounder the helmet the safer according to safety testing so I am always looking for good options. MTB helmets are closer to my taste.
small beany with elastic to control sweat and in winter reduce heat loss. Also, keeps my hair up.
Prescription safety glasses with photochromic lens clear to brown.
Bright colored shirt of wicking fabric, cycling jersey when touring only, if no bright top then safety vest.
Variety of shorts, wear once and wash, bibs ok, but can be irritating to shoulders. This also brings up the shirt in or out question and jerseys must be out side.
Socks i like are quarter ankle length, wear once and wash
I use cycling sandals. I like the Nashbar ones due to toe protection. I have cycling shoes but they only come out when its really cold and I forget what shoes feel like. By rotating use two pair can last about three years. Sweat and rain eventually take their toll.
gloves are a wear once and wash. Rotating use I have some that have lasted 5 years and some that die in a year. Sweat kills them all.
Shopping is the key.
Helmet Under $65
beanies Under $10
Prescription safety glasses $270 Life expectancy three years
Tops $7-$15 jerseys $7-30 (look for the deals on jerseys)
Shorts (bib and regular) Under $30 new with tags
socks $1 a pair maybe $2 for a couple.
Nashbar sandals $58 a pair.
toe covers for winter $5
Polar Fleece Socks for a few days a year $4
Long fingered gloves $10 or less
Short fingered gloves $8 or less
Tights to cover legs for about 10 rides a year $10 have lasted 5 years
Rain wind jacket with zip off sleeves $30
Rain pants $12
WTMI
@Heather, most chamois creams are water-based yuck. Nubutte isn't. No water in it. Goes on like a nice smooth cream that it is. No yuck.
Karen told me to tell you she prefers the bike skirts that are separate from the shorts. She does not like the ones where the shorts and skirt are sewn together.
This is the skirt Karen rides with.
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http://tinyurl.com/lf72j8w
@Jerry - Thanks for doing that research for us ladies. Hope rehab goes well today. I will be riding for you.
@Heather. Since you don't like chamois cream you could try a powder. Anti Monkey Butt. Or you might try Hammer Nutrition's Seat Saver. It is a cream but you use very little of it. And it does not feel you are wearing a cream. I don't even notice it within seconds of applying the Seat Saver.
I have tried and did not like chamois cream. UGH. Nasty business. I would rather have sore bits. @low humidity is osmething we know nothing about in MD! We hover from 60-80%. I wipe my sweat with my hand or shirt, all the time. lol Low tech, here. :)
@Brad - I wear a cap under my helmet in the Summer because of a skin problem. I see the point though. Maybe I should just tape cardboard over my nose. I don't know, seems like you have an interesting story to tell about that truck. :)
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Must do things for today : Order Road ID and check out Headsweats or Giro.
Do broken down, unusable bikes count. In that case I do have three bikes.
Karen's skirt is a wrap around skirt. Here are some links I found on riding skirts.
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http://tinyurl.com/mq9brnz
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http://tinyurl.com/ltvdy54
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For more options Google search
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womans bicycle shorts with skirt
We are fortunate here in Colorado. Low humidity. So I rarely have a problem with sweating that requires me us use a headband. The only time I have anything on my head other than the helmet is when it is cold. Then I have lightweight to heavier skull cap to protect my head from the cold. My helmet size is adjustable with a small knob so my helmet always fits regardless what if any skull cap I am wearing.
No visor on my road bike helmet, but my other has one. I prefer the visor, but also prefer to see when in the drops. Under the helmet I wear a beanie in the summer, hat in the winter. I picked up a couple beanies from Columbia Sportswear last summer, super thin, UPF 50, cooling technology, can't even tell it's there. I contacted Columbia the other day and learned they didn't make them again this spring and supposedly none could be found on their partner websites, maybe I'll make a trip to the outlet store and see if I get lucky.
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On hot days I'll go cycling shorts only, but when it's cooler I generally wear a pair of running shorts over top and in the winter I usually have two layers above the shorts. I can feel the difference in temperature, but have never noticed any change in moisture, its not like much air flows across your "seat" while seated and the occasional stand up doesn't do a whole lot to dry things out.
@Jenny. Shorts over your bike shorts should work. Karen has a small skirt she wears over her bike shorts.
@Jenny, yes that works. Don't forget the chamois cream. I use Nubutte @Tammie, which is organic and mostly shea butter. Great stuff!
So I'm thinking commando is the way to go, will it work out if I wear a pair of shorts over my bike shorts to protect my dignity? My thinking tells me that it would work because it isn't blocking the skin contact. Just a thin loose sport short.
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I wear gloves on longer rides if out longer than an hour. Bought a new pair from a reputable company but like my pair from Wally World better.
@EM - average of three bikes per People or Bikes member, huh? I've got five bikes, each one has a certain purpose. A CF bike for roads, a cyclocross bike for my commutes, a mountain bike for off-roading, a hybrid bike for the MUPs, and an aluminum road bike I keep in a hotel for use during business trips. Don't think I'm allowed to get any more bikes at this point! :)
On my mountain bike I use a helmet with a visor which is good when I'm in a more upright riding position. But in road position you do not want a visor unless you want to end up in the box of a parked pickup truck - don't ask :/
I use Headsweats under the helmet, it's a terrycloth sweatband around the bottom edge and the top is covered with an airy fabric that keeps the bugs from getting in my hair. It doesn't keep the sweat from dripping entirely, but reduces it a lot. http://www.amazon.com/Headsweats-8807-201-Shorty-Beanie/dp/B0027BFPTQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC Maybe ladies and underwear is a genetic thing ;-))
Sweat is the one thing we rarely have to worry about. Our humidity is usually so low that it evaporates before it can drip or run anywhere. We have had humidity in the 20 and 30% ranges lately which is astronomical. Normal is more like 6%. I managed to ride 13 miles yesterday before I melted in the 103 heat. I could have done more but needed to reserve energy to work 12 hours all night. I will be getting off in 10 minutes, am dead tired and am trying to convince myself that I should eat something and put in a few miles BEFORE going to bed. Darn I hear that bed calling from 20 miles away!
I don't use a visor or a cap. I do carry a hankerchief in my back pocket to wipe sweat if needed. I did have a head band to stop sweat but I was not comfortable using that. So I nixed it.
Definitley have a Road ID. I feel safer with it on. I purchased one for a friend who bikes and goes out and kayaks alone in the waterway. I also got one for my Mom who bikes alone often.
Never got to finish the shorts undies story, but I used to never wear anything uder my bike shorts, but, my Mom does so I thought I would try it. And its been working out ok. But like Michael said-how many pages back, they are cotton so not so good for the sweat factor.
I am like Heather, minimal gear as much as possible. But, I have to say-I checked out those Serfas gloves and I really like them alot. Very disappointed in the ones I got from Performance this spring. I should have send them back but its much too late now.
Did not get enough miles logged this week. Ugh....will get up and out tomorrow. I hope to get a 20 mile ride in.
Got to get ready for work! Hope don't miss too much conversation today.
Ride on with peace. Ride safe all.
hats, caps, don't really stop the sweat. Head bands work well Same with wrist bands if the grips get slippery from arm sweat (baby powder helps grip also). I'm told baby powder helps with the riding shorts, too. ...0_0... ......... With my "cap" or painting hat, I usually keep it backwards so i don't see the visor as a distraction. In rain or if the sunglasses aren't working with the sun enough, then it goes forward. If anything, I need "fading" prevention treatments for the hats anyway.
I have a visor on the helmet. It helps when it rains and don't use any cap. But lately, especially during the heatwave, I wondered if a cap would help stop the sweat from dripping down into my eyes.
Commando here. No visor or hat. Again, I stick to minimal gear. I need new shorts because I only have one (worn) pair with a padding. I also need a new helmet (age). Does everyone have a road ID? I do!
Oh, and if it is 80+F I don't wear a shirt. 120F, I may not wear pants...
Most of the time I'm just wearing normal "cotton" shorts. I've ridden all my life... I grew to endure the pain, well really pain is just certain seats in my case. Gloves are for drivers. Some say "oh if you fall bla bla bla." ... Mamby pambies. The ground never did that much. I've ridden so much and always used the same grips. ODI longnecks, or the cork tape on the road bike, and both just don't give me calluses anymore. Carpal tunnel, I think that is from computer use, and I only got that "gaming" years before, never from the biking. ..................................................... Yes, I do have riding shorts, too. I use them for 50+ mile rides, but even they might hurt if I stay on the butt too long. What causes pain is both staying sitting too long and rough pavement (offroad I never need the shorts ever). Pain is really in the mind, but just to relax the rear muscles, get off the saddle after 5 miles, stretch the ankles, then after rolling a bit, like a 1/4 mile get back on the seat and pedal again, and repeat.
Don't you just "love it" when you are cycling down the road (where, here in Fla. you are suppose to cycle instead of sidewalks) and someone blows past you by, it seems, inches or yells for you to, "Get off the road!"
OR, (lol) when you are riding on a trail in the early hours while it is still dark and cyclist are coming at you----with no lights on their bikes??
There! I feel better now! LOL
For the helmet poll - I wear a cycling cap under my helmet most of the time, to deflect some of the rain off my glasses or to shade my eyes from the glare of the sun at low angles (morning & evening commute). I have a Clif Bar 2-Mile Challenge cap that works pretty well in cooler weather, but it's all cotton. Bought a Headsweats cap last year, but the bill/visor is too long and stiff to work with either of my helmets. Just found a Giro synthetic cap that works pretty well. The bill is short enough to permit good forward vision, and flexible enough to flip up if I don't need it.
Go, get'em, Jerry. You will return to the bike.
The commute home this afternoon was one of those rides that make me appreciate fenders. And I'd have appreciated them even more had they been on the bike instead of hanging up in the garage where I put them when I took them off a month ago. It really wasn't too bad. The rain was light and had pretty much stopped half way home. The ride in the rain under the power lines on the BPA trail was interesting. All the sizzling and popping made it sound like someone was frying up bacon for a battalion.
Oh, and without fenders, the shorts and jersey were definitely going in the wash when I got home.
@Karen - I like that, "I'll write a wrong note, or note a right wrong."
It is difficult to remember to take your RHR/BHR. Some of my students have taken almost two weeks to remember. But, if you can get it to be a habit that you do most days, it will tell you good info.
I have two pairs of bike shorts which will be three when my nashbar box arrives. No undies, discovered after a couple weeks they are much more comfy that way too! I make my own butt butter with Shea butter ,coconut oil, almond oil , grape seed oil and a hint of peppermint. All the oils are massage quality oils. About 90 to 95% is the shea butter so It is a solid when you touch it and melts in your hand. I could not do without my gel gloves and of course and am already on my second helmet! I'm still sore in that spot on my head. Love the jerseys with the pockets in the back... So handy! And I do wear cycling mountain bike shoes. Love the additional power in the pedal stroke and have clips on one pair for my road bike. After just a little over 4 months and all this gear it is obvious I am 'all in'!
Oh yeah, and the cap is good at preventing my head from getting sunburned. Yeah, I'm one of those people, where my hair is parted, the sun will burn...
I already knew what Christine rides in. She rides in Kenosha.
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I'm with the females on the layer below the shorts.
I also have 3 pair of shorts that I rotate. Ones older than those are relegated to riding either the stationary bike or bike trainer at home in the Winter.
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How can you tell shorts are too old? I don't really do group rides, but a few years ago, I was one of two lead bikers for a running race, and the other biker was in front of me. The spandex of his shorts had started to deteriorate, well, more likely had deteriorated a while back, and that sight was burned indelibly in my eyes. I immediately took the lead, and afterwards I told him that he seriously needed to replace them.
After you wash them, make it a habit of occasionally holding the back part to the light. You can tell.
I just learned that the average People for Bikes member owns three bikes. We got some shopping to do!
@Jerry - Way to improve, by quite a bit!
I have both the cap and the visor. The cap is a "headsweats" cap and it does keep the sweat away. Visor is good for the sun. Have a hat that fits under my helmet for winter riding, comes with a hole for a ponytail. Too much trouble to take the visor off, so I just leave it cap or no.
Just got my bike back from being in the shop for 15 long grueling days. Yes, I did go ride in the moonlight. Wish I did have more than one bike, have to solve that problem.
Jenny; try Andiamo, or just Google (women's) bicycling underwear and follow the merry trail...most of them are padded, and some of them are Pink(-;
Oh my, I asked the question and then 8 pages later...
Ok so I am having trouble with irritation but never considered riding without my undies! But i can see the rationale behind it, and also for washing them daily. So for those who are not comfortable with going commando, is there such a thing as undies for bikers?
@Roberto... it's usually the older guys in the club who don't get new shorts often enough! Sometimes I feel like perhaps we should pass around the hat and take up a donation, for new shorts :)
@Howard LOL depends who's shorts are worn out.
Helmet, visor no way, and cap always.
Oh, and for underwear beneath cycling shorts... I never do it. Don't think anyone in my club does it either. But, when the shorts start to get worn... well, I know which riders that I should NOT follow, unless I want to be scarred for life! :)
Helmet, with visor.... keeps the rain off my eyeglasses. Just got a cycling cap, will be trying that as an alternative. We'll see!
Helmet. No visor. It blocks my view when going downhill at 45-50mph.
Oh yes, good subject-visor or no visor?
One of the most consistently delightful aspects of this community is the opportunity to learn. For example, I had always assumed tight clothing was entirely about aerodynamics, had never considered the obvious safety/snagging issue, nor would the advisability of absent underwear have remotely occurred to me…(though such well presented points are unlikely to alter habits substantially, as my own skin is unequivocally insufficiently tight to routinely support skintight clothing, and I remain emphatically committed to underwear(-;) I often encounter references to issues, equipment and terminology I either haven’t heard of, or have never really thought about..and am then motivated to wander happily off in search of more information. I was beginning to suppose there may be a vast untapped marketing opportunity for cycling specific underwear……..a little internet exploring assures me this is not the case. . I’m pleased to learn such things exist, and although it has only been an issue once in many thousands of miles, I will also be appreciatively bookmarking websites relating to welcome suggestions for whimsically named chafing antidotes . (-:
Anybody ever tried Nubutte by Inyangi? Great stuff. So, if you wear underwear under your bike shorts, boxers or briefs? LOL No seriously folks, wear what suits you. It's just funny that cycling apparel companies spend a boatload on R&D of fabrics and chamois technology to provide us with the most comfortable and hygienic experience all to be covered over by Fruit of the Loom. Next topic.... since we all agree on helmets, visor or no visor, cap underneath or commando?
Go, @Jerry, go!!!
@Jerry - We are all "behind" you!
@Jerry, love Anti Monkey Butt! It used to be better (they changed the formula, I believe), but it's still the best for chafing. Yes, I wear undies. And I don't wear spandex. I'm an Athena, I guess; at 5'2"...Sigh.
@Jim Johnson! It rained in Phoenix?? Too late for spring, too early for the monsoon. What's going on???
I am sorry but this is so hysterical and at the same time very informative and pretty important.
@Christine-are you changing the subject? lol
OMG. I'm not telling you guys what I ride in. Yoiks.
So long as we all agree helmets are ESSENTIAL. Clearly people weigh choices based on varying individually prioritized combinations of safety, comfort, practicality and cost. How fortunate we are to have so many options, and the generously shared insights, information, experience and perceptions of such a diverse and supportive community. Roll on….and Thanks! for sharing the view(s) (-:
Very simple, since most underwear is cotton or cotton blend, it does not allow the transfer of moisture (sweat) to the outer garment (bike shorts) that is specifically designed to get rid of that moisture. Undies that hold sweat while you're riding and moving will invite saddle sores and other undesirable effects. Bike shorts are meant to be worn sans skivvies.
Shorts, jersey, gloves, helmet, shoes, underwear, and of couse bike socks (ones with little bikes on them)!. Ridden as long as a century. During the challenge most days are 20 or more. Never had a problem with chafing.
5.3 miles on an upright stationary bike. Plus two hours of physical torture, followed by an almost mile walk around the ponds.
If you have a problem with chafing or saddle sores try Monkey Butt powder or even better is Hammer Nutrition's Seat Saver. The Seat Saver was a life saver for me when I started getting saddle sores last year. I was puzzled why I suddenly was developing saddle sores. Then I found out there were caused by the new detergent my wife started using on my shorts. When we changed back it solved the issue.
@Rick - I wear bike-functional clothing on my commute and shower and change when I get to work. I ride anywhere from 20 to 40 miles commuting per day. I could never wear street clothing, I'd be all sweaty. However, I do not have a special room for drying my clothing. My cube looks like a laundry room with all my bike garb hanging from my wall cabinet door. People used to laugh at me about it but they have gotten used to it now.
Shorts, jersey, sicks, gloves, sunglasses, Road ID, and helmet. No underwear for either Karen or myself. Shorts, socks, and jerseys washed after each ride. Especially the shorts.
I'm blessed with great bike facilities at work. A locked, covered bike "cage" for parking bikes, a full sized commuter locker in the locker room (part of the on-site fitness center), showers, and a 'drying room' (actually a large walk-in closet with an exhaust fan to move the air and a transformer in the corner that supplies a little heat). On top of that, logging my commute rides monthly qualifies me for a transit pass that gets me around by bus or train over two+ counties when I'm not riding.
I just Googled "Wear underwear under bicycle shorts" and I couldn't find one resource that recommends wearing underwear. The best quote I found said, "Do you wear underwear under your underwear? There's no point in wearing something under a garment that's designed to go against your skin." Every resource pointed to chafing as the main reason to avoid wearing underwear with the exception of relatively short rides.
@Rick - you have a drying room? I hang all my clothes in my cube.
@Rick, true, days don't measure up to miles.
@Nyla, you wear underwear, got chafed, but you don't think the underwear did it... I guarantee you there isn't a pro cyclist, male or female, that wears underwear under their shorts. I've never seen anything that suggests wearing underwear under cycling shorts is a good option. I'd love to read that bit. And what are "monkey-butt shorts?"
My bib shorts (I wear only Pearl Izumi) start to become translucent when they are worn out. The chamois loses some of its pliability too. That's when it's time to replace them. As for the cost, you definitely get what you pay for. The lower end shorts tend to be a lot less comfortable (to me of course, I'm the one writing this) and since comfort is king on the bicycle, I would rather spend a bit more for quality.
Yep - the clothes are about function. In my neck of the woods, I'm riding streets with traffic half the time or more, so I want clothes I can move easily in and be seen in. I don't want cuffs getting hung up in the chainring. And there are hill climbs and fast descents. Whatever I wear on the bike is not what I'm going to wear at work, so why not wear bike-functional clothes? And visible clothes - jerseys are almost always yellow, orange, or red. Blue is reserved for off-road or group rides when there's visibility in numbers. And never black. My new helmet is solid, bright yellow, just in case my jersey is not.
Oh, and for the poll, I wear bike shorts the way God intended them to be worn, for the reasons that Roberto cites.
4th flat in less than 2 weeks. Phoenix streets suck for about 2 weeks after it rains. Quarter of a mile from home so I'll fix it in my living room tonight.
That's 100 CyclingRoberto-days, or about three or four years of wear for the rest of us.
Most days, I'm in my bike shorts for a little over 1/2 hour each way - 14 miles round trip. I hang them in the drying room at work (thank goodness for that on rainy days) and I hang them to dry at home. I'll use two pair of shorts to make my commuting week, 2-3 days each pair. It would be better to wash them after every day's commute, but washing is wear & tear, too. The life expectancy depends on the construction of the shorts and the chamois. I've got a year-old pair of Garneau shorts that may be headed to the end of their life. The inner fabric layer has loosened from the foam in the chamois. No riding problem in them on my short rides, but I'm wary about starting a 50-100 mile ride in them. The best way to know if the shorts are OK (if they're not falling apart) is if they work for you on your rides. If so, they're still good. If you ride more than once per week, get at least two pair. Price is one indicator of quality, but you don't have to shell out big bucks to get decent shorts, particularly if you watch for sales and clearance items. My bibs ( more expensive than plain shorts) have all been sale priced in the $40-70 range, and none had original retail over $120.
Gloves, of course are a necessity, even if I do have horrible glove tan lines. After 2 crashes the gloves are the only things that saved my hands from serious road rash. Not expensive, cheap finger-less gloves from target for 14.99 (currently in the washer...)
Well, I'm up to riding over 200 miles per week and I'm not having problems with chafing even after my 91 mile ride last weekend. I have read on the internet (so it must be true) that there are two "camps" on the underwear subject and more women wear underwear than men.
OK, before this gets out of control, I honestly don't care what anybody wears when cycling. But there is more to cycling kit than looks. Function is just as important, and the fact of the matter is, cycling clothes are safer to ride in. Less likely to snag when you crash (and as I've mentioned before, you WILL crash). They wick the moisture away from your body, and allow for better ventilation. As for underwear under shorts, the chamois is designed to be in contact with your skin. Placing something in between can cause friction and we all know what that can lead to: chafing and saddle sores. So this isn't a GENDER thing. (Why do so many of these discussions go in that direction?) Just like I wash my socks every time I use them, my shorts get the same treatment. It's your butt, but trust me, if you start doing some longer distances on a daily basis, you'll think twice about what you're wearing.
@David dude, a jersey? Why? Next you'll want me to wear shoes.
@J Hugh, I don't think the people in my part of the world care what I wear.
I wear gloves because if I didn't, I wouldn't make it more than 10 miles without the inevitable crash after hitting a bump and having my hands slide off the bars due to sweat. I wear the shorts for what Roberto just said, but only when I'm seriously riding. A trip to the grocery store or a restaurant, which is only a couple miles, I wear street clothes. Nothing under the shorts, because again, as Roberto said, it kinda defeats the purpose, at least for manly underoos. I wear special shoes because, well, I have special pedals. I wear sneakers or boots on my hybrid without special pedals. I wear a helmet because it makes sense and I need to cover my full head of scalp anyway. I guess it all depends on how far you're riding. Personally, if I was only riding a couple miles a day, I wouldn't waste the money on special stuff, but since I like to ride for hours at a time, it makes sense to be comfortable.
As for bicycling without underwear: To each his own, but for myself…I should just think NOT, Indeed!…
(though it’s conceivable they may have played a part in the unfortunate chafing which developed toward the end of the MS TRAM, in that crucial, delicate junction between the “sit upon” and “pedal with” portions of my anatomy …an inflammatory issue which, to my intense disillusionment, my recently and rather reluctantly acquired, first and only- pair of warily purchased monkey-butt bicycle shorts did absolutely nothing to ameliorate (-;)
Laurie,
Let’s be very clear: This isn’t the tale of Pinocchio: Flesh and Blood, Heart and Soul…..You put your butt on a bicycle seat and pedal forward…..(and, all the better, you do so consistently with respect and support for others on the road, a high regard for safety, abundant energy, enthusiasm and palpable, generously shared pleasure.)
YOU ARE, in Every Sense, the very epitome of a REAL cyclist! (-:
@ Kathy, count me in -- girls 3 for underwear, commando is only for laundry day, not for biking.
@David Bigelbach The people in Cycling Robertos part of the country think it great that he started wearing Bibs. So, don't go challenging the man to think about putting on a jersey. One small step or bib at a time. But it might be that kind of jock strap bib the crazy guy runs with at the TDF.
Some people say that you get saddle sores if you dont wash your shorts. Some folks say that you can break out in a big candida rash. But I don't know them.
I also wear underwear under my bike shorts, never over, but I think that might be a girl thing. Perhaps we should survey that.. so far girls 2 for underwear, guys 1 no underwear.
@Roberto. Dude, you should think about wearing a shirt too.
I'm almost afraid to say this because it reveals that I'm not a "real" bicyclist..... but I don't own any special riding clothing or gear. Just street clothes, bare hands, and old sneakers. I do, however, wear my helmet religiously.
@ Laurie, the last one, the helmet is actually the most important one. Other stuff is good to prevent unnecessary wear and tear and esp. gloves are good because vibrations can cause your hands to get a form of carparl tunnel syndrome. The shoes and other stuff just make riding more comfortable. So good you have a helmet!
And I only ride in bib shorts.
@Jenny, always good to have a couple/few pair of bike shorts. I have two, used for long rides and wash and rotate them as needed. Then I have a special pair of like loose biking capris that I use to commute in and wash them once a week on the weekends. And, I do wear underwear with the bike shorts. Used to didn't but I tried using underwear and like that better than not having underwear on. Bike shorts are not that expensive so it would pay in the long run to have a couple/few good pairs. Also, for Bike MS that is over two days, I have one pair of shorts for each day. I have had my shorts for a couple years. With regular use and washings so far, it probably wouldn't hurt to a get some new ones next year and keep these for back up if needed. Hope that helps!
First, if you ride "almost daily," you need more than one pair of shorts. You MUST wash them every ride (remember, no undies with bike shorts). I get about 100 days out a quality pair of bibs. Figuring I own about six pairs, and rotate them, I need a new pair every year.
Supposed to be 82, mostly cloudy, with an east wind tomorrow. Perhaps I can take Eurus (the name of the East Wind in Greek Mythology) out for a long ride tomorrow.
@ Marty - See what work does to me. I'll write a wrong note, or note a right wrong. Either way, I will have to put it on the ceiling so I won't get up and mess up my heart rate.
I need some help with my bike shorts...
I ride almost daily, and I wash those shorts quite frequently. However, I only have 1. Is there a timeframe that you use to determine when the shorts are officially "worn out"? Its kind of like a good pair of athletic shoes, they are still comfy but are they really doing what they were intended to do? So do you regular riders have multiple shorts, and how often do you replace? What do you do if you are riding without bike shorts? Do you have problems?
@Marty, now its 33335 riders!
I never complained to CVS or the other Drug/convenience stores. I do complain, however to the DMV for not having one. Though they let you just tow it around inside. Shoprites, or even Walmarts never seemed to have racks either... so.. tow it again inside, as my "cart."
@All - I see that you have all talked out the glove issue while I was at work. Rick said it better than I ever could. I like my new gloves, but I think I will get better ones when I can. The Velodrome in Lehigh Valley two times a year has a second hand "flea market" for bike related things. One time in the Fall, another one in the Spring. I have been meaning to go, but usually am working.
@Cynthia 3hrs 30min. I'm no speed demon on the streets when I'm touring. No real hills, just some wind. I mainly went home bound due to hunger.
51 miles of gravel on my Jamis Comet road bike.
@ Marty - Thank you for the RHR (BHR) information. I have been told about checking it before, but didn't. I think now I will make it a priority. I suppose I will have to right a note and paste it on the ceiling, or I am going to forget.
No, @Rick, I meant "set-up" referring to the original comments from yesterday referring to brats and little kids ("tots"). I was just running with the theme!
@Michael - if by "set up," you mean "made up," then, no. The grill special was for real, and just too timely, given our recent posts. And I'd have probably gotten soup or salad instead, except for those posts. Now I have to ride extra miles...
33,333 riders!
Re: CVS & Walgreens bike racks. Oddly enough, the CVS & the Walgreens in our neighborhood each have a tiny bike rack out front, no public prodding required!
@Kathy - Jay really wants an elf bike. (She has health issues which preclude her from going far.) Wish I could afford one for her.
I am definitely not a vegetarian. Give me a great porterhouse steak any day.
@Cynthia - I also wrote to CVS. Just cause. plus I mentioned that RiteAid and Walgreens had bike racks in my area.
Bike of the future?? I think I'll keep mine... which goes over 20mph without solar power.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/01/elf-bike_n_3690560.html
@Carl-40 miles nonstop? Not a bad day at all. How long did it take you?
Hi all, so my ride was this morning. It was in the 70s and MUGGY. Lots and lots of other riders out there including a mom with two kids riding through a park. Was happy to greet them becuase they were all rolling with helmets on. Don't know if so many people were out because its FRIDAYYYY, or because they all thought it was going to rain this afternoon (hasn't yet) and most of tomorrow. Felt good to be out after missing yesterday. RIDE ON YA'LL!!
@Michael-good job! Hope it wasn't too bad a climb and your inspired to do it again.
I got a response from CVS to call them about bike racks too! Can't wait to talk with them about it.
@rick, most tots I know are brats. But we both know you set that one up, don't we ;-)
More biking to the doc's office: Last month I biked the 15 miles north to my 6-month post-surgical check-up on my hip fracture (an orthopedic clinic with a bike rack!). The surgeon commented that I was the only one of his hip fracture patients who rode the STP (Seattle to Portland Classic). And although the hip & leg are still causing grief in some activities, they're causing no problem on the bike. Roll on!
Just got back from lunch at the company cafe. Today's grill special: Brat & tots. I shouldn't have, but I did, and it was pretty good.
Thanks to all for your inspiration, I finally manned-up and tackled the hills head on today. I usually trade extra distance in order to ease the elevation gain. Today I said, "Mike, it's time to ride this bike like a bicyclist!" Used the gears as much as I could, but no feet down. Don't know what burned more, the lungs or the thighs. @Jerry, this short but significant-for-me ride was for you!
@Peter, I didn't read far enough back, and I see that you posted about riding bike to your cardiology appt. Extra points to you on the wellness scorecard, too!
@Rick, I work in a hospital and I am on our wellness committee. Our committee was solely responsible for installing bike racks both in front of the building for our patients and in the back for our employees. I will have to consider adding that category onto our wellness scorecard, "biking to your annual physical".
Not a bad day. Did a 40 miler non-stop.
Ok, that dude riding in front of the bus...what was the point? At first I thought maybe he was having a problem, i.e. physical, but then it was obvious he was not. Geez.
@ Ray, took me a minute but I got it, now cut that out!
@ Marty, interesting becuase I just read an article about how cyclists should deal with busses. Obviously riding super slow two feet in front of a bus is not a good idea. Common sense please....
We are currently 3 participants away from 33,333 for the Challenge. That would put us 1/3 of a person away from 2/3 of our goal!
But don't get too excited, as we only added 1,450 participants last month. So, my prediction for the final tally would be 35,123.
Help prove me wrong, and recruit, recruit, recruit!
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@Ray - Spoken like a true Marty! With some of my relatives, the nice term for it is known as a Martyism.
(time to "pull a Marty") I'm not a vegetarian, but I do feel a bit guilty right now since I assume these crackers I'm eating are made from real animals. :D
I've ridden my bike to the dentist's office for most of my checkups in the last few year's and I just park the bike in their waiting area. There's no good place to lock it up outside. And I normally bike to my annual physical - which earns me points with my doctor.
@Marty - What the heck was that guy thinking? Get a move on, man. Did you hear the wheel go "crunch"? Ow.
Normally, I wouldn't root for a bus vs a bike, but unless there was a lot going on before the video footage, he had a bent wheel coming.
http://screen.yahoo.com/cyclist-pays-price-messing-bus-103321175.html
@EM - Yeah, I missed the local bike swaps this year, and haven't found or decided on an alternative disposition for the excess gear. Nothing worth selling on e-bay, so it will either be charity or wait for a bike swap meet.
A few years ago, I'd watch for every REI sale event because there was something I needed that they had That's finally changed. There's stuff I'd like to have (like that tadpole recumbent), but little that I can say I "need." I'm shopping for a seat bag to fit my new Brooks saddle, but without any real urgency. At worst, I'll reinstall the rear rack soon, (as the fall weather comes in), and won't need a saddle bag for the Brooks until next summer.
@Heather, I am with you, frugal and simple.
Good luck Jim! Dentist-eeewwww!
@EM-great advice for all the extra gear.
When I go for check ups it seems my HR is always excellent however I have never compared HR between resting and working out. Going to give it a try.
Christine@ - At first, I thought you were sweariing at me. Thanks. I will keep posting either educational or inane comments here until the end of December, (for the post-Challenge period), unless they kick me off beforehand.
I'm riding my bike to the dentist in about hour. They are cyclists so insist I bring my bike inside. Pray for me. I hate going to the dentist. My wife makes all these appointments for me. She called me once and told me she had scheduled a colonoscopy for me. I guess she loves me enough to make sure I'm healthy.
@Burklee, my bp goes through the roof at the mere mention of the word dentist. I have to go lie down now.
@Marty, don't be so humble. We're counting the days till we don't get to read your bons mots any more! Wah!!!
Every time I go give blood, they say "Your heart rate is so low! Are you on a prescription for it?" I say "Yes, I take two rides a day - minimum - on my bike. A strong heart doesn't have to pump as hard to move the blood!"
@leonard that story is amazing. I too, have always had low rhr and blood pressure. As far as gloves-I have one pair. They were $25. They are not fancy. I keep my gear to a minimum (frugal) and wash a couple of times a week.
@ Rick, bike swap meets or similar sales are one way of getting good homes for gently used gear. Another is to find a bike charity that helps people fix up bikes and gets them going with the riding.
@Burklee. I survive the dentist only by listening to audio books on my iPod. Loudly.
@ Marty, I have bad news for you, people already don't have to read your stuff, or mine either for that matter.
@ J Hugh, I have 2 pairs of summer gloves and one pair of winter gloves (full finger).
Gloves - over 6 years I've accumulated 6 pair of half-finger gloves in various colors, one pair of thin full-finger MTB gloves, one pair of cool weather full-finger gloves, and one pair of water-proof, insulated winter gloves. Some of the summer gloves are in pretty rough shape, but I hang on to them.
Likewise, I've accumulated jerseys and shorts over time, with my jersey collection getting nicer as my taste for good stuff got sharper, and as my continued riding seemed to justify spending a little more. I now have enough bib shorts for a week, and seldom go back to my non-bibs. I thought bib shorts were dorky & overpriced, until I tried them and came to appreciate the comfort of eliminating a waist band. Now I don't have to wash stuff up more than once per week, and I've actually got some excess gear I'd like to find new homes for.
@J. Hugh - It's hard to believe anyone would have an elevated HR & BP in a dentist's chair, isn't it? I tense up the second I sit down in the dentist's chair, even just for a cleaning.
@ Leonard, good for you for asking for a second opinion. The only pacemaker you may ever need is too keep you from exceeding the speed limit on your bike! LOL
I am getting education today-between glove styles and RHR's. Wahoo!
@Leonard - There is only one person I personally know that has a RHR as low as yours. Live long and bike far. (I know you'll be passing me before the Challenge is onve, and that is with missing well over a month.)
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J Hugh - Now there is written proof that people are already counting the day that they won't have to read my stuff anymore.
How many pairs of gloves do regular riders usually have?
RE: Low heart rate the dentist takes my blood pressure and heart rate and says its to high, the paramedics take it and both are too low for a man my age. My healthcare team says you are doing pretty well. Its all a matter of normals and situations.
Comment on "glove tabs": I've tried MANY types of gloves in the last 6 years. Best ones I've found are Serfas, they have a small strap between the first two fingers and another small strap between the last two fingers on each glove. They are the easiest gloves I've ever had to remove EVEN WHEN SOPPING WET!!! The little straps work GREAT and you never know they are there until you use them.
@Leonard - Good for you! I imagine in this country, doctors aren't used to seeing people that healthy.
At my last cardiologist check up, I rode my bicycle the 5 miles to his office. I left for his office so I pedaled hard to get there in time . I there and my turn was 2 minutes later. Fast foreward, he said " Keep up the good work and all that bicycling is really helping."
Right-because after awhile the fabric stretch's and frays or tears from pulling the glove on and off repeatedly. Hmmm, might have to order myself a present. Been a awhile since I have had a little box delivered. I ordered new gloves this past spring. The old ones where at least 15 years old (and yes, I washed them). They were plum wore out! Neither here nor there, I don't like my new gloves.
Just a comment on resting heart rate. Back in 2008 when I broke my hip I spent 4 days in the hospital. After the first night my doctor came in and told me they were going to implant a pacemaker because my heart rate was dropping into the mid/upper 30's at night. I said no way, doctor insisted, I ask to see a cardiologist. After a brief talk with the heart specialist, he said he wished all his patients had a resting heart rate like mine. I no longer see the first doctor and still don't need a pacemaker......
@Christine - So cynical! LOL
In 1984 we were spraying our gloves with Insect repellant. I stopped doing that when I learned just how absorbent the skin is and that you get what's on you in you. Vitamin B-1 is amazing but not instant.
If you use heart rate monitor checking rate of recovery is very helpful post ride.
Marty "the jute burlap fizzyology King" Malin great info and only 59 days left to be in your presence this year.
@Karen & Cynthia. Bought the same or similar style PI gloves this spring. The "off" tab is little pocket that you can get a finger into (from the other hand) to assist in removing the glove. It is a little easier than grabbing the edge of the fabric.
@Karen & @Cynthia - Technology is amazing. I wonder who first thought to put insect repellant right into a bike glove?
@Laurie - Another indicator of how healthy your cardiovascular system (CS) is, or is becoming: Check your HR 5 minutes, and then again 10 minutes after exrecise. As your CS gets stronger, your HR will be lower at these intervals, given the same intensity of exercise preceding it.
@Joe-awesome helmet.
@Karen-there is an off tab for your gloves? What is the style are those Pearl Izumi gloves?
@Doctor Marty-I was going to ask the best way to go about checking RHR. Thanks! This will help immensely in doing this (first time checking ever). Another bit of info to put in journal and track. Fun.
Interesting that you all are talking about RHR. A couple of days ago, I had an appointment at the Y for a fitness assessment. I biked 6 miles to get there, walked down a long flight of stairs to put my stuff in a locker, then back up the same stairs to get to the assessment room. There I sat for about 5-10 minutes sipping water while the trainer set up for the assessment. At that point he took my "RHR" and it was 60. I wonder how much lower a true RHR would have been.
RHR continued - Once you have established you RHR, you can see how increased exercise causes it to decrease, meaning that your heart is stronger and can now pump more blood with each beat, so doesn't need to beat as often.
But if you RHR all of a sudden goes up by 5-8 bpm, that means that you've either way overdone it with exercise the previous day, or your body is starting to fight off an illness. Whatever your exercise planned for that day, either ease up on it, or eliminate it, rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy.
Everyone is different, so don't worry if your RHR isn't the same as someone else's. Our BHR capability is different because of a number of factors including heredity. The lowest BHR I've ever seen is while watching a documentary in the 80's about a Frenchman who was attempting to break the 1 hour velodrome world record. I forgot his name, but his RHR was 28. (In case you're wondering, he did break the record.)
Resting Heart Rate (or Basal HR) - In case anyone is curious, here is some info on RHR - It is a really good indicator of not only how much your exercise is improving your cardiovascular health, but it can also tell you if you've done too much the previous day, and it is the first indicator of your body starting to fight off an illness or infection.
The only way to get your RHR is to take it before you get out of bed. Don't use your thumb, and either take it at your carotid or wrist. Even moving your arm to take it will raise you HR, so give it a minute or two before counting. And, if you absolutely need to go to the bathroom beforehand, by all means, do so, but when you get back in bed, it may take 8-10 minutes for your HR to get back to its minimum. Count it for a whole minute and write it down. Take it for several days in the next week to eliminate sampling error. Your lowest reading is your BHR.
@Marty~ must be the awesome lighting in our locker room at work!! ;)
@Burklee~ Ha Ha Ha yes!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Karen Jean, how well does that off tab work when your hands and the gloves are wet? The REI video made it look like it was the be-all-to-end-all, but she could have been wearing gloves 2 sizes too big and have powdered her hands prior to insertion. What do you mean I lack trust???
@Joe - I looked at your helmet pic. Nice! And is that "Joboo" as in the movie "Major League"? Cuz if it is, people will want to be nicer to you.
@Joe - Nice picture!
Wore my new Pearl Izumi gloves yesterday and got them soaking wet. I see that they finally dried out. They have a little tab on the ring finger that says "off". Who thinks of these things?
@Joe - Your helmet looks Sweeeeeeet!
I got myself a new brain bucket this week!!
i can't believe the strides in comfort and technology, (and how lite), these new helmets are!!
i had my "old" brain bucket for far far too long!!! Lol
http://joboo1967-joboo.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-new-brain-bucket.html
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Cynthia, stop, you're ruining my Friday here at work. I finally got vacation out of my head, now you just put it back! Say "Hi" to an Egret for me! BTW, saw your comment on my personal page last night. Glad to be able to help a little bit!
@Cynthia - Maybe I should have said "vacationsick." I picked up one dollar in change this week on the road. Maybe in 100 years I will be able to buy that new bicycle.
@Cynthia - your making me homesick.
This morning still not feeling that great. With the rising sun streaming through my bedroom window I was determined to ride this morning. And, its Friday-treat day- a good cup of coffee from Mavericks Coffee Shop! As I headed out past the lakes and tidal marsh by my house, I became so overwhelmed at the utter quiet and peace as I rolled through. The Snowy White Egrets gracefully navigating the air looking for a place to land to hunt for their breakfast. I continued on my journey to see the never tiring sight of the sun rising up over the intracoastal waterway. As always, I said a silent thank you to the higher powers for allowing me the ability to ride, want to ride and for being able to take in such a beautiful site as I see every day. Peace to all and have a marvelous day!
@Tammie- my resting heartrate is 60. I am participating in #carfreefriday today. I've already gone to the coffee shop and work. Later, I will run errands on my way back home. Happy weekend, friends!
Have to say-definitely logged many more miles on my bike in July than in my car. Now that would be a fun statistic to keep track of. Will have to include that in my journal.
Sauerkraut is so delish and good for you-here is one to make heads turn-order a Rueben sandwich without the meat.
Could not open J Hughes link for "Velonock". Will research further though. Sounds like it could be fun!
@Jerry-yea bike! I will get in a couple miles for you this weekend. It will probably just be a couple but its better than none if that's ok.
I have to finish every ride with a short but steep climb up my driveway. I don't know what the grade is, but a car can't climb it in the winter after a few inches of snow, without AWD. So it never seems to matter how easy or hard my ride is... I still get a good push on the pulse with that last climb!
@Tammie - I feel for you. I'd do what EM said and put ice under your helmet.
@Peter - Sound like a great PR. (Note to self: New goal for August -65 mile day.)
@J Hugh - Cpaceebo - for your post. You and me Velonoch next year! - (sorry no Cyrillic keyboard.) If only dreams came true.
Well, you got me wondering mentioning resting heart rates. I really was physically out of shape most of my life and my resting rate before I started riding was around 80... yes that bad! Well, just checked and after just over 4 months of hard work I am surprised to say it is 58 and I am currently at work. Not doing a lot but have not exactly been sitting still either. I just wish I could get past the heat so completely draining me after about 15 to 18 miles. I have no problem when it is only about 93 but lately it has been over 98 and just inhaling feels like I have my head inside an oven! The heat coming off the asphalt is just an additional insult. LOL It is making it really hard to average that 15 miles a day I need to reach diamond by the end of the challenge.
584 miles logged on the bike for July. Logged 360 in my truck. And that's mainly due to a round trip 54 mile drive for a landscaping gig I have.
But the numbers that that I am really pleased with...April 1, my resting heart rate was 64. August 1....50!!! Every mile pedaled = a few more heart beats in the bank!
I still have a ways to go. Before I stopped riding in 2005, I had a RHR of 42.
@ Jerry, thanks to you too. Your comment posted while I was typing my last post.
@ Marty -- thanks for figuring it out. I actually started it from a parking area about halfway up the hill, so like I said earlier, it was short but steep. One of these days I will try the entire thing. BTW, in the winter if it's especially snowy or icy, that section of street is closed to all traffic because it becomes impassable.
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Now, I need to get some sleep, 4:30 am is not that far away!
@Laurie. Only 12.31%.
My new bicycle seat was delivered today. Now if I just had the rest of the bike to go with it.
@Laurie - Darn. (That is an 'r' and and an 'n' at the end of that word, in case it isn't clear on your monitor.) I was hoping you'd already shut your computer down for the night. That would be a little over a 12% grade. Pretty steep. But with no warm-up, one's legs would be immediately hurting. 65/528 = 12.3% If it is actually 10% shorter than 1/10th of a mile, then it is 13.7%.
@ Marty -- don't be hatin'! I just checked the elevation. It's a street that goes down to the river flats and then up again a short distance later. The uphill part I rode rises about 65 feet in 1/10 mile. I am not sure how that translates to a percentage.
I tried a short ride ealier this year. Only planned on 10 miles to check out a repair to my bicycle. I had a 30 mile group ride later in the evening. When I got to Lyons, I needed to make a left turn to go home. But my bike fought me, refused to turn. Insisted on going straight. My bike finally let me come home when I ran low on liquids. Good thing I only brought one water bottle.
Laurie's definition of a short, steep hill is a curb. (She jumped the curb.)
@Laurie. You would have loved a hill I did in June. We left Golden for a 63 mile ride up in the mountain. After one mile we had to climb a 15% hill, with a person a the bottom of the hill calling out to us, "This is your wakeup call." Then we only had 6-8% hills for the next 20 miles with an occasionally 8-10% sections, and only one more 12% and one more 15% hill in our first 20 miles.
In my defense, the short ride I did squeeze in today began with turning out of a parking lot and immediately going up a short but fairly steep hill. Not exactly the best thing when my muscles weren't acclimated yet. I made it to the top, but took about another block to recover from it.
@Laurie. Hope you enjoyed your break today.
@ Jerry, I am so sorry. I couldn't find them today, but tomorrow is another day :)
@Laurie. Where are my 30 miles?
Peter! Please, no four-letter words like that! hehehe
All kidding aside, snow is great from about December 15th or 20th until the first week in January. Then it gets old very quickly!
I had a personal high mileage today of 59.78 miles. Nice riding today with a little wind. I hope we get a lot more days like today, all the way to December 20th and then a little snow for Christmas. Yes, snow.
After pushing myself to meet goals in July, I really needed a break today. So I ended up riding a mere 5 miles. I know I can make up the missing miles on another day, but I sure didn't like seeing the effect on the leaderboard. grrrrrrrrrr
OH my gosh you guys, so many posts and so little time. In fact no time to ride today so I've got a goose egg to start the month. But no worries, I didn't eat it. I will start making up for it tomorrow. I am willing to donate some of my miles to Jerry. As for logging my car miles EWWWW. I mean you can't drive the car and then expect to reward youself with cheese curds and bratwurst or ice cream and cookies for that matter. I'll stick to my bike. I'll get back to that serious riding tomorrow!
J Hugh - There should be more Velonoches in the states. Impressive numbers - But traffic jams at 3 a.m.? I noticed very few bike helmets. I aslso didn't see any brats or cheese curds.
Cyclists Take Nighttime Ride Through Moscow's History http://n.pr/13yRc3g
Av....Curds ...a snack I can whole(excepting the portion jeopardized by excessive cholesterol consumption)heartedly endorse. Some of the very finest are on hand just up the road at a favorite, frequent cycling destination (superlative Burnett Dairy) I am especially fond of the deep fried variety.....butterfat immortalized by frying ever-so-seductively in vegetable fat ... (Who thinks of these things?) Dangerously delectable but at least marginally easier to rationalize when pedaling to reach them.....sigh....I love Wisconsin! (-:
Ahh there's nothing better than brats and kraut! My town boasts that they have the best brat fry in Wisconsin every Friday and Saturday. Gimmie those squeaky curds, too!
Cannibals…dear me, I’m horrified to the depths of my ovo-lacto vegetarian soul. Surely simply the name would be adequate to discourage consumption?....BRAT-WORST?
Northern Wisconsin is currently blessed with a span of pervasively spirit-lifting , “Wish you were Here”, Three-dimensional postcard perfect, “Come Out and PLAY!” weather- rendering cycling irresistible, and eliciting contemplation, gratitude and celebration of the “WHY I RIDE” variety. Apart from some time in my twenties, (after moving to Wisconsin, gaining fifty pounds and being daunted by the hills in any direction from home), I’ve enjoyed bicycling regularly for more than half a century. Most miles still happen on my 1972, 17th birthday gift 10-speed…..in the “wrong” clothes, at the “wrong” cadence, at a generously labeled “leisurely” pace. I place great value on the health benefits, and an opportunity to offset the egregiously large carbon footprint created by hundreds of weekly miles driven for work and school, but what keeps me pedaling persistently remains elemental pleasure of the sort first experienced decades ago , on a hand-me-down single speed Schwinn: The exuberant independence of traveling under my own power, and the pure distilled exhilaration, reverberating within every cell, of rolling forward, road unspooling ahead through an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of seasonally specific ambient sensations:-Stretching every sense to catch the glorious intensity of NOW. In, Of, and Throughout every sense; the exemplification of JOY RIDE. Participating in the Bike Challenge has vastly expanded my pleasurable pedaling parameters regarding weather, speed, distance, and topography, and introduced inspiring and motivating competitive and community aspects. Cheers to all cyclists resolutely rolling onward, irrespective of age, size, skill, speed, experience, equipment or motivation. EnJOY the Ride!
Ahh, bra(h)ts, kraut and chips. @Roberto, do you have any idea what you're missing? I know, I know, calories, fat, other bad things. But it's just so GOOOOD!
OMG I am surrounded by cannibals. First Laura and now Rick. The horror!
watch out Nyla some people are eating children in that great weather in WisCONSIN.
@Nyla - Don't mind us. Missed reading your posts. I can just feel my synapses working.
Don't know what you're talking about, J.Hugh. My wife & I were at the Sunrise area at Mt. Rainier just yesterday (went up there to see the wildflowers). After our hike, we went to the snack bar and ordered a brat with sauerkraut & chips to split between us. Quite tasty.
@ J Hugh, I would expect that obnoxious children might taste bitter and unappetizing. Good old Wisconsin "brahhhts", on the other hand, are absolutely delicious and a delight to eat! Even if the resulting guilt from all that fat and other contents, forces me to get on my bike afterwards.
@ Steven, I got the same exact email from CVS a few days ago. Let me know what they say when you call them, thanks.
Gosh, brutal banter! lol.
@Rick-right thats what I said-we are all winners here and that is the true beauty of this or any cycling endeavor.
@Steven-congrats! One small step. I did email them when you first posted about it-but-did not get a response yet.
@Karen-way to go!
Great advice Roberto-learned something-thanks!
@Laurie. I could also use a century or two.
@Laurie. I don't do less than 30 miles. 40 would be nice.
@ Burklee, I have a better idea. If all of us regulars on here would donate a percentage of our miles (say 1% or 5% or something similar), that would help him stay competitive.
CVS update (I'd mentioned two stores I frequent in my email.)
Received an email. Thank you .... I am eager to resolve this for you. I have shared your observations with the leadership team responsible for these stores for future consideration.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact us at 1-800-746-7287 M-F 8:30am-7pm
Not sure if this is just RI or all stores, but think I'm going to call and have a chat.... I'll also find out what type of concerted effort it would take to get them to take this seriously (who knows, maybe my one email was enough) Just thinking it would be interesting to see the reaction to 20,000 NBC riders contacting them. (just sayin')
@Laurie - I'm sure Jerry would love it if you'd just catch him up to his position on the leaderboard before he wrecked. And if you could get that done tonight, that'd be swell! I'm sure he'd appreciate the heck out of it.
Ok Jerry, how many miles do you want me to do?
@Laurie. Go ride for me.
I've heard of people naming their cars, and motorcycles, and guitars. But in all my life I've never heard of anyone giving their kitchen counter a name. Marty, you are truly unique........
@Laurie R I am shocked at your last entree. Please, you can call children brats if you want, but to grill them and eat them is going to far. It sounds like your child ate someone, also. Won;t their parents miss them, or are you eating orphans?
@Laurie - My kitchen counter is too big to fit in my car. BTW, how did you know that's what I named it? (You must be psychic)
Couldn't figure out why I didn't show up on the leaderboard. Then remembered it's because I haven't been on my bike yet today. I had a lot to do, and somehow finding the motivation to get riding is hard to find today. Well, I gave in to my son's request to grill brats for supper, and I ate one, so I suppose that is motivation enough to hop on my bike and burn off those calories.
@ Marty -- duh....it's that counter on your dashboard called O-D-O-M-E-T-E-R
@Rick - Help! I can't seem to find the website that I can log all of my car rides. What's the URL?
Braking should always be done primarily with the front brake. On wet roads this is even more critical. The secret is to not get going too fast to begin with, the realizing that wet rims take longer to react, but once dry can react suddenly, ease on the brakes. I rarely use my rear brake, and if I do, the rule of thumb is two fingers for the front, one for the rear. Avoid braking on the paint. Remember bicycle tires cannot hydroplane and they get their grip from the road surface, not the "tread" on the tire. Wet gravel is especially nasty.
@Karen, good job for you. Make sure you are highly visible riding in the rain, look over your shoulder to indicate to overtaking motorists that you see them, take the lane if it is unsafe to pass you, signalling to anyone behind as you do so, then waving them through when it is safe. Very important in low visibility going uphill. Coming downhill in the rain, I OWN the lane. Nobody is passing me, and if they have to slow down, that's the way it goes.
Marty picks all the prize winners for a kick back. Congratulations to Vermont for winning July.
Hi all! I rode up Vera Cruz Road in the rain today. Tried to "Embrace the rain." After all, if I want to tour, I need to expect rain, and what could be better than combining water and bicycling - at least that is what I tried to convince myself. Any tips on riding downhill in the rain. It seems that all these miles is beginning to work their magic. The hill wasn't easy, but it was a lot easier than the last time I went up it a couple months ago.
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I think Jerry, at least, should get double points for posting.
@Cynthia - a question that answers your question: Would you sign up to win prizes in a challenge that involved logging every car trip you make? Thought not.
We know why we're here. Winning a prize would be nice, but we're already winners every time we hop on that bike -- and we all know it.
What? - Burlap level blogging awards? I like keeping the bar low.
I don't have ny miles for August either. Or for July.
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I want to rideeeeeeeeee!
After 400 miles in the last 8 days of July (in order to have more miles than June), it is going to be refreshing to lie back at the Red Cross for about 2 hours this evening with a needle jabbed into my arm ;) Maybe I'll have time to finish reading my book before enjoying the free cookies. I'll take a short ride when I get home, I'm thinking a trip to Jimmy Johns, gotta "play the system" for my 20 points :D
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I didn't win a prize either, 7 months in a row now. Oh well, at least I've bought myself lots of toys in the last year. I'm riding with a former co-worker next week, so will hassle him the entire way about joining the NBC, assuming I can keep up.
@Kathy @Cynthia - Thanks! It really is just a coping mechanism to try to deal with having absolutely no miles for August.
40 damp, sort of clammy miles. WTF happened to summer?
@Marty-you are so very funny.
@Rick - Would it have to be valuable content, or could partial credit also be given for comments like mine?
HA! @Marty! You so funny... Guess I have that New Jersey every day which is a good thing cause sometimes in the summer months, jersey's can get really ripe.
Sounds like we are all sighing like a bunch a little kids who didn't win a prize. ha ha. Really we are all winners-we love the sport and we love to roll.
@Cynthia & @Burklee - If you move to the 08xxx ZIP Code, you would be in (a) New Jersey every day!
Maybe there should be additional prizes for blog participation :-)
@Laurie - You're totally a winner, woman!!!
@Cynthia - I've been hoping to win an NBC jersey since last year's Challenge. *sigh*
@Jim - What about the neighbor's trees? Surely they won't notice. :)
Didn't win anything either. Was hoping for the toilet paper. Our trees are running out of leaves.
Sigh... third month in a row that I didn't win anything. Oh wait, I found a bunch of muscles and some precious metals along the way, and I'm looking for gems now. Guess that means I AM a winner :D
Would love to win a jersey. How cool would that be?
Congratulations to all those who won for July!
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Also, look to the right under, "July Winners Have Been Chosen" for an additional chance for a free jersey!
My favorite bicycling movie was "The Wizard of OZ". the bicyclist in there was really flying!
@Joe - Congratulations on your new monthly PR! With how well you've done, I would think you could even have a higher goal now. At least 5,000, and maybe more. Since you like 5's, how about 5,555? Last year, I was in DC for two weeks each in Nov. and Dec., and the biking weather was great. And, you're even further South.
@Joe and Jim-that is amazing! All the best to you both in reaching your mileage goals.
@Marty-seems there is a regular bunch of people who have input on NBC. It's fun.
The conversation about being a cyclist andbeing a vegetarian came up some time ago on this forum-yes, I have watched Forks Over Knives, along with reading a host of books to educate myself-Omnivore's Dilemma, Twinkies Deconstructed, Health Wars, Fast Food Nation, watched The Meatrix and other similar movies.
@ Roberto-if you like Forks Over Knives there is a Face Book group you can join, if your on FB.
Did just under 1100 miles last month. Logged my 5000th mile for the year this morning. Hoping for 1300 miles this month. Missed a few days last month due to vacation.
My wife is a vegetarian. Does that count? She encourages me a lot.
All the miles everyone is putting in are impressive. I was surprised to see that I did a total of 463 for the month of July. The 24 I did yesterday were a good help to my end total. Maybe I can go for 500 for August? That is a tall order with my work schedule but I can always try. I have never tried cheese curds... haven't even seen them in the stores. Guess you have to live somewhere near where cheese is made. Wish I could have a garden but the heat and no rain makes it very difficult here the past few years.
I rode 555 miles in July the most miles I've done in a month. I've over 3000 miles for the year hoping for over 4000 miles by the end of the year wish me luck. Get up and ride.
@ Andrea: Good work achieving your personal best!! Now it's time to bring it below the 26 min mark! Question, Do you take the same way home? if yes, then I assume it's mostly UPHILL so here's a new challenge -- Try to get your round trip time below 60 mins. Are you up for the challenge?
@CR - Very few of the 33,000 who signed-up for the NBC, and the 26,000 who have logged one ride or more, even look at the message board. And of those few, only a small percentage look at it on a regular basis. From that small group, eliminate all but the riders who post messages, so 3 is probably a pretty representative portion.
@Karen, watch the film "Forks over Knives."
@Andrea -- For story-time last month I suggested the book, "Simply Delicious" for an ice cream social we had as a reward for reading 10 books this Summer. My boss just laughed when she looked at it, "Of course you want that book, it has a bicyclist in it." I just smiled and said, "But, it's a great story." They didn't use my suggestion.
@Roberto - So, your saying, if we were all vegetarians, we would be better bicyclist?
Listening.
It's sunny and 70°, with 87% humidity. Yup, it's August in Nebraska!
@Travis, really?
So no other vegetarians. Interesting.
Just missed 500mi in July. Would have got the last 30 last night but 20MPH wind does not a good ride make.
@Cynthia, unfortunately my DNA insists that I ingest red meat, skim milk, the wife's home-made baked goods, wine and single-malt scotch. I ride so I can eat!
I don't know if anyone has seen or heard of this, there is new research that allows people to workout and get results according to their DNA.
Maybe some FB friends will be inspired and give cycling a try. Really though most do not understand at all.
A knowing smile Andrea, I understand the feeling of triumph, AND although few have said anything, I'm sure my facbook friends are sick to death of seeing my Endomondo rides posted every day.
@Andrea-you go girl! That is so cool.
@Karen- I had a hard time getting my last entry to post.
Personal best for my commute to work: 8.68 miles. 26:25.56 19.7mph avg 136 bpm avg. The course is mostly downhill, but I beat my record by 59 seconds!!! I thought I would post here because I think my FB friends are sick of hearing about my biking. They just don't get it! :-)
@Andrea - Their loss!! Big congrats on that PB!
@Karen Jean, I stare at that mountain every day and dream about biking it. My office is downtown, 14 stories up, so I stare directly into the Pagoda. Better, though, my house is only 5 blocks from the start point discussed in the article! Unfotunately, my short commutes on a mountain bike don't adequately prepare me for that challenge. Guarantee I'd be a "foot-down'er'!
@Jenny, there is a trailing period at the end of the address, if you remove that, the email should go through
@Cynthia - I know many bicyclists keep journals, I think its a great idea.
@Michael - I tried posting this a few minutes ago, but I do not think it went through. I would like to try that ride in September, but it I "put a foot down" I am not doing a do over.
@J Hugh - Lost this post too earlier. I read an article this Summer in the Smithsonian Magazine, my favorite magazine. "The Body Eclectic" by Richard Conniff - May 2013.
The article, among other things, shows how research is beginning to uncover the reasons why some people can eat and not gain weigh, while others gain five pounds if they eat a doughnut (like me.) Some of us just have to try twice as hard to maintain their weight. It may not seem fair, but it's the truth.
Not a good week for me- just not feeling the greatest. I don't know, allergies, or just in a funk, but this is two days I did not ride this week due to not feeling good. Hate it. But listening to my body and taking it easy. I never get sick either, so hopefully whatever bug has got me it will go away soon.
@Michael-no snow to shovel down this way!
@Roberto-I am also a vegetarian. Was brought up that way but got it away from it through early adult years. Now as I age I am finding my way back to my roots. I do eat some fish a couple times a month though. And I am almost away from dairy. I never drank milk and I don't drink milk products. My Mom fed her family as vegetarians for many years. In fact in the 70's the only health food store that was around South Central PA was Avatars (in Camp Hill-or near there?). If I remember that correctly.
Lost two days riding and the opportunity to find that lottery ticket....
I did better in the NBC last year than this year. It would be fun to compare miles though. I keep a bike journal and I log my miles each week along with NBC points. Also log any items of note while riding, thoughts, feelings, how I felt day to day, scenery and wild life, etc. I keep my journal all year, not just during NBC as I commute to work and ride all year long as much as possible.
The deer ate my veggie garden this year... :( I didn't get any. Then they ate my flowers and herbs, pooped all over the yard and left for greener pastures. Although they do come back every few days to see if I planted anything new.
(In WI) I have about 30 tomato plants - with only the cherry ones ready so far. Zucchini are doing great, and the beans are just starting to ripen.
Did anyone try to respond to the request for stories and pictures? I have tried to click on the email link and all I get is an error, and the email won't go through. Hmmm
Good Morning, all: Made it to work in between hard rain showers this morning. Had a very small window of opportunity and was able to capitalize on it. I hate having to use bus passes, almost as much as I hate to shovel snow (oh no, not THAT discussion again...).
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Hey @Roberto and @Karen Jean, if you get bored some weekend come on down to Reading and try these rides http://tinyurl.com/n7yztga . Local fish wrapper comes through again! Distance not up to @Roberto's usual standards, but the climbs will still bust a lung and the scenery is really nice, particularly if you do it in October.
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@Kathy, sorry, no lottery winnings last night :-(
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Back to work, sigh... Ride safe, everyone.
@Karen - The light taste and squeezy noise of eating fresh cheese curds can be addictive. The squeezy sound is the best way to know if the cheese curds is fresh or not. Snow peas, peas and beans are a big hit after ride or working in the garden.
@Karen and to all, Cheese Curds fresh out of the vat at a cheese factory are the very best. Fresh just better than produce fresh from the garden. Some grocery stores have it it in separate location for 1or 2 day old which is good also. Sorry you never tried it. Bikes to Cheese Curds! Him.
I don't know how I am going to try those hills today it looks like it is raining. I still do not like riding in the rain, but I am going to give it a try.
Anyone from Wis. - what is it about Cheese curds that is so good, I don't remember ever trying them?
@Laurie - I have only one cherry tomato plant this year, a light orange variety. They never even make it out of the garden and into the refrigerator. Nice for snacking after a ride.
@ Karen, few things in life are as yummy as cherry tomatoes or beans fresh picked! This is the first year in a long time that I haven't done a garden, and I miss it sorely.
@Laurie and Jerry - I'm with you on that one.
@Roberto - I'm not a vegetarian, but I am a gardener. I have zucchini coming out of my ears. Have to dig up the potatoes this weekend. Carrots, Lima beans and tomatoes all need harvesting now - I have a community garden in the summer. You want some zucchini or yellow Summer squash? Age is how you feel.
@EM - you make good points.
@ Jerry -- fresh out of the oven and gooey is the ONLY way :)
In the race for second place, Nebraska is finishing up strong, and right now, for July, beat Wisconsin by 5 points. And, they have another 45 minutes to pile on.
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With our two day end-of-the-month bump, we went from a projected total miles of just over 18,700,000 (on July 29th), by the end of the Challenge up to just over 19,200,000, and some states have almost two more hours to report the last of their July miles.
Forget the cheese curds. I want my wife's hot chocolate chip cookies.
Isn't it great to live in Wisconsin? God's country for sure!
Age cannot be controlled, so to offer a fair level of competition, masters classes and the like have been created. Weight, within reason, is another matter.
Geez now I am hungry for cheese curds!
@ Marty, if you bike to the grocery store you'll have a couple more miles to add to Wisconsin's total for the month :D
@Laurie - Cheese curds are the best! Now I'm hungry for some, and there is a grocery store less than a mile away that is still open. But the best cheese curds are going up to your neck of the woods or anywhere around there, and getting them fresh from the cheese makers in the morning. those squeak perfectly.
@ Barb: I love the way you think!!! Maybe we should petition for Sierra Nevada to step up and make it happen!
@ Marty, sure hope some of those 6 servings of cheese are wonderful squeaky cheese curds!
@Cycling Roberto - The greek references J Hugh is talking about are designations, or categories, like age group divisions that some running races, triathlons, and I am sure other events use to give lets say a 240 lb man a chance at winning an award in a category, since they most likely can't run as fast as a man in their age group who is 140 lbs., all other things being equal. So, all the men or women over a certain weight, can opt to compete in the weight category, instead of an age category.
Christine@ - I'm a book worm, and I still have allergies.
@Brian - The only way I know now how to find out how many points someone had last year is to ask them.
@Marty, interesting. I'm been strict vegetarian (no meat, fish, or poultry) since 1972. I rarely eat eggs, but I do like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. I don't really eat much dairy however, and am going more and more vegan as time goes on.
As for the challenge bit, I've always enjoyed staying ahead of someone trying to catch me on the road, or catching and passing someone else. The best ones are the younger guys who are blown away when they realize they're being passed and dropped by their grandpa. LOL And then there's the guy who I chased for 10 miles and never got closer than 100 yards before he turned on the gas and left me gasping for air. Of course there's always someone faster. I learned that in the old cowboy shows on TV when the fastest gun was replaced by the new fastest gun. Doesn't stop me from trying. As has been said, to each his own. I still laugh about the person who yelled at me to slow down on RAGBRAI... while going uphill. Oh well.
@ EM, excellent comment!
@Cycling Roberto - I've been an almost vegetarian since 1979. When I started, there weren't many restaurant options other than taking about 2 hours to eat 6 house salads. So I have fish about once a month or so. The last few years, I'm almost vegan, with eggs maybe 8 times a year, and cheese about 6, which is really tough to do in the dairy state.
@Barb - They were going to offer a year's supply of beer as one of the prizes, but with Wisconsinites making up about 1/6th of all NBC participants, they were worried that one of us would win it and put them out of business.
HI all, I think the challenge is set up the right way because it rewards everbody for making an effort. You get to fill in the blanks as to what you want to achieve: faster, better, healthier, more endurance, more observant and more appreciative of the world around you. Do it at your bike speed. Do it for the reason(s) that matter most to you. Each of our lives is better because we dared, because we improved, because we made a new friend, because we inspired and we were inspired... RIDE ON MY FRIENDS, RIDE ON!
I decided to be a little like Marty and crunch numbers.... so I made a spreadsheet of my daily, weekly, and monthly miles in the challenge. In July, I biked roughly as many miles as I did in May and June combined. So I'm debating if I should set a monthly goal for August, or just have fun and not worry too much about the results......
@Laurie - Compute a linear regression of the first three months. That will tell you your goal for August.
Laurie R , Well said. The only thing that's keeping me in this challenge is for health improvement. Well I guess I won the challenge. Oh, my challenge. My goal is 18 miles a day with a minimum of 13 miles. I consider 22 miles a bonus. Being retired I don' t have to be there until tomorrow. My speed average is a little over 9 mph which a lot has to do with city driving, yield signs, stop signs and stop lights plus not stopping the GPS. Ride & Smile for Life is Good!
CR it's only a contest if you want it to be. I am no challenge to you, unless you want to transform yourself into a 150# leprechaun body like mine...lol! Personally, I use the stats and leader board to motivate myself. But no way am I gonna be 1st place. I am happy at my pace enjoying the view.
If someone else rides 20 miles in an hour, and it takes me 1.5 or 2 hours to ride the same distance, guess what? We both get the same points. So really, the only person I'm competing with is myself... to top yesterday's or last week's or last month's totals. And as has been noted many times, even a turtle's pace is faster than a couch surfer's.
So, if this isn't a contest, why the leaderboard?
Totally agree with Brad and JHugh. I think that any amount of pedaling, whether it be fast or slow, 1 or 100 miles, on any kind of bike is better than riding the couch all day!
I think I get where JHugh is coming from, and he makes a lot of valid points. One thing I have noticed is that no matter how fast a person is, there will always be someone out there faster. I hope no one here feels they have to live up to anyone else's standard but their own. I don't feel Hugh is trying to make it into a contest, but just the opposite; we each set our own standards and goals, and don't need to compare to anyone else. The bike does make a big difference in the speed and distance you can achieve - a heavy bike will be slower, no matter who is on the pedals. And I've noticed too that time IS a big constraint; not everyone has the time or wants to spend 7-9 hours on a bike to achieve a long distance ride - and you shouldn't feel you need to. This leprechaun has the utmost respect for those who ride regularly, whither its 40 miles or 2... who use their bike instead of their car... who enjoy exploring that new road to see where it leads... who breathe deep and take solace in the beauty of the world passing by us at that most perfect ratio of all - bike speed. Because as Burklee has so kindly reiterated - bike speed is the right speed.
@Brian, you used to be able to check out the stats from last year by going to
http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2012/ however, it looks like the info is no longer there.
Hey! If Scott Naturals and Sierra Nevada are equally touted above as sponsors of the challenge, how come you can win a year's supply of toilet paper, but not a year's supply of beer?!?!!??
so does any one know of a way to get access to the points a rider had from the previous years ride?
@ J. Hugh. I'm not sure I follow what you're saying, or the Greek references. While it is true a challenge can be personal, there's no reason to say that a person who seeks to achieve a higher ranking than a fellow cyclist shouldn't try to avail themselves of whatever resources they can afford. Just like some of the best pro cyclists wouldn't fare very well on the gridiron, it's true that larger people have a tougher time on the bike. Having said that, it's up to the individual how they approach any challenge. If you want to make it into a contest, so be it. And if you are doing so, I wouldn't fault anyone for bringing their "A" game. Equipment, fitness, the works.
@Burklee, get a hook worm. They're supposed to clear up allergies!
Some of us are Clydesdales and Athenas, we are big people one way or another. Depending on who you believe that's men above 200# and women above 150#. Some challenges use a higher number for men. I think that there ought to be a tag and challenges for the leprechauns among us. Men less than 150# and women 112#. I say all this to point out that how far and how fast you go is an individual thing with four important factors, 1 how much you weight. 2. how much technology (bike) you can afford. 3. How much time you have 4. your Genes. comparing a rider on a $8K bike who is 5'8" weighs 150 lbs to a rider who has a $650 bike, is 6'2" and weighs 220# is a mirage. The challenge is from the inside of a person for that person. Whatever distance we go it is great. No one ever wins any challenge other than the one they gave themselves. all challenges are either illusion or they serve to collect people around a common interest , search for fun or common situation. I'd love to see some of you Leprechauns should have some challenges the clydesdales and athenas do and seem to enjoy it.
Any other vegetarians here?
Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin thank you i needed that...
http://ridedcc.racepartner.com/DCC2013/vrod any one who has been or know someone effected by cancer and would like to maybe help me in my quest to ride 170 miles bike ride in the doplhin cycle changelle please all i ask if possible a $2 donations thank you and safe riding to everyone
@Roberto - St. Peter's Road is where I grew up on a farm near the top of the hill (its not a big farm.) Its not too bad a hill to start off my bicycling hobby at 14 years old, but I suppose its nothing to what you do.
Speaking of stats,
I didn't have the BEST month, but pretty average totals. I had some problems earlier this month that sidelined me for a few days. And, I was on vacation last week, so my rides were shorter. Still, compared to last year, I am 182 miles ahead of where I was at this time last year. I had finished the challenge with 985 miles last year, and this year I only have 78 miles to surpass last year's challenge total.
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It just started to rain, but in the interest of supporting Wisconsin, I will motivate myself to ride tonight!
@Vanessa - I'm sure you'll do well. You have a lot of determination, so with 3 months to train, I have no doubt that you'll be ready.
@Karen, yes I know all those roads.
@Marty, I don't get down to fractions. And I don't enter the length of time of my ride. It's enough that I log the mileage, since I've only recently started doing that! I rode for decades without a care as to how many miles I'd ridden. I still don't really care, but it is fun to see how you stack up.
PRE TRAINNING FOR MY DOLIPHIN CYCLE CHANGELLE TO RIDE 170 MILE BIKE RIDE FOR THE FIGHT AGANIST CANCER WISH ME LUCK...
@ Burklee, sounds like you had an awesome ride in spite of allergies. Really love the "bike speed is the right speed" quote :)
First accident this year on the new Sworks 29r Stumpy. Coming down from Needles at Snowbasin. Late and dark. No lights or bell. A ten dollar bell is a must if your going to hit the switch backs fast on the way down. Never know who is on the way up. Good for the other guy that my cat like reflexes left him untouched. Wish I could say the same for my shoulder and thumb. Those are those with bells and those who learn to buy a bell. I learned the hard way. A nice bike without a bell is just a nice bike without a bell.
@Roberto - Just barely passed my goal of 600miles this month. If I would have done South Mountain every day it might have been more like 300 miles. Still, I am slowly adding those hills. Macungie Mountain road to Longswamp, and I think its called Church View. Just too wimpy to tackle South Mountain yet. I did St. Ann's like a piece of cake the other day. Do you know Saint Peter's Road? White church at the top?
@Cycling Roberto - Are you going to let J Hugh beat you by a measley 4,171.2 feet, after all you've done this month? That's only twice around the block.
I woke up yesterday morning miserable from allergies and stayed home from work. When I woke up later in the day, I felt a little better, so I ran errands by bike. I got in 9.19 miles without ever getting more than a mile and a half from home. I wandered up to try to figure out how they'll extend the Jamaica North trail to the new arena. That took me past Alter Metal. They had recently set out some newly welded parts, and that scent took me back to the times I would visit my dad his job at the railroad. He did lots of welding, but I never associated that smell with welding until yesterday. Some dogs barked at me as I passed by. I barked back. It was nice to ride and look around. Brad was right when he said, "Bike speed is the right speed."
Congratulation C Roberto. I, too, set a PR for the month with 1325.79 in 84 hrs, 52 min, 50 sec which is a new record for me. I hope to reach 9000 points by cob on september 30, only 3633 to go. Personal challenge is the important part I really like in riding my bicycle. The second important point is that it allows me to eat French pastry, real French pastry.
@ Paul: My daily goal is swing my leg over my saddle at least once to log some miles. I missed my goal for July due to traveling out of town for 5 days; this means I rode 26 days totaling 670 miles. That averages out to roughly 25.7 miles a day. My goal for Aug is to ride every day and finish with 1000+ miles for the month!! If I accomplish this goal I will be very close to earning my Diamond ribbon.
HA!!! Just my luck. Good news bad news. Good news-they are resurfacing the main road through town. YAY!!! The bad news-They are doing it over night, beginning Monday and going through Sept. I JUST bought a new light system so I could shift my riding to after work (10pm) through summer to beat the heat.
That's ok though, this is an inconvenience I will happily embrace. And really, it just means I get to take the long way around now. Blessing in disguise! ;-)
Roberto-Awesome. You rode almost 2.5x what I rode in July. I have 584. I had a few missed opportunities this month. And still had some lazy/under-motivated days. And my 584 miles? That's almost 2.5x the miles I rode total from Nov. 2005 until May 2013. Don't know if I can make it to 1000 in August, but I'll sure try. Motivation and inspiration is coming from all of you.
@ Roberto: Your an animal logging 1325 miles for July (even w/out RAGBRAI)!!!! Scratch pretty decent accomplishment and change it to awesome accomplishment!!
@Burklee - You left out the last part of your mother's sentence, " I asked. Mom said she doesn't care about the state of my gloves.... (here is the rest of it), just as long as they are in another state - preferably a non-adjoining one."
@Andrea - It will be a piece of cake! You are only 940 POINTS away, so if you did 5 rides a week of 3 miles per time, you would get platinum. (That's only about 135 total miles.)
1325 miles for July, my best month ever. Given that I didn't go on RAGBRAI this year, this is a pretty decent accomplishment.
50 solo nonstop miles with a couple climbs of South Mountain thrown in for good measure. Pretty scary when descending at 40+MPH, a car decided they didn't need to wait for a bicycle and pulled out in front of me. Where's my air horn when I need it?
I need 940 more miles to make Platinum....that's approximately 117.5 miles per week. I want it!!! It's going to definitely be a challenge. Next year I'll go for Diamond! I've really enjoyed seeing my progress. We're a 1 car family and my teenager really likes that I'm biking everywhere so she can have the car!
HI all, this is a teriffic day for a bike ride. Last day of the month. I did errands on my ride today starting with dropping the car off for an oil change. From there i rode to the bank and did other tasks. On my way out of AAA, where I stopped to pick up a map, I got invited to join a local bike group. In a spot on my ride I got suprrized by a guy on a bike who took the entire corner and then some to make a very wide turn. Lucky for him I was just a little old bicycle and not a semi! By the time I finished my other missions my car was done so I finished my loop and picked up the car. When I got home I found a bicycling magazine in my mailbox. WOO HOO!
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@ Rob, for the record, I am riding in Missouri where bicycling goes at a mules pace, so we are only in 35th place for the month. I just happen to have grown up in Lincoln, and I am Nebraska's number one cheerleader for the NBC. However, when my kids are back at UNL in the fall, I could have them record their miles in NE. Also, for whatever its worth I will be riding in the Heatstroke 100!
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@ Paul J, KUDOS to RIPON for beating all those big dinosaurs.
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RIDE ON YA'LL and keep up the competition, its all in good fun!
@J Hugh... VT has the points per state population lead...but WI is crushing all other states in terms of total miles ridden. Alas, that is not a category that is ranked. WI...total cycling mileage capital of the nation! New state motto? ;-) Still, kudos to VT for their #1 ranking in the NBC.
@Michael - then I really hope you win the office pool :-)
@Kathy, last night my wife won a $25 gift card to a local jeweler. Something tells me that's gonna cost ME dearly...
@Michael - You are sweet! I never remember to buy tickets and we don't have an office pool here. Figure if I'm going to be lucky, I'll find the ticket as I've never won anything by buying tickets.
@Kathy, I just put my 2 bucks into the office Powerball pool. When we win I'll throw a few bucks your way.
Today's find: A cell phone. I picked it up and waited for the owner to call. She had left it on top of her car... it had stayed there for quite a while before falling off.
Still waiting to find that elusive winning lottery ticket.....
@J. Hugh - I asked. Mom said she doesn't care about the state of my gloves. Of course, now that I think about it, she was standing upwind of me...
There was no wind last night when I was out riding.. only 6mph.. it was amazing! Even with all the stops and slowing around corners around the neighborhood I still managed an average of 14.3mph over 3.73 miles! In the dark and I was holding back in the really dark areas. Problem is, the wind is always blowing here. This year has been worse than most. Guess it is a good year to learn. I think Jerry is going to blow the doors off all of us once he is releases from his 'cage'.. watch out!
Oh Karen.. can you believe they are taking that awful Sharknado to theaters! LOL Sharks are so cool.. Been diving with some. But then again, I have been quite a daredevil at times. We found a new helmet for him. He has not bought a new one in a long time and he was looking for a yellow one.. said he could not find one.. I told him I could find one one e-bay.. and we found a LOT of choices! Personally, I LOVE my Giro Atmos! I barely even know I have one on with the great ventillation I can feel the air moving through my hair... and love it even more know that I have added gold pinstripes to it! LOL It now matches my black and gold bike. It is very difficult to find acessories in gold or with gold accents. I am sure that gravel is going to give you pause for a while... sorry you are more sore but that is to be expected. It usually takes about two days for it to set in. Now you will start feeling better! Some aleive will help. Hey, Roberto, you have been a little quiet lately. Are you out riding more trying to move up a few more notches on that leaderboard? I was so bummed not to ride yesterday that when I got home I pulled the bike out of the van and did 3 miles around my neighborhood in the dark.. yes, I have lights! AND IT DID NOT RAIN AT MY HOUSE! 3 miles away my parents got over an inch.
@ Paul J Vermont is winning, sorry NE, WI. ND is to busy fraking their water, in mean natural gas, to ride a bicycle. AL seems to be a full century behind with actions like its 1913, so I wouldn't let your swelling head force you to buy a new helmet. @ Capt. Comp Did you wash those gloves yet or do I need to bug mom? All those who complain about headwinds remember there are none on the couch, right Jerry B?
@Christine. I know how you feel. Earlier ths year a friend and I rode up to Estes Park. Calm winds. Ate lunch in Estes Park. When we turned around to ride down the mountain we had 30mph headwinds. At the least we should have had tailwinds going up the mountain.
@Marty - I saw euglenoid's pellicle once. Boy, that bird can eat a lot of fish! :)
@ Rob and EM, Although NE maybe #2 (hopefully briefly) for the month of July, WI is still #2 for the entire Challenge (and I am not giving up on July). Now if we could just get more people to move to VT to bring their averages down. ;-) While we are on bragging rights...my small college, Ripon, as a workplace, is ahead of two states, AL and ND. And we are still ahead of MI Tech, OSU, and U of IL. Go Redhawks...and WI!
Anyone have experience with converting a down tube shifter to paddels or end bar shifters? I have a 24 speed Motorbaccane.
EM, couldn't you have waited until tomorrow to post your miles ;) Now I am motivated for an evening bike ride with my wife tonight, my thanks to the entire state of Nebraska!
@ Karen -- most movies I've seen I like to watch again from time to time, but for Open Water, once in a lifetime was plenty :(
And thank you. I am in the process of converting him into a bike rider.
@Laurie - My best wishes to you both, Be good to each other, but don't let the shark get me. Please no clips from the film "Open Water". It still gives me the "hebbies."
Nebraska is in second for the moment GO BIG RED!
On Wisconsin!
Great to see Wisconin in #2 position this morning, at least for now...
@Tammie-sounds like your night turned out well regardless of the weather. Did you find any good bike goodies while shopping?
@ Marty, you should be more careful: I mean scaring people about horror movies with no bicycles!
More sore today than yesterday after the wipeout Monday night. In the arms and shoulders. My ride last night was slower, lacking energy. And, I was ultra-careful with all of my turns and anywhere that there was loose gravel!
I run occasionally, when my cycling habit allows. Actually, it was running that started my cycling habit last year. My knees don't like pavement, so I typically run on the track behind one of the local schools which is about 1.5 miles away. In the past I would always drive there, but one day last April I decided to bike over there instead. I did 6 laps, got bored, rode home and have logged over 6000 miles on my bike since. I enjoy running, but my knees prefer the bike. I did a 10k run last week, the longest distance in over 2 years. I try to do push ups, sit ups, pull ups or weight training, but don't have the discipline to stick with it, I need a drill instructor screaming at me for things like that ;)
@Christine-Rome sounds like a real winner-I have family there-lets go!
@All-that was the answer I was looking for when I asked if anyone did any other type of fitness routine. I am learning that core strength is so important. @J Hugh-do I get my points back? My Mom said walking is a great way to exercise and that helps get core strength too. Again, like you all have mentioned, getting the time in.
@Karen, good morning! Thanks for the invitation; I haven't been to the Velodrome in over 20 years, when I had some Boy Scouts who were racers themselves. I would love the opportunity to meet you and @Roberto. Unfortunately, prior commitments prevent me from being available on Friday evening. Wish it were otherwise, believe me :-( Thanks again, though; hopefully one day we can meet up.
@ Karen... it's 5:30 here. Normally I would still be sleeping, but I just started dating a guy who goes to work at 6:30, so I get up early to chat with him then go back to bed :)
@ Marty, consider it an honor to be deemed worthy of being picked on. Beware those who lurk without humor..... http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Laurie - I Get it. BTW, thought you were all done for the evening. You guys must never sleep. Going out on my bicycle now. Chow.
@Laurie & @EM - For some reason, you both are quick to pick on me. I just don't understand. ;-)
@Michael G and Roberto : Tandemonium at the velodrome, Friday night - what do you say? If you don't mind meeting an old Mw/ C, I will most probably be there taking pictures around the first bend. My family does not enjoy watching the races, and I can only bribe them to come once a year, so I will be there by myself (wearing a sun hat). Just come and say hello if you want. (I am a bit nervous about meeting Roberto. You know someone from Hades sounds to me a bit scary. I will have to wear a cross and bring my holy water just in case he takes me up on the offer.) - I wanted to download some of my pictures from Picasa, but I don't know how. I have a Nikon, but it is not a professional model. - Of course, I can't pay your entrance fee, but I think its only $8. Anyone else in NBC from the area, I would be happy to meet you there as well if you want to come say Hi.
@Paul - Good luck with those ventures.
@ EM -- too funny!
Other fitness activities...does washing the bike count? Or pumping up the tires?
I used to do a lot of trail running. I want to start again. I was going to take a shot at my first Marathon this Sept. but my my doc tells me no. I just finished PT in April for plantar fasciitis and an ankle and foot injury that left me with a couple fractures in my foot. I did a 1 mile pavement run not too long ago, and foot pain flared up. A 3 mile trail run was pain free.
I have a big week planned for beginning of August. 3rd and 4th is Paradise Ride Kauai. A two day fund raiser which, unfortunately, I will not be riding as I will be in a SAG vehicle. Then on Aug 5, I am going to go for big miles. I want to do 500k in 5 days. Will attempt to finish it in three. If I succeed at that, then I will try for 500 for the week.
After that, I will start adding trail running into my routine again. I would like to go to Maui in November for Xterra Trail running world championships if my foot permits me to get to that level. No qualifying required for that one. Just enter and run.
@ Lauire, our comments went out at about the same time. Yours makes you look psychic, mine makes me pscyhadelic or was that bikeadelic?
@Cynthia - I started with WII "fit" a few years ago. It helps you ease into yoga, which would help your balance and flexibility on the bicycle. I also like the fact that you can weigh yourself every day. It helps me not to overeat and helps me stop myself from gaining. Yoga goes from very easy moves to darn near impossible ones, so if you are new to it, like I was, just do the easy ones and slowly add the more strenuous ones a little at a time. Also, as a swimmer, my coach introduced us to the kettle bells. It is easier to fit into your schedule than a complex set of weights, or going to the gym. Walmart Department Stores sell them. If you decide to try them, start with a low weight that you can swing over your head easily. Youtube should give you excersices. Mine came with a DVD. Hope that was helpful. Of course, the most low impact, thrilling, and easy on the joints exercise is swimming. Sorry, had to say it.
@Laurie - i've always thought that about you - that you look psychic.
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The NBC email to everyone did give us a good end-of-the-month bump. Our previous best projected total miles was on June 30th, with 18,986,926. We are now projected to break 19 million, with 19,006,270! And, the best thing is that we have one more day of the end-of-the-month bump to go. Wait with baited breath... I'll keep you posted tomorrow. And if Tammie would have been able to ride today, we'd be even higher.
@ Marty, I replied to your explanatory comment about the film, then you must have deleted it for editing and re-post. So now my response to your comment is actually older than your comment itself. I will let that stand with the thought that it makes me look psychic.
@ Marty, thanks for warning me about the no bikes, man I might have actually tried to find that movie. No way now.
@ Marty, you sure know a lot about that movie for someone who has never watched it. Just sayin......
@Laurie - Sweet dreams. But before you head to beddiebye, you should know that in the Protozoa film, the protozoa get inside the underwater reasearcher's bodies and start to devour them from the inside out. Actually, it is about 3 people with nothing to do in a slum area - they don't even ride bikes. I just read further, and it says the film has never been released. If it ever is, I don't think I will ever watch it.
Well, good evening everyone.. hope you enjoyed your rides today. Here I live in arid, DRY drought ridden West Texas.. WELL, MY RIDE GOT RAINED OUT! Heard thunder as I was putting things in the van .. clouds formed as I drove across town to meet David and lightening flashed as I pulled into his driveway! It poured on the east side of town with quite a light show and rained just enough where we were going to ride to make it dangerous. Wet roads and oil field traffic do not mix well. We have a LOT of fatalities on our roads daily here. When the weather is anything but optimal, you stay OFF the roads. We ended up playing with his bikes in the kitchen, browsing e-bay for bike item bargains and just general chat. Maybe next week will stay dry. I am sure the other 99,998 people who live here are happy about the rain.
Christine@ - I didn't realize I was in church. Sorry.
@ Marty, thank you so much for telling me what an euglenoid's pellicle is. I will be able to sleep much more peacefully tonight. But I hope I don't have nightmares of giant protozoa throwing film on me.
@Tammie How was your ride with David? I went out with a local bike shop ride this evening. Their ride splits into a fast/training ride and a social ride. I joined the social group today. Do the group rides in your area split in that way at all?
I'm moving to Rome! How can you lose? Pasta and bikes! Perfect!
Marty! Such language!
You know you've got a head wind when you're going downhill and you have to pedal - hard - to keep moving! Sheesh!
@Cynthia - i do plyometrics, core training, and nordic walking. I would eventually like to get back into swimming, but that is on the back burner. In the Winter, I will get back into weight training.
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@Laurie - Core training is a great way to improve your biking, with no equipment, and in a very short time.
@Michael. I know what you mean. I have some friends with over $50,000 of camera gear. Or it used to be. Now it is worth less than $1.000, if they are lucky.
@ Cynthia, I keep telling myself I need to do resistance training at least twice a week, but been averaging once every couple of weeks. I also want to do some cross training (jogging and swimming) but haven't been able to squeeze those in on a regular basis either. Biking has just been too addictive this summer!
@Laurie - Jerry and Michael were talking about old fashioned film cameras, and how no-one would know what film is. I provided three examples. (I had to look the last one up.) It is the outer layer of a small creature in the same family as a protozoa. If I had said protozoa, most of you would have figured it out. I also didn't want to have anyone confuse it with the 1993 blockbuster megahit film titled, "Protozoa", starring Michael Bonitatis, Lucy Liu, and Damon Whitaker. (Did anyone see it? Did anyone even hear of it?)
@Cynthia Nelson 50 point penalty, Other fitness interests? Really. Shame on you.
Why do I have the feeling I'm glad not to understand what Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin is talking about?
Heard today on NPR's "The World" that the new mayor of Rome hasn't owned a car in 11 years and wants to make the city strictly for bikes...so when in Rome, ride!
@Jerry - Film is what is on top when you leave a drink out for several days in warm weather. How about not brushing your teeth for a week? Well then, would you believe a euglenoid's pellicle?
@Tammie-have a wonderful ride with your friend David. Sounds like it is going to be a good experience.
Does anyone have any other fitness interests they do as well as bike? Hard to fit in extra time in for anything else-biking, relationship, six day work week. No extra time for trimming and toning that extra bit of the body that needs it, some things just don't tone up as well with biking.
@Jerry, I know they're film cameras but it breaks my heart knowing what I spent vs. what they're worth especially since everything is still in really good shape. The optics are particularly sweet.
Just posted in Bike Forums about NBC. Check it out and add your take and see if we can encourage a few more riders to help us reach 20 million. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/904630-Up-for-a-challenge-How-about-the-National-Bike-Challenge!
Just the points odometer rolling over.
OK, I'm kidding you guys.
The worst wind that I have ridden in was hitting me sideways. I had to lean into it in order not to get knocked over sideways.
@Tammie. The worst winds I ever rode in was when I got to Estes Park and had 50mph winds.
I could have used that against those 32mph winds yesterday! LOL It was crazy working so hard and only going 8mph. The wind shifted slightly at one point and I was way up to 10mph .. wheee! LOL Problem was, I was on a time crunch because I was expected to meet my parents for dinner, it was my fathers 81 birthday and it took me 3x longer to get back to my van than normal because of the increase in wind. Wind was only at 22 when I started!
@Tammie & Jenny. Did you see my post from 1-2 days ago on how to ride faster? Much faster.
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@Roberto. Only a 100 points and it is July 30. I am so disappointed in you.
That just is rotten they can't find a way to show your actual points Roberto! .... and it goes for everyone above you too.
I have an old Pentax K-1000 I learned photography with.. love that camera! Most don't even understand what an f-stop is.
I texted David to remind him he is riding with a turtle today.. he texted back "Well today you be rabbit" ... guess I will be challenged! This is going to be fun! I am DEFINITELY wearing my turtle shirt!
Roberto, gravel scares the tar out of me. I had an accident on gravel when I was 13 while riding a minibike. Took forever for everything to heal. I still have some spots of tar emedded in my left hip.
@Cycling Roberto what ever the number on your endo page you are #91 on the overall leader board with 5100 points. So just look at the leader board and forget the counter thats incorrect. Now think of something else.
@Tammie. David is the type of person who enjoys encouraging people to ride. Sounds like you have a great friend.
@Michael. They are film cameras. People don't even know what film is anymore.
@ C R, you'll pass me up before you know it! Happy riding!
I now have 100 points. Going to take some doing to make a diamond at this point.
43 miles of gravel along the lovely Lehigh River on my road bike. Up through the Lehigh Gap and across the Appalachian Trail. Average speed was 16 MPH. Pan flat terrain.
Luke, thank you for sharing your experience in cycling. There is hope. I will just keep peddling on and enjoy the ride. I am going to finally ride with my friend David this evening. We have been trying to find time together for a while but he has been waiting for me to get a little better I am sure. A few weeks ago I was with a group of the cycling club 'elites' who were talking about a big ride they did over the weekend and they mentioned David who had ridden with them I asked which David it was. We have a TON of Davids in the club. They said 'Oh, you wouldn't know this David, he only rides with the more experiences people". I said "Would it possibly be David Johnson?" I would give anything for a picture of their faces at that moment! Pure shock.. The novice knew the pro! LOL Sure put them in their place... So much fun. I actually pulled out my phone as I asked if it was this David Johnson and showed them my text list.. his name was at the top because I was just texting with him about riding together! I have known David for years, just not from Cycling.. they don't have to know that! One girl looked at me and said "I thought you just started riding!" She sounded angry that I actually knew David. Guess it would kill some of them that I am going on a 'private ride' with him.. LOL To me, I am just going on a ride with a friend.. finally! Been looking forward to this for a while. He put the new tires on my bike yesterday and tought me how to do it. I know he is going to have to really slow down today and cut his normal ride distance way down too.. now THAT is a friend!!!
@Tammie, better to be slow on a bike than stationary on the couch!
My average speed is 12 mph, sometimes drops to 10-11 riding into the wind. As long as my legs are moving and my heart is beating, it is benefitting my body. Also, I have found that spinning in the mid range of the gears seems to help my endurance and my average speed is not affected, as opposed to trying to push it in the higher gear, which tires me out more quickly. So, basically, a faster cadence will help your speed and endurance in the long run.
@Christine, my community didn't even show up last year, but it does this year and I am in 1st place, too! LOL! BTW, after hearing how "skinned" you were in college, I will just have to stop whining about my skinned knee. It is really quite minor. Was worried last night when it had swollen up, but it is not nearly as bad as I was anticipating! Last year's dog bite was MUCH worse than this little ol' thing.
@Jerry, to quote a knowledgeable statesman, "oh, wise guy, eh?"
@Michael. Give you a $1 for them. And you pay the postage.
RE: that work thing, I'd rather work to support my bikin' than for my car!
Out in mid-afternoon with NO other riders spotted. Temperature struggled to make it up to 72 but the rain held off. The swimming pool I go past was empty. A day for thinking about all of you biking buddies. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Jerry, we share more than bikes in common. I also, many years ago, did photography. Trying to make a hobby pay for itself. Lasted for about five years (1990-1995), but got burned out. Put the gear away and didn't touch it until I finally bought a DSLR (Canon 7D) about 3 years ago. Wanna buy a full Bronica wedding outfit? Bodies, backs, finders, lenses, flashes, radio slaves, the works.
@Tammie I started road riding in 2010 and after the initial getting started period stayed with about a 15 mph average until this year. This year I started riding more and doing more group rides. I also felt like I was holding them back but it made me push harder. In the first of June I set a personal record with a 45 mile ride at 18.5 mph and then towards the end of June a 26 mile ride @ 21.3 mph average. On both rides I had my mouth hanging open trying to get enough oxygen! I still average about 16 mph most of the time but the group rides really helped me push that this year.
Enjoy the ride, sights and also the time because health is building with every pedal
@Michael. Isn't it a bummer we have to work to pay for our hobbies. Though I am now retired, my wife and I have a part time photography business. The nice thing is we set our own hours.
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@Cynthia. Doing good today. Still healing too slowly. Next doctor visit is in two weeks. We will see if I will be cleared to ride then. But I still don't have a bike. Waiting on Cannondale.
@Tammie:Anywhere between 14 & 15 mph is a great commute for me. I've got about 450 ft of climbing on the inbound 7 miles and 350 ft of climb on the homebound route. I take different routes to and from work because of traffic patterns. The 16.1 & 16,2 mph days on the STP this summer were great, but not necessarily reproducible. I love going faster & farther, but as long as I have a day job and home responsibilities, the training and touring opportunities are limited. I get to ride for stretches at 20 or even 25 mph, but those get tempered with hill climbs, headwinds, and traffic. Just glad to be able to ride at all.
@Paul - The community rankings are based on points per 1,000 residents. In a smaller community, all it takes in one.
Really, enjoying the ride is all a part of riding, whether fast or slow, striving to keep up, learning to be better and/or faster, taking in the sights, sounds, smells, thinking those awesome thoughts that just come to you from no where. No matter what the motion or the mood-bicycling keeps you fit, mind, body and soul.
Hi Jerry-how are you doing today?
I remember Kutztown Hotel may have even been there at some point. Gosh, the memories. Been so long since been up that way.
Gotta work to buy the toys for the bike. Wahoo! Love those little boxes that show up from Bike Nashbar, Performance or Amazon, and anything in between.
@Mike-nice staying true to yourself and doing your thing.
@ Tammie: First of all kudos to you for beginning your biking activity. Keep with it and it will become a part of you! All of us seasoned cyclists started in the same situation thinking OMG I could never ride that far or in such adverse (windy) conditions. However, as you will soon find out you begin to cross cycling milestones you never thought possible. I agree with Paul Perry's comments about finding and participating in a regular group ride. Riding with people of different abilities make you a better all-around rider. Plus there is much self-gratification during the process when you’re the slowest in the group then one day you are magically keeping up with the same riders! Then if the stars align you become faster than those riders and advance to begin riding an even faster group.
But as another person wrote, it’s not always about the MPH. Sometimes it’s just about enjoying the ride! For instance, this morning as I was commuting into work I decided I was going to take it easy and just enjoy the ride. Less than one mile into my ride my intentions were tested as two road cyclists quickly passed me on the bike trail. My initial reaction was to increase my pace, draft them for a few strokes, then zip past them showing my superior speed. But I refrained from throttling up my engine, sat up in the saddle and kept my current pace. When I got to my destination I was so refreshed and stress free b/c I was just enjoying the ride!!!
@Jerry, work also pays the bills that allow me to purchase bike-related stuff. Have to take the good with the bad, I guess.
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@Karen Jean, I'm locally bred and raised for all of my 48 years, yet I've never been to the Folk Festival. I lead such the sheltered life...
@Tammie - I always go for increasing my miles per week since my goal is more linked to endurance rather than speed. I have been trying to push myself, but you still have a faster mph than me.
RE: Leaderboards. First, congrats to all of you leading yours. What's funny though, is my community, Kapaa has a population of about 12,000. I am the only registered rider in it, and it is in 3rd place for the state for July. Ahead of Honolulu with a population of over 900,000, but only 70 registered riders, and of those, only 20 have points for July. We have , I think, 147 for the whole state. Kapaa is 4th of 16 for the Challenge Period. Makes me wonder how balanced the point system is.
@Michael. "Get back to work"? Don't you know work interfers with bike riding?
@Christine and Michael - Worked at Kutztown University in their library for about 10 years, before my son was born. I do believe that the Kutztown Hotel is no longer in business unless someone recently reopened it. The pizza shop on main street made the best tuna subs around because of their great homemade Italian bread. Gosh, haven't been in Kutztown for years. What they are most known for is the Kutztown Folk Festival that leads up to the 4th of July. People come out-of-state to experience our PA Dutch Culture. My son liked Roadside American when he was small, despite the dust.
Oh my gosh! I remember Roadside America!!
@Tammie-you are doing great! What you have accomplished in such a short time as a first time rider out there is amazing. Miles logged, purchasing a new bike, joining a bike group and the NBC is such a great start. Keep doing what your doing and the rest will come.
I'm a turtle... my average speed is 10-12 mph, and far less when facing a headwind. But like my current picture says, slow is better than standing (or sitting) still, and I'm proud of the progress this old fat former couch potato has made :)
Gotta admit, the local paper has been doing a lot of positive cycling-related articles. Three in one day last week:
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http://tinyurl.com/mfxlw77
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http://tinyurl.com/n4yfeb4
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http://tinyurl.com/lde5vh3
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OK, now everybody get back to work!
@Christine, I'm not sure which Kutztown Hotel and Restaurant you're referring to, but I get the feeling they no longer exist. @Roberto, you know the place better than I do, I'm sure; help? Roadside America is still there, hasn't changed since it was built, the dust on the display just gets thicker and thicker. Couple of good wineries in the area, though...
Also...what Peter and Leonard said. Have fun out there.
As much as I loVE RMONT, I'm not counting them in first place. Too small, not enough people. 'Nuff said.
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Michael G., that was a great story! I love Kutztown. My toothbrushes are made there. And the Kutztown Hotel and Restaurant, where all meals are served family style. Is that still there? How about Roadside America! We used to go there several times a year, my dad loved it so much.
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Oops. Sorry for my little trip down memory lane. My mind is too small to let it wander off on its own!
Today's dose of inspiration from the local rag... http://tinyurl.com/nu3dv4x
Tammie-those are impressive numbers for someone just starting. Keep at it and the gains will come. Keep on the group rides. Nothing will make you stronger faster than riding with people stronger than you.I hated slowing the group down too, so I fought harder to keep up. I went on one ride a week with them in the beginning. Join challenges in Endomondo. Think of them as a "group ride" and set your sights on people ahead of you. Remember to ride smart. Push yourself, but don't push too hard. Patience and determination will get you there.
Tammie, you've got me beat! My mileage averages between 8 and 10.5! Occasionally I'll get up to around 12, but not often!
Attention WisCONSIN and NebRASKA you are not winning. Vermont Leads both the month of July and the challenge.
Marty when you rig a contest, you are suppose to make WisCONSIN Win.
And Leonard is a flatlander rider . I'm at 9 to 11 mph rider, enjoying the rides. For milage my goal is 13 to 18 miles per day. Most days I do more.
Thanks, Christine. I vowed this time 'round to take my cycling to a whole new level. In my previous incarnation, I was a hardcoe mountain biker. Probably accounted for 80-90% of my miles. On a serious road addiction right now.
@ Tammie Just keep riding and enjoy the ride even if it takes a little longer to get there. MPH are not as important than MILES and your personal goals.
@ Tammie,
I wish I had an average speed of 13 or 14 mph. I'm happy with 12 to 13 and I'm doing 50 miles a day. I have over 75,000 miles in the last 5 years, never did build up any speed. Relax and enjoy your rides, the speed will come.
@ Christine, good job which is not work when cycling on first place in Kenosha,WI. Here in Oshkosh,WI. I'm stuck in a revolving door, but more time in 2nd than 1st place.
On Wisconsin! Badgers eat Corn and toss the huskers away. Ride & Smile for Life is Good!
@ Christine, feel proud. I can't even find my community (it gives me Manchester, MI and not Manchester, MO). Signed, Holding on to third for Missouri for the month for as long as it lasts. LOL
That last link worked and I was able to donate.. the problem with finding you in 'search' was we were looking for Cynthia and you are listed as Cindy! LOL
I second what Paul Perry said... I am 4 months and 1 week into being a bike owner.. also about 1300 miles! I just want to make progress faster! I am soooo impatient with myself! OK all you experienced ones. How long will it be before 20 miles feels like the end of the world? Or, when will I see wind speed at 24mph on weatherbug and think that is OK just a little breeze! I am so tired of seeing average speed of 13 or 14mph after an 18 mile ride when everyone else is boasing about their 18, 20 or even 22! (OK, I know I will NEVER be there!) I was a couch potato all my life and understand it is not going to happen overnight but I so want to be part of the group sometimes. Tired of being alone. I hate feeling like I am holding up the group when I ride with them so I don't go on the group rides as often as I could. I am just wondering how long it takes to really build the body into knowing what it is doing on this two wheeled miracle.
Youse guys wanna hear something stupid? I get the biggest kick out of going to communities and seeing myself in first place in Kenosha, WI! It feels like getting called up to the stage for an award in grammar school. (I usually got perfect attendance because my mother hated having us home, ruining her coffee klatches!) I'm #1! And ON WISCONSIN!!
Jenny, when I was in college, I lost most of the skin off my back and part of my scalp sliding on gravel. The bike in this case was a Harley and we were barely moving when we hit the gravel. Not a fun episode! Heal well! Thanks for the message this morning; I did enjoy my ride!
Paul, I love your avatar and your spirit. Welcome back to biking!
Go, Dean, go! I aspire to doing more than 24 miles in a day one of these years!
There you go, Cynthia!
Nebraska might be slightly ahead for the moment, but it's the entire challenge that counts! On Wisconsin!
Come on Badgers - only 0.04 points behind Nebraska. I expect that will change later today after David "Billy the Fish" Powling logs his miles!
@Cynthia - Thanks for all your posts. Sometimes I think I give TMI. Other times I know I don't explain properly or give enough information. You all have helped encourage me, and I thank you. NBC and my online acquaintances here, especially those people whose humor is absolutely exquisite, helped make a totally FUBAR Summer (no links please - Saving Private Ryan.) much better. I am new to posting things on groups like this, but I am slowly learning its etiquette. You all Rock!
Nebraska and Wisconsin are neck & neck for the month. COME ON HUSKERS!!!
Ok, I am so sorry for the troubles and I again, so appreciate your time, so try this should work:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/NCTBikeEvents
@Cynthia, you need to post the direct link to your page. Still only get the gal from Texas after clicking on Donate.
My hubby teased me last night... says I can ride 75 miles without incident but then take a short jaunt and wipe out 2 miles from home!
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I think I posted yesterday that I only had one fall last year and none that I could remember previous to my childhood years. However, I forgot that I fell off of my bike last year while dismounting. I had finished my ride, and then as I was dismounting, my leg got caught on my bike and I tipped over in the driveway. My hubby's car was right there to break my fall. I landed on my tush, and had a bruise there for the longest time.
I was my gloves every time I wash my other cycling stuff, they just go in the washing machine with regular laundry soap and then air dry. The way I see it, it can't possibly be any worse than what happens to them while in use.
No miles to log today....I overslept!! I hate when that happens. Guess I must have needed too. Oh well. Can't turn back the clock.
Altered route so I could stop at the 24/hr CVS on my way in. No bike racks (or anything to lock bike to)... so I walked my bike in the first set of doors and parked it in the foyer. Nobody complained but then it was 6am... nobody was there to complain.
@Jenny-hope your knee gets better!
@Rob-great concept about the lottery and NBC.
@I love all these posts and stories and am inspired by everyone who participates in the NBC or is just dedicated to riding in general.
@Tammie and Christine-I am not sure why the links did not work. Try www.breakawaytothebeach.com. Click "Donate". I do have a page set up, you should be able to reach it there. I am an North Carolina rider. Thank you so much for your time and effort!
It is a good feeling to get donations and support in any amount. I am looking forward to this event this year, I started writing an itinerary last night! And I still have 2 months to go. lol
@ Jenny, good healing vibes for your knee!
@Marty, I think I will put off the TDF for now. :-)
Thanks for the well-wishes. Swelling is down and it doesn't look quite as bad. I think I got all of the stones and dirt out. I just feel "well-skinned".
@ Leonard- Your kicking my behind. And I'm only 46. I was a 10k mile annual rider until I just stopped riding in 2005. Between then and January 2012 I may have ridden a total of 200 miles. Bought a new road bike in April 2012. Got 80 miles on it before it was parked until this past April. I was not hampered by injury or other medical malady. I just let "life" get in the way. And lack of motivation. I'm in decent enough shape. I have no excuses other than just being lazy. My short term goal was 400 mile months by the end of the year. Then I was turned on to this app. Last month I did 500 miles, and I will finish July with over 600. 110% of the credit for that goes to the people logging their rides with this app, and the teams and challenges. Then I come across a story like yours, and it just blows me away, and leaves me wishing I could just keep you guys within sight on a ride, and being the hyper-competitive fool that I am, I will bust my hump trying. And I have reset my goal to 1000 miles/month now. I get out there and ride...and I just don't want to stop. Now I just have to work on getting my body to catch up with my heart and soul.
@Leonard - You are inspiring. So there is hope for me yet. My husband, he used to grumble every time I went out to ride - like your not riding again. Same thing with swimming - you know running will get you in shape faster, and it is free. I'm like swimming is my life, and bicycling is a joy, but why torture myself running. But absolutely he is right, of course. So there is hope for me yet. I am thinking that if I start now, by the time my son is out of the nest, I will be able to do those 50-60, even 80 miles a day and start my touring career. Seriously, I have been wanting to tour since I was 14 years old and saved 6 months of allowance and birthday money to buy my first bike.
@ Jerry B,
Don't let my story scare you. I feel the same way you do about accidents, not riding, pain, PT and especially SB's. Look at the fact that I made a comeback and managed to do a century one week after getting back on my bike. NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR DOCTOR'S APPROVAL!!!!!!
For reference, this makes my fourth MAJOR comeback in the last 6 years. In 2007 I had been off the bike for over 5 year, weighed 250 lbs. and couldn't ride a 1/4 mile without stopping to rest. In 2008 I had the broken hip (in 2009 I rode over 21,000 miles). In 2010 I had three surgeries that kept me off my bike for almost 6 months. In 2011-12 I rode over 33,000 miles until I had the incident in October 2012. I really debated if I wanted to go to all the effort of trying to recover yet again (hence the 8 months off my bike). I'm 67 years old, wasn't sure it would be worth the effort - it is, I'm now doing 50 miles a day. Not really pushing myself, just enjoying each days ride.
Hang in there Jerry, I know it's frustrating but you will make it back, stronger and better than before. If I can do it so can you
My first ride over 83 miles was on Saturday..130 miles on the "Trail of the Couer d'Alenes. I have appreciation to those who ride this many miles on a regular basis. My bike shop made this trip possible by letting me use a rental while they had my bike hostage, waiting for parts. I'm not a fast rider, so it took me all day to ride this trip. My phone went dead so the map isn't complete on my workout. A very enjoyable ride, worth every saddle sore. I will do it again sometime with a better time.
Cynthia Nelson, have you set up your personal page for donations to your Bike MS account? I would be happy to help you out. I received several donations from some wonderful people here. Even very small donations add up over time. I got soooo excited about each one I received. Jenny, so sorry to hear about the gravel wipe out.. hope the knee feels better tomorrow. It has been 9 days since mine and I keep waiting for the skin to start to cover it up... not yet! It is amazing how we can take the skin right off so fast.
I had a joyful ride into 32mph wind today. The last 6 miles back to my car were a fight just to make it. I kept telling myself I was training for next years Bike MS to make it up the final hill over the caprock! Haven't decided yet if I was having fun or not. My neck and shoulders are voting for NOT!
@Christine. Thanks. I am slowly getting better.
@Leonard. Well of course you could do a century nine weeks after breaking your hip. Only 200 of vertical climbing during your centuries. I can't even make it out of town without exceeding that
I can't believe it. After all my time in the hospital, rehab, and being restricted to doing almost nothing once I got home, I just remembered I had installed "The Lost Treasures of Infocom" on our iPad. The best games ever made for computers. Back in the days of DOS. I could have been playing them when I was laid up. Now that I can do my chores and errands and don't have time to play the games, I remember I have them.
@ Jenny and Tammie... sending good vibes your way!
Oh, Jenny, no! Heal well and quickly! Sending pain-free vibes to both you and Jerry. And Tammie!
Jerry, honey, you're breaking my heart. I've never wanted someone to heal quickly as much as I want you to!!
I toss my gloves in the washing machine every couple weeks. If they get too funky in the meantime I just wash my hands with them on. Hand washing does in a pinch. Don't dry them in the dryer or they go all crunchy.
Cynthia, the top link didn't work for me; the bottom one did. I searched for your name, but what came up was someone in Texas. Can you give me a bit more direction?
@Jenny - Sorry, I shouldn't have told you to start getting ready for next year's Tour de France.
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Once, I fell in some gravel while running during a trail race. I fell so quickly, I evidently still had my hand wrapped around the water bottle, as my knucles of that hand and a leg were all imbedded with tiny stones. (There wasn't a scratch on the bottle!)
Two funny things about it: 1) I wasn't even in the 50 miler, I was just crewing for a buddy of mine, and lost him at the aid station as I was filling his bottle. Thinking he had already left, I ran about 60 ft down the trail. (He was actually still at the aid station). The rest of the day, everyone felt bad for me, thinking I had to drop from the race with how bloody my leg was. When I came back to town that night, I went to show my as yet unattended leg off to my gf, but before I got to her house, noticed her car at the co-op, so I snuck up on her and showed her my crimson leg. Later, she picked out all of the stones. 2) About 8 months later, a tiny previously unnoticed stone worked its way to the surface of my knuckle.
Jenny, hope you heal up soon! I almost lost it on gravel last night, not a good feeling...
I am enjoying the $1.2 million in savings. What if NBC worked like Powerball; you had to pay a dollar to join, but had a chance to win $1 million. I'd bet we be over 50,000 riders by midnight tonight!
@Jenny. Hope you are OK.
Just sore (and raw), will see how it is in the morning. I can walk.
My daughter just asked me how many times I have wiped out, and I have to admit that I couldn't answer for sure. I wiped out once last year but otherwise not since I was a kid.
@Jerry - That would do it. Although you wouldn't want to ride that during a drought.
Tonight's ride cut short as I wiped out in gravel while making a turn. Had to ride home. However, not nearly as impressive as riding with a broken hip! My knee was full of gravel and swollen up. I had to scrub it out and bandage it up, and now sitting with an ice pack on it. Was one of those moments that I wanted to cry.
Do you want to ride faster? Much faster?
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www.youtube.com/watch
11,001,185!! Grand numbers.
We just rolled over to 11 MILLION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nine to go.
@Jerry - Embrace the pain, and realize that the PT, (INCLUDING the stationary bike), will all help you get back to where you want to be. The faster you can progress with the PT and SB, the more they will allow you to do, which will hasten your not having to do them anymore.
@Leonard. Stop scaring me. I hope never to have another accident. I hate not riding. I do not like pain. I do not like physical therapy. And I hate stationary bikes.
@ Cynthia,
Short version of the conversation with the doctor: He said I was fine once I got in the car and got a ride home. I told him I rode my bike home, he said he thought I had been on a bicycle, he didn't realize I was on a motorcycle. I told he I was on a bicycle - his response "NO WAY, I've seen the x-rays!!!!" Took 2 more days for him to realize I actually did ride my bicycle 12 miles with the broken hip.........
I spent the next 9 weeks totally off my left foot/leg. Finally got back on my bike - 1 week later I did another century. {Wish my recovery had been as quick with this last incident (broken clavicle), took me almost 8 months to get back on the bike and I still haven't done another century......}
Hi all, early afternoon ride. Temps struggling to make it to 70. Can this really be July? A helicopter overhead, news or hospital, I think the latter. A handful of riders. Two girls coming out of Starbucks parking lot. Me, happy they are riding bikes, but unhappy they don't have helmets. They say hello, so I say it back. Almost home and it was trying to rain. Thankfully it was only a sprinkle.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
RE, the gloves. I have been known to put mine in the washing machine. I have even gotten wearable gloves out again, even ones with a little suede.
@ Burklee - I have that feeling about Roberto too. And next year we will have to worry about Jerry doing it twice.
@Ray - You suppose to wash suede? And Ewwww is right! I hope the new ones come by UPS tomorrow. Nappy blue and white - can't wait! Christmas in July!
@Burklee-Wool Lite and cold water will make those gloves squeaky clean! lol
@Roberto. Next year I will get Diamond. Stupid broken bones.
It is raining outside. I still want to go riding.
Hygiene alert! Mom! Please tel Burklee to wash the gloves so the flies will stop swarming. She said that the bacteria are her little friends and the fungus is their food. Mom do something about her hands so they won't be green any more. What else has she not washed since 1994, wait I don't want to know.
Well, I thought I would put this out there. Figured it could not hurt to try, this may not be the best forum to request a donation but, if anyone would like to make a donation to Bike MS on my behalf for the North Carolina Chapter that sponsors The 24th Break Away to the Beach Ride-the link is listed below the paragraph from my flyer:
"This event is not just about the miles, personally, it’s about being out there and challenging yourself to do your best by setting a goal and meeting it physically, mentally and emotionally. What you can gain from such an experience is memories that will last forever and a feeling of accomplishment while helping others. And this is why I ride, for those who can't..."
http://bikenct.nationalmssociety.org or www.breakawaytothebeach.org.
Thanks so much for any consideration!
@Roberto-you found that diamond-nice going!
Ewww! You don't wash your gloves?
Why do I feel like I'm about to be lapped by Cycling Roberto?
Congrats C R. I'm sure you'll have no trouble catching up with a lot of us at this point....hehehe
Diamond today, and sure enough the counter reset to zero.
@Karen - You said we couldn't imagine how funky your old gloves were. I have had my gloves since 1994. I can imagine. I should try washing them sometime. :)
Towanda - near Worlds End State Park - long ago went hiking there. Roberto - hills, lots of hills; you would like it - Challenging.
Hi Folks! I always park my bike with the front wheel first. Seems easier - make sure it wraps around the frame. I know better now.
I probably did have a mild concussion because I do remember using a lot of logic thinking in the following hours. That is how I manage when impared in any way....like when I drink LOL I had a rather severe concussion after a car accident years ago and was still able to answer questions approriately through logic analysis.. it actually was funny how I managed to reason my way to each answer. You NEVER want to remember the stupid things you say after a head injury.. I do remember everything and wish I did not.
@Tammie-I so hope you did not hurt your head too bad, i.e. concussion or anything. Of course I am not an expert by any means but you have been saying your head hurts for a least a week now.
@Leonard-Oh my goodness! Amazing! So then what happened?
You Marty-what a great idea. Don't know why I didn't do that on my on. But, you know, I think I will and yes she will love it. Thanks!
@ James Grimm (and ALL),
Thanks for the information link. This is one of the comments:
Andy Hampsten, 1988 Giro d'Italia Winner
"Wrap your thumbs around your bar. Even some pros just lay their thumbs next to their fingers on top of the bar when they're not racing hard. But accidents seem to happen more often when people are relaxed than during the intense moments of a ride. Use your thumb as a hook, and you have a better chance of maintaining control during stupid accidents."
Wish I had seen this before my stupid accident in 2008. Would you believe I knocked my hand off the handlebar while wiping excess moisture off the glove of my other hand. Snapped the front wheel sideways, I went flying over the handlebars, Shattered my hip socket like an egg shell hit with a hammer (broken in 2 places, cracked in a dozen more). Dumb me, I didn't know I had broken anything, it just felt bruised. I couldn't stand on it or walk but I could still ride as long as I was seated. Got back on my bike and rode the last 12 miles to finish my century ride. You should have heard the discussion with the doctor when I told him I rode home.........
@Cynthia - You can sign her up and update her rides on your computer (although you may need to use a separate email account). Showing her her standing periodically I think would be exciting for her, especially since she use to race. (Im sure she is truly great inspiration for you!)
@Marty...I did, I showed her the website and everything. She doesn't have a computer at home or a phone that has internet access. My Mom has always been an inspiration as she has always taken care of herself. She has always been an avid cyclist and used to race for a little while. She is 73 and doesn't look a day of it! She is most often mistaken for being 20 years younger.
@James-thanks for sharing that was fun to read.
@Ian-that it a great milage at an awesome pace. Cycling keeps you young and feeling youthful. Sounds like your father inspired you as I am by my Mother.
We kept the tandem at 20+ mph for most of our 46 miles today Not bad for a combined age of 128+ years. Somedays ya just feel like putting the hammer down. The National Bike Challenge is fantastic, but I wonder how I will rank on the Genetic Challenge. My dad cycled till he was over 85 yrs.old.
Severl good pieces of information here. I move my hands a lot and always use my thumb as a safety catch. http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/best-cycling-advice-i-ever-got
Thanks for that link James... enjoyed reading it. The last is the best. It has been over a week since my little crash and I still can't belive I hit my head. Don't remember that happening, no outward visible evidence on the helmet but the interior of the helmet was crackeed in half and my head still has a sore spot! The headache is finally gone and I am happy about that! My friend Dennis never wore a helmet until he attended a group ride with me where he was required to wear one .. he is now wearing it all the time. Small changes one rider at a time.
@Cynthia - Good luck on the bike racks and car free lifestyle! (Have you gotten your mother to sign-up for the NBC?)
I highly recommend watching Fried Green Tomatoes if no one has....
Christine@ - I think I like J. Hugh's version of Towanda better. I promise to never side rack park when I'm in Kenosha. Ever.
@Christine - She's older & she's got more insurance. Not to mention, a battleship of a car compared to the rude girls. Thanks for posting... I love that scene & movie.
Love Love LOVE Kathy Bates! Thanks for sharing Christine :)
Ok, have to chime in here-Towanda is from one of the greatest movies ever!!!! I knew what you were saying Christine.
Yes, always an education, and now I am versed on how to park a bike in the bike rack, which doesn't matter (yet) because there are none in this town. However, my Mom encouraged my idea to start approaching local businesses to install bike racks. This is a predominate area for retirees and you see people riding all the time to do their errands. Not to mention the vacationers who fill the roads with riders and make stops at convenience stores etc. Well wish me luck! Will keep you posted.
By the way, so cool, Mom comes into to visit and say hi to me at work today-in her riding cloths, helmet and a back pack, she has off to day and is riding her bike to do all her errands.
And, I have finally decided to go car free. Will be putting a for sale sign on the car this week. Wish me luck with this one too. Hey, you only live once-I have put a great deal of thought into this-so its worth a try so the topic isn't rolling around in my brain anymore. I can always get another car if it doesn't work out.
Let's see if this will work: http://tinyurl.com/movkm4d My favorite scene from one of my favorite movies.
I thought Towanda was a place in Penn. Or at least a Summercamp known for its high energy. www.Towandaonline.com is not what was meant be going all towanda on someone?
Riding bikes gives the no riders lots of problems. Share the road, provide racks, paint lanes, pay attention when driving. ;-)
@CR, I do bring it indoors now, but our maintenance guy gives me dirty looks when it's raining and I bring my drippy bike and self in the building. I've been "if only-ing" myself ever since Ms. Plum was stolen. (Brought it inside, had a better lock, had heard the thief, had my personal information in the seat stem, had written down the serial #...)
@Christine, can you bring your bicycle indoors? Kryptonite locks are pretty tough.
@Laurie & Christine@ - Oops! I have been guilty of parking along an entire side. But it has only been on the old type of racks that aren't made for a normal sized tire, only for a short 10 minute stop like a Walgreens, and only if I don't normally see bikes in the rack. I had never heard of Towanda before. (I don't watch much TV.)
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I don't know how strong those alarm locks are, but if a thief is familiar with them, they could just put it on snooze, and be gone before it goes off again.
Speaking of locks: I'm going to need to replace mine. What's my best bet? Obviously, I work in a "bad" neighborhood, since my bike was stolen from work. Do the ones with alarms work? Are they worth it?
wow, I always get a good education here! I always park my front tire in the bike rack, but I have never had my bike pivot or tip over. However, that may be partly due to using my kickstand. I have known some people who used the rationale that the bike can be more easily stolen by chaining the front tire, and so they chain their rear tire instead. However, either tire can be removed and thereby the frame can be stolen, so I usually try to engulf the bike frame when I chain it up. I can replace a couple of wheels, but the bike frame is the expensive part that is more difficult to replace.
@Christine, the front wheel pivots and rear wheel doesn't. Rear wheel in rack, bike won't tip over.
@Laurie, sounds like the same kind of person who parks their car diagonally over two spaces so no one hits it. I want to go Towanda on people like that!
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@CR, you're supposed to park with your rear wheel in the rack? Why?
@ C R, yes! I always lock my rear wheel, and if possible, I park on the end of the rack and lock both wheels to it. I can't imagine that it would be fun to ride home on only a front wheel :P
My pet peeve with bike racks is people who park their bikes with the front wheel in the rack.
Since bike racks seem to be the topic of the day, has anyone ever seen this: someone who parks his/her bike along one entire side of the bike rack so that no one else can use it? grrrrrrrrrrr
@ Heather, thats kinda creepy.
@Steven, speaking of bike racks at drug stores. We just got a new Walgreens. I locked my bike to the trash can and went in and asked if they planned on getting a bike rack. I was informed that they already had one. I said, really-where?! They showed me. It was at the far rear of the parking lot AND in the dark. No cars ever park that far back-why would a bicyclist? So annoying.
@Laurie. Thanks for the encouragement.
@Karen, no bike lanes either. And they publish Organic Gardening, Men's Health, etc. and no healthy food options in town either.
@ Jerry, even though you aren't riding, you are still an encouragement to all of us. I cannot emphasize that enough :) And...... you have logged almost 8K miles, I just completed 1K, so you are still way ahead of me and many others on here, and that is beaucoup impressive! Just keep recovering so you can bike safely soon :)
I am not having any problems with my points updating.
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Of course not being able to ride might have something to do with it.
@ Jim, my points didn't update yesterday either, but today the total is correct. But whether yours update or not, doesn't mean you can delete other people's totals. LOL
@Karen - Thanks for the wake-up call!
Gee Mark M you are a brave man. I find it great that you bravely spread nuclear waste and belong to a sexist organization. Should be at least Atomic Bicyclists, then you only have to defend the nuclear waste with a half life of 25,000 years.
You would think the town that publishes Bicycling Magazine would have more bike racks than it does. I e-mailed the editor about NBC last year. We do not have more bike racks, but Emmaus voted to change their policy about allowing bikes to ride around in the community park. You take small victories where you can, I guess. Now to just get the borough to take down their "No Bicycling" sign.
@Marty - I checked the leaderboard yesterday. Look behind you friend, I am gaining on you. Better get your granny "wheel" out and spin some miles. M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. (Just bothered that I got the spelling wrong earlier.)
There is at least two business in Oshkosh that have bike racks that are to small. Just got the cheapest, for kid bikes. Glade I invested in the double leg stand.
@ Mark M. - Kickstand isn't the issue. a decent bike rack gives one a place to lock up one's steed so that it has a good probability of being there when one finishes the shopping stop. Most places that I've had to go have let me bring in the bike when there are no bike racks outside - my dentist, my barber, my personal physician's office, and my dermatologist. Come to think of it, City Hall doesn't have bike racks, so I had to wheel my bike inside when I went there for a meeting about a month ago. Retailers are another issue. I walked my bike through a Safeway one morning when I needed to pick up some goodies for a team meeting at work and didn't have my lock. Since then, I noticed a sign prohibiting bikes inside.
@ Jim, mine haven't updated either, and I logged them about 7-8 hours ago. I will wait til morning and then redo them if necessary.
Points haven't updated for me all day. This is the longest I've ever had to wait. Other people's totals have been updated. Maybe I need to delete them and reenter.
@ Tammie, sorry to hear so many things happened to you today :( Glad to see you ended the story with "had a great time", anyway. The way you keep biking through pain, etc, is an inspiration :)
I wish my road bike has a place for a kick stand.. no place at all! I had to buy a stand to use in the garage for it. I did two rides today also. The first I got over heated and had to sit out part of the group ride .. the group made another loop and picked me up for the ride home.. then I had a blow out! I had to sit and wait for a ride to our start point! My fault for getting hot.. I did not hydrate enough the night before or eat.. I knew better. I then did a few things in town.. was in Midland, 20 miles from where I live.. and did a group ride to the city concert in the park. Had a great time. Total for the day was only 20 miles. 10 short of what I had planned for the day.
Steven/Cynthia - put your kick stand back on your bike. It's not really all that heavy.
Catching up on the weekends posts:
@Heather-really nice write up and picture. You are an inspiration, thanks so much for sharing your story!
I think we're starting a small revolution.....
@Shawn-awesome on your miles. Way to go!
@Steven, I just emailed CVS too. Ironically, just last week I just talked to the local real estate person who is in charge of property management for all the commercial property's in our town Not one store, bank or office has a bike rack anywhere. Not even CVS. I told him I intended to pursue looking into this and asked him the best way to proceed. Sadly, my own Town Hall doesn't even have a bike rack.
@ Steven -- great minds think alike! I'm looking forward to a response from CVS too.
Just sent an email to [email protected] suggesting adding bike racks to their locations would be good advertising (as they have been supporting healthier lifestyles). I'll let everyone know if/when I receive a response.
I did two rides today. One pre-storm warm up. Thunder chased me home. Napped during the storm. When out again to finish my ride. Gave myself a treat at Rita's Italian Ice: sugarfree mango peach kids cup, my favorite. Cooled off around the block and talked to bike eager neighbor kids and their mom about helmets and getting them a PA bike rules booklet. All in all a relaxing Sunday. Some days you just need to recoup.
@Shawn - nice job.
@Shawn, congrats! Best cure is a ride tomorrow. Go out for some slow pace to keep your muscles from seizing up. Also, I HIGHLY recommend SportLegs for recovery.
I like to sit on cold packs for a while and then go into a really warm soaking tub. Feels really good.
My preferred cure for aching muscles is always the hot tub at the Y. But a good friend who runs marathons always tells me heat is bad, and ice is good.
@Shawn. Century's are so much fun.
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@Laurie. No ice, No ice, No ice. I hate ice. It is cold. It hurts. It makes me feel worse.
Thank you J. Hugh and Laurie R. :) - Good advice from both of you. I will get the ice, haha! As for carbs, I am doing protein and will probably eat some big for dinner as I lost about 8,000 or more calories today!!! Have been chugging on water since I got home :D and resting! Thanks again! I am on cloud nine!
Shaw G my three words are Hydration, carbs and rest. way to go.
@ Shawn, that's great! I have just three words for you: ice, ice, and ice :)
I am going to be in pain tomorrow! 102.54 miles completed by road bike!
Thanks EM and Michael!
@ Laurie, NICE!
This is the email I sent:
I sometimes shop at the CVS Pharmacy located on Wisconsin Avenue and Richmond Street in Appleton Wisconsin. I travel by bicycle more than by car, and try to patronize businesses that have bike racks available. This particular CVS does not, and when I mentioned it to the cashier today, he said that I wasn't the first customer to bring up that point. Appleton is striving to become more and more bike friendly, and businesses that provide adequate parking for both vehicles and bikes are an asset to the community.
Thank you,
Laurie Rescheske
@ Laurie, good for you. Maybe it would help to check out the League of American Bicyclists web site and provide "corporte" with information about how to become a "bicycle friendly business. Checke out: http://www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses for more info.
@Laurie, at my CVS I the only place to lock up is one of the signs designating handicapped parking spaces. Of course, I keep my bike on the sidewalk-side of the sign so the parking space is not compromised for anyone who may need it.
I stopped by CVS Pharmacy to pick up a few things. Last month when I had gone there I locked my bike to a large plant shelf unit outside. But today there was nowhere to lock a bike. When I was paying for my items, I mentioned to the cashier that they needed bike racks. He said that I wasn't the first person to say that, but that he doubted that "corporate" would provide any racks.
I realize I'm only one voice, but I intend to contact "corporate" about the need for bike racks, especially in a community that aspires to be more and more bike friendly.
Out today starting with temps in the 60s and ending in the 70s. Very steep hills, a very large dog, a few miles of gravel road, and wind. Was this a ride or an obstacle course? Anyway, I ended up with 50 miles and the ride organizers had some food ready at the end: bratwurst, potoato salad, and corn on the cob, YUM! Well worth the effort. WE RIDE TO EAT!!!
Got in 40 dry road miles, and literally within 2 minutes of arriving home, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour. PERFECT. Slipped on my bathing suit, grabbed my towel, and had a wonderful, fresh (albeit chilly) shower.
I think this slow or no update also happens on weekends near the end of the month.
I had a great ride today, left at sunup and arrived home just as the temp was crossing our of the 80's into the 90's. This was a route and distance I have hot ridden in a whilie and really was great. Found that more bicycle trail is being built along a highway that will offer connections to other trails. The improvements are slow, but they are happening.
Ok Thanks Jayson
Judy, sometimes the site applies updates to mileage / leaderboard immediately, and sometimes it may take several hours. So, a similar experience to you.
Does this site take forever to update for anyone else? Sometimes it takes hours to update my milage even though the leader board is updating frequently.
@Mike R Retirement and cycling is great. Hope this doesn't give you a downer, maybe just enough that I can stay in first place in Oshkosh,WI since I finally got there.
@ Mike, Allen,
I worked my whole life for my retardment and I plan to enjoy every minute of it. Your turn will come, till then keep working and paying Social Security taxes (someone has to pay for my retardment, I know paid into the "system" all my working life).
@ Mike Roth, I agree with you on the Retirement thing, work is getting in the way of my Cycling Time too
Most people look forwsrd to retirement so they don't have to work. I look forward to retirement so I can ride more... a bit jealous of those of you who are already there!
@ heather. I seen thaton my feed this morning. That's awesome.
@ Jerry. tjose links were great.
At the end of my ride today I came upon an accident at a sketchy crossing. Cops were there already, first responders were the way. There was a bike down on the side of the road, but it did not look damaged. Didn't see any other bikes,BUT I did see the cops cuffing someone and hauling them away. Don't know what happened yet, or the outcome,but an ambulance was on the scene.
@ Roberto, bored and riding in the same sentence, NO WAY!!
BTW, the gravel is strenuous to say the least. It's a rails-to-trails trail and as such it's pan flat. Still the surface is crushed stone and cinders, and with my 25 mm tires, it can be a bit tricky. I really have to pay attention to parts that might be squishy from being washed out. Still, it's a 40 mile round-trip crossing the Appalachian Trail at the Lehigh Gap. Beautiful scenery and all off-road. NO CARS. Today I did a lap and a half. Someone in the parking lot saw me turning around to head back out, and asked if I got bored doing it again? I honestly couldn't fathom what he was talking about! LOL Imagine, being bored riding your bicycle! WOW
@Jerry, thanks as well. You will be back with a vengeance, so just keep on recovering and getting healed up.
Thanks Heather for your kind words. Being self-employed and semi-retired helps. :)
Sitting here waiting for my points to update is about as fun as watching paint dry!
@Heather. Enjoyed the article about you. Your are an inspiration to other riders.
@Roberto. Great mileage. I only get between 5,000-6,000 miles a year. And I blew that for this year.
@Heather: Thanks for sharing your story. It is very inspiring.
@Carl - great job on these two 50+ mile days in a row. You deserve your sleep!!
@Heather, I loved your pic and article. Thanks so much for sharing...Ride on!
@Laurie, that is awesome!!! Congrats. :) @roberto, I track here and on Strava. Your numbers are amazing, I don't know how you find the time! I have about 600 miles on the year and that is riding nearly every second I can. You rock.
7220 miles so far this year. Does anyone else log miles on bikejournal.com?
@Jerry, yes.
@Roberto. Are you crazy.
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And you talked about my ride. At least I was only dreaming.
57 miles of gravel on my road bike.
Hi all, two rides today. Late morning on the regular route with some tough gusts of wind and temps in the lower 70s. Afternoon late lunch ride with temps in the upper 70s and the wind had died down a little. Lots of riders in the morning including three in a spot where I've never seen any riders before. We are truly penetrating all those crooks and nannies out there. LOL RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@ Laurie, 1000 way to roll !!
@Heather, you are truly an inspiration to us all. And BTW what a lovely pic. YOU GO GIRL!!
Cyclist’s death should be a lesson for all drivers: don’t kill people with cars
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http://tinyurl.com/lw9ks6k
Six Ways to Kill a Cyclist.
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http://tinyurl.com/d8pd6fv
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Six ways a cyclist with a death wish can become a hood ornament
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http://tinyurl.com/n2h7m4t
Yay Laurie and Heather!!! Nice write up on why I Ride, Heather - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
Heather, thanks for sharing, I didn't know that page existed on FB. It's good to hear how cycling improves lives. Have fun getting those 6 miles!
1,001 miles for Laurie. Congratulations. Way to go.
Six more miles needed today to make 100 this week-an all time best. I am very pleased. Check out "why I ride" on Facebook. They featured me yesterday. I was honored.
@ Marty, thanks! I am amazed I got this far.
@Laurie - Congratulations on your scenic milestone!
Biked to the farmers' market this morning as usual, and on the way home was thinking about the fact that this ride would make me only a couple of miles short of a "mile"stone. So I took the scenic route home. Quiet country road, didn't see as much wildlife as I expected, but several other riders, joggers, and walkers were enjoying the road too :)
2 days in a row of 50+ers. I'm going to be sleeping for awhile. I'm liking the nice 70F mornings.
@ Laurie - I say so too.
VERY well said EM!
I think the miles and points part of the equation have been pretty well covered. The other part of the equation is people. NBC wanted to get to 50,000 riders. So far we are at 33,000+. The comment about seeing more kids in the neighborhood with bicycles should not be overlooked. Like it our not, we are ambassadors for bicycling. No matter how many miles we ride or why we ride, our image is important. By being out there we inspire others to get out there too. There are those who have gone above and beyond the goals of the challenge and directly confronted city hall to make cycling conditions better: both with infrastructure and laws. Others have volunteeered for organized and group rides in various ways which helps to make more riders more comfortable with riding. And those who have been sidelined with injuries have continued to inspire and encourage us through this board. You know who you are and you all deserve kudos for all you are doing. Each of us is making a positive difference, so KEEP IT UP. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
@ Karen Jean,
I think Laurie said it best. Those of us that go out and do 80-100 miles a day act as an inspiration to other riders. Last year when I was leading the NBC for the first 6 week many people commented on how I was able to inspire them to ride a little more each day. Typical comments were something like, If that crazy old man (I was 66 back then)can do it then I should be able to go another mile or two each day.
For me the greatest reward of riding high mileage was being able to encourage others to get out and ride. I finished last year's short (only 4 months long) NBC with over 10,000 miles. I promised myself I was NOT going to do that again this year (I didn't even start riding till mid-June.....).
So everyone, get out and ride, enjoy yourself and be SAFE.
@ Laurie Rescheske I rode almost 44 miles yesterday , the longest distance I have ridden in 20 years . I am definetly impressed by the cyclist that put in 50 - 100 miles a day too. Doing my little distance makes me realize how big of a deal it is to ride the distances some of these other cyclist are riding.
I totally agree with Leonard Wright.
Getting to know some of the experienced riders in here who regularly do 50, 80, 100 miles in a day, awes and inspires me to someday achieve that also. But I am not at that level yet, and neither are many of the "average joes" in the NBC. The point system works to equalize the playing field for us; it enables us to see that we, too, can compete with the the powerhouses instead of falling hopelessly behind. The point system also encourages developing a daily habit of exercise, which is one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle.
@Leonard - Exactly right! However, after all that has been said, at this point, I think Timothy wants to crawl under his chair and hide. No harm in giving the riders who do those amazing miles some credit, which I think was this main idea. How about it NBC? Some kind of recognition for those avid bicyclist like Roberto and Timothy, who bust their ----- to get those extra miles?
No new bike this year since my husband, who works for the armed services, has been furloughed, that is until the end of September. Most people in the country have forgotten the sequester, but it is the pits for military families, and I am guessing, many others in this country who find it challenging this Summer to trim their budgets, but I splurged this week. I bought Nuun tablets, a new rear mirror for my helmet - broke my old one last week and find it indispensable, and new bicycle gloves, you would not believe how funky the old ones are. They are falling apart and giving the back of my hands weird tan marks with the one big hole and the cotton webbing. And now, since I am finding it hard to sleep, I am going to do some office work. I have found on the whole that went you pick up bicycling, which takes hours in a day, something has to give in your schedule.
There are days when I will go out and ride ten miles, and there are days when I will go out and ride 80 miles. Next week, I will be shooting for a 300-500 mile week. I'm not doing it for the points. I doubt anyone would ride that much for points. I see that as the system working for them more than them working the system. IMO, working the system would be hopping on the bike and riding around the block for no other reason than just to get the daily ride points.
I have to comment about "playing the system". The NBC is intentionally set up to get riders to go out and ride as many days as they can each week/month. "The system" is designed to encourage this. The NBC is NOT about going out and riding 80 to 100 miles a day to earn points, it's about getting out and riding as many times a week/month as possible. "The system" is designed to encourage people to get in the habit of riding daily. Personally I admire the person that goes out day after day and does 5 or 10 miles (or sometimes only 1 or 2 miles because that is all the time their schedule allows). They are getting out and riding and that is the whole idea of the NBC.
Ya'll are crazy for riding or bike in that cold.In Texas if its in the 40's thats like winter.
The coldest I've biked so far was +3F, leading a running race, but the coldest I ran was around midnight, when Milwaukee tied its record low of -26F, without the windchill. That was cold! My gortex suit was making some really strange noises - like it was going to break. I know I wouldn't want to bike in that cold of a weather.
All this talk about cold temps reminds me..... When I was in college, there was a girl who'd grown up in Kenya and Nigeria as a missionary's daughter. Going to college was her first extended time ever in the US, and her grandparents had bought her winter clothes, coat, etc. One morning in late October, she came out of the dorm wearing her winter coat, cap, scarf, and mittens, and she was shivering. She asked us if it was this cold all winter. Since it was in the low 40s, and those of us who were used to Midwest climate were wearing sweatshirts and windbreakers, we had no idea how to gently break it to her that it was soon going to be MUCH colder than that.
I can't imagine riding in temps that cold. I was miserable this spring when it was in the mid 50's! I don't know what I am going to do when it starts to cool down this fall besides learn how to bundle up. I will definitely have to get a trainer by then. I guess I am playing the system too. I get my 20 points almost every day even if I don't really have time to ride or don't feel like it. I still get out and ride a mile or two around my neighborhood. Did just 2 miles today because I am feeling exhausted and had to work tonight.
Coldest day I ever rode was 10 below zero. Snowing.Two-three inches of snow on the ground.
Got two more miles in today on the stationary bike. By the time I get on a real bike I will definitely be insane. Especially when I start adding more miles on the stationary bike.
Yesterday (Thursday) was that one day a year we get in Colorado with absolutely perfect riding conditions. 72 degrees with light overcast skies.
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And I could not go ride.
Laurie - I love winter riding, got studded snow tires for the commuter bike, wool base layers, booties, balaclava, the works. It gets cold here in Nebraska...coldest ride in to work was 4 degrees F.
@Timothy - Absent PEDs, these are all legitimate ways of "working the system".
NBA - Dribbling, stealing the ball, dunkiing, zone defense, practicing shooting.
MLB - Pitching the corners, substitute runner/hitter/pitcher, home run, stealing a base, intentional walks, pitch-outs.
NFL - Bump and run, blitzes, fake signals, audibles, statue of liberty play, reverse, forward pass.
Pro Cycling - Drafting, audio to team car, substitute bike, food drop areas.
Driving - Interstate system, State highways, County trunk systems, toll roads.
They are all just rules (or roads) put in place for our use.
If 'Working the System' means not missing any days - well of course. That just proves it's working per plan.
@J Hugh - Great job! I might have to wait to get my diamond in September. Oranges, manatees and Micky: I think I'll have to call my Sister and see what she is up to this December.
We have a lot of young children on our block. In the past couple of weeks I think that I have seen five or six new bicycles. Way Cool! My inflated sense of importance was hoping that it was those warm up laps, and cool down laps around the block that made the kids beg their parents for new bicycles. Naaah... Still, way cool!
I am one of those people working the system. I call it smart. Pro track bicyclist work the system all the time for points. Just saying.
@ EM-great idea.
@Jerry-if bike transportation becomes more and more popular, this may be something to look out for!
It would be great to have a photo page next year where we could post photos taken while doing our rides during the challenge.
@ Timothy Walsh - You can easily see who's leading your team in mileage by clicking on your team name, scrolling down to see your team's activity, then sorting by weeks or months. But I have to say, what you call "work[ing] the system for max points" I call getting on my bike everyday to go to the grocery store, the bank, the coffee shop, the hardware store,the video store, the co-op, the convenience store, the recycling area, the farmers' market, work... I don't live very far from any of those places, so I don't get many miles. But I am out on my bike everyday, raising awareness of the bicycle rider. Mileage counts. So does visibility. Have a great day!!
@Jerry - Neither of them were wearing helmets.
Too bad there isn't an easy way to sort your team's leader board by actual miles ridden. I know a lot of riders have figured out how to work the system for the max points, but aren't really doing much mileage. Maybe could be added to next year's options.
@Jerry - All I can say to that is "What the...?!?!?"
picture in the article is from a ride in December a few years ago near sebring fl. citrus blooms in april so that's a great smell ride. Photo by Dave Lancester at bikesag.com I live in Orange city, fl about 125 north of sebring and Leonard W.
Ouch.
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http://i.imgur.com/YX1umGb.gif
J Hugh - very nice article. Fun to learn more about you. Are you close to where Leonard Wright lives (Sebring area)? By the looks of those orange groves, you can't be too far away! Keep up the good work.
Oh forgot-nice J Hugh-nice picture riding past that orange tree.
@J Hugh-thanks so much for sharing the article Bike League did. That is so cool!
You really captured the spirit and essence of why we ride.
Good interview Hugh. It's nice to know more about you and I am very impressed. You set the bar high for the rest of us, and that's a very good thing :)
@J Hugh-wouldn't that be amazing to ride through orange groves? Thanks for sharing that scene. And, very cool to have got that diamond!
I have to say I truly cannot stand the cold or to be cold. But, it's funny, I can ride bike when its 17 degrees out and the cold doesn't bother me a bit. Go figure. And yes, January and February, it does get that cold here. Just no slush, ice or mess.
Hi all, out on this overcast morning with three other riders. A little IRIR on the second part of my ride. But it wasn't hard rain so I left my rain jacket in the bag. Stuff on the road: the screwdriver from yesterday is gone, the dime that was around for a month or so has vanished, but that big cup of stuff (Mountain Dew, lemonade??) that has been in that odd spot on the curb for a couple of weeks is still there. Is somebody waitng for it to ferment?? Dunno, but luckliy the dead skunk in the road today was not stinky.
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@ J. Hugh, oranges in April? I thought this was July, but then again with the temperature at 68.5 degrees, I wonder. LOL. Congrats on the diamond. Don't think I'll find a diamond for a few more weeks.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@ J Hugh, congrats! Your orange/peanut ride is something I can only dream of. But I get to ride past many aromatic cow pastures on the area trails :P
http://www.bikeleague.org/content/challenge-profile-hugh-strickland-motivator-extraordinaire
@ Rick, perception of cold and snow, and the ability to live with them, is largely due to where you live and what you're accustomed to. To some, temps in the 40s and 50s are unpleasantly cold to deal with, while others consider those to be ideal biking temperatures. Not sure if I'm going to attempt any winter cycling this year though :(
Well I crossed the Diamond line today and now must begin work on the infamous burlap clusters.
A ride through an orange grove on a cool morning in April smells like no other experience on a bike. Second is the smell of freshly harvested green peanuts along the roads of South Carolina and Georgia on just the right morning of harvest.
@Laurie - I lived in some of those places (Memphis, Atlanta area) where one inch of snow can shut things down. First, the snow is a rare occurrence there, so it doesn't make sense to tie up money in all the equipment to manage snow events. Second, and perhaps more important, that 1 inch of snow often comes at just below freezing, and pretty snow turns into a treacherous ice glaze. I've been in Wisconsin in January, and driving in snow was like driving in beach sand. Not so in a place where going out to grab the morning paper on a "snow day" can land you hard on your keester.
@Jerry-hey so cool if that helps you! My profile pic is a good start. It's an actual picture of the waterway as sun sets.
@Tammie - It hasn't happened lately because I really haven't done any super-challenging hills, but I am a believer in the power of putting a foot down, even for just 30 seconds, when the going gets really tough. It can be as refreshing as that proverbial 15 minute nap. Dab a foot, take a quick breather, and then hop up and pedal again. Repeat until you can luxuriate in the thrill of the downhill.
One more post and I will leave to all alone for the day. Busy, busy, busy. I Love Florida. My sister lives in Vero Beach, FL and we have our own free resort their anytime she will open her doors. My best Christmas memories are always those holidays we spent in Florida with my Sister, and I never want to come home. What a let down to leave the sea smells and the palm trees to come home to a cold, drab PA.
@cynthia. Sounds like a great ride. I will have to try and improve my imagination when I am on the stationary bike this morning. Imagine rides like yours.
@Marty - Exactly! *#&@&@@!!! board of directors. Shouldn't say that, it was just hearsay. Maybe he was talking about Muhlenberg College's Pool next door, because Cedar Crest College just started a swim team last year. Either way, thanks for doing the math. Remember its me that's talking.
@Tammie - Two years ago I was really trying hard to get back my bicycling skills from when I was in my twenties. I started doing hills like mad. Roberto knows the Bear Creek Ski Resort area. You know, Roberto, that little hump that's not a hill. I strained my back and couldn't even go to the bathroom without help for 3 days. Doing Yoga helped with the pain; and yes the exercise bike every evening, or it was painful to get out of bed in the morning. Of course, I am no expert, but the book: Foundation: Redefine your Core, Conquer Back Pain, and Move with Confidence had a program that helped. (Forward by Lance Armstrong.) Maybe if we ask nicely, Marty can tell us what he thinks. I just don't want what happened to me, happen to you. Beyond that, keep up the good work.
I am at a conference in Grand Rapids, Mi. Rode the Kent County trail system this morning--it's GREAT! Kudos to the Grand Rapids cycling community for doing some wonderful work (with others, I am sure). Fortunately, I get to enjoy it for a few more days.
Gosh, scrapple, that word brings back some memories....
Great posts and conversations-just love it.
This morning commute entailed stopping at the local coffee bar/wine shop. My weekly treat is a cup of their delish coffee (in my BYOC) and a bottle of wine for the weekend. Tucking the wine in my pannier I left the coffee shop as the sun was awakening over the waterway and the pines to the sound of calling herons. The early morning soft haze will soon open to reveal that beautiful Carolina Blue sky. Thinking again how fortunate I am to be here and alive to see the alligators, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs and hurricanes. lol. I think I missed a couple items but you get the general idea.
NOT SLACKERS: A new report from the Tax Foundation shows 50.7 percent of America’s road spending comes from gas taxes, tolls, and other fees levied on drivers. The other 49.3 percent? Well, that comes from general tax dollars, just like education and health care. The way we spend on roads has nothing to do with the free market, or even how much people use roads. http://mobikefed.org/2013/07/drivers-pay-just-51-cost-us-roads-highways-missouri-drivers-pay-just-229
@Karen - That's pretty bizarre that they would have made it short by so little. If its true, that means that they wouldn't have ever been able to hold meets there, and 3 miles is 216.98 lengths.
@ Michcael - I am Pa Dutch. I hate to admit it, I like scrapple, but only eat it once or twice a year - poetic license.
@Marty - I was told our pool is "2 short. Don't now what that means. Sometimes I also miscount and do an extra length. We like you just the way you are.
@ Marty, what can I say? I'm a pretty agreeable person, except for the few people who get on my bad side.....
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Regarding winter: I understand there are places in the US where one inch of snow is enough to shut down the entire city. Here in Wisconsin, it can be 20 degrees with a foot of snow, and we are still out in shorts and flipflops :P
I agree with Laurie totally agreeing with me.
@Tammie - That's really horrible about the road rage. Hopefully, the police can enhance the video to get the license plate number.
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@Tammie - Winter? What are you talking about? Maybe if you lived in Odessa, Ukraine. But not in Odessa, TX. The average high down there in both December and January is in the upper 50's. So, you may have a few days where it only gets into the 40's. The kind folks of Wisconsin will gladly send you a thin lined jacket and some polypropelene to use during that time.
I totally agree with Marty....shorter rides throughout the day count just as much as one longer one. And... if the short rides are part of running errands or getting necessary stuff done, you're doing a very good thing for the environment at the same time :)
@Karen Jean - You're right, your original four words to J. Hugh are actually 6. "alligators, hurricanes, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs"
And, you can save yourself some time in the pool by only doing 211.2 lengths for 3 miles. (Although, for safety sake so you don't drown, I would suggest doing 212 lengths.) [35.2 x 3 = 105.6 laps] (I used to swim up to 2 miles on my two weekly long swim days when I did triathlons, and since I was anal with that too, didn't do more than necessary - other than making sure I didn't drown.)
Great story Jerry. Some disabilities are not readily visible. I have a plackard and do use it when my back is bothering me. 17 miles today on hills. One hill was really tough and NO I did not put my foot down! I feel more like I did 25 miles.
Christine@ - Congratulations on the long riding day! I have very few days where I just ride once or twice. And the fact that your curretnly using a one speed (definitely without a granny gear) - doubly impressive!
@ Christine, its still 24 miles, good going!
Hey @Karen Jean, what's wrong with scrapple? Pa Dutch soul food!!!
I rode 24 miles today! Unfortunately, it wasn't all at one time. Two 2 mile trips (to work and back) and two 10 mile trips (to my Weight Watchers meeting and back). I am tired!
@J. Hugh - You forgot poison ivy, Lyme Disease and scrapple. (I knew you would not disappoint - thanks for the laugh.)
Ok, so if somebody puts you on a team and you aren't really on that team, how do you get off?
@ Karen, agreed.
I now have a handicapped hanger for a while. But it reminded me of an incident that happened to me about 35 years ago.
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A friend and I went out to eat after a day of skydiving. He was driving. When we pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant he parked in the handicapped space. We got out and starting walking into the restaurant. A woman came up to us and started chewing us out for two young able bodied young men parking in handicapped spot. While she was chewing us out, my friend bent over, pulled up his jeans and pulled off his leg. He stood up and handed it to her. She cut off in mid word, turned bright red, and fled back to her car. What was so funny about the incident is she never notice him pulling off his leg until he handed it to her.
After reading all the articles over the past day and a half about cyclist vs pedestrian, hit and runs, car vs cyclists, and road rage. All I can think is that senseless death is senseless no matter the situation. My heart goes out, with a prayer, to all the families that must suffer such tragedy. Each person responsible should be held accountable for their actions because they are no different than the person who caused the senseless deaths of the children at Sandy Hook or Columbine or the men responsible for the Boston marathon bombing. It would be wonderful if we as a human race could evolve beyond such actions and learn to live and see the joy in life.
@Karen J G Venomous snakes,hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, roaches,thorns, buggies I'll see your four and raise you three.
@Tim M Yes when you live by the Gulf of Mexico it will be November before it cools off there. We also get the great thunderstorms to cool things off or steam them up depending on how strong and long the storm.
@Rick G do you use one of those be wheeled water trikes? Except April, July August and September of Course. How about mildew? I understand its a real growing concern.
@Karen & J Hugh - forgot all those other reasons I didn't want to live in Florida. Then again we have slugs here big enough that one could harness 2 to pull a hay wagon, if the harnesses didn't keep sliding off.
@J Hugh - Mildew's no worse here than there. One summer in Georgia, it was so wet that my vegetable garden had fungus growing on its mildew. We do grow bumper crops of moss.
Same average annual rainfall here as it was in Georgia - we just stretch it over a lot more days.
@J_Hugh - I was born in and lived most of my life in the Southeast (mostly Georgia & west Tennessee). Never acclimated to the heat & humidity. I'll take my cycling here in the Pacfic NW, with our glorious (albeit short) summer, and the long, dark, damp rest of the year. It's never too hot and rarely too cold to ride. It just takes lights, fenders and rain gear a lot of the time from October through March - then rain gear & fenders again in May & June.
http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2013/07/25/breaking-alert-rand-paul-amendment-threatens-to-strip-funding-for-biking-and-walking-infrastructure.aspx
@ Tim, St. Louis, cool all morning!
@ Michael, stick the bike on the back of your car and ride it around the parking lot at lunch time if you can!
@J. Hugh - Four words, alligators, hurricanes, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs.
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I just need to clarify something about my morning post. I can swim up to 3 miles. I build all Winter to get to the 3 miles starting at about 1.5 miles. Just so you realize how slow I am compared to an Ironman. An Ironman I know, who is about my same age, can swim 2.4 miles in about 1 hour 10 min. Also, I should have said that I swim 216 lengths. If you are not a swimmer it can be confusing. A length is going across the pool one time. Going across the pool and back again is one lap. 36 x 3 laps = 108 laps. I count lengths because it is easier to not miss count when you are swimming that long a time. I told Marty I am no good at math, I failed to mention I am also dyslecix and yes I do know its a granny gear not a granny wheel, that one surprised even me. I really need an editor.
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@Jerry - I guess not being a swimmer you didn't get those gill implants Michael and I have. TeeHee
J. Hugh,
Where are you finding such cool temperatures? Here in St. Pete the lowest temperature in the last 72 hours was 82° at 6:00am Tuesday. Oh, but our high temperature over that period was only 88°.
I have to drive to work tomorrow! I am NOT happy! Have an all day session about 75 miles away, so riding will be impossible. Hope I can make time this weekend to make-up the points I'll be losing. Grumble, grumble, grumble...
Move to Phoenix, AZ and forget fenders all together and ride all year long.
Move to Florida, buy removable fenders, and forget trainers or Stationary Hell bikes.
If you can't ride almost every day in Florida, you are either dead or your priorities are off. Healing after your latest cycling wreck also goes faster in warm and humid Florida. Today's weather report at ride time the temp was 74 with 100 % humidity and by the end of forty or so miles the temp was 84 but the humidity had fallen to a crisp 85%. Head wind on the last ten miles of 12mph. Did you ever measure the sweat that drips out of your riding kit at the end of a ride while its hanging in the garage? so that's why you drink so much.
Bon ton roule!
Hi all, out this morning with a half a dozen other riders on my regular route. Couldn't believe it was so cool, temps in the 70s.
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@ Karen, I have to tell you that I read your story before I left this morning and it inspired my whole ride today. I kept thinking one pedal stroke, one pedal stroke, just like one swimming stroke. Thanks so much for sharing.
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RE: indoor cycling. I have endured riding our stationary recumbent, but it has to be cold and dark outside and I have to be reading something to do with bicycling or a good murder mystery. I'm not into sweating indoors with other people, so I would never be able to take a spinning class...
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RIDE ON AND KEEP SHARING YOUR STORIES
@Burklee et. al., the Bike Rack offers stationary trainer sessions in the winter for all levels of riders. You can leave your bike and trainer there so you don't have to schlep it back and forth. Check into the Bike-Rack.com website when it gets close to winter.
I have a stationary bike.. It looks great sitting in the garage! 5 min on it and I want to kill myself. I may get a trainer for my bike.. maybe it will be a tiny bit better for the winter months when it is just way too bad to be outside.
Well, it just had to happen here in Odessa, TX. Some road rage on a cyclist. We have a lot of casual people running around on bikes, no helmets, no idea of the rules of the road but this guy seems to have been doing nothing wrong.
http://tinyurl.com/nv7ny4n
It happened July 6 but I just found out about it. I don't know if they have cought the attackers yet.
@John. I have been stung twice by wasps whiles riding. They get in the road and than sting you when you run into them. They are so mean.
Got rain this morning on bike ride to work and stung by something on the way down a hill.. Can you rear end a yellow jacket and get stung?
@Jerry & Leonard - Yup. Stationary cycling indoors... not just boring for me, but depressing!! My doc got after me in January about my A1C. I hadn't exercised since October. So I went to the rec center and used the stationary bike. Ugh!!! I have heard reviews of spinning classes. The person I rode the Cornhusker State Games with says she did spinning in the winter and found it helpful. And Gregg just gave it a good review. Perhaps if I took a class, it might be less depressing. But, I'm not very sociable. I may look into it at the Y for the winter though, just to keep my doc off my back, and to make the early spring riding easier.
Here's an interesting case--a bicyclist has been convicted of vehicular manslaughter in California for the death of a pedestrian. He's the first bicyclist in the U.S. to be convicted of this charge.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/bicyclist-us-guilty-vehicular-homicide/story
I never liked riding stationary bikes either, but with an instructor and a whole room full of sweaty bodies, RPM at Experience Fitness really rocks. The choregraphed music really gets me into it. But I still prefer riding outdoors, but RPM is a nice replacement in the winter season when it is too cold or snowy to ride outdoors.
Another refreshing morning in Wisconsin. Everyone must be going fishing because I had 6 pickups pass me pulling boats.
A friend bought me a used bike trainer, used just to see if I would like it. Oh my gosh-just shoot me-I used it twice. I couldn't stand it. So having to heal using a stationary bike would be worse because you are Supposed to be using it in order to get better, like you don't have a choice? Hope that makes sense.
@Leonard. I understand how you feel about riding stationary bikes. I hate them. After five minutes I feel I am going insane on a stationary bike.
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I keep hoping to win the powerball lottery but I have the same problem as you. I don't buy lottery tickets.
@Leonard. Glad you are riding again. I was told it would be 6-9 months for complete healing. But will be able to ride in 2-4 months. I think it will be more like at least three months.
@Karen. I think what you have accomplished in swimming and biking is great. I did not think you were boastful, rude, or angry. I don't think I could ever swim that distance. Of course I have no interest in swimming unless I am 50' under the surface. Then I only come back up when my tank runs low on air.
@Karen-wow on the swimming! I can swim a little across a small pool...anyone who can do what you are doing and the discipline to train as much as needed to accomplish those distance goals is amazing. Of course its like any sport, but, swimming is much different than cycling. Gold star to you!!
@Jerry-your doing great! 2 to 4 months will fly by before you know it. When one door closes another one opens, you and your new bike will go through some wonderful miles together!
@Leonard-welcome back to the Challenge!
There are so many great stories from people who are participating in the NBC, the many different reasons for riding are amazing and inspiring to say the least. There is a whole network of like minded people out there who pursue their love of not just cycling but taking care of themselves, being a part of nature, and nurturing their souls through the power of pedaling two wheels. And not just that they are out there but sharing the stories and their day to day experiences is a story in itself. I never want to logout! lol
@ Leonard Wright, Good to hear that you are back on the board this season Leonard. I have found that the weather this season makes for a hard commute from work most afternoons, and have made way too many trips in the pickup truck to and from work bacause of it. Nice to be back on the bike this week, while it's a little drier here in Okeechobee.
@ Jerry B,
I was taken out by another cyclist during a group ride, ended up with a broken collar bone (NOTHING like you list of injuries!!!). The doctor cleared me to start riding again after about 3 months with the caution to NOT fall on that shoulder again. He said it would take about a year for the bone to completely heal. Since I am a klutz and have fallen a number of time in the last 5 years I wasn't willing to take any chances so I waited for almost 8 months after the accident until I started riding again. Probably being WAY TOO cautious but I didn't want to have to start all over with the healing process. As others have commented about broken collar bones, mine didn't set properly either so I was/am still very cautious.
Take care, listen to your doctor. I do think you are on the right track riding a stationary recumbent, that should help you recover much faster once you do get back on your bike. I know I should have done that during my recovery, just didn't have enough ambition to go to the exercise room and do it :-(
Tell you what, if I win the powerball lottery (196 million), I will buy you a new Cannondale. Of course I haven't bought a lottery ticket in years so don't get your hopes up too high.........
@Rob G,
Thanks Rob, it's good to be back. I'm taking it easy this year - didn't even start riding until mid-June. Only doing about 45-50 miles a day, nothing like last year. Just trying to rebuild my strength and endurance. I spent many years as a flight instructor and always tried to encourage my students in a positive and constructive manner. Still trying to apply the same principles to the NBC.
@Laurie-what a beautiful experience. Don't you just love it?
Well, I had my computer on last night, but, obviously not long enough to keep up with all the posts.
@Christine-I lost 15lbs riding last year and I have lost another few this year-haven't stepped on the scale yet. That is overrated anyway. I do want to start toning though-I am going to start a weight program this week. I have a very good friend who went to Millersville.
@Roberto, I've ridden up that way a couple of times so far. Each year, we've got a 500+ mile benefit ride that goes from West Chester PA to Ogdensburg NY, so we take route L all the way up to the NY border. Love the hills up there!
@Jerry - Hope that didn't sound boastful, rude or angry. I think I was giving myself a pep talk more than you. I am not at the place where I want to be when I ride, but I am not giving up. Hope your rehab. goes better today.
@Jerry - Just as a comparison. I was a good swimmer before having my son, but for several reasons beyond my control, I really got out of shape after having him and started having health problems, I never stopped swimming, but I just was not "in shape". I started swimming at RAC and put my mind to doing better. Although I still do not have the figure I used to 20 years ago, I am a far better swimmer. Partly because I now have a coach (that I share with dozens of other beginning master swimmers.) I also have the respect of collegiate swimmers and Ironmen, not because of how fast I swim, or because I can do an Ironman, but because of how they see me training. Day in, day out, every week. As I said, I can do a 3 mile swim. That is something like an ultra-marathon and more than a century, if not a double century. When I first started training again, I could not do more than 2 laps freestyle and was not able to execute a flip-turn. I added those 214 laps and flips turns one at a time over the next couple years. So it pays me no never mind that I can't do what some people can do, because I know that as long as God gives me time on this planet, I will get there one mile, after another mile, after another mile, after another mile.
@ Laurie, I agree, you picked a great way to celebrate platinum!
@Laurie, nice job on the platinum.
@Howard, I was on that today, as I am most days. Today it was the section up the the Lehigh Gap.
Jerry, r u feeling bette? Have u been able to get backj on the bike? I hope so. :)
I was going to offer to buy you a bike Jerry, but you have your heart set on a Cannondale. As a rider of a Specialized, I just can't take the risk of losing a potential future sponsorship by buying you a Cannondale. Sorry ;)
Rode to a local nature preserve and walked through it to my "place of peace": a pond where I watched the ducks swimming around until the mosquitoes and bumblebees drove me away. On the way out, a beautiful young stag ran across my path. I stood still for about 15 minutes while he calmly ate 10-20 feet away from me. Got some great pictures of him! Then rode across the Trestle Bridge home, and was treated to another beautiful sunset. Great way to celebrate making platinum today!
Here's something you don't see every day!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2377178/Chris-Bucchere-cyclist-convicted-vehicular-homicide.html
@Roberto, of course PA is flat :) BTW, I recently rode bike route L up through the Poconos, found a few hills along the way :P
Jerry B - here is a link to last year's article about Leonard. http://dc.streetsblog.org/2012/05/02/national-bike-challenge-hopes-to-log-10-million-miles-during-bike-month/
@Christine, the so-called "granny-gear" is the smallest chain ring if you have a triple set up.
@Christine. But most of my riding is done in the mountains. I would never be able to climb the mountains on a single speed.
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Though one time I was climbing up to Jamestown and someone passed me on a single speed faster than I had ever been passed on a climb.
Roberto, what about the Poconos? And the Appalachians? (I went to school in Millersville.)
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Please explain granny wheel and granny gear to this granny.
I could not find the article from last year )2012) about Leonard Wright to a link to.
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Here is the article to read.
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Meet the #1 Rider in the National Bike Challenge
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There’s a new rider at the top of the individual leader board for the National Bike Challenge: Michael Lemuel. But who’s the man behind that purple and white shield, logging a mind-boggling number of miles deep in the Kansas heartland?
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Well, Michael Lemuel isn’t your average cyclist (and we’re not just talking about superhuman stamina). He’s a disabled veteran on a limited income — $123 per month, plus government-assisted housing/food — who’s taken the lead in the Challenge despite suffering from epilepsy and ringing in his ears so intense that it causes chronic insomnia.
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Michael was kind enough to share his story in this week’s Challenge Recap…
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How and when did you start riding?
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Before, I can remember. I think I was four years old. It’s one of the family stories because, the first time I rode a bicycle, my dad put the training wheels on, and I was off. Then dad decided to give me a chance with no training wheels — and they never were put back on. My earliest memory of being on a bike was at five-years-old and climbing on an old banana seat cruiser. It was way too big for me, but I’d ride it up and down the block from the moment I got out of school until my mom would call me in for the night.
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Why did you decide to participate in the National Bike Challenge?
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Kaw Valley Bicycle Club (featured in last week’s recap) and Topeka Community Cycling Project (TCCP) were planning Bike Month activities with the city of Topeka. Tee KVBC president told us of the Challenge, and we were trying to get local businesses, and even government bodies, to compete against each other for fun (and bragging rights). None of the “profit” bike shops wanted to particapate so TCCP challenged KVBC (all in good fun, of course). I really only planned on helping my team compete against KVBC, but then I found my city, workplace, team and myself all in the top 10 percent with Kansas in the top 10. From there it just so much bigger than our two teams. I won’t lie: I was constantly thinking, “I’m in the top 1 percent, .5 percent, .01 percent.” It made me feel both special and important.
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You ride a really impressive number of miles per day —what’s your average day like? Where do you go, where do you ride?
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4:30 a.m.: ALARM!, five minutes later… ALARM!… until I can force myself out of bed. Light breakfast (Ensure, banana, protein bar, and a NOS if I can afford it) and other morning routines.
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5:45 a.m.: I’m out the door, check the temps, winds, and pick a direction. I prefer the Shunga Trail because of the flat layout, but they get boring fast, and it’s hard to find other cyclist to chat with. That’s when wind directions come into play. I’ll figure out approximately how many miles I’ll be able to get in before lunch and keep winds perpendicular to me (choosing crosswinds).
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11:00-11:30 a.m.: Return home for any additional water, and things needed after lunch.Then go downtown for lunch at the food bank for 2-3 trays.
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1:00 p.m.: Start the afternoon ride. The path is determined the same way as the morning ride, but I also have to consider any appointments, or events I need to be at (doctors, shopping, meetings with businesses, community rides, or working at the non-profit bike shop (Topeka Community Cycle Project) for which our team is named. If I’m running behind in my daily goal then I’ll try to squeeze in a few more miles in town. Then, it’s time to go home, cook a quick dinner for a small army (of one!), log or correct miles, check the mail/messages, see if rankings updated, and hit the sack ASAP.
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What inspires you to continue to ride so many mile — even when you might feel tired or the distance seems daunting?
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Just one more!!! It’s not the next town, mile, or another block: it’s just one more revolution. If I have to use my arms to push my leg through JUST 1 MORE, it’s just what I’m gonna have to do. Even more important than the physical fitness is the psychological will power.
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How has the Challenge impacted or improved your riding?
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I’d say I was at 100-200 miles per month prior to the Challenge. I had done 50-60 miles in a day for various charity rides for a youth group when I was younger, but I thought those days were behind me. Now, I’ve regained my confidence, I’m doing well over 100 miles a day, and I’m looking forward to my first bi-century (200 mile day).
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I hear you’re becoming a bit of a local celebrity —has your leadership caught the attention of fellow community members?
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Attention, barely seems the word for it. People like the owner of BOSCO’S (who gave me $100 to help with food cost) are insisting I come by and update them on my mileage. He also bought a road bike now that he understands the purpose of its construction. People have started introducing their children (or grandchildren) to me to inspire them. The one thing that bothers me is when someone says I’m a celebrity, famous, or WORLD champion (which IF I place 1st, I guess I’ll just have to accept NATIONAL champion).
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Do you have any overall goals for the Challenge?
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Catch that guy in first place! Just joking! That came from Eric Nordgren this morning as he was explaining about his short-lived goal just after I passed Leonard Wright. My goals started with two Platinums (1,500 points) throughout the event. Then a platinum month, double platinum month, triple platinum month, and now I think I’m settling in for a 12 platinum event (18,000 points, 15,540 miles if I ride EVERY day). The goal is high. I even question my own sanity for coming up with it regularly, but having it is an edge. Upon completion I’ll have gone about the distance of coast to coast AND circumference of the continental U.S.!
@Leonard. Sorry to hear about your accident. How long were you prevented from riding. I am recovering from an accident on June 6th. Still at least a month before I can ride. Plus I need a new bike. Have one on order.
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Tried to find someone from here to buy me the new Cannondale Synapse 3 Hi-Carbon I saw at my bike shop on Monday. Only $5,400. For some reason no one stepped up to buy it for me.
@Jerry, may I be second? Truthfully, I can't say riding my old one speed has been bad for me. I'm developing thigh muscles again. And my "saddlebags" are diminishing. Maybe gears aren't the best thing in the world when you live on the prairie...
I don't use a granny gear. I do have a compact set up on one of my bikes which does allow for easier climbing. Of course everyone knows PA is flat.
Leonard - always great to hear from you. Keep up the good work, your positive outlook is contagious!
@ Karen, I could not live without my granny gear. Call me spoiled. Just looked at my Garmin and according to it that hill I come up at the end of my ride every day has a 13% grade. Hope you are able to get your brother out to do something. Do bribes work with grownups?
@ Jerry B,
Thanks for remembering my story. I was around 250 and couldn't ride. It's NEVER too late to start living a healthy lifestyle, get your weight and health problems under control. Easy, no, doable, yes.
@ Karen, encourage your brother as much as you can without harassing him. Unfortunately the individual has to WANT to make the changes in his/her life. Until a person's mind set becomes one of trying to be healthy no amount of talk or persuasion will convince them to change. Set a good example for them to follow and offer encouragement. It's never too late, at 62 I proved that to myself (now I'm 67 and still within a few lbs. of 165, just not riding as much as I did last year. Only doing about 50 miles a day - still recovering from my accident last fall.......)
Here's a hit and run that killed a nine year old boy in our area. They have charged the driver on several counts.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2013/07/fabian_teson_kevin_powell_cahokia.php
@Burklee, yep! Enough news about those "crazy out of control bikers." There's a story where a motorist got what he had coming before he could hurt someone.
@C. Roberto - Something done BEFORE someone was killed? Shocking.
SCORE ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS:
@Mike...Thanks for the link to Guardian article re: the very unfortunate incident in San Francisco.
My first impression was "About TIME!!"
I first read about the incident shortly after it happened, and at that time, my thinking was "I hope they (the legal system) hang this guy (Bucchere)." Here in Texas, as I am sure is true in most other states, cyclist are considered "Road Use Vehicles" and as such are obligated to follow the same rule/regulations a any motorized vehicle on the road. Yet, I witness on a daily basis cyclist abusing and ignoring the "rules of the road." As a long-time cyclist, this goes so against my nature to the point I have confromted other cyclists about their apparent disregard for the law (and common-sense riding). A few will acknowledge their error, but most either totally ignore me or flip a finger or, most frequently, tell me to "f**k off".
So, again, I'll say "It's about time!" Unfortunately, it will probably take procecuting a few more cyclists before the habitual abusers get the message.
About the SF manslaughter case - a case of biking while stupid. I hope he figures out his approach is no way to ride a bike or operate a car. "Officer, I was already too committed when the light turned yellow, and I just tried to skid my big SUV through the least populated part of the crowded sidewalk."
I've gotten caught short by traffic lights turning yellow a couple of times. but never where there was the prospect of a crowd of pedestrians flooding into the crosswalk. In places like that (I'm thinking downtown Seattle), I wouldn't be traveling so fast that I just flat could not stop in time to avoid a crosswalk collision.
I never heard the legal outcome, but we had a tragedy here in the Seattle area a couple of years ago in which a cyclist struck an elderly woman on a multi-use trail, resulting in her death. It was clearly a case of cyclist traveling too fast for conditions. There are clowns out there who think the multi-use trails are their personal training tracks.
@Karen. You are lucky I am not rich. Otherwise a bike would already be on its way.
@Jerry - 37% grades? That's nothing. Almost all of my grades in school were higher than 42%.
@Karen - You shouldn't have said you were joking. I saw Jerry at his computer getting ready to place your bike order just as your post showed up. :(
@Brad - Great song! But my legs got tired just listening to it.
Hi all, just a quick ride today because I have a project that is due tomorrow. Nice and cool with early afternoon temps in the low 80s. Three other riders spotted. Treat for the day: coming up that last hill around the corner by my house, a driver drove past me slowly, rolled down his window and informed me: "Thats really a tough hill." (What a shocking revalation that was). But it made me smile because I knew he appreciated how tough that hill really is, my guess is that he has probably ridden up it a few times himself.
ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE
@Laurie - Congratulations! Next stop for you is Diamond!
@ Captain Competitive: I totally agree about the legal hypocrisy of motorists not being held properly accountable for incidents involving cyclists!! BTW - Totally cool nickname! I'm sure it's always a race to the next city limit sign (or some other landmark) with you while in a group ride?
" Kawinka, congrats on diamond.
@Jerry - You know I'm joking, right!
Yay Laurie!
@Jerry - If you buy me one of those Cannondale bicycles I would try.
@Karen. The person who led the bicycle challenge last year for a long time used to weigh over 250lbs and could not ride over 1/4 miles. Now he is 165lbs and rides 80-100 a day.
@Karen. So I can assume you are not going to do the Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen bike ride with the up to 37% grades this year?
@Mike Wagster - Wow. Now if only there could be some sort of (legal) consequences for drivers who kill cyclists, which happens far more often.
@Karen. I would love to add more miles. But my physical torturer has restricted me to 10 minutes a day.
@ Gregg - It's never too chilly for swimming ; )
Story of survival: Lucky cyclist hopes 'helmet haters' heed his tale
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http://tinyurl.com/m9kekwr
@Jerry-thanks so much for that mid afternoon refreshing flash back.
I want to ride my bicycle.
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http://tinyurl.com/lyr2gxd
@Jerry - Tomorrow go for 4 miles - inch by inch, yard by yard.
@Laurie - Thought my brother had a stroke. He has Bell's Palsy brought on by a virus. He has very high blood pressure, so they are keeping him until it stabilizes. If you knew my brother, you would know why I am concerned. He is your stereotypical computer geek. You could say he could be crowned King of Computer Geeks (Systems analyst for a major pipeline company.) I would be happy beyond belief if I could just get him to go for a walk with me, let alone ride a bike.
@Cynthia - looking into getting that book, Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling - sounds like just what I need.
@Marty - Had my bike in to be serviced. Resident bike technician says I do not have a granny wheel. He says my bike is an oldie, but goodie. That made me proud of "Lizzie". He also said that it would not be worth the cost to change it up. So no steep hill climbing for me yet.
@Nyla-makes climbing that hill worth it doesn't it?
@Christine-I will some be car free. Looking to get a bike trailer. Can't wait. (with the money from the sale of my car). Sweet!
I would love my points to update!
Enlightening and sorrowing story as to why we, as cyclists, need to follow the laws and ride responsibly: San Francisco cyclist guilty of manslaughter in legal first
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/jul/24/san-francisco-cyclist-manslaughter
Bike trailers are great! I honestly thought that you'd be aware of the load behind you, but I sometimes have to look back there to make sure my grandson is still behind me. When he gets too big to ride in the trailer (I shall cry on the day he doesn't get excited about "going for a ride with Nona"), it's going to become my grocery hauler. I'll be carless yet!
Gift of the Day: Loon flying directly overhead with that hauntingly distinctive call, just as I reached the top of challenging familiar hill (-:
Finally a day cool enough to take my daughter out. Just under 22 miles with a playground break after mile 16. I'm definitely getting my money's worth out of the bike trailer.
Martys correct, the right music will really speed up your cadence. I think this will do it. OK, how fast do you wanna go?
After last week's heat, mother nature has turned on the air conditioning. It's a little chilly for swimming, but the weather couldn't be better for riding. I had a nice cool moonlight ride to work this morning.
@JHugh, that's why I want a helmet cam (ContourROAM Hands-free HD Camcorder). It's a passive/non-confrontational way to fight and gives the proof you need that will hold up in court (no he said she said, it's on video).
@Jerry - I see "gently used" tadpole recumbents on Craigslist for under $5400. Sorry, but the first one I buy will be mine - and I don't see that happening today.
Hey, I was bummed when I couldn't ride for 12 weeks due to the broken hip this past winter. But when the surgeon OK'd my riding a stationary, I jumped on and rode. Maybe jumped in the figurative sense, thanks to the hip. Never have cared much for stationary bikes, but that recumbent stationary was a lifesaver. Heal quickly, my friend.
I know others think I am stupid, so yep, I'm in the same "people are stupid" group as everyone else ;)
@Kathy. Still prefer my bike. I would like a recumbent now just so I could get out and ride. But I cannot afford one. Especially with a new bike to buy. Maybe I could afford one if someone would buy me the new Cannondale Synapse Hi-Carbon 3 I saw at the bike store on Monday. Only $5,400.
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Any volunteers?
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No one?
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Didn't think so.
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Bummer.
Yay, Laurie! I'm turtling along behind you, slowly and surely.
@ Jerry, it's a start, soon you'll be on the road again :) Thank you again for your encouragement and insights on here!
@Jerry, maybe you'll become a recumbent convert.
Lately I have been thinking that being offensive does seem better for me as a cyclist. What i mean is when in doubt take the lane and hold it. Follow the traffic rules and do the move that is going to keep me the safest. This includes riding away from confrontations with the auto tag number to report for driving in a dangerous way. Gee you know they could have been drinking.when I saw them at this time on this street.
congratulations to you Jerry. I am telling you that those bones are healing fast now, and get back on that bike. If the snow was three feet deep and you rode a stationary bike you'd be celebrating getting a ride in. so Celebrate.
@Ray S - you are a people so does your statement include yourself? :-)
I rode two miles today.
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Too bad it was on a stationary recumbent bike.
Wow, talk about hijacking the conversation. I'm out.
I think you meant offensive, not defensive. EVERY driver and cyclist on the road (or trail) should be in full defensive mode at all times when behind the wheel/bar. Whether I am in my car or on my bike, I fully expect that every other car, motorcycle or bicycle that I see is going to do something stupid. People are stupid and I treat them accordingly. ;)
@Karen - you are correct and it has been proven in many situations. Men are more apt to be polite to women. I saw a show once, man 1 asks man 2 walking by to help him "cut the lock" off "his" bicycle. Man 2 calls the police or says no and keeps an eye on him. Then they got Woman 1 (pretty blond) to ask man 3 to help her steal the bike. He goes over and cuts the lock off even assisting her on the bike. Man 3's wife however, called the police :-\. There is a big difference in how a man treats a man and a man treats a woman in the same situation. Drivers are normally very polite to me, except that Marlton cop who should be suspended for buzzing me a few weeks back.
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@Roberto - simply because a woman doesn't show her emotions over a senseless death thru anger doesn't mean she doesn't care. We just care differently than you many times thru grief and sadness. For all you know Karen is sobbing over this at home while you are punching walls in frustration.
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@Michael - You certainly didn't offend me. I agree with you, there are bad cyclist and good ones and same goes for drivers. I was with someone the other day driving her car. We came up to a cyclist and she says, "I don't know if it's right but I always give them as much room as possible and slow down. I'm so afraid they could get hurt riding on that tiny shoulder." I couldn't help but smile at her (she's in her 80s and not a cyclist). I can't group that woman with bad drivers or even the elderly who shouldn't have a license. Yet I see cyclists fly into a busy intersection making drivers slam on their brakes to avoid collision. But if I speak against that type of behavior I'm considered anti-bike which is totally wrong, I'm anti-people who flout the law and if people find that offensive then tough, I won't apologize cause two wrongs don't make a right.
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@Kawika Plummer - Congrats on Diamond!
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@Cynthia - I understand that $400 repair bill :( I just got a new starter. Seems lots to pay for a car I rarely use but at least I got my insurance lowered because I drive it less that 6,000 per year.
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@Laurie - Congrats on Platinum
Karen, Godspeed to your brother, hope all is well!
@Kathy - How did you Know?
@Cynthia, it speaks volumes how the public throws out the barrel because of one rotten apple.
Feel like a flat tire today. It is going to be hard to put in miles on the bike, brother is very ill.
I'm with EM's (I think it was EM that posted about the Boy Scout Program) track on bike education. We need to teach the children when they are young about bike safety, respect, and rules. We need to approach schools, libraries, parks, churches and civic groups about free programs to teach this to the children. I work with a great group of people who are normally very compassionate and devoted to the welfare of the children of Allentown. They do not like bicyclists on the road, and I fail to understand it. I don't see changing their minds anytime soon, but they would agree to a program for the children about bicycle safety. Another positive step I have seen in Allentown and Emmaus are the bike police. Bike groups could use them, if they would be willing, as bicycle safety advocates to the children.
@Laurie. Way to go!
Go Laurie! How awesome!
Platinum.
@Roberto-agreed. At the same time its the motorist population that see's one unruly misbehaving cyclist and thinks that all cyclists ride that way and that gives the overall bad rap. A motorist will see a cyclist and goes immediately into defense driving mode against the cyclist. That is why this Challenge and all cycling events are so very important to help with education and awareness, but, as you said most importantly is legislation and enforcement.
@Cynthia, because nearly every time someone is killed by a motorist while riding a bicycle, the general public's concern seems to be laser-focused on the few nitwits out there that ride bicycles dangerously while flaunting the law. That's what really bugs me. It's not the few unruly cyclists that are the problem. It's the lack of infrastructure to allow safe cycling; it's the lack of law enforcement; it's the general disregard for the situation by lawmakers; it's the car culture that is so important to so many Americans; it's all of these and more. It's just not good to focus on the few who make the majority of us look bad. Instead focus and be outraged that we are in this situation to begin with. Back in the late 19th century, cycling's heyday, the lobby for a safer cycling environment led to the paving of the very roads we are now being killed on. We need a renewal of that spirit. Only then will change occur.
No Miles to log today. Have to pick up my vehicle today from the garage. My partner took me to work and will pick my up at lunch and I will go get it. $400 repair bill. Ugh. My focus has been going car free this option keep turning over in my mind. I feel confident I am going to do it.
When I mean aggressive it not directed at anyone in this group its frustrated motorists who take their life's frustration out when they get behind the wheel. Living around the DC area I saw bikers getting harassed all the time, including myself and there was always news of a bike related accident and death. Roberto is right it is carnage, that being so because nothing is being done about it. No legislation or concern from local officials or police officers. I just don't understand why.
Sorry, didn't get to finish, had to go, guess I have been down this way a little too long, Things are very laid back here. However, I do see bikers all the time on our roads who don't obey the rules. It is extremely frustrating and I just want to say something to them. Our genre is challenged enough without being given more of a bad name because of bikers who think they are the only ones on the road. Even in my own bike group, there are some who do not follow the rules of the road and that is even more frustrating and yes I get very angry. Like c'mon dude(s)! Ya know, its not that hard....
But I do have to say I think cities hold people who are much more aggressive.
Good Morning-darn, I should have been checking in last night. Please note that I have the greatest outrage over cyclists who are maimed, hurt, or killed on the road by motorists. I did not mean to offend anyone and I am on this side of the fence.
Sounds nice Stephen. I plan on a trip to SLC to see cowrkrs and ride some of the paths this fall.
family evening ride; my wife and oldest Son. Great ride, cool temperatures. South Jordan Utah great views of the Wasatch Mountains.
Has anyone had any luck in recovering any losses due to a vehicle causing an accident without striking the cyclist? I'm recovering but my bike is still waiting on parts and a hefty bill when I pick it up. Been down a lot this month, really contemplating in getting a backup bike to save on downtime.
met my wife halfway on her commute home as I do most nights she works late and it seems to get dark early but the ride in this AM was great, we had the full moon in front of us with a small glimmer of sunrise behind us AWESOME!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
The phone may have made it, but more importantly - you're safe!
@ Karen, well said!
I never ride after dark, except for group moonlight rides, but tonight I went to the local cycling group meeting, and it was almost dark but the time we stopped chatting and hanging out. Rode partway home with a few others, then continued on alone. I was approaching an area with a lot of rough pavement and highway on/off ramps, when suddenly I heard something hit the ground. I figured my water bottle had fallen, but then realized my cell phone was missing from the handlebar pouch I keep it in. A few cars whizzed past me as I walked back looking for it, and I was sure one of them had run over it. Thankfully the phone survived the fall, and went the rest of the way home in my backpack.
@Marty, think I'll stick to cycling.
Must have practiced this a few times before race! http://sprtshumor.lockerdome.com/media/108599455
@ gregg - did it ever warm up in Wisconson? I remember you spoke about the cold weather far into spring. I am enjoying our weather. I like it hot. Tonight, I did a late evening ride while watching the sun go down and listening to the cicadas. We are going to enjoy fall too.
For those of you who thought biking in the hot spell we just had is tough, one of my friends just did the Badwater 135 last weekend. For those of you who haven't heard of it, it is a running race that always takes place during the hottest time of the year, from the lowest point in Death Valley (and this continent), to (almost) the highest point in the lower 48 - the portals on Mt Whitney. Temperatures the first day usually reach into the 120's, and the pavement temperature and the heat radiating the first foot off of the pavement can reach 200 degrees. Gel shoes have had their gel melt out of the shoe, and many air shoes have popped. Runners are required to have two support vehicles, as one could break down, so support crews work in shifts, trying to keep one car out of the heat. It can take anywhere from 22 to 48 hours for some of the top ultrarunners in the world to finish, at least those who don't DNF. And, you have to have a really impressive running resume to get accepted in.
The temps are beginning to feel like fall already--great riding weather in Wisconsin.
@Karen - I don't feel you failed in your comments. Not at all. It did make me think (again), of some of the differences between how men and women interact, especially with the potential threat of escalating violence. I'm a fairly shy and humble guy (even though I am now the Burlap Fizzyology King), except when I am behind a wheel, or dealing with someone behind a wheel. And as a general rule, more men are agressive on the road than women. So, I can easily see your point that you as a women will shy away from confrontation, especially when your vehicle is 30 lbs, and the other person's vehicle is 3 or 4 thousand lbs.
So, when someone confronts a driver, even when we feel it is in a non-agressive or confrontational way, they driver may not percieve it as such, and may increase the level of conflict.
I can also see others' point that education and cooperation need to happen. For the vast majority of us on the NBC, we agree with that, since almost all of us can see things from the perspective of being a bicyclist, and also a current or former driver. The big problem lies with trying to get the willingness to listen from some of the drivers out there who think that either only cars and trucks have a right to the road, or just their vehicle alone, while they are driving it, has the most right to the road. That will be the hard part - getting them to have empathy for us.
Sorry if I offended anyone tonight, it seems as though I mistakenly did. Was never my intent. As I said, I'm on your side. And I AM mad, upset, frustrated about all roadway carnage whether its vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, horse/buggy, or anything else.
Last word on this from for tonight at least. Until enough of we fellow cyclists get fed up enough to demand from the powers that be to do something to make cycling safer, it won't be. So the young woman in Arkansas with her group of 13 hit from behind, the man in Bethlehem, PA, killed during the Holiday season hit from behind, and on and on and on.... is something we will have to just get used to hearing about, experiencing, and accepting? My answer is no. That is my anger. I'm not venting, I'm begging. Get involved. Make change happen.
@Karen, not offended. I just don't understand how the senseless death of a fellow cyclist doesn't piss you off just a little?
@Michael, I think it's the laws of physics that work against cyclists. I often think if I were driving a cement mixer, would that driver be as aggressive with me? Point is, every time a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the bicycle comes out the loser for sure. It's a matter of mass and velocity. Likewise, the inability of a bicycle to accelerate rapidly enough to get out of harms way make this another law of physics fighting against the cyclist. This all being said, it is paramount that motorists give cyclists the benefit of the doubt. I see Mennonites and Amish in buggies and they usually get the utmost respect from a motorist who gives them a wide berth and then buzzes me moments later on my bicycle. Why? Buggy and horse bigger than bicycle. Sadly in this discussion, size matters. The poor soul who lost his life this morning near Fleetwood was hit from behind without warning despite wearing florescent clothing. Mass and velocity overcame a smaller mass traveling at a much slower speed. The result was catastrophic, avoidable, and IMHO criminal. The mere fact that the motorist failed to stop immediately is suspect. He not only violated PA driving laws, he ignored the laws of physics.
@Roberto - Just trying to understand, process, and help. I suppose I've failed on all counts this evening. This relatively inexperienced bicyclist is going to leave this topic to those with more depth of understanding and passion. Myself - not a big fan of anger -if it helps to vent, vent away. Apologies if I have offended.
@Rick, I was neither grouping all cyclists in a scofflaw mold nor all drivers as law abiding. Unlike some others here, I do drive way more miles per year than cycle. Wish it were different, believe me. I see the same bad behaviors from both groups whether I'm behind the wheel or my handlebars, and i also see good drivers and cyclists as well. Unfortunately the Law of Averages sems to work against cyclists; there's just many more drivers than there are cyclists, and there seem to be more 'bad' bike riders than good cyclists. Hey, don't forget that I'm on your side. Anything I can do to educate members of both groups, as well as setting a good example myself, I try to do.
@ Cycling Roberto, Mahalo, You've been right with me for a while now. Shouldn't be long till you get the big D. Except for the commute miles(very little), I haven't tried to add any more miles than my training dictates which is currently around 310 miles a week increasing 3 miles each week until around Jan 2014.
@Kawika, congrats! Hope to join you with a diamond of my own this week.
Made Diamond today! Also climbed a couple of tough hills to celebrate!!
@ Rick G - If you want a tadpole... there's no time like the present! I hear you though about the co$t. But they are worth it!! :) We feel like we are riding a little go cart, almost like in Mario Kart! It's hard to not have a ridiculous grin on your face while you ride one.
There are almost zero traffic accidents. An accident is an unavoidable event caused by nature or providence. Tornadoes are accidents. Earthquakes are accidents. On the other hand there are thousands of preventable collisions/crashes. When we call them accidents, we make it OK for them to happen. When we treat them as preventable incidents, we look for their cause and ways to prevent them from happening ever again. And the degree of injury in any given collision/crash is largely a matter of luck. Alter the sequence just slightly, and a bruised shoulder and a few abrasions becomes a fatality. Prevent the collision and prevent the hurt.
Jerry,
Were those the new 'Bike-o-Loungers' I've been hearing so much about? Rough day. Thanks for bringing back a smile.
"sigh"
So Michael G., why isn't every automobile driver painted with the same brush? Aren't they every one a law-breaking, "It's my road, get out o' my way!" yahoo who poses a menace to society every time any one of them (or us, as drivers) gets behind the wheel? After all, well over half of them exceed the speed limit (saw a recent study where median speed was over the posted limit - by definition over half of drivers were speeding and breaking the law.). Many, including, by my own observation, local law enforcement, roll through stop signs and fail to stop at red lights before turning right. A kid in my neighborhood did a study of how well motorists observed the 3-way stop near my home. The disappointingly low percentage was worth a published article in the local paper. I saw clowns this morning chatting on the cell phone, taking a small part of their attention away from the call momentarily to look for traffic before entering the road from a driveway. Handheld cell phone use is a ticketable offense in this state, but I don't believe it happens unless a cop is suspicious of something else and just needs a reason to wants to pull you over And I finally had to throw my hand up like a traffic cop to pull you over. And this morning, I finally had to throw my hand up like a traffic cop to keep a confused woman from hitting me in a traffic roundabout this morning. She couldn't decide whether to jump in front of me or maybe wait until I passed, so she slowed down but kept creeping into the roundabout until I threw up my hand and yelled "Stop!" Since I had to brake and veer and signal her to stop, she clearly broke the law by failing to yield to traffic (me) already in the roundabout. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen right-turn-before-stop wannabe's blow through the stop line and into the marked and signaled crosswalk, endangering pedestrians and cyclists crossing under signal. On the occasions when I use such crosswalks, I don't race across. I'm looking for that idiot who clearly forgot anything he/she ever learned about navigating an intersection. As a bicyclist, I have more time to observe the moronic behavior of drivers than when I am driving. I also see cyclists behaving badly. The difference is that some of them are immature kids (think teen driver), and almost none pose a danger to anyone other than themselves. By contrast, the moronic drivers are waving loaded weapons at a crowd, and it's just dumb luck that no one on any given day gets hurt. If all cyclists deserve to be painted like the second guy in your vignette, all drivers should be imprisoned for life. None are without a criminal record. The bar, technical and financial, for operating an automobile in my state is set way too low. We excuse it by saying that people need their cars to get to work. Other people lose their lives as a result.
Sorry you took the brunt of this. but between today's fatalities my close call today, I am sick to death of people being apologists for the drivers' position that all cyclists are scofflaws.
Ride, and drive, safely and defensively. It's an unforgiving jungle out there.
@Karen, my anger isn't personal. I'm angry over the nationwide number of injured and killed cyclists each year in the USA. Please don't turn this into a man/woman thing. It's not. It's also not about me. This is an issue that has occurred around the globe. Check out Great Britain recently with the incident of a young woman boasting on Twitter about hitting a cyclist with her car; check out Holland in the late 80's. In the USA, we are more concerned with sensationalism than making roads safer. So if you aren't personally experiencing these issues, that's awesome for you, but the fact remains: every day in America, and average of two cyclists will be killed by motorists. The one today out near Fleetwood just hit home because I ride there all the time, and I happen to experience road rage from an idiot today out near this same spot. WE SHOULD ALL BE ANGRY, and it bothers me that some aren't.
I've never seen this on bicylists before.
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http://tinyurl.com/m3ohoe8
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Plus notice how they are stopped at a red light. How dare they stop at a red light. They are going to ruin our reputation.
For those of you complaining about the heat.
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http://like.iw3b.info/sick-hot-weather-just-remember-2013-07-22/
An 83-year-old cyclist was killed and another injured after semi-truck struck the two Tuesday morning in Lakewood. Holzinger was issued a summons for careless driving resulting in death.They actually ticketed a driver who killed a bicyclist!
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http://tinyurl.com/mnju4ug
@ Dan Donahue - had one around noon today caused by a cabbie right hooking me and then he made a panic stop for peds in the crosswalk, I did a panic, but the cyclist behind me was not as fast and hit me and flew off his bike. in my panic stop I did a rear wheelie and when the cyclist hit me I got spun around and could not get a cab # so the cabbie got away. cyclist got some bad curb rash, a bent ft wheel and fork and I have a pin hole in my left arm and a rear flat ( fixed on the spot)! to answer your original question I am running the tires that came on the X Schwalbe Marathon Supremes and they are great on no flats, but better at stopping!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Kathy. Mount Evans was a ride for this year. But since I decided to modify the original configuration of my body I did not get to ride it. Pikes Peak is scheduled for next year now that they finally allow bicyclists on the mountain. And our hills are usually only 4-12%. And I do ride in the mountains during the winter when weather and road conditions permit.
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But 37% and cold. I am a wimp. Not sure I am up to that.
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Plus I am not sure how all that extra oxygen would affect me. Might overwhelm my lungs.
We are fortunate here in my part of Colorado. We have issues with drivers but not like other parts of the country. It is too bad people can kill bicyclist with no consequences just by saying I did not see them. One of the extreme examples happened about 35 years ago. A 19 year old girl was driving on a road with a very wide shoulder. She turned around and was trying to retrieve a cassette tape from the back seat. She drifted on the shoulder and hit and killed two married couples. She killed four people. No charges. No ticket. Someone back then made the comment that is so true. "If she had killed a police officer she would have been in jail." And still true today. The people who kill bicyclists will no consequences would go to jail if they killed a police officer on the side of the road.
@Roberto - I understand your anger and your frustration. As a seasoned bicyclist out there on the road for a longer period of time, riding at higher speeds and with greater confidence, you must see more than most of us. Also, I think men feel more free to tell off another man. I think that is why you experience more bad behavior than Cynthia and I do. Nothing comes to mind to make you feel better.
Perhaps we can remember the families involved at times like these.
@Jerry, you ride in the Colorado Rockies where 14ers are common place, what's a little 37% grade and a bit o' cold weather? Have you ever done the Pikes Peak Hill climb or Mt. Evans? You have thin air up there, go down to Pittsburgh and suck up some oxygen.
Someone posted about this last week. Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen hill climb bike ride.
I thought wanted to do this until I read he article about Canton Ave. 37% grade.
And that they do the ride in November when it is cold. Though I am still tempted.
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http://tinyurl.com/l2ug92w
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http://www.dannychew.com/CantonAvearticle.html
This is a national issue, not a local or regional one. If you think you live some place Utopian that doesn't have road rage or issues with cyclists, then lucky you! But the bottom line remains: over 600 cyclists A YEAR killed by motorists in the USA. In my book, that's about 600+ too many. We get outraged when a woman falls out of a roller-coaster (which was tragic, however...), but yet we seem comfortable with the carnage on our roads of our cycling sisters and brothers. This should be front page news instead of the new prince. ARGH
@Cynthia thanks for the sensitivity.
The stories of anger are sadly not new and happen all over. Remember that the most popular gun sold at the turn of the 20th century was call the bicycle revolver and was designed for cycling to carry in their pockets.
Treatment of cyclists around here stems, in large part, from the behavior of many on bikes. My word choice there was intentional. Last weekend my wife and I were returning from a restocking trip to one of our fine local wineries. We passed the first cyclist (@Roberto, on PA 562 west of Oley) who was doing it right: dressed visibly, helmet, proper line, paying attention. 1/2 mile down the road was the knucklehead: left hand holding the phone to his ear, right hand crossed over his chest holding his left elbow, no helmet, no shirt, holding the white line. Wanna know why cyclists have a bad rap? See description of second guy!!!!
@Cynthia, that's right, we're a bunch of uptight old people here in eastern PA!
@'Berto, I feel your anger and, more so, your frustration. Bike/ped planning is a big part of my job, and I hear the 'philosophical differences' between drivers and cyclists all the time. I could expound on this so much further, but social media and government jobs don't mix well.
@Roberto-I don't know, sounds like a lot of angry up tight people where you are. Very very sad. We are all on the same planet. Geez.
4646 points~ nice number. WISH I WASN'T SO ANGRY RIGHT NOW.
@Michael, this was southbound on Old Topton Road just before the bend at Mine Road. I'm sure you know the spot. Sadly, this happens to me on average about twice a month. Daily I get yelled at, but at least twice a month somebody feels the need to exit the vehicle to make their point.
@Cynthia, in this neck of the woods veering intentionally to brush a cyclist is not completely unheard of. It's happened to me in the last couple of months. In my case, the guy just missed me, and he turned into a parking lot just down the road. I followed him in, and asked him what was the big idea? He told me that he didn't like the fact that I was waving him past (which I was) because he knows how to drive and didn't need me to tell him what to do (old guy, at least 80)! He said he wanted to teach me a lesson by brushing me with his truck. It took everything within me to not punch him in the face. I told him I was going to call the police, and he said go ahead, his word against mine and the woman seated next to him was willing to say it was my fault, not his. I rode away.
I can't find the reference but there was a kid on a bicycle killed in this area (greater St. Louis area) recently. Fortunately, the police found the driver (hit and run, I think) and charged the driver with a long list of offences. If only the drivers would get charged like that more often.
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@ Paul, One of our local bicycling organizations gives out a small card with all the state laws regarding bicycles. Some people just hand them out to every driver they know. I carry a couple in my bike bag just in case. ***** BTW: You should meet my husband. He is a Rush fan and read the book by Neal Pert, then he gave it to me to read. I agree, its a great read, but it did not inspire me to want to ride in Africa.
When I hear "bike riding in Africa" I can't help but automatically think, "wheeled toy for lions." We have a cat who is part African Savannah cat. We HAD a Zhuzhu pet. The cat, Max, stalked the Zhuzhu pet, pounced it, grabbed it by the throat, and mauled it. The Zhuzhu pet, Zsa Zsa Zhuzhu, is dead. I don't think I will ever go biking in Africa.
@Roberto-very scary-sounds like that guy was looking for an argument.
I hope they get to the bottom of this accident and charges are pressed. Was the cyclist a commuter? The driver could have been any of the things mentioned-under the influence, fell asleep, or had a medical condition. But of all the places he could have veered, why there at that point in time when that cyclist was right there?
Hello all. I'm just getting back into riding regularly after a 7 year "hiatus".
Just want to say it's so sad to hear about the recent tragedies. I have been involved in a few incidents myself, and have been very fortunate in all of them. Recently, I went to our DMV and got a copy of our driver's manual. It has rules/laws for cyclists, and for motorists regarding cyclists. I copied these sections, and now take a few copies w/me on rides to hand to irate motorists the feel a need to demonstrate their ignorance towards cyclists. I would like to suggest you all do the same.
And I seen some books mentioned earlier. Two things I love more than anything: cycling and music. And for music, Rush is one of my favorite bands. Their drummer, Neal Peart is an avid cyclist. He wrote a book about bike touring Africa. Masked Rider. Very entertaining.Highly recommended.
Ride on, everyone, and Happy trails.
@Roberto, thankfully you got away safely. Nowadays you have to worry about someone pulling a gun on ya.
Either way, the State Police must arrest this guy. Too many cyclists in PA get killed and nothing happens. The standard line is, "it was an accident." Bull! Until motorist fear for the consequences of inattentive driving, the carnage will continue. Today, near Topton, PA, I had a motorist leap out of his car, after leaving it in the middle of the road, to yell at me for riding in the lane. I rode away as he was screaming, "where are you going?"
At 6:00 a.m., I wonder if the driver was falling asleep at the wheel?
C.R. it seems to me that the driver was probably impaired in some way, either medically or "under the influence". Scary.........
The cyclist passed away. He was wearing florescent clothing and a helmet when he was struck from behind. The story says witnesses noticed the driver veering towards the shoulder, and that he didn't stop for 2 tenths of a mile and only after being flagged down by another motorist. Let's see if the State Police have the balls to charge this creep. AND DON'T TELL ME IT'S AN ACCIDENT.
@Rick, I'm not nostalgic for the good old days personally. True things were much different BITD, but remember the race was never nearly as tight as it is today either. I seriously think that if only those who meet the standards of the early 20th century are considered cyclists, then the term is no longer meaningful. As a cyclist myself, I take exception to that.
@ Michael, that is appalling. I sure hope the driver is charged with this senseless death. How sad for the man's family.
Deceased bicyclist update: http://tinyurl.com/keag7yc We'll see if any charges are filed against the driver...
22 miles by road bike done... seemed like I was riding against that dag nabibit wind every time I made a turn!
Ok, so I move that we re-christen you Marty Jute Burlap Fizzy King !
@Karen - Was riding in Phoenix one day and came across a pair of shorts. A block later a pair of panties and the block after that a bra. Didn't find the owner. It is hot here in Phoenix but that may have been the extreme solution.
Tammie P - excellent ride on Bike MS! All these I have done were wonderfully supported. Build your team for Bike MS! What a great accomplishment for you!
@Karen - Burklee definitely had a better answer than mine. It is just my way of saying that, while honored, I cannot accept the title of Bicycle Geek King, and that I know more about Jute/Burlap and certainly Exercise Physiology, than about two wheeled non-motorized vehicles.
If you don't mind, I would like to save that title for someone who has yet to join the NBC - a person who was in my University bike club. He could, (and all-to-often did), talk for 20 minutes easily on the tensile strength/composition of a screw in a certain component and how that compared with one in a different, or same component.
@Burklee - Good one!
@Kathy-but of course!
@Burklee-what a great program. Talk about community support. That would be something that would make you feel good to involved in.
"Fizzyology"... That's the study of carbonated drinks, right?
@Cynthia - I'm lucky to be involved with a DIY bike shop. If someone can't afford LBS repair prices, they can come to our shop and get help. We have bike tools and mechanics who know what they're doing. The mechanics will teach repair to those who want to learn. All repairs are free, but if you can afford to drop some $ in the donation box, we appreciate it. We have folks who can afford pro repairs, but like to do it themselves, and they're welcome, too. We take donations of old bikes, so they don't end up in the landfill. Bikes are expensive, even at the big box stores. If someone doesn't have a bike and needs or wants one, for 20 hours of volunteer time, we give them a bike. Kids under 13 can get a bike for free. It's pretty much the best thing I've ever been involved in.
@Marty - fizzyology, Your Geekness must explain terminology.
I seriously want a tadpole, but have neither the free cash nor free garage space nor sufficient funds in the emotional bank account with my spouse to be able to afford said wunder-trike. Someday before I'm too old to turn cranks...
@Roberto - I know what you mean, but in Christophe's day. all the bikes were steel, two gears is all one had, and one had to stop, remove and flop the wheel and reset the chain to change gears. Beyond that, one could not accept assistance along the way. The rider had to provide all his own mechanical support - including carrying all spares he thought he might need. The rider could not discard those spares or parts removed along the way. And the rider had to start, ride and end on the same machine. Closer to randonneuring than current tour racing. Today's tour riders are biomechanical miracles. Christophe and his ilk were cyclists.
@Cynthia - we should ask everyone, what is the weirdest road trash they ever saw? If I see something in the country sometimes I will investigate and keep it, if not valuable. This morning I found a 10$ seemingly unused grocery gift card with the peg holder portion still attached in front of a house, of course I put it in their mailbox, but I had to go around the block first and think about it. Once I found a watch next to a car door - put it between the doors: black necklace - on the arbor. Last year, found 10$, knocked on the door, know one answered- since house looked empty, kept it - bad Karma, next day the derailleur on my bike crunched into my back wheel and made a real mess.
With all this talk about tools and repairs, I am hereby issuing an appeal. My daughter came up with the idea of offering a bicycling camp through the local YMCA. I would like to hear from cyclists in the Greater St. Louis area who would be interested in putting a proposal together to do this. We're thinking a week long camp that would include some basic safety and mechanics training and info. about different types of bikes and riding and of course some riding. If you are interested please let me know. We can meet & discuss & plan & eat & put together a proposal.. And then go for a ride!! THANKS!
@Laurie R - way to go. My total nonstop miles this year is 27, but I'm building.
@Kathy- I so agree! I never assume a truck can or will see me and I stay as far out of their way as I possibly can.
@Cynthia - you should use your found money to buy lottery tickets. Remember Charley in Willy Wonka (1971 version)? He found money on the street (in a storm drain) and bought the winning chocolate bar with the golden ticket! When you win the Powerball you can thank me for this idea with a small percentage....
@Jerry, IMO, a semi will always have the right of way, even if I have the right of way legally and I will do my best to stay out of the way. Trucks can't see you (my cousin is a truck driver), it's not their fault, they are just too big, need tons of space for turns and have huge blind spots. best answer. Stay way back bike lane or not cause you are not going to win that battle.
@Michael-eeewww, be careful out there! You get a gold star for your will to ride no matter what the conditions are for your area.
So sorry to hear about the two fatalities today-CO & PA. Its so very very sad. My heart is with those who have passed and the families.
@Burklee-you have inspired me, even though we have a new local bike shop, there are no classes for DIY bike repair in our area that are close by. I decided to check out You Tube for a lot of instruction! Thanks! Maybe I can save some green and learn to do the simple thing myself like tightening brakes, and gosh, what fun to purchase tune up tools for a bike with the money you can save taking the bike to a shop? Of course more major repairs they can fix, but, I can do the little ones. Probably won't find those tools on the side of the road-if I ever do, maybe a lottery ticket will be with it. Will keep you posted on that one Kathy. hee hee.
You Tube had several DIY Bike Repair Stands-that looks like a fun project!
@Cynthia, where I ride the only tools I'm likely to find are a tossed handgun or used syringes...
@Michael - You would think drivers in that area would slow down due to the knowledge that Amish/Mennonites use the roads. I never understand the blatant disregard for the safety of our fellow man. However, I will not give up hope that someday we will see change.
@ EM - Thanks, chick! I'll never be a professional mechanic, but I do like that I can help people get out there or get back out there or stay out there on safe, properly functioning bikes.
We had a cyclist killed this morning in Colorado in a collision with a truck.
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http://tinyurl.com/l3546w9
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Just a quick refresher for everyone about trucks.
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What Cyclists Need to Know About Trucks
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http://tinyurl.com/cf2fucx
@Marty, usually I'd agree with you but not today; cloudy and borderline foggy. That stretch of road has some bad sight lines and drivers really like to fly. Lots of Amish/Mennonites in that area as well. No details released about the accident, only that it was a male that was hit.
@Cynthia - I find tools too. I got some real nice vise grips, wrenches... someday I might have a whole set. I haven't found any money yet... but if I ever see that or a lottery ticket I'm slamming on the brakes.
@Michael - Sorry about the cyclist. Without being familiar with the local area or direction, its likely that the sun being up for about 15 minutes was a factor.
@Michael, oh yes, perfect place for that rosary.
@Jerry, just think if you weren't healthy, i.e., riding bike-you wouldn't be doing any miles for sure. So glad that people pursue the love of riding no matter what adversity they face. It is what keeps you mentally emotionally and physically fit. My son is handicapped (one arm is immobile) and rides like a champion.
@EM-gosh what a site that must have been! No pics? : (
@Jerry, thanks. It was great to ride to work again.
Hi all, got so wrapped up in reading the messages that I forgot to report yesterday's ride. I got started about 10:30 and the temps were already in the 80s. There were quite a few riders out there. Today I got out earlier with temps in the 70s. Decided to add one of my weekend loops to the regular route and drop some of the neighborhood riding. Half a dozen other riders. Unfortunately, there was a new dead turtle on my route. Also, I saw a motorcycle that was carrying two bicycles. Sorry no picture.
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@ Michael, sorry to hear about the death of the cyclist. Moment of silence.
@ Burklee, great job with the mechanics!
@Cynthia, thanks for the gorgeous imagery!
Unfortunately, our cyclist struck earlier this morning passed away at the hospital. No details released regarding the accident. Keep it safe out there, folks, and keep this one in your thoughts.
@Brett. I am jealous. Have fun riding again.
@Cynthia. I ride in the Colorado Tour de Cure every year. Being diabetic, this is an important ride for meI hope I can make it this year, even if I have to do the 15 mile route instead of the 100 miles. It is Aug 17th. So it is iffy if I can ride by then. There is another one here in Colorado in Sep. if I cannot ride in Aug I hope to make that one. Now I need to get started on my fund raising. Now that I can get to my computer and don't have to depend on my iPad to go online.
@Cynthis, funny, last Thursday about 2 blocks from home I almost rode over a rosary that someone threw on the street. It had been run over previously from the looks of it. Being the good Catholic boy that I am I couldn't just leave it there or throw it out. It now resides in my repair kit. Can't hurt, huh?
@Roberto, Welcome to Pennsylvania!!!! Counties actually have very little control over many things, unlike most other states. Here in Berks, we have to deal with 73 individual municipalities. Explains a lot, huh?
@Burklee, Thanks! I see another Nashbar order in my future!
I still one of these until I can ride my bicycle again.
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http://tinyurl.com/maef3np
@Michael, no wonder we have such a lack of cycling infrastructure. With a crazy-quilt system like ours, there's little hope that some of the smaller communities will see the benefit. Some (Longswamp Twp) seem happy to remain locked in the 1950's.
@Cynthia, most don't, but this accident was in daylight.
Finally back on my bike and logging miles after hurting my shoulder while white water rafting. Feels good to be back on the bike and back in the Challenge!
@Roberto, because development in Pennsylvania, under Commonwealth law, is regulated at the local (township/borough/city) level, not at the county level like most other states. We only have power to review and comment on development proposals; the ultimate authority to create and enforce development regulations and approve subdivisions lies with municipal government. They can take our comments to heart or they can ignore them; ultimately, they can't demand what's not in their ordinances.
@Michael G. - I was actually using a fourth hand tool. My apologies. It grabs and holds onto the brake cable. I was tightening my V-brakes. I attached the 4th hand to the cable, close to the brake cable anchor bolt so I would know where the cable used to sit, and I wouldn't under or over tighten the brakes. Using the 4th hand, I got the brakes adjusted correctly the first time - no doing-undoing-redoing the job. That's usually been the problem any time I've tried to adjust my brakes just using pliers to pull the cable. Here is a link showing the tool (not any endorsement of Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-94-27-403-Third-Hand-Cable-Puller/dp/B00165P4PO.
A most "handy" device.
I will stop and pick up dangerous objects from the road/roadside, if traffic permits a safe stop.
I have found some awesome tools on the side of the road too. Like pliers, utility knives, screwdrivers, once I found a turquoise ring. I always try to stop for money like change, I have a jar I put it in called "Road Change" hee hee. I am still waiting for that $100 bill to be laying there. hee hee. I guess I am dreaming
@Jerry-we have a diabetic cyclist here that works for our town. He is an avid cyclist and does the NC Tour De Cure every year.
@Michael-nice you have the power to make a difference. Being familiar with that general area I can see the problem. Do they use lights on their bikes these days? Been sometime since I was up and around there.
@Michael, thanks! Why aren't developers mandated to include connecting bicycle/walking paths when they build tract homes? If we are going to lose all of our precious farmland, we could at least provide more than streets for high-dollar SUV's and custom pick-ups.
@Michael here is a link for the diabetic cyclist.
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http://tinyurl.com/mqzk8tl
@Roberto, glad you're safe. I know that stretch of road well and all of the Amish/Mennonites that use it. We're designing upgrades to US 222 in that area and I'm making sure PennDOT does not forget cyclists and horse/buggies in their designs. Since I do transportation planning work for the county planning commission I see them (PennDOT) on a regular basis.
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@Mike W, thanks for clearing the road as well. I agree with you; good deeds will (hopefully) not go unnoticed.
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@Capt. Competitive, 'Third Hand Tool'? Educate me, please...
Oh my, so sad to hear about the cyclist that was hit this morning.
@Michael-keep that bridge image in mind when you traversing floods and bad streets, to help you stay positive. This is a very unique coastal environment for sure.
@Burklee-cool! What a great feeling to do your own mechanic work for your bike.
Michael G: I'm no Eagle but I also stop and remove road hazards while riding: a 2x4 x 36" with nails sticking out and a a 3'x4' piece of sytrofoam yesterday on the way home while nursing a slow leak in my front tire. Hopefully the three people that saw me doing this on the country road will have a better appreciation towards cyclist due to this simple act.
@Michael, not me, but most likely one of the many Mennonites who use that road to commute to work. A little over 4 years ago, Betty Jane Weaver, 51, was struck and killed by an 81 year-old woman from Fleetwood who drove home with Weaver's bicycle wedged under her car: the outcome, no charges. That road is super dangerous. My heart goes out to the victim.
Had an IRIR to work this morning, so I'm awfully glad I tightened up my brakes last night! I just recently learned how to use the third-hand tool. It makes brake work a whole bunch easier. Last Tuesday I figured out how to adjust a derailleur. I was the only "mechanic" at Women and Transgender Only night. One woman's bike wouldn't go into the lowest gear. I knew there was some procedure about turning the limit screws, but it had never been explained to me before. I got out a bike repair manual, and I fixed it. Ha!
@Rob, I've done RAGBRAI six times. Watch for the bump.
Iowa is currently in 4th place. Wonder if they'll see a bump with RAGBRAI? Let's see, thousands of riders pedaling 70 miles a day for a week = LOTS of potential NBC points.
Refreshingly cool morning in the Fox Cities, tomorrow will be a bracing 52 degrees. Interestering, the same 52 degree morning 6 months from now would be a miracle here! Good luck to those who are diamond hunting; I am and hope to find some nice ones along the way.
Two bicycle-related articles in the local rag http://readingeagle.com/ this morning. First one talks about a diabetic cyclist riding to raise awareness of the disease. Second one, unfortunately, is a developing story of a cyclist hit and seriously injured earlier this morning. @Roberto, hope that's not you (it's within your range). Would include links directly to the articles but the board wipes them.
Hey, @Cynthia, thanks for that morning update. Makes me wish I was back there again. Luckily, I know which bridge you're talking about so I can picture in my mind exactly what you're seeing. Wonderful imagery!
I had an interesting ride into work today. We had over 3 inches of rain last night. One of the streets I ride on evidently flooded. I'm not talking a little water, here; the high water mark on one of the walls was up to my bike seat! Apparently the police didn't check the roadway before they reopened it, since I had to move a manhole cover back into place. Those suckers are HEAVY!!! Everybody else was just driving around it, guess I did my Eagle Scout "Good Turn" for the day.
Three NPR reporters are participating in RAGBRAI I!!!!
Wow-like 7 pages of comments since yesterday at 5:00! Guess I will have to turn my computer on at night and check in to keep up, don't want to miss anything. hee hee.
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Oh definitely-Hail to Marty! Speech, Speech!
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@everyone-nice job on accomplishments and milestones-isn't just a wonderful feeling.
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I really enjoyed reading the story about the woman who "crossed the world" on her bike. For to even take that on at that time with a husband and children is amazing in of itself.
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The book I read that I said I would post is: The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling. Although the authors are pro long distance riders/racers-there is a wealth of information about everything from nutrition/hydration, riding in wind, hill work, cadence, and on and on. I recommend to any one who is trying to learn.
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Starting to get more miles in as I anticipate Bike MS the end of September. So this morning was my first morning up and out at dawn to ride, more interested in hill work so I chose to ride over to the island which entails riding over the bridge, my hill work, I am getting better, I amazed myself at how easy it was this morning to climb. So excited! It was beautiful at the top of the bridge-the "Thunder Moon" hanging close to the intracoastal waterway-big, full as full can be and glowing yellow from the reflection of the rising sun which was coming up on the other side of me. The ocean looming ahead of me I descended on the island and rode the entire island 6 miles end to to end. With the wind at my back I headed the east end at a constant 17 mph saying weeee the whole way but then paid for it on the way back. Pushing into the wind and pedaling hard, I relaxed to save my strength to climb the flip side of the bridge. Quiet and serene was the morning. Passing all the beach homes filled with still sleeping people on vacation from just about everywhere you could imagine, I felt fortunate, alive and just wonderful.
@ Dameon Plagens- I am looking at an ICE Sprint 26 or 26X. How many flats do you have? Managing the track of 3 wheels to stay out of flating is a serious issue on my broken glass, tree limb, beer can litered shoulders. Does the X perform much better that thr regular Sprint 26?
@ Laurie. Congrats on your milage. It gets addicting. @ everyone your doing great justkeep peddling.
@Rick, let's see you do two climbs of Alp d'huez after racing 125 miles before you call anybody a wimp.
@Mark, I've done GRABAAWR too. Congrats to your wife.
@ Tammie. If you are dizzy tomorrow you need to get checked out by a doctor.
Another carless day. I did all my errands today by bike, and took roundabout ways home. Rode over 29 miles, which is the 2nd highest one day total I've done so far this year. I expect to sleep well tonight :)
YAY Tammie!
Tammie congrats on the platinum! You have done so well all summer, hope you feel better soon! Have fun diamond chasing!
@ becky- way to go becky! I have also found that DRIVERS give my tadpole a much wider berth then when I ride my df. get asked the same two ? lots, along w/ the $ sign. but if Jerry can drool over a $$$$.00 roadie i'll stay w/ my commuter/camper/ errand running Ice sprint 26 x. Bent because I LOVE IT!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE (TRIKE) BETTER!
D.
@ Rick, thanks for the tip, I'm always looking for more books about bicycling adventures!
that is quite an accomplishment Mark! I have been enjoying all the links to articles... so much great information today. So, we have a King of Geeks! I'll vote for that. I also moved into platinum yesterday. Now I will be chasing that diamond! I managed to crawl onto my bike for the minimum 1 mile today. That is about all I really had in me .. honestly! Between my shoulder and my head, I am DEAD! I did buy a new helmet today but really just wanted to get it over with. I actually got dizzy while at the store.. I magine in the bike shop and just wanting to leave?
@ Mark, your wife has earned the bragging rights. My daughter and I did GRABAAWR a few years ago and had a blast!
@ J Hugh, nice touch with the burlap! Hail King Marty!
@Mark. Tell your wife congratulations. That is a great achievement.
While we're in the archives section, check out "Two Wheels North," the true story of two teenagers who rode their bikes 1000 miles from California to Seattle, WA, to attend the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909.
I have to brag about my wife. She rode 405 miles in 8 days last month in the GRABAAWR. Plus, she has her photo in USA TODAY! Check out the article and photo at our site www.tadpole-tales.com (shameless plug, I know!). It was her first supported tour and longest rides ever. She did great!!!
@ Mark - Kudo's to your wife!
@Rick, you have to fish to drink beer all day?????
Into the archives of cycling, I think a case can be made that the current crew of TDF riders are just a bunch of wimps. Read the account of the 1913 tdf and Eugène Christophe's persistence - and the differences in the rules then and now. For example, how many of you out there ride 'flip flop' gearing, i.e., you have to stop and flip the rear wheel over to change to 'your other gear.?'
Wiki article on Christophe, including the 1913 incident::
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Christophe
Crown is a Bicycle helmet
Coat of arms is a bicycle chain ring with a pair of running shoes at the base. A Chain circles the shield. His septer is a long handled torque wrench. His shield is a burlap covered trash can lid with the coat of arms on it. //any artist that can produce this please be creative.
All Hail! Marty "King of the Bicycle Geeks" Malin the last.
Gee, Jerry, I thought it was "Teach a man to fish, and he'll sit around in a boat and drink beer all day." I do like your version, though.
@JHugh. Cool Story about the lady rider. I always wondered why women's bikes had the step thru frame and was told it was for dresses. I cant imagine riding in all those clothes.
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Congrats to all who achieved something special today.
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I don't know that I've ever experienced heat stroke/exhaustion but I do know I can't have raw sugars (soda, candy) before exercise or I will pass out. and too much heat makes me wilt. My speed has collapsed since summer started and if it's above 90 I start panting like a dog.
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Marty for bike geek!!!
J Hugh: No objections , It remains only to conceive a suitable crown, scepter , shield and coat of arms for the clear and uncontested King.
HEALINES: Jim makes 2000 with a bang! Yay Jim!
@ J Hugh HEAR HEAR!!
@J. Hugh - I hereby second the motion.
I hereby officially nominate Marty as Marty "King of the Bicycle Geeks" If there are no Objections I move that Marty be declared "King of the Bicycle Geeks" by acclamation. His posts now will read Marty "King of the Bicycle geeks" Malin.
I find that Marty"s OCD perfectly compliments my ADD - call him whatever you want, but the burlap rider is A-OK in my book.
Another review of my helmet mirror. This one is enjoyable reading.
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http://flashblog2011.blogspot.com/2011/06/quick-check-your-six.html
I just ordered a new mirror for my helmet. See review below.
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http://allseasonscyclist.com/2011/05/02/cycleaware-reflex-flexible-helmet-mirror/
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The one thing I do with this mirror is attach the base unit to my helmet with 5 minute epoxy. It has double sided tape that is pretty good. But since most of our bicycle helmets have a more curved shell it is not a perfect mate. I knocked off my mirror a couple of times by bumping into something. After I attach the base unit with epoxy, that was no longer an issue. Just test ride with the mirror and make sure it is where you want it before using the epoxy.
@ J. Hugh, thats an amazing story. I read "The Lost Cyclist" about a rider who tried to go around the world by bicycle in the late 1880s. He didn't make it, he disappeared in Turkey. So another guy set out to look for him. The adventure showed how bad roads were in those days and how it was simply impossible to ride in some parts of the world. So its not surprizing that "Annie Londonderry" didn't ride everywhere either.
@EM - YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!
@Cathy - Missed the post earlier, I would be glad to read the book you know of if you can remember the title.
Wow, I am only 75 points away from platinum. I may make it after all :P
I consider myself a rock star every time I successfully ride up a hill. I think that if I stopped in the middle, I'd never be able to get going again. And, I consider coasting down the other side as the best reward possible :)
I just see putting my foot down as the hill laughing at me. .......................................................................................... @Marty I went through Heat exhaustion a few times. Ok maybe more than a few thinking about it. 2011 I overdid myself (riding) a few times. 2011, I didn't ride more than 2 times a week though. Both times were on hot days, riding 50+ miles. 2012 I did it one time on a 100F day. I determined Gatorade, especially red was a bad idea to drink anymore. So far I've been OK. I think bringing a lunch is what cured it, well and riding every day. There was a time I somehow did so working on a roof (painting windows), too. That wasn't a good day. It seemed like I drank too much water actually, making me sick..
@ Kathy, clearly: A WOMAN'S PLACE IS ON A BICYCLE!!
I should add that the 2,000 points came just before my rear tire went _BAM_! New wheel and back on the road tomorrow! The spokes could not be tightened up any more on the old wheel.
@Roberto - If you put your foot down on a hill, it may have ants in it.
And, heat exhaustion isn't limited to just hot days with high humidity either. Years ago, I suffered from heat exhaustion when the temperature was in the mid-60s. I was biking to a 5 mile road race in the Spring, when I noticed something had fallen off of my bike rack. So, I went a few miles back and found it. I then rushed to the race, not drinking from my water bottle. I did well in the race, and while waiting for the awards ceremony, had a small beer. I started feeling chilled (even though my core was overheating), so I went to my bike and put on a thin jacket. I still couldn’t warm-up. So, I went to where my bike was and lay down in the grass in full sun, curled up in a ball. (The exact wrong thing to do) After 20 minutes, I didn't feel any warmer, (although by this time my core temperature was almost at heat stroke stage), so I decided to bike home. As I started to bike, I noticed that I was in my lowest granny gear going DOWN a small hill. It was at that point that I finally realized that something was wrong, and called to get picked-up.
I made it past 2,000 points today - something that seemed completely out of the picture back in May! This is a great experience! Thank you to everyone for sharing your ups and your downs, your information and your joy of cycling!
@Laurie – Good observation! It is difficult to determine the difference between Heat Exhaustion and Hyponatremia, especially if you add Heat Stroke to the mix.
Symptoms of both – Dizziness, confusion, faintness, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
Heat Exhaustion (and to a lesser extent its precursor, heat cramps) – Heavy sweating, cool moist skin with goose bumps while in the sun, dark colored urine, flushed or pale skin, higher core temperature, and rapid heartbeat.
Heat Stroke – Lack of sweating, high core temperature over 104 degrees, and rapid breathing.
Hyponatremia – Restlessness, irritability, seizures, and coma.
So, the best way to tell the difference is by asking them how much and what they drank/ate during the ride/event, and how often and what color their urine was when they peed. If the answers are just or almost all water, often, and urine was clear, then it is a safe bet that they are hyponatremic. If they are confused or unconscious, then ask someone who was with them. Failing that, core temperature and heart rate would be good indicators. A high temperature and rapid HR would indicate Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke.
If you are still unsure, while waiting for emergency personnel, then DO NOT GIVE THEM WATER, (as that could easily result in a coma or death if they are hyponatremic), get them in the shade, loosen clothing, and put wet cold cloths or ice on their inner wrists, carotid arteries, and groin. Which will help lower their temperature if they are suffering from the heat.
@Kathy-thanks for sharing those links. What fun. Great history too. The don'ts for women are so many-and they still rode. Found a way around it all.
While I don't condone this response I understand it. I hate it when "fans" run beside cyclists in the TDF.
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http://m.youtube.com/watch
@J. Hugh. I was able to read the article just now.
@J. Hugh. In Florida you never have to worry about hills. Riders in Florida should on get 1 point for every two miles.
Sorry after reading the article I went back and it was blocked and just a for sale article. In Victorian dress this woman cycled around the world in 1894. So after that I guess some men needed to make rules. Same guys are members of the taliban now.
One of the more interesting bicycle blogs I've found.
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http://carbonaddiction.net/
@Nyla, every comment I post is my own parameter... obviously.
If you put your foot down on a hill, it's a "do over," means you can't count the hill as climbed. You have to do it again without the foot down. Just sayin'
A fascinating article about Parkinson's disease and bicycling.
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http://tinyurl.com/ab9yguw
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Be sure to watch the video
http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2013/05/19/documentary-about-boston-woman-legendary-bicycle-trip-around-world-wins-and-kicks-off-bike-themed-film-festival/dItZtz0pynWKRqf40xkFsO/story.html
Check out the cycling gear in this story. She is my hero.
If I put my foot down on a hill, I'm not in Florida.
CLASSIC RIDER QUOTES #1
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“It’s a no drop ride – so keep up.”
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring.
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Desmond Tutu
A history lesson to all the lady cyclists out there.
Women cyclists have been around for a long time, so in 1895 someone thought it would be appropriate to make rules for women cyclists.
http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2011/11/29/1895-donts-for-women-riders/
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and here's what happened when a man saw a woman in her bloomers. Perhaps it is why we don't wear such things anymore. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Ellimans-Universal-Embrocation-Slough-1897-Ad.png
If I put my foot down on a hill it's a "fall-over."
@Roberto - Does that mean you have to turn around and start over?!?
If you put your foot down on a hill, it's a "do-over."
HILLSs: My speed may be easily exceeded by pedestrians. and I’m likely to stop along the way to catch my breath and begin again in lowest gear, but I’ll keep pedaling and count a triumph when I can maintain sufficient forward momentum to avoid tipping over.
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A literal high point of MS TRAM Day 4 (Biwabik to Two Harbors) , was the mirage-like appearance of “Brimson Sportsmen’s Corner” at the top of the day’s longest climb…yet another, ever-even higher in a seemingly endless series of hot, steep, winding, into-the-wind ascents. Tiny convenience-store/bait shop in a trailer, backed by the proprietor’s home. Owner’s Dad set out lawn chairs and tables at the edge of a wide, shaded, welcoming lawn, and offered a huge cooler of ice water, while son sold a variety of ice cream confections for $1 apiece. Ice water and Eskimo Pie were pure ambrosia in those circumstances. That serendipitous oasis refreshed on every level…and many riders continued on with slightly sticky smiles. I think of these as “leg-breaking, lung-bursting” or lb. squared hills ( abbreviated to #2 hills where # does double duty for both lb. and the expletives occasionally elicited on such climbs). If all such ascents offered an ice-cream oasis at the apex, my historical antipathy toward pedaling endlessly upward could be permanently modified. (-;
My bicycle shop took my bike away from me today. Hopefully I will get my new bike soon. They had in the new Cannondale Synapse Hi-Carbon. Only $5,500. Out of my price range.
Question: I was reading the comments on here about hyponatremia, and it seems to me that the symptoms overlap those of heat exhaustion. How can you tell which is which?
50 nonstop HOT HUMID WINDY miles. Ran out of water just as I finished. Thanks Clif bar and bloks.
@Tammie, way to go. Conquering your challenges one by one.
@Tammie-you go girl! That's all you can do really. ha ha and you did it.
@Burklee-great post-thanks for the smile!
Yo Burklee, congrats! GO BIG RED!!!
@Burklee - Thanks for the post, good job! Made me smile.
Day 2 of the Bike MS is nothing but hills... and I had only done a few days of hills which were only about 10 to 14 mile days. I managed 60 miles of hills! Mile 55 was the largest one for me.. I wimped out on the biggest one and took a ride to the top then finished the rest of the course. I have to admit when I got to the top of one hill I looked up and saw two hills in front of me then this huge one at 55 what I said to myself was "Oh My GOD .. whos joke was it to put the rest stop at the top of a mountain!?" I literally took two deep breaths as I started shifting and working the gears to get up my speed over the next lower hill to start my way up that little monster... but I made it!
Burklee - I liked your quoted thoughts, particularly to last one, "The only part not functioning optimally on my bike is the rider."
I can very seldom say that, as I am very bad at maintaining my bike. There are times when my level of functionality reaches down and meets up with my bike's condition. A sorry sight indeed.
@Howard - That's a good way to get the cadence down. That also reminded me of the easiest way to work on your cadence while biking on the road. Beforehand, just do an interned search for "90 bpm songs". Find some that you like and are familiar with, then periodically while riding, play the song in your head and pedal to it.
@Karen - You aren't that far off. It won't take much practice at all. Yes, counting your strokes in 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 definitely works. The only reason I suggested the other way is that your eyeys are only off of the road for a second or two, so it is a little safer.
If you have a granny gear, you should be able to keep the same cadence up hills. The main thing with changing gears is to do it just before you need it, easing up slightly on the tension while pedalling, (less strain on both the chain and deralileur), then change gears, and when it engages, start spinning.
In New Zealand I learned that the large dog at the back of the sheep herd is called a hunt away. The job of the Hunt away is to keep everyone moving. So, when at the back of the pack I just hunt away. woof woof. Also, the person who is really last in any bicycle ride is the one on the couch at home.
@Marty-thanks so much again-I would rather learn to with the changes than against them so I can keep doing what I love.
@Karen-I purchased a book from Amazon that give great information on hill climbing. I will check the title of the book when I get home and give it to you. Here where I live there are no hills! And the Bike MS ride I do is full of them for the first 25 miles. So, I just keep riding over the intracoastal waterway bridge as much as I can. That is great training and better than no training! Also, as you become a stronger rider too, it helps a great deal.
Things that ran through my head while on the Cornhusker State Games ride:
"If I just stop at the halfway point rest stop, can I have half a medal?"
"Attack the hills! Attack the hills! Holy cow, you give me one banana at a rest stop and I go ape."
"I signed up for WHAT?!?!"
"Gravity, why do you have to work both ways???"
"I'm not straggling, I'm riding herd."
"The only part not functioning optimally on my bike is the rider."
It was actually a great ride. The weather was beautiful. This is the first time I've ever ridden the highways on my bike. It's usually city streets or trails for me. Highway riding is A WHOLE LOT different, with those long hills to climb. But I rode every mile - no getting off and pushing! Yeah, I may have only been going 4 miles an hour up the hills, but I made it.
I feel like I've got thighs and buns of steel. They remain safely encased in 3 inches of flab, but still...!! :)
@Marty - you are just too much! My cadence warming up on a short trip to the market was 80-85rpm. (what I did was count my right bottom stroke 15sec and multiplied by 4.-seemed to work.) Thanks for taking the time for posting. I am more of the artistic type. I am glad some folks are better than me at computation. Yesterday I was worn out from working our swimming league championships, doing my biking miles, and taking my son to summer camp; not much info was sinking into the old noggin.
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I wanted to train on hills next month. I have read in bike pamphlets that to get better at climbing, you need to climb hills more. I take that to mean that you need to climb a tough hill multiple times, repeatedly. I have an Ironman friend who has done this to train. What about someone who is not an elite athlete? Obviously I can not do high rpms on hills. I'm happy to get up them without dismounting. If you don't think it would be to boring for everyone, what about a discussion on climbing hills without damaging our knees or back?
For cadance, I watched a training DVD while spinning on my trainier and then mimic the riders when they were at 90 RPM. While riding, I will check by simply counting for a minute when my one knee comes up. Once I practiced it a bit on the trainer, I seem to be able to duplicate it well enough. Just trying to help.
@Cynthia - I also have had a red flag for a few years, but that shouldn't stop one from achieving their goals.
Figuring out the proper nutrients can be difficult. You will want to experiment with it on your longer rides, and realize that going faster because of adrenaline on the big day, differences in temperature and humidity, play a factor.
When you first try products like Heed and Succeed, they will almost taste like nothing, especially if you are used to sugary ones. These products aren't sugary, and definitely don't have any high fructose corn syrup. They do have complex carbohydrates and branch chain amino acids. Much better for you.
@Tammie-way to go! You did a great job for the time you have been riding. Bike MS is a lot of fun and its just as amazing to see all they do and how well they do it. Like a well oiled machine. The more you participate year after year the better it gets. Maybe get a docs opinion on head? Hope you heal quickly.
@Heather-awesome weekend for you too! Congrats!
@Marty-our geek-thanks so much for the wealth of helpful information! This is the fourth year for Bike MS and I have tried every year to do the 100 miles and I can't get past 80 miles. Which I now except and am ok with. Every year I suffer these Hyponatremia type symptoms. I have read up on the proper way to hydrate and eat and I felt confident I had it down for last years ride. I had the same problem as always but not quite so bad. It's different when you are out there riding something like a Bike MS than riding miles at your home area. Before this years ride I am going to check with my doctor and see if she has anything to offer. I drink often and much but I think you are right that it is what I am drinking, I can't stand Gatorade even watered down and I think it does have a lot to do with the sugar content. I have already tried Nuun tablets and I like those a lot. I will look into the other ones you suggested. I really appreciate your input. I so much enjoy these rides and I want to be able to continue to do them. It wasn't a problem when I was younger. I don't know, is passing 50 a red flag? I am learning your nutrition and hydrating needs are different just for a daily basis so I would imagine they would be also different for an endurance event.
@J. Hugh & @Laurie - I'm more of a running geek. But, since I started running in 1979, and biking in 1982, and most of the physiologic information is readily transferrable, you might say I'm a double geek speak freak.
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@Steven - You're welcome!
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@Heather - Sorry for the headache. Let me explain it one more time... ;-)
@JHugh@MartyMalin: Thanks. I will definitely try to increase my cadence. Appreciate the feedback. On another note: 10,000,000 MILES!!!!!!! WOW
1/2 way home
J. Hugh, your powers of observation are outstanding!
Marty may be the king of the bicycling geeks.
@Marty - Everytime someone explains Cadence, I get a headache. I've yet to even figure that out on paper or on my bike. I hope I can blissfully ignore it forever. :)
@Jerry, I really loved the Tdf and the closing ceremony's special effects. I know you are off your bike right now, but I even tracked my milage just duringj the tdf. So fun! I rode 9 % of the length they did. Nothing at all - but fun to track.
@Tammie, that is really outstanding!! What an amazing ride for you. I hope your noggin is okay today. I need to upgrade my helmet too. I'm wearing a target variety from two years ago What a great weekend!
@Marty - Thanks for explaining one more time. I think I have it now.
@Karen Jean - The easiest way to check your cadence while riding, if it isn't on your cycle computer, is to just look at your watch or time on your cycle computer, and when it gets to a zero or a 5, whichever foot is down at that time count as zero. Count 15 more times for that foot when it is in the same relative position, and at the 15th one, look at the time. If it doesn't end at zero or 5, (whichever number you started at), you are pedalling too slowly. If it ends in 1 or 6 (11 seconds), you are only doing abuot 82 revolutioins per minute, and if it is taking you 12 seconds, you are down to about 75 rpm. Gradually work on it by going down a gear, and pedalling faster, until you are comfortable at that cadence.
If your cadence is at 50, that equates to about 18.5 seconds for 15 revolutions. In that case, just keep on pedalling the way you are, and put me on retainer as your future knee surgeon.
@Steven K - The only exception I know to the recommended 90 rpms is for someone who has been riding for several years and they are riding a minimum of at least 5,000, maybe 6,000 miles per year. For them, the most efficient cadence is right around 84. This has mostly to do with their tendons and ligaments being strong enough to handle the increased tension.
@Steven K - If you are used to a slower cadence than 90 rpm, as you switch over, most of the time when you are at 90 rpm, you won't feel like there is resistance, unless you are going against the wind, or going uphill. But there is resistance, and you are still getting a workout. It takes a while to get used to that cadence, but when you do, you will find that you can ride for much longer, at the same or an even faster speed, (you will be one or two gears lower than normal), and you will recover more quickly from the ride, and be ready for your next ride, without all of the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and strain on your knees, which can result in ITB syndrome, and eventually chondromalacia patella.
By pushing against less resistance with each pedal stroke, you will be able to do a lot more overall work, because you can last much longer.
To give you an example (using numbers as realistic as I can, but erring on the side of caution):
Suppose you have a man or woman who can bench press 200 lbs exactly 1 time, and that is it. Assuming they move the bar exactly 2 feet in the process. They have just done 400 foot pounds of work before they were exhausted. (200 lbs x 2 ft)
Now, assuming a few days later, they make it a total of 180 lbs, or 90% of their maximum. They should be able to bench press that weight about 2 or 3 times. Being conservative, we'll just assume they can only do 2 reps. 2 reps x 2 ft x 180 lbs = 720 foot pounds.
At 100 pounds, (or 50% of their maximum), they can do 100 reps. 100 x 2 x 100 = 20,000 foot pounds.
Can you see the trend? As the resistance decreases as a percentage of their maximum, they can do an exponentially larger amount of total work.
Now, carrying that over to the bike, (and assuming there is no wind or change in terrain), if you pedal at 50 rpm, let us say you are pushing at 3% of your total leg strength with each pedal stroke, and you can pedal like that for 2 hours. At 1 foot per pedal stroke (I’m trying to keep this simple), you are doing 50 rpm x 60 min/hr x 2 hours x 1 foot/pedal stroke x .03 x 200 = 36,000 foot pounds per leg or 72,000 total foot pounds before you are exhausted.
But now, imagine that same person pedaling at 90 rpm. They are only working at 1.5% of their capacity, but they can do it for 6 hours. Using the same formula, 90 x 60 x 6 x 1 x .015 x 200 x 2 = 194,400 total foot pounds.
That is 170% more work, and the big thing is that you will recover much more quickly from the 90 rpm workout than you will from the 50, and would be able to repeat the same workout the next day, whereas with the 50 rpm workout, you would have DOMS.
10 million!!
@Cynthia - Hyponatremia definitely is scary stuff. The good news, is that it is much easier to avoid while bicycling for long times than while running for long times. (You are generally working at a lower percentage of Max VO2 and HR, below Lactate Threshold, etc..., so there are more options for taking in needed nutrients.)
There are many really good products out there nowadays, including Heed, Succeed, NUUN tablets, etc... It is better to take a product that has more complex carbohydrates, as they will enter your bloodstream slower, and won't cause the sugar spike and crash. (Another way is to think of it as lower on the glycemic index.) If you are taking Heed or Succeed, you will also want to take electrolyte capsules, too, approximately one every hour of a longer ride, more often the hotter it is. I prefer taking buffered electrolytes, as they are easier on the stomach the hotter it is.
I avoid Gatorade (and similar products) as much as possible, because I don't like the idea of ingesting in high fructose corn syrup. But if I have to take it, I've found that 1/2 strength is best, as at that concentration, the fructose doesn't affect someone as much if they are sensitive to fructose while exercising in heat (and no, I didn't say while in heat - that is something entirely different.)
Bananas are great for the potassium portion of the electrolytes.
And, just eating regular food will give you enough sodium, as well as much needed calories.
Again, the majority of instances I've found in the literature have involved 5-6-7 hour marathoners who just had water during the event.
And, it is easy to misdiagnose too, as some of the symptoms would lead one to believe that the person was dehydrated, and needed water. Giving them just water exacerbates the problem, and makes it more likely that they will die.
@ Tammie, Heather, and Mike, congrats on your great PERSONAL cycling achievements.
@ Rob, way to go with the scouts!! My daughter has been working at the YMCA with summer camps and she gave me an idea to try and make a bicycling camp. This will take some work. I'm thinking a week long camp that would include some basic maintenance training among other things. HMMMMM....
@ Tammie.. way to go!
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@ Jerry, now that the TdF is over, you can focus on 2 things: healing and continuing to be an encourager. which we all appreciate!
So Tammie...great job! You must have JUST logged your miles...I think you put us over 10 million!!!! ;-) (with some help from our west coast/island riders, I am sure)
Congrats Tammie !!
I went out Saturday to visit my friends from the St. Vrain Chain Gang before they left on their ride.
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http://tinyurl.com/ln7mzsp
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I am the one in the X-Ray jersey and the hat.
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For some reason they would not let me go with them.
Be sure to ask Roberto what he thought about my bike ride.
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Sorry Roberto. I could not resist. You made our day.
For those who missed my posted about my bike ride on Saturday.
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I went for a bike ride this morning. I woke up, went out to the garage, and decided to do one last ride on my destroyed bicycle. See photos.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
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So I decided to ride two blocks on my bike. It was hard. The handle bars were hard to hold onto. I could not shift. Only one brake was working. I could only clip in with my right foot. The left foot would not clip in the pedal. And I could here the frame creaking as I rode. The pain was not too bad. I turned around after two blocks to ride home. And I was lost. I could not find my way home. I was riding on strange streets. Over an hour went by while trying to find my way home. Really confused. Forgot to bring my phone so I could not use the GPS to navigate home or call my wife. And I was thinking, Karen is going to kill me for this.
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And then I woke up.
Rob...thanks for the kind words. Re the Ripon cookie factory outlet store...the free samples are great but you have to bring your own milk. ;-) I also recommend making sure a swag vehicle is available to take your purchases home--their best (IMHO)--chocolate covered waffers--would certainly be a mess after the ride home via bike. If you do make the trip, avoid Sundays and Mondays (they're closed those days) and be sure to get there by 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Great work with the Scouts, BTW. Doing 50 miles any way is a great accomplishment. They should be very proud. So did they all log their miles? ;-) Keep up working on younger cyclers (I am working mainly on college-aged folks).
Paul Jeffries - that was some ride, nice job. Maybe we should ride out to Ripon sometime to the cookie factory. Also did a 50 miler in the Fox Cities with Scouts from Troop 73 in Appleton. We were a bit slower, averaged 10 mph, but it was great to see their faces of accomplishment after today's ride. I was proud to see them earn their Cycling merit badge. If anyone else out their wants to help get the future of cycling, become a Cycling merit badge counselor or anything else working with young people. You'll be glad you did!
Tammie - judging by the distances of your previous rides, stepping up to 60 is awesome. Great accomplishment!!! And you beat me too - I've come so close, but have never been able to crack 40mph. Congratulations.
I KNOW I will be able to do the entire ride next year because I know what I am getting myself ready for! LOL I will also have a year of riding under my feet rather than just the3 4 months as of today! On another note.. I realized this morning that when I fell yesterday, I did hit my head and my helmet did its job well! I have a very sore head and have been fighting a headhache.. I also have a damaged helmet! The shell is separated from the interior where it actually hit and is actually cracked insied but there is absolutely NO visible damage on the outside and you have to look VERY HARD to see the damage!!! Scary to know how bad it really could have been. Good thing.... I get to buy a helmet that matches 'Black Beauty'! LOL ... can't really afford it now but now that I am forced to do it.....
@Tammie. Glad you enjoyed the ride. You did fantastic for your level of riding. And next year you will be able to do the whole thing and have an easier time than this year. Congratulations.
@Tammie - Great job!
@Allen - you live in Pittsburgh? Dirty Dozen - WOW! I thought some of the hills around here are tough. We've got nothing on Pittsburgh.
It looks like we will reach 10 million miles tomorrow, by the time riders log miles in from this past week and today. Wahoo!
One more thing...passed one of the Kimberly-Clark plants in Cty Rd. II on the my ride...gave them a "kudos" and "thanks" on the way by. Here's a more public thanks for your support of the NBC!
BTW, did my efforts to get us to 10 million by Sunday night (although I predicted Monday). Did a 50 mile ride from Appleton to Ripon. WI, after dropping off a friend's car at the Appleton airport. Even though the last hour was in rain, I still managed a person best for average speed over 50 miles at 20.2 mph...I guess it was my effort to relate to all those rain stages in the Tour! (but not quite at the truly insane TdF speeds!?!? Those guys are truly amazing, with or without drugs.)
Hey, could we get the US riders in the TdF to log their rides for the NBC in July? That would be a few thousands miles toward our totals! Anybody got any connections?
Cynthia.. just finished my first Bike MS a little while ago.. you really don't need to worry about taking anything but your water bottles... they will provide all you need to fill them.. water and electrolye solution at every rest stop. It is one of the BEST SUPPORTED events in the country!!!! It was a wonderful experience! It was 91 today and I kept one bottle filled with electrolytes which I drank and one with ice water I used to pour on myself when needed. Rest stops were about every 12 to 14 miles the first day and the first half today and about every 10 miles as it got more difficult. The hills were TOUGH!! I managed 60 miles today for a total of 126 miles for the two days. I really was only planning on 20 to 30 today but just kept going. I finally could not do another huge hill and too a SAG from one hill that nearly killed me to the top of the last 2 1/2 mile giant hill and rode the last 5 miles in... great ride! There was one coast that gave me my fastest speed EVER 41mph... wheee!
@Mike. Congratulations on your Diamond.
The Tour de France is over. Now what do I do with my days?
Be sure to watch tonight's edition of the Tour de France. The special effects on the Arc de Triomphe were unique during the award presentations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
I rode 188 miles during the tour de france. Viva la tour! What a fun ride. I am stoked about Quintana. We did our first fifty mile ride today. Decided to cut short of the metric, in the intense heat.
Congrats on diamond Mike! And enjoy your time with your dad! Life is indeed good :)
today's ride got me some diamond(s).....taking dad out for his birthday (no 91).....life is good !!
@ Roberto - I agree....don't like stopping....takes too long to warm back up,,,,lol. Thank you and right back at you !!
@Laurie, sounds like a wonderful weekend camping and biking. Awesome on those hills, good to change it up and use other muscles.
Just caught up with comments. Whew you all talk a lot LOL! Snowshoeing and cross country skiing both sound like fun things to look forward to doing, thanks for the suggestions.
Hoping everyone had great rides this weekend!
Say again how you know your cadence while cycling. I have a cyclometer that measures Miles, Time, Distance, AVG MPH, MAX MPH and Pacer. (Bontrager 4X installed by the bicycle shop). My version does not include the cadence function and I have not used the pacer - don't know how. (Ask me about my distance per stroke in swimming and I would be all over it.)
HI all, Out this morning with temps in the 70s and some IRIR. It feels more like fall than summer. Lots of other riders out there. Did my weekend loops and had brunch outdoors. Raindrops here and there did not deter outdoor dining incluing a couple of other groups of cyclists.
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RE: the drinking problem. I start with a bottle of drink with electrolytes and then follow that with one with water. I keep alternating until the ride is over. Post ride its chocolate milk and often watermelon!
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@Steve Kahan I feel resistance at 90 rpm, but not strain. I work for an average of 80 over 40+ miles and raise that if I go shorter distances. Muscle memory is important in developing a higher cadence. Some people use higher cadence but I was a 50 about 5 years ago and have raised my rate over time while amazingly going at a higher av speed.
Question about the 90rpm. Do you/should you feel resistance while pedaling at that rate?
Thanks
zephal magnum water bottle is my choice for large. I do think that hydration before and after the ride is equally important. You can not drink enough during the ride when it is hot, so since I ride 40+ everyday I make daily hydration equally important to nutrition. The rate your body absorbs and processes water is lower than the rate you can drink. I use Electro mix by Alacer Corp and ribose and Arginine on my first ride bottle. Second ride bottle is just water. Pre ride in the hour before start 1 quart of water. Post ride in the two hours following 2 quarts water, 12 oz milk 1.5 oz of 90% chocolate. rule I follow, If you are not making urine, you are not hydrated. find what works for you.
Wow. I leave to go camping for two days and there are like 14 pages of comments to catch up on. I'm too tired to read much right now but will check them all later :) I did a cool ride yesterday through a wildlife/marsh area and also an Amish farm community. There were many more hills than I'm used to at home, but I still managed to do them all.
@Tammie-good luck on the rest of your ride. Hope it has been an amazing expierence. Sorry bout your fall, you will recoup fine.
@Roberto-I often ride solo, almost all the time until I found my LBG and do Sunday rides with them. Except today. Being able to ride witht them has been amazingly helpful in increasing my speed and just general knowledge for the sport overall. I have always ridin bike since I was very young and always riden alone. It's ok but yes, sometimes it does get lonely.
@Jerry-hopefully you won't have many more dreams like that one!
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The word Hyponatremia was put out there I think Friday by Brad or Marty-out of curiosty I looked it up. And I have definitley had the symptoms when riding long distance in the heat. It sounds like some others have had from our conversations. Scary stuff and can be fatal. The Mayo Clinic article suggested only drinking 34oz of water per hour during prolonging periods of exercise and that it is most likely to happen to older adults, pushing 51 I can relate that experience this is totally awful. Has anyone battled this and what is your formula for avoiding it? For the up coming Bike MS ride, I am now thinking I will get a 34 oz bottle just for water and use a larger bottle for use of liquid that contains sodium and electrolytes like Nuun tablets?
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McDonalds and all fast food are poison, McDonalds being the worst. They are a corportate mega giant that does not have their customers health interest at heart not to mention their impact on the enviroment.
Good reading to educate on where you food has come from: Fast Food Nation, Fork over Knives, Omnivores Dilema(this book should be required reading in schools in my opinion) and Twinkie Deconstructed, although it sounds like alot of people like twinkies. Lol.
@Brad~
From everything I've read; and actually owners testimony's..... The outer sole or "foot box" is a size bigger than the actually boot. So up sizing for thicker socks is not needed. Although everyone's idea of cold is different!
Check this link out~ http://fat-bike.com/2012/08/new-45nrths-winter-cycling-boot-wolvhammer/
All, and I mean all guys and gals swear this is the warmest boot they've ever slipped on.
I'm in the same boat as you; if I'm gonna drop a small fortune on these I want to try mulipte sizes on for real!
Unfortunately there's no LBS close that'll stock these.
Can't say as I blame them.
Anyway, these are a must have for winter riding, and are on my list!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie - Way to go!
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I just got home from a short ride, and on the way, noticed there was a slight headwind. Because it was almost midnight on a weekend, a group of drunks in a vehicle decided to harass me. When they looped around the divided road for a second pass, one of them noticed I was giving chase, (I wasn't going to take the harassment sitting down), so they yelled to get away from me quickly.
The funny thing was that the rest of the ride home in the same direction as before felt like I was riding with the wind.
Great effort Tammie. You're probably gonna be hurtin' tomorrow, but you will remember these experiences for the rest of your life. Good luck, I hope you are able to keep pushing onward.
Joe - Thanks for the feedback. I think you talked me right into a pair. But the one big question remains: size, size, size? Have you heard if they run similar to most other bike shoes? (I use Giro and Bontrager now). And I would imagine that it would be a good idea to step up in size to allow room for thicker, or double socks.
Hi all, todays ride was sponsored by LOUP-DE-LOOP. I was out on the regular route with temps in the upper 70s to lower 80s. I did some variations (loops). As a result a group of cyclists went by me going the opposite diection and later they passed me up going the same direction. Plenty of solo cyclists and two-by-two cyclists as well. I also got sprinkled on for a few minutes but it did not turn into serious rain. The promised thundershowers did not happen. Later in the day I got in a quick commuter ride to run an errand. By that time it was quite hot (temps in the 90s).
KEEP CONTRIBUTING TO THAT FIRST 10 million!
@ Tammie, sorry about the crash. But I know you will do well tomorrow. RIDE ON!
@Tammie. Good luck tomorrow. Hope you feel better. Congratulations on your ride today. Ride safe.
@Kathy~
Lou @ Foxwear is the MAN!!
i have his heavy weight NeoShell jacket.... I can't say enough GOOD things about Lou!!
@Brad~
45NRTH's Wolvhammers are the real deal!! They'll even have regular non SPD boots for this winter. Guys and gals are raving about these boots; and one does get what one pays for! I haven't read a bad review yet; and trust me I've been reading them all!!! A pair are on my elf's list for x-mas!! Lol
Pedal On!!!
Peace
@Tammie, way to go! Sorry about the tumble. Yeah, never overlap the wheel in front of you. Lesson learned the hard way. Tegaderm. You are awesome! Have some food, get some rest, and good luck tomorrow.
Oh, 35 points away from platinum! Will ride enough to get that tomorrow no matter what! LOL
I'm baaack! Made it 66 miles on the first day of the Bike MS.. great for only riding for 4 months but I wish I could have done the full 75. I have a minor excuse.... took a fall.... my mistake. Drafting too close and hit my friends rear tire when gust of wind hit me. Only I went down.. hamburger of my knee and bruise on right hand and shoulder. Tomorrow is going to be very difficult to put weight on right hand and arm. Sorry, haven't had time to read any comments from today but wanted to update everyone. Rather tired!
@Mike, yes, I'm at 99% solo. I have also become addicted to riding nonstop rides. Just something about not stopping. Last few days I had to stop to replenish water, but most days I'm content to keep going. That's most likely my limiting factor. Nice job on the mileage BTW.
@Jerry - With my luck, it would be a teeny little tricycle, and my knees would keep on hitting my chin.
@Marty. Take a bike with you in your dreams. Then you can ride away.
@ Roberto - I'm at 6972 miles. most prevalent distance for me is 50 on solo rides. Have one century and probably 10 at the 65-80 range. Some solo and some with friends. Vast majority of my miles are solo
Now if only I could have a dream about riding my bike without the nightmare aspect.
@Roberto. My wife said to tell you she needed something to laugh about instead of sitting on the couch and crying.
@Roberto. It did not bother me at all. It gave my wife and I something to laugh about. Too bad you deleted them.
@Jerry - I've had similar dreams when I've been injured from running, although they don't involve getting on your damaged bike or not being able to find your house.
But my dreams would usually involve me not being able to run fast, almost like I was in invisible quicksand.
In fact, my main recurring dream as a child (wasn't injured), involved my brother and me in a long abandoned store of a ghost town. When ghosts started decending the stairs, my brother ran off, but I could only run in slow motion, and could tell I wasn't going to escape out the front doors in time, so I hid inside a round tie rack, (don't ask me why it still had ties hanging down from it - it just did), as the ghosts went up and down the isles, searching for me. It never failed to be disconcerting.
@Scott - The ideal for running is not too coincidently the same as for biking - 90 rpm or 180 steps per minute. And this if for anyone training or racing from 1/2 miles up to and including ultramarathons, from beginners to Olympians.
The easiest way to check is to look at your watch, and when it is at a zero or 5, whichever foot lands, is the one you count, but don't count until the next step. Count 15 steps, and on that 15th step, look at your watch. It should be at zero or 5 again, whichever one you started on. If it is on 1 or 6, or even 2 or 7, it would be a good idea to work on improving your cadence to help prevent injuries or degeneration of cartilage. I have even seen a few who take 13 seconds to take 15 steps (with one foot - and yes, they also take steps with their other foot) running, but that is extremely rare.
If runners are racing shorter distances, then they have even a faster cadence. Usain Bolt, when he runs 100, is at about 240 steps per minute.
Going down even one gear from your usual and spinning more will not only result in the same speed, but once you are used to it, it will improve not only your recovery from rides, but your speed while running.
And just for the record, I do have 6850 miles in so far, just no LONG rides.
On another note, I keep wondering why I'm feeling that a ride of 40 miles is too short. I've checked and my longest ride to date this year is only 60 miles. Bunch in the 40's, some in the 50's, but nothing LONG. So I think I have my answer. Time to roll out some longer rides. My problem is since most of my rides are solo, I get bored with my own company! Anybody else find this to be the case?
@Jerry, I apologize for not reading your post in its entirety and therefor decided to delete any rant regarding your "reckless" behavior. I'm glad that your sense of humor was not injured in your crash.
That was a hot ride and I barely missed the severe storms! Yay! 114.26 miles rode by road bike this week :)
@Roberto. Deleted posts? But they were so much fun to read!
@Roberto. It was a combination of a great dream and a nightmare.
@Marty - Really not sure about my steps per minute while running, I suspect it is less than the average. On my bike my garmin tracks my cadence but while running I would have to try to count and I am too busy trying to breathe, lol.
@Jerry, hope you get a better dream.
@Robeto. Just checking. Did you read the last line about my ride?
@Jerry, yeah, true. Got tired of hearing the tar bubbles pop.
@Roberto. Only 40 miles? Barely a warm up.
40 more in soaring heat and very high humidity and today WIND. At any rate, the wild raspberries are still for the taking. HOT HOT HOT....and in the Top 100 for good now.
Kathy - That's a concern with me too - the best I could hope for is to find some 2 hours away in Milwaukee.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davidjclifton/acr-spokes-bike-ride gearing up for 500 across NY. Any help you can give would be most welcome. Thank you all so very much.
@Brad, I've seen great reviews for the 45NRTH boots. Like you, I worry about spending so much and not having them live up to the hype. I'd also like to try them on and there is no place local to buy them. I have to go to a different state.... PA.
I think I'm starting to agree with @Joe Sacco because this heat is killing me. I didn't do too bad last year in the cold (no snow but we don't have much in Jersey anymore and never road in less then 28 degrees for 11mi). This year I'm upgrading with winter wear from Foxwear by Lou Binik. He just sent me material samples for a new pair of winter tights. I think they will be really warm...
@J. Hugh. The seat is much more streamlined now.
Jerry, This is new bicycle design. After 100 or more years you just had to go bending parts around to make it go faster. I totally understand as I have customized my bike, but the seat looks absolutely painful to sit on. What were you thinking? woof woof
Jerry - great recounting. HA - Sounds about right :/
I went for a bike ride this morning. I woke up, went out to the garage, and decided to do one last ride on my destroyed bicycle. See photos.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
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So I decided to ride two blocks on my bike. It was hard. The handle bars were hard to hold onto. I could not shift. Only one brake was working. I could only clip in with my right foot. The left foot would not clip in the pedal. And I could here the frame creaking as I rode. The pain was not too bad. I turned around after two blocks to ride home. And I was lost. I could not find my way home. I was riding on strange streets. Over an hour went by while trying to find my way home. Really confused. Forgot to bring my phone so I could not use the GPS to navigate home or call my wife. And I was thinking, Karen is going to kill me for this.
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And then I woke up.
Speaking of camping, we are headed up north tomorrow to enjoy the northwoods of Wisconsin. Gregg Warning has posted about his camping trips up there, and it is because of the bike challenge 2 years ago that I discovered this wonderful place to go, which Gregg highly recommended. Our campsite is right on the lake, and so I am going to pick up some kayaks before we leave on our trip. The biking is great, there is a paved trail that winds its way throughout the forest, from lake to lake. So, we will be loaded down with 2 kayaks, 4 bikes, and a pop-up camper. Me and my 3 kids, hubby can't go because he could not get off of work.
We should start up a "paper route club" LOL!
Yes, hard to catch the wind on the still camera. That is one to keep in the memory. Also, there is a fragrant smell in the woods that I often catch, which takes me back to my childhood camping days. I think that I first noticed it once when we were walking down a sandy road on our way to the beach from our campsite. Now, every time I smell it, I am right back there, walking down that sandy road.
Jenny, I had the same type of bike for my paper route. Thanks for stiring my memory of those great times. I live in Phoenix so I never had the snow.
Jenny - I put my phone camera to use quite regularly, to share what I see and document where I've been - darn hard to catch the wind in the trees with it though ;-)) Too funny - I also rode my bike through the winter delivering papers, and I'm back at it again these past 2 years. I'm surprised how little I need to wear to keep my body warm. If I'm a little cold when I first set out, by the time I get 2 miles out I'm just right. The only trouble I have is fingers and toes, if it's in the teens to below 0, by the time I get to work they are painful. I still haven't found the solution. I have bought some bar mitts this summer that came highly recommended from several sources. I'm hopeful - but still the toes. There are the new 45 NRTH boots that sound so amazing - at least in company write ups - but very pricey. If it would be the solutuion, I would pay; but could it be another empty promise that doesn't live up to expectations? Will I take a chance? There's a good chance... Has anybody here used them yet? To zero or below?
@Jerry, maybe you can find a cheap/used recumbent trike somewhere? I bet you would be thankful to ride, even if it were just a mile or 2.
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@Brad, love your comment! That is what I love the most about biking, it is about all of that wonderful-ness around me that stimulates the senses. Early mornings and late evenings are the best for that! The colors in the sky, the sounds of the birds, even the wind going through the pines. I am never without a camera, and it is often that I stop to take a picture of what I am seeing.
@the cadence discussion, I had always thought that I had to push it in the 3rd gear, but this year I am trying a faster cadence and spending more time in the 2nd gear. I don't count my cadence, but I can honestly say that it has not had a huge impact on my overall speed, I am still averaging the same as I was, and I am not as tired the next day after long rides.
About winter biking/winter sports: I used to ride my bike in the winter when I was a kid, and it never phased me. Grow up to be nearly 50 and suddenly its an issue! LOL--seriously, when I was a kid I had a Schwinn 3 speed with metal baskets on the back, and I rode in the snow all the time doing my paper route. Nowadays, I don't feel stable enough when there is ice on the road--maybe a fatter tire would be better. The cold is another issue, would definitely consider it if I could find warm enough clothing. What I have now, the seams of my gloves goes right through my hands, and I find that I can't move around that well in the parka and snowpants. As for other sports, I enjoy skiing-both XC and downhill, sledding with the kids, and even just taking winter walks with the hubby. Although, working full time, time of day is an issue because of the short days and early darkness.
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Drive-up windows: not many around these parts, but I have used them on a rare occasion. Maybe its just me, but it seems faster to get off of the bike and go in. And agree with Roberto, McD's is poison, but the coffee is great!
Cicadas are the sound of summer, of that year when you were young.
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I still remember that lazy hot summer day when I was a teen sitting on my aunts screen porch. I had heard cicadas before of course, but this was the first time that I really listened. That day I came to appreciate and love that sound, and over time, all the feelings and memories that it came to conjure. It always reminds me of hot sunny summer days, and that one day especially. On yesterday’s hot sweltering day as I was riding home I took comfort in that old familiar sound - the cicadas were in full chorus. Then I came to think; what else do I hear? A red wing blackbird chittering off the side a bit… crickets, yes crickets… and the smell of clover in the air… milkweed… I was speeding along – almost oblivious to all the details that lay thick entranced. The cicadas reminded me… to listen… to see. Every day is a beautiful day, if we take the time to look. Love and light everyone.
@Scott - While running, how many steps per minute do you take? (The standard is 180.)
I rarely use a high cadence. I can't stand pedaling like crazy and going nowhere. I generally average somewhere in the low 50's. I like the power and stability of higher gears. I ride a mountain bike and never go out of the third ring in front. I ride on roads trails or cross country and even a time or two around the BMX track. I can load up my panniers makes no difference, I just never stop turning the pedals.
Jerry~ damn!!
Hope all turns around for you quickly!!
@Chris~ does Brad live by you?? Lol
This winter he'll be looking for snowshoe trails and the like to ride is new FatBoy Moonlander on!! Ha Ha Ha
For what it's worth, (and you can call me crazy all you like ;), but I'll take -20 and snow over the oppressive heat week this week, hands down!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
My gosh, did I open a can of worms? Talk about some snow, next thing you know we're all talkin' winter riding and cold weather activities. Sorry :-( Just so y'all know, you all inspire me to quit my complaining about the heat. Jerry, Laurie, Chris, you are all enduring far worse than me, and you do it with a smile. Roberto, you rock the heat! Thanks all for the uplifting banter; really changes my outlook on things!
@ Laurie, now I feel like I have to defend my earlier remarks. I X-country ski in the winter, in Wisconsin whenever I get a chance (which is unfortunately about once a year). You get to be in the woods out of the wind and the movement keeps you warm (its way better than freezing on a lousy ski lift). Also, you can wear some of the same clothes for X-C skiing as you wear for cold weather bicycling. You don't have to invest in all the fancy stuff. Its great for your legs and arms. As for the skis: well don't get the skinny racing skis if you haven't done it before. Get some wider skis and it will be easier (but they don't have to be as fat as back country skis). Also, if you get skis that are a little shorter than the recommended length, it will be easier to ski. Also a short lesson is a good idea, there are a couple of tricks that make the whole thing easier. I'm sure you can find some skis to rent to try it out. You can also find used skis at places like Play it Again Sports. A related kind of skiins is the skate skiing, which is done on really short skis. Those people go pretty fast. Old skis never die, we have had ours for over 20 years. Hope you will give it a try.
@Laurie. You need to move to Colorado. I have a sister who lives in Wisconsin also. You are both crazy.
92 to diamond....hopefully sunday
I need a recumbent trike so I can ride. Too bad I cannot afford one. Thought even if I had one I would be restricted to just two miles at the moment.
Had physical therapy today. Rode the recumbent bike. Can't believe they don't have clipless pedals. How do they expect me to ride their bike?
@Mary. Nothing is usable except maybe the cassette and chain.
Roberto, you are my hero! I live in Idaho Falls. Haven't had the snow the last couple of years to X-country right out of my garage like before.
winter in Florida is summer in Canada or Scotland. Give me gears, my knees are to valuable for all the stress of a below 60 cadence. Go for it Tammie! I'll be hoping you are safe. Woof Woof got behind a small group of young armadillos in the road and they we so funny I almost fell laughing, they finally rushed off into the woods.
If its real cold in Florida and I hold a flashlight into the sky I can see snow once every ten years or so. woof woof
I don't understand the love for auto shifting bikes, or at least the ones that have been, or are currently being made.
Any video I've seen of them shows the rider pedalling at around 60 rpms. When they start pedalling faster, then it shifts, bringing them back at or below 60. No way is that proper riding cadence.
If someone is biking at that leg turnover rate, their ride will be shorter and they will be more sore later - resulting in less chance for them to want to get out and ride the next day.
Now, if they made one that averaged around 90 rpms... - Now, you're talking!
Chris, I still do some riding in winter on dry roads in milder temps, but I completely agree about snowshoeing. No learning curve, no bugs; I can go anywhere in my woods (even the normally swampy spots) and it is quite literally walking on water: what 's not to love about that? (-;
@Jerry - I love the custom handlebars! (Is anything still usable?)
@Tammie: Good Luck! Have a great ride.
@Jerry, that'll buff out. Heal up so you can enjoy the suffering of the road.
I think a few riders are or close to a heat stroke for using four letter words, Snow and Cold. Yes they go together and I do ride if wind chill is not below 0. I'll take the heat and endure the cold. @ Jerry, good luck with a complete recovery and hope you will be on 2 wheels soon.
Tammie: May your MS event be as inspiring, energizing and empowering as The Ride Across Minnesota. The volunteers were spectacular, the Ride Marshals and mechanical support were stunningly proficient, and the riders were warm, overwhelmingly gracious, enthusiastic, motivated and amazing. You should know you provided extra inspiration on the hot, windy, hilly stretches…..thought of you and the blast furnace heat you persistently face amid chronic pain issues. Stay safe and hydrated, and Have an extraordinary ride!
Here are photos of what is left of my bicycle.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
@ Jerry, hurrah for the insurance victory!
@ Scott, that stinks. You should be able to go to any drive up window you want to.
@ Laurie, three words: Cross country skiing!
Great news. My insurance decided to reimburse me for my bicycle. Minus the $1,000 deductable. So now I don't have to sell some of my model railroad items to buy a new bike.
Lots to say but it's almost closing time! Hope to tune in later on this evening. Ride with Peace, stay safe.
@Laurie, I don't ride in winter, at least I haven't to this point. I wanted to find something to do in winter that wouldn't cost me a fortune. I borrowed xcountry skis and tried it, but really didn't enjoy it. I'm not very coordinated and had difficulty moving forward. Plus the full kit was a lot of money. Toward the end of the season, I found some snowshoes on sale and LOVED snowshoeing. It's an amazing work out and gobs of fun. All I had to buy was the snowshoes and poles (not absolutely necessary, but I found them helpful) and gaiters (again, not absolutely necessary, but high on the list for comfort). I just used my regular snow boots and winter clothes.
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Most ski areas in WI and many sporting stores rent snowshoes by the hour and/or day so you can check it out before you buy. Just thought I'd toss it out as a suggestion.
I know how Cynthia feels about missing a ride. I was supposed to do Ride the Rockies this year. My crash was my last ride before I left for the ride. So is was hard watching the RTR website while I was in the hospital and seeing what I was missing.
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And I am supposed to ride in the Tour de Cure, a ride for diabetes on August 17th. I do not think I will be able to ride by that time. Theire is another Tour de Cure in September that I am hoping to ride in.
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And even if I can not ride in the Tour de Cure in August I will be there taking photos and encouranging the riders.
@Tammie. Good luck on your ride this weekend. You will do great. Just take your time and enjoy the ride. Wish I was going.
Cold, hot, as long as I'm on my bicycle, I don't really care. Just lucky I guess. I've been out in cold so bitter my eyelids froze together. So hot that there was salt flaking off my legs. Common denominator: the bicycle.
@Cynthia
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@Jenny
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@Rick
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Thanks to all of you and everyone else for your support. It has made it easer as I am waiting to heal.
@Laurie. The best thing to keep in shape if you will not ride outdoors during the winter is to set up a stationary stand for your bike. And do weights. I go to the club during the snowy days to exercise. Though I hate riding indoors. I can ride for hours outdoors. Five minutes indoors and I am going nuts.
@ Jerry, here in Wisconsin 30-40 is not "cold". When I say I don't want to ride in cold temps, I'm thinking of below zero wind chills.
And of course a hot shower after a cold ride is a great way to warm up. Though a couple of times I had to get in the jacuzzi to warm up because I was so cold when I got home.
I despise riding when it is cold. But I do it. As long is the temperature is 40 degrees I will ride. And I will start riding if it is at least 33 degrees and forecast to get up to 40 degrees. I will not ride in the snow, as the only bike I have is my road bike. And with the crazy way people drive in the snow. The other frustrating part of cold days is waiting to start to ride until noon when it has warmed up. During the summer I prefer to start no later than 0700.
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Once I start riding and warm up it is not too bad. It is just forcing myself to get out in the cold that is so hard. After 15 minutes I am usually warmed up enough to be comfortable.
I changed my bank when the teller at the drive-thru refused to wait on me on my bicycle. And why are you eating at McD's for anyway? Fast food kills.
@ Scott, I would definitely speak to the manager, and continue up the chain of command if necessary. Since bicycles are considered vehicles pretty much everywhere, you should have been served at the drive-up window.
Laurie - my advice is take it one step at a time. Get prepared for the 50's and 40's and see how you like it. Bike Forums Winter Biking has lots of advice. Good luck and have fun!
Rode my bike through the McDonald's drive-up for a late night smoothie it still was very hot and humid even at 1:00 in the morning. I have gone here many times in the past with no problem. This time my bike failed to activate the box to take my order. I rode up to the window and asked for my smoothie and was informed that, " It was against company policy to serve anyone who did not for whatever reason activate their ordering system", he refused to serve me. I told him that I had done this many times before and really wanted my drink. I also told him that their competitor Burger King's system has never failed in recognizing my bike and always provides me with good service. His reply was to say sorry but there was no way he could sell me anything and that I had to leave. I replied that from now on, Burger King or any other fast food place would get my business. His response was a shrug of his shoulders and a look of disgust. This McDonalds, located at 2721 W Kennewick Ave in Kennewick, Wa., or any other, for that matter, will never see me again.
I'm sure it is invigorating, but I'd need to get snow tires and a lot of other winter gear.
It's invigorating and helps when the temperatures soar like today.
@ Roberto, I don't relish riding in snow and cold.
@Laurie, just ride outside.
@Cynthia, I lived for 8 years in Jackson Hole, WY. That's enough cold for a lifetime.
Speaking of cold weather, I am not sure I want to get into winter cycling with all the snow and subzero wind chills. But neither do I want to lose the momentum into fitness from this summer. Any suggestions of indoor stuff to keep in shape for next cycling season?
I hate the cold with a passion....and hate being cold.
4 years ago I was training for an MS 150-my first one. What it made it most special is my son decided to try it and join me. We were going to ride the two days together. I couldn't wait. I ate, drank, slept biking and training for this ride, and it was all I talked about (still do-ha ha-this is my 3rd year). 2 weeks before the ride I fell while commuting to work on my bike. I fractured the bone right below the elbow. I was totally devastated. There was no way I could ride and trust me, I begged, pleaded and wished that something would change so I could still do this ride. I was still going to do it no matter what. But, the doctor, and my family and friends assured me that if I did do this my elbow would never heal properly and I would have a lot of problems with it in the future. I listened to them and I am glad I did. I went on to support my son as he rode. The first day finish line was tough seeing everyone come through it, I so wanted that too. And also, I could not commute, it was hard, really hard for several weeks. I am stronger from the experience and I learned from it too. When you put your heart into the love of riding and something messes up that mojo it can really rock your boat. Riding bike is a lifestyle. People think I am crazy but they just don't understand. I am fortunate to have a significant other and family that is supportive.
Cynthia, that's awesome!
2nd week in a row-5 for 5 days riding to work. Wahoo!
@Ray S, I use arm coolers since I'm not a big fan of sunblock either. And I'm with you as far as remembering freezing my ass off in the cold. I can always cool off, but once you're cold it can last for days.
The heat doesn't bother me, I just make sure to have my 3 liter Camelbak filled with ice cubes and water and two bottles of Gatorade. Anytime I think "it's hot" I just remember those days not so long ago that I was riding in the snow. The cold wasn't too bad either, but even as much as I hate sunblock, its better than 3-4 layers of clothing.
How excited to be so close to the 10 million mile / milestone! No doubt we will all be out there doing our part to get those miles in this weekend. I can't wait!
@Jerry-hang in there, before you know it you will be out there again pedaling your way to here and there. It has to be very difficult to stay positive, but, it's also the best way to heal quicker. Your in my thoughts when I make my daily commute.
Keep cool and safe all!
@Chris, my next-door neighbor gave me the same response yesterday when I made a similar remark. And he knows how much I REALLY hate shoveling snow! I'll be leaving work in about 20 minutes; heat index here DOWN to 103; was 106 for a few hours. Good thing a buddy and I are going to the local cigar megashop for a stick and a few microbrews later; gonna enjoy them in air conditioned comfort for as long as we can! Maybe some storms tonight, better bet tomorrow.
@Michael, I'll remind you of today when winter rolls around! I'm leaving work for the hot ride home. The rain they called for hasn't materialized yet.
@Roberto, I wish I had your fortitude!! As much as I hate shoveling snow (and I REALLY hate shoveling snow!), I wouldn't mind a few inches right now.
40 hot miles. I roll into a local bike shop (one I had never visited before) and the woman behind the counter says, "Terrible day for a bike ride, huh?" I'm standing there in full kit, sweating but smiling, so I told her, "Not at all. I love the heat." She looked at me kinda strange, so I guess I won't become a regular there. WTF!
@Jerry, I can totally relate to your situation. I broke my leg about 16 years ago in March, and the one thing that sticks out in my mind was how terribly awful it felt when I would look out the window and see other people riding by on their bikes. I was fortunate that the therapy that helped me the most after I got the cast off was bike riding, especially for the ROM (range of motion). Again last summer, I had a set-back during the bike challenge when I had been bit by a dog and developed a nasty infection. I was off of my bike for 2 weeks, and it was driving me totally crazy! I was very thankful for the support through the national and local message boards here. As Chris said, each time I ride, I think about you. And each time that the thought crosses my mind to skip the ride, I think about you, and that inspires me to take the ride.
RE: cramps, eating bananas and pineapple are also good against cramps! Potassium helps. I've never had an issue with cramps (KNOCK ON WOOD)!!
@ Marty, what you said about the 2 week acclimatizing to heat makes sense. The sudden exposure to heat when you aren't used to it is what will get you. All the safety measures that were mentioned are extremely important.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Hi all, out this morning to add my contribution to the 10 million. Temps. in the 80s and some of the usual suspects out riding, but no turkeys today.
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@ Chris, I hear Autobike is hiring. Maybe if you work for them they will give you a discount. LOL
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@ Ray, good points, it is probably necessary to pedal. Maybe Autobike has improved the technology. I hope so. At any rate at least they are making the bikes here in the USA
My Mom bought a LandRider a few years ago, it has auto-shift technology. Two rings up front with manual shift, and a 7 speed cassette in the back that auto-shifts based on how fast you pedal. My Mom liked the fact that she didn't have to worry about shifting, but she never really rode it fast enough for it to shift anyway. It's great in concept, but I was never all that impressed with it. It's not as "hands-off" and they make it out to be. If you ride down a hill and get it up to a high gear and coast, but don't remember to pedal slowly to get it to get back to a low gear, you're stuck at the bottom, same as a manual shift, except that you have no control over it downshifting, so you torque the chain up the cassette. That Autobike is $999.95, which to me, seems way high for a recreational rider.
I'd echo Roberto's comments on Sport Legs. I have had cramp issues on longer rides, even with copious electrolytes. I used Sport Legs on the STP this past weekend and felt fresh enough at the end to go another 20 miles or more at the end of each day. Last year I was having to pace myself toward the end to ward off cramps. It's not exactly a clinical study, but it seemed to make a difference.
@ Jerrry - what Karen said. It's great to have your encouragement. And be assured that you have ours as you are working to heal and rejoin the group on wheels.
@Jerry, I think about you (and say a little prayer for your rapid recovery) every time I get on my bike. It may not help much, but you're riding with me every time I'm out.
@E M, I want one! If I had a grand to replace my stolen bike, I think I'd be buying an Autobike! While I prefer to shift my own car, I'd love a bike that shifts itself! (At least I think I would.)
@Paul and @Marty, thanks for getting everyone psyched up to hit 10 million miles! I'll be out there this weekend, contributing to the cause!
@Karen Jean Goth. Thank-you. But it is all of you who are helping me. Without the support and comments here I would probability be depressed.
@Paul - We might even make 10,000,000 late on Sunday. It will be close.
@Marty, you need another hobby.
@Tammy, arm coolers are just like arm warmers only they are designed to help keep your arms cool. Google them. Mine are made by Pearl Izumi.
10 million by Monday...think we can do it? (I do!) Keep on riding! (Alas, since my shifter cable broke last night on the way home from my 30 mile evening ride, I will be doing so in two gears, not 18, until I can get a repair...probably on the weekend, if I am lucky. It will be good for the legs and for "watering" the road as I go.)
@nyla Enjoy the the ride along the north shore. If there was a good Northeast wind, it could blow you into Duluth and give you a shower from the spray. Beware of the weekend traffic, it usually starts around noon even along Scenic highway 61.
@Tammie - If you don't have time to order arm coolers, a cheap alternative is to just use an old 48 qt cooler that you have around the house. Drill two holes, about shoulder width apart and midway up or lower on one of the long sides, and drill two smaller holes on the other long side, the same width apart.
Straddle your bike, with the cooler in front of you. Put your arms first through the bigger holes, then just your wrists through the smaller holes. Have someone open the lid, and pour a couple bags of ice (enough to completely cover your arms), and then securely close the lid.
Then, just enjoy the cool ride!
@Tammie - I wouldn't be more concerned than normal about the heat on Saturday, other than for you going a longer distance than normal. Because of that, you will want to go slower, drink cool fluids with some electrolytes, eat some food that you can tolerate while riding in that heat, and if you wear a cap under your helmet, at the aid stations, put ice in the cap, and then put your helmet on (you may have to adjust the chin strap). That will cool you off quickly.
The reason I said not to be too concerned because of the recent cool spell, is that your body acclimates to the heat in about 2 weeks of training in it. You've done that. The heat acclimatization won't go away in a week. Here are two of the main things your body does to acclimate: You sweat more, and your sweat is more dilute, so you eliminate less sodium, potassium, magnesium, cloride, and bicarbonate.
You don't want to drink just water on longer rides though, because that could easily result in hyponutremia, (I know you know this, since you are a nurse, but I thought it might help someone else), where the body senses that the incoming fluids are lacking in nutrients, so starts taking electrolytes from the blood and other cells to balance everything out. This works for a while, until you have so few electrolytes, you are negatively affected. In the case of too little potassium, this can cause arrhythmias, and death. This has happened to a number of 5-6 hour marathoners in recent years.
Hey, Roberto, what are arm coolers? 95 is an average day here. The Bike MS days here are supposed to be about 91 or so... not too bad. Problem is the past few days have been unusually cool. Not really good for training. We are going to be hit with hot weather on the first day after a week of temps in the 70's. It is going to hit all of us hard. I only did 10 miles today and don't plan to ride tomorrow. .. Well, maybe just a once around the block after I get Black Beauty cleaned up and lubed.. before I load her in the van for the ride to the starting point. I am a nervous wreck! LOL
New bike company in the US: Autobike: http://youtu.be/HFY3JR1-dzI
Is anyone else having problems with Endomondo? I record for about the first half to 2 miles then it shuts off.
@JH Strickland-great idea!
Salt, way overrated. Just sayin'. I forgot to mention I also rely on SportLegs, and if you haven't tried this supplement, you really don't know what you're missing.
I love riding in the heat. I never feel faint or cramped or any of that. I don't eat salty stuff either. I don't use Gatorade. Today's ride was 40 miles, started at noon, 95F with heat index of 98F. I use arm coolers, wear a cap under my helmet, drink lots of water, eat a Clif bar during the ride, and Clif Bloks for electrolyte replacement. Two short breaks for water replenishment. I honestly think a good part of it is conditioning yourself to ride in higher temperatures. Plus your diet. All in all, bring on the heat.
@Jerry - I think NBC should give you a "Spirit Award" at the end of the challenge. You have been very much like an online coach. Thanks coach!
Took my ride nice and easy after work and stood in sprinkler when I got home. Ride on!
Hi all, for those of you riding in the heat, please be careful. I chatted with a rider today who was on an MS preparatory ride: 54 miles in the heat with only one rest stop. She said she got nauseaous. (She will be writing a letter to the organizers to complain). Nausea and feeling faint (which I have experienced on a different ride) are symptoms of heat exhaustion. Dehydration, Heat exhaustion, and Heatstroke are not things we want happening to any of you. So please stay hydrated, take breaks and get shade once in a while, and eat something salty. I'm sure we have some medical experts out there who could say more. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
so what if...
the 2014 NBC began on the last Sunday in April (May 1 is a thursday) and ended on the Fist Sunday in October (same reasoning). If the kick offs for the NBC were by registration with local organizations (clubs, shops, crazy cyclists in a group)leading, there could be many kick off events in many places. This might generate more interest and participation. IE, If every team this year had a kick off that would be 2111 events., which might be better than a single location.
@ E M,
Thanks for the mantra, I like it:
RISE EARLY RIDE OFTEN!
71 sunny ,hilly headwind miles of spirit-stretching views today. Tomorrow on to finish in Duluth. Tonight in Two Harbors....sitting on huge sun-warmed rock, steeping in the power of Lake Superior. I am, in every sense, a happy camper (-;
So RAGBRAI is this next week starting on Sunday. I won't be there this year, but my goal is to ride the same mileage as the ride does each day. Should be interesting.
@Laurie, go for it. I like when the helmet straps turn white with the salt from sweating.
@ Jerry, I'm not complaining. I actually enjoy the heat, I think it helps burn calories faster. Right now I'm considering biking the 5.5 miles to the Y to swim a bit and then bike back home.
@Laurie. Be glad to trade you places.
I have grown accustomed to feeling like I just rode through a waterfall. It's been in the 90s all week here, and even my helmet straps get so soaked I could probably wring them out. To paraphrase "only mad dogs, Englishmen, and bicyclists go out in the noonday sun". LOL
40 miles, temp 95F, heat index 98. Perfect riding weather.
@Karen, think Hades.
We kicked off the NBC in Appleton, WI with a midnight ride at 12:01 am on May 1. It started at a local watering hole and the 5 mile ride was fun. However, it landed on a Wednesday night and might move it to a Friday night for 2014 - some people said something about having to work the next day. For a few hours at least we were the #1 community in the NBC. I think every town should have a Midnight Ride!
@Shawn. Trade you places.
@ J Hugh, Yeah, I think regional kickoffs would probably be the most realistic solution.
Perhaps there could be regional kick offs for the NBC. Even each state? Or what about an official just sign up and see how many kick offs could be held on day one?
@ Rob Gusky, this is your party, are you going to let DC steal the NBC kickoff from Wisconsin?
Hi all, out this morning at 7am to take advantage of the lower temps (70s versus 90s). It was plenty humid. Still, there were a half dozen other riders out there. Today I saw three turkeys close to the same place I saw two yesterday.
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@ Leonard, here's a mantra for you, if you like it: RISE EARLY RIDE OFTEN!
@Ray - Whaddya mean bikes don't grown on trees? Haven't you seen Marty's profile pic? Although I think that one is just a little over-ripe. And then there are bamboo bikes and tires/tubes made from latex - those grow on trees, more or less.
Just felt a need to lighten things up.
Roll safe - keep the rubber side down.
Oh my Lord, 22 miles of riding through Hell's temperatures!
@Ray & @E M - And then there are all of the long term differences with health care costs for someone who gets no exercise versus someone who bikes/runs/swims/walks. Sedentary folks (and to a greater degree smokers and heavy drinkers) have to avail themselves of emergency rooms, long term care, hospitals, hospices, organ transplants, medications, ambulance trips, etc... a lot more, a lot earlier, and a lot longer, than those who try to take care of their health.
@Roberto - Is your home planet Venus or Mercury, or do you hale directly from the Sun. :) You know I'm just jealous. I beat it in before 10:00.
@ Ray S, sure bikes aren't free, but compare how many bikes you could make for the amount of stuff it takes to make a car. How many bike tires could you buy for the price of a set of car tires? And how many years can you keep a bike compared to a car? Cars have wires and bumpers, and spark plugs and need all kinds on maintenance too. As for showers and washing clothes and eating, this is stuff you have to do anyway. You might increase it a little, but food has to be grown in the ground, not pumped from it like oil for fracked like natural gas. And some people eat just as much sitting on the couch watching tv. And the fumes from bikes idling at stoplights haven't killed anybody or increased their asthma. How many bikes can you park in the space it takes to park one car? I'm not the numbers genius so I don't know the exact answers, but I know these are the kinds of comparisons we need to make.
I'm not sure how asking what environmental impacts cycling has makes me "anti-bike." Nowhere in my comment did I say that cycling is as bad as driving. I did not imply that a bike is as environmentally unfriendly as an automobile I simply asked the logical question of what impact it has, considering they are made from aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, rubber, plastic, etc, plus other materials in accessories. Tires wear out, tubes need to be replaced, chains should be cleaned and lubricated. I, for one, eat & drink far more when cycling, which impacts food & water supplies, personal hygiene consumes more water and puts more strain on water treatment plants. None of that is an argument against the benefit of bikes, I'm simply curious if any data has been collected to show the cost per mile of say a car versus a bicycle versus walking. This year alone I have already replaced 3 tubes and 2 tires due to wear, and cables, chain and handlebar tape are currently being replaced. Bicycles and their components do not grow on trees.
@Michael, no worries.
Hey, @Roberto, take it easy out there today. You're an animal in these hot/humid conditions, but even animals need to take it easy on days like this.
@Rob, we had a similar storm come through here right at 5 last night. Its was pretty brutal. Still rode home though. It had become a little calm and the rain stopped by the time I "clocked out" and changed. But golly, I love the heat, and it doesn't bother me a bit to ride in it or live in it-but I have to say it was a very oppressive ride home. The air stayed thick all night. It just stuck to you.
@Heather-have a great ride Sunday! Time is a flyin-it's crazy.
If the sun and rain stays manageable, were hoping to do our first metric century this Sunday. I had my best milage week ever @ 72 miles a couple of weeks ago-then had over a weeks worth of days that I couldn't ride due to vacation and work. I hope that you are all enjoying your rides! I guess we are halfway through?! Time flies............
@ Lili. How can I access various team sites, so I can invite NBC teams to participate in my club's premier fall century ride event?
@Cynthia A. Nelson and Lili "Challenge Staff" Afkhami. Let me suggest the Washington, DC area as the 2014 NBC kickoff ride site. The DC metro area has many great cycling venues and we could also do some bike advocacy with the White House & Congress. Key bike groups to network with include WABA (Washington Area Bike Assn.), OHB&T club (Oxon Hill Bike & Trail), Potomac Pedalers, and others. Many local DC metro area cyclists may be willing to serve as host sites for visiting riders.
@Dean. Glad you are OK. Hope your bike is not too damaged.
My hottest ride was last years Denver Century. We started at 0600. The last two hours of the ride was 110 degrees. And the last 10 miles hit 115 degrees.
@Dean, sorry to hear. Please replace that helmet now that it has done it's job. Even if it looks OK, it's not. Good luck with your bike.
Team Meddac, weds afternoons, we meet at gate 1 and ride into Cheyene Mountain state park, normally 10 plus miles, join us!
The park has some great claims and better downhills!
Jim
Just when I thought it was getting safer on the bike path. A car decided to cross the bike path at the same time and place that I was, in the pouring rain. Was able to avoid the car and miss the power pole, but in doing so caused minor road rash from sliding down the path. I faired better than my bike wich is now in the bike shop getting checked out. I actually felt my helment hit the pavement. I am a lucky dog!
To hot to ride with my daughter during the day, so I snuck out after dark as my wife was putting her to bed. Dropping temps and lowish humidity couldn't be passed up. Grabbed my 900 lumen headlamp and a bottle of water and road laps of my neighborhood until Endomondo announced 10 miles.
Riding B-cycle in Greenville, SC tonight. Was hot 90+ and humid today, but big T-storm rolled in at dinner time and cooled off to the upper 60's by 9:30 pm. Great weather for a night ride!
This evening I gave a teenage girl a ride to our church's youth group. Left my car at church and headed out on my bike to do a couple of errands. I took the scenic route back through town after said errands. Passed by a park where a couple of boys were batting a baseball, and when the ball landed in the street I stopped and threw it back to them. Shortly after, I ended up on a trail (the one by Thrivent for anyone local). Trail winds through fields of tall grass and wildflowers, and past a pond full of geese and other wildlife. Running those errands by car would have been a lot quicker, but just think what I would have missed.
I prefer hot over cold but 110+ really is hot from the 1st moment on the bike.
@ Leonard, I'm pretty sure you get the prize for early. For me early is 6:00 am. Its really cool that you got to see all those deer. I'm glad they didn't run into you. Occasionally I see a couple of little deer up at the top of our hill in somebody's back yard. I suspect there is something they like to eat in that yard.
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@ Burklee, good luck with the Cornhusker games. I hope the weather cooperates for you.
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@ Roberto, I was out in 100 weather a couple of years ago. We rode on a shady trail, but when we got to lunch I could hardly eat and almost passed out. I spent about 45 minutes in the shade under a bridge on the way back to the car, so I was able to cool off. I have been really careful with the heat after that. Mainly I try to avoid it by getting out before it gets too hot.
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@ Laurie, no way you would have had the same experience in a car.
72 degrees with a light overcast is perfect. But still prefer hot over cold.
@Jerry, Years ago my wife and I were in Yellowstone and had a herd of buffalo surround our car (we were stopped on the road) as they passed by. Must have been close to 100 including a number of buffalo calves. My wife had said see wanted to see buffalo up close, that was a little closer than she wanted :-)
Is it just me, or does anyone else like it HOT?
MS TRAMDay 3: 60 miles to Biwabik. Still hilly snd hot but less wind. My favorite day so far, despite one or two minor glitches...like the rear tire blowout around mile three...and leaving my fanny pack with money, cell phone etc. at rest stop one...and cleverly setting up my tent in a swampy lowland and leaving the flaps open when I went to to town...before the deluge...But it was all more than balanced by the first 30 miles along the glorious Mesabi trail. Clover scented corridor of birch and pine lined with a vivid shifting palette of wildflowers. And now I am visiting with splendid veteran Trammers while enjoying a concert of my favorite baby-boomer classics.(-: Two Harbors tomorrow.
@Leonard. Earlier this year I was riding down a canyon just above Lyons when a herd of deer crossed the road as I was passing. I don't know how I missed all of them. Scary but interesting. Only time I've been in a herd of deer.
Leonard: I had the similar thing happen a few years ago, it was more dusk than light first thing in the morning, cruising down a hill ~30 MPH, around a curve and I managed to go between two big does that were about 15' apart that fortunately gave me a "deer in the headlights" look. Not sure who was more scared, they bolted away from me just as I got even with them. I now go much slower on any country road with low lighting conditions, I don't want someone to have to read my RoadID.
Woof woof
one deer, 7 dogs all of which said hello.
four swallow tailed kites, amazing birds that make a cool sound.
one gopher turtle
only two other riders
back by 10:30 when it was only 85.
Have driven my vehicle once in 7 days. Date night.
40 scorching miles in the heat of the day. I like it HOT.
We have a minivan, but we don't use it all that much. We live really close to 90% of the places we need to go on a regular basis. Two years ago, the van simply wasn't working, and we couldn't afford to get it fixed. We had bikes, though, and went everywhere we needed to go on them. We simply didn't go anywhere we didn't absolutely have to. It really got me in the habit of making the small trips by bike. Now, I feel guilty if I take the van for anything less than 2 miles by myself. (Jay's health is not terrific, so if she feels like driving rather than riding, I'm okay with that.) I just love riding my bike! I bought him a new tire this morning, Bontrager H2 Hard Case Lite, so we should be all ready for the Cornhusker State Games this weekend.
E M,
I also got out early (3:30), saw two deer cross the road in front of me. First one was about 50 feet ahead of me, the second one was following the and came within about 30 feet of me (I had slowed down considerably when I saw the first deer - I had a group of 5 deer cross the road in front of me once). Closest I ever came to a deer was about 10 feet, it was running full speed across the road and I didn't see it coming until it was right in front of me. Another 10 feet and I would have added my name to the list of riders struck by a deer..........
Yes, good to beat the heat early, but the water is still a bit cold here in Washington.
HI all, out early today.. Saw two turkeys in a meadow. I hollered hello and they responded with a gobble! Several other beat the heaters out there.
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@Karen Jean Goth. I agree that a swim after a hot bike ride is enjoyable. But better than riding a bike? Deduct 100 points for a penalty.
An good article to read
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10 Things I Learned From Being Hit by a Car
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http://tinyurl.com/kj3uuoz
Hey @Karen Jean, I agree 1000% Wife had me meet her and the kidling at the pool after work. You and I are sweating through the same heat, so you know how much I appreciated that at 5:00 yesterday afternoon! Plus, BONUS POINTS!!!!!!
Marty, sign me up!
Roberto, cool ride. It's a few states away from me, but heard about an MS ride in North ID that is a couple of days. Going to see what else is close to me. Ride on!
@Cynthia, thanks for all the great ideas! An NBC Kick-Off ride sounds like an awesome idea and I've added it to the list of things to investigate for 2014!
Ok, my brain is sufficiently fried, and my butt, and my back and my arms.... Good to get the ride in early today, and on to the only thing that is better than riding my bike, SWIMMING, !!!!! Now, don't shoot me, you have to admit that a nice swim after a hot ride is good for the muscles and just heavenly. Ride on folks!
@Marty-ya know- I understand that! Good point! Guess travel, expense and bike transport would be a big big issue. Especially if you don't own a car. tee hee. Oh well.
@Chris P - Great job on getting bck out there!
Love to eat, love to ride, think that goes hand and hand. Always something sweet and always something salty and well, just about everything in between.
@Cynthia - I like your idea of an NBC Convention/Ride! I would think that if NBC paid for the plane fares and hotels, that they could get some kind of discount on 25,000 ticketsw/rooms, so with the discount, that might make it within their budget. And to save further and not have to pay for transporting our bikes, they could just buy new bikes for all of us that are ready at the airport when we get there. And to show our appreciatiion, we could offer to pay for transporting the bikes home.
@Laurie - You have a lot more willpower than I do. Well, actually, I have willpower, but when food from an open package is calling me, I have to finish it. If it is in the freezer, I can tell, as its voice is a little more muffled, and warbles slightly from it shivering. There is never an open food package in my house that isn't either empty, or soon to be empty in a few minutes. (Unopened packages that contain something salty don't stand much of a chance either.)
@ EM...you can take the girl out of Nebraska, but you can't take the Nebraska out of the girl...GBR!!!
Ok, the mind is rolling now-another idea-how about an NBC kick off ride? But ,then, a ride toward the end is nice as you would get to meet the people who have been conversing back and forth through the challenge.
@Jerry-you are determined to get better and sounds like your making great strides. Could you imagine if you didn't have the love of riding that it is your goal to get better? Biking is one of the healthiest activities for mind body and soul.
Oh, and one of those cool NBC jerseys could be a prize for whoever makes Diamond and completes the challenge after the NBC ride. Gosh-who would sponsor the cost of those? tee hee
A suggestion was made to have a meet up of some sort? I have often thought of that. I feel like I have made friends here and just enjoy this whole forum and the concept that drives it. I really love being a part of it.
Here is an idea for those higher powers out there-how about an NBC convention?
Or better yet-how about and NBC organized ride toward the end of the challenge. What a wonderful way to end the challenge and better still-those who have points to get in by the end of the challenge can get them in. Maybe a ride with 50 mile and 100 mile route options to choose from and a great big party at the end?! An organized ride would:
a. Generate revenue to the NBC so it could continue this challenge for years to come, and possibly bring attention to other sponsors.
b. It would become more mainstream and educate other riders and inspire new or newer riders about the NBC and they would become a part of this "event" as well.
Get up and ride-Ride with Peace-Stay Safe
@Tammie-awesome, so happy for your choice to bike and get and be healthy and happy. Ultimately it is your life, your body and if you don't take care of it no one else will. Maybe your Mom would be inspired to try a cycle ride with you around the block, so to say. If she tries it she might just get the bug too. What made you choose biking over all of the other fitness/sport oriented activities that are out there?
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Still on the fence about ditching the car. And the car is still at the mechanics awaiting its fate. As Dave Nelson said, I know I would "let it go and not looking back", and then also I can see where not using but having the option to use is there. But I am an all or nothing girl so I either have or I don't.
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My road bike (a Fuji 1.0-love it) is named "Jane" not so romantic I know. But that is what I saw when I looked at her. She is my Porsche. My hybrid/commuter is named "Green Girl" because she is green and we have ridden about 5000 miles together and shared a lifetime of memories together. She is my sedan.
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@Nyla-have a great MS Ride!!
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So many posts to comment on but at work don't have a lot of time.
I call my bike the Jolly Green Giant. It's a Giant Boulder MTB, it's green (teal, actually), and the rider is exceptionally jolly!
@ Tammie, keep it up and you will win the weight war: LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!
Some bike names at our house: Purple Rider, Green Apple, Bike Red (this one is red and white, so Husker fans can cheer it on: GO BIKE RED!)
I named my bike Lizzie, Its a boy's bike, but hey, if Rick's bike can be called Wilma, I thought Lizzie was good. (After Ford,....uh, not the Bordon Lady) because my bike is an old, reliable (Lizzie, mom's talking, go to your room) -----clunker . I thought of Morris, for its nine lives, but it can't be too finicky if it lets me ride her :) Going for an early ride today because of the heat wave. I thinks its beginning to scatter my brain.
@ Jerry, my first rides back in late April were short (3-5 miles) and I thought they'd be the end of me. Then they suddenly got easier so I've increased my daily goals several times. Next week I'm going on a two-day bike tour of Wisconsin's Door County, which is something that would have seemed impossible in my previous couch potato life.
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@ Marty. Oh really? All my hard work recruiting was for nothing... sigh. BTW, I ate only half of the chocolate bar, the other half is in the freezer awaiting the end of tonight's ride.
Way to go Tammie! You and I have almost identical stories.... new bike, weight loss, etc. I will hit Platinum sometime in the next week or so, if I continue in my current trend.
@Tammie, awesome job getting fit through cycling.
2.5 years ago I lost 40 lbs in one year. I was mountain biking 4 times a week and doing some sport cycling too. I would stop at Wendy's on my way home from one local trail to treat myself to a Baconater and fries and the pounds still fell off.
Unfortunaty after my daughter was born I gained back 30 lbs when I wasn't able to ride more than once a week. I never modified my diet to account for the absence of activity.
Thankfully now my daughter is old enough for the bike trailer and just like Chris' grandson she loves going for rides. She will actually get upset if i am getting ready for a ride and she thinks I'm going without her. Now I am able to ride multiple times a week and I'm getting back into shape.
It sounds more like he is into an 'easy chair'. I rewarded myself today with some Albertsons chocolate chip cookies.. a few seconds in the microwave and... heaven!
I have said it before, I ride so I can eat. I love food! I am losing weight faster than I feel like eating! It's a win win situation. Love to ride AND love to eat. I still need to lose about 30 more pounds so the war is on between my mom and me. She actually doesn't want me to lose any more weight! Guess she is just used to seeing me overweight. She will get over it!
@Laurie - I talked with that gas station cashier later on, and he said he was going to ease into biking this year. His plan is - every time he feels like biking, he will eat a dark chocolate bar.
Oh, and I will make platinum this weekend too! AND, Sunday makes 4 months since I got off the couch, bought my first bike and started this journey! I have come a long way in a very short time and am definitely enjoying the ride!
Love my bikes, love my cars and all have a place in my life. I use my car when I need to, which is most of the time. My bikes are for my excersise and fun. I am not trying to save the world with them but if it is convenient for me to use my bike instead of drive, I will. Guess I am not the most PC person in the group but I did ride 32 miles today! .... 8 of it IN THE RAIN... YES RAIN IN WEST TEXAS! Bike MS , here I come.
Since Oct 2012 I've put around 2300 miles on my car and over 8000 miles on my bike. Sometimes you just need a car and sometimes you don't. It would be difficult not to have that option.
3.2 million Americans have been killed in car crashes in the last century, more than all of our wars combined. According to DOT the average American family is now spending 14,000 dollars annually to own multiple vehicles and given the average household income that would mean a majority of Americans are working January 1 through April 13th solely to own those cars. Sold my car over a year ago and haven't looked back.
I am making progress. I was able to get in and out of the Jacuzzi without feeling like I was going to kill myself doing it.
@Laurie. When I first started riding my bicycle I thought 20 miles was a long ride. Now I think of 30 miles as a short ride.
.
Of course when I start riding again I will probably think 5 miles is a long ride due to the pain.
@ Laurie, way to recruit!
@RobAdams - are Twinkies is season? I thought it was mocha syrup season - hunt them with a reuseable grocery bag. I bagged my limit last Saturday.
@Elaine, you should do RAGBRAI some time.
So I stopped at a gas station to get myself a dark chocolate bar and I mentioned to the cashier that this was my reward for a doing a 20 mile bike ride. His response: "you mean like on a motorcycle?" I said no, I mean pedaling a bicycle. He was incredulous. So we had a brief conversation on how he could incorporate a little bike riding into his daily life. I hope he does! :)
So since we all can' t meet at some really wonderful bike rally in person, just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading the comments from one end of the country to the other. Ride on.
Most expensive thing we ever bought: Our house
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Second most expensive: College education for our kids (in progress)
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Third most expensive thing: Honda Pilot
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Average cost of major maintenance/repairs for either of our Hondas: $300-500. For the price of two or three major repairs/maintenance jobs I could buy one very nice bicycle.
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Once upon a time this country invested in the railroads. Now many of the former railroad tracks have become bike and walking trails.
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We can get from St. Louis to Chicago and to Kansas City by rail on a daily basis. And yeah, you can take your bike with you and get around after you arrive. If only we would invest more in rails, we could get everywhere......
China is also constructing a massive rapid transit system for public transportation.
woof woof
go Nyla go
Howling good ride
China's population w/ its economic boom is replacing bikes w/ autos at a very fast pace.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Portland Or. (bike cap. U.S.) spent on its bike infrastructure what it would spend on a single mile (4 lane ) of highway 60 mil, while MaCain R-AZ. and Corburn R-Ok say U.S. spends to much on bikepaths and other non-highway projects..
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
More food for thought...there were about 250 million passenger vehicles in the US in 2007 for a population of a bit over 300 million. Now imagine if China had the same car/population ratio with 1.6 billion people. Just for fun, throw India into the mix. There is no way the earth's environment can sustain the vehicle/person ratio we have in the US. On principles of ethics and fairness, we (those of us in the US) HAVE to rely MUCH LESS on cars, especially if we want to have any credibility in trying to curb efforts to limit other people's car usage on environmental grounds. Bring on the bikes!!
Food for thought: 33,000 deaths average annually for motorists on US roads. Cost of those lost lives in the billions, not to mention the loss to each family involved and the lost potential of each person killed. How many fewer lives would be lost if we invested in bicycle infrastructure and made bicycle commuting SAFE? Since most accidents occur close to home, trips that could be easily covered on a bicycle if there were SAFE bicycle-ways to travel upon, why aren't we making that investment? Why do we accept the carnage? Not to mention the high cost of fuel and the resulting pollution and greenhouse gases? These are questions that need to be considered. In the time it has taken me to type this rant, someone has died in a car accident and several have been seriously injured... somewhere in the US. One every 15 minutes dies.
5 year cost of ownership
2013 Toyota camry hybrid
msrp 26,140
average add. cost to own 9,561
average total cost 35,701
wars in Irag & afgh. last 10 years
4 trillion $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D. Vietnam Vet. USMC
Seems to be holding... :)
I take showers less often than you do, Ray S. I add only one shirt and one pair of shorts to the laundry most days, drink tap water and hang my wash to dry. I do eat more than you, but I'm pretty confident my carbon footprint from these things you mention (showers, laundry, food, water) is smaller than yours. Nice try but your argument is specious and quite frankly absurd and it makes you sound anti-bike.
Just got back from a beautiful afternoon at the beach with my sons. We went to our favorite spot about 30 miles away. Upon getting home found out that the local tornado sirens had all gone off. The weather forecast shows no rain for the rest of the evening, so now it's time to bike (if my sunburned back doesn't complain too much!)
I live too far out in a rural area that going without a car is not feasible. It is 20 miles one way to work. Our extended family is 35 miles away. The major stores are at least 20-35 miles away. I reserve my "transport" riding for when I am home and need to ride a few miles into town for groceries or other errands. Sets a fine precedent for the kids. I do, however, care deeply about emissions, and so I drive a fuel-efficient car. I was giggling when I read the post about the extra water for showers, etc. Kind of like the argument about diapers--using disposable vs. reusable. Reusable stays out of the landfill, but does anyone consider the amount of water used to wash them on a daily basis? LOL
Day 1 of MS TRAM was 85 mostly overcast miles from International Falls to Orr. Today was "only" 53 miles to Chisholm, but hot, humid, hilly and into the wind. Yesterday was often contemplative, With time to appreciate wild roses along the roadside. Today I mostly focused on getting to the next rest stop. Final ten miles or so were along gorgeous Mesabi Trail, offering sudden grace notes of exhilaration and pure delight. In a weak moment at rest stop four (mile 70) yesterday, Faced with predicted temps in the nineties, I purchased a pair Of half- price bicycle shorts from the vendor providing mechanical support. Skintight, shiny, slippery synthetic, and they add to an already all too prominent posterior. As an extra festive touch, the interior side of the bicycle-seat-shaped butt-pad is bright red. If I wear them inside out, I can look just like one of those exhibitionist monkey at the zoo...but of course they would also serve appropriately as a "slow-moving vehicle" or "dangerously extended load" caution....and yet, I wore them today....and found them surprisingly comfortable, though I still dislike the texture, and there remains that regrettable getting-into-a-girdle sensation and the fact that portions of anatomy not thus tightly contained ooze out unpleasantly Around the edges. On to Biwabik tomorrow (-:
Hi, Cynthia. Some more thoughts about going "carless"...my wife and I went without a car for eleven years in the Twin Cities. That is when I really got into my serious biking routines. It is much easier to live without a car in an urban area due to (sometimes) have mass transportation available. We often made arrangements with friends...we would take them to the airport and pick them up...and we then got the use of their car for a week. We kept a "car projects" list for just such times, or when we asked friends if we could borrow theirs. Most were pretty willing to support us. We currently live in rural WI, and I think it might be trickier to be totally carless here. I did have some thoughts about car insurance. If you let it lapse, be sure that your friends' policies will cover you when you drive their cars (and always buy it when you rent a car). We found that, after eleven years, we lost all our "discounts" for x number of years of good driving, multiple coverages, etc. It took us about three years to get the best discounts once we got a car again. One other thing...once we got a car, we still had our good "non-car" habits, which meant we did not put many miles on our car. You can sometimes get a "leisure" rate for car insurance if you drive less than 7500 miles a year. We did that for several years while we still lived in the Cities. I will say this...I MUCH rather pay for bike repairs than car repairs as the former are generally MUCH cheaper (especially if you ride Schwinn bikes, which I did during our carless period...virtually indestructable). I hope you find these thoughts helpful. The more folks who can go carless (or put more miles on their bikes than their cars) the better, in my view! Best wishes with your deliberations.
@Chris. Loved your comment on riding with your grandson.
I love all these descriptions of your rides. Except it makes me want to ride even more.
Thanks to everyone for the support after my doctor's visit. I will see what the next four weeks brings.
@ Gregg, our summer here has been far cooler than last year as well. Last year I had to get out for my ride as close to 6 am as possible to beat the heat. I'm not complaining...
@ Rob, thats a relief, I was worried that they would be in too many pieces if you used some other method!
I'll never give up my cars, as long as I am able to operate them. Insurance/registration doesn't cost that much, and for me, its far cheaper than what it would cost to find substitute transportation when needed (family lives out of town, need a trunk for the occasional homeowner necessity, etc) Using a bike for errands may save gas and emissions from your vehicle, but what do those extra showers, extra loads of laundry, extra consumption of food/water, etc do to the environment?
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If you do store your car, disconnect the battery or put it on a trickle charger and leave it alone. Starting it once a month does it no benefit unless you actually take it out for a drive long enough to get it up to normal operating temperature. Starting it and letting it run for a few minutes is not good for it.
I hunt them with both hands and a few dollars as bait.
This week is our first temps this year in the 90's. Nothing like last year when most of the summer was in the 90's and even had some 100's and topped out at 119 degrees last year. Up until this week, it's been a very cool summer.
Twinkies with a shotgun!!!
@Rob, but they're smaller; less enjoyment per pack :-(
@ Rob, do you hunt twinkies with a bow and arrow or a fishing net?
Cynthia - I hope you can. I wish I could, but with our family requirements, it just can't happen. I have to be satified with playing the game of 'Let's see how long I can go without starting my vehicle'. hahahhaa.
Riding my bike while hunting twinkies was a success today.
@Rob - Congrats!! :P
HI all, an apple in the middle of the lane, new blacktop on a well traveled stretch of road, two riders side by side for a brief chat: both grateful for a breeze and some cloud cover, on this hot day when a dentist appointment kept me from helping to protest a road project that would not be good for cyclists, and pushed my ride into the early afternoon with 90+ degree temps. ..
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RIDE ON ALL AND ENJOY THE PLUSES +++
Thanks Kawika! I have already contacted my insurance company to find out what implications there may be if I dropped my insurance. And there aren't any. It really is about the money and although I have biking all my life and working up to commuting by bike through the years and finding ways to shop and schedule time, I feel this is the next progressive step. It is irreversible at this time as I cannot afford to put yet another $500 for repairs with no guarantee's and I cannot afford another car at this time. My significant other is totally supportive and I do have means to travel when I do need a vehicle. It's just losing the freedom and independence of having your own vehicle all your life. I also live in area that is very rural so if I needed to have a vehicle to get to certain places it would be challenging, however not impossible. But, then I thought about the fact that my pharmacy, grocery store, hair salon, bank and the restaurants I like are all right here. Outside of this little area, its all an hours drive in any direction to do anything more. I don't go beyond here now, only occasionally. Thanks so much all for letting me talk this through on here. I have been googling "Going Car Free", its amazing how many individuals and families who are ditched their cars and took up bikes. They all live in more urban areas though.
@Cynthia, I too am going Car free (since 1 May) and so far, I've not missed my car. I do live in town and we do have a bus system(if needed). I only have myself to worry about myself also so it makes it much easier for me than it would a family. I am saving money by not paying for annual registration fee( $235.00), gas(currently $4.49 gal) and turned in plates to DMV and dropped auto Insurance (have 92 Lebaron Conv). I just put car cover on it and start it once a month. In an emergency evacuation situation like a hurricane or tsunami, I feel that I'd have a better chance on my bike than drive a car because our one road out of town would be jammed immediately, I really hope it works out for you!
Thanks so much for the input. It is so helpful, even though it is a very personal decision input is always valued for something like this. I respect the input from this intelligent group. Thanks at Edgar for the blog. I signed up to follow it. Yep, will keep you all posted on my decision.
Anyone here ever ride a long distance train and then experience the clickety-clack, clickety-clack motions the first couple of nights off the train? I had that experience after the STP this past weekend - riding with 10,000 other bikes kinda sticks with you. I'd close my eyes and try to drift off, but there were wheels in front of me, and around me, and I had to stay alert to avoid a mishap.
@Cynthia - Going car-free for a while isn't an irreversible decision, is it?
@Rob - 3 million riders. I like the way you think.
@Cynthia:not knowing where you are located... here is my wife's blog on how we are living car-free, perhaps a couple ideas from our experience. Best of luck!
http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/kicking-and-screaming/
@ Cynthia. Do you need a car? Most people do from time to time. Consider your normal transportation needs, but don't forget to factor in unexpected/unusual ones too. (For example, what would you do if you were sick and needed immediate medical care, or needed to make a major purchase that was too big to carry on a bike). Do you have someone available to drive you at times like those?
@Roberto! Wow-how cool is that?
@Cynthia, Thanks for thinking of me! Going car-free requires, IMHO, two big factors: 1) Do you have the mental fortitude to make such a significant long-term lifestyle change, and 2) Do you live in an area that will allow you to maintain that lifestyle? Can you get groceries, go to the doctor, bring home the big bags of pet food, do the Home Depot runs, visit friends and relatives, yadayadayada? If a hurricane threatens, can you evacuate? Does the local road/off-road system allow for a car-free lifestyle? All the power to you if you can, I wish I could; keep us updated.
@ C R -- awesome!
Top 100
@Roberto-Yes, finally what?
@Michael-you passed thru my mind this morning as I was riding in to work, was wondering what kind of commute you were having and hoping it was not like yesterdays experience.
I am again seriously revisiting going car free. My car broke down and the repairs will not be worth the value of the car. Even if it's just for a year. Kind of like a car cleanse. I am at 70% lose it to 30% keeping it. It's scary letting go of having a vehicle. Especially when you have owned a car and been driving since 16. (I am now almost 51). Any thoughts anyone?
@Kawika - Thanks for the link to that story. Big hugs for those boys chasing down the kidnapper!!!
Finally?
Finally...
Jerry - Just saw your note from yesterday's checkup. Sounds like your collarbone is doing what mine did....not knit. My crash was in October and I had similar injuries (pelvis, collarbone and ribs). I started riding again in the gym on a stationary, then the hybrid and finally the road bike. At each stage there was some pain as the muscles, tendons and cartilage adapted to doing the work of the disconnected collarbone. This pain was not serious and was similar to that experienced when one starts working out after a long layoff. WHile the pain test is a big test, the other one should be range of motion. I have an odd bump on the back of my shoulder and will still get some soreness if I sleep in the wrong position but all in all its good. In my case surgery was the least attractive alternative because the break was close to the end(shoulder) so there wasn't a lot of bone to attach the plate too to fuse the bone. Good Luck!!
For as much as I pooh-poohed my commute yesterday, I had a completely different ride in today. Had a pleasant though short conversation with a small business owner while waiting at a stop light, heard a few birds that normally don't frequent the neighborhood, and got a tail wiggle from the neighborhood kitty. A good start to a busy day. Hopefully this afternoon I'll be riding from work straight to the pool. Hot and humid, but it still beats using a car!
@ Paul, going from one jam to another!
..or should I have said, "...those who help them out in a jam in order that they can then go on and jam..."
Here is a fun cycling story...let's hear it for celebrity cyclists (who play a mean guitar) and those who help them out in a jam.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/15/dave-matthews-hitches-ride-fan-show-hershey-pennsylvania_n_3599150.html
@ Kawinka, bike power, I'm glad the girl is safe.
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@ All, Here is a way to memorialize cyclists: HELLO, I'M A CYCLIST! :
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1025447949/hello-im-a-cyclist
Tammie...it also helps to live in the northern part of the country...when in the summer daylight begins at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. You can get a lot of riding in before breakfast! Remember, though, we pay for it in the winter! One goes to and comes home from work in darkness...and there are the below zero temps and snow! Every place has its advantages and disadvantages. ;-)
@ Tammie, thinking, paycheck?
Now I know how some of you do 30, 40 and even more miles day after day! IT WAS ONLY 71 today and even with humidity in the 75% range it was heaven to ride! Unfortunately I only had time for 14 miles. That was the disappointing part. Had a bike club meeting then had to get to work. Hopefully I can find time to ride tomorrow because it is supposed to be about the same except rain is possible in the afternoon... darn. I also have less available time. This 7 nights in a row is going to kill me. NEVER AGAIN WILL I AGREE TO WORK LIKE THIS! I have never agreed to more than 4 in my life. What was I thinking?
Great story about two kids(Hero's) on bikes bring back abducted 5 year old girl.
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Story: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/07/15/Lancaster-Pa-kidnapping-ends-as-two-teens-on-bicycles-chase-suspect/UPI-81751373916033/
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Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Rob - I second E M's motion. This Challenge is a lot of fun, very informative, and motivating.
@ Rob, you should be proud. Also, you should be proud of this challenge. Its the best!
@Rick & @Brad - In the words of Lawrence Welk, "Wunnerful, wunnerful!"
@Laurie - Go to the National Board (which you are currently on, if you are reading this), then Leaderboard, then States, then Wisconsin.
That will only get you the rankings of everyone in the state.
Other than that, NO, you can't see the rest of WI Comments, we can't see yours, and neither of us can see Kimberly-Clark's. (Except that Rob is all seeing and all knowing - at least as far as the NBC.
@ Paul, is there a way for someone from the Fox Valley to access the WI state page?
Kudos to you and Appleton, Rob! I'm impressed with your great ratio. Keep up the good work (although I do miss you all and your comments on the WI state page, now that the Fox Valley has their own local page). To be comparable here in Ripon, WI, we'd need about 120 riders...and we are not close to that...but maybe when the students get back in the fall! I can say, however, that Ripon College is doing a bit better than that Fox Valley's own Lawrence this year. We're 19th nationally among all university and colleges vs. Lawrence at 30th. This is also about the only competition where small Ripon College (a liberal arts college of about 1000 students) is ranked higher than "the" Ohio State University (21st) and the University of Illinois (22nd)!?!? Go Redhawks!
woof woof
Nice sign Allen.
My bike has its name painted on the frame, Cronus CX (roman numerals mean 110)
Keep on healing Jerry. I see your clavicle healing. I'll be pedaling tomorrow for your clavicle to heal.
Woof, Howl (howling sometimes comes out after dark)
Off to dream of French pastry.
I was on a customer visit at a restaurant chain HQ. THey had bikes for the employees to run to shop get lunch and they named the 6 bikes Greg, Bobby, Peter, Marsha, Jan and Cindy :).
My commuter bike I call my "Two Wheeled Chariot"
I am proud of my city, Appleton, WI. We have 1200+ riders (out of 70,000 population) and are currently 1st in the nation in Class 2 size cities. Can you imagine if we had just 1% of the US population in the NBC, that would be over 3 million riders! It would be fun to experience that down the road, maybe the 2023 NBC! That isn't too much to wish for, is it?
@ Allen, LIKE!
@ J Hugh, nice tour!
Baby steps, Jerry. You will get there. Praying for no surgery.
Went to the doctor today. Good news and bad news.
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Good news. I can drive a vehicle. Bad new. I cannot ride my bike. But I already knew that.
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Good news. The arm, and the two breaks in my pelvis are healing well.
Bad news. The clavilce bone shows no sign of healing. Two options are still open. The doctor will x-ray again in four weeks. If no improvemen, the two options are surgery or no surgery. If there is no pain, then he will not operate. If it is painful. he will have to operate. Based on todays exam, he is optimistic surgery will not be required. The big test will be if I can ride a bike without pain.
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Karen let me drive home. After trying to get the van to go with the pedals, Karen informed me I needed to use a key to start it. Only took 15 minutes to remember where to insert the key. I prefer my bicycyle.
OK.... it's 89 degrees with 45 % humidity and a heat index of 94.... guess it's time for a bike ride! But I'll be making stops at the Y and library to cool off.
I usually refer to my bike as my Cadillac, because I like it so much more than my old beater minivan.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/988241_194500040714256_865626030_n.jpg
@Karen - My bike's name is Eurus, named for the East Wind of Greek Mythology, because he is gold-colored like the dawn, and the ride is so smooth that I imagine that what riding the wind would feel like.
@Karen - "WunderBike"?? Or maybe "Timex" - some of us are old enough to recall John Cameron Swayze's immortal Timex catch phrase, "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking."
But perhaps not poetic enough to be a bike's name.
@J. Hugh, Thanks for sharing your pictures.
@Rick, My bike says hi to Wilma. What do you call an old bike that never breaks down, never complains, and just keeps going? I am taking suggestions.
@Dee Dee, neither my gut nor my butt has gotten smaller, but my A1C is down, my cholesterol is way down and my blood pressure is really way down. Plus I have much more energy in the pool and on the steps. It's all good!
Right, Brad. If you'd found the pothole at the beginning of the ride, you'd have encountered different wonderful stuff. After all, it's all wonderful, just some things are more wonderful than others.
Rode w/ newbee cyclists on a bike club outting. Hope they weren't overloaded by all the suggestions, advice, and demonstrations from veteran club members. At the end of the 17 mile ride the two newbees were shifting better, pedaling smoother, and handling their bikes w/ more skill. Thank you Desiree for mentoring these folks, while serving as a rookie ride leader. You looked like a very experienced ride leader, not someone leading their first club ride.
@laurie, I've actually gained weight riding but my pants size has stayed the same. I know what you mean about BMI. It's only one indicator of obesity and not a very good one at that.
Rick - If if's and buts were fruit and nuts, oh what a feast we'd have. Just sayin' - I try to accept things for what they are. I'll take the good with the bad, and I think over time you mostly remember the good. In a wider scope and reminding me of another unfinished conversation - I think no matter what path you choose, there are always disadvantages of one sort or another. Why worry about the path that you didn't choose, its only a different balance of advantages and disadvantages. Make the best of where ever you find youself today and go forward from here. So wither it sounds like it or not, I actually agree with your point, its just that sometimes I have to take the long way around to say so.
@Marty, thanks for those numbers!!! Keep up the great work and thanks for encouraging your fellow citizens to get out there and ride!
@Brad - what if the pothole had happened at the beginning of your ride and caused you to miss all the other wonderful stuff that happened?
8 miles/day every day to get to Diamond. The 8 miles is not a problem. The every day is a problem.
yay! no one tried to run me over today!
There seem to be 3 types of people when it comes to responding to a bell or vocal "I am passing you" alert. Type 1 moves over and/or acknowledges with a wave or a 'thanks' as I roll by. Type 2 do nothing, which is fine with me as long as they aren't in the way. Type 3 give a "I'm not in your #$%#@$@! way" reaction. Occasionally there is a 4th type, those who, like rabbits, leave the safety of their current location and move directly into my path.
Hi all, out this morning with temps that when straight from the 70s to the upper 80s. Humidity was not lacking either. Only a couple of other riders on the regular route, and a few more on the trail portion. I yelled "on your left" to a skater on the trail and she yelled "on your right" so I gave her a thumbs up. Then she got mad and yelled that she didn't need to know that I was on her left. So I yelled "How am I supposed to tell?" but by that point I was pretty much out of hearing range. Later another rider caught up to me and wanted to know what happened. She told me that this skater yells at everyone. I said it was new to me and we agreed that the skater has anger management issues. But how much worse would she be if she stayed at home all the time instead of getting out there and skating?? Not a pleasant thought.
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@ Burklee and Laurie, you guys are right. The way your clothes fit is clearly a better indicator of what kind of shape you are in that strictly weight alone. Ever considered getting different doctors?
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@ Chris, what a wonderful story. Its clear your grandson understands what this challenge is all about!
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@ Brad, what an adventure. Sorry it had to end with such a lousy pothole. Hope you are feeling better and you next ride has more of the Rockwell....
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Some milestones - Last Wednesday, Vermont became the first state to reach 1,000 pts per 1,000 residents of their state, (or 1 pt per resident). Before this is over, they will be over 2 pts per resident!
If everyone signed-up for the Challenge biked just over 22 miles by noon tomorrow, we would reach 10,000,000 miles by the half-way point. As it is, we'll be just under 9,400,000 miles by then. But we still have a good chance to make our September 30th mileage goal.
It looks like in about a week, Wisconsin will be the first state to reach 2,000,000 miles, and that before any other state reaches 1,000,000.
Also in about a week, the average person signed-up for the Challenge will have logged 300 miles since the beginning of May. Nebraskanites (and probably several other states) are already collectively over that milestone.
A couple observations from a weekend spent on one of the local bike & hike trails...
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If you are going to wear a helmet, and you should, please wear it properly. A helmet kicked back on your head or falling off to the side isn't going to help you. We all look dorky with a helmet on, don't look dorkier by wearing it incorrectly.
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If you are a parent following behind your child on a two wheeler with training wheels, you'd better be chasing that kid to put a helmet on her head, not walking along hoping your child doesn't fall and smack her head on the sidewalk.
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Don't make a high speed pass while approaching a blind curve. I had a near miss with an oncoming cyclist that decided to pass when he could not see if the coast was clear. Luckily for both of us, I was paying attention and my brakes work very well.
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Finding yourself down in "the valley" with a bum rear shift cable is not fun. A couple strands of wire snapped leaving my rear derailleur on the fritz. I could pull it to the top of the cassette, but it wouldn't drop back down without jumping gears. It is 300 feet back out of valley and the lowest gear was fine on the steep sections, but useless on the flats. I didn't want to risk snapping the cable completely so I just left it where it was until the top, then I managed to get it to stick in 5th and rode the rest of the way home like that which at least gave me high and low gear, though not enough to be comfortable.
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I check my tire pressure before each ride. My road bike tires typically drop about 5psi, probably during the course of checking them, but my hybrid fluctuates quite a bit. Some days it doesn't lose any, other days it loses 10-15. It takes a minute to check and refill as needed with a pump/gauge combo, so to me it is worth it to do before each ride.
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On an unrelated note, after the Saturday ride, I jumped in the car for a 2 hour drive to see Natalie Merchant perform with the Columbus (ohio) Symphony Orchestra. Great show, except for the people. Too many people talking through the entire show and too many "why is she singing new stuff?" whiners. She left the Maniacs back in '93, yet I think half the people there were expecting a 10,000 Maniacs concert. She still has an amazing voice, it was a great show. I admit, I would have loved for her to sing "Because the Night," but I knew it was a Natalie show and was not disappointed. (I know Bruce & Patti wrote that song, but nothing compares to Natalie's version of it)
Tire pressure - once a week when commuting - every day on a multi-day ride.
That reminds me. Wilma wants a beauty treatment after she did so well this weekend's STP ride. I noticed some grease/tar spots on those shiny rims when I took her off the bike rack last night. And she said her tires need an inspection for embedded sharps. No flats in the STP this year, after two last year. Rick "belt-suspenders-baling wire-AND-duct tape" Gilbert had 4 CO2 cartridges, 2 tubes, a folding spare, and pump along for the weekend ride, just in case. Fortunately, all those items were left untouched.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/10yb84a9rhmex0r/5wFKL3RNIj/European%20Bicycle%202013 if anyone is interested here is the photo album for our European Bicycle vacation 2013, Versailles and the Loire Valley.
When ever a dog, in a truck or car passes and barks, I bark back. Several that I see and hear regularly woof once and I woff back. The two Dobermans in the fenced yard that I see twice a week have given up getting up and woof once from their napping position. The guy who owns them, always get a kick out of their greeting to me, and told me that they actually get up for all other cyclists and act like guard dogs.
So I keep practicing speaking dog.
@ Marty, that sounds like a missing chapter in the Paul Bunyan story. (this is the only response I could think of that doesn't sound too much like I borrowed ideas from my sons) hehehe
Christine - It seems to me that people with special disabilities usually have some sort of special ability as well. Kinda just balanced a different way. Sometimes it takes those special people to remind us 'Nearly Normal' people what's really important.
Marty - I can't say for sure, but I assumed they were referring to a manure wagon, although I did work with a guy years ago who hit a cow on his way to work (they don't give much).
@Laurie & @Burklee & et all - Weight is just something you do in line. BMI stands for Bike Miles (or for some, it could be Bike Michigan). Like you say, there are so many other ways to measure improved health (and happiness).
@ Burklee, since I started the challenge, I am down 2 pants sizes, but I weigh only slightly less than I did at first. It galls me that according to my height/weight ratio, I am still considered obese. No one who sees me can believe it either. BMI does not take muscle into account, and I wish my doctor would stop using it as the only indicator.
@Laurie - Thanks! Perhaps the record sized cow had just finished eating a few burlap bags that blew off of a truck, when it noticed one more on the other side of the road, when...? (Well, you already know the END result.)
@Burklee, you can ABSOLUTELY chalk the four pounds up to added muscle and a soaked shirt! I once read about a guy (bodybuilder) whose BMI listed him as obese, yet he had not an ounce of fat on him. I'll give your health professionals credit for being concerned - way too many MDs just watch as people get fatter and fatter, never saying anything to them - but they needed to take in the whole picture, not just what the scale says!
@Capt. Compet. Did you ask how many in the Dr's office rode their bikes anywhere in the last week? I can gain 4# eating pizza. You are fitter and healthier which seems to me to be more important.
@AbbyNormal Keep up the rides with your Grandson. It is great for all of you. Just waiting until he wants a bike and lets you know it. Have you tried him on a IPad, amazing communication are being achieved.
@Chris - You are a lucky, lucky woman. Ride with him as much as you can. It can never be too much.
Awwww Chris, that is so sweet. You are blessed to have such a great grandson!
As many of you know, I have an autistic grandson who also has a condition known as apraxia of speech. Because he doesn't talk (which doesn't mean he's quiet by any stretch of the imagination!), I sometimes have a tendency to think he doesn't understand us and/or he's younger than he really is. I have to relate a story that happened this past Saturday.
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Husband and I got up our usual time on Saturday and he walked, I biked to our favorite Saturday morning breakfast place. As I was leaving, helmet in hand, Grandson ran up to me and grabbed my hand: he wanted to go with me for a ride in his trailer. I said, "You can't come now. We'll go for a ride later." When we got home from breakfast, we immediately left for Milwaukee (I needed a Schlitz and oyster fix, and we needed olive oil.) Again, I told grandson, "We'll ride later."
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When we got home, I was barely through the door when Grandson grabbed my hand and put it on the doorknob of the closet where I keep my helmet. Then he pulled open the drawer where I keep my RoadID, gloves, etc. His intent was absolutely clear: It's LATER! We're going for a ride NOW.
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No one can tell me he doesn't understand or he's not as bright as any other kid his age, not after that experience. He understands, he knows, and he's as bright as a new penny!
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I really love our rides together and I think he does, too. Lately, he's been very reticent about letting me kiss him, but after that ride, he inclined his head to me so that I could kiss him. That said more to me than all the words he could have said, were he able.
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God bless you, my grandson, for God has truly blessed me with you! I love you, sweetie!
@ Marty, I definitely like your perspective on many things in here. Weren't we just talking about a similar topic a few days ago, minus the cow? LOL
@ Michael, that is too cool! Thanks for sharing!
How cool is this? Fans in Hershey, PA help a stranded Dave Matthews (bike related, trust me). http://www.wfmz.com/entertainment/Stranded-Dave-Matthews-hitches-ride-with-fan/-/121626/20976826/-/19dnvw/-/index.html
I had a doctor appointment on Friday. Got a kudo for my A1C being better, but yelled at for being 4 pounds heavier from my last visit when I hurt my knee 3 weeks ago. Thing is, my clothes are just a bit baggier these days. I can not only get into my "skinny" jeans, but sit down in them AND still breathe while they're buttoned. It was ridiculously hot with a strong headwind on Friday, and I rode my bike from work to the appointment. My shirt (cotton) was soaked when I got there. Does anyone think it's possible I can chalk that 4 pounds up to more muscle & a sweat-soaked shirt?
Go Andrea!
PIcked up a summer cold overnight Friday, so I started the STP with a cough & scratchy throat. Not enough to keep me from the ride. And it was great fun. Pure Pacific NW summer. Ran into a friend who got a last minute registration, and we rode together for a while on Sat & Sun. Also rode with a small band of mostly Cascade ride leaders for my last 20 miles on Saturday.
My meager weight loss attempts didn't yield much this year, but Wilma (my bike) had more success on her diet - lighter rims & tires, and loss of stem bag, rack trunk and associated rack. She just kept wanting to go faster and shed her heavy touring commuter reputation. Surprised myself with 16.1 mph (while riding) for the 100 on Sat & 16.2 for the 80 miles on Sunday. Had I stopped at 70, Sunday's ride would have been 16.5. Traffic & congestion in Portland slowed things down near the finish line.
I had a great time Saturday night & Sunday morning visiting a retired work colleague on his 42 acre farm. great to reconnect - and that big hunk of salmon Sat. night was a good refuel for Sunday.
I'll post the ride to the NBC, but I didn't log it with Endomondo. My poor Android overheats and runs out of battery in as little as 40 mi., so I logged the ride with my new low end Garmin.
(Note - The STP is the 200 mile annual ride from Seattle to Portland. I started from home this year rather than from the official start so I'd have more time/energy to visit with an old friend - so I rode the 180 mile "Stonebrook to Portland").
@Brad - Sorry about the bad, especially the pothole/tire.
I also can't get the fire truck incident out of my visual imagery either. I was trying to image just how BIG that cow that was hit must have been, if the entire road was full of manure.
I tried out my new Camelbak this weekend, as well as my moisture-wicking shirt. The shirt was great. It didn't weigh 12 pounds from all the sweat like my cotton t-shirts usually do. The Camelbak is also great. I am so used to having to conserve my water. I thought I was practically guzzling, and was concerned about running out before getting home, but it turned out that I had only consumed half a liter out of the 2 liters in the pack. And that was on just a 15 mile errand-running ride.
I didn't wear any regular shorts over my bike shorts while running my errands this weekend. It felt a lot like I was wearing only my underwear! It wasn't bad while I was riding because it felt much cooler, but now I'm wondering how my big ol' dimply butt covered in nothing but Lycra looked to those behind me while I stood in line at the credit union. I hope no one was badly scarred by the incident.
Brad, sorry to hear how your ride ended up. Hopefully the good parts of it will overshadow the bad ones in your memory.
Cut 26 seconds off my morning commute! So excited about that!
@Brad-oh my-how awful! I can relate to what you went through on some level when your just done riding and your tired and dehydrated with nausea and headache. I can still picture your experience-lol. Happy your feeling better today and that you did not get hurt when you hit that concrete. That musta been scary hitting that concrete though.
@Michael-at least your out there riding and can ride! Happy 25 year anniversary at your job. That's pretty cool.
Cynthia and Michael, just so you don't think it's all a Norman Rockwell picture - THE UGLY: Maybe because of my temporary riding partner pushing me too hard, or maybe because of the stiff neck I get from being in riding position for so long, or dehydration (although I thought I drank ample quantities), my final 1.5-2 hours brought on a severe headache and then nausea. It wasn’t fun anymore and I was just forcing myself to keep pushing on. Mile by mile… slowly… home was getting closer. I was finally in my own town when I turned one corner, and took a hard hit. There was a chunk of concrete busted out leaving a sharp jagged hole in the road about 14”x5” by maybe 3 inches deep - Instant flat tire on the front and my stainless water bottle popped out of the cage and went bouncing across the road. COME ON!!! I feel sick; I just want to be home (probably lucky that I didn’t go down). Rim felt OK and I changed out the tube of course, but when I did FINALLY get home, and pressured it up proper, I saw that it was starting to split between the bead and the sidewall. So that damn it hole also cost me a tire. So no today was not all good, but a goal attained. And all of this together is, after all, what memories are made of… Love and light everyone. I feel much better this morning.
On a brighter note, assuming my math works out (it usually does), I'll reach Platinum ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CHALLENGE!! Hope I don't get stuck driving into work for some meeting, or I'm outta luck.
@Brad, I wish my commutes were as picturesque as yours. This morning (like most) my experiences included overflowing dumpsters, the stench that lingers after the trash truck passes, long-vacant factories, overgrown yards behind abandoned row homes, and litter/glass encrusted gutters. But, counting my blessings, at least I awoke this morning and was able to ride to work. My 25th anniversary here at work was on Saturday. 25 years down, 17 to go....
@Brad, thanks for sharing the good and the bad. Enjoyed reading it all and your words are written so well that I could picture what you were saying in my head as I was reading.
But Marty, you didn't think I was done already, did you? THE BAD: After Jennies experience last year, and other account of altercations with dogs, I now carry pepper spray zip tied to my handlebars. Yesterday gave me the first opportunity to try it out - a large dog lit out after me from a farmhouse with absolutely no hesitation. There’s really no way to know his intentions, but he was close on my heels. It felt like it took me a bit to slide the sprayer out and turn the trigger out of its locked position. I gave him a little shot and it worked just perfect, there was no yelp of pain, but he just gave his head a couple of shakes to try to get rid of it, turned and went home. There were also 2 other dogs that passed me riding in trucks, that made it abundantly clear that they didn’t care for me much at all. At another crossroads there was a fire truck parked sideways blocking the street with 2 young fellas standing out front. They explained that I REALLY did not want to go that way: there had been a crash and the road was covered with manure. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing it in person, and I could laugh at the visual imagery, I trusted that this indeed would fall into the bad category.
@Jerry J,
Just to throw a monkey wrench into what everyone else has said, I typically check my tires every 4 to 6 weeks. Seldom lose more than 10 lbs. and I fill them to the higher limit of their pressure. That said, I have over 75,000 miles of experience with tires, typically get 15,000-16,000 miles from my front tire and have only had 3 flats in the last 50,000 miles. Experience pays off - it also helps to run oversize thorn resistant tubes. My tires are 700/23c, I use 700/28-32 tubes. It's a tight fit getting the tubes in but for practically no flats and 15,000+ miles it's worth the effort.
@Thomas - Glad you're back!
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@Brad Rockwell - Again, well said.
I went for a long ride yesterday, and had plenty of time for thoughts and observations. Since in most cases nothing is ALL good, just as nothing is ALL bad (though sometimes it might seem that way). So consequently I’ve broken down my ride into 3 categories. First, THE GOOD: Todays ride initially had me thinking about the people that we cross paths with. On my way out of town I was passing the field of thistle and clover that I mentioned previously, which must be somewhat close to what heaven smells like, and an older man was walking the other way. I mentioned to him that you’d have a hard time finding a better smelling field, and he answered that his sense of smell wasn’t all it could be anymore, but his wife’s nose on the other hand could detect a shot of brandy within 1 second. That one was a smile that kept coming back to me through the day. Continuing on I passed several others on bikes, some just gave he a cursory ‘hi’, but there were two that I remember specifically who said nothing more than that, but whose smile said so much more. They were enjoying the day so fully that I could feel and share their joy through such a short and simple contact that I also carried that with me even after they were long gone. I also came across these kids having a Kool-Aid sale at some little crossroads town of about 4 buildings. One of my bottles was just about empty, so yeah, I filled up, and had the opportunity to take a picture of them doing regular old fun kid stuff. Earlier I also saw another one of those perfect Norman Rockwell moments; Out in front of a farmhouse in the thick shade of a big old tree sat this boy of maybe 8-10 with his arm around his big black dog. They were both sitting there just watching the day. I often come across these perfect picture moments of kids out in the country - I relish the moment and the image, but I always hesitate to take a picture for fear of implications. I guess these moments for the most part will have to live in my memory. I hope my memory holds up – I suppose the important stuff should stick. Along a little further I had stopped to take a picture and had just sat down it the grassy shade for a moment, when another cyclist came by and asked if everything was OK. As It turned out he was headed in the same direction, so we travelled together for a bit. But although I could keep up with him, it was just barely, so after he managed to get my average speed up a few points, I let him go on ahead. I wasn’t intending to go this far, but I was pretty sure Lake Michigan wasn’t too much further, and being so close to a goal like that, how could I turn back now. I kept telling myself “Just a little bit further”. And of course I did eventually find it, took off my shoes and waded the water to cool off and give my feet a break. While I was, there were 2 boys in the water who had these stretch fabric paddles they were playing with, but instead of using balls, they were finding little dead fish and batting them out into the depths. More fun kid stuff. And Nyla, take solace, I saw plenty of milkweed growing along the road edges of eastern Wisconsin.
My car broke down this week, given I only use it one day a week-I am still debating about whether or not to fix it or sell it and go car free for a while. Granted-I have other means of transportation if needed.
Hey Roberto, I see you are climbing the rankings! Great going. I have been clawing my way up.. finally back into the top 2,000! LOL Now that I can ride again, would you believe we get RAIN! Things are NOT safe on the roads here when it rains for cars much less bikes. I sure hope we get a few hours a day to dry out otherwise, I am sunk! Congrats on the Platinum @Kevin I am working my way there. Only 284 points to go! @Thomas doesn't it feel great to get back on the bike? I had to reduce my riding to the minimum of 1 mile per day for a while due to injury and it was MISERABLE. I am just now back to really riding.. yesterday was my first day to ride and really ENJOY it. The Bike MS is this weekend.... I am terrified!!!! LOL
Happy beginning of the week to all! How can it not be when your vehicle is a two wheeled one!
Stuff to share and respond to:
For my road bike I check my tire pressure before each ride and always have to put more air in. For my commuter bike I check it once a week.
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Road Id is a must. I have one and I purchased one for my Mom who rides and lives and alone. It gives piece of mind. Seems everyone has one now! It's a great service, kudos to the company who makes them available and affordable. I used to ride with all my information on a piece of paper tucked inside my pack, but, in an emergency situation there might not be time for someone to go through your pack and try to find it. This way its right out there visible on your person.
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Several chapters back in all these posts there was conversation about dehydration and staying hydrated. And there was mention of Nuun tablets. I don't care for Gatorade at all even when diluted with water or ice so I was inspired to try these tablets. Long story short, I dehydrated myself on my group ride yesterday. I felt awful all day and nothing I drank was helping me come back. So in the evening I tried one of the tablets. It was amazing how quick it worked and how much better I felt almost immediately. Now I know I should have drank it before, during the ride, one of the other or both-which is part of making the long story short-I just wanted to share and let those know who haven't tried it that it may be a good thing to explore.
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I am hoping to make Diamond this year, I did last year with a shorter time frame for the NBC and more miles, I am not sure this year. Will see. At this point I am hoping to reach platinum. With my schedule it is hard to get the miles in I would need to each day to reach Diamond. No matter what I am enjoying being a part of this Challenge and this forum.
Platinum !!!. Now to see if I can make Diamond.
@ Jerry- I try to check my tire pressure daily.
Hot and steamy ride home tonight here in Wisconsin.
Finally back on the bike! Been a solid month since I was riding to work, mainly because of a lot of little things. First a minor surgical thing kept me off for a week, then a death in the family had me out of town for 10 days, then I came back with a bad cold, and well, it rains EVERY AFTERNOON, and I have been wimping out. Finally, I'm back on the board and have logged some miles this week.
@Jerry, every ride. Cheap insurance.
Saw this story today. It shows how quick people can come together for a good cause when someone has bike stolen.
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http://www.forwardprogressives.com/louisiana-wwii-veteran-robbed-of-his-bicycle-community-replaces-it-within-hours/
@ Kawinka, thanks for sharing that story!
@Jerry J. I also check my tires before each ride(every day for me). The biggest reason for flat tires and the easiest to avoid are pinch flats from hitting an object/bad spot on road or pothole and they result from under inflated tires.
Jerry B...Thanks, that site looks perfect. I did find topo info through a Colorado non-profit agency, but ride with GPS looks much better.
@ Jerry J. I fill my tires before every ride. Every day. Sign up with Ridewithgps for info on the trail.
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http://ridewithgps.com/
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Someone will have mapped it or you can map it yourself. It has the best elevation display of all the sites.
@ Jerry, Once a week.
Just filled my tires for tomorrow. Just curious how often others check/fill their tires.
@ Jerry... exactly :)
Anyone familiar with the Boulder creek Bike trail in Boulder CO? Is it a huge uphill grade? i am having a hard time finding free TOPO information.
@Laurie. Looks like you have a great map now.
@ Ana, that stinks.
I rode to a friend's house who lives just under a mile from me. When I left, somehow I took a wrong turn and the ride back home was about 16 miles. I guess I need a new map :P
@Tammie. That is great news. Glad you are getting to ride pain free. And being able to ride longer rides.
Well, I can officially say: "I'm back in the saddle again!" Just finished 25 miles with a 20 minute break in the middle for a fruit snack and rest.. and I feel GREAT! Sorry Jerry! The second half I had cloud cover and it was fantastic! I felt like I could go on riding but do have to go to work tonight. The last 5 miles was a slight uphill grade with the wind in my face but it was a light wind and since I had cloud cover.. I did not mind. The only things that were uncomfortable were the bruised areas from my crash the other day and those will be better in a few days.
A new app from Road ID. It does not replace your physical Road ID but is n additional resource. Right now it only works on the iPhone but they plan an Android version soon.
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Features like eCrumb Tracking, a Stationary Alert, and a custom Lock Screen creator, Ability to track your workouts in real time, your friends and family can stay better connected whenever you head outdoors
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http://www.roadid.com/ecrumb
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I have installed it on my phone and updated my lock screen with emergency contact info. I would be interested on how the other features work from those of you that can ride.
Boo, took my bike to the shop today for some minor work and had to leave it :(
@Matt, nice job
Early this afternoon finished a 15 mile loosening up ride to cap out a 700+ mile week. Some of you may have heard of the Ride Across Indiana (RAIN). 160+ mile across the state from Terre Haute to Richmond in a single day, mostly along US Hwy-40. This would have been my 4th year for RAIN, but to challenge myself that I was back fully after last year's pulverized collarbone, I signed up for RAINSTORM. On RAINSTORM, each of the 5 days preceding the RAIN, up to 50 riders ride in 5 stages from Richmond to Terre Haute and then on day 6, ride back by participating in RAIN with the other 1400 riders or so. . 100 or more miles each day and then the 163 on Saturday. Thank God the daily routes end at nice hotels and State Park Inns each night with pools, hot tubs, and soft beds! Sports Therapist travels with the tour too and massages can be scheduled. Highly recommended for those with an "Ultra" bent.
Jerry thanks for the roadid info. I ride solo and out in the country/ county. great idea. And very reasonable cost. Chris, slim looks perfect. Checked their events calender to see if they had a presence in ID and they do. Thanks again, will make my mom happy!!
HI all, today Two Wheeler, the great god of bicycling, commanded me to go out and dedicate my morning ride to all the injured riders among us. So I headed out in the 70-degree temperatures for my regular route with a few tweaks. As my reward, Two Wheeler created a great family fun ride in the afternoon heat (temps in the 90s). Two Wheeler sent us down the trail and then away to the great frozen custard stand (Ted Drewes). Many others have obeyed the command of the great god today to go out and ride, both in the cool morning and the hot afternoon, but only few have earned the great frozen custard reward! Thank you oh great Two Wheeler!
@Jerry & EM Thanks guys. It is addictive.
@Tammie: We're lucky that SoCal has some really great routes. Though PCH is not exactly the best way to go
Jim, I can't speak for everyone else, but I just decided to try it (rear tire) two months ago on My Scott Road bike and I am sold on it. I have put over 2,000 miles on it without a flat and also, just Thursday, I had a flat front tire with 5 thorns all around tire and 3 punctures on back tire(tubeless) and all I had to do is spin the back tire to seal the leaks (only lost about 10 lbs of pressure). If you are riding downhill at a good speed, it will also seal itself.
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Some things you may want to think about is if you do go tubeless, you will have to change out sealant about every 2 months because it eventually drys up and can settle on one part of tire making it out of balance.
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Also, before you buy a tubeless tire, make sure tubeless tire works with your wheel. Some wheels aren't compatible with tubeless. I'd recommend you check with your local bike shop to make sure. And last thing is that if your tubeless gets a big hole in tire and it can't seal, then it's possible to just put a tube inside(after you wipe off all sealant from inside of tire first) to get you back home.
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The tire I purchased is the Hutchinson Fusion 3 Tubeless Road Tire. This tire is expensive(around $80-$100.00) but in my opinion worth it and I am just about to put on on front wheel. Note: Co2 is needed to make tire seal to rim. Pumps won't work.
40 sweaty nonstop solo miles with temps in the 90's and humidity around 80%.
@Jerry, good call out about road id. I have one and got them for my wife and her sister who both run. Running apparel rarely has pockets. I feel much safer knowing our contact info is right on our wrist when we are out exercising. I have the elite, and the ladies both have the slim.
I don't know if I have mentioned this before. Everyone who rides should have a Road ID or something like it. Just carrying an ID card is not enough. The Road ID has your name and contact info in case of an accident.
There are two types of Road IDs. See this page for comparison.
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http://www.roadid.com/Common/Compare.aspx
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I recommend the Interactive Road ID.
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And it is not just for bicyclists. I bought one for my Mother who is in her 70's. she wears it all the time.
@Sahil. Congratulations. Glad you enjoyed your ride.
@Laurie. That's what I have been doing for five weeks now.
Always such nice conversations and invaluable information being posted on this forum. Just love it. Out for a Sunday group ride this moring. It was good and bad. High winds and dry heat made for a tough go in some places. But overall it was a good time out there. The goup climbed the intracoastal waterway bridge and back over again right away. That was fun, it was an awesome workout! Got to start getting hillwork riding in anyway. The route for Bike MS ride I will doing in September is hills the first 25 miles. I purchased a pair of cycling sandals. I love them, although they are better for shorter distances. I would not wear them for rides over 10 12 miles. My feet are killing me! Oh well, all part of the experience of learning.
@Tammie-definitley commend you and any other riders out there who are battling dry endless heat and such high temps.
Ride with peace alland stay safe!
Ugh, I really hate waking up to "THIS WEEK 0" and "TODAY 0"
Thinking about going tubeless. Any words of wisdom out there?
@ Sahil, congrats to both of you. Careful, this can get addictive!!
Awesome @Sahil sure wish I was doing this when I lived there. Getting close to 4 months for me now. Seems longer! LOL
@# Sahil, awesome!
@Laurie, Jerry and E.M. - WE DID IT. 55.6 mile round trip from Santa Monica Pier to Leo Cabrillo State Beach along the PCH. Thanks so much for the motivation
Well, you got me checking with a calculator too and I see it will take me an average of 15.3 miles a day to make diamond by the end of the challenge. About the only way I am ever going to get a diamond! Looks like I have a lot of peddling to do! Temps tomorrow are going to be over 100! I am going to try to put two hours in if I can avoid overheating. Guess I will bring lots of extra water to douse myself with. I have an 11.5 mile loop where I can stop by the van and grab cold water with each pass... Handy! Believe me, I need it by then. The tar on the roads is getting sticky now. I hate that.
@ E M, good point. I think I should keep my mouth shut and just keep riding.
@ Laurie, I think the other diamonds come from under the ground. Personally, I think I'll stick to the bicycling variety.
@ All, there is an excellent article ("Senseless" by Bruce Barcott) about bicycle helmets and brain and head injury research in the June issue of "Bicycling" magazine. The article is available for free to everyone (not just subscribers). You can download it at BICYCLING.com/ipad
or read it online at BICYCLING.com/senseless
All this talk of diamonds..... I just calculated that if I ride 17 miles a day every day until the challenge ends, I will make Diamond. Now to figure out how to get other diamonds...... lol.
@Cycling Roberto - The only way I will get Diamond by the end of the month is if someone proposes to me. lol
@Jerry - Start taking at least 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day, if you haven't already started. It will greatly speed up the bone healing process. You'll want to take it with a meal, since you need some oil/fat intake at the same time, since Vitamin D is fat soluble.
I figure if I can get back on my bike by Sep and ride 10 miles a day I can make Diamond. Of course I am hoping to be able to do at least 30 miles a day. Optimistic aren't I.
I'd like to again thank everyone who wished me and my buddy's family well, after his fatal car/semi accident. It turns out that the reason the first semi crashed along 300 ft of guardrail was because that driver had a heart attack and died. And my buddy just happened to be at the end of the ensuing 6 mile freeway backup, when the second semi plowed into him.
@Brad was right that my ride on Friday was going to be different. I thought of him the entire time, and there was 100% humidity around my ocular regions during a good part of it. It was a very difficult ride. Also during the ride, I decided to honor him and just ride 9 miles, since 9 miles was the focus of a long-standing joke between us. One year, he asked me why I wasn't running in the 24 hour run, and I said because I only ran 9 miles in February. So, the next year, he had only run 4 separate 1 mile runs in the first 27 days, and on the last day, after sundown, had one of his Deputies (he was the Police Chief in Milton, WI), drive him 5 miles from his house, and then he ran back. His son, trying to be practical, asked him why he didn't run several other shorter runs during the month, instead of doing most of his monthly total all in one day. Terry just shook his head, because his son just didn't understand.
My goal is Diamond+Bronze+Silver+Gold+(the ever beloved Burlap) by the end. If I do that and a planned October bike trip from Nashville to Nachez, MS, I'll be at least 1/3 more than my previous best, which was last year, thanks in no small part to last year's NBC. (That broke my original record from 1982!)
My goal is Diamond by the end of the Challenge. I need to ride every day and average 13 miles/day to achieve this. If so, it will be the most miles I have ever ridden in a summer. The Challenge is and all of you are great motivators!
@Karen, cool.
@Tammie - I wish I could sent some of our weather your way. I just finished a short ride after a long day at work with misty rain and a "camera light" sunset. Rest up and stay hydrated.
@Roberto - Truce, friend - I was joking about myself. Good luck with diamond.
I am 330 points from Platinum.... hope to get there soon! Just did 10.5 miles and feel like I ran a marathon! 98 outside and only 14% humidity. The heat just drains the energy right out of you. I wish I had time to ride more but I have to get to work. Working 12 hour shifts back to back leaves little time to ride.
Diamond by the end of the month is my goal.
Just got 3001 points and before the 1/2 way mark. Lovely day for riding in Wis. Planning a ride for early this evening. Ride & Smile for Life is Good. ( Especially on a bicycle )
Ridin' in Id. Bike for Kids 25 miler (actually 29 miles) puts me 486 points from platinum today. Ride on!
Thanks Roberto; I wasn’t aware of the blinking light risk, and will use the “steady on” setting in future.
I do have a few wicking items found on sale, including new sleeves and leg warmers. It’s largely a tactile issue; Synthetics tend to feel slimy and unpleasant to me, as well as being expensive, but they definitely make a difference in sweaty circumstances. (though I resisted them for a long time, and it pains me to admit it (-;) Cotton remains my preference in moderate temperatures. UnderArmour has a line of “charged cotton” items that wick well and feel lovely. More to be acquired when when finances permit, along with wish-list of SmartWool gear (-:
@ Tammie, we were in Texas in May and rented some bikes down in the area around Big Bend Natnl Park. We didn't have a bike rack, so our only choice was to ride them from the bike store. That was about 10 miles from the nearest trail. That trail was dirt and cactus. It was hot and some of the bikes only had one water bottle holder. There was no place to fill uo so we had to stretch what we could carry. We survived. But man, I wouldn't do it again without a better way to carry more water and I would wear my headsweats under my helmet. There was no shade other than a billboard. So hats off to you, you are an inspiration to all of us. If I was giving out brownie points, I would give them for hills, wind, heat, and everyone who is hauling a kid!
Good day to all. Slept well after working all night and working late into the morning. Surprised that I am not really sore today. Must be the extra steroids in my system from the shots on thursday... added benefit! The road rash only hurts if I brush up against it so all is good. I have so many bruises already, a few new ones are hardly noticeable! I need to get out and do a quick 12 miles before I go to work... wish the temps would give us a break.. it is already 96.. ugg! I wear cycling jerseys. They definitely are a must in the heat here. I also have two bottles of water with me and sprinkle water across my back and thighs when getting overheated. It makes a world of difference.
@Nyla, there's a saying, "cotton kills." Because it will not wick away moisture and it will get super soggy, I never wear cotton. All my jerseys and bibs are synthetics. I find they dry the best and are engineered to wick away the water. And they keep me warmer when wet. Cotton won't. My advice, pick up a couple nice jerseys. Wool is another option that will keep you warm when wet. I wear wool socks year round. I'm not a big fan of wool jerseys simply because they all seem to come in earth-tone-only colors. I like brighter jerseys so I stand out on the road. Another important thing to consider when riding in the rain. And remember, if you use a taillight, keep it on steady not blinking. Blinking taillights have been found to cause target fixation. Not good on the back of your bicycle in the rain.
Roberto, I tend to agree. I’ve had some surprisingly pleasant rainy rides, particularly refreshing after sticky tropical temperatures, and surely vastly preferable to the unfortunate “Boil-in-bag” effect of waterproof clothing in temperate climates. . In steady rain I’ve typically used my turquoise plastic poncho (festively mended with candy-striped duct tape) With a tailwind it produces an advantageous sail-effect, and reduces the weight-gain-drag of drenched ill-advised-but-still-favored-mostly- cotton clothing.(-; I just want to have another option if faced with all-day rain on multi-day journey. (lest indefinitely sustained sogginess seeps into my spirit, eventually deleteriously dampening enthusiasm as well as readily remedied externals)
@Nyla, my "rain gear" consists of a sandwich bag for my phone and wallet when the rain comes. Every rain jacket I've tried keeps the rain off, but I end up wet with sweat. So I just ride and get wet. One thing, if you bike shoes get soaked, leave them in front of the bottom of your refrigerator. The gentle warm air will slowly dry them out overnight.
Rolled forth into pleasantly cool, breezy, fragrant gray day, confident that overcast skies and soggy forecast promised a perfect opportunity to test-bargain rain gear. (purchased with certainty that imminent MS TRAM from International Falls to Duluth will present some rainy rides) As anticipated. drizzle began during halfway-point cheese and coffee-pause at local dairy. Of course the plan would have been slightly more successful had I actually remembered to pack new rain gear in my bike bag.……sigh.
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9 million miles and counting. Keep Pedaling!
@Steven, I don't know. Just sort of sucks that someone wouldn't notice that their mileage for the day is double when they record it... Just saying why have a Leaderboard if it's BS?
@ Laurie R.- as a kid in Mi. bugs were a problem day or night, not so much here in Reno, Nv. so when I still do have the urge I go w/ it.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Karen, it's bike shop, it's a coffee shop, why grovel?
@Roberto: for what it's worth lots of my co-workers have noticed that if you manually log miles the system (hit the 'log miles' button it defaults to 2 trips so you have to change it if you are logging your round-trip commute just once a day. Might account for the double-logging. Might not....
Quick thanks to everyone who shares on this 'forum'. All the ups and all the downs. It's been very motivating to follow, as well as enlightening. Looking forward to continuing to follow you all.
Hi all, out this beautiful morning with temps. in the 70s and lots and lots of other riders in groups large and small. Enjoyed sitting outside in Kirkwood for brunch. Great day for a ride.
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@ Rob, two thumbs up
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@ Sahil, I agree with Laurie, if you can do 40 you can do 60. Just allow for a break every 12 miles or so. Lots of water and a snack here or there (or brunch or lunch if you prefer, or a meal after the ride is always nice)!
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@ Jerry, not 2? You said the insurance company wanted an extra rider!
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ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!
@ Rob. Congratulations.
@Tammie. How are you feeling today?
Yeaaaa, Finally hot 1000+ points. I need to ride more :-)
@Nyla - You have such a beautiful way with words.
@Tammie - Glad your first crash was not worse. I remember my first crash every time I smile. Lost two teeth going over the handlebars in college. Totally my own fault. Thank God for oral surgeons.
@Roberto - Everytime I go into South Mountain Cycles I feel like doing a "Bill and Ted" grovel. Time to get passed that feeling I guess.
@Sahil. You can do it. Enjoy the ride.
@ Sahil, yes! If you can ride 40, you can ride 60. Have fun!
Me and my wife usually try to do about 70 miles in a week, with a long (40 mile) bike ride, usually on Saturdays. Tomorrow, we have decided to up the ante and are trying to do 60 miles. Think we can do it?
@Marty, Sorry to hear about friend.
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@Tammie, Glad it wasn't worse. It will heal up before you know it. Stay Safe!
Ever gone out riding, and you're almost back home when you suddenly realize that you have a lot of energy left, but it's getting dark, the gnats are out, etc etc etc. So you sadly end the ride, wishing like crazy that there were a few more hours of daylight left. That's how I feel right now.
@Tammie. I hope you fell better. No more crashes.
Marty, so sorry about your friend. I hate to hear anything about another accident.... We have terrible accidents out here on a daily basis. The oil field traffic has made auto travel absolutely terrifying.
I do keep a few first aid supplies in my in the bike repair kit. Just did not have band aids. I do now! I get 1oz H2O2 packets at work... They were handy mixed with water cleaned everything nicely. Some neosporin and I was feeling much better. As the hours pass, I am feeling the bruises more. I am even more thankful for my gloves that saved my hand from becoming hamburger. Never imagined you could bruise the palm of your hand. Those gel gloves are great and I think the glove survived with just a few tears. Would hate to lose them already. Bought them the day I got the bike and they were not cheap.
@ Tammie, OUCH! Sorry you crashed. I wear sunglasses (not very dark, mainly to keep dust out of my eyes) and a "headsweats" hat under my helmet. Helps provide a little shade. Hope the bruise disappears quickly.
@ Marty, my deepest condolences on the loss of your buddy.
We're about to hit 9 million miles. Yay, us!
@Roberto. He is not from the NY area is he. There is one guy there that does that kind of commute. Though he does not do it everyday. He spends the night in NY.
Just realized one of the people on the Leaderboard I've been trying to catch seems to be doing some double logging. Either that or they routinely ride double rides of exactly the same distance. Out and back commute of over 50 miles? Hmmmm?
@Tammie, So sorry to hear about your crash, but hey, welcome to the club. Get some Tegaderm bandages to put in the medicine cabinet. Great for covering road rash. Heal quickly.
Yes, it funny, I did not know this person, but from Marty's short explanation, I felt in some small way I understood. My previous comment danced around the feelings a different way, but Nyla, yes I felt all that too. Marty I'm sure many of us here carried thoughts of the loss of this adventurous soul with them on their travels today. May some measure of peace and solace find his spirit... and yours.
@Tammie. I guess I should have told you not to crack up.
Marty; I am sorry for the sudden, senseless loss of your friend. From what you shared, he registers as a soul who lived with awareness, intensity and commitment. I’m certain many rides today included a piercing sense of life’s dazzling, devastating brevity, fragility and wonder.
@ Chris. Don't crack too much. It hurts.
Roberto... I am sooo upset with you for mentioning the "not if your crash but WHEN" yesterday! Well, I had my destiny with a curb today! completely my fault. I was just trying to stay in the shade a little longer because I had been riding in the hot sun for an hour and wad sooo enjoying a few seconds of shade so I turned around to enjoy it a little longer but could not quite make the turn sharp enough and the contranst from sun to shade was terrible, could not see well and down I went.. flying! Thank heaven for my good gloves or more skin would have been left on that sidewalk! As it is just my knee and elbow are skinned up.. and a HUGE swolen bruise on my elbow!
You guys are cracking me up. Then again, I've had a few beers so....
@EM. I just need one rider. Me. Unbroken. I can hardly wait to ride.
Thanks everyone for all of your kind thoughts for my friend.
@ Jerry you need 2 riders? I didn't think it was a tandem.
Home Owners
Actually, tin foil is before bronze, and burlap is before that.
@Marty, no matter how long we live it's too short IMHO. Very sorry for the loss of your friend.
@Jerry, I hope you can get that resolved. Sounds like a mess. I am still fighting with the insurance company over a dog bite claim from last year. Got bit by a dog while on a bike ride. The owner of the dog is a gal who is a live-in girlfriend, her boyfriend lives in a house that his dad owns (but his dad doesn't live there). So, basically, the insurance is denying coverage because the dog is not technically owned by the owner of the house where it resides. Meanwhile, I am slowly paying off my medical bills from last year and trying to decide if I take this to small claims court... I'm likely to win the case, but the gal does not have any money, no job, no assets.
Jerry is this uninsured motorist policy or your home owner's Insurance policy?
Burlap is before Bronze. Six pages back.
Still fighting with my insurance company over whether they will pay for my bike.
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As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. If you think your bike is insured you need to check with your insurance agent to verify your bike is actually insured. Check to make sure that if you wreck your bike and no one else is involved that your bike is covered by your insurance. Some policies will require a separate rider. If your agent says you're bike is insured in that type of accident, get it in writing not verbally over the phone. That is one of the issues I'm having right now. I was verbally told I was covered. But when I had my accident they said I needed a separate rider on my bike.
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Then I was told that if my bike had been hit by a car after I crashed it would be covered. So I submitted the crash report from the bike shop. Now they're saying that any damage that occurred before the car hit it would not be covered. Since I took the brunt of the impact and all the bike did was slide along the road the bike had very little damage until some car hit it after my crash. Now just to convince the insurance company.
What is Burlap? I think I missed that one.
Marty sorry to hear of the loss of your friend in such a needless manor, but. 25 years of many memories that enriched both of your lives ...what a blessing to have had that.
@Marty - So sorry! Hang in there.
Sorry for your loss, Marty. It is definitely a reminder that we need to live in the moment, don't put off what you can do today, don't forget to share your love with those that you care about (and everyone else, too). I hope that I can live to be 100 (riding a bike), but we just never know.
@Marty. Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your friends family.
@Marty-how tragic. So sorry to hear about this loss for you. May you and all his friends and family heal as best as possible. Sudden death accidents are so unkind to the hearts of those who survive. On the same token-Brad-so beautifully said.
May it remind us all to be in the moment and see around us as we traverse on two wheels or four. Peace
Marty, so sorry to hear of your loss. Unfortunately, this reinforces what has been on the back of my mind for some time: motor vehicles are deadly weapons. Moment of silence
Marty, my sympathies. Another example of laws that aren't enforced causing needless deaths.
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Kevin! Congrats in advance!
Marty, incidents such as this force us to break the routine of our daily lives, stop and ponder about what's really important in life; Frindship... Kindness... Taking the time to notice and revel in the many wonderous details of this magificent world in which we find ourselves. And it also tends to remind one of our own mortality. Your memories of him, as our memories of each other, will live on - until they eventually fade into something old, faded and sepia toned. I have a feeling you will be going for a different sort of ride today.
Sorry to hear about your friend, Marty. I lost a cousin to the same kind of accident. Be good to one another, everyone. Have a good weekend.
125 points to platinum. Should be there by Monday.
@Cynthia, Totally Agree! Getting old is just in the mind! When I started cycling again 7 years ago, my RHR(Resting Heart Rate) was 77 bpm(which is still good), and now it is 52 and still going down and I'm 49 now. I feel as good as I did when I was in High School and I was very active back then also.
Getting old is a good thing. Unfortunately, we don't always know when that will end. If it will be on a bike, in a car, or somewhere else. I just found out that a good buddy of mine was stuck at the back end of a 6 mile freeway traffic jam last night, (the result of a semi driver who evidently fell asleep and tore up 300 ft of guardrail, spilling gas along the road), when another semi driver, evidently also sleepy plowed into my buddy, killing him instantly, and injuring people in several other cars.
I first met him in 1988, when he did his first 24 hour run. He ran that race every year thereafter.
getting old is not for the faint of heard, that expression could never be more true-thank goodness we ride, it would be so much worse.
Marty, do you do stand up? (Have I already asked you that? It's hell getting old!)
@Chris? "wonky" ? lol Fun word. What a hoot. Great for a smile on this very very rainy day. I rolled into work and my coworker said-didn't you watch the news? There is a 90% chance of rain today! He was so excited-I just looked him and said, No worries, I got my rain gear. It's all good. And...no...I did not look at the news. hee hee. Looks like my day turned into and IRIR without even trying.
@Peter, that would mean I'd need to remember my password!! ;-D I tried it; it stayed the same. I'm not worried. It'll update eventually!
@Shawn - Go in the other direction
Now how am I gonna get faster on my road bike with all this wind!
Hi all, great sunny day here. Temps in the 70s and just a little wind. Got out and pumped hard. Quite few other cyclists. Happy to see that they blacktopped some of that mess on Clayton Road, but wish they had done a little better job. Looking forward to a pretty nice weekend!
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@ Cynthia, agreed. We'll just have to keep educating people as much as possible!
ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!
@ Chris, when this happened to me last year, I just relogged in and everything worked.
@Cynthia - a loud and rowdy, non-denominational AMEN! It's far from easy, or we would have done it already. That does not keep it from being a most worthy goal.
Endomondo is definitely having difficulties today, even on my phone. I had a notice for an update, and things have been wonky ever since. I can't access newsfeed, history, etc. I hope it works for the ride home or I'm going to have to write it down (can you imagine that: writing it down???).
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Absolutely gorgeous day here in SE WI, and a good looking weekend ahead. Looking forward to some great cycling!
@ Marty - just think how many folks out there in the great wide world haven't even made Burlap - and how much fun they've missed. Keep rollin', and keep the rubber side down.
A beautiful morning for my commute with thunderstorms to the south (possibly heading in my direction) and flood warnings that were to start at 8am. Set my alarm for 4AM and was on my bike by 5:20 after breakfast and feeding the cats. Changed my 11mi commute to work into a 30mi commute. Took 2 hours with a break. Saw a few other cyclists out on the road, which I don't normally see on my normal commute. Made it to work just as the rain drops started to fall. I was all happy and then my boss came in and yelled at me about his bloody reports. :( I may ride 30 miles home also to see if I can find my happy place again.
@Jerry. Good salmon is one of the reasons I now live near Seattle. Some the best has come from my kitchen or grill. But it's an art that I'm still working to master. Haven't been to Tillicum Village. As a resident here, I have lots of choices. Among the best away-from-home salmon was great grilled king salmon at the Brown's Point Salmon Bake - a biennial fund raiser for the Browns Point Community. The good news about my messed-up taste buds is that there's more steak for you.
Just a thought, but, maybe people could spend more time and attention to what they are doing and where they are going instead of pointing fingers and blame at this group or that group, cyclists, cars, motorcycles, pedestrians. Why can't we all just get along an work together and help each other and respect each other? I know its not realistic but I just needed to put it out there and vent a little frustration. We can only keep working at educated ourselves and others and hope that someday needless accidents and deaths are avoided because people care enough to see around them and not live with blinders on.
To be honest though, some of these bike-haters have a point
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We’re told that it’s up the bicycling community to make the outlaw cyclists straighten up and ride right. And that’s the only way we’ll earn the respect of drivers, and earn our place on the streets.
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Which is absurd, of course.
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Drivers are obligated to share the road, safely, regardless of whether they think it’s safe, or smart. And whether they like it or not.
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How someone else rides is no more your responsibility than those who speed, fail to signal or make illegal U-Turns are my responsibility when I’m behind the wheel, or that of any other driver on the road.
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http://tinyurl.com/m999wbk
@Brad I agree cyclingRoberto has been sent back from the future but I think he's looking for Marty McFly.
@ Marty... lol. Just lol.
@Laurie - You've got me there. I can't think of anything to say that won't incriminate me, or put me in worse do-do.
@ Marty, I'm sure burlap is full of fiber. Helps a person not be so full of something else. hehehe Platinum, on the other hand, might be a wee bit hard on the dental work.
@Laurie - I just made Burlap (a couple of levels below Bronze), and it doesn't taste good at all. I'm sure Platinum tastes much better.
Never mind my earlier post, the points have showed up, after a lot of hours. Platinum is getting close enough to taste :P
I wasn't so sure before, but after hearing about Roberto's self repaired injuries, I am convinced he has been sent back from the future and is looking for John Connor.
I logged today's miles 7 hours ago and my points still haven't updated. Anyone else have this problem?
Roberto - About two weeks ago I rode my Kona Ute to a local bike shop to pick up my road bike that was in the shop getting a new wheel set. One of the shop owners mentioned he was reading an article on how to crash. I commented that I felt lucky because I hadn't crashed for a long time. Several people in the shop commented that I shouldn't have said that. I attached my road bike to my Ute, as I often do, and strapped the old wheel set on the other side of the bike. As I approached my driveway I started to swing my leg over and caught my shoe in the old wheels. I did a lovely summersault in the street. Thankfully I wasn't hurt but couldn't stop laughing at the coincidence.
@Tammie. I know the feeling.i am hoping Karen lets me sleep tonight. She over being sick. Now she is just exhausted. She finally got up today at 4:00pm.
Oh, gee, Roberto! Thanks for that lovely thought.. now I am really looking forward to that first crash! LOL Had my weekly leisure ride.. only 9 miles with a group of 11 friends to a restaurant where we ate and drank! Lots of fun! NO PAIN IN MY BACK!!! No pain down my leg for the first time in weeks.. amazing! Wish I could say that about the shoulder.. the shot is hurting more than the shoulder was! I guess it just needs a little time. I know it will settle down. I would give anything to get to sleep tonight.. but I have to go to work in a little while.. darn. I would be the first opportunity for a good nights sleep in months!
@Jerry, who said I was sleeping?
How one woman got her stolen bike back. (other cities have facebook pages too.)
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/22820824/women-finds-bike-and-bike-thief-using-social-media
@Roberto "I had to use a rope to pull myself out of bed."
I thought you were not wasting time sleeping?
ARGGH! #101 must ride more miles, must...
@Tammie, cool, I hope you try them and let me know how it goes. Patience.
If you ride and you haven't crashed yet, the operative word there is "yet." Crashing comes with the sport. That's why I always wear my helmet and gloves. And yes if you should go down, holding onto the bars will most likely result in the least injury. Feels weird as you lay it over with still holding on the bars like you are are riding into the ground (which I guess you are), but the alternative is a broken collarbone or wrist.
Guess there are benefits to being single. Nobody to worry about me. I crashed a couple years ago, cracked a few ribs for sure, huge hematoma about the size of a softball on my left hip. No doctor or ER, as I had no insurance ( long story) . I had to use a rope to pull myself out of bed. Wrapped an ace bandage around my torso, and was out riding in three days. Hurt like hell, but there wasn't anybody to tell me not to ride. Another crash, split my eyebrow, and a friend glued it shut for me. No stitches, although probably could have used a couple. Lots of blood as I lay on the road with cars honking for me to get out of the way. Didn't miss any days on that one.
@ Jerry, wow, what a horrible nightmare. Please give Karen a big hug from me too.
Oh, Jerry, wow! I can't imagine how Karen must have felt! Please give her a big hug from me and tell her you are BOTH in my prayers. {{{hug}}}
Oh, Roberto... thank you for the clip tips! I was already out of the house by the time you posted them! I did not get back home till much later and had already spent the time trying them out. I have time to try your method to get better! Just got back from the doctor. Only two shots.. pelvis and right shoulder. Not the upper back. Hope they do enough to keep me riding.I can already walk normal now and raise my right arm without pain... that's the marcaine in the shots! Good stuff.
@Burklee. What makes it worse for her is I was not a serious bicyclist until July 2011.
I rode at the most 21 miles a week. That was the exception. And I only rode when the weather was nice. Now I ride between 5,000 - 6,000 miles a year. So Karen has had to deal with a big change in my riding.
@Jerry - Poor Karen!! I know Jay gets nervous when I go out for a ride, because she's afraid I'll have a low blood sugar or get hit by a car or crash or something, and she's never had anything like Karen's accident happen. I can't imagine that phone call for your wife when you crashed. She's a courageous soul for marrying a cyclist. Go give her a hug. Tell her we hope she feels better soon. Glad to hear you're getting better, too.
@Chris. I have felt so bad about the pain Karen has gone through because of my accident. It was pretty rough on her.
When Karen was in high school she was out bicycle riding with her best friend. Two cars were drag racing and hit Karen's friend who died in Karen's arms. She will only ride on our green ways and not on the road. It makes Karen nervous that when I am out riding. So when Pati called her and told her I was in an accident it was a nightmare come true even though no cars were involved. So it has been hard on Karen. Better now that I am home.
@ Burklee, you go girl!
@Jerry, I'm betting she feels the same way about you!
@Karen. I would take Roberto up on his offer. People like Roberto and myself enjoy riding with other riders that trying to improve themselves. It does. Not bother us to ride at a slower pace when riding with you.
@Tammy, guess you didn't try my method? Oh well... and people buy road shoes for the weight difference. On a bicycle the most detrimental weight is rotational weight. So lighter shoes make a HUGE difference. Who walks that much in bike shoes anyway? And I've done RAGBRAI six times where you dismount and walk through every town. Never a problem in road shoes with cleats.
Cooler, less humid in Iowa City today. Looking forward to an evening ride to Hills and back!
@Karen, I'm a charter member of SMC. I lived 8 years in Emmaus. And if you want to go for a ride, it would be your pace. Just thought I'd put it out there. I'd rather ride with someone working their way up the ladder. Congrats on the platinum and 1000 miles.
Today I got in 45 miles and stopped to forage on some yummy wild raspberries. No incidents worth mentioning.
A good drawing on riding safety at the bottom of this article.
http://tinyurl.com/lfb5npc
My wife that did not leave me home alone after all. So she didn't take our iPad with her. But I wish she had. Karen was so sick last night. I was up for 3/4 the night taking care of her. Which in my condition is interesting. She is still asleep at one in the afternoon. And last night was the first night since I've been home that I was able to fall asleep at a decent hour. Too bad that only lasted an hour. I felt so sorry for my wife. It is frustrating to see someone you love suffer so much and can't do anything about it. Except try to comfort her.
@Karen Jean. Glad the posts are useful. Keep up the great riding and be safe.
@ Karen Jean. Congratulations on Platinum.
@Rick. I am sorry your taste buds are so messed up. <grin> As good as grilled salmon is it just cannot compare to a grilled porterhouse.
The best salmon I have ever eaten was at Tillicum Village. If you ever get to Seattle take the cruise to Tillicum Village. You will not regret it.
Jay bought me a Camelbak, some Powerbars and some Shot Bloks last night at Scheels. I should be ready for the Cornhusker State Games ride on the 21st. I may actually get to ride this one. Woohoo!!
@ Jerry, interesting article. Great idea to do myth busting with facts!
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@ Cynthia, great idea. I have been thinking that I should cut & paste posts into some kind of Word Doc. at least.
Is there a chance that this forum could ever be published into a readable book or other type of document? The information, suggestions and ideas exchanged is remarkable. It would be great to have a something to hold and reference. I cut-paste-and print out a lot of comments. Am I the only one?
If you want walkable cleated shoes in "road shoe style," take a look at Shimano RT-82 ("road touring", I think). Two bolt MTB style cleats, but a sleek upper that is shoe cover friendly and a couple of rubber ridges along the cleat area of the shoe that keep the cleats recessed, making walking easy. My MTB shoes are Pearl Izumi X-Alp - comfortable enough to walk hiking trails but heavier and less shoe-cover friendly than the RT-82's. I started with Shimano-style MTB pedals and recessed cleats, because I had to walk my bike in parts of my commute. Switched to eggbeaters on a friend's advice and have really liked them. Still a recessed cleat. YMMV.
@ Karen Jean, congrats on Platinum, reaching personal goals is always worthy of a post!
Great Job Karen!!! Congrats!!
LAST POST OF THE DAY, I PROMISE! - MADE PLATINUM AND WENT PASSED 1000 MILES. YIPEEE!
@ Jerry - at my place, grilled salmon is better than porterhouse steaks - just not as expensive.
@Roberto - Thank you for the invitation to bicycling with you. I think you would be frustrated at my pace - you are way out of my league. I ride tops 20-24 miles for the NBC (everyday - my goal is not to miss a day.) Hills 5-8mph - Straights 8-15mph - downhills on my cheap old bike - I only let is go 15-22mph. I also takes me 45min. to warm up. I am thinking you should hang out at South Mountain Cycle and Café on Main St, Emmaus. They have fixed up my bike multiple times, and answered my ignorant newbie questions with a certain amount of restraint and humor. Especially the time when I came in with a flat tire from having underinflated tires. Its the spot for cyclists on a Saturday morning for coffee. They watch the Tour on TV and hang out.
Great ride in rural southern Illinois today =)
Tired myths brought up in response to sincere requests to level the playing field when innocent people riding bicycles or walking are killed by someone driving a car who has been proven to be negligent. It is one thing to complain about “scofflaws” and quite another to tell someone who has lost a loved one or friend that anyone walking or bicycling deserves what they get because roads are meant for cars and all “cyclists” are self-righteous, spandex wearing law breakers
Thanks for the Adventure Cycling information. Can't wait to explore that more!
Hi all, out this morning with temps in the upper 70s. A little windy in spots but basically nice. Lots of other riders out there and its not even the weekend! Maybe some of them are making up for yesterday?
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
I have 2 hybrids, a 7500 Trek with HD road race tires and 27 speeds and a 7300 with 24 speeds, fenders, bike rack, slide out trunk bag with panniers and a trailer hitch. This is my work horse. I did put on a combo road-trail tires ( K West ) because I mostly road ride. For dirt or crushed gravel I lower the pressure by 10 lbs. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
@Karen Jean, now I'm dying to read that article. I'm going to join the Adventure Cycling Association (at the SENIOR rate!!) tomorrow. Today, there's only $3 in the old checking account...and people ask why I don't just buy another bike! ;-D
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DH isn't going to see his mom this weekend after all. He'll go later in the month, I think. It is hell trying to parent your parents! I hope I die before I get old! Oops! Too late!
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Beautiful morning for a ride! When I got to work, I was tempted to just keep riding. I wonder if anyone would have noticed? They might not have missed me today, but come Monday (sounds like a great line for a song) when they're pay wasn't in their accounts...they'd notice. I did the right thing and went to work. Now if I could just get off here and do the payroll...
@Laurie, you go, girl! You're on a roll lately!
@Tammie, I did the same thing while boiling eggs one afternoon. I heard what sounded like balloons popping in the kitchen and couldn't figure out what it was. What a smell! What a mess! There were eggs on the ceiling, down between the wall and the stove...I was still finding pieces of egg a week later. I learned my lesson that day, I'll tell you!
@ Karen Jean, sounds like you might have kids in high school. Our kids are in college now so the rigors of being a high school parent are a recent memory. LIke you I would love a cross country tour, but have decided bits and pieces will be more practical. I suggest taking a look at the: "Tricross Sport Disc C2 Bike." Its a hybrid that I think is both comfy and cute. The tires are fatter and the average road bike but not as fat as mountain bike tires. So it can handle road & dirt & has mounts for fenders & racks for panniers . I suggest a test ride if you get a chance. Its a bike thats on my dream/wish list.
I wish I could read to you the article in the same Adventure Cycling, June 2013 issue to the person who had their bicycle stolen (was it Chris). "A Letter of Apology to my Stolen Specialized Allez Elite" It made me laugh and want to cry at the same time. It would be good therapy to read it.
I posted that I want to "cycle the country" earlier this week. I should have said, I would like to bicycle parts of the country. A cross-country trip for me right now would not be possible. I don't have the bankroll, the bike, the ability or the time right now, but I can still dream. Right now I am trying to build stamina, gain a working knowledge of bicycle repair, and find a better bike. One that I can afford and "fits" me. Last year I started to subscribe to "Adventure Cyclist" and the June 2013 issue has a bicycle that called out to me. Its a mountain bike, which is not really what I was looking for, but last year I had a blast, and blew a tire, doing an easy trail near Virginia Beach with my son. The bike is on page 36, Novara Madrona 29er, a woman's bike. I am not sure what called out to me, but I'm going Hmmmmm.
@Roberto: I try not to PANIC but there have been occasions when an unexpected stop has caused me to start to fall. Then PANIC when I realize I'm still clipped and start to fall over..... however, the clips tension (or lack of) has allowed me to unclip quickly (at the cost of wrenching my knee a bit). Overall clip (actually clipless) has been great, particularly in the rain when I don't have to worry about slipping off the wet pedal.
I am still going thru the posts after being overworked and exhausted 2 days. Swim team is soooo much to do for parents and timing a meet wears you out, but a lot of the parents do so much more than I do. I only have 40 pages of posts to read.
@Jerry - If there is a silver lining to your injuries, and I doubt it, It would be all the good info I am getting from you through your posts. I liked some of your links you listed on Monday?, at Facebook and my coworkers on Facebook are now teasing me about running over cyclists - I think they feel guilty, and the posts proved them wrong. One can only hope that the information will one day get into their hard, callously teasing souls.
Tammie, I use cycling sandals and they are the best I have ever had. No hot spots and they are very stiff. People use road shoes because they use them on the tour de france. Contact area is more about pedal structure than the shoe. Shimano 520a or 600 offer lots of contact and are great with sandals.
@Tammie - road bike shoes have a larger contact area with the peddle than a mountain shoe and are usually lighter.
I have mountain bike shoes so the cleats are recessed.. no problem walking and NO SlIPPING! They are really comfrotable. Why do people buy the road bike shoes????
@Tammie. I don't know what cleats you have. Unless they are metal, I would buy cleat covers. They protect your cleats while walking. And keep the cleats from sliding on smooth surfaces.
@Laurie. Congratulations. I don't think I will ever catch up to you now.
Oh. My. Goodness. I just now realized I passed 2000 points. Platinum here I come!
@ tammie- good on you w/ peds. clip-in shoes are hard to walk in - clipless almost like street shoes only most are very stiff soled and the clips are recessed into the sole .also I will be in San Antonio and Austin 7/ 28 thru 8/3 so could please order up some 80 degree weather ?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Tammie. Glad you survived. After you get used to them you will wonder how you rode without them.
@Tammie. To bad about the salmon. At least it was not porterhouse steaks.
@ Tammie... bummer about the salmon. But YAY for the ride!
DARN!!! was so busy typing.. I forgot my salmon on the grill... burned to a crisp!
Well, I survived clips... or whatever I am supposed to call them. No falls but I did not have to make many stops. We have a wonderful HUGE parking lot at the performace center between the two cities to use for a practice area. I rode around there for a while. I am having difficult getting the right foot to clip in but otherwise, no problems. I rode the same route I did yesterday, 11.5 miles and got excessivly hot! Almost could not make it. The humidity was the difference. Got back to the van, rested, ate canteloupe.. wow was that good! Drank electrolye water with some protein mix and RESTED in A/C for a while.. a lot longer than I had planned. It cooled down to 93 and the best part was the humidity went down to about 25% so I set out again. This time it was so much easier so I did a little more!!! Total for the day... 23.73. Sure wish I had gone just a tiny bit more to round it off to that 24 but I forgot my garmin so I did not have anything with me to actually see real time exactly how I was doing... bummer! Had to use the endomondo app on my phone and of course ... it quit recording half way through. I had to just add the amount knowing what the distance was from riding it yesterday!
I notice steam coming off of me in these rain storms.
And I am not totally cut off. I can get down to my den and get on my computer. But much more painful than sitting in my La-Z-Boy chair.
Tony Martin won today's Tour de France's time trial. He has been riding for days with a very bad road rash. See link. You have to give him credit to his courage to be riding all week with this.
http://tinyurl.com/lrkavpa
This week I'm volunteering at a music festival about 15 miles from my home. At first I had intended to bike there daily, but then decided that coming home alone, at night, on back country highways, might not be a good idea. So I contacted a relative who lives in the same town as the festival, and she said I could park my car in her driveway and then bike to the festival. Well today was the first day. Too much was going on to leave when I intended, so I decided instead to drive to a park-and-ride lot and bike from there so I wouldn't be late. Turns out it was closer to the festival grounds than I thought, so my total biking for the day was only 3.6 miles.
At the beginning of the challenge, that would have been a pretty good day's ride for me. Now my usual rides are 20 miles and up. Amazing how much good a few months of the NBC can do in a person's life!
@EM. The only good thing about being injured right now is being able to watch the Tour de France.
@ Jerry, I hope you have Netflix or something and can find some cool bicycling movies to watch.
@ Kathy, soo cool. Reading that article made me think that we are on a big teeter-totter. Many places in the world have relied on bicycle power for a long time and have moved more in the direction of motor vehicles (India & China come to mind here) while other places (like the US) have relied more on motor vehicles and are now moving more towards human powered alternatives. Of course, when they choke from smog and pollution and couch-potatoness causes major health problems, we can hope a few more tons of motor vehicles get replaced with some cool people powered alternatives!
My wife is leaving me home alone tomorrow. And taking my iPad with her. My communication with the outside world.
@ Kathy R.- have dreams of just such a world , but not quite ready for the electric chair just yet . I ride an ice trike sprint 26x ( tadpole ) and hope to remain riding it as an hpv for quite a few more years!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE (trike ) BETTER !
D.
Been riding clipless for a very long time. Can honestly say never once fell because I forgot to unclip. Sort of like driving through the garage door because you forgot to hit the brakes. Pretty simple rule: if you are stopping, most of the time (unless you are good at track stands), you need to unclip.
I found that clipless pedals are good. I adjusted them to the easiest to snap out setting available and over time, slowly readjusted to more hold as I got use to the movements needed to operate effectively.
Bicycle Cargo in Portland. Oregon is showing off again.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/business/in-cargo-delivery-the-three-wheelers-that-could.html
@Steven, try not to PANIC.
Ok, I'm about to change my profile picture back. I can't lie any more. That's not me. It's the guy from Laugh In. I'm too fat to ride a tricycle!
@Tammie: I put clipless (actually dual platform pedals on clip, one not) on my bike about 3 months ago. First fall was stopped at the bike shop first day and forgetting to unclip, then being unable to. Wasn't too bad a fall. The one thing I'd suggest is make sure the clips are adjusted to a very loose setting. I found this made clipping in as well as unclipping in a panic most helpful and have never unclipped accidentally. With the original adjustment I was struggling both to get in to and out.
And yes, I still have my accordion and I make killer pasta.
Had my final visit from my home care nurse and from my home care physical therapist. I will start going to the out patient therapy next week. But neither one of them brought me a new bike. How do they expect me to recover without a new bike?
I've also taught people how to brake, shift, and stand on the bicycle. The funny thing is you can train a bear to ride a bicycle, but a bear wouldn't stand a chance in the Tour. There is technique involved in cycling. It doesn't take much to pedal a bicycle. To do it efficiently and correctly takes coaching and practice. Much of it is not intuitive. That's why the pros have coaches. I've been actively cycling honestly since the age of 2. (I'm Italian, what can I say: you ride a bike, play the accordion, and make pasta). I still pick up tips on how to improve my cycling. That's the art part of our sport.
@Kathy. Thanks for the support.
@Cynthia. Thanks for riding for me.
@Tammie. You will love the clips. Be warned though. Most people fall twice when they get clips. The first fall is they forget they are clipped in. The second fall is having to make a quick unexpected stop. I would be interested in Roberto's sure fire method on teaching someone to ride in clips. My wife got her clips last year. She would never go back. When you first get them go out on a short ride and practice getting in and out of your clips. Some people prefer to unclip from both pedals when stopping until they are comfortable with clips. But you only need to unclip the foot are are putting down when you stop. If you ever do fall while clipped in, hold onto the handlebars with both hands. Reaching out to break your fall can cause broken bones. Holding on the bars is safer. Though the natural reflex is to reach out an arm to break the fall.
@Tammie, to familiarize yourself with cleats (the proper term) and clipless pedals (the proper term) you need patience and about 30 minutes time. Find a nice flat space with zero traffic of any kind, pedestrians included. Straddle your bicycle and clip in your left foot with the pedal all the way at the bottom. Do not sit on the saddle. Hold the handlebars at the hoods, and scoot your bicycle with your right foot. DO NOT PEDAL. Keep your right foot free. Come to a stop using only the front brake. Repeat three times, then reverse doing the same exercise with the left foot free and right foot clipped. STILL DO NOT SIT ON THE SADDLE. SCOOT and stop. Next step is to clip in the left foot, pedal at half rotation towards the front (3 o'clock). Push off with your right foot, place that foot on the pedal BUT DO NOT CLIP IN, pedal ONE rotation, and stop leaning to your right. Repeat three times, then switch feet. Finally once you feel confident that you can move your bike with one foot clipped in, it's time to clip both in. Clip in on foot, push off with the other, then lift yourself onto your saddle. Do not start seated ever! Go one or two pedal strokes, unclip one foot, unseat leaning on your bars, and stop leaning in that direction. Repeat. Do not stop seated. Never unclip both feet before stopping. Always lean towards the foot that is unclipped. And try your best not to look at your feet while doing all of this. Get a feel for it so you can look where you're going. Don't panic. You can pedal your bike with cleats and not clipped in, so if you find yourself fumbling to clip in, relax, stop if you have to, and get restarted. The biggest mistake newbies make is failing to unclip when stopping. Just remember, only one foot unclips so you can prop yourself up with the other. And if you are stopping for more than a few seconds, unclip the other foot to straddle your bicycle. Good luck!
I am in, riding 3.5 miles for Jerry on my way home tonight.
@Roberto-ewww on that steam coming off the road after a rain.
@Tammie-wish you well in your new cycling journey with clips and for your ride this weekend! Hope it is a great experience for you.
I'll take all the help I can get. I figured the clips may help me with the long ride next weekend! i should be able to rotate my right leg after the injection tomorrow so it is time! I am going to go for at least 24 miles today... with a break at 12!
I can't imagine how miserable that humidity must have been. We are lucky to not have ANY humidity most of the time. Current temp is 91 and we actually have very high humidity today.. 33%.. ouch.. it is usually more like 3%
51 miles today. First 10 were hot and muggy, then it poured hard rain for the next ten, then the sun came out and it was awful. The best part was riding in the rain. After the rain, you could see the steam rising from the road.
I am getting BRAVE.. headed to the bike shop in a few minutes.. about to learn how to use these darn CLIPS! Wish me luck!
Since the end of June, when we had the end-of-the-month mile logger bump), we have been on pace to hit just under 19,000,000 miles by the end of September. So, we will be at just under 9,500,000 at noon on the 16th, which is the actual middle of the Challenge. (153 days total)
@Tammie, I have a sure fire way guaranteed to get you riding clipped in no problem. Let me know if you need help.
Ok everyone has to put in an extra mile for Jerry. He'd carry us if we couldnt ride.
Nice thought, Andrea...but many of the people signed up have yet to ride even a single mile...getting them to do 40 would be a stretch (I would be happy if everyone who signed up just did ONE mile). But it is a nice thought! Here's hoping we can get to 10 million soon!
Ok, Jerry you need to get someone that has a pull behind bicycle cart that you can be towed in which will get you out there on 2 wheels and would that count for miles? hee hee
@Tammie. Glad you are getting out to ride. My wife moved my bike so I cannot get to it. Not that it is ridable. Or that I could ride even if I could get to it.
In NC, that law states that you only need to be 2 feet to the left of another moving vehicle moving in the same direction! How comfy is that? Yikes!
I wish I could ride. Even a mile would feel great right now.
It looks like we have a lot of riding to do in the next five days! If each person that is signed up for this challenge ride about 41 miles between now and July 15, we will hit the 10 million mile mark.
Oops, forgot to mention... I have been riding for years, but participating in the NBC has certainly opened up my eyes and ears, I would have never bothered to have looked up the biking laws prior to participating in the challenge, so this has all been very educational for me, and hopefully for others, too. :-)
Wisconsin requires that any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb of the unobstructed traveled roadway, except:
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»When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
»When preparing for a left turn or U-turn at an intersection or a left turn into a private road or driveway.
»When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to ride along the right-hand edge or curb.
»When operating upon a one-way highway having 2 or more lanes available for traffic may ride as near the left-hand edge or curb of the roadway as practicable.
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So, for some of you who feel that the biker should take the lane, that is fine as long as you aren't in Wisconsin and as long as you are not obstructing the normal flow of traffic. My example (posted way-way back of the riders going 2x2 down the road, totally obstructing the flow of traffic on that road) is technically a road violation in Wisconsin since the bikers were not traveling at 55 mph (posted speed limit) and did not yield when traffic was approaching from behind.
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Now, I guess I had better get back to work, or else I won't get my work done and get out there for a ride on this beautiful day!!!
@Jenny - yep. All can learn from education, not just motorists. In Amsterdam, Cyclists take cycling classes just like drivers take driving lessons. They start in grade school. Helps to keep everyone on the same page.
@Cynthia - all states do not do the same. When going to a foreign state make sure u know their rules because there is no set standard.
HI all, out this morning because I had the choice of IRIR or waiting until this afternoon and getting roasted. So it was the trail for me. I also explored a park that is next to the trail just to add a couple of miles. There were at least a half dozen people out there, half of them on bicycles!
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@ Chris, way to roll. You'll be hitting platinum in no time!
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@ Michael, how nice to have a four foot law. In these parts the standard is three feet. And on one of the recent organized rides I was on, there was a guy wearing a bright yellow jersey with the words "3 feet please" and the arrow. He said something to the effect of: If they can't see a fat guy on a bicycle wearing this, they shouldn't be driving.
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Most of my weekday rides are solo. Occasionally I have a friend who can ride with me. Weekend rides are family and friends or organized rides of the sort you pay for. I always wear some bright colors, no gray, black, or dark blue or purple.
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@ Cynthia, Missouri has share the road plates, but we just got them after several years of haggling between the bike people and the state people. I'll repost mine here.
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@ Kathy, maybe that white line should just appear in the middle of the night. There are a couple of potholes in spots where you wouldn't see them until its too late because they are both in the shade. I keep thinking they should mysteriously get painted so they give up their status as potentisl road hazards.
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ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!
Since I brought up the comment about lane positioning (and being the driver in the car as opposed to being the one on the bike), I should also share an interesting situation that happened a month ago. My daughter just got her temps and is learning to drive. We were driving down a country road, and a biker was approaching us from the opposite direction, and had taken the lane. A car was approaching the biker from behind. Instead of HIM taking the yield, he swerved out into OUR lane to pass the biker, which gave my daughter no other choice but to swerve onto the gravel. Was scary for her, and the other driver was in the wrong. But, this is another example of the biker being out in the lane rather than within 3 feet of the fog line. The other driver didn't have to make the pass, but had the biker been positioned differently, the swerve into my daughter's lane would potentially not have been quite as dramatic, and she probably would have just slowed down rather than swerving onto the gravel shoulder.
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I know that the other driver was in the wrong, so please don't take this the wrong way and think that I am blaming the biker--I am not! Just wanted to share. We are all proponents of biking here... but cars are not all evil. We all just need to learn better how to share the road.
My 2 cents for today.
First, regarding accidents, I suffered a 3rd degree shouder and cracked helmet in Oct 2011, riding legally on a sidewalk on my usual commute home. Private construction crew just poured a patch of cement where the sidewalk crossed a strip mall driveway. No barriers up, still wet, they were pouring another patch 50 feet away. Crew did not help me, but did put up the barriers, cones, tape...also smoothed off the cement and washed the cement off my broken bike. First responders took me to ER before police arrived, so they took my report at the ER. So, I had no on site police report, no photos, no video, no witnesses. Long story short...I got a lawyer, and got an out of court settlement 18 months later. Persistence won out despite no hard evidence.
2nd, great 40 mile today...got bird bombed by what I assume was a protective momma bird. She actually bit my helmet!
@Carl. I understand what u mean concerning no shoulder in Camden County. Some roads are even wide enough for a painted shoulder but I think they ran out of white paint and without the white line motorists think they can be anywhere on the street. Perhaps we should start a "donate white paint to Camden" campaign.
25-35 mph constant winds today. Going to just spin at high cadence and hit the drops for the 6 miles into the head winds across the valley. Going to be extra fun coming back across the island today with tailwinds pushing me!
@Kathy-thanks for that link. Educational. Our statute actually makes a reference to the League of American Bicyclists: "North Carolina does not have any vulnerable road user laws at this time. There are currently no national standards for laws protecting vulnerable road users, but the League of American Bicyclists has drafted a Model Vulnerable Road User statute, which you can find here." and we have Share the Road License Plates, $20 from the sale of each plate goes to the Bike education and safety programs. I would imagine that all states do the same.
Ok, Ideal looking fenders for a 20" tire bike, that don't make the bike feel lame are getting purchased... ......................................................................................... In NJ, it isn't that bad actually, until riding on roads that are 4 lanes and no-shoulder. Camden County probably has the worst roads in the State, as for condition; pot holes, rough asphalt, horrible concrete road seems. Just make sure people know what you are doing.. aka .. look behind you, see who is there.. no not with a mirror, drivers cannot tell what your are doing if you don't physically look at them. That is why I won't use mirrors on my bike. ........................................................... I'm really only feeling the most safe on roads, like state highways, with large 10ft shoulders, something that all roads should have. 35 on local streets, still seems too fast for me with no shoulder (probably because drivers can't control their speed to go the right speed). 25 really should be the rural standard, yeah I said that, speed demons. ....................................................................................... Just some thoughts, waiting for todays storm to pass.
@Chris - You should take that in to your LBS and see what they can do about sizing that up for you.
Alright, @Chris!!!!!!! Was there beer/bourbon involved?????
It was raining...
@Tammie - http://www.bikeleague.org/content/state-bike-laws-0
Oh, addressing the people who ride on weekday mornings.. I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! So, I too am off on weedays. Not every job is a M-F schedule. I really hate that I never have a weekend off and don't get any vacation or sick time. If I want to take any time off.. it is just unpaid time off.. the Bike MS is costing me dearly! .. 25% of my pay for the month. I choose when I am willing to 'take time off or in other words, take a pay cut' for the sake of my sanity and have a social life. Everything happens on the weekends!
@Michael - you're just on the receiving end of today it aren't you? It was funny though.
@Chris - do you have a flickr account or other place on the web you can upload the picture to? then you can post the link here. I use Google drive cause I have a gmail account.
Can you repost the link to the state laws? I can't find it. I know it is somewhere.. about 20 pages back! I can't believe the Bike MS is almost here.. I am terrified! Just reminding myself to take it 12 miles at a time.. rest stop to rest stop. Going to get out today and see what I can do. Still can't wait for that Dr appt tomorrow. Not hurting too much from yesterdays ride. Sorry Jerry.. I know it is killing you.. hearing I am getting back out there! The Chiropractor really did a good job on me with the last visit.. you should see the purple bruises! We spent dinner last night lookng at maps of the region looking for anyplace better to ride.. nothing in our area... that is why I drive 110 miles to a friends to ride with him. Amazing how many options in his area! Sooooo frustrating!
Hey @Chris, make it your new photo that shows up here like I did with the 4-foot design. You don't have to keep it permanently, but at least we all get to see it for a little while.
We can't post photos here! I've already got one of me on the trike!
I sincerely hope Marty's state improves. (Sorry - somebody has to be me ;-))
Boy, this board is overflowing with jocularity today! @Marty, unfortunately too many Pennsylvanians look like they live on 4-foot Subway sandwiches!
@Michael - Are the Subway sandwiches more expensive in Pennsylvania because of the 4 foot law?
@ Kathy -- sorry. I sincerely hope your state improves.
Our local bicycle/pedestrian advocacy group had these printed on the backs of florescent yellow tee-shirts after Pennsylvania approved their 4-foot law last year.
(Suddenly I like New Jersey). Fast riders are competitive and can be rude. I don't mind fast, but fast riders that are rude give fast riders a bad name. One encounter with a group of fast rude riders can leave cyclists and non-cyclists such a negative impressions. All kinds of folks ride bicycles all kinds of ways for all kinds of reasons, and unfortunately some leave negitive impressions on other riders and motorists.
Oh please @Laurie! We have no bike laws, I think a shirt that says "Please don't flatten me." would be more appropriate. If I put our bike laws on a shirt people would realize they don't have to give me space when they pass. :-S
I was just wondering if we could get screen-printed short versions of our state's bike laws on the back of tee-shirts to educate the motorists around us... hehehe
@Chris. Make sure you post photos of you riding the tricycle.
My wife says I'm permanently lost, consistently confused, and always forgetful... But she's still kept me for over 20 happy years (must to my mother's dismay).
@EM - thanks for posting the laws by state. It showed me what Jersey doesn't do compaired to other states... We do not have a 3 foot passing law (which I knew) and Bicycles are not vehicles (which I didn't know). That means I can drink and ride because the drinking law only applies to vehicles (However, I do not do this because I would suffer a severe core dump, especially in 90+ degree temps). I can text and ride, talk on the phone and ride, play angry birds and ride.... I can run stop signs, I can go above the speed limit (as long as it's flat and only 15 MPH cause I can't go any faster) but NJ does has one rule, stay to the right and stay out of the way! Gotta love it here. Think I'll play Angry Birds on the way home. :p
Awesome Chris! No doubt you will do it.
GO CHRIS GO!
@Michael - You get lost on your daily commute and have to pull over on the sidewalk to check the map? :p
Hey, @Kathy: You just described my daily commute! Only we don't have bike lanes, just glass and litter-encrusted gutters to use to avoid the UPS guy that blocks regular traffic.
981 points to Platinum! I'll get there if I have to do it on my grandson's tricycle!
This is the RI law. I'm going to see if our local bicycling coalition can push for a similar Public Service Announcement as the one in Colorado.
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE31/31-15/31-15-18.HTM
Yesterday I went by train (with bike) to the big city in another state! (Philadelphia). There you ride like you are in a car. Take the whole lane and be prepared to stop and start and wait and go. When you go, you push it as fast as you can until you stop a 1/2 block later. It was insane but I actually felt safer on the bike than I would have navigating those skinny streets in my car. When I got lost I could pull over on the sidewalk and look at my map (can't do that in a car!). And some of the streets I was on (which wasn't many) had bike lanes so that UPS drivers could have a place to park while delivering packages. :)
Though I live in the same general area of PA as @Roberto, my commute is downtown urban instead of rural. His rules still apply and work well for me on city streets. Most people say their most important safety tool is their helmet; for me, it's my handlebar-mount mirror (yes, I wear a helmet). I constantly know what's behind me so I can signal them appropriately, whether it's 'wait', 'turning', or 'pass me'. My biggest recommendation, however, is to dress appropriately. I never wear any kind of jersey/top/jacket that's not hi-vis white, yellow, orange or lime green. Colorful bike jerseys are fun to look at and comfortable to ride in, but many times they still blend in to the landscape. Make yourself look like a road sign, then there's no excuse for any driver not to see you and the signals you're making.
Roberto has good advice on how to ride on those narrow hilly roads. No matter what road you ride on, you want to be seen and not squeezed off the road by passing vehicles.
I used to have the problem of having to work. Until they made me retire from being too old. Now my wife and I have our own photography business and can set our own hours.
Impeding traffic is an interesting concept. I live in a hilly region and in eastern PA we barely have a straight road that is more than a mile long. The roads twist and turn. I never put myself in a position over a blind hill or curve where a motorist coming from behind might not have time to safely slow down. However going uphill or coming to a blind corner is another matter. Then, I take the lane, and if there happens to be a car behind I signal to the motorist that I will be staying put until it is safe for them to pass. Once around or over, I pull over if there is no oncoming traffic, and stop pedaling and wave the car by. Works 99% of the time, and I don't have to worry about getting squeezed off the road when the passing motorist encounters a vehicle coming in the opposite direction.
You mean people waste time working when they could be out riding?
I think of the wind as a hill you can't see.
Oh and YEAH TAMMIE! I hate wind and the fact you made it to 2000pts with all that wind is amazing. Keep it up.
Now it's time for me to get back to work, my vacation is over. :'-(
If the roads you select to ride on are too narrow, too hilly, or too busy to ride safely in your lane as cars approach you from ahead or behind, pick another road. Sliding off to the side with fingers crossed that it all works out is a recipe for disaster. Allowing cars to edge by you on the road because the road is too curvy or hilly to see what's coming ahead means you are riding on the wrong road. Pick another route even if it means going out of your way.
@Chris - Sounds like a dating site. I'm a hide in my shell introvert... Was only doing Evesham because a co-worker suggested it. Perhaps I'll take a day off from work for a Sunday ride (Can't imagine who rides on Friday morning, don't people have to work? If I didn't hold 2 jobs I couldn't afford my cycling habit.)
@Kathy-I live in a predominately retirement area. The local bike group is comprised of mostly retirees, vactioners and business people. But there is also a lot of local just regular folks like myself. The group rides Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings and I work(two jobs too)! So it was frustrating to try to join them and yes a little intimidating. But, because there are so many who cannot ride those days as we are all not retired or are able to make our own schedule, they started an early Sunday morning ride and it has been wonderful. If I can go out on a Saturday on occasion that is going to be great, but, for now, I can enjoy a group ride once a week and the rest of the week be on my own which I really like too. Like C.R. said, I like the quiet and the sound of my wheels on the road. Its a great time to reflect and just be.
@Kathy. Have you checked out meetup.com? I'm part of 5 area mountain bike groups. I know there are tons of road groups too. Would give you more group ride options than just one club or bike shop. Plus there is always the option to set up your own rides through discussion boards.
I looked up the group ride times and they don't ride when I can ride. At my skill level the ride at 8am on Friday, I'm working. And Sunday morning right after my midnight shift (usually I'm barely able to ride the 13 miles home) No rides Saturday morning when I am available.
Yea, finally broke 2000 points.. only 500 to go to get that platinum. I know I can do that by the end of the month. Did 11 miles today. I probably could have done more but was riding with someone who has not ridden much lately and she was getting a little tired. We called it quits and went to dinner. Had a lot of fun. The wind was quite a factor today.. really blowing but we were lucky and most of the way it was a crosswind except the last 1/2 miles when it decided to let us know how bad it could have been! LOL It was like trying to pedal through peanutbutter!
99% of my rides are solo after years and years of group rides. Now, I enjoy the solitude that comes with the open road by myself. I guess I just got burned out on the politics that can be involved in a club. And finding friends that want to ride my distance and pace isn't always easy. Still I enjoy company from time to time, but I must say there is something soothing about just listening to my tires on the road and nothing but the wind whistling by me.
@EM, thanks for the link. That made my search very easy!
I do a lot of group rides, which vary greatly in speed and skill level. On weekends, I may hop into a group which is averaging 18+ mph on a hilly ride. On a midweek ride, I may join a social group that is doing 12 mph and is together mainly to chat and have dinner together afterward. For me, it's all about enjoying the ride... just because I can hammer doesn't mean that I have to, every ride.
Different strokes for different folks. There's room on the road for everyone. Everyone just needs to find the group that meets their needs.
@Carl: I used to ride alone most of the time, but I've done best when I found a group of like minded riders to ride with. On days where I don't feel motivated to plan a ride, usually somebody has already planned a ride, and that always gets me out on the road.
As a slow and inexperienced rider, it's easy to feel intimidated by the faster and more "hardcore" riders out there. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is for fun, not competition, and that I'm doing just fine plodding along. I really appreciate when I find group rides that are geared toward us turtles.
@ Rino, okay for some people going fast is the fun.
I'm only 49 miles away from reaching 2,000 miles in the NBC and rode 2,621 miles so far this year. We have over 32,000 riders. Keep recruiting, so we reach the 20 million goal.
I just ride alone. It means I can go as fast or slow as I want, stop where I want, pretty much do what I want. It can be good to have someone there to talk to but maybe I don't care so much since I am anti-social.. Touring =/= racing either...
I wasn't noticing today's heat. It was hot, but I had some noisy creaking in the cranks that took up my mind and just didn't care about the hair dryer in my face or the humidity. Toasted bottom bracket bearings. More $$$$.
@ Randy, wow, lucky you can tolerate that heat. I can't handle too much heat for too long, or in any case I would have to go really slow and have a lot of stops and extra liquid.
@ Kawika, what a day!
It goes without saying: UPS loves cardboard. But this new invention really made our hearts pound. Israeli engineer Izhar Gafni has taken cardboard and turned it into a bicycle:
http://bit.ly/popsci-cardboard-bike
http://bit.ly/cnn-cardboard-bike
I feel like I have to defend some of my fellow roadies here, although I'm sure a few are jerks, like any major group of people. There's a time and place for everything. I would never say anything that was not encouraging to any rider I see on the road, at any speed. However, there are fast rides and there are more casual rides. The people at the faster rides are at a higher fitness or have better gear or whatever, and they want to challenge themselves, train in a pace line, and/or get a better workout. If someone shows up that is not going to keep up they'll get dropped, it's just not the ride group for that person. It's like showing up to a poker party and wanting to play go fish. Some of those fast riders might be happy to ride with that person on a more casual ride, but that's not the reason they showed up to the fast ride.
We had an interesting day today while cycling. Police cars, ambulance, downed cyclist, multiple flat tires, high winds, mini-twister, riding in middle of road. To see just click on my name above to see my comments(start with first 1)! Too big to put up here
@ ALL: The League of American Bicyclists has a list of the bicycling laws for each state: http://www.bikeleague.org/content/state-bike-laws-0
Just click on the state you want to know about.
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NEVER feel guilty about riding. NEVER let snobby riders make you feel bad. Speed is not the goal, FUN IS THE GOAL. Ride and talk and soak up the world around you in a way that you can only do on a bicycle. Thats what its all about!
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@ Jenny, I agree, where I ride on the road depends on the situation. That includes the weather, the amount of traffic, the actual condition of the road (some shoulders are great and others are abysmal) and whether I'm riding solo or with a lot of other people.
@ Cynthia way to support the new local bike shop. How cool!
At the ribbon cutting for the new local bike shop today I was talking with someone who rides often and much and is a faster rider. He was talking about his job in his bike group and that he is the designated person to ride with the back of the pack and slower riders and he loves it. I don't feel guilty about being behind, you get to meet interesting people, they are giving in that they care enough about you to ride back with you to make sure your alright. I find myself watching and learning about how they pedal etc. Of course if anyone ever made a negative comment I would feel awful, but, I would not let that person deter me from doing something I love and being a part of a group that overall supports and accepts all types of riders. Ride on with peace! And yes, even though we ride slower we are better than couch riders. lol.
LoL couch riders!
Jenny, Laurie, or anyone else who worries about not being fast. Forget it. At 12 mph or less you are going infinitely faster than anyone who is on a couch. So your speed is infinity to the vast majority of couch riders.
@Jerry - a co-worker of mine saw that I wouldn't group ride cause I'm too slow. He has invited me to ride with his group which has 4 classes that range from 10mph to death speeds. He recommends group C. He made a fair case and is sending me info. I will consider it. As with most things, I shouldn't knock it till I try it.
@Tammie - I completely understand that u don't want to ride with people that complain. It's sad that kinda thing happens because it turns us newbies away. I know I would not go back because I woukd not want to associate with people like that. Hopefully u can find a new group?
@Kathy, thanks for the info and will look it up for further clarification. In my opinion, the cyclists that I was posting about were too far out in the road and riding 2x2, I felt that the left side rider should have moved over into single file. Havent had time to look this up but will do so later if the kids allow me some free time!
110 miles today in 100 degrees. Bring on the heat!
@Roberto, as far as where I ride on the road, I think it just has to be what is comfortable. The roads around here are quite hilly and twisty, and I would not consider it safe to be riding out there where you want me to be riding. Going around curves and over hills at 12-13 mph is no match for a car going 45-55 mph, especially if I end up on the downside of the hill where he can't see me until he passes the crest. However, if the road is straight and everything is visible, then it might be a better situation for riding further out in the road. Guess its just a judgement call. :-)
@Jenny - Riding 2 abreast is NOT always kosher. In NJ (my State) "Under New Jersey law, a bicyclist may move left to travel two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise ride in single file (N.J.S.A. 39:4)."
The Wisconsin law regarding riding two abreast states that it is legal to ride two abreast as long as the rider is not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. However, it's not a law there so much as on a case by case basis. Here's some info. http://www.griessmeyerlaw.com/legal-ride-two-abreast-bike-wisconsin
Remember, we are all from different places here. Follow the rules of your state.
When I was leading club rides, cyclists who passed me off the front were told they were on their own ride. A good ride leader leaves nobody behind EVER. And if you need to sprint off ahead of me, expect the group to turn without you at the next possible junction.
@Jenny, I still emphasize that by moving over "out of courtesy and respect" puts you at risk. Please don't do this. Ride at least two or three feet from the fog line (white line) and maintain your position. Moving over gives the false idea that a car can "safely pass" when oncoming traffic is around the bend. Most motorists BTW have no clue where the right side of their car is on the road. So please HOLD THE LINE.
@Tammie, try not to feel guilty about your speed. I know how you feel, though. I have ridden in 2 events where I was the "hybrid" bike amongst road bikers, and fell behind to the back of the pack very quickly. I finished both events dead last, with the sag wagon following behind me (which seemed very annoying to me at the time, but they are just concerned for my safety). I ride at an average 12-13 mph, which is quite slow compared to other riders. But, fortunately, I have not run into rudeness among the riders or the support. Hey, if we weren't so far away, I would ride with you!!
@Tammie, find another group. Arrogance among cyclists sucks. I've led D rides at 10 MPH pace, beginner rides at less than that. Seriously, NEVER feel guilty for holding up a group. It's recreation, not the Tour.
@Tammie. I would go back to the group rides. Ignore those who complain. Listen to those who say they don't mind. I am always willing to ride with our slower riders. It does not bother me at all. I want people to get out and ride with us. When out riding I occasionally find someone slower than me. I am usually willing to ride with them. Especially newer riders. I want to encourage people to ride. I am always inviting new riders to our group rides. There are people out where you are that are willing to ride with you. Take advantage of it.
@ everyone who commented on my "passing" post about 6-7 pages back (wow how this board fills up in a day!!); I just wanted to clarify that I would NEVER consider making an unsafe pass on the road, regardless of the type of vehicle that I was traveling in or passing. I guess I had no idea that riding 2x2 was kosher, will check that out in my state (WI). If I ride with someone, I generally ride 2x2 on quiet roads, but the one on the left always slides over when a car is approaching so that we are single file. I thought that was "rules of the road" and I always do it out of courtesy and respect for the cars, so that they have enough room to get around me safely. Riding on a highway, I NEVER ride 2x2!!! BTW, I am the driver in the car that is waving and giving "thumbs up" to each bike rider that I encounter. The situation that I posted about just urked me because there was no attempt on the part of the cyclists to make it any easier for me to pass, but I totally agree that the lane on the opposite side would have to be totally clear. I was concerned that even with a clear path, I felt uncomfortable with the biker on the left being so far over in the lane. I guess sometimes it is hard to explain these situations, you just have to actually visualize it for yourself.
@ Jerry, just remember that sleeping is a big part of healing. I'm not so sure about those bikes bumping and harassing you at the store.....that sounds like the stuff of nightmares!
It is amazing what a day makes. Yesterday I walked around the block. Had my son drive me to Boulder to buy a new helmet at one bike store. And then to another bike store to have my bike evaluated after my crash.
Today all I have done is relax, read, take a nap, and watch the Tour de France.
Maybe it is because I am tired after yesterday. Or more likely it was because of the bad news that I had killed my bike.
And the other bicycles in the bike store were not happy with me for killing my bike. Had bicycles rolling up to me, bumping me, trying to push me over. Expressing their anger with me. They finally backed off when I promised to give my bike a proper memorial. And promised to buy a new bike and take it out on the road so it could be free to enjoy the mountains in Colorado.
@Jerry, those bikes were like puppies at the store.. all seeking to go home with you.. wanting to be your new companion! Gee.. one day away from the computer and it takes forever to catch up.. 18 pages of comments! @Chris, so sorry to hear about your stolen bike. I know it has been a traumatic experience. I am in the turtle catagorie too. My average speed is still under 14mph. I know I have improved since I started 4 months ago. I was about 8 or 9. It just takes time. I am having extreme difficult finding others to ride with and also feel guilty when riding with the group because I know I am slowing them down. Yes, they too say they don't mind.. but I have heard some complain. I quit attending the sunday rides because of my back but I won't go back even after I am better. I did enjoy the companionship but not at the expense of the resentment.
Who says I sleep?
@ Jerry, I've heard of that sleep cycle stuff before.
@ Dameon, way to roll! HA HA
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the people I've encountered here are some of the most encouraging and inspiring, and I truly appreciate hearing all your stories!
@Roberto. I'm guessing you are probably wasting time sleeping at night. Just think how many more miles you could get if you gave up the luxury of sleeping.
@CR-hey that is an awesome goal and what a positive way to influence and inspire others. The story of how you helped this older gentleman is really cool.
legs like cheese-cloth today- push,pull and powered thru all the way on same route as yesterday only in reverse and never shifting from largest chainring ( a 56t ).but the best part was my first big climb and I am slow but in the bike lane and a black sports car downshifts to pass ,kicks it ,speeds to the top misses the next gear and all I hear is noise. on the other side I did not wave ,or say have a nice day just passed him on the left doing 42
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D..
TOP 100 finally, but I know it won't stick. Must do more miles, must do more miles, must do...
40 hot nonstop miles today. Every day when I ride I attempt to do some sort of good deed while out. Today was encouraging an 80's something guy in my neighborhood to walk the two blocks to his mailbox instead of driving! I scootered my bike alongside him to keep him moving. When he was done he said he surprised himself how easy it was and how good it felt. When he thanked me, I told him to keep his head up and keep walking.
Just got back from attending a ribbon cutting for our new bike shop! How fun! I rode from work to the event and back to work. What a great feeling. I am so happy for our new local bike shop. It's a business that was so greatly needed in this area.
@Chris-that is so awful about your bike! Especially after the scenario you just described! What is wrong with people?
Hope you get that bike! Marty had a great idea about suggesting that it be for his sister.
@ Chris, wow that is so crazy. Especailly when you consider how much time it must have taken to remove all the stuff from the bike. A "cruizer" could be fun. I rode one for years before I got my first ten-speed sometime in high school. I hope you recover something, at best the bike, at worst some insurance money. In the meantime have fun cruzin'. BTW, congrats on the 30 years, we recenty crossed that goal line ourselves!
Chris@ -
Congratulations on the 30 years! Also, DH could mention its intended user to his sister, (and if he says it is only for the remainder of the year, that may make it easier to get a yes), but maybe say to his mom that it is for him (he will have to say that he likes purple)?
Hi all, got going right after 8 am today becuase the temps were in the 80s. They are headed towards the 90s with a heat index of over 100 degrees. A handful of other riders out there. When riding, I always alternate a bottle of liquid with electrolytes followed by a bottle of water.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Hello, all. Your comments here and on my profile have been so heartening. Nyla hit it right on the head: I lost my bike, but even more so, my faith in people has been shaken. I'm trying to find a way to bless the person who took it. That will take some time, I'm afraid. For now, I'll be riding in the National Bike Challenge on what is now being called a "beach cruiser". We called them "our bikes" when I was a kid. Single speed, coaster brakes, but it has wheels and pedals and I can make it go. That's all we really need, right?
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The thief was very brazen: broad daylight on a fairly well traveled street, and from in front of a Catholic church, no less. The person took the time to remove the Nantucket basket from the front, and remove the lights from inside it (leaving behind the Chico bags which cost far more than the lights did!). There were people working out in the back parking lot of the church as well as dozens of kids playing in the park less than 50 yards away. He must have been quiet, too. My co-worker's desk is less 20 feet away from where the bike was chained to the fence. My boss asked this morning: do they make a lock with an audible alarm on it? If not, they should!!
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My DH is going to visit his mom in KY this weekend. She has the exact same bike as I did (different color, though) that she won a few years ago. She's never ridden it (she's almost 84, has alzheimers, cancer, breaks bones very easily, please pray for her) and it's gathering dust in her daughter's garage. He's going to ask for it for me, but if she's lucid when he asks, she'll say "NO!". MIL is not very fond of me. (She was sure the marriage wouldn't last; it has - for 30 years so far ;-}).
@ Roberto, thanks for keeping us on our toes with the reality check. While we can't stop idiots, we can take the steps you mentioned. Photos seem especially important. So many people making comments asked for the vehicle license plate number so they could watch out for the same car. I sure hope they find tht driver!
@ Jenny and Laurie, waiting the situation out until its safe to pass is absolutely the right thing to do. Whether or not your state has the 3 ft. passing law, we all know that we want the three feet when we ride. This new Colorado video explains it pretty well.
http://mobikefed.org/2013/07/colorado-highway-patrol-talks-about-states-3-foot-law
Now if we could just advertise this to every driver in the country....
@Laurie, while it is true that you need to make sure you're well nourished on a ride, that distance shouldn't really be an issue. Almost all my daily 40+ mile rides are nonstop. The way to enjoy a longer nonstop ride is pace. Once your fitness is at the level that you can ride the distance, then pacing yourself to go it in one shot is the key. Start off at the pace you expect to finish. Don't go great guns only to run out of steam. Eating is most important within the 30 minutes after your ride. I go 3 hours in the saddle with only a Clif bar after having oatmeal for breakfast maybe 3 hours earlier. As soon as I return, I eat a decent meal, not huge, but not a snack either. Give it a shot. I find longer stops will just make me more reluctant to get started again. As for what can be done about road rage incidents like the one in the article, follow the victim's lead. Notify authorities, get pictures if you can, and witness statements. Don't hope it won't happen. This guy couldn't have been on a much safer road, and look what happened to him. Don't let crazy win. Ride safe and often.
@Laurie - I would second Jerry & Chris' comments about nutrition and hydration, and add that when you are doing longer rides in hilly terrain, don't forget to downshift as frequently as the terrain warrants. If you are spinning at 90 RPMs your legs will feel much better during and after your ride. Also, as you are expanding your non-stop longer ride distances, just go a little slower than you were when you rode with taking breaks. When finished, have something with protein in it within 20-30 minutes after finishing. (can be as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich waiting for you in the car - that will speed recovery for your next ride)
I coundn't see on your workouts page which rides were mountain bike rides, as you didn't chose that option, so no way of knowing how many of your longer rides were that way or on a road with a road bike. 24 miles on a road with a road bikes takes considerably less energy than riding the same distance on trails, so depending on how many sightseeing 24's you did before this non-stop one...
@Laurie. How long was the ride? Endurance is built by slowly adding miles each week. But proper nutrition is important also. You only need carbs for rides of two hours or less. Once you start riding longer rides you need carbs and protein.
@Laurie, just keep working at it. You'll notice you'll be able to go farther and be less tired with each ride. Stay hydrated ( I always ride with my hydration pack, I find I take more smaller sips than with a bottle. Also gives me plenty of room for spare tube, tools, firstaid kit, and snacks.). Eat right before and during a ride. You'd be surprised how helpful something as simple as a 100 calorie chew or bar during a ride can be.
I went for a 24 mile trail ride this afternoon. I've ridden similar distances before, but with breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery for a few minutes. Today's ride was pretty much nonstop except for brief water breaks, and it completely wore me out. What can I do to increase endurance? Or should I have allowed myself longer breaks along the way?
Yes Roberto. What can we do to make sure we don't come across people who think we don't belong on the streets?
http://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2013/07/08/west-seattle-greenways-co-founder-victim-of-road-rage-hit-and-run/
You folks did see this, right?
@Jenny. My helmet does not look as bad as I expected. Some major scratches. But at first glance you would not know it saved my life. I remember most of my crash. I was riding around 25-30mph. When I crashed I fell on my left side. I remember feeling the impact on my hip, then shoulder, and feeling my helmet hit the road and bounce off. I blacked out at that point and came to about 30-60 seconds later laying on my right side and my head was facing south vs the north I was riding. My friend who was riding with me told me I bounced after I fell. It actually turned out better because I had very little road rash. Even though my helmet does not look badly damaged, I already ordered a new helmet. Picked it up today at the bike store. Sure wish I could use it now.
Jenny, my thoughts: Even if they were riding single file, you'd still need to cross the center line somewhat to give the bikes enough clearance. Therefore no matter which way they were riding, the oncoming lane would have to be clear for you to safely pass them whether they were riding single file or abreast.
@Jenny, as the law permits two abreast, and since you shouldn't pass one cyclist, let alone two, if you do not have a clear line of sight to do so. You didn't "have to pass." You chose to do so. Next time, wait, be patient, and when the coast is clear, cross the yellow line and pass. One cyclist or two, same rules apply. BTW, it's the law in most states that passing any vehicle or vehicles is only permitted when it is clear to do so. This isn't about respect or "giving ground." And you moving over when you're riding your bicycle isn't making it safer. It's putting you at risk by inviting an unsafe pass.
@Laurie, that's the way to do it. BRAVO
@Jerry, a friend of mine had a crash 2 years ago, and she totally destroyed her bike, as well as the bike helmet that she was wearing. She came out of it with a concussion and a fractured vertebrae. However, it could have been a lot worse without the helmet, so she has kept the bike and the helmet and has used it as an example to others who sometimes resist wearing their helmets. Perhaps your bike could serve that same purpose--what did your helmet look like?
I approached some bikers this weekend, and this one bothers me. 2 riders were riding down the highway, riding double. This made me have to pass totally on the left, and being a fairly curvy road, I had to wait until it was safe to make the pass. Now, out of respect for cars, if it were me riding bike with someone, I would have shifted over to create a single line, until the car safely past by. But this twosome did not give any ground at all. Any thoughts on this? FYI this was not a secondary road, it was a county highway.
Constant maintenance has been my only real issue. It's getting kind of expensive replacing.. chains, cogs, and the worst seems to be tires.
Great job Jerry! You'll be back riding soon at this rate!
OK, now it's really getting out of hand. I honestly couldn't believe what the police reaction to this story was. Read and weep people.
I walked around the block today. Four times further than my last walk. Making progress.
On my way home from a trail ride this afternoon, I was driving down a back country highway at 55 mph when around a curve a bicycle was about 1/2 mile ahead of me. I slowed down a bit planning to pass him, and he moved into the center of the lane. I realized we were approaching a small hill and I couldn't pass him at the moment, so I slowed way down to stay behind him without crowding him. Then once over the hill, the coast was clear to move across the center line to pass him properly. The whole time I was thinking of all the safety info I've been reading lately, and this was a textbook example of how to share the road properly. Gee, I should teach a class on this :P
@Jerry - keep it as a memorial and turn it into a planter http://www.creativespotting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bernard-Klevickas-bike-planter3-600x432.jpg
Chris, Small comfort but If you purchased your bike entirely with a credit card, you may have at least some limited theft protection coverage. A number of major cards provide this coverage for 90 days on new purchases. (as I learned when brand new birthday-gift camera was stolen on first night of long anticipated trip to England years ago)
@Kathy. Great. Enjoy the event. Get a full nights for a few nights before your ride. Eat a good high carb breakfast one hour before you ride. Eat t each rest stop. You will need carbs and protein for a long ride. Make sure you take electrolites either in your drink or capsules. The hotter it is the more important that is.
And Roberto's advice is good.
Oh Chris... :-( that is awful. Be diligent, someone knows something.
I just took my bike to my bike shop to be evaluated from my crash.
I killed my bicycle. It is dead. Very dead. Never to experience the joy of being out on the road anymore. Poor bike.
@Chris. Keep an eye on Craigslist for the next month. Sometimes people have recovered stolen items from people selling them on Craigslist. But if you find your bike on Craigslist call the police before you go recover your bike.
Chris, I am SO sorry to hear about your beautiful bike, simply can't fathom the mentality of someone who who would take it. (I want to believe bicyclists are better souls, but that is just my innate Pollyanna streak)
Take advantage of every bicycling connection and resource possible to track it down.
Good Luck!......There is a huge community of empathetic cyclists out here on your side.
@ Chris good luck, hope you find it, that really sucks, scumbags,
@Chris- Cruise the neighborhoods around your workplace you may see someone riding it. (call the cops before confronting them) or if you are lucky you'll find it in a ditch or leaning against a pole. Check the school/library bike racks too.
I found my brothers bike years ago. someone was riding it right outside my high school.
@Chris, that sucks. Sadly, your bike is most likely in a container already bound for ...
@ Chris, so sorry to hear about the bike. GRRR! Yes post everywhere! Good luck.
Purple Diamondback Outlook Kenosha WI
Chris - so sorry. I know how devastated I would be. Don't expect much from the police; they'll fill a report out and give you a copy and their job is done. Burklee's right, put the word (and picture) out as much as you can, wherever you can. Use the bicycle underground (clubs, shops, friends...) us people will always help each other. Tell everyone to keep their eyes open, it may have just been some kids being 'cool', just to prove they could do it, and then ditched it somewhere. GOOD LUCK!!!
@Chris - Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry!! The bastids. What kind of bike was it? It's purple, right? What city are you in? Post the info everywhere (here, Facebook) that may help. Hug for you!
@Cycling Roberto, Hills don't bother me, I'm used to them. Not too many flat roads down here.
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@Chris"Abby Normal" Salvatore, Sorry to hear that Hope you can recover it.
@Chris - I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope the police find it for you. :'-(
My bike was stolen while I was at work today. I can't stop crying. What makes someone think they can just take what doesn't belong to them???
@KP, if you are in Iowa next summer, you should really bend your plans to do RAGBRAI. With riders from all 50 states and over 20 countries, it is the largest, oldest group bicycle ride in the world. And just a heads up, Iowa isn't flat.
@Kathy, Looks like a great organized ride. Good Luck and just have fun and don't push hard to fast like the others have said.
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@Andrea, Good Job!!
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@Cycling Roberto, That looks like an awesome event. I will be in Iowa next summer but I may have already passed that area by then. Have to see how everything goes. Wouldn't mind riding it that though!
@Andrea - Every little bit faster is great!
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Chris@ - Do your first organized ride right here in Wisconsin in January or February. Almost no chance of it raining, so that is one less thing to worry about.
I had a personal best for my commute this morning! I took 36 seconds off!
@Kathy-good luck on your first MS150! You will do great. Good advice from C Roberto-stop even if its brief at each rest stop. Pace yourself and just relax and enjoy the ride. I found that pacing myself by thinking of the ride in 20 to 25 mile increments is very helpful instead of thinking of achieving the whole distance. I hope that makes sense.
@Kathy, you will have no problem. The route is FLAT and the prevailing wind is a tailwind. Just set a reasonable pace from the start. Most beginners at the century level make the fatal mistake of charging out of the gate. Stop at all the rest stops, but only for a short stop, like 10 minutes max. Have a great time.
The best organized ride has to be RAGBRAI. I've ridden it six times. Awesome! In fact I will even go as far as to say if you love the bicycle, this has to be on your list of things to do before you die. I decided to skip this year in order to do something else, but I will definitely do it again several times. Check it out!
@Jerry - I did sign up for an event. The MS150 City to Shore ride. 2nd largest in the country with 7,000 people. I've only been riding for 11 months so this does intimidate me. My goal is the 100 mile course. In order to do that I must reach the cut off point of 44.6 miles by 11am. If I fail, I'm stuck doing the 75.
PS, you can also go home and take a nap after the ride!
Organized rides are so awesome, if you haven't done one you should give it a whirl. Yes, up very early to get to start site and just be a part of the excitement. I can't eat first thing especially before a ride, so I will drink lots of water and have some type of protein bar. I did do an organized ride once in the rain. 60 miles-downpour the whole time. Water was sloshing out of my shoes, and it was February to boot so it was a little cold....but I did it and yea, I did go home and take a nice long nap! SAG wagons are great for if your out on the road and something happens to the bike before you get to a stop site they can help fix it or if you need a lift for a little while or just can't finish they are there to help. These are people who donate their time and energy to help riders. Like for Bike MS-they don't get paid.
@ Chris the organized rides are a blast. As Jerry says, the SAG is to pick up riders who can't finish for one reason or another. But it is also to help you out with mechanical problems. Say you don't have the right wrench, or you just can't get that flat fixed, well the SAG will help you. On our rides the SAG often goes in the opposite direction of the riders so they are easier to spot. And it will go around more than once. Usually they designate a time of day when they will quit running. As far as food, yes eat something, but not too much. You can eat more as you ride. Also, you can eat something you can eat in the car on the way to the ride. The idea is that organized rides are LESS intimidating than group rides. No pressure to ride at a specific speed. The reason they start so early is so that the riders can get done before its too hot to be out riding. The rides actually start an hour later in the fall after the daylight savings time shift.
@Kawika. I will put those in my notes. Maybe I can do them someday.
41 super hot and humid, but peaceful road miles today. No Sunday drivers. Over 6300 miles YTD, which is about 10% ahead of last year.
@Chris. I don't blame you Chris. I hate riding in the rain.
Hey Chris, my super hoottie ride is in September. West Yellowstone MT into Yellowstone Natl
park to Old Faithful. My goal is to not need the sag.wagon. 64ish mile round trip.Ride on!
Jerry,I am with you. I would love a nice flat sea level ride.
Ok, but only if it's not raining. I'm not getting up early AND riding in the rain!
Jerry, When you heal up you can come over to Honolulu to do the Century Ride over there which is pretty flat. Unlike the Century over here in Maui which has some nice long steep grades(hills) on the course. I'm doing the the one in Honolulu in September and then ours in November.
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Honolulu - http://www.mapmyride.com/us/hau-ula-hi/2012-honolulu-century-ride-route-111950677
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Maui - http://www.mapmyride.com/us/kihei-hi/centry-ride-100-miles-route-25063314
@Chris. So yes I want you to get up early on a Saturday.
@Chris. My last event ride started at 6 AM. One hour drive to get there. So I was up at 4:30am. But it was worth it. And it was the hardest ride I have ever done in my life. One of those rides I could not have imaged doing when I first started riding. Or would have even thought possible for me to ever do.
Holey malloley, @Jerry! You want me to get up at 6 AM or earlier on a Saturday??? Heck, I get up at 8 AM on work days and have to be there by 8:30!! I'm going to have to think long and hard about this one!
@Chris. I was wished we got extra points for riding in the mountains. I watch these guys in Florida who ride a hundred miles With 200 feet of elevation gain. I love the mountains, But it would be nice to do a long ride flat ride sometimes. But there's nowhere around here to do that.
@Chris. It's the name given to the vehicle that follows the riders and gives them support.
"Sag" is as in "sagging behind". In events with lots of non-professionals, the sag wagon picks up people who have fallen behind or are dropping out.
As far as breakfast before long rides. Eat a high carb breakfast one hour before the ride. And eat and drink properly during the ride.
@Chris. Organized rides are fun. People to ride with at all levels. Rest stops with food and water. People to encourage you while you're riding. I would participate in one if I was you. You will not regret it.
My first organized ride was the TourdeCure. I only been riding three weeks. All solo riding. Longest distance of 30 miles. Signed up for the hundred K course. 62 miles. All diabetic riders have a special jersey and are designated Red Riders. And Red Riders are at the start of the group. So here I am in my first group ride. With 1,000 riders. At the front of the group. Nervous would be an understatement. As soon as we started I was fine. And it started me on the path to become the rider I am now. I wanted to do the hundred mile course the following year. So I started riding to be able to do it. Ended up riding 6,000 miles my first year. Doing rides I never thought possible. All because I entered an event ride.
@Kathy, we were cut from the same cloth. Even though they say "it doesn't matter" I'd still feel guilty slowing someone down like that! That's my reason, not the fact that they start at 7:30 AM and I'd have to ride 1/2 hour just to get to the starting point. (What do you do about breakfast?? I'd hurl if I ate breakfast then jumped on the bike to ride 20-25 miles!)
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@EM we have some organized rides around here, but I've never done one. They are intimidating to me. What's a SAG vehicle? I see that expression all the time but don't want to ask - showing my ignorance, you know...
@Cynthia, that's why we ride, to addict others to our addiction! We're pedal pushers, right?
@Jennyth, I asked a few months ago - no one answered. I pull my 6yo (autistic) grandson around with me. He sits in the trailer going "Vroom, vroom!" (his way of saying "go faster!!") the whole while. The kid's trying to kill me! I think the silence to the question means "No, no extra points for trailering a kid or two." Wah!
I really like going out with the bike club now that I know how it all works with the different groups and the support of those who are on a higher level. And as Dan said it has been great for mentoring and socializing and I have to say it has definitely helped with my confidence level and getting faster. Although, there are times when I really enjoy rides by myself and I do those often!
http://www.care2.com/causes/meet-the-american-city-where-cars-have-been-banned-since-1898.html
Fun thinking about what can actually be done.
Speaking of taking video, I currently have the GoPro Hero3 but am now looking at the next step in video for cyclists. http://jet.reconinstruments.com/
@Kathy-I agree w/ Jerry, no need for guilt tripping. Most bike clubs are set up to bring in novice or casual riders w/ slower speed ride categories, matching w/ mentors, and having "no drop" policies on the slower rides. A bike club will accellerate your learning curve, provide security in numbers, and create many social opportunities.
HI all, out today for my usual ride. Temps are in the 80s and on their way up. Spotted half a dozen other riders and one wished me a good morning told me to enjoy my ride. So I wished him likewise. Thats the way to roll!
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@ Chris, I guess there is a distinction between group rides and organized rides. I would say group rides might be everyone starting and finishing together.
**************** An organized ride is one with staggered start times (our local club has registration from 7:30 to 9:00AM), and different distance options. You pay a fee to go on these rides. Most rides have a short, medium, and long option, but occasionally there is also an extra short option (for newbies and people riding with kids). You get a map for these rides that has all the routes on it and there are arrows painted on the road and dots to follow, as well as an occasional "NO" so you don't make a wrong turn and get lost. They have water stops that are arranged so that they can be used by riders going different distances. So the first water stop might be for S, M, and L riders and the second one for M and L. (Obviously riders going longer distances are taking extra loops to get the extra miles and parts of the ride have riders going all different distances). The organized rides also feature SAG vehicles that can help you in case of mechanical or other problems. So the basis for the organized ride is not how fast you can ride, its about how far you want to ride. Generally the faster riders will go on the longer distances while the shorter distances are more of a mix of riders. Or if you are slower but want to go a longer distance, you can start earlier. Whether you ride by yourself or in a group, you are still surrounded by other riders. And you will have a chance to chat while passing or while at the water stops. These are the kinds of rides that are E for everyone. If you don't have any rides like that in your area, then yeah, maybe its time you got something started. HAVE FUN!!
@Kathy. No need to fell guilty. We organize our rides so we don't leave anyone behind. W any everyone to have someone to ride with. And we ride so much at other times it does not bother us to ride low with someone.
@Jerry - if someone had to stay behind or wait for me because I was slow I'd feel like I ruined everyone elses fun and I'd suffer a guilt trip over it. I'll stick to riding alone.
When We do our group rides we divide our groups into three groups by speed. We don't leave anyone behind. We always have places where we wait for the slowest riders. And one of us who lead the rides usually ride the sweep position to stay with our slowest riders.
Geraint Thomas marches on at the Tour, broken pelvis and all
On another note-I stopped riding our local bike group, just too fast and its a little intimidating when you know your just not in that league. However, its a great group of people and there is always someone who will stay back and ride with you, still feels awkward but you can get those miles in none the less. Hopefully this will be inspiring, there were enough of us that ride in the 10 to 13 mph range that the group started a "C" group. We can all get out there together ride the same route and same miles. So our local bike group now has 3 groups that ride A, B and C. Its really great and I am very happy too. The "B" group rides at about 18 to 22 mph and they always wait for the "C" Group to catch up at intersections or stops. I find myself in between this year, like I am getting so much stronger-like everything is just clicking and I am riding and maintaining between 14 and 17 mph. It is such a great feeling to get to this point.
@ Kathy, I'm with you on that. High speeds are not my thing, especially when I consider what would happen if I'd hit an obstacle that I couldn't avoid.
Hello out there to all! Been out of touch since last Wednesday with grandkids in town, still got out there to ride and log miles though! Wahoo!
In fact my daughter in law is discovering biking and rode 12 miles on an old steel bike from 1973! Said she was enjoying the ride and would eventually like to up grade her bike and possibly get involved with an MS Ride event! How cool is that?
@ Jennyth, I think high bridges and overpasses and hills should also count for double mileage!
Do you get any extra points for miles logged with a kid in tow? How about 2?
@Kathy. I don't need to make up for winter months. Just a good excuse for my son. I ride during the winter as much as I can. The snow and cold impact it. And I usually can't get up the mountains during the winter. Though occasionally I can. It is fun to ride up in the mountains when everything is snow-covered except the road. And though it is usually quite chilly when I get higher up. I just ride the miles I do because I enjoy riding. If I didn't have other things I had to do I would ride even more.
@Jerry - No way. I watched a YouTube video of a pro guy doing switch backs in the alps or some place like that. I near hurled watching the video.
@Chris - you're not alone, I don't join groups either because I don't feel I can keep up. And on a totally personal level I don't want a road bike so that I can go 30+ mph. I'd be terrified. 22 on a downhill is fine with me.
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@Jerry - Why do you need to make up for the winter months?
@Kathy. We need to bring you out to Colorado and ride the mountains with us. Go slow uphill and then descend at 45-50mph. Of course sometimes you get slowed on the descent by cars who are going too slow.
@Kathy. And James Ernst still doesn't get it. Right after his sentencing he told he media that the bicyclists should not have been on the road because it was too narrow. But hopefully he will not harass anymore bicyclists after this.
My son says I am crazy too. He thinks riding 200-250 miles a week is nuts. I tell him I have to ride that much when the weather is nice to make up for the winter months. But I think he is crazy. He runs to stay in shape. I tell him as runner you go slower, see less scenery, and work too hard. But since the Army is big on running that is what he does. Running = YUCK.
@ Chris, my average speed is also 10-12 mph, depending on which way the wind is blowing. Yesterday I rode over a large overpass in the middle of town, and judging by the speed of the cars next to me, I was going about 20-22 mph on the down side, it was exhilarating!
That was discouraging to hear. While watching stage 9 of the Tour de France they were talking about Andy Schleck who broke his pelvis last year. It took four months before he was able to write a bike again. I was hoping to get back my bike in two months. But watching Thomas Geraint ride in this years Tour de France is encouraging. He is riding with a cracked pelvis which happened on the first day of the tour. So even though I broke my pelvis in two places, my left arm, and my left clavicle, I am still hoping for two months. I am at four and a half weeks now. I am hoping at the six week point that the pain will go down a lot. The way I feel now does not make me optimistic that I can can ride after two months. I am really hoping that the six week point is going to be the turn around point.
@Laurie, my son got up early this morning, looked out the window and said "Why do you have your helmet out? It's raining!" I just looked at him, sighed, and headed for my bike. Some people don't get it, I guess!
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@E M, I'm having a tough time finding a local group I can ride with. Even the local "Leisure Ride for Fun and Fitness" group leaves me in the dust. No matter how hard I try, I can't get up to 12 miles an hour. 10.5 (average) seems to be my top speed. Maybe I'll start my own Old Farts on Wheels Ride! ;- }
I agree with Vanessa about the camera, if people want change they need to A) prove there is a problem which video does. B) Send proof to Police, Town council members, County freeholders, governors and everyone else (YouTube) out there to show there's a problem. C) Get a petition started so that politicians will know you're not alone. D) do it again and again, send letters and videos. If one person stands up in a community and takes the bull by the horns others will follow and change will happen. People need a leader to rally behind. But if cyclists simply leave an area rather than fight for their rights, then the drivers win and the cyclists lose.
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to show the power of video
http://www.youtube.com/watch
James Ernst, of Erie, CO, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment -- a Class 3 misdemeanor -- and two counts of improper use of a horn -- a traffic offense. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped two counts of driving too slowly. Ernst also will be required to undergo anger management and do community service and was sentenced to 12 months probation. All because of a video clip.
@Laurie, I heard about that guy. He's absolutely amazing. I can't even imagine how he can do that.
also for
E M "ridin' cause I wanna Matteson and
Kawika Plummer some of my buddies wear the GoPro active carmera on their bikes or on their clothing to record everything that goes on during their rides. that may help
Man what a week had to back off due to an animal bite now i gotta get injections and take one antibodics that makes me more tire than normal. good news im clear to ride again so this will be fun...... hey guys if anyone is in miami florida and would like to ride for chairty check out the dophlin cycle changelle is in november 5th and is to help our cancer patients me and my panrter are already signing up.... be safe everyone and good luck.
For those who look for ways to give back to the community, I just came across a great organization. There are chapters in many states. http://www.myteamtriumph.org/index.html
Interesting history of bicyclists road rights:
http://iamtraffic.org/equality/the-marginalization-of-bicyclists/
@ Laurie R, gotta love it!
@ Karen Jean Goth, don't let our discussions scare you off. What I hope you would do instead is be as prepared as possible before you set off on your rides. One great way to learn a lot is to "hang out" with a bunch of cyclists. This site is a great place to start. Riding with other cyclists (like Roberto) will help you gain experience and confidence. Check your local bike shops for info. about group rides in your area. You will learn at lot about what to wear, what to eat, and what to take and what to leave home. If you can find a safe cycling class, take it (check the League of American Bicyclists web site). Maybe even ride different kinds of bikes (rent or borrow to test if you can) so you can figure out what is likely to work for you. I would even suggest a trip to the library and/or bookstore for books about people who have done long distance bike journeys. .. HAVE FUN!
I don't have any problems with trucks/buses cutting me off because I ride defensively at all times when I am around them. What I have an issue with is those trucks/buses that pass cyclists less than the 6-8 feet required by law. I'm getting in touch with our local bike alliance and try to schedule a visit to all the trucking/busing companies on the island and take flyers to give out to all the drivers and have management explain it is the law. If this doesn't work, then it's video evidence time to hand over to the local police. I think that if the management make it clear that they(drivers) could lose their CDL(trucks) licenses(bus) by violating the law here, ("Vulnerable User Law") they may just change their driving habits when passing a cyclist.
This afternoon, I dropped my sons off at my mom's house to help her do some yard work and chores, and I went for a ride around town. When I got back, my sister in law was there, and she asked me why on earth I had gone riding my bike when my van was sitting parked. My response: "because that is what I do". I think I am truly addicted, riding has become as much a part of my life as breathing. :)
If two people a day were being killed in elevators, there would be a major investigation into how to stop the carnage. If 680 people a year were killed on roller coasters, there would be a call to ban them. If this is safe, we need to reexamine what we call "safe."
Another key quote:
However, we know from research into hospital records that only a fraction of bicycle crashes causing injury are ever recorded by the police, possibly as low as ten percent.
Good article:
http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/facts/crash-facts.cfm
Key quote:
"Bicycle fatalities represent just over two percent of all traffic fatalities, and yet bicycle trips account for one percent of all trips in the United States. However, bicycling remains a healthful, inherently safe activity for tens of millions of people every year. As mentioned, bicyclists seem to be over-represented in the crash data as they account for almost two percent of fatalities but one percent of trips."
@Jerry, what makes you say your odds are "very remote?" I've been hit twice. Have you ever been hit? Do you know anyone who has? I know a boatload. The truth is bicycling can be lots of fun, relaxing, and a great way to exercise. It can also be extremely dangerous if you pick the wrong roads. Car vs. bike, bike loses every time.
Try this:
I posted one of these links earlier. Here are some more for both bicyclists and for your friends who don't ride.
How Not to Get Hit by Cars
http://bicyclesafe.com/
What Cyclists Need to Know About Trucks
http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2008/11/30/what-cyclists-need-to-know-about-trucks/
Coexisting With Bicyclists: 10 Rules for Drivers
Love Them or Hate Them, Cyclists Have Road Rights
http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/coexisting-with-bicyclists-10-rules-for-drivers.html
How Not to Kill a Cyclist
http://www.themorningnews.org/article/how-to-not-kill-a-cyclist
You're Going to Kill Someone
If you keep driving like that, you’re going to kill a cyclist. When you do, it’s going to suck as much for you as it does for them
http://albertmcwilliams.com/post/54015994028/youre-going-to-kill-someone
It's a number of things that cause motorists to "not see" a cyclist. First is profile. We aren't that big especially when viewed front on. Next, we are not what is "expected." Especially on rainy days. Third, we are not respected. Many motorists think we do not belong on THEIR road. One of the cases I went to court over, the judge asked the motorist, "Do you own the road?" His answer, "I pay more taxes than the guy on the bicycle." Misinformation fuels the fire. And here I said I was done with this... but EM is right, this cannot go away.
@Karen, you live in Emmaus, correct? We should team up for a ride. Safety in numbers!
@Karen. It is safe to ride. Of course there is always risk. But there is risk in everything. But the risk is something you need to evaluate yourself. But the odds against being hit by a car are very remote. I would not let the discussions scare you off from your planned ride. Just learn how to ride safety and you should be fine. Enjoy your trip across the county.
J. Hugh - I'm about as gothic as Little Bo Peep is to Lady Gaga. No offense to either. I can go the distance when I swim - 3 miles in 2hours 10mim. I am trying to learn to do the same on my bike so that I can travel the country. I am getting a bit nervous about being hit by a car though, from the information I have learned this week.
You guys are right, "I didn't see them" should never be accepted as an excuse. We should have at least 32,000+ cyclists upset about this accident in Arkansas and every other bicyclist that gets hit. THIS TOPIC SHOULD NOT GO AWAY. Everyone, please give it your attention and think about what YOU can do about it!
I am sure it is not intention. As you said "the did't register" But why does law enforcement accept it as an excuse had always puzzled me.
@Jerry Bengtson, I translate "I didn't see them" to "they didn't register in my consciousness". The challenge is to have drivers see cyclists like they see other types of vehicles. I'm not sure it's intentional, possibly just the way our brains work. I'm not trying to justify some drivers' disregard for bikes, of course, but I think a lot of car/bike mishaps are not malicious or wreckless. As bikers, we are probably much more sensitized to bikes when we are driving cars.
I am always puzzled by someone getting off by saying "I did't see them." That excuse does not work when someone hits a motorcycle. So I don't know why it is an accepted excuse for hitting a bicyclist. And if someone hit a policeman on a bicycle that excuse would never be accepted.
EM, I know I'm preaching to the choir here. Sadly, in my neck of the woods the attitude is every person for them self rather than sticking together. Case in point: a leading cycling activist was run down and killed a little over a year ago. There was a great outpouring of sympathy and support with a long procession in his honor and the establishment of a ghost bike to mark the place where he was hit. All good stuff. Go forward six months when another unknown cyclist was killed "running" a stop sign. The stop sign in point is at the top of a very steep hill. The young man who hit the cyclist (the only witness by the way) claimed that the cyclist came out in front of his vehicle. The road the motorist was driving is curvy and people tend to drive much too fast in order to react to anyone riding or walking on the road. Again, no shoulders. Was there an investigation into this death? Did the local cycling community hold a procession? Is there a ghost bike? No, no, and no. Get the picture? So yes, we must all stand together, but talk is cheap. When my local Ride of Silence (which I led for the first six years) in a region of over a million people draws only a dozen cyclists, then you begin to realize that nobody really cares enough to do something. Instead, we act like we should all just hope it works out for the best.
Now, I'm officially done with this topic. I'm sorry but the news out of Arkansas really upset me this week. In the meantime, I'm sure another 5-6 cyclists have been killed. When will it stop? When we demand it. Thanks for listening to the rant.
@ Roberto great points, you would make a great lawyer.
Maybe we need a defense fund if the bike riders in Arkansas take the driver to court.
@ Roberto, the point is that WE CARE and WE ALL NEED TO STICK TOGETHER!
@Jerry, those are great tips. Just one thing: you can't predict the person who just isn't paying attention or who deliberately takes you out. While I'm at this rant, one other thing. Why is the "I didn't see the cyclist" a defense? Try that with "I didn't see the red light, stop sign, flashing school zone, ...." Guilty of all, yet killing someone on a bicycle and then claiming, "I didn't see them" let's you off the hook. Why? Thoughts?
If it is dangerous for some cyclists, then it affects all cyclists. Seeing as how much of the funding of bicycle infrastructure comes from the Federal Government, if you think you are living in a Utopian area where everyone is nice, then you are missing the point. Over 650 cyclists killed annually on US roads. This is a national issue. I'm glad that some folks live where people respect cyclists. For the rest of us, it is a daily battle, and one that I am quite frankly sick of fighting.
Great link Jerry. Should be required reading for all riders.
Hi all, out today for the "big bottle bicycle ride." I have only done this ride once before and all I remembered was the big ketchup bottle (its a water tower) and the giant hill that is at the end of the ride next to the ketchup bottle. We did the middle distance, about 38 miles and did not hang around for the "Worlds Largest Ketchup Bottle Festival" sorry Collinsville.
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@ Roberto, for some people being rude is a hobby. There was an annoying person in a big old rusty Cadillac, leaning on the horn today because there were pesky bikes on the road, and lots of them. This person just honked at everybody. When the caddy got behind me, I just waved like crazy, which apparently did nothing to amuse or cheer up the driver ....... That said, annoying people are one thing, but dangerous ones like the ones harassing you are quite another. I'm sorry that you have encountered so many of them. If you ever get to St. Louis, I'd invite you to come and ride my regular route with me, and see how most drivers around here are generally polite. And yeah, just like the Dutch did, we need to stick together and demand our rights.....
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Kawika & @Allen - While it may curb road rage against bicyclists, and is certainly cheap enough, the new fear would be having several people calling in to the police and having a swat team waiting for me around the next corner,... on top a building,... in the trees,... in corn fields, in my neighborhood,... in any neighborhood,...
In fact, I think I would end up getting less riding in that way than I do now. The only good thing is that I wouldn't have to buy ammunition, as I would be sweating bullets all of the time I had that over my shoulder.
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@Jerry - Keep on working on improvements in your daily walks, and make that your substitute challenge for now, ande keep in mind that no matter how frustrating, it is just temporary.
New week. New day. Still broken. I can hardly wait to ride again.
http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-M417-pellet-pneumatic-rifle/dp/B0062B4PQQ/ref=sr_1_2
@Kathy, it's not just PA. And with all due respect, the more years you ride on the roads, the more you might encounter what I'm talking about. Trust me, it's not isolated. It got so bad in Holland decades ago, that they demanded and got the bicycle culture they are famous for today. If you've "never" been yelled at, I would add the word "yet."
@Kawika - haha, probably seen more in TX.
@Karen Jean Goth, I love riding on the roads of Eastern PA as well. I just hate the local motorists for the way they disrespect us on the road.
@Roberto - I have never been yelled at (one time someone yelled encouragement at me, I was dead tired) and I'm not sure I can recall ever intentionally being cut off but once someone didn't see me as she pulled out of her parking space. However, I don't ride much on rural streets and stick to suburbia. It's horrible that Pennsylvanian drivers are like that. :-(
This may curb road rage against cyclists! http://cdn.cyclingforums.com/e/ed/eda82bd7_Riding-while-heavily-armed.png
So it's safe in busy traffic? Not true. You increase your odds of being hit exponentially when you ride on busy roads. If you must ride on them, use extreme caution. Remember, the shoulder is not a bike lane and paint on the road offers little protection. Even on rural roads, you have to exercise caution and often, restraint.
Today's 40 mile rural ride:1) a man felt it necessary after a four-way stop sign to buzz me because I took the lane, then jumped out of his pick-up to yell in my face to call me various names; 2) a man passed me on a narrow two-lane road (no shoulder) with oncoming traffic. I tried to wave him back, but instead of slowing he gunned it, got in front of me, then slammed on his brakes and started yelling that I should get off the road; 3) Man passed me with 50 feet of a stop sign, and since he didn't like that I was in the lane turned on his wiper-washers to hose me off, then sped away; 4) Got dirty look from a man backing out of his driveway after I had to yell to make him realize he was about to run me over. Works out to an average of about one incident per 10 miles. Unacceptable.
I did OK last week even though on July 3rd and 4th I didn't feel no where near par at least I know some what how the injured riders feel. You just get knocked down in points standings plus get run over. The battle to clime back up makes my personal challenge " CHALLENGING " ...
Jerry, thanks for that link. Very helpful.
Thanks for all the advice , I'm gonna check in to it a bit more, by the map I live only about 10 minutes or less from the route they have posted.
How to ride in busy traffic
http://bicyclesafe.com/
@Laurie. I don't think you are being foolish. Dealing with busy traffic is different than riding in areas of less traffic. As long as you are doing it correctly it is safe. Of course anytime we are on a bike we are at more risk than if we are sitting at home. There is always some risk in any sport or mode of transportation.
Good job Shawn. You beat me by a mile today. :)
22.85 miles done :)
@ Laurie, I have asked myself the same thing. Am I being bold or nuts? But I think its more of the former than the latter and the fact that you are aware of the change means you are not asleep at the wheel.
@ Tammie, I agree, focus on the 11th. When you hit the bottom theres nowhere to go but up. And you are a rising star!
Lately I've been riding my bike more for transport (running errands) and this often takes me onto busy streets and intersections. I am pretty fearless when it comes to negotiating high volume traffic, multiple lanes, turns, etc. But sometimes I'm not sure if it's a situation of me increasing awareness of bicyclists, or if I am just foolishly risking injury.
We need more BI(CYCLE)-PARTISANNESS! Complete Streets (passed in Congress) its a step in the right direction. We need to advocate for this on every level (local, state, national). Then we can all CYCLOCOMMUTE from the back door to the garage AND BEYOND. Stop riding on people's shoulders, they will just hurt more. We all need to take back the roads/streets etc. They weren't built for cars. BICYCLELOUTION! RIDE ON!
@Allen - I was in total agreement with Cycling Roberto, Jerry and Kawika until I looked at the website, and the results from last year. The 20 miler truly is a citizen's race, as the last finisher did it in just over 10 mph (an 80 year old), and they even have a mountain bike category - also about the same speed for the slowest. There probably isn't too much in the way of pace lines for the citizen's race either, so you are good there.
So, I would say, do it.
Keep in mind that your mileage is very low, with only 5 rides of 25 miles or more, with most of your rides being really short. Ideally, you would want 20 miles to be on the short side of your usual rides.
Since you have less than a month, switch over to mostly road riding, increase your distance on most rides, and also your speed on some.
To increase your speed, do as they suggested, and also work on other interval distances that you can find online, and also do tempo rides. They will all help.
Make sure you are not only hydrated during the rides, but taking in nutrients, too.
But I agree with them for normal bike racing - even at the lower levels. You would want to be doing 200-300 mpw, get a high end road bike, and be super comfortable with pace lines.
@Marty, I agree, #1 reason I have heard from people that would like to bike but don't; It's just too dangerous to ride bike on roads/shoulders.
@ Ryan, just in case you aren't aware, miles done on a stationary bike don't count toward the challenge.
@Mark - Looking at the statistics another way, with the number of participants on the NBC, we are about 1/100th of 1 percent of everyone in the U.S., or 4/100ths of 1 percent of all cyclists. That means that if we are typical of all other cyclists, then you can take the number of commuters here and extrapolate it by multiplying by 2,500 to get a good approximation of commuters. Then it starts to get impressive, and goes way above your 1% figure. (Why can't we eventually be like some of the European countries when it comes to everyone's attitudes, [and the infrastructure], and have a significant minority communiting, or even a majority?) If you build it (biking infrastructure), they will come.
I could bike to work.....all 0.49 miles of it but work has no where for me to lock my bike up. I resort to walking to work then riding my stationary when I get home.
@Tammie - Even though your heart may be broken right now, it will mend, and you will be stonger for it. All it takes is time, and a focus on other things, like July 11th, and moving back up in the standings.
I refuse to commute to work. I refuse to ride my bike from my bedroom to my den. Getting down and up the stairs on my bike would be too much for me.
Although the objective of this campaign is to promote cycling as a means of transport, any objective analysis of the data would conclude that - even with a spirit of competitiveness injected - less than one percent of any major workforce will use cycling to commute during the prime cycling months.
We ought to hide the # of employees. Hope the infrastructure planners don't see the data.
It is getting kind of hot lately, but so far it isn't bothering me, like it did last year. I think the riding every day thing has helped with endurance in the heat, or I'm doing great finding roads with shade.
@Tammie. Sorry about your heart. Hope you recover emotional and physically. Glad you were able to get out and ride today.
Well, I got out for just under 9 miles today and feeling half decent. Had my heart broken so my get up and go is a little broken too. When it rains it pours. I can't wait till the 11th so I can get on the bike again and mindlessly RIDE! I desperately NEED it right now. If I did not have to go to work, I probably would still be out there riding no matter the physical pain. Interesting, while riding, the hot dry air dried my tears before they fell!
@Roberto : You can't leave us! We will go down in the standings by at least one state. I must say that since I grew up on these lovely, hilly, curving, may I say potholed, PA roads, I love riding on them . Since I grew up on a farm on these rolling hills, I think they are ideal for bicycling, while the change of seasons continually varies the view. I suppose it is what I am used to, but for now, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. One thing I do not enjoy is the increasing congestion on some of the roads from all the people moving into the state, and those people commuting longer distances to work in the cities. No hard feelings though, I wish you all the best wherever life takes you.
@Allen, I agree with Jerry, A race may not be in your(other cyclists) best interest at this time. I do an interval training portion every Thursday on my 90 mile rides on return trip. What I do is this (all in small gears)
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1. 5 minutes at a 90-100 rpm easy pace
2. 30 seconds as hard as you can
3. 30 seconds at easy spinning pace
4. 30 seconds as hard as you can
5. 30 seconds at easy spinning pace
6. 30 seconds as hard as you can
7. 30 seconds at easy spinning pace
8, 5 minutes at a 90-100 rpm easy pace; then
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Repeat this interval session two more times.
@Allen, do you mind crashing? If not, go racing. Keep in mind that bicycle racers accept crashing as part of the action. I suggest you pass and find another way to "spice" it up.
How about a century ride? How about an organization multi-day ride? How about riding the C&O Pittsburgh to DC?
@Allen. I would suggest NOT riding in this event. Due to the reasons I mentioned earlier. Do an online search for event rides in your area that would be good for learning to ride in pace lines. Also you might search fot bicycle clubs, groups, or bike store sponsored rides to learn to ride in groups.
http://tourdetamarack.com/
@Allen. Another thing you can do to spice things up is to start interval training. It will help your speed. And is useful if you want to start racing at some point. Do an online search for different intervals to do.
@Allen. Is it a race or a ride? If it is a race I would recommend not participating do to your inexperience in group riding. In a race you need to know how to ride in pace lines and in groups. If it is just a ride where the riders are not racing but just riding together, it would be a time to learn to ride in pace lines. Do some online research on how to ride in pace lines. Talk to experienced riders on how to ride in pace lines.
Alright all the hardcore cyclist, I have a question for you. I have been riding a whole boat load here and am rapidly approaching platinum and am considering something new to spice it up a bit and I'm not quite sure how to go about the training. There is gonna be a actual cycling road race coming up on Sept 1st with 20,40 and 60 mile options, I usually ride solo and a lot of rail trails, What s some good advice or source for me to use to get in shape for this? Help :)
Hi all, out for two rides today. The first was mostly my usual route where I had a flat. But I was ready with a spare and pump and I even found a shady tree to repair my flat by. Then we had brunch outdoors in Kirkwood. Nice and sunny but temps around 80 so not too hot. And lots and lots of other people on bicycles. Too many to count. My second ride was shorter. I popped in to the LBS to get an adjustment on my gears since I decided its not fun to not be able to use all of them. Scientific research on the flat tube after I came home. Conclusion: the loss of air was caused by a hole in the tube!
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Gotta agree with Jerry, people have the stupidest reasons for wanting us off the roads. I would add that many of them think that If your not driving you aren't paying taxes. WHAT?
I also agree with Dee Dee & Kathy, if the cops had to ride bikes once in a while, they would have a much better perspective on whats really happening out there. Just let one dumb motorist cut off a cop on a bicycle when making a left......
@ Roberto, way to roll!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@ Roberto, congrats!
#99 for the moment!!! YAHOO. Guess cranking out the extra miles in 95F heat was worth it. Of course I will drop out of the top 100 as the day rolls on I'm sure, but that just means I have to clobber it tomorrow. More hot and thunderstorms, summertime.
Yes Jerry, I read the comments too, and it seems that in any story about a car injuring a bicyclist, it's the same thing over and over. Bicycles don't belong in the street, they impede cars, they are irresponsible, etc etc etc. Question is how to change the mentality of vehicle drivers to realize that bicycles are a legitimate part of the traffic pattern on most roads. We who ride bikes responsibly know what the laws allow regarding our use of the roads, but many motorists are completely unaware of the facts.
But of course when you read the comments below the articles about this incident, the people who hate bycyclists always have reasons it was the bycyclists fault.
They should not be riding on the road.
They must have been riding three wide.
They did something to make the driver mad.
They were following too close.
They were riding in the street. You can't play baseball in the street. So you should not be practicing bike riding in the street.
They were wearing spandex.
There were riding expensive bicycles.
They should ride on the sidwalks.
Other bicyclists do bad things.
They probably ran a stop sign ten miles ago.
Unfortunately even in Colorado we have the occasional idiot who harasses bicyclists.
This driver injured a rider on Thursday.. A more inexperienced rider could have been killed instead of just injured.
@kathy I like your idea of cops riding a bike 1x each month. I live in Bellingham' Wa where it's pretty bike friendly but it's still amazing to me what happens on the road.
Will texas please secede from the Union. Google Texas and its pretty sad.
I feel really blessed to have such great cycling in Florida. The cops don't care about cyclists, but a vast majority of drivers seem to be sharing the road.
@Dave - I don't believe that. Motorists don't want to hit anyone. It would cause blood to be on the car so it has to be washed (need to get off the couch), damage to be repaired (have to get off the couch), lawsuits (have to get off the couch, unless your lawyer has a couch in the waiting room), fines (they may take away the couch). See? better to avoid the cyclist.
Oh you're in SD. Lived there for over 10 years. I stopped riding bikes there because there were too many hills, I couldn't get up them after living in Jersey. Parents bought me a moped instead. And so began 35 years of motorized travel.
Most motorists attitude:
A cyclist's life is not worth 2 seconds delay in their blind rush home to the couch.
@E M - I hope that bill passes.
About laws and cycling the laws of physics say cars will usually win. Stay alert.
@James - I have a friend in Houston and the only bike he will ride is a stationary one.
We can only hope that the gas prices will continue to drive people to cycle more and that it doesn't take a high child death toll to raise a public outcry like it did for the Dutch. I think if we could just educate drivers and riders many deaths could be avoided. Police need to be extra vigilant and ticket people right and left (drivers and riders) and I think 1x per month police should ride a bike rather than a car. Cops can't see people on cell phones, I can. Plus it shows the cop what we go through. Education and enforcement! Personally, I want a helmet cam. Then I would send stills and videos to the local authorities and street planners of all the infractions (cell phone use, cycling in wrong side of road, anything illegal) and poor infrastructure.
James my mother always told me, when riding a bike always act like cars have right of way. I said to her but that is not the case I have right of way. Then she would say they maybe wrong but you will be dead. Be careful out there.
I guess you can call this a rant So here goes . . I came back from a ride on the July, 2nd and was passed, on the left, by a car after signaling for a turn into my driveway. I wound up in the ditch on the right side of the road after aborting the turn.
July 4 the Same thing car passes me while i'm trying to turn into my driveway.
Also of note I was double right hooked at a t intersection and i yelled and the driver stopped. I informed him it was illegal to do that. and his reply was " if i were riding a bicycle i would have stopped"
There is something wrong. Are they drivers ignorant as to disregard human life for the sake of a big gulp fountain drink. ( today's drive way driver) or some excuse ( I would have stopped) ?
Apparently so
I would like to continue to ride the road, do overnight touring, and enjoy life but it seems vehicle operators are bent on killing me.
The saying goes there is not much you can do with stupid. I could build a university sized library with just what i am finding in Montgomery County, Texas
@ Kathy, NW Pa isn't too bad as far as hills are concerned and there are a crap load of long distance dedicated by trails( the Gap Trail and The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail) and quite a few roads being widened for share the road. Yes there are ignorant and dangerous drivers just as there are cyclist, but as a whole its not bad here in most areas in this part of the state, bigger cities (Pittsburgh) are trying to improve and they are getting there, you just have to use extreme caution and I wouldn't attempt riding in downtown Pitt,
I agree with you @EM. I think being seen is very important. I've had drivers stop (with no stop signs or lights on 45mph roads) so that I could get across the street and people wave me thru intersections constantly. It does not happen all the time but it's still quite often. But I do respect the Jersey driver, I know he can flatten me.. Perhaps @Roberto, attitudes are changing towards cyclists. The League put NJ as #7 on most bike friendly states http://www.bikeleague.org/content/ranking. Not #2 like CO but in the top 10. Better, than PA's 15. I have driven in 45 out of 50 states in this country and in the end I find NJ drivers to be quite curtious and I will give them the benefit of the doubt with copious amounts of respect of course. : )
Thanks for the KUDOS everyone! It was a good day for a ride. The temps were in the upper 70s-low 80s. Quite a few other riders out there. I saw two baby deer!
*****
@ Burklee, I think you are on the right track with the fireworks ride. I'm sure Jay enjoys the time with you. Making the destination fun is the right thing, whether its the zoo, or the children's museum, or a park, or playground, or ice cream, or just a trip to the grocery store, or whatever. That should make the ride more fun. Glad you guys enjoyed the fireworks.
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@ Kathy, what an adventure!
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The drivers around here in the suburbs are pretty friendly. I have had drivers wait for me to go through the intersection before they make a left turn (coming from the other direction) and waiting to leave their driveways. The part I have to watch out for is making sure that they see me. When they don't see me, thats where the problems come from.
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@ Tammie & Jerry hang in there, better days are on their way!
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In all the bad news there was a little good news on the cycling front. Congress introduced a complete streets bill:
http://mobikefed.org/2013/07/congress-introduces-complete-streets-bill
There's no perfect solution, but the fact tha bicycles are on the radar and that it was a bi(cycle)-partisan bill is GREAT!
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ROLL WHEN YOU CAN AND ROLL SAFE!
@Kathy: PA is very hilly as well, but I love hills and mountains. Not a problem. I just envision a place where I can ride without looking over my shoulder. You mentioned that you are new to road cycling. I've been doing this since the late 1960's. I've been hit by a car in downtown Philly (hit and run), mowed over by an angry soccer mom in her minivan, and had more things yelled at me than I can count. I've had objects thrown at me. I've been to court twice in the past three years for road rage and won both times. I'm glad you rarely have trouble in SJ, but having grown up in Camden County (my parents lived in Haddon Township until mid 2000's) I can say there are rural roads around, but not much in the way of bicycle-dedicated infrastructure. And that's what it takes. NJ, my home state, is the most densely populated state in the Union. Just keep sharp. Don't get lulled into a false sense of security.
@Kathy. Hills are fun. Mountains are more fun. Though sometimes I envy those people who can ride a century with only 200 feet of elevation gain on the whole ride. I can't even ride three miles to our greenway without exceeding that.
@Jerry - I rarely have trouble with drivers in S. NJ. Certainly, I try to pick less traveled roads but people see me and go around and most give me quite a bit of space. I used to live in Colorado Springs and never rode my bike. Too many hills. Almost ruined my whole outlook concerning cycling but decided to try again after moving to NJ and I haven't stopped pedaling since. Our highest point is 1,804 feet :-) might even ride there someday.
@EM - Congrats
@Roberto - if PA is that bad I think I'll stick to cycling in Jersey.
Got out for a post dinner ride. Brought my 900 lumen headlight I normally use for night time mountainbike rides. Only needed the headlight and my flashers for the last 5 miles. The heat was only bad when I stopped, so I kept moving.
@Tammie. Relax and recover. Sometimes you just need a day off. With all the pain you are having you have been doing great to get out riding. Of course I know you have only been doing it to rub it in that I cannot ride at all. <grin>
I had a bad day also. I did not get enough sleep last night. I was tired. So physical therapy was painful and hard today. It is amazing how not getting enough sleep can affect you. After I had a nap earlier I was much better. I went out for a walk with my wife. If you can call a 100 yards a walk. It was much better than earlier today.
@Tammie, rally! Push through the tough days. Good luck
Did not even ride today.. feeling a bit tired and depressed. I just could not face the pain of riding and have to go to work now. Maybe will put in the minimum mile tomorrow. I guess a day like this had to hit me.
#103... so damn close. More miles are needed. After all, someone has to do it.
@Tammie, that would be one of the last places I would want to live. I've never been to Austin, but I've spent time in Houston and Dallas, and I can say without a doubt, not my cuppa tea.
Meanwhile the carnage continues. Bicycle infrastructure is a worthwhile investment. That point needs to be driven home. If you live in an area that is not safe to ride, try and do something about it. When all else fails, move. That's what I'm doing. I mean if I was a surfer, I wouldn't want to live in Oklahoma.
@Roberto. Try to live somewhere close to the foothills so when you want to ride in the mountains you can just start from home. When I head up into the mountains it is only 30 minutes ride before I reach the foothills.
Well, Roberto, you definitely DON'T want to be here in West Texas.. there is absolutely no good place here to ride. Tons of oil field traffic means crowed roads, no shade and the shoulders are full of lots of things that will give you flats. Trash from the oil fields. We have signs that say ' bike route' .. I look at them and say 'where!?'
@Jerry, that is why I'm booking a trip to Denver area next month and plan to move there this fall. I've had here in Eastern PA. Narrow roads crowded with motorists in a hurry. Blar!
@EM - Woohoo! You'll be at Diamond in no time. :)
@ Jerry - I rode on Tuesday, and was headed home to my parents' house at the end of what would have been about a 20 mile ride. The I spotted a cyclist just beyond my home turnoff point and decided to ride on and try to catch him. Catch him I did, and we rode together another 10 miles - riding sie by side and talking most of the way - I rode my best one hour ride there. Granted it was on flats & low rollers, but we were talking the whole way, and I was riding an old Schwinn Sprint that I picked up off Craigslist when I was last in Georgia. I had no idea we were covering that much ground. The other rider was 73, retired, and, it turns out, knew and worked with the fellow who lived next to my parents when they built their home in this neighborhood. Had a great time and we just kept cruising. I hated to break off from him, but I had things to do before flying back to WA on Wednesday.
Way to go E M!!
Congrast, EM! So awesome. :)
E.M. Congratulations. I am jealous. I want to ride so badly. Watching the Tour de France is really making me want to ride.
Platinum!
This morning I got to ride along side a leaping fawn, slow for a flock of wild turkeys in the road and listen to the songs of the Flicker and Veery. What a beautiful morning!
I see it as somewhat of a statistics game Jerry.
I would guess that 99.9% of motorists pass perfectly safely but when you have roughly 1000 vehicles pass on a 25 mile commute that still leaves roughly 10 unsafe passers. As Arkansas knows to well, It only takes one distracted driver to injure many cyclists! So...
Ride like you belong! and drive your car to enhance cyclist's safety!
I guess we are lucky here in Colorado. I rarely have problems with cars like I hear about in other parts of the country. With riding about 5,000 miles per year I average only 1-2 people per year that try to harass me with there car. Most people are good about giving you enough clearance when passing you. And most of the incidents I have with drivers who do not see me happen in town. While riding the rural roads and in the mountains I have hardly every had an incident with drivers who do not see me
Had a really fine 88.5 mile 4th of July ride in which my rear gearing cable kept sticking, I got lost, my phone died and I made it home with only a 10% charge on my GPS. Met some nice people on the trip and someone gave me a map of Jersey since my phone was dead. Stopped off a a campground for ice cream and nearly paid the $7.50 to go jump in their lake (in my cycling clothes), next time I might pack a suit. After went to a friends house and had a huge fresh grilled Amish steak, corn on the cob and Beer. YUM. Slept like a baby.
More sad news. Be careful out there!
Update: Hurt cyclist dies after group hit by car in Ark.
Read more: http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/5-still-hospitalized-after-car-hits-bicyclists/-/8897494/20827268/-/3hj7d9z/-/index.html#ixzz2YBYjZ0ZA
http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/5-still-hospitalized-after-car-hits-bicyclists/-/8897494/20827268/-/3hj7d9z/-/index.html
I'm really struggling these days with the whole motorist vs. cyclist thing. I must say that on my daily 35-50 mile road rides there seems to be at least one potentially life-threatening incident per ride. Getting buzzed, cut-off, right-hooked, passed at a stop sign... you name it. So I'm heading to a gravel trail of about 20 miles in length for some relaxing, mindless (almost) cycling. Sucks that I have to drive 30 minutes to get to it, and considering the relatively rural/residential nature of where I live, you'd think this would be prime cycling territory. But without much in the way of cycling infrastructure, scenery isn't enough. And more and more new homes without any new roads means more and more traffic.
Be safe out there!
@Karen - Dignity, Schmignity. You ride, girl!
@Jerry - Thanks for the bubble video, and the first-thing-in-the-morning chuckle!
We rode our bikes part of the way over to watch the fireworks. The trail is mostly crushed limestone. Jay found it scary riding in the dark for a block on a gravel road. So, before we headed up to park, I bought her a 45 lumen headlamp that goes on her helmet. It really helped, and she didn't get scared riding. I like the idea of a headlamp for each of us, so on payday I'm gonna get her a new, brighter lamp, and I'll take the one we got this week. I feel bad for her. She says she keeps waiting for bike riding to get fun, and it just doesn't. She has some health problems which make riding hard for her. I just recently helped her figure out her gears, in lanuage she can remember... "Pulling the lever to you makes hills easier." Don't get me wrong, she's really smart. She's just not a cyclist. Or even a "Bikie." (Thanks for that word, EM!) I do what I can to make riding easier for her; plenty of stops, lots of water & snacks @ stops. But, it was a good ride to see the fireworks. We had fun. Hope you all did, too.
@ Melody, APPLAUSE!!!!
Today is the beginning of my sixth year as a bike commuter!
@ Kawinka, I could understand that you could get really spoiled living in Holland then come back to the States thinking, wow th US is a terrible place for bicycling. There is a video that compares the Dutch to the German cycle paths and even that will make you think...
E M, Thanks. Here are the links.
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"The One Show on the cycleways of Stevenage" http://www.youtube.com/watch
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"How The Dutch got their cycle paths" http://www.youtube.com/watch
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I lived in Holland for a couple years in late '80's and that is the first thing that caught my eye and made it easy to cycle to and from work every day.
@Kawinka, I think this this page cut off the link somehow. So I don't know how to get it to work from here. But I think you can go to the Youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch
and type in::
"The One Show on the cycleways of Stevenage" (for the British one)
"How the Dutch got their cycle paths" (for the Netherlands)
Maybe somebody else can put in the full link!
In Volusia County Fl I had to beg that the police do a report when I was innjured and my bicycle destroyed by a car accident. Most accidents go unreported and uninvestigated unless there is a death, and then its almost always the cyclists fault. Prayers for those grieving for their loss.
E M, You have the complete links? This takes us just the youtube page.
@ Roberto, what a tragedy. Whatever the reason, the driver has to bear responsibility.
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We can learn something about what other cyclists have done about the car problem in this video about the Netherlands: http://www.youtube.com/watch
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Also this video at Stevenage in England provides some insight into what happens when cars take over:.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
NOTE: Carlton Reid, who appears briefly in the video, is the author of the soon to be published book: "Roads Were Not Built for Cars" .
Did you look at the location on Google? Nothing around for miles. WIDE OPEN. So why isn't the driver in custody? THIS HAS TO STOP!
From a different report, it looks like all of the cyclists were single file, as it said she first hit one of the two group leaders, who was in the back of the group, and then hit the next six in line. The six survivors all required hospitalization. No word yet if she was texting or talking on a cell phone. If they find evidence of that, I hope they at least get her for manslaughter for the death, and other charges for the six others.
This just happens far, far too often. (Almost 2 bicyclists killed by drivers of vehicles per day in the U.S.)
How do you NOT see 7 cyclists on the road? We have HUGE WIDE roads generally here in Texas. I was just out riding on one of our widest roads in town and had a truck still nearly sideswipe me! He had a good 20 ft to spare the other way but he just had to show me how close he could get!
Motorist hits a group of 13 cyclists, impacting 6, killing one, and the State Police have to investigate the cause???? This was in broad daylight on a rural road (look at it on Google maps). If this doesn't merit charges, then you might as well paint a bulls eye on your backside.
ARGH! #104
Happy 8 Million Miles!!!!
Hi all, breakfast ride early this morning. Lots of "good mornings" from the other riders. Cool temps in the 70s. Felt great to ride!
Many riders out today on the 4th - great to see. Living so close to a popular velodrome is both a blessing and a curse. On any Friday evening of my choice (accept this weekend), I can see the most awesome bicyclists from around the world race with our own local heroes on a breezy outdoor track, after enjoying organic hamburgers and curly fries with my family. I can watch the amazing German team run away with the prize cup I had hoped my favorite local US team would win. However, during the week I get to share the some country roads with these world class bicyclists. Talk about a lesson in humility. I think that I am comic relief for them. Here I am, a middle-aged 5' 2" woman on a cheap, old 12 speed Fuji bike, with a baseball cap stuffed under my helmet (Rosacea) and sneakers with the laces stuffed inside the shoes and old worn out bike gloves with a one piece dolphin swim suit (looks like bike shorts) and a rashie - for swimming after the ride. Wouldn't you laugh too. One reason why I dream of a NBC jersey. Karen - you gotta learn to have some dignity.
Oi I did an Independance forty. Pretty sunburnt and exhausted now.
@ Re: Night riding is AWESOME!!
At least in the woods!! ;)
A couple good lights, and the trail you know so well; at night, is totally new again!!
Great fun!!
Happy Independance Day to all!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie Re night riding, it can be wonderful depending on where you live. In our suburban neighborhood traffic disappears after 9:30 and the streets are prime for riding. Plus you can readily see and hear any approaching traffic in the still of the night, and temps dip a bit after the sun sets. Be sure to have appropriate lights fore and aft, and enjoy the night!
@Tammie, You're never too old to ride a bike, have a wonderful time riding with your dad.
You have to be careful with those 80 year old riders. I was riding up to Ward, CO one day when I was caught by an 85 year old rider. Talked for a few minutes and then he left me in his dust. I get passed by all these younger riders all the time. I expect it and it doesn't bother me. But to have someone in his 80's pass me like I was standing still was a new experience. I will never be that fast but I hope to still be riding in the mountains in my 80's.
@Tammie. It would be great if your Dad would ride with you. Hopefully he will fall in love with biking and start riding ever day.
That reminds me .. my old 10 speed is in my parents attic! About 1970 vintage. I ought to get it down and see what it needs! Might be fun. Dad might want to try it out. He is 80 years young. I was thinking of trying to get him on my hybrid to ride a little with me.
Happy 4th of July. Have a great day riding. And have a great time celebrating with your families and friends.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness sounds like going for a bike ride. Happy 4th of July! Jerry B is getting better with every stroke of every pedal. Bon ton roule!
since my dog went deaf she likes the 4th of July. My cat can't wait until tomorrow.
I used to read The Blaze first thing.. now I come HERE! LOL I want to see what everyone is up to since I last checked. I actually put a silly light bar on my hybrid last night at 4 am and rode it around the block.. got my first 1 mile in for the day so at least I am set for my 20 points just in case I don't get a chance to ride today. It was to cool riding at night! Might have to try it again. Happy 4th everyone. Sure would be better if I did not have to go to work tonight!
Celebrating Independence Day in Illinois with extraordinary Dad. Enjoying superlative trails along the Fox river, and leisurely rides through tree-lined, flower-filled, family-friendly neighborhoods. Dad’s 1972 ten-speed is the perfect July 4th transport:- Originally a twin to my own (still rolling) 17th birthday bike, he differentiated the two by having his top tube painted blue with hand-stenciled stars, and adding red stripes to the white down and seat tubes..Christened “Betsy Ross”, it is also routinely identified as “Captain America” (-:
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A very fine day indeed for a ride. Carpe Diem!, Roll Safely and Celebrate!.
@Michael on Bicycle, you won a prize! Congrats!
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I'm still here, still riding, just busy as heck at work. Sure do miss reading all the fun here!
The Children of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington :
(George and his full brothers and sisters)
George Washington- (Feb. 22, 1732- Dec, 14, 1799)
Elizabeth"Betty" Washington Lewis- (June 20, 1733- March 31,1797)
Samuel Walter Washington- (Nov. 16,1734- Sep 9. 1781)
John Augustine Washington - (Jan 13, 1736- Feb 17,1787)
Charles Washington - (May 2, 1738- Sep 16, 1799)
Mildred Washington - (June 21, 1739-Oct 23, 1740)
The children of Augustine and Jane Butler Washington :
(Half-siblings of George)
Butler Washington (1716 - 1716)
Lawrence Washington (1718 - July 26,1752)
Augustine Washington (1720 - May, 1762)
Jane Washington (1721- Jan 17, 1734)
Did you ever happen to think that George Washington's brother is the the uncle of our country? Happy independence day everyone!
Love to stir it up people.
Happy Birthday Dad
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY: RIDE, CYCLE, BICYCLE, DRIVE YOUR BIKE ON!!!
Same to you Marty!
Happy Independence Day everyone! May you get a nice, safe ride in today, (and every day), with the wind at your back, and the transitive or intransitive verb of your choice!
According to Websters, you all appear to be correct. Now let's get ready to break 8 million miles on July 4th. I don't care if you ride, drive, bike or cycle, let's just go out and have fun!
Ride - transitive verb
a : to travel on <ride a bike> <ride the bus>
b : to move with like a rider <ride the waves>
Drive - transitive verb
a : to direct the motions and course of (a draft animal)
b : to operate the mechanism and controls and direct the course of (as a vehicle) <drive a car>
Bike - intransitive verb
to ride a bike
Cycle - intransitive verb
to ride a cycle; specifically : bicycle
I'd rather say "I biked" vs "I rode my bike" just because it's less words.
Jerry, I knew you would be jealous.. sorry, I just HAD to do it. Like I said yesterday, the doctor can't believe I am actually riding at all.. I am just crazy and ignore pain. Can you imagine what I would be doing if I could take pain meds? Those bubble things were so funny... you could only break a leg.. or two! I am sooo much lower in the standings right now .. I hate to even look.
Also, the American English definition of "bike" is "bicycle or motorcycle"
@Laurie. It just for the enjoyment of riding. It really doesn't matter where you are in the points. It is nice to be high in the rating. But I ride for the enjoyment. And to stay in shape and control my diabetes. Just keep riding and enjoy being out on your bike.
@ Jerry, I can only dream of being that high in the ratings. But I keep plugging away anyway.
@ Roberto, Of course you can ride a bicycle. But note that the dictionaries define "cycling" as the act of riding or racing a bicycle, motorcycle, or similar vehicle. "Bicycling" is specific to bicycles and defined as "to ride or travel on a bicycle." So by dictionary definition either "riding" or "bicycling" is okay. In German and the Scandinavian languages you "drive your bicycle" instead of riding it.
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The dictionaries define a "bicyclist" is defined as a "person who rides a bicycle."
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FUN FACT: The president of the Cincinnati Cycle Club called us "bikies" to distinguish us from "bikers" (the people on the motorcycles).
@Laurie. Not sure how I would pedal with one of those.
Jerry, that looks like fun, but I also think it would be a bit crowded on the bike.
@Laurie. I had not checked my status since my accident on Jun 6th. But you got me curious. So I had to look. Nationally I am at 2392. In Colorado I am at 114. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. But since I will not be riding until August at the earliest I will really be down in my points. I can hardly wait to ride again.
This is what I needed the day of accident.
http://m.wimp.com/bubblesports/
Wow, I'm in the top 800 on this month's leaderboards. Let me enjoy this moment of bliss until everyone else logs their miles and I fall back to 3586 or somewhere around there :P
@Tammie. 10 miles. I'm jealous.
I like Bens way of thinking.. the more I ride.. the more calories I can consume ... and I LOVE food! LOL ... Announcement! I just rode 10 miles! I am going to pay for it dearly but I sure did enjoy every single inch!
Gotta weigh in I ride to eat . Not too much like Kafka s hunger artist but more because I enjoy eating and not cycling would have the doctors on my case. Ride fast and early if you have the time.
The operator of a vehicle is its driver. That's true for a horse, a motorcycle, a car, a truck, and a bicycle - any vehicle.
@Tim...noooooooooooooooo
You don't drive a horse, a motorcycle, or a bicycle. You ride them.
We need some additional clarity. What do you call it when your out on your Harley? RIDING! When I'm on my mountain bike I'm mountain biking. Is this incorrect? I've never refered to it as Mountain "riding". Additionally, lots of harley riders are clean cut. They got thier passion for riding on bicycles long before twisting the throttle. I believe there is mutual repect between the sports. It may be difficult for the general community to distinguish the semantics.
When I'm on my bicycle, I'm driving it!
Top 110! These next 10 spots are going to take some effort I bet. BTW, here's something to chew on that is one of my own little pet peeves. When we are on our bicycles we are "riding," not biking. We are cyclists or bicyclists not bikers. Bikers are the dudes on Harleys with the ZZ Top beards. I know it's a minor issue, and probably doesn't matter much to anyone but someone as anal as me. However, the language takes a beating, and I thought it might be time to mention the correct vernacular.
Now don't go telling me it doesn't matter as long as you're out on your bicycle.... That's not my point. I want our community to get respect, to have a common identity. So fellow cyclists, ride on!
Dee Dee O'C You must not be friends with Marty and Brad. They control the scoring. after all they are from WisCONSIN. cue creepy music.
My car had its annual safety and emissions inspections in mid-June. I was exempt from the emissions inspection since it had less than 3,000 miles in a year's time. Of that, 1,100 miles were the annual trip to/from N. Myrtle Beach.
Laurie, Yes there is. I decided that it was not worth it for me to re-register may car($239.00) /new inspection this month since now I only use car maybe once a month at most. Car now has car cover on it and am turning in my license plates until I return from trip cross country at end of next Summer. I am so enjoying retirement!!
I biked to the DMV today to renew my driver's license. Is there any irony in that?
Biking in NY (Niagara Falls and Hyde Park areas), makes me appreciate biking in Wisconsin even more!
@E.M. Thanks
What's with points and miles not showing up today?
@ Roberto, Pittsburgh is a dangerous place for guys or cyclist if you aren't on the trail when you are on a bicycle, I prefer not to even drive a car in that mess
So Marty, we can't even get babes address' even with he offer of cake? I guess we are slippin'. We gotta come up with some new ideas.
@Allen, this guy is not a cyclist. He's a guy on a bicycle.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/03/pennsylvania-bicyclist-loses-leg-may-face-charges-in-crash/
@Kathy, go Sidi
Hi all, out today with way nicer weather than yesterday. Not too hot or cold, not raining, and only a little wind. Temps. in the upper 70s-lower 80s. Did a mix of road and trail. Glad I wasn't planning to go to Grant's Farm because it was super crowded. Kudos to the people who rode their bikes there instead of getting stuck in that long line of traffic. A few brave families parked their cars a few blocks away and walked down the trail to get there too.
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@ Kathy, congrats on platinum As a primitive rider, I still have clips with straps on them. I just keep the straps a little loose so its easy to get in and out. I wear MTB shoes cause they are like regular shoes when you get off the bike, but still give the front part of your foot some extra support. Also, keep your helmet strapped to your bike when not in use, that way you won't forget it!
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@ Heather, thats so cool that you met some of the Black Women Bike. You are right, we absolutely need mor advocating
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@ Laurie, congrats on the 600. Your rides sound like the best.
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@ Tammie, you can certainly have some of our water, last year we had too little, but this year we have way too much. (I mean, bike portaging, really?) We'll just send it on down the Mississippi to to the Gulf & you can help yourself.
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@ Jerry, every stroke we take is making you stronger, just soak up the energy!
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Ride on ya'll and ride safe!
@Kathy, congrats! You are badass!
I gave up cycling shoes some years ago, and changed to cycling sandals that allow for clipping in and walking around like a normal person. It also eliminated hot spots completely. I like both shimano 520a and 600a pedals. When its cold I use shoe covers and or polar fleece socks.
I don't diet. I weighed 300 when I resumed cycling. I ride for fitness and weigh in about once a week. I go by the fit of my clothes as to when to leave the cake and bread alone and go for the protein, fruit and veg. When I do want to lose weight I have to ride and eat. Just riding will cause me to stop losing weight, its the starvation response, and I must eat more protein so I am not digesting my own muscle.
Seriously raining again here. Feel like the monsoons have come to Florida.
@Kathy, wait a minute; you say "No Thanks" to the cake but you don't even wear a helmet to get ice cream? Sounds like misplaced priorities to me, you should always say "YES" to cake to have WITH your ice cream [;-) WEAR YOUR HELMET!!! (see my little emoticon up there; even he's wearing a helmet)
@Marty - Thanks for the cake but I'm afraid I'm dieting at the moment so you really don't need my address... and I truly only need a right shoe cause that foot needs more support.
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@Michael - I'll be going to a LBS tonight but it's small. In my area you have the little guy or REI unless I head into the city (Notice I'm not saying which city @Marty).
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@Kevin - Can't you pedal on a clipless pedal without the shoe? I do small rides to the grocery a lot. 1 mile there and sometimes I don't even grab my helmet (bad me!) but when you're out of ice cream speed is of the essence!
@Kathy- Look into a two way pedal. One side you clip in the other side you don't. I use this on my hybrid that I commute to work on. That way if I have Dr. appt or want to ride to lunch I don't need to pu the bike shoes on I can just ride in my "street" shoes.
You may also want to look at Mountain Bike shoes. You can walk more normal than road shoes. I see a coworker walking on his heels becuase of the road shoes he wears but my MTB shoes work have some lugs that allow me to walk more normally. Those would be better I think for the stop/starts you have at lights etc.
JOM - fun to watch! thanks for posting!
Tammie - Hope you get better soon.
@Kathy - I would say, don't stop at just one cycling shoe. Get both a right and left.
Also, congratulations on Platinum! Brad and I, and several others from Wisconsin are chipping in to get you a cake to honor the occasion. The only thing is, we still nead your address. ;P
@Kathy, though I'm still commuting in my sneakers, I had been giving the same thought to 'stepping up'. I would recommend going to a bike shop with your bike so they can fit pedals and shoes to both you and the bike. I love supporting the small, local shop; however, in this case, you may want to travel to a larger store with a more extensive selection. Since fit is so important and this is your first venture, please don't order anything online. Remember to tell the salesperson the same things you told us about your commute. Since you have lots of starts/stops, you'll need pedals that you can get in/out of rather easily. Those more experienced than I, please chime in...
I'm in the market for a cycling shoe. Currently, I just use Tennies. I commute every day 12 miles one way so there's lots of stopping and starting at lights and all (I can change shoes when I get to work) but here and there I do a little road sport type riding. I never really do any off road stuff. I don't have clipless pedals or anything. This is a step up for me. Any recommendations?
Congratulations Kathy! Quite an accomplishment. I was hoping to be there by now. Drat! Jerry, you are riding in spirit... vicariously! LOL It's OK, a way to stay sane while you heal. I was doing 20 to 25 miles a day when my back gave up on me and was hoping to be up to 40 by now. I really am missing all the critters at the college campus too. Send that rain our way.. we need all we can get to refill our lakes! The lakes are dry beds and have been for several years now. They are our source of water!
@Jenny Stelzner. Thanks for support. It means a lot. Even though I can't ride and won't be able to for at least 5-6 more weeks at the earlist I am staying active on the board. It helps me from getting depressed to see other people riding and what they are accomplishing.
@Laurie, I was just teasing... :P
Yay Kathy!
PLATINUM
The rain is giving me a break in my area-finally. We had near ten inches in the past ten days. I should be able to get some good riding in over this holiday. WOO! Ride and enjoy, friends. :)
@ E.M I have met some of the Black Women Bike DC. Awesome ladies! We need more people to advocate for cycling as a whole.
@ Roberto.... total since I started the warmup in late April.
@Laurie, that's some distance given that you only had two hours!
@Laurie. Congratulations.
quick20 miler after rain brought temps. down 25degrees from 105. wind @ back on returning but had my first flat in 19 months and walked last mi.& 1/4. real problem was had to relieve, well - that's another story.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Thanks Rob and Tammie. I'm nursing a separated shoulder from the crash, but thankfully it hasn't prevented me from riding. Level 1 - 2 separation, all is good :)
Tammie-- hoping your pain issues get resolved SOON! I can relate to the kidney stones pain, when they asked me to rate my pain from 1 to 10, I said it was about a 25.
J OM - excellent video. That crash did not look fun, but you finished strong!
I just went over 600 miles!
GREAT video J OM .. really enjoyed it! I am getting a professional bike fitting next week to make sure everything on that end is right to minimize any stress the bike is causing. I have learned that pain is fleeting even when it is constant... there is reason behind that statement. I lived with constant pain for 2 1/2 years before my back surgery and literally wanted to die.. but the day did arrive when the pain was gone! I have also learned no matter how much you hurt... you can hurt more. I know what the ultimate pain is.. kidney stones! If I am not hurting that much.. I can go on! .. just not for very long.. thus the short rides right now. I can only tolerate it in short bursts. I do have my limits LOL I now go to work with a new determination to make it through another shift to pay for another doctor visit!
Texas has even moved up quite a bit.. I was absolutely stunned.
@ Rob, well just watch out because Missouri is all the way up to 33! HA HA
Wow - did anyone check the State rankings lately? Nebraska is leading and Vermont is #3. Hadn't seen that before...
My recent race footage (available in HD) from a very tough endurance cyclocross race in Morgantown, WV - http://www.youtube.com/watch - and logged into the Mileage Challenge.
Went for a short fun ride. Stopped by a friend's house and hung out for a while, mainly to admire the double rainbow that stretched across the entire sky.... truly amazing!
@ Tammie, wow how terrible. Maybe it will help a little to raise your handlebars so you aren't putting as much pressure on your arm. I wish I had more advice, but I'm not a medical specialist or a bike fitting expert. But your situation really makes me realize how individual every situation is. One size does not fit all. But I can't help but thinking that your determination is going to help you overcome the obsticles that have been tossed in your way. Hang in there!
Oh, just put new pedals on the road bike and HAD to try them out! was going to just go up and down the street... well, I did 3 miles! I just could not make myself get off the bike! I am paying for it now.. can't move! I will have to get off the couch sometime to get some dinner.. or starve. Stomach is growling .. but it felt soooo good to be MOVING! My problem is that the real pain is not there WHILE I RIDE if I don't put pressure on my right arm so I really pay for it immeidiatly when I try to get OFF THE BIKE.. OUCH! LOL It just hurts moderatly while I ride.. so I push... stupid I know.
You would think my chiropractor was a PT by the amount of pain he inflicts! I am literally black and blue from his torments! .. but it does help! He said today he was amazed that I am actually doing ANY riding because it should be impossible by the spasms my neck and back are in.. but I push on and put in a couple miles just because something in me says I have to! I have to keep myself in some sort of shape to be able to try the Bike MS in 3 weeks now! I have had 2 whiplash injuries from car accidents and lifting back injuries including surgery from work in the past. I ignored the increasing pain in my lower back for the past 5 months and the position change to the road bike just set me up for a cascade of muscle spasms the went completely out of control. It was the catalyst that made it all go crazy .. the only think that will settle it all down at this point is some well placed steroid injections.. that is where July 11th comes in. My doctor gets back in town and I have an appointment. I also have a new problem in my right shoulder that is making it difficult to put the weight on my right arm when on the road bike. Will see if he will inject that too! Steroids.. great fix it all!
@ Kathy, your vision is what China looked like just over 20 years ago. Everyone biked everywhere for everything, moving couches by bike, etc. (We visited then and were just so amazed and took tons of photos of all of that). But now that country has "progressed" so more people are driving and its unbelievably polluted.... SAD. But there is evidence that the "car culture" is on the decline in the USA (if you go backwards you can find the link I posted recently about that). Other evidence that bicycling is catching on in America is here: http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/07/01/197416434/minority-cyclists-black-women-bike so while your vision may not be 100%, things are moving in the bicycling direction. Since you mentioned freeways full of bikes, I'll just mention that Denmark actually has a bicycle road/freeway. No motor vehicles on that road.
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My $0.02 worth on the encouraging people to join the challenge. Tell them that if they have a record of their back miles, they can record them. This seems to be an incentive for the riders I have talked to.
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I too, wish all the best for our healing cyclists.
@Laurie, anywhere within a 15 mile radius.
There are about 2 hours of daylight left. Wonder where I can bike in that time.......
I was looking at that Bikes at Work Trailer and had this vision of an alternate reality where cars were never invented and our freeways were filled with bikers pulling cargo trailers instead of 18 wheeler's, mini van bikes with mom and dad pedaling away with 4 kids in the back, Tandem bikes using the carpool lanes... then I came back to reality but it was weird...
@Jerry and Tammie, I don't think that I ever heard what happened to either one of you. This message board moves along so quickly, I miss a lot of stuff because I don't always read back too many pages. I remember the awesome support that I received last year after my dog bite, and so I also want to extend my well-wishes to both of you, hope you both heal up very quickly and get back out there!
With the June end-of-month bump, we pushed our projected miles at the finish up to almost 19,000,000, so we are looking good there, going from 3,700,000 miles in May to 3,870,000 in June. We need to average 4,000,000 a month to reach our goal.
(I don't want to be a Debbie Downer) But its not looking as good on number of participants. At the end of April, just before the start of the Challenge, we had 15,800, and are now at 32,000. While that may look very promosing for us to make our 50,000 goal, over half of the increase was in the 1st 10 days. The rest of the increase took 53 days. And, looking at it another way, for the entire month of June, we only added 2,600 participants. At that June rate, we will end up with less than 40,000. But based on trends from last year, we will even get fewer new participants in the last two months, so we will end up with closer to 36,000 participants.... Unless....
Now is the time to make another push for getting your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers to join the NBC. The more we get, the closer we will get to 50,000, which will make it all that much easier to reach our mileage goal. So, consider everyone you will talk to during the July 4th Celebration. Lets all try to bring them on board so that they can have some fun in this Challenge, too!
@ Rob, 90 days left and we are over 32,000 cyclists and growing!
@Laurie - It sounds like it might be time to add a rack to the back of your bike or a large wire basket. Another fun option is to add a cargo bike to your household. My daily "driver" is a Kona Ute longtail cargo bike. I also have a Bikes At Work trailer that will carry up to 300 lbs of cargo. It is always a fun adventure for me to see what I can haul with my bike and trailer.
Dropped my kids off at the Y and decided to bike to the thrift store to see what might catch my eye there. I have been in need of a car bike rack, and lo and behold one was there. Then came the dilemma: how to get it home. I seriously considered hanging it over my shoulders but figured the ride might be uncomfortable. So have to drive back to the store later to pick it up, which defeats my whole purpose in biking vs. driving........
Almost back in the top 100... I'm giving it another week.
@Tammie. I don't think any pain pill or drink would work for me to ride. Hope you keep getting better. I expect a post from you on July 11th about your double century ride.
If someone would like some rain, please let me know as the mildew is really so strong in the air in Florida. 13 inches in june and 2.5 in july as of a few minutes ago. But I got new pedals and changed my tires so I am ready to go for the next 90 days. 9000 points may be possible.
@ Jerry B I wonder if you could get one of those custom jersey places to use you actual xray/digital images? Or your hip shots on some shorts? Also you could paint some stiches and bandages on the new helmet.
Hi all, its a rainy and cool day here so I took to the trail for my ride. Only me and one other rider, and a couple of walkers: one was a guy with an umbrella. No, wait a minute, there was one other turkey on the trail, but when I approached it, it flew up into a tree. Soggy everything put me in the mood to come home and make runzas!
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Ride when you can and watch out for trail turkeys!
@Kathy. I wonder if I contact Primal Wear if I could get them to pay me for each ad. Then I could save up enough to buy my new bicycle.
@Burklee. Stay away from PT. All they want to do is see fow much more pain they can get out of you.
I looked at the Primal Wear X-ray jersey. I think I liked the "Crash Test Dummy" jersey better, but am afraid angry drivers might take the jersey as a suggestion, and then I'd have to go to PT with Jerry.
I like Primal's designs too, and they do have a closeout section. Get on their mailing list and occasionally you'll get sent a discount promo code - that will usually work on the closeouts also. Double discount goodness.
Well, better primal weat than some of the other things that I can think of! LOL I love some of their designs. Wish I could buy a few! This last month has been a financial disaster to me. Hopefully July is better. Have a Chiropracter appt in a little while then I am going to TRY to ride a few miles.. currently at somewhere in the 3,000's on the leaderborard... I hate that! Haven't tried riding drunk... not safe but it is tempting. NO.. I won't do it.. but it does cross my mind. Come on July 11th! Can't come soon enough.
So I clicked on that link to see the Jersey Jerry B was talking about and now every Ad popping up on my laptop, in the side bars, in the headers are all of the Primal Wear Men's X-Ray Original Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey. It's a marketing trick, Jerry's in league with Primal Wear. ;-)
@Juliana - Welcome aboard! Better late than never. With those daily rides, you will get a lot of points. Yes, you can log your previous rides, they just won't count retroactively towards the previous monthly prize drawings.
I WILL make " PLATI NUM " today on my afternoon ride. I wanted it be July 1st but oh well the 2nd will do.
SAHM just now joining the challenge. I ride daily with my toddler and preschooler in tow. Wish I knew of the challenge sooner. Can I log past rides?
Tammie P - happy birthday, I turned 51 Sunday 30th.
Oh, I failed to mention, addiction had to wait cause I had to drive my car...car? What is that? Some 4 wheeled thing that sits in my driveway unnoticed. I heard it whisper the other day as I mounted my bike-"I am lonely!"
@Tammie-Happy Belated Birthday. Fried Seafood in Calasbash in NC....don't go to awful often, not good for the arteries or the waistline, but, every once in while just have to have some good old fresh from the waters fried shrimp and flounder.
Did not get to log miles today. Grandmothers addiction had to wait, got up this morning and grandson was like-Grandmom have breakfast with me....couldn't resist for any reason, then had to rush off to work. That's ok will make it up with a local bike group ride tomorrow, but will miss the points from today.
@Laurie - I run reds when they don't turn in an acceptable amount of time (no other cars present). But if it's a busy intersection I've actually hopped off my bike and run to click the pedestrian cross button. That'll also do the trick.
Gosh we are a chatty bunch. 5 pages of comments since yesterday afternoon.
@Jerry-that is awful they did not use your jersey-hang in there guy! Hopefully it won't be too much longer for you to be off your wheels.
@Kawika. I hope it stays the only one for you. Broken bones are no fun. And they really interfere with bike riding.
90 days left in the challenge
@ Jerry, the nerve of them! Especially when you were trying to be so helpful!
I always said I had this jersey so they would not have to cut it off if I ever was hurt. They would already have my x-rays. But for some reason they won't use it when I had my accident. They insisted on taking their own x-rays at the hospital.
@ Jerry, love the jersey. That should get some looks/comments once you're back in the saddle again :)
According to Wisconsin statutes: 346.37(1)(c)4.
4. Notwithstanding subd. 1., a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1. for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The operator of a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle proceeding through a red signal under this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular traffic, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding through a green signal at the intersection or lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection. This subdivision does not affect any authorization for a bicyclist under subd. 2.
Jerry, Cool Jersey! If I got one, I'd want it to show my reshaped Left Collar Bone where one part healed on top of the other(nice bump) and be able to change it for a new one each time I had another broken bone. Kinda like a visual record to show your inside scars LOL! So far, it's the only one for me!
Peter, I did not know that either. I will look that up and start doing it where it's safe. But the particular intersection I got stuck at today was a 6-way (two major streets and the side street I was on) and in that instance I'd be very leery about going through against the light. -- too many directions of traffic to think about.
Laurie, Welcome. You can get them on ebay or maybe an electronics store.
Thanks Kawika. I will check into getting some.
Laurie, I don't the state law number but if stop lights are sensored and don't change, you can go through a red light if there's no traffic coming.
Laurie, You can fix that. All you need is magnets to put under your bike. Check out this video. This should work for bikes also. http://www.break.com/video/ugc/how-to-get-traffic-lights-to-turn-green-381956
Had fun tonight doing a bunch of errands by bike. It was great knowing I was getting stuff done without using a drop of gas. Only thing that irked me was that some stoplights don't change to green unless there's a car waiting. Wish that the sensors would know a bike is waiting there.
Thanks for the encouraging remarks - Marty, Heather, Ray. I will try to push more on the days I can bike those nice farm road in rural PA, if the humidity cooperates.
Condolences to our friends in Arizona who lost 19 brave firefighters today.
@ Brad, you ARE a guy.
I know a guy.
I don't like seeing "0" miles on any day, either.
It is discouraging to see this every day.
http://tinyurl.com/kcjz2fq
Just got my new X-Ray jersey
http://tinyurl.com/ljaouv9
to replace the one the ambulance crew cut off me. How dare they.
Have a new helmet on order. Now I just need to save up money to buy a new bike. And heal my broken bones.
@Kathy R I know Marty and Brad are rigging this thing. the guy in first must be a friend or he is paying them. WisCONSIN has people you just have to be skeptical about, like Marty and Brad.
Now it just updated, and there are a few ahead of him. Sometimes, especially at the beginning or end of a month, it either bogs down or gets some glitches. I'm sure things will be corrected.
@Kathy - Hi Kathy. I'm from Wisconsin. No offense taken. No reason to hide. What is your address again? Absolutely no reason to hide.
Very slow points updating the last few days.
@John Quirk - the guy is from Wisconsin, how else could they stay in the top 3?
JK... (quickly hiding from all the Wisconsinites).
oh, John.. that is a very good question! I looked at it too and can't figure it out. It shows he rode 30 miles today.. that is all... nothing else on endomondo. His history is 20 to 30 mile rides so he is not doing more than that or multiple rides per day. ... strange!
Did someone mention deep fried seafood somewhere a few pages back? Dinner tonight.. my annual birthday trip to Red Lobster! I HAVE to ride a few miles just to work some of those calories off! So far I have been lucky and the scale has not started moving up.. that is not going to last long. I spent the morning in the bike store shopping.. that was my birthday present.. got money and you know where I headed! LOL As to that 'addicted grandmother'.. you are setting a great example for your grandchildren Cynthia! Hope they get the desire to ride too! Wish there was a bike for them to join you. Nothing like a family or group ride for fun. G
How did the guy in first place for July get 110 points today for riding 30 miles?
@ Christian Gonzales-wiped clean like myself and 35 other riders in Nv. never existed!
reliving movie The Net.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
3 days no biking and tomorrow will make 4. :(
Did Tough Mudder on Saturday and it was a whole day event. Sunday I was so sore I could barely move so that was out. Today I am still sore, but also under the weather so I didn't bike again today. I'm trying to get better before the 4th since I have plans. No fun! My bike misses me!
Wow.....stay away for a day and come back to find 5 pages of comments to catch up on! Also, I checked the leaderboards, and couldn't understand why I didn't show up on them, until it dawned on me that today is the 1st and that I haven't biked this month yet. I think the sun fried my brain as well as my skin yesterday at Summerfest!
Hi all, back from my ride and loading up on watermelon. "A coyote ran across the road..." well acutally that was yesterday's ride. Today it was more like blasts of wind. Several other riders out there in the late morning/early afternoon with temps. in the 70s. I felt like a kite, soaring along down the road. I am proud to say that I have now ridden every day this month. HA HA.
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@ Cynthia, what a great son, I can just hear him driving home in the car explaining to the kids, well you see, grandma is an addict..... LOL
@ Michael on the bicycle, congrats on the prize!
@ Heather, the car free days sound like a blast!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Training for Life-very nice.
I also like that "training for life" and I use it on my kids all the time when they whine that I will be out for my daily ride, and sometimes even say it to myself to get me going. I am losing weight while biking, too... not 10# yet like Karen, but getting pretty close to it, and I hope I can lose at least 10 more before the end of the bike challenge. I tend to not lose it very fast or easy, but biking seems to be helping me along.
@ Tammie, thanks! now I have to watch the 9's and the 6's too!
Thanks Heather, I'm more impressed with my 20K! lol
The solution to getting 40 miles in is easy, ride faster ;) Ok, so maybe it's not THAT easy, but that's one secret. As you ride more, and push yourself, you get faster. As you get faster, you can go further in the same amount of time. Just keep pushing and eventually you'll find that you're going 40 miles in less time than it took to go 30 miles not so long ago.
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The other secret is to find the right location. 40 miles on a trail with lots of street crossings, slower cyclists/walkers/etc takes much longer than 40 miles on the road when you can ride long stretches without a stop sign.
Winners announced already! I don't think I will ever win, but congrats @Michael on Bicycle!
@EM, here locally we participate in "Car Free Fridays". Google it, it's fun!
@Karen, congrats on the losses. Getting in 40+ miles requires hours of time for me. It's a commitment. I spent as much time clearing my schedule for rides as I do riding. It's a priority. I often have to remind other people in my life that I have rides scheduled or planned. They don't get it-but they are used to it. As @Blake says, "I'm training for life."
So, i am not showing up in the leaderboards for this month, like none of them.! anybody else having the same issue?
So, my Son and Grandchildren are visiting this week. Don't get to see them often as they live out of state. My debate this morning, (as it was pouring down rain) ride, not ride, ride, not ride, going thru my head as I was packing panniers for the day or get to spend an extra 15 minutes with grandkids. I chose to ride-I told my son, its a cult thing and an addiction. I gotta ride. He very much understood. 15 minute late start from normal time, but, rode in fast to work (great workout) and still was able to get thru changing and being at my desk, right on schedule.
@E M - Thanks for the link to the good, encouraging article!
@Cynthia-New bridge=NICE! Improvements at Sunset Pier parking area=NICE! Only bad part, that talcum-powder-like sand of yours sticks to everything and is impossible to get out! Was amazed at the number of people biking on the beach, however. I wanted to hijack someone's ride and take a cruise myself.
There is hope! http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/30/sunday-review/the-end-of-car-culture.html; End of car culture??
@Michael-happy to hear your vacation here was a good one. How did you like the new Sunset Beach Bridge? Lot of cyclists this time of year from all over. Then the bike group rides 3 days a week! I get to join them at least once a week. The town is working on Sunset Beach bikes lanes and share the road signs. Hopefully that will all be done within the next year or so.
@Ray what are you training for? "life."
As the song goes, "I'm back in the saddle, again...". After losing the last 11 days of June (and a ton of points) to vacation, it felt soooo good to get back on the bike this morning. Thankfully the crushing downpour stopped about 15 minutes before I left the house. Spent a week in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Not a pedestrian or bike-friendly town at all! Amazingly, crossing the border into NC was like night and day. Bikers all over, Share-the-Road signs all over, much more inviting. Got jealous at every pedaler I saw! Visited Sunset Beach, Calabash and had an amazing seafood dinner at Dockside Seafood House. Sorry, folks, but deep fried seafood really is the way to splurge!
I still hear the occasional "hey Lance" or something like it, normally from passing "yoots." I'd rather be called Lance than get the "what are you training for?" question that I get almost every single time someone asks me how many miles I've logged, whether it be a friend, a stranger or a fellow cyclist.
Wanna have fun? Check out these bike photos: https://www.facebook.com/BikesForAll
Congrats Karen for rhe weight loss. I use to wish to lose some weight myself. I gave up that dream. I realized I'm always going to be a 200+ lbs man, just more fit. Now I'm happy with that.
@Karen - Congratulations on the weight loss!
A few years ago, while commuting in July, I would occasionally wear a bright yellow T-shirt, and would invariably get shouts from pedestrians of "Go Lance!" It made me feel good, and made me bike faster, basking in my imagined victory. I would doubt if anyone says that to a bicyclist nowadays.
Oh, yeah, I forgot! I'm dreaming of winning a jersey. Also, lost 10 extra pounds I packed on over the Winter months - going for 20 more pounds by the end of the challenge. It should make those extra miles easier to achieve. (And, make my husband proud.)
I just barely reached my goal of 500 miles this month. Trying to increase my daily miles is a struggle. Hats off to those bicyclists who do those 40+ days. Today is rainy, so I am taking my bike in to the shop. I hope that they can teach me how to adjust my brakes. I need to learn more about maintaining my bike, with all these extra miles. I'm just a girly girl, about all I can do is change a tire and clean the bike. Pretty sad!
Good job Dean
Catch 22. I'm not used to parts wearing out on my bike and needing replacement. This is a good thing because it's telling me that I'm actually riding. The latest is the drivetrain. Bike shop told me to replace the chain once a year for my riding. I will take their advice. I will proudly hang my old drivetrain on the wall of my garage to remind me of what I have accomplished, better health. Ride safe out there!
J OM - I think you can still enter June miles after the deadline; they just won't count for the June drawings.
Oh, Roberto! That is so wrong in so many ways it is downright cruel. How can they take the visual pleasure of that tremendous effort away just to satisfy some computer glitch which I am sure it is.
Jenny, you can kill yourself chasing those 9s and if you are anything like me, 6s too!
Rob, If I won the Scott TP I would donate it to homeless shelter over here since I already have a year's worth from Costco! I'm hoping for the Jersey!
Thanks Rob and Kawika!
JOM, Cutoff is 11:59pm today to enter June's miles,
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From the "FAQ"
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When do I log my miles?
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To be eligible for the monthly prize drawings, all rides for each month must be entered by 11:59 pm of the last day of each month. To allow for a more current update, miles should be entered daily.
Hi J OM (Veggie Power) - per the Official Rules all June miles must be posted by midnight tonight. "To be eligible for monthly prize drawings, you must live in the U.S. and all rides for each month must be entered by 11:59 pm of the last day of each month." Good luck, I'm hoping for the year's supply of toilet tissue from Scott® Brand!
Does anyone know if there is a cutoff for entering June miles? If so, I'd like to make sure all of my team members get their miles entered. Thanks in advance!
So I took an extra ride to get over that 99 hump, but ended the day at 19... tempted to peddle again.
WAY TO GO HEATHER !!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, I knew you could do it. Way to keep going and not let the rain stop you. You are an AWESOME cyclist !!!!!!
How about some wicked cruel irony that when you hit Diamond, your meter is reset to zero?
I missed 7 days this month because of a vacation. I had set a goal of 1000 miles each month, and I didn't want to miss it. Today, I logged my goal: 1000 miles in 23 days. Happily, I've got 8 more days next month to cover the same ground. Or more....And almost back into top 100 on leaderboard... I think 10 more to go on that.
Hmm, I'm at 899 points. Already took a ride today, but I just can't sit on that 99 number, guess I need to get back out there!
I'm riding on the 4th. We need to get a 40+ mile ride in this week and that looks like a good day since were all off of work. Happy Holiday and riding, everyone!!
I don't know about the rest of you, but June seemed to just fly by! Looking forward to July and all the great stories by everybody on here!! Is anybody going to do any riding on the 4th? I will still be doing my normal training for Thursday (90 miles) and then after that will participate in the festivities! Wishing everybody a Safe July and a great Independence Day!!
Congratulations Heather... doesn't it feel good to move up that one step.. the next one takes FOREVER to acheive! I am hoping to make it this month if I ever get to really riding again.. did 5 miles today and was really pushing it then hit the jacuzzi and let the high power jets really kill me. How can just water cause so much pain? .. but I was able to move afterwards so it was worth it. That free feeling when riding is just sooo worth the pain afterwards...
Stay cool all you folks that are being hit by the heat wave.
@Heather. Congratulations on your GOLD. Have not looked at points this month since my accident. It was discouraging to see what I have. Only 200 points for June. I did not even makes silver. I had planned 2,000 points for May. But due to weather and a trip I only got 1,453 points for May. And I really missed by goal for June. I will have zero points for July. If I am lucky I will be able to start riding again in August. I will have to see how August goes. If I am able to ride I will have to start out slowly. But even if I can only do five or 10 miles a day it will be great to get back on the bicycle again.
Way to go Heather!
Yea Heather!
I rode 23 miles in the rain today. Also, got my GOLD!
@Cynthia - Talk about feeling bad. With multiple personalities, any day that I miss riding would have been a group ride.
Hi all, well it was the short breakfast ride today. Temps in the 70s, nice enough to sit outside to eat. A handful of other riders.
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We had rain all over Indiana today and big, heavy swirls sat over Ft. Wayne last night and this morning. The Indiana Tandem Rally was still a huge success despite being stormed-out for the Sunday ride. We rode 24.6 miles Friday afternoon/evening on the trail system and toured downtown. Saturday we rode 67.3 miles on beautiful, gently rolling, country roads. Every time I looked at anyone they were smiling and laughing. We shared 92 quality-miles with 40 tandem couples. The youngest stoker is 3 yrs old and alrtedy has hundreds of miles logged this year. Biking is fun, but TWICE as much on a tandem.
@jerry B After the BB replacement, two good rides. Set 4 pr's yesterday and ended the month over 1000 and 6050 for the Year. Thanks for riding along I am sending you riding energy with every pedal stroke. Bon ton Roule!
Make a sculpture for your yard! Be artistic and praise cycling all at once!
@Elaine. Or maybe I'll just put my bike in the rocks in our flower gardens. Give the neighbors something to wonder about.
@ Cynthina, I get it. I'm missing a bridge bash ride complete with cake & ice cream. I have a project thats due tomorrow and I gotta keep working. So I can't justify the time to get my junk together and drive down to the bridge. I was kind of hoping it would rain today so I wouldn't feel bad. But its not raining so I just hope everyone else enjoys the ride. In any case I should get a shorter breakfast ride in instead.
@ Heather, when you do make gold, it will be that much sweeter!
@ Cynthia completely understand the storm thing and the rain, every time I think about riding we get hammered by storms again,
My bike and I miss each other today. Overslept from tossing and turning all night. Bad bad storms happening here. And all night long just torrential rain,loud hard fast rain. So, the point I am trying to make is I did not make the 8 am meet and start time for the local bike group Sunday ride. I so hate that. You feel like your missing something and you feel guilty for not getting there. But, then alas, to help my case thunder starting rolling again and now more loud hard fast rain. So if they started a ride, they will not be finishing it. Whew. Can anyone relate to the feeling of missing rides? Group or otherwise? Crazy thing that feeling is.
After a short ride to and from a friend's house this morning to check on her dog, I am taking the day off. (Horrible I know!) But then I'll spend the rest of the day walking around and enjoying a music festival. Hope my bike doesn't miss me too much today!
@Roberto, congrats! That is amazing.
I don't think I'll make gold. I was just looking at my record. It doesn't look like I'm getting the daily 20, only my miles. I know we're not going to do over 40 miles today.
@Heather, 19mph, WAY TO GO !!!!!! I'm sure you can reach "Gold" today, that would be a fantastic way to finish out the month :-)
@Cycling Roberto, CONGRATULATIONS on reaching 6,000 miles this year, great job, keep the pedals spinning and enjoy your rides.
Jerry, i think you should take your poor bike and wrap him in Christmas lights and make him a fabulous piece of yard art for all his faithful service.
Yeah, Heather! Similar for me, I did a 56-mile ride and averaged over 13 for the first 45 miles. Overall finished just under, about 12.9. I normally ride in the mid 12 mph.
@ Heather, WOWWWW, how fun for you.
@ Roberto, way to roll!
Heather, that is flying for a 13mph averager! That is s about my average too so o know exactly how you felt amazing isn't it! Makes you want more! That's the addictive part.. Better than drugs.
@Cycling Roberto-that is amazing! You go guy and keep on a going! Do you have a goal for the whole year?
Hit 6000+ miles for the year to date today.
The TDF was something today. I'm wonder if I can get gold tomorrow? hmmmm. I sprinted tonight and got into my drops for 19mph. What a blast when your average speed is closer to 13!
Looks like the system is not updating miles and points today.....
@Laurie. I really loved my bike. Not as much as I love my fantastic wife. But it was still a great bike. And my replacement bike will be the same Cannondale Synapse Ultegra 3.
Yes it was hot but I like the challenge. :-)
Jerry, I hope that your new bike is much much better than the old one. Keep recovering so you can enjoy many years with the new one :)
@Laurie. My bike did that to me a lot until I killed it three weeks ago.
117 sounds beyond balmy to me, even painfully hot. But then again, I was born and raised in semi-arctic Wisconsin.
@Tammie. To change your profile picture go to www.endomondo.com. On the upper right side of the page select your name, then Settings. On the settings page under your photo select "Change Picture"
what a ride home. Very nice balmy 117 degrees.
This morning I was feeling pretty wiped out from the week, so decided to skip my usual Saturday morning ride to the farmers' market. This afternoon mapped out a short 3-4 mile ride just to get points. But as usual, once on my bike, that map flew out of my head and I ended up riding over 10 miles instead. Now I'm REALLY beat!
I agree with some riders that everyone should stop riding except Tues on or near the bottom time to catch up. It seems the more I go, the further behind I get except where I'm leading Oshkosh, WI riders. It's a lot tougher in National Standings this year. Today I just went at a Sunday Cruise Ride on Saturday and enjoyed the ride much more. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
Got off work this morning and just could not stand it.. had to ride! Temp was only 83 and it was a stunning morning. I was only going to do the minimum 1 mile but it was just soooo nice I could not stop and went on for 3. I am paying for it now. July 11 can not come soon enough .. never thought I would BEG for steroid shots but I am counting the days! Had my highest average speed ever too.. 15.3.. guess I was having so much FUN! Like a dog with its head out the window.. the wind blowing in my face was wonderful and the faster I went the better it was. Jerry, you arre going to have the best high in the world when you get back on the bike!!! Unfortunately, my liquor cabinet is inticing as a way to ride more but I know I can't do that.. but I want to! Anything to decrease the pain for a while... wish I wasn't allergic to everything in the pain reducing realm. Any suggestions on changing your profile picture? I have been trying but keep getting the ever spinning icon.. my current picture is about 40 pounds heavier and OLD. LOL
Hi all, out this morning for the usual ride. Wonderful temps in the low 70s. Lots of other people agreeing that is was a great time to ride. Added a twist to my usual ride by going a little further north. Not roads I would ride with more traffic but nice on a quiet morning.
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@ Jerry, my experience with stubborn bikes has mainly involved dropped chains and refusal to shift. Enjoy the tour and maybe read and maybe write some cool stuff about bicycling.
Now I know why my bike was being disobedient and fighting me in the last couple of weeks. When it was time to ride home, my bike refused to make the turns to ride home. It insisted that we had to continue to ride. It would only let me ride home after I ran out of liquids and food. It must have know that it was reaching the end of its life.
@John Wardlaw. I am glad you were not injured too badly. I am sure it must be great to be out riding even if it is for just a few miles. Keep getting better. And start racking up those miles again.
I don't know if it is good or bad that the Tour de France is on now. The good is that I can watch it without figuring out how to fit into my schedule. The bad is as I sit here watching the tour I miss being our riding my bike even more.
@ Marty, I've been told that many times, and I did take a coolish shower last night for that reason. What I like best about the hot tub are the stronger jets that massage the muscles that need it.
A bottom bracket can also break because of a fall. During my first bike trip, (I think in 1980), I was on the Sugar River rails to trails gravel path, and went over a patch of silt that had dried on top, but was slick beneath. With the weight of everything but the kitchen sink tied to my bike, when I went down, the crank arm bent to the point of not being able to ride, so had a mechanic in the nearest town unbend it. A week after the trip, my BB just broke off while riding, and had to finish the ride with one pedal.
Jerry, picturing you climbing out... damn, wish I could that out of my mind. I'm missing seeing you out there too! Gota go TdF is back on! And to everyone else...
Ride like you belong!
Yesterday morning I biked part of a regional trail with a friend. Later biked to another friend's house whose dog I'm dogsitting this weekend. In the evening went for a lovely group ride in the moonlight.
This morning I realized I may have overdone it. The hot tub at the Y is definitely calling my aching muscles' name.
Hot Tubs - While it does feel great to sit in a hot tub after a long/hard ride, in almost all cases (except for ones like Jerry's or Tammie's), you will recover quicker from the micro-trauma if you sit in a bath of ice water. I know, not as much fun, but sitting in ice water stops the leaking of blood from broken capillaries into interstitial areas, and the resultant fusing of fascia, which limits one's range of motion. A hot tub will only increase the leaking into interstitial areas and bring more platelets, etc to mess things up.
I understand the comments by Jerry Bengtson and Laurie Rescheske asking everybody to stop riding for a bit. Prior to two weeks ago I was progressing up the leaderboard nicely, riding over 200 miles a week with most all of it being commuting miles. In May I even finished first in the state of Tn. On the night of the 14th I was hit by a car and spent 11 days off of the bike. In the past three days I have ridden a whopping total of 8 miles. This was on a different bike because the other was totaled. It will probably be a month or more before I am riding anywhere near to the mileage I was before. I am glad there were no broken bones.
@Tammie. The jacuzzi is great with all the muscle spasms from all my broken bones. The only problem is getting in the jacuzzi is interesting. And getting out of the jacuzzi is very very interesting.
Tammy, you have a Jacuzzi? Then you should feel guilty! Here I am soaking my old wrinkled butt in a tub, while you luxuriate in a JACUZZI! LOL No more sympathy gal.
2004 Jamis Comet, 6 RAGBRAI's, easily 50,000 miles; 2006 Eddy Merckx Corsa Special Edition, easily 30,000 miles. Both have never had bottom brackets replaced.
I agree with Laurie Rescheske's quote. "I have a very earnest request. Would everyone please stop biking for a while. I am dropping on the leaderboards and I am not happy about it." End Quote. Since I can't ride until all my broken bones are healed could you all stop riding for eight weeks or so until I can start riding again. I just keep dropping on the leaderboards everyday just like Laurie.
Tammie, don't feel guilty. If you can only do a mile each day, at least its something. Just don't push it because that will just set you back.
Re Bottom Brackets: got a new model Trek in 2010, bottom bracket went out after 2,000 miles- replaced bracket, went out after 400 miles - replaced bracket with "new improved bearings", went out after 100 miles - further upgraded bracket, went out after 60 miles. I became a product test subject for Trek, ended up going through 6 or 8 bottom brackets in less than a year. Trek finally found a totally new designed for the bottom bracket bearing they were using. So far I've been getting about 20,000 miles from the bottom brackets (changing them about every 20,000 miles as a precaution). NOTE: A badly worn bottom bracket bearing can TOTALLY destroy the frame (at least it can with a carbon fiber frame.......).
Even better.. Jacuzzi! I practically live in it! Sometimes two or three times a day. It is a small 3 person. Got rid of my larger one several years ago. Very handy to have when you have had several back injuries.
@Tammie, Epsom salts. Take a long relaxing soak. Forget about the NBC for a sec, and get yourself back on track.
I feel like I am cheating doing the minimum 1 mile per day just to keep from sinking to the bottom while I get the muscle spasms to stop and wait for my pain management doctor to get back in town for injections. I did 7 miles yesterday with the casual city ride dinner group so that was a little better. My Chiropractor is turning me black and blue working on the muscles.. none of that snap cackle pop stuff.. just working on the muscles trying to get them to relax a little!
My bottom bracket went out at about 10k miles. Had new one installed and it's good to go. It had looseness in it, other than that it was quiet.
About Lance, Although I don't condone any kind of doping/cheating on road races/tours I can see where Lance is coming from with his comments. I've been following the TDF since we had the 7-Eleven team back in the 80s. I am pretty sure that the top 20 finishers from the TDF for the last 15 years or more got caught doping/cheating at one time or another. Sad to see this in cycling. It really gave the sport a black eye!
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Blood doping is very dangerous and cyclists have died from this because their blood turned to sludge from not moving enough after doping. Body was only meant to have a certain amount in it(depends on age/weight).
@J Hugh, I've never replaced a bottom bracket. Must have 40,000 miles on each of my bikes at least. Do you ride in standing water often? 5000 miles is much too short a distance to be replacing that component. My 2 cents
Thanks Burklee
HI all, out today in late morning with the 80++ temps. ( I was up until early hours working on a project so I didn't get to do my beat the heat ride.) Today I was passed by a guy on a bicycle. This is nothing new, I tend to ride at turtle speed, especially when the heat and humidity are rising. But if you happen to pass this turtle on the road, at least say GOOD MORNING or HI or SOMETHING to let me know you are there. I guess the guy in the pickup truck who was behind us was kind of startled too. He gave a genlte beep on his horn as he passed us and gave me that kind of WHAT THE HECK? look.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Laurie - Bottom bracket. It's the thing that connects the pedal crank arms to each other in the bike frame. (It's really a spindle type apparatus with ball bearings that lets everything turn freely.)
Bottom Bracket. This is a specialized bearing where the crank arms and axle rotate. If you bottom bracket goes you walk, Also, as my LBS mechanic said, if I feel loseness or a clunking stop and do not continue to ride as it might damage the frame.
@ J. Hugh -- maybe I am the only one who doesn't know, but what is BB?
Speaking of sausage, while in France I had some very good Moroccan sausage made with lamb and veal. Very tasty. But the pastry and the bread. See what happens when you don't have lunch. Wore out the BB on new bike, it lasted a little over 5000. They are ordering 2 extra heavy duty BB, one for now and one for later. Two weeks on a regular one until parts are in. The more you ride the more you understand that product design is for the average rider and not for higher milage. Over time you replace the weak components and after a year or two you get a pretty long milage bike.
Hey thanks all. Will do better at sharing a link next time. And not the breakfast sausage kind. hee hee. How cute. I keep in touch here from my home or office computer. Believe it or not I do not have a phone that I access the internet with. I only use my cell phone to text and make phone calls with. I think my screen for NBC shows up much different than you all see?
Silly thought I know... .but 30 years ago "sharing a link" would have meant cutting a breakfast sausage in half. hehehe I have an fake blackberry phone (haven't quite progressed to smartness yet :P) and while I can get some websites, I have to wait until I get home to my laptop to get here, or on mapmyride, or most of the sites I use the most.
@Brad, I figured she was on a cell phone (I just switched from an Apple to Android and am totally challenged now.)... But directions are always good. :-)
Cynthia - sharing a link is easy: highlight the address that you want to share, right click 'copy'. Left click to put a cursor wherever you want the link, right click 'paste'. Wala!
@Cynthia... Posting Lance Armstrong link http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/cycling/2013/06/28/lance-armstrong-impossible-win-tour-de-france-doping/2471413/
"Lance Armstrong Says Winning Tour de France Was 'Impossible' Without Doping," this article was just posted on Yahoo. Sorry don't have way to post the link.
Well, think about it, insurance for yourself and your bike should be a serious consideration. We have to insure vehicles no matter what model, year, etc and if bicycles are treated like moving vehicles why wouldn't there be coverage out there for it and the rider/owner?
Roberto - Thanks for the safety into. This week I have noticed that pickup trucks and truckers in general are more disrespectful of my rights. Just an observation, of course and generalizing,, but sometimes they can scare me, like they want to play games. I even see big rigs on back roads and residential areas. I do not know if they should be using some of those roads However, a few of my own friends think the same thing about bicycles, and it is difficult to change their minds.
Just a note, I don't wish to leave ;you all with the idea that my day is filled with only swimming and bicycling. I get up two hours early and stay up an hour later at night so that I can ride my bike while my son is at swim team practice, after that I swim laps in the pool while my son does his Summer reading. It is the best time of my day, and my only vacation time this summer. It is like having a mini vacation, though, every day.
I checked with my homeowners and they told me that it was a separate rider but as my bike isn't worth more than my deductible it wasn't worth spending the extra 166 bucks they wanted. If I get in an accident my medical will take care of me and I buy a new bike.
@Kathy Thanks for the insurance link. I just checked into the Markel Insurance plan. It's a wonderful idea and it looks to supply quite a bit of coverage throughout the US that is NOT covered by typical home owners policies. I priced out a very basic plan for my bike without getting any of the "extras". Came to $352 a year (I did the estimate based on a 2010 Trek). I'm sure the cost would be lower for a less expensive bike. Thought I would post this just to give everyone an idea of how much such a policy would cost. DISCLAIMER: Your costs may vary......
@Cynthia. My household insurance Covers my bike for theft, fire, etc. It would cover my bike if I was hit by another vehicle. But it did not cover my bike during my accident because no other vehicles were involved. But I was told by my insurance agent that bike would be covered in that type of accident. Now they're refusing to pay, saying I needed a separate rider on my bicycle. And my discussions were with my agent on the phone. To make sure your bike is covered in the event of an accident, get it in writing from your insurance agent. Have it dated and signed. And make sure it's specific on your coverage. Do not trust verbal confirmations.
Great link Roberto. I just posted it on Facebook.
Does anyone have this type of insurance? Will check into further. Thanks for the link.
A couple years ago a father and son were biking along a well known road in my area. They were struck by a drunk driver and killed. Accidents like these and the one just posted by Kathy are so sad. My heart hurts to hear about them.
While a shoulder is not a bike lane, in my area, every bike lane I have encountered has been a shoulder. If the shoulder and/or bike lane is clear and I can be fully outside the white line, that is where I ride. With daylight visible front & rear blinkies, I am more visible than the guy in the lane without lights (which appears to be almost everybody else). And to Jenny's point, when it comes to blind hills, if I'm in the lane and a car comes up the hill while I'm in a blind spot, the odds of me being hit are much higher than if I'm on the shoulder out of the way. I ride on the roads a lot and watch drivers ahead of and behind me, and almost every one of them reacts to my presence even when I'm on the shoulder. At night, I'll move into the lane to get my lights and reflectors in line with headlights.
@Cynthia - there is a business that insures cyclists. I've never really looked into it but it does exist.
in SNJ shoulders are bike lanes and in many cases there are signs that say Bike Lane, share the road, even though it's not officially painted as a bike lane. In Wharton Forest they paint the bike lane symbol on the shoulder (even though it's no different than the shoulder on any other street it's just wide) and say it's a bike lane (these are 45 to 100+ Mph roads, with speed limits of 50 mph). This implies that if a shoulder is XXX wide (I guess they have some secret official width) then it's a bike lane. Riding on the main road is dangerous even if you are only making a U-Turn.
http://blog.bicyclecoalition.org/2013/06/cyclist-on-training-ride-killed-in.html
@Cycling Roberto~
NICE!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Pass this along:
http://albertmcwilliams.com/post/54015994028/youre-going-to-kill-someone
Great conversations over night! I can respond to one on the insurance issue. This topic came up here a couple weeks ago which prompted me to call my insurance company to see if they offered such a think as cyclists insurance, of course they did
not but I was happy to learn that my renters insurance covered my bike, in the house in case of damage by fire or other or theft. They suggested I keep the receipt for the cost of the bike with my other papers, and it also covers theft or damage if something should occur while out riding, including damage to someone or something else. Of course if something happened to me my regular health and supplemental insurance would cover me. So I would suggest giving your insurance company a call and see what they offer. Boy, wouldn't that be a great business to start, an insurance company for cyclists. That specializes in bicycling issues only.
Congrats Cynthia!
Yahoo! 5 for 5 days in a row commuting and hit 1000 points!
Happy weekend, everyone. Enjoy the riding and the TDF, which starts tomorrow. :)
@Laurie - Thankfully, you didn't alternatively pseudonymate the street names. Readers would have been horrified thinking that they chopped down unicorns to build houses.
@Nyla thanks a for your insight, as well.I ride very similarly to that. On busier roads, I almost always take the shoulder. Cars don't respect bikes that are way out in their path, nor do they expect bikes to be there. Coming along at highway speed, the biker may be unaware of proximity and you can't trust the car to be attentive. I feel fortunate that shoulders are being paved much wider these days than in the past.
Interesting take Leonard. I think your answer makes a lot of sense. Thanks to all who have chimed in. I am going to try some of the alternatives and then decide on what is best for me. I have never felt that I was in any danger doing this for the short distance that I was doing it. I really don't like being on that road and my thoughts are all about safely getting off of it. Riding further down the hill just to avoid crossing over too early seems to defeat the purpose of my primary goal of getting off of the road. I will ride this route again on Saturday and will take another look.
How great to read the thoughtful reflections of so many good and caring cyclists. The only thing that I can contribute to the conversation is to remind myself that when I don't follow the rules I am an example to those who may be observing me. Each person must think about safety before, during and after each ride. Cycling is a very mental sport.
@Jenny S. (and others),
Never ride against traffic. Now that I have given the proper answer you need to remember, NEVER SAY NEVER. There are exceptions to the rule. My situation: I ride 500 feet against traffic to make a left hand turn. The other choice is to cross an 8 lane highway (55mph speed limit), ride 500 feet and re-cross another 8 lane section of highway. I feel it is safer to ride against traffic on the paved shoulder (the first 300 feet is beside a right turn lane) to the side street where I turn. (The side of the road is a well maintained grass area about 20 feet wide for a quick dodge if I need to get away from the road.) NOTE: If there are any cars coming off the side street I stop about 100 feet back and wait for them to turn before I proceed (I also watch for cars turning left off the highway because I know they will NOT be expecting anyone to be coming from the wrong direction.
Each situation is different, as a rider you must decide what you feel to be the safest course of action in each case. Just remember, if you decide to ride against traffic, YOU ARE IN THE WRONG and are totally responsible for anything that happens.
@ Marty, thank you. I exercised my right to use poetic license and give pseudonyms to the streets just to amuse readers such as yourself. Although, looking back, I must admit that XXX and YYY seem rather unimaginative -- maybe "Unicorn Dust Lane:" or other names of that type would have been even more entertaining.
@Laurie - I think it is a good letter.
As an aside, (and I know it is already too late), but I think the city/village/town planners should have hired a consultant when deciding on names of streets. Or at least they could have gone with convention and named the streets either after famous original/important settlers to the area, or after the main types of trees that were there before they chopped them down to make the streets and build the homes, like Pine, Tamarack, or Elm Street. And Elm Street would have the added benefit of eventually having a horror movie filmed there, thus bringing in much needed film rights and tourist revenue. Naming streets YYY and XXX seem pretty unimaginative. (Although the XXX Street would have the possibility of film rights and business revenue taxes, but in a more negative way - one that some upstanding citizens [possibly even decendants of original settlers] might object to.)
Another winner day....in my book. Taking tomorrow off because I have a triathlon on Saturday. Gotta have fresh legs! :-)
I’m greatly appreciating the clearly concerned and consistently respectful character of this ongoing exchange.. . I ride with traffic, and often choose to cross extremely busy intersections as a pedestrian. That being said, on occasion I’ve traveled short distances facing traffic, when the alternative seemed more treacherous, and though aware that shoulders are not bike lanes, given a choice between a heavily traveled two-lane highway, (particularly when negotiating hills and curves); or pedaling on a paved shoulder, I will be riding on the shoulder. Some destinations require highway riding, and though I plan routes to avoid highways when possible, alternate routes often involve significant additional mileage not always allowed by available time or energy. While not advising anyone to follow my example, the certain knowledge that I have a right to be on the road doesn’t make me feel more secure with a steady line of speeding, potentially inattentively aimed vehicles behind me.
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Thanks to Jenny for sharing your experience, and to all who have responded with insight, information and experiences in the interest of safer cycling
@Laurie, the problem with that suggestion is that I can't cross the road safely AT the intersection. It is just over the crest of the hill, making it difficult to see traffic coming from one direction. So, I have to cross traffic at either side of the hill, or directly at the top, but even at the top, there is a small blind spot where I can't see.
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Good discussion!
My initial gut response is the same as what Roberto said a few posts ago: to pull off to the right where you want to make the left turn, then walk your bike straight across to the intersecting street and then start riding again. You'd be following all traffic laws then, and staying safe in the process.
@ Jenny, a lot of cyclists have mirrors to help see whats going on behind them. Most of the time you can hear traffic coming, but if its windly or you are wearing a hat or something then maybe not.
Coming in and out of a small town, there are really only 4 directions to go... north, south, east, west. All directions involve riding a small distance on the busier highway until an intersection with a rural road is encountered.
@Roberto, I could do that, but the intersection is still a bit down from the top of the hill, so the best place to cross the road would be either where I am doing it now, or else go to the bottom of the hill on the other side and then turn around to go back up.
BTW, shoulders ARE NOT bike lanes. And cyclists riding on the shoulder where signage and paint do direct inform motorists of their presence are taking a huge risk. Motorists tend to have tunnel vision. 80% of all signs are never seen, so imagine how significant you are to a car traveling at a much higher rate of speed. If the only way to travel on a busy road is to huddle off on the shoulder, find another route.
@EM, good points. The reason why this issue came up is because I had a car veer towards me just the other day, and it caused me to swerve off onto the gravel. He was able to correct himself, and I didn't wipe out. But, if I hadn't seen him coming, then I could have been clipped off wtihout knowing what was coming. And, I definitely ride on the paved shoulder, so NOT in the actual lane of traffic. If it were a road without the paved shoulder, then I would not take the chance because I would be out in the road too far, and the chances of being hit head on would be much greater.
Go to the top of the hill, and pull off to the right side and wait until it is safe to cross the road. Do not attempt a blind left uphill turn.
I did some reading on the issues, and while the law says "with traffic", there are some pretty good arguments for riding against traffic when it comes to riding in rural areas.
>riding with traffic in a rural area gives 100% of the control to the driver and 0% to the biker, because the biker does not know what is going on behind him/her until it is too late.
>By being able to see the car and their position, it is easy to tell if they are drunk/texting/swerving before they get near you, and quick to turn into the gravel / down the embankment to avoid them..
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That said, I generally do drive with the flow of traffic, it is just this one spot that I have a problem with.
@Laurie, I would say yes to that. The hill actually flattens out a bit at the top, so an oncoming car could actually see me pretty well. And, like I said, this is just for a very short distance.
Jenny, one thought, while you are switching sides, and after you are on the opposite side, do cars in both directions have full view of you from enough distance for safety?
@ Jenny, well thats a tough one. Legally we are a vehicle and have to go with the traffic. That said, you are technically not on the road when you do this. So can you be ticketed? Well if you are walking you are not a vehicle and then its legal. Also, do you feel like you could hit the ditch if somebody comes at you? Going across the road on the right and backtracking can work too. But the best thing would be if you could think of a great way to make the intersection better, then bring that up with the traffic people. GOOD LUCK!
@jJenny. Probably the safest thing to do is to ride over the hill another quarter mile so you can view cars both in back and front and make a U turn back up the hill. It's a little more time and work but the safest. You don't ever want to ride against traffic.
@Jenny - My opinion is to follow the rules of the road and all safety advice at all times. Riding against traffic for any length of time sets a bad precedent. Going down the hill and turning around may be inconvenient, but that is a small price to pay to be safe and engage in safe riding behavior.
I had posted a comment on our local site and got some interesting feedback on it. So, I am interested to hear what the nationals have to say about it...
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I think most of us are aware that generally bikes should ride with traffic, not against it. However, I have a situation on a route that I commonily ride, where I am in a rural area and going up a hill. My left turn is just over the crest of the hill, and as I approach to top of the hill, I can't see what is coming ahead of me, so that I can safely make the left turn. If I go over the hill, then I can't see what is coming from behind me, to make the turn. So, I usually switch over to the opposite side of the road while I am riding up the hill, while I can still see traffic from both directions.
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However, it was suggested that perhaps I should not be doing this, and that I should instead go over the hill, then turn around when I can see traffic, and then head back up the hill again to make my "now" right turn.
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What do you think? This is a rural area, a state highway, and I am riding on a paved shoulder, not in the lane of traffic. I am only switching sides for about 1/10 mile until I can make my turn onto a peaceful country road.
I just saw real pics of a tempe arizona motorcycle cop doing 80 mph and texting :(
@ All there is a lady here who had two daughters killed in a car accident by a (now former) police officer who was speeding and talking on his cell phons. He crossed the median and crashed, killing both girls. NOT THEIR FAULT. Now this mom has a presentation she makes to any police department that will let her do it. It has no doubt saved lives. I just bring this up because there should be a similar program about bicycles (or maybe there is one and we just never heard about it). Darn right we shoud report bad/dangerous driving whenever possible. And while I'm on the soapbox, please be careful at 4-way stop signs. I saw two drivers today who never bothered to look to their left before cruising on through. If I hadn't been paying attention, well, I might not be telling you this.
RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE!!
Like Roberto said-I like to call, much better results. I ask what they will do about it and if I feel I am getting dismissed, I ask for supervisor. I have called numerous employers, and even my own boss to report reckless driving, nearly hitting me and calling/texting while driving. Employees behind the wheel are supposed to be "professional" drivers.
Recently, something similar happened to me. I went to the Corporate website to asking them to share the experience with the local hub and promote safety. Because I couldn't give all company identifiers, it became a lost cause. Luckily, I had a source within my workplace that could give me the district manager's email. I never received a call so fast. I would let them know.
A young woman lost her life in California recently when hit by a FedEx truck. The driver failed to see her and proceeded through a stop sign, striking and killing the victim. Is that enough motivation for everyone to report these types of incidents. This is no laughing matter. On average, two cyclists a day are killed on US roads.
Laurie: I fear that I would crash servers nationwide if I sent an email to every driver's boss who endangered my life while riding my bike.
Give the company a call. As for the person in charge of safety or their dispatcher. Let them know this happened, and ask them what will they do about it. Emails are often overlooked. I've had much better success speaking to a person in charge.
@Kelly - Some are motivated by glory, others by fear!
@ Laurie - Good for you. Maybe the company will talk to it's employees about it. Wish I could send a email to every person! Lol!
The following is an email I just sent to the director of a local day care center:
To whom it may concern,
I want to bring to your attention an incident from earlier today:
This afternoon at about 12:59 pm, I was riding my bicycle east on XXX Street near YYY Street, and a gray van with your company's logo was driving down XXX in the opposite direction. As I was entering the intersection, the van turned left onto YYY directly in my path, causing me to have to suddenly brake to avoid hitting the rear of the van.
Given the fact that bicycles are part of the traffic on local streets, it's important that drivers of vehicles realize we are there and give bike riders the necessary space to maintain the safety of us all.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Opinions, anyone?
Cycling Roberto: The back of a sheriff’s cruiser works too. (True story.)
Word to wise. When lightning is striking, seek shelter IMMEDIATELY. Pull into somebody's yard and get on the porch or in the garage. If there's a store on your route all the better. Not only are you risking a lightning strike, but in heavy rain you are all but invisible. If you are out in the open in a rural area, get off your bike, and find a low lying depression. This is serious stuff, and should not be taken lightly.
Paul, how cool!
Yikes Kelly! Glad you made it home safely.
Got SOAKED on my way home from work today. Was pouring and half way home it started thundering and lightening. Scary stuff! However, I managed to get home in record time! Nothing like seeing lightening striking the ground to make you pedal faster than you ever have before!
@Douglas - I talked with my agent at State Farm and the cost for bicycle replacement insurance was 10% of the value of the bike. That is an annual premium.
We have had first year orientation at Ripon College this week...My sessions were earlier in the week, so wanted to do a longer ride today. I was in the middle of what I thought might be a 40 to 50ish mile ride when I ran ran into Ric, our cycling coach, who was riding with an incoming first year student who is joining the team in the fall. We then road together for another 15 to 20 miles when I was able to give a "faculty perspective" on Ripon and the cycling team to this new student (our cycling team has pretty good academic reputation, which is nice). Eventually, I could not keep up, especially on the hills (I had some front derailleur issues so I could only use the big chainring...and I had a few more miles in and am quite a bit older! ;-/ Hey, I know they were easing up a bit so I could keep up...but we were still going at a nice clip), so we split up and I took an easier route home. I ended up with 64 miles and a nice student connection...who might even take a philosophy course down the road. You gotta love small college life.
@Douglas "I hate bugs" F. If you have homeowners or rental insurance, you should be able to add a rider to your policy that would cover your bike in case it was damaged in a crash like mine.
A 1.5 mile ride to run errands on Monday after seeing the orthpedic doc... 3 mile round trip ride to the Bike Kitchen for Women & Transgender Only night on Tuesday... 7 mile ride home after the charities conference yesterday... plenty of rest and ice. I am walking without a cane and can use the stairs better. I think the bike riding really helped by getting me moving without having to put weight on my knee. My knee gets stiff after sitting or standing for long periods, but it's so very much better. Yea!!!!
So, I'm starting to look for comprehensive and collision insurance for my bicycle and all the "traditional" insurance companies are looking at me like I'm crazy. Sorry, but I don't have $2000+ to replace my bicycle and accessories, not to mention any medical bills that may arise from an accident. Can anyone recommend a reputable insurance agent or agency that will provide such coverage?
@all - ever been chased by a dachshund ? clocked one at over 17 mph for 21/2 blocks last fall. temps. in reno next 5 days 103 to 107. thank you flood of " 91" for a great marina and city of Sparks for the 2 mile ped./ bike path around it . and the beach /swimming area.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@ Cynthia, two thumbs up!
@ Karen: swim, bike, swim, bike.... sounds like summers from my kidhood!
Ok, I really need to get up with this movie then. Love Breaking Away, in fact my son rides and it's his favorite movie.
I agree, "American Flyers"(1985) stars Kevin Costner is a great movie! Main reason I got into cycling back in the '80's is because of this movie.
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http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088707/
A bike ride in the country followed by a swim in the community pool, swimming and bicycling, bicycling and swimming, who needs any other vacation? I love June and July. Life is sweet!
We are expecting "near record" temps in our area in the next five days with highs forecast to top out at 107 by Tuesday. I'll be drinking lots of water! After the past week and a half of high temps in the upper 60s and low 70s this will be drastic change.
@ Cynthia, Yeah check out American Flyers. There is a book too!
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Anyone who plans to do the Hilly Hundred in Indiana needs to watch "Breaking Away"
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@ Jim the cool temps were at 6 am. Its heading from the 80s into the 90s now. So still "cool" by Arizona standards.
The cool temps sound good. The high today in Phoenix is calling for 111 with 118 on Friday and Saturday. Cool down to 117 on Sunday.
I have not seen American Flyers, might have to check that one out, looks like an oldie but goodie!
Only 81 degrees in central Wisconsin, but very humid and no breeze. Makes for a hot ride! The AC in the library is feeling pretty good though :)
Hi all, cool temps (70s) a little breeze, a handful of other riders, and a turtle and a bunny were all featured on my early morning ride today.
RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE!
@John, that sound like Greyhound behavior! Thanks for the laugh and thoughts/memories of my 4 Greys!
Is anyone else reminded of "American Flyers?"
My best dog story: I was cruising with a group of about 12 riders on a flat stretch of quiet county road. A dog appeared on our right running happily at about 16 MPH.
He/she didn't look vicious but we were concerned he might get entangled with the bikes. Someone suggested to squirt him with water and a rider took a bottle out and begin to shoot water at the dog's face. The dog just slurped up the water and kept running.
My most humorous dog encounter - riding uphill and getting surprised/almost caught by two basset hounds, who usually barely notice me. Not sure what they had for breakfast that day, but they moved much faster than expected.
Two years ago a friend of mine was out riding when a lady with her dog on a leash let her dog run into the street in front of my friend on the bicycle. After the collision my friend is laying in the street with a broken collarbone. And the lady is screaming at him for hitting her dog.
Wished everyone I saw this morning a "Good morning!". Best was the fireman raising the flag! Have a fab day all Riding in ID.
Throughout all my riding years I've only had to get off my bike due to a dog once; a couple weeks ago. I do consider myself lucky in that regard!!
My bike was between myself and the dog, the dog got aggressive, and got a good taste of my front tire up along side it's face; problem solved!!
The irresponsible owner started to scold me for hitting their dog, and then thought better of it!! ;) "I'm sorry" was uttered more than once!!
Not that I liked doing it, but a little yelp, is better than a trip to the pound for the dog, and trip to the ER for me!!
Funny what a 4" tire will do to a dogs mood and demeanor!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Kathy - I had to read that one a few times myself. Its the first time that I've ever read that clue. I came up with the conclusion that I didn't want to be that close to find out.
I have a chihuahua that chases me occasionally on my ride to work. He only has 3 legs but that little sucker can move. I'm thankful he doesn't have all four or I'd be screwed. He likes to run in front of me. That's probably why he only has three legs or maybe he is part dolphin.
@Marty - How do you get close enough to tell if a dogs paws are sweaty?
This may seem a little unorthodox about dogs, but I've had several chase me on several of my routes. I tried the yelling and even threw a rock at one, but then got so mad that I actually stopped. When I stopped the dog approached me, tail wagging. It was more afraid of the bike than of me. Since then, when I ride that way I merely stop for a minute and pet the dog. There are two places where I've done this and the funny thing is that even if I don't stop some days the dogs have stopped going nuts at the sight of me and my bike. I live in a pretty rural area and most everyone knows each other so I've contacted one of the owners to find out the dog's name. It adds a few minutes to my ride, but it adds some joy too. For me and the dogs, I think. :)
Leonard W is the king of the early long rides as a tested to by his still unbeaten numbers from last year. Riding to recovery is a great way to get back on the bike and slowly progress to where your personal goal is made. Gradual success.
Marty, I can tell the signs of a dog that may bite. They get within range of my Halt spray and then get red stuff on them followed by running away. But I may try an air horn because my research shows that the loud sound can drive them away, as per videos on you tube. Now to the morning ride. Bon ton roule
Nice early morning ride, 4:00am start, 25 miles, and other than a couple along the 3 mile stretch of state hwy, NO CARS!!! Starting to get back in my usual rhythm, last 2 days I've managed 2hours+ of riding without breaking my pedaling cadence. Still got a ways to go before I get back to my usual 3+ hour steady cadence (non-stop pedaling) but it felt good and I'm working on it.
guys, and girls i'm sorry that i totally forgot to fill in my rides. i thought it had all to do with milages. but i got the message its also about the rides.:) so go team Garcia!.
About dogs...I have had a few take chase over the years, but I have developed a pretty effective strategy (so far, anyway) beyond just being able to out run/ride them. I try to make some kind of visual eye contact and then shout "NO" in a rather loud and ferocious manner, sometimes repeatedly. (I try to convey the doggy image of "I am a fast bada$$ who you not want to mess with or I will scare the fecal matter out of you.") Typically this really startles the dog and causes him/her to stop, at least for a while. And most dogs know the "no" command from their owners. Then I usually can keep peddling and get out of harms way. I confess that if I were going more slowly, this strategy may not be as effective, but trying to portray yourself as an "alpha male/female" usually will do the trick for these pack animals. My $0.02...now watch me get bit tomorrow on my ride. ;-)
Oops! Marty, interesting stats....too much to catch up on LOL
Was at the bike shop today and the Halt! pepper spray was $8. Kawika,interesting stats. Riding safe in ID.
@Kathy - I carry both CO2 and a pump. And I have the same Lezyne model that Joe linked to. Of course the very best pump is the oe the Gold Wing Motorcycle Club guy carried last year and let me use on the STP - electric, operating off his battery.
Marty "up a tree without a paddle" Malin - a dose from your water bottle usually works if you have time before they get to you leg!
Marty, I suggest when riding watch out for the friendly ones! A golden retriever trying to be friendly stepped out from behind a car (I believe he heard me coming and thought I was a jogger) and right in front of me while doing around 21mph. My bicycle pivoted over him and slammed me on my back breaking 3 bones as well as 3 ribs not to mention bruising (or possibly fracturing, they said it's hard to tell) my tail bone.
It's been about 2 1/2 years now and maybe 6 months of riding relatively pain free. Mean dogs I've found can be dealt with by screaming (as you suggest), growling, or spraying them with water from your water bottle. Friendly dogs can be more of a surprise and their owners seem oblivious to their danger.
and remember...
Ride like you belong.
Never had a dog chase me yet while I'm riding bike but I would think by spinning at a high cadence(120+ rpm) would knock the crap out of the dog if he comes in for a bite.
Here are some Dog Biting facts that I just received from my insurance company (although none of the statistics mention bicyclists, it still may be instructive):
On average, each year...
4,700,000 people are bitten by dogs in America
800,000 victims require medical attention (about 1/6th)
386,000 are treated in an emergency room (1/12th)
16 die
Chained dogs are 2.8X more likely to bite than unchained dogs
$29,396 - average cost of a dog bite claim
50% of victims are under age 12, and they are usually bitten in the head or neck
Senior citizens are the group next most likely to be bitten
Here are the warning signs that they are about to bite:
Their tail becomes stiff
The hair on their back begins to rise
Their ears move backward or forward
They growl or reveal their teath
Their paws become sweaty
They freese in response to a touch or look
They make direct, intense eye contact
If you see any of these signs, refrain from making noise or eye contact. (Although it has worked for me to yell loudly as they approach.)
OK, I'm bad, couldn't stand it any longer! Yes, I went out and rode 1... just 1 mile.. LOL
I've been lucky with flats lately. Getting them right at the end of the ride is nicer than at the start of the ride.
I prefer small mini-hand pumps, they been much better and smaller lately. The 2 I have are the Specialized Airtool mini that fits in my frame bag and gets a 20x1.5 tire hard enough to get going. I've got a Blackburn Airstik 2stage, too, which is too big for my bag, but mounts to the bottle cage mount on my road bike. Co2 is ok, but then there can be bad days and so many CO2 tanks. .. or somehow the CO2 tank not having air (which was the last straw for me).
@Tammie, make sure to deflate your tires if leaving in a hot car or garage. They've been known to pop.
I use co2. Never had much problem except in winter. If it gets too cold out, you don't get the same pressure out of a cartridge. I also have a frame pump that I carry on the trail. I just installed 700x25 Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires on my foul weather/trail road bike. Hopefully, they will be a bit more puncture resistant. I run 700x23 Continental Grand Prix 4000s's on my Eddy Merckx road bike. Great tires, but not much protection against punctures on gravel. Since the Merckx never leaves the road, my Jamis Comet now has a new set-up. Will take them out tomorrow.
YAY! Just used a birthday gift to get my new bike seat. Now I can ride fearlessly again. Bonus -- it comes with a built-in rear light. I feel so blessed!
@ALL, A note about CO2 cylinders. I've been using them for years but I learned early on that you MUST hold the cylinder VERTICLE (outlet at the top). If it is sideways or upside down the liquid CO2 will flow into the tube and instantly FREEZE the inner-tube causing it to rupture. Another caution, once you get home, let the CO2 out of the tire and refill it with air (the CO2 molecules are smaller than regular air molecules and will leak through the rubber of the inner-tube much faster than regular air). I am a very big fan of carrying CO2 cylinders to inflate a flat on the road but I also use them with the above cautions in mind.
I feel like getting out in my car just to see if there is anyone out on their bikes today.. 107 right now.. sort of glad the doctor has me off the bike! I actually do think I would melt. My bikes were still in my van so I went to take them out.. had to put my gloves on just to touch them.. HOT!!! They are much happier in the garage where it is probably only 105 not 160 like it was in the van. I have to travel 20 miles to Midland to ride with the group.. that is why they were in the van and I drove 110 miles to ride with a friend on monday. Monday was hills and 30mph winds.. fun!
@Kathy Rieck. Thanks for the cartoon. It is a great one. But now I have to discuss this with the emergency room doctors and nurses about working on me instead of my poor bike.
@Kathy-cute cartoon-and so true!
Longest ride of the year today: 60 miles in 90F heat, solo, nonstop.
Looks like we are sneaking up on 7 million miles! I will just have to add a few to that total tomorrow on my hybrid... just the lazy easy riding with the city ride that I do on thursday evenings. My road bike is going to feel so left out!
@ Jerry, your bike is secretly going out at night assisted by its two-wheeled friends. They are sneaking into local bike shops and looking for replacement parts. If you don't see it in the garaga, you will know where to look, or just call up some of its roudy friends....
Maybe I will start commuting again now that I've taken the challenge.
@Jerry B. http://blog.bike-park-slovenia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/bike-ok.jpg
Cynthia, I use the mini Inflator(doesn't have to be SRAM) even though I have an inflator with my mini-pump on bike. It's so much easier for me and just put in back pocket of jersey when I ride. Co2's I put in tool bag under seat. Very easy to use. Step 1 - Twist Co2 clock wiise onto inflator completly. Step 2 - place nozzle of inflator on bike valve stem like you would when pumping tire. Step 3 - turn Co2 counter clockwise to release air. Fills up instantly. You should be able to get one of these at your bike shop. There are also attachments you can get for the Co2's to your bike frame. Many bike shops have these also.
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sram-Mini-Solo-Twist-CO2-Inflator-20g-Schrader-Presta-Valve-Inflation-Kit-Red-/281091795499
@ Chris, that's the way I feel when I think riding somewhere would be impractical, so I drive, then I see others riding and I get so envious.
Ok, now I really am upset with myself. The sun is out. I can see blue sky. Just like yesterday. Dumb decision, I'll tell you. However, with the way the rest of my day has gone, I'm betting if I had ridden today, I'd'a gotten three flats, hit by a beer truck, and splashed by a city bus. It's just been one of those days.
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Hey, @Marty, as always, THANKS for the smile! Do you do standup comedy?
@Laurie and @Tammie, what the heck is going on? I'm sinking, too! Maybe the cream really doesn't rise to the top. Maybe it sinks sometimes??
Awwww, Jerry! You made me cry!
Flat tires are another thing that you need to think about before they happen. They can be hazardous, i had a blow out (a very loud bang) on one recently at 24mph but as a rule they are the slow leaker kind that just let you down slowly. I use tuffy strips between the tire and tube which does help, but as tires get worn down flats are more likely to happen. Please practice and get some good tips on the internet, including using powder on tubes. Or just sign up for cycling road assistance and wait until someone comes to change your tube and inspect your tire for the object that made it through the tuffy strip and tire. I like the co2 cartridges but you must practice a few times, and they can be bought much cheaper than the lbs.
@Joe - Thanks, I'm gonna get one.
Jerry B do what you can. Get that bike evaluated. Maybe it can be healed. I got a great set of carbon fiber handlebars refurbished for about $75 while I waited for healing and order and planned the new customized bike. Just put your mind to what you can do and of course see yourself healed and riding on your bike.
Laurie R ride more and look at the scores less all will be taken care of for you. besides you had to more down for me to move up.
I have a very earnest request. Would everyone please stop biking for a while? I am dropping on the leaderboards and I am not happy about it! hehehe
@Jerry-how terrible, don't worry, you will be on your pedals before you know it and singing the Bike To Work song. Well wishes for a speedy recovery.
@Laurie I second that request! I hate that sinking feeling! @ Jerry, I am afraid you are just going to have to get well enough on your own to go out and shop for a new bike! Won't that be fun? Then the two of you can get to know each other as you gain your endurance again. @Ray S ... I am with you on that pump.. why don't they make good black ones? I keep looking! I just can't see a bright blue or red pump on my sleek black and gold bike. And @Kathy, I have been unfortunate enough to have had 3 flats already in the 4 months I have been a cyclist but have yet to actually change a tire myself! Luck has had someone with me each time and in fact once had a professional on the road with me to do the work ... don't blink.. you will miss it! It took us longer to put together the necessary items he wanted than for him to complete the job start to finish. @Julie .. great song. I wish I could bike to work but 20 miles each way on top of a 12 hour shift just would not work in 100 plus heat! LOL
Awww Jerry, this too shall pass. You will recover and be back on your bike soon, just recover first so you can enjoy many more years of biking. Blessings!
Everyone is being mean to me. My wife won't let me participate in bike to work day. My friends won't ride their bikes with me. When my wife took me for a drive on Sunday, there were all these bicyclist on the road rubbing it in that they were riding and I wasn't. Do you get the idea I miss riding my bike? Even my bike is being mean to me. It just sits there in the garage, looking all dejected and broken, And blaming me for its current condition.
Love the song Julie!
LOL @ Marty. I don't think I could get away with it....
In just 2 short months, I have gotten to the point where I feel weird driving down streets that I have biked on. Everything everyone has said about the joy of biking, I have been finding to be oh so true :)
@Kathy, sorry to hear about your experience and gosh can I relate to your situation. Deftly fearing a flat tire I watched a great video on You Tube too on how to change a flat(watched it several times)with good intentions of practicing at home which I never did, and I found that I was Co2 cartridge challenged(to my dismay) when I got a flat on an training ride (before work mind you) and it took me a really long time to change it. That being said thank you Joe, so much, for the link to that cool website and the pump. I am going to be sure to obtain one before the MS 150 ride in September. If not sooner. I just don't experience flats enough to have to change one to build confidence. which is a good thing.
@Julie-thanks for sharing that adorable Bike To Work Song-great for a smile.
@E M - Way to go, MatteSON!
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@Laurie - You're lucky it is a MILEstone birthday, and not a 1/2 milestone (like one ending in a 5), because that means you can take a day off on your birthday, and still get your 20 points becasue you already have a MILE.
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@Jerry - Hopefully, your therapist remembers to bring a new bike next time. I have multiple therapists, (one for each personality),but all they ever do is make me lay down on a couch.
Sing the Bike to Work song today. https://www.youtube.com/watch
My last two flats, both in the last 10 days, were found in the garage before a ride. While a flat tire does suck, finding it before you head out makes it less annoying. The first one was my own fault, the tube was installed on the side of the road and I didn't get the valve stem straight and never bothered to fix it, that eventually resulted in a slice in the stem (more than a year later). The second was a leak where the valve stem is glued into the tube, can't complain though as it had over 3300 miles and had been removed a couple times due to tire replacement or rotation.
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I have a Bontrager Air Support Road pump that I bought last year with my Allez. It is small and lightweight and seems to work well enough. I've luckily never had to use it on the side of the road, but I "test" it every once in awhile. It won't get me to the 105psi I run in my tires, but it gets high enough to keep me rolling. My only complaint with the pump is that it isn't black and therefore doesn't match my bike.
@Kathy~
Check this pump and review of said pump out.
http://allseasonscyclist.com/2013/06/13/lezyne-alloy-drive-high-volume-hand-pump/
Lezyne, IMHO makes bomb proof pumps!!
A good HV pump is a ride saver!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Even though I have never used it, I carry a flat kit. it has tire levers, a spare tube, and 3 co2 canisters and I think a patch kit. The plan was to watch a youtube video and practice at home. Well, good intentions do not always come to fruition and although I did watch the video, I never practiced. Today, I got a flat on my way to work. I realized that 1) I am CO2 canister challenged. I'm going to by a small air pump. any recommendations? 2) carry wipes or gloves or if you're like me carry both cause the gloves will irritate you and you'll still need the wipes to wash off your legs after leaning the tire on your thighs (assuming you are wearing shorts). 3) practice at home first.
Feeling like a piker today. Wimped out on riding because of the predicted storms all day. If today ends up like yesterday, I'm going to be really upset with myself!
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and support as I am recovering from my injuries. I am finally home from rehab. It is great to be back in my own home with my wife. Had my first home visit from my physical therapist yesterday. I don't know how she expects me to recover. When she arrived at my house she did't even bring me a new bike to replace my destroyed one.
Thank you Nyla. Carpe Diem!
@ E M Matteson-how very proud you must be that your son is commuting! I like that riding is a permanent state of being-can certainly relate through a life time of riding.
Mountain Biking at the deer lease tomorrow. No bike trails, yet.
Happy Birthday Laurie! Carpe Diem and Roll On!
I had my fastest ride ever tonight! Feels good to see steady improvement with my increased riding this year. Keep on pedaling and enjoy the ride!
Whoop whoop Laurie!
Good Morning Fellow riders, I've just logged another 30 miles yesterday, riding in a mountain though very tiring , it is really awesome, especially looking at the view, although during the descend my hand sores alot , maybe Im gripping the handle bar and break too hard, Im also afraid of heights lol. But its a great feeling when you reach the Top.
@Tammie, I hear ya. I missed 6 days traveling with my son, and I've had to really work hard to make up those 20's that I missed. I put in the extra 120 miles to cover it, but not everybody is going to do that. As for your injuries, it sounds to me like you might have hit it too hard too soon. Back off, recover, then approach this sport sensibly. Slowly increase your mileage, but like I've said before, forget the miles. Watch the clock instead. Build up your time in the saddle GRADUALLY. One sure way to quit this sport is to get hurt, and then to keep hurting yourself. Heal quickly, but give it a rest to heal at all.
I'm in Starkville. MS, this week, and for this old body acclimated to the Pacific Northwest, it's HOT! - 89 F when I went out tonight at 6:30 pm. I'm getting in a few miles each day so that maybe I at least don't lose any conditioning I've developed for the Seattle to Portland in mid-July. This is actually a pretty nice town to ride in. Haven't found good long stretches to just relax and turn pedals, but I've found plenty of bike-able roads. Lots more fun than motel TV.
Way to go Laurie!
@ Laurie, way to go! Just proves you are YZ years young!!
I did it! This week I'm having (whisper) a milestone birthday, and a few weeks ago I decided it would be cool to get 500 miles in before then. Counting the warmup rides at the end of April, I made it! Thanks to everyone here for being so encouraging as I turn from a couch potato into a bike addict :)
@Tammie - take care and get well enough to ride. The 20 points per day are a double edged sword. They tempt injured folks like you to get back on the saddle too early, but they also encourage me to get on the saddle when I'm travelling - like these two weeks -- even when I've only got time to get in a ride of 5 or 6 miles.
@ all you injured riders: may you heal quickly and completely - and avoid further injury.
Way to go son of Matteson!
@Jenny
Congrats on year of recovery and hoping your injuries have healed well.
Good to see you are still riding.
Thanks for helping keep a idiot pit bull owner from unleashing his dog.
I have been attacked (fortunately muzzled) and it scared the crap outta me.
Sooo many pit bulls here, and idiots seem the typical owner.
OHH, OHH, proud mom here just has to report that her son is now bikitng to work two days a week!!!
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@ Tammie and all you injured people out there. Please be careful and recover. Bicycling is not just for the challenge, its a permanent state of being (no I did not just eat magical mushrooms). ROLL WHEN YOU CAN ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
Tammie, I sure hope you get better soon and back in the saddle :) I understand exactly how you feel about missing the 20 points. But you also gotta listen to your body and not push beyond what you're able.
Speaking of injuries, I had just posted on the local page that today is the anniversary of the day that I got bit by a pit bull while on a bike ride last year. So glad I am not dealing with that any longer! If anyone is curious how that turned out, the owner still hasn't reimbursed any of the medical bills, but I am still fighting this battle. I took the issue to city council and now the dog is "regulated" which means that it has to be leashed all the time when outside, unless it is in its kennel. The owner has to carry a $1 million insurance policy on the dog. I don't know if they are complying with any of this, but that is everything that I could do to stop the dog from hurting anyone else.
Heather, I hear you loud and clear. I am also a sport rider and I enjoy picking out a different route each day that suits my mood, energy, and wind direction. If I was commuting, there would be only 2 directions, there and back. And my commute is 20 miles one way, which pretty much would turn my 8.5 hour workday into a 12-13 hour workday.
The duct tape held just fine on pavement, but then I went on a trail with loose gravel, ruts, and general bumpiness. I'll have to redo the tape job tomorrow :)
@ Laurie, I have a toe strap duck taped to one of my pedals. One of these days I'll get a new bolt. I also rolled up some tape on a used glue stick container so I could add it to my bike bag kit.
Cool!... an air horn. LOL The injuries are taking their toll everywhere it seems. I am on the couch myself. I finally went to a doctor today.. chiropractor.. he told me to stay off the bike for a few days.. couldn't ride today if I tried! Muscle spasms from my neck to my right lleg on the right side. I just waited way too long to seek help. It is going to be a lot of work to get it settled down now. It was really hard to convince myself not to at least do one little mile.. and I still may do SOMETHING tomorrow for those 20 points. I think those daily points are a BAD idea.. they have people like me riding when we should NOT! Maybe next time it should be something smaller .. more like 5 points daily. I have to get myself back in shape for July 20th and 21st Bike MS.. I see everyone is doing so well with their events ... ride on everyone! Ride a few for me please.
J. Hugh Strickland-- I have the AIr sound air horn. It works great. Lots of noise and you bike pump recharges it. I have used it when people back out of driveways, parking spots and wuhen the try to turn un front. Works good on skaters/joggers with their ipods on high so they cant hear my bell or voice.
Care must be taken in mounting to the handlebars
After last night's bike seat fiasco, I went to the bike shop today to pick out a new one. It's set aside for me until payday, and in the meantime the duct tape repair will have to do.
Raced a thunderstorm home tonight. Got wet but wasn't struck. Always a good thing (lightning was ahead or to the south of me). But the thing about commuting is that no matter what happens there's only one way to get home, ride back. (of course the other commuters called for cars to pick them up, I do not have that luxury.)
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May all injured riders get well soon. The nice thing about my injury was that it only hurt when I slept on my side or drove a car (right hip and back of thigh). so I was stuck riding a bike every day because that kept the pressure off my thigh. :p Poor me. Too bad all injuries don't force us into biking more.
@ Randy, you can always keep track of the miles and record them when you get back.
@ Gail - My points were different for national and local too, but eventually the one caught up with the other.
Congrats Roberto!
Almost back into the top 100. Making up lost days at 20 points each is tough!
I wonder why on the local leaderboard I have 1101 points and on the National one I have only 1069? What's up with that?
We have been out of town for the month of June, so far. We are leaving for Europe tomorrow and riding for 7 days there. I will not be using Endomondo for this trip, but we will riding many miles each day.
Gosh Nyla, sounds like you were riding near the forest and then the sea. Great gifts none the less.
@Heather, cycling is for you and only you and what it does for you. Enjoy your rides, don't do what doesn't feel good or you will not like cycling. It is my understanding that this challenge is for anyone who has a love of riding, whether you commute or bike for recreation or both. It is also to help inspire people to get up and move.
Gifts of the Day: Mama black bear and cub ambling across sunlit road ahead of me, and fields of red clover with a fragrance so intensely sweet as to become a flavor when inhaled in passing. (This was a therapeutic counterpoint to fields a few miles further along apparently fertilized with a combination of dead fish, rotting seaweed and decomposing snails….which I suppose accounted for the circling seagulls (-;)
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Heather, Make whatever choices you find necessary to preserve your pleasure in pedaling, and continue to Enjoy the Ride (-:
@ Heather you continue to inspire us all.
I stopped commuting when I switched from a hybrid bike to a road bike. I'll start again someday, but after forcing it a couple of times..now is not the right time. I've actually enjoyed not having the challenges that go along with bike commuting. I enjoy riding for sport. I still do a ton of advocate work, especially for using bikes for transportation. I am considering become an LCI too. All of us have to do what is best for our unique situations.
I was amazed when I got into my car to take the DH to the hardware store (you can't go alone???) on Saturday. It goes way too fast! I don't like being in a car any more!! My DIL was freaking out that I was going to ride today "But it's been RAINING!" And??? I assured her I'm not a witch or made of sugar, so the rain shouldn't hurt me. @Burklee and anyone else who's mentioned an injury in the past few days: heal well and quickly.
@ Sam, can you save the heat for the heatstroke ride? Hope to make that one!
TURN UP THE HEAT, NEBRASKA!!!
anybody have experience riding with Air Zound horn on their bicycle? I am thinking about it.
Kelly, Your reasons to ride are shared by many challenge participants…Thanks for expressing them with such charmed and vivid clarity.
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Burklee; may you mend swiftly, pedal gently and continuing enjoying the ride
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Leonard: How fitting that you inspired someone to add a bright light, Can’t think of a better metaphor than bright illumination for your consistent contributions to the Challenge. (-:
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Just Registered for the 2013 MS Society TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota) July 14-19 from International Falls to Duluth.
Many reasons to ride including two friends diagnosed with MS in their early forties.
Now I just need to raise money, plan, pack, pedal more, and decide whether to traverse the route on the same cherished 1972 ten-speed that took me across the state for the very first TRAM in 1990. I anticipate an exceptional journey. (-:
Hi all, out this morning at 8 am to take advantage of the 80 degree temps. (instead of the 90s where it is now). Saw lots of joggers and lots of traffic. I agree with Kelly and the wavers. Its always great to wave and say hi to people. There was even a guy in a pickup truck who gave me the right of way when he could have easily blasted out of the driveway and past me. My guess is that he is a biker when he's not working. The more people we inspire to ride, the better...
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@ Burklee, ouch feel better soon. Way to go promoting the Bike Kitchen. At the moment, I have a bike in my kitchen, so I guess I have a bike kitchen too. LOL
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Burklee, Take it easy and enjoy some nice slow rides. Many times it's easier to ride than it is to walk. You should be fine as long as you don't try to push too much. Way to promote the Lincoln Bike Kitchen!!!
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@Heather, Glad to see you're able to do so much riding, I've got my work cut out for me if I'm ever going to catch you this year. :-)
@burklee I hope you get better really soon. I am doing well and have worked out my ortho issues. I got the A okay to cycle, swim and do yoga. Were training for the century in October. I've been up to 40 miles at a time now, and 60 on the week. Just love that new bike of mine! Ride on, friends. :)
@Burklee-Hope you get to keep on riding and get better soon! Sounds like its going to be A-Okay though.
Burklee - keep up your positive spirit! All the best!
to add to Kelly's comment....I get such a kick out of saying Good Morning to someone and having them say it back. A lot of the runners have earbuds in and don't hear, but I think I still get blessings for saying it to them. It was a great commute today. 35.5 mph was my max downhill. :-)
@ Burklee - Hope you have a speedy recovery! Injuries are no fun. :(
@Leonard-how could that not make your day? What a compliment to have inspired someone.
I had to be off my bike this weekend. I ran to catch the bus for Jay and something popped in my knee and really hurt (but I caught the bus!!) Saw my GP Friday, she thought maybe I had torn ligaments. She said I could take easy rides, but Jay wanted me to rest all weekend so I did. I saw an orthopedic surgeon yesterday. He's fairly certain that it's torn cartilage, not ligaments. He also said I could keep riding if I can tolerate it. I can tolerate riding much better than walking, though that is getting better, too. He also said as long as cycling doesn't hurt I can ride in the Cornhusker State Games, and if surgery is necessary, it doesn't have to happen 'til NBC is over. And, he knows what NBC is! But he didn't know what the Lincoln Bike Kitchen is, so I got to give him the spiel and a business card and he may have some donations for us! I've read comments since Friday morning, so I may be replying to older comments. Forgive me.
@Kathy & Cynthia - I have a rack on the back of my bike which will hold up to 55lbs. I just bungee the 28 lb. box of cat litter securely and go. *Disclaimer - I only live 4 blocks from the store.
@ Kelly, Excellent comments, thank you for saying so well what we all feel.
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Wildlife, "the rabbit or two" - 25 mile ride this morning at least 2 DOZEN rabbits along the route. I know rabbits multiply like, well rabbits, but this is getting to be extreme!!!
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"Imitation is the sincerest of flattery" This morning as I left for my ride (5:30) I passed a gentleman walking with a bright light strapped to his belt. I commented that I liked his light, it really made him show up. He said he got the idea from watching me ride past him. Absolutely made my day :-)
@Cycling Roberto, regarding motorists being stopped by police, I had it happen a couple years ago. I was riding down the road with a police car behind me when a motorist pulled out of a parking lot directly into my path. I slammed on the brakes and just missed hitting the car. l The officer went around me and pulled the car over, I don't know if the driver was ticketed or not but I'm sure they received a warning about yielding to cyclists.
@ALL, The cyclists in Sebring have a very good relationship with local law enforcement, A number of officers are members of our cycling club and we hire them for traffic control during major local cycling events (4 x a year). We also keep in touch with the county commission relating to cycling events as well as the chamber of commerce. I ALWAYS make it a point to smile and wave anytime I see a police/sheriff's car on the road - never hurts to spread a little good will in the community.
A bad day on your bike is better than a good day off your bike.
Every time you drive a car you lose a little bit of your soul.
I am so sad for this country and its people that are so consumed with consuming that they call it living. And the rush to get through the day leaves minds and hearts unclear and very cloudy. I think pedestrians get more respect than cyclists. We represent what they don't want to see. Educating one person at a time can only help. There are 30,0000 + of us out there doing and seeing what we do. If one person tells one person and one person adds up to 10 then at least 1 or 2 people will feel inspired to try it. I am so happy I made the decision to do what I am doing and I have not looked back, although I am becoming somewhat of a novelty in my small town. Lol. Sounds like there are other countries who got the memo-what happened to us?
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On another note-overcast commute this morning but no real threat of rain. With all the humid moist air and the afternoon showers, mushrooms are coming up all over! I saw a squirrel sitting in front of a very large mushroom and eating it! I did not know that squirrels ate mushrooms. He was so cute! Just sitting up on his hind legs and his front paws were holding the mushroom and just a munching away.
Oh, and first thing heading out today, I laid my panniers on the porch while I went to the shed to get my bike-came back and a snake was wrapped around the handle of the one bag! Thankfully I did not have to interact with him too much as it was more afraid of me than I was of it and it slithered off into a bush.
@Kelly-awesome sentiment.
Awesome pedal this morning!!
Thick pea soup like fog made for an interesting pedal through the woods and red dirt of northern Minnesota's Iron Range!!
The "wood rats," aka deer, must've slept in on account of the fog??!! Ha Ha Ha
15 miles in before 7 a.m. = priceless!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ Kelly -- Very well stated!
These are the reasons why people should bike to work besides the obvious of savings gas and being healthy (at least in the summer)...
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You get to actually smell the beautiful flowers as you pass by them, feel the wind in your face and the warmth of the summer mornings/afternoons. Fresh air actually feels the best when you're out in it.
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That old man sitting outside on his porch waves to you as you shout "good morning!" to him. You wave to the man in the business suit taking out his trash before work and he smiles and says "good morning" to you as you pass.
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If you're fortunate enough to live where there is wildlife, you get to see it up close and enjoy the rabbit or two that scurries away as you ride past them.
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You get the quick refreshment of cycling through a sprinkler that has decided to no longer water the grass, but the sidewalks and the street instead!
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You learn that there is no reason to rush in life to get somewhere, but as someone said the other day here.. To enjoy the journey along the way. And that follows you even when you aren't riding on your bike.
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I have my mornings that are just so frustrating because of near incidents with multiple motorists, but when I try to put that behind me and actually take a look around at what I get to experience every single day.. I remember how incredibly fortunate I am to get to have these experiences. You can't have any of these driving around in a tin can.
My points have not been updated for two days. June 24th and 25th.
Entered my miles about 3 hours ago. Still hasn't updated.
The Endomondo NBC campaign is not updating points again today. I waited before reporting, then searched to see if anyone else had reported the issue. Looks like one person did - so I added to his post. Anyone else? https://getsatisfaction.com/endomondo/topics/national_bike_challenge_miles_not_updating
Rode to the Y this evening to work out, and when I got there noticed that one side of my bike seat was loose. Later left the Y, rode about a block, and the seat top came completely off the frame and post. So I very gingerly rode it like that about 3 miles to my brother's house. Mr Fix-it wasn't home, so his wife and I duct-taped the seat back together until I can get a new one.
Riding in Quebec City for next couple of days. Lots of traffic and riders here co-existing on the roads without apparent incident. Counseled my son today on not riding "messenger style" but having patience to share the road in stop-n-go traffic. Looking forward to more riding a demain
I blame law enforcement. We have the laws on the books, but it seems the police are very reluctant to enforce them. When a friend of mine was hit by a motorist, I had to go around and ask the witnesses to speak to the police who seemed completely disinterested in collecting evidence. Collisions with bicycles by motorists are more than accidents. Each one must be treated individually. I can name countless incidents in recent years in this area ending in fatalities that were written off as "accidents." End of story.
I'd love to know of anyone who has ever witnessed a motorist being ticketed for something to do with a cyclist? Passing too close, unsafe entry into a roadway, etc.
@ Ian, were were in China several years ago when bikes rule and were used for absolutely everything (moving heavy objects, carting kids etc...) Apparently now all they want are cars. Same for India (I mean they want cars, I have never been in India). Its sad. We need to stick together and promote respect and safety for bicycling every way we can. Public service messages etc...
@Ian M. Seecof. I agree. I rode many kilometers through Europe and the motorists are very friendly to cyclists. Strangely I felt more "at home" there than in the US. Europeans are more attuned to quality than quantity.
THEY ARE IN OUR WAY. At least with flooded roads the bikes got through and the cars had to turn around and go back! They are perfectly willing to slow down for other cars and repair people on the road etc. We need to teach them to slow down for us too!
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@ Kelly sorry to hear about your spill. Take it easy until the injuries heal!
Motorists attitudes are a sad commentary on the attitudes and lifestyle of many Americans. Materialism trumps quality of life and so many people do not know their inner self. So they are in a constant hurry to get what they think they need. I have cycled in many countries that have so much less luxury, but so much more to fill their lives. We cycled around Spain and Portugal and never heard a dispariging word.
Due to a nasty spill I took on Saturday, today is the first day I drove to work since the start of the challenge. I must say.. 2 straight months of biking everywhere.. I've lost all patience for motorists. Why is everyone in such a rush that they endanger themselves and everyone around them? I didn't even want to be apart of it! I was so ashamed to be driving my car. Regardless of my injuries I will be back biking tomorrow. Slowly, but surely!
@Roberto
You are in their way....They own the road.
When a car hits a cyclist they say I didnt see you, you musta been in my way, you WERE on the road.
NYC banned electric bikes.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1084757_nyc-bans-electric-bikes-again-launches-bike-sharing-system
I hope everyone in the Midwest in the path of the storms this morning are safe.
Does this happen to anyone else? I roll up to a stop sign, middle of my lane (usually a one lane in each direction road), and the car directly behind me follows me through the intersection inches from my rear wheel. Almost as if I'm not really a vehicle on the road at all, but merely someone in the way. Really makes me mad!
I really like having eleventy eleven points (1111), but I rode today...
OK Marty G, What does Goba stand for and why should others ride it next year? Nice blog. Great Pics!
Hey those soft shell turtles are neat looking! Never even knew they existed.
@Marty-cool blog.
In addition to a profusion of wild roses in full fragrant bloom, bonus views from yesterday’s ride included two large caches of leathery white, recently vacated turtle eggs, and a platter-sized elder of the clan further along the road; shell smooth, black, nearly flat. Circled around for a lingering closer encounter. Google search identified “soft shell turtle”..apparently increasingly rare. Such wonders awaiting two-wheeled wanderers. (-: Come Out and Play!
Back from GOBA. What a great week.
Check my blog for small review and pics.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
My husband and I try to ride every day the weather permits.
@James....yeah, I have tried the hard reset thing. It will turn on but only if it is on the charger. I'm going to call customer service and see if they can replace the battery or something like that. I really want the 310XT, but finances being what they are, I should probably try to keep this one working.
@E M....Thanks! I figure you can't be too far apart when your teenage daughter will be see on a bike with her mother!
My friend's comment when I told her about the bike portaging: "At least you won't stall out" ahh the beauties of bicycling!
@Andrea one other thing. Have you contacted Garmin about your 205? I thought mine had died twice and doing a hard reset brought it back to life. They have instructions on the hard reset buried in their support pages as well.
@ Andrea, so awesome to see another mother / daughter team out there. Enjoyed 70 miles on the Rock Island Ramble with my daughter on Sat. Even more inspiring that you daughter rode her bike to band camp! Congrats on making a rider out of her! I'm always happy to be able to ride with family & friends!
@Andrea sorry to hear your 205 died. I have one and preemptively replaced it this year with a 510. I have had the 205 for about the same time you have and had it replaced under warranty once early on. It's been a good GPS. I love it the new Garmin. I'm pretty sure I can trace improvement of my cycling this year to the 510. My wife and son are using the 205 when they remember to take it.
My Garmin Forerunner 205 died this weekend. I am heartbroken. I have had it for 6 years. It has suffered blood, sweat, and tears with me. I'm lost without it. :'( My 17 yoa daughter and I are training for a 70 mile bike ride in September. It is so fun to see her get excited about biking. This morning she had access to the car to go to marching band, but she chose to ride her bike! She is awesome! :-)
@Brad-that is so true and so very important.
Well said Cynthia. Also bringing to mind another thought. "Wherever you are, be all there."
@Douglas, Rob, and all: Beautiful sentiment.
There is a comfort in riding around your local community. It brings a sense of peace, familiarity, and sense of place. Even if you meet those people who live there and never met and get to chat with. You never know how you may touch that persons life by just saying hi or what they may have to offer you. A leisure bike ride with your significant other also brings peace, smiles, and contentment. You get to share together the sites and sounds of your locale that you would not normally get to share if one of you where driving or biking alone at a more fast pace. When I ride alone I think, oh gosh! I have to share what I have seen and then I forget by the time I get home. And, like Brad, those great thoughts come through the mind and I forget what they were to write them down at home. It's possibly a great lesson in Be Here Now, and the experience leaves a greater impact on your person than your realize. You find you become a better person.
Dan, I have multiple gmail accounts, easy to set up and all free. As for the ex, just heard he has moved back east after 20 yrs here. Said hey to same runner 3 times as we each did our loop this morning. Breezy and cloudy. Journeying in ID and admiring the view.
@Douglas F - 100% agree. I went for a bike ride last evening with my wife. We rode a few miles along the quiet streets of our city with the moon rising in the east. We stopped to talk with a man who was outside his house, did not know him but it was a nice conversation. There is something special for me about riding on a warm summer evening, the sound of the crickets and the peacefulness. I look forward to more evening rides this summer. Hope you all enjoy the ride!
Here's a quote from a Church leader made during a talk last October. Please, if you're not religious ignore that it's from a religious leader and simply read the quote for what it says.
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My wife, Harriet, and I love riding our bicycles. It is wonderful to get out and enjoy the beauties of nature. We have certain routes we like to bike, but we don’t pay too much attention to how far we go or how fast we travel in comparison with other riders.
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However, occasionally I think we should be a bit more competitive. I even think we could get a better time or ride at a higher speed if only we pushed ourselves a little more. And then sometimes I even make the big mistake of mentioning this idea to my wonderful wife.
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Her typical reaction to my suggestions of this nature is always very kind, very clear, and very direct. She smiles and says, “Dieter, it’s not a race; it’s a journey. Enjoy the moment.”
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How right she is!
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Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don’t go cycling with my wife because I’m excited about finishing. I go because the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable.
- "Of Regrets and Resolutions", President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This morning's commute was quiet and nice. Great way as always to start the week. Saw two baby Ospreys sitting up in their nest. Amazing how big they are even when they are small! Saw lots of mushrooms along the route, every shape, size and color.
Gosh, the sky got pitch black as I approached work. Just missed the deluge! Whew.
Bike ride yesterday morning with our local bike great was wonderful as always. Great conversations going on this weekend, so much fun to read but too much to catch up with comments.
@ Marty, I still have stubborn German pride in my state! Any rivalry I express is all in fun, much in the same way I interact with my many Chicago friends during football season.
I think the reason for the slow updates is that Endomondo was using this weekend trying to get ready for the end of the month, so that they can have a smoother transition than last month.
@Laurie - Don't discount Nebraska's chances. Even though we are the Badger State, they ride like the Honey Badger of You Tube fame fron 2 or 3 years ago. As the months progress, they just keep getting stronger. If we wouldn't have started with a bigger lead last year, they would have passed us. And now, with the extra month, that is where they excel. The other part of the problem was that when many of our riders reached Platinum, they stopped logging miles. So, that really hurt when our best riders were no longer in it.
It was nice that the NBC added the Diamond level this year to counteract early dropouts, but then they recently said that Gold level riders were now eligible for the Platinum/Diamond levels prizes, which negates negating early dropouts.
@Elaine - It is definitely good that he is your Ex. Hopefully, you aren't riding near where he drives.
@Roberto, Exactly. Don't make drivers guess what you are doing and don't guess what they are doing because there is going to be a time when someone guesses wrong. Visibility.
@Elaine, guess that's why he's your "ex." Own the road at stop signs, blind bends or hills, traffic lights. I have been told by members of my own cycling community that I'm wrong to ride like this. Now finally, after nearly a decade of crying in the wilderness, some of them are beginning to see the light. Yet the local club still recommends riding on the shoulder of the road; a known no-no unless in extreme cases for short stretches. But on the shoulder you are out of sight and out of mind.
@Dan - We definitely want young'uns in the Challenge. There is plenty of fun for everyone. When we discussed this earlier, the best solution anyone could come up with was just to start some new email addresses for them, with you or your wife logging them in. (I know that juno.com and gmail.com both have free email accounts. There are probably numerous others.) Your grandsons could easily log the miles manually, and see where they rank. But one thing you might want to tell them to do is to ride at least a mile (it may be a certain number of time up and down the driveway) each time they ride, then they will get the 20 additional points, which is a new rule for this year.
Anybody have any suggestions for getting grandsons registered for the Challenge? I tryed to get these two training wheel hotshots into the NBC, but Endo rejected my attempt saying the "email address was already in use". What BS--my wife and I are in the Challenge and use the same email address! Any ideas about how to defeat the Endo monster who is keeping a 5 yr and 3 yr out of the fun? The 3 yr old, jake, was crying, because he couldn't join!
Just read about the Halt! spray and suggestions. I can pack that. Ben, I too "own the road" at stopsigns with success. About 30% of the time, if it's me and 1 car, they wave to me and let me go. I wave back, smile, and go. My ex husband was known for yelling "get the slow one" ergo I ceased street riding 17 yrs ago.
I almost collided with a black bear that ran out into the road right in front of me up at a ride at Mt Shasta last summer. I had to swerve to miss it and I was going pretty fast as I had just passed a group of riders on a slight down hill.
My funniest encounter on a bicycle happened a long time ago. I will never forget this three year old little boy pitching walnuts at me as I passed him going up hill on my bike. I yelled, "Stop that!", as I rode passed him. I guess I scared the little guy, as he shook all over. Hope it taught him not to chuck things at passing bicyclists. It still makes me chuckle.
@ Laurie. When going straight or turning left do not shade to one side or the other, all you are either giving drivers the room or the sense that they can squeeze By you or cut you off. Get in the center of the lane and don't be afraid to go to the front if possible. You must make yourself part of the traffic not an accessory
Protect your rights and protect yourself. I've been commuting here in San Diego since 1983 if you're wondering if I had any experience.
Dave, out here, I have heard bear spray too. One of the guys at our bike shop was bitten abt 3 weeks ago. Stitches are about gone. My calf tingled for a good 2 miles with the thought of it. Rode like he%!. Oh the experiences we all have. But will do hmwk and be prepared.
Will do. That's what put me off street riding almost 17 yrs ago. Love it too much now to give in.
@Elaine
I was attacked by a pit bull while mtn biking some years ago. I was quite fortunate that the dog had bitten someone else already and the rude owner had muzzled the dog. It still went right for my leg aggressively and would have mangled it in seconds. Once I cleaned my shorts and left screaming at the owner, I decided I'd never ride without pepper spray again. With seemingly more pit bulls and rude motorists, I am glad I have it, but fortunately haven't had to use it.
Cujo needs a halt treatment. It works. Read up on how to handle a dog when on a bike. There are some very instructive articles. think about it before it happens, but that goes for a lot of cycling.
I just had a chat with my neighbor that his girls REALLY NEED HELMETS. Then he told meabout his wife running on the same rode I ride twice a day and being honked at, yelled at, and almost hit. People don't care about others. I keep thinking I need a shirt to ride in that says "I promise not to hit your kids,dog or freinds next time I drive my car" He did agree to get them in their helmets. I hope the points/miles load soon. I'd hate to think being chased by Cujo today was all for naught. Ridin' safe and sane in ID.
A few days ago I was approaching an intersection with 2 lanes, one for straight/right and the other for left turns. Since I was turning left I got into the right side of that lane maybe 15-20 feet before the cross street. A pick up truck came up on my left and then cut me off to get back in the right lane.
@ Roberto: The other day I had a similarly rude encounter with the police.
I approached an urban side street intersection wanting to go straight across, and a police car on the opposite site indicating to turn left. This meant I had right of way. But no way: The police officer slowly made his turn, while looking and pointing finger at me, and from his lips I could read something like "You wait!". That was not some redneck, but a POLICE OFFICER!
Of course, I also get yelled at when drivers think I should better use the sidewalk, even if the street has signs that say "Bike Route", which is all you get here in Norman, OK.
When a public agency employee endangers me or drives unsafely I report them to the highest office I can email that the employee reports to, also copying the local newspaper editors. I have gotten good results from a number of occasions. I have never gotten a negative reception from a higher up. If you take bad behavior when you can do something it encourages others.
@ Roberto, YES WE DO. Every time I see a sign that says "watch for motorcycles" I think "AND BICYCLES"!!!
I usually have problems with them right hooking me although there have been a few times I have had semi trucks cutting it way to close while passing me at full speed ( 60 miles an hr or so) and people pulling trailers of all kinds coming back over too soon after they pass, Most of them up here give me a nice comfortable berth, like the law says up here in PA.
We need more public service announcements regarding cyclists on the road. I had a guy nearly take me out today as he passed me within 100 feet of a stop sign, then he brake-checked me yelling I was breaking the law being in the lane. This was at a rural intersection with no shoulders on the road. I'm sure he thought he was right, even though he violated at least two PA traffic laws in the process. And yesterday, I was passed within 50 feet of a stop sign with oncoming traffic by a LOCAL POLICE OFFICER. It's getting ridiculous.
Everyone becareful out there, there were 2 different car bike wrecks in the last 1.5 days in my area. One was fatal that I listed the other one was a cyclist involved in a hit and run, he never saw the car, they clipped him from behind and left him laying and never stopped, the police are still looking for the driver of the car, the cyclist is in the hospital as of their last report
@ Kelly I have had problems before a few times but it always seems to catch up, they might be having server issues.
@ Allen - Oh wow. Ok thanks. I guess I'll just wait until tomorrow and see what happens.
Hi all, a wacky weekend of riding. On Sat. my daugher & I were in Lees Summit, MO for the Rock Island Ramble. We overslept a little so we missed the mass start: one time around the race course. But we went for the 70 mile ride anyway. Temps. climbed from the 80s to the 90s and it was humid. KUDOS to the ride organizers for arranging a rest stop almost excactly every 12 miles. We needed that cold water and the snacks were great! We would have melted ortherwise! Also, eveyone was so friendly from the ride organizers to the people working the rest stops, other riders and random people passing us on the road. At one point we got free cold water and cliff bars, courtesy of the local bike shop owner. The terrain was a nice mix of flat and long rolling hills. Only a couple of steep ones. Overall I rate the ride as an "A" and given the chance, I would take the ride again. The races at the end were a nice bonus. We especially got a kick out of the little kid's races!
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Today I rode on the other end of Missouri, actually just across the river in Illinois. The terrain was mostly flat and there was good use of local trails. For once it was not super windy. I have to admit, I have never tried portaging my bike before. But there were three spots on the road where the choice was go back and try a different route, or go through the water. The first time it was possible to walk the bike through the water. The second two times it was pick up your bike and carry it. Some people opted to remove socks and shoes for this. I left mine on. Who knew, the extra water might have come in handy. LOL!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE. PS We all know that Nebraska is secretly in the lead!
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/bicyclist-from-pittsburgh-killed-in-bethany-beach-crash-692726/
@Kelly, I had the same problem earlier, but it finally updated almost 8 hrs later
Ok. Something is wrong with the challenge points today. My points and total miles never updated after almost 5 hours so I deleted them and re-entered them. Still nothing. I added fake miles in just to see if my points changed.. Nothing. So I deleted my fake miles and left my actual miles, but I haven't been credited them. :( Anybody else having this problem today?
Nebraska might be 0.4 points ahead of Wisconsin for the month, but they are way behind for the challenge period. And I expect that it will stay that way :)
I think it's the Nebraska Hackers. lol
@Rick did you check to see if Marty or Brad were hiding nearby to shoot your tire out? They are very tricky and could have secreted away to Ga. just to sabotage your ride. Be Careful out there. Bon Ton Roule
PS glad you got a family sag for help.
Kelly, yesterday it took at least an hour or more for my points to update. Lately there's been a huge lag for some reason.
Its Sunday and the numbers of people riding goes up, this causes scoring and totaling to slow way down. Or is this another WisCONSIN rigged result by Marty and Brad?
I went out for a short 2.20 mile ride an hour ago just to get some point for the day. It shows in my little box for "this week" and "today" but my points stayed the same and so did my overall miles for the challenge period... I thought maybe it hasn't updated yet so I gave it an hour, but it's still the same. How do I fix that?
@Laurie - I often refer to my bike as my "mood stabilizer."
Nice easy ride this morning in Rome, GA. Pacific NW folks like me have to hit Georgia roads before it gets hot. I'm riding the old Schwinn 10 spd I stashed at my folks place last fall.
Went out on it yesterday around noon without a spare for the first time I can remember in 5 years of riding. So, what's the worst that could happen?
7 1/2 miles into the ride I stopped for a sip. I was sitting there with a foot on the curb and then BOOM! A quick look revealed a 6 inch split in the rear tube. Not gonna patch that, so I called my mom to tell her I'd be walking back. I told her I was fine, and not to worry. Right. You want ride support? Call Mom. She doesn't drive, but she called my sister and my ex-brother-in-law. I got about 20 minutes down the road before the cavalry showed up with a sag wagon to get me and my wounded steed home. Guess who won't go out again without at least one spare tube?
So far the summer has been nice! I'll take rain, and 80s over the 100F days of last summer!
Went for a brief ride in Cooperstown, NY. The town would probably be rated as the most bicycle unfriendly town if anyone knew about it. The highway leading to town is narrow, w/ poor shoulder and residents fly down the rode like scalded cats. Like there is anywhere else to go? For a town that lives and dies on tourist trade, they could benefit immeasurably from a little bicycle friendly infrastructure and change in their culture.
When life gets my mind and spirit tied up in knots, I find that a bike ride is very effective at untangling. Usually I end up at a park somewhere on the water, and simply sit and watch the waves and gulls and boats. I highly recommend it as a form of therapy :)
Autumn and Theresa,
At such times when words are of little use, may you each take whatever peace and comfort you can find in pedaling. My extraordinary Mom lived with me for her last seven years. Still miss her every day. Early morning rides before she awakened were my opportunity for centering and replenishing, and now along the way, many scents and sights conjure gentle memories. I wish you spirit-soothing rides when you hearts hurt.
Autumn - My heartfelt condolences....I do understand how cycling helps for a little while to forget the crap life throughs at us. My Mom had another stroke & will have a long road back to some type of independence. She is 85 years old & not in the best of health. Mom is now in that stage! Wow...it's hard to watch her slowly regress.
•The average person loses 13 lbs. their first year of commuting by bike.
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I drink a mass gainer every day simply to maintain my current weight. I stopped drinking it for a week and lost 4 pounds, which I cannot afford to lose. The $90 or so that I spend a month on my special "human fuel" is probably what I would spend on car fuel if I drove instead of biked, so I consider it an even swap if not better (since I'm healthier and in better shape biking).
@Autumn - Our thoughts are with you and your family members.
Rock on Team Wisconsin!
Autumn, my condolences.
Thank you Kathy. That was exactly what I was looking for.
Nebraska - I will do my part to keep our lead on our attempt at 167 mile ride on June 29. We are traveling from Omaha to Des Moines to ride their absolutely magnificent asphalt trail system around the city, including the High Trestle Trail Bridge (http://www.inhf.org/high-trestle-trail-intro.cfm). We are only re-tracing 15 miles on this route!
My local Am Red Cross looks quizzically at me when dismounting the bike for my whole blood donation (single unit), especially in snow covered ground. They just ask me to stick around a bit longer.
All in all, the bicycling blessings continue for me here in the Midwest!
I lost my mom om June 19 this was the first day i rode and for a short time it helped I miss my mom every minute and on the ride we talked about her and the memories it was so nuce to reflect on her and she rode along
Bike for your health:
•The average person loses 13 lbs. their first year of commuting by bike.
•Just three hours of bicycling per week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.
•A 140-pound cyclist burns 508 calories while pedaling 14 miles in an hour.
Bike for the environment:
•The U.S. could save 462 million gallons of gasoline a year by increasing cycling from 1% to 1.5% of all trips.
•Each U.S. rush-hour auto commuter spends an average of 50 hours a year stuck in traffic.
•In 2003, cars stalled in traffic wasted 5 billion gallons of fuel.
Bike for the future:
•In 1964, 50% of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12%... In 2004, 3% rode to school and the obesity rate was 45%.
•Between 1960 and today the average weight of a 6-11 year old has increased 11 pounds.
Bike for five miles or less:
•60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively.
•25% of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40% of all trips are made within two miles of the home, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.
Two more lessons I learned from my accident. I was riding with a good friend. But she did not have my wife's cell phone number in her phone. And I didn't have her sister's phone number in my phone. I was conscious, so she was able to ask me how to contact my wife. I had the interactive road ID. Which I did not need since I was conscious. But they would have been able to use it to contact my wife had I been unconscious. It is a good idea to have cell phone numbers of family and friends of those you ride with constantly.
The second lesson that I learned, was having access to my phone. I keep my phone in a small bag just behind the handlebars. Had I been riding by myself on an isolated road, I would not have been able to get to my cell phone to call for help. My bicycle was 30 to 40 feet away from me. And I would not have been able to crawl to my bike to get to my phone if I needed it. So it is a good idea to carry your phone in jersey pocket.
I wonder if anyone else has seen this. A couple of years ago I saw a display in my local bike store that had a bunch of statistics on it. It had one statistic that said something like "Cycling makes up 1% of transportation in the United States, if cycling were to increase to 1.5%, it would save X billions of gallons in gasoline per year." Has anyone else seen this or know the statistics?
@J Hugh - I can't take credit for rigging the NBC. So, Vermontiers, or Vermontineers, you can stop sending me royalty checks. (I much prefer direct deposit.)
Marty, like the rigged NBC, you rigged biology. WisCONSIN, I know they don't call it cheating there.
@Tammie - Texas is only 0.01 p/1,000 behind #43. Everyone except Vermont can shoot for a higher place.
Until Jason mentioned triple platelets, and you and google confirmed it, I hadn't really realized that platelets were different from RBCs. I knew white blood cells were different. How did I ever pass biology? (Probaly because I took biology before the invention of the microscope.)
I am short on fuel at the moment. Gonna eat supper early, wait a bit, and then ride.
@ Marty, funny you should say "til the cows come home" because the ride I'm planning goes right past a cow pasture with probably 30-40 adults and babies. In the evenings they are back in the barn but I can still hear them mooing as I ride past.
@Leonard, I usually put a new tire on my front, put the front on the rear when the rear tire is worn out. So, kind of hard to give an accurate measurement of mileage. Given that I pay about $45 a tire, and I'm sure I'm getting over 5000 miles per tire, that works out to less than a penny per mile. But if you want to talk about performance, than that's another story. The Continental Grand Prix 4000s sticks to the road. You feel like your bicycle is on the proverbial rails. That's why I ride on them. I've ridden on high mileage tires before. I used to ride on Serfas tires which seemed to never wear out. In fact I still have one that is perfectly ride-able. However, no way to compare them with the GP 4000s's when it comes to grip. Brand new the Serfas tires never felt as rock steady as the Conti's.
Well, I don't have to worry about Texas anywhere in the mix.. we are way down at 44th place.. must be all that Bar-B-Que we love so much.. just finished some leftovers from my group dinner ride on thursday night! LOL So, the average NBC rider has 200 miles.. guess I can relax with my 605. I really want to take more days off but am still kicking myslef for the single day on monday. I can understand how that clavicle injury can slow you down more.. the pressure on that point when riding is so much more! My right hip is absolutely KILLING me but barely hurts when riding but my right shoulder is limiting my riding now. Giving whole blood reduces your ability to carry oxygen.. SLOW DOWN after giving until your body has time to replace the red blood cells, you can really compromise your heart and other organs.. giving platelates does not affect that ability. You just need a little time to replace the plasma/fluid. Nurse Tammie speaking. LOL
@Marty, I give triple platelets bi-weekly and they all know I ride my bike there. I just promise to stop for coffee and a snack at the local place down the street and wait an hour before I begin my 10 mile ride home.
@Laurie - You can put your right hand down now, and get on your bike until the cows come home!
I also don't tell them at the donation place that I get there by bike. They would frown on that, especially with a double unit donation. I'm still more light headed than usual.
I solemnly swear to do all within my power to help Wisconsin take Nebraska........ :)
@Nebraska - I figured you would pass Wisconsin back over the weekend. You tend to ride more than us then, plus we've had a little bit of weather today. We're going to have to re-catch you and build up a bigger lead during the week, as June ends with both a Saturday and Sunday.
Marty, didn't they tell you at the donation place that you should take it easy for a day or two?
One way to slow down is to donate two units of red blood cells. The hills and wind sure seem a lot tougher yesterday and today. Maybe I need some brownies, or some of those fresh picked strawberries! (One beer right now would knock me out.) (Our mulberries should start ripening in less than a week, and I can't wait. Well, I can, as they don't taste as good until then.)
Nothing, absolutely nothing, tastes as good as a fresh picked strawberry from the farmers' market, especially after an 11 mile round trip bike ride to get it. :)
@Cycling Roberto, I'm glad to hear you like the Continental tires, I'm always looking for a good road tire. I currently use Bontrager Hardcase tires and typically get 16,000+ miles from the front tire (no flats in over 40,000 miles) and around 5,000 miles from the rear tire. Just wondering how the Continentals compare???
@Jerry B. When I shattered my hip in 2008 I was totally off my feet for 9 weeks. It was only 7 days before I rode my first century after I got back on my bike. I'm not saying it was fast, just that I succeeded in doing it. That said, your injuries are MUCH more sever than mine were so take your time and recover completely before you try to push too hard/far. BTW, last fall I broke my clavicle and I'm still not going more than 25 miles a day. That injury took a lot more out of me than the broken hip........
@Karen Jean Goth. Those aquatic bikes sound great. But there is nothing like that here in Longmont. Wish there was. When I get permission to start riding, I will do an exercise bike at the athletic club To make sure I can really ride. Then start ridting my real bike out on the Greenway. It will seem strange only riding 5-10 miles when I start off. I don't know how long it will take me to work my way back up to my 60 to 80 mile rides
Dad, Abby smells like cigars and beer again.
@Laurie, funny you should mention roses. I found one in my basket the other day and have no idea where it came from. [Cue Twilight Zone music]
Brownies are always good but I prefer a mug of cold beer for a post ride. Then brownies, beer, pizza and beer. Life is uncertain but I have it in the right order.
The boys are fighting again, Dad! Make them stop!
Brat, er Brad there you go again siding with Marty. Brownies and the truth do they mix? I think not.
Tammie - brownies or no, sometimes it's imperative to slow down. Get away from the TV, PC, radio, phone... have some quite time and 'disconnect' occasionally. I find getting out on the bike and wandering when you have no destination... when you have no particular time you have to be anywhere... is a great way to do that. Gives you time to let thoughts float and settle out. I've had some beautiful observations when I'm out pedaling, trouble is when I get home and go to write it down... poof, how did that go again? It sounded so perfect in my head... I guess it is kinda like a drug ;-))
Marty - there's only 2 people I trust here; you and me - and sometimes I'm not so sure about you.
@ Kathy Rieck. Good job and soon you'll feel like you are riding a carbon fiber bike. The cheapest way to get that feeling. I still would like to lighten my ride by another 15 lbs. Maybe I could lose more than my bike would weight only 5 lbs. lol Ride & Smile for Life is Good. PS Rember that muscle build weighs more than fat so don' t get discouraged.
Last night, the average person signed-up for the Challenge did a total of 200 miles, since May 1st. (The average for those who've logged miles - 264.)
I agree Tammie. How much fun is the destination if you don't smell the roses along the way?
I think we should all just eat some of those brownies and enjoy the ride... Forget about who is ahead of who! Wouldn't that just be a lot of fun?
@J. Hugh - I don't even believe what I say.
Congratulations, Kathy!
Warning you can't believe what Marty says because he helped to rig the NBC so WisCONSIN would win, but screwed that up too, because VT is ahead. He is over the hill and worries about Brad being over the Rainbow and enjoying his brownies. Sad person that Marty. Go for a ride Marty and leave poor little Brad alone.
Way to go Kathy!
As of this morning I have lost 10lbs since joining the NBC. 1/3 of the extra weight is gone.
Welcome home @Jerry hope your recovery is much faster than anticipated. I must be a complete wimp since pain in my shoulder and scapula is keeping me from riding much! Old injuries are not adjusting to the road bike well at all and I can't see my pain doctor until July 11. Trying to push through but just after a few miles each day I am ready to throw in the towel and I absolutely hate myself for it. Wish I wasn't allergic to every pain med known to man... He liquor cabinet it starting to look inviting.
Hey, all! Love the Chatter!
@Jerry - My first love is swimming, and, at our local aquatic center, they have aquatic bikes for workouts. They are like exercise bikes you ride in shallow water. I used them for therapy this Winter after I injured my knee playing soccer with my son's soccer team during a parent scrimmage. It was very helpful for rehab. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
@Cynthia - Love Yoga! Never tried yoga on the beach. Sounds twice as nice.
I do the same with bib shorts. I love Pearl Izumi. I covet a pair of their top of the line, but the next down the ladder are pretty awesome. Same with Sidi shoes. The only thing I buy top quality is tires: Continental Grand Prix 4000s for the road. Hard to beat them. I guess I'd have to include my Eddy Merckx limited edition frame as well. Since only 100 were made worldwide, it really doesn't have a model above it. All steel, done up in the Team 7-Eleven colors to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the team. Lugged, handmade in Belgium.
@ Roberto, sounds like you shop like my husband. Never buy the cheapest and never buy the most expensive. Doesn't matter what it is, could be a garden hose. LOL
@Douglas - Watch what you tell Brad. Telling him "someday" reminds him of Over the Rainbow, and with his magic brownies, and no shorts, right there you have a recipe for disaster.
@Jerry remember that you are probably in better shape right before the accident than the Doctors are used to seeing. Do whatever you can because you are more fit than most even with the damage that is healing. I, also, have see people believe themselves to be healing at a fast rate and it was true. I can see your bones knitting together all the way from here. I am riding for you for the next few weeks.
Components, well, I guess if you have the money, buy the closest to the top of the line you can afford. With Shimano, the difference becomes weight. I ride Ultegra, and I'm content with the group. I have had 105's as well. I had a Tiaga set on an old Trek. Each one as you move up in the line seems to be more finely crafted. This does come through in the feel. However, I wouldn't purchase anything below Ultegra simply because I think if you ride thousands of miles, the difference in cost per mile is minimal. By the same token to move up to the Dura Ace top of the line seems extravagant.
@Brad - Why wait? Yes, that's a rhetorical question as I know you're trying to rack up miles for the challenge but seriously, there have been several times when I was biking just to bike and the miles racked up without my even noticing. Waiting for the end of the challenge is like waiting for that ever elusive "someday." There will always be one challenge or another that comes up. Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today. :)
@Jerry - Welcome home! Remember, you don't have to be a granny to use the granny gear! Even doing a mile will help with the cure :)
Go for the 105's. I put about 14,000 road miles on them on my first bike, still riding 105's on one of my current bikes.
Laurie Rescheske - I see it now. I am sick and I need to take corrective action... after September 30.
I am back home finally from rehab. It has been 15 days since my accident. I was told I might be able to start riding in 6-8 weeks. Only 57 more days until to Tour de Cure ride for diabetes which I do ever year. I definitely won't be able to do the 100 miler. I will probably have to settle for the 30 mile ride. I sure hope I can ride in it this year.
I rode 105 for several years after having lesser components. 105 over the lesser would be my judgement. Whenever I have improved I have not been sorry, I am however now road testing chains to see which is better for me and the way and distance I ride.
I just bought my road bike and it has the 105's. I am so new to riding I don't know the difference but was told they have smoother shifting.. I would not have known the difference but was riding with someone who has the bike model one step below mine with the Shimano Tiagra ... otherwise she has almost the same bike as mine.. she is perfectly happy with her bike and has been riding for quite a while. We have ridden together the past two weeks .. I love her bike almost as much as I love mine! The reason I went up when I ordered.. I did not want 'buyers regret' .. later wishing I had just gone ahead and bought what I wanted in the first place and not end up in a year buying another bike. I am pretty sure I made the right choice. I did have to buy a different saddle though!
I wish there was a forum here! I am buying a new bike and it has Shimano Tiagra gearset, but I want 105s. Am I being too picky?
Would you have chosen a higher quality set when you bought your bike? or are you happy with yours?
Laurie, thanks for sharing such a perfectly apt and eloquent quote (-:
@Laurie-thanks so much for sharing! I think we are all addicts here. hee hee.
For my 60th Birthday I plan to do the El Camino De Santiago. It's that distance addiction thing, well along with many other drives to do that hike!
@Laurie - Great quote!
@ Andrea, way to go.
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My ride tomorrow: http://rockislandramble.com/
I am re-reading A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. Found a great quote which applies well to the value of riding (hope I am not breaking copyright by quoting this).
"Mileage craziness is a serious condition that exists in many forms. It can hit unsuspecting travelers while driving cars, motorcycles, riding in planes, crossing the country on bicycles or on foot. The symptoms may lead to obsessively placing more importance on how many miles are traveled than on the real reason for traveling……. On foot, in a van, on a fleet motorcycle or on a bicycle, a person must be very careful not to become overly concerned with arriving. My main purpose was to be where I was."
@ Andrea-how awesome!
@All-talking about closing areas for riding, has anyone ever done the "New York City 5 Boroughs Ride"? It looks like a really unique experience.
@Andrea, u go girl!!
@J. Hugh - I wouldn't begrudge the person in Northfield Falls, Vt for having his community currently in 1st place. His 312 miles, 731 points, and 9137.5 p/1,000 equates to a community of 80. So, this means that for a community of 80, they are doing quite well to have one rider in the challenge, compared to us in all of our other communities. That comes out to 1.25% of their population. If everyone did as well, we would have almost 4,000,000 participants in this Challenge, and would have made the 20,000,000 mileage goal on May 1st!
If it were strictly points or miles, how fair would it be for a little community of 80 to be competing with a community of 4,900? To be fair, we would need 100's of community size categories, and that would certainly water down the achievement. And, all of our communities have the real potential of not only achieving 1.25% participation, but a lot more, as estimates for bicycle riders are over 18% of everyone over 15 years old.
In fact, we still need to keep recruiting, because if current trends continue, we won't even make 40,000 participants, which is 10,000 less than our goal. So, lets all try to improve our Community and State standings, and recruit one or more participants. They're out there riding, just not in the Challenge.
Congrats Andrea
@J. Hugh, I didn't even think about the ingredients. Butter in France is to amazing, as is milk. Such a difference pastured cows make.
Crazy route today. Heavy winds and gust from the SSE, so I zig-zagged through the country to where I never rode directly south for more than 2-3 miles at a time. Worked kind of like riding intervals! @6 hours in the saddle - 13.3 mph average and a heck of a lot of Scratch!
Celebration moment!!! I rode my bike to and from work EVERY single day this week! This is a first for me! :-)
@Crystal Day Northfield Falls, VT leads all communities in the over all challenge period. they have 9137.5 points, this comes from one person who has ridden 312 miles and has a personal point total of 349. So what does winning mean now? It just is not why I ride or do the challenge. Keep riding and find another victory!
@J. Hugh - My guess is that the majority of the structure originated in Wisconsin, since Kimberly-Clark had a challenge, which evolved into a state challenge in 2011 that evolved into the NBC.(I honestly thought that our home grown advantage from 2011 and before that we experienced in 2012 would have largely dissipated, and we would have been overtaken by several other states. As it is, it hasn't changed much. We're still in second place to Vermont, but Nebraska is scary close to us.)
When I got up this morning I found out we had an earthquake(4.0) just after midnight(HST). I slept right through it. This one was just about 14 miles above Molokaʻi. Normally, they are closer to the BIG Island due to the active volcano. I am starting to feel like a Californian. We just had a 5.3 on June 4th. LOL!
@ Laurie - Good Job taking that hill! Laurie = 1; Hill = 0
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@Cynthia - Sometimes you have to use car for shopping. I shop once a month(Costco) and it would be impossible to take all that on a bike, plus I'm not to comfortable leaving my road bike outside even if locked up. I am thinking about taking a bus though to see how that would work. Still save money on gas and one less car on road.
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@Joe - That sounds awesome. Was talking to a guy I road with yesterday about closing Hana Hwy from Kahului to Hana and using for bikes only and let cars use other side. I can dream can't I?
Off to do my ride to other side of island and back. Looks like another nice day with lite winds. I also got another person to start riding. He gets his bike Wednesday so now I have a project for a while showing him the ropes of using/riding a road bike.
VT is so bikeable because the formula used to calculate the scores was put together by people from Vermont, or they must have been paid to do it that way. The scores are weighted so they are meaningless for me. Teams, cities, states, all weighted in one way or another. @crystal and even Lincoln benefits from the weighting. If it were straight miles or point totals then the board would look amazingly different.
@Abby Normal Thanks but I tried them and its just pastry made by French people. The key to French Patisseries and Boulangeries is the local ingredients. What goes in can not be matched here. another example is you can buy raw cold milk from vending machines, no one gets sick, and its out of this world, or just out of French cows and that makes all the difference. San Francisco sourdough bread is another example of local makes the difference. Eat what grows or is made near you and its might be the real deal.
What makes Vermont so bikeable? I've never been there, but they are killing it in the challenge. BTW, Go Lincoln!!!! #1 city over 200,000!
I wish I lived in Oregon, well maybe just for this weekend!! ;)
http://bikeportland.org/2013/06/19/crater-lake-rim-road-will-be-carfree-for-first-time-this-weekend-only-88687
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Laurie, I'm with you! I rode this morning because the weather people said "showers in late afternoon". 11AM is NOT late afternoon. Luckily I was smart enough to bring a plastic bag to put my (cloth) purse in, and had the presence of mind to tie it around my seat after parking my bike. I'll be getting wet on the way home!
@Russ, they will update sooner or later. be patient.
@Laurie-well I think it is a confidence level too with learning to balance a heavy item like that. Especially if you have to ride in traffic. Maybe when tried once and see it's ok it will be better. I like the pack that Douglas gave a link for and I would be inspired to try it.
My points total isn't incrementing anymore when I add rides...didn't think the challenge was ending until September 30.
@Cynthia, I know what you mean concerning cat litter. I just picked up a 7lb bag of cat food in my panniers and I was all lopsided. Guess I should have bought two. :-S But 32lbs of cat litter? it's the car and stock up when you can.
The storms we're supposed to get the next few days might impede my ability to contribute to Wisconsin's progress, grrrrrrr. Not to mention the 58 miles I need to ride in the next 5 days to meet a personal goal.
@Damon - Who are you bragging to? Wisconsin also has 2 Class 1's in the top five, 2 Class 2's, and 4 Class 3's. Triple BAM! (As opposed to Bam Bam and Pebbles)
@J. Hugh you can get French pastry - true French pastry - every Saturday in Kenosha, WI. There is a group of French nuns who are based in Chicago who bring the most amazing breads and pastries to the Farmers' Market on Saturdays. I gain weight just walking past their booth! Check it out! http://tinyurl.com/mmsqkes
Bugs hate cigars! Insects very good source of protein. If you keep some grains around long enough the bugs start hatching before you eat the eggs or larva. Honey coating and chocolate dipped really big in asia. Lobsters are reportedly a cousin to the roach.
French pastry can only be really found in France, but I ate a lot of it in 16 days. stream of mind typing after a ride and reading what others say.Bon ton Roulle
HI all, out early this morning to beat the heat. About a dozen other riders with the same idea. Heading in the Kansas City direction later. ROCK ISLAND RAMBLE tomorrow (starts in Lee's Summit MO). WOO HOO!!
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@ Cynthia, when I do errands by motor vehicle, I try to combine as many as possible and not do backtracking on my route.
RE: Rankings GOOO BIIGGGG REDDDDDD!!!
@ Cynthia, I can relate. Couple of days ago I decided to bike to Wal-Mart, then started thinking about how heavy a bag of cat litter would be by the the time I got home, so I drove instead. On the way there, saw several people biking to the store, and really envied them.
Chris - but we have two class one cities in the top five BAM!
@Douglas, I'm betting bugs hate you even more. You're nothing but a death trap to them! ;-}
I was really surprised to find out that mayflies are sweet. Maybe we should rethink adversity to eating insects! (I think we do eat some bugs: underwater bugs. To me crabs and lobsters are so buglike!)
@Chris - Lincoln can't be blamed for that. We passed Madison after all :)
Pssssst! Wisconsin passed Nebraska. I'm just saying.
@Cynthia - You should get a back rack (if you don't have one already) and what's called a market pannier. Banjo Brothers makes one http://banjobrothers.com/products/current/panniers/market-pannier/ that holds 1500 cubic inches. I weighed mine when I got back from a grocery trip once and found it was 28 lbs. It didn't feel like that at all when it was on my bike. It's perhaps the best purchase I have made for my bike. And my back thanks me for it :)
Walk of shame ya'll. : (. I drove my car today. Did not meet my goal of 2 weeks at 5 for 5 days riding. The price of living at sea level is you never know when your going to wake up with a sinus headache which makes you very lethargic. However, I did make the best use of my time that I would have been riding in by getting some chores done at home, and planning my day to make the best of use of driving my car in that I can get some errands done that I have to use my vehicle for. So hope all that counts! ha ha. One of the errands is needing cat liter, I have not figured out how to get a 20 lb box on my bike yet. Did an hour of yoga practice on the beach last evening with a group of people, it was an amazing experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to try it. Ok, well, that's been my life since I since 5:00 yesterday.
Ride with peace, be safe.
@Cycling Roberto-yea for you and Platinum!
@Laurie-know the feeling well about getting up some of those hills from when I lived up in the mountains up north, the feeling of accomplishment when you do get to the top without walking is a great! Of course where I am now the only hills are intracoastal waterway bridges and although they can be a quick steep climb, they are very manageable.
@Chuck-love love the C & O Canal Towpath! Have done all but the 60 miles to the north area and can't wait to do the Paw Paw Tunnel. It's on my bucket list to do the whole path and camp along the way. Of all the things I miss from living in the south central MD area I miss the canal the most.
@Brad-Relaxing Brownies? Yum!
Spent last 2 days riding on the C&O Canal towpath. It was awesome and plan to ride again next year from Cumberland to Georgetown. CX bikes were a plus and the way to go.
I took on a hill yesterday that proved to be a worthy opponent. It was the first time I seriously considered that I might have to walk my bike to the top, and I finally did zigzag a little to make it. This is one instance where being "over the hill" is a wonderful feeling. Not bad for this fat old woman.... hehehe
silly- drove 100 miles to ride 87 today, but what a ride!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
That was fun! Rode there (20 min) and back (15 min [tailwind]), enjoyed the ambient aroma of good cigars and some really nice locally made beer. They've got an event coming up where for $10 you get 2 cigars, 2 pours of Johnny Walker Black, and a souvenir shot glass. Woo hoo!
@ Robert - Congrats! I'll be there tomorrow. Just need 2 points! Yay!
@Roberto - Congratulations. I'm hoping to make Bronze at least two days before the end of September, to give myself a little wiggle room.
Platinum today. :)
Two of Brad's brownies makes for a very relaxing bike ride. In fact, you'll want to go far out.
Wilbur Buds, dark, straight from the factory in Lititz, PA. Can't beat 'em, especially when you eat them with some good pretzel rods.
As long as it's DARK chocolate I'm all in.
Chocolate? Did someone say chocolate?
You know how it works, if papa ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! Tell DH that I'll hoist two fingers-worth in his honor, while enjoying a Romeo y Julieta Reserva.
He's worth it, Michael, but I refuse to pay that much money for something you only rent! ;-D
Aww, c'mon Chris, I'm sure he's worth it! My better half liked your comments. She's roaring with laughter herself!
@Michael G., DH said you are one lucky guy and hang onto that wife! I saw the price locally and roared with laughter when DH suggested I might buy him a bottle!
We'll be right over!
OK everybody take your shoes off, I have some brownies to share.
Beer, cheese, ice cream, YEAH!
Wine and cheese? Bike Skype party....lol
@Chris - Cigars & beer? I'm in!
Cigars make really good bug repellant, and they do repel many people. French pastry and coffee seems to attract so many people and the bugs are outside with the cigars.
@Chris: Sticks and suds, count me in!! Though I think my suds may be some of that Johnny Walker Blue Label I got for Fathers Day. Not gonna let that sit and collect dust!
Hi all, out today for the heat and humidity experience. Temps in the 80s and rising! Several other riders out there. I got some free showers (or at least my legs got splattered) with water from a fire hydrant that the firefighters were messing with and another one from a street cleaning water truck. Then I got to wait for a train, so I rode up and down a driveway from a commercial establishment while I waited. At least that way I got a breeze.
@ Andrea, we all have days with less energy, but that makes the ones with more energy more awesome! Personally I tend to go slower as the temperatures get higher.
@ Nathan, nothing like the old driveway. Mine goes straight downhill!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
@Cynthia & @Chris, Thanks!
@J.Hugh, Partially. I count the upward distance miles, but I coast when falling out of the sky. ;)
4th day in a row commuting to work. I am tired. I guess I'm not as tough as I thought. Ran a trail race last night, too. That might contribute to my lack of energy today.
Cigars and beer after work today! Anyone want to join me?
@Nathan, great video. Your neighborhood roads are as bad as the ones around here!
So, Nathan was the jerkiness of the video due to being lifted from place to place by a tornadoe? and Do you count the airborn miles?
Hi Nathan! Love your commute, and you have a neat driveway!
An Oklahoma City bicycle commute in only six seconds: https://vine.co/v/hubBh3u6hLb
Christine (sorry, you'll always be Christine to me - just like I'll be... well, whoever I am today) - Regarding the kid/grown-up dichotomy, you have to search for the song by Lou and Peter Berryman "It's Better Than That". Hilarious. (Tell the kids it's even better than they think it is)
@Burklee, remember when we were kids and we *couldn't wait* to be grown-ups so we could do what we want when we want (little did we know...)? Now that we're finally grown-ups (hah!) we're wishing we were kids and could be out riding our bikes all day long. It really figures that "fair" and "life" are Four Letter Words!
I'll show you how fast I can go down that mountain... just as soon as my broke bones heal up. The irony, the irony. Great one Jerry. hahahahhahha (but the scary thing is, I understand)
@Laurie-great job! You'll be half way to Diamond before you know it then!
@Jerry, I'd get off road if they went down that fast. There would be bodies/ bikes flying everywhere. Most that ride downhill on those tours don't look like they touched a bike in years and riding down that mountain with all the switchbacks I see their faces and some of them have that "This is not what I expected" look and are scared to death. Not the mindset you want to have riding down that mountain with cars flying past them. It is a 36 mile ride downhill and switchbacks all the way down to around the 3,500 foot level.
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I normally ride at 30-35 mph around switchbacks but I have been doing this for a while(keeping right of double yellow lines). Other than touching breaks just before sharp turns, I don't use them going down mountain until I hit the side roads near the bottom.
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As for coming over here, that would be great!
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When I broke my collar bone last June it was my first(so far) broken bone in my life so I can't complain about that. It did take a while for it to mend and I now have a nice bump on left side where bones healed (one on top of the other part). They say the collar bone is stronger when it heals after a break.
@Kawika Plummer. Don't the people riding downhill know you are supposed to be doing 45-50mph? When we get to Hawaii someday I'll look you up for some rides. Though it will be a few years. And of course I have to heal all my broken bones first.
@Laurie, Good for you. Keep it up! You will be at Platinum before you knowit!
Oh my goodness, I just realized I am over halfway to platinum.
Michael, that's too bad. I have not been in Myrtle for a long time. Enjoy your vacation - sounds fun!
The new bridge is beautiful, a must to check out. Bike shop and bike group are all tied together. Its a great group and if you want to see the country side its some terrific riding. Good luck. I checked out your zip code, I lived in South Central PA for about 30 years.
Hilton Head is a great biking place. Never been but I hear a lot about it.
Happy Trails!
@Cynthia, saw your zip code includes Sunset Beach. Will be visiting there for a day, try to hit that beach at least once every vacation, but don't always succeed. Have to try the new bridge! Thanks for the bike info., will look the shop up.
@Rob, we stay on the inland side of US 17, biking and even walking in his area is dangerous at best. I'm a transportation planner by trade (which includes bike/ped planning!), so I know bad when I see it!
@Michael-wow too cool! I am right around the corner from Calabash! Go to that ice cream place, well, maybe too much. There is a bike group here, great riding in the area. People join the group from all over when they are here visiting. We have a bike shop who is celebrating its grand opening on the 25th. Love La Belle Aime! Enjoy your vacation, maybe sometime you can join the group! The bike shop is called Island Hoppers. The Bike Group is the OIB Cyclists.
Hey Michael G, my family and I were just in Hilton Head for the first time last week. What a great place for biking! They have many trails and you can ride on the beach. Lots of people are out biking and the bike rental places deliver to your location for no charge. Looking forward to another vacation there sometime in the future. I never thought of Hilton Head as a great biking destination, but I was surprised!
@Cynthia: gonna be in Calabash in 3 days!!!! Taking the annual jaunt to North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, gonna hit Calahans (and the ice cream joint across the street) first thing! Then, of course, La Belle Aime winery! Alas, no biking for a week (grumble, grumble)
Just slurped 2 dozen at a local bar that does Raw Bar on Wednesday. I'm in heaven and headed for a good book and a soft bed. See ya's tomorrow!
Believe it or not there is name for people who do not eat meat, limit or no dairy, and are "vegetarian". It's called a Pescatarian. @Nyla, I have not had the oppurtunity to look more into the website although I have browsed around and I am very anxious to explore more. @marty-yea, 1979 was not a good time to be a vegetarian as there was virtually no support at all. Yes, ice cream is a basic food group and it would be like living in a coastal atmosphere and not eating seafood-the comparison to living in Wisconsin and not eating cheese. People thing I am crazy, I don't eat meat, working slowly through the process to becoming vegan, and riding my bike often and much. Nice to know there are people out there doing the same! Wahoo! @Marty, yea everything is deep fried here too. Ever hear of Calabash?
Today was a great day for a ride. Had my 16 month old daughter in the trailer and pedaled 25+ miles of paved and gravel paths and surface streets.
@J OM @Cynthia & @Nyla - When I became a vegetarian in 1979, with the lack of appropriate food alternatives in restaurants, I didn't want to spend 2 hours eating 5 or 6 iceberg lettuce salads to try and fill-up, so opted for the occasional fish dish. In the last few years, I've almost entirely stoped eating cheese, which isn't easy to do in Wisconsin, the Dairy State. People expect you to say (and eat) cheese, even if they aren't taking your picture. And even though I'm close to our state fair, I can't enter, as they deep fry everything except for your admission ticket.
Cynthia, Thank you for the vegetarian cycling link. I've gone back and forth about fish and seafood over the years but haven't eaten red meat or poultry in four decades. I do eat eggs and I'm reasonably certain they wouldn't let me continue to reside in Wisconsin if I stopped eating cheese. (-; (and then there's the fact that I regard ice cream as a basic food group)
To all riders in the National MS Society Tour de Farms this weekend in DeKalb, IL: ride safely and have a great weekend! I'm part of Team Praxair North and I hope to see you out there! Keep the fundraising going!
@Kawika-how beautiful that must be. Aaaah to riding along the ocean in Hawaii.
- J OM-Nice! I am working in the direction of vegetarian myself. Found a great website for biking vegetarians. www.vegetariancycling.com Although I still eat fish. Am also working to eliminate cheeses. Believe or not it's not as difficult as it sounds.
Stuck in an office cubicle, dreaming of being in Hawaii on a bike... or being anywhere but here, for that matter. *Heavy sigh*
@Marty, thanks for the follow up. That is what I get for not bothering to glean through the archive of comments. I hope the correction appears sometime soon. Almost vegeterian = you eat fish? Zero meat of any kind here.
Jerry, We do have many people that come here to ride during their vacation(mostly from Canada). If you come over here, I will be the one in the 7-Eleven Jersey. I'm out every day somewhere on island(except for next summer/riding cross country)
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As for the extra oxygen at sea level, I ride up our mountain(Haleakala,10K foot) at least once a month if I feel like I'm getting too much oxygen and the views are awesome on way up!. I also get to see/hear all the people riding downhill on the bike tours riding their breaks all the way down, some with a death grip on handlebars.
@Kawika Plummer. Sounds like fun rides. I would love to do them. How do you handle all that extra oxygen at sea level?
J OM - I'm almost vegan, too. (Almost vegetarian for 34 years!)
Your question about the leader was asked 6/17 @ 20:34, and replied on 6/18 @ 00:24 & 09:26, so it is either correct, or will be corrected.
@Cynthia. Yours truly is vegetarian (bordering on vegan)... hence the veggie power :)
I have two special rides that I love to ride/train on. The first is my Tuesday rides(60 miles)where I get to ride along the Ocean and see the waves and surfers on my left and the mountains on my right with both being unspoiled views before I reach Lahaina. The second is my Thursday ride(90 miles now) is heading out to a tropical rain forest on way to Hana here in Maui(I It's so awesome that I don't even mind when there is a light rain). When I get to my turn-around point it is just so peaceful sitting there on ground listening to/watching waterfalls and eating some fresh fruit(banana or pineapple) I got at a stand on way out. When tourists come here and drive to Hana they miss so much of what I see while riding.
@J OM-what does the (Veggie Power) stand for? I can guess, but, want to be sure.
@Nyla-Nice....
Thanks to Cynthia, Karen, Brad and others for sharing some serendipitous gifts of cycling encountered on your rides. We are so much richer for immersion in those ambient sensations of sound, sight, scents and such. Even when initially inattentive, tense and preoccupied, those elements seep into my soul along the way… adding dimensions of air, light, color and texture and re-inflating occasionally squashed parts of my spirit. By the most literal definition “Inspiration” is simply breathing in. How fitting that deep inspiration is integral to cycling. Carpe diem….Roll On, Breath in…Enjoy…Inspire!
This is a question for the Endomondo administrators. The current leader has 6257 points for the challenge period. However, he has 2663 points for May and 1476 points for June. Where did the other 2118 points come from? This isn't about sour grapes, I am too far down to be remotely interested in challenging for the prized #1 spot. However, I would like to see a level playing field for the riders who are.
Forgot to add, occasionally you get to be the first "vehicle" at the crossing when a train goes by. Experiencing the train crossing with a "front saddle" view is pretty cool.
I live and work along CA-91, the 5th worst highway in the US. It's nice to get some bike commuting at least once a week, for fitness and to escape the sludge that is the evening commute, which usually involves traversing a certain 5-mile section of road over 15 minutes. The Santa Ana River Trail is far less congested, a joy to ride on, and gets me there and back without issue. If I could do it more often, I would!
I'm too busy watching the road in front of me when I'm cycling, I don't get to look around much. Potholes, gravel, cars, people, wild animals, other cyclists, all competing for my attention. I ride a lot of the same places all the time and regularly find myself thinking "I've never noticed that before" even though I have biked past it countless times. And squished bugs on the windshield is way better than bugs in my face. That being said, the one car under which my bike hangs seems to stay parked a lot even though I'd be crazy to say my bike is more fun to "drive."
Riding the back roads around Lehigh Valley. PA - so beautiful. I had a baby fawn jump out in front of me on a slight down hill turn. After a few anxious moment thinking I might hit the baby dear, he bounded away into the field and I thought, this is one of the reasons why I love riding my bike.
@Karen jean goth - google schlump high speed drive and you may look for a better terminology when using bike- speak, but point taken and just messin w/ ya.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Brad - heard this last year: "Only the cyclist knows why the dog rides with its head out the window." I think that applies to "bike speed."
@Tammie Porter, just ride and enjoy the ride and you end up riding more even if the miles tick on slower. I did that last year and the points came up. Ride $ Smile for Life is Good !
@Roberto - Wow! 6000 miles since January. Compared to you, I am a Schlump. I am trying to do 500 miles in one month for the first time. My trouble is finding the time to ride around doing my mom thing, work and chores. I am happy at averaging 20 miles a day and hoping that eventually I will be able to increase my pace, which is nothing to brag about. I am glad that you more experienced riders are out there as an inspiration. I also look forward to the words of bike wisdom - keep posting all those bike tips.
@Brad, love that term-bike speed and that it is the right speed. Well put!
@Andrea, you go girl! If you continue on your cyclomute journey you find you don't forget things as much, its so routine to just pack. But, honestly, I really do hate those days when I forget my keys.
HI all, out this morning in cool 70+ temperatures. Felt cool in the shade and I wasn't melting in the sun. Spotted about ten other cyclists. Knocked off an errand in the process. GREAT DAY!
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@ Cynthia, thanks for sharing. Its all that stuff you miss when you climb into the steel box.
@ Andrea, way to go!
@ Brad, you said it!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
Go, Andrea! Wonderful!!
Thought that some may be interested in this documentary of a bicycle made out of cardboard.by the visionary and creator of the concept bike.
.http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670753/this-9-cardboard-bike-can-support-riders-up-to-485lbs
@Brad
SO true-bike speed :)
@Cynthia
Thanks for sharing your remarkable adventure
I also love hearing the stories of people finding the two wheeled passion
Cycling has enhanced every facet of my life-it brought a complete lifestyle change that I am sure saved my life.
Every ride is an adventure you wouldn't have sitting on the couch!
30 seconds faster on my commute this morning. Yippeeee! Left my keys at home. Bummer! 3rd day in a row riding my bike to work! This is a first for me. I have a 6.1 mile trail run tonight. Hope my legs are good for it!
No matter how grumpy I am in the morning, after the first mile on my bike "Life is Good"
On a bicycle you travel fast enough to put interesting new places within our reach, but slow enough so as to see, smell and hear what the world is saying to us as we pass. In my considered opinion, bike speed is exactly the right speed.
If only everyone could see what bike riders see and experience,( its not just transportation and recreation for a healthy mind, body and soul but a way of life that brings so many great joy.) There would be a lot lot more people out there on two wheels. I love to read the comments from new people who have joined the challenge for the first time and have goals to use their bikes as often and much as possible. We are fortunate that we already got the memo and this is such a great forum of like minded people to participate in/with.
@ Cynthia, people who travel in vehicles never get such experiences. We are blessed!
I know my insurance will cover theft of my bikes, been there done that, but really don't know about damage during use. I suspect it would not be covered, the same as how comprehensive won't cover collision and vice versa works with autos.
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Sorry to hear about your accident Jerry. Hopefully some good comes from it, by way of informing others to check their insurance and to remember that accidents happen.
@Jerry, that really sucks. Apologies to any insurance folks here, but I've gotten to the point that I hate insurance companies. In my experience, they deny every claim until you argue with them (multiple times), find any excuse to drop your policy (both of my husband's life insurance policies have been dropped for no reason), and pay big dividends to their stockholders on our backs. Grrrrrr. Ok, I'm done. I'm really sorry, Jerry. It shouldn't happen to anyone, never mind a nice guy like you!
@Cynthia, if that were a scene in a movie, people would say "Oh, those things never happen all in such a short time!" We've gotten so far from nature, we disbelieve her in reality! I say: you were truly blessed to have such encounters all in a short time.
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I just hit 1000 points. Yay!
I have to share my experience yesterday evening. I met friends "in town" for dinner. While biking to the restaurant this raven flew right past my ear! His wing actually caught my hair! Startled me to say the least. It happened so fast. That was a first ever. On my way home after dinner I decided to take a side trail along a creek instead of my normal route. I saw a wood stork flying into its tree top nest, a large momma turtle laying eggs, a gorgeous Great Blue Heron standing erect at least 4 feet tall, a bluebird dipped in front of me, and a duck with her ducklings walked across the street in front of me. All this as the sky darkened and distant thunder rumbled. I got to my house before the first raindrop fell. Feeling so at peace and knowing that a lasting imprint of my experience had been left on my soul.
@Jerry-thanks for the tip will have to check with my insurance company, never thought it existed!
@Jerry~
I've been going round and round with our ins. company also!!
i haven't had an accident, and no theft; but I'm being proactive just the same.
First they said yes it's covered under the auto policy, then they said it wasn't, then they said it was covered under homeowner policy, then it wasn't. Like i asked.... well which is it???!!!??? Very frustrating!!
Good luck in your situation!!
@ Jerry, thanks for the warning. I would also have assumed that my bike was covered. Now I will double check. That really stinks. I hope you threaten to change insurance companies!
Warning to everyone who think their bicycles might be insured. I have homeowners insurance on my bicycle. I called my insurance company to ensure my bike would be covered in case I had an accident. I was assured that I was covered if I wreaked my bicycle. Now the insurance company is refusing to reimburse me for my bicycle. They are saying I needed a separate rider on my policy. Even though I was told in the phone call that I did not need one. Make sure your bike is covered by your insurance policy. Get verification from your insurance company in writing. I am out $5,000 for the cost of a new bicycle because the insurance company won't pay out now. On top of the cost of all my medical expenses.
The bike shop is getting my bike done for me by 6 tomorrow just so I can ride with the group at 6:15.. they are going to be upset to find out that I can't ride tomorrow! This CHL class I am taking was a surprise from my father for my birthday. I am trying to figure out how to get the time to run by the shop and pick up my bike anyway and maybe get in a few miles before dark after the class... gotta ride! .... gotta get those points... yesterday was the first day I have missed since I started the challenge on day two.. I did not know about it on day one! Question.. really, how often do you check your standing on the leaderboard.. honesty here? Me, I check at least twice a day if not more.. just plain FUN! Darn I am caught up in this! LOL I even look to see how many miles I might want to put in before I head out depending on how many certain people have already put in that day... crazy!
@tammie - i predict you will do both...lol. I frequently have to remind myself that my miles are not dictated by the challenge but how I feel. I get annoyed (some self censoring here) when I miss a day on the bike so I understand what you are feeling. That said....when I come back.....its even better
Quite a goal @Roberto .. and I was just lamenting the loss of 20 points by missing riding yesterday and probably tomorrow! Last month I was tickled pink to stay in the top 2,000 then I got greedy and am trying to stay in the top 1,000 but by missing a single day it makes it almost impossible.. 2 days and I am completely in a mess! I will be killing myself chasing miles! What we do to ourselves in the name of meaningless numbers on a simple leaderboard! LOL ... all in the name of FUN! I was finally kicked off the top of women in Texas.. it was nice up there for a while... guess I am going to just have to pedal harder and longer... or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Wonder which I am going to do?
Climbing back up the leaderboard. I will have to average 45 miles a day for the rest of the month to hit 1000 miles for June. That will make my fifth straight 1000 mile month. Luckily, I'm going to crack 6000 miles even though January was a tad short. It does get nippy here in eastern PA. If the thunderstorms hold off, I should hit my mark.
Went out today on my hybrid in the new shoes.. WOW.. just WOW! Should have done this from the beginning! They DO make a difference! I can feel the difference in the power of the stroke in the pedaling.. amazing. You don't lose so much power in the flexing of those tennies. I did have a little difficulty with my feet slipping off the pedals since they are smooth. I won't have that problem on my road bike.. they have spikes! LOL Guess I am going to have to change the pedals on my hybrid now. It's always something.. they REALLY should keep my credit card on record at the bike shop.. I use it there more than anywhere else! Had a nice relaxed 25 mile ride today and got several errands done around town.. no car! Great day.
Mine is finally updated as of 3:32 p.m. (MST). Glad to hear I wasn't the only one...but maybe not so glad for others. Thanks for letting me know.
I put today's miles in about 1/2 hour ago and nothing has updated. My totals, leaderboard or state.
Is there a problem today with the updating on Leaderboard? Posted my mileage about 15 minutes ago, and although it shows that both the Local and National sites have updated, nothing's being added to my total from when I last rode on Saturday, June 15.
PS, TAMMIE, your feet will appreciate the change of shoes. I have half sized shoe pads in the front part of my cycling shoes since thats the part of your feet that get to do the work!
HI everyone, out today for a longer ride since my desk was momentarily clear of work. Temps. rose into the 80s but there were a lot of other riders out there. A bit of a breeze, but no huge blasts and it wasn't too humid so NOT A BAD TIME TO RIDE!
PS, My son rode his bike to his internship job in DC for the first time today. Now if I can convince him to sign up for the challenge! 31,000++ RIDERS!! WOO HOO!
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@ Michael, how fun with all the cool new cycling stuff.
@ Tracy, you are making me miss my old Schwinn Varsity
@ Chris and Melinda you guys ROCK!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
I've been driving my 14 y.o. daughter to a class this week, 37 miles away. I get home, park the car and ride my 'steel wheels' into work. Since I have access to a car and a paid, covered parking space, coworkers think I'm whacked. They just can't appreciate the finer points of a two-wheeled commute! BTW, @Chris, let the hubby know that my Super Better Half got me a real treat for Father's Day: a bottle of Johnny Walker BLUE! She's the BEST!
A really strange thing happened to me this morning. I got up, made breakfast, packed my lunch, grabbed my biking gear and headed out the door. Pulled the bike out of the garage, hopped on and rode to work, never once thinking "I wonder if I should take my car today?" It was as though I didn't even own a car. Amazing!
@Tracy Lane-wow, how amazing!
@Melinda-way to go, great to start somewhere. Good Luck meeting your goals.
Belated kudos on your Schwinn riding/climbing, Tracy! As the proud owner of three Schwinn steel bikes, I can "feel your pain," but the descent must have been a blast! A few years ago I was riding my Schwinn Traveler with the Ripon College cycling team and got some love for being able to hang with a few of them (admittedly, they were not going all out, but even then I was able to pass a few of them). Did my first 20 mph ride on the (over 20+ miles) on the Traveler, well. Let's hear it for old technology that still works well! So, Tracy, are you taking the Schwinn to France this summer for the Tour? ;-)
Peach State representin'! Two GA teams in the top 40, and the statewide advocacy org team is in top 75 for June. Woohoo!
Very happy. Got my girls up and went for a 6 mile ride this morning. Trying to do more bike commuting than car commuting. This was a step in the right direction. :D
@Michael-those boxes from Nashbar are always fun. Love to see the box on my doorstop after I place an order.
@Marty and Tom
He accidentally created some duplicates with the Tapiriik app. He knows and will fix them soon.
*p*
I am back to my hybrid for a couple of days since the kamakazee bird took out my front wheel on the new road bike. I actually took my first day off from any riding yesterday. It was HARD!!! My body really needed it though. I actually was able to get out of bed this morning without the help of the wall.. guess the day off helped. I have really enjoyed reading everyones experiences here.. so much fun! I too need to update my on road tool kit. One expense at a time.. bought some Shimano shoes yesterday...hopefully a good choice and improvement from the tennies I have been riding in. My feet were killing me from the pedals on my road bike!
Got my Nashbar box in the mail yesterday! New helmet, to replace the very old one I was wearing; new under-seat bag, fo get the repair kit out of my pannier; and a new jersey, cause I needed a few more bucks for free shipping. Christmas in June! Added some new items to my repair kit thanks to your ideas here over the last few days. One more day of commuting, then off to vacation for a week and a half. No bike, unfortunately :(
@ Marty, nice story. Good to know that somebody would try to reason with a thief instead of just attacking them!
@Tom - Looking at his monthly stats, he has just over 5,200 miles for both months so far, and about 45 days of riding for another 900 points. So, his Challenge total is correct, but one of his months is way off. I saw this with several people last year. No good explanation for it, just some kind of glitch in the Endomondo program.
Here is a good story about a Seattle woman who runs half marathons chasing after a bike thief, making him abandon the bike, and running after him for a mile while trying to talk sense into him, while all he had the energy for was running. And the police finally arrived and had to convince her to stop running after him.
http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/marathon-mom-chases-down-bike-thief-183549474.html
Im curios about anyone here riding fixed gear on the challenge? I am riding a 2008 Specialized langster, anybody else?
Michael - 20,000 miles....that is amazing. How long did it take to do this?
Wow Tracy, 8500 ft of climbing in one day on an old steel schwinn... very impressive!
I'm pretty excited too because I'll hit 20,000 miles cyclommuting to my current job later this month... Remember everyone, for your safety...
Ride like you belong!
That is great Tracy. Congratulations.
I just rode my 73 steel Schwinn one hundred miles and 8,500 ft of climbing! http://app.strava.com/activities/60817119
@Craig
Mine is a 28 year-old Merlin Titanium
My next road bike will be steel
How does someone lead the whole thing with 6100+ pts when he got 2660 in May + 1340 in June thus far = 4000 pts?
Steel is real baby!! ;)
4" tires and the steel frame of my Surly Pugsley makes for a real cushy ride!!
Never been all about speed for me, but all about the adventure of the exploration!!!
@Craig, sorry to hear. Ride the steel frame, remember how nice steel rides even with old technology, and soon enough your modern ride will be out in action. Always nice to have a backup.
@Dave, I am back to my 23 year old steel mtn bike with no suspension and friction shifters until they get a new 105 rear and a a hanger in at the shop :)
@Craig
I snapped off my derailleur too, last thursday. It is an out of production Campy 8 speed. I found one on Craigslist and hope he ships it soon, till then I ride the Hybrid.
Snapped off my derailleur hanger and destroyed the whole mess. That is gonna keep my off the bike for a couple of days until parts arrive to build it back together :(
Hi all, out today inthe early afternoon in 80+ temps. Not too many other riders out there. It is humid, so when I got sprinkled on for a couple of minutes, it was welcome! Cooled off with some cold watermelon when I got home!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
I am happy I've started out the week right! 5 mile run and biked to work! All this exercise is making me hungry! :-) Stay calm and cycle on!
Was in the Twin Cities for the weekend to celebrate the retirement of a dear faculty mentor from graduate school days. Took the bike along and road the West/East River Road Trails along the Mississippi two mornings as well as the Cannon Falls Trail between Cannon Falls and Redwing yesterday afternoon. While I live in WI now, I want to give some biking love to MN. You all have a great biking culture and set of trails (which I remembered well from living there for 15 years). Keep up the wonderful work promoting biking! You are a great resource to the region.
No rides this week. Had things to haul into work today an took the truck, tomorrow at 11 I have a minor surgical procedure that will keep me off the bike for about the next six days. Next chance to ride will be Monday next week.
Gosh, lots of conversation entries over the weekend, I usually keep up with theml, however, with family visiting over the weekend it was a little difficult. I am almost to gold! Wahoo! One more day and I will hit it. Did manage an early Sunday ride with my local bike group yesterday morning. Although the wind was at us at every turn it was a great ride.
Happy new week to all! Ride safe, ride with peace.
Hi all, out today for a casual trail ride with friends. Much slower pace than yesterday, but with 80++ temps.(maybe 90+ for part of the ride) it was the thing to do.
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RE: the competition GBR!
Ride on everyone & ride safe!
Steven Kahan, we do the same thing here in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's in September and called Streets Alive. It's always a fun time and well worth going to.
Providence RI is trying doing something called 'cyclova'. Thought you'd enjoy reading about it. I'm going to chec it out to see what it's like. http://www.providenceri.com/healthy-communities/providence-cyclovia-2013-0
Happy Father's Day to all dads.
That's a tough one, Brent. I lived in SC and have a sister in GA. Go Southern states??
Fierce battle going on between GA & SC. Let's ride Peach State!
Ready to get back to fitness riding after a great two weeks in the Loire Valley of France. Really enjoyed the Patisseries and Boulanger plus the cheese was really very special. Go to www.loirelifecycling,com and they helped us so much in creating cue sheets and maps with all the best tips. Exploring has its own pace and so does eating french pastry. Bon ton roulle!
@ Jerry, I feel a little of your pain. Broke my collar bone last June coming down off mountain on some loose stones on road going around turn. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Happy father's day to all the dad riders. Ride with your kids/grandkiids whenever you have a chance!
@Jerry, heal quickly. @others, thanks for the kind words. Wouldn't have passed up the Grand Prix with my son for a ride with Eddy Merckx.
See you on the road.
@Jerry – sorry to hear about the fall, I do an extra mile tomorrow in your honor. To All Fathers: HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
@Jerry Yikes and sorry, Make getting well this summer's challenge.
@Jerry, so sorry to hear about your accident and all its breaks! May you heal quickly and completely. I'll keep you in my prayers as well as in my heart and mind while riding.
@ Cycling Roberto, you will make up the miles, but the time with your son might have been a lot harder to make up. RIDE ON.
@ Jerry, sorry to hear about the accident. Hope the recovery goes well!
Jerry - So sorry hope your recovery is uneventful and quick.
@ Jerry, Nothing like getting everything out of the way at once. At least I spread mine out over a number of different accidents. Take care and listen to your doctors and physical therapists. You will come back, just give yourself time to heal. Trying to rush the healing process only results in prolonging your recovery (unfortunately that is the voice of experience talking.....).
Jerry -Prayer for recovery and healing
@Jerry - Sorry about your accident. We all wish you a quick recovery/rehab.
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@Tom - I happened to see team recruiting in early May by someone who was upset that a foreign team was leading at the time. And the funny thing was that the foreign team wasn't eligible for any prizes, so it was a moot point.
@Jerry, ouch. Sorry to hear about the mishap. Happy Fathers Day to all. I love everything about the "Challenge", but, has anyone else seen the recruiting going on? People combing the results and sending messages to the highest scoring people that are not on a team, asking them to join theirs. Come on, really? So you can say you won medium division team category with many people 1000's of miles away? Is this a biking challenge or a recruiting challenge?
@ Jerry, so sorry to hear about that. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!
My bike riding came to a screaching halt on Jun 13th. Hit a hidden 1.5" groove in a turn lane while riding at 30mph. Broken shoulder, broken arm, broken pelvis in two places. It is a bummer being in the rehab facility instead go being out riding.
Happy Father's Day everyone - well, maybe not everyone.
Sounds like it was a great Saturday all over the US! Rock on everyone!
27 mile MTB rail trail!
@Cycling Roberto
Your enthusiasm and drive are inspirational !
Charge-on !
I missed six days while attending the Canadian F1 Grand Prix with my son. Now there are a ton of people ahead of me on the leaderboard with fewer miles but more points. Argh! I have to ride 120 miles just to make up for the missed points for the six days. I feel a century coming on....
@Mike
Cycling can improve all facets of life :)
Sounds like the planets aligned for you.
Amazing how some days are just better than others.
Thanks for sharing two very touching posts today.
Cheers!
A few evenings ago the rain wasn't letting up so I did an IRIR to get my daily points in. Then 10 minutes after I finished riding the rain stopped and the sun came back out. Tonight was beautiful so I did a fun ride to burn off a couple of slices of pizza. 15 minutes after I got home, the rain hit. I think I prefer this order over the previous one :)
It was an absolutely beautiful day for riding through the part of southern new jersey. High temp of 80 but very low humidity and mild winds combined for a kick ass day on the bike. Jerry and I did a rerun of the Tour de Tuckahoe route we did in late April.....this was the kind of day WE all live for......delirious....lol
Hi all, over to St. Peters today for a Trailnet ride. It was advertised as "flat" so of course the first and last things that happened were hills! I said it was just like riding at home because I can't get anywhere without a climb. The first rest stop was the bike cafe in St. Charles. No trails on this ride. Most of the ride was flat on roads that had been flooded recently. In one case you could still see the sandbags. The basic ride direction was "into the wind" and "into the wind". But we did get a nice stretch with tailwinds. Also, we got free watermelon at one of the rest stops. YUM!
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@ Timothy W, its awful that we teach kids to drive and then then think its all a game. MORE RESPECT IS IN ORDER. Cars are so dangerous.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Had a nice ride into our local farmers' market, except I didn't factor in how much parking/traffic (human and vehicle) would be in the last 2 blocks of the ride. There's an Amish woman who sells baked goods, and she commented that I have lost a lot of weight since last summer. Told her that I rediscovered biking, to which she gave me a thumbs up. Nice when people notice the results of hard work. :)
@Timothy M Walsh – Sorry to hear your having problems with juveniles intentionally trying to harm you for a laugh. The biggest irritant I have are motorists turning right; right in-front of you (called “The Right Hook”) and then stopping to yell at you for narrowing missing them. Traffic is a major problem here in the most densely populated County in Florida, Pinellas County. Heat comes a close second, but we have plenty of places to stop and get a drink and then bum ice and water for the old camel pack.
@Kathy Rieck - Thank you for the reply. What you are saying makes sense, how ever I don't use anything electronic, stopwatch here (old guy, old tricks). I guess it really doesn't matter, its all about the workout. I just feel it would be more appropriate to evaluate apples to apples, and that way I could get a better measure on how I am really doing.
I did it. I won another trophy--3rd place in the 2013 High Cliff Triathlon in Sherwood, WI in the 50-54 age sprint division (1/4 mile swim, 22 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run). There was a total of 12 waves of 100 each, so about 1,200 participants, and I was in the 12th wave with the slower swimmers. I finished 66 overall. This is an amazing finish! The rain held off and weather and wind conditions were just perfect on the bike and I did the 22 mile bike course under an hour, which starts by climbing the big High Cliff hill. My average speed on the bike was over 22 mph--the fastest speed I ever done. On the road heading north, we had a nice little tailwind and I hit a maximum speed of 32.7 mph on little down hill. My Schwinn Paramount Series 3 bike is not dead yet. I was sustaining over 27 mph heading north on flat roads. I also did well in the 1/4 mile swim, which started out against wind and waves from the south. The 5k run went really well, too, which also begins by running up the High Cliff hill. Tomorrow, we go on vacation up north on Crystal Lake for 6 nights and will enjoy some rest camping on a lake front site on the beach. After a day's rest, lots of paved bike trails to ride and enjoy in there in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. They have a triathlon at the state park on Clear Lake in August and sometime, I would like to do that one. The bike course goes on back paved roads in the forest and the run course on trails through the woods.
@Rob I'm mostly satisfied, there's a few data glitches (speed and elev) the designer is working on.
Im happy double posting is over :)
Also synchs Garmin connect, Run Keeper and Dropbox, no MMR yet.
Dave - sounds like you have used that app and must be satisfied. Is there one for Map My Ride? Are you using it now for the NBC? Great find!
https://tapiriik.com/
This handy $2 app will synch your Endo and Strava accounts
No more double posting
I had a hard time convincing my Strava friends to join the NBC
Thanks for that numbers crunching. I am almost on track for the diamond at 1404 points today. May have to have my front wheel checked after yesterday's bird encounter and lately I am hurting so much it is difficult to find a part of my body that doesn't hurt. 13 miles a day right now sounds like a marathon. I was hoping to be doing 25 to 30 daily by now but I think I need some rest.
@ Timothy M Walsh , We have the same problem up here too, I usually won't road ride but at certain times of the day due to problems like that, and we have loads and loads of bars up here to too , so you get the drunk drivers on top of that too, so I usually stick to early am riding and avoid evening time rides on the open road when I can
Congrats to the May winners
Be careful riding in Saint Joseph, Michigan along Lakeshore Drive, aka Red Arrow Highway. Had 3 teens in a car trying to hit me yesterday, passenger was leaning out the window with his arm out stretched yelling at me. Not a big deal normally but in this case they pulled into a parking lot and when I rode past pulled out and tried it a second time. The Saint Joseph police wouldn't take a report over the phone, I did get the license plate number.
@ Peter J, You're welcome, glad you enjoy night riding. I don't think others understand the joy of riding at night until they've done it.
@ ALL, Just to clarify this, last year I did the majority of my 10,000+ miles at night. I live in a VERY rural area (i.e. NO traffic and VERY dark roads), and I use dual headlights/taillights along with flashing head and taillights. I wear bright, reflective clothing and, as Michael on Bicycle says, I "ride like I belong". IF you decide to try night riding PLEASE be highly visible and avoid lighted areas - your bicycle lights will blend into the background and drivers will NOT be able to see you........
Rob, watermelon's sound great. I usually drink a large ice cold 42 gram protein shake and then eat a couple of frozen strawberries.
@ Leonard Wright, Welcome back and I hope you have an enjoyable challenge even starting out late. I'd like to thank you for your comments last year about riding at night or early mornings when it was hot. I did that also even in Wisconsin. Once I rode after midnight just to beat a snow storm that was coming. I guess I don't have to tell you what my wife had to say since she doesn't like it when I ride at night. Now she is use to it. I hope to better my last years numbers.
You've inspired me to do some number crunching too. I can actually ride negative average daily miles for the rest of the challenge and still reach platinum. At my current rate, I will be only about 600 points short of diamond. Hmmmmmm........
Thanks Douglas....as the ex accountant I wish I had thought to do this......puts a lot in perspective....keep riding!!
@Frederick W. Roose - it seems to me that most places measure calories burned by mph for cycling (running is different). I also use Myfitnesspal which also rates cycling calories burned by MPH. I think is an incorrect method because as you say, a guy on a mountain bike doing 10mph thru dirt is going to work much harder than a roadie coasting downhill at 35mph. However, I have noticed that if you add heart rate in Endomondo the calories burned decreases when compared to not adding in heart rate. I think heart rate is a better determining factor when calculating calories burned.
-Riding just 1 mile every day of this challenge will get you 3,213 points, enough for a platinum finish.
-Riding every day with an average daily distance of 13 miles will get you 5,049 points, enough for a diamond finish.
-If you have ridden every day with an average daily distance of 13 miles you would have 1,485 points by the end of today (June 14).
***
Just crunching numbers out of curiosity.
@Dee Dee - The obvious answer is your would rack it on a tennis court. But, speaking of racket, it sure is a LOT louder than a real bike.
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@Rob - Frozen grapes work nicely, too.
Eating cubed watermelon which has been refridgerated is a great way to cool off fast after a ride in 100 degrees plus.
@Marty a bigger question...where would you rack it?
@Brad - 6 seconds after the battery dies, you stop earning points.
No flying bikes for me.... I like to be solidly on terra firma! (fear of heights might have something to do with that)
@Marty et All, interesting link- I don't know though, I like pedal power. What about safety on that thing? Since that is the topic of conversation this afternoon.
Marty - A tougher question might be: What happens when the battery dies?
I ride a mountain bike just so I can get away from the traffic. Getting off the beaten path also holds some cool moments, and the peace and quite that can't be beat.
I would like to know how they measure calories burned because I know I am expending more energy per mile than someone on a 10 – 20 pound bicycle.
Kawika, I'm with you and have witnessed the same motorist behavior everywhere I've ridden. That's why I always suggest to NOT ride the white line! It's not uncommon to even see 'roadies' riding the line increasing their risk of being hit by the side mirror or worse. Riding further out forces a motorist to make the decision on how to pass MUCH further back instead of thinking s/he can slide by without moving.
On my cyclommute the safest section is the 6 lane highway speed road w/o a bike lane! When riding a couple of feet 'in' most cars change lanes 100 meters behind me while others move over to a safe passing distance. This helps my main concern, it's not the first car but the following cars that cause the problem because of their lack of visibility. The first car in the group moving over 'telegraphs' the following cars to be alert that there is some hazard upfront.
Ride like you belong!
Here is a tough question. How would miles and points be counted for a flying bike?
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/flying-bicycle-takes-off-without-help-e-t-152504930.html
@ Amber, on the leaderboard, you'll see a button for states. Click that and then click on Wisconsin.
Where do you go to see the miles logged for each state?
We rock here in WI! ;)
YAY for Wisconsin! I'm proud to have been a small part of this.
@ Christine
@ Michael
@ Dave
@ Rick
Thanks for the welcome back. Just taking it easy for a while.
@ Christine, #1 isn't in any danger from me this year, currently there are over 19,000 riders ahead of me :-)
Michael, Was just pointing out driver mentality That's reason I stopped riding right of white line a while ago when crossing bridges here and now when crossing a bridge in those situations I described I always ride on highway and try to pass on what I learned to any rider I see doing what I used to do. I also do this just before coming to a right turn and I'm going straight while on bike lane where the bicycle lane is between the highway and the the right turn lane, because I found out that a car will cut you off when they are turning right to get off highway just after passing you if you don't.
**************
J. I do ride on right third of highway now when crossing bridges.
HI all, out today with temps in the upper 70s. It felt like the 80s since there wasn't much cloud cover. Not too humid so it was a good ride. Only a couple of other riders out there. I will be adding Duck tape (probably black) to my take-it-with-me kit. One of my pedals lost a bolt. Could have easily fixed it with some tape. Come to think of it, I could add a pocket knife for cutting the tape.
RIDE ON EVERYONE & RIDE SAFE!
***
PS Kawinka, if any of us come to Hawaii, we will plan on riding bikes and not driving! LOL
Wisconsin is the first state to reach 1,000,000 miles for the Challenge! We have logged18.9% of all miles, yet we still can't catch Vermont. (And Nebraska is ahead of us for the month.)
@Michael on Bicycle - If your brake hood is touching the while line, you are leaning too far to one side. It is safer and more efficient, (not to mention better for the tires, and the side of your leg), to ride with your bike more upright.
Kawika, that's why you NEVER ride the white (suicide) line! However, if you ride too far out motorists feel like you're taking their space. I find the perfect position is about 2 feet from the suicide line. On a road bike this equates to roughly when the brake hoods just 'touches' the line. Another way of saying this is...
Ride like you belong! (this includes abiding with traffic controls as well)
I ride abut2-3 feet right of white line whenever there is not a good paved shoulder because I tried it and got that claiming space made me feel safer. Even if there is no second lane for the car to go to drivers give more room when you take your space on the road.
Go, Leonard!
22.86 miles "around the river" completed :)
Here is something I have noticed about cossing bridges. In my hometown there are no bike lanes(shoulders) on most bridges(solid road and short) here and there are big water dranage holes so you can't just run over them like a normal grate giving you less than a foot to ride. If you stay to the right of solid white line (only inches from white line and dranage holes) most cars/trucks will pass less than a foot from you at high speeds but if you just move across the solid white line onto highway they will all move over to the left lane. It's like they think that white line is an invisible barrier and they can pass you as close as possible as long as they don't cross it. We do have the 3 foot law down here "Volunerable User Law" but there is no public awareness made about it like the "Click it or ticket" campaign.
****************
On a side note, if anybody comes to visit Hawaii, the state just passed the "Click it or Ticket" expanded Law to include that ALL individuals in car must now wear seatbelts. If not, driver gets ticket.
@Christine-it's almost Corona time! Not too much longer....lol
@Andrea-awesome!
@Tammie-how scary and awful! that could have been a real catastrophe-was this on your new bike? Never had that problem but have been close to hitting a deer-or a deer hitting me-and yes, on two wheels not four! I am sure I am not the only one to have that experience.
Bikes go along so smoothly and quietly critters don't even know your coming along. We have to be mindful of them as much as we can.
@Ray S - I totally agree... Love MTM & the Dick Van Dyke Show!
@Andrea - 3 commutes this week, nice!
@Tammie - Poor birdy. Glad you were able to maintain.
Well, I am back and the temp was wonderful! Of all the critters we discuss avoiding.. squirrels, rabbits, snakes, ground squirrels... I never thought of this.. a bird almost took me out! I now have a slightly off balance front wheel and there is one dead bird in the street! Can thank the wind for his poor control I guess. Feathers everywhere! Good thing I had a good grip or I would have gone flying he hit HARD! ... lucky he was small enough to go through the spokes.
@ Tammie... 72 degrees is perfect biking weather, at least here in Wisconsin. I guess it's all in the perspective.
TGIF means bike to work day. What an awesome morning in NM.
I really love retirement! I put on arm warmers going out on the M/W/F ride today and we sailed 20+ in front of the wind. Not a cloud in the sky. We had to work going back to maintain 16 mph. 70 degrees when we got home. I will chill now and finish repainting Kermit, our 4 foot tall frog. Kermie stands between our garage doors. People never have trouble finding our house to meet-up for a ride.
Well, about to head out in 72 degree weather.. burrrr! LOL been riding in 92 to 104 lately! I am dead tired after working all night but it looks like this is my only chance before rains move in. No riding in real rain here or you will get washed away. We do not have drainage here.. the streets are the drainage and it is nothing but flash flooding. We are happy, happy, happy to be receiving the rain! I may be lucky to do 4 or 5 miles before I am ready to pass out though!
I did it! I biked to work three times this week! A bit windy this morning but not too bad.
The best thing about "...nothing could be finer..." is watching Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie singing it :D
Too funny...Perfect Corona morning. Sounds like someone is looking forward to the weekend.....lol. On a weather note....25 degrees cooler today.....About 55 out there and may just need those longsleeves again....middle of June....lolcrazy crazy weather
I need to clear the cobwebs from my eyes! I read Cynthia's first three words as "Perfect Corona morning!" Yeah! Beer for breakfast! @Cynthia, I lived in SC (Greenville area) for many years. They got it right when they said "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning!"!
Perfect Carolina morning! Carolina Blue Sky all the way, refreshing temps. My commute was a quiet ride past many homes and the only sound was the light breeze whispering through the tall pines and the only movement was the squirrels as they gathered their morning fare. It couldn't be a better way to start a Friday.
@Leonard, glad you're on the mend; sorry to hear you were hurt. I thought you were just standing back and letting someone else be #1 this year! ;-D
@ M.o.B.
No other way to roll!!! ;)
Kathy R: I will read that Boston report. I get so upset when cyclists don't follow road rules no matter where they ride. It makes no sense to take the chance. I see so many car drivers run lights/signs; there is no reason for us cyclists to be careless as we may only get one time to be so...and then we're headed out of this world.
Leonard, good to see you out!
Please everyone, Ride like you belong...
Good to hear from you Leonard!
@ Thomas, Looking forward to seeing you in September. As far as setting a goal, I lost all my common sense a long time ago :-)
@ Dameon, Finally getting back on the bike after a broken collar bone and some other issues. Taking this year to rebuild my strength.
@ ALL, Ride safe and enjoy yourself - ALWAYS expect the other person to do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time and you will be better prepared to handle the unexpected.
@ Leonard, you always are setting a goal that few of us old guys can match... I didn't do as many miles in the last three years, as you did during the NBC last season!!! I wish I had the time and drive to ride as much as you do! Looking forward to getting over to Sebring on Laborday weekend and riding with you folks some...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@ leonard - good to hear (SEE) ya, how's it rollin down there?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Steve R, It's nice to see young people interested in getting back into cycling (I can say that, I'm 7 years older than you are). I got back into riding in 2007 when I weighed around 250 lbs (yikes!!!). Managed to get my weight back to 165. As far as distance goes, last year I rode over 10,000 miles during the NBC (4 months) and have over 75,000 miles in the last 5 years. I expect a young guy like you can make me look like an old man. Have a great time riding, be safe and enjoy yourself.
@Brad, at this point, time passing is not something I think much about. My accordion is beloved to me, I just don't play it very often. My simple joys come to me across the handlebars. I'm a lucky guy who fell in love with the bicycle as a child and never stopped riding it. The accordion, not so much. Thanks for the Sandberg anecdote.
Roberto - keep up on the accordion, as time passes it may mean much more to you. Perhaps something of your history... your heritage... and maybe even happiness. You bring to mind a sentiment that I've always admired from Carl Sandberg: "I asked professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness. And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men. They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them. And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Des Plaines River. And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion."
@ Tammie, sometimes those IRIR rides are very refreshing!
Hey Steve R.. I will be 52 on July 1 and started riding 12 weeks ago myself. Before that I was a committed couch potato for many many years. I did 23 miles yesterday! I too was dead tired my first few times out after only doing one or two miles so you are not alone.... and you will improve quickly. Just keep it up and go at your own pace. Enjoy the ride and enjoy what you see on the way. We had some wonderful IRIR today.. second time this week.. simple amazing for West Texas!
Oh, I didn't look closely enough at the prize structure. I thought that there would be a monthly drawing for those who reach platinum, but I see that I was incorrect.
I got my first bicycle in 1949. It cost $5 brand new. I recently found the receipt for it. Being an Italian-American, I was required to do three things: ride a bicycle, play the accordion, and make pasta. I never stopped riding since that first bicycle, I have my accordion (although I must admit it's rare that I bust it out), and I make a decent homemade pasta. Ciao!
@Steve - I love your NOOB ALERT post. This was me 2.5 years ago (I'll be 60 in August) and I found myself chuckling (in particular your comment about screaming knees and sweat dripping off your nose. Today I'm 40 pounds lighter and riding 250-300 miles a week.....but I'll warn you.....sweat still drips off your nose ;-) Great Job and riding safely !!!!!
another great source of info is a podcast put out by cycling 360 media. You can find it in the Itunes store in the podcast section
I am missing my bike this week. I had zero time to myself to ride, but hope to get out there both days this weekend. Next week, I am travelling to DC and plan to check out the capital bike share. It will be my first bike sharing attempt. I'll let you know how that goes. Congrats, May winners!!
Quit bitchin and keep riding.
@ steve again- I'm 64.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Don't know if anyone has seen this but it's a report by the City of Boston on Cycling Safety brought to my attention by a fellow employee. On page 16-17 they discuss Behavioral factors that cause accidents. http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/uploads/16776_49_15_27.pdf
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The BPD additionally records behavioral factors of cyclists, pedestrians and drivers that may lead to crashes. Police referenced cyclist behavioral factors in 54% of incidents compared with 45% for drivers and .4% for pedestrians.
Of the incidents referencing behavioral factors:
• 38% noted the bicyclist either: a) ran a red light, b) ran a stop sign or c) rode into oncoming traffic.
• 18% of the cases involved a driver or passenger opening a car door into an oncoming cyclist. This represents 40% of all cases in which driver behavior is noted.
• 14% noted that the driver did not see the cyclist.
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In the end, follow the rules of the road and signal like a loon! And that should greatly improve your chances of not being hit by a car.
Hi all, out today on my regular route. Strange to be waiting for late morning for the weather to warm up to the mid-70s. Last summer I was out the door as close to 6 as possible to beat the heat. When I crossed some railroad tracks, somebody honked behind me. I kept going since I was almost at a trailhead stopping point. The driver honked and stopped so I thought maybe he wanted directions or something. Turns out he just wanted me to know that something fell off my bike. I thanked him and went to retrive it. Turns out it was my Amphipod reflector light. Not a cheap toy. From now on I will attach it to my bike bag with the help of a paperclip. Then at the end of my ride I turned the corner to go up the final steep hill near my home. A kid (maybe 12-14 yrs. old) came out of a neighborhood riding his bike and crossed the road. Once on the sidewalk on the other side he said "BIKES FOREVER". I raised my fist and said "YEAH!" Suddenly I had all kinds of energy to tackle that hill and was smiling all the way home.
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@ Steve R, others have beat me to the good advice, so I'll just say welcome to the club. And as a 50-something myself, old NO WAY. My mom is 80 something, now that is old!
@ steve - today I rode up hills I swore a year ago I would never ride up again because I had to walk my bike up them. after 80 % of may ride today they were slow but I didn't get tired and did not walk and friend the other side was (WOW). also 3 X 10 gearing really helps!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Welcome aboard, Steve. Take it slow enough that you can continue to ride regularly, and you'll progress and do fine. Keep fun in your biking and you are more likely to sustain it for fitness. As far as your knees, make sure you gear down on those hills so you can keep up a good cadence and keep down the knee stress. Being 59 and weighing 175 on a 30 lb bike, I'm a sit-n-spin kind of guy on the hills. I only stand in the pedals to get moving. As long as you don't blow yourself out in the early days, you'll keep riding and get better at it. Have fun and ride safe!
@Isaias, it's a drawing of N people among everyone who has reached a given point level, _not_ an award to the N people with the most points.
Lili, why do they call it a platinum/diamond prize if you don't have to be at platinum or diamond? I've been confused about this since I first looked at the prizes page a couple of months ago.
@Jenny, the grand prize drawing is the final drawing of the Challenge (at the end of September). There are four platinum/diamond prizes to be given away - three Trek bikes (courtesy of Trek) and a cruiser (courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Company). All participants who reach gold (750 points) status or better by the end of the Challenge will be eligible for this drawing.
@ Rick~ these gloves have been a life saver on several occasions, they are also a good barrier in cooler weather as a base layer under full finger gloves
Ride safe.
There were 7 people who earned more than 2500 points in May, but there is no platinum drawing??
@Steve, welcome to the NBC, can't wait to hear your stories as you progress. Do something is better than nothing and riding is a bike is better than anything!
So, I have 3,550 points, but I didn't make the May list? I guess you people can stock this challenge.
My doctor sez, "Mike, you hafta get into shape." I sez, "But doctor, round is a shape!"
@Steve, 60 ain't old. Congrats on deciding to get back on your bike. Don't set mileage goals when first starting out. Set time in the saddle goals instead. Try to go out for an hour at least, then increase the time you ride by 10 minutes per week until you're up to two hours. Log your miles, but set your goals for time rather than distance. After a month of this, start shooting for some distance goals. BTW, I'm 65 and ride at least 35 miles a day. C'mon youngster, keep hitting it.
Steve, you're in good company here. I just turned 60 a little bit ago and just started back riding last year, so I know from whence you speak! I'm still stuck around 14 miles as my "longest" ride, but I'm working at increasing that. First I have to convince my brain and hopefully the legs will follow. Welcome the the NBC! We're really glad you came!
@Steve: Welcome! Nobody here's gonna bust your stones for being old, out of shape and inexperienced. Take it from a middle-aged, out of shape and still inexperienced commuter. The whole point is to get people on their bikes; giving them grief kinda defeats the purpose, don't you think? I have to say, I read a lot of online comments and blogs, and this board--by far--is the friendliest, most informative and most supportive out there. Gather strength and knowledge from all who participate here, and continue your pursuits of two-wheeled freedom!
Welcome, Steve. It is never too old to start biking! Do take it easy, though. And one other comment about "out of shape." The "shape" one is in is a relative term. The key should be to be healthy. Regular riding helps you become healthy...just like regular walking. One does not have to look like a "pro" to be in shape in terms of healthy outcomes. If you can feel _good_ after a ride that used to make you feel tired, you have gotten in better "shape." I will warn you, though, the riding can become addicting (I think in a good way...but my wife might not always agree ;-) ). And more riding tends to promote more health...a reall win-win, in my book. Happy riding, Steve, and all the other newbies (and not so newbies)!
Steve - Welcome to the Old and Out of Shape Bike Riders Club!! There are several other members here, I'm one of them. (I hope to be kicked out of the "Out of Shape" section one day.) Everybody's really nice to us here... no laughing and pointing or anything. :) Glad you joined!!!
Steve, welcome to the NBC. I'm a noob too, and have found the advice and encouragement from the more experienced riders to be wonderful! Congrats on your progress and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back from all of us :)
Steve, I applaud you for getting back on your bike. I don't think anybody here will laugh at your first time and distance on bike in 45 years. Everybody started out just the same no matter how old they were/are. Welcome back to the biking comunity!
Welcome to the real biking world, ( not the turn key type ) and don't over do it. When I started little over 2 years ago I over did it and played for it. Just go a your pace and improve a little each week. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
NOOB ALERT! 60 Years young and just bought my first bike in 45 years 2 weeks ago. Low impact EXERCISE for an old fat guy. To any other "noobs" take it EASY the first few weeks. It is coming along nicely. These young "whipper snappers" will laugh but my first ride, 1/2 mile out and 1/2 mile back in 2nd gear was "enough" for me. Just joined and logged today's ride (stop laughing. LOL!). Still striding myself. "My block" that I ride now is 5.93 miles, 2 miles of it has several hills most here wouldn't think about, but a "challenge" for me these first few runs. Today was only my second ride on this block, and first one in much wind (14 mph). On my Kettler Verso Vienna with Nexus 8 internal gears I took it just riding along the first day. Took me 69 minutes, non stop. ( I mentioned I'm out of shape and old right? ROFL). Today knowing I had the 2 mile stretch of hills and curves against the wind I "booked it" down the first 2 mile stretch with the wind at my back so I could attempt to stay with or under my previous ride time. By the time I finished the last leg by going the mentioned two miles against the wind, my knees were screaming and sweat was dripping off my nose. Yish. When I checked the time when I arrived home, I was dumbfounded seeing that I completed it in 48 minutes BUT KNEW THEN why I was "wore out", LOL. I'll be in the "noob" stage for some time. Proper shoes and PADDED SHORTS are on my short list! With lights and a horn later on all as finances allow. My "take it easy" advice to other noobs is due to I'm rather sure I didn't today even though I didn't feel I was over doing it till I hit the 2 miles against the wind. I might be paying for this tomorrow! :-) God Bless to all of you and yours. Ride safe. The state road near my house to town still scares me witless after a couple close calls with drivers either not caring or not paying attention.
@Daniel - more tools - forgot about the PVC gloves -- the same way I usually forget about them until halfway through the repair - and my bar tape is black, so I don't get the feedback there. I do have a Grease Monkey Wipe in my kit, but I have yet to crack one of those open on a roadside repair.
http://pathlesspedaled.com/2013/03/5-reasons-why-bicycle-tourism-matters/
@ Burklee, this is one time they REALLY need a "like" button on comments :)
Such a nice ride to work this morning. Temps in the 50's, cloudless sky, no wind. The only thing that could have made it a more perfect morning would have been if I had just kept riding right on past work.
@Tammie Porter - Take a look at Terry saddles. They have a number of women's saddles designed for performance, rider type, gel/non-gel and our unique female anatomy.
http://www.terrybicycles.com/Saddles#
@Buddy~
Get yourself used to using both front and rear brakes during your decent section of trail.
This is the best way to scrub speed, and keep much better control.
As funny as this sounds........ Your front pads should be worn more than your rear pads!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Anybody heading to GOBA? Look me up. I will be riding my recumbent trike.
www.goba.com
www.thejerseypedaler.com
Thanks everybody for the comments about pedals and shoes. Lots to think about. I counted on the way home yesterday: 6 full 'foot-on-the-ground' stops due to lights and cross traffic. Typical day, could vary +/-2 on each trip. @Jerry, thanks for the tips on the shoes; will check them out. Exceptionally nasty weather today, common sense (and a bus pass) trumped biking again. Sigh... @Buddy, just keep riding. Skill and confidence builds over time, and with that the fun factor will follow.
@Buddy - don't have your brakes set up too sharp. if you panic brake, you run the risk of pitching yourself over the bars. Or a cliff! ;-) Riding with groups always helps, but just remember to not get flustered. You may not be the fastest in the group, but nobody will care. If you ride a bike, that's already a step in the right direction!
The more you ride with people you'll pick up line choices, speed, confidence and little hits & tips along the way.
So much great information on being exchanged the last couple days about what to carry in your pack for flat tires to shoes/cleats. Lots to consider and do. I have my list made to upgrade my tire changing pack.
It's sad that people spend time posting comments about cheaters.
@Laurie-the rain always always ends once you arrive at work or at home. For me, the rain always always starts right at 5 pm on the dot. Not a minute before not a minute after. lol.
@Andrew - thanks bro.,ill admit that im afraid of height, and descending at a steep mountain and the prospect of falling in the high cliffs of Baguio City. Is not really encouraging lol. What would be the right set-up for my mechanical disc brake? And btw we dont have any courses here in the Phils for biking,though we have groups of riders here.:)
@Buddy - sounds like just a little lacking in confidence. Most of us have suffered it at some point! It's worth seeing if there are any skills courses nearby that you could make use of. In the UK we have Dirt School which is huge - they train everyone from first timers right through to world champions. Everyone needs to have a little bit of sharpening!
There is nothing like getting on my Mongoose and enjoying a nice long ride, just my bike and myself :) it's very pleasurable. Take care all :) remember! Be Safe Riding
Fellow bikers, i need some tip on how to improve my biking skill, ive just recently learn to ride a mountain bike 2 months ago. I live in Baguio City Philippines and we have lot of steep mountain to climb, my problem is during descending part, my bike goes very fast, i have a hard time breaking, my hand aches, i also have a sore shoulder, is this normal?
@Michael...I ride mostly commuting miles on a converted mountain bike. I did not want to go the bike shoes/clipless pedals, and never liked the toe clips back in the day either. I was also getting sick of my flat pedals tearing up my sneakers. I bought some Five Ten bramd shoes last year, and like them a lot. I think they're more geared towards BMX riding etc, but they have flat soles, the rubber is holding up amazingly, and I like the way they look too. I am about ready to buy a second pair to avoid wearing the same shoes every day. ... One note, the ones I bought are NOT non-marking. I have spent a few hours on my knees cleaning marks off the kitchen floor.
We had a wonderful day today.. winds were below 30 mph.. only 16 gusting to 27... temps were lower.. only 92. I did the longest I have ever done in a continuous ride. 23 miles. I am loving my road bike but need new shoes and maybe a diffferent saddle. I don't carry as many tools but am mostly near town and any help needed. Looked at my stats and came soooo close to breaking the top 1,000 for the month! 1002! LOL .. at the moment.. numbers change frequently.
I couldn't find any time during the dry part of the day to get on my bike, so had to resort to an Intentional Ride In Rain this evening. Of course, the rain stopped and the sun came back out 10 minutes after I got back home.
Laurie, Yes, the thought of not having my bike is too horrible to contemplate, I do have my trusty spare which is my very first road bike I bought in Italy back in 1987. Bianchi Signature Series bike that still runs great but gearing much bigger than my Scott. Glad to see you back on the road again!
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Dave "Shut up Legs" Cairncross, I too need to add a set of needle nose pliers to my kit. Our biggest culprit over here for small pieces of wires are from the re-treads from the big trucks. One time I had a super small piece of wire in my front tire but couldn't see or feel it from either side of tire (it was that small) and each time I hit bump just right, I would get a flat. I finally got a magnifying glass and found it. It was so small it wasn't even as long as the tire is thick.
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As for those that may be cheating, they are only cheating themselves. I myself do use a Garmin Edge for my rides but it's just a pain to keep taking my external hard drives offline on my laptop all the time because all are constantly active .Right now I'm only concentrating on increasing my weekly milage as per my training progam and less about how long it takes each ride. I may use computer link-up once I reach my weekly milage goals which will be in Jan(approx) and next summer when I ride cross country I will definitely be uploading Garmin info onto Endomondo via New Garmin Edge 810 if it's possible to do so or maybe by smart phone(I don't currently have).
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"Ask for everything; Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed! - Kawika
I choose to mountain bike and commute without any bike computers as it allows me to better focus on just riding, and not about getting point or miles (I just get the miles from fellow riders). I do compute on the road bike.
So, I am all manual entries and pride myself on being honest. I don't worry about others' points other than hoping they're honest. Whoop it for those who are!
@Gregg - Good Luck!
Chapter 2 of my bike drama. I went to the bike shop this morning, got a new tube, came home and put it on. As I was pumping it up discovered that the tire had a hole in the side. Deflated it and headed back to the bike shop. They had some good kevlar-type tires, but not in stock. When they told me it would be about a week to get them in, I almost had a panic attack! Thankfully they had other good tires in stock, so now my bike is all fixed and ready to go again :)
Is it a sign of addiction that the thought of a bikeless week was too horrible to contemplate?
I agree with you, Scott DeLeeuw. The system is open to a lot of cheating. But manual entries are only way some of us can do it. I guess we have to put up with a few cheaters. It's pretty easy to tell who they are.
@Rick been meaning to add to my kit for years "small needle nose pliers (remove offending wire from tire)" Every time I find myself trying to remove with my teeth-yuck!
Also a good item is emergency tire "boot"-about a 2" square piece of flexible plastic, inserted between tube/tire to repair a big gash or a bulge can get you home.
@ Scott, this subject has been covered plenty. This challenge is on the honor system, and this stuff will happen. Please, just try to enjoy YOUR results.
I'm not sure how I feel about manual entries with this challenge. Looking at some of the leaderboards, some of the manual entries are kind of suspect.
@Rick....tools, another good item are a pair (or 2) of surgical gloves, this way if one needs to change a tube, your hands don't get the dirt and grease on your bar tape....most of us in our club carry these with our spare tubes
You can see which city is winning the Rust Belt Rivalry between Pittsburgh and Cleveland on the new FB page. iwww.facebook.com/RustCrown
@Ray - I started commuting on flat pedals with a plastic toe clip that just positioned my foot and gave me some leverage to pull up a pedal if needed. I didn't like the idea of all the straps and clips hanging around near the ground if I didn't strap in. Initially I wore a 'walking shoe.' The I bought a Pearl Izumi mountain bike shoe that was a trail-runner-bike shoe cross. It had a cleat mount, but there was an insert to cover the cleat holes if you didn't want cleats. Within a month of buying those, I bought a set of SPD pedals (recessed cleat, two bolt). You can walk in the shoes without lifting your toes or clanging on the floor. As I started doing longer recreational rides, I wanted a stiffer bike shoe, and I needed something that was easier to pull shoe covers over - Puget Sound has a long rainy season, and I commute year-round. A Shimano RT-82 shoe was just the ticket - still recessed MTB cleats, but stiffer sole and a more shoe-cover friendly profile. I ride in traffic and have no trouble clipping in or out when needed. About the only clip-out incidents I've had have been at moments in parking lots when I was distracted and forgot I had gotten to zero forward speed while still clipped in -- highly embarrassing.
If your longest ride is your 5 mile commute, and your route is mostly flat, flat pedals or flat pedals + the plastic 'toe caps' are probably all you need. Personally, I feel like I have better control of the bike when clipped in, and I get some relief at times on the hills on my commute by 'pulling' the pedals back 'round to the top of stroke.
RE tools - for my 7 mile commute: pocket multi-tool with chain-tool + a couple of tiny 8-10mm wrenches; CO2 inflator + cartridge; Lezyne dual-valve mini-pump on a water bottle bracket; spare tube; patches + talc to ease installation; levers; compact towel; a couple of chain links + PowerLink; pocket 1st aid kit; wallet with ID & bus pass; AND a lightweight Park 15-16 mm wrench that I carry ever since I was unable to help a rider on a cheap bike with loose pedals. Riding with it loose mangled the 1st couple of threads, and I couldn't get the pedal passed the damage without a wrench. The 15-16 would also come in handy for dealing with flats on bikes without quick-release skewers.
For 40 mile or longer rides, I carry 2-3 tubes, more CO2, more 1st aid, a folding spare tire, small needle nose pliers (remove offending wire from tire) and a small sef-spooled length of duct tape.
I know - belt, suspenders, baling wire AND duct tape.
Sleeves are for your nose ;)
No, gloves are for your nose!
@Ray, I thought that's what pants were for. You know like sleeves are for wiping your mouth?
In addition to straps I'd recommend you get a pair of mountan biking shoes. The stiff sole will give you more power and you can still walk around.
For a 5.2 mile round trip, I wouldn't bother. Shoes/pedals are nice on the open road, but in my opinion, are a hassle when dealing with a lot of traffic lights. The pedals which clip on one side and are flat on the other so you have the option are nice, that way you can clip if you want to, or sneaker if you don't.
Michael, In your case, at most I would recommend the strap-on pedals because they are easy to get in and out of before and after stopping but you really don't need them for your situation. Clip-on sets with shoes can be costly and for what you use bike for it wouldn't be worth it in my eyes. Clip-on shoes are not made for walking on, so doing errands while having bike shoes on is not good.
@Peter - with what you'll save in TP expense for the year, you can probably buy a jersey, right?
OK, good folks, I'd like to ask for some advice. As previously posted, my daily 5.2 mile R.T. commute is the only riding I do. Some minor errands, but otherwise that's it. I'm using a 1998 Giant Boulder mountain bike that I've outfitted with a seatpost rack/panniers, fenders, lights. My commute is all city riding with stop signs, traffic lights, and traffic. Lots of stops with waits (yes, I actually obey red lights). Question is about pedals and shoes. I'm now using non-clip, non-strap pedals with sneakers and have been giving lots of thought to upgrading. Since I have multiple stops/waits during this trip, particularly in the afternoon, are upgraded pedals useful since I'd be getting in/out of them lots, or should I stick with what I have?
RE: checking the PSI. I use a piece of chalk and rub it on the side of the tire so I can read the PSI more easily.
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@ Leonard, great to hear from you !
Also if you are getting a lot of flats other than from sharp objects like glass or other objects it may be that your tires are underinflated. This can cause pinch flats(spider bites) when you hit a pothole or some other object on road. If you can afford it, get a real good standing pump for pumping tires up at home. I have a Lezyne High Pressure/High Volume pump. Expensive, but doesn't take long to put air in tires. Check your tire pressure (PSI) recommendation for your tires. It's on each bike tire just like a car. Mine is 115 PSI max for my road bike so I put 110 in rear because rear takes most of your weight and on front I put 95 lbs. Your tires lose some air every day just sitting at home so it's best to check tire pressure before each ride. Your tire pressure max may be different so adjust accordingly for your specific tires.
I also carry cash and cell phone and know what if any bus runs along my bike route just in case I am unable to fix problem(like accident/or contact anybody so I can just put bike on bus to go back home.
Suggestion: In place of paper towels try carrying a couple packages of "Wet-Wipes". They will cut the grease from the chain (paper towels tend to smear the grease around but they are better than nothing). Also the "Wet-Wipes" are more compact than paper towels. (I do carry a couple paper towels for other things.....)
Another suggestion for those that have never changed a tire - practice. Try changing your tire a couple times at home using the things you normally carry during a ride. It's much easier to figure out what you need to do sitting in your driveway than to be out along the side of the road with a flat the first time you change a tire.......
I'm just doing the sprint in the triathlon at High Cliff on Saturday (1/4 mile swim, 22 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. This is the largest triathlon in Wisconsin and is an official USAT sanctioned triathlon and you need to be a member or purchase a 1 day license. I know the half iron distances in this triathlon would kill me. haha (1.2 mile swim, 52 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. That long of a swim course in what is typically very rough water with under currents is very hard. Last year a guy in his mid 30's had a heart attack and drowned there before they got to him. Even the 3.1 mile run after swimming and biking 22 miles is very challenging for me. I biked the 22 mile sprint course yesterday and is really a nice course with mostly flat roads. The only big hill is the High Cliff hill itself, which is really hard because your legs don't get a chance to warm up on the bike because you have to climb right away at the start of the bike course. The run also includes climbing it in the beginning of the run course, which is going to be really tough, especially after the 52 mile bike course in the half iron.
Hi all, out this morning on the usual route. Temps. heading into the 80s and plenty of humidity. Only a handful of other riders.
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RE: tools. I always carry two spares, a pump (I don't use the CO2 because the pump is better for the environment), a change kit with a patch, a bunch of Allen wrenches, some kleenex or wet wipes, some hand sanitizer, and one of those camping type washrags that scrunches down to nothing. On group rides I sometimes wish I had a small wrench because somebody's pedal came off (and Christine, your hubby is not pulling your leg, the pedals do come in left & right versions). I have a small bag under the seat and a slightly larger on on the handlebars. I carry my billfold and cell phone.
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If I see a cyclist who is pulled over, I always ask if they are okay. If they say yes I just keep riding. One time I found a stranded cyclistst: his cell phone was dying, he was out of CO2 cartridges, and he had a flat. So I offered the use of my pump & tire irons and he was able to get going again. I have also been rescued: I had help changing a flat. Once I had a flat and only had a spare that fit my husband's bike instead of mine. There was nobody to call due to the time of day, so I started hoofing it. Somebody saw me and gave me a ride home!
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@ Christine, congrats on giving your grandson the bike. Its so cute how he's loving it. A future cyclist of America for sure!!!
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@ Laurie & Christine, good luck with the no driving for close-by errands pledge!
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@ Cynthia, glad you are enjoying my posts. I'm sure having fun hanging out here in cyberspace with my fellow cyclists.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
We finally hit some 80 degrees temps in Wisconsin yesterday. I went swimming with my wet suit at High Cliff, where the triathlon is on Saturday and the water is still very cold yet and would be very cold to swim without a wet suit, so I am glad I have one. The temps are going to be in the low 70's on Saturday with isolated thunderstorms. If we can avoid the storms, the temps should be perfect for the triathlon. It kind of looks like this summer may be a lot cooler this year than normal and we may not see many days in the 90's this summer in Wisconsin. Our long range weather forecast for Wisconsin has a cooler and wetter summer than normal. I know a few years ago we had a very cold summer and needed to wear jackets on even the 4th of July. That summer I only had to run the air conditioners a few days and our pool was even closed for an entire week in July because of cold temps.
I have been so fortunate to have only had a couple flats, only on my road bike and never on my hybrid/commuter. Although I have everything I need to change a tire for both bikes, it causes some anxiety to have to change a flat. I watched a You Tube video (a couple times) and it gave me much more confidence. Never thought to carry a paper towel or two. Gee, doesn't that make a great deal of sense? So, as soon as I get home I am putting a couple in both packs on each bike. It's the little things.....
The paper towel/rag is for the gunk you get all over your hands from the chain when you change the flat rear tire ;) It's also handy for using to run along the inside of the tire to check for sharp objects, better to snag the paper towel than your skin. I admit, that many years ago when my front tire spontaneously burst, I took my bike to the shop to have them replace it. The bike was already on the rack anyway, I had to go buy a tire anyway, figured I'd pay the extra couple bucks to let the pros do it. After getting a flat 2 miles from home a few years ago, with no tube/pump, I went to the store the next day for a kit and don't ride without one anymore. Also, it is better to have the equipment and not know how to use it than it is to not have it at all. Other people may be willing to help, but might not be as willing to spare their tubes/co2 cartridges, especially if they are a long way from home.
@Christine - you crack me up about the fingernails. I doubt I would break mine (they are quite strong) but the grease and dirt will take forever to get out. I also have never changed my tire but I did watch a youtube video and bought a kit to carry with me (tube/CO2 etc.)
DeleteChristine "Abby Normal" Salvatore
One minute ago
I got around the carrying ID problem by getting a RoadID. I just more first responders were aware of them!
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@Ray, what's the paper towel for?
@Dave, I'm guilty of not knowing how to change a bike tire. My husband has always changed mine, too. (Do you know how long it took me to get 10 fingernails all the same length??) I really should learn to do it, tho.
The last time I offered to help a guy with a flat, he responded with "my wife is on the way to pick me up and take me to Eddy's (LBS)" He said they were going on a cycling vacation, I felt like asking him how he can plan that if he can't fix his own flat tire. If I see someone stopped, I'll slow and offer help. My repair kit includes a multi-tool with chain breaker, two tubes, levers, paper towel and a normal pump, I think I have patches too, just in case. I know CO2 is easier, but it doesn't help you if you run out. I also have cash and "ICE" information which includes contact info, blood type and insurance info. I used to carry my driver's license and insurance card, but kept forgetting to put them back in my wallet. If I'm on my hybrid with a trunk on the back, I generally have a small first aid kit, my Leatherman and various other things. There is only so much room in a road bike seat pack.
I encountered a rider that needed help Sunday. She was out riding alone on country roads and had a flat. I asked and she said she needed help, I soon found-out she had all the stuff, and no idea how to change a tube as her husband always does it. I did the whole thing happily, then politely suggested her husband shouldn't let her out here alone and she should go to a tube change clinic.
Whenever I see someone stopped roadside with a bike or walking a bike, I always ask if they need anything. I mean, isn't that just common courtesy? There was a young guy on the trail last night struggling with his bike. I offered him my multi tool, but it didn't have what he needed. His pedals kept falling off. I told him to switch them (left for right) and he looked at me like I was nuts. Aren't pedals left and right specific on most pedals or is my husband pulling my leg (like he did when he said drawing a nail through your hair makes it go into the wood more easily)? I hope he made it home okay.
Peter, you obviously don't live in a house full of women or you would be thrilled with winning toilet paper! ;-D
Pssssst! @Wisconsinites, have you seen how close we are to 2nd place?? On, Wisconsin!
May prizes are (finally!!) up. I almost died laughing. Yes. I "won" the toilet paper. Can I trade for a jersey or two??
My commute is very short, only 2.6 miles each way (10 minutes in, 15 home). I've already had two flats the same day. Always carry two tubes and 2-3 CO2 cartridges, along with levers and a bike-specific multitool. It's a short commute, but some of the neighborhoods I ride through are not exactly 'tourist friendly'. Gotta change that tire and get outta Dodge.
For what it's worth, my recumbent has a 20" front and a 26" rear, I carry one of each tube, an inflator and several CO2 cartridges, as well as a pump, and a few tools (hex keys, screwdriver, etc.) on my daily commute. I have found that the right tires make a big difference when traveling, and have been running Conti Gatorskins on the rear of the bike, with only one flat in the past year or so. Sometimes, good tires that are resistant to puncture are the best answer.
Sad today. Trying to sell my bib for a marathon I had registered for, for October. I've been injury prone the past 8 months approximately and I know there's no way I'll be prepared to run it. :( That's the whole reason I took up cycling this year.. To stay active while recovering from injuries. I'm thankful for having a new love, but still sad I can't run like I use to.
Also can't hurt to know the location of any bike shops in the area. Have been able to pull into one on two different occasions to re-stock mid ride
@Laurie-I carry two tubes and CO2 in a bag that fits under my seat. You tube has videos on how to change flats and your local bike shop should have class or be able to take the time to show you how to change a flat. Sad no one stopped to help you! Anywhere I have ever ridden or any rides I have ever done, passing bikers always offer help.
I usually ride with one spare tube, levers, a dollar bill (works great if your tire has a blowout), and a pump. If I'm alone and will be remote, I'll throw in a second tube. BTW, it's important to figure out why you flatted before you replace the tube; otherwise, you may also flat your spare tube if you didn't address the root cause (thorn, glass shard, etc).
While we're on topic, are there any other essentials I should have or be prepared for? The trip I'm planning will probably consist of driving to a destination and then spending a couple of days exploring the area on bike. I would hate to be stranded many miles from the campground.
I like the advice about carrying 2 tubes....Actually started taking three (the extra in my shirt pocket) ever since I got two flats on one ride about 35 miles from home. My wife was not happy that day.....that was not a good day,,,,lol.
@Marty -- Thanks, I think I may just take it for a quick spin tomorrow and see how I feel.
Laurie, our bike shop had a flat clinic. They showed us how to get the tire off and the new tube back on and we used the CO2. They actually had the whole kit for sale too. And as a newer rider a week ago I came upon a highschool kid walking his bike one morning. I thought he might faint when I asked if he needed help! His answer was "No ma'am, I just got tired of riding." I thought I'd faint at his politeness!
Laurie, Yes, recommend you take along with you 2 spare tubes, tire lever set(for changing tiubes) and a small pump or better yet, a mini-pump that works w/Co2 Cartridges you can get a bike shop. Co2 pumps up tire instantly. You can get a tool bag that fits under your seat to put all this in except pump but that you can attach above your water bottles on bike post.
@Dee Dee - Hope you can get back to riding soon!
Wow that's cool that they do that. I'm new enough to biking that I really don't know how others here do things like that. But now I'm more conscious of how prepared I need to be for my bike trip later this summer.
Sad nobody stopped to help you. Over here in Maui, we have cyclists from all over the world come to ride on our roads and if we see someone stopped we never ride past them unless they give us the thumbs up signal. I thought that was a given but I guess it's not like that everywhere.
@Kevin - Someone earlier suggested to make sure that the App says it is ready to start (has homed in on enough satellites), before leaving for your ride.
No. But I'll get it fixed in the morning. Guess that means I have to drive my car to the bike shop lol
Anybody(bikers) offer to help you by giving you a spare tube?
There were a few, and also some joggers and dog walkers.
Laurie, Any bikers pass you by while you were walking back?
No, I walked the entire 1.6 miles back home pushing the bike along.
Laurie, Now if after your flat you caught a ride in a car than I'd say no.
"Ask For Everything; Expect Nothing and You Will Never Be Disappointed" - Kawika
Kawika, that's kinda what I thought but I don't want to cheat either.
Laurie, I'd count that if I were you! Still using bike and legs to propel self :)
The endomondo app onnmy BB loses about 0.5 miles in every 5 miles of riding it has me crossing rivers without the aid of a bridge. In 30+ miles it is off by as Mich as 2 miles. I always have to edit my rides.
Question: if you get a flat tire 1 or 2 miles before you get back home, and walk your bike, does that count as part of the ride?
I use mine all the time. For biking, for hiking, for museums etc. They keep water cold and the little handle thing works great.
Anyone use the pause on endomundo? I don't think it pauses, it stops time but when you resume it gives an outragous average speed.
Funny you mention those bottles, I have been using them for years. Just ordered the limited edition one featuring the Arizona flag on it. Great bottles
@Water Bottles....Check out the made in USA, BPA free, insulated water bottles from Boulder Colorodo. I have purchased a few from a local bike shop,
http://www.polarbottle.com/
My car hasn't moved since 1 May and don't plan on using it again until July when I drive up to get on ferry to Lanai to participate in 3rd Annual TirLanai Bike Ride - 3 Hills(50 miles) where you can ride all 3 roads up and down the Island of Lanai. All for local charities.
http://www.trilanai.com/tandemserver2/
Going crazy. Havn't ridden in 5 days thanks to a nasty virus that has given me vertigo. Can't wait to get back on my bike!
@Brad, I have one of those exact bottles-purchased from Amazon-they are great really! Strange enough, I never thought to use it for cycling. I may have to try it! Thanks for the info.
I've had really great luck with Klean Kanteen's insulated "bottles". I have three and am buying 2 more this week. I frequently still have ice in my work one the following morning and my son was amazed that the coffee he left in his car in mid-winter in Wisconsin was still drinkably warm 6 hours later. They are more expensive than the Thermos one, however. Not affiliated, just a happy customer, yada yada...
Bear with us as we work through some technical difficulties with the Challenge... winners for the month of May will be announced by the end of this week! Thanks for your feedback and patience... this will help us make the 2014 Challenge even better!
If your out for long periods of time and hate drinking hot water as much as I do, this Stainless vacuum bottle is the one to get. It's a little awkward to use one handed, but it can be done. The diameter fits perfectly in a bottle cage, although if you have a little tab at the top of the cage you may want to bend it a little. Memorial weekend I was out for 8-9 hours and it still had ice chunks left, this is WAY better than anything else I have tried - http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Insulated-24-Ounce-Stainless-Hydration/dp/B003U55EKI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC
@ Laurie - That's great! I'm doing the same. Since the 1st of May I haven't drove my car besides the Sunday morning trip to the laundry mat with my mom. Errands and everything else have been on bike. It feels great. You'll be so glad you did it!
@ Christine - That is so cute! You've got a future cycling addict on your hands!
Great pledge, Laurie! I'm taking it with you! My DIL asked me why I wasn't driving to work today since she didn't need my car to take her son to school. My response: Oh, I'm not driving when I can bike!
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We got a bike for the grandson this past weekend. He is totally in love (he's autistic and now very, very focused on the bike) and spent at least 14 hours on it over the weekend. Whichever way his head turns, so does the bike. It's so cute to watch. Bedtime the first night, it had to be right beside his bed. The next day, they were heading out for breakfast, the bike had to go with them. Can you say fixation? Next purchase: one of those bikes you attach to the back of a grownup's bike so he can ride with Nona!
AGREE!!!! With all this morning's posts. I so appreciate the encouragement and excitement you all exude (wow four big words in one sentence!) My goal for the rest of the summer is to bike anywhere I need to go unless there are valid reasons why driving would be better.
Tammie et al, dodging critters: my husband says it's their "gang initiation". If they make it past your bike or car without getting hit, they're in the gang. If they don't, well, they weren't worthy. (Shudder!)
@EM-I love your reports/posts.
@Christine-those buttons would be great!
@Tammie-it's what you can do that counts, not what you can't do. Yes, I have to watch out for kamikaze squirrels! They will de-bike you in a hurry!
Rode into town today to run a couple errands. What a great feeling and how freeing! Made coming back from lunch so much easier today. Any you ladies ever see a Terry Bike Catalog-gosh, they have cloths that are nice for cyclomuting, you could wear the clothing to bike in and at work if you wanted. I have a lot of dog eared pages.
Hi all, out this morning with temps heading into the 80s. The day promises to get hotter and the heat index is supposed to reach above 100. Summer traffic is less predictable than during the school year, but it wasn't too bad. A handful of other cyclists out there and more scattered all over my route instead of just bunched up on Clayton Road or in Kirkwood. Great to see all those other riders!!!
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@ Tammie, its exactly those little rides to the bank and grocery store and post office etc. < 5 miles that people need to be CHALLENGED about. We waste bazillions on gas and pollute up the place with those little drives. So riding those little rides is SUPER important. But, yeah, please watch out for the bunnies!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Sounding like this is a 'Golden Month'.. great! I see lots of bunnies when I ride on the university camput.. this IS West Texas! Now that I have a little faster bike, my problem is not running them over! Came within a hair of getting one last night. Scary.. I really don't want to squash a bunny and with those skinny tires, it may more like squash me! I wish I could bike to work but with my hours and the 20 mile distance, I just don't see it working out... I would be a sweaty mess and dead tired. I am riding to little things like the post office or pay a bill when I can.
@Cynthia, me, too (open at work)! I still wish we had buttons under each person's post that we could click to show how we feel without having to come in and type "Me, too!" Buttons such as Educational, Interesting, Funny, Agree, Disagree, Love (stolen directly from Ravelry, a Knit and Crochet community).
@ Christine-this is an amazing uplifting informative forum isn't it? I think that's why I keep this open at work and check in from time to time.
Wow! Just reading the last three pages really buoyed my spirits! So many great, uplifting posts! Gold! Endorphins! Car free (carefree?) days! Ain't we having fun?? Congratulations to all who've accomplished so much, and thanks for the boost!
@ Andrea - Great job! Maybe you'll try it some more this season! :)
I rode to work for the first time this season. I measly 8.59 miles, but I did it!
VT is still in the lead, but Nebraska and Wisconsin have been closing the gap!
Points/1000 population:
VT 110.4
Nebraska: 87.49
Wisconsin: 82.54
Haha @Kathy I know the feeling very well
so it was 'work', Kathy! ;-)
This morning's commute got me to Gold!!!! @Kathy, hope you feel better, whatever the reason you're down...
@Kathy-right?
I so didn't want to get on the bike and go to work today and it had nothing to do with the bike.
This week has been beautiful so far with scattered thunderstorms at night. But the days are heating up. I long to be out riding fast, far and everywhere. ha ha. But, alas, have to work. Then my local bike group is riding at 7am tomorrow morning and I have to be at work at 8:30, would love to join them and I have turned over the logistics in my head and just don't see how I can make it work. Oh well no worries, I know I can make it up and get some good rides in this weekend. Thanks for letting me vent!
@Kelly-hope you have a great day!
@Laurie-congrats on your car free day, being able to have one or two days car free is better than none! Way to go!
@ Kelly, what a great start to your day!
@ Laurie - That's awesome!
This morning's commute into work makes it easy for me to remember why I love cycling so much. Saw a bunny, the sun came out half way to work, I took a different route for about 1 mile of my ride through a large subdivision which was great because it took me off the main road away from all the sounds and sights of traffic, this truck driver I periodically see when I pass the Chrysler plant honks and waves at me like he did today. Just a wonderful ride in. Hopefully my work day is great too!
Way to go Thomas! Just be careful of lightning.....
Half way to Gold...points read exactly 500 today. I hope the rain lays off for a few more days, as I do enjoy riding to and from work, but don't much care for riding home in a T'storm. This time of year, in south Florida, you are just GOING to ride in the rain part of the time.
is here.
WOW, car free days, eco boosts in magazines, the world is just getting better all the time!
@Laurie - Congratulations!
I just completed my first completely car-free day! Not always easy to accomplish due to having a disabled son, but I will be able to do this a few days a week now. Even managed to get some groceries and carry them home on my bike...... endorphins being freed all the way home :)
"THE WEEK" magazine chose to feature The League of American Bicyclists (BikeLeague.org) as their "Charity of the Week" in their June 14 issue., noting the organization's commitment to advancing public awareness of cycling as viable, ecologically sound transportation and their ongoing support of legislation and infrastructure to promote the development of "Bike- Friendly" communities. (-:
I got up to upper Michigan east of Manistique early Thursday (06/07/13) afternoon. I had some cool mornings but beautiful bicycling weather. Saw a lot of wild life but no bears. Getting ready to leave tomorrow around 7:30 am. I'm planning a short ride to collect the 20 points invade the weather is bad in Wisconsin when we get back to Oshkosh. Looking forward of riding with a lot of less HILLS. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
@ Mike, Holmes I presume. LOL
Wow, gone for 3 days and there are 16 pages to look through.
Congrats to Mike and Christine on platinum and gold. And congrats on that new bike Tammie. Now to get ready to ride the storm. Wet weather in Jersey today.
Hi all, out around noontime today. Weather was pretty good as long as the clouds were over the sun. Temps in the 70s and every time the sun came out it felt like 80s & summer. No real humidity. A handful of riders out there. Tell all those drivers to get a life (or maybe a bicycle). LOL. Some clueless person making a right turn, could have gone after stopping, but waited until I got the green left turn light and then started to turn and accellerate. Waved my hand in her face to get her attention. Like, hey, I'm turning here, I got the green light, wait your turn....
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@ Cynthia, you can never, ever, have too many cycling socks. And yeah, I have the challenge jersey from this year. I love it! I have been wearing it a lot in the hope that people will ask me about the challenge. Hasn't happened yet, but I need to go on more organized rides wiith rest stops so I can chat! On Sat. maybe..
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
At last! Made it to over 1000 points, platinum here I come!
@Mike, I always knew I liked that guy beyond his writing!
When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.
~Arthur Conan Doyle
@Michael, that's great! Another afficionado of small batch hootch! I'll let the husband know!
Hey, @Christine: Just wanna say "Thanks" for your mention of the Angel's Envy on Friday. Talked the missus into an early Father's Day present. Y. U. M. M. Y.!!! I wanna party with your 'husbeast'! Of course, I did ride some of it off yesterday morning! BTW, thanks for sharing the endorphins; we need some on such a rainy, miserable Monday!
@Steven and E M-thanks for the website-cool socks! Great prices! I already have some I want to order. Can never have too many riding socks.
And info about the jersey.
Which brings me to a question-has anyone ever purchased a National Bike Challenge Jersey. This years is nice.
Cool, damp, foggy morning - I had to run back inside and grab a jacket. Hard to believe the first day of summer is less than 2 weeks away. Still, I'd rather need a jacket than be sweating before I even get on the bike. Have a great riding week, everyone. Free your Endorphins, drop your Adipose, and be safe and happy! (My endorphins are racing around me right now. Can you tell?)
@E.M and @Cynthia: Sock guy has green (ok, they are ugly but I still bought a pair) socks with "Infinite MPG" logo. http://www.sockguy.com/ProductInfo/MPGX.aspx
@ Cynthia, Sat. I saw somebody with a bike jersey with the infinity symbol and words to the effect of "MPG" or "miles" !
Between commuting and rides with the local bike club-I I hope to be reaching gold within the next two weeks if not sooner than that. About the second week of July I will start training for the September MS Ride. Congrats to all who have already reached these goals. Keep riding to infinity and beyond!
This mornings commute was another beautiful experience. Little bit of wind, slightly overcast, but quiet and serene as I pedaled my route past rabbits, squirrels, egrets and herons. Traffic has increased though in our little coastal town as people come from all over to vacation. Have the best day to all!
First commute in more than two weeks, due mostly to a bad 'rain maker' off the coast of Florida the last few weeks. First commute with the new fairing on my recumbent, speeds things up quite a bit, but telegraphs road noise from the front wheel up the inside of the fairing to the rider... A great (but humid) day to ride here in South Florida.
Congrats on those golds and that platinum! I too am just half way to platinum, it will be a while before I have that celebration. Now acclimating my muscles to the new position on the new bike I am actually riding fewer miles each day! My neck and shoulders just need a little time to get used to it. I don't like pain very much.
Agree with Marty. I have had carpal tunnel in both wrists, but surgery on only one. The nontreated hand tends to go numb after riding a while, so I occasionally have to let go of the handlebar to flex and wiggle it a bit.
Well, you get what I mean!
@Steven - EM & David both have good suggestions. Gloves will defiinitely help. My suggestion is to occasionally look at your hand/wrist position while riding. If your wrists are cocked back, (like a typist whose elbows are too high, and palms are on the table), then it could be early carpal tunnel syndrome. You always want to have your wrist straight while riding. It may take a while for that to feel normal, but it is, and it will feel normal over time.
yes....but this time you dropped the word "only" :-)
@ Mike, I have 1254 points, so I'm about halfway to platinum!
@EM Thanks!!!!! - As yummy as it was....the nap was even better....lol. What do you mean "only half way" There are something like 8000 "riders" that haven't even logged a mile !!!
@Christine - CONGRATS!!!!!
HA HA, you guys are cracking me up.
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@ Mike R, platinum, enjoy that beer, I'll be chasing you for a while, I'm only halfway to platinum
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@ Christine, congrats on making GOLD!!
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@ Heather, Christine and I will be waiting at the door of the gold club wihen you come in!!!
Heather too funny. I noticed a decrease of teams in ID and wonder if people focused on May due to national bike month. On the other hand, there are more active riders which is probably due to better weather. Yay Christine, gold looks fab on you too.
@Christine, congrats on your gold. I'm working on mine now. You are awesome!!!! I was imagine dropping some fat off on my ride today. I was so far from home, I figured it would never find it's way back, right?! haha
Oh, yes! I love freeing my adipose, too!!!
@Christine, congrats on your gold!
GOLD! If I hadn't had that migraine the last week in May, I'd'a made gold in May. I'm happy to have made it now, tho. On to Platinum now.
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I love freeing my endorphins, too! I think of all those little endorphs flying out of my body and I get giddy. Even better, though, is freeing the Adipose (a la Dr. Who. No, I'm not a sci fi geek, why do you ask?) I need to get rid of many more of those. I can feel them jumping ship as I ride. I love it, love it!
"Free your endorphins" ..... love it! That is so true!
@Steven tingling in your hands could also be that you're saddle is tilted down too much or is too far forward. If you're bike has straight handlebars it may also be that the handlebar is set too low. If you're on a road bike and it's happening while your hands are on the shifters the shifters may be too high.
@ Laurie, I have a setting on my phone app, it counts down to start the ride, and it either says "go" or "free your endorphins" . I kind of like that, so now I am just thinking about how my bike ride is freeing my endorphins. I often find myself in that same situation where I only plan on going a few miles, but end up riding a few more. The mood seems to improve as I go along.
I have 2 co-workers who plan to ride sometime this summer and signed up but haven't ridden yet. I am hoping that the competition itself may motivate them to cycle more. Can't speak for the othe 7,998 zero pointers, though...
@ Robert, I don't understand that either.
Sad. 8000 riders that have registered have logged zero miles!!
Congratulations Elaine !!! I was dodging turtles today. Tis the season they cross the road to lay eggs......part of what makes riding fun and you usually don't have to go very far at all to see something interesting!!!
@e.m. - thanks, I might try gloves first, as I haven't...
Thanks everyone for the comments. I finally decided to just do a little 1-2 mile ride around my neighborhood, even (gasp) forgot to put on my helmet..... then ended up riding 5.6 miles instead, and it felt great... except for the headwind on the way home.
Yay Mike. I rode my longest today of 18 miles. Took braks,had water, let the 30 in the gaggle of geese on the river path get up and move, nice rest and only 2 hisses LOL. Going for short ride to meet some freinds so will finish at 20 + for the day. RIDE ON.
platinum today.....now I can have a beer....and a nap ;-}
Thanks everyone,, my new bike is a Trek LEXA SLX and the shop owner did spend time making adjustments to make sure the seat and such were correct. I know I will have to make some minor adjustments as time goes by. We just never thought about the brakes until I got it home and tried it out! I called them and will be taking it in tomorrow...them mentioned something about shims.. will see what happens. This bike is soooo BEAUTIFUL! I got it in black and the Trek site does not mention that it is detailed in GOLD.. absolutely STUNNING!
HI all, out today starting on my regular ride and then adding a "curiosity loop." At one spot on my ride there are arrows for medium and long for some ride that happened sometime in the past. So I took the "long" option. I ended up adding about five miles to my ride. Plenty of other riders out today going both directions. Not too hot, temps in the 70s, but humid. Now its pouring rain.
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@ Laurie you have two options, take a break, or take a ride. Getting on the bike and riding a mile could cure you, but skipping it could be okay too. I agree that its quality and not quantity that matters. In no case feel guilty.
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@ Steven, adding options to your bike so you can change position when riding is definitely a good idea. Also, it may be time for new gloves or new padded tape on the handlebars. Taking your hands off the handlebars (one at a time) and wiggling them around once in a while could also help. If nothing works, maybe a physical therapist can help.
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RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Hi again all. First, want to say thank you for all who have shared information, answered my questions as well as sharing inspiring stories. And here's yet another newbie question. Currently I'm starting to get tingling (again) after 30 minutes or so of riding (this happened when I first started riding then stopped for awhile now is starting again). I've ridden 1400 miles on this bike so I don't think it's a question of getting acclimated. I was thinking of adding bar ends to my straight handlebar bike. Spoke with my LBS and they suggesting that trekking handlebars might be a better option. Has anyone had any experience with them? Thanks!
@Laurie-it is so ok to have a down day. And, yes, sometimes the thought of getting on the bike is makes you feel burned out. It's important to give yourself a break. But, also know that sometimes you have to push yourself to get back on the bike even after a day or two of not riding. Then you always know how good you feel once you start again and the burnout goes away. Be easy on yourself. Lanny Moore gave wonderful practicle advice. Hope this helps. I experienced a "post ride depression" after last years MS 150. It was horrible. I acutally looked it up and it does exist. It took me almost two months to get back on my bike again.
@Laurie- Its quality not quantity when it comes to the ride. Cycling should be fun no matter if you ride 1 mile or 100. If you go for just a mile ride for the 20 points and have no fun, it's not worth it. Nothing wrong with a down day. Go clean and prepare the bike for the upcoming week. Enjoy a day off the bike.
@tammie - you probably need a fitting anyway, to really be comfortable for longer rides, and while you're there ask the fitter to show you how to hold your hands to use the levers. :)
Does anyone else have days when even the thought of looking at their bike causes burnout? I am there today, but also hate the thought of missing the 20 daily points. What to do?
@Tammie-happy new bike day! Enjoy! Sounds like you may need some adjustments. It's so important to have a bike that fits you. Good Luck and keep posts on your new wheels and how its going.
@ Tammie, how exciting. Well you can have the shop make some adjustments (maybe a shorter stem and/or narrower handlebars). Don't have too much fun! HA HA!
@ Tammie, they make shims that will bring the levers closer to the bar http://www.specialized.com/media/whatsnew/IG0231_SlimShim_r1.pdf I am not sure what brand you have but I believe many offer the shims.
It is WONDERFUL to see all the people entering comments on the benefit rides they are doing! I am getting ready to go for a 5 hour ride, I am preparing for a charity ride in 3 weeks. It is a 2 day 140+ mile ride for the American Cancer Society. I am a 58 yr old who has been riding only 3 years, and my longest ride prior to this year was 50 miles, I have been preparing myself, and taking suggestions from the comments here. My daughter is also riding, which will be some good time together. We are trying to raise $1500 each, so if you are feeling generous, and want to help the fight against cancer, visit www.pahoperide.org, and you can donate to Kayla Redding or Team Brett. Thank you!
My new road bike arrived today and it is absolutely stunning. My only problem is... How do you reach those brakes!?
Dave, Thanks for clearing up the rule change. I missed the rule change.
Great ride today here in Knoxville Tennessee. We had our Tour De Cure for the ADA. Great weather overcast and 75 degrees and a slight breeze. It was a great 62 miles course I was able to ride and we raised over $100,000 for a great cause.
EM, Thanks, I plan on stopping at many places along the way but I'm sure there are points that there is nothing for miles around and those points I will have the hammer down and will ride at 35 mph+ in big gears if the terrain/wind allows me to.
Hi all, out early today for a Trailnet ride beginning in Edwardsville, Illinois. We did the medium sized ride (41 (s)miles) and it was a great day for it. Temps in the 70s and not a lot of wind. Actually there was only wind from one direction and it wasn't that strong. Pizza afterwards. Wore my National Bike Challenge jersey in the hopes that somebody would ask about the challenge. But, alas, nobody did. I'll keep wearing it lots more in hopes that somebody will.
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@ Kawika, you will be living the dream. For the time being, I'm just planning to get back and do the Nebraska ride again and then I want to do California. As to when I get to cross the whole country, who knows, but its on my bucket list too.
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In the meantime, if any of you get to the St. Louis area, let me know and I'll be happy to ride with you.
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Lovin' this weather and hoping for more tomorrow!!!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
32 points to gold! Yay!
Had a fun time at the Appleton Flag Day parade with the Fox Cities Cycling Association. Gregg, thanks for coming from Neenah to join us today!
Wow it was windy today, did my first 40 miles of the season. 3 hours to go 20 miles, but less than an hour to back track home. It was a very good work out.
@Wally, there's three team sizes 1-10, 10-99, and 100 or more. You can decide which class you want to compete in and keep your membership at 10 if you want.
My question for the day. Did the rules change as to the size of a team? I thought a team was limited to ten members, but I see several teams with 15, 20 or more riders listed. I would appreciate some feedback on this. We have more people at my workplace that wanted to be on the team, as team captain I turned them down after we reached ten.
Cynthia, Thanks. I will post blog address on here before I start out for those interested my following me in my summer journey. I will be in N.C. but only a few miles from Charlotte(Just at N.C. border in S.C.)because will be visiting brother for a day or two. Depending on distance, may be able to do a short ride with you if you want. I will friend you here to keep in touch.
@ "DATA CAPTURING FOR WORKPLACES" WEBINAR NOW AVAILABLE! - would be nice for a similar report to be available to compare company against external companies as well. I.e. one place to see to see Company's standing in the State, Nation, member's standing in communities. It's possible now, through some research, but a single place to go would be nice.
@Kawika-you'll be on your journey at the same time the NBC starts. Please post your blog address so we can follow you. If you find yourself down my way in SE N.C. you have a place to stay. I feel such excitement for you in your journey and I don't even know you. lol I think its every riders to dream to do what your doing.
WOO HOO! i'm above average! Thank you Marty for doing the math :)
Brad; ; I'm sure it is YOUR turn to sit in the middle. Chirstine gets a window this time. (-;
@Amber - Total miles listed above divided by total riders. However, although there are 30,098 riders signed up (as of this post) only 22,411 riders have any points (how can anyone have less than 21 points??) so the average mileage per active rider is closer to 201.8. You're still doing good :)
Marty-how did you come up with that number? I like to think of myself as average but I've logged over twice that number ;)
The average person in this Challenge has ridden 150.18 miles since May 1st.
Christine, just sit in the middle, and quit whining already.
Elaine, agreed and thank you :)
Elaine, that would be great! Will let you know when I cross into Utah and/or follow my live tracking online by Garmin. I refuse to grow old gracefully and biking has helped me do this!
Laurie, I think we all look great now and have so much to offer. Keeping going has to be the key to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth and well being. Which is the absolutely FAB thing about biking, anyone can do it. Happy Birthday and Many happy returns. :-)
Elaine, I'm having "that" birthday too soon, and in denial of it, I'm going on a bike trip with an old college friend :) This challenge has definitely helped me get ready for that.
Laurie, Will Do!
Kawika, your trip sounds so great! Please post about it on next summer's NBC!
Kawika, i would love to come down from Idaho to S. Utah to ride a bit. I turned 50 this year, and just getting on my bike regularly has been my "50 &fit" goal. Ride on sister!
Daaaad! Brad's bragging about being good looking again! Make him stop!
Another Jersey girl here, but a temporary, transplanted one. Lived in North Jersey from '67 to '76, long enough to develop an attitude. It was a *great* time to be living just outside NYC...Dylan, Hendrix, Havens, Airplane; SRO (meaning we stood for the whole play, not they were sold out) Broadway plays at $5 and $10 a pop. Amazing time, for sure.
Dameon, Thanks, will keep your offer in mind when I am closer to making a detailed way points(stopping points) along the way.
Kawika- Place to lay over, shower, eat, if timing is right for you.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Dameon, I will more than likely being going right thru Reno. Will let you know when I leave Sacramento to head that way.
my challenge period (retired) = 97,590 miles - 1,769,550 cal's burned - 6,456.00 $ saved. would have thought I could have saved more $- but man this bentrider is on fire!
@Kawika - if I can figure out where you will be in relationship to Reno, Nv. I should have a few miles to burn. Keep me informed.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Kawika - what an adveture of a lifetime. Someday when I hit retirement, and have more time on my hands, I would love to do awesome stuff like that. Back when I was young and good looking I did a bit of adventuring, and what I remember most is the amazing variety of people that I met. The people... and thier stories... and how our lives intersected if only for a short point in our personal histories. Amazing though it is, they are still fresh in my mind even though it was over 30 years ago. Sometimes I wonder; do any of them remember me? Take the time to stop often enough... Say hi... And take pictures, yes plenty of pictures. Love and light.
Cynthia, Thanks, Yes, I will be keeping a daily blog w/pictures and taking video of entire ride from start to finish while riding via GoPro Hero 3 camera and will have link available to anybody that want's to follow me live while I'm riding.
Hey Kawika-how neat and what an amazing oppurtunity! Keep all of us wow wish we could that people in your heart as you roll through your routes. Exceptional expeirence. Will you be keeping a blog or on line diary of any kind that anyone could read?
@Karen Jean: I agree, my route takes me through some sketchy areas. My wife's waiting for a phone call telling her that I got rolled. Stay safe!
Thanks Kelly, I retired early in life(Army) so I have lots of time to do things like this. I turn 50 next year so I figured i would mark my half century by doing this. I will be wearing a "Maui Cyclery" or "7-Eleven" cycling jersey on a white Scott road bike so if anybody here sees me along the way while they are out riding let me know and I will ride with you along your route. I will be on no schedule whatsoever while I cross the country.
@ Kawika - I'm so jealous. It's a dream of mine to travel America on bike. Maybe one day. I hope you have an amazing journey next year!
This may be a little early but I'm looking for riding partners for next summer for ride cross country wheather part way or entire distance. I will be starting in CA(LA and then up PCH to Sacremento) and taking "Western Express" to Colorado and then picking up "TransAmerica" trail all the way to VA and then taking Atlantic route up to PA. So if anybody plans on riding along these routes let me know and we can ride together next summer(May-Aug) even if it's just a short distance. Link to routes> http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/overview-map-pdf/
@Tammie - You go girl, you're gonna make the 75 miler with that motivation!! I'm telling ya the MS150 doesn't scare me in mileage, it's all the people. There's like 7k riders in the City to Shore Jersey ride...
@Cynthia - a raised Jersey girl!! friend me!
@Karen... perhaps there are others that will commute with you?? it's safer in groups going thru dangerous neighborhoods... I rode thru Camden, NJ but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis so they don't know when you'll be there. but once or twice I might...but crossfire is always a fear.
WooHoo! 1.16mi in a torrential downpour. Got my 21 points. Saw two walkers and they were all WooHoo! at me... :) although they had umbrellas....
@Tammie-you go girl.
Well, my taking the day off from my bike turned into 6.5 miles! I was just going to the post office 1 mile away.. that would only be a simple 2 miles.. that would sort of be like taking the day off.. wouldn't it? Then on the way home I thought I would add .. oh, just a teeny tiny bit, then I thought I would go around another block.... then another.. you know how it goes! At least I managed to stop myself at 6.5! LOL
@Michael - I'm sorry to say, I have heard bad things about the crime in Reading, PA. I work in Allentown, PA. We have gang and drug related violence hear on a regular basis. I work with the kids in Allentown, (and many of them are great kids,) but riding home on my bike and getting caught in the crossfire of something is just foolish. We don 't even leave the building here at night without a buddy. I would love to get in more miles by commuting to work. It seems like it would be a two for one deal to me.
@Cynthia - Very wise, sometimes I am not very wise and try to do things anyway. I will still hit the grocery store tonight though, it's only 1mi away. :)
@Kathy-smart to stay safe in such conditions. I always have to stop myself and think if I tried to ride in extreme conditions and had an accident then I would not be able to ride for awhile THAT would be killer!
@Kawika-cool vidoe! Thanks for sharing!
HI all, out for my regular ride today in cool temps. hovering around 70. Got passed up by a couple of cyclists. The other half dozen riders I spotted were going the other direction. Raised my fist in superiority as I crossed a busy interstate with three lanes of backed up traffic as far as I could see.... HA HA
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@ Christine, to paraphrase Sesame Street: the only dumb question is one you don't ask. And the answer is YES, get out and ride. If you can bribe your husband with cool bike stuff or a cool place to have lunch or ice cream or whatever, go for it (it has been known to work, especially with my kids, but often my husband as well). If you go solo or join your local bike club (usually they can be found with the help of a bike store) rave about how much fun you had and and how biking is so easy on your joints and all the cool stuff experienced on your ride.... Or even challenge him to join the challenge. Use your imagination, you probably have a good idea of what might work (bragging rights for him ????) RIDE ON SISTA!!
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@ Kawika, bribes, I love it!
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@ Laurie, my regular ride is almost exactly 20 miles. I love riding more but rain and wind and weather and GASP, work and family stuff sometimes prevent it. IF I get to go on bigger more better nicer rides, so much the better. I have to agree with Ray, any ride is a good ride, SO RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Well at 4pm, Andrea's tail is still hanging around! Sheets of rain, then the sun peaks out and more sheets of rain, flooding, hot and muggy, still a little wind but nothing like it was! Branches down all over and just general storm type debris in the streets.
@Steven-I have bar ends on my hybrid/trail/commuter bike. I love them, like a lot of people stated they are great for changing your hand position and...they do look cool.
@Laurie-my commute is very small-3.5 miles one way and then I bike around town for errands when I need too which adds a couple more miles. But, I have tgo say if a job took me further away from home I would think nothing of still commuting and would be willing to commute up to 25 miles one way. My long rides are a couple 20-40 miles rides a few times a month depending on who I am riding with. Then when I start training in mid July for the Bike MS 150 I usually get in at least an extra 70 miles per week. Do what you love, pedal how much you want, it's not a race and no one is keeping score. Sometimes too it takes years to build up to higher milage if that is your goal. Higher milage also depends on how much time you dedicate to it or are able to dedicate to it. Most important thing is you get up and ride. I ride all year around as it seems most people involved with this forum do and maybe the NBC inspires some to do more than they normally would? Earning points is a very motivating aspect.
Rain is coming down in sheets here in S. NJ but there is absolutely no wind. (flags are hanging). Guess Andrea blew herself out down south. Still I have no doubt there is flooding in the streets (since there is flooding in my parking lot) so was still probably safer not to ride.
Also on bottom video on that webpage are other videos that play one after the other with some great tips/info for both novice and advanced cyclists.
I commute 2x week to keep mileage up. I found that if I go home intending to ride, something almost always happens to divert. If I commute, I am guaranteed a ride :) AM commute is apx 9-14 mi. Afterwork commute becomes a longer ride (20-45 mi) especially in summer. I ride longer rides on Saturdays, and do a regular group ride Sundays.
@ Kawika - That's so awesome!
Rain, rain go away. TS Andrea is wreaking havoc on my cycling this weeK!
I saw this today and thought it was great to see something like this. Kids getting tickets for wearing helmets while riding bike from police officer. Thing is, these tickets are for "free ice cream". http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/05/operation-safe-summer_n_3390576.html
@Steven - my main bike is a drop-bar touring bike, but it won't accommodate a basket for the dog (7 pound maltese) when my wife & I go for a trail ride. So I have a bike I built with flat bars, but I added bar-ends for the extra hand positions. On the rare occasions when I do ride it in traffic, I just keep my hands on the bar at the brake levers when I might need to maneuver or stop. The bar-ends are for cruising and climbing.
@Michael, the husbeast is a whisky/scotch snob, believe me. We have an amazing bar here that serves the best hamburgers and mac & cheese: the only things on their menu! They have an entire wall of whisky/scotch, some of which are well over $50 a shot! (YIKES!) He either drinks old or small batch ones, like Angel's Envy. Hard to believe that someone who used to run every day and was 4th in the state in his division in racquetball would sit around smoking and drinking, but he loves his libations and smokes.
Laurie, I love a long ride - a century is great fun (and I know, randonneurs look at a century as a warm-up). And I'll do as many 30+ mile rides as I can make time for. But there's "the daily grind." So the majority of my miles come from my commute - 7 miles each way. And they built my base for the 2-day, 200 mile STP last year. I probably didn't make more than a half-dozen 20-80 mile rides before STP, but with my daily commute, they were enough. And the commute IS pretty much my daily exercise - I'm not a runner and haven't made time for soccer in years. Three cheers for the short rides! A short bike ride is way better than no bike ride at all.
@Laurie and @Ray S: Agree, any ride is a good ride. I started bike commuting on Bike to Work Day, 2011, and have not looked back. My wife and daughter think I'm a whacko for some of the days that I ride, but I really look forward to getting out in the morning, no matter how cold, snowy, rainy (most times, today excluded!), or nice it is. I've been an adult Scout leader for over 25 years; trust me, I've camped, backpacked and hiked in MUCH worse! Generally the only time I won't commute by bike is when I have to drive for an out-of-town work meeting; otherwise I"m outside! @Karen Jean, do you live here in Reading (high crime area)?? At least it's Friday, have a Macanudo and some Dalwhinnie waiting for me at home!
@ Laurie - I commute to and from work averaging about 13.6 mile one way.. so that's the main reason I have so many miles. Then I commute to my boyfriend's which is about 17.5 miles one way. Otherwise I would be pretty low on the miles as well. Nothing is conveniently located for me. Suppose that's a good thing though. Keeps me pedaling longer!
@Laurie. Anything over 20 miles is a long ride for me, and I can not do the long rides every day, maybe 2-3 times a week. Since the challenge, I have been riding consistently every day. I believe that riding every day has made me stronger on the bicycle than doing a couple of long rides 2 times a week. Just me 2 cents, for what it's worth. Today in PA its rain, and more rain. Its going to be a wet ride today. I don't commute however, since I work nights in a high crime area.
@Laurie: I'm a real underachiever. Only use my bike for daily commute, 2.6 miles each way. But that's year round, 5 days a week, all weather. Here in PA we get ALL kinds of weather. Unfortunately, today is the first time I've used my bus pass since April 16th. Sometimes common sense has to override pride! Even with the small commute and no extras, I'm at 683 points; will hit Gold next week!
@Christine: Tell the hubby that if he's going to smoke a good stick, at least upgrade to a fine 15-18 year old Scotch! And join him once in a while!
Another IRIR (Intentional Ride In Rain) this morning. Got it in before the heavy rains and flash flood potential for this afternoon in my part of Maryland. This was IRIR #4 of the Challenge. So far I am on my goal of riding everyday of the Challenge! The real tests will be the July/August 105 degree heat indexes and possiable hurricanes later in the summer.
@laurie I'm one of those riders who rides almost every day. I usually get in about 10-12 miles a ride but 3 or 4times a month I get in about 16-20. I ride a big 29-er Mountain Bike so I don't go fast. But I'm totally happy with my riding and mileage.
Any ride is good. I used to think 10 miles was a really long way and I remember doing a 37 mile ride a few years ago and acting like I'd just done the longest ride ever. Now, 25 miles is my normal ride... the shorts, the shoes, the sunblock, the tire check, etc, etc, etc, I ride a long way to make up for the time invested in getting ready. Plus, the more you ride and enjoy it, the farther you end up riding in the same amount of time. If I know it will be a "short" ride on my 10 mile loop, I try to go all out, though I admit I am too lazy most of the time. My anywhere from 25-50 mile after work rides are just a good reason to get out of the house for a couple hours because I work at home. If I actually had to get up early to drive to work, then drive back home, I wouldn't spend as much time riding because I would need that time for other things.
@ Christine - I went to high school with a fella whose last name was Bontrager. The way he pronouced it, "Bon" rhymes with "gone" and the "a" in "trager" is long. So, that's just how I say it. I'm shocked, shocked I tell you to hear that your husband wants to hang out with his pals and smoke cigars & drink whiskey and you don't want to join him. Shocked!! :)
@Steven - I use Aero bars... I love them and couldn't live without them. they help with climbs, they help with wind and give me a place to put my elbows.
@Laurie - My normal ride is no more than 15 (each way to work). I have only done big rides twice since purchasing the bike last September. Honestly I don't have time for them. I had to take a vacation day just to do it because I also work on weekends.
@Christine - sounds like you need to get the hubby to start riding and give up that cigar smoke. Tell him it's about quality time with you...
Dumb question of the day: Background: When Etienne Aigner shoes were all the rage, I called them what everyone around me called them: E Ten Eggner, not Et ienne Ayn yay. I was very embarrassed when I was corrected. Question: is that bike company pronounced Bone Dragger, or Bon tra jhay?
@Laurie: I do about 8 miles each way. Most I've ridden round trip (not commuting) is 20.
:::jumping up and down and waving frantically::: Me! Me! I'm still not at gold yet! 69 points to go! (tee hee, she said "69") My longest ride so far is 14.1 miles. I'm hoping this weekend (hope in one fist and shirt in the other and see which one fills up faster) to go farther on a different trail. We'll see. First I have to convince my beloved husband that I really don't want to hang our with him while he and a bunch of work buddies smoke cigars and drink whisky...
@Steve - I love bar ends!! Great for preventing fatigue on longer rides because you can switch hand positions. My only problem is I can't find anything to attach to my brake levers so that I can use my bar ends while riding on city streets. Tektro used to make them, but now I can't find any.
@ Laurie - I love a nice 10 or 20 mile ride. My sweetie worries when I'm gone on my bike alone for a long time, so 20 miles is a nice long ride without causing too much worry. And I'm not dead the next day, so I can go do it again if I want.
Seems like everyone commenting on here does marathon length rides every day. Are there any other "underachievers" like me who think 10, 15, 20 mile rides are good? lol
@Kathy, I would have had to buy a casket along the way! Make that a body bag. I want to go to a Body Farm when I die.
A question for anyone. I have a straight handlebar street bike. Thinking about adding bar ends to give me additional hand position and possibly helping with climbing. Anyone have any experience with them/suggestions/etc. Currently continue to commute 3-5 times per week 8 miles to and from work. 1400 miles ridden since July...
We've hit 30,000!! Woohoo!! Now if only we can get them all riding!
We just hit 30,000
@Christine - 70.6 miles.
@ Kelly, make that ONE!
@Kathy, how far did you ride on your long ride?
Oh my goodness! Only 2 more people to hit 30,000!!
@EM. The problem with the ride yesterday was that there were no convenience stores. The first place I passed was 31 miles out and it wasn't a 7/11, it was a kayak rental place. After that there was nothing. I was in the Wharton National Forest. it's pretty much just turtles and trees although one sign said "Beware of Bears and Bucks" but saw neither.
@Tammie - Lessons learned are for when I ride alone, not in a group. the MS150 is well stocked and has rest stops. I was thinking, why doesn't the MS150 go this way, the roads are real nice. Now I know, Because there's nothing out there!
@Cynthia - I actually drove today just in case, shouldn't hit us till tonight but didn't want risk it.
@ Kathy, its often possible to refill your water bottle at a convenience store or fast food place. The drink stands often include a water option so you can fill the bottle directly and maybe even add a little ice. If its behind the counter you can ask them to fill it. Buying a snack at the same time means they are more likely to be okay with the water fill-up. If its really hot you can carry some kind of electrolyte tablets to add to the water. Convenience and grocery stores often have drinks with electrolytes (poweraid, Gatoraide etc.) as well.
Ok, weather report from SE N.C. 1am 60 mph winds, and torrential rains for about two hours. I thought sure some of these pines were going to snap the way they were bending in the wind. Then it just stopped! Like someone turned off a light switch. Woke pretty heavy rain again-the sideways kind- and wind although maybe more like 25 mph. And the world out there is just soaked! Going to have nix todays trek in the name of safety.
I have a lot of advice for preparing for a ride like the MS 150. Too much to write now, but, just know that it can be a real positive experience. The end of this September will be the 4th year in a row I have done this paticular ride. (Break Away to the Beach- it runs back and forth between NC and SC state lines. Through the sand hills, into the peidmont, and finishes in my beach town.)I have learned soooo much. I am looking forward to this year with great confidence. I am going to do a 130 mile route over two days.
@Kathy sounds like you had an interesting day. I wish I had that much time to prepare for the MS 150. July 20 is creeping up quickly. I hear ours is very well supported so no worries about food or water for the distance.
@everyone - currently I have not joined the MS150. I was invited to by the Team Comcast Captain. Not because I'm special but because the more the merrier. Large Group rides are not something I like to do but it is a good cause. So yesterday's long ride was simply a test to see what I was capable of doing since they offer the 25/50/75/100 mile distances. I know now I can do the 75 on my commuter in the allotted time. The ride is not till the end of September.
@Kathy R - A perfect recovery ride.....And the dilemma of the 20......ok ok maybe a twirl through the hood to get the mile....times like this I wish I had a beach cruiser....lol
5 things I learned after my long ride yesterday:
1) Turtles need help crossing the street cause those speeding cars are scary.
2) Re-apply your sun screen! ow!
3) Plan better and find out if the road you plan to take turns into dirt or if there are convenience stores on the route. If possible use Google street view to see what the roads are like.
4) if you see a place to buy more water then buy more water so you don't have to beg some nice person to let you fill from their tap. You never know when you'll see another general store. (I used 80 ounces and was still dehydrated (probably due to my sunburn see #2)
5) bring enough to eat just incase you end up in an area where food is scarce. I was burning 415 calories per hour, was out for 6.5 hours and only brought 680 calories in food. I was seriously starved by the time I got home and my hands were shaking. See #3.
Overall, this ride could have been better.
@Mike R. Was thinking the same thing as I watch the weather this morning. They say Andrea caused tornados in NC and the wind alone causes to much flying debris to be safe. I was going to ride cause rain don't scare me none but I could use the break after yesterday. I'll still ride to the grocery tonight though ;) gotta get my 20!
Wind horrors...really? We had 55mph winds here in west TX with power outages and damages.. That is the norm for us. Only thing different this time was power was out to one of the Walmart stores too long and they had to throw out ALL their frozen products,meats, deli items cheeses, eEVERYTHING! Insane! It seems if they don't have power for over 4 hours everything requiring refrigeration has to go. And I only complain about having to ride against the wind.
My body is begging me to take a day off and I think I may just do it... Well, sort of, I can't pass up the daily 20 points can I? So, I might just run around the block for fun when I get off work then call it a day for the bike just this one day. I am determined to make 100 miles this week and only have 8.5 miles to reach that goal. I truly admire those of you who can tough out the weather and miles. I am not that hardy.
on the east coast the weather forecasters are already jumping on the horrors of Andrea.....which when you cut through all the rhetoric.....heavy rain (maybe 2 inches) over the next ~12-24 hours and it will be windy. Doesn't sound like safe cycling weather and frankly I could use the rest day. While I am cynical of the professionals, use common sense and stay safe
@Kathy-I really had to think about how to spell that. Ha ha. Glad I am not the only one who uses it! Good luck on MS 150-you can do it! I measure the MS 150 ride I participate in, in small increments of 15 to 20 miles at a time and stop at every rest stop. Even if its to top off a water bottle and grab something to munch.
Looks like Andrea has hit our area already-pouring down rain and about 20 mph winds so far. Took tomorrow off and had a bike trek planned....hopefully she will have blown off our coast by morning. Althought reports say otherwise.
@ Kathy, not only will the banks accept us, soon we will have our own lane! BIKE DRIVE UP LANES! LOL!
@kathie and @tammie you got this one mile at a time just make sure to take your brakes drink lots of water and have food on ya if you need it....and of course let us know how it goes. I hope to join the ride here one year.
@ Kathy & Tammie, you will do great. Somewhere in the middle take a break, eat a snack & take your eyes of the road. Then you'll be fresh & ready to roll!
@Burklee....;-D
@Kathy and @Tammie: you go, girls!! Take it one mile at a time, one day at a time. Such inspiration!
@Jim Johnson - Tail wind? what is this that you speak of?
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@Kelly - Good for the bank run... soon they will all learn to accept us...
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@Tammie
- You can do it.. the longest I had ever done was 48mi... other than that it's 16 per day 5 days a week... you will be tired but you'll make it. When the day comes adrenalin will carry you much of the distance...
Getting ready for my 14 mile ride home from work. Living in Phoenix has its drawbacks. It's 108 outside. Thankfully a dry heat.
@ Kathy - Good luck!
@ Tammie - You'll do great! :)
And my bank run... A success. Yay!
I am veerrrry nervous about the MS 150.. my best so far is 31 miles! I can't believe the difference bike shorts make. I just rode 6 miles to the post office in regular shorts and almost died! About to do a group city dinner ride and it is back to my bike shorts for sure! I also discovered the joys of shea butter.. great stuff! LOL Anticipating the arrivial of my road bike.. the days are dragging by so slowly.. just to drive me crazy. My new garmin arrived and I am trying it out today for the first time.
@Kathy - If your lucky it will be a tail wind
@Kathy - Good luck with both the MS150 and Andrea. Be safe!!
Big ride today at 70.6mi (including user error with GPS). So I do believe I can do 75mi in one day for the MS150. I hurt!! Tropical storm Andrea hits tomorrow with 45mph winds by the time I go home... I'm gonna die!!
@Cynthia - discombobulated, is that spelled right? who says that but me???
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@ Brad - bike shorts for pansies. Ha! I was loving them on my 70mi ride today! Pansy my toasted ass!
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Takes me forever to go thru the list of posts. I'm sure I miss a bunch.
@Christine - Are you related to the "Abby Normal" from "Young Frankenstein?"
Kelly, way back in the mid 70s, I was a teller at a bank in NJ. We were told to tell walk-ups and ride-ups at the drive-in window that they had to come inside or use the walk up ATM (one of the few in the area). It *was* considered a liability issue. Because of the roof over the drive ups, it tended to be darker under there than outside and drivers coming into the drive up might not see a bicyclist or a person standing there. That said, I frequently use the drive up ATM on my bike nowadays. I make sure my bike is on a diagonal pr perpendicular to the ATM so I'm more visible.
I haven't had a problem yet at Walgreen's or a bank. Just some very strange looks. hee hee. Don't patronize fast food, so have not had that experience.
I went through Walgreen's drive through a few days ago. They have a buzzer but a big sign by it that says something like "our motion sensors know you're here". I took that to mean buzzing isn't necessary. Well, waited a few minutes while I could see the staff busy inside, and decided that maybe the motion sensors don't detect bikes, so I buzzed. They didn't say anything about me being on a bike so apparently it was acceptable :)
I only tried once, at a bank, and was refused.
I use the bank drive thru on my bike all the time. Never had a problem
I have been refused at the drive-thru at MacDonald's. I was told they didn't allow walk-ups, so I asked if I could bring my bicycle inside and that was refused. I went elsewhere.
I have been served at several other drive-through restaurants and at the bank. At one drive-thru, I was unable to trip their sensor and had to go to the first window to order, but that didn't seem to bother them. I guess their hospitality toward bicyclists is a function of the nature of their staff.
Has anyone ever been refused service through a drive thru window anywhere before while on bike? I have to stop at the bank on my way home from work today and they don't have bike racks so I was just going to go through drive thru, but one of my co-workers said that a friend of hers was refused service at a drive thru (fast food) before. Apparently some businesses think it's a liability issue... I think that's a load of you know what.
Actually those tires were probably closer to 2 inches!
Vote for my black bear and cub pic in the Huffy Wondrous Ride Giveaway and I might just win some new bikes. You can cast a vote once per day until June 28:
https://www.facebook.com/HuffyBicycles/app_108189946046760{%22guid%22:%22f9c3a0cd-e643-4d52-87d1-e90a739b3d4d%22,%22shareClickGuid%22:%22e6b8c32d-ecea-4481-bd3c-c5aae9912e30%22}
We've just passed the 2,000 teams barrier, and it looks like tomorrow, we will get our 30,000th rider! (But it is a long way to 50,000, so keep recruiting.)
Hi all, out today with a noontime ride. Only spotted a couple of other riders. Temps in the 70s and a little cloudy but no rain. This is so different from last year when the temps got up around 100 most of the summer. Last year I was out the door as close to 6 am as possible to beat the heat.
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My Garmin has returned from the edge. It was stuck at the "loading maps" point indefinitely, but fortunately the help desk recommended factory reset. Now it is communicating with the earthly sattelites again. WHEW!
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RE: clothing, just wanted to add that you can put some shiny, sticky, reflective stuff on the back of your cycling gloves to make them more visible when you are waving your hands around trying to let the traffic know where you are going!
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@ Kelly, we'll all be laughing when the gas prices hit $6/gallon and people are lined up to buy a bike at every store that sells them. LOL
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@ Brad, loved the video. I have been in love with bicycles for as long as I can remember. First bike at age 5 was a blue girl's bike with tires that were probably over an inch wide (whatever the standard was then). Before that I was riding my brother's bike that was red and too big for me. I REALLY HATE DAYS WHEN I DON'T GET TO RIDE!
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RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE & RIDE SAFE!
It's nice not to have the stress and expense and time of putting gas in the car. Shame more people don't feel that way.
Gas is up to $4.29 here. I get a bit of a chuckle every time I pass the pumps knowing it's been over a month since I last had to fill up and still have 3/4 of a tank left!
Marty - it kind of tickles when they first start germinating, but you get used to it.
Michael, Go to your profile and then click on "Friends" Link at top left above your name and then type in your friends name where it says "Search for a friend" Here you can then request that friend to be friends here on Endomondo as well as anybody here.
Spending my lunchtime catching up with the comments, and boy do some of you crack me up! I just wish the rain would stop so I could take a long ride instead of short ones just to get the daily points and prevent my butt from atrophying :P
How can you find your friends on here, if they're not on your team or a coworker? Can you search for a specific rider?
Just checked the "forecast" (The Weather Channel) for SE WI for the next 10 days: highs between 57F and 72F; lows 47F to 60F. Not bad, if you avoid the thunderstorms, and those are only forecast for 3 of the 10 days. We Wisconsinites have some nice riding weather coming up!
Brad - I've never tried it, but I don't think bike shorts are good for growing pansies. Perhaps you can elucidate on your horticulural endeavors?
@Brad-what a beautiful sentiment and the link you shared is really awesome!
@Camille-my sisters life in West Palm and she said they are getting hammered.
Yes, I was very ashamed to drive my car today....hat-e-d it....
@Jim - Clearly, it pays to ride your bike. :)
$5 bill in the bike lane this morning on my ride to work. Hope they drop more tomorrow.
If it's raining for my ride to work, I bring along a complete change of clothes in a plastic bag. I wear shorts and a t-shirt while riding, and hang them in my cube after I've changed into my work clothes. That usually works pretty well. The mesh polyester shorts are completely dry by the time I get ready to go home, the cotton shirts, not so much. I've been thinking of getting one of those "moisture wicking" shirts. Perhaps that would dry faster. We are cyclists, we make the ride happen!! :)
I think many of us are trying to relive... or to not forget... to live... this vital pure spirit that we began our life with. The sense of wonder and beauty of everyday life... of this magnificent world that surrounds us. Often times it's the simple things that make it so... http://www.youtube.com/watch
Marty - bike shorts are for pansies ;-))
Its raining sideways here in Orlando! Geez..
@ Christine - I had one commute in a downpour so far. It was actually kind of fun until I realized I wasn't fully equipped for it (now I am) and had to go sockless in my wet shoes the rest of the work day and wear my scrubs home instead of my exercise pants because they didn't dry in the 8 hours I was at work. Lol.
I commuted in the "rain" for the first time today. (It was barely spitting, truth be told.) I'm still not sure about riding in a full downpour, though.
You're not the only one. I am just about to the point I can't face myself in the mirror if I don't get my morning commute. It's better to arrive late soaking wet from rain on the bike than jump in that car and hope nobody sees me in my moment of shame.
Yup, we acclimate! After one summer in Arizona, 60s in the winter meant hats and gloves are worn to cook outdoors. After one winter in Wisconsin, 50s mean shorts are worn on the way to Dairy Queen!
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@Tammie, you probably don't have a problem with SAD the way we do up here in WI, but I'll bet everyone stands at the front door and stares at the rain when it comes! I know we did in AZ! Rain was as amazing there as snow in the South. Weather can be fascinating.
@Douglas F - You can't wait for the 90's and 100's?!?! Are you trying to kill me?Dude, the weather in Lincoln has been beautiful for riding... Well, except for last Saturday. Mid 60's, cold North wind. Ugh!
This morning, mid 50's, calm winds, gorgeous riding weather. Jay rode in capri pants and sandals instead of jeans and socks and tennis shoes. Her feet froze. I thought it was great. Be safe, you folks in the hurricane areas.
How about that tropical storm on the coast of SE North Carolina and FL? Although, that's not what stopped me from riding this morning-I overslept! Must have needed too. Regardless, I am so thrown off my schedule because I did not ride in and was actually a few minutes late for work and somewhat discombobulated. Rewind-lets start the day over and so that I can make my typical commute. Geez.
Nice commute in to work today. Winds at my back, a little nippy (50's) but ok. Got here in record time. Now just eating some cereal and relaxing before I actually have to punch in. :)
Speaking of hurricanes... Tropical Storm Warning in effect for SE NC. Should make for an interesting bike commute, this afternoon and tomorrow.
Got a nice 23 miles in last night! Working towards a monthly 40 mile goal. It was a beautiful night, with little wind and temps in the 70's.
Do I hear bats or is my chain squeaky? Racoon!
Two Celestial Milestones - By SUNday, May 26th, we had collectively biked the equivalent of once around the SUN (2,713,406 miles), since the Challenge started.
We are now averaging just over 119,450 miles per day. So, in two day's time, we ride the equivalent of biking to the moon.
@Brad - For the sake of decency, at least wear bike shorts.
Chilly in the 70's??? I don't wear anything on my arms and legs until it gets into the 50's. Rain I don't mind; I'll take that anyday before 90-100. I guess we all adapt and acclimate - heck, in the spring 40's feels warm.
@Kathy R - "lightning Safety guidelines from the National Weather Service. Pretty much be careful, stay off hills and away from lonely trees."
How do you tell if a tree is lonely?
Also, hurricanes are above both lightning and floods for weather related deaths. (Cold and heat are even higher than that.)
@Tammie - I'll trade you temps. It's been low 70's here (I think) and I'm freezing on my bike. I've been wearing thermal tops while biking the past few days. I really can't wait for the 90 and 100 degree temps here. I'll finally be warm!
Utah weather perfect, 74 today and not a cloud in the sky. Mountain biking perfection!!!
What crappy weather? Nothing but a soaking drizzle here in St. Petersburg. We need the rain!
Temp was 104 when we started our group ride today but as luck would have it a wonderful thunder storm moved in and we got to ride in a nice rain shower for a while. It was fantastic! We just don't get that opportunity very often in West Texas. It was not long.. it was like riding in a sauna for a bit then we were completely dry! Sorry others are having problems with rainy weather while I am excited about having a little! Great day!
Cold and raining all day here in Wisconsin, but a friend told me tonight to get out and ride and not be a wimp! So took a little spin around the neighborhood and didn't get too cold in the process :)
Sorry for the crappy weather Florida :(
So much for logging many miles this week, first named tropical storm of the season. Boo!
@ Michael, I totally understand. HAPPY RIDING!!
@Michael - Glad you and your bike have been reunited! :)
Er.. maybe a warm up shouldn't be over 75 miles, but I missed my bike soo much.
Thank You, FEDEX for a cheap price (1500+ miles, 30# box<$55) with appearently good handling.
@EM - and others - I've told my lighting story before - L&M Vis 180 on the seat post (pulsing); Viewpoint flasher on the back of the helmet for eye-level visibility; L&M Urban 300(flashing) or Taz 800(pulsing) on the bar; L&M Urban 550(flashing) on my helmet to aid in getting driver eye contact. In the winter or in the dark, the front lights go to solid. I have LightWeights spoke tape and their "stealth" black reflective tape on my black fenders for more side visibility -- and a bunch of 3M reflective spots on my helmet. And my jersey colors are bright red, insignia orange, or screaming yellow. I have one blue jersey, but it has contrasting white and black blocks. "All the better for them to see me with, my dear."
@Christine Salvatore. I'm not sure. I've been told both. My wife says I have to go ride in Ride the Rockes. Either she is very supportive or is trying to kill me.
Nice 23 mile road ride done
@Richard - not sure if the worst smell is my own... I've smelled some pretty stinky people. Phew!
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RE: 4 way stops. I normally signal.. I got the I'm going left (waving my left arm to the left and pointing) I'm going right (waving my right arm to the right and pointing) and I'm going straight... (Right arm waving like a person guiding a plane on the tarmac, up and down in front of me pointing). Lots of waving, lotsa pointing!
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@Michael - Remember, drinking doesn't solve your problems - it just makes them fuzzy. (and sometimes fuzzy is nice.) :)
@ Paul Jeffries, I agree that we need more education. In Missouri the drivers manual includes a whole page about the rules of the road for cyclists. This is great for new drivers who have to learn this stuff. The problem here, as is probably the case in most other states, is that older drivers do not have to re-take the test. They just get their eyes checked and renew their license. So many drivers may have never even seen the page about bicyclists. That's why I think we need some TV, or billboards, or other forms of advertising (clever U-tube videos??) to educate people about bicyclists. MODOT does a good job of using electronic signs on the interstate to remind drivers to watch out for motorcyclists. We need a way to make drivers aware of cyclists as well!
HI all, I was out this morning doing the regular route. Temps in the 70s and SUNSHINE!! Lots of other riders including one who caught up with me at a traffic light. We agreed that it was good to get out before it got hotter and more humid.
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RE accidents: it sounds like we have identified a danger zone: the 4 way stop. Trying to make eye contact with the driver seems to be the best idea. If might help to know that they know you are there.
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RE clothing: I always try to wear a bright colored jacket or jersey, especially the color on your back. (Esp. on hot days, wearing a dark color just absorbs more sun and makes it hotter). If you want to figure out which colors show up the best, look at riders that are about a 1/2 mile or more ahead of you on a group ride. You will see that dark colors like black and some kinds of blue don't show up very well. I also have a blinking light at the back of my bike and a white one at the front. To help with night riding I have the reflector stickers on my wheels and bike frame, and a bike glow safety light.
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@ Michael G, my husband often sees the same one or two clueless riders when he is driving to work. Not only do they ride on the wrong side of the road, at least one of them does not have a helmet. PS, don't drink & ride LOL!
With all this talk about accidents, I have to tell my story. Commuting home yesterday, I was almost hit by...another bicyclist! I was travelling in the right (and proper) lane of a two-lane, one way downtown street with parking on both sides. Here comes one of our urban knuckleheads going the wrong way, during rush hour traffic, coming right at me! Of course, his dark clothing and lack of lights made him totally invisible to me and traffic until he was almost right on top of me. Thankfully one of us (me) was paying attention and--luckily--there was an empty parking space for me to bail into. He kept right on going and gave me the stink eye for my 'acknowledgement' of his improper and dangerous presence. Then my wife wonders why I drink!
On the helmet issue we use a product from Sams called ODO Ban. We live in hot Georgia humidity . Wash the helmet liner and spray the odo ban awesome. We also spray the shoes after every ride. The worst smell is your own :)
I think - although I only have one - that it would be prudent to have two helmets so that when one gets wet or is washed you can still ride when it's drying out. that has been my issue. After getting caught in the rain and with the obnoxious humidity, when I go to put it on the next day the chin strap and such is still wet... it's just nasty, like having to put on wet tennies.
Helmets should have a manufacture date. When purchasing a new helmet make sure it has a date clearly indicated and also make sure it is not already several years old. The replacement life begins at the date of manufacture - not the date of purchase.
Commuting to work in the Florida summers (85°F, 85% relative humidity, at 7:00am) my helmets stinks after a day or two. I have gone to a three helmet rotation. When I get to work, I rinse out the helmet and hang it up to dry for 24 hours. The helmet from the previous day is the one I wear going home. When I get home, I soak it overnight in a 5-gallon bucket of cool water and a small amount of dish detergent and then hang it up to dry. The next morning I ride to work with the third helmet that had been drying at home the previous day.
My understanding is that helmets should be replaced after three to four years depending on environmental conditions or after any significant impact, whether or not any damage is apparent.
There was also a short video on You Tube about why and when to replace your helmet. Seems they do expire, but, the only way to tell when it does expire is by the sticker inside the helmet. Some manufactures do not place an expiration sticker in the helmet. The video went on to say that the foam material inside the helmet does break down over time causing it to be less effective to protect you against flying objects or a fall. The video recommended replace your helmet every 5 years. Hope that helps!
Thanks, @Joyce! Seems I've made a few mistakes (dishwasher detergent, stickers) that I should remedy soon!
@Christine: Here's a short write-up about helmet cleaning from Bicycling magazine: http://tinyurl.com/mujn23t
It touches on the replacement question too.
Dumb question of the day: Background: I have a helmet that has been kicking around our house for years. It's a Serfas Cosmos, and checking the Serfas site, it seems they no longer even make helmets. I have no idea where it came from. The Question (finally): What do you do when your helmet starts to smell ...uh...funky? At one time, I pulled off all the software, washed it by hand and put the hardware through the dishwasher. I was told not to wear it after that (by folks in another online community), but have continued to do so as it looks fine. How do you clean your helmet? Or do you just put up with the funk? Or do you replace it when it gets funky? And how often should one replace their helmet?
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Ok, that was more than one question, but any help is greatly appreciated! ;-D
@Katie: Thanks, will wait a few days to send my "motivational newsletter" out until then!
Beautiful commute this morning. Lots of wildlife out there, in flight and scurrying around. I was so happy to be pedaling my way to my destination. It really feels great. Hope everyone had a positive commute on their journeys this morning.
@nick I wear an ANSI, hi-viz, reflective vest every ride and I still had a near miss at a 4-way stop where a woman had actually slowed down and then began to roll through and came within centimeters of hitting me. She gave me the finger. It was so ridiculous all I could do was laugh' shake my head and ride on. Having said that, I've had drivers give me a shout out, thanking me for wearing my vest. I'm certainly not the most chic rider but I am one of the brightest.
@Howard: We'll announce them later this week!
Anyone know when the winners for May will be announced? I'm looking to put a monthly newsletter to my NBC workplace, but thought I'd wait to do it until I saw the NBC prize winner list. That way, I could recognize anyone from our workplace who may have won...
@Nick~
Check this blog site out for a review of Lid Lights.
Something I'm thinking about getting.
http://allseasonscyclist.com/2013/05/27/lid-lights-product-review-and-giveaway/
IMHO side illumination is the most important!!
Most of us, if not all of us, have rear and front illumination covered.
During our "dark-time" in northern Mn. I always use LED x-mas lights attached to my frame and fork. It looks goofy during the day, but people always always look twice when I'm lit up at night!! I don't care how goofy I look, if it saves me from being a hood ornament, it's all good!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I have been riding in Naples Fla since 1976.In the last 4 years I have been hit 3 times.Twice in the day,on cross walks distract.ed drivers,lots of road rash,the last time was on a green way.A jeep with a open cloth top pulled up to the gate of a condo while i waited for him to go by.Then i proceded,what happenened then he realized the gate box was behind him,he threw it in reverse and nailed it he hit me,iended up with half my body in the jeep wow I just can't believe it.right arm a little bloody and sore.Just goes to show you just never know what direction cars can come at you shell shocked in Naples.
@E.M. Glad to hear you had a better outcome yesterday! I think you are right that many motorists are courteous and understanding. And I should note that there are motorists who are gracious to cyclists too, when we sometimes (myself included, I confess) occassionally make an error in judgment/action when riding. I have encountered these folks personally and when watching others. Others have said on this blog cycling can make us better auto drivers, and I think that is right. On a related note...I wonder how often "drivers tests" and/or drivers ed. courses address bike laws/safety when asking questions/teaching. That might be something for the bike advocacy groups to take up/explore. Any cycling drivers' ed teachers out there? Maybe they/you could invite some cyclist in sometime to speak about driver/cycling safety. A thought...ride safely, everyone!
Regarding bicycle visibility and getting (or almost getting) hit my question to folks is: What are you wearing, and how many lights do you have?
In my opinion bright, flashing head and tail lights are safety equipment equally as important as a helmet. A reflective vest or hi-vis jersey as well.
@ Paul J, your accident at the four way stop is what ALMOST happened to me today. I narrowly escaped being hit. Hard to tell who was more upset (but not angry, in fact the driver told me she hoped the rest of my day went better). I tried to make it a teachable moment by stating the need (for both of us) to be careful as there are a lot of cyclists in that area. I hope it also alerted other drivers who witnessed the ALMOST incident to be alert as well. Generally most drivers are pretty courteous in the areas where I ride.
Since I brought up the bike messenger story re using U locks...let me clarify. I was not endorsing that activity, only sharing how some folks to deal with problematic drivers more regularly have done (and messenger riders don't always have the best reputation as riders, as well, I realize...but not all are like that). When reading some of the messenger folks, the sometimes see their actions as a form of self-defense. I am not sure I would agree with their conclusion but that is a case that could be made, especially by folks who regularly face threats from cars in the course of their work. On a more personal note, I have actually been hit three times by cars (no serious injuries, fortunately...one person didn't even know he/she hit me as they were turning when hitting me; I was very fortunate to be able to recover and not take a fall). The most ironic situation was when I was hit at a four way stop sign at the heart of our down town. After waiting my turn to go, I was almost through the intersection when the car to the right just started off out of no where and hit my rear wheel. In all these incidents, I was calm and courteous, even if a bit frustrated. I did not go chasing after anyone either. Given these experiences, I think it is important to try to get motorists to "see" cyclists and take us more seriously. Still, I agree that "violence begats violence" and is not a good solution (Hey, I only said I was "tempted" to use the Zephel pump...I have never actually used it. That would be stupid. By now it is probably a valuable antique. ;-) ). But sometimes a bit of anger/frustration is a justified response to carelessness and thoughtlessness toward cyclist. I still try to stay in a calm state when riding, but if I can help one driver "see" cyclists and take them more seriously, then I am helping the safety of future cyclists, not just "venting" (I never use my finger to express frustration...but like a previous post, sometimes an open hand of "what are you thinking/dioing?" gets raised from time to time.) Again, I always encourage thoughtful and prudent riding...but helping to raise driver awareness can, I think, be part of that process.
@Kathy, I agree about being happy. When I ride my bike, it seems like all the worries slip away. People seems more personable and a perfect time to release the day's stress.
Yup, when cars honk at me on my bike, I just have to assume they are either cheering me on or wish they were riding too... or both.
Well said Kathy!
My riding is my happy place and I refuse to let anyone take that away. I wave at everybody. I just experienced plenty of considerate motorists stuck in their cars on my evening ride, even got several waves from them :)
@ Kathy, I agree totally!!
Ya know, how can you not be nice? When I'm out riding half the time I find myself smiling anyway (and not at anything in particular, I seem to be... Happy). Beautiful weather... passing cars stuck in rush hour traffic... being waved on by cops when all motor vehicles have to wait... if motorists get mad at me, it's just cause they are jealous.
@ Dave & Tim, I always use the "wave like crazy" tactic whenever anybody honks at me. I don't always know if its supposed to be friendly or hostile. And yeah, I always assume that I'm at least partly responsible and well aware that on a bike, I'm the one who is vulnerable. As far as the kids and driving, I told my kids to just assume that everyone else out there is an idiot and drive accordingly.....
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
@Tammie - 104? Last week the sum of the high plus the low was only about 110 here. I start to vaporize around 104.
I would definitely love to work that deal out.. anyone have a way? LOL .... 103 now.. things are looking up.
Tammie, it's 50 degrees here and raining all day. Think that somehow we could average things out?
Today it was a squirrel and a dachshund that almost unseated me. It's not just the cars!
Wise words Timothy.
As much as I love to ride, I can't convince myself that 104 degrees is riding weather.... sure hoping it gets below 100 before dark so I can get a few miles in today. I have so far had mostly good experiences with motorists. A couple of vehicles that have not given me much clearance that I consider opportunities to improve my fine biking skills! Good thing I had my elbows tucked once yesterday! I just smile at everyone and wave when I can. I passed the 1,000 point mark yesterday and have put over 500 miles on my bike now... my poor bike does not know that it will soon have competition for my attention soon. nobody tell it... don't want to break its heart .. yet.
@ Jerry, I can't decide if you're dedicated or crazy. Please be careful!
Ran into a bike/SUV accident on my ride tonight, the bike lost. Idiots are out there, and if you think they are just the ones driving the cars and trucks, think again. Remember, the right of way is never taken, and we are the ones that will lose in the battle of gross tonnage. Be smart and be safe out there
Good news. After breaking my arm on Friday I saw the specialist on Monday. He said no riding for three weeks. But after my exam, he told me I could go on Ride the Rockies since I am dealing with the pain well. Should be an interesting seven days riding with my broken arm.
When I taught my kids to drive I said: "Idiots are everywhere, just go for a drive and you will see plenty....If you collide with something in front of you I will regard it as your fault because you knew they were there".
Therefore I regard anything that happens in front of me as my fault, I have two brakes....and yes, I have been over the hood to a "right hook", and I have been "doored" and I blamed myself and tried to learn from the experience.
@Burklee & others - it does make me feel better. After all, I call my bike my "mood stabilizer." It always improves my mood.
I've managed not to give any one-finger salutes. I have thrown up an open hand in a gesture of, "Are you kidding me?!?!" I'd like to suppress that reaction as well. There's always the chance of pushing some hair-trigger idiot over the edge.
76 degrees and sunny here in Puget Sound. Should be a good ride home.
@Dave - That's a fine tactic. Kindness may not always beget kindness, but it can sure make you feel better about yourself.
@Dameon - You'll get no argument from me there! :)
When a motorist gets mad at me, my favorite tactic is to smile and wave profusely.
It's sunny in Bonnie England! Hmm, still can't get used to saying that - Bonnie Scotland still has a nicer ring. Still, 51 miles in glorious sunshine. Winner.
Hi all, out for my usual ride today. Lots of traffic, I thought it was summer, where the heck are all those people going? Spotted a few other riders. Temps. in the lower 70s and not too windy for a change.
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RE courtesy, I agree that being as nice as possible is the best policy. If you want motorists to respect you, they need to see that you have to wait for traffic lights and stop signs too. Waving and smiling and saying hello and good day is good too. A couple of days ago I spotted a little girl riding on the wrong side of the road and politely explained that she was on the wrong side. Her mom, a few feet behind her apologized. I wanted to say, glad to see you are out riding, but the moment had passed. Now I just wave at them if I see them outside when I go past.
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I almost got hit at a stop sign today. I stopped and then started to go when I realized a car coming from the side just sort of cruized through the stop sign without looking. I managed to squeeze by and the car actually turned the corner. The driver was clearly shaken up and asked me if I was okay and if she needed to do anything for me. I said I was okay and that there were lots of cyclists in the area and that we both should pay more attention. Another driver slowed down and I waved him past, saying we were okay. So yeah, drivers can be courteous.
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KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE TRAFFIC AND STAY SAFE EVERYONE!!!!
@ Burklee- we are all winners here!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Rick, Like your car courtesy comments. Since I live in a small town, I try and do similar things, it helps to connect with the neighbors you don't know. If you are ever in trouble, God forbid, you never know who may be there to help out. Whenever I can, I wave the cars through at 4 way stops and find ways not to be an annoyance to them when I can. I do feel guilty about yelling at a car of rude teenagers the other day, I guess no one is perfect.
On another note: As a season ticket holder to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, PA I would like to encourage anyone within driving distance to check out the bicycling races on Friday Nights (www.thevelodrome.com.) It is not expensive and the food is good. (First night is June 7th I believe.)
lots of good comments (some not so much) . I end all my comments w/ MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER! and that is to remind me ( I ) am responsible for the betterment of my bike or should I say my new Trike Yea. when riding, all my mental concentration go towards the safe operation of my hpv and careful consideration of what others may or may not do, still having a more enjoyable time then when driving.
A positive attitude may not solve all my problems, but it will tick off enough people to make it worth my while.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I can't find the list of winners for May's drawing. When I click on "Winners", it just gives me "bronze - 5 x bottle openers."
@Kathy, Scott & Rick-I feel the same way and was trying to formulate words to say what you all said. I so agree with all of you. I have given a few disgruntled looks at people here and there but other than that its been nothing more than smiles and miles.
@Rick, I agree completely and it's how I ride as well. Kindness begets kindness. Although I did, for the first time, flip someone off today. Nobody's perfect.
I ride because it's stress-free and good for me, if I get mad at every little person who does something I don't like, then I've invalidated the reason that I'm out there riding in the first place. And sadly, if you make another driver angry by doing something "satisfying" to you, the next poor cyclist down the road is going to get the brunt of the anger. I don't want that on my conscience. The driver bashing should stop, there are dumb people everywhere.
For every rude drive I encounter, there are countless considerate ones. I have people pass too close on occasion, but its very seldom and typically only occurs when I am the one that forced the issue. Cars are watching the road in front of them and (hopefully) keeping a watch on me. They are not, however, watching the road in front of me. They don't see that missing utility cover, or that "boulder" I have to avoid, or the shoulder suddenly disappearing causing me to move over when they expected me to hold my line. I have far more issues with overly considerate drivers than anything else. The drivers that try to wave me through a stop sign, or want to let me go first at an intersection, or stop for no apparent reason when I'm stopped a few feet back at a crosswalk with no intention of crossing and then get annoyed when I wave them by. The other day I was doing a lap at a local race course and got stuck behind a driver going the speed limit, that irritated the heck out of me ;)
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My cars are an extension of me, hit mine and I yell assault ;) I'm one of those crazy people that treats a car like the very expensive piece of machinery that it is. You wouldn't walk around and touch my woman, don't touch my car either. ;) Plus, there are too many insane people in the world today.
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Lastly, remember that every spring those "watch for motorcyclists" signs spout up everywhere. A bicycle is even less visible than a motorcycle.
Wow, Kelly, glad you're ok! Most drivers I've encountered have been cautious around me, but there's always one who isn't.... like a few lately who suddenly turn in front of me without using a turn signal. If they HAD let me know they were planning to turn, I could have slowed down before nearly colliding with them. grrrrrrrr
@ Brad - LOL!
@Dave - I never bashed motorists being that I am one myself, but unlike a lot of other people, I keep my eyes peeled when I drive. Not just for other cars, but cyclists, people walking, heck even animals! Yesterday I was almost mowed down by a man smoking a cigarette in one hand and a cell phone in another. I was shaking the whole rest of the way to work. That's the closest I've been to actually being hit. It's not ok!
Never once have I or would I cause damage to someone's vehicle, but smacking their car with the palms of my hands to get them to notice me is a heck of a lot safer than getting crushed under their vehicle.
This is future Kelly @ 38 seconds: http://www.youtube.com/watch
As satisfying as it might seem to bash in a headlight - and I have wanted to do that and more -- remember that violence begets violence. I still have my fist-shaking moments when someone comes too close, but I've been trying to grow out of that. One thing I like about the bike is how easy it is to connect with people. On my inbound route, I try to give a smile and a "G'morning" to every pedestrian and cyclist I see - sometimes it's none, so each one is worthwhile to me. And I wave and say "Hi!" to the kids waiting for the school bus - and kids and parents smile and wave back. I choose to ride sidewalks part of the way - up hills and other places where I would otherwise obstruct traffic flow -- and anytime I cross an intersection and get eye contact from a driver, I wave and smile if at all possible. It makes me feel better, and it has a 'nefarious' purpose. I want them to see me as non-threatening, and I want them to think, "Wow, he looks happy! I wonder if I could do that?"
Those few drivers with a chip or lousy attitude will be there, and we have to protect ourselves from their actions. At the same time, I think we are better off showing the rest of the population that we are responsible adults. After all, the more people who choose cycling for transportation, or who at least see it as legitimate, the harder it will be for the 'bad guys' to get away with stupid, dangerous behavior.
Premium Rush was an awesome movie by the way! Just watched a couple months ago.
Agrees with Dave... as justifiable as our reactions to lousy drivers are, we won't get the respect we're entitled to, by retaliating.
@Kelly, that is perfect, if anything they will see you first! How could they miss that set up?
On another note, a very good life long friend reminded me today that I used to bike to high school every day. I lived several blocks from my high school. Granted that was some time ago and I had kinda forgotten, but, now I am still biking. Cool how something so simple and wonderful becomes a part of your life and who you are.
Talk of bashing a motorist needs to stop
Leave a situation and call the cops before someone gets hurt
Let's be careful, there is always someone with less respect for life than you.
For that reason (and pit bulls) I always carry pepper spray. If things get outta hand, I can spray and leave.
I found my next purchase!!
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/05/ridiculously-loud-bike-horn-may-be-perfect-for-causing-public-disturbances/
HAHAHAHA!!!
@ Paul - Wow. That's taking it to the extreme! Ek!
Kelly...I have heard stories of major cities bike messengers using their U locks to bash in some front headlights (or to dent a vehicle) to help folks "see" them as they ride. They had the advantage of much easier get-a-way given urban traffic. I am not sure that I would go this far, but there have been times when I was temped to use my old Zephel pump as an "attention getting" device when communiting in various places I have lived. Be safe...as wise as you ride!
Airhorn.... love it!
@ Brad - No I haven't, but now you've sparked my curiosity. Lol.
@ Cynthia - I have a bell and a light. I have seriously considered getting an airhorn.
Kelly - have you seen the movie 'Premium Rush'? You should start carrying a chain ;-))
@Kelly-be careful! Do have a horn, a bell, or a light?
@ Christine - Maybe! I work down the street from a Chrysler plant. Guess cars are the only way people think you can get from point A to point B anymore.
I've gotten so angry at people not seeing me that I've started smacking their cars with my hands to let them know I'm there.
@Kelly, is it a "Michigan was built on cars" thing? I find myself grumbling not so under my breath some times. People just don't respect bikes as transport. Lately, I've taken to yelling "Would you have done that if I was in a car?!" Doesn't help, though; doesn't even make me feel better. Good indication that I might as well stop yelling, eh?
Whoa, Jerry! Riding with a broken arm?? That reminds me of the diver in the Mexico City olympics ('68??) who broke her arm and continued to dive. That's what I call dedication!
@Kathy-thanks for the pannier advice. Will have to check it out.
There's almost 30000 riders signed up for this challenge. But shoud we really count those who don't have any points? In actuallity, there something like 22000 riders who have points in this challenge.
Oh, to clarify, the Suburban was going in the same direction as me and the semi.
@Elaine - Yeah, I've seen many times where drivers are just as stupid with other drivers. People pass me giving me all the room in the world by moving into the lane of opposing traffic... with a car coming... I'm just waiting to see an accident.
BTW: I ride in all weather but if there is lightning I'll duck and cover until it's over. Thankfully in NJ there's usually some place to hide even if it's the porch of a private residence. Thankfully we don't have tornados (they would stop me) but we do have Hurricanes I stopped riding during Sandy last Oct/Nov or whenever she hit. I'm not strong enough to fight 120mph winds. I'd be playing the witches theme song from Wizard of Oz and riding thru the air...
Greetings from SE Idaho. I usually don't comment on the drivers I encounter when I ride but I have an entry for "You had to be there..." Riding on a nice wide 2 lane major connector country road on a nice wide clean shoulder at 6:50 am. A big livestock ccarrier passes me safely and I look up in time to see an Epedition/Suburban PASSING THE SEMI at the same time. Ride safe.
@ Cynthia - I do the same! HAHA!
I learned about the NBC last year from one of local bike groups. I joined the challenge in the beginning of June and I was even got very close to Diamond! I was so so close, but, external circumstances would not let me get those last miles in to make it. So after the close of last years NBC I wrote the date on my 2013 calendar. Although I still commute all year long and do other rides, I really was looking forward to being a part of the challenge again. So I started NBC with the warm up period and plan to make Diamond by the end of September. Slow and steady here in South Eastern NC, enjoying the scenery, always enjoying the ride, and all that life offers. Peace to everyone today and happy healthy riding! P.S. am I the only one who keeps NBC up on the desk top at work to read the discussions?
@Douglas F - lightning Safety guidelines from the National Weather Service. Pretty much be careful, stay off hills and away from lonely trees. http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm.
According to the NOAA, over the last 20 years, the United States averaged 51 annual lightning strike fatalities, placing it in the second position, just behind floods for weather killers. The odds of an average person living in the US being struck by lightning in a given year is 1/1,000,000, while the odds of being struck by lightning in a lifetime is 1/10,000 (estimated lifespan of 80 years).
Here's some stats by State from the NWS http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/stats/03-12_deaths_by_state.pdf
IRIR people. This is so funny to me!!!!!! I don't even like to WALK in the rain - and that's with an umbrella. I can't stand rain. I would be happy to live in a desert. I am out for IRIR. Will just cheer for you all! Take pictures?
@kelly, you have to do what is best for you. Everyone has different patterns when bike commuting. If it was stressing me out, I'd also take a day or two off.
Lots of wonderful discussions going on, I always learn something or get a chuckle, or can nod my head with understanding. As far as IRIR-I do not go out intentionally as literally speaking if it is raining. However, I will commute if its raining, I often get caught in afternoon rain on my way home from work or if I am out on an organized ride and the ride is not canceled due to rain, I will still ride, but if there is dangerous situations as in lightening or thunder or anything like that, I would not ride. Safety is important. As far as tornadoes, and hail and that type of weather, we don't get that here. Very fortunate!
Kelly, if I take a day off from cycling to work, it's usually based on my evening schedule or some extreme weather event. I keep sane by riding my bicycle to work. I almost always ride to work, but often times put my bike on the bus for the ride home. Even then I ride 2 miles to the bus station and sometimes 4 miles at the other end if I don't wish to ride a second bus.
That's nice that somebody speak nicely about cycling in Florida. Usually all I read is how dangerous it is and how high the fatality rate is. I don't see that! I commute across Tampa Bay, from St. Petersburg to Tampa, every morning and it's the most stress-free part of my day!
Does anybody who commutes to work by bike on a regular basis ever take a day or two off for sanity purposes? These drivers are sparking major road rage in me. It's insane how many times I get cut off or almost hit every single day.
Over the weekend I was talking to this other cyclist outside of a store. She told me she lives part time in MI (where I live) and part time in FL, but recently talked her husband into moving full time to FL. Said that people there are so much nicer in general and that they give a lot more consideration to cyclists on the road where she is at. She was telling me it's like night and day compared to MI. Why can't people just be respectful of others everywhere no matter the circumstance?
On a lighter note.. My gears kept shifting on their own my whole way home from work yesterday. Frustrating and not safe. I'm excited because I figured out the problem and fixed it myself! My first bike repair! Simple, but still! Hehe!
Question for those that ride in questionable weather, and not just IRIR - What do you do when you're out biking and a lightning storm pops up and there's little to no cover, or the only cover available are trees? How do you stay safe and make yourself the least attractive target? Or what about hail storms or even tornados? "Take shelter" is what the experts say, but here in the Midwest we ride a lot of places that are wide open and lack any kind of shelter or cover. We can't out-peddle a tornado, so what's a biker to do to stay safe?
@Jerry - Good luck and I hope the pain doesn't get to you!
On tonight's ride, I decided to swing by Walgreen's to pick up a prescription, so I took my bike through the drive-through window. There was a buzzer, but a sign attached that said, "The motion sensors tell us you're here" or something like that. Well, apparently the sensors don't recognize bicycles, When I was leaving, the tech told me to "Have a healthy evening" and I said that I would, especially since I was out biking. :)
I discovered the easy way to correct miles! On the National Bike challenge home page.. to the right the Log Miles choice.. just hit 'delet' for the day and re enter the correct mileage... it fixes everything for that day! So easy.. even I could do it. LOL
@ Christine, sorry to hear about the migrane. I'm sure you will get caught up. Also, MS is really a hard thing to deal with, I'm glad that the wit is still there. The physical challenges certainly make things complicated.
Good news. After breaking my arm on Friday I saw the specialist today. He said no riding for three weeks. But after my exam, he told me I could go on Ride the Rockies since I am dealing with the pain well. Should be an interesting seven days riding with my broken arm.
@ Tammie, thats frustrating to have to wait for a delivery, especially when the service is non-existent in your area LOL, hope you get it soon.
I ordered a Garmin Edge 200 last week.. just waiting for it to arrive. Don't understand why they say it is going to take 2 weeks and sending by DHL.. the worst delivery in the country.. they don't even have service here! LOL
Tammie, it will probably auth-adjust itself. The points seem to lag behind the posting of the workout, so it might work the same way when you have adjusted your workout. I am missing my mileage and points for today even though it registered my ride, but I will check back later and it should be fine.
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When I rode on Saturday, I accidently shut off endomondo about 1/2 way through the ride, and so I had to restart it, plus I had to add an extra 3 miles. So it looks like I had 3 separate workouts, but it was all just one looooong ride. It scored the points just fine, so I am leaving it alone.
@Tammie Might be time for a real GPS. I've used a Garmin 205 for years and this year switched to a 510. The 205 has been a really good unit but I wanted more stats. The 510 has been awesome despite some odd quirks.
Well, now I am completely frustrated with endomondo.. it has given me 11 more points than I should have because it kept stopping and starting today due to loss of gps signal. I show 3 different workouts so I edited to not include data in statitistics...but the mileage is still included!! Good thing some miles are not showing up since the gps was not working or it would be even worse. I don't want to delete them because the show where I went. I feel guilty sice it is giving me 11 more points ..I did actually ride 28 miles today which is my second best ever.
@Cynthia IRIR requires "nice" rain, so think twice about going out in storms w/ thunder and lighting. Just remember "WHEN THUNDER ROARS GO INDOORS". Have fun and stay safe pedaling in the rain.
@Dave The only reason that I found out about it last year is because it popped up as a sidebar on the main page of my endomondo profile. I don't know why there isn't better promotiion for this event. Perhaps the NBC2013 staff should look into better ways of promoting it.
@Lens, last year I completely missed this challenge. I am very active on Endo but this challenge isn't advertised over there and I never heard about it. Why doesn't Endo advertise this challenge to it's huge membership?
Broke 5100 miles YTD with a very hot and humid 31 miles today. 5 miles was actually rain instead of just pure humidity. Summer is early, and spring never came. Welcome to the new weather.
@Christine, sorry about your migraine! And, yes the national side seems to move along quite fast, I can't keep up, either!
With a goal of 20 million miles in 5 months, we need to average 4 million miles per month. We have done well so far, but are a little behind. As we gain new members or get members up to speed, the daily average should increase. Letting people know about this challenge is a good start. Last year, I didn't even know about this challenge until about 1 1/2 months into it. Keep recruiting and keep pedaling.
@Cynthia, the panniers are Axiom Randonnee Aero 40. and they can hold lots plus they are waterproof. They are easy off as well with a shoulder strap so you can just pick them off the rack and go right into work or whatever.
Woo Hoo! Over 4,000,000 miles! Someone is putting in the miles.. guess I need to do a few today. The wind is moderately behaving so far.. only gusting to 30. I did not realize there is something saying when the gps is ready.. I will look for it.
@James, you are correct, there are some workouts that are literally impossible. For instance there is one rider in my local area that posted 26 different rides of 47.5 miles each all in one day. I was hoping it was a clerical error but, that rider has since posted other rides even though there has been comments on his workouts. So I have decided to just shine it on and keep on riding, the Challenge has been a great motivator to get out there and ride and I refuse to let the bad apples ruin my team's fun...
@Tammie I found when I was using the Endomondo app that if I clicked start before the program indicated that the GPS was ready I would see wrong mileage numbers. When I waited for the GPS to be ready before starting it was pretty spot on even on my cheap phone.
@ Tammie- I have a Blackberry and the ENdomondo Pro app can be off by 0.5 min in my 7 mile commute to work. When I ride longer it has been off as much a 2 miles in a 30 mile ride. When I look at the map it is quite interesting as it has me crossing a river where there is no bridge, or I am riding through a large building. Therefore I just go on the website and adjust the miles. The time is correct so that is all I have to do.
Ok, youse guys. I get struck down by a 3 day migraine that lasted 4.5 days and you chatter on for 45 pages!?!?! I think I'm going to skip the in between and just pick up from here. No gold in May. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with gold in June!
@ E M-oh my gosh yes, its so funny to see people look at you. What your not in a car? ha ha. I drove thru Walgreen's prescription drive thru not to long ago and got a big shocked stare. Much easier to reach the retractable drawer too...
Tammie, you're welcome for the MS ride support. Watching my BIL go downhill over the last few years has been heartbreaking. He has a keen wit which hasn't been affected (thank God), but watching him struggle...terrible! (His wife *left him* when he was diagnosed!)
James, 450 miles, or (2) 200 mile rides in one day is rather questionable. However, during the last week of June (24th through 28), the Davis (CA) Bike Club is hosting their Gold Rush Randonnée. This is a 1200km (750 mile) event with a 90 hour time limit, beginning at 6:00pm Monday. So that week you can expect some long long rides.
Hi all, out today for a ride that combined some errands with my ride. I love it when people in cars give me baffled looks when I ride up to the drive-up window at the bank!! I also love the fact that while I'm waiting for service, I'm using ZERO gas! Weather in the 60s and the sun is peeking out from the clouds every now and then!
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@ Tammie, I am sure you will LOVE your Garmin, I know I love mine!
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@ Dan, IRIR is great fun, especially if it comes in the middle of a long hot ride. Once I finished a multi-mile ride in the rain. I got absolutely drenched, but I didn't care because a shower & lunch were both waiting at the end. So I said, forget the rain gear, who cares, I'm almost done....
Tammie, it's 'cos Texas is so big and sometimes the satellites get confused about which rider they're supposed to be following! ;-D
I am doing IRIR this week! That is such a great way to put it. My area is predicted to have storms and over 60% rain every day. Wahoo-let the fun begin.
Lot of questionable mileage being reported for this month. 450 miles in one day? 2 - 200 plus miles rides in one day among those that suspend belief.
I am thankful for the little wired odometer I have on my bike because endomondo app on my phone keeps losing gps tracking during my rides and frequently is off by several miles. I have to go into the final data that has been automatically uploaded and make the corrections from the data on the bike. Luckily my bike gives me accurate distance and time data. I really do love the endomondo app for its auto uploads but about 75% of the time it has stopped running or has lost tracking sometime during my ride. I have ordered a garmin 200 and hope it has better tracking. I know I will have to manually upload that data. I plan to continue using the endomondo and will be showing double data.. I will then have to be deleting or manually editing one each time so the data from one is not counted but I am on the computer so frequently, it is not a problem for me. I also have noticed that during longer rides... 18 miles and over, the gps tracking of endomondo tends to start losing distance and I have been shorted as much as .5 to 1 mile. It gets worse the longer the ride. The gps tends to cut off corners and such thus the miscalculations.. they add up over longer distances.
Intentional Riding In Rain (IRIR) is great fun as long as the temp is 70 degrees or higher and there is no lighting. Rode to/from yoga this morning in a steady moderate rain. Learning curve at work--forgot to pack dry clothes to change into once I got to yoga. Also found out that my windbreaker/rain jacket is only a windbreaker, LOL. IRIR will force me to do more frequent drive train cleaning as well, which I generally neglect in routine riding. Before trying IRIR I suggest checking out Oxon Hill Bike and Trail Club's (OHB&TC) Safety Forum on riding in the rain. The site can be reached by going to ohbike.org.
For June, I am endeavoring to use the EndoMondo app for rides.
Advantages: (1) This will input your mileage to the challenge w/o having to wait and log into the website. (2) Receive encouragements from your family and friends who also use this app!
Disadvantages: (1) I don't like how the free version includes advertisements at the bottom of the screen (2) Version for iPhone needs some work. I'm not sure if Pro version is better, but for a one-time purchase of $4.99 (when I bought it) I prefer Cyclemeter.
P.S. A note about accuracy: I discovered my commute is actually 9.5 miles. As I was putting down 10 miles/per day, I figure this is 2.5 miles a week that I overestimated (assuming the data is correct). Do you all round up? I decided to not count the commute last Friday (May 31st) in an attempt to even things out - I am still shy ~2 miles, but I am good for it. Keep riding, keep running, keep having fun! Stay safe!
@rob, just posted about the NBC on my blog and I tell everyone I know who rides.
@Cynthia- Look at the ToPeak Rack and bag system. With the special rack you just slide it on the rail till it clicks and one push of the button release the bag/panniers. I have their lagerst trunk bag/pannier set (don't remember the model #) have carry my laptop, work clothes, lunch, tooks, raingear to work in them every day. if you don't need the pannier for a trip the zip up.
The silver, gold, etc. are given for points, which include your 20 points per day of cycling.
I am going to ask a question and I hope it's not stupid, but when you hit the level in points-i.e. silver, gold etc, are you using just your miles alone in the calculations or also including the 20 points a day NBC gives out?
@Kathy-what panniers did you get? I have searching for new ones diligently but can't seem to find what I am looking for.
@Tammie-congrads on your new bike! Your going to just love it!
@Ryan, I agree. I have a link to bring me into the website, it always makes me log out and back in, then I have to finagle to get back to the main screen.
@Ryan, I agree. Although, I love the NBC I don't love this website or the way it functions. Compared to other tracking websites, it's antiquated and not as user friendly. @Rob- I used to be of the mind you should always "do more", but as of late I've seen how the other side of things works as well. If they are riding and they hear about us, and want to be here-they will come.
@Tammie. Congrats on your Lexa SLX too. That's a pretty bike. You are going to love it! I hope it arrives soon. I too, counted my hybrid riding as "training". :)
I am just reading over the weekend comments and I tuned in to the video link that Erwin posted-are you kidding me? I couldn't even listen to the whole thing. What an absolute shame. And the commentator was not very supportive either and she made a couple odd comments I thought were very odd. I was so sad and floored by this.
Got my bike back! (and of course it's raining this morning...) No real riding this weekend as my bike was in the shop for it's 2,000 mile tune up. My new rack did not come in yet but my new Panniers are wonderful. I can't believe how much they can hold and they are the easy off kind, so I can carry them anywhere. I really missed my bike! I'm so glad to have it back. :)
this website is not very intuitive. Those that want to join REALLY want to join or have someone guiding them through the sign-up process & team joining process.
xxxx=1506 riding, 1540 registered communities
I'd like to see a national new segment done. We are a national challenge. We should emphasize the grassroots of this challenge: Health, Economy, Networking, Safety education, and local, state, and national teamwork. We may be only 29,398 riders, but we're also 1974 teams, xxxx communities, 50+1 states, and 1 UNION. I <3 that layout, because we get credit as individuals and groups, yet also get to cheer each other on and take pride in everyones achievements.
Rob, every time I talk to someone and find out they bike even occasionally, I have been giving them the website and encouraging them to sign up. Not sure how many are following through though.......
Hey NBC riders, how bout this idea to reach 50,000 riders. What do you think if we write a short story about the impact NBC has had on us to encourage others to join in the fun? We could submit this to local media along with the link to www.nationalbikechallenge.org and encourage other to register.
Or should we just ride and let the numbers take care of themselves...? Having fun riding around Appleton, WI!
Congrats @Heather on the new bike. I am waiting for my new road bike to arrive. In the meantime I consider every day on the hybrid as extra heavy training. I really do hope I am able to increase my speed and distance once I am on my new Lexa SLX. I am gradually making friends with the wind and actually was a teeny bit disappointed when it was at my back once today because I was missing the cooling effect when it was in my face! Guess 20 to 30 mph winds are going to be the norm for a while, might as well decide to like it. It is those 40+ I can't deal with.
OK, I agree the video is mostly a rant on the mayor. Of course there are cyclists that need to be educated about riding, but the idea that the bike lobby is all powerful is nuts. If that were the case, there would be bike share programs everywhere and three foot passing laws in every state, and MASSIVE education for cyclists and drivers alike... and a lot of other stuff....
@ Heather, congrats on the new bike and the new biking style. You are truly one of us and you'll be rolling that 40 before you know it. ROLL ON>>>>
Whoo hoo....up 10 teams from yesterday.Spotted it cause it was my birth year! Ride on !
@Gregg, congrats on the first place. We got in two twenty mile rides this weekend. Our monthly goal is to get up to one forty mile ride. My new bike (dolce) is really a dream. I can't even explain what a difference it has made to my riding - in a variety of ways including: energy, start-ups, mental strength, and more. I just cut through the wind on it. I had a heavy hybrid before. It's amazing. Today, even as a heavy rider who goes slow, I felt amazing. Nor the hard beating sun or crazy wind stopped me. I just cut through it all. Now, I'm tired but strong. :) Ride happy, friends!
I watched the video. I can see where Dorothy is comming from. I have a splendid bike lane map for NYC.There are routes that are quite ridable. I was born in this city and if you do not understand the rhythm and the timing you are not safe on a bike or in an SUV. I find my blood pressure rising in cities where cyclists are on and off the sidewalks like mosquitos.Cyclists have the same rights as any other driver, but we need to ride responsibly. If we do not follow the rules of the road we are offenders.
I couldn't get through the video. From the first words out of her mouth she struck me as one of those people who think, "Anyone who doesn't believe as I do is an idiot and imbecile and is the cause of all the world's problems." I also bet she hasn't touched a bike in her life. Truly a shame.
@Erwin I just watched the video and I cannot believe how many brain damaged individuals there are in this world. "The most important danger in the city is not the yellow cabs, it is the bicyclists..." I'm glad that this is only an op-ed piece and not news article. One way or another, it is utterly ludicrous. It seems to me that Dorothy Rabinowitz has a grudge against the mayor and is using any ludicrous issue as a vehicle for attacking him.
Bring us to 30000! I just did my bit; +1 more and email set to local BUG....
I can only see the stats for 50 members of our 62 member team on our team page. Please fix this. Thank you.
Bizarre video editorial by Wall Street Journal Editorial Board member in which she is 'appalled" by NYC's new bike share program. WSJ says "The bike lobby is an all powerful enterprise." Video is not intended as a joke.
http://live.wsj.com/video/opinion-death-by-bicycle/C6D8BBCE-B405-4D3C-A381-4CA50BDD8D4D.html#!C6D8BBCE-B405-4D3C-A381-4CA50BDD8D4D
@ Gregg - That's awesome! Congratulations!
@ Jerry - OW!! I'm sorry to hear that. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
OK I just looked at his profile. Good effort Paul! Keep it up!
Really? Paul Spencer has 3581 miles in just over one month? Hard to believe that! Do you work? Really? Averaging well over 100 miles a day?
COOL i was born not to far from there E M although I live in FL now
Hi all, out to Creve Coeur Lake and into St. Charles today. Parts of the trail were flooded and it was not possible to ride all the way around the lake. Then we headed for St. Charles and only got 1/2 mile down the Katy Trail when we had to turn around due to trees being downed. There was a tornado in the area Sat. night and I think that is the reason so many trees were down. We ended up riding on the road to get to St. Charles. There were lots of other people out riding today despite the bad conditions on the trail. Many ended up using the road like we did. We tried out a new place for lunch the "Bike Stop Cafe". Just off the old main street in St. Charles. You can get lunch and get your bike repaired or shop for bike stuff at the same time. They also rent bikes. Apparently they have been there since October. Today's weather was cloudy and cool with temps in the upper 60s.
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@ Gregg, congrats on the win
@ Jerry, OUCH, hope you heal quickly.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE!
Friday Ride. We had planned to ride to Ward and Brainard Lake. But we aborted the ride due to winds. They were brutal. They stopped us in our tracks while riding uphill. When we got to Peak to Peak Hwy the wind gusts were so bad they almost blew us over standing there. Decided it was to dangerous to ride Peak to Peak Hwy. We had to wait for the winds to die down just to start down the hill. I normally ride down the hill at 45-50mph. Today I had to ride down the hill at 20-25mph due to the winds. And to top everything else off, I broke my arm 1 hour into the ride. So I rode three more hours with a broken arm. I am supposed to ride in Ride the Rockes next week. I see the specialist tomorrow to see if I can do the ride. I am so bummed.
1st place today in the 2013 Aurora BayCare Triathlon Men's Sprint age 50-54 Division in Green Bay, WI out of 22 participants in that age division. Last year I was 2nd out of 14. Mike Jovanovich who beat me last year is 55 this year, so he was in the next older division this year and was 1st again in his division. So in 3 more years we will be in the same age division again and I want to beat him. haha I didn't see the results overall yet, but I did really great in very cold temps and gusty winds over 20 mph. My legs were burning on the bike against that cold NW headwind. I was in one of the last waves and was passing lots of people on both the bike and run who started before me in earlier waves. But I thought I blew it in transition earlier after the swim when I struggled to get my wet suit off over my timing chip, which I had practiced several times yesterday. Because the air was so cold this morning (48 degrees) my wet suit shrunk tighter around my body and was much harder to get off this morning than yesterday when it was so warm. And I also messed up in transition 2 after the bike and put my bib belt on my waist upside down and had to take it off again and flip it around. So I only won 1st by just 14.4 seconds in a total race time of 1 hour and 20 minutes (1/4 mile swim, 16 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run). The 3rd place finisher was also only 20 seconds behind me, so even the award announcer commented that my 50-54 age division was really a very close race. Only 20 more seconds and I would have fell to 4th place because it was that close.
To everyone that replied to my Q, thanks very much for your help and your quick replies. What's odd is that now my stats are updated - INCLUDING the ride I just finished an hour ago! I guess perhaps Endo's (or the challenge's, whichever) timetable for updating is slightly different than what I would guess/assume. I'll just sorta keep an eye on it for a while now; this is the first time I've started really watching it since the May start time.
Thanks again guys and bonne route!
@Kelly - For places like stores (grocery, department, etc.) I just go about my business. I'll bring a washcloth to wipe my face off, but that's it. If people think I smell they're more than welcome to go down another aisle. For appointments and such I'll bring a clean shirt to change into and leave enough time to pop into the restroom and cool down, wipe down, and change. I'll change back before I leave so that I don't get two shirts sweaty. Just remember, washcloths and Lycra are your friends.
@ Bill, one other place to check is to see if somehow the "include in statistics" check box got unchecked when you edit your workout in Endomondo. I use this feature to exclude charity rides from my totals. I found out about this trick last year when I noticed several rides were not counting.
@Bill~
EM is correct Bill.
Delete said workout and enter it again.
This happened to me a lot in last years run of the challenge.
Only once this year, so far. I do give it 48 hours before I delete and re-enter. Since it seems certain times of days are much busier than others, as far as people entering their workouts.
Hope it works out for ya!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Now that it's pretty much summer weather... What's the proper protocol for commuting to some place and being all sweaty/stinky by the time you get there? Not like I can take a shower at the grocery store. Ha.
@ Bill P, I don't know about disputing, but you could try deleting the 54 miles and re-entering them (kinda like rebooting the old computer trick). Good luck!
Is there a place I can dispute my current points - or, alternately, how often are your points updated? It is showing me I have 606 points (typing this on Sunday morning June 2), but that's the same point level it was showing me Friday afternoon, prior to a 54 mile ride on Saturday. How/why did the 54-mile ride not add to my points?
Well done Paul Spencer for logging over 4000 miles in May. Good luck as you reach the end of your world record ride from Norway to Spain.
Www.yeshesmad.com
@Jeffrey: Thanks! The bike was purchased at an LBS and is a good fit. Not sure about giving up the caffeine, but will definitely look at your other suggestions :) Amazing weight loss for you, congrats. I know one of the problems I have is there are a lot of hills between home and work and my average speed drops considerably on them. On the flats (and especially downhill :) I'm considerably faster.
@ Kathy Reick. If this link works, take a look at the article "Whose Streets? Our Streets!" http://www.bikeleague.org/members/pdfs/May-June%202013.pdf
I would hope that the Performance Bike people would be interested in helping make Camden a better place to bike, if for no other reason than to make it easier for you to shop there. LOL!! I would also hope that they would want to become a BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESS (if they aren't already)!
@ Jeffrey, alas I wanted to do BRAN this year but it didn't work out. I was on BRAN 5 in 1985. BRAN is on my bucket list, I will make it happen !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ Steven, one other thought is on your riding position. Have you been fitted to your bike? Either visit with your local bike shop or do some internet research on bicycle fit and get your bike set up for you, that could also make a big difference.
@ Steven, my commuter is a cross country bike I ride 14 miles one way at first I was finding myself dead after a few days round trip commuting last summer but if I took a couple of days off or if I just did some light riding around town I found my strength again. Another issue was what I ate and drank, once I put away the caffeine and increased my veggie intake I found more strength as well. Last summer when I started riding I was (gasp dare I say it...) 262 pounds I am blessed with a family that knows how to cook so I am only down to 216 pounds as of this mornings weigh in and I am now riding 30 to 35 miles daily and only suffer "slow" days such as today where I can't put the speed in but can drop from a 13 to 15 mph average down to a 8 to 10 mph average and I don't hit that point where I feel I just need to stop. My suggestion is watch your nutrition, drink plenty of water and take a few easy rides with a slow pace and see how you feel.
I've been riding (street bike/flat handlebar) quite a bit since last July. Ride 3-4 times per week to work (8.0 miles each way). 10.7 mph average so far but has been on the upswing. 5' 6", 215 pounds (have lost about 5 pounds since this all started). Really enjoy it and yesterday rode in 9+ miles to work then another 16 miles to get home. Today my legs are just dead. Rode a little over 2 miles for "fun" (10.4 mph) and just gave it up. (Admittedly primary motivation to ride today was the 20 points). My question is does anyone else experience this? If so, is it just a matter of taking a day or two off or is it ok to ride on "dead legs". Thanks in advance for the feedback.
@ E M, will you be riding BRAN this year? I didn't get registered in time but I did ask for permission to join the ride from Kimball to Sidney, this is a non shouldered highway and since the construction on I-80 has increased the traffic I have been avoiding this road for the most part but there is a really nice stretch in there that I want to ride so I am hoping the event promoters will keep the highway safe for the day.
@Douglas I saw the same thing when we went from warm up to challenge. I'm sure it's just a lag in updating all the statistics...
That story makes me sad Michael for a few reasons, for one that the driver just drove off and she was left alone...the other reason is when reading some of the comments I actually got a bit upset to see people essentially saying it should be expected because there was no shoulder. It is clearly a road used by cyclists from the sounds of it so motorists just need to slow down and be prepared to safely pass. I still can't get over how the driver just left, it was just inhumane. My thoughts and prayers are with her family
So, is it just me or are the leaderboards a little wonky after the reset? There are people not even in the US listed on the national leaderboard and on our local leaderboard for Lincoln Nebraska it's listing people from Virginia. And when I click on a name (including mine) it's sending me to the profile of someone completely different! Just a little weird.
Marty, both articles were covering the death of Mrs. Kline. The 62 year old man who struck her is now in custody.
HI all, out this afternoon on the regular route and only got sprinkled on a little bit. With temps in the lower 70s, it felt good. Lots of other riders out there today. I think I spotted a dozen, including a couple on a tandem.
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HAPPY JUNE & KEEP ROLLING EVERYONE!!
Finally! I made gold! Now hopefully my legs will recover enough to dance the evening away at my friend's wedding :P
Happy June.
Interesting to have all the stats reset to zero. Brad, thanks for the "challenge period" tip, I didnt see that drop-down menu.
Ok that's Happy June....coffee hasn't kicked in.
Brad, lots to do today and none includes my bike. I actually was headed to the deck coffee in hand, put it down, changed clothes and did my quick 3 mile morning loop. And NOW I'mhaving my coffee and can now function the rest of the day....she said smugly! I love riding. Hape June kids.
...so says the greedy girl. I loved that past comment, I've never thought of it that way - but yes, I am greedy too. I had set a new personal mileage record last year, and I said that was all well and good, but now I was going to take it easy this year (just be sure to get in my daily ride). But It's hard not to get caught up in the numbers and try to push higher, or just even try to hold a position - Whew!. It's a big mind psych - but in a good way. Has this challenge made us all greedy? I'd like to think so.
Riding my bike makes me feel good... the rest is just details!
Tammie - The current month comes up by default, but from the drop down menu you can select 'Challenge Period' which will show your cumulative point total. There are many ways to look at the leaderboard, use the one that makes you feel good.
Tammie Tops Texas, way to go Tammie!!
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@ Ben A, keep up the protest. It is absurd to tell you not to bring a bicycle into a cemetery. The bike does way less damage to the grounds than a motorcycle or a car or truck, all of which are usually allowed!
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@ Michael L, sorry to hear about the accident.
Gasp! You mean we start over in the rankings with the new month! What stress... LOL it was hard enough to maintain where I was. Well at least this month I am starting out on the first day unlike last month , I did not start until day 2. That is an advantage of sorts and I am riding more most days when the heat and wind are not KILLING me. Thank you everyone, will do my best to keep it up.
Congrats, Tammie!!!
@ Michael on Bicycle-I have a galaxy 3, but this is the first year using it. Last year I had HTC Desire and I charged down right around mile 50. But, I probably didn't have the knowledge as I do now, to turn off the wifi and make sure other apps are closed. So, it be interesting to see how long I can last on this one. I also plan on using the charger for camping, and so I am sure I will get good use out of it!
Yay Tammie for being top female in Texas! You rock!
Great Job Tammie for Top female in Texas for May!! I see great motivation in you and you are motivating others as well on here, I'm sure!!
@Tammie - Congratulations! You are officially the top female in Texas for May!
@Michael L - Sorry that you've had to report two bad accidents in your former home area. I'm sure you've biked on both roads hundreds of times.
I haven't figured out what to use to connect my phone to one of those emergency power packs for charging. I would love to have one. Last Monday endomondo almost completely drained my battery before I got finished.
Join in <3 for the cyclist
Join in Thanks for Jerry
Join in hands for support and safety
http://www.kwch.com/kwch-jab-female-bicyclist-killed-in-hit-run-in-salina-20130531,0,976065.story
Jenny, I would think that you should be able to reach 67 easily with the internal battery. I've done 100 miles with my Galaxy 3 which is notorious for burning through batteries. Make sure your screen and WIFI is off.
I purchased an external powerpack that charges cellphones and tablets. I can carry this along while doing long rides, so if my phone dies, I can charge it up. Should be nice for camping, too. Going to try it out tomorrow, as I have a 67 mile ride planned. Will see...
Congrats to the 7 who reached platinum, and the 2953 who reached gold.
One thing I also forgot to mention what happened on Memorial Day is that I was threatend to be arrested if found inside those gates on my bike. Nice way to treat someone that's there for Memoorial Day ceremonies.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/rights-bicyclist-be-allowed-national-cemeteries/dn59bRwR
If you ranked less than 21475th place nationally, I'm sorely disappointed in you!
In honor of BoneDale Bike Week and to wrap up League of American Bicyclists National Bike Month, Olivia Pevec sings "Summertime, and the Biking is Easy". shoved a little bicycle poem under her nose and asked her to sing it to the tune of Gershwin's Summertime. She styled it on the spot. YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch or on FB https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
I need to reach gold next month to reach platinum
Re: the heat... I'm an odd duck. I actually look forward to the 90 and 100+ degree days. It was 70-something this evening when I rode and I was downright cold! It was even colder (uncomfortably so) whenever I stopped because of the Lycra I wear and the wind. As for the AC, I NEVER run it no matter how hot it gets.
Like I said, an odd duck...
Congrats to the 1000 milers! I think I will celebrate next month if I hit 500 miles. Rode every day this month, and that was my goal. Good work folks!
@Cynthia A Nelson! Yes I scream for Ice Cream! at 95 degrees on my way home, after a cold shower there is nothing like ice cream while sitting in front of the fan... :D I have vowed not to use the AC this summer and we are in our first heat wave.
@Everyone else - Congrats on Gold if you got it and congrats on not using any gas or limited gas in the month of May. May June be even better!!!!
Tammie: Along with what more knowledgeable and experienced souls have already shared, it can make a big difference to simply take more frequent breaks rather than trying to “power through” to an arbitrary time or mileage point. Even a few minutes to drink something, catch your breath, and replenish your “fuel” can create new energy. I used to wilt with nausea and migraines in high temps, but you truly do build up surprising tolerance if you take it slowly. My typical tortoise approach permitted pedaling comfortably through last summer’s aberrant Midwestern stretch of triple digit days. Trust your body, take advantage of the advice about pacing , gears, clothing, hydration, electrolytes and nutrition, and give yourself time to adapt. .
Anybody do any "Grand Fondu" rides there in the mainland(states)? If so, how are the Grand Fondu rides there, and which ones' would you recommend. I am a glutten for punishment so no ride/race for road bikes will discourage me from participating in.it I may try to do a few races/rides there whle riding cross country next summer. I'm taking the "Western Express from Sacramento and then hooking up in Colorado with the "TransAmerica route. We have a Grand Fondu ride comming up in Maui in Aug (I think it's the first year) and it looks like a killer ride of 95 miles around island thru Hana.
Darn. Was 47 miles off hitting 1,000 for the month of May, but this girl is in for the night. Storms are coming and I'm tired. Will try to hit that goal for the month of June!
@Tammie - you could always move out here to the Puget Sound area. Forecast is for us to flirt with highs around 79 by next Tuesday. Lows have been about 50 and highs in the past week were struggling to get to 60 -- and it's been generally wet. Now we've got a warming trend. Sorry - just had to brag about our weather - we have to have something to make up for "The Long Dark" that extends from Halloween through mid-March.
"Only a cyclist knows why the dog rides with its head out the window."
@Tammie I agree with the others who commented here. Keep hydrated with sports drinks, ride in the cooler parts of the day, and take breaks. Other advice that I would give is to go at a pace that doesn't tire you out. It takes twice as much work to ride at 15mph as it does to ride at 13mph. Make sure to use your gears properly. Don't stay in a gear that can tire you out because you want to go faster. If you start to feel any fatigue, switch to a lower gear. Also, clothes made from Lycra (spandex, etc) dissipate heat and moisture much better than cotton, so you can stay cooler. I also wear a bandanna under my helmet that I soak in cool water, and I carry a bottle of tap water to pour on myself to help cool me down. I just did 20 miles in the middle of the day in the 95+ SoCal heat and was fine.
Competed in my first Mountain Bike race last night at Soldier Hollow, Utah. It was a Mountain Biathlon so it included target shooting after each lap. Great time and came in 3rd place in the beginners category!
insulated bottles with lots of ice will also help... nothing like a cold sip of water when you're sweltering!
@Tammy, your ability to withstand the heat will improve with your fitness. Take it slowly, try to ride in the cooler parts of the day. Also, remember to save the big meal for after the ride. I use Clif Shot Bloks to replace electrolytes. Gatorade if nothing else is available. I also use a hat under my helmet that will wick away sweat, and if I'm really hot, I can soak that hat in water to help keep me cool. I rode 36 miles today in 95F+ heat with no problems. If you build up your exposure to the heat, and remember to stay well hydrated, you should be OK regardless of the temperature.
@Tammie - Water. Lots & lots of water. Add in some of those electrolyte tablets. You can make your own gatorade type drink if you want to avoid the multisyllable non-food ingredients, just google Homemade gatorade. If you can, ride in the mornings or the evenings so you can avoid the hottest part of the day. Listen to your body. If you're dead, take a break. Break up your miles. A few miles here. A few there. They add up, and you'll get good mileage without killing yourself. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you to keep participating. You're getting some good miles and your enthusiasm is contagious. Don't burn yourself out, okay?
Congratulations @Andrew .. but I have a feeling you are no slacker! I finally made a decision on which road bike to get! The Trek Lexa SLX .. the black one .. now if they could just get it here in a hurry! LOL I am about the most impatient person you can imagine once I make a decision... tick tock, tick tock....
First ever XC race today. Came 7th in class - not bad for a slacker!
I congragulate everyone on their accomplishments... gold, gas and getting places! LOL I put $60 of gas in my van today then took it home, parked it, took the bike out of the back and rode across town to pay a bill! The first real time I actually used my bike instead of driving somewhere. Now, I need to ask those experienced here.. how do you deal with the heat!!! It is 102 right now and the wind feels like a blast furnace. 8 miles and I am DEAD! I don't know how I am going to deal with 75 miles in the middle of the summer... any advice is welcome.
Ric: your experience is indeed momentous on many levels. (not to mention inspiring) Congratulations!
Ice Cream!!!!
Burklee: let us not forget satisfiying, well-earned, easily rationalized consumable rewards along the lines of hmmmmm....pastries...ice cream......or
CHOCOLATE!
EM: Among many cycling related-corollaries to “Murphy’s Law” are the persistent, perversely inversely proportionate relationships between the likelihood of rain vs. sunshine and the timing of the ride, and between the force and direction of wind and chosen direction of bicycle.
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Finally!; the LILACS have appeared in all their glorious, extravagant, over-the-top abundance of color and fragrance- Huge, long-abandoned hedges larger than the homesteads they once bordered, inviting roadside pauses for blossom pilfering. I LOVE SPRING! Carpe Diem….Enjoy the Ride!
@Sue - Agreed on letting others know what works. We need a lot more participants quickly, if we are to make our 50,000 rider goal. (There is a sharp drop-off in new riders the last two - three months.)
@Sue and Nyla - I'm with the two of you, giving people the benefit of the doubt. Mistakes happen. Yes, some people cheat. And the sky is blue. Just facts of life. But I refuse to focus on folks in the Challenge who may be cheating. I just focus on all the really great people here who are doing a great thing for themselves, for their communities, for cycling, and for the environment. And I focus on the great thing we are doing for each other, on the community we create here. This is a positive thing. It motivates me to get off my duff, to ride farther, to see my points add up, to stay ahead as my team's captain. For those upset about possible cheating, let it motivate you to add more legitimate miles. You control your reaction. Ride with the knowledge that you are honorable, and reward yourself with the beverage of your choice. :)
Thanks Marty! Because I had to hand tally it, I only used the Colorado leaderboard not the national one and I didn't look at 100% of workplaces even in my state. I think it is INCREDIBLE that there are other workplaces out there, large and small, with high participation. It would be cool to have way to connect and share what makes it a success at our different working environments and pass those strategies along to the League, the NBC organizers, etc.
@EM - Of course the sun came out AFTER your ride! (Good thing your workplace is so bike friendly!!!) The only time on the ride to or from the Bike Kitchen today that I really felt a sustained wind gust was while I was going up the only real hill between here and there. That's how it works, you know. :)
@Sue - Those companies are a great exception to the norm. If every company were like them, we would have by far a much healthier country.
But I will give you two other examples that have even a higher percentage: Trek has about 1,100 employees at their Waterloo, WI headquarters. 880 are signed-up for the challenge, and 747 have points.
On the small end, there are quite a number of sole propietorships throughout the country, who have 100% of their employees (1) signed-up. Mine has almost 1,100 pts/employee. (The 1,100 number in both is just a coincidence.)
(I know, I'm not playing fair.) ;-)
Thank you to those with some advice about long routes!
That is so awesome Ric!!! Way to go!
Nyla - I agree with you about trusting and looking for the good in all who participate Lets not pick apart how/why/what points they have. Such as my tandem example. This thing truly has a LOT of nuances and some mistakes as well as bending things a bit is bound to happen here or there in the spirit of wanting the NBC to reach lofty mileage goals. Celebrate that we are a community here in good faith.
Health District of Northern Larimer County is rocking the Workplace Challenge! Does any other workplace have 40% of employees signed up for the Challenge and 34% with points on the board for the month of May? I doubt it! Perhaps the Leaderboard should be based on POINTS per EMPLOYEE to recognize the workplaces where the Challenge is really having a positive impact. If it was – this would be the workplace Leaderboard in Colorado today : 1st – Health District with 87.3 points/employee. 2nd – Town of Breckenridge with 19.5 pts/emp. 3rd New Belgium Brewing with 13.1 pts/emp. 4th Tri State Generators with 7.9 pts/emp. 5th is NREL with 7.0 pts/emp. 6th Colo Springs Utilities at 5.1 pts/emp. 7th Fort Carson with 3.9 pts per employee. Texas Instrument has just 0.3 points per employee.
Kind of a momentous day for me today, as it marks the first time I've driven my car in a little over 6 months. Ironically, my reason for driving was getting the car serviced for the trip down to Castle Rock this weekend for the Elephant Rock Century ride. It's also been over 8 months since I've purchased any gasoline. Fortunately, I had accumulated 8 fuel rewards on my Safeway grocery rewards card, so I received a discount of 80 cents per gallon.
PS, of course the sun came out shortly after I got back!
@Cynthia - My kids get a kick out of Gmaps Pedometer to track their miles. I have an odometer on my bike too but I use the Gmaps Pedometer to plan out routes and rides from my house. I have saved a variety of distances and make my own loops depending on what distance I might want to ride.
@Kelly out/backs get kinda boring. You need to explore a bit, ride with friends or join group rides/club rides, watch friends GPS tracks on Endo or Strava, drive to a different area and try a ride there. After a while you build-up an inventory of loops. I have loops that take me all over our county.
@ Roberto, awesome effort!
So, if the miles total actually changes today, and gets up at least another 100,000, to 3,650,000, the average person who's signed-up for the Challenge will have ridden just over 125 miles, which puts that person, if they've ridden every day, just over 4 miles per day. (This includes those who haven't logged anything.)
Its probably because of the impending end of the month, but the total miles listed above these comments hasn't changed in over 5 hours. (although the # of riders has)
HI all, got out today and based on the local weather prediction it should have started raining about the time I got done. But the weather didn't wait. I got drenched, but in solidarity with everyone out there who rides in the rain, I just kept going and finished my entire regular route. Everything was soaking wet when I got home. But fortunately for me I work at a bike friendly workplace (aka home) complete with showers, a garage, and a washing machine. LOL!
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For my first month of challenge, I didn't get to ride every day, mainly because of travel and family stuff going on. But I made it to GOLD anyway.
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Welcome to all the new riders!!!
RE: the cheaters, really this is all about BRAGGING RIGHTS and anyone who gets out there and rides has earned them. Its pretty easy to accidentally record your miles twice if you do it manually. But just go back and delete if you make a mistake. This challenge is about WE THE RIDERS who get out and put in the miles as many dayse as we can. For everyone who is doing the real deal, welcome to the club!!
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@ Jenny loved your story about getting the kids out to ride! Keep up the good work!
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Last year, we had 29,091 people from the 50 states and D.C. who signed-up for the Challenge. We passed that total today, and are currently 56 over! Woohoo!
wow Roberto, that's impressive!
36 mile ride in 95F+ heat for 1164 miles for May, 5063 for the year so far.
Kelly, When I do a ride I haven't done before that's over 75 miles, I use my Garmin to plan my route so I know where my turn-around will be. Anywhere I ride for that long of distance I usually end up in the jungle area of island here on Maui. Lot's of hills.
You can't get that kind of service at the big box stores!
Gotta be a big fan of my local bike shop, I broke a rear spoke 1 mile into a ride this morning, I gave him a call and he said bring it in and he'd work it in, I walked the bike back to the car loaded it up and he stopped a rebuild and got me all fixed up and I took it out on another local trail at the bike shop
When I plan to ride more than 50 miles, I typically map it out ahead of time. I have "loops" for specific distances based on which bike I'm riding and ride those regularly. For the longer rides, I generally incorporate those loops and either extend them or add different roads to add more miles without riding in circles. When I did my century last year, I did a 20 mile segment, then 40 miles out on a trail which conveniently had a loop at the end and backtracked those 40 miles back home. You could always ride down Woodward, just not on the 3rd Saturday in August ;)
The delightful aspect is that the “tandem lady” and her spouse are clearly dedicated cyclists, traveling consistently by bike, and that they chose to be part of the challenge. She clearly made her best, good-faith effort to get fair credit for all those miles traveled together, given the limitations of the tracking system available. I wonder if they are participating again this year, or if she was discouraged by a negative response to her efforts. The point tallies matter much less than supporting and celebrating cycling and cyclists. All genuine efforts and distances count. I believe Challenge participants are collectively generally splendid souls deserving the benefit of the doubt. (Pollyanna rides again(-;) . It is already clear that many people choose not to participate because they find the process of recording points too complicated or cumbersome. Please let’s not make it more daunting by focusing underserved attention on the very few who may be manipulating the numbers
Out of curiosity. For those who bike 60-100 miles, do you have a set destination that you embark to and from or do you just ride? Unless I have somewhere I want to specifically go, I have a hard time coming up with a route to go that far. I live in metro Detroit and my area is pretty boring for distance bike riding. I don't want to get in my car to go somewhere to ride my bike. Just looking for some ideas.
Hey, I just checked out that gmap pedometer, pretty cool. I do have an odometer on both my bikes. So, I use those.
Last year there was a woman rider who suddenly climbed to near top of leaderboards. Someone noted her frequent double entering of trips ... often 50 to 100 mile rides entered two times each day throughout the summer. She responded in this forum that because she and her husband share one email and ride a tandem, she was entering his miles and hers under her name. She was basically clueless about the rules or that others might find that to be cheating. So - it happens. Be honest to yourself, keep riding, and don't stress the bumps in the road, or the challenge, too much!
@ Marty... Nope he logged 26 separate 47.5 mile rides. Don't see how that's a mistake(doing so once or twice i could see but 26 times?), but I'll take your suggestion and leave a comment on one of them.
@JR @Tim is right about manual logging. My son is participating in the challenge and he does not have a GPS or phone or anything. He measures out his routes on Gmaps Pedometer and then logs them manually (and, ironically enough, his route to the local library and back is exactly 2 miles even so those exact miles do happen).
@Gregg-great going! You reached your goal!
To everyone-nice job and keep on riding!
I for one do not have a Garmin type device or any type of GPS device so I am logging my miles on the home and work desktop computer, I also am not a subscriber to the Edomondo program. I am pretty sure that my screen shows up a lot different than anyone who is using those products. In fact, even the home page statistics show up different. Maybe someday I will have a GPS device via Garmin or thru my phone. Right now I am living simple. And I am happy for this free app to log miles and share information with others around the country.
Nice effort there Gregg, you leave EARLY for work !
@ Gregg - That's awesome!!
I passed 1,000 miles for May on my ride to work this morning at 4:29 am.
@Brian - Can you go to the workout on the website, click Edit, change the sport to Cycling, then make sure the "include in statistics" checkmark is checked? That *should* recount it, but if not, just log more miles through the website. It's not cheating if you actually rode it.
@Brian - Just delete the walking workout, and enter in a riding workout, or walk 10.10 miles and enter it in as a ride. You can decide if you want to take the easy way out or not.
JR, even if people are padding their scores they're only cheating themselves...
@Aaron - My guess is that when he was deleting the zero in the mileage section, he accidently also eliminated the decimal point, and meant to put in 12 miles. You might want to make a comment on their ride and suggest that they look at that day to see if they made an error.
With all of this talk about cheating, I have a question. Yesterday, I logged 10.10 miles as walking when I actually did them on my bike. Is there a resolution for this?
J R, many riders who are not using a GPS or other tracking setup enter their mileage manually. Unless they enter a time, it will indicate 0:00. That is a common practice and doesn't mean anything.
You get out of it what you put into it!
Don't worry - be happy!
This challenge has motivated me a bit. I only skipped riding two days, but I had 35 rides...and one more tonight. July and August used to be my biggest months, but I didn't ride this challenge last year :)
Dont waste time worrying about the cheaters please. Just enjoy YOUR results :)
When someone posts a ride of high mileage, Dead even miles, and Zero time to do that ride, can one consider that they are "Padding" the results to try and get a high score?
I was able to get in a ride every day this month and cycled to get breakfast, lunch or dinner a few times to get some "transport" miles in. I was out of town or had family in town for 3 of the weekends which took away some riding time, but I still managed to log 704 miles for the month. My goal is to increase the total each month of the challenge, which will be a challenge in itself.
I managed to get in a ride every day this month! Even that first day I got a mile in before it snowed. Some days, the ride is only my commute, or on weekends, a roll down past Meadowlark Coffee to see if anyone I know is hanging around outside, or to get us an apple fritter to share. Lots of rides to the grocery store, and since that's only a 10 block round trip, I go a little out of my way to see if the chickens and ducks are out in the neighborhood on Rose Street. I live in a really great neighborhood, and while there are some people who don't appreciate bike riders, Lincoln is a pretty great city for riding bikes. Keep pedaling, everyone!
Today marks 30 days of cycling for Month of May for me! Onward to June now, which is Bike Month in Colorado! Keep on riding everyone.
@ Cynthia - Sounds like a fantastic ride!
Today is the last day of the first month of the challenge! Can't believe how quickly it has gone by. Let's get those miles in everybody!
I just joined the team MEDDAC, whoo hoo
So, after my commute to work and working a full day yesterday- I met my Mom and we biked to and onto the next island over. Perfect riding conditions and a beautiful tour along side the ocean. I can tell I am getting much stronger and I was able to ride at 15 to 17 mph!! How exciting, what's even more exciting is my 72 year old Momma was right behind me saying keep going we are doing great! She has also biked all her life and she has been my inspiration and motivation. I am so fortunate that she is who she is and that we can do this together. After our ride we thanked each other. Now if I can just talk her into doing the MS Ride with me in September....mmmm. Although my total miles for yesterday was 27 (commute and sport) I chided myself for not going another 2 miles to make a 30 mile ride day. But, alas it was already 8pm, had to eat, shower and get ready for the next work day. It is what is, maybe next time. A little tired riding in this morning, but, I would not have changed a thing! Ride on!
@Miriam: www.yeshesmad.com
I have clicked that link several times but find no mention of this guy.
He started at the northern tip of Norway and is cycling through Europe to the southernmost point in Spain.
Another one to watch is marek dittman who is riding west to east starting from Poland, through Belarus, and is now travelling through Russia. His website has a picture of the Earth with his route marked - I think he's on a quest to circumnavigate the planet.
Look at his course. He's riding north to south through Europe, trying to set a record. And yes, he must be mad!
Go to www.YesHesMad to see why Paul Spencer currently leads in total number of miles cycled. Yesterday he logged in 279 miles - a personal best for one day!!
Does this guy with his DIY piano-bike get extra credit in the National Bike Challenge? http://www.theatlantic.com/video/archive/2013/05/everybody-needs-a-hobby-the-diy-piano-bicycle/275667/ Fun video about a cyclng piano player in San Francisco.
@Ryan .. Welcome! That is the great thing about this... it really gets you moving toward a goal. Even if it is competing against yourself. I am definitely not making mine this week of at least 100 miles. The wind just beat me down earlier this week and I just feel weary and battered.My 'work week' really starts on friday night so my opportunity to put in any real miles is over for the week unfortunateily. It may not really 'matter to some' about rankings but it is an incentive and fun to compare yourself and see how you can move up or down with your efforts... even if it is just all in fun. Nothing like a little sweat to get you going.
My cousin just showed me this site last week. Already I can tell that I need to get my friends on here. Arkansas is in a sad state. 1 week of biking (and logging it) and I'm nearly in the top 50 for my state. Yikes. This is a fabulous program, it might actually help me hit my goal of 1,000 miles biked this year!
If it's 1200, it could be a mistake (an extra zero?)
While this is challenge is ultimately about getting people out to ride (exactly what it has done for me)... The cheating issue really irks me; especially when it's so blatant. Currently I would be at the number one spot in my city (out of 250 riders) had a rider not logged over 1200 miles in a single day. Honestly whether I would stay at the top or not, which I probably wouldn't, is meaningless. I'd just like people to be honest about it and it's aggravating when people aren't. Is there anything we can do about it? Probably not. But, sometimes it's good to vent. I'll keep riding and logging my miles honestly and just not consider the cheaters. (though it would be nice to have that screenshot ;) lol).
@Paul: Thanks Paul! I am 386 in California
Tammie...about "cheating"...there may be some fudging of the numbers, but generally I think you can trust them. Cyclists involved in the NBC (at least the ones I am aware of and who post on the messge boards) are a pretty honorable lot based on my experiences. In the past, there have been some pretty clear cases of folks who been less than truthful in their recording of rides, and they have been called out by the organizers over the last two years. I even think some records have been vacated as a result. More impressive is the REAL number of miles some folks really put into their riding. There have been several news stories of some of these people, which have been fun to read. I encourage a principle of "charitable interpretation" when assessing riders and their miles. And don't get too caught up in the rankings. They are fun and motivating, but sometimes distract from the real fun of riding.
Sahil, there are two ways. First, some states will have state rankings easily viewable when you toggle to the "local" (as opposed to "national") part of the NBC homepage. Go to the leaderboard in the local setting and you will automatically get your state ranking. However, some states have multiple "local" challenges going on (Wisconsin is like this). In this case, you need to go to the "National" page leader board and click on the states tab. Then you need to click on your state. Then your ranking should show up there. I have to use the latter strategy to find my actual state ranking as my "local" tab only tracks part of the state's riders in WI. [Editorial note--I appreciate trying to encourage local challenges, but there really only should be single "state" rankings on the "local" tabs, IMHO. Or have three tabs, local, state, nation. Also, I echo the comment that workplace community tabs should be added to the "State" categories in on the national leadership board.]
It might be a dumb question but how do you guys see your rank in state?
@Len, there are no winners in an event based on an honor system. Cheaters only cheat themselves. Ride hard, ride it like you stole it.
@Tammie, there are always cheaters. I'm #72 in the country, but that's besides the point. I ride because I can, because when I don't I feel bad, and because it's my passion. Don't worry about levels, placements, or any of that stuff. Just ride your bike, then ride it some more.
Oh, forgot to say.. congratulations on making gold.. nice feeling isn't it!
It is frustrating that some are cheating the numbers. My goal has been to stay within the top 2000 in the country but since I have been in the top 1600 lately, I have been working to try to stay there.. greedy I know! Been happy staying in the top 24 in texas too! LOL ... wonder how long that is going to last? The winds sure have cut down my miles the past few days. I have been waiting for someone to knock me off the Texas womens podium.. but it hasn't happened .... yet! LOL
Bad weather + Good riding companions = Lots Of Fun
Fenders are your friend. Your fenders are also the friend of your riding companions. Friends don't let friends ride without fenders.
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We had to wait out dime and nickel sized hail to start our ride, then had to take cover quickly mid-ride to wait out a (brief) torrential downpour. It was a short ride, but all in all it was the most fun I've had on a ride in a long time. The rapidly setting sun (and having to work tomorrow) necessitated ending the riding for the day, unfortunately.
@ Jen and @ Lens ~ He is logging over half of his rides double. None are comutes and they are all different miles for different days. Example Tues 25 miles put in twice, Wed, 54 miles put in 2x, Thurs. 35 miles 2x. Now those will have the exact same stats for the 2 of them, I mean exact. I checked a couple and they matched for times, miles and speed at different times. so the only think they can be is doubles. If it was one or 2 then I would agree with Jenny and say yeah its a mistake. But when its most of the month, its not a mistake, as some days only have 1 ride and its all cycling sport.
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Oh and for the record he was not in the top 10 and then today he is leading by almost 200. To me that is trying to win by cheating.
@Len, sometimes people don't realize when they put in the data that they are putting it in twice. I had that happen to me the first time I did the challenge, before I had it loaded onto my smartphone. In any case, regardless of whether they are cheating or just making an error, I know how frustrating it can be, when you work so hard at it. I don't worry about everyone else, I challenge myself.
@Laurie, I know what you mean, I was hurrying home from work so that I could get a chance to ride before the storms came through. Then, dragged my kids out on their bikes so we could ride to Subway for dinner. They were not happy, and trying to use the "tornado watch" as a reason not to go. So I checked the radar but nothing out there close by, so I figured it was safe. Well, as we sat there eating, I guess that line of storms came in faster than I had anticipated. The kids left for home, but I still had to stop for milk. I was riding home pretty fast to beat the storm. Funny thing, though... I have been sitting at home now for a 1/2 hour and it still isn't doing anything, so maybe the worst is bypassing us!
@Marty - Thanks for the seatbelt comment! The past couple rides I've gotten a few blocks from home & thought "Crap, I'm not wearing my seatbelt." I've gone without driving for the vast majority of the month. I only drive when it's far & my sweetie is coming along. She's not capable of riding as far as I can. I'd much rather ride than drive. And it's paid off... I made it to gold today!
@Len Is he logging in a commute? I know Endomondo has a commute feature, where the website automatically logs in a preset commute such as to and from work on certain days of the week. Although, if each ride is more than 10 miles, I would be suspicious.
Why is it so many people feel the need to cheat at this challenge? I just found someone who posted all of his rides double each day.,They all have the same exact stats for the day, times, miles, calories, speed (average and even fastest speeds). Is winning the local that important to them? I mean come on. I busted my ass to be near the top for my state, and now that its the end of the month they come out of nowhere and have all these fake stats. I don't care if I am the best for my area for the month, IF I am beat fair and square. These people make it so I really feel like saying to hell with this.
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Thank you for reading my rant...
@ Kathy - I need to come work for Comcast! Haha! I would take full advantage of all that.
@Tammie - we can't all live close to our work place. it sounds like maybe you are in the medical profession with all those long hours. If so, it's probably best you aren't exhausted at work.
@Kelly - and what is crazy is almost no one takes advantage of the facilities we have. Maybe 10 women use the 40 lockers available and less than that use the showers. We actually have a full gym on the premises; free to employees. Comcast! Love the perks.
I enjoyed a 22 mph tailwind on my commute home this afternoon. It's uncommon this time of year for me to encounter anything but a headwind - both ways. The sea breeze blows offshore in the morning and onshore in the afternoon. My commute is just the opposite. We don't have hills in this part of Florida, but we do have the wind.
I had a very trying commute home today. Almost got hit by an idiot. Then another idiot completely blocked off the cross walk at a major intersection and refused to move for me. Had me sitting in the middle of a major roadway unable to go anywhere! That is the first time I've actually cussed a driver out directly. And then have her the bird. I couldn't believe that.
On a good note though, a storm was brewing behind me and I literally beat it home with about 2 minutes to spare!!! Go me! Haha!
@ Tammie - That's ok! You ride when you can and that's what counts!
@ Kathy - I so wish my job had lockers and showers. That would be fantastic!
Congratulations on the no car use. No way I could manage that. I go through $120 in gas every two weeks and it is killing me. My drive to work takes me 30 minutes on a highway.. can't imagine how long it would take me on a bike and I work 12 hour shifts.. 3 in a row. I am absolutely exhausted after work .. sometimes can barely stay awake to drive home. I also have to make that drive almost every day to join the group rides because everything is in the neighboring city... even the bike shop! Kinda defeats the reeason behind the bikes... hauling my bike in the back of my van. .. but the ride is fun! Well,most of the time.. the wind today is manageable.. only about 15 to 20.
Ok, out for a cycling adventure with Mom and best friend! Lets the miles roll. Perfect day too-abundant sunshine, no wind and about 75 degrees. Will be hitting 5 o'clock traffic for a little bit.
@ Kathy, don't worry, I am having too much fun to let a pesky little tornado get in my way.
I normally pack all my stuff on Sunday then load up the panniers with 5 days worth of lunches, clothing and everything else I might need on Monday. My location has lockers, showers, and fridges. Then for the next 4 days I don't have to think too much. Cause thinking hurts. :(
@Shawn - Welcome
@Kelly - Congrats on the non car use. Save that gas money for new bike stuff.
@James Webster - I hope your bike wasn't hurt too much and am glad you didn't hit the pavement. Cause it hurts.
@Laurie - Don't be getting sucked up by no Tornados! we need you in the challenge.
I just came back from a short ride that was going to be a lot longer. The rain itself felt good and cooling, but the clouds made me think it might be time to check the weather instead of continuing away from home. Turns out we have a tornado watch for the next few hours.
@Shawn-welcome to the NBC.
@Kelly-so cool! I am inspired to track my car usage for June. Lets see how it goes.
Michael - and that will be a tailwind for me!
I know what you mean Brad... just checking hamweather and it looks like I'll be pushing into a 14+ mph wind on the way home today... :(
Great site for hour by hour projections... change the zip code to yours...
http://www.hamweather.net/cgi-bin/hw3/hw3.cgi
Had that happen to me last night Brad. Had a great pace going to start my ride made the turn and had 15-30 MPH winds right in my face.
Hahahah Marty. Yup, me too.
Laurie - yes the wind always the wind. I check the weather AND the flags. Then after I'm out I'll check the flags again just to be sure the weatherman wasn't lying. Ignore the wind at your own peril. Several times that I had, I was on my first leg setting an impressive pace, amazed that today I am so fast... so strong... that protien drink must be really working... YEAH! ...only to make my first turn and have it all crumble to dust around me...
And the corollary to what you do driving, that is affected by your biking, how about what you have done biking that was affected by driving? (usually shortly after first getting your bike out for the season)
I've already gotten on my bike and reached for the seatbelt. (Luckily no-one saw, otherwise I would have had to pretend I was stretching.)
@Shawn - Welcome!
As of tomorrow I will officially have gone entire month car free (except for the once a week trip to the laundry mat with my mom.. don't think she would want to hitch a ride on my rack.) Last time I filled up my gas tank was the 29th of April and I still have an almost full tank of gas. How awesome! Let's see how long I can make that tank of gas last!
Just joined! =)
Regarding the previous posts about funny things we do now while driving.... when I am driving and mentally planning to ride when I get home, I have been looking at flags to see which way they are blowing, so that I can plan a route that will have me riding with the wind on the homestretch.
Marty, I save that for extra special occasions. That's just too much sensory overload for just regular. If you coulda made it, that would have qualified - it just wasn't the same without my 'special' brother.
@Brad - I'm glad I couldn't make it to your party, particularly if all you were serving was electrolyte infused flavored water with smell-a-vision.
@Tammie - I'm sorry, I didn't know. Your determination is amazing! Ride on!
@Heather and Tammie, joint pain, fibro, and migraines (and many other symptoms) can be misdiagnosed Celiac disease. My wife was misdiagnosed with Fibro and all kinda stuff for years and it almost killed her. We cured her w/out drugs by removing wheat from our house, and a few other foods we figured-out she was allergic to. It is Celiac Awareness month so I thought I should mention it :)
@Tammie. I'm on the NSAID's. When you have complicated joint problems, sometimes you just need them. I also work towards freeing my diet of inflammatory foods, and have other treatment methods but that doesn't mean I don't need NSAID's. Do you know about how diet affects inflammation in the body? Anyway, I just cross my fingers and pray I am doing enough to keep them from ruining any other part of my body. I am going today for a pain shot. I will be poolside tonight, but will get back riding over the weekend.
I wish I could do without the NSAID's... I have to protect my single kidney! I will quit taking them as soon as possible. I avoid taking anything but vitamins and some supplements otherwise. Problem is, I can't walk without it right now. As for the jacuzzi, I have fibromyalgia and I would not be able to ride my bike at all without using it... or work for that matter. I have been dependent on sitting in it after most activity for years or I just plain HURT. I am actually allergic to most medicines so don't take anything except one med, topamax, for migraines. Can't survive without that one. @E M ... post alll you want, I am doing it too it seems! LOL I have been committed to riding every day without fail, the client I work with has asked me if I will do a medical transport, my 18 month old I work with, has an appointment in Ft Worth June 13th, they want me to accompany. That will keep me from riding one or two days! Good $$ but do I do it???
That's the thing around here.. no need for maps.. nothing here to map! LOL I am in West Texas.. the middle of nowhere. We have county roads that are narrow and full of LOTS of oil field traffic that does not care about bikes on the roads. It is just NOT safe. The auto accident rate and death rate out here DAILY on the roads is downright scary.. not a joke. Very few places to ride except the access road along one highway between Odessa and Midland and our local neighborhoods. That is why I go to the local University and go 'round and round' on the 3 mile track to get in my 21 miles. LOL At least it is safe. Those walking, jogging etc. start laughing with me as we pass by each other multiple times. We wave, find different ways to wave and by the time I am finished, we are almost friends having usually exchanged only a word or two during the brief encounters. Some people I see on the path routinely, others I have only seen once.
@Tammie - I would steer away from the from the anti-inflammatories as quickly as possible, prescription or not, if it is an NSAID, as they actually degenerate your tendons and ligaments, two things that you need to be strong for bicycling, and every day life, (besides muscles). The effects won't happen immediately, but over the long term, won't help.
Also, after a tough bout of exercise, it is best for recovery to sit in cold water - as cold as you can stand, even adding ice. I know the warm or hot water of a tub or jacuzzi feels good, but cold water prevents more blood from getting in the innerstitial areas, and fusing to the fascia surrounding your tissues, decreasing your range of motion, and setting you up for injury.
@Kawika - For your trip, I would suggest that getting a rack and pannier would be much less fatiguing than carrying a backpack. I've done two and three week trips before,a nd panniers are the way to go.
A backpack is OK for short rides, (and I did use one with about 10 lbs of stuff on a 111 mile ride last summer), but if you plan on doing that every day, you would get a lot more fatigue in the shoulders/arms than you want. Plus, if any of the days are in the 80's, 90's, your back is going to get really hot and sweaty. Some stretches out West will require you to carry a gallon of fluids at a time, and right there is 8 lbs.
HI all, sorry for all the posts in a row, but I was catching up on several days of postings and its hard to remember all that stuff that you want to comment on. Was away for a family event in Nebraska over Memorial weekend and then in DC to help my son get settled in for his internship. Now its time to get back to the serious FUN of riding!!!!!
@ Samantha, never feel ashamed for riding. Any miles are good miles, its the people on the couches that have the problem....
@ E M Matteson-Welcome Back!
@ Mike & Kathy-Oh my, I don't know how I would do it if I didn't take 15 minutes out the night before to get cloths ready and lunch packed for the next day! It only takes about 15 minutes to do the night before, but, gosh be lazy once and don't do it? That 15 minutes you didn't take the night before turns into a half hour when your trying to get out the door in the morning-and its more stressful I might add-then you chide yourself for not make those preparations the night before.
@ Everybody, people giving US BICYCLISTS a hard time about riding is just because we are making them look bad. Maybe they are having a guilt trip because they know they should join us.....
@ Jenny and anybody else with kids too small to take the big rides. Maybe you can fit in smaller rides in a park or on a trail once in a while so they get a feel for what mom or dad or gpa, gma is doing on the bike and help get our future riders excited. Then they will cheer you on when you take your "big" rides!
@Kathy: I find that getting everything laid out the night before including lunch is much more efficient for me as I tend to forget things in the morning and then have to round it up which delays my leaving time and possibly making enough noise to wake the wife.
First day to ride to work. Took longer to get everything organized and to get going than I thought it would.
@ Tammie, BOO to people who would discourage cycling. You are doing great and have really caught the bug. Don't be afraid to print out paper maps for your rides until you have the money for fancier equipment. Not only is bicycling good for your health, its great for your brain power. Way better than sitting on the couch!!!
@ Ben A, sorry I missed the deadline to sign your petition.
@ Nyla, I think I have seen the "two wheels move souls" quote somewhere. My son has a t-shirt that says: " "Ride your bike" God. "
@Kathy-so neat you did not use your car this month! That is awesome!
Well, an adventure of sort getting in this morning-used my road bike as my Mom and I are going for a long ride after work. Had to get creative getting my gear and my lunch and other needs for the day to work. Used a long handled tote bag and swung it over cross my chest...it was a little heavy and awkward, but, I did it, and given that-I still was able to ride much quicker on the lighter bike instead my regular hybrid. Hmmmm, maybe I should get another lighter bike to commute with? That would make a total of 3 bikes. Maybe someday. Maybe next year. So won't log my total miles for the day until tonight when I see how many I get in for today. Happy day to all!
Cresting a hill, breathing hard; Just taking a drink of my electrolyte infused flavored water, a strong aroma hit me at the very same time. Hmmmm... orange poop. The sensory experience was both appetizing and disgusting at the same time. Very confusing,.. But I'm almost sure the forest road that I found on Saturday, filled with thousnds of trilliums was preferrable.
@ Kathy R, wow what an adventure in Camden. Good for you to show your determination. You should have the Peformance Bike people join you in protesting the bad conditions.
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@ Ben Arguilla, sorry I missed the chance to sign your petition. Bikes are vehicles just like cars and motorcycles and they are way less damaging to cemeteries.
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RE: I phones & the Garmin. I have the Garmin 800 and I mainly use it to track miles and have fun knowing elevation and other things. I will have to try out MIke R's instructions since I will have to leave a car at the Kansas Ctiy airport later this summer and would like to figure out if its possible to get from there to the Amtrak station by bike without too much danger to life and limb. Anybody in the KC area listening?? I'll take suggestions. Also, I know you can save battery life on the I-Phone by putting it in Airplane mode. But that means you can use it constantly for mapping, etc.
My father-in-law lives in Hawkins, WI. Two things I relate to my visits up north, the smell of the manure and fresh cut hay. Down here in the sunny south we are cutting hay and the honey suckle is blooming. Either way, riding the bike is a sensory experience.
Springtime rides in rural Wisconsin….it’s hard to hold breath while pedaling past the less than lovely fragrance of fecal fertilizer and it definitely take longer than driving by, with no option of rolling up the windows..but indeed it motivates picking up the pace, and at least actual manure aids in producing something worthwhile, unlike the metaphorical sort abundantly spread by far too many politicians.
Brad...great comments...but that question about what you "smell"...riding in rural WI, I get to smell much more than I would like at times, and I am not just talking about all those dead skunks in the middle of the roads. I like to think I also have provided a pleasant diversion to many of the cattle feeding at the farms I ride by. The way you can tell that biking season has been going for a while...they don't look up when I ride by. Then there is also all the manure on the roads as the farmers try to fertilize their fields. But all this "smelling" can really provide some motivation for faster pedaling to fresher air. Of course, we do get those great praved rural roads...dairy farmers like their milk to get delivered as _milk_, not butter. So I guess things even out.
My chain wiped into my spokes and ate my derailleur today. I was doing about 20 down a hill and had shifted to a lower gear when i heard a awful sound. I thought i was headed for the pavement but i said to myself that would hurt and was able to get stopped putting down a streak of rubber on the road about 20 feet long. It took a while to untangle the derailleur from the spokes. the cage was bent beyond repair and the wheel needs to go to a shop
Kathy, that is awesome!
@Cynthia - Yes he was serious, I was laughing on my way home after that.
@Charles - I do other riding as well but it's easier to give whole/round numbers. For the most part I no longer use my car. I didn't get gas at all during the month of May!
@Tammie - What you needed was a motor for when you got tired. :p
You go, Kathy R. It's 21 miles round trip for me to my work. Plus, I ride to the gym and over to my daughters house to visit her and my grand daughter.
@Kathy.. a motor.. really! LOL I would have stared blankly too! Well, everyone, I finally met the wind that beat me today.. gusting in the 40's with sustained in the 20's. I could only make 8.5 miles before I just gave up. It was just a losing battle today for me. No way I could continue to fight it. Maybe when I am a bit stronger and more experienced but this is just not weather for a beginner. Of course, now that I am back home and settled, the winds die down. I am NOT GOING BACK OUT NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT TEMPTS ME!
@Kathy-your kidding right? What else could you do but stare at him?
When you go to the state rankings you can see tabs for your state's rankings of individuals and teams. Is it possible to add tabs for workplaces and communities? It's nice to be able to see those, too.
I just like to beat myself, and I make little goals too - riding one or two more miles each time I do a ride, or if I can not do a long ride, making up the time the next day - always increasing my average. I have felt a big improvement in my pace and stamina in just one month by tracking my miles. I am in my 50s so I am happy with this small improvement.
So I stop at the store on my way home and see my neighbor.
He say, "Hey Kat, how many miles you ride on that thing today?"
I reply, "Well, it's 22 miles round trip to work 5 days a week.
He replies, "Wow, that's quite a distance. Why don't you get a motor for it in case you get tired?"
I just stared at him, blinking dumbly...
I'm temporarily out of the Challenge due to an eye problem. But I hope to be back soon! In the mean time, please take a look at this story of survival: The Long Bike Back. http://bit.ly/10IBOjI
@Roberto - my wife and I usually go non-stop, but we probably "cheat." We have recumbent trikes, so even if we stop, we're lounging!!! Check it out at www.tadpole-tales.com I have to say, they are a lot of fun. It's feels like you're riding around on a go-kart. Always have a grin on my face. :)
@Brad-didn't get a chance to say today, but, thanks so much for that insight on riding, it was beautiful.
@roberto, I am a non stopper too. Just since this year. I've left friends at intersections before. Oops!
Had to renew the plates on my vehicle today. Rode over on my bike to do it. :)
Jenny, I usually ride like that too. I figure 10 miles, or 15 or 30, are the same whether I stopped to smell the roses along the trail or not.
I stop frequently. Since I ride for recreation and not commuting, I don't feel the pressure to "get there on time". I stop for pictures, water break, or even to just take the pressure off of the "tushy" and to just walk around a bit. To smell the air, the beautiful scent of the lilacs, to try to catch that snapshot of the deer in the field before it bounds away, or to catch a still picture of a tree against an evening sky.
@Paul, very impressive indeed. Utah (correct?) is beautiful, and I'm sure your commute is a good one.
@Cycling Roberto- When I comute to work I ride non stop both directions. My comute is 30 miles each way.
Recently, I've gotten myself hooked on riding nonstop rides. No breaks, only stopping when necessary for lights and stop signs. Since my daily ride averages 40 miles, this can become a challenge if the weather isn't perfect. My record nonstop is 62 miles, and then I had to stop because I ran out of water. Anybody else indulge in this strange obsession?
The heat is not getting to me so far.
Brad-
Perfect, poetic capture of the spirit of the challenge and the essential JOY of the ride!. Thanks for sharing it (-:
Oh yeah, I had daily rear flats for awhile when using a road bike with panniers, even with the Maxxis Refuse, which is kevlar lined tire for less flats. Switching to a touring bike this year I've had on rear flat in my 678 commuting miles in 2013.
@Scott-you know, that was one of my thougths, commuting with a road bike could possibly lead to more flats?
@Tammie, in the past 3 years I've had a completely torn Achilles, ruptured ATF ligament, and a chip the size of my thumb broken out of my anke, all from the same incident. Hang in there, it gets better, I can say riding is the #1 thing that has healed me so quickly. On the road bike/hybrid question, I commuted on a road bike with panniers for years. It eats year tires quickly (think teenager with a Corvette), that said, ride what you have and have fun!
apropos of yesterday's conversations on funny cycling stuff we do when not actually cycling - I was talking to a friend last year in the parking lot after a club ride about how I often drive to places using the roads I cycle on since I know them so well. He said he was driving in the car with his wife, and she asked why he was going on certain roads that weren't the most direct. His response was that they had less hills.
Brad, loved your comments about riding whatever you can according to your abilities and feeling good about whatever that is. I would like to forward that to my fellow Workplace participants, giving you credit, to hopefully inspire them to ride more often. Some people put too much pressure on themselves viewing this as a competition, and then getting discouraged when others are ahead of them. We all need to be doing this for the right reasons, whatever those are for each individual.
@ J. Hugh Strickland-I am working on more than two.....considering a "real" no gear commuter bike (although my local bike shop guy says the Mongoose is awesome and in great shape-just had gears and chain replaced). And possibly trading in the Mongoose for a lighter newer hybrid. Just not ready to part with it yet.
Preach on Brother Brad!
Amen Cynthia Nelson, what you only have two bikes?
Yes, Friends lots of differrent riders for lots of different rides!
All get to feel better and have more fun!
Now on to the French Pastry! Bon Ton Roulle!
I have been riding all my life. On some type of old steel bike of some sort or another. I got my Mongoose Hybrid in 1998 and I am still riding it today with love and care. We have been through many a mile together. I still use it for my commute and for many years did organized rides on it. Two years ago I made the decision to get a road bike, (I called it my Mercedes), and I love it! However, I just can't bring myself to put a rack and panniers on it. So, I continue to commute with my Hybrid (my sedan). I also like the workout I get with the hybrid. It makes me stronger too. After reading some of these conversations about how fast or far some ride, just remember its all about health, education for yourself, and just getting up and moving. If you are inspired then your inspiring someone else. If you feel good others feel good, if you are educating yourself on the cycling sport than you are learning one more thing you did not know yesterday. That's part of what it is all about. Be yourself, be your best, ride on with peace and glow forward with all the wonderful things your commute/ride held for you.
We all go the distance allowed by our own abilities. Your 5 might be the same as his 20 or her 40, and certainly worth more than hundreds of pretend miles. Take consolation in the 20 daily trip points - the great equalizer. It doesn't have to be competitive, it should be fun. Pick a direction you've never gone before... wave at people... breathe deep - what is it you can smell here? Did you hear that bird? Never stop exploring. If you're trying to lose pounds it may be better to track how long you are on your bike rather than how far you've gone. When you are done; are you a little winded? Good! Do you feel good?
Great month! Warming up--finding my legs. Let's see who in the top ten is up for another.
This is my second year in the Challenge. Last year as well with this year I just look at the riders a couple spots ahead of me. Then I try to pass them or at least stay close. I don't try to be a leader but I am leading in the team, bragging rights are fun for now. The most important part of the Challenge is my much improved health and all the bicycling friends I have gained. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
Keeping the doctor away? My blood pressure has been running high the past couple of years. Yesterday at a doctor appointment, after a solid month of riding, it was 116/76. Woo Hoo!
Keeping the doctor away? I used to be a regular patient at the chiropractor. I started riding again 3 years ago and haven't been back to the bonecrusher in 3 years. There is alot to say about the benefits of riding!
A mile a day keeps the doctor away? Or something like that...
I must say that it's really encouraging to read what others are doing. I think we beginners don't need to be too hard on ourselves. Instead we need to remember that every mile we ride is one mile more than the couch potatoes are doing.
And don't compare yourself to me either... I am pushing myself really hard right now. I could not do it if I was not taking prescription anti anflammatories and had a jacuzzi to sit in after every ride! I am a beginner trying to really go beyond my comfort zone.
I am the turtle in the group when I go on the group rides here!
Samantha, I feel the same as you do. I feel like a tortoise in a crowd of hares, but I keep plugging away every day.
Samantha, remember everyone here started out the same as you are doing. Those that are riding many daily miles just didn't get on their bikes and do big miles at the start. It takes years to build up to the daily/weekly miles that some on here are doing. Don't feel bad. Feel good at your acomplishments!
I rode 15 miles today and patted myself on the back ... then all of you put me to shame! I stand in awe at the daily miles many of you are able to ride!!
I am one of those people who mainly shops at yard sales, and a couple of months ago found an old Giant hybrid at a thrift shop. I would rather have a road bike, but this has been good for my purposes so far as I rediscover the fun of biking :)
This is my third year in the challenge and still riding my hybrid (or cross bike, as it was called 20 years ago). I have thought about getting a road bike, but for now I also continue to be "cheap". LOL
I have seen people loaded up and also have very little on road bikes. I am going to ride cross country next summer on my 2011 Scott Hybrid road bike and will only have a small back pack with me and anything I need along the way I will pick up. Stay at hotel/motel every night and hand wash jersey set each night. Plan on riding 75 miles a day ( 6 days a week) so I want to travel lite.
@Christine THANK YOU so very much for your support in my Bike MS ride! You are amazing!!!! I was determined to ride 2 hours today no matter how hard the wind tried to knock me off my bike.. and it did try a few times. I do plan to continue to use my hybrid for the casual city rides and if the road conditions are not good.... such as wet roads... like that is really going to happen very often here! The hybrid really gives you a great workout. It is comparably a very heavy bike.
I rode my hybrid 4 years, (cheaper bastard than Mike)
The road bike was a huge improvement on weight, aero, posture, and endurance for my medium to long road riding, mixed with commutes with no loads to carry.
Doug there are many different styles of bike, each suited to it's ideal purpose. Hybrids and touring bikes meet the requirements you mention.
Please dont bother bashing cheaters :(
They have a hard enough life ekeing their way through a shameful miserable existence.
Cheers !
If you load a road bike down with a rack and panniers, doesn't that defeat the purpose of getting a road bike? And wouldn't a hybrid offer better stability across a variety of road conditions than a road bike when fully loaded? (We'll say 20-30 lbs in a single pannier on a rear rack, more if using a second pannier and a trunk.)
@tammie - I lugged it out on my hybrid for over a year before I broke down and bought the road bike....because I din't understand and was cheap...lol. You are way ahead of me and you will love it!!! Still ride the hybrid when the road bike is in the shop and on the days I want to slow down and cruise or explore some dirt trails, but I love my road bike!!
I completely understand the ortho problem and easy on the joints and other problens, I twisted my ankle 12 weeks ago and tore a ligament... it has not healed and I can not stand long or walk very far but I can ride my bike without any problems. Go figure! I wear a brace when I am on the bike just to avoid twisting it again when I step down because it is very weak and I have already done that once and fallen after a group ride. Everyone tried to catch me.. wasn't funny! Just got in from a 21 mile very windy ride.. wind is 26 mph ststained gusting into the 30's.. I wanted to give up at mile 7. I had my arms laid across the handlebars at times and my chin on my arms.... can't wait to get my road bike for days like this.
@Jeffrey. I have a 500 and love it but seeing that the 510 and 810 have the live tracking feature may mean I have to save some pennies.....My wife is understandably anxious when I am on a ride especially solo, since getting a call last Oct from police that I had been hit while cycling......I had used the endo app for awhile but had stopped because I was on longer rides and it just chewed up the battery. Periodic texts while riding aren't the same as the live tracking.....have some homework to do ....thanks !!!
@Laurie - the "guilt" is a good thing....lol. At the same time you have to listen to your body. If you are wiped out, take the rest day. The challenge is not a sprint, its a marathon
@ Len - In my local board the person who holds the number 1 spot seems to be a bit full of it as well... That's all I'll say in regards to him.. But I don't understand a reason to cheat in this challenge. The only person they are cheating is themselves.
About the Garmin cycling computers one other thing they offer and something that has put my wife a little more at ease is the LiveTrack feature in the 510 and 810. It connects to the cell phone via bluetooth but uses very little of the phones battery power so it can track much longer rides this way than with the Endo app and from what my wife says it has better real time tracking than the app did. I know the idea behind it was to share your races and training stats live but it works great for my wife to see where I am at and that I am still moving, since I have used this she hasn't freaked out when my 1 hour ride ended up 3 hours or when the sirens go off and she see's that I am still moving along my favorite country route. It was a little spendy but the peace of mind was well worth it.
Len, It looks like I can see into the future. LOL
Nice to see some people might not have done any riding, and just filled in the blanks for the whole month, before the month ends. Not saying he did or did not do any rides, but when you just add in days and continue to fill out the whole month everything becomes suspect.
Heather - I'm going to a phys. therapist tomorrow to get help in getting rid of some residual pain, weakness & limp related to my hip fracture last year. Interestingly, none of that stuff seems to interfere with turning cranks on the bike. Go figure.
@Stephen: in PA is was cold today, so the jacket was good. It has vents under the armpits and on the back also (with a wide lip so that the rain does not run down your back.) In hot weather it would not be a good thing to wear for the reasons you mentioned.
Anyone have a favorite pair of bicycle gloves for cold weather and for just so. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and this week I have been waking up with tingling in my one hand. This happens to me when I overuse my hands.
Dave"Shut up Legs" Cairncross, I saw earlier about the post of the Garmin Edge 800. I have had mine since it came out and love it also. They do have a new Garmin Edge 810 out now and olny difference is that it has upcoming weather details on it and would be good if you were going for a long ride like cross country. Other than that, you may want to stick with the 800 as it is much cheaper. I do wish that they would put the wind info on it and then it would be perfect
@Heather, I am amazed at how biking is not a mainstream supported sport. I wonder if other sports get the same negative attention. My thoughts are that most people can ride bike because it is an accessible activity that anyone can do easily and we are just reminders of what they ARE NOT doing. Hope that makes sense.
Someone else commented that there should be a "like" button for these comments, and I totally agree!!!
Less than 50 minutes to go at work, then it is some ME time on my bike!
@Heather
Dont worry, we'll never be understood by lazy people who stereotype us
We just have to be content with ourselves
Lance didnt help as it turns-out
Go Cav!
@Karen: About the showerpass jacket, is there some point when it becomes too hot outside to wear it? I bought a pair of rain pants and find if it's much above 60 degrees I might as well just let the rain soak my legs because I sweat so much in them it's virtually the same thing. Thanks! @Tammie: my wife exercises a lot. Sometimes I'd get mad because it meant sometimes we couldn't do things I wanted to do until she finished exercising. Then I realized it's important to her, that it made her happier and healthier and in turn I was becoming happier, too. I hope your family discovers the same thing. You do have to be a little selfish and take time for yourself to become a better you.
Awesome ride today!
Friends, I have a new Orthopedic problem. You would be amazed at the people (friends and family) who consider my cycling "extreme". I'm one of the least extreme cyclists on my own friends list here. Thankfully, my problem still allows me to cycle, swim and do yoga. I enjoy telling people that when they say "OH NO! Do you have to give up cycling now." Do you ever get tired of defending this sport/hobby?! Do they ever quit? I get so tired of explaining that it is good for the joints and low impact. I guess everyone assumes I'm trying to become Lance Armstrong or Mark Cavendish.
Yesterday I had planned to spend my day riding, stopping at the lake and other relaxing spots, and then continuing on. However, the cold and rain and breeziness conspired against me. I managed to get in almost 22 miles, which is a lot for me. Today I am still feeling wiped out and I feel guilty about wanting to take a day off........
Yea, I think that comment from Brad made everyone's day. I will not at bunps in the road again when driving a vehicle the same way.
Yes a general like button on the comments would be neat, but, if you friend someone you can "like" on their profile page.
@Laurie-I can relate.
Did my first organized metric century Sunday, rode just over 66 miles in about 5 hours. About 75% flat and 25% hilly, some a real challenge. I've ridden a 200 mile weekend before but not in an event, just a camping trip with a friend. Looking forward to more events! :)
I keep looking for the "like" button for some of these comments.. hehehe. I like them all!
@ Cynthia, since the challenge started I have biked over most of the roads I usually drive, and I have noticed that now wherever I drive, I recall what my last bike ride was like.
@Brad,
After my hip fracture, but before the surgeon let me back on the bike, I found myself walking on the wide shoulder to a an appointment along a route that I normally ride. As I approached a driveway on my right, I instinctively checked behind me for any approaching car that might be planning to turn right. I did that like I always do -- I glanced down to my left where my rear-view mirror hangs on the end of my drop bar -- only I wasn't on my bike, so it wasn't there.
Or holler into the (empty) back seat: rough road ahead!
Brad, do you also say out loude "BUMP" before you realize you are in the car...LOL...You just made my day
@Brad, thanks so much for the laugh. Love it!
@Michael-so very much agreed! I just want to keep going, but, I so look forward to the close of the business day knowing its going to be great to ride home. And, in the whole process I am so thankful. I whisper that too the winds every morning.
You know it's happened that moment when you do happen to be driving a car, see a bump coming, and lift and raise your butt off the seat a bit.
@Cynthia-I get Post-Ride Depression every day when my morning commute ends at work! Then again, I have to remember the bright side; I'm fortunate to have a job to commute to every day. Too many out there still don't have one yet...
@Paul-I think I have arrived. Driving my car is so foreign anymore and I feel guilty and odd when I do drive! I thought it was just me! Ok, I am not crazy, I am not crazy....ha ha. In fact, my parking space at work has been taken over by someone else. Now, my mission is to get bike racks at our businesses in my little town. Not one business has one.
Among the greatest things cycling has brought me is the warm feeling I get when a friend/acquaintance takes-up cycling, and thanks me for inspiring them :)
I do it for myself, and I totally get my effort worth, but this is a huge bonus.
@Tammie...hang in there and don't get discouraged. Riding can be a great way to get around AND exercise AND help save the planet. You know you will have arrived when you start feeling guilty about using your car and/or you put more mileage on your bike than your car! And the folks in this community can be an encouragement. Let us know when you need a pep talk...and good luck with your MS ride. (PS My parents recently got back from a trip to Amsterdam. My mother said, "I have never seen so many bikes in my life...they have parking lots that have more bikes than cars." I said, that is what ALL cities should look like! Ride on!!)
@Jenny, Tammie, et al who are "shirking" their familial responsibilities, I sometimes feel a bit guilty about taking off for a ride, but hey: who's gonna take care of me except me? And we all know that if Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. I ride for me because I enjoy it and get the added benefit of some exercise as well. If I drop a few pounds in the process, all the better! How do you know a happy bicyclist? Count the number of bugs in their teeth!
@Tammie, my BIL has MS, so the cause is near and dear to me. Unfortunately, between my age and my weight, doing 100 or 150 miles in a day is a very daunting thought for me. I'll be riding on your shoulder, cheering you on! Don't worry about unsupportive family members. Show them what you can do, and maybe you'll inspire them to get up offa their butts and do something! We are *such* a lazy nation!
@ Tammie - Sorry to hear that your family isn't so supportive, but like Karen and Cynthia said.. That's what we are here for! This is such a great community of people. Keep up the amazing work. :)
Here is one for all out there...has anyone ever suffered from post ride depression after an event?
Jenny, there is a reason why when you are on an airplane, they tell you that in case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first. This is the only way you can help others, by taking care of yourself first.
@Karen, good to know about the Shower Pass Rain Jacket! Thanks for the input.
Tammie, keep it up! I agreee with everyone else, biking is doing wonders for your body and soul. Yes, we all have responsibilities at home, but I say that the dishes and laundry can wait until after the ride. YOU need to take care of YOU. I will admit that I sometimes feel a bit selfish taking my rides, too. My kids are not up to riding as far as I am going, and so each time I go out, they give me a little guilt for leaving them behind. But, it is the "me" time that I need, this challenge did a LOT of good for me last year, having lost over 10# without any other major changes to my diet. I still need to shed those pounds, and so I am committed to biking to feed my soul and exercise my body.
Of course, I wanted to say, I think what I need now. OOPS!
Don't let anyone bring you down about your biking!!
In the end...... You'll be better for it!!
On another note....... I've started using the Endo app (a little) for the iPhone; much better than last years!! Although I won't use it for any ride over 10 miles!
It just eats my phones battery like you would t believe!!
Since 90% of my riding is by myself in the woods; I like to have my phone in case of "what it's."
I've owned my Garmin Map60CSx series GPSr for many years and with handy handlebar mount it gives me all the info i would ever need on "my" rides. Plus I enjoy Geocaching, and pedaling my Fatty and "caching" go nicely together!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie, take care of yourself and do what you love. You have bicycle community support. In time, your family will come around. Hang in there!
@Gregg-Hope you make it!
Keep up the great work Tammie, it's good for body and soul, and you know it is. Don't let anybody discourage you. Remember that every minute you spend pedalling is calories going out and not going in. You have the power to be the person you want to be.
@Tammie. Don't get discouraged. Your family will be happy when they see the results. We are here for you cheering you on, that's what this is for I suppose.
It is raining in my neck of the woods. I still do not enjoy riding in the rain. I used my "birthday money" last year and bought a canary yellow Shower Pass rain jacket, and I feel way cool and safe riding in the rain with it on, a good investment, but I couldn't believe the price tag. I thing what I need now is a good pair of gloves. Any ideas folks? Wimpy in PA.
142 miles is only a little over 7 more hours of riding for me and I got 85 1/2 hours to do it yet. I'll make it. :)
@Gregg .. looks like you may be doing the rain dance. Good luck! 1000 miles, THAT is amazing. People around here are doing rain dances right and left because we really DO need it desperately. As for me, OK, it can rain a few minutes as long as it does not interfere with the time I want to ride! I need to start doing at least 20 to 25 miles a day now. I have ZERO support from my family .. in fact it is complete discouragement and snide remarks. My mother would prefer me stay fat and lazy spending more time watching TV with her and cleaning my house. I am still on the fence between the Garmin 200 and one of the more feature intensive models... will I really use the other features? I seem to be happy now with just the 'basics'. Will I really use all those features? It is really a stretch right now just buying the road bike. THANK YOU @Phil for my second donation! I am more than determined to make every one of those 150 miles of the Bike MS. Getting more excited every day. I joined the team of our local bike club. We have 8 members on the team so far.
Ihttp://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/tammieporter
Looks like I have a good chance to beat my all time record of most miles biked in 1 month, which is 926 miles in May of 2012. I am only 68 miles away from beating it with 4 days remaining in May. I am going to try and shatter the record with a 1,000 miles this month, which is only another 142 miles this month. But with the rainy and stormy forecast this week, it is going to be tough to do it.
In support of Tammie P...since I believe in BIKE MS and supporting newly addicted cyclists, I just donated to Tammie's MS efforts. I encourage others to do the same!
I know this is not a 'donation cause' forum but I felt led to encourage Tammie as she have proved she has caught the cycling bug.
@Brad, Thanks for the tip, I just ordered the 800 for a birthday present at that price :0
Petition for bicyclists rights. Turned away at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery today because I ride a bike.http://wh.gov/lqljv
@Tammie P: congrats on the Bike MS goal! I lead Team HP Omaha Bike MS team of 30+ riders; great supported ride, great cause, great challenge. I relate to multiple bikes: road, commute and mountain/off road!. I have a dumbphone only (for safety), and have a bike computer on the road bike only. Commuting and off road riding, for me, is to get away from all 'connections', so I fully disconnect and enjoy the time away from it all.
I envision you creating and leading your own Bike MS team soon!
I use the Garmin 800, and I would do it again in a second. It's touchscreen display is so customizable, I even have it set to show the time of sunset - the only thing it doesn't do is start a hot shower for you. Not sure if it's still going, but Western Bike Works had them on sale with rebate; about $220 for the unit itself $350 for the unit with the bundle of map card/heart monitor/wheel sensor. Also the site Garmin Connect has a route mapping feature with easy uploads to the GPS.
@Tammie, how wonderful that you found biking and all its positive wonderful attributes! You will enjoy the MS Ride, they are amazing. Just to be a part of such an event and for a good cause. You'll find yourself wanting to participate in every organized ride there is! You really get hooked. This will be the fourth year in a row that my son and I participate in the BIKE MS-Break Away to the Beach ride. I do the 130 mile route. And this year my son is doing the two day double century. I love it and look forward to this event every year. Every year I learn more and more about training and nutrition for an event like this. Last season I lost 15 lbs just training! I was so excited. But above and beyond that, I learned a lot about myself and my abilities. I have other events that I participate in through the year as I am sure everyone here does. But, there is a certain excitement about these big events. Something to look forward too for sure.
Beautiful ride into work today! Not a cloud in the sky, sun shining brightly with a temp of about 60, and no wind. I have energy to start the day to boot. Have a great day NBC participants!
@Ben, signed the petition!
Ben, Signed and put up on my FB page.
@Cynthia I plan to ride each and every mile of the 150 miles! It may take me a while but it will be worth the effort! I just got my FIRST donation.. THANK YOU @Kathy ! I am sooo excited. This NBC has me on my bike each and every day since I discovered it on the second of this month.. keep kicking myself that I missed a day. I have now promised myself to bike a minimum of 10 miles a day.. don't know if I can keep up with that on the days I work but will do my best. I am trying to remember my log in and password to that darn government site.. they sure don't make it easy to sign those petitions! LOL
@Ben - Signed
A principal goal of the Bike Challenge is to raise awareness of and support for bicycling as a valuable, healthy, economical, ecologically sound and COMMON form of transportation. What legitimate justification could there be for turning cyclists away from National Cemeteries? Please take time to read, consider and sign Ben Arguilla’s petition. http://wh.gov/lqljv
The opportunity to connect, support one another and be heard, collectively, is a particular gift of this challenge.
@Kawika. Thanks. Maybe you. Pass the word along.
Thanks everyone.
You can go today to a National Cemetery to honor our fallen heroes as long as you are not a bike rider. Please take the time to spread the word and sign our petition.Turned away at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery today because I ride a bike.http://wh.gov/lqljv
We have a local group called the Chuckatuck Chainring that does a Memorial Day ride, including a stop at the cemetery for a prayer.
Ben, That's very bad.. I am both a retired veteran and a cyclist and that doesn't stand well with me at all!
@Cynthia - Way to go... get 'em addicted when they're small...
@Everyone else - sign Ben's petition and help Tammie bike for MS! Let's support each other in our endeavors.
@ Ben - I signed the petition and shared it on my Facebook page.
You can go today to a National Cemetery to honor our fallen heroes as long as you are not a bike rider. Please take the time to spread the word and sign our petition.Turned away at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery today because I ride a bike.http://wh.gov/lqljv
@Tammie, how awesome you are participating in a Bike MS event. It is an amazing experience training for the event and being a part of it. How many miles are you planning to ride?
Well, for someone who is new to cycling... 9 1/2 weeks now.. and already buying a second bike.. I own a hybrid and am buying a road bike, I am just jumping in with both feet! I have now completely gone insane! I have committed to riding in the Bike MS on July 20th and 21st. It is going to be a LOT of work getting myself physically ready for this but I am determined to do it... somehow. If anyone out there cares to support me, here is a link to my donation page.. just figured out how to set it up! One step, er, pedal at a time. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/tammieporter
Thanks Ben.
Everybody, please take a minute, start an account, and sign the petition.
@J. Hugh It's a joke. Harley Davidsons with all the noise they make are allowed into Ft Rosecrans and are official escorts on Memorial Day here in San Diego.
With visiting weekend friends and thier 12 year old daughter, I was so excited when she said she would love to bike to the store with me. We biked a total of 8 miles. The young girl told me she loved riding bike and when she gets older and on her on own she wants to live in area where she can bike to work and to run errands. Yahoo! How cool is that? Hopefully her spirit for biking and the environment will inspire others in her generation and beyond.
@JHugh was set to only allow friends to comment. I have adjusted that. I understand Touring is not fitness riding. the objective is to tour. However traveling with a bike in the US seems very difficult (having the bike disassembled, boxed, shipped, reassembled). Not friendly at all.
@Ben - signed.
Link for a petition I posted earlier.
http://wh.gov/lqljv
@kathy R I was going to go into detail about travel, but you don't allow comments on your page so here's the short version. I have done both. Virgin Atlantic, the last time I flew to England, had a free bicycle policy, it worked great. Airlines seem to be bicycle unfriendly in the us. Bikes and trains in EU way good. I have used the all in approach for tours with guides, finding that guides sometimes get lost and a garmin map is really helpful. We climbed a French hill twice and then stopped the guide and sorted it out. The bikes are good in my experience, but I take my seat and helmet with mirror. Touring is not fitness riding so it has a different pace and point.
Google taking your Bicycle on plans and then check with the low cost airlines which still are low compared to the Corporate Air robbery Lines.
@Ben A Believe it or not there has been a movement to ban Bicycles in NA Cem. because of the "disruption and disrespect". Go figure! I'm signing.
@JHugh - Do you travel to foreign lands with your bike or do you get one there? I just wanted to visit my bro in Texas with my bike but it looks so expensive to pack it and rentals are way to high priced. My bro wants to come out here too and do the AC to Cape May ride with me and I think I will have to buy a second bike.
I started a petition for bicyclist rights to be allowed into National Cemeteries. I was turned away today because I was on a bike. I was refused my right to pay respect to my dad and father in-law This Memorial Day. please pass the word to all not just bicyclist.
I use a garmin 800 and have on short and all day rides. In my experience the Garmin ran about 11 hrs on the longest day of our touring last summer. I don't own a smart phone, and my cell is from Asia so I can wifi in hotspots without paying the smartphone cost.
The advantage of having a map, and being able to put in a new map when traveling is really great. We found banks in France with my garmin, and some great pastries did not slip by because they showed up in towns that otherwise you would have just ridden through rather than ridden to find by chance a pastry or chocolate, or cheese, or wine, or champagne or cafe. so it seems to me that it depends on what you are into. If you are just recording the miles that's one sort of need, if you actually travel or explore then that's another. Also, just because you haven't yet done something doesnot mean you won't. Hats off the the adventures of Kathy R and if you think a cheesesteak is good, last summer we ate Brie de Meaux with fresh local bread and fruit at a Castle ruin in Meaux along the Marne River. This year it is the Loire Valley. The options to explore are great in the undiscovered country all around us.
Upper body work out applauded for the stairs on the BF Bridge. Way to go Adventuring Kathy!
I've been thinking of getting a power pack to carry along with me in case the phone battery dies. Its really not a huge concern except for tracking longer rides. I really just want to get out there and enjoy the ride, and I don't want to carry multiple gadgets.
Picture of Stairs to drag your bike up on the Ben Franklin Bridge Jersey side
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9cV77n_w3yCUlBKUS1wVXItaVk/edit
Picture of Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9cV77n_w3yCc0RQVTU4RVhJUXc/edit
Re: Phone vs. Garmin debate
Running Wahoo Fitness or Cyclemeter app on iPhone in pocket with WF's $129 RFLKT display on handlebar is a game changer. I had 30% battery left after a century ride. iPhone (4s or 5) connects via bluetooth to RFLKT, speed and cadence sensor and HRM. One button upload to Strava. Have been using it for 3 months. Slick! http://www.wahoofitness.com/
@Dave - I totally agree. Leave the GPS tracking to the Garmin.
@Peter, that is what I need! One of the reasons I will get the Samsung phone over iPhone is because you can carry a spare battery. By the end of my ride I turned off wifi just to conserve battery power. Nothing worse than being in unfamiliar territory and have your only mapping ability turn off. In the end I ended up going wrong way on a one way by going over grass to a parking lot and riding thru that. it's really stressful.
The phone has too many other jobs to do and doesn't keep track of rides that well. I got tired of the phone dumping tracks, or it would pause if I made a phone call or took a picture, or the battery would drain, and I would end-up with no/broken track :(
The Garmin has one job to do and does it well, for up to 12 hours, and then you are free to use your phone...as a phone :)
I have been using my smartphone with Endomondo and Google maps. I mostly use the maps if I am on unfamiliar roads, but otherwise it is really just a reference for me.
I'm from WI and right now in Upper MI for the holiday and our grandson's graduation from high school. @ Short Battery Users! I use a small Powerock battery supply for back up to recharge my phone. For long rides I bought a double Powerock. The small one weighs under 4 oz and the large one 8 oz. Other names for these are Power Bank, Juice PAC and others.
@Tammie - I really like my Garmin even if it is only a watch type. Prior to cycling I was a runner which is why I have that model. Cause its a tri watch. Running cycling and swimming (and the lake is warming up as we speak). Just no onscreen map feature. :(
Nice! I have been looking at the garmins and really wonder if the extra expense would be worth it for me getting anything more than the 200. I live in West Texas. Not many roads to worry about! It is the oil field traffic running over us we have to be concerned about!
@Jason -it was a SNJ Cheesesteak from my LCsS (Local Cheesesteak Shop). We don't do whiz. ;)
@Mike - 1) don't know what kind of bike u ride but u cant cross on a recombant. 2) check out my map on endomondo. If u cant see it friend me. 3) roads get crappy half way up marlton pike till downtown Camden. But that's about 2.5 miles. Federal is the worst. Its concrete not asphalt. Just keep pedaling!. 4) weekends only. Don't try to fight traffic 5) its a good time. Gotta do it once.
@Mike - I have a Garmin 410. Its only a watch but I cant afford the 500. Personally I'm leaning on a smart phone (galaxy 4s. Cause i only have a burner cell and the 4s has GPS) I had my ipod touch which got me to google but I nearly killed the battery trying to figure things out without help. I think that's how I got in trouble. I was using google with the bike overlay to figure out my route. It figured i could walk the bike thru a field of poison ivy. No biggie right?
@ Nyla, hope you got one :)
@nyla - i want one....lol
Noted on a series of necklaces at local art sale today: “Four wheels move bodies, Two wheels move souls” (-:
@Kathy congratulations for making it out in one piece and mission accomplished... And I thought I was adventuresome just going to my local HEB right around the corner from me! LOL! Welcome back to the road@Jimmy!
@kathy - Some garmins have the mapping capability you desire and They are not all the most expensive ones. I use a garmin 500. I prepare the routes ahead of time on another service called ridewithgps.com. I then export the file (tcx format) from there to my downloads folder on my PC. I connect the garmin to the PC and copy the file from the dowloads folder on the PC to the New Files folder on the Garmin. Turn the garmin on and go to the training menu. Select courses and your course should be there. Select it and "Do Course". IT is meant as a training tool (racing against the course) but if you prepare the course accurately it works as a turn by turn similar to a car gps. ALL THAT SAID - Take hard copy of the trip sheet as garmin can lose the course periodically (use it on routes you are familiar with first) and when it finds it again it might have dropped some of the turns. There is a rudimentary map that can also get you back on course or bridge the gaps in the turn by turn. ANOTHER CAUTION - if you let ridewithgps.com create the route automatically review it closely. I have noticed that it will for instance route you to a less traveled road but not consider the difficulty of the turn(s) you might have to make ( I try to avoid left turns unless there is a light and/or a left turn lane). I have also seen it suggest a turn when set to Cycling that is illegal for autos. This can usually be sorted out by switching to auto to see how the route changes.
@kathy - I'm amazed that you did this!!! I live in Mt Laurel and consider myself an adventurous rider (willing to explore new routes). That said, I have never gone across the Ben into Philly, for many of the reasons you cite. And this is despite a longstanding desire I have to ride the Schuykill River Trail. I think I am going to have rethink my reluctance...I am in awe !!
@Kathy- you're a brave soul for toughing it out in Camden. It is a seriously shady area. When I lived in Philadelphia, it was told to me only to go to Camden for the Tweeter Center and to buy drugs. I did neither! The big question, which cheese steak was it, and are you a with/Whiz kind of lady?
.....First day for me to ride bike after I rode bike cuashed in rain dayon last week. The left shoulder & back still pain, but it's getting better and I love ride bike everyday. I'll keep going on!! Go bike! GO! GO!! GO!!!
@Tammie - Congrats on Gold!
Totally left my comfort zone today. EM said try performance shorts, well I see on the internet they have stores. Closest one is 25 miles away. But 25 miles to the West of me = riding thru Camden (one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the USA) and riding across the Ben Franklin Bridge (cause I live in NJ and they are in PA). GPS mapping would have been nice (like a car GPS) cause I got lost due to faulty Google directions (took me right to a dead end). And Camden roads SUCK! they put absolutely no money into infrastructure (not that NJ State is much better) but Camden is the worst I have ever seen. However, poverty like theirs is just sad. A real road bike with skinny tires would not make it, I barely made it and I use 700c-38s. Then I must carry my bike up 3 flights of stairs to the bridge walkway. People who walk the walkway are dumb, I truly believe that if it weren't for the guard rail fence they would walk right off into the Delaware (or onto the High speed line tracks below). But in the end I got my Performance shorts for 30% off!! I got to try them on and wear a pair home (much needed due to Camden's roads, my bum is thankful). So the mission was a success! And I just downed a foot long cheesesteak sandwich like it was nothing more than a single jelly bean. Next adventure? Going Down the Shore! 45 miles one way. Atlantic City beware! ;-)
Yay, Tammie! You go!!
Just noticed... I made gold today. Wasn't expecting it quite this soon but have been putting in more miles each day. This is just soooo much FUN!
@ J Hugh - and let us not forget the reverse image raccoon eyes caused by sunglasses....lol
GCC sounds like a wonderful club with incredible member participation in this fine event :)
As a newbie cyclist, This story inspired me: http://m.journalstar.com/news/local/cindy-lange-kubick-moving-day-on-bicycles-making-the-couch/article_cff83b43-ab23-50e4-b587-f5c6ec31efca.html
Skin is the largest organ you have. I am freckled and used to have red hair, they call me a blond now, and here's what I have learned. Not only are there chin strap, glove, shorts, and jersey lines but I have circles of tan on my feet because I wear sandals. I, also, must be careful from now until mid October because I tan right through the jersey. I actually begin to develop a strap line for my heart rate monitor. If I am going to be out longer than three hours I usually put sunscreen on all over before I put my kit of the day on. Some people are weight weenies, but I am pretty much a sun and heat weenie. I use lots of sunscreen, with a little harmful chemical as possible, and plenty of ice drinks during and after each ride, mostly water.
@Micheal on Bicycle, yes those are two great rides, and there are so many in Florida. If you live in a place where you can't and don't ride because of ice, snow, and cold, Here's an invitation to come on down December to May is the dry season with great temps, clubs the have rides multiple days of the week and with endomondo and garmin you can see where others ride and chat up more than a few of the over 600 people that live in Florida and are enjoying year round riding. My winter cycling gear is what they call spring and fall gear in Wisconsin and Vermont. Based on my experience you can ride about 355 days a year on average. All this and you don't have to ride in a city if you choose. This message brought to you by a 7th generation Florida Cracker.
Thanks James and Dave ... I love being out on a bike in the fresh air. I respect every one of us that is is out riding ... we are improving our physical condition, taking control of our happiness, and hopefully inspiring others through our behavior and words to join us biking instead of trying to run us over or off the road. lol
Every 2-3 months I head up to Gainesville to ride, I love riding with GCC, they work for a well behaved and consistent pace line. During late summer GCC sponsors a great double century "Santa Fe" and "Horse Farm Hundred" which is well supported by the club and local law enforcement... one of my favorite 'must rides'.
Mad respect for your riding Judy!
Judy, my friend, you inspire us all. And this challenge has been good for our sport and our advocacy. I hear the same thing from everyone, that they are riding more miles in every aspect, from commuting to club riding. When El Prez Jayson lit the match on this powder keg, I had no idea what a huge success it would be. Every day I look forward to doing my long commute or a sport ride and logging my miles. Yesterday I heard a complete stranger tell a customer in the shop I work at that "they need to get logged in" to the challenge. And I hope you don't mind but I use you and your hand bike as an example all the time to get people signed up. We have a long Micanopy crew ride scheduled for tomorrow a.m., including local cycling advocacy celebrity Dan Connaughton, so I look forward to maybe gaining a notch in our friendly club competition (all the while sucking wind behind the fast guys).
This National Bike Challenge as well as our Gainesville Cycling Club participation has certainly inspired me to ride more. Many days before the May 1 start, after work I would head for the recliner and get on my computer. Now everyday I ride some before work, and as soon as it cools off a bit in the afternoon afterwork I head out for a couple of more hours.
Snakes I avoid! My Hand cycle trike puts me right down at their level. Several of our off road riders have posted pictures of poisonous snakes tangled in bike spokes having missed biting their moving legs. So I guess in reality it is the one that I don't see that might get me!
The tan line that is the most bothersome for me is my helmet strap on my neck. Even though I liberally apply sunscreen on my face and neck I still have a very distinctive white skin strap line on my cheeks and neck. I guess I should be proud since it proves I show good judgement by always wearing a helmet, but it does look funny.
Well it is too beautiful a day to sit with my computer ...happy riding everyone.
aww the glove tan lines.....a badge...and a hell of a conversation starter with those that don't ride and also with those that do. Easiest way to spot a cyclist in the "wild" (when she/he isn't cycling)
Oh yes, and avoid the snakes on the path ahead! You should have seen the giant one that slithered off the path ahead of me... Loooong and slender. I also saw a really large jackrabbit. Haven't seen any huge ones in years. The jackrabbits 30 years ago used to appear the size of miniature deer... Just don't see those big ones anymore but I am seeing some amazing wildlife!
Tammie;
Your posts elicit smiles of recognition- You are clearly hooked , having discovered a particularly life-enhancing addiction. Celebrate newfound strengths; Delight in travels powered by your own two legs and two wheels;. Savor the sensory gifts along the way; Revel in connections with a vast, splendid cycling community. Carpe Diem, Roll onward…Enjoy the Ride! (-:
@Tammie, Getting the tan lines myself from the gloves, and I have no doubt that they will be on my shoulders too soon. (sometimes I wear sleeveless jerseys). Had to get some sunscreen to protect my lily white arse or it will end up as a lily red arse. (I don't tan well.)
I too had an awesome morning! Got off work and 7am and met a couple new friends for a casual ride of 14 miles then a nice lunch. I then kicked it in gear expecting to just put in another 5 or 6 miles before heading home to bed but just could not make myself stop and ended up with another 17 miles! My best day before this was 22 miles. I now spending so much time out in the sun my hands are starting to show 'glove tan lines'! oh, no! What do I do...? they look so funny.
I'm lucky to be a Mileage Challenge participant in the Gainesville Cycling Club, which has some big sport, mountain, and commuting participants, but I'm even more lucky to be a part of this national challenge. When we know our neighbors are watching, and our miles count for some public acknowledgement, we are more likely to use our bikes instead of our cars for recreation, fitness, commuting, and transport. This is the most clever program that the League and endomondo have ever done. Well played.
It would be nice if on the national page, each commenter's name would be followed by the state they are from.
Hi all, awesome ride this morning. Down the highway and rolling. Kind of muggy but not raining at least.
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I agree the CAKE sounds great!
CAKE!
@Kelly, I think you're one smart cookie!
paraphasing Cookie Monster, Me want cake Too. Way to go Kelly
Everyone thought I was nuts today. I woke up at 6am and was out the door by 7 to make a 36 mile bike ride to a bakery that has the greatest cake on earth. Bought some cake and cookies and then biked to my boyfriend's another 25 miles. I can't wait to eat that cake!! This will be my best day yet with approx 80 miles by the end of the day! Yay!!
The most awesome ride with my local bike group this morning! I am so charged! Very light wind, temps much cooler than normal, lots of abundant sunshine made a great go through the countryside. Now I am ready to take on the weekend entertaining out of state friends! Feel great in spirit. Ride on with peace and safety this weekend to all!
Tammie - I've had the same challenge. I'd love to be able to search for someone the leaderboard.
I'm setting off on a challenge/adventure of my own today y'all. See you after the holiday weekend.
JHugh - We are definitely on the same page. I've never had (or seen) the Cuvee, but Leifmanns Goudenband is one of my all time favorites in the world - I'm there in spirit my friend. So where did you see the deals on green bibs and such? Sounds very interesting.
Wow it was so cold and foggy I frosted my glasses to the point they were useless. Not just on the front side but both sides ..
Its almost light enough to hit the road on the bike, its gonna be a cold one. We have had a heavy frost, 30 degrees here now and with riding its gonna be quite a bit colder, guess I'll ride till i'm numb and bring the bike in the house with me to get unfroze from it. :)
Is there a way to see where someone is in the NBC? When I attempt to go anywhere it takes me only to the endomondo stats. There seems to be absolutely no way to see anyone's information in the challenge unless you just randomly browse through the thousands of names... AWFUL!
Cycling is my favorite form of transportation. I’ve long traveled with protein bars and nutritious snacks in general, warily adding electrolyte beverages and “Shot Bloks” in honor of last year’s “ Copper Triangle”. I respect the extensive, intricate science relating to exercise and nutrition. I appreciate shared insights about increasing cycling speed and/or stamina , but reviewing recent comments underscores the MANY elements which will forever separate me from “serious” cyclists. Topping today’s list: I LOATHE SPINNING, and as I revel in refreshing epicurean stops along the way, I am unlikely ever to voluntarily ingest a substance proudly, proprietarily and onomatopoetically identified as GOO. (-;
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E.M and Christine; I envy your purple bikes. Choosing the color that connects with your spirit enhances the Joy of the ride.
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Re: bras- Eschew underwires!; Aim for snug, supportive, comfortable, and endeavor to avoid the unpleasantly smashed-together dreaded “uni-boob” effect unfortunately endemic among sports bras.
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Roll safely through the holiday weekend. Enjoy the View!
Oh, Marty, I would have frozen to death! I nearly froze when it was 58 here!
It was a beautiful night to ride through the parkway, with clear skies, and a full moon. My toes and fingers did get a little cold, despite having gloves on, (just on my hands - I had shoes on my feet), as it is 43, with a wind chill of mid to upper 30's in SE WI.
@Tammie - It is good to set goals. I'm sure you'll do it.
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@Charles - I haven't burned any. I think the only way to tell is to go through all almost 28,000 profiles, and add them up. (Calories and burgers burned don't register if one doesn't record their time, so the answer you get would be off.)
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Christine@ - I feel much better about less strain on your knees. Have a great weekend of riding!
Well, I currently have the bragging rights among the women in Texas! I know I am going to have to probably work hard to keep them but going to enjoy it for the moment. I just put my money where my mouth is and signed up for the MS 150 in July. I may have bitten off more than I can chew but I will give it my best effort. Going to work very hard until then getting ready. Just got a new jersey in the mail today. Can't have too much'cycle wear'!LOL
@Christine purple hair right?
@Skippie, When and where??
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Got 2 new bras and a new seat! I'm a happy camper. Riding on the second gear in front and 4-7 in back works for me! Different, and doable. Headed for bed after a constructive and pleasant afternoon and evening. Dyeing the hair tomorrow and riding my arse off all weekend! Catch you on the flip flop! (Did I just date myself? Good thing! No one else will date me! Mwah!)
On our personal profiles we're told how many cheeseburgers we've burned. Anybody know how many we've burned in the National Bike Challenge?
Low 90s on the way home... I'm spent!
That's not too shabby
The beef ribs are smoking and the beer is really cold., Leifmanns Cuvee Brut made by Alfred at the brewery in Oudenaarde. Tour of Belgium playing back the TT with the sleek looking tights and the bikes that way about 14 pounds. Browsing on line through the cycling specials and supplies and loving all the online shopping bargains. Green bib shorts with an orange under shirt and jersey look really good and all for 35.. Just found that I do have that last box of pistachio Marzipan from Brugge to slice up with the dark chocolate sauce for the end of the meal. Ah cycling!
Bon ton Roule
We've just saved a little over 1/3 of a million dollars, and 1 million pounds of CO2. (I wonder what the interest rate is?)
OK, that's just about enough of that kind of talk.
How 'bout them "insert your favorite sports team here"? (He said to noone while downing a cold one, sitting on the recliner in his man cave, with baggy shorts, white socks and sandals, then belching, with the rapidly cooling last few pieces of a large pepperoni pizza with extra cheese within easy arm's reach.)
My current hybrid bike is blue. Just liked the color. I am looking at a sleek black Giant and a cool teal and white Trek... choices, choices! It will really come down to how they feel! I have riddent the Giant and am waiting for them to get the Trek in my size to try it out. Teal has always been my favorite color. If I get that one it will really CLASH with my blue helmet though! LOL ... and I spent an absolute fortune on that. I have been putting off bra shopping.... I really hate shopping for any type of clothes but have been buying cycling stuff... now have 3 pairs of shorts and two jerseys. Daily washing in the sink now and I NEVER hand wash anything... guess I really love this! There is always something flapping in the breeze on the patio drying now.
PS, Christine, purple is often disguised as the colors "lilac" and "violet" in case you are searching on line!
Christine, i am NOT a shopper, but I would hit Jockey and STOCK UP sister! Tammie, you are making the move I have been contemplating. But I finally put the smoother commuter tires on my bike and it rocks. I'd still get smoked by a road bike, but this will work for this season. I bought the tires 2 years ago for my mtnbike when I thoght I was going to ride like I do now. Timing is everything. Oh rode 2x's today windy and sunny yippee.
@Christine, not that i read the bra story...cycling clothing sizes...and cost are ridiculous for men/women.
HI all, out for my ride around lunchtime. Temps in the 60s but SUNNY!!! Saw three other riders on my regular route.
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@ Christine, nothing wrong with the sports bras from Target. As for the purple bike, I've been riding one for years, and have gone out of my way to accessorize: purple bike bags, purple in my bike helmet, purple jersey, purple gloves, purple straps on my pedals, purple shoelaces (I don't use the clip-ons shoes, I wear mountain bike shoes) and even purple handlebar tape (from Planet Bike, it's a beautiful color!). It took me years to assemble all this purple stuff. HAVE FUN!!!
GIRL TALK! <look away> @Chris, I would also try to work both in, however the bra's come first. There is no "putting off" bra stores for this girl. When exercising, I wear two. Love the thought of a purple bike! @Kathy, I am so sorry to read that you fell down. Get better quick!! Also, the clothing sizes for women's fitness clothes is infuriating. I am curvy all over and I have to buy the most ridiculous sizes!! Things I would never wear or buy in any other kind of clothes. I am pretty sure most athletic clothes manufacturers think all athletic woman are petite and straight up and down shaped.
@Christine - I'd try to work both in. Getting the bike tweaked is good, but the bra is pretty darn important. Good choice on the purple bike, girlfriend!!!
@Christine - Yeah! Purple :)
Can't you go to both places? Well if I had to choose I'd get the bike tweaked. I procrastinate when it comes to buying clothing and if I have something else to substitute I'll wait till I'm in the same area doing something else before going to the clothing store. And underclothing is the worst, no fun there.
Just got back from a ride, frozen nose and toes and fingers, this weather can go back to warm anytime . And the 30 mile an hr wind can quit to geez, windchill is in the high 20's
Ok, I bought my bike because it was purple! All these differences! Too many choices. I like menus that have only one entree!
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I rode to work today on the second front gear only. It felt weird; doesn't everything new? Still took me under 13 minutes to get to work, so no difference there. Is that good? Bad? Indifferent?
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Ok, Boys, you can stop reading now. My everyday bra (yes, I have only one; I'm no bra whore, that's for sure) gave up the ghost yesterday. One underwire started poking out, the other broke in half. Both on the same day! Originally, I'd planned to take my bike in for adjusting today, but now I think I should go to the Jockey outlet instead. More decisions, and I hate making decisions. Which would you do, girls?
@Tammy: Buying your first road bike is so exciting! Given the great advice from E M Matteson, you will also know when you see it because it will be love at first site. ha ha. Do research too, once you narrow it down to a couple bikes. And see which one has the options you will most likely utilize. I looked at several bike brands and I really liked Fuji and that is what I went with. Your making a strong investment for a bike, you want it to be right for you. Almost like car shopping! Good luck on your bike shopping journey!
@ Tammie, you are a fast learner. Half the battle is figuring out how to use advice as a guideline and not a carved in stone rule. When shopping for bikes you have to ask, what am I going to use it for the most? If the answer is mainly for riding on the road and the occasional errand, then a road bike is for you. If the answer is mainly for errands and riding on bumpy and maybe debris filled city streets, then you might need a city bike. Or a hybrid for road biking and touring. Or maybe you are planning on riding through the woods and across the neighbor's field, then you need a mountain bike. Once you figure that out, the most important factor in your decision is: which bike feels the best when I ride it, which bike is more comfortable? Of course it is always possible to do some tweaking after you buy the bike (raise & lower the seat, move handlebars back or forward, buy a different saddle etc.) and you may have to practice to get used to the shifting, but basically one of the bikes is going to feel more comfortable to you. You should buy the kind of bike (work horse or road toy?) that you are going to use it for the most, and you should buy the actual bike (size, shape, etc.) that feels the most comfortable to you. HAPPY SHOPPING!!
OOPS, @Michael - you need to click your name after you get into the workplace rider list and then you can "Change Settings"
@Michael - login, click on Leaderboard and select the Workplace category, click on the current workplace assigned to you and then select edit settings to change your place of work.
I have had my bike 9 weeks today and was lucky to be told quickly that you 'spin' rather than work hard. Use the easier gears and peadal faster when going up hill.. you feel like you are not really working as hard and it really is a LOT easier. You can go further.. enjoy your rides a lot longer! Until you build up your muscles, this is the way to do it. I have had some experienced cyclists tell me I need to change gears and that I am peddling too much.... I just tell them I don't have the muscles they have and am practicing my spinning! I have learned the necessity for more than one bike.. went shoping today. I am currently riding a hybrid and am looking at a road bike. Wish I knew more. Am looking at a Giant and a Trek... is there really a difference? Both about the same price.
@Lloyd, hope you heal well and quick!
@Charles the only way to invite your community is to go to the local home page and post a message there. Unfortunately that only works if people look there-rare. Good luck.
@Llotd - Sorry to hear that. Rest up, and you'll be good to go, but I'm sure not as quickly as you'd like.
@Michael - To find the instructions to change your workplace, go to the right side of this page, which is the News from NBC 2013, and look for March 28th.
How do I change my workplace? It is incorrect.
Hi all, out today for my regular ride this afternoon. Cloudy and in the upper 60s. I was just climbing the last hill (a very steep one close to my house) when it started to rain, so my timing was pretty good. Only spotted a handful of other riders out there. Of course now when I'm writing this the sun is back out!
@ Kathy, sorry about the crash. I have been trying to learn to put the weight on my outside foot when I turn. Instinct tells me to put it on the inside foot. I will never be a speed deamon. I gently break a little off and on when going down steep hills. I don't completely let go until I'm sure that I'm past the steepest part and ready to roll up the next hill. Tapping the brakes to slow down for corners might be helpful.
@ Christine, I agree the fitting is a good idea, but use it as a guideline. Once you get your bike fitted just keep tweaking it until you feel comfortable. Half of its what you get used to and how you feel. Once you feel comfortable just ignore everyone else's advice about being too high or low or too far forward etc....
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND STAY SAFE!!
Yes, that is where my problem was, outside of my knee.
@Christine-I had a knee problem only when I rode. This was some time ago. I was told I did not have my foot positioned on the pedal correctly and that the position my foot was in was twisting my tendons causing a lot of pain and severe discomfort when I rode. Once I learned how to correct my foot position I never had the problem again.
Sorry to my pals if you haven't heard from me. I'm out of the Challenge for awhile, I've got eye problems (torn retina) and must stay off the bike for awhile. Y'all ride hard, and keep the rubber side down. I'll do my best to get back in ASAP!!
This way we can stir up a little good-natured competition.
I see an Invite function so people can invite others to join their teams. Is there an Invite function for communities, so they can invite their freinds and neighbors who may work for other businesses to join the challenge?
You mean some people have more than two chain rings? Why? LOL
@Kathy, Braking could have caused your crash Kathy. Most folks use the wrong (rear) brake when slowing. More on that if anyone is interested. Cadence is personal preference. No hard and fast rules there. Some do 90 while others are quite efficient and comfortable at 60. Bottom line is keep it constant.
@Christine, shift when your cadence is either slower or faster than what you want it to be. Use that rule of thumb. As for when to change chain rings up front, never cross your chain. If going up hill in the little chain ring, never go past the middle from the largest to smallest in the rear. Just the opposite for the big ring up front. Never go past the middle from the smallest cog in the rear.
@Marty and everyone that rides in the wet, remember the painted traffic lines are always slick when wet, and you'll slide-out with amazing ease on them :(
@Christine if the pain is on the outside of your knee, look up I.T. (illio-tibial) Band Syndrome and you'll find stretches and roller technique that can solve this pesky condition. I'm a cheap bastard, and just used a piece of PVC pipe and a couch pillow rather than the $40 roller.
@Christine S Just for an experiment move to the middle chain ring for the next ride. i do not go to the big ring until I'm rolling along pretty good. Think of starting your car off from a stop sign in 3rd gear. You wouldn't right? so using your gears is lke going through the gears on your car. start out in 2nd ring on the front and about 4 on the back and try to adjust from there. Also, have the folks at your shop go over the gears with you when you check the fit. I too have a little trick knee and spinning is so much better I never push with my knees anymore.
@Marty, I remember them telling me that in drivers ed class... some odd 30 years ago... funny how faulty the memory gets.
@Christine, sounds like you're using the highest gear. I rarely come out of the second ring in the front (except today when I went down I was in 3/7, Yep, ouch!) and shift liberally thru the other seven.
Is there a way to find out how many points one had from last year.
@Christine - I was having pain in the IT band on the outside back of my right knee. I went in for a professional fit and the pain is gone. I had my massage therapist check it out today and she noticed a significant improvement as well.
Aha! That's why my left knee hurts! It's akin to today's "Duuuuude!" when you realize something. ;-D
@Rob-how cool is that?
Christine@ It took me a while to find what ETA was besides Estimated Time of Arrival. I had never heard it used for Edited to Add before, but it makes sense. Now, what does AHA! mean? American Heart Association? ;-)
Anyone ever hear of MonkeyLectric? I have the Monkey Light M232, it is fun and well built. The Monkey Light Pro is just being launched on Kickstarter. I think this will be out of my price range, but the video is pretty cool. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/minimonkey/monkey-light-pro-bicycle-wheel-display-system
@Kathy - When it just starts to rain, it is the slickest, because the water lifts the oils from cars out of all of the very small indentations in the road, and creates a nice, slippery surface. After a short time, the oils run downhill, and out of the way. (Well, they don't literally run.)
Okay, guys! The AHA! moment: my left knee does grumble at me occasionally. I tore the ACL in it eons ago skiing, and attributed the pain to that, but it could be the way I pedal. I'll work on that for sure now! I'm taking my bike (tomorrow?) to have the pros check the fit. If I want to keep riding for many years to come - and I do - I need to make sure I'm doing it properly now!
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@Rick and all, I do prefer a standard transmission in my driving, but have been having a difficult time equating the gearing there to that of the bike. Can't seem to wrap my brain around it for some reason. I do drop into lower gear when going up a hill, riding into the wind, or approaching a stop (so it's easier to start again). But I tend to stay on the largest of the three front gears and the highest numbers of the seven rear gears when riding on flat ground. I feel as though if I'm not pumping hard, I'm not doing anything. This is my *first* true experience with anything but a single speed bike, so pedaling hard seems like the norm to me. I will work on pedaling faster, but not worrying that I'm at exactly 90 strokes per minute.
@Cynthia N yes youtube videos can be very helpful for learning to make little adjustments and fix stuff on your bike. also, some shops give classes to aid riders in the basics of adjusting and maintaining your bike which gives some hands on with guidance.
@christine Easy pedaling is a very good style to enjoy cycling more I found. The best thing I learned was to shift before you need to shift. What is coasting? I pedal all the time. I mean you have to pedal if its uphill and if you're going to get up the next one you better pedal down this one, so coasting?
Watch out for the white plastic paint on the roads if it rains or there is any moisture. In Florida that put it on so think some intersections are like speed bumps, and do not change direction on this stuff or you will likely be slipping down.
Lastly, I got run off the road yesterday twice by local school buses. So, I sent my account to the elected folks along with the date, time, bus # and my account of the events. I got a very nice email today from the Bus department, but the best thing was that before I got the email I was out riding and two buses that passed me actually obeyed the three foot law and were thoughtful as to conditions on the roads that we were sharing. The school bus department made a big effort to remind drivers about sharing the road yesterday afternoon and this morning. Some of the buses have video cameras and record the view of the road. I was also invited to let them know if any bad driving does happen again. I was as factual as possible, but I wish I had had a helmet cam. Almost the end of the year so I'm saving the email so if I need to speak up in September i can. Let's be safe out there. Bon ton Roule!
@Rick - Yeah, I know I was lucky. Down hill then right turn and just starting to rain... I just keep thanking the Lord it wasn't worse, even though I'm sitting here grumbling and icing my sore arse.
@Christine-so much wonderful information! You Tube is also an amazing wealth of information for learning.
@Christine - Marty is right about the knee injury... I ride to low in the RPMs for long and put too much pressure on my right knee and it starts to whimper. Same goes for seat position. My seat sunk (which it can do over time) and I had it repositioned by my bike shop. on my next tune up I will have the bike all tweaked again.
so don't worry about all the technical jargon on cadence. Just know that's it's about how fast you pedal. if you're just riding about pedaling then coasting then pedaling a few more times it probably won't affect you that much.
@Christine - don't obsess about cadence. 90 is supposedly optimal, but that also assumes your are working long enough and hard enough for it to matter. Most of us aren't racing. In stretches where I really don't have to work at it, I like shifting up into a higher gear. The slower cadence is relaxing. What you don't want to do is 'lug the engine,' the old term for driving a car in too high a gear for the current speed or grade. And I found that my comfort with higher cadences increased over time.
Christine@ - Definitel pedal fast in a lower gear. It doesn't matter if you are racing, or just getting started. Even if you don't feel muscle soreness during or after, it is still putting more of a strain on the knee area than you want. Too much, and you could end up injured. (I really cringe when I see someone going up a hill under 60 rpm.)
Definitely saddle related. You want a split seat, and then sit back on the seat so that there is a gap in the seat where you need it. If you find yourself sliding forward, consciously move back. One issue for both males and females is Bicycle Seat Neuropathy, when too much pressure is put on the pudendal nerve. And the other issue is the one you were talking about. Both can be helped by a better seat and where you sit on that seat. (So, that all plays into if you have a proper fitting bike or not. If it doesn't fit right for you, if your seat is too low, you will put too much strain on the knee, if it is too high, or angled incorrectly, you will slide forward.)
@Kathy - A slick road and a left turn while accelerating is what landed me on the pavement with a broken hip in December. Glad you got away with lesser injuries. Hope you heal quickly. And be careful out there. As one of my teammates, says, "Keep the rubber side down."
So, I should be pedaling fast, not hard?....ETA.... Yikes. I just looked at the Endomondo information regarding cadence and speed, and I think I'll just stick to riding the way I am. It is SO confusing and at my age, confusion is not a good thing. I'm not experiencing muscle soreness after my rides, either immediately or later, so I must be doing okay. My only soreness is in my lady bits and I assume that's saddle related; I'm working on that. I'm really not in it for the speed, but for the exercise. I can feel that my muscles are getting stronger, I'm getting an aerobic work out, and my stamina is increasing. I'll settle for that! ;-}
@Kathy-how awful! Hope you'll be ok. Don't you hate when things like that happen? Nice to hear the police officers helped you.
@Christine-sounds like you week is not a good one for bike things. Take one thing at a time and breathe! There is an amazing amount of online shopping for bike shorts: bikenashbar.com, performance.com, and teamestrogen.com, & aerotechdesigns.com (someone on this forum suggested the site and I checked it out, looks pretty cool.), also Amazon.com. Good luck!
Christine@ - DOMS is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - Every time you exercise, you break down some muscle fibers. To replace them, you create new ones, and in this process, usually create more. That is how you get stronger. But when a runner runs quite a bit further or harder than usual, a weight trainer lifts much more than normal, or a bicyclist uses too high a gear and really pushes it, particularly up hills, they break down a really high percentage of muscle fiber, which causes the soreness.
RPM - Many cycling speedometers have the rotations per minute as part of their readings. If you don't have that, the safest way to tell is to look at your watch while biking and when it gets to a 5 or 0, whichever foot is lowest, count the NEXT 15 times after that one, that that foot comes down. Coinciding with that 15th time, look at your watch again. If it is not on a 5 or 0, (whichever one you started at), then you're not pedaling at 90 rpm. If you end up even a 1/2 second later, you're putting too much effort into each pedal stroke. A second later, and your rpm is down at about 84. That will result is shorter rides, more DOMS, and also make it less likely that you will ride the next day or two, as not only was the ride harder than it should have been, but you feel worse afterwards. So, shift down a gear or two, and give yourself time to get used to that. (90 rpm not so coincidently corresponds to 180 steps per minute for runners - the most efficient and least chance of getting an injury leg turnover rate for them, provided they aren't running less than 800 meter races. I clocked Usain Bolt at about 220 spm. I also tell any of my runners who have a leg turnover issue to get on a bike and spin at 90-100 rpm.)
@Christine - DOMS Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. You're not hurting with your done but next morning your sore. More common in weight lifting than with cardio sports.
@Christine - I understand about the bike shorts or tights. I'm not that large (size 10 in Jeans) but when I purchased Pearl Izumi I had to buy their XL just to get them past my hips, I've never worn XL in my life. I also agree with the lower waist bands too and I'm no granny. Although at my age it could be possible.
Bike Cadence or RPM's are usually measured with a cadence meter. I bought one to go with my Garmin. I don't know how they measure it with the Endomondo app. However. Think of it this way. Loosen your gears till you are pedaling like crazy with almost no resistance. For me that is about 105 to 110 RPMs. so from there I can increase resistance in my gears by 2 and I'll be pedaling around 90. Of course you have different gearing so won't be the same with you but 90 RPMs is fast pedaling.
@ Kathy - Owwy!! Glad you didn't get seriously hurt!
@Kathy, OUCH is right. Heal well, quickly, and completely! Hope all the police who helped you were young and handsome!
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@Marty, I forgot: what are DOMS?
@Marty, is that Rotations Per Minute or Mile? And how do you know how many you're doing? These are the biking things I really need to learn about. (I just get on my bike and ride!) I went to a local bike shop (without my bike) to check about a new seat...the guy looked at me like I was dumb, but I never thought about bringing my bike! He said I might not even be riding the right bike...that my bike might not "fit" me. Yikes! What does that mean? I am having difficulties with butt soreness and feeling like the saddle isn't right for me. I rode my retro Raleigh a bit over a week ago and despite the coaster brakes and lack of gears, it was like riding in a Cadillac after riding in an army jeep. I want that seat on my everyday bike or gears and handbrakes on my Raleigh!
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I've tried to find biking shorts that I like, but apparently, you are not supposed to have a broad beam if you ride a bike. Even the XLs don't fit. And I hate the low, low, low "waist bands" on today's women's lower wear. (Yes! I wear Granny panties! I'm a Granny, after all!)
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I've had a frustrating week, bike wise. Yucky weather, appointments galore after work, sore butt. Haven't ridden the first mile this week. Tomorrow looks promising for commuting! And maybe the weekend will bring some good biking weather!? Let's go ride a bike!
@Kathy - Ouch! Glad you're okay.
Ouch, went down making a right turn at about 20mph... Thank the Lord I wasn't seriously injured just a skinned elbow and swollen hip. Fell across from a police station too, so I had the police running out to help me. Would have made the turn had the road not been wet. My own stupid fault for not slowing it down. Sigh. The ride home sucked.
@Vanessa - Glad you got your bike back!
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@Moria - Congratulations on the new distance! Guessing from your comment though is that you may be sore because you have it in too high a gear. No matter what the terrain, you should be pedaling at 90 rpm, so use your shift levers liberally. The first few weeks riding like that will feel weird, but you will get used to it, will be able to ride farther, and won't suffer from DOMS. (And, when you know you are going to be coming to a stop, shift down a gear or two beforehand, so that it is easier to pedal when starting up again.)
Vanessa - that is a tough week, but sounds like things are improving fast. Good luck to you!
@Jerry: The Canondale's are made in China, too.....
After work I went on a 8 mile bike rike. An I feel it this morning, but I am proud of my self. I would also like to thank my co-workers on 2 West for words of encouragement. Thank you guys are the best!!!!
Today is the first time that I have commuted to work on my bike this week. Bad weather, and a new diet have made me a little bit 'reluctant' to ride. But todays ride in was just fine, with a bit of fog and high humidity and a 30% chance of a T'shower this afternoon, but something that I HAD to do...
Man its been a slow week for me getting bike stolened than getting my bike back from the bike shop and relearning all the new features likethe new shifters and gears but LOVE the new metal paddles make my old bike look brand new all over again:-) but I have a lot of time to make up for:'-D
@Brad, I rock the same bib shorts in the Pro version. A bit more money, but I like the Pro chamois. You are right, bibs are the only way to go. Now, how about a quality chamois cream? Ever hear of Nubutte by Inyangi? Unlike most out there, this one is not water based. You have to wash it off. Which means it won't sweat off. Look at almost every other brand's ingredients, and one of the first, if not the first, on the list is water.
@Steven...Althogh the label says they are a California company, the Canaris I have were made in China, as were the Craft brand pair. I have been happy with the Aerotech ones, even though I bought their cheapest line. My next pair will likely be Aerotech, but probably a higher end pair. Thanks for the tip on the Canondale ones though.
Got a nice ride in afterwork with my Mom. Then homemade pizza and a salad for dinner after. Life is good. Well,off to pack my panniers for tomorrows commute.
@ Kathy, I have seriously not had a sore butt for years. Just the shorts and the bike seat. Keep adjusting your position while you ride and stretch once in a while and you can keep a lot of other stuff from getting sore as well!
I've tried quite a few shorts over the past few years and what I found felt best to me were the Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool PRO (Elite is pretty good too), I prefer bibs because I don't like the waistband in my belly. I only buy them when they're on sale at around $100. I bought my wife the PI Sugar Short (short cut EM), she's says they feel good and a great price at just over $40. For a comfortable saddle, check out the Selle An-Atomica - it's kind of built like a leather hammock that's split down the middle so each side can flex independently.
@Jerry: I believe Canari is made in California, though you may have to confirm this. I found Canondale shorts that I really like as the liner is completely separate from the padding so you don't really look like you're wearing cycling shorts (if you care about that). I bought them from REI, again, not exactly sure where they are made. (I can check if you'd like).
love it Allen !!
@ J. Hugh - fortunately he's a one term governor.
The Gov. of Florida has just vetoed the cross Florida Bike trail that the legislature funded. It was enough money to complete it, but my guess is that his Hospital/healthcare buddies didn't see anything in it for them. When you have a Gov, that looks like lurch and acts like cousin it you know you are in trouble.
I guess now they are working on connecting some current trails Up here to eventually connect to the GAP Trail in Pittsburgh,,, its called the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, so eventually you'll be able to go from Erie Pa down to Washington DC
I was in London in March this year and I had planned to ride a bike while there. After I saw just how dangerous it was going to be I decided not to. Emma way was wrong but it's not new.
@ Allen - Hehe. Cute.
Couldn't help myself,,, sorry
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/935440_455002791260934_1290991192_n.jpg
@Kathy...and all...Re: Bike shorts.... I found a "Made in USA" bike clothing company, Aerotech Designs. Their prices are competative, and even if they were'nt, I just feel good supporting American jobs.
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/info.html
@Marty - Not a lady? I would never have guessed. Thanks for the suggestions. ;)
@Kelly - Perhaps I will go out this weekend (Memorial day sales) and see if I can find anything at the local larger bike shops.
@EM - Is it really possible to not have a sore butt after a long ride? I'll look into the progel, it's not very expensive.
@Jerry - Hey they are in Pittsburg, PA. I'm in Jersey so not to far away, I could take the Great Allegheny Passage! - or I guess I could just order online. :p
@Kelly - At least she was stupid enough to tweet about it. However, her punishment does not fit the crime.
@Lou - That trail sounds fun although I would never go, cause I don't do that kinda thing alone, Movies yes, dinner yes, ride a 335 mile trail? no.
Just re-read the story about Emma Way's misdeeds. I find less grounds to charge with assault with a deadly weapon. I'm not sure she deliberately tried to hit the cyclist. She apparently rounded a tight curve and clipped him with a mirror - for her, seemingly, a happy accident rather than a deliberate hit. It now sounds more like a case of "DWS" - driving while stupid. But her leaving the scene of a collision and her apparent callous attitude should still rate loss of license and vehicle.
@Jerry, wipe it down including the chain, then relax. You might need to reapply chain lube if you notice it squeaking next ride.
OK, just got completly soaked on the way home. Do I need to do anything for my bike?
Sadly, automobiles are rarely viewed as weapons even when wielded by an angry motorist in an attempt to intimidate or harm the cyclist. Seems ridiculous, and perhaps it is hard to prove the intent, but in this case, what more proof could LEO's want? Fry her.
Just looked at the Emma Way tweet posting. The summary on the page suggests that she has not been charged with any crime. To me, deliberately knocking a bicyclist off his bike using one's automobile sounds an awful lot like assault with a deadly weapon. At the moment, she's getting by with an apology. Jail time, loss of license AND loss of the vehicle seem like the more appropriate level of penalty. It was only luck that kept this deliberate act from ending in a fatality.
@Robert. I haven't made the trip yet, but what I've heard is the Great Allegheny Passage between PGH and Cumberland is a good surface and flat. On the C&O canal between DC and Cumberland there's more noticeable changes in elevation, and the route is apparently a pretty bumpy ride. One advantage of the DC to PGH would be to get the bumpy part out of the way first. An advantage of doing PGH to DC would be that when you finish you'd be closer to home.
@Lou, I plan on riding that route this summer. Any tips on doing it? I'd love to work out a shuttle from DC to Pittsburgh as I live in the Philadelphia area. I plan on riding west to east. How is the trail surface? Thanks!
And this is the mentality of most motorist.. http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/hit-and-run-driver-brags-on-twitter-185037059.html Just need to read the top part of the article. Glad the "twit" was caught.
@ Kathy I was about to recommend the Performance bike shorts. I buy them when they go on sale. Admittedly a nerd, I wear a pair of cargo shorts over the bike shorts because I like pockets. So Ideally I like the really short shorts. Another thing that can make you comfortable is a good saddle. I have a WTB progel saddle that I have been using for years. Well worth the investment.
@Kathy-no doubt there are plenty of places to get bike shorts from but I generally go to bikenashbar.com. They have a wide selection of women's biking shorts at very reasonable prices. (I am poor too and try not to spend too much on gear but am careful to get what I need for safety and comfort.) Bike Nashbar brand makes their own brand of clothing and so far I have not had any complaints on any of their products. Hope that helps! Or, if you live near a bike store or even a Performance Bike Store-you can find good shorts on sale. I visited a bike shop this weekend who was having an end of season sale and I got an awesome pair of shorts regularly $70 for the sale price of $20!
The term comfy saddle makes me laugh a lot. I have found the saddle i like and over time my wife found she really liked the same saddle, even though it was not one of her comfy experiments. what do you do with comfy experiments that really just add to the butte pain? so far throw them out is all I can find to do with them. The only general rule I have found is that the bigger it is the more pain it can cause because you sit on your sits bones not the soft tissue that gets sore.
Rumblefish (MTB) today. Starting to get back into the swing of things. Set a couple of personal records! Pulling out of this weekend's Enduro was still a good idea....
Hi All! Love the food tips. I need to get out my notepad. A funny story for my friends who are afraid to ride on the road. I spent half the night in the emercengy room last night. Not from a bike accident, but because a cursed weed I was pulling flew debris into my eyes. I suffered a cut on the inside of my eyelid, which was painful and couldn't close my eyes. I can ride my bike thousands of miles a year without a scratch and get injured in my vegetable garden, go figure.
@Kathy - I'm no lady, but two inexpensive sources would be Sierra Trading Post and Bikenashbar. Both offer inexpensive options. 8 pannel tends to be better quality and fit better than 6 panel. (I would also recommend padded shorts. Why be uncomfortable after only an hour?)
The unofficial opening of the Great Allegheny Passage was just announced over the weekend. One of the last miles into Pittsburgh from DC was unfinished, and a harrowing mile it was. Now you can bike car free over 335 between the two cities.
Pretty awesome! We've waited about 20 years for this. Now we just have to recruit all the new trail users to sign up for the Challenge.
Ok ladies, I need some cycling shorts (I don't have any). Anyone got any recommendations? I'm poor so trying to find something good for a small amount of money. Padding is optional as I have a comfy saddle... (comfy enough as long as the ride is less than 1 hour, after that I start complaining.)
@Gregg - over the top-love it and did anyone else the Promise to roll together with Volkswagen on P4B page ( Think Blue ) ?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER and Think Blue!
D.
@Autumn - you need to log over a mile to get points. it looked like you were mostly logging half mile rides. However, you should have points from May 17th.
i have loged my miles but not getting any points does anyone have an answer to this.
Hi all just back from todays ride. I took my regular route. Temps are in the mid-70s, the sky is overcast, and the wind was whipping up from a couple of directions. Spotted four other riders.
Rain today here in Wisconsin, but beautiful gorgeous weather is on the horizon for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend with dry weather, very light winds, temps in the 60's, low humidity and partly cloudy skies. How much more perfect can riding get? This should be a very high mileage riding weekend in Wisconsin as people head out camping and hitting the trails on this busy holiday weekend.
@Paige - Welcome aboard! How did you do in the HM?
@Gregg-hey that is so so cool!
San Francisco installed a bike counter on busy Market Street earlier this month. How cool is that? http://bit.ly/13LsmjE
Just adding to the discussion of what we eat before/after, I find that I have more trouble maintaining good energy when I eat "quick carbs". I need to eat a more moderate carb diet balanced with protein and fat. The quick carbs pick me up initially, but they do not sustain me, I will drop off and "bonk" like what was suggested before. If I am on a longer ride, I bring along snacks, but again having to be careful not to eat those "quick carbs". Some of the protein bars work pretty well, sometimes trail mix (heavy on the nuts with lesser amounts of raisins or berries). Or a fruit with a stick of string cheese. Afterwards, it depends on how hard and how long I was riding, but if I am in need, I will first grab a glass of milk, and perhaps toss in a little chocolate. The milk is a great mixture of protein, carb and fat. My rides are usually an hour or so after dinner, but sometimes after breakfast on the weekends. One time, I rode after eating a donut, and I seriously bonked after the first 10 miles!
Ran 1/2 marathon on Saturday, May 18. Running is my primary exercise with cycling as a cross training activity.
Not sure if already mentioned...
DC got my oatmeal for long days, eat at least 1.5 hours in advance to allow digestion. Something which I always carry is Rolaids, each tablet contains around 1000 mg of calcium as well as magnesium. A few minutes before hard efforts eat 1 or 2 to supply your muscles, sort of a poor man's 'SportLegs'. Someone else mentioned Figs cookies. On long days they do a good job of maintaining energy (2-3/hour), try to eat them while riding (while in the back so not to affect anyone else)
Did not get to commute today...was up till 11pm preparing for Memorial Day weekend visitors so being a little tired this morning was a factor in not riding. No worries though, will be heading out for a 15 mile ride or longer this evening with my Mom! ; - )
I eat oatmeal before my saturday and sunday rides. Good fuel.
I have suffered from ketosis before and it is horrible, bonking, is what it is called I believe. I have learned to drink drink drink and eat eat eat before long rides like a 150. A least a couple days ahead of time and the night and morning before the ride. Even on rides longer than 40 miles I need to drink before I am thirsty and eat when I am not hungry. It is learned skill when you are preparing for a long ride. Also, whey protein drinks are really good to have before, during and after long rides. I discovered those and they make a big difference. You can get the powder at Wal-Mart, any nutrition store, health food store, CVS, Walgreens. I get mine from NOW FOODS. As Ray S said too-supplements, vitamins, protein bars and rehydration are key.
I make my shakes with the protein powder and use rice milk or coconut milk as I cannot tolerate regular milk of any kind. Especially before a ride.
Also during the ride, having a bottle of iced Gatorade and water is very helpful. Drink often and much.
Average speed depends a lot on the road surface and where you ride. A smooth road makes it simple to go fast. It's easy to average high teens when you aren't always slowing to pass people or doing the stop/start thing for a bunch of street crossings. Auto-pause helps too, no point dragging your average down while sitting at a red light. And as Paul already pointed out, pedal all the time.
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I'm generally not good at pre-ride eating, during I'll eat a banana or fig newtons or Clif bars, but normally only take food on 25+ miles rides. Post-ride I have a scoop or two of protein power and fill up my blender bottle with skim milk. That is quite filling and occasionally prevents me from eating a lot. A big bowl of Cheerios and/or a big bowl of frozen fruit with plain greek yogurt is good too. Vitamins, minerals and rehydration. Much healthier than hopping in the car and heading over to Five Guys or Penn Station ;)
For 20+ mile rides, I eat a piece of fruit before my ride. I use Nuun tablets in my water for electrolytes and if I'm in a real pinch, I carry an energy snack in my Jersey. I don't use it very often. @gregg, I am horrible about stretching. I really need to do it more.
@Tammie - You probably depleted your muscles of glycogen, and were in ketosis.
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@Dave - There are far too many days when drivers on cell phones cause issues. You can save yourself about $50 and unfortunately end up with the same net effect by just buying a paper target and taping it to yourself. There are too many drivers who think they own the road, and are more than willing to be agressive to prove it.
I eat a couple protein bars (total of 20 grams) and drink lots of water before and after ride and then recover with a good meal afterwards. This usually works for me on our Tuesday and Thursday night group rides (about 30 miles each night). And I also stretch both before and after ride.
@Douglas F, I hate the whole "Share The Road," concept. Sharing implies that I don't really belong there in the first place. Our rural PA roads do not often allow for "sharing" anyway. I take the lane, moving to the right only when I'm sure the car behind can pass safely. "Share The Road" was never meant to be "Get out of my way!" but sadly that's how many motorists interpret it to mean. "Bicycles Present" seems a better way to alert motorists that they may encounter bicycles on "their" roads.
I ride about 40 miles a day, usually nonstop solo rides. I find that if I munch down a Clif bar about halfway through my ride, it keeps my energy level topped up. I make a point of eating a good meal within a half hour of returning from my ride. I also use SportLegs and they work great. Only water in my bottles, and as the weather gets warmer, I add a packet of Clif Blocks for electrolyte replacement.
Well, I have discovered that eating enough does make a difference. I have not been eating or sleeping and I completely ran out of energy as of last thursday. Finally ate real food yesterday.. PIZZA .. cookies salad... and slept 8 full hours last night. Before that I could barely make 7 miles yesterday, today, different story. 19 miles and I could have kept going if it had not gotten dark. Now, i have the same problem with speed! I too am a turtle. I have my moments and am a little better than I was when I got my bike 9 weeks ago.
Doug F Post ride I take a pint or bit more chocolate milk, I'd probably like whole milk better, but use skim and supplement with good bread and butter (not margarine) Dried Cherries are supposed to help as well and seem to, I'm still trying to get my age in under 4 hours last year wasn't bad but I really need to get 15 mph average. I'll eat at the turn around even get a non caffeinated sport drink if they have it and more water
30 miles a liter if its not too hot.
Doug, I find I dont need extra calories till I am doing more than 40 miles. On longer rides I eat every hour or every 15 miles, more often if there's more climbing. I use Clif Bars, Mojo bars, Clif Shots, Gu packs, Honey Stinger Waffles, Bananas etc. I'll usually only eat half of a large bar per feeding. Hydration is super important, Iots of water, and always start with a bottle of electrolyte mix (I use Nuun tablets lately), really helps prevent muscle cramping. After a big ride I have a chocolate whey protein powder drink. Also important as we exercise more to take daily calcium and vitamin supplements.
I want a jersey that says " Put down your stupid phone and pay attention to your driving"
For those who do longer rides (20+ miles), what do you eat before, during, and after your ride? I'm trying to figure out what kind of food will help keep my energy up and not drag me down as I attempt longer rides. My goal is to be able to do two 75 mile trips (150 miles r/t) every Saturday by August. I'm at 45 miles right now, with liberal rest stops, and I found that I had the strength to continue, but not the stamina. My engine was ready but my tank was empty.
***
As an aside, I was yelled at for the first time today to get on the sidewalk. This was coming from a guy in a really big, really loud diesel pickup who used vulgar language liberally though, so he was obviously trying (and failing) to compensate for something. I want a jersey that says, "Share the road. Yes, it really *is* the law." and a helmet cam with a sticker that says, "Smile for the camera!" Most jerks aren't jerks when they know they're being recorded. Anyhow...
I went on my first group ride tonight. A ladies group. I went with the slow and shorter set of girls. We pretty much duplicated my effort last night. I was with the larger group for about four miles and I could tell that they would get me gling faster. It was fun. The weather is beautiful right now!
I think I've decided to focus less on speed, though I enjoy the idea of making the bike go fast under my power. I read on the LAB blog about a woman who has survived 2 cancer episodes & is living with diabetes. She says she finds long slow rides best for controlling her blood sugar. I really do enjoy going out for a couple hours, getting 15 or 20 miles. My sweetie worries about me & misses me when I'm gone that long, but gets that it's good for me & I need it. Still wish I was faster. Might make me feel capable of going on a group ride.
@Cynthia Nelson re going faster...Jerry's tip on intervals is the typical strategy for trying to work on speed, but I have a few others. First, you might try riding with some faster riders. A few years ago I went on some rides with the Ripon Cycling team. Now, admittedly, their coach was reigning them in a bit as it was a "community ride," but sometimes I was the only other "community" person. Riding with them was the first time I ever averaged 20+ mph on a ride...on a Schwinn Traveler (this was before I got my Cannondale...I got some real cred with the youngsters being able to hang with some of them on my relic). The other thing about riding in groups is you learn about the value of drafting. But even with the draft, you learn how to "push" which can help your speed. The other thing I do to work on speed at the beginning of the cycling year is that I ride the Traveler when the roads are still crappy and sometimes muddy. Working on a heavier bike, and then shifting to a lighter bike (my aluminum Cannondaly Synapse) can also help your speed. Another thing I try to do regularly during a ride is to keep my speed above the average speed as much as possible during my rides. And I almost ALWAYS peddle. I don't coast much, even when going down hill (I know, many people think I am crazy). If you can carry good speed going down hills, you can help your overall aveage speed quite a bit. Lastly, I find just doing miles really can help. At the beginning of the summer, I am typically 17-18 mph range (but a bit slower today thanks to wind ;-/ ). By the end of the summer, I am closer to 19 mph and have frequent rides aveaging 20 mph. Admittedly, this is quite an "unscientific" approach...and even I would like to go a bit faster, too, even though I have age working against my efforts. But it is how I have increased my speeds over the last three years or so. I hope they help.
Hi all, heat, what heat? Actually temps were in the 80s again today. But I rode this morning back from dropping my car off for a repair. Then I rode again this afternoon to pick the car up again. So no long ride today, but riding for errand purposes.
Christine@ - Someone last year posted a site that had this national and all of the state comments sections that you could copy into any word type document. (Then once in Word, you could do a find for a key word or name.) When I have some time this weekend, I will find it, and see it it still works. (Remind me, if I don't.)
Here's another blood donor. I ride. I don't race. I ride faster in some places than others, but always with the idea that I may have to ride another 10 miles to get to a stopping place. The donation center I use is very close to my homeward bike route, about two miles from work. I stop there, donate, have my juice and cookies, and ride the remaining 5 miles home, perhaps a little less aggressively than normal. Although home is at a lower elevation than the blood center, it's still up and down all the way. The donation center folks know I do this, and I've never had a problem. I wouldn't recommend it until one is confident that one's body responds well to the loss of a pint. That said, my next donation date is a little close to the STP (Seattle to Portland) date, and I may reschedule.
There was a new guy at the blood bank the last time I gave. When he saw I was riding, he asked, "We've told you not to do that, right?"
90 degrees and 54% humidity in Baton Rouge today! How's everyone beating the heat?
Oh yea right? Squirrels are definitely kamikaze!
@ Kathy R These are my rules. You get to make your own. Everyone can have their own and it does not require them to be alike. Part of the fun in funny.
@Cynthia yes, gators, black bears, bobcats, raccoons, deer and wild hogs all on the trails and roads of Florida. Oh! and do not forget the most dangerous squirrels, which I have nick named the kamikaze of the south. Can anyone bark like a squirrel? All the other critters run away, but you must bark in squirrel to make them get out of the way..
@Christine-page by page.
Is there a way to "search" through these posts?
@ Jerry-thanks for this tip! I will have to check it out.
@Andrew-Agreed about eating lots when riding!
@Kathy-Can relate to the errand running scenario.
@JHugh - #9 is a bit of a reach since 23 is my longest continuous ride and even that was broken by a quick run into the hardware store. As a commuter, I prefer speed and ride because, well yes it's fun; but in reality, I just need to get some place. (work, groceries, errands, whatever.) and when I finish today's ride I think, Crap, I forgot the blankity blank, guess I'll have to go back tomorrow.
43 miles on the Domane today - not fast, but comfier than Sunday's MTB ride. Missed the bad weather, too! Good thing about getting back in the saddle? Eating. Loads. And I do love to eat!
@Cynthia A Nelson, and others who want to go faster. The best way to go faster is to do interval training. You can search online for different type of intervals to do. Last year when I started my interval training my average speed increased by 2mph in three weeks. But a warning about interval training. It is hard. It hurts. You are pushing yoursellf to your limits. This is the one I did last year.
http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/go-back-back
But there are many to choose from.
@J. Hugh Strickland-Like....don't forget to include gator siting's along with the wildflowers and birds. ha ha
I especially like the last three, though I don't know if #9 is really true! ;-}
My rules for riding to keep on riding.
1. You are not in the Tour de France. Rides are for fun, fitness and future possibility.
2. Find the satisfying fun in every ride.
3. See number one.
4. If in pain stop, this means real pain not that my Butte hurts today.
5. If bored, change directions with an exploration of a way I never rode.
6. Talk to other riders, especially if they are stopped and you can strike up a conversation. Encourage others. They do not need to know how far you are riding.
7, see number one.
8. Enjoy the wildflowers and birds every day and in every season.
9. Remember that most rides get better after the 20 mile warm up. wind is a chance to work on climbing when you live in Florida.
10. When finished with todays ride, ask yourself, Where to next?
Now that we are averaging over 106,000 miles per day, we are now on target to reach 16 million miles! If we keep on improving like we have been, by the end of this month we'll be averaging 120,000 per day, and on target for 18 million+!
If the route from the blood donation center is safe, one can also travel via bicycle to make a donation. I do it, except not during winter. Tell them, and they just wrap your arm better. And since I switched over to a double unit of RBC, I made myself a sling, and bike that way. (Except I don't tell them about that.) My route is only 4 miles mostly very light traffic, and only has one hill, which I take slowly.
I average 12 to 13 mph. Not the fastest rider or the first rider in but I certainly enjoy myself. I am aspiring to go faster. It takes time and it depends on your on personal goals and what you want for yourself. That is one of the things I like about this sport, unless you make it competitive because that is what you want, it doesn't have to be. You can learn to ride with the big dogs or not and still be a part of the sport as whole. Organized rides are for everyone of every level. And just getting out there any time at any pace and also being a part of this challenge is fun for all.
@Burklee - I see an increase in speed after doing hills. Not big hills, but ones where I really need to work, and each month my avg speed increases a tiny bit. Maybe someday I can ride with the big boys on their racing bikes, although I might need a racing bike for that.
Me, too, @Burklee! My personal best is 10.5 average over 14 miles, with the last mile always being the slowest. I'm old and fat, too, but when I'm riding I feel like a lithe teenager again! Those were the days, eh?
Wow, I don't know how you all get to average 12, 14, 16 mph. The best I've ever done is around 10 mph. No matter how often I ride, that's my best average. It's a consequence of being old and fat, I suppose. But, I can ride far, far longer than I can walk. Oh well. I just keep pedaling along... :)
@Heather, I used to only do 12 and now I do 14 to 16. It's not a pipe dream, it will come.
We are up to 27,131 riders. I continue to inform everyone I know about the challenge and that it is for everyone of all levels, even if your just riding down the block and back, log your miles! Everyone thinks your crazy. I just don't understand why they won't even take the time to check it out. I just purchased a new inexpensive odometer for my commuter bike. I can't wait to hook it up! The one that is there now is an Advocete 25, great little odometer although I don't think they make them anymore. its been on the bike since 1995! It's turned over a few times or more, I am afraid I lost track...which is a bummer.
@Kelly, I can understand that. It does take a while for your body to replace what you gave away! And many people can't give for other reasons (illness, medications, etc.). If you can't give you can usually volunteer at your local blood center or at a blood drive. Especially after disasters (tornadoes in Oklahoma, for example) blood centers are often inundated with folks wanting to give. They can always use an extra hand then. (Can you tell blood donation is near and dear to my heart?)
@ Kathy - Congrats on Gold! It's exciting!
@ Heather - Keep up the good work!
@ Christine - I learned the hard way not to give blood within 6 weeks of a race (running) unless I don't want to run at my full potential. I've got several runs coming up within the next few months so unfortunately I have to wait until the end of summer before I can donate again, but I will be doing it after all of them are done!
PS, Kathy congrats on gold.
Go, Heather, go! You inspire me! @Kathy, congratulations on GOLD! Pave the way for us! We're following you soon! I'm not riding today.
I give blood every 8 weeks (today will make 5 gallons in 6.5 years!) and today's the day, so I'm taking it easy. If you've never considered giving blood, take it from someone who knows: It's not all that bad! I used to faint at the sight of a needle. I still don't watch when they stick me, but once that's done, the rest is just sitting their and squeezing a ball for a few minutes. Be a HERO - give blood!
@ Heather, you will no doubt get to 15, you just need a good downhill! To clarify, by lead from behind, I meant that the ride leader would go last, after all the other riders got going.. But I'm sure you look great from either direction! LOL
@Heather, awesome. What a great feeling huh!? Your doing great and your doing something you enjoy that is all that matters.
@Kathy-congrats on gold!
@ Kathy, that is fantastic!!! @E.M. I'd like to get to 15 mph but that's a pipe dream. I did go from 9 to 12, so far this year. Thanks. I think I look pretty great from behind. ;) HA!
@ Heather, Clydesdales are beautiful and fast. If you ever get to St. Louis, let me know. We've got a spot for you and a bike you can borrow. Grant's Trail goes right past Grant's Farm where you can see lots of beautiful Clydesdales. BTW, a bike club I belonged to when I lived in Cincinnati, often featured LEAD FROM BEHIND rides. That way you never lost any riders!!!! Congrats on breaking 10++
Reached GOLD today!!
GOOD for you Heather!!
Hello all! I hope you are enjoying the rides this week. Last night, I broke my ten mile mark on the new road bike. Improved it by five minutes. I was so proud of myself. I'm a clydesdale on a bike and probably always will be. I might always be in the back of the pack, but I'm still going to keep on riding. :)
No biking for the next couple days...bad weather here in the afternoons always makes the commute home a trial. Additionally, I have started a 'juice fast' that will last a couple days, and don't know how I would do on the normal commute. Going to find out in a couple of days tho'...
Perfect ride to work this morning and squeeze an errand in. For the first time in what seems like forever there was no wind or rain. The scenery included herons, egret, squirrels, gators, and many other winged creatures. I will carry the beauty and serenity of my ride with me all day and pass those positive feelings on to every one I encounter today. Peace, ride happy ride safe all!
On behalf of the Oxon Hill Bike and Trail Club's (OHBTC) National Bike Challenge team, I would like to invite canmd, Random Cyclists, Silver Cycles A, Bike Arlington All-Stars, NIH, Takoma Park Bike Commuters, Bike Maryland, Pax Velo, Sumosito Cyclers, Bike Fairfax (FABB), and Crystal City teams to participate in our Patuxent River Rural Legacy Metric Century, held on June 15. Since the Challenge has been extended through September, please mark your calendars for our Southern Maryland Century-the Indian Head 100- scheduled for Sept. 8. Other DC metro area, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware Challenge teams and solo riders are also welcome to attend these highly rated cycling events. For more information about the rides, visit www.ohbike.memberlodge.org.
@ Gregg, I once came around a parked car only to find a girl on a bicycle heading straight towards me. Fortunately we did not collide. Sometimes these incidents can be a teachable moment: ride with the traffic & walk against it. Just goes to show we still have a long ways to go with public education about bicycling.
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RE: LIGHTNING: The BSA field guide says to move to shore if you are on the water or descend to a lower elevation if you are up high and move away from the direction of the approaching storm. A dense forest in a depression offers the greatest protection. Stay away from shallow caves & overhanging cliffs. Avoid bodies of water & metal fences & anything that might conduct electricity [(like your bike I assume)]. If you are out in the open spread out so you are at least 30 feet from each other. Futher minimize risk by crouching low on with only the soles of your shoes touching the ground. HOPE THIS HELPS, STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
Met a woman and a little boy riding on the wrong side of the road on Haylett St. . This creates a very dangerous situation and its parents like this that are teaching their kids bad habits, which this kid will be doing when he gets older.
Not a good idea to be riding a bike during lightening storm. Lightening is attracted to bikes.
Good deal on this electric bike: http://www.randombikes.com/product/11schwinn-tailwind-pedal-assist-electric-bike-654.htm
I would think this is cheating, though, if you ride this for the bike challenge.
I ride all weather but the 1 time I rode in a lightning storm was the last. Creeped me out.
Thanxs for the response, my problem is now that my range has drastically increased I'm getting farther and farther in the sticks on one of the local bike trails so cover isn't too plentiful. And all this has me wondering what some of the other riders on here do , in that case . Rains not an issue , even snow isn't that bad, but some of our storms do get kinda nasty and show up out of nowhere
Rode 4 miles pulling my 6YO grandson in a kid trailer. He LOVED it! Made me feel better about being bumped out of 1st place in Kenosha. Yay for grandkids!
Allen.. don't! I will take the stoms though.. we could use the rain. That is about the only thing that will keep me from riding. Haven't missed a day yet since starting on the 2nd. Would like to skip a day .. I am so tired lately. Can't pull myself away from the TV riight now.. my prayers for all in the path of the storms in OK! ... maybe a short ride like yesterday.. 3 miles and I can say at least I DID ride. LOL tomorrow will be a lot longer. Wish I could ride to work but there is just no way I could ride 20 miles, work 12 hours .. I would be hot and sweaty! .. and way too dead to make it through the night.
To Allen K. - Don't ride if there is lightning - nothing is worth your life. If your too far to get safely home, look for cover where you are, and wait it out.
Any advice on riding in storms?
Got the summer started with Bike to Work Day in Philly. I am planning many more rides as the weeks roll on!
GREAT JOB TAMMIE!!!! That's incredible miles for your experience. It IS addictive!
Still trying to squeeze the miles in but my thigh is protesting. First road ride tomorrow - lets see how that goes!
Hi all, rainy this morning so I got errands done and got my ride in early this afternoon. Temps in the upper 70s to low 80s. When the clouds covered it felt almost cool but there is lots of HUMIDITY!!. Only a couple of other riders out there. Feels like summer but the local schools still have some time to go.
RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!!
I have been a bike owner for 8 1/2 weeks now and have put 312 miles on my bike.. I think that is a good start. Rain... what is that? Actually did ride in a little wet stuff for about 90 seconds.. enough to get my glasses wet and things messy but then it quit. It did feel good. When it rains here it picks up the dust in the air and comes down as 'mud rain'.. very messy! LOL I tried to force myself to ride this morning whle it was still cool, in the 70's but I had just gotten off work and was dead tired, fell asleep on the couch! Guess it is going to be the heat again today.. still relatively cool, only 90 right now! I do freeze one water bottle at night.. unfortunately, I left 2 of my bottles at a friends 100 miles away and won't see him again for about 2 or 3 weeks! have 1 bottle right now. BAD.
Absolutely on not being able to stop getting out. I am in SE Idaho about 3 ish hours south of YellowstoneNP and 3.5 hrs north of Salt Lake. High desert. We will see some snowflurries again usually about 4th of July.There are 3 century rides here this summer. Whoo hoo ridin' against the wind.
Don't complain about wind, heat, cold, rain, snow, or lack of motivation. Just get out there and ride. The more you ride, the more you will want to ride.
Nice 36 mile ride today to bring me to 4700 miles for the year to date.
@ Marty M - Thanks!!!
@Cynthia - "Cycling is good for your mind body and soul. Keeps you fit and feeling great." Some days, it's the only thing that keeps me from biting the heads off of my coworkers. Little do they know that my bike is their safety device!!
AS the temps go up here in Florida, it will be 85 by 10am and nearlng 90 by noon. I ride early, but I find that taking a cold drink for the second half of the ride is very important. I usually freeze water the night before and it thaws out as I ride. We don't have many climbs so wind is an occasion to train for climbs by heading into the wind as much as you want. Drinking water all the time during the hot season is important to rehydrating after a good ride you can't drink enough on the ride.
Biking is an excellent way to lose weight and keep it off. I can speak from experience. As you continue to cycle and improve and do more riding and train for organized rides you will see more and more a transformation of your body.
Cycling is good for your mind body and soul. Keeps you fit and feeling great. Ride on with peace!
Elaine & Tammie, it sounds like you live in the SW US. We lived in the Phoenix area for several years and I LOVED it. You live backwards from the rest of the states: outdoors all winter, indoors all summer, plant your garden in the fall, harvest in late winter. I miss it, especially the dramatic scenery. One thing I don't miss: scorpions and rattlesnakes. Only saw one of the latter, but had plenty of the former, even in the house, one in bed! It was quite a shock going from AZ to WI! We never had to shovel sunshine in AZ!
Tammie, i am getting up early to get out and ride to beat the wind, traffic, and eventually heat. You were mentioning weight loss a while back, check out My Fitness Pal, you set goals, enter your food and excercise ect. And you know what calories you need with the excercise you do. It can also link your numbers to Endomodo(i hvnt atempted that) I am seeing results now. There is a Century here in July and I WILL complete the metric Century. This ride is very family oriented and several distances are offered.The entry fees are very reasonable and ALL goes to charity. Ride on!
@Tammy, I consider 100+ degree weather adverse. IMO one can always put more clothing on to keep warm but you can't keep taking it off to get cooler. Only problem with snow and ice is that it's slippery but summer rains just cool you off.
Santa Fe Century today in ugly winds. Wanted to catch the sag truck after 60, but persevered. Yipee ti yay
@Mike R - Congratulations on your first Century! May you have many more.
Hi all, over in Illinois today for the strawberry festival ride. Kudos to the organizers for including short and xx-short routes so people could get their kids out riding. We did the medium route and ended up with just over 37 miles. Our daughter and her friend did about 18. The temps rose to the 80s and the humidity was pretty bad. So I'm not sure if the sun screen did anything but melt away LOL. The shortcake & ice cream was well worth the effort.
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@ Ian good points about the bikes and safety. Kudos for making the effort to help others ride safely. Your efforts are appreciated!
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Ride on everyone and drink plenty when you are out in the heat!
Great day today. Cheryl and I completed the LAB Traffic skills 101 course today. Next step LCI course. Not a huge leap after riding 62 years. However, it will lead me to certification so I can help a lot of riders to be safe. Safety is a growing concern since any one with the money can buy a high-end bike and ride fast. You may be an aclomplished rider, but what about the guy or gal next to you?
I truly admire those of you who ride in adverse conditions. I whine when it is hot or windy which now is every day. Temps are now reaching near 100 and we have officially hit the mark and summer is truly here. Winds of 25 to 30 mph are the norm and I just have to get used to it. Someone said the wind blows 3 of 4 dirctions all the time and we are occasionally lucky to have the wind at our backs. So very true. I find myself looking for a brief tree to ride under for a momentary shade ... even if it is only for a second.. it is a relief. Unfortunatley our years of drought have decimated the trees here and they are even fewer and further apart!
1st Mountain Bike race of the season- good to be back in the woods on flowing single track, hills and reconnecting with mountain bike friends after a "long winter"
WORS race at Iola. Beautiful day!
1st Ascent Ride on Saturday. Practice ride for Ride the Rockies. This is the hardest bike ride I have ever done. Harder than Ward. Harder the Glen Haven. 1.5 miles from the start we have to climb a 12% hill. With one of the course marshals at the base of the hill telling us "This is your wakeup call." Then the climb was mostly 6-8% or greater for the first 20 miles. With another 13% and a 12% hill tossed in to test our limits. The next 20 miles were not as bad but hard. At least after mile 39 is was mostly downhill.
Rode to work in the snow yesterday! We broke a 30yr record for the longest winter, lasting 232 days. Had the Fatback ready to go incase it got as deep as predicted but rode the 29'er instead since it has full fenders. Only got a bit sideways one time. lol It's nice and sunny today. Yay! Have fun, MH
Thanks, Marty, for the input. I will pass this on to my friend/colleague.
First ride back after high siding my road bike last week. Thigh still tender, but back on it. And the sun's out in the UK!
I'm in Winona, MN this weekend and planning to ride the Cannon Valley paved bike trail tomorrow from the trailhead in Red Wing. It's 20 miles and very scenic along the Cannon River. That will give me a 40 mile ride round trip: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/2263/cannon-valley-trail/details.aspx
@Paul - Children are allowed and encouraged. They are our future. The only issue is that you have to set-up an email address for each of them, if they don't already have one. If they are too young to have one, then you set it up, control it, and don't tell them about it. So then, logging off, and relogging under a different email address would be a bit of a hassle. To make that easier, keep track of their rides on a sheet of paper or spreadsheet, then once a week (but before the end of a month), log their rides all at once.
So what are the status of children re the NBC? I have a colleague who rides with her children to school. Can the children sign up for the challenge and log their miles? I vaguely remember that there were some issues about this last year but don't remember the resolution. Thanks in advance for any clarification.
Nyla, I totally agree with you. This is about getting as many people to ride as you can and have people in cars see more cyclists on the road and get used to seeing this. I have been asking people on a daily basis to go for a ride even if it is only 1 mile or ask them to try to ride for 60 minutes with no distance in mind. All of us started out this way at some point. I now ride bike more than drive my car. No more drive-thru fast food for me either.
@Tammie Possible that you ran out of fuel on the ride. Make sure you have a snack before you set out. Try not to ride on a completely empty stomach. Get some rest, and ease back into it with some gentle miles. Keep at it! Unless there's a medical reason not to push, keep pushing and you will keep getting stronger. Pick up some Clif Shots and Clif bars. One other thing for a novice that might help... try not to count the miles, count the time on the bike instead. So set out for an hour or 90 minutes or whatever, and then notice what mileage you did when you finish.
Thank you! Go Nyla!
I love the comment "Performance enhancing keyboards".. very appropriate... wish mine had that capability but it seems that only my feet on the pedals of my bike make the miles go up. I have had days that I REALLY don't want to get on my bike but so far I have managed to ride at least 1 mile every day since joining on the second of the month. I have been riding for 9 weeks now... and officially have 310 miles on my bike. Is it officially 'broken in' yet? I think I hit a wall last thursday on a difficult ride with wind and hills.. felt like something kicked me in the chest and lost my breath.. enengy left me and it still has not fully returned! That was at mile 8.. finished the 16 miles .. did 4.5 today and was washed out.
Hi all, it was a day of garage sale (our neighborhood) followed by time to close up and get my ride in. Lots of riders out this afternoon. Temps close to 80 degrees but fortunately it was overcast. Its a good thing because HUMIDITY has returned.
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Bravo NYLA, you said it.
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I have apparently inspired a neighbor to get out her bike. She walks a lot but stopped by the garage sale and told me she wants to ride. So I recommended that she take her bike to one of the local bike shops and have it checked out for safety since she hasn't ridden for a long time. Then I suggested she hit one of the local trails to practice shifting etc. so she feels comfortable before trying the road. THIS IS WHAT THE CHALLENGE IS ABOUT. When you get out and ride all the time, your example is inspiring others to try it. THIS MADE MY DAY! By our example you can make your day. Wave to those little kids, the joggers, and anyone else you see out there. Your example helps make biking better for all of us. When drivers see that its YOU, their neighbor, friend, co-worker, you inspire...... RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!!
Yes! What Nyla said. :-) Bodies on bikes.
The competition here is fun and motivating, but this challenge is not about competing for the highest mileage, and any miniscule percentage of people manipulating point totals are both sad and ultimately insignificant. What matters here is bodies on bicycles moving forward…all ages, sizes, shapes and inclinations of both bodies and bicycles welcome. Every mile, and each individual effort, matters. Challenge goals involve increasing public visibility and awareness regarding the numbers and needs of a vast, disparate cycling community, and promoting the myriad benefits, internal, external, ecological and otherwise that cycling offers. Individual rewards are primarily intrinsic, with official prize categories intentionally egalitarian, providing opportunities for anyone cycling regularly. The system is not without frustrations, but organizers have attempted to encourage mass participation. There is a month long window of opportunity to enter mileage, and team captains can enter mileage for those without computer skills or access. A GPS only event would shift the focus to externals, and preclude participation by many. Reading comments consistently shows the variety of souls involved, and the common thread of enthusiasm:- discovered or re-discovered, nurtured, intensified, encouraged, shared and celebrated. Experts share insights and information with novices who often inspire others with their contagious exuberance for new views and experiences. Celebrate the sense of community; share the view; breathe; pedal; SMILE (lips closed of course, to evade the bugs) …Enjoy the Ride!,
got my first century today at the Pinelands triple loop at Batsto/Hammonton, NJ. As an added bonus my bike and I came home caked in yellow tree pollen. Can only imagine what my lungs look like....lol. Great time and the cheeseburger and hot dog at the end of the ride (provided by Shore Cycle Club) could not have tasted better....even with the tree pollen !!
Happy Sat! Got up for my morning ride before the weather got really ugly. Then headed to Dave's Bike Shop for a flat repair clinic...I can do that now! Noone had heard of this challenge so hopefully they will check it out. Found out that on Wed there will be a city "bike count". Spotters will be posted around town counting cyclists. I suggested we find out the locations and ride by all of them!! Riding in all weather in ID.
Len, 400 miles is not entirely impossible -- we have some pretty active randonneuring clubs in our area; their *shortest* "official" series ride is 200 km (125 miles.) The rest of the series moves up -- 300, 400, 600 km, and then special event 1000 and 1200 km rides. Some of those boys and girls are pretty hard-core and will actually ride to the ride starts. Now, if you're seeing 400-milers every other day from somebody, yeah, probably bogus!
The web interface for entering your mileage could really use some help. It has been a long time since I saw such a rudimentary entry screen. Oh, and if you want to track time you have to go to another place to put that in, if you can figure out how to 'edit' your entry.
Hi all, there are two ironies of this bike to work day for me. The first is that I work from home so technically, I can't bike to work (unless I ride from my back door to my front door or to my garage). The second ironly is that I was so busy working all day that I barely managed to squeeze in a ride.
@ Ian savor you moment, your words and your ride description sure made me savor your moment with you!
@ Mike, HEYL YES, Lincoln welcomes Nyla and everyone else. The mere mention of ice cream from the UNL dairy store is making my mouth water. Its enough to make me want to hop on my bike and ride back to Lincoln. One of these days I'm gonna get dropped of in Nebraska City on my way in from Missouri so I can do just that. Then I'm absolutely going for a double scoop. In the meantime I'll have to settle for a fruit smoothis from Kaldis in Kirkwood the next time I hit Grants Trail.
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Happy BTW work day everyone!!!
Bike to Work Day here in Colorado is in June. For years I could not participate. I rode my bike to work. But all the places they had open to feed us breakfast did not open until 0700. And I had to be at work at 0600. I retired in Sep 2011. So last year I got to participate in Ride to Work Day. Of course now I work from home. So I rode from home to home and visited every feed zone in the city during my ride. Too bad I could not eat at all of them. I would have consumed more calories than I worked off during the ride.
Cheating, if that's appropriate, on a log that is on the honor system is pretty hilarious really. The only people they are fooling is themselves. I log miles because it's fun. Sure I like to see if I can climb the ranks, but what's the point if my rank is BS? Just be contented with the fact that your own miles are just that... miles you own.
Len I, let us all chant, Liar liar pants on fire! or maybe the deal is like the old idea neurotics build sandcastles and psychotics move into them.
I have Bike to home day everyday! Chocolate 90% waits everyday, I just ride and return.
Honestly, Bon ton Roule!
Why are there so many cheats at this? I mean I found one guy who put down he did a 400 mile ride and 2 more at 7 miles each on the same day...
@ Dave - That made me chuckle out loud.
I enjoyed Bike to Work Day immensely....Is there a Bike to Home Day, or do I have to just stay at work??
Wish the feds or state thought we had 21,000 for revenue sharing. Census was 10, 700. So it must be a zip code calculation. Still I won't be interested in such an outrageously weighted formula. It means if you come from a city with lots of folks there is no way to compete with the small towns, classes help a little, but on first look little places are rewarded for being little. City need to be rewarded for every rider is making cleaner air.
I have a garmin 800. It is good, I love it when i travel anywhere in the world.
Western Bike Works has the Garmin Edge 800 bundle for $350 after rebate. I've never seen it anywhere near this low, maybe because the 810 is out now... http://www.westernbikeworks.com/garmin-800-special-article
Happy bike to work day.
Biking on your day off is far better than biking to work.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
Did a beautiful 62-mile ride on our tandem through Madison, GA as one of 130 tandem teams on the 2013 Georgia Tandem Rally. What a beautiful town and surrounding countryside. Plenty of hills, too! We hit 41.7 mph on one big descent. Great day on the bike. Miles logged, too.
@J Hugh - Gene is correct. The Community section is just like the State section, based on points per 1,000 residents. The Vermont town, based on the calculations, would have 80 residents. And when you look at it, having 1 of 80 residents in the NBC, is really good. (Vermont, the best state is at 1.8 per 1,000 overall, with Wisconsin having just passed the 1/1,000 mark, and Nebraska at just over 0.8/1,000.) The second town has 56 residents. Your town (and the surrounding area nearby) must have a little over 21,000 residents.
So, comparatively, those two towns are doing a much better job of recruiting for the NBC, even though you each have one rider, and you're doing mega-mileage.
Having said that, based on their population, they are in Class IV, so they aren't even competing against you, as you would be in Class III.
In the NBC post to the right, "New Daily Mileage Record!", they were slightly off with their calculation. We need 130,719 miles per day to achieve our 20,000,000 mile goal. Currently. we are at a little over 101,000/day, and climbing. We started out the first week on target for a little over 10,000,000 miles. The second week found us in the 13,000,000 mile range, and this week, we started in the 14's, and are now targeting the 15,000,000+ mile range.
Put another way, we need 4,000,000 miles per month. For May, we'll probably be close, but should be well over for June-August, giving us some cushion for September..
Gene S Well that is not the math. One rider in one town in Vt has 224 points while the town has 2800 points. My points are 1059 and my town was one rider but has 49.80 points. The second place community has only one rider with 149 points while his town has 2666.67 points. I am just not looking at the community section anymore. It will just go on my survey at the end.
There are an infinite number of beautiful places in this magnificent country (best seen from the saddle of course), but Wisconsin will always be home. I"d just as soon keep Nyla, thank you. I'll fund the chocolate (as long as I'm allowed to share).
Pinelands triple loop out of Batsto NJ tomorrow at 8 am (registration at 730)
http://www.shorecycleclub.org/pinelandsloop.php.html
You are welcome anytime in Lincoln Nyla Greenberg...isn't that correct EM Matteson?
In Eugene, they have a bicycle hearst, for someone's last bike ride.
http://news.yahoo.com/funeral-home-bicycle-hearse-1-last-ride-160000196.html
@J Hugh - I thought the community standings were based on points per 1000 residents. It would make sense then that a single person could make a large contribution in a small town. Dixie (1 rider) is top in WA State.
Though generally happy residing in my corner of Wisconsin, if ever I move, Consideration of ranked possibilities will be heavily weighted in favor of communities offering confectionary and/or caffeinated incentives for Bike-to-Work week. (-;
Happy BTW Day to all. First BTW commute station in Federal Way, ever. And free 12 oz. 'hand-crafted' beverages at participating Starbucks locations for riders who show some bike gear to the barista. That was one good Hazelnut macchiato.
Anyone in the Challenge who wants to ride over to The Jayne Snyder Trails Center in Lincoln, NE today from 430 until 6pm can enjoy free University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Store ice cream as we close out our Bike to Work Week celebrations.
@Christine - it is also quite educational to yell "WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD YOU TWIT."
Congratulations on your recovery, Ian! May you keep that "honeymoon" feeling as long as you live! {{{{hug}}}}
Great thought Ian. We don't appreciate our heath and freedom until lost. "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." ~ Gandhi
It's a lovely day in the neighborhood! We had a strong ride south into the wind and a great recovery ride home. Bright sun and puffy white clouds made all the dogs friendly. It does not get any better than this! Looking back on lying in a neuro-intensive bed and wondering if I would ever ride again, or for that matter walk again-every ride is a fabulous ride. Today was very special. Seize every moment, rain or shine.
What is up with the community standings? The number one community is a place in VT with one rider and number two is a place in CO with one rider. What ever the logarithmic formula is it is screwed up. This is one of those great ideas, listing the actual town or city, that has been weighted in a way that renders the results without real meaning for me. Can anyone explain how the community standings reflect anything meaningful?
If you ride and do it pretty much by the rules, then you are educating people. The problem comes when we take a liberty of two and then we must remember that we are educating people as well but not for the better. Riding generates other riding.
Bon ton Roule! French pastry is way better than donuts.
@Kelly, not donuts in Kenosha, either. I'm beginning to think I'm the only person riding here. (Except the ones riding against traffic or on the sidewalk. How DO we educate people?)
All this talk about donuts is making me want one. I might just have to go buy one to make myself feel better!
@Thomas - You should buy yourself a cream filled donut for riding. And to console yourself for not having anyone buy you a donut.
::blushing furiously:: I didn't ride today. It has nothing to do with the fact that it's cold out there and supposed to rain later today, honest!! Friday's are the worst day for me to ride. I have to cart my teapot and cup home for washing, plus go to the bank for work. And, no, I am not riding across town carrying mumbeltymumble in cash! It's scary enough in my car! I do feel bad "finking out" on the actual ride to work day, though.
City of Lincoln NE! Free ice cream social for National Bike to Work Day! From 4:30-6pm at the Jayne Snyder Trail Center, free UNL Dairy Store ice cream and prizes from local bikes!! So RIDE by!
No celebrations for Bike to Work Day in Okeechobee, FL. I just rode in as usual and will ride home as ususal. No one ever gives me a cream filled donut for riding to work...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@Dave & Kelly: Such a neat celebration, I am jealous. And yes, people here have no clue about bike to work day, or NBC. Although I am inspired to educate.
@ Dave - That's so fun! Wish my community had stuff like that. You say Bike To Work Day to people here and they have no idea what you're talking about. Lol.
Happy Bike to Work Day :)
Wonderful aid stations in San Diego. The first one I hit was serving french creme filled "bicycle wheel" pastries-YUM!
Huge thanks to CalBike and all the wonderful volunteers getting up so early to show us commuters appreciation!
When people say they are afraid of commuting by bike, they should be reminded that they were afraid of commuting by car at one point too.
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I was stuck behind a couple cyclists last night (while cycling) They were riding two abreast, one on shoulder, one in lane. Easy enough for cars to pass, but took awhile for traffic to clear so I could get by. Now I know how drivers feel ;) I could have asked them to get out of the way, but wasn't sure if they were cooling down or warming up, and I didn't want to pass them, only to get passed by them a mile down the road.
We are expecting bad weather, and it's now raining, so I was out the door for an extended "ride to work" this morning. Cool and overcast did 8 mile loop. Back in my home office ready to wk. Celebrating with a cup of coffee cheers to all who went to wk on their bikes!
Had a little celebration at the office today for anyone that biked to work this week. Not many brave souls but one guy rode in 41 miles (and brave he is since he and 2 others who met up with him rode thru Camden, NJ, which is one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US. Cars are the least of your fears in there)... :-o
Has anyone using the Android App noticed that it engages the time auto pause even when you are moving, and that it takes several hundredths of a mile before it resumes? I "lost" a little over 2 miles yesterday because of that.
Happy Bike to Work Day!!!
Got eight miles in before work. We had fifteen people show up to our kickoff event. Feeling good at 75 and sunny!
Drizzly ride in today in NE Wisconsin. Wouldn't trade it for the world!
Did not commute on two wheels today-woke up with killer sinus headache, ugh, hopefully I can make up the miles this weekend.
@Kathy: My hope would be to maybe sum by workplace state, that would give us a chance in RI (3 of 13 riders are out of state). Seriously though, to keep things in perspective this is about getting people to ride and increasing awareness. The competition is just a bonus.
@Steven. - how would summing by zip code work with company's that have more than one zip code? I work for Comcast and currently have people from 7 different states represented and even more locations within each state.
@jhugh. Bicycle revolver. - like. :)
Go Buddy and crew!
Steven, sometimes it takes 15-20 minutes for all of the points to show up in each category. It sometimes takes longer for the team or workplace categories to record the points.
@nyla: Thanks, that explains exactly what is happening. However, I think the workplace category should sum by the workplace zip code, not the employee zip code. Just my thought on the matter. Thanks again for catching this.
Quadro Alas from Texas Instruments Phillipines Baguio City...
Rod Lozano / Mike Ferrer / Dong Alicante / Buddy Masangkay.....
Go Phillipine Bikers !!!!!!!!!
Gene Smith, I actually did not give all my secrets. The Bicycle Revolver was a great invention shortly after the bicycle became popular about 1900. With one strapped to my left hip I seem to get a lot of respect and sharing the lane is not a problem.
Steven, is it possible that some of your workplace team mates live in bordering states?
Their points would be counted with respective home states, though considered with national workplace total.
Has anyone else seen this situation? Our national leaderboard workplace points are correct, but our local (Rhode Island) are not. The difference is not insignificant (1573 vs 1294). It's also hurting my recruiting campaign for more riders as we're currently #2 in RI (ok, we're a very tiny state so no laughing) and I'm pushing people to join so we can try and overtake #1. I've posted the problem on the endomondo problems link, but didn't know if this a) might confirm others have this problem and b) draw more attention to the problem. Thanks!
Kelly:
In regard to co-worker’s fashion critique, it is perhaps worth noting that “looking stupid” is a highly subjective matter and is, in any case, vastly preferable to actually BEING stupid…which designation might objectively apply to someone favoring appearance over easy, effective and potentially life-saving safety measures
@J. Hugh, your note to "Be colorful and blinky with lights and clothes." made me think of the elephant costume noted in this drawing. FWIW.
I see a link on the Endomondo page. no matter where I am I just click the ENDOMONDO title (it's in the upper left of the menu in big letters) and that takes you to the main feed. Then down on the left there's a link under MY ONGOING CAMPAIGNS.
I agree with Charles Bingham! Link would make it easy for Nat. Bike Chall. participants.
@Charles, agreed!
Please put a National Bike Challenge logo/link on the Endomondo pages to make it easier to navigate back to the home page. Sometimes when you start clicking links you wind up deep in the Endomondo site and away from the National Bike Challenge info. Thanks.
Not pre-arranged or anticipated, but trips in years past to Japan, Seattle and Coronado Island involved stays at places with bikes to borrow. Surprising what a monumental impact that access had on my enjoyment of the journeys. Bicycling is emphatically my favorite way of exploring.. In an unfamiliar realm biking allows immersion in new sights, scents and sounds while covering considerable distances with no impediment to impulsive stops at intriguing locations. I also applaud the inspired notion of buying a cheap used bike to donate later, but my improbable fantasy of the moment would be a network of connections among Challenge participants for potential “loaners” or short term rentals for fellow cycling addicts.
Keep it up Kelly.
I ride in traffic some but not to commute, I have a few ideas for the commuters. First, look for parallel streets to the busy parts of your ride. It sometimes helps to be a block or two away and still going in the right direction, even if a little zigzaggy.
Be colorful and blinky with lights and clothes. The more you and others ride a route the more people start to see you and others. I use a mirror made of stainless steel construction and plexiglass that the company will repair if it breaks, it has not in three years. I attach it to my helmet visor like it was a glasses leg and use a zip tie to reinforce it.
When the drivers in Florida start using their turn signals I will think about lights, until then I point and wave and yell hello so people can see where I am going. Getting their attention is the key, and that's the yelling hello, but this is only on occasion.
I use a vest if I am not colorful enough and my lights are aways flashing front and rear, but get bright ones that people can see at some distance. I have one and two watt lights.
Riding your bike is fun, but it is also a thinking activity on any road or path.
Awwww, Kelly, what a boo! But as you said: you tried! Maybe the idea will remain in her brain and she'll try it again one day.
@Rick, great idea buying a cheapo and either donating it or leaving it where you can use it again! So smart!
I was so proud today! One of my co-workers decided to make the commute by bike this morning. I warned her to leave much earlier than she thought she would need to, but she didn't listen and wound up being a little late for work. She said she would never do that again and is having her boyfriend pick her up after work. I tried to tell her that's exactly how I felt my first morning ride into work except the temps weren't in the high 50's, but in the low 20's and I still managed! But told her the ride home was much better and that's why I kept doing it. I tried to convince her to ride home and if she didn't like the ride home, never do it again, but she wasn't having any of that. Oh well. I tried.
@Jerry-thanks! Great idea!
Does anyone use turn signal lights that are out there for bikes now? They are so cool! What do you think?
Hi all, out today with temps in the 70s and the threat of rain. However, it just ended up being cloudy. Spotted about half a dozen other riders. Wore an old cotton jersey and noticed that there is a big difference between that and the newer moisture wicking ones. You stay a lot cooler with the newer kind.
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As far as travelling and bikes: I almost always take my helmet and gloves with me. I have had mixed success with rented bikes (the pedal falls off or some other disaster occurs once in a while). So I have been thinking that I should invest in a folding bike or some other super portable model. I just NEED to get out and ride even if it means sticking my Garmin in my pocket. The Garmin will usually record the miles okay even if it skips around and changes the settings.
ROLL WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE!
@Cynthia A Nelson. My solution to the mirrors not staying attached to the helmet is to attach the support post with 5 minutes epoxy. The mirror I use is the Relex mirror.
http://www.cycleaware.com/index.php
If the mirrow is damaged I just replace the mirro and flexible piece. The support post is glued to the helmet with the epoxy.
Mike on Bike I had the Blue/White Masi and flip flops.....go figure stayed middle of the pack most of the ride .....
@ earlier comments on safety gear. I have trouble riding without a mirror. 3rd Eye bar-end works best for me. Good glass, wide angle and I always know where to drop my glance to 'check my six and seven.' For commutes and round-town rides, I wear a Light and Motion Urban 550 on my helmet, flashing in daylight, solid at night. The bright amber sidelights are great, and I can point the light right or left as needed to have the best shot at getting someone's attention on a side street. Bright flasher zip-tied on the back of the helmet (Superflash clone), and Light and Motion Vis 180 on the seat tube. I have a light on the bar (Cygolight 300 upgraded to a Light and Motion Taz 800 in 2013), but that is more for winter use. Monkey Electric spoke lights or Hokey Spokes round out the winter side illumination, when things are dark and wet, and reflections off all the wet places tend to make even bright lights blend in. I replaced the CPSC spoke reflectors with LightWeights reflective tape on each spoke, and used 'stealth' reflective tape on my black fenders. I've got one bike frame wrapped with a BikeGlow electroluminescent light, but that is really only visible in dusk to dawn conditions. If you had told me 5 years ago that I'd ride around with $400+ in bike lights, I'd have called you crazy. Now it's the norm for me. I have to 'dress down' for organized tour rides.
I agree with Christine. I just came back from a conference in Daytona Beach, where I sat and watched folks bicycling on the beach every day. I left my bike at home, tho' I had room in my van to bring it, and time to ride. When we go to Michigan the end of June, I'm taking my bike, even if I only ride it one time that week, it'll be worth it...
@George - if there aren't any loaners among family and friends, is there a Craigslist option? I live in Washington state, but travel to the southeast a couple of times a year for work and to visit family. Before my last trip, I used a Craigslist app to monitor for a bike to buy in the area. Snagged an older Schwinn 10-speed with new tires for $50, and it was a better ride than what I had when I rented bikes ($35/day for and Escape 1). My reasoning was that it was about break-even if I bought the bike and gave it to Goodwill at the end of the trip. As it was, I liked the bike and put in a few more $$ for new cables, chain and pump. I left it in my parents' garage for future trips. I still count it as break-even if I don't get to ride it again. My nephew visits my folks a couple of times a week, and he's gotten to ride the bike a few times, so it's all good.
@George, no one in family (or among their friends) who can lend you a bike for the time you'll be there? $40 for 4 hours is highway robbery! I dragged my bike to Louisville for our "vacation" there last year. Pain in the neck, but, man, was I glad I did it! If you were closer, I'd lend you one of ours!
Mike Ruane;
Fascination with words might slightly predate triumphant exhilaration of first training-wheel free teeter down suburban cement driveway; Both expressive outlets enduring and evolving over more than half a century-- profound pleasures, serendipitously paired…each enhances the other. Lucky Me! (-:
I had a red jersey and backpack, constantly jumping to the front to press the crossing button and block motor vehicles as needed. I saw someone with a SLR, was that you?
Started/Ended at Publix? I looked for you there. I asked a couple of people (not during the ride ) Enjoyed it immensely and took a lot of great pics especially on Bayshore.
Just made Silver,still behind my commitment of four hundred miles for the month.I rode the last four days back to back, but my butt was dragging , got in 121 miles but I think I'm getting to old to ride every day. The flu messed me up the first eight days of this month.We are going to visit my wife's family in Ind for 12 days .I found a bike shop in Greenwood that will rent me a road bike for $ 40. For four hours, maybe I can get a few days in.That would be a min of $120 for three rides, seems a little pricey,but I could pick up 100 miles.
Possibly Brian, this ride rode through Dunedin on Alt-19.
@ Michael and all: thanks for the enlightenment. I will be sure to check this out and see if there are any rides in my area for next year.
Michael on Bike was the Palm Harbor one the one in Dunedin?
@Kelly, I'd'a told that co-worker to kiss my rock hard butt!
For info about Ride of Silence (ROS)...
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
We had about 50 riders in Palm Harbor, FL.
Hope you'll join us next year!
This was my 10th year riding The International Ride of Silence. If you are unfamiliar with it, please Google it, then find a ride nearby or organize one where you live. If you ride a bicycle, and you are not part of the advocacy for safer roads, then you are part of the problem. We have millions of cyclists in the USA. If we become a force to be reckoned with, the slaughter on the roads will STOP.
Thanks Thomas!
I think we had over 80 riders for our first year in Medford, NJ. Full township police escort for 8 miles as well as the county sheriffs department. A little girl wearing a bike helmet stood in her front yard watching everyone go by with her mouth hanging open. Doubt she'd ever seen so many cyclists pass her house.
@ Nyla - Very eloquent!
@Cynthia..Ride of Silence is just what it sounds like, a group of cyclists get together and ride fairly slowly and quietly in memorial to the cyclists who have died in traffic accidents in the last year. There was one scheduled in Sebring, FL yesterday evening by the local club there. I participated a few years ago, as I belong to the club, but don't get over there (50 miles away) to ride very often.
If I may ask, what is the ride of silence?
No matter how fast you are there is always someone faster; and no matter how slow you are there is always someone slower. Sometimes slow is just what is needed. Someone help me...
Great turn out for Ride of Silence last night here in Spring Hill, FL. Roughly 40 riders showed up, had a hearse as a pace car and a police escort. Great event overall.
I so agree with Marty! Lights and mirrors are a must. I learned to use a helmet mirror as I am not confident with turning my head to look behind me. Once you get that down, its so easy. I would practice with it first till you get used to it and read up on how the mirror is to be placed. The only thing I don't like about the helmet mirrors is the sticky tape to attach it to the helmet always wears off or gets heated and the mirror slides out of place or if. I cut a small piece of Velcro and velcroed my mirror in. This way it can be easily removed or repositioned. Lights are a must, they can be purchased inexpensively and still be very effective. Great ride in this morning, sunshine and 60's (finally). Happy safe riding and peace to all!
These comments are getting crazy already this year. I don't have time to read back 12 pages a day. I think I saw Nyla's name. If so, welcome back Nyla. :) I hope everyone is enjoying the NBC!
Maryville, TN "Ride of Silence" w/ 30 riders last night. The event came off really well w/ police escort provided by the City. Tremendous support overall.
@ Marty - I've already got a few of those items and the others are on my wish list! I completely agree, I don't care how "silly" I look. One of my co-workers laughed at me already saying I looked "stupid." I said, that's ok. I'd rather look stupid than dead.
@Karen & @Kelly - Other good things to do are to wear a reflective vest, have a flashing front and rear lights. they make lights for the spokes and a string of lights for the frame. Plus, last December, I bought a 900 lumen headlight. It has already proved helpful. And, buy a mirror. Its good to know what is behind you, without having to constantly turn your head. I know all of that is expensive, but you can't put a price on your safety. Anything you can do to make yourself more visible from further away, helps your safety, no matter how goofy you or others think you look. I would rather have a driver laugh at me for what I am wearing, than not see me, until it is too late.
We had 25 for my 1st Ride of Silence in Wauwatosa, WI. I had a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace, as a surprize to everyone at the turnaround at a bandshell, where we stopped for a minute with bowed heads. I and others were close to tears. Unsuspecting park attendees were taking video and pictures. I'll definitely organize another one next year. Bigger and better!
We had 12 riders, plus a boy who was pulled in a carriage at the Ride of Silence at Wheel & Sprocket in Appleton, WI: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/8742439159/
@Kwaika - maybe its a tunnel?
@Nyla. Absolutely true and exquisitely said !! Are you a writer who rides or a rider that writes?
Thanks Dave "Shut up Legs" Cairncross for the link. It will be fun to see myslef riding virtually around the globe. Too bad I didn't see this site earlier because I have almost 7,000 miles on bike so far since 2012. Just started loging miles on here at beginning of this month. No worries, the miles do add up quickly.
Ok everone, we are halfway thru national bike month. I challenge you to at least double your points from now until month end.
Joined 100 other cyclists in Doylestown, PA for the International Ride of Silence.
@Kawika, that bridge exists....in the virtual world. On Endomondo challenges, Tour du Monde-Round the World, I am just about to cross from Honolulu to Los Angeles :)
http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/1634578
@ Christine, well said. I got honked at today and I just did my usual wave. Then when the guy passed me (too close I might add), I decided it was supposed to be a warning honk, as if cyclists couldn't hear a car behind them. Even worse when its a truck. For the most part, the areas where I see the most riders on a regular basis are the areas where I get the most respect. In one spot people seem to have gotten used to me taking the lane (that is riding in the middle of the lane) and if necessary, patiently stopping with my arm in left turn position until I can make a safe left turn. I would have been terrified to do that a few years ago, but now that I'm used to it, I can't think of a safer way to make left turns in some spots.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND BE AS SAFE AS YOU CAN!!!!
Scott B, You have me confused with someone else maybe Scott Z because I always rode my Bike to school.
@Scott BVZ - your calculations are sound. But I can only give you partial credit. This little excercise was intended to demonstrate that you can plan a 20 mile, one hour ride, but 4 miles and 12 minutes into it, you still have an hour to go. And 8 miles and 27 minutes into it, you still have an hour to go... You do get bonus points for the wind direction!!!
@ Tammy - Agreed! Did you know Ride On spelled backwards is No Edir?
@J Hugh, who told you about my collection of SI calendars? I only keep them for historical work out reference. For the record, I prefer data geek. I do remember you being jealous in the math class. Just as I was jealous that you rode the small "special" bus to school every day...
@Christine - sorry about the word problem. Irregardless, did you know they have an app now that simulates fingernails on a chalk board? :)
@Kwaika, we need buttons under each post for "like", "agree", "disagree" (maybe), "hugs" and "funny". I would click Like, Hugs, and Funny for your post! Keep at it! The bridge is out there somewhere. Just remember to bring LOTS of fresh water for the ride. The water you'll be riding over isn't all that potable.
I live on an Island (Maui) and for some reason no matter how many miles I put on my bike I still can't find that bridge to California. I just keep going around in circles! LOL!
@Karen, this is my second year riding to work. I tell myself a few things to screw up my courage each day. 1) We all die some time. b) It gets easier with each ride. and iii) I probably won't see whatever it is that hits me. All kidding aside, b is the truth. It does get easier with each ride...just as with anything else. Practice gives us the courage to do what we want/need to do.
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That said, I had a jerk with a "watch out for motorcycles" sticker on his pickup try to blow me off the road this afternoon. When I gave him a mouthful, he called me a b***h and told me to get off his ass. Gladly. I've had people ride my tail blowing their horn, tell me to get up on the sidewalk where I belong, tell me roads are for cars, etc., etc. One of these days, I'm going to print out the laws and distribute them to the eejits who can't be bothered. Those who are mean to me, I figure they don't have anyone at home they can pick on so they pick on strangers riding bikes.
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I don't think it's just PA. (When I went to college in Millersville, lots of people rode bikes.) I think it's the US in general. We look at bikes as fun for kids, a way people can race without a car, or a way for people who can't run very well to exercise. Bikes are not seen as transportation in the US. Hence, the NBC! The more we get the word out, the more of us who are seen riding to and from work, library, grocery, church, wherever, the more bikes will be accepted as a legit form of transport!
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Get out and RIDE!
Snow, sleet and hail on Saturday; nineties yesterday; perfect seventies today; At a time when both economics and an expired passport preclude desired distant travels, Wisconsin’s startling weather shifts recently provide the advantageous perspective of waking in a completely different locale from day to day. Afternoon ride was purely celebrational; Cloud wisps like white chalk on wet blue paper, belated appearance of roadside bloodroot and hepatica, glorious WARM air and sunshine all reinforcing uncomplicated delight of bicycling. Of course wind perversely and quite predictably shifted to thwart anticipated tailwind home, but local topography blesses me with net downhill return rides form most surrounding towns. Health benefits matter greatly, and I do sincerely care about reducing a carbon footprint larger than many of the dinosaurs from whom the carbon was derived, but my primary reason for riding remains “FUN”. Look around, inhale deeply, savor the finest wind-in-your-face glee of a delightful downhill roll. Carpe Diem!, Ride on…ENJOY!
Last night at 9:30 the wind totally died and of course it was dark. That happens here in ID alot. The bike I had for years was a mountain bike. I rode hardly ever, ANYWHERE, and when I was on the road I was not only afraid of traffic, dogs, and big mirrors on pickup trucks, I was uncomfortable. So my suggestion is for new riders to get comfortable on and with their bikes then just do short easy rides to build confidence. Now I love my Diamondback Serene and have over 150 miles on it in a month, but I think I am going to see about going to the next level. I also try and not let the idiots out there get in my head and ruin a good ride. Be safe and RIDE ON!! Rockin' it in Idaho Falls,
E.
@Karen: they have to start slowly. Accidents happen when there is too much apprehension. There is a certain comfort level and will and want to ride on the road that inspires people to try it. Best to start out during slow traffic times and maybe on road ways less traveled. Encourage safety as well, i.e. helmets etc. Another big big key is education, education, education. There are rules to the rode for bicyclists and motorists. If they are aware of those, that will help immensely with the comfort level. It helps you know what to look out for and what to expect of yourself and other vehicles. Good luck in your endeavor. As stated by others-health is such a big part too. The benefits of cycling are amazing. To get the most of those benefits such as weight loss, and just overall feeling fantastic mentally and physically, you have to get out there and ride. The road is an open book. You never know what your going to find until you turn the page. You see things on a bike you don't see otherwise and the best ideas and inspirations you ever had where while you were riding. Not to mention the savings in gas and on the environment.
@ Rob - I would love to move somewhere in which the mentality is a bit different (hopefully some time this year!), but I suppose that's what I get for living in the motor city and surrounding areas. Cars rule the road around here. :(
@Jerry - Bikes are like that, man. Mine does that to me all the time.
@Tammie - You're one of us now. Surrender to the bike side. We have cookies. Except when we run out, then you have to get yourself to a bakery.
@Karen
The only way to avoid all risk is to be dead already. Every activity we undertake involves risk. Refraining from all activity also involves risk. So there is no way to be alive and not take risks. My point is that cycling is not dangerous as compared to other activities that we do not designate as particularly risky, i.e. not as dangerous as it is painted -- and that cycling and walking also facilitate risk reduction (by improving general health).
There’s no such thing as absolute safety. Risk is a relative thing. In 1993, Exponent Corp. (then Failure Analysis Associates, Inc.) published fatality rates for various activities. Here is how some of the activities scored, in Fatalities per Million Hours of Activity:
Motorcycling 8.80
Life Overall
Wow Kelly - that would be tough. I have never had an experience like that in my 5 years of regular commuting in NE Wisconsin. My city has a population of 70,000. I guess I never realized how good we have it up here, except for the long winters of course!
@ Karen - Where I live, I am terrified every time I get on the road because it is not bike friendly at all. 3 of the 6 times I have ventured into the actual road since this challenge started I've had crazies blare their horns at me while passing me (and many pass within a foot of my bike.) I have been sticking to the sidewalks unfortunately if there isn't a big enough shoulder on the road (unless there aren't any sidewalks and I'm forced to ride in the road.)
Only advice I could tell you (being I'm one of those people nervous about being in the road) is to tell them to start slow. Tell them to only ride in the road during off peak hours for the first few times and stay on less traveled roads until they start to feel more comfortable. That's what I've been doing to gradually feel better about it.
Hi all. Just wondering what you tell people who are afraid to ride their bikes on the road. I have been trying to get some of my aquatic friends interested in the bike challenge since they are all very athletic. Accept for the triathletes, who think that
the challenge is not up their alley, most of the comments have been about being
afraid of getting hit by a car. Some even look at me like I am foolhardy to ride my
bike to the pool. I think I did enspire at least one person to ride. Our culture in PA
is so closed to bicycles as transportation.
I just went out to do a short 10 mile ride to make sure my bike was fixed before this evenings ride. But when I got to Hygiene my bike refuse to turn left to go home. It fought me and make me continue riding. My bike finally took pity on me and let me ride home after it realized I only brought one water bottle with me and I was running low on liquids.
@Scott .. All I know about your word problem is that I am TIRED by the end of that ride! We have 15mph winds most of the time here and 20 to 30 lately. I am in Odessa, TX! More than one Odessa to talk about. We actually got about 5 minutes of rain yesterday and of course I rode in it. Got home soon after it started though and had only gone 2 miles. After it stopped I got antsy and just HAD to go back out and did another 5 miles ... Yep, cycling is definitely in my blood... I am doomed!
IDK-Headwind, tailwind, sidewind? Aren't they all the same when no matter which direction you turn is always wind?
Hi all, out today in sunshine and temps in the 80s again. Saw three or four other riders out there (I may have seen one guy twice).
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To clarify: all outdoor miles count and no (THAT IS ZERO) indoor miles count for this challenge.
Headwind = wind that blows your head off
Tailwind = wind that blows your tail off
Sidewind = the kind you need to stay upright in a velodrome
ROLL SAFE EVERYONE!
Christine calm down. It is just that Scott, you remember Scott the teacher.s pet in math class, is trying to play cyclo computer. Just treat him like always and see the humor in his math focused life. I bet he even has a calendar with all his workouts written out in longhand, he keeps them with the last few years of calendars. It is just Scott.
Answers to Scott's riddles:
Original estimated ride time - 60 minutes
Revised @ mile 4 ride time - 72 minutes
Revised @ mile 8 ride time - 87 minutes
Total ride time (assuming no more wind changes) - 87 minutes
Wind direction - in your face (it's a headwind)
I don't do pschanalysis, so I won't comment on the OADD.
ARRRRUUUGH! Word problems! The bane of my existence! The reason I almost quit high school! I hoped when I graduated, I'd never, ever, ever see another one. Word problems are fingernails on a blackboard to me...even worse than someone saying irregardless! AAAAAARRRRUUUGH!
what a great ride w/ the Mayors yesterday. 35- 40 riders and a police esscort. That may be the first time i have ridden next to flashing red and blue lights instead of in front of them. signed up 3 new riders 4 NBC, that felt good!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Hi Brian, so you're the other rider listed in Odessa... LOL
ROS starts at the Publix @ Curlew and Alt-19 at 7p riders are being asked to show by 6:30p to review instructions and route. It's being sponsored by the Suncoast Cycling Club use this link for more info...
http://www.suncoastcycling.com/eventsandlinks.html#ros
There is also a ride leaving from downtown Tampa @ 7p from the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
So, riddle me this banter boys? I start out on a 20 mile bicycle ride with a moderate headwind and have a steady 20 mph pace. At mile 4, the headwind picks up and I’m only able push at 16 mph. At mile 8, the headwind really gets strong and I’m only able to maintain 12 mph for the remainder of the ride. What was my original estimated ride time at the start of the ride? Revised at mile 4? Revised at mile 8? Total ride time? Was the wind coming from the West or the East? Did my OADD (Outdoor Attention Deficit Disorder) have anything to do with this post?
@Christine - I believe you are correct about tailwinds. Such a thing does not exist in Nebraska. I do like Kathy R.'s theory, though. All winds ARE headwinds here. Or else I'm just slow. Hard to tell which some days.
Brad, the conversation was about tailwinds. i know that made you think breaking wind, but there is a difference. If you would lead a ride occasionally you would not know when I fart.
Marty, Seinfeld show was right. Yada yada yada yada.
Michael on Bicycle what time does the ride start in N Pinellas? I was wanting to participate and I'll be darned if I didn't forget my helmet!!!! Duh! I live in Odessa and hope to have time to make it home and be there for the start.
Tailwind - is a Headwind in which you go faster that your average speed with no wind.
Headwind - a headwind that causes you go much slower than average speed with no wind
Crosswind - A headwind that causes you to go slower than with no wind, faster than with a headwind but your bike is at an angle.
Conclusion - all winds are headwinds that are further classified by speed.
@Michael Gandabunchofotherletters, count every mile that your butt in on a saddle and your feet are pushing the pedals. Even exercise riding counts! (Imagine that!) (Well, except if you're indoors on a trainer or an exercise bicycle [don't know which stationary stationery to use, so I said exercise].)
Don't forget, ROS tonight! Remind your friends!
http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-international.php
@Ray S. soooooo true! I always feel like I'm riding into a headwind, no matter which direction I'm going. I'll be heading east, battling a heck of a headwind, all excited about turning west to catch the tail wind, when BLAM! I head west directly into a head wind. How can this be??? Tail winds have to be a cycling urban legend.
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Can you tell I come in here to catch up on the chatter and make my inane comments as I go?
Welcome back, Cynthia! Now get riding!
@Brad, what a great quote from Einstein. I'm so glad your my SMART brother and know such SMART things. (Not like Skippy.) ::ducking ...goosing? and running::
@Michael: Yep! Count them all!
@Michael. Yes, everything can be included! Your fun rides can be marked as Cycling Sport, any commuting or errands can be marked as Cycling Transport. And I typically mark rides with the family as Cycling Transport in order to not bring down my average "hardcore" speed.
So in summary, log everything it is only cheating if you enter more miles than you rode.
Good morning, all! This is my first year participating in the Challenge so please allow me a question. This coming Friday I will be participating in a Bike to Work Day event on my way to work. Getting to/from the event is out of the way of my normal commute. Can I include those miles in my daily total? Thanks!
Tailwind? What is that? I believe that is an urban legend.
JHugh Farted. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHA
@Kathy - It's theoretically possible, but has never been proven to exist in the real world.
Beautiful morning at 52 degrees and a mild tailwind with a predicted 73 and clearish for the Ride of Silence tonight in S. NJ. Can't ask for better.
@Marty, Brad, and JHugh - Do boys ever mature into Men or are women totally deluded into thinking that such a thing is, although rare, possible.
@kelly- you totally need a new route. that goose sounds mean!
Whew, after almost two weeks of not being able to commute because unavoidable life things got in the way I am finally back on track! I have missed my two wheeled commute and the NBC dearly and I am so happy to be back logging miles. Here we go!
@J. Hugh - Since when did we start talking about OCC? And how can the last C stand for Development? There isn't a C in Development that I can see. (How did you know that I'll have to wrap duct tape completely around my head, a few times, just to keep me from uttering important facts, that everyone should know.) For instance - Duck tape was first created in 1942, and was originally Army green. After the war, the name was changed to Duct, still keeping the tape name. And now, there are similar products out there with either Duct or Duck.
@Marty OCC means Over Cranial Development or as Dad would say "Marty your head is too big for your hat"". As to posts, it is amazing to see you write down all that stuff that is rattling around in your OCD. I bet you're the guy with the duck tape on his mouth at the ride of Silence.
@Howard F, I heartily recommend TwoSpoke.com. It's one of the friendliest cycling forum on the web.
Douglas - I can vouch for Dan and Howard's recommendation. I have learned a lot from bikeforums. Good luck and have fun!
Agreed Howard! bikeforums is very good.
Douglas, http://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php is also excellent. Has a large number of individual forums.
@ Brad - I love that quote.
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about. ~ Albert Einstein
You wouldn't believe me.. I was attacked again today by the same goose with it's babies. I didn't see them because they were on the other side of some bushes. It flew up and hit the side of my bike so hard the chain switched gears. I tried to pedal faster to get away and this bird was chasing me down the sidewalk!
I may need to find a new route home for awhile!
Douglas, try
http://bicycles.stackexchange.com
@ Douglas F, with 25,000 + riders people tend to get plenty of advice, so feel free to ask away!
We have geese here on the work campus, but no encounters so far on bike. On the other hand, I've dodged small rabbits and then the worst - a few weeks ago on my 25 mph straightaway, some crazies were running radio controlled cars in the road- totally unpredictable trajectories. I missed them, but I'm not sure how.
Can anyone recommend a site that has a good/responsive bicycling forum for general bicycling questions?
Well, after reading some of the weather conditions others ride in.. I realize how easy we have it here and how absolutely SPOILED I am! I did not want to go out when it was WAY down to 52 and today only rode just over 2 miles because we had thunder and a little rain! Oh, my, I can't imagine what I would do if I lived somewhere else.... my poor bike would never see me.
Here in Portland, Oregon we've been spoiled rotten with GORGEOUS weather for at least a month now (knocks on wood). This past weekend Portland had over 7,000 riders participating in the Sunday parkways, which is a neighborhood bike for any/everyone! Tomorrow I'm participating in a Ride of Silence, can't wait! :-)
@J. Hugh - The following are all longer posts: 1) Fence posts. 2) C.W. Post founded his cereal company in 1897, and that is 116 years ago. 3a) The longest Professional Post Player currently is Paul Sturgess, at 7 ft 8 inches. 3b) Gheorghe Muresan and 3c) Manute Bol were both 7 ft 7, and played in the NBA. 4) The longest post Presidential life was Herbert Hoover's - 11,554 days. I could go on, and on, and on. What's OCD? Overhead Cam Distributor? Also, I know about shhhhh, that's why I'm the perfect person to lead a Ride of Silence.
What a great day for biking in NE wisconsin today! From the comments, sounds like most folks are out enjoying themselves in the US. It is interesting to hear from all over. Any Alaskan riders out there?
Brad, 25,000 plus people look at your picture with the clown bike and if you take your ear plugs out you can hear the chucking. Send picture to Clown alley, Ringling Brother Circus! Also, grow the mohawk back it adds to the clown thing. They do make rubber at ons for your helmet if you like the look.
Christine, don't confuse bruises with the birthmarks that Mom and Dad love so much. Oh but birthmarks would be over 40 years old. way over.
Marty, do you know the term OCD. I mean those are two of the longest posts I have ever seen, except for the other Marty know everything ones. Let others have a chance.
Remember what Mom and Dad always said "shhhhh!"
This note from one of my team members. I thought I would share. Check your equipment regularly and be safe out there...
Scott:
I lucked out today. I rode my bike to work without incident, and then rode down to an appointment I had on 14th N with my son. I was too lazy to ride back up that hill, so I put the bike in the back of the SUV my son was driving. As I did, I saw that about 2 inches of the tread had worn away, and had delaminated. It is something I have never seen before. So my son is coming to pick me up, and I’ll be putting a new set of tires on tonight so I can get back on with the Challenge.
God does look out for dumb animals.
Here are the rest of the locations in the U.S. that list Ride of Silence rides tomorrow night at 7. (A total of 265, not county other countries) Hopefully, you can make it to one of them.
NC – Asheville, Banner Elk, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Greensboro, High Point, Huntersville, Kernersville, Kill Devil Hills, Research Triangle Park, Wilmington, Winston-Salem
ND – (None listed so far – the only missing state)
NE – Beatrice, Bellevue, Lincoln
NH – Grantham
NJ – Avenel, Edison-Woodbridge, Lincroft, Medford, Princeton, Skillman, Sparta, West Windsor
NM – Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Mesilla
NV – Las Vegas
NY – Albany, Binghamton, Kingston, Mineola, Nyack-Piermont, Rochester, Utica
OH – Cleveland, Columbus, Oberlin, Toledo
OK – Stillwater
OR – Brookings, Corvallis, Eugene, Phoenix, Portland, Salem
PA – Allentown, Collegeville-Trappe, Doylestown, Harrisburg-Camp Hill, Lebanon, New Castle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, West Chester
RI – Providence
SC – Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, Rock Hill, West Columbia
SD – Sioux Falls, Vermillion
TN – Chattanooga, Clarksville, Maryville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Tullahoma
TX – Amarillo, Austin, Beaumont, Coppell, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, Dodd City, Fort Worth, Houston, Kerrville, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland-Odessa, Mineral Wells, Paris, Plainview, Plano, San Antonio, Sherman
UT – Provo, Salt Lake City
VA – Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Radford
VT – Brattleboro, Manchester Center, Middlebury, Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Woodstock
WA – Renton, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Wenatchee
WI – Appleton, Brookfield, DePere, Delafield, Fox Point, Hales Corners, Oshkosh, Plymouth, Racine, Waukesha, Wauwatosa
WV – Charleston
WY – Casper, Lander
Oh yeah, and while my Garmin is great for recording miles, its pretty bad at temperatures. The weather station reports 88 degrees while my Garmin read 104!!
HI all, here in the greater St. Louis area we got hot! Well not as hot as Nebraska but for a day that was supposed to get into the 70s, it hit the upper 80s pretty quick. And to think that I was waiting for the afternoon to do my ride so it would be warmer! HA. Well the good part was my daughter rode with me and I ended up with 10 more miles than I planned. SO YEAH, KIDS CAN BE GREAT.
*********
Watch out, later in the week they are promising rain and thunder showers. Well, I suppose I could always hit the trail and ride by myself in the rain again. It was actually kind of tun. WE SHALL SEE.
******
I have never encountered GEESE ANGER but my mom grew up on a farm and her best friend had pet ducks. My mom said they could be mean.... SO WATCH OUT FOR DUCKS & GEESE WHILE YOU ROLL!!
I will not complain about hot weather, it's better than riding in the cold any day. This morning was in the 30s again (frost warnings and I just planted my tomatoes!), I was wishing it was 100. Just wanna put the darn winter gear away!
@Jack Mayfield - I always enjoy the 3 days of spring we get here in Nebraska, don't you?
An interesting ride to Jamestown with Pati. Riding up the canyon in rain. And back down in rain. And neither of us brought jackets or vests. We were talking earlier how nice it was to not have to wear or carry cold weather gear. It was cold. And wet. It is amazing how fast Pati can ride up the canyon in the rain so she can get inside to warm up.
Some of you may recall that those of us in the Midwest (including here in Nebraska) were hit with a late season snowstorm on May 2 that caused us to get off to a slow start on the Challenge. So, less than two weeks later, at 2:03pm on May 14th the thermometer on the bank next door reads 100 degrees. No joke. Spring? What spring? Winter > Summer
Sure, Skippy! That's why 40 years later, my ribs are still black and blue!
Dad?
Yay, yesterday was my first commute of the year sans studs or fat tires! Smooth and fast! lol Ride on, Mark H.
Don't make me turn this bike around!
SEE! SEE! THAT'S what I have to put up with. JHugh, are you having those clown nightmares again? You really should talk to somebody about that. (and I told you not to make fun of my bike)
Brad, no one could make fun of your bike. I mean look at it, right out of Clown Alley at the circus. You bring much laughter to people as you roll by and that roll on the ground laughing. Every bike you have had has had the same strange look. they have been theft proof. You should thank Dad for making you and Marty walk since walking is such good exercise for your little legs. I never poked Christine hard, Really!
HA! Skippy (I mean JHugh), like you were the good one - you had dad so fooled. But really YOU were always the instigator. . WE had it easy? Remember the time dad stopped the car and made me and Marty walk home? And YOU were the one that kept pokin' Christine, we didn't have anything to do with it. And what's more, you were always making fun of my bike, always have. That, I'll never forgive you for. I think you were just jealous. pfihblhhhhhhh.
@Christine S Dad always let you get away with such uncool behavior! You, Brad and Marty always get away with everything. Its so unfair!
@Crystal - Unfortunately, not this year. The quickest way is to first filter by number of participants (if you know that), look through the listing, and once you find them, make a note of their overall place. Then, periodically start looking in that place, both a page or two before or after.
When we switch months, early on in the month, look for them in the Overall timeframe, not in that particular month.
Or,better yet, if you have a friend who is on their Workplace team, have them tell you.
@ Christine - Haha! That's what I said! My boyfriend has one of those Hero cameras you can attach to your helmet, I really wish I had been wearing it! I would have uploaded it to YouTube myself!! Lol!!
Ride of Silence
Come and participate tomorrow evening in the Ride of Silence.
Wednesday, May 15th
6:30 Gathering
7:00 Ride Begins
Departing from each Wheel & Sprocket location
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 MPH and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. It will be respectful, silent, safe, short and family friendly.
Remember, we do this ride for 3 reasons:
To honor those who have been injured or killed;
To raise awareness that we are here
To ask that we all share the road
T-shirts are available for first 50 riders.
@Kelly, where's the guy with the video camera when you need him???!! That would have made a great YouTube video. I'm glad you weren't hurt. Growing up in farm country, you know how MEAN geese, especially momma geese, can be!
@Elaine, I love it! Riding to work even when it's at home! YAY!!
@J.Hugh, at my age I'm allowed to SWEAT! BUCKETS! Dad agrees with me!
Is there a way to search companies by name to see how they are doing?
Nice Marty!!!
I love reading and seeing pictures of all this great country has to offer; whatever mode of pedal bike one can choose!!
Well done!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I'm doubling this challenge up with my triathlon training. This year I'm competing with the Alzheimer's Association's Run for the Memory team. Any support would be appreciated!! http://alz.kintera.org/triathlon2013/cara
@ Marty - Great write and beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing.
I got published again.
http://www.bikeovernights.org/post/pine-creek-trail-pennsylvania
@Tammy - good job on that ride! I lost an intial 15 lbs through cycling, last year. I haven't ridden more than 25 miles either and it took me a year to get to that. I keep trucking away, year by year. This year I am hoping for much more. I know that my cycling gives me good cardio and stamina. Your doing great to get out and ride!
@Kelly, I ride by a goose couple every day. Yesterday, I noticed they had babies too. I hightailed it past them. She hisses at me even without babies in the picture. I can't believe she hit you in the head!!! She must have been reallyl scared and freaked out. Ha. Be careful out there.
I just started tracking any tips or guidance. Just email me. Thanks!
My bell sure gets a workout during gosling season. I hate it when the geese hiss, so a warning bell helps them move away.
Tammie good job on your increases. My freinds are giving me the same encouragement that muscle weighs more and will make your body more efficient. I did hide the scale I rely on how clothes fit. Will be on the look out for Mother Goose bahaha.
@Kelly. Thanks for sharing, you made me laugh! I guess mad Mother geese are another reason to always wear a helmet! For me, my commute brings some pretty frequent "I brake and swerve for prairie dogs."
We don't have geese, we have jackrabbits and ground squirrls here... and I sure was dodging those today. Had quite a few of them run across my path as I was speeding along the path of the college campus. Afraid someday one of them is not going to be fast enough or I am not going to be able to swerve enough. I know my abilities are improving. I used to say I am going out for a quick ride and I would do 1 or 2 miles.. well, todays 'quick ride' was 6.2 miles and this was my rest day.
@Tammie - Don't give up. your probably turning fat into muscle at this point, muscle weighs more than fat. Once you build some muscle the muscle will actually help you lose even more fat. Relax, and stay off the scale, it'll just make you crazy and frustrated
have many rides w/ mid-schoolers and the mayors of Reno/Sparks this week (am & pm) .schoolers as part of safty and basic bike repair for bike to school/ mayors as part of BTWW and their ego campain , will also try to round up some riders for R.O.S. on wed.25,000 riders by tomorrow (maybe) so 1/2 way there.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
So some motorists will have a hilarious story to tell their friends today..
There are a ton of geese on my way to and from work on a particular road. Usually I don't pay them any mind and go past them on the sidewalks. Today I saw 2 next to the sidewalk in the grass like usual, but unfortunately I didn't notice all the baby geese due to the tall grass until the momma goose started balking at me as I approached and all of a sudden all the baby geese decided to wattle into the sidewalk directly in front of me.. I swerved and hit my brakes hard and momma goose took flight and nailed me right in the head almost knocking me clear off my bike into the grass!
I was laughing so hard I had to regain my composure before I could continue on. One vehicle, a man leaned out his window and yelled if I was ok as he has laughing hysterically.
Congrats Tammie on surviving your ride yesterday. What you r looking for is "base training" to help you lose weight. It's all about riding in a certain heart rate zone for a certain amount of time. I'm glad you r enjoying the ride regardless of not losing the weight you want. 3lbs is 3 lbs! Always harder for women than men to loose weight.
@Tammie - Congratulations on how far you've already come!
Biking sure is fun!
(I may be preaching to the choir, but) Just be patient with the rest of the weight loss, as the last half will take longer. Be sure to include a breakfast every day, and careful that you aren't going below 1,000 calories/day intake, (more than that since you are exercising), as going below puts the body in starvation mode, and your metabolism actually starts slowing down.
@tammie. it'll come. small signs such as maybe your rings feel looser. no kidding.
I will be organizing a Ride of Silence in Wauwatosa, WI.
In case you haven't heard of it, I urge you to attend one in your area, and if there isn't one in your area, why not start one? That's what I did. Here is some more background info on it:
The Ride of Silence is an International event, designed to raise awareness of bicyclists and is in honor of, or memory of those bicyclists hit and injured or killed by vehicles. Rides start at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, May 15th. Organizers ask that you arrive no later than 6:40.
Riders ride in silence, going no faster than 12 mph, and usually for about 10-12 miles, but sometimes less. (Mine will be 10.2 miles at 11 mph.)
To find more specific info, go to: www.rideofsilence.org/
Here are the Ride of Silence locations listed for the U.S. (1st 1/2 - I will post the rest by tomorrow a.m.):
AK – Fairbanks
AL – Homewood, Mobile, Prattville
AR – Little Rock
AZ – Flagstaff, Green Valley, Kingman, Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson
CA – Bakersfield, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles(2), Oxnard, Pasadena, Redding, Richmond, Ridgecrest, Sacramento, San Clemente, San Diego, San Francisco, San Rafael, Temecula, Thousand Oaks, Ventura
CO – Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Woodland Park
CT – Stamford
Washington DC
DE – Lewes, Wilmington
FL – Bonita Springs, Clermont, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lakewood Ranch, Miami, North Pinellas County, Plantation, Poinciana, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Spring Hill – Brooksville, St. Cloud, Stuart, Tampa
GA – Alpharetta, Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Hiram, Marietta, Milledgeville, Peachtree City, Smyrna
IA – Atlantic, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Marshalltown, Mason City
ID – Boise, Burley, Sandpoint
IL – Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Champaign-Urbana, Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Geneva, Joliet, McHenry, O’Fallon, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Peoria, Quincy, Rockford, Springfield
IN – Chesterton, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Goshen, Michigan City, Seymour
KS – Hutchinson, Lawrence, Wichita
KY – Louisville
LA – Boton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans
MA – Boston, East Longmeadow, Leominster, Westfield
MD – Frederick, Hagerstown, Olney, Rockville
ME – Brunswick
MI – Boyne City, Cadillac, Detroit, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Grayling, Grosse Pointe, Harbor Springs, Holland, Marquette, Menominee, Muskegon, Owosso, Port Huron, Portage-Kalamazoo, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Spring Lake, Traverse City, Westland, Ypsilanti (130 so far)
MN – Alexandria, Mankato, St. Paul-Minneapolis
MO – Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Springfield
MS – Hernando, Kosciusko, Ridgeland
MT – Missoula
I survived the Law Enforcement Memorial ride yesterday... my new best, 22 miles. New goal, 25 miles. Still don't have speed and I know that will come with time. Now I wish I would start losing weight! I eat 1/2 as much, haven't eaten any real junk food in , well FOREVER... am getting more exercise than I have in 20 years and have lost maybe 3 pounds in the last 7 weeks... but I am having a great time. I could stand to lose at least 30 or more pounds more so it it there to lose. I was able to drop 35 pounds by diet change before I bought the bike.
@Brad - No, I hadn't noticed. Everyone's always been talking to me that way.
Marty - did you notice that everyone talks 'different' to us; are we special?
Paige, some hospitals have special surgical teams that will take care of that for you.
OK people, I'm back and I'm gonna rock this challenge.......
ROLL ON EVERYONE!!!
@Paige - Go to the endomondo profile page for your current team and leave. Come back here and there'll be a big JOIN button under the LOG MILES button. Click it.
anyone know how to change teams???
I'm doing the Ride of Silence, if I remember that is. For some reason during the ride home from work my brain has a tendency to empty of all things, it's like my thoughts can't keep up with me. I get home, eat dinner, putter around, sit... then go "OH CRAP" as the thoughts catch up with me again, which is around 7pm. Need to leave for the ride at 6:30pm.
Since i "telecommute" to work, no not "beam me up Scotty" telecommute Brad and Marty, I take a about a 3 mile ride before I start work. That makes up for not getting the walk time in from a parking lot or around the office I used to work from. Ride on everyone.
It's Bike to Work Week! Keep those miles coming!
OK. I got the calorie thing figured out and then decided I just didn't care anyway! ;) I've lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks now that the weather is cooperating and I can ride more consistently. It should start adding up nicely now with the nice temps. Let's Ride!!!
Anyone doing the Ride of Silence this Wednesday?
Christine I am telling Dad on you, too for eggy Marty and Brad on and for telling others that you sweat. Very embarrassing! So uncool. Grow up please!
@Heather, my Cyclofemme ride was me, myself, and I riding 14 miles, shouting at the top of my lungs how women rule when we ride together. Well, okay, really, I enjoyed the quiet solitude of being the only person on the bike trail because everyone else was paying homage to their muthas. But in my heart I was riding with all the other women riding all around the world. Good on you getting a bunch of people to show up for ride to work!
.
@Joe...lovely quote, but I don't remember teaching my sons to ride; someone else must have. There were much more difficult parts of getting them to adulthood, believe me.
.
Brad and Marty, please don't stop! It is so much fun reading your chatter.
.
BTW, I sweated more riding to work today than I did all last week. Must have been the winter jacket over the sweater and the gloves. Perhaps I overdid it a bit for 30 degree weather?
Oh, thanks alot JHugh, you stupidhead, you know how to wreck everything. Marty we better get lost - wanna go ride around Diane's house again?
The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles. A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. ~Sloan Wilson
@gregg, this is good news!!! I led a bike to work week effort here this week and ten people showed up at our kickoff today. That is fabulous for this rural area. YAY!
Marty and Brad,
I have had enough of this stuff. I am telling Dad when he gets home and you will get yours.
@Brad - Point well taken. But I'm a mirror and you're a face. Whatever you say to me bounces back and into your face.
Besides that, I already had breakfast 1.7 hours ago.
Now that the weekend is behind us and we've all had a chance to celebrate and hopefully enjoy some relaxing time with our mom drinking wine and playing scrabble. It's time to put our differences behind us, and focus on Bike To Work Week. It's a tenuous start with 30 dsgrees this morning in Wisconsin, but tommorow comes change and back to beautiful warm weather. I think it will shape up into a glorious week. So for the sake of peace, camaradarie and the brotherhood of cyclists across the country, I think for breakfast today Marty should have a double serving of GROW THE HELL UP!
Hey Tom L, your picture reminds me of a great movie "The General" about Martin Cahill a Dublin crime boss. LOL a must see movie !!!
@ Brad & Marty, HA HA HA!! Happy MOM'S day to all the other moms out there!
ROLL ON EVERYONE, 24,000 + riders and counting.....
I'm glad that at least some of you found Brad's and my repartee amusing. When we planned it several weeks ago as a build-up to Mother's Day, we wanted to give mothers who may have children slightly or quite a bit older than 3 or 4, a chance to relive that lovely part of parenting again. As brothers of different mothers, we thought it only right that we should make it seem like we were long lost siblings, catching up on childhood.
Since the script we wrote is dome with this writing, we are also done. So, we'll stop, now...... ..... ........
But, only if he stops first.
Great News: The Teamsters and UPS have reached a tenatative agreement, which means UPSers will not have any work stoppage and can ride to work throughout the challenge.
@travis start with some lighthearted miles, then work your way up to the serious ones :)
I haven't even got to get out on my bike. I can't wait to get out here and get some serious miles on my bike this season!
took the df off the garage wall today and within a very short time remembered why i got bent! but the old trek is a great bike and i can do things on it that i would not do on my recumbent. the wrist , neck and bum pain are worth short rides but not the daily miles i like .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Ok got'er done. I would have been a couch pitato if it hadn't been for the challenge. Now I feel better!
FINALLY taking the studded tires off my 29'er today. The ice on my bike trail commute to work in nearly gone. Been a late and chilly Spring up here. Still fun tho. Happy trails, Mark H.
@Brad – but of course! My respect just went way up. At my age, I appreciate a good BM – song.
Scott - A good BM. hahahhahahahhaa Now I think we FINALLY got the conversation down to a low enough level.
Scott - Bob Marley. Rastaman vibration. Irie, Irie. Love and peace to all (yes even my nemesis - you know)
@Brad and Marty - Happy Mothers Day! Grin! You two make me smile. Your chatter is so worth the price of admission to the NBC.
@Brad - Nice fatty! Who is Marley anyway?
@Marty - When Marly and me grow up, we want a tandem like in your pic! Just wonder what the bike rack looks like and will it fit on the top of our little Suzi?
@Elaine, Kelly, Tammy and other new riders! You inspire and ROCK! I have raced, toured, and commuted of and on for a lot of years. I have not ridden 12 days in a row since the summer of '74. Thank you NBC for motivating so many folks...
I don't know why, but today I need to work up the motivation to go out. Yesterday, I was all over riding in that nasty weather, but today with the sun shining, I need to kick my butt in gear. Go figure!
Hey Marty - I'm rubber, you're glue, whatever you say bounces off of me, and sticks to you.
Mike, I had the same thought about normalizing the team rankings to take size into account. a "medium" team of 11 has no chance against a "medium" team of even 40 members. A points/member, much like the state and community points/resident, would make much more sense in my mind.
@Christine, I had to cancel my cyclofemme ride yesterday-due to rain. I was so dissapointed, but we are going to try again next weekend. I hope yours was fun!
What do folk think of the team size on the leader board?. Can't help thinking a points per persons on the team ranking scheme might be better more universal, or maybe just total of top 10 scoring members of the team rather than this small medium large ranking. Large (>100) seems too large and medium (11-99) just covers too wide a range to be useful. Also IMO the community ranking scheme seems broke. The leader community in my state has 1 rider out of a very smallish population size who is way ahead ahead of all the other communities, hows that work then ?
@ Dan, Like Peter said, you have to enter the time you spent riding for the calories to appear. Go to your profile, then to workouts, then you can edit each workout, adding the time you started, and the time you spent riding for each trip.
It's donuts for me...
@Elaine H it used to be the ice cream for me, but then I found french pastry. OOLALA
Bon ton roule!
12 days for a million miles . . that is way cool . . . How many miles of paved road in the USA ? How long will it take us to ride the number of paved road miles in the USA?
1 million miles! 19 million more to go!! Nice work NBC riders (even Brad and Marty).
@Elaine - He started it!
Kelly and Tammy, I am right there with you! Have had my bike almost a month and I am ready to upgrade to smoother commuter tires. ROCK ON! Brad and Marty you crack me up. My personal philosophy, riding to the local dairy for ice cream is calorie free, especially if you get a kiddiecone! Ride on everyone.
Happy Mother's Day! I owe a debt of gratitude today to my mother because she taught me how to ride a bike. lol I love this vid with the red bike and I watch it every Mother's Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch. I thank God for my mother because without the love of either one of them, I wouldn't even be here. I don't ever take for granted the gift of life granted to me by God through my loving mother because since 1973, over 55 million were not granted this gift and were killed by their very own mother. Even though I will not always have my mother with me here on earth, I will never lose my mother because of the perfect life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. I love her and we will both live together in heaven for all eternity. This is the meaning of life and the most important thing that any loving mother could teach me. And I'm also thankful today that she also taught me how to ride a bike. lol Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!
@ Tammie - That's too funny. I've been a bike owner since March (started riding it in April) and I too have been thinking how I would like a second bike! It really is addicting.
Since the start of this challenge I have biked everywhere. I bike to and from work, I've gone to the grocery store, to my boyfriends. It takes me an extra half hour to get to work in the mornings and home, but I enjoy it. The distance to my boyfriend's is much more. It takes me close to an extra hour by bike depending on which way the wind is blowing, but I refuse to drive! I usually have to fill my gas tank up once a week... Last full up was April 29th and I still have a full tank! Awesome!
I have been a bike owner for 7 weeks now and already understand the need for more than one bike! I am already addicted.. No turning back now. I was a dedicated couch potato before this new endeavor! Honest! Today will be my longest ride so far .. 20.3 mile. I have no doubt I can do it since I have been working up over the past few weeks and did 17 last Sunday. This one is special, police memorial ride. I am excited and happy to be able to do it.
Mommmmmmmm - Marty's doing it again. Make him stop.
It's Officially Sunday in the Midwest - Happy Mother's Day to all! (Except Brad)
@Christine-you motivate me, as well!
@Gregg-I look forward to reading your posts, and miss seeing them on the local page. I will never forget when you wrote about your camping trip that year. I took my family and fell in love with it. My hubby said that he has never seen me happier.
Getting close to the first million - exciting! Hats off to the thousands who have pedaled in the NBC, keep up the good work!
Gregg, I agree with you, commuting took me just 15 minutes longer each way - and I got my workout in; so really it saved me time overall in my day. Also saves me $4 in gas money and earns me 40 points for the day.
Bread bags work quite well on your feet to keep them dry in rain. I always carry a pair in my backpack to work in case its raining on my commute home. A lot of people think I'm crazy riding to work, but it's kept me active on a regular daily basis and its become just a part of my normal daily routine. It's so relaxing that by the time I get to work, I am full of energy and wide awake. Riding to work earns me 38 points every day and it takes me only 15 minutes more to ride each way to work than if I drive it, so to ride to work I only need to get up 15 minutes earlier than when I drive. It just makes perfect sense to ride to work as much as possible because after awhile the dollars saved really accumulates.
@ Gregg, I think schools would get more participation in cycling than with other sports because its just as easy to get both boys and girls involved. Some schools have started doing this with mountain biking. It might be a bigger challenge with road bikes because you need safer streets to do that. But it would go great together with the efforts to get safe routes to school.. In any case including bicycle mechanics as part of the program would be great (actually I'm stealing someone else's idea here because some places are already doing this)...
Personal trainers will tell you one of the best ways to see results from your workouts is to log all your workouts, so you can track how much you are doing every day and how you can improve your workouts. They also want you to log everything you put into your mouth. Although it takes some time and discipline, those who do so are the ones who see the most results from their workouts because it shows what you are doing, makes you accountable, overcomes excuses for not working out, and helps you to set goals for yourself. Tracking miles in the challenge here does really the same thing as logging other workouts and your nutrition etc. If you don't keep track,you can easily think you are doing more than you really are and if you aren't seeing the results you want, if you have no record of what you did, you will never know what to do different.
@ Christine S. That is exactly the point I was trying to make to the local bike org. that thought the NBC was competing with their events. They are wrong because the NBC is in TANDEM with all other cycling events. If you ride FOR ANY reason during the NBC and its outdoors, IT MATTERS. You can record it for whatever other reason you want + the NBC. But thats too confusing for some people to figure out I guess.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE & HAVE FUN!!!
I don't know why some riders think its a waste of time to keep track of miles and points. and have a leader board. Do they think its a waste of time for the NFL or NBA or any sports team to keep score at a game and keep standings and records on teams and individual players? Do they think they should just play and forget about points and keeping any records? This is what makes sports fun. So why should cycling and biking be any dfiferent? Cycling is no different than any other sport. The spirit of challenges and competition is what makes sports fun and its no different than with biking and cycling. If schools today had cycling as one of their team sports, I think it would have as much interest as football and basketball does.
The Wisconsin Challenge a couple years ago is what got me started to ride and the more I ride, the more I love biking everywhere.
@Jenny Stelzner I love the NBC, too. There is competittion individually, by city and region, by workplace, by team, by state, and then there is the satisfaction of helping to reach the state and national goals. I like the other challenges that are on Endomondo and log other workouts as well and the competition and commaradery are very motivating.
Winds gusts around 20mph up to 40mph... Riding against it, SUCKS! Riding with it, FUN AS HECK!! But when that gust of wind hits you from the side, SCARY AS CRAP! Haha!!
Today we did a double recycle ride. It only totaled 20.4 miles, but we battled a 25 mph wind over several small hills on 1.50x26" tires. The travoy was loaded and we were pulling about 50 pounds on each of two trips to the recycle dumpster.
Unfortunately these miles do not count for our CIBA 500 miles in May jersey.
If I did not have so many reasons to ride, I would make one up! (62 years on the bike)
Ride SMART everyone
A mile is better than nothing. @Tammie, good for you! Now try to make it 1.25, then 1.5 and before you know it... but be careful. This can be addictive.
I have been making myself get get there every day even if it IS just for that one mile... I feel guilty doing it sometimes but I am doing it! I jumped on my bike yesterday to get that mile in before heading off to work.. did the mile and it only registered .99.. did not count.. had to run out and go up and down the street a little to up it over the mile point! What a BUSY day... but I AM on my bike EVERY DAY! WHAT FUN!
@ Dan - I believe the calories burned only show up if you are using the app. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Someone may have more points than you if they rode more days. Each day you ride a mile is an automatic 20 points. So getting out there each day, even if for just 1 mile racks up points nicely!
@Dan - You have to put in time rode and a starting time. You get 20 points for every day you ride over one mile plus one point for every mile you ride.
My logs show my miles but don't show calories burned. How does that work? Do I have to get more specific someplace on logging the details. I just log the trips and miles. I'm not sure I understand the point system either. There are several that have more points than I, but have less than half my miles. It doesn't matter to me, but my OCD kicks and I NEED to know ;)
@Christine @Kathy absolutely my feelings on the matter of points, events and just go do your ride. I'll be 61 this summer and I am going for my second 330+ rides a year and my second 12,000 miles a year. I have ridden 77,000 miles since of 2006. Why you ask? the points? the gold stars? The Ice Cream? No, the fun and everything I have experienced and the french pastries. Bon ton Roule!
I have a question regarding "other events interfering with [LBS] Bike month events": does it matter? Tomorrow, I'm riding for Cyclofemme's We Ride Together, and my miles will also be logged for the NBC, my Weight Watcher's activity for the day, the WW Live Life Active challenge, and my Earndit points, and my own personal satisfaction! Why can't one ride count for many things?
@Kathy R you nailed it with "I think the challenge isn't about winning, it's about showing how many cyclists are out there and that together we can change laws and make cycling safer for everyone". We NEED to show our numbers and our ages! It's not just kids, it's not just elite cyclists, it's your every day average folks who are out on the roads.
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@Jenny, way to motivate your team! And again, nail on the head with "So it isn't just about the most points or the most miles. Its about getting out there and riding." Have I told you how much you motivate me??
I had a reminder today that checking your pulley wheels and chain for excess lube gunk at the end of the ride is a really good idea. This kind of sticky black or grey gunk can make shifting less smooth. If you find that shifting is sticking a bit or isless smooth check for black gunk.
This can happen even when you wipe off the excess lube after application. It seems to me that riding makes gunk of lubes.
Bon Ton Roule!
There was a mayors ride here a week ago Friday, probably 30 riders all ages all bikes. We rode mostly the really great path ofour Greenbelt and some road. The city has a new Parks and Rec Dir totally plugged into improving conditions. The interesting thing, thecity has a bike challenge also, me and ONE OTHER person have signed up. They are allowing post dating, but where's the challenge in that? And forthe other"low tech" riders, I enter everything from my Nook ;-)
Hey all, don't dispair: a few years ago I was the only one who rode to work regularly, along with 1 or 2 who would occasionaly. Now on the nicer days it's tyical to see 7-9 bikes in the rack. What a beautiful sight!
Right there with you S W S. I'm apparently the only one riding for The McClatchy Company!
I cant believe it. I work for a company that has over 350,000 employees world wide and yet I am the only one doing the challenge. Come on all you Compass employees sign up and join me
"Their excuse? They don't want to become obsessed with it!
@Jenny - My wife says I have OCD with the NBC. I don't think so. But, I wonder why would I have put miles on the tandem with her or on my 1/2 bike every day for the last ten days and be online after she is asleep tonight???
PS, @ Kathy R, well said!
Hi all, I have just been running my jaw anyplace I can to tell people about the challenge. So when we rented bikes recently (near Big Bend National Park in Texas) I talked to the shop owner and told her about the challenge and she thought several people in the area would like it because they like to do stuff like ride the number of miles that they are old on their birthday. Then she started talking about how she used to live in California and she made her community bike friendly all on her own. I said that was awesome and she should check out this web site and go to the League of American Bicyclists web site and find out how to become a bicycle friendly business. So I'm pretty sure she'll do that. She was going to have her husband check into the bike challenge. If they do we'll see some action in Texas.
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On the other hand I tried to get a local bike organization in the St. Louis area to promote the challenge but they wouldn't because they thought it was competing against their May bike month events. So you never know.
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Mainly I just talk to individual cyclists and say they could join and they might win a prize and they can go solo or make a team. Just whatever they want to to, but I tell them to watch out because they are likely to have a whole lot of fun if they get involved.....
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On a more serious note, I saw a white bicycle in Austin, TX today.. That made me sad. Don't know if there is a ride of silence planned for the St. Louis area.. I would be happy to hear from somebody if there is. There is a lot of educating to do for motorists and cyclists alike.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
@kathy r---- spot on ! if I tell people the miles I have from 5-1-12 up to now they think i lie or am plain bonkers. but if i tell them the good parts that get back to DC and the limo riders on cap.hill they at least show a little interest .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I have a couple of friends who did the Wisconsin challenge 2 years ago but won't rejoin. Their excuse? They don't want to become obsessed with it! Well, I am obsessed and LOVING it!
Totally agree, Kathy. I am the coordinator of the challenge at my workplace, and I am giving away random prizes to participants if they post a ride on the "mystery"date. So, obviously in order to improve chances of winning, they need to ride often. So it isn't just about the most points or the most miles. Its about getting out there and riding.
@ Robert and others, thanks for enlightening me on ROS. This is a great cause. Because of you all, I enlisted to help my local organizer and invited my local team members. Hopefully others will follow your lead and get involved.
Well said @Kathy. I have done the LiveStrong Challenge in Philly six years in a row. It is heart warming to see all the people along the 100 mile course cheering you on. The respect the cyclists get from the police along the route is awesome. I organized the Lehigh Valley Ride of Silence 10 years ago. Sadly, it has never really had a good turnout in spite of attempts to publicize it. It's only through advocacy and education, through group participation in events like this one, that the cycling community can come together and bring about change.
I started tracking 540 rides ago. Once I started, I got soooo much more fun out of my miles. It became a whole cycling brotherhood thing. I made Endo friends, I saw their routes, we encouraged each other, I rode with a few of them, I adopted what I liked, we advised each other and shared stories and adventures, and I became a smarter, better, happier rider. It has enriched my entire life!
Charles, if you go to your team's NBC homepage, click on 'see profile on Endomondo' and you'll see a place to post comments intended to be read by your teammates.
@Robert - This year I am organizing a Ride of Silence in a Western suburb of Milwaukee, WI (Wauwatosa) I think it is a great idea, and a great cause!
We actually have a cycling team that does the MS150 every year and out of all the people I was able to get signed up, the cycling team was not among them. Thankfully I was able to get 50 others to sign up at my work place and at least 50% of them are logging miles. It's sad because I think the challenge isn't about winning, it's about showing how many cyclists are out there and that together we can change laws and make cycling safer for everyone. People ride the ride of silence to show our respect to those that have been injured or died but we ride this challenge to make change so that people won't have to be injured or die. We ride to show we exist and should be treated as equals on the streets and not as a nuisance. Only together can we be strong. When I think of it that way, logging miles isn't that much of a burden.
I keep a Running Journal and log each and every mile I run and since I started biking, I keep a Cycling Journal as well. Maybe it's my obsessive compulsive nature or maybe it's just awesome to look back and see how much you've accomplished. There's no way I wouldn't want to keep track of my miles even if I weren't doing a challenge.
Just curious if there's a way to create a message board on team/workplace/city/state pages where people can post more localized updates. For example, team captains can post encouragement, riders can post warnings of road hazards on popular commutes, people can post updates about group rides, etc. I think it will enhance the experience, and it may help keep people logging miles.
we heard about the Bike Challenge from the gentleman who sold us a DoggyRide for our dog to come on bike commutes with us...she loves it so far, and we are highly entertained (and motivated) by the slight and friendly competition of the Challenge!
I rode up a small hill with that load, but the trip was only about eight blocks long.
I'm fascinated by other cyclists who seem to think tracking your miles is a waste of time or a form of bragging. I enjoy it, and if a little bragging comes with it, then so what? I learned a long time ago there's a difference between tooting your own horn and being a jerk. I love a challenge. I'm in awe of some of the cyclists here. Keeps me on my toes and humble.
Rod, that's quite a load you carried there. Hope there weren't too many hills!
The cool kids on my team are planning to log their miles on the last day of each month because they find Endomondo too difficult/frustrating/time consuming to use regularly. I think some of them even use Garmins which are super easy to sync with Endomondo. I hear it's more complicated if you use an iPhone to track your ride. Typically the cool kids are not the smart kids. :D
I get paid to ride! Today's biggest load; http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/trailer/DSC06418.jpg
Several people I work with are commuters. But none are interested in "tracking my miles", I find it odd that people would ride that much and not even track how many miles they do in a year.
I've been tracking miles on a spreadsheet forever. Then I started using the Endo app and tracking it online. I still add everything to my spreadsheet and make sure the spreadsheet and Endo match!
Since I use Endomondo (actually found out about the NBC through it last year) I don't have to log my rides at all. I don't think this could be much easier, between using the Endomondo app and/or @Burlkee's way of entering rides! @Elaine, I'm with you: I couldn't care less about the prizes (though if I do win one, I'll gladly take it!) and am doing the NBC for the personal pride of bettering last year's numbers. I've talked to several people who ride all the time and you can see their eyes glaze over after a few seconds. Too bad. This is just plain fun, if you ask me!
People are funny! I am doing this for the personal challenge, the community, and because I can. I have had my bike since 4/17, as you can see it's a comfort style and soon will get the commuter tires I put on my mtn bike with the idea of getting out last year and never did. Rock on everyone. and I hit silver today.
@Steven - I got the "hassle of logging miles" thing from someone who participated last year, but doesn't want to this year. All I could think was, 'Yeah, because once you enter your regular commute, log in, click twice and you're done is such a hassle.' And I've found two folks this year who didn't know how to set their standard commute. I don't know, man, I don't know.
I was able to get out today. Managed to miss all wet rain while dodging thunderstorms. But got rained on with rock. In on section of the ride I was near a rock crusher. And the wind must have blown tiny rock in the sky. For about a mile I had tiny rocks falling from the sky on me.
We have someone at work who lives about 60 miles from work. He bikes to the commuter rail near his home then puts his bike on the train, gets off between 10 and 20 miles from work then bikes in. Reverse it for the ride home. He does this 2- 3 times a week. Bicycling is just part of his life. I really wasn't surprised when he turned down the offer to join. Thinking about it, why would someone like that want the hassle of logging every ride? Perhaps the appeal of the NBC is more for recreational types than hard core riders? (though I'm sure hard core riders participate as well). Just a thought.
One of the multi-location local chains in my area has a team registered and they have made mention of the NBC in some of their mailers. The other one doesn't seem to be participating though, which is odd considering the amount of money I have spent in their store due to the NBC. I have told them about it a few times but they apparently don't see the connection.
@ Rob, I'm shooting for the Diamond level. Whether I'll make it or not is another story! I will aim for it till the last day of September!
@ Rob "The Man" Gusky, I'm shorting for the "Diamond" also, but am I that good of a shot?
LBS story about the same around here in Central Florida. I just don't get why they can't see the advantage to participating and building up cycling. As you all know the benefits of NBC could help every LBS. Even the local Trek shop, , where I go to has turned its back, I find it amazing that Trek corporate has a big team. I am asking riders to participate one at a time, its all I can do. I, also, think that competition may turn some people off, and I have gotten the feedback that confirms that. Winning is not why I participate, but it does seem that people think a National Bike Challenge should be about.
I have friends/coworkers who commute, but I cant convince them to bother with joining the NBC. I cant convince any new commuters, but I have tried. I have two coworkers that say they will commute again with me on BTWD which is good.
@Timothy - same happened with my LBS. Told them about the NBC and it never went anywhere. However, I did post it on their FB page, don't know if that helped.
Rob, stopped at a Bike shop in Cincinnati and as if they were participating in the NBC, got the deer in the head light look and a no, can't support all the different rides. Very sad, the store wasn't busy, but sure seemed to be in chaos
Traveling this weekend without the bike, maybe I can borrow a bike and get some short rides in so I don't miss any days.
I found that when I commute, I sometimes need a car for surprise meetings/errands. I almost had to stop commuting. I decided to reverse my commute. I drive to work with my bike/kit/food, ride home in the evening, and ride back in the am.
We are off to a great start with the NBC and are approaching the first million miles. I'd love to see us get 50,000 riders soon. If each one of us could recruit another person or two to sign up, we could get there in a few days. Anyone have any other ideas or things that have worked to get people started? I heard a great story yesterday on our local challenge Comments section. A person wrote this "Thanks HuHot (Appleton) grill chef for the suggestion of this site. It looks like a lot of fun." That place is a Mongolian BBQ joint and it's great the grill chef is helping spread the word about NBC!
@ Kathy - That's an excellent idea just incase a surprise storm decides to hit after I've already left.
@Kelly - it's called keep a dry pair of shoes or slippers in my office drawer. I have dry everything in case I get caught in a down pour.
As long as I am able to ride, there is no way I will allow myself to not light up that diamond medal.
@ Marty - Haha! Thanks, that's kind of the direction I was leaning toward.
@Kelly "Wet Feet" Thomas, the cheapest and quickest way to keep your feet dry is to wear a plastic bag between your socked feet and your cycling shoes. Your feet won't breath very well, but they'll stay dry from the rain.
Does anybody have any recommendations for keeping my feet dry while riding in the rain? Looking for a cheap option. Unfortunately I am working with wet feet today.
@Scott: It's a bit cumbersome, but here it is: If you click the name of the team your'e a member of (right under your pic), a team page comes up. On the right-hand, click "see profile on Endomondo." Once there, you can opt to "Leave" the team. Once you have left, you can join a new team.
@rob I am shooting for WORLD DOMINATION. What is this silly diamond level thing you are talking about? ;)
@ Rob - I'm sure aiming for diamond! I'm at silver too right now and as long as I commute to work each day I should be to gold by Wednesday night. Making my way!
How do I change teams?
Anyone out there shooting for the 5000 pt Diamond level? I figure IF I ride every day and average 13 miles per day, I will make it. I will give it my best shot, just made Silver so I am on my way!
Ahh Wisconsin you gotta love this weather.
@EM. Thanks for keeping us all inspired. I had a great little road ride yesterday. I'm still learning the feel of my bike, but I'm having a great time doing so! Have a safe weekend, everyone! @Gregg, I hope it warms up for you soon. That weather is something else.
Going to do my best to get some miles in but coaching Little league take a lot of time away from riding
There may even be a frost this weekend, so too early yet to plant any flowers.
After a beautiful warm dry week here in Wisconsin temps have plummeted to 39 with light rain and a NNE wind at 22 mph creating a windchill of 29--not a very nice Mother's Day weekend. But warmer weather will return next week..
Cheers from New Mexico...Weather is GREAT. I usually bike 5 of my 7 work days. Not anymore, NBC has me motivated! Thanks to Performance Bikes for turning me on to the challenge.
bike to work week next week , tell all your co- workers to give it a try and join NBC even if only for the week. maybe they will catch the dreaded BIKE BUG!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Robert Last year was my first and I definitely plan on attending again. The issue certainly hits close to home and the ride was very thought provoking and surprisingly meditative.
Kathyrn - glad everything worked out. All the best!
Hi all, did an 8 mile hike today (family fun) so no biking. But I'll be making up for this next week. I'm pretty sure biking is easier on my knees.
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@ Heather, way to go. Leading a ride is a great way to inspire others!
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@ Scott Boyer, ha, ha. I haven't tried pulling a canoe on my bike but I have considered using a bike canoe combination, as in park bike at one end of a canoe trip and the car at the other..
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@ J Gregory. I hope all states get 3 foot passing laws and train the drivers to use them. I think a national advertising campaign to educate drivers about rules of the road with respect to cyclists would be a big help. Kind of like the ads against drunk driving and not texting while driving. In the meantime any measures we can take to make our bike rides safer are okay with me.
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
Who will be doing a local International Ride of Silence ride on May 15th? This will be my 10th year participating.
Watch out Madison, WI. LIncoln, NE is coming for you!!
@ Kathyrn - Glad to hear you're ok! That is some scary stuff!
@Anne, congrats on winning, racing the storms. I've done that a few times and I've only won a few. Always a good fun ride!
I'm getting my bike back tomorrow. I haven't been able to ride for a week and a half, since I was hit by a car. That was my first (and hopefully) last time. Thankfully, my injuries were relatively minor. Amazingly, my bike was able to be repaired.
Gotta take work bike to shop now tomorrow taking bike to shop paddel busted:'(
Taking a bike maintenance class tonight. It's suppose to storm this evening. I'm a good 15 miles from home. Hope it holds out until I can get back to my place!
Greetings from SE Idaho, spring has shown up. Today was a FAB lunch ride. Tx for the encouragement. Ride on everyone!
Hey George, glad you're feeling better. I missed the last 2wks riding because of the flu. Before that I'd bicycled the 8mi r/t to work all but 4x in 5yrs. Glad to be on here now helping the numbers grow. Warmest regards from up in Alaska, Mark H.
Raced a thunderstorm home yesterday and just got in the door as the rain started and about a minute before it was pelting down. Good thing it was downhill the whole way...
Got out for my first ride for the 2013 Challenge.Spent 10 days off with the Flu.The ride felt pretty badbut any ride is better then none.
@ Jerry, we had a week like that last week here in South Florida. Rained every day we got something like 4.5 inches of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, thunder storms, hail, high winds, the works. I didn't log a mile until my commute to work on Monday of this week...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Another beautiful day in Ohio, so I took my hybrid over to Jimmy Johns to grab a somewhat healthy lunch. Nowhere to lock the bike (that I noticed), but they are "freaky fast" and have big windows, so I just parked on the sidewalk.
I can't believe the weather here in Colorado. I could not ride yesterday due to thunderstorms. I decided to ride earlier today to beat the rain. No luck. Rain and hail. I hope to get out sometime today if I am lucky. Very unusual weather for Colorado.
@Burklee, thanks
@Dave - No, they don't. You keep adding up points until the end.
@Elaine - I do the same thing at lunch, though I get an hour, so I can get an extra 3-5 miles. That's a good thing because my commute is only 2 miles roundtrip. Gotta get in those extra miles if I want to have any chance of making it to the Diamond level.
Go Camille!!
@J. Gregory - Utah has a similar un enforced "3 foot" law. Most drivers are pretty respectful of bike space. Like many places, some just don't have a clue and think 3 inches is acceptable. It’s the teenagers texting that I fear most.
@ E.M. - why not combine both? http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/
@ Elaine - You inspire. Cycle on!
Hi gang. Everyone is doing so well. I've been a bit under the weather with some orthopedic issues which have kept me off my bike, but I am participating in bike to work week activities over the next week. I am also leading a casual ladies ride on Saturday. I am really excited to move forward with my riding and training. Hopefully, I can still meet my goals for the year which are to be able to participate in a century tour in October. Stay safe and have fun!
Rust Belt Battle of the Bikes...Come on CLE! Show your pride and pedal power! #cleVSpgh #rustcrown
When did the AEP team take 1st place from Fish on Bikes? I thought the Fish on Bikes team was unstoppable, but it looks like nothing is impossible in the NBC! Ride on everyone!
@ EM Matteson
Vermont recently passed legislation requiring motorists to allow three feet of space when passing a cyclist. While not every driver is considerate, the improvement of the on the road experience has been significant, especially because many of our roads lack a useful shoulder. The law also has provision for cyclists to report the license number of a negligent driver.
Good job Camille! I ride on my 30 min lunch and am improving my time daily. Rock on.
You rock Camille!
HI all, canoeing today so no bike ride.
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@ Lloyd, get well soon we're all rooting for you. You might want to add Premium Rush to your bikie movie list.
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As far as people passing too close goes, we used to have these plastic flags that stuck out about a foot from the side of the bike. You attached them to the back and folded them out. They were orange and had a reflector on the end. They were what they used in Finland to keep the traffic from passing too close. We biked with them in the US for several years. People looked at us like we were nutso, but hey they worked.. Perhaps the commuters need something like this to help with keeping cars at a safe distance.
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@ Camille, way to roll!
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!!
Way to go Camille!
Good job Camille!
7 miles today! Shooting 10 tomorrow..
Anyone doing Tour De Farms in Illinois this June?
Go Molex Lisle!
@Rick, when I get stuck in traffic I just remember the day I cyclocommuted Sept 2011when we had the big blackout, all the freeways and surface streets were jammed, I really enjoyed riding right past all of the carmuters going nowhere :)
@Dave - I know my driving has changed since I began riding to work and elsewhere. I don't tend to drive as fast as I used to on the highway, and I think I'm much more patient behind slow traffic and when highways get congested. If I'm stuck in 30-35 mph traffic congestion on a highway, its still getting me there way faster than I would get there on a bike.
@Lloyd, listen to the doctor and get better soon!
Lloyd, perhaps you can find some bike race videos? There's always "Breaking Away" and "American Flyers"!
@ Lloyd - Wow, no biking, no reading, no computer. Good luck, man. Get better soon!
It's a conspiracy I tell you! Day one of the NBC I rode 54 miles. Day 2,3,4, and 5, we had 12 inches of rain. Now my Doc says I can't ride for awhile. Here's why: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111809206358380206974/posts/TDQqQMLDGK9
But I'll be back and rollin' soon!
Hi Tim, after speaking to leading engineers at the Southeast Bike Summit (with Sec. Ray LaHood) it was decided to have a county commissioner speak to Bob Campbell of Public Works. The concern was that he would keep using technical jargon in his rationale for not accommodating cyclists.
But yes, I have found the BPAC to be an advocate for us once we explain our issues/concerns. I record all my bike drives (including cyclommutes) and video clips are extremely useful in highlighting issues from a bicyclist's point of view. It garners comments like "we've heard it was a problem, but seeing it really makes a difference." For example, my video clips led to the BPAC requesting the Public Works to explain the traffic control system. It will be discussed tonight, I'll post an update later in the week. And you're right, meetings during business hours makes it difficult for the public to attend... coincidence? I'm sure Pinellas and St. Pete have valid reasons... I'm just saying
Michael, I would like to attend the Pinellas (where I live) BPAC meeting, but I work (in Tampa) and the meetings are scheduled for 1:00pm. That doesn't work for most working bike commuters. I would have to take a vacation day to attend. I wish they would schedule them at other times.
Hillsborough, on the other hand, has their BPAC meeting at 5:30pm and that's on my way home. I plan to start attending them.
St. Petersburg has their city BPAC meeting every other month at 7:30am - that's workable.
Did you ever get any satisfaction regarding your signal timing issues?
The weather is beautiful this week in Wisconsin for riding. It doesn't get any better than this. We deserve it after such a cold snowy spring. There is still snow up north in the woods where the snow can't hit it, but it's mostly gone now. There is still ice in the lakes, but the ice should be out soon with the warm weather. Many lakes will not be open for the fishing opener this weekend.
Thanks DC, don't have to ask me twice! :)
Hillsborough County, FL
BPAC - Every 2nd Wednesday of Month ( http://www.planhillsborough.org/calendar/tag_ids:662/ )
MPO - Parent to most County transportation improvement efforts http://www.planhillsborough.org/mpo-board/)
Pinellas County, FL
BAC - Every 4th Monday of Month ( http://www.pinellascounty.org/mpo/MPOCommit.htm#committee )
MPO - http://www.pinellascounty.org/mpo/default.htm
Both links to B(P)AC contain links to upcoming agendas.
At the last BPAC meeting.. The lead transportation engineer explained Hillsborough's signaling system. We learned that since bicycles are vehicles, they are given no extra consideration (such as length of green and yellow signals) although extra consideration is given to speeders of vehicles. Also, they feel it's OK if a bicyclist makes it 75% across an intersection before the light turns green for opposing traffic! ...and that if a cyclist wants to cross when the signal is red that they can push the pedestrian crossing button or wait for a car traveling in their direction! So much for being treated as a vehicle!
If this is the leadership our counties display, we shouldn't expect motorists to behave differently... Only we can change this thought process, we must request "Complete Streets" from our traffic engineers, which take all road users into consideration.
And as always...
Ride like you belong!
@Michael, thanks for your advocacy efforts! Maybe put up some links to your local organizations?
Another reason sport cyclists save CO2 emissions is they become different motorists once they have ridden the road. They take their time a bit more, aren't in such a rush, give courtesy to cyclists, and they are much less likely to run-over cyclocomuters :)
For anyone in the Atlanta, Ga area, the Mobile Social and Atlanta Moon Ride for Big Bert's Adventure this Friday. http://www.themobilesocial.com/ and http://atlantamoonride.com/ .
Also, there's the New Belgium Tour de Fat the very next day. Get your bicycle and let's go have fun!
What a great morning for biking to work in NE Wisconsin!
As important it is for Paul and others like myself to attend and raise issues from local meetings... We NEED cyclists (and pedestrians) to come to BPAC (Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) and MPO (Master Planning Organization) meetings!!!! Until large numbers start showing we'll just be a secondary (at best) consideration!
I can't say it enough, please find out about local meetings and ATTEND!! Communicate with others in your circle (cycling clubs, friends, coworkers, etc.) to get them to attend...
@Paul Jefferies, keep up your good advocating for us cyclist. We appreciate it.
Paul Jeffries - A sad state of affairs. We won't get improved biking infrastructure until there are more cyclists out there, proving the need. And we won't get more cyclists out there until there is better infrastructure. I thank you for fighting the good fight.
Topeka Kansas Accident Update - The girl, who has been identified in the media, is 12 years old, in 7th grade, and her injuries are significant. She was riding on the shoulder of the road, with a friend, who was not hit. Near the point she was hit, there is a turnoff to a gas station from the 50 mph road. The driver is a 32 year old female.
After 7 days, I'm pleased to report that Utah State University is ranked number one in the Colleges/Universities workplace division. 106 riders, 2,251 miles, and 6,608 points. Not bad considering the rough weather during week 1 of the challenge. Go Aggies! Be well - Be safe all.
Hi out today in some hot hot weather. My heart goes out to the young lady in Kansas. I'm riding with my kids and I want them safe so I want it to be safe for everyone else. Common sense should dictate how bike lanes are made and designed. As for honking drivers, I always wave. If the honking is friendly the wave is friendly and if it's not it's not.
Ride on everyone and ride as safely as you can!!!
On a happier Challenge note, almost 600,000 miles in the first week!?!? And 22,000+ riders?!?! At this rate, we should breeze by both the 50,000 riders and 20 million miles! Keep up the great work everyone.
You are right, Hugh. I had read about House efforts to gut the funding for cycling and pedestrian projects when considering a transportation bill (I think) some time ago. It is still depressing to seeing it in action.
DOT's everywhere are in the business of moving cars faster. Congressman John Mica (R Fla) chairs federal transport money and has made safer roads for peds and bikes an option for everyone at the request of his Party. Paul's experience is a result of what Rep. Mica and the House Republicans have done to transportation funding.
Just got back from a local meeting re a Hwy project connecting Green Lake and Ripon, WI. Current plans do not include a separate bike trail, to the frustration of a significant number of folks attending (maybe even a majority). The DOT's idea of taking care of cyclists and pedestrians is a five foot shoulder...that includes a rumble strip, that makes a good portion of the shoulder unusable for cyclists. Yea, like what responsibe parent will take their kids on a 3-4 foot shoulder with semi-trucks, truckes with boat trailers, etc. buzzing by at 60+ mph? Only serious cyclist might even try, and they would more likely be on the more enjoyable and rigorous local county roads.
What was particular depressing was the seeming disregard for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. One of the "improvements" was to shrink a 45 mph speed zone putting a popular intersection used by school children, pedestrians, and cyclists into the 55 mph zone with people accelerating out of the 45 zone. Talk about insane planning. Even the county sheriff asked to keep the intersection in the 45 mph zone, but to no avail. "The experts know more about setting speed limits." Hey, I am a professor. I get "experts," but sometimes local practical wisdom is much more prudent. Fortunately, while the plans may be in "wet concrete," there is still some hope for changes, both to the speed limit and the bike trail. But it is depressing when "safety" concerns are more focused on motorists than cyclists and pedestrians, who are MUCH more vulnerable. And that is not even bringing in the fact that the only planet we have needs FEWER motorists and more cyclists. Now THAT is a real "safety" issue.
And on a pedagogical note...I could have populated several days of a logic course with all the faulty and fallacious reasoning evident by the presenters. At least I think I will have work for quite some time (both teaching and advocating for cycling). Ride safe and advocate for bikes (and pedestrians)!
Some teams are showing up in the wrong state. Take a look at the team called "Bike Commuter CABAL" they don't to be in NC. I wonder if there's a typo in someones' zip code.
@ Mark I thought of this too and have asked her to check and see if this is the reason her rides are not registering. I am just waiting to hear back from her.
@Jeffery - Try this - Go to Endomondo, click on Training, select one of the workouts from the calendar, on the right below the calendar select edit. Verify that the include in statistics check-box is selected.
Last year at least 8,000 never entered a mile. It is the NBC equivalent of the no show. Bon ton roule! or as the saying goes some people are joiners and some people are doers.
@ Burklee, There are still some glitches out there as we have a rider in our workplace who has logged miles both in the warm up and since the challenge started yet her miles are not getting counted in the challenge so currently despite her transport rides she has 0 points. Perhaps some of the 0 point totals on the leader board are folks that have ridden but their miles are tallying up yet? I have a help request in on this one so hopefully they will figure out what is going on.
@Burklee - Yes, all of the people on the Leaderboard with 0 points, are just those who have either signed-up on May 1st or after, or signed-up before that, and re-saved their ZIP Code since May 1st.
p.s. I do like your "bikey" term.
Here are some reasons for Vermont being so "bikey". First of all, it does help to have a smaller state, as more bikers tend to know each other, and the bike shops and bike clubs get into it, they can thus recruit comparitvely more participants.
(The following are as of Sunday evening, so, sorry for the old statistics.)
Vermont has recruited 1.39 NBC participants per 1,000 residents, so far. When you look at it, that is pretty small, especially when you consider that there are on average throughout the country at least 184 bicycle riders 16 years old or older per 1,000. So, partly because it is small, Vermont has done a much better job of recruiting than any other state. Comparitively, Wisconsin has 0.80 NBC participants per 1,000 citizens, and Nebraska follows closely with 0.65. Then, other factors are points and miles per rider, average number of times they've ridden, and average miles per ride. (This is where all of those participants who've signed-up but not ridden, really lower the averages for everyone.) Points per rider: VT 43.15, WI 31.83, NE 19.23. Miles per rider: VT 18.14 WI 13.75, NE 7.28. Average # of Rides per Participant: VT 1.25, WI 0.90, NE 0.60. Average Miles per Ride: VT 14.50, WI 15.20, NE 12.18. All of the other states have much lower recruitment numbers, so even if their NBC participants are riding more often, or riding further than those in these 3 states, they still have a much lower participation rate, and therefore can't ccompete.
To give you some examples from last year, at the end of the Challenge, at the low end of the scale, Nevada, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and North Dakota all had recruitment numbers hovering around 0.02 per 1,000 citizens, and Mississippi ended up with 0.01. Vt had 2.04, WI 1.12, and NE 0.92.
Plus, Vermont has one final advantage related to its size. Riders there more often bounce againts its borders on many of their rides, (sometimes a few times on a ride),and the effect, like a trampoline, gives them a nice big push, and thus more miles.
@Robert - But there are people on there with 0 points, there are several pages of them. They clearly have not started logging miles. Curious. Perhaps it has something to do with signing up since the official start...?
@Burklee & @Robert - There was some kind of glitch with Endomondo when we shifted over to the official start of the Challenge. Anyone who signed-up during the Warm-up Period but didn't log any miles then, or now, isn't listed on the Leaderboard, although they are included in the total. If they logged a ride since May 1st, they are listed on the Leaderboard.
Some must have registered and haven't started logging miles.
Does anyone else think it's odd that here on the home page we have 22,188 people participating, but when you go to the leaderboard, we only have 14,277 names listed? The same is happening with Lincoln's page; the home page says we have 660+ people signed up, but the leaderboard only lists 360+ people. These leaderboard numbers include the folks who have 0 points. Can anyone explain what that's about?
Hugh, yes the state and community scores are points per 1000 persons.
@Karen- thanks for the pat on the back to us Wisconsinites! I ride all winter to work unless there is a huge blizzard. Snow tires are great and its not so bad to ride in the cold when you put on enough layers lol. You should try it sometime. The feeling you have after a winter bike ride is like you accomplished something great lol.
Vermont has 1/3 the population of Nebraska. There are 575 riders scoring points in Vermont verses only 500 in Nebraska. Nebraska needs to have @ 1500 riders scoring points to catch Vermont (PS, of the 500 in Nebraska, over 300 are from Lincoln.
First week and half a million miles already!
isn''t the state ranks handicapped by a formula of population? it seems to me that low population and with the same number of riders get more credit on the points system. OK, people who know the answer please come forward.
Burklee - I've been wondering the same thing, and those Wisconsinites must be polar
bears to bike in the cold for over half the year. My hat is off to you guys, your my heroes.
So what is it with Vermont? They're so bikey! They have mountains, so it can't be that the terrain is all flat and conducive to easy biking. Is it all the maple syrup? What? I went to their Wikipedia page to read about the state. They don't have anything about their state finishing 1st in the NBC last year. I'd be all over that if Nebraska finished 1st. I'd love to hear from some Vermonters. (Vermontians. Not sure how they refer to themselves.) Stop riding your bikes for a few minutes and tell me how you guys are doing this.
Thomas, I agree. My commute is very regular and I see the same cars and trucks all the time. There are several that give a friendly toot as they pass me.
@Ed - I have a 1 mile commute, too. Most of it is nice, quiet neighborhood street. Only 4 blocks is busy downtown traffic, and if I time it right, it's not bad. I'm only four blocks from the grocery store and 10ish blocks from the coffee shop, drugstore, recycling area, ice cream store, and place where I get my hair cut. So, if I want to really get some miles, I have to go out for a ride. Boo hoo for me, right? :)
My thoughts and prayers go out to the young girl in Kansas, I hope she has a speedy recovery.
I ride on a couple of questionable roads in my area, and for the most part I feel pretty safe. But, a pedestrian was killed last fall on one of the roads that I ride on. She was walking on the wrong side of the road, with traffic, and so she never saw the car coming. It is a common spot in which people don't slow down quickly enough when coming into the city limits, and the driver had just crested a hill. She was far enough down the hill that I think the driver could have seen her, but if he was going too fast, then perhaps not. In any case, I think of that poor lady every time I ride on that road, and it causes me to be especially aware of everything that I see and hear. (There is also a dog that sometimes is off its leash in that same area, so another reason to be cautious).
All Cleveland State Riders, I just started the Cleveland State University TEAM! If you want to, please sign up and represent CSU!
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones, I commute on my bike the 15.5 mile round trip about two or three times a week. Five times if the weather is good. In this lower class, "pickup truck" society that I live in here in South Florida, I'm one of the few bike commuters in town. I have become a regular part of the daily commute for most people in the area, and get waves and horn toots from strangers in cars and trucks. It's still a dangerous thing to do, but if you keep your wits about you, it's possible to minimise the danger and enjoy a nice ride twice a day...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@Burklee - aside from commuters (aka cars) not paying attention and acting like I was more of a pain in their ass for that short trip. It was great little ride. People at work stopped me and asked me why I rode. My response - "Why not?" Culture where I work is to drive - and only in vehicles. One ride at a time this summer. Try to change the culture.
@Ed - Way to go! How was it?
My commute is not even a 1 mile and I had excuses (meetings, how to get kid to day-care, etc) - today was the day I finally made it happen with a goal to get it done unless weather is my only concern. #NationalBikeMonth
@Alleyne - Hello!!
Hello :-)
Always sad when I hear about a cyclists down!!
Heal quickly young lady!!
The "car culture" of our country is always dishearting.
With that said, it has gotten better, but still has a long long way to go!!
Just because you drive a 4500# missile does't mean you "OWN" the road; it means you have more responsibility!! Some are up to it, while others lack any sense of responsibility, instead they feel a sense of entitlement!! When that changes, we'll all be better off!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Our 'rights' don't amount to much when one is lying in the hospial - or worse. I think Paul Jeffries got it right - "...but one must be wise when sorting out how to stake out this legitimate right." The automobile-centric culture needs to change, but I believe it will be a slow evolution. Take heart in the fact that we are all part of the change. Do what you can, BE SAFE, enjoy the ride... My heart goes out to the young lady in Topeka. I think of my daughter...
@Michael - I hope she is OK. She is a juvenile, and was in serious condition, according to online reports. It happened on SW Topeka Blvd., and SE 53rd St. From the look of the Kia, the girl's bike was hit by the front bumper, and the momentum of the vehicle threw her into the passenger's side of the windshield. The car had to be going pretty fast. She may have been hit from behind, as she was travelling Southbound on Topeka Blvd.
Her quick recovery will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, Unfortunately unpredictable cyclist make the roads dangerous for everybody, the good news is police officers HAVE and WILL ticket them the same as motorist. Encourage cyclist with unsafe habits to join a responsible bicycle group who will inform and enforce safe riding habits.
@Robert - All y'alls company is doing better than my, I mean our, one person company.
Young Female cyclist hit in Topeka, KS. I have not found out if she survived or her name (in case it's someone I know or have riden with). The area has many nicely paved, and wide road leading out into the county that many cyclist frequent. I particulary dislike the speed of the local traffic but have had to ride the road on many occasions. Local motorist blame the rider for not using the gravel area (which often has debre, large rocks, and frequent tire popping hazards).
Kansas placed 10th last year, Topeka 20th, with three teams (KVBC 3RD, TCCP Part 2 4th, & KVBC II 5th), as well as Myself 1st, Eric Nordgren 2nd, & Brian Carr 10th.
Topeka has adopted a bikeways plan, but I have not heard of any funding or significant construction (or marking) to implement this safety precaution.
Please send your support as you are able on the matter.
Ride Safe,
Mike L.
Given that New Neighbors Contact Service is my one-man team/company, I'd say our placement (always use the plural pronoun) is doing quite respectable.
Thank you everyone for all your input. It is greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately, I completely missed this challenge last year due to the fact it is not advertised on Endomondo for some reason. It still isn't...IDK why? Anyhow, I am having a ton of fun recruiting, assembling, and riding for an awesome team- San Diego Cyclists. We are #2-4 overall (depending on time of day) in midsize teams and competition is strong! Mad respect to Arlington and Colorado Springs! Thanks to all involved for this great challenge!
Kelly, if this happens again, jot down his license plate number, pull over and call the police. It's called "intimidation" or in some places "harassment" but it's illegal. In PA where I live, we have a 4 foot passing law. And make sure you take the lane. Don't ride over on the edge of the road. Unsafe, and more likely to crash and fall into the roadway.
See you on the road.
@Kelly, sorry to read about all your struggles with motorists on your commutes! Sometimes it comes down to people just can't be bothered to slow down even for a second. I have found wearing a video camera on my helmet has proved beneficial in a recent situation where a driver on the local highway (no shoulders) forced me and a concerned on coming motorist off the road but a camera will only help after the fact and not stop the problems for a while. My commutes consist of 8 miles on a 65mph highway with a shoulder then 6 miles on a 55mph paved county road with no shoulder or a 12 miles on a 60mph highway with no shoulder and 2 miles of the 55mph county road and now on my second year of commuting most motorists are finally giving me some space. Keep searching for a safer route and maybe even visit with your employer about shifting your hours so you can avoid the high traffic periods. You may also want to check with the local law enforcement about rules of the road and even invite them to sit and watch the areas you ride at the times you have the most trouble, they may be willing to help out (after all it IS their job) Ride safe out there!!
Kelly, I can appreciate the close-passing-cars. Sometimes I have a fanstasy of, when riding, having a yardstick on the end of my left handlebar just to show folks how much room they must give me. The only problem...too many folks would probably see it as a target. Also, depending on the laws in your area, it is often illegal for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. That is not comfort when dealing with an inconsiderate motorist, but we do have a right of way and a right to be on the road...but one must be wise when sorting out how to stake out this legitimate right.
Great job Colin, welcome. It's a great tracking program.
I ran across this challenge just by chance, but have been biking at least part of the way to work for just over one year. This past sunday I did my biggest ride by far - 22.2 miles each way (so 44 milesround trip ) with an hour break in the middle.
Summer is coming for many of us. Stay cool when riding in the heat. Here are a few tips: http://www.lloydlemons.com/cycling/2013/05/cycle-safely-in-the-summer-heat.html
Yes so I attempted to ride in the road on my way home from work today. One guy blew his horn the entire time it took him to pass me... Needless to say I didn't stay on the road for much longer. I was extremely intimidated and felt I had to pedal way faster than I was comfortable with. A few cars came way too close to me for comfort. :(
@ J Hugh, not just me. The venerable Sheldon Browne recommended this technique. Most pros do it this way. Motorcyclists know not to use the rear brake. Now for some physics: when you apply your brakes (front or rear) your bicycle pivots on the fulcrum that is your bottom bracket. Regardless of which brake you use, the rear wheel want to lift off the ground. As a result the amount of down force that wheel has with the ground is far less than the front. A wheel that loses contact while under braking can lock up and cause a skid. Not good. This is why you use the front brake with more force than the rear. As for flying over the handlebars, you would have to panic grip the brakes to generate enough stopping force to cause that to happen. Gentle pressure is the answer. I ride over 250 miles a week and have done so for years. Never went over the bars yet.
@Brian - Welcome to the Challenge! You'll have a lot of fun, too!
This is sage advice from old Hawaii about avoiding foolish arguments. A little tough to understand, but wise and beautiful. "But no get mix up wit all da kine stupid talk from da guys dat donno notting. Dey ony like make argue bout everyting. You gotta figga, if you talk lidat, den you goin stay make argue everytime."
I'm psyched about this. Just ditched my truck a few weeks ago and was saving tons of money by taking transit. But by commuting by bike I'll be saving $83 more each month. Very cool. Oh yeah, plus it's good for my health and kind to the environment. What a concept!
Christina - Ride when you can. Ride for fun. It's all good and it all counts the same. Glad to have you join us.
I joined the challenge just to be a part of it, but it's really not possible for me to ride my bike to work. I ride on my lunch hour, and after work.
as of now 10,111 riders have points.
If someone touched me with their BMW, I'd take it as a compliment. Normally, BMW drivers try to stay as far away from mere mortals as possible....
Well some cyclists make it difficult for the rest of us by not following the rules of the road. I saw two this weekend, one took the lane riding dead center down the wrong side of the street at a Y intersection and the other couldn't decide and kept changing sides every quarter mile. This was a busy street (4 lanes at 45mph). I wish cops around here would ticket cyclists as well as cars, cyclists should be held responsible too.
@ Kelly - When you have some time check out the "Commute Orlando" website, commuteorlando.com, as well as the CyclingSavvy webiste, cyclingsavvy.org. You will find a lot of information and some good strategies for cycling in traffic at a much reduced stress level.
@Chad - Never heard that one before. LOL. Bummer about all the near misses between cars & bikes. I follow the rules of the road (because you have to regardless of mode of transport) and try to ride courteously at all times, but sometimes you get drivers who'd be mad if you made sure the roads were strewn with rose petals for them(off to the side of course, cuz those can be slippery). Some folks just won't be happy no matter what you do. Be safe, all.
I had some idiot in a BMW actually touch me with his car this morning as he sped by. I kicked his door panel and left a nice souvenir, but I would really like 5 minutes face to face with him to vent my anger. It just shows that the old joke still holds true: What is the difference between a BMW and a porcupine? The porcupine is the one with the pricks on the outside! ;)
@ John - Wow. That's crazy. I had a bad experience with a cop just on Saturday. I was riding on the bike path and an unmarked cop was sitting dead center in the bike path at an opening for cars to exit a subdivision clocking cars coming down the major roadway. I stopped my bike directly next to him and politely asked if he could move so I could pass. He just stared at me. I asked him again and he refused to move his car and told me to go around him even after I kept saying I can't, you're in the way. Finally I had to walk my bike around him and tilt the bike to avoid hitting his car with my handle bars. I should have got his car number and reported him, but I was so angry I didn't think of it until I got home.
@ Tim - I actually wanted to take a class in regards to that, but I can't find any being offered here in Michigan. I checked on the League of American Bicyclists webpage. :(
Thank you to all the tips from everyone. I've looked at Google maps a bunch of times for less traffic routes, but unfortunately none of the side streets go all the way through the main intersections that I have to cross. All routes point to major roadways. I actually switched my route a couple weeks ago from an eight lane road to a four lane one. A lot less traffic and slower speed, but still very busy. Maybe a few more weekend trips taking the main roads, I'll get up the nerve to attempt it on my way to work one morning.
I'm more nervous about people getting angry rather than getting hit. Unfortunately we have an extreme un-friendly biking area where I'm at.
In regards to bicycle commuting safety we generally have it pretty good in Fort Collins except when the Sheriff's deputies get involved - http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130501/NEWS01/305010039
As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say, "...it just goes to show you, it's always something - if it ain't one thing, it's another".
Just an FYI to others, if you think your "Local" page is wrong (for example, I was grouped in with Columbus instead of Cleveland), try this... Go to the settings page, remove your zip code, save, re-enter it and save again. If you joined before a "local" community was created, you don't automatically move to it. I did the zip code change and now I'm in the right place.
@Kelley, I watch my friends routes, and constantly explore to find routes with the least exposure to cars.
Wow Franc, didn't know you had it that bad :( We have cyclist hating nutsacks here too.
I have to tell you that, while everyone is correct and as a cyclist you legally have the right to a whole lane; you try that around here and someone will kill you. I live in a state with virtually NO cycling culture and with many small minded, unthinking idiots. Just the other day one actually went out of his way to get into the emergency lane (easily six feet wide) which I was riding and honk his horn while he was no more than a foot from me and then sped off with the middle finger showing. If I'd a caught him, I'd a shoved his car up his arse.
Kelly, I have two separate routes to and from work to deal with traffic with one section in each where there is no shoulder. In that case you are perfectly in your right to take the whole lane of traffic. Draw some endomondo routes to see if you can find some back streets with less traffic, it may increase your ride a little but that is a plus right.
Kelly, I commute 22 miles each way. Most of this is on urban streets and some 55mph speed limit highways. I'm most comfortable on multilane streets where I can ride in the center of the outside lane and the traffic flows around me in the other lane(s). It's like having a 10 to 12-foot bike lane without all the rubbish that usually collects in them. The key is to be as visible as you can be!
I also have found some very wide (greater than 16 feet) streets that are easily shareable.
You should consider taking a traffic cycling course, such as CyclingSavvy or the league's TS101. There are others, depending on your location.
I have a question for those who commute to work by bike. I'm pretty new to biking and I have been commuting to work with mine. I'm fairly lucky because approximately half of my route is on a bike path, but the half that isn't tends to get a lot of traffic especially after 5pm when I'm heading home for the day. I have been using the sidewalks, but I'm constantly slowing down at every side street to make sure no cars are coming out because nobody ever sees me. There aren't any shoulders on the road, just a curb. During the day on the weekends I ride in the roads near my home because there isn't much traffic, but by job during the weekdays there is plenty. I'm pretty slow on my bike and wondered if I should just stick to the sidewalks or attempt the roads and if I should attempt the roads, any tips?
All this talk about dogs, D-bags with ear buds, cars.......
Makes me glad I ride 95% of my time in the woods; where all I have to worry about is a few wood-rats!!
Oh well, we all have to make sacrifices!! Ha Ha Ha
Pedal On!!
Peace
Thought about the halt thing, but learned that the water bottle works just as good. I've had to use it a few times. Pull the top, aim and squeeze. Managed to stop 2 or 3 dogs right in their tracks, wondering what them!
Although, on a hot sunny day, water would be the last thing you want to waste on a dog.
When it comes to dogs, the only thing I worry about is me hitting them and falling. I find that if I stop riding, they always back off. They just want to chase the bike, not attack the rider. I have never had a dog actually challenge me once I stop riding. It doesn't matter the breed or size of the dog. For me it has always worked.
@Kathy R I made a little strap that is right there by my stem. just practiced a little and experimented to make it safe, secure and quick draw.
@Robert E wow you are welcome to your choice, but have learned that for me front breaks can lead to split lips and face plants.
Gloves, Helmet, water bottle, halt, Glasses,bell, lights flashing, brain in in Gear, Bon Ton roule!
@ J. Hugh... toss the rear brake. Front only is how I roll unless descending a very steep hill, then it's two parts front, one part rear.
See you on the road.
@J. Hugh Strickland - So what do you do? Ride with a can of Halt in your hand the whole time? I would never have had time to get the can out and spray it at the dog.
I have adjusted my brakes so that when I brake the front is nearly always less gripping of the wheel than the rear. It took awhile to get the mechanic to understand what I wanted when I got a tune up. this is just my choice. Weight shifting helps but I have to practice to keep the skill.
I lose language control when unleashed dogs appear. I carry halt and use it whenever there is any doubt whether on a leash or not. I would halt the owner but legal entanglements might arise if there is not threat, as I understand it.
when surprised by a dog and, its possible, I sprint. So far I have not been caught. If a dog is in the road I stop put the bike between me and him. I tell him to go home, and use halt if he get in range. I have tame several dogs that just watch from their yard now.
I was attacked by a dog on a retractable leash, the owner wasn't paying attention and the dog shot out on the road trying to get my leg before the owner could lock the leash. I hit the dog and stopped to see if he was ok cause the dog yelped pretty loudly and was limping. Owner says, "serves him right for going after you". Totally irresponsible.
Douglas, get off of the saddle and get your center of gravity as far back and low as you can in those situations. That way locking the brakes won't flip you and you will stop as fast as possible. Don't swerve unless you know for sure nothing is coming behind you.
I rode today almost two hours ago and I am still waiting for my "points" to show up. It seems others on the Leaderboard have been updated throughout the day, but mine have stayed the same. Any one???
I have been fortunate enough that most everyone I encounter on the multi use trails does tend to walk on the right even when they do have headphones on. If someone hears me or not I still slow way down just to help with the polite cyclist image since so many always say "that cyclist flew right by and scared the poo out of me" but I am also out there for the joy of riding so losing a few seconds or lowering my average speed means nothing to me. The dog issues have also been minimal, there is one dog on our town (I call Marmaduke) that occasionally gets out and wonders about but he and I always have a pleasurable encounter he will even let me stop and pet him if he doesn't think I am going to take him back to his fenced in yard other than him everyone keeps their dogs leashed and most even keep them on a short leash when encountering others on the trail. I personally don't use headphones because I too agree I need to hear what is going on around me way to much for that.
@Gregg, I agree with you about the cost savings even if you don't ride for "transportation". Back when fuel was cheap many people used to "go for a drive" just to get out, well that is what most of my "recreational" rides are, they are just an excuse to get outside and go travel around, I even did a Christmas lights ride this last Christmas instead of driving around in the car and spending money on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
When I see dogs being walked on a leash by an "adult," I slow way down. Those adults illegally walking without a leash generally pay very good attention, and young kids tend to be responsible pet walkers. I agree with Gregg though, cars are a lot less cumbersome to deal with. When I run, I wear earbuds, but unless I'm on the track, the volume is low enough that I can hear. On the track, it is cranked because I need something to drown the monotony of running around an oval repeatedly. Plus, with apps like Endomondo,you cannot assume a runner with earbuds is actually listening to music, they could simply be listening to a "coach."
First real ride of the year. 27 miles may have been a bit much for me. It hurt a little. But the weather was fabulous and the sounds of nature were wonderful. Get out there folks.
It's worth it.
what about those who walk dogs on a long rewind leash with earbuds eating food w/ both hands and smoking? had one of those ?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
While riding today on a paved and designated trail an unleashed medium sized dog ran out in front of me. My first instinct was to hit the brakes hard. I missed the dog but ended up locking the brakes and flipping over the front. No damage to the bike that I can tell and just a sore shoulder and small scrape on my knee, fortunately. My question to those who ride a lot is, What do you do if an animal (or person) runs out in front of you? Do you try to swerve? Hit the brakes and hope they don't lock? Hit the animal (or person) and hope no serious injury occurs? Also, is there a way to adjust brakes (cantilever) to get maximum braking power without the possibility of locking them?
I agree with everybody about not wearing earphones. I don't wear them when running or cycling. You can't hear a darn thing around you and way too many times a runner or cyclist haven't heard my bell or shouting. They are a danger to themselves and others around them. Safety is key!
1. beware the recreational mind set which leaves the brain at home.
2. The law may require or prohibit but with little to no safety related enforcement, discussion or education and that cheap earplugs are winning, and lights, bells and helmets are avoided for cosmetic reasons we all are in danger from each others.
3. Safety equipment is not an indulgence it's really smart but due to the cult of ignorance that runs strong in america we have these problems.
I am thinking of getting an air horn which they say makes 110 db sound. That's semi truck or jet plane level. But I still just hope for personal responsibility to win the day and have not made the purchase yet.
We even confuse ourselves. Here in Florida there is and was a great deal of stuff given away to riders and runners that said "Ride Right, Walk Left." Then the local government posted rules that ask for Runner/Walkers to walk on the right.
lets be careful out there! Eyes open, Brain engaged, Bon ton Roule!
Recreational riding may not save any gas, but it will save vehicle trips to the doctor's office and hospital and the huge medical bills that you encounter when you have to go to those places. There is a lot more cost savings from riding a bike for any reason, other than just transportation costs. Part of our economic problems today is due to obesity and poor health. Most people who ride a bike on a regular basis for any reason will literally save thousands of dollars in medical costs every year. Riding a bike will reduce medical costs, unless you have an accident on your bike. :( Since I started riding a bike to work and regularly about 3 years ago, I have not had to see a doctor even once for anything. I haven't missed a day of work either in those 3 years. That proves the health benefits of riding for any reason and the more healthier you become, the more money you will save.
Wow, there are 2 riders with over 500 points already and looks like they are competing against one another.
Runners and walkers need to stay to the right on trails shared by bikes, just like bikes.. They should not be walking double or wandering all over the trail or they are going to get hit by a cyclist. And like you said even if cyclists warn that they are passing on the left, many can't hear them because they got ear plugs in with music. Several times I've almost hit walkers on the CB trail and I've yelled passing on the left, but because they got ear plugs with music, they can't hear me and some wandered over to the left side just as I was going to pass them--very dangerous move on the part of pedestrians, especially when they are listening to music. If they are going to wander over to the left side, they better look behind them for passing cyclists before they do so, no different than a cyclist who wants to pass on the left. That's why I really don't care for off road trails that are also shared by pedestrians because pedestrians tend to wander all over the trail and forget that cyclists also ride on the trail.
Oh yeah and it doesn't matter if you're on a roadway or a bike path, you're still operating a vehicle.
Oh yeah, and hearing aids.
See FL 316.304 Wearing of headsets.—
(1) No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.
Amen to biker Sunday. Rode to church today. Awesome ride took different routes coming and going. Bonus is very light traffic. My experience with the earbuds are runners/walkers on the shared paths who can't hear you. :-(
J. Hugh, as you should be aware of Florida Statutes do not permit the use of headsets of any type while operating a vehicle, other than a hands-free cellular phone devices. However, I see people every day riding bicycles with their ears plugged. I rely on my sense of hearing way to much for that.
J. Hugh, I agree with both your posts. Get as many people as possible to record their miles! When I'm talking to people about the National Bike Challenge it is not uncommon for them to say "Oh, I don't ride enough" and I reply that it doesn't matter how far they ride sign up regardless and enjoy the ride.
I also choose not to use earbuds when riding my bicycle. It is to hard for me to hear what is going on around me and when I don't know what is happening around me I am at greater risk of being involved in a collision.
Well said J. Hugh - The impact of bringing signficant results in front of our leaders will help demonstrate the real need for improved bicycle facilities and the potential benefits to our society. Got to get up and ride now!
Please reconsider using earplugs when out on the road or trail.. I got run off the road by a radio deaf person on a bicycle today. He could not hear me shouting or ringing my bell as i approach him weaving along to the music. no injury and he did see what the problem was without me losing language control.
be careful out there. Bon ton Roule
miles are miles if ridden outside on roads or trails which promotes cycling. We need every rider we can get; the one milers and the 125 milers. I think this is a cooperatetion. The more we cooperate by encouraging everyone who rides to record their miles and be visible the more likely we all as citizens will win the competition for funding better safer riding and places to ride. No bucks, no buck rogers which means its about the funding. So let's put the fun in funding by riding and encouraging others to ride.
It was Biker Sunday at church; trying to fit in. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9cV77n_w3yCeUVsSHlNejRETTA/edit
Hey how do u guys load up the pics do u go thur facebook? Thanks
In my opinion, sport miles are just as important as commuting, especially if those sport miles are on trails. The roads are already there, so more bicyclists shows lawmakers that they need to take bikes into account when planning roads. Trails are there or are planned, and bikers out using them shows that the money isn't being wasted. (Ever notice they put those counter things at trailheads occasionally?) As for CO2, if I'm out riding for hours on end, that means I'm not out driving aimlessly or sitting home using electricity to watch TV. I'd be happy to use my bike for my work commute, but it really can't compete with slippers and a walk down the hall :D
Amber - a person could be burning gas as part of their recreation, and most people do. So recreational biking is saving CO2
Spinning and indoor miles DO NOT COUNT!!! Sport miles do. They are outdoors and increase the visibility of cyclists. This is one of the goals after all to make cyclists more visible. The more cyclists we see out there the more people are enoucraged about trying it. I work from home so I can't commute. My only commuter miles are to do errands: grocery store, bank, post office, etc. But I do my "regular route" from home so I don't drive at all when I do it. So I don't feel bad about counting those miles since no driving is involved and I'm promoting cycling!!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
The commute home on Friday in Erie, Pa was truly heavenly. The sun was shining, there was a gentle breeze and the air aroma was in the spring peak of sweet aromas.
Youre also not cutting CO2 or saving gas if you are riding for sport and not transportation. Ahhh.... Never thought about that huh. I think spinning is pushing it for adding as miles though. Reading the official rules though it says nothing about what type of bike you have to ride or where. At least I didn't see anything in the toolkit about it. Someone correct me if I am wrong! Lol
Pam, from the "Rules": Miles pedaled on a stationary bike or trainer do not count.
Seems to me that the spirit of this Challenge is to be outside, riding a bicycle. You aren't "cutting CO2 emissions" or saving gas money by riding a stationary bike, in a gym.
Someone noticed that people are posting miles from spin class. Is this part of the challenge? What do you think of this?
WOW, with 20,000+ riders its going to be a job to keep up with all these posts. We need all of you short distance or long it doesn't matter. Just get out and have fun riding. Congrats to all the people getting their kids signed up. I got my daughter signed up this year. She had some miles in the warmup, now we need to get some for the challenge.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE!!
@Preston, good move, he is the next generation of cyclist! I got my son to join the NBC and my team so he can add his commute to college miles :)
Getting new bike for the grandson. We'll start adding his statistics. He's 12 and riding to school.
@David J Clifton, we love to share our cold and snow. You can thank me later.
John, BTV Digirati is always welcoming new team members. Even if you're retired. I think you'd be a perfect fit. http://www.endomondo.com/teams/9703602
@David B Groseclose. I was able to change the workplace picture at www.endomondo.com/customize
@Vanessa - Good idea. The most important thing on your bike is you.
Finally took my bike to the shop my brakes were faulty n my back tire was shredding now im using my secondary bike to get around hopefully my bike be ready by next saturday n I can hit it hard....
@John - there are several teams with the name "retired." Click on the endomondo logo top right then search on the word "retired." One of those teams might be a good fit for you.
Retired, interested in an "unaffiliated" team for Challenge.
@Marty keep that Snow out your way, for being in upstate NY it went from winter to spring in a day, sunny and 70s enjoying it. Was a tough winter of biking.
@ Kally T.-- good on u, I do the same and this year I will be moving from my long wheel base recumbent to a tadpole trike and building a trailer so I can make even more trips w/o the u know what.
Born in Ypsilanti and around our house we don't talk about the u know what like we don't talk about THAT team down south of U of M .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Marty, we lucked out, no snow that stuck. We've been getting a lot of cold rain and sleet. Wet, but bikeable.
Made the 15 mile (14 plus 1 mile new detour) commute home tonight on the 1/2 bike. My stoker was feeling a little better and we chatted about taking a short spin on the tandem. A 2.28 mile spin to be exact. She's a competitor and did not want to give up the daily points. Let me rephrase: my stoker, wife and best friend of 25 years rocks!
A report card for current Wisconsin weather would include: Uncooperative, oppositional, defiant, ill-mannered, does NOT play well with others, and is definitely NOT living up to potential. Nevertheless, motivated equally by those arbitrarily enticing challenge points and a determination to avoid wimping out, I have been pedaling a persistent , pitiful two miles each day. Wednesday offered icy rain ahead of a Winter Storm; Thursday a simple, soggy, pervasive gray chill; and today we have returned once again to insistently spitting distinctly taunting slivers of sleet., Refusing to bother with biking gear, I slog out in clunky snow boots, puffy gloves and ear muffs, muttering mutinous meteorological epithets along the way…..and yet…..by the last homeward half mile, I am comfortable, energized and oddly uplifted, reveling in the perverse childish pleasure of “nyah, nyah, do your worst, I’ll show YOU!”
Are we having FUN yet? Somewhat paradoxically, the answer remains, emphatically YES!
Welcome ALL to the 2013 Bike Challenge. Carpe Diem and Roll On!
I'd like to upload my business logo for my Workplace Team. Anybody know how that is done? Thanks.
@Kelly: That's awesome! Keep us posted!
@Gregg - For some reason, they are holding theirs on the Saturday morning after, which is the alternate date/time for those in the Southern Hemisphere, because there it is Winter. (Well, maybe in parts of Wisconsin, it is too!)
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@Kelly - It is amazing how we've been indoctronated our entire lives that to get anywhere, we have to drive.
Since this challenge I decided to challenge myself to commute by bike for everything I usually do by car. In 3 days alone it is unbelievable how many miles I have biked. I never realized exactly how many miles I actually drive. Wow.
They had a Ride of Silence at Wheel & Sprocket in Appleton, WI last year. There were about 15 of us and they gave us Ride of Silence t-shirts to wear. I assume they will be having another ride this year.
@Marty - You're welcome, and great first name! Did you get hit hard with snow over there?
Ride of Silence - Organizers are looking for anyone from Hawaii, North Dakota, or Connecticut (or anyone from any other states to add to the ones already in your state) who would be interested in organizing a Ride of Silence, as those are the only states not represented for the 10th annual ride.
In case you haven't heard of it, the ROS is a ride held throughout the world at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday in May. It is free, usually around 10-12 miles, and riders ride no faster than 12 mph, similar to a funeral procession, and all in silence. It is designed to raise awareness of bicyclists, and to honor bicyclists injured or killed by vehicles.
It is very easy to organize. I just determined a course, paired up with my LBS, and talked to the police. The expenses are minimal.
Marty, you're a wealth of information. Thanks.
@Ray - You're right, I misspoke when I said fair. I should have said, More accurately reflects efforts within that state to get more people out riding, (which I think is the NBC's underlying goal - they have just quantified it to give us something concrete to shoot for). But it also isn't necessarily about data, either. If you are like me, and like numbers and data, most of the information we want is there. It just has to be extracted.
In answer to your 63 point question, the person who rode 43 miles obviously got more exercise, but the person who rode 3 miles over 3 days, is probably more of the type of person the NBC is looking for. They want more people to ride bikes. That 3 mile total person may be changing their health and lifestyle for the better, like the woman who posted a few posts earlier who just bought her first bike. There aren't too many people who ride 43 miles who aren't already bicyclists. (There are exceptions, like 38 years ago, I rode 100 miles in a charity ride on a borrowed bike, with no training. That didn't make me a bicyclist, just a person with very sore legs.) And that 3 mile person will more likely inspire others, because they can more easily relate to them, and they may think that if they can do it, then so can I.
It is outdoor miles only - it's covered in the FAQ section.
@Rick Gilbert. Thanks.
Sorry about the snow in the midwest (and elsewhere). I think we stole some of your heat out here in Puget Sound. Forecast is for highs around 80 on Sunday. Good day for the May Day Classic - a local ride from Phil's Bike Shop out to the Carbon River entrance of Mt Rainier NP and back (105 miles). I plan to do about 80 miles of that, if the legs hold out. For anyone in the area (Federal Way, WA), there's same day registration, and it's only $25. It's worth the ride just for Phil's pavement commentary on the climbs.
@ Jack - Straight from the FAQ (under the Toolbox):
Every time you get on your bike the miles count. Whether they are for fitness, fun, or transportation make sure to join and log them on nationalbikechallenge.org. Miles pedaled on a stationary bike or trainer do not count.
@Jack - Outdoor miles only, good sir!
Are we counting miles on stationary rollers / trainers or only actual outdoor miles? I'm fine either way, but since the rules don't address this issue, I wonder if everyone is doing this consistently. Would be nice to have an official pronouncement on the question. (Lacking that, let's hear what people are doing.) My vote: Outdoor miles only. Counting indoor miles could lead to counting spin class, and I don't think that's what this challenge is about. Get out and ride.
Do people from Texas carry the famous bicycle revolver? @Kelly Thomas tell the manager or call the regional manager at McD's since its my guess they don't have a clue about the sprinklers since they don't ride. @Ray I want as many bikes out riding as possible as often as possible One is infinitely greater than zero.
More rain in Cen Fl but my new customized cyclocross bike is really so much better in the rain than any bike I have ever had. Bon Ton Roule!
Go Tammie - great to have you on board. I hope you enjoy the Challenge!
Go Texas, I can now point out to my friend there that not everyone's scared to ride on the roads in the Aggie State. :) something bout traffic and Texas drivers.
What business puts a bike rack on the lawn directly in front of sprinklers?! I went to McDonald's on my lunch break to get an ice cream cone since it's so beautiful out and after I locked it up the sprinklers turned on! I got wet and so did my bike. That was fun... not. At least the cone was good!
I am new to this and have only been a bike owner for about 6 weeks. I hope Texas moves up but we have been experiencing wicked weather for the past two days with winds in the 40 to 50mph range.. I still put in 2 miles yesterday out of sheer determination.. nearly blew me over and froze my ears off! The weather is improving now. Onward Texas.
Cynthia, you should come to the River to Sea Ride in Wilmington, tomorrow. I'll be there, getting in some extra miles.
@Ray- You can see miles per state & community by going to the leaderboard and clicking on the state or community name in the rankings. To see each individual's miles, you'd have to click on their name in the rankings. A pain, but possible. As an individual whose commute is 1 mile each way, thanks for not discounting my small daily contribution. :)
Hello out there North Carolina! Where are all our riders? We have 194 signed up with very few logging miles.
I've got a sick stoker, so I'm plotting my 1/2 bike ride strategy for the weekend to keep up with those pesky bug lab folks at USU. Must have more miles! Ride safe all.
(A short adendum): With the current ranking system, last year, 8 of the top 10 recruiting percentage states were in the top 12 in points ranking, and 9 of the bottom 10 in recruiting percentage were in the bottom 12. So, points per population gives one a very close approximation of the goal of recruiting more for the Challenge.
@Jim - Right, I can see the state leaderboard, but I'd like to see a leaderboard of mileage (or points) by state based on participants.
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@Marty - It really isn't about fairness, it's about data. Say I logged 43 miles on May 1 and received 63 points, while someone else rode 1 mile on May 1-3 and also received 63 points. From the leaderboards you can't see 43 miles versus 3 miles. That doesn't mean the person commuting a mile a day is less important. It just doesn't satisfy my curiosity to see where the miles are coming from. Points say one thing, miles say another, half the goal is number of riders, the other half is number of miles. I just think it would be interesting to see miles per state overall, and the average per registered rider by state. Using my numbers from earlier, you see this: Vermont has great participation, Wisconsin has logged a lot of miles and Ohio has the highest average per rider.
@Ray & @ Kelly- If they can only pick one way of organizing the rankings, the way they are doing it is the most fair. Especially when you consider that this Challenge is about getting more people riding, but also getting them signed-up for the Challenge. There is no one chart that gives one everything. But a leaderboard based on mileage compared to the riders signed-up would tend to give you the opposite of what the Challenge goal is, and that is to get more riders. Newer riders tend to ride quite a few less miles than more experienced riders. If the ranking were miles per rider, that would give the advantage to states that recruited mostly more experienced riders as their miles/rider would be higher, (but they wouldn't be contributing anything to getting more riders out there). And people and groups in a state that were getting more people to ride for the first time, would tend to be near the bottom of the list, as their average would be much lower.
Last year, Vermont was the leading state with getting people signed-up, with just over 0.2% of it's population. The next two best were Nebraska with 0.11% and 0.09% for Wisconsin. That is great when you compare it with the all states combined percentage of only 0.009% of the population. (Oregon was slightly below the national average with 251 signed up and a percentage of 0.007.) But it is lousy when one considers that a 2002 estimate of bicyclists 16 years old or over had it pegged at 18.46% of the population, or about 57,000,000.
Last year, we had 29,091 in the challenge, which is 0.051% of that 2002 estimate, (and I'm sure now would be under 0.05%, considering there is a slightly higher percentage of the population bicycling).
If we had every bicyclist sign-up for the Challenge, we could all ride 4/10ths of a mile on the first day, and have accomplished our 20 million mileage goal for the entire 5 months. (Can you imagine how that would bog down the servers!)
Click on the state Ray and it will list the riders by order of mileage.
@ Ray - I agree.
Well I say, Come on NEW JERSEY, we can do better than 34th place!!! Pedal faster! :)
On thing I mentioned on the survey after last year was that there needs to be a leaderboard by mileage. Ranking by total state population gives you one perspective, but I'd like to see actual miles. For example, Vermont has 7,682 miles from 802 riders, Wisconsin has 28,166 from 4393 riders and Ohio has 12,083 from 1,129. It would be interesting to see a state leaderboard based on actual participants as well, to show what the active riders are doing.
@Lauren-great to hear your accident did not deter you from what you enjoy doing! Hang in there and way to go!
@ Marty - That's crazy! This is my first year doing this, but it seriously surprised me to see that Oregon only has just over 100 riders signed up. Aren't they one of the most bike friendly states? I'm in Michigan and even we have more riders signed up than that!
Statistically Speaking v01
I know quite a few states have or are still experiencing strong weather effects, but Vermont's early lead is just rediculous. To give you an idea of how far they are ahead - You would have to add up the next seven states to just barely beat Vermont. Put another way, if you took the last 43 states, Vermont would still be ahead of their total. Right now, Vermont has 1/3 of the points in the entire country!
Vermont, the easy winner of last year's Challenge, it at it again. Half-way through the Warm-Up Period, they were in 4th place, well behind Iowa. When they finally got rid of their snow cover, it took only a few days to pass Iowa, then a few weeks to pass Wisconsin, and if the May 1st storm was a day earlier, they would have passed Nebraska, too.
Vermont is definitely not resting on their defending championship laurels.
May the force (on your pedals) be with you.
@Vanessa - You can log those lost miles manually.
Hope that you're ok Lauren P.
@Lauren - Way to overcome your fears! Unfortunately, that is one of the most common types of car accidents with bicyclists. They either don't remember seeing you as they pass you, or think they have enough time to make the turn, because you're "just on a bicycle", and they underestimate your speed.
Bike accident 3 weeks ago made me nervous to get back on (a car turned in front of me while I was going down a hill and I couldn't stop in time)... but I commuted to work today!
Sucks balls I found out that when I ride thur some of the federal building in my perimeter my gps is blocked off so theres like a 1 and half that wont read:'( sucks but Ican go on a good ride on the weekends:-)
I joined yesterday, uploaded my gpx files from May 1st & May 2nd for my commute. I shows my miles but I have zero points. When are points calculated? Should my rides I uploaded have calculated points already?
Used the endomondo app on my apple 4s phone today for a 21 mile ride. I usually use my Garmin, but forgot to get it today. So used the phone. It logged my ride, but it did not save anywhere. Don't know how it was deleted. I logged ride manually but lost the data before I could look at the details. Probably user error on my part but I wonder if others have had glitches with the apple phone endomondo app.
Thank You everyone for the concern. Let's hope I remember how to ride the thing once it gets here.... ¿ ;P ?
We were spared here in Minneapolis of the snow. I'll take the cold wind coming from the north over snow.
"Gregg Warning Most of these cities set records for the most snow in a winter storm in May"
We had a couple of inches here in Lincoln, Nebraska last night and the forcast is for it to be crappy all weekend. There is no doubt that it's cutting into the miles people are putting in. I'm a commuter and I should have at least thirty in right now, but I have less than half that.
Gregg - any reports that the fugitive is riding a bicycle?
Had enough snow this year, thank you!!
Thankfully it stayed to the south of us!!
@Gregg W, that's some crazy snow totals.. Glad I'm in NC.
Be careful while riding near Madison, WI. There is a fugitive who is reported as armed and dangerous.
Most of these cities set records for the most snow in a winter storm in May. Many have never even seen any measurable snow in May before. Lot of snow in northern Wisconsin and with temps remaining cold this weekend, the lakes will still be froze for the fish opener. This will be a first in history. In the Fox Valley here we are going to get a lot of rain this weekend, which will cut into biking time for many. I will ride in the rain when it's warm, but rain in the 30's and 40's is beyond my limits.
These snowfall totals today are amazing. Anyone bike in snow today?
Here are the latest peak snowfall totals by state as of late Thursday morning:
•Buckhorn Mtn., Colo.: 28.2"
•Near Buford, Wyo.: 20"
•Near Harrisburg, Neb.: 6.1"
•Near Edson and Quinter, Kan.: 4.5"
•Forest City and Britt, Iowa: 11"
•Blooming Prairie, Minn.: 18"
•Beresford, S.D.: 6"
•Rice Lake, Wis.: 17"
Some other notable totals include:
•Ft. Collins, Colo.: 10-16"
•Near Boulder, Colo.: 8"
•Denver, Colo.: 3.2"
•Cheyenne, Wyo.: 12.8"
•Omaha, Neb.: 3.1"
•Sioux Falls, S.D.: 1.5"
•Rochester, Minn.: 13.5"
•Des Moines, Ia.: 1.1"
Linda,
Only miles on bikes that go places count. No credit for spin bikes or stationary trainers.
I agree with Scott's rationale. 2 people on a tandem = 2 people on single bikes. Both get miles. Now one person riding a single and pulling another empty single along side to get double miles? Nope - penalty for dangerous and dumb.
Hmm... How should one count unicycle miles?
As we say in Alaska, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. I live in a rain forest, so I always wear rain gear when I ride. During our icy winters I use studded mountain bike tires. My mantra as I'm being pelted in the face by hail and 40-60 mph head winds, "I'm doing this for my health, I'm doing this for my health."
Raining in central Fl and we need it. Put the fenders on and rode in the gap between drops, sort of. when I returned i washed and blow dried my bike. My wife taught me that the leaf blower is a great blow drier. It is so much easier and faster.
Bon Ton Roule!
Linda M, while it might not count for points on NBC, it counts in the points for LIVING IT UP!
Went to the country of Spain from 4-10 thru 4-26, Did the Camino de Santiago. Went 500+ miles, but of course this would not count. Do any miles count when you do spin class.?
@ Susan - If you use Endomondo to track your rides, you don't need to log your miles. It does it automatically. If it shows sport, but you want commute, when you go to start your ride just select the cycle - transport option and you're good to go!
Question - even if I am using endomondo - Will I still need to log my miles? Although, when I look at my profile, it does show cycling, sport amd my miles from yesterday, do I need to use cycling, commute?
Utah State University/Bug Lab is in the hisouse....wuuuup wuuuup
HI all, out for a quick ride today. Sunshine, wind, and temps in the 60s. But I'll take that over snow. As for you snowbirds, you get bragging rights for braving the weather and serve as an inspiration to the rest of us. Here in the St. Louis area we don't have snow at the moment, but we have hills and those never go away! LOL
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@ Burklee, glad you got the parts. Will have to check out your new digs next time I get to NE. Congrats to the Bike Kitchen.
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@ Michael Lemuel, welcome back. Sorry about the bus accident, good luck with the ears, and we'll all be waiting for you to blow us away with your inspiring riding!
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RIDE ON YA'LL!!!
@Tim M - we are recording our tandem miles completed as individual rider miles until told otherwise. In my case, my stoker would be driving a car if she was not riding the tandem with me. The same car we use to car pool to work together. She is getting the same NBC health and environmental benefits as a single rider, just on a full bike...
What! No FB page?
How should tandem riders log their miles?
I blew up my ACL, MCL, meniscus, and LCL last May during the second day of Bike To Work Week. This year I'll have a new bike and its redemption time! Good to be back on the bike and starting to commute again.
Joe Domin - You may want your members to check their profiles to check they have the correct zip code (different local settings can put one team in separate local goups) and that you all have the same workplace selected (different forms or spellings of your workplace can effectively put you at different workplaces)
Just looked at my Endomondo profile, and I'm a much faster rider than I thought -- 55 mph! Woo Hoo. All those "Commute" entries credit me with miles, but at zero time. Makes for some interesting statistics.
@mark - You get extra points in my book, buddy!
Anybody know why the points for national and local don't match at the team or workplace level? The national looks right but the local is too low. Individual points match at both levels.
Yay, Chistine!!
#2203 - yay me? Dammit Marty I need that flux capacitor.
Yay! Kenosha, WI got it's own community this year instead of it being lumped in with Lake County (??? I'm old, got no memory) last year. At this moment, I'm #1 in Kenosha, WI! I'm savoring this because I doubt it will last. Yay, ME!
I think extra points should be awarded for riding in the snow and for riding a singlespeed!
@Burklee - I knew there was a reason your state total yesterday wasn't good. Thanks for giving Wisconsin a little lead on you, (and a false sense of biking superiority) before you blow past us in a day or two.
@Marty - May snowfall. I haven't had any coffe yet, cut me some slack, man. :)
@Burklee - I thought you get snow in Lincoln every year, sometimes even several times a year.
Yesterday was the first measurable snowfall in Lincoln in 46 years. I wonder if they are counting the sleet as part of that. The weather was miserable yesterday. Glad I got up early for my short ride.
@EM - Thanks for the parts you left for LBK! We've got a new place now. It's a shop, so it's a lot more space. We won't be tripping over each other. We're excited, and slightly freaking out. We'll have to pay rent now!
Precip should end this afternoon, so I hope to get in a ride after work.
@Michael Lemuel - Glad to see you back! Hope you're okay. Have fun exploring Connecticut.
Thans Brad, figured it out and just finished notifying the rest of the team how to do it. I was able to identify 4 different workplaces in the system that we were signing up for, although we all seemed to be on the same team. Go figure
Speedy recovery Michael L
Timothy Walsh - Go to the Leaderboard - click on your name to get to your profile - on the right side, click on Change Settings.
It was a great first day of the challenge in Utah despite the snow and cold. Not only did our team rank 1st at Utah State University, as of this morning team AGRS also ranked 2nd in Utah! Woo hoo! Cycle on team AGRS! I know, it is a very long challenge, but this first year team is up for it.
@Kevin B (Blah Blah Blah) Hey Cuz, it's 20 degrees in Logan this morning, but no new snow. Hope your Tucson team can keep up as we turn up the heat...
@Michael L - I and many others were inspired by your riding last year, and learned a lot about goal setting, and resetting, and resetting yet again. I hope everything works out for you, including not having a tumor. I know you'll inspire local bicyclists in Connecticut, just like you did in Kansas.
Darn it, just realized there are 2 AEP work places, with the AEP team associated with both and it figures I'd be in the wrong one. Anyone know how to switch?
Hi Michael L - good to see you bach. Anyone here from the "Rust Belt"? This sounds like a good idea. http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/Cleveland-and-Pitsburgh-vie-in-National-Bike-Challenge
Great to see many friends back for another round. Welcome to all new participants. I'm looking forward to watching everyone overcome they're own personal goals.
I like last year's Jersey's better! Help me if I don't end up getting one anyway. I'm a little conserned about being off my (brand new) bike since the bus wreck, and finding out I have an area that is (or could become) a brain tumor. Because of the bus accident (and lack of prosecussion) I'll admit I'm very concerned about riding in the local traffic. I'm still out for at least a week unless someone lends me a bike while I wait for an "old friend" to get shipped to my new home in West Haven, CT.
Things are slowly progessing w/ my care at the Veteran's Hospital. The first (ear) surgery is done and we're waiting on long term results. I've reconciled with the fact things will take much longer than the one year I originally anticipated. The silver lining seems to be in many "NEW" destinations to explore.
Ride Safe!
Mike L.
Hi Gahlord, you and the other Vermonters are killing me again this year. Very nice start out of the blocks - but myself and the other 4140 riders on Team Wisconsin were hoping you guys were going to take it easy this year. Is the Logger on your team this year? http://www.youtube.com/watch
Thanks, Andrew. Now I see it in the News column.
Todd Nelson: Today is the official first day of the challenge, so everyone's points from the warm-up period got zeroed out.
Perhaps I'm missing something, but if I understand correctly there is presently no provision for a team captain to remove a member from the team. I think we need that.
With the new team size rules, and no way for a team to remove an uninvited member, it is possible to sabotage a rival team by planting a member who bumps the team into the next size category, removing it as a class competitor and pitting it against much larger teams.
I don't know for sure, but it looks like this may have actually happened already at the end of the warm-up period, and my own team, RABL (Riders Against Bike Lanes) may have been the most immediate beneficiary. We were third in Small class going into the last day, behind Shut Up and Pedal Philly. We ended up second. SUPP disappeared from the Small class rankings. Did they get a whole bunch of new members? No, they only got an eleventh, with no points, on the last day of the period.
I have no way of knowing whether there was any hostile intent involved in that case. If there was, I want it understood that as far as I can determine RABL was not involved -- and I'm the team captain. But the possibility of such a thing being arranged with hostile intent is pretty obvious, and the ramifications could get pretty crazy.
Therefore, I think there is a need for teams to have a means to defend against such tactics. The most obvious way would be to let team captains remove team members.
I invite comments and suggestions from the organizers and others regarding this.
Bruce: it usually takes the Endo team until mid July to get most of the kinks out.
I had 200 points yesterday. After I logged 13 miles today, I only have 33 points. What gives?
The Endomondo challenge screen has a National Bike challenge. However it does not seem to be related to this one. Start and End dates are 12/31/2012 - 12/31/2013. It also only tracks road biking.
I use a mylar "talc visor" on my helmet, mainly to deflect bugs. I make the bottom edge hang just low enough to do that, but high enough so I can look under the visor in the rain. I also can raise and lower it a little while riding.
The bugs! Several times it felt like someone threw a pinch of sand at me.
I always always ride with lights, front, back and on either side. During our "dark time" ive even gone so far as to string LED x-mas lights on my bike!!! More than one motorist has slowed up and rolled their window down to say "i saw you from a mile away!!" My reply, thats the point, and glad it got youir attention!!!!!
always better safe, than sorry!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_du_SwbX5nTI/TRBOxF46rxI/AAAAAAAABRA/dO1ETDEvk8s/s1600/Dec.+20th%252C+Papa+P%252C+Pugsley+006.JPG
J. Hugh - Some slight corrections: 152 (out of a total of 153) /3,060/5,355/8,415
Kelly: see also "bike ninjas"
Rode my bike for the first time at night today. The weather was amazing. I'm quite shocked to see though how many walkers and cyclists don't have any lights at night! If I hadn't had my lights I would have never seen these people and may have took them out!
@ Ray - Haha! I got smacked one too many times in the face tonight by them. Yuck!
Now I'm not saying I want the cold & snow back, but I'm already sick of the bugs.
I've logged 4000 miles already on bikejournal. This Challenge should be interesting.
See you on the road.
my first-time at doing the challenge
... and now, over 18,000!
The number of riders is growing by the hour. Almost 18,000!!!
@Kevin B - blah blah blah
@Sue J Hewitt, Yeah, I agree that it's weird that a bunch of people have disappeared from Team and Workplace lists.
As we head toward the end of day one, it is good to remember that there are 151 days to go. Most impressive numbers on day one from some people, however remember that riding every day will earn 3020 points plus the actual miles at one point each. If one rode an average of 35 miles a day then you would add 5320 points. Your total would be would be 8240. So there are many ways to ride the challenge, and riding your challenge will be the key to fun and accomplishment.
Points reset tonight or was that last night?
Snowflakes falling from the sky as I finished up this morning, gotta love springtime in the Rockies :)
I can not wait to get on the bike, and ride through the heat 96 degree weather
The "don't show until you log a ride IF you happened to sign-up in the warm-up period instead of waiting until May " is terrible change. Very confusing. That was not the case last year, and that was not the case during the warm-up months. New people sign up today and can see right away that they are on leaderboards, on teams, riding for workplaces, etc. Those of us who signed up a little early are being treated differently, and held to a different level of being considered a "rider."
Folks who don't want their birth dates displayed publicly can change their profile settings accordingly (or enter a fake birthday).
Only 7 miles but 2 big climbs and winter storm warning in Dunn county
Not sure if I should attempt the drizzle and cold spring day. New Bianchi here and no lube!!!
Despite a 90% chance of rain, didn't see a drop on the commute in Baton Rouge today!...was hoping for blackout on my Bike Month Bingo! http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/promo.php
@Virginia - Yes, your miles count, no matter the purpose. The only difference is that when you ride for pleasure (sport) your CO2 savings won't change.
Trying to keep my ranking up in the top 100 is pretyt difficult with a 9-5... Usually it means getting up at 5am, riding (20-30). Cleaning up, riding (5) to work, riding (10) during my lunch break, riding (5) home and then packing another (20-30) in before bed. Makes for a long day but it's a lot of fun and I sleep very well at night.
I am not employed, therefore I hav 0 commuting miles. I do cycle for pleasure and exercise. Please count these miles
Randy, you certainly have some beautiful mountains out there, but a lot of bike-y areas are quite hilly. San Fran, my own beloved Pittsburgh, Seattle (I'm told, never been). I'm sure many others.
In the end, it just makes you stronger and makes things more fun by the change-ups. Sure, I'd love an extra point or two for the 400 ft. climb in the last two miles of my ride home (heck, I'd love it if they just counted all my rides today, some bugs at the moment).
But they're doing the best with what they've got. Keeping things dead simple helps. When you get down to it, it's all just it's own reward and this is just a game you can choose to participate in and enjoy... or not.
@Randy - It is just based on points. 1 point for every mile you ride, 20 points for each day you ride. That you get to spread out your gear wear and tear between more gears than most of us is just a bonus for you.
Here is a link to a video of a motorcyclist crashing into two unsuspecting bicyclists on one of the most dangerous roads in California. Luckily, both bicyclists received only minor injuries, which is miraculous, when considering what could have happened. It happened so fast, I don't think rear view mirrors would have even helped. Warning: It is a little scary to watch.. Ride safe out there.
http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/caught-tape-motorcyclist-crashes-2-bicyclists-143949954.html
Way to go. Does anyone know if elevation gain is part of this or just total miles. Hard to ride to far in Utah without hills.
@ Craig, venting is perfectly OK. I agree w/ another post, which encouraged you to link up w/ a local bike club. If one doesn't exist are you game to start one? Sounds like it's you against the anti-cycling world. You need better odds there in Moronhead City! Any chance you could move to a more bike-friendly NC town like Cary or Carboro? Hang in there.
48 miles today. Nice start to The National Bike Challenge.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
Yes, I just checked and its Eric Bradford Nordgren. I remember him from last year - he is the real deal, genuine article. Must be something in the water around Topeka...
@Randy - If you knew what Eric did last year, you would have no problem believing it. Him and several other riders in that area were just monsters last year, putting in multiple long rides a lot of days, including a lot of rides with each other. Don't worry though, he won't average 170 miles per day. (In case you are wondering, it will be less.)
He probably used a trick that we learned last year, from the early leader - start your ride at about 3 or 4 in the morning, after the drunks are off the road, there is minimal traffic, and when we get to the hot part of the season, it is cooler.
Randy, I had similar thoughts last year, but Michael Lemuel made a believer out of me! http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/06/meet-the-1-rider-in-the-national-bike-challenge/
I have a hard time believing someone rode 170 miles half way through the first day
CHALLENGE: ACCEPTED. Celebrating by commuting each way to work this month and mountain rides on Wednesday nights!
No first ride here...South Florida is in the middle of a 'weather event' with pouring rain, winds and lightening and all the rest. Left the bike at home today and drove the truck, and may have to do that the rest of the work week. Forecast for next week is much better, but I give away the first four days of the campaign waiting for it to clear...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Did 4.5 miles today. That was enough in 37 degree rain.
8 inches of fluffy white snow in Fort Collins today - lousy for bike commuting but we need the moisture - BAD. "The sun will come out - tomorrow ..."
rode early -early this am but ed. would not take miles- rentered after normal am ride and it worked . time won't be right miles are there and if i find any problems I can go back and delete and start over.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Day 1 here we go ............
Will ride tonight when I get home and log my miles then.
No miles today - went for a run instead...awesome weather - love it :)
@Sue~ once you log a workout you/whomever should pop up.
Peace
great workout!
Anyone else who did the warm-up NOT get rolled over to the May leaderboards? We had 21 of us at work Health District of Northern Larimer County signed up prior to midnight on April 30, and although we have home pages, and show for the warm-up period, none of us are on ANY leaderboards for the challenge now. It says our workplace has 24 riders, but except for the 3 who signed up this morning - the rest of us are GONE.
@El-welcome!
Hi guys, new at this.....
To all of you biking in warm temps........ :)~
I had a great start to my 2013 NBC.
Minus the 30 degree temps!!
Early morning pedal....... Followed by the bike rodeo...https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hm5rp0YpGEg/UYFSFzadEqI/AAAAAAAADNI/VXgukKQM0gs/s640/blogger-image-2049908110.jpg followed by more riding!!
Pedal On!!!
Peace
This is the National biking event, but is anyone doing the 50 Mile Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Tour in Mexico this month? Should be Crazy fun!
@ Kelly, I can really relate! Nobody's interested at all. They think I am crazy too, but impressed at the same time. I think to most it is unthinkable. Not bad, just not something they would do.
HI all, out in sunshine this morning with temps rising into the 80s. A handful of other riders out there mainly on the trail.
Sorry for all of you who have snow or other crappy weather today. Hope the weather starts cooperating soon.
*********
Glad to hear that the Lincoln Bike Kitchen is getting a new home. I left a donation on the door of the old building this weekend. Hope somebody found it & can put it to good use!
************
HAPPY BIKE MONTH!!
Team USU ORP is in the race!
@Kelly - Well, they're gonna miss all the fun!!
I wish I could get more friends/family to do this challenge. Nobody is even remotely interested. They all are impressed with me, but think I'm crazy. :(
Anybody else go for a ride right after midnight and not get points for it. I started at like 12:15 (may 1st) and those miles aren't being counted on my current point score????
What I like about the NBC is that the challenge part is open to interpretation. It is not a race, or a most miles wins. I challenge myself. I just love to ride every day if possible. Maybe that is part of my personal challenge in this. As far as prizes go, each ride is a prize I get for sure and that is most important.
Bicycle Times sent out a mass email for the NBC today!. I sent a note to my local shop guys and to the corporate people. One of the challenges for all of us is to get as many people to ride as possible, even just one ride. One ride is infinitely greater that zero.
@Kelly - Like Berklee mentioned, one is supposed to have U.S. ties to be here. While there are some that don't have either connection, they generally only stick out the first several days of each month of the Challenge, because of the time zone differences.
Since there are so few challenges like this worldwide, I personally don't have a problem with anyone without U.S. ties being in here, as being in this Challenge is really fun. Not only that, but they aren't eligible for any of the prize drawings or to be a winner in any of the various categories, so it doesn't hurt any of us.
@ Burklee - Thanks for the clarification!
@ Kelly - From the FAQs: NBC is "open and free to anyone who lives in the U.S. or works for an organization with U.S. employees." So folks in other countries can compete. International, but not.
Can somebody clarify something for me? I guess I assumed that the National Bike Challenge was for people in the US being it said National rather than International, but I noticed the top several people on the leaderboard are all from other countries. So is this competition International?
@Michael Sternberg - What confuses you about the challenge? Perhaps we can answer your questions.
I remain confused about the challege but will commute and recreate extra hard for the month of May
Minneapolis is suppose to get 8-12 inches of snow by Friday morning from snowstorm Achilles. . This is just totally freaky.
@ Jerry It's really wierd but a late May snow storm is hitting the central and upper Midwest again. They ran out of letters for snow storms and are on the second round. It's suppose to get really cold here tomorrow, too, but I hope no more snow. They still have snow up north and the lakes still have ice in them and will probably not be open this weekend for the fish opener. There has never been a year in recorded history that the lakes in northern Wisconsin still had ice in them for the fish opener. Last year was the earliest spring I have ever saw and this year is the latest spring. Hard to believe we hit records on both cold and warm in consecutive years.
BRING IT!!!
@Andrew and @Ken: Super-bummer, but yeah, no search function. If the other team is within your same local challenge, though, you can navigate over to your local challenge and check out the leaderboard there. Then you'll only be seeing teams within your area.
Saved by the $99 B&B +bike deal at http://www.lookawayinn.com/ on day 1 of GUAR.
Go Freeloaders!
My sympathies, @Jerry! It seems winter wants to really stay around this year! Crazy, crazy weather!
Ken Kress, I asked about this problem earlier, and no one seems to have an answer. It seems like searching wouldn't be a hard feature to add, but it doesn't seem to be there. It doesn't even look like there's any permanent URL for each team's page.
I want to engage in trash talk with another team. How do I find them? Is there any way to look up a team by it's name?
4" of snow so far and still snowing. Don't think I will be riding today in Colorado.
What a day in the Swamps of South Jersey, sang, In The Pines In The Pines for the whole 15.5 miles. I hope no one herd me.
Absolutely beautiful temp this morning and dead calm - but I had to drive to work :/ Almost everybody's ahead of me - for now...
Started off the 2013 NBC with Midnight Ride in Appleton, WI. Less hours of sleep last night, but well worth it. A memorable ride with temps in the 60's and soft breezes. Ride on everyone!
Yes! The high fives before the key bridge were a nice shot of adrenaline.
Rode to work today....first day of MANY, God willing. A beautiful morning, though my heart goes out to those areas suffering even more snow today! Spring will come eventually. Ride on, ride safely, everyone!
31 degrees and light snow today in Logan, Utah. Winter does not want to let go this year.
@ Cynthia - Thank you! My ride in to work was great. Only had some pain when I stood up to pump my pedals, other than that it felt fine. :)
Glorious ride in this morning - made even better by the BikeArlington team high-fiving all the riders going through Rosslyn Circle. What a great way to start the day.
Correction: That would be the East Coast Greenway Trail.
@Craig - Wow, it stinks that folks are so bike UNfriendly, there. Don't let them stop you, though, because you advocate for a good cause! Lots of people here are behind you. Feel free to do some venting here. We sympathize.
Got up a bit early this morning to take a short ride on this first day of NBC since I couldn't ride to work. I have to go look over and possibly write a rent check for a new Lincoln Bike Kitchen location! LBK has been "homeless" for 2 months now. We've kept serving Lincoln through Mobile Bike Kitchen, scheduling random locations around town and advertising them on Facebook so people know where we'll be. Our last 3 outings were so busy, it was awesome. We're very excited about a possible new home, but it definitely means stepping up fundraising activities. Our previous location was generously donated rent free. We're so close to being able to submit our 501(c)3 application, thanks to Boise Bike Project's help. Anyway, I thought I'd get in a ride early while it wasn't raining/snowing, as predicted for later today. It's snowing in western Nebraska now. *sigh* Happy riding to all. Let's crush that 20 million mark like we did with the 10 mil last year!!
@ Craig, wow that's terrible. I don't know local rules/ regulations but I do know that other people carry copies of local and state regulations (might be in state driver's testing manual) with them, either as a download on an electronic device or a paper copy. That way you can show them to the police when you get stopped. Often the police don't even know what the laws are. Some cyclists also have cameras on their helmets or somewhere so they can record what goes on in traffic. I hope Michael on the Bicycle will jump in here as he as a lot of experience with this type of thing. Don't know if you have a local bike club or bike shop that can help you out.
*****
Just wanted you to know you are not alone in this fight!!! GOOD LUCK, we need people like you!!!
@ Jerry-oh my on that snow forecast!
@ Craig-I live not to far from you and I am sorry to hear about such a horrible experience. I have to say it is more friendlier down this way and I haven't had any problems. There are bikers of all kinds on our roads, and although the roads aren't to bike friendly as far as use all the towns along our stretch of the South Brunswick Islands are installing bike paths and lanes. The ultimate goal of our county is to connect to the Greenway trail from Wilmington down into South Carolina. Never give up on what is important to you. Good luck!
@Craig - WOW! When I think off all of the things my community should be doing for bicycling, I get frustrated. But after reading what you face, it is simply unbelievable. I knew that some areas/states aren't bicycle friendly, but I guess I didn't realize the extent. That some areas could be 10, 20, 50 years behind the times... I hope that some here can provide advocacy advice, although what you have done with the plan committee should have also been a good start. It is obvious that the committee's findings didn't have much sway with your local government. Hopefully, your mayor or alderperson will have a bit of compassion. There must be someone high up in your community who is pro bicycling/pedestrian, otherwise, why the committee? Unless both of them were state mandated, in which case you would probably have to take your real concerns there.
I organized a Ride of Silence in my area. It is designed to raise awareness of bicyclists and honor those that have been hit and killed by vehicles. The date for the 300 rides around the world is May 15th, at 7 p.m. Maybe if you tried organizing one there, even just bringing it up to one of the commanding police officers might help. It might be a way for you to raise awareness in the police department.
Good luck.
Happy first day of NBC to all! Hope your commute is as wonderful as ever. My goal this year is to ride 5 days a week as opposed to 4 days, and with the challenge being extended to the end of September I will be able to log more miles as the Bike MS Event I participate in every year is in Sept.
@Kelly-good luck and take it easy! I think a lot of us can relate to your excitement, and not letting anything hold you back.
My story is 3 years ago I trained all summer for an MS Ride and I fell one week before the ride and turned out I fractured my elbow. Needless to say it was a hard lesson in patience and frustration. The doctor urged me not to ride and although I was determined too, I decided not too, it was a good choice. Sprains, strains, and broken things are part of the sport.
The Verazzano Bridge half crossing was March 2012, also on Facebook.
NATIONAL BIKE MONTH!!!!
@Vanessa - Your healthy example should help with them joining. But even if some don't, at least you are doing something good for yourself.
@Jerry, I feel for you. Holy cow! Good luck out there today, everyone!
Don't mean to be a downer but it's very hard to bicycle here in Morehead City, NC. Having been stopped by Morehead City police 5X in 2012m 3 times for bicycling (and told things that weren't the law): 1x for sitting at a nearby beach with a friend who was visiting from out of town and had just come back in from kayaking and once for walking across the high-rise bridge from here to Radio Island. I've also been nearly missed by a Lowe's Home Improvement Truck and told I couldn't file an incident report with the police because I wasn't harmed even though the driver broke the law. I was nearly missed 2x this February by 2 motorists. When I calmly and nicely tried to explain the rules of the road to the second person, he threatened me physically and gave me half the peace sign. When I called the police and gave them his license plate number and vehicle info they came and listened to the story again then said, "what do you want us to do?"
Sadly aand despite having bicycled across halfway across the Verazzano Bridge in March of 2013 and bicycled a one-spped coaster bicycle from Morehead City to Harrisburg, PA and working for Harrisburg Bike Taxi there for the summer then bicycling a 5-speed from Harrisburg to Richmond, VA in 46 hours over Labor Day weekend 2012, and then peddling a Rhoades Car 200 miles from Oxford to Bowling Green, OH over five days in late September, early October of 2012, I'm not bicyling much if at all anymore here in Morehead City.
Particularly frustrating since I served on the Morehead City Comprehensive Bicycling and Pedestrian Plan Committees in 2006 and 2010 and was trying to use my 2010 Campaign for NC House fund the development of a non-motorized greenway connecting the downtown waterfront with the western commercial district passing the City's schools and wanting schools and community groups help build it as a way of giving back to the community.
Basically, I'm just a freak of nature in these parts. People don't even know how to say "thank you" around here. Fact is when people see me coming they tell new people to not talk to me...as I suspected happened yesterday when I visited a real estate office on Atlantic Beach to talk about kayak tours, etc.
Too bad because this area has an awesome history of race relations and commitment to the environment in the past.... Sorry to babble on...just have to let go, no point battling others over these things. It ends up simply poisoning oneself. Besides I'm very fortunate to have fun things I can work on at home like the edible landscape, etc (photos on Facebook under my name). Wishing you the best.
Craig k. Hassler
@ J Hugh - Never crossed my mind to see one. I'll keep that in mind.
@ Marty - Thanks for the advice. I will definitely use it.
I'm so excited to start this challenge this morning! It's going to be a beautiful day here today. High in the high 60's and sunny! Couldn't ask for better!
Cant wsit to hit the road im trying to get some of my fellow co workers to join they are csriouse and looking it up so who knows maybe I get a riding buddy good luck to every2 I be paddeling a lil later but ill make sure to put a good number up hopefully it dosent rain so much ystdsy it was a complete wash out 5 hrs of nothing but rain, havefun
Pretty cool – At one minute after midnight Central time on May 1st, at the start of the 2013 National Bike Challenge, Audie Hadiwidjaja leads everyone with 75 points, followed closely by Hou Sheng with 73, and then Steven Gu at 64.
The state leaderboard won't be updated until at least 45 minutes after every state is in May, and I'm not staying up that late to see how the Appleton, WI midnight ride did.
May the force (on your pedals) be with you.
The challenge starts tomorrow. And the forecast for Colorado is 4-10" of snow on May 1st.
That's true. May is usually a big joiner month. I hope we get more UPSers. We only have 4 riders this year compared to 19 last year. With over 400, 000 employees, you would think we would have more than 4. Drivers I know are exhausted from wallking over 10 miles per day. They buy a new pair of shoes about every 3 months. With a 10 hour work day, they have very little time in the day left and is usually dark already when they go home. It pretty rough on them and their families, who don't see them much during the week.
@ Gregg, we are just getting started, so lets hope that lots more riders start rolling in as we go along!!!
We don't have as many riders this year as last year. Last year we had over 30,000, but only about half actuallyy recorded any miles.
I'm excited to join this challenge and, with fellow members of Green Mobility Network, welcome any who dare to log their miles and show their style on two wheels.
The wheels on the bike go round and round, round and round, the wheels on the bike go round and round all through the town......
15,000++ riders and counting.....
Kudos, Rick Gilbert! You are so right! Silly to lie about something that ultimately has no monetary value - not a promotion for lying about things that do - just glad to see that others are intelligent enough to "get it".
If there are any other Real Estate Agents who want to team up, let me know! :)
@Kelly - Sprains can sometimes be more of an issue than a break, as there is very little blood flow in tendons and ligaments, unlike muscles. Plan on taking an extra 10% more time to get to work, give or take, just so you don't have to push it. And then at work, if you are at a desk, try to have that leg raised as much as possible. Avoid NSAIDS, as they actually help degenerate tendons and ligaments - something you don't want.
@Phil way to go sticking with the issues. In my accident the guy admitted his responsibility and it is the insurance folks that seem to think they are paying the bills personally. I will stick with the issues.
@Kelly do you see a good sports chiro? I have gotten great results on injuries like sprains and other misalignment with soft tissue damage.
@Rick G the big prize for me is the riding with such a great bunch of people. Thousand and thousands of people on bicycles going for rides, invisible but present.
HI all, Soo many great comments. Had a great few days in Nebraska. Got a little riding in with my daughter and one of her friends. Driving day today so I ended up 2nd for MO for the warm-up period. Looking forward to the real challenge where my goal is to ride as many days as possible and to get in more commuter miles than I did last year.
**********
RIDE ON EVERYONE!!!
Good news, it's only a sprain! Dr said to stay off it for a week, but I didn't even do that when I broke my other foot. A little sprain isn't going to stop me from getting on my bike tomorrow and riding to work! Haha.
@ J. Hugh...my Oct 24 2011 (yes, 2011) came to a halt when I biked into a fresh patch of cement where the sidewalk crossed a business driveway. No barricades, they were literally pouring more cement 30 ft away. Cracked helmet, 3rd degree separated shoulder...construction crew did not help me, I had to call 911 on my own while they covered their a**, cars also kept going by even though I could not stand up. Finally one month ago, I got the out of court settlement check after getting a lawyer...no one else wanted to do anything for me but hope I would go away. Now I have 2 new bikes!
This Endomondo is NOT user friendly. Somehow it is even worse than last year.
@Kathy - cheating? The biggest prize in the NBC is for bragging rights. There was some chatter on the blog last year about some mileage claims. I don't much worry about it. I'll log my miles - manually for most commutes, by phone app for most longer rides, and hope I get lucky on the prize drawings. If somebody else logs fictitious rides and miles, I just hope they are not involved in any more serious fraud elsewhere in their lives.
Ready to start the NBC and the Commute Challenge for Bike to Work Month here in King County, WA. And hoping I'm up to the challenge of Phil's Hill on the May Day Classic on May 5. 20 million miles, people. Let's ride!
I was struck by a car on january 16th. I should have gotten a lawyer along with my health care team invovled from the beginning. Take no chance on your health, but remember no insurance company want to pay a dime if you will go away.
I'm pumped about this Challenge. @Joe Sacco, our State rocks.
@Dave: they're going to be sending something out tomorrow to their members. Good luck in 2013!
I'm new to the NBC this year too. I missed it last year, and could have placed well with my best months, 900 miles in July and August.
@Katie, why isn't there an NBC advertisement on Endomondo home or challenge pages? Many Endo's dont even know about it.
@Scott: Happy to have you in the Challenge!
New to the NBC and looking forward to the challenge. Had a fabulous time at the Moab Skinny Tire Festival last month. 175 miles by tandem in 4 days. The festival is a great first event of the ride season and a great motivator to stay fit over the long Utah winters. Too bad the miles don't count.
@ Kelly, get the x-ray! Dont mess around with possibly broken foot. Heal it right, you need that foot the rest of your life.
@ Marty and Franc - Thank you for the advice. Not too happy about it though! May be going to get it x-rayed tonight.
Here's an August 2010 article about the booming bike business of Mn.
http://minnesotabusiness.com/inside-minnesotas-booming-bike-economy
3 years later it still rings true, and not just for Mn.
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ Brad, so true. I was just reading an article in Energy Times about how transportation by bike has increased over the last couple years by 30%! This proves that people are looking for healthier, affordable modes of transportation.
@Rob: how cool! Good luck. Post on this forum how it went!
Never Mind. Doh!
How can I correct a typo in my employer's name?
Cynthia and Brad - you expressed perfectly what the Challenge is all about. Can't wait for the NBC Midnight Ride tonight in Appleton, WI! Our plan is to lead the nation, for a few hours at least!!
How does the NBC determine if someone is cheating? I mean someone could log miles and never ride.
Lets go Hickory Velo club. time to start logging some real miles
Cynthia - great sucess story. And I feel the same way in that all we can do is set a good example. As more people get used to seeing more bikes on the road it will gradually get accepted as just another mode of transport and more people will consider giving it a go. The barriers get eroded away, and even more bikes are on the road which continues the social pressure in a positive direction. And so it goes - An upward spiral of life and health.
So excited for this year's challenge. I love reading all the comments and stories, its a neat way to learn and share like experiences. Even though I commute all year long, this is a great "event" that inspires me and keeps me motivated. I have spread the word at my work place but there is very little interest. Yet everyone talks about getting in shape. I can only lead by example and by doing my best. Coworkers comment on my weight loss (due to biking and some weight workouts at home). I tell them to "Get Up and Ride!" I have always biked all through my life and I need it for my mind body and soul, especially now that I am older, it has become a WAY of life. I couldn't live without my two wheels. Now with this years NBC and training for an MS Event in September I am hoping to lose more weight and everyday I ride I become a stronger person and better person. Be safe, have fun, enjoy life-Peace.
@Howard - This is our first year promoting the NBC at my company as a wellness initiative. So far we had over 30 people join, up 26 from last year. Currently we aren't offering any incentives because I got started too late trying to promote (I wasn't on last years team) but hope to be able to offer some GCs or t-shirts with the company logo on them next year.
@Kelly - Not a good idea at all until you get it set. Even then I'd be easy on it because if you have to reset it, good luck.
I commuted in the past to work everyday.I did not own a car for 7 years.
My commute to work now is 23 miles(interstate/bridges).
Most of my riding now is of the leisure type.
I will be keep track of miles,which i do anyway(log book).
@Kelly - I did break my big toe playing volleyball barefoot once, and had to ride home almost 20 miles (not barefoot). But it isn't a good idea to ride with a fractured foot, at least not until it is set and immobilized. For a sprain, it is best to ice it off and on for the first 24 hours+, then afterwards, it would actually help recovery to ride gently in a low gear, and after each ride to ice it down.
Yay! Michigan hit 200 riders this morning!
On a side note.. Does anybody know if you can ride your bike with a sprained or fractured foot?
Hi saw the link on facebook was cariouse n join I ride bike daily so why not and keeps me focus on doing something new n exciting I never logged in my milage this wsy so this is all a frist just downloaded the app n excited tostart using it at work:-) good to see others enjoying bike riding as much as I do exciting way of staying healthy.
Been setting up the NBC as a challenge within my company, as a wellness program initiative. We've got 30 riders signed up, much better than last year! The Company is also offering up LBS gift cards, which I am using as incentives. How are others (who are leading the charge in their company) getting participation up?
@ Eric, you go, too! :) You'll always remember your first century...
@Heather... training for your first century? You go, girl! Been lurking on this board, watching the progress of others. Glad to see how cycling has become a part of life for many others on here. It's a major part of my life - between commuting to work and the weekend club rides, I'm on the bike a LOT. In fact, my health and sanity depends upon it :)
@Russell - Hope you're cleared for biking on the 3rd!
Anxious to START riding. Winter has hung on until just a few days ago. Ice just cleaed off of Lake Charlevoix yesterday. Now, exercise stress test last week found something the doc didn't like and my doc doesn't want me to start any exercise program until I see the cardiologist next Friday, May 3rd. May be the same thing they saw a few years ago, but for now, I have to follow doc's orders. I loved this challenge last year, too. It really motivated me to ride more often.
I am now on the other site as well. I am a premium member here so I will use this site most of the time to just monitor myself. Enjoy riding!!!
I love this challenge it pushed me last year to ride more miles but I'm sad to report I did not win any prizes hoping to change that this year.
All riders: consider joining my NBC team
Currently #1 in California, #12 overall and growing
Cheers!
http://www.endomondo.com/teams/9209455
@Mick
You selected cycling sporrt as your favorite sport
GO to profile, settings, select cycling transport,
:)
@Dave - brilliant, thanks!
Does anyone know how to change the default settings in the import from Garmin section of this website? It defaults my rides to Cycling, Sport and manually changing most of them to Cycling, Transportation is kind of tedious...
@Ash, Hello, I live near USD and ride all over San Diego. I just sent you a friend request.
i would like to have a riding partner. I live close to downtown San Diego and work in Linda Vista @SDCOE - located accross from USD. Any takers?
You and me both, Susan.
I've been training at the gym with spinning classes. The temperature in Anchorage, Alaska, this week is just above freezing. I am looking forward to riding to work starting mid-May!
Training for a ride in June from Gettysburg to Washington DC and back. Looking forward to logging my miles for the Challenge!
Eric, me too! It's in October. Good luck!
Started the riding season this past weekend. Looking forward to the warm weather!
1st time on the bike. Included 10 mile tour of Burlington with tour the city event.
Wheeeee....
I ride all year, but looking forward to this challenge again.
Training for my first century this year. This ough to help keep me motivated
just joined; ready to pedal!
@MichAEL: Glad you didn't forget!
Yeeeeeh,
Yoiks! I almost forgot about re-upping for the challenge this year.
Oh yeah, I'm ready!!! I went out for a ride on my new road bike yesterday. Gonna take some getting used to, but it was pretty sweet. My cargo bike will be up and running next weekend, also. Let's do this!
Well, here we go again! I am taking early retirement effective May 20th., so my commuting mileage may not be so hot this year. Of course, I'll be doing the bulk of my job searching on the bike, so I should be able to keep the overall mileage at about the same levl as before.
The bicycle is the solution for so, so many things. Where do I start? From commuting to sport, from fitness to travel, from the environment to the economy, I could go on for days. Perhaps it best summarised by Robb Penn as he"...rides a bicycle to get to work, sometimes for work, to keep fit, to bathe in air and sunshine, to travel, to go shopping, to stay sane, to savour the physical and emotional fellowship of riding with friends, for fun, occasionally to impress someone, to scare himself and to hear his boy laugh." Brilliant!
been riding quite a few years now and I still hit hit places like Goodwill,The Sally , Thrift stores where I find things that will get me through untill I can afford those accessories I think I can not ride without.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Sometimes when I'm leaving it's raining a little but by the time I get to work it's raining a lot. And it's really not that bad. If it had been raing heavily when I was going to be leaving it may cause hesitation, but when you're out there, you just get used to it, your perspective adapts... A little or a lot is not so much different. I find the sound of the rain on my jacket and helmet cover very soothing - much like raindrops on a tent. (also; fenders are a good idea. And also also, does anybody have a recommendation for wet weather gloves?)
@ All! Thanks so much for your encouragement. I generally ride if its raining especially on the way home when I get caught. But, this was torrential.
@Lydia - Oh I need rain covers for my panniers! I think I had an inch of water in them this morning. Thank goodness I packed well and everything was still dry.
IMHO riding in inclement weather takes practice.
Once one knows what they can handle/deal with, it's all gravy!
Think baby pedal strokes!! ;) LOL
It does bring a great sense of accomplishment to deal with whatever Mother Nature throws at you!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Cynthia -- Like Kathy I love riding in the rain too. And like Rob I ride to work all year round regardless of the weather. I have a pair of Vaude drop pants that I put over my work pants in heavy rain and I stay completely dry. I have a rain coat that keeps me completely dry too (My panniers even have rain covers). I commute in my work clothes (dress pants, skirts, dresses, heels) and have never found a weather situation I couldn't conquer on my bike. There is always a huge sense of accomplishment that feels amazing when you reach your destination even if you are cursing on the way. You can do it. It just takes that first step.
@Cynthia - Don't let rain deter you, rained the whole way in this morning (NJ) 51 degrees (11 miles) and I was happy as a lark. I don't have any real rain gear just a Pearl barrier jacket and Pearl winter tights. Rain reminds me of begging my mom to let me go out and play when it was pouring. Maybe I'm crazy but I love it.
Hi Cynthia, you can do it, it just takes some good info and a will to do it. I ride to work everyday year round in any kind of weather. It took me awhile to dial it in but it's not an issue any longer. I'm sure there are many people here who could help. I found some good advice here http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/20-Commuting and I would search, read and ask questions. Good luck to you!
Wow, thanks for sharing all the inspiring and fun links! My area is predicted to have heavy rain for the next three days. Again....another week with more and more rain! As it is right now, there is no way I could bike to work in this constant downpour. I just don't have the right gear to ride in rain like this, but, I sure thought about what type of outfit I could throw together so I could ride. But my senses telling me don't do it, I am glad I didn't. Its not a safe option. So, my new mission is to work on getting some decent rain gear (thanks to those who shared some ideas). Does anyone ride in rain like this?
Nice reference Michael.
Heres a good story of an american family in a society where bicycles rule the road:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323789704578447220409612126.html
Liz, probably too late... but because of Endomondo and Strava, even though I live in Tampa Bay, I now have cycling buddies in at least Canada, Hawaii, London, Germany, Ireland, and Australia (not to mention across the US)! We provide motivation and learn from each others experiences... how cool! Now if I could only visit and cycle with each one, I'd be a happy camper. Don't forget everyone, please...
Ride like you belong!
@ E M - Wow! Thanks for sharing those links. That lady with the 6 kids is amazing! If only half the population had her dedication!
Hi, I'm writing an article about the National Bike Challenge and how people use connective technologies in cycling. Please contact me if you are interested in being interviewed for this piece! Deadline is 5pm (central time) today. You can e-mail me at lizreid13 [at] gmail [dot] com.
I just finished my training in the mountain 39 Km
I live off the bicycle and travel on my LHT. Adverging 9,000 miles a year. That's just my touring mules.
Last year it was 30,000 bicyclists going 12 million miles!
Car free? check these out:
http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/biking-families
http://bikeportland.org/2012/06/28/with-six-kids-and-no-car-this-mom-does-it-all-by-bike-73731
Just curious, how many riders were involved last year?
@Brad Thanks for the price info on the Garmin Forerunner at BuyDig,com It is $99 with free shipping as you said I ordered it because I can't afford anything else like an Edge. Hopefully , it will get delivered before the Paper Discovery Duathlon, which is next week on Sunday. Hoping our warm weather continues into next Sunday because last year really sucked with the rain and cold winds. But I still came in 5th in my age group last year and hoping this year I have improved enough to finish with an award.
Answer to the origional question - If I still lived in Europe within the city where I had access to great public transportation I could use along with my bike Yes I would go to 0 car however, I don't feel it is an achievable task here in the U.S.A. due to the fact the city areas are so vast. Also americans are not used to running to the store every day or two to go shopping, most go for a week or two at a time for most items. It is just a different culture. Iprefer to ride everywhere but the car is always an option if necessary.
We don't have as many riders this year as last year, but hopefully a lot will register these last few days before the challenge begins in 5 days..
1 gmc jimmy = 1100 mi.
1 nessin leaf (elec.) 7600 mi.
1 lwb recumbent over 15,000 since last may.
1 bike-E 600 mi. +
2 df ?.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Our family went to 1 car and it works great. I ride my bike everywhere. Not sure if I could do it if I still had kids at home. It works well and the money is not tied up with a second car and all costs related to it. :-)
@ Cynthia, car free would be the ideal. I'm not sure we're ever going to get to that, but we do plan to go to 1 car instead of two (well 3 counting the one our kids have in college) in the future. This would probably involve moving to a smaller town that is more bike friendly and less hilly than where we live now. Realistically, it will also involve getting our kids through college, which will take at least 3 more years.
*******
However, there are people who have gone car free and if you search for the League of Amercian Bicyclists web site you will be able to find some stories about some of them. Other bicycling organizations have featured stories about people going car free from time to time. So if you search around the web for bicycling related web sites you will no doubt be able to find some of them. Remember even if you're not completely car free, the less you drive the more brownie points (or mabye we should call them "BIKIN POINTS") you earn. The only way America is going to get better is for as many people as possible to work for better conditions for walking & biking and for better public transportation including high speed rail, busses, more Amtrak to more cities etc. etc..
********************************************
GOOD LUCK!!!!
I wish I was car free, but then how would I carry the bikes to out of town adventures?
I have made progress 12,000+ bicycle miles last year and just 5000 in the car.
Living in florida I can not get my head around winter cycling, for as I say winter in Florida is like summer in Scotland.
great to see so many riders of all sorts and purposes. I find it hopeful.
Car free? I think about it ever now and again. I ride everywhere but sometimes I just need a car to carry stuff. Plus there's that winter thing... not that I didn't ride this winter but not every day. this was my first cycling winter in NJ and my clothing was not enough to keep me warm. Thermal my *ss.
I live too far away from work to be car-free. However, I have cut down on some of the other trips that I take, like the grocery store or other destinations in town (I live about a mile out of town, and 20 miles from work).
Here is a question I would like to pose to all out there: have you been, or are you contemplating or have actually become car free?
Like within recent years to the present?
If you have or are, what is the good and bad of your experiences?
Getting excited about our Moonlight Ride tonight! http://www.facebook.com/events/552780274745206/
I have been trying to bike but the snow keeps getting in the way. I put on 18 miles Wed night anyway.
Brian - even though tenths of a mile aren't displayed, it seems like they are there, and will add up into whole miles as you pass .9
Does anyone know how 1/10 of miles are calculated. I am assuming that it's rounded up but what is the cut off
Got a quick ride in this morning in hopes it will keep me sane for the 6 hour drive ahead of me. Taking my bike with me even though I am actually going to walk with fellow cancer survivors because this weekend I will aslo get to ride with my son!! He is supposed to be taking me on a trail called mopak or something like it in Lincoln, very excited for this weekend except for the darn car drive part.
@ Dan & David wind just makes you stronger! I am not sure how the wind is like in your part of the world but living next to Wyoming on the sandy soils of the Nebraska panhandle means lots of wind and few trees crazy enough to grow here. I hope you still enjoy the ride even if the wind does push you around a bit.
No more time to catch up on all the news so I will just say ride safe everyone!
@Marty, etc....Someone told me, only my california team member s mileage counts toward my state totals. Im trying to recruit more locals, but it aint easy. Looks like team Krazy Legs may catch us :(
Used to be a runner before changing to bikes so have a Forerunner 410 with a bike sensor. Works great and less expensive than the Edge. Not that I wouldn't mind having an Edge 810...
My partner and his "Fatty" yesterday afternoon.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oLvf63TYf8A/UXnAj-yjGaI/AAAAAAAADK8/XjF1e3Nz_MU/s640/blogger-image-1926834825.jpg
I've always used my Garmin Map60CSx handheld GPSr.
Geocaching and pedaling, is a great combo!!
Have a great weekend all!!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
A couple of you mentioned the Garmin Forerunner watch - BuyDig.com has a good price on it: $99.99 Free Shipping after Coupon Code: "VMEMOMDAY20" and using Visa's V.me Checkout. I myself use the Edge 800, which is excellent (thanks to T)
@Dave - I tried every combination of riders, and couldn't figure the 7,011 number. My only guess is that they didn't want the Crazy legs team members to feel bad.
@Kelly - After you refuel and rehydrate after the HM, the best thing you could do for leg recovery is get on the bike and spin, (very low tension), for 3-6 miles. Your legs will thank you for it, maybe not initially, but towards the end of the ride and the next two days. Good luck in the HM!
@ Dan...the wind is my worst enemy too. would rather have it cold and snowing than ride on a windy day, but I stilll do.
Hi all, out today in gorgeous sunshine, temps in the upper 60s, and hardly any wind. What a nice change. Lots of other riders out today too.
**********
@ Marty yeah Missouri moving up is the good news. I'll take credit since I've been promoting. But the bad news is somebody just posted a bunch of miles and now I'm in second. Would have to ride my bike to Nebraska to make up. LOL But since I gotta help my kids move, I guess I'm gonna need a vehicle, so my bike will be in tow. Looks like the weather in Lincoln is going to be pretty nice for the weekend, so I'll be putting in some (s)miles for sure!
Wind in Newport News was BRUTAL this morning on the way to work... I kept checking to see if my brakes were rubbing!
Well, the riding in California is great, cant wait for the challenge to start for real. Anyone know why my team shows +14k points on the national leaderboard, but when I look at States, it only shows+ 6k points?
Well as I figured, rain for the 5:00 o'clock commute. Right at 5 like someone turned on a light switch. Too funny. Well torrential down pour here I come!
My poor bike has been in the shop since Saturday. :( I get it back tonight though! Won't be riding any tomorrow however, due to having a half marathon Saturday morning. Want to rest up! Can't wait until Wednesday to start this thing!
@E M - Don't look now, but in less than one day, Missouri jumped past another 3 states. At this rate, you will be in first place by May 8th!
Just got approval to send out intercompany mail to promote the bike challenge in our region. Got 6 new members already. :D
@Rick - I would have ridden but I can never fit what I buy at Lowes on my bike. Besides after the second stop my stinking car broke down. Would have been better off strapping the topsoil to my bike rack.
@Kathy - I just had one errand, but it was the best day of the year to date, so it became a 28 mile errand by bike. I had a ship-to-store order to pick up, and that gave me an excuse to ride instead of going straight home to haul/spread mulch. Hmm... I think I need more ship-to-store orders to pick up.
I'm in first place at my place of work. (Don't tell anyone: I'm the only one riding there!)
@Joshua B, way to go!! I'm trying to hit Platinum before the challenge starts as well. Only 125 points and 5 days to go!! I should be able to make it!
4 for 4 days this week! Wahoo. Great spin to work, its warmer than it looks out, but, may have to contend with some rainfall on the trip home. Be safe and peace to all.
Bag - Welcome to the monkey house!
Hit Platinum today which is pretty exciting. To bad they are all going to disappear next week but oh well. I think if I ride just a bit more then I have been then I should have no problem hitting diamond during the challenge which will be almost 1500 point more then I got last year. I hope everybody is having fun and that everyone has fun and stays safe. Good luck to all.
@Adam - No, points during the warm up don't count towards the challenge and prize drawings. Hit it hard once May 1 rolls around!! :)
So do the points attained during the warm up period count towards the prize drawings?
Rode this afternoon with temps in the 50s and not raining or snowing. A little wind, but not as bad as it has been. No other riders spotted. Some nice construction workers recommended I move to the sidewalk to avoid in progress oil, grease, and sand being added to the road. I obliged since the alternative was slow traffic and stinky fumes.
****************
10,000 riders++ Only 40,000 to go!
******************
Missouri is up to 41st place with a whopping 51 riders!
If you didn't ride today you missed one of the 10 best days of the year in NJ
www.thejerseypedaler.com
The 'bag' is on board!!
@DanBailiff you go Dan!! I'm the poor slob who had to drive on the best day of the week to run 50 errands after work. :'-(
What a morning to ride here in SNJ! With all weather weirdness climate change rocks today (one day at a time). It was such a joy to ride on new pavement laid down most of my route to office and back, and to jam to "Bluse Traveler" hits like "Just Wait" and "Brother John" while slipping smoothly past the blocks of cars lined up at the lights. I feel sad for the poor souls who think I am the crazy one....
Good poin E.M. - I use Pearl Izumi WXB shoe covers and they, like most of the others have cutouts on the bottom for cleats. If I'm out in the rain very long, water always ends up working it's way into my shoes and rewarding me with soggy socks. The only one I noticed that was different was Showers Pass. Theirs comes as a full coverage 'sock' and leave it up to you to cut the bottom if you need to. And on a related note; does anyone have any recommendations for wet weather gloves?
I can recommend the Novara rain pants. But be aware that they don't keep your feet dry. You still need waterproof shoes or something!
@ Brad thanks for the information. I have been doing some research, but, its always nice to have input on something as important as rain wear for biking. This will help me in my quest for road worthy rain gear. Have a great day!
The rain gear I use is Novara that I found on sale at REI (jacket and pants were about $200 for both). Keeps me totally dry no matter how heavy the rain. Somwhat heavy for hot weather though, and even with the pit zips and breathable fabric I get some sweat buildup anyway, especially in the arms. My friend with Showers Pass says the same thing. These 'breathable' fabrics aren't as magic as they say, no matter which one you pick. I've been wearing both through the whole of winter also, I don't need much else.
Sunny ride for my commute this morning! Yeah sun! Finally, although we are supposed to get another cold front. Good news, I recruited a friend to ride to work this morning. Lets hope she gets the biking bug and becomes addicted! What is nice is that we can ride together, which is always a good incentive for someone who is just starting on their commuting journey.
@Andrew - I don't know why it didn't give you or me an answer in the search function. But anyway, here they are for now -
University of Utah 582nd place with 804 points
Brigham Young university 628th 700pts
(extra credit)
Utah State University 94th place with 2,762 points.
And like I said earlier, once we hit May 1st, they will be very hard to find for a while.
Maybe they can make it easier next year?
@Joe... yeah, you're probably right... maybe just PG or PG-13, but you never know what people are sensitive to! Thought it was pretty spectacular myself!
Great webinar tonight, thanks
@Mark~
That wasn't that bad!! Lol
Thanks for sharing!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Mr. Money Mustache wrote a hilarious (but R-rated) rant about the wastefulness of driving when you can bike. I have a link to it on my site: http://www.tadpole-tales.com/1/post/2013/04/mr-money-mustache.html
A good read for this group, if you don't mind some adult language (his site, not mine!).
@ Joe-Thanks!
@Christine - Don't you just love that feeling?! :)
@Cynthia~
The mens and women's version of the jacket I own are on sale right now!!!
The best money you'll ever spend on rain gear!! ;)
http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/closeout/womens-elite-20-jacket
Peace
Great ride this morning. Steve Danskine and I rode 40.2 and I felt good the whole ride.We averaged 14.5 for the trip. We did 13.6 going into the wind for first 20 miles but had an average of 14.5 for the whole ride,not bad for an old guy after losing 30 percent of my lungs some years ago when me and my bike lost a fight with a car going all most 50miles per hour.I don't know what our was for the 20 mile return trip
@Andrew, the only other way I've found to search is to change my company or my leave my team. then you can look for a new one. The search system is not very friendly.
@Kathy - Yeah, I was just hoping for a less convoluted way to search for a company, and I used BYU as an example. It's overwhelming to have to go through the whole leaderboard instead of being able to search.
ShowersPass!!!
Hands down, the best rain gear I've ever owned/used!!
Adding up all the $$$ I've spent on rain gear over the years; I should've just put the $$$ towards ShowersPass in the begining!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ E M or anyone-What rain type or brand of rain gear do you use?
@Andrew - BYU it's around page 65 on the national work list. Just happened to see it today. http://www.endomondo.com/::::
Rain, rain, rain. So I took the trail and had it all to myself except for a couple of joggers and a couple walking with umbrellas. WET, WET, WET. But hey it was fun and I got to test my rain gear! Of course now the sun has come out. The forecast was upside down because it was supposed to be dry this morning and wet this afternoon with the threat of thundershowers!! LOL!
1 million miles in the pre-season and approaching 10,000 riders with a week to go before the big reset for the official May 1 start. 2013 is going to be a good year for the NBC. The weather is finally starting to share up and we are ready to roll in the Wisconsin Fox Cities!
I'm riding about 125 t0 150 miles per week right now. Have logged about 2600 miles in the past 11 months. Hope to grow that average.
Rode 10 miles yesterday. It was great even with the 24 mph headwind on the way home. I felt SO great last night! Slept like a LOG!
@MartyMalin I appreciate your help. I just tried to follow these instructions to search for a few companies, such as "brigham young university" and "university of utah", but it reports: "Endo is sad - nothing matched your search criteria".
Looks like the weather is going to break finally and I'll be able to start commuting to work again just in time for this year's Challenge! Can't wait!
Good Morning! Another day of gray, 40 degrees and 15mph wind. The kind of sideways wind that brings small drops of rain with it. I am wondering where our normal abundant sunshine is? It's been days since we have seen it.
@ Harry & David, FUN miles can be recorded as "CYCLING/SPORT" and errand miles can be recorded as "CYCLING/TRANSPORT" What you list as an occupation is up to you, but last year several people listed their occupations as "RETIRED"
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HAVE FUN!!!!
David M Baker Greenwood IN
I am retired so no longer communte, I ride with CIBA and other Bicycle Clubs on my Road Bike, I do run errands
I am retired, so no longer commute. However, I still ride when I can, on recreational rides with my wife on our tandem, with clubs on my roadbike, and on errands with my commuter bike.
@Andrew - The best way to find them is off of the Leadreboard. Click on the Endomondo on the upper right of this page, then type in the name (or the first part of the name) in the search box. If you only typed in the first part, you can then select from the team or workplace options. (But that won't give you where they are in relation to your Team/Workplace.)
There is no easy way on the Leaderboard. If they are from your state, you can just scroll through the teams or companies listed on your state page. (For most states that is pretty quick.) If it is a team from a different state, go to the National page, then Leaderboard, then States, then find the state, and select the Team option. If it is a Workplace from a different state, you have to look through the full Leaderboard. But, if you know which size category they are in, you can save a little time by filtering for that.
Once you find them, make a note of where they are in relation to your Team or Workplace, and then you can subsequently find them somewhere in the same relation to your Team/Workplace as they were before. The only exception would be early in a month, when standings can be drastically different than they are later.
Is there any way to search for a company or team in the leaderboard?
Heidi - sounds great. This is something new for us, but it sounded fun and we thought we'd give it a try. With all of the cyclists in Portland, I bet you'll have a number of people interested in a Midnight Ride. Good luck!
Thanks @EM. I am totally going to have to get used to the shifting and brakes. They are different than what I am used to. Still excited, tho. :)
@ Rob - Wow! An event at midnight?!? That's awesome. You've inspired me to create an event here in Portland, Oregon. Although, we have so few riders compared to the Midwest states it might just be me out there riding by myself. :-)
@Heather-good advice from E M Matteson. I did just that when I got my first road bike. It took awhile, but, the patience paid off.
@Rob, you are really into this! Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. I am in my bed. I will have to join you at 7 a.m. on the 1st. ;)
@ Heather, congrats on the new bike. Your life will be changed forever. I suggest that you ride on flat areas and trails or some kind of low traffic area to practice gears and shifting until you feel comfortable. Shifting takes some getting used to, even for people who are just switching from one type of shifting to another. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!
Anywhere else kicking off the Challenge with a midnight ride on May 1? Maybe we will be in the lead for at least a few hours! http://www.facebook.com/events/514871325221990/
Hey Carmy: only riding on a bike outside counts. Go enjoy the spring!
@Heather-so excited for you!
I tested and picked out a road bike over the weekend. It's being accessorized this week. I can't wait to take it on the first real ride! I went with aluminum and carbon fork. Specialized Dolce. It's a pretty bike. I've never had drop bars or real gears. These gears are sort of on the side of the grip. Anyway, I'll be ready for the challenge!
Ah, eternal winter! 40 degrees with 25 mph wind on my commute today. Although I enjoyed my beginning of the work week ride to work. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Put the word out there to our local bike group about the NBC and some friends. Hopefully they will sign up.
You ride your car to a gym to ride a bike?
Carmy - No, indoor exercise is NOT included. I believe one of the main intentions of the challege is to get more people out on the road on bikes so that everyone (motorists as well) will begin to see bicycling as a viable and beneficial form of transportation.
Does riding inside in a class(spinning,cycle, or what ever u want to call) count for miles??? Thanks Carmy
Good point. Thanks.
@Marty~
Watch out man!! ;)
When I bought mine, I had two road bikes, two mountain bikes, one FS and one HT.
Now all road bikes have been sold, and only one lonely FS MTB hangs in the garage!!
Peace
That's great info @Joe S. I'm also in the North land and I'm planning on buying a fatty before next winter.
Who needs hills? 30+ mph gusts are as diffifult and even a little dangerous. But on the bright side, rolling at 26 mph with a tail wind is fun until the next turn.
@Brad~
I made a post earlier, and then it was gone; WTH?? Lol
Anyway, the one big thing to realize is the difference the 100mm BB will make. Much wider than any other pedal bike out there. Even if you choose a non offset ride (which the Pugs isn't), you'll have to deal with the 100mm BB.
A lot of people have problems with (their knees), the wider "Q" factor.
Anyway, like I said in my earlier post, I'm NOT trying to sway you one way or the other.
I also was drawn to the ML at 1st, then I actually thought about it. If I lived where this fine gent http://coastkid.blogspot.com lives; then hands down the ML would be mine. Here in northern Mn. IMHO the ML is overkill; and my Pugs treats me just right!! ;)
I know a few guys who own FatBikes, and bought a ML only to sell them after 6 months or so because their knees couldn't handle it; whatever "it" was for them.
@J. Hugh~
The big tires make short work of any kind of sand, just like any kind of snow. The whole key is PSI; there's a sweet spot for sure!! The ML is spec with the MWOD crankset. I'm not sure the tooth set, I'd have to check Surly's site for the exact spec.
On my Pugsley I run a Mr. Whrily triple up front, and during our non dark times I love the big gears!!
@E M~
Thanks, I think!!! Lol ;)
It's snow again???!! Boo
I'm definetly ready for shirts weather!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
J. Hugh - The Pugsly didn't pedal as hard as I thought it would - especially on the road, I don't think it was that much different than a MTB. But when I was messin in the little bit of mushy snow, I was glad to have the lowest gears. And, yes, It is supposed to be very good in sand too - soft sand? don't know until you try it. I would think a regular old MTB would be fine in the wet zone though.
32 c wide enough for me. Even with florida sand I just can't see myself working those tires through a big pile of soft sugar sand, while on the beach it might be ok in the wet zone where its all packed. Just sticking to the road and trails with a keen eye for the road wash after any rain. I think with moonlander you would need a really big toothed cassette and a double chain ring say a 30 x 20. Glad it does not snow in FLA
@ Joe, fat tired fun! Love the photos!
Out riding today over in the Edwardsville, Illinois area. Temps. in the 40s to start and up into the 50s by the time we got done. Cloudy day but the winds weren't so bad. The trails were not super crowded.
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Watch out everyone Missouri has climbed to 42nd place in the pre-challenge period.
Out riding this afternoon with big flakes coming down. Nothing sticking to the ground though - just wet - is everybody gonna pummel me if I say it looked kinda pretty?
I took a Pugsly out for a trial yesterday - I even found some residual snowbanks in a park to play on. I def want fat tires. I can get a good price on it, but I think I would prefer the Moonlander for the even bigger tires (if your gonna go, you might as well go all the way). Hold out, or go for instant gratification?
It isn't Mexico or Caribbean weather but it was a Super, Sunny, 60's, Sunday in NJ. A well enjoyed 35 mile ride after a great non biking vacation.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
@ E M, oh yes, very sorry!
Was out yesterday morning for my longest ride of a long while...54.4 miles in the LAST annual Okeechobee Rotary Club LOST (Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail) ride. It was the 10th year for the ride, but the decision has been made to not do another one. Weather was good, but a bit windy and I had an excellent morning of riding...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@Laura LF - In order for the calorie estimate to work, you have to enter the time it took to ride each of your rides. (I'm not sure if weight needs to be entered or not). But anyway, it is just an estimate, as there are a lot of other factors that affect how many calories a person actually burns, with bike, wheels, tires, terrain, wind, and clip/cage options being just some of them.
Last years' challenge got cut short. My bike was stolen from my place of work. Have a new bike now and have a couple of locks. Looking forward to getting back on the road tomorrow. My riding last year encouraged my husband to increase his biking too.
@ Jeffrey, hope the weather cooperates for that Lymphomathon. Mahoney State Park is a great choice for the event!
I have to thank everyone for their spirit, determination and helpfulness, I have learned a lot about riding in the white stuff from your stories and tips. So far in my part of the world we have seen more snow this month than we did all winter, we have had rain, tornado warnings, hail warnings, ice and blizzard conditions and some how I have found the courage to ride each and every day this month, albeit not as much as I hoped but a ride is a ride and I have never had a bad ride, even one on ice.
@E M, Next weekend is the Lymphomathon in Ashland, all the Lincolnites should be walking with me and all the other survivors!
Calling all Lincolnites. Anybody up for a ride next weekend?
@ Cynthia, that's mother-daughter, and yes you are right they will be great memories.
@E M Matteson-enjoy those father daughter rides. They will no doubt become wonderful memories.
Hi all, Out this afternoon in the sunshine. Temps were in the 50s and the wind was definitely not as bad as it has been lately. Got a chance to promote the challenge to a few riders the past couple of days so hopefully we pick up some more individuals or even a team or two around here.
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@ Cynthia awesome that you are riding with your mom. I plan to do some riding with my daughter while she is home from college for the summer.
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@ Aaron, FUN YES FUN, LOTS OF (S)MILES!!!!
Today was a great ride! Although the weather could have been nicer for this area at this time of year, we rode with 55 degrees and at best 15 mph wind. All in all it was a great local cause, and it was the first annual. With many riders not detered by the dark clouds, cold and wind. My Mom and I rode exactly to the dot-30 miles. I feel great! The ride benefited church food banks and the t-shirts thay gave us were really cool. Looking forward to next year and the 2nd annual.
I noticed that the calories burned calculation is not working for me. Has anyone else noticed this on their NBC profile page?
Let's have fun!
back on the bike after stomach virus. Nice and cool, probably the last until November. Watching a replay of the 2013 Arno Wallaard Memorial on CF Live. Enjoying the Netherlands countryside and the young racers. Bon ton rolle (not Dutch).
Joe - I'm not giving up my road bike anytime soon. I like the range it affords me... to reach out and go places I've never gone before; to see new roads... places... towns... The speed can be exilerating (not always fast, but when I'm of a mind). And although I love the speed, I have a love/hate relatonship with numbers; focusing on them helps me push myself to go faster and further than I otherwise would have, but focusing on them also distracts. From just breathing deeply the smeels of the earth... enjoying the feeling and peace of just being out in the country... the gestalt of the ride. Hopefully I can strike a balance between the two. Sometimes I just have to take a deep breath and clear my mind. But you, my friend, should be a salesman; I'm pretty sure I need a fat tire bike.
There's a conspiracy rumor going around that Vermont has sabotaged Wisconsin's weather and is holding them in a winter headlock.
@Joe -
I feel the same way, but about my tadpole trike. There's nothing like a recumbent!
Check it out: www.tadpole-tales.com
It's great when you love your ride.
Mark
@Brad~
For what it's worth.......... I've done the road bike thing, I've done the commuter bike thing, I've done the mountain bike thing.
Nothing, and when I say NOTHING; I mean NOTHING has brought the joy of riding back to me like my FatBike.
After 6 years of ownership, I still have the smile, and when I say smile, it's the big s*^t eating smile of "I know something you don't" kind of smile!!
Remember how you felt when as a child, you threw a leg over your 1st pedal bike??
I have that feeling every day with my FatBike.
Now I know, that's why we all ride, but I lost that love for biking and 6 years ago I regained that awesome feeling!!
The stability, the I can ride over and wherever I like... IE. exploration mode.
Yeah I know, preaching to the choir!! LOL
Pedal On!!!
Peace
@ Skip, yes it counts. You just record your miles as cycling/sport when you ride for fun and cycling/transport when you are doing errands like going to the bank or the grocery store or post office. You get more points for the transport miles but you still get 20 points for every day you ride more than a mile. BTW, last year several riders recorded their occupation as "retired" including one of the top mileage riders.
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@ Pavol, cancel? AWW.
Thanks Joe. Through 12" of fresh snow??? About 4" is the most I ever did - and it wasn't on purpose. Like you said I had a hard time maintaining any momentum or even keep it pointed in a straight line. I am thinking sooner or later I will probably end up with some fat tires ;-))
I Don't commute. I'm retired. I ride a lot though! does that count?
I would like chancel my join. How is possible? Pleas Help me!
OOH OOH, Missouri is up to an entire 35 riders and we have climbed up to a shocking 43rd place.
Float, yes to a point. slip and slide, yes sometimes to that also. The big tires help out a lot at keeping me going in a straight line. A lot of times I'm all over the place looking for a good solid line. It is what it is in that respect. Again it beats pushing. ;)
Speed? Naked my Pugsley weighs in at 35-36#'s, so it sure isn't a speed machine. I've always thought of it as what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!! ;)
I ride it year round and I consider myself stronger for it.
The drive train holds up well salt and all, (I lube them once a week or as needed), I think the key there is I keep it in cold storage in our 3 season porch. This way it avoids the dreaded freeze thaw cycle. The only thing that kills it is this time of year. A good tune up and a replacement part here and there has been all it has needed.
Aluminum jockey wheels help also.
Heavy wet snow is about the only thing that will grind me to a stop.
As long as the 4" wide tires have a good solid base to get some good solid grip, I can pedal through it.
Although, the right psi makes all the difference. I've been on rides where I've dropped air and add air dozens of times. While a pain in the *ss it beats walking. ;)
I've also pedaled through 12" of fresh powder with psi as low as 3#. Normally I ride at 8-12 psi during our dark time.
What I like the best is snowshoeing in a path (as wide or as skinny as you'd like), I like it to be about 24-28" wide, let it sit and set up, Usaually over night and you have yourself some sweet winter single track. It snows again you ask, well stomp your trail all over again. It's some work, but totally worth it IMHO. Nothing better (to me) than being in the woods in the dead of winter pedaling my bike. There's also a point where smaller tires can ride the same trails, as long as there not rutting things up its all good.
As I always say, to each their own!!
Pedal what you want because you love to pedal!!
I think I covered all your questions, if I missed one let me know. It's almost quiting time!! :) :)
Pedal On!!
Peace
HI all, back out today after a rainy, yucky yesterday complete with a torndao threat. Didn't wait for the temps to get into the 50s, just headed out with an extra layer into the 40 degree temps. Strong gusts of wind from the West & North so hard pedaling in those directions, but I made up for with with some nice speed going in the opposite directions. NOt a lot of other riders out today, but I was happy as always to ride outside .....
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@ Rick Pierogis and Runzas are food. Both involve some form of cabbage baked into some type of bread. The latter were brought to Nebraska by the Russian-Germans and can be eaten in the stadium at home games among other places. Beer is always good post-ride!
Joe - I've been curious about that 'riight' bike of yours; In thick snow does it ride on top of the snow, kind of float rather than sink and squish down into it? And I'm figuring with all that rubber contact surface it must push harder and/or slower, right? Has it seen salted roads, and if so, how are the draileurs holding up. 2 years ago when I put some Nokian studed on a MTB, I figured I was all set for winter, but I found that if the snow gets more than an inch or 2 thick (especially that dense mush that car tires create) it sterts to push around and get a bit squirlly. Initally the studs were rock solid on ice, but now after 2 years they're worn down and I am getting a little slip. So tell us all about it.
@Andi~
You're on the wrong bike!!! ;)
Lol
Pedal On!
Peace
@Joe. That looks like what we have, Which is awesome for skiing, not so much for my bike...
Totally on the same page Melyssa. I'm hoping this gets me moving again.
Super excited to get on the bike and start riding!
looking forward to this I need some extra motivation to get on my bike
@ Joe - Wow. I'm so glad I don't live where you live. Yikes!
Yesterday, one could see dirt; today, ah not so much!!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGcA9Olrwrc/UXFXsubXsVI/AAAAAAAADJU/41CrFDZA7RI/s640/blogger-image--21157659.jpg
@Henry Edmonds-do you participate in the MS Break Away to the Beach ride?
So excited to join again this year. I'm hoping that the weather improves as May begins so I can start riding everyday.
Now if the weather would just cooperate.
I can't wait to start this.
I started cycling for exercise about two to three times a week at 5 to 10 miles and increased my work outs up to three to four time a week, 15 to 25 miles. Each Sep. I ride 150 to 200 miles over two days to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) because there are people I know and love who have MS.
I have started riding two years ago, on a beautiful Bianchi CC, 2012 model and I have already put on 9000 miles.
Retired and 71 years old and started riding March 2012 and rode 3000 miles on a Trek 7500 Bicycle and a Terra Trike Tour II. Going for 4000 miles by next March 2013 .
Guess now I will either have to reclaim my bike from my son, or go buy that new hybrid we have been talking about. This challenge is just the kick I needed to get back on a bike.
15.5" of the white stuff in our driveway this morning!!
My big boy tires made the ride to work more than enjoyable!!!
Long live the FatBike!!! Ha Ha
Pedal On!!!!
Peace
How about this, training ride with my 72 year old Mother last night, we did 16 miles together in preparation for a 30 mile charity ride on Saturday morning. But the kicker is we rode over a high rise bridge spanning the Intracoastal Waterway. And she was right there behind me for the climb over to the island area and back! Her healthy attitude, love of riding, and taking care of herself all her life has been my inspiration that I am most thankful for. I encouraged her to sign up for the NBC. It's supposed to rain tomorrow morning just in time for the ride start. Won't be the first ride in the rain and it won't be the last! Wahoo! @Marty-enjoy your bike camping trip, regardless of the temps it sounds like fun! Hope everyone had a great morning commute. Peace.
In SE wisconsin, we should get some light snow for several hours Friday afternoon and evening - perfect prelude for my first bike camping trip of the year. I'll leave Saturday morning at 4, right when we hit 30 degrees. It should warm up to about 40, and dip down to close to 30 on Saturday night. But it will be a tad warmer on Sunday and Monday. But if you don't hear from me by Monday night, that means I'm a popsicle bicyclist somewhere in South Central WI. (Maybe I'll bring (no name provided)'s snowblower along with me, just in case.)
Shaun, and then there are the atrocious cyclists whose riding habits make car drivers mad at the rest of us. Follow the laws and be safe.
Motivation to put the snowblower away and get the bicycle out. I think it's finally spring in Central PA.
Drivers are atrocious creatures with little regard for anyone but themselves. Ride safe, girls and boys.
@Brad, at near $3.50 a gallon, it will add up!
Mine is about 1 1/2 gallons per day. And that doesn't count the going out for lunch when I had the car.
Ready to bike home into the mists of Wisconsin... Actually looking foward to the ride!
Biking in to work saves me 1 gallon of gas every time.
yeah...! Challenge is on Twitter! Awesome....I'm signing up to follow!
@ Marty - so you remember the story about the caller from New Mexico trying to get tickets to the '96 Olympics (Atlanta). Caller was allegedly told he/she would have to contact Olympic committee in his/her country for tickets.
@Hugh - not a lot of experience with KMC, but certainly no bad experience (7/8 and 9 speed chains). Wet winters in the Pac NW do a number on anyone's chain. I go through 2-3 in a 5000-mile year. Hard to keep'em grit-free when you ride to work every day.
@Mark - Since when did New Mexico become part of the good old USA? ;-)
Very windy and chilly here in New Mexico (USA). Reminds me that Spring is fickle.
hughstrickland@gmaildotcom
Any one who has experience with KMC chains on their bike. I am interested in your experience. hughstricland@gmaildotcom
Might miss riding today. My turn for stomach virus, I am hoping not.
East Anglia (UK) also experiencing the 30mph winds... great fun one way and utterly infuriating the other; part of my route was through what can only be described as a dust storm. As Andrew Dodds said, it seems the weather is finally on the up. Now for the wind to just die down a little!
South East of UK being battered by an unrelenting 30mph wind - all of which seems to be in my face! Road riding is very slow to very fast (depending on direction!) and MTB is dodge the flying branches.
Out of the wind, though, starting to feel like spring and the trails are dusty!
A nice white and silent pedal into work this morning.
It is April and not Jan. right?? LOL
Their calling for 10+ inches through tomorrow morning.
I love my Surly Pugsley!! Ha Ha
Pedal On!!
Peace
A nice ride to work this morning in Okeechobee. 66 degrees with no real wind, light traffic and everyone behaved themselves. Made for a plesent beginning for my work day here at the Florida Forest Service...
We've reached a milestone in the Challenge - We finally have at least one person signed-up from every state! (One state has had at least two signed-up for a few weeks, but now the three registered haven't logged any rides yet.)
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@Kelly - Try to think of it as an experience that will make you stronger for your future rides.
Bad ride home. Caught in a downpour riding against heavy winds. Temp 47 degrees.... Took me 20 minutes longer than usual to get home. I'm beat!
@EM & Patrick - "bio-ethanol powered" -- or at least re-fueled. I prefer to end my ride with a brew, not start it that way.
@Ray - last year the community definitions seemed almost random. This year it looks like there's a more granularity -- maybe too much, since I'm the only rider in my 'community' at the moment.
Hi all, out today in what started out to be cloudy weather, but ended up sunny with temps in the 70s and me with a jacket that I had to stuff away. A handful of other riders out there, but no bugs to worry about. LOL
Absolutely gorgeous day, mid-70s, sunshine, no wind. 20 mile ride down a country road, saw wildflowers, old farm buildings, and a early 1900s graveyard on the side of the road. Thankful for the time to reflect on beauty in the world.
Pierogis are good, Runzas are better!
I have a Pierogi Powered sticker on my bike. Seemed like the right thing to do at the time...
You can just eat the bugs that stick to your teeth, extra protein :D (not me, I'll stick to a clif bar)
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What is the actual definition of "local" on here? There are 4 people registered in my city (community) and we appear to be in different "local" groups. I'm in with those in Columbus, the others are with Cleveland. How does one get added to a local group, can you change, is there a way to see all the local groups?
The best part of this mornings commute was a bright cardinal sitting on top of a newspaper that was laying in a driveway. Still somewhat cool temps though, but, certainly don't have the snow to content with. Keep warm and happy riding to all.
Sooooon----- a new trike and over summer will build a body (velomobile ) so no real worries as to weather. riding one tomorrow around 40 mi. and a sharp little SWB.
Have had really harmful thoughts towards whom ever flipped the switch in boston.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
tomorrow's ride in memory of Martin Richard of Boston, Ma. His neighbor remembers that he was a blonde little boy that liked to ride his bike.
HI all: BUGS? SUNBLOCK? Not here, not today. Temps in the 40s and pouring rain with threats of thundershowers. So I ducked out between showers for a ride close to home and managed to run an errand in the process. More rain predicted for most of the week.
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Happy spring everyone!
@ Ray -- or your teeth - Sorry I said that, but after I thought it, I couldn't keep it to myself.
The bugs are still a ways off here - 38 this morning and 51 for the homeward commute, but sunny both ways. Can't complain.
Hard time turning that page here; (believe me I'd like to), when I look out my window and there's still 3-4' of snow in our yard; the page won't turn!!! Lol
Peace
Let's change the subject, it's spring! It is time for discussing the important things, like how to keep bugs from sticking to the sunblock :D
@ Rick LIKE!
good luck
@ EM - I've bought biking-specific gear for my winter riding, but when we went on a couple of snowshoe outings a year or so ago, I reached into my bike gear for appropriate apparel. The other side of adapting cross-country ski wear to biking.
@Brad~
As long as my hands are warm, the rest of my body falls in line. I guess I'm lucky in that regard. If I'm chilled during my 1st mile or so, I'm all good.
Sounds like we thought the same on the Wolv's.
I'm leaning towards their non SPD version of this boot. I've always gone flats during the winter.
Joe Sacco - I've come to the same comclusion, that it's different for everybody. I'm amazed at how liittle I need on my body, even down to 0. My extremities are a different matter though; 45-60 minutes and my fingers and toes go from cold to painful. Funny you should mention 45NRTH, I was salivating over the boots they released this fall (Wolvehammer?), but because of the high price, limited distribution, and unknown sizing or preformance - I held off. Have you had any experience with them? Or has anybody here?
@Christine, nope no need for a fray check. You would think they would have though.
@All: Lots of great ideas on this post about where to get riding cloths. Looking forward to checking them all out.
@Rob,
Nice write up!!
I've been rocking Lou's Neoshell jacket since late 2011, and it's served me very well!!
When my Craft Storm tights are toast I'll be giving Lou a call to hook me up!!
Besides my Dogwood Design Plus Pogies, Lou's threads are the best winter cycling purchases I've ever made!
Peace
Joe - Lou is definitely the man! I wrote about his clothing in a blog earlier this year http://www.foxcitiescycling.org/dialing-it-in-2/
EM - Congrats to you and all other Cornhuskers out there!
BREAKING NEWS: Just learned that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln made the list of Bicycle Friendly Universities (League of American Bicyclists program) and with silver status at that. Made my day!
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Re winter clothing. I tend to look at clothing designed for cross country skiing for my layers.
It's all fine and dandy to read what others are doing during their cold weather rides. Until you get out there for yourself; what works for others, may not work for you!! I've been winter riding for 10+ years..... During that time I found out what worked for me and what just plain didn't work. Lots and lots of trial and error. Some may not have the cash flow for trial and error, I'm lucky enough in that area. Northern Mn. is an excellent testing ground for supposed cold weather gear.
www.45NRTH.com has some awesome gear. www.foxwear.net has very reasonably priced cold weather gear. Lou will steer you in the right direction!!
Icebike hasn't been updated since 1998, but a lot of what's on there is still relevant today. The other site, never been there.
It's sad we're still talking "cold"
Enough already!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
Cynthia: thumb through the heel, fingers through the toe? Sounds like a great idea! How did you stop the socks from raveling where you cut? Serge? FrayCheck?
Rob, isn't it funny how different the weather is from last spring! I'm off to check your links. Thank you!
Pssssst! Cynthia! Change the date! No one will notice! ;-}
@Rob, thanks for the info, will have to check it out.
Hi everyone. My heart goes out to Boston. I just went there for the first time late last summer and had a wonderful visit. I am grounded this week from my bike due to a muscle strain. I'm actually on crutches-which is awful. Hopefully I will be up and running here soon. I bought a new commuter bike last weekend-a vintage cargo bike with built in rack. It needs a little work here and there but I got it all cleaned up and accessories swapped over. I should be on it by May. I can't wait for our challenge to start!
I have found some good info on cold weather riding at these two spots: http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/53-Winter-Cycling and http://www.icebike.org/. Hopefully we won't be having these discussions until next winter :)
Hey Kelly, me too, I love hearing all the stories! Such a great forum to connect with like minded people from all over, not just your front doorstep. I don't really have any one to discuss commuting with locally, so I went on to You Tube and there were a lot of demos on layering for cold weather riding. I learned a great deal and then hit the thrift stores for clothing that I could make work,but I did spring for a really good pair of cold weather riding pants. They were expensive but well worth the money. I could not ride through the winter without them. They have got me through two winters so far. Here is another tip I hope that anyone will find useful. I made a pair of arm warmers from a set of long black warm soccer socks. Can be purchased at any discount store, I think I got these at Walmart, and I cut the heel and toe off. They work great! Only cost a couple dollars! I couldn't believe it.
@ Cynthia - Thanks for that! I enjoy hearing from people like you. It's an inspiration. I'm actually very new to biking and have made a few commutes in low 20 degree weather and I froze my tushie off, still learning how to layer properly. I'm trying to make biking my main commute and I wish more people would share their stories! I love reading them!
I will be participating in a 30 mile event this weekend, the real points for NBC don't start till May 1. Sniffle sigh.
@Kelly Thomas & LPK: I do ride my bike for errands, all over my small town. And...actually I have toted cat litter home on my rack. I also purchased a shopping bag pannier (www.bikenashbar.com) that holds a paper grocery bag down in it and its great when you just need a few things and cat litter or cat food. It takes a little practice to learn to balance but over all it works great! People do think I am crazy especially my co workers, I do want to lead by example and I love using my bike to commute and do chores/errands as much as I possibly can. As time and weather have gone by and I continue to cyclo-mute I have evolved and learned what to wear and when, as I ride through the winter, not just during the NBC. This has been such a thrill. I am so happy that I embarked on this journey. I try to coax others into at least giving it a whirl, but, I think they are more afraid of how they will look to others or yes, that they are just lazy. It takes awhile to learn how to incorporate this in to your life but once you get it down, its well worth every second. Honestly I could go on and on but, have to get to work. Happy safe riding and peace to all! Lead by love.
We have all been affected and will be for some time to come. The immediate victims
and their families are in my prayers.
Kelly - the definition of bad weather changes after you've been at this a while. As you ride more often, you find better clothes, and you adapt as the weather evolves. Don't be too concerned about your co-workers rejections, lead by example, and keep pushing on. A few years ago everyone thought I was crazy too, now its down to only most people ("You didn't bike in TODAY, did you?"), and actually a few co-workers have joined in.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected.
@Burklee - Early reports are 2 dead and about 2 dozen injured, some severely. It looks like it was spectators, so mostly firends and family of runners.
@ E M - That's what I've been doing when I drive places. Look for bike parking spots or easier routes. The only excuse I want to have for not biking is bad weather.
Thinking good thoughts for the injured in Boston.
Hi all, out early this afternoon with temps in the 60s and wind from the south with some heavy gusts. Its couldy as well. I have stopped just trusting the overall area forecoast and gone to looking at the local more detailed information. Otherwise I woulda been sittng worrying about thunderstorms instead of riding.
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I see that Missouri has a pitiful 12 riders right now. No wonder we are in 46th place! What are you people waiting for??? Guess I need to get more fliers out there.
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As for the excuses, yeah, they are really easy to make. Mine usually involve complicated intersection crossings or someplace safe to put my bike. I just need to tell myself, ok so just walk across or maybe park a couple of blocks away if thats the only place I can safely tie up my horse -- uh bike. One of my goals for the challenge this year is to do a higher percentage of commuting so I need to pay attention to good bike parking spaces.
@ Burklee - I know exactly what you mean. I get so many excuses as of to why they can't do it. In reality I think they should just be honest and say, "I'm lazy and don't want to do it." I drive. I drive all over the place, but I still make an effort to ride my bike whenever the opportunity is available. A quick run to the grocery store, sure! Lugging home a 40 lb box of kitty litter? I'll drive. Haha!
@Kelly - Yeah, I hear a lot of that, "travel by bike?!?" panic. "But there are hills..." "The store is a mile away..." "How do you carry anything home?" Sometimes I wonder how these people get out of their houses and function in daily life. I guess they do everything in a car. I'm not knocking motorists, really I'm not. But if the store is 12 blocks away and you're not running a bunch of other errands that will take you miles away from home, and you're so unhappy about your physical condition, then do something about it. Sorry for the rant, I've just been getting this sort of stuff from my best friend for years, despite my offers to accompany her on walks and that I've repaired her bike. Excuses. But I guess I'm guilty of the same sometimes, myself. The NBC makes it easier to not make excuses, though.
@ Kelly, California only have 147 riders. I have tons of local rider friends and I cant get any of them to join. They mostly dont track or only track on Strava. I have gotten 8 of my Endo friends to join my team.
It's 62F! I can't see any blue sky out my window, but it's bright and not raining. Am I actually going to get to ride this afternoon???? I sure hope so. I need the callouses!
@ dameon - Wow. Only 6 riders? And I thought Michigan was bad with only 68! Where is everybody at? I tried convincing co-workers and friends to join the challenge and they all thought I was a tad crazy. Commute to work? Travel by bike? You want me to do what?!
Nevada is ready, all SIX of us. Maybe if it was the National Horseriding Challenge we could round- up a few more butts in the saddle.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
E M - we are ready in the Fox Cities of Wisconsin with 700+ riders. Looking forward to our Midnight Ride at 12:01 am on May 1 to start the NBC off right!
http://www.facebook.com/events/514871325221990/
@E M, We look to be ready here in Nebraska, 410 riders posting just under 46,000 miles for a warm up! My company is looking ready too, after only having two participate last year we are now have 32 riding.
Looking forward to some warmer weather and those shoe covers and rain gear to keep me dry on my commutes when we get that much needed rain our parched area is praying for. Thanks everyone for the advice on the shoe covers :)
Just over two weeks until this year's challenge begins. Are you ready for some real fun?
Hi all, a very windy and sunny ride this afternoon. The gusts of wind were especially heavy from the south. Lots and lots of riders out today. Had a flat just for fun. Many offers to help but I had the right kind of spare this time. Just because it was kind of on my way, I stopped at a local bike shop to pick up a couple of extra spares just in case. There is some construction on part of my regular route and I suspect that is the reason for the flat.
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Got another rider to sign up for the challenge today!
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RIDE SAFE AND KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE!
Sounds like a plan, thanks Rob.
On the board for the first time this season. 17.3 miles (windy as hell today) on the highway and LOST bike path. A nice day for an easy ride...annual LOST Rotary ride next week, 54 miles round trip. Going to be fun, if the rain will hold off....
David, based on your zip it looks like you are in the Louisville area - I spent 10 years on the other side of the state in Ashland. I checked and your local organization is not hosting a free local challenge. I would contact the Louisville Bicycle Club and see if they are interested to host your local challenge - its free for them and easy to administer. Good luck to you and Louisville!
Yeah Peter I've tried that. Since I've changed states the local option has not been available. Oh well.
@ E M - That's what I thought you were talking about (he said naively).
David, this happened to me several times last year and once this year. I just relogged in.
Has the "local" option that appeared next to "national" in the top left been removed for this year?
Reason no one from North Dakota has signed up for NBC? Too busy snowmobiling? Cross Country Skiing? Building igloos? Polar Bear Hunting? I was just listening to the latest winter storm and marveling at the nature gone wild sense of things.
@ Marty, the guy in the stretchy shorts blowing up his tire (see Burklee's story below).
@Marven - For the NBC, you will have to pick just one to be your workplace. Maybe make the other one part of your team?
What do I do if I have two workplaces?
@E M - What are you talking about?
@Jeffrey Shower Pass shoe covers I love them.
@ Burklee, just goes to show you can't judge a pumper by his shorts!
J. Hugh - I heard a tire blow last year, around the 4th of July. Some people thought it was an M-80 going off. A fella was pumping up his tire just before the Bike Kitchen was about to close. I was watching him. He just kept pumping and I thought, "That oughta be about full," but he was wearing the little stretchy shorts, so I didn't say anything since I figured he knew what he was doing. BLAM! and a puff of dirt had him walking his bike home.
First time ever with exploding tire today. The tire sounded like a gun when it went off and at 24 mph I held it upright and got off the road. The Tire has a huge tear from the metal strip all the way to the middle of the tire. I was very close to home nearing the end of the ride so only missed 2.5 miles. Called and got a ride home.
Bon ton Rolle! Now a little mechanic work and off again tomorrow.
Jeffrey,
A fellow rider swears by plastic newspaper bags, which he wears inside his shoes. There are neoprene shoe covers that work pretty well with cleats. I like my Garneau covers, and another fellow rider likes Sugoi. Make sure the cleat slots in your shoes are sealed - usually with a patch of waterproof tape. Take out the insole and look to see that it's there. Shoe covers are durable, but you can age them prematurely by buying too small or pulling roughly on them or fitting them such that they cover the contact surfaces of your shoes.
When I started, I was wearing my Garneau covers over MTB shoes - a tight fit, and it took too long to mess with that when commuting. I bought a pair of Garneau Ergo Zero MTB shoes - sealed leather shoe with an attached by a neoprene cover. The cover is not impervious to water, but it keeps me dry enough, even on longer rides. Warning - winter bike shoes aren't cheap - $150 and up, and that's taking sale prices into account.
None of this works if you don't keep water from running down your legs into the shoes. To prevent that, I wear Novara Headwind bike pants over my bike shorts. They are water repellent and windproof on the front, breathable and cool on the back. The pants are trim fitting, but they are not tights, so the zippered cuff overlaps the top of the Ergo Zero's or my shoe covers and keeps the rain from coming in the top.
Great weather this morning, but the rain gear may get a test this afternoon.
@Jeffreh, a rider I respect has recommended Endura shoe/boot covers. Endura products seem well designed and durable (I have a jacket and two pairs of their commuter pants). Another friend uses Rivendell spats... and a poncho, for commuting in the wet. I wear smartwool socks and treat my shoes for water repellency. I do not commute in cleats. For snow I use Merrell Jungle Mocs with sno-seal wax treatment
Does anyone have any good suggestions on keeping my shoes and feet dry on rainy and slushy rides? I have looked at several different shoe covers but ultimately I can't figure out which one is the best to buy.
Hi all, Cloudy and colder today. I wish the weather would stop freaking out.
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@ Heather, congrats on the promo and good luck with the bike shopping. Tis the season, there is a bike swap here this weekend too.
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@ Dameon, thanks for the well wishes. It seems that one area (Hazelwood) had tornado damage, but luckily no serious injuries were reported.
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
Ray dont bumb me out lol, last year I thought points rolled over. If not I will be up to the challenge.
Rob, it will be a longer haul on May 1 when we go back to 0 ;)
@Heather April If you're looking for a something so you can carry things on your bike, I reccomend a Wald 535 rear bike carrier. It is a bike rack with 2 baskets on either side. Because it is all one piece, it looks nice and carries a lot of stuff (two 12 packs of soda on each side, plus whatever you bungie cord on top of the rack). I have one and now use my bike to run all sorts of errands. You may need to get a Sunlite monostay adapter to help with the mounting (I needed one and it looks good and is very stable). Here are the links:
http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/wald570-520-535rearcarriers.html
http://www.sunlitecycling.com/product_detail.php
and some pictures of a bike with a Wald rear carrier:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B000AB6DCS
Got the gold medal out of the way, now the long haul for the other 2.
@ dameon...I'm finally back around to a long wheel base too. First recumbent, in 1990 was a long wheel base, then a couple diamond frames, then a short wheel base, then a catrike, then three different Bacchetta high racers, and now finally back to a Bacchetta Belladare long wheel base. Love the Bacchettas!
hey thomas ----- always glad to see another bent rider in the NBC. have a lwb and am looking @ trikes to build a coro-plast velomobile. we have a group on FB if you want a look ( velomoblies- coroplast).
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Just joined, for the second season. Did well last season, met my goal and spent a lot of time on my bike back and forth to and work and sports rides on the weekends. I log all my miles on Bike Journal anyway, so logging in here is just another step. I guess I need to set up a team here in Okeechobee, FL, where I'm the ONLY GUY ON A RECUMBENT BIKE.
Another great day yesterday. 68 miles to the shore. Check out pics www.thejerseypedaler.com
Yeah - Hawaii is now on the leaderboard!! Last state left is North Dakota...
Heather - Wow, congrats on the promotion, you hard worker you!!
It snowed here last evening. Bleah. It was nice enough to grill this past Sunday, and yesterday it snowed. BTW, I highly recommend peeling and coring a fresh pineapple, and slicing it lengthwise into 8 pieces and grilling it. Soooo tasty.
Great commute this morning, birds singing, moist spring morning air. Looks like rain though maybe for this afternoon, but, that's ok. Plan to run errands on my commute home so hopefully those clouds will stay at bay. Want to sharing some info about these great new biking shoes I purchased over the winter from Bike Nashbar. I have had the opportunity to wear them this week, They are cycling sandals. I love them, they are so comfy. I wore them with a pair cycling socks, since its still a little too chill to wear them as a regular sandal. They are comfy on bike and off, in fact, I am wearing them at work today. And for those of you who use clips, there is a (covered) opening on the bottom to attach clips too. I highly recommend them. The sandals are made by Bike Nashbar and run about $60 but I was fortunate to get them for $30 during one of their super sales. Happy safe riding out there whatever your temps or weather patterns. @Heather, nice on your promotion! Even nicer your upgrading your bike! Good luck!
Hi team. Yesterday was 90 degrees in Maryland. I cycled five times (four commute) and got in 14 miles. Very awesome for early April! I'm going to a bike swap this weekend to look for a new commuter that I am going to be setting up a cargo crate on. I'm also looking into a new Specialized road bike because I got promoted at work this week. It's about time I had some comfort on my rides. I hope all of you that are cold, get a warm up real soon. I feel for you. Ride on!
@ EM --- Hope all is well in your area and the people in all of Mo. & Ark. are safe.
MAKE THE HARD TIMES PASS SWIFTLY !
D.
@ Jeffrey L, glad to know that neither rain, nor snow, nor blizznado can stop these cyclists.....
Hi all, not out today as the weather was playing games, now cloudy, now sunny, maybe I'll rain or send you some thunderstorms. Well it played games all day and finally sent us thunderstorms and lightning while we were at a bike event this evening to kick off national bike month. Sad for the people who rode their bikes to said event. They could have floated home.
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@ Burklee, thats brilliant. I'm going to try and get to the trail this weekend and tape some fliers to some bikes. They do it for car windshields, so why not bikes?
I think we are using the Same hashtag this year #bikechallenge
Is there a Twitter hashtag for the '13 challenge?
I believe there are over 100,000 employess in america from the company that I work for and I am the only one registered.
Come on all Compass-Group employees sign up now
Why doesn't Endo have an ad up on their main page and challenge page for the NBC? Last year I knew Leonard Wright was doing a superhuman effort in the NBC but I never even knew it was thru Endo???
No exposure on Endo site=less interest and less successful NBC
I've posted about the NBC on my FB page as well as on the Weight Watchers (national) site. Only a couple people at work, some of whom are handicapped, some of whom live where they work, so I can't push it there. Every chance I get, I'm either writing or talking about it! I tell people you don't *have* to ride to work or ride for transportation, though if you can, all the better; just Get Out and Ride! Reconnect with your childhood and increase your fitness at the same time! Just do it! ::oh, yeah, I'm preaching to the choir here, aren't I?::
@Brad - It is a quirk, but that just happens to be the way they are doing it. To get your team position for that category, you have to look at the page you are on, say it is 3. So, the last one on that page is the 30th in that category. The top one on that page would be in 21st place in your category. Then just count to where you are. I know, it is more work for us, but I can see the logic, too. It offers a quick way to see what real overall place the team ahead of you is in, so you know what to shoot for.
I just found a quirk in the leaderboard. Up until today I had looked at the team standings only viewing 'All' team sizes (from the drop down menu), I wondered what place we were in just among the 'Small' teams, and doing so, our team position stayed the same. What I found is that medium and large teams dissappear from the list - but thier place numbers also dissappear. So say if a medium team was at place 30 (hey Tanners), That team does dissapper but so does the number 30. Now there is nobody in 30th. The place numbers are static and stuck to the team; sorting by team size doesn't really re-sort.
An example of taking the lane on a narrow country road. When a truck was coming up behind me, a car was coming in the opposite direction. Which does not leave enough safe clearance for the truck to pass me. So I moved out in the center of the lane to prevent the truck from passing me until the car had passed.
20 seconds into the video.
.
https://vimeo.com/91634016
Christine - We had that here in Nebraska last year. We cooked in March, then had a small cold spell in April, then cooked again the rest of the spring & summer. We've got daffodils here though. Poor things are probably out there wondering why they bothered... It's pretty cold and wet out there today. Should be 50's on Friday, 60's & a chance of more rain on Saturday.
I'm gonna print that flyer in NBC's toolkit and attach it to bikes here at work probably once a week. Bike counts in the spring & summer here get upwards of 30. I know one fella in another department is already registered. I've recruited three others from my section so far, and will nag the folks who were on my team last year. I am not above nagging.
Statistically Speaking v.ii
We have just under three weeks until the Challenge officially starts. We need to talk the NBC up like E M is doing, if we not only want to meet our Challenge goals, but even reach where we were last year. Right now we have less than 1/3 the number of participants we had last year on April 30th. I know we will get a lot more signing up as the weather cooperates and the May 1st date approaches, but lately, we have been adding about 250 participants a day. We need to get over 500 per day to even reach 2012. Nationally, about 27% of those 16 and over ride a bicycle at least once a year.
In 2012, Vermont was the best state in the NBC - not only winning the points challenge, but they also signed up 0.21% of thier population. And that is only a little better than one out of every 500 riders! Wisconsin was next in line with one of every 892 riders, followed by Nebraska, with a little less than one in 1,000. If we averaged about 1 of every 1,600 riders, or 1 of every 6,000 of the population at large, we would easily meet our rider and mileage goals.
Does anyone know if the NBC will send a few email reminders with the new website address out to last year's participants? That would definitely help.
Last spring we were complaining about it being too warm, too soon. This spring Old Man Winter doesn't seem to want to leave. If - IF - we get that window Saturday, I'll be out riding. I need to toughen up my muscles and build some callouses before May 1. C'mon, Spring, Wisconsin needs some sun and warmth! My daffodils and tulips haven't even blossomed yet!!
@Brad & @Cynthia - I second the opinion. I know you're not in bear country, but after the CRAAAACK, I was expecting to read how you outbiked a bear. Hope your elbow/arm/shoulder doesn't feel bad in a day or two.
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@Mike - You're welcome! The calculation works the same way for communities
@Brad, beautifully poetic details of your morning commute!
Marty - Thanks for the explanation. Always wondered but never took the time to find out how the calc was done
Slushee raining down from the sky this morning, all I needed was a cup and a bit of blue raspberry syrup. It was freezing in the branches, the evergreens drooping under the weight. When I came around one corner and entered unto the trail it looked like a heavy wall of fog ahead. Once I got closer it turned into a tree fallen down, its branches encased in delicate ice filagree. While I was stopped trying to pick my way around it I heard a deep CRAAAACK which caused me to keep my eyes up watching for the next one to go. I never did see it happen though. Further on, more branches down, and mystical dark streets in Neenah where the power had gone out. Saw one more downed brach just a ilittle too late; tried to hit it square, but with the ice I did manage to go down and scrape my elbow. As long as I was stopped anyway, I pulled the brach out of the road - my boy scout moment for the day. A memorable morning. Love and light everyone,
@E M, it only slowed us down, it did not stop us from pedaling!
Nebraska had "BLIZZNADO" today (tornado & blizzard conditions)
@Gregg - Good screen grab.
Our spring is just lovely: http://i.imwx.com/web/multimedia/images/miscellaneous/677763_650x366.jpg
The temp has still not hit 60 degrees even once this year and the overnight lows are going back to freezing. This is really ridiculous. I've never seen winter hang on like this for so long. We've had a late April snow storm before, but the cold has never hang on for this long. Our growing season is so short to begin with that farmers are really worried now.
We desparately need some heat to stop these winter storms. But I should'n't complain because it is much worse in South Dakota, where they are getting up to 2 feet of snow. The Wolf River is 6 inches from flood stage and rising rapidly.
"Daryl, I don't know all the details but the states are ranked based on the population of that state somehow.
@Daryl - (I know this is a longer answer than you wanted - sorry) The ranikings are the total points of everyone from a state who has logged miles in the NBC, divided by the official population of that state, in thousands. For example, if Rhode Island had 10 riders who rode enough to get 10,000 points, and their population was 20,000,000, then it would be =10,000/20,000, or .50. It is the simplest way to do it fairly. That way, it levels the playing field for Rhode Island to be able to compete with a state with a large population, like California.
To be fairer, someone would have to quantify hundreds of positive and negative factors like mountains in the West, heat in the South, traffic and congestion in the East, drunks in Wisconsin, plus other factors like average age of residents, hours of free time, prevalence of potholes, availability of bike paths, and a host of other differences. And even then, those factors would be subject to interpretation.
With the way it is, it is very objective, quantifiable, and verifyable.
Are the rankings for the states based on what is average for the riders within the states?
@ Rob, its even crazier to find Missouri so far down on the list, almost at the bottom among the states with riders. But look out I started passing out filers today and will keep doing so for the rest of this month. We have the riders and they are doing the miles, they just aren't recording them. I keep telling people, Missouri is close to the bottom and I can't do it all myself! LOL
I am still amazed that we have no riders in Hawaii and North Dakota. I guess its more than the weather that motivates people to register for the NBC!
37 and rain in Oshkosh, WI... snow expected tomorrow. Low tonight of 28, high tomorrow of 34. ... Let that sink in a second... twenty-eight!!!! Are you kidding me? I need to get some riding in before the challenge starts! :)
Great weather here in Phoenix, If you can pick it up you can take what you need.
Yeah, maybe we can share a little. We'd be happy to give some of our excess heat from down here in the St. Louis area to those of you up north. Maybe then I wouldn't have to ride at 6 in the morning to avoid the heat all summer. I'm good with spreading the heat! LOL
I hope Gregg Warning can deliver that UPS shipment! LOL
I like the new diamond level.
Peter, I packed up a bunch of solar energy in boxes and called ups. They advised it might be radioactive or a hazardous material since we all should wear sun screen. I was hoping it would work so I could get a shipment of 80's in July and August for by then all we will have is 90's and 100's.
By the date spring is here but in Oshkosh, WI spring weather is on BACK ORDER like most of Wisconsin ! Now that the Doctors have me feeling much better and I really want to go two wheeling. Someone in Florida please ship up about three million tons or more of 80 degree weather with very light winds. Thanks in advance.
Hi all, quicke rides today since it was halfway decent this morning but getting windier and cloudier by the minute. Sooo looking forward to the actual start of the challenge. Hope the Wisconsin riders don't get washed away or have to put blades on their wheels just for the ice.
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Welcome to all the newbies out there you are in for a treat!
RIDE SAFE YA'LL!
Karen - Welcome to NBC, Part Deux! Hope it's as much fun for you as it was for all of us last year.
Kerstin - Congrats on your new bike! Always fun to get a new ride.
P-R is great race. I got to ride through the forest of Arenburg last summer on the cobbles. It is so hard to do, it is a shock to the system. I have a new way of seeing that race. The average time was around 27.5 mph. My average speed over the cobbles was 10 mph and I had to rest at the end. Inattention is what I can pilot error and the poor guy who hit the sign did a face plant and then later it was found he broke his wrist. Pilot error! Lets be careful out there! Bon ton Rolle
Marty----- Had a friend do that last fall but it was a Ped. crossing button pole , broke his shoulder and just got back in the saddle 2 wks. ago. Good thing came from it ,HE NOW WEARS A HELMET.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Kerstin - still feels like when you were a kid at Christmas, right?
@Brad - I'm glad noone heard me lol! If Sir John and company would have been on bikes with 4" wide tires, they might have made it.
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@Kerstin - Welcome, Germany. How was the big snow storm you had just before Easter?
Today I've got my new bike.
Marty - I think I just saw the Franklin expedition still trying to find the NW passage.
@Berklee - He shouldn't have looked back - there wasn't anyone in the race behind him.
@Karen - Thanks for the weather update. We really don't mind your weather report, because SE Wisconsin will actually be warmer today and tomorrow, if you combine the two temperatures. (Just barely.) The last patch (for now) of snow finally left my yard on Sunday, 18 days after Spring arrived. We just started 3 days of rain, followed by snow. In fact, it will rain so much, we're worried that April showers will bring Mayflowers, and other ocean going vessels, directly to us, without having to use the St. Lawrence seaway.
Love Lehigh County, PA! Used to drive through ABE on my way to Millersville from Denville, NJ waaaaaaay back in the early 70s. Lots of great memories! Welcome, "Newbie"!
Filed my taxes and celebrated by finally riding my bike for the first time this season, as my indoor bike is beginning to turm my stomach. ( Hopefully, next year I can invest in some cold weather gear.) Not to make those people feel worse who are not having
nice weather right now, but in Lehigh County, PA it is a beautiful day today, 75 degress
and sunny - a great first ride. Have a nice Challenge everyone Thanks for all the tips.
- The Newbie.
Marty - I looked at the video you linked. OW!!
@Richard & @ Leslie - Welcome bacK! Yes. Log now for fun, and for Endomondo to get the kinks out fo the revised programming, and come May 1st, for real. I went OTB last October because of a faulty pedal. Here is a video of a pro racer in the Paris-Roubaix 254.4 km race on Sunday, having a surprize encounter with a stationary road sign. (Not as bad as it could have been.)
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/the-turnstile/heads-cringe-most-painful-bicycle-wreck-ll-see-172857281.html
Looks like no riding for several days again as winter storm Walda approaches the midwest. All of Wisconsin is under a flood watch from noon today until 7 pm Thursday. We are going to see everything from winds, rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and floods. The ice just went out on the Wolf River yesterday, but Lake Winnebago is still iced in, but the winds and rain should break it up by this weekend. The people on the east shore are going to have to carefully watch conditions as ice will begin to start pushing up the shorelines into the houses. The ice shoves can literally destroy any home in its path.
Glad to be back for the second Challenge! Happy riding to everyone this season! I'm just back to commuting/short weekend rides after going OTB in March. (Ow.) I assume we can log miles now, but only May-September miles "count" in the Challenge?
Wow, could warmer temps and maybe some spring possibly be here? It was so nice not having to put on and take off 3 layers of cloths before and at work! Hope there are no more cold snaps! Happy riding to all and safe riding no matter what your mission.
I have discovered that people are much happier on a well functioning bike than they are on a barely functioning clunker!
Goodmorning everyone be healthy and smile,lets have fun this summer
PS Nebraska way to go. Maybe we can get that kid with the football to help us out!
Hi all, just short rides again today. Pretty nice weather in the 60s but still some wind to deal with. Looking forward to that challenge MAY-be..
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@ Burklee, way to go with the cycling and re-cycling. PS The April Lincoln ride just got moved. Hopefully we can get together in the beginning of May in Lincoln for a ride!
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@ Troy, welcome back!
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5000 riders and we are already racking up the (s)miles. I'm gonna try to get Missouri moving because we are pitifully far down on the states list. Lots of kick off bike month events going on now so I'll try to spread the word.
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I can't imagine 25 miles of nonstop climbing! I would die after about the first 5!!! Give me some more time to get a bit better. I may know tomorrow if I am buying the bike I am looking at... TrekDomane 5.2 c WSD 2013 .. wish me luck! Today was a great ride, winds were so moderate... only about 15mph.. next to nothing! It was a nice reprieve. Rode 24 miles with my best average speed yet of 16. I actually got up to 25.4 on a flat straight stretch .. never thought I could do that! Getting stronger all the time. Some day I may actually be able to keep up with the group! Wishful thinking, I know.
5000 riders, how about that!
The weather set in here this evening and I decided not to brave the elements and cyclo-commute home, lighting ultimately stops me from riding every time! Looks like spring will have a brief intermission for a rainy/snowy mix tonight turning into a potential blizzard and with a high of 16 degrees tomorrow. Not sure how many miles I will ride the next few days but I made the commitment to 30 days of Biking so looks like I am pedaling in the snow again, and just when I tied with Rob on the leaderboard too :p
@ Burklee, way to go, turning cycling into re-cycling! And as for the weather, we are getting it now in the panhandle so it's headed your way.
Tuesday. Warm, sunny, and NO WINDS.
@Tammie. Now you can come to Colorado and do Ride the Rockies with me.
Only 473 miles this year. First day is easy. Only 89 miles. One section of 25 miles of nonstop climbing. And another section of 30 miles of nonstop climbing. And than a high speed descent into Winter Park.
Monday was my first ride in two weeks due to being ill. I just wanted an easy 30 mile ride.
Extremely high winds. Riding with the wind was fun. Riding into the wind was painful. It was great to be out again.
@Burklee - You get the Green Award of the week. Biking and hauling your recycling. Way to go! Let's hope this talk of freezing rain is just that. I'm done with winter.
Brian - I believe that merging can only be done for Workplaces and not Teams, but you are right, Katie is the one who can help with this.
It is possible to merge two teams together if you contact the challenge support. Katie "Challenge Staff" Omberg helped consolidate multiple workplace listings into one and assign all into the correct group.
Evelyn, I don't believe that is possible. I would have people leave BikeErie team and join the Bike Erie team. The last one will be the captain and they can delete the team. Good luck in the Challenge!
is it possible to merge two teams together. Bike Erie is the team I wanted to be on.James G. wanted to be on that team also. We accidently created BikeErie(without the space)not realizing our other Bike Erie members had already created an team account.
Thanks for help with this.
Evelyn Wesman
[email protected]
combo high winds , snow , and cold here in the high desert but back in high 60s tomorrow. Had to drive in today anyway so worked out fine!
1- eat your hearts out Orange.
2- looking forward to a great game tonight and a speedy recoverey to K. Ware.
3- GO BLUE!
4- MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Lovely weather here in Lincoln last week and weekend. I got in a nice 18 miles before the 30+ mph winds really got going on Friday. I was able to haul away the recycling on my bike with the folding baskets I just got. It was 49° this morning on the way in to work and will get up to 70-something today. The forecast for tomorrow night and Wednesday is freezing rain. Ah, mercurial Spring!!
Report from Appleton, WI - seems more like the Pacific Northwest this week. Cold, rainy, possible snow later in the week. It will make the spring weather that much more welcome when it finally arrives!
Finally some springness, here.
Ok explorer 8 worked thanks Charlie thanks brad ride on my friends
57 degrees at 9:23 this morning in Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania. Highs in the low 70s with winds around 5 mph....Nice
Gregg I am so sorry to read your post that it is still snowing in WI. :( I hope the spring thaw comes very soon. I can't imagine how difficult that makes cycling.
It has warmed up here in MD, considerably. The next four days are all 50-75f night and day. I can dig it! Lots of cyclo-commuting will take place.
Statistically Speaking -
Some milestones for the Warm-up Period, which started Feb. 1st:
*Collectively, today, we're averaging just over 7,000 miles per day.
*Tomorrow, we will pass 100 miles riding per person.
*On Monday, we will pass the 500,000 mile mark! (It looks like we may break 1,000,000 miles by the end of the Warm-Up Period. According to my calculations, we'll reach 1,173,421.68 miles [+/- 7.49 miles] before the end of the Warm-up Period.)[This last part is just shovelling.]
James, we had a rider using XP and explorer 7 that couldn't see the top menu. He upgraded to explorer 8 and now it all works.
Woke up this morning and it's snowing again. Ugh. Suppose to get an inch of slushy snow here and further north 3-6 inches. Ice conditions for ice fishing are still in excellent condition around here and most lakes up north are safe enough to drive on yet. At this rate there will still be good ice fishing in May. This is a terrible spring for biking in Wisconsin, but I have been braving the cold freezing temps and windchills in the morning and have successfully completed 2 full weeks of biking to work, which is 18 miles round trip every day. But it takes me 10 minutes every morning to layer myself and put on all my winter biking clothing. My hands get a little cold even with winter ski gloves, but not too bad.
@Clark - It is! Sounds like a nice trip.
Looking forward to logging my mileage as I train for a Wa. to Ut. ride this June.This sounds like fun!
James, the leaderboard is working for me. Are you seeing the word ' Leaderboard' just below the top green bar? That should be a working link. And to be sure you're on the same page that I am looking at, here's the address: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013
Is the leader board available yet? If so then my screen is not showing it. Any suggestions.
speak for yourself.. I feel like shouting from the rooftops!~ I have been enjoying a carbon bike for the past week and today I conquered a hill that has been a bear to me... not that bad really but two miles uphill.. not much of a rise really just always have my friend at the top doing circles waiting on me.. Well, NOT TODAY. When we got to the top he was BEHIND ME!!
@Rob - sssshhhhhh!..... We're sleeping.
April 5th, Still too cold (for me) to ride here in northern vermont. But hope to ride next week if the sun shines and warms it up some.
Joe S, Thanks for the warm hands tip. Let's hope I won't need it for a LONG time. (Actually, I have some REI full-finger gloves that do a very nice job in almost any conditions for my VERY short commutes in Ripon.) I agree with Brad, although last night's ride gave me hope that spring REALLY is on the way, even inspite of the last gasps of winter.
OK-the first day was crazy and the weekend is in my cross hairs-who's next?
Hi all, out for a couple of shorter spins today. Nice sunny weather, temps felt like the 60s without the wind. Happy to say that proposition "P" passed on Tuesday. This will generally help conditions to improve for the trails and bikers around the greater St. Louis area!
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@ John S. Way to go. It's great to get you son interested and teaching him the tracking tricks. Bronze already, feel proud!!
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@ Burklee & Jeffrey L. Lincoln just keeps getting better and better every time I get back. Its my home town too. Gotta love it!
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Wishing you all happy riding!
Any idea how to limit the # of people on our team? Thanks!
Wow, seems quiet in here.
I would like to welcome all the Tri-State Generation & Transmission employees to the challenge. We went from a two rider company last year to 18 riders and looks like we are still growing! Thank you so much for joining the Challenge and as always ride safe out there!!
For those who were wondering how to upload a company logo go to http://www.endomondo.com/customize and when you log in you should see in the middle of the screen an option to change your logo.
@J. Hugh don't be bitter, reconsider!! ;)
You have NO IDEA of what you're missing!!
-10 and pedaling my Pugsley through the woods...... Life is GRAND!!
As I always say, to each their own!!
Although, don't knock till ya tried it!! ;)
@Brad~ UNCLE in a big way!!!
Since Florida winter is like a Minnesota summer I could not imagine being anywhere else for winter.
Joe - I know where you're comin' from too. Winter is winter and I can live with that, but now here in mid Wisconsin we are expecting snow/sleet tomorrow night. Enough already. I give. Alli alli infree. UNCLE!
poor choices of where to cycle can't be overcome by gear of any kind.
Sure Brad, I'll be right there with ya, right after we DON'T get the 1-3" of snow they're call for tomorrow night!!! Ha Ha
@Paul~ ditch the gloves and get some Dogwood Design Pogies, for cold weather comfort!!
The best $$$ I've ever spent for comfort during winter; hands down!!!
I haven't used anything put my summer full finger gloves with them, no matter how cold!
Opps, come on warmth!! ;)
I only stopped to take my hat off - really. But now it all became clear. A couple of birds were chittering nearby... off in the distace, a train whistle... the air felt like velvet... it felt like chage... like a new beginning... Life and light everyone.
Rain gear is for rain......... Cold weather gear....... That's a whole other animal!!
* Make that "...which are NOT as good in extreme cold..."
I gotta agree with Joe S. here. Gear is the key to almost any condition...this said from someone in east central WI (who also lived in the Twin Cities for 15 years, 11 of which w/o a car). I will admit that sometimes cold and wet feels worse than snow and freezing. But generally, it's what you wear that makes the difference.
[A gear lament...when living in MN, I had the BEST pair of "gloves." Full knitted woolen with Thinsulite gloves (complete with a "trigger" finger hole) WITH a woolen/thinsulite mitten pull over. They were the best winter riding glove I have ever had. Alas, I lost them either on a bus or at a store somewhere. I have been in a "Holy Grail" like search for replacements for years. All you can find these days are half-gloves, which are as good in extreme cold....but one can still dream!]
It is 50 degrees and sunny, that means I'll be able to ride without 3 or 4 layers of clothing for the first time in a few weeks. No hat, no face mask, no gloves, no boots, no goggles. I don't think I'll go crazy and wear shorts though. Warm weather is on the horizon, now I just want a good rain to wash the salt away and then my road bike can come out and play.
@J. Hugh~~
Northern Mn. during the dead of winter??
A stiff head wind, low 50's and rain, adapt and over come!! ;)
I'll take it!! ;)
I have the gear for that!!!
Lets all say it at once......... Showerspass!!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
43 miles on this beautiful day. Maybe Spring has finally arrived in NJ.
Last summer we did the last 12 miles into a strong head wind in search of our barge and dinner. The temp fell into the low 50's and it began to rain. Other than an enclosed cycling pedicab with a hot drink bar there was no way to improve this with any amount of gear. Ah! this was france in July! So, we learned that once you start off sometimes you just must finish the ride. Cycling is a perseverance sport.
John Schley what about an email account that you run for him? That way he can be his own person in the NBC.
@John Ha Ha Ha Ha
There's no such thing as bad weather, just poor choices in gear!!
Lol
@ Joe S. Consider it Mother Natures incentive to keep you moving. :)
@ E M Matteson In order to create a seperate account for him we would need to get him an email account, since he is under the age of 13 we don't want to do that. So I created an excell spreadsheet that tracks his miles and points. We will reward him somehow as he changes point levels and then periodiclly once he gets over into silver. He crossed into Bronze earlier this week.
as of right now 2217 riders have posted a ride. Bon ton Rolle!
Mine did not update over night. :-(
Most records were updated onto the Leaderboard about 15 minutes ago, including Martijn Roelofs'. (Mine didn't update, but maybe later.)
The points may not have updated, but the workout did count in my normal workout stats.
I'm also having the points update issue today.
This happened a couple times in 2012, not really worried about it at this time; just wondering if it was me. lol
All the hiccups get worked out by the start date. Which goes a long way to the good help that puts this challenge on!
Peace
I had this problem last year, and waited until the next day and it got corrected. But keep track of it and you might have to enter it manually. I entered one of my rides late the same day, then the next day delete it because it showed up.
I seem to be having the points (miles) update problem today, as well. The show up on the Endomundo site and statistics, but not the Challenge (although typically my points entered at Endomundo have shown up). I wonder if some cases have to do with multiple rides on a single day? My ride totals for the DAY are correct, even on the Challenge page, but they haven't been added and are not apparent on the leaderboard. Just did a 30 mile ride that should have "moved the needle," but didn't. FYI
My points later in the day haven't updated yet either.
Mine is updating as it should. Are you sure that you have joined the challenge? I realised I hadn't joined at first when the new one started up. Mid 80's here today, riding in shorts and t-shirt even at 4:40 A.M.
Typical Spring time weather here with morning temps in the teens to thirties, afternoon temps from the forties to the seventies and Mother Nature conjuring up wind in every direction, she just can't seem to make up her mind what she wants to give us on any given day but thankfully (knock on wood) no snow to speak of so its all good.
@ Way to go Cynthia, I am kind of doing the same thing this month in an effort rack up the miles for another goal and it's been nice to take alternate routes and keep things fresh.
@ Burklee, it is exciting to hear Lincoln is doing more for the cyclists especially downtown!! I have a friend who commutes there and when I am back visiting family and friends it is always nice to go for a ride around the old stomping grounds so anything Lincoln can do to make it easier to get around in bike is wonderful.
4000 riders and 900 communities - way to go! It is just starting to get decent riding weather here in Appleton, WI. Looking forward to some warmer days soon! Enjoy the ride everyone.
I thought it was just mine that were not updated
All rides after 8:00 AM, CST have not updated on the NBC
Katie - I've noticed the points (well, mine) haven't updated yet today, since we're all talking updates.
@Katie - According to Martijn's stats, they have 206 miles over 7 days in the last few weeks, so that should give them 346 points. But they aren't on the leaderboard.
I see the logged miles in Endomondo. But i don't see this miles in the national bike challenge. I've logged 177.88 km in endomondo and i can see them in the summary. But when i look to the leaderboard in the national bike challenge, then i see 0 km's. I'm already a participant of a team etc
@Martijn:If you log the miles through the Challenge, it should automatically appear! Send me an email if this keeps being a problem: katie[at]bikeleague.org
I've logged miles, but i don't get any points. What am i doing wrong?
Sorry about that - here is the link
Rob & J. Hugh - Or they'll use it for loading... http://bicyclincoln.org/2013/03/28/elections-and-infrastructure/. Is that a really busy residential area that they need a bike lane there, Rob? We're getting a protected bike lane here in Lincoln, but that's in the busy downtown area to connect a trail on the west side of town to the trails that get you to the rest of Lincoln.
Rob Gusky check your link I am getting a blank page.
No suggestions but after you put it in they will park in the bike lane like they do in Florida.
I always take pretty much the same route to work. Today I broke out and took a different path. It was great because I got to challenge my body with some different terrain. Its cold and very windy and this route put me in the thick of it. And added an extra mile to the commute. Wahoo! Live, Love, Ride! Happy Wednesday out there to all.
5 degrees on my way to work @ 4 a.m.
Northern Mn. spring, gotta love it!!
I ride to work and home. I have a beautiful ride through julia davis and ann Morrison parks. Nothing but trees and the boise river to enjoy :-)
Sunny and cool ride In Appleton, WI today, and we are working to install our longest bike lane yet, an important 2.5 mile connector, but are facing understandable opposition from residents who will lose parking. Anyone had to face similar challenges? Any helpful suggestions/strategy appreciated. helphttp://www.postcrescent.com/article/20130402/APC0101/304020369/Appleton-residents-rankled-when-alderman-s-no-show-blocks-bike-lanes-meeting
middle 40's mornings , middle 60's afternoons , ho-hum all I can do is peddle= peddle= peddle .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Riding is enjoyable.
HI all, I was out today with a mission. We have local elections here with just two things on the ballot: local school board and a sales tax initiative to raise money for parks and trails. So I voted for my neighbor for the school board and you will just have to guess about the trails & parks. It was a bit chilly (temps in the 40s) and still windy (from the North and from the West) for riding. BUT HEY I VOTED!!
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@ John S. Great deal with your son. You should sign him up for the challenge. Be cool if he won a prize (that is in addition to the prize of getting to ride with you).
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ROLL WHEN YA CAN EVERYONE!
Also wishing Leonard a speedy recovery. Getting back on two wheels was a real mood booster for me. Hope he gets back soon.
Long term forecast here is for a cool, dry spring (relative to average). That's better than the cool, wet springs we've had the last two years. If the last two weeks are any indication, this will be good riding weather. Dang! Now I've jinxed it. Will enjoy it while it lasts.
Anyone out there logging in miles from the southeast portion of North Carolina?
so I made a deal with my son last night after our bike ride. If his homework is done, and we don't have other events to prevent it and weather behaves, then I would take him out on a bike ride when I got home from work.
Nice ride in today! cool and crisp and sunny. Still need that back tail light on....but love arriving at work refreshed! Get on your bikes and ride peeps!!!!
@ Steve O. Smith. Sorry, I should have noted I live in Manassas off 66. there is a trail/access road that runs from the ballfield at the end of Coppermine Dr down the side of Bull Run to Splashdown park. In their infomiss wisdom the ended the trail at the edge of Ben Lomend park instead of continuing it to at least the parking lot. The east end of Prince William County seems more biker friendly then the west end as far as bike lanes.
Another beautiful morning to ride in too work. Although unseasonable cold. Gosh when is there going to be warmth again? Happy riding all and have a wonderful day!
HI all, out for a short ride this afternoon. Part of it on a Greenways trail. Temps in the 50s but with wind it felt colder. Do you know that if a trail gets dirt and sand on it from the river overflowing, it thinks its a dirt trail? For real, it gets slippery and then my bike started thinking it was a trail bike. It was okay until the bike tried to get me to ride it while it was sideways! HA HA. No harm done, just a lot of dirt to wash off.
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@ Rob, thanks so much for the update on Leonard. We all wish him a speedy recovery!!
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@ J. Hugh, round wheels? What a concept. Enjoy your new bike wheels!!
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wow my wife gave me a set of new Bicycle wheels. I can not believe how much difference round wheels make on a bicycle. I really had a great ride and it was so smooth! so if you got those lame square ones on your bicycle please know that there are much better ones out there! this pretty much goes for the really bumpy ones I had before the square ones.
@John Schley: I don't know which side of town you live on. But there is a trail that is entirely paved that goes from Gaithersburg, MD all the way down to the National Zoo. There is only two or three road crossings in 25ish miles. The terrain is relatively flat and very scenic. Part of the trip is on River Road, which is closed off to traffic.
10 Days of being sick. I miss riding my bike.
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And I really miss being able to hold hands, hug, and kiss my wife. She better not get sick after avoiding touching her all this time.
@Rob - Thanks for the update on Leonard. Last year, he was an inspiration to me, and I'm sure quite a few others in this Challenge. He never failed to offer encouraging words to novice and experienced alike, and when finally passed for the points lead, was very gracious. Because of him, I've purchased a high powered headlight (900 lumens), and plan to do quite a few early morning rides (although not anywhere near as far as he can ride), once the roads and paths in Wisconsin aren't icy anymore. Give him our best, and we'll look forward to his quick return.
For those who remember Leonard Wright's incredible riding in 2012, here is an update from another rider in Florida. "Leonard had an unfortunate accident while riding a few months ago, broke some bones and is in recovery mode now. We are all waiting for him to rejoin us for this season. I'll make sure he gets the word that he is missed." Looking forward to Leondard getting all healed up and joining us again in 2013. Here is a link to a story about Leonard from last year's NBC. http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/04/america-unites-to-bike-10-million-miles/
Mother nature is playing a nasty joke on us today with temps below freezing again and a wind chill of only 15. We aren't going to get rid of much snow with these kind of temps. In fact I heard the pan handle of Texass is going to get 1-3 inches of snow today. They are saying this cold spring will finally break next week and the Ohio Valley may see temps in the 80's Wow, unbelievable after such a cold week.
My son and I were able to get 3 miles in before it started raining. Bad news is the trail I was told was a good 7 miles is only 2 miles. We will have to start going on the other side of town, using the C&O, or W&OD Trail for longer rides.
@Melinda... You have to form or join the team in the national bike challenge forum. You are here. Scroll back up and click on leader board. Then go down a bit and click on teams. Look to the far right and you should see a link to form or join a team. Good luck!!!
Happy Easter everyone!
Hi all, lovely day with some wind and temps in the 60s. Decided to take the trail from Creve Coeur Lake to St. Charles for lunch and then back. Topped of with a little ride on the way home. Not so many people before noon but plenty after lunch.
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HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE. I hope the snow is melting for all of you.
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Yep, miles will be reset to zero at the beginning of May so everybody gets the same chance with the challenge!
I think they reset at the start of the event Vicki
If we join early are all are miles go on the challenge or not until May 1st.
nether wind ,cold ,rain or dark of night can stop me from from my appointed ride , BUT,
lighting ---------------- yep!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Happy Easter everyone! We can all be thankful that we aren't in Northern Ireland right now. Yesterday, they had a huge amount of snow, including snow drifts of up to 18 feet. (Yes, that isn't a typo. Feet!) Lots of accidents, etc...
Last week at this time, I was x-country skiing on ~ 9 inches of snow in a nearby park in Arvada, CO. This week, I was out riding my bike in temperatures nearing 70 degrees. That's "Springtime in the Rockies" for ya' !
YAY Heather!
It was an absolutely gorgeous morning here in the panhandle of NE with so many people out walking and riding it was hard to ride out by way of the trails but once I hit open country roads I had the best ride of this season for me. No complaints, no worries and no stress just the hills in front of me and some strong lungs today. I hope everyone has a very happy Easter!
@Heather - Good for you! Hope you have at least 7 or 8 more months of great weather.
It actually hit 60 today so I did my first real commuting of the year. YAY!
Cloudy, overcast and windy again. But that did not stop me and a couple of dozen other people from getting out to ride today. HOPPY RIDING TOMORROW!!
I passed 500 miles for the year yesterday. Did 40 hilly, windy miles today. Found a Trek Madone 4.7 wsd I am going to try out!!! Excited!
@Ian - Wow! I have a hard enough time just riding a bicycle built for one. How are you going to ride 5 tandems at once? Please send a video link.
@ Gregg, you are used to the friendly folks in the Midwest. The border people are jumpy and crabby because of all the trouble. They have to deal with things like grandmas trying to smuggle their grandkids across the border (that happened in Detroit). And 9/11 did not make their lives easier. So our philosophy is if you're pretty sure you can get along without it, just leave it home (its hard for a packrat like me)....
HI all, I was out today after several days of snow and cold and generally yucky weather. It snowed about 10 inches on Sunday and it was wet and sloppy. It took pretty much until today for that to melt. Now the roads are happy again and lots of people were our riding today. The winds were down and we ate lunch outdoors in Kirkwood. Even better the forecast for the next couple of days promises temps in the 50s (my guess is it will be in the 60s at least) and I can get out and start making up for the indoor stuff. Lots of exciting stuff planned for April biking in the greater St. Louis area. BTW: Dameon, thanks for the reminder, I will print out some fliers and see if I can't encourge some more people around here to get involved in the challenge.
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I'm really excited about the challenge this year. More riders = more (s)miles = more fun!!!!! MAY THE EASTER BUNNY BRING YOU ALL HAPPY RIDING WEATHER!!!
@ Christine, J Hugh, & Marty, you guys are not old. I'm a 50 something and I think I probably did my most miles ever last year. A pittance compared to what I plan on doing this year. And we aren't even in the Leonard category I think.
It registers my workplace, but still says I am riding solo. i cannot seem to figure out how to make sure I am on the team. Suggestions?
to all : April 21 st (earth day ) as part of our Kiwanis Bike Programs annual Bike Swap I will be passing out the flyers for the 2013 NBC in hopes of encouraging riders in our area to join us. as Burklee pointed out flyers and poster can be found in pdf form in the toolkit @ the top of this homepage. Just think of all the riders we can reach with these simple tools!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Wow, I could not imagine the miles logged by the teams in front of us. Then I saw that the 1st place team had 98 members more than my team of 10. Interesting to see the riders from all over the world. I am not surprised that cycling is the universal language. We had nice sunny skies today for my 5K run and 18.62 mi tandem ride. Plan to ride with 4 other tandems and do 100 miles tomorrow with a 32 f start. Be safe out there. Ian
Did you see the goal for this year, 20 million miles? They really upped the ante! But, if 30 thousand (ish) people could get to 12 million in 4 months, surely we can make 20 million in 5, right? I think it'll be easier to sell it to newcomers this year, since we can tell them how much fun it was last year. And I saw in the toolkit that they have a ready-made poster better than what they had last year. I'm excited for the riding weather and the Challenge! Happy spring, all.
Happy first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox everyone (or Easter). Warm, clean roads are just around the corner. Be good to each other. (nod to Al)
Small issue: using the Facebook icon results in a posting "I joined the 2012 National Bike Challenge". Could use a 2013 update when you can get to it.
Hi Mary,
There's a new website for 2014 - Sign up at https://nationalbikechallenge.org/
Hi all,
Endomondo's offices are closed this week, but we will be in thouch with them next week to discuss the team issue. We are sorry for this problem--and are just as frustrated!--and are thankful for your patience as we work to get this sorted out. Stay tuned!
@Rob - Bob, David, (see earlier on Thursday) and Rocky are all having the same problem with adding team members. They are getting error messages telling them they can't add more than 10 members. It looks like they all know how to do it. It looks like a recent glitch w/ something Endomondo did.
Hi, before I get ivitation for Fish on Bikes Team. This team is already full. Now I like open a new team "Team China Shanghai" I don't know my process is okay or not. Let see in future how much friends like join this team.
I wish all a good and powerful bike ride.
Rocky - did you already try to join it by searching for the team by going to Leaderboard, then selecting teams, then clicking on It looks like you are riding solo! Create or join a team here? I then clicked Join a Team and was able to find and join my team.
So frustrated. I've tried for hours to join my team and keep getting error message team is full. team can have a max of 10 people. the team I am trying to join has almost 20 people in it. new people are added all the time except me. Really starting to get on my nerves since the only reason I'm on here is to join up with this team!!
thanks to Katie and all the staff behind the record keeping magic.
Sit bonum tempora volvunt
Thanks for the view from inside Katie. We appreciate whatever you are able to accomplish. Keep those improvements coming!
Thanks, Katie, for the update. Nice to know that the search function might be on the way. Minor point about unrestricted teams...they may overlap a lot with "workplace" as many teams are based on where we work. It will be interesting to see if folks feel it is redundant to sign up for a workplace AND a team that amounts to the same thing. A minor point. Thanks for your work on the Challenge. It is definitely a great idea and program. I also know that Endomundo has limited time...but we are probably one of their biggest sources of "new" folks on their site. Throw more of the weight around next year (especially if we hit 50,000 this year)! ;-)
@Paul + @Brad: Not sure if it makes you feel any better, but we also wanted to make even more sweeping changes to the Challenge in 2013 than we were able to! Based on the feedback we got from the 2012 Challenge, the top two complaints were that the Challenge should have been longer and that the team size should not be restricted. Since Endomondo had limited time to work on this project, we prioritized these two crowd-sourced requests to make sure they were enacted. We definitely want to see a search function, but that will have to wait for 2014!
The points throw me off also. It's the whole reason I made my own mileage challenge to see my total for the year, without finding my statistics page. A bike type option would be kind of nice too.. but.. usually "my usual bike type" is never included. Maybe even age groups.
Another nigh-'bouts 60 rider, I turn 59 this year. Just looked at last years stats, and I'll have to go a little ways to make Diamond. Logged 4900+ points, and thought it was a good year. It's nice to have something higher to shoot for. Don't know if I'll get to ride this weekend, but it would be a shame not to. Forecast is for 67 and mostly sunny on Easter.
I agree Paul - I would also like to see the option return to sort by other criteria such as miles (but that was pre-endomondo). I understand the benefits of the point system, but miles are more real, and I would at least like the option to be able to see the standings that way too. Search would be great too, not just to find someone, but to serch the leaderboard to find another persons or a teams position. And maybe even an inprovement in the discussion board so that you could respond to a specific post.
My team (of which I am a captain) is having trouble adding members. We have 11 on our roster. When someone else (invited) tries to join, we see an error message saying the team is full with a maximum size of 10 members. This is a new team I created for the 2013 National Bike Challenge, after viewing the webinar. Can somebody help us out? Our team page is http://www.endomondo.com/teams/9011879
I second the search option. I hope this is monitored and the consideration to adding some of these features would occur.
Going out for my first ride... how do you sign up for 2014? Good rider - clueless techie :)
I confess that I am not very happy with the lack of changes in the Challenge interface from last year. It seems the least they could have done was add a search feature so you could find friends and fellow riders/teams from around the country. I am not going to scroll through all the pages to find folks. They also did not add any other ways to rank oneself. When the very first Challenge happened in WI, we could rank by several catagories...points, miles (even broken down by catagories--sport, transport, mountain as well as overall), number of rides, etc. I realize that going national might have limited that, but I miss those old options. Even some of them might have been nice (especially ranking by just overall miles). I am grateful for Endomundo hosting us, but I wish they had not scaled back info as opposed to expand it. Moreover, I wish they had taken some of our suggestions from last year to heart. Regardless...let the riding begin/continue!
Ok so I did 900 miles in just the first 3 months of the year so far. I may try for 5000 miles in the challenge alone, but I am hoping for a summer that isn't 100F every day of June. Bring on the Challenge!!!
Is anyone else having problems getting additional riders on a team? We're getting messages saying each team is only allowed 10 member. The rules say there is no limit and we managed to get 22 on the tam before things went haywire.
CORRECTION - I was looking at March-December last year for the team points. For the 4 month 2012 Challenge Period, the 10 person team winner had 56,980 points, or an average of 1,425 points per person per month. That means, in order to be at or near the top, the AVERAGE person on your team must ride either 25 rides a month of 37 miles per ride, or 30 rides a month at 27 for each, for five months. Second place averaged 1,348 per person per month, and 3rd was at 1,151. So, if you don't think you will wint the 1-10 category, and don't limit your team #, and get 15 or 20 or more members, overall, it will be much easier to rank higher than a team of 10.
@Charlie - Not this year. There is now a prize for the top team in each of three categories: 1-10, 11-99, 100+ But I wouldn't really worry about that too much, because if you think about it realistically, there will really only be at most 5-10 teams with a chance in the 1-10 category, and 2 or 3 teams in the others, out of thousands of teams (Last year, there were over 2,700 teams of up to 10 each. The winner had about 75,000 points, and the next team had about 10,000 less than that.)
Is there a limit for team size?
Howard, I love your quote! I working on becoming the older kid in town.
Eh-there's no growing old around here! hee hee. Last year for my 50th birthday I did an MS 150. Literally, the first day of the ride was on my 50th Birthday. How fun! Or crazy? This year doing the same ride for my 51st. Actually there were alot of people 50, 60, and older doing the ride. That being said, last couple years, been going through lots of aches and pains. I do attribute it to getting older. I feel if I stay active and eat right, the pains may still come but maybe not be as bad. We shall see! Old is state of mind. Active and healthy is a lifestyle for the mind body and soul. Happy riding to all! Hopefully spring and warm weather will be around the corner no matter where you live!
Let the fun begin.....5000 miles here I come
Growing old is inevitible, growing up is optiional!
Heather - How did you do it? I am trying to do the same thing.
Hm. Maybe I got it, finally. This interface is not very intuitive.
Hi gang. I am trying to drop my team registration from this challenge and create a new one for my local bike advocacy group. It's not easy to do.
I always wonder when I'm going to start feeling old; it hasn't happened yet. I've come to the conclusion that the idea of old is always somewhere out in front of you. Maybe when your body starts wearing out and causing you pain is when it starts. Here we can enjoy exploring the world from the saddle of a bike and hopefully put that point off as long as possible. Incidentally, yesterday in Wisconsin, we edged up to near 40, the snow is starting to thin out, and patches of the ground are starting to make their appearance. As I was pedaling... just for a moment... I caught my first smell of earth... damp, thick, rich, springtime earth... just for a second...
Still sick. Not fair. Missed four days of riding so far.
@Tammie, welcome to the club. 1823 miles so far this year.
IBWCC winds down March 31, 2013. Thanks guys for the encouragement & suppot. See you on the flipside October 1, 2013. When I am done editing my video I will forward it.
New year, new challenge!
My bike loves me!!!!
I love riding my bike.
I'm back after a short illness followed by a sprained right ankle. Did 6.94 miles. averaging 10.46 miles per hour. Not bad for being only 69 years young. I'm NOT going to going to be OLD until I'm 101 years old. Everyone Ride and Smile for Life is Good.
christine Salvatore Please you are not old. I turn 61 in July and I am not old. Recent studies show that using the tern old toward anyone, especially yourself has health implications. so you are not old. I think old starts about 20 minutes before the funeral.
Christine@ - There is that better? I just used the @ because I saw others doing it. But it looks like fewer are using it this year - I didn't get the memo. I bet you'll blow last year's mileage away and get at least 800 this year! You're only as old as you feel, and with all the biking and walking you're doing, I'm sure you feel much younger than you did a year ago. I'm only a few years behind you, and have really enjoyed all of this biking, (particularly the friendly comparison/competition aspect, and learning things from others on this Comment board). Last year, I broke my bike mileage record from 1982, when I was 30 years younger. This year, I plan on smashing that.
Happy early birthday Christine!
Marty (is the @ before the name necessary? Yes, I'm old...), thank you for your help with that! I don't know why I didn't notice the "year" button. I played with the month and week, but never saw the year! Now I know what miles I need to beat for this year: 576. Not much, I know, especially compared to so many others, but, hey, I turn 60 this year, and last year was the first time I'd really ridden a bike since childhood. Thanks, again, Marty! You rock! (Is that how it's said?)
brad -- you are sooooo right , had to use my white-out.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Dave - I see you are the captain of San Diego Cyclists, but I don't see you or that team on the Leaderboard. Are you trying to enter a previously existing team into the 2013 National Bike Challenge? I think it is necesaryfor you as an individual to join the challnge first (here) - http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013 Then form a team and invite the individuals to join the 2013 challenge, then join your team. The new team can have the same name and members as your original one.
To join a team click on "Leaderboard", then click on the "Teams" tab. There is a link to join a team on the right side of the page.
Once you join the challenge and upload to endomondo it does automatically log your miles to the new challenge.... not that I actually 'like' going to the new site to see my standing. I really wish they would do some major changes... don't think that is going to happen. Someone there is in love with the new look. Rode 20 miles in 36mph winds yesterday and actually enjoyed it... yes,I have joined the insane.
I wish i could figure-out how to join my endomondo team
dameon - I bet the original joke didn't say 'dating' ;-))
'Fix-a-joke'. What is the Easter Bunny's favorite beer? IPA, because of all the extra hops.
Even though it is only the Warm-up, the state race is getting interesting. Vermont has finally shovelled out of the snow and is about to pass Iowa for 3rd place. But they only plan to stay in 3rd for a short time, as their sights are set on Wisconsin, and 2md place. But it would take a yoeman's effort to surpass Nebraska for 1st.
Nebraska has been on a tear, since toward the end of last year's Challenge, and won the post Challenge 4 months quite easily. They are really motivated. In fact, if they pedal any harder, their arrow bar graph will run right through the Official NBC jersey, and pierce a hole in the site of Endomondo's website. And if that happens, who knows how much data could spill out. But, my guess is that won't happen. Once they start plowing and discing their fields, followed soon after by planting a gazillion and-a-half corn seeds, they will be too busy to bike - or at least that is my hope.
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Does anyone know why the Easter Bunny didn't finish hiding his Easter baskets?
He took a break for his favorite drink. I'll give you a hint. Three of the ingredients in the drink are Hops, hops, hops. (Hey, come on. That was the best follow-up joke I could make-up on such short notice.)
@marty - smooth BENT- ride one myself almost the same right down to the farring and painniers. i can ride for hrs. with no discomfort and still go out dancing. soon to make the move to a tadpole and add a coro-plast body for a velomobile, but will never stop riding my lwb. anyone know why the the easter bunny hides his eggs ------------
So no one knows hes dateing a chicken!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I just love the ride to work and home. In the morning I leave for at 4:30 a.m. It still dark and there are cars on the rode. After work I ride home up 8 th street in boise, idaho and down the greenbelt to Ann Morrison park to my home :-)
I managed to make #1 in Wisconsin - for 2 days. It was fun while it lasted; congratulations Andy Lawton!
I wonder how well the rules will be enforced. Specifically, there is one team that has 50 individuals on it who do not live in the U.S. (and I doubt work for U.S. companies).
@midori the challenge is no longer being run inside the Endomondo website. The League has created a New separate site nationalbikechallange.org this separate page allows the challenge to link to multiple fitness sites this year endomondo, mapmyride and moves apps are all supported by the NBC
@Midori, no.
@Christine - Easier than that, just click on your name when it shows your points, then Profile on upper right, then Statistics. You get your exercise in graph format by day/week/month/year. If you want the detail, do it by day, and just arrow back to when you started.
48 miles today. Nice to get out after yesterday's Wintery mix
@CR, you're an ANIMAL!!!!
@MG 30 WINDY WINDY miles.
Thanks, Katie! I think I can figure my miles out by backing out the points for the days I rode.
Is this updating to the 2014 Challenge?
@John: If you go to the Leaderboard tab, then team, there will be a prompt on the right-hand side that says something like "Join or create a team!"
I have already joined but did not create or join a team. How do I create a team now?
Not too offensively cold this morning (~29 degrees), but the wind behind the departing nor'easter is downright brutal. @CR, hang on tight today, pal!
@Rob - No need to worry about Hawaii. I've got it covered. Someone is sending me a plane ticket. And once I find cheap lodging, I'm there, taking one for the NBC team. Even though I'm not really into gambling, I guess I will have to get used to it, as they say everywhere you go in Hawaii, there is a pair-of-dice. And, if one wanted to raise a large family, all you have to do is just go out and buy Orc-kids. Aloha!
47 states have riders thus far. Will Hawaii, North and South Dakota get a rider before March ends?
@Christine: you can get it here: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2012
I don't know if anyone has asked this: Is there somewhere where we can see our stats from last year? An archive, perhaps?
I keep telling you @Jerry, get a mountain bike with some winter tires, and every week will be a good week to ride! More of that white stuff falling as I type; at least it won't hang around too long this time.
@Gregg - Have you checked out the "routes" feature on the Endomondo home page? You can use that to search for routes shared by other Endo users. It only shows activities that the user specifically turned into a route though, I only see two near the Falls. If you are driving and want to make a detour, there is a nice 42 mile route around Chautauqua Lake, search for zip code 14701. I'll be "racing" myself on that route once or twice this summer.
First week of good weather so I could rode every day this week. And I am sick.
@Rick G - Glad to see you back on your pedals! Have a safe and fun biking season.
42 & sunny here in south Puget Sound this morning, with promise of 60 this afternoon. First commute in since my fall & hip fracture back in December. It's great to be back on the bike. Time to update the "Santa Biker" photo.
Was nice being out in the snow evean at 68 it is still fun being out with my snow bike
Thanks Katie, I will check it out. We are staying at a motel in Niagara Falls, NY. But I'd like to bike to Niagara Falls, Canada from our motel via the Rainbow Bridge, which is where the border customs is. But I'm afraid they are going to drill me with a lot of questions, asking me why I am biking into Canada. In the past they have drilled us with a lot of questions when we came though customs with our vehicle and those people who work in customs in both Niagara Falls Canada and New York always seem so crabby. They aren't very welcoming to the tourists there for some reason. They always act like you are bothering them by wanting to cross there and see the falls, which I don't understand because you would think they want tourists to visit there. They always act like what are you doing here and they want to know how long you are going to be in Canada? The majority of US citizens going into Canada there are tourists wanting to see the falls, but they always act like you are bothering them by coming there. They do require a passport or a pass port card now to go into Canada and it takes a good month to apply for one. We do have a pass port card that is still valid because when we took our daughter to Niagara Falls in 2009, they had just passed a law that you have to have a pass port or passport card to enter Canada now, so we all had to get one. The card was $50 for each of us, but was half the price of a passport. The card is only good for land and sea, not air. Before 2009 you could go into Niagra Falls, Canada without a passport or passport card, but not anymore. But I would think that as long as I have my pass port card with me, they will let me ride into Canada with my bike. I guess I will find out, if I have any problems this summer. I know not to carry a gun with you. My brother had a gun with him in the car and that was a big mistake and he ended up detaining all of us for over an hour. They would not let him into Canada with the gun and they did a complete search of him making him take off his shoes etc. lol He had to leave the gun there and when he came back to the United States he could reclaim it. But of course having the gun caused a big problem trying to get back into the United States. lol He learned his lesson not to bring a gun to Niagara Falls. I''m sure now, it's even worse and they probably wouldn't let you come back in the United States with a gun. The people that work in the Department of Homeland Security are really crabby. I was like 1 foot past the line with my bumper and he really yelled at me. lol
Cycling in Sarasota soon.... looking for suggestions on where to ride. - Thanks, John
Gregg, I am planning some cycling while travelling this year too! I have two business trips that I know of - one to Washington DC and one to San Diego. I will have to rent bikes, but I am still interested. I know in DC, I will use the capitol bike share system. I would like to take a bike tour of Coronado in the fall, when I'm out in San Diego.
Good morning, folks. Snowing here in Maryland. So much for an early spring. I'm still hoping to get back on the road in April. Enjoy the ride!
Hi Gregg,
This looks like it might be some help: http://www.tourismniagara.com/component/search/
Katie, League of American Bicyclists
Missouri, Kentucky and the East coast is getting another snowstorm.tonight and tomorrow. It is missing us and we are suppose to hit the 40's here in the Fox Cities in Wisconsin by Thursday. That is going to feel nice after a very cold and snowy winter. Hopefully, we will finally begin melting all this snow, but it's going to take awhile because there are some really huge piles and drfits.. The drfits along County A are huge. I've never seen it that high before. Neenah has been putting all the snow behind their maitenance garage on Cecil St. and there is a lot to melt there.
I agree with you. I have held off telling others about it for the same reason.. she web site is so user 'unfriendly'... one look and they won't be back!
@Tammie - They did say they were going to make improvement over this site, and they did. HUGE improvements. Everything on the site is huge. I think they wanted it so that if you were riding past your house, you could still see the website on your monitor through the living room window. That way, you don't have to waste your time stopping off at home, you can just keep riding, and we'll make that 30,000,000 miles.
But seriously, I also hope they make some huge improvements in the next week to 10 days. I've been holding off telling others about it, except for octogenarians.
All that moving the mouse or hitting page down repeatedly to see what should be on one screen is not only a waste of time, but will probabnly result in carpal tunnel syndrome for 1,000s, which will decrease our mileage, or at least frustrate enough to not continue being in the Challenge.
Was thinking of taking a ride, but here comes the wind and snow again...GRR!!
(guess I am having another session with Leslie Sansone today)
Have a summer plans that includes lots of bicycle rides, near and far!
@GreggW I have been researching Quebec and especially Quebec City and it looks really good. If you Google there is good info and contact available. We visited in late October and it was already snowing. Hope to go back in July or August perhaps next year.
I am planning a trip to Niagara Falls, both New York and Canada, in August,for our 25th wedding anniversary, providing there is no UPS strike. Does anyone know what bicycling is like there and places that are good to ride around there? I do know that there is a nice trail on the Niagara River in Canada. Also does anyone know if Canada's bike rules of the road are any different from the US?
my usual hot weather drink solution is the following. The night before the ride, everyday if possible, I fill my polar with as many ice cubes as I can get in it, and then water to about 80 % full then freeze. In the morning I put as much ice as I can in a zephal magnum and fill with water. Top off the polar with cold water. I drink the magnum first trying to finish in about 1.5 hours then the polar bottle is ready at the 2 hour mark for the last bit home. If any cold water left when I arrive I pour it over my head. Also, If its really hot, above 90, I have been known to pour water from cold drinking (not for me) fountains over my head. I have ridden in temps above 100 in SC and it calls for so much water and ice that it is on the line of dangerous.
I'm looking forward to the start of the challenge on May 1, but I am apprehensive of what may happen on August 1. The UPS union bargaining agreement with the Teamsters union expires at midnight on July 31. This is the largest union bargaining agreement in the country that covers over 250,000 employees and the Teamsters have been in negotiations with UPS since last September and they are far from reaching any kind of an agreement, since UPS wants to substantially cut benefits to retirees, who built the company to what it is today and also take benefits away from current employees. The Teamsters will in no way accept these massive cuts to health and retirement benefits, which are totally unjustified because UPS is having record profits. So I am hoping there is not a nationwide strike, beginning August 1 because this would put an end to my bike commutes to work. But everyone knows it is in UPS's best interests to make an agreement by the end of this month or Fed Ex is ready to start stealing their business. UPS's record profits is directly due to everyone working faster and more efficient than ever before and we expect to be awarded for this dedication and hard work accordingly. UPS is not having any kind of financial problems whatsoever and their own financial report to their stock holders has never been better in the history of the company.
Anybody else in the St. Louis area interested in organizing a kick-off ride?
Well surprise, got back to St. Louis today and it wasn't snowing after all. So I got in a ride. Lots of wind from the East. Also lots of other riders out there, I'd say at least 20 spotted during my late afternoon ride. This included about 5 kids on bikes! Lets see if I'm equally lucky with the weather tomorrow.
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RIDE WHEN YA CAN!
@ Rob, I don't think we are going to see any temps in the 50's next week. But, It might actually get above 20 next week in the morning and will be able ride to work again. The highs next week look like they will only be in the upper 30's and maybe 40 by the end of the week..
Hi all, got out in the suuny 70s today. Might be my last chance for a while. Leaving the keys and going back to St. Louis where its gonna be snowing tomorrow, I hear.
***************
@ Rob, the kick off ride sounds like a blast. Maybe I can round up a few like minded souls.
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RIDE ON YA'LL when you can!
I sure prefer coming here to chat over the 'new and improved' NBC site. I sure hope they fix it. If not, it is going to be a long summer! Whoever thought that new site is an improvement... over what? I hope they have some other changes coming soon... real changes. I have a difficult time just finding my own information on that thing!
1st time out for a while and got in a 10 mile ride. Sunny and temps at 49 in my neighborhood. 255 for the year so far.
In the Fox Cities (Wisconsin), we are planning a fun ride to kick off the 2013 NBC at the stroke of midnight on May 1. Anyone else planning anything similar? http://www.facebook.com/events/514871325221990/
I carry a Klean Kanteen (insulated) in the summer (too cold for these old bones to ride in winter). Keeps the water good and cold all ride long. I have one at work, too, and often come in the next morning to ice cubes from the day before still in there. Not affiliated, just a really satisfied customer.
During my cold winter rides I fill my bottles with luke warm water, then put my bottles upside down in their cages. Never have had a problem with them freezing up with that trick! Although, that only works if it is above 5 degrees or warmer, and I'm only out for around 2-2 1/2 hrs.
Anything colder my hydration pack goes under my jacket.
Man!!!! Why am I talking about cold weather??!! Grrrrr.... Northern Mn.
Pedal On!!
Peace
Ya'll make me glad to live in southern New Mexico!
@Brad - In the winter, I just use a regular water bottle, freezing the water in it beforehand. It has no problem keeping the water frozen in 14 degree weather, no matter how far I ride.
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@Jeffrey - Thanks, but someone already beat you to the punch and sent me a ticket to Hawaii. I would have much rather gone to North Dakota, as I've been there before, and love the weather, but I guess I'll just have to face my fear of the unknown, and move to Hawaii. I hear they have almost no lakes at all, and have a bad infestation of Orc Kids.
OK, I've created Team "Cycle Mesabi" located in Northern Minnesota
I tried to find some better insulated water bottles for the coming summer. On a hot day, drinking hot water sucks. I had read about a model that Camelbak made called the Podium Ice which is supposed to have twice the insulation value of the Podium Chill. Then I found out that Camelbak lost their supplier for the insulation, and they are no longer made. But I did happen to find some still available at Eastern Mountain Sports. And to hedge my bets, I also bought a Thermos vacuum insulated 24-Ounce stainless steel hydration bottle, which was very highly reviewed. But at 14 degrees on my way to work this morning - it may be a while before I get to see which is the winner. Now that I am ready, this will probably be the year without a summer.
Spring is here in beautiful Sidney NE, we are enjoying a nice rain. Although I have to admit without rain gear I am a bit of a wimp, it is 40 degrees but once the water made it through it felt awful chilly. Any way I did my part to usher in the rain for drought stricken Western Nebraska! @ Marty, I sure wouldn't want you to miss any of that snow so how about a ticket to North Dakota, better chance of seeing snow there than Hawaii ;)
I tried to ride last night, but gave up after 3 miles and turned around and headed 3 miles back. It was snowing pretty bad, big wet flakes and it was in the 20s, first my glasses iced over and then my fenders started icing up. Welcome to spring.
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I dropped my road bike off for annual PM yesterday. The tech looked at the bike, looked at me, looked at my bike, looked back at me confused and asked what I wanted. He kept asking if the bike was new, he was shocked that it had almost 2000 miles and looked that good. I guess that means I keep a clean bike :D He checked the chain and said it still has half it's life to go. He did mention I'd want to look for tires soon, my rear tire is about done. Now if only the roads would stay salt free so I can actually ride it.
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I bought a 24oz Polar Bottle while I was there. I was going to get the 25oz Camelbak Podium Big Chill, but then I saw the Polars are made in USA (and are cheaper!), so I grabbed one of those instead. I checked out their website when I got home, found they have an unconditional lifetime warranty and free cap replacement, that's pretty impressive.
Plenty of flurries. The wind was seeming minimal. I'm kind of fed up with NJ though. PA is seemingly nicer, just the cost going there is killing me.
Yes it was nice rideing in the snow on my old Huffy single speed, or as we like to call it my old snow bike
Did another 20 miles today. Still no sign of Spring here in NJ. Did have snow flakes though.
@Pamela - Keep on checking that field, and if it doesn't change in a few weeks, a month, or if you want to do it now, go to the help area, (you can find it near the bottom of the FAQs at the top of this page), find a similar request, and add to it. The more requests for a particular item... (the squeaky wheel gets the oil).
@Marty - Thanks for the reply and the info. I'm not good at this stuff and thought I couldn't figure it out. But there is a field that says team is "open to" which mine says everyone and I was wondering if I could restrict to just invites. I'd like to encourage more teams so we can compete.
Tom also in Madison, back for another go around. The weather is...... ugh. We had a 60 degree temperature differential between last year and this year!
Please hurry spring so I can get my bike legs is shape. I am not as brave as Dan (below) to ride in anything below 40.
Dano in Madison is back for another year of the bike challenge. This winter, I discovered that all it really takes is a balaclava, good gloves, and goggles, and riding all winter long is pretty comfortable!
Appleton, WI checking in. A bracing 10 F and windchill of -5F, however, nice bright sun. Looks like we may see highs above 50 next week, it will seem like a literal heat wave. Enjoy the ride!
The first full day of Spring, and it's snowing. Ahhh, Nebraska!
@E M Matteson and all-so funny you mentioned they wear the dust masks in China. I
was thinking of that during my one commute-I was able to commute 3 days this week and I wore the mask each time-to work and home-and I didn't have one single sign of a headache or other allergy related symptom. It's really a great experience to be a part of this challenge and be able to communicate with people from all over the nation and beyond. A lot of good energy going on here.
Way to go, @Tammie! Virtual 'High Five' coming your way.
.
I got my first flat tire of the year yesterday. Thought it was a pinch flat from all of the potholes I was trying to dodge, but, alas, I got snake bit by a piece of something. Found the very small slit in the middle of the tire tread; nothing inside, thankfully, but the tube was shot. Replaced and on my way.
It is very nice to see everyone signing on recently, some new members, and others who were on last year. That also makes it a lot more fun to get on the message board to see all of the new messages, especially all of the different weather conditions in different parts of the country. Last year at this time, I had already logged more miles in Virginia and Tennessee than in Wisconsin. And, this year, we still have to hear from a few more states. We have four states with no Warm-up miles, and three of those with no riders yet. So, if you have any relatives in North or South Dakota, or Hawaii, tell them to sign-up and start logging their miles. Or better yet, send me a plane ticket and a cheap place to stay, and I'll move to Hawaii. I'll take one for the Challenge Team, although I will miss all of the snow in Wisconsin.
@Pamela - I know for a short time at least, they had a user controllable cap if you signed up a new team. I don't know if that is still in place or not, as I've had my team for a while. I think they will eventually have that for existing teams, but until then, what some have done is delete anyone signing on after the 10th person, or delete them if they weren't invited to be on their team, and they already knew who they wanted. The big thing to remember though is that it isn't going to start to matter until May 1st, and not really matter until September 30th.
And yes, a team of 11 would be at a clear disadvantage compared to a team with 99. But the point to keep in mind there too, is that of the several thousand teams that we'll have, there will be maybe 5 or 10 teams with a chance of winning one of the three awards, so for the rest of us, it doesn't really matter how many are on your team. Just have fun!
@marty Malin- How do i cap my team at 10? Or if I don't and only have 11 vs. 99 is the team at a disadvantage?
this be ben
Hi all, I haven't been in for a while on account a because a spring break. So I had a lot of posts to catch up on. This is just getting more and more exciting. So I am visiting the southern US, in Florida and I tried a Florida style ride today on a bike with fat tires and only one gear. The old fashioned kind where you backpedal to put on the brakes. I still found myself grabbing for the hand brakes. And when the wind whipped up I was thinking about shifting. But no such option. The temps down here are in the 70s and tons and tons of people are riding bicycles. In Key West there was a mix of bikes and motorcycles and electrical cars that look like golf carts all over the place in some parts of town. Of course, there were also some bike taxis. Hope this is what the cities are going to. Less cars and more alternate forms fo transportation that don't pollute the place up so much.
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Interesting discussion about the face masks and the pollen. In China lots of people ride bicycles and lots of them wear face masks. They look kind of like the ones people wear in the for doing dusty work in the garage (sawing or something.)
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Getting psyched up for the challenge! ROLL WHEN YA CAN EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!!!
Celebrated my 1 year anniversary of cycling today with a wonderful 40 mile ride. The weather was sunny and only moderately windy. I have made peace with the wind finally since the ride in the 40+ mph didn't bother me much. Bring it on!
@Brad (LPK)~ it takes one to know one, hey?? ;)
Lol
Pedal On!!
Hey Carl J - back in the day that was my area. Went to Palmyra HS if you know where that is. Never biked the Ben Franklin, glad you had a good ride home.
I loved the nice tailwind climbing over the Ben Franklin bridge heading homeward today.
Joe Sacco - "...in a sick kind of way" Been there. Couldn't agree more.
I did 45 miles on this first day of Spring.
I guess March is still "in like a lion" here in New Jersey
@Marty - All I have to say about the "driving 80' to the mailbox" story is :(
I rode to work this morning because I missed the bus. It was 18°. I used the gaiter my sweetie made for me (using 3 strands of thick fuzzy yarn instead of just 1) and I didn't cough at all. I never woulda thought that just having a scarf would work, but it did. Thanks for the tip, all!!
@Jenny - Welcome back! Some people you can't convince. I've seen too many people for whom even walking to the mailbox is out of the question. A neighbor of a relative ALWAYS drives past his driveway to the left side of the road, so he can push the window button to have his driver's side window open right at the mailbox. Then he backs in. Once while running, I saw someone else drive the 70-80' out their driveway to the mailbox, and back. Neither were elderly or otherwise unable to walk. Needless to say, I haven't asked either of them to join the Challenge.
You earned 'em today, @CR!
Nice to be back!
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I had a conversation/debate with someone who was trying to convince me that it was better to order a product by mail-order than it was to pick it up at the store. His argument was that he'd rather walk to his mailbox than to be "inconvenienced" by having to go to the store. So, I told him that it was NO inconvenience for me, I would just hop on my bike and ride to the store, I enjoy riding and it gives another purpose to the ride.
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So, he asked me how I was managing to ride in the winter? Well, to be honest, I have not done much riding this winter, but I did sneak in a ride a few weeks ago--totally for the enjoyment of it. But, I did tell him about all of my "pals" out here who ARE riding in all kinds of temperatures and weather! WTG, keep pedaling!
@Marty @Rob~
Interesting....didn't know anything a out it. Lol
I wouldn't call the pedal this morning cold, but to each their own. ;)
Coldest pedal this winter into work..... -40 something. Honestly, anything colder than -20 is a mute point, and I don't pay much attention!!
if one dresses right, it's actually enjoyable, in a sick kind of way!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
Yippee! It's almost time to ride again! I've been *aching* to get back on a bike again!
35 SUPER windy miles.
@Rob - While I can understand that it is a lot easier to count just the number of people in the Challenge who are on a work team, I think it was fairer last year, when it was based on the overall size of the company. If there is a company with 7 riders out of 10 total employees, they shouldn't be in the same category as a company with 450 employees, but only 7 in the Challenge. I know that in either case it is the same number of riders adding points for their workplaces, but employees at the first company did a much better job of recruiting the employees they did have, and did a camparatively much better job of getting participants in the NBC to help us reach our collective goal.
@Joe - you are indeed the winner! It was a relatively balmy 8F and -10F windchill here in NW Wisconsin. @Sue, I don't think you will have to do anything, as the number of riders at your workplace grows beyond the small category, your workplace will automatically be placed in the medium category. This eliminates the issues with having to enter the number of employees for your workplace.
@Joe - There was a challenge a few days ago about who would have the coldest commute on the first day of Spring. I believe you are the WINNER!
So they have size & type categories for workplaces now, but none of the worksites are correctly grouped. Do we (each workplace's "captain") need to do this? What if we need to update our workforce size since last year?
@Marty...... Northern Mn. this morning on my pedal to work.... 1 and -20 with the wind. also, 4-5' of snow in our yard, 8-12' piles on either side of our driveway. It can snow all it likes, I'm done shoveling!! ;)
Pedal On!!
Peace, Joe
Well, its been Spring for over 1/2 hour already! But here in SE Wisconsin, you don't need a calendar or a clock to know that. You just have to go outside and experience all the signs of Spring. Right now, it is 13 degrees, with a -2 wind chill. The average snow depth is only about 6", and the snow pile near my garage is down to 3' 7". Time to get the screens on the windows and take the patio furniture out. The robins and other early birds have been here for a week or two already. Lets just hope there are more coming in a few weeks, because the robins,..., well, lets just say we could use some new ones, ones with slightly higher metabolisms. (jk) Happy Spring, everyone!
Really nice L.A. Times article about winter commuters. Hat's off to you folks in the Upper Mid-West. I gotta get me one of those Fat-Bikes! http://tinyurl.com/p8cy4bv
@Marty, I was considering the same but looking at the forecast for our area (SE PA) it looked like we were in the clear. Of course, now there's the possibility of a Nor'easter this coming Tuesday/Wednesday. I'll wait and see; besides, my bus passes are getting lonely. Last time they were used was December 16th. This morning's commute had me wearing the least amount of clothing since, probably, mid-November. No outer pants over the tights, no heavy gloves, no middle layer under my jacket, and nothing on my head except my helmet. Of course, we still pay for it this time of year; the winds will be hammering us later today. At least the piles are gone and we're not shoveling this morning!
@Michael - I'm keeping my studded tire on for at least two more weeks here in SE WI. Its not uncommon for us to get snow storms in April, with the two biggest late ones being 11.9" on April 9th a while back, and 15.0" even further back on April 15-16th.
Thanks to everyone for helping each other out, that is one of the things I love about NBC. Wow, 1200 riders already, we are on our way to 50,000!
@ Marty - Thanks. We'll try that.
Thanks guys!!
Pedal On!!
Peace, Joe
@Rob - Nice!
22 miles yesterday in 27 to 40+mph winds.Never really got a direction with the wind at my back.. that would have been nice! It was quite a workout! I earned my Starbucks coffee after that! Every single calorie. calm today and looking forward to an easy ride.
Nice Job, @CR! Looks like its gonna be a wet ride home. At least some of this residual salt from Monday will be washed away.
@MG went out at 10:30 and still got rained upon. Little ice pellets actually. Safe travels heading home. 30 miles in the bag.
Thank you Rob!
Hi Marty - FYI, the team filters are already there. I currently see 6 teams in the medium category of 11 to 99 riders.
@Pamela, @Mike, @Carl, @Joe - You're right, this year there can be an uliminted number of members on a team, but in conjunction with that they've broken team awards into three size categories. 1-10 members, 11-99, or 100+. So, you can still have your ten (or under) member team, like you had last year, and are competing only with those of like size. The reason they did this is so that larger groups wouldn't unnaturally have to split their teams into 5, 10, or more 10 person teams, and then usually have a few remaining, who would feel left out. This way, they stay as an integral part of their larger group. My guess is that Endomondo eventually will have filters on the leaderboard allowing you to look at only the teams in your size category, if you want (like they had in 2012 for Wrok teams). But that may not come about until we get closer to the real Challenge.
Last year, my team had only 4 members, but for this year, I've found enough to make it 10. I'm going to stop at that.
Just a thought........ How can it be a fair leader-board, if teams are allowed unlimited team members??
Peace, Joe
I checked out the team thing, but I'm probably deleting it or joining some elses, but I don't really ride with any locals.
Hi Pamela! I meant the FAQ, not the rules link, my bad!
@ Pamela...this is from the Rules link at the top of the page:
TEAMS:
•The first person to create a new team is automatically assigned to be the Team Captain.
•The Team Captain can appoint another member as the Captain.
•Teams can range in size from 1 to as many teammates as desired.
Hope that helps! It is hard to find info on this site sometimes, so far, better than last year!
How many people can be on a team? I've seen some teams with 12 people. How do the rankings work? Are they avgd per rider?
@Dee - Here is a guess at a solution. Since Howard originally had his exercise as something else, have him manually delete both Saturday and Sunday, and then, manually enter them back in. Maybe that will work.
Don't forget that if you follow the advice of medical professionals, you are wearing sunblock and or protective clothing when you are out in the sun, both of which impact Vitamin D.
@MG score one for the good guys. Will plan on riding early today to avoid the rain. Sick of the sucky weather.
NBC already at 1006 riders!
I do feel for all of you who suffer from allergies, my son really struggles with them too and it's hard to watch him struggle. With just a dusting of snow this morning and the temps were in the 20s my early morning commute wasn't too bad, I honestly think yesterday was worse with the colder temps and the wind. Hope everyone stays warm, allergen free and safe!
I really hope we've seen the last of Old Man Winter for this season. I got inspired to change-out the winter tires yesterday, along with a chain lube and brake adjustment. Bike rode like a dream this morning; what a difference between winter rubber and regular tires. Some usage stats: Installed/used 12/18 to 3/18, so three full calendar months. Commute only (along with vacation time in there) had 55 days of use for 286 miles. Wear=none at all; stud loss, 1 on front and 2 in back. Minor stud loss is normal, so no big deal. Overall impressions, worked phenomenally in fresh snow, ok in old stuff and plow chunder, outstanding on black and glare ice. A worthy investment of $106 bucks. Oh, BTW, Nokian Mount and Ground W160's.
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Had my first incident of the year yesterday. Knucklehead in his oversized GMC decided he didn't want to be second in line (behind me) at the intersection, so he gunned it and tried to pass me. We both arrived at the intersection at the same time, with him in the opposing lane of traffic (he lost!!!). I just looked at him and shouted, "Really???" The wife gave him grief! Five minutes and 10 blocks later, I passed them as he was getting out of the SUV with the wife standing on the front porch waiting for him. We just exchanged looks as I rode by; the silent story was priceless!
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@CR, hope you get out before the rain hits today. Stay safe, pal!
The dust mask worked! I did not wake up with a splitting headache brought on by pollens! @ J. Hugh & LPK-I too drink at least 20 ozs of water before every ride. Even if its before my little commute. Great way to stay hydrated.I drink water all day every day, keep coffee at a limit of only a couple cups a week and I am trying to get in the habit of drinking one glass of gatorade a day at around 3pm. Its a refreshing pick me up and helps with hydration. Also I take some supplements. Could not live without them. One being the d3. I live in the sunny southeast so I don't take as much as some people do. My uncle used to race bikes and hydration is so key to good performance.
Sometime tomorrow morning, we'll have rider #1,000!
@Jim & @J. Hugh - Right now, for the warm-up period, they are counting everything from February 1st. But the warm-up period is for two months starting March 1st. I have been trying to get them to correct that, along with a few other things, to no avail, so far. J. Hugh is correct that we then start at zero on May 1st. (Although if you stick around for the after Challenge months, the March & April points will get added to the Challenge Period and Oct-Dec period and you will have overall points from March-December in an unofficial tally.)
Some of my team mates have made rides that show up on the team report for miles but not as points on the leaderboard. Any ideas? Their status shows they are registered for the 2013 campaign and they show as team members.
@jimCatlette and everyone else. NBC2013 is not counting from Janauary 1. I cannot tell the date it is counting from but it is not Jan 1. My own total on NBC is what it is, but
it is not the 3131 points that would have accrued if the count was from Jan 1. So it is just the warm up. We all zero out on May1st.
I am a little confused, I have ridden 1509 miles since Jan 1, 2013 over 37 rides. By my calculation I should have 1879 points but only showing about 1250. What am I missing?
@BradMoHawk My experience is the d3 will clear up nasal congestion other that colds. I drink 32 oz of water before riding, about an hour, and have 32 oz with arginine and Ribose in it for the first 1.5 hours of riding. I top this off with about 16 to 32 oz of water for that last hour depending on conditions like heat, wind, etc. Post ride 12 oz of milk with 1.5 oz of dark chocolate(90%) I will not bore you with the vitamins. One thing I am proud of is that at age 60.6 I sleep through the night.
Anyone else notice the glitch that teams are 'limited' to 10 when attempting to join?
Has anyone been sharing on FB? When I go to share it still advertises National Bike Challenge 2012. Any ideas? Maybe a bug they haven't worked out yet?
Yeah, Burklee, I improved my nutrition intake last year and started using Hammer Perpetuum and Recoverite. I was warned against simple sugars such as found in Gatorade and Powerade - actually bad for athletic performance. This winter I read that beet juice improves your bloods ability to carry oxygen. 2 studies showed bikers could go longer and perform better with what I believe was 8oz. 3X a week. Also, I always had tried to sip water regularly, but I'm wondering if I'm not getting quite enough - but I also don't want to have to potty stop every 30 minutes either. Also thanks Burklee for noticing, I always wanted to get a little rad, but my mom wouldn't let me until I was 50 ;-))
Marty - thank you for your always thorough information. But it also makes me wonder; if we get vitamin D from the sun, and in the summer we are out there daily riding in it (sometimes for long periods of time), do we need still more? Does extra confer benefits over our 'natural' dose? And on another tangent - what does D3 do that prevents runny nose? Or, J.Hugh, are we talking about beating colds, which are causing the sniffles?
@ Brad and All-Good Evening! I too suffer from sharp headaches sometimes after a long ride and I do have sniffles and have to blow my nose too. In fact, I carry a hanky during my commutes to work. And sometimes I get dizzy too on long rides. It could be from low blood sugar and not being hydrated enough. I am constantly researching and experimenting with different things to see what might help any of these occurances. The best thing I have learned for hydration is too drink when I am not thirsty and drink often. That helps much. Yes, the masks are dust filters available at any hardware store. I see people wearing them all the time when they are working out in the yard so I got inspired! So far no allargy headache yet! Will definitly look into the d3! Oh yes, and local organic honey works great too.
Windy here too. Rode in 30+ today. Not much better yesterday. Supposed to be this way all week.
In Florida the sunshine state, recent studies of D levels in blood tests show such low numbers that it is frequently being used in people over 50 by (gasp) MD's recommendations. So many positive effects that you could read about it for a very long time. I just take it. My last virus, cold, was 6 hours long. I was exposed by a small child's visit. She was put on D3 and all symptoms disappeared in 24 hours.
But there are so many good nutritional supplements that really help. I remember 40 years ago when they said we were hippies and fools for taking vitamins. Now, watch the media and check the ads.
D3 is an amazing vitamin, and amazingly inexpensive. Ever since hearing a doctor from St. Luke's in Milwaukee expound on its many benefits for an hour, about 5 years ago, I've been taking about 5,000 IU a day from late Fall to Spring. Up until that point, I would get one cold after another throughout the cold season. Now, nothing. If affects every organ in your body. The way it helps prevent colds is that without it in northern climates, our Vit D levels in the bloodstream go below a certain threshhold in the Winter. Below that threshhold, our white blood cells are effictively dormant. With it, white blood cells work. But in order for D3 to be soluble by the body, you must take it with foods that have some fats/oils. The RDA is about 400 IU, but that will be going up the next time they make recommendations. If you thinik 5,000 is toxic, the AMA has been recommending for at least 5 years that hospitals give 50,000 IU to incoming heart patients, and once a week thereafter. (St. Luke's gives 100,000 IU weekly.) It also reduces cancer rates of most cancers in half. If you live in the Southern states, you get enough sunlight to not need supplementation. And in Northern climes, you can get enough exposure by getting 15 minutes of sun exposure 3 or 4 days a week, as long as the sun is high enough in the sky. There were many studies that this doctor reported on, including one by U.S. Doctors of elderly women in Romania. After a week, the women who were taking large quantities of Vit D3 stopped falling down. So, they stopped the study, and started giving D3 to all of the women. They believe the action responsible is that D3 activates remaining stem cells in muscles to convert themselves into muscles, both skeletal muscles and heart muscles are strengthened. I could go on and on... Amazing stuff. (And don't get it confused with the latest D3 and Calcium study, just do without the calcium.)
@Brad - Yes D3 is a vitamin. I can get a headache and sometimes a bit of dizziness on longer rides. I thought Powerade would help, but no. Then my sweetie bought me some Shot Blocks to provide carbs. That really helps. Eating unprocessed local honey helps desensitize you to the pollens around your area, if it's an allergy problem. Nice 'hawk in your pic, BTW!!
On longer rides I always end up with a sharp headache. And I am also sniffling a lot and blowing my nose, and thought that after 4-5 hours of it, that might be whats causing it. Maybe pollen/alergies? J. Hugh - Is d3 a vitamin? If it worked for you, that might be worth a try... Other possible causes I thought of: insufficint hydration, or neck muscle tension from riding low with my head tilted up. It sure would be nice to be able to ride longer without discomfort, but I'm always experimenting. I'll see how this season goes.
@Brad - They are the disposable white dust masks that you can find at hardware stores, used for painting and other projects. They have a little metal strip across the nose area to conform to your face, to help prevent non-filtered air from entering.
Cynthia, I never heard of these filters you're talking about. I'm curious, Where do you find them?
@CynthiaNelson since I started taking and enjoying chewable d3 what I thought to be allergy has cleared. It seems to decongest and keep me breathing. I, also, eat unprocessed local honey.
So excited for this year's new challenge. This morning while biking to work I opted to try using one of those filters for dirt and pollen that go over your mouth and nose. The pollen is so bad here right now and I didn't want to breath it in and then feel awful so I tried the mask. Hopefully it will work! should no by tomorrow morning when I wake up. It was a little awkward and strange looking I have to admit, and I learned how to breath and bike with it on. Am I the only one out there with concerns for breathing in pollens while biking?
Where are the workplace size categories on the leader board? These are very important and they better bring them back!
Rob, you beat Sidney, NE this morning is the cold one at 16 degrees, Wednesday is supposed to be 29 :) Bundle up and stay warm!
Forecast for Orange City Fl low 57 High 81
20% chance of rain wind out of the south At 10-14
Man this is hard!
NWS foecast for Wed morn in Appleton, WI is 5 Deg F with -10F wind chill. I plan to ride, Will we have the coldest ride in NBC on Wed morn?
You go Brian! And don't forget....
Ride like you belong!
Who will be #800?
and so it begins. Already out riding did 20 miles today with three major charity rides and at least one century planned, look forward to being in the top 10.
And I couldn't ride today, Mike... looks like you got the better day to be outside! :) Am glad we're past the teething stage with our kids, will be quite a few years before we revisit it...
Howard - Good for you!. Visiting granddaughter had me awake for the day at 230 (teething) and by the time ride time rolled around it was snowing/sleeting.......I went back to bed.....lol
@MG, the wind has come up this afternoon out of the NE. A damp cold wind at that. Made my 30 mile ride nasty. Be safe going home, and as always, thanks for the kind words.
@CR, 1500 miles so far still nothing to sneeze at, particularly with the winter we've had this year; nice job! Everything including dry pavement, wet, snowy and icy this morning. At least there was no wind.
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@Tammie, keep hounding the insurance company. Make sure your physician is documenting EVERYTHING and getting it to the insurance co. Don't take "no" for an answer.
happy St. O Peddlers day to all - have a safe and blarney-ful day !
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
It looks like the winds have been everywhere lately. I could not force myself to get out in them the past few days. Maybe tomorrow. My elbow has been hurting since the car accident and has been especially bad lately. I just couldn't take the wind too. Fighting my insurance company for approval for a MRI. Really starting to hate insurance!
Thanks, Rob! And, thanks for the help with my questions about workplaces for the NBC
Hey Howard - greetings from chilly and snowy Wisconsin
@ Mike, I squeezed in 30 miles today. Left West Chester under dry conditions, but snow flurries set in pretty early in the ride. Turned to rain, then sleet, then back to snow. Am hoping for dry conditions on Monday, but we'll see... not looking likely.
no miles today...rain, sleet and snow. Possible tomorrow before more of the same on monday and tuesday....ugh
A better way to name the climate change is perhaps the mars effect. This is where our weather becomes increasingly extreme like mars.
permissum bonus vicis volvo
@ Gregg, unfortunately, what you are describing is "global warming" because its really a misnomer. What it really involves is "weather extremes." The frequency and intensity of storms, drought, too much rain, snow etc., too many days of abnormal temperatures is what is happening. Fortunately one of the things we can do about it is ride our bikes more. But when the weather is too intense, that can be a problem for biking. RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Heather, we are by no means done with snow here yet. We still have very high banks and received another couple more inches last night to add to our piles and the forecast is for LOT more snow next week. Typically, we do still get a snowstorm in March, but by that time we usually have melted all of our old winter snow and the new snow only lasts a day or 2. Not this year. We still have big piles from all winter and just keep adding more with no sign of much melting in the foreseeable future with lows going down into the teens every night, which makes more ice on the lake and river and the highs are rarely getting above freezing temps, so we melt very little. When it does finally warm up, it is probably going to go from freezing temps to summer like weather and we are going to see floods on our rivers like we have never seen before. There is a TON of snow up north and the Wolf River is really thick with ice yet, but once this all melts and flows down the river here, there is going to be flooding like we have never seen before snd could be very devastating, if the warm up occurs with spring rains. There's over 5 inches of water in all the snow up north and that will start coming down here soon. It has to warm up soon, or the farmers will not even have enough time to dry out and plant.
We need to have a return of global warming in the Fox Cities. If it doesn't warnm up soon, we are going to miss spring and have summer. The duathlon in Neenah is only 7 weeks away and I need to do some serious road training. Indoor biking is not the same. But it's impossible to bike in snowy slop like this. The salt is really bad for your bike.
HI everybody, its colder and windier than it was yesterday. My ride this morning was challenged by wind & gusts, mostly from the north, but some from the west as well. Temps are in the 40s. But riders are increasing in force. I spotted at least half a dozen this morning.
Roll on everyone!
Hi J. Hugh - great to see you are back again for another year.
Does anyone have any news on the 2012 winner, Michael Lemuel. I understand he moved out East after the challenge ended. I hope he is able to join us in 2013.
Hello to old Friends on the ride. I have a new bike and a car wreck story when the time comes. I look forward to enjoying the ride. Bon ton Rolle
permissum bonus vicis volvo
HI all, Glad to see the numbers of riders keeps rising! Out of deference to our friends in the snowy northern areas, I won't say what the temperature was here today. But I hope the winds continue to blow from the south so you can enjoy some of our warm air. Trail riding today and man, its a lot colder under the bridges than the temperature
out in the open! A little bit of wind too between Creve Coeur Lake and St. Charles and a nice ride since the trail wasn't too crowded!
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@ Heather, great hearing from you!!!
@ Rob, thanks for inviting Leonard Wright back, I hope he will join us.
@ John S. I hope you figure it out. It'd be great to have more kids join the challenge!
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Ride when you can everybody!!
@ Rob Gusky, thanks. If anyone knows how I can create a seperate Endomondo account to track my son's miles without having to create another email account please let me know.
The salt free roads didn't last long and the forecast ensures more salt will be arriving. (Ohio is a preemptive salter state, at least where I live) The roads/trails are snow & ice free though, so at least I can ride my hybrid and stop fighting the tires. As for exercising in the cold, all it really takes is a balaclava to keep the incoming air warm. I've cycled in the teens and run in the single digits without taking a frozen breath. That being said, I'm ready for the heat, I'm sick of layering up before a ride and then trying to peel all those layers off when I get back home.
I just invited Leonard Wright to join the 2013 NBC. Hope to see him around here soon, he was great last year.
@ Marty Malin, I know what you mean, i used to love doublemint gum until my wife found out about the twins! Old joke/reference, sorry!
@John Schley, the challenge is open to all ages. The platform for recording miles uses Endomondo and due to potential internet issues their terms include "The service is not intended for children under 13". If I had kids under 13 (I don't anymore), I wouldn't have an issue with them participating in the Challenge and entering their miles for them.
We only have mild winters in the Mid-Atlantic. I've been sick for going on three weeks now and this is the second or third time since last summer. I am prone to respiratory problems. There is no way in hell I could do any winter activity outside. I do walk or cycle once Spring arrives, but only in the midday sun. You all are amazing. John, welcome to the challenge. It's a seriously fun and competitive event. Many people use it to inspire their kids to ride more with them, even if their miles aren't logged independently. I am totally looking forward to this years challenge!!
Gregg- nice picture. I don't envy you. I would crawl into a hole if I lived in an area that could get snow like that. I'm a warm weather girl. Holy Cow!
This is my first year doing this, hopefully this will help get my lazy butt back on the bike. ;) My 7 year old son is disappointed because he is to young for the challenge. They should open this up so younger kids can partake, start getting them out ther while they are little...right.
@Gregg - Nice picture, was that after the last storm, about 10 days ago? After the warm Spring and Summer last year, and record measurable snow free days in a row in 2012, we're spoiled. We still usually get two snow storms in April, and one every 10 years in May. But the good news? Spring will come early this year - March 20th! It's time for Wisconsinites to strip down to only one winter jacket, and time to wash our union suits. Other good news? We'll save money on not buying as much sunscreen.
I'm tired of the mid 30* weather and 20mph winds. Riding fixed with headwinds suck monkey balls.
I'm king of the hill. lol
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/574957_4574928534570_389800904_n.jpg
Can't believe we are going to get up to 5 more inches of snow on top of the big piles we still have. The bike rack is still buried in snow at work. The high temps don't even get much above freezing and the lakes are even getting thicker with ice with overnight temps dipping down in the teens. There's still over 15 inches of ice on the lake and there is no sign of any warm up in the 10 day forecast. We probably are still going to have snow on the ground and ice on the lake for the start of the challenge this year. Last year it was in the 80's and I was swimming where there is now over 15 inches of ice. Unbelievable! Can't even go fishing on the Wolf River because it is solid with ice. On a normal year the ice goes out by the middle to end of March and the walleyes spawn early to mid April. The latest ice out date on the Wolf River is April 2 and we just might beat that. record this year and last year the ice went out early March, which also was a record. It was in the 80's last year. But they are still snowmobiling on the river because it is real thick yet..
@David & @Jeffrey - It doesn't look like they've set it up yet. The few that have logos may be a carryover from last year? If enough people go to their help area, and after the first person makes a request, (make sure you mention it is for the NBC), and everyone else finds that request and seconds it, Endomondo will make the changes. But if only one person requests something, it doesn't even get on their radar. (So, maybe invite everyone from your company teams to reiterate the request.)
I am with David on the company logo question, is there a way to modify company info such as the logo and the number of employees once it has been created?
Rob - add'l notes to Correction #3 - Wisconsin lost 33 of its 67 Workplace teams since last night, and 6 of 29 communities. (If this keeps up, not only will there be no Wisconsin made products to buy, but I will have no places to vacation.)
@Mike - I used to love Big Red chewing gum. But of course, that was before the NBC.
Looks like spinning is counting to the totals....... shouldn't be according to the rules
Hi all, its exciting to see everybody coming back. @ Jeffrey, you stole my suggestion, I was gonna say to Burklee to try using a scarf or something to cover your mouth while riding. @ Burklee, your temperatures are similar to the ones here. Its around 30 when we get up in the morning but by late afternoon its closer to 50++. The time change just makes those warmer temps show up later in the day.
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You guys are right about the wind. Today was about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday (around 50 degrees) when I was riding but the blasts of wind really make it tough. Today it was mainly from the east and south, another switch from yesterday when it mostly came from the north & west. It also rained a little so combined with mud from earlier days, I got splattered.
ROLL WHEN YOU DARE YA'LL and yeah, GO HUSKERS!
I still couldn't figure out how to upload a company logo. I uploaded a team logo, but no luck finding a way to do the company logo yet
Burklee, I have had a cough for nearly a month and started riding my 14 miles to work with the temp on the first morning of 25 degrees and as long as I keep my mouth covered I am good but now my cough is gone, my body was telling me something I think. And Carl I absolutely agree, the wind is the killer, you can bundle up and pedal faster to stay warm but the wind just beats you down. Doesn't matter, I am riding and that alone makes it worth it. Lastly Rob....sorry....GO HUSKERS!
@MG, got in 20 miles yesterday in HOWLING winds and cold, and 35 today. Almost to 1500 miles for the year (about 1000 miles less than 2013 same time).
@ el ambajador...Go Big Red...the true and only Big Red that is, NEBRASKA!
@Ray, looks like it was designed for the exceptionally-visually-challenged. Lots of nice concepts, but standard web design dictates (or should) that scrolling be limited. That interface is HUGE! Way too much wasted space and oversized graphics.
Also in the first post, I want to be clear that when I said that before people sign-up for the NBC we should have them fixed, I wasn't referring to having the people themselves fixed, The "them" I was referring to was the problems listed below, before those problems affect too many people. ;)
There, I think I've almost usurped an entire page of comments.
They did say that the new website would be "bigger & better" and they were right in one respect, it is definitely bigger. Hopefully they work on the better part now, because right now it looks like it was designed for a magazine spread, not actual use.
In an effort to get rid of these wintertime "blah's", I changed my profile pic to a more summer-like image. My trusty steel steed gets some time in the spotlight.
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Hey @CR, how 'bout those winds yesterday??? Kept pushing me sideways on the way home.
Sorry everyone for the long posts. Plus, when reading the first of three consecutive posts below, please add a "c" between the 220th and 221st characters. (I'm just guessing, I didn't actually count them.)
Correction #3 - (Since I can only see the Wisconsin and National leaderboards, that is all I can report this problem about, but if Wisconsin is affected, then I'm betting some of the other states are also. ***Maybe some of you from other states could compare your lists to see if this is pervasive, or only affects the Badger State.*** And this is the issue that I was trying to have Endomondo correct last year, to no avail.) If you look at the list of participants on the Local Wisconsin Leaderboard (LWL), you will find that it does not match-up with the National Leaderboard for Wisconsin (NLW).
Here are the number of participants on the two boards
LWL NLW
116 146 Last night, total Wisconsin participants (difference of 30)
52 155 This morning, " " " (now 103)
49 56 Last night, total number of participants with points (7)
32 56 This morning, " " " (34)
The 7 that you would not have found on the LWL board last night that were on the NLW were Rob "el embajador" Gusky 744 pts, Scott Hietpas 235, Greg Warning 210, Shawn Quereshi 201, Sal LaPuma 135, John Victor 32, and Gary Krueger 26. Another 17 with points could be added to this lost-and-found list this morning. In addition, there were 23 with no points so far that could be put on the lost-and-found list last night. This morning, you could add another 46.
Also, last night, we had 11 teams on the LWL, now we only have 6 on the LWL.
The NLW no doubt is correct.
Correction #2 - The official rules state, "20 Challenge points are awarded for each day you ride at least 1 mile". Right now, if someone rides 1.00 miles, which is at least one mile, they don't get the 20 points. If they ride 1.01 miles, they do. It is probably an easy fix for them to to make the formula = to or > than, as opposed to just > than. Not too many are affected now, but when we get over 30,000 riders, many of whom are newer, less experienced riders, there will be a lot of 1.00 mile rides logged each day. They'll get confused about why they only received 1 point and not 21, and may even quit logging miles in frustration.
I will be administartor for Miller Electric. Am I set based on what is here? Thanks! Just want to verify before sending links to the whole company and getting confusion.
@Rob - As "el embajador", I'm hoping you can use your considerable clout and apolitical ties to persuade Endomondo to make a few corrections to their site. For 2 of the corrections, I sent them a comment a little over a week ago (and also told a few others that were affeted to do the same), and for the 3rd, sent it early last year a few times, and they never corrected it, (and currently, you are one of the ones affected by it). So, before too many more sign-up, it would be great to get them fixed.
Correction #1 - The Warm-up Period is March and April. We've been told that since last year. Why is February currently included?
Enjoying the epic battle currently going on between Nebraska and Wisconsin - go Badgers!
Actually cold itself isn't so bad.. It's wind that is my nemisis.
After reading some of the Wisconsin stories I almost feel gulty for the 52 degree temps on the commute this morning. Almost.
30° for the ride to work. I'm trying to gage how cold is too cold to ride for me, as too cold tends to give me a cough. As I sit here coughing, I'm thinking 30 is too cold. But I'm sick of not being able to ride!! Does this happen to anyone else? Any suggestions? It's supposed to be 55 this afternoon and 60-something tomorrow. My bus pass ran out yesterday and I'd like to just start riding again. Anyone?
@Rob....Rob, Rob, Rob...that would be "we the commuters *roll* on".... :-)
It's been nice here.. 50s F. One rain day off for the month, which was just a few days ago. Other than anxiety attacks at intersections, etc, rides have been Ok too.
Wow, I am thankful for the mid 20s for my morning commute after seeing some of the WI riders stories. At least our temps are supposed to rise, the afternoon temps pushing close to 70s and morning temps up into the high 30s for the rest of the week. Stay warm out there and remember you can never have a bad ride!
Gregg - the low will be 11 Deg F in Appleton, WI tonight. But we the commuters march on!
This is the never ending winter of 2013. Another snowstorm is in the forecast for Sunday night into Monday here in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin with lows dipping into the teens this weekend.
@Tammie - I agree with you about the new comment page, and all of the scrolling to get to anything on the page.
I signed-up about a week ago, and since then, haven't been able to get back on, even after changing the password, like they told me to do. I had already made myself Administrator of my team and workplace, so they have to delete me, (and my team and workplace), before I can sign-up again. And that won't happen until April 1st.
Can someone complain about the comment section there for me, since I can't log in? (Maybe copy and paste the following - you can say it's from me, if you don't want to take the blame. Thanks.) "The font size is almost exactly double last year's in both height and width, which makes every comment take 4X as much space. I know the NBC comments are more important, but last year, there were just over 7 pages of them, and 1,589 pages of comments from us. If you don't make the point size smaller, or give more room, everything being equal, there will be over 6,300 pages of comments. Also last year, the comment widths were the same, but this year, our comment area is narrower than the NBC comment area, because of our pictures. How about making our section wider than the other, since there is likely to be 2,000X as much activity?"
Cant wait till its finally warm enough to get out alot only been out a couple times
HI all, was out today with temps in the 40s and some hefty gusts of wind. So its not quite spring yet, even down here in the St. Louis area. Tried out my shoe covers and my toes were toasty. I was also wearing my full fingered gloves. @ Marty and all of you up north, wishing you all lots of sunshine: that snows gotta go sometime!
In Appleton, even after last weekends rains there's still plenty of salt on the roads. And more snow in the forecast. Marty, I'm thinking more like 2-3 months :/ It's been a long winter and I sure am anxious to be able to use my road bike again. I got a new chain on and it's shined up real purty though.
Darn, I was 499!
Oh well, that is a great number!
Who will be number 500?
@EM & @Ray - We have at least 2-3 weeks until the roads in SE WI are salt free. The recent rains lowered our snow level to sbout 6 inches, but there are still piles over 3' high at the end of some driveways. We did break 40 degrees a few days ago, but the high today was about 33. This is the first time I've had a mountain bike, so even though it is slower, I can use it in dicier weather.
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And here is something I recently learned. Of the top 100 U.S. cities for snowfall, Milwaukee has the largest population.
I think all the rain yesterday washed the salt away, so I took my road bike out for a short spin to try my new pedals and shoes. It is a little weird having my feet locked to the pedals, but I managed to stay upright so that was good. It has been a couple months since I last rode that bike, I forgot how smooth it was, now I'm ready for spring!
WOO WOOO, its a blustery day today, but at least its not raining. Out early this afternoon on my regular route. Spotted three other riders. With temps in the lower 50s, riding wasn't bad as long as it wasn't into the wind. With the wind was fun!! Getting pumped for the new challenge!!
I sure prefer this page for chatting than the comments section on the new challenge page. Is everyone elses showing up as huge as mine? I cant read more than a few lines at a time. So much scrolling to see anything. I had quite a workout yesterday on our first of the year tuesday ride. It was the first really windy day of the year of course! 25 to 35mph winds.. we did 30 miles and my skin looked and felt like sandpaper by the time we got finished! My legs felt like rubber when I stepped off the bike! It was fun. One of the new girls kept saying it will be so much easier when we head back with the wind to our backs... I kept saying don't count on it.. well, we turned and the wind was NOT at our backs.. she asked what happened.. I said that was the don't count on it part.. it happens to us all the time. The wind shifts at that time of the day and we get it in our faces both directions!
I am in, also sorry, I have not been logging anything to Endomondo in a bit..
This year there are 3 categories re team size: up to 10, 11-99 and over 100. What is curious is that you cannot stop someone from joining your team (they are currently all open, not private), nor from what I can tell stop your team from exceeding 10 members (if that's your intent) - other than monitor and remove people that you did not invite to be on your team. I hope this changes.
In the Rules, regarding team size, it sais we can have as many members on a team as desired. I remember last year we could only have 10 members. Is that a change in the rules?
Hey, @Cynthia's returned! How was your winter? How's that car-free lifestyle working out so far? I'm Jonesing for some real seafood; can't wait till mid-June!
Hi Carl - things are looking up for the Garden State. You are currently in 20th place. Good luck in 2013!
Hello Everyone!
Does anyone know how to go in and update a group to be private? When I "Edit" my group there is no option showing to set it to private. Mine is open and I don't want it to be.
All I know is that NJ was 40th of the 50 states in the leaderboard last year, and that just isn't acceptable!
@Rob - From the pictures I looked at, Atlantic Mine, MI looks like a neat place to visit. Their community is going to be really tough to beat. So far, they have two participants out of about 80 residents. With 2.5% of their population in the Challenge, they are way ahead of last year's top communities, who only had about 0.5%. Their current status may represent one of the two riders riding 11 or 12 miles on one ride. (But I may be wrong as the total population for ZIP code purposes may be larger.)
I learn new things from the challenge - never heard of Atlantic Mine, Michigan before. All I could find out about it is from Wikipedia "Atlantic Mine is an unincorporated community about five miles (8 km) southwest of Houghton" and this from a travel guide "This mining town grew up around the southern range's first mine - the Atlantic - and would later become home to over 1800 residents." It would be interesting to hear from the riders from that town.
EM, Heather & Rob, glad to see you're going at it again! Should be a great season!! don't forget...
Ride like you belong! :-D
HI Rob, glad you are seeing some signs of spring. We were out on Grant's Trail today and spotted a nest on a large tree beside the trail. Both the nest and the birds were large so we were thinking hawks. We'll try and get back with binoculars and double check. After a rainy morning it was great to get out and ride on our beautiful afternoon. Some nasty gusts of wind, but sunshine and temps around 70 this afternoon. Happy spring everyone!
Hi EM, glad to see you on the 2013 site. There is a hint of spring in Wisconsin today - saw some birds around my house, looked they were checking out nesting sites. Safe riding everyone.
My points count is working okay. I just added Feb. & March miles plus the 20 points per day and it came out right. I do record down to the 100th of a point simply because thats what my Garmin records. I'm excited about having to try and work harder to get to the 5000 mark!
Woah, I'm 69 out of the 156 who have points!
@ Heather, hi, welcome back.
@ Teri, thats the spirit about the recovery. We'll be looking forward to hearing you are back in the saddle.
It makes sense that they changed the mileage categoires this year. We do have more months of official challenge to try and put in those miles.
Wow, this is sooo cool. I just signed up for the new one and I didn't even have to re-enter my data from January and February!!
OMG, so this is lika a parallel universe. I was just looking at the old site. Now I will have to find time to read all your messages. Here's a repeat of my todays message from the old site: Hi you guys. Is it finally spring? We had a couple of weeks of winter with real snow and everything., all in the end of Feb. beginning of March. Yeah, I was out today. Little piles of snow here and there and some tough wind, but temps around 50. Nobody else out riding today, but I got a couple of friendly waves from drivers, just imagine that! A twisted version of my regular route so I found a couple of really steep hills that I didn't know about before. I'm gonna be checking in and registering. Happy to be out again!!
@Scott - To create a team, click on Leaderboard, then Teams. You should be able to click on it towards the upper right.
The reason we have to start new teams is that the parameters have changed. Last year, we could only have teams of 1-10 members. Some groups had to break themselves into 10 or more teams. And, if you had a group of 12 friends, two couldn't be on the same team as the others, wouldn't feel as included, and may not have continued with the Challenge. This year, you can have an unlimited number of team members, with prizes broken into 1-10 member, 11-99 member, and 100+ member categories.
Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes. I'm feeling better every day and only taking pain meds once each 24 hrs instead of every 6 hrs like it was at the beginning. I'll be thinking of you all as you get out there and ride. :-)
@Scott - I had to create a new team for this year and send out invites to our members from last year.
Anyone know how to change from "Riding solo" to on a team? When I registered for the 2013, it didn't ask for a team and I assumed I'd still be on the same one from the 2012 Challenge. Since I didn't do the "Warm Up" last year, is it just the way it works?
@Teri - sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are mended soon.
I'm excited to get started on this year's challenge. If only we'd get some warm weather! In the meantime, feel free to check out www.tadpole-tales.com to check out our recumbent trikes. They are awesome!
@Teri - Good luck with a quick recovery. Last year I fell for the first time in years. Luckily, I know how to fall on my thick skull, and there was no damage, other than to the pavement.
BTW, you must have posted a message last year, because I noticed your great avatar then. Its tough to get that song out of my head when I see the avatar.
Chin up Teri, 2 years ago in April I hit a dog and broke 3 bones in my back and 3 ribs. It may take some time but you'll recover sooner than you think and get back to your love and your husband too! :-) Feel better!
Then you can...
Ride like you belong!
Teri, So sorry to hear about your accident. I really hope that you get well as soon as possible you will be in our thoughts and prayers as we ride the days and weeks to come. Just remember that its healing already!
I was so excited about the challenge last year and was impressed with my accomplishment. I joined this year's challenge as soon as I saw it was available. My husband and I went out for our weekly Sunday ride this week and about 20 minutes into it, I crashed and had to be rushed to the emergency room. Had to have stitches in my left ankle and they found I have a compression fracture of my L2 vertebrae. :'(
Needless to say, I'm restricted to bedrest for a while; although I'm only taking the pain meds once a day now. I've had to "bow out" of several upcoming cycling events including a charity ride taking place next month on my birthday.
I realize my injuries could have been much worse and I'm very thankful I will recover; however, I don't know how long it will be before I can get back on my bike and I'm already missing it.
Have fun out there riding everyone! Ride a few miles for me . . . :-)
The profiles page (the 10x10 tiles?) seems to be based on time of last ride.
I haven't ridden in a couple days, so I am not on "most recent rides". (40 riders displayed).
WOW, finally ranked. Silver on the new site. #6.
OK, let's see if this continues to work!
@Paul, I don't use any apps. I log my miles manually in bikejournal.com and here, plus the new NBC site. My miles on the new site show on my profile, but not on the "Recent Rides" and my profile doesn't show on the "Profiles." When I click on my profile, I can see my daily mileage logged on one side, but on the side where I'm ranked, it says zero miles and zero days. WTF
I use a garmin (fr910xt) to log all my riding. I then upload to Endo, Strava and Dailymile form their upload/sync options. I typically don't run any of the apps on my phone when I ride.
When I setup my account on the new NBC site, I chose Endomondo as my sync account, and presto! all my miles appeared in the new site accurately, with one exception- they log as transport instead of sport. Aside from that, I'm really liking what I see on the new site. Can't wait for the leaderboards.
@CR, I'm glad the boneheads missed you. Since it's Friday and I'm leaving work at 3, I get to dodge the high school knuckleheads in their loud, lowered rice-grinders. I'm still entering my mileage daily (manually) through this site here; I don't use any apps on my phone or bike computer (bike computer?) Have a good weekend, all; stay safe!
Still not getting credit on the new site. WTF @MG 35 today, only 2 people tried to kill me... oh wait, it's Friday!
@Paul - Well I plugged in 1.00 miles yesterday to test my theory of it only giving 1 point and not the 21 points it should, according to the official rules, and I only have 1 point. So I put in a complaint about that and the February issue, which shouldn't be part of the warm-up period.
Hi burklee! :)
New site is a nice attempt, and @Brian DID say that it was not finished, so we have to give them some time to work things out. Consider ourselves 'Beta Testers'. Folks like us find the bugs and they fix them. Lets make sure we report them in a constructive way instead of just criticizing. At least my issues are positive; I report 5.2 miles, the site reports 8. Double Diamond, here I come!!!!!
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@CR, nice day for 30; wish I could have been out there with you.
I was out riding earlier and came across a fellow cyclist standing on the side of the trail. He was just standing there, looking towards his bike which was leaning against a tree. My first thought was "stop & see if he needs help," but as I got closer I saw that he was addressing the call of nature. Now I realize, "when you gotta go, you gotta go," but he was standing just off the edge of the paved trail, doing his thing. His bike was facing the same way I was going, which means he most likely had just passed the restroom about 2 miles back. I don't think he noticed the video camera mounted on my handlebars, I'll be flushing that footage (pun intended) ;)
My miles showed up right away.
Well, the miles and points that I added for today were correct, which is nice. At least I have more trust in things from here on out. I guess the NBC folks thought it would be nice to give me some kind of handicap for the warmup. ;-)
Hi Heather!!!
It took about an hour or so for my ride to show up in the recent rides area.. it sure is difficult to look at those! You are right.. buggy.. who designed that site.. looks like it was made for a 3 year old. Just read my last entry.. I had to WASH my jacket.. need to proof better before I send! Less wind today but also less time available.. drats!
@MG, forgot, 30 miles today!
New site is massively buggy. Hope they fix it.
@MG, I'm on the new site too, but my miles aren't showing up in the "recent rides" box. Seems they have lots of bugs to work out.
Hello everyone. I am not cycling yet but it's great to see ya'll at it. I won't be at it until April, more than likely. I hate our weather unless it is May-September. Good luck. I'm looking forward to the challenge this year!
Go, @Tammie!
I have signed up on the new site... trying to figure it out is fun. It will take some getting used to. I rode 22 miles yesterday in 26 to 36mph winds.. what was I thinking?! That was WORK on the way out but the ride back into town was wheeee FUN! Temps were in the 50s but it was a cold north wind. I had to was my jacket too when I got home.. everything was WET. Great for working out the last of the anesthesia and pain meds left over from monday. You men.. how do you put up with yourselves??? LOL
@Paul - You're right. (And you're also 46.1 miles ahead of me for Feb/Mar.) Based on their including February so far, you should have 226 points. And they have you at 166. The difference is exactly 60. My best guess is that their formula for adding the 20 points for a day's ride is faulty, since you rode 3 days at exactly 1.00 miles. Their formula s/h/b Give 20 points if daily mileage is = or > 1.00. I think their formula is: Give 20 points if daily mileage is > 1.00. That is the best I can come up with.
If they don't fix that, once they fix the warm-up period to include just March and April, you will only be short 20 points. But once we get 30,000-50,000 participants for the Challenge period, that issue will be happening to a lot of people, and they might get frustrated enough to not continue.
But it should be an easy fix for them, once they know about it. I would suggest you send them a message and explain the problem and possible solution.
The total that the challenge has recorded for me equals my February and March total miles plus 20 points for each day I have ridden during the same time period.
@Marty...I still think there is some kind of glitch in the point counting system. There is no way I can figure out how I should have 166 points. My mileage for Feb. and March is only 46.1 and I have riden 4 days in March. If you add my days in Feb., that is another 5. I can't get a (logically consistent) twenty/day point combination plus my mileage to get to 166. (In case your are curious, January I rode 7 days for 11.7 miles...still can't make it work.) FYI
You're right Marty. I think I meant they add it up, as you pointed out. I use my Garmin to log my rides, so I don't have to worry about my OCD taking over and hitting exact numbers. I have it set to show the max data fields on the primary screen, and once I break 10 miles, it only shows tenths of a mile and rounds up on the display, so I have to pay attention to ensure I don't stop at something like 14.96, but on the flip side, I have to ensure I don't go too far over, otherwise I have to loop the block a few times to hit the next number. I'm not old and crotchety yet, but I am a bit disturbed ;)
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I tried the dish soap on the goggles trick earlier, it works! Wipe a layer of soap on the lens, let it dry a bit, wipe it off, no more fogged up glasses. I wish I would have googled that a long time ago. It's amazing how much better riding in the cold is when you keep the wind out of your eyes and don't have to look through a cloud.
@Ray - I hear you with the salt. It can really eat away at things. My road bike won't go out until after the first or second good rain.
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They still only give a point for a full (cumulative) mile. So, your 87.77 miles for February/March gives you 167 points, not 168. Those fractions of miles do add up, as you will generally get another point every other ride. (I've been logging running and biking mileage for over 30 years, and have only ever recorded full miles. With how old and crotchety and how set-in-my-ways I am, I'm unfortunately not going to change now.) ;-)
https://nationalbikechallenge.org/
The National Bike Challenge web page is partially up and accepting sign-ups. It is not complete. If you are using an app to track miles, you will need to authorize the app which will be done from the login. You can create Workplaces, teams and register cities.
I think they round up, so half a mile counts.
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I'm ready for spring and warm weather to get here, or at least salt free roads. I really don't mind riding in the frigid weather, but I am anxious to get my road bike back out and I won't be exposing that to salt. I may get some different tires for my hybrid before next winter, a bit more aggressive tread but not as knobby as my mountain bike which is not much fun riding on the pavement.
@Frank - I stand corrected. I didn't realize that that is another rule they changed for this year. Last year, there were a number of riders who got 20 points and rode less than a mile. In fact, if you look at last year's leaderboard, you will find 19 individuals who only have 20 points total. That is probably a good rule change, because if you are going to take the time to ride a mile, at least some of those times, you will ride further, and thereby help your health, and maybe even use your bike instead of a trip by car, eliminate the pollution, and save everyone's health. Thanks for letting me know.
Het Marty, the way I read the roles, that one pedal stroke will have to carry you at least a mile to qualify for minimum points.
2013 Prize Category Changes - I don't know if you've noticed it yet, but there are now TWO end of Challenge point categories - Platinum and Diamond, with 2,500 and 5,000 points needed for inclusion (2012 was 1,500). And they've also increased the Bronze, etc levels from 50, 150, and 500 to 100, 250, and 750. While more difficult to reach, I think these are good changes that are meant to help us reach our overall mileage goal. One problem with last year is that there was a really large contingent of riders who stopped logging in miles after they reached either the 500 or 1,500 point levels. They must have figured that since they qualified for the prizes they wanted, there was no need to log any more miles.
Looking at the new categories, most are still within everyone's reach. Bronze level is just one ride a month for 5 months, with each ride consisting of at least one pedal stroke. Everyone should reach that quite easily. And 750 could be reached by a ride a week of 16 miles per time, or 6 rides a month of 5 miles per ride.
The top two categories involve more commitment, but the Platinum level can still be reached by someone who never rides in the rain, or over 5 miles in a day. (20 rides a month at 5 miles each ride.)
The other change that I've noticed is that they've expanded the team capacity from just 1-10 participants to now having three categories: Small 1-10 members, Medium 11-99, and Large 100+
(That is why we have to re-sign-up our teams, as I'm sure some of the larger companies and organizations will opt to just have one big team, instead of several smaller ones.)
UPDATE - Even as I was typing up the last note, they fixed the points per day issue. You are now getting 20 points for each day you ride. They just have to not include February's rides, and everyone will be good to go.
@Paul - Right now, points are the total miles you rode in February and March. You also currently don't get any points for days ridden. I'm sure both of these issues will get corrected soon.
@Carl - If you want to create a team, click on Leaderboard, then click on Teams. You should see a prompt towards the upper right to select.
That's right, @CR: "Powered by Clean Natural Gas". Just ask my wife and daughter.
@MG, heated pants, huh? Gas powered? LOL
25 pretty nippy miles today.
How do I get a team to show up for the 2013 Challenge? My team from the 2012 Challenge is not showing. I started a new team yesterday, and is still shows me as riding solo. Both teams are in my profile.
Something seems fishy about the total miles. There are 87 riders and 11058 miles. That comes out to about 127 miles a rider...or every rider averaging about 32 miles a day for the first four days of March. I KNOW I am not doing those kinds of rides up here in WI yet. I guess it is not impossible, but I am a bit skeptical, especially since I know my personal "points" are pretty out of wack. Keep chasing after those bugs...(and thanks for doing so)
I also noticed that several of the links take me to last years site.
Tried to register my work place and the link doesn't go anywhere :-/ (meh.)
Alright! Officially signed up for this year's challenge! Can't wait!
This testing phase still needs some work...ridden 15.2 miles over first three days of March (20x3), so should be at 75.2 points. And yet I am listed at 144 points. Hey, I will get there, but I don't need the "help." Tweaks are still needed...now I need to get a ride in today...happy riding, everyone.
@Burklee - You've probably ridden 90 miles total for February and March. So far, that is what the points represent - no points for riding, just miles.
90 points for the ¼ mile I rode yesterday. Woohoo!!!! I love the testing phase!
@Mads - to test, I started a new team, yesterday. It's been a day and it's still not showing up for 2013.
@Pamela, you have to set up your team again and invite friends to join.
Heated pants working overtime this week. Single-digit temps in the morning; at least we dodged the s#!+ storm bullet on Sunday/Monday. Dire predictions of Snowmageddon turned-out to be, literally, a dusting. Works for me!
I think like it more with just miles, no points. I see it is logging February. I wasn't on a team last year, and still don't see any team setting regardless.
@Paul, @Dean, @Meg, @Erik - I just figured out what Endomondo is doing. Instead of POINTS for MARCH, they currently have MILES for FEBRUARY and MARCH. I'm sure that will be corrected this week.
Currently in 25th place in the USA. I am sure that wont last long.
My old team is on the 2012 site and one Endomondo but I'm still shown as riding solo. How do I fix this?
I joined, now I am riding solo. Is there something I need to do to get my team updated to the new challenge? Hope I don't have to start a new team too.
I posted my 6.38 miles yesterday, but still have only "6" listed as far as points. Will Endomondo be adding 20 points per ride day to the 6 miles to come up with a total number of "points" rather than just "miles" as was calculated last year on both the local and national Leaderboards?
Alright! I'm ranked 40th nationally. I'll enjoy this brief moment.
There seems to be something odd is the way points are "transfered" from the Endomundo site. I logged two rides on March 1st (4.1 miles) and 2nd (1 mile) BEFORE I registered for the 2013 NBC. After registering this morning (the 3rd), I have an odd points total--"34" It should be 45, I do believe. Soemthing must have messed up in the "conversion/transfer/" Realize these are early glitches, but seemed worth pointing out. FYI
Let the riding begin! (Although things seem to be a bit glitch on the point counting/transfering from Endomundo.) On Wisconsin!
ok, joined
I can't complain. The weather here has been wonderful compared to what most have been experiencing. Just a little wind to contend with. Going to cool off tomorrow to 60 and monday is going to be even cold but I am having kidney stone surgery so I can't ride anyway. I have put in 230 miles so far this year. Not bad since I took about 6 weeks off letting my ribs heal. Still have a problem with one rib and my left elbow. Trying to figure that out. It is always something. Our bike club is having an event at our mountain bike park tomorrow. I am going to try out a mountain bike and see if I want to get one of those too... yep that n+1 is eating a me! LOL
Awesome, @CR! I've only done 187.2 miles since January 2, all commuting miles. Don't I feel like a slacker?!
@MG 167 miles this week. Hope I thaw out by dinner time.
Hello there,
I have been invited to take part in the Extra Mile Challenge (http://www.extra-mile.org.uk/ ). Basically it is a 3 day 500 mile road cycling event in France in September.
I am wondering if you would like to sponsor me for the event… The event expenses are paid for already so ALL of your money goes towards the Charities.
I have attached details of the event and you can see more at the web link above.
You can sponsor ME and the 4 man team here > http://tinyurl.com/mhu6dks
Thanks in advance.
Regards
TOM
@Cynthia,
I find it is usually difficult to ride on a flat tire, plus it can damage the rim when the tire rolls to the side [my apologies to Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin, I couldn't resist :-) ]
Assuming you have removed the nail and installed a new/patched tube, there is no reason you cannot continue to use the tire if it was nothing more than a simple puncture. Years ago I was riding in an area than caused at least a flat a week (worst was 4 flats on one ride!!!). I had reached the point that I would ride with patched tubes and didn't replace the tire until the cords started showing. Today I use better tires and tubes, ride in a much cleaner area and don't have flats very often. (Tomorrow I will probably have to report fixing my first flat in over a year just because I opened my big mouth.....)
@Laurie. You mean you would let a few tornados keep you of
Flat #11 of the season, but now I have no fear of flats! My flat fixing confidence level is at 98%. First flat took over one hour to take care of, while this last one was patched and pumped in less than 15 minutes.
Flat tire conversation brings me to a question I wanted to post this morning to ya'll:
Over the weekend I had a flat. Punctured tire from a roofing nail-question is-can I ride on that tire till I can get a new one and if so-how long can I ride on it. Plan on having it fixed with the week.
@Laurie-don't mind the heat at all. In fact, you get used to it.
Hey all! Fixed my first flat of the season last night. The girly girl in my wants to brag about doing it myself, but I am with Roberto and the rest. No more from me about flat tires. (Knock on Wood.)
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My son seems to like cross-country too. EM is right. He made more progress running in 3 days, than I could get him to do in 3 weeks. I am hoping the exercise running will make him more inclined to get on his bike, eventually.
J Hugh,
I didn't see your post from Garmin before I made my previous comments (you probably posted while I was doing my download). Even with all the comments about problems I have to admit I haven't had any trouble downloading my Garmin Edge 500 this week. I normally download every other day (the Garmin will easily go 100 miles without recharging so I just wait till it needs to be charged to download). Best of luck to everyone with your efforts to download.
Looks like Endomondo may have gotten the Garmin download problem fixed. I just downloaded my rides from yesterday and today without a problem. All the numbers look correct and it didn't hesitate at any time during the downloading process. Hope it works for everyone else.
(copied to this list FYI report to help line for the future)
Endo Mikkel (Community Assistant) 3 hours ago
Hi Guys
Just to provide a quick update on this: Our developers are working on a fix for this problem, that should be deployed today or tomorrow.
If you get it to work after this update (e.g. with your weekend workouts) we'd very much like to hear it
We'd of course also appreciate the feedback, if the problem persists. In case you continue to experience problems after 6 PM GMT on Friday, and after having cleared browser cache (at that time) please report back with:
OS
Browser and version
Garmin Watch
Plug-in version
Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Cheers,
Mikkel
@ Jerry, we're talking tornado force winds. A couple of weeks ago we had 6 tornadoes come through, and last night's storms could've done the same. No way I'd bike in that, especially after dark.
Anyone have any experience with these guys? I'm thinking a jersey and sleeves may be a worthwhile investment.
http://www.glimmergear.com/index.html
@Jerry - I give up. What IS a little wind, rain, and lightning?
@Laurie. What's a little wind, rain, and lightning?
Some day are just too hot to do much biking. I don't know how all y'all Southerners do it... lol. I had planned to do an after-dark ride tonight to make up the miles I just couldn't do this afternoon, but then some strong storms came through. Oh well, tomorrow is another day :P
Two and A half hours of riding my "Front Rangers" friends at Red Rocks tonight.
Two hours of physical torture. With dry needling no less. Then a 30 mile ride with headwinds. It is great to ride.
Sorry to put this up again. Endo is having trouble with Garmin uploads. You can do it with the manual file upload from your unit or an exported gxp file.
Endo staff is working on the problem. Honest engine.
@ Paul ~ The Garmin upload is not working at all for me. It get to the point of importing ride, and freezes.It hasn't worked for me for 2 days.
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@ Cycling Roberto ~ I know the feeling all too well about the flats. I had 2 in one day and 3 in less than a week about 2 weeks ago. So like you from this point on I do not wish to talk about it.
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I now have 3872 miles in this year for cycling sport. I have also broken 5380 points so far for this challenge.
Broke 8300 miles for 2013 today. 1000 points to platinum.
Garmin uplaod worked finr for me today. FR910XT, V2.70.0.0 software.
Also broke 3000 points last week, and 2000 miles for the year today (riding since April).
I will never discuss flat tires again. Rode today with a buddy of mine (rare, since 99% of my rides are solo) and had not 1, but 2 flats. Didn't really hold me up too bad, and my handy frame pump handled the job. But I'm sure the jinx was on... so lips are going forward.
ARGH
@Michael - Sounds like you are a real bird watcher. Seeing a hummingbird is a rare treat for me. Love to see the chickadees too in my front yard, and in the Fall the cardinals.
Endomondo, thanks for hosting the National Bike Challenge. I hope you can improve your website. My team would have more miles/points if my teammates didn't find your website so difficult to use.
@Jerry, thanks for posting the article about the hit and run victim. I think the closing point should have been, "only when motorists are jailed for killing cyclists will we see an end to the carnage."
Kill a cyclist (unless EXTREMELY mitigating circumstances are proven) you go to jail and pay all expenses of the victim. "I didn't see them," doesn't work any more.
Thanks to "more French Pastry" (Hugh). I'll wait a few days to see if endo fixes the garmin upload ... and will be sure to get all my august rides in there before the month ends, one way or the other!
@K.J.G., I got an earful from the resident hummingbirds (yes, they squeal!) when I inadvertantly chased them this morning while letting the dogs out. Then on my ride into work (to keep it relevent...) I heard a super-loud Carolina Wren. Then watched one of our urban falcons chasing a bunch of sparrows. All while keeping my attention on the road, of course.
Sorry to put this up again. Endo is having trouble with Garmin uploads. You can do it with the manual file upload from your unit or an exported gxp file. I am putting this up on the list because you can't always click to a person and leave a comment since that is a choice people can make in their participation.
@Cynthia - Saw a blue heron today when I biked to my garden. He was standing silently and unmoving, like a dignified honor guard, at the corner of the drainage pond near our the field. While I was riding in the parkway earlier in the day, I heard bird calls like you would hear near the seashore, wish I knew what bird they came from. You always make me wish I was in Florida.
@EM I keep running Schwalbes with race/green guards. I never liked Tuffys due to the "bump" they add. Also in hot weather, or the bike sitting in the sun on hot days, the Tuffy kept cutting the tube also. It's also good to not go too fast, and be able to see crap, like glass, on the roadss. Nails, theres no with, but they only bothered me 2 times in my life and both cases it was trying to accelerate hard to cross a intersection.
@Jerry-powerful article. I shared it on my FB page...
Is anyone else having issues with uploads from a Garmin device into endomondo? It's reading my rides, but will not save - just freezes up. I've been using my Garmin for logging rides in the challenge with no issues this year or last. Until now. My uploads into Garmin Connect are working great, so it seems like the problem is within endomondo, not Garmin or my laptop.
@ Burklee, back in the dark ages (BC= before children) my husband and I did some riding in western Nebraska, we learned about tire killing thorns and good old Mr. Tuffy. Road riding usually doesn't produce that many flats. I blame my flats on all the construction around here lately. But I don't want a blowout on the Heatstroke, my old friend Mr. Tuffy is back (knock on wood).
The More Innocent The Cyclist, The Greater The Number Of Deleted Comments
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http://tinyurl.com/n7jgkyz
thanks Ray S, I also got an email from endo saying what you did. The only incorrect data was the ascend, descend info. I edited to agree with the corrected version on the Garmin site, but it is much easier. Heart rate and cadence seem also to be ok using the fit file. Ah! software updates! Heart
@EM - I have Mr Tuffys in both my tires. I also have Bontrager Hard Case tires, front and back. Even before I got the Hard Case for the front, it had been a while since I had a flat (knock on wood.) I think you'll like them.
Philly, aftar 1am during the weekdays is probably the nicest time to ride it. Even getting home around 2am where I live in South Jersey it's real nice. No traffic at all. Only oddity last night was a skunk crossing the road, but I didn't bother it at least. Skunks and groundhogs seem to be all over the place around here.
Hi all, out this morning on my regular route. After 10 am with temps in the 70s. I only spotted one other cyclist and the traffic was otherwise pretty light. Mr. Tuffy is working so I will add one to the front tire now.
Just some FYI that may or may not be helpful.
Check out www.youtube.com/gcn
Global Cycling Network (GCN) for quick tips for things you wanted to know, didn't know or just want to brush up on things you already know.
Depending on the type of Garmin, you may also be able to upload direct from the file stored on the device. The Edge 500, for example, shows up as a disk when you plug it in to the computer, you can find your activities in the garmin\activities folder, there will be a .fit file for each activity.
So many beautiful descriptions of everyones rides. Yesterday I saw a dead snake and more mesquite. ... blowing dust.
Garmin direct to endo upload unavailable. Many reports to that effect after announced fix. I know they will keep trying. As a reminder upload ride to garmin connect then export gpx or other file and upload to endo. Correct time, mileage, ascend, descend and elevation if needed to agree with garmin.
@Tammie-forgot to mention-I made friends with the wind long ago.
Well looks like I passed that 2000 points mark! Yahoo! On my way to Platinum. I know I will make it.
@Tammie-awesome on those 1500 miles.
@Burklee-there are no Bike Co Ops near me : (. The closest one is 3 hours away. It's so cool you devote your time to yours.
This mornings commute actually sported SUNSHINE and NO CLOUDS which mean NO RAIN!! The past two weeks here have been like rain central.
Looking over the marsh I saw what seemed like hundreds of White Egrets sitting in the trees along the marsh area. They looked like they were painted in the trees; long white dots amongst the green of the trees.
A flock of Ibis flew over head at one point. That was so cool.
Then as I looked to my right when making a turn a gray/black/white fox squirrel was right on the edge of the road sitting up right eating its breakfast. It must have been good as it did scurry away as I passed.
Make it a beautiful day all. Ride with peace and spread that to every one you meet.
@Tammie... We have a saying here in Superior "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes. It will change." The wind can shift and temperature drop 20 degrees in a matter of minutes. It is pretty amazing to see the wall of cold air coming. You can tell who lives here as they carry a jacket when it 75 or warmer.
Woke up to see that in less than half a week I biked enough miles to top what I used to consider a pretty decent weekly total. I have progressed this summer far beyond what I expected a few months ago, and I think I can safely say I'm addicted :)
Garmin uploading is being repaired by endomondo support. Unitl then you can save your workout to Garmin connect then export a gpx file to your computer, then unload through endo. You may need to adjust time, asced, descend and mileage slightly from the record on garmin as report have it that there are differences.
I don't think anyone know why we can't upload our Garmins.. just that it reaches the saving screen and stops. Has been that way all day. I entered my ride today manually.
Garmin won't upload for me either. It gets to the 'Saving Workouts..." window, and just hangs.
Anybody know why I cannot upload rides from Garmin? Got 'em uploaded from my 800 Edge into Garmin Connect, but Endo won't import for some reason. Got 4 rides stored and waiting to upload...
Tammie...kudos on your first 1500! I am sure it will be the first of many more years of "1500+." About your wind...I can relate, but for a slightly different reasons. On my (longish) ride today, I was so psyched to have the wind and hills on my side most of the return of a 40+ mile ride...only to run into two stretches of "new" road constructions...which sent me back into the wind going up the hills for about my last additional 8 miles. But you know what they say...if it doesn't kill you, it (usually) makes you stronger! Hang in there...you will catch a great tail wind one of these days...and it will be a BLAST!
Just noticed.. just passed 1500 miles in the challenge. I am amazed that I have done that on a bike. Today is 5 months since I bought my first bike. I think I had ridden about 300 miles before the challenge started.
I tried to upload my Garmin .... finally gave up and manually entered the information. Hope they get it fixed. I have never had any problems before. Rode with the fast group today and they nearly killed me. They started out like jackrabbits at 18mph into the wind for the first 7 miles and I was about to die. I finally had to slow down or drop dead. I am a 13 to 14mph rider! Yes, I wanted to be challenged but dead, no. By mile 10 I was so overheated I was having chills and it was 94 degrees outside and we were still riding into the wind. Mile 11 I turned into the Stripes convenience store almost dropped my bike, went in and sat down in a heap. I was a good 5 minutes before I could move and the chills I was having subsided. Finally got up for some ice and water. Wet my shirt down in the bathroom and got ready to turn around and head back... really looking forward to that tailwind after having the wind in my face all the way. WELL, the wind had another idea.. it had shifted! And we got to run all the way back with , you guessed it.. WITH THE WIND IN OUR FACES!!!! At times it was so strong you had to hang on to keep from being knocked over. Just so much fun. I was so tired by mile 18 I wanted to get off my bike and walk... really! I actually thought about it! I did not and managed to get back and actually rode around the parking lot the additional half mile to make it an even 22 miles for the day. Did I ever think I would make friends with the wind.... shoot me for thinking that!
@Marty. Found them. But they were not where you said they were.
@Marty. Normally my slideshows are not as wild as this one. I just had to get my feelings about riding again out.
@Jerry - I'll 3rd the seizure inducing slide show motion. Nice pictures, (at least the ones I saw, but it needs to be a lot less busy. (I only watched a minute of it before I came to my senses and closed it.)
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@Michael - I would recommend that you see your MD if you are experiencing 7-15 movements per day.
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@Jerry - I think your batteries and charger are on the top of the left shelving unit in your garage.
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@Laurie - I used this method first in my only 25 minute job ever, they said I was too aggressive to be a parking checker. They received 3 complaints the first 12 minutes just because I would jump on car hoods and start chalking their tires as they were backing into a parking spot. I guess that's what I get for trying to be efficient. (The extra time was how long it took me to go back to the office and turn in my chalk.)
@ Marty -- too funny! Do you know this from personal experience?
One helpful hint when using EM's chalk trick. It is easiest to come to a complete stop before applying the chalk to the tire.
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@Jerry - Maybe your Garmin is a little latent rust from all of that inactivity?
I packed three GoPro batteries and a charger before Ride the Rockies. Which of course I did not get to ride in due to my accident. Now I cannot find where I put them. Frustrating.
Darn. I wanted to have a 30 mile day. Ended up with 29.38 -- I could have gone around the block again if I'd known before I came home and mapped it out :(
I hate typing on a phone! Trains between Phila/Wilmington, going either north to Allentown/Newark/New England or west to Harrisburg and the rest of the continental U.S. Usually have 7-15 movements per day of distance freight, plus local quarry stone operations. Fun times!
three laps of my easyyyy 22mi. route today, only stopped once (had to) and just beat the wind and sprinkles .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Jerry: Both! I've been to CO a number of times and fell in love with the area, particularly CO Springs and south into northern NM. Plus I've always been a rail fan. My 14th floor office window looks out over the original Reading Railroad yards. Still used as a control point for trains moving between Philadelphia/Wilmington
Time to watch the USA Pro Cycling race here in Colorado that I recorded earlier today. And to eat our cheeseburgers fresh off the grill. And of course hot chocolate chip cookies for dessert. If I hadn't missed the train today on my ride, it would be a perfect day. It's almost perfect. Which is far, far better than two weeks ago.
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@Christine. You will be back riding again. Our prayers are with you.
@Michael. The trains or the area I ride?
@Jerrry, you make me jealous more and more...
@Ray. I missed the train at Niwot by only three minutes today. Bummer. I loved to be stopped by a train.
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I chased a train from Longmont to Lyons on day. I don't know what the engineer thought seeing the same guy on a bicycle at all the crossing on his way to Lyons.
Hey guys what's up?
Jerry, James,
I have a Garmin Edge 500, didn't have any problems when I downloaded my data this morning around 8:00am. I will admit I have had some days where I had to try 3 or 4 times before I could get the data to download to Endomondo.
@Karen Jean,
With the bright full moon it's hard to see the stars. The plus side is, if it weren't for the critters on the road, you wouldn't even need headlights to see where you are going.
@Karen - If there's a bike co-op in your area, and you've got the time, I bet they'd love to teach you, and to have the help. Finding the time is always the problem...
@Burklee - You are amazing! Wish I knew how to work on bikes like that.
@Jerry - What J Hugh said.
Wow Jerry I just had a seizure from the Video. ROFLOL
A slideshow of today's ride.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch
Thanks for the info on Garmin uploading problems. At least I know it is not on my end.
@EM - Lincoln Bike Kitchen is open Sunday Noon-4pm, Monday 5-9pm, and Tuesday, 6:30-9pm, is Women and Transgender Only Night. If you're in Lincoln, come on by!! Warning - Sundays & Mondays can be crazy busy! It's a bit like a bike emergency room on those days, somebody always needs help. It's exhausting, even when there are 6 mechanics there. But I love being able to help folks earn a bike, or fix their bikes and get back out there.
@Mike Ruane thanks the gpx file works, but along with the time elevations were not consistant with the garmin site. I got the file from the garmin site. I am sure they will get it fixed. Thanks again
I am a prem subsriber and I sent an email to alert to the problem. It is clear that their is a bug in the software. It will come around. If you have a garmin and are having problems speak up so that it get noticed quickly.
That happens to me quite often Jerry, I usually just let it sit for awhile and then refresh the page. It only seems to happen on longer rides though. By the way, I got stuck waiting for a freight train last night (two tracks run through my city), but I didn't have my camera, so no video. It was after midnight and only a few cars idling around me, but there were enough to block out the cool sound of the wheels on the rails. When I lived much closer to the tracks I hated those things, but now that I'm far enough away to barely hear the whistle, I enjoy watching them go by.
I had the same problem with my garmin. Took a gpx export of the ride from strava and imported it to endo with no issues....other then tweaking the ride time to get the right average mph
510 here @Jerry and I'm having the same problem. I can say I've done everything you have as well. No luck.
@ Karen Jean, if your son has a good friend that you might be able to bribe to come along (say for a bike ride) that might be a good motivator. One teenager alone might be bored but get two of them and off they go..... At least it could be worth a try!
Anyone having a problem uploading from a Garmin Edge 500 today? I get to the point of "Saving Workout" but nothing happens. I am able to upload to other sites with no problem. Tried this on two different computers. No luck uploading my ride.
PS one thing you might like to add to your bike kit: a piece of chalk. I rub it on the tire so I can read that otherwise dark and mysterious message: Inflate to +++
@Tammie - WOOOW! Puuuurple spoke lights! Gotta get me some of those! lol Night riding is fun went you don't have a lot of cars around, at least until it gets cold. Yes, there was a wonderful bright moon out last evening. Sorry, Leonard did not notice any stars in town.
Hi all, out this morning after I changed a flat in my kitchen. Tiny piece of wire or something in the tire. No clue where it came from but glad to change it at home and not on the road. Got a honk and friendly wave from a guy in a pickup truck today. Then I got another friendly wave from a guy who had two bikes on the back of his car. Nice to meet some bike friendly drivers. My kids took off with the cars so I had to go the the LBS, by guess what, the BIKE ta da! Got a Mr. Tuffy to put inside the rear tire becuase I don't really want any flats when I do the Heatstroke on Sat. Also picked up a quarter on the road today. Lets see: "see a penny and pick it up, and all the day you'll have good luck..." so I guess if I pick up a quarter I'll have 25 times as much good luck? LOL
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@ Christine good road vibes from my ride today. Hope they will help with the knee. Or maybe you will pick up a lucky coin!
@ Burklee, when's the bike kitchen open these days? Could try to stop by when I'm in Lincoln just to see.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE, KEEP IT SAFE AND FUNNNNNN !!!!
22.85 miles by road bike. A dump truck driver keeps honking at me, I assume its because he doesn't like me riding on the road. My response? I wave at him like I know him... I am hoping he will stop and start something with me - I ain't backing down... However, its probably someone that knows me and they are just honking lol. Nice to see the heat and humidity back! I missed it! =)
Sorry you are going through this Christine. Good Luck. Denver sounds like heaven for a cyclist! Nothing here is bike friendly. I haven't found a single bike rack anywhere.... yet... still looking. The highway between the two cities is our main road for long distance riding. It is 16 miles long and we ride on the service road. It is being built up now.. lots of new business and I don't know who the fool is that thought sidewalks with huge curbs would be a good thing but they sure are not bike friendly!!! There is absolutely NO PLACE TO GO fo a bike when a fool car decides to crowd you off the road.. no shoulder now! Just this huge curb and sidewalk that absolutely NO ONE is EVER going to use!!! I got crowded within 2 inches of that scary curb 3 times yesterday! I did not really ride on sunday, just my minimal 1 mile around the parking lot where we were doing our Bike MS fund raiser. I barely got 2 hours of sleep that day before going back to work. Burning the candle at both ends lately. Finally got in 20 miles yesterday but was out after dark, intentionally to try out my new NightRider 550 light, NICE! I now have 3 blinking red lights on the back, 2 blinking on front and my bright headlight. If you can't see me, you are blind. LOL Oh, and purple spoke lights....just for fun.
@Burklee, it is definitely the pivoting that is causing the most slipping and sliding - and pain. But as General MacArthur said: I shall return!
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Thank you all for all your good wishes. I feel your support and appreciate it greatly.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/central-park-danger-zone-pedestrians-news-investigation-finds-16-cyclists-breaking-25-mph-limit-speeding-road-bikes-article-1.1132150
Although this article is one year old it does give me reason to think about cycling and its dangers to others.
Another car free weekend!!
http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/19/crater-lake-national-park-to-announce-annual-carfree-weekend-92555
@ Roberto - My guess would be those voices got drowned out by business owners who don't realize that slowing traffic down outside their business brings them more business, or by homeowners who will have to give up parking spaces. That almost happened here in Lincoln re: the N Street connector lane. Businesses downtown don't want to give up the on-street parking. Then a study was done that revealed that most of that precious, front-door, on-street parking was being used by... wait for it... employees of the businesses. As far as I know, that lane is still in planning and hasn't been shot down yet. Yet. Money talks, and often shouts down really good ideas. *sigh*
@Karen, where are the voices in a community home to so many cycling institutions: Bicycling, Velodrome???? CRICKETS
@K.J.G., If I'm correct, you are unfortunately dealing with 'City Hall'; I'm a county guy. Yes, I'm one of the 'good guys', but I have plenty of obstacles above me to work through. Good Luck with your son.
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@Christine, more thoughts with you this a.m. Keep the faith!
@Christine - I gotta go with Roberto on this one and guess surgery. I injured my knee in '92. Doc thought it was just a cartilage tear. Didn't find the partially torn ACL til scoping the cartilage. I tried playing softball with just a brace, but it was my right knee, & pivoting the bases just hurt too much. It took surgery to repair the ACL to get rid of the pain. Good luck and good thoughts to you, sweetie!!
@Michael - Do you want to move to Allentown? They were planning a bicycle lane, but got all kinds of backlash and now decided to not go through with it. So, you are one the good guys? That means we have at least one on the "inside." Thanks.
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More time to bicycle this week. My son started cross-country in middle school. He has a really great coach that will work with him at his own level. None competitive, anyone can join at this level. Just what my son needs. First, I tried to make him a swimmer like me, he can swim, but is not a "fish." Next, I tried to get him into bicycling. He rode his bike once with me this season, but he likes to mountain bike, hence I am saving for a hybrid bike this Fall, hopefully I will have it in the Spring to coax him out on the trails next year. Running is my last hope. His father is a runner, so I am praying it is in his genes somewhere. I just want him to stay healthy and exercise when he gets older and not follow in his uncle's footsteps, who as you might remember my brother has health problems related to not exercising. He's a real smart kid, but has his own challenges which is why I work only part time. Wish us luck this week. Hoping that he sticks with it.
@Michael-what an awesome opportunity to promote cycling. That has to make you feel really good.
I am in the beginning of an exciting project. As I've said in the past, my day job is as a Transportation Planner with our county planning commission. One of my many roles is to work with bicycle and pedestrian transportation. I am working with a 9-county agency (funded by federal clean air funds) to begin compiling an online map of bicycle racks in our downtown. I've been photographing and providing details about those racks. The goal is to provide a resource to promote biking in our downtown (along with the others in the region), with the ultimate goal of providing the information countywide (864 square miles!). My new-found passion for bike commuting has professional as well as personal meaning!
I am sorry I meant to say my bank...not my bike....see I was not supposed to drive today.
Yes, I hated it. I grumbled and kicked and screamed. lol. Friends and family keep telling me I have to run my car once in a while.
My bike has promised to look into installing a bike rack. # business down-several to go.
@Roberto-sounds like your ready for a new adventure. Colorado is an amazing state.
@Christine-good luck today! Your in my thoughts.
@Cynthia, doesn't it really grate on you having to drive to work? I hate that feeling when I have to take a bus or, even worse, drive. Ruins my entire day. At least you put some fresh gas in the tank, so that's a positive.
No miles to log today. Had to drive to work. In fact, had to put gas in my car. Such a foreign thing to do anymore. I actually had to think about side my gas tank was on! lol.
@Christine I am so sorry to read that you have hurt your knee again. How frustrating. :( Please keep in touch and goo dluck!
@karen, I never bought gear for cycling through winter either. I don't cycle past fall. I switch to other forms of exercise.
@laurie, I used to think I would hate riding my bike after dark. Once I started commuting, I learned to enjoy it. There is very little traffic, the streets are calm, and it's usually cooler by then.
Getting ready to leave the great UP of Michigan. Had some riding and the four parties, yes 4 parties were great. Will be packing up and than a light breakfast. Most important I'll be going for a bike ride with our grandson. He'll be leaving for college Thursday, so he is doing a lot of packing. I really don't want to leave this beautiful weather but all good things come to an end.
Laurie; Did you have clear skies to enjoy the splendid full moon?
@Laurie - Usually, they can be quite peaceful. (Especially if you've won at bingo.)
I may have completely lost my mind now. This afternoon, a friend invited me to go play bingo with her in a town about 40 miles away. I asked her what time we'd be back, because I wanted to bike to her house (about 7-8 miles from me). She assured me that we'd be back before 9. Well, didn't get back to her house until well after 10 pm. I've been on rides before that started in daylight and ended after the sun went down, but this is the first time ever that I've deliberately done an entire ride after dark. And it was fun!
Not too into motorized sports Rob.
Take up sand buggies Roberto. It's a lot of fun. The Dunes are not far from here.
Another point: I used to ski over 100 days a year for a long time. So getting back to the Rockies will allow me to renew my love for that sport as well.
@Karen, click on that link of Jerry's. Denver is serious about cycling. Just like the rest of the state. PA is ranked 16th in the country while CO is 2nd. Amazing given the history of cycling in these parts. But I need to go where I can enjoy my passion. I've had a good run here. Time to move on.
I like windstopper products for the cold. The gloves worked great and worked on motorcycle as well.
@Roberto - Thanks, I will remember that advice about the lights. So good gloves and wool clothing - check. (I have a good shower pass jacket already - bright orange.)
@Karen, you should ride in the winter. Layering is key. NO COTTON. Good base layers, and wool are my protection against cold. Wind layer (which I recently discovered after all these years does not have to be on the outside), and yes gloves. I wear gloves with liners. They make some pretty heavy duty cycling gloves. Fenders, not really necessary. Keep in mind that riding after dark in the winter is a bit riskier than the warmer months. Motorists do not expect to see you in daylight, let alone at night even with lights. Just a word to the wise. If you have daylight hours in the colder months, use them. Plus, if you think it's cold out during the day, wait until you hit that cold air at nighttime.
@Roberto - We will miss you.
@Jerry, been watching on TV. I've been to CO plenty of times. I lived for 8 years in Jackson Hole, WY. Prior to that it was winter vacations to Snowmass, Vail, Winter Park, A-Basin, Steamboat... plus I love the SW corner of the state, with Mesa Verde and Durango. The Million Dollar Highway... Glenwood Springs hot springs... and then of course Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods, Cripple Creek... even the Gorge Bridge... Eagle County with its abundance of bald eagles...but, I've never lived there. So seems time for me to check it out. Tired of dodging cars and being looked at as if I'm an alien from outer space. Booking a flight out beginning of September to scout around for a new place.
@Christine - All my hopes and prayers go with you tomorrow.
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I had good intentions last year to ride through the winter last year, but come January I couldn't get myself to go out in the cold. I averaged 2-3 hours a day on the exercise bike which just about made me ill thinking of it by April. The Winter is my intense Swimming season. We have a mini meet with our group before Christmas and in the Spring, I do training for that primarily from September-May. Hopefully I can bike some though the Winter this year. I think I just don't have the proper clothing. Now I have lights, which I didn't have last year during those shorter days. I guess I need a good set of gloves to start with. Probably fenders I am thinking.
Don't forget the USA Pro Challenge race is going on in Colorado this week.
@ Roberto, Flagstaff or Tuscon not yet but when I go to San Diego I take my bike with me. When I go to Germany to visit family on vacation I use bikes from them.
@Jerry, drooling...
July 31, 2004, I broke my left kneecap. After the surgery, my doctor told me "No horses, no bikes". I still ride my horse (when it isn't too hot), but I've stopped riding bikes except on the trainer stand. The doctor DID approve my riding a TRIKE, however. I now have a TerraTrike, and love it! Many folks I know switched to help rehab an injury, and kept at it. Good luck, Christine, whatever happens.
@Roberto. Info on Denver's bike trails.
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http://tinyurl.com/4q4tlvd
@Christine, thinking about you, good luck tomorrow. A little bit of that Angels Envy certainly won't hurt.
@Jerry, I'd be content if I could find a nice 40-50 route through the Metro area without being out in the street too much. That would suit me in the winter. From what I've read there are miles of paved path. Is that accurate? And yes, we get "black ice" here in PA. Super dangerous.
@Rob, I bet the locals feel REALLY nippy in the mid-20's. Do you ever get up to Flagstaff or down to Tuscon to ride?
@Christine. I so sorry to about your knee. Hope your MRI turns out well and no surgery. I feel your pain about not riding. I told you, you did not have to take my place as the broken rider.
Roberto, there are times it gets mid 20's but usually just lower 30's but never snow or ice.
@Christine, this sounds like you will most likely need a repair. I've had two knee surgeries, the last one nearly 20 years ago. And things have obviously come a long way since then. Luckily, cycling is a good recovery exercise for this type of injury. Good luck! BTW, (and humor is how I deal with this type of stuff), you're lucky you're not a horse. Just sayin'...
@Rob, but it's a dry heat, right? LOL
Thanks for the link for the Winter Challenge. I joined it but don't forget, I live in Phoenix. I will hit 2000 points tomorrow yeaaaaaaa.
@Roberto. We have mostly sunny days in the Front Range. When it snows it is "usually" in the high 40's-50's the next day. So the snow melts quickly. One or two days. Occasionally we have snow and several days of cold weather. I have ridden in the mountains during the winter. Though to get dry mountain roads in the winter is not common. Even when it does melt off the mountain roads the snow melts and water runs across the road. Which can freeze and turn to ice. So every time you see water across the road you have to slow down in case it has a layer of ice under the water.
You won't believe this: I damaged my knee again this morning! I was going to work and, instead of sitting and pivoting into the car, I put my right leg in then pushed off on my left leg - habit. I discovered that pivoting on that leg was what was causing the problem. I could not move afterwards. I called husband and he came home and took me to the MD. Long story short (I know: too late) I've got an MRI scheduled for tomorrow at 7:30 AM. Anyone want to start a pool on whether or not I end up with surgery? I miss riding my bike...a lot.
From what I understand the NBC is alot of effort. The sponsors are appreciated, maybe more of them will kick in over time. I can see this theme growing. I certainly hope it does. Thanks League of American Bicyclists too!
Ok, joined the winter challenge since I ride all winter why not? But, do you have to have a subscription to Edomondo to join or is it like the NBC-open to all?
@Pamela in Charlotte-yea, it never stops raining here. 5 days now. I still ride though.
@Jerry, I gave my hybrid and early version Trek mountain bike away too. D'oh. Still here in eastern PA, winter usually doesn't mean much in the way of snow cover. Of course, by winter I hope to be living in your neck of the woods. Does Denver stay pretty clear of snow most of the winter?
Joined the Winter Challenge. I won't be able to ride when it snows. I should have kept my hybrid bike.
Hey, Winter Challenge, count me in!
Seems to me if you don't like the setup here, move on. I appreciate the work and dedication it takes to put on the NBC. Thanks to all who make this possible.
@Marty, thanks, I'm now tied with you for the Winter challenge.
@J Hugh - There are rules. They are just stated more precicely for that particular topic in the FAQs. I'm sure we've all seen things at work or other places that are stated one way in one place and summarized or paraphrased incorrectly in another. It is a National Bike Challenge, just one that is set-up a little bit differently than you or other people might have. When they set it up they wanted to be more inclusive than exclusive, and that inclusiveness is based on workplaces.
Just came back from a short ride after converting my clincher wheels into tubeless. Hope this works well. Will have to see how long the sealant lasts in this Arizona heat.
What I posted was copied off the site. So there are no rules. Then its not a National Bike Challenge, its just a bike challenge. Sort of misses the point. Maybe we should recruit the fablous Fernado and his zillion miles. Then there are all those Euro guys who have ridden over 15,000 already. I bet we could claim 20 mill that way.
@Cycling Roberto - There is a Winter Challenge on Endomondo, going from November 1st to May 15th, starting and finishing at 3:00 a.m. While it is not the NBC, it still will be fun!
Right now, I am in 6th place, but also tied with everyone else with zero points.
How about a Winter NBC? No need to hang up the bike in October. Gives us cold weather cyclists something to do.
There should be bonus points for biking in the rain. It's been rainy here a alot! I'm in Charlotte NC.
I did my first race ever yesterday...the Race the Lake, an almost 90 mile ride around Lake Winnebago in Wisconisn. Didn't quite know what to expect but had a great time. I love riding in the "peleton." It REALLY makes a difference. For the first two hours, my wave was averaging just under 25 mph, which is faster than I have ever gone over such a distance. I bonked around mile 65 for about 15 miles, but caught onto the fast group of the wave behind mine and came in strong. Ended up at 4:01:08, a time I am very please with (22.1 mph). Of course, now I HAVE to do it again to see if I can get it under 4 hours. August 2014 won't get here fast enough for me...a nice way to head in my "Double nickels" birthday next month. (BTW, not everyone went at such a pace, but I think the vast majority of folks had lots of fun...do try to get a group ride in as they can really be fun. I probably waited too long, but better late than never.)
Ok, so I just killed my post. Sunday was canoeing and today was two rides. One to have lunch with my son and his GF. Saw a rider going the wrong way riding on the shoulder, this morning and managed to say "OVER THERE" and point across the road and yell "YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO RIDE OVER THERE." I got kind of a sleepy startled look back.
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@ Christine, sending good vibes your way and a HUG! You are due for some serious good luck! Maybe you should set up a way for us to make contributions to your new bike!
PS, congrats to the Omaha group for what sounds like a fun ride and a great activity for the kids!
@J Hugh - In the FAQs, they have, "The Challenge is open to all persons who either live in the US or work for an organization with US employees." as the answer or partial answer to questions #2 & #12. While the wording from the prize program and the FAQs aren't quite the same, the real intent of the prize program is the same as listed in the FAQs, because there were 3 prize winners in each of the first three months who don't live in the U.S. (Although, I didn't see a prize winner from New Mexico.) ;c]
http://www.bicycling.com/fallclassic
Here is another opportunity for a nice ride. I think I may try to overcome my trepidation and register for this one. No official points though, as it falls in October.
All Challenge participants that reside in the United States are automatically entered into the prize program.
Participants accumulate points each day they ride at least 1 mile
Point totals are carried over into each new month of the Challenge.
You are eligible for prizes as soon as you reach the Bronze point level. The prize value increases as you achieve higher point levels.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of each month for prize levels Bronze, Silver and Gold, and at the end of the Challenge for Platinum and Diamond.
There will be over 300 prizes distributed throughout the four prize levels.
All you need to do is ride and enter your miles!
Participants are eligible to receive no more than one prize per month.
Notice the first rule. people from other lands can play, but they can not win a prize.
@Paul-I like your profile picture. Hope you don't mind but I printed it for my "motivational" collage.
Recreational trails are just like roads in that you must consider time and day and day of the week. You must choose wisely to increase your safety. There is no training for using these kinds of trails so most people are just clueless because they are out to have a good time. What I learned in the park service was that people check their brains when they go to the park far too often. Blowing up at them does not help at all, but explaining does over the long haul spread the word. Nice manors Paul P. Great attitude.
I live right across the street from the midpoint of an 8 mile multi use path. I use it mostly as a cool down at the end if my rides, so I am usually fulky decked in "serious" cyclist gear. I make it a point to call out brfore oassing, say thank yous, and only go fast enough to maje the pass. I immediately fall into the far right of the path after doing so, and stay at my reduced speed for a bit and gradually accelerate to not give the appearance of speeding iff. Its all methodical and intentional, not just because its proper etiquette, but I hope tgat if folks see'serious' cyclist behave on tgat manner, they eill see and learn from tge example set .
@laurie and others re: oblivion on the path...so so soooooo many times I have been tempted to get theitr attention with a dousing from my water bottles.
@Laurie - Wise choice. Just keep going, 'cause you don't know what level of crazy somebody might be at on any given day.
When I ride the trails, I do so fully expecting to have to go slower. To be perfectly honest, the only people that really bug me are the ones that give me a dirty look or make a comment when I alert them of my intention to pass. Whether they are in the way or not, I alert them as a courtesy and because it says so on the signs ;) That "I'm not in your way" look is worse than having to wait for someone to pull their dog out of the way.
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I agree with Roberto though, the oncoming cycling gangs always seem to think that they have right of way and apparently think that I'm going to move. They always move over eventually once they realize that I'm not about to hit the grass.
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I pass people wearing earbuds all the time, most of them give a wave or move slightly to the right so I know they heard me. I don't mind if people listen to music "at a reasonable volume" while exercising, I do the same. I seldom do while riding though, mainly because the wind noise drowns it out. While the signs say to be courteous and alert when passing, none of them say to be courteous and acknowledge when you've been alerted, so quite often you just have to assume the people know and be ready to brake.
Search the web for Marek Dittmann. Apparently he's in the America's doing a cycling sojourn from Canada to points in South America before returning home to Poland.
Now you know why I don't use the recreational paths unless I have no choice. The real kicker is that the bicyclist is liable for everything as the pedestrian has the right-of-way. Sorry for your bad experiences with them, Laurie.
Regarding this morning's comments about slow vs. fast, one of my biggest peeves is people using earbuds. I've been behind joggers who don't seem to hear me call out that I'm passing, so I cautiously stay behind and to the left of them until I'm reasonably sure they aren't going to weave to the left as I'm passing them. What took the cake last night was a woman walking 2 large dogs. Her dogs were spread across the entire recreational path, and she was wearing earbuds which prevented her from hearing me. I had to ride in the grass to avoid her dogs. I was so tempted to stop and discuss the issue with her, but I just kept on biking until I cooled off about it.
@ Burklee, thank you!
@Laurie - Nice profile about you and your son. That's a good picture of him!! You have good reason to be so proud.
@Greg J - Anyone can join the NBC. (With so few challenges out there like this one, why not let anyone in who wants to have fun?) Having said that, if someone wants to win a prize, they can live outside of the U.S., but they would have to work for a company that also has a U.S. workforce. (And, if you are just curious, why did you capitalize every letter of National? Don't you think that he is a citizen of a Nation?)
@Greg J. - Marek Dittman is from Poland. He must work for an American company, or a company which has locations here.
Just curious: The number 1 rider in the NATIONAL Bike Challenge hasn't specified his community. Does he even live in the U.S.?
Charity ride section is an awesome idea!
@Gregg-your a machine. lol Nice diamond!
I hit Diamond when I was in Niagara Falls last week. Race the Lake yesterday was a great end to a nice vacation. But I don't think the Race the Lake course is quite 90 miles because my Garmin watch tracked me with 87.64 miles. Unfortunately, I can't boast that my feet never touched ground this year on the course because our wave 3 got stopped by a train in Oshkosh for about 3 minutes, so I got a 3 minute rest. lol There was a difference of about 3 minutes from my bike computer to my Garmen watch because the time on my bike computer stops recording time when I am not pedaling. So my chip time was 3:35, but we are going to have our times adjusted and with the adjustment I finished with an average speed of 25 mph. This was incredible and was a new record for me. I shaved 15 minutes from my time last year and the highest average speed in the race was 26.5. I finished just 11 minutes after the overall top male rider.
@Nyla and @Mike: what a great idea to have a separate "charity" category! We'll definitely look at that for next year's Challenge. Keep these awesome suggestions coming!
For anyone interested:
http://www.vacreepertrail.com/index.html
@ Nyla: I second your idea about asking NBC to add a new ride catagory for CHARITY. There many, many charity rides that all of us participate in. Having these miles officially seperated from our transport, sport, and mountain bike miles would show how many riders do such events.
How about NBC Officials???
@Michael-gosh you were busy this weekend. No, though. I don't think that classifies as a 2000 ft (15 mile) descent on an old gravel rail trail in the VA mountians. Working to plan a trip but I wanted to know if anyone has done it to find out how it was and some other logistical concerns. The total trail is 34 miles. The other 14/15 miles is a regular trail Crosses many old trestle bridges.
@Mike-that's pretty good. Also, neat you got to meet a lot of the people you are in touch with on Endo. What fun.
@Cynthia, I pulled some Virginia Creeper from my garden yesterday. Does that count?
I have to use a rear view mirror. I have been using it for many years. I do keep my eyes to the front and I also look back in the mirror when I need too. I try to be intent on listening as well. I tried to not use a mirror and just look behind me. It just doesn't work and I have no confidence in taking my eyes from the road and turning to look behind me. If you use a mirror it only takes a glance back in it to see a vehicle coming up from behind. Aren't you taking your eyes off the road whether you turn to look behind you or use a mirror? It's a truly personal thing along with comfort level.
Has anyone out there done The Virginia Creeper Trail?
Good morning NBC riders!! How was your weekend? Mine was full of many hours and many miles in the saddle... just as I like it!
On Sat we had our first (and should I dare say annual) NBC Social Ride for the Omaha, NE area. We met 27 of our fellow riders face-to-face for the first time. It was good being able to put a face to the name we see so often on the local Endo pages. All riders donated multiple boxes of granola bars, energy bars, fruit bars, etc. to benefit the organization Bicycle Riders Against Gangs and Guns (BRAGG). Use this link to learn more about BRAGG and how you can start a chapter in your local area (bragg-usa.org/).
On Sun I logged lifetime century ride #37 and 2013 century ride #6; logging 108 miles with a 15.5 mph average. The strong south wind beat down my overall avg on the last half of the ride. But I got it done!!
Next weekend will be truly epic when I attempt to ride a 150 mile gravel road race on Sat: then the next day I will ride a 105 mile road race. This will be my first attempt at completing back-to-back century rides so wish me strength and endurance to knock it out of the park!!
@Roberto, no s-storm from me; different strokes, you know? Since I commute in downtown Reading, I feel that need the mirror to supplement head-turning. It helps me know who's coming up behind/aside of me with just a minumum of attention taken from what's in front. Unlike many drivers, I was taught--and still do--look far ahead so I can anticipate what the knuckleheads down the road may do. Trust me, though, I do still turn my head and make eye contact with drivers when necessary. As for my reaction to the spider, he/she just caught me totally by surprise. After 40 years of camping and backpacking in Scouting, I'm not afraid of them, it just wasn't expected ON MY BIKE!!!
@Michael, I am against rear view mirrors (I know, here comes another s-storm) for cyclists. Distracts you from what's in front of you. And on trails, very few people pass me. On the road, I think turning my head to see the car gives the motorist the message that I see them. I don't have headlights because I never ride after dark. BTW, you and my son have the same reaction to spiders. He turns 30 this month, but he returns to a little boy at the sight of an arachnid.
@ Ray, I didn't see the link for the article, but I have plenty of experience with varied speed riders. I am one of the slower ones (yes it's quite possible to ride 8-12 mph without falling over). Sometimes I pass other riders, and sometimes other riders pass me. No issues there for anyone, at least in my part of the world. There is a popular trestle bridge crossing a lake, that usually has lots of walking, jogging, skateboarding, and bike traffic on it. Even the fastest riders know they have to slow down across the bridge in order to share it responsibly -- they can always resume their usual speed on the streets just beyond the bridge.
@Christine - So sorry to hear about your fall & doctor's appointment. Sending good thoughts you way. Consider yourself hugged!!
@Jerry - Glad you're feeling better and getting back out there. I may ride in next year's Tour De Cure, if I remember to sign up. I'm not good at asking people to donate, though I know it's a good cause.
Speaking of donations, Lincoln Bike Kitchen is now a 501(c)3 organization!!!! We're very excited. We're having our Grand Opening Celebration on September 7th, in case any of you will be in Lincoln. Games (yes, including a slow bike race), food, music, and a raffle. Anyone who will be in Lincoln then is welcome to join in the fun at 1st & Garfield, noon to whenever on September 7th!!
@Ray and @Roberto, I've learned to use my headlights on flash even on trails; lets even the most clueless people know you're there. Mirrors also alert you to the faster cyclists coming up behind you.
@Cynthia, Charlotte only got about three blocks; not enough to log!
@Cynthia - Spider is tandem rider and only counts as one ride. lol
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@Ray - I have great balance. I don't fall over standing still on my bike. Waiting for school to start to do real riding. In town, yes speed is 8mph - lots of stop signs and such. I Wear spandex because it is just common sense. Multiuse trails - try going early in the morning before the slower people are out of the house if practical, only a suggestion. Peace.
@Jerry, he's lucky I had a heart and didn't smush him on the road. He almost caused me to wreck; scared the heck out of me!
@Ray, agree completely. Another annoying item is when you are approaching a group (read gang) of cyclists coming in the opposite direction taking up the entire trail. Do they think I can fly over them? I've had people look so startled I was sure they were going to crash when they realized they were cycling straight into me coming right at them. I always alert anyone I'm passing, and I never pass unless I can do so safely.
Interesting WSJ article, but a bit offensive to those of us who actually ride for fitness and/or wear spandex for reasons other than trying to look like a hardcore cyclist. My riding faster than average on the trail may annoy the slower people, but that doesn't make it any worse than the significantly larger number of slow people annoying the faster people. I did 4 "laps" of a section of one of the local trails yesterday and dealt with countless slower people, I always alerted them of my intent to pass and slowed beforehand. Was I "dangerously flying by" people? I'm sure a few of them would say so, but I'm not about to dismount and walk my bike to pass in order to appease them. The walkers think the joggers are going too fast, the joggers the runners, everyone the cyclists. At one point yesterday, I was stuck behind an older and apparently hard of hearing gentleman who was weaving left and right taking up the entire trail. I yelled and rang the bell a few times, weaved back and forth to try to get his attention in the mirror he never looked in, but he never reacted, luckily I was able to creep by him after he stopped weaving as we approached an oncoming runner. I politely passed everyone and even slowed to engage in small talk with parents of young out of control cyclists to make sure they knew that I wasn't going to race by their children. Long story short, I utilized the trail the way the vast majority of people do, with a lot of give & take, yet I'm sure plenty of people would say that I was a crazy spandex-clad wannabe-Olympian speeding down the trail with no regard for anyone else.
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Average speed 8-10mph? How do you not fall over? :D
@ Michael. I can't believe you destroyed that poor spiders home. And then you take him away and abandon him out on the road. Poor homeless spider.
@Michael-did the spider log his miles in? lol
@Michael - Funny story! I too have family responsibilities calling me. There is much to do for a mom getting her son ready for school. Trying to get him in the habit of going to bed sooner, now that's a tough one.
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My husband had is bike fixed and rode two times this weekend. Yesterday he went out riding with me, and I promptly got dropped. Oh well, road down to the local park and picked up part of the Summer concert by going around and around the park area. Its not a big park, but the music was good.
@Christine - Have a great day!
After 20 happy years of marriage, my wife still says my butt looks good in spandex. My daughter's feelings, however; that's a different story!
Left a little time in my commute this morning to ride down to the grocery store to get cat food. And yes, it is very easy to bungee cord a box of 24 cans to your back rack, and continue with 2 full panniers! Oh Yea-I just love it.
Tonight I have to run errands after work I can't wait. To be on my wheels doing these things is such a feeling of freedom. This too is why I ride.
One more thing-Walgreen's and CVS have both left me messages that they are considering putting bike racks at their stores. They both also offered the opportunity to park my bike in their stores until a decision is made to install them. Wahoo!!!
Now-just have to contact the doctors offices, the bank and the Food Lion
This mornings commute was another amazing trip of thankfulness and peace.
There was a thick haze settled in the pines and the palms. The herons and egrets blurred creatures as you could barely see their figures through the mist. The sun struggled to shine its rays and the always stillness and quietness as I passed through the lake and the marshes was so loud you could only hear it whispering "Good Morning", it's a beautiful day. Ride on with peace and happy Monday to all.
Nice job, all, on your long rides this weekend. I unfortunately spent Saturday in retail therapy with the wife and 14-year-old daughter. Back to school shopping. Yesterday had to be a catch-up day at home; too much to get done and not enough time to do it.
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That said, I went out to unlock my bike this morning and it had this HUGE spider web between the seat, handlebars, front wheel and crank. Got rid of it, packed up and left. Sure enough, about three blocks away, I found a stowaway. Big spider, scared the $#!* out of me, crawling across the handlebars straight to my thumb! Stopped, looked at him (he was actually neat looking!), convinced him to stay on the curb, and went on my way.
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@Christine, you're in my thoughts; hope your recovery goes better.
@ Travis-Ray-Robert-way to go! Robert caught his Diamond!
Great job Travis!
First time doing 60mi in one day. Two rides but still an accomplishment for me.
After not biking yesterday (the first day I've taken off in over 3 months) I was back in the saddle this evening with a lovely 26 mile ride. And... I have only 1601 points to go to hit Diamond. I think I might actually get it :)
@Robert, great job!
DId Race the Lake today (88 miles around Lake Winnebago, WI in 4:14:30) and finished diamond. What a day!
I was all excited to hit bronze today, but I guess they fixed that bug.
But somehow I just don't remember the flat tires.
@Christine. Sorry to hear you are not doing better. I was wondering how you were doing since we had not heard from you. We will keep you in our prayers. Keep us posted on your progress.
one of the best things I did a few years back was to start using a gps cycling computer. I started slowly just finding the mileage and time way more accurate, As I got in better shape, I started at 300 #, I wore out my first bike. As the years have passed I have added monitoring my heart, and working my cadence to try to maximize my fitness riding. Several times a year I go on tours as a reward for the fitness and mileage goals. So many great places have appeared as I go along the roads. So many great shared adventures.
@Cynthia, love riding in the rain. My daily goal is at least 40 miles. I do not take the same route every day. But I've covered every road within a very large radius of where I live. My friends call me the human GPS. Lately, it's been trails as well as the road. The one trail I ride most often is a 40 mile out and back. One way to get good at changing tires is to take an old wheel and tire and just repeat the process for practice purposes. I change all my new tires myself. I used to feel incompetent about tires, so I decided to practice until it was no big deal.
Fixing flats aren't the time taker. It's the "oh why me, why now" crap before fixing the flat that takes all the time.
@ Christine thought about you on my ride...sending hugs, prayers and good karma your way.
@Nyla-yes, your experiences would make one good at fixing flats! After today I can say those experts are truly impressive. I am sure a LBS Owner has changed more tubes and tires, etc than any of us could ever imagine. They are wizards, its what they do.
@Roberto-yes, You Tube has some excellent vidoes on changing flats. I have watched them and I can change a tube, it takes awhile only because I have only ever had to do it twice. I have been very fortunate. So not having to do it often enough makes it a slow process. You go on that 40 miles in the rain. That is work indeed. Been down that road. But still a great feeling to rise to the occasion. Do you take the same 40 mile route everyday?
Cynthia: The experts, (amateur and pro) , are truly impressive.- Had a major blowout 3 miles into Day 3 of MS TRAM…”Ride Marshall Steve” rolled up within seconds, patched the tube without removing the wheel..adding my dollar bill to the tire. Rode a few more miles to Rest Stop 1 for lightning fast replacement of both tube and tire by support guy from “Bicycle Chain” . Welcome contrast to customary solitary endeavors, although by necessity I’ve become fairly proficient at tire changes after unprecedented number of flats in 2011…(well into double digits, involving four different bikes). but I can still change a car tire faster …and “pinch flats” aren’t an issue
(-;)
@Christine, I hope you are feeling better soon.
@Jerry, really? Change a flat in under 10 minutes. Tons of advice on YouTube. Kudos on your return to cycling.
I got in 40 miles in the rain. Missed being on the LiveStrong Challenge today. Considering the Austin event in October.
@ Peter j Feyen- grew up ( ha ha ) in Mi. born in Ann Arbor (go blue) and H.S. in Battle Creek dad had a cabin just below the bridge and have many good memories of the U P . even had a scholarship offer to NMU, but when I went for a visit in feb. you could walk up to the second floor dorm rooms via snow banks . NO go U there!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I so want to attempt the RTL next year, and I think after this year's progress I could accomplish it.
Christine: healing thoughts, prayers, vicarious hugs all emphatically yours, wish I had more tangible supprort to offer. Stay connected and let us know how you are.
@Christine-big hug to you-and yes, your lack of presence was noticed. Keep us posted-you sound like a strong woman, may that carry you through this.
@Karen-you have snowy egrets there? There are very plentiful here. You see them every day and every where here. Awesome birds.
@Jerry-right?! I can change a flat but I can relate too-it takes me a while. I felt so fortunate-I think there will be a six pack at his bike shop steps with a little thank you card. lol
@Cynthia. I need someone like your bike shop owner for when I have flats. It takes me a while to fix a flat.
Hi, all. Not doing so great. While doing some careful walking on Friday, my knee gave out on me and I went down *hard*. It took me a good half hour to get up (I was alone at the time), and I'm back to where I was on Monday…perhaps even a little further back.
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Also, while at the MD on Thursday, I mentioned something that happened on 8/7 and was told I had a TIA, sometimes called a mini-stroke. I've got appointments for four different test in the upcoming week. I wasn't going to bore y'all with all that, but I felt I needed to explain my absence over the last couple and next few days.
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I could use some supportive prayers if you are so inclined. This is more than a physical hit as our medical insurance deductible is $8K!!! I'm afraid that other bike may have to be put off longer than a few months. I'm off to cry in my beer. Hugs all around.
Did I mention the egret was white? HA HA
Carl: Thanks for sharing that smile-eliciting, completely relatable link (-: I’m glad the Bike Challenge provides opportunities to support and celebrate all kinds of cyclists and cycling. Apart from the addition of a helmet, my fundamental approach has remained fairly consistent since kidhood: Get on and pedal-- fast or slow as wind, terrain and spirit incline…inhale deeply…listen closely….look around..laugh out loud at sudden raindrops; pause to explore along the way; Savor the sheer wind-in-face exhilarated glee of the unrestricted downhill glides…. STOP for ice cream ….ENJOY the RIDE!
Have to share my nature moment for the day. Caught a snowy white egret sleeping on a park bench with his head tucked under his wings, as it was lightly raining. He looked like a perfect white feathery white teardrop and didn't budge when I circled him into the park to take a better look.
So much fun to read through all these weekend posts! Had 10 pages to catch up on. Great for a Sunday afternoon when just chillin.
@Jerry-so happy for your milage with Tour De Cure. As I was reading your post I was also happy to see you did not take the 50 mile route. No doubt this ride was a great way to get back in the saddle, be with good people and also help a good charity.
Had a great ride with local bike group this morning! It was supposed to be a leisurely ride and it wound being an out and out road trip. Some of the 15 riders were not prepared for that and didn't have enough fluids with them. Of course a pit stop at a little local store fixed that. I caught a flat. My tire picked up a roofing nail and it punctured right through tire and tube and made a horrible blow out sound. Everyone heard it blow. I get flats so rarely, I was prepared to change my flat myself and kind of looking forward to it just to get the experience. But, before I could even get the sigh out, the whole group stopped with me and one of the riders was our local bike shop owner-he flipped the bike over and had the tire off, tube changed (without barely removing the tire) and skillfully and deftly had my tube replaced in literally the blink of an eye. I was so amazed and then thankful. He used a dollar bill to "patch" the whole in my tire. I believe members of this forum had spoke about this before. It was great to see it in action. I love being part of a group like this. Where you are so supported. I am more than fortunate to ride with such a great group of people. So we headed back out on the road and not but another 1/2 mile and someone elses tire blew. Our super hero bike shop owner was at again and in no time we were on our way. Will bring the wheel in for a tire replacement and the bike shop owner will get his dollar back. lol.
34.33 miles and my average speed was 13.4. Not to bad. But would have like to be a little faster.
The rain here has been horrible! Friday night commute home left me soaked thru and the rain continued through yesterday early afternoon. My rain gauge is overflowing at the 4" mark.
My first week back on the bike. Last Saturday
3.1 miles
+39 feet
13 min
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Last week
129.4 miles
+7,292 feet
9 hours 42 min
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It is great to be back on the bike again.
My kind of riding, really. I know it seems unethical for most of the people in the challenge, but.. the real idea is fun. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324823804579012611353639956.html
Putting on some mileage in the UP but with the Thursday Fry Party, Friday after Golf Party( I didn't golf, just partied ) , Saturday Extravanza IV Party and getting ready for the Sunday ( name less right now ) Party. First time in my retirement that I went to four parties in a row!
Enticing, fragrantly breezy sunny Sunday...Perfect for a ride to the dairy and rationalizing final summer fling ice cream indulgence before heading back into long tunnel of work/school/study and entirely too much driving tomorrow. Carpe Diem!
http://www.thevelodrome.com/ - This links for you Jerry if it works, if not, just remember I have been a partial stay at home mom for fourteen years.
Oh yeah, that new yogurt store in my hometown is called Mixies not Mixes. Frozen yogurt is not on my diet, but if I can bribe my son to ride his bike, I may stop in for his sake after the ride.
@Wayne - sounds like a fun ride. My uncle lives in Summers Point, and he is not doing well physically. I have been trying to convince my family to spend the day in Sommers Point NJ to enjoy his company and visit the NJ shore. If I get to go, I will definitely make them pack my bike. (I hate driving the "Sure Kill" Expressway to NJ.)
@jerry I'm with Leonard. Mine was 45.22. Get with it. Ride to your recovery.
Props to the City of Ocean City NJ for putting in a bike/pedestrian path on the causeway to Summers Point NJ. One awesome ride this morning...11.7 miles.
@Jerry,
That just means it's time for you to go for another ride :-)
BTW Mine says 50.14 50.14 Gotta love those early morning rides - no 0 0
On no. The 0 0 display is back that I have been seeing all summer.
Today is the LiveStrong Challenge in Philly. Thanks to all who ride to fight cancer. This is my first time in 7 years not riding.
@Laurie - You can do it.
@Jerrie - I got the date wrong, the riders are coming on Sept. 14th. The lady in charge has yet to email me info on helping. I am going to try and email her now to ask about helping again. If all else fails, I can just head on down to Philly for the day and take pictures. I am looking forward to participating any way I can.
@Marty - What would my day be like without your sense of humor? BORING. I love my hometown, I don't mind being a walking billboard for it. I will have to paste green mango shavings in my hair and dot it with curry paste croutons for the Halloween Parade, while I ride my bike in a T-Town T-shirt, tow a Bicycling Magazine/ Rodale cart, and have Armetta's pizza boxes attached to my wheels and Mixes cones as the hubs. What do you think? :)
Wow.... missed one day of biking, now I need to ride an extra mile every day if I want to find my Diamond. Sigh.........
So much contagious enthusiasm and so many shared experiences here regarding participation in rides raising money for a wide range of worthy and personally meaningful causes. I wish Endomondo offered a “charity/fundraising” designation in addition to “sport, transport and mountain” . Would be interesting and potentially motivating to track the thousands of miles pedaled with such commitment.
@Karen Jean - If they're peddling exotic salads, you should get them to join the NBC! They could get 20 points for serving daily, and a point for every green curry paste crouton.
@Michael, thanks.
I was in charge of hosting my family reunion today, so was busy from early morning to evening with it. Then went for a couple of miles walk to unwind afterwards :)
@Laurie. It's not too late. You still have a couple of hours left.
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You do what feels right. If you need a day off you take it. Riding is supposed to be enjoyable. Forcing yourself to ride when you don't want to is not neccesary. But as a note, sometimes I don't want to ride when it is cold. But once I start I enjoy the ride. But if I started riding and it was not enjoyable I would not force myself to continue.
Today is the first day I have not biked since Mother's Day. What is wrong with me?
Here you go Karen.
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Ride to Recovery - Please help out vets.
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https://ride2recovery.com/
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https://ride2recovery.com/event.php
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All you do Karen is copy the link in your browser and paste it in the comment section here. Highlight the link. Ctrl-C to copy. Ctrt-P to paste.
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Not sure which link you wanted. Hope one of these is it.
@Roberto, we know your miles are real. Don't sweat it!
Glad it went well for you today, @Jerry. I spent today with the wife and 14 year old daughter partaking in retail therapy at King of Prussia Mall and Philadelphia Premium Outlets. 'Spensive...
Hey all, talking about lights, I am practicing riding my bike at night. I love the Fall smells beginning to show the change of season, especially the fire pit wood burning smells coming from the back yards as people enjoy the cool, but still pleasant Summer evenings outside. And, the great metropolis of Emmaus has those quaint hot spots open after 9:00 at night. You can go to Armetta's for pizza and beer, the new Mixes, (No not alcoholic beverages, they would be referring to Yogurt.) and the Thai, Thai House, my personal favorite that peddles the best exotic salads I ever ate.
@Jerry, careful, somebody might accuse you of cheating.
@Jerry - I have been very busy today helping out a family member, just now realized your ride was today. I am glad it went well. Charity rides are always the most fun, I think. We have the Minuteman Challenge going on in Philly Sept. 15. I am hoping to help hand out refreshments for the people crossing the finish line. Maybe you can make a link for me at ride2recovery.com (I don't know how, I have tried to figure it out twice.) The team from our National Guard in Horsham is participating. I am hoping that I will have a better bike next year and be able to join them.
And just for clarification, I wasn't serious about the 50 miles. But I could not resist teasing them about it. As I said 50 is 50. Who cares about miles vs kilometers.
Recipe for a perfect ride:
- 27 cyclists and friends for a morning's ride
- A wagon full of nutritional snacks for young students/cyclists, plus cash. (Thanks!)
- A loopy trip around Council Bluffs
- Cross the Missouri, twice
- Smile and have lots of fun
- Post-ride cafe for coffee, pastries, and other treats
- Mix well, at 15mph
- Go home when done\\\\\Think about making this an annual ride Saturday, before the CCC. And what, pray tell, should this ride be called? What could possibly precede the CCC. Why the BBB, of course: the BRAGG Bike Bonanza. Or some other name. ////Thanks Lowell and Miah for working with the children. \\\\Thanks Mike for the meet&greet idea, Carrie for the route, and all the cyclists for their contributions and safe riding.
http://omahabikes.org/get-involved/b-r-a-g-g-is-on-the-lookout-for-positive-mentors-who-can-share-their-passion-for-trail-running-and-riding/
just logged my most fun mile of this challenge: riding up and down the street on my new drift trike (aka adult big wheel). actually catch air hitting the speed bumps on the downhill :)
Congrats Jerry, your bones and your family and friends will thank you for taking it easy this time. ENJOY!
Congratulations Jerry! and Thanks for describing your ride, which registers at every level as a Celebration- of cause, company, commitment, setting, support system of family and friends, event itself, and your own ongoing recovery and consistently inspiring spirit. Carpe Diem! Keep rolling along and sharing the view
(-:
Well, my new NightRider 550 just arrived. I at least have a great headlight for visibility at night! My nightrighter .5 is a great blinker for daylight. 20 miles this morning before going to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. We have another fund raiser for our Bike MS accounts and I work tonight and tomorrow. I will have to squeeze in a few miles somehow. Congrats Jerry. Glad you had such a great time. The 50 will have to wait for next year.
@Jerry,
WAY TO GO!!! Glad you had a good ride. Afraid I have to agree with those that didn't want to turn left and extend the ride to 50 MILES. You will get there sooner than you think. Take your time, you are out riding on a regular basis now, the last thing you want to do is to mess something up and have to stay off the bike for another month or more.
Good info on lights for bikes http://bikinginla.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/guest-post-a-review-of-high-intensity-rear-lights-for-improved-safety-day-or-night/
way to go Jerry.
@Jerry, just for a breath of fresh air, big kudos on your recovery and accomplishment. Takes guts to get back "on the horse." Chapeau!
@Roberto That is an interesting article. Living in the city and being surrounded by lights I know that it's sometimes difficult to notice a bike unless its light is blinking, though I could see how it may be unwise in a rural area that has little to no light at night. If drunk drivers like blinking lights maybe we should install them into the road so they can safely make their way to the police station:D
First anybody who's lame enough to think I would waste my time inventing mileage is really reaching. Second, I don't have to prove anything to anyone, including some know it all people who think they invented cycling. Finally, I hope the moderators of this board take into consideration a feature that would allow members to block other members who insist on this type of behavior. I thought this community was about cycling, not beating on one's chest. Cheating, that's a real joke. Seems someone is feeling guilty, maybe?
This is the kind of harassment I'm talking about: A private post to my workout page from J Hugh whatzhisname:
"I've delete my comments at your request. At least I don't make up rides."
Get a grip.
I had a great ride today in the Tour de Cure for diabetes. I only did the 50k (32 miles) due to my injuries. I am trying to be smart about my bicycle riding as I recover. I rode with Taryn, her husband David, Taryn’s sister, Kelsey, and her mother-in-law. It was a nice relaxing ride as they ride slower than I do. Which forced me to take it easy during the ride. It was great to get to visit with all of them and get to know them better on the ride. Great weather for the ride. Light overcast and not too hot.
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When we came to County Road 8 I suggested we turn left instead of right and make it a 50 mile ride instead of a 50k ride. No one thought that was a good idea. hmm. Taryn told me Karen would kill her if she allowed me to ride 50 miles today.
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The highlight of the ride was Taryn conquering her nemeses hill on 95th street. Taryn has never made it up this hill without stopping. I told her today was her day to conquer the hill. She did great. We rode up the hill together. Keep encouraging her to keep going and not give up. Congratulations Taryn for conquering your hill. Now you are ready for Jamestown.
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After the ride lunch and visiting with many of the other riders. The Tour de Cure is my favorite ride of the year. I really enjoy the ride and all the people who make it a great ride. From the volunteers to the riders. Thanks to my wife Karen for taking me to the fairgrounds, taking photos, letting me ride, and for being a fantastic wife.
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Thanks to everyone here for your support. I had a blast today doing this ride.
Yeah, thats worth bragging about too!
How about a chain ring grease stain on the face? LOL
Hi all, squeezed in a ride today between this and that around lunchtime. Temps in the 70s and the wind was coming in from the east at a rate that was even faster than yesterday. There were so many riders out on Clayton Road today that it made me think there might have been some kind of organized ride going on. I was glad to see them. Thoughts are with Jerry today, hopin' the tour goes well.
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@ Shawn, yes you have earned bragging rights for those scratches. Glad the bike is okay too. The other way to earn bragging rights is to get grease stains on your jersey that are in the pattern of the chain ring. LOL
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RIDE ON YA'LL AND RIDE SAFE!
64 miles by road bike done for organized charity bike ride. Had to take a detour due to a non-cyclist related fatal accident. The detour forced us to ride on a gravel road where I wrecked... bike okay... im okay but scratched up a bit... battle scars to brag about, right?! :D Good ride tho!
It seems to ruffle the feathers of some members of this community should somebody posts something they don't entirely agree with. I was posting something that I thought would be worth considering. If you care to disagree, that's of course your choice. But to start insulting me with private messages is unacceptable. If you have something to say about me or anything I post, put it up HERE. I don't claim to be right all the time. I like to stimulate discussion and thought. End of story and rant.
@J Hugh, any more comments posted privately on my workout page will be deleted without reading. Grow up.
@Ray S - If you see a study that says the exact opposite, just hold it up to a mirror - it will be much easier to read.
20 million miles is slipping away. Yesterday at noon, we should have been at 14,000,000 if we wanted to be on pace to reach 20,000,000 by the end of the Challenge. After the July end-of-the-month bump put us on target to reach 19.2 million, we've slipped back and are now on pace to reach 18.7 million. Only you can prevent entropy. Sign someone else up. There's still time.
@Ray S - I read a study about that once...., or was it twice?
The problem with studies is, for every one that says one thing, there is another that says the exact opposite.
OK send Jerry energy, good thoughts, prayers, or white light to peddle without pain and in complete fun. He is obviously on a lot of minds and hearts today.
To clarify, the issue isn't that drivers don't see you, it's that impaired drivers ONLY see you, and fixate on you, and because of the narrow profile a cyclist offers, have trouble with distance and end up rear-ending you. NEVER said they can't see you; in fact, just the opposite. Also to compare the little tiny blinkie lights on bicycles to the strobes on emergency vehicles is laughable. And if you notice, the light rack on an emergency vehicle is the entire width of the vehicle. LOTS of lights. No comparison.
I can't wait to hear Jerrys report! Well, yesterday was sleep and lazy day for me. Unintentional but time got away from me. I did get the dogs petted and fed, some laundry done and actually ate a meal. Miracles never cease,a full 6 hours of sleep! Unfortunately something had to give so I only got in 11 miles and ended up late to work. Working late this morning to make it up. Looking for that lottery ticket... I did find a nickel and three pennies the other day...... it's a start.
Best of Luck, @Jerry!!
@Jerry,
Have a great ride for the Tour de Cure. Looking forward to seeing how the event goes.
Off to the Tour de Cure in the morning.
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Thanks to everyone for their support.
I've got an amber/yellow blinky on the back. Its round so makes me look like one of those construction signs on the highway that you are supposed to avoid. Wonder if there is any difference between yellow and red blinkys with respect to if people try to stay away or get closer. At any rate in Missouri we are constantly being reminded that we have to take the other lane to pass emergency vehicles that have stopped. You're supposed to do the same for any kind of vehicle that is stopped whenever possible. So maybe most people are trained to go around the flashy thingys. The electronic MODOT signs on the highway also remind us to watch for motorcycles. I would agree with Ray about the bikes and motorcycles. Every time I see one of those "Watch for motorcycles" signs I wish they would add two words: "AND BICYCLES"
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Ray. Nice bonus for your ride.
Years ago the California Hwy Patrol turned off there flashing lights after they pulled someone over because drunks would get target fixation on them. But I noticed the last time I was in California they now leave them on. I do not know why they changed their policy.
I use blinking strobe lights in front, and blinking red lights behind my seat, and I turn them both on from about an hour before dark until I get home. I also have an obnoxiously bright orange backpack that I usually wear. As far as I can tell, no drivers have ever had a problem seeing and avoiding me safely.
2 blink heads
3 tails- 2blink 1 steady ( steady is 3ed brake lite off an SUV )
2 - 1 red -1 yellow blink downward from rear dropout
all run off my 18 v rechargeable cordless drill batt:
and 1 green string lite wrapped the length of my flag ( flow: green & yellow ) pole my choice of 3 modes. my thought IF YOU GOTEM-USEM ANYWAY YOU FEEL LIKE. DONT GOTEM -GETEM...................
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I have no say on the blinking vs steady, except for the front btw.. Other than being on a BMX as a bike to ride distance (usually getting crap for it), lights usually get yells out windows just as much as the high seat post. Lights help people target me in laughter I guess. ..
hmm http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/74358303/blink-steady-the-bike-light-youve-been-waiting-for
http://www.mybikeadvocate.com/2011/06/should-you-flash-motorists-moth-effect.html
This is an article that makes a lot of since about lights, particularly for urban riders since its from an urban source.
The front light I keep constant. It hurts my eyes with the strobing. This is when it is real dark, not like in the city where it is pretty lit up in the streets where in the city the blinking I can't even notice it... I always have the rear blinking. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What I did see, was dump trucks with blinking lights in the rear that "speed up" when the truck hits the brakes. I seen a few motorcyclist have lights like this also. I want lights for my bike that do that. Rear lights anyway. That and turn signal lights, amber barend lights, or pedal lights. IMO plenty of improvements can be made in bike lighting. Standardization like with cars would be nice.
Read the article.
Not saying take your lights off. I'm saying flashing lights can cause target fixation which has been proven to be fatal to cyclists.
When they take the flashing lights off emergency vehicle and emergency warning I will take them off my bike. I am told frequently that my lights make me more visable and remind people I am there. Day or night it holds true where ever I ride. It was even true in france.
Sorry about that Jerry, it should work now... http://tinyurl.com/cvsrfrombike (others can watch it too, its a video, safe for work)
In regard to lights, flashing or blinking taillights have been found to cause target fixation and current advice is to run your lights steady rather than in blinking mode.
Read about it here:
http://www.bikede.org/2013/01/14/just-ride-chapter-19/
As someone that is well known for their 3:00am starts I will add my two cents worth to the comments about lights. I use three tail lights, all flashing - I've been told they are visible from well over a mile away. I use two headlights up front, one flashing and one steady at night then both flashing during daylight hours. During one of the local weekend bicycle fests held in Sebring the driver of our SAG vehicle told me he could see me coming from a couple miles away in the middle of the day. Lights are a definite safety factor for cyclists DAY and NIGHT!!!! (Side note: Ever notice the difference in your ability to spot cars during the daylight when they have daylight running lights?? I can spot those cars MUCH further away than I can cars that are driving without their light on during the daylight hours.....)
I haven't been liking certain times of the day for some reason. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/thatbmxguy/IMG_20130816_165614_zps4b8ddac8.jpg
@ Jerry, the old mechanical kind. Suppose I could hook the washer up to a bicycle and try getting some wash done that way. HA HA
@Cynthia. You mean the train or the real scenery?
@Ray. The video is listed as private. Can't see it.
@EM. I remember when washers did not need a brain.
Eat your hearts out. I am sitting here eating hot chocolate chip cookies I just pulled out of the oven.
@Roberto. Only when I just finished sprinting.
Hi all, out for a noonish ride. Quite windy today with temps. in the 70s. Funny everyone is talking about life interfering with cycling because I spent half my morning shopping for a new washing machine. The old one lost its brains. Guess I should have called the Wizard of OZ. LOL. Anyway I took a shortcut to save time and ended up on a road that was under construction. Bumpy as all get out, gave up and took to the sdewalk instead. Then I missed a turn in a neighborhood on the way home and ended up with an extra hill and an extra (s)mile since I got to go down as well as up (dead end). So true what was said earlier about people who work from home and retired people having more time to ride. Keep in mind that the NBC is not a race and keep the challenge at a comfortable pace for yourself. Its about challenging yourself, not neglecting your cats and dogs and (PU) laundry. But I do have an excuse to neglect mine for a couple of days until they deliver the new machine. DON'T TORTURE YOURSELF, ROLL ON BUT KEEP IT FUN!!
@Jerry, are you a mouth-breather? Just sayin'
Yesterday I was riding the safe greenway. A runner coming toward me decided to look at his wristwatch. While looking at his watch he swerved into my path. Fortunately for both of us I had slowed down. I definitely got his attention when I yelled at him.
It is hot here in Phoenix. Just did my 5 mile round trip to the bank and my Garmin temp reading hit 118.7 with all that heat coming off the black asphalt. Official temp so far is 109. Not really looking forward to my 15+ mile commute home. Fill my Camelbak to the rim with cold water and ice.
@Tammie. I would have eaten the bug but it was stuck. I could not swallow it or get it out. Stupid bug.
Oh, yuck on that bug Jerry. I hate when that happens. Or when a big one hits you in the face right under the lower part of your glasses.
I always have my lights on, front and rear of the bike. In fact, I have been told they are quite bright and very effective. I run them day or night-wherever and whenever I am riding. And...on either bike. Road or hybrid. They are on the bike, why not use them. The more visible you can make yourself is all the better.
I have a NiteRider Solas 2 watt tail light, that thing is blinding. An upgrade from my Planet Bike SuperFlash Turbo. Sometimes I will run both when I out really late, the Solas (rechargeable) on solid and the SuperFlash on, well, super flash. Up front my "see me" light is a basic Bell Dawn Patrol from Walmart, doesn't put out a lot of light, but is extremely bright. In the dark I have a NiteRider MiNewt 600 on the handlebars and before I broke the mounting ring, a MiNewt 300 on my helmet. I have spokelights on my hybrid, but they were annoying on my road bike as they very noticeably threw off the balance, never got around to trying to counterweight the opposite side.
@Ray - besides lights, I wear bright colors. No black jerseys or dark jackets for me. My jerseys are red, orange, and hi-vis yellow. My vest and rainjackets are high-vis yellow. My new helmet is a bright yellow Lazer. I try to stand out. My wife wanted me to festoon the bike with flowers and balloons, but I had to draw the line somewhere.
@ Ray - About the only time I don't use lights is on a large, organized group ride - like when I'm one of the 10,000 cyclists headed from Seattle to Portland. Here in the summer, its a Light & Motion Urban 550 up front and a Vis 180 rear light pulsing on my left chain-stay. When the dark and wet period begins and the fenders and rack go back on, the Vis 180 will move back up to the seatpost (trading seat wedge for pannier), and the Taz 800 will go on the bar up front. I'll move the Urban 550 back up to the top of my helmet. That way, I can point a light where ever I think I might find trouble - down side streets, etc. Front lights are on flash in daylight, on steady in the dark. My old helmet has a 'superflash-wannabe' blinkie mounted to the back for head-level rear visibility. Haven't figured out how to mount anything better than a Spok flasher on the rear of my new helmet. Don't care much for the rear flashers I've seen specifically designed for helmet mounting. If a driver can't see me coming it's almost got to be that he/she was looking down at a phone (or engaging in similar disengaged-from-driving behavior).
Oh, Jerry, that bug was just volunteering his protein to your efforts! Should have just swallowed and enjoyed. LOL As to the forgetting to eat, I have discovered the salted caramel GU gels.. oh, my.. almost an excue NOT to eat before riding! Scenery, what scenery? If you like endless views of sand and mesquite, I can show you lots of that if I knew how to share pictures. ... and 3 ghost bikes along my regular route. I have told you drivers are crazy here! Lights: Blinking Lightning bug on the front and blinking red on the back. ALWAYS on if I am riding.. unless I forget and turn on as soon as I realize it! Just ordered more red blinking for the rear of both bikes. Also have headlights for when it gets dark. You can not have too many lights! I also have little colorful disk lights on my spokes I turn on after dark. On our group rides we have a lot of fun wondering what the drivers are thinking and wondering what they think they see coming toward them with all our lights! UFO's
This is for you, Jerry... http://tinyurl.com/cvsrfrombike
Ohh, ohh, @Ray, my lights are ALWAYS on! The knuckleheads I dodge every day have no excuse if they hit me! Always dressed brightly, always have lights on. Have to around here. Not just drivers, however, but time of day and environment play roles. Going in/out of sunlight and shade in the early morning and afternoon make it hard enough for drivers eyes to adjust, let alone see a cyclist. Most of us are also drivers, so remember to put yourself in both situations. Saved my bacon a bunch (and I luv bacon!)
In the interest of safety, have the bicycle people ever consulted with the motorcycle people to potentially collaborate on the "look twice, save a life, motorcycles are everywhere" (and the like) ads to replace "motor" with "ALL" and include bicycle, moped, etc icons? I see those signs in front yards, on billboards, on license plate frames all the time, yet very seldom see the same for the even more vulnerable cyclist. I know everyone gets upset at the "I didn't see him" excuse when a cyclist is hit, so don't forget that there is a reason why those signs show up at the start of motorcycle season. If people don't notice a motorcycle, why think they'd notice a bicycle?
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Motorcyclists are either required or choose to have their headlight(s) on at all times, so why do so many cyclists shun lights when riding on the road during daylight? In my opinion, daylight visible lights make other cyclists much more visible, yet I very seldom see anyone else with lights on. I'm sure some use the battery excuse, but rechargeable are really not that expensive. I always run my lights when I'm on the road, day or night. At night, I wear a high-vis safety vest, but usually only wear it in the daytime if I'm on my hybrid, leaning forward on a road bike makes it mostly disappear. If you don't use lights, why not?
Jerry; seems back, arms, and other assorted muscles and joints simply need a bit longer to catch up with where heart and soul have already arrived. So glad to know you are once again EnJOYing the Ride!
@Jerry - Tastiest bug, ever? :)
@Michael - My dad worked for BN. I had a winter coat that green color with the old BN logo. I liked that color, too.
@Jerry-is that the scenery you see on a regular basis? Beautiful!
@J Hugh-thanks for sharing that adventure. I looked up Sand Cranes-very cool birds!
NBC could publish a book of pictures taken along the roads from cyclists. Like highway and byway scenery from riders in different states. You know like a coffee table type book. Only smaller. Some of the proceeds could help fund NBC and or other cycling organizations.
@Jerry, an old BN hopper; thought they would've all been repainted by now. I used to like their particular green color on the loco's.
But @Jerry, you went from 3 miles to 25 miles to 30 miles in less than a week. Smile; you'll be doing centuries back in the foothills in no time.
God bless you, Jerry!!! HUG!!!
30 miles today with a bonus.
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http://tinyurl.com/lfx4q6x
@ Marty - I never do nails while riding either. I'm too much of a weight weenie to carry a hammer. Wait... oh, you meant THOSE kinds of nails.
It is not fair.
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Break a few bones, Spend two weeks in the hospital and rehap. Then take two months for partial recovery and no bike riding.
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And then I get on the bike. And I have to get used to sitting on the seat again.
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Then I ate a bug today. Sort of. The bug got caught in my throat. Took two miles to get the bug out. I can't ride in the mountains. 30 miles is harder than 100 miles used to be. My back hurts. My arm hurts.
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And I don't care. I AM RIDING MY BIKE AGAIN!!!!!!
Yogi Berra is one of my heros. I watched on TV as Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese called the games always hoping the the NY Yanks and Yogi were on. Yogi Berra has helped me with cycling as much as any article in any magazine I ever read about cycling. Here are today's examples.
Yogi said "Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical". That is exactly true of cycling. Today's ride was not a ride to be remembered. No legs, no lungs, humid, so humid even the clouds were sweating. Change your mind, and change your ride.
Yogi said " If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else". So if your route is becoming the usual, change it, better yet be spontaneous and see where that gets you. Today, a little spontaneous was great for the spirit because of the large number of Sandhill Cranes I saw.
Today's ride was not to be remembered and I know what to do. As Yogi said "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four".
@ Karen, I really like that "No Pressure, No Diamonds". Sounds like the perfect motto!
Hi Folks! Enjoyed reading the posts. Talk about lawns, I now have 4 trash cans full of weeds and trimmings from my front lawn waiting to go to the compost center on Saturday, had to stop since I ran out of trash cans. I still have to do the two sides and the back, but the front has the most landscaping and flowers. My husband has been most understanding (I think it was the 12-13 lbs. I lost.) Perhaps we shouldn't discuss some areas of my house like the patio and garage.
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Bought back to school clothing for my son yesterday, aren't grandparents great! Found a T-shirt on the clearance rack "No Pressure, No Diamonds" , couldn't resist buying it, have it on now for my morning ride as inspiration.
@Jerry and All-there is never enough time to bike all we want-eat sleep ride. Life gets in the way. Hopefully someday I will be retired and can ride as much as possible every day possible. Biking is a great addiction isn't it folks?
Each day I get out riding now I start off thinking I could at least go do a ride in the foothills. After 15 miles I know that would be a bad idea. So I will stay done here in the plains for a while. Hopefully I will be able to get up in the foothills before in snows.
Just like Tammie, my early rides this season were less than 10 miles, and I thought they were difficult. Came a point where I committed myself to riding at least 10 every day, but soon realized that wasn't enough. For most of the summer, I've been biking 15-25 miles per day, as much as possible avoiding using my car for commutes and errands.
There have been many times I've come home from a long ride, and felt like I wanted to/could ride double the distance. If only the daylight lasted longer, or laundry or other life necessities weren't piling up........
@Tammie. You are doing great in your riding. I know the feeling of wanting more time on the bike. Michael is correct. Many of us are retired so we can spend more time on the bike. And I still want more. We still have to get other things done. Like spending time with Karen, which is much more important to me than riding my bike. Then of course for me, my model railroading and woodworking. Then of course those other things we waste time on like cooking, chores, and sleeping cut into our bike riding.
How do I put in all my miles? I have the great fortune of working from home so those things that most people have to do after work, I can do during work. I miss out on the opportunity to commute via bicycle, but I can use that time for more sleep before work and more riding after. Working at home is great, but spending nearly every hour of every day in the house isn't all it is cracked up to be, so 2, 3, 7 hours out riding my bike is refreshing. Being anti-social helps too ;)
@Michael-well said.
@Roberto-what a nice day! Can almost envision how wonderful a trip that must have been.
@Tammie-right?! I only wish I had the time to even consider getting in 100 miles a week....let alone more.
@Jerry and Marty-what a sad stories! What is wrong with people?
My morning commute consisted of heading out 15 crucial minutes late! Still, took the time to stop Mavericks Java for my Friday coffee house treat and weekend bottle of wine. I was inspired to pedal faster, playing with gear shifting as I rode into head wind at about 8 mph. While the skies are still dark and gray (still so odd for here) I looked up to see bits of blue peaking through the cloud cover. Thinking maybe the sun will shine at some point today, but, then this is the coast and you really just never know.
@Tammie, I get the feeling a lot of the high-mileage folks here are retired, semi-retired, self employed, or have exceptionally understanding spouses (or none at all). And some may have lawns as tall as the laundry piles. Some eschew sleep, others need it. Some don't eat, others (like me) love to. The thing to remember is that they all (like you) are MAKING the time to ride, not just (like me) fitting it into their schedule. Riding plays a large role in their lives (like it seems to be with you), instead of just being a small part of it (like me). Don't get me wrong, I love my daily commute, short as it is. I look forward to it, every day, year round, as long as the weather keeps it safe. But I don't schedule ride time into the rest of my day like so many others do. I admit, laziness plays a role here. One of my personal goals, once certain parts of my life clear up, is to consistently start making the time after work and on weekends to get out there and put up some mileage. The miles you've racked up should make you and your family proud. It's become apparent that you have a sizeable fan club here! I wish I had your drive to get out there more. Keep at it, and stay safe!
WHAT have you done to me? It was not long ago that I thought AND FELT that 5 or 10 miles a day was an accomplishment and enough. Well, those days are definitely in the past and now it seems that a 20 mile day is a disappointment! I physically FEEL like I need to ride more. Problem is, there are just not enough hours in the day. I really need some sleep ( I know,over rated) and people around me do prefer that I do laundry occasionally. My dogs and cat like to eat on a regular schedule and actually I try to remind myself to do that also. My employer also prefers that I put in my 43 hours a week I am scheduled. HOW do you others do it????
@Karen Jean - You nailed it!
You would never catch me doing my nails while biking. (Or at any other time, either.)
@Jerry - Although I don't know the current status, it sounds similar to a 13 year old girl in Milwaukee last year. She was driving a stolen vehicle 100 mph on city streets very early in the morning, and when her friend said, watch out for the bicyclist, (who was commuting with lights on), she said, oh yeah, watch this, and aimed for him.
She ditched the car, got in the stolen car that two others were in, and was found later that morning driving still another stolen vehicle. She had no remourse.
An 18-year-old accused of killing a bicyclist with his car has had a vehicular manslaughter charge upgraded to murder in part because he boasted about speeding on Twitter, prosecutors said Thursday.
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http://tinyurl.com/lvv8jqx
Finally back home. Long exhausting day.
I enjoy being able to go out and do a longer ride without wondering if I will finish, how I will feel later, etc. I especially enjoyed the guy at the farmer's market today who asked me, "You're, what now, 60?" Made my day.
@Roberto - I am so glad you enjoyed your ride and lunch in Philly!
@Christine and Marty - Thank you for the tips. I will have to stash more things at work for the times I work days and can commute. Marty - I guess that means that doing my nails while I ride is out of the question too, HUH? ;)
Being on the US Government Cycling Team helps Howard. And BTW, thank you for your hard work and your contribution to my retirement.
@Roberto, actually, I think you may have passed me a while ago - I'm struggling to stay in the top 60 in PA. But, you just passed another Howard H recently, who 's also from the area. I just can't put up the miles you hard core guys are doing - I'm lucky if I crank out 150 miles / week... :)
@Howard, yes I passed you on the state leaderboard recently. :)
@Roberto, you were in my stomping grounds today. I commute daily on the Perk Trail, head down onto the SRT, and then onto the Audubon loop. Nice 28 mile R/T commute, where almost all of the trip is on the trails.
Hi all, managed to squeeze in a ride today between a ton of other stuff. Why is back to school (that is, helping the kids get ready for it) so complicated? At any rate temps were in the 70s and there were only a couple of other riders out there. Traffic was light too. Forgot to mention the egret we saw from the trail yesterday.
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@ Christine, your drs. report sounds good. YAY!
@ Laurie, congrats on finding someone who will ride and good luck with the new job.
@ Jerry, I only did 25 today too, but it felt good, since my miles have been down (a couple of goose eggs due to guests) recently.
@ Roberto, eat and ride, thats the way to live!! So much fun to discover those back roads and be away from traffic and insanity!
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CONTINUE TO RIDE ON INTO SEPTEMBER!!!
@Laurie, pedal faster, I'm going to lap you.
@Chris, from Green Lane in Montgomery County I took the Perkiomen Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail.
I better rack up some serious miles before Cycling Roberto catches up to me!
@Roberto, what trails did you take into the city?
Halfway to platinum
Decided to take a ride through a part of town I haven't been in before. Turned the corner and found a hill straight down to the river flats. The truth that "what goes down must come up" kept running through my mind. Riding along the very edge of the river for a while made the trek back up the hill totally worth the effort. :)
70 miles today, all off road, into Philly and back. Had lunch at my favorite cafe. So good to be able to ride from far out in the suburbs all the way into the city without riding on the road. We need more of this.
@Christine, glad to hear the great news! Take it easy, but take it as much as you can.
@Christine - Yay!!!! I know when I tore cartilage in my knee earlier this summer, walking hurt, but riding did not. The ortho doc said riding might help me recover as long as I didn't push it to the point of pain. He was right. I used a cane for to help with the pain while walking for about 5 days and continued to ride my bike to work and for errands. A week after I hurt my knee, I was feeling better. I hope you recover as quickly as I did!!
Great NewsChristine! Stairs will be the worst but they always are no matter what. I twisted my knee years ago skiing and it still bothers me.. I just tell it to shut up and go on! This day is getting away from me. Put a small pump on my bike the other day and it was beating the daylights out of my frame, just redid it with a bit of cork padding.. no noise.. can't stand little noises.
@J. Hugh, my docs agree with you: riding helps you be be healthy! They said lose the brace, drop the crutches, listen to your knee, and don't overdo it. I've been walking around (albeit gingerly) and it feels okay. They said if I hadn't been riding as much as I had, I probably would have been hurt worse and wouldn't be coming around so quickly! Yay!
Only 25 miles today. Had to get back to teach someone LIghtroom. Off to the IPMS Convention, then to my model railroad club. Busy day. WIll have to catch up on all the messages tomorrow.
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Have a safe day riding.
From my personal experience if you ride regularly you get healthier, if you ride daily it happens faster. I weighed 300 # when I started and did not focus on weight but on fitness. Be aware that if you diet and exercise your body can digest you and you lose muscle mass as well as fat. This usually brings on the dreaded plateau. I find that eating good proteins, veg and fruit, yogurt and lots of water has been a pretty successful life style shift. so if you are a Clydesdale, like me and I probably will always be one, then its about your individual fitness and health, not some magazine article by somebody with the genes not to be a Clydesdale. I think that if you Body Mass index is 26 or greater you are a Clydesdale. Since BMI is an idex of weight to height it could be used to judge that your not the body type to be a pro cyclist or a jockey. BMI is questionable because it does not take into account fitness, skeletal size or density of muscle mass. BMI is just an index of height to weight. I go by how my clothes fit, how I feel, and I try to ride everyday. Even if its a short ride.
Karen, I definitely understand! I have several things motivating me right now though.. points, trying to overtake the girl just ahead of me as number one in Texas for the month.. I keep being just a few points behind her every day no matter how many miles I ride. (it is like she is reading my mind) Trying to improve my endurance so I can then work or speed so I can join the group and not feel like I am disrupting their pleasure. They ride at an average speed of 15 to 18mph!!! They were talking last night about their ride out was 22 to 24! If I want to some day join all the fun group rides they have, I need to be able to keep up. Finally, best of all, my personal goal is just to do a bit better every day.. finish a ride and still be able to stand up and not collapse in a heap. Have energy left over. I actually did that yesterday after the 23 miles and it was fantastic! I did not want to quit but it was getting dark and everyone was heading off to Rosa's for dinner... yes, we EAT after some rides. LOL
I agree with Mark.
Bowing out due to redundancy.
Yes, I was going to mention the same thing as our Mr. Missing Marty just said. For a long post I copy the post and if it doesn't take or kicks me out I can paste it. Like that is what I did for this last post. Works well.
You know-love these points and logging miles and of course chatting with everyone here. Last year I was at Diamond or whatever the last ribbon was-and I was about 20 miles from reaching the ultimate end points. And there was absolutely no way to fit them in. I was driven to get to the end, the top. I was so bummed!
This year I am much more relaxed and enjoying the ride so to say although I do plan to make Platinum. I am not a big diamond girl anyway. lol.
Next year will be different-I already have a plan in place to achieve Diamond.
@Tammie-it is so neat to hear your stories and see how far you have come in so short a time for being new at riding. Your driven to reach your goals. There is no doubt you will get to the end of that Diamond Rainbow! Cheers will be waiting when you do.
@Karen-everyone's hair is different. But, you know that is such great concern. I do some things to my hair before I leave home. I use a spray bottle to wet my hair a little-then, scrunch my hair and put on some hairspray that seems to help a great deal. (I have curly hair which frizzes in this climate). Then I do have towels, washcloths, soap, natural oils (which I use instead of perfume) and hair products at work and I redo with my hair whatever is needed (usually not much if anything) once I get here. I also have makeup products at work and apply that once I am here. It seems to be working out so far. Please note-it took awhile to get all this down. Now its like no big deal at all.
Really, Laurie?? This is the first time its ever happened to me in the two years I've been doing this challenge. I'll try to be patient but at least I sent them a message in the meantime. Thanks :)
@Karen Jean - I would caution against doing anything with your hair while you commute, (Other than have it in a helmet.). Shampooing, conditioning, highlighting, curling, and the like, only make it more likely that you will be distracted during the ride - in fact, they pretty much guarantee it.
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Regarding losing your post. If you take too long to finish typing your comment, it will disappear while trying to post. If I have a long post (although that has never happened), if I remember, I will copy my comment before trying to post it. So, if it goes away, I can quickly just paste it back.
Sometimes the points take several hours, even overnight, to update.
I noticed my point total has not updated either after logging my 32 miles for today's ride.
I just finished a short ride (11.6 miles); however, I did not receive my points for the ride. I posted the problem on the endomondo/help page. Does anyone know how long it will take for them to respond/fix this issue. Is anyone else experiencing this?? It is showing the miles I rode today, it just hasn't updated my points for today. I'm still sitting at the same points I had from 2 days ago. :-(
@ Paul: Congrats on reaching the Diamond level and have fun on your race!! You should consider doing a slower pace 10 mile recovery ride immediately after the race to get in a full century.
@Tammie - Lady, you are waaaay out ahead of me. You are making me keep riding those miles. If it sounds like I am doing it just for points, but that's part of the fun for me. It's just the way my mind works, and keeps the old bones moving when they want to quit. The points are the carrot, and I am the rabbit. It just adds to the fun, and the sense of accomplishment. Not that I am riding only for the points. I am so enjoying the ride along the way. I think you can relate.
@Cynthia - I am doing this piecemeal since I lost the first post. Do you have any beauty secrets for hair when you commute? The only thing I did not like about my commute last Saturday was the way my hair got all sweaty and wet during the ride. Do you have that problem? We do not have a locker to change, only a women's bathroom in the basement. Maybe I need to take something to dry my hair.
@Paul Perry and EM - thanks for the encouraging posts. Paul, you are inspirational, also.
@Christine - You are in my prayers today! Hope the Doc has good news.
Lost my first post, Shazbat!
@Cynthia - Marty is out making Ketchup and engineering his new "Hardcover-Paperback" at J. Hugh's house.
A personal best last night--22.2 mph over 32+ miles--thanks to a great paceline on my group ride. Diamond level on this morning's ride. Doing my first race on Sunday--The Race the Lake--90 miles around Lake Winnebago in WI. It just doesn't get any better than this. Ride often and ride safely...and enjoy these last days of summer.
Going to MD soon. Will report back when I get home.
My Uncle used to race bikes well several years ago. He is a true bike lover in every sense, from making his own repairs, building his own bikes etc. He got away from the sport for awhile. But, now he is slowly coming back, riding 10 miles a day and learning to work up to a good pace again. When you race for so many years I guess you have to learn how to ride and not race. He just started on this journey-I told him about the NBC.
Where has Marty been?
@Laurie-wow lots of life changes-hope you can find time to get on that bike, it will help keep you sane. Riding to work is a great way to get your saddle time in. Good luck with all your new endeavors!
@Michael-don't you just love those endorphin rushes! They just make your day.
@Jerry - It wasn't so much an elevated heart rate as an elevated joy rate. I hear that can happen on a bike. :)
@Christine - How's the knee, hand, and head today?
I was on such an endorphin rush that I was typing faster than my brain was processing. Wanted to ask @CHRISTINE how she was feeling this morning. I know @Laurie's doing well!
@Michael-sounds like you had the perfect trip! Except not being able to continue on your journey. lol
This morning's commute was well to say the least-a little messy (your so right Michael). 60 degrees-head wind-and rain rain! It rained heavy all night here. This time of year is usually 80 degrees in the mornings. No adventures to note, just a windy rainy commute. Although I did scare a couple Great Blue Herons from their breakfast. They took flight as I quietly passed them, they are so skiddish. Be safe all and ride with peace.
The past couple of weeks have been hectic. Started training for a new job, and also started a new relationship. It's been getting harder and harder to squeeze in time for a long bike ride, but I have been biking most days to the new job. And all the riding I do has inspired Mr. Wonderful to get on his bike too occasionally :) I still need to do 16-17 miles per day til the end of the challenge to hit Diamond. It's doable, but finding time on the weekends for a few 30-40 mile rides would definitely make it easier.
My little overnight trip to Door County definitely paid off. I hated those killer hills by the end, but I lost 3-4 pounds doing them, and gained a ton of self-satisfaction. Nice trade-off, in my humble opinion.
@EM & Paul-all your words are so true. Each person has their own challenges and goals and a responsibility to care of our health. The NBC has been amazingly helpful and educational. It is also amazing at what a support forum is and the people you come to know. There are 30,000 riders out there doing the same thing. There is something to be said for the sport and how it motivates each individual.
@Jerry-your determination and love of biking will get you back to where you were before your accident. With each pedal stroke and each mile you ride you will be right back to yourself.
@Paul and @EM, nice sentiments. What a ride into work this morning! 52 degrees, 45 degree dewpoint, blue sky, no traffic and even a polite driver behind me! Wanted to keep going to the local rail trail, but, alas, the bosses require me to sit in front of my computer today. Oh well, at least I made it here safely.
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@Tammy, you keep on pushing those pedals, girl!
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@Laurie, how're you feeling this morning?
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@Cynthia, stay safe on those wet roads today. Looks like you have a few days of nasty weather coming your way.
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Everybody else, stay safe and enjoy all that life gives you today!
@ Paul, well said. The stories of others here on the NBC have made me truly appreciate things I might otherwise take for granted. As long as I can stay safe and healthy while riding, nothing is blocking me from getting to diamond by the end of this challenge. I have good equipment, I don't have health challenges, and there are reasonably safe places to ride around here. What others have shared on this board has, I think, made me ride better and safer and make me appreciate every mile I get to ride even more. Being outside, breathing the air, appreciating nature, and the fun of heading towards 20 million miles enhances my experience. I love to ride period and I love it even more when I can convice other people to get out and ride with me. I wish I knew another 16,400 riders who I could talk into joining me. The planet needs all of us riders. SO TO ALL NBC'ers, KEEP RIDING, KEEP POSTING, AND KEEP INSPIRING.
@ Jerry...It may seem a bit of a downer starting out again and seeing your numbers below what they were before. And I know...I spent 8 years away from cycling. But there is a silver lining. Tracking your progress. I get motivated as all hell when I see the progress I am making. I imagine yours will come faster than my did as you weren't off the bike that long. But the point I am at now is FAR beyond where I just expected to be by the end of the year. I had to re-write all of my goals. I'm back to probably 80% of where I used to be 8 years ago, and I've only really been riding since June. I even set a few all-time PBs for myself last week. I can't even begin to describe what that does for my motivation, or how incredible it makes me feel. What I was riding two month's ago...distance wise, pace wise...and what I am riding now is world's apart. I am now expecting that by the end of the year, I will be in my best bike shape ever. Even better than my peak 15 years ago. When I started riding again, I decided that this wasn't going to be a new page in the book, or even a new chapter. I decided I was going to ignore everything I accomplished before, and where I was at before, and this was going to be a whole new book altogether. A Whole New Level. And I am well on my way to making it happen. And as much as my progress motivates me, it pales inn comparison to the motivation I get from y'alls stories and obstacles you've all had to overcome. I have no compelling stories. I just got lazy. You all are awesome, inspiring and motivating. And there are two people in here that especially stand out to me as bike "Heroes". Heather April, for her "why I ride", and Tammie, for a newbie, with her attitude and the level she is at already. Just awesome.
@Jerry - some of that 20 beats per minute was just joy and excitement at being back with the pack. 23.4 is a good start. Your heart rate will get back to normal soon enough.
Congratulations on your 23.4 miles today.. that is the same amount I rode today! I know your miles were so much more special. I did manage to make the third loop today without feeling tired. I even had a mini race on the way back to the bike shop! I was the last one but still had the legs to participate! It was a wonderful day. Congratulations Roberto.. you are keeping us all humble. I KNOW I will reach diamond by the end of the challenge.. I was getting discouraged a week ago.. now I I have no doubts! Today is only wednesday and I have already reached my 105 miles needed for the week!
I bought a Trek Madone 6.5 this last Feb. absolutely love it. I've logged a little over 5000 miles on it. Will be converting over to tubeless this weekend. We'll see how that goes. Bought the conversion kit from Stan's NoTubes.
@ Jerry, wow did you get to ride the doctor's new bike across the office? LOL Wow, what a ride that kid did. I would need two days for sure.
Since February, 11-year-old Susheel Cheeti has biked more than 1,400 miles. Of those, Susheel completed a little over 200 within 17 hours during the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic over the weekend of July 13.
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http://www.issaquahpress.com/2013/08/13/not-too-little-for-long-bike-ride/
By the way I got permission from my doctor to ride during today's visit.
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He just bought himself a new bicycle. A Trek Madone 5.2. Nice bike. On of the bikes I tested when I was deciding what bike to purchase two years ago.
We have three groups in the St. Vrain Chain Gang. The fast group, the medium group, and the slower group. I normally lead the medium group. Today I had to work hard to keep up with the slow group. Until about half way through the ride. Then I had a gel packet, got more energy and lead the slow group home. My heart rate was about 20 beats a minute higher than normal for my rides.
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http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1636256
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It was great to be back out riding with my friends.
Who cares about rain. 23.4 miles.
@ Rick, maybe it wasn't you then. Several pages back when we were discussing gear, somebody was talking about how they were always waiting for things to go on sale at REI. Sounded like they might have bought a few things. I confess I have the credit card and I'm not sad that I was able to get a Garmin with the help of the card and the dividends...
@Roberto - congrats! Keep safe and keep rollin'!
@ EM - Yeah, Cascade (biggest regional bike club in the country) didn't want to confuse things with 2 promotions running simultaneously, but I still talked to folks and handed out info about NBC at the Captain's Bash - a social/cheerleading/free-beer event for team captains at the beginning of the Commute Challenge. And I advocated that Cascade publicize the NBC at the end of the Commute Challenge as a way of continuing the momentum. Other than my blog posts on Cascade and on the Commute Challenge web site, I saw nothing.
Oh, and how am I responsible for your REI dividends? Was it something I posted last year? The dividends are nice - and even better with the additional 5% dividend you get from making REI purchases with an REI branded VISA card.
@ NBC staff - any chance of getting next year's challenge mentioned in publications like Bicycle Paper?
@Jerry - better to ride and get wet than not to ride at all - keep the rubber side down and enjoy the ride.
@Jerry-so did you still ride? I rode home in the rain but not the longer route I had wanted to take.
@Kevin-thanks much. Great advice I will use.
@Roberto-so awesome!
@Cynthia- I agree with Burlee. Choose your fenders by the tire diameter and width. I have 700C X 35 tire on my hybrid and I bought some fenders (Planet Bike) from Nashabr that fit the 700C X 35-38 with. Don't buy a set for 700C X 25 you will find they will rub your tires because they are not wide enough. All you need to mount are a small adjustable wrench (aka Crescent) or a set of box wrenches and a screw driver. The trickiest part is on the rear wheel down near the pedals. You may have to use a zip tie if there isn't a hole in the to run a bolt through the fender to attach to a frame. Trust me you want it anchored down there some how. Front fender is easier to attach.
@Jerry, it's Liquid Sunshine!
@Roberto - Rooting section is cheering you on!
@Jerry - "Sing, (and riding) in the Rain!" Laddie da da, Laddie da da..... (Think Gene Kelly.)
15 minutes until I leave to join my friends for our ride.
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And it is raining.
Finally got my ride in this afternoon with temps in the 70s !! The good news is that by waiting I got a friend to ride with me!
@Roberto - not rain, Liquid Sunshine! My old scoutmaster once told us, "A rainy day program is a sunny day program with rain gear."
@ Rick, well said. My problem is that the biggest bike org. around here won't let me promote the NBC while they are having their own challenges (month of May is out). I was bummed by that and it made me hesitant to go back to them again. I explained that they NBC doesn't compete against them, they could log the same miles for both, but still no go. So its leaving brochures on cars with bike racks and one LBS let me leave a few there. Also, I think you are the guy I have to thank for those good REI dividends! LOL
@Roberto, great job as always!
@Luke, my city has a 72 hour limit. Thankfully they only enforce when someone calls and complains, and my neighbors like me! I have two out front all day; my wife has a company car. Ordinance is meant to keep Junkers from ruining the neighborhood; unfortunately it can screw well-meaning folks like us.
Cracked the 8K mile mark for 2013 today. Also up to 70 on the Leaderboard. Good day on the bicycle.
I feel annoyed right now that I get penalized by city ordinance for leaving my car parked on the street in front of my house and choosing to use my bicycle for transportation instead. Apparently I am required by city ordinance to move my car every 24 hours. Why am I not getting tax reimbursement instead? The air quality is better, congestion is reduced and wear on the street reduced all because I bike instead of drive.
@Burklee-thanks much!
@Kate-your pedaling even on a bakfiet-that's still a bike, right? You can still log miles.
BTW-just got educated-didn't know what a bakfiet was till I looked it up. So very cool.
Rick Gilbert; Well said!
Next year there should be a category for family transport cycling. Most of the miles I log are on a bakfiets with two kids and other stuff. I think I am saving a lot more co2 and burning a lot more calories.
@Cynthia - For the most part, if you've got a screwdriver/allen wrench and an adjustable wrench, you can put fenders on your bike by yourself. You've probably got places where screws will go right into the frame near your wheel hubs; depending on your bike you may have a small hole near your back brakes to which the fender would attach. Go to communitycycles.org to see if there are any bike co-ops near you. Then you could purchase fenders from the LBS (supporting them), and have someone at the co-op help you put them on. It'll save you $50.
Might have to take the long long way home to help get miles in for the 13 million mile mark. Wahoo!
I want to put fenders on my hybrid commuter bike. I just checked Bike Nashbar and I was surprised to see all the fender options. Like anything I can assume some are made to fit my type of bike and my pocketbook. Would they be easy to install myself? My LBS said he would put a set on for $50.00.
@Karen Jean,
Glad you enjoyed your night ride. I find I usually ride a little slower at night. I figure I'm on my bike enjoying myself, why rush. The whole idea of a bike ride (for me) is to go out, get some exercise and enjoy myself. Speed doesn't matter, I enjoy the sights and the cool (relatively speaking, it's typically upper 70's this time of year) weather. I've always been a bit of a star gazer and love getting out into the darker areas, stopping and turning off my lights (as long as there aren't any cars around) for a few minutes just to look at the stars.......
@ Jaime & LIli - just remember that the purpose is to get more people out on bikes more often. The Platinum level seemed low to me last year. Diamond is a challenge that I'm unlikely to make this year (but next year...) You want to keep the elite riders in the game, but you also need to draw in more of the public - Total ridership is well below the goal. Here in Washington state, it just seems that the word isn't out there. The Commute Challenge in May (King & Snohomish counties) drew almost 13,000 riders logging trips totalling over 1.7 million miles. And only commute miles count in that challenge. But for the NBC challenge period, we only have about 525 active riders who've logged just under 300,000 miles over the entire challenge period. We clearly have some outreach to do. I tried to spread the word at events and during rides. I even printed business-card-sized versions of the NBC promotional postcard to hand out to riders I'd meet on rides or on commutes. I'm not going to buy/print and carry postcard sized promotional material when I'm riding, but I'll print up and carry business-card sized stuff. So for next year -- NBC should provide a business card template with the basics of the NBC - the ones I printed had too small a print, but I told everyone to remember NationalBikeChallenge.org, and to keep the card as a reminder to check it out when they got home. And try reaching out more to the local clubs and bike advocacy organizations - Cascade Bicycle Club here in Seattle, Tacoma Wheelmen, etc. We're all in this for the same reason - supporting and encouraging more people to ride bikes more often. The Commute Challenge should be a great opportunity to promote the NBC. In the past, Cascade has tried programs to maintain the momentum of the one month Commute Challenge into the summer without much success. NBC has the infrastructure to pick up those riders from the May Challenge and give them something to work for all the way to the dark season here in the Pacific Northwest.
OK. 'nuff preachin' Time to get back to work.
@Jerry, doing so-so. Can't sit without the let elevated for very long (10 minutes?). Pain has lessened to a dull ache unless I move it the wrong way; doesn't seem swollen till I try to bend it. MD appointment tomorrow at 11:15 to see what's next. The thing that's bothering me the most is my whole body seems to be retaining water - perhaps because of lack of activity?
@Leonard - Went on a 2 1/2 hour long ride last night, all in the dark. Very nice, but needed to go slower than average mph, only 20 miles. I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
@Jaime - My #1 goal this year is to ride every day. (One 2 days were squeakers, less than 2 miles the weekend my husband took us to the races.) So far I have been on the bike every day, and I also swim too, and help my son with cross-country. My Ironman friends would be proud. I am slowing down, but I am determined to finish with a diamond.
@Cynthia - Love your animal descriptions. Last week I saw a box turtle crossing the road while I was riding. That was a hoot, hope he didn't get hit by a car. (My first trip to work went reasonably well, I will try it again, despite the inconveniences.)
@Christine. How are you doing today?
And I see I can't spell. Sorry Tammie.
@Stephanie-welcome!
@Jerry-stay smart! Best way to go. Don't set yourself back. At least you will be out riding which is better than not and in no time you will be ready to roll like your used too.
@Tannie. Way to go. Some great riding.
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I see the doctor today at 2:15. Way to late. I will be going out this evening with the St. Vrain Chain Gang. Only a 20 mile ride. Hopefully it will not be raining. I don't want to overdo it before the Tour de Cure on Saturday. So I plan on keeping the milage down to 30 miles a day or less. Then next week I hope to slowly increase my milage. But most of my longer rides are in the mountains. I will have to find new flatter places to ride. I really wanted to do the century on the Tour de Cure but that has a really steep climb into Estes Park. I don't want to set myself back. I plan on being smart about riding. We will see if I am stay smart.
@ Burklee, that's pretty much the same thought I had about Jerry!
Waiting for Jerry B to report his doc giving him the green light. (I know it's only 8:40 there.) I wonder if he'll even stop to tell us about it, or if he'll just go straight to his bike, and we'll get the post century report. :)
@Stephanie - Welcome to the Challenge!!!
To all those who have reached Diamond and beyond-congratulations! No doubt your miles let you see and experience many wonderful things.
Personally looking forward to next years challenge and making some personal goals. This year, I am just along for the ride and having fun.
It felt like a long time just getting to Platinum (last month I think). Diamond probably will be here for me in a week too. It was definitely a nice season. It sucks winter is almost here already, or really, 2013 is almost over.
@ Tammie: Way to go girl on your epic ride yesterday!! I'm sure that beer tasted really good and it was well deserved!!
@ EM: I'm sure I will be tired when I ride the Heatstroke 100 after competing in Gravel Worlds race the day before. My goal is to finish both races; I don't care about my overall times! Have a fun ride with your sister.
@ Stephanie: Welcome to the NBC! And back log your miles as EM suggested.
@ Jim & Jamie: Congrats on Diamond status. I will be joining the club by the end of Aug!!
@Jaime, that's a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion! We're looking at making the 2014 Challenge bigger and better, and increased incentives are on our list!
Now that I'm about to achieve Diamond within the next week, I wish NBC would've added more incentives to achieve further. It seems they keep underestimating how far some of the elite riders are going. One thing they could add is a perfect attendance award for those who have logged miles and gotten their daily 20 points for every day in the challenge. I have not missed a day riding in this challenge. In fact, my streak goes back to April 23rd.
I can't believe I'm sitting here waiting for the temps. to get up to 70. It's almost 9 am. Don't feel like getting out the fall gear either.
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@ Tammie, way to roll. @ Stephanie, if you have been keeping track of your miles since May, you can add them. It could take a while, but if you have time...
@ Jim, new nickname "Diamond Jim" LOL!
@Cynthia, you got the same cold front this morning that hammered us yesterday. And I mean Hammered; over 2 inches of rain in 5 hours. At least your timing worked-out better than mine did.
Welcome, @Stephanie! Like you, yesterday's commute reverted to public transportation; first time since June 13th. Raining way too hard to be safe on a bike. Today was a much more pleasant situation!
I had not heard about this, but have been logging the miles for myself since I got my recumbent trike. I cycle to the store and to my appointments. I had hoped to try my long commute (about 14 miles each way) yesterday, but we had thunderstorms so I had to revert to the bus. I'm so happy to be a part of this now!
WAY TO GO Tammie, Just gotta love those rides that start out to be short and just keep going and going and going and.......................
Kudos, Jim. I am not far behind you. I think I will hit it this weekend, if not before. Certainly by Sunday, if I do the Race the Lake! And we even have another month and a half until the end of the NBC...but my school year starts at the end of the month, which may put a slight crimp in my riding...especially long rides during the week. Ah well, it was a pretty good summer of riding. Here's to a great (and long?) fall, as well. Ride safely!
Diamond level achieved this morning!!!!
A storm came through the area this morning, predawn, by the time I was packing the panniers it was down to an after effects drizzle. Dark and gray, unusual for here for sure. Never the less, my intention was to ride in. My partner says, you ridin? You know its raining right? When my response was "but, of course", the response back was-"hoorrahh-you go girl". And so I went. And here I am. On my ride I saw a black fox squirrel-adorable creatures-diligently digging a hole-it almost looked like he was doing Downward Dog he was so intent and tensed. I looked up toward the sky to see very small glimpses of sun trying to work its was through the cloud layers. I said my morning thank you's to that higher power for again having this morning to ride and another thank you for all that is good in this life.
@Roberto-very neat sentiment.
@Jerry-have a route and how far you will go for your first outing?
For those of you in N. Philadelphia, new LBS. Not near me, just thought it was a nice article: http://tinyurl.com/mfo93eh Nice to see a bike shop on a bike lane!
Ahh..refreshing morning ride, 47 degrees out. I almost dug out my lite weight gloves, but I couldn't do it. It's just too early to bring out the fall riding gear.
Good luck Jerry. Hope your doctor has sense and understands mileage.. none of this 1 to 3 mile stuff. Well, I went out in the 'calm' day. Winds were only about 11mph, nice. Did my first 9 miles around town doing errands, bank, dollar tree, sporting goods store.. none have bike racks so my bike got to see the inside of each. I always ask as I enter opening with " I don't see a bike rack" ...LOL It immediately puts the problem on them to accomidate the customer and gives my reason for standing there with a bike. Frequently customer service offers to watch my bike while I shop... handy. Anyhoo... did those things then went to moms to swim for a couple hours. Refreshing. Temp was up to about 92 by then. Still a very nice day. Got back on the bike and started riding. You know how this story goes, kept riding, and riding. Headed out on the 'long ride' road 191 which is the highway between the cities of Midland and Odessa. about 16 miles distance. It is almost the only place semi safe to ride because there is a service road. Reached the 'point of no return' at the half way point and well, just kept going. Did the whole thing! Total for the day 40.3 miles. It was dark when I got home. I took a break in Midland at a restaurant and had a beer! A little stiff this morning.
@Jerry B,
I was thinking about you during this morning's ride. Looking forward to hearing that you have received the "All is well, go have fun" from your doctor.
@Jerry, good luck! Hope he gives you a formal "All's Well!"
As anxious as you are Jerry you should have had a 12:01 A.M. appointment.
@ Jerry, good to see your doctor has finally come to his senses LOL. Are you going to tell him the truth, is it a case of "what happens on a bike stays on a bike"?
Tomorrow I get permission from my doctor to ride.
OOOHHH heading towards 13 million (s)miles!
@Rob, no, long gone.
@ Roberto: Do you still have your 1st bike? I don't but I still have my 1982 Redline BMX bike I raced with. I actually had a bad accident and when I came home from the hospital all my BMX bikes and all gear had been thrown away by my dad. BMX racing was over as I was a little to tall. In 2010 my dad's friend was moving and while cleaning out his attic saw my Redline. It was all that was kept but they both had forgotten about it.
After work I was ready to tackle 106 degrees and ride home. Got on my bike, started to get in the groove and "Boom", industrial staple found it's way to the tube. Ride lasted .39 miles. Bike tube is fixed and ready for tomorrow.
My first bicycle was purchased for me by my parents in December, 1949. It cost $5. Hit 6000 points today and tomorrow will break 8000 mile mark for 2013. Good investment mom and dad. Thanks wherever you are.
Industrial staple ended my bike ride home at .39 miles. 2nd flat in 4 years. Not bad.
Just to make your bike commute more interesting.
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http://tinyurl.com/kgnmdtd
HI everybody, Wow what a lot of things going on in the past few days. We had guests from Denmark, and since we live in the "Show Me" state we had to show them some stuff. But this morning I got to show a couple of them Grants Trail and our favorite outdoor cafe in Kirkwood. They were impressed by how polite the riders were (follow the rules of riding on the trail), so now I'm not sure if I want to ride in Denmark. LOL!! I learned that in Denmark they shout "bagfra" [from behind] instead of "on your left" but I recommended that they say "on your left" or just ring the bell since not very many people around here speak Danish. HA HA.
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@ Christine, sorry about the knee. Hope it heals a lot faster than you think and you are back on that bike in no time. At any rate take Leonard's advice and don't abandon us. Otherwise you will have to spend a month reading all the posts. LOL
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@ Burklee, YOU GO GIRL! Congrats on the personal best!
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Needless to say Jerry, you continue to inspire.
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@ Mike, I will be doing the Heatstroke 100 also, but I haven't decided how many miles yet. My sister will be riding at least part of it with me so I'm really excited about that. I'll just have to see what the weather is like and how tired I am from helping my kids move into the dorms.
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@ Marty, take your time with the book, I probably won't have time to read it until winter anyway.
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@ Everyone, RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE
@Roberto - I think I've missed unclipping twice. I can't recall the specifics of the second time, The first event was memorable, happening just a few days after I began riding 'clipless' pedals. My commute route led through a parking lot, at the end of which I had to get off the bike and portage it up some steps and down a short "walk-only" trail. I pulled up in the corner of the parking lot where I planned to dismount. Just as the bike attained zero forward speed and the front tire touched the curb, it occurred to me that I was still clipped in on both pedals. No where to go but down. At least I got to choose direction. I leaned left and fell over slowly onto the the mulch bed that bordered the parking lot. No witnesses, no YouTube video. I still felt pretty silly.
@Mike. Sounds like you are going to have a blast the next couple of weeks. Wish I was riding with you.
@Michael, thanks for the laugh! My MIL reneged on her offer of her bike, as I knew she would, so I'm not all that disappointed. My soul is completely at peace with my bike plan (ride Turque till the end of the season, and buy the bike I want in spring when the taxes come back) and I am willing to wait patiently for that to happen. Peace and waiting, patiently or not, are not things that come easily to me, so this is obviously the right thing for me to do! Thank you for riding for me! It felt great!
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@Jerry, FIRST OMG! I hope that driver has learned a really valuable lesson really well! NOT good on his part! Second, I do have a tablet but I loathe typing on it. I had almost finished the note to Michael above and bumped something the wrong way...and it disappeared! ARRRUGH! Quick sit down at the computer to get these notes to y'all.
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Thank you ALL for your well wishes! I feel okay today, except sore and my knee hurts big time (and sitting at the computer is NOT helping). I know I'm going to have to take my time with this, and I won't push it. I will ride again next year if I'm careful. If I'm not, I may never ride again, right? I'll be around riding vicariously through all of you!
@unclippers, really? Never happened even once to me. Seems basic. When stopping, unclip.
@ Shawn: I can't count how many times I've not been able to get my foot unclipped before I spilled on the ground. Luckily, I've never been seriously injured; just embarrassed like you.
@ Paul: Great job on achieving all your personal goals and pulling your community up in the standings. Diamond status is doable, just keep pushing the pedals!!!
@Rick, ICE CREAM!!!
@Cycling Roberto, I agree! I plan to getting me one of those GoPro's just for recording stupid drivers on the road. If the cops don't do anything about it, I will put it on youtube, make model license plate numbers and all... being a web marketing guy as well, ill make sure a lot of people see the videos!
@Jerry, these "accidents" will continue to happen until we start giving jail time to motorists who kill. I'm sick at the comments saying what do cyclists expect. Also, no amount of awareness can help you when a semi decides to turn into you. Sounds like this was a case of the truck ignoring or not seeing the cyclist coming in the opposite direction. Lock up the driver.
45 miles in the jungle of PA.
Had my best week of (road) cycling ever lsst week. Set a single day mileagecrecord, then beat it the next day (118) had my best 3 day total-316, first time ever back to back 100+ days, best 7 day toal-440. On track for my biggest month ever. Hit platinum..Realized diamond is definitely doable. Got number 1 in the state for August NBC for myself and my community. Got my community to #3 overall with 2nd in reach. 1st will take a massive effort. And as great as my week was, its still only #2 to Jerry's week How awesome that first ride back, and on a sleek new machine, must have been.
Haha Jerry... yeah I started panicking when I knew I was falling, didn't think to hurry up and unclip, fell right in front of a car behind me (no danger to me as the were stopped). They didn't ask if I was okay but I am fine with that as I was pretty embarrassed, LOL. I suppose it has to happen to someone, it happened to me so another person was left alone =P
Defining awesome: turning your 16 mile loop into a 20 mile loop because now it is too short, and finishing the 20 miles faster than you did the 16 miles 6-8 weeks prior.
The time I fell over because of my pedels was three weeks after I bought my "old" new Cannondale Synapse. I was riding in the Tour de Cure 100k ride. Longest ride before that ride was 30 miles. I had never riden hills. I was climbing my second steep hill and had to stop. Unclipped my left foot. Leaned right. Embarassing.
A 20 mile road ride turned into a 30 mile road ride due to construction! But that is okay! Had my first road bike wreck today! I guess I forgot I was clipped in after stopping at an intersection, fell right over... nothing was injured besides my pride....
I know what you mean, Jerry. I hate it when people catch up to me, pass and then pull away while appearing to be barely even pedaling.
Quote from Nick. Another very sad story this morning being reported in the Daily Camera, Cyclist killed on Valmont and 63rd by a truck turning in front of cyclist.
This is a reminder to us all: be aware of your surroundings, and be aware of distractions when cycling (talking can be a distraction, looking down instead of in front of your bike, wearing headphones etc etc)
Lets all stay safe!.
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http://tinyurl.com/kp2c4lk
@Karen-how was your maiden commute to work? Did you like it?
@Karen. But they don't have it in Colorado for me. Some professional teams ride arouind here. But they really show me how outclassed I am. I will be riding up a mountain working hard. The team will pass me riding at a relaxed pace for them just talking away with each other.
@Jerry - You continue to amaze! There is a reason, you know, why they but the cycling Olympic training center in Colorado.
72 degrees. 44% humidity. Light overcast with sunny areas. Only six miles. I did not want to come home.
@ Jerry: It's good that you recognized the upcoming hazard and were proactive in positioning yourself so you had bail out points in both directions! A few years ago I had a good friend (David Butterfield) that was caught in a similar situation; unfortunately his ordeal did not turn out good at all as he hit the dump truck that pulled in front of him and died on scene from the accident. Here is the write up on it: http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/troopers-identify-victim-in-fatal-bicycle-crash
I have another cyling friend that told me there is now a ghost bike at location honoring Dave!
My fourth bike ride this morning. A city garbage truck tried to kill me. I was riding west when I saw the garbage truck pulling up to the street from an apartment parkign lot. I pulled out into the center of the lane to help the driver see me and give me maneuvering room is case I needed it. Which I did. He pulled right out in front of me making a right turn. I had to brake hard and go left to miss him. I was prepared for evasive action if he had turned left also. Four days on a bike and they are trying to kill me already.
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Called the police. Transfered to city works. They will have a talk with the driver. They are actually planning to talk to all their drivers about watching out for bicycles. The driver did see me after I avoided him hitting me. I think from the expression on his face it really scare him.
@Christiine. Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you heal quickly. I know how you feel about the stairs. I had to deal with them in our house also. Recover quickly.
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If you don't own a tablet, make your husband buy you one. It is so nice to sit on the couch when you are broken to go online vs sitting with a computer at a desk.
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See, I told you to go buy a new bike when your husband wasn't payting attention to you. Now as MIchael said, you have to pull a @Jerry and get a new bike. Tell your husband it is required for your recovery and to prevent future accidents
@Christine - Hope you heal fast!
@Michael and Roberto - hoping to get that ride in a little now, but more after work - remember the forecast for the rest of the week in our neck of the woods looks great, we will make it up then.
@Cynthia - Missed your posts, welcome back - (You missed it, I road to work for the fist time Saturday.)
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Thanks all for the helpful info about my headlights - I am sure the battery was too close to the wireless bicycle computer.
@Greg - I will have to put that Niagara Falls trip on my "bike tour bucket list."
@Mike - You have amazing stamina. - Heatstroke 100? - Are you sure about that one? ;)
@Marty - You publisher must be late on that book release, maybe some engineering problems? ;)
@Mike-that is so awesome! Good luck on all your events. Catch that diamond! Hope it glitters and shines brightly.
@Mike, you're an animal; keep at it!
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@Christine, I seem to recall, oh about 55 pages ago, you were plying your husband for a new bike. Yesterday, you had an unfortunate mishap. Are you pulling a @Jerry on us? Using an accident to get a new bike? (Please note, innocent attempt at friendly humor here, nothing nasty implied)
I just crossed the 4,000 point barrier this morning with 4,002 points currently. I have a riding schedule that includes five century + rides for the upcoming weekends:
Aug 18: Corp Cycling Challenge (100 miles)
Aug 24: Gravel Worlds (150 miles)
Aug 25: Heatstroke 100 (105 miles)
Aug 30: Kansas City Tour Day 1 (117 miles)
Aug 31: Kansas City Tour Day 2 (120 miles)
I declare I WILL achieve Diamond status before the end of this month!!!
Since we seem to be trending to weather reports. At beginning of the ride 78 degrees with 100 % humidity at the end it was 92.5 with 85% humidity. winds about 10 mph and variable, as with most cycling seemed to be a head wind no matter which direction I went. You folks with cool weather reports sound like winter in Florida. Birds are pretty smart with that migration thing.
Heal quickly, Christine. Take care of yourself.
By the hair on my chinny-chin-chin. Platinum -- finally. Diamond is slipping out of reach, although if September weather holds here, I might pile on some miles. I'll be "home alone" for 3 1/2 weeks while my wife & daughter are away visiting family. "Let's see... nobody's home. What shall I do for dinner today. Well, I could just ride for a while." Sounds good.
Temp 84, winds 6 to 11mph with humidity 48%.. what am I doing on the couch reading posts? Rare chance to ride in low temp and wind situation! Now WHERE did that humidity come from? LOL Almost an absolutely perfect day. I think I will suit up and take a spin just to see what it is like to ride without a strong wind. Will report back later!
@christine, I feel for you. I had a bad crash two summers ago and was off the bike for two months. This year, I've fallen once, but I was already stopped and fell into the grass. :( I will keep you in my thoughts as you heal.
The C in Challenge for the Great Lakes region is Chilly. 45 degrees F here in Appleton, WI. Pedal on everyone! PS - Joe Sacco, great comment. I can appreciate that in a few short months...
39 degrees on Minnesota's Iron Range this morning!! My type of weather is right around the corner, YEAH!!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Today will put the "C" in challenge. Expecting at least 2" of rain.
@Christine - Hope you get well soon. Get lots of rest and heal quickly.
@Cynthia, Welcome Back! You have about 40 pages of comments to catch up on; get reading!
@Christine, I'll get that ride in for you, I promise.
@Christine-oh my-so sorry to hear about your fall! Heal as quickly and as patiently as you can.
@Gregg-nice picture, hope your having a wonderful trip.
I thought about the NBC and all the participants that communicate on this forum. I really missed it.
Well, made it back from visiting land. Even though I had my bike with me with every intention to ride each day, it just couldn't happen. It rained for two days. And then family obligations were constant. But, it was nice to have "Jane" with me. Now back to home and back to reality. And I just could not wait to ride to work today and get back in my riding routine and training for Bike MS. My goal now is to is to reach Platinum by the end of August.
Here is a pic of me in front of the American Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada: https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1093903_10200522844816937_274412270_o.jpg
Enjoying my rides in Niagara Falls. The weather has been sunny and cool for riding. Ontario, Canada has excellent biking trails and would love to ride the circle tour through the Niagara Escarpment--complete circle tour of paved off road trails through Niagara Falls of 85 miles. A portion follows the famous Welland Canal where ships pass through the locks from Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. We watch a ship go through lock 3 in St. Catherines. The Ontario police ride bikes to patrol in Niagara Falls.
Sigh, not gonna happen today. It's 'go-no go' decision time, and the rain is falling just too hard with no breaks in sight. If I was training for the Olympics, sure, but it's only going to work. Oh well, I'll try to knock a few miles out when I get home. At least I'll still do my part to save the planet; those bus passes have been awfully lonely since I last used them on June 13.
@CHRISTINE,I KNOW THE PAIN GIRL.TOOK A FALL ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO AND FRACTURED ONE RIB.AND 8 STITCHES.RODE FOR A WEEK AND PAIN GOT TOO MUCH AFTER WORKING AND RIDING TO WORK.TOOK LAST FOUR DAYS OFF AND RODE IN TODAY.YOU WILL BE BACK.BEING IN SHAPE IS A HUGE BENEFIT WHEN HEALING A INJURY.CYLING SAVED MY LIFE!!!!!!! RIDE AND SMIILE EVERY DARN DAY.SO GOOD TO BE ON THE MACHINE OF LIFE !!!!!!!
@Christine,
Knee injuries are rough. Take it easy, relax and recover. Follow Jerry's lead, keep in contact with us and let us help you get through this. Looking forward to seeing your progress reports. Hang in there, this to will pass.
Christine; in empathy BAD WORDS INDEED! You'll Be BACK!
I see the update on the leaderboard is frozen again.. was looking forward to seeing what my 23 mile effort did for me. I also was looking forward to seeing my points go over the 3300 mark.. getting there.. one mile at a time.
So sorry to hear about your crash Christine. My first one also involved a U-turn and a curb! I hope the knee is not as bad at it seems right now. STAIRS... hope you don't have a lot of those in your life daily. I feel almost guilty for the ride I just got in from thoroughly enjoying. I did not even know if I was going to be able to ride today but got out for a quick ride and did it again.. just kept going... 23 miles. Bought one of those GU packets at the bike store today.. salted caramel.. tried it.. YUM!
@Karen Jean - It will be a flip book. One side will be hardcover, with all of the detail, but if you flip it over to the softcover side, it will be more like the Cliff Notes version. (A not so short section in the middle will explain the engineering behind combining the two covers at the spine.)
@Christine, at least your injuries are (hopefully) minor. Heal yourself properly so you can attack the Challenge next year. With any luck you can still get a few miles in before September 30. Will have you on my mind tomorrow on my way to work...
Christine@ - I'm sorry to hear about your accident. They're always way too sudden. At least you were wearing a helmet! I'll pray for your quick recovery so that you can not only commute again, but get back in the NBC.
Awww Christine, so sorry to hear that! Hope you recover very very quickly and are able to finish the challenge with us :)
Sigh. I crashed today. I was making a u-turn and was going too fast. I realized I was about hit the curb, so I reached for my non-existent hand brakes. When I realized they weren't there, I put my left leg down to catch myself. Can you say hyperextension? I went down backwards, rolled onto my arse and shoulder, slammed my hand down and bounced my head a couple times. Five hours later, nothing is broken, my knee is immobilized, and heaven alone knows how long I'll be off my bike. @Jerry, you have more than my sympathy especially considering that the worst thing about my injury is stairs. I cannot imagine what you've been going through. However I really, really hate that I'm probably done for the rest of the NBC.
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BAD WORDS BAD WORDS BAD WORDS!
@Laurie. I know the grade of a hill by my Garmin Edge 500. But with all the hills I have ridden I can estimate the grade pretty accurately by how much effort I am putting out. It is hard to estimate the grade by looking at the hill. At least in the mountains. Sometimes it looks like it is uphill when it is a slight descent.
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And you can map out a ride with ridewithgps.com. It has a grade display beneath the map that is easy to read. You can move your cursor along the grade and it shows where you are on the map.
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Thanks for the photos. It is beautiful there.
108 degrees with 8.7 M.P.H. headwind with 17% humidity makes for a sweat free ride, until you stop.
@Laurie,
The link works. Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing them with us :-)
Trying to share the photo album of my Door County ride.... please let me know if it works. https://www.facebook.com/laurie.rescheske/media_set
@Jerry - I have been wanting to ask this question for a while. How do you know what a hills grade is without instruments. Can you just tell by eyeballing it or do you look on a map? I just look at a hill and say "Boy, that one looks steep!"
@Marty - Would that be in hardcover or paperback? ;) You know we all look forward to your statistics.
From where I live I have so many close choices. For a short 30 mile ride I just go to Lyons and up Hwy 7. For a 40 mile ride Jamestown is a great ride. Carter Lake which is mostly just rolling hills with two steep climbs for fun is either 50 or 60 miles. Ward is a nice 50 mile ride with a very steep section climbing up to Ward. With the option of riding up to Brainard Lake. Or the easier 70 mile ride to Ward through Lyons. And then of course rides to Estes Park from 60-100 miles depending on your route. Peak to Peak Hwy. Lookout Mountain. Lee Hill. Old Stage Coach Road. The Flatter Than Heck Cenury (which is not flat) but is for Colorado. Just a small fraction of what we have locally.
@Lauire. Move to Colorado.
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Actually I do not know what to tell you to get used to riding hills. When I started riding in the mounatins, I rode up from Lyons on Hwy 7. For 4.5 miles it is a max 4% grade. After that it got steep and my the time I reached five miles my legs would not turn the crank anymore. I started riding up to Jamestown which hits grades up to 10% but just for very short sections. Most of it is around 4% with some sections at 5-6 percent for a while. The section from Hwy 36 is about 8 miles of steady climbing. Which is great to getting used to climbing. Then I started climbing harder sections in the mountains.
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We are so fortunate to live in this part of Colorado. Great weather most of the time. Plains with rolling hills, mountains to climb. Not much of a problem with cars compared to most of the country.
@Laurie, find a hill, climb it; repeat.
@Laurie R spend a lot of time riding into the wind on as often as possible.
@ Jerry, any advice on getting acclimated to hills for someone who lives in mostly flat country?
@Tammie. 9245 to 8471.
Hills. And mountains. Love climbing both of them. I feel sorry for those of you in flat country.
@Karen Jean - You'll have to wait for the book to come out next week.
@Marty: Yay, PeeAyy (PA). @Karen Jean and @Roberto getting us there; I'm doing my small part to help.
For all those interested in the "CVS bike rack saga"... I called the customer service number and spoke with a very nice young lady. Made my case for bike racks and when she asked if there was anything else she could do I asked "Is there?". She took my name and number and assured me that the district manager in my town would be calling me back within 2 days to discuss my request for bike racks. Not sure how far this is going to go (or how fast) but it was a very positive encounter.
@Laurie - Ugh, hills! I know what you mean. I hadn't ridden any highway miles before the Cornhusker State Games. The hills bout killed me. Glad you made it!!
@Laurie - Like Cynthia would say, "It's all good!" Proud of you.
@Marty - Let's see the math. Oh, no, what am I saying!!!
I just got back from my overnight trip to Door County. Didn't ride nearly as much as I had planned, mostly because I didn't count on hills. I am totally unused to them and they were not fun :( A couple of them, I was almost at the point of putting my foot down, but found that last little bit of sheer stubbornness and conquered them. Clearly more practice on hills is necessary before I attempt this trip again.
In about 5 days, Pennsylvania will become only the second state to reach 1,000,000 miles! Today, Wisconsin reached 2.5 million! On Wednesday, we will collectively reach 13 million miles.
@Mike - they should have BRAGG in Allentown, I will have to check out that link.
@ Christine: I often take the lane when riding in the Omaha metro area. You're correct in that it feels more comfortable and allows for a less-stressful ride. Glad to hear you're claiming what is rightfully yours to ride! Just remember to keep your head on a swivle and never assume a motorists intentions. Continue to keep the rubber down and ride safe!!!
@Michael - thanks for riding those miles for me Saturday. I didn't mind the commute home from work, but once it gets dark outside when I leave, I will have to stop - too dangerous. I also need panniers, I looked like a drug dealer I'm sure, with my canvas bag slung around my shoulder,(which I used to carry my change of clothing.) I had panniers in college, when I biked to school, but they got really ratty, and I threw them away years ago. Terry has some really nice looking red ones I have been thinking of getting, good thing my birthday is coming up in a couple months.
FYI -- We have a large number of cyclists in the Omaha, NE community that know each other via the NBC but we've never met in person. The situation will change On Aug 17 when we come together as a group for the first time to have a 20 mile social ride. But we've taken it our social ride step further by asking each rider to donate to a local grassroots organization known as BRAGG (Bike Riders Against Gangs and Guns). Are you doing anything to make a difference with your fellow cyclists? Feel free to use this idea as a model to make a difference in your own cycling community.
Use this link to read more about BRAGG:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130805/LIVEWELL02/130809540/1161
Was just looking at the leaderboard and am really sad about North Dakota. Figured we had more riders or at least riders tracking miles.
@J.Hugh. I checked out the brakes today on the downhill stretches. But of course they need more testing tomorrow.
@jerry B you are very thorough checking out the adjustments of this new bike and making sure that it really is fit to ride. Great job! I'll bet you need to check how well it goes downhill tomorrow and whether the brakes are exactly adjusted to your tastes.
Another five miles today with a couple of short steep hills to climb.
Drove in to Indy this morning at 4 am. Should have been up at 6 to ride the M/W/F, but Mrs Helper let me sleep till I woke up (7am). So I was catching up to the group on 2/3 of a cup of coffee and left my water bottle in the garage....duh. At least the max was 75 degrees here verses the 99 degrees every day in St. Pete, Florida. Rode with the 18-22 group there and was delighted that they have really cleaned up their (safety) act. We do have the tools to increase safety and I am Mr Happy Face when we apply what we are learning. There was even an arm-propelled trike in the double paceline. Mucho Kudos to the SPBC. Last year that ride was scary. This year they were totally correct and a credit to safe cycling. What a great ride!
On a more serious note: I tried the "taking the lane" thing yesterday and today. Yesterday was more successful, only because today some old fart got right on my arse and laid on his horn for a while. That was the ONLY person who did so, and I was in high traffic areas most of the time I was taking the lane. Amazingly, it *is* more comfortable and for some reason, drivers aren't that perturbed about it. As long as they have a lane to move into, they seem to be okay with a bike moving like a car. The only places I got nervous were areas where drivers wanted to make a right turn and wanted to get over into the right lane. I need to do some more research on that part.
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I've also begun following directions when someone in a car signals me to go. Hey, if they want to wait for me to get my bulk moving on a single speed bike, they can wait. I'm willing to wait my turn, but if you tell me to go, I'm going to (provided no one else is getting impatient).
Or as a thong....
If the Handerpants came in black...
@Christine, when I read that my first thoughts were of you and your experience. Sometimes it helps knowing you're not alone...
@J Hugh - Just because you have a squirrel, doesn't mean that everyone else does. (Or, just because you are squirrelly...)
@Brad - I try and do that ride once or twice a day. It is fun!
When I saw those handerpants i thought of people who don't wash their gloves, and how much they might take to washing their handerpants with their regular underwear, but then when @Capt. Competitive posted just say no. I understood that you don't wash your gloves, you are not going to wash your handerpants. They also sell underwear for your squirrel.
@J. Hugh - Handerpants?? No. Just say no.
@Michael, thanks for that link. I understand exactly how he feels.
Good job Burklee, it's always nice to see improvement in yourself. I can't say the same though, I did my second century on Saturday (107.33 miles to be exact) and only averaged 15.2mph, compared to the one from last year (100.22 miles) at 15.6mph when it was at least 15 degrees warmer. I was in no hurry this time, actually had to force my brain to fight through the boredom, plus I got stuck in concert traffic a couple times. There were way too many rednecks out on their way to see Miranda Lambert, I took a couple unplanned detours to avoid the jacked up pickup trucks, rebel flags, squirrel tails hanging from antennas, cowboy hats and the smell of Pabst Blue Ribbon :D
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On Friday night, an obvious cycling fan shouted some words of encouragement to me, though it sounded an awful lot like "f^($ing moron" On Saturday, as I broke the 100 mile mark, a car full of youths decided to throw trash at me, there's never a cop around when you need one. I did see a cop at mile 104 though, I made a complete stop, to include putting a foot down, at that stop sign ;)
My NiteRider lights occasionally make my heart rate reading go berserk, but have never messed with my speed. I'm not 100% certain, but I think the issue only happens when I use my Forerunner, my Edge doesn't seem to have the problem even though I use the same heart rate monitor for both. The Edge is bike specific (and a few years newer), so maybe they added logic to account for the interference. It has something to do with the noise frequency from the LED light or the lithium ion battery.
Well, so goes for finding my bed. Got home and gt asked back to work. I just have a good heart and could not say no. Don't know how long I will be working. Hopefully enough to pay for the extra 40 miles in gas. My car is a gas guzzler. Wish I had the heart to trade in the car bit I love my Chrysler 300!
The ride I took on Friday is my new personal best! Last year I had a 45.65 mile ride. It took me 5 hours, 39 minutes. Friday's ride, 42.1 miles, took 4 hours 5 minutes. Same trail, same bike, better equipped rider. This time I had my Camelbak, 2 bottles with Skratch in them, 2 Powerbars, and 2 packs of Shot Bloks. And I think I'm stronger and more knowledgeable this year. (Pretty sure the knowledgeable part comes from all of you on here.) After last year's ride I was just done. I could barely move. Friday, I felt pretty good. The NBC is great, and you are all terrific!
@Jerry - Now that you're back on you bike, authorized or not :), I'm sure it won't be long before you pass me. You already had over 1600 points in June. That looks like one excellent bike. What are you gonna name it?
@Christine - 25 miles?!? You roll, girl!!
@Karen - Sounds like your commute isn't as easy as it is for some of us. Way to get it done.
@ Karen, I had a wireless computer and went bonkers when I had the flashing headline on and near business that had electronics like sports bars. I then put on a wired computer and no more problems.
One of the columnists in our local rag had his bike stolen. His letter to the thief in yesterday's edition: http://tinyurl.com/n3jkgad
What happens to trials riders when they grow up? They don't... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
@Tammie. I feel great after a ride. No pain. Too bad I cannot recreate the feeling I had Saturday after my first ride. Yesterday was an enjoyable ride, but without the extreme high I had on Saturday. I hope the rides will be continue to be pain free as I start the longer rides on Wednesday. It is so good to be back on a bike again even if they are short rides.
Hey Jerry, I see you are clawing your way up the leaderboard! Up to 9245 already! You will be moving up by leaps and bounds. How do you feel after your ride? BTW, that 6 miles last night was my second ride for the day. My total for yesterday was 18.12 miles. Not bad for only 4hours of sleep. I can't wait to get off work and find my bed this morning.
Had a wonderful casual group ride last night. The largest group yet. 23 met at the park for a casual ride through the city streets to a concert in the park series, the last one of the summer. The ride back after sunset was beautiful with all our lights shining and blinking! I ride my hybrid for these and love this bike for this. I need to get a rack or basket for it. The round trip was only a little over 6 miles but very pleasant all the way.
23 in a half miles today by mountain bike - been a while since I rode the ole'29er!
@Jerry,
I miss-spoke (typed), you are correct, I did mean non Doctor approved points. Keep them points coming, authorized or not :-)
Karen, is your computer wireless? I've seen those speed spikes with mine on night rides. Batteries can give off electromagnetic signals that can affect wireless computers. I think it only (or mostly) happens when the battery is active (light on or charging). I noticed my bike computer start recording data when it was sitting on my desk beside a charging battery as well.
Wind and hills here too. Sometimes, it's almost like a/c. Other times, it's like riding in a convection oven.
@Karen. You had a great speed going there at 56mph. Just think, if you had not fixed it you could have ridden 56 miles in an hour. You could have really racked up some mileage in the next 1.5 months.
I'm in Door County! Rode 33 miles today, not the 40 I had planned, but there were lots of hills. 2 of them almost made me cry but they did not defeat me. I am gonna sleep GOOD tonight and hit the roads again tomorrow morning!
@Jerry I think you are referring to you pre-riding in order to make adjustments to your equipment and to be certain that no further shop adjustments are needed.
Techno question from a clueless "nightrider". So I try out my new headlights tonight and my cycling computer starts logging my mph as 56mph. Yikes! I turn the light off quickly and fiddle, fiddle, fiddle - almost ride into the back of a parked truck - fiddle some more - move the light away from the computer - still wacky - move the battery away from the headlight - light bulb goes off in my head - that's why the long cord. Why the interference? (I adjusted my ending miles for the night.)
@Leonard. Non riding points? You mean non Doctor authorized points.
so is this something cyclists should consider. http://www.handerpants.com/
@Jerry,
Sure am glad you are following your doctors advice. Hope he clears you to start riding in a few more days - till then enjoy the non-riding points you are accumulating. Every turn of the pedals makes you stronger.
Only three more days until I get permission from my doctor to ride my bike.
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And added 26 points to my total today.
So please vist this site and support the idea of safer cycling.
https://www.facebook.com/3FeetPlease
Too funny, @ J. Hugh! I was singing that song (in my head - didn't want to cause a riot by singing it out loud) all the way home. A-way out here they've got a name for wind and rain and fire....
@Tammie. I am sure Odessa is like Colby Kansas. There is a day without wind once every 30 years.
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The bad thing when it is windy in Colorado is riding up the mountains with headwinds and crosswinds. So we get the hills and the winds.
I have this thing I keep[ repeating in my head as I ride into the wind... "this is what others call a hill in other parts of the country"! LOL It helps me cope. You have to understand... the wind blows here ALL THE TIME!
Thanks all for the unclipping advice. The tension in my pedals was set to the lowest setting at the bike shop so that's not the issue. I'm just fairly uncoordinated and will need to continue to practice until I get the hang of it.
Is Killer the translation of the name of the wind in the song "they call the wind Mariah"
@Tammie. So once you get used to the wind it is not Killer. What is your secret?
Oh, Christine, if you are not used to it, that wind is Killer! Linda, if you are having trouble, definitely try decreasing the tension on the pedal. I hope you have the multi directional cleats that release more easily. They are metallic in color usually and have an 'M' on them. I manage to release with mine in unexpected circumstances and have not fallen... yet. I have come close a couple times but have managed to get released just in time. I am also a newbie. Bought my first bike, hybrid, 4 1/2 months ago and my road bike in June! I have regular pedals on the hybrid and just use the clips on the road bike. It feels strange now to ride without them! ... and I only started after July 1. I have pedals on my road bike that are plain on one side and accept the cleats on the other but have learned they were not necessary. I also bought mountain bike shoes... much more confortable!!! I am not a racer so really don't need road shoes. Go for the comfort!. You can walk in them more easily with the cleats too.
Fell short of my hoped for 25 miles by quite a bit: only went 11.1 miles. Not much sleep last night, strong wind today. Just didn't have it in me, I guess!
Lincoln NE’s residents are doing a great job of logging miles. BicycLincoln checked in with one rider, Michaella Kumke, who has been posting daily updates on her journey. It’s an inspiring one!
http://bicyclincoln.org/2013/07/16/guest-blog-rise-to-the-challenge/
@Linda: Leonard has excellent advice here. Only work on getting one foot unclipped, so that you can use that foot to rest on when you stop. BTW, if you're having problems getting that one foot unclipped quickly (not sure if that's a factor at all either), you may want to consider loosening the tension on the pedal as well. Good luck - riding clipless is great, once you get the system worked out.
@Linda,
Just unclip one foot, pick whichever one you are most comfortable with. The only time I ever unclip both feet is when I am getting off the bike. When I stop for stop signs, red lights, to talk to friends, EMERGENCY STOPS, I only unclip on one side and put that foot down. ALWAYS the same side so it becomes automatic (I don't have to think about unclipping, it just happens). It does take practice and some time to get used to riding clipped-in but it is worth the effort. I rode a bike without clips this spring, after a 1/4 mile I stopped and went back to a bike with clips.
Looking for advice on clipping in...I'm a fairly new cyclist, started with a hybrid in Feb. and am now riding about 100 miles a week. I've decided to upgrade to an entry level road bike. A cycling friend advised me to buy bike shoes and peddles and get used to riding clipped in on my hybrid before I go to a road bike. I'm really having difficulty in unclipping fast enough in emergency stops. I'm doing fine with clipping and unclipping when I know a stop is coming up. But I've been trying emergency stops (into grass for a soft landing) and I just cannot unclip fast enough. I go down every time. I can get one shoe unclipped but can't unclip both before I am falling. Any advice? I'm about to give up :(
@Jerry...welcome back!
Today I finally will set out on this summer's "bucket list" trip -- 2 days biking around Door County Wisconsin. An old college friend and I are going to ride from one small town to another and see everything that those poor motorists will be missing. I am SO excited!
@Christine and Marty - Thanks, I will definitely try to do it again. Next time I will know more what to do, and I WILL sneak out next time.
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Also, I got my new, bright headlight. Now I can be the "Nightrider." Thank you everyone who shared their headlight recommendations. They were all great lights. Out of necessity, I chose the cheapest one.
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@Jerry - Your progress continues to amaze!
@Karen - Congratulations on your commute!
Welcome back Jerry B, and start out as a beginner so you can build up to the end.
@Karen Jean, I've had people offer me that, too, and my ride home is about 2 miles. My co-worker said "TWO MILES on a bike?? I'd be dead at the end of that!" Can't wait to tell her about my weekend on Monday! LOL
@J. Hugh, Jerry is STILL picking the bugs off of his teeth. How do you tell a happy cyclist? Count the bugs on his teeth!
@ Christine, YAHOO!!!
I can't really describe what it felt like to get back on my bike again. I promised Karen to keep the rides short until Wednesday when the doctor will give me permission to ride again. It was so hard to come back home and only ride three miles. But the emotions of being able to ride again were intense. When I arrived home I was so high. It is impossible to put into words the feelings I was experiencing.
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My new bike is amazing. I loved my old Cannondale Synapse. But this Synapse is like driving a sports car instead of a sedan. It is so responsive and agile. The gear shifting is very crisp between gears. Amazing bike.
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Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement.
@Roberto - I know what you are saying, I agree to a point. Yet, as a beginner, the numbers help me to strive and get better at bicycling. They can be a great motivator for the novices like me out there.
@Karen, thanks. I was trying to point out that we can all easily become number obsessed and forget the passion for cycling that is the heart of the matter.
CONGRATULATIONS Jerry, It's good to see you are back on the bike. Relax and enjoy your rides, take it easy and rebuild your strength. GO JERRY, GO!!!!!
@Roberto - We know you will do that ride when you are ready, some day soon. I hope it wasn't the thought of eating a cheesesteak (I forgot for a minute you were vegetarian), but you know Philly and cheesesteaks are known to go together. :) I am disappointed in my numbers this month, but I am trying to take a little breather to go all out in September, when my son is back in school and the weather is cooler, but not too cold to slow me down.
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Felt like I was a visitor from Mars the way my coworkers looked at me in my cycling clothing as we left the library together. I was not sure how to get my bicycle out of the basement without setting off alarms, so I had to parade myself in front of the whole crew to talk to the custodian. ( I was hoping to sneak out of the building.) They all thought that 6.7 miles was a long way to go home. One friend offered to put my bike in the back of his van and take me home. Nice offer, but I think he was missing the whole point. I logistical nightmare, but a great sense of accomplishment riding to work. I respect anyone who goes through the extra effort on a daily basis to commute to work.
@Jerry, about time. LOL Congrats
Here is a jperson who is really serious about riding a bicycle.
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http://tinyurl.com/mfpq583
@Tammie, trust me I know. Today I "only" rode 42 miles. I came home feeling defeated. I had planned a much longer ride, but when I got up this morning, I knew I wasn't up for the distance, 90 miles. So I changed my plans. Remember, I'm riding solo, so I didn't have to worry about anyone else's plans. Had a great ride. Still, felt defeated as I said. Then I gave myself a reality check. I've ridden 7836 miles this year so far. 42 miles is a decent ride. Pushing for numbers can spoil the fun. Yes, I wanted to get back in the top 100 after a vacation in June. Now I'm in the 70's, but that's not what makes me go. It's my own goals that I set, and today I didn't cut it. So BFD. There's tomorrow, the next day (I hope), and so on. Where we end up on the Board is irrelevant. How much fun we have getting there is EVERYTHING. So have fun with the numbers, but keep your great attitude about cycling too. I have to remind myself about this ALL THE TIME.
oh, and I am definitely NOT 'growing'.. I have lost 3 more pounds!
Grown? I have gotten competetive with what? A bunch of numbers! May I just wanted to be in the top 2000 nationally and worked my newbie tail off to barely stay in that number. Then came July and top 2000 was no longer enough. That top 1000 was staring at me so I tried harder and daily managed to squeek up into those numbers. NOW I am just pushing to see what I can do. At the moment 710 but when you get into these numbers, as each of you know, everyone is riding all the time and it is just plain competetive! Pedal on and have fun! At least I have my state of Texas where I am #20 at the moment WOO HOO LOL
I wish that I could have seen the bikeyface that Jerry had during his 3 miles, Don't you?
I am amazed at how people are growing through riding a bicycle.
Way to go, @Christine!
Yea Jerry!!! I am so execited for you. I knew that bike would be broken in sooner than later. Let the real healing begin. The spirit will be free. I know it felt odd and wonderful at the same time. Christine, just one of many I am sure. like the potato chips, no one can ride just one. Once you know you can do it, you just keep trying for more. LOL It's part of the addiction.
Christine@ - Congratulations! Another way of thinking of it is that it was your first Metric 2/5ths or 4/10ths of a Century. (43.55KM) And tomorrow could be your first multi-state day.
@Jerry, **beautiful**!! May you ride long and well, and never, ever have a crash with that bike!
WHAT A RIDE! My first ever 1/4 century (tee hee). 27.06 miles in 2 hours 43 minutes. Fastest mile 4:46, slowest 7:21. That was great fun. I will definitely be doing that again. Tomorrow, I'm going to try the southern route and see if I can get to Zion and back. I've got *rocks* under this flab!
WOO HOO, Rocky Mountain High Jerry!!!
******
@ Shawn some friends talked us into heading over to your neck of the woods for some riding today. Schoolhouse and some other trails and some on the roads when we wandered off in the opposite direction from the one we intended to go. Had a blast and some Peel's pizza in Edwardsville to top it off. My kind of rolling!!
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!!
@ Burklee, work versus riding, HMMMM. Well congrats on making Platinum!!! RIDE ON!!
About 23 miles rode by road bike! Didn't get rained on today! Yay! In fact, my cycling tan probably got a bit darker =)
@Jerry - I'll bet I know the reason why the wasp stung you during its century ride. Since it was a paper wasp, it was just so mad at having to wear a tyvek bib number the first 99 miles. Don't worry, it wasn't mad at you.
I just go out into the yard. I grew up here and looking up to see a rocket going up was just part of life. I even remember one of the first night launches that succeeded when I was about 6. The other thing I won't forget was the Apollo launch vehicle sound and vibration. In the summer of 1969 you could see a skyscraper go into space.
@J Hugh, you sound like a Space Shuttle fan! Ever been to any launches? I got one in, May 1997 (STS-84), on the causeway at the Cape, 4:07 a.m. Launch. Coolest. Experience. Ever!
Congrats to newly platinum souls, and all those reaching personal goals (-;
Jerry; WHEEEEEE! First ride return to Pedal turning Nirvava....congratulations and Welcome back to the road! Enjoy the Rides!
and we have lift off. Go Jerry Go! The bicycle has cleared the driveway!
Awwwriiiight @Jerry!!!!!! Felt soooooo good, I bet!
Talking about hitting bugs. I have had a few bugs collide with me. Eaten a few bugs that flew into my mouth. Yuck. And last year I had two separate occasions when a wasp hit me in the neck and than had the audacity to sting me after colliding with me. One was on a century ride. With only one mile to finish. At least it was at the end of the ride instead of at the beginning of the ride.
@Tammie. Great ride. Keep it up and enjoy those rides.
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J.Hugh. Congratulations on your 6000 points.
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@Nyla.& Michael. So sorry for your losses. It is so hard to lose a child. We never stop loving them after they are gone.
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@Burklee. Platinum. Fantastic. I will never catch up to you now.
I am so high right now. For the first time in my life.
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http://tinyurl.com/k3d6sek
WAY TO GO Tammie!!! You've got the fever, keep the pedals turning and you will have diamond without any problems :-)
Well, I finally did it.. I forced myself to stay awake when I got off work today and I went out riding! It was a perfect morning with lots of clouds except for the 17 to 25mph winds. I did the first 6 miles directly into the wind so I would have a fun ride back... wheee! That 6 miles back went really, really FAST.. about 21mph fast and I was barely doing any work. I was more like resting from the work it took to get out there. Then I rode around for a while for a total of 20 miles until the sun came out... time for this vampire to now get some sleep. I am still working on that diamond. I keep this up I won't need 14 miles every day to get there.
passed 6000 points. 51 days left to ride. congratulations to all those who have persevered to attain their goals in riding.
Congratulations, Burklee! Now on to Diamond!
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I've got a great day planned. Praying all goes well. Stay tuned for when I get home.
Kudos to those hitting their personal milestones! I just finished a quick 10 on the local canal trail. Tons more bikes today than last week. @Karen Jean, this ride was for you!
Everyone must be out riding this morning, and here I am stuck at work. I was 15 minutes early since I , gasp, rode my bike to work for the first time. Apart from the sweaty wet hair, which I combed and put up, all went pretty well, since I gave myself extra time. I took a "shortcut" through the Parkway though and overshot the library, had to walk (sigh, yes wallk) up a Pittsbugh like hill to come in the back way to work. And now I get to spend my day helping our fine youth locate "Captian Underpants" and "Dork Diaries." Have a great day everyone! Think of me while you are out there and ride an extra mile.
http://www.newstatesman.com/science/2013/08/we-still-don%E2%80%99t-really-know-how-bicycles-work
oK marty, time to solve this puzzle.
Welcome, Robert Wayne Busby....had to Google "Sun Trike"....the name elicits smiles and conjures sunlit imagery. Thanks for sharing a bit of your early morning view (-: EnJOY the Ride!
Sweet ride, Jerry. My lights finally showed up today. Now I can beat the heat and ride after work.
Congrats Burklee! I really wanted to take a few hours off and ride more today. I am having so much trouble with the heat it is I insane so when clouds moved in I got going and managed a total of 15 miles before I had to head to work. I was still 30 minutes late but it was worth it! I rode 4 miles earlier in the day and gave up because the heat coming off the asphalt was killing me. I could hardly breathe. Barely made it to my parents house made it inside changed and literally fell into the pool! I usually make the ride to my parents at least 8 to 10 miles. Jerry, can you really let that bike sit there without at least a little test ride? That is worse than having presents under a Christmas Tree! Congratulations and condolences all at once! LOL
WOO HOO Burklee!
@Nyla.& Michael - so sorry for your losses. Hits to you both.
@Laurie - Yea for you both!
PLATINUM!! I had to take the day off to get it. Rotten trade, I know... Bike ride instead of work. 38 great miles down the Jamaica North & Homestead trails, then a ride around the neighborhood to get up to 42 miles. Platinum, baby!
Good comments all over the place today... whew it was hard catching up. I feel so blessed to be part of this community!
But, Brad! What do you do when 4 other people pole climb their bikes after you do??
@J. Hugh, I'd pay to use those!! That is really neat!
@EM, I had one fly directly into my third eye a while ago. Talk about pain and watering! The bug got the worst of it, though. I'm still alive....
Four more days to go.
I want to ride my bike.
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http://tinyurl.com/lpxuk62
@Robert - Sounds like a great way to start the day!
I ride a sun trike daily or just about every day for 2 to 3 hours depending on my energy. Most of my trike rides start between 6 AM and 7 AM and end any where from 9 AM to 11 AM depending on my energy levels and the weather...smiles
Jerry: HURRAH ! 4 more days as of tomorrow ?
@Roberto... I am planning to ride the SRT tomorrow morning as well, am doing a RT from VF to Philly in the morning. Perhaps we'll cross paths...
@Jerry - Yess!!! - No, I have not been drinking. Enjoy! Leaving you all in peace.
@ Yes!!!
I now own a bicycle.
@Cyclo Roberto You won't stop, I mean, you seemed to say that if you put your foot down it doesn't count. Go non stop. You the man, Dog.
@Roberto - Jeez almighty, please forgive the typos, just came back from a very buggy ride. Two bugs flew into my eyes. They were something awful after the thunderstorm. They were all over my arms as well. A few must have made it to my brain, perhaps they can help fix things in there.
@Michael, all trail
@Roberto - Don't forget to get of your bike and enjoy something in Philadelphia before you go home. A cheese steak maybe? ;) Have fun, even if all you each are cliff bars, turn around and come right home again. The joy is in the journey, especially for Roberto.
@J.Hugh - But, my bicycle, "Lizzie", is scared of heights" ;)
@Roberto, how much of that ride is road vs. trail? You should be able to do that one with your eyes closed.
@Brad W I would get one of those if I lived in the city. German engineering.
@Carl D No we were talking about when your not riding it.
@Cyclo Roberto To far to get to the start for me, but I'm sure others might like to go with you.
Love the bicycle lift Hugh. Here is another smaller scale variation of the same principle: http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Carl, I like doing this as an out and back ride.
J.Hugh, I flip mine over .. lol
Half of that ride looks familiar, Roberto. I haven't had it in me to get past Oaks coming from the city. One day I can get out real early though, I may try for it.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms
Tomorrow's plan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
Bike parking and theft protection, wow.
anybody like cat ears when they ride?
Why does a bicycle need a kick stand or must be leaned against something?
because they can't always be hanging in the garage
Or its not cool to add that much weight to a carbon bicycle
or someone's butt hurts and is resting it
or they are not Roberto and take breaks on rides
or if you lay your bicycle in the grass the ants will get it
or?
Hi all, on my ride this morning I got smacked in the face, right below my lip by a bug. Luckily I didn't eat him. But OUCH, man that hurt. I applied Benadryl (stick itch relief) but I don't think I got stung. My other adventure today was changing a flat. This one appeared overnight at home. Good thing too, because it turned out that bike didn't have the tire irons. Thanks to all the good advice I learned here, I checked the tire carefully and sure enough I found a piece of metal inside that caused the flat. Its all happily been cured.
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@ Marty, all these bikes seem to have that too tired problem. How do we get all those miles out of them?
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@J Hugh - The answer to the second part is because its two tired to stand by itself.
@Nyla - Amen, Sister!
Of course Michael is right; No one is unscathed. We exist in a universe of contrast and dimension: light and shadow; peak and valley; grief and joy. Each heart carries wounds and scars...everybody bleeds. We are likely to be more gentle with one another, remembering that. We choose to move forward, honoring those lost by using the gifts we have and living with awareness, passion, love and laughter. We put one foot in front of the other, and here...we keep the pedals turning (-: Breathe In, Look around, share and celebrate life...Roll On!
Why does a bicycle need a kick stand or must be leaned against something?
@ Robert, welcome, glad you can join us!
@ Roberto, going around the second time? How fun!
Gold today!
Just saw this site after reading an e-mail on tracking bike or in my case trike miles and am adding my miles...keep a journal like most folks do...smiles
Thanks all for your kind thoughts. What a group! To maintain perspective, lets remember that each and every one of us here has suffered in some way, at some point, and yet we're here celebrating that one commonality that brings us together: Our love of cycling. To quote a famous song, "Get on your bikes and ride!"
Certainly for a parent, the death of a child is no less than a holocaust.
@Luarie - So happy for you!
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I will be thinking of you also Nyla and Michael when I ride this evening. Is not each day a gift to cherish and not to waste fretting away? And, each small triumph worth a fortune.
@Nyla & @Michael - You have suffered and continue to suffer more than any parent should.
Laurie, I am proud of your son also. What a wonderful day for both you and him. I know it is just the first of many wonderful and exciting miles for the entire family ... together!
Thank you, @J. Hugh, for saying exactly what's been on my mind lately. My words have failed me, buy (that's for you, @Marty) your words are perfect! MWAH!
@EM - I was not but that would of been pretty cool! I love severe weather haha, so look for me to chase a storm by road bike eventually >_<
@ Shawn, you aren't that far away from me. Were you on the Trailnet ride when we had to walk our bikes through some flooding? We have new flooding here in Missouri too, but not where I live (just west of 270).
so my computer screen keeps getting all blurry from these posts. I can now say that sometimes I laugh until I cry and sometimes I just go all weepy at the beautiful hearts and souls that I have the pleasure to enjoy the ride with. Thanks for sharing yourselves, all of you in your own special ways.
A quick 18.89 miles of road biking in, the flooding rains hit me as I got back to town! Barely made it I'd say!
@ Michael & Nyla, what beautiful memorials. Peace!
Thankyou Michael, Marty and EM. Merynda is with her brother, Joren Kye, stillborn October 20, 1995, and their sibling ,who should have been my May baby, miscarried October 1996.....each forever cherished, absent parts of my heart. Michael, my condolences to you also...Thankyou for sharing a brief touch of your namesake son. . One of the very few lifelines amid devastation was connecting with others who understood. Didn't mean to take up so much comment space on such a topic, but it all underscores how blessed we are to wake up amid a world of possibities, with the opportunity to share our enthusiasms, interests and sense of wonder with those we love. Carpe Diem! May you ride with awareness and gratitude.
@Nyla: My condolences, I know time doesn't completely heal wounds like that. Five months after your daughter was born, we lost our little Michael to a previously undetected metabolic disorder. We were blessed to have had him for 2-1/2 days. Tonight when I talk to him I'll ask him to look Merynda up in the Heavenly directory.
@Nyla - Sorry for your loss. I'm sure you wish to this day that you had even a few days, if not years, to experience Merynda Ryane and all she would have brought to your life.
@ Nyla, what a great way to memorialize and celebrate at the same time. You will feel the joy with every pedal stroke.
Riding today in honor of my daughter , Merynda Ryane, stillborn October 4, 1997. She had Down Syndrome. Riding also in celebration of Laurie and her son, an expanded sense of possibilities, and his very essence of a JOY Ride.
@ Jerry, done. Happy you are riding with friends. Take it easy out there!
Thank you everyone for the help in raising my support for the Tour de Cure. I am looking forward to riding again. And I am so greatfull that I will be able to ride in this years ride. I don't think I would have done as weill in my recovery without everyone's support and encouragement here on the forum.
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I have three people to ride wtih in this years Tour de Cure. I am riding with a young lady I became friends with last year on a training ride for the Cure I was helping to lead. She got married just before last years ride. She, her husband, and her husband's mother are joining me. It will be nice to have some friends riding with me for the entire ride. And they will force me to keep my pace down and not over do it. I will be doing the 50k ride with them.
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Specail thanks to Christine, Karen, Tammie, Nyla, B.J., and Michael.
@ Laurie, awesome, you deserve to be proud! Happy dance, or make that happy ride. Congrats!
Yay Laurie. I'm so happy for you both.
Laurie; also a perfect illustration of a fundamental element of this challenge: it is the determination and satisfaction of the "doing" which matters more than the distance. your son's two miles would match any century.
@Laurie, so COOL! Way to go Mom and Son! Now, can he teach my 14 year old daughter how to ride?
@Jerry - Done!
@Laurie, I've got tears in my eyes! God bless you and your sons!! Doing the dance of joy for you!
Laurie, that is so wonderful! Please send me an email at [email protected] if you'd like to share your story on a Challenge profile!
@Laurie - That is just fantastic! Congratulations to you and your son!
Those few miles are worth more than all of the miles that any of us have ridden.
@Laurie, great story. Congratulations!
Laurie; That is surely a celebrational moment to add to the "Share your Story" link. What a perfect example of the opportunity to support, encourage and inspire cycling. Cheers to you for passing along your own enthusiasm, and Cheers to your son for spirit and persistence! Thanks for starting my day with a smile and a nudge to "Get up and Ride! (-:
@Lauri. That is great. I hope your son has many great rides on his bike. You deserve to be pround of your son.
Had to share this quick -- I have a 19 year old son with Down Syndrome. A few times, we've attempted to teach him to ride a bike, but he always got too scared. For a couple of years, he had an old adult trike, but we finally junked it last year. This year, with mom riding so much, he got bike fever again. A neighbor of my mom's sells refurbished bikes, so a few weeks ago we bought one. He's been trying so hard to figure it out, and yesterday he and my older son rode their bikes to the park a mile or 2 away. I AM A PROUD MAMA TODAY!!!!!
My brain was well done yesterday. I am hoping I can convince myself to get on the bike instead of in the bed when I get home in a little while. Just waiting for my relief to arrive. It is a 20 mile drive and I get very sleepy during that highway drive.
@Tammie - If I only had a brain - Good job!
@Tammie - God job! Glad we didn't move to Texas when we had the chance. Just kidding.
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Got my Road ID activated a few minutes ago. Ready to roll!
Jerry- done. Hope you reach your goal and beyond. You have been an inspiration to many of us Here. Today was one of my worst thanks to the heat. It was 102 and I could not make it 10 miles of our weekly EASY group city ride without having a pitcher of water dumped on me! Ah did that feel like heaven. I was laying on Jeff's front sidewalk where we went to get water. Did he give it to me! One person dropped out after 4 miles so it wasn't just me. Lucky we were near his house. I was like a kid in the back seat of the car, "are we there yet" just wanting to be done. Once we had reached the restaurant, eaten,and temps cooled to a nice 98 it was much easier to ride. LOL
I used to live in Europe and the fuel tax is severe but other taxes are lower. Cost of living remained the same for me. I don't buy a car now based on fuel economy at all. I ride a bike because I grew up on it and I like to ride. Buying a SUV with a 16 MPG rating doesn't phase me.
@JHugh - I'm sure we'd have many more cyclists in the US if we were paying $10.61 per gallon.
This is for all you Cannondale die hards and bike enthusiasts!!!!! (I am a Cannondale loyal person).
@Joe - I thought you would think I would copy that phrase, sp I went for a different one, and at the last second, switched back to the one I thought you would think I would take, just to be sneaky.
This is for all you Cannondale die hards and bike enthusiasts!!!!! (I myself am a Cannondale loyal person).
http://www.vintagecannondale.com/
@Marty~
Just what line I thought you'd grab!!!! Hee Hee
@jim Johnson with the price of fuel many younger folks are just not buying or using cars. Some car share. I paris it is sometimes hard to get a bike share public bike to use. My daughter lives in NZ where fuel is $2.80 per liter.
@Joe - Oh, piezoresistive force sensors - why didn't I think of that?
Here's one for all you super geeks.... aka Marty!! ;) J/K
I should also add the rich, or without children types!! Lol
http://gearjunkie.com/garmin-vector-pedal
Pedal On!!
Peace
Interesting article in the International version of Der Spiegel today on the problems being caused by the increase in bicycle usage in Europe.
@ David, what a bummer. Glad you made it to work in spite of all the trouble. You are certainly due for a bunch of good luck now!
@ Christine & Burklee, YOU GO GIRLS. GLAD YOU WILL HIT PLATINUM!
@Jerry, I have a feeling you won't have much trouble reaching your goal. Good Luck!
@Roberto. That's great.
Gold tomorrow!!!
@Jerry - Done!
hate to ask for your help on this forum. But I did not know if I would be able to ride in this years Tour de Cure for diabetes on Aug 17th so I have not been trying to raise support. Now that I know I will be able to ride I need to raise my support. If anyone is willing to help me I would greatly appreciatie the help.
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http://tinyurl.com/mtqbq4z
@Christine~
Now that's apples and oranges, moose to deer.
I'll take a deer anytime any day!!!
I'll take neither on a motorbike, and I don't wish either on anyone.
We just had a fatality (within the last week), south of town involving a deer and motorbike, not good, not good at all!!
Hitting a moose is totally different, and much more dangerous.
A moose and a motorbike..... Ah I don't like the motorbikers odds there.
Sorry about you cuz.
I've come upon moose/car accidents before, twice to be exact, and it wasn't pretty, for moose or driver!!
Moose are taller and when hit with a car, the whole of the moose body goes right through the windshield, not good!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I dunno, Joe. My cousin was killed on a motorcycle when a moose ran in the road in front of him. Either way, there will be injuries, eh?
Head on into a moose's torso at any speed faster than a slow walk is bad news.
@Jerry~
Hands down take the deer over a vehicle any day!!!
I love this vid!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Michael - The Giro cap I bought about 3 weeks ago is made of an open mesh, and doesn't interfere much with ventilation. It's similar to a Headsweats cap I have, except the bill on the Giro is smaller and not as stiff. It works better with my helmet than the Headsweats. Your experience may be different. Still, the best cap I have for sun is my freebie Cliff 2-mile Challenge cap (by Walz), but it's cotton twill, black, and does get hot in the summer sun.
Why you should always ride on the road.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch
After watching "Royal Pains" recently, I think helmets at spinning class should be required!
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The hubster is gone for 4 days to visit his mom (poor guy). I'm gonna ride my arse off this weekend! (If only I could actually do that! ;-D)
LOL! I understand where you're coming from Karen Jean, but don't wish your son's life away. It's too soon that they're grown and out of the house and you're missing the tykes they used to be!
@Christine - The weather looks like it's gonna be beautiful here for a nice Platinum ride on Saturday. I expect you'll be along to Platinum shortly. :)
I looked at the CyclingSavvy video, and I am convinced to get out of the right tire track when I do have to ride in the street. Thanks Jerry.
And, filed under "You Never Can Be Too Careful", on Reddit I saw a picture of a woman riding a stationary bike at the gym... while wearing her bike helmet. Caution, indeed.
My poor, beautiful son. I'm starting to wish him back at school so that I can do longer rides in the country.
@Jerry,
Thanks for the "Lane Control Videos". Excellent information, now I don't feel so bad about riding down the middle of the road at night (I do it mainly to avoid critters coming out of the grass/weeds alongside the road). I still tend to slide over to the right as a car approaches, might need to change that practice. Appreciate all the information you have been giving us since your accident - you may have saved a number of cyclists from injury/death because of your thoughtfulness in posting information. Only 6 more days, looking forward to seeing you back on the bike.
@ Burklee and Christine -- you'll both get platinum before you know it! Congrats in advance :)
@Christine and Burklee - Ride on and on and on ladies! Almost there.
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I am beginning to understand about lane control, but my friends who don't ride are going to hate me. I will have to try and convince them; a live friend is better than a dead one. Seeing is believing, thank you gentlemen.
Aw, Burklee, you're going to beat me there for sure! I still have 243 to go! If I just rode a mile a day, it would take me 11.5 days to get there. It should take you less than 3! Ride on!
Wow, David, not a happy morning for you! I hope the rest of your day goes in exactly the opposite direction! May there be clouds under your feet all day.
Couch Potato to Savvy Cyclist in 4.0 Months
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http://tinyurl.com/796dmdx
@Tim - Calvin and Hobbes, the Best Comic Strip Ever! Love it!
62 points to Platinum!
Jerry, here's another lane control video which shows the same vehicle passing two cyclists about twenty seconds apart. One is an edge riding cyclist that experiences a very close pass and the other is a lane controlling cyclist who experiences nothing but a pleasant ride home.
Obviously, it's not as well made Keri's. She has a wealth of information available, both at cyclingsavvy.org and commuteorlando.org.
http://vimeo.com/62475272
@Dave - Rough commute!! Sorry to hear that, guy.
Lane Control Video.
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http://vimeo.com/17300276
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FAQ: Why do you ride like that?
Joining the Jerry B countdown: 6 more days!
@ David~ been there, done that!!
It can only get better!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
law of the universe seems to be the hurrying does not make you go faster and can keep you from going farther.
@Dave....Buy a lottery ticket, after a day like that you luck has to change!!! :-)
@ David, sounds like Murphy's law was working overtime for you. Hope today's commute goes much much better!!
Soooo close. Only 7 points from Platinum. I tried, but it was just too dark, and I had no headlights. But I did set my new PB for mile in a day: 114. Did it over 4 rides. Last one of the day was 61mi. Was only going to be 25...but I was feeling good and having too much fun to stop. I even beat my best week ever form 15 years ago by one mile: I'm at 376 so far. And I did it in six days, so I can build on that tomorrow.
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And J. Hugh, here's a number for you: 40+. That's what I need to hit Diamond. 46.425925 to be exact. That's a tall order for me. This past week of riding is definitely NOT typical for me.
@David - I would have been frantic, too. Sometimes, the best plans...
Those days when the commuter gods frown on you. Sorry, but its rantish. Please learn from my mistakes.
Ive been pushing my normal commute rout to get more miles on the bike and less on the train. Today was supposed to be my longest yet buy biking to the next town over, to catch the train, then getting off the train 25 miles from work and enjoying the day. Instead i had a puncture (brand new, puncture resistant Continental tire) about 1/2 mile from the next town and had to run the rest of the way with my 20# bag and the old trusty fixed gear. Made it with a minute to spare. I rushed the repair a bit (BIG MISTAKE). Patched the tube, found nothing in the tire and put her back together, snapping a leaver in that last little bit, but just in time to get off at the planned stop. I entered the ultra high priced bike shop to ask if i could use a pump to get the high pressure needed for this tire (yes I can, but outside please. I'm in commute gear, sweaty, and filthy at this point.) I now discover that i pinched the tube and flatted again. Bought new tube and leavers, and repeated my first mistake "cause the clock is ticking on weather or not i can make it to work on time and get my ride. I pinched the new tube as well. : ( !!!! I bought another tube and headed back to the train station with tail well between legs. third times the charm, Got to work just a bit late and covered in grease. Just 10 hours on my feet in a hot kitchen and back on the bike for a lovely ride back to the train. Only one construction truck, one landscaping truck and one pedestrian tried to take me out today, so all and all, not a bad commute, and i got 15 out of the 40 miles i hoped for.
@J Hugh - Speaking of shazbot, I'll bet that Shabazz Muhammed said that when he got kicked out of the NBA Rookie Transition Program this week.
Christine@ - I live so close, and I've never been there. As king, I will have to make an appearance on Jerry day. I'll be the one not in a grass green skirt. (Or in any other color skirt, for that matter.)
@Tammie. A day from riding. Horrors!!!!!!!!
@Laurie - The anti-social one never show up to a party, but the shy one usually does, along with all the rest. The best thing is that we all can get drunk on less than a 6 pack. Then, when I'm getting ready to hit the hay, the anti-social one shows up, and starts harassing me... It takes all kinds.
I experienced something today I was completely unfamiliar with.. I felt something on the back of my neck. Had no idea what it was, reached back there. It was WET! I had sweat dripping down the back of my neck! It usually dries before that can happen but the humidity was up around my house after the SINGLE CLOUD IN TOWN ACTUALLY RAINED ON ME today. LOL I had just come in after struggling 4 miles against 37mph wind gusts to get home and was very tired. I even wimped out on the group ride because I did not want to go back out into that wind. I waited until it settled down and did some riding around my area instead for a total of 19 miles for the day. I finally have done enough extra miles that I have my needed daily miles down from 15 to 14 to reach diamond by the end of the Challenge. As much as I love riding, I honestly am looking forward to taking a day off on October 1.... unless there is a fun group ride... I'll be there!
@Michael, try a Headsweats cap, designed to allow airflow. I love mine.
This looks like fun.
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http://tinyurl.com/kmn9sbn
@ Cynthia, have fun riding in the DC area. If your bike gives you trouble, you can just go into the city. DC has a big bike share program. That might even be a way to get someone to ride with you. In any case have fun with your grandson!
@ Michael, I tried the Halo headband, which I liked pretty well. But then I switched to the "headsweats" cap which I like even better. I don't get overheated and I don't get sunburned.
I had not looked at the leaderboard for a some time. Still discouraging.
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National: 5586.
Colorado: 255
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I plan on fixing those figures next week. I hope.
@Roberto, I've worn a cap in the past but it blocks airflow through the vents. I end up overheating rather quickly even on my short commute.
A while back I mentioned that I took off six days in June to travel with my son, and plummeted off the top 100 on the Leaderboard. I'm happy to report that as of tonight, I'm back in the top 70's...80's for sure.
Rolling on...
@Michael, get a cap.
@Michael, they make a visor. I'm thinking about getting one, though I wish it had a "French Foreign Legion" flap in the back to keep the sun off my neck, too.
going through the same thing In Fl Tammie....hot and steamy
I could use the front of that 'sombrero' to keep the rain off of my glasses!
That 'sombrero' visor might get some laughs but we frequently talk about inventing a portable shade for our bikes around here. A few days ago I realized I was actually appreciating the teeny bit of shade provided by the electrical lines! Shade is so rare here ANYTHING is appreciated.The recent drought has made it so much worse.. many trees have been lost. It is cooler today.. only 93 but windy. I have only ridden 8 miles so far, half directly into the 37mph wind and it wore me out trying to get home. I am waiting for it to calm down to get some more miles in for the day. Congrats on that spirit award Jerry, you definitely have earned it.
@ Marty, sounds like you can have a party without even inviting anyone else.... hehehe
You're all coming to the Bristol Ren Faire to give Jerry his Spirit(s) Award??? Way cool! I'll be the one in the "grass green skirt"!
@Laurie - Not for me. I'll just listen to all of the different voices in my head.
This winter is going to be long and boring without the message boards to keep up with :(
@Cycling Roberto- I love "racing". Like you I single out younger guys to drop. But unlike you I make my moves on flat or downhill terrain where my recumbent has an advantage. I am slower than a slug going up hill!
@J Hugh - I will have my scribes compose a proclamation worthy of Jerry's many accomplishments for the good of the people of the NBC, and have couriers disseminate the news throughout the land in time for the August 14th Celebration, complete with court jesters, minstrels, and dancers - Invited guests will be in his driveway, and front and back yard. For the peasants, there will still be much revelry at Everly Montgomery Stadium, into the wee hours of the morning.
BTW, don't forget we have the world famous Trexlertown Velodrome in this area, so many of the cyclists out for a "spin" are actually pros in training. Respect.
@Roberto - Liked your story!
So does anyone else enjoy "racing"
other cyclists on the road? On today's ride, I was cruising along at a nice leisurely pace. I heard this guy call out, "On your left," so I turned, smiled and watched a guy about a decade younger than me and a younger still guy who appeared to be a son perhaps? At any rate we were going up a very gradual incline that has a little kicker at the end of a 1 mile run. I sat about 20 or so feet off the back wheel of the younger guy, and I'm pretty sure the older guy didn't realize I was there. Just as we approached the little kicker, I decided to pass them and see if they were going to try and keep up with me. Just a bit of a game I play. So as I cruise by, the guy mentioned, "I hate this hill." So I took the pace up to about 25 MPH to see if the two of them were going to hang. After all, they did pass me! They receded into the background, and I somehow felt like I had won the sprint on the Champs-Élysées. Silly stuff, but all in good fun. And trust me the shoe has been on the other foot, when my lungs are coming out my nose trying to pass somebody who has just passed and dropped me. Keeps it interesting.
@Jerry - The brim hat wouldn't give me any more laughs than I already get from wearing a baseball cap under my helmet. I should actually look into it. I had two biopsies done a few years ago, testing for cancer, and I am constantly worried about my nose. So far so good, I still look like I used to, unless you do a closeup photo shoot, so for some people this would be helpful. Thanks!
I hereby request that Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin issue a royal proclamation honoring Jerry B for his 2013 NBC Spirit award.
Hi all, out for a ride this morning with temps in the 70s and some sprinkling going on. A few other riders out there. Thought I had to get my ride going because it was supposed to rain this afternoon. Now we have clear blue skies and temps. in the 80s. Just goes to show you can never trust the weather forecast. But at least it forced me to get on with the day and all that other junk I need to do.
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@ Marty, I think Fat Tire beer is made in Colorado, so I think that would the be the appropriate choice.
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@ Jerry, that ride doesn't look so bad on paper, you just go up and you go down again. We've got plenty of hills around here and it makes me think: hmm, maybe I could do that Ride the Rockies thing. But my bucket list of rides just keeps getting longer so if I make half of them I'll be doing good. BTW, the sombrero is pretty funny, but it makes sense! Can't wait to see your sculpture.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Jerry - Actually, Jay's been looking for something like that. I sent her the link. Thanks!
@Jerry~
I saw a couple on a cool tandem wearing these this past Saturday. Pretty darn cool, and I did giggle a bit after they left!! Lol
Bet they work well!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
One of my favorite rides last year was from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO when I raced the train Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad from Chama. I beat the train in by two hours. Actually only one hour as they take an hour break for lunch It was a nice ride all the way from mountains to high desert plains.
It was fun to race the train up the mountain and watch it from varous points during the climb. The scenery along the route is beautiful. Riding in the canyons and among the trees, along the river, and lakes. And then to watch everything change as I descended into the high desert country. From trees to sagebrush. One of my most enjoyable rides.
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http://ridewithgps.com/trips/709047
And here I was going to come home and whine about another day on the stationary bike. And the spinner bike I added today. And now I can't do that.
@Laurie, guess the bad driving behavior is finally make it's way to your neck of the woods.
40 rainy, chilly miles on the road. Couple rude drivers (one of whom I did confront, only to see them peel out from the light), but nothing out of the ordinary.
Here here for Jerry! Wahoo! Congratulations!
Bike Helmet Sombrero Combo Gets Laughs, Blocks Killer Sun.
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http://tinyurl.com/mp4ss9k
Thanke everyone for the support. Without the support I have had from everyone here it would have been an even longer and harder time recovering.
The NBC Spirit Award - what an awesome idea! Jerry, your positive attitude has been an inspiration for all of us here at the Challenge!
I move that the nominations be closed and without objection, the 2013 NBC Spirit Award go to Jerry B for his great attitude and his many great, nearly great and ok contributions to the life of the NBC. I do think he needs to post picture of the bike art sculpture in his garden since he has the resources to do the project and it would be great therapy, until he is unleashed again on mountain roads. Bon ton roule
Definitely deserved! Which spirit should we award him, Whiskey? Vodka?
I second that nomination!
I hereby nominate Jerry B for the 2013 NBC spirit award! Congrats on the new bike. We're all looking forward to you riding again!!
@Jerry B,
While I appreciate the invitations to come out and ride with you in the mountains I'm afraid it would be a VERY short ride. I have enough trouble riding the flat lands of Florida, give me a 2% grade and my speed drops to almost a standstill :-)
Laurie, when I encounter that, I do confront. My favorite question to ask a driver is "Do you want to sit across a courtroom from my mother and explain to her why her son is dead and you are responsible?"
Tammie, you're doing an awesome job for a new rider. You'll only get stronger. And almost all of my longer rides have been extnsions of planned rides. Just don't want to stop.Last night was no exception. Set out for 20-25, and went 45. Just started hitting my stride at about 40, and the sun set. I have lights on the way, so I had to stop. Felt like I could have got another 20. I've really been pushing myself the last two days. Entered a challenge to do 500km in 5 days. Fool that I am, I decided to try to wrap it up in three. Got 200 mi for two days. I. Am. Worked. right now. Need 111 to finish. If I get half today I'll be happy.
Looking forward to seeing you log milkes again, Jerry. The more I have to try and keep up with, the better.
You all just reminded me of ..... A couple of years ago, I was in a month-long fitness challenge at the Y. A few days before the end, I needed to have some outpatient surgery. The following day I was back at the Y finishing my points for the challenge. Came out of the locker room and ran into the surgeon who the day before had given me strict instructions for my recovery time. But all she said was that as long as I didn't strain my stitches or get into the pool or hot tub, I had her blessing.
@Laurie - It is amazing what some people will do for a second or two advantage, or in this case, a perceived advantage.
Jerry, your my new doctor. When I had surgery 8 years ago, my doc was adaant I stay off the bike for four weeks. I complied. He aslo told me walk only around the house for the first week. Then I could do some longer walks around the neighborhood. Again, I complied. But when I went for my first outside walk, I went to Sleeping Giant. A very popular hiking trail here. 900 feet ascent in 3/4 mile. He freaked when I told him what I did and read me the riot act. I told him, it was just a "walk". He was not amused. But I sure was!
This morning I biked to a dentist appointment, then to Walmart. Coming out of the Walmart parking lot into mall traffic, there was a stop sign just ahead so I stayed in the center of the lane to turn left. 15-20 feet before the stop sign, an SUV swerved into the oncoming lane to beat me to the stop sign, at which both of us turned left. 30 seconds later we were stopped side by side at a stoplight. I wanted so badly to ask the driver what she thought she'd gained by recklessly passing me.
Thank you to everyone for your insight/encouragement about riding after the accident. I'm recovering from a compression fracture of my L2 so I've been taking it slow so as not to overwork the area and prolong the recovery. I've been walking 25-30 miles per week with a friend for about a month or so to begin reteaching/strengthening the muscles in the area. I agree, 6 miles at a time "seems" low; however, he didn't say per week or per day. He said per ride. If I have more than 1 ride per day, so be it. ;-) Between his advice and listening to my body, I'll be back to my normal 250+ per week in no time.
@Christine, you were watching 'Perception'? Just a bit of irony there, don't you think?
@Marty, you put your fingers on the wrong keys and trust spell check!
Perfect day for riding. Overcast and 71 degrees.
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Whine.
@Teri Marty has a good idea. Ride six miles. Stop at a stop sign. Tell yourself, "I finished my ride. It was great." Then start a new ride.
He wasn't drinking (though he'd had a beer earlier {Schlitz has gone back to its 1960s formula and we love it!}) and he wasn't watching sports (we were watching Perception). But you're all right: he wasn't paying attention to me. He says he's too poor to pay attention.
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Jerry, my riding does not warrant that kind of bike, believe me. I'm having difficulty justifying the cost of a Public or an Electra Amsterdam for how I ride.
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Teri, I'm with those who are saying that's restrictive. I read it as "X miles per DAY", not per week! I'd look for a second opinion.
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@Cynthia, have fun in the DC area. I spent the worst three years of my life living "outside DC". That meant having all the cost of the DC area and none of the benefits. Feh.
Christine@ - How do you but a Public bike?
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@Teri - That's great that you'll finally be out. Since your doctor did say six miles per ride, then you can do several six mile rides per day, maybe adding up to Jerry's totals, without going against your doctor's wishes.
@terri lamour I was hit by a car and took two weeks off the bike. I returned slowly, but your Dr;s recommendations seem low. How much does your Doctor ride? If none, then that's like the Dr that wanted to put a pace maker in Leonard for having a resting night heart rate in the mid 30's. Its all individual but the standards of care are generally for a much more couch potato type person. Congrats on getting back to riding.
@Christne Abby Normal So, have you booked the flight?
@Chrisine. What sport was he watching on television when you told him this? Instead of going out to CA, just tell him you are going to the bike store to buy a high carbon fiber bike under the same circumstances you told him you were going to CA. And record it so you have a record of it. That will teach him not to listen to you.
@Christine, he wasn't hitting any of that small-batch bourbon at the time, was he?
@Teri. That seems pretty restrictive. You sure the doctor didn't mean 60 miles per ride for the first week, 100 miles per ride the second week, 150 miles per ride the third week? And then let you get down to serious riding after that.
Told my husband last night that I was going to fly out to SF, CA, and but a Public bike, then ride it home. He didn't even blink, just said, "That's great. Have fun!" Hmmmm....
@Teri - Yea for you! And for your ninja bunnies in the picture. :)
The doctor gave me the "green light" for riding yesterday!! Six miles per ride for the first week, ten miles per ride second week, fifteen miles per ride third week. If all is good with that, I'm free to ride without restriction :D
Now I can FINALLY help log these miles :-D
@Laurie. Hopefully. Seven more days of not riding. See the doctor next Wednesday and get more X-rays. Then come home and ride. I hope.
@ Jerry, 7 more days, right?
Thanks all for your well wishes and support!
@Jerry-will get a couple miles in for you. And I am sure the hills and "mountains" where I am going and the non hills where Leonard is in FL have nothing on the thin air and ginormous "real" mountains of Colorado. No doubt that can be somewhat intimidating if your not used to that climate and terrain.
@Roberto-would much much rather be out riding than at my desk working. Especially on what is a gorgeous day today.
Took a fun, enjoyable ride yesterday evening from one end of the city to the other. During the night some massive storms came through, and most of the area I biked in got hit hard. Power lines and trees down everywhere, extensive power outages, etc. Weird to think what a difference a few hours can make.
@Jim. Checklist was a good idea.
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Bronze. Check!
Silver., Check!
Gold. Check!
Bicycle Accident. Check!
Broken Bones (4). Check!
Ambulance Ride. Check!
Hospital Stay. Check!
Rehab Facility Stay. Check!
Arrive Home. Check!
Cry over Destroyed Bicycle. Check!
Get Support from NBC Riders. Check! Check! Check!
Do Physical Torture. Check!
Ride Stationary Bike. Boring. But I think I am still sane.
Order new Bike. Check!
Get fitted to new bike. Still waiting.
Ride new bike. Can hardly wait.
Platinum. Hopefully.
Diamond. Not this year.
@Cynthia. Have fun riding the hills. Last year I keep inviting Leonard to come ride with me in the mountains of Colorado. I assumed he would get bored riding all the flatland in Florida. But for some reason he would not come out here to ride our mountains.
Spend less time posting and more time riding.
@Cynthia. Have a great time with your grandson.
@Cynthia, here's wishing you safe travels (both auto and bike). Enjoy your time away.
@Karen, You're right, it is very nice riding at night but you definitely need a GOOD headlight. You MUST be able to see everything on and near the road. Case in point, last night I spotted a couple deer about 10 feet off the road, usually they run into the bushes but this pair decided to run across the road about 5 feet in front of me. If I hadn't seen them alongside the road I never would have been able to slow down enough to miss them when they ran across the road (I had slowed as soon as I saw them because I never know what they might do).
@ Cynthia - Just noticed you new post. Have a great time! Check out the new museums for me if you can. I have been wanting to visit the Native American Indian Museum - I think that's what they call it. Sounds like fun! Ride safe - isn't there a lot of traffic around DC?
@Leonard-that would have been very scary if they ran out in front of you being that close!
Night riding is awesome by the way.
@Karen, will be in the suburbs about 45 miles west. Hills hills and more hills! I am really hoping to get up very early before my grandson does and get in at least 10 miles if I can. Great training for my Bike MS event end of September. My son lives on a mountain ridge. There is only one way down and one way up.....the climb on both sides is about a mile long. And there are hills all around after that. I used to ride around those hills all the time, but, now I am a "flatlander". The only hill I have is the bridge over the waterway. And I got that down pat.
Going on vacation starting tomorrow for about 5 days. Up to the north, DC area. Will not have computer access. Will miss keeping up with the conversations on NBC. I am bringing my bike though! Wahoo! Might be able to squeeze in a small ride or two ....that is if my grandson lets me....lol
@Paul - Nice job! I'm just happy to be in the top 100 in PA. And Roberto - he's in the top 10. Nice going guys. :)
@Burklee - I did my miles yesterday. (5.7mi.) Half in twilight, half in the dark. (Leonard - it's calm and pleasant riding in the dark when there is not many cars around, I can see why you like it - as long as it is not too cold. Just didn't seem safe with my insufficient headlights.) I scarred two neighbor boys who were out, but then they liked my Spokelights. A couple of days ago I gave their mom a copy of a pamphlet PA publishes about bike rules and bike safety. (You can order it free from the internet.)
@Marty - I knew I heard "Shazbat" somewhere. Hey everyone "Nanu Nanu"!
Well, Paul, you can do like I did yesterday and just keep going and going and going. I really set out for the day hoping to push myself to do maybe 20 or 25 miles.. I never dreamed I would do 35! I would give anything to have a few more days with temps at 90 or below. It would be heaven! I have been browsing headlights trying to find something affordable to make it possible to ride at night when the temps are in the 80's. The light I have now really just makes me visible, not the road ahead. When it gets dark here.. it is DARK! Everyone is welcome to come down here for a visit.. we can try out all the neighbors driveways.
Two days to platinum!! Unless I can pull off 122 miles tomorrow.
ha-haaaaaaaa...that's not going to happen.
AND, I managed to get back in the top 10 for the challenge period on my state leaderboard.
@J Jugh - Now you've got me watching all of the old Mork and Mindy shows - many I'd never seen. Thanks!
@Jenny - Everyone is free to bike into my neighbor's driveway - no-one likes him. Although I would suggest we do it in shifts, as it can't hold all 33,426+ bicyclists at once. Perhaps alphabetically? Or by height?
Anyone in the Bar Harbor, ME area? We will be visiting. Sounds like great cycling in Acadia and on MDI. Thoughts on Cadillac Mountain for this flatlander? Thanks!
Decided to take a relaxing evening ride around town. I just kept going and going, and the cicadas and crickets and a few frogs serenaded me along the ride. The last 3-4 miles, my legs wanted to quit, and I figured I had gone at least 23-25 miles. But mapmyrun says it was just under 20. I've been having too many low mileage days lately, and need to find my groove again, it seems. :)
@JH pretty scary I would not have been that brave. I like Marty's suggestion about the neighbors driveway.
No cops on bikes here.. rarely see any cops anywhere because they are busy working the fatal car accidents! No joke! Temps today were supposed to be 105 so I got on the bike about 3 and headed over to my mothers to swim. Was going to ride about 8 miles first .. well, storm clouds started forming and I high tailed it over there with 7 miles on the odometer and got about 5 minutes in the pool before the rain arrived. Waited a couple hours and it finally cleared enough to head home.. got rained on a little then it really was VERY NICE WEATHER FOR RIDING.. temp around 90 and so I just kept riding... and riding.. and riding.. really! Total... 35 miles! LOL I think I would have continued but the sun went down and I did not have my headlight with me. Amazing how much more I can do when the heat is not draining me. That was sooo much fun! ... even if I was just going around and around at the college campus. There were tons of people out and a lot of people with kids on bikes but I was the ONLY ONE with a helmet! That was very disappointing.
I know just the neighbor, oh shazbat! no compassion again.
@J Hugh - The visual of that is hilarious, but you're right, potentially very dangerous. Plus, that is one person who will probably never like (or trust) a bicyclst again. [And, if they gave chase, or just followed, would have known where you live, putting household members at risk.] So, the lesson learned is to always scoot into the driveway of a neighbor that you don't like. JK
Hi all, I was out this morning to clock my miles. Temps were in the 70s and it was cloudy. There were a few other riders out there. When I got to the bottom of a hill, I continued straight into the going straight lane so I could go straight. Some knucklehead in a van honks and goes around me on the left to get into the right lane to turn, guess which way, yeah right. I yelled that I was going straight and moved up to put my foot down on the island until the light changed. I was just lucky that there was enough room for that guy to go around me on the left to turn right. I was thinking I should bring this up with Trailnet or MOBikeFed to see if I could get a bike lane painted at that intersection. Don't know how much difference it would make, but if something equally stupid happened again, at least I could say that I was in the bike lane. Well, I guess it'd be free to ask. Fortunately the rest of my ride was uneventful other than getting sprinkled on, on the way home.
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Enjoyed the Austin article. Its like we discussed earlier this summer, if there were more cops on bikes there might be less problems for cyclists.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
The other day an irate driver started screaming at me for being on the road in the paved shoulder. I screamed back pull over. So he did. I waved as I went by. He jumped in his car and gave chase. I once again yelled pullover pull over as he approached. He did. I continue on this time pedaling as fast as possible and turning off the road for the quarter mile sprint to home.
On reflection although it was fun, I do think I took a chance getting shot or run over. I would not do it again. I share this because in an instant I can make an error in judgement or a bad decision whether I am a cyclist or in a car. Compassion is sometimes harder to keep than ice water on a 95 degree day.
I went to A & W, asked for a little float, and they gave me a highly decorated little toy wagon, pulled by four equally decorated mice.
@Burklee - We could get to 20 million miles if one person, who hasn't logged any miles yet, would just ride 7,800,000 miles tomorrow.
Last Thursday evening, I almost was the victiim of two left hooks, on my way to work. The first was on a bike path - I was slowly overtaking a woman on rollerblades. I yelled, passing on your left, and about 3 seconds later, she stumbled, quickly curved to her left, but luckily just barely caught herself just inches before T-boning me. The second was partly my fault. I just turned into a one way, and a car with no turn signal was stopped. I assumed they were dropping someone off at school, but they were waiting for a diagonal parker to leave. (The diagonal parker was already directly ahead of them when I got there, making it look like they were dropping someone off, too..)
Bike-bike collisions aren't that rare and can be extremely hazardous. On the trail today, a couple of times I had to alert oncoming cyclists of my presence... coming straight at them. Be alert whenever cycling, on the road, on the trail, anywhere.
I missed getting hit on my way home this afternoon - by another bike - ridden by a 10 year old! Kid came flying out of a parking lot without looking or stopping. Had I not braked he would have T-boned me. Lucky for him I wasn't driving a car!
@Rick - HA!!!!
@ Michael - so you're saying I look like a cop when I ride - I never wear earbuds. :-)
Maybe I was too hasty. It did say 'radio' rather than 'iPod,' so maybe it was her police radio. Still, visible earbuds aren't a good example to set.
I am assuming the earbuds were for her police radio so she could hear the other officers on the police radio.
Bronze. Check!
Silver., Check!
Gold. Check!
Platinum. Check!!
Diamond. About Thanksgiving!
@Rick, I took the earbuds to be part of a disguise; she was trying to 'blend in' and not look like a police officer. Though she had a radio attached, the article doesn't specifically say what (if any) music she had playing, did it? I assumed (hoped) they were just for show.
43 relaxing miles along the scenic Lehigh River. I'm not going to ride on roads recently resurfaced with tar and stones and then subject myself to angry motorists if I can help it. Trails are few and far between around here, but today it was worth lugging the bicycle in my car to get "away from it all."
@Rick - At first, I was surprised by this too, but then, I assumed from the rest of the article, that those "earbuds" were part of her police radio equipment. Perhaps I assume wrongly, but that what what I gathered.
from the Austin article: "Rheannon Cunningham tucks a radio into her backpack, turns up the volume on her ear buds, climbs onto a bicycle and heads into traffic." Huh? This is a police officer? Where did she take cycling safety class? I'm thrilled that they're enforcing vulnerable user laws, but riding with earbuds in traffic is an invitation to disaster, and a bad example for other cyclists.
@ EM - And miss my 20 points! Not on your life! LOL
@ Karen, or you can do 10.something or other tomorrow. LOL!
@Karen - You could do them tonight. Or you could take a nice long ride on a day off. And checking my numbers, I have to bump my average/day up by about 2/3 of a mile. I'm such a slacker.
We can get to 20 million miles if everyone who has recorded at least 1 ride to date were to ride 5.345 miles per day. I believe we can totally get to 20 million miles!
@ Burklee - That means I will have to do 5.345 miles tonight in the dark. ;)
@Gregg - Nice! If only we had an A&W in Lincoln. :(
It's National Float Day and I rode to A & W for a free root beer. The small root beer floats are free today at all A&W's nationwide from 2 pm until close. Enjoy the ride and your float. haha
@Jerry~
I had that same thought...... about not seeing the bicyclists.
How can that be, aren't you suppose to be aware of your surroundings as a driver??
They say the same about us bikers!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
It is nice to see the Austin police doing this. They have a reputation for harassing bicyclists and not even giving tickets to drivers that kill or serious injure bicyclists. It looks like they are trying to change that.
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What is so sad in reading the article is the number of drivers who said they did not see the bicyclist.
@Joe - Its nice to know that some police departments are conscious of our safety and concerns. Austin is a nice area to bike - I went through there about 35 years ago on a bike trip.
@ Joe, thanks for sharing that link.
Good read, it fits the topic of the last 24-48 hours very nicely!!
http://ireader.olivesoftware.com/Olive/iReader/AustinAmericanStatesman/SharedArticle.ashx
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ Frank Mcintosh....My error?? intersection was a "T" interdection with the stop sign on the one road, and me traveling on the through road. Am I supposed to stop at every intersection??? I didn't even see the guy until his front bumper was in the intersection (he was going so fast.)
@Jerry Bengtson...Thumbs up that was the onlty thing that saved me. We were the only two vehicles on the road! Traveling in the middle of the lane safely was the only thing that kept me from getting hit, it happened so fast. if I was on the side of the road I woud nave been a road pizza!!!!
@Burklee, LOL! My husband's favorite movie line!
@Christine-just looked that up. Pretty neat. Its says more styles are coming soon.
My band is wearing and the plate needs replaced so definitely going for one of those new ones. Thanks for sharing.
@Christine, I saw the elite badges recently. Very cool! They are planning to have a bunch more too.
@Christine - I just went to the RoadID site to look at that bike chain badge. I like that. And now I feel obliged to say, "Badges? We don' need no stinking badges!"
Echoing what Jerry said about lane position - plus moving to the center of the lane gives you more time and space to react if necessary.
Hey, alla y'all who wear RoadIDs: they've come out with "badges" for the elite version, one of which is a BIKE CHAIN! Off to place an order. Wheeee!
8 more days.
Or really is there a smaller smart phone that works with the App?
@Paul. Could not sleep. It has been an issue since my accident and the four days my wife was really ill. Doctor said it is a common side effect of this type of injuries combined with taking care of my wife and getting very little sleep. It disrupted my sleep pattern. He gave me a prescription to help me sleep. It works great. It is not a sleeping pill. It has no side effects. It just helps your body to get back on its sleep cycle. I am trying to get off it. Last night was not successful.
How is the Galaxy III with battery life running the app, compared to the "giant" Galaxy IV?
@Tammie - check your tire again. Inspect the outside very closely for wire or glass embedded. Wire would be the more likely culprit. Glass would cause a more visible slit. My two slow-leak flats on last year's STP were the result of a tiny piece of car/truck tire wire. After the first flat, I inspected the inside of the tire for the penetrating object and couldn't find it by sight or feel. When the tire went soft again an hour down the road, I looked very carefully at the outside and found the wire. It took a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out. I think it was being pressed through the tire into the tube each time that part of the tread hit the pavement and then pushed back flush by the tube during the rest of the revolution. Eventually the wire dug a tiny hole in the tube, but remained flush with the inner surface of the tire casing - couldn't feel it on the inside of the tire after either flat.
I was on the road for over 80 miles yesterday. I was passed by hundreds of vehicles. I remember only two coming too close on the pass. Seemed to be a lot of repect and awareness out there. I ride to be seen and predictable. one thing to note, we just had our annual fundraising Paradise Ride Kauai over the weekend. Two days of touring the island by bike. Over cyclists riding 50 miles Sat and 100 miles Sunday, plus all the roadside vols and support vehicles. I'm sure that helped.
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And thanks Marty, for the numbers. I owe you an aspirin, and a cold one.
Appreciate all the advice, and I usually do call the police when I am involved in something. If for no other reason than to educate these types.I was right hooked by an irate anti-cyclist type once (yelling at me to get off the road, then turned in front of me). No injuries to me, but I scratched the hell out of the side of her car with my cleat. She was yelling she was going to call the cops if I didn't pay. I already them on the phone. Needless to say, she got a pricey education. As for yesterday's incident, he literally hit me the force of someone bumping into me in a halway. I've been injured enough to know that was nothing. "hit by a car" isn't always as bad as it sounds. No pain and not even bruising today. Anything more serios, and I would have filed a report.
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Jerry, it's still playtime here. I'm UTC-10. 3 hours earlier than the west coast. So what are YOU still doing up? ;-)
All this talk of bikers getting hit, and what not..... makes me glad I ride 90% of the time in the woods!!!
When I do pedal around town, I always make sure I'm seen; even if that means I get honked at or get a dirty look. Far better those two things happening than getting hit!!!
Ride like you belong, as someone here (sorry can't remember who), always says!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Frank made one point people may have missed. Besides assuming that a driver will not see you, a good technique when approaching an intersection or parking lot exit with a vehicle approaching is to move from the side of the road to the middle of the lane, traffic permitting. This does two things. It makes you more visable by being in the middle of the lane. And the movement from the side of the road to the middle of the lane helps the driver to notice you.
Glad you caught that Marty.
I have the sneaking suspicion that the drivers who lump all cyclists together as law-disregarding, road-hogging, irresponsibles that don't belong on the road, are probably the same drivers who think the speed limit doesn't apply to them, that turn signals aren't necessary, that being first instead of yielding is always the way to go, etc etc etc.
My hope is that by consistently following the laws whether I am in a car or on a bike, in a small way I can educate/inspire others to do the same.
@Paul - I just happen to remember some numbers from last year.
For the 4 states with the biggest improvement: LY mi to eoYR/2013 to date mi/% improvement already; LY total sign-ups/2013 to date/% improvement already; LY Loggers for Challenge/LY Loggers to Dec 31st/2013 Loggers to date/% improvement over LY Challenge period already.
Utah: 104,470/189,160/81% 236/566/140% 191/192/472/147%
New Mexico: 29,838/46,100/55% 75/124/65% 51/51/92/80%
Mississippi: 6,767/27,074/300% 30/79/163% 24/24/59/146%
Hawaii: 11,649/41,262/254% 51/147/188% 23/24/101/339%
Give a big shout-out to those states!
Now, my head hurts from remembering all of that, at least to the best of my recollection.
@Cycling Roberto - Paul was walking, @Frank was talking about Wayne, who was riding.
@Frank, he was walking. Beside that, good advice.
Wayne, the mistake was yours with idiot driver. It is always a mistake to imagine that a car will stop at a stop sign. Regrettably, a cyclist faced with a car approaching a stop sign must assume they will at least proceed into the right of way before even assessing whether it is safe to be there. You need to slow a bit and move more to center of the lane you're travelling in. And don't forget your "hey." A lot of times they just don't see you, so you have to proceed to the second most effective option--making sure they hear you. You're asking to be "dead right" otherwise.
@Wayne, every day.
Once again I was almost hit by a driver that thought stoping at a stop sign was optional. Either blowing the stop sign completely for slowing down, then putting the pedal to the metal seems to be common for some morons. Just wondering, anyone else having near misses with idiot drvers? Be careful out there!!
@Paul-so happy to hear your a new rider logging miles into NBC. So happy you weren't hurt!
I ment zucchini pizza. The crust is made with shredded zuchhini. It was delicious.
Paul, you might want to check out Amerityre (http://www.amerityre.com/) for flat-free riding. They are a little bit slower, but I get at least 3,000 miles before having to even think about a new tire.
@Karen - Thanks Cynthia and Marty for the friendly admonishments, what you both said is all to true. I am still doing Yoga and Kettle bells, however, as they really do help tighten those offending stomach muscles.
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Sigh. My vegetable garden, and working with my son getting ready for cross country, is really cutting into my bicycle miles this month. I have got to get that light for the bike so that I can do more mile, if I have any energy left to do them that is.
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For those vegetarians out there, we had veggie pizza this week. My husband even liked it, but I had to put some ground sausage on it to please him. He lifts weights and will not go without meat or protein. You would be able to make it without meat though, but it does call for mozzarella cheese. (I planted soy beans and black beans this year to see if I can supplement some protein with those beans, they are drying on the vine now.) What this has to do with a bicycle? Not much. Hope I get to ride today.
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J.Hugh - Shazbat. (Made me smile - Thanks.)
Call the police and get a lawyer if any damage or injuries. I regret not getting a lawyer from my January accident, guy backed out in front of me in residential area. Still trying to settle the insurance issues. My car insurance is required to cover my injuries and that seems to be a problem for them. Three months after the accident they said :"where are the pictures of your injuries?" Shazbat!
@Paul. Jerry's right. I got at low speed and didn't think anything about it until the next day. I woke up with bruising on my right leg. My bike landed on that leg. Luckily I did get the police involved. Thats because the kid tried to run.
Paul. I hope you called the police. Anytime you are in a collison you need the police involved. Even if you think you are not hurt, you could have some injuries that do no show up for a few hours.
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And I hate it when I cannot sleep. And why are you still awake Paul?
@ Marty, re: States. What was the increase in rider numbers for states with big improvements? Namely Hawaii. We have 147 registered riders, but only have 101 with points.And only half of those have over 500 points for the challenge period. I'm a new rider this year, and would like to think I am part of that increase. And there are a couple other riders here riding some insane miles. May be Diamond already (I'm closing on Platinum), but I don't know if they were in it last year. I've managed to get my community to number 1 for August so far, and I am the only rider. And I may possibly get it into 3rd for the challenge period overtaking Honolulu by the end of the week. Following this is very motivating. I want to get my community to number 1. And the riding here is year round. The only downsides-hills. Lots and lots of steep hills. And the island I'm on is only 555 sq. miles in area.
Had to pay some cycling dues today. 3 flats, a wasted back tire. Garmin died before my ride ended (fortunately, I had the app to take over), had to walk a mile to a bike shop (not my regular one-so I couldn't get a tire on faith), and to top it all off, I got hit by a car. While I was walking, and IN the crosswalk. My bike is fine. Fortunately it was on the outside of me, so my body shielded it from the car. I'm fine too. Some punk kid turning left. How the hell he could not see me in my bright cycling clothes is beyond me. He slammed on the brakes and hit me just hard enough to knock me down, No damage. No injuries. Bright side= I almost made him cry when I yelled at him, and I got a new tire today.
@Stan - I beg to differ. (i've just computed these percentages based on total participants and totals for each state - which I've found in the past to be a reasonably good estimate of the percentages at each medal level.) Wisconsin has 20.7% of the participants in the NBC, so their 13 prizes for July puts them right at 19.4% of all prizes. (So, they are actually underrepresented by almost one prize.) Nebraska did get 10.45% of the prizes, but still has 5.7% of the participants, so that is an outlier. But Montana with 0.5% of participants and 3% of prizes, and Alabama, with 0.13% of participants and 1.5% of prizes might be bigger outliers.
But with 67 prizes, one can't expect someone from every state to get a prize, so the sample size becomes an issue. Based on statistics, your state of Maryland should have had one prize winner, (1.5%), with 1.64% of the participants, but that just happened to be the luck of the draw.
Adventure Cycling Association's member magazine "Adventure Cyclist" is a very interesting read. It is filled with stories of people biking all over the world. It is mostly about long distance travelers but also features daytrippers and overnighters.
Jerry B....I feel your pain doubly...not just the physical part of your accident (I have had a few but not as serious as yours...my worst resulted in a broken collar bone), but the emotional pain of losing not just your bike, but a Synapse! ;-) Here's hope love can strike again with the new one. Ride safely...and don't over do it too soon!
PS, I forgot to add that I would happily chip in for Christine's bike and similar efforts
Thanks to everyone who gave me tips earlier today about my upcoming bike trip. We've had to reschedule it 4 times already this summer due to conflicts, and I am really hoping to go on Sunday and Monday and not have to reschedule AGAIN..... summer is winding down too fast :(
HI all, just a quickie ride this morning so I could get to the Amtrak station. Had to go get the car back from the KC airport. Long story, related to the fact that my son had to get to a wedding but isn't old enough to rent a car...
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Anyway, so much going on here. Again my heart goes out to the accident victims. The mirrors thing is scary. When we were in Texas in March we saw these monster sized pickup trucks that made the Honda Pilot seem small, and the Pilot makes cars seem small. Those trucks have some monster mirrors, I don't even want to think about what kind of damage they could do to a cyclist.
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When I was on my rdie on Sunday, I encountered a couple of cyclists riding facing traffic on and tried to explain they they were supposed to ride with traffic, only I managed to say just the oppostie. They probably thought I was nuts. ARGGGHHH....
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As for cycling magazines, I read "Bicycle Times" and "Bicycling" and "American Bicyclist>' There has been some overlap lately, but generally BT is more focused on every rider except racers, "Bicycling" has traditionally been geared towards the racing crowd and testing new bikes, but lately has been doing a little more on women and families riding and even a little about touring. "Bicycling" recently featured an excellent article about bike helmets called "Sensless" which you can look up and download. "American Bicyclist" is the League of American Bicyclist's magazine. They are mainly focused on making conditions better for bicycling all over the US with their bicycle friendly (businesses, cities, campuses, safe routes to school, etc.) programs. They have put some focus on the largest growing groups of cyclists in this country: women and minorities. I haven't read any women specific magazines, but the good news is that all of these three are paying more attention to women riders. I have to say that the increase in women riders is also evident here in the NBC. We have a lot more women participating regularly than we did last year
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RIDE ON and RIDE SAFE!
Jerry, I bet you take it up and down the street when you get it.. you HAVE to test it out! Just got in from a very short 5 miles after changing the tube ... again! The patch from this morning did not work. Just getting more experience. Second time went faster. I keep this up I am going to get good and changing flats! OK all you experts out there, know anything about thoracic outlet syndrome? Cutting off circulation to my right arm. My arm went numb today.. I went to my chiropractor since my neck has been hurting since my fall. He told me what it was and it is has been happeining off and on slightly since saturday but got really bad suddenly this afternoon when my entire arm and hand went completely numb. It kept doing it while I was riding a while ago. Very aggrivating and uncomfortable. If it's not one thing, its another! LOL I just need to do whatever I need to do to STOP IT.
@Paul. This will be my second Synapse. I killed my first one when it was destroyed after I crashed in June. I loved that bike.
Jerry B. I think you will love the Synapse. I have a 2011 Syn 6 alloy. Pretty much all entry level...but a big step up from my Schwinn Traveler! I have about 9500 miles on it and still love it. Since yours will have nicer bells/whisles...I suspect you will enjoy yours even more. Enjoy counting the days down. Best wishes for a safe reentry to your cycling.
@karen, that is amazing!!! I love to see people of all abilities on bikes.
Wow! 20 of the 67 winners were from Wisconsin or Nebraska. That's got to be a multi-sigma event.
Jerry, Clearly your interests in bicycles and model railroads involve similar levels of focused energy, attention to detail, knowledge, preparation, and flat-out, life-enhancing, whole-hearted enthusiasm. May each passion continue to enrich your existence for many years to come. And may you continue to mend swiftly, so you will enjoy many miles of cycling on the NEW bike still to come this season, before the weather shifts, and the railroads entice you indoors again (-;
@Jerry - I think my blood pressure just went up. A good safety video though. Wishing you on that bike.
@Nyla. But those model trains are great for snowy days. And I love operation. Instead of runing trains in circles which gets boring after two minutes, those of us who operate, actually swtich cars. Even a small switching layout of 15"x6' can occupy you for 1-2 hours. And for those us who have friends with large layouts, it takes 12-14 people to run the layout, with dispatches's panel, radio communitcation, signals, yards, and switching. Hours of enjoyment.
Why you don't ride close to parked cars.
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http://news.sky.com/story/1124343/lucky-escape-after-car-door-opens-on-cyclist
@ Jerry - A good LBS is nice A great LBS is a wonderful thing. My LBS - Phil's Bike Shop - does quick turn-around work for me. They know I'm a bike commuter and depend on my bike for transportation. Most of the time I can ride in, get a repair or adjustment, and ride on home. It helps that the shop is just 100 yards off my commute route.
A little more on the Enumclaw crash, per article comments - narrow road, no shoulder, on curve. Speed limit is 25, but past audits show 42 mph is more typical motor vehicle speed. Bets that the F550 driver was driving at 25 or less? How about even 30? We'll probably never know.
I can say I have a bike for every day of the week, if I wanted to ride them all.. I had enough for two weeks, but started realizing I had too many.
If you encounter a cyclist coming head-on, stop.
Model railroads make a marvelous hobby.....but you can't actually ride the tiny trains...a new bicycle, on the other hand.......
Also last night, I was in a marked bike lane, and 2 people were riding abreast each other toward me in my lane instead of the one across the street where they belonged. They separated to go around me, and I asked them why on earth they were on the wrong side of the street. They answered something but the wind took their words away. Probably just as well, because they were probably saying something rude or worse. #shakingmyhead
The only bad thing about buying this bike is I have to sell even more of my model railroad supplies than I planned on.
@Scott. I always wonder what goes through some people's heads. Obviously not thoughts.
Three cheers for Jerry!!!
I hope!
Only nine more days.
Congrats Jerry!! Happy you're getting a new ride. You'll be on it before you know it!!
@Laurie. Those bicyclists drive me nuts. People notice them and than assume all bicyclists are like that. They don't notice or remember those of us who ride properly.
Last night I was approaching a quiet four-way stop intersection. No traffic coming from the left or right, but another cyclist was approaching from the opposite direction. I stopped and then went forward through the intersection. The other guy suddenly swung to the left right in front of me without signaling. I had to brake to not hit him. I wonder if he would have done that if I'd been in a car instead of on a bike.......
I pick up my new bike on Friday. Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod 2 SRAM Red. Sells for $5,500. Cannondale is selling it to me for $4.050 thanks to my bike shop pressuring them. There are no Synapse Carbon 3 Ultregra bikes available right now. All the 2013 models are gone and still waiting on the 2014 models. There are hardly any Synapses available now due to the transition of model years. Fortunately my bike shop is one of the better bike shops so they got one of the first Synapse bikes.
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The customer service at this shop is amazing. Most repairs are made while you wait. Major repairs or major tuneups are a one day turn around. They go out of there way to help you. Without the time and effort they made for me I would not have received any payout from my insurance company.
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University Bicycles in Boulder, Colorado.
@jerry, on average, two cyclists are KILLED EVERY DAY in the US. I am so sick of reading, "Alcohol was not involved," as though this was a free pass to say, what the heck, it's a dummy on a bicycle on a road with cars. Lock up motorists who hit cyclists.
A couple of weeks ago while riding on a straight stretch of road, in town, I encountered another cyclist riding on the wrong side coming at me. An older man in full kit riding close to the parked cars. There was still some distance between us, so I moved more to my left to give him room. He countered my move by drifting to his right and coming once more at me. Thinking he was going to cross into his proper lane I moved to the right and he promptly swerved back into a collision course with me. I squeezed as close to the parked cars as I could get barely missing them, hoping that no mirrors stuck out too far. Our handlebars almost hit as he, staring straight ahead, went by.
@Jerry - and no more than 20 miles from where I live. I wonder if a truck side-view mirror was involved.
Another bicyclist hit.
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http://www.courierherald.com/news/218367951.html
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Broken neck, back, among other injuries. Only one block from home.
Let's see, in PUget Sound we have the cool-to-cold wet and dark season, the cool, wet and not-quite-as-dark season, summer (sometimes briefly - and it looks like spring almost anywhere else, except for the extremely long daylight periods), and the getting-cool-and-wet-and dark season.
I don't tend to ride in the wee hours, but I get plenty of IRID time (intentional ride in the dark), so most of the year I have a Taz 800 on the bar, an Urban 500 on my helmet, Vis 180 on the seatpost, and an off-brand blinky on the back of my helmet. Except for around Christmas, when I add more lights.
I am would like to share a picture of the Tandem Races at the VPV Friday night. Look at the red team. The man in the back - they called the back seat driver the "stoker" -
is visually impared. I was amazed and happy to see him out there. The team in the back wone the title for the year. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BcXdq4gelE9DzHdHMttRNdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0
@ Laurie - I was off the bike for 3 months this year - January through March, and then back to my regular 14 mile round-trip commute. I only got in 2 rides of 30-40 miles and one of 75 miles before riding the STP in mid-July (100 miles on Sat, and 80 on Sunday). It was fun ride, and I wasn't beat after either day. I'm betting you can handle a century, provided that the terrain is not a lot more challenging than your training routes. Ride at your normal pace, stay hydrated and fed. The risk with riding slower is that it will put you in the saddle that much longer. I'd ride comfortably near my normal pace. Test out any food or electrolyte products on rides before your main event. You don't want something new that your G.I. tract fusses about in the middle of your long ride. Plan on stopping for a few minutes every 10-15 miles, just to make sure you're getting fluids. Look for opportunities to take a little weight off the saddle periodically, particularly if you hit chip-seal or other rough roads, e.g., stand in the pedals on a downhill. Because I've had cramping events in the past, I take SportLegs capsules per pkg directions on longer (50+ mi) rides. You may not need that expense. Hope you have a great ride! Stay safe!
Although I will say, last winter was so mild that I made four rides each of the months of Oct-December.
Riding has a season here in the Mid-atlantic, at least for me: only when it's between 70-100 degrees. That means May-Sept. It's rare for me to get rides outside any other month of the year. I envy the Floridians!
Since we're just under 4 weeks from when the Challenge ended last year, and we have almost an identical amount of total miles, I thought I would mention some states that are already doing better than for the entire 4 months of last year's Challenge.
Top 4 on the improvement list belong to Mississippi, going from 51st place up to 44th, Utah, going from 20th to 7th, New Mexico going to 24th place from 39, and our big winner, (drum roll, please), Hawaii which last year was in 45th place, and has skyrocketed up to 21st. (If they keep this improvement up, next year they will be in negative 3rd place!)
The other states that already have more points/1,000 than last year - Nebraska, Pannsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Washington, Virginia, Alaska, Idaho, South Carolina, Michigan, Maine, Delaware, Florida, Missouri, California, Massachusetts, New York, Lousiana, Kentucky, and North Dakota.
States that are really close to breaking last year's totals - Indiana, Rhode Island, Maryland, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Congratulations to all!
...Bikeyface, Nice.....but where is "buggyface"?...for the inevitable moment when you realize you've inadvertently ingested an insect?
Since I've lived in Kenosha WI, the least snow we've gotten in a winter is ~27". We had one winter where we had close to 100". I'm old, I hate being cold, and I don't own bike snow tires, so yes, at this point in my life, biking has a season. That said, IF I get a geared bike prior to the snow setting in, I'm planning on buying studded snows for it and riding this winter. If I don't chicken out. Even if I don't bike this winter, I am planning to remain carless. I will either walk or snowshoe to and from work. I think I need to get some "ski pants" before the cold weather sets in.
@Laurie - Last weekend, I did a 2 day bike camping trip, with rides of 76 & 82 miles, and almost 1/2 of each on the gravel portion fo the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
All of your daily rides that you've already done will help, especially towards the end of last month, so your butt should be fine. Butt in hindsight, it would have been better to do a few longer back to back weekend days both in the 30's, maybe even one in the 40's.
If the other people are more experienced - you control the pace. Don't get sucked into their faster pace. You will also want to go just a little bit slower than you normally do, adjusting down a gear when necessary to keep on spinning.
Take frequent 3-5 minute rest breaks in the shade, drink a little every 15-20 minutes (a product like Heed, Succeed, NUUN work better than just water (has electrolytes, amino acids) or Gatorade - (better for your stomach and low in simple sugars, high in complex carbohydrates), and make sure you eat at least moderate sized amounts more frequently (every 2-3 hours) than normal. Trail mix for some of the stops, healthy sandwiches for others. Have a good sized breakfast beforehand - not high in fat.
Change your hand positions frequently, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, take along insect repellant for breaks, if in woodsy areas,
If you are bike camping (doesn't look it from your post), then only take the bare minimum.
Afterwards, keep on snacking/eating, and drinking for the next few hours.
And finally, and most importantly, ride safe!
@J Hugh, also a scrunchy face that happens when biking directly behind a garbage truck in mid-summer, and the gaggy face when behind a car/truck with a nasty exhaust.
@ J Hugh..... I like this too. Thanks for sharing. Except they forgot the squinty face that happens when biking directly toward the sun.
http://ht.ly/nvYGy
I like this. Bikeyface.
I ride in all seasons here in south eastern Washington state. When the snow and ice come I just swap out my smooth tires for my studded snow tires and add some more layers so I can keep riding. We are fortunate not to get deep snow most winters. If we did I would have to buy yet another bike for the big fat deep snow tires. :)
every time I see someone refer to bicycling having a season, I have to remember that most of the folks on NBC and the other endomondo challenges don't live in Florida where I can ride nearly every day. I have seen, on average, only about 4 days a year that I can't ride here in central Florida. Having said that winter in Florida is like summer and fall in Wisconsin, and from June until November the heat and humidity will make you rise early to ride, a la leonard Wright from Sebring who can be found out riding at 4am. I do not ride that early buy regularly morning temps are 78 at 100% humidity and then by 11 am its 85 with only 75% humidity. I hang my kit in the garage and clean up the puddles later. I think in an ideal world I would spend June, July and August in Appleton, Wisconsin or some parts of Canada and September and October in France. Oh! have to go buy my powerball ticket.
@Christine, riding has a "season"? I thought it was the other way around, that 'seasons' encompassed riding: cold season, first windy season, hot season, and second windy season :-)
I like the magazine "Bicycle Times", gave up on Bicycling due to their focus and marketing focus.
I think that if you are going to ride long 75-100 miles time on the saddle is really important. I've done a number of 400+ week tours and the folks that leave seem to be the ones who, while fit, have problems where the seat meets the saddle. so if going long or if riding for 5-7 hours a day I would be one who would prepare my seat with longer and longer rides mixed in with my regular (40) rides.
@Christine, I have my eye on a public bike too. Such beauties!
@laurie, I am training for a century too. Some of the training depends on your speed. I'm fairly slow and I'm at the 50 mile level now. Sitting in the saddle for hours isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I find it's good advice to get a ride or two in that is nearly the length of the big one. The smaller ride distances done regularly do condition you, but solid time in the saddle tests you differently than gapped rides. I am sure you will do great though!
@Michael G., I know you would. Thank you! I honestly should not be grousing about this. I'm trying to convince myself that riding season is almost over and I should just ride my single speed till we get the taxes back next spring and buy myself the bike I think I really want. Looking at the Electra Amsterdam or the Public C7i. It's just so disheartening to find out you're not going to get something you really thought you were. No pony under the tree this Christmas!
Only 4 more days before we set sail across Lake Michigan on the Badger Ferry on our trip to Niagara Falls--looking forward to riding in Canada and the Niagara Falls region. I hope there isn't a terrorist attack next week and they close the US borders and I get stuck in Canada. That would be awful to get separated from my bike and can't ride until they reopen the borders again. lol
@Heather-thanks!
@Laurie-there is so much information out there to help you educate yourself and get ready for century! Books, magazines, You Tube...
@Great idea Michael-it would be very cool if NBC/League of American Bicyclist had a fund to help-I would give too.
@Tammie-way to go on fixing your flat tire. Always room to learn and grow with your sport!
@Laurie, as a former backpacker, I can only offer the same kind of advice that I used to prepare scouts for High Adventure trips. If you're going to be doing 50-60 mile trips, with loaded panniers and hills, then you need to train with 50-60 mile trips with loaded panniers and hills. That will not only get you physically and mentally 'trained', but also reassure you that you are, in fact, totally ready for it. Of course, you may already ride 20 miles with hills now and your trip may be 50 miles of flat, but--in the end--only you can judge your physical and mental readiness. Funny, it was always the high school football players that were the biggest babies on long backpacking trips. The difference: They were used to short-duration, high-intensity burts. Backpacking--like very long distance cycling--is long-duration, medium-intensity action. BIG difference in the two, and big difference in how you train for the two. This may or may not be very reassuring, but hopefully it helps.
Can I get a bit of advice? Most of my daily rides lately have been in the 18-22 mile range, and my top daily total so far has been 36 miles (2-3 shorter rides that add up throughout the day). I'm going on a 2 day bike trip next week that will probably be 50-60 miles per day. I'd like to try for a century, but depends on how much sightseeing we end up doing.
What I want to know is, is there anything I can do to make sure I am totally ready for this? Or am I already sufficiently conditioned?
@Christine, I know it's little comfort, but if we could convince the NBC folks to set up some kind of collection for you and @Jerry, I'd kick in a few bucks. Guarantee others would as well. Wish we could do something...
@cynthia I have gotten Bicycling Magazine for years. We absolutely love it. Momentum is another good bike magazine. I know of none geared (haha) specifically for women. I have read a couple of decent books on riding. I'll get you more on that later tonight.
I did my "long" fun ride yesterday for the first time in eons. I had forgotten how much I like that ride, even on my single speed. I think I'm going to try to do it several times a week instead of being lazy, as I have been being. My grandson's limit is about a half hour in the trailer, so I can't take him along on that one. But I *need* to do more riding than just back and forth to work!
Not a happy camper. My mother in law reneged, as I said she would. I guess I should not have counted on it so heavily. Now what am I going to do for a bike?? sigh. It could be worse. I could have a bike and be unable to ride!
Well, I discovered my flat was not due to my error in fillng the tire with air.. I did have a true flat! And.... drum roll... I just changed a tire by myself for the first time. I tried doing a patch using a 'scab' so it may not hold but thought I would give it a try since it is a brand new tube and was a teeny pin prick leak. I could not find what caused the hole even looked at the area with a flashlight and felt really well with my fingers. If it doesn't hold, well, I know how to fix it! LOL Hey Roberto, it's nice to have a new personal best.. I am so very lucky that I have room for a new best almost every day. I can't imagine an elevation gain of 2,900 ft! Around here we are lucky to get 300 for an all day ride! LOL Can you say FLAT! ... but we have plenty wind to more than make up for it.
Bike shorts for rides of 15+miles, no undies. Camelbak for those rides. I wear a helmet with a visor for all rides, as well as gloves for every ride. I've had road rash on the palms of my hands, and would like to avoid having that ever again. I usually wear shorts over my bike shorts cause I like having pockets, unless it's gonna be really hot. I got a moisture wicking shirt and I really like it. It didn't weigh 12 pounds from all the sweat on the Cornhusker State Games ride. RoadID for every ride.
I had a second bike, an old Schwinn road bike. I donated it to a friend whose bike got wrecked. Been thinking about another road bike. Perhaps when the right one comes along.
For all the women out there who may be interested-I just ordered a new book-Bicycling for Women by Gail Bernhardt. I am so excited to get it. Has anyone read this book by any chance.
Now I want to find a monthly cycling magazine that may be geared toward women. Anyone know of one? Does anyone get Bicycling Magazine?
Not trying to make this about women but our needs are a little different then men's when it comes to how you eat and performance, etc. And when your over 50 things change too. Dramatically! Any input is much appreciated.
The Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour this past Saturday.
A great day spent riding with over 700 plus like minded people!!
Great people were met, awesome memories were made!!!
http://joboo1967-joboo.blogspot.com/2013/08/our-mesabi-tour-ride-in-pictures.html
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Heather-sounds like a wonderful touring ride!
@Thanks all-it does, you just don't know how quick things can happen and life can change in an instant.
Ok, after all of the comments about contacting CVS to install bike racks, I contacted Walgreens, which is right across the street to also consider intalling a bike rack, not only for my store but also for them to consider intalling them at any store that doesn't have one. Two businesses down in my town about 7 more to approach on this subject. Now if it actually happens that will be a wonderful accomplishment. Even if only a couple of the businesses participate in placing bike racks, that is better than none.
@Cynthia, hope for the best. Like Marty said it only takes a split second. Stay sharp everyone. The NBC odometer just passed 12 million - yeah!
@ Cynthia -- will be keeping your relative in prayer.
Short ride for us yesterday, but a new experience. We drove about 90 miles to a peninsula on a peninsula and toured the marshes and waterways on our bikes. I think it was about fifteen miles of harsh wind and sun. I took a lot of photos of abandoned buildings. The area used to be a thriving oyster farming community, but not anymore. :(
@Cynthia - Sorry for your relative. Unfortunately, all it takes is a split second.
@Cynthia, prayers for your relative and his family, from one bike commuter to another...
@Ray-amazing on that climb! And yes, life gets in the way. It is such a bummer.
@Roberto-so happy for your personal best! That is always a great feeling.
It's fun to share the scenary from rides with like minded people who can truely appreciate what your saying. Hope that makes some sense.
Hey-have to share a very sad situation-a distant relative who lives in Wisconsin commutes on his bike to work. Apparently he was commuting one morning when he turned his head back to look for an approching vehicle and he lost control of his bike and went into a ditch. 10 stitchs in his face and a broken verterbrea. They sent him home from the hospital after a few days and then the end of last week in was back in the hospital and in ICU due to fluid on the brain and they can't seem to get the situation corrected. He may not make it. It so sad! Please keep him in your thoughts as you ride. He is a young career man with a wife (who also commutes by bike) and two young children.
@ Tammie, sounds like you had a rough time of it :( but good that you still enjoyed your rides. I always think something will go wrong when I fill my own tires, so I stop at the bike shop 1-2 times per week; they check and fill them for me :)
I did 85 miles yesterday, the only scenery I saw besides asphalt was trees and a couple dead snakes. I also saw a lot of hills, Mr. Garmin says I climbed 2,913 feet. I gained 29 more feet than I lost, somewhere there is a hill I forgot to go back down ;) I had the legs to go for the century, but had to get home in time to mow the lawn. Those stupid adult responsibilities get in the way some times.
Well, ,managed 24 miles yesterday over two rides' one which I swear nearly killed me. It was only about 99 but felt looks 110 to me! Guess it was that low rear tire I did not notice until someone pointed it out on mile 16! I knew the road felt really rough and I was working extra hard! I just messed up when I released the valve when I filled it,entirely my fault. I don't like my pump. I rode another 1.5 miles and gave up I was about to drop in my tracks. A friend went ahead ,got his vehicle and picked me up.. Friends are great! The second ride was a short 6 mile social ride to the city concert in the park. That was great on my hybrid after a little rest. Then I had to rush home and rush to work. We may not have any scenic routes around here but we have some nice people to ride with! I REALLY enjoy the reports about scenic rides since all I have here is asphalt and heat!
@ Marty -- zzzzzzzzzzzz.
@Laurie - Go to sleep.
@ Marty, you do spreadsheets? i never would have guessed..... :P
@Karen Jean - Don't be so hard on yourself. We're all our own worst critics.
I use a 900 lumen light that has three power settings. I usually only need low, and it lasts 15? hours, and is rechargable. It is amazing what I can see with it!
@Dean. Ride the Rockies is an annual ride in June that covers 6-7 days and 450-550 miles. No 2500 miles for me until I get to France.
@Rob & @Peter = Most of the things I remember are on my beloved spreadsheets.
I recommend the Park MT-1 and the CT-5 chain tool. Light weight. ... My AAA in my frame bag (if anyone was wondering) is.. just a Specialized Air pump mini, the Park MT-1, 2 tire levers, Park patch kit, and one tube. That is for my normal rides in the frame bag on the BMX bike. I'd bring a CT-5, for longer rides, and maybe another tube, possibly even a folding tire which would have to be in the seat bag. My road bike only uses the Seat bag, and 2 tubes are always with that bike. The tool I have for it is a Topeak Mini 18+, and the Pump is a .. Mini pump by Blackburn, Air Stik 2 stage, but its mounted on the water bottle cages mounts. I always have one of those Presta to Schrader adapters with both bikes. The farther you need to ride, the more stuff that should be brought IMO. Like every 50 miles, another tube, another water bottle, another sandwich or meal
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@Paul and Roberto... am definitely planning on getting a spare link and a chain breaker next time I swing by the LBS. Was on a 500-mile ride back in June and had someone need to fix their chain... glad that the group had what they needed, made me realize that I really should be a little bit more prepared.
It was a nice Sunday. The summer was, so far, fairly good. A lot of rain, but nowhere near as hot as last summer. In NJ of course.
@ Shawn, nice!
@Brad = How fast was that parked pick-up truck going?
@ Jerry, thanks for that link! Made me smile..... and know I'm not alone :)
Almost everything you needed to know about bike racks
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http://bikeyface.com/2013/07/28/racking-up-points/
@Gregg W. Too bad you don't live closer to Ripon. I could give you some swimming tips (a VERY LONG time ago I used to give lessons when I was in college). And maybe you could give some tips for the Race around the Lake. ;-) Actually, you might look into the a place like the Appleton YMCA (or a Y nearer to you?). They might have some folks who might give you pointers/one-time lessons. Plus, they might have access to things like kickboards that might help you work on your kicking techniques (although for my money, improving stroke and breathing are sometimes the most important). If you are doing lap swimming somehwere, you might talk to people who seem to be good swimmers. Sometimes they might have been competitive swimmers and could give you some friendly suggestions. When I lived in Dubuque, I used to swim with some serious "Masters Swimmer," one who was on the 1980 US Olympic team that was not able to compete due to the boycott. She was still impressive 20 years later! Best wishes on learning the aquatic sports! They are great when the roads are not bike friendly (I swim more in the winter). !
@Jerry B., on your bucket list, the Rockies. Is that the continental trail from the top of Montana to Mexico, about 2500 miles of biking?
Hi all, over to Illinois today for a Trailnet ride. It was a perfect day for a ride with temps in the 70s to 80s and not a lot of wind. You know that the farmers are doing well when they tell you to be careful at the corners because the corn is so high!
RIDE ON EVERYONE!
Does anyone know any great biking roads in SoCal? I have been riding on th PCH from Santa Monica to Leo Carillo but it is kinda risky on that road
Biking to the nature preserve, then walking through it, then finding a new route home, is a wonderful way to untie the knots that life puts in one's mind and spirit.
If you enter your ride on the endo main page it will be recorded on any challenge you are a member of. Use the little button on the top right. Simple choices and you can record distance and time there. I started that way until I go a garmin with the map.
@Roberto,
2 years and 10 days (but who's counting??)
Last year I rode over 10,000 miles during the 4 months of the 2012 NBC. That was my personal best for a 4 month period (that included 50 century rides during the NBC).
My understanding is that the “transport” setting has a default of two, dividing your ride into two equal distances on the supposition that you have pedaled to and from a given destination. “Transport” is apparently the default setting for type of ride as well. For “sport” rides, It seems necessary to change both the type of ride, and reduce the number from two to one. But then…I am technologically impaired, so there may well be some element of the equation that I’m missing (-;
@Roberto. Congratulations on your new personal best. It always feels great to improve, especially as we get older.
Sometimes I get discouraged from not being to able to go riding. But then I remember that the original x-rays showed that I would be flat on my back for 12 weeks to recover from my broken bones. After the cat scan it was determined that my broken pelvis was load bearing, so instead of 12 weeks in the hospital I was able to get on my feet the day after my accident. Even if was extremely painful to be on my feet, it was worth it to know that I could get up.
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But I still want to go riding.
Why does the log default to 2 rides? I can see from looking at many riders statistics that they must be double logging without realizing it since the default is 2. Why not make it 1? Then if you are doing an out and back, or a commute, you can up it a notch.
I think it's time to get rid of all the zeroes on my computer screen. A nice ride to the nature preserve should take care of that!
@Thanks Leonard and Kathy!
Great day for cycling in Indy. CIBA put on a short/medium/long ride from the Major Taylor Velodrome. After the ride we had a pitch-in lunch under a long tent set up along the ballistrades and watched the USCF Masters National Championship track races.YES,EXCITING. Nothing like a ride and outdoor lunch with a few hundred of your closest friends.
@Leonard, thanks old man. A whopping 2 years older.
@Steven, thank you.
@Roberto,
Congratulations on your new personal best, it's always nice to see young kids like you improving yourself.
@Roberto: You really are an inspiration for us newbies. Congrats on the personal best.
23.96 miles by road bike, a nice ride!
Since I do not own a bucket, I do not have a list.
@Howard, you can ride on a flat. Broken chain, you're going nowhere.
How often is it possible in life to achieve a new personal best (especially at my age)? 63 solo nonstop miles is a new nonstop best for me. Couple of climbs, some exhilarating descents, and even the tar and chip roads I found didn't bum me out too much. Good day on the bicycle.
I use a Niterider Lumina 650. Very bright it's great for the winter commutes when it's dark coming and going to work and for 4am rides in the summer. 118.00. Rechargeable with 3 brightness levels plus strobe.
@Karen Jean,
I use a Cygolite Expilion 350 with a Expilion 180 as a back-up. Both are rechargeable, one-piece compact headlight that work quite well. I've had cars flash their lights at me from a 1/2 mile away because I don't "dim" my headlight. I have seen reflective street signs from over a mile away (measured distance). It casts a wide enough beam that I can see both sides of the road (I ride down the middle of the road at night, I'm more afraid of critters running out in front of me than I am cars - I can see the cars, critters in the grass/weeds along the side of the road are hard to see). I'm not a fast rider and have never had any problems dodging debris/potholes in the road. Here is a link to the 350 on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-350-Lumen-USB-Rechargeable-Headlight/dp/B005DVA37Q/ref=sr_1_4+Expilion
For reference, it's $64.99. Battery life is about 3 hours (that's why I carry two of them, last year most of my starts were closer to 2:00 am - about 4 1/2 hours before sunrise).
@Gregg-thanks for sharing your adventure! Enjoyed reading it.
@Karen-no doubt you look as great as you feel. 12lbs heavier or lighter.
@Gregg - Rodale Aquatic Center, Allentown PA ask for Scott, if you are ever in town.
He will charge a fee though - He runs the place and is an Ironman. A little too far for you to go? ;) Nice to hear your story.
@ Jim - Thanks. Just can't afford it now, but wrote down the information.
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I did some research on my old bike. It's a 1983-1985? Fuji Supreme 12-Speed with a Valite Frame, probably worth about 50$ -LOL - a classic though.
____
Took a picture of myself with the bike. (Heavy sigh.) Think I will wait to post any pictures of myself. I have to start doing the yoga again, kettle bells also. I though I would look better than that after loosing 12 pounds, you know what I mean?
Awesome Gregg! Congrats!
What a beautiful and perfect morning for a triathlon! The lake only had small ripples on it and was warmer than the air temp. Everyone was cold coming out of the water into transition to the bike course, but within minutes on the bike course, I was completely dry and warmed up already. I didn't even put a shirt on because it was warming up in the sun and I knew I would get hot on the bike. And besides its hard to put a shirt on with a wet body and wastes too much time to towel yourself dry and put a shirt on and a shirt just creates more wind resistance, so I biked shirtless today. In transition I only slipped a pair of socks on and my bike shoes, helmet, and sunglasses and I ran out of transition as fast as I could carrying my bike to the mount line on the road and I quickly got out of town on to country roads on the bike course and was passing lots of riders who all got ahead of me in the swim. I'm not a very fast swimmer, but I caught up to everyone on the bike and since the majority of the event is on the bike, it is an opportunity to shave minutes off of your time, which I did. My average bike speed broke my personal record of 22.4 mph which I did at the High Cliff Triathlon and I did 22.5 mph today. I ran carrying my bike into transition again and took off my helmet and bike shoes and slipped on my running shoes with the laces already tied and ran out of transition on to the 5k running course that begins by crossing the famous Wolf River fishing bridge in Winneconne and I had the best 5k run time ever with a time of 22:16.33 and it was the 3rd best run time out of 20 in my 50-54 age division. But I fell short of an award and placed 5th in my age division. What eliminated me from an award was my 1/4 mile swim time of 10:56.59, which placed me only 13th out of 20. If I want to consistently win awards in triathlons, I need to work on my swimming more. I've never taken a swimming lesson in my life, but learned how to swim as a kid on my own and I know my breathing and form is bad and have developed some bad habits. A few lessons from an experienced triathlon swimmer would greatly help me. So if any triathlete wants to give me some swimming lessons, I would like that. I was only 3 minutes from an award this time and with just a little improvement in swimming and transition time, I can consistently win triathlon awards in my age division. However, Mike Jovanivich, who is in the 55-59 age division is going to be an unstoppable competitor when I move into his division again in a couple years because not only did he win 1st again in his age division, but he beat everyone in my younger age division and finished 10TH OVERALL on the bike with an average speed of 23.6 mph. At his age and for solo riding and no drafting this is amazing. The Post Crescent has written articles about him because he such a great triathlete and wins 1st every time and his speeds on the bike at his age are amazing. But you are never too old, if you stay active and continue to train.. A guy who was 83 years old finished.the race. I can't even imagine being able to finish a race like this at his age, but if you stay active and healthy and continue to train, he is proof, it can be done, even at 83 years old! Everyone there cheered for him when he crossed that finish line.
@Karen - I ride early each morning and I have a Taz 1200. At is brightest setting it's 1200 lumens which is quite bright. I use a lower setting since the battery will wear down in about an hour at he brightest setting. You can find it on Amazon for about $275 and its rechargeable.
@Leonard - Do you have really bright headlights? I have been wanting to ride at night after dark, but I am afraid of not seeing something in the road, or a pothole. I have gone flying over my handle bars once in my life, I am not anxious to repeat that experience, even if I was asking for it at the time.
@Cynthia - Thank you for the description of Florida, I could really visualize your ride. MS to Key Largo sounds wonderful. The water their is such a deep blue, and riding between the Islands, I can picture it - Flat? That's an MS Ride I wouldn't mind traveling two days through multiple states (in a car) to do.
Arghhhh, trying to catch up with 2 days worth of comments is not fun! Especially when I still have major sleep deficit :( I only squeezed in a short ride yesterday, but did some hiking through Horicon Marsh too -- gorgeous in any season :) My agenda for the rest of today is a nap and a long catch-up bike ride.
@Leonard "4am" Wright. My cat would love you. The two of you get up at the same time. I agree I use Bontrager tires and get really good mileage. Currently, testing chains this year to see what gets the most bang for the buck. When I tested tires Bontrager hardcase won, that was a two year test.
@Tammy yes you can make Diamond make plan and ride it.
@Jerry you are sounding like a man who is healing. The physical shape you were in prior to your accident is important in your rehab. Remind you physical torturers of your the physical shape you were in. Show them the data. You may need more. They are rehabing a non rider couch potatoe model patient, not Jerry "the hill climbing hammer" Bengston.
I don't really have a bucket list. I just keep discovering new places to go with my bike. This year, I am discovering some of the bike routes that are in the next county. I have been enjoying some of the benefit rides that I have done and would like to continue to do them, as well.
I've been using Bontrager RaceLite Hardcase 700-23C tires with oversize 28/32 puncture resistant tubes. Not the easiest combination to install but since I haven't had a flat in years and typically get 15-16,000 miles from my front tire I consider it worth the effort. I will admit after looking closer at the tire after I changed it, pushing it to over 17,000 miles was probably going a little too far. Rubber had pulled away from the Kevlar inner lining and all kinds of sand and grit had worked it's way between the tread and the inner parts of the tire. Oh well, I will watch the mileage closer from now on.
My bucket list for bicycle riding.
1. Ride the Rockies. Since I blew it this year.
2. Ride Trail Ridge Road, both directions.
3. Ride up Pike's Peak.
4. Ride up Mt. Evans.
5. Ride every stage of the Tour de France the day before each race stage.
And the one thing on my bucket list not related to bicycling is to
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Skydive off El Capitan if they ever make it legal again. They stopped all jumps off El Capitan one week before I was scheduled to jump off the cliff.
I was thinking Leonard's tires must be made out of steel. Or he has a time machine and is getting his tires from 100 years in the future.
How to Adjust a Rear Derailleur
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http://tinyurl.com/kpyfvqz
Leonard what type of tire do you use? Concrete?
I knew the front tire on my bike was looking kind of worn. Just checked the mileage, it has over 17,000 miles on it. Guess I need to change it pretty soon, I'd hate to have it come apart some morning at 4:00 am on a dark road.
Rob, I don't think Marty remenbers but I bet he keeps all this tid-bits on his computer!
@Tammie. Don't worry about making Diamond. Just enjoy riding. If you push yourself beyond what you want to do, you take some of the enjoyment out of it. No problem with goals that push yourself. But let the goals be the ones you set.
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I keep telling my physical torturer that I need a real bike to ride when I show up to be tortured. But they refuse to buy one. I think they are afraid I would not be back in my 15 minute time limit. It would be 1-2 hours before I came back.
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I hate those 0-0s too. I see them every day.
@Jenny. Thanks for making me feel better about your iPod.
@Tammie,
We're tied, I just reached 3000 points today also. Relax and enjoy your rides, don't stress over the points. The main thing is to get out and ride, points don't really count, riding counts.
18 miles this morning ( did not wear undies under my shorts today, was much more comfortable sorry had to share) at an average speed of 12.88 mph.
Heres the story:
Alarm went off, got up got dressed and was ready to roll by 7am. The birds were singing and the sun was rising over the pines as I paused-you know that prepartory moment before you take off where you mentally get ready to ride, turn your lights on, and take one quick swig of water, and adjust the helmet. I had a general route in mind but still not sure where the road would take me. I headed out.
Turning onto a mainroad the sun was not full in the sky, riding thru a dark area of overhanging trees I almost ran over a baby alligator on the side of the road! I could barely see him till it was almost to late and there was a car coming up beside me. Needless to say I put myself fully and quickly in the moment and navigated around the dead creature and avoided getting crunched by the passing vehicle.
Another female rider passed me riding in the opposite direction. She had a smile from ear to ear and such an expression of contentment on her face. I was so happy for her as she was obvioulsy enjoying her early Sunday morning spin.
There is 5 times as much traffic on the roads for a Sunday morning here. Newly arrived vacationers heading out to get their coffee and paper to take back to their vacation homes to relax.
Once on the island I noticed cars from NJ, NY, OH, VA, KY, TN, NC., GA. The island streets were filled with bikers, joggers, walkers, little boys on their bikes with their Dads trailing behind, couples on their bikes with beach chairs on their backs as they rode to their favorite beach access. Everyone up and out early on this fantastically beautiful day-wanting only to squeek out every single moment of vacation, only to sieze the day.
By the time I traversed the island and headed back over the bridge there were at least 10 other cyclists heading over the bridge to get their mainland ride in. Flat, no wind. They have been waiting all year to come here and do just this.
If this is the beauty I see where I live, imagine what you could see out in the world.
The only sad thing was no lottery tickets or road change along the road.
@Tammie-apparently there is a Keys MS Ride. My sisters live in Florida and they told me about it. Bke MS: Break Away to Key Largo. It looks like its an April ride. I am serioulsy considering it for 2015, but prob won't be till 2016.
Would love to ride cross country US on bike. Maybe someday.
My bucket list for bicycle riding.
1. Ride the Rockies. Since I blew it this year.
2. Ride Trail Ridge Road, both directions.
3. Ride up Pikc's Peak.
4. Ride up Mt. Evans.
5. Ride every stage of the Tour de France the day before each race stage.
@Tammie, don't worry, be happy. Have fun with the Diamonds and just ride and see how it goes. On October 1 you will be glad, no matter what happens if you take this approach. At least that's my philosophy. Because a few years from now while you are in the 2016 NBC, what happened in 2013 won't really matter and none of us (except Marty) will probably even remember.
@Tammie. Your doing great. Just keep pedaling you can make diamond status. Don't fall short of your goal. 2 months to go. ;)
Let's hit 12 million together soon NBC!
Oh, gee,I so hate Sunday mornings when those glaring 0-0's are staring me in the face on this home page. I worked soooo hard last week to get that 108 miles up there and now they are GONE! Now to start all over. I just about decided yesterday that making diamond may be just barely out of reach this year. I am wearing myself out and not getting enough sleep the days I work. I may be about 60 to 80 points short. I will reach 3000 points today. Hey Jerry, you need to remind the doctor that a real bike is MUCH easier to ride than a stationary one. As for that bucket list, haven't started on one yet.
@J. Hugh - You probably don't have a bucket list. You probably have the strength of will to just live your dreams. But just in case you are asking, "What is a bucket list?" There was a movie out some time ago, and without doing the research on the movie, it was about two men who had, I believe, terminal cancer, and decided to just go and do the top ten things on their wish list before they died, as in "Kick the bucket." I should really go watch the movie.
@Jerry B yes that seat does look more comfy than your modified one.
Any one here use Cat ears? I forgot to list them, but I really like them.
what bucket?
Howard: " Should carry a chain tool and spare link, keep on thinking about this when I'm miles from home..."
That was me until I actually needed a chain tool miles from home. Nothing like playing Fred Flintstone on a bike 12 miles from home with a few hills averaging 800ft each to drive that message home.
My bucket list in no particular order:
RAW Solo
RAAM 4 person team
Furnace Creek 507
C2C ride-US mainland
West Coast - BC - Baja
Leadville 100
Continental Divide by mountain bike
Death Ride (Tour of Ca Alps)
Tour of the US Southwest on my own terms and routes
Road bike: Seat bag with CO2 (2 cylinders), patch kit, multi-tool, $20 bill. Small compact pump on the frame, and two bottle cages. Spare tube in jersey pocket. If I'm riding over 50mi, I wear a camelbak, extra tube and extra nutrition.
Mountain bike: Same supplies. But all in a camelbak. No bags on the bike.
I wear dog tags when I ride, and have sets that live in each camelbak and seat bag.
@Jerry - Ok, I ordered my Road ID. Thanks for the prompting! It only took about an hour and a half to input most of my info, accept for a good photo of me. You see the camera is always in my hands, and I can't find any recent ones of me. The exception being last year, when I had my son take a picture of me with my head through a cutout mermaid display on our last vacation at Norfolk That one looks just silly.
There is a Bike MS to the FL Keys!? Tell me more! My brother lives down there. I need an excuse to go visit him! I am guilty of using my iPod but have it way low and only have one ear plug , actually cut the other off. It barely even goes in my ear at all . I wear it the same way I do the radio at hockey games and continue to carry on conversations with the people I am with while I listen to the game on the radio and watch the game. I have little top tube paniers. On both of my bikes where I keep a multi tool, patch kit, cliff bar, head light, little wallet with some cash and ID, menthol cough drops to keep my mouth moist when it is really hot and I can't just constantly drink water, chap stick and on the hybrid a lock. There is some spare space for anything I may need on any particular ride. My phone is usually in my jersey back pocket unless I am going to be pouring water down my back to cool off then it goes in there too. Temp today was another warm one at 101 and I managed 13.7 miles. It would have been more but I really have to reserve a little energy to stay awake at work all night. ....darn it
I see people riding the roads here all the time. Beach cruisers, riding on the wrong side of the road, weaving over the white line into the road and back to the shoulder, no helmets, ear phones in their ears, or texting, or smoking. I get so upset!
@Jerry, I have an old pair of speakers that I hook up to the ipod. I never use earphones when I ride.
Ok, here is a cycling bucket list-no doubt every rider has one. Would love for anyone to share theirs.
1. NC Coastal Land and Trust Ride
2. Sea Gull Century ( for a 3rd time)
3. Tour De Pickle
4. Take the Lake (for a 2nd time)
5. Five Borough Tour (can't wait-would like to do it at least once)
6. The Virginia Creeper Trail
7. C & O Canal end to end (already completed all but the 60 miles most north)
8. CNC (Cycle North Carolina) from the mountains to the coast.
9. All the while keeping in mind the desire to tour and travel via bike.
10. And, continue to always be on the lookout for more and more rides and keep on trying as many as possible for as many miles as possible for as long as this body will let me and my purse will let me.
10. P.S. maybe the Bike MS to the Florida Keys....
@Karen, glad to help. BTW, my road bike doesn't have the pump, that's the bike I use for trails and inclement weather. So there could be a time (has happened) where I needed to use a pump that called for the adapter.
I use a saddlebag, and in it carry two tire levers, a multitool, one tube, driver's license, credit card, health insurance card and $21 ($20 for emergencies, and a dollar bill to use as a tire patch). Used to carry CO2, but now just have a pump mounted on my frame. Cell phone inthe pocket, and road ID on the ankle. Should carry a chain tool and spare link, keep on thinking about this when I'm miles from home...
@Karen, since I use Presto valves, if I happen to be in a situation (gas station) where they only have Schrader pumps, the adapter allows me to use their pump. It's tiny, so easy to carry just in case.
@all those looking to relocate-its beautiful and there is noooooooooo traffic! Although they do have to improve on bike ways-at least in this part of NC. Our bike group doesn't have a problem at all getting out for a 50 mile route.
For commuter bike I have in my pack-spare tube, small bike pump, bungees for those items that need a strapped on my rack like cat food etc, tissues, a couple dollars and some bandaids. I wouldn't be riding that bike too far from anywhere if I needed help but these would all be patches to get me to help if needed.
Road bike-I have this cool top tube bag-has additional ID, natural lip balm, cash. It also has room to stash my cell phone and a Luna Bar-then under the seat is a small first aid kit, co2 cartridges, tube, and all things needed to change a tire if needed, along with all the other things people on this forum sugggested like rubber gloves, paper towels, pliers etc. Its a small bag too! I really was able to stuff quite a bit of emergency essentials in there.
I want to get a trunk pack for my commuter bike though. My panniers are an ok size but not as big as I need. Like Friday on my way home I had more than I could carry and it would have been nice to have that extra pack.
On Fridays we have farm fresh organic eggs delivered (only $2 a dozen), needless to say they had a tightly suqeezed ride home and not one was broken by the time I did get home. That included going over 3 speed bumps.....
@Roberto - Thank you for the rain info earlier. Here is a stupid question, why a valve adaptor, doesn't your tire pump fit the valve on your tire?
@Jenny. You don't listen to your iPod while you are riding do you?
Under the seat bag. Two tire irons, two tubes, patch kit, C02 inflator, four C02 cartridges, two disposable gloves, tiny tire pump, sunscreen, Wet Ones packet.
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Tube bag, cash, eye drops.
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Only ID I carry is my Road ID. Plus phone has the Road ID app which has emergency contact info on the splash screen.
J.Hugh. Seat looks more comfortable than my bicycle seat after I modified it.
My bikes are my transportation. Lately though I have been working on the 4 wheeled kind, but mainly to relocate to less polluted air, more consistant weather, or just a friendlier people area. I know NJ isn't such a place... PA not much better.
Frame bag for tools self AAA, seat bag for food or a camera.
I have 2 bags, one near the handle bars that carries my phone, ipod and an emergency whistle. Then I have saddlebags that carries a spare bottle of water, sunscreen, bug spray, bike lock, small first aid kit, and bungee cords (if I am bringing home something that doesn't fit). I have room for snacks and sweatshirt or jacket. I don't have tools or tire repair stuff. That's what the phone is for...lol. I bring my wallet too so have ID
@Cyclo Roberto Same as you plus health insurance card, insect bite stick, small first aid kit, cell phone and rag for wiping hands or things. underseat and when touring a frame bag.
@Jerry B Great bike but looks slow and the seat not very inviting.
Ok, we found out about undies, visors, chamois cream, now... how about what do you carry in your saddle bag? And is it an under-the-seat or handlebar bar?
I use an under, and I carry co2, spare tube, two tire irons, chain tool, spare chain links, valve adapter, ID, $5, and a small Ziploc bag. I also have a frame pump on the bicycle I use on the trail.
What's in your bag?
Found an interesting bicycle today.
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http://tinyurl.com/lskkywe
Good luck, @Roberto. I know how you feel...
@Michael, I too am planning to move. Not enough bicycle infrastructure present or planned to keep me here. The once sleepy country roads are now buzzing with all the folks moving into the endless sprawl of housing developments in the western Lehigh Valley. That's the purpose of this road trip. Check out some new locations.
I also don't have the time/interest/desire to traverse the roads via bicycle that are necessary to reach my destinations.
@J Hugh, moving is in my future, just not yet. Been in our house 22 years. Don't really want to move, but the wife's knees can't handle all of the steps here plus we are probably going to have college students renting next door. Time to go, hopefully within 12-18 months.
I too will drive to ride. In fact, I'm just planning a 2000 mile road trip that will take me to some of the trails I've only read about. To me, the bicycle isn't a replacement for my car; it's an alternative. Sure, I could spend the next 4 or 5 months cycling the 4000 miles round trip to these distant places, but the odds of doing it safely are slim. No thanks.
Most of my rides start from home, but sometimes I will venture out 10 miles or so in the car to get a differernt starting point. Get to see a little different scenery.
Google Reading Pa and see the only town I've ever seen that you must take a limit access highway to cross. Amazing. Why not move Michael G?
@EM. Do you have a Road ID?
@Michael, good for you for getting out. Crossing town in your neck of the woods could be hazardous to your health. Smart.
40 super muggy miles today. Capped off another 300+ mile week.
Micheal G really you can reach the other side of town only by a limited access highway? No credit. 20 point penalty. Bike on the car transport. But you get a do over tomorrow.
@Michael, I give you credit. Sorry for my confusion. Thanks for clearing that up. :p
Heading out for a 60 mile ride along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.
No @Rod the bike trail was 1/2 mile from my wife's gym which is on the other side of town and reachable only by limited-access highway. Gimme some credit!
Hi all, out this morning with muggy cloudy weather with temps starting in the upper sixties. Lots of other riders out there. Stopped for brunch outdoors in Kirkwood. Then headed for the trail. Afternoon temps headed to the 80s so it felt a lot more like summer than it has for days. Hot and not as humid this afternoon.
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RE clothing, forgot to mention that I almost always wear a pair of cargo shorts over my biking shorts. They are made from stretchy fabric [Lee brand]. I like having the extra pockets. Thanks to Jerry's advice I am always carrying my billfold and my phone in one of my pockets, either the bike jersey or the shorts pocket. The headsweats cap and gloves get washed every week or so, all other clothing goes in the wash after each ride. I always have a visor on my helmet. I often ride east when the sun is coming up so I couldn't see otherwise.
Wait a minute. You're a bicycle commuter who put his bike in a car to get to a bike trail 1/2 mile from your home?
Maybe it's the Pacific Northwest climate, or maybe it's lucky fit of shorts & saddle, but I don't routinely use a chamois creme, even for longer rides. I carry a 'single use' pack of 'chamois butter' on longer rides (50+ mi), and have only felt the need to deploy it on a couple of occasions. Riding here in this drier, relatively cool climate - we're talking summer riding here - probably makes a difference.
Good day, all! I did something today that I haven't done on a Saturday in years: I rode my bike! As many of you know, I am a commute-only rider. Last evening my wife was making plans to hit the gym when I had an epiphany; the county parks trail (mostly canal tow path) is only 1/2 mile away. Why not? Threw the bike in the back of the car and did 12 miles, learned that the padding in my gloves is shot, saw some wonderful scenery, and had a grand old time. Gonna hit it again tomorrow!
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I have a visor on my helmet. Since I'm upright on a MTB, i need it to keep rain and road spray off my glasses. Have 6 pair of bike shorts that I rotate through on a daily basis. Just got a new pair of gloves at Dicks about a hour ago. Most of my shirts are Under Armour, all gotten off the clearance rack at the outlet, all either hi-vis yellow, green or orange. Shoes are either old sneakers or Keen sandals with a covered toe (use regular pedals since i have a lot of traffic lihts to stop for). Have an assortment of tights, rain pants and jackets for cold weather, I go year round.
I use a Nutcase helmet with a visor. A visor is a must for me as I ride east in the early morning and at this time of year, the Sun is starting to be right on the road.
From top to toes
Helmet with visor with peddler mirror mount to visor, the rounder the helmet the safer according to safety testing so I am always looking for good options. MTB helmets are closer to my taste.
small beany with elastic to control sweat and in winter reduce heat loss. Also, keeps my hair up.
Prescription safety glasses with photochromic lens clear to brown.
Bright colored shirt of wicking fabric, cycling jersey when touring only, if no bright top then safety vest.
Variety of shorts, wear once and wash, bibs ok, but can be irritating to shoulders. This also brings up the shirt in or out question and jerseys must be out side.
Socks i like are quarter ankle length, wear once and wash
I use cycling sandals. I like the Nashbar ones due to toe protection. I have cycling shoes but they only come out when its really cold and I forget what shoes feel like. By rotating use two pair can last about three years. Sweat and rain eventually take their toll.
gloves are a wear once and wash. Rotating use I have some that have lasted 5 years and some that die in a year. Sweat kills them all.
Shopping is the key.
Helmet Under $65
beanies Under $10
Prescription safety glasses $270 Life expectancy three years
Tops $7-$15 jerseys $7-30 (look for the deals on jerseys)
Shorts (bib and regular) Under $30 new with tags
socks $1 a pair maybe $2 for a couple.
Nashbar sandals $58 a pair.
toe covers for winter $5
Polar Fleece Socks for a few days a year $4
Long fingered gloves $10 or less
Short fingered gloves $8 or less
Tights to cover legs for about 10 rides a year $10 have lasted 5 years
Rain wind jacket with zip off sleeves $30
Rain pants $12
WTMI
@Heather, most chamois creams are water-based yuck. Nubutte isn't. No water in it. Goes on like a nice smooth cream that it is. No yuck.
Karen told me to tell you she prefers the bike skirts that are separate from the shorts. She does not like the ones where the shorts and skirt are sewn together.
This is the skirt Karen rides with.
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http://tinyurl.com/lf72j8w
@Jerry - Thanks for doing that research for us ladies. Hope rehab goes well today. I will be riding for you.
@Heather. Since you don't like chamois cream you could try a powder. Anti Monkey Butt. Or you might try Hammer Nutrition's Seat Saver. It is a cream but you use very little of it. And it does not feel you are wearing a cream. I don't even notice it within seconds of applying the Seat Saver.
I have tried and did not like chamois cream. UGH. Nasty business. I would rather have sore bits. @low humidity is osmething we know nothing about in MD! We hover from 60-80%. I wipe my sweat with my hand or shirt, all the time. lol Low tech, here. :)
@Brad - I wear a cap under my helmet in the Summer because of a skin problem. I see the point though. Maybe I should just tape cardboard over my nose. I don't know, seems like you have an interesting story to tell about that truck. :)
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Must do things for today : Order Road ID and check out Headsweats or Giro.
Do broken down, unusable bikes count. In that case I do have three bikes.
Karen's skirt is a wrap around skirt. Here are some links I found on riding skirts.
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http://tinyurl.com/mq9brnz
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http://tinyurl.com/ltvdy54
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For more options Google search
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womans bicycle shorts with skirt
We are fortunate here in Colorado. Low humidity. So I rarely have a problem with sweating that requires me us use a headband. The only time I have anything on my head other than the helmet is when it is cold. Then I have lightweight to heavier skull cap to protect my head from the cold. My helmet size is adjustable with a small knob so my helmet always fits regardless what if any skull cap I am wearing.
No visor on my road bike helmet, but my other has one. I prefer the visor, but also prefer to see when in the drops. Under the helmet I wear a beanie in the summer, hat in the winter. I picked up a couple beanies from Columbia Sportswear last summer, super thin, UPF 50, cooling technology, can't even tell it's there. I contacted Columbia the other day and learned they didn't make them again this spring and supposedly none could be found on their partner websites, maybe I'll make a trip to the outlet store and see if I get lucky.
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On hot days I'll go cycling shorts only, but when it's cooler I generally wear a pair of running shorts over top and in the winter I usually have two layers above the shorts. I can feel the difference in temperature, but have never noticed any change in moisture, its not like much air flows across your "seat" while seated and the occasional stand up doesn't do a whole lot to dry things out.
@Jenny. Shorts over your bike shorts should work. Karen has a small skirt she wears over her bike shorts.
@Jenny, yes that works. Don't forget the chamois cream. I use Nubutte @Tammie, which is organic and mostly shea butter. Great stuff!
So I'm thinking commando is the way to go, will it work out if I wear a pair of shorts over my bike shorts to protect my dignity? My thinking tells me that it would work because it isn't blocking the skin contact. Just a thin loose sport short.
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I wear gloves on longer rides if out longer than an hour. Bought a new pair from a reputable company but like my pair from Wally World better.
@EM - average of three bikes per People or Bikes member, huh? I've got five bikes, each one has a certain purpose. A CF bike for roads, a cyclocross bike for my commutes, a mountain bike for off-roading, a hybrid bike for the MUPs, and an aluminum road bike I keep in a hotel for use during business trips. Don't think I'm allowed to get any more bikes at this point! :)
On my mountain bike I use a helmet with a visor which is good when I'm in a more upright riding position. But in road position you do not want a visor unless you want to end up in the box of a parked pickup truck - don't ask :/
I use Headsweats under the helmet, it's a terrycloth sweatband around the bottom edge and the top is covered with an airy fabric that keeps the bugs from getting in my hair. It doesn't keep the sweat from dripping entirely, but reduces it a lot. http://www.amazon.com/Headsweats-8807-201-Shorty-Beanie/dp/B0027BFPTQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC Maybe ladies and underwear is a genetic thing ;-))
Sweat is the one thing we rarely have to worry about. Our humidity is usually so low that it evaporates before it can drip or run anywhere. We have had humidity in the 20 and 30% ranges lately which is astronomical. Normal is more like 6%. I managed to ride 13 miles yesterday before I melted in the 103 heat. I could have done more but needed to reserve energy to work 12 hours all night. I will be getting off in 10 minutes, am dead tired and am trying to convince myself that I should eat something and put in a few miles BEFORE going to bed. Darn I hear that bed calling from 20 miles away!
I don't use a visor or a cap. I do carry a hankerchief in my back pocket to wipe sweat if needed. I did have a head band to stop sweat but I was not comfortable using that. So I nixed it.
Definitley have a Road ID. I feel safer with it on. I purchased one for a friend who bikes and goes out and kayaks alone in the waterway. I also got one for my Mom who bikes alone often.
Never got to finish the shorts undies story, but I used to never wear anything uder my bike shorts, but, my Mom does so I thought I would try it. And its been working out ok. But like Michael said-how many pages back, they are cotton so not so good for the sweat factor.
I am like Heather, minimal gear as much as possible. But, I have to say-I checked out those Serfas gloves and I really like them alot. Very disappointed in the ones I got from Performance this spring. I should have send them back but its much too late now.
Did not get enough miles logged this week. Ugh....will get up and out tomorrow. I hope to get a 20 mile ride in.
Got to get ready for work! Hope don't miss too much conversation today.
Ride on with peace. Ride safe all.
hats, caps, don't really stop the sweat. Head bands work well Same with wrist bands if the grips get slippery from arm sweat (baby powder helps grip also). I'm told baby powder helps with the riding shorts, too. ...0_0... ......... With my "cap" or painting hat, I usually keep it backwards so i don't see the visor as a distraction. In rain or if the sunglasses aren't working with the sun enough, then it goes forward. If anything, I need "fading" prevention treatments for the hats anyway.
I have a visor on the helmet. It helps when it rains and don't use any cap. But lately, especially during the heatwave, I wondered if a cap would help stop the sweat from dripping down into my eyes.
Commando here. No visor or hat. Again, I stick to minimal gear. I need new shorts because I only have one (worn) pair with a padding. I also need a new helmet (age). Does everyone have a road ID? I do!
Oh, and if it is 80+F I don't wear a shirt. 120F, I may not wear pants...
Most of the time I'm just wearing normal "cotton" shorts. I've ridden all my life... I grew to endure the pain, well really pain is just certain seats in my case. Gloves are for drivers. Some say "oh if you fall bla bla bla." ... Mamby pambies. The ground never did that much. I've ridden so much and always used the same grips. ODI longnecks, or the cork tape on the road bike, and both just don't give me calluses anymore. Carpal tunnel, I think that is from computer use, and I only got that "gaming" years before, never from the biking. ..................................................... Yes, I do have riding shorts, too. I use them for 50+ mile rides, but even they might hurt if I stay on the butt too long. What causes pain is both staying sitting too long and rough pavement (offroad I never need the shorts ever). Pain is really in the mind, but just to relax the rear muscles, get off the saddle after 5 miles, stretch the ankles, then after rolling a bit, like a 1/4 mile get back on the seat and pedal again, and repeat.
Don't you just "love it" when you are cycling down the road (where, here in Fla. you are suppose to cycle instead of sidewalks) and someone blows past you by, it seems, inches or yells for you to, "Get off the road!"
OR, (lol) when you are riding on a trail in the early hours while it is still dark and cyclist are coming at you----with no lights on their bikes??
There! I feel better now! LOL
For the helmet poll - I wear a cycling cap under my helmet most of the time, to deflect some of the rain off my glasses or to shade my eyes from the glare of the sun at low angles (morning & evening commute). I have a Clif Bar 2-Mile Challenge cap that works pretty well in cooler weather, but it's all cotton. Bought a Headsweats cap last year, but the bill/visor is too long and stiff to work with either of my helmets. Just found a Giro synthetic cap that works pretty well. The bill is short enough to permit good forward vision, and flexible enough to flip up if I don't need it.
Go, get'em, Jerry. You will return to the bike.
The commute home this afternoon was one of those rides that make me appreciate fenders. And I'd have appreciated them even more had they been on the bike instead of hanging up in the garage where I put them when I took them off a month ago. It really wasn't too bad. The rain was light and had pretty much stopped half way home. The ride in the rain under the power lines on the BPA trail was interesting. All the sizzling and popping made it sound like someone was frying up bacon for a battalion.
Oh, and without fenders, the shorts and jersey were definitely going in the wash when I got home.
@Karen - I like that, "I'll write a wrong note, or note a right wrong."
It is difficult to remember to take your RHR/BHR. Some of my students have taken almost two weeks to remember. But, if you can get it to be a habit that you do most days, it will tell you good info.
I have two pairs of bike shorts which will be three when my nashbar box arrives. No undies, discovered after a couple weeks they are much more comfy that way too! I make my own butt butter with Shea butter ,coconut oil, almond oil , grape seed oil and a hint of peppermint. All the oils are massage quality oils. About 90 to 95% is the shea butter so It is a solid when you touch it and melts in your hand. I could not do without my gel gloves and of course and am already on my second helmet! I'm still sore in that spot on my head. Love the jerseys with the pockets in the back... So handy! And I do wear cycling mountain bike shoes. Love the additional power in the pedal stroke and have clips on one pair for my road bike. After just a little over 4 months and all this gear it is obvious I am 'all in'!
Oh yeah, and the cap is good at preventing my head from getting sunburned. Yeah, I'm one of those people, where my hair is parted, the sun will burn...
I already knew what Christine rides in. She rides in Kenosha.
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I'm with the females on the layer below the shorts.
I also have 3 pair of shorts that I rotate. Ones older than those are relegated to riding either the stationary bike or bike trainer at home in the Winter.
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How can you tell shorts are too old? I don't really do group rides, but a few years ago, I was one of two lead bikers for a running race, and the other biker was in front of me. The spandex of his shorts had started to deteriorate, well, more likely had deteriorated a while back, and that sight was burned indelibly in my eyes. I immediately took the lead, and afterwards I told him that he seriously needed to replace them.
After you wash them, make it a habit of occasionally holding the back part to the light. You can tell.
I just learned that the average People for Bikes member owns three bikes. We got some shopping to do!
@Jerry - Way to improve, by quite a bit!
I have both the cap and the visor. The cap is a "headsweats" cap and it does keep the sweat away. Visor is good for the sun. Have a hat that fits under my helmet for winter riding, comes with a hole for a ponytail. Too much trouble to take the visor off, so I just leave it cap or no.
Just got my bike back from being in the shop for 15 long grueling days. Yes, I did go ride in the moonlight. Wish I did have more than one bike, have to solve that problem.
Jenny; try Andiamo, or just Google (women's) bicycling underwear and follow the merry trail...most of them are padded, and some of them are Pink(-;
Oh my, I asked the question and then 8 pages later...
Ok so I am having trouble with irritation but never considered riding without my undies! But i can see the rationale behind it, and also for washing them daily. So for those who are not comfortable with going commando, is there such a thing as undies for bikers?
@Roberto... it's usually the older guys in the club who don't get new shorts often enough! Sometimes I feel like perhaps we should pass around the hat and take up a donation, for new shorts :)
@Karen - I like that, "I'll write a wrong note, or note a right wrong."
It is difficult to remember to that your RHR/BHR. Some of my students have taken almost two weeks to remember. But, if you can get it to be a habit that you do most days, it will tell you good info.
@Howard LOL depends who's shorts are worn out.
Helmet, visor no way, and cap always.
Oh, and for underwear beneath cycling shorts... I never do it. Don't think anyone in my club does it either. But, when the shorts start to get worn... well, I know which riders that I should NOT follow, unless I want to be scarred for life! :)
Helmet, with visor.... keeps the rain off my eyeglasses. Just got a cycling cap, will be trying that as an alternative. We'll see!
Helmet. No visor. It blocks my view when going downhill at 45-50mph.
Oh yes, good subject-visor or no visor?
One of the most consistently delightful aspects of this community is the opportunity to learn. For example, I had always assumed tight clothing was entirely about aerodynamics, had never considered the obvious safety/snagging issue, nor would the advisability of absent underwear have remotely occurred to me…(though such well presented points are unlikely to alter habits substantially, as my own skin is unequivocally insufficiently tight to routinely support skintight clothing, and I remain emphatically committed to underwear(-;) I often encounter references to issues, equipment and terminology I either haven’t heard of, or have never really thought about..and am then motivated to wander happily off in search of more information. I was beginning to suppose there may be a vast untapped marketing opportunity for cycling specific underwear……..a little internet exploring assures me this is not the case. . I’m pleased to learn such things exist, and although it has only been an issue once in many thousands of miles, I will also be appreciatively bookmarking websites relating to welcome suggestions for whimsically named chafing antidotes . (-:
Anybody ever tried Nubutte by Inyangi? Great stuff. So, if you wear underwear under your bike shorts, boxers or briefs? LOL No seriously folks, wear what suits you. It's just funny that cycling apparel companies spend a boatload on R&D of fabrics and chamois technology to provide us with the most comfortable and hygienic experience all to be covered over by Fruit of the Loom. Next topic.... since we all agree on helmets, visor or no visor, cap underneath or commando?
Go, @Jerry, go!!!
@Jerry - We are all "behind" you!
@Jerry, love Anti Monkey Butt! It used to be better (they changed the formula, I believe), but it's still the best for chafing. Yes, I wear undies. And I don't wear spandex. I'm an Athena, I guess; at 5'2"...Sigh.
@Jim Johnson! It rained in Phoenix?? Too late for spring, too early for the monsoon. What's going on???
I am sorry but this is so hysterical and at the same time very informative and pretty important.
@Christine-are you changing the subject? lol
OMG. I'm not telling you guys what I ride in. Yoiks.
So long as we all agree helmets are ESSENTIAL. Clearly people weigh choices based on varying individually prioritized combinations of safety, comfort, practicality and cost. How fortunate we are to have so many options, and the generously shared insights, information, experience and perceptions of such a diverse and supportive community. Roll on….and Thanks! for sharing the view(s) (-:
Very simple, since most underwear is cotton or cotton blend, it does not allow the transfer of moisture (sweat) to the outer garment (bike shorts) that is specifically designed to get rid of that moisture. Undies that hold sweat while you're riding and moving will invite saddle sores and other undesirable effects. Bike shorts are meant to be worn sans skivvies.
Shorts, jersey, gloves, helmet, shoes, underwear, and of couse bike socks (ones with little bikes on them)!. Ridden as long as a century. During the challenge most days are 20 or more. Never had a problem with chafing.
5.3 miles on an upright stationary bike. Plus two hours of physical torture, followed by an almost mile walk around the ponds.
If you have a problem with chafing or saddle sores try Monkey Butt powder or even better is Hammer Nutrition's Seat Saver. The Seat Saver was a life saver for me when I started getting saddle sores last year. I was puzzled why I suddenly was developing saddle sores. Then I found out there were caused by the new detergent my wife started using on my shorts. When we changed back it solved the issue.
@Rick - I wear bike-functional clothing on my commute and shower and change when I get to work. I ride anywhere from 20 to 40 miles commuting per day. I could never wear street clothing, I'd be all sweaty. However, I do not have a special room for drying my clothing. My cube looks like a laundry room with all my bike garb hanging from my wall cabinet door. People used to laugh at me about it but they have gotten used to it now.
Shorts, jersey, sicks, gloves, sunglasses, Road ID, and helmet. No underwear for either Karen or myself. Shorts, socks, and jerseys washed after each ride. Especially the shorts.
I'm blessed with great bike facilities at work. A locked, covered bike "cage" for parking bikes, a full sized commuter locker in the locker room (part of the on-site fitness center), showers, and a 'drying room' (actually a large walk-in closet with an exhaust fan to move the air and a transformer in the corner that supplies a little heat). On top of that, logging my commute rides monthly qualifies me for a transit pass that gets me around by bus or train over two+ counties when I'm not riding.
I just Googled "Wear underwear under bicycle shorts" and I couldn't find one resource that recommends wearing underwear. The best quote I found said, "Do you wear underwear under your underwear? There's no point in wearing something under a garment that's designed to go against your skin." Every resource pointed to chafing as the main reason to avoid wearing underwear with the exception of relatively short rides.
@Rick - you have a drying room? I hang all my clothes in my cube.
@Rick, true, days don't measure up to miles.
@Nyla, you wear underwear, got chafed, but you don't think the underwear did it... I guarantee you there isn't a pro cyclist, male or female, that wears underwear under their shorts. I've never seen anything that suggests wearing underwear under cycling shorts is a good option. I'd love to read that bit. And what are "monkey-butt shorts?"
My bib shorts (I wear only Pearl Izumi) start to become translucent when they are worn out. The chamois loses some of its pliability too. That's when it's time to replace them. As for the cost, you definitely get what you pay for. The lower end shorts tend to be a lot less comfortable (to me of course, I'm the one writing this) and since comfort is king on the bicycle, I would rather spend a bit more for quality.
Yep - the clothes are about function. In my neck of the woods, I'm riding streets with traffic half the time or more, so I want clothes I can move easily in and be seen in. I don't want cuffs getting hung up in the chainring. And there are hill climbs and fast descents. Whatever I wear on the bike is not what I'm going to wear at work, so why not wear bike-functional clothes? And visible clothes - jerseys are almost always yellow, orange, or red. Blue is reserved for off-road or group rides when there's visibility in numbers. And never black. My new helmet is solid, bright yellow, just in case my jersey is not.
Oh, and for the poll, I wear bike shorts the way God intended them to be worn, for the reasons that Roberto cites.
4th flat in less than 2 weeks. Phoenix streets suck for about 2 weeks after it rains. Quarter of a mile from home so I'll fix it in my living room tonight.
That's 100 CyclingRoberto-days, or about three or four years of wear for the rest of us.
Most days, I'm in my bike shorts for a little over 1/2 hour each way - 14 miles round trip. I hang them in the drying room at work (thank goodness for that on rainy days) and I hang them to dry at home. I'll use two pair of shorts to make my commuting week, 2-3 days each pair. It would be better to wash them after every day's commute, but washing is wear & tear, too. The life expectancy depends on the construction of the shorts and the chamois. I've got a year-old pair of Garneau shorts that may be headed to the end of their life. The inner fabric layer has loosened from the foam in the chamois. No riding problem in them on my short rides, but I'm wary about starting a 50-100 mile ride in them. The best way to know if the shorts are OK (if they're not falling apart) is if they work for you on your rides. If so, they're still good. If you ride more than once per week, get at least two pair. Price is one indicator of quality, but you don't have to shell out big bucks to get decent shorts, particularly if you watch for sales and clearance items. My bibs ( more expensive than plain shorts) have all been sale priced in the $40-70 range, and none had original retail over $120.
Gloves, of course are a necessity, even if I do have horrible glove tan lines. After 2 crashes the gloves are the only things that saved my hands from serious road rash. Not expensive, cheap finger-less gloves from target for 14.99 (currently in the washer...)
Well, I'm up to riding over 200 miles per week and I'm not having problems with chafing even after my 91 mile ride last weekend. I have read on the internet (so it must be true) that there are two "camps" on the underwear subject and more women wear underwear than men.
OK, before this gets out of control, I honestly don't care what anybody wears when cycling. But there is more to cycling kit than looks. Function is just as important, and the fact of the matter is, cycling clothes are safer to ride in. Less likely to snag when you crash (and as I've mentioned before, you WILL crash). They wick the moisture away from your body, and allow for better ventilation. As for underwear under shorts, the chamois is designed to be in contact with your skin. Placing something in between can cause friction and we all know what that can lead to: chafing and saddle sores. So this isn't a GENDER thing. (Why do so many of these discussions go in that direction?) Just like I wash my socks every time I use them, my shorts get the same treatment. It's your butt, but trust me, if you start doing some longer distances on a daily basis, you'll think twice about what you're wearing.
@David dude, a jersey? Why? Next you'll want me to wear shoes.
@J Hugh, I don't think the people in my part of the world care what I wear.
I wear gloves because if I didn't, I wouldn't make it more than 10 miles without the inevitable crash after hitting a bump and having my hands slide off the bars due to sweat. I wear the shorts for what Roberto just said, but only when I'm seriously riding. A trip to the grocery store or a restaurant, which is only a couple miles, I wear street clothes. Nothing under the shorts, because again, as Roberto said, it kinda defeats the purpose, at least for manly underoos. I wear special shoes because, well, I have special pedals. I wear sneakers or boots on my hybrid without special pedals. I wear a helmet because it makes sense and I need to cover my full head of scalp anyway. I guess it all depends on how far you're riding. Personally, if I was only riding a couple miles a day, I wouldn't waste the money on special stuff, but since I like to ride for hours at a time, it makes sense to be comfortable.
As for bicycling without underwear: To each his own, but for myself…I should just think NOT, Indeed!…
(though it’s conceivable they may have played a part in the unfortunate chafing which developed toward the end of the MS TRAM, in that crucial, delicate junction between the “sit upon” and “pedal with” portions of my anatomy …an inflammatory issue which, to my intense disillusionment, my recently and rather reluctantly acquired, first and only- pair of warily purchased monkey-butt bicycle shorts did absolutely nothing to ameliorate (-;)
Laurie,
Let’s be very clear: This isn’t the tale of Pinocchio: Flesh and Blood, Heart and Soul…..You put your butt on a bicycle seat and pedal forward…..(and, all the better, you do so consistently with respect and support for others on the road, a high regard for safety, abundant energy, enthusiasm and palpable, generously shared pleasure.)
YOU ARE, in Every Sense, the very epitome of a REAL cyclist! (-:
@ Kathy, count me in -- girls 3 for underwear, commando is only for laundry day, not for biking.
@David Bigelbach The people in Cycling Robertos part of the country think it great that he started wearing Bibs. So, don't go challenging the man to think about putting on a jersey. One small step or bib at a time. But it might be that kind of jock strap bib the crazy guy runs with at the TDF.
Some people say that you get saddle sores if you dont wash your shorts. Some folks say that you can break out in a big candida rash. But I don't know them.
I also wear underwear under my bike shorts, never over, but I think that might be a girl thing. Perhaps we should survey that.. so far girls 2 for underwear, guys 1 no underwear.
@Roberto. Dude, you should think about wearing a shirt too.
I'm almost afraid to say this because it reveals that I'm not a "real" bicyclist..... but I don't own any special riding clothing or gear. Just street clothes, bare hands, and old sneakers. I do, however, wear my helmet religiously.
@ Laurie, the last one, the helmet is actually the most important one. Other stuff is good to prevent unnecessary wear and tear and esp. gloves are good because vibrations can cause your hands to get a form of carparl tunnel syndrome. The shoes and other stuff just make riding more comfortable. So good you have a helmet!
And I only ride in bib shorts.
@Jenny, always good to have a couple/few pair of bike shorts. I have two, used for long rides and wash and rotate them as needed. Then I have a special pair of like loose biking capris that I use to commute in and wash them once a week on the weekends. And, I do wear underwear with the bike shorts. Used to didn't but I tried using underwear and like that better than not having underwear on. Bike shorts are not that expensive so it would pay in the long run to have a couple/few good pairs. Also, for Bike MS that is over two days, I have one pair of shorts for each day. I have had my shorts for a couple years. With regular use and washings so far, it probably wouldn't hurt to a get some new ones next year and keep these for back up if needed. Hope that helps!
First, if you ride "almost daily," you need more than one pair of shorts. You MUST wash them every ride (remember, no undies with bike shorts). I get about 100 days out a quality pair of bibs. Figuring I own about six pairs, and rotate them, I need a new pair every year.
Supposed to be 82, mostly cloudy, with an east wind tomorrow. Perhaps I can take Eurus (the name of the East Wind in Greek Mythology) out for a long ride tomorrow.
@ Marty - See what work does to me. I'll write a wrong note, or note a right wrong. Either way, I will have to put it on the ceiling so I won't get up and mess up my heart rate.
I need some help with my bike shorts...
I ride almost daily, and I wash those shorts quite frequently. However, I only have 1. Is there a timeframe that you use to determine when the shorts are officially "worn out"? Its kind of like a good pair of athletic shoes, they are still comfy but are they really doing what they were intended to do? So do you regular riders have multiple shorts, and how often do you replace? What do you do if you are riding without bike shorts? Do you have problems?
@Marty, now its 33335 riders!
I never complained to CVS or the other Drug/convenience stores. I do complain, however to the DMV for not having one. Though they let you just tow it around inside. Shoprites, or even Walmarts never seemed to have racks either... so.. tow it again inside, as my "cart."
@All - I see that you have all talked out the glove issue while I was at work. Rick said it better than I ever could. I like my new gloves, but I think I will get better ones when I can. The Velodrome in Lehigh Valley two times a year has a second hand "flea market" for bike related things. One time in the Fall, another one in the Spring. I have been meaning to go, but usually am working.
@Cynthia 3hrs 30min. I'm no speed demon on the streets when I'm touring. No real hills, just some wind. I mainly went home bound due to hunger.
51 miles of gravel on my Jamis Comet road bike.
@ Marty - Thank you for the RHR (BHR) information. I have been told about checking it before, but didn't. I think now I will make it a priority. I suppose I will have to right a note and paste it on the ceiling, or I am going to forget.
No, @Rick, I meant "set-up" referring to the original comments from yesterday referring to brats and little kids ("tots"). I was just running with the theme!
@Michael - if by "set up," you mean "made up," then, no. The grill special was for real, and just too timely, given our recent posts. And I'd have probably gotten soup or salad instead, except for those posts. Now I have to ride extra miles...
33,333 riders!
Re: CVS & Walgreens bike racks. Oddly enough, the CVS & the Walgreens in our neighborhood each have a tiny bike rack out front, no public prodding required!
@Kathy - Jay really wants an elf bike. (She has health issues which preclude her from going far.) Wish I could afford one for her.
I am definitely not a vegetarian. Give me a great porterhouse steak any day.
@Cynthia - I also wrote to CVS. Just cause. plus I mentioned that RiteAid and Walgreens had bike racks in my area.
Bike of the future?? I think I'll keep mine... which goes over 20mph without solar power.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/01/elf-bike_n_3690560.html
@Carl-40 miles nonstop? Not a bad day at all. How long did it take you?
Hi all, so my ride was this morning. It was in the 70s and MUGGY. Lots and lots of other riders out there including a mom with two kids riding through a park. Was happy to greet them becuase they were all rolling with helmets on. Don't know if so many people were out because its FRIDAYYYY, or because they all thought it was going to rain this afternoon (hasn't yet) and most of tomorrow. Felt good to be out after missing yesterday. RIDE ON YA'LL!!
@Michael-good job! Hope it wasn't too bad a climb and your inspired to do it again.
I got a response from CVS to call them about bike racks too! Can't wait to talk with them about it.
@rick, most tots I know are brats. But we both know you set that one up, don't we ;-)
More biking to the doc's office: Last month I biked the 15 miles north to my 6-month post-surgical check-up on my hip fracture (an orthopedic clinic with a bike rack!). The surgeon commented that I was the only one of his hip fracture patients who rode the STP (Seattle to Portland Classic). And although the hip & leg are still causing grief in some activities, they're causing no problem on the bike. Roll on!
Just got back from lunch at the company cafe. Today's grill special: Brat & tots. I shouldn't have, but I did, and it was pretty good.
Thanks to all for your inspiration, I finally manned-up and tackled the hills head on today. I usually trade extra distance in order to ease the elevation gain. Today I said, "Mike, it's time to ride this bike like a bicyclist!" Used the gears as much as I could, but no feet down. Don't know what burned more, the lungs or the thighs. @Jerry, this short but significant-for-me ride was for you!
@Peter, I didn't read far enough back, and I see that you posted about riding bike to your cardiology appt. Extra points to you on the wellness scorecard, too!
@Rick, I work in a hospital and I am on our wellness committee. Our committee was solely responsible for installing bike racks both in front of the building for our patients and in the back for our employees. I will have to consider adding that category onto our wellness scorecard, "biking to your annual physical".
Not a bad day. Did a 40 miler non-stop.
Ok, that dude riding in front of the bus...what was the point? At first I thought maybe he was having a problem, i.e. physical, but then it was obvious he was not. Geez.
@ Ray, took me a minute but I got it, now cut that out!
@ Marty, interesting becuase I just read an article about how cyclists should deal with busses. Obviously riding super slow two feet in front of a bus is not a good idea. Common sense please....
We are currently 3 participants away from 33,333 for the Challenge. That would put us 1/3 of a person away from 2/3 of our goal!
But don't get too excited, as we only added 1,450 participants last month. So, my prediction for the final tally would be 35,123.
Help prove me wrong, and recruit, recruit, recruit!
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@Ray - Spoken like a true Marty! With some of my relatives, the nice term for it is known as a Martyism.
(time to "pull a Marty") I'm not a vegetarian, but I do feel a bit guilty right now since I assume these crackers I'm eating are made from real animals. :D
I've ridden my bike to the dentist's office for most of my checkups in the last few year's and I just park the bike in their waiting area. There's no good place to lock it up outside. And I normally bike to my annual physical - which earns me points with my doctor.
@Marty - What the heck was that guy thinking? Get a move on, man. Did you hear the wheel go "crunch"? Ow.
Normally, I wouldn't root for a bus vs a bike, but unless there was a lot going on before the video footage, he had a bent wheel coming.
http://screen.yahoo.com/cyclist-pays-price-messing-bus-103321175.html
@EM - Yeah, I missed the local bike swaps this year, and haven't found or decided on an alternative disposition for the excess gear. Nothing worth selling on e-bay, so it will either be charity or wait for a bike swap meet.
A few years ago, I'd watch for every REI sale event because there was something I needed that they had That's finally changed. There's stuff I'd like to have (like that tadpole recumbent), but little that I can say I "need." I'm shopping for a seat bag to fit my new Brooks saddle, but without any real urgency. At worst, I'll reinstall the rear rack soon, (as the fall weather comes in), and won't need a saddle bag for the Brooks until next summer.
@Heather, I am with you, frugal and simple.
Good luck Jim! Dentist-eeewwww!
@EM-great advice for all the extra gear.
When I go for check ups it seems my HR is always excellent however I have never compared HR between resting and working out. Going to give it a try.
Christine@ - At first, I thought you were sweariing at me. Thanks. I will keep posting either educational or inane comments here until the end of December, (for the post-Challenge period), unless they kick me off beforehand.
I'm riding my bike to the dentist in about hour. They are cyclists so insist I bring my bike inside. Pray for me. I hate going to the dentist. My wife makes all these appointments for me. She called me once and told me she had scheduled a colonoscopy for me. I guess she loves me enough to make sure I'm healthy.
@Burklee, my bp goes through the roof at the mere mention of the word dentist. I have to go lie down now.
@Marty, don't be so humble. We're counting the days till we don't get to read your bons mots any more! Wah!!!
Every time I go give blood, they say "Your heart rate is so low! Are you on a prescription for it?" I say "Yes, I take two rides a day - minimum - on my bike. A strong heart doesn't have to pump as hard to move the blood!"
@leonard that story is amazing. I too, have always had low rhr and blood pressure. As far as gloves-I have one pair. They were $25. They are not fancy. I keep my gear to a minimum (frugal) and wash a couple of times a week.
@ Rick, bike swap meets or similar sales are one way of getting good homes for gently used gear. Another is to find a bike charity that helps people fix up bikes and gets them going with the riding.
@Burklee. I survive the dentist only by listening to audio books on my iPod. Loudly.
@ Marty, I have bad news for you, people already don't have to read your stuff, or mine either for that matter.
@ J Hugh, I have 2 pairs of summer gloves and one pair of winter gloves (full finger).
Gloves - over 6 years I've accumulated 6 pair of half-finger gloves in various colors, one pair of thin full-finger MTB gloves, one pair of cool weather full-finger gloves, and one pair of water-proof, insulated winter gloves. Some of the summer gloves are in pretty rough shape, but I hang on to them.
Likewise, I've accumulated jerseys and shorts over time, with my jersey collection getting nicer as my taste for good stuff got sharper, and as my continued riding seemed to justify spending a little more. I now have enough bib shorts for a week, and seldom go back to my non-bibs. I thought bib shorts were dorky & overpriced, until I tried them and came to appreciate the comfort of eliminating a waist band. Now I don't have to wash stuff up more than once per week, and I've actually got some excess gear I'd like to find new homes for.
@J. Hugh - It's hard to believe anyone would have an elevated HR & BP in a dentist's chair, isn't it? I tense up the second I sit down in the dentist's chair, even just for a cleaning.
@ Leonard, good for you for asking for a second opinion. The only pacemaker you may ever need is too keep you from exceeding the speed limit on your bike! LOL
I am getting education today-between glove styles and RHR's. Wahoo!
@Leonard - There is only one person I personally know that has a RHR as low as yours. Live long and bike far. (I know you'll be passing me before the Challenge is onve, and that is with missing well over a month.)
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J Hugh - Now there is written proof that people are already counting the day that they won't have to read my stuff anymore.
How many pairs of gloves do regular riders usually have?
RE: Low heart rate the dentist takes my blood pressure and heart rate and says its to high, the paramedics take it and both are too low for a man my age. My healthcare team says you are doing pretty well. Its all a matter of normals and situations.
Comment on "glove tabs": I've tried MANY types of gloves in the last 6 years. Best ones I've found are Serfas, they have a small strap between the first two fingers and another small strap between the last two fingers on each glove. They are the easiest gloves I've ever had to remove EVEN WHEN SOPPING WET!!! The little straps work GREAT and you never know they are there until you use them.
@Leonard - Good for you! I imagine in this country, doctors aren't used to seeing people that healthy.
At my last cardiologist check up, I rode my bicycle the 5 miles to his office. I left for his office so I pedaled hard to get there in time . I there and my turn was 2 minutes later. Fast foreward, he said " Keep up the good work and all that bicycling is really helping."
Right-because after awhile the fabric stretch's and frays or tears from pulling the glove on and off repeatedly. Hmmm, might have to order myself a present. Been a awhile since I have had a little box delivered. I ordered new gloves this past spring. The old ones where at least 15 years old (and yes, I washed them). They were plum wore out! Neither here nor there, I don't like my new gloves.
Just a comment on resting heart rate. Back in 2008 when I broke my hip I spent 4 days in the hospital. After the first night my doctor came in and told me they were going to implant a pacemaker because my heart rate was dropping into the mid/upper 30's at night. I said no way, doctor insisted, I ask to see a cardiologist. After a brief talk with the heart specialist, he said he wished all his patients had a resting heart rate like mine. I no longer see the first doctor and still don't need a pacemaker......
@Christine - So cynical! LOL
In 1984 we were spraying our gloves with Insect repellant. I stopped doing that when I learned just how absorbent the skin is and that you get what's on you in you. Vitamin B-1 is amazing but not instant.
If you use heart rate monitor checking rate of recovery is very helpful post ride.
Marty "the jute burlap fizzyology King" Malin great info and only 59 days left to be in your presence this year.
@Karen & Cynthia. Bought the same or similar style PI gloves this spring. The "off" tab is little pocket that you can get a finger into (from the other hand) to assist in removing the glove. It is a little easier than grabbing the edge of the fabric.
@Karen & @Cynthia - Technology is amazing. I wonder who first thought to put insect repellant right into a bike glove?
@Laurie - Another indicator of how healthy your cardiovascular system (CS) is, or is becoming: Check your HR 5 minutes, and then again 10 minutes after exrecise. As your CS gets stronger, your HR will be lower at these intervals, given the same intensity of exercise preceding it.
@Joe-awesome helmet.
@Karen-there is an off tab for your gloves? What is the style are those Pearl Izumi gloves?
@Doctor Marty-I was going to ask the best way to go about checking RHR. Thanks! This will help immensely in doing this (first time checking ever). Another bit of info to put in journal and track. Fun.
Interesting that you all are talking about RHR. A couple of days ago, I had an appointment at the Y for a fitness assessment. I biked 6 miles to get there, walked down a long flight of stairs to put my stuff in a locker, then back up the same stairs to get to the assessment room. There I sat for about 5-10 minutes sipping water while the trainer set up for the assessment. At that point he took my "RHR" and it was 60. I wonder how much lower a true RHR would have been.
RHR continued - Once you have established you RHR, you can see how increased exercise causes it to decrease, meaning that your heart is stronger and can now pump more blood with each beat, so doesn't need to beat as often.
But if you RHR all of a sudden goes up by 5-8 bpm, that means that you've either way overdone it with exercise the previous day, or your body is starting to fight off an illness. Whatever your exercise planned for that day, either ease up on it, or eliminate it, rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy.
Everyone is different, so don't worry if your RHR isn't the same as someone else's. Our BHR capability is different because of a number of factors including heredity. The lowest BHR I've ever seen is while watching a documentary in the 80's about a Frenchman who was attempting to break the 1 hour velodrome world record. I forgot his name, but his RHR was 28. (In case you're wondering, he did break the record.)
Resting Heart Rate (or Basal HR) - In case anyone is curious, here is some info on RHR - It is a really good indicator of not only how much your exercise is improving your cardiovascular health, but it can also tell you if you've done too much the previous day, and it is the first indicator of your body starting to fight off an illness or infection.
The only way to get your RHR is to take it before you get out of bed. Don't use your thumb, and either take it at your carotid or wrist. Even moving your arm to take it will raise you HR, so give it a minute or two before counting. And, if you absolutely need to go to the bathroom beforehand, by all means, do so, but when you get back in bed, it may take 8-10 minutes for your HR to get back to its minimum. Count it for a whole minute and write it down. Take it for several days in the next week to eliminate sampling error. Your lowest reading is your BHR.
@Marty~ must be the awesome lighting in our locker room at work!! ;)
@Burklee~ Ha Ha Ha yes!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Karen Jean, how well does that off tab work when your hands and the gloves are wet? The REI video made it look like it was the be-all-to-end-all, but she could have been wearing gloves 2 sizes too big and have powdered her hands prior to insertion. What do you mean I lack trust???
@Joe - I looked at your helmet pic. Nice! And is that "Joboo" as in the movie "Major League"? Cuz if it is, people will want to be nicer to you.
@Joe - Nice picture!
Wore my new Pearl Izumi gloves yesterday and got them soaking wet. I see that they finally dried out. They have a little tab on the ring finger that says "off". Who thinks of these things?
@Joe - Your helmet looks Sweeeeeeet!
I got myself a new brain bucket this week!!
i can't believe the strides in comfort and technology, (and how lite), these new helmets are!!
i had my "old" brain bucket for far far too long!!! Lol
http://joboo1967-joboo.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-new-brain-bucket.html
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Cynthia, stop, you're ruining my Friday here at work. I finally got vacation out of my head, now you just put it back! Say "Hi" to an Egret for me! BTW, saw your comment on my personal page last night. Glad to be able to help a little bit!
@Cynthia - Maybe I should have said "vacationsick." I picked up one dollar in change this week on the road. Maybe in 100 years I will be able to buy that new bicycle.
@Cynthia - your making me homesick.
This morning still not feeling that great. With the rising sun streaming through my bedroom window I was determined to ride this morning. And, its Friday-treat day- a good cup of coffee from Mavericks Coffee Shop! As I headed out past the lakes and tidal marsh by my house, I became so overwhelmed at the utter quiet and peace as I rolled through. The Snowy White Egrets gracefully navigating the air looking for a place to land to hunt for their breakfast. I continued on my journey to see the never tiring sight of the sun rising up over the intracoastal waterway. As always, I said a silent thank you to the higher powers for allowing me the ability to ride, want to ride and for being able to take in such a beautiful site as I see every day. Peace to all and have a marvelous day!
@Tammie- my resting heartrate is 60. I am participating in #carfreefriday today. I've already gone to the coffee shop and work. Later, I will run errands on my way back home. Happy weekend, friends!
Have to say-definitely logged many more miles on my bike in July than in my car. Now that would be a fun statistic to keep track of. Will have to include that in my journal.
Sauerkraut is so delish and good for you-here is one to make heads turn-order a Rueben sandwich without the meat.
Could not open J Hughes link for "Velonock". Will research further though. Sounds like it could be fun!
@Jerry-yea bike! I will get in a couple miles for you this weekend. It will probably just be a couple but its better than none if that's ok.
I have to finish every ride with a short but steep climb up my driveway. I don't know what the grade is, but a car can't climb it in the winter after a few inches of snow, without AWD. So it never seems to matter how easy or hard my ride is... I still get a good push on the pulse with that last climb!
@Tammie - I feel for you. I'd do what EM said and put ice under your helmet.
@Peter - Sound like a great PR. (Note to self: New goal for August -65 mile day.)
@J Hugh - Cpaceebo - for your post. You and me Velonoch next year! - (sorry no Cyrillic keyboard.) If only dreams came true.
Well, you got me wondering mentioning resting heart rates. I really was physically out of shape most of my life and my resting rate before I started riding was around 80... yes that bad! Well, just checked and after just over 4 months of hard work I am surprised to say it is 58 and I am currently at work. Not doing a lot but have not exactly been sitting still either. I just wish I could get past the heat so completely draining me after about 15 to 18 miles. I have no problem when it is only about 93 but lately it has been over 98 and just inhaling feels like I have my head inside an oven! The heat coming off the asphalt is just an additional insult. LOL It is making it really hard to average that 15 miles a day I need to reach diamond by the end of the challenge.
584 miles logged on the bike for July. Logged 360 in my truck. And that's mainly due to a round trip 54 mile drive for a landscaping gig I have.
But the numbers that that I am really pleased with...April 1, my resting heart rate was 64. August 1....50!!! Every mile pedaled = a few more heart beats in the bank!
I still have a ways to go. Before I stopped riding in 2005, I had a RHR of 42.
@ Jerry, thanks to you too. Your comment posted while I was typing my last post.
@ Marty -- thanks for figuring it out. I actually started it from a parking area about halfway up the hill, so like I said earlier, it was short but steep. One of these days I will try the entire thing. BTW, in the winter if it's especially snowy or icy, that section of street is closed to all traffic because it becomes impassable.
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Now, I need to get some sleep, 4:30 am is not that far away!
@Laurie. Only 12.31%.
My new bicycle seat was delivered today. Now if I just had the rest of the bike to go with it.
@Laurie - Darn. (That is an 'r' and and an 'n' at the end of that word, in case it isn't clear on your monitor.) I was hoping you'd already shut your computer down for the night. That would be a little over a 12% grade. Pretty steep. But with no warm-up, one's legs would be immediately hurting. 65/528 = 12.3% If it is actually 10% shorter than 1/10th of a mile, then it is 13.7%.
@ Marty -- don't be hatin'! I just checked the elevation. It's a street that goes down to the river flats and then up again a short distance later. The uphill part I rode rises about 65 feet in 1/10 mile. I am not sure how that translates to a percentage.
I tried a short ride ealier this year. Only planned on 10 miles to check out a repair to my bicycle. I had a 30 mile group ride later in the evening. When I got to Lyons, I needed to make a left turn to go home. But my bike fought me, refused to turn. Insisted on going straight. My bike finally let me come home when I ran low on liquids. Good thing I only brought one water bottle.
Laurie's definition of a short, steep hill is a curb. (She jumped the curb.)
@Laurie. You would have loved a hill I did in June. We left Golden for a 63 mile ride up in the mountain. After one mile we had to climb a 15% hill, with a person a the bottom of the hill calling out to us, "This is your wakeup call." Then we only had 6-8% hills for the next 20 miles with an occasionally 8-10% sections, and only one more 12% and one more 15% hill in our first 20 miles.
In my defense, the short ride I did squeeze in today began with turning out of a parking lot and immediately going up a short but fairly steep hill. Not exactly the best thing when my muscles weren't acclimated yet. I made it to the top, but took about another block to recover from it.
@Laurie. Hope you enjoyed your break today.
@ Jerry, I am so sorry. I couldn't find them today, but tomorrow is another day :)
@Laurie. Where are my 30 miles?
Peter! Please, no four-letter words like that! hehehe
All kidding aside, snow is great from about December 15th or 20th until the first week in January. Then it gets old very quickly!
I had a personal high mileage today of 59.78 miles. Nice riding today with a little wind. I hope we get a lot more days like today, all the way to December 20th and then a little snow for Christmas. Yes, snow.
After pushing myself to meet goals in July, I really needed a break today. So I ended up riding a mere 5 miles. I know I can make up the missing miles on another day, but I sure didn't like seeing the effect on the leaderboard. grrrrrrrrrr
OH my gosh you guys, so many posts and so little time. In fact no time to ride today so I've got a goose egg to start the month. But no worries, I didn't eat it. I will start making up for it tomorrow. I am willing to donate some of my miles to Jerry. As for logging my car miles EWWWW. I mean you can't drive the car and then expect to reward youself with cheese curds and bratwurst or ice cream and cookies for that matter. I'll stick to my bike. I'll get back to that serious riding tomorrow!
J Hugh - There should be more Velonoches in the states. Impressive numbers - But traffic jams at 3 a.m.? I noticed very few bike helmets. I aslso didn't see any brats or cheese curds.
can·ni·bal [kan-uh-buhl] Show IPA
noun
1.
a person who eats human flesh, especially for magical or religious purposes, as among certain tribal peoples.
2.
any animal that eats its own kind.
According to this, the term cannibal doesn't apply to me, because, in the words of the Elephant Man, "I am not an animal! I am a human being!"
Cyclists Take Nighttime Ride Through Moscow's History http://n.pr/13yRc3g
Av....Curds ...a snack I can whole(excepting the portion jeopardized by excessive cholesterol consumption)heartedly endorse. Some of the very finest are on hand just up the road at a favorite, frequent cycling destination (superlative Burnett Dairy) I am especially fond of the deep fried variety.....butterfat immortalized by frying ever-so-seductively in vegetable fat ... (Who thinks of these things?) Dangerously delectable but at least marginally easier to rationalize when pedaling to reach them.....sigh....I love Wisconsin! (-:
Ahh there's nothing better than brats and kraut! My town boasts that they have the best brat fry in Wisconsin every Friday and Saturday. Gimmie those squeaky curds, too!
Cannibals…dear me, I’m horrified to the depths of my ovo-lacto vegetarian soul. Surely simply the name would be adequate to discourage consumption?....BRAT-WORST?
Northern Wisconsin is currently blessed with a span of pervasively spirit-lifting , “Wish you were Here”, Three-dimensional postcard perfect, “Come Out and PLAY!” weather- rendering cycling irresistible, and eliciting contemplation, gratitude and celebration of the “WHY I RIDE” variety. Apart from some time in my twenties, (after moving to Wisconsin, gaining fifty pounds and being daunted by the hills in any direction from home), I’ve enjoyed bicycling regularly for more than half a century. Most miles still happen on my 1972, 17th birthday gift 10-speed…..in the “wrong” clothes, at the “wrong” cadence, at a generously labeled “leisurely” pace. I place great value on the health benefits, and an opportunity to offset the egregiously large carbon footprint created by hundreds of weekly miles driven for work and school, but what keeps me pedaling persistently remains elemental pleasure of the sort first experienced decades ago , on a hand-me-down single speed Schwinn: The exuberant independence of traveling under my own power, and the pure distilled exhilaration, reverberating within every cell, of rolling forward, road unspooling ahead through an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of seasonally specific ambient sensations:-Stretching every sense to catch the glorious intensity of NOW. In, Of, and Throughout every sense; the exemplification of JOY RIDE. Participating in the Bike Challenge has vastly expanded my pleasurable pedaling parameters regarding weather, speed, distance, and topography, and introduced inspiring and motivating competitive and community aspects. Cheers to all cyclists resolutely rolling onward, irrespective of age, size, skill, speed, experience, equipment or motivation. EnJOY the Ride!
Ahh, bra(h)ts, kraut and chips. @Roberto, do you have any idea what you're missing? I know, I know, calories, fat, other bad things. But it's just so GOOOOD!
OMG I am surrounded by cannibals. First Laura and now Rick. The horror!
watch out Nyla some people are eating children in that great weather in WisCONSIN.
@Nyla - Don't mind us. Missed reading your posts. I can just feel my synapses working.
Don't know what you're talking about, J.Hugh. My wife & I were at the Sunrise area at Mt. Rainier just yesterday (went up there to see the wildflowers). After our hike, we went to the snack bar and ordered a brat with sauerkraut & chips to split between us. Quite tasty.
@ J Hugh, I would expect that obnoxious children might taste bitter and unappetizing. Good old Wisconsin "brahhhts", on the other hand, are absolutely delicious and a delight to eat! Even if the resulting guilt from all that fat and other contents, forces me to get on my bike afterwards.
@ Steven, I got the same exact email from CVS a few days ago. Let me know what they say when you call them, thanks.
Gosh, brutal banter! lol.
@Rick-right thats what I said-we are all winners here and that is the true beauty of this or any cycling endeavor.
@Steven-congrats! One small step. I did email them when you first posted about it-but-did not get a response yet.
@Karen-way to go!
Great advice Roberto-learned something-thanks!
@Laurie. I could also use a century or two.
@Laurie. I don't do less than 30 miles. 40 would be nice.
@ Burklee, I have a better idea. If all of us regulars on here would donate a percentage of our miles (say 1% or 5% or something similar), that would help him stay competitive.
CVS update (I'd mentioned two stores I frequent in my email.)
Received an email. Thank you .... I am eager to resolve this for you. I have shared your observations with the leadership team responsible for these stores for future consideration.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact us at 1-800-746-7287 M-F 8:30am-7pm
Not sure if this is just RI or all stores, but think I'm going to call and have a chat.... I'll also find out what type of concerted effort it would take to get them to take this seriously (who knows, maybe my one email was enough) Just thinking it would be interesting to see the reaction to 20,000 NBC riders contacting them. (just sayin')
@Laurie - I'm sure Jerry would love it if you'd just catch him up to his position on the leaderboard before he wrecked. And if you could get that done tonight, that'd be swell! I'm sure he'd appreciate the heck out of it.
Ok Jerry, how many miles do you want me to do?
@Laurie. Go ride for me.
I've heard of people naming their cars, and motorcycles, and guitars. But in all my life I've never heard of anyone giving their kitchen counter a name. Marty, you are truly unique........
@Laurie R I am shocked at your last entree. Please, you can call children brats if you want, but to grill them and eat them is going to far. It sounds like your child ate someone, also. Won;t their parents miss them, or are you eating orphans?
@Laurie - My kitchen counter is too big to fit in my car. BTW, how did you know that's what I named it? (You must be psychic)
Couldn't figure out why I didn't show up on the leaderboard. Then remembered it's because I haven't been on my bike yet today. I had a lot to do, and somehow finding the motivation to get riding is hard to find today. Well, I gave in to my son's request to grill brats for supper, and I ate one, so I suppose that is motivation enough to hop on my bike and burn off those calories.
@ Marty -- duh....it's that counter on your dashboard called O-D-O-M-E-T-E-R
@Rick - Help! I can't seem to find the website that I can log all of my car rides. What's the URL?
Braking should always be done primarily with the front brake. On wet roads this is even more critical. The secret is to not get going too fast to begin with, the realizing that wet rims take longer to react, but once dry can react suddenly, ease on the brakes. I rarely use my rear brake, and if I do, the rule of thumb is two fingers for the front, one for the rear. Avoid braking on the paint. Remember bicycle tires cannot hydroplane and they get their grip from the road surface, not the "tread" on the tire. Wet gravel is especially nasty.
@Karen, good job for you. Make sure you are highly visible riding in the rain, look over your shoulder to indicate to overtaking motorists that you see them, take the lane if it is unsafe to pass you, signalling to anyone behind as you do so, then waving them through when it is safe. Very important in low visibility going uphill. Coming downhill in the rain, I OWN the lane. Nobody is passing me, and if they have to slow down, that's the way it goes.
Marty picks all the prize winners for a kick back. Congratulations to Vermont for winning July.
Hi all! I rode up Vera Cruz Road in the rain today. Tried to "Embrace the rain." After all, if I want to tour, I need to expect rain, and what could be better than combining water and bicycling - at least that is what I tried to convince myself. Any tips on riding downhill in the rain. It seems that all these miles is beginning to work their magic. The hill wasn't easy, but it was a lot easier than the last time I went up it a couple months ago.
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I think Jerry, at least, should get double points for posting.
@Cynthia - a question that answers your question: Would you sign up to win prizes in a challenge that involved logging every car trip you make? Thought not.
We know why we're here. Winning a prize would be nice, but we're already winners every time we hop on that bike -- and we all know it.
What? - Burlap level blogging awards? I like keeping the bar low.
I don't have ny miles for August either. Or for July.
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I want to rideeeeeeeeee!
After 400 miles in the last 8 days of July (in order to have more miles than June), it is going to be refreshing to lie back at the Red Cross for about 2 hours this evening with a needle jabbed into my arm ;) Maybe I'll have time to finish reading my book before enjoying the free cookies. I'll take a short ride when I get home, I'm thinking a trip to Jimmy Johns, gotta "play the system" for my 20 points :D
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I didn't win a prize either, 7 months in a row now. Oh well, at least I've bought myself lots of toys in the last year. I'm riding with a former co-worker next week, so will hassle him the entire way about joining the NBC, assuming I can keep up.
@Kathy @Cynthia - Thanks! It really is just a coping mechanism to try to deal with having absolutely no miles for August.
40 damp, sort of clammy miles. WTF happened to summer?
@Marty-you are so very funny.
@Rick - Would it have to be valuable content, or could partial credit also be given for comments like mine?
HA! @Marty! You so funny... Guess I have that New Jersey every day which is a good thing cause sometimes in the summer months, jersey's can get really ripe.
Sounds like we are all sighing like a bunch a little kids who didn't win a prize. ha ha. Really we are all winners-we love the sport and we love to roll.
@Cynthia & @Burklee - If you move to the 08xxx ZIP Code, you would be in (a) New Jersey every day!
Maybe there should be additional prizes for blog participation :-)
@Laurie - You're totally a winner, woman!!!
@Cynthia - I've been hoping to win an NBC jersey since last year's Challenge. *sigh*
@Jim - What about the neighbor's trees? Surely they won't notice. :)
Didn't win anything either. Was hoping for the toilet paper. Our trees are running out of leaves.
Sigh... third month in a row that I didn't win anything. Oh wait, I found a bunch of muscles and some precious metals along the way, and I'm looking for gems now. Guess that means I AM a winner :D
Would love to win a jersey. How cool would that be?
Congratulations to all those who won for July!
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Also, look to the right under, "July Winners Have Been Chosen" for an additional chance for a free jersey!
My favorite bicycling movie was "The Wizard of OZ". the bicyclist in there was really flying!
@Joe - Congratulations on your new monthly PR! With how well you've done, I would think you could even have a higher goal now. At least 5,000, and maybe more. Since you like 5's, how about 5,555? Last year, I was in DC for two weeks each in Nov. and Dec., and the biking weather was great. And, you're even further South.
@Joe and Jim-that is amazing! All the best to you both in reaching your mileage goals.
@Marty-seems there is a regular bunch of people who have input on NBC. It's fun.
The conversation about being a cyclist andbeing a vegetarian came up some time ago on this forum-yes, I have watched Forks Over Knives, along with reading a host of books to educate myself-Omnivore's Dilemma, Twinkies Deconstructed, Health Wars, Fast Food Nation, watched The Meatrix and other similar movies.
@ Roberto-if you like Forks Over Knives there is a Face Book group you can join, if your on FB.
Did just under 1100 miles last month. Logged my 5000th mile for the year this morning. Hoping for 1300 miles this month. Missed a few days last month due to vacation.
My wife is a vegetarian. Does that count? She encourages me a lot.
All the miles everyone is putting in are impressive. I was surprised to see that I did a total of 463 for the month of July. The 24 I did yesterday were a good help to my end total. Maybe I can go for 500 for August? That is a tall order with my work schedule but I can always try. I have never tried cheese curds... haven't even seen them in the stores. Guess you have to live somewhere near where cheese is made. Wish I could have a garden but the heat and no rain makes it very difficult here the past few years.
I rode 555 miles in July the most miles I've done in a month. I've over 3000 miles for the year hoping for over 4000 miles by the end of the year wish me luck. Get up and ride.
@ Andrea: Good work achieving your personal best!! Now it's time to bring it below the 26 min mark! Question, Do you take the same way home? if yes, then I assume it's mostly UPHILL so here's a new challenge -- Try to get your round trip time below 60 mins. Are you up for the challenge?
@CR - Very few of the 33,000 who signed-up for the NBC, and the 26,000 who have logged one ride or more, even look at the message board. And of those few, only a small percentage look at it on a regular basis. From that small group, eliminate all but the riders who post messages, so 3 is probably a pretty representative portion.
@Karen, watch the film "Forks over Knives."
@Andrea -- For story-time last month I suggested the book, "Simply Delicious" for an ice cream social we had as a reward for reading 10 books this Summer. My boss just laughed when she looked at it, "Of course you want that book, it has a bicyclist in it." I just smiled and said, "But, it's a great story." They didn't use my suggestion.
@Roberto - So, your saying, if we were all vegetarians, we would be better bicyclist?
Listening.
It's sunny and 70°, with 87% humidity. Yup, it's August in Nebraska!
@Travis, really?
So no other vegetarians. Interesting.
Just missed 500mi in July. Would have got the last 30 last night but 20MPH wind does not a good ride make.
@Cynthia, unfortunately my DNA insists that I ingest red meat, skim milk, the wife's home-made baked goods, wine and single-malt scotch. I ride so I can eat!
I don't know if anyone has seen or heard of this, there is new research that allows people to workout and get results according to their DNA.
Maybe some FB friends will be inspired and give cycling a try. Really though most do not understand at all.
A knowing smile Andrea, I understand the feeling of triumph, AND although few have said anything, I'm sure my facbook friends are sick to death of seeing my Endomondo rides posted every day.
@Andrea-you go girl! That is so cool.
@Karen- I had a hard time getting my last entry to post.
Personal best for my commute to work: 8.68 miles. 26:25.56 19.7mph avg 136 bpm avg. The course is mostly downhill, but I beat my record by 59 seconds!!! I thought I would post here because I think my FB friends are sick of hearing about my biking. They just don't get it! :-)
@Andrea - Their loss!! Big congrats on that PB!
@Karen Jean, I stare at that mountain every day and dream about biking it. My office is downtown, 14 stories up, so I stare directly into the Pagoda. Better, though, my house is only 5 blocks from the start point discussed in the article! Unfotunately, my short commutes on a mountain bike don't adequately prepare me for that challenge. Guarantee I'd be a "foot-down'er'!
@Jenny, there is a trailing period at the end of the address, if you remove that, the email should go through
@Cynthia - I know many bicyclists keep journals, I think its a great idea.
@Michael - I tried posting this a few minutes ago, but I do not think it went through. I would like to try that ride in September, but it I "put a foot down" I am not doing a do over.
@J Hugh - Lost this post too earlier. I read an article this Summer in the Smithsonian Magazine, my favorite magazine. "The Body Eclectic" by Richard Conniff - May 2013.
The article, among other things, shows how research is beginning to uncover the reasons why some people can eat and not gain weigh, while others gain five pounds if they eat a doughnut (like me.) Some of us just have to try twice as hard to maintain their weight. It may not seem fair, but it's the truth.
Not a good week for me- just not feeling the greatest. I don't know, allergies, or just in a funk, but this is two days I did not ride this week due to not feeling good. Hate it. But listening to my body and taking it easy. I never get sick either, so hopefully whatever bug has got me it will go away soon.
@Michael-no snow to shovel down this way!
@Roberto-I am also a vegetarian. Was brought up that way but got it away from it through early adult years. Now as I age I am finding my way back to my roots. I do eat some fish a couple times a month though. And I am almost away from dairy. I never drank milk and I don't drink milk products. My Mom fed her family as vegetarians for many years. In fact in the 70's the only health food store that was around South Central PA was Avatars (in Camp Hill-or near there?). If I remember that correctly.
Lost two days riding and the opportunity to find that lottery ticket....
I did better in the NBC last year than this year. It would be fun to compare miles though. I keep a bike journal and I log my miles each week along with NBC points. Also log any items of note while riding, thoughts, feelings, how I felt day to day, scenery and wild life, etc. I keep my journal all year, not just during NBC as I commute to work and ride all year long as much as possible.
The deer ate my veggie garden this year... :( I didn't get any. Then they ate my flowers and herbs, pooped all over the yard and left for greener pastures. Although they do come back every few days to see if I planted anything new.
(In WI) I have about 30 tomato plants - with only the cherry ones ready so far. Zucchini are doing great, and the beans are just starting to ripen.
Did anyone try to respond to the request for stories and pictures? I have tried to click on the email link and all I get is an error, and the email won't go through. Hmmm
Good Morning, all: Made it to work in between hard rain showers this morning. Had a very small window of opportunity and was able to capitalize on it. I hate having to use bus passes, almost as much as I hate to shovel snow (oh no, not THAT discussion again...).
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Hey @Roberto and @Karen Jean, if you get bored some weekend come on down to Reading and try these rides http://tinyurl.com/n7yztga . Local fish wrapper comes through again! Distance not up to @Roberto's usual standards, but the climbs will still bust a lung and the scenery is really nice, particularly if you do it in October.
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@Kathy, sorry, no lottery winnings last night :-(
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Back to work, sigh... Ride safe, everyone.
@Karen - The light taste and squeezy noise of eating fresh cheese curds can be addictive. The squeezy sound is the best way to know if the cheese curds is fresh or not. Snow peas, peas and beans are a big hit after ride or working in the garden.
@Karen and to all, Cheese Curds fresh out of the vat at a cheese factory are the very best. Fresh just better than produce fresh from the garden. Some grocery stores have it it in separate location for 1or 2 day old which is good also. Sorry you never tried it. Bikes to Cheese Curds! Him.
I don't know how I am going to try those hills today it looks like it is raining. I still do not like riding in the rain, but I am going to give it a try.
Anyone from Wis. - what is it about Cheese curds that is so good, I don't remember ever trying them?
@Laurie - I have only one cherry tomato plant this year, a light orange variety. They never even make it out of the garden and into the refrigerator. Nice for snacking after a ride.
@ Karen, few things in life are as yummy as cherry tomatoes or beans fresh picked! This is the first year in a long time that I haven't done a garden, and I miss it sorely.
@Laurie and Jerry - I'm with you on that one.
@Roberto - I'm not a vegetarian, but I am a gardener. I have zucchini coming out of my ears. Have to dig up the potatoes this weekend. Carrots, Lima beans and tomatoes all need harvesting now - I have a community garden in the summer. You want some zucchini or yellow Summer squash? Age is how you feel.
@EM - you make good points.
@ Jerry -- fresh out of the oven and gooey is the ONLY way :)
In the race for second place, Nebraska is finishing up strong, and right now, for July, beat Wisconsin by 5 points. And, they have another 45 minutes to pile on.
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With our two day end-of-the-month bump, we went from a projected total miles of just over 18,700,000 (on July 29th), by the end of the Challenge up to just over 19,200,000, and some states have almost two more hours to report the last of their July miles.
Forget the cheese curds. I want my wife's hot chocolate chip cookies.
Isn't it great to live in Wisconsin? God's country for sure!
Age cannot be controlled, so to offer a fair level of competition, masters classes and the like have been created. Weight, within reason, is another matter.
Geez now I am hungry for cheese curds!
@ Marty, if you bike to the grocery store you'll have a couple more miles to add to Wisconsin's total for the month :D
@Laurie - Cheese curds are the best! Now I'm hungry for some, and there is a grocery store less than a mile away that is still open. But the best cheese curds are going up to your neck of the woods or anywhere around there, and getting them fresh from the cheese makers in the morning. those squeak perfectly.
@ Barb: I love the way you think!!! Maybe we should petition for Sierra Nevada to step up and make it happen!
@ Marty, sure hope some of those 6 servings of cheese are wonderful squeaky cheese curds!
@Cycling Roberto - The greek references J Hugh is talking about are designations, or categories, like age group divisions that some running races, triathlons, and I am sure other events use to give lets say a 240 lb man a chance at winning an award in a category, since they most likely can't run as fast as a man in their age group who is 140 lbs., all other things being equal. So, all the men or women over a certain weight, can opt to compete in the weight category, instead of an age category.
Christine@ - I'm a book worm, and I still have allergies.
@Brian - The only way I know now how to find out how many points someone had last year is to ask them.
@Marty, interesting. I'm been strict vegetarian (no meat, fish, or poultry) since 1972. I rarely eat eggs, but I do like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. I don't really eat much dairy however, and am going more and more vegan as time goes on.
As for the challenge bit, I've always enjoyed staying ahead of someone trying to catch me on the road, or catching and passing someone else. The best ones are the younger guys who are blown away when they realize they're being passed and dropped by their grandpa. LOL And then there's the guy who I chased for 10 miles and never got closer than 100 yards before he turned on the gas and left me gasping for air. Of course there's always someone faster. I learned that in the old cowboy shows on TV when the fastest gun was replaced by the new fastest gun. Doesn't stop me from trying. As has been said, to each his own. I still laugh about the person who yelled at me to slow down on RAGBRAI... while going uphill. Oh well.
@ EM, excellent comment!
@Cycling Roberto - I've been an almost vegetarian since 1979. When I started, there weren't many restaurant options other than taking about 2 hours to eat 6 house salads. So I have fish about once a month or so. The last few years, I'm almost vegan, with eggs maybe 8 times a year, and cheese about 6, which is really tough to do in the dairy state.
@Barb - They were going to offer a year's supply of beer as one of the prizes, but with Wisconsinites making up about 1/6th of all NBC participants, they were worried that one of us would win it and put them out of business.
HI all, I think the challenge is set up the right way because it rewards everbody for making an effort. You get to fill in the blanks as to what you want to achieve: faster, better, healthier, more endurance, more observant and more appreciative of the world around you. Do it at your bike speed. Do it for the reason(s) that matter most to you. Each of our lives is better because we dared, because we improved, because we made a new friend, because we inspired and we were inspired... RIDE ON MY FRIENDS, RIDE ON!
I decided to be a little like Marty and crunch numbers.... so I made a spreadsheet of my daily, weekly, and monthly miles in the challenge. In July, I biked roughly as many miles as I did in May and June combined. So I'm debating if I should set a monthly goal for August, or just have fun and not worry too much about the results......
@Laurie - Compute a linear regression of the first three months. That will tell you your goal for August.
Laurie R , Well said. The only thing that's keeping me in this challenge is for health improvement. Well I guess I won the challenge. Oh, my challenge. My goal is 18 miles a day with a minimum of 13 miles. I consider 22 miles a bonus. Being retired I don' t have to be there until tomorrow. My speed average is a little over 9 mph which a lot has to do with city driving, yield signs, stop signs and stop lights plus not stopping the GPS. Ride & Smile for Life is Good!
CR it's only a contest if you want it to be. I am no challenge to you, unless you want to transform yourself into a 150# leprechaun body like mine...lol! Personally, I use the stats and leader board to motivate myself. But no way am I gonna be 1st place. I am happy at my pace enjoying the view.
If someone else rides 20 miles in an hour, and it takes me 1.5 or 2 hours to ride the same distance, guess what? We both get the same points. So really, the only person I'm competing with is myself... to top yesterday's or last week's or last month's totals. And as has been noted many times, even a turtle's pace is faster than a couch surfer's.
So, if this isn't a contest, why the leaderboard?
Totally agree with Brad and JHugh. I think that any amount of pedaling, whether it be fast or slow, 1 or 100 miles, on any kind of bike is better than riding the couch all day!
I think I get where JHugh is coming from, and he makes a lot of valid points. One thing I have noticed is that no matter how fast a person is, there will always be someone out there faster. I hope no one here feels they have to live up to anyone else's standard but their own. I don't feel Hugh is trying to make it into a contest, but just the opposite; we each set our own standards and goals, and don't need to compare to anyone else. The bike does make a big difference in the speed and distance you can achieve - a heavy bike will be slower, no matter who is on the pedals. And I've noticed too that time IS a big constraint; not everyone has the time or wants to spend 7-9 hours on a bike to achieve a long distance ride - and you shouldn't feel you need to. This leprechaun has the utmost respect for those who ride regularly, whither its 40 miles or 2... who use their bike instead of their car... who enjoy exploring that new road to see where it leads... who breathe deep and take solace in the beauty of the world passing by us at that most perfect ratio of all - bike speed. Because as Burklee has so kindly reiterated - bike speed is the right speed.
@Brian, you used to be able to check out the stats from last year by going to
http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2012/ however, it looks like the info is no longer there.
Hey! If Scott Naturals and Sierra Nevada are equally touted above as sponsors of the challenge, how come you can win a year's supply of toilet paper, but not a year's supply of beer?!?!!??
so does any one know of a way to get access to the points a rider had from the previous years ride?
@ J. Hugh. I'm not sure I follow what you're saying, or the Greek references. While it is true a challenge can be personal, there's no reason to say that a person who seeks to achieve a higher ranking than a fellow cyclist shouldn't try to avail themselves of whatever resources they can afford. Just like some of the best pro cyclists wouldn't fare very well on the gridiron, it's true that larger people have a tougher time on the bike. Having said that, it's up to the individual how they approach any challenge. If you want to make it into a contest, so be it. And if you are doing so, I wouldn't fault anyone for bringing their "A" game. Equipment, fitness, the works.
@Burklee, get a hook worm. They're supposed to clear up allergies!
Some of us are Clydesdales and Athenas, we are big people one way or another. Depending on who you believe that's men above 200# and women above 150#. Some challenges use a higher number for men. I think that there ought to be a tag and challenges for the leprechauns among us. Men less than 150# and women 112#. I say all this to point out that how far and how fast you go is an individual thing with four important factors, 1 how much you weight. 2. how much technology (bike) you can afford. 3. How much time you have 4. your Genes. comparing a rider on a $8K bike who is 5'8" weighs 150 lbs to a rider who has a $650 bike, is 6'2" and weighs 220# is a mirage. The challenge is from the inside of a person for that person. Whatever distance we go it is great. No one ever wins any challenge other than the one they gave themselves. all challenges are either illusion or they serve to collect people around a common interest , search for fun or common situation. I'd love to see some of you Leprechauns should have some challenges the clydesdales and athenas do and seem to enjoy it.
Any other vegetarians here?
Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin thank you i needed that...
http://ridedcc.racepartner.com/DCC2013/vrod any one who has been or know someone effected by cancer and would like to maybe help me in my quest to ride 170 miles bike ride in the doplhin cycle changelle please all i ask if possible a $2 donations thank you and safe riding to everyone
@Roberto - St. Peter's Road is where I grew up on a farm near the top of the hill (its not a big farm.) Its not too bad a hill to start off my bicycling hobby at 14 years old, but I suppose its nothing to what you do.
Speaking of stats,
I didn't have the BEST month, but pretty average totals. I had some problems earlier this month that sidelined me for a few days. And, I was on vacation last week, so my rides were shorter. Still, compared to last year, I am 182 miles ahead of where I was at this time last year. I had finished the challenge with 985 miles last year, and this year I only have 78 miles to surpass last year's challenge total.
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It just started to rain, but in the interest of supporting Wisconsin, I will motivate myself to ride tonight!
@Vanessa - I'm sure you'll do well. You have a lot of determination, so with 3 months to train, I have no doubt that you'll be ready.
@Karen, yes I know all those roads.
@Marty, I don't get down to fractions. And I don't enter the length of time of my ride. It's enough that I log the mileage, since I've only recently started doing that! I rode for decades without a care as to how many miles I'd ridden. I still don't really care, but it is fun to see how you stack up.
PRE TRAINNING FOR MY DOLIPHIN CYCLE CHANGELLE TO RIDE 170 MILE BIKE RIDE FOR THE FIGHT AGANIST CANCER WISH ME LUCK...
@ Burklee, sounds like you had an awesome ride in spite of allergies. Really love the "bike speed is the right speed" quote :)
First accident this year on the new Sworks 29r Stumpy. Coming down from Needles at Snowbasin. Late and dark. No lights or bell. A ten dollar bell is a must if your going to hit the switch backs fast on the way down. Never know who is on the way up. Good for the other guy that my cat like reflexes left him untouched. Wish I could say the same for my shoulder and thumb. Those are those with bells and those who learn to buy a bell. I learned the hard way. A nice bike without a bell is just a nice bike without a bell.
@Roberto - Just barely passed my goal of 600miles this month. If I would have done South Mountain every day it might have been more like 300 miles. Still, I am slowly adding those hills. Macungie Mountain road to Longswamp, and I think its called Church View. Just too wimpy to tackle South Mountain yet. I did St. Ann's like a piece of cake the other day. Do you know Saint Peter's Road? White church at the top?
@Cycling Roberto - Are you going to let J Hugh beat you by a measley 4,171.2 feet, after all you've done this month? That's only twice around the block.
I woke up yesterday morning miserable from allergies and stayed home from work. When I woke up later in the day, I felt a little better, so I ran errands by bike. I got in 9.19 miles without ever getting more than a mile and a half from home. I wandered up to try to figure out how they'll extend the Jamaica North trail to the new arena. That took me past Alter Metal. They had recently set out some newly welded parts, and that scent took me back to the times I would visit my dad his job at the railroad. He did lots of welding, but I never associated that smell with welding until yesterday. Some dogs barked at me as I passed by. I barked back. It was nice to ride and look around. Brad was right when he said, "Bike speed is the right speed."
Congratulation C Roberto. I, too, set a PR for the month with 1325.79 in 84 hrs, 52 min, 50 sec which is a new record for me. I hope to reach 9000 points by cob on september 30, only 3633 to go. Personal challenge is the important part I really like in riding my bicycle. The second important point is that it allows me to eat French pastry, real French pastry.
@ Paul: My daily goal is swing my leg over my saddle at least once to log some miles. I missed my goal for July due to traveling out of town for 5 days; this means I rode 26 days totaling 670 miles. That averages out to roughly 25.7 miles a day. My goal for Aug is to ride every day and finish with 1000+ miles for the month!! If I accomplish this goal I will be very close to earning my Diamond ribbon.
HA!!! Just my luck. Good news bad news. Good news-they are resurfacing the main road through town. YAY!!! The bad news-They are doing it over night, beginning Monday and going through Sept. I JUST bought a new light system so I could shift my riding to after work (10pm) through summer to beat the heat.
That's ok though, this is an inconvenience I will happily embrace. And really, it just means I get to take the long way around now. Blessing in disguise! ;-)
Roberto-Awesome. You rode almost 2.5x what I rode in July. I have 584. I had a few missed opportunities this month. And still had some lazy/under-motivated days. And my 584 miles? That's almost 2.5x the miles I rode total from Nov. 2005 until May 2013. Don't know if I can make it to 1000 in August, but I'll sure try. Motivation and inspiration is coming from all of you.
@ Roberto: Your an animal logging 1325 miles for July (even w/out RAGBRAI)!!!! Scratch pretty decent accomplishment and change it to awesome accomplishment!!
@Burklee - You left out the last part of your mother's sentence, " I asked. Mom said she doesn't care about the state of my gloves.... (here is the rest of it), just as long as they are in another state - preferably a non-adjoining one."
@Andrea - It will be a piece of cake! You are only 940 POINTS away, so if you did 5 rides a week of 3 miles per time, you would get platinum. (That's only about 135 total miles.)
1325 miles for July, my best month ever. Given that I didn't go on RAGBRAI this year, this is a pretty decent accomplishment.
50 solo nonstop miles with a couple climbs of South Mountain thrown in for good measure. Pretty scary when descending at 40+MPH, a car decided they didn't need to wait for a bicycle and pulled out in front of me. Where's my air horn when I need it?
I need 940 more miles to make Platinum....that's approximately 117.5 miles per week. I want it!!! It's going to definitely be a challenge. Next year I'll go for Diamond! I've really enjoyed seeing my progress. We're a 1 car family and my teenager really likes that I'm biking everywhere so she can have the car!
HI all, this is a teriffic day for a bike ride. Last day of the month. I did errands on my ride today starting with dropping the car off for an oil change. From there i rode to the bank and did other tasks. On my way out of AAA, where I stopped to pick up a map, I got invited to join a local bike group. In a spot on my ride I got suprrized by a guy on a bike who took the entire corner and then some to make a very wide turn. Lucky for him I was just a little old bicycle and not a semi! By the time I finished my other missions my car was done so I finished my loop and picked up the car. When I got home I found a bicycling magazine in my mailbox. WOO HOO!
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@ Rob, for the record, I am riding in Missouri where bicycling goes at a mules pace, so we are only in 35th place for the month. I just happen to have grown up in Lincoln, and I am Nebraska's number one cheerleader for the NBC. However, when my kids are back at UNL in the fall, I could have them record their miles in NE. Also, for whatever its worth I will be riding in the Heatstroke 100!
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@ Paul J, KUDOS to RIPON for beating all those big dinosaurs.
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RIDE ON YA'LL and keep up the competition, its all in good fun!
@J Hugh... VT has the points per state population lead...but WI is crushing all other states in terms of total miles ridden. Alas, that is not a category that is ranked. WI...total cycling mileage capital of the nation! New state motto? ;-) Still, kudos to VT for their #1 ranking in the NBC.
@Michael - then I really hope you win the office pool :-)
@Kathy, last night my wife won a $25 gift card to a local jeweler. Something tells me that's gonna cost ME dearly...
@Michael - You are sweet! I never remember to buy tickets and we don't have an office pool here. Figure if I'm going to be lucky, I'll find the ticket as I've never won anything by buying tickets.
@Kathy, I just put my 2 bucks into the office Powerball pool. When we win I'll throw a few bucks your way.
Today's find: A cell phone. I picked it up and waited for the owner to call. She had left it on top of her car... it had stayed there for quite a while before falling off.
Still waiting to find that elusive winning lottery ticket.....
@J. Hugh - I asked. Mom said she doesn't care about the state of my gloves. Of course, now that I think about it, she was standing upwind of me...
There was no wind last night when I was out riding.. only 6mph.. it was amazing! Even with all the stops and slowing around corners around the neighborhood I still managed an average of 14.3mph over 3.73 miles! In the dark and I was holding back in the really dark areas. Problem is, the wind is always blowing here. This year has been worse than most. Guess it is a good year to learn. I think Jerry is going to blow the doors off all of us once he is releases from his 'cage'.. watch out!
Oh Karen.. can you believe they are taking that awful Sharknado to theaters! LOL Sharks are so cool.. Been diving with some. But then again, I have been quite a daredevil at times. We found a new helmet for him. He has not bought a new one in a long time and he was looking for a yellow one.. said he could not find one.. I told him I could find one one e-bay.. and we found a LOT of choices! Personally, I LOVE my Giro Atmos! I barely even know I have one on with the great ventillation I can feel the air moving through my hair... and love it even more know that I have added gold pinstripes to it! LOL It now matches my black and gold bike. It is very difficult to find acessories in gold or with gold accents. I am sure that gravel is going to give you pause for a while... sorry you are more sore but that is to be expected. It usually takes about two days for it to set in. Now you will start feeling better! Some aleive will help. Hey, Roberto, you have been a little quiet lately. Are you out riding more trying to move up a few more notches on that leaderboard? I was so bummed not to ride yesterday that when I got home I pulled the bike out of the van and did 3 miles around my neighborhood in the dark.. yes, I have lights! AND IT DID NOT RAIN AT MY HOUSE! 3 miles away my parents got over an inch.
@ Paul J Vermont is winning, sorry NE, WI. ND is to busy fraking their water, in mean natural gas, to ride a bicycle. AL seems to be a full century behind with actions like its 1913, so I wouldn't let your swelling head force you to buy a new helmet. @ Capt. Comp Did you wash those gloves yet or do I need to bug mom? All those who complain about headwinds remember there are none on the couch, right Jerry B?
@Christine. I know how you feel. Earlier ths year a friend and I rode up to Estes Park. Calm winds. Ate lunch in Estes Park. When we turned around to ride down the mountain we had 30mph headwinds. At the least we should have had tailwinds going up the mountain.
@Marty - I saw euglenoid's pellicle once. Boy, that bird can eat a lot of fish! :)
@ Rob and EM, Although NE maybe #2 (hopefully briefly) for the month of July, WI is still #2 for the entire Challenge (and I am not giving up on July). Now if we could just get more people to move to VT to bring their averages down. ;-) While we are on bragging rights...my small college, Ripon, as a workplace, is ahead of two states, AL and ND. And we are still ahead of MI Tech, OSU, and U of IL. Go Redhawks...and WI!
Anyone have experience with converting a down tube shifter to paddels or end bar shifters? I have a 24 speed Motorbaccane.
EM, couldn't you have waited until tomorrow to post your miles ;) Now I am motivated for an evening bike ride with my wife tonight, my thanks to the entire state of Nebraska!
@ Karen -- most movies I've seen I like to watch again from time to time, but for Open Water, once in a lifetime was plenty :(
And thank you. I am in the process of converting him into a bike rider.
@Laurie - My best wishes to you both, Be good to each other, but don't let the shark get me. Please no clips from the film "Open Water". It still gives me the "hebbies."
Nebraska is in second for the moment GO BIG RED!
On Wisconsin!
Great to see Wisconin in #2 position this morning, at least for now...
@Tammie-sounds like your night turned out well regardless of the weather. Did you find any good bike goodies while shopping?
@ Marty, you should be more careful: I mean scaring people about horror movies with no bicycles!
More sore today than yesterday after the wipeout Monday night. In the arms and shoulders. My ride last night was slower, lacking energy. And, I was ultra-careful with all of my turns and anywhere that there was loose gravel!
I run occasionally, when my cycling habit allows. Actually, it was running that started my cycling habit last year. My knees don't like pavement, so I typically run on the track behind one of the local schools which is about 1.5 miles away. In the past I would always drive there, but one day last April I decided to bike over there instead. I did 6 laps, got bored, rode home and have logged over 6000 miles on my bike since. I enjoy running, but my knees prefer the bike. I did a 10k run last week, the longest distance in over 2 years. I try to do push ups, sit ups, pull ups or weight training, but don't have the discipline to stick with it, I need a drill instructor screaming at me for things like that ;)
@Christine-Rome sounds like a real winner-I have family there-lets go!
@All-that was the answer I was looking for when I asked if anyone did any other type of fitness routine. I am learning that core strength is so important. @J Hugh-do I get my points back? My Mom said walking is a great way to exercise and that helps get core strength too. Again, like you all have mentioned, getting the time in.
@Karen, good morning! Thanks for the invitation; I haven't been to the Velodrome in over 20 years, when I had some Boy Scouts who were racers themselves. I would love the opportunity to meet you and @Roberto. Unfortunately, prior commitments prevent me from being available on Friday evening. Wish it were otherwise, believe me :-( Thanks again, though; hopefully one day we can meet up.
@ Karen... it's 5:30 here. Normally I would still be sleeping, but I just started dating a guy who goes to work at 6:30, so I get up early to chat with him then go back to bed :)
@ Marty, consider it an honor to be deemed worthy of being picked on. Beware those who lurk without humor..... http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Laurie - I Get it. BTW, thought you were all done for the evening. You guys must never sleep. Going out on my bicycle now. Chow.
@Laurie & @EM - For some reason, you both are quick to pick on me. I just don't understand. ;-)
@Michael G and Roberto : Tandemonium at the velodrome, Friday night - what do you say? If you don't mind meeting an old Mw/ C, I will most probably be there taking pictures around the first bend. My family does not enjoy watching the races, and I can only bribe them to come once a year, so I will be there by myself (wearing a sun hat). Just come and say hello if you want. (I am a bit nervous about meeting Roberto. You know someone from Hades sounds to me a bit scary. I will have to wear a cross and bring my holy water just in case he takes me up on the offer.) - I wanted to download some of my pictures from Picasa, but I don't know how. I have a Nikon, but it is not a professional model. - Of course, I can't pay your entrance fee, but I think its only $8. Anyone else in NBC from the area, I would be happy to meet you there as well if you want to come say Hi.
@Paul - Good luck with those ventures.
@ EM -- too funny!
Other fitness activities...does washing the bike count? Or pumping up the tires?
I used to do a lot of trail running. I want to start again. I was going to take a shot at my first Marathon this Sept. but my my doc tells me no. I just finished PT in April for plantar fasciitis and an ankle and foot injury that left me with a couple fractures in my foot. I did a 1 mile pavement run not too long ago, and foot pain flared up. A 3 mile trail run was pain free.
I have a big week planned for beginning of August. 3rd and 4th is Paradise Ride Kauai. A two day fund raiser which, unfortunately, I will not be riding as I will be in a SAG vehicle. Then on Aug 5, I am going to go for big miles. I want to do 500k in 5 days. Will attempt to finish it in three. If I succeed at that, then I will try for 500 for the week.
After that, I will start adding trail running into my routine again. I would like to go to Maui in November for Xterra Trail running world championships if my foot permits me to get to that level. No qualifying required for that one. Just enter and run.
@ Lauire, our comments went out at about the same time. Yours makes you look psychic, mine makes me pscyhadelic or was that bikeadelic?
@Cynthia - I started with WII "fit" a few years ago. It helps you ease into yoga, which would help your balance and flexibility on the bicycle. I also like the fact that you can weigh yourself every day. It helps me not to overeat and helps me stop myself from gaining. Yoga goes from very easy moves to darn near impossible ones, so if you are new to it, like I was, just do the easy ones and slowly add the more strenuous ones a little at a time. Also, as a swimmer, my coach introduced us to the kettle bells. It is easier to fit into your schedule than a complex set of weights, or going to the gym. Walmart Department Stores sell them. If you decide to try them, start with a low weight that you can swing over your head easily. Youtube should give you excersices. Mine came with a DVD. Hope that was helpful. Of course, the most low impact, thrilling, and easy on the joints exercise is swimming. Sorry, had to say it.
@Laurie - i've always thought that about you - that you look psychic.
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The NBC email to everyone did give us a good end-of-the-month bump. Our previous best projected total miles was on June 30th, with 18,986,926. We are now projected to break 19 million, with 19,006,270! And, the best thing is that we have one more day of the end-of-the-month bump to go. Wait with baited breath... I'll keep you posted tomorrow. And if Tammie would have been able to ride today, we'd be even higher.
@ Marty, I replied to your explanatory comment about the film, then you must have deleted it for editing and re-post. So now my response to your comment is actually older than your comment itself. I will let that stand with the thought that it makes me look psychic.
@ Marty, thanks for warning me about the no bikes, man I might have actually tried to find that movie. No way now.
@ Marty, you sure know a lot about that movie for someone who has never watched it. Just sayin......
@Laurie - Sweet dreams. But before you head to beddiebye, you should know that in the Protozoa film, the protozoa get inside the underwater reasearcher's bodies and start to devour them from the inside out. Actually, it is about 3 people with nothing to do in a slum area - they don't even ride bikes. I just read further, and it says the film has never been released. If it ever is, I don't think I will ever watch it.
Well, good evening everyone.. hope you enjoyed your rides today. Here I live in arid, DRY drought ridden West Texas.. WELL, MY RIDE GOT RAINED OUT! Heard thunder as I was putting things in the van .. clouds formed as I drove across town to meet David and lightening flashed as I pulled into his driveway! It poured on the east side of town with quite a light show and rained just enough where we were going to ride to make it dangerous. Wet roads and oil field traffic do not mix well. We have a LOT of fatalities on our roads daily here. When the weather is anything but optimal, you stay OFF the roads. We ended up playing with his bikes in the kitchen, browsing e-bay for bike item bargains and just general chat. Maybe next week will stay dry. I am sure the other 99,998 people who live here are happy about the rain.
Christine@ - I didn't realize I was in church. Sorry.
@ Marty, thank you so much for telling me what an euglenoid's pellicle is. I will be able to sleep much more peacefully tonight. But I hope I don't have nightmares of giant protozoa throwing film on me.
@Tammie How was your ride with David? I went out with a local bike shop ride this evening. Their ride splits into a fast/training ride and a social ride. I joined the social group today. Do the group rides in your area split in that way at all?
I'm moving to Rome! How can you lose? Pasta and bikes! Perfect!
Marty! Such language!
@Laurie - Sweet dreams. But before you head to beddiebye, you should know that in the Protozoa film, the protozoa get inside the underwater reasearcher's bodies and start to devour them from the inside out. Actually, it is about 3 people with nothing to do in a slum area - they don't even ride bikes. I don't think I will ever watch it.
You know you've got a head wind when you're going downhill and you have to pedal - hard - to keep moving! Sheesh!
@Cynthia - i do plyometrics, core training, and nordic walking. I would eventually like to get back into swimming, but that is on the back burner. In the Winter, I will get back into weight training.
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@Laurie - Core training is a great way to improve your biking, with no equipment, and in a very short time.
@Michael. I know what you mean. I have some friends with over $50,000 of camera gear. Or it used to be. Now it is worth less than $1.000, if they are lucky.
@ Cynthia, I keep telling myself I need to do resistance training at least twice a week, but been averaging once every couple of weeks. I also want to do some cross training (jogging and swimming) but haven't been able to squeeze those in on a regular basis either. Biking has just been too addictive this summer!
@Laurie - Jerry and Michael were talking about old fashioned film cameras, and how no-one would know what film is. I provided three examples. (I had to look the last one up.) It is the outer layer of a small creature in the same family as a protozoa. If I had said protozoa, most of you would have figured it out. I also didn't want to have anyone confuse it with the 1993 blockbuster megahit film titled, "Protozoa", starring Michael Bonitatis, Lucy Liu, and Damon Whitaker. (Did anyone see it? Did anyone even hear of it?)
@Cynthia Nelson 50 point penalty, Other fitness interests? Really. Shame on you.
Why do I have the feeling I'm glad not to understand what Marty "Jute Burlap Fizzyology King" Malin is talking about?
Heard today on NPR's "The World" that the new mayor of Rome hasn't owned a car in 11 years and wants to make the city strictly for bikes...so when in Rome, ride!
@Jerry - Film is what is on top when you leave a drink out for several days in warm weather. How about not brushing your teeth for a week? Well then, would you believe a euglenoid's pellicle?
@Tammie-have a wonderful ride with your friend David. Sounds like it is going to be a good experience.
Does anyone have any other fitness interests they do as well as bike? Hard to fit in extra time in for anything else-biking, relationship, six day work week. No extra time for trimming and toning that extra bit of the body that needs it, some things just don't tone up as well with biking.
@Jerry, I know they're film cameras but it breaks my heart knowing what I spent vs. what they're worth especially since everything is still in really good shape. The optics are particularly sweet.
Just posted in Bike Forums about NBC. Check it out and add your take and see if we can encourage a few more riders to help us reach 20 million. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/904630-Up-for-a-challenge-How-about-the-National-Bike-Challenge!?p=15906316#post15906316
Just the points odometer rolling over.
OK, I'm kidding you guys.
The worst wind that I have ridden in was hitting me sideways. I had to lean into it in order not to get knocked over sideways.
@Tammie. The worst winds I ever rode in was when I got to Estes Park and had 50mph winds.
I could have used that against those 32mph winds yesterday! LOL It was crazy working so hard and only going 8mph. The wind shifted slightly at one point and I was way up to 10mph .. wheee! LOL Problem was, I was on a time crunch because I was expected to meet my parents for dinner, it was my fathers 81 birthday and it took me 3x longer to get back to my van than normal because of the increase in wind. Wind was only at 22 when I started!
@Tammie & Jenny. Did you see my post from 1-2 days ago on how to ride faster? Much faster.
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@Roberto. Only a 100 points and it is July 30. I am so disappointed in you.
That just is rotten they can't find a way to show your actual points Roberto! .... and it goes for everyone above you too.
I have an old Pentax K-1000 I learned photography with.. love that camera! Most don't even understand what an f-stop is.
I texted David to remind him he is riding with a turtle today.. he texted back "Well today you be rabbit" ... guess I will be challenged! This is going to be fun! I am DEFINITELY wearing my turtle shirt!
Roberto, gravel scares the tar out of me. I had an accident on gravel when I was 13 while riding a minibike. Took forever for everything to heal. I still have some spots of tar emedded in my left hip.
@Cycling Roberto what ever the number on your endo page you are #91 on the overall leader board with 5100 points. So just look at the leader board and forget the counter thats incorrect. Now think of something else.
@Tammie. David is the type of person who enjoys encouraging people to ride. Sounds like you have a great friend.
@Michael. They are film cameras. People don't even know what film is anymore.
@ C R, you'll pass me up before you know it! Happy riding!
I now have 100 points. Going to take some doing to make a diamond at this point.
43 miles of gravel along the lovely Lehigh River on my road bike. Up through the Lehigh Gap and across the Appalachian Trail. Average speed was 16 MPH. Pan flat terrain.
Luke, thank you for sharing your experience in cycling. There is hope. I will just keep peddling on and enjoy the ride. I am going to finally ride with my friend David this evening. We have been trying to find time together for a while but he has been waiting for me to get a little better I am sure. A few weeks ago I was with a group of the cycling club 'elites' who were talking about a big ride they did over the weekend and they mentioned David who had ridden with them I asked which David it was. We have a TON of Davids in the club. They said 'Oh, you wouldn't know this David, he only rides with the more experiences people". I said "Would it possibly be David Johnson?" I would give anything for a picture of their faces at that moment! Pure shock.. The novice knew the pro! LOL Sure put them in their place... So much fun. I actually pulled out my phone as I asked if it was this David Johnson and showed them my text list.. his name was at the top because I was just texting with him about riding together! I have known David for years, just not from Cycling.. they don't have to know that! One girl looked at me and said "I thought you just started riding!" She sounded angry that I actually knew David. Guess it would kill some of them that I am going on a 'private ride' with him.. LOL To me, I am just going on a ride with a friend.. finally! Been looking forward to this for a while. He put the new tires on my bike yesterday and tought me how to do it. I know he is going to have to really slow down today and cut his normal ride distance way down too.. now THAT is a friend!!!
@Tammie, better to be slow on a bike than stationary on the couch!
My average speed is 12 mph, sometimes drops to 10-11 riding into the wind. As long as my legs are moving and my heart is beating, it is benefitting my body. Also, I have found that spinning in the mid range of the gears seems to help my endurance and my average speed is not affected, as opposed to trying to push it in the higher gear, which tires me out more quickly. So, basically, a faster cadence will help your speed and endurance in the long run.
@Christine, my community didn't even show up last year, but it does this year and I am in 1st place, too! LOL! BTW, after hearing how "skinned" you were in college, I will just have to stop whining about my skinned knee. It is really quite minor. Was worried last night when it had swollen up, but it is not nearly as bad as I was anticipating! Last year's dog bite was MUCH worse than this little ol' thing.
@Jerry, to quote a knowledgeable statesman, "oh, wise guy, eh?"
@Michael. Give you a $1 for them. And you pay the postage.
RE: that work thing, I'd rather work to support my bikin' than for my car!
Out in mid-afternoon with NO other riders spotted. Temperature struggled to make it up to 72 but the rain held off. The swimming pool I go past was empty. A day for thinking about all of you biking buddies. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Jerry, we share more than bikes in common. I also, many years ago, did photography. Trying to make a hobby pay for itself. Lasted for about five years (1990-1995), but got burned out. Put the gear away and didn't touch it until I finally bought a DSLR (Canon 7D) about 3 years ago. Wanna buy a full Bronica wedding outfit? Bodies, backs, finders, lenses, flashes, radio slaves, the works.
@Tammie I started road riding in 2010 and after the initial getting started period stayed with about a 15 mph average until this year. This year I started riding more and doing more group rides. I also felt like I was holding them back but it made me push harder. In the first of June I set a personal record with a 45 mile ride at 18.5 mph and then towards the end of June a 26 mile ride @ 21.3 mph average. On both rides I had my mouth hanging open trying to get enough oxygen! I still average about 16 mph most of the time but the group rides really helped me push that this year.
Enjoy the ride, sights and also the time because health is building with every pedal
@Michael. Isn't it a bummer we have to work to pay for our hobbies. Though I am now retired, my wife and I have a part time photography business. The nice thing is we set our own hours.
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@Cynthia. Doing good today. Still healing too slowly. Next doctor visit is in two weeks. We will see if I will be cleared to ride then. But I still don't have a bike. Waiting on Cannondale.
@Tammie:Anywhere between 14 & 15 mph is a great commute for me. I've got about 450 ft of climbing on the inbound 7 miles and 350 ft of climb on the homebound route. I take different routes to and from work because of traffic patterns. The 16.1 & 16,2 mph days on the STP this summer were great, but not necessarily reproducible. I love going faster & farther, but as long as I have a day job and home responsibilities, the training and touring opportunities are limited. I get to ride for stretches at 20 or even 25 mph, but those get tempered with hill climbs, headwinds, and traffic. Just glad to be able to ride at all.
@Paul - The community rankings are based on points per 1,000 residents. In a smaller community, all it takes in one.
Really, enjoying the ride is all a part of riding, whether fast or slow, striving to keep up, learning to be better and/or faster, taking in the sights, sounds, smells, thinking those awesome thoughts that just come to you from no where. No matter what the motion or the mood-bicycling keeps you fit, mind, body and soul.
Hi Jerry-how are you doing today?
I remember Kutztown Hotel may have even been there at some point. Gosh, the memories. Been so long since been up that way.
Gotta work to buy the toys for the bike. Wahoo! Love those little boxes that show up from Bike Nashbar, Performance or Amazon, and anything in between.
@Mike-nice staying true to yourself and doing your thing.
@ Tammie: First of all kudos to you for beginning your biking activity. Keep with it and it will become a part of you! All of us seasoned cyclists started in the same situation thinking OMG I could never ride that far or in such adverse (windy) conditions. However, as you will soon find out you begin to cross cycling milestones you never thought possible. I agree with Paul Perry's comments about finding and participating in a regular group ride. Riding with people of different abilities make you a better all-around rider. Plus there is much self-gratification during the process when you’re the slowest in the group then one day you are magically keeping up with the same riders! Then if the stars align you become faster than those riders and advance to begin riding an even faster group.
But as another person wrote, it’s not always about the MPH. Sometimes it’s just about enjoying the ride! For instance, this morning as I was commuting into work I decided I was going to take it easy and just enjoy the ride. Less than one mile into my ride my intentions were tested as two road cyclists quickly passed me on the bike trail. My initial reaction was to increase my pace, draft them for a few strokes, then zip past them showing my superior speed. But I refrained from throttling up my engine, sat up in the saddle and kept my current pace. When I got to my destination I was so refreshed and stress free b/c I was just enjoying the ride!!!
@Jerry, work also pays the bills that allow me to purchase bike-related stuff. Have to take the good with the bad, I guess.
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@Karen Jean, I'm locally bred and raised for all of my 48 years, yet I've never been to the Folk Festival. I lead such the sheltered life...
@Tammie - I always go for increasing my miles per week since my goal is more linked to endurance rather than speed. I have been trying to push myself, but you still have a faster mph than me.
RE: Leaderboards. First, congrats to all of you leading yours. What's funny though, is my community, Kapaa has a population of about 12,000. I am the only registered rider in it, and it is in 3rd place for the state for July. Ahead of Honolulu with a population of over 900,000, but only 70 registered riders, and of those, only 20 have points for July. We have , I think, 147 for the whole state. Kapaa is 4th of 16 for the Challenge Period. Makes me wonder how balanced the point system is.
@Michael. "Get back to work"? Don't you know work interfers with bike riding?
@Christine and Michael - Worked at Kutztown University in their library for about 10 years, before my son was born. I do believe that the Kutztown Hotel is no longer in business unless someone recently reopened it. The pizza shop on main street made the best tuna subs around because of their great homemade Italian bread. Gosh, haven't been in Kutztown for years. What they are most known for is the Kutztown Folk Festival that leads up to the 4th of July. People come out-of-state to experience our PA Dutch Culture. My son liked Roadside American when he was small, despite the dust.
Oh my gosh! I remember Roadside America!!
@Tammie-you are doing great! What you have accomplished in such a short time as a first time rider out there is amazing. Miles logged, purchasing a new bike, joining a bike group and the NBC is such a great start. Keep doing what your doing and the rest will come.
I'm a turtle... my average speed is 10-12 mph, and far less when facing a headwind. But like my current picture says, slow is better than standing (or sitting) still, and I'm proud of the progress this old fat former couch potato has made :)
Gotta admit, the local paper has been doing a lot of positive cycling-related articles. Three in one day last week:
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http://tinyurl.com/mfxlw77
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http://tinyurl.com/n4yfeb4
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http://tinyurl.com/lde5vh3
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OK, now everybody get back to work!
@Christine, I'm not sure which Kutztown Hotel and Restaurant you're referring to, but I get the feeling they no longer exist. @Roberto, you know the place better than I do, I'm sure; help? Roadside America is still there, hasn't changed since it was built, the dust on the display just gets thicker and thicker. Couple of good wineries in the area, though...
Also...what Peter and Leonard said. Have fun out there.
As much as I loVE RMONT, I'm not counting them in first place. Too small, not enough people. 'Nuff said.
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Michael G., that was a great story! I love Kutztown. My toothbrushes are made there. And the Kutztown Hotel and Restaurant, where all meals are served family style. Is that still there? How about Roadside America! We used to go there several times a year, my dad loved it so much.
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Oops. Sorry for my little trip down memory lane. My mind is too small to let it wander off on its own!
Today's dose of inspiration from the local rag... http://tinyurl.com/nu3dv4x
Tammie-those are impressive numbers for someone just starting. Keep at it and the gains will come. Keep on the group rides. Nothing will make you stronger faster than riding with people stronger than you.I hated slowing the group down too, so I fought harder to keep up. I went on one ride a week with them in the beginning. Join challenges in Endomondo. Think of them as a "group ride" and set your sights on people ahead of you. Remember to ride smart. Push yourself, but don't push too hard. Patience and determination will get you there.
Tammie, you've got me beat! My mileage averages between 8 and 10.5! Occasionally I'll get up to around 12, but not often!
Attention WisCONSIN and NebRASKA you are not winning. Vermont Leads both the month of July and the challenge.
Marty when you rig a contest, you are suppose to make WisCONSIN Win.
And Leonard is a flatlander rider . I'm at 9 to 11 mph rider, enjoying the rides. For milage my goal is 13 to 18 miles per day. Most days I do more.
Thanks, Christine. I vowed this time 'round to take my cycling to a whole new level. In my previous incarnation, I was a hardcoe mountain biker. Probably accounted for 80-90% of my miles. On a serious road addiction right now.
@ Tammie Just keep riding and enjoy the ride even if it takes a little longer to get there. MPH are not as important than MILES and your personal goals.
@ Tammie,
I wish I had an average speed of 13 or 14 mph. I'm happy with 12 to 13 and I'm doing 50 miles a day. I have over 75,000 miles in the last 5 years, never did build up any speed. Relax and enjoy your rides, the speed will come.
@ Christine, good job which is not work when cycling on first place in Kenosha,WI. Here in Oshkosh,WI. I'm stuck in a revolving door, but more time in 2nd than 1st place.
On Wisconsin! Badgers eat Corn and toss the huskers away. Ride & Smile for Life is Good!
@ Christine, feel proud. I can't even find my community (it gives me Manchester, MI and not Manchester, MO). Signed, Holding on to third for Missouri for the month for as long as it lasts. LOL
That last link worked and I was able to donate.. the problem with finding you in 'search' was we were looking for Cynthia and you are listed as Cindy! LOL
I second what Paul Perry said... I am 4 months and 1 week into being a bike owner.. also about 1300 miles! I just want to make progress faster! I am soooo impatient with myself! OK all you experienced ones. How long will it be before 20 miles feels like the end of the world? Or, when will I see wind speed at 24mph on weatherbug and think that is OK just a little breeze! I am so tired of seeing average speed of 13 or 14mph after an 18 mile ride when everyone else is boasing about their 18, 20 or even 22! (OK, I know I will NEVER be there!) I was a couch potato all my life and understand it is not going to happen overnight but I so want to be part of the group sometimes. Tired of being alone. I hate feeling like I am holding up the group when I ride with them so I don't go on the group rides as often as I could. I am just wondering how long it takes to really build the body into knowing what it is doing on this two wheeled miracle.
Youse guys wanna hear something stupid? I get the biggest kick out of going to communities and seeing myself in first place in Kenosha, WI! It feels like getting called up to the stage for an award in grammar school. (I usually got perfect attendance because my mother hated having us home, ruining her coffee klatches!) I'm #1! And ON WISCONSIN!!
Jenny, when I was in college, I lost most of the skin off my back and part of my scalp sliding on gravel. The bike in this case was a Harley and we were barely moving when we hit the gravel. Not a fun episode! Heal well! Thanks for the message this morning; I did enjoy my ride!
Paul, I love your avatar and your spirit. Welcome back to biking!
Go, Dean, go! I aspire to doing more than 24 miles in a day one of these years!
There you go, Cynthia!
Nebraska might be slightly ahead for the moment, but it's the entire challenge that counts! On Wisconsin!
Come on Badgers - only 0.04 points behind Nebraska. I expect that will change later today after David "Billy the Fish" Powling logs his miles!
@Cynthia - Thanks for all your posts. Sometimes I think I give TMI. Other times I know I don't explain properly or give enough information. You all have helped encourage me, and I thank you. NBC and my online acquaintances here, especially those people whose humor is absolutely exquisite, helped make a totally FUBAR Summer (no links please - Saving Private Ryan.) much better. I am new to posting things on groups like this, but I am slowly learning its etiquette. You all Rock!
Nebraska and Wisconsin are neck & neck for the month. COME ON HUSKERS!!!
Ok, I am so sorry for the troubles and I again, so appreciate your time, so try this should work:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/NCTBikeEvents
@Cynthia, you need to post the direct link to your page. Still only get the gal from Texas after clicking on Donate.
My hubby teased me last night... says I can ride 75 miles without incident but then take a short jaunt and wipe out 2 miles from home!
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I think I posted yesterday that I only had one fall last year and none that I could remember previous to my childhood years. However, I forgot that I fell off of my bike last year while dismounting. I had finished my ride, and then as I was dismounting, my leg got caught on my bike and I tipped over in the driveway. My hubby's car was right there to break my fall. I landed on my tush, and had a bruise there for the longest time.
I was my gloves every time I wash my other cycling stuff, they just go in the washing machine with regular laundry soap and then air dry. The way I see it, it can't possibly be any worse than what happens to them while in use.
No miles to log today....I overslept!! I hate when that happens. Guess I must have needed too. Oh well. Can't turn back the clock.
Altered route so I could stop at the 24/hr CVS on my way in. No bike racks (or anything to lock bike to)... so I walked my bike in the first set of doors and parked it in the foyer. Nobody complained but then it was 6am... nobody was there to complain.
@Jenny-hope your knee gets better!
@Rob-great concept about the lottery and NBC.
@I love all these posts and stories and am inspired by everyone who participates in the NBC or is just dedicated to riding in general.
@Tammie and Christine-I am not sure why the links did not work. Try www.breakawaytothebeach.com. Click "Donate". I do have a page set up, you should be able to reach it there. I am an North Carolina rider. Thank you so much for your time and effort!
It is a good feeling to get donations and support in any amount. I am looking forward to this event this year, I started writing an itinerary last night! And I still have 2 months to go. lol
@ Jenny, good healing vibes for your knee!
@Marty, I think I will put off the TDF for now. :-)
Thanks for the well-wishes. Swelling is down and it doesn't look quite as bad. I think I got all of the stones and dirt out. I just feel "well-skinned".
@ Leonard- Your kicking my behind. And I'm only 46. I was a 10k mile annual rider until I just stopped riding in 2005. Between then and January 2012 I may have ridden a total of 200 miles. Bought a new road bike in April 2012. Got 80 miles on it before it was parked until this past April. I was not hampered by injury or other medical malady. I just let "life" get in the way. And lack of motivation. I'm in decent enough shape. I have no excuses other than just being lazy. My short term goal was 400 mile months by the end of the year. Then I was turned on to this app. Last month I did 500 miles, and I will finish July with over 600. 110% of the credit for that goes to the people logging their rides with this app, and the teams and challenges. Then I come across a story like yours, and it just blows me away, and leaves me wishing I could just keep you guys within sight on a ride, and being the hyper-competitive fool that I am, I will bust my hump trying. And I have reset my goal to 1000 miles/month now. I get out there and ride...and I just don't want to stop. Now I just have to work on getting my body to catch up with my heart and soul.
@Leonard - You are inspiring. So there is hope for me yet. My husband, he used to grumble every time I went out to ride - like your not riding again. Same thing with swimming - you know running will get you in shape faster, and it is free. I'm like swimming is my life, and bicycling is a joy, but why torture myself running. But absolutely he is right, of course. So there is hope for me yet. I am thinking that if I start now, by the time my son is out of the nest, I will be able to do those 50-60, even 80 miles a day and start my touring career. Seriously, I have been wanting to tour since I was 14 years old and saved 6 months of allowance and birthday money to buy my first bike.
@ Jerry B,
Don't let my story scare you. I feel the same way you do about accidents, not riding, pain, PT and especially SB's. Look at the fact that I made a comeback and managed to do a century one week after getting back on my bike. NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR DOCTOR'S APPROVAL!!!!!!
For reference, this makes my fourth MAJOR comeback in the last 6 years. In 2007 I had been off the bike for over 5 year, weighed 250 lbs. and couldn't ride a 1/4 mile without stopping to rest. In 2008 I had the broken hip (in 2009 I rode over 21,000 miles). In 2010 I had three surgeries that kept me off my bike for almost 6 months. In 2011-12 I rode over 33,000 miles until I had the incident in October 2012. I really debated if I wanted to go to all the effort of trying to recover yet again (hence the 8 months off my bike). I'm 67 years old, wasn't sure it would be worth the effort - it is, I'm now doing 50 miles a day. Not really pushing myself, just enjoying each days ride.
Hang in there Jerry, I know it's frustrating but you will make it back, stronger and better than before. If I can do it so can you
My first ride over 83 miles was on Saturday..130 miles on the "Trail of the Couer d'Alenes. I have appreciation to those who ride this many miles on a regular basis. My bike shop made this trip possible by letting me use a rental while they had my bike hostage, waiting for parts. I'm not a fast rider, so it took me all day to ride this trip. My phone went dead so the map isn't complete on my workout. A very enjoyable ride, worth every saddle sore. I will do it again sometime with a better time.
Cynthia Nelson, have you set up your personal page for donations to your Bike MS account? I would be happy to help you out. I received several donations from some wonderful people here. Even very small donations add up over time. I got soooo excited about each one I received. Jenny, so sorry to hear about the gravel wipe out.. hope the knee feels better tomorrow. It has been 9 days since mine and I keep waiting for the skin to start to cover it up... not yet! It is amazing how we can take the skin right off so fast.
I had a joyful ride into 32mph wind today. The last 6 miles back to my car were a fight just to make it. I kept telling myself I was training for next years Bike MS to make it up the final hill over the caprock! Haven't decided yet if I was having fun or not. My neck and shoulders are voting for NOT!
@Christine. Thanks. I am slowly getting better.
@Leonard. Well of course you could do a century nine weeks after breaking your hip. Only 200 of vertical climbing during your centuries. I can't even make it out of town without exceeding that
I can't believe it. After all my time in the hospital, rehab, and being restricted to doing almost nothing once I got home, I just remembered I had installed "The Lost Treasures of Infocom" on our iPad. The best games ever made for computers. Back in the days of DOS. I could have been playing them when I was laid up. Now that I can do my chores and errands and don't have time to play the games, I remember I have them.
@ Jenny and Tammie... sending good vibes your way!
Oh, Jenny, no! Heal well and quickly! Sending pain-free vibes to both you and Jerry. And Tammie!
Jerry, honey, you're breaking my heart. I've never wanted someone to heal quickly as much as I want you to!!
I toss my gloves in the washing machine every couple weeks. If they get too funky in the meantime I just wash my hands with them on. Hand washing does in a pinch. Don't dry them in the dryer or they go all crunchy.
Cynthia, the top link didn't work for me; the bottom one did. I searched for your name, but what came up was someone in Texas. Can you give me a bit more direction?
@Jenny - Sorry, I shouldn't have told you to start getting ready for next year's Tour de France.
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Once, I fell in some gravel while running during a trail race. I fell so quickly, I evidently still had my hand wrapped around the water bottle, as my knucles of that hand and a leg were all imbedded with tiny stones. (There wasn't a scratch on the bottle!)
Two funny things about it: 1) I wasn't even in the 50 miler, I was just crewing for a buddy of mine, and lost him at the aid station as I was filling his bottle. Thinking he had already left, I ran about 60 ft down the trail. (He was actually still at the aid station). The rest of the day, everyone felt bad for me, thinking I had to drop from the race with how bloody my leg was. When I came back to town that night, I went to show my as yet unattended leg off to my gf, but before I got to her house, noticed her car at the co-op, so I snuck up on her and showed her my crimson leg. Later, she picked out all of the stones. 2) About 8 months later, a tiny previously unnoticed stone worked its way to the surface of my knuckle.
Jenny, hope you heal up soon! I almost lost it on gravel last night, not a good feeling...
I am enjoying the $1.2 million in savings. What if NBC worked like Powerball; you had to pay a dollar to join, but had a chance to win $1 million. I'd bet we be over 50,000 riders by midnight tonight!
@Jenny. Hope you are OK.
Just sore (and raw), will see how it is in the morning. I can walk.
My daughter just asked me how many times I have wiped out, and I have to admit that I couldn't answer for sure. I wiped out once last year but otherwise not since I was a kid.
@Jerry - That would do it. Although you wouldn't want to ride that during a drought.
Tonight's ride cut short as I wiped out in gravel while making a turn. Had to ride home. However, not nearly as impressive as riding with a broken hip! My knee was full of gravel and swollen up. I had to scrub it out and bandage it up, and now sitting with an ice pack on it. Was one of those moments that I wanted to cry.
Do you want to ride faster? Much faster?
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www.youtube.com/watch
11,001,185!! Grand numbers.
We just rolled over to 11 MILLION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nine to go.
@Jerry - Embrace the pain, and realize that the PT, (INCLUDING the stationary bike), will all help you get back to where you want to be. The faster you can progress with the PT and SB, the more they will allow you to do, which will hasten your not having to do them anymore.
@Leonard. Stop scaring me. I hope never to have another accident. I hate not riding. I do not like pain. I do not like physical therapy. And I hate stationary bikes.
@ Cynthia,
Short version of the conversation with the doctor: He said I was fine once I got in the car and got a ride home. I told him I rode my bike home, he said he thought I had been on a bicycle, he didn't realize I was on a motorcycle. I told he I was on a bicycle - his response "NO WAY, I've seen the x-rays!!!!" Took 2 more days for him to realize I actually did ride my bicycle 12 miles with the broken hip.........
I spent the next 9 weeks totally off my left foot/leg. Finally got back on my bike - 1 week later I did another century. {Wish my recovery had been as quick with this last incident (broken clavicle), took me almost 8 months to get back on the bike and I still haven't done another century......}
Hi all, early afternoon ride. Temps struggling to make it to 70. Can this really be July? A helicopter overhead, news or hospital, I think the latter. A handful of riders. Two girls coming out of Starbucks parking lot. Me, happy they are riding bikes, but unhappy they don't have helmets. They say hello, so I say it back. Almost home and it was trying to rain. Thankfully it was only a sprinkle.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
RE, the gloves. I have been known to put mine in the washing machine. I have even gotten wearable gloves out again, even ones with a little suede.
@ Burklee - I have that feeling about Roberto too. And next year we will have to worry about Jerry doing it twice.
@Ray - You suppose to wash suede? And Ewwww is right! I hope the new ones come by UPS tomorrow. Nappy blue and white - can't wait! Christmas in July!
@Burklee-Wool Lite and cold water will make those gloves squeaky clean! lol
@Roberto. Next year I will get Diamond. Stupid broken bones.
It is raining outside. I still want to go riding.
Hygiene alert! Mom! Please tel Burklee to wash the gloves so the flies will stop swarming. She said that the bacteria are her little friends and the fungus is their food. Mom do something about her hands so they won't be green any more. What else has she not washed since 1994, wait I don't want to know.
Well, I thought I would put this out there. Figured it could not hurt to try, this may not be the best forum to request a donation but, if anyone would like to make a donation to Bike MS on my behalf for the North Carolina Chapter that sponsors The 24th Break Away to the Beach Ride-the link is listed below the paragraph from my flyer:
"This event is not just about the miles, personally, it’s about being out there and challenging yourself to do your best by setting a goal and meeting it physically, mentally and emotionally. What you can gain from such an experience is memories that will last forever and a feeling of accomplishment while helping others. And this is why I ride, for those who can't..."
http://bikenct.nationalmssociety.org or www.breakawaytothebeach.org.
Thanks so much for any consideration!
@Roberto-you found that diamond-nice going!
Ewww! You don't wash your gloves?
Why do I feel like I'm about to be lapped by Cycling Roberto?
Congrats C R. I'm sure you'll have no trouble catching up with a lot of us at this point....hehehe
Diamond today, and sure enough the counter reset to zero.
@Karen - You said we couldn't imagine how funky your old gloves were. I have had my gloves since 1994. I can imagine. I should try washing them sometime. :)
Towanda - near Worlds End State Park - long ago went hiking there. Roberto - hills, lots of hills; you would like it - Challenging.
Hi Folks! I always park my bike with the front wheel first. Seems easier - make sure it wraps around the frame. I know better now.
I probably did have a mild concussion because I do remember using a lot of logic thinking in the following hours. That is how I manage when impared in any way....like when I drink LOL I had a rather severe concussion after a car accident years ago and was still able to answer questions approriately through logic analysis.. it actually was funny how I managed to reason my way to each answer. You NEVER want to remember the stupid things you say after a head injury.. I do remember everything and wish I did not.
@Tammie-I so hope you did not hurt your head too bad, i.e. concussion or anything. Of course I am not an expert by any means but you have been saying your head hurts for a least a week now.
@Leonard-Oh my goodness! Amazing! So then what happened?
You Marty-what a great idea. Don't know why I didn't do that on my on. But, you know, I think I will and yes she will love it. Thanks!
@ James Grimm (and ALL),
Thanks for the information link. This is one of the comments:
Andy Hampsten, 1988 Giro d'Italia Winner
"Wrap your thumbs around your bar. Even some pros just lay their thumbs next to their fingers on top of the bar when they're not racing hard. But accidents seem to happen more often when people are relaxed than during the intense moments of a ride. Use your thumb as a hook, and you have a better chance of maintaining control during stupid accidents."
Wish I had seen this before my stupid accident in 2008. Would you believe I knocked my hand off the handlebar while wiping excess moisture off the glove of my other hand. Snapped the front wheel sideways, I went flying over the handlebars, Shattered my hip socket like an egg shell hit with a hammer (broken in 2 places, cracked in a dozen more). Dumb me, I didn't know I had broken anything, it just felt bruised. I couldn't stand on it or walk but I could still ride as long as I was seated. Got back on my bike and rode the last 12 miles to finish my century ride. You should have heard the discussion with the doctor when I told him I rode home.........
@Cynthia - You can sign her up and update her rides on your computer (although you may need to use a separate email account). Showing her her standing periodically I think would be exciting for her, especially since she use to race. (Im sure she is truly great inspiration for you!)
@Marty...I did, I showed her the website and everything. She doesn't have a computer at home or a phone that has internet access. My Mom has always been an inspiration as she has always taken care of herself. She has always been an avid cyclist and used to race for a little while. She is 73 and doesn't look a day of it! She is most often mistaken for being 20 years younger.
@James-thanks for sharing that was fun to read.
@Ian-that it a great milage at an awesome pace. Cycling keeps you young and feeling youthful. Sounds like your father inspired you as I am by my Mother.
We kept the tandem at 20+ mph for most of our 46 miles today Not bad for a combined age of 128+ years. Somedays ya just feel like putting the hammer down. The National Bike Challenge is fantastic, but I wonder how I will rank on the Genetic Challenge. My dad cycled till he was over 85 yrs.old.
Severl good pieces of information here. I move my hands a lot and always use my thumb as a safety catch. http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/best-cycling-advice-i-ever-got
Thanks for that link James... enjoyed reading it. The last is the best. It has been over a week since my little crash and I still can't belive I hit my head. Don't remember that happening, no outward visible evidence on the helmet but the interior of the helmet was crackeed in half and my head still has a sore spot! The headache is finally gone and I am happy about that! My friend Dennis never wore a helmet until he attended a group ride with me where he was required to wear one .. he is now wearing it all the time. Small changes one rider at a time.
@Cynthia - Good luck on the bike racks and car free lifestyle! (Have you gotten your mother to sign-up for the NBC?)
I highly recommend watching Fried Green Tomatoes if no one has....
Christine@ - I think I like J. Hugh's version of Towanda better. I promise to never side rack park when I'm in Kenosha. Ever.
@Christine - She's older & she's got more insurance. Not to mention, a battleship of a car compared to the rude girls. Thanks for posting... I love that scene & movie.
Love Love LOVE Kathy Bates! Thanks for sharing Christine :)
Ok, have to chime in here-Towanda is from one of the greatest movies ever!!!! I knew what you were saying Christine.
Yes, always an education, and now I am versed on how to park a bike in the bike rack, which doesn't matter (yet) because there are none in this town. However, my Mom encouraged my idea to start approaching local businesses to install bike racks. This is a predominate area for retirees and you see people riding all the time to do their errands. Not to mention the vacationers who fill the roads with riders and make stops at convenience stores etc. Well wish me luck! Will keep you posted.
By the way, so cool, Mom comes into to visit and say hi to me at work today-in her riding cloths, helmet and a back pack, she has off to day and is riding her bike to do all her errands.
And, I have finally decided to go car free. Will be putting a for sale sign on the car this week. Wish me luck with this one too. Hey, you only live once-I have put a great deal of thought into this-so its worth a try so the topic isn't rolling around in my brain anymore. I can always get another car if it doesn't work out.
Let's see if this will work: http://tinyurl.com/movkm4d My favorite scene from one of my favorite movies.
I thought Towanda was a place in Penn. Or at least a Summercamp known for its high energy. www.Towandaonline.com is not what was meant be going all towanda on someone?
Riding bikes gives the no riders lots of problems. Share the road, provide racks, paint lanes, pay attention when driving. ;-)
@CR, I do bring it indoors now, but our maintenance guy gives me dirty looks when it's raining and I bring my drippy bike and self in the building. I've been "if only-ing" myself ever since Ms. Plum was stolen. (Brought it inside, had a better lock, had heard the thief, had my personal information in the seat stem, had written down the serial #...)
@Christine, can you bring your bicycle indoors? Kryptonite locks are pretty tough.
@Laurie & Christine@ - Oops! I have been guilty of parking along an entire side. But it has only been on the old type of racks that aren't made for a normal sized tire, only for a short 10 minute stop like a Walgreens, and only if I don't normally see bikes in the rack. I had never heard of Towanda before. (I don't watch much TV.)
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I don't know how strong those alarm locks are, but if a thief is familiar with them, they could just put it on snooze, and be gone before it goes off again.
Speaking of locks: I'm going to need to replace mine. What's my best bet? Obviously, I work in a "bad" neighborhood, since my bike was stolen from work. Do the ones with alarms work? Are they worth it?
wow, I always get a good education here! I always park my front tire in the bike rack, but I have never had my bike pivot or tip over. However, that may be partly due to using my kickstand. I have known some people who used the rationale that the bike can be more easily stolen by chaining the front tire, and so they chain their rear tire instead. However, either tire can be removed and thereby the frame can be stolen, so I usually try to engulf the bike frame when I chain it up. I can replace a couple of wheels, but the bike frame is the expensive part that is more difficult to replace.
@Christine, the front wheel pivots and rear wheel doesn't. Rear wheel in rack, bike won't tip over.
@Laurie, sounds like the same kind of person who parks their car diagonally over two spaces so no one hits it. I want to go Towanda on people like that!
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@CR, you're supposed to park with your rear wheel in the rack? Why?
@ C R, yes! I always lock my rear wheel, and if possible, I park on the end of the rack and lock both wheels to it. I can't imagine that it would be fun to ride home on only a front wheel :P
My pet peeve with bike racks is people who park their bikes with the front wheel in the rack.
Since bike racks seem to be the topic of the day, has anyone ever seen this: someone who parks his/her bike along one entire side of the bike rack so that no one else can use it? grrrrrrrrrrr
@ Heather, thats kinda creepy.
@Steven, speaking of bike racks at drug stores. We just got a new Walgreens. I locked my bike to the trash can and went in and asked if they planned on getting a bike rack. I was informed that they already had one. I said, really-where?! They showed me. It was at the far rear of the parking lot AND in the dark. No cars ever park that far back-why would a bicyclist? So annoying.
@Laurie. Thanks for the encouragement.
@Karen, no bike lanes either. And they publish Organic Gardening, Men's Health, etc. and no healthy food options in town either.
@ Jerry, even though you aren't riding, you are still an encouragement to all of us. I cannot emphasize that enough :) And...... you have logged almost 8K miles, I just completed 1K, so you are still way ahead of me and many others on here, and that is beaucoup impressive! Just keep recovering so you can bike safely soon :)
I am not having any problems with my points updating.
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Of course not being able to ride might have something to do with it.
@ Jim, my points didn't update yesterday either, but today the total is correct. But whether yours update or not, doesn't mean you can delete other people's totals. LOL
@Karen - Thanks for the wake-up call!
Gee Mark M you are a brave man. I find it great that you bravely spread nuclear waste and belong to a sexist organization. Should be at least Atomic Bicyclists, then you only have to defend the nuclear waste with a half life of 25,000 years.
You would think the town that publishes Bicycling Magazine would have more bike racks than it does. I e-mailed the editor about NBC last year. We do not have more bike racks, but Emmaus voted to change their policy about allowing bikes to ride around in the community park. You take small victories where you can, I guess. Now to just get the borough to take down their "No Bicycling" sign.
@Marty - I checked the leaderboard yesterday. Look behind you friend, I am gaining on you. Better get your granny "wheel" out and spin some miles. M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. (Just bothered that I got the spelling wrong earlier.)
There is at least two business in Oshkosh that have bike racks that are to small. Just got the cheapest, for kid bikes. Glade I invested in the double leg stand.
@ Mark M. - Kickstand isn't the issue. a decent bike rack gives one a place to lock up one's steed so that it has a good probability of being there when one finishes the shopping stop. Most places that I've had to go have let me bring in the bike when there are no bike racks outside - my dentist, my barber, my personal physician's office, and my dermatologist. Come to think of it, City Hall doesn't have bike racks, so I had to wheel my bike inside when I went there for a meeting about a month ago. Retailers are another issue. I walked my bike through a Safeway one morning when I needed to pick up some goodies for a team meeting at work and didn't have my lock. Since then, I noticed a sign prohibiting bikes inside.
@ Jim, mine haven't updated either, and I logged them about 7-8 hours ago. I will wait til morning and then redo them if necessary.
Points haven't updated for me all day. This is the longest I've ever had to wait. Other people's totals have been updated. Maybe I need to delete them and reenter.
@ Tammie, sorry to hear so many things happened to you today :( Glad to see you ended the story with "had a great time", anyway. The way you keep biking through pain, etc, is an inspiration :)
I wish my road bike has a place for a kick stand.. no place at all! I had to buy a stand to use in the garage for it. I did two rides today also. The first I got over heated and had to sit out part of the group ride .. the group made another loop and picked me up for the ride home.. then I had a blow out! I had to sit and wait for a ride to our start point! My fault for getting hot.. I did not hydrate enough the night before or eat.. I knew better. I then did a few things in town.. was in Midland, 20 miles from where I live.. and did a group ride to the city concert in the park. Had a great time. Total for the day was only 20 miles. 10 short of what I had planned for the day.
Steven/Cynthia - put your kick stand back on your bike. It's not really all that heavy.
Catching up on the weekends posts:
@Heather-really nice write up and picture. You are an inspiration, thanks so much for sharing your story!
I think we're starting a small revolution.....
@Shawn-awesome on your miles. Way to go!
@Steven, I just emailed CVS too. Ironically, just last week I just talked to the local real estate person who is in charge of property management for all the commercial property's in our town Not one store, bank or office has a bike rack anywhere. Not even CVS. I told him I intended to pursue looking into this and asked him the best way to proceed. Sadly, my own Town Hall doesn't even have a bike rack.
@ Steven -- great minds think alike! I'm looking forward to a response from CVS too.
Just sent an email to [email protected] suggesting adding bike racks to their locations would be good advertising (as they have been supporting healthier lifestyles). I'll let everyone know if/when I receive a response.
I did two rides today. One pre-storm warm up. Thunder chased me home. Napped during the storm. When out again to finish my ride. Gave myself a treat at Rita's Italian Ice: sugarfree mango peach kids cup, my favorite. Cooled off around the block and talked to bike eager neighbor kids and their mom about helmets and getting them a PA bike rules booklet. All in all a relaxing Sunday. Some days you just need to recoup.
@Shawn - nice job.
@Shawn, congrats! Best cure is a ride tomorrow. Go out for some slow pace to keep your muscles from seizing up. Also, I HIGHLY recommend SportLegs for recovery.
I like to sit on cold packs for a while and then go into a really warm soaking tub. Feels really good.
My preferred cure for aching muscles is always the hot tub at the Y. But a good friend who runs marathons always tells me heat is bad, and ice is good.
@Shawn. Century's are so much fun.
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@Laurie. No ice, No ice, No ice. I hate ice. It is cold. It hurts. It makes me feel worse.
Thank you J. Hugh and Laurie R. :) - Good advice from both of you. I will get the ice, haha! As for carbs, I am doing protein and will probably eat some big for dinner as I lost about 8,000 or more calories today!!! Have been chugging on water since I got home :D and resting! Thanks again! I am on cloud nine!
Shaw G my three words are Hydration, carbs and rest. way to go.
@ Shawn, that's great! I have just three words for you: ice, ice, and ice :)
I am going to be in pain tomorrow! 102.54 miles completed by road bike!
Thanks EM and Michael!
@ Laurie, NICE!
This is the email I sent:
I sometimes shop at the CVS Pharmacy located on Wisconsin Avenue and Richmond Street in Appleton Wisconsin. I travel by bicycle more than by car, and try to patronize businesses that have bike racks available. This particular CVS does not, and when I mentioned it to the cashier today, he said that I wasn't the first customer to bring up that point. Appleton is striving to become more and more bike friendly, and businesses that provide adequate parking for both vehicles and bikes are an asset to the community.
Thank you,
Laurie Rescheske
@ Laurie, good for you. Maybe it would help to check out the League of American Bicyclists web site and provide "corporte" with information about how to become a "bicycle friendly business. Checke out: http://www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses for more info.
@Laurie, at my CVS I the only place to lock up is one of the signs designating handicapped parking spaces. Of course, I keep my bike on the sidewalk-side of the sign so the parking space is not compromised for anyone who may need it.
I stopped by CVS Pharmacy to pick up a few things. Last month when I had gone there I locked my bike to a large plant shelf unit outside. But today there was nowhere to lock a bike. When I was paying for my items, I mentioned to the cashier that they needed bike racks. He said that I wasn't the first person to say that, but that he doubted that "corporate" would provide any racks.
I realize I'm only one voice, but I intend to contact "corporate" about the need for bike racks, especially in a community that aspires to be more and more bike friendly.
Out today starting with temps in the 60s and ending in the 70s. Very steep hills, a very large dog, a few miles of gravel road, and wind. Was this a ride or an obstacle course? Anyway, I ended up with 50 miles and the ride organizers had some food ready at the end: bratwurst, potoato salad, and corn on the cob, YUM! Well worth the effort. WE RIDE TO EAT!!!
Got in 40 dry road miles, and literally within 2 minutes of arriving home, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour. PERFECT. Slipped on my bathing suit, grabbed my towel, and had a wonderful, fresh (albeit chilly) shower.
I think this slow or no update also happens on weekends near the end of the month.
I had a great ride today, left at sunup and arrived home just as the temp was crossing our of the 80's into the 90's. This was a route and distance I have hot ridden in a whilie and really was great. Found that more bicycle trail is being built along a highway that will offer connections to other trails. The improvements are slow, but they are happening.
Ok Thanks Jayson
Judy, sometimes the site applies updates to mileage / leaderboard immediately, and sometimes it may take several hours. So, a similar experience to you.
Does this site take forever to update for anyone else? Sometimes it takes hours to update my milage even though the leader board is updating frequently.
@Mike R Retirement and cycling is great. Hope this doesn't give you a downer, maybe just enough that I can stay in first place in Oshkosh,WI since I finally got there.
@ Mike, Allen,
I worked my whole life for my retardment and I plan to enjoy every minute of it. Your turn will come, till then keep working and paying Social Security taxes (someone has to pay for my retardment, I know paid into the "system" all my working life).
@ Mike Roth, I agree with you on the Retirement thing, work is getting in the way of my Cycling Time too
Most people look forwsrd to retirement so they don't have to work. I look forward to retirement so I can ride more... a bit jealous of those of you who are already there!
@ heather. I seen thaton my feed this morning. That's awesome.
@ Jerry. tjose links were great.
At the end of my ride today I came upon an accident at a sketchy crossing. Cops were there already, first responders were the way. There was a bike down on the side of the road, but it did not look damaged. Didn't see any other bikes,BUT I did see the cops cuffing someone and hauling them away. Don't know what happened yet, or the outcome,but an ambulance was on the scene.
@ Roberto, bored and riding in the same sentence, NO WAY!!
BTW, the gravel is strenuous to say the least. It's a rails-to-trails trail and as such it's pan flat. Still the surface is crushed stone and cinders, and with my 25 mm tires, it can be a bit tricky. I really have to pay attention to parts that might be squishy from being washed out. Still, it's a 40 mile round-trip crossing the Appalachian Trail at the Lehigh Gap. Beautiful scenery and all off-road. NO CARS. Today I did a lap and a half. Someone in the parking lot saw me turning around to head back out, and asked if I got bored doing it again? I honestly couldn't fathom what he was talking about! LOL Imagine, being bored riding your bicycle! WOW
@Jerry, thanks as well. You will be back with a vengeance, so just keep on recovering and getting healed up.
Thanks Heather for your kind words. Being self-employed and semi-retired helps. :)
Sitting here waiting for my points to update is about as fun as watching paint dry!
@Heather. Enjoyed the article about you. Your are an inspiration to other riders.
@Roberto. Great mileage. I only get between 5,000-6,000 miles a year. And I blew that for this year.
@Heather: Thanks for sharing your story. It is very inspiring.
@Carl - great job on these two 50+ mile days in a row. You deserve your sleep!!
@Heather, I loved your pic and article. Thanks so much for sharing...Ride on!
@Laurie, that is awesome!!! Congrats. :) @roberto, I track here and on Strava. Your numbers are amazing, I don't know how you find the time! I have about 600 miles on the year and that is riding nearly every second I can. You rock.
7220 miles so far this year. Does anyone else log miles on bikejournal.com?
@Jerry, yes.
@Roberto. Are you crazy.
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And you talked about my ride. At least I was only dreaming.
57 miles of gravel on my road bike.
Hi all, two rides today. Late morning on the regular route with some tough gusts of wind and temps in the lower 70s. Afternoon late lunch ride with temps in the upper 70s and the wind had died down a little. Lots of riders in the morning including three in a spot where I've never seen any riders before. We are truly penetrating all those crooks and nannies out there. LOL RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@ Laurie, 1000 way to roll !!
@Heather, you are truly an inspiration to us all. And BTW what a lovely pic. YOU GO GIRL!!
Cyclist’s death should be a lesson for all drivers: don’t kill people with cars
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http://tinyurl.com/lw9ks6k
Six Ways to Kill a Cyclist.
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http://tinyurl.com/d8pd6fv
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Six ways a cyclist with a death wish can become a hood ornament
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http://tinyurl.com/n2h7m4t
Yay Laurie and Heather!!! Nice write up on why I Ride, Heather - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
Heather, thanks for sharing, I didn't know that page existed on FB. It's good to hear how cycling improves lives. Have fun getting those 6 miles!
1,001 miles for Laurie. Congratulations. Way to go.
Six more miles needed today to make 100 this week-an all time best. I am very pleased. Check out "why I ride" on Facebook. They featured me yesterday. I was honored.
@ Marty, thanks! I am amazed I got this far.
@Laurie - Congratulations on your scenic milestone!
Biked to the farmers' market this morning as usual, and on the way home was thinking about the fact that this ride would make me only a couple of miles short of a "mile"stone. So I took the scenic route home. Quiet country road, didn't see as much wildlife as I expected, but several other riders, joggers, and walkers were enjoying the road too :)
2 days in a row of 50+ers. I'm going to be sleeping for awhile. I'm liking the nice 70F mornings.
@ Laurie - I say so too.
VERY well said EM!
I think the miles and points part of the equation have been pretty well covered. The other part of the equation is people. NBC wanted to get to 50,000 riders. So far we are at 33,000+. The comment about seeing more kids in the neighborhood with bicycles should not be overlooked. Like it our not, we are ambassadors for bicycling. No matter how many miles we ride or why we ride, our image is important. By being out there we inspire others to get out there too. There are those who have gone above and beyond the goals of the challenge and directly confronted city hall to make cycling conditions better: both with infrastructure and laws. Others have volunteeered for organized and group rides in various ways which helps to make more riders more comfortable with riding. And those who have been sidelined with injuries have continued to inspire and encourage us through this board. You know who you are and you all deserve kudos for all you are doing. Each of us is making a positive difference, so KEEP IT UP. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
@ Karen Jean,
I think Laurie said it best. Those of us that go out and do 80-100 miles a day act as an inspiration to other riders. Last year when I was leading the NBC for the first 6 week many people commented on how I was able to inspire them to ride a little more each day. Typical comments were something like, If that crazy old man (I was 66 back then)can do it then I should be able to go another mile or two each day.
For me the greatest reward of riding high mileage was being able to encourage others to get out and ride. I finished last year's short (only 4 months long) NBC with over 10,000 miles. I promised myself I was NOT going to do that again this year (I didn't even start riding till mid-June.....).
So everyone, get out and ride, enjoy yourself and be SAFE.
@ Laurie Rescheske I rode almost 44 miles yesterday , the longest distance I have ridden in 20 years . I am definetly impressed by the cyclist that put in 50 - 100 miles a day too. Doing my little distance makes me realize how big of a deal it is to ride the distances some of these other cyclist are riding.
I totally agree with Leonard Wright.
Getting to know some of the experienced riders in here who regularly do 50, 80, 100 miles in a day, awes and inspires me to someday achieve that also. But I am not at that level yet, and neither are many of the "average joes" in the NBC. The point system works to equalize the playing field for us; it enables us to see that we, too, can compete with the the powerhouses instead of falling hopelessly behind. The point system also encourages developing a daily habit of exercise, which is one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle.
@Leonard - Exactly right! However, after all that has been said, at this point, I think Timothy wants to crawl under his chair and hide. No harm in giving the riders who do those amazing miles some credit, which I think was this main idea. How about it NBC? Some kind of recognition for those avid bicyclist like Roberto and Timothy, who bust their ----- to get those extra miles?
No new bike this year since my husband, who works for the armed services, has been furloughed, that is until the end of September. Most people in the country have forgotten the sequester, but it is the pits for military families, and I am guessing, many others in this country who find it challenging this Summer to trim their budgets, but I splurged this week. I bought Nuun tablets, a new rear mirror for my helmet - broke my old one last week and find it indispensable, and new bicycle gloves, you would not believe how funky the old ones are. They are falling apart and giving the back of my hands weird tan marks with the one big hole and the cotton webbing. And now, since I am finding it hard to sleep, I am going to do some office work. I have found on the whole that went you pick up bicycling, which takes hours in a day, something has to give in your schedule.
There are days when I will go out and ride ten miles, and there are days when I will go out and ride 80 miles. Next week, I will be shooting for a 300-500 mile week. I'm not doing it for the points. I doubt anyone would ride that much for points. I see that as the system working for them more than them working the system. IMO, working the system would be hopping on the bike and riding around the block for no other reason than just to get the daily ride points.
I have to comment about "playing the system". The NBC is intentionally set up to get riders to go out and ride as many days as they can each week/month. "The system" is designed to encourage this. The NBC is NOT about going out and riding 80 to 100 miles a day to earn points, it's about getting out and riding as many times a week/month as possible. "The system" is designed to encourage people to get in the habit of riding daily. Personally I admire the person that goes out day after day and does 5 or 10 miles (or sometimes only 1 or 2 miles because that is all the time their schedule allows). They are getting out and riding and that is the whole idea of the NBC.
Ya'll are crazy for riding or bike in that cold.In Texas if its in the 40's thats like winter.
The coldest I've biked so far was +3F, leading a running race, but the coldest I ran was around midnight, when Milwaukee tied its record low of -26F, without the windchill. That was cold! My gortex suit was making some really strange noises - like it was going to break. I know I wouldn't want to bike in that cold of a weather.
All this talk about cold temps reminds me..... When I was in college, there was a girl who'd grown up in Kenya and Nigeria as a missionary's daughter. Going to college was her first extended time ever in the US, and her grandparents had bought her winter clothes, coat, etc. One morning in late October, she came out of the dorm wearing her winter coat, cap, scarf, and mittens, and she was shivering. She asked us if it was this cold all winter. Since it was in the low 40s, and those of us who were used to Midwest climate were wearing sweatshirts and windbreakers, we had no idea how to gently break it to her that it was soon going to be MUCH colder than that.
I can't imagine riding in temps that cold. I was miserable this spring when it was in the mid 50's! I don't know what I am going to do when it starts to cool down this fall besides learn how to bundle up. I will definitely have to get a trainer by then. I guess I am playing the system too. I get my 20 points almost every day even if I don't really have time to ride or don't feel like it. I still get out and ride a mile or two around my neighborhood. Did just 2 miles today because I am feeling exhausted and had to work tonight.
Coldest day I ever rode was 10 below zero. Snowing.Two-three inches of snow on the ground.
Got two more miles in today on the stationary bike. By the time I get on a real bike I will definitely be insane. Especially when I start adding more miles on the stationary bike.
Yesterday (Thursday) was that one day a year we get in Colorado with absolutely perfect riding conditions. 72 degrees with light overcast skies.
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And I could not go ride.
Laurie - I love winter riding, got studded snow tires for the commuter bike, wool base layers, booties, balaclava, the works. It gets cold here in Nebraska...coldest ride in to work was 4 degrees F.
@Timothy - Absent PEDs, these are all legitimate ways of "working the system".
NBA - Dribbling, stealing the ball, dunkiing, zone defense, practicing shooting.
MLB - Pitching the corners, substitute runner/hitter/pitcher, home run, stealing a base, intentional walks, pitch-outs.
NFL - Bump and run, blitzes, fake signals, audibles, statue of liberty play, reverse, forward pass.
Pro Cycling - Drafting, audio to team car, substitute bike, food drop areas.
Driving - Interstate system, State highways, County trunk systems, toll roads.
They are all just rules (or roads) put in place for our use.
If 'Working the System' means not missing any days - well of course. That just proves it's working per plan.
@J Hugh - Great job! I might have to wait to get my diamond in September. Oranges, manatees and Micky: I think I'll have to call my Sister and see what she is up to this December.
We have a lot of young children on our block. In the past couple of weeks I think that I have seen five or six new bicycles. Way Cool! My inflated sense of importance was hoping that it was those warm up laps, and cool down laps around the block that made the kids beg their parents for new bicycles. Naaah... Still, way cool!
I am one of those people working the system. I call it smart. Pro track bicyclist work the system all the time for points. Just saying.
@ EM-great idea.
@Jerry-if bike transportation becomes more and more popular, this may be something to look out for!
It would be great to have a photo page next year where we could post photos taken while doing our rides during the challenge.
@ Timothy Walsh - You can easily see who's leading your team in mileage by clicking on your team name, scrolling down to see your team's activity, then sorting by weeks or months. But I have to say, what you call "work[ing] the system for max points" I call getting on my bike everyday to go to the grocery store, the bank, the coffee shop, the hardware store,the video store, the co-op, the convenience store, the recycling area, the farmers' market, work... I don't live very far from any of those places, so I don't get many miles. But I am out on my bike everyday, raising awareness of the bicycle rider. Mileage counts. So does visibility. Have a great day!!
@Jerry - Neither of them were wearing helmets.
Too bad there isn't an easy way to sort your team's leader board by actual miles ridden. I know a lot of riders have figured out how to work the system for the max points, but aren't really doing much mileage. Maybe could be added to next year's options.
@Jerry - All I can say to that is "What the...?!?!?"
picture in the article is from a ride in December a few years ago near sebring fl. citrus blooms in april so that's a great smell ride. Photo by Dave Lancester at bikesag.com I live in Orange city, fl about 125 north of sebring and Leonard W.
Ouch.
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http://i.imgur.com/YX1umGb.gif
J Hugh - very nice article. Fun to learn more about you. Are you close to where Leonard Wright lives (Sebring area)? By the looks of those orange groves, you can't be too far away! Keep up the good work.
Oh forgot-nice J Hugh-nice picture riding past that orange tree.
@J Hugh-thanks so much for sharing the article Bike League did. That is so cool!
You really captured the spirit and essence of why we ride.
Good interview Hugh. It's nice to know more about you and I am very impressed. You set the bar high for the rest of us, and that's a very good thing :)
@J Hugh-wouldn't that be amazing to ride through orange groves? Thanks for sharing that scene. And, very cool to have got that diamond!
I have to say I truly cannot stand the cold or to be cold. But, it's funny, I can ride bike when its 17 degrees out and the cold doesn't bother me a bit. Go figure. And yes, January and February, it does get that cold here. Just no slush, ice or mess.
Hi all, out on this overcast morning with three other riders. A little IRIR on the second part of my ride. But it wasn't hard rain so I left my rain jacket in the bag. Stuff on the road: the screwdriver from yesterday is gone, the dime that was around for a month or so has vanished, but that big cup of stuff (Mountain Dew, lemonade??) that has been in that odd spot on the curb for a couple of weeks is still there. Is somebody waitng for it to ferment?? Dunno, but luckliy the dead skunk in the road today was not stinky.
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@ J. Hugh, oranges in April? I thought this was July, but then again with the temperature at 68.5 degrees, I wonder. LOL. Congrats on the diamond. Don't think I'll find a diamond for a few more weeks.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@ J Hugh, congrats! Your orange/peanut ride is something I can only dream of. But I get to ride past many aromatic cow pastures on the area trails :P
http://www.bikeleague.org/content/challenge-profile-hugh-strickland-motivator-extraordinaire
@ Rick, perception of cold and snow, and the ability to live with them, is largely due to where you live and what you're accustomed to. To some, temps in the 40s and 50s are unpleasantly cold to deal with, while others consider those to be ideal biking temperatures. Not sure if I'm going to attempt any winter cycling this year though :(
Well I crossed the Diamond line today and now must begin work on the infamous burlap clusters.
A ride through an orange grove on a cool morning in April smells like no other experience on a bike. Second is the smell of freshly harvested green peanuts along the roads of South Carolina and Georgia on just the right morning of harvest.
@Laurie - I lived in some of those places (Memphis, Atlanta area) where one inch of snow can shut things down. First, the snow is a rare occurrence there, so it doesn't make sense to tie up money in all the equipment to manage snow events. Second, and perhaps more important, that 1 inch of snow often comes at just below freezing, and pretty snow turns into a treacherous ice glaze. I've been in Wisconsin in January, and driving in snow was like driving in beach sand. Not so in a place where going out to grab the morning paper on a "snow day" can land you hard on your keester.
@Jerry-hey so cool if that helps you! My profile pic is a good start. It's an actual picture of the waterway as sun sets.
@Tammie - It hasn't happened lately because I really haven't done any super-challenging hills, but I am a believer in the power of putting a foot down, even for just 30 seconds, when the going gets really tough. It can be as refreshing as that proverbial 15 minute nap. Dab a foot, take a quick breather, and then hop up and pedal again. Repeat until you can luxuriate in the thrill of the downhill.
One more post and I will leave to all alone for the day. Busy, busy, busy. I Love Florida. My sister lives in Vero Beach, FL and we have our own free resort their anytime she will open her doors. My best Christmas memories are always those holidays we spent in Florida with my Sister, and I never want to come home. What a let down to leave the sea smells and the palm trees to come home to a cold, drab PA.
@cynthia. Sounds like a great ride. I will have to try and improve my imagination when I am on the stationary bike this morning. Imagine rides like yours.
@Marty - Exactly! *#&@&@@!!! board of directors. Shouldn't say that, it was just hearsay. Maybe he was talking about Muhlenberg College's Pool next door, because Cedar Crest College just started a swim team last year. Either way, thanks for doing the math. Remember its me that's talking.
@Tammie - Two years ago I was really trying hard to get back my bicycling skills from when I was in my twenties. I started doing hills like mad. Roberto knows the Bear Creek Ski Resort area. You know, Roberto, that little hump that's not a hill. I strained my back and couldn't even go to the bathroom without help for 3 days. Doing Yoga helped with the pain; and yes the exercise bike every evening, or it was painful to get out of bed in the morning. Of course, I am no expert, but the book: Foundation: Redefine your Core, Conquer Back Pain, and Move with Confidence had a program that helped. (Forward by Lance Armstrong.) Maybe if we ask nicely, Marty can tell us what he thinks. I just don't want what happened to me, happen to you. Beyond that, keep up the good work.
I am at a conference in Grand Rapids, Mi. Rode the Kent County trail system this morning--it's GREAT! Kudos to the Grand Rapids cycling community for doing some wonderful work (with others, I am sure). Fortunately, I get to enjoy it for a few more days.
Gosh, scrapple, that word brings back some memories....
Great posts and conversations-just love it.
This morning commute entailed stopping at the local coffee bar/wine shop. My weekly treat is a cup of their delish coffee (in my BYOC) and a bottle of wine for the weekend. Tucking the wine in my pannier I left the coffee shop as the sun was awakening over the waterway and the pines to the sound of calling herons. The early morning soft haze will soon open to reveal that beautiful Carolina Blue sky. Thinking again how fortunate I am to be here and alive to see the alligators, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs and hurricanes. lol. I think I missed a couple items but you get the general idea.
NOT SLACKERS: A new report from the Tax Foundation shows 50.7 percent of America’s road spending comes from gas taxes, tolls, and other fees levied on drivers. The other 49.3 percent? Well, that comes from general tax dollars, just like education and health care. The way we spend on roads has nothing to do with the free market, or even how much people use roads. http://mobikefed.org/2013/07/drivers-pay-just-51-cost-us-roads-highways-missouri-drivers-pay-just-229
@Karen - That's pretty bizarre that they would have made it short by so little. If its true, that means that they wouldn't have ever been able to hold meets there, and 3 miles is 216.98 lengths.
@ Michcael - I am Pa Dutch. I hate to admit it, I like scrapple, but only eat it once or twice a year - poetic license.
@Marty - I was told our pool is "2 short. Don't now what that means. Sometimes I also miscount and do an extra length. We like you just the way you are.
@ Marty, what can I say? I'm a pretty agreeable person, except for the few people who get on my bad side.....
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Regarding winter: I understand there are places in the US where one inch of snow is enough to shut down the entire city. Here in Wisconsin, it can be 20 degrees with a foot of snow, and we are still out in shorts and flipflops :P
I agree with Laurie totally agreeing with me.
@Tammie - That's really horrible about the road rage. Hopefully, the police can enhance the video to get the license plate number.
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@Tammie - Winter? What are you talking about? Maybe if you lived in Odessa, Ukraine. But not in Odessa, TX. The average high down there in both December and January is in the upper 50's. So, you may have a few days where it only gets into the 40's. The kind folks of Wisconsin will gladly send you a thin lined jacket and some polypropelene to use during that time.
I totally agree with Marty....shorter rides throughout the day count just as much as one longer one. And... if the short rides are part of running errands or getting necessary stuff done, you're doing a very good thing for the environment at the same time :)
@Karen Jean - You're right, your original four words to J. Hugh are actually 6. "alligators, hurricanes, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs"
And, you can save yourself some time in the pool by only doing 211.2 lengths for 3 miles. (Although, for safety sake so you don't drown, I would suggest doing 212 lengths.) [35.2 x 3 = 105.6 laps] (I used to swim up to 2 miles on my two weekly long swim days when I did triathlons, and since I was anal with that too, didn't do more than necessary - other than making sure I didn't drown.)
Great story Jerry. Some disabilities are not readily visible. I have a plackard and do use it when my back is bothering me. 17 miles today on hills. One hill was really tough and NO I did not put my foot down! I feel more like I did 25 miles.
Christine@ - Congratulations on the long riding day! I have very few days where I just ride once or twice. And the fact that your curretnly using a one speed (definitely without a granny gear) - doubly impressive!
@ Christine, its still 24 miles, good going!
Hey @Karen Jean, what's wrong with scrapple? Pa Dutch soul food!!!
I rode 24 miles today! Unfortunately, it wasn't all at one time. Two 2 mile trips (to work and back) and two 10 mile trips (to my Weight Watchers meeting and back). I am tired!
@J. Hugh - You forgot poison ivy, Lyme Disease and scrapple. (I knew you would not disappoint - thanks for the laugh.)
Ok, so if somebody puts you on a team and you aren't really on that team, how do you get off?
@ Karen, agreed.
I now have a handicapped hanger for a while. But it reminded me of an incident that happened to me about 35 years ago.
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A friend and I went out to eat after a day of skydiving. He was driving. When we pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant he parked in the handicapped space. We got out and starting walking into the restaurant. A woman came up to us and started chewing us out for two young able bodied young men parking in handicapped spot. While she was chewing us out, my friend bent over, pulled up his jeans and pulled off his leg. He stood up and handed it to her. She cut off in mid word, turned bright red, and fled back to her car. What was so funny about the incident is she never notice him pulling off his leg until he handed it to her.
After reading all the articles over the past day and a half about cyclist vs pedestrian, hit and runs, car vs cyclists, and road rage. All I can think is that senseless death is senseless no matter the situation. My heart goes out, with a prayer, to all the families that must suffer such tragedy. Each person responsible should be held accountable for their actions because they are no different than the person who caused the senseless deaths of the children at Sandy Hook or Columbine or the men responsible for the Boston marathon bombing. It would be wonderful if we as a human race could evolve beyond such actions and learn to live and see the joy in life.
@Karen J G Venomous snakes,hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, roaches,thorns, buggies I'll see your four and raise you three.
@Tim M Yes when you live by the Gulf of Mexico it will be November before it cools off there. We also get the great thunderstorms to cool things off or steam them up depending on how strong and long the storm.
@Rick G do you use one of those be wheeled water trikes? Except April, July August and September of Course. How about mildew? I understand its a real growing concern.
@Karen & J Hugh - forgot all those other reasons I didn't want to live in Florida. Then again we have slugs here big enough that one could harness 2 to pull a hay wagon, if the harnesses didn't keep sliding off.
@J Hugh - Mildew's no worse here than there. One summer in Georgia, it was so wet that my vegetable garden had fungus growing on its mildew. We do grow bumper crops of moss.
Same average annual rainfall here as it was in Georgia - we just stretch it over a lot more days.
@J_Hugh - I was born in and lived most of my life in the Southeast (mostly Georgia & west Tennessee). Never acclimated to the heat & humidity. I'll take my cycling here in the Pacfic NW, with our glorious (albeit short) summer, and the long, dark, damp rest of the year. It's never too hot and rarely too cold to ride. It just takes lights, fenders and rain gear a lot of the time from October through March - then rain gear & fenders again in May & June.
http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2013/07/25/breaking-alert-rand-paul-amendment-threatens-to-strip-funding-for-biking-and-walking-infrastructure.aspx
@ Tim, St. Louis, cool all morning!
@ Michael, stick the bike on the back of your car and ride it around the parking lot at lunch time if you can!
@J. Hugh - Four words, alligators, hurricanes, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs.
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I just need to clarify something about my morning post. I can swim up to 3 miles. I build all Winter to get to the 3 miles starting at about 1.5 miles. Just so you realize how slow I am compared to an Ironman. An Ironman I know, who is about my same age, can swim 2.4 miles in about 1 hour 10 min. Also, I should have said that I swim 216 lengths. If you are not a swimmer it can be confusing. A length is going across the pool one time. Going across the pool and back again is one lap. 36 x 3 laps = 108 laps. I count lengths because it is easier to not miss count when you are swimming that long a time. I told Marty I am no good at math, I failed to mention I am also dyslecix and yes I do know its a granny gear not a granny wheel, that one surprised even me. I really need an editor.
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@Jerry - I guess not being a swimmer you didn't get those gill implants Michael and I have. TeeHee
J. Hugh,
Where are you finding such cool temperatures? Here in St. Pete the lowest temperature in the last 72 hours was 82° at 6:00am Tuesday. Oh, but our high temperature over that period was only 88°.
I have to drive to work tomorrow! I am NOT happy! Have an all day session about 75 miles away, so riding will be impossible. Hope I can make time this weekend to make-up the points I'll be losing. Grumble, grumble, grumble...
Move to Phoenix, AZ and forget fenders all together and ride all year long.
Move to Florida, buy removable fenders, and forget trainers or Stationary Hell bikes.
If you can't ride almost every day in Florida, you are either dead or your priorities are off. Healing after your latest cycling wreck also goes faster in warm and humid Florida. Today's weather report at ride time the temp was 74 with 100 % humidity and by the end of forty or so miles the temp was 84 but the humidity had fallen to a crisp 85%. Head wind on the last ten miles of 12mph. Did you ever measure the sweat that drips out of your riding kit at the end of a ride while its hanging in the garage? so that's why you drink so much.
Bon ton roule!
Hi all, out this morning with a half a dozen other riders on my regular route. Couldn't believe it was so cool, temps in the 70s.
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@ Karen, I have to tell you that I read your story before I left this morning and it inspired my whole ride today. I kept thinking one pedal stroke, one pedal stroke, just like one swimming stroke. Thanks so much for sharing.
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RE: indoor cycling. I have endured riding our stationary recumbent, but it has to be cold and dark outside and I have to be reading something to do with bicycling or a good murder mystery. I'm not into sweating indoors with other people, so I would never be able to take a spinning class...
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RIDE ON AND KEEP SHARING YOUR STORIES
@Burklee et. al., the Bike Rack offers stationary trainer sessions in the winter for all levels of riders. You can leave your bike and trainer there so you don't have to schlep it back and forth. Check into the Bike-Rack.com website when it gets close to winter.
I have a stationary bike.. It looks great sitting in the garage! 5 min on it and I want to kill myself. I may get a trainer for my bike.. maybe it will be a tiny bit better for the winter months when it is just way too bad to be outside.
Well, it just had to happen here in Odessa, TX. Some road rage on a cyclist. We have a lot of casual people running around on bikes, no helmets, no idea of the rules of the road but this guy seems to have been doing nothing wrong.
http://tinyurl.com/nv7ny4n
It happened July 6 but I just found out about it. I don't know if they have cought the attackers yet.
@John. I have been stung twice by wasps whiles riding. They get in the road and than sting you when you run into them. They are so mean.
Got rain this morning on bike ride to work and stung by something on the way down a hill.. Can you rear end a yellow jacket and get stung?
@Jerry & Leonard - Yup. Stationary cycling indoors... not just boring for me, but depressing!! My doc got after me in January about my A1C. I hadn't exercised since October. So I went to the rec center and used the stationary bike. Ugh!!! I have heard reviews of spinning classes. The person I rode the Cornhusker State Games with says she did spinning in the winter and found it helpful. And Gregg just gave it a good review. Perhaps if I took a class, it might be less depressing. But, I'm not very sociable. I may look into it at the Y for the winter though, just to keep my doc off my back, and to make the early spring riding easier.
Here's an interesting case--a bicyclist has been convicted of vehicular manslaughter in California for the death of a pedestrian. He's the first bicyclist in the U.S. to be convicted of this charge.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/bicyclist-us-guilty-vehicular-homicide/story
I never liked riding stationary bikes either, but with an instructor and a whole room full of sweaty bodies, RPM at Experience Fitness really rocks. The choregraphed music really gets me into it. But I still prefer riding outdoors, but RPM is a nice replacement in the winter season when it is too cold or snowy to ride outdoors.
Another refreshing morning in Wisconsin. Everyone must be going fishing because I had 6 pickups pass me pulling boats.
A friend bought me a used bike trainer, used just to see if I would like it. Oh my gosh-just shoot me-I used it twice. I couldn't stand it. So having to heal using a stationary bike would be worse because you are Supposed to be using it in order to get better, like you don't have a choice? Hope that makes sense.
@Leonard. I understand how you feel about riding stationary bikes. I hate them. After five minutes I feel I am going insane on a stationary bike.
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I keep hoping to win the powerball lottery but I have the same problem as you. I don't buy lottery tickets.
@Leonard. Glad you are riding again. I was told it would be 6-9 months for complete healing. But will be able to ride in 2-4 months. I think it will be more like at least three months.
@Karen. I think what you have accomplished in swimming and biking is great. I did not think you were boastful, rude, or angry. I don't think I could ever swim that distance. Of course I have no interest in swimming unless I am 50' under the surface. Then I only come back up when my tank runs low on air.
@Karen-wow on the swimming! I can swim a little across a small pool...anyone who can do what you are doing and the discipline to train as much as needed to accomplish those distance goals is amazing. Of course its like any sport, but, swimming is much different than cycling. Gold star to you!!
@Jerry-your doing great! 2 to 4 months will fly by before you know it. When one door closes another one opens, you and your new bike will go through some wonderful miles together!
@Leonard-welcome back to the Challenge!
There are so many great stories from people who are participating in the NBC, the many different reasons for riding are amazing and inspiring to say the least. There is a whole network of like minded people out there who pursue their love of not just cycling but taking care of themselves, being a part of nature, and nurturing their souls through the power of pedaling two wheels. And not just that they are out there but sharing the stories and their day to day experiences is a story in itself. I never want to logout! lol
@ Leonard Wright, Good to hear that you are back on the board this season Leonard. I have found that the weather this season makes for a hard commute from work most afternoons, and have made way too many trips in the pickup truck to and from work bacause of it. Nice to be back on the bike this week, while it's a little drier here in Okeechobee.
@ Jerry B,
I was taken out by another cyclist during a group ride, ended up with a broken collar bone (NOTHING like you list of injuries!!!). The doctor cleared me to start riding again after about 3 months with the caution to NOT fall on that shoulder again. He said it would take about a year for the bone to completely heal. Since I am a klutz and have fallen a number of time in the last 5 years I wasn't willing to take any chances so I waited for almost 8 months after the accident until I started riding again. Probably being WAY TOO cautious but I didn't want to have to start all over with the healing process. As others have commented about broken collar bones, mine didn't set properly either so I was/am still very cautious.
Take care, listen to your doctor. I do think you are on the right track riding a stationary recumbent, that should help you recover much faster once you do get back on your bike. I know I should have done that during my recovery, just didn't have enough ambition to go to the exercise room and do it :-(
Tell you what, if I win the powerball lottery (196 million), I will buy you a new Cannondale. Of course I haven't bought a lottery ticket in years so don't get your hopes up too high.........
@Rob G,
Thanks Rob, it's good to be back. I'm taking it easy this year - didn't even start riding until mid-June. Only doing about 45-50 miles a day, nothing like last year. Just trying to rebuild my strength and endurance. I spent many years as a flight instructor and always tried to encourage my students in a positive and constructive manner. Still trying to apply the same principles to the NBC.
@Laurie-what a beautiful experience. Don't you just love it?
Well, I had my computer on last night, but, obviously not long enough to keep up with all the posts.
@Christine-I lost 15lbs riding last year and I have lost another few this year-haven't stepped on the scale yet. That is overrated anyway. I do want to start toning though-I am going to start a weight program this week. I have a very good friend who went to Millersville.
@Roberto, I've ridden up that way a couple of times so far. Each year, we've got a 500+ mile benefit ride that goes from West Chester PA to Ogdensburg NY, so we take route L all the way up to the NY border. Love the hills up there!
@Jerry - Hope that didn't sound boastful, rude or angry. I think I was giving myself a pep talk more than you. I am not at the place where I want to be when I ride, but I am not giving up. Hope your rehab. goes better today.
@Jerry - Just as a comparison. I was a good swimmer before having my son, but for several reasons beyond my control, I really got out of shape after having him and started having health problems, I never stopped swimming, but I just was not "in shape". I started swimming at RAC and put my mind to doing better. Although I still do not have the figure I used to 20 years ago, I am a far better swimmer. Partly because I now have a coach (that I share with dozens of other beginning master swimmers.) I also have the respect of collegiate swimmers and Ironmen, not because of how fast I swim, or because I can do an Ironman, but because of how they see me training. Day in, day out, every week. As I said, I can do a 3 mile swim. That is something like an ultra-marathon and more than a century, if not a double century. When I first started training again, I could not do more than 2 laps freestyle and was not able to execute a flip-turn. I added those 214 laps and flips turns one at a time over the next couple years. So it pays me no never mind that I can't do what some people can do, because I know that as long as God gives me time on this planet, I will get there one mile, after another mile, after another mile, after another mile.
@ Laurie, I agree, you picked a great way to celebrate platinum!
@Laurie, nice job on the platinum.
@Howard, I was on that today, as I am most days. Today it was the section up the the Lehigh Gap.
Jerry, r u feeling bette? Have u been able to get backj on the bike? I hope so. :)
I was going to offer to buy you a bike Jerry, but you have your heart set on a Cannondale. As a rider of a Specialized, I just can't take the risk of losing a potential future sponsorship by buying you a Cannondale. Sorry ;)
Rode to a local nature preserve and walked through it to my "place of peace": a pond where I watched the ducks swimming around until the mosquitoes and bumblebees drove me away. On the way out, a beautiful young stag ran across my path. I stood still for about 15 minutes while he calmly ate 10-20 feet away from me. Got some great pictures of him! Then rode across the Trestle Bridge home, and was treated to another beautiful sunset. Great way to celebrate making platinum today!
Here's something you don't see every day!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2377178/Chris-Bucchere-cyclist-convicted-vehicular-homicide.html
Christine@ - Congratulations on the long riding day! I have very few days where I just ride once or twice. And the fact that your curretnly using a one speed (definitely without a granny gear) - doubly impressive!
@ Christine, its still 24 miles, good going!
@Roberto, of course PA is flat :) BTW, I recently rode bike route L up through the Poconos, found a few hills along the way :P
Jerry B - here is a link to last year's article about Leonard. http://dc.streetsblog.org/2012/05/02/national-bike-challenge-hopes-to-log-10-million-miles-during-bike-month/
@Christine, the so-called "granny-gear" is the smallest chain ring if you have a triple set up.
@Christine. But most of my riding is done in the mountains. I would never be able to climb the mountains on a single speed.
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Though one time I was climbing up to Jamestown and someone passed me on a single speed faster than I had ever been passed on a climb.
Roberto, what about the Poconos? And the Appalachians? (I went to school in Millersville.)
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Please explain granny wheel and granny gear to this granny.
I could not find the article from last year )2012) about Leonard Wright to a link to.
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Here is the article to read.
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Meet the #1 Rider in the National Bike Challenge
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There’s a new rider at the top of the individual leader board for the National Bike Challenge: Michael Lemuel. But who’s the man behind that purple and white shield, logging a mind-boggling number of miles deep in the Kansas heartland?
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Well, Michael Lemuel isn’t your average cyclist (and we’re not just talking about superhuman stamina). He’s a disabled veteran on a limited income — $123 per month, plus government-assisted housing/food — who’s taken the lead in the Challenge despite suffering from epilepsy and ringing in his ears so intense that it causes chronic insomnia.
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Michael was kind enough to share his story in this week’s Challenge Recap…
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How and when did you start riding?
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Before, I can remember. I think I was four years old. It’s one of the family stories because, the first time I rode a bicycle, my dad put the training wheels on, and I was off. Then dad decided to give me a chance with no training wheels — and they never were put back on. My earliest memory of being on a bike was at five-years-old and climbing on an old banana seat cruiser. It was way too big for me, but I’d ride it up and down the block from the moment I got out of school until my mom would call me in for the night.
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Why did you decide to participate in the National Bike Challenge?
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Kaw Valley Bicycle Club (featured in last week’s recap) and Topeka Community Cycling Project (TCCP) were planning Bike Month activities with the city of Topeka. Tee KVBC president told us of the Challenge, and we were trying to get local businesses, and even government bodies, to compete against each other for fun (and bragging rights). None of the “profit” bike shops wanted to particapate so TCCP challenged KVBC (all in good fun, of course). I really only planned on helping my team compete against KVBC, but then I found my city, workplace, team and myself all in the top 10 percent with Kansas in the top 10. From there it just so much bigger than our two teams. I won’t lie: I was constantly thinking, “I’m in the top 1 percent, .5 percent, .01 percent.” It made me feel both special and important.
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You ride a really impressive number of miles per day —what’s your average day like? Where do you go, where do you ride?
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4:30 a.m.: ALARM!, five minutes later… ALARM!… until I can force myself out of bed. Light breakfast (Ensure, banana, protein bar, and a NOS if I can afford it) and other morning routines.
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5:45 a.m.: I’m out the door, check the temps, winds, and pick a direction. I prefer the Shunga Trail because of the flat layout, but they get boring fast, and it’s hard to find other cyclist to chat with. That’s when wind directions come into play. I’ll figure out approximately how many miles I’ll be able to get in before lunch and keep winds perpendicular to me (choosing crosswinds).
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11:00-11:30 a.m.: Return home for any additional water, and things needed after lunch.Then go downtown for lunch at the food bank for 2-3 trays.
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1:00 p.m.: Start the afternoon ride. The path is determined the same way as the morning ride, but I also have to consider any appointments, or events I need to be at (doctors, shopping, meetings with businesses, community rides, or working at the non-profit bike shop (Topeka Community Cycle Project) for which our team is named. If I’m running behind in my daily goal then I’ll try to squeeze in a few more miles in town. Then, it’s time to go home, cook a quick dinner for a small army (of one!), log or correct miles, check the mail/messages, see if rankings updated, and hit the sack ASAP.
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What inspires you to continue to ride so many mile — even when you might feel tired or the distance seems daunting?
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Just one more!!! It’s not the next town, mile, or another block: it’s just one more revolution. If I have to use my arms to push my leg through JUST 1 MORE, it’s just what I’m gonna have to do. Even more important than the physical fitness is the psychological will power.
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How has the Challenge impacted or improved your riding?
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I’d say I was at 100-200 miles per month prior to the Challenge. I had done 50-60 miles in a day for various charity rides for a youth group when I was younger, but I thought those days were behind me. Now, I’ve regained my confidence, I’m doing well over 100 miles a day, and I’m looking forward to my first bi-century (200 mile day).
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I hear you’re becoming a bit of a local celebrity —has your leadership caught the attention of fellow community members?
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Attention, barely seems the word for it. People like the owner of BOSCO’S (who gave me $100 to help with food cost) are insisting I come by and update them on my mileage. He also bought a road bike now that he understands the purpose of its construction. People have started introducing their children (or grandchildren) to me to inspire them. The one thing that bothers me is when someone says I’m a celebrity, famous, or WORLD champion (which IF I place 1st, I guess I’ll just have to accept NATIONAL champion).
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Do you have any overall goals for the Challenge?
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Catch that guy in first place! Just joking! That came from Eric Nordgren this morning as he was explaining about his short-lived goal just after I passed Leonard Wright. My goals started with two Platinums (1,500 points) throughout the event. Then a platinum month, double platinum month, triple platinum month, and now I think I’m settling in for a 12 platinum event (18,000 points, 15,540 miles if I ride EVERY day). The goal is high. I even question my own sanity for coming up with it regularly, but having it is an edge. Upon completion I’ll have gone about the distance of coast to coast AND circumference of the continental U.S.!
@Leonard. Sorry to hear about your accident. How long were you prevented from riding. I am recovering from an accident on June 6th. Still at least a month before I can ride. Plus I need a new bike. Have one on order.
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Tried to find someone from here to buy me the new Cannondale Synapse 3 Hi-Carbon I saw at my bike shop on Monday. Only $5,400. For some reason no one stepped up to buy it for me.
@Jerry, may I be second? Truthfully, I can't say riding my old one speed has been bad for me. I'm developing thigh muscles again. And my "saddlebags" are diminishing. Maybe gears aren't the best thing in the world when you live on the prairie...
Hey @Karen Jean, what's wrong with scrapple? Pa Dutch soul food!!!
I rode 24 miles today! Unfortunately, it wasn't all at one time. Two 2 mile trips (to work and back) and two 10 mile trips (to my Weight Watchers meeting and back). I am tired!
I don't use a granny gear. I do have a compact set up on one of my bikes which does allow for easier climbing. Of course everyone knows PA is flat.
Leonard - always great to hear from you. Keep up the good work, your positive outlook is contagious!
@J. Hugh - You forgot poison ivy, Lyme Disease and scrapple. (I knew you would not disappoint - thanks for the laugh.)
@ Karen, I could not live without my granny gear. Call me spoiled. Just looked at my Garmin and according to it that hill I come up at the end of my ride every day has a 13% grade. Hope you are able to get your brother out to do something. Do bribes work with grownups?
Ok, so if somebody puts you on a team and you aren't really on that team, how do you get off?
@ Karen, agreed.
I now have a handicapped hanger for a while. But it reminded me of an incident that happened to me about 35 years ago.
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A friend and I went out to eat after a day of skydiving. He was driving. When we pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant he parked in the handicapped space. We got out and starting walking into the restaurant. A woman came up to us and started chewing us out for two young able bodied young men parking in handicapped spot. While she was chewing us out, my friend bent over, pulled up his jeans and pulled off his leg. He stood up and handed it to her. She cut off in mid word, turned bright red, and fled back to her car. What was so funny about the incident is she never notice him pulling off his leg until he handed it to her.
@ Jerry B,
Thanks for remembering my story. I was around 250 and couldn't ride. It's NEVER too late to start living a healthy lifestyle, get your weight and health problems under control. Easy, no, doable, yes.
@ Karen, encourage your brother as much as you can without harassing him. Unfortunately the individual has to WANT to make the changes in his/her life. Until a person's mind set becomes one of trying to be healthy no amount of talk or persuasion will convince them to change. Set a good example for them to follow and offer encouragement. It's never too late, at 62 I proved that to myself (now I'm 67 and still within a few lbs. of 165, just not riding as much as I did last year. Only doing about 50 miles a day - still recovering from my accident last fall.......)
Here's a hit and run that killed a nine year old boy in our area. They have charged the driver on several counts.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2013/07/fabian_teson_kevin_powell_cahokia.php
After reading all the articles over the past day and a half about cyclist vs pedestrian, hit and runs, car vs cyclists, and road rage. All I can think is that senseless death is senseless no matter the situation. My heart goes out, with a prayer, to all the families that must suffer such tragedy. Each person responsible should be held accountable for their actions because they are no different than the person who caused the senseless deaths of the children at Sandy Hook or Columbine or the men responsible for the Boston marathon bombing. It would be wonderful if we as a human race could evolve beyond such actions and learn to live and see the joy in life.
@Karen J G Venomous snakes,hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, roaches,thorns, buggies I'll see your four and raise you three.
@Tim M Yes when you live by the Gulf of Mexico it will be November before it cools off there. We also get the great thunderstorms to cool things off or steam them up depending on how strong and long the storm.
@Rick G do you use one of those be wheeled water trikes? Except April, July August and September of Course. How about mildew? I understand its a real growing concern.
@Karen & J Hugh - forgot all those other reasons I didn't want to live in Florida. Then again we have slugs here big enough that one could harness 2 to pull a hay wagon, if the harnesses didn't keep sliding off.
@J Hugh - Mildew's no worse here than there. One summer in Georgia, it was so wet that my vegetable garden had fungus growing on its mildew. We do grow bumper crops of moss.
Same average annual rainfall here as it was in Georgia - we just stretch it over a lot more days.
@J_Hugh - I was born in and lived most of my life in the Southeast (mostly Georgia & west Tennessee). Never acclimated to the heat & humidity. I'll take my cycling here in the Pacfic NW, with our glorious (albeit short) summer, and the long, dark, damp rest of the year. It's never too hot and rarely too cold to ride. It just takes lights, fenders and rain gear a lot of the time from October through March - then rain gear & fenders again in May & June.
@Burklee, yep! Enough news about those "crazy out of control bikers." There's a story where a motorist got what he had coming before he could hurt someone.
@C. Roberto - Something done BEFORE someone was killed? Shocking.
SCORE ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS:
@Mike...Thanks for the link to Guardian article re: the very unfortunate incident in San Francisco.
My first impression was "About TIME!!"
I first read about the incident shortly after it happened, and at that time, my thinking was "I hope they (the legal system) hang this guy (Bucchere)." Here in Texas, as I am sure is true in most other states, cyclist are considered "Road Use Vehicles" and as such are obligated to follow the same rule/regulations a any motorized vehicle on the road. Yet, I witness on a daily basis cyclist abusing and ignoring the "rules of the road." As a long-time cyclist, this goes so against my nature to the point I have confromted other cyclists about their apparent disregard for the law (and common-sense riding). A few will acknowledge their error, but most either totally ignore me or flip a finger or, most frequently, tell me to "f**k off".
So, again, I'll say "It's about time!" Unfortunately, it will probably take procecuting a few more cyclists before the habitual abusers get the message.
http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2013/07/25/breaking-alert-rand-paul-amendment-threatens-to-strip-funding-for-biking-and-walking-infrastructure.aspx
@ Tim, St. Louis, cool all morning!
@ Michael, stick the bike on the back of your car and ride it around the parking lot at lunch time if you can!
@J. Hugh - Four words, alligators, hurricanes, venomous snakes, palmetto bugs.
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I just need to clarify something about my morning post. I can swim up to 3 miles. I build all Winter to get to the 3 miles starting at about 1.5 miles. Just so you realize how slow I am compared to an Ironman. An Ironman I know, who is about my same age, can swim 2.4 miles in about 1 hour 10 min. Also, I should have said that I swim 216 lengths. If you are not a swimmer it can be confusing. A length is going across the pool one time. Going across the pool and back again is one lap. 36 x 3 laps = 108 laps. I count lengths because it is easier to not miss count when you are swimming that long a time. I told Marty I am no good at math, I failed to mention I am also dyslecix and yes I do know its a granny gear not a granny wheel, that one surprised even me. I really need an editor.
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@Jerry - I guess not being a swimmer you didn't get those gill implants Michael and I have. TeeHee
About the SF manslaughter case - a case of biking while stupid. I hope he figures out his approach is no way to ride a bike or operate a car. "Officer, I was already too committed when the light turned yellow, and I just tried to skid my big SUV through the least populated part of the crowded sidewalk."
I've gotten caught short by traffic lights turning yellow a couple of times. but never where there was the prospect of a crowd of pedestrians flooding into the crosswalk. In places like that (I'm thinking downtown Seattle), I wouldn't be traveling so fast that I just flat could not stop in time to avoid a crosswalk collision.
I never heard the legal outcome, but we had a tragedy here in the Seattle area a couple of years ago in which a cyclist struck an elderly woman on a multi-use trail, resulting in her death. It was clearly a case of cyclist traveling too fast for conditions. There are clowns out there who think the multi-use trails are their personal training tracks.
J. Hugh,
Where are you finding such cool temperatures? Here in St. Pete the lowest temperature in the last 72 hours was 82° at 6:00am Tuesday. Oh, but our high temperature over that period was only 88°.
I have to drive to work tomorrow! I am NOT happy! Have an all day session about 75 miles away, so riding will be impossible. Hope I can make time this weekend to make-up the points I'll be losing. Grumble, grumble, grumble...
Move to Phoenix, AZ and forget fenders all together and ride all year long.
@Karen. You are lucky I am not rich. Otherwise a bike would already be on its way.
Move to Florida, buy removable fenders, and forget trainers or Stationary Hell bikes.
If you can't ride almost every day in Florida, you are either dead or your priorities are off. Healing after your latest cycling wreck also goes faster in warm and humid Florida. Today's weather report at ride time the temp was 74 with 100 % humidity and by the end of forty or so miles the temp was 84 but the humidity had fallen to a crisp 85%. Head wind on the last ten miles of 12mph. Did you ever measure the sweat that drips out of your riding kit at the end of a ride while its hanging in the garage? so that's why you drink so much.
Bon ton roule!
@Jerry - 37% grades? That's nothing. Almost all of my grades in school were higher than 42%.
@Karen - You shouldn't have said you were joking. I saw Jerry at his computer getting ready to place your bike order just as your post showed up. :(
@Brad - Great song! But my legs got tired just listening to it.
Hi all, just a quick ride today because I have a project that is due tomorrow. Nice and cool with early afternoon temps in the low 80s. Three other riders spotted. Treat for the day: coming up that last hill around the corner by my house, a driver drove past me slowly, rolled down his window and informed me: "Thats really a tough hill." (What a shocking revalation that was). But it made me smile because I knew he appreciated how tough that hill really is, my guess is that he has probably ridden up it a few times himself.
ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE
@Laurie - Congratulations! Next stop for you is Diamond!
@ Captain Competitive: I totally agree about the legal hypocrisy of motorists not being held properly accountable for incidents involving cyclists!! BTW - Totally cool nickname! I'm sure it's always a race to the next city limit sign (or some other landmark) with you while in a group ride?
" Kawinka, congrats on diamond.
@Jerry - You know I'm joking, right!
Yay Laurie!
@Jerry - If you buy me one of those Cannondale bicycles I would try.
@Karen. The person who led the bicycle challenge last year for a long time used to weigh over 250lbs and could not ride over 1/4 miles. Now he is 165lbs and rides 80-100 a day.
@Karen. So I can assume you are not going to do the Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen bike ride with the up to 37% grades this year?
@Mike Wagster - Wow. Now if only there could be some sort of (legal) consequences for drivers who kill cyclists, which happens far more often.
@Karen. I would love to add more miles. But my physical torturer has restricted me to 10 minutes a day.
@ Gregg - It's never too chilly for swimming ; )
Story of survival: Lucky cyclist hopes 'helmet haters' heed his tale
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http://tinyurl.com/m9kekwr
@Jerry-thanks so much for that mid afternoon refreshing flash back.
I want to ride my bicycle.
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http://tinyurl.com/lyr2gxd
@Jerry - Tomorrow go for 4 miles - inch by inch, yard by yard.
@Laurie - Thought my brother had a stroke. He has Bell's Palsy brought on by a virus. He has very high blood pressure, so they are keeping him until it stabilizes. If you knew my brother, you would know why I am concerned. He is your stereotypical computer geek. You could say he could be crowned King of Computer Geeks (Systems analyst for a major pipeline company.) I would be happy beyond belief if I could just get him to go for a walk with me, let alone ride a bike.
@Cynthia - looking into getting that book, Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling - sounds like just what I need.
@Marty - Had my bike in to be serviced. Resident bike technician says I do not have a granny wheel. He says my bike is an oldie, but goodie. That made me proud of "Lizzie". He also said that it would not be worth the cost to change it up. So no steep hill climbing for me yet.
@Nyla-makes climbing that hill worth it doesn't it?
@Christine-I will some be car free. Looking to get a bike trailer. Can't wait. (with the money from the sale of my car). Sweet!
I would love my points to update!
Enlightening and sorrowing story as to why we, as cyclists, need to follow the laws and ride responsibly: San Francisco cyclist guilty of manslaughter in legal first
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2013/jul/24/san-francisco-cyclist-manslaughter
Hi all, out this morning with a half a dozen other riders on my regular route. Couldn't believe it was so cool, temps in the 70s.
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@ Karen, I have to tell you that I read your story before I left this morning and it inspired my whole ride today. I kept thinking one pedal stroke, one pedal stroke, just like one swimming stroke. Thanks so much for sharing.
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RE: indoor cycling. I have endured riding our stationary recumbent, but it has to be cold and dark outside and I have to be reading something to do with bicycling or a good murder mystery. I'm not into sweating indoors with other people, so I would never be able to take a spinning class...
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RIDE ON AND KEEP SHARING YOUR STORIES
Bike trailers are great! I honestly thought that you'd be aware of the load behind you, but I sometimes have to look back there to make sure my grandson is still behind me. When he gets too big to ride in the trailer (I shall cry on the day he doesn't get excited about "going for a ride with Nona"), it's going to become my grocery hauler. I'll be carless yet!
Gift of the Day: Loon flying directly overhead with that hauntingly distinctive call, just as I reached the top of challenging familiar hill (-:
Finally a day cool enough to take my daughter out. Just under 22 miles with a playground break after mile 16. I'm definitely getting my money's worth out of the bike trailer.
Martys correct, the right music will really speed up your cadence. I think this will do it. OK, how fast do you wanna go?
@Burklee et. al., the Bike Rack offers stationary trainer sessions in the winter for all levels of riders. You can leave your bike and trainer there so you don't have to schlep it back and forth. Check into the Bike-Rack.com website when it gets close to winter.
I have a stationary bike.. It looks great sitting in the garage! 5 min on it and I want to kill myself. I may get a trainer for my bike.. maybe it will be a tiny bit better for the winter months when it is just way too bad to be outside.
Well, it just had to happen here in Odessa, TX. Some road rage on a cyclist. We have a lot of casual people running around on bikes, no helmets, no idea of the rules of the road but this guy seems to have been doing nothing wrong.
http://tinyurl.com/nv7ny4n
It happened July 6 but I just found out about it. I don't know if they have cought the attackers yet.
After last week's heat, mother nature has turned on the air conditioning. It's a little chilly for swimming, but the weather couldn't be better for riding. I had a nice cool moonlight ride to work this morning.
@John. I have been stung twice by wasps whiles riding. They get in the road and than sting you when you run into them. They are so mean.
@JHugh, that's why I want a helmet cam (ContourROAM Hands-free HD Camcorder). It's a passive/non-confrontational way to fight and gives the proof you need that will hold up in court (no he said she said, it's on video).
@Jerry - I see "gently used" tadpole recumbents on Craigslist for under $5400. Sorry, but the first one I buy will be mine - and I don't see that happening today.
Hey, I was bummed when I couldn't ride for 12 weeks due to the broken hip this past winter. But when the surgeon OK'd my riding a stationary, I jumped on and rode. Maybe jumped in the figurative sense, thanks to the hip. Never have cared much for stationary bikes, but that recumbent stationary was a lifesaver. Heal quickly, my friend.
Got rain this morning on bike ride to work and stung by something on the way down a hill.. Can you rear end a yellow jacket and get stung?
I know others think I am stupid, so yep, I'm in the same "people are stupid" group as everyone else ;)
@Jerry & Leonard - Yup. Stationary cycling indoors... not just boring for me, but depressing!! My doc got after me in January about my A1C. I hadn't exercised since October. So I went to the rec center and used the stationary bike. Ugh!!! I have heard reviews of spinning classes. The person I rode the Cornhusker State Games with says she did spinning in the winter and found it helpful. And Gregg just gave it a good review. Perhaps if I took a class, it might be less depressing. But, I'm not very sociable. I may look into it at the Y for the winter though, just to keep my doc off my back, and to make the early spring riding easier.
@Kathy. Still prefer my bike. I would like a recumbent now just so I could get out and ride. But I cannot afford one. Especially with a new bike to buy. Maybe I could afford one if someone would buy me the new Cannondale Synapse Hi-Carbon 3 I saw at the bike store on Monday. Only $5,400.
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Any volunteers?
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No one?
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Didn't think so.
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Bummer.
Yay, Laurie! I'm turtling along behind you, slowly and surely.
@ Jerry, it's a start, soon you'll be on the road again :) Thank you again for your encouragement and insights on here!
Here's an interesting case--a bicyclist has been convicted of vehicular manslaughter in California for the death of a pedestrian. He's the first bicyclist in the U.S. to be convicted of this charge.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/bicyclist-us-guilty-vehicular-homicide/story
Lately I have been thinking that being offensive does seem better for me as a cyclist. What i mean is when in doubt take the lane and hold it. Follow the traffic rules and do the move that is going to keep me the safest. This includes riding away from confrontations with the auto tag number to report for driving in a dangerous way. Gee you know they could have been drinking.when I saw them at this time on this street.
congratulations to you Jerry. I am telling you that those bones are healing fast now, and get back on that bike. If the snow was three feet deep and you rode a stationary bike you'd be celebrating getting a ride in. so Celebrate.
@Jerry, maybe you'll become a recumbent convert.
@Ray S - you are a people so does your statement include yourself? :-)
I rode two miles today.
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Too bad it was on a stationary recumbent bike.
I never liked riding stationary bikes either, but with an instructor and a whole room full of sweaty bodies, RPM at Experience Fitness really rocks. The choregraphed music really gets me into it. But I still prefer riding outdoors, but RPM is a nice replacement in the winter season when it is too cold or snowy to ride outdoors.
Another refreshing morning in Wisconsin. Everyone must be going fishing because I had 6 pickups pass me pulling boats.
A friend bought me a used bike trainer, used just to see if I would like it. Oh my gosh-just shoot me-I used it twice. I couldn't stand it. So having to heal using a stationary bike would be worse because you are Supposed to be using it in order to get better, like you don't have a choice? Hope that makes sense.
Wow, talk about hijacking the conversation. I'm out.
I think you meant offensive, not defensive. EVERY driver and cyclist on the road (or trail) should be in full defensive mode at all times when behind the wheel/bar. Whether I am in my car or on my bike, I fully expect that every other car, motorcycle or bicycle that I see is going to do something stupid. People are stupid and I treat them accordingly. ;)
@Karen - you are correct and it has been proven in many situations. Men are more apt to be polite to women. I saw a show once, man 1 asks man 2 walking by to help him "cut the lock" off "his" bicycle. Man 2 calls the police or says no and keeps an eye on him. Then they got Woman 1 (pretty blond) to ask man 3 to help her steal the bike. He goes over and cuts the lock off even assisting her on the bike. Man 3's wife however, called the police :-\. There is a big difference in how a man treats a man and a man treats a woman in the same situation. Drivers are normally very polite to me, except that Marlton cop who should be suspended for buzzing me a few weeks back.
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@Roberto - simply because a woman doesn't show her emotions over a senseless death thru anger doesn't mean she doesn't care. We just care differently than you many times thru grief and sadness. For all you know Karen is sobbing over this at home while you are punching walls in frustration.
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@Michael - You certainly didn't offend me. I agree with you, there are bad cyclist and good ones and same goes for drivers. I was with someone the other day driving her car. We came up to a cyclist and she says, "I don't know if it's right but I always give them as much room as possible and slow down. I'm so afraid they could get hurt riding on that tiny shoulder." I couldn't help but smile at her (she's in her 80s and not a cyclist). I can't group that woman with bad drivers or even the elderly who shouldn't have a license. Yet I see cyclists fly into a busy intersection making drivers slam on their brakes to avoid collision. But if I speak against that type of behavior I'm considered anti-bike which is totally wrong, I'm anti-people who flout the law and if people find that offensive then tough, I won't apologize cause two wrongs don't make a right.
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@Kawika Plummer - Congrats on Diamond!
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@Cynthia - I understand that $400 repair bill :( I just got a new starter. Seems lots to pay for a car I rarely use but at least I got my insurance lowered because I drive it less that 6,000 per year.
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@Laurie - Congrats on Platinum
Karen, Godspeed to your brother, hope all is well!
@Kathy - How did you Know?
@Leonard. I understand how you feel about riding stationary bikes. I hate them. After five minutes I feel I am going insane on a stationary bike.
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I keep hoping to win the powerball lottery but I have the same problem as you. I don't buy lottery tickets.
@Leonard. Glad you are riding again. I was told it would be 6-9 months for complete healing. But will be able to ride in 2-4 months. I think it will be more like at least three months.
@Karen. I think what you have accomplished in swimming and biking is great. I did not think you were boastful, rude, or angry. I don't think I could ever swim that distance. Of course I have no interest in swimming unless I am 50' under the surface. Then I only come back up when my tank runs low on air.
@Karen-wow on the swimming! I can swim a little across a small pool...anyone who can do what you are doing and the discipline to train as much as needed to accomplish those distance goals is amazing. Of course its like any sport, but, swimming is much different than cycling. Gold star to you!!
@Jerry-your doing great! 2 to 4 months will fly by before you know it. When one door closes another one opens, you and your new bike will go through some wonderful miles together!
@Leonard-welcome back to the Challenge!
There are so many great stories from people who are participating in the NBC, the many different reasons for riding are amazing and inspiring to say the least. There is a whole network of like minded people out there who pursue their love of not just cycling but taking care of themselves, being a part of nature, and nurturing their souls through the power of pedaling two wheels. And not just that they are out there but sharing the stories and their day to day experiences is a story in itself. I never want to logout! lol
@Cynthia, it speaks volumes how the public throws out the barrel because of one rotten apple.
@ Leonard Wright, Good to hear that you are back on the board this season Leonard. I have found that the weather this season makes for a hard commute from work most afternoons, and have made way too many trips in the pickup truck to and from work bacause of it. Nice to be back on the bike this week, while it's a little drier here in Okeechobee.
Feel like a flat tire today. It is going to be hard to put in miles on the bike, brother is very ill.
I'm with EM's (I think it was EM that posted about the Boy Scout Program) track on bike education. We need to teach the children when they are young about bike safety, respect, and rules. We need to approach schools, libraries, parks, churches and civic groups about free programs to teach this to the children. I work with a great group of people who are normally very compassionate and devoted to the welfare of the children of Allentown. They do not like bicyclists on the road, and I fail to understand it. I don't see changing their minds anytime soon, but they would agree to a program for the children about bicycle safety. Another positive step I have seen in Allentown and Emmaus are the bike police. Bike groups could use them, if they would be willing, as bicycle safety advocates to the children.
@Laurie. Way to go!
Go Laurie! How awesome!
Platinum.
@ Jerry B,
I was taken out by another cyclist during a group ride, ended up with a broken collar bone (NOTHING like you list of injuries!!!). The doctor cleared me to start riding again after about 3 months with the caution to NOT fall on that shoulder again. He said it would take about a year for the bone to completely heal. Since I am a klutz and have fallen a number of time in the last 5 years I wasn't willing to take any chances so I waited for almost 8 months after the accident until I started riding again. Probably being WAY TOO cautious but I didn't want to have to start all over with the healing process. As others have commented about broken collar bones, mine didn't set properly either so I was/am still very cautious.
Take care, listen to your doctor. I do think you are on the right track riding a stationary recumbent, that should help you recover much faster once you do get back on your bike. I know I should have done that during my recovery, just didn't have enough ambition to go to the exercise room and do it :-(
Tell you what, if I win the powerball lottery (196 million), I will buy you a new Cannondale. Of course I haven't bought a lottery ticket in years so don't get your hopes up too high.........
@Roberto-agreed. At the same time its the motorist population that see's one unruly misbehaving cyclist and thinks that all cyclists ride that way and that gives the overall bad rap. A motorist will see a cyclist and goes immediately into defense driving mode against the cyclist. That is why this Challenge and all cycling events are so very important to help with education and awareness, but, as you said most importantly is legislation and enforcement.
@Cynthia, because nearly every time someone is killed by a motorist while riding a bicycle, the general public's concern seems to be laser-focused on the few nitwits out there that ride bicycles dangerously while flaunting the law. That's what really bugs me. It's not the few unruly cyclists that are the problem. It's the lack of infrastructure to allow safe cycling; it's the lack of law enforcement; it's the general disregard for the situation by lawmakers; it's the car culture that is so important to so many Americans; it's all of these and more. It's just not good to focus on the few who make the majority of us look bad. Instead focus and be outraged that we are in this situation to begin with. Back in the late 19th century, cycling's heyday, the lobby for a safer cycling environment led to the paving of the very roads we are now being killed on. We need a renewal of that spirit. Only then will change occur.
No Miles to log today. Have to pick up my vehicle today from the garage. My partner took me to work and will pick my up at lunch and I will go get it. $400 repair bill. Ugh. My focus has been going car free this option keep turning over in my mind. I feel confident I am going to do it.
@Rob G,
Thanks Rob, it's good to be back. I'm taking it easy this year - didn't even start riding until mid-June. Only doing about 45-50 miles a day, nothing like last year. Just trying to rebuild my strength and endurance. I spent many years as a flight instructor and always tried to encourage my students in a positive and constructive manner. Still trying to apply the same principles to the NBC.
When I mean aggressive it not directed at anyone in this group its frustrated motorists who take their life's frustration out when they get behind the wheel. Living around the DC area I saw bikers getting harassed all the time, including myself and there was always news of a bike related accident and death. Roberto is right it is carnage, that being so because nothing is being done about it. No legislation or concern from local officials or police officers. I just don't understand why.
@Laurie-what a beautiful experience. Don't you just love it?
Well, I had my computer on last night, but, obviously not long enough to keep up with all the posts.
@Christine-I lost 15lbs riding last year and I have lost another few this year-haven't stepped on the scale yet. That is overrated anyway. I do want to start toning though-I am going to start a weight program this week. I have a very good friend who went to Millersville.
Sorry, didn't get to finish, had to go, guess I have been down this way a little too long, Things are very laid back here. However, I do see bikers all the time on our roads who don't obey the rules. It is extremely frustrating and I just want to say something to them. Our genre is challenged enough without being given more of a bad name because of bikers who think they are the only ones on the road. Even in my own bike group, there are some who do not follow the rules of the road and that is even more frustrating and yes I get very angry. Like c'mon dude(s)! Ya know, its not that hard....
But I do have to say I think cities hold people who are much more aggressive.
Good Morning-darn, I should have been checking in last night. Please note that I have the greatest outrage over cyclists who are maimed, hurt, or killed on the road by motorists. I did not mean to offend anyone and I am on this side of the fence.
@Roberto, I've ridden up that way a couple of times so far. Each year, we've got a 500+ mile benefit ride that goes from West Chester PA to Ogdensburg NY, so we take route L all the way up to the NY border. Love the hills up there!
@Jerry - Hope that didn't sound boastful, rude or angry. I think I was giving myself a pep talk more than you. I am not at the place where I want to be when I ride, but I am not giving up. Hope your rehab. goes better today.
@Jerry - Just as a comparison. I was a good swimmer before having my son, but for several reasons beyond my control, I really got out of shape after having him and started having health problems, I never stopped swimming, but I just was not "in shape". I started swimming at RAC and put my mind to doing better. Although I still do not have the figure I used to 20 years ago, I am a far better swimmer. Partly because I now have a coach (that I share with dozens of other beginning master swimmers.) I also have the respect of collegiate swimmers and Ironmen, not because of how fast I swim, or because I can do an Ironman, but because of how they see me training. Day in, day out, every week. As I said, I can do a 3 mile swim. That is something like an ultra-marathon and more than a century, if not a double century. When I first started training again, I could not do more than 2 laps freestyle and was not able to execute a flip-turn. I added those 214 laps and flips turns one at a time over the next couple years. So it pays me no never mind that I can't do what some people can do, because I know that as long as God gives me time on this planet, I will get there one mile, after another mile, after another mile, after another mile.
Sounds nice Stephen. I plan on a trip to SLC to see cowrkrs and ride some of the paths this fall.
@ Laurie, I agree, you picked a great way to celebrate platinum!
@Laurie, nice job on the platinum.
@Howard, I was on that today, as I am most days. Today it was the section up the the Lehigh Gap.
family evening ride; my wife and oldest Son. Great ride, cool temperatures. South Jordan Utah great views of the Wasatch Mountains.
Has anyone had any luck in recovering any losses due to a vehicle causing an accident without striking the cyclist? I'm recovering but my bike is still waiting on parts and a hefty bill when I pick it up. Been down a lot this month, really contemplating in getting a backup bike to save on downtime.
met my wife halfway on her commute home as I do most nights she works late and it seems to get dark early but the ride in this AM was great, we had the full moon in front of us with a small glimmer of sunrise behind us AWESOME!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
The phone may have made it, but more importantly - you're safe!
@ Karen, well said!
I never ride after dark, except for group moonlight rides, but tonight I went to the local cycling group meeting, and it was almost dark but the time we stopped chatting and hanging out. Rode partway home with a few others, then continued on alone. I was approaching an area with a lot of rough pavement and highway on/off ramps, when suddenly I heard something hit the ground. I figured my water bottle had fallen, but then realized my cell phone was missing from the handlebar pouch I keep it in. A few cars whizzed past me as I walked back looking for it, and I was sure one of them had run over it. Thankfully the phone survived the fall, and went the rest of the way home in my backpack.
@Marty, think I'll stick to cycling.
Must have practiced this a few times before race! http://sprtshumor.lockerdome.com/media/108599455
@ gregg - did it ever warm up in Wisconson? I remember you spoke about the cold weather far into spring. I am enjoying our weather. I like it hot. Tonight, I did a late evening ride while watching the sun go down and listening to the cicadas. We are going to enjoy fall too.
For those of you who thought biking in the hot spell we just had is tough, one of my friends just did the Badwater 135 last weekend. For those of you who haven't heard of it, it is a running race that always takes place during the hottest time of the year, from the lowest point in Death Valley (and this continent), to (almost) the highest point in the lower 48 - the portals on Mt Whitney. Temperatures the first day usually reach into the 120's, and the pavement temperature and the heat radiating the first foot off of the pavement can reach 200 degrees. Gel shoes have had their gel melt out of the shoe, and many air shoes have popped. Runners are required to have two support vehicles, as one could break down, so support crews work in shifts, trying to keep one car out of the heat. It can take anywhere from 22 to 48 hours for some of the top ultrarunners in the world to finish, at least those who don't DNF. And, you have to have a really impressive running resume to get accepted in.
The temps are beginning to feel like fall already--great riding weather in Wisconsin.
@Karen - I don't feel you failed in your comments. Not at all. It did make me think (again), of some of the differences between how men and women interact, especially with the potential threat of escalating violence. I'm a fairly shy and humble guy (even though I am now the Burlap Fizzyology King), except when I am behind a wheel, or dealing with someone behind a wheel. And as a general rule, more men are agressive on the road than women. So, I can easily see your point that you as a women will shy away from confrontation, especially when your vehicle is 30 lbs, and the other person's vehicle is 3 or 4 thousand lbs.
So, when someone confronts a driver, even when we feel it is in a non-agressive or confrontational way, they driver may not percieve it as such, and may increase the level of conflict.
I can also see others' point that education and cooperation need to happen. For the vast majority of us on the NBC, we agree with that, since almost all of us can see things from the perspective of being a bicyclist, and also a current or former driver. The big problem lies with trying to get the willingness to listen from some of the drivers out there who think that either only cars and trucks have a right to the road, or just their vehicle alone, while they are driving it, has the most right to the road. That will be the hard part - getting them to have empathy for us.
Sorry if I offended anyone tonight, it seems as though I mistakenly did. Was never my intent. As I said, I'm on your side. And I AM mad, upset, frustrated about all roadway carnage whether its vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, horse/buggy, or anything else.
Last word on this from for tonight at least. Until enough of we fellow cyclists get fed up enough to demand from the powers that be to do something to make cycling safer, it won't be. So the young woman in Arkansas with her group of 13 hit from behind, the man in Bethlehem, PA, killed during the Holiday season hit from behind, and on and on and on.... is something we will have to just get used to hearing about, experiencing, and accepting? My answer is no. That is my anger. I'm not venting, I'm begging. Get involved. Make change happen.
@Karen, not offended. I just don't understand how the senseless death of a fellow cyclist doesn't piss you off just a little?
@Michael, I think it's the laws of physics that work against cyclists. I often think if I were driving a cement mixer, would that driver be as aggressive with me? Point is, every time a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the bicycle comes out the loser for sure. It's a matter of mass and velocity. Likewise, the inability of a bicycle to accelerate rapidly enough to get out of harms way make this another law of physics fighting against the cyclist. This all being said, it is paramount that motorists give cyclists the benefit of the doubt. I see Mennonites and Amish in buggies and they usually get the utmost respect from a motorist who gives them a wide berth and then buzzes me moments later on my bicycle. Why? Buggy and horse bigger than bicycle. Sadly in this discussion, size matters. The poor soul who lost his life this morning near Fleetwood was hit from behind without warning despite wearing florescent clothing. Mass and velocity overcame a smaller mass traveling at a much slower speed. The result was catastrophic, avoidable, and IMHO criminal. The mere fact that the motorist failed to stop immediately is suspect. He not only violated PA driving laws, he ignored the laws of physics.
@Roberto - Just trying to understand, process, and help. I suppose I've failed on all counts this evening. This relatively inexperienced bicyclist is going to leave this topic to those with more depth of understanding and passion. Myself - not a big fan of anger -if it helps to vent, vent away. Apologies if I have offended.
@Rick, I was neither grouping all cyclists in a scofflaw mold nor all drivers as law abiding. Unlike some others here, I do drive way more miles per year than cycle. Wish it were different, believe me. I see the same bad behaviors from both groups whether I'm behind the wheel or my handlebars, and i also see good drivers and cyclists as well. Unfortunately the Law of Averages sems to work against cyclists; there's just many more drivers than there are cyclists, and there seem to be more 'bad' bike riders than good cyclists. Hey, don't forget that I'm on your side. Anything I can do to educate members of both groups, as well as setting a good example myself, I try to do.
@ Cycling Roberto, Mahalo, You've been right with me for a while now. Shouldn't be long till you get the big D. Except for the commute miles(very little), I haven't tried to add any more miles than my training dictates which is currently around 310 miles a week increasing 3 miles each week until around Jan 2014.
@Kawika, congrats! Hope to join you with a diamond of my own this week.
Made Diamond today! Also climbed a couple of tough hills to celebrate!!
@ Rick G - If you want a tadpole... there's no time like the present! I hear you though about the co$t. But they are worth it!! :) We feel like we are riding a little go cart, almost like in Mario Kart! It's hard to not have a ridiculous grin on your face while you ride one.
There are almost zero traffic accidents. An accident is an unavoidable event caused by nature or providence. Tornadoes are accidents. Earthquakes are accidents. On the other hand there are thousands of preventable collisions/crashes. When we call them accidents, we make it OK for them to happen. When we treat them as preventable incidents, we look for their cause and ways to prevent them from happening ever again. And the degree of injury in any given collision/crash is largely a matter of luck. Alter the sequence just slightly, and a bruised shoulder and a few abrasions becomes a fatality. Prevent the collision and prevent the hurt.
Jerry,
Were those the new 'Bike-o-Loungers' I've been hearing so much about? Rough day. Thanks for bringing back a smile.
"sigh"
So Michael G., why isn't every automobile driver painted with the same brush? Aren't they every one a law-breaking, "It's my road, get out o' my way!" yahoo who poses a menace to society every time any one of them (or us, as drivers) gets behind the wheel? After all, well over half of them exceed the speed limit (saw a recent study where median speed was over the posted limit - by definition over half of drivers were speeding and breaking the law.). Many, including, by my own observation, local law enforcement, roll through stop signs and fail to stop at red lights before turning right. A kid in my neighborhood did a study of how well motorists observed the 3-way stop near my home. The disappointingly low percentage was worth a published article in the local paper. I saw clowns this morning chatting on the cell phone, taking a small part of their attention away from the call momentarily to look for traffic before entering the road from a driveway. Handheld cell phone use is a ticketable offense in this state, but I don't believe it happens unless a cop is suspicious of something else and just needs a reason to wants to pull you over And I finally had to throw my hand up like a traffic cop to pull you over. And this morning, I finally had to throw my hand up like a traffic cop to keep a confused woman from hitting me in a traffic roundabout this morning. She couldn't decide whether to jump in front of me or maybe wait until I passed, so she slowed down but kept creeping into the roundabout until I threw up my hand and yelled "Stop!" Since I had to brake and veer and signal her to stop, she clearly broke the law by failing to yield to traffic (me) already in the roundabout. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen right-turn-before-stop wannabe's blow through the stop line and into the marked and signaled crosswalk, endangering pedestrians and cyclists crossing under signal. On the occasions when I use such crosswalks, I don't race across. I'm looking for that idiot who clearly forgot anything he/she ever learned about navigating an intersection. As a bicyclist, I have more time to observe the moronic behavior of drivers than when I am driving. I also see cyclists behaving badly. The difference is that some of them are immature kids (think teen driver), and almost none pose a danger to anyone other than themselves. By contrast, the moronic drivers are waving loaded weapons at a crowd, and it's just dumb luck that no one on any given day gets hurt. If all cyclists deserve to be painted like the second guy in your vignette, all drivers should be imprisoned for life. None are without a criminal record. The bar, technical and financial, for operating an automobile in my state is set way too low. We excuse it by saying that people need their cars to get to work. Other people lose their lives as a result.
Sorry you took the brunt of this. but between today's fatalities my close call today, I am sick to death of people being apologists for the drivers' position that all cyclists are scofflaws.
Ride, and drive, safely and defensively. It's an unforgiving jungle out there.
@Karen, my anger isn't personal. I'm angry over the nationwide number of injured and killed cyclists each year in the USA. Please don't turn this into a man/woman thing. It's not. It's also not about me. This is an issue that has occurred around the globe. Check out Great Britain recently with the incident of a young woman boasting on Twitter about hitting a cyclist with her car; check out Holland in the late 80's. In the USA, we are more concerned with sensationalism than making roads safer. So if you aren't personally experiencing these issues, that's awesome for you, but the fact remains: every day in America, and average of two cyclists will be killed by motorists. The one today out near Fleetwood just hit home because I ride there all the time, and I happen to experience road rage from an idiot today out near this same spot. WE SHOULD ALL BE ANGRY, and it bothers me that some aren't.
I've never seen this on bicylists before.
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http://tinyurl.com/m3ohoe8
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Plus notice how they are stopped at a red light. How dare they stop at a red light. They are going to ruin our reputation.
For those of you complaining about the heat.
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http://like.iw3b.info/sick-hot-weather-just-remember-2013-07-22/
An 83-year-old cyclist was killed and another injured after semi-truck struck the two Tuesday morning in Lakewood. Holzinger was issued a summons for careless driving resulting in death.They actually ticketed a driver who killed a bicyclist!
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http://tinyurl.com/mnju4ug
@ Dan Donahue - had one around noon today caused by a cabbie right hooking me and then he made a panic stop for peds in the crosswalk, I did a panic, but the cyclist behind me was not as fast and hit me and flew off his bike. in my panic stop I did a rear wheelie and when the cyclist hit me I got spun around and could not get a cab # so the cabbie got away. cyclist got some bad curb rash, a bent ft wheel and fork and I have a pin hole in my left arm and a rear flat ( fixed on the spot)! to answer your original question I am running the tires that came on the X Schwalbe Marathon Supremes and they are great on no flats, but better at stopping!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Kathy. Mount Evans was a ride for this year. But since I decided to modify the original configuration of my body I did not get to ride it. Pikes Peak is scheduled for next year now that they finally allow bicyclists on the mountain. And our hills are usually only 4-12%. And I do ride in the mountains during the winter when weather and road conditions permit.
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But 37% and cold. I am a wimp. Not sure I am up to that.
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Plus I am not sure how all that extra oxygen would affect me. Might overwhelm my lungs.
We are fortunate here in my part of Colorado. We have issues with drivers but not like other parts of the country. It is too bad people can kill bicyclist with no consequences just by saying I did not see them. One of the extreme examples happened about 35 years ago. A 19 year old girl was driving on a road with a very wide shoulder. She turned around and was trying to retrieve a cassette tape from the back seat. She drifted on the shoulder and hit and killed two married couples. She killed four people. No charges. No ticket. Someone back then made the comment that is so true. "If she had killed a police officer she would have been in jail." And still true today. The people who kill bicyclists will no consequences would go to jail if they killed a police officer on the side of the road.
@Roberto - I understand your anger and your frustration. As a seasoned bicyclist out there on the road for a longer period of time, riding at higher speeds and with greater confidence, you must see more than most of us. Also, I think men feel more free to tell off another man. I think that is why you experience more bad behavior than Cynthia and I do. Nothing comes to mind to make you feel better.
Perhaps we can remember the families involved at times like these.
@Jerry, you ride in the Colorado Rockies where 14ers are common place, what's a little 37% grade and a bit o' cold weather? Have you ever done the Pikes Peak Hill climb or Mt. Evans? You have thin air up there, go down to Pittsburgh and suck up some oxygen.
Someone posted about this last week. Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen hill climb bike ride.
I thought wanted to do this until I read he article about Canton Ave. 37% grade.
And that they do the ride in November when it is cold. Though I am still tempted.
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http://tinyurl.com/l2ug92w
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http://www.dannychew.com/CantonAvearticle.html
This is a national issue, not a local or regional one. If you think you live some place Utopian that doesn't have road rage or issues with cyclists, then lucky you! But the bottom line remains: over 600 cyclists A YEAR killed by motorists in the USA. In my book, that's about 600+ too many. We get outraged when a woman falls out of a roller-coaster (which was tragic, however...), but yet we seem comfortable with the carnage on our roads of our cycling sisters and brothers. This should be front page news instead of the new prince. ARGH
@Cynthia thanks for the sensitivity.
The stories of anger are sadly not new and happen all over. Remember that the most popular gun sold at the turn of the 20th century was call the bicycle revolver and was designed for cycling to carry in their pockets.
Treatment of cyclists around here stems, in large part, from the behavior of many on bikes. My word choice there was intentional. Last weekend my wife and I were returning from a restocking trip to one of our fine local wineries. We passed the first cyclist (@Roberto, on PA 562 west of Oley) who was doing it right: dressed visibly, helmet, proper line, paying attention. 1/2 mile down the road was the knucklehead: left hand holding the phone to his ear, right hand crossed over his chest holding his left elbow, no helmet, no shirt, holding the white line. Wanna know why cyclists have a bad rap? See description of second guy!!!!
@Cynthia, that's right, we're a bunch of uptight old people here in eastern PA!
@'Berto, I feel your anger and, more so, your frustration. Bike/ped planning is a big part of my job, and I hear the 'philosophical differences' between drivers and cyclists all the time. I could expound on this so much further, but social media and government jobs don't mix well.
@Roberto-I don't know, sounds like a lot of angry up tight people where you are. Very very sad. We are all on the same planet. Geez.
4646 points~ nice number. WISH I WASN'T SO ANGRY RIGHT NOW.
@Michael, this was southbound on Old Topton Road just before the bend at Mine Road. I'm sure you know the spot. Sadly, this happens to me on average about twice a month. Daily I get yelled at, but at least twice a month somebody feels the need to exit the vehicle to make their point.
@Cynthia, in this neck of the woods veering intentionally to brush a cyclist is not completely unheard of. It's happened to me in the last couple of months. In my case, the guy just missed me, and he turned into a parking lot just down the road. I followed him in, and asked him what was the big idea? He told me that he didn't like the fact that I was waving him past (which I was) because he knows how to drive and didn't need me to tell him what to do (old guy, at least 80)! He said he wanted to teach me a lesson by brushing me with his truck. It took everything within me to not punch him in the face. I told him I was going to call the police, and he said go ahead, his word against mine and the woman seated next to him was willing to say it was my fault, not his. I rode away.
I can't find the reference but there was a kid on a bicycle killed in this area (greater St. Louis area) recently. Fortunately, the police found the driver (hit and run, I think) and charged the driver with a long list of offences. If only the drivers would get charged like that more often.
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@ Paul, One of our local bicycling organizations gives out a small card with all the state laws regarding bicycles. Some people just hand them out to every driver they know. I carry a couple in my bike bag just in case. ***** BTW: You should meet my husband. He is a Rush fan and read the book by Neal Pert, then he gave it to me to read. I agree, its a great read, but it did not inspire me to want to ride in Africa.
When I hear "bike riding in Africa" I can't help but automatically think, "wheeled toy for lions." We have a cat who is part African Savannah cat. We HAD a Zhuzhu pet. The cat, Max, stalked the Zhuzhu pet, pounced it, grabbed it by the throat, and mauled it. The Zhuzhu pet, Zsa Zsa Zhuzhu, is dead. I don't think I will ever go biking in Africa.
@Roberto-very scary-sounds like that guy was looking for an argument.
I hope they get to the bottom of this accident and charges are pressed. Was the cyclist a commuter? The driver could have been any of the things mentioned-under the influence, fell asleep, or had a medical condition. But of all the places he could have veered, why there at that point in time when that cyclist was right there?
Hello all. I'm just getting back into riding regularly after a 7 year "hiatus".
Just want to say it's so sad to hear about the recent tragedies. I have been involved in a few incidents myself, and have been very fortunate in all of them. Recently, I went to our DMV and got a copy of our driver's manual. It has rules/laws for cyclists, and for motorists regarding cyclists. I copied these sections, and now take a few copies w/me on rides to hand to irate motorists the feel a need to demonstrate their ignorance towards cyclists. I would like to suggest you all do the same.
And I seen some books mentioned earlier. Two things I love more than anything: cycling and music. And for music, Rush is one of my favorite bands. Their drummer, Neal Peart is an avid cyclist. He wrote a book about bike touring Africa. Masked Rider. Very entertaining.Highly recommended.
Ride on, everyone, and Happy trails.
@Roberto, thankfully you got away safely. Nowadays you have to worry about someone pulling a gun on ya.
Either way, the State Police must arrest this guy. Too many cyclists in PA get killed and nothing happens. The standard line is, "it was an accident." Bull! Until motorist fear for the consequences of inattentive driving, the carnage will continue. Today, near Topton, PA, I had a motorist leap out of his car, after leaving it in the middle of the road, to yell at me for riding in the lane. I rode away as he was screaming, "where are you going?"
At 6:00 a.m., I wonder if the driver was falling asleep at the wheel?
C.R. it seems to me that the driver was probably impaired in some way, either medically or "under the influence". Scary.........
The cyclist passed away. He was wearing florescent clothing and a helmet when he was struck from behind. The story says witnesses noticed the driver veering towards the shoulder, and that he didn't stop for 2 tenths of a mile and only after being flagged down by another motorist. Let's see if the State Police have the balls to charge this creep. AND DON'T TELL ME IT'S AN ACCIDENT.
@Rick, I'm not nostalgic for the good old days personally. True things were much different BITD, but remember the race was never nearly as tight as it is today either. I seriously think that if only those who meet the standards of the early 20th century are considered cyclists, then the term is no longer meaningful. As a cyclist myself, I take exception to that.
@ Michael, that is appalling. I sure hope the driver is charged with this senseless death. How sad for the man's family.
Deceased bicyclist update: http://tinyurl.com/keag7yc We'll see if any charges are filed against the driver...
22 miles by road bike done... seemed like I was riding against that dag nabibit wind every time I made a turn!
Ok, so I move that we re-christen you Marty Jute Burlap Fizzy King !
@Karen - Was riding in Phoenix one day and came across a pair of shorts. A block later a pair of panties and the block after that a bra. Didn't find the owner. It is hot here in Phoenix but that may have been the extreme solution.
Tammie P - excellent ride on Bike MS! All these I have done were wonderfully supported. Build your team for Bike MS! What a great accomplishment for you!
@Karen - Burklee definitely had a better answer than mine. It is just my way of saying that, while honored, I cannot accept the title of Bicycle Geek King, and that I know more about Jute/Burlap and certainly Exercise Physiology, than about two wheeled non-motorized vehicles.
If you don't mind, I would like to save that title for someone who has yet to join the NBC - a person who was in my University bike club. He could, (and all-to-often did), talk for 20 minutes easily on the tensile strength/composition of a screw in a certain component and how that compared with one in a different, or same component.
@Burklee - Good one!
@Kathy-but of course!
@Burklee-what a great program. Talk about community support. That would be something that would make you feel good to involved in.
"Fizzyology"... That's the study of carbonated drinks, right?
@Cynthia - I'm lucky to be involved with a DIY bike shop. If someone can't afford LBS repair prices, they can come to our shop and get help. We have bike tools and mechanics who know what they're doing. The mechanics will teach repair to those who want to learn. All repairs are free, but if you can afford to drop some $ in the donation box, we appreciate it. We have folks who can afford pro repairs, but like to do it themselves, and they're welcome, too. We take donations of old bikes, so they don't end up in the landfill. Bikes are expensive, even at the big box stores. If someone doesn't have a bike and needs or wants one, for 20 hours of volunteer time, we give them a bike. Kids under 13 can get a bike for free. It's pretty much the best thing I've ever been involved in.
@Marty - fizzyology, Your Geekness must explain terminology.
I seriously want a tadpole, but have neither the free cash nor free garage space nor sufficient funds in the emotional bank account with my spouse to be able to afford said wunder-trike. Someday before I'm too old to turn cranks...
@Roberto - I know what you mean, but in Christophe's day. all the bikes were steel, two gears is all one had, and one had to stop, remove and flop the wheel and reset the chain to change gears. Beyond that, one could not accept assistance along the way. The rider had to provide all his own mechanical support - including carrying all spares he thought he might need. The rider could not discard those spares or parts removed along the way. And the rider had to start, ride and end on the same machine. Closer to randonneuring than current tour racing. Today's tour riders are biomechanical miracles. Christophe and his ilk were cyclists.
@Cynthia - we should ask everyone, what is the weirdest road trash they ever saw? If I see something in the country sometimes I will investigate and keep it, if not valuable. This morning I found a 10$ seemingly unused grocery gift card with the peg holder portion still attached in front of a house, of course I put it in their mailbox, but I had to go around the block first and think about it. Once I found a watch next to a car door - put it between the doors: black necklace - on the arbor. Last year, found 10$, knocked on the door, know one answered- since house looked empty, kept it - bad Karma, next day the derailleur on my bike crunched into my back wheel and made a real mess.
With all this talk about tools and repairs, I am hereby issuing an appeal. My daughter came up with the idea of offering a bicycling camp through the local YMCA. I would like to hear from cyclists in the Greater St. Louis area who would be interested in putting a proposal together to do this. We're thinking a week long camp that would include some basic safety and mechanics training and info. about different types of bikes and riding and of course some riding. If you are interested please let me know. We can meet & discuss & plan & eat & put together a proposal.. And then go for a ride!! THANKS!
@Laurie R - way to go. My total nonstop miles this year is 27, but I'm building.
@Kathy- I so agree! I never assume a truck can or will see me and I stay as far out of their way as I possibly can.
@Cynthia - you should use your found money to buy lottery tickets. Remember Charley in Willy Wonka (1971 version)? He found money on the street (in a storm drain) and bought the winning chocolate bar with the golden ticket! When you win the Powerball you can thank me for this idea with a small percentage....
@Jerry, IMO, a semi will always have the right of way, even if I have the right of way legally and I will do my best to stay out of the way. Trucks can't see you (my cousin is a truck driver), it's not their fault, they are just too big, need tons of space for turns and have huge blind spots. best answer. Stay way back bike lane or not cause you are not going to win that battle.
@Michael-eeewww, be careful out there! You get a gold star for your will to ride no matter what the conditions are for your area.
So sorry to hear about the two fatalities today-CO & PA. Its so very very sad. My heart is with those who have passed and the families.
@Burklee-you have inspired me, even though we have a new local bike shop, there are no classes for DIY bike repair in our area that are close by. I decided to check out You Tube for a lot of instruction! Thanks! Maybe I can save some green and learn to do the simple thing myself like tightening brakes, and gosh, what fun to purchase tune up tools for a bike with the money you can save taking the bike to a shop? Of course more major repairs they can fix, but, I can do the little ones. Probably won't find those tools on the side of the road-if I ever do, maybe a lottery ticket will be with it. Will keep you posted on that one Kathy. hee hee.
You Tube had several DIY Bike Repair Stands-that looks like a fun project!
@Cynthia, where I ride the only tools I'm likely to find are a tossed handgun or used syringes...
@Michael - You would think drivers in that area would slow down due to the knowledge that Amish/Mennonites use the roads. I never understand the blatant disregard for the safety of our fellow man. However, I will not give up hope that someday we will see change.
@ EM - Thanks, chick! I'll never be a professional mechanic, but I do like that I can help people get out there or get back out there or stay out there on safe, properly functioning bikes.
We had a cyclist killed this morning in Colorado in a collision with a truck.
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http://tinyurl.com/l3546w9
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Just a quick refresher for everyone about trucks.
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What Cyclists Need to Know About Trucks
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http://tinyurl.com/cf2fucx
@Marty, usually I'd agree with you but not today; cloudy and borderline foggy. That stretch of road has some bad sight lines and drivers really like to fly. Lots of Amish/Mennonites in that area as well. No details released about the accident, only that it was a male that was hit.
@Cynthia - I find tools too. I got some real nice vise grips, wrenches... someday I might have a whole set. I haven't found any money yet... but if I ever see that or a lottery ticket I'm slamming on the brakes.
@Michael - Sorry about the cyclist. Without being familiar with the local area or direction, its likely that the sun being up for about 15 minutes was a factor.
@Michael, oh yes, perfect place for that rosary.
@Jerry, just think if you weren't healthy, i.e., riding bike-you wouldn't be doing any miles for sure. So glad that people pursue the love of riding no matter what adversity they face. It is what keeps you mentally emotionally and physically fit. My son is handicapped (one arm is immobile) and rides like a champion.
@EM-gosh what a site that must have been! No pics? : (
@Jerry, thanks. It was great to ride to work again.
Hi all, got so wrapped up in reading the messages that I forgot to report yesterday's ride. I got started about 10:30 and the temps were already in the 80s. There were quite a few riders out there. Today I got out earlier with temps in the 70s. Decided to add one of my weekend loops to the regular route and drop some of the neighborhood riding. Half a dozen other riders. Unfortunately, there was a new dead turtle on my route. Also, I saw a motorcycle that was carrying two bicycles. Sorry no picture.
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@ Michael, sorry to hear about the death of the cyclist. Moment of silence.
@ Burklee, great job with the mechanics!
@Cynthia, thanks for the gorgeous imagery!
Unfortunately, our cyclist struck earlier this morning passed away at the hospital. No details released regarding the accident. Keep it safe out there, folks, and keep this one in your thoughts.
@Brett. I am jealous. Have fun riding again.
@Cynthia. I ride in the Colorado Tour de Cure every year. Being diabetic, this is an important ride for meI hope I can make it this year, even if I have to do the 15 mile route instead of the 100 miles. It is Aug 17th. So it is iffy if I can ride by then. There is another one here in Colorado in Sep. if I cannot ride in Aug I hope to make that one. Now I need to get started on my fund raising. Now that I can get to my computer and don't have to depend on my iPad to go online.
@Cynthis, funny, last Thursday about 2 blocks from home I almost rode over a rosary that someone threw on the street. It had been run over previously from the looks of it. Being the good Catholic boy that I am I couldn't just leave it there or throw it out. It now resides in my repair kit. Can't hurt, huh?
@Roberto, Welcome to Pennsylvania!!!! Counties actually have very little control over many things, unlike most other states. Here in Berks, we have to deal with 73 individual municipalities. Explains a lot, huh?
@Burklee, Thanks! I see another Nashbar order in my future!
I still one of these until I can ride my bicycle again.
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http://tinyurl.com/maef3np
@Michael, no wonder we have such a lack of cycling infrastructure. With a crazy-quilt system like ours, there's little hope that some of the smaller communities will see the benefit. Some (Longswamp Twp) seem happy to remain locked in the 1950's.
@Cynthia, most don't, but this accident was in daylight.
Finally back on my bike and logging miles after hurting my shoulder while white water rafting. Feels good to be back on the bike and back in the Challenge!
@Roberto, because development in Pennsylvania, under Commonwealth law, is regulated at the local (township/borough/city) level, not at the county level like most other states. We only have power to review and comment on development proposals; the ultimate authority to create and enforce development regulations and approve subdivisions lies with municipal government. They can take our comments to heart or they can ignore them; ultimately, they can't demand what's not in their ordinances.
@Michael G. - I was actually using a fourth hand tool. My apologies. It grabs and holds onto the brake cable. I was tightening my V-brakes. I attached the 4th hand to the cable, close to the brake cable anchor bolt so I would know where the cable used to sit, and I wouldn't under or over tighten the brakes. Using the 4th hand, I got the brakes adjusted correctly the first time - no doing-undoing-redoing the job. That's usually been the problem any time I've tried to adjust my brakes just using pliers to pull the cable. Here is a link showing the tool (not any endorsement of Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-94-27-403-Third-Hand-Cable-Puller/dp/B00165P4PO.
A most "handy" device.
I will stop and pick up dangerous objects from the road/roadside, if traffic permits a safe stop.
I have found some awesome tools on the side of the road too. Like pliers, utility knives, screwdrivers, once I found a turquoise ring. I always try to stop for money like change, I have a jar I put it in called "Road Change" hee hee. I am still waiting for that $100 bill to be laying there. hee hee. I guess I am dreaming
@Jerry-we have a diabetic cyclist here that works for our town. He is an avid cyclist and does the NC Tour De Cure every year.
@Michael-nice you have the power to make a difference. Being familiar with that general area I can see the problem. Do they use lights on their bikes these days? Been sometime since I was up and around there.
@Michael, thanks! Why aren't developers mandated to include connecting bicycle/walking paths when they build tract homes? If we are going to lose all of our precious farmland, we could at least provide more than streets for high-dollar SUV's and custom pick-ups.
@Michael here is a link for the diabetic cyclist.
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http://tinyurl.com/mqzk8tl
@Roberto, glad you're safe. I know that stretch of road well and all of the Amish/Mennonites that use it. We're designing upgrades to US 222 in that area and I'm making sure PennDOT does not forget cyclists and horse/buggies in their designs. Since I do transportation planning work for the county planning commission I see them (PennDOT) on a regular basis.
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@Mike W, thanks for clearing the road as well. I agree with you; good deeds will (hopefully) not go unnoticed.
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@Capt. Competitive, 'Third Hand Tool'? Educate me, please...
Oh my, so sad to hear about the cyclist that was hit this morning.
@Michael-keep that bridge image in mind when you traversing floods and bad streets, to help you stay positive. This is a very unique coastal environment for sure.
@Burklee-cool! What a great feeling to do your own mechanic work for your bike.
Michael G: I'm no Eagle but I also stop and remove road hazards while riding: a 2x4 x 36" with nails sticking out and a a 3'x4' piece of sytrofoam yesterday on the way home while nursing a slow leak in my front tire. Hopefully the three people that saw me doing this on the country road will have a better appreciation towards cyclist due to this simple act.
@Michael, not me, but most likely one of the many Mennonites who use that road to commute to work. A little over 4 years ago, Betty Jane Weaver, 51, was struck and killed by an 81 year-old woman from Fleetwood who drove home with Weaver's bicycle wedged under her car: the outcome, no charges. That road is super dangerous. My heart goes out to the victim.
Had an IRIR to work this morning, so I'm awfully glad I tightened up my brakes last night! I just recently learned how to use the third-hand tool. It makes brake work a whole bunch easier. Last Tuesday I figured out how to adjust a derailleur. I was the only "mechanic" at Women and Transgender Only night. One woman's bike wouldn't go into the lowest gear. I knew there was some procedure about turning the limit screws, but it had never been explained to me before. I got out a bike repair manual, and I fixed it. Ha!
@Rob, I've done RAGBRAI six times. Watch for the bump.
Iowa is currently in 4th place. Wonder if they'll see a bump with RAGBRAI? Let's see, thousands of riders pedaling 70 miles a day for a week = LOTS of potential NBC points.
Refreshingly cool morning in the Fox Cities, tomorrow will be a bracing 52 degrees. Interestering, the same 52 degree morning 6 months from now would be a miracle here! Good luck to those who are diamond hunting; I am and hope to find some nice ones along the way.
Two bicycle-related articles in the local rag http://readingeagle.com/ this morning. First one talks about a diabetic cyclist riding to raise awareness of the disease. Second one, unfortunately, is a developing story of a cyclist hit and seriously injured earlier this morning. @Roberto, hope that's not you (it's within your range). Would include links directly to the articles but the board wipes them.
Hey, @Cynthia, thanks for that morning update. Makes me wish I was back there again. Luckily, I know which bridge you're talking about so I can picture in my mind exactly what you're seeing. Wonderful imagery!
I had an interesting ride into work today. We had over 3 inches of rain last night. One of the streets I ride on evidently flooded. I'm not talking a little water, here; the high water mark on one of the walls was up to my bike seat! Apparently the police didn't check the roadway before they reopened it, since I had to move a manhole cover back into place. Those suckers are HEAVY!!! Everybody else was just driving around it, guess I did my Eagle Scout "Good Turn" for the day.
Three NPR reporters are participating in RAGBRAI I!!!!
Wow-like 7 pages of comments since yesterday at 5:00! Guess I will have to turn my computer on at night and check in to keep up, don't want to miss anything. hee hee.
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Oh definitely-Hail to Marty! Speech, Speech!
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@everyone-nice job on accomplishments and milestones-isn't just a wonderful feeling.
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I really enjoyed reading the story about the woman who "crossed the world" on her bike. For to even take that on at that time with a husband and children is amazing in of itself.
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The book I read that I said I would post is: The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling. Although the authors are pro long distance riders/racers-there is a wealth of information about everything from nutrition/hydration, riding in wind, hill work, cadence, and on and on. I recommend to any one who is trying to learn.
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Starting to get more miles in as I anticipate Bike MS the end of September. So this morning was my first morning up and out at dawn to ride, more interested in hill work so I chose to ride over to the island which entails riding over the bridge, my hill work, I am getting better, I amazed myself at how easy it was this morning to climb. So excited! It was beautiful at the top of the bridge-the "Thunder Moon" hanging close to the intracoastal waterway-big, full as full can be and glowing yellow from the reflection of the rising sun which was coming up on the other side of me. The ocean looming ahead of me I descended on the island and rode the entire island 6 miles end to to end. With the wind at my back I headed the east end at a constant 17 mph saying weeee the whole way but then paid for it on the way back. Pushing into the wind and pedaling hard, I relaxed to save my strength to climb the flip side of the bridge. Quiet and serene was the morning. Passing all the beach homes filled with still sleeping people on vacation from just about everywhere you could imagine, I felt fortunate, alive and just wonderful.
@ Dameon Plagens- I am looking at an ICE Sprint 26 or 26X. How many flats do you have? Managing the track of 3 wheels to stay out of flating is a serious issue on my broken glass, tree limb, beer can litered shoulders. Does the X perform much better that thr regular Sprint 26?
@ Laurie. Congrats on your milage. It gets addicting. @ everyone your doing great justkeep peddling.
@Rick, let's see you do two climbs of Alp d'huez after racing 125 miles before you call anybody a wimp.
@Mark, I've done GRABAAWR too. Congrats to your wife.
@ Tammie. If you are dizzy tomorrow you need to get checked out by a doctor.
Another carless day. I did all my errands today by bike, and took roundabout ways home. Rode over 29 miles, which is the 2nd highest one day total I've done so far this year. I expect to sleep well tonight :)
YAY Tammie!
Tammie congrats on the platinum! You have done so well all summer, hope you feel better soon! Have fun diamond chasing!
@ becky- way to go becky! I have also found that DRIVERS give my tadpole a much wider berth then when I ride my df. get asked the same two ? lots, along w/ the $ sign. but if Jerry can drool over a $$$$.00 roadie i'll stay w/ my commuter/camper/ errand running Ice sprint 26 x. Bent because I LOVE IT!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE (TRIKE) BETTER!
D.
@ Rick, thanks for the tip, I'm always looking for more books about bicycling adventures!
that is quite an accomplishment Mark! I have been enjoying all the links to articles... so much great information today. So, we have a King of Geeks! I'll vote for that. I also moved into platinum yesterday. Now I will be chasing that diamond! I managed to crawl onto my bike for the minimum 1 mile today. That is about all I really had in me .. honestly! Between my shoulder and my head, I am DEAD! I did buy a new helmet today but really just wanted to get it over with. I actually got dizzy while at the store.. I magine in the bike shop and just wanting to leave?
@ Mark, your wife has earned the bragging rights. My daughter and I did GRABAAWR a few years ago and had a blast!
@ J Hugh, nice touch with the burlap! Hail King Marty!
@Mark. Tell your wife congratulations. That is a great achievement.
While we're in the archives section, check out "Two Wheels North," the true story of two teenagers who rode their bikes 1000 miles from California to Seattle, WA, to attend the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909.
I have to brag about my wife. She rode 405 miles in 8 days last month in the GRABAAWR. Plus, she has her photo in USA TODAY! Check out the article and photo at our site www.tadpole-tales.com (shameless plug, I know!). It was her first supported tour and longest rides ever. She did great!!!
@ Mark - Kudo's to your wife!
@Rick, you have to fish to drink beer all day?????
Into the archives of cycling, I think a case can be made that the current crew of TDF riders are just a bunch of wimps. Read the account of the 1913 tdf and Eugène Christophe's persistence - and the differences in the rules then and now. For example, how many of you out there ride 'flip flop' gearing, i.e., you have to stop and flip the rear wheel over to change to 'your other gear.?'
Wiki article on Christophe, including the 1913 incident::
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Christophe
Crown is a Bicycle helmet
Coat of arms is a bicycle chain ring with a pair of running shoes at the base. A Chain circles the shield. His septer is a long handled torque wrench. His shield is a burlap covered trash can lid with the coat of arms on it. //any artist that can produce this please be creative.
All Hail! Marty "King of the Bicycle Geeks" Malin the last.
Gee, Jerry, I thought it was "Teach a man to fish, and he'll sit around in a boat and drink beer all day." I do like your version, though.
@JHugh. Cool Story about the lady rider. I always wondered why women's bikes had the step thru frame and was told it was for dresses. I cant imagine riding in all those clothes.
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Congrats to all who achieved something special today.
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I don't know that I've ever experienced heat stroke/exhaustion but I do know I can't have raw sugars (soda, candy) before exercise or I will pass out. and too much heat makes me wilt. My speed has collapsed since summer started and if it's above 90 I start panting like a dog.
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Marty for bike geek!!!
J Hugh: No objections , It remains only to conceive a suitable crown, scepter , shield and coat of arms for the clear and uncontested King.
HEALINES: Jim makes 2000 with a bang! Yay Jim!
@ J Hugh HEAR HEAR!!
@J. Hugh - I hereby second the motion.
I hereby officially nominate Marty as Marty "King of the Bicycle Geeks" If there are no Objections I move that Marty be declared "King of the Bicycle Geeks" by acclamation. His posts now will read Marty "King of the Bicycle geeks" Malin.
I find that Marty"s OCD perfectly compliments my ADD - call him whatever you want, but the burlap rider is A-OK in my book.
Another review of my helmet mirror. This one is enjoyable reading.
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http://flashblog2011.blogspot.com/2011/06/quick-check-your-six.html
I just ordered a new mirror for my helmet. See review below.
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http://allseasonscyclist.com/2011/05/02/cycleaware-reflex-flexible-helmet-mirror/
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The one thing I do with this mirror is attach the base unit to my helmet with 5 minute epoxy. It has double sided tape that is pretty good. But since most of our bicycle helmets have a more curved shell it is not a perfect mate. I knocked off my mirror a couple of times by bumping into something. After I attach the base unit with epoxy, that was no longer an issue. Just test ride with the mirror and make sure it is where you want it before using the epoxy.
@ J. Hugh, thats an amazing story. I read "The Lost Cyclist" about a rider who tried to go around the world by bicycle in the late 1880s. He didn't make it, he disappeared in Turkey. So another guy set out to look for him. The adventure showed how bad roads were in those days and how it was simply impossible to ride in some parts of the world. So its not surprizing that "Annie Londonderry" didn't ride everywhere either.
@EM - YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!
@Cathy - Missed the post earlier, I would be glad to read the book you know of if you can remember the title.
Wow, I am only 75 points away from platinum. I may make it after all :P
I consider myself a rock star every time I successfully ride up a hill. I think that if I stopped in the middle, I'd never be able to get going again. And, I consider coasting down the other side as the best reward possible :)
I just see putting my foot down as the hill laughing at me. .......................................................................................... @Marty I went through Heat exhaustion a few times. Ok maybe more than a few thinking about it. 2011 I overdid myself (riding) a few times. 2011, I didn't ride more than 2 times a week though. Both times were on hot days, riding 50+ miles. 2012 I did it one time on a 100F day. I determined Gatorade, especially red was a bad idea to drink anymore. So far I've been OK. I think bringing a lunch is what cured it, well and riding every day. There was a time I somehow did so working on a roof (painting windows), too. That wasn't a good day. It seemed like I drank too much water actually, making me sick..
@ Kathy, clearly: A WOMAN'S PLACE IS ON A BICYCLE!!
I should add that the 2,000 points came just before my rear tire went _BAM_! New wheel and back on the road tomorrow! The spokes could not be tightened up any more on the old wheel.
@Roberto - If you put your foot down on a hill, it may have ants in it.
And, heat exhaustion isn't limited to just hot days with high humidity either. Years ago, I suffered from heat exhaustion when the temperature was in the mid-60s. I was biking to a 5 mile road race in the Spring, when I noticed something had fallen off of my bike rack. So, I went a few miles back and found it. I then rushed to the race, not drinking from my water bottle. I did well in the race, and while waiting for the awards ceremony, had a small beer. I started feeling chilled (even though my core was overheating), so I went to my bike and put on a thin jacket. I still couldn’t warm-up. So, I went to where my bike was and lay down in the grass in full sun, curled up in a ball. (The exact wrong thing to do) After 20 minutes, I didn't feel any warmer, (although by this time my core temperature was almost at heat stroke stage), so I decided to bike home. As I started to bike, I noticed that I was in my lowest granny gear going DOWN a small hill. It was at that point that I finally realized that something was wrong, and called to get picked-up.
I made it past 2,000 points today - something that seemed completely out of the picture back in May! This is a great experience! Thank you to everyone for sharing your ups and your downs, your information and your joy of cycling!
@Laurie – Good observation! It is difficult to determine the difference between Heat Exhaustion and Hyponatremia, especially if you add Heat Stroke to the mix.
Symptoms of both – Dizziness, confusion, faintness, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
Heat Exhaustion (and to a lesser extent its precursor, heat cramps) – Heavy sweating, cool moist skin with goose bumps while in the sun, dark colored urine, flushed or pale skin, higher core temperature, and rapid heartbeat.
Heat Stroke – Lack of sweating, high core temperature over 104 degrees, and rapid breathing.
Hyponatremia – Restlessness, irritability, seizures, and coma.
So, the best way to tell the difference is by asking them how much and what they drank/ate during the ride/event, and how often and what color their urine was when they peed. If the answers are just or almost all water, often, and urine was clear, then it is a safe bet that they are hyponatremic. If they are confused or unconscious, then ask someone who was with them. Failing that, core temperature and heart rate would be good indicators. A high temperature and rapid HR would indicate Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke.
If you are still unsure, while waiting for emergency personnel, then DO NOT GIVE THEM WATER, (as that could easily result in a coma or death if they are hyponatremic), get them in the shade, loosen clothing, and put wet cold cloths or ice on their inner wrists, carotid arteries, and groin. Which will help lower their temperature if they are suffering from the heat.
@Kathy-thanks for sharing those links. What fun. Great history too. The don'ts for women are so many-and they still rode. Found a way around it all.
While I don't condone this response I understand it. I hate it when "fans" run beside cyclists in the TDF.
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http://m.youtube.com/watch
@J. Hugh. I was able to read the article just now.
@J. Hugh. In Florida you never have to worry about hills. Riders in Florida should on get 1 point for every two miles.
Sorry after reading the article I went back and it was blocked and just a for sale article. In Victorian dress this woman cycled around the world in 1894. So after that I guess some men needed to make rules. Same guys are members of the taliban now.
One of the more interesting bicycle blogs I've found.
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http://carbonaddiction.net/
@Nyla, every comment I post is my own parameter... obviously.
If you put your foot down on a hill, it's a "do over," means you can't count the hill as climbed. You have to do it again without the foot down. Just sayin'
A fascinating article about Parkinson's disease and bicycling.
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http://tinyurl.com/ab9yguw
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Be sure to watch the video
http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2013/05/19/documentary-about-boston-woman-legendary-bicycle-trip-around-world-wins-and-kicks-off-bike-themed-film-festival/dItZtz0pynWKRqf40xkFsO/story.html
Check out the cycling gear in this story. She is my hero.
If I put my foot down on a hill, I'm not in Florida.
CLASSIC RIDER QUOTES #1
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“It’s a no drop ride – so keep up.”
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring.
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Desmond Tutu
A history lesson to all the lady cyclists out there.
Women cyclists have been around for a long time, so in 1895 someone thought it would be appropriate to make rules for women cyclists.
http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2011/11/29/1895-donts-for-women-riders/
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and here's what happened when a man saw a woman in her bloomers. Perhaps it is why we don't wear such things anymore. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Ellimans-Universal-Embrocation-Slough-1897-Ad.png
If I put my foot down on a hill it's a "fall-over."
@Roberto - Does that mean you have to turn around and start over?!?
If you put your foot down on a hill, it's a "do-over."
When I put my foot down on a hill, it is usually a “think-it-over”(-;
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Ah, Roberto….I perceive a self-deprecating, slightly facetious smile underlying your emphatic statement…and Of course you are entitled to set any arbitrary parameters precisely as you choose to gage the success of your own personal endeavors, but please do not dismissively generalize those parameters for others. The ascent of mountains, metaphorical or otherwise, varies on a highly individualized basis. One of the most striking, inspiring and humbling elements of involvement with MS Society events is the pervasive egalitarian atmosphere of overwhelming support and enthusiasm for each individual effort: the highly toned and competitive athletes who reach each destination first; the riders with MS pedaling in tandem with frequent stops; the gentleman at the very end each day, determined to finish while adjusting to a brand new recumbent to accommodate declining health; the sweaty, sunburned saddle-sore middle of the pack, all cheering one another on. That same generally pervasive atmosphere of celebration and support for all cyclists and cycling efforts is also evident in this Challenge. It is one of the most consistently welcoming and motivating aspects of this online community. I’ve read enough of your generous, insightful, informative and supportive comments to appreciate that you recognize and honor the fact that we approach our hills, actual and internal, in different ways, with varying perspectives and levels of fitness and ability. It is the intent to continue upward that counts, not the speed, or the skill, or the stops along the way. (-:
HILLSs: My speed may be easily exceeded by pedestrians. and I’m likely to stop along the way to catch my breath and begin again in lowest gear, but I’ll keep pedaling and count a triumph when I can maintain sufficient forward momentum to avoid tipping over.
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A literal high point of MS TRAM Day 4 (Biwabik to Two Harbors) , was the mirage-like appearance of “Brimson Sportsmen’s Corner” at the top of the day’s longest climb…yet another, ever-even higher in a seemingly endless series of hot, steep, winding, into-the-wind ascents. Tiny convenience-store/bait shop in a trailer, backed by the proprietor’s home. Owner’s Dad set out lawn chairs and tables at the edge of a wide, shaded, welcoming lawn, and offered a huge cooler of ice water, while son sold a variety of ice cream confections for $1 apiece. Ice water and Eskimo Pie were pure ambrosia in those circumstances. That serendipitous oasis refreshed on every level…and many riders continued on with slightly sticky smiles. I think of these as “leg-breaking, lung-bursting” or lb. squared hills ( abbreviated to #2 hills where # does double duty for both lb. and the expletives occasionally elicited on such climbs). If all such ascents offered an ice-cream oasis at the apex, my historical antipathy toward pedaling endlessly upward could be permanently modified. (-;
My bicycle shop took my bike away from me today. Hopefully I will get my new bike soon. They had in the new Cannondale Synapse Hi-Carbon. Only $5,500. Out of my price range.
Question: I was reading the comments on here about hyponatremia, and it seems to me that the symptoms overlap those of heat exhaustion. How can you tell which is which?
50 nonstop HOT HUMID WINDY miles. Ran out of water just as I finished. Thanks Clif bar and bloks.
@Tammie, way to go. Conquering your challenges one by one.
@Tammie-you go girl! That's all you can do really. ha ha and you did it.
@Burklee-great post-thanks for the smile!
Yo Burklee, congrats! GO BIG RED!!!
@Burklee - Thanks for the post, good job! Made me smile.
Day 2 of the Bike MS is nothing but hills... and I had only done a few days of hills which were only about 10 to 14 mile days. I managed 60 miles of hills! Mile 55 was the largest one for me.. I wimped out on the biggest one and took a ride to the top then finished the rest of the course. I have to admit when I got to the top of one hill I looked up and saw two hills in front of me then this huge one at 55 what I said to myself was "Oh My GOD .. whos joke was it to put the rest stop at the top of a mountain!?" I literally took two deep breaths as I started shifting and working the gears to get up my speed over the next lower hill to start my way up that little monster... but I made it!
Burklee - I liked your quoted thoughts, particularly to last one, "The only part not functioning optimally on my bike is the rider."
I can very seldom say that, as I am very bad at maintaining my bike. There are times when my level of functionality reaches down and meets up with my bike's condition. A sorry sight indeed.
@Howard - That's a good way to get the cadence down. That also reminded me of the easiest way to work on your cadence while biking on the road. Beforehand, just do an interned search for "90 bpm songs". Find some that you like and are familiar with, then periodically while riding, play the song in your head and pedal to it.
@Karen - You aren't that far off. It won't take much practice at all. Yes, counting your strokes in 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 definitely works. The only reason I suggested the other way is that your eyeys are only off of the road for a second or two, so it is a little safer.
If you have a granny gear, you should be able to keep the same cadence up hills. The main thing with changing gears is to do it just before you need it, easing up slightly on the tension while pedalling, (less strain on both the chain and deralileur), then change gears, and when it engages, start spinning.
In New Zealand I learned that the large dog at the back of the sheep herd is called a hunt away. The job of the Hunt away is to keep everyone moving. So, when at the back of the pack I just hunt away. woof woof. Also, the person who is really last in any bicycle ride is the one on the couch at home.
@Brett. I am jealous. Have fun riding again.
@Cynthia. I ride in the Colorado Tour de Cure every year. Being diabetic, this is an important ride for meI hope I can make it this year, even if I have to do the 15 mile route instead of the 100 miles. It is Aug 17th. So it is iffy if I can ride by then. There is another one here in Colorado in Sep. if I cannot ride in Aug I hope to make that one. Now I need to get started on my fund raising. Now that I can get to my computer and don't have to depend on my iPad to go online.
@Marty-thanks so much again-I would rather learn to with the changes than against them so I can keep doing what I love.
@Karen-I purchased a book from Amazon that give great information on hill climbing. I will check the title of the book when I get home and give it to you. Here where I live there are no hills! And the Bike MS ride I do is full of them for the first 25 miles. So, I just keep riding over the intracoastal waterway bridge as much as I can. That is great training and better than no training! Also, as you become a stronger rider too, it helps a great deal.
@Cynthis, funny, last Thursday about 2 blocks from home I almost rode over a rosary that someone threw on the street. It had been run over previously from the looks of it. Being the good Catholic boy that I am I couldn't just leave it there or throw it out. It now resides in my repair kit. Can't hurt, huh?
@Roberto, Welcome to Pennsylvania!!!! Counties actually have very little control over many things, unlike most other states. Here in Berks, we have to deal with 73 individual municipalities. Explains a lot, huh?
@Burklee, Thanks! I see another Nashbar order in my future!
I still one of these until I can ride my bicycle again.
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http://tinyurl.com/maef3np
Things that ran through my head while on the Cornhusker State Games ride:
"If I just stop at the halfway point rest stop, can I have half a medal?"
"Attack the hills! Attack the hills! Holy cow, you give me one banana at a rest stop and I go ape."
"I signed up for WHAT?!?!"
"Gravity, why do you have to work both ways???"
"I'm not straggling, I'm riding herd."
"The only part not functioning optimally on my bike is the rider."
It was actually a great ride. The weather was beautiful. This is the first time I've ever ridden the highways on my bike. It's usually city streets or trails for me. Highway riding is A WHOLE LOT different, with those long hills to climb. But I rode every mile - no getting off and pushing! Yeah, I may have only been going 4 miles an hour up the hills, but I made it.
I feel like I've got thighs and buns of steel. They remain safely encased in 3 inches of flab, but still...!! :)
@Michael, no wonder we have such a lack of cycling infrastructure. With a crazy-quilt system like ours, there's little hope that some of the smaller communities will see the benefit. Some (Longswamp Twp) seem happy to remain locked in the 1950's.
@Cynthia, most don't, but this accident was in daylight.
Finally back on my bike and logging miles after hurting my shoulder while white water rafting. Feels good to be back on the bike and back in the Challenge!
@Roberto, because development in Pennsylvania, under Commonwealth law, is regulated at the local (township/borough/city) level, not at the county level like most other states. We only have power to review and comment on development proposals; the ultimate authority to create and enforce development regulations and approve subdivisions lies with municipal government. They can take our comments to heart or they can ignore them; ultimately, they can't demand what's not in their ordinances.
@Michael G. - I was actually using a fourth hand tool. My apologies. It grabs and holds onto the brake cable. I was tightening my V-brakes. I attached the 4th hand to the cable, close to the brake cable anchor bolt so I would know where the cable used to sit, and I wouldn't under or over tighten the brakes. Using the 4th hand, I got the brakes adjusted correctly the first time - no doing-undoing-redoing the job. That's usually been the problem any time I've tried to adjust my brakes just using pliers to pull the cable. Here is a link showing the tool (not any endorsement of Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-94-27-403-Third-Hand-Cable-Puller/dp/B00165P4PO.
A most "handy" device.
I will stop and pick up dangerous objects from the road/roadside, if traffic permits a safe stop.
I have found some awesome tools on the side of the road too. Like pliers, utility knives, screwdrivers, once I found a turquoise ring. I always try to stop for money like change, I have a jar I put it in called "Road Change" hee hee. I am still waiting for that $100 bill to be laying there. hee hee. I guess I am dreaming
@Jerry-we have a diabetic cyclist here that works for our town. He is an avid cyclist and does the NC Tour De Cure every year.
@Michael-nice you have the power to make a difference. Being familiar with that general area I can see the problem. Do they use lights on their bikes these days? Been sometime since I was up and around there.
@Michael, thanks! Why aren't developers mandated to include connecting bicycle/walking paths when they build tract homes? If we are going to lose all of our precious farmland, we could at least provide more than streets for high-dollar SUV's and custom pick-ups.
@Marty - you are just too much! My cadence warming up on a short trip to the market was 80-85rpm. (what I did was count my right bottom stroke 15sec and multiplied by 4.-seemed to work.) Thanks for taking the time for posting. I am more of the artistic type. I am glad some folks are better than me at computation. Yesterday I was worn out from working our swimming league championships, doing my biking miles, and taking my son to summer camp; not much info was sinking into the old noggin.
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I wanted to train on hills next month. I have read in bike pamphlets that to get better at climbing, you need to climb hills more. I take that to mean that you need to climb a tough hill multiple times, repeatedly. I have an Ironman friend who has done this to train. What about someone who is not an elite athlete? Obviously I can not do high rpms on hills. I'm happy to get up them without dismounting. If you don't think it would be to boring for everyone, what about a discussion on climbing hills without damaging our knees or back?
@Michael here is a link for the diabetic cyclist.
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http://tinyurl.com/mqzk8tl
@Roberto, glad you're safe. I know that stretch of road well and all of the Amish/Mennonites that use it. We're designing upgrades to US 222 in that area and I'm making sure PennDOT does not forget cyclists and horse/buggies in their designs. Since I do transportation planning work for the county planning commission I see them (PennDOT) on a regular basis.
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@Mike W, thanks for clearing the road as well. I agree with you; good deeds will (hopefully) not go unnoticed.
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@Capt. Competitive, 'Third Hand Tool'? Educate me, please...
Oh my, so sad to hear about the cyclist that was hit this morning.
@Michael-keep that bridge image in mind when you traversing floods and bad streets, to help you stay positive. This is a very unique coastal environment for sure.
@Burklee-cool! What a great feeling to do your own mechanic work for your bike.
Michael G: I'm no Eagle but I also stop and remove road hazards while riding: a 2x4 x 36" with nails sticking out and a a 3'x4' piece of sytrofoam yesterday on the way home while nursing a slow leak in my front tire. Hopefully the three people that saw me doing this on the country road will have a better appreciation towards cyclist due to this simple act.
@Michael, not me, but most likely one of the many Mennonites who use that road to commute to work. A little over 4 years ago, Betty Jane Weaver, 51, was struck and killed by an 81 year-old woman from Fleetwood who drove home with Weaver's bicycle wedged under her car: the outcome, no charges. That road is super dangerous. My heart goes out to the victim.
Had an IRIR to work this morning, so I'm awfully glad I tightened up my brakes last night! I just recently learned how to use the third-hand tool. It makes brake work a whole bunch easier. Last Tuesday I figured out how to adjust a derailleur. I was the only "mechanic" at Women and Transgender Only night. One woman's bike wouldn't go into the lowest gear. I knew there was some procedure about turning the limit screws, but it had never been explained to me before. I got out a bike repair manual, and I fixed it. Ha!
@Rob, I've done RAGBRAI six times. Watch for the bump.
For cadance, I watched a training DVD while spinning on my trainier and then mimic the riders when they were at 90 RPM. While riding, I will check by simply counting for a minute when my one knee comes up. Once I practiced it a bit on the trainer, I seem to be able to duplicate it well enough. Just trying to help.
Iowa is currently in 4th place. Wonder if they'll see a bump with RAGBRAI? Let's see, thousands of riders pedaling 70 miles a day for a week = LOTS of potential NBC points.
Refreshingly cool morning in the Fox Cities, tomorrow will be a bracing 52 degrees. Interestering, the same 52 degree morning 6 months from now would be a miracle here! Good luck to those who are diamond hunting; I am and hope to find some nice ones along the way.
@Cynthia - I also have had a red flag for a few years, but that shouldn't stop one from achieving their goals.
Figuring out the proper nutrients can be difficult. You will want to experiment with it on your longer rides, and realize that going faster because of adrenaline on the big day, differences in temperature and humidity, play a factor.
When you first try products like Heed and Succeed, they will almost taste like nothing, especially if you are used to sugary ones. These products aren't sugary, and definitely don't have any high fructose corn syrup. They do have complex carbohydrates and branch chain amino acids. Much better for you.
Two bicycle-related articles in the local rag http://readingeagle.com/ this morning. First one talks about a diabetic cyclist riding to raise awareness of the disease. Second one, unfortunately, is a developing story of a cyclist hit and seriously injured earlier this morning. @Roberto, hope that's not you (it's within your range). Would include links directly to the articles but the board wipes them.
@Tammie-way to go! You did a great job for the time you have been riding. Bike MS is a lot of fun and its just as amazing to see all they do and how well they do it. Like a well oiled machine. The more you participate year after year the better it gets. Maybe get a docs opinion on head? Hope you heal quickly.
@Heather-awesome weekend for you too! Congrats!
Hey, @Cynthia, thanks for that morning update. Makes me wish I was back there again. Luckily, I know which bridge you're talking about so I can picture in my mind exactly what you're seeing. Wonderful imagery!
I had an interesting ride into work today. We had over 3 inches of rain last night. One of the streets I ride on evidently flooded. I'm not talking a little water, here; the high water mark on one of the walls was up to my bike seat! Apparently the police didn't check the roadway before they reopened it, since I had to move a manhole cover back into place. Those suckers are HEAVY!!! Everybody else was just driving around it, guess I did my Eagle Scout "Good Turn" for the day.
@Marty-our geek-thanks so much for the wealth of helpful information! This is the fourth year for Bike MS and I have tried every year to do the 100 miles and I can't get past 80 miles. Which I now except and am ok with. Every year I suffer these Hyponatremia type symptoms. I have read up on the proper way to hydrate and eat and I felt confident I had it down for last years ride. I had the same problem as always but not quite so bad. It's different when you are out there riding something like a Bike MS than riding miles at your home area. Before this years ride I am going to check with my doctor and see if she has anything to offer. I drink often and much but I think you are right that it is what I am drinking, I can't stand Gatorade even watered down and I think it does have a lot to do with the sugar content. I have already tried Nuun tablets and I like those a lot. I will look into the other ones you suggested. I really appreciate your input. I so much enjoy these rides and I want to be able to continue to do them. It wasn't a problem when I was younger. I don't know, is passing 50 a red flag? I am learning your nutrition and hydrating needs are different just for a daily basis so I would imagine they would be also different for an endurance event.
@J. Hugh & @Laurie - I'm more of a running geek. But, since I started running in 1979, and biking in 1982, and most of the physiologic information is readily transferrable, you might say I'm a double geek speak freak.
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@Steven - You're welcome!
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@Heather - Sorry for the headache. Let me explain it one more time... ;-)
Three NPR reporters are participating in RAGBRAI I!!!!
Wow-like 7 pages of comments since yesterday at 5:00! Guess I will have to turn my computer on at night and check in to keep up, don't want to miss anything. hee hee.
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Oh definitely-Hail to Marty! Speech, Speech!
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@everyone-nice job on accomplishments and milestones-isn't just a wonderful feeling.
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I really enjoyed reading the story about the woman who "crossed the world" on her bike. For to even take that on at that time with a husband and children is amazing in of itself.
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The book I read that I said I would post is: The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling. Although the authors are pro long distance riders/racers-there is a wealth of information about everything from nutrition/hydration, riding in wind, hill work, cadence, and on and on. I recommend to any one who is trying to learn.
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Starting to get more miles in as I anticipate Bike MS the end of September. So this morning was my first morning up and out at dawn to ride, more interested in hill work so I chose to ride over to the island which entails riding over the bridge, my hill work, I am getting better, I amazed myself at how easy it was this morning to climb. So excited! It was beautiful at the top of the bridge-the "Thunder Moon" hanging close to the intracoastal waterway-big, full as full can be and glowing yellow from the reflection of the rising sun which was coming up on the other side of me. The ocean looming ahead of me I descended on the island and rode the entire island 6 miles end to to end. With the wind at my back I headed the east end at a constant 17 mph saying weeee the whole way but then paid for it on the way back. Pushing into the wind and pedaling hard, I relaxed to save my strength to climb the flip side of the bridge. Quiet and serene was the morning. Passing all the beach homes filled with still sleeping people on vacation from just about everywhere you could imagine, I felt fortunate, alive and just wonderful.
@JHugh@MartyMalin: Thanks. I will definitely try to increase my cadence. Appreciate the feedback. On another note: 10,000,000 MILES!!!!!!! WOW
@ Dameon Plagens- I am looking at an ICE Sprint 26 or 26X. How many flats do you have? Managing the track of 3 wheels to stay out of flating is a serious issue on my broken glass, tree limb, beer can litered shoulders. Does the X perform much better that thr regular Sprint 26?
1/2 way home
J. Hugh, your powers of observation are outstanding!
Marty may be the king of the bicycling geeks.
@Marty - Everytime someone explains Cadence, I get a headache. I've yet to even figure that out on paper or on my bike. I hope I can blissfully ignore it forever. :)
@Jerry, I really loved the Tdf and the closing ceremony's special effects. I know you are off your bike right now, but I even tracked my milage just duringj the tdf. So fun! I rode 9 % of the length they did. Nothing at all - but fun to track.
@Tammie, that is really outstanding!! What an amazing ride for you. I hope your noggin is okay today. I need to upgrade my helmet too. I'm wearing a target variety from two years ago What a great weekend!
@Marty - Thanks for explaining one more time. I think I have it now.
@ Laurie. Congrats on your milage. It gets addicting. @ everyone your doing great justkeep peddling.
@Karen Jean - The easiest way to check your cadence while riding, if it isn't on your cycle computer, is to just look at your watch or time on your cycle computer, and when it gets to a zero or a 5, whichever foot is down at that time count as zero. Count 15 more times for that foot when it is in the same relative position, and at the 15th one, look at the time. If it doesn't end at zero or 5, (whichever number you started at), you are pedalling too slowly. If it ends in 1 or 6 (11 seconds), you are only doing abuot 82 revolutioins per minute, and if it is taking you 12 seconds, you are down to about 75 rpm. Gradually work on it by going down a gear, and pedalling faster, until you are comfortable at that cadence.
If your cadence is at 50, that equates to about 18.5 seconds for 15 revolutions. In that case, just keep on pedalling the way you are, and put me on retainer as your future knee surgeon.
@Steven K - The only exception I know to the recommended 90 rpms is for someone who has been riding for several years and they are riding a minimum of at least 5,000, maybe 6,000 miles per year. For them, the most efficient cadence is right around 84. This has mostly to do with their tendons and ligaments being strong enough to handle the increased tension.
@Steven K - If you are used to a slower cadence than 90 rpm, as you switch over, most of the time when you are at 90 rpm, you won't feel like there is resistance, unless you are going against the wind, or going uphill. But there is resistance, and you are still getting a workout. It takes a while to get used to that cadence, but when you do, you will find that you can ride for much longer, at the same or an even faster speed, (you will be one or two gears lower than normal), and you will recover more quickly from the ride, and be ready for your next ride, without all of the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and strain on your knees, which can result in ITB syndrome, and eventually chondromalacia patella.
By pushing against less resistance with each pedal stroke, you will be able to do a lot more overall work, because you can last much longer.
To give you an example (using numbers as realistic as I can, but erring on the side of caution):
Suppose you have a man or woman who can bench press 200 lbs exactly 1 time, and that is it. Assuming they move the bar exactly 2 feet in the process. They have just done 400 foot pounds of work before they were exhausted. (200 lbs x 2 ft)
Now, assuming a few days later, they make it a total of 180 lbs, or 90% of their maximum. They should be able to bench press that weight about 2 or 3 times. Being conservative, we'll just assume they can only do 2 reps. 2 reps x 2 ft x 180 lbs = 720 foot pounds.
At 100 pounds, (or 50% of their maximum), they can do 100 reps. 100 x 2 x 100 = 20,000 foot pounds.
Can you see the trend? As the resistance decreases as a percentage of their maximum, they can do an exponentially larger amount of total work.
Now, carrying that over to the bike, (and assuming there is no wind or change in terrain), if you pedal at 50 rpm, let us say you are pushing at 3% of your total leg strength with each pedal stroke, and you can pedal like that for 2 hours. At 1 foot per pedal stroke (I’m trying to keep this simple), you are doing 50 rpm x 60 min/hr x 2 hours x 1 foot/pedal stroke x .03 x 200 = 36,000 foot pounds per leg or 72,000 total foot pounds before you are exhausted.
But now, imagine that same person pedaling at 90 rpm. They are only working at 1.5% of their capacity, but they can do it for 6 hours. Using the same formula, 90 x 60 x 6 x 1 x .015 x 200 x 2 = 194,400 total foot pounds.
That is 170% more work, and the big thing is that you will recover much more quickly from the 90 rpm workout than you will from the 50, and would be able to repeat the same workout the next day, whereas with the 50 rpm workout, you would have DOMS.
@Rick, let's see you do two climbs of Alp d'huez after racing 125 miles before you call anybody a wimp.
@Mark, I've done GRABAAWR too. Congrats to your wife.
10 million!!
@Cynthia - Hyponatremia definitely is scary stuff. The good news, is that it is much easier to avoid while bicycling for long times than while running for long times. (You are generally working at a lower percentage of Max VO2 and HR, below Lactate Threshold, etc..., so there are more options for taking in needed nutrients.)
There are many really good products out there nowadays, including Heed, Succeed, NUUN tablets, etc... It is better to take a product that has more complex carbohydrates, as they will enter your bloodstream slower, and won't cause the sugar spike and crash. (Another way is to think of it as lower on the glycemic index.) If you are taking Heed or Succeed, you will also want to take electrolyte capsules, too, approximately one every hour of a longer ride, more often the hotter it is. I prefer taking buffered electrolytes, as they are easier on the stomach the hotter it is.
I avoid Gatorade (and similar products) as much as possible, because I don't like the idea of ingesting in high fructose corn syrup. But if I have to take it, I've found that 1/2 strength is best, as at that concentration, the fructose doesn't affect someone as much if they are sensitive to fructose while exercising in heat (and no, I didn't say while in heat - that is something entirely different.)
Bananas are great for the potassium portion of the electrolytes.
And, just eating regular food will give you enough sodium, as well as much needed calories.
Again, the majority of instances I've found in the literature have involved 5-6-7 hour marathoners who just had water during the event.
And, it is easy to misdiagnose too, as some of the symptoms would lead one to believe that the person was dehydrated, and needed water. Giving them just water exacerbates the problem, and makes it more likely that they will die.
@ Tammie, Heather, and Mike, congrats on your great PERSONAL cycling achievements.
@ Rob, way to go with the scouts!! My daughter has been working at the YMCA with summer camps and she gave me an idea to try and make a bicycling camp. This will take some work. I'm thinking a week long camp that would include some basic maintenance training among other things. HMMMMM....
@ Tammie.. way to go!
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@ Jerry, now that the TdF is over, you can focus on 2 things: healing and continuing to be an encourager. which we all appreciate!
So Tammie...great job! You must have JUST logged your miles...I think you put us over 10 million!!!! ;-) (with some help from our west coast/island riders, I am sure)
Congrats Tammie !!
I went out Saturday to visit my friends from the St. Vrain Chain Gang before they left on their ride.
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http://tinyurl.com/ln7mzsp
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I am the one in the X-Ray jersey and the hat.
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For some reason they would not let me go with them.
Be sure to ask Roberto what he thought about my bike ride.
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Sorry Roberto. I could not resist. You made our day.
For those who missed my posted about my bike ride on Saturday.
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I went for a bike ride this morning. I woke up, went out to the garage, and decided to do one last ride on my destroyed bicycle. See photos.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
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So I decided to ride two blocks on my bike. It was hard. The handle bars were hard to hold onto. I could not shift. Only one brake was working. I could only clip in with my right foot. The left foot would not clip in the pedal. And I could here the frame creaking as I rode. The pain was not too bad. I turned around after two blocks to ride home. And I was lost. I could not find my way home. I was riding on strange streets. Over an hour went by while trying to find my way home. Really confused. Forgot to bring my phone so I could not use the GPS to navigate home or call my wife. And I was thinking, Karen is going to kill me for this.
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And then I woke up.
Rob...thanks for the kind words. Re the Ripon cookie factory outlet store...the free samples are great but you have to bring your own milk. ;-) I also recommend making sure a swag vehicle is available to take your purchases home--their best (IMHO)--chocolate covered waffers--would certainly be a mess after the ride home via bike. If you do make the trip, avoid Sundays and Mondays (they're closed those days) and be sure to get there by 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Great work with the Scouts, BTW. Doing 50 miles any way is a great accomplishment. They should be very proud. So did they all log their miles? ;-) Keep up working on younger cyclers (I am working mainly on college-aged folks).
Paul Jeffries - that was some ride, nice job. Maybe we should ride out to Ripon sometime to the cookie factory. Also did a 50 miler in the Fox Cities with Scouts from Troop 73 in Appleton. We were a bit slower, averaged 10 mph, but it was great to see their faces of accomplishment after today's ride. I was proud to see them earn their Cycling merit badge. If anyone else out their wants to help get the future of cycling, become a Cycling merit badge counselor or anything else working with young people. You'll be glad you did!
Tammie - judging by the distances of your previous rides, stepping up to 60 is awesome. Great accomplishment!!! And you beat me too - I've come so close, but have never been able to crack 40mph. Congratulations.
I KNOW I will be able to do the entire ride next year because I know what I am getting myself ready for! LOL I will also have a year of riding under my feet rather than just the3 4 months as of today! On another note.. I realized this morning that when I fell yesterday, I did hit my head and my helmet did its job well! I have a very sore head and have been fighting a headhache.. I also have a damaged helmet! The shell is separated from the interior where it actually hit and is actually cracked insied but there is absolutely NO visible damage on the outside and you have to look VERY HARD to see the damage!!! Scary to know how bad it really could have been. Good thing.... I get to buy a helmet that matches 'Black Beauty'! LOL ... can't really afford it now but now that I am forced to do it.....
@Tammie. Glad you enjoyed the ride. You did fantastic for your level of riding. And next year you will be able to do the whole thing and have an easier time than this year. Congratulations.
@Tammie - Great job!
@Allen - you live in Pittsburgh? Dirty Dozen - WOW! I thought some of the hills around here are tough. We've got nothing on Pittsburgh.
It looks like we will reach 10 million miles tomorrow, by the time riders log miles in from this past week and today. Wahoo!
One more thing...passed one of the Kimberly-Clark plants in Cty Rd. II on the my ride...gave them a "kudos" and "thanks" on the way by. Here's a more public thanks for your support of the NBC!
BTW, did my efforts to get us to 10 million by Sunday night (although I predicted Monday). Did a 50 mile ride from Appleton to Ripon. WI, after dropping off a friend's car at the Appleton airport. Even though the last hour was in rain, I still managed a person best for average speed over 50 miles at 20.2 mph...I guess it was my effort to relate to all those rain stages in the Tour! (but not quite at the truly insane TdF speeds!?!? Those guys are truly amazing, with or without drugs.)
Hey, could we get the US riders in the TdF to log their rides for the NBC in July? That would be a few thousands miles toward our totals! Anybody got any connections?
Cynthia.. just finished my first Bike MS a little while ago.. you really don't need to worry about taking anything but your water bottles... they will provide all you need to fill them.. water and electrolye solution at every rest stop. It is one of the BEST SUPPORTED events in the country!!!! It was a wonderful experience! It was 91 today and I kept one bottle filled with electrolytes which I drank and one with ice water I used to pour on myself when needed. Rest stops were about every 12 to 14 miles the first day and the first half today and about every 10 miles as it got more difficult. The hills were TOUGH!! I managed 60 miles today for a total of 126 miles for the two days. I really was only planning on 20 to 30 today but just kept going. I finally could not do another huge hill and too a SAG from one hill that nearly killed me to the top of the last 2 1/2 mile giant hill and rode the last 5 miles in... great ride! There was one coast that gave me my fastest speed EVER 41mph... wheee!
@Mike. Congratulations on your Diamond.
The Tour de France is over. Now what do I do with my days?
Be sure to watch tonight's edition of the Tour de France. The special effects on the Arc de Triomphe were unique during the award presentations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
I rode 188 miles during the tour de france. Viva la tour! What a fun ride. I am stoked about Quintana. We did our first fifty mile ride today. Decided to cut short of the metric, in the intense heat.
Congrats on diamond Mike! And enjoy your time with your dad! Life is indeed good :)
today's ride got me some diamond(s).....taking dad out for his birthday (no 91).....life is good !!
@ Roberto - I agree....don't like stopping....takes too long to warm back up,,,,lol. Thank you and right back at you !!
HILLSs: My speed may be easily exceeded by pedestrians. and I’m likely to stop along the way to catch my breath and begin again in lowest gear, but I’ll keep pedaling and count a triumph when I can maintain sufficient forward momentum to avoid tipping over.
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A literal high point of MS TRAM Day 4 (Biwabik to Two Harbors) , was the mirage-like appearance of “Brimson Sportsmen’s Corner” at the top of the day’s longest climb…yet another, ever-even higher in a seemingly endless series of hot, steep, winding, into-the-wind ascents. Tiny convenience-store/bait shop in a trailer, backed by the proprietor’s home. Owner’s Dad set out lawn chairs and tables at the edge of a wide, shaded, welcoming lawn, and offered a huge cooler of ice water, while son sold a variety of ice cream confections for $1 apiece. Ice water and Eskimo Pie were pure ambrosia in those circumstances. That serendipitous oasis refreshed on every level…and many riders continued on with slightly sticky smiles. I think of these as “leg-breaking, lung-bursting” or lb. squared hills ( abbreviated to #2 hills where # does double duty for both lb. and the expletives occasionally elicited on such climbs). If all such ascents offered an ice-cream oasis at the apex, my historical antipathy toward pedaling endlessly upward could be permanently modified. (-;
Question: I was reading the comments on here about hyponatremia, and it seems to me that the symptoms overlap those of heat exhaustion. How can you tell which is which?
50 nonstop HOT HUMID WINDY miles. Ran out of water just as I finished. Thanks Clif bar and bloks.
@Tammie, way to go. Conquering your challenges one by one.
@Laurie, sounds like a wonderful weekend camping and biking. Awesome on those hills, good to change it up and use other muscles.
Just caught up with comments. Whew you all talk a lot LOL! Snowshoeing and cross country skiing both sound like fun things to look forward to doing, thanks for the suggestions.
Hoping everyone had great rides this weekend!
@Tammie-you go girl! That's all you can do really. ha ha and you did it.
@Burklee-great post-thanks for the smile!
Yo Burklee, congrats! GO BIG RED!!!
@Burklee - Thanks for the post, good job! Made me smile.
Say again how you know your cadence while cycling. I have a cyclometer that measures Miles, Time, Distance, AVG MPH, MAX MPH and Pacer. (Bontrager 4X installed by the bicycle shop). My version does not include the cadence function and I have not used the pacer - don't know how. (Ask me about my distance per stroke in swimming and I would be all over it.)
HI all, Out this morning with temps in the 70s and some IRIR. It feels more like fall than summer. Lots of other riders out there. Did my weekend loops and had brunch outdoors. Raindrops here and there did not deter outdoor dining incluing a couple of other groups of cyclists.
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RE: the drinking problem. I start with a bottle of drink with electrolytes and then follow that with one with water. I keep alternating until the ride is over. Post ride its chocolate milk and often watermelon!
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
Day 2 of the Bike MS is nothing but hills... and I had only done a few days of hills which were only about 10 to 14 mile days. I managed 60 miles of hills! Mile 55 was the largest one for me.. I wimped out on the biggest one and took a ride to the top then finished the rest of the course. I have to admit when I got to the top of one hill I looked up and saw two hills in front of me then this huge one at 55 what I said to myself was "Oh My GOD .. whos joke was it to put the rest stop at the top of a mountain!?" I literally took two deep breaths as I started shifting and working the gears to get up my speed over the next lower hill to start my way up that little monster... but I made it!
Burklee - I liked your quoted thoughts, particularly to last one, "The only part not functioning optimally on my bike is the rider."
I can very seldom say that, as I am very bad at maintaining my bike. There are times when my level of functionality reaches down and meets up with my bike's condition. A sorry sight indeed.
@Steve Kahan I feel resistance at 90 rpm, but not strain. I work for an average of 80 over 40+ miles and raise that if I go shorter distances. Muscle memory is important in developing a higher cadence. Some people use higher cadence but I was a 50 about 5 years ago and have raised my rate over time while amazingly going at a higher av speed.
@Howard - That's a good way to get the cadence down. That also reminded me of the easiest way to work on your cadence while biking on the road. Beforehand, just do an interned search for "90 bpm songs". Find some that you like and are familiar with, then periodically while riding, play the song in your head and pedal to it.
Question about the 90rpm. Do you/should you feel resistance while pedaling at that rate?
Thanks
zephal magnum water bottle is my choice for large. I do think that hydration before and after the ride is equally important. You can not drink enough during the ride when it is hot, so since I ride 40+ everyday I make daily hydration equally important to nutrition. The rate your body absorbs and processes water is lower than the rate you can drink. I use Electro mix by Alacer Corp and ribose and Arginine on my first ride bottle. Second ride bottle is just water. Pre ride in the hour before start 1 quart of water. Post ride in the two hours following 2 quarts water, 12 oz milk 1.5 oz of 90% chocolate. rule I follow, If you are not making urine, you are not hydrated. find what works for you.
@Karen - You aren't that far off. It won't take much practice at all. Yes, counting your strokes in 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 definitely works. The only reason I suggested the other way is that your eyeys are only off of the road for a second or two, so it is a little safer.
If you have a granny gear, you should be able to keep the same cadence up hills. The main thing with changing gears is to do it just before you need it, easing up slightly on the tension while pedalling, (less strain on both the chain and deralileur), then change gears, and when it engages, start spinning.
In New Zealand I learned that the large dog at the back of the sheep herd is called a hunt away. The job of the Hunt away is to keep everyone moving. So, when at the back of the pack I just hunt away. woof woof. Also, the person who is really last in any bicycle ride is the one on the couch at home.
@Marty-thanks so much again-I would rather learn to with the changes than against them so I can keep doing what I love.
@Karen-I purchased a book from Amazon that give great information on hill climbing. I will check the title of the book when I get home and give it to you. Here where I live there are no hills! And the Bike MS ride I do is full of them for the first 25 miles. So, I just keep riding over the intracoastal waterway bridge as much as I can. That is great training and better than no training! Also, as you become a stronger rider too, it helps a great deal.
Wow. I leave to go camping for two days and there are like 14 pages of comments to catch up on. I'm too tired to read much right now but will check them all later :) I did a cool ride yesterday through a wildlife/marsh area and also an Amish farm community. There were many more hills than I'm used to at home, but I still managed to do them all.
Things that ran through my head while on the Cornhusker State Games ride:
"If I just stop at the halfway point rest stop, can I have half a medal?"
"Attack the hills! Attack the hills! Holy cow, you give me one banana at a rest stop and I go ape."
"I signed up for WHAT?!?!"
"Gravity, why do you have to work both ways???"
"I'm not straggling, I'm riding herd."
"The only part not functioning optimally on my bike is the rider."
It was actually a great ride. The weather was beautiful. This is the first time I've ever ridden the highways on my bike. It's usually city streets or trails for me. Highway riding is A WHOLE LOT different, with those long hills to climb. But I rode every mile - no getting off and pushing! Yeah, I may have only been going 4 miles an hour up the hills, but I made it.
I feel like I've got thighs and buns of steel. They remain safely encased in 3 inches of flab, but still...!! :)
@Marty - you are just too much! My cadence warming up on a short trip to the market was 80-85rpm. (what I did was count my right bottom stroke 15sec and multiplied by 4.-seemed to work.) Thanks for taking the time for posting. I am more of the artistic type. I am glad some folks are better than me at computation. Yesterday I was worn out from working our swimming league championships, doing my biking miles, and taking my son to summer camp; not much info was sinking into the old noggin.
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I wanted to train on hills next month. I have read in bike pamphlets that to get better at climbing, you need to climb hills more. I take that to mean that you need to climb a tough hill multiple times, repeatedly. I have an Ironman friend who has done this to train. What about someone who is not an elite athlete? Obviously I can not do high rpms on hills. I'm happy to get up them without dismounting. If you don't think it would be to boring for everyone, what about a discussion on climbing hills without damaging our knees or back?
For cadance, I watched a training DVD while spinning on my trainier and then mimic the riders when they were at 90 RPM. While riding, I will check by simply counting for a minute when my one knee comes up. Once I practiced it a bit on the trainer, I seem to be able to duplicate it well enough. Just trying to help.
@Tammie-good luck on the rest of your ride. Hope it has been an amazing expierence. Sorry bout your fall, you will recoup fine.
@Roberto-I often ride solo, almost all the time until I found my LBG and do Sunday rides with them. Except today. Being able to ride witht them has been amazingly helpful in increasing my speed and just general knowledge for the sport overall. I have always ridin bike since I was very young and always riden alone. It's ok but yes, sometimes it does get lonely.
@Jerry-hopefully you won't have many more dreams like that one!
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The word Hyponatremia was put out there I think Friday by Brad or Marty-out of curiosty I looked it up. And I have definitley had the symptoms when riding long distance in the heat. It sounds like some others have had from our conversations. Scary stuff and can be fatal. The Mayo Clinic article suggested only drinking 34oz of water per hour during prolonging periods of exercise and that it is most likely to happen to older adults, pushing 51 I can relate that experience this is totally awful. Has anyone battled this and what is your formula for avoiding it? For the up coming Bike MS ride, I am now thinking I will get a 34 oz bottle just for water and use a larger bottle for use of liquid that contains sodium and electrolytes like Nuun tablets?
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McDonalds and all fast food are poison, McDonalds being the worst. They are a corportate mega giant that does not have their customers health interest at heart not to mention their impact on the enviroment.
Good reading to educate on where you food has come from: Fast Food Nation, Fork over Knives, Omnivores Dilema(this book should be required reading in schools in my opinion) and Twinkie Deconstructed, although it sounds like alot of people like twinkies. Lol.
@Cynthia - I also have had a red flag for a few years, but that shouldn't stop one from achieving their goals.
Figuring out the proper nutrients can be difficult. You will want to experiment with it on your longer rides, and realize that going faster because of adrenaline on the big day, differences in temperature and humidity, play a factor.
When you first try products like Heed and Succeed, they will almost taste like nothing, especially if you are used to sugary ones. These products aren't sugary, and definitely don't have any high fructose corn syrup. They do have complex carbohydrates and branch chain amino acids. Much better for you.
@Tammie-way to go! You did a great job for the time you have been riding. Bike MS is a lot of fun and its just as amazing to see all they do and how well they do it. Like a well oiled machine. The more you participate year after year the better it gets. Maybe get a docs opinion on head? Hope you heal quickly.
@Heather-awesome weekend for you too! Congrats!
@Marty-our geek-thanks so much for the wealth of helpful information! This is the fourth year for Bike MS and I have tried every year to do the 100 miles and I can't get past 80 miles. Which I now except and am ok with. Every year I suffer these Hyponatremia type symptoms. I have read up on the proper way to hydrate and eat and I felt confident I had it down for last years ride. I had the same problem as always but not quite so bad. It's different when you are out there riding something like a Bike MS than riding miles at your home area. Before this years ride I am going to check with my doctor and see if she has anything to offer. I drink often and much but I think you are right that it is what I am drinking, I can't stand Gatorade even watered down and I think it does have a lot to do with the sugar content. I have already tried Nuun tablets and I like those a lot. I will look into the other ones you suggested. I really appreciate your input. I so much enjoy these rides and I want to be able to continue to do them. It wasn't a problem when I was younger. I don't know, is passing 50 a red flag? I am learning your nutrition and hydrating needs are different just for a daily basis so I would imagine they would be also different for an endurance event.
@J. Hugh & @Laurie - I'm more of a running geek. But, since I started running in 1979, and biking in 1982, and most of the physiologic information is readily transferrable, you might say I'm a double geek speak freak.
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@Steven - You're welcome!
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@Heather - Sorry for the headache. Let me explain it one more time... ;-)
@JHugh@MartyMalin: Thanks. I will definitely try to increase my cadence. Appreciate the feedback. On another note: 10,000,000 MILES!!!!!!! WOW
1/2 way home
J. Hugh, your powers of observation are outstanding!
Marty may be the king of the bicycling geeks.
@Marty - Everytime someone explains Cadence, I get a headache. I've yet to even figure that out on paper or on my bike. I hope I can blissfully ignore it forever. :)
@Jerry, I really loved the Tdf and the closing ceremony's special effects. I know you are off your bike right now, but I even tracked my milage just duringj the tdf. So fun! I rode 9 % of the length they did. Nothing at all - but fun to track.
@Tammie, that is really outstanding!! What an amazing ride for you. I hope your noggin is okay today. I need to upgrade my helmet too. I'm wearing a target variety from two years ago What a great weekend!
@Marty - Thanks for explaining one more time. I think I have it now.
@Brad~
From everything I've read; and actually owners testimony's..... The outer sole or "foot box" is a size bigger than the actually boot. So up sizing for thicker socks is not needed. Although everyone's idea of cold is different!
Check this link out~ http://fat-bike.com/2012/08/new-45nrths-winter-cycling-boot-wolvhammer/
All, and I mean all guys and gals swear this is the warmest boot they've ever slipped on.
I'm in the same boat as you; if I'm gonna drop a small fortune on these I want to try mulipte sizes on for real!
Unfortunately there's no LBS close that'll stock these.
Can't say as I blame them.
Anyway, these are a must have for winter riding, and are on my list!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie - Way to go!
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I just got home from a short ride, and on the way, noticed there was a slight headwind. Because it was almost midnight on a weekend, a group of drunks in a vehicle decided to harass me. When they looped around the divided road for a second pass, one of them noticed I was giving chase, (I wasn't going to take the harassment sitting down), so they yelled to get away from me quickly.
The funny thing was that the rest of the ride home in the same direction as before felt like I was riding with the wind.
@Karen Jean - The easiest way to check your cadence while riding, if it isn't on your cycle computer, is to just look at your watch or time on your cycle computer, and when it gets to a zero or a 5, whichever foot is down at that time count as zero. Count 15 more times for that foot when it is in the same relative position, and at the 15th one, look at the time. If it doesn't end at zero or 5, (whichever number you started at), you are pedalling too slowly. If it ends in 1 or 6 (11 seconds), you are only doing abuot 82 revolutioins per minute, and if it is taking you 12 seconds, you are down to about 75 rpm. Gradually work on it by going down a gear, and pedalling faster, until you are comfortable at that cadence.
If your cadence is at 50, that equates to about 18.5 seconds for 15 revolutions. In that case, just keep on pedalling the way you are, and put me on retainer as your future knee surgeon.
@Steven K - The only exception I know to the recommended 90 rpms is for someone who has been riding for several years and they are riding a minimum of at least 5,000, maybe 6,000 miles per year. For them, the most efficient cadence is right around 84. This has mostly to do with their tendons and ligaments being strong enough to handle the increased tension.
@Steven K - If you are used to a slower cadence than 90 rpm, as you switch over, most of the time when you are at 90 rpm, you won't feel like there is resistance, unless you are going against the wind, or going uphill. But there is resistance, and you are still getting a workout. It takes a while to get used to that cadence, but when you do, you will find that you can ride for much longer, at the same or an even faster speed, (you will be one or two gears lower than normal), and you will recover more quickly from the ride, and be ready for your next ride, without all of the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and strain on your knees, which can result in ITB syndrome, and eventually chondromalacia patella.
By pushing against less resistance with each pedal stroke, you will be able to do a lot more overall work, because you can last much longer.
To give you an example (using numbers as realistic as I can, but erring on the side of caution):
Suppose you have a man or woman who can bench press 200 lbs exactly 1 time, and that is it. Assuming they move the bar exactly 2 feet in the process. They have just done 400 foot pounds of work before they were exhausted. (200 lbs x 2 ft)
Now, assuming a few days later, they make it a total of 180 lbs, or 90% of their maximum. They should be able to bench press that weight about 2 or 3 times. Being conservative, we'll just assume they can only do 2 reps. 2 reps x 2 ft x 180 lbs = 720 foot pounds.
At 100 pounds, (or 50% of their maximum), they can do 100 reps. 100 x 2 x 100 = 20,000 foot pounds.
Can you see the trend? As the resistance decreases as a percentage of their maximum, they can do an exponentially larger amount of total work.
Now, carrying that over to the bike, (and assuming there is no wind or change in terrain), if you pedal at 50 rpm, let us say you are pushing at 3% of your total leg strength with each pedal stroke, and you can pedal like that for 2 hours. At 1 foot per pedal stroke (I’m trying to keep this simple), you are doing 50 rpm x 60 min/hr x 2 hours x 1 foot/pedal stroke x .03 x 200 = 36,000 foot pounds per leg or 72,000 total foot pounds before you are exhausted.
But now, imagine that same person pedaling at 90 rpm. They are only working at 1.5% of their capacity, but they can do it for 6 hours. Using the same formula, 90 x 60 x 6 x 1 x .015 x 200 x 2 = 194,400 total foot pounds.
That is 170% more work, and the big thing is that you will recover much more quickly from the 90 rpm workout than you will from the 50, and would be able to repeat the same workout the next day, whereas with the 50 rpm workout, you would have DOMS.
Great effort Tammie. You're probably gonna be hurtin' tomorrow, but you will remember these experiences for the rest of your life. Good luck, I hope you are able to keep pushing onward.
Joe - Thanks for the feedback. I think you talked me right into a pair. But the one big question remains: size, size, size? Have you heard if they run similar to most other bike shoes? (I use Giro and Bontrager now). And I would imagine that it would be a good idea to step up in size to allow room for thicker, or double socks.
Hi all, todays ride was sponsored by LOUP-DE-LOOP. I was out on the regular route with temps in the upper 70s to lower 80s. I did some variations (loops). As a result a group of cyclists went by me going the opposite diection and later they passed me up going the same direction. Plenty of solo cyclists and two-by-two cyclists as well. I also got sprinkled on for a few minutes but it did not turn into serious rain. The promised thundershowers did not happen. Later in the day I got in a quick commuter ride to run an errand. By that time it was quite hot (temps in the 90s).
KEEP CONTRIBUTING TO THAT FIRST 10 million!
@ Tammie, sorry about the crash. But I know you will do well tomorrow. RIDE ON!
@Tammie. Good luck tomorrow. Hope you feel better. Congratulations on your ride today. Ride safe.
@Kathy~
Lou @ Foxwear is the MAN!!
i have his heavy weight NeoShell jacket.... I can't say enough GOOD things about Lou!!
@Brad~
45NRTH's Wolvhammers are the real deal!! They'll even have regular non SPD boots for this winter. Guys and gals are raving about these boots; and one does get what one pays for! I haven't read a bad review yet; and trust me I've been reading them all!!! A pair are on my elf's list for x-mas!! Lol
Pedal On!!!
Peace
@Tammie, way to go! Sorry about the tumble. Yeah, never overlap the wheel in front of you. Lesson learned the hard way. Tegaderm. You are awesome! Have some food, get some rest, and good luck tomorrow.
Oh, 35 points away from platinum! Will ride enough to get that tomorrow no matter what! LOL
I'm baaack! Made it 66 miles on the first day of the Bike MS.. great for only riding for 4 months but I wish I could have done the full 75. I have a minor excuse.... took a fall.... my mistake. Drafting too close and hit my friends rear tire when gust of wind hit me. Only I went down.. hamburger of my knee and bruise on right hand and shoulder. Tomorrow is going to be very difficult to put weight on right hand and arm. Sorry, haven't had time to read any comments from today but wanted to update everyone. Rather tired!
@Mike, yes, I'm at 99% solo. I have also become addicted to riding nonstop rides. Just something about not stopping. Last few days I had to stop to replenish water, but most days I'm content to keep going. That's most likely my limiting factor. Nice job on the mileage BTW.
@Jerry - With my luck, it would be a teeny little tricycle, and my knees would keep on hitting my chin.
@Marty. Take a bike with you in your dreams. Then you can ride away.
@ Roberto - I'm at 6972 miles. most prevalent distance for me is 50 on solo rides. Have one century and probably 10 at the 65-80 range. Some solo and some with friends. Vast majority of my miles are solo
Now if only I could have a dream about riding my bike without the nightmare aspect.
@Roberto. My wife said to tell you she needed something to laugh about instead of sitting on the couch and crying.
@Roberto. It did not bother me at all. It gave my wife and I something to laugh about. Too bad you deleted them.
@Jerry - I've had similar dreams when I've been injured from running, although they don't involve getting on your damaged bike or not being able to find your house.
But my dreams would usually involve me not being able to run fast, almost like I was in invisible quicksand.
In fact, my main recurring dream as a child (wasn't injured), involved my brother and me in a long abandoned store of a ghost town. When ghosts started decending the stairs, my brother ran off, but I could only run in slow motion, and could tell I wasn't going to escape out the front doors in time, so I hid inside a round tie rack, (don't ask me why it still had ties hanging down from it - it just did), as the ghosts went up and down the isles, searching for me. It never failed to be disconcerting.
@Scott - The ideal for running is not too coincidently the same as for biking - 90 rpm or 180 steps per minute. And this if for anyone training or racing from 1/2 miles up to and including ultramarathons, from beginners to Olympians.
The easiest way to check is to look at your watch, and when it is at a zero or 5, whichever foot lands, is the one you count, but don't count until the next step. Count 15 steps, and on that 15th step, look at your watch. It should be at zero or 5 again, whichever one you started on. If it is on 1 or 6, or even 2 or 7, it would be a good idea to work on improving your cadence to help prevent injuries or degeneration of cartilage. I have even seen a few who take 13 seconds to take 15 steps (with one foot - and yes, they also take steps with their other foot) running, but that is extremely rare.
If runners are racing shorter distances, then they have even a faster cadence. Usain Bolt, when he runs 100, is at about 240 steps per minute.
Going down even one gear from your usual and spinning more will not only result in the same speed, but once you are used to it, it will improve not only your recovery from rides, but your speed while running.
And just for the record, I do have 6850 miles in so far, just no LONG rides.
On another note, I keep wondering why I'm feeling that a ride of 40 miles is too short. I've checked and my longest ride to date this year is only 60 miles. Bunch in the 40's, some in the 50's, but nothing LONG. So I think I have my answer. Time to roll out some longer rides. My problem is since most of my rides are solo, I get bored with my own company! Anybody else find this to be the case?
@Jerry, I apologize for not reading your post in its entirety and therefor decided to delete any rant regarding your "reckless" behavior. I'm glad that your sense of humor was not injured in your crash.
That was a hot ride and I barely missed the severe storms! Yay! 114.26 miles rode by road bike this week :)
@Roberto. Deleted posts? But they were so much fun to read!
@Roberto. It was a combination of a great dream and a nightmare.
@Marty - Really not sure about my steps per minute while running, I suspect it is less than the average. On my bike my garmin tracks my cadence but while running I would have to try to count and I am too busy trying to breathe, lol.
@Jerry, hope you get a better dream.
@Robeto. Just checking. Did you read the last line about my ride?
@Jerry, yeah, true. Got tired of hearing the tar bubbles pop.
@Jerry, LOL didn't get that far. Was too pissed at your stupidity.
@Roberto. Only 40 miles? Barely a warm up.
@Jerry, that bike is toast. If you want to ride (and I'm all for that) go with a friend on a decent bike with your phone. At the very least let someone know your plan. Be smart.
@Roberto. But it was so great to be "riding" my bike again.
@Jerry, the more I read your post about your "ride," the more I am concerned that perhaps there was an undiagnosed head injury. To go out on a ride on a broken bicycle in your condition is asking for trouble and borderline nuts. And then to get "lost" for an hour 2 blocks from home.... what's up with that? And NO PHONE??? C'mon Jerry, let's be more responsible than this. Had you had another tumble.... jeez
40 more in soaring heat and very high humidity and today WIND. At any rate, the wild raspberries are still for the taking. HOT HOT HOT....and in the Top 100 for good now.
Kathy - That's a concern with me too - the best I could hope for is to find some 2 hours away in Milwaukee.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davidjclifton/acr-spokes-bike-ride gearing up for 500 across NY. Any help you can give would be most welcome. Thank you all so very much.
@Brad, I've seen great reviews for the 45NRTH boots. Like you, I worry about spending so much and not having them live up to the hype. I'd also like to try them on and there is no place local to buy them. I have to go to a different state.... PA.
I think I'm starting to agree with @Joe Sacco because this heat is killing me. I didn't do too bad last year in the cold (no snow but we don't have much in Jersey anymore and never road in less then 28 degrees for 11mi). This year I'm upgrading with winter wear from Foxwear by Lou Binik. He just sent me material samples for a new pair of winter tights. I think they will be really warm...
@J. Hugh. The seat is much more streamlined now.
HI all, Out this morning with temps in the 70s and some IRIR. It feels more like fall than summer. Lots of other riders out there. Did my weekend loops and had brunch outdoors. Raindrops here and there did not deter outdoor dining incluing a couple of other groups of cyclists.
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RE: the drinking problem. I start with a bottle of drink with electrolytes and then follow that with one with water. I keep alternating until the ride is over. Post ride its chocolate milk and often watermelon!
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@Steve Kahan I feel resistance at 90 rpm, but not strain. I work for an average of 80 over 40+ miles and raise that if I go shorter distances. Muscle memory is important in developing a higher cadence. Some people use higher cadence but I was a 50 about 5 years ago and have raised my rate over time while amazingly going at a higher av speed.
Question about the 90rpm. Do you/should you feel resistance while pedaling at that rate?
Thanks
zephal magnum water bottle is my choice for large. I do think that hydration before and after the ride is equally important. You can not drink enough during the ride when it is hot, so since I ride 40+ everyday I make daily hydration equally important to nutrition. The rate your body absorbs and processes water is lower than the rate you can drink. I use Electro mix by Alacer Corp and ribose and Arginine on my first ride bottle. Second ride bottle is just water. Pre ride in the hour before start 1 quart of water. Post ride in the two hours following 2 quarts water, 12 oz milk 1.5 oz of 90% chocolate. rule I follow, If you are not making urine, you are not hydrated. find what works for you.
Jerry, This is new bicycle design. After 100 or more years you just had to go bending parts around to make it go faster. I totally understand as I have customized my bike, but the seat looks absolutely painful to sit on. What were you thinking? woof woof
Jerry - great recounting. HA - Sounds about right :/
Wow. I leave to go camping for two days and there are like 14 pages of comments to catch up on. I'm too tired to read much right now but will check them all later :) I did a cool ride yesterday through a wildlife/marsh area and also an Amish farm community. There were many more hills than I'm used to at home, but I still managed to do them all.
I went for a bike ride this morning. I woke up, went out to the garage, and decided to do one last ride on my destroyed bicycle. See photos.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
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So I decided to ride two blocks on my bike. It was hard. The handle bars were hard to hold onto. I could not shift. Only one brake was working. I could only clip in with my right foot. The left foot would not clip in the pedal. And I could here the frame creaking as I rode. The pain was not too bad. I turned around after two blocks to ride home. And I was lost. I could not find my way home. I was riding on strange streets. Over an hour went by while trying to find my way home. Really confused. Forgot to bring my phone so I could not use the GPS to navigate home or call my wife. And I was thinking, Karen is going to kill me for this.
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And then I woke up.
Speaking of camping, we are headed up north tomorrow to enjoy the northwoods of Wisconsin. Gregg Warning has posted about his camping trips up there, and it is because of the bike challenge 2 years ago that I discovered this wonderful place to go, which Gregg highly recommended. Our campsite is right on the lake, and so I am going to pick up some kayaks before we leave on our trip. The biking is great, there is a paved trail that winds its way throughout the forest, from lake to lake. So, we will be loaded down with 2 kayaks, 4 bikes, and a pop-up camper. Me and my 3 kids, hubby can't go because he could not get off of work.
We should start up a "paper route club" LOL!
Yes, hard to catch the wind on the still camera. That is one to keep in the memory. Also, there is a fragrant smell in the woods that I often catch, which takes me back to my childhood camping days. I think that I first noticed it once when we were walking down a sandy road on our way to the beach from our campsite. Now, every time I smell it, I am right back there, walking down that sandy road.
Jenny, I had the same type of bike for my paper route. Thanks for stiring my memory of those great times. I live in Phoenix so I never had the snow.
Jenny - I put my phone camera to use quite regularly, to share what I see and document where I've been - darn hard to catch the wind in the trees with it though ;-)) Too funny - I also rode my bike through the winter delivering papers, and I'm back at it again these past 2 years. I'm surprised how little I need to wear to keep my body warm. If I'm a little cold when I first set out, by the time I get 2 miles out I'm just right. The only trouble I have is fingers and toes, if it's in the teens to below 0, by the time I get to work they are painful. I still haven't found the solution. I have bought some bar mitts this summer that came highly recommended from several sources. I'm hopeful - but still the toes. There are the new 45 NRTH boots that sound so amazing - at least in company write ups - but very pricey. If it would be the solutuion, I would pay; but could it be another empty promise that doesn't live up to expectations? Will I take a chance? There's a good chance... Has anybody here used them yet? To zero or below?
@Tammie-good luck on the rest of your ride. Hope it has been an amazing expierence. Sorry bout your fall, you will recoup fine.
@Roberto-I often ride solo, almost all the time until I found my LBG and do Sunday rides with them. Except today. Being able to ride witht them has been amazingly helpful in increasing my speed and just general knowledge for the sport overall. I have always ridin bike since I was very young and always riden alone. It's ok but yes, sometimes it does get lonely.
@Jerry-hopefully you won't have many more dreams like that one!
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The word Hyponatremia was put out there I think Friday by Brad or Marty-out of curiosty I looked it up. And I have definitley had the symptoms when riding long distance in the heat. It sounds like some others have had from our conversations. Scary stuff and can be fatal. The Mayo Clinic article suggested only drinking 34oz of water per hour during prolonging periods of exercise and that it is most likely to happen to older adults, pushing 51 I can relate that experience this is totally awful. Has anyone battled this and what is your formula for avoiding it? For the up coming Bike MS ride, I am now thinking I will get a 34 oz bottle just for water and use a larger bottle for use of liquid that contains sodium and electrolytes like Nuun tablets?
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McDonalds and all fast food are poison, McDonalds being the worst. They are a corportate mega giant that does not have their customers health interest at heart not to mention their impact on the enviroment.
Good reading to educate on where you food has come from: Fast Food Nation, Fork over Knives, Omnivores Dilema(this book should be required reading in schools in my opinion) and Twinkie Deconstructed, although it sounds like alot of people like twinkies. Lol.
@Jerry, maybe you can find a cheap/used recumbent trike somewhere? I bet you would be thankful to ride, even if it were just a mile or 2.
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@Brad, love your comment! That is what I love the most about biking, it is about all of that wonderful-ness around me that stimulates the senses. Early mornings and late evenings are the best for that! The colors in the sky, the sounds of the birds, even the wind going through the pines. I am never without a camera, and it is often that I stop to take a picture of what I am seeing.
@the cadence discussion, I had always thought that I had to push it in the 3rd gear, but this year I am trying a faster cadence and spending more time in the 2nd gear. I don't count my cadence, but I can honestly say that it has not had a huge impact on my overall speed, I am still averaging the same as I was, and I am not as tired the next day after long rides.
About winter biking/winter sports: I used to ride my bike in the winter when I was a kid, and it never phased me. Grow up to be nearly 50 and suddenly its an issue! LOL--seriously, when I was a kid I had a Schwinn 3 speed with metal baskets on the back, and I rode in the snow all the time doing my paper route. Nowadays, I don't feel stable enough when there is ice on the road--maybe a fatter tire would be better. The cold is another issue, would definitely consider it if I could find warm enough clothing. What I have now, the seams of my gloves goes right through my hands, and I find that I can't move around that well in the parka and snowpants. As for other sports, I enjoy skiing-both XC and downhill, sledding with the kids, and even just taking winter walks with the hubby. Although, working full time, time of day is an issue because of the short days and early darkness.
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Drive-up windows: not many around these parts, but I have used them on a rare occasion. Maybe its just me, but it seems faster to get off of the bike and go in. And agree with Roberto, McD's is poison, but the coffee is great!
Cicadas are the sound of summer, of that year when you were young.
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I still remember that lazy hot summer day when I was a teen sitting on my aunts screen porch. I had heard cicadas before of course, but this was the first time that I really listened. That day I came to appreciate and love that sound, and over time, all the feelings and memories that it came to conjure. It always reminds me of hot sunny summer days, and that one day especially. On yesterday’s hot sweltering day as I was riding home I took comfort in that old familiar sound - the cicadas were in full chorus. Then I came to think; what else do I hear? A red wing blackbird chittering off the side a bit… crickets, yes crickets… and the smell of clover in the air… milkweed… I was speeding along – almost oblivious to all the details that lay thick entranced. The cicadas reminded me… to listen… to see. Every day is a beautiful day, if we take the time to look. Love and light everyone.
@Scott - While running, how many steps per minute do you take? (The standard is 180.)
@Brad~
From everything I've read; and actually owners testimony's..... The outer sole or "foot box" is a size bigger than the actually boot. So up sizing for thicker socks is not needed. Although everyone's idea of cold is different!
Check this link out~ http://fat-bike.com/2012/08/new-45nrths-winter-cycling-boot-wolvhammer/
All, and I mean all guys and gals swear this is the warmest boot they've ever slipped on.
I'm in the same boat as you; if I'm gonna drop a small fortune on these I want to try mulipte sizes on for real!
Unfortunately there's no LBS close that'll stock these.
Can't say as I blame them.
Anyway, these are a must have for winter riding, and are on my list!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie - Way to go!
=======
I just got home from a short ride, and on the way, noticed there was a slight headwind. Because it was almost midnight on a weekend, a group of drunks in a vehicle decided to harass me. When they looped around the divided road for a second pass, one of them noticed I was giving chase, (I wasn't going to take the harassment sitting down), so they yelled to get away from me quickly.
The funny thing was that the rest of the ride home in the same direction as before felt like I was riding with the wind.
I rarely use a high cadence. I can't stand pedaling like crazy and going nowhere. I generally average somewhere in the low 50's. I like the power and stability of higher gears. I ride a mountain bike and never go out of the third ring in front. I ride on roads trails or cross country and even a time or two around the BMX track. I can load up my panniers makes no difference, I just never stop turning the pedals.
Jerry~ damn!!
Hope all turns around for you quickly!!
@Chris~ does Brad live by you?? Lol
This winter he'll be looking for snowshoe trails and the like to ride is new FatBoy Moonlander on!! Ha Ha Ha
For what it's worth, (and you can call me crazy all you like ;), but I'll take -20 and snow over the oppressive heat week this week, hands down!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
My gosh, did I open a can of worms? Talk about some snow, next thing you know we're all talkin' winter riding and cold weather activities. Sorry :-( Just so y'all know, you all inspire me to quit my complaining about the heat. Jerry, Laurie, Chris, you are all enduring far worse than me, and you do it with a smile. Roberto, you rock the heat! Thanks all for the uplifting banter; really changes my outlook on things!
@ Laurie, now I feel like I have to defend my earlier remarks. I X-country ski in the winter, in Wisconsin whenever I get a chance (which is unfortunately about once a year). You get to be in the woods out of the wind and the movement keeps you warm (its way better than freezing on a lousy ski lift). Also, you can wear some of the same clothes for X-C skiing as you wear for cold weather bicycling. You don't have to invest in all the fancy stuff. Its great for your legs and arms. As for the skis: well don't get the skinny racing skis if you haven't done it before. Get some wider skis and it will be easier (but they don't have to be as fat as back country skis). Also, if you get skis that are a little shorter than the recommended length, it will be easier to ski. Also a short lesson is a good idea, there are a couple of tricks that make the whole thing easier. I'm sure you can find some skis to rent to try it out. You can also find used skis at places like Play it Again Sports. A related kind of skiins is the skate skiing, which is done on really short skis. Those people go pretty fast. Old skis never die, we have had ours for over 20 years. Hope you will give it a try.
OK Jerry, now I'm really sad, its a Cannondale. I have a Cannondale. A while back I crashed it into the ground and bent the handlebars, not was skillfully as yours are bent, but bad enough. One shop told me it was dead but the other shop, well somebody who worked there said, they thought they had some old handlebars like that at home. Instant replacement. I will dedicate my next ride on the Cannondale to your bike so it won't be so sad.
@Laurie. You need to move to Colorado. I have a sister who lives in Wisconsin also. You are both crazy.
92 to diamond....hopefully sunday
I need a recumbent trike so I can ride. Too bad I cannot afford one. Thought even if I had one I would be restricted to just two miles at the moment.
Had physical therapy today. Rode the recumbent bike. Can't believe they don't have clipless pedals. How do they expect me to ride their bike?
@Mary. Nothing is usable except maybe the cassette and chain.
Roberto, you are my hero! I live in Idaho Falls. Haven't had the snow the last couple of years to X-country right out of my garage like before.
winter in Florida is summer in Canada or Scotland. Give me gears, my knees are to valuable for all the stress of a below 60 cadence. Go for it Tammie! I'll be hoping you are safe. Woof Woof got behind a small group of young armadillos in the road and they we so funny I almost fell laughing, they finally rushed off into the woods.
If its real cold in Florida and I hold a flashlight into the sky I can see snow once every ten years or so. woof woof
@ Roberto - I'm at 6972 miles. most prevalent distance for me is 50 on solo rides. Have one century and probably 10 at the 65-80 range. Some solo and some with friends. Vast majority of my miles are solo
I don't understand the love for auto shifting bikes, or at least the ones that have been, or are currently being made.
Any video I've seen of them shows the rider pedalling at around 60 rpms. When they start pedalling faster, then it shifts, bringing them back at or below 60. No way is that proper riding cadence.
If someone is biking at that leg turnover rate, their ride will be shorter and they will be more sore later - resulting in less chance for them to want to get out and ride the next day.
Now, if they made one that averaged around 90 rpms... - Now, you're talking!
Now if only I could have a dream about riding my bike without the nightmare aspect.
@Roberto. My wife said to tell you she needed something to laugh about instead of sitting on the couch and crying.
Chris, I still do some riding in winter on dry roads in milder temps, but I completely agree about snowshoeing. No learning curve, no bugs; I can go anywhere in my woods (even the normally swampy spots) and it is quite literally walking on water: what 's not to love about that? (-;
@Roberto. It did not bother me at all. It gave my wife and I something to laugh about. Too bad you deleted them.
@Jerry - I've had similar dreams when I've been injured from running, although they don't involve getting on your damaged bike or not being able to find your house.
But my dreams would usually involve me not being able to run fast, almost like I was in invisible quicksand.
In fact, my main recurring dream as a child (wasn't injured), involved my brother and me in a long abandoned store of a ghost town. When ghosts started decending the stairs, my brother ran off, but I could only run in slow motion, and could tell I wasn't going to escape out the front doors in time, so I hid inside a round tie rack, (don't ask me why it still had ties hanging down from it - it just did), as the ghosts went up and down the isles, searching for me. It never failed to be disconcerting.
@Jerry - I love the custom handlebars! (Is anything still usable?)
@Tammie: Good Luck! Have a great ride.
@Jerry, that'll buff out. Heal up so you can enjoy the suffering of the road.
I think a few riders are or close to a heat stroke for using four letter words, Snow and Cold. Yes they go together and I do ride if wind chill is not below 0. I'll take the heat and endure the cold. @ Jerry, good luck with a complete recovery and hope you will be on 2 wheels soon.
Tammie: May your MS event be as inspiring, energizing and empowering as The Ride Across Minnesota. The volunteers were spectacular, the Ride Marshals and mechanical support were stunningly proficient, and the riders were warm, overwhelmingly gracious, enthusiastic, motivated and amazing. You should know you provided extra inspiration on the hot, windy, hilly stretches…..thought of you and the blast furnace heat you persistently face amid chronic pain issues. Stay safe and hydrated, and Have an extraordinary ride!
Here are photos of what is left of my bicycle.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
@ Jerry, hurrah for the insurance victory!
@ Scott, that stinks. You should be able to go to any drive up window you want to.
@ Laurie, three words: Cross country skiing!
Great news. My insurance decided to reimburse me for my bicycle. Minus the $1,000 deductable. So now I don't have to sell some of my model railroad items to buy a new bike.
Lots to say but it's almost closing time! Hope to tune in later on this evening. Ride with Peace, stay safe.
@Laurie, I don't ride in winter, at least I haven't to this point. I wanted to find something to do in winter that wouldn't cost me a fortune. I borrowed xcountry skis and tried it, but really didn't enjoy it. I'm not very coordinated and had difficulty moving forward. Plus the full kit was a lot of money. Toward the end of the season, I found some snowshoes on sale and LOVED snowshoeing. It's an amazing work out and gobs of fun. All I had to buy was the snowshoes and poles (not absolutely necessary, but I found them helpful) and gaiters (again, not absolutely necessary, but high on the list for comfort). I just used my regular snow boots and winter clothes.
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Most ski areas in WI and many sporting stores rent snowshoes by the hour and/or day so you can check it out before you buy. Just thought I'd toss it out as a suggestion.
I know how Cynthia feels about missing a ride. I was supposed to do Ride the Rockies this year. My crash was my last ride before I left for the ride. So is was hard watching the RTR website while I was in the hospital and seeing what I was missing.
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And I am supposed to ride in the Tour de Cure, a ride for diabetes on August 17th. I do not think I will be able to ride by that time. Theire is another Tour de Cure in September that I am hoping to ride in.
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And even if I can not ride in the Tour de Cure in August I will be there taking photos and encouranging the riders.
@Tammie. Good luck on your ride this weekend. You will do great. Just take your time and enjoy the ride. Wish I was going.
Cold, hot, as long as I'm on my bicycle, I don't really care. Just lucky I guess. I've been out in cold so bitter my eyelids froze together. So hot that there was salt flaking off my legs. Common denominator: the bicycle.
@Cynthia
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@Jenny
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@Rick
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Thanks to all of you and everyone else for your support. It has made it easer as I am waiting to heal.
@Laurie. The best thing to keep in shape if you will not ride outdoors during the winter is to set up a stationary stand for your bike. And do weights. I go to the club during the snowy days to exercise. Though I hate riding indoors. I can ride for hours outdoors. Five minutes indoors and I am going nuts.
@ Jerry, here in Wisconsin 30-40 is not "cold". When I say I don't want to ride in cold temps, I'm thinking of below zero wind chills.
And of course a hot shower after a cold ride is a great way to warm up. Though a couple of times I had to get in the jacuzzi to warm up because I was so cold when I got home.
I despise riding when it is cold. But I do it. As long is the temperature is 40 degrees I will ride. And I will start riding if it is at least 33 degrees and forecast to get up to 40 degrees. I will not ride in the snow, as the only bike I have is my road bike. And with the crazy way people drive in the snow. The other frustrating part of cold days is waiting to start to ride until noon when it has warmed up. During the summer I prefer to start no later than 0700.
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Once I start riding and warm up it is not too bad. It is just forcing myself to get out in the cold that is so hard. After 15 minutes I am usually warmed up enough to be comfortable.
Tammie: May your MS event be as inspiring, energizing and empowering as The Ride Across Minnesota. The volunteers were spectacular, the Ride Marshals and mechanical support were stunningly proficient, and the riders were warm, overwhelmingly gracious, enthusiastic, motivated and amazing (including the 89 year-old gent riding with his daughter, the family who came from Sweden for the event, and the nurse with MS pedaling a tandem with her partner, to mention only very few). You should know you provided extra inspiration on the hot, windy, hilly stretches…..thought of you and the blast furnace heat you persistently face amid chronic pain issues. Stay safe and hydrated, and Have an extraordinary ride!
I changed my bank when the teller at the drive-thru refused to wait on me on my bicycle. And why are you eating at McD's for anyway? Fast food kills.
@ Scott, I would definitely speak to the manager, and continue up the chain of command if necessary. Since bicycles are considered vehicles pretty much everywhere, you should have been served at the drive-up window.
Laurie - my advice is take it one step at a time. Get prepared for the 50's and 40's and see how you like it. Bike Forums Winter Biking has lots of advice. Good luck and have fun!
Rode my bike through the McDonald's drive-up for a late night smoothie it still was very hot and humid even at 1:00 in the morning. I have gone here many times in the past with no problem. This time my bike failed to activate the box to take my order. I rode up to the window and asked for my smoothie and was informed that, " It was against company policy to serve anyone who did not for whatever reason activate their ordering system", he refused to serve me. I told him that I had done this many times before and really wanted my drink. I also told him that their competitor Burger King's system has never failed in recognizing my bike and always provides me with good service. His reply was to say sorry but there was no way he could sell me anything and that I had to leave. I replied that from now on, Burger King or any other fast food place would get my business. His response was a shrug of his shoulders and a look of disgust. This McDonalds, located at 2721 W Kennewick Ave in Kennewick, Wa., or any other, for that matter, will never see me again.
I'm sure it is invigorating, but I'd need to get snow tires and a lot of other winter gear.
It's invigorating and helps when the temperatures soar like today.
@ Roberto, I don't relish riding in snow and cold.
@Laurie, just ride outside.
@Cynthia, I lived for 8 years in Jackson Hole, WY. That's enough cold for a lifetime.
Speaking of cold weather, I am not sure I want to get into winter cycling with all the snow and subzero wind chills. But neither do I want to lose the momentum into fitness from this summer. Any suggestions of indoor stuff to keep in shape for next cycling season?
I hate the cold with a passion....and hate being cold.
4 years ago I was training for an MS 150-my first one. What it made it most special is my son decided to try it and join me. We were going to ride the two days together. I couldn't wait. I ate, drank, slept biking and training for this ride, and it was all I talked about (still do-ha ha-this is my 3rd year). 2 weeks before the ride I fell while commuting to work on my bike. I fractured the bone right below the elbow. I was totally devastated. There was no way I could ride and trust me, I begged, pleaded and wished that something would change so I could still do this ride. I was still going to do it no matter what. But, the doctor, and my family and friends assured me that if I did do this my elbow would never heal properly and I would have a lot of problems with it in the future. I listened to them and I am glad I did. I went on to support my son as he rode. The first day finish line was tough seeing everyone come through it, I so wanted that too. And also, I could not commute, it was hard, really hard for several weeks. I am stronger from the experience and I learned from it too. When you put your heart into the love of riding and something messes up that mojo it can really rock your boat. Riding bike is a lifestyle. People think I am crazy but they just don't understand. I am fortunate to have a significant other and family that is supportive.
Cynthia, that's awesome!
2nd week in a row-5 for 5 days riding to work. Wahoo!
@Ray S, I use arm coolers since I'm not a big fan of sunblock either. And I'm with you as far as remembering freezing my ass off in the cold. I can always cool off, but once you're cold it can last for days.
The heat doesn't bother me, I just make sure to have my 3 liter Camelbak filled with ice cubes and water and two bottles of Gatorade. Anytime I think "it's hot" I just remember those days not so long ago that I was riding in the snow. The cold wasn't too bad either, but even as much as I hate sunblock, its better than 3-4 layers of clothing.
How excited to be so close to the 10 million mile / milestone! No doubt we will all be out there doing our part to get those miles in this weekend. I can't wait!
@Jerry-hang in there, before you know it you will be out there again pedaling your way to here and there. It has to be very difficult to stay positive, but, it's also the best way to heal quicker. Your in my thoughts when I make my daily commute.
Keep cool and safe all!
@Chris, my next-door neighbor gave me the same response yesterday when I made a similar remark. And he knows how much I REALLY hate shoveling snow! I'll be leaving work in about 20 minutes; heat index here DOWN to 103; was 106 for a few hours. Good thing a buddy and I are going to the local cigar megashop for a stick and a few microbrews later; gonna enjoy them in air conditioned comfort for as long as we can! Maybe some storms tonight, better bet tomorrow.
@Michael, I'll remind you of today when winter rolls around! I'm leaving work for the hot ride home. The rain they called for hasn't materialized yet.
@Roberto, I wish I had your fortitude!! As much as I hate shoveling snow (and I REALLY hate shoveling snow!), I wouldn't mind a few inches right now.
40 hot miles. I roll into a local bike shop (one I had never visited before) and the woman behind the counter says, "Terrible day for a bike ride, huh?" I'm standing there in full kit, sweating but smiling, so I told her, "Not at all. I love the heat." She looked at me kinda strange, so I guess I won't become a regular there. WTF!
@Jerry, I can totally relate to your situation. I broke my leg about 16 years ago in March, and the one thing that sticks out in my mind was how terribly awful it felt when I would look out the window and see other people riding by on their bikes. I was fortunate that the therapy that helped me the most after I got the cast off was bike riding, especially for the ROM (range of motion). Again last summer, I had a set-back during the bike challenge when I had been bit by a dog and developed a nasty infection. I was off of my bike for 2 weeks, and it was driving me totally crazy! I was very thankful for the support through the national and local message boards here. As Chris said, each time I ride, I think about you. And each time that the thought crosses my mind to skip the ride, I think about you, and that inspires me to take the ride.
RE: cramps, eating bananas and pineapple are also good against cramps! Potassium helps. I've never had an issue with cramps (KNOCK ON WOOD)!!
@ Marty, what you said about the 2 week acclimatizing to heat makes sense. The sudden exposure to heat when you aren't used to it is what will get you. All the safety measures that were mentioned are extremely important.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Hi all, out this morning to add my contribution to the 10 million. Temps. in the 80s and some of the usual suspects out riding, but no turkeys today.
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@ Chris, I hear Autobike is hiring. Maybe if you work for them they will give you a discount. LOL
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@ Ray, good points, it is probably necessary to pedal. Maybe Autobike has improved the technology. I hope so. At any rate at least they are making the bikes here in the USA
My Mom bought a LandRider a few years ago, it has auto-shift technology. Two rings up front with manual shift, and a 7 speed cassette in the back that auto-shifts based on how fast you pedal. My Mom liked the fact that she didn't have to worry about shifting, but she never really rode it fast enough for it to shift anyway. It's great in concept, but I was never all that impressed with it. It's not as "hands-off" and they make it out to be. If you ride down a hill and get it up to a high gear and coast, but don't remember to pedal slowly to get it to get back to a low gear, you're stuck at the bottom, same as a manual shift, except that you have no control over it downshifting, so you torque the chain up the cassette. That Autobike is $999.95, which to me, seems way high for a recreational rider.
I'd echo Roberto's comments on Sport Legs. I have had cramp issues on longer rides, even with copious electrolytes. I used Sport Legs on the STP this past weekend and felt fresh enough at the end to go another 20 miles or more at the end of each day. Last year I was having to pace myself toward the end to ward off cramps. It's not exactly a clinical study, but it seemed to make a difference.
@ Jerrry - what Karen said. It's great to have your encouragement. And be assured that you have ours as you are working to heal and rejoin the group on wheels.
@Jerry, I think about you (and say a little prayer for your rapid recovery) every time I get on my bike. It may not help much, but you're riding with me every time I'm out.
@E M, I want one! If I had a grand to replace my stolen bike, I think I'd be buying an Autobike! While I prefer to shift my own car, I'd love a bike that shifts itself! (At least I think I would.)
@Paul and @Marty, thanks for getting everyone psyched up to hit 10 million miles! I'll be out there this weekend, contributing to the cause!
@Karen Jean Goth. Thank-you. But it is all of you who are helping me. Without the support and comments here I would probability be depressed.
@Paul - We might even make 10,000,000 late on Sunday. It will be close.
@Marty, you need another hobby.
@Tammy, arm coolers are just like arm warmers only they are designed to help keep your arms cool. Google them. Mine are made by Pearl Izumi.
10 million by Monday...think we can do it? (I do!) Keep on riding! (Alas, since my shifter cable broke last night on the way home from my 30 mile evening ride, I will be doing so in two gears, not 18, until I can get a repair...probably on the weekend, if I am lucky. It will be good for the legs and for "watering" the road as I go.)
@nyla Enjoy the the ride along the north shore. If there was a good Northeast wind, it could blow you into Duluth and give you a shower from the spray. Beware of the weekend traffic, it usually starts around noon even along Scenic highway 61.
@Tammie - If you don't have time to order arm coolers, a cheap alternative is to just use an old 48 qt cooler that you have around the house. Drill two holes, about shoulder width apart and midway up or lower on one of the long sides, and drill two smaller holes on the other long side, the same width apart.
Straddle your bike, with the cooler in front of you. Put your arms first through the bigger holes, then just your wrists through the smaller holes. Have someone open the lid, and pour a couple bags of ice (enough to completely cover your arms), and then securely close the lid.
Then, just enjoy the cool ride!
@Tammie - I wouldn't be more concerned than normal about the heat on Saturday, other than for you going a longer distance than normal. Because of that, you will want to go slower, drink cool fluids with some electrolytes, eat some food that you can tolerate while riding in that heat, and if you wear a cap under your helmet, at the aid stations, put ice in the cap, and then put your helmet on (you may have to adjust the chin strap). That will cool you off quickly.
The reason I said not to be too concerned because of the recent cool spell, is that your body acclimates to the heat in about 2 weeks of training in it. You've done that. The heat acclimatization won't go away in a week. Here are two of the main things your body does to acclimate: You sweat more, and your sweat is more dilute, so you eliminate less sodium, potassium, magnesium, cloride, and bicarbonate.
You don't want to drink just water on longer rides though, because that could easily result in hyponutremia, (I know you know this, since you are a nurse, but I thought it might help someone else), where the body senses that the incoming fluids are lacking in nutrients, so starts taking electrolytes from the blood and other cells to balance everything out. This works for a while, until you have so few electrolytes, you are negatively affected. In the case of too little potassium, this can cause arrhythmias, and death. This has happened to a number of 5-6 hour marathoners in recent years.
Hey, Roberto, what are arm coolers? 95 is an average day here. The Bike MS days here are supposed to be about 91 or so... not too bad. Problem is the past few days have been unusually cool. Not really good for training. We are going to be hit with hot weather on the first day after a week of temps in the 70's. It is going to hit all of us hard. I only did 10 miles today and don't plan to ride tomorrow. .. Well, maybe just a once around the block after I get Black Beauty cleaned up and lubed.. before I load her in the van for the ride to the starting point. I am a nervous wreck! LOL
New bike company in the US: Autobike: http://youtu.be/HFY3JR1-dzI
New bike company in the US: Autobike: http://youtu.be/HFY3JR1-dzI
Is anyone else having problems with Endomondo? I record for about the first half to 2 miles then it shuts off.
@ Laurie, now I feel like I have to defend my earlier remarks. I X-country ski in the winter, in Wisconsin whenever I get a chance (which is unfortunately about once a year). You get to be in the woods out of the wind and the movement keeps you warm (its way better than freezing on a lousy ski lift). Also, you can wear some of the same clothes for X-C skiing as you wear for cold weather bicycling. You don't have to invest in all the fancy stuff. Its great for your legs and arms. As for the skis: well don't get the skinny racing skis if you haven't done it before. Get some wider skis and it will be easier (but they don't have to be as fat as back country skis). Also, if you get skis that are a little shorter than the recommended length, it will be easier to ski. Also a short lesson is a good idea, there are a couple of tricks that make the whole thing easier. I'm sure you can find some skis to rent to try it out. You can also find used skis at places like Play it Again Sports. A related kind of skiins is the skate skiing, which is done on really short skis. Those people go pretty fast. Old skis never die, we have had ours for over 20 years. Hope you will give it a try.
OK Jerry, now I'm really sad, its a Cannondale. I have a Cannondale. A while back I crashed it into the ground and bent the handlebars, not was skillfully as yours are bent, but bad enough. One shop told me it was dead but the other shop, well somebody who worked there said, they thought they had some old handlebars like that at home. Instant replacement. I will dedicate my next ride on the Cannondale to your bike so it won't be so sad.
@JH Strickland-great idea!
Salt, way overrated. Just sayin'. I forgot to mention I also rely on SportLegs, and if you haven't tried this supplement, you really don't know what you're missing.
I love riding in the heat. I never feel faint or cramped or any of that. I don't eat salty stuff either. I don't use Gatorade. Today's ride was 40 miles, started at noon, 95F with heat index of 98F. I use arm coolers, wear a cap under my helmet, drink lots of water, eat a Clif bar during the ride, and Clif Bloks for electrolyte replacement. Two short breaks for water replenishment. I honestly think a good part of it is conditioning yourself to ride in higher temperatures. Plus your diet. All in all, bring on the heat.
@Jerry - I think NBC should give you a "Spirit Award" at the end of the challenge. You have been very much like an online coach. Thanks coach!
Took my ride nice and easy after work and stood in sprinkler when I got home. Ride on!
@Laurie. You need to move to Colorado. I have a sister who lives in Wisconsin also. You are both crazy.
92 to diamond....hopefully sunday
Hi all, for those of you riding in the heat, please be careful. I chatted with a rider today who was on an MS preparatory ride: 54 miles in the heat with only one rest stop. She said she got nauseaous. (She will be writing a letter to the organizers to complain). Nausea and feeling faint (which I have experienced on a different ride) are symptoms of heat exhaustion. Dehydration, Heat exhaustion, and Heatstroke are not things we want happening to any of you. So please stay hydrated, take breaks and get shade once in a while, and eat something salty. I'm sure we have some medical experts out there who could say more. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
I need a recumbent trike so I can ride. Too bad I cannot afford one. Thought even if I had one I would be restricted to just two miles at the moment.
Had physical therapy today. Rode the recumbent bike. Can't believe they don't have clipless pedals. How do they expect me to ride their bike?
@Mary. Nothing is usable except maybe the cassette and chain.
Roberto, you are my hero! I live in Idaho Falls. Haven't had the snow the last couple of years to X-country right out of my garage like before.
so what if...
the 2014 NBC began on the last Sunday in April (May 1 is a thursday) and ended on the Fist Sunday in October (same reasoning). If the kick offs for the NBC were by registration with local organizations (clubs, shops, crazy cyclists in a group)leading, there could be many kick off events in many places. This might generate more interest and participation. IE, If every team this year had a kick off that would be 2111 events., which might be better than a single location.
winter in Florida is summer in Canada or Scotland. Give me gears, my knees are to valuable for all the stress of a below 60 cadence. Go for it Tammie! I'll be hoping you are safe. Woof Woof got behind a small group of young armadillos in the road and they we so funny I almost fell laughing, they finally rushed off into the woods.
If its real cold in Florida and I hold a flashlight into the sky I can see snow once every ten years or so. woof woof
@ E M,
Thanks for the mantra, I like it:
RISE EARLY RIDE OFTEN!
I don't understand the love for auto shifting bikes, or at least the ones that have been, or are currently being made.
Any video I've seen of them shows the rider pedalling at around 60 rpms. When they start pedalling faster, then it shifts, bringing them back at or below 60. No way is that proper riding cadence.
If someone is biking at that leg turnover rate, their ride will be shorter and they will be more sore later - resulting in less chance for them to want to get out and ride the next day.
Now, if they made one that averaged around 90 rpms... - Now, you're talking!
71 sunny ,hilly headwind miles of spirit-stretching views today. Tomorrow on to finish in Duluth. Tonight in Two Harbors....sitting on huge sun-warmed rock, steeping in the power of Lake Superior. I am, in every sense, a happy camper (-;
Chris, I still do some riding in winter on dry roads in milder temps, but I completely agree about snowshoeing. No learning curve, no bugs; I can go anywhere in my woods (even the normally swampy spots) and it is quite literally walking on water: what 's not to love about that? (-;
@Jerry - I love the custom handlebars! (Is anything still usable?)
So RAGBRAI is this next week starting on Sunday. I won't be there this year, but my goal is to ride the same mileage as the ride does each day. Should be interesting.
@Tammie: Good Luck! Have a great ride.
@Jerry, that'll buff out. Heal up so you can enjoy the suffering of the road.
I think a few riders are or close to a heat stroke for using four letter words, Snow and Cold. Yes they go together and I do ride if wind chill is not below 0. I'll take the heat and endure the cold. @ Jerry, good luck with a complete recovery and hope you will be on 2 wheels soon.
Tammie: May your MS event be as inspiring, energizing and empowering as The Ride Across Minnesota. The volunteers were spectacular, the Ride Marshals and mechanical support were stunningly proficient, and the riders were warm, overwhelmingly gracious, enthusiastic, motivated and amazing. You should know you provided extra inspiration on the hot, windy, hilly stretches…..thought of you and the blast furnace heat you persistently face amid chronic pain issues. Stay safe and hydrated, and Have an extraordinary ride!
@Laurie, go for it. I like when the helmet straps turn white with the salt from sweating.
Here are photos of what is left of my bicycle.
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http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/JerryBN/library/Bicyle
@ Jerry, hurrah for the insurance victory!
@ Scott, that stinks. You should be able to go to any drive up window you want to.
@ Laurie, three words: Cross country skiing!
@ Jerry, I'm not complaining. I actually enjoy the heat, I think it helps burn calories faster. Right now I'm considering biking the 5.5 miles to the Y to swim a bit and then bike back home.
@Laurie. Be glad to trade you places.
Great news. My insurance decided to reimburse me for my bicycle. Minus the $1,000 deductable. So now I don't have to sell some of my model railroad items to buy a new bike.
Lots to say but it's almost closing time! Hope to tune in later on this evening. Ride with Peace, stay safe.
@Laurie, I don't ride in winter, at least I haven't to this point. I wanted to find something to do in winter that wouldn't cost me a fortune. I borrowed xcountry skis and tried it, but really didn't enjoy it. I'm not very coordinated and had difficulty moving forward. Plus the full kit was a lot of money. Toward the end of the season, I found some snowshoes on sale and LOVED snowshoeing. It's an amazing work out and gobs of fun. All I had to buy was the snowshoes and poles (not absolutely necessary, but I found them helpful) and gaiters (again, not absolutely necessary, but high on the list for comfort). I just used my regular snow boots and winter clothes.
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Most ski areas in WI and many sporting stores rent snowshoes by the hour and/or day so you can check it out before you buy. Just thought I'd toss it out as a suggestion.
I have grown accustomed to feeling like I just rode through a waterfall. It's been in the 90s all week here, and even my helmet straps get so soaked I could probably wring them out. To paraphrase "only mad dogs, Englishmen, and bicyclists go out in the noonday sun". LOL
I know how Cynthia feels about missing a ride. I was supposed to do Ride the Rockies this year. My crash was my last ride before I left for the ride. So is was hard watching the RTR website while I was in the hospital and seeing what I was missing.
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And I am supposed to ride in the Tour de Cure, a ride for diabetes on August 17th. I do not think I will be able to ride by that time. Theire is another Tour de Cure in September that I am hoping to ride in.
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And even if I can not ride in the Tour de Cure in August I will be there taking photos and encouranging the riders.
@Tammie. Good luck on your ride this weekend. You will do great. Just take your time and enjoy the ride. Wish I was going.
40 miles, temp 95F, heat index 98. Perfect riding weather.
@Karen, think Hades.
Cold, hot, as long as I'm on my bicycle, I don't really care. Just lucky I guess. I've been out in cold so bitter my eyelids froze together. So hot that there was salt flaking off my legs. Common denominator: the bicycle.
@Cynthia
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@Jenny
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@Rick
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Thanks to all of you and everyone else for your support. It has made it easer as I am waiting to heal.
@Laurie. The best thing to keep in shape if you will not ride outdoors during the winter is to set up a stationary stand for your bike. And do weights. I go to the club during the snowy days to exercise. Though I hate riding indoors. I can ride for hours outdoors. Five minutes indoors and I am going nuts.
@ Jerry, here in Wisconsin 30-40 is not "cold". When I say I don't want to ride in cold temps, I'm thinking of below zero wind chills.
And of course a hot shower after a cold ride is a great way to warm up. Though a couple of times I had to get in the jacuzzi to warm up because I was so cold when I got home.
I despise riding when it is cold. But I do it. As long is the temperature is 40 degrees I will ride. And I will start riding if it is at least 33 degrees and forecast to get up to 40 degrees. I will not ride in the snow, as the only bike I have is my road bike. And with the crazy way people drive in the snow. The other frustrating part of cold days is waiting to start to ride until noon when it has warmed up. During the summer I prefer to start no later than 0700.
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Once I start riding and warm up it is not too bad. It is just forcing myself to get out in the cold that is so hard. After 15 minutes I am usually warmed up enough to be comfortable.
I changed my bank when the teller at the drive-thru refused to wait on me on my bicycle. And why are you eating at McD's for anyway? Fast food kills.
@ Scott, I would definitely speak to the manager, and continue up the chain of command if necessary. Since bicycles are considered vehicles pretty much everywhere, you should have been served at the drive-up window.
Laurie - my advice is take it one step at a time. Get prepared for the 50's and 40's and see how you like it. Bike Forums Winter Biking has lots of advice. Good luck and have fun!
Rode my bike through the McDonald's drive-up for a late night smoothie it still was very hot and humid even at 1:00 in the morning. I have gone here many times in the past with no problem. This time my bike failed to activate the box to take my order. I rode up to the window and asked for my smoothie and was informed that, " It was against company policy to serve anyone who did not for whatever reason activate their ordering system", he refused to serve me. I told him that I had done this many times before and really wanted my drink. I also told him that their competitor Burger King's system has never failed in recognizing my bike and always provides me with good service. His reply was to say sorry but there was no way he could sell me anything and that I had to leave. I replied that from now on, Burger King or any other fast food place would get my business. His response was a shrug of his shoulders and a look of disgust. This McDonalds, located at 2721 W Kennewick Ave in Kennewick, Wa., or any other, for that matter, will never see me again.
I'm sure it is invigorating, but I'd need to get snow tires and a lot of other winter gear.
It's invigorating and helps when the temperatures soar like today.
@ Roberto, I don't relish riding in snow and cold.
@Laurie, just ride outside.
@Cynthia, I lived for 8 years in Jackson Hole, WY. That's enough cold for a lifetime.
Speaking of cold weather, I am not sure I want to get into winter cycling with all the snow and subzero wind chills. But neither do I want to lose the momentum into fitness from this summer. Any suggestions of indoor stuff to keep in shape for next cycling season?
I hate the cold with a passion....and hate being cold.
4 years ago I was training for an MS 150-my first one. What it made it most special is my son decided to try it and join me. We were going to ride the two days together. I couldn't wait. I ate, drank, slept biking and training for this ride, and it was all I talked about (still do-ha ha-this is my 3rd year). 2 weeks before the ride I fell while commuting to work on my bike. I fractured the bone right below the elbow. I was totally devastated. There was no way I could ride and trust me, I begged, pleaded and wished that something would change so I could still do this ride. I was still going to do it no matter what. But, the doctor, and my family and friends assured me that if I did do this my elbow would never heal properly and I would have a lot of problems with it in the future. I listened to them and I am glad I did. I went on to support my son as he rode. The first day finish line was tough seeing everyone come through it, I so wanted that too. And also, I could not commute, it was hard, really hard for several weeks. I am stronger from the experience and I learned from it too. When you put your heart into the love of riding and something messes up that mojo it can really rock your boat. Riding bike is a lifestyle. People think I am crazy but they just don't understand. I am fortunate to have a significant other and family that is supportive.
Cynthia, that's awesome!
2nd week in a row-5 for 5 days riding to work. Wahoo!
We kicked off the NBC in Appleton, WI with a midnight ride at 12:01 am on May 1. It started at a local watering hole and the 5 mile ride was fun. However, it landed on a Wednesday night and might move it to a Friday night for 2014 - some people said something about having to work the next day. For a few hours at least we were the #1 community in the NBC. I think every town should have a Midnight Ride!
@Ray S, I use arm coolers since I'm not a big fan of sunblock either. And I'm with you as far as remembering freezing my ass off in the cold. I can always cool off, but once you're cold it can last for days.
The heat doesn't bother me, I just make sure to have my 3 liter Camelbak filled with ice cubes and water and two bottles of Gatorade. Anytime I think "it's hot" I just remember those days not so long ago that I was riding in the snow. The cold wasn't too bad either, but even as much as I hate sunblock, its better than 3-4 layers of clothing.
How excited to be so close to the 10 million mile / milestone! No doubt we will all be out there doing our part to get those miles in this weekend. I can't wait!
@Jerry-hang in there, before you know it you will be out there again pedaling your way to here and there. It has to be very difficult to stay positive, but, it's also the best way to heal quicker. Your in my thoughts when I make my daily commute.
Keep cool and safe all!
@ J Hugh, Yeah, I think regional kickoffs would probably be the most realistic solution.
@Shawn. Trade you places.
Perhaps there could be regional kick offs for the NBC. Even each state? Or what about an official just sign up and see how many kick offs could be held on day one?
@ Rob Gusky, this is your party, are you going to let DC steal the NBC kickoff from Wisconsin?
@Chris, my next-door neighbor gave me the same response yesterday when I made a similar remark. And he knows how much I REALLY hate shoveling snow! I'll be leaving work in about 20 minutes; heat index here DOWN to 103; was 106 for a few hours. Good thing a buddy and I are going to the local cigar megashop for a stick and a few microbrews later; gonna enjoy them in air conditioned comfort for as long as we can! Maybe some storms tonight, better bet tomorrow.
Hi all, out this morning at 7am to take advantage of the lower temps (70s versus 90s). It was plenty humid. Still, there were a half dozen other riders out there. Today I saw three turkeys close to the same place I saw two yesterday.
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@ Leonard, here's a mantra for you, if you like it: RISE EARLY RIDE OFTEN!
@Michael, I'll remind you of today when winter rolls around! I'm leaving work for the hot ride home. The rain they called for hasn't materialized yet.
@Ray - Whaddya mean bikes don't grown on trees? Haven't you seen Marty's profile pic? Although I think that one is just a little over-ripe. And then there are bamboo bikes and tires/tubes made from latex - those grow on trees, more or less.
Just felt a need to lighten things up.
Roll safe - keep the rubber side down.
Oh my Lord, 22 miles of riding through Hell's temperatures!
@Roberto, I wish I had your fortitude!! As much as I hate shoveling snow (and I REALLY hate shoveling snow!), I wouldn't mind a few inches right now.
40 hot miles. I roll into a local bike shop (one I had never visited before) and the woman behind the counter says, "Terrible day for a bike ride, huh?" I'm standing there in full kit, sweating but smiling, so I told her, "Not at all. I love the heat." She looked at me kinda strange, so I guess I won't become a regular there. WTF!
@Jerry, I can totally relate to your situation. I broke my leg about 16 years ago in March, and the one thing that sticks out in my mind was how terribly awful it felt when I would look out the window and see other people riding by on their bikes. I was fortunate that the therapy that helped me the most after I got the cast off was bike riding, especially for the ROM (range of motion). Again last summer, I had a set-back during the bike challenge when I had been bit by a dog and developed a nasty infection. I was off of my bike for 2 weeks, and it was driving me totally crazy! I was very thankful for the support through the national and local message boards here. As Chris said, each time I ride, I think about you. And each time that the thought crosses my mind to skip the ride, I think about you, and that inspires me to take the ride.
@Ray & @E M - And then there are all of the long term differences with health care costs for someone who gets no exercise versus someone who bikes/runs/swims/walks. Sedentary folks (and to a greater degree smokers and heavy drinkers) have to avail themselves of emergency rooms, long term care, hospitals, hospices, organ transplants, medications, ambulance trips, etc... a lot more, a lot earlier, and a lot longer, than those who try to take care of their health.
RE: cramps, eating bananas and pineapple are also good against cramps! Potassium helps. I've never had an issue with cramps (KNOCK ON WOOD)!!
@ Marty, what you said about the 2 week acclimatizing to heat makes sense. The sudden exposure to heat when you aren't used to it is what will get you. All the safety measures that were mentioned are extremely important.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Hi all, out this morning to add my contribution to the 10 million. Temps. in the 80s and some of the usual suspects out riding, but no turkeys today.
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@ Chris, I hear Autobike is hiring. Maybe if you work for them they will give you a discount. LOL
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@ Ray, good points, it is probably necessary to pedal. Maybe Autobike has improved the technology. I hope so. At any rate at least they are making the bikes here in the USA
My Mom bought a LandRider a few years ago, it has auto-shift technology. Two rings up front with manual shift, and a 7 speed cassette in the back that auto-shifts based on how fast you pedal. My Mom liked the fact that she didn't have to worry about shifting, but she never really rode it fast enough for it to shift anyway. It's great in concept, but I was never all that impressed with it. It's not as "hands-off" and they make it out to be. If you ride down a hill and get it up to a high gear and coast, but don't remember to pedal slowly to get it to get back to a low gear, you're stuck at the bottom, same as a manual shift, except that you have no control over it downshifting, so you torque the chain up the cassette. That Autobike is $999.95, which to me, seems way high for a recreational rider.
I'd echo Roberto's comments on Sport Legs. I have had cramp issues on longer rides, even with copious electrolytes. I used Sport Legs on the STP this past weekend and felt fresh enough at the end to go another 20 miles or more at the end of each day. Last year I was having to pace myself toward the end to ward off cramps. It's not exactly a clinical study, but it seemed to make a difference.
@Roberto - Is your home planet Venus or Mercury, or do you hale directly from the Sun. :) You know I'm just jealous. I beat it in before 10:00.
@ Jerrry - what Karen said. It's great to have your encouragement. And be assured that you have ours as you are working to heal and rejoin the group on wheels.
@ Ray S, sure bikes aren't free, but compare how many bikes you could make for the amount of stuff it takes to make a car. How many bike tires could you buy for the price of a set of car tires? And how many years can you keep a bike compared to a car? Cars have wires and bumpers, and spark plugs and need all kinds on maintenance too. As for showers and washing clothes and eating, this is stuff you have to do anyway. You might increase it a little, but food has to be grown in the ground, not pumped from it like oil for fracked like natural gas. And some people eat just as much sitting on the couch watching tv. And the fumes from bikes idling at stoplights haven't killed anybody or increased their asthma. How many bikes can you park in the space it takes to park one car? I'm not the numbers genius so I don't know the exact answers, but I know these are the kinds of comparisons we need to make.
@Jerry, I think about you (and say a little prayer for your rapid recovery) every time I get on my bike. It may not help much, but you're riding with me every time I'm out.
@E M, I want one! If I had a grand to replace my stolen bike, I think I'd be buying an Autobike! While I prefer to shift my own car, I'd love a bike that shifts itself! (At least I think I would.)
@Paul and @Marty, thanks for getting everyone psyched up to hit 10 million miles! I'll be out there this weekend, contributing to the cause!
@Karen Jean Goth. Thank-you. But it is all of you who are helping me. Without the support and comments here I would probability be depressed.
@Paul - We might even make 10,000,000 late on Sunday. It will be close.
I'm not sure how asking what environmental impacts cycling has makes me "anti-bike." Nowhere in my comment did I say that cycling is as bad as driving. I did not imply that a bike is as environmentally unfriendly as an automobile I simply asked the logical question of what impact it has, considering they are made from aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, rubber, plastic, etc, plus other materials in accessories. Tires wear out, tubes need to be replaced, chains should be cleaned and lubricated. I, for one, eat & drink far more when cycling, which impacts food & water supplies, personal hygiene consumes more water and puts more strain on water treatment plants. None of that is an argument against the benefit of bikes, I'm simply curious if any data has been collected to show the cost per mile of say a car versus a bicycle versus walking. This year alone I have already replaced 3 tubes and 2 tires due to wear, and cables, chain and handlebar tape are currently being replaced. Bicycles and their components do not grow on trees.
@Michael, no worries.
Hey, @Roberto, take it easy out there today. You're an animal in these hot/humid conditions, but even animals need to take it easy on days like this.
@Marty, you need another hobby.
@Tammy, arm coolers are just like arm warmers only they are designed to help keep your arms cool. Google them. Mine are made by Pearl Izumi.
@Rob, we had a similar storm come through here right at 5 last night. Its was pretty brutal. Still rode home though. It had become a little calm and the rain stopped by the time I "clocked out" and changed. But golly, I love the heat, and it doesn't bother me a bit to ride in it or live in it-but I have to say it was a very oppressive ride home. The air stayed thick all night. It just stuck to you.
@Heather-have a great ride Sunday! Time is a flyin-it's crazy.
If the sun and rain stays manageable, were hoping to do our first metric century this Sunday. I had my best milage week ever @ 72 miles a couple of weeks ago-then had over a weeks worth of days that I couldn't ride due to vacation and work. I hope that you are all enjoying your rides! I guess we are halfway through?! Time flies............
10 million by Monday...think we can do it? (I do!) Keep on riding! (Alas, since my shifter cable broke last night on the way home from my 30 mile evening ride, I will be doing so in two gears, not 18, until I can get a repair...probably on the weekend, if I am lucky. It will be good for the legs and for "watering" the road as I go.)
@ Lili. How can I access various team sites, so I can invite NBC teams to participate in my club's premier fall century ride event?
@nyla Enjoy the the ride along the north shore. If there was a good Northeast wind, it could blow you into Duluth and give you a shower from the spray. Beware of the weekend traffic, it usually starts around noon even along Scenic highway 61.
@Cynthia A. Nelson and Lili "Challenge Staff" Afkhami. Let me suggest the Washington, DC area as the 2014 NBC kickoff ride site. The DC metro area has many great cycling venues and we could also do some bike advocacy with the White House & Congress. Key bike groups to network with include WABA (Washington Area Bike Assn.), OHB&T club (Oxon Hill Bike & Trail), Potomac Pedalers, and others. Many local DC metro area cyclists may be willing to serve as host sites for visiting riders.
@Tammie - If you don't have time to order arm coolers, a cheap alternative is to just use an old 48 qt cooler that you have around the house. Drill two holes, about shoulder width apart and midway up or lower on one of the long sides, and drill two smaller holes on the other long side, the same width apart.
Straddle your bike, with the cooler in front of you. Put your arms first through the bigger holes, then just your wrists through the smaller holes. Have someone open the lid, and pour a couple bags of ice (enough to completely cover your arms), and then securely close the lid.
Then, just enjoy the cool ride!
@Tammie - I wouldn't be more concerned than normal about the heat on Saturday, other than for you going a longer distance than normal. Because of that, you will want to go slower, drink cool fluids with some electrolytes, eat some food that you can tolerate while riding in that heat, and if you wear a cap under your helmet, at the aid stations, put ice in the cap, and then put your helmet on (you may have to adjust the chin strap). That will cool you off quickly.
The reason I said not to be too concerned because of the recent cool spell, is that your body acclimates to the heat in about 2 weeks of training in it. You've done that. The heat acclimatization won't go away in a week. Here are two of the main things your body does to acclimate: You sweat more, and your sweat is more dilute, so you eliminate less sodium, potassium, magnesium, cloride, and bicarbonate.
You don't want to drink just water on longer rides though, because that could easily result in hyponutremia, (I know you know this, since you are a nurse, but I thought it might help someone else), where the body senses that the incoming fluids are lacking in nutrients, so starts taking electrolytes from the blood and other cells to balance everything out. This works for a while, until you have so few electrolytes, you are negatively affected. In the case of too little potassium, this can cause arrhythmias, and death. This has happened to a number of 5-6 hour marathoners in recent years.
@Dean. Glad you are OK. Hope your bike is not too damaged.
My hottest ride was last years Denver Century. We started at 0600. The last two hours of the ride was 110 degrees. And the last 10 miles hit 115 degrees.
@Dean, sorry to hear. Please replace that helmet now that it has done it's job. Even if it looks OK, it's not. Good luck with your bike.
Team Meddac, weds afternoons, we meet at gate 1 and ride into Cheyene Mountain state park, normally 10 plus miles, join us!
The park has some great claims and better downhills!
Jim
Just when I thought it was getting safer on the bike path. A car decided to cross the bike path at the same time and place that I was, in the pouring rain. Was able to avoid the car and miss the power pole, but in doing so caused minor road rash from sliding down the path. I faired better than my bike wich is now in the bike shop getting checked out. I actually felt my helment hit the pavement. I am a lucky dog!
To hot to ride with my daughter during the day, so I snuck out after dark as my wife was putting her to bed. Dropping temps and lowish humidity couldn't be passed up. Grabbed my 900 lumen headlamp and a bottle of water and road laps of my neighborhood until Endomondo announced 10 miles.
Riding B-cycle in Greenville, SC tonight. Was hot 90+ and humid today, but big T-storm rolled in at dinner time and cooled off to the upper 60's by 9:30 pm. Great weather for a night ride!
This evening I gave a teenage girl a ride to our church's youth group. Left my car at church and headed out on my bike to do a couple of errands. I took the scenic route back through town after said errands. Passed by a park where a couple of boys were batting a baseball, and when the ball landed in the street I stopped and threw it back to them. Shortly after, I ended up on a trail (the one by Thrivent for anyone local). Trail winds through fields of tall grass and wildflowers, and past a pond full of geese and other wildlife. Running those errands by car would have been a lot quicker, but just think what I would have missed.
@JH Strickland-great idea!
I prefer hot over cold but 110+ really is hot from the 1st moment on the bike.
Salt, way overrated. Just sayin'. I forgot to mention I also rely on SportLegs, and if you haven't tried this supplement, you really don't know what you're missing.
@ Leonard, I'm pretty sure you get the prize for early. For me early is 6:00 am. Its really cool that you got to see all those deer. I'm glad they didn't run into you. Occasionally I see a couple of little deer up at the top of our hill in somebody's back yard. I suspect there is something they like to eat in that yard.
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@ Burklee, good luck with the Cornhusker games. I hope the weather cooperates for you.
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@ Roberto, I was out in 100 weather a couple of years ago. We rode on a shady trail, but when we got to lunch I could hardly eat and almost passed out. I spent about 45 minutes in the shade under a bridge on the way back to the car, so I was able to cool off. I have been really careful with the heat after that. Mainly I try to avoid it by getting out before it gets too hot.
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@ Laurie, no way you would have had the same experience in a car.
@ Leonard, I'm pretty sure you get the prize for early. For me early is 6:00 am. Its really cool that you got to see all those deer. I'm glad they didn't run into you. Occasionally I see a couple of little deer up at the top of our hill in somebody's back yard. I suspect there is something they like to eat in that yard.
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@ Burklee, good luck with the Cornhusker games. I hope the weather cooperates for you.
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@ Roberto, I was out in 100 weather a couple of years ago. We rode on a shady trail, but when we got to lunch I could hardly eat and almost passed out. I spent about 45 minutes in the shade under a bridge on the way back to the car, so I was able to cool off. I have been really careful with the heat after that. Mainly I try to avoid it by getting out before it gets too hot.
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@ Laurie, no way you would have had the same experience in a car.
I love riding in the heat. I never feel faint or cramped or any of that. I don't eat salty stuff either. I don't use Gatorade. Today's ride was 40 miles, started at noon, 95F with heat index of 98F. I use arm coolers, wear a cap under my helmet, drink lots of water, eat a Clif bar during the ride, and Clif Bloks for electrolyte replacement. Two short breaks for water replenishment. I honestly think a good part of it is conditioning yourself to ride in higher temperatures. Plus your diet. All in all, bring on the heat.
@Jerry - I think NBC should give you a "Spirit Award" at the end of the challenge. You have been very much like an online coach. Thanks coach!
72 degrees with a light overcast is perfect. But still prefer hot over cold.
Took my ride nice and easy after work and stood in sprinkler when I got home. Ride on!
Hi all, for those of you riding in the heat, please be careful. I chatted with a rider today who was on an MS preparatory ride: 54 miles in the heat with only one rest stop. She said she got nauseaous. (She will be writing a letter to the organizers to complain). Nausea and feeling faint (which I have experienced on a different ride) are symptoms of heat exhaustion. Dehydration, Heat exhaustion, and Heatstroke are not things we want happening to any of you. So please stay hydrated, take breaks and get shade once in a while, and eat something salty. I'm sure we have some medical experts out there who could say more. RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
so what if...
the 2014 NBC began on the last Sunday in April (May 1 is a thursday) and ended on the Fist Sunday in October (same reasoning). If the kick offs for the NBC were by registration with local organizations (clubs, shops, crazy cyclists in a group)leading, there could be many kick off events in many places. This might generate more interest and participation. IE, If every team this year had a kick off that would be 2111 events., which might be better than a single location.
@ E M,
Thanks for the mantra, I like it:
RISE EARLY RIDE OFTEN!
@Jerry, Years ago my wife and I were in Yellowstone and had a herd of buffalo surround our car (we were stopped on the road) as they passed by. Must have been close to 100 including a number of buffalo calves. My wife had said see wanted to see buffalo up close, that was a little closer than she wanted :-)
71 sunny ,hilly headwind miles of spirit-stretching views today. Tomorrow on to finish in Duluth. Tonight in Two Harbors....sitting on huge sun-warmed rock, steeping in the power of Lake Superior. I am, in every sense, a happy camper (-;
Is it just me, or does anyone else like it HOT?
So RAGBRAI is this next week starting on Sunday. I won't be there this year, but my goal is to ride the same mileage as the ride does each day. Should be interesting.
MS TRAMDay 3: 60 miles to Biwabik. Still hilly snd hot but less wind. My favorite day so far, despite one or two minor glitches...like the rear tire blowout around mile three...and leaving my fanny pack with money, cell phone etc. at rest stop one...and cleverly setting up my tent in a swampy lowland and leaving the flaps open when I went to to town...before the deluge...But it was all more than balanced by the first 30 miles along the glorious Mesabi trail. Clover scented corridor of birch and pine lined with a vivid shifting palette of wildflowers. And now I am visiting with splendid veteran Trammers while enjoying a concert of my favorite baby-boomer classics.(-: Two Harbors tomorrow.
@Leonard. Earlier this year I was riding down a canyon just above Lyons when a herd of deer crossed the road as I was passing. I don't know how I missed all of them. Scary but interesting. Only time I've been in a herd of deer.
@Laurie, go for it. I like when the helmet straps turn white with the salt from sweating.
@ Jerry, I'm not complaining. I actually enjoy the heat, I think it helps burn calories faster. Right now I'm considering biking the 5.5 miles to the Y to swim a bit and then bike back home.
@Laurie. Be glad to trade you places.
Leonard: I had the similar thing happen a few years ago, it was more dusk than light first thing in the morning, cruising down a hill ~30 MPH, around a curve and I managed to go between two big does that were about 15' apart that fortunately gave me a "deer in the headlights" look. Not sure who was more scared, they bolted away from me just as I got even with them. I now go much slower on any country road with low lighting conditions, I don't want someone to have to read my RoadID.
I have grown accustomed to feeling like I just rode through a waterfall. It's been in the 90s all week here, and even my helmet straps get so soaked I could probably wring them out. To paraphrase "only mad dogs, Englishmen, and bicyclists go out in the noonday sun". LOL
40 miles, temp 95F, heat index 98. Perfect riding weather.
@Karen, think Hades.
Woof woof
one deer, 7 dogs all of which said hello.
four swallow tailed kites, amazing birds that make a cool sound.
one gopher turtle
only two other riders
back by 10:30 when it was only 85.
Have driven my vehicle once in 7 days. Date night.
40 scorching miles in the heat of the day. I like it HOT.
We kicked off the NBC in Appleton, WI with a midnight ride at 12:01 am on May 1. It started at a local watering hole and the 5 mile ride was fun. However, it landed on a Wednesday night and might move it to a Friday night for 2014 - some people said something about having to work the next day. For a few hours at least we were the #1 community in the NBC. I think every town should have a Midnight Ride!
We have a minivan, but we don't use it all that much. We live really close to 90% of the places we need to go on a regular basis. Two years ago, the van simply wasn't working, and we couldn't afford to get it fixed. We had bikes, though, and went everywhere we needed to go on them. We simply didn't go anywhere we didn't absolutely have to. It really got me in the habit of making the small trips by bike. Now, I feel guilty if I take the van for anything less than 2 miles by myself. (Jay's health is not terrific, so if she feels like driving rather than riding, I'm okay with that.) I just love riding my bike! I bought him a new tire this morning, Bontrager H2 Hard Case Lite, so we should be all ready for the Cornhusker State Games this weekend.
@ J Hugh, Yeah, I think regional kickoffs would probably be the most realistic solution.
@Shawn. Trade you places.
Perhaps there could be regional kick offs for the NBC. Even each state? Or what about an official just sign up and see how many kick offs could be held on day one?
E M,
I also got out early (3:30), saw two deer cross the road in front of me. First one was about 50 feet ahead of me, the second one was following the and came within about 30 feet of me (I had slowed down considerably when I saw the first deer - I had a group of 5 deer cross the road in front of me once). Closest I ever came to a deer was about 10 feet, it was running full speed across the road and I didn't see it coming until it was right in front of me. Another 10 feet and I would have added my name to the list of riders struck by a deer..........
@ Rob Gusky, this is your party, are you going to let DC steal the NBC kickoff from Wisconsin?
Hi all, out this morning at 7am to take advantage of the lower temps (70s versus 90s). It was plenty humid. Still, there were a half dozen other riders out there. Today I saw three turkeys close to the same place I saw two yesterday.
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@ Leonard, here's a mantra for you, if you like it: RISE EARLY RIDE OFTEN!
@Ray - Whaddya mean bikes don't grown on trees? Haven't you seen Marty's profile pic? Although I think that one is just a little over-ripe. And then there are bamboo bikes and tires/tubes made from latex - those grow on trees, more or less.
Just felt a need to lighten things up.
Roll safe - keep the rubber side down.
Oh my Lord, 22 miles of riding through Hell's temperatures!
Yes, good to beat the heat early, but the water is still a bit cold here in Washington.
@Ray & @E M - And then there are all of the long term differences with health care costs for someone who gets no exercise versus someone who bikes/runs/swims/walks. Sedentary folks (and to a greater degree smokers and heavy drinkers) have to avail themselves of emergency rooms, long term care, hospitals, hospices, organ transplants, medications, ambulance trips, etc... a lot more, a lot earlier, and a lot longer, than those who try to take care of their health.
HI all, out early today.. Saw two turkeys in a meadow. I hollered hello and they responded with a gobble! Several other beat the heaters out there.
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
@Roberto - Is your home planet Venus or Mercury, or do you hale directly from the Sun. :) You know I'm just jealous. I beat it in before 10:00.
@Karen Jean Goth. I agree that a swim after a hot bike ride is enjoyable. But better than riding a bike? Deduct 100 points for a penalty.
An good article to read
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10 Things I Learned From Being Hit by a Car
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http://tinyurl.com/kj3uuoz
Hey @Karen Jean, I agree 1000% Wife had me meet her and the kidling at the pool after work. You and I are sweating through the same heat, so you know how much I appreciated that at 5:00 yesterday afternoon! Plus, BONUS POINTS!!!!!!
@ Ray S, sure bikes aren't free, but compare how many bikes you could make for the amount of stuff it takes to make a car. How many bike tires could you buy for the price of a set of car tires? And how many years can you keep a bike compared to a car? Cars have wires and bumpers, and spark plugs and need all kinds on maintenance too. As for showers and washing clothes and eating, this is stuff you have to do anyway. You might increase it a little, but food has to be grown in the ground, not pumped from it like oil for fracked like natural gas. And some people eat just as much sitting on the couch watching tv. And the fumes from bikes idling at stoplights haven't killed anybody or increased their asthma. How many bikes can you park in the space it takes to park one car? I'm not the numbers genius so I don't know the exact answers, but I know these are the kinds of comparisons we need to make.
Marty, sign me up!
Roberto, cool ride. It's a few states away from me, but heard about an MS ride in North ID that is a couple of days. Going to see what else is close to me. Ride on!
@Cynthia, thanks for all the great ideas! An NBC Kick-Off ride sounds like an awesome idea and I've added it to the list of things to investigate for 2014!
Ok, my brain is sufficiently fried, and my butt, and my back and my arms.... Good to get the ride in early today, and on to the only thing that is better than riding my bike, SWIMMING, !!!!! Now, don't shoot me, you have to admit that a nice swim after a hot ride is good for the muscles and just heavenly. Ride on folks!
@Marty-ya know- I understand that! Good point! Guess travel, expense and bike transport would be a big big issue. Especially if you don't own a car. tee hee. Oh well.
I'm not sure how asking what environmental impacts cycling has makes me "anti-bike." Nowhere in my comment did I say that cycling is as bad as driving. I did not imply that a bike is as environmentally unfriendly as an automobile I simply asked the logical question of what impact it has, considering they are made from aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, rubber, plastic, etc, plus other materials in accessories. Tires wear out, tubes need to be replaced, chains should be cleaned and lubricated. I, for one, eat & drink far more when cycling, which impacts food & water supplies, personal hygiene consumes more water and puts more strain on water treatment plants. None of that is an argument against the benefit of bikes, I'm simply curious if any data has been collected to show the cost per mile of say a car versus a bicycle versus walking. This year alone I have already replaced 3 tubes and 2 tires due to wear, and cables, chain and handlebar tape are currently being replaced. Bicycles and their components do not grow on trees.
@Michael, no worries.
@Chris P - Great job on getting bck out there!
Hey, @Roberto, take it easy out there today. You're an animal in these hot/humid conditions, but even animals need to take it easy on days like this.
Love to eat, love to ride, think that goes hand and hand. Always something sweet and always something salty and well, just about everything in between.
@Cynthia - I like your idea of an NBC Convention/Ride! I would think that if NBC paid for the plane fares and hotels, that they could get some kind of discount on 25,000 ticketsw/rooms, so with the discount, that might make it within their budget. And to save further and not have to pay for transporting our bikes, they could just buy new bikes for all of us that are ready at the airport when we get there. And to show our appreciatiion, we could offer to pay for transporting the bikes home.
@Laurie - You have a lot more willpower than I do. Well, actually, I have willpower, but when food from an open package is calling me, I have to finish it. If it is in the freezer, I can tell, as its voice is a little more muffled, and warbles slightly from it shivering. There is never an open food package in my house that isn't either empty, or soon to be empty in a few minutes. (Unopened packages that contain something salty don't stand much of a chance either.)
@ EM...you can take the girl out of Nebraska, but you can't take the Nebraska out of the girl...GBR!!!
Ok, the mind is rolling now-another idea-how about an NBC kick off ride? But ,then, a ride toward the end is nice as you would get to meet the people who have been conversing back and forth through the challenge.
@Jerry-you are determined to get better and sounds like your making great strides. Could you imagine if you didn't have the love of riding that it is your goal to get better? Biking is one of the healthiest activities for mind body and soul.
Oh, and one of those cool NBC jerseys could be a prize for whoever makes Diamond and completes the challenge after the NBC ride. Gosh-who would sponsor the cost of those? tee hee
@Rob, we had a similar storm come through here right at 5 last night. Its was pretty brutal. Still rode home though. It had become a little calm and the rain stopped by the time I "clocked out" and changed. But golly, I love the heat, and it doesn't bother me a bit to ride in it or live in it-but I have to say it was a very oppressive ride home. The air stayed thick all night. It just stuck to you.
@Heather-have a great ride Sunday! Time is a flyin-it's crazy.
A suggestion was made to have a meet up of some sort? I have often thought of that. I feel like I have made friends here and just enjoy this whole forum and the concept that drives it. I really love being a part of it.
Here is an idea for those higher powers out there-how about an NBC convention?
Or better yet-how about and NBC organized ride toward the end of the challenge. What a wonderful way to end the challenge and better still-those who have points to get in by the end of the challenge can get them in. Maybe a ride with 50 mile and 100 mile route options to choose from and a great big party at the end?! An organized ride would:
a. Generate revenue to the NBC so it could continue this challenge for years to come, and possibly bring attention to other sponsors.
b. It would become more mainstream and educate other riders and inspire new or newer riders about the NBC and they would become a part of this "event" as well.
Get up and ride-Ride with Peace-Stay Safe
If the sun and rain stays manageable, were hoping to do our first metric century this Sunday. I had my best milage week ever @ 72 miles a couple of weeks ago-then had over a weeks worth of days that I couldn't ride due to vacation and work. I hope that you are all enjoying your rides! I guess we are halfway through?! Time flies............
@Tammie-awesome, so happy for your choice to bike and get and be healthy and happy. Ultimately it is your life, your body and if you don't take care of it no one else will. Maybe your Mom would be inspired to try a cycle ride with you around the block, so to say. If she tries it she might just get the bug too. What made you choose biking over all of the other fitness/sport oriented activities that are out there?
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Still on the fence about ditching the car. And the car is still at the mechanics awaiting its fate. As Dave Nelson said, I know I would "let it go and not looking back", and then also I can see where not using but having the option to use is there. But I am an all or nothing girl so I either have or I don't.
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My road bike (a Fuji 1.0-love it) is named "Jane" not so romantic I know. But that is what I saw when I looked at her. She is my Porsche. My hybrid/commuter is named "Green Girl" because she is green and we have ridden about 5000 miles together and shared a lifetime of memories together. She is my sedan.
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@Nyla-have a great MS Ride!!
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So many posts to comment on but at work don't have a lot of time.
I call my bike the Jolly Green Giant. It's a Giant Boulder MTB, it's green (teal, actually), and the rider is exceptionally jolly!
@ Lili. How can I access various team sites, so I can invite NBC teams to participate in my club's premier fall century ride event?
@ Tammie, keep it up and you will win the weight war: LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!
Some bike names at our house: Purple Rider, Green Apple, Bike Red (this one is red and white, so Husker fans can cheer it on: GO BIKE RED!)
@Cynthia A. Nelson and Lili "Challenge Staff" Afkhami. Let me suggest the Washington, DC area as the 2014 NBC kickoff ride site. The DC metro area has many great cycling venues and we could also do some bike advocacy with the White House & Congress. Key bike groups to network with include WABA (Washington Area Bike Assn.), OHB&T club (Oxon Hill Bike & Trail), Potomac Pedalers, and others. Many local DC metro area cyclists may be willing to serve as host sites for visiting riders.
I named my bike Lizzie, Its a boy's bike, but hey, if Rick's bike can be called Wilma, I thought Lizzie was good. (After Ford,....uh, not the Bordon Lady) because my bike is an old, reliable (Lizzie, mom's talking, go to your room) -----clunker . I thought of Morris, for its nine lives, but it can't be too finicky if it lets me ride her :) Going for an early ride today because of the heat wave. I thinks its beginning to scatter my brain.
@ Jerry, my first rides back in late April were short (3-5 miles) and I thought they'd be the end of me. Then they suddenly got easier so I've increased my daily goals several times. Next week I'm going on a two-day bike tour of Wisconsin's Door County, which is something that would have seemed impossible in my previous couch potato life.
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@ Marty. Oh really? All my hard work recruiting was for nothing... sigh. BTW, I ate only half of the chocolate bar, the other half is in the freezer awaiting the end of tonight's ride.
Way to go Tammie! You and I have almost identical stories.... new bike, weight loss, etc. I will hit Platinum sometime in the next week or so, if I continue in my current trend.
@Tammie, awesome job getting fit through cycling.
2.5 years ago I lost 40 lbs in one year. I was mountain biking 4 times a week and doing some sport cycling too. I would stop at Wendy's on my way home from one local trail to treat myself to a Baconater and fries and the pounds still fell off.
Unfortunaty after my daughter was born I gained back 30 lbs when I wasn't able to ride more than once a week. I never modified my diet to account for the absence of activity.
Thankfully now my daughter is old enough for the bike trailer and just like Chris' grandson she loves going for rides. She will actually get upset if i am getting ready for a ride and she thinks I'm going without her. Now I am able to ride multiple times a week and I'm getting back into shape.
It sounds more like he is into an 'easy chair'. I rewarded myself today with some Albertsons chocolate chip cookies.. a few seconds in the microwave and... heaven!
I have said it before, I ride so I can eat. I love food! I am losing weight faster than I feel like eating! It's a win win situation. Love to ride AND love to eat. I still need to lose about 30 more pounds so the war is on between my mom and me. She actually doesn't want me to lose any more weight! Guess she is just used to seeing me overweight. She will get over it!
@Laurie - I talked with that gas station cashier later on, and he said he was going to ease into biking this year. His plan is - every time he feels like biking, he will eat a dark chocolate bar.
Oh, and I will make platinum this weekend too! AND, Sunday makes 4 months since I got off the couch, bought my first bike and started this journey! I have come a long way in a very short time and am definitely enjoying the ride!
Love my bikes, love my cars and all have a place in my life. I use my car when I need to, which is most of the time. My bikes are for my excersise and fun. I am not trying to save the world with them but if it is convenient for me to use my bike instead of drive, I will. Guess I am not the most PC person in the group but I did ride 32 miles today! .... 8 of it IN THE RAIN... YES RAIN IN WEST TEXAS! Bike MS , here I come.
Since Oct 2012 I've put around 2300 miles on my car and over 8000 miles on my bike. Sometimes you just need a car and sometimes you don't. It would be difficult not to have that option.
3.2 million Americans have been killed in car crashes in the last century, more than all of our wars combined. According to DOT the average American family is now spending 14,000 dollars annually to own multiple vehicles and given the average household income that would mean a majority of Americans are working January 1 through April 13th solely to own those cars. Sold my car over a year ago and haven't looked back.
I am making progress. I was able to get in and out of the Jacuzzi without feeling like I was going to kill myself doing it.
@Dean. Glad you are OK. Hope your bike is not too damaged.
@Laurie. When I first started riding my bicycle I thought 20 miles was a long ride. Now I think of 30 miles as a short ride.
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Of course when I start riding again I will probably think 5 miles is a long ride due to the pain.
My hottest ride was last years Denver Century. We started at 0600. The last two hours of the ride was 110 degrees. And the last 10 miles hit 115 degrees.
@ Laurie, way to recruit!
@RobAdams - are Twinkies is season? I thought it was mocha syrup season - hunt them with a reuseable grocery bag. I bagged my limit last Saturday.
@Elaine, you should do RAGBRAI some time.
So I stopped at a gas station to get myself a dark chocolate bar and I mentioned to the cashier that this was my reward for a doing a 20 mile bike ride. His response: "you mean like on a motorcycle?" I said no, I mean pedaling a bicycle. He was incredulous. So we had a brief conversation on how he could incorporate a little bike riding into his daily life. I hope he does! :)
So since we all can' t meet at some really wonderful bike rally in person, just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading the comments from one end of the country to the other. Ride on.
Most expensive thing we ever bought: Our house
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Second most expensive: College education for our kids (in progress)
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Third most expensive thing: Honda Pilot
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Average cost of major maintenance/repairs for either of our Hondas: $300-500. For the price of two or three major repairs/maintenance jobs I could buy one very nice bicycle.
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Once upon a time this country invested in the railroads. Now many of the former railroad tracks have become bike and walking trails.
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We can get from St. Louis to Chicago and to Kansas City by rail on a daily basis. And yeah, you can take your bike with you and get around after you arrive. If only we would invest more in rails, we could get everywhere......
China is also constructing a massive rapid transit system for public transportation.
woof woof
go Nyla go
Howling good ride
China's population w/ its economic boom is replacing bikes w/ autos at a very fast pace.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Portland Or. (bike cap. U.S.) spent on its bike infrastructure what it would spend on a single mile (4 lane ) of highway 60 mil, while MaCain R-AZ. and Corburn R-Ok say U.S. spends to much on bikepaths and other non-highway projects..
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
More food for thought...there were about 250 million passenger vehicles in the US in 2007 for a population of a bit over 300 million. Now imagine if China had the same car/population ratio with 1.6 billion people. Just for fun, throw India into the mix. There is no way the earth's environment can sustain the vehicle/person ratio we have in the US. On principles of ethics and fairness, we (those of us in the US) HAVE to rely MUCH LESS on cars, especially if we want to have any credibility in trying to curb efforts to limit other people's car usage on environmental grounds. Bring on the bikes!!
Food for thought: 33,000 deaths average annually for motorists on US roads. Cost of those lost lives in the billions, not to mention the loss to each family involved and the lost potential of each person killed. How many fewer lives would be lost if we invested in bicycle infrastructure and made bicycle commuting SAFE? Since most accidents occur close to home, trips that could be easily covered on a bicycle if there were SAFE bicycle-ways to travel upon, why aren't we making that investment? Why do we accept the carnage? Not to mention the high cost of fuel and the resulting pollution and greenhouse gases? These are questions that need to be considered. In the time it has taken me to type this rant, someone has died in a car accident and several have been seriously injured... somewhere in the US. One every 15 minutes dies.
5 year cost of ownership
2013 Toyota camry hybrid
msrp 26,140
average add. cost to own 9,561
average total cost 35,701
wars in Irag & afgh. last 10 years
4 trillion $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D. Vietnam Vet. USMC
Seems to be holding... :)
I take showers less often than you do, Ray S. I add only one shirt and one pair of shorts to the laundry most days, drink tap water and hang my wash to dry. I do eat more than you, but I'm pretty confident my carbon footprint from these things you mention (showers, laundry, food, water) is smaller than yours. Nice try but your argument is specious and quite frankly absurd and it makes you sound anti-bike.
Just got back from a beautiful afternoon at the beach with my sons. We went to our favorite spot about 30 miles away. Upon getting home found out that the local tornado sirens had all gone off. The weather forecast shows no rain for the rest of the evening, so now it's time to bike (if my sunburned back doesn't complain too much!)
I live too far out in a rural area that going without a car is not feasible. It is 20 miles one way to work. Our extended family is 35 miles away. The major stores are at least 20-35 miles away. I reserve my "transport" riding for when I am home and need to ride a few miles into town for groceries or other errands. Sets a fine precedent for the kids. I do, however, care deeply about emissions, and so I drive a fuel-efficient car. I was giggling when I read the post about the extra water for showers, etc. Kind of like the argument about diapers--using disposable vs. reusable. Reusable stays out of the landfill, but does anyone consider the amount of water used to wash them on a daily basis? LOL
Day 1 of MS TRAM was 85 mostly overcast miles from International Falls to Orr. Today was "only" 53 miles to Chisholm, but hot, humid, hilly and into the wind. Yesterday was often contemplative, With time to appreciate wild roses along the roadside. Today I mostly focused on getting to the next rest stop. Final ten miles or so were along gorgeous Mesabi Trail, offering sudden grace notes of exhilaration and pure delight. In a weak moment at rest stop four (mile 70) yesterday, Faced with predicted temps in the nineties, I purchased a pair Of half- price bicycle shorts from the vendor providing mechanical support. Skintight, shiny, slippery synthetic, and they add to an already all too prominent posterior. As an extra festive touch, the interior side of the bicycle-seat-shaped butt-pad is bright red. If I wear them inside out, I can look just like one of those exhibitionist monkey at the zoo...but of course they would also serve appropriately as a "slow-moving vehicle" or "dangerously extended load" caution....and yet, I wore them today....and found them surprisingly comfortable, though I still dislike the texture, and there remains that regrettable getting-into-a-girdle sensation and the fact that portions of anatomy not thus tightly contained ooze out unpleasantly Around the edges. On to Biwabik tomorrow (-:
Hi, Cynthia. Some more thoughts about going "carless"...my wife and I went without a car for eleven years in the Twin Cities. That is when I really got into my serious biking routines. It is much easier to live without a car in an urban area due to (sometimes) have mass transportation available. We often made arrangements with friends...we would take them to the airport and pick them up...and we then got the use of their car for a week. We kept a "car projects" list for just such times, or when we asked friends if we could borrow theirs. Most were pretty willing to support us. We currently live in rural WI, and I think it might be trickier to be totally carless here. I did have some thoughts about car insurance. If you let it lapse, be sure that your friends' policies will cover you when you drive their cars (and always buy it when you rent a car). We found that, after eleven years, we lost all our "discounts" for x number of years of good driving, multiple coverages, etc. It took us about three years to get the best discounts once we got a car again. One other thing...once we got a car, we still had our good "non-car" habits, which meant we did not put many miles on our car. You can sometimes get a "leisure" rate for car insurance if you drive less than 7500 miles a year. We did that for several years while we still lived in the Cities. I will say this...I MUCH rather pay for bike repairs than car repairs as the former are generally MUCH cheaper (especially if you ride Schwinn bikes, which I did during our carless period...virtually indestructable). I hope you find these thoughts helpful. The more folks who can go carless (or put more miles on their bikes than their cars) the better, in my view! Best wishes with your deliberations.
@Chris. Loved your comment on riding with your grandson.
I love all these descriptions of your rides. Except it makes me want to ride even more.
Thanks to everyone for the support after my doctor's visit. I will see what the next four weeks brings.
@ Gregg, our summer here has been far cooler than last year as well. Last year I had to get out for my ride as close to 6 am as possible to beat the heat. I'm not complaining...
@ Rob, thats a relief, I was worried that they would be in too many pieces if you used some other method!
I'll never give up my cars, as long as I am able to operate them. Insurance/registration doesn't cost that much, and for me, its far cheaper than what it would cost to find substitute transportation when needed (family lives out of town, need a trunk for the occasional homeowner necessity, etc) Using a bike for errands may save gas and emissions from your vehicle, but what do those extra showers, extra loads of laundry, extra consumption of food/water, etc do to the environment?
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If you do store your car, disconnect the battery or put it on a trickle charger and leave it alone. Starting it once a month does it no benefit unless you actually take it out for a drive long enough to get it up to normal operating temperature. Starting it and letting it run for a few minutes is not good for it.
I hunt them with both hands and a few dollars as bait.
This week is our first temps this year in the 90's. Nothing like last year when most of the summer was in the 90's and even had some 100's and topped out at 119 degrees last year. Up until this week, it's been a very cool summer.
Twinkies with a shotgun!!!
@ Rob, do you hunt twinkies with a bow and arrow or a fishing net?
@Rob, but they're smaller; less enjoyment per pack :-(
Cynthia - I hope you can. I wish I could, but with our family requirements, it just can't happen. I have to be satified with playing the game of 'Let's see how long I can go without starting my vehicle'. hahahhaa.
Riding my bike while hunting twinkies was a success today.
@Rob - Congrats!! :P
HI all, an apple in the middle of the lane, new blacktop on a well traveled stretch of road, two riders side by side for a brief chat: both grateful for a breeze and some cloud cover, on this hot day when a dentist appointment kept me from helping to protest a road project that would not be good for cyclists, and pushed my ride into the early afternoon with 90+ degree temps. ..
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RIDE ON ALL AND ENJOY THE PLUSES +++
Thanks Kawika! I have already contacted my insurance company to find out what implications there may be if I dropped my insurance. And there aren't any. It really is about the money and although I have biking all my life and working up to commuting by bike through the years and finding ways to shop and schedule time, I feel this is the next progressive step. It is irreversible at this time as I cannot afford to put yet another $500 for repairs with no guarantee's and I cannot afford another car at this time. My significant other is totally supportive and I do have means to travel when I do need a vehicle. It's just losing the freedom and independence of having your own vehicle all your life. I also live in area that is very rural so if I needed to have a vehicle to get to certain places it would be challenging, however not impossible. But, then I thought about the fact that my pharmacy, grocery store, hair salon, bank and the restaurants I like are all right here. Outside of this little area, its all an hours drive in any direction to do anything more. I don't go beyond here now, only occasionally. Thanks so much all for letting me talk this through on here. I have been googling "Going Car Free", its amazing how many individuals and families who are ditched their cars and took up bikes. They all live in more urban areas though.
@Cynthia, I too am going Car free (since 1 May) and so far, I've not missed my car. I do live in town and we do have a bus system(if needed). I only have myself to worry about myself also so it makes it much easier for me than it would a family. I am saving money by not paying for annual registration fee( $235.00), gas(currently $4.49 gal) and turned in plates to DMV and dropped auto Insurance (have 92 Lebaron Conv). I just put car cover on it and start it once a month. In an emergency evacuation situation like a hurricane or tsunami, I feel that I'd have a better chance on my bike than drive a car because our one road out of town would be jammed immediately, I really hope it works out for you!
Thanks so much for the input. It is so helpful, even though it is a very personal decision input is always valued for something like this. I respect the input from this intelligent group. Thanks at Edgar for the blog. I signed up to follow it. Yep, will keep you all posted on my decision.
Anyone here ever ride a long distance train and then experience the clickety-clack, clickety-clack motions the first couple of nights off the train? I had that experience after the STP this past weekend - riding with 10,000 other bikes kinda sticks with you. I'd close my eyes and try to drift off, but there were wheels in front of me, and around me, and I had to stay alert to avoid a mishap.
@Cynthia - Going car-free for a while isn't an irreversible decision, is it?
@Rob - 3 million riders. I like the way you think.
@Cynthia:not knowing where you are located... here is my wife's blog on how we are living car-free, perhaps a couple ideas from our experience. Best of luck!
http://carfreefam.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/kicking-and-screaming/
@ Cynthia. Do you need a car? Most people do from time to time. Consider your normal transportation needs, but don't forget to factor in unexpected/unusual ones too. (For example, what would you do if you were sick and needed immediate medical care, or needed to make a major purchase that was too big to carry on a bike). Do you have someone available to drive you at times like those?
@Roberto! Wow-how cool is that?
@Cynthia, Thanks for thinking of me! Going car-free requires, IMHO, two big factors: 1) Do you have the mental fortitude to make such a significant long-term lifestyle change, and 2) Do you live in an area that will allow you to maintain that lifestyle? Can you get groceries, go to the doctor, bring home the big bags of pet food, do the Home Depot runs, visit friends and relatives, yadayadayada? If a hurricane threatens, can you evacuate? Does the local road/off-road system allow for a car-free lifestyle? All the power to you if you can, I wish I could; keep us updated.
@ C R -- awesome!
Top 100
@Roberto-Yes, finally what?
@Michael-you passed thru my mind this morning as I was riding in to work, was wondering what kind of commute you were having and hoping it was not like yesterdays experience.
I am again seriously revisiting going car free. My car broke down and the repairs will not be worth the value of the car. Even if it's just for a year. Kind of like a car cleanse. I am at 70% lose it to 30% keeping it. It's scary letting go of having a vehicle. Especially when you have owned a car and been driving since 16. (I am now almost 51). Any thoughts anyone?
@Kawika - Thanks for the link to that story. Big hugs for those boys chasing down the kidnapper!!!
Finally?
Finally...
Jerry - Just saw your note from yesterday's checkup. Sounds like your collarbone is doing what mine did....not knit. My crash was in October and I had similar injuries (pelvis, collarbone and ribs). I started riding again in the gym on a stationary, then the hybrid and finally the road bike. At each stage there was some pain as the muscles, tendons and cartilage adapted to doing the work of the disconnected collarbone. This pain was not serious and was similar to that experienced when one starts working out after a long layoff. WHile the pain test is a big test, the other one should be range of motion. I have an odd bump on the back of my shoulder and will still get some soreness if I sleep in the wrong position but all in all its good. In my case surgery was the least attractive alternative because the break was close to the end(shoulder) so there wasn't a lot of bone to attach the plate too to fuse the bone. Good Luck!!
For as much as I pooh-poohed my commute yesterday, I had a completely different ride in today. Had a pleasant though short conversation with a small business owner while waiting at a stop light, heard a few birds that normally don't frequent the neighborhood, and got a tail wiggle from the neighborhood kitty. A good start to a busy day. Hopefully this afternoon I'll be riding from work straight to the pool. Hot and humid, but it still beats using a car!
@ Paul, going from one jam to another!
..or should I have said, "...those who help them out in a jam in order that they can then go on and jam..."
Here is a fun cycling story...let's hear it for celebrity cyclists (who play a mean guitar) and those who help them out in a jam.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/15/dave-matthews-hitches-ride-fan-show-hershey-pennsylvania_n_3599150.html
@ Kawinka, bike power, I'm glad the girl is safe.
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@ All, Here is a way to memorialize cyclists: HELLO, I'M A CYCLIST! :
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1025447949/hello-im-a-cyclist
Tammie...it also helps to live in the northern part of the country...when in the summer daylight begins at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. You can get a lot of riding in before breakfast! Remember, though, we pay for it in the winter! One goes to and comes home from work in darkness...and there are the below zero temps and snow! Every place has its advantages and disadvantages. ;-)
@ Tammie, thinking, paycheck?
Now I know how some of you do 30, 40 and even more miles day after day! IT WAS ONLY 71 today and even with humidity in the 75% range it was heaven to ride! Unfortunately I only had time for 14 miles. That was the disappointing part. Had a bike club meeting then had to get to work. Hopefully I can find time to ride tomorrow because it is supposed to be about the same except rain is possible in the afternoon... darn. I also have less available time. This 7 nights in a row is going to kill me. NEVER AGAIN WILL I AGREE TO WORK LIKE THIS! I have never agreed to more than 4 in my life. What was I thinking?
Great story about two kids(Hero's) on bikes bring back abducted 5 year old girl.
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Story: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/07/15/Lancaster-Pa-kidnapping-ends-as-two-teens-on-bicycles-chase-suspect/UPI-81751373916033/
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Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch
@Rob - I second E M's motion. This Challenge is a lot of fun, very informative, and motivating.
@ Rob, you should be proud. Also, you should be proud of this challenge. Its the best!
@Rick & @Brad - In the words of Lawrence Welk, "Wunnerful, wunnerful!"
@Laurie - Go to the National Board (which you are currently on, if you are reading this), then Leaderboard, then States, then Wisconsin.
That will only get you the rankings of everyone in the state.
Other than that, NO, you can't see the rest of WI Comments, we can't see yours, and neither of us can see Kimberly-Clark's. (Except that Rob is all seeing and all knowing - at least as far as the NBC.
@ Paul, is there a way for someone from the Fox Valley to access the WI state page?
Kudos to you and Appleton, Rob! I'm impressed with your great ratio. Keep up the good work (although I do miss you all and your comments on the WI state page, now that the Fox Valley has their own local page). To be comparable here in Ripon, WI, we'd need about 120 riders...and we are not close to that...but maybe when the students get back in the fall! I can say, however, that Ripon College is doing a bit better than that Fox Valley's own Lawrence this year. We're 19th nationally among all university and colleges vs. Lawrence at 30th. This is also about the only competition where small Ripon College (a liberal arts college of about 1000 students) is ranked higher than "the" Ohio State University (21st) and the University of Illinois (22nd)!?!? Go Redhawks!
woof woof
Nice sign Allen.
My bike has its name painted on the frame, Cronus CX (roman numerals mean 110)
Keep on healing Jerry. I see your clavicle healing. I'll be pedaling tomorrow for your clavicle to heal.
Woof, Howl (howling sometimes comes out after dark)
Off to dream of French pastry.
I was on a customer visit at a restaurant chain HQ. THey had bikes for the employees to run to shop get lunch and they named the 6 bikes Greg, Bobby, Peter, Marsha, Jan and Cindy :).
My commuter bike I call my "Two Wheeled Chariot"
I am proud of my city, Appleton, WI. We have 1200+ riders (out of 70,000 population) and are currently 1st in the nation in Class 2 size cities. Can you imagine if we had just 1% of the US population in the NBC, that would be over 3 million riders! It would be fun to experience that down the road, maybe the 2023 NBC! That isn't too much to wish for, is it?
@ Allen, LIKE!
@ J Hugh, nice tour!
Baby steps, Jerry. You will get there. Praying for no surgery.
Went to the doctor today. Good news and bad news.
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Good news. I can drive a vehicle. Bad new. I cannot ride my bike. But I already knew that.
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Good news. The arm, and the two breaks in my pelvis are healing well.
Bad news. The clavilce bone shows no sign of healing. Two options are still open. The doctor will x-ray again in four weeks. If no improvemen, the two options are surgery or no surgery. If there is no pain, then he will not operate. If it is painful. he will have to operate. Based on todays exam, he is optimistic surgery will not be required. The big test will be if I can ride a bike without pain.
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Karen let me drive home. After trying to get the van to go with the pedals, Karen informed me I needed to use a key to start it. Only took 15 minutes to remember where to insert the key. I prefer my bicycyle.
OK.... it's 89 degrees with 45 % humidity and a heat index of 94.... guess it's time for a bike ride! But I'll be making stops at the Y and library to cool off.
I usually refer to my bike as my Cadillac, because I like it so much more than my old beater minivan.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/988241_194500040714256_865626030_n.jpg
@Karen - My bike's name is Eurus, named for the East Wind of Greek Mythology, because he is gold-colored like the dawn, and the ride is so smooth that I imagine that what riding the wind would feel like.
@Karen - "WunderBike"?? Or maybe "Timex" - some of us are old enough to recall John Cameron Swayze's immortal Timex catch phrase, "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking."
But perhaps not poetic enough to be a bike's name.
@J. Hugh, Thanks for sharing your pictures.
@Rick, My bike says hi to Wilma. What do you call an old bike that never breaks down, never complains, and just keeps going? I am taking suggestions.
@Dee Dee, neither my gut nor my butt has gotten smaller, but my A1C is down, my cholesterol is way down and my blood pressure is really way down. Plus I have much more energy in the pool and on the steps. It's all good!
Right, Brad. If you'd found the pothole at the beginning of the ride, you'd have encountered different wonderful stuff. After all, it's all wonderful, just some things are more wonderful than others.
Rode w/ newbee cyclists on a bike club outting. Hope they weren't overloaded by all the suggestions, advice, and demonstrations from veteran club members. At the end of the 17 mile ride the two newbees were shifting better, pedaling smoother, and handling their bikes w/ more skill. Thank you Desiree for mentoring these folks, while serving as a rookie ride leader. You looked like a very experienced ride leader, not someone leading their first club ride.
@laurie, I've actually gained weight riding but my pants size has stayed the same. I know what you mean about BMI. It's only one indicator of obesity and not a very good one at that.
Rick - If if's and buts were fruit and nuts, oh what a feast we'd have. Just sayin' - I try to accept things for what they are. I'll take the good with the bad, and I think over time you mostly remember the good. In a wider scope and reminding me of another unfinished conversation - I think no matter what path you choose, there are always disadvantages of one sort or another. Why worry about the path that you didn't choose, its only a different balance of advantages and disadvantages. Make the best of where ever you find youself today and go forward from here. So wither it sounds like it or not, I actually agree with your point, its just that sometimes I have to take the long way around to say so.
@Marty, thanks for those numbers!!! Keep up the great work and thanks for encouraging your fellow citizens to get out there and ride!
@Brad - what if the pothole had happened at the beginning of your ride and caused you to miss all the other wonderful stuff that happened?
8 miles/day every day to get to Diamond. The 8 miles is not a problem. The every day is a problem.
yay! no one tried to run me over today!
There seem to be 3 types of people when it comes to responding to a bell or vocal "I am passing you" alert. Type 1 moves over and/or acknowledges with a wave or a 'thanks' as I roll by. Type 2 do nothing, which is fine with me as long as they aren't in the way. Type 3 give a "I'm not in your #$%#@$@! way" reaction. Occasionally there is a 4th type, those who, like rabbits, leave the safety of their current location and move directly into my path.
Hi all, out this morning with temps that when straight from the 70s to the upper 80s. Humidity was not lacking either. Only a couple of other riders on the regular route, and a few more on the trail portion. I yelled "on your left" to a skater on the trail and she yelled "on your right" so I gave her a thumbs up. Then she got mad and yelled that she didn't need to know that I was on her left. So I yelled "How am I supposed to tell?" but by that point I was pretty much out of hearing range. Later another rider caught up to me and wanted to know what happened. She told me that this skater yells at everyone. I said it was new to me and we agreed that the skater has anger management issues. But how much worse would she be if she stayed at home all the time instead of getting out there and skating?? Not a pleasant thought.
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@ Burklee and Laurie, you guys are right. The way your clothes fit is clearly a better indicator of what kind of shape you are in that strictly weight alone. Ever considered getting different doctors?
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@ Chris, what a wonderful story. Its clear your grandson understands what this challenge is all about!
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@ Brad, what an adventure. Sorry it had to end with such a lousy pothole. Hope you are feeling better and you next ride has more of the Rockwell....
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Some milestones - Last Wednesday, Vermont became the first state to reach 1,000 pts per 1,000 residents of their state, (or 1 pt per resident). Before this is over, they will be over 2 pts per resident!
If everyone signed-up for the Challenge biked just over 22 miles by noon tomorrow, we would reach 10,000,000 miles by the half-way point. As it is, we'll be just under 9,400,000 miles by then. But we still have a good chance to make our September 30th mileage goal.
It looks like in about a week, Wisconsin will be the first state to reach 2,000,000 miles, and that before any other state reaches 1,000,000.
Also in about a week, the average person signed-up for the Challenge will have logged 300 miles since the beginning of May. Nebraskanites (and probably several other states) are already collectively over that milestone.
A couple observations from a weekend spent on one of the local bike & hike trails...
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If you are going to wear a helmet, and you should, please wear it properly. A helmet kicked back on your head or falling off to the side isn't going to help you. We all look dorky with a helmet on, don't look dorkier by wearing it incorrectly.
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If you are a parent following behind your child on a two wheeler with training wheels, you'd better be chasing that kid to put a helmet on her head, not walking along hoping your child doesn't fall and smack her head on the sidewalk.
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Don't make a high speed pass while approaching a blind curve. I had a near miss with an oncoming cyclist that decided to pass when he could not see if the coast was clear. Luckily for both of us, I was paying attention and my brakes work very well.
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Finding yourself down in "the valley" with a bum rear shift cable is not fun. A couple strands of wire snapped leaving my rear derailleur on the fritz. I could pull it to the top of the cassette, but it wouldn't drop back down without jumping gears. It is 300 feet back out of valley and the lowest gear was fine on the steep sections, but useless on the flats. I didn't want to risk snapping the cable completely so I just left it where it was until the top, then I managed to get it to stick in 5th and rode the rest of the way home like that which at least gave me high and low gear, though not enough to be comfortable.
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I check my tire pressure before each ride. My road bike tires typically drop about 5psi, probably during the course of checking them, but my hybrid fluctuates quite a bit. Some days it doesn't lose any, other days it loses 10-15. It takes a minute to check and refill as needed with a pump/gauge combo, so to me it is worth it to do before each ride.
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On an unrelated note, after the Saturday ride, I jumped in the car for a 2 hour drive to see Natalie Merchant perform with the Columbus (ohio) Symphony Orchestra. Great show, except for the people. Too many people talking through the entire show and too many "why is she singing new stuff?" whiners. She left the Maniacs back in '93, yet I think half the people there were expecting a 10,000 Maniacs concert. She still has an amazing voice, it was a great show. I admit, I would have loved for her to sing "Because the Night," but I knew it was a Natalie show and was not disappointed. (I know Bruce & Patti wrote that song, but nothing compares to Natalie's version of it)
Tire pressure - once a week when commuting - every day on a multi-day ride.
That reminds me. Wilma wants a beauty treatment after she did so well this weekend's STP ride. I noticed some grease/tar spots on those shiny rims when I took her off the bike rack last night. And she said her tires need an inspection for embedded sharps. No flats in the STP this year, after two last year. Rick "belt-suspenders-baling wire-AND-duct tape" Gilbert had 4 CO2 cartridges, 2 tubes, a folding spare, and pump along for the weekend ride, just in case. Fortunately, all those items were left untouched.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/10yb84a9rhmex0r/5wFKL3RNIj/European%20Bicycle%202013 if anyone is interested here is the photo album for our European Bicycle vacation 2013, Versailles and the Loire Valley.
When ever a dog, in a truck or car passes and barks, I bark back. Several that I see and hear regularly woof once and I woff back. The two Dobermans in the fenced yard that I see twice a week have given up getting up and woof once from their napping position. The guy who owns them, always get a kick out of their greeting to me, and told me that they actually get up for all other cyclists and act like guard dogs.
So I keep practicing speaking dog.
@ Marty, that sounds like a missing chapter in the Paul Bunyan story. (this is the only response I could think of that doesn't sound too much like I borrowed ideas from my sons) hehehe
@Laurie & @Burklee & et all - Weight is just something you do in line. BMI stands for Bike Miles (or for some, it could be Bike Michigan). Like you say, there are so many other ways to measure improved health (and happiness).
Christine - It seems to me that people with special disabilities usually have some sort of special ability as well. Kinda just balanced a different way. Sometimes it takes those special people to remind us 'Nearly Normal' people what's really important.
Marty - I can't say for sure, but I assumed they were referring to a manure wagon, although I did work with a guy years ago who hit a cow on his way to work (they don't give much).
@ Burklee, since I started the challenge, I am down 2 pants sizes, but I weigh only slightly less than I did at first. It galls me that according to my height/weight ratio, I am still considered obese. No one who sees me can believe it either. BMI does not take muscle into account, and I wish my doctor would stop using it as the only indicator.
@Laurie - Thanks! Perhaps the record sized cow had just finished eating a few burlap bags that blew off of a truck, when it noticed one more on the other side of the road, when...? (Well, you already know the END result.)
@Burklee, you can ABSOLUTELY chalk the four pounds up to added muscle and a soaked shirt! I once read about a guy (bodybuilder) whose BMI listed him as obese, yet he had not an ounce of fat on him. I'll give your health professionals credit for being concerned - way too many MDs just watch as people get fatter and fatter, never saying anything to them - but they needed to take in the whole picture, not just what the scale says!
@Capt. Compet. Did you ask how many in the Dr's office rode their bikes anywhere in the last week? I can gain 4# eating pizza. You are fitter and healthier which seems to me to be more important.
@AbbyNormal Keep up the rides with your Grandson. It is great for all of you. Just waiting until he wants a bike and lets you know it. Have you tried him on a IPad, amazing communication are being achieved.
@Chris - You are a lucky, lucky woman. Ride with him as much as you can. It can never be too much.
Awwww Chris, that is so sweet. You are blessed to have such a great grandson!
As many of you know, I have an autistic grandson who also has a condition known as apraxia of speech. Because he doesn't talk (which doesn't mean he's quiet by any stretch of the imagination!), I sometimes have a tendency to think he doesn't understand us and/or he's younger than he really is. I have to relate a story that happened this past Saturday.
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Husband and I got up our usual time on Saturday and he walked, I biked to our favorite Saturday morning breakfast place. As I was leaving, helmet in hand, Grandson ran up to me and grabbed my hand: he wanted to go with me for a ride in his trailer. I said, "You can't come now. We'll go for a ride later." When we got home from breakfast, we immediately left for Milwaukee (I needed a Schlitz and oyster fix, and we needed olive oil.) Again, I told grandson, "We'll ride later."
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When we got home, I was barely through the door when Grandson grabbed my hand and put it on the doorknob of the closet where I keep my helmet. Then he pulled open the drawer where I keep my RoadID, gloves, etc. His intent was absolutely clear: It's LATER! We're going for a ride NOW.
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No one can tell me he doesn't understand or he's not as bright as any other kid his age, not after that experience. He understands, he knows, and he's as bright as a new penny!
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I really love our rides together and I think he does, too. Lately, he's been very reticent about letting me kiss him, but after that ride, he inclined his head to me so that I could kiss him. That said more to me than all the words he could have said, were he able.
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God bless you, my grandson, for God has truly blessed me with you! I love you, sweetie!
@ Marty, I definitely like your perspective on many things in here. Weren't we just talking about a similar topic a few days ago, minus the cow? LOL
@ Michael, that is too cool! Thanks for sharing!
How cool is this? Fans in Hershey, PA help a stranded Dave Matthews (bike related, trust me). http://www.wfmz.com/entertainment/Stranded-Dave-Matthews-hitches-ride-with-fan/-/121626/20976826/-/19dnvw/-/index.html
I had a doctor appointment on Friday. Got a kudo for my A1C being better, but yelled at for being 4 pounds heavier from my last visit when I hurt my knee 3 weeks ago. Thing is, my clothes are just a bit baggier these days. I can not only get into my "skinny" jeans, but sit down in them AND still breathe while they're buttoned. It was ridiculously hot with a strong headwind on Friday, and I rode my bike from work to the appointment. My shirt (cotton) was soaked when I got there. Does anyone think it's possible I can chalk that 4 pounds up to more muscle & a sweat-soaked shirt?
Go Andrea!
PIcked up a summer cold overnight Friday, so I started the STP with a cough & scratchy throat. Not enough to keep me from the ride. And it was great fun. Pure Pacific NW summer. Ran into a friend who got a last minute registration, and we rode together for a while on Sat & Sun. Also rode with a small band of mostly Cascade ride leaders for my last 20 miles on Saturday.
My meager weight loss attempts didn't yield much this year, but Wilma (my bike) had more success on her diet - lighter rims & tires, and loss of stem bag, rack trunk and associated rack. She just kept wanting to go faster and shed her heavy touring commuter reputation. Surprised myself with 16.1 mph (while riding) for the 100 on Sat & 16.2 for the 80 miles on Sunday. Had I stopped at 70, Sunday's ride would have been 16.5. Traffic & congestion in Portland slowed things down near the finish line.
I had a great time Saturday night & Sunday morning visiting a retired work colleague on his 42 acre farm. great to reconnect - and that big hunk of salmon Sat. night was a good refuel for Sunday.
I'll post the ride to the NBC, but I didn't log it with Endomondo. My poor Android overheats and runs out of battery in as little as 40 mi., so I logged the ride with my new low end Garmin.
(Note - The STP is the 200 mile annual ride from Seattle to Portland. I started from home this year rather than from the official start so I'd have more time/energy to visit with an old friend - so I rode the 180 mile "Stonebrook to Portland").
@Brad - Sorry about the bad, especially the pothole/tire.
I also can't get the fire truck incident out of my visual imagery either. I was trying to image just how BIG that cow that was hit must have been, if the entire road was full of manure.
I tried out my new Camelbak this weekend, as well as my moisture-wicking shirt. The shirt was great. It didn't weigh 12 pounds from all the sweat like my cotton t-shirts usually do. The Camelbak is also great. I am so used to having to conserve my water. I thought I was practically guzzling, and was concerned about running out before getting home, but it turned out that I had only consumed half a liter out of the 2 liters in the pack. And that was on just a 15 mile errand-running ride.
I didn't wear any regular shorts over my bike shorts while running my errands this weekend. It felt a lot like I was wearing only my underwear! It wasn't bad while I was riding because it felt much cooler, but now I'm wondering how my big ol' dimply butt covered in nothing but Lycra looked to those behind me while I stood in line at the credit union. I hope no one was badly scarred by the incident.
Brad, sorry to hear how your ride ended up. Hopefully the good parts of it will overshadow the bad ones in your memory.
Cut 26 seconds off my morning commute! So excited about that!
@Brad-oh my-how awful! I can relate to what you went through on some level when your just done riding and your tired and dehydrated with nausea and headache. I can still picture your experience-lol. Happy your feeling better today and that you did not get hurt when you hit that concrete. That musta been scary hitting that concrete though.
@Michael-at least your out there riding and can ride! Happy 25 year anniversary at your job. That's pretty cool.
Cynthia and Michael, just so you don't think it's all a Norman Rockwell picture - THE UGLY: Maybe because of my temporary riding partner pushing me too hard, or maybe because of the stiff neck I get from being in riding position for so long, or dehydration (although I thought I drank ample quantities), my final 1.5-2 hours brought on a severe headache and then nausea. It wasn’t fun anymore and I was just forcing myself to keep pushing on. Mile by mile… slowly… home was getting closer. I was finally in my own town when I turned one corner, and took a hard hit. There was a chunk of concrete busted out leaving a sharp jagged hole in the road about 14”x5” by maybe 3 inches deep - Instant flat tire on the front and my stainless water bottle popped out of the cage and went bouncing across the road. COME ON!!! I feel sick; I just want to be home (probably lucky that I didn’t go down). Rim felt OK and I changed out the tube of course, but when I did FINALLY get home, and pressured it up proper, I saw that it was starting to split between the bead and the sidewall. So that damn it hole also cost me a tire. So no today was not all good, but a goal attained. And all of this together is, after all, what memories are made of… Love and light everyone. I feel much better this morning.
On a brighter note, assuming my math works out (it usually does), I'll reach Platinum ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CHALLENGE!! Hope I don't get stuck driving into work for some meeting, or I'm outta luck.
@Brad, I wish my commutes were as picturesque as yours. This morning (like most) my experiences included overflowing dumpsters, the stench that lingers after the trash truck passes, long-vacant factories, overgrown yards behind abandoned row homes, and litter/glass encrusted gutters. But, counting my blessings, at least I awoke this morning and was able to ride to work. My 25th anniversary here at work was on Saturday. 25 years down, 17 to go....
@Brad, thanks for sharing the good and the bad. Enjoyed reading it all and your words are written so well that I could picture what you were saying in my head as I was reading.
But Marty, you didn't think I was done already, did you? THE BAD: After Jennies experience last year, and other account of altercations with dogs, I now carry pepper spray zip tied to my handlebars. Yesterday gave me the first opportunity to try it out - a large dog lit out after me from a farmhouse with absolutely no hesitation. There’s really no way to know his intentions, but he was close on my heels. It felt like it took me a bit to slide the sprayer out and turn the trigger out of its locked position. I gave him a little shot and it worked just perfect, there was no yelp of pain, but he just gave his head a couple of shakes to try to get rid of it, turned and went home. There were also 2 other dogs that passed me riding in trucks, that made it abundantly clear that they didn’t care for me much at all. At another crossroads there was a fire truck parked sideways blocking the street with 2 young fellas standing out front. They explained that I REALLY did not want to go that way: there had been a crash and the road was covered with manure. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing it in person, and I could laugh at the visual imagery, I trusted that this indeed would fall into the bad category.
@Jerry J,
Just to throw a monkey wrench into what everyone else has said, I typically check my tires every 4 to 6 weeks. Seldom lose more than 10 lbs. and I fill them to the higher limit of their pressure. That said, I have over 75,000 miles of experience with tires, typically get 15,000-16,000 miles from my front tire and have only had 3 flats in the last 50,000 miles. Experience pays off - it also helps to run oversize thorn resistant tubes. My tires are 700/23c, I use 700/28-32 tubes. It's a tight fit getting the tubes in but for practically no flats and 15,000+ miles it's worth the effort.
@Thomas - Glad you're back!
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@Brad Rockwell - Again, well said.
I went for a long ride yesterday, and had plenty of time for thoughts and observations. Since in most cases nothing is ALL good, just as nothing is ALL bad (though sometimes it might seem that way). So consequently I’ve broken down my ride into 3 categories. First, THE GOOD: Todays ride initially had me thinking about the people that we cross paths with. On my way out of town I was passing the field of thistle and clover that I mentioned previously, which must be somewhat close to what heaven smells like, and an older man was walking the other way. I mentioned to him that you’d have a hard time finding a better smelling field, and he answered that his sense of smell wasn’t all it could be anymore, but his wife’s nose on the other hand could detect a shot of brandy within 1 second. That one was a smile that kept coming back to me through the day. Continuing on I passed several others on bikes, some just gave he a cursory ‘hi’, but there were two that I remember specifically who said nothing more than that, but whose smile said so much more. They were enjoying the day so fully that I could feel and share their joy through such a short and simple contact that I also carried that with me even after they were long gone. I also came across these kids having a Kool-Aid sale at some little crossroads town of about 4 buildings. One of my bottles was just about empty, so yeah, I filled up, and had the opportunity to take a picture of them doing regular old fun kid stuff. Earlier I also saw another one of those perfect Norman Rockwell moments; Out in front of a farmhouse in the thick shade of a big old tree sat this boy of maybe 8-10 with his arm around his big black dog. They were both sitting there just watching the day. I often come across these perfect picture moments of kids out in the country - I relish the moment and the image, but I always hesitate to take a picture for fear of implications. I guess these moments for the most part will have to live in my memory. I hope my memory holds up – I suppose the important stuff should stick. Along a little further I had stopped to take a picture and had just sat down it the grassy shade for a moment, when another cyclist came by and asked if everything was OK. As It turned out he was headed in the same direction, so we travelled together for a bit. But although I could keep up with him, it was just barely, so after he managed to get my average speed up a few points, I let him go on ahead. I wasn’t intending to go this far, but I was pretty sure Lake Michigan wasn’t too much further, and being so close to a goal like that, how could I turn back now. I kept telling myself “Just a little bit further”. And of course I did eventually find it, took off my shoes and waded the water to cool off and give my feet a break. While I was, there were 2 boys in the water who had these stretch fabric paddles they were playing with, but instead of using balls, they were finding little dead fish and batting them out into the depths. More fun kid stuff. And Nyla, take solace, I saw plenty of milkweed growing along the road edges of eastern Wisconsin.
My car broke down this week, given I only use it one day a week-I am still debating about whether or not to fix it or sell it and go car free for a while. Granted-I have other means of transportation if needed.
Hey Roberto, I see you are climbing the rankings! Great going. I have been clawing my way up.. finally back into the top 2,000! LOL Now that I can ride again, would you believe we get RAIN! Things are NOT safe on the roads here when it rains for cars much less bikes. I sure hope we get a few hours a day to dry out otherwise, I am sunk! Congrats on the Platinum @Kevin I am working my way there. Only 284 points to go! @Thomas doesn't it feel great to get back on the bike? I had to reduce my riding to the minimum of 1 mile per day for a while due to injury and it was MISERABLE. I am just now back to really riding.. yesterday was my first day to ride and really ENJOY it. The Bike MS is this weekend.... I am terrified!!!! LOL
Happy beginning of the week to all! How can it not be when your vehicle is a two wheeled one!
Stuff to share and respond to:
For my road bike I check my tire pressure before each ride and always have to put more air in. For my commuter bike I check it once a week.
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Road Id is a must. I have one and I purchased one for my Mom who rides and lives and alone. It gives piece of mind. Seems everyone has one now! It's a great service, kudos to the company who makes them available and affordable. I used to ride with all my information on a piece of paper tucked inside my pack, but, in an emergency situation there might not be time for someone to go through your pack and try to find it. This way its right out there visible on your person.
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Several chapters back in all these posts there was conversation about dehydration and staying hydrated. And there was mention of Nuun tablets. I don't care for Gatorade at all even when diluted with water or ice so I was inspired to try these tablets. Long story short, I dehydrated myself on my group ride yesterday. I felt awful all day and nothing I drank was helping me come back. So in the evening I tried one of the tablets. It was amazing how quick it worked and how much better I felt almost immediately. Now I know I should have drank it before, during the ride, one of the other or both-which is part of making the long story short-I just wanted to share and let those know who haven't tried it that it may be a good thing to explore.
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I am hoping to make Diamond this year, I did last year with a shorter time frame for the NBC and more miles, I am not sure this year. Will see. At this point I am hoping to reach platinum. With my schedule it is hard to get the miles in I would need to each day to reach Diamond. No matter what I am enjoying being a part of this Challenge and this forum.
Platinum !!!. Now to see if I can make Diamond.
@ Jerry- I try to check my tire pressure daily.
Hot and steamy ride home tonight here in Wisconsin.
Finally back on the bike! Been a solid month since I was riding to work, mainly because of a lot of little things. First a minor surgical thing kept me off for a week, then a death in the family had me out of town for 10 days, then I came back with a bad cold, and well, it rains EVERY AFTERNOON, and I have been wimping out. Finally, I'm back on the board and have logged some miles this week.
@Jerry, every ride. Cheap insurance.
Saw this story today. It shows how quick people can come together for a good cause when someone has bike stolen.
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http://www.forwardprogressives.com/louisiana-wwii-veteran-robbed-of-his-bicycle-community-replaces-it-within-hours/
@ Kawinka, thanks for sharing that story!
@Jerry J. I also check my tires before each ride(every day for me). The biggest reason for flat tires and the easiest to avoid are pinch flats from hitting an object/bad spot on road or pothole and they result from under inflated tires.
Jerry B...Thanks, that site looks perfect. I did find topo info through a Colorado non-profit agency, but ride with GPS looks much better.
@ Jerry J. I fill my tires before every ride. Every day. Sign up with Ridewithgps for info on the trail.
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http://ridewithgps.com/
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Someone will have mapped it or you can map it yourself. It has the best elevation display of all the sites.
@ Jerry, Once a week.
Just filled my tires for tomorrow. Just curious how often others check/fill their tires.
@ Jerry... exactly :)
Anyone familiar with the Boulder creek Bike trail in Boulder CO? Is it a huge uphill grade? i am having a hard time finding free TOPO information.
@Laurie. Looks like you have a great map now.
@ Ana, that stinks.
I rode to a friend's house who lives just under a mile from me. When I left, somehow I took a wrong turn and the ride back home was about 16 miles. I guess I need a new map :P
@Tammie. That is great news. Glad you are getting to ride pain free. And being able to ride longer rides.
Well, I can officially say: "I'm back in the saddle again!" Just finished 25 miles with a 20 minute break in the middle for a fruit snack and rest.. and I feel GREAT! Sorry Jerry! The second half I had cloud cover and it was fantastic! I felt like I could go on riding but do have to go to work tonight. The last 5 miles was a slight uphill grade with the wind in my face but it was a light wind and since I had cloud cover.. I did not mind. The only things that were uncomfortable were the bruised areas from my crash the other day and those will be better in a few days.
A new app from Road ID. It does not replace your physical Road ID but is n additional resource. Right now it only works on the iPhone but they plan an Android version soon.
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Features like eCrumb Tracking, a Stationary Alert, and a custom Lock Screen creator, Ability to track your workouts in real time, your friends and family can stay better connected whenever you head outdoors
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http://www.roadid.com/ecrumb
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I have installed it on my phone and updated my lock screen with emergency contact info. I would be interested on how the other features work from those of you that can ride.
Boo, took my bike to the shop today for some minor work and had to leave it :(
@Matt, nice job
Early this afternoon finished a 15 mile loosening up ride to cap out a 700+ mile week. Some of you may have heard of the Ride Across Indiana (RAIN). 160+ mile across the state from Terre Haute to Richmond in a single day, mostly along US Hwy-40. This would have been my 4th year for RAIN, but to challenge myself that I was back fully after last year's pulverized collarbone, I signed up for RAINSTORM. On RAINSTORM, each of the 5 days preceding the RAIN, up to 50 riders ride in 5 stages from Richmond to Terre Haute and then on day 6, ride back by participating in RAIN with the other 1400 riders or so. . 100 or more miles each day and then the 163 on Saturday. Thank God the daily routes end at nice hotels and State Park Inns each night with pools, hot tubs, and soft beds! Sports Therapist travels with the tour too and massages can be scheduled. Highly recommended for those with an "Ultra" bent.
Jerry thanks for the roadid info. I ride solo and out in the country/ county. great idea. And very reasonable cost. Chris, slim looks perfect. Checked their events calender to see if they had a presence in ID and they do. Thanks again, will make my mom happy!!
HI all, today Two Wheeler, the great god of bicycling, commanded me to go out and dedicate my morning ride to all the injured riders among us. So I headed out in the 70-degree temperatures for my regular route with a few tweaks. As my reward, Two Wheeler created a great family fun ride in the afternoon heat (temps in the 90s). Two Wheeler sent us down the trail and then away to the great frozen custard stand (Ted Drewes). Many others have obeyed the command of the great god today to go out and ride, both in the cool morning and the hot afternoon, but only few have earned the great frozen custard reward! Thank you oh great Two Wheeler!
@Jerry & EM Thanks guys. It is addictive.
@Tammie: We're lucky that SoCal has some really great routes. Though PCH is not exactly the best way to go
Jim, I can't speak for everyone else, but I just decided to try it (rear tire) two months ago on My Scott Road bike and I am sold on it. I have put over 2,000 miles on it without a flat and also, just Thursday, I had a flat front tire with 5 thorns all around tire and 3 punctures on back tire(tubeless) and all I had to do is spin the back tire to seal the leaks (only lost about 10 lbs of pressure). If you are riding downhill at a good speed, it will also seal itself.
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Some things you may want to think about is if you do go tubeless, you will have to change out sealant about every 2 months because it eventually drys up and can settle on one part of tire making it out of balance.
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Also, before you buy a tubeless tire, make sure tubeless tire works with your wheel. Some wheels aren't compatible with tubeless. I'd recommend you check with your local bike shop to make sure. And last thing is that if your tubeless gets a big hole in tire and it can't seal, then it's possible to just put a tube inside(after you wipe off all sealant from inside of tire first) to get you back home.
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The tire I purchased is the Hutchinson Fusion 3 Tubeless Road Tire. This tire is expensive(around $80-$100.00) but in my opinion worth it and I am just about to put on on front wheel. Note: Co2 is needed to make tire seal to rim. Pumps won't work.
40 sweaty nonstop solo miles with temps in the 90's and humidity around 80%.
@Jerry, good call out about road id. I have one and got them for my wife and her sister who both run. Running apparel rarely has pockets. I feel much safer knowing our contact info is right on our wrist when we are out exercising. I have the elite, and the ladies both have the slim.
I don't know if I have mentioned this before. Everyone who rides should have a Road ID or something like it. Just carrying an ID card is not enough. The Road ID has your name and contact info in case of an accident.
There are two types of Road IDs. See this page for comparison.
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http://www.roadid.com/Common/Compare.aspx
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I recommend the Interactive Road ID.
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And it is not just for bicyclists. I bought one for my Mother who is in her 70's. she wears it all the time.
@Sahil. Congratulations. Glad you enjoyed your ride.
@Laurie. That's what I have been doing for five weeks now.
Always such nice conversations and invaluable information being posted on this forum. Just love it. Out for a Sunday group ride this moring. It was good and bad. High winds and dry heat made for a tough go in some places. But overall it was a good time out there. The goup climbed the intracoastal waterway bridge and back over again right away. That was fun, it was an awesome workout! Got to start getting hillwork riding in anyway. The route for Bike MS ride I will doing in September is hills the first 25 miles. I purchased a pair of cycling sandals. I love them, although they are better for shorter distances. I would not wear them for rides over 10 12 miles. My feet are killing me! Oh well, all part of the experience of learning.
@Tammie-definitley commend you and any other riders out there who are battling dry endless heat and such high temps.
Ride with peace alland stay safe!
Ugh, I really hate waking up to "THIS WEEK 0" and "TODAY 0"
Thinking about going tubeless. Any words of wisdom out there?
@Tammie, after you finish selling, go pedaling. LOL
@ Sahil, congrats to both of you. Careful, this can get addictive!!
Awesome @Sahil sure wish I was doing this when I lived there. Getting close to 4 months for me now. Seems longer! LOL
@# Sahil, awesome!
@Laurie, Jerry and E.M. - WE DID IT. 55.6 mile round trip from Santa Monica Pier to Leo Cabrillo State Beach along the PCH. Thanks so much for the motivation
Well, you got me checking with a calculator too and I see it will take me an average of 15.3 miles a day to make diamond by the end of the challenge. About the only way I am ever going to get a diamond! Looks like I have a lot of peddling to do! Temps tomorrow are going to be over 100! I am going to try to put two hours in if I can avoid overheating. Guess I will bring lots of extra water to douse myself with. I have an 11.5 mile loop where I can stop by the van and grab cold water with each pass... Handy! Believe me, I need it by then. The tar on the roads is getting sticky now. I hate that.
@ E M, good point. I think I should keep my mouth shut and just keep riding.
@ Laurie, I think the other diamonds come from under the ground. Personally, I think I'll stick to the bicycling variety.
@ All, there is an excellent article ("Senseless" by Bruce Barcott) about bicycle helmets and brain and head injury research in the June issue of "Bicycling" magazine. The article is available for free to everyone (not just subscribers). You can download it at BICYCLING.com/ipad
or read it online at BICYCLING.com/senseless
All this talk of diamonds..... I just calculated that if I ride 17 miles a day every day until the challenge ends, I will make Diamond. Now to figure out how to get other diamonds...... lol.
@Cycling Roberto - The only way I will get Diamond by the end of the month is if someone proposes to me. lol
@Jerry - Start taking at least 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day, if you haven't already started. It will greatly speed up the bone healing process. You'll want to take it with a meal, since you need some oil/fat intake at the same time, since Vitamin D is fat soluble.
I figure if I can get back on my bike by Sep and ride 10 miles a day I can make Diamond. Of course I am hoping to be able to do at least 30 miles a day. Optimistic aren't I.
I'd like to again thank everyone who wished me and my buddy's family well, after his fatal car/semi accident. It turns out that the reason the first semi crashed along 300 ft of guardrail was because that driver had a heart attack and died. And my buddy just happened to be at the end of the ensuing 6 mile freeway backup, when the second semi plowed into him.
@Brad was right that my ride on Friday was going to be different. I thought of him the entire time, and there was 100% humidity around my ocular regions during a good part of it. It was a very difficult ride. Also during the ride, I decided to honor him and just ride 9 miles, since 9 miles was the focus of a long-standing joke between us. One year, he asked me why I wasn't running in the 24 hour run, and I said because I only ran 9 miles in February. So, the next year, he had only run 4 separate 1 mile runs in the first 27 days, and on the last day, after sundown, had one of his Deputies (he was the Police Chief in Milton, WI), drive him 5 miles from his house, and then he ran back. His son, trying to be practical, asked him why he didn't run several other shorter runs during the month, instead of doing most of his monthly total all in one day. Terry just shook his head, because his son just didn't understand.
My goal is Diamond+Bronze+Silver+Gold+(the ever beloved Burlap) by the end. If I do that and a planned October bike trip from Nashville to Nachez, MS, I'll be at least 1/3 more than my previous best, which was last year, thanks in no small part to last year's NBC. (That broke my original record from 1982!)
My goal is Diamond by the end of the Challenge. I need to ride every day and average 13 miles/day to achieve this. If so, it will be the most miles I have ever ridden in a summer. The Challenge is and all of you are great motivators!
@Karen, cool.
79 days to go, I'm at 4031 points, need to average 55 miles a day... hmmm
Would be nice to go Double Diamond by the end
@Tammie - I wish I could sent some of our weather your way. I just finished a short ride after a long day at work with misty rain and a "camera light" sunset. Rest up and stay hydrated.
@Roberto - Truce, friend - I was joking about myself. Good luck with diamond.
I am 330 points from Platinum.... hope to get there soon! Just did 10.5 miles and feel like I ran a marathon! 98 outside and only 14% humidity. The heat just drains the energy right out of you. I wish I had time to ride more but I have to get to work. Working 12 hour shifts back to back leaves little time to ride.
Diamond by the end of the month is my goal.
Just got 3001 points and before the 1/2 way mark. Lovely day for riding in Wis. Planning a ride for early this evening. Ride & Smile for Life is Good. ( Especially on a bicycle )
Ridin' in Id. Bike for Kids 25 miler (actually 29 miles) puts me 486 points from platinum today. Ride on!
Thanks Roberto; I wasn’t aware of the blinking light risk, and will use the “steady on” setting in future.
I do have a few wicking items found on sale, including new sleeves and leg warmers. It’s largely a tactile issue; Synthetics tend to feel slimy and unpleasant to me, as well as being expensive, but they definitely make a difference in sweaty circumstances. (though I resisted them for a long time, and it pains me to admit it (-;) Cotton remains my preference in moderate temperatures. UnderArmour has a line of “charged cotton” items that wick well and feel lovely. More to be acquired when when finances permit, along with wish-list of SmartWool gear (-:
@ Tammie, we were in Texas in May and rented some bikes down in the area around Big Bend Natnl Park. We didn't have a bike rack, so our only choice was to ride them from the bike store. That was about 10 miles from the nearest trail. That trail was dirt and cactus. It was hot and some of the bikes only had one water bottle holder. There was no place to fill uo so we had to stretch what we could carry. We survived. But man, I wouldn't do it again without a better way to carry more water and I would wear my headsweats under my helmet. There was no shade other than a billboard. So hats off to you, you are an inspiration to all of us. If I was giving out brownie points, I would give them for hills, wind, heat, and everyone who is hauling a kid!
@ Roberto, looking up from down in the 200s, and jockeying between 2nd and 4th place for Missouri for the month (mind you thats not saying a lot, since Missouri is down in the 30s), I'm here to say that my position, at least, is not BUNK. I earned it and I'm proud of it, and if knuckleheads at the top are cheating, that's their problem. What we're getting here is bragging rights and those of us who earn them should feel PROUD. The cheaters, well they should be ashamed. (Ok, RANT IS OVER)!
Good day to all. Slept well after working all night and working late into the morning. Surprised that I am not really sore today. Must be the extra steroids in my system from the shots on thursday... added benefit! The road rash only hurts if I brush up against it so all is good. I have so many bruises already, a few new ones are hardly noticeable! I need to get out and do a quick 12 miles before I go to work... wish the temps would give us a break.. it is already 96.. ugg! I wear cycling jerseys. They definitely are a must in the heat here. I also have two bottles of water with me and sprinkle water across my back and thighs when getting overheated. It makes a world of difference.
@Nyla, there's a saying, "cotton kills." Because it will not wick away moisture and it will get super soggy, I never wear cotton. All my jerseys and bibs are synthetics. I find they dry the best and are engineered to wick away the water. And they keep me warmer when wet. Cotton won't. My advice, pick up a couple nice jerseys. Wool is another option that will keep you warm when wet. I wear wool socks year round. I'm not a big fan of wool jerseys simply because they all seem to come in earth-tone-only colors. I like brighter jerseys so I stand out on the road. Another important thing to consider when riding in the rain. And remember, if you use a taillight, keep it on steady not blinking. Blinking taillights have been found to cause target fixation. Not good on the back of your bicycle in the rain.
Roberto, I tend to agree. I’ve had some surprisingly pleasant rainy rides, particularly refreshing after sticky tropical temperatures, and surely vastly preferable to the unfortunate “Boil-in-bag” effect of waterproof clothing in temperate climates. . In steady rain I’ve typically used my turquoise plastic poncho (festively mended with candy-striped duct tape) With a tailwind it produces an advantageous sail-effect, and reduces the weight-gain-drag of drenched ill-advised-but-still-favored-mostly- cotton clothing.(-; I just want to have another option if faced with all-day rain on multi-day journey. (lest indefinitely sustained sogginess seeps into my spirit, eventually deleteriously dampening enthusiasm as well as readily remedied externals)
@Nyla, my "rain gear" consists of a sandwich bag for my phone and wallet when the rain comes. Every rain jacket I've tried keeps the rain off, but I end up wet with sweat. So I just ride and get wet. One thing, if you bike shoes get soaked, leave them in front of the bottom of your refrigerator. The gentle warm air will slowly dry them out overnight.
Rolled forth into pleasantly cool, breezy, fragrant gray day, confident that overcast skies and soggy forecast promised a perfect opportunity to test-bargain rain gear. (purchased with certainty that imminent MS TRAM from International Falls to Duluth will present some rainy rides) As anticipated. drizzle began during halfway-point cheese and coffee-pause at local dairy. Of course the plan would have been slightly more successful had I actually remembered to pack new rain gear in my bike bag.……sigh.
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9 million miles and counting. Keep Pedaling!
@Steven, I don't know. Just sort of sucks that someone wouldn't notice that their mileage for the day is double when they record it... Just saying why have a Leaderboard if it's BS?
@ Laurie R.- as a kid in Mi. bugs were a problem day or night, not so much here in Reno, Nv. so when I still do have the urge I go w/ it.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Karen, it's bike shop, it's a coffee shop, why grovel?
@Roberto: for what it's worth lots of my co-workers have noticed that if you manually log miles the system (hit the 'log miles' button it defaults to 2 trips so you have to change it if you are logging your round-trip commute just once a day. Might account for the double-logging. Might not....
Quick thanks to everyone who shares on this 'forum'. All the ups and all the downs. It's been very motivating to follow, as well as enlightening. Looking forward to continuing to follow you all.
Hi all, out this beautiful morning with temps. in the 70s and lots and lots of other riders in groups large and small. Enjoyed sitting outside in Kirkwood for brunch. Great day for a ride.
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@ Rob, two thumbs up
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@ Sahil, I agree with Laurie, if you can do 40 you can do 60. Just allow for a break every 12 miles or so. Lots of water and a snack here or there (or brunch or lunch if you prefer, or a meal after the ride is always nice)!
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@ Jerry, not 2? You said the insurance company wanted an extra rider!
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ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!
@ Rob. Congratulations.
@Tammie. How are you feeling today?
Yeaaaa, Finally hot 1000+ points. I need to ride more :-)
@Nyla - You have such a beautiful way with words.
@Tammie - Glad your first crash was not worse. I remember my first crash every time I smile. Lost two teeth going over the handlebars in college. Totally my own fault. Thank God for oral surgeons.
@Roberto - Everytime I go into South Mountain Cycles I feel like doing a "Bill and Ted" grovel. Time to get passed that feeling I guess.
@Sahil. You can do it. Enjoy the ride.
@ Sahil, yes! If you can ride 40, you can ride 60. Have fun!
Me and my wife usually try to do about 70 miles in a week, with a long (40 mile) bike ride, usually on Saturdays. Tomorrow, we have decided to up the ante and are trying to do 60 miles. Think we can do it?
@Marty, Sorry to hear about friend.
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@Tammie, Glad it wasn't worse. It will heal up before you know it. Stay Safe!
Ever gone out riding, and you're almost back home when you suddenly realize that you have a lot of energy left, but it's getting dark, the gnats are out, etc etc etc. So you sadly end the ride, wishing like crazy that there were a few more hours of daylight left. That's how I feel right now.
@Tammie. I hope you fell better. No more crashes.
Marty, so sorry about your friend. I hate to hear anything about another accident.... We have terrible accidents out here on a daily basis. The oil field traffic has made auto travel absolutely terrifying.
I do keep a few first aid supplies in my in the bike repair kit. Just did not have band aids. I do now! I get 1oz H2O2 packets at work... They were handy mixed with water cleaned everything nicely. Some neosporin and I was feeling much better. As the hours pass, I am feeling the bruises more. I am even more thankful for my gloves that saved my hand from becoming hamburger. Never imagined you could bruise the palm of your hand. Those gel gloves are great and I think the glove survived with just a few tears. Would hate to lose them already. Bought them the day I got the bike and they were not cheap.
@ Tammie, OUCH! Sorry you crashed. I wear sunglasses (not very dark, mainly to keep dust out of my eyes) and a "headsweats" hat under my helmet. Helps provide a little shade. Hope the bruise disappears quickly.
@ Marty, my deepest condolences on the loss of your buddy.
We're about to hit 9 million miles. Yay, us!
@Roberto. He is not from the NY area is he. There is one guy there that does that kind of commute. Though he does not do it everyday. He spends the night in NY.
Just realized one of the people on the Leaderboard I've been trying to catch seems to be doing some double logging. Either that or they routinely ride double rides of exactly the same distance. Out and back commute of over 50 miles? Hmmmm?
@Tammie, So sorry to hear about your crash, but hey, welcome to the club. Get some Tegaderm bandages to put in the medicine cabinet. Great for covering road rash. Heal quickly.
Yes, it funny, I did not know this person, but from Marty's short explanation, I felt in some small way I understood. My previous comment danced around the feelings a different way, but Nyla, yes I felt all that too. Marty I'm sure many of us here carried thoughts of the loss of this adventurous soul with them on their travels today. May some measure of peace and solace find his spirit... and yours.
@Tammie. I guess I should have told you not to crack up.
Marty; I am sorry for the sudden, senseless loss of your friend. From what you shared, he registers as a soul who lived with awareness, intensity and commitment. I’m certain many rides today included a piercing sense of life’s dazzling, devastating brevity, fragility and wonder.
@ Chris. Don't crack too much. It hurts.
Roberto... I am sooo upset with you for mentioning the "not if your crash but WHEN" yesterday! Well, I had my destiny with a curb today! completely my fault. I was just trying to stay in the shade a little longer because I had been riding in the hot sun for an hour and wad sooo enjoying a few seconds of shade so I turned around to enjoy it a little longer but could not quite make the turn sharp enough and the contranst from sun to shade was terrible, could not see well and down I went.. flying! Thank heaven for my good gloves or more skin would have been left on that sidewalk! As it is just my knee and elbow are skinned up.. and a HUGE swolen bruise on my elbow!
You guys are cracking me up. Then again, I've had a few beers so....
@EM. I just need one rider. Me. Unbroken. I can hardly wait to ride.
Thanks everyone for all of your kind thoughts for my friend.
@ Jerry you need 2 riders? I didn't think it was a tandem.
Home Owners
Actually, tin foil is before bronze, and burlap is before that.
@Marty, no matter how long we live it's too short IMHO. Very sorry for the loss of your friend.
@Jerry, I hope you can get that resolved. Sounds like a mess. I am still fighting with the insurance company over a dog bite claim from last year. Got bit by a dog while on a bike ride. The owner of the dog is a gal who is a live-in girlfriend, her boyfriend lives in a house that his dad owns (but his dad doesn't live there). So, basically, the insurance is denying coverage because the dog is not technically owned by the owner of the house where it resides. Meanwhile, I am slowly paying off my medical bills from last year and trying to decide if I take this to small claims court... I'm likely to win the case, but the gal does not have any money, no job, no assets.
Jerry is this uninsured motorist policy or your home owner's Insurance policy?
Burlap is before Bronze. Six pages back.
Still fighting with my insurance company over whether they will pay for my bike.
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As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. If you think your bike is insured you need to check with your insurance agent to verify your bike is actually insured. Check to make sure that if you wreck your bike and no one else is involved that your bike is covered by your insurance. Some policies will require a separate rider. If your agent says you're bike is insured in that type of accident, get it in writing not verbally over the phone. That is one of the issues I'm having right now. I was verbally told I was covered. But when I had my accident they said I needed a separate rider on my bike.
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Then I was told that if my bike had been hit by a car after I crashed it would be covered. So I submitted the crash report from the bike shop. Now they're saying that any damage that occurred before the car hit it would not be covered. Since I took the brunt of the impact and all the bike did was slide along the road the bike had very little damage until some car hit it after my crash. Now just to convince the insurance company.
What is Burlap? I think I missed that one.
Marty sorry to hear of the loss of your friend in such a needless manor, but. 25 years of many memories that enriched both of your lives ...what a blessing to have had that.
@Marty - So sorry! Hang in there.
Sorry for your loss, Marty. It is definitely a reminder that we need to live in the moment, don't put off what you can do today, don't forget to share your love with those that you care about (and everyone else, too). I hope that I can live to be 100 (riding a bike), but we just never know.
@Marty. Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your friends family.
@Marty-how tragic. So sorry to hear about this loss for you. May you and all his friends and family heal as best as possible. Sudden death accidents are so unkind to the hearts of those who survive. On the same token-Brad-so beautifully said.
May it remind us all to be in the moment and see around us as we traverse on two wheels or four. Peace
Marty, so sorry to hear of your loss. Unfortunately, this reinforces what has been on the back of my mind for some time: motor vehicles are deadly weapons. Moment of silence
Marty, my sympathies. Another example of laws that aren't enforced causing needless deaths.
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Kevin! Congrats in advance!
Marty, incidents such as this force us to break the routine of our daily lives, stop and ponder about what's really important in life; Frindship... Kindness... Taking the time to notice and revel in the many wonderous details of this magificent world in which we find ourselves. And it also tends to remind one of our own mortality. Your memories of him, as our memories of each other, will live on - until they eventually fade into something old, faded and sepia toned. I have a feeling you will be going for a different sort of ride today.
Sorry to hear about your friend, Marty. I lost a cousin to the same kind of accident. Be good to one another, everyone. Have a good weekend.
125 points to platinum. Should be there by Monday.
@Cynthia, Totally Agree! Getting old is just in the mind! When I started cycling again 7 years ago, my RHR(Resting Heart Rate) was 77 bpm(which is still good), and now it is 52 and still going down and I'm 49 now. I feel as good as I did when I was in High School and I was very active back then also.
Getting old is a good thing. Unfortunately, we don't always know when that will end. If it will be on a bike, in a car, or somewhere else. I just found out that a good buddy of mine was stuck at the back end of a 6 mile freeway traffic jam last night, (the result of a semi driver who evidently fell asleep and tore up 300 ft of guardrail, spilling gas along the road), when another semi driver, evidently also sleepy plowed into my buddy, killing him instantly, and injuring people in several other cars.
I first met him in 1988, when he did his first 24 hour run. He ran that race every year thereafter.
getting old is not for the faint of heard, that expression could never be more true-thank goodness we ride, it would be so much worse.
Marty, do you do stand up? (Have I already asked you that? It's hell getting old!)
@Chris? "wonky" ? lol Fun word. What a hoot. Great for a smile on this very very rainy day. I rolled into work and my coworker said-didn't you watch the news? There is a 90% chance of rain today! He was so excited-I just looked him and said, No worries, I got my rain gear. It's all good. And...no...I did not look at the news. hee hee. Looks like my day turned into and IRIR without even trying.
@Peter, that would mean I'd need to remember my password!! ;-D I tried it; it stayed the same. I'm not worried. It'll update eventually!
@Shawn - Go in the other direction
Now how am I gonna get faster on my road bike with all this wind!
Hi all, great sunny day here. Temps in the 70s and just a little wind. Got out and pumped hard. Quite few other cyclists. Happy to see that they blacktopped some of that mess on Clayton Road, but wish they had done a little better job. Looking forward to a pretty nice weekend!
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@ Cynthia, agreed. We'll just have to keep educating people as much as possible!
ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!
@ Chris, when this happened to me last year, I just relogged in and everything worked.
@Cynthia - a loud and rowdy, non-denominational AMEN! It's far from easy, or we would have done it already. That does not keep it from being a most worthy goal.
Endomondo is definitely having difficulties today, even on my phone. I had a notice for an update, and things have been wonky ever since. I can't access newsfeed, history, etc. I hope it works for the ride home or I'm going to have to write it down (can you imagine that: writing it down???).
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Absolutely gorgeous day here in SE WI, and a good looking weekend ahead. Looking forward to some great cycling!
@ Marty - just think how many folks out there in the great wide world haven't even made Burlap - and how much fun they've missed. Keep rollin', and keep the rubber side down.
A beautiful morning for my commute with thunderstorms to the south (possibly heading in my direction) and flood warnings that were to start at 8am. Set my alarm for 4AM and was on my bike by 5:20 after breakfast and feeding the cats. Changed my 11mi commute to work into a 30mi commute. Took 2 hours with a break. Saw a few other cyclists out on the road, which I don't normally see on my normal commute. Made it to work just as the rain drops started to fall. I was all happy and then my boss came in and yelled at me about his bloody reports. :( I may ride 30 miles home also to see if I can find my happy place again.
@Jerry. Good salmon is one of the reasons I now live near Seattle. Some the best has come from my kitchen or grill. But it's an art that I'm still working to master. Haven't been to Tillicum Village. As a resident here, I have lots of choices. Among the best away-from-home salmon was great grilled king salmon at the Brown's Point Salmon Bake - a biennial fund raiser for the Browns Point Community. The good news about my messed-up taste buds is that there's more steak for you.
Just a thought, but, maybe people could spend more time and attention to what they are doing and where they are going instead of pointing fingers and blame at this group or that group, cyclists, cars, motorcycles, pedestrians. Why can't we all just get along an work together and help each other and respect each other? I know its not realistic but I just needed to put it out there and vent a little frustration. We can only keep working at educated ourselves and others and hope that someday needless accidents and deaths are avoided because people care enough to see around them and not live with blinders on.
To be honest though, some of these bike-haters have a point
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We’re told that it’s up the bicycling community to make the outlaw cyclists straighten up and ride right. And that’s the only way we’ll earn the respect of drivers, and earn our place on the streets.
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Which is absurd, of course.
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Drivers are obligated to share the road, safely, regardless of whether they think it’s safe, or smart. And whether they like it or not.
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How someone else rides is no more your responsibility than those who speed, fail to signal or make illegal U-Turns are my responsibility when I’m behind the wheel, or that of any other driver on the road.
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http://tinyurl.com/m999wbk
@Brad I agree cyclingRoberto has been sent back from the future but I think he's looking for Marty McFly.
@ Marty... lol. Just lol.
@Laurie - You've got me there. I can't think of anything to say that won't incriminate me, or put me in worse do-do.
@ Marty, I'm sure burlap is full of fiber. Helps a person not be so full of something else. hehehe Platinum, on the other hand, might be a wee bit hard on the dental work.
@Laurie - I just made Burlap (a couple of levels below Bronze), and it doesn't taste good at all. I'm sure Platinum tastes much better.
Never mind my earlier post, the points have showed up, after a lot of hours. Platinum is getting close enough to taste :P
I wasn't so sure before, but after hearing about Roberto's self repaired injuries, I am convinced he has been sent back from the future and is looking for John Connor.
I logged today's miles 7 hours ago and my points still haven't updated. Anyone else have this problem?
Roberto - About two weeks ago I rode my Kona Ute to a local bike shop to pick up my road bike that was in the shop getting a new wheel set. One of the shop owners mentioned he was reading an article on how to crash. I commented that I felt lucky because I hadn't crashed for a long time. Several people in the shop commented that I shouldn't have said that. I attached my road bike to my Ute, as I often do, and strapped the old wheel set on the other side of the bike. As I approached my driveway I started to swing my leg over and caught my shoe in the old wheels. I did a lovely summersault in the street. Thankfully I wasn't hurt but couldn't stop laughing at the coincidence.
@Tammie. I know the feeling.i am hoping Karen lets me sleep tonight. She over being sick. Now she is just exhausted. She finally got up today at 4:00pm.
Oh, gee, Roberto! Thanks for that lovely thought.. now I am really looking forward to that first crash! LOL Had my weekly leisure ride.. only 9 miles with a group of 11 friends to a restaurant where we ate and drank! Lots of fun! NO PAIN IN MY BACK!!! No pain down my leg for the first time in weeks.. amazing! Wish I could say that about the shoulder.. the shot is hurting more than the shoulder was! I guess it just needs a little time. I know it will settle down. I would give anything to get to sleep tonight.. but I have to go to work in a little while.. darn. I would be the first opportunity for a good nights sleep in months!
@Jerry, who said I was sleeping?
How one woman got her stolen bike back. (other cities have facebook pages too.)
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/22820824/women-finds-bike-and-bike-thief-using-social-media
@Roberto "I had to use a rope to pull myself out of bed."
I thought you were not wasting time sleeping?
ARGGH! #101 must ride more miles, must...
@Tammie, cool, I hope you try them and let me know how it goes. Patience.
If you ride and you haven't crashed yet, the operative word there is "yet." Crashing comes with the sport. That's why I always wear my helmet and gloves. And yes if you should go down, holding onto the bars will most likely result in the least injury. Feels weird as you lay it over with still holding on the bars like you are are riding into the ground (which I guess you are), but the alternative is a broken collarbone or wrist.
Guess there are benefits to being single. Nobody to worry about me. I crashed a couple years ago, cracked a few ribs for sure, huge hematoma about the size of a softball on my left hip. No doctor or ER, as I had no insurance ( long story) . I had to use a rope to pull myself out of bed. Wrapped an ace bandage around my torso, and was out riding in three days. Hurt like hell, but there wasn't anybody to tell me not to ride. Another crash, split my eyebrow, and a friend glued it shut for me. No stitches, although probably could have used a couple. Lots of blood as I lay on the road with cars honking for me to get out of the way. Didn't miss any days on that one.
@ Jerry, wow, what a horrible nightmare. Please give Karen a big hug from me too.
Oh, Jerry, wow! I can't imagine how Karen must have felt! Please give her a big hug from me and tell her you are BOTH in my prayers. {{{hug}}}
Oh, Roberto... thank you for the clip tips! I was already out of the house by the time you posted them! I did not get back home till much later and had already spent the time trying them out. I have time to try your method to get better! Just got back from the doctor. Only two shots.. pelvis and right shoulder. Not the upper back. Hope they do enough to keep me riding.I can already walk normal now and raise my right arm without pain... that's the marcaine in the shots! Good stuff.
@Burklee. What makes it worse for her is I was not a serious bicyclist until July 2011.
I rode at the most 21 miles a week. That was the exception. And I only rode when the weather was nice. Now I ride between 5,000 - 6,000 miles a year. So Karen has had to deal with a big change in my riding.
@Jerry - Poor Karen!! I know Jay gets nervous when I go out for a ride, because she's afraid I'll have a low blood sugar or get hit by a car or crash or something, and she's never had anything like Karen's accident happen. I can't imagine that phone call for your wife when you crashed. She's a courageous soul for marrying a cyclist. Go give her a hug. Tell her we hope she feels better soon. Glad to hear you're getting better, too.
@Chris. I have felt so bad about the pain Karen has gone through because of my accident. It was pretty rough on her.
When Karen was in high school she was out bicycle riding with her best friend. Two cars were drag racing and hit Karen's friend who died in Karen's arms. She will only ride on our green ways and not on the road. It makes Karen nervous that when I am out riding. So when Pati called her and told her I was in an accident it was a nightmare come true even though no cars were involved. So it has been hard on Karen. Better now that I am home.
@ Burklee, you go girl!
@Jerry, I'm betting she feels the same way about you!
@Karen. I would take Roberto up on his offer. People like Roberto and myself enjoy riding with other riders that trying to improve themselves. It does. Not bother us to ride at a slower pace when riding with you.
@Tammy, guess you didn't try my method? Oh well... and people buy road shoes for the weight difference. On a bicycle the most detrimental weight is rotational weight. So lighter shoes make a HUGE difference. Who walks that much in bike shoes anyway? And I've done RAGBRAI six times where you dismount and walk through every town. Never a problem in road shoes with cleats.
Cooler, less humid in Iowa City today. Looking forward to an evening ride to Hills and back!
@Karen, I'm a charter member of SMC. I lived 8 years in Emmaus. And if you want to go for a ride, it would be your pace. Just thought I'd put it out there. I'd rather ride with someone working their way up the ladder. Congrats on the platinum and 1000 miles.
Today I got in 45 miles and stopped to forage on some yummy wild raspberries. No incidents worth mentioning.
A good drawing on riding safety at the bottom of this article.
http://tinyurl.com/lfb5npc
My wife that did not leave me home alone after all. So she didn't take our iPad with her. But I wish she had. Karen was so sick last night. I was up for 3/4 the night taking care of her. Which in my condition is interesting. She is still asleep at one in the afternoon. And last night was the first night since I've been home that I was able to fall asleep at a decent hour. Too bad that only lasted an hour. I felt so sorry for my wife. It is frustrating to see someone you love suffer so much and can't do anything about it. Except try to comfort her.
@Karen Jean. Glad the posts are useful. Keep up the great riding and be safe.
@ Karen Jean. Congratulations on Platinum.
@Rick. I am sorry your taste buds are so messed up. <grin> As good as grilled salmon is it just cannot compare to a grilled porterhouse.
The best salmon I have ever eaten was at Tillicum Village. If you ever get to Seattle take the cruise to Tillicum Village. You will not regret it.
Jay bought me a Camelbak, some Powerbars and some Shot Bloks last night at Scheels. I should be ready for the Cornhusker State Games ride on the 21st. I may actually get to ride this one. Woohoo!!
@ Jerry, interesting article. Great idea to do myth busting with facts!
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@ Cynthia, great idea. I have been thinking that I should cut & paste posts into some kind of Word Doc. at least.
Is there a chance that this forum could ever be published into a readable book or other type of document? The information, suggestions and ideas exchanged is remarkable. It would be great to have a something to hold and reference. I cut-paste-and print out a lot of comments. Am I the only one?
If you want walkable cleated shoes in "road shoe style," take a look at Shimano RT-82 ("road touring", I think). Two bolt MTB style cleats, but a sleek upper that is shoe cover friendly and a couple of rubber ridges along the cleat area of the shoe that keep the cleats recessed, making walking easy. My MTB shoes are Pearl Izumi X-Alp - comfortable enough to walk hiking trails but heavier and less shoe-cover friendly than the RT-82's. I started with Shimano-style MTB pedals and recessed cleats, because I had to walk my bike in parts of my commute. Switched to eggbeaters on a friend's advice and have really liked them. Still a recessed cleat. YMMV.
@ Karen Jean, congrats on Platinum, reaching personal goals is always worthy of a post!
Great Job Karen!!! Congrats!!
LAST POST OF THE DAY, I PROMISE! - MADE PLATINUM AND WENT PASSED 1000 MILES. YIPEEE!
@ Jerry - at my place, grilled salmon is better than porterhouse steaks - just not as expensive.
@Roberto - Thank you for the invitation to bicycling with you. I think you would be frustrated at my pace - you are way out of my league. I ride tops 20-24 miles for the NBC (everyday - my goal is not to miss a day.) Hills 5-8mph - Straights 8-15mph - downhills on my cheap old bike - I only let is go 15-22mph. I also takes me 45min. to warm up. I am thinking you should hang out at South Mountain Cycle and Café on Main St, Emmaus. They have fixed up my bike multiple times, and answered my ignorant newbie questions with a certain amount of restraint and humor. Especially the time when I came in with a flat tire from having underinflated tires. Its the spot for cyclists on a Saturday morning for coffee. They watch the Tour on TV and hang out.
Great ride in rural southern Illinois today =)
Tired myths brought up in response to sincere requests to level the playing field when innocent people riding bicycles or walking are killed by someone driving a car who has been proven to be negligent. It is one thing to complain about “scofflaws” and quite another to tell someone who has lost a loved one or friend that anyone walking or bicycling deserves what they get because roads are meant for cars and all “cyclists” are self-righteous, spandex wearing law breakers
Thanks for the Adventure Cycling information. Can't wait to explore that more!
Hi all, out this morning with temps in the upper 70s. A little windy in spots but basically nice. Lots of other riders out there and its not even the weekend! Maybe some of them are making up for yesterday?
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RIDE ON ALL AND RIDE SAFE!
I have 2 hybrids, a 7500 Trek with HD road race tires and 27 speeds and a 7300 with 24 speeds, fenders, bike rack, slide out trunk bag with panniers and a trailer hitch. This is my work horse. I did put on a combo road-trail tires ( K West ) because I mostly road ride. For dirt or crushed gravel I lower the pressure by 10 lbs. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
@Karen Jean, now I'm dying to read that article. I'm going to join the Adventure Cycling Association (at the SENIOR rate!!) tomorrow. Today, there's only $3 in the old checking account...and people ask why I don't just buy another bike! ;-D
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DH isn't going to see his mom this weekend after all. He'll go later in the month, I think. It is hell trying to parent your parents! I hope I die before I get old! Oops! Too late!
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Beautiful morning for a ride! When I got to work, I was tempted to just keep riding. I wonder if anyone would have noticed? They might not have missed me today, but come Monday (sounds like a great line for a song) when they're pay wasn't in their accounts...they'd notice. I did the right thing and went to work. Now if I could just get off here and do the payroll...
@Laurie, you go, girl! You're on a roll lately!
@Tammie, I did the same thing while boiling eggs one afternoon. I heard what sounded like balloons popping in the kitchen and couldn't figure out what it was. What a smell! What a mess! There were eggs on the ceiling, down between the wall and the stove...I was still finding pieces of egg a week later. I learned my lesson that day, I'll tell you!
@ Karen Jean, sounds like you might have kids in high school. Our kids are in college now so the rigors of being a high school parent are a recent memory. LIke you I would love a cross country tour, but have decided bits and pieces will be more practical. I suggest taking a look at the: "Tricross Sport Disc C2 Bike." Its a hybrid that I think is both comfy and cute. The tires are fatter and the average road bike but not as fat as mountain bike tires. So it can handle road & dirt & has mounts for fenders & racks for panniers . I suggest a test ride if you get a chance. Its a bike thats on my dream/wish list.
I wish I could read to you the article in the same Adventure Cycling, June 2013 issue to the person who had their bicycle stolen (was it Chris). "A Letter of Apology to my Stolen Specialized Allez Elite" It made me laugh and want to cry at the same time. It would be good therapy to read it.
I posted that I want to "cycle the country" earlier this week. I should have said, I would like to bicycle parts of the country. A cross-country trip for me right now would not be possible. I don't have the bankroll, the bike, the ability or the time right now, but I can still dream. Right now I am trying to build stamina, gain a working knowledge of bicycle repair, and find a better bike. One that I can afford and "fits" me. Last year I started to subscribe to "Adventure Cyclist" and the June 2013 issue has a bicycle that called out to me. Its a mountain bike, which is not really what I was looking for, but last year I had a blast, and blew a tire, doing an easy trail near Virginia Beach with my son. The bike is on page 36, Novara Madrona 29er, a woman's bike. I am not sure what called out to me, but I'm going Hmmmmm.
@Roberto: I try not to PANIC but there have been occasions when an unexpected stop has caused me to start to fall. Then PANIC when I realize I'm still clipped and start to fall over..... however, the clips tension (or lack of) has allowed me to unclip quickly (at the cost of wrenching my knee a bit). Overall clip (actually clipless) has been great, particularly in the rain when I don't have to worry about slipping off the wet pedal.
I am still going thru the posts after being overworked and exhausted 2 days. Swim team is soooo much to do for parents and timing a meet wears you out, but a lot of the parents do so much more than I do. I only have 40 pages of posts to read.
@Jerry - If there is a silver lining to your injuries, and I doubt it, It would be all the good info I am getting from you through your posts. I liked some of your links you listed on Monday?, at Facebook and my coworkers on Facebook are now teasing me about running over cyclists - I think they feel guilty, and the posts proved them wrong. One can only hope that the information will one day get into their hard, callously teasing souls.
Tammie, I use cycling sandals and they are the best I have ever had. No hot spots and they are very stiff. People use road shoes because they use them on the tour de france. Contact area is more about pedal structure than the shoe. Shimano 520a or 600 offer lots of contact and are great with sandals.
@Tammie - road bike shoes have a larger contact area with the peddle than a mountain shoe and are usually lighter.
I have mountain bike shoes so the cleats are recessed.. no problem walking and NO SlIPPING! They are really comfrotable. Why do people buy the road bike shoes????
@Tammie. I don't know what cleats you have. Unless they are metal, I would buy cleat covers. They protect your cleats while walking. And keep the cleats from sliding on smooth surfaces.
@Laurie. Congratulations. I don't think I will ever catch up to you now.
Oh. My. Goodness. I just now realized I passed 2000 points. Platinum here I come!
@ tammie- good on you w/ peds. clip-in shoes are hard to walk in - clipless almost like street shoes only most are very stiff soled and the clips are recessed into the sole .also I will be in San Antonio and Austin 7/ 28 thru 8/3 so could please order up some 80 degree weather ?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Tammie. Glad you survived. After you get used to them you will wonder how you rode without them.
@Tammie. To bad about the salmon. At least it was not porterhouse steaks.
@ Tammie... bummer about the salmon. But YAY for the ride!
DARN!!! was so busy typing.. I forgot my salmon on the grill... burned to a crisp!
Well, I survived clips... or whatever I am supposed to call them. No falls but I did not have to make many stops. We have a wonderful HUGE parking lot at the performace center between the two cities to use for a practice area. I rode around there for a while. I am having difficult getting the right foot to clip in but otherwise, no problems. I rode the same route I did yesterday, 11.5 miles and got excessivly hot! Almost could not make it. The humidity was the difference. Got back to the van, rested, ate canteloupe.. wow was that good! Drank electrolye water with some protein mix and RESTED in A/C for a while.. a lot longer than I had planned. It cooled down to 93 and the best part was the humidity went down to about 25% so I set out again. This time it was so much easier so I did a little more!!! Total for the day... 23.73. Sure wish I had gone just a tiny bit more to round it off to that 24 but I forgot my garmin so I did not have anything with me to actually see real time exactly how I was doing... bummer! Had to use the endomondo app on my phone and of course ... it quit recording half way through. I had to just add the amount knowing what the distance was from riding it yesterday!
I notice steam coming off of me in these rain storms.
And I am not totally cut off. I can get down to my den and get on my computer. But much more painful than sitting in my La-Z-Boy chair.
Tony Martin won today's Tour de France's time trial. He has been riding for days with a very bad road rash. See link. You have to give him credit to his courage to be riding all week with this.
http://tinyurl.com/lrkavpa
This week I'm volunteering at a music festival about 15 miles from my home. At first I had intended to bike there daily, but then decided that coming home alone, at night, on back country highways, might not be a good idea. So I contacted a relative who lives in the same town as the festival, and she said I could park my car in her driveway and then bike to the festival. Well today was the first day. Too much was going on to leave when I intended, so I decided instead to drive to a park-and-ride lot and bike from there so I wouldn't be late. Turns out it was closer to the festival grounds than I thought, so my total biking for the day was only 3.6 miles.
At the beginning of the challenge, that would have been a pretty good day's ride for me. Now my usual rides are 20 miles and up. Amazing how much good a few months of the NBC can do in a person's life!
@EM. The only good thing about being injured right now is being able to watch the Tour de France.
@ Jerry, I hope you have Netflix or something and can find some cool bicycling movies to watch.
@ Kathy, soo cool. Reading that article made me think that we are on a big teeter-totter. Many places in the world have relied on bicycle power for a long time and have moved more in the direction of motor vehicles (India & China come to mind here) while other places (like the US) have relied more on motor vehicles and are now moving more towards human powered alternatives. Of course, when they choke from smog and pollution and couch-potatoness causes major health problems, we can hope a few more tons of motor vehicles get replaced with some cool people powered alternatives!
My wife is leaving me home alone tomorrow. And taking my iPad with her. My communication with the outside world.
@ Kathy, soo cool. Reading that article made me think that we are on a big teeter-totter. Many places in the world have relied on bicycle power for a long time and have moved more in the direction of motor vehicles (India & China come to mind here) while other places (like the US) have relied more on motor vehicles and are now moving more towards human powered alternatives. Of course, when they choke from smog and pollution and couch-potatoness causes major health problems, we can a few more tons of motor vehicles get replaced with some cool people powered alternatives!
@ Kathy R.- have dreams of just such a world , but not quite ready for the electric chair just yet . I ride an ice trike sprint 26x ( tadpole ) and hope to remain riding it as an hpv for quite a few more years!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE (trike ) BETTER !
D.
Been riding clipless for a very long time. Can honestly say never once fell because I forgot to unclip. Sort of like driving through the garage door because you forgot to hit the brakes. Pretty simple rule: if you are stopping, most of the time (unless you are good at track stands), you need to unclip.
I found that clipless pedals are good. I adjusted them to the easiest to snap out setting available and over time, slowly readjusted to more hold as I got use to the movements needed to operate effectively.
Bicycle Cargo in Portland. Oregon is showing off again.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/business/in-cargo-delivery-the-three-wheelers-that-could.html
@Steven, try not to PANIC.
Ok, I'm about to change my profile picture back. I can't lie any more. That's not me. It's the guy from Laugh In. I'm too fat to ride a tricycle!
@Tammie: I put clipless (actually dual platform pedals on clip, one not) on my bike about 3 months ago. First fall was stopped at the bike shop first day and forgetting to unclip, then being unable to. Wasn't too bad a fall. The one thing I'd suggest is make sure the clips are adjusted to a very loose setting. I found this made clipping in as well as unclipping in a panic most helpful and have never unclipped accidentally. With the original adjustment I was struggling both to get in to and out.
And yes, I still have my accordion and I make killer pasta.
Had my final visit from my home care nurse and from my home care physical therapist. I will start going to the out patient therapy next week. But neither one of them brought me a new bike. How do they expect me to recover without a new bike?
I've also taught people how to brake, shift, and stand on the bicycle. The funny thing is you can train a bear to ride a bicycle, but a bear wouldn't stand a chance in the Tour. There is technique involved in cycling. It doesn't take much to pedal a bicycle. To do it efficiently and correctly takes coaching and practice. Much of it is not intuitive. That's why the pros have coaches. I've been actively cycling honestly since the age of 2. (I'm Italian, what can I say: you ride a bike, play the accordion, and make pasta). I still pick up tips on how to improve my cycling. That's the art part of our sport.
@Kathy. Thanks for the support.
@Cynthia. Thanks for riding for me.
@Tammie. You will love the clips. Be warned though. Most people fall twice when they get clips. The first fall is they forget they are clipped in. The second fall is having to make a quick unexpected stop. I would be interested in Roberto's sure fire method on teaching someone to ride in clips. My wife got her clips last year. She would never go back. When you first get them go out on a short ride and practice getting in and out of your clips. Some people prefer to unclip from both pedals when stopping until they are comfortable with clips. But you only need to unclip the foot are are putting down when you stop. If you ever do fall while clipped in, hold onto the handlebars with both hands. Reaching out to break your fall can cause broken bones. Holding on the bars is safer. Though the natural reflex is to reach out an arm to break the fall.
@Tammie, to familiarize yourself with cleats (the proper term) and clipless pedals (the proper term) you need patience and about 30 minutes time. Find a nice flat space with zero traffic of any kind, pedestrians included. Straddle your bicycle and clip in your left foot with the pedal all the way at the bottom. Do not sit on the saddle. Hold the handlebars at the hoods, and scoot your bicycle with your right foot. DO NOT PEDAL. Keep your right foot free. Come to a stop using only the front brake. Repeat three times, then reverse doing the same exercise with the left foot free and right foot clipped. STILL DO NOT SIT ON THE SADDLE. SCOOT and stop. Next step is to clip in the left foot, pedal at half rotation towards the front (3 o'clock). Push off with your right foot, place that foot on the pedal BUT DO NOT CLIP IN, pedal ONE rotation, and stop leaning to your right. Repeat three times, then switch feet. Finally once you feel confident that you can move your bike with one foot clipped in, it's time to clip both in. Clip in on foot, push off with the other, then lift yourself onto your saddle. Do not start seated ever! Go one or two pedal strokes, unclip one foot, unseat leaning on your bars, and stop leaning in that direction. Repeat. Do not stop seated. Never unclip both feet before stopping. Always lean towards the foot that is unclipped. And try your best not to look at your feet while doing all of this. Get a feel for it so you can look where you're going. Don't panic. You can pedal your bike with cleats and not clipped in, so if you find yourself fumbling to clip in, relax, stop if you have to, and get restarted. The biggest mistake newbies make is failing to unclip when stopping. Just remember, only one foot unclips so you can prop yourself up with the other. And if you are stopping for more than a few seconds, unclip the other foot to straddle your bicycle. Good luck!
I am in, riding 3.5 miles for Jerry on my way home tonight.
@Roberto-ewww on that steam coming off the road after a rain.
@Tammie-wish you well in your new cycling journey with clips and for your ride this weekend! Hope it is a great experience for you.
I'll take all the help I can get. I figured the clips may help me with the long ride next weekend! i should be able to rotate my right leg after the injection tomorrow so it is time! I am going to go for at least 24 miles today... with a break at 12!
I can't imagine how miserable that humidity must have been. We are lucky to not have ANY humidity most of the time. Current temp is 91 and we actually have very high humidity today.. 33%.. ouch.. it is usually more like 3%
51 miles today. First 10 were hot and muggy, then it poured hard rain for the next ten, then the sun came out and it was awful. The best part was riding in the rain. After the rain, you could see the steam rising from the road.
I am getting BRAVE.. headed to the bike shop in a few minutes.. about to learn how to use these darn CLIPS! Wish me luck!
Since the end of June, when we had the end-of-the-month mile logger bump), we have been on pace to hit just under 19,000,000 miles by the end of September. So, we will be at just under 9,500,000 at noon on the 16th, which is the actual middle of the Challenge. (153 days total)
@Tammie, I have a sure fire way guaranteed to get you riding clipped in no problem. Let me know if you need help.
Ok everyone has to put in an extra mile for Jerry. He'd carry us if we couldnt ride.
Nice thought, Andrea...but many of the people signed up have yet to ride even a single mile...getting them to do 40 would be a stretch (I would be happy if everyone who signed up just did ONE mile). But it is a nice thought! Here's hoping we can get to 10 million soon!
Ok, Jerry you need to get someone that has a pull behind bicycle cart that you can be towed in which will get you out there on 2 wheels and would that count for miles? hee hee
@Tammie. Glad you are getting out to ride. My wife moved my bike so I cannot get to it. Not that it is ridable. Or that I could ride even if I could get to it.
In NC, that law states that you only need to be 2 feet to the left of another moving vehicle moving in the same direction! How comfy is that? Yikes!
I wish I could ride. Even a mile would feel great right now.
It looks like we have a lot of riding to do in the next five days! If each person that is signed up for this challenge ride about 41 miles between now and July 15, we will hit the 10 million mile mark.
Oops, forgot to mention... I have been riding for years, but participating in the NBC has certainly opened up my eyes and ears, I would have never bothered to have looked up the biking laws prior to participating in the challenge, so this has all been very educational for me, and hopefully for others, too. :-)
Wisconsin requires that any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb of the unobstructed traveled roadway, except:
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»When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
»When preparing for a left turn or U-turn at an intersection or a left turn into a private road or driveway.
»When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to ride along the right-hand edge or curb.
»When operating upon a one-way highway having 2 or more lanes available for traffic may ride as near the left-hand edge or curb of the roadway as practicable.
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So, for some of you who feel that the biker should take the lane, that is fine as long as you aren't in Wisconsin and as long as you are not obstructing the normal flow of traffic. My example (posted way-way back of the riders going 2x2 down the road, totally obstructing the flow of traffic on that road) is technically a road violation in Wisconsin since the bikers were not traveling at 55 mph (posted speed limit) and did not yield when traffic was approaching from behind.
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Now, I guess I had better get back to work, or else I won't get my work done and get out there for a ride on this beautiful day!!!
@Jenny - yep. All can learn from education, not just motorists. In Amsterdam, Cyclists take cycling classes just like drivers take driving lessons. They start in grade school. Helps to keep everyone on the same page.
@Cynthia - all states do not do the same. When going to a foreign state make sure u know their rules because there is no set standard.
HI all, out this morning because I had the choice of IRIR or waiting until this afternoon and getting roasted. So it was the trail for me. I also explored a park that is next to the trail just to add a couple of miles. There were at least a half dozen people out there, half of them on bicycles!
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@ Chris, way to roll. You'll be hitting platinum in no time!
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@ Michael, how nice to have a four foot law. In these parts the standard is three feet. And on one of the recent organized rides I was on, there was a guy wearing a bright yellow jersey with the words "3 feet please" and the arrow. He said something to the effect of: If they can't see a fat guy on a bicycle wearing this, they shouldn't be driving.
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Most of my weekday rides are solo. Occasionally I have a friend who can ride with me. Weekend rides are family and friends or organized rides of the sort you pay for. I always wear some bright colors, no gray, black, or dark blue or purple.
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@ Cynthia, Missouri has share the road plates, but we just got them after several years of haggling between the bike people and the state people. I'll repost mine here.
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@ Kathy, maybe that white line should just appear in the middle of the night. There are a couple of potholes in spots where you wouldn't see them until its too late because they are both in the shade. I keep thinking they should mysteriously get painted so they give up their status as potentisl road hazards.
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ROLL ON EVERYONE AND ROLL SAFE!
Since I brought up the comment about lane positioning (and being the driver in the car as opposed to being the one on the bike), I should also share an interesting situation that happened a month ago. My daughter just got her temps and is learning to drive. We were driving down a country road, and a biker was approaching us from the opposite direction, and had taken the lane. A car was approaching the biker from behind. Instead of HIM taking the yield, he swerved out into OUR lane to pass the biker, which gave my daughter no other choice but to swerve onto the gravel. Was scary for her, and the other driver was in the wrong. But, this is another example of the biker being out in the lane rather than within 3 feet of the fog line. The other driver didn't have to make the pass, but had the biker been positioned differently, the swerve into my daughter's lane would potentially not have been quite as dramatic, and she probably would have just slowed down rather than swerving onto the gravel shoulder.
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I know that the other driver was in the wrong, so please don't take this the wrong way and think that I am blaming the biker--I am not! Just wanted to share. We are all proponents of biking here... but cars are not all evil. We all just need to learn better how to share the road.
My 2 cents for today.
First, regarding accidents, I suffered a 3rd degree shouder and cracked helmet in Oct 2011, riding legally on a sidewalk on my usual commute home. Private construction crew just poured a patch of cement where the sidewalk crossed a strip mall driveway. No barriers up, still wet, they were pouring another patch 50 feet away. Crew did not help me, but did put up the barriers, cones, tape...also smoothed off the cement and washed the cement off my broken bike. First responders took me to ER before police arrived, so they took my report at the ER. So, I had no on site police report, no photos, no video, no witnesses. Long story short...I got a lawyer, and got an out of court settlement 18 months later. Persistence won out despite no hard evidence.
2nd, great 40 mile today...got bird bombed by what I assume was a protective momma bird. She actually bit my helmet!
@Carl. I understand what u mean concerning no shoulder in Camden County. Some roads are even wide enough for a painted shoulder but I think they ran out of white paint and without the white line motorists think they can be anywhere on the street. Perhaps we should start a "donate white paint to Camden" campaign.
25-35 mph constant winds today. Going to just spin at high cadence and hit the drops for the 6 miles into the head winds across the valley. Going to be extra fun coming back across the island today with tailwinds pushing me!
@Kathy-thanks for that link. Educational. Our statute actually makes a reference to the League of American Bicyclists: "North Carolina does not have any vulnerable road user laws at this time. There are currently no national standards for laws protecting vulnerable road users, but the League of American Bicyclists has drafted a Model Vulnerable Road User statute, which you can find here." and we have Share the Road License Plates, $20 from the sale of each plate goes to the Bike education and safety programs. I would imagine that all states do the same.
Ok, Ideal looking fenders for a 20" tire bike, that don't make the bike feel lame are getting purchased... ......................................................................................... In NJ, it isn't that bad actually, until riding on roads that are 4 lanes and no-shoulder. Camden County probably has the worst roads in the State, as for condition; pot holes, rough asphalt, horrible concrete road seems. Just make sure people know what you are doing.. aka .. look behind you, see who is there.. no not with a mirror, drivers cannot tell what your are doing if you don't physically look at them. That is why I won't use mirrors on my bike. ........................................................... I'm really only feeling the most safe on roads, like state highways, with large 10ft shoulders, something that all roads should have. 35 on local streets, still seems too fast for me with no shoulder (probably because drivers can't control their speed to go the right speed). 25 really should be the rural standard, yeah I said that, speed demons. ....................................................................................... Just some thoughts, waiting for todays storm to pass.
@Chris - You should take that in to your LBS and see what they can do about sizing that up for you.
Alright, @Chris!!!!!!! Was there beer/bourbon involved?????
It was raining...
@Tammie - http://www.bikeleague.org/content/state-bike-laws-0
Oh, addressing the people who ride on weekday mornings.. I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! So, I too am off on weedays. Not every job is a M-F schedule. I really hate that I never have a weekend off and don't get any vacation or sick time. If I want to take any time off.. it is just unpaid time off.. the Bike MS is costing me dearly! .. 25% of my pay for the month. I choose when I am willing to 'take time off or in other words, take a pay cut' for the sake of my sanity and have a social life. Everything happens on the weekends!
@Michael - you're just on the receiving end of today it aren't you? It was funny though.
@Chris - do you have a flickr account or other place on the web you can upload the picture to? then you can post the link here. I use Google drive cause I have a gmail account.
Can you repost the link to the state laws? I can't find it. I know it is somewhere.. about 20 pages back! I can't believe the Bike MS is almost here.. I am terrified! Just reminding myself to take it 12 miles at a time.. rest stop to rest stop. Going to get out today and see what I can do. Still can't wait for that Dr appt tomorrow. Not hurting too much from yesterdays ride. Sorry Jerry.. I know it is killing you.. hearing I am getting back out there! The Chiropractor really did a good job on me with the last visit.. you should see the purple bruises! We spent dinner last night lookng at maps of the region looking for anyplace better to ride.. nothing in our area... that is why I drive 110 miles to a friends to ride with him. Amazing how many options in his area! Sooooo frustrating!
Hey @Chris, make it your new photo that shows up here like I did with the 4-foot design. You don't have to keep it permanently, but at least we all get to see it for a little while.
We can't post photos here! I've already got one of me on the trike!
I sincerely hope Marty's state improves. (Sorry - somebody has to be me ;-))
Boy, this board is overflowing with jocularity today! @Marty, unfortunately too many Pennsylvanians look like they live on 4-foot Subway sandwiches!
@Michael - Are the Subway sandwiches more expensive in Pennsylvania because of the 4 foot law?
@ Kathy -- sorry. I sincerely hope your state improves.
Our local bicycle/pedestrian advocacy group had these printed on the backs of florescent yellow tee-shirts after Pennsylvania approved their 4-foot law last year.
(Suddenly I like New Jersey). Fast riders are competitive and can be rude. I don't mind fast, but fast riders that are rude give fast riders a bad name. One encounter with a group of fast rude riders can leave cyclists and non-cyclists such a negative impressions. All kinds of folks ride bicycles all kinds of ways for all kinds of reasons, and unfortunately some leave negitive impressions on other riders and motorists.
Oh please @Laurie! We have no bike laws, I think a shirt that says "Please don't flatten me." would be more appropriate. If I put our bike laws on a shirt people would realize they don't have to give me space when they pass. :-S
I was just wondering if we could get screen-printed short versions of our state's bike laws on the back of tee-shirts to educate the motorists around us... hehehe
@Chris. Make sure you post photos of you riding the tricycle.
My wife says I'm permanently lost, consistently confused, and always forgetful... But she's still kept me for over 20 happy years (must to my mother's dismay).
@EM - thanks for posting the laws by state. It showed me what Jersey doesn't do compaired to other states... We do not have a 3 foot passing law (which I knew) and Bicycles are not vehicles (which I didn't know). That means I can drink and ride because the drinking law only applies to vehicles (However, I do not do this because I would suffer a severe core dump, especially in 90+ degree temps). I can text and ride, talk on the phone and ride, play angry birds and ride.... I can run stop signs, I can go above the speed limit (as long as it's flat and only 15 MPH cause I can't go any faster) but NJ does has one rule, stay to the right and stay out of the way! Gotta love it here. Think I'll play Angry Birds on the way home. :p
Awesome Chris! No doubt you will do it.
GO CHRIS GO!
@Michael - You get lost on your daily commute and have to pull over on the sidewalk to check the map? :p
Hey, @Kathy: You just described my daily commute! Only we don't have bike lanes, just glass and litter-encrusted gutters to use to avoid the UPS guy that blocks regular traffic.
981 points to Platinum! I'll get there if I have to do it on my grandson's tricycle!
This is the RI law. I'm going to see if our local bicycling coalition can push for a similar Public Service Announcement as the one in Colorado.
http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE31/31-15/31-15-18.HTM
Yesterday I went by train (with bike) to the big city in another state! (Philadelphia). There you ride like you are in a car. Take the whole lane and be prepared to stop and start and wait and go. When you go, you push it as fast as you can until you stop a 1/2 block later. It was insane but I actually felt safer on the bike than I would have navigating those skinny streets in my car. When I got lost I could pull over on the sidewalk and look at my map (can't do that in a car!). And some of the streets I was on (which wasn't many) had bike lanes so that UPS drivers could have a place to park while delivering packages. :)
Though I live in the same general area of PA as @Roberto, my commute is downtown urban instead of rural. His rules still apply and work well for me on city streets. Most people say their most important safety tool is their helmet; for me, it's my handlebar-mount mirror (yes, I wear a helmet). I constantly know what's behind me so I can signal them appropriately, whether it's 'wait', 'turning', or 'pass me'. My biggest recommendation, however, is to dress appropriately. I never wear any kind of jersey/top/jacket that's not hi-vis white, yellow, orange or lime green. Colorful bike jerseys are fun to look at and comfortable to ride in, but many times they still blend in to the landscape. Make yourself look like a road sign, then there's no excuse for any driver not to see you and the signals you're making.
Roberto has good advice on how to ride on those narrow hilly roads. No matter what road you ride on, you want to be seen and not squeezed off the road by passing vehicles.
I used to have the problem of having to work. Until they made me retire from being too old. Now my wife and I have our own photography business and can set our own hours.
Impeding traffic is an interesting concept. I live in a hilly region and in eastern PA we barely have a straight road that is more than a mile long. The roads twist and turn. I never put myself in a position over a blind hill or curve where a motorist coming from behind might not have time to safely slow down. However going uphill or coming to a blind corner is another matter. Then, I take the lane, and if there happens to be a car behind I signal to the motorist that I will be staying put until it is safe for them to pass. Once around or over, I pull over if there is no oncoming traffic, and stop pedaling and wave the car by. Works 99% of the time, and I don't have to worry about getting squeezed off the road when the passing motorist encounters a vehicle coming in the opposite direction.
You mean people waste time working when they could be out riding?
I think of the wind as a hill you can't see.
Oh and YEAH TAMMIE! I hate wind and the fact you made it to 2000pts with all that wind is amazing. Keep it up.
Now it's time for me to get back to work, my vacation is over. :'-(
If the roads you select to ride on are too narrow, too hilly, or too busy to ride safely in your lane as cars approach you from ahead or behind, pick another road. Sliding off to the side with fingers crossed that it all works out is a recipe for disaster. Allowing cars to edge by you on the road because the road is too curvy or hilly to see what's coming ahead means you are riding on the wrong road. Pick another route even if it means going out of your way.
@Chris - Sounds like a dating site. I'm a hide in my shell introvert... Was only doing Evesham because a co-worker suggested it. Perhaps I'll take a day off from work for a Sunday ride (Can't imagine who rides on Friday morning, don't people have to work? If I didn't hold 2 jobs I couldn't afford my cycling habit.)
@Kathy-I live in a predominately retirement area. The local bike group is comprised of mostly retirees, vactioners and business people. But there is also a lot of local just regular folks like myself. The group rides Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings and I work(two jobs too)! So it was frustrating to try to join them and yes a little intimidating. But, because there are so many who cannot ride those days as we are all not retired or are able to make our own schedule, they started an early Sunday morning ride and it has been wonderful. If I can go out on a Saturday on occasion that is going to be great, but, for now, I can enjoy a group ride once a week and the rest of the week be on my own which I really like too. Like C.R. said, I like the quiet and the sound of my wheels on the road. Its a great time to reflect and just be.
@Kathy. Have you checked out meetup.com? I'm part of 5 area mountain bike groups. I know there are tons of road groups too. Would give you more group ride options than just one club or bike shop. Plus there is always the option to set up your own rides through discussion boards.
I looked up the group ride times and they don't ride when I can ride. At my skill level the ride at 8am on Friday, I'm working. And Sunday morning right after my midnight shift (usually I'm barely able to ride the 13 miles home) No rides Saturday morning when I am available.
Yea, finally broke 2000 points.. only 500 to go to get that platinum. I know I can do that by the end of the month. Did 11 miles today. I probably could have done more but was riding with someone who has not ridden much lately and she was getting a little tired. We called it quits and went to dinner. Had a lot of fun. The wind was quite a factor today.. really blowing but we were lucky and most of the way it was a crosswind except the last 1/2 miles when it decided to let us know how bad it could have been! LOL It was like trying to pedal through peanutbutter!
99% of my rides are solo after years and years of group rides. Now, I enjoy the solitude that comes with the open road by myself. I guess I just got burned out on the politics that can be involved in a club. And finding friends that want to ride my distance and pace isn't always easy. Still I enjoy company from time to time, but I must say there is something soothing about just listening to my tires on the road and nothing but the wind whistling by me.
@EM, thanks for the link. That made my search very easy!
I do a lot of group rides, which vary greatly in speed and skill level. On weekends, I may hop into a group which is averaging 18+ mph on a hilly ride. On a midweek ride, I may join a social group that is doing 12 mph and is together mainly to chat and have dinner together afterward. For me, it's all about enjoying the ride... just because I can hammer doesn't mean that I have to, every ride.
Different strokes for different folks. There's room on the road for everyone. Everyone just needs to find the group that meets their needs.
@Carl: I used to ride alone most of the time, but I've done best when I found a group of like minded riders to ride with. On days where I don't feel motivated to plan a ride, usually somebody has already planned a ride, and that always gets me out on the road.
As a slow and inexperienced rider, it's easy to feel intimidated by the faster and more "hardcore" riders out there. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is for fun, not competition, and that I'm doing just fine plodding along. I really appreciate when I find group rides that are geared toward us turtles.
@ Rino, okay for some people going fast is the fun.
I'm only 49 miles away from reaching 2,000 miles in the NBC and rode 2,621 miles so far this year. We have over 32,000 riders. Keep recruiting, so we reach the 20 million goal.
I just ride alone. It means I can go as fast or slow as I want, stop where I want, pretty much do what I want. It can be good to have someone there to talk to but maybe I don't care so much since I am anti-social.. Touring =/= racing either...
I wasn't noticing today's heat. It was hot, but I had some noisy creaking in the cranks that took up my mind and just didn't care about the hair dryer in my face or the humidity. Toasted bottom bracket bearings. More $$$$.
@ Randy, wow, lucky you can tolerate that heat. I can't handle too much heat for too long, or in any case I would have to go really slow and have a lot of stops and extra liquid.
@ Kawika, what a day!
It goes without saying: UPS loves cardboard. But this new invention really made our hearts pound. Israeli engineer Izhar Gafni has taken cardboard and turned it into a bicycle:
http://bit.ly/popsci-cardboard-bike
http://bit.ly/cnn-cardboard-bike
I feel like I have to defend some of my fellow roadies here, although I'm sure a few are jerks, like any major group of people. There's a time and place for everything. I would never say anything that was not encouraging to any rider I see on the road, at any speed. However, there are fast rides and there are more casual rides. The people at the faster rides are at a higher fitness or have better gear or whatever, and they want to challenge themselves, train in a pace line, and/or get a better workout. If someone shows up that is not going to keep up they'll get dropped, it's just not the ride group for that person. It's like showing up to a poker party and wanting to play go fish. Some of those fast riders might be happy to ride with that person on a more casual ride, but that's not the reason they showed up to the fast ride.
We had an interesting day today while cycling. Police cars, ambulance, downed cyclist, multiple flat tires, high winds, mini-twister, riding in middle of road. To see just click on my name above to see my comments(start with first 1)! Too big to put up here
@ ALL: The League of American Bicyclists has a list of the bicycling laws for each state: http://www.bikeleague.org/content/state-bike-laws-0
Just click on the state you want to know about.
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NEVER feel guilty about riding. NEVER let snobby riders make you feel bad. Speed is not the goal, FUN IS THE GOAL. Ride and talk and soak up the world around you in a way that you can only do on a bicycle. Thats what its all about!
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@ Jenny, I agree, where I ride on the road depends on the situation. That includes the weather, the amount of traffic, the actual condition of the road (some shoulders are great and others are abysmal) and whether I'm riding solo or with a lot of other people.
@ Cynthia way to support the new local bike shop. How cool!
At the ribbon cutting for the new local bike shop today I was talking with someone who rides often and much and is a faster rider. He was talking about his job in his bike group and that he is the designated person to ride with the back of the pack and slower riders and he loves it. I don't feel guilty about being behind, you get to meet interesting people, they are giving in that they care enough about you to ride back with you to make sure your alright. I find myself watching and learning about how they pedal etc. Of course if anyone ever made a negative comment I would feel awful, but, I would not let that person deter me from doing something I love and being a part of a group that overall supports and accepts all types of riders. Ride on with peace! And yes, even though we ride slower we are better than couch riders. lol.
LoL couch riders!
Jenny, Laurie, or anyone else who worries about not being fast. Forget it. At 12 mph or less you are going infinitely faster than anyone who is on a couch. So your speed is infinity to the vast majority of couch riders.
@Jerry - a co-worker of mine saw that I wouldn't group ride cause I'm too slow. He has invited me to ride with his group which has 4 classes that range from 10mph to death speeds. He recommends group C. He made a fair case and is sending me info. I will consider it. As with most things, I shouldn't knock it till I try it.
@Tammie - I completely understand that u don't want to ride with people that complain. It's sad that kinda thing happens because it turns us newbies away. I know I would not go back because I woukd not want to associate with people like that. Hopefully u can find a new group?
@Kathy, thanks for the info and will look it up for further clarification. In my opinion, the cyclists that I was posting about were too far out in the road and riding 2x2, I felt that the left side rider should have moved over into single file. Havent had time to look this up but will do so later if the kids allow me some free time!
110 miles today in 100 degrees. Bring on the heat!
@Roberto, as far as where I ride on the road, I think it just has to be what is comfortable. The roads around here are quite hilly and twisty, and I would not consider it safe to be riding out there where you want me to be riding. Going around curves and over hills at 12-13 mph is no match for a car going 45-55 mph, especially if I end up on the downside of the hill where he can't see me until he passes the crest. However, if the road is straight and everything is visible, then it might be a better situation for riding further out in the road. Guess its just a judgement call. :-)
@Jenny - Riding 2 abreast is NOT always kosher. In NJ (my State) "Under New Jersey law, a bicyclist may move left to travel two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise ride in single file (N.J.S.A. 39:4)."
The Wisconsin law regarding riding two abreast states that it is legal to ride two abreast as long as the rider is not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. However, it's not a law there so much as on a case by case basis. Here's some info. http://www.griessmeyerlaw.com/legal-ride-two-abreast-bike-wisconsin
Remember, we are all from different places here. Follow the rules of your state.
When I was leading club rides, cyclists who passed me off the front were told they were on their own ride. A good ride leader leaves nobody behind EVER. And if you need to sprint off ahead of me, expect the group to turn without you at the next possible junction.
@Jenny, I still emphasize that by moving over "out of courtesy and respect" puts you at risk. Please don't do this. Ride at least two or three feet from the fog line (white line) and maintain your position. Moving over gives the false idea that a car can "safely pass" when oncoming traffic is around the bend. Most motorists BTW have no clue where the right side of their car is on the road. So please HOLD THE LINE.
@Tammie, try not to feel guilty about your speed. I know how you feel, though. I have ridden in 2 events where I was the "hybrid" bike amongst road bikers, and fell behind to the back of the pack very quickly. I finished both events dead last, with the sag wagon following behind me (which seemed very annoying to me at the time, but they are just concerned for my safety). I ride at an average 12-13 mph, which is quite slow compared to other riders. But, fortunately, I have not run into rudeness among the riders or the support. Hey, if we weren't so far away, I would ride with you!!
@Tammie, find another group. Arrogance among cyclists sucks. I've led D rides at 10 MPH pace, beginner rides at less than that. Seriously, NEVER feel guilty for holding up a group. It's recreation, not the Tour.
@Tammie. I would go back to the group rides. Ignore those who complain. Listen to those who say they don't mind. I am always willing to ride with our slower riders. It does not bother me at all. I want people to get out and ride with us. When out riding I occasionally find someone slower than me. I am usually willing to ride with them. Especially newer riders. I want to encourage people to ride. I am always inviting new riders to our group rides. There are people out where you are that are willing to ride with you. Take advantage of it.
@ everyone who commented on my "passing" post about 6-7 pages back (wow how this board fills up in a day!!); I just wanted to clarify that I would NEVER consider making an unsafe pass on the road, regardless of the type of vehicle that I was traveling in or passing. I guess I had no idea that riding 2x2 was kosher, will check that out in my state (WI). If I ride with someone, I generally ride 2x2 on quiet roads, but the one on the left always slides over when a car is approaching so that we are single file. I thought that was "rules of the road" and I always do it out of courtesy and respect for the cars, so that they have enough room to get around me safely. Riding on a highway, I NEVER ride 2x2!!! BTW, I am the driver in the car that is waving and giving "thumbs up" to each bike rider that I encounter. The situation that I posted about just urked me because there was no attempt on the part of the cyclists to make it any easier for me to pass, but I totally agree that the lane on the opposite side would have to be totally clear. I was concerned that even with a clear path, I felt uncomfortable with the biker on the left being so far over in the lane. I guess sometimes it is hard to explain these situations, you just have to actually visualize it for yourself.
@ Jerry, just remember that sleeping is a big part of healing. I'm not so sure about those bikes bumping and harassing you at the store.....that sounds like the stuff of nightmares!
It is amazing what a day makes. Yesterday I walked around the block. Had my son drive me to Boulder to buy a new helmet at one bike store. And then to another bike store to have my bike evaluated after my crash.
Today all I have done is relax, read, take a nap, and watch the Tour de France.
Maybe it is because I am tired after yesterday. Or more likely it was because of the bad news that I had killed my bike.
And the other bicycles in the bike store were not happy with me for killing my bike. Had bicycles rolling up to me, bumping me, trying to push me over. Expressing their anger with me. They finally backed off when I promised to give my bike a proper memorial. And promised to buy a new bike and take it out on the road so it could be free to enjoy the mountains in Colorado.
@Jerry, those bikes were like puppies at the store.. all seeking to go home with you.. wanting to be your new companion! Gee.. one day away from the computer and it takes forever to catch up.. 18 pages of comments! @Chris, so sorry to hear about your stolen bike. I know it has been a traumatic experience. I am in the turtle catagorie too. My average speed is still under 14mph. I know I have improved since I started 4 months ago. I was about 8 or 9. It just takes time. I am having extreme difficult finding others to ride with and also feel guilty when riding with the group because I know I am slowing them down. Yes, they too say they don't mind.. but I have heard some complain. I quit attending the sunday rides because of my back but I won't go back even after I am better. I did enjoy the companionship but not at the expense of the resentment.
Who says I sleep?
@ Jerry, I've heard of that sleep cycle stuff before.
@ Dameon, way to roll! HA HA
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the people I've encountered here are some of the most encouraging and inspiring, and I truly appreciate hearing all your stories!
@Roberto. I'm guessing you are probably wasting time sleeping at night. Just think how many more miles you could get if you gave up the luxury of sleeping.
@CR-hey that is an awesome goal and what a positive way to influence and inspire others. The story of how you helped this older gentleman is really cool.
legs like cheese-cloth today- push,pull and powered thru all the way on same route as yesterday only in reverse and never shifting from largest chainring ( a 56t ).but the best part was my first big climb and I am slow but in the bike lane and a black sports car downshifts to pass ,kicks it ,speeds to the top misses the next gear and all I hear is noise. on the other side I did not wave ,or say have a nice day just passed him on the left doing 42
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D..
TOP 100 finally, but I know it won't stick. Must do more miles, must do more miles, must do...
40 hot nonstop miles today. Every day when I ride I attempt to do some sort of good deed while out. Today was encouraging an 80's something guy in my neighborhood to walk the two blocks to his mailbox instead of driving! I scootered my bike alongside him to keep him moving. When he was done he said he surprised himself how easy it was and how good it felt. When he thanked me, I told him to keep his head up and keep walking.
Just got back from attending a ribbon cutting for our new bike shop! How fun! I rode from work to the event and back to work. What a great feeling. I am so happy for our new local bike shop. It's a business that was so greatly needed in this area.
@Chris-that is so awful about your bike! Especially after the scenario you just described! What is wrong with people?
Hope you get that bike! Marty had a great idea about suggesting that it be for his sister.
@ Chris, wow that is so crazy. Especailly when you consider how much time it must have taken to remove all the stuff from the bike. A "cruizer" could be fun. I rode one for years before I got my first ten-speed sometime in high school. I hope you recover something, at best the bike, at worst some insurance money. In the meantime have fun cruzin'. BTW, congrats on the 30 years, we recenty crossed that goal line ourselves!
Chris@ -
Congratulations on the 30 years! Also, DH could mention its intended user to his sister, (and if he says it is only for the remainder of the year, that may make it easier to get a yes), but maybe say to his mom that it is for him (he will have to say that he likes purple)?
Chris@ -
Congratulations on the 30 years! Also, DH could mention its intended user to his sister, (and if he says it is only for the remainder of the year, that may make it easier to get a yes), but maybe say to his mom that is is for him (he will have to say that he likes purple)?
Hi all, got going right after 8 am today becuase the temps were in the 80s. They are headed towards the 90s with a heat index of over 100 degrees. A handful of other riders out there. When riding, I always alternate a bottle of liquid with electrolytes followed by a bottle of water.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Hello, all. Your comments here and on my profile have been so heartening. Nyla hit it right on the head: I lost my bike, but even more so, my faith in people has been shaken. I'm trying to find a way to bless the person who took it. That will take some time, I'm afraid. For now, I'll be riding in the National Bike Challenge on what is now being called a "beach cruiser". We called them "our bikes" when I was a kid. Single speed, coaster brakes, but it has wheels and pedals and I can make it go. That's all we really need, right?
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The thief was very brazen: broad daylight on a fairly well traveled street, and from in front of a Catholic church, no less. The person took the time to remove the Nantucket basket from the front, and remove the lights from inside it (leaving behind the Chico bags which cost far more than the lights did!). There were people working out in the back parking lot of the church as well as dozens of kids playing in the park less than 50 yards away. He must have been quiet, too. My co-worker's desk is less 20 feet away from where the bike was chained to the fence. My boss asked this morning: do they make a lock with an audible alarm on it? If not, they should!!
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My DH is going to visit his mom in KY this weekend. She has the exact same bike as I did (different color, though) that she won a few years ago. She's never ridden it (she's almost 84, has alzheimers, cancer, breaks bones very easily, please pray for her) and it's gathering dust in her daughter's garage. He's going to ask for it for me, but if she's lucid when he asks, she'll say "NO!". MIL is not very fond of me. (She was sure the marriage wouldn't last; it has - for 30 years so far ;-}).
@ Roberto, thanks for keeping us on our toes with the reality check. While we can't stop idiots, we can take the steps you mentioned. Photos seem especially important. So many people making comments asked for the vehicle license plate number so they could watch out for the same car. I sure hope they find tht driver!
@ Jenny and Laurie, waiting the situation out until its safe to pass is absolutely the right thing to do. Whether or not your state has the 3 ft. passing law, we all know that we want the three feet when we ride. This new Colorado video explains it pretty well.
http://mobikefed.org/2013/07/colorado-highway-patrol-talks-about-states-3-foot-law
Now if we could just advertise this to every driver in the country....
@Laurie, while it is true that you need to make sure you're well nourished on a ride, that distance shouldn't really be an issue. Almost all my daily 40+ mile rides are nonstop. The way to enjoy a longer nonstop ride is pace. Once your fitness is at the level that you can ride the distance, then pacing yourself to go it in one shot is the key. Start off at the pace you expect to finish. Don't go great guns only to run out of steam. Eating is most important within the 30 minutes after your ride. I go 3 hours in the saddle with only a Clif bar after having oatmeal for breakfast maybe 3 hours earlier. As soon as I return, I eat a decent meal, not huge, but not a snack either. Give it a shot. I find longer stops will just make me more reluctant to get started again. As for what can be done about road rage incidents like the one in the article, follow the victim's lead. Notify authorities, get pictures if you can, and witness statements. Don't hope it won't happen. This guy couldn't have been on a much safer road, and look what happened to him. Don't let crazy win. Ride safe and often.
@Laurie - I would second Jerry & Chris' comments about nutrition and hydration, and add that when you are doing longer rides in hilly terrain, don't forget to downshift as frequently as the terrain warrants. If you are spinning at 90 RPMs your legs will feel much better during and after your ride. Also, as you are expanding your non-stop longer ride distances, just go a little slower than you were when you rode with taking breaks. When finished, have something with protein in it within 20-30 minutes after finishing. (can be as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich waiting for you in the car - that will speed recovery for your next ride)
I coundn't see on your workouts page which rides were mountain bike rides, as you didn't chose that option, so no way of knowing how many of your longer rides were that way or on a road with a road bike. 24 miles on a road with a road bikes takes considerably less energy than riding the same distance on trails, so depending on how many sightseeing 24's you did before this non-stop one...
@Laurie. How long was the ride? Endurance is built by slowly adding miles each week. But proper nutrition is important also. You only need carbs for rides of two hours or less. Once you start riding longer rides you need carbs and protein.
@Laurie, just keep working at it. You'll notice you'll be able to go farther and be less tired with each ride. Stay hydrated ( I always ride with my hydration pack, I find I take more smaller sips than with a bottle. Also gives me plenty of room for spare tube, tools, firstaid kit, and snacks.). Eat right before and during a ride. You'd be surprised how helpful something as simple as a 100 calorie chew or bar during a ride can be.
I went for a 24 mile trail ride this afternoon. I've ridden similar distances before, but with breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery for a few minutes. Today's ride was pretty much nonstop except for brief water breaks, and it completely wore me out. What can I do to increase endurance? Or should I have allowed myself longer breaks along the way?
Yes Roberto. What can we do to make sure we don't come across people who think we don't belong on the streets?
http://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2013/07/08/west-seattle-greenways-co-founder-victim-of-road-rage-hit-and-run/
You folks did see this, right?
@Jenny. My helmet does not look as bad as I expected. Some major scratches. But at first glance you would not know it saved my life. I remember most of my crash. I was riding around 25-30mph. When I crashed I fell on my left side. I remember feeling the impact on my hip, then shoulder, and feeling my helmet hit the road and bounce off. I blacked out at that point and came to about 30-60 seconds later laying on my right side and my head was facing south vs the north I was riding. My friend who was riding with me told me I bounced after I fell. It actually turned out better because I had very little road rash. Even though my helmet does not look badly damaged, I already ordered a new helmet. Picked it up today at the bike store. Sure wish I could use it now.
Jenny, my thoughts: Even if they were riding single file, you'd still need to cross the center line somewhat to give the bikes enough clearance. Therefore no matter which way they were riding, the oncoming lane would have to be clear for you to safely pass them whether they were riding single file or abreast.
@Jenny, as the law permits two abreast, and since you shouldn't pass one cyclist, let alone two, if you do not have a clear line of sight to do so. You didn't "have to pass." You chose to do so. Next time, wait, be patient, and when the coast is clear, cross the yellow line and pass. One cyclist or two, same rules apply. BTW, it's the law in most states that passing any vehicle or vehicles is only permitted when it is clear to do so. This isn't about respect or "giving ground." And you moving over when you're riding your bicycle isn't making it safer. It's putting you at risk by inviting an unsafe pass.
@Laurie, that's the way to do it. BRAVO
@Jerry, a friend of mine had a crash 2 years ago, and she totally destroyed her bike, as well as the bike helmet that she was wearing. She came out of it with a concussion and a fractured vertebrae. However, it could have been a lot worse without the helmet, so she has kept the bike and the helmet and has used it as an example to others who sometimes resist wearing their helmets. Perhaps your bike could serve that same purpose--what did your helmet look like?
I approached some bikers this weekend, and this one bothers me. 2 riders were riding down the highway, riding double. This made me have to pass totally on the left, and being a fairly curvy road, I had to wait until it was safe to make the pass. Now, out of respect for cars, if it were me riding bike with someone, I would have shifted over to create a single line, until the car safely past by. But this twosome did not give any ground at all. Any thoughts on this? FYI this was not a secondary road, it was a county highway.
Constant maintenance has been my only real issue. It's getting kind of expensive replacing.. chains, cogs, and the worst seems to be tires.
Great job Jerry! You'll be back riding soon at this rate!
OK, now it's really getting out of hand. I honestly couldn't believe what the police reaction to this story was. Read and weep people.
I walked around the block today. Four times further than my last walk. Making progress.
On my way home from a trail ride this afternoon, I was driving down a back country highway at 55 mph when around a curve a bicycle was about 1/2 mile ahead of me. I slowed down a bit planning to pass him, and he moved into the center of the lane. I realized we were approaching a small hill and I couldn't pass him at the moment, so I slowed way down to stay behind him without crowding him. Then once over the hill, the coast was clear to move across the center line to pass him properly. The whole time I was thinking of all the safety info I've been reading lately, and this was a textbook example of how to share the road properly. Gee, I should teach a class on this :P
@Jerry - keep it as a memorial and turn it into a planter http://www.creativespotting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bernard-Klevickas-bike-planter3-600x432.jpg
Chris, Small comfort but If you purchased your bike entirely with a credit card, you may have at least some limited theft protection coverage. A number of major cards provide this coverage for 90 days on new purchases. (as I learned when brand new birthday-gift camera was stolen on first night of long anticipated trip to England years ago)
@Kathy. Great. Enjoy the event. Get a full nights for a few nights before your ride. Eat a good high carb breakfast one hour before you ride. Eat t each rest stop. You will need carbs and protein for a long ride. Make sure you take electrolites either in your drink or capsules. The hotter it is the more important that is.
And Roberto's advice is good.
Oh Chris... :-( that is awful. Be diligent, someone knows something.
I just took my bike to my bike shop to be evaluated from my crash.
I killed my bicycle. It is dead. Very dead. Never to experience the joy of being out on the road anymore. Poor bike.
@Chris. Keep an eye on Craigslist for the next month. Sometimes people have recovered stolen items from people selling them on Craigslist. But if you find your bike on Craigslist call the police before you go recover your bike.
Chris, I am SO sorry to hear about your beautiful bike, simply can't fathom the mentality of someone who who would take it. (I want to believe bicyclists are better souls, but that is just my innate Pollyanna streak)
Take advantage of every bicycling connection and resource possible to track it down.
Good Luck!......There is a huge community of empathetic cyclists out here on your side.
@ Chris good luck, hope you find it, that really sucks, scumbags,
@Chris- Cruise the neighborhoods around your workplace you may see someone riding it. (call the cops before confronting them) or if you are lucky you'll find it in a ditch or leaning against a pole. Check the school/library bike racks too.
I found my brothers bike years ago. someone was riding it right outside my high school.
@Chris, that sucks. Sadly, your bike is most likely in a container already bound for ...
@ Chris, so sorry to hear about the bike. GRRR! Yes post everywhere! Good luck.
Purple Diamondback Outlook Kenosha WI
Chris - so sorry. I know how devastated I would be. Don't expect much from the police; they'll fill a report out and give you a copy and their job is done. Burklee's right, put the word (and picture) out as much as you can, wherever you can. Use the bicycle underground (clubs, shops, friends...) us people will always help each other. Tell everyone to keep their eyes open, it may have just been some kids being 'cool', just to prove they could do it, and then ditched it somewhere. GOOD LUCK!!!
@Chris - Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry!! The bastids. What kind of bike was it? It's purple, right? What city are you in? Post the info everywhere (here, Facebook) that may help. Hug for you!
@Cycling Roberto, Hills don't bother me, I'm used to them. Not too many flat roads down here.
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@Chris"Abby Normal" Salvatore, Sorry to hear that Hope you can recover it.
@Chris - I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope the police find it for you. :'-(
My bike was stolen while I was at work today. I can't stop crying. What makes someone think they can just take what doesn't belong to them???
@KP, if you are in Iowa next summer, you should really bend your plans to do RAGBRAI. With riders from all 50 states and over 20 countries, it is the largest, oldest group bicycle ride in the world. And just a heads up, Iowa isn't flat.
@Kathy, Looks like a great organized ride. Good Luck and just have fun and don't push hard to fast like the others have said.
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@Andrea, Good Job!!
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@Cycling Roberto, That looks like an awesome event. I will be in Iowa next summer but I may have already passed that area by then. Have to see how everything goes. Wouldn't mind riding it that though!
@Andrea - Every little bit faster is great!
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Chris@ - Do your first organized ride right here in Wisconsin in January or February. Almost no chance of it raining, so that is one less thing to worry about.
I had a personal best for my commute this morning! I took 36 seconds off!
@Kathy-good luck on your first MS150! You will do great. Good advice from C Roberto-stop even if its brief at each rest stop. Pace yourself and just relax and enjoy the ride. I found that pacing myself by thinking of the ride in 20 to 25 mile increments is very helpful instead of thinking of achieving the whole distance. I hope that makes sense.
@Kathy, you will have no problem. The route is FLAT and the prevailing wind is a tailwind. Just set a reasonable pace from the start. Most beginners at the century level make the fatal mistake of charging out of the gate. Stop at all the rest stops, but only for a short stop, like 10 minutes max. Have a great time.
The best organized ride has to be RAGBRAI. I've ridden it six times. Awesome! In fact I will even go as far as to say if you love the bicycle, this has to be on your list of things to do before you die. I decided to skip this year in order to do something else, but I will definitely do it again several times. Check it out!
@Jerry - I did sign up for an event. The MS150 City to Shore ride. 2nd largest in the country with 7,000 people. I've only been riding for 11 months so this does intimidate me. My goal is the 100 mile course. In order to do that I must reach the cut off point of 44.6 miles by 11am. If I fail, I'm stuck doing the 75.
PS, you can also go home and take a nap after the ride!
Organized rides are so awesome, if you haven't done one you should give it a whirl. Yes, up very early to get to start site and just be a part of the excitement. I can't eat first thing especially before a ride, so I will drink lots of water and have some type of protein bar. I did do an organized ride once in the rain. 60 miles-downpour the whole time. Water was sloshing out of my shoes, and it was February to boot so it was a little cold....but I did it and yea, I did go home and take a nice long nap! SAG wagons are great for if your out on the road and something happens to the bike before you get to a stop site they can help fix it or if you need a lift for a little while or just can't finish they are there to help. These are people who donate their time and energy to help riders. Like for Bike MS-they don't get paid.
@ Chris the organized rides are a blast. As Jerry says, the SAG is to pick up riders who can't finish for one reason or another. But it is also to help you out with mechanical problems. Say you don't have the right wrench, or you just can't get that flat fixed, well the SAG will help you. On our rides the SAG often goes in the opposite direction of the riders so they are easier to spot. And it will go around more than once. Usually they designate a time of day when they will quit running. As far as food, yes eat something, but not too much. You can eat more as you ride. Also, you can eat something you can eat in the car on the way to the ride. The idea is that organized rides are LESS intimidating than group rides. No pressure to ride at a specific speed. The reason they start so early is so that the riders can get done before its too hot to be out riding. The rides actually start an hour later in the fall after the daylight savings time shift.
@Kawika. I will put those in my notes. Maybe I can do them someday.
41 super hot and humid, but peaceful road miles today. No Sunday drivers. Over 6300 miles YTD, which is about 10% ahead of last year.
@Chris. I don't blame you Chris. I hate riding in the rain.
Hey Chris, my super hoottie ride is in September. West Yellowstone MT into Yellowstone Natl
park to Old Faithful. My goal is to not need the sag.wagon. 64ish mile round trip.Ride on!
Jerry,I am with you. I would love a nice flat sea level ride.
Ok, but only if it's not raining. I'm not getting up early AND riding in the rain!
Jerry, When you heal up you can come over to Honolulu to do the Century Ride over there which is pretty flat. Unlike the Century over here in Maui which has some nice long steep grades(hills) on the course. I'm doing the the one in Honolulu in September and then ours in November.
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Honolulu - http://www.mapmyride.com/us/hau-ula-hi/2012-honolulu-century-ride-route-111950677
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Maui - http://www.mapmyride.com/us/kihei-hi/centry-ride-100-miles-route-25063314
@Chris. So yes I want you to get up early on a Saturday.
@Chris. My last event ride started at 6 AM. One hour drive to get there. So I was up at 4:30am. But it was worth it. And it was the hardest ride I have ever done in my life. One of those rides I could not have imaged doing when I first started riding. Or would have even thought possible for me to ever do.
Holey malloley, @Jerry! You want me to get up at 6 AM or earlier on a Saturday??? Heck, I get up at 8 AM on work days and have to be there by 8:30!! I'm going to have to think long and hard about this one!
@Chris. I was wished we got extra points for riding in the mountains. I watch these guys in Florida who ride a hundred miles With 200 feet of elevation gain. I love the mountains, But it would be nice to do a long ride flat ride sometimes. But there's nowhere around here to do that.
@Chris. It's the name given to the vehicle that follows the riders and gives them support.
"Sag" is as in "sagging behind". In events with lots of non-professionals, the sag wagon picks up people who have fallen behind or are dropping out.
As far as breakfast before long rides. Eat a high carb breakfast one hour before the ride. And eat and drink properly during the ride.
@Chris. Organized rides are fun. People to ride with at all levels. Rest stops with food and water. People to encourage you while you're riding. I would participate in one if I was you. You will not regret it.
My first organized ride was the TourdeCure. I only been riding three weeks. All solo riding. Longest distance of 30 miles. Signed up for the hundred K course. 62 miles. All diabetic riders have a special jersey and are designated Red Riders. And Red Riders are at the start of the group. So here I am in my first group ride. With 1,000 riders. At the front of the group. Nervous would be an understatement. As soon as we started I was fine. And it started me on the path to become the rider I am now. I wanted to do the hundred mile course the following year. So I started riding to be able to do it. Ended up riding 6,000 miles my first year. Doing rides I never thought possible. All because I entered an event ride.
@Kathy, we were cut from the same cloth. Even though they say "it doesn't matter" I'd still feel guilty slowing someone down like that! That's my reason, not the fact that they start at 7:30 AM and I'd have to ride 1/2 hour just to get to the starting point. (What do you do about breakfast?? I'd hurl if I ate breakfast then jumped on the bike to ride 20-25 miles!)
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@EM we have some organized rides around here, but I've never done one. They are intimidating to me. What's a SAG vehicle? I see that expression all the time but don't want to ask - showing my ignorance, you know...
@Cynthia, that's why we ride, to addict others to our addiction! We're pedal pushers, right?
@Jennyth, I asked a few months ago - no one answered. I pull my 6yo (autistic) grandson around with me. He sits in the trailer going "Vroom, vroom!" (his way of saying "go faster!!") the whole while. The kid's trying to kill me! I think the silence to the question means "No, no extra points for trailering a kid or two." Wah!
I really like going out with the bike club now that I know how it all works with the different groups and the support of those who are on a higher level. And as Dan said it has been great for mentoring and socializing and I have to say it has definitely helped with my confidence level and getting faster. Although, there are times when I really enjoy rides by myself and I do those often!
http://www.care2.com/causes/meet-the-american-city-where-cars-have-been-banned-since-1898.html
Fun thinking about what can actually be done.
Speaking of taking video, I currently have the GoPro Hero3 but am now looking at the next step in video for cyclists. http://jet.reconinstruments.com/
@Kathy-I agree w/ Jerry, no need for guilt tripping. Most bike clubs are set up to bring in novice or casual riders w/ slower speed ride categories, matching w/ mentors, and having "no drop" policies on the slower rides. A bike club will accellerate your learning curve, provide security in numbers, and create many social opportunities.
HI all, out today for my usual ride. Temps are in the 80s and on their way up. Spotted half a dozen other riders and one wished me a good morning told me to enjoy my ride. So I wished him likewise. Thats the way to roll!
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@ Chris, I guess there is a distinction between group rides and organized rides. I would say group rides might be everyone starting and finishing together.
**************** An organized ride is one with staggered start times (our local club has registration from 7:30 to 9:00AM), and different distance options. You pay a fee to go on these rides. Most rides have a short, medium, and long option, but occasionally there is also an extra short option (for newbies and people riding with kids). You get a map for these rides that has all the routes on it and there are arrows painted on the road and dots to follow, as well as an occasional "NO" so you don't make a wrong turn and get lost. They have water stops that are arranged so that they can be used by riders going different distances. So the first water stop might be for S, M, and L riders and the second one for M and L. (Obviously riders going longer distances are taking extra loops to get the extra miles and parts of the ride have riders going all different distances). The organized rides also feature SAG vehicles that can help you in case of mechanical or other problems. So the basis for the organized ride is not how fast you can ride, its about how far you want to ride. Generally the faster riders will go on the longer distances while the shorter distances are more of a mix of riders. Or if you are slower but want to go a longer distance, you can start earlier. Whether you ride by yourself or in a group, you are still surrounded by other riders. And you will have a chance to chat while passing or while at the water stops. These are the kinds of rides that are E for everyone. If you don't have any rides like that in your area, then yeah, maybe its time you got something started. HAVE FUN!!
@Kathy. No need to fell guilty. We organize our rides so we don't leave anyone behind. W any everyone to have someone to ride with. And we ride so much at other times it does not bother us to ride low with someone.
@Jerry - if someone had to stay behind or wait for me because I was slow I'd feel like I ruined everyone elses fun and I'd suffer a guilt trip over it. I'll stick to riding alone.
When We do our group rides we divide our groups into three groups by speed. We don't leave anyone behind. We always have places where we wait for the slowest riders. And one of us who lead the rides usually ride the sweep position to stay with our slowest riders.
Geraint Thomas marches on at the Tour, broken pelvis and all
On another note-I stopped riding our local bike group, just too fast and its a little intimidating when you know your just not in that league. However, its a great group of people and there is always someone who will stay back and ride with you, still feels awkward but you can get those miles in none the less. Hopefully this will be inspiring, there were enough of us that ride in the 10 to 13 mph range that the group started a "C" group. We can all get out there together ride the same route and same miles. So our local bike group now has 3 groups that ride A, B and C. Its really great and I am very happy too. The "B" group rides at about 18 to 22 mph and they always wait for the "C" Group to catch up at intersections or stops. I find myself in between this year, like I am getting so much stronger-like everything is just clicking and I am riding and maintaining between 14 and 17 mph. It is such a great feeling to get to this point.
@ Kathy, I'm with you on that. High speeds are not my thing, especially when I consider what would happen if I'd hit an obstacle that I couldn't avoid.
Hello out there to all! Been out of touch since last Wednesday with grandkids in town, still got out there to ride and log miles though! Wahoo!
In fact my daughter in law is discovering biking and rode 12 miles on an old steel bike from 1973! Said she was enjoying the ride and would eventually like to up grade her bike and possibly get involved with an MS Ride event! How cool is that?
@ Jennyth, I think high bridges and overpasses and hills should also count for double mileage!
Do you get any extra points for miles logged with a kid in tow? How about 2?
@Kathy. I don't need to make up for winter months. Just a good excuse for my son. I ride during the winter as much as I can. The snow and cold impact it. And I usually can't get up the mountains during the winter. Though occasionally I can. It is fun to ride up in the mountains when everything is snow-covered except the road. And though it is usually quite chilly when I get higher up. I just ride the miles I do because I enjoy riding. If I didn't have other things I had to do I would ride even more.
@Jerry - No way. I watched a YouTube video of a pro guy doing switch backs in the alps or some place like that. I near hurled watching the video.
@Chris - you're not alone, I don't join groups either because I don't feel I can keep up. And on a totally personal level I don't want a road bike so that I can go 30+ mph. I'd be terrified. 22 on a downhill is fine with me.
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@Jerry - Why do you need to make up for the winter months?
@Kathy. We need to bring you out to Colorado and ride the mountains with us. Go slow uphill and then descend at 45-50mph. Of course sometimes you get slowed on the descent by cars who are going too slow.
@Kathy. And James Ernst still doesn't get it. Right after his sentencing he told he media that the bicyclists should not have been on the road because it was too narrow. But hopefully he will not harass anymore bicyclists after this.
My son says I am crazy too. He thinks riding 200-250 miles a week is nuts. I tell him I have to ride that much when the weather is nice to make up for the winter months. But I think he is crazy. He runs to stay in shape. I tell him as runner you go slower, see less scenery, and work too hard. But since the Army is big on running that is what he does. Running = YUCK.
@ Chris, my average speed is also 10-12 mph, depending on which way the wind is blowing. Yesterday I rode over a large overpass in the middle of town, and judging by the speed of the cars next to me, I was going about 20-22 mph on the down side, it was exhilarating!
That was discouraging to hear. While watching stage 9 of the Tour de France they were talking about Andy Schleck who broke his pelvis last year. It took four months before he was able to write a bike again. I was hoping to get back my bike in two months. But watching Thomas Geraint ride in this years Tour de France is encouraging. He is riding with a cracked pelvis which happened on the first day of the tour. So even though I broke my pelvis in two places, my left arm, and my left clavicle, I am still hoping for two months. I am at four and a half weeks now. I am hoping at the six week point that the pain will go down a lot. The way I feel now does not make me optimistic that I can can ride after two months. I am really hoping that the six week point is going to be the turn around point.
@Laurie, my son got up early this morning, looked out the window and said "Why do you have your helmet out? It's raining!" I just looked at him, sighed, and headed for my bike. Some people don't get it, I guess!
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@E M, I'm having a tough time finding a local group I can ride with. Even the local "Leisure Ride for Fun and Fitness" group leaves me in the dust. No matter how hard I try, I can't get up to 12 miles an hour. 10.5 (average) seems to be my top speed. Maybe I'll start my own Old Farts on Wheels Ride! ;- }
I agree with Vanessa about the camera, if people want change they need to A) prove there is a problem which video does. B) Send proof to Police, Town council members, County freeholders, governors and everyone else (YouTube) out there to show there's a problem. C) Get a petition started so that politicians will know you're not alone. D) do it again and again, send letters and videos. If one person stands up in a community and takes the bull by the horns others will follow and change will happen. People need a leader to rally behind. But if cyclists simply leave an area rather than fight for their rights, then the drivers win and the cyclists lose.
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to show the power of video
http://www.youtube.com/watch
James Ernst, of Erie, CO, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment -- a Class 3 misdemeanor -- and two counts of improper use of a horn -- a traffic offense. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped two counts of driving too slowly. Ernst also will be required to undergo anger management and do community service and was sentenced to 12 months probation. All because of a video clip.
@Laurie, I heard about that guy. He's absolutely amazing. I can't even imagine how he can do that.
also for
E M "ridin' cause I wanna Matteson and
Kawika Plummer some of my buddies wear the GoPro active carmera on their bikes or on their clothing to record everything that goes on during their rides. that may help
Man what a week had to back off due to an animal bite now i gotta get injections and take one antibodics that makes me more tire than normal. good news im clear to ride again so this will be fun...... hey guys if anyone is in miami florida and would like to ride for chairty check out the dophlin cycle changelle is in november 5th and is to help our cancer patients me and my panrter are already signing up.... be safe everyone and good luck.
For those who look for ways to give back to the community, I just came across a great organization. There are chapters in many states. http://www.myteamtriumph.org/index.html
Interesting history of bicyclists road rights:
http://iamtraffic.org/equality/the-marginalization-of-bicyclists/
@ Laurie R, gotta love it!
@ Karen Jean Goth, don't let our discussions scare you off. What I hope you would do instead is be as prepared as possible before you set off on your rides. One great way to learn a lot is to "hang out" with a bunch of cyclists. This site is a great place to start. Riding with other cyclists (like Roberto) will help you gain experience and confidence. Check your local bike shops for info. about group rides in your area. You will learn at lot about what to wear, what to eat, and what to take and what to leave home. If you can find a safe cycling class, take it (check the League of American Bicyclists web site). Maybe even ride different kinds of bikes (rent or borrow to test if you can) so you can figure out what is likely to work for you. I would even suggest a trip to the library and/or bookstore for books about people who have done long distance bike journeys. .. HAVE FUN!
I don't have any problems with trucks/buses cutting me off because I ride defensively at all times when I am around them. What I have an issue with is those trucks/buses that pass cyclists less than the 6-8 feet required by law. I'm getting in touch with our local bike alliance and try to schedule a visit to all the trucking/busing companies on the island and take flyers to give out to all the drivers and have management explain it is the law. If this doesn't work, then it's video evidence time to hand over to the local police. I think that if the management make it clear that they(drivers) could lose their CDL(trucks) licenses(bus) by violating the law here, ("Vulnerable User Law") they may just change their driving habits when passing a cyclist.
This afternoon, I dropped my sons off at my mom's house to help her do some yard work and chores, and I went for a ride around town. When I got back, my sister in law was there, and she asked me why on earth I had gone riding my bike when my van was sitting parked. My response: "because that is what I do". I think I am truly addicted, riding has become as much a part of my life as breathing. :)
If two people a day were being killed in elevators, there would be a major investigation into how to stop the carnage. If 680 people a year were killed on roller coasters, there would be a call to ban them. If this is safe, we need to reexamine what we call "safe."
Another key quote:
However, we know from research into hospital records that only a fraction of bicycle crashes causing injury are ever recorded by the police, possibly as low as ten percent.
Good article:
http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/facts/crash-facts.cfm
Key quote:
"Bicycle fatalities represent just over two percent of all traffic fatalities, and yet bicycle trips account for one percent of all trips in the United States. However, bicycling remains a healthful, inherently safe activity for tens of millions of people every year. As mentioned, bicyclists seem to be over-represented in the crash data as they account for almost two percent of fatalities but one percent of trips."
@Jerry, what makes you say your odds are "very remote?" I've been hit twice. Have you ever been hit? Do you know anyone who has? I know a boatload. The truth is bicycling can be lots of fun, relaxing, and a great way to exercise. It can also be extremely dangerous if you pick the wrong roads. Car vs. bike, bike loses every time.
Try this:
I posted one of these links earlier. Here are some more for both bicyclists and for your friends who don't ride.
How Not to Get Hit by Cars
http://bicyclesafe.com/
What Cyclists Need to Know About Trucks
http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2008/11/30/what-cyclists-need-to-know-about-trucks/
Coexisting With Bicyclists: 10 Rules for Drivers
Love Them or Hate Them, Cyclists Have Road Rights
http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/coexisting-with-bicyclists-10-rules-for-drivers.html
How Not to Kill a Cyclist
http://www.themorningnews.org/article/how-to-not-kill-a-cyclist
You're Going to Kill Someone
If you keep driving like that, you’re going to kill a cyclist. When you do, it’s going to suck as much for you as it does for them
http://albertmcwilliams.com/post/54015994028/youre-going-to-kill-someone
It's a number of things that cause motorists to "not see" a cyclist. First is profile. We aren't that big especially when viewed front on. Next, we are not what is "expected." Especially on rainy days. Third, we are not respected. Many motorists think we do not belong on THEIR road. One of the cases I went to court over, the judge asked the motorist, "Do you own the road?" His answer, "I pay more taxes than the guy on the bicycle." Misinformation fuels the fire. And here I said I was done with this... but EM is right, this cannot go away.
@Karen, you live in Emmaus, correct? We should team up for a ride. Safety in numbers!
@Karen. It is safe to ride. Of course there is always risk. But there is risk in everything. But the risk is something you need to evaluate yourself. But the odds against being hit by a car are very remote. I would not let the discussions scare you off from your planned ride. Just learn how to ride safety and you should be fine. Enjoy your trip across the county.
J. Hugh - I'm about as gothic as Little Bo Peep is to Lady Gaga. No offense to either. I can go the distance when I swim - 3 miles in 2hours 10mim. I am trying to learn to do the same on my bike so that I can travel the country. I am getting a bit nervous about being hit by a car though, from the information I have learned this week.
You guys are right, "I didn't see them" should never be accepted as an excuse. We should have at least 32,000+ cyclists upset about this accident in Arkansas and every other bicyclist that gets hit. THIS TOPIC SHOULD NOT GO AWAY. Everyone, please give it your attention and think about what YOU can do about it!
I am sure it is not intention. As you said "the did't register" But why does law enforcement accept it as an excuse had always puzzled me.
@Jerry Bengtson, I translate "I didn't see them" to "they didn't register in my consciousness". The challenge is to have drivers see cyclists like they see other types of vehicles. I'm not sure it's intentional, possibly just the way our brains work. I'm not trying to justify some drivers' disregard for bikes, of course, but I think a lot of car/bike mishaps are not malicious or wreckless. As bikers, we are probably much more sensitized to bikes when we are driving cars.
I am always puzzled by someone getting off by saying "I did't see them." That excuse does not work when someone hits a motorcycle. So I don't know why it is an accepted excuse for hitting a bicyclist. And if someone hit a policeman on a bicycle that excuse would never be accepted.
EM, I know I'm preaching to the choir here. Sadly, in my neck of the woods the attitude is every person for them self rather than sticking together. Case in point: a leading cycling activist was run down and killed a little over a year ago. There was a great outpouring of sympathy and support with a long procession in his honor and the establishment of a ghost bike to mark the place where he was hit. All good stuff. Go forward six months when another unknown cyclist was killed "running" a stop sign. The stop sign in point is at the top of a very steep hill. The young man who hit the cyclist (the only witness by the way) claimed that the cyclist came out in front of his vehicle. The road the motorist was driving is curvy and people tend to drive much too fast in order to react to anyone riding or walking on the road. Again, no shoulders. Was there an investigation into this death? Did the local cycling community hold a procession? Is there a ghost bike? No, no, and no. Get the picture? So yes, we must all stand together, but talk is cheap. When my local Ride of Silence (which I led for the first six years) in a region of over a million people draws only a dozen cyclists, then you begin to realize that nobody really cares enough to do something. Instead, we act like we should all just hope it works out for the best.
Now, I'm officially done with this topic. I'm sorry but the news out of Arkansas really upset me this week. In the meantime, I'm sure another 5-6 cyclists have been killed. When will it stop? When we demand it. Thanks for listening to the rant.
@ Roberto great points, you would make a great lawyer.
Maybe we need a defense fund if the bike riders in Arkansas take the driver to court.
@ Roberto, the point is that WE CARE and WE ALL NEED TO STICK TOGETHER!
@Jerry, those are great tips. Just one thing: you can't predict the person who just isn't paying attention or who deliberately takes you out. While I'm at this rant, one other thing. Why is the "I didn't see the cyclist" a defense? Try that with "I didn't see the red light, stop sign, flashing school zone, ...." Guilty of all, yet killing someone on a bicycle and then claiming, "I didn't see them" let's you off the hook. Why? Thoughts?
If it is dangerous for some cyclists, then it affects all cyclists. Seeing as how much of the funding of bicycle infrastructure comes from the Federal Government, if you think you are living in a Utopian area where everyone is nice, then you are missing the point. Over 650 cyclists killed annually on US roads. This is a national issue. I'm glad that some folks live where people respect cyclists. For the rest of us, it is a daily battle, and one that I am quite frankly sick of fighting.
Great link Jerry. Should be required reading for all riders.
Hi all, out today for the "big bottle bicycle ride." I have only done this ride once before and all I remembered was the big ketchup bottle (its a water tower) and the giant hill that is at the end of the ride next to the ketchup bottle. We did the middle distance, about 38 miles and did not hang around for the "Worlds Largest Ketchup Bottle Festival" sorry Collinsville.
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@ Roberto, for some people being rude is a hobby. There was an annoying person in a big old rusty Cadillac, leaning on the horn today because there were pesky bikes on the road, and lots of them. This person just honked at everybody. When the caddy got behind me, I just waved like crazy, which apparently did nothing to amuse or cheer up the driver ....... That said, annoying people are one thing, but dangerous ones like the ones harassing you are quite another. I'm sorry that you have encountered so many of them. If you ever get to St. Louis, I'd invite you to come and ride my regular route with me, and see how most drivers around here are generally polite. And yeah, just like the Dutch did, we need to stick together and demand our rights.....
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Kawika & @Allen - While it may curb road rage against bicyclists, and is certainly cheap enough, the new fear would be having several people calling in to the police and having a swat team waiting for me around the next corner,... on top a building,... in the trees,... in corn fields, in my neighborhood,... in any neighborhood,...
In fact, I think I would end up getting less riding in that way than I do now. The only good thing is that I wouldn't have to buy ammunition, as I would be sweating bullets all of the time I had that over my shoulder.
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@Jerry - Keep on working on improvements in your daily walks, and make that your substitute challenge for now, ande keep in mind that no matter how frustrating, it is just temporary.
New week. New day. Still broken. I can hardly wait to ride again.
http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-M417-pellet-pneumatic-rifle/dp/B0062B4PQQ/ref=sr_1_2+gun+sniper+rifle
@Kathy, it's not just PA. And with all due respect, the more years you ride on the roads, the more you might encounter what I'm talking about. Trust me, it's not isolated. It got so bad in Holland decades ago, that they demanded and got the bicycle culture they are famous for today. If you've "never" been yelled at, I would add the word "yet."
@Kawika - haha, probably seen more in TX.
@Karen Jean Goth, I love riding on the roads of Eastern PA as well. I just hate the local motorists for the way they disrespect us on the road.
@Roberto - I have never been yelled at (one time someone yelled encouragement at me, I was dead tired) and I'm not sure I can recall ever intentionally being cut off but once someone didn't see me as she pulled out of her parking space. However, I don't ride much on rural streets and stick to suburbia. It's horrible that Pennsylvanian drivers are like that. :-(
This may curb road rage against cyclists! http://cdn.cyclingforums.com/e/ed/eda82bd7_Riding-while-heavily-armed.png
So it's safe in busy traffic? Not true. You increase your odds of being hit exponentially when you ride on busy roads. If you must ride on them, use extreme caution. Remember, the shoulder is not a bike lane and paint on the road offers little protection. Even on rural roads, you have to exercise caution and often, restraint.
Today's 40 mile rural ride:1) a man felt it necessary after a four-way stop sign to buzz me because I took the lane, then jumped out of his pick-up to yell in my face to call me various names; 2) a man passed me on a narrow two-lane road (no shoulder) with oncoming traffic. I tried to wave him back, but instead of slowing he gunned it, got in front of me, then slammed on his brakes and started yelling that I should get off the road; 3) Man passed me with 50 feet of a stop sign, and since he didn't like that I was in the lane turned on his wiper-washers to hose me off, then sped away; 4) Got dirty look from a man backing out of his driveway after I had to yell to make him realize he was about to run me over. Works out to an average of about one incident per 10 miles. Unacceptable.
I did OK last week even though on July 3rd and 4th I didn't feel no where near par at least I know some what how the injured riders feel. You just get knocked down in points standings plus get run over. The battle to clime back up makes my personal challenge " CHALLENGING " ...
Jerry, thanks for that link. Very helpful.
Thanks for all the advice , I'm gonna check in to it a bit more, by the map I live only about 10 minutes or less from the route they have posted.
How to ride in busy traffic
http://bicyclesafe.com/
@Laurie. I don't think you are being foolish. Dealing with busy traffic is different than riding in areas of less traffic. As long as you are doing it correctly it is safe. Of course anytime we are on a bike we are at more risk than if we are sitting at home. There is always some risk in any sport or mode of transportation.
Good job Shawn. You beat me by a mile today. :)
22.85 miles done :)
@ Laurie, I have asked myself the same thing. Am I being bold or nuts? But I think its more of the former than the latter and the fact that you are aware of the change means you are not asleep at the wheel.
@ Tammie, I agree, focus on the 11th. When you hit the bottom theres nowhere to go but up. And you are a rising star!
Lately I've been riding my bike more for transport (running errands) and this often takes me onto busy streets and intersections. I am pretty fearless when it comes to negotiating high volume traffic, multiple lanes, turns, etc. But sometimes I'm not sure if it's a situation of me increasing awareness of bicyclists, or if I am just foolishly risking injury.
We need more BI(CYCLE)-PARTISANNESS! Complete Streets (passed in Congress) its a step in the right direction. We need to advocate for this on every level (local, state, national). Then we can all CYCLOCOMMUTE from the back door to the garage AND BEYOND. Stop riding on people's shoulders, they will just hurt more. We all need to take back the roads/streets etc. They weren't built for cars. BICYCLELOUTION! RIDE ON!
@Marty, I agree, #1 reason I have heard from people that would like to bike but don't; It's just too dangerous to ride bike on roads/shoulders.
@ Ryan, just in case you aren't aware, miles done on a stationary bike don't count toward the challenge.
@Allen - I was in total agreement with Cycling Roberto, Jerry and Kawika until I looked at the website, and the results from last year. The 20 miler truly is a citizen's race, as the last finisher did it in just over 10 mph (an 80 year old), and they even have a mountain bike category - also about the same speed for the slowest. There probably isn't too much in the way of pace lines for the citizen's race either, so you are good there.
So, I would say, do it.
Keep in mind that your mileage is very low, with only 5 rides of 25 miles or more, with most of your rides being really short. Ideally, you would want 20 miles to be on the short side of your usual rides.
Since you have less than a month, switch over to mostly road riding, increase your distance on most rides, and also your speed on some.
To increase your speed, do as they suggested, and also work on other interval distances that you can find online, and also do tempo rides. They will all help.
Make sure you are not only hydrated during the rides, but taking in nutrients, too.
But I agree with them for normal bike racing - even at the lower levels. You would want to be doing 200-300 mpw, get a high end road bike, and be super comfortable with pace lines.
@Mark - Looking at the statistics another way, with the number of participants on the NBC, we are about 1/100th of 1 percent of everyone in the U.S., or 4/100ths of 1 percent of all cyclists. That means that if we are typical of all other cyclists, then you can take the number of commuters here and extrapolate it by multiplying by 2,500 to get a good approximation of commuters. Then it starts to get impressive, and goes way above your 1% figure. (Why can't we eventually be like some of the European countries when it comes to everyone's attitudes, [and the infrastructure], and have a significant minority communiting, or even a majority?) If you build it (biking infrastructure), they will come.
I could bike to work.....all 0.49 miles of it but work has no where for me to lock my bike up. I resort to walking to work then riding my stationary when I get home.
@Tammie - Even though your heart may be broken right now, it will mend, and you will be stonger for it. All it takes is time, and a focus on other things, like July 11th, and moving back up in the standings.
I refuse to commute to work. I refuse to ride my bike from my bedroom to my den. Getting down and up the stairs on my bike would be too much for me.
Although the objective of this campaign is to promote cycling as a means of transport, any objective analysis of the data would conclude that - even with a spirit of competitiveness injected - less than one percent of any major workforce will use cycling to commute during the prime cycling months.
We ought to hide the # of employees. Hope the infrastructure planners don't see the data.
It is getting kind of hot lately, but so far it isn't bothering me, like it did last year. I think the riding every day thing has helped with endurance in the heat, or I'm doing great finding roads with shade.
@Tammie. Sorry about your heart. Hope you recover emotional and physically. Glad you were able to get out and ride today.
Well, I got out for just under 9 miles today and feeling half decent. Had my heart broken so my get up and go is a little broken too. When it rains it pours. I can't wait till the 11th so I can get on the bike again and mindlessly RIDE! I desperately NEED it right now. If I did not have to go to work, I probably would still be out there riding no matter the physical pain. Interesting, while riding, the hot dry air dried my tears before they fell!
@Roberto : You can't leave us! We will go down in the standings by at least one state. I must say that since I grew up on these lovely, hilly, curving, may I say potholed, PA roads, I love riding on them . Since I grew up on a farm on these rolling hills, I think they are ideal for bicycling, while the change of seasons continually varies the view. I suppose it is what I am used to, but for now, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. One thing I do not enjoy is the increasing congestion on some of the roads from all the people moving into the state, and those people commuting longer distances to work in the cities. No hard feelings though, I wish you all the best wherever life takes you.
@Allen, I agree with Jerry, A race may not be in your(other cyclists) best interest at this time. I do an interval training portion every Thursday on my 90 mile rides on return trip. What I do is this (all in small gears)
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1. 5 minutes at a 90-100 rpm easy pace
2. 30 seconds as hard as you can
3. 30 seconds at easy spinning pace
4. 30 seconds as hard as you can
5. 30 seconds at easy spinning pace
6. 30 seconds as hard as you can
7. 30 seconds at easy spinning pace
8, 5 minutes at a 90-100 rpm easy pace; then
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Repeat this interval session two more times.
@Allen, do you mind crashing? If not, go racing. Keep in mind that bicycle racers accept crashing as part of the action. I suggest you pass and find another way to "spice" it up.
How about a century ride? How about an organization multi-day ride? How about riding the C&O Pittsburgh to DC?
@Allen. I would suggest NOT riding in this event. Due to the reasons I mentioned earlier. Do an online search for event rides in your area that would be good for learning to ride in pace lines. Also you might search fot bicycle clubs, groups, or bike store sponsored rides to learn to ride in groups.
http://tourdetamarack.com/
@Allen. Another thing you can do to spice things up is to start interval training. It will help your speed. And is useful if you want to start racing at some point. Do an online search for different intervals to do.
@Allen. Is it a race or a ride? If it is a race I would recommend not participating do to your inexperience in group riding. In a race you need to know how to ride in pace lines and in groups. If it is just a ride where the riders are not racing but just riding together, it would be a time to learn to ride in pace lines. Do some online research on how to ride in pace lines. Talk to experienced riders on how to ride in pace lines.
Alright all the hardcore cyclist, I have a question for you. I have been riding a whole boat load here and am rapidly approaching platinum and am considering something new to spice it up a bit and I'm not quite sure how to go about the training. There is gonna be a actual cycling road race coming up on Sept 1st with 20,40 and 60 mile options, I usually ride solo and a lot of rail trails, What s some good advice or source for me to use to get in shape for this? Help :)
Hi all, out for two rides today. The first was mostly my usual route where I had a flat. But I was ready with a spare and pump and I even found a shady tree to repair my flat by. Then we had brunch outdoors in Kirkwood. Nice and sunny but temps around 80 so not too hot. And lots and lots of other people on bicycles. Too many to count. My second ride was shorter. I popped in to the LBS to get an adjustment on my gears since I decided its not fun to not be able to use all of them. Scientific research on the flat tube after I came home. Conclusion: the loss of air was caused by a hole in the tube!
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Gotta agree with Jerry, people have the stupidest reasons for wanting us off the roads. I would add that many of them think that If your not driving you aren't paying taxes. WHAT?
I also agree with Dee Dee & Kathy, if the cops had to ride bikes once in a while, they would have a much better perspective on whats really happening out there. Just let one dumb motorist cut off a cop on a bicycle when making a left......
@ Roberto, way to roll!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@ Roberto, congrats!
#99 for the moment!!! YAHOO. Guess cranking out the extra miles in 95F heat was worth it. Of course I will drop out of the top 100 as the day rolls on I'm sure, but that just means I have to clobber it tomorrow. More hot and thunderstorms, summertime.
Yes Jerry, I read the comments too, and it seems that in any story about a car injuring a bicyclist, it's the same thing over and over. Bicycles don't belong in the street, they impede cars, they are irresponsible, etc etc etc. Question is how to change the mentality of vehicle drivers to realize that bicycles are a legitimate part of the traffic pattern on most roads. We who ride bikes responsibly know what the laws allow regarding our use of the roads, but many motorists are completely unaware of the facts.
But of course when you read the comments below the articles about this incident, the people who hate bycyclists always have reasons it was the bycyclists fault.
They should not be riding on the road.
They must have been riding three wide.
They did something to make the driver mad.
They were following too close.
They were riding in the street. You can't play baseball in the street. So you should not be practicing bike riding in the street.
They were wearing spandex.
There were riding expensive bicycles.
They should ride on the sidwalks.
Other bicyclists do bad things.
They probably ran a stop sign ten miles ago.
Unfortunately even in Colorado we have the occasional idiot who harasses bicyclists.
This driver injured a rider on Thursday.. A more inexperienced rider could have been killed instead of just injured.
@kathy I like your idea of cops riding a bike 1x each month. I live in Bellingham' Wa where it's pretty bike friendly but it's still amazing to me what happens on the road.
Will texas please secede from the Union. Google Texas and its pretty sad.
I feel really blessed to have such great cycling in Florida. The cops don't care about cyclists, but a vast majority of drivers seem to be sharing the road.
@Dave - I don't believe that. Motorists don't want to hit anyone. It would cause blood to be on the car so it has to be washed (need to get off the couch), damage to be repaired (have to get off the couch), lawsuits (have to get off the couch, unless your lawyer has a couch in the waiting room), fines (they may take away the couch). See? better to avoid the cyclist.
Oh you're in SD. Lived there for over 10 years. I stopped riding bikes there because there were too many hills, I couldn't get up them after living in Jersey. Parents bought me a moped instead. And so began 35 years of motorized travel.
Most motorists attitude:
A cyclist's life is not worth 2 seconds delay in their blind rush home to the couch.
@E M - I hope that bill passes.
About laws and cycling the laws of physics say cars will usually win. Stay alert.
@James - I have a friend in Houston and the only bike he will ride is a stationary one.
We can only hope that the gas prices will continue to drive people to cycle more and that it doesn't take a high child death toll to raise a public outcry like it did for the Dutch. I think if we could just educate drivers and riders many deaths could be avoided. Police need to be extra vigilant and ticket people right and left (drivers and riders) and I think 1x per month police should ride a bike rather than a car. Cops can't see people on cell phones, I can. Plus it shows the cop what we go through. Education and enforcement! Personally, I want a helmet cam. Then I would send stills and videos to the local authorities and street planners of all the infractions (cell phone use, cycling in wrong side of road, anything illegal) and poor infrastructure.
James my mother always told me, when riding a bike always act like cars have right of way. I said to her but that is not the case I have right of way. Then she would say they maybe wrong but you will be dead. Be careful out there.
I guess you can call this a rant So here goes . . I came back from a ride on the July, 2nd and was passed, on the left, by a car after signaling for a turn into my driveway. I wound up in the ditch on the right side of the road after aborting the turn.
July 4 the Same thing car passes me while i'm trying to turn into my driveway.
Also of note I was double right hooked at a t intersection and i yelled and the driver stopped. I informed him it was illegal to do that. and his reply was " if i were riding a bicycle i would have stopped"
There is something wrong. Are they drivers ignorant as to disregard human life for the sake of a big gulp fountain drink. ( today's drive way driver) or some excuse ( I would have stopped) ?
Apparently so
I would like to continue to ride the road, do overnight touring, and enjoy life but it seems vehicle operators are bent on killing me.
The saying goes there is not much you can do with stupid. I could build a university sized library with just what i am finding in Montgomery County, Texas
@ Kathy, NW Pa isn't too bad as far as hills are concerned and there are a crap load of long distance dedicated by trails( the Gap Trail and The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail) and quite a few roads being widened for share the road. Yes there are ignorant and dangerous drivers just as there are cyclist, but as a whole its not bad here in most areas in this part of the state, bigger cities (Pittsburgh) are trying to improve and they are getting there, you just have to use extreme caution and I wouldn't attempt riding in downtown Pitt,
I agree with you @EM. I think being seen is very important. I've had drivers stop (with no stop signs or lights on 45mph roads) so that I could get across the street and people wave me thru intersections constantly. It does not happen all the time but it's still quite often. But I do respect the Jersey driver, I know he can flatten me.. Perhaps @Roberto, attitudes are changing towards cyclists. The League put NJ as #7 on most bike friendly states http://www.bikeleague.org/content/ranking. Not #2 like CO but in the top 10. Better, than PA's 15. I have driven in 45 out of 50 states in this country and in the end I find NJ drivers to be quite curtious and I will give them the benefit of the doubt with copious amounts of respect of course. : )
Thanks for the KUDOS everyone! It was a good day for a ride. The temps were in the upper 70s-low 80s. Quite a few other riders out there. I saw two baby deer!
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@ Burklee, I think you are on the right track with the fireworks ride. I'm sure Jay enjoys the time with you. Making the destination fun is the right thing, whether its the zoo, or the children's museum, or a park, or playground, or ice cream, or just a trip to the grocery store, or whatever. That should make the ride more fun. Glad you guys enjoyed the fireworks.
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@ Kathy, what an adventure!
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The drivers around here in the suburbs are pretty friendly. I have had drivers wait for me to go through the intersection before they make a left turn (coming from the other direction) and waiting to leave their driveways. The part I have to watch out for is making sure that they see me. When they don't see me, thats where the problems come from.
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@ Tammie & Jerry hang in there, better days are on their way!
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In all the bad news there was a little good news on the cycling front. Congress introduced a complete streets bill:
http://mobikefed.org/2013/07/congress-introduces-complete-streets-bill
There's no perfect solution, but the fact tha bicycles are on the radar and that it was a bi(cycle)-partisan bill is GREAT!
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ROLL WHEN YOU CAN AND ROLL SAFE!
@Kathy: PA is very hilly as well, but I love hills and mountains. Not a problem. I just envision a place where I can ride without looking over my shoulder. You mentioned that you are new to road cycling. I've been doing this since the late 1960's. I've been hit by a car in downtown Philly (hit and run), mowed over by an angry soccer mom in her minivan, and had more things yelled at me than I can count. I've had objects thrown at me. I've been to court twice in the past three years for road rage and won both times. I'm glad you rarely have trouble in SJ, but having grown up in Camden County (my parents lived in Haddon Township until mid 2000's) I can say there are rural roads around, but not much in the way of bicycle-dedicated infrastructure. And that's what it takes. NJ, my home state, is the most densely populated state in the Union. Just keep sharp. Don't get lulled into a false sense of security.
@Kathy. Hills are fun. Mountains are more fun. Though sometimes I envy those people who can ride a century with only 200 feet of elevation gain on the whole ride. I can't even ride three miles to our greenway without exceeding that.
@Jerry - I rarely have trouble with drivers in S. NJ. Certainly, I try to pick less traveled roads but people see me and go around and most give me quite a bit of space. I used to live in Colorado Springs and never rode my bike. Too many hills. Almost ruined my whole outlook concerning cycling but decided to try again after moving to NJ and I haven't stopped pedaling since. Our highest point is 1,804 feet :-) might even ride there someday.
@EM - Congrats
@Roberto - if PA is that bad I think I'll stick to cycling in Jersey.
Got out for a post dinner ride. Brought my 900 lumen headlight I normally use for night time mountainbike rides. Only needed the headlight and my flashers for the last 5 miles. The heat was only bad when I stopped, so I kept moving.
@Tammie. Relax and recover. Sometimes you just need a day off. With all the pain you are having you have been doing great to get out riding. Of course I know you have only been doing it to rub it in that I cannot ride at all. <grin>
I had a bad day also. I did not get enough sleep last night. I was tired. So physical therapy was painful and hard today. It is amazing how not getting enough sleep can affect you. After I had a nap earlier I was much better. I went out for a walk with my wife. If you can call a 100 yards a walk. It was much better than earlier today.
@Tammie, rally! Push through the tough days. Good luck
Did not even ride today.. feeling a bit tired and depressed. I just could not face the pain of riding and have to go to work now. Maybe will put in the minimum mile tomorrow. I guess a day like this had to hit me.
I beg to differ. Sure we all need the occasional day off, but the most gain is made when you least feel like going. Take the day, but the next time... no no...
#103... so damn close. More miles are needed. After all, someone has to do it.
@Tammie, that would be one of the last places I would want to live. I've never been to Austin, but I've spent time in Houston and Dallas, and I can say without a doubt, not my cuppa tea.
Meanwhile the carnage continues. Bicycle infrastructure is a worthwhile investment. That point needs to be driven home. If you live in an area that is not safe to ride, try and do something about it. When all else fails, move. That's what I'm doing. I mean if I was a surfer, I wouldn't want to live in Oklahoma.
@Roberto. Try to live somewhere close to the foothills so when you want to ride in the mountains you can just start from home. When I head up into the mountains it is only 30 minutes ride before I reach the foothills.
Well, Roberto, you definitely DON'T want to be here in West Texas.. there is absolutely no good place here to ride. Tons of oil field traffic means crowed roads, no shade and the shoulders are full of lots of things that will give you flats. Trash from the oil fields. We have signs that say ' bike route' .. I look at them and say 'where!?'
@Jerry, that is why I'm booking a trip to Denver area next month and plan to move there this fall. I've had here in Eastern PA. Narrow roads crowded with motorists in a hurry. Blar!
@EM - Woohoo! You'll be at Diamond in no time. :)
@ Jerry - I rode on Tuesday, and was headed home to my parents' house at the end of what would have been about a 20 mile ride. The I spotted a cyclist just beyond my home turnoff point and decided to ride on and try to catch him. Catch him I did, and we rode together another 10 miles - riding sie by side and talking most of the way - I rode my best one hour ride there. Granted it was on flats & low rollers, but we were talking the whole way, and I was riding an old Schwinn Sprint that I picked up off Craigslist when I was last in Georgia. I had no idea we were covering that much ground. The other rider was 73, retired, and, it turns out, knew and worked with the fellow who lived next to my parents when they built their home in this neighborhood. Had a great time and we just kept cruising. I hated to break off from him, but I had things to do before flying back to WA on Wednesday.
Way to go E M!!
Congrast, EM! So awesome. :)
E.M. Congratulations. I am jealous. I want to ride so badly. Watching the Tour de France is really making me want to ride.
Platinum!
This morning I got to ride along side a leaping fawn, slow for a flock of wild turkeys in the road and listen to the songs of the Flicker and Veery. What a beautiful morning!
I see it as somewhat of a statistics game Jerry.
I would guess that 99.9% of motorists pass perfectly safely but when you have roughly 1000 vehicles pass on a 25 mile commute that still leaves roughly 10 unsafe passers. As Arkansas knows to well, It only takes one distracted driver to injure many cyclists! So...
Ride like you belong! and drive your car to enhance cyclist's safety!
I guess we are lucky here in Colorado. I rarely have problems with cars like I hear about in other parts of the country. With riding about 5,000 miles per year I average only 1-2 people per year that try to harass me with there car. Most people are good about giving you enough clearance when passing you. And most of the incidents I have with drivers who do not see me happen in town. While riding the rural roads and in the mountains I have hardly every had an incident with drivers who do not see me
Had a really fine 88.5 mile 4th of July ride in which my rear gearing cable kept sticking, I got lost, my phone died and I made it home with only a 10% charge on my GPS. Met some nice people on the trip and someone gave me a map of Jersey since my phone was dead. Stopped off a a campground for ice cream and nearly paid the $7.50 to go jump in their lake (in my cycling clothes), next time I might pack a suit. After went to a friends house and had a huge fresh grilled Amish steak, corn on the cob and Beer. YUM. Slept like a baby.
More sad news. Be careful out there!
Update: Hurt cyclist dies after group hit by car in Ark.
Read more: http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/5-still-hospitalized-after-car-hits-bicyclists/-/8897494/20827268/-/3hj7d9z/-/index.html#ixzz2YBYjZ0ZA
http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/5-still-hospitalized-after-car-hits-bicyclists/-/8897494/20827268/-/3hj7d9z/-/index.html
I'm really struggling these days with the whole motorist vs. cyclist thing. I must say that on my daily 35-50 mile road rides there seems to be at least one potentially life-threatening incident per ride. Getting buzzed, cut-off, right-hooked, passed at a stop sign... you name it. So I'm heading to a gravel trail of about 20 miles in length for some relaxing, mindless (almost) cycling. Sucks that I have to drive 30 minutes to get to it, and considering the relatively rural/residential nature of where I live, you'd think this would be prime cycling territory. But without much in the way of cycling infrastructure, scenery isn't enough. And more and more new homes without any new roads means more and more traffic.
Be safe out there!
@Karen - Dignity, Schmignity. You ride, girl!
@Jerry - Thanks for the bubble video, and the first-thing-in-the-morning chuckle!
We rode our bikes part of the way over to watch the fireworks. The trail is mostly crushed limestone. Jay found it scary riding in the dark for a block on a gravel road. So, before we headed up to park, I bought her a 45 lumen headlamp that goes on her helmet. It really helped, and she didn't get scared riding. I like the idea of a headlamp for each of us, so on payday I'm gonna get her a new, brighter lamp, and I'll take the one we got this week. I feel bad for her. She says she keeps waiting for bike riding to get fun, and it just doesn't. She has some health problems which make riding hard for her. I just recently helped her figure out her gears, in lanuage she can remember... "Pulling the lever to you makes hills easier." Don't get me wrong, she's really smart. She's just not a cyclist. Or even a "Bikie." (Thanks for that word, EM!) I do what I can to make riding easier for her; plenty of stops, lots of water & snacks @ stops. But, it was a good ride to see the fireworks. We had fun. Hope you all did, too.
@ Melody, APPLAUSE!!!!
Today is the beginning of my sixth year as a bike commuter!
@ Kawinka, I could understand that you could get really spoiled living in Holland then come back to the States thinking, wow th US is a terrible place for bicycling. There is a video that compares the Dutch to the German cycle paths and even that will make you think...
E M, Thanks. Here are the links.
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"The One Show on the cycleways of Stevenage" http://www.youtube.com/watch
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"How The Dutch got their cycle paths" http://www.youtube.com/watch
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I lived in Holland for a couple years in late '80's and that is the first thing that caught my eye and made it easy to cycle to and from work every day.
@Kawinka, I think this this page cut off the link somehow. So I don't know how to get it to work from here. But I think you can go to the Youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch
and type in::
"The One Show on the cycleways of Stevenage" (for the British one)
"How the Dutch got their cycle paths" (for the Netherlands)
Maybe somebody else can put in the full link!
@Kawinka, I this this page cut off the link somehow. So I don't know how to get it to work from here. But I think you can go to the Youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch
and type in::
"The One Show on the cycleways of Stevenage" (for the British one)
"How the Dutch got their cycle paths" (for the Netherlands)
Maybe somebody else can put in the full link!
In Volusia County Fl I had to beg that the police do a report when I was innjured and my bicycle destroyed by a car accident. Most accidents go unreported and uninvestigated unless there is a death, and then its almost always the cyclists fault. Prayers for those grieving for their loss.
E M, You have the complete links? This takes us just the youtube page.
@ Roberto, what a tragedy. Whatever the reason, the driver has to bear responsibility.
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We can learn something about what other cyclists have done about the car problem in this video about the Netherlands: http://www.youtube.com/watch
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Also this video at Stevenage in England provides some insight into what happens when cars take over:.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
NOTE: Carlton Reid, who appears briefly in the video, is the author of the soon to be published book: "Roads Were Not Built for Cars" .
Did you look at the location on Google? Nothing around for miles. WIDE OPEN. So why isn't the driver in custody? THIS HAS TO STOP!
@ Dameon, what a tragedy. Whatever the reason, the driver has to bear responsibility.
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We can learn something about what other cyclists have done about the car problem in this video about the Netherlands: http://www.youtube.com/watch
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Also this video at Stevenage in England provides some insight into what happens when cars take over:.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
NOTE: Carlton Reid, who appears briefly in the video, is the author of the soon to be published book: "Roads Were Not Built for Cars" .
From a different report, it looks like all of the cyclists were single file, as it said she first hit one of the two group leaders, who was in the back of the group, and then hit the next six in line. The six survivors all required hospitalization. No word yet if she was texting or talking on a cell phone. If they find evidence of that, I hope they at least get her for manslaughter for the death, and other charges for the six others.
This just happens far, far too often. (Almost 2 bicyclists killed by drivers of vehicles per day in the U.S.)
How do you NOT see 7 cyclists on the road? We have HUGE WIDE roads generally here in Texas. I was just out riding on one of our widest roads in town and had a truck still nearly sideswipe me! He had a good 20 ft to spare the other way but he just had to show me how close he could get!
Motorist hits a group of 13 cyclists, impacting 6, killing one, and the State Police have to investigate the cause???? This was in broad daylight on a rural road (look at it on Google maps). If this doesn't merit charges, then you might as well paint a bulls eye on your backside.
ARGH! #104
Happy 8 Million Miles!!!!
Hi all, breakfast ride early this morning. Lots of "good mornings" from the other riders. Cool temps in the 70s. Felt great to ride!
Many riders out today on the 4th - great to see. Living so close to a popular velodrome is both a blessing and a curse. On any Friday evening of my choice (accept this weekend), I can see the most awesome bicyclists from around the world race with our own local heroes on a breezy outdoor track, after enjoying organic hamburgers and curly fries with my family. I can watch the amazing German team run away with the prize cup I had hoped my favorite local US team would win. However, during the week I get to share the some country roads with these world class bicyclists. Talk about a lesson in humility. I think that I am comic relief for them. Here I am, a middle-aged 5' 2" woman on a cheap, old 12 speed Fuji bike, with a baseball cap stuffed under my helmet (Rosacea) and sneakers with the laces stuffed inside the shoes and old worn out bike gloves with a one piece dolphin swim suit (looks like bike shorts) and a rashie - for swimming after the ride. Wouldn't you laugh too. One reason why I dream of a NBC jersey. Karen - you gotta learn to have some dignity.
Oi I did an Independance forty. Pretty sunburnt and exhausted now.
@ Re: Night riding is AWESOME!!
At least in the woods!! ;)
A couple good lights, and the trail you know so well; at night, is totally new again!!
Great fun!!
Happy Independance Day to all!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie Re night riding, it can be wonderful depending on where you live. In our suburban neighborhood traffic disappears after 9:30 and the streets are prime for riding. Plus you can readily see and hear any approaching traffic in the still of the night, and temps dip a bit after the sun sets. Be sure to have appropriate lights fore and aft, and enjoy the night!
@Tammie, You're never too old to ride a bike, have a wonderful time riding with your dad.
You have to be careful with those 80 year old riders. I was riding up to Ward, CO one day when I was caught by an 85 year old rider. Talked for a few minutes and then he left me in his dust. I get passed by all these younger riders all the time. I expect it and it doesn't bother me. But to have someone in his 80's pass me like I was standing still was a new experience. I will never be that fast but I hope to still be riding in the mountains in my 80's.
@Tammie. It would be great if your Dad would ride with you. Hopefully he will fall in love with biking and start riding ever day.
That reminds me .. my old 10 speed is in my parents attic! About 1970 vintage. I ought to get it down and see what it needs! Might be fun. Dad might want to try it out. He is 80 years young. I was thinking of trying to get him on my hybrid to ride a little with me.
Happy 4th of July. Have a great day riding. And have a great time celebrating with your families and friends.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness sounds like going for a bike ride. Happy 4th of July! Jerry B is getting better with every stroke of every pedal. Bon ton roule!
since my dog went deaf she likes the 4th of July. My cat can't wait until tomorrow.
I used to read The Blaze first thing.. now I come HERE! LOL I want to see what everyone is up to since I last checked. I actually put a silly light bar on my hybrid last night at 4 am and rode it around the block.. got my first 1 mile in for the day so at least I am set for my 20 points just in case I don't get a chance to ride today. It was to cool riding at night! Might have to try it again. Happy 4th everyone. Sure would be better if I did not have to go to work tonight!
Celebrating Independence Day in Illinois with extraordinary Dad. Enjoying superlative trails along the Fox river, and leisurely rides through tree-lined, flower-filled, family-friendly neighborhoods. Dad’s 1972 ten-speed is the perfect July 4th transport:- Originally a twin to my own (still rolling) 17th birthday bike, he differentiated the two by having his top tube painted blue with hand-stenciled stars, and adding red stripes to the white down and seat tubes..Christened “Betsy Ross”, it is also routinely identified as “Captain America” (-:
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A very fine day indeed for a ride. Carpe Diem!, Roll Safely and Celebrate!.
@Michael on Bicycle, you won a prize! Congrats!
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I'm still here, still riding, just busy as heck at work. Sure do miss reading all the fun here!
The Children of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington :
(George and his full brothers and sisters)
George Washington- (Feb. 22, 1732- Dec, 14, 1799)
Elizabeth"Betty" Washington Lewis- (June 20, 1733- March 31,1797)
Samuel Walter Washington- (Nov. 16,1734- Sep 9. 1781)
John Augustine Washington - (Jan 13, 1736- Feb 17,1787)
Charles Washington - (May 2, 1738- Sep 16, 1799)
Mildred Washington - (June 21, 1739-Oct 23, 1740)
The children of Augustine and Jane Butler Washington :
(Half-siblings of George)
Butler Washington (1716 - 1716)
Lawrence Washington (1718 - July 26,1752)
Augustine Washington (1720 - May, 1762)
Jane Washington (1721- Jan 17, 1734)
Did you ever happen to think that George Washington's brother is the the uncle of our country? Happy independence day everyone!
Love to stir it up people.
Happy Birthday Dad
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY: RIDE, CYCLE, BICYCLE, DRIVE YOUR BIKE ON!!!
Same to you Marty!
Happy Independence Day everyone! May you get a nice, safe ride in today, (and every day), with the wind at your back, and the transitive or intransitive verb of your choice!
According to Websters, you all appear to be correct. Now let's get ready to break 8 million miles on July 4th. I don't care if you ride, drive, bike or cycle, let's just go out and have fun!
Ride - transitive verb
a : to travel on <ride a bike> <ride the bus>
b : to move with like a rider <ride the waves>
Drive - transitive verb
a : to direct the motions and course of (a draft animal)
b : to operate the mechanism and controls and direct the course of (as a vehicle) <drive a car>
Bike - intransitive verb
to ride a bike
Cycle - intransitive verb
to ride a cycle; specifically : bicycle
I'd rather say "I biked" vs "I rode my bike" just because it's less words.
Jerry, I knew you would be jealous.. sorry, I just HAD to do it. Like I said yesterday, the doctor can't believe I am actually riding at all.. I am just crazy and ignore pain. Can you imagine what I would be doing if I could take pain meds? Those bubble things were so funny... you could only break a leg.. or two! I am sooo much lower in the standings right now .. I hate to even look.
Also, the American English definition of "bike" is "bicycle or motorcycle"
@Laurie. It just for the enjoyment of riding. It really doesn't matter where you are in the points. It is nice to be high in the rating. But I ride for the enjoyment. And to stay in shape and control my diabetes. Just keep riding and enjoy being out on your bike.
@ Jerry, I can only dream of being that high in the ratings. But I keep plugging away anyway.
@ Roberto, Of course you can ride a bicycle. But note that the dictionaries define "cycling" as the act of riding or racing a bicycle, motorcycle, or similar vehicle. "Bicycling" is specific to bicycles and defined as "to ride or travel on a bicycle." So by dictionary definition either "riding" or "bicycling" is okay. In German and the Scandinavian languages you "drive your bicycle" instead of riding it.
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The dictionaries define a "bicyclist" is defined as a "person who rides a bicycle."
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FUN FACT: The president of the Cincinnati Cycle Club called us "bikies" to distinguish us from "bikers" (the people on the motorcycles).
@Laurie. Not sure how I would pedal with one of those.
Jerry, that looks like fun, but I also think it would be a bit crowded on the bike.
@Laurie. I had not checked my status since my accident on Jun 6th. But you got me curious. So I had to look. Nationally I am at 2392. In Colorado I am at 114. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. But since I will not be riding until August at the earliest I will really be down in my points. I can hardly wait to ride again.
This is what I needed the day of accident.
http://m.wimp.com/bubblesports/
Wow, I'm in the top 800 on this month's leaderboards. Let me enjoy this moment of bliss until everyone else logs their miles and I fall back to 3586 or somewhere around there :P
@Tammie. 10 miles. I'm jealous.
I like Bens way of thinking.. the more I ride.. the more calories I can consume ... and I LOVE food! LOL ... Announcement! I just rode 10 miles! I am going to pay for it dearly but I sure did enjoy every single inch!
Gotta weigh in I ride to eat . Not too much like Kafka s hunger artist but more because I enjoy eating and not cycling would have the doctors on my case. Ride fast and early if you have the time.
The operator of a vehicle is its driver. That's true for a horse, a motorcycle, a car, a truck, and a bicycle - any vehicle.
@Tim...noooooooooooooooo
You don't drive a horse, a motorcycle, or a bicycle. You ride them.
We need some additional clarity. What do you call it when your out on your Harley? RIDING! When I'm on my mountain bike I'm mountain biking. Is this incorrect? I've never refered to it as Mountain "riding". Additionally, lots of harley riders are clean cut. They got thier passion for riding on bicycles long before twisting the throttle. I believe there is mutual repect between the sports. It may be difficult for the general community to distinguish the semantics.
When I'm on my bicycle, I'm driving it!
Top 110! These next 10 spots are going to take some effort I bet. BTW, here's something to chew on that is one of my own little pet peeves. When we are on our bicycles we are "riding," not biking. We are cyclists or bicyclists not bikers. Bikers are the dudes on Harleys with the ZZ Top beards. I know it's a minor issue, and probably doesn't matter much to anyone but someone as anal as me. However, the language takes a beating, and I thought it might be time to mention the correct vernacular.
Now don't go telling me it doesn't matter as long as you're out on your bicycle.... That's not my point. I want our community to get respect, to have a common identity. So fellow cyclists, ride on!
My car had its annual safety and emissions inspections in mid-June. I was exempt from the emissions inspection since it had less than 3,000 miles in a year's time. Of that, 1,100 miles were the annual trip to/from N. Myrtle Beach.
Dee Dee O'C You must not be friends with Marty and Brad. They control the scoring. after all they are from WisCONSIN. cue creepy music.
Laurie, Yes there is. I decided that it was not worth it for me to re-register may car($239.00) /new inspection this month since now I only use car maybe once a month at most. Car now has car cover on it and am turning in my license plates until I return from trip cross country at end of next Summer. I am so enjoying retirement!!
I biked to the DMV today to renew my driver's license. Is there any irony in that?
Biking in NY (Niagara Falls and Hyde Park areas), makes me appreciate biking in Wisconsin even more!
@E.M. Thanks
What's with points and miles not showing up today?
@ Roberto, Pittsburgh is a dangerous place for guys or cyclist if you aren't on the trail when you are on a bicycle, I prefer not to even drive a car in that mess
So Marty, we can't even get babes address' even with he offer of cake? I guess we are slippin'. We gotta come up with some new ideas.
@Allen, this guy is not a cyclist. He's a guy on a bicycle.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/03/pennsylvania-bicyclist-loses-leg-may-face-charges-in-crash/
@Kathy, go Sidi
Hi all, out today with way nicer weather than yesterday. Not too hot or cold, not raining, and only a little wind. Temps. in the upper 70s-lower 80s. Did a mix of road and trail. Glad I wasn't planning to go to Grant's Farm because it was super crowded. Kudos to the people who rode their bikes there instead of getting stuck in that long line of traffic. A few brave families parked their cars a few blocks away and walked down the trail to get there too.
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@ Kathy, congrats on platinum As a primitive rider, I still have clips with straps on them. I just keep the straps a little loose so its easy to get in and out. I wear MTB shoes cause they are like regular shoes when you get off the bike, but still give the front part of your foot some extra support. Also, keep your helmet strapped to your bike when not in use, that way you won't forget it!
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@ Heather, thats so cool that you met some of the Black Women Bike. You are right, we absolutely need mor advocating
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@ Laurie, congrats on the 600. Your rides sound like the best.
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@ Tammie, you can certainly have some of our water, last year we had too little, but this year we have way too much. (I mean, bike portaging, really?) We'll just send it on down the Mississippi to to the Gulf & you can help yourself.
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@ Jerry, every stroke we take is making you stronger, just soak up the energy!
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Ride on ya'll and ride safe!
@Kathy, congrats! You are badass!
I gave up cycling shoes some years ago, and changed to cycling sandals that allow for clipping in and walking around like a normal person. It also eliminated hot spots completely. I like both shimano 520a and 600a pedals. When its cold I use shoe covers and or polar fleece socks.
I don't diet. I weighed 300 when I resumed cycling. I ride for fitness and weigh in about once a week. I go by the fit of my clothes as to when to leave the cake and bread alone and go for the protein, fruit and veg. When I do want to lose weight I have to ride and eat. Just riding will cause me to stop losing weight, its the starvation response, and I must eat more protein so I am not digesting my own muscle.
Seriously raining again here. Feel like the monsoons have come to Florida.
@Kathy, wait a minute; you say "No Thanks" to the cake but you don't even wear a helmet to get ice cream? Sounds like misplaced priorities to me, you should always say "YES" to cake to have WITH your ice cream [;-) WEAR YOUR HELMET!!! (see my little emoticon up there; even he's wearing a helmet)
@Marty - Thanks for the cake but I'm afraid I'm dieting at the moment so you really don't need my address... and I truly only need a right shoe cause that foot needs more support.
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@Michael - I'll be going to a LBS tonight but it's small. In my area you have the little guy or REI unless I head into the city (Notice I'm not saying which city @Marty).
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@Kevin - Can't you pedal on a clipless pedal without the shoe? I do small rides to the grocery a lot. 1 mile there and sometimes I don't even grab my helmet (bad me!) but when you're out of ice cream speed is of the essence!
@Kathy- Look into a two way pedal. One side you clip in the other side you don't. I use this on my hybrid that I commute to work on. That way if I have Dr. appt or want to ride to lunch I don't need to pu the bike shoes on I can just ride in my "street" shoes.
You may also want to look at Mountain Bike shoes. You can walk more normal than road shoes. I see a coworker walking on his heels becuase of the road shoes he wears but my MTB shoes work have some lugs that allow me to walk more normally. Those would be better I think for the stop/starts you have at lights etc.
JOM - fun to watch! thanks for posting!
Tammie - Hope you get better soon.
@Kathy - I would say, don't stop at just one cycling shoe. Get both a right and left.
Also, congratulations on Platinum! Brad and I, and several others from Wisconsin are chipping in to get you a cake to honor the occasion. The only thing is, we still nead your address. ;P
@Kathy, though I'm still commuting in my sneakers, I had been giving the same thought to 'stepping up'. I would recommend going to a bike shop with your bike so they can fit pedals and shoes to both you and the bike. I love supporting the small, local shop; however, in this case, you may want to travel to a larger store with a more extensive selection. Since fit is so important and this is your first venture, please don't order anything online. Remember to tell the salesperson the same things you told us about your commute. Since you have lots of starts/stops, you'll need pedals that you can get in/out of rather easily. Those more experienced than I, please chime in...
I'm in the market for a cycling shoe. Currently, I just use Tennies. I commute every day 12 miles one way so there's lots of stopping and starting at lights and all (I can change shoes when I get to work) but here and there I do a little road sport type riding. I never really do any off road stuff. I don't have clipless pedals or anything. This is a step up for me. Any recommendations?
Congratulations Kathy! Quite an accomplishment. I was hoping to be there by now. Drat! Jerry, you are riding in spirit... vicariously! LOL It's OK, a way to stay sane while you heal. I was doing 20 to 25 miles a day when my back gave up on me and was hoping to be up to 40 by now. I really am missing all the critters at the college campus too. Send that rain our way.. we need all we can get to refill our lakes! The lakes are dry beds and have been for several years now. They are our source of water!
@Jenny Stelzner. Thanks for support. It means a lot. Even though I can't ride and won't be able to for at least 5-6 more weeks at the earlist I am staying active on the board. It helps me from getting depressed to see other people riding and what they are accomplishing.
@Laurie, I was just teasing... :P
Yay Kathy!
PLATINUM
The rain is giving me a break in my area-finally. We had near ten inches in the past ten days. I should be able to get some good riding in over this holiday. WOO! Ride and enjoy, friends. :)
@ E.M I have met some of the Black Women Bike DC. Awesome ladies! We need more people to advocate for cycling as a whole.
@ Roberto.... total since I started the warmup in late April.
@Laurie, that's some distance given that you only had two hours!
@Laurie. Congratulations.
quick20 miler after rain brought temps. down 25degrees from 105. wind @ back on returning but had my first flat in 19 months and walked last mi.& 1/4. real problem was had to relieve, well - that's another story.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Thanks Rob and Tammie. I'm nursing a separated shoulder from the crash, but thankfully it hasn't prevented me from riding. Level 1 - 2 separation, all is good :)
Tammie-- hoping your pain issues get resolved SOON! I can relate to the kidney stones pain, when they asked me to rate my pain from 1 to 10, I said it was about a 25.
J OM - excellent video. That crash did not look fun, but you finished strong!
I just went over 600 miles!
GREAT video J OM .. really enjoyed it! I am getting a professional bike fitting next week to make sure everything on that end is right to minimize any stress the bike is causing. I have learned that pain is fleeting even when it is constant... there is reason behind that statement. I lived with constant pain for 2 1/2 years before my back surgery and literally wanted to die.. but the day did arrive when the pain was gone! I have also learned no matter how much you hurt... you can hurt more. I know what the ultimate pain is.. kidney stones! If I am not hurting that much.. I can go on! .. just not for very long.. thus the short rides right now. I can only tolerate it in short bursts. I do have my limits LOL I now go to work with a new determination to make it through another shift to pay for another doctor visit!
Texas has even moved up quite a bit.. I was absolutely stunned.
@ Rob, well just watch out because Missouri is all the way up to 33! HA HA
Wow - did anyone check the State rankings lately? Nebraska is leading and Vermont is #3. Hadn't seen that before...
My recent race footage (available in HD) from a very tough endurance cyclocross race in Morgantown, WV - http://www.youtube.com/watch - and logged into the Mileage Challenge.
Went for a short fun ride. Stopped by a friend's house and hung out for a while, mainly to admire the double rainbow that stretched across the entire sky.... truly amazing!
@ Tammie, wow how terrible. Maybe it will help a little to raise your handlebars so you aren't putting as much pressure on your arm. I wish I had more advice, but I'm not a medical specialist or a bike fitting expert. But your situation really makes me realize how individual every situation is. One size does not fit all. But I can't help but thinking that your determination is going to help you overcome the obsticles that have been tossed in your way. Hang in there!
Oh, just put new pedals on the road bike and HAD to try them out! was going to just go up and down the street... well, I did 3 miles! I just could not make myself get off the bike! I am paying for it now.. can't move! I will have to get off the couch sometime to get some dinner.. or starve. Stomach is growling .. but it felt soooo good to be MOVING! My problem is that the real pain is not there WHILE I RIDE if I don't put pressure on my right arm so I really pay for it immeidiatly when I try to get OFF THE BIKE.. OUCH! LOL It just hurts moderatly while I ride.. so I push... stupid I know.
You would think my chiropractor was a PT by the amount of pain he inflicts! I am literally black and blue from his torments! .. but it does help! He said today he was amazed that I am actually doing ANY riding because it should be impossible by the spasms my neck and back are in.. but I push on and put in a couple miles just because something in me says I have to! I have to keep myself in some sort of shape to be able to try the Bike MS in 3 weeks now! I have had 2 whiplash injuries from car accidents and lifting back injuries including surgery from work in the past. I ignored the increasing pain in my lower back for the past 5 months and the position change to the road bike just set me up for a cascade of muscle spasms the went completely out of control. It was the catalyst that made it all go crazy .. the only think that will settle it all down at this point is some well placed steroid injections.. that is where July 11th comes in. My doctor gets back in town and I have an appointment. I also have a new problem in my right shoulder that is making it difficult to put the weight on my right arm when on the road bike. Will see if he will inject that too! Steroids.. great fix it all!
@ Kathy, your vision is what China looked like just over 20 years ago. Everyone biked everywhere for everything, moving couches by bike, etc. (We visited then and were just so amazed and took tons of photos of all of that). But now that country has "progressed" so more people are driving and its unbelievably polluted.... SAD. But there is evidence that the "car culture" is on the decline in the USA (if you go backwards you can find the link I posted recently about that). Other evidence that bicycling is catching on in America is here: http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/07/01/197416434/minority-cyclists-black-women-bike so while your vision may not be 100%, things are moving in the bicycling direction. Since you mentioned freeways full of bikes, I'll just mention that Denmark actually has a bicycle road/freeway. No motor vehicles on that road.
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My $0.02 worth on the encouraging people to join the challenge. Tell them that if they have a record of their back miles, they can record them. This seems to be an incentive for the riders I have talked to.
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I too, wish all the best for our healing cyclists.
@Laurie, anywhere within a 15 mile radius.
There are about 2 hours of daylight left. Wonder where I can bike in that time.......
I was looking at that Bikes at Work Trailer and had this vision of an alternate reality where cars were never invented and our freeways were filled with bikers pulling cargo trailers instead of 18 wheeler's, mini van bikes with mom and dad pedaling away with 4 kids in the back, Tandem bikes using the carpool lanes... then I came back to reality but it was weird...
@Jerry and Tammie, I don't think that I ever heard what happened to either one of you. This message board moves along so quickly, I miss a lot of stuff because I don't always read back too many pages. I remember the awesome support that I received last year after my dog bite, and so I also want to extend my well-wishes to both of you, hope you both heal up very quickly and get back out there!
With the June end-of-month bump, we pushed our projected miles at the finish up to almost 19,000,000, so we are looking good there, going from 3,700,000 miles in May to 3,870,000 in June. We need to average 4,000,000 a month to reach our goal.
(I don't want to be a Debbie Downer) But its not looking as good on number of participants. At the end of April, just before the start of the Challenge, we had 15,800, and are now at 32,000. While that may look very promosing for us to make our 50,000 goal, over half of the increase was in the 1st 10 days. The rest of the increase took 53 days. And, looking at it another way, for the entire month of June, we only added 2,600 participants. At that June rate, we will end up with less than 40,000. But based on trends from last year, we will even get fewer new participants in the last two months, so we will end up with closer to 36,000 participants.... Unless....
Now is the time to make another push for getting your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers to join the NBC. The more we get, the closer we will get to 50,000, which will make it all that much easier to reach our mileage goal. So, consider everyone you will talk to during the July 4th Celebration. Lets all try to bring them on board so that they can have some fun in this Challenge, too!
@ Rob, 90 days left and we are over 32,000 cyclists and growing!
@Laurie - It sounds like it might be time to add a rack to the back of your bike or a large wire basket. Another fun option is to add a cargo bike to your household. My daily "driver" is a Kona Ute longtail cargo bike. I also have a Bikes At Work trailer that will carry up to 300 lbs of cargo. It is always a fun adventure for me to see what I can haul with my bike and trailer.
Dropped my kids off at the Y and decided to bike to the thrift store to see what might catch my eye there. I have been in need of a car bike rack, and lo and behold one was there. Then came the dilemma: how to get it home. I seriously considered hanging it over my shoulders but figured the ride might be uncomfortable. So have to drive back to the store later to pick it up, which defeats my whole purpose in biking vs. driving........
Almost back in the top 100... I'm giving it another week.
@Tammie. I don't think any pain pill or drink would work for me to ride. Hope you keep getting better. I expect a post from you on July 11th about your double century ride.
If someone would like some rain, please let me know as the mildew is really so strong in the air in Florida. 13 inches in june and 2.5 in july as of a few minutes ago. But I got new pedals and changed my tires so I am ready to go for the next 90 days. 9000 points may be possible.
@ Jerry B I wonder if you could get one of those custom jersey places to use you actual xray/digital images? Or your hip shots on some shorts? Also you could paint some stiches and bandages on the new helmet.
Hi all, its a rainy and cool day here so I took to the trail for my ride. Only me and one other rider, and a couple of walkers: one was a guy with an umbrella. No, wait a minute, there was one other turkey on the trail, but when I approached it, it flew up into a tree. Soggy everything put me in the mood to come home and make runzas!
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Ride when you can and watch out for trail turkeys!
@Kathy. I wonder if I contact Primal Wear if I could get them to pay me for each ad. Then I could save up enough to buy my new bicycle.
@Burklee. Stay away from PT. All they want to do is see fow much more pain they can get out of you.
I looked at the Primal Wear X-ray jersey. I think I liked the "Crash Test Dummy" jersey better, but am afraid angry drivers might take the jersey as a suggestion, and then I'd have to go to PT with Jerry.
I like Primal's designs too, and they do have a closeout section. Get on their mailing list and occasionally you'll get sent a discount promo code - that will usually work on the closeouts also. Double discount goodness.
Well, better primal weat than some of the other things that I can think of! LOL I love some of their designs. Wish I could buy a few! This last month has been a financial disaster to me. Hopefully July is better. Have a Chiropracter appt in a little while then I am going to TRY to ride a few miles.. currently at somewhere in the 3,000's on the leaderborard... I hate that! Haven't tried riding drunk... not safe but it is tempting. NO.. I won't do it.. but it does cross my mind. Come on July 11th! Can't come soon enough.
So I clicked on that link to see the Jersey Jerry B was talking about and now every Ad popping up on my laptop, in the side bars, in the headers are all of the Primal Wear Men's X-Ray Original Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey. It's a marketing trick, Jerry's in league with Primal Wear. ;-)
@Juliana - Welcome aboard! Better late than never. With those daily rides, you will get a lot of points. Yes, you can log your previous rides, they just won't count retroactively towards the previous monthly prize drawings.
I WILL make " PLATI NUM " today on my afternoon ride. I wanted it be July 1st but oh well the 2nd will do.
SAHM just now joining the challenge. I ride daily with my toddler and preschooler in tow. Wish I knew of the challenge sooner. Can I log past rides?
Tammie P - happy birthday, I turned 51 Sunday 30th.
Oh, I failed to mention, addiction had to wait cause I had to drive my car...car? What is that? Some 4 wheeled thing that sits in my driveway unnoticed. I heard it whisper the other day as I mounted my bike-"I am lonely!"
@Tammie-Happy Belated Birthday. Fried Seafood in Calasbash in NC....don't go to awful often, not good for the arteries or the waistline, but, every once in while just have to have some good old fresh from the waters fried shrimp and flounder.
Did not get to log miles today. Grandmothers addiction had to wait, got up this morning and grandson was like-Grandmom have breakfast with me....couldn't resist for any reason, then had to rush off to work. That's ok will make it up with a local bike group ride tomorrow, but will miss the points from today.
@Laurie - I run reds when they don't turn in an acceptable amount of time (no other cars present). But if it's a busy intersection I've actually hopped off my bike and run to click the pedestrian cross button. That'll also do the trick.
Gosh we are a chatty bunch. 5 pages of comments since yesterday afternoon.
@Jerry-that is awful they did not use your jersey-hang in there guy! Hopefully it won't be too much longer for you to be off your wheels.
@Kawika. I hope it stays the only one for you. Broken bones are no fun. And they really interfere with bike riding.
90 days left in the challenge
@ Jerry, the nerve of them! Especially when you were trying to be so helpful!
I always said I had this jersey so they would not have to cut it off if I ever was hurt. They would already have my x-rays. But for some reason they won't use it when I had my accident. They insisted on taking their own x-rays at the hospital.
@ Jerry, love the jersey. That should get some looks/comments once you're back in the saddle again :)
According to Wisconsin statutes: 346.37(1)(c)4.
4. Notwithstanding subd. 1., a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1. for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The operator of a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle proceeding through a red signal under this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular traffic, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding through a green signal at the intersection or lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection. This subdivision does not affect any authorization for a bicyclist under subd. 2.
Jerry, Cool Jersey! If I got one, I'd want it to show my reshaped Left Collar Bone where one part healed on top of the other(nice bump) and be able to change it for a new one each time I had another broken bone. Kinda like a visual record to show your inside scars LOL! So far, it's the only one for me!
Peter, I did not know that either. I will look that up and start doing it where it's safe. But the particular intersection I got stuck at today was a 6-way (two major streets and the side street I was on) and in that instance I'd be very leery about going through against the light. -- too many directions of traffic to think about.
Laurie, Welcome. You can get them on ebay or maybe an electronics store.
Thanks Kawika. I will check into getting some.
Laurie, I don't the state law number but if stop lights are sensored and don't change, you can go through a red light if there's no traffic coming.
Laurie, You can fix that. All you need is magnets to put under your bike. Check out this video. This should work for bikes also. http://www.break.com/video/ugc/how-to-get-traffic-lights-to-turn-green-381956
Had fun tonight doing a bunch of errands by bike. It was great knowing I was getting stuff done without using a drop of gas. Only thing that irked me was that some stoplights don't change to green unless there's a car waiting. Wish that the sensors would know a bike is waiting there.
Thanks for the encouraging remarks - Marty, Heather, Ray. I will try to push more on the days I can bike those nice farm road in rural PA, if the humidity cooperates.
Condolences to our friends in Arizona who lost 19 brave firefighters today.
@ Brad, you ARE a guy.
I know a guy.
I don't like seeing "0" miles on any day, either.
It is discouraging to see this every day.
http://tinyurl.com/kcjz2fq
Just got my new X-Ray jersey
http://tinyurl.com/ljaouv9
to replace the one the ambulance crew cut off me. How dare they.
Have a new helmet on order. Now I just need to save up money to buy a new bike. And heal my broken bones.
@Kathy R I know Marty and Brad are rigging this thing. the guy in first must be a friend or he is paying them. WisCONSIN has people you just have to be skeptical about, like Marty and Brad.
Now it just updated, and there are a few ahead of him. Sometimes, especially at the beginning or end of a month, it either bogs down or gets some glitches. I'm sure things will be corrected.
@Kathy - Hi Kathy. I'm from Wisconsin. No offense taken. No reason to hide. What is your address again? Absolutely no reason to hide.
Very slow points updating the last few days.
@John Quirk - the guy is from Wisconsin, how else could they stay in the top 3?
JK... (quickly hiding from all the Wisconsinites).
oh, John.. that is a very good question! I looked at it too and can't figure it out. It shows he rode 30 miles today.. that is all... nothing else on endomondo. His history is 20 to 30 mile rides so he is not doing more than that or multiple rides per day. ... strange!
Did someone mention deep fried seafood somewhere a few pages back? Dinner tonight.. my annual birthday trip to Red Lobster! I HAVE to ride a few miles just to work some of those calories off! So far I have been lucky and the scale has not started moving up.. that is not going to last long. I spent the morning in the bike store shopping.. that was my birthday present.. got money and you know where I headed! LOL As to that 'addicted grandmother'.. you are setting a great example for your grandchildren Cynthia! Hope they get the desire to ride too! Wish there was a bike for them to join you. Nothing like a family or group ride for fun. G
How did the guy in first place for July get 110 points today for riding 30 miles?
@ Christian Gonzales-wiped clean like myself and 35 other riders in Nv. never existed!
reliving movie The Net.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
3 days no biking and tomorrow will make 4. :(
Did Tough Mudder on Saturday and it was a whole day event. Sunday I was so sore I could barely move so that was out. Today I am still sore, but also under the weather so I didn't bike again today. I'm trying to get better before the 4th since I have plans. No fun! My bike misses me!
Wow.....stay away for a day and come back to find 5 pages of comments to catch up on! Also, I checked the leaderboards, and couldn't understand why I didn't show up on them, until it dawned on me that today is the 1st and that I haven't biked this month yet. I think the sun fried my brain as well as my skin yesterday at Summerfest!
Hi all, back from my ride and loading up on watermelon. "A coyote ran across the road..." well acutally that was yesterday's ride. Today it was more like blasts of wind. Several other riders out there in the late morning/early afternoon with temps. in the 70s. I felt like a kite, soaring along down the road. I am proud to say that I have now ridden every day this month. HA HA.
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@ Cynthia, what a great son, I can just hear him driving home in the car explaining to the kids, well you see, grandma is an addict..... LOL
@ Michael on the bicycle, congrats on the prize!
@ Heather, the car free days sound like a blast!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
Training for Life-very nice.
I also like that "training for life" and I use it on my kids all the time when they whine that I will be out for my daily ride, and sometimes even say it to myself to get me going. I am losing weight while biking, too... not 10# yet like Karen, but getting pretty close to it, and I hope I can lose at least 10 more before the end of the bike challenge. I tend to not lose it very fast or easy, but biking seems to be helping me along.
@ Tammie, thanks! now I have to watch the 9's and the 6's too!
Thanks Heather, I'm more impressed with my 20K! lol
The solution to getting 40 miles in is easy, ride faster ;) Ok, so maybe it's not THAT easy, but that's one secret. As you ride more, and push yourself, you get faster. As you get faster, you can go further in the same amount of time. Just keep pushing and eventually you'll find that you're going 40 miles in less time than it took to go 30 miles not so long ago.
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The other secret is to find the right location. 40 miles on a trail with lots of street crossings, slower cyclists/walkers/etc takes much longer than 40 miles on the road when you can ride long stretches without a stop sign.
Winners announced already! I don't think I will ever win, but congrats @Michael on Bicycle!
@EM, here locally we participate in "Car Free Fridays". Google it, it's fun!
@Karen, congrats on the losses. Getting in 40+ miles requires hours of time for me. It's a commitment. I spent as much time clearing my schedule for rides as I do riding. It's a priority. I often have to remind other people in my life that I have rides scheduled or planned. They don't get it-but they are used to it. As @Blake says, "I'm training for life."
So, i am not showing up in the leaderboards for this month, like none of them.! anybody else having the same issue?
So, my Son and Grandchildren are visiting this week. Don't get to see them often as they live out of state. My debate this morning, (as it was pouring down rain) ride, not ride, ride, not ride, going thru my head as I was packing panniers for the day or get to spend an extra 15 minutes with grandkids. I chose to ride-I told my son, its a cult thing and an addiction. I gotta ride. He very much understood. 15 minute late start from normal time, but, rode in fast to work (great workout) and still was able to get thru changing and being at my desk, right on schedule.
@E M - Thanks for the link to the good, encouraging article!
@Cynthia-New bridge=NICE! Improvements at Sunset Pier parking area=NICE! Only bad part, that talcum-powder-like sand of yours sticks to everything and is impossible to get out! Was amazed at the number of people biking on the beach, however. I wanted to hijack someone's ride and take a cruise myself.
There is hope! http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/30/sunday-review/the-end-of-car-culture.html End of car culture??
@Michael-happy to hear your vacation here was a good one. How did you like the new Sunset Beach Bridge? Lot of cyclists this time of year from all over. Then the bike group rides 3 days a week! I get to join them at least once a week. The town is working on Sunset Beach bikes lanes and share the road signs. Hopefully that will all be done within the next year or so.
@Ray what are you training for? "life."
As the song goes, "I'm back in the saddle, again...". After losing the last 11 days of June (and a ton of points) to vacation, it felt soooo good to get back on the bike this morning. Thankfully the crushing downpour stopped about 15 minutes before I left the house. Spent a week in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Not a pedestrian or bike-friendly town at all! Amazingly, crossing the border into NC was like night and day. Bikers all over, Share-the-Road signs all over, much more inviting. Got jealous at every pedaler I saw! Visited Sunset Beach, Calabash and had an amazing seafood dinner at Dockside Seafood House. Sorry, folks, but deep fried seafood really is the way to splurge!
I still hear the occasional "hey Lance" or something like it, normally from passing "yoots." I'd rather be called Lance than get the "what are you training for?" question that I get almost every single time someone asks me how many miles I've logged, whether it be a friend, a stranger or a fellow cyclist.
Wanna have fun? Check out these bike photos: https://www.facebook.com/BikesForAll
Congrats Karen for rhe weight loss. I use to wish to lose some weight myself. I gave up that dream. I realized I'm always going to be a 200+ lbs man, just more fit. Now I'm happy with that.
@Karen - Congratulations on the weight loss!
A few years ago, while commuting in July, I would occasionally wear a bright yellow T-shirt, and would invariably get shouts from pedestrians of "Go Lance!" It made me feel good, and made me bike faster, basking in my imagined victory. I would doubt if anyone says that to a bicyclist nowadays.
Oh, yeah, I forgot! I'm dreaming of winning a jersey. Also, lost 10 extra pounds I packed on over the Winter months - going for 20 more pounds by the end of the challenge. It should make those extra miles easier to achieve. (And, make my husband proud.)
I just barely reached my goal of 500 miles this month. Trying to increase my daily miles is a struggle. Hats off to those bicyclists who do those 40+ days. Today is rainy, so I am taking my bike in to the shop. I hope that they can teach me how to adjust my brakes. I need to learn more about maintaining my bike, with all these extra miles. I'm just a girly girl, about all I can do is change a tire and clean the bike. Pretty sad!
Good job Dean
Catch 22. I'm not used to parts wearing out on my bike and needing replacement. This is a good thing because it's telling me that I'm actually riding. The latest is the drivetrain. Bike shop told me to replace the chain once a year for my riding. I will take their advice. I will proudly hang my old drivetrain on the wall of my garage to remind me of what I have accomplished, better health. Ride safe out there!
J OM - I think you can still enter June miles after the deadline; they just won't count for the June drawings.
Oh, Roberto! That is so wrong in so many ways it is downright cruel. How can they take the visual pleasure of that tremendous effort away just to satisfy some computer glitch which I am sure it is.
Jenny, you can kill yourself chasing those 9s and if you are anything like me, 6s too!
Rob, If I won the Scott TP I would donate it to homeless shelter over here since I already have a year's worth from Costco! I'm hoping for the Jersey!
Thanks Rob and Kawika!
JOM, Cutoff is 11:59pm today to enter June's miles,
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From the "FAQ"
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When do I log my miles?
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To be eligible for the monthly prize drawings, all rides for each month must be entered by 11:59 pm of the last day of each month. To allow for a more current update, miles should be entered daily.
Hi J OM (Veggie Power) - per the Official Rules all June miles must be posted by midnight tonight. "To be eligible for monthly prize drawings, you must live in the U.S. and all rides for each month must be entered by 11:59 pm of the last day of each month." Good luck, I'm hoping for the year's supply of toilet tissue from Scott® Brand!
Does anyone know if there is a cutoff for entering June miles? If so, I'd like to make sure all of my team members get their miles entered. Thanks in advance!
So I took an extra ride to get over that 99 hump, but ended the day at 19... tempted to peddle again.
WAY TO GO HEATHER !!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, I knew you could do it. Way to keep going and not let the rain stop you. You are an AWESOME cyclist !!!!!!
How about some wicked cruel irony that when you hit Diamond, your meter is reset to zero?
I missed 7 days this month because of a vacation. I had set a goal of 1000 miles each month, and I didn't want to miss it. Today, I logged my goal: 1000 miles in 23 days. Happily, I've got 8 more days next month to cover the same ground. Or more....And almost back into top 100 on leaderboard... I think 10 more to go on that.
Hmm, I'm at 899 points. Already took a ride today, but I just can't sit on that 99 number, guess I need to get back out there!
I'm riding on the 4th. We need to get a 40+ mile ride in this week and that looks like a good day since were all off of work. Happy Holiday and riding, everyone!!
I don't know about the rest of you, but June seemed to just fly by! Looking forward to July and all the great stories by everybody on here!! Is anybody going to do any riding on the 4th? I will still be doing my normal training for Thursday (90 miles) and then after that will participate in the festivities! Wishing everybody a Safe July and a great Independence Day!!
Congratulations Heather... doesn't it feel good to move up that one step.. the next one takes FOREVER to acheive! I am hoping to make it this month if I ever get to really riding again.. did 5 miles today and was really pushing it then hit the jacuzzi and let the high power jets really kill me. How can just water cause so much pain? .. but I was able to move afterwards so it was worth it. That free feeling when riding is just sooo worth the pain afterwards...
Stay cool all you folks that are being hit by the heat wave.
@Heather. Congratulations on your GOLD. Have not looked at points this month since my accident. It was discouraging to see what I have. Only 200 points for June. I did not even makes silver. I had planned 2,000 points for May. But due to weather and a trip I only got 1,453 points for May. And I really missed by goal for June. I will have zero points for July. If I am lucky I will be able to start riding again in August. I will have to see how August goes. If I am able to ride I will have to start out slowly. But even if I can only do five or 10 miles a day it will be great to get back on the bicycle again.
Way to go Heather!
Yea Heather!
I rode 23 miles in the rain today. Also, got my GOLD!
@Cynthia - Talk about feeling bad. With multiple personalities, any day that I miss riding would have been a group ride.
Hi all, well it was the short breakfast ride today. Temps in the 70s, nice enough to sit outside to eat. A handful of other riders.
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We had rain all over Indiana today and big, heavy swirls sat over Ft. Wayne last night and this morning. The Indiana Tandem Rally was still a huge success despite being stormed-out for the Sunday ride. We rode 24.6 miles Friday afternoon/evening on the trail system and toured downtown. Saturday we rode 67.3 miles on beautiful, gently rolling, country roads. Every time I looked at anyone they were smiling and laughing. We shared 92 quality-miles with 40 tandem couples. The youngest stoker is 3 yrs old and alrtedy has hundreds of miles logged this year. Biking is fun, but TWICE as much on a tandem.
@jerry B After the BB replacement, two good rides. Set 4 pr's yesterday and ended the month over 1000 and 6050 for the Year. Thanks for riding along I am sending you riding energy with every pedal stroke. Bon ton Roule!
Make a sculpture for your yard! Be artistic and praise cycling all at once!
@Elaine. Or maybe I'll just put my bike in the rocks in our flower gardens. Give the neighbors something to wonder about.
@ Cynthina, I get it. I'm missing a bridge bash ride complete with cake & ice cream. I have a project thats due tomorrow and I gotta keep working. So I can't justify the time to get my junk together and drive down to the bridge. I was kind of hoping it would rain today so I wouldn't feel bad. But its not raining so I just hope everyone else enjoys the ride. In any case I should get a shorter breakfast ride in instead.
@ Heather, when you do make gold, it will be that much sweeter!
@ Cynthia completely understand the storm thing and the rain, every time I think about riding we get hammered by storms again,
My bike and I miss each other today. Overslept from tossing and turning all night. Bad bad storms happening here. And all night long just torrential rain,loud hard fast rain. So, the point I am trying to make is I did not make the 8 am meet and start time for the local bike group Sunday ride. I so hate that. You feel like your missing something and you feel guilty for not getting there. But, then alas, to help my case thunder starting rolling again and now more loud hard fast rain. So if they started a ride, they will not be finishing it. Whew. Can anyone relate to the feeling of missing rides? Group or otherwise? Crazy thing that feeling is.
After a short ride to and from a friend's house this morning to check on her dog, I am taking the day off. (Horrible I know!) But then I'll spend the rest of the day walking around and enjoying a music festival. Hope my bike doesn't miss me too much today!
@Roberto, congrats! That is amazing.
I don't think I'll make gold. I was just looking at my record. It doesn't look like I'm getting the daily 20, only my miles. I know we're not going to do over 40 miles today.
@Heather, 19mph, WAY TO GO !!!!!! I'm sure you can reach "Gold" today, that would be a fantastic way to finish out the month :-)
@Cycling Roberto, CONGRATULATIONS on reaching 6,000 miles this year, great job, keep the pedals spinning and enjoy your rides.
Jerry, i think you should take your poor bike and wrap him in Christmas lights and make him a fabulous piece of yard art for all his faithful service.
Yeah, Heather! Similar for me, I did a 56-mile ride and averaged over 13 for the first 45 miles. Overall finished just under, about 12.9. I normally ride in the mid 12 mph.
@ Heather, WOWWWW, how fun for you.
@ Roberto, way to roll!
Heather, that is flying for a 13mph averager! That is s about my average too so o know exactly how you felt amazing isn't it! Makes you want more! That's the addictive part.. Better than drugs.
@Cycling Roberto-that is amazing! You go guy and keep on a going! Do you have a goal for the whole year?
Hit 6000+ miles for the year to date today.
The TDF was something today. I'm wonder if I can get gold tomorrow? hmmmm. I sprinted tonight and got into my drops for 19mph. What a blast when your average speed is closer to 13!
Looks like the system is not updating miles and points today.....
@Laurie. I really loved my bike. Not as much as I love my fantastic wife. But it was still a great bike. And my replacement bike will be the same Cannondale Synapse Ultegra 3.
Yes it was hot but I like the challenge. :-)
Jerry, I hope that your new bike is much much better than the old one. Keep recovering so you can enjoy many years with the new one :)
@Laurie. My bike did that to me a lot until I killed it three weeks ago.
117 sounds beyond balmy to me, even painfully hot. But then again, I was born and raised in semi-arctic Wisconsin.
@Tammie. To change your profile picture go to www.endomondo.com. On the upper right side of the page select your name, then Settings. On the settings page under your photo select "Change Picture"
what a ride home. Very nice balmy 117 degrees.
This morning I was feeling pretty wiped out from the week, so decided to skip my usual Saturday morning ride to the farmers' market. This afternoon mapped out a short 3-4 mile ride just to get points. But as usual, once on my bike, that map flew out of my head and I ended up riding over 10 miles instead. Now I'm REALLY beat!
I agree with some riders that everyone should stop riding except Tues on or near the bottom time to catch up. It seems the more I go, the further behind I get except where I'm leading Oshkosh, WI riders. It's a lot tougher in National Standings this year. Today I just went at a Sunday Cruise Ride on Saturday and enjoyed the ride much more. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
Got off work this morning and just could not stand it.. had to ride! Temp was only 83 and it was a stunning morning. I was only going to do the minimum 1 mile but it was just soooo nice I could not stop and went on for 3. I am paying for it now. July 11 can not come soon enough .. never thought I would BEG for steroid shots but I am counting the days! Had my highest average speed ever too.. 15.3.. guess I was having so much FUN! Like a dog with its head out the window.. the wind blowing in my face was wonderful and the faster I went the better it was. Jerry, you arre going to have the best high in the world when you get back on the bike!!! Unfortunately, my liquor cabinet is inticing as a way to ride more but I know I can't do that.. but I want to! Anything to decrease the pain for a while... wish I wasn't allergic to everything in the pain reducing realm. Any suggestions on changing your profile picture? I have been trying but keep getting the ever spinning icon.. my current picture is about 40 pounds heavier and OLD. LOL
Hi all, out this morning for the usual ride. Wonderful temps in the low 70s. Lots of other people agreeing that is was a great time to ride. Added a twist to my usual ride by going a little further north. Not roads I would ride with more traffic but nice on a quiet morning.
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@ Jerry, my experience with stubborn bikes has mainly involved dropped chains and refusal to shift. Enjoy the tour and maybe read and maybe write some cool stuff about bicycling.
Now I know why my bike was being disobedient and fighting me in the last couple of weeks. When it was time to ride home, my bike refused to make the turns to ride home. It insisted that we had to continue to ride. It would only let me ride home after I ran out of liquids and food. It must have know that it was reaching the end of its life.
@John Wardlaw. I am glad you were not injured too badly. I am sure it must be great to be out riding even if it is for just a few miles. Keep getting better. And start racking up those miles again.
I don't know if it is good or bad that the Tour de France is on now. The good is that I can watch it without figuring out how to fit into my schedule. The bad is as I sit here watching the tour I miss being our riding my bike even more.
@ Marty, I've been told that many times, and I did take a coolish shower last night for that reason. What I like best about the hot tub are the stronger jets that massage the muscles that need it.
A bottom bracket can also break because of a fall. During my first bike trip, (I think in 1980), I was on the Sugar River rails to trails gravel path, and went over a patch of silt that had dried on top, but was slick beneath. With the weight of everything but the kitchen sink tied to my bike, when I went down, the crank arm bent to the point of not being able to ride, so had a mechanic in the nearest town unbend it. A week after the trip, my BB just broke off while riding, and had to finish the ride with one pedal.
Jerry, picturing you climbing out... damn, wish I could that out of my mind. I'm missing seeing you out there too! Gota go TdF is back on! And to everyone else...
Ride like you belong!
Yesterday morning I biked part of a regional trail with a friend. Later biked to another friend's house whose dog I'm dogsitting this weekend. In the evening went for a lovely group ride in the moonlight.
This morning I realized I may have overdone it. The hot tub at the Y is definitely calling my aching muscles' name.
Hot Tubs - While it does feel great to sit in a hot tub after a long/hard ride, in almost all cases (except for ones like Jerry's or Tammie's), you will recover quicker from the micro-trauma if you sit in a bath of ice water. I know, not as much fun, but sitting in ice water stops the leaking of blood from broken capillaries into interstitial areas, and the resultant fusing of fascia, which limits one's range of motion. A hot tub will only increase the leaking into interstitial areas and bring more platelets, etc to mess things up.
I could use a jacuzzi tonight. Tammie, could you FedEx me yours for a few days? I'll use the Y's hot tub in the morning but it's not soon enough LOL
I understand the comments by Jerry Bengtson and Laurie Rescheske asking everybody to stop riding for a bit. Prior to two weeks ago I was progressing up the leaderboard nicely, riding over 200 miles a week with most all of it being commuting miles. In May I even finished first in the state of Tn. On the night of the 14th I was hit by a car and spent 11 days off of the bike. In the past three days I have ridden a whopping total of 8 miles. This was on a different bike because the other was totaled. It will probably be a month or more before I am riding anywhere near to the mileage I was before. I am glad there were no broken bones.
@Tammie. The jacuzzi is great with all the muscle spasms from all my broken bones. The only problem is getting in the jacuzzi is interesting. And getting out of the jacuzzi is very very interesting.
Tammy, you have a Jacuzzi? Then you should feel guilty! Here I am soaking my old wrinkled butt in a tub, while you luxuriate in a JACUZZI! LOL No more sympathy gal.
2004 Jamis Comet, 6 RAGBRAI's, easily 50,000 miles; 2006 Eddy Merckx Corsa Special Edition, easily 30,000 miles. Both have never had bottom brackets replaced.
I agree with Laurie Rescheske's quote. "I have a very earnest request. Would everyone please stop biking for a while. I am dropping on the leaderboards and I am not happy about it." End Quote. Since I can't ride until all my broken bones are healed could you all stop riding for eight weeks or so until I can start riding again. I just keep dropping on the leaderboards everyday just like Laurie.
Tammie, don't feel guilty. If you can only do a mile each day, at least its something. Just don't push it because that will just set you back.
@Laurie, the problem with that suggestion is that I can't cross the road safely AT the intersection. It is just over the crest of the hill, making it difficult to see traffic coming from one direction. So, I have to cross traffic at either side of the hill, or directly at the top, but even at the top, there is a small blind spot where I can't see.
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Good discussion!
My initial gut response is the same as what Roberto said a few posts ago: to pull off to the right where you want to make the left turn, then walk your bike straight across to the intersecting street and then start riding again. You'd be following all traffic laws then, and staying safe in the process.
@ Jenny, a lot of cyclists have mirrors to help see whats going on behind them. Most of the time you can hear traffic coming, but if its windly or you are wearing a hat or something then maybe not.
Coming in and out of a small town, there are really only 4 directions to go... north, south, east, west. All directions involve riding a small distance on the busier highway until an intersection with a rural road is encountered.
@Roberto, I could do that, but the intersection is still a bit down from the top of the hill, so the best place to cross the road would be either where I am doing it now, or else go to the bottom of the hill on the other side and then turn around to go back up.
BTW, shoulders ARE NOT bike lanes. And cyclists riding on the shoulder where signage and paint do direct inform motorists of their presence are taking a huge risk. Motorists tend to have tunnel vision. 80% of all signs are never seen, so imagine how significant you are to a car traveling at a much higher rate of speed. If the only way to travel on a busy road is to huddle off on the shoulder, find another route.
@EM, good points. The reason why this issue came up is because I had a car veer towards me just the other day, and it caused me to swerve off onto the gravel. He was able to correct himself, and I didn't wipe out. But, if I hadn't seen him coming, then I could have been clipped off wtihout knowing what was coming. And, I definitely ride on the paved shoulder, so NOT in the actual lane of traffic. If it were a road without the paved shoulder, then I would not take the chance because I would be out in the road too far, and the chances of being hit head on would be much greater.
Go to the top of the hill, and pull off to the right side and wait until it is safe to cross the road. Do not attempt a blind left uphill turn.
I did some reading on the issues, and while the law says "with traffic", there are some pretty good arguments for riding against traffic when it comes to riding in rural areas.
>riding with traffic in a rural area gives 100% of the control to the driver and 0% to the biker, because the biker does not know what is going on behind him/her until it is too late.
>By being able to see the car and their position, it is easy to tell if they are drunk/texting/swerving before they get near you, and quick to turn into the gravel / down the embankment to avoid them..
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That said, I generally do drive with the flow of traffic, it is just this one spot that I have a problem with.
@Laurie, I would say yes to that. The hill actually flattens out a bit at the top, so an oncoming car could actually see me pretty well. And, like I said, this is just for a very short distance.
Jenny, one thought, while you are switching sides, and after you are on the opposite side, do cars in both directions have full view of you from enough distance for safety?
@ Jenny, well thats a tough one. Legally we are a vehicle and have to go with the traffic. That said, you are technically not on the road when you do this. So can you be ticketed? Well if you are walking you are not a vehicle and then its legal. Also, do you feel like you could hit the ditch if somebody comes at you? Going across the road on the right and backtracking can work too. But the best thing would be if you could think of a great way to make the intersection better, then bring that up with the traffic people. GOOD LUCK!
@jJenny. Probably the safest thing to do is to ride over the hill another quarter mile so you can view cars both in back and front and make a U turn back up the hill. It's a little more time and work but the safest. You don't ever want to ride against traffic.
@Jenny - My opinion is to follow the rules of the road and all safety advice at all times. Riding against traffic for any length of time sets a bad precedent. Going down the hill and turning around may be inconvenient, but that is a small price to pay to be safe and engage in safe riding behavior.
I had posted a comment on our local site and got some interesting feedback on it. So, I am interested to hear what the nationals have to say about it...
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I think most of us are aware that generally bikes should ride with traffic, not against it. However, I have a situation on a route that I commonily ride, where I am in a rural area and going up a hill. My left turn is just over the crest of the hill, and as I approach to top of the hill, I can't see what is coming ahead of me, so that I can safely make the left turn. If I go over the hill, then I can't see what is coming from behind me, to make the turn. So, I usually switch over to the opposite side of the road while I am riding up the hill, while I can still see traffic from both directions.
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However, it was suggested that perhaps I should not be doing this, and that I should instead go over the hill, then turn around when I can see traffic, and then head back up the hill again to make my "now" right turn.
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What do you think? This is a rural area, a state highway, and I am riding on a paved shoulder, not in the lane of traffic. I am only switching sides for about 1/10 mile until I can make my turn onto a peaceful country road.
I just saw real pics of a tempe arizona motorcycle cop doing 80 mph and texting :(
@ All there is a lady here who had two daughters killed in a car accident by a (now former) police officer who was speeding and talking on his cell phons. He crossed the median and crashed, killing both girls. NOT THEIR FAULT. Now this mom has a presentation she makes to any police department that will let her do it. It has no doubt saved lives. I just bring this up because there should be a similar program about bicycles (or maybe there is one and we just never heard about it). Darn right we shoud report bad/dangerous driving whenever possible. And while I'm on the soapbox, please be careful at 4-way stop signs. I saw two drivers today who never bothered to look to their left before cruising on through. If I hadn't been paying attention, well, I might not be telling you this.
RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE!!
Like Roberto said-I like to call, much better results. I ask what they will do about it and if I feel I am getting dismissed, I ask for supervisor. I have called numerous employers, and even my own boss to report reckless driving, nearly hitting me and calling/texting while driving. Employees behind the wheel are supposed to be "professional" drivers.
Recently, something similar happened to me. I went to the Corporate website to asking them to share the experience with the local hub and promote safety. Because I couldn't give all company identifiers, it became a lost cause. Luckily, I had a source within my workplace that could give me the district manager's email. I never received a call so fast. I would let them know.
A young woman lost her life in California recently when hit by a FedEx truck. The driver failed to see her and proceeded through a stop sign, striking and killing the victim. Is that enough motivation for everyone to report these types of incidents. This is no laughing matter. On average, two cyclists a day are killed on US roads.
Laurie: I fear that I would crash servers nationwide if I sent an email to every driver's boss who endangered my life while riding my bike.
Give the company a call. As for the person in charge of safety or their dispatcher. Let them know this happened, and ask them what will they do about it. Emails are often overlooked. I've had much better success speaking to a person in charge.
@Kelly - Some are motivated by glory, others by fear!
@ Laurie - Good for you. Maybe the company will talk to it's employees about it. Wish I could send a email to every person! Lol!
The following is an email I just sent to the director of a local day care center:
To whom it may concern,
I want to bring to your attention an incident from earlier today:
This afternoon at about 12:59 pm, I was riding my bicycle east on XXX Street near YYY Street, and a gray van with your company's logo was driving down XXX in the opposite direction. As I was entering the intersection, the van turned left onto YYY directly in my path, causing me to have to suddenly brake to avoid hitting the rear of the van.
Given the fact that bicycles are part of the traffic on local streets, it's important that drivers of vehicles realize we are there and give bike riders the necessary space to maintain the safety of us all.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Opinions, anyone?
Cycling Roberto: The back of a sheriff’s cruiser works too. (True story.)
Word to wise. When lightning is striking, seek shelter IMMEDIATELY. Pull into somebody's yard and get on the porch or in the garage. If there's a store on your route all the better. Not only are you risking a lightning strike, but in heavy rain you are all but invisible. If you are out in the open in a rural area, get off your bike, and find a low lying depression. This is serious stuff, and should not be taken lightly.
Paul, how cool!
Yikes Kelly! Glad you made it home safely.
Got SOAKED on my way home from work today. Was pouring and half way home it started thundering and lightening. Scary stuff! However, I managed to get home in record time! Nothing like seeing lightening striking the ground to make you pedal faster than you ever have before!
@Douglas - I talked with my agent at State Farm and the cost for bicycle replacement insurance was 10% of the value of the bike. That is an annual premium.
We have had first year orientation at Ripon College this week...My sessions were earlier in the week, so wanted to do a longer ride today. I was in the middle of what I thought might be a 40 to 50ish mile ride when I ran ran into Ric, our cycling coach, who was riding with an incoming first year student who is joining the team in the fall. We then road together for another 15 to 20 miles when I was able to give a "faculty perspective" on Ripon and the cycling team to this new student (our cycling team has pretty good academic reputation, which is nice). Eventually, I could not keep up, especially on the hills (I had some front derailleur issues so I could only use the big chainring...and I had a few more miles in and am quite a bit older! ;-/ Hey, I know they were easing up a bit so I could keep up...but we were still going at a nice clip), so we split up and I took an easier route home. I ended up with 64 miles and a nice student connection...who might even take a philosophy course down the road. You gotta love small college life.
@Douglas "I hate bugs" F. If you have homeowners or rental insurance, you should be able to add a rider to your policy that would cover your bike in case it was damaged in a crash like mine.
A 1.5 mile ride to run errands on Monday after seeing the orthpedic doc... 3 mile round trip ride to the Bike Kitchen for Women & Transgender Only night on Tuesday... 7 mile ride home after the charities conference yesterday... plenty of rest and ice. I am walking without a cane and can use the stairs better. I think the bike riding really helped by getting me moving without having to put weight on my knee. My knee gets stiff after sitting or standing for long periods, but it's so very much better. Yea!!!!
So, I'm starting to look for comprehensive and collision insurance for my bicycle and all the "traditional" insurance companies are looking at me like I'm crazy. Sorry, but I don't have $2000+ to replace my bicycle and accessories, not to mention any medical bills that may arise from an accident. Can anyone recommend a reputable insurance agent or agency that will provide such coverage?
@all - ever been chased by a dachshund ? clocked one at over 17 mph for 21/2 blocks last fall. temps. in reno next 5 days 103 to 107. thank you flood of " 91" for a great marina and city of Sparks for the 2 mile ped./ bike path around it . and the beach /swimming area.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@ Karen: swim, bike, swim, bike.... sounds like summers from my kidhood!
@ Cynthia, two thumbs up!
Ok, I really need to get up with this movie then. Love Breaking Away, in fact my son rides and it's his favorite movie.
I agree, "American Flyers"(1985) stars Kevin Costner is a great movie! Main reason I got into cycling back in the '80's is because of this movie.
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http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088707/
A bike ride in the country followed by a swim in the community pool, swimming and bicycling, bicycling and swimming, who needs any other vacation? I love June and July. Life is sweet!
We are expecting "near record" temps in our area in the next five days with highs forecast to top out at 107 by Tuesday. I'll be drinking lots of water! After the past week and a half of high temps in the upper 60s and low 70s this will be drastic change.
@ Cynthia, Yeah check out American Flyers. There is a book too!
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Anyone who plans to do the Hilly Hundred in Indiana needs to watch "Breaking Away"
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@ Jim the cool temps were at 6 am. Its heading from the 80s into the 90s now. So still "cool" by Arizona standards.
The cool temps sound good. The high today in Phoenix is calling for 111 with 118 on Friday and Saturday. Cool down to 117 on Sunday.
I have not seen American Flyers, might have to check that one out, looks like an oldie but goodie!
Only 81 degrees in central Wisconsin, but very humid and no breeze. Makes for a hot ride! The AC in the library is feeling pretty good though :)
Hi all, cool temps (70s) a little breeze, a handful of other riders, and a turtle and a bunny were all featured on my early morning ride today.
RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE!
@John, that sound like Greyhound behavior! Thanks for the laugh and thoughts/memories of my 4 Greys!
Is anyone else reminded of "American Flyers?"
My best dog story: I was cruising with a group of about 12 riders on a flat stretch of quiet county road. A dog appeared on our right running happily at about 16 MPH.
He/she didn't look vicious but we were concerned he might get entangled with the bikes. Someone suggested to squirt him with water and a rider took a bottle out and begin to shoot water at the dog's face. The dog just slurped up the water and kept running.
My most humorous dog encounter - riding uphill and getting surprised/almost caught by two basset hounds, who usually barely notice me. Not sure what they had for breakfast that day, but they moved much faster than expected.
Two years ago a friend of mine was out riding when a lady with her dog on a leash let her dog run into the street in front of my friend on the bicycle. After the collision my friend is laying in the street with a broken collarbone. And the lady is screaming at him for hitting her dog.
Wished everyone I saw this morning a "Good morning!". Best was the fireman raising the flag! Have a fab day all Riding in ID.
Throughout all my riding years I've only had to get off my bike due to a dog once; a couple weeks ago. I do consider myself lucky in that regard!!
My bike was between myself and the dog, the dog got aggressive, and got a good taste of my front tire up along side it's face; problem solved!!
The irresponsible owner started to scold me for hitting their dog, and then thought better of it!! ;) "I'm sorry" was uttered more than once!!
Not that I liked doing it, but a little yelp, is better than a trip to the pound for the dog, and trip to the ER for me!!
Funny what a 4" tire will do to a dogs mood and demeanor!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Kathy - I had to read that one a few times myself. Its the first time that I've ever read that clue. I came up with the conclusion that I didn't want to be that close to find out.
I have a chihuahua that chases me occasionally on my ride to work. He only has 3 legs but that little sucker can move. I'm thankful he doesn't have all four or I'd be screwed. He likes to run in front of me. That's probably why he only has three legs or maybe he is part dolphin.
@Marty - How do you get close enough to tell if a dogs paws are sweaty?
This may seem a little unorthodox about dogs, but I've had several chase me on several of my routes. I tried the yelling and even threw a rock at one, but then got so mad that I actually stopped. When I stopped the dog approached me, tail wagging. It was more afraid of the bike than of me. Since then, when I ride that way I merely stop for a minute and pet the dog. There are two places where I've done this and the funny thing is that even if I don't stop some days the dogs have stopped going nuts at the sight of me and my bike. I live in a pretty rural area and most everyone knows each other so I've contacted one of the owners to find out the dog's name. It adds a few minutes to my ride, but it adds some joy too. For me and the dogs, I think. :)
Leonard W is the king of the early long rides as a tested to by his still unbeaten numbers from last year. Riding to recovery is a great way to get back on the bike and slowly progress to where your personal goal is made. Gradual success.
Marty, I can tell the signs of a dog that may bite. They get within range of my Halt spray and then get red stuff on them followed by running away. But I may try an air horn because my research shows that the loud sound can drive them away, as per videos on you tube. Now to the morning ride. Bon ton roule
Nice early morning ride, 4:00am start, 25 miles, and other than a couple along the 3 mile stretch of state hwy, NO CARS!!! Starting to get back in my usual rhythm, last 2 days I've managed 2hours+ of riding without breaking my pedaling cadence. Still got a ways to go before I get back to my usual 3+ hour steady cadence (non-stop pedaling) but it felt good and I'm working on it.
guys, and girls i'm sorry that i totally forgot to fill in my rides. i thought it had all to do with milages. but i got the message its also about the rides.:) so go team Garcia!.
About dogs...I have had a few take chase over the years, but I have developed a pretty effective strategy (so far, anyway) beyond just being able to out run/ride them. I try to make some kind of visual eye contact and then shout "NO" in a rather loud and ferocious manner, sometimes repeatedly. (I try to convey the doggy image of "I am a fast bada$$ who you not want to mess with or I will scare the fecal matter out of you.") Typically this really startles the dog and causes him/her to stop, at least for a while. And most dogs know the "no" command from their owners. Then I usually can keep peddling and get out of harms way. I confess that if I were going more slowly, this strategy may not be as effective, but trying to portray yourself as an "alpha male/female" usually will do the trick for these pack animals. My $0.02...now watch me get bit tomorrow on my ride. ;-)
Oops! Marty, interesting stats....too much to catch up on LOL
Was at the bike shop today and the Halt! pepper spray was $8. Kawika,interesting stats. Riding safe in ID.
@Kathy - I carry both CO2 and a pump. And I have the same Lezyne model that Joe linked to. Of course the very best pump is the oe the Gold Wing Motorcycle Club guy carried last year and let me use on the STP - electric, operating off his battery.
Marty "up a tree without a paddle" Malin - a dose from your water bottle usually works if you have time before they get to you leg!
Marty, I suggest when riding watch out for the friendly ones! A golden retriever trying to be friendly stepped out from behind a car (I believe he heard me coming and thought I was a jogger) and right in front of me while doing around 21mph. My bicycle pivoted over him and slammed me on my back breaking 3 bones as well as 3 ribs not to mention bruising (or possibly fracturing, they said it's hard to tell) my tail bone.
It's been about 2 1/2 years now and maybe 6 months of riding relatively pain free. Mean dogs I've found can be dealt with by screaming (as you suggest), growling, or spraying them with water from your water bottle. Friendly dogs can be more of a surprise and their owners seem oblivious to their danger.
and remember...
Ride like you belong.
Never had a dog chase me yet while I'm riding bike but I would think by spinning at a high cadence(120+ rpm) would knock the crap out of the dog if he comes in for a bite.
Here are some Dog Biting facts that I just received from my insurance company (although none of the statistics mention bicyclists, it still may be instructive):
On average, each year...
4,700,000 people are bitten by dogs in America
800,000 victims require medical attention (about 1/6th)
386,000 are treated in an emergency room (1/12th)
16 die
Chained dogs are 2.8X more likely to bite than unchained dogs
$29,396 - average cost of a dog bite claim
50% of victims are under age 12, and they are usually bitten in the head or neck
Senior citizens are the group next most likely to be bitten
Here are the warning signs that they are about to bite:
Their tail becomes stiff
The hair on their back begins to rise
Their ears move backward or forward
They growl or reveal their teath
Their paws become sweaty
They freese in response to a touch or look
They make direct, intense eye contact
If you see any of these signs, refrain from making noise or eye contact. (Although it has worked for me to yell loudly as they approach.)
OK, I'm bad, couldn't stand it any longer! Yes, I went out and rode 1... just 1 mile.. LOL
I've been lucky with flats lately. Getting them right at the end of the ride is nicer than at the start of the ride.
I prefer small mini-hand pumps, they been much better and smaller lately. The 2 I have are the Specialized Airtool mini that fits in my frame bag and gets a 20x1.5 tire hard enough to get going. I've got a Blackburn Airstik 2stage, too, which is too big for my bag, but mounts to the bottle cage mount on my road bike. Co2 is ok, but then there can be bad days and so many CO2 tanks. .. or somehow the CO2 tank not having air (which was the last straw for me).
@Tammie, make sure to deflate your tires if leaving in a hot car or garage. They've been known to pop.
I use co2. Never had much problem except in winter. If it gets too cold out, you don't get the same pressure out of a cartridge. I also have a frame pump that I carry on the trail. I just installed 700x25 Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires on my foul weather/trail road bike. Hopefully, they will be a bit more puncture resistant. I run 700x23 Continental Grand Prix 4000s's on my Eddy Merckx road bike. Great tires, but not much protection against punctures on gravel. Since the Merckx never leaves the road, my Jamis Comet now has a new set-up. Will take them out tomorrow.
YAY! Just used a birthday gift to get my new bike seat. Now I can ride fearlessly again. Bonus -- it comes with a built-in rear light. I feel so blessed!
@ALL, A note about CO2 cylinders. I've been using them for years but I learned early on that you MUST hold the cylinder VERTICLE (outlet at the top). If it is sideways or upside down the liquid CO2 will flow into the tube and instantly FREEZE the inner-tube causing it to rupture. Another caution, once you get home, let the CO2 out of the tire and refill it with air (the CO2 molecules are smaller than regular air molecules and will leak through the rubber of the inner-tube much faster than regular air). I am a very big fan of carrying CO2 cylinders to inflate a flat on the road but I also use them with the above cautions in mind.
I feel like getting out in my car just to see if there is anyone out on their bikes today.. 107 right now.. sort of glad the doctor has me off the bike! I actually do think I would melt. My bikes were still in my van so I went to take them out.. had to put my gloves on just to touch them.. HOT!!! They are much happier in the garage where it is probably only 105 not 160 like it was in the van. I have to travel 20 miles to Midland to ride with the group.. that is why they were in the van and I drove 110 miles to ride with a friend on monday. Monday was hills and 30mph winds.. fun!
Chris@ - Its not really funny. I'm sure you've heard of bipolar. Well, I've ben diagnosed as being triequatorial., with a little bit of tropic-of-capricorny thrown in for good measure.
@Kathy Rieck. Thanks for the cartoon. It is a great one. But now I have to discuss this with the emergency room doctors and nurses about working on me instead of my poor bike.
@Kathy-cute cartoon-and so true!
Longest ride of the year today: 60 miles in 90F heat, solo, nonstop.
Looks like we are sneaking up on 7 million miles! I will just have to add a few to that total tomorrow on my hybrid... just the lazy easy riding with the city ride that I do on thursday evenings. My road bike is going to feel so left out!
@ Jerry, your bike is secretly going out at night assisted by its two-wheeled friends. They are sneaking into local bike shops and looking for replacement parts. If you don't see it in the garaga, you will know where to look, or just call up some of its roudy friends....
Maybe I will start commuting again now that I've taken the challenge.
@Jerry B. http://blog.bike-park-slovenia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/bike-ok.jpg
Cynthia, I use the mini Inflator(doesn't have to be SRAM) even though I have an inflator with my mini-pump on bike. It's so much easier for me and just put in back pocket of jersey when I ride. Co2's I put in tool bag under seat. Very easy to use. Step 1 - Twist Co2 clock wiise onto inflator completly. Step 2 - place nozzle of inflator on bike valve stem like you would when pumping tire. Step 3 - turn Co2 counter clockwise to release air. Fills up instantly. You should be able to get one of these at your bike shop. There are also attachments you can get for the Co2's to your bike frame. Many bike shops have these also.
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sram-Mini-Solo-Twist-CO2-Inflator-20g-Schrader-Presta-Valve-Inflation-Kit-Red-/281091795499
@ Chris, that's the way I feel when I think riding somewhere would be impractical, so I drive, then I see others riding and I get so envious.
Ok, now I really am upset with myself. The sun is out. I can see blue sky. Just like yesterday. Dumb decision, I'll tell you. However, with the way the rest of my day has gone, I'm betting if I had ridden today, I'd'a gotten three flats, hit by a beer truck, and splashed by a city bus. It's just been one of those days.
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Hey, @Marty, as always, THANKS for the smile! Do you do standup comedy?
@Laurie and @Tammie, what the heck is going on? I'm sinking, too! Maybe the cream really doesn't rise to the top. Maybe it sinks sometimes??
Awwww, Jerry! You made me cry!
Flat tires are another thing that you need to think about before they happen. They can be hazardous, i had a blow out (a very loud bang) on one recently at 24mph but as a rule they are the slow leaker kind that just let you down slowly. I use tuffy strips between the tire and tube which does help, but as tires get worn down flats are more likely to happen. Please practice and get some good tips on the internet, including using powder on tubes. Or just sign up for cycling road assistance and wait until someone comes to change your tube and inspect your tire for the object that made it through the tuffy strip and tire. I like the co2 cartridges but you must practice a few times, and they can be bought much cheaper than the lbs.
@Joe - Thanks, I'm gonna get one.
Jerry B do what you can. Get that bike evaluated. Maybe it can be healed. I got a great set of carbon fiber handlebars refurbished for about $75 while I waited for healing and order and planned the new customized bike. Just put your mind to what you can do and of course see yourself healed and riding on your bike.
Laurie R ride more and look at the scores less all will be taken care of for you. besides you had to more down for me to move up.
I have a very earnest request. Would everyone please stop biking for a while? I am dropping on the leaderboards and I am not happy about it! hehehe
@Jerry-how terrible, don't worry, you will be on your pedals before you know it and singing the Bike To Work song. Well wishes for a speedy recovery.
@Laurie I second that request! I hate that sinking feeling! @ Jerry, I am afraid you are just going to have to get well enough on your own to go out and shop for a new bike! Won't that be fun? Then the two of you can get to know each other as you gain your endurance again. @Ray S ... I am with you on that pump.. why don't they make good black ones? I keep looking! I just can't see a bright blue or red pump on my sleek black and gold bike. And @Kathy, I have been unfortunate enough to have had 3 flats already in the 4 months I have been a cyclist but have yet to actually change a tire myself! Luck has had someone with me each time and in fact once had a professional on the road with me to do the work ... don't blink.. you will miss it! It took us longer to put together the necessary items he wanted than for him to complete the job start to finish. @Julie .. great song. I wish I could bike to work but 20 miles each way on top of a 12 hour shift just would not work in 100 plus heat! LOL
Awww Jerry, this too shall pass. You will recover and be back on your bike soon, just recover first so you can enjoy many more years of biking. Blessings!
Everyone is being mean to me. My wife won't let me participate in bike to work day. My friends won't ride their bikes with me. When my wife took me for a drive on Sunday, there were all these bicyclist on the road rubbing it in that they were riding and I wasn't. Do you get the idea I miss riding my bike? Even my bike is being mean to me. It just sits there in the garage, looking all dejected and broken, And blaming me for its current condition.
Love the song Julie!
LOL @ Marty. I don't think I could get away with it....
In just 2 short months, I have gotten to the point where I feel weird driving down streets that I have biked on. Everything everyone has said about the joy of biking, I have been finding to be oh so true :)
@Kathy, sorry to hear about your experience and gosh can I relate to your situation. Deftly fearing a flat tire I watched a great video on You Tube too on how to change a flat(watched it several times)with good intentions of practicing at home which I never did, and I found that I was Co2 cartridge challenged(to my dismay) when I got a flat on an training ride (before work mind you) and it took me a really long time to change it. That being said thank you Joe, so much, for the link to that cool website and the pump. I am going to be sure to obtain one before the MS 150 ride in September. If not sooner. I just don't experience flats enough to have to change one to build confidence. which is a good thing.
@Julie-thanks for sharing that adorable Bike To Work Song-great for a smile.
@E M - Way to go, MatteSON!
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@Laurie - You're lucky it is a MILEstone birthday, and not a 1/2 milestone (like one ending in a 5), because that means you can take a day off on your birthday, and still get your 20 points becasue you already have a MILE.
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@Jerry - Hopefully, your therapist remembers to bring a new bike next time. I have multiple therapists, (one for each personality),but all they ever do is make me lay down on a couch.
Sing the Bike to Work song today. https://www.youtube.com/watch
My last two flats, both in the last 10 days, were found in the garage before a ride. While a flat tire does suck, finding it before you head out makes it less annoying. The first one was my own fault, the tube was installed on the side of the road and I didn't get the valve stem straight and never bothered to fix it, that eventually resulted in a slice in the stem (more than a year later). The second was a leak where the valve stem is glued into the tube, can't complain though as it had over 3300 miles and had been removed a couple times due to tire replacement or rotation.
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I have a Bontrager Air Support Road pump that I bought last year with my Allez. It is small and lightweight and seems to work well enough. I've luckily never had to use it on the side of the road, but I "test" it every once in awhile. It won't get me to the 105psi I run in my tires, but it gets high enough to keep me rolling. My only complaint with the pump is that it isn't black and therefore doesn't match my bike.
@Kathy~
Check this pump and review of said pump out.
http://allseasonscyclist.com/2013/06/13/lezyne-alloy-drive-high-volume-hand-pump/
Lezyne, IMHO makes bomb proof pumps!!
A good HV pump is a ride saver!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Even though I have never used it, I carry a flat kit. it has tire levers, a spare tube, and 3 co2 canisters and I think a patch kit. The plan was to watch a youtube video and practice at home. Well, good intentions do not always come to fruition and although I did watch the video, I never practiced. Today, I got a flat on my way to work. I realized that 1) I am CO2 canister challenged. I'm going to by a small air pump. any recommendations? 2) carry wipes or gloves or if you're like me carry both cause the gloves will irritate you and you'll still need the wipes to wash off your legs after leaning the tire on your thighs (assuming you are wearing shorts). 3) practice at home first.
Feeling like a piker today. Wimped out on riding because of the predicted storms all day. If today ends up like yesterday, I'm going to be really upset with myself!
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and support as I am recovering from my injuries. I am finally home from rehab. It is great to be back in my own home with my wife. Had my first home visit from my physical therapist yesterday. I don't know how she expects me to recover. When she arrived at my house she did't even bring me a new bike to replace my destroyed one.
Thank you Nyla. Carpe Diem!
@ E M Matteson-how very proud you must be that your son is commuting! I like that riding is a permanent state of being-can certainly relate through a life time of riding.
Mountain Biking at the deer lease tomorrow. No bike trails, yet.
Happy Birthday Laurie! Carpe Diem and Roll On!
I had my fastest ride ever tonight! Feels good to see steady improvement with my increased riding this year. Keep on pedaling and enjoy the ride!
Whoop whoop Laurie!
Good Morning Fellow riders, I've just logged another 30 miles yesterday, riding in a mountain though very tiring , it is really awesome, especially looking at the view, although during the descend my hand sores alot , maybe Im gripping the handle bar and break too hard, Im also afraid of heights lol. But its a great feeling when you reach the Top.
@Tammie, I hear ya. I missed 6 days traveling with my son, and I've had to really work hard to make up those 20's that I missed. I put in the extra 120 miles to cover it, but not everybody is going to do that. As for your injuries, it sounds to me like you might have hit it too hard too soon. Back off, recover, then approach this sport sensibly. Slowly increase your mileage, but like I've said before, forget the miles. Watch the clock instead. Build up your time in the saddle GRADUALLY. One sure way to quit this sport is to get hurt, and then to keep hurting yourself. Heal quickly, but give it a rest to heal at all.
Do you remember your first bike? The fizzy exhilaration of traveling under your own power?- the heady, exuberant freedom to explore?…the matchless, giddy, slightly reckless, wind-in-your-face glee of a smooth, swift downhill roll? .. Entirely irrespective of the presence or absence of a dizzying array of pricey, optional ride enhancing gear and gadgets, and more than half a century past my first triumphant training-wheel free teeter down the driveway, “FUN” still tops my list of reasons to ride;-far outweighing any arbitrary point total, chosen competition or worthy economic, environmental and health benefits.
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Attitude and perception can alter the experience. Be wary of letting cycling become an adversarial obligation. Don’t hurt yourself. Apart from those who truly have no other transportation we are riding purely by choice. Ride when you WANT to, and never lose or underestimate the spirit stretching power of a JOY….RIDE!
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(thus endeth sermonette-insert heavenward glance of gratitude here*(-;)
I'm in Starkville. MS, this week, and for this old body acclimated to the Pacific Northwest, it's HOT! - 89 F when I went out tonight at 6:30 pm. I'm getting in a few miles each day so that maybe I at least don't lose any conditioning I've developed for the Seattle to Portland in mid-July. This is actually a pretty nice town to ride in. Haven't found good long stretches to just relax and turn pedals, but I've found plenty of bike-able roads. Lots more fun than motel TV.
Way to go Laurie!
@ Laurie, way to go! Just proves you are YZ years young!!
I did it! This week I'm having (whisper) a milestone birthday, and a few weeks ago I decided it would be cool to get 500 miles in before then. Counting the warmup rides at the end of April, I made it! Thanks to everyone here for being so encouraging as I turn from a couch potato into a bike addict :)
@Tammie - take care and get well enough to ride. The 20 points per day are a double edged sword. They tempt injured folks like you to get back on the saddle too early, but they also encourage me to get on the saddle when I'm travelling - like these two weeks -- even when I've only got time to get in a ride of 5 or 6 miles.
@ all you injured riders: may you heal quickly and completely - and avoid further injury.
Way to go son of Matteson!
@Jenny
Congrats on year of recovery and hoping your injuries have healed well.
Good to see you are still riding.
Thanks for helping keep a idiot pit bull owner from unleashing his dog.
I have been attacked (fortunately muzzled) and it scared the crap outta me.
Sooo many pit bulls here, and idiots seem the typical owner.
OHH, OHH, proud mom here just has to report that her son is now bikitng to work two days a week!!!
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@ Tammie and all you injured people out there. Please be careful and recover. Bicycling is not just for the challenge, its a permanent state of being (no I did not just eat magical mushrooms). ROLL WHEN YOU CAN ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
Tammie, I sure hope you get better soon and back in the saddle :) I understand exactly how you feel about missing the 20 points. But you also gotta listen to your body and not push beyond what you're able.
Speaking of injuries, I had just posted on the local page that today is the anniversary of the day that I got bit by a pit bull while on a bike ride last year. So glad I am not dealing with that any longer! If anyone is curious how that turned out, the owner still hasn't reimbursed any of the medical bills, but I am still fighting this battle. I took the issue to city council and now the dog is "regulated" which means that it has to be leashed all the time when outside, unless it is in its kennel. The owner has to carry a $1 million insurance policy on the dog. I don't know if they are complying with any of this, but that is everything that I could do to stop the dog from hurting anyone else.
Heather, I hear you loud and clear. I am also a sport rider and I enjoy picking out a different route each day that suits my mood, energy, and wind direction. If I was commuting, there would be only 2 directions, there and back. And my commute is 20 miles one way, which pretty much would turn my 8.5 hour workday into a 12-13 hour workday.
The duct tape held just fine on pavement, but then I went on a trail with loose gravel, ruts, and general bumpiness. I'll have to redo the tape job tomorrow :)
@ Laurie, I have a toe strap duck taped to one of my pedals. One of these days I'll get a new bolt. I also rolled up some tape on a used glue stick container so I could add it to my bike bag kit.
Cool!... an air horn. LOL The injuries are taking their toll everywhere it seems. I am on the couch myself. I finally went to a doctor today.. chiropractor.. he told me to stay off the bike for a few days.. couldn't ride today if I tried! Muscle spasms from my neck to my right lleg on the right side. I just waited way too long to seek help. It is going to be a lot of work to get it settled down now. It was really hard to convince myself not to at least do one little mile.. and I still may do SOMETHING tomorrow for those 20 points. I think those daily points are a BAD idea.. they have people like me riding when we should NOT! Maybe next time it should be something smaller .. more like 5 points daily. I have to get myself back in shape for July 20th and 21st Bike MS.. I see everyone is doing so well with their events ... ride on everyone! Ride a few for me please.
J. Hugh Strickland-- I have the AIr sound air horn. It works great. Lots of noise and you bike pump recharges it. I have used it when people back out of driveways, parking spots and wuhen the try to turn un front. Works good on skaters/joggers with their ipods on high so they cant hear my bell or voice.
Care must be taken in mounting to the handlebars
After last night's bike seat fiasco, I went to the bike shop today to pick out a new one. It's set aside for me until payday, and in the meantime the duct tape repair will have to do.
Raced a thunderstorm home tonight. Got wet but wasn't struck. Always a good thing (lightning was ahead or to the south of me). But the thing about commuting is that no matter what happens there's only one way to get home, ride back. (of course the other commuters called for cars to pick them up, I do not have that luxury.)
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May all injured riders get well soon. The nice thing about my injury was that it only hurt when I slept on my side or drove a car (right hip and back of thigh). so I was stuck riding a bike every day because that kept the pressure off my thigh. :p Poor me. Too bad all injuries don't force us into biking more.
@ Randy, you can always keep track of the miles and record them when you get back.
@ Gail - My points were different for national and local too, but eventually the one caught up with the other.
Congrats Roberto!
Almost back into the top 100. Making up lost days at 20 points each is tough!
I wonder why on the local leaderboard I have 1101 points and on the National one I have only 1069? What's up with that?
We have been out of town for the month of June, so far. We are leaving for Europe tomorrow and riding for 7 days there. I will not be using Endomondo for this trip, but we will riding many miles each day.
Gosh Nyla, sounds like you were riding near the forest and then the sea. Great gifts none the less.
@Heather, cycling is for you and only you and what it does for you. Enjoy your rides, don't do what doesn't feel good or you will not like cycling. It is my understanding that this challenge is for anyone who has a love of riding, whether you commute or bike for recreation or both. It is also to help inspire people to get up and move.
Gifts of the Day: Mama black bear and cub ambling across sunlit road ahead of me, and fields of red clover with a fragrance so intensely sweet as to become a flavor when inhaled in passing. (This was a therapeutic counterpoint to fields a few miles further along apparently fertilized with a combination of dead fish, rotting seaweed and decomposing snails….which I suppose accounted for the circling seagulls (-;)
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Heather, Make whatever choices you find necessary to preserve your pleasure in pedaling, and continue to Enjoy the Ride (-:
@ Heather you continue to inspire us all.
I stopped commuting when I switched from a hybrid bike to a road bike. I'll start again someday, but after forcing it a couple of times..now is not the right time. I've actually enjoyed not having the challenges that go along with bike commuting. I enjoy riding for sport. I still do a ton of advocate work, especially for using bikes for transportation. I am considering become an LCI too. All of us have to do what is best for our unique situations.
I was amazed when I got into my car to take the DH to the hardware store (you can't go alone???) on Saturday. It goes way too fast! I don't like being in a car any more!! My DIL was freaking out that I was going to ride today "But it's been RAINING!" And??? I assured her I'm not a witch or made of sugar, so the rain shouldn't hurt me. @Burklee and anyone else who's mentioned an injury in the past few days: heal well and quickly.
@ Sam, can you save the heat for the heatstroke ride? Hope to make that one!
TURN UP THE HEAT, NEBRASKA!!!
anybody have experience riding with Air Zound horn on their bicycle? I am thinking about it.
Kelly, Your reasons to ride are shared by many challenge participants…Thanks for expressing them with such charmed and vivid clarity.
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Burklee; may you mend swiftly, pedal gently and continuing enjoying the ride
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Leonard: How fitting that you inspired someone to add a bright light, Can’t think of a better metaphor than bright illumination for your consistent contributions to the Challenge. (-:
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Just Registered for the 2013 MS Society TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota) July 14-19 from International Falls to Duluth.
Many reasons to ride including two friends diagnosed with MS in their early forties.
Now I just need to raise money, plan, pack, pedal more, and decide whether to traverse the route on the same cherished 1972 ten-speed that took me across the state for the very first TRAM in 1990. I anticipate an exceptional journey. (-:
Hi all, out this morning at 8 am to take advantage of the 80 degree temps. (instead of the 90s where it is now). Saw lots of joggers and lots of traffic. I agree with Kelly and the wavers. Its always great to wave and say hi to people. There was even a guy in a pickup truck who gave me the right of way when he could have easily blasted out of the driveway and past me. My guess is that he is a biker when he's not working. The more people we inspire to ride, the better...
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@ Burklee, ouch feel better soon. Way to go promoting the Bike Kitchen. At the moment, I have a bike in my kitchen, so I guess I have a bike kitchen too. LOL
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
@Burklee, Take it easy and enjoy some nice slow rides. Many times it's easier to ride than it is to walk. You should be fine as long as you don't try to push too much. Way to promote the Lincoln Bike Kitchen!!!
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@Heather, Glad to see you're able to do so much riding, I've got my work cut out for me if I'm ever going to catch you this year. :-)
@burklee I hope you get better really soon. I am doing well and have worked out my ortho issues. I got the A okay to cycle, swim and do yoga. Were training for the century in October. I've been up to 40 miles at a time now, and 60 on the week. Just love that new bike of mine! Ride on, friends. :)
Kelly, Your reasons to ride are shared by many challenge participants…Thanks for expressing them with such charmed and vivid clarity.
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Burklee; may you mend swiftly, pedal gently and continuing enjoying the ride
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Leonard: How fitting that you inspired someone to add a bright light, Can’t think of a better metaphor than bright illumination for your consistent contributions to the Challenge. (-:
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Just Registered for the 2013 MS Society TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota) July 14-19 from International Falls to Duluth.
Many reasons to ride including two former co-workers diagnosed with MS in their early forties.
Now I just need to raise money, plan, pack, pedal more, and decide whether to traverse the route on the same cherished 1972 ten-speed that took me across the state for the very first TRAM in 1990. I anticipate an exceptional journey. (-:
@Burklee-Hope you get to keep on riding and get better soon! Sounds like its going to be A-Okay though.
Burklee - keep up your positive spirit! All the best!
to add to Kelly's comment....I get such a kick out of saying Good Morning to someone and having them say it back. A lot of the runners have earbuds in and don't hear, but I think I still get blessings for saying it to them. It was a great commute today. 35.5 mph was my max downhill. :-)
@ Burklee - Hope you have a speedy recovery! Injuries are no fun. :(
@Leonard-how could that not make your day? What a compliment to have inspired someone.
I had to be off my bike this weekend. I ran to catch the bus for Jay and something popped in my knee and really hurt (but I caught the bus!!) Saw my GP Friday, she thought maybe I had torn ligaments. She said I could take easy rides, but Jay wanted me to rest all weekend so I did. I saw an orthopedic surgeon yesterday. He's fairly certain that it's torn cartilage, not ligaments. He also said I could keep riding if I can tolerate it. I can tolerate riding much better than walking, though that is getting better, too. He also said as long as cycling doesn't hurt I can ride in the Cornhusker State Games, and if surgery is necessary, it doesn't have to happen 'til NBC is over. And, he knows what NBC is! But he didn't know what the Lincoln Bike Kitchen is, so I got to give him the spiel and a business card and he may have some donations for us! I've read comments since Friday morning, so I may be replying to older comments. Forgive me.
@Kathy & Cynthia - I have a rack on the back of my bike which will hold up to 55lbs. I just bungee the 28 lb. box of cat litter securely and go. *Disclaimer - I only live 4 blocks from the store.
@ Kelly, Excellent comments, thank you for saying so well what we all feel.
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Wildlife, "the rabbit or two" - 25 mile ride this morning at least 2 DOZEN rabbits along the route. I know rabbits multiply like, well rabbits, but this is getting to be extreme!!!
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"Imitation is the sincerest of flattery" This morning as I left for my ride (5:30) I passed a gentleman walking with a bright light strapped to his belt. I commented that I liked his light, it really made him show up. He said he got the idea from watching me ride past him. Absolutely made my day :-)
@Cycling Roberto, regarding motorists being stopped by police, I had it happen a couple years ago. I was riding down the road with a police car behind me when a motorist pulled out of a parking lot directly into my path. I slammed on the brakes and just missed hitting the car. l The officer went around me and pulled the car over, I don't know if the driver was ticketed or not but I'm sure they received a warning about yielding to cyclists.
@ALL, The cyclists in Sebring have a very good relationship with local law enforcement, A number of officers are members of our cycling club and we hire them for traffic control during major local cycling events (4 x a year). We also keep in touch with the county commission relating to cycling events as well as the chamber of commerce. I ALWAYS make it a point to smile and wave anytime I see a police/sheriff's car on the road - never hurts to spread a little good will in the community.
A bad day on your bike is better than a good day off your bike.
Every time you drive a car you lose a little bit of your soul.
I am so sad for this country and its people that are so consumed with consuming that they call it living. And the rush to get through the day leaves minds and hearts unclear and very cloudy. I think pedestrians get more respect than cyclists. We represent what they don't want to see. Educating one person at a time can only help. There are 30,0000 + of us out there doing and seeing what we do. If one person tells one person and one person adds up to 10 then at least 1 or 2 people will feel inspired to try it. I am so happy I made the decision to do what I am doing and I have not looked back, although I am becoming somewhat of a novelty in my small town. Lol. Sounds like there are other countries who got the memo-what happened to us?
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On another note-overcast commute this morning but no real threat of rain. With all the humid moist air and the afternoon showers, mushrooms are coming up all over! I saw a squirrel sitting in front of a very large mushroom and eating it! I did not know that squirrels ate mushrooms. He was so cute! Just sitting up on his hind legs and his front paws were holding the mushroom and just a munching away.
Oh, and first thing heading out today, I laid my panniers on the porch while I went to the shed to get my bike-came back and a snake was wrapped around the handle of the one bag! Thankfully I did not have to interact with him too much as it was more afraid of me than I was of it and it slithered off into a bush.
@Kelly-awesome sentiment.
Awesome pedal this morning!!
Thick pea soup like fog made for an interesting pedal through the woods and red dirt of northern Minnesota's Iron Range!!
The "wood rats," aka deer, must've slept in on account of the fog??!! Ha Ha Ha
15 miles in before 7 a.m. = priceless!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ Kelly -- Very well stated!
These are the reasons why people should bike to work besides the obvious of savings gas and being healthy (at least in the summer)...
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You get to actually smell the beautiful flowers as you pass by them, feel the wind in your face and the warmth of the summer mornings/afternoons. Fresh air actually feels the best when you're out in it.
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That old man sitting outside on his porch waves to you as you shout "good morning!" to him. You wave to the man in the business suit taking out his trash before work and he smiles and says "good morning" to you as you pass.
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If you're fortunate enough to live where there is wildlife, you get to see it up close and enjoy the rabbit or two that scurries away as you ride past them.
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You get the quick refreshment of cycling through a sprinkler that has decided to no longer water the grass, but the sidewalks and the street instead!
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You learn that there is no reason to rush in life to get somewhere, but as someone said the other day here.. To enjoy the journey along the way. And that follows you even when you aren't riding on your bike.
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I have my mornings that are just so frustrating because of near incidents with multiple motorists, but when I try to put that behind me and actually take a look around at what I get to experience every single day.. I remember how incredibly fortunate I am to get to have these experiences. You can't have any of these driving around in a tin can.
My points have not been updated for two days. June 24th and 25th.
Entered my miles about 3 hours ago. Still hasn't updated.
The Endomondo NBC campaign is not updating points again today. I waited before reporting, then searched to see if anyone else had reported the issue. Looks like one person did - so I added to his post. Anyone else? https://getsatisfaction.com/endomondo/topics/national_bike_challenge_miles_not_updating
Rode to the Y this evening to work out, and when I got there noticed that one side of my bike seat was loose. Later left the Y, rode about a block, and the seat top came completely off the frame and post. So I very gingerly rode it like that about 3 miles to my brother's house. Mr Fix-it wasn't home, so his wife and I duct-taped the seat back together until I can get a new one.
Riding in Quebec City for next couple of days. Lots of traffic and riders here co-existing on the roads without apparent incident. Counseled my son today on not riding "messenger style" but having patience to share the road in stop-n-go traffic. Looking forward to more riding a demain
2510 pts and the site is refusing ti update my point total...grrrrrrr
I blame law enforcement. We have the laws on the books, but it seems the police are very reluctant to enforce them. When a friend of mine was hit by a motorist, I had to go around and ask the witnesses to speak to the police who seemed completely disinterested in collecting evidence. Collisions with bicycles by motorists are more than accidents. Each one must be treated individually. I can name countless incidents in recent years in this area ending in fatalities that were written off as "accidents." End of story.
I'd love to know of anyone who has ever witnessed a motorist being ticketed for something to do with a cyclist? Passing too close, unsafe entry into a roadway, etc.
@ Ian, were were in China several years ago when bikes rule and were used for absolutely everything (moving heavy objects, carting kids etc...) Apparently now all they want are cars. Same for India (I mean they want cars, I have never been in India). Its sad. We need to stick together and promote respect and safety for bicycling every way we can. Public service messages etc...
@Ian M. Seecof. I agree. I rode many kilometers through Europe and the motorists are very friendly to cyclists. Strangely I felt more "at home" there than in the US. Europeans are more attuned to quality than quantity.
THEY ARE IN OUR WAY. At least with flooded roads the bikes got through and the cars had to turn around and go back! They are perfectly willing to slow down for other cars and repair people on the road etc. We need to teach them to slow down for us too!
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@ Kelly sorry to hear about your spill. Take it easy until the injuries heal!
Motorists attitudes are a sad commentary on the attitudes and lifestyle of many Americans. Materialism trumps quality of life and so many people do not know their inner self. So they are in a constant hurry to get what they think they need. I have cycled in many countries that have so much less luxury, but so much more to fill their lives. We cycled around Spain and Portugal and never heard a dispariging word.
Due to a nasty spill I took on Saturday, today is the first day I drove to work since the start of the challenge. I must say.. 2 straight months of biking everywhere.. I've lost all patience for motorists. Why is everyone in such a rush that they endanger themselves and everyone around them? I didn't even want to be apart of it! I was so ashamed to be driving my car. Regardless of my injuries I will be back biking tomorrow. Slowly, but surely!
@Roberto
You are in their way....They own the road.
When a car hits a cyclist they say I didnt see you, you musta been in my way, you WERE on the road.
NYC banned electric bikes.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1084757_nyc-bans-electric-bikes-again-launches-bike-sharing-system
I hope everyone in the Midwest in the path of the storms this morning are safe.
Does this happen to anyone else? I roll up to a stop sign, middle of my lane (usually a one lane in each direction road), and the car directly behind me follows me through the intersection inches from my rear wheel. Almost as if I'm not really a vehicle on the road at all, but merely someone in the way. Really makes me mad!
I really like having eleventy eleven points (1111), but I rode today...
OK Marty G, What does Goba stand for and why should others ride it next year? Nice blog. Great Pics!
Hey those soft shell turtles are neat looking! Never even knew they existed.
@Marty-cool blog.
In addition to a profusion of wild roses in full fragrant bloom, bonus views from yesterday’s ride included two large caches of leathery white, recently vacated turtle eggs, and a platter-sized elder of the clan further along the road; shell smooth, black, nearly flat. Circled around for a lingering closer encounter. Google search identified “soft shell turtle”..apparently increasingly rare. Such wonders awaiting two-wheeled wanderers. (-: Come Out and Play!
Back from GOBA. What a great week.
Check my blog for small review and pics.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
My husband and I try to ride every day the weather permits.
@James....yeah, I have tried the hard reset thing. It will turn on but only if it is on the charger. I'm going to call customer service and see if they can replace the battery or something like that. I really want the 310XT, but finances being what they are, I should probably try to keep this one working.
@E M....Thanks! I figure you can't be too far apart when your teenage daughter will be see on a bike with her mother!
My friend's comment when I told her about the bike portaging: "At least you won't stall out" ahh the beauties of bicycling!
@Andrea one other thing. Have you contacted Garmin about your 205? I thought mine had died twice and doing a hard reset brought it back to life. They have instructions on the hard reset buried in their support pages as well.
@ Andrea, so awesome to see another mother / daughter team out there. Enjoyed 70 miles on the Rock Island Ramble with my daughter on Sat. Even more inspiring that you daughter rode her bike to band camp! Congrats on making a rider out of her! I'm always happy to be able to ride with family & friends!
@Andrea sorry to hear your 205 died. I have one and preemptively replaced it this year with a 510. I have had the 205 for about the same time you have and had it replaced under warranty once early on. It's been a good GPS. I love it the new Garmin. I'm pretty sure I can trace improvement of my cycling this year to the 510. My wife and son are using the 205 when they remember to take it.
My Garmin Forerunner 205 died this weekend. I am heartbroken. I have had it for 6 years. It has suffered blood, sweat, and tears with me. I'm lost without it. :'( My 17 yoa daughter and I are training for a 70 mile bike ride in September. It is so fun to see her get excited about biking. This morning she had access to the car to go to marching band, but she chose to ride her bike! She is awesome! :-)
@Brad-that is so true and so very important.
Well said Cynthia. Also bringing to mind another thought. "Wherever you are, be all there."
@Douglas, Rob, and all: Beautiful sentiment.
There is a comfort in riding around your local community. It brings a sense of peace, familiarity, and sense of place. Even if you meet those people who live there and never met and get to chat with. You never know how you may touch that persons life by just saying hi or what they may have to offer you. A leisure bike ride with your significant other also brings peace, smiles, and contentment. You get to share together the sites and sounds of your locale that you would not normally get to share if one of you where driving or biking alone at a more fast pace. When I ride alone I think, oh gosh! I have to share what I have seen and then I forget by the time I get home. And, like Brad, those great thoughts come through the mind and I forget what they were to write them down at home. It's possibly a great lesson in Be Here Now, and the experience leaves a greater impact on your person than your realize. You find you become a better person.
Dan, I have multiple gmail accounts, easy to set up and all free. As for the ex, just heard he has moved back east after 20 yrs here. Said hey to same runner 3 times as we each did our loop this morning. Breezy and cloudy. Journeying in ID and admiring the view.
@Douglas F - 100% agree. I went for a bike ride last evening with my wife. We rode a few miles along the quiet streets of our city with the moon rising in the east. We stopped to talk with a man who was outside his house, did not know him but it was a nice conversation. There is something special for me about riding on a warm summer evening, the sound of the crickets and the peacefulness. I look forward to more evening rides this summer. Hope you all enjoy the ride!
Here's a quote from a Church leader made during a talk last October. Please, if you're not religious ignore that it's from a religious leader and simply read the quote for what it says.
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My wife, Harriet, and I love riding our bicycles. It is wonderful to get out and enjoy the beauties of nature. We have certain routes we like to bike, but we don’t pay too much attention to how far we go or how fast we travel in comparison with other riders.
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However, occasionally I think we should be a bit more competitive. I even think we could get a better time or ride at a higher speed if only we pushed ourselves a little more. And then sometimes I even make the big mistake of mentioning this idea to my wonderful wife.
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Her typical reaction to my suggestions of this nature is always very kind, very clear, and very direct. She smiles and says, “Dieter, it’s not a race; it’s a journey. Enjoy the moment.”
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How right she is!
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Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don’t go cycling with my wife because I’m excited about finishing. I go because the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable.
- "Of Regrets and Resolutions", President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This morning's commute was quiet and nice. Great way as always to start the week. Saw two baby Ospreys sitting up in their nest. Amazing how big they are even when they are small! Saw lots of mushrooms along the route, every shape, size and color.
Gosh, the sky got pitch black as I approached work. Just missed the deluge! Whew.
Bike ride yesterday morning with our local bike great was wonderful as always. Great conversations going on this weekend, so much fun to read but too much to catch up with comments.
@ Marty, I still have stubborn German pride in my state! Any rivalry I express is all in fun, much in the same way I interact with my many Chicago friends during football season.
I think the reason for the slow updates is that Endomondo was using this weekend trying to get ready for the end of the month, so that they can have a smoother transition than last month.
@Laurie - Don't discount Nebraska's chances. Even though we are the Badger State, they ride like the Honey Badger of You Tube fame fron 2 or 3 years ago. As the months progress, they just keep getting stronger. If we wouldn't have started with a bigger lead last year, they would have passed us. And now, with the extra month, that is where they excel. The other part of the problem was that when many of our riders reached Platinum, they stopped logging miles. So, that really hurt when our best riders were no longer in it.
It was nice that the NBC added the Diamond level this year to counteract early dropouts, but then they recently said that Gold level riders were now eligible for the Platinum/Diamond levels prizes, which negates negating early dropouts.
@Elaine - It is definitely good that he is your Ex. Hopefully, you aren't riding near where he drives.
@Roberto, Exactly. Don't make drivers guess what you are doing and don't guess what they are doing because there is going to be a time when someone guesses wrong. Visibility.
@Dan - We definitely want young'uns in the Challenge. There is plenty of fun for everyone. When we discussed this earlier, the best solution anyone could come up with was just to start some new email addresses for them, with you or your wife logging them in. (I know that juno.com and gmail.com both have free email accounts. There are probably numerous others.) Your grandsons could easily log the miles manually, and see where they rank. But one thing you might want to tell them to do is to ride at least a mile (it may be a certain number of time up and down the driveway) each time they ride, then they will get the 20 additional points, which is a new rule for this year.
Anybody have any suggestions for getting grandsons registered for the Challenge? I tryed to get these two training wheel hotshots into the NBC, but Endo rejected my attempt saying the "email address was already in use". What BS--my wife and I are in the Challenge and use the same email address! Any ideas about how to defeat the Endo monster who is keeping a 5 yr and 3 yr out of the fun? The 3 yr old, jake, was crying, because he couldn't join!
Just read about the Halt! spray and suggestions. I can pack that. Ben, I too "own the road" at stopsigns with success. About 30% of the time, if it's me and 1 car, they wave to me and let me go. I wave back, smile, and go. My ex husband was known for yelling "get the slow one" ergo I ceased street riding 17 yrs ago.
I almost collided with a black bear that ran out into the road right in front of me up at a ride at Mt Shasta last summer. I had to swerve to miss it and I was going pretty fast as I had just passed a group of riders on a slight down hill.
My funniest encounter on a bicycle happened a long time ago. I will never forget this three year old little boy pitching walnuts at me as I passed him going up hill on my bike. I yelled, "Stop that!", as I rode passed him. I guess I scared the little guy, as he shook all over. Hope it taught him not to chuck things at passing bicyclists. It still makes me chuckle.
@ Laurie. When going straight or turning left do not shade to one side or the other, all you are either giving drivers the room or the sense that they can squeeze By you or cut you off. Get in the center of the lane and don't be afraid to go to the front if possible. You must make yourself part of the traffic not an accessory
Protect your rights and protect yourself. I've been commuting here in San Diego since 1983 if you're wondering if I had any experience.
Dave, out here, I have heard bear spray too. One of the guys at our bike shop was bitten abt 3 weeks ago. Stitches are about gone. My calf tingled for a good 2 miles with the thought of it. Rode like he%!. Oh the experiences we all have. But will do hmwk and be prepared.
Will do. That's what put me off street riding almost 17 yrs ago. Love it too much now to give in.
@Elaine
I was attacked by a pit bull while mtn biking some years ago. I was quite fortunate that the dog had bitten someone else already and the rude owner had muzzled the dog. It still went right for my leg aggressively and would have mangled it in seconds. Once I cleaned my shorts and left screaming at the owner, I decided I'd never ride without pepper spray again. With seemingly more pit bulls and rude motorists, I am glad I have it, but fortunately haven't had to use it.
Cujo needs a halt treatment. It works. Read up on how to handle a dog when on a bike. There are some very instructive articles. think about it before it happens, but that goes for a lot of cycling.
I just had a chat with my neighbor that his girls REALLY NEED HELMETS. Then he told meabout his wife running on the same rode I ride twice a day and being honked at, yelled at, and almost hit. People don't care about others. I keep thinking I need a shirt to ride in that says "I promise not to hit your kids,dog or freinds next time I drive my car" He did agree to get them in their helmets. I hope the points/miles load soon. I'd hate to think being chased by Cujo today was all for naught. Ridin' safe and sane in ID.
A few days ago I was approaching an intersection with 2 lanes, one for straight/right and the other for left turns. Since I was turning left I got into the right side of that lane maybe 15-20 feet before the cross street. A pick up truck came up on my left and then cut me off to get back in the right lane.
@ Roberto: The other day I had a similarly rude encounter with the police.
I approached an urban side street intersection wanting to go straight across, and a police car on the opposite site indicating to turn left. This meant I had right of way. But no way: The police officer slowly made his turn, while looking and pointing finger at me, and from his lips I could read something like "You wait!". That was not some redneck, but a POLICE OFFICER!
Of course, I also get yelled at when drivers think I should better use the sidewalk, even if the street has signs that say "Bike Route", which is all you get here in Norman, OK.
When a public agency employee endangers me or drives unsafely I report them to the highest office I can email that the employee reports to, also copying the local newspaper editors. I have gotten good results from a number of occasions. I have never gotten a negative reception from a higher up. If you take bad behavior when you can do something it encourages others.
@ Roberto, YES WE DO. Every time I see a sign that says "watch for motorcycles" I think "AND BICYCLES"!!!
I usually have problems with them right hooking me although there have been a few times I have had semi trucks cutting it way to close while passing me at full speed ( 60 miles an hr or so) and people pulling trailers of all kinds coming back over too soon after they pass, Most of them up here give me a nice comfortable berth, like the law says up here in PA.
We need more public service announcements regarding cyclists on the road. I had a guy nearly take me out today as he passed me within 100 feet of a stop sign, then he brake-checked me yelling I was breaking the law being in the lane. This was at a rural intersection with no shoulders on the road. I'm sure he thought he was right, even though he violated at least two PA traffic laws in the process. And yesterday, I was passed within 50 feet of a stop sign with oncoming traffic by a LOCAL POLICE OFFICER. It's getting ridiculous.
Everyone becareful out there, there were 2 different car bike wrecks in the last 1.5 days in my area. One was fatal that I listed the other one was a cyclist involved in a hit and run, he never saw the car, they clipped him from behind and left him laying and never stopped, the police are still looking for the driver of the car, the cyclist is in the hospital as of their last report
@ Kelly I have had problems before a few times but it always seems to catch up, they might be having server issues.
@ Allen - Oh wow. Ok thanks. I guess I'll just wait until tomorrow and see what happens.
Hi all, a wacky weekend of riding. On Sat. my daugher & I were in Lees Summit, MO for the Rock Island Ramble. We overslept a little so we missed the mass start: one time around the race course. But we went for the 70 mile ride anyway. Temps. climbed from the 80s to the 90s and it was humid. KUDOS to the ride organizers for arranging a rest stop almost excactly every 12 miles. We needed that cold water and the snacks were great! We would have melted ortherwise! Also, eveyone was so friendly from the ride organizers to the people working the rest stops, other riders and random people passing us on the road. At one point we got free cold water and cliff bars, courtesy of the local bike shop owner. The terrain was a nice mix of flat and long rolling hills. Only a couple of steep ones. Overall I rate the ride as an "A" and given the chance, I would take the ride again. The races at the end were a nice bonus. We especially got a kick out of the little kid's races!
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Today I rode on the other end of Missouri, actually just across the river in Illinois. The terrain was mostly flat and there was good use of local trails. For once it was not super windy. I have to admit, I have never tried portaging my bike before. But there were three spots on the road where the choice was go back and try a different route, or go through the water. The first time it was possible to walk the bike through the water. The second two times it was pick up your bike and carry it. Some people opted to remove socks and shoes for this. I left mine on. Who knew, the extra water might have come in handy. LOL!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE. PS We all know that Nebraska is secretly in the lead!
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/bicyclist-from-pittsburgh-killed-in-bethany-beach-crash-692726/
@Kelly, I had the same problem earlier, but it finally updated almost 8 hrs later
Ok. Something is wrong with the challenge points today. My points and total miles never updated after almost 5 hours so I deleted them and re-entered them. Still nothing. I added fake miles in just to see if my points changed.. Nothing. So I deleted my fake miles and left my actual miles, but I haven't been credited them. :( Anybody else having this problem today?
Nebraska might be 0.4 points ahead of Wisconsin for the month, but they are way behind for the challenge period. And I expect that it will stay that way :)
I think it's the Nebraska Hackers. lol
@Rick did you check to see if Marty or Brad were hiding nearby to shoot your tire out? They are very tricky and could have secreted away to Ga. just to sabotage your ride. Be Careful out there. Bon Ton Roule
PS glad you got a family sag for help.
Kelly, yesterday it took at least an hour or more for my points to update. Lately there's been a huge lag for some reason.
Its Sunday and the numbers of people riding goes up, this causes scoring and totaling to slow way down. Or is this another WisCONSIN rigged result by Marty and Brad?
I went out for a short 2.20 mile ride an hour ago just to get some point for the day. It shows in my little box for "this week" and "today" but my points stayed the same and so did my overall miles for the challenge period... I thought maybe it hasn't updated yet so I gave it an hour, but it's still the same. How do I fix that?
@Laurie - I often refer to my bike as my "mood stabilizer."
Nice easy ride this morning in Rome, GA. Pacific NW folks like me have to hit Georgia roads before it gets hot. I'm riding the old Schwinn 10 spd I stashed at my folks place last fall.
Went out on it yesterday around noon without a spare for the first time I can remember in 5 years of riding. So, what's the worst that could happen?
7 1/2 miles into the ride I stopped for a sip. I was sitting there with a foot on the curb and then BOOM! A quick look revealed a 6 inch split in the rear tube. Not gonna patch that, so I called my mom to tell her I'd be walking back. I told her I was fine, and not to worry. Right. You want ride support? Call Mom. She doesn't drive, but she called my sister and my ex-brother-in-law. I got about 20 minutes down the road before the cavalry showed up with a sag wagon to get me and my wounded steed home. Guess who won't go out again without at least one spare tube?
So far the summer has been nice! I'll take rain, and 80s over the 100F days of last summer!
Went for a brief ride in Cooperstown, NY. The town would probably be rated as the most bicycle unfriendly town if anyone knew about it. The highway leading to town is narrow, w/ poor shoulder and residents fly down the rode like scalded cats. Like there is anywhere else to go? For a town that lives and dies on tourist trade, they could benefit immeasurably from a little bicycle friendly infrastructure and change in their culture.
When life gets my mind and spirit tied up in knots, I find that a bike ride is very effective at untangling. Usually I end up at a park somewhere on the water, and simply sit and watch the waves and gulls and boats. I highly recommend it as a form of therapy :)
Autumn and Theresa,
At such times when words are of little use, may you each take whatever peace and comfort you can find in pedaling. My extraordinary Mom lived with me for her last seven years. Still miss her every day. Early morning rides before she awakened were my opportunity for centering and replenishing, and now along the way, many scents and sights conjure gentle memories. I wish you spirit-soothing rides when you hearts hurt.
Autumn - My heartfelt condolences....I do understand how cycling helps for a little while to forget the crap life throughs at us. My Mom had another stroke & will have a long road back to some type of independence. She is 85 years old & not in the best of health. Mom is now in that stage! Wow...it's hard to watch her slowly regress.
•The average person loses 13 lbs. their first year of commuting by bike.
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I drink a mass gainer every day simply to maintain my current weight. I stopped drinking it for a week and lost 4 pounds, which I cannot afford to lose. The $90 or so that I spend a month on my special "human fuel" is probably what I would spend on car fuel if I drove instead of biked, so I consider it an even swap if not better (since I'm healthier and in better shape biking).
@Autumn - Our thoughts are with you and your family members.
Rock on Team Wisconsin!
Autumn, my condolences.
Thank you Kathy. That was exactly what I was looking for.
Nebraska - I will do my part to keep our lead on our attempt at 167 mile ride on June 29. We are traveling from Omaha to Des Moines to ride their absolutely magnificent asphalt trail system around the city, including the High Trestle Trail Bridge (http://www.inhf.org/high-trestle-trail-intro.cfm). We are only re-tracing 15 miles on this route!
My local Am Red Cross looks quizzically at me when dismounting the bike for my whole blood donation (single unit), especially in snow covered ground. They just ask me to stick around a bit longer.
All in all, the bicycling blessings continue for me here in the Midwest!
I lost my mom om June 19 this was the first day i rode and for a short time it helped I miss my mom every minute and on the ride we talked about her and the memories it was so nuce to reflect on her and she rode along
Bike for your health:
•The average person loses 13 lbs. their first year of commuting by bike.
•Just three hours of bicycling per week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.
•A 140-pound cyclist burns 508 calories while pedaling 14 miles in an hour.
Bike for the environment:
•The U.S. could save 462 million gallons of gasoline a year by increasing cycling from 1% to 1.5% of all trips.
•Each U.S. rush-hour auto commuter spends an average of 50 hours a year stuck in traffic.
•In 2003, cars stalled in traffic wasted 5 billion gallons of fuel.
Bike for the future:
•In 1964, 50% of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12%... In 2004, 3% rode to school and the obesity rate was 45%.
•Between 1960 and today the average weight of a 6-11 year old has increased 11 pounds.
Bike for five miles or less:
•60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively.
•25% of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40% of all trips are made within two miles of the home, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.
Two more lessons I learned from my accident. I was riding with a good friend. But she did not have my wife's cell phone number in her phone. And I didn't have her sister's phone number in my phone. I was conscious, so she was able to ask me how to contact my wife. I had the interactive road ID. Which I did not need since I was conscious. But they would have been able to use it to contact my wife had I been unconscious. It is a good idea to have cell phone numbers of family and friends of those you ride with constantly.
The second lesson that I learned, was having access to my phone. I keep my phone in a small bag just behind the handlebars. Had I been riding by myself on an isolated road, I would not have been able to get to my cell phone to call for help. My bicycle was 30 to 40 feet away from me. And I would not have been able to crawl to my bike to get to my phone if I needed it. So it is a good idea to carry your phone in jersey pocket.
I wonder if anyone else has seen this. A couple of years ago I saw a display in my local bike store that had a bunch of statistics on it. It had one statistic that said something like "Cycling makes up 1% of transportation in the United States, if cycling were to increase to 1.5%, it would save X billions of gallons in gasoline per year." Has anyone else seen this or know the statistics?
@J Hugh - I can't take credit for rigging the NBC. So, Vermontiers, or Vermontineers, you can stop sending me royalty checks. (I much prefer direct deposit.)
Marty, like the rigged NBC, you rigged biology. WisCONSIN, I know they don't call it cheating there.
@Tammie - Texas is only 0.01 p/1,000 behind #43. Everyone except Vermont can shoot for a higher place.
Until Jason mentioned triple platelets, and you and google confirmed it, I hadn't really realized that platelets were different from RBCs. I knew white blood cells were different. How did I ever pass biology? (Probaly because I took biology before the invention of the microscope.)
I am short on fuel at the moment. Gonna eat supper early, wait a bit, and then ride.
@ Marty, funny you should say "til the cows come home" because the ride I'm planning goes right past a cow pasture with probably 30-40 adults and babies. In the evenings they are back in the barn but I can still hear them mooing as I ride past.
@Leonard, I usually put a new tire on my front, put the front on the rear when the rear tire is worn out. So, kind of hard to give an accurate measurement of mileage. Given that I pay about $45 a tire, and I'm sure I'm getting over 5000 miles per tire, that works out to less than a penny per mile. But if you want to talk about performance, than that's another story. The Continental Grand Prix 4000s sticks to the road. You feel like your bicycle is on the proverbial rails. That's why I ride on them. I've ridden on high mileage tires before. I used to ride on Serfas tires which seemed to never wear out. In fact I still have one that is perfectly ride-able. However, no way to compare them with the GP 4000s's when it comes to grip. Brand new the Serfas tires never felt as rock steady as the Conti's.
Well, I don't have to worry about Texas anywhere in the mix.. we are way down at 44th place.. must be all that Bar-B-Que we love so much.. just finished some leftovers from my group dinner ride on thursday night! LOL So, the average NBC rider has 200 miles.. guess I can relax with my 605. I really want to take more days off but am still kicking myslef for the single day on monday. I can understand how that clavicle injury can slow you down more.. the pressure on that point when riding is so much more! My right hip is absolutely KILLING me but barely hurts when riding but my right shoulder is limiting my riding now. Giving whole blood reduces your ability to carry oxygen.. SLOW DOWN after giving until your body has time to replace the red blood cells, you can really compromise your heart and other organs.. giving platelates does not affect that ability. You just need a little time to replace the plasma/fluid. Nurse Tammie speaking. LOL
but it appears that while Nebraska is now ahead for June, Wisconsin still leads for the Challenge.period thus far. Though likely not strictly applicable...something about tortoises and hares come to mind. I suggest we eat more cheese and ice cream, (balancing the butterfat with some of those fresh berries and other farmer’s market finds)
and keep pedaling! (-;
@Marty, I give triple platelets bi-weekly and they all know I ride my bike there. I just promise to stop for coffee and a snack at the local place down the street and wait an hour before I begin my 10 mile ride home.
@Laurie - You can put your right hand down now, and get on your bike until the cows come home!
I also don't tell them at the donation place that I get there by bike. They would frown on that, especially with a double unit donation. I'm still more light headed than usual.
I solemnly swear to do all within my power to help Wisconsin take Nebraska........ :)
@Nebraska - I figured you would pass Wisconsin back over the weekend. You tend to ride more than us then, plus we've had a little bit of weather today. We're going to have to re-catch you and build up a bigger lead during the week, as June ends with both a Saturday and Sunday.
Marty, didn't they tell you at the donation place that you should take it easy for a day or two?
One way to slow down is to donate two units of red blood cells. The hills and wind sure seem a lot tougher yesterday and today. Maybe I need some brownies, or some of those fresh picked strawberries! (One beer right now would knock me out.) (Our mulberries should start ripening in less than a week, and I can't wait. Well, I can, as they don't taste as good until then.)
Nothing, absolutely nothing, tastes as good as a fresh picked strawberry from the farmers' market, especially after an 11 mile round trip bike ride to get it. :)
@Cycling Roberto, I'm glad to hear you like the Continental tires, I'm always looking for a good road tire. I currently use Bontrager Hardcase tires and typically get 16,000+ miles from the front tire (no flats in over 40,000 miles) and around 5,000 miles from the rear tire. Just wondering how the Continentals compare???
@Jerry B. When I shattered my hip in 2008 I was totally off my feet for 9 weeks. It was only 7 days before I rode my first century after I got back on my bike. I'm not saying it was fast, just that I succeeded in doing it. That said, your injuries are MUCH more sever than mine were so take your time and recover completely before you try to push too hard/far. BTW, last fall I broke my clavicle and I'm still not going more than 25 miles a day. That injury took a lot more out of me than the broken hip........
@Karen Jean Goth. Those aquatic bikes sound great. But there is nothing like that here in Longmont. Wish there was. When I get permission to start riding, I will do an exercise bike at the athletic club To make sure I can really ride. Then start ridting my real bike out on the Greenway. It will seem strange only riding 5-10 miles when I start off. I don't know how long it will take me to work my way back up to my 60 to 80 mile rides
Dad, Abby smells like cigars and beer again.
@Laurie, funny you should mention roses. I found one in my basket the other day and have no idea where it came from. [Cue Twilight Zone music]
Brownies are always good but I prefer a mug of cold beer for a post ride. Then brownies, beer, pizza and beer. Life is uncertain but I have it in the right order.
The boys are fighting again, Dad! Make them stop!
Brat, er Brad there you go again siding with Marty. Brownies and the truth do they mix? I think not.
Tammie - brownies or no, sometimes it's imperative to slow down. Get away from the TV, PC, radio, phone... have some quite time and 'disconnect' occasionally. I find getting out on the bike and wandering when you have no destination... when you have no particular time you have to be anywhere... is a great way to do that. Gives you time to let thoughts float and settle out. I've had some beautiful observations when I'm out pedaling, trouble is when I get home and go to write it down... poof, how did that go again? It sounded so perfect in my head... I guess it is kinda like a drug ;-))
Marty - there's only 2 people I trust here; you and me - and sometimes I'm not so sure about you.
@ Kathy Rieck. Good job and soon you'll feel like you are riding a carbon fiber bike. The cheapest way to get that feeling. I still would like to lighten my ride by another 15 lbs. Maybe I could lose more than my bike would weight only 5 lbs. lol Ride & Smile for Life is Good. PS Rember that muscle build weighs more than fat so don' t get discouraged.
Last night, the average person signed-up for the Challenge did a total of 200 miles, since May 1st. (The average for those who've logged miles - 264.)
I agree Tammie. How much fun is the destination if you don't smell the roses along the way?
I think we should all just eat some of those brownies and enjoy the ride... Forget about who is ahead of who! Wouldn't that just be a lot of fun?
@J. Hugh - I don't even believe what I say.
Congratulations, Kathy!
Warning you can't believe what Marty says because he helped to rig the NBC so WisCONSIN would win, but screwed that up too, because VT is ahead. He is over the hill and worries about Brad being over the Rainbow and enjoying his brownies. Sad person that Marty. Go for a ride Marty and leave poor little Brad alone.
Way to go Kathy!
As of this morning I have lost 10lbs since joining the NBC. 1/3 of the extra weight is gone.
Welcome home @Jerry hope your recovery is much faster than anticipated. I must be a complete wimp since pain in my shoulder and scapula is keeping me from riding much! Old injuries are not adjusting to the road bike well at all and I can't see my pain doctor until July 11. Trying to push through but just after a few miles each day I am ready to throw in the towel and I absolutely hate myself for it. Wish I wasn't allergic to every pain med known to man... He liquor cabinet it starting to look inviting.
Hey, all! Love the Chatter!
@Jerry - My first love is swimming, and, at our local aquatic center, they have aquatic bikes for workouts. They are like exercise bikes you ride in shallow water. I used them for therapy this Winter after I injured my knee playing soccer with my son's soccer team during a parent scrimmage. It was very helpful for rehab. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
@Cynthia - Love Yoga! Never tried yoga on the beach. Sounds twice as nice.
@ Brad, there is sick and then there's "sick". It seems that most of us here share it, whatever it is.
I do the same with bib shorts. I love Pearl Izumi. I covet a pair of their top of the line, but the next down the ladder are pretty awesome. Same with Sidi shoes. The only thing I buy top quality is tires: Continental Grand Prix 4000s for the road. Hard to beat them. I guess I'd have to include my Eddy Merckx limited edition frame as well. Since only 100 were made worldwide, it really doesn't have a model above it. All steel, done up in the Team 7-Eleven colors to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the team. Lugged, handmade in Belgium.
@ Roberto, sounds like you shop like my husband. Never buy the cheapest and never buy the most expensive. Doesn't matter what it is, could be a garden hose. LOL
@Douglas - Watch what you tell Brad. Telling him "someday" reminds him of Over the Rainbow, and with his magic brownies, and no shorts, right there you have a recipe for disaster.
@Jerry remember that you are probably in better shape right before the accident than the Doctors are used to seeing. Do whatever you can because you are more fit than most even with the damage that is healing. I, also, have see people believe themselves to be healing at a fast rate and it was true. I can see your bones knitting together all the way from here. I am riding for you for the next few weeks.
Components, well, I guess if you have the money, buy the closest to the top of the line you can afford. With Shimano, the difference becomes weight. I ride Ultegra, and I'm content with the group. I have had 105's as well. I had a Tiaga set on an old Trek. Each one as you move up in the line seems to be more finely crafted. This does come through in the feel. However, I wouldn't purchase anything below Ultegra simply because I think if you ride thousands of miles, the difference in cost per mile is minimal. By the same token to move up to the Dura Ace top of the line seems extravagant.
@Brad - Why wait? Yes, that's a rhetorical question as I know you're trying to rack up miles for the challenge but seriously, there have been several times when I was biking just to bike and the miles racked up without my even noticing. Waiting for the end of the challenge is like waiting for that ever elusive "someday." There will always be one challenge or another that comes up. Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today. :)
@Jerry - Welcome home! Remember, you don't have to be a granny to use the granny gear! Even doing a mile will help with the cure :)
Go for the 105's. I put about 14,000 road miles on them on my first bike, still riding 105's on one of my current bikes.
Laurie Rescheske - I see it now. I am sick and I need to take corrective action... after September 30.
I am back home finally from rehab. It has been 15 days since my accident. I was told I might be able to start riding in 6-8 weeks. Only 57 more days until to Tour de Cure ride for diabetes which I do ever year. I definitely won't be able to do the 100 miler. I will probably have to settle for the 30 mile ride. I sure hope I can ride in it this year.
I rode 105 for several years after having lesser components. 105 over the lesser would be my judgement. Whenever I have improved I have not been sorry, I am however now road testing chains to see which is better for me and the way and distance I ride.
I just bought my road bike and it has the 105's. I am so new to riding I don't know the difference but was told they have smoother shifting.. I would not have known the difference but was riding with someone who has the bike model one step below mine with the Shimano Tiagra ... otherwise she has almost the same bike as mine.. she is perfectly happy with her bike and has been riding for quite a while. We have ridden together the past two weeks .. I love her bike almost as much as I love mine! The reason I went up when I ordered.. I did not want 'buyers regret' .. later wishing I had just gone ahead and bought what I wanted in the first place and not end up in a year buying another bike. I am pretty sure I made the right choice. I did have to buy a different saddle though!
I wish there was a forum here! I am buying a new bike and it has Shimano Tiagra gearset, but I want 105s. Am I being too picky?
Would you have chosen a higher quality set when you bought your bike? or are you happy with yours?
Laurie, thanks for sharing such a perfectly apt and eloquent quote (-:
@Laurie-thanks so much for sharing! I think we are all addicts here. hee hee.
For my 60th Birthday I plan to do the El Camino De Santiago. It's that distance addiction thing, well along with many other drives to do that hike!
@Laurie - Great quote!
@ Andrea, way to go.
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My ride tomorrow: http://rockislandramble.com/
I am re-reading A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. Found a great quote which applies well to the value of riding (hope I am not breaking copyright by quoting this).
"Mileage craziness is a serious condition that exists in many forms. It can hit unsuspecting travelers while driving cars, motorcycles, riding in planes, crossing the country on bicycles or on foot. The symptoms may lead to obsessively placing more importance on how many miles are traveled than on the real reason for traveling……. On foot, in a van, on a fleet motorcycle or on a bicycle, a person must be very careful not to become overly concerned with arriving. My main purpose was to be where I was."
@ Andrea-how awesome!
@All-talking about closing areas for riding, has anyone ever done the "New York City 5 Boroughs Ride"? It looks like a really unique experience.
@Andrea, u go girl!!
@J. Hugh - I wouldn't begrudge the person in Northfield Falls, Vt for having his community currently in 1st place. His 312 miles, 731 points, and 9137.5 p/1,000 equates to a community of 80. So, this means that for a community of 80, they are doing quite well to have one rider in the challenge, compared to us in all of our other communities. That comes out to 1.25% of their population. If everyone did as well, we would have almost 4,000,000 participants in this Challenge, and would have made the 20,000,000 mileage goal on May 1st!
If it were strictly points or miles, how fair would it be for a little community of 80 to be competing with a community of 4,900? To be fair, we would need 100's of community size categories, and that would certainly water down the achievement. And, all of our communities have the real potential of not only achieving 1.25% participation, but a lot more, as estimates for bicycle riders are over 18% of everyone over 15 years old.
In fact, we still need to keep recruiting, because if current trends continue, we won't even make 40,000 participants, which is 10,000 less than our goal. So, lets all try to improve our Community and State standings, and recruit one or more participants. They're out there riding, just not in the Challenge.
Congrats Andrea
@J. Hugh, I didn't even think about the ingredients. Butter in France is to amazing, as is milk. Such a difference pastured cows make.
Summer Solstice Ride (-:
Pedaled under post-storm clouds shifting toward steamy sunshine to lovely local Dairy for “Dairy Days”. Among enticements of this annual, quintessentially Wisconsin celebration: Live music, plant sale, petting zoo, and samples of freshly baked local breads, chocolate milk, wine paired with superlative cheeses, and Free Ice Cream cones. I love Wisconsin (-;
Crazy route today. Heavy winds and gust from the SSE, so I zig-zagged through the country to where I never rode directly south for more than 2-3 miles at a time. Worked kind of like riding intervals! @6 hours in the saddle - 13.3 mph average and a heck of a lot of Scratch!
Celebration moment!!! I rode my bike to and from work EVERY single day this week! This is a first for me! :-)
@Crystal Day Northfield Falls, VT leads all communities in the over all challenge period. they have 9137.5 points, this comes from one person who has ridden 312 miles and has a personal point total of 349. So what does winning mean now? It just is not why I ride or do the challenge. Keep riding and find another victory!
@J. Hugh - My guess is that the majority of the structure originated in Wisconsin, since Kimberly-Clark had a challenge, which evolved into a state challenge in 2011 that evolved into the NBC.(I honestly thought that our home grown advantage from 2011 and before that we experienced in 2012 would have largely dissipated, and we would have been overtaken by several other states. As it is, it hasn't changed much. We're still in second place to Vermont, but Nebraska is scary close to us.)
When I got up this morning I found out we had an earthquake(4.0) just after midnight(HST). I slept right through it. This one was just about 14 miles above Molokaʻi. Normally, they are closer to the BIG Island due to the active volcano. I am starting to feel like a Californian. We just had a 5.3 on June 4th. LOL!
@ Laurie - Good Job taking that hill! Laurie = 1; Hill = 0
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@Cynthia - Sometimes you have to use car for shopping. I shop once a month(Costco) and it would be impossible to take all that on a bike, plus I'm not to comfortable leaving my road bike outside even if locked up. I am thinking about taking a bus though to see how that would work. Still save money on gas and one less car on road.
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@Joe - That sounds awesome. Was talking to a guy I road with yesterday about closing Hana Hwy from Kahului to Hana and using for bikes only and let cars use other side. I can dream can't I?
Off to do my ride to other side of island and back. Looks like another nice day with lite winds. I also got another person to start riding. He gets his bike Wednesday so now I have a project for a while showing him the ropes of using/riding a road bike.
VT is so bikeable because the formula used to calculate the scores was put together by people from Vermont, or they must have been paid to do it that way. The scores are weighted so they are meaningless for me. Teams, cities, states, all weighted in one way or another. @crystal and even Lincoln benefits from the weighting. If it were straight miles or point totals then the board would look amazingly different.
@Abby Normal Thanks but I tried them and its just pastry made by French people. The key to French Patisseries and Boulangeries is the local ingredients. What goes in can not be matched here. another example is you can buy raw cold milk from vending machines, no one gets sick, and its out of this world, or just out of French cows and that makes all the difference. San Francisco sourdough bread is another example of local makes the difference. Eat what grows or is made near you and its might be the real deal.
What makes Vermont so bikeable? I've never been there, but they are killing it in the challenge. BTW, Go Lincoln!!!! #1 city over 200,000!
I wish I lived in Oregon, well maybe just for this weekend!! ;)
http://bikeportland.org/2013/06/19/crater-lake-rim-road-will-be-carfree-for-first-time-this-weekend-only-88687
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Abby Normal Sorry I've have the French pastry you mention and its not nearly like the many many samples I have enjoyed while in France. Patisseries are so much better. Its like the bread from a Boulanger, the local water, wild yeast and ingredients can not be made by a French anything in America. I lose weight each time I ride in France and I eat more carbs than I would ever at home. Just the magic of a cycling adventure.
@Laurie, I'm with you! I rode this morning because the weather people said "showers in late afternoon". 11AM is NOT late afternoon. Luckily I was smart enough to bring a plastic bag to put my (cloth) purse in, and had the presence of mind to tie it around my seat after parking my bike. I'll be getting wet on the way home!
@Russ, they will update sooner or later. be patient.
@Laurie-well I think it is a confidence level too with learning to balance a heavy item like that. Especially if you have to ride in traffic. Maybe when tried once and see it's ok it will be better. I like the pack that Douglas gave a link for and I would be inspired to try it.
My points total isn't incrementing anymore when I add rides...didn't think the challenge was ending until September 30.
@Cynthia, I know what you mean concerning cat litter. I just picked up a 7lb bag of cat food in my panniers and I was all lopsided. Guess I should have bought two. :-S But 32lbs of cat litter? it's the car and stock up when you can.
The storms we're supposed to get the next few days might impede my ability to contribute to Wisconsin's progress, grrrrrrr. Not to mention the 58 miles I need to ride in the next 5 days to meet a personal goal.
@Damon - Who are you bragging to? Wisconsin also has 2 Class 1's in the top five, 2 Class 2's, and 4 Class 3's. Triple BAM! (As opposed to Bam Bam and Pebbles)
@J. Hugh you can get French pastry - true French pastry - every Saturday in Kenosha, WI. There is a group of French nuns who are based in Chicago who bring the most amazing breads and pastries to the Farmers' Market on Saturdays. I gain weight just walking past their booth! Check it out! http://tinyurl.com/mmsqkes
Bugs hate cigars! Insects very good source of protein. If you keep some grains around long enough the bugs start hatching before you eat the eggs or larva. Honey coating and chocolate dipped really big in asia. Lobsters are reportedly a cousin to the roach.
French pastry can only be really found in France, but I ate a lot of it in 16 days. stream of mind typing after a ride and reading what others say.Bon ton Roulle
HI all, out early this morning to beat the heat. About a dozen other riders with the same idea. Heading in the Kansas City direction later. ROCK ISLAND RAMBLE tomorrow (starts in Lee's Summit MO). WOO HOO!!
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@ Cynthia, when I do errands by motor vehicle, I try to combine as many as possible and not do backtracking on my route.
RE: Rankings GOOO BIIGGGG REDDDDDD!!!
@ Cynthia, I can relate. Couple of days ago I decided to bike to Wal-Mart, then started thinking about how heavy a bag of cat litter would be by the the time I got home, so I drove instead. On the way there, saw several people biking to the store, and really envied them.
Chris - but we have two class one cities in the top five BAM!
@Douglas, I'm betting bugs hate you even more. You're nothing but a death trap to them! ;-}
I was really surprised to find out that mayflies are sweet. Maybe we should rethink adversity to eating insects! (I think we do eat some bugs: underwater bugs. To me crabs and lobsters are so buglike!)
@Chris - Lincoln can't be blamed for that. We passed Madison after all :)
Pssssst! Wisconsin passed Nebraska. I'm just saying.
@Cynthia - You should get a back rack (if you don't have one already) and what's called a market pannier. Banjo Brothers makes one http://banjobrothers.com/products/current/panniers/market-pannier/ that holds 1500 cubic inches. I weighed mine when I got back from a grocery trip once and found it was 28 lbs. It didn't feel like that at all when it was on my bike. It's perhaps the best purchase I have made for my bike. And my back thanks me for it :)
Walk of shame ya'll. : (. I drove my car today. Did not meet my goal of 2 weeks at 5 for 5 days riding. The price of living at sea level is you never know when your going to wake up with a sinus headache which makes you very lethargic. However, I did make the best use of my time that I would have been riding in by getting some chores done at home, and planning my day to make the best of use of driving my car in that I can get some errands done that I have to use my vehicle for. So hope all that counts! ha ha. One of the errands is needing cat liter, I have not figured out how to get a 20 lb box on my bike yet. Did an hour of yoga practice on the beach last evening with a group of people, it was an amazing experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to try it. Ok, well, that's been my life since I since 5:00 yesterday.
Ride with peace, be safe.
@Cycling Roberto-yea for you and Platinum!
@Laurie-know the feeling well about getting up some of those hills from when I lived up in the mountains up north, the feeling of accomplishment when you do get to the top without walking is a great! Of course where I am now the only hills are intracoastal waterway bridges and although they can be a quick steep climb, they are very manageable.
@Chuck-love love the C & O Canal Towpath! Have done all but the 60 miles to the north area and can't wait to do the Paw Paw Tunnel. It's on my bucket list to do the whole path and camp along the way. Of all the things I miss from living in the south central MD area I miss the canal the most.
@Brad-Relaxing Brownies? Yum!
Spent last 2 days riding on the C&O Canal towpath. It was awesome and plan to ride again next year from Cumberland to Georgetown. CX bikes were a plus and the way to go.
I took on a hill yesterday that proved to be a worthy opponent. It was the first time I seriously considered that I might have to walk my bike to the top, and I finally did zigzag a little to make it. This is one instance where being "over the hill" is a wonderful feeling. Not bad for this fat old woman.... hehehe
silly- drove 100 miles to ride 87 today, but what a ride!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
That was fun! Rode there (20 min) and back (15 min [tailwind]), enjoyed the ambient aroma of good cigars and some really nice locally made beer. They've got an event coming up where for $10 you get 2 cigars, 2 pours of Johnny Walker Black, and a souvenir shot glass. Woo hoo!
@ Robert - Congrats! I'll be there tomorrow. Just need 2 points! Yay!
@Roberto - Congratulations. I'm hoping to make Bronze at least two days before the end of September, to give myself a little wiggle room.
Platinum today. :)
Two of Brad's brownies makes for a very relaxing bike ride. In fact, you'll want to go far out.
Wilbur Buds, dark, straight from the factory in Lititz, PA. Can't beat 'em, especially when you eat them with some good pretzel rods.
As long as it's DARK chocolate I'm all in.
Chocolate? Did someone say chocolate?
You know how it works, if papa ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! Tell DH that I'll hoist two fingers-worth in his honor, while enjoying a Romeo y Julieta Reserva.
He's worth it, Michael, but I refuse to pay that much money for something you only rent! ;-D
Aww, c'mon Chris, I'm sure he's worth it! My better half liked your comments. She's roaring with laughter herself!
@Michael G., DH said you are one lucky guy and hang onto that wife! I saw the price locally and roared with laughter when DH suggested I might buy him a bottle!
We'll be right over!
OK everybody take your shoes off, I have some brownies to share.
Beer, cheese, ice cream, YEAH!
Wine and cheese? Bike Skype party....lol
@Chris - Cigars & beer? I'm in!
Cigars make really good bug repellant, and they do repel many people. French pastry and coffee seems to attract so many people and the bugs are outside with the cigars.
@Chris: Sticks and suds, count me in!! Though I think my suds may be some of that Johnny Walker Blue Label I got for Fathers Day. Not gonna let that sit and collect dust!
Hi all, out today for the heat and humidity experience. Temps in the 80s and rising! Several other riders out there. I got some free showers (or at least my legs got splattered) with water from a fire hydrant that the firefighters were messing with and another one from a street cleaning water truck. Then I got to wait for a train, so I rode up and down a driveway from a commercial establishment while I waited. At least that way I got a breeze.
@ Andrea, we all have days with less energy, but that makes the ones with more energy more awesome! Personally I tend to go slower as the temperatures get higher.
@ Nathan, nothing like the old driveway. Mine goes straight downhill!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
@Cynthia & @Chris, Thanks!
@J.Hugh, Partially. I count the upward distance miles, but I coast when falling out of the sky. ;)
4th day in a row commuting to work. I am tired. I guess I'm not as tough as I thought. Ran a trail race last night, too. That might contribute to my lack of energy today.
Cigars and beer after work today! Anyone want to join me?
@Nathan, great video. Your neighborhood roads are as bad as the ones around here!
So, Nathan was the jerkiness of the video due to being lifted from place to place by a tornadoe? and Do you count the airborn miles?
Hi Nathan! Love your commute, and you have a neat driveway!
An Oklahoma City bicycle commute in only six seconds: https://vine.co/v/hubBh3u6hLb
Christine (sorry, you'll always be Christine to me - just like I'll be... well, whoever I am today) - Regarding the kid/grown-up dichotomy, you have to search for the song by Lou and Peter Berryman "It's Better Than That". Hilarious. (Tell the kids it's even better than they think it is)
@Burklee, remember when we were kids and we *couldn't wait* to be grown-ups so we could do what we want when we want (little did we know...)? Now that we're finally grown-ups (hah!) we're wishing we were kids and could be out riding our bikes all day long. It really figures that "fair" and "life" are Four Letter Words!
I'll show you how fast I can go down that mountain... just as soon as my broke bones heal up. The irony, the irony. Great one Jerry. hahahahhahha (but the scary thing is, I understand)
@Laurie-great job! You'll be half way to Diamond before you know it then!
@Jerry, I'd get off road if they went down that fast. There would be bodies/ bikes flying everywhere. Most that ride downhill on those tours don't look like they touched a bike in years and riding down that mountain with all the switchbacks I see their faces and some of them have that "This is not what I expected" look and are scared to death. Not the mindset you want to have riding down that mountain with cars flying past them. It is a 36 mile ride downhill and switchbacks all the way down to around the 3,500 foot level.
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I normally ride at 30-35 mph around switchbacks but I have been doing this for a while(keeping right of double yellow lines). Other than touching breaks just before sharp turns, I don't use them going down mountain until I hit the side roads near the bottom.
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As for coming over here, that would be great!
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When I broke my collar bone last June it was my first(so far) broken bone in my life so I can't complain about that. It did take a while for it to mend and I now have a nice bump on left side where bones healed (one on top of the other part). They say the collar bone is stronger when it heals after a break.
@Kawika Plummer. Don't the people riding downhill know you are supposed to be doing 45-50mph? When we get to Hawaii someday I'll look you up for some rides. Though it will be a few years. And of course I have to heal all my broken bones first.
@Laurie, Good for you. Keep it up! You will be at Platinum before you knowit!
Oh my goodness, I just realized I am over halfway to platinum.
Michael, that's too bad. I have not been in Myrtle for a long time. Enjoy your vacation - sounds fun!
The new bridge is beautiful, a must to check out. Bike shop and bike group are all tied together. Its a great group and if you want to see the country side its some terrific riding. Good luck. I checked out your zip code, I lived in South Central PA for about 30 years.
Hilton Head is a great biking place. Never been but I hear a lot about it.
Happy Trails!
@Cynthia, saw your zip code includes Sunset Beach. Will be visiting there for a day, try to hit that beach at least once every vacation, but don't always succeed. Have to try the new bridge! Thanks for the bike info., will look the shop up.
@Rob, we stay on the inland side of US 17, biking and even walking in his area is dangerous at best. I'm a transportation planner by trade (which includes bike/ped planning!), so I know bad when I see it!
@Michael-wow too cool! I am right around the corner from Calabash! Go to that ice cream place, well, maybe too much. There is a bike group here, great riding in the area. People join the group from all over when they are here visiting. We have a bike shop who is celebrating its grand opening on the 25th. Love La Belle Aime! Enjoy your vacation, maybe sometime you can join the group! The bike shop is called Island Hoppers. The Bike Group is the OIB Cyclists.
Hey Michael G, my family and I were just in Hilton Head for the first time last week. What a great place for biking! They have many trails and you can ride on the beach. Lots of people are out biking and the bike rental places deliver to your location for no charge. Looking forward to another vacation there sometime in the future. I never thought of Hilton Head as a great biking destination, but I was surprised!
@Cynthia: gonna be in Calabash in 3 days!!!! Taking the annual jaunt to North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, gonna hit Calahans (and the ice cream joint across the street) first thing! Then, of course, La Belle Aime winery! Alas, no biking for a week (grumble, grumble)
Just slurped 2 dozen at a local bar that does Raw Bar on Wednesday. I'm in heaven and headed for a good book and a soft bed. See ya's tomorrow!
Believe it or not there is name for people who do not eat meat, limit or no dairy, and are "vegetarian". It's called a Pescatarian. @Nyla, I have not had the oppurtunity to look more into the website although I have browsed around and I am very anxious to explore more. @marty-yea, 1979 was not a good time to be a vegetarian as there was virtually no support at all. Yes, ice cream is a basic food group and it would be like living in a coastal atmosphere and not eating seafood-the comparison to living in Wisconsin and not eating cheese. People thing I am crazy, I don't eat meat, working slowly through the process to becoming vegan, and riding my bike often and much. Nice to know there are people out there doing the same! Wahoo! @Marty, yea everything is deep fried here too. Ever hear of Calabash?
Today was a great day for a ride. Had my 16 month old daughter in the trailer and pedaled 25+ miles of paved and gravel paths and surface streets.
@J OM @Cynthia & @Nyla - When I became a vegetarian in 1979, with the lack of appropriate food alternatives in restaurants, I didn't want to spend 2 hours eating 5 or 6 iceberg lettuce salads to try and fill-up, so opted for the occasional fish dish. In the last few years, I've almost entirely stoped eating cheese, which isn't easy to do in Wisconsin, the Dairy State. People expect you to say (and eat) cheese, even if they aren't taking your picture. And even though I'm close to our state fair, I can't enter, as they deep fry everything except for your admission ticket.
Cynthia, Thank you for the vegetarian cycling link. I've gone back and forth about fish and seafood over the years but haven't eaten red meat or poultry in four decades. I do eat eggs and I'm reasonably certain they wouldn't let me continue to reside in Wisconsin if I stopped eating cheese. (-; (and then there's the fact that I regard ice cream as a basic food group)
To all riders in the National MS Society Tour de Farms this weekend in DeKalb, IL: ride safely and have a great weekend! I'm part of Team Praxair North and I hope to see you out there! Keep the fundraising going!
@Kawika-how beautiful that must be. Aaaah to riding along the ocean in Hawaii.
- J OM-Nice! I am working in the direction of vegetarian myself. Found a great website for biking vegetarians. www.vegetariancycling.com Although I still eat fish. Am also working to eliminate cheeses. Believe or not it's not as difficult as it sounds.
Stuck in an office cubicle, dreaming of being in Hawaii on a bike... or being anywhere but here, for that matter. *Heavy sigh*
@Marty, thanks for the follow up. That is what I get for not bothering to glean through the archive of comments. I hope the correction appears sometime soon. Almost vegeterian = you eat fish? Zero meat of any kind here.
Jerry, We do have many people that come here to ride during their vacation(mostly from Canada). If you come over here, I will be the one in the 7-Eleven Jersey. I'm out every day somewhere on island(except for next summer/riding cross country)
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As for the extra oxygen at sea level, I ride up our mountain(Haleakala,10K foot) at least once a month if I feel like I'm getting too much oxygen and the views are awesome on way up!. I also get to see/hear all the people riding downhill on the bike tours riding their breaks all the way down, some with a death grip on handlebars.
@Kawika Plummer. Sounds like fun rides. I would love to do them. How do you handle all that extra oxygen at sea level?
J OM - I'm almost vegan, too. (Almost vegetarian for 34 years!)
Your question about the leader was asked 6/17 @ 20:34, and replied on 6/18 @ 00:24 & 09:26, so it is either correct, or will be corrected.
@Cynthia. Yours truly is vegetarian (bordering on vegan)... hence the veggie power :)
I have two special rides that I love to ride/train on. The first is my Tuesday rides(60 miles)where I get to ride along the Ocean and see the waves and surfers on my left and the mountains on my right with both being unspoiled views before I reach Lahaina. The second is my Thursday ride(90 miles now) is heading out to a tropical rain forest on way to Hana here in Maui(I It's so awesome that I don't even mind when there is a light rain). When I get to my turn-around point it is just so peaceful sitting there on ground listening to/watching waterfalls and eating some fresh fruit(banana or pineapple) I got at a stand on way out. When tourists come here and drive to Hana they miss so much of what I see while riding.
@J OM-what does the (Veggie Power) stand for? I can guess, but, want to be sure.
@Nyla-Nice....
Thanks to Cynthia, Karen, Brad and others for sharing some serendipitous gifts of cycling encountered on your rides. We are so much richer for immersion in those ambient sensations of sound, sight, scents and such. Even when initially inattentive, tense and preoccupied, those elements seep into my soul along the way… adding dimensions of air, light, color and texture and re-inflating occasionally squashed parts of my spirit. By the most literal definition “Inspiration” is simply breathing in. How fitting that deep inspiration is integral to cycling. Carpe diem….Roll On, Breath in…Enjoy…Inspire!
This is a question for the Endomondo administrators. The current leader has 6257 points for the challenge period. However, he has 2663 points for May and 1476 points for June. Where did the other 2118 points come from? This isn't about sour grapes, I am too far down to be remotely interested in challenging for the prized #1 spot. However, I would like to see a level playing field for the riders who are.
Forgot to add, occasionally you get to be the first "vehicle" at the crossing when a train goes by. Experiencing the train crossing with a "front saddle" view is pretty cool.
I live and work along CA-91, the 5th worst highway in the US. It's nice to get some bike commuting at least once a week, for fitness and to escape the sludge that is the evening commute, which usually involves traversing a certain 5-mile section of road over 15 minutes. The Santa Ana River Trail is far less congested, a joy to ride on, and gets me there and back without issue. If I could do it more often, I would!
I'm too busy watching the road in front of me when I'm cycling, I don't get to look around much. Potholes, gravel, cars, people, wild animals, other cyclists, all competing for my attention. I ride a lot of the same places all the time and regularly find myself thinking "I've never noticed that before" even though I have biked past it countless times. And squished bugs on the windshield is way better than bugs in my face. That being said, the one car under which my bike hangs seems to stay parked a lot even though I'd be crazy to say my bike is more fun to "drive."
Riding the back roads around Lehigh Valley. PA - so beautiful. I had a baby fawn jump out in front of me on a slight down hill turn. After a few anxious moment thinking I might hit the baby dear, he bounded away into the field and I thought, this is one of the reasons why I love riding my bike.
@Karen jean goth - google schlump high speed drive and you may look for a better terminology when using bike- speak, but point taken and just messin w/ ya.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Brad - heard this last year: "Only the cyclist knows why the dog rides with its head out the window." I think that applies to "bike speed."
@Tammie Porter, just ride and enjoy the ride and you end up riding more even if the miles tick on slower. I did that last year and the points came up. Ride $ Smile for Life is Good !
@Roberto - Wow! 6000 miles since January. Compared to you, I am a Schlump. I am trying to do 500 miles in one month for the first time. My trouble is finding the time to ride around doing my mom thing, work and chores. I am happy at averaging 20 miles a day and hoping that eventually I will be able to increase my pace, which is nothing to brag about. I am glad that you more experienced riders are out there as an inspiration. I also look forward to the words of bike wisdom - keep posting all those bike tips.
@Brad, love that term-bike speed and that it is the right speed. Well put!
@Andrea, you go girl! If you continue on your cyclomute journey you find you don't forget things as much, its so routine to just pack. But, honestly, I really do hate those days when I forget my keys.
HI all, out this morning in cool 70+ temperatures. Felt cool in the shade and I wasn't melting in the sun. Spotted about ten other cyclists. Knocked off an errand in the process. GREAT DAY!
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@ Cynthia, thanks for sharing. Its all that stuff you miss when you climb into the steel box.
@ Andrea, way to go!
@ Brad, you said it!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
Go, Andrea! Wonderful!!
Thought that some may be interested in this documentary of a bicycle made out of cardboard.by the visionary and creator of the concept bike.
.http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670753/this-9-cardboard-bike-can-support-riders-up-to-485lbs
@Brad
SO true-bike speed :)
@Cynthia
Thanks for sharing your remarkable adventure
I also love hearing the stories of people finding the two wheeled passion
Cycling has enhanced every facet of my life-it brought a complete lifestyle change that I am sure saved my life.
Every ride is an adventure you wouldn't have sitting on the couch!
30 seconds faster on my commute this morning. Yippeeee! Left my keys at home. Bummer! 3rd day in a row riding my bike to work! This is a first for me. I have a 6.1 mile trail run tonight. Hope my legs are good for it!
No matter how grumpy I am in the morning, after the first mile on my bike "Life is Good"
On a bicycle you travel fast enough to put interesting new places within our reach, but slow enough so as to see, smell and hear what the world is saying to us as we pass. In my considered opinion, bike speed is exactly the right speed.
If only everyone could see what bike riders see and experience,( its not just transportation and recreation for a healthy mind, body and soul but a way of life that brings so many great joy.) There would be a lot lot more people out there on two wheels. I love to read the comments from new people who have joined the challenge for the first time and have goals to use their bikes as often and much as possible. We are fortunate that we already got the memo and this is such a great forum of like minded people to participate in/with.
@ Cynthia, people who travel in vehicles never get such experiences. We are blessed!
I know my insurance will cover theft of my bikes, been there done that, but really don't know about damage during use. I suspect it would not be covered, the same as how comprehensive won't cover collision and vice versa works with autos.
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Sorry to hear about your accident Jerry. Hopefully some good comes from it, by way of informing others to check their insurance and to remember that accidents happen.
@Jerry, that really sucks. Apologies to any insurance folks here, but I've gotten to the point that I hate insurance companies. In my experience, they deny every claim until you argue with them (multiple times), find any excuse to drop your policy (both of my husband's life insurance policies have been dropped for no reason), and pay big dividends to their stockholders on our backs. Grrrrrr. Ok, I'm done. I'm really sorry, Jerry. It shouldn't happen to anyone, never mind a nice guy like you!
@Cynthia, if that were a scene in a movie, people would say "Oh, those things never happen all in such a short time!" We've gotten so far from nature, we disbelieve her in reality! I say: you were truly blessed to have such encounters all in a short time.
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I just hit 1000 points. Yay!
I have to share my experience yesterday evening. I met friends "in town" for dinner. While biking to the restaurant this raven flew right past my ear! His wing actually caught my hair! Startled me to say the least. It happened so fast. That was a first ever. On my way home after dinner I decided to take a side trail along a creek instead of my normal route. I saw a wood stork flying into its tree top nest, a large momma turtle laying eggs, a gorgeous Great Blue Heron standing erect at least 4 feet tall, a bluebird dipped in front of me, and a duck with her ducklings walked across the street in front of me. All this as the sky darkened and distant thunder rumbled. I got to my house before the first raindrop fell. Feeling so at peace and knowing that a lasting imprint of my experience had been left on my soul.
@Jerry-thanks for the tip will have to check with my insurance company, never thought it existed!
@Jerry~
I've been going round and round with our ins. company also!!
i haven't had an accident, and no theft; but I'm being proactive just the same.
First they said yes it's covered under the auto policy, then they said it wasn't, then they said it was covered under homeowner policy, then it wasn't. Like i asked.... well which is it???!!!??? Very frustrating!!
Good luck in your situation!!
@ Jerry, thanks for the warning. I would also have assumed that my bike was covered. Now I will double check. That really stinks. I hope you threaten to change insurance companies!
Warning to everyone who think their bicycles might be insured. I have homeowners insurance on my bicycle. I called my insurance company to ensure my bike would be covered in case I had an accident. I was assured that I was covered if I wreaked my bicycle. Now the insurance company is refusing to reimburse me for my bicycle. They are saying I needed a separate rider on my policy. Even though I was told in the phone call that I did not need one. Make sure your bike is covered by your insurance policy. Get verification from your insurance company in writing. I am out $5,000 for the cost of a new bicycle because the insurance company won't pay out now. On top of the cost of all my medical expenses.
The bike shop is getting my bike done for me by 6 tomorrow just so I can ride with the group at 6:15.. they are going to be upset to find out that I can't ride tomorrow! This CHL class I am taking was a surprise from my father for my birthday. I am trying to figure out how to get the time to run by the shop and pick up my bike anyway and maybe get in a few miles before dark after the class... gotta ride! .... gotta get those points... yesterday was the first day I have missed since I started the challenge on day two.. I did not know about it on day one! Question.. really, how often do you check your standing on the leaderboard.. honesty here? Me, I check at least twice a day if not more.. just plain FUN! Darn I am caught up in this! LOL I even look to see how many miles I might want to put in before I head out depending on how many certain people have already put in that day... crazy!
@tammie - i predict you will do both...lol. I frequently have to remind myself that my miles are not dictated by the challenge but how I feel. I get annoyed (some self censoring here) when I miss a day on the bike so I understand what you are feeling. That said....when I come back.....its even better
@ Tammie I know how you feel! Every time I think about skipping a day, I remind myself that 20 points are hard to make up. As far as fun vs. the leaderboard, 20 years from now what will you most remember from the challenge ? I'm preaching to myself here lol.
Quite a goal @Roberto .. and I was just lamenting the loss of 20 points by missing riding yesterday and probably tomorrow! Last month I was tickled pink to stay in the top 2,000 then I got greedy and am trying to stay in the top 1,000 but by missing a single day it makes it almost impossible.. 2 days and I am completely in a mess! I will be killing myself chasing miles! What we do to ourselves in the name of meaningless numbers on a simple leaderboard! LOL ... all in the name of FUN! I was finally kicked off the top of women in Texas.. it was nice up there for a while... guess I am going to just have to pedal harder and longer... or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Wonder which I am going to do?
Climbing back up the leaderboard. I will have to average 45 miles a day for the rest of the month to hit 1000 miles for June. That will make my fifth straight 1000 mile month. Luckily, I'm going to crack 6000 miles even though January was a tad short. It does get nippy here in eastern PA. If the thunderstorms hold off, I should hit my mark.
Went out today on my hybrid in the new shoes.. WOW.. just WOW! Should have done this from the beginning! They DO make a difference! I can feel the difference in the power of the stroke in the pedaling.. amazing. You don't lose so much power in the flexing of those tennies. I did have a little difficulty with my feet slipping off the pedals since they are smooth. I won't have that problem on my road bike.. they have spikes! LOL Guess I am going to have to change the pedals on my hybrid now. It's always something.. they REALLY should keep my credit card on record at the bike shop.. I use it there more than anywhere else! Had a nice relaxed 25 mile ride today and got several errands done around town.. no car! Great day.
Mine is finally updated as of 3:32 p.m. (MST). Glad to hear I wasn't the only one...but maybe not so glad for others. Thanks for letting me know.
I put today's miles in about 1/2 hour ago and nothing has updated. My totals, leaderboard or state.
Is there a problem today with the updating on Leaderboard? Posted my mileage about 15 minutes ago, and although it shows that both the Local and National sites have updated, nothing's being added to my total from when I last rode on Saturday, June 15.
PS, TAMMIE, your feet will appreciate the change of shoes. I have half sized shoe pads in the front part of my cycling shoes since thats the part of your feet that get to do the work!
HI everyone, out today for a longer ride since my desk was momentarily clear of work. Temps. rose into the 80s but there were a lot of other riders out there. A bit of a breeze, but no huge blasts and it wasn't too humid so NOT A BAD TIME TO RIDE!
PS, My son rode his bike to his internship job in DC for the first time today. Now if I can convince him to sign up for the challenge! 31,000++ RIDERS!! WOO HOO!
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@ Michael, how fun with all the cool new cycling stuff.
@ Tracy, you are making me miss my old Schwinn Varsity
@ Chris and Melinda you guys ROCK!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
I've been driving my 14 y.o. daughter to a class this week, 37 miles away. I get home, park the car and ride my 'steel wheels' into work. Since I have access to a car and a paid, covered parking space, coworkers think I'm whacked. They just can't appreciate the finer points of a two-wheeled commute! BTW, @Chris, let the hubby know that my Super Better Half got me a real treat for Father's Day: a bottle of Johnny Walker BLUE! She's the BEST!
A really strange thing happened to me this morning. I got up, made breakfast, packed my lunch, grabbed my biking gear and headed out the door. Pulled the bike out of the garage, hopped on and rode to work, never once thinking "I wonder if I should take my car today?" It was as though I didn't even own a car. Amazing!
@Tracy Lane-wow, how amazing!
@Melinda-way to go, great to start somewhere. Good Luck meeting your goals.
Belated kudos on your Schwinn riding/climbing, Tracy! As the proud owner of three Schwinn steel bikes, I can "feel your pain," but the descent must have been a blast! A few years ago I was riding my Schwinn Traveler with the Ripon College cycling team and got some love for being able to hang with a few of them (admittedly, they were not going all out, but even then I was able to pass a few of them). Did my first 20 mph ride on the (over 20+ miles) on the Traveler, well. Let's hear it for old technology that still works well! So, Tracy, are you taking the Schwinn to France this summer for the Tour? ;-)
Peach State representin'! Two GA teams in the top 40, and the statewide advocacy org team is in top 75 for June. Woohoo!
Very happy. Got my girls up and went for a 6 mile ride this morning. Trying to do more bike commuting than car commuting. This was a step in the right direction. :D
@Michael-those boxes from Nashbar are always fun. Love to see the box on my doorstop after I place an order.
@Marty and Tom
He accidentally created some duplicates with the Tapiriik app. He knows and will fix them soon.
*p*
I am back to my hybrid for a couple of days since the kamakazee bird took out my front wheel on the new road bike. I actually took my first day off from any riding yesterday. It was HARD!!! My body really needed it though. I actually was able to get out of bed this morning without the help of the wall.. guess the day off helped. I have really enjoyed reading everyones experiences here.. so much fun! I too need to update my on road tool kit. One expense at a time.. bought some Shimano shoes yesterday...hopefully a good choice and improvement from the tennies I have been riding in. My feet were killing me from the pedals on my road bike!
Got my Nashbar box in the mail yesterday! New helmet, to replace the very old one I was wearing; new under-seat bag, fo get the repair kit out of my pannier; and a new jersey, cause I needed a few more bucks for free shipping. Christmas in June! Added some new items to my repair kit thanks to your ideas here over the last few days. One more day of commuting, then off to vacation for a week and a half. No bike, unfortunately :(
@ Marty, nice story. Good to know that somebody would try to reason with a thief instead of just attacking them!
@Tom - Looking at his monthly stats, he has just over 5,200 miles for both months so far, and about 45 days of riding for another 900 points. So, his Challenge total is correct, but one of his months is way off. I saw this with several people last year. No good explanation for it, just some kind of glitch in the Endomondo program.
Here is a good story about a Seattle woman who runs half marathons chasing after a bike thief, making him abandon the bike, and running after him for a mile while trying to talk sense into him, while all he had the energy for was running. And the police finally arrived and had to convince her to stop running after him.
http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/marathon-mom-chases-down-bike-thief-183549474.html
Im curios about anyone here riding fixed gear on the challenge? I am riding a 2008 Specialized langster, anybody else?
Michael - 20,000 miles....that is amazing. How long did it take to do this?
Wow Tracy, 8500 ft of climbing in one day on an old steel schwinn... very impressive!
I'm pretty excited too because I'll hit 20,000 miles cyclommuting to my current job later this month... Remember everyone, for your safety...
Ride like you belong!
That is great Tracy. Congratulations.
I just rode my 73 steel Schwinn one hundred miles and 8,500 ft of climbing! http://app.strava.com/activities/60817119
@Craig
Mine is a 28 year-old Merlin Titanium
My next road bike will be steel
How does someone lead the whole thing with 6100+ pts when he got 2660 in May + 1340 in June thus far = 4000 pts?
Steel is real baby!! ;)
4" tires and the steel frame of my Surly Pugsley makes for a real cushy ride!!
Never been all about speed for me, but all about the adventure of the exploration!!!
@Craig, sorry to hear. Ride the steel frame, remember how nice steel rides even with old technology, and soon enough your modern ride will be out in action. Always nice to have a backup.
@Dave, I am back to my 23 year old steel mtn bike with no suspension and friction shifters until they get a new 105 rear and a a hanger in at the shop :)
@Craig
I snapped off my derailleur too, last thursday. It is an out of production Campy 8 speed. I found one on Craigslist and hope he ships it soon, till then I ride the Hybrid.
Snapped off my derailleur hanger and destroyed the whole mess. That is gonna keep my off the bike for a couple of days until parts arrive to build it back together :(
Hi all, out today inthe early afternoon in 80+ temps. Not too many other riders out there. It is humid, so when I got sprinkled on for a couple of minutes, it was welcome! Cooled off with some cold watermelon when I got home!
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
I am happy I've started out the week right! 5 mile run and biked to work! All this exercise is making me hungry! :-) Stay calm and cycle on!
Was in the Twin Cities for the weekend to celebrate the retirement of a dear faculty mentor from graduate school days. Took the bike along and road the West/East River Road Trails along the Mississippi two mornings as well as the Cannon Falls Trail between Cannon Falls and Redwing yesterday afternoon. While I live in WI now, I want to give some biking love to MN. You all have a great biking culture and set of trails (which I remembered well from living there for 15 years). Keep up the wonderful work promoting biking! You are a great resource to the region.
No rides this week. Had things to haul into work today an took the truck, tomorrow at 11 I have a minor surgical procedure that will keep me off the bike for about the next six days. Next chance to ride will be Monday next week.
Gosh, lots of conversation entries over the weekend, I usually keep up with theml, however, with family visiting over the weekend it was a little difficult. I am almost to gold! Wahoo! One more day and I will hit it. Did manage an early Sunday ride with my local bike group yesterday morning. Although the wind was at us at every turn it was a great ride.
Happy new week to all! Ride safe, ride with peace.
Hi all, out today for a casual trail ride with friends. Much slower pace than yesterday, but with 80++ temps.(maybe 90+ for part of the ride) it was the thing to do.
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RE: the competition GBR!
Ride on everyone & ride safe!
Steven Kahan, we do the same thing here in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's in September and called Streets Alive. It's always a fun time and well worth going to.
Providence RI is trying doing something called 'cyclova'. Thought you'd enjoy reading about it. I'm going to chec it out to see what it's like. http://www.providenceri.com/healthy-communities/providence-cyclovia-2013-0
Happy Father's Day to all dads.
That's a tough one, Brent. I lived in SC and have a sister in GA. Go Southern states??
That's a tough one, Brent. I lived in SC and have a sister in GA. Go Southern states??
Fierce battle going on between GA & SC. Let's ride Peach State!
Ready to get back to fitness riding after a great two weeks in the Loire Valley of France. Really enjoyed the Patisseries and Boulanger plus the cheese was really very special. Go to www.loirelifecycling,com and they helped us so much in creating cue sheets and maps with all the best tips. Exploring has its own pace and so does eating french pastry. Bon ton roulle!
@ Jerry, I feel a little of your pain. Broke my collar bone last June coming down off mountain on some loose stones on road going around turn. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Happy father's day to all the dad riders. Ride with your kids/grandkiids whenever you have a chance!
@Jerry, heal quickly. @others, thanks for the kind words. Wouldn't have passed up the Grand Prix with my son for a ride with Eddy Merckx.
See you on the road.
@Jerry – sorry to hear about the fall, I do an extra mile tomorrow in your honor. To All Fathers: HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
@Jerry Yikes and sorry, Make getting well this summer's challenge.
@Jerry, so sorry to hear about your accident and all its breaks! May you heal quickly and completely. I'll keep you in my prayers as well as in my heart and mind while riding.
@ Cycling Roberto, you will make up the miles, but the time with your son might have been a lot harder to make up. RIDE ON.
@ Jerry, sorry to hear about the accident. Hope the recovery goes well!
Jerry - So sorry hope your recovery is uneventful and quick.
@ Jerry, Nothing like getting everything out of the way at once. At least I spread mine out over a number of different accidents. Take care and listen to your doctors and physical therapists. You will come back, just give yourself time to heal. Trying to rush the healing process only results in prolonging your recovery (unfortunately that is the voice of experience talking.....).
Jerry -Prayer for recovery and healing
@Jerry - Sorry about your accident. We all wish you a quick recovery/rehab.
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@Tom - I happened to see team recruiting in early May by someone who was upset that a foreign team was leading at the time. And the funny thing was that the foreign team wasn't eligible for any prizes, so it was a moot point.
@Jerry, ouch. Sorry to hear about the mishap. Happy Fathers Day to all. I love everything about the "Challenge", but, has anyone else seen the recruiting going on? People combing the results and sending messages to the highest scoring people that are not on a team, asking them to join theirs. Come on, really? So you can say you won medium division team category with many people 1000's of miles away? Is this a biking challenge or a recruiting challenge?
@ Jerry, so sorry to hear about that. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!
My bike riding came to a screaching halt on Jun 13th. Hit a hidden 1.5" groove in a turn lane while riding at 30mph. Broken shoulder, broken arm, broken pelvis in two places. It is a bummer being in the rehab facility instead go being out riding.
Happy Father's Day everyone - well, maybe not everyone.
Sounds like it was a great Saturday all over the US! Rock on everyone!
27 mile MTB rail trail!
@Cycling Roberto
Your enthusiasm and drive are inspirational !
Charge-on !
I missed six days while attending the Canadian F1 Grand Prix with my son. Now there are a ton of people ahead of me on the leaderboard with fewer miles but more points. Argh! I have to ride 120 miles just to make up for the missed points for the six days. I feel a century coming on....
@Mike
Cycling can improve all facets of life :)
Sounds like the planets aligned for you.
Amazing how some days are just better than others.
Thanks for sharing two very touching posts today.
Cheers!
A few evenings ago the rain wasn't letting up so I did an IRIR to get my daily points in. Then 10 minutes after I finished riding the rain stopped and the sun came back out. Tonight was beautiful so I did a fun ride to burn off a couple of slices of pizza. 15 minutes after I got home, the rain hit. I think I prefer this order over the previous one :)
It was an absolutely beautiful day for riding through the part of southern new jersey. High temp of 80 but very low humidity and mild winds combined for a kick ass day on the bike. Jerry and I did a rerun of the Tour de Tuckahoe route we did in late April.....this was the kind of day WE all live for......delirious....lol
It was an absolutely beautiful day for riding through the southern new jersey. high temp of 80 but very low humidity and mild winds combined for a kick ass day on the bike. Jerry and did a rerun of the Tour de Tuckahoe route we did in late April.....this was the kind of day WE all live for......delirious....lol
Hi all, over to St. Peters today for a Trailnet ride. It was advertised as "flat" so of course the first and last things that happened were hills! I said it was just like riding at home because I can't get anywhere without a climb. The first rest stop was the bike cafe in St. Charles. No trails on this ride. Most of the ride was flat on roads that had been flooded recently. In one case you could still see the sandbags. The basic ride direction was "into the wind" and "into the wind". But we did get a nice stretch with tailwinds. Also, we got free watermelon at one of the rest stops. YUM!
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@ Timothy W, its awful that we teach kids to drive and then then think its all a game. MORE RESPECT IS IN ORDER. Cars are so dangerous.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Had a nice ride into our local farmers' market, except I didn't factor in how much parking/traffic (human and vehicle) would be in the last 2 blocks of the ride. There's an Amish woman who sells baked goods, and she commented that I have lost a lot of weight since last summer. Told her that I rediscovered biking, to which she gave me a thumbs up. Nice when people notice the results of hard work. :)
@Timothy M Walsh – Sorry to hear your having problems with juveniles intentionally trying to harm you for a laugh. The biggest irritant I have are motorists turning right; right in-front of you (called “The Right Hook”) and then stopping to yell at you for narrowing missing them. Traffic is a major problem here in the most densely populated County in Florida, Pinellas County. Heat comes a close second, but we have plenty of places to stop and get a drink and then bum ice and water for the old camel pack.
@Kathy Rieck - Thank you for the reply. What you are saying makes sense, how ever I don't use anything electronic, stopwatch here (old guy, old tricks). I guess it really doesn't matter, its all about the workout. I just feel it would be more appropriate to evaluate apples to apples, and that way I could get a better measure on how I am really doing.
I did it. I won another trophy--3rd place in the 2013 High Cliff Triathlon in Sherwood, WI in the 50-54 age sprint division (1/4 mile swim, 22 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run). There was a total of 12 waves of 100 each, so about 1,200 participants, and I was in the 12th wave with the slower swimmers. I finished 66 overall. This is an amazing finish! The rain held off and weather and wind conditions were just perfect on the bike and I did the 22 mile bike course under an hour, which starts by climbing the big High Cliff hill. My average speed on the bike was over 22 mph--the fastest speed I ever done. On the road heading north, we had a nice little tailwind and I hit a maximum speed of 32.7 mph on little down hill. My Schwinn Paramount Series 3 bike is not dead yet. I was sustaining over 27 mph heading north on flat roads. I also did well in the 1/4 mile swim, which started out against wind and waves from the south. The 5k run went really well, too, which also begins by running up the High Cliff hill. Tomorrow, we go on vacation up north on Crystal Lake for 6 nights and will enjoy some rest camping on a lake front site on the beach. After a day's rest, lots of paved bike trails to ride and enjoy in there in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. They have a triathlon at the state park on Clear Lake in August and sometime, I would like to do that one. The bike course goes on back paved roads in the forest and the run course on trails through the woods.
@Rob I'm mostly satisfied, there's a few data glitches (speed and elev) the designer is working on.
Im happy double posting is over :)
Also synchs Garmin connect, Run Keeper and Dropbox, no MMR yet.
Dave - sounds like you have used that app and must be satisfied. Is there one for Map My Ride? Are you using it now for the NBC? Great find!
https://tapiriik.com/
This handy $2 app will synch your Endo and Strava accounts
No more double posting
I had a hard time convincing my Strava friends to join the NBC
Thanks for that numbers crunching. I am almost on track for the diamond at 1404 points today. May have to have my front wheel checked after yesterday's bird encounter and lately I am hurting so much it is difficult to find a part of my body that doesn't hurt. 13 miles a day right now sounds like a marathon. I was hoping to be doing 25 to 30 daily by now but I think I need some rest.
@ Timothy M Walsh , We have the same problem up here too, I usually won't road ride but at certain times of the day due to problems like that, and we have loads and loads of bars up here to too , so you get the drunk drivers on top of that too, so I usually stick to early am riding and avoid evening time rides on the open road when I can
Congrats to the May winners
Be careful riding in Saint Joseph, Michigan along Lakeshore Drive, aka Red Arrow Highway. Had 3 teens in a car trying to hit me yesterday, passenger was leaning out the window with his arm out stretched yelling at me. Not a big deal normally but in this case they pulled into a parking lot and when I rode past pulled out and tried it a second time. The Saint Joseph police wouldn't take a report over the phone, I did get the license plate number.
@ Peter J, You're welcome, glad you enjoy night riding. I don't think others understand the joy of riding at night until they've done it.
@ ALL, Just to clarify this, last year I did the majority of my 10,000+ miles at night. I live in a VERY rural area (i.e. NO traffic and VERY dark roads), and I use dual headlights/taillights along with flashing head and taillights. I wear bright, reflective clothing and, as Michael on Bicycle says, I "ride like I belong". IF you decide to try night riding PLEASE be highly visible and avoid lighted areas - your bicycle lights will blend into the background and drivers will NOT be able to see you........
Rob, watermelon's sound great. I usually drink a large ice cold 42 gram protein shake and then eat a couple of frozen strawberries.
@ Leonard Wright, Welcome back and I hope you have an enjoyable challenge even starting out late. I'd like to thank you for your comments last year about riding at night or early mornings when it was hot. I did that also even in Wisconsin. Once I rode after midnight just to beat a snow storm that was coming. I guess I don't have to tell you what my wife had to say since she doesn't like it when I ride at night. Now she is use to it. I hope to better my last years numbers.
You've inspired me to do some number crunching too. I can actually ride negative average daily miles for the rest of the challenge and still reach platinum. At my current rate, I will be only about 600 points short of diamond. Hmmmmmm........
Thanks Douglas....as the ex accountant I wish I had thought to do this......puts a lot in perspective....keep riding!!
@Frederick W. Roose - it seems to me that most places measure calories burned by mph for cycling (running is different). I also use Myfitnesspal which also rates cycling calories burned by MPH. I think is an incorrect method because as you say, a guy on a mountain bike doing 10mph thru dirt is going to work much harder than a roadie coasting downhill at 35mph. However, I have noticed that if you add heart rate in Endomondo the calories burned decreases when compared to not adding in heart rate. I think heart rate is a better determining factor when calculating calories burned.
-Riding just 1 mile every day of this challenge will get you 3,213 points, enough for a platinum finish.
-Riding every day with an average daily distance of 13 miles will get you 5,049 points, enough for a diamond finish.
-If you have ridden every day with an average daily distance of 13 miles you would have 1,485 points by the end of today (June 14).
***
Just crunching numbers out of curiosity.
@Dee Dee - The obvious answer is your would rack it on a tennis court. But, speaking of racket, it sure is a LOT louder than a real bike.
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@Rob - Frozen grapes work nicely, too.
Eating cubed watermelon which has been refridgerated is a great way to cool off fast after a ride in 100 degrees plus.
@Marty a bigger question...where would you rack it?
@Brad - 6 seconds after the battery dies, you stop earning points.
No flying bikes for me.... I like to be solidly on terra firma! (fear of heights might have something to do with that)
@Marty et All, interesting link- I don't know though, I like pedal power. What about safety on that thing? Since that is the topic of conversation this afternoon.
Marty - A tougher question might be: What happens when the battery dies?
I ride a mountain bike just so I can get away from the traffic. Getting off the beaten path also holds some cool moments, and the peace and quite that can't be beat.
I would like to know how they measure calories burned because I know I am expending more energy per mile than someone on a 10 – 20 pound bicycle.
Kawika, I'm with you and have witnessed the same motorist behavior everywhere I've ridden. That's why I always suggest to NOT ride the white line! It's not uncommon to even see 'roadies' riding the line increasing their risk of being hit by the side mirror or worse. Riding further out forces a motorist to make the decision on how to pass MUCH further back instead of thinking s/he can slide by without moving.
On my cyclommute the safest section is the 6 lane highway speed road w/o a bike lane! When riding a couple of feet 'in' most cars change lanes 100 meters behind me while others move over to a safe passing distance. This helps my main concern, it's not the first car but the following cars that cause the problem because of their lack of visibility. The first car in the group moving over 'telegraphs' the following cars to be alert that there is some hazard upfront.
Ride like you belong!
Here is a tough question. How would miles and points be counted for a flying bike?
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/flying-bicycle-takes-off-without-help-e-t-152504930.html
@ Amber, on the leaderboard, you'll see a button for states. Click that and then click on Wisconsin.
Where do you go to see the miles logged for each state?
We rock here in WI! ;)
YAY for Wisconsin! I'm proud to have been a small part of this.
@ Christine
@ Michael
@ Dave
@ Rick
Thanks for the welcome back. Just taking it easy for a while.
@ Christine, #1 isn't in any danger from me this year, currently there are over 19,000 riders ahead of me :-)
Michael, Was just pointing out driver mentality That's reason I stopped riding right of white line a while ago when crossing bridges here and now when crossing a bridge in those situations I described I always ride on highway and try to pass on what I learned to any rider I see doing what I used to do. I also do this just before coming to a right turn and I'm going straight while on bike lane where the bicycle lane is between the highway and the the right turn lane, because I found out that a car will cut you off when they are turning right to get off highway just after passing you if you don't.
**************
J. I do ride on right third of highway now when crossing bridges.
HI all, out today with temps in the upper 70s. It felt like the 80s since there wasn't much cloud cover. Not too humid so it was a good ride. Only a couple of other riders out there. I will be adding Duck tape (probably black) to my take-it-with-me kit. One of my pedals lost a bolt. Could have easily fixed it with some tape. Come to think of it, I could add a pocket knife for cutting the tape.
RIDE ON EVERYONE & RIDE SAFE!
***
PS Kawinka, if any of us come to Hawaii, we will plan on riding bikes and not driving! LOL
Wisconsin is the first state to reach 1,000,000 miles for the Challenge! We have logged18.9% of all miles, yet we still can't catch Vermont. (And Nebraska is ahead of us for the month.)
@Michael on Bicycle - If your brake hood is touching the while line, you are leaning too far to one side. It is safer and more efficient, (not to mention better for the tires, and the side of your leg), to ride with your bike more upright.
Kawika, that's why you NEVER ride the white (suicide) line! However, if you ride too far out motorists feel like you're taking their space. I find the perfect position is about 2 feet from the suicide line. On a road bike this equates to roughly when the brake hoods just 'touches' the line. Another way of saying this is...
Ride like you belong! (this includes abiding with traffic controls as well)
I ride abut2-3 feet right of white line whenever there is not a good paved shoulder because I tried it and got that claiming space made me feel safer. Even if there is no second lane for the car to go to drivers give more room when you take your space on the road.
Go, Leonard!
22.86 miles "around the river" completed :)
Here is something I have noticed about cossing bridges. In my hometown there are no bike lanes(shoulders) on most bridges(solid road and short) here and there are big water dranage holes so you can't just run over them like a normal grate giving you less than a foot to ride. If you stay to the right of solid white line (only inches from white line and dranage holes) most cars/trucks will pass less than a foot from you at high speeds but if you just move across the solid white line onto highway they will all move over to the left lane. It's like they think that white line is an invisible barrier and they can pass you as close as possible as long as they don't cross it. We do have the 3 foot law down here "Volunerable User Law" but there is no public awareness made about it like the "Click it or ticket" campaign.
****************
On a side note, if anybody comes to visit Hawaii, the state just passed the "Click it or Ticket" expanded Law to include that ALL individuals in car must now wear seatbelts. If not, driver gets ticket.
@Christine-it's almost Corona time! Not too much longer....lol
@Andrea-awesome!
@Tammie-how scary and awful! that could have been a real catastrophe-was this on your new bike? Never had that problem but have been close to hitting a deer-or a deer hitting me-and yes, on two wheels not four! I am sure I am not the only one to have that experience.
Bikes go along so smoothly and quietly critters don't even know your coming along. We have to be mindful of them as much as we can.
@Ray S - I totally agree... Love MTM & the Dick Van Dyke Show!
@Andrea - 3 commutes this week, nice!
@Tammie - Poor birdy. Glad you were able to maintain.
Well, I am back and the temp was wonderful! Of all the critters we discuss avoiding.. squirrels, rabbits, snakes, ground squirrels... I never thought of this.. a bird almost took me out! I now have a slightly off balance front wheel and there is one dead bird in the street! Can thank the wind for his poor control I guess. Feathers everywhere! Good thing I had a good grip or I would have gone flying he hit HARD! ... lucky he was small enough to go through the spokes.
@ Tammie... 72 degrees is perfect biking weather, at least here in Wisconsin. I guess it's all in the perspective.
TGIF means bike to work day. What an awesome morning in NM.
I really love retirement! I put on arm warmers going out on the M/W/F ride today and we sailed 20+ in front of the wind. Not a cloud in the sky. We had to work going back to maintain 16 mph. 70 degrees when we got home. I will chill now and finish repainting Kermit, our 4 foot tall frog. Kermie stands between our garage doors. People never have trouble finding our house to meet-up for a ride.
Well, about to head out in 72 degree weather.. burrrr! LOL been riding in 92 to 104 lately! I am dead tired after working all night but it looks like this is my only chance before rains move in. No riding in real rain here or you will get washed away. We do not have drainage here.. the streets are the drainage and it is nothing but flash flooding. We are happy, happy, happy to be receiving the rain! I may be lucky to do 4 or 5 miles before I am ready to pass out though!
I did it! I biked to work three times this week! A bit windy this morning but not too bad.
The best thing about "...nothing could be finer..." is watching Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie singing it :D
Too funny...Perfect Corona morning. Sounds like someone is looking forward to the weekend.....lol. On a weather note....25 degrees cooler today.....About 55 out there and may just need those longsleeves again....middle of June....lolcrazy crazy weather
I need to clear the cobwebs from my eyes! I read Cynthia's first three words as "Perfect Corona morning!" Yeah! Beer for breakfast! @Cynthia, I lived in SC (Greenville area) for many years. They got it right when they said "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning!"!
Perfect Carolina morning! Carolina Blue Sky all the way, refreshing temps. My commute was a quiet ride past many homes and the only sound was the light breeze whispering through the tall pines and the only movement was the squirrels as they gathered their morning fare. It couldn't be a better way to start a Friday.
@Leonard, glad you're on the mend; sorry to hear you were hurt. I thought you were just standing back and letting someone else be #1 this year! ;-D
@ M.o.B.
No other way to roll!!! ;)
Kathy R: I will read that Boston report. I get so upset when cyclists don't follow road rules no matter where they ride. It makes no sense to take the chance. I see so many car drivers run lights/signs; there is no reason for us cyclists to be careless as we may only get one time to be so...and then we're headed out of this world.
Leonard, good to see you out!
Please everyone, Ride like you belong...
Good to hear from you Leonard!
@ Thomas, Looking forward to seeing you in September. As far as setting a goal, I lost all my common sense a long time ago :-)
@ Dameon, Finally getting back on the bike after a broken collar bone and some other issues. Taking this year to rebuild my strength.
@ ALL, Ride safe and enjoy yourself - ALWAYS expect the other person to do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time and you will be better prepared to handle the unexpected.
@ Leonard, you always are setting a goal that few of us old guys can match... I didn't do as many miles in the last three years, as you did during the NBC last season!!! I wish I had the time and drive to ride as much as you do! Looking forward to getting over to Sebring on Laborday weekend and riding with you folks some...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@ leonard - good to hear (SEE) ya, how's it rollin down there?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Steve R, It's nice to see young people interested in getting back into cycling (I can say that, I'm 7 years older than you are). I got back into riding in 2007 when I weighed around 250 lbs (yikes!!!). Managed to get my weight back to 165. As far as distance goes, last year I rode over 10,000 miles during the NBC (4 months) and have over 75,000 miles in the last 5 years. I expect a young guy like you can make me look like an old man. Have a great time riding, be safe and enjoy yourself.
@Steve R, It's nice to see young people interested in getting back into cycling (I can say that, I'm 7 years older than you are). I got back into riding in 2007 when I weighed around 250 lbs (yikes!!!). Managed to get my weight back to 165. As far as distance goes, last year I rode over 10,000 miles during the NBC (4 months) and have over 75,000 miles in the last 5 years. I expect a young guy like you can make me look like the old man I am. Have a great time riding, be safe and enjoy yourself.
@Brad, at this point, time passing is not something I think much about. My accordion is beloved to me, I just don't play it very often. My simple joys come to me across the handlebars. I'm a lucky guy who fell in love with the bicycle as a child and never stopped riding it. The accordion, not so much. Thanks for the Sandberg anecdote.
Roberto - keep up on the accordion, as time passes it may mean much more to you. Perhaps something of your history... your heritage... and maybe even happiness. You bring to mind a sentiment that I've always admired from Carl Sandberg: "I asked professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness. And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men. They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them. And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Des Plaines River. And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion."
@ Tammie, sometimes those IRIR rides are very refreshing!
Hey Steve R.. I will be 52 on July 1 and started riding 12 weeks ago myself. Before that I was a committed couch potato for many many years. I did 23 miles yesterday! I too was dead tired my first few times out after only doing one or two miles so you are not alone.... and you will improve quickly. Just keep it up and go at your own pace. Enjoy the ride and enjoy what you see on the way. We had some wonderful IRIR today.. second time this week.. simple amazing for West Texas!
Oh, I didn't look closely enough at the prize structure. I thought that there would be a monthly drawing for those who reach platinum, but I see that I was incorrect.
I got my first bicycle in 1949. It cost $5 brand new. I recently found the receipt for it. Being an Italian-American, I was required to do three things: ride a bicycle, play the accordion, and make pasta. I never stopped riding since that first bicycle, I have my accordion (although I must admit it's rare that I bust it out), and I make a decent homemade pasta. Ciao!
@Steve - I love your NOOB ALERT post. This was me 2.5 years ago (I'll be 60 in August) and I found myself chuckling (in particular your comment about screaming knees and sweat dripping off your nose. Today I'm 40 pounds lighter and riding 250-300 miles a week.....but I'll warn you.....sweat still drips off your nose ;-) Great Job and riding safely !!!!!
another great source of info is a podcast put out by cycling 360 media. You can find it in the Itunes store in the podcast section
I am missing my bike this week. I had zero time to myself to ride, but hope to get out there both days this weekend. Next week, I am travelling to DC and plan to check out the capital bike share. It will be my first bike sharing attempt. I'll let you know how that goes. Congrats, May winners!!
Quit bitchin and keep riding.
@ steve again- I'm 64.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Don't know if anyone has seen this but it's a report by the City of Boston on Cycling Safety brought to my attention by a fellow employee. On page 16-17 they discuss Behavioral factors that cause accidents. http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/uploads/16776_49_15_27.pdf
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The BPD additionally records behavioral factors of cyclists, pedestrians and drivers that may lead to crashes. Police referenced cyclist behavioral factors in 54% of incidents compared with 45% for drivers and .4% for pedestrians.
Of the incidents referencing behavioral factors:
• 38% noted the bicyclist either: a) ran a red light, b) ran a stop sign or c) rode into oncoming traffic.
• 18% of the cases involved a driver or passenger opening a car door into an oncoming cyclist. This represents 40% of all cases in which driver behavior is noted.
• 14% noted that the driver did not see the cyclist.
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In the end, follow the rules of the road and signal like a loon! And that should greatly improve your chances of not being hit by a car.
Hi all, out today on my regular route. Strange to be waiting for late morning for the weather to warm up to the mid-70s. Last summer I was out the door as close to 6 as possible to beat the heat. When I crossed some railroad tracks, somebody honked behind me. I kept going since I was almost at a trailhead stopping point. The driver honked and stopped so I thought maybe he wanted directions or something. Turns out he just wanted me to know that something fell off my bike. I thanked him and went to retrive it. Turns out it was my Amphipod reflector light. Not a cheap toy. From now on I will attach it to my bike bag with the help of a paperclip. Then at the end of my ride I turned the corner to go up the final steep hill near my home. A kid (maybe 12-14 yrs. old) came out of a neighborhood riding his bike and crossed the road. Once on the sidewalk on the other side he said "BIKES FOREVER". I raised my fist and said "YEAH!" Suddenly I had all kinds of energy to tackle that hill and was smiling all the way home.
*****************
@ Steve R, others have beat me to the good advice, so I'll just say welcome to the club. And as a 50-something myself, old NO WAY. My mom is 80 something, now that is old!
@ steve - today I rode up hills I swore a year ago I would never ride up again because I had to walk my bike up them. after 80 % of may ride today they were slow but I didn't get tired and did not walk and friend the other side was (WOW). also 3 X 10 gearing really helps!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Welcome aboard, Steve. Take it slow enough that you can continue to ride regularly, and you'll progress and do fine. Keep fun in your biking and you are more likely to sustain it for fitness. As far as your knees, make sure you gear down on those hills so you can keep up a good cadence and keep down the knee stress. Being 59 and weighing 175 on a 30 lb bike, I'm a sit-n-spin kind of guy on the hills. I only stand in the pedals to get moving. As long as you don't blow yourself out in the early days, you'll keep riding and get better at it. Have fun and ride safe!
@Isaias, it's a drawing of N people among everyone who has reached a given point level, _not_ an award to the N people with the most points.
Lili, why do they call it a platinum/diamond prize if you don't have to be at platinum or diamond? I've been confused about this since I first looked at the prizes page a couple of months ago.
@Jenny, the grand prize drawing is the final drawing of the Challenge (at the end of September). There are four platinum/diamond prizes to be given away - three Trek bikes (courtesy of Trek) and a cruiser (courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Company). All participants who reach gold (750 points) status or better by the end of the Challenge will be eligible for this drawing.
@ Rick~ these gloves have been a life saver on several occasions, they are also a good barrier in cooler weather as a base layer under full finger gloves
Ride safe.
There were 7 people who earned more than 2500 points in May, but there is no platinum drawing??
@Steve, welcome to the NBC, can't wait to hear your stories as you progress. Do something is better than nothing and riding is a bike is better than anything!
So, I have 3,550 points, but I didn't make the May list? I guess you people can stock this challenge.
My doctor sez, "Mike, you hafta get into shape." I sez, "But doctor, round is a shape!"
@Steve, 60 ain't old. Congrats on deciding to get back on your bike. Don't set mileage goals when first starting out. Set time in the saddle goals instead. Try to go out for an hour at least, then increase the time you ride by 10 minutes per week until you're up to two hours. Log your miles, but set your goals for time rather than distance. After a month of this, start shooting for some distance goals. BTW, I'm 65 and ride at least 35 miles a day. C'mon youngster, keep hitting it.
Steve, you're in good company here. I just turned 60 a little bit ago and just started back riding last year, so I know from whence you speak! I'm still stuck around 14 miles as my "longest" ride, but I'm working at increasing that. First I have to convince my brain and hopefully the legs will follow. Welcome the the NBC! We're really glad you came!
@Steve: Welcome! Nobody here's gonna bust your stones for being old, out of shape and inexperienced. Take it from a middle-aged, out of shape and still inexperienced commuter. The whole point is to get people on their bikes; giving them grief kinda defeats the purpose, don't you think? I have to say, I read a lot of online comments and blogs, and this board--by far--is the friendliest, most informative and most supportive out there. Gather strength and knowledge from all who participate here, and continue your pursuits of two-wheeled freedom!
Welcome, Steve. It is never too old to start biking! Do take it easy, though. And one other comment about "out of shape." The "shape" one is in is a relative term. The key should be to be healthy. Regular riding helps you become healthy...just like regular walking. One does not have to look like a "pro" to be in shape in terms of healthy outcomes. If you can feel _good_ after a ride that used to make you feel tired, you have gotten in better "shape." I will warn you, though, the riding can become addicting (I think in a good way...but my wife might not always agree ;-) ). And more riding tends to promote more health...a reall win-win, in my book. Happy riding, Steve, and all the other newbies (and not so newbies)!
Steve - Welcome to the Old and Out of Shape Bike Riders Club!! There are several other members here, I'm one of them. (I hope to be kicked out of the "Out of Shape" section one day.) Everybody's really nice to us here... no laughing and pointing or anything. :) Glad you joined!!!
Steve, welcome to the NBC. I'm a noob too, and have found the advice and encouragement from the more experienced riders to be wonderful! Congrats on your progress and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back from all of us :)
Steve, I applaud you for getting back on your bike. I don't think anybody here will laugh at your first time and distance on bike in 45 years. Everybody started out just the same no matter how old they were/are. Welcome back to the biking comunity!
Welcome to the real biking world, ( not the turn key type ) and don't over do it. When I started little over 2 years ago I over did it and played for it. Just go a your pace and improve a little each week. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
NOOB ALERT! 60 Years young and just bought my first bike in 45 years 2 weeks ago. Low impact EXERCISE for an old fat guy. To any other "noobs" take it EASY the first few weeks. It is coming along nicely. These young "whipper snappers" will laugh but my first ride, 1/2 mile out and 1/2 mile back in 2nd gear was "enough" for me. Just joined and logged today's ride (stop laughing. LOL!). Still striding myself. "My block" that I ride now is 5.93 miles, 2 miles of it has several hills most here wouldn't think about, but a "challenge" for me these first few runs. Today was only my second ride on this block, and first one in much wind (14 mph). On my Kettler Verso Vienna with Nexus 8 internal gears I took it just riding along the first day. Took me 69 minutes, non stop. ( I mentioned I'm out of shape and old right? ROFL). Today knowing I had the 2 mile stretch of hills and curves against the wind I "booked it" down the first 2 mile stretch with the wind at my back so I could attempt to stay with or under my previous ride time. By the time I finished the last leg by going the mentioned two miles against the wind, my knees were screaming and sweat was dripping off my nose. Yish. When I checked the time when I arrived home, I was dumbfounded seeing that I completed it in 48 minutes BUT KNEW THEN why I was "wore out", LOL. I'll be in the "noob" stage for some time. Proper shoes and PADDED SHORTS are on my short list! With lights and a horn later on all as finances allow. My "take it easy" advice to other noobs is due to I'm rather sure I didn't today even though I didn't feel I was over doing it till I hit the 2 miles against the wind. I might be paying for this tomorrow! :-) God Bless to all of you and yours. Ride safe. The state road near my house to town still scares me witless after a couple close calls with drivers either not caring or not paying attention.
@Daniel - more tools - forgot about the PVC gloves -- the same way I usually forget about them until halfway through the repair - and my bar tape is black, so I don't get the feedback there. I do have a Grease Monkey Wipe in my kit, but I have yet to crack one of those open on a roadside repair.
http://pathlesspedaled.com/2013/03/5-reasons-why-bicycle-tourism-matters/
@ Burklee, this is one time they REALLY need a "like" button on comments :)
Such a nice ride to work this morning. Temps in the 50's, cloudless sky, no wind. The only thing that could have made it a more perfect morning would have been if I had just kept riding right on past work.
@Tammie Porter - Take a look at Terry saddles. They have a number of women's saddles designed for performance, rider type, gel/non-gel and our unique female anatomy.
http://www.terrybicycles.com/Saddles#
@Buddy~
Get yourself used to using both front and rear brakes during your decent section of trail.
This is the best way to scrub speed, and keep much better control.
As funny as this sounds........ Your front pads should be worn more than your rear pads!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Anybody heading to GOBA? Look me up. I will be riding my recumbent trike.
www.goba.com
www.thejerseypedaler.com
Thanks everybody for the comments about pedals and shoes. Lots to think about. I counted on the way home yesterday: 6 full 'foot-on-the-ground' stops due to lights and cross traffic. Typical day, could vary +/-2 on each trip. @Jerry, thanks for the tips on the shoes; will check them out. Exceptionally nasty weather today, common sense (and a bus pass) trumped biking again. Sigh... @Buddy, just keep riding. Skill and confidence builds over time, and with that the fun factor will follow.
@Buddy - don't have your brakes set up too sharp. if you panic brake, you run the risk of pitching yourself over the bars. Or a cliff! ;-) Riding with groups always helps, but just remember to not get flustered. You may not be the fastest in the group, but nobody will care. If you ride a bike, that's already a step in the right direction!
The more you ride with people you'll pick up line choices, speed, confidence and little hits & tips along the way.
So much great information on being exchanged the last couple days about what to carry in your pack for flat tires to shoes/cleats. Lots to consider and do. I have my list made to upgrade my tire changing pack.
It's sad that people spend time posting comments about cheaters.
@Laurie-the rain always always ends once you arrive at work or at home. For me, the rain always always starts right at 5 pm on the dot. Not a minute before not a minute after. lol.
@Andrew - thanks bro.,ill admit that im afraid of height, and descending at a steep mountain and the prospect of falling in the high cliffs of Baguio City. Is not really encouraging lol. What would be the right set-up for my mechanical disc brake? And btw we dont have any courses here in the Phils for biking,though we have groups of riders here.:)
@Buddy - sounds like just a little lacking in confidence. Most of us have suffered it at some point! It's worth seeing if there are any skills courses nearby that you could make use of. In the UK we have Dirt School which is huge - they train everyone from first timers right through to world champions. Everyone needs to have a little bit of sharpening!
There is nothing like getting on my Mongoose and enjoying a nice long ride, just my bike and myself :) it's very pleasurable. Take care all :) remember! Be Safe Riding
Fellow bikers, i need some tip on how to improve my biking skill, ive just recently learn to ride a mountain bike 2 months ago. I live in Baguio City Philippines and we have lot of steep mountain to climb, my problem is during descending part, my bike goes very fast, i have a hard time breaking, my hand aches, i also have a sore shoulder, is this normal?
@Michael...I ride mostly commuting miles on a converted mountain bike. I did not want to go the bike shoes/clipless pedals, and never liked the toe clips back in the day either. I was also getting sick of my flat pedals tearing up my sneakers. I bought some Five Ten bramd shoes last year, and like them a lot. I think they're more geared towards BMX riding etc, but they have flat soles, the rubber is holding up amazingly, and I like the way they look too. I am about ready to buy a second pair to avoid wearing the same shoes every day. ... One note, the ones I bought are NOT non-marking. I have spent a few hours on my knees cleaning marks off the kitchen floor.
We had a wonderful day today.. winds were below 30 mph.. only 16 gusting to 27... temps were lower.. only 92. I did the longest I have ever done in a continuous ride. 23 miles. I am loving my road bike but need new shoes and maybe a diffferent saddle. I don't carry as many tools but am mostly near town and any help needed. Looked at my stats and came soooo close to breaking the top 1,000 for the month! 1002! LOL .. at the moment.. numbers change frequently.
I couldn't find any time during the dry part of the day to get on my bike, so had to resort to an Intentional Ride In Rain this evening. Of course, the rain stopped and the sun came back out 10 minutes after I got back home.
Laurie, Yes, the thought of not having my bike is too horrible to contemplate, I do have my trusty spare which is my very first road bike I bought in Italy back in 1987. Bianchi Signature Series bike that still runs great but gearing much bigger than my Scott. Glad to see you back on the road again!
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Dave "Shut up Legs" Cairncross, I too need to add a set of needle nose pliers to my kit. Our biggest culprit over here for small pieces of wires are from the re-treads from the big trucks. One time I had a super small piece of wire in my front tire but couldn't see or feel it from either side of tire (it was that small) and each time I hit bump just right, I would get a flat. I finally got a magnifying glass and found it. It was so small it wasn't even as long as the tire is thick.
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As for those that may be cheating, they are only cheating themselves. I myself do use a Garmin Edge for my rides but it's just a pain to keep taking my external hard drives offline on my laptop all the time because all are constantly active .Right now I'm only concentrating on increasing my weekly milage as per my training progam and less about how long it takes each ride. I may use computer link-up once I reach my weekly milage goals which will be in Jan(approx) and next summer when I ride cross country I will definitely be uploading Garmin info onto Endomondo via New Garmin Edge 810 if it's possible to do so or maybe by smart phone(I don't currently have).
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"Ask for everything; Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed! - Kawika
Laurie, Yes, the thought of not having my bike is too horrible to contemplate, I do have my trusty spare which is my very first road bike I bought in Italy back in 1987. Bianchi Signature Series bike that still runs great but gearing much bigger than my Scott. Glad to see you back on the road again!
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Dave "Shut up Legs" Cairncross, I too need to add a set of needle nose pliers to my kit. Our biggest culprit over here for small pieces of wires are from the re-treads from the big trucks. One time I had a super small piece of wire in my front tire but couldn't see or feel it from either side of tire (it was that small) and each time I hit bump just right, I would get a flat. I finally got a magnifying glass and found it. It was so small it wasn't even as long as the tire is thick.
As for those that may be cheating, they are only cheating themselves. I myself do use a Garmin Edge for my rides but it's just a pain to keep taking my external hard drives offline on my laptop all the time because all are constantly active .Right now I'm only concentrating on increasing my weekly milage as per my training progam and less about how long it takes each ride. I may use computer link-up once I reach my weekly milage goals which will be in Jan(approx) and next summer when I ride cross country I will definitely be uploading Garmin info onto Endomondo via New Garmin Edge 810 if it's possible to do so or maybe by smart phone(I don't currently have).
"Ask for everything; Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed! - Kawika
I choose to mountain bike and commute without any bike computers as it allows me to better focus on just riding, and not about getting point or miles (I just get the miles from fellow riders). I do compute on the road bike.
So, I am all manual entries and pride myself on being honest. I don't worry about others' points other than hoping they're honest. Whoop it for those who are!
@Gregg - Good Luck!
Chapter 2 of my bike drama. I went to the bike shop this morning, got a new tube, came home and put it on. As I was pumping it up discovered that the tire had a hole in the side. Deflated it and headed back to the bike shop. They had some good kevlar-type tires, but not in stock. When they told me it would be about a week to get them in, I almost had a panic attack! Thankfully they had other good tires in stock, so now my bike is all fixed and ready to go again :)
Is it a sign of addiction that the thought of a bikeless week was too horrible to contemplate?
I agree with you, Scott DeLeeuw. The system is open to a lot of cheating. But manual entries are only way some of us can do it. I guess we have to put up with a few cheaters. It's pretty easy to tell who they are.
@Rick been meaning to add to my kit for years "small needle nose pliers (remove offending wire from tire)" Every time I find myself trying to remove with my teeth-yuck!
Also a good item is emergency tire "boot"-about a 2" square piece of flexible plastic, inserted between tube/tire to repair a big gash or a bulge can get you home.
@ Scott, this subject has been covered plenty. This challenge is on the honor system, and this stuff will happen. Please, just try to enjoy YOUR results.
I'm not sure how I feel about manual entries with this challenge. Looking at some of the leaderboards, some of the manual entries are kind of suspect.
@Rick....tools, another good item are a pair (or 2) of surgical gloves, this way if one needs to change a tube, your hands don't get the dirt and grease on your bar tape....most of us in our club carry these with our spare tubes
You can see which city is winning the Rust Belt Rivalry between Pittsburgh and Cleveland on the new FB page. iwww.facebook.com/RustCrown
@Ray - I started commuting on flat pedals with a plastic toe clip that just positioned my foot and gave me some leverage to pull up a pedal if needed. I didn't like the idea of all the straps and clips hanging around near the ground if I didn't strap in. Initially I wore a 'walking shoe.' The I bought a Pearl Izumi mountain bike shoe that was a trail-runner-bike shoe cross. It had a cleat mount, but there was an insert to cover the cleat holes if you didn't want cleats. Within a month of buying those, I bought a set of SPD pedals (recessed cleat, two bolt). You can walk in the shoes without lifting your toes or clanging on the floor. As I started doing longer recreational rides, I wanted a stiffer bike shoe, and I needed something that was easier to pull shoe covers over - Puget Sound has a long rainy season, and I commute year-round. A Shimano RT-82 shoe was just the ticket - still recessed MTB cleats, but stiffer sole and a more shoe-cover friendly profile. I ride in traffic and have no trouble clipping in or out when needed. About the only clip-out incidents I've had have been at moments in parking lots when I was distracted and forgot I had gotten to zero forward speed while still clipped in -- highly embarrassing.
If your longest ride is your 5 mile commute, and your route is mostly flat, flat pedals or flat pedals + the plastic 'toe caps' are probably all you need. Personally, I feel like I have better control of the bike when clipped in, and I get some relief at times on the hills on my commute by 'pulling' the pedals back 'round to the top of stroke.
RE tools - for my 7 mile commute: pocket multi-tool with chain-tool + a couple of tiny 8-10mm wrenches; CO2 inflator + cartridge; Lezyne dual-valve mini-pump on a water bottle bracket; spare tube; patches + talc to ease installation; levers; compact towel; a couple of chain links + PowerLink; pocket 1st aid kit; wallet with ID & bus pass; AND a lightweight Park 15-16 mm wrench that I carry ever since I was unable to help a rider on a cheap bike with loose pedals. Riding with it loose mangled the 1st couple of threads, and I couldn't get the pedal passed the damage without a wrench. The 15-16 would also come in handy for dealing with flats on bikes without quick-release skewers.
For 40 mile or longer rides, I carry 2-3 tubes, more CO2, more 1st aid, a folding spare tire, small needle nose pliers (remove offending wire from tire) and a small sef-spooled length of duct tape.
I know - belt, suspenders, baling wire AND duct tape.
Sleeves are for your nose ;)
No, gloves are for your nose!
@Ray, I thought that's what pants were for. You know like sleeves are for wiping your mouth?
In addition to straps I'd recommend you get a pair of mountan biking shoes. The stiff sole will give you more power and you can still walk around.
For a 5.2 mile round trip, I wouldn't bother. Shoes/pedals are nice on the open road, but in my opinion, are a hassle when dealing with a lot of traffic lights. The pedals which clip on one side and are flat on the other so you have the option are nice, that way you can clip if you want to, or sneaker if you don't.
Michael, In your case, at most I would recommend the strap-on pedals because they are easy to get in and out of before and after stopping but you really don't need them for your situation. Clip-on sets with shoes can be costly and for what you use bike for it wouldn't be worth it in my eyes. Clip-on shoes are not made for walking on, so doing errands while having bike shoes on is not good.
@Peter - with what you'll save in TP expense for the year, you can probably buy a jersey, right?
OK, good folks, I'd like to ask for some advice. As previously posted, my daily 5.2 mile R.T. commute is the only riding I do. Some minor errands, but otherwise that's it. I'm using a 1998 Giant Boulder mountain bike that I've outfitted with a seatpost rack/panniers, fenders, lights. My commute is all city riding with stop signs, traffic lights, and traffic. Lots of stops with waits (yes, I actually obey red lights). Question is about pedals and shoes. I'm now using non-clip, non-strap pedals with sneakers and have been giving lots of thought to upgrading. Since I have multiple stops/waits during this trip, particularly in the afternoon, are upgraded pedals useful since I'd be getting in/out of them lots, or should I stick with what I have?
RE: checking the PSI. I use a piece of chalk and rub it on the side of the tire so I can read the PSI more easily.
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@ Leonard, great to hear from you !
Also if you are getting a lot of flats other than from sharp objects like glass or other objects it may be that your tires are underinflated. This can cause pinch flats(spider bites) when you hit a pothole or some other object on road. If you can afford it, get a real good standing pump for pumping tires up at home. I have a Lezyne High Pressure/High Volume pump. Expensive, but doesn't take long to put air in tires. Check your tire pressure (PSI) recommendation for your tires. It's on each bike tire just like a car. Mine is 115 PSI max for my road bike so I put 110 in rear because rear takes most of your weight and on front I put 95 lbs. Your tires lose some air every day just sitting at home so it's best to check tire pressure before each ride. Your tire pressure max may be different so adjust accordingly for your specific tires.
I also carry cash and cell phone and know what if any bus runs along my bike route just in case I am unable to fix problem(like accident/or contact anybody so I can just put bike on bus to go back home.
Suggestion: In place of paper towels try carrying a couple packages of "Wet-Wipes". They will cut the grease from the chain (paper towels tend to smear the grease around but they are better than nothing). Also the "Wet-Wipes" are more compact than paper towels. (I do carry a couple paper towels for other things.....)
Another suggestion for those that have never changed a tire - practice. Try changing your tire a couple times at home using the things you normally carry during a ride. It's much easier to figure out what you need to do sitting in your driveway than to be out along the side of the road with a flat the first time you change a tire.......
I'm just doing the sprint in the triathlon at High Cliff on Saturday (1/4 mile swim, 22 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. This is the largest triathlon in Wisconsin and is an official USAT sanctioned triathlon and you need to be a member or purchase a 1 day license. I know the half iron distances in this triathlon would kill me. haha (1.2 mile swim, 52 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. That long of a swim course in what is typically very rough water with under currents is very hard. Last year a guy in his mid 30's had a heart attack and drowned there before they got to him. Even the 3.1 mile run after swimming and biking 22 miles is very challenging for me. I biked the 22 mile sprint course yesterday and is really a nice course with mostly flat roads. The only big hill is the High Cliff hill itself, which is really hard because your legs don't get a chance to warm up on the bike because you have to climb right away at the start of the bike course. The run also includes climbing it in the beginning of the run course, which is going to be really tough, especially after the 52 mile bike course in the half iron.
Hi all, out this morning on the usual route. Temps. heading into the 80s and plenty of humidity. Only a handful of other riders.
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RE: tools. I always carry two spares, a pump (I don't use the CO2 because the pump is better for the environment), a change kit with a patch, a bunch of Allen wrenches, some kleenex or wet wipes, some hand sanitizer, and one of those camping type washrags that scrunches down to nothing. On group rides I sometimes wish I had a small wrench because somebody's pedal came off (and Christine, your hubby is not pulling your leg, the pedals do come in left & right versions). I have a small bag under the seat and a slightly larger on on the handlebars. I carry my billfold and cell phone.
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If I see a cyclist who is pulled over, I always ask if they are okay. If they say yes I just keep riding. One time I found a stranded cyclistst: his cell phone was dying, he was out of CO2 cartridges, and he had a flat. So I offered the use of my pump & tire irons and he was able to get going again. I have also been rescued: I had help changing a flat. Once I had a flat and only had a spare that fit my husband's bike instead of mine. There was nobody to call due to the time of day, so I started hoofing it. Somebody saw me and gave me a ride home!
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@ Christine, congrats on giving your grandson the bike. Its so cute how he's loving it. A future cyclist of America for sure!!!
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@ Laurie & Christine, good luck with the no driving for close-by errands pledge!
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@ Cynthia, glad you are enjoying my posts. I'm sure having fun hanging out here in cyberspace with my fellow cyclists.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!
We finally hit some 80 degrees temps in Wisconsin yesterday. I went swimming with my wet suit at High Cliff, where the triathlon is on Saturday and the water is still very cold yet and would be very cold to swim without a wet suit, so I am glad I have one. The temps are going to be in the low 70's on Saturday with isolated thunderstorms. If we can avoid the storms, the temps should be perfect for the triathlon. It kind of looks like this summer may be a lot cooler this year than normal and we may not see many days in the 90's this summer in Wisconsin. Our long range weather forecast for Wisconsin has a cooler and wetter summer than normal. I know a few years ago we had a very cold summer and needed to wear jackets on even the 4th of July. That summer I only had to run the air conditioners a few days and our pool was even closed for an entire week in July because of cold temps.
I have been so fortunate to have only had a couple flats, only on my road bike and never on my hybrid/commuter. Although I have everything I need to change a tire for both bikes, it causes some anxiety to have to change a flat. I watched a You Tube video (a couple times) and it gave me much more confidence. Never thought to carry a paper towel or two. Gee, doesn't that make a great deal of sense? So, as soon as I get home I am putting a couple in both packs on each bike. It's the little things.....
The paper towel/rag is for the gunk you get all over your hands from the chain when you change the flat rear tire ;) It's also handy for using to run along the inside of the tire to check for sharp objects, better to snag the paper towel than your skin. I admit, that many years ago when my front tire spontaneously burst, I took my bike to the shop to have them replace it. The bike was already on the rack anyway, I had to go buy a tire anyway, figured I'd pay the extra couple bucks to let the pros do it. After getting a flat 2 miles from home a few years ago, with no tube/pump, I went to the store the next day for a kit and don't ride without one anymore. Also, it is better to have the equipment and not know how to use it than it is to not have it at all. Other people may be willing to help, but might not be as willing to spare their tubes/co2 cartridges, especially if they are a long way from home.
@Christine - you crack me up about the fingernails. I doubt I would break mine (they are quite strong) but the grease and dirt will take forever to get out. I also have never changed my tire but I did watch a youtube video and bought a kit to carry with me (tube/CO2 etc.)
DeleteChristine "Abby Normal" Salvatore
One minute ago
I got around the carrying ID problem by getting a RoadID. I just more first responders were aware of them!
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@Ray, what's the paper towel for?
@Dave, I'm guilty of not knowing how to change a bike tire. My husband has always changed mine, too. (Do you know how long it took me to get 10 fingernails all the same length??) I really should learn to do it, tho.
The last time I offered to help a guy with a flat, he responded with "my wife is on the way to pick me up and take me to Eddy's (LBS)" He said they were going on a cycling vacation, I felt like asking him how he can plan that if he can't fix his own flat tire. If I see someone stopped, I'll slow and offer help. My repair kit includes a multi-tool with chain breaker, two tubes, levers, paper towel and a normal pump, I think I have patches too, just in case. I know CO2 is easier, but it doesn't help you if you run out. I also have cash and "ICE" information which includes contact info, blood type and insurance info. I used to carry my driver's license and insurance card, but kept forgetting to put them back in my wallet. If I'm on my hybrid with a trunk on the back, I generally have a small first aid kit, my Leatherman and various other things. There is only so much room in a road bike seat pack.
I encountered a rider that needed help Sunday. She was out riding alone on country roads and had a flat. I asked and she said she needed help, I soon found-out she had all the stuff, and no idea how to change a tube as her husband always does it. I did the whole thing happily, then politely suggested her husband shouldn't let her out here alone and she should go to a tube change clinic.
Whenever I see someone stopped roadside with a bike or walking a bike, I always ask if they need anything. I mean, isn't that just common courtesy? There was a young guy on the trail last night struggling with his bike. I offered him my multi tool, but it didn't have what he needed. His pedals kept falling off. I told him to switch them (left for right) and he looked at me like I was nuts. Aren't pedals left and right specific on most pedals or is my husband pulling my leg (like he did when he said drawing a nail through your hair makes it go into the wood more easily)? I hope he made it home okay.
Peter, you obviously don't live in a house full of women or you would be thrilled with winning toilet paper! ;-D
Pssssst! @Wisconsinites, have you seen how close we are to 2nd place?? On, Wisconsin!
May prizes are (finally!!) up. I almost died laughing. Yes. I "won" the toilet paper. Can I trade for a jersey or two??
My commute is very short, only 2.6 miles each way (10 minutes in, 15 home). I've already had two flats the same day. Always carry two tubes and 2-3 CO2 cartridges, along with levers and a bike-specific multitool. It's a short commute, but some of the neighborhoods I ride through are not exactly 'tourist friendly'. Gotta change that tire and get outta Dodge.
For what it's worth, my recumbent has a 20" front and a 26" rear, I carry one of each tube, an inflator and several CO2 cartridges, as well as a pump, and a few tools (hex keys, screwdriver, etc.) on my daily commute. I have found that the right tires make a big difference when traveling, and have been running Conti Gatorskins on the rear of the bike, with only one flat in the past year or so. Sometimes, good tires that are resistant to puncture are the best answer.
Sad today. Trying to sell my bib for a marathon I had registered for, for October. I've been injury prone the past 8 months approximately and I know there's no way I'll be prepared to run it. :( That's the whole reason I took up cycling this year.. To stay active while recovering from injuries. I'm thankful for having a new love, but still sad I can't run like I use to.
Also can't hurt to know the location of any bike shops in the area. Have been able to pull into one on two different occasions to re-stock mid ride
@Laurie-I carry two tubes and CO2 in a bag that fits under my seat. You tube has videos on how to change flats and your local bike shop should have class or be able to take the time to show you how to change a flat. Sad no one stopped to help you! Anywhere I have ever ridden or any rides I have ever done, passing bikers always offer help.
I usually ride with one spare tube, levers, a dollar bill (works great if your tire has a blowout), and a pump. If I'm alone and will be remote, I'll throw in a second tube. BTW, it's important to figure out why you flatted before you replace the tube; otherwise, you may also flat your spare tube if you didn't address the root cause (thorn, glass shard, etc).
While we're on topic, are there any other essentials I should have or be prepared for? The trip I'm planning will probably consist of driving to a destination and then spending a couple of days exploring the area on bike. I would hate to be stranded many miles from the campground.
I like the advice about carrying 2 tubes....Actually started taking three (the extra in my shirt pocket) ever since I got two flats on one ride about 35 miles from home. My wife was not happy that day.....that was not a good day,,,,lol.
@Marty -- Thanks, I think I may just take it for a quick spin tomorrow and see how I feel.
Laurie, our bike shop had a flat clinic. They showed us how to get the tire off and the new tube back on and we used the CO2. They actually had the whole kit for sale too. And as a newer rider a week ago I came upon a highschool kid walking his bike one morning. I thought he might faint when I asked if he needed help! His answer was "No ma'am, I just got tired of riding." I thought I'd faint at his politeness!
Laurie, Yes, recommend you take along with you 2 spare tubes, tire lever set(for changing tiubes) and a small pump or better yet, a mini-pump that works w/Co2 Cartridges you can get a bike shop. Co2 pumps up tire instantly. You can get a tool bag that fits under your seat to put all this in except pump but that you can attach above your water bottles on bike post.
@Dee Dee - Hope you can get back to riding soon!
Wow that's cool that they do that. I'm new enough to biking that I really don't know how others here do things like that. But now I'm more conscious of how prepared I need to be for my bike trip later this summer.
@Kevin - Someone earlier suggested to make sure that the App says it is ready to start (has homed in on enough satellites), before leaving for your ride.
Sad nobody stopped to help you. Over here in Maui, we have cyclists from all over the world come to ride on our roads and if we see someone stopped we never ride past them unless they give us the thumbs up signal. I thought that was a given but I guess it's not like that everywhere.
No. But I'll get it fixed in the morning. Guess that means I have to drive my car to the bike shop lol
Anybody(bikers) offer to help you by giving you a spare tube?
There were a few, and also some joggers and dog walkers.
Laurie, Any bikers pass you by while you were walking back?
No, I walked the entire 1.6 miles back home pushing the bike along.
Laurie, Now if after your flat you caught a ride in a car than I'd say no.
"Ask For Everything; Expect Nothing and You Will Never Be Disappointed" - Kawika
Kawika, that's kinda what I thought but I don't want to cheat either.
Laurie, I'd count that if I were you! Still using bike and legs to propel self :)
The endomondo app onnmy BB loses about 0.5 miles in every 5 miles of riding it has me crossing rivers without the aid of a bridge. In 30+ miles it is off by as Mich as 2 miles. I always have to edit my rides.
Question: if you get a flat tire 1 or 2 miles before you get back home, and walk your bike, does that count as part of the ride?
I use mine all the time. For biking, for hiking, for museums etc. They keep water cold and the little handle thing works great.
Anyone use the pause on endomundo? I don't think it pauses, it stops time but when you resume it gives an outragous average speed.
Funny you mention those bottles, I have been using them for years. Just ordered the limited edition one featuring the Arizona flag on it. Great bottles
@Water Bottles....Check out the made in USA, BPA free, insulated water bottles from Boulder Colorodo. I have purchased a few from a local bike shop,
http://www.polarbottle.com/
My car hasn't moved since 1 May and don't plan on using it again until July when I drive up to get on ferry to Lanai to participate in 3rd Annual TirLanai Bike Ride - 3 Hills(50 miles) where you can ride all 3 roads up and down the Island of Lanai. All for local charities.
http://www.trilanai.com/tandemserver2/
Going crazy. Havn't ridden in 5 days thanks to a nasty virus that has given me vertigo. Can't wait to get back on my bike!
@Brad, I have one of those exact bottles-purchased from Amazon-they are great really! Strange enough, I never thought to use it for cycling. I may have to try it! Thanks for the info.
I've had really great luck with Klean Kanteen's insulated "bottles". I have three and am buying 2 more this week. I frequently still have ice in my work one the following morning and my son was amazed that the coffee he left in his car in mid-winter in Wisconsin was still drinkably warm 6 hours later. They are more expensive than the Thermos one, however. Not affiliated, just a happy customer, yada yada...
Bear with us as we work through some technical difficulties with the Challenge... winners for the month of May will be announced by the end of this week! Thanks for your feedback and patience... this will help us make the 2014 Challenge even better!
If your out for long periods of time and hate drinking hot water as much as I do, this Stainless vacuum bottle is the one to get. It's a little awkward to use one handed, but it can be done. The diameter fits perfectly in a bottle cage, although if you have a little tab at the top of the cage you may want to bend it a little. Memorial weekend I was out for 8-9 hours and it still had ice chunks left, this is WAY better than anything else I have tried - http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Insulated-24-Ounce-Stainless-Hydration/dp/B003U55EKI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC
@ Laurie - That's great! I'm doing the same. Since the 1st of May I haven't drove my car besides the Sunday morning trip to the laundry mat with my mom. Errands and everything else have been on bike. It feels great. You'll be so glad you did it!
@ Christine - That is so cute! You've got a future cycling addict on your hands!
Great pledge, Laurie! I'm taking it with you! My DIL asked me why I wasn't driving to work today since she didn't need my car to take her son to school. My response: Oh, I'm not driving when I can bike!
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We got a bike for the grandson this past weekend. He is totally in love (he's autistic and now very, very focused on the bike) and spent at least 14 hours on it over the weekend. Whichever way his head turns, so does the bike. It's so cute to watch. Bedtime the first night, it had to be right beside his bed. The next day, they were heading out for breakfast, the bike had to go with them. Can you say fixation? Next purchase: one of those bikes you attach to the back of a grownup's bike so he can ride with Nona!
AGREE!!!! With all this morning's posts. I so appreciate the encouragement and excitement you all exude (wow four big words in one sentence!) My goal for the rest of the summer is to bike anywhere I need to go unless there are valid reasons why driving would be better.
Tammie et al, dodging critters: my husband says it's their "gang initiation". If they make it past your bike or car without getting hit, they're in the gang. If they don't, well, they weren't worthy. (Shudder!)
@EM-I love your reports/posts.
@Christine-those buttons would be great!
@Tammie-it's what you can do that counts, not what you can't do. Yes, I have to watch out for kamikaze squirrels! They will de-bike you in a hurry!
Rode into town today to run a couple errands. What a great feeling and how freeing! Made coming back from lunch so much easier today. Any you ladies ever see a Terry Bike Catalog-gosh, they have cloths that are nice for cyclomuting, you could wear the clothing to bike in and at work if you wanted. I have a lot of dog eared pages.
Hi all, out this morning with temps heading into the 80s. The day promises to get hotter and the heat index is supposed to reach above 100. Summer traffic is less predictable than during the school year, but it wasn't too bad. A handful of other cyclists out there and more scattered all over my route instead of just bunched up on Clayton Road or in Kirkwood. Great to see all those other riders!!!
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@ Tammie, its exactly those little rides to the bank and grocery store and post office etc. < 5 miles that people need to be CHALLENGED about. We waste bazillions on gas and pollute up the place with those little drives. So riding those little rides is SUPER important. But, yeah, please watch out for the bunnies!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Sounding like this is a 'Golden Month'.. great! I see lots of bunnies when I ride on the university camput.. this IS West Texas! Now that I have a little faster bike, my problem is not running them over! Came within a hair of getting one last night. Scary.. I really don't want to squash a bunny and with those skinny tires, it may more like squash me! I wish I could bike to work but with my hours and the 20 mile distance, I just don't see it working out... I would be a sweaty mess and dead tired. I am riding to little things like the post office or pay a bill when I can.
@Cynthia, me, too (open at work)! I still wish we had buttons under each person's post that we could click to show how we feel without having to come in and type "Me, too!" Buttons such as Educational, Interesting, Funny, Agree, Disagree, Love (stolen directly from Ravelry, a Knit and Crochet community).
@ Christine-this is an amazing uplifting informative forum isn't it? I think that's why I keep this open at work and check in from time to time.
Wow! Just reading the last three pages really buoyed my spirits! So many great, uplifting posts! Gold! Endorphins! Car free (carefree?) days! Ain't we having fun?? Congratulations to all who've accomplished so much, and thanks for the boost!
@ Andrea - Great job! Maybe you'll try it some more this season! :)
I rode to work for the first time this season. I measly 8.59 miles, but I did it!
VT is still in the lead, but Nebraska and Wisconsin have been closing the gap!
Points/1000 population:
VT 110.4
Nebraska: 87.49
Wisconsin: 82.54
Haha @Kathy I know the feeling very well
so it was 'work', Kathy! ;-)
This morning's commute got me to Gold!!!! @Kathy, hope you feel better, whatever the reason you're down...
@Kathy-right?
I so didn't want to get on the bike and go to work today and it had nothing to do with the bike.
This week has been beautiful so far with scattered thunderstorms at night. But the days are heating up. I long to be out riding fast, far and everywhere. ha ha. But, alas, have to work. Then my local bike group is riding at 7am tomorrow morning and I have to be at work at 8:30, would love to join them and I have turned over the logistics in my head and just don't see how I can make it work. Oh well no worries, I know I can make it up and get some good rides in this weekend. Thanks for letting me vent!
@Kelly-hope you have a great day!
@Laurie-congrats on your car free day, being able to have one or two days car free is better than none! Way to go!
@ Kelly, what a great start to your day!
@ Laurie - That's awesome!
This morning's commute into work makes it easy for me to remember why I love cycling so much. Saw a bunny, the sun came out half way to work, I took a different route for about 1 mile of my ride through a large subdivision which was great because it took me off the main road away from all the sounds and sights of traffic, this truck driver I periodically see when I pass the Chrysler plant honks and waves at me like he did today. Just a wonderful ride in. Hopefully my work day is great too!
Way to go Thomas! Just be careful of lightning.....
Half way to Gold...points read exactly 500 today. I hope the rain lays off for a few more days, as I do enjoy riding to and from work, but don't much care for riding home in a T'storm. This time of year, in south Florida, you are just GOING to ride in the rain part of the time.
is here.
WOW, car free days, eco boosts in magazines, the world is just getting better all the time!
@Laurie - Congratulations!
I just completed my first completely car-free day! Not always easy to accomplish due to having a disabled son, but I will be able to do this a few days a week now. Even managed to get some groceries and carry them home on my bike...... endorphins being freed all the way home :)
"THE WEEK" magazine chose to feature The League of American Bicyclists (BikeLeague.org) as their "Charity of the Week" in their June 14 issue., noting the organization's commitment to advancing public awareness of cycling as viable, ecologically sound transportation and their ongoing support of legislation and infrastructure to promote the development of "Bike- Friendly" communities. (-:
I got up to upper Michigan east of Manistique early Thursday (06/07/13) afternoon. I had some cool mornings but beautiful bicycling weather. Saw a lot of wild life but no bears. Getting ready to leave tomorrow around 7:30 am. I'm planning a short ride to collect the 20 points invade the weather is bad in Wisconsin when we get back to Oshkosh. Looking forward of riding with a lot of less HILLS. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
@ Mike, Holmes I presume. LOL
Wow, gone for 3 days and there are 16 pages to look through.
Congrats to Mike and Christine on platinum and gold. And congrats on that new bike Tammie. Now to get ready to ride the storm. Wet weather in Jersey today.
Hi all, out around noontime today. Weather was pretty good as long as the clouds were over the sun. Temps in the 70s and every time the sun came out it felt like 80s & summer. No real humidity. A handful of riders out there. Tell all those drivers to get a life (or maybe a bicycle). LOL. Some clueless person making a right turn, could have gone after stopping, but waited until I got the green left turn light and then started to turn and accellerate. Waved my hand in her face to get her attention. Like, hey, I'm turning here, I got the green light, wait your turn....
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@ Cynthia, you can never, ever, have too many cycling socks. And yeah, I have the challenge jersey from this year. I love it! I have been wearing it a lot in the hope that people will ask me about the challenge. Hasn't happened yet, but I need to go on more organized rides wiith rest stops so I can chat! On Sat. maybe..
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
At last! Made it to over 1000 points, platinum here I come!
@Mike, I always knew I liked that guy beyond his writing!
When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.
~Arthur Conan Doyle
@Michael, that's great! Another afficionado of small batch hootch! I'll let the husband know!
Hey, @Christine: Just wanna say "Thanks" for your mention of the Angel's Envy on Friday. Talked the missus into an early Father's Day present. Y. U. M. M. Y.!!! I wanna party with your 'husbeast'! Of course, I did ride some of it off yesterday morning! BTW, thanks for sharing the endorphins; we need some on such a rainy, miserable Monday!
@Steven and E M-thanks for the website-cool socks! Great prices! I already have some I want to order. Can never have too many riding socks.
And info about the jersey.
Which brings me to a question-has anyone ever purchased a National Bike Challenge Jersey. This years is nice.
Cool, damp, foggy morning - I had to run back inside and grab a jacket. Hard to believe the first day of summer is less than 2 weeks away. Still, I'd rather need a jacket than be sweating before I even get on the bike. Have a great riding week, everyone. Free your Endorphins, drop your Adipose, and be safe and happy! (My endorphins are racing around me right now. Can you tell?)
@E.M and @Cynthia: Sock guy has green (ok, they are ugly but I still bought a pair) socks with "Infinite MPG" logo. http://www.sockguy.com/ProductInfo/MPGX.aspx
@ Cynthia, Sat. I saw somebody with a bike jersey with the infinity symbol and words to the effect of "MPG" or "miles" !
Between commuting and rides with the local bike club-I I hope to be reaching gold within the next two weeks if not sooner than that. About the second week of July I will start training for the September MS Ride. Congrats to all who have already reached these goals. Keep riding to infinity and beyond!
This mornings commute was another beautiful experience. Little bit of wind, slightly overcast, but quiet and serene as I pedaled my route past rabbits, squirrels, egrets and herons. Traffic has increased though in our little coastal town as people come from all over to vacation. Have the best day to all!
First commute in more than two weeks, due mostly to a bad 'rain maker' off the coast of Florida the last few weeks. First commute with the new fairing on my recumbent, speeds things up quite a bit, but telegraphs road noise from the front wheel up the inside of the fairing to the rider... A great (but humid) day to ride here in South Florida.
Congrats on those golds and that platinum! I too am just half way to platinum, it will be a while before I have that celebration. Now acclimating my muscles to the new position on the new bike I am actually riding fewer miles each day! My neck and shoulders just need a little time to get used to it. I don't like pain very much.
Agree with Marty. I have had carpal tunnel in both wrists, but surgery on only one. The nontreated hand tends to go numb after riding a while, so I occasionally have to let go of the handlebar to flex and wiggle it a bit.
Well, you get what I mean!
yes....but this time you dropped the word "only" :-)
@Steven - EM & David both have good suggestions. Gloves will defiinitely help. My suggestion is to occasionally look at your hand/wrist position while riding. If your wrists are cocked back, (like a typist whose elbows are too high, and palms are on the table), then it could be early carpal tunnel syndrome. You always want to have your wrist straight while riding. It may take a while for that to feel normal, but it is, and it will feel normal over time.
@ Mike, I have 1254 points, so I'm about halfway to platinum!
@EM Thanks!!!!! - As yummy as it was....the nap was even better....lol. What do you mean "only half way" There are something like 8000 "riders" that haven't even logged a mile !!!
@Christine - CONGRATS!!!!!
HA HA, you guys are cracking me up.
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@ Mike R, platinum, enjoy that beer, I'll be chasing you for a while, I'm only halfway to platinum
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@ Christine, congrats on making GOLD!!
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@ Heather, Christine and I will be waiting at the door of the gold club wihen you come in!!!
Heather too funny. I noticed a decrease of teams in ID and wonder if people focused on May due to national bike month. On the other hand, there are more active riders which is probably due to better weather. Yay Christine, gold looks fab on you too.
@Christine, congrats on your gold. I'm working on mine now. You are awesome!!!! I was imagine dropping some fat off on my ride today. I was so far from home, I figured it would never find it's way back, right?! haha
Oh, yes! I love freeing my adipose, too!!!
@Christine, congrats on your gold!
GOLD! If I hadn't had that migraine the last week in May, I'd'a made gold in May. I'm happy to have made it now, tho. On to Platinum now.
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I love freeing my endorphins, too! I think of all those little endorphs flying out of my body and I get giddy. Even better, though, is freeing the Adipose (a la Dr. Who. No, I'm not a sci fi geek, why do you ask?) I need to get rid of many more of those. I can feel them jumping ship as I ride. I love it, love it!
"Free your endorphins" ..... love it! That is so true!
@Steven tingling in your hands could also be that you're saddle is tilted down too much or is too far forward. If you're bike has straight handlebars it may also be that the handlebar is set too low. If you're on a road bike and it's happening while your hands are on the shifters the shifters may be too high.
@ Laurie, I have a setting on my phone app, it counts down to start the ride, and it either says "go" or "free your endorphins" . I kind of like that, so now I am just thinking about how my bike ride is freeing my endorphins. I often find myself in that same situation where I only plan on going a few miles, but end up riding a few more. The mood seems to improve as I go along.
I have 2 co-workers who plan to ride sometime this summer and signed up but haven't ridden yet. I am hoping that the competition itself may motivate them to cycle more. Can't speak for the othe 7,998 zero pointers, though...
@ Robert, I don't understand that either.
Sad. 8000 riders that have registered have logged zero miles!!
Congratulations Elaine !!! I was dodging turtles today. Tis the season they cross the road to lay eggs......part of what makes riding fun and you usually don't have to go very far at all to see something interesting!!!
@e.m. - thanks, I might try gloves first, as I haven't...
Thanks everyone for the comments. I finally decided to just do a little 1-2 mile ride around my neighborhood, even (gasp) forgot to put on my helmet..... then ended up riding 5.6 miles instead, and it felt great... except for the headwind on the way home.
Yay Mike. I rode my longest today of 18 miles. Took braks,had water, let the 30 in the gaggle of geese on the river path get up and move, nice rest and only 2 hisses LOL. Going for short ride to meet some freinds so will finish at 20 + for the day. RIDE ON.
platinum today.....now I can have a beer....and a nap ;-}
Thanks everyone,, my new bike is a Trek LEXA SLX and the shop owner did spend time making adjustments to make sure the seat and such were correct. I know I will have to make some minor adjustments as time goes by. We just never thought about the brakes until I got it home and tried it out! I called them and will be taking it in tomorrow...them mentioned something about shims.. will see what happens. This bike is soooo BEAUTIFUL! I got it in black and the Trek site does not mention that it is detailed in GOLD.. absolutely STUNNING!
HI all, out today starting on my regular ride and then adding a "curiosity loop." At one spot on my ride there are arrows for medium and long for some ride that happened sometime in the past. So I took the "long" option. I ended up adding about five miles to my ride. Plenty of other riders out today going both directions. Not too hot, temps in the 70s, but humid. Now its pouring rain.
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@ Laurie you have two options, take a break, or take a ride. Getting on the bike and riding a mile could cure you, but skipping it could be okay too. I agree that its quality and not quantity that matters. In no case feel guilty.
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@ Steven, adding options to your bike so you can change position when riding is definitely a good idea. Also, it may be time for new gloves or new padded tape on the handlebars. Taking your hands off the handlebars (one at a time) and wiggling them around once in a while could also help. If nothing works, maybe a physical therapist can help.
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RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Hi again all. First, want to say thank you for all who have shared information, answered my questions as well as sharing inspiring stories. And here's yet another newbie question. Currently I'm starting to get tingling (again) after 30 minutes or so of riding (this happened when I first started riding then stopped for awhile now is starting again). I've ridden 1400 miles on this bike so I don't think it's a question of getting acclimated. I was thinking of adding bar ends to my straight handlebar bike. Spoke with my LBS and they suggesting that trekking handlebars might be a better option. Has anyone had any experience with them? Thanks!
@Laurie-it is so ok to have a down day. And, yes, sometimes the thought of getting on the bike is makes you feel burned out. It's important to give yourself a break. But, also know that sometimes you have to push yourself to get back on the bike even after a day or two of not riding. Then you always know how good you feel once you start again and the burnout goes away. Be easy on yourself. Lanny Moore gave wonderful practicle advice. Hope this helps. I experienced a "post ride depression" after last years MS 150. It was horrible. I acutally looked it up and it does exist. It took me almost two months to get back on my bike again.
@Laurie- Its quality not quantity when it comes to the ride. Cycling should be fun no matter if you ride 1 mile or 100. If you go for just a mile ride for the 20 points and have no fun, it's not worth it. Nothing wrong with a down day. Go clean and prepare the bike for the upcoming week. Enjoy a day off the bike.
@tammie - you probably need a fitting anyway, to really be comfortable for longer rides, and while you're there ask the fitter to show you how to hold your hands to use the levers. :)
Does anyone else have days when even the thought of looking at their bike causes burnout? I am there today, but also hate the thought of missing the 20 daily points. What to do?
@Tammie-happy new bike day! Enjoy! Sounds like you may need some adjustments. It's so important to have a bike that fits you. Good Luck and keep posts on your new wheels and how its going.
@ Tammie, how exciting. Well you can have the shop make some adjustments (maybe a shorter stem and/or narrower handlebars). Don't have too much fun! HA HA!
@ Tammie, they make shims that will bring the levers closer to the bar http://www.specialized.com/media/whatsnew/IG0231_SlimShim_r1.pdf I am not sure what brand you have but I believe many offer the shims.
It is WONDERFUL to see all the people entering comments on the benefit rides they are doing! I am getting ready to go for a 5 hour ride, I am preparing for a charity ride in 3 weeks. It is a 2 day 140+ mile ride for the American Cancer Society. I am a 58 yr old who has been riding only 3 years, and my longest ride prior to this year was 50 miles, I have been preparing myself, and taking suggestions from the comments here. My daughter is also riding, which will be some good time together. We are trying to raise $1500 each, so if you are feeling generous, and want to help the fight against cancer, visit www.pahoperide.org, and you can donate to Kayla Redding or Team Brett. Thank you!
My new road bike arrived today and it is absolutely stunning. My only problem is... How do you reach those brakes!?
Dave, Thanks for clearing up the rule change. I missed the rule change.
Great ride today here in Knoxville Tennessee. We had our Tour De Cure for the ADA. Great weather overcast and 75 degrees and a slight breeze. It was a great 62 miles course I was able to ride and we raised over $100,000 for a great cause.
EM, Thanks, I plan on stopping at many places along the way but I'm sure there are points that there is nothing for miles around and those points I will have the hammer down and will ride at 35 mph+ in big gears if the terrain/wind allows me to.
Hi all, out early today for a Trailnet ride beginning in Edwardsville, Illinois. We did the medium sized ride (41 (s)miles) and it was a great day for it. Temps in the 70s and not a lot of wind. Actually there was only wind from one direction and it wasn't that strong. Pizza afterwards. Wore my National Bike Challenge jersey in the hopes that somebody would ask about the challenge. But, alas, nobody did. I'll keep wearing it lots more in hopes that somebody will.
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@ Kawika, you will be living the dream. For the time being, I'm just planning to get back and do the Nebraska ride again and then I want to do California. As to when I get to cross the whole country, who knows, but its on my bucket list too.
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In the meantime, if any of you get to the St. Louis area, let me know and I'll be happy to ride with you.
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Lovin' this weather and hoping for more tomorrow!!!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
32 points to gold! Yay!
Had a fun time at the Appleton Flag Day parade with the Fox Cities Cycling Association. Gregg, thanks for coming from Neenah to join us today!
Wow it was windy today, did my first 40 miles of the season. 3 hours to go 20 miles, but less than an hour to back track home. It was a very good work out.
@Wally, there's three team sizes 1-10, 10-99, and 100 or more. You can decide which class you want to compete in and keep your membership at 10 if you want.
My question for the day. Did the rules change as to the size of a team? I thought a team was limited to ten members, but I see several teams with 15, 20 or more riders listed. I would appreciate some feedback on this. We have more people at my workplace that wanted to be on the team, as team captain I turned them down after we reached ten.
Cynthia, Thanks. I will post blog address on here before I start out for those interested my following me in my summer journey. I will be in N.C. but only a few miles from Charlotte(Just at N.C. border in S.C.)because will be visiting brother for a day or two. Depending on distance, may be able to do a short ride with you if you want. I will friend you here to keep in touch.
@ "DATA CAPTURING FOR WORKPLACES" WEBINAR NOW AVAILABLE! - would be nice for a similar report to be available to compare company against external companies as well. I.e. one place to see to see Company's standing in the State, Nation, member's standing in communities. It's possible now, through some research, but a single place to go would be nice.
@Kawika-you'll be on your journey at the same time the NBC starts. Please post your blog address so we can follow you. If you find yourself down my way in SE N.C. you have a place to stay. I feel such excitement for you in your journey and I don't even know you. lol I think its every riders to dream to do what your doing.
WOO HOO! i'm above average! Thank you Marty for doing the math :)
Brad; ; I'm sure it is YOUR turn to sit in the middle. Chirstine gets a window this time. (-;
@Amber - Total miles listed above divided by total riders. However, although there are 30,098 riders signed up (as of this post) only 22,411 riders have any points (how can anyone have less than 21 points??) so the average mileage per active rider is closer to 201.8. You're still doing good :)
Marty-how did you come up with that number? I like to think of myself as average but I've logged over twice that number ;)
The average person in this Challenge has ridden 150.18 miles since May 1st.
Christine, just sit in the middle, and quit whining already.
Elaine, agreed and thank you :)
Elaine, that would be great! Will let you know when I cross into Utah and/or follow my live tracking online by Garmin. I refuse to grow old gracefully and biking has helped me do this!
Laurie, I think we all look great now and have so much to offer. Keeping going has to be the key to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth and well being. Which is the absolutely FAB thing about biking, anyone can do it. Happy Birthday and Many happy returns. :-)
Elaine, I'm having "that" birthday too soon, and in denial of it, I'm going on a bike trip with an old college friend :) This challenge has definitely helped me get ready for that.
Laurie, Will Do!
Kawika, your trip sounds so great! Please post about it on next summer's NBC!
Kawika, i would love to come down from Idaho to S. Utah to ride a bit. I turned 50 this year, and just getting on my bike regularly has been my "50 &fit" goal. Ride on sister!
Daaaad! Brad's bragging about being good looking again! Make him stop!
Another Jersey girl here, but a temporary, transplanted one. Lived in North Jersey from '67 to '76, long enough to develop an attitude. It was a *great* time to be living just outside NYC...Dylan, Hendrix, Havens, Airplane; SRO (meaning we stood for the whole play, not they were sold out) Broadway plays at $5 and $10 a pop. Amazing time, for sure.
Dameon, Thanks, will keep your offer in mind when I am closer to making a detailed way points(stopping points) along the way.
Kawika- Place to lay over, shower, eat, if timing is right for you.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Dameon, I will more than likely being going right thru Reno. Will let you know when I leave Sacramento to head that way.
my challenge period (retired) = 97,590 miles - 1,769,550 cal's burned - 6,456.00 $ saved. would have thought I could have saved more $- but man this bentrider is on fire!
@Kawika - if I can figure out where you will be in relationship to Reno, Nv. I should have a few miles to burn. Keep me informed.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Kawika - what an adveture of a lifetime. Someday when I hit retirement, and have more time on my hands, I would love to do awesome stuff like that. Back when I was young and good looking I did a bit of adventuring, and what I remember most is the amazing variety of people that I met. The people... and thier stories... and how our lives intersected if only for a short point in our personal histories. Amazing though it is, they are still fresh in my mind even though it was over 30 years ago. Sometimes I wonder; do any of them remember me? Take the time to stop often enough... Say hi... And take pictures, yes plenty of pictures. Love and light.
Cynthia, Thanks, Yes, I will be keeping a daily blog w/pictures and taking video of entire ride from start to finish while riding via GoPro Hero 3 camera and will have link available to anybody that want's to follow me live while I'm riding.
Hey Kawika-how neat and what an amazing oppurtunity! Keep all of us wow wish we could that people in your heart as you roll through your routes. Exceptional expeirence. Will you be keeping a blog or on line diary of any kind that anyone could read?
@Karen Jean: I agree, my route takes me through some sketchy areas. My wife's waiting for a phone call telling her that I got rolled. Stay safe!
Thanks Kelly, I retired early in life(Army) so I have lots of time to do things like this. I turn 50 next year so I figured i would mark my half century by doing this. I will be wearing a "Maui Cyclery" or "7-Eleven" cycling jersey on a white Scott road bike so if anybody here sees me along the way while they are out riding let me know and I will ride with you along your route. I will be on no schedule whatsoever while I cross the country.
@ Kawika - I'm so jealous. It's a dream of mine to travel America on bike. Maybe one day. I hope you have an amazing journey next year!
This may be a little early but I'm looking for riding partners for next summer for ride cross country wheather part way or entire distance. I will be starting in CA(LA and then up PCH to Sacremento) and taking "Western Express" to Colorado and then picking up "TransAmerica" trail all the way to VA and then taking Atlantic route up to PA. So if anybody plans on riding along these routes let me know and we can ride together next summer(May-Aug) even if it's just a short distance. Link to routes> http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/overview-map-pdf/
@Tammie - You go girl, you're gonna make the 75 miler with that motivation!! I'm telling ya the MS150 doesn't scare me in mileage, it's all the people. There's like 7k riders in the City to Shore Jersey ride...
@Cynthia - a raised Jersey girl!! friend me!
@Karen... perhaps there are others that will commute with you?? it's safer in groups going thru dangerous neighborhoods... I rode thru Camden, NJ but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis so they don't know when you'll be there. but once or twice I might...but crossfire is always a fear.
WooHoo! 1.16mi in a torrential downpour. Got my 21 points. Saw two walkers and they were all WooHoo! at me... :) although they had umbrellas....
@Tammie-you go girl.
Well, my taking the day off from my bike turned into 6.5 miles! I was just going to the post office 1 mile away.. that would only be a simple 2 miles.. that would sort of be like taking the day off.. wouldn't it? Then on the way home I thought I would add .. oh, just a teeny tiny bit, then I thought I would go around another block.... then another.. you know how it goes! At least I managed to stop myself at 6.5! LOL
@Michael - I'm sorry to say, I have heard bad things about the crime in Reading, PA. I work in Allentown, PA. We have gang and drug related violence hear on a regular basis. I work with the kids in Allentown, (and many of them are great kids,) but riding home on my bike and getting caught in the crossfire of something is just foolish. We don 't even leave the building here at night without a buddy. I would love to get in more miles by commuting to work. It seems like it would be a two for one deal to me.
@Cynthia - Very wise, sometimes I am not very wise and try to do things anyway. I will still hit the grocery store tonight though, it's only 1mi away. :)
@Kathy-smart to stay safe in such conditions. I always have to stop myself and think if I tried to ride in extreme conditions and had an accident then I would not be able to ride for awhile THAT would be killer!
@Kawika-cool vidoe! Thanks for sharing!
HI all, out for my regular ride today in cool temps. hovering around 70. Got passed up by a couple of cyclists. The other half dozen riders I spotted were going the other direction. Raised my fist in superiority as I crossed a busy interstate with three lanes of backed up traffic as far as I could see.... HA HA
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@ Christine, to paraphrase Sesame Street: the only dumb question is one you don't ask. And the answer is YES, get out and ride. If you can bribe your husband with cool bike stuff or a cool place to have lunch or ice cream or whatever, go for it (it has been known to work, especially with my kids, but often my husband as well). If you go solo or join your local bike club (usually they can be found with the help of a bike store) rave about how much fun you had and and how biking is so easy on your joints and all the cool stuff experienced on your ride.... Or even challenge him to join the challenge. Use your imagination, you probably have a good idea of what might work (bragging rights for him ????) RIDE ON SISTA!!
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@ Kawika, bribes, I love it!
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@ Laurie, my regular ride is almost exactly 20 miles. I love riding more but rain and wind and weather and GASP, work and family stuff sometimes prevent it. IF I get to go on bigger more better nicer rides, so much the better. I have to agree with Ray, any ride is a good ride, SO RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
Well at 4pm, Andrea's tail is still hanging around! Sheets of rain, then the sun peaks out and more sheets of rain, flooding, hot and muggy, still a little wind but nothing like it was! Branches down all over and just general storm type debris in the streets.
@Steven-I have bar ends on my hybrid/trail/commuter bike. I love them, like a lot of people stated they are great for changing your hand position and...they do look cool.
@Laurie-my commute is very small-3.5 miles one way and then I bike around town for errands when I need too which adds a couple more miles. But, I have tgo say if a job took me further away from home I would think nothing of still commuting and would be willing to commute up to 25 miles one way. My long rides are a couple 20-40 miles rides a few times a month depending on who I am riding with. Then when I start training in mid July for the Bike MS 150 I usually get in at least an extra 70 miles per week. Do what you love, pedal how much you want, it's not a race and no one is keeping score. Sometimes too it takes years to build up to higher milage if that is your goal. Higher milage also depends on how much time you dedicate to it or are able to dedicate to it. Most important thing is you get up and ride. I ride all year around as it seems most people involved with this forum do and maybe the NBC inspires some to do more than they normally would? Earning points is a very motivating aspect.
Rain is coming down in sheets here in S. NJ but there is absolutely no wind. (flags are hanging). Guess Andrea blew herself out down south. Still I have no doubt there is flooding in the streets (since there is flooding in my parking lot) so was still probably safer not to ride.
Also on bottom video on that webpage are other videos that play one after the other with some great tips/info for both novice and advanced cyclists.
HI all, out for my regular ride today in cool temps. hovering around 70. Got passed up by a couple of cyclists. The other half dozen riders I spotted were going the other direction. Raised my fist in superiority as I crossed a busy interstate with three lanes of backed up traffic as far as I could see.... HA HA
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@ Christine, to paraphrase Sesame Street: the only dumb question is one you don't ask. And the answer is YES, get out an ride. If you can bribe your husband with cool bike stuff or a cool place to have lunch or ice cream or whatever, go for it (it has been known to work, especially with my kids, but often my husband as well). If you go solo or join your local bike club (usually they can be found with the help of a bike store) rave about how much fun you and and how biking is so easy on your joints and all the cool stuff experienced on your ride.... Or even challenge him to join the challenge. Use your imagination, you probably have a good idea of what might work (bragging rights for him ????) RIDE ON SISTA!!
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@ Laurie, my regular ride is almost exactly 20 miles. I love riding more but rain and wind and weather and GASP, work and family stuff sometimes prevent it. IF I get to go on bigger more better nicer rides, so much the better. I have to agree with Ray, any ride is a good ride, SO RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!
I commute 2x week to keep mileage up. I found that if I go home intending to ride, something almost always happens to divert. If I commute, I am guaranteed a ride :) AM commute is apx 9-14 mi. Afterwork commute becomes a longer ride (20-45 mi) especially in summer. I ride longer rides on Saturdays, and do a regular group ride Sundays.
@ Kawika - That's so awesome!
Rain, rain go away. TS Andrea is wreaking havoc on my cycling this weeK!
I saw this today and thought it was great to see something like this. Kids getting tickets for wearing helmets while riding bike from police officer. Thing is, these tickets are for "free ice cream". http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/05/operation-safe-summer_n_3390576.html
@Steven - my main bike is a drop-bar touring bike, but it won't accommodate a basket for the dog (7 pound maltese) when my wife & I go for a trail ride. So I have a bike I built with flat bars, but I added bar-ends for the extra hand positions. On the rare occasions when I do ride it in traffic, I just keep my hands on the bar at the brake levers when I might need to maneuver or stop. The bar-ends are for cruising and climbing.
@Michael, the husbeast is a whisky/scotch snob, believe me. We have an amazing bar here that serves the best hamburgers and mac & cheese: the only things on their menu! They have an entire wall of whisky/scotch, some of which are well over $50 a shot! (YIKES!) He either drinks old or small batch ones, like Angel's Envy. Hard to believe that someone who used to run every day and was 4th in the state in his division in racquetball would sit around smoking and drinking, but he loves his libations and smokes.
Laurie, I love a long ride - a century is great fun (and I know, randonneurs look at a century as a warm-up). And I'll do as many 30+ mile rides as I can make time for. But there's "the daily grind." So the majority of my miles come from my commute - 7 miles each way. And they built my base for the 2-day, 200 mile STP last year. I probably didn't make more than a half-dozen 20-80 mile rides before STP, but with my daily commute, they were enough. And the commute IS pretty much my daily exercise - I'm not a runner and haven't made time for soccer in years. Three cheers for the short rides! A short bike ride is way better than no bike ride at all.
@Laurie and @Ray S: Agree, any ride is a good ride. I started bike commuting on Bike to Work Day, 2011, and have not looked back. My wife and daughter think I'm a whacko for some of the days that I ride, but I really look forward to getting out in the morning, no matter how cold, snowy, rainy (most times, today excluded!), or nice it is. I've been an adult Scout leader for over 25 years; trust me, I've camped, backpacked and hiked in MUCH worse! Generally the only time I won't commute by bike is when I have to drive for an out-of-town work meeting; otherwise I"m outside! @Karen Jean, do you live here in Reading (high crime area)?? At least it's Friday, have a Macanudo and some Dalwhinnie waiting for me at home!
@ Laurie - I commute to and from work averaging about 13.6 mile one way.. so that's the main reason I have so many miles. Then I commute to my boyfriend's which is about 17.5 miles one way. Otherwise I would be pretty low on the miles as well. Nothing is conveniently located for me. Suppose that's a good thing though. Keeps me pedaling longer!
@Laurie. Anything over 20 miles is a long ride for me, and I can not do the long rides every day, maybe 2-3 times a week. Since the challenge, I have been riding consistently every day. I believe that riding every day has made me stronger on the bicycle than doing a couple of long rides 2 times a week. Just me 2 cents, for what it's worth. Today in PA its rain, and more rain. Its going to be a wet ride today. I don't commute however, since I work nights in a high crime area.
@Laurie: I'm a real underachiever. Only use my bike for daily commute, 2.6 miles each way. But that's year round, 5 days a week, all weather. Here in PA we get ALL kinds of weather. Unfortunately, today is the first time I've used my bus pass since April 16th. Sometimes common sense has to override pride! Even with the small commute and no extras, I'm at 683 points; will hit Gold next week!
@Christine: Tell the hubby that if he's going to smoke a good stick, at least upgrade to a fine 15-18 year old Scotch! And join him once in a while!
Another IRIR (Intentional Ride In Rain) this morning. Got it in before the heavy rains and flash flood potential for this afternoon in my part of Maryland. This was IRIR #4 of the Challenge. So far I am on my goal of riding everyday of the Challenge! The real tests will be the July/August 105 degree heat indexes and possiable hurricanes later in the summer.
@laurie I'm one of those riders who rides almost every day. I usually get in about 10-12 miles a ride but 3 or 4times a month I get in about 16-20. I ride a big 29-er Mountain Bike so I don't go fast. But I'm totally happy with my riding and mileage.
Any ride is good. I used to think 10 miles was a really long way and I remember doing a 37 mile ride a few years ago and acting like I'd just done the longest ride ever. Now, 25 miles is my normal ride... the shorts, the shoes, the sunblock, the tire check, etc, etc, etc, I ride a long way to make up for the time invested in getting ready. Plus, the more you ride and enjoy it, the farther you end up riding in the same amount of time. If I know it will be a "short" ride on my 10 mile loop, I try to go all out, though I admit I am too lazy most of the time. My anywhere from 25-50 mile after work rides are just a good reason to get out of the house for a couple hours because I work at home. If I actually had to get up early to drive to work, then drive back home, I wouldn't spend as much time riding because I would need that time for other things.
@ Christine - I went to high school with a fella whose last name was Bontrager. The way he pronouced it, "Bon" rhymes with "gone" and the "a" in "trager" is long. So, that's just how I say it. I'm shocked, shocked I tell you to hear that your husband wants to hang out with his pals and smoke cigars & drink whiskey and you don't want to join him. Shocked!! :)
@Steven - I use Aero bars... I love them and couldn't live without them. they help with climbs, they help with wind and give me a place to put my elbows.
@Laurie - My normal ride is no more than 15 (each way to work). I have only done big rides twice since purchasing the bike last September. Honestly I don't have time for them. I had to take a vacation day just to do it because I also work on weekends.
@Christine - sounds like you need to get the hubby to start riding and give up that cigar smoke. Tell him it's about quality time with you...
Dumb question of the day: Background: When Etienne Aigner shoes were all the rage, I called them what everyone around me called them: E Ten Eggner, not Et ienne Ayn yay. I was very embarrassed when I was corrected. Question: is that bike company pronounced Bone Dragger, or Bon tra jhay?
@Laurie: I do about 8 miles each way. Most I've ridden round trip (not commuting) is 20.
:::jumping up and down and waving frantically::: Me! Me! I'm still not at gold yet! 69 points to go! (tee hee, she said "69") My longest ride so far is 14.1 miles. I'm hoping this weekend (hope in one fist and shirt in the other and see which one fills up faster) to go farther on a different trail. We'll see. First I have to convince my beloved husband that I really don't want to hang our with him while he and a bunch of work buddies smoke cigars and drink whisky...
@Steve - I love bar ends!! Great for preventing fatigue on longer rides because you can switch hand positions. My only problem is I can't find anything to attach to my brake levers so that I can use my bar ends while riding on city streets. Tektro used to make them, but now I can't find any.
@ Laurie - I love a nice 10 or 20 mile ride. My sweetie worries when I'm gone on my bike alone for a long time, so 20 miles is a nice long ride without causing too much worry. And I'm not dead the next day, so I can go do it again if I want.
Seems like everyone commenting on here does marathon length rides every day. Are there any other "underachievers" like me who think 10, 15, 20 mile rides are good? lol
@Kathy, I would have had to buy a casket along the way! Make that a body bag. I want to go to a Body Farm when I die.
A question for anyone. I have a straight handlebar street bike. Thinking about adding bar ends to give me additional hand position and possibly helping with climbing. Anyone have any experience with them/suggestions/etc. Currently continue to commute 3-5 times per week 8 miles to and from work. 1400 miles ridden since July...
We've hit 30,000!! Woohoo!! Now if only we can get them all riding!
We just hit 30,000
@Christine - 70.6 miles.
@ Kelly, make that ONE!
@Kathy, how far did you ride on your long ride?
Oh my goodness! Only 2 more people to hit 30,000!!
@EM. The problem with the ride yesterday was that there were no convenience stores. The first place I passed was 31 miles out and it wasn't a 7/11, it was a kayak rental place. After that there was nothing. I was in the Wharton National Forest. it's pretty much just turtles and trees although one sign said "Beware of Bears and Bucks" but saw neither.
@Tammie - Lessons learned are for when I ride alone, not in a group. the MS150 is well stocked and has rest stops. I was thinking, why doesn't the MS150 go this way, the roads are real nice. Now I know, Because there's nothing out there!
@Cynthia - I actually drove today just in case, shouldn't hit us till tonight but didn't want risk it.
@ Kathy, its often possible to refill your water bottle at a convenience store or fast food place. The drink stands often include a water option so you can fill the bottle directly and maybe even add a little ice. If its behind the counter you can ask them to fill it. Buying a snack at the same time means they are more likely to be okay with the water fill-up. If its really hot you can carry some kind of electrolyte tablets to add to the water. Convenience and grocery stores often have drinks with electrolytes (poweraid, Gatoraide etc.) as well.
Ok, weather report from SE N.C. 1am 60 mph winds, and torrential rains for about two hours. I thought sure some of these pines were going to snap the way they were bending in the wind. Then it just stopped! Like someone turned off a light switch. Woke pretty heavy rain again-the sideways kind- and wind although maybe more like 25 mph. And the world out there is just soaked! Going to have nix todays trek in the name of safety.
I have a lot of advice for preparing for a ride like the MS 150. Too much to write now, but, just know that it can be a real positive experience. The end of this September will be the 4th year in a row I have done this paticular ride. (Break Away to the Beach- it runs back and forth between NC and SC state lines. Through the sand hills, into the peidmont, and finishes in my beach town.)I have learned soooo much. I am looking forward to this year with great confidence. I am going to do a 130 mile route over two days.
@Kathy sounds like you had an interesting day. I wish I had that much time to prepare for the MS 150. July 20 is creeping up quickly. I hear ours is very well supported so no worries about food or water for the distance.
@everyone - currently I have not joined the MS150. I was invited to by the Team Comcast Captain. Not because I'm special but because the more the merrier. Large Group rides are not something I like to do but it is a good cause. So yesterday's long ride was simply a test to see what I was capable of doing since they offer the 25/50/75/100 mile distances. I know now I can do the 75 on my commuter in the allotted time. The ride is not till the end of September.
@Kathy R - A perfect recovery ride.....And the dilemma of the 20......ok ok maybe a twirl through the hood to get the mile....times like this I wish I had a beach cruiser....lol
5 things I learned after my long ride yesterday:
1) Turtles need help crossing the street cause those speeding cars are scary.
2) Re-apply your sun screen! ow!
3) Plan better and find out if the road you plan to take turns into dirt or if there are convenience stores on the route. If possible use Google street view to see what the roads are like.
4) if you see a place to buy more water then buy more water so you don't have to beg some nice person to let you fill from their tap. You never know when you'll see another general store. (I used 80 ounces and was still dehydrated (probably due to my sunburn see #2)
5) bring enough to eat just incase you end up in an area where food is scarce. I was burning 415 calories per hour, was out for 6.5 hours and only brought 680 calories in food. I was seriously starved by the time I got home and my hands were shaking. See #3.
Overall, this ride could have been better.
@Mike R. Was thinking the same thing as I watch the weather this morning. They say Andrea caused tornados in NC and the wind alone causes to much flying debris to be safe. I was going to ride cause rain don't scare me none but I could use the break after yesterday. I'll still ride to the grocery tonight though ;) gotta get my 20!
Wind horrors...really? We had 55mph winds here in west TX with power outages and damages.. That is the norm for us. Only thing different this time was power was out to one of the Walmart stores too long and they had to throw out ALL their frozen products,meats, deli items cheeses, eEVERYTHING! Insane! It seems if they don't have power for over 4 hours everything requiring refrigeration has to go. And I only complain about having to ride against the wind.
My body is begging me to take a day off and I think I may just do it... Well, sort of, I can't pass up the daily 20 points can I? So, I might just run around the block for fun when I get off work then call it a day for the bike just this one day. I am determined to make 100 miles this week and only have 8.5 miles to reach that goal. I truly admire those of you who can tough out the weather and miles. I am not that hardy.
on the east coast the weather forecasters are already jumping on the horrors of Andrea.....which when you cut through all the rhetoric.....heavy rain (maybe 2 inches) over the next ~12-24 hours and it will be windy. Doesn't sound like safe cycling weather and frankly I could use the rest day. While I am cynical of the professionals, use common sense and stay safe
@Kathy-I really had to think about how to spell that. Ha ha. Glad I am not the only one who uses it! Good luck on MS 150-you can do it! I measure the MS 150 ride I participate in, in small increments of 15 to 20 miles at a time and stop at every rest stop. Even if its to top off a water bottle and grab something to munch.
Looks like Andrea has hit our area already-pouring down rain and about 20 mph winds so far. Took tomorrow off and had a bike trek planned....hopefully she will have blown off our coast by morning. Althought reports say otherwise.
@ Kathy, not only will the banks accept us, soon we will have our own lane! BIKE DRIVE UP LANES! LOL!
@kathie and @tammie you got this one mile at a time just make sure to take your brakes drink lots of water and have food on ya if you need it....and of course let us know how it goes. I hope to join the ride here one year.
@ Kathy & Tammie, you will do great. Somewhere in the middle take a break, eat a snack & take your eyes of the road. Then you'll be fresh & ready to roll!
@Burklee....;-D
@Kathy and @Tammie: you go, girls!! Take it one mile at a time, one day at a time. Such inspiration!
@Jim Johnson - Tail wind? what is this that you speak of?
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@Kelly - Good for the bank run... soon they will all learn to accept us...
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@Tammie
- You can do it.. the longest I had ever done was 48mi... other than that it's 16 per day 5 days a week... you will be tired but you'll make it. When the day comes adrenalin will carry you much of the distance...
Getting ready for my 14 mile ride home from work. Living in Phoenix has its drawbacks. It's 108 outside. Thankfully a dry heat.
@ Kathy - Good luck!
@ Tammie - You'll do great! :)
And my bank run... A success. Yay!
I am veerrrry nervous about the MS 150.. my best so far is 31 miles! I can't believe the difference bike shorts make. I just rode 6 miles to the post office in regular shorts and almost died! About to do a group city dinner ride and it is back to my bike shorts for sure! I also discovered the joys of shea butter.. great stuff! LOL Anticipating the arrivial of my road bike.. the days are dragging by so slowly.. just to drive me crazy. My new garmin arrived and I am trying it out today for the first time.
@Kathy - If your lucky it will be a tail wind
@Kathy - Good luck with both the MS150 and Andrea. Be safe!!
Big ride today at 70.6mi (including user error with GPS). So I do believe I can do 75mi in one day for the MS150. I hurt!! Tropical storm Andrea hits tomorrow with 45mph winds by the time I go home... I'm gonna die!!
@Cynthia - discombobulated, is that spelled right? who says that but me???
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@ Brad - bike shorts for pansies. Ha! I was loving them on my 70mi ride today! Pansy my toasted ass!
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Takes me forever to go thru the list of posts. I'm sure I miss a bunch.
@Christine - Are you related to the "Abby Normal" from "Young Frankenstein?"
Kelly, way back in the mid 70s, I was a teller at a bank in NJ. We were told to tell walk-ups and ride-ups at the drive-in window that they had to come inside or use the walk up ATM (one of the few in the area). It *was* considered a liability issue. Because of the roof over the drive ups, it tended to be darker under there than outside and drivers coming into the drive up might not see a bicyclist or a person standing there. That said, I frequently use the drive up ATM on my bike nowadays. I make sure my bike is on a diagonal pr perpendicular to the ATM so I'm more visible.
I haven't had a problem yet at Walgreen's or a bank. Just some very strange looks. hee hee. Don't patronize fast food, so have not had that experience.
I went through Walgreen's drive through a few days ago. They have a buzzer but a big sign by it that says something like "our motion sensors know you're here". I took that to mean buzzing isn't necessary. Well, waited a few minutes while I could see the staff busy inside, and decided that maybe the motion sensors don't detect bikes, so I buzzed. They didn't say anything about me being on a bike so apparently it was acceptable :)
I only tried once, at a bank, and was refused.
I use the bank drive thru on my bike all the time. Never had a problem
I have been refused at the drive-thru at MacDonald's. I was told they didn't allow walk-ups, so I asked if I could bring my bicycle inside and that was refused. I went elsewhere.
I have been served at several other drive-through restaurants and at the bank. At one drive-thru, I was unable to trip their sensor and had to go to the first window to order, but that didn't seem to bother them. I guess their hospitality toward bicyclists is a function of the nature of their staff.
Has anyone ever been refused service through a drive thru window anywhere before while on bike? I have to stop at the bank on my way home from work today and they don't have bike racks so I was just going to go through drive thru, but one of my co-workers said that a friend of hers was refused service at a drive thru (fast food) before. Apparently some businesses think it's a liability issue... I think that's a load of you know what.
Actually those tires were probably closer to 2 inches!
Vote for my black bear and cub pic in the Huffy Wondrous Ride Giveaway and I might just win some new bikes. You can cast a vote once per day until June 28:
https://www.facebook.com/HuffyBicycles/app_108189946046760{%22guid%22:%22f9c3a0cd-e643-4d52-87d1-e90a739b3d4d%22,%22shareClickGuid%22:%22e6b8c32d-ecea-4481-bd3c-c5aae9912e30%22}
We've just passed the 2,000 teams barrier, and it looks like tomorrow, we will get our 30,000th rider! (But it is a long way to 50,000, so keep recruiting.)
Hi all, out today with a noontime ride. Only spotted a couple of other riders. Temps in the 70s and a little cloudy but no rain. This is so different from last year when the temps got up around 100 most of the summer. Last year I was out the door as close to 6 am as possible to beat the heat.
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My Garmin has returned from the edge. It was stuck at the "loading maps" point indefinitely, but fortunately the help desk recommended factory reset. Now it is communicating with the earthly sattelites again. WHEW!
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RE: clothing, just wanted to add that you can put some shiny, sticky, reflective stuff on the back of your cycling gloves to make them more visible when you are waving your hands around trying to let the traffic know where you are going!
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@ Kelly, we'll all be laughing when the gas prices hit $6/gallon and people are lined up to buy a bike at every store that sells them. LOL
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@ Brad, loved the video. I have been in love with bicycles for as long as I can remember. First bike at age 5 was a blue girl's bike with tires that were probably over an inch wide (whatever the standard was then). Before that I was riding my brother's bike that was red and too big for me. I REALLY HATE DAYS WHEN I DON'T GET TO RIDE!
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RIDE WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE & RIDE SAFE!
It's nice not to have the stress and expense and time of putting gas in the car. Shame more people don't feel that way.
Gas is up to $4.29 here. I get a bit of a chuckle every time I pass the pumps knowing it's been over a month since I last had to fill up and still have 3/4 of a tank left!
Marty - it kind of tickles when they first start germinating, but you get used to it.
Michael, Go to your profile and then click on "Friends" Link at top left above your name and then type in your friends name where it says "Search for a friend" Here you can then request that friend to be friends here on Endomondo as well as anybody here.
Spending my lunchtime catching up with the comments, and boy do some of you crack me up! I just wish the rain would stop so I could take a long ride instead of short ones just to get the daily points and prevent my butt from atrophying :P
How can you find your friends on here, if they're not on your team or a coworker? Can you search for a specific rider?
Just checked the "forecast" (The Weather Channel) for SE WI for the next 10 days: highs between 57F and 72F; lows 47F to 60F. Not bad, if you avoid the thunderstorms, and those are only forecast for 3 of the 10 days. We Wisconsinites have some nice riding weather coming up!
Brad - I've never tried it, but I don't think bike shorts are good for growing pansies. Perhaps you can elucidate on your horticulural endeavors?
@Brad-what a beautiful sentiment and the link you shared is really awesome!
@Camille-my sisters life in West Palm and she said they are getting hammered.
Yes, I was very ashamed to drive my car today....hat-e-d it....
@Jim - Clearly, it pays to ride your bike. :)
$5 bill in the bike lane this morning on my ride to work. Hope they drop more tomorrow.
If it's raining for my ride to work, I bring along a complete change of clothes in a plastic bag. I wear shorts and a t-shirt while riding, and hang them in my cube after I've changed into my work clothes. That usually works pretty well. The mesh polyester shorts are completely dry by the time I get ready to go home, the cotton shirts, not so much. I've been thinking of getting one of those "moisture wicking" shirts. Perhaps that would dry faster. We are cyclists, we make the ride happen!! :)
I think many of us are trying to relive... or to not forget... to live... this vital pure spirit that we began our life with. The sense of wonder and beauty of everyday life... of this magnificent world that surrounds us. Often times it's the simple things that make it so... http://www.youtube.com/watch
Marty - bike shorts are for pansies ;-))
Its raining sideways here in Orlando! Geez..
@ Christine - I had one commute in a downpour so far. It was actually kind of fun until I realized I wasn't fully equipped for it (now I am) and had to go sockless in my wet shoes the rest of the work day and wear my scrubs home instead of my exercise pants because they didn't dry in the 8 hours I was at work. Lol.
I commuted in the "rain" for the first time today. (It was barely spitting, truth be told.) I'm still not sure about riding in a full downpour, though.
You're not the only one. I am just about to the point I can't face myself in the mirror if I don't get my morning commute. It's better to arrive late soaking wet from rain on the bike than jump in that car and hope nobody sees me in my moment of shame.
Yup, we acclimate! After one summer in Arizona, 60s in the winter meant hats and gloves are worn to cook outdoors. After one winter in Wisconsin, 50s mean shorts are worn on the way to Dairy Queen!
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@Tammie, you probably don't have a problem with SAD the way we do up here in WI, but I'll bet everyone stands at the front door and stares at the rain when it comes! I know we did in AZ! Rain was as amazing there as snow in the South. Weather can be fascinating.
@Douglas F - You can't wait for the 90's and 100's?!?! Are you trying to kill me?Dude, the weather in Lincoln has been beautiful for riding... Well, except for last Saturday. Mid 60's, cold North wind. Ugh!
This morning, mid 50's, calm winds, gorgeous riding weather. Jay rode in capri pants and sandals instead of jeans and socks and tennis shoes. Her feet froze. I thought it was great. Be safe, you folks in the hurricane areas.
How about that tropical storm on the coast of SE North Carolina and FL? Although, that's not what stopped me from riding this morning-I overslept! Must have needed too. Regardless, I am so thrown off my schedule because I did not ride in and was actually a few minutes late for work and somewhat discombobulated. Rewind-lets start the day over and so that I can make my typical commute. Geez.
Nice commute in to work today. Winds at my back, a little nippy (50's) but ok. Got here in record time. Now just eating some cereal and relaxing before I actually have to punch in. :)
Speaking of hurricanes... Tropical Storm Warning in effect for SE NC. Should make for an interesting bike commute, this afternoon and tomorrow.
Got a nice 23 miles in last night! Working towards a monthly 40 mile goal. It was a beautiful night, with little wind and temps in the 70's.
Do I hear bats or is my chain squeaky? Racoon!
Two Celestial Milestones - By SUNday, May 26th, we had collectively biked the equivalent of once around the SUN (2,713,406 miles), since the Challenge started.
We are now averaging just over 119,450 miles per day. So, in two day's time, we ride the equivalent of biking to the moon.
@Brad - For the sake of decency, at least wear bike shorts.
Chilly in the 70's??? I don't wear anything on my arms and legs until it gets into the 50's. Rain I don't mind; I'll take that anyday before 90-100. I guess we all adapt and acclimate - heck, in the spring 40's feels warm.
@Kathy R - "lightning Safety guidelines from the National Weather Service. Pretty much be careful, stay off hills and away from lonely trees."
How do you tell if a tree is lonely?
Also, hurricanes are above both lightning and floods for weather related deaths. (Cold and heat are even higher than that.)
@Tammie - I'll trade you temps. It's been low 70's here (I think) and I'm freezing on my bike. I've been wearing thermal tops while biking the past few days. I really can't wait for the 90 and 100 degree temps here. I'll finally be warm!
Utah weather perfect, 74 today and not a cloud in the sky. Mountain biking perfection!!!
What crappy weather? Nothing but a soaking drizzle here in St. Petersburg. We need the rain!
Temp was 104 when we started our group ride today but as luck would have it a wonderful thunder storm moved in and we got to ride in a nice rain shower for a while. It was fantastic! We just don't get that opportunity very often in West Texas. It was not long.. it was like riding in a sauna for a bit then we were completely dry! Sorry others are having problems with rainy weather while I am excited about having a little! Great day!
Cold and raining all day here in Wisconsin, but a friend told me tonight to get out and ride and not be a wimp! So took a little spin around the neighborhood and didn't get too cold in the process :)
Sorry for the crappy weather Florida :(
Cold and raining all day here in Wisconsin, but a friend told me tonight to get out and ride and not be a wimp! So took a little spin around the neighborhood and didn't get too cod in the process :)
So much for logging many miles this week, first named tropical storm of the season. Boo!
@ Michael, I totally understand. HAPPY RIDING!!
@Michael - Glad you and your bike have been reunited! :)
Er.. maybe a warm up shouldn't be over 75 miles, but I missed my bike soo much.
Thank You, FEDEX for a cheap price (1500+ miles, 30# box<$55) with appearently good handling.
@EM - and others - I've told my lighting story before - L&M Vis 180 on the seat post (pulsing); Viewpoint flasher on the back of the helmet for eye-level visibility; L&M Urban 300(flashing) or Taz 800(pulsing) on the bar; L&M Urban 550(flashing) on my helmet to aid in getting driver eye contact. In the winter or in the dark, the front lights go to solid. I have LightWeights spoke tape and their "stealth" black reflective tape on my black fenders for more side visibility -- and a bunch of 3M reflective spots on my helmet. And my jersey colors are bright red, insignia orange, or screaming yellow. I have one blue jersey, but it has contrasting white and black blocks. "All the better for them to see me with, my dear."
@Christine Salvatore. I'm not sure. I've been told both. My wife says I have to go ride in Ride the Rockes. Either she is very supportive or is trying to kill me.
Nice 23 mile road ride done
@Richard - not sure if the worst smell is my own... I've smelled some pretty stinky people. Phew!
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RE: 4 way stops. I normally signal.. I got the I'm going left (waving my left arm to the left and pointing) I'm going right (waving my right arm to the right and pointing) and I'm going straight... (Right arm waving like a person guiding a plane on the tarmac, up and down in front of me pointing). Lots of waving, lotsa pointing!
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@Michael - Remember, drinking doesn't solve your problems - it just makes them fuzzy. (and sometimes fuzzy is nice.) :)
@ Paul Jeffries, I agree that we need more education. In Missouri the drivers manual includes a whole page about the rules of the road for cyclists. This is great for new drivers who have to learn this stuff. The problem here, as is probably the case in most other states, is that older drivers do not have to re-take the test. They just get their eyes checked and renew their license. So many drivers may have never even seen the page about bicyclists. That's why I think we need some TV, or billboards, or other forms of advertising (clever U-tube videos??) to educate people about bicyclists. MODOT does a good job of using electronic signs on the interstate to remind drivers to watch out for motorcyclists. We need a way to make drivers aware of cyclists as well!
HI all, I was out this morning doing the regular route. Temps in the 70s and SUNSHINE!! Lots of other riders including one who caught up with me at a traffic light. We agreed that it was good to get out before it got hotter and more humid.
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RE accidents: it sounds like we have identified a danger zone: the 4 way stop. Trying to make eye contact with the driver seems to be the best idea. If might help to know that they know you are there.
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RE clothing: I always try to wear a bright colored jacket or jersey, especially the color on your back. (Esp. on hot days, wearing a dark color just absorbs more sun and makes it hotter). If you want to figure out which colors show up the best, look at riders that are about a 1/2 mile or more ahead of you on a group ride. You will see that dark colors like black and some kinds of blue don't show up very well. I also have a blinking light at the back of my bike and a white one at the front. To help with night riding I have the reflector stickers on my wheels and bike frame, and a bike glow safety light.
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@ Michael G, my husband often sees the same one or two clueless riders when he is driving to work. Not only do they ride on the wrong side of the road, at least one of them does not have a helmet. PS, don't drink & ride LOL!
With all this talk about accidents, I have to tell my story. Commuting home yesterday, I was almost hit by...another bicyclist! I was travelling in the right (and proper) lane of a two-lane, one way downtown street with parking on both sides. Here comes one of our urban knuckleheads going the wrong way, during rush hour traffic, coming right at me! Of course, his dark clothing and lack of lights made him totally invisible to me and traffic until he was almost right on top of me. Thankfully one of us (me) was paying attention and--luckily--there was an empty parking space for me to bail into. He kept right on going and gave me the stink eye for my 'acknowledgement' of his improper and dangerous presence. Then my wife wonders why I drink!
On the helmet issue we use a product from Sams called ODO Ban. We live in hot Georgia humidity . Wash the helmet liner and spray the odo ban awesome. We also spray the shoes after every ride. The worst smell is your own :)
I think - although I only have one - that it would be prudent to have two helmets so that when one gets wet or is washed you can still ride when it's drying out. that has been my issue. After getting caught in the rain and with the obnoxious humidity, when I go to put it on the next day the chin strap and such is still wet... it's just nasty, like having to put on wet tennies.
Helmets should have a manufacture date. When purchasing a new helmet make sure it has a date clearly indicated and also make sure it is not already several years old. The replacement life begins at the date of manufacture - not the date of purchase.
Commuting to work in the Florida summers (85°F, 85% relative humidity, at 7:00am) my helmets stinks after a day or two. I have gone to a three helmet rotation. When I get to work, I rinse out the helmet and hang it up to dry for 24 hours. The helmet from the previous day is the one I wear going home. When I get home, I soak it overnight in a 5-gallon bucket of cool water and a small amount of dish detergent and then hang it up to dry. The next morning I ride to work with the third helmet that had been drying at home the previous day.
My understanding is that helmets should be replaced after three to four years depending on environmental conditions or after any significant impact, whether or not any damage is apparent.
There was also a short video on You Tube about why and when to replace your helmet. Seems they do expire, but, the only way to tell when it does expire is by the sticker inside the helmet. Some manufactures do not place an expiration sticker in the helmet. The video went on to say that the foam material inside the helmet does break down over time causing it to be less effective to protect you against flying objects or a fall. The video recommended replace your helmet every 5 years. Hope that helps!
Thanks, @Joyce! Seems I've made a few mistakes (dishwasher detergent, stickers) that I should remedy soon!
@Christine: Here's a short write-up about helmet cleaning from Bicycling magazine: http://tinyurl.com/mujn23t
It touches on the replacement question too.
Dumb question of the day: Background: I have a helmet that has been kicking around our house for years. It's a Serfas Cosmos, and checking the Serfas site, it seems they no longer even make helmets. I have no idea where it came from. The Question (finally): What do you do when your helmet starts to smell ...uh...funky? At one time, I pulled off all the software, washed it by hand and put the hardware through the dishwasher. I was told not to wear it after that (by folks in another online community), but have continued to do so as it looks fine. How do you clean your helmet? Or do you just put up with the funk? Or do you replace it when it gets funky? And how often should one replace their helmet?
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Ok, that was more than one question, but any help is greatly appreciated! ;-D
@Katie: Thanks, will wait a few days to send my "motivational newsletter" out until then!
Beautiful commute this morning. Lots of wildlife out there, in flight and scurrying around. I was so happy to be pedaling my way to my destination. It really feels great. Hope everyone had a positive commute on their journeys this morning.
@nick I wear an ANSI, hi-viz, reflective vest every ride and I still had a near miss at a 4-way stop where a woman had actually slowed down and then began to roll through and came within centimeters of hitting me. She gave me the finger. It was so ridiculous all I could do was laugh' shake my head and ride on. Having said that, I've had drivers give me a shout out, thanking me for wearing my vest. I'm certainly not the most chic rider but I am one of the brightest.
@Howard: We'll announce them later this week!
Anyone know when the winners for May will be announced? I'm looking to put a monthly newsletter to my NBC workplace, but thought I'd wait to do it until I saw the NBC prize winner list. That way, I could recognize anyone from our workplace who may have won...
@Nick~
Check this blog site out for a review of Lid Lights.
Something I'm thinking about getting.
http://allseasonscyclist.com/2013/05/27/lid-lights-product-review-and-giveaway/
IMHO side illumination is the most important!!
Most of us, if not all of us, have rear and front illumination covered.
During our "dark-time" in northern Mn. I always use LED x-mas lights attached to my frame and fork. It looks goofy during the day, but people always always look twice when I'm lit up at night!! I don't care how goofy I look, if it saves me from being a hood ornament, it's all good!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I have been riding in Naples Fla since 1976.In the last 4 years I have been hit 3 times.Twice in the day,on cross walks distract.ed drivers,lots of road rash,the last time was on a green way.A jeep with a open cloth top pulled up to the gate of a condo while i waited for him to go by.Then i proceded,what happenened then he realized the gate box was behind him,he threw it in reverse and nailed it he hit me,iended up with half my body in the jeep wow I just can't believe it.right arm a little bloody and sore.Just goes to show you just never know what direction cars can come at you shell shocked in Naples.
@E.M. Glad to hear you had a better outcome yesterday! I think you are right that many motorists are courteous and understanding. And I should note that there are motorists who are gracious to cyclists too, when we sometimes (myself included, I confess) occassionally make an error in judgment/action when riding. I have encountered these folks personally and when watching others. Others have said on this blog cycling can make us better auto drivers, and I think that is right. On a related note...I wonder how often "drivers tests" and/or drivers ed. courses address bike laws/safety when asking questions/teaching. That might be something for the bike advocacy groups to take up/explore. Any cycling drivers' ed teachers out there? Maybe they/you could invite some cyclist in sometime to speak about driver/cycling safety. A thought...ride safely, everyone!
Regarding bicycle visibility and getting (or almost getting) hit my question to folks is: What are you wearing, and how many lights do you have?
In my opinion bright, flashing head and tail lights are safety equipment equally as important as a helmet. A reflective vest or hi-vis jersey as well.
@ Paul J, your accident at the four way stop is what ALMOST happened to me today. I narrowly escaped being hit. Hard to tell who was more upset (but not angry, in fact the driver told me she hoped the rest of my day went better). I tried to make it a teachable moment by stating the need (for both of us) to be careful as there are a lot of cyclists in that area. I hope it also alerted other drivers who witnessed the ALMOST incident to be alert as well. Generally most drivers are pretty courteous in the areas where I ride.
Since I brought up the bike messenger story re using U locks...let me clarify. I was not endorsing that activity, only sharing how some folks to deal with problematic drivers more regularly have done (and messenger riders don't always have the best reputation as riders, as well, I realize...but not all are like that). When reading some of the messenger folks, the sometimes see their actions as a form of self-defense. I am not sure I would agree with their conclusion but that is a case that could be made, especially by folks who regularly face threats from cars in the course of their work. On a more personal note, I have actually been hit three times by cars (no serious injuries, fortunately...one person didn't even know he/she hit me as they were turning when hitting me; I was very fortunate to be able to recover and not take a fall). The most ironic situation was when I was hit at a four way stop sign at the heart of our down town. After waiting my turn to go, I was almost through the intersection when the car to the right just started off out of no where and hit my rear wheel. In all these incidents, I was calm and courteous, even if a bit frustrated. I did not go chasing after anyone either. Given these experiences, I think it is important to try to get motorists to "see" cyclists and take us more seriously. Still, I agree that "violence begats violence" and is not a good solution (Hey, I only said I was "tempted" to use the Zephel pump...I have never actually used it. That would be stupid. By now it is probably a valuable antique. ;-) ). But sometimes a bit of anger/frustration is a justified response to carelessness and thoughtlessness toward cyclist. I still try to stay in a calm state when riding, but if I can help one driver "see" cyclists and take them more seriously, then I am helping the safety of future cyclists, not just "venting" (I never use my finger to express frustration...but like a previous post, sometimes an open hand of "what are you thinking/dioing?" gets raised from time to time.) Again, I always encourage thoughtful and prudent riding...but helping to raise driver awareness can, I think, be part of that process.
@Kathy, I agree about being happy. When I ride my bike, it seems like all the worries slip away. People seems more personable and a perfect time to release the day's stress.
Yup, when cars honk at me on my bike, I just have to assume they are either cheering me on or wish they were riding too... or both.
Well said Kathy!
My riding is my happy place and I refuse to let anyone take that away. I wave at everybody. I just experienced plenty of considerate motorists stuck in their cars on my evening ride, even got several waves from them :)
@ Kathy, I agree totally!!
Ya know, how can you not be nice? When I'm out riding half the time I find myself smiling anyway (and not at anything in particular, I seem to be... Happy). Beautiful weather... passing cars stuck in rush hour traffic... being waved on by cops when all motor vehicles have to wait... if motorists get mad at me, it's just cause they are jealous.
@ Dave & Tim, I always use the "wave like crazy" tactic whenever anybody honks at me. I don't always know if its supposed to be friendly or hostile. And yeah, I always assume that I'm at least partly responsible and well aware that on a bike, I'm the one who is vulnerable. As far as the kids and driving, I told my kids to just assume that everyone else out there is an idiot and drive accordingly.....
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
@Tammie - 104? Last week the sum of the high plus the low was only about 110 here. I start to vaporize around 104.
I would definitely love to work that deal out.. anyone have a way? LOL .... 103 now.. things are looking up.
@ Dave & Tim, I always use the "wave like crazy" tactic whenever anybody honks at me. I don't always know if its supposed to be friendly or hostile. And yeah, I always assume that I'm at least partly responsible and well aware that on a bike, I'm the one who is vulnerable. As far as the kids and driving, I told my kids to just assume that everyone else out there is an idiot and drive accordingly.....
Tammie, it's 50 degrees here and raining all day. Think that somehow we could average things out?
Today it was a squirrel and a dachshund that almost unseated me. It's not just the cars!
Wise words Timothy.
As much as I love to ride, I can't convince myself that 104 degrees is riding weather.... sure hoping it gets below 100 before dark so I can get a few miles in today. I have so far had mostly good experiences with motorists. A couple of vehicles that have not given me much clearance that I consider opportunities to improve my fine biking skills! Good thing I had my elbows tucked once yesterday! I just smile at everyone and wave when I can. I passed the 1,000 point mark yesterday and have put over 500 miles on my bike now... my poor bike does not know that it will soon have competition for my attention soon. nobody tell it... don't want to break its heart .. yet.
@ Jerry, I can't decide if you're dedicated or crazy. Please be careful!
Ran into a bike/SUV accident on my ride tonight, the bike lost. Idiots are out there, and if you think they are just the ones driving the cars and trucks, think again. Remember, the right of way is never taken, and we are the ones that will lose in the battle of gross tonnage. Be smart and be safe out there
Good news. After breaking my arm on Friday I saw the specialist on Monday. He said no riding for three weeks. But after my exam, he told me I could go on Ride the Rockies since I am dealing with the pain well. Should be an interesting seven days riding with my broken arm.
When I taught my kids to drive I said: "Idiots are everywhere, just go for a drive and you will see plenty....If you collide with something in front of you I will regard it as your fault because you knew they were there".
Therefore I regard anything that happens in front of me as my fault, I have two brakes....and yes, I have been over the hood to a "right hook", and I have been "doored" and I blamed myself and tried to learn from the experience.
@Burklee & others - it does make me feel better. After all, I call my bike my "mood stabilizer." It always improves my mood.
I've managed not to give any one-finger salutes. I have thrown up an open hand in a gesture of, "Are you kidding me?!?!" I'd like to suppress that reaction as well. There's always the chance of pushing some hair-trigger idiot over the edge.
76 degrees and sunny here in Puget Sound. Should be a good ride home.
@Dave - That's a fine tactic. Kindness may not always beget kindness, but it can sure make you feel better about yourself.
@Dameon - You'll get no argument from me there! :)
When a motorist gets mad at me, my favorite tactic is to smile and wave profusely.
It's sunny in Bonnie England! Hmm, still can't get used to saying that - Bonnie Scotland still has a nicer ring. Still, 51 miles in glorious sunshine. Winner.
Hi all, out for my usual ride today. Lots of traffic, I thought it was summer, where the heck are all those people going? Spotted a few other riders. Temps. in the lower 70s and not too windy for a change.
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RE courtesy, I agree that being as nice as possible is the best policy. If you want motorists to respect you, they need to see that you have to wait for traffic lights and stop signs too. Waving and smiling and saying hello and good day is good too. A couple of days ago I spotted a little girl riding on the wrong side of the road and politely explained that she was on the wrong side. Her mom, a few feet behind her apologized. I wanted to say, glad to see you are out riding, but the moment had passed. Now I just wave at them if I see them outside when I go past.
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I almost got hit at a stop sign today. I stopped and then started to go when I realized a car coming from the side just sort of cruized through the stop sign without looking. I managed to squeeze by and the car actually turned the corner. The driver was clearly shaken up and asked me if I was okay and if she needed to do anything for me. I said I was okay and that there were lots of cyclists in the area and that we both should pay more attention. Another driver slowed down and I waved him past, saying we were okay. So yeah, drivers can be courteous.
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KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE TRAFFIC AND STAY SAFE EVERYONE!!!!
@ Burklee- we are all winners here!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Rick, Like your car courtesy comments. Since I live in a small town, I try and do similar things, it helps to connect with the neighbors you don't know. If you are ever in trouble, God forbid, you never know who may be there to help out. Whenever I can, I wave the cars through at 4 way stops and find ways not to be an annoyance to them when I can. I do feel guilty about yelling at a car of rude teenagers the other day, I guess no one is perfect.
On another note: As a season ticket holder to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, PA I would like to encourage anyone within driving distance to check out the bicycling races on Friday Nights (www.thevelodrome.com.) It is not expensive and the food is good. (First night is June 7th I believe.)
lots of good comments (some not so much) . I end all my comments w/ MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER! and that is to remind me ( I ) am responsible for the betterment of my bike or should I say my new Trike Yea. when riding, all my mental concentration go towards the safe operation of my hpv and careful consideration of what others may or may not do, still having a more enjoyable time then when driving.
A positive attitude may not solve all my problems, but it will tick off enough people to make it worth my while.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I can't find the list of winners for May's drawing. When I click on "Winners", it just gives me "bronze - 5 x bottle openers."
@Kathy, Scott & Rick-I feel the same way and was trying to formulate words to say what you all said. I so agree with all of you. I have given a few disgruntled looks at people here and there but other than that its been nothing more than smiles and miles.
@Rick, I agree completely and it's how I ride as well. Kindness begets kindness. Although I did, for the first time, flip someone off today. Nobody's perfect.
I ride because it's stress-free and good for me, if I get mad at every little person who does something I don't like, then I've invalidated the reason that I'm out there riding in the first place. And sadly, if you make another driver angry by doing something "satisfying" to you, the next poor cyclist down the road is going to get the brunt of the anger. I don't want that on my conscience. The driver bashing should stop, there are dumb people everywhere.
For every rude drive I encounter, there are countless considerate ones. I have people pass too close on occasion, but its very seldom and typically only occurs when I am the one that forced the issue. Cars are watching the road in front of them and (hopefully) keeping a watch on me. They are not, however, watching the road in front of me. They don't see that missing utility cover, or that "boulder" I have to avoid, or the shoulder suddenly disappearing causing me to move over when they expected me to hold my line. I have far more issues with overly considerate drivers than anything else. The drivers that try to wave me through a stop sign, or want to let me go first at an intersection, or stop for no apparent reason when I'm stopped a few feet back at a crosswalk with no intention of crossing and then get annoyed when I wave them by. The other day I was doing a lap at a local race course and got stuck behind a driver going the speed limit, that irritated the heck out of me ;)
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My cars are an extension of me, hit mine and I yell assault ;) I'm one of those crazy people that treats a car like the very expensive piece of machinery that it is. You wouldn't walk around and touch my woman, don't touch my car either. ;) Plus, there are too many insane people in the world today.
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Lastly, remember that every spring those "watch for motorcyclists" signs spout up everywhere. A bicycle is even less visible than a motorcycle.
Wow, Kelly, glad you're ok! Most drivers I've encountered have been cautious around me, but there's always one who isn't.... like a few lately who suddenly turn in front of me without using a turn signal. If they HAD let me know they were planning to turn, I could have slowed down before nearly colliding with them. grrrrrrrr
@ Brad - LOL!
@Dave - I never bashed motorists being that I am one myself, but unlike a lot of other people, I keep my eyes peeled when I drive. Not just for other cars, but cyclists, people walking, heck even animals! Yesterday I was almost mowed down by a man smoking a cigarette in one hand and a cell phone in another. I was shaking the whole rest of the way to work. That's the closest I've been to actually being hit. It's not ok!
Never once have I or would I cause damage to someone's vehicle, but smacking their car with the palms of my hands to get them to notice me is a heck of a lot safer than getting crushed under their vehicle.
This is future Kelly @ 38 seconds: http://www.youtube.com/watch
As satisfying as it might seem to bash in a headlight - and I have wanted to do that and more -- remember that violence begets violence. I still have my fist-shaking moments when someone comes too close, but I've been trying to grow out of that. One thing I like about the bike is how easy it is to connect with people. On my inbound route, I try to give a smile and a "G'morning" to every pedestrian and cyclist I see - sometimes it's none, so each one is worthwhile to me. And I wave and say "Hi!" to the kids waiting for the school bus - and kids and parents smile and wave back. I choose to ride sidewalks part of the way - up hills and other places where I would otherwise obstruct traffic flow -- and anytime I cross an intersection and get eye contact from a driver, I wave and smile if at all possible. It makes me feel better, and it has a 'nefarious' purpose. I want them to see me as non-threatening, and I want them to think, "Wow, he looks happy! I wonder if I could do that?"
Those few drivers with a chip or lousy attitude will be there, and we have to protect ourselves from their actions. At the same time, I think we are better off showing the rest of the population that we are responsible adults. After all, the more people who choose cycling for transportation, or who at least see it as legitimate, the harder it will be for the 'bad guys' to get away with stupid, dangerous behavior.
Premium Rush was an awesome movie by the way! Just watched a couple months ago.
Agrees with Dave... as justifiable as our reactions to lousy drivers are, we won't get the respect we're entitled to, by retaliating.
@Kelly, that is perfect, if anything they will see you first! How could they miss that set up?
On another note, a very good life long friend reminded me today that I used to bike to high school every day. I lived several blocks from my high school. Granted that was some time ago and I had kinda forgotten, but, now I am still biking. Cool how something so simple and wonderful becomes a part of your life and who you are.
Talk of bashing a motorist needs to stop
Leave a situation and call the cops before someone gets hurt
Let's be careful, there is always someone with less respect for life than you.
For that reason (and pit bulls) I always carry pepper spray. If things get outta hand, I can spray and leave.
I found my next purchase!!
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/05/ridiculously-loud-bike-horn-may-be-perfect-for-causing-public-disturbances/
HAHAHAHA!!!
@ Paul - Wow. That's taking it to the extreme! Ek!
Kelly...I have heard stories of major cities bike messengers using their U locks to bash in some front headlights (or to dent a vehicle) to help folks "see" them as they ride. They had the advantage of much easier get-a-way given urban traffic. I am not sure that I would go this far, but there have been times when I was temped to use my old Zephel pump as an "attention getting" device when communiting in various places I have lived. Be safe...as wise as you ride!
Airhorn.... love it!
@ Brad - No I haven't, but now you've sparked my curiosity. Lol.
@ Cynthia - I have a bell and a light. I have seriously considered getting an airhorn.
Kelly - have you seen the movie 'Premium Rush'? You should start carrying a chain ;-))
@Kelly-be careful! Do have a horn, a bell, or a light?
@ Christine - Maybe! I work down the street from a Chrysler plant. Guess cars are the only way people think you can get from point A to point B anymore.
I've gotten so angry at people not seeing me that I've started smacking their cars with my hands to let them know I'm there.
@Kelly, is it a "Michigan was built on cars" thing? I find myself grumbling not so under my breath some times. People just don't respect bikes as transport. Lately, I've taken to yelling "Would you have done that if I was in a car?!" Doesn't help, though; doesn't even make me feel better. Good indication that I might as well stop yelling, eh?
Whoa, Jerry! Riding with a broken arm?? That reminds me of the diver in the Mexico City olympics ('68??) who broke her arm and continued to dive. That's what I call dedication!
@Kathy-thanks for the pannier advice. Will have to check it out.
There's almost 30000 riders signed up for this challenge. But shoud we really count those who don't have any points? In actuallity, there something like 22000 riders who have points in this challenge.
Oh, to clarify, the Suburban was going in the same direction as me and the semi.
@Elaine - Yeah, I've seen many times where drivers are just as stupid with other drivers. People pass me giving me all the room in the world by moving into the lane of opposing traffic... with a car coming... I'm just waiting to see an accident.
BTW: I ride in all weather but if there is lightning I'll duck and cover until it's over. Thankfully in NJ there's usually some place to hide even if it's the porch of a private residence. Thankfully we don't have tornados (they would stop me) but we do have Hurricanes I stopped riding during Sandy last Oct/Nov or whenever she hit. I'm not strong enough to fight 120mph winds. I'd be playing the witches theme song from Wizard of Oz and riding thru the air...
Greetings from SE Idaho. I usually don't comment on the drivers I encounter when I ride but I have an entry for "You had to be there..." Riding on a nice wide 2 lane major connector country road on a nice wide clean shoulder at 6:50 am. A big livestock ccarrier passes me safely and I look up in time to see an Epedition/Suburban PASSING THE SEMI at the same time. Ride safe.
@ Cynthia - I do the same! HAHA!
I learned about the NBC last year from one of local bike groups. I joined the challenge in the beginning of June and I was even got very close to Diamond! I was so so close, but, external circumstances would not let me get those last miles in to make it. So after the close of last years NBC I wrote the date on my 2013 calendar. Although I still commute all year long and do other rides, I really was looking forward to being a part of the challenge again. So I started NBC with the warm up period and plan to make Diamond by the end of September. Slow and steady here in South Eastern NC, enjoying the scenery, always enjoying the ride, and all that life offers. Peace to everyone today and happy healthy riding! P.S. am I the only one who keeps NBC up on the desk top at work to read the discussions?
@Douglas F - lightning Safety guidelines from the National Weather Service. Pretty much be careful, stay off hills and away from lonely trees. http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm.
According to the NOAA, over the last 20 years, the United States averaged 51 annual lightning strike fatalities, placing it in the second position, just behind floods for weather killers. The odds of an average person living in the US being struck by lightning in a given year is 1/1,000,000, while the odds of being struck by lightning in a lifetime is 1/10,000 (estimated lifespan of 80 years).
Here's some stats by State from the NWS http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/stats/03-12_deaths_by_state.pdf
IRIR people. This is so funny to me!!!!!! I don't even like to WALK in the rain - and that's with an umbrella. I can't stand rain. I would be happy to live in a desert. I am out for IRIR. Will just cheer for you all! Take pictures?
@kelly, you have to do what is best for you. Everyone has different patterns when bike commuting. If it was stressing me out, I'd also take a day or two off.
Lots of wonderful discussions going on, I always learn something or get a chuckle, or can nod my head with understanding. As far as IRIR-I do not go out intentionally as literally speaking if it is raining. However, I will commute if its raining, I often get caught in afternoon rain on my way home from work or if I am out on an organized ride and the ride is not canceled due to rain, I will still ride, but if there is dangerous situations as in lightening or thunder or anything like that, I would not ride. Safety is important. As far as tornadoes, and hail and that type of weather, we don't get that here. Very fortunate!
Kelly, if I take a day off from cycling to work, it's usually based on my evening schedule or some extreme weather event. I keep sane by riding my bicycle to work. I almost always ride to work, but often times put my bike on the bus for the ride home. Even then I ride 2 miles to the bus station and sometimes 4 miles at the other end if I don't wish to ride a second bus.
That's nice that somebody speak nicely about cycling in Florida. Usually all I read is how dangerous it is and how high the fatality rate is. I don't see that! I commute across Tampa Bay, from St. Petersburg to Tampa, every morning and it's the most stress-free part of my day!
Does anybody who commutes to work by bike on a regular basis ever take a day or two off for sanity purposes? These drivers are sparking major road rage in me. It's insane how many times I get cut off or almost hit every single day.
Over the weekend I was talking to this other cyclist outside of a store. She told me she lives part time in MI (where I live) and part time in FL, but recently talked her husband into moving full time to FL. Said that people there are so much nicer in general and that they give a lot more consideration to cyclists on the road where she is at. She was telling me it's like night and day compared to MI. Why can't people just be respectful of others everywhere no matter the circumstance?
On a lighter note.. My gears kept shifting on their own my whole way home from work yesterday. Frustrating and not safe. I'm excited because I figured out the problem and fixed it myself! My first bike repair! Simple, but still! Hehe!
Question for those that ride in questionable weather, and not just IRIR - What do you do when you're out biking and a lightning storm pops up and there's little to no cover, or the only cover available are trees? How do you stay safe and make yourself the least attractive target? Or what about hail storms or even tornados? "Take shelter" is what the experts say, but here in the Midwest we ride a lot of places that are wide open and lack any kind of shelter or cover. We can't out-peddle a tornado, so what's a biker to do to stay safe?
@Jerry - Good luck and I hope the pain doesn't get to you!
On tonight's ride, I decided to swing by Walgreen's to pick up a prescription, so I took my bike through the drive-through window. There was a buzzer, but a sign attached that said, "The motion sensors tell us you're here" or something like that. Well, apparently the sensors don't recognize bicycles, When I was leaving, the tech told me to "Have a healthy evening" and I said that I would, especially since I was out biking. :)
I discovered the easy way to correct miles! On the National Bike challenge home page.. to the right the Log Miles choice.. just hit 'delet' for the day and re enter the correct mileage... it fixes everything for that day! So easy.. even I could do it. LOL
@ Christine, sorry to hear about the migrane. I'm sure you will get caught up. Also, MS is really a hard thing to deal with, I'm glad that the wit is still there. The physical challenges certainly make things complicated.
Good news. After breaking my arm on Friday I saw the specialist today. He said no riding for three weeks. But after my exam, he told me I could go on Ride the Rockies since I am dealing with the pain well. Should be an interesting seven days riding with my broken arm.
@ Tammie, thats frustrating to have to wait for a delivery, especially when the service is non-existent in your area LOL, hope you get it soon.
I ordered a Garmin Edge 200 last week.. just waiting for it to arrive. Don't understand why they say it is going to take 2 weeks and sending by DHL.. the worst delivery in the country.. they don't even have service here! LOL
Tammie, it will probably auth-adjust itself. The points seem to lag behind the posting of the workout, so it might work the same way when you have adjusted your workout. I am missing my mileage and points for today even though it registered my ride, but I will check back later and it should be fine.
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When I rode on Saturday, I accidently shut off endomondo about 1/2 way through the ride, and so I had to restart it, plus I had to add an extra 3 miles. So it looks like I had 3 separate workouts, but it was all just one looooong ride. It scored the points just fine, so I am leaving it alone.
@Tammie Might be time for a real GPS. I've used a Garmin 205 for years and this year switched to a 510. The 205 has been a really good unit but I wanted more stats. The 510 has been awesome despite some odd quirks.
Well, now I am completely frustrated with endomondo.. it has given me 11 more points than I should have because it kept stopping and starting today due to loss of gps signal. I show 3 different workouts so I edited to not include data in statitistics...but the mileage is still included!! Good thing some miles are not showing up since the gps was not working or it would be even worse. I don't want to delete them because the show where I went. I feel guilty sice it is giving me 11 more points ..I did actually ride 28 miles today which is my second best ever.
@Cynthia IRIR requires "nice" rain, so think twice about going out in storms w/ thunder and lighting. Just remember "WHEN THUNDER ROARS GO INDOORS". Have fun and stay safe pedaling in the rain.
@Dave The only reason that I found out about it last year is because it popped up as a sidebar on the main page of my endomondo profile. I don't know why there isn't better promotiion for this event. Perhaps the NBC2013 staff should look into better ways of promoting it.
@Lens, last year I completely missed this challenge. I am very active on Endo but this challenge isn't advertised over there and I never heard about it. Why doesn't Endo advertise this challenge to it's huge membership?
Broke 5100 miles YTD with a very hot and humid 31 miles today. 5 miles was actually rain instead of just pure humidity. Summer is early, and spring never came. Welcome to the new weather.
@Christine, sorry about your migraine! And, yes the national side seems to move along quite fast, I can't keep up, either!
With a goal of 20 million miles in 5 months, we need to average 4 million miles per month. We have done well so far, but are a little behind. As we gain new members or get members up to speed, the daily average should increase. Letting people know about this challenge is a good start. Last year, I didn't even know about this challenge until about 1 1/2 months into it. Keep recruiting and keep pedaling.
@Cynthia, the panniers are Axiom Randonnee Aero 40. and they can hold lots plus they are waterproof. They are easy off as well with a shoulder strap so you can just pick them off the rack and go right into work or whatever.
Woo Hoo! Over 4,000,000 miles! Someone is putting in the miles.. guess I need to do a few today. The wind is moderately behaving so far.. only gusting to 30. I did not realize there is something saying when the gps is ready.. I will look for it.
@James, you are correct, there are some workouts that are literally impossible. For instance there is one rider in my local area that posted 26 different rides of 47.5 miles each all in one day. I was hoping it was a clerical error but, that rider has since posted other rides even though there has been comments on his workouts. So I have decided to just shine it on and keep on riding, the Challenge has been a great motivator to get out there and ride and I refuse to let the bad apples ruin my team's fun...
@Tammie I found when I was using the Endomondo app that if I clicked start before the program indicated that the GPS was ready I would see wrong mileage numbers. When I waited for the GPS to be ready before starting it was pretty spot on even on my cheap phone.
@ Tammie- I have a Blackberry and the ENdomondo Pro app can be off by 0.5 min in my 7 mile commute to work. When I ride longer it has been off as much a 2 miles in a 30 mile ride. When I look at the map it is quite interesting as it has me crossing a river where there is no bridge, or I am riding through a large building. Therefore I just go on the website and adjust the miles. The time is correct so that is all I have to do.
Ok, youse guys. I get struck down by a 3 day migraine that lasted 4.5 days and you chatter on for 45 pages!?!?! I think I'm going to skip the in between and just pick up from here. No gold in May. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with gold in June!
@ E M-oh my gosh yes, its so funny to see people look at you. What your not in a car? ha ha. I drove thru Walgreen's prescription drive thru not to long ago and got a big shocked stare. Much easier to reach the retractable drawer too...
Tammie, you're welcome for the MS ride support. Watching my BIL go downhill over the last few years has been heartbreaking. He has a keen wit which hasn't been affected (thank God), but watching him struggle...terrible! (His wife *left him* when he was diagnosed!)
James, 450 miles, or (2) 200 mile rides in one day is rather questionable. However, during the last week of June (24th through 28), the Davis (CA) Bike Club is hosting their Gold Rush Randonnée. This is a 1200km (750 mile) event with a 90 hour time limit, beginning at 6:00pm Monday. So that week you can expect some long long rides.
I am doing IRIR this week! That is such a great way to put it. My area is predicted to have storms and over 60% rain every day. Wahoo-let the fun begin.
Tammie, it's 'cos Texas is so big and sometimes the satellites get confused about which rider they're supposed to be following! ;-D
Hi all, out today for a ride that combined some errands with my ride. I love it when people in cars give me baffled looks when I ride up to the drive-up window at the bank!! I also love the fact that while I'm waiting for service, I'm using ZERO gas! Weather in the 60s and the sun is peeking out from the clouds every now and then!
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@ Tammie, I am sure you will LOVE your Garmin, I know I love mine!
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@ Dan, IRIR is great fun, especially if it comes in the middle of a long hot ride. Once I finished a multi-mile ride in the rain. I got absolutely drenched, but I didn't care because a shower & lunch were both waiting at the end. So I said, forget the rain gear, who cares, I'm almost done....
Lot of questionable mileage being reported for this month. 450 miles in one day? 2 - 200 plus miles rides in one day among those that suspend belief.
I am thankful for the little wired odometer I have on my bike because endomondo app on my phone keeps losing gps tracking during my rides and frequently is off by several miles. I have to go into the final data that has been automatically uploaded and make the corrections from the data on the bike. Luckily my bike gives me accurate distance and time data. I really do love the endomondo app for its auto uploads but about 75% of the time it has stopped running or has lost tracking sometime during my ride. I have ordered a garmin 200 and hope it has better tracking. I know I will have to manually upload that data. I plan to continue using the endomondo and will be showing double data.. I will then have to be deleting or manually editing one each time so the data from one is not counted but I am on the computer so frequently, it is not a problem for me. I also have noticed that during longer rides... 18 miles and over, the gps tracking of endomondo tends to start losing distance and I have been shorted as much as .5 to 1 mile. It gets worse the longer the ride. The gps tends to cut off corners and such thus the miscalculations.. they add up over longer distances.
Intentional Riding In Rain (IRIR) is great fun as long as the temp is 70 degrees or higher and there is no lighting. Rode to/from yoga this morning in a steady moderate rain. Learning curve at work--forgot to pack dry clothes to change into once I got to yoga. Also found out that my windbreaker/rain jacket is only a windbreaker, LOL. IRIR will force me to do more frequent drive train cleaning as well, which I generally neglect in routine riding. Before trying IRIR I suggest checking out Oxon Hill Bike and Trail Club's (OHB&TC) Safety Forum on riding in the rain. The site can be reached by going to ohbike.org.
For June, I am endeavoring to use the EndoMondo app for rides.
Advantages: (1) This will input your mileage to the challenge w/o having to wait and log into the website. (2) Receive encouragements from your family and friends who also use this app!
Disadvantages: (1) I don't like how the free version includes advertisements at the bottom of the screen (2) Version for iPhone needs some work. I'm not sure if Pro version is better, but for a one-time purchase of $4.99 (when I bought it) I prefer Cyclemeter.
P.S. A note about accuracy: I discovered my commute is actually 9.5 miles. As I was putting down 10 miles/per day, I figure this is 2.5 miles a week that I overestimated (assuming the data is correct). Do you all round up? I decided to not count the commute last Friday (May 31st) in an attempt to even things out - I am still shy ~2 miles, but I am good for it. Keep riding, keep running, keep having fun! Stay safe!
@rob, just posted about the NBC on my blog and I tell everyone I know who rides.
@Cynthia- Look at the ToPeak Rack and bag system. With the special rack you just slide it on the rail till it clicks and one push of the button release the bag/panniers. I have their lagerst trunk bag/pannier set (don't remember the model #) have carry my laptop, work clothes, lunch, tooks, raingear to work in them every day. if you don't need the pannier for a trip the zip up.
The silver, gold, etc. are given for points, which include your 20 points per day of cycling.
I am going to ask a question and I hope it's not stupid, but when you hit the level in points-i.e. silver, gold etc, are you using just your miles alone in the calculations or also including the 20 points a day NBC gives out?
@Kathy-what panniers did you get? I have searching for new ones diligently but can't seem to find what I am looking for.
@Tammie-congrads on your new bike! Your going to just love it!
@Ryan, I agree. I have a link to bring me into the website, it always makes me log out and back in, then I have to finagle to get back to the main screen.
@Ryan, I agree. Although, I love the NBC I don't love this website or the way it functions. Compared to other tracking websites, it's antiquated and not as user friendly. @Rob- I used to be of the mind you should always "do more", but as of late I've seen how the other side of things works as well. If they are riding and they hear about us, and want to be here-they will come.
@Tammie. Congrats on your Lexa SLX too. That's a pretty bike. You are going to love it! I hope it arrives soon. I too, counted my hybrid riding as "training". :)
I am just reading over the weekend comments and I tuned in to the video link that Erwin posted-are you kidding me? I couldn't even listen to the whole thing. What an absolute shame. And the commentator was not very supportive either and she made a couple odd comments I thought were very odd. I was so sad and floored by this.
Got my bike back! (and of course it's raining this morning...) No real riding this weekend as my bike was in the shop for it's 2,000 mile tune up. My new rack did not come in yet but my new Panniers are wonderful. I can't believe how much they can hold and they are the easy off kind, so I can carry them anywhere. I really missed my bike! I'm so glad to have it back. :)
this website is not very intuitive. Those that want to join REALLY want to join or have someone guiding them through the sign-up process & team joining process.
xxxx=1506 riding, 1540 registered communities
I'd like to see a national new segment done. We are a national challenge. We should emphasize the grassroots of this challenge: Health, Economy, Networking, Safety education, and local, state, and national teamwork. We may be only 29,398 riders, but we're also 1974 teams, xxxx communities, 50+1 states, and 1 UNION. I <3 that layout, because we get credit as individuals and groups, yet also get to cheer each other on and take pride in everyones achievements.
Rob, every time I talk to someone and find out they bike even occasionally, I have been giving them the website and encouraging them to sign up. Not sure how many are following through though.......
Hey NBC riders, how bout this idea to reach 50,000 riders. What do you think if we write a short story about the impact NBC has had on us to encourage others to join in the fun? We could submit this to local media along with the link to www.nationalbikechallenge.org and encourage other to register.
Or should we just ride and let the numbers take care of themselves...? Having fun riding around Appleton, WI!
Congrats @Heather on the new bike. I am waiting for my new road bike to arrive. In the meantime I consider every day on the hybrid as extra heavy training. I really do hope I am able to increase my speed and distance once I am on my new Lexa SLX. I am gradually making friends with the wind and actually was a teeny bit disappointed when it was at my back once today because I was missing the cooling effect when it was in my face! Guess 20 to 30 mph winds are going to be the norm for a while, might as well decide to like it. It is those 40+ I can't deal with.
OK, I agree the video is mostly a rant on the mayor. Of course there are cyclists that need to be educated about riding, but the idea that the bike lobby is all powerful is nuts. If that were the case, there would be bike share programs everywhere and three foot passing laws in every state, and MASSIVE education for cyclists and drivers alike... and a lot of other stuff....
@ Heather, congrats on the new bike and the new biking style. You are truly one of us and you'll be rolling that 40 before you know it. ROLL ON>>>>
Whoo hoo....up 10 teams from yesterday.Spotted it cause it was my birth year! Ride on !
@Gregg, congrats on the first place. We got in two twenty mile rides this weekend. Our monthly goal is to get up to one forty mile ride. My new bike (dolce) is really a dream. I can't even explain what a difference it has made to my riding - in a variety of ways including: energy, start-ups, mental strength, and more. I just cut through the wind on it. I had a heavy hybrid before. It's amazing. Today, even as a heavy rider who goes slow, I felt amazing. Nor the hard beating sun or crazy wind stopped me. I just cut through it all. Now, I'm tired but strong. :) Ride happy, friends!
I watched the video. I can see where Dorothy is comming from. I have a splendid bike lane map for NYC.There are routes that are quite ridable. I was born in this city and if you do not understand the rhythm and the timing you are not safe on a bike or in an SUV. I find my blood pressure rising in cities where cyclists are on and off the sidewalks like mosquitos.Cyclists have the same rights as any other driver, but we need to ride responsibly. If we do not follow the rules of the road we are offenders.
I couldn't get through the video. From the first words out of her mouth she struck me as one of those people who think, "Anyone who doesn't believe as I do is an idiot and imbecile and is the cause of all the world's problems." I also bet she hasn't touched a bike in her life. Truly a shame.
@Erwin I just watched the video and I cannot believe how many brain damaged individuals there are in this world. "The most important danger in the city is not the yellow cabs, it is the bicyclists..." I'm glad that this is only an op-ed piece and not news article. One way or another, it is utterly ludicrous. It seems to me that Dorothy Rabinowitz has a grudge against the mayor and is using any ludicrous issue as a vehicle for attacking him.
Bring us to 30000! I just did my bit; +1 more and email set to local BUG....
I can only see the stats for 50 members of our 62 member team on our team page. Please fix this. Thank you.
Bizarre video editorial by Wall Street Journal Editorial Board member in which she is 'appalled" by NYC's new bike share program. WSJ says "The bike lobby is an all powerful enterprise." Video is not intended as a joke.
http://live.wsj.com/video/opinion-death-by-bicycle/C6D8BBCE-B405-4D3C-A381-4CA50BDD8D4D.html#!C6D8BBCE-B405-4D3C-A381-4CA50BDD8D4D
@ Gregg - That's awesome! Congratulations!
@ Jerry - OW!! I'm sorry to hear that. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
OK I just looked at his profile. Good effort Paul! Keep it up!
Really? Paul Spencer has 3581 miles in just over one month? Hard to believe that! Do you work? Really? Averaging well over 100 miles a day?
COOL i was born not to far from there E M although I live in FL now
Hi all, out to Creve Coeur Lake and into St. Charles today. Parts of the trail were flooded and it was not possible to ride all the way around the lake. Then we headed for St. Charles and only got 1/2 mile down the Katy Trail when we had to turn around due to trees being downed. There was a tornado in the area Sat. night and I think that is the reason so many trees were down. We ended up riding on the road to get to St. Charles. There were lots of other people out riding today despite the bad conditions on the trail. Many ended up using the road like we did. We tried out a new place for lunch the "Bike Stop Cafe". Just off the old main street in St. Charles. You can get lunch and get your bike repaired or shop for bike stuff at the same time. They also rent bikes. Apparently they have been there since October. Today's weather was cloudy and cool with temps in the upper 60s.
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@ Gregg, congrats on the win
@ Jerry, OUCH, hope you heal quickly.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE!
Friday Ride. We had planned to ride to Ward and Brainard Lake. But we aborted the ride due to winds. They were brutal. They stopped us in our tracks while riding uphill. When we got to Peak to Peak Hwy the wind gusts were so bad they almost blew us over standing there. Decided it was to dangerous to ride Peak to Peak Hwy. We had to wait for the winds to die down just to start down the hill. I normally ride down the hill at 45-50mph. Today I had to ride down the hill at 20-25mph due to the winds. And to top everything else off, I broke my arm 1 hour into the ride. So I rode three more hours with a broken arm. I am supposed to ride in Ride the Rockes next week. I see the specialist tomorrow to see if I can do the ride. I am so bummed.
1st place today in the 2013 Aurora BayCare Triathlon Men's Sprint age 50-54 Division in Green Bay, WI out of 22 participants in that age division. Last year I was 2nd out of 14. Mike Jovanovich who beat me last year is 55 this year, so he was in the next older division this year and was 1st again in his division. So in 3 more years we will be in the same age division again and I want to beat him. haha I didn't see the results overall yet, but I did really great in very cold temps and gusty winds over 20 mph. My legs were burning on the bike against that cold NW headwind. I was in one of the last waves and was passing lots of people on both the bike and run who started before me in earlier waves. But I thought I blew it in transition earlier after the swim when I struggled to get my wet suit off over my timing chip, which I had practiced several times yesterday. Because the air was so cold this morning (48 degrees) my wet suit shrunk tighter around my body and was much harder to get off this morning than yesterday when it was so warm. And I also messed up in transition 2 after the bike and put my bib belt on my waist upside down and had to take it off again and flip it around. So I only won 1st by just 14.4 seconds in a total race time of 1 hour and 20 minutes (1/4 mile swim, 16 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run). The 3rd place finisher was also only 20 seconds behind me, so even the award announcer commented that my 50-54 age division was really a very close race. Only 20 more seconds and I would have fell to 4th place because it was that close.
To everyone that replied to my Q, thanks very much for your help and your quick replies. What's odd is that now my stats are updated - INCLUDING the ride I just finished an hour ago! I guess perhaps Endo's (or the challenge's, whichever) timetable for updating is slightly different than what I would guess/assume. I'll just sorta keep an eye on it for a while now; this is the first time I've started really watching it since the May start time.
Thanks again guys and bonne route!
@Kelly - For places like stores (grocery, department, etc.) I just go about my business. I'll bring a washcloth to wipe my face off, but that's it. If people think I smell they're more than welcome to go down another aisle. For appointments and such I'll bring a clean shirt to change into and leave enough time to pop into the restroom and cool down, wipe down, and change. I'll change back before I leave so that I don't get two shirts sweaty. Just remember, washcloths and Lycra are your friends.
@ Bill, one other place to check is to see if somehow the "include in statistics" check box got unchecked when you edit your workout in Endomondo. I use this feature to exclude charity rides from my totals. I found out about this trick last year when I noticed several rides were not counting.
@Bill~
EM is correct Bill.
Delete said workout and enter it again.
This happened to me a lot in last years run of the challenge.
Only once this year, so far. I do give it 48 hours before I delete and re-enter. Since it seems certain times of days are much busier than others, as far as people entering their workouts.
Hope it works out for ya!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Now that it's pretty much summer weather... What's the proper protocol for commuting to some place and being all sweaty/stinky by the time you get there? Not like I can take a shower at the grocery store. Ha.
@ Bill P, I don't know about disputing, but you could try deleting the 54 miles and re-entering them (kinda like rebooting the old computer trick). Good luck!
Is there a place I can dispute my current points - or, alternately, how often are your points updated? It is showing me I have 606 points (typing this on Sunday morning June 2), but that's the same point level it was showing me Friday afternoon, prior to a 54 mile ride on Saturday. How/why did the 54-mile ride not add to my points?
Well done Paul Spencer for logging over 4000 miles in May. Good luck as you reach the end of your world record ride from Norway to Spain.
Www.yeshesmad.com
@Jeffrey: Thanks! The bike was purchased at an LBS and is a good fit. Not sure about giving up the caffeine, but will definitely look at your other suggestions :) Amazing weight loss for you, congrats. I know one of the problems I have is there are a lot of hills between home and work and my average speed drops considerably on them. On the flats (and especially downhill :) I'm considerably faster.
@ Kathy Reick. If this link works, take a look at the article "Whose Streets? Our Streets!" http://www.bikeleague.org/members/pdfs/May-June%202013.pdf
I would hope that the Performance Bike people would be interested in helping make Camden a better place to bike, if for no other reason than to make it easier for you to shop there. LOL!! I would also hope that they would want to become a BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESS (if they aren't already)!
@ Jeffrey, alas I wanted to do BRAN this year but it didn't work out. I was on BRAN 5 in 1985. BRAN is on my bucket list, I will make it happen !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ Steven, one other thought is on your riding position. Have you been fitted to your bike? Either visit with your local bike shop or do some internet research on bicycle fit and get your bike set up for you, that could also make a big difference.
@ Steven, my commuter is a cross country bike I ride 14 miles one way at first I was finding myself dead after a few days round trip commuting last summer but if I took a couple of days off or if I just did some light riding around town I found my strength again. Another issue was what I ate and drank, once I put away the caffeine and increased my veggie intake I found more strength as well. Last summer when I started riding I was (gasp dare I say it...) 262 pounds I am blessed with a family that knows how to cook so I am only down to 216 pounds as of this mornings weigh in and I am now riding 30 to 35 miles daily and only suffer "slow" days such as today where I can't put the speed in but can drop from a 13 to 15 mph average down to a 8 to 10 mph average and I don't hit that point where I feel I just need to stop. My suggestion is watch your nutrition, drink plenty of water and take a few easy rides with a slow pace and see how you feel.
I've been riding (street bike/flat handlebar) quite a bit since last July. Ride 3-4 times per week to work (8.0 miles each way). 10.7 mph average so far but has been on the upswing. 5' 6", 215 pounds (have lost about 5 pounds since this all started). Really enjoy it and yesterday rode in 9+ miles to work then another 16 miles to get home. Today my legs are just dead. Rode a little over 2 miles for "fun" (10.4 mph) and just gave it up. (Admittedly primary motivation to ride today was the 20 points). My question is does anyone else experience this? If so, is it just a matter of taking a day or two off or is it ok to ride on "dead legs". Thanks in advance for the feedback.
@ E M, will you be riding BRAN this year? I didn't get registered in time but I did ask for permission to join the ride from Kimball to Sidney, this is a non shouldered highway and since the construction on I-80 has increased the traffic I have been avoiding this road for the most part but there is a really nice stretch in there that I want to ride so I am hoping the event promoters will keep the highway safe for the day.
@Douglas I saw the same thing when we went from warm up to challenge. I'm sure it's just a lag in updating all the statistics...
That story makes me sad Michael for a few reasons, for one that the driver just drove off and she was left alone...the other reason is when reading some of the comments I actually got a bit upset to see people essentially saying it should be expected because there was no shoulder. It is clearly a road used by cyclists from the sounds of it so motorists just need to slow down and be prepared to safely pass. I still can't get over how the driver just left, it was just inhumane. My thoughts and prayers are with her family
So, is it just me or are the leaderboards a little wonky after the reset? There are people not even in the US listed on the national leaderboard and on our local leaderboard for Lincoln Nebraska it's listing people from Virginia. And when I click on a name (including mine) it's sending me to the profile of someone completely different! Just a little weird.
Marty, both articles were covering the death of Mrs. Kline. The 62 year old man who struck her is now in custody.
HI all, out this afternoon on the regular route and only got sprinkled on a little bit. With temps in the lower 70s, it felt good. Lots of other riders out there today. I think I spotted a dozen, including a couple on a tandem.
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HAPPY JUNE & KEEP ROLLING EVERYONE!!
Finally! I made gold! Now hopefully my legs will recover enough to dance the evening away at my friend's wedding :P
Happy June.
Interesting to have all the stats reset to zero. Brad, thanks for the "challenge period" tip, I didnt see that drop-down menu.
Ok that's Happy June....coffee hasn't kicked in.
Brad, lots to do today and none includes my bike. I actually was headed to the deck coffee in hand, put it down, changed clothes and did my quick 3 mile morning loop. And NOW I'mhaving my coffee and can now function the rest of the day....she said smugly! I love riding. Hape June kids.
...so says the greedy girl. I loved that past comment, I've never thought of it that way - but yes, I am greedy too. I had set a new personal mileage record last year, and I said that was all well and good, but now I was going to take it easy this year (just be sure to get in my daily ride). But It's hard not to get caught up in the numbers and try to push higher, or just even try to hold a position - Whew!. It's a big mind psych - but in a good way. Has this challenge made us all greedy? I'd like to think so.
Riding my bike makes me feel good... the rest is just details!
Tammie - The current month comes up by default, but from the drop down menu you can select 'Challenge Period' which will show your cumulative point total. There are many ways to look at the leaderboard, use the one that makes you feel good.
Tammie Tops Texas, way to go Tammie!!
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@ Ben A, keep up the protest. It is absurd to tell you not to bring a bicycle into a cemetery. The bike does way less damage to the grounds than a motorcycle or a car or truck, all of which are usually allowed!
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@ Michael L, sorry to hear about the accident.
Gasp! You mean we start over in the rankings with the new month! What stress... LOL it was hard enough to maintain where I was. Well at least this month I am starting out on the first day unlike last month , I did not start until day 2. That is an advantage of sorts and I am riding more most days when the heat and wind are not KILLING me. Thank you everyone, will do my best to keep it up.
Congrats, Tammie!!!
@ Michael on Bicycle-I have a galaxy 3, but this is the first year using it. Last year I had HTC Desire and I charged down right around mile 50. But, I probably didn't have the knowledge as I do now, to turn off the wifi and make sure other apps are closed. So, it be interesting to see how long I can last on this one. I also plan on using the charger for camping, and so I am sure I will get good use out of it!
Yay Tammie for being top female in Texas! You rock!
Great Job Tammie for Top female in Texas for May!! I see great motivation in you and you are motivating others as well on here, I'm sure!!
@Tammie - Congratulations! You are officially the top female in Texas for May!
@Michael L - Sorry that you've had to report two bad accidents in your former home area. I'm sure you've biked on both roads hundreds of times.
I haven't figured out what to use to connect my phone to one of those emergency power packs for charging. I would love to have one. Last Monday endomondo almost completely drained my battery before I got finished.
Join in <3 for the cyclist
Join in Thanks for Jerry
Join in hands for support and safety
http://www.kwch.com/kwch-jab-female-bicyclist-killed-in-hit-run-in-salina-20130531,0,976065.story
Jenny, I would think that you should be able to reach 67 easily with the internal battery. I've done 100 miles with my Galaxy 3 which is notorious for burning through batteries. Make sure your screen and WIFI is off.
I purchased an external powerpack that charges cellphones and tablets. I can carry this along while doing long rides, so if my phone dies, I can charge it up. Should be nice for camping, too. Going to try it out tomorrow, as I have a 67 mile ride planned. Will see...
Congrats to the 7 who reached platinum, and the 2953 who reached gold.
One thing I also forgot to mention what happened on Memorial Day is that I was threatend to be arrested if found inside those gates on my bike. Nice way to treat someone that's there for Memoorial Day ceremonies.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/rights-bicyclist-be-allowed-national-cemeteries/dn59bRwR
If you ranked less than 21475th place nationally, I'm sorely disappointed in you!
In honor of BoneDale Bike Week and to wrap up League of American Bicyclists National Bike Month, Olivia Pevec sings "Summertime, and the Biking is Easy". shoved a little bicycle poem under her nose and asked her to sing it to the tune of Gershwin's Summertime. She styled it on the spot. YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch or on FB https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
I need to reach gold next month to reach platinum
Re: the heat... I'm an odd duck. I actually look forward to the 90 and 100+ degree days. It was 70-something this evening when I rode and I was downright cold! It was even colder (uncomfortably so) whenever I stopped because of the Lycra I wear and the wind. As for the AC, I NEVER run it no matter how hot it gets.
Like I said, an odd duck...
Congrats to the 1000 milers! I think I will celebrate next month if I hit 500 miles. Rode every day this month, and that was my goal. Good work folks!
@Cynthia A Nelson! Yes I scream for Ice Cream! at 95 degrees on my way home, after a cold shower there is nothing like ice cream while sitting in front of the fan... :D I have vowed not to use the AC this summer and we are in our first heat wave.
@Everyone else - Congrats on Gold if you got it and congrats on not using any gas or limited gas in the month of May. May June be even better!!!!
Tammie: Along with what more knowledgeable and experienced souls have already shared, it can make a big difference to simply take more frequent breaks rather than trying to “power through” to an arbitrary time or mileage point. Even a few minutes to drink something, catch your breath, and replenish your “fuel” can create new energy. I used to wilt with nausea and migraines in high temps, but you truly do build up surprising tolerance if you take it slowly. My typical tortoise approach permitted pedaling comfortably through last summer’s aberrant Midwestern stretch of triple digit days. Trust your body, take advantage of the advice about pacing , gears, clothing, hydration, electrolytes and nutrition, and give yourself time to adapt. .
Anybody do any "Grand Fondu" rides there in the mainland(states)? If so, how are the Grand Fondu rides there, and which ones' would you recommend. I am a glutten for punishment so no ride/race for road bikes will discourage me from participating in.it I may try to do a few races/rides there whle riding cross country next summer. I'm taking the "Western Express from Sacramento and then hooking up in Colorado with the "TransAmerica route. We have a Grand Fondu ride comming up in Maui in Aug (I think it's the first year) and it looks like a killer ride of 95 miles around island thru Hana.
Darn. Was 47 miles off hitting 1,000 for the month of May, but this girl is in for the night. Storms are coming and I'm tired. Will try to hit that goal for the month of June!
@Tammie - you could always move out here to the Puget Sound area. Forecast is for us to flirt with highs around 79 by next Tuesday. Lows have been about 50 and highs in the past week were struggling to get to 60 -- and it's been generally wet. Now we've got a warming trend. Sorry - just had to brag about our weather - we have to have something to make up for "The Long Dark" that extends from Halloween through mid-March.
"Only a cyclist knows why the dog rides with its head out the window."
@Tammie I agree with the others who commented here. Keep hydrated with sports drinks, ride in the cooler parts of the day, and take breaks. Other advice that I would give is to go at a pace that doesn't tire you out. It takes twice as much work to ride at 15mph as it does to ride at 13mph. Make sure to use your gears properly. Don't stay in a gear that can tire you out because you want to go faster. If you start to feel any fatigue, switch to a lower gear. Also, clothes made from Lycra (spandex, etc) dissipate heat and moisture much better than cotton, so you can stay cooler. I also wear a bandanna under my helmet that I soak in cool water, and I carry a bottle of tap water to pour on myself to help cool me down. I just did 20 miles in the middle of the day in the 95+ SoCal heat and was fine.
Competed in my first Mountain Bike race last night at Soldier Hollow, Utah. It was a Mountain Biathlon so it included target shooting after each lap. Great time and came in 3rd place in the beginners category!
insulated bottles with lots of ice will also help... nothing like a cold sip of water when you're sweltering!
@Tammy, your ability to withstand the heat will improve with your fitness. Take it slowly, try to ride in the cooler parts of the day. Also, remember to save the big meal for after the ride. I use Clif Shot Bloks to replace electrolytes. Gatorade if nothing else is available. I also use a hat under my helmet that will wick away sweat, and if I'm really hot, I can soak that hat in water to help keep me cool. I rode 36 miles today in 95F+ heat with no problems. If you build up your exposure to the heat, and remember to stay well hydrated, you should be OK regardless of the temperature.
@Tammie - Water. Lots & lots of water. Add in some of those electrolyte tablets. You can make your own gatorade type drink if you want to avoid the multisyllable non-food ingredients, just google Homemade gatorade. If you can, ride in the mornings or the evenings so you can avoid the hottest part of the day. Listen to your body. If you're dead, take a break. Break up your miles. A few miles here. A few there. They add up, and you'll get good mileage without killing yourself. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you to keep participating. You're getting some good miles and your enthusiasm is contagious. Don't burn yourself out, okay?
Congratulations @Andrew .. but I have a feeling you are no slacker! I finally made a decision on which road bike to get! The Trek Lexa SLX .. the black one .. now if they could just get it here in a hurry! LOL I am about the most impatient person you can imagine once I make a decision... tick tock, tick tock....
First ever XC race today. Came 7th in class - not bad for a slacker!
I congragulate everyone on their accomplishments... gold, gas and getting places! LOL I put $60 of gas in my van today then took it home, parked it, took the bike out of the back and rode across town to pay a bill! The first real time I actually used my bike instead of driving somewhere. Now, I need to ask those experienced here.. how do you deal with the heat!!! It is 102 right now and the wind feels like a blast furnace. 8 miles and I am DEAD! I don't know how I am going to deal with 75 miles in the middle of the summer... any advice is welcome.
Ric: your experience is indeed momentous on many levels. (not to mention inspiring) Congratulations!
Ice Cream!!!!
Burklee: let us not forget satisfiying, well-earned, easily rationalized consumable rewards along the lines of hmmmmm....pastries...ice cream......or
CHOCOLATE!
EM: Among many cycling related-corollaries to “Murphy’s Law” are the persistent, perversely inversely proportionate relationships between the likelihood of rain vs. sunshine and the timing of the ride, and between the force and direction of wind and chosen direction of bicycle.
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Finally!; the LILACS have appeared in all their glorious, extravagant, over-the-top abundance of color and fragrance- Huge, long-abandoned hedges larger than the homesteads they once bordered, inviting roadside pauses for blossom pilfering. I LOVE SPRING! Carpe Diem….Enjoy the Ride!
@Sue - Agreed on letting others know what works. We need a lot more participants quickly, if we are to make our 50,000 rider goal. (There is a sharp drop-off in new riders the last two - three months.)
@Sue and Nyla - I'm with the two of you, giving people the benefit of the doubt. Mistakes happen. Yes, some people cheat. And the sky is blue. Just facts of life. But I refuse to focus on folks in the Challenge who may be cheating. I just focus on all the really great people here who are doing a great thing for themselves, for their communities, for cycling, and for the environment. And I focus on the great thing we are doing for each other, on the community we create here. This is a positive thing. It motivates me to get off my duff, to ride farther, to see my points add up, to stay ahead as my team's captain. For those upset about possible cheating, let it motivate you to add more legitimate miles. You control your reaction. Ride with the knowledge that you are honorable, and reward yourself with the beverage of your choice. :)
Thanks Marty! Because I had to hand tally it, I only used the Colorado leaderboard not the national one and I didn't look at 100% of workplaces even in my state. I think it is INCREDIBLE that there are other workplaces out there, large and small, with high participation. It would be cool to have way to connect and share what makes it a success at our different working environments and pass those strategies along to the League, the NBC organizers, etc.
@EM - Of course the sun came out AFTER your ride! (Good thing your workplace is so bike friendly!!!) The only time on the ride to or from the Bike Kitchen today that I really felt a sustained wind gust was while I was going up the only real hill between here and there. That's how it works, you know. :)
@Sue - Those companies are a great exception to the norm. If every company were like them, we would have by far a much healthier country.
But I will give you two other examples that have even a higher percentage: Trek has about 1,100 employees at their Waterloo, WI headquarters. 880 are signed-up for the challenge, and 747 have points.
On the small end, there are quite a number of sole propietorships throughout the country, who have 100% of their employees (1) signed-up. Mine has almost 1,100 pts/employee. (The 1,100 number in both is just a coincidence.)
(I know, I'm not playing fair.) ;-)
Thank you to those with some advice about long routes!
That is so awesome Ric!!! Way to go!
Nyla - I agree with you about trusting and looking for the good in all who participate Lets not pick apart how/why/what points they have. Such as my tandem example. This thing truly has a LOT of nuances and some mistakes as well as bending things a bit is bound to happen here or there in the spirit of wanting the NBC to reach lofty mileage goals. Celebrate that we are a community here in good faith.
Health District of Northern Larimer County is rocking the Workplace Challenge! Does any other workplace have 40% of employees signed up for the Challenge and 34% with points on the board for the month of May? I doubt it! Perhaps the Leaderboard should be based on POINTS per EMPLOYEE to recognize the workplaces where the Challenge is really having a positive impact. If it was – this would be the workplace Leaderboard in Colorado today : 1st – Health District with 87.3 points/employee. 2nd – Town of Breckenridge with 19.5 pts/emp. 3rd New Belgium Brewing with 13.1 pts/emp. 4th Tri State Generators with 7.9 pts/emp. 5th is NREL with 7.0 pts/emp. 6th Colo Springs Utilities at 5.1 pts/emp. 7th Fort Carson with 3.9 pts per employee. Texas Instrument has just 0.3 points per employee.
Kind of a momentous day for me today, as it marks the first time I've driven my car in a little over 6 months. Ironically, my reason for driving was getting the car serviced for the trip down to Castle Rock this weekend for the Elephant Rock Century ride. It's also been over 8 months since I've purchased any gasoline. Fortunately, I had accumulated 8 fuel rewards on my Safeway grocery rewards card, so I received a discount of 80 cents per gallon.
PS, of course the sun came out shortly after I got back!
@Cynthia - My kids get a kick out of Gmaps Pedometer to track their miles. I have an odometer on my bike too but I use the Gmaps Pedometer to plan out routes and rides from my house. I have saved a variety of distances and make my own loops depending on what distance I might want to ride.
@Kelly out/backs get kinda boring. You need to explore a bit, ride with friends or join group rides/club rides, watch friends GPS tracks on Endo or Strava, drive to a different area and try a ride there. After a while you build-up an inventory of loops. I have loops that take me all over our county.
@ Roberto, awesome effort!
So, if the miles total actually changes today, and gets up at least another 100,000, to 3,650,000, the average person who's signed-up for the Challenge will have ridden just over 125 miles, which puts that person, if they've ridden every day, just over 4 miles per day. (This includes those who haven't logged anything.)
Its probably because of the impending end of the month, but the total miles listed above these comments hasn't changed in over 5 hours. (although the # of riders has)
HI all, got out today and based on the local weather prediction it should have started raining about the time I got done. But the weather didn't wait. I got drenched, but in solidarity with everyone out there who rides in the rain, I just kept going and finished my entire regular route. Everything was soaking wet when I got home. But fortunately for me I work at a bike friendly workplace (aka home) complete with showers, a garage, and a washing machine. LOL!
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For my first month of challenge, I didn't get to ride every day, mainly because of travel and family stuff going on. But I made it to GOLD anyway.
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Welcome to all the new riders!!!
RE: the cheaters, really this is all about BRAGGING RIGHTS and anyone who gets out there and rides has earned them. Its pretty easy to accidentally record your miles twice if you do it manually. But just go back and delete if you make a mistake. This challenge is about WE THE RIDERS who get out and put in the miles as many dayse as we can. For everyone who is doing the real deal, welcome to the club!!
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@ Jenny loved your story about getting the kids out to ride! Keep up the good work!
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Last year, we had 29,091 people from the 50 states and D.C. who signed-up for the Challenge. We passed that total today, and are currently 56 over! Woohoo!
wow Roberto, that's impressive!
36 mile ride in 95F+ heat for 1164 miles for May, 5063 for the year so far.
Kelly, When I do a ride I haven't done before that's over 75 miles, I use my Garmin to plan my route so I know where my turn-around will be. Anywhere I ride for that long of distance I usually end up in the jungle area of island here on Maui. Lot's of hills.
You can't get that kind of service at the big box stores!
Gotta be a big fan of my local bike shop, I broke a rear spoke 1 mile into a ride this morning, I gave him a call and he said bring it in and he'd work it in, I walked the bike back to the car loaded it up and he stopped a rebuild and got me all fixed up and I took it out on another local trail at the bike shop
When I plan to ride more than 50 miles, I typically map it out ahead of time. I have "loops" for specific distances based on which bike I'm riding and ride those regularly. For the longer rides, I generally incorporate those loops and either extend them or add different roads to add more miles without riding in circles. When I did my century last year, I did a 20 mile segment, then 40 miles out on a trail which conveniently had a loop at the end and backtracked those 40 miles back home. You could always ride down Woodward, just not on the 3rd Saturday in August ;)
The delightful aspect is that the “tandem lady” and her spouse are clearly dedicated cyclists, traveling consistently by bike, and that they chose to be part of the challenge. She clearly made her best, good-faith effort to get fair credit for all those miles traveled together, given the limitations of the tracking system available. I wonder if they are participating again this year, or if she was discouraged by a negative response to her efforts. The point tallies matter much less than supporting and celebrating cycling and cyclists. All genuine efforts and distances count. I believe Challenge participants are collectively generally splendid souls deserving the benefit of the doubt. (Pollyanna rides again(-;) . It is already clear that many people choose not to participate because they find the process of recording points too complicated or cumbersome. Please let’s not make it more daunting by focusing underserved attention on the very few who may be manipulating the numbers
Out of curiosity. For those who bike 60-100 miles, do you have a set destination that you embark to and from or do you just ride? Unless I have somewhere I want to specifically go, I have a hard time coming up with a route to go that far. I live in metro Detroit and my area is pretty boring for distance bike riding. I don't want to get in my car to go somewhere to ride my bike. Just looking for some ideas.
Hey, I just checked out that gmap pedometer, pretty cool. I do have an odometer on both my bikes. So, I use those.
Last year there was a woman rider who suddenly climbed to near top of leaderboards. Someone noted her frequent double entering of trips ... often 50 to 100 mile rides entered two times each day throughout the summer. She responded in this forum that because she and her husband share one email and ride a tandem, she was entering his miles and hers under her name. She was basically clueless about the rules or that others might find that to be cheating. So - it happens. Be honest to yourself, keep riding, and don't stress the bumps in the road, or the challenge, too much!
@ Marty... Nope he logged 26 separate 47.5 mile rides. Don't see how that's a mistake(doing so once or twice i could see but 26 times?), but I'll take your suggestion and leave a comment on one of them.
@JR @Tim is right about manual logging. My son is participating in the challenge and he does not have a GPS or phone or anything. He measures out his routes on Gmaps Pedometer and then logs them manually (and, ironically enough, his route to the local library and back is exactly 2 miles even so those exact miles do happen).
@Gregg-great going! You reached your goal!
To everyone-nice job and keep on riding!
I for one do not have a Garmin type device or any type of GPS device so I am logging my miles on the home and work desktop computer, I also am not a subscriber to the Edomondo program. I am pretty sure that my screen shows up a lot different than anyone who is using those products. In fact, even the home page statistics show up different. Maybe someday I will have a GPS device via Garmin or thru my phone. Right now I am living simple. And I am happy for this free app to log miles and share information with others around the country.
Nice effort there Gregg, you leave EARLY for work !
@ Gregg - That's awesome!!
I passed 1,000 miles for May on my ride to work this morning at 4:29 am.
@Brian - Can you go to the workout on the website, click Edit, change the sport to Cycling, then make sure the "include in statistics" checkmark is checked? That *should* recount it, but if not, just log more miles through the website. It's not cheating if you actually rode it.
@Brian - Just delete the walking workout, and enter in a riding workout, or walk 10.10 miles and enter it in as a ride. You can decide if you want to take the easy way out or not.
JR, even if people are padding their scores they're only cheating themselves...
@Aaron - My guess is that when he was deleting the zero in the mileage section, he accidently also eliminated the decimal point, and meant to put in 12 miles. You might want to make a comment on their ride and suggest that they look at that day to see if they made an error.
With all of this talk about cheating, I have a question. Yesterday, I logged 10.10 miles as walking when I actually did them on my bike. Is there a resolution for this?
J R, many riders who are not using a GPS or other tracking setup enter their mileage manually. Unless they enter a time, it will indicate 0:00. That is a common practice and doesn't mean anything.
You get out of it what you put into it!
Don't worry - be happy!
This challenge has motivated me a bit. I only skipped riding two days, but I had 35 rides...and one more tonight. July and August used to be my biggest months, but I didn't ride this challenge last year :)
Dont waste time worrying about the cheaters please. Just enjoy YOUR results :)
When someone posts a ride of high mileage, Dead even miles, and Zero time to do that ride, can one consider that they are "Padding" the results to try and get a high score?
I was able to get in a ride every day this month and cycled to get breakfast, lunch or dinner a few times to get some "transport" miles in. I was out of town or had family in town for 3 of the weekends which took away some riding time, but I still managed to log 704 miles for the month. My goal is to increase the total each month of the challenge, which will be a challenge in itself.
I managed to get in a ride every day this month! Even that first day I got a mile in before it snowed. Some days, the ride is only my commute, or on weekends, a roll down past Meadowlark Coffee to see if anyone I know is hanging around outside, or to get us an apple fritter to share. Lots of rides to the grocery store, and since that's only a 10 block round trip, I go a little out of my way to see if the chickens and ducks are out in the neighborhood on Rose Street. I live in a really great neighborhood, and while there are some people who don't appreciate bike riders, Lincoln is a pretty great city for riding bikes. Keep pedaling, everyone!
Today marks 30 days of cycling for Month of May for me! Onward to June now, which is Bike Month in Colorado! Keep on riding everyone.
@ Cynthia - Sounds like a fantastic ride!
Today is the last day of the first month of the challenge! Can't believe how quickly it has gone by. Let's get those miles in everybody!
I just joined the team MEDDAC, whoo hoo
So, after my commute to work and working a full day yesterday- I met my Mom and we biked to and onto the next island over. Perfect riding conditions and a beautiful tour along side the ocean. I can tell I am getting much stronger and I was able to ride at 15 to 17 mph!! How exciting, what's even more exciting is my 72 year old Momma was right behind me saying keep going we are doing great! She has also biked all her life and she has been my inspiration and motivation. I am so fortunate that she is who she is and that we can do this together. After our ride we thanked each other. Now if I can just talk her into doing the MS Ride with me in September....mmmm. Although my total miles for yesterday was 27 (commute and sport) I chided myself for not going another 2 miles to make a 30 mile ride day. But, alas it was already 8pm, had to eat, shower and get ready for the next work day. It is what is, maybe next time. A little tired riding in this morning, but, I would not have changed a thing! Ride on!
@Miriam: www.yeshesmad.com
I have clicked that link several times but find no mention of this guy.
He started at the northern tip of Norway and is cycling through Europe to the southernmost point in Spain.
Another one to watch is marek dittman who is riding west to east starting from Poland, through Belarus, and is now travelling through Russia. His website has a picture of the Earth with his route marked - I think he's on a quest to circumnavigate the planet.
Look at his course. He's riding north to south through Europe, trying to set a record. And yes, he must be mad!
Go to www.YesHesMad to see why Paul Spencer currently leads in total number of miles cycled. Yesterday he logged in 279 miles - a personal best for one day!!
Does this guy with his DIY piano-bike get extra credit in the National Bike Challenge? http://www.theatlantic.com/video/archive/2013/05/everybody-needs-a-hobby-the-diy-piano-bicycle/275667/ Fun video about a cyclng piano player in San Francisco.
@Ryan .. Welcome! That is the great thing about this... it really gets you moving toward a goal. Even if it is competing against yourself. I am definitely not making mine this week of at least 100 miles. The wind just beat me down earlier this week and I just feel weary and battered.My 'work week' really starts on friday night so my opportunity to put in any real miles is over for the week unfortunateily. It may not really 'matter to some' about rankings but it is an incentive and fun to compare yourself and see how you can move up or down with your efforts... even if it is just all in fun. Nothing like a little sweat to get you going.
My cousin just showed me this site last week. Already I can tell that I need to get my friends on here. Arkansas is in a sad state. 1 week of biking (and logging it) and I'm nearly in the top 50 for my state. Yikes. This is a fabulous program, it might actually help me hit my goal of 1,000 miles biked this year!
If it's 1200, it could be a mistake (an extra zero?)
While this is challenge is ultimately about getting people out to ride (exactly what it has done for me)... The cheating issue really irks me; especially when it's so blatant. Currently I would be at the number one spot in my city (out of 250 riders) had a rider not logged over 1200 miles in a single day. Honestly whether I would stay at the top or not, which I probably wouldn't, is meaningless. I'd just like people to be honest about it and it's aggravating when people aren't. Is there anything we can do about it? Probably not. But, sometimes it's good to vent. I'll keep riding and logging my miles honestly and just not consider the cheaters. (though it would be nice to have that screenshot ;) lol).
@Paul: Thanks Paul! I am 386 in California
Tammie...about "cheating"...there may be some fudging of the numbers, but generally I think you can trust them. Cyclists involved in the NBC (at least the ones I am aware of and who post on the messge boards) are a pretty honorable lot based on my experiences. In the past, there have been some pretty clear cases of folks who been less than truthful in their recording of rides, and they have been called out by the organizers over the last two years. I even think some records have been vacated as a result. More impressive is the REAL number of miles some folks really put into their riding. There have been several news stories of some of these people, which have been fun to read. I encourage a principle of "charitable interpretation" when assessing riders and their miles. And don't get too caught up in the rankings. They are fun and motivating, but sometimes distract from the real fun of riding.
Sahil, there are two ways. First, some states will have state rankings easily viewable when you toggle to the "local" (as opposed to "national") part of the NBC homepage. Go to the leaderboard in the local setting and you will automatically get your state ranking. However, some states have multiple "local" challenges going on (Wisconsin is like this). In this case, you need to go to the "National" page leader board and click on the states tab. Then you need to click on your state. Then your ranking should show up there. I have to use the latter strategy to find my actual state ranking as my "local" tab only tracks part of the state's riders in WI. [Editorial note--I appreciate trying to encourage local challenges, but there really only should be single "state" rankings on the "local" tabs, IMHO. Or have three tabs, local, state, nation. Also, I echo the comment that workplace community tabs should be added to the "State" categories in on the national leadership board.]
It might be a dumb question but how do you guys see your rank in state?
@Len, there are no winners in an event based on an honor system. Cheaters only cheat themselves. Ride hard, ride it like you stole it.
@Tammie, there are always cheaters. I'm #72 in the country, but that's besides the point. I ride because I can, because when I don't I feel bad, and because it's my passion. Don't worry about levels, placements, or any of that stuff. Just ride your bike, then ride it some more.
Oh, forgot to say.. congratulations on making gold.. nice feeling isn't it!
It is frustrating that some are cheating the numbers. My goal has been to stay within the top 2000 in the country but since I have been in the top 1600 lately, I have been working to try to stay there.. greedy I know! Been happy staying in the top 24 in texas too! LOL ... wonder how long that is going to last? The winds sure have cut down my miles the past few days. I have been waiting for someone to knock me off the Texas womens podium.. but it hasn't happened .... yet! LOL
Bad weather + Good riding companions = Lots Of Fun
Fenders are your friend. Your fenders are also the friend of your riding companions. Friends don't let friends ride without fenders.
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We had to wait out dime and nickel sized hail to start our ride, then had to take cover quickly mid-ride to wait out a (brief) torrential downpour. It was a short ride, but all in all it was the most fun I've had on a ride in a long time. The rapidly setting sun (and having to work tomorrow) necessitated ending the riding for the day, unfortunately.
@ Jen and @ Lens ~ He is logging over half of his rides double. None are comutes and they are all different miles for different days. Example Tues 25 miles put in twice, Wed, 54 miles put in 2x, Thurs. 35 miles 2x. Now those will have the exact same stats for the 2 of them, I mean exact. I checked a couple and they matched for times, miles and speed at different times. so the only think they can be is doubles. If it was one or 2 then I would agree with Jenny and say yeah its a mistake. But when its most of the month, its not a mistake, as some days only have 1 ride and its all cycling sport.
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Oh and for the record he was not in the top 10 and then today he is leading by almost 200. To me that is trying to win by cheating.
@Len, sometimes people don't realize when they put in the data that they are putting it in twice. I had that happen to me the first time I did the challenge, before I had it loaded onto my smartphone. In any case, regardless of whether they are cheating or just making an error, I know how frustrating it can be, when you work so hard at it. I don't worry about everyone else, I challenge myself.
@Laurie, I know what you mean, I was hurrying home from work so that I could get a chance to ride before the storms came through. Then, dragged my kids out on their bikes so we could ride to Subway for dinner. They were not happy, and trying to use the "tornado watch" as a reason not to go. So I checked the radar but nothing out there close by, so I figured it was safe. Well, as we sat there eating, I guess that line of storms came in faster than I had anticipated. The kids left for home, but I still had to stop for milk. I was riding home pretty fast to beat the storm. Funny thing, though... I have been sitting at home now for a 1/2 hour and it still isn't doing anything, so maybe the worst is bypassing us!
@Marty - Thanks for the seatbelt comment! The past couple rides I've gotten a few blocks from home & thought "Crap, I'm not wearing my seatbelt." I've gone without driving for the vast majority of the month. I only drive when it's far & my sweetie is coming along. She's not capable of riding as far as I can. I'd much rather ride than drive. And it's paid off... I made it to gold today!
@Len Is he logging in a commute? I know Endomondo has a commute feature, where the website automatically logs in a preset commute such as to and from work on certain days of the week. Although, if each ride is more than 10 miles, I would be suspicious.
Why is it so many people feel the need to cheat at this challenge? I just found someone who posted all of his rides double each day.,They all have the same exact stats for the day, times, miles, calories, speed (average and even fastest speeds). Is winning the local that important to them? I mean come on. I busted my ass to be near the top for my state, and now that its the end of the month they come out of nowhere and have all these fake stats. I don't care if I am the best for my area for the month, IF I am beat fair and square. These people make it so I really feel like saying to hell with this.
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Thank you for reading my rant...
@ Kathy - I need to come work for Comcast! Haha! I would take full advantage of all that.
@Tammie - we can't all live close to our work place. it sounds like maybe you are in the medical profession with all those long hours. If so, it's probably best you aren't exhausted at work.
@Kelly - and what is crazy is almost no one takes advantage of the facilities we have. Maybe 10 women use the 40 lockers available and less than that use the showers. We actually have a full gym on the premises; free to employees. Comcast! Love the perks.
I enjoyed a 22 mph tailwind on my commute home this afternoon. It's uncommon this time of year for me to encounter anything but a headwind - both ways. The sea breeze blows offshore in the morning and onshore in the afternoon. My commute is just the opposite. We don't have hills in this part of Florida, but we do have the wind.
I had a very trying commute home today. Almost got hit by an idiot. Then another idiot completely blocked off the cross walk at a major intersection and refused to move for me. Had me sitting in the middle of a major roadway unable to go anywhere! That is the first time I've actually cussed a driver out directly. And then have her the bird. I couldn't believe that.
On a good note though, a storm was brewing behind me and I literally beat it home with about 2 minutes to spare!!! Go me! Haha!
@ Tammie - That's ok! You ride when you can and that's what counts!
@ Kathy - I so wish my job had lockers and showers. That would be fantastic!
Congratulations on the no car use. No way I could manage that. I go through $120 in gas every two weeks and it is killing me. My drive to work takes me 30 minutes on a highway.. can't imagine how long it would take me on a bike and I work 12 hour shifts.. 3 in a row. I am absolutely exhausted after work .. sometimes can barely stay awake to drive home. I also have to make that drive almost every day to join the group rides because everything is in the neighboring city... even the bike shop! Kinda defeats the reeason behind the bikes... hauling my bike in the back of my van. .. but the ride is fun! Well,most of the time.. the wind today is manageable.. only about 15 to 20.
Ok, out for a cycling adventure with Mom and best friend! Lets the miles roll. Perfect day too-abundant sunshine, no wind and about 75 degrees. Will be hitting 5 o'clock traffic for a little bit.
@ Kathy, don't worry, I am having too much fun to let a pesky little tornado get in my way.
I normally pack all my stuff on Sunday then load up the panniers with 5 days worth of lunches, clothing and everything else I might need on Monday. My location has lockers, showers, and fridges. Then for the next 4 days I don't have to think too much. Cause thinking hurts. :(
@Shawn - Welcome
@Kelly - Congrats on the non car use. Save that gas money for new bike stuff.
@James Webster - I hope your bike wasn't hurt too much and am glad you didn't hit the pavement. Cause it hurts.
@Laurie - Don't be getting sucked up by no Tornados! we need you in the challenge.
I just came back from a short ride that was going to be a lot longer. The rain itself felt good and cooling, but the clouds made me think it might be time to check the weather instead of continuing away from home. Turns out we have a tornado watch for the next few hours.
@Shawn-welcome to the NBC.
@Kelly-so cool! I am inspired to track my car usage for June. Lets see how it goes.
Michael - and that will be a tailwind for me!
I know what you mean Brad... just checking hamweather and it looks like I'll be pushing into a 14+ mph wind on the way home today... :(
Great site for hour by hour projections... change the zip code to yours...
http://www.hamweather.net/cgi-bin/hw3/hw3.cgi
Had that happen to me last night Brad. Had a great pace going to start my ride made the turn and had 15-30 MPH winds right in my face.
Hahahah Marty. Yup, me too.
Laurie - yes the wind always the wind. I check the weather AND the flags. Then after I'm out I'll check the flags again just to be sure the weatherman wasn't lying. Ignore the wind at your own peril. Several times that I had, I was on my first leg setting an impressive pace, amazed that today I am so fast... so strong... that protien drink must be really working... YEAH! ...only to make my first turn and have it all crumble to dust around me...
And the corollary to what you do driving, that is affected by your biking, how about what you have done biking that was affected by driving? (usually shortly after first getting your bike out for the season)
I've already gotten on my bike and reached for the seatbelt. (Luckily no-one saw, otherwise I would have had to pretend I was stretching.)
@Shawn - Welcome!
As of tomorrow I will officially have gone entire month car free (except for the once a week trip to the laundry mat with my mom.. don't think she would want to hitch a ride on my rack.) Last time I filled up my gas tank was the 29th of April and I still have an almost full tank of gas. How awesome! Let's see how long I can make that tank of gas last!
Just joined! =)
Regarding the previous posts about funny things we do now while driving.... when I am driving and mentally planning to ride when I get home, I have been looking at flags to see which way they are blowing, so that I can plan a route that will have me riding with the wind on the homestretch.
Marty, I save that for extra special occasions. That's just too much sensory overload for just regular. If you coulda made it, that would have qualified - it just wasn't the same without my 'special' brother.
@Brad - I'm glad I couldn't make it to your party, particularly if all you were serving was electrolyte infused flavored water with smell-a-vision.
@Tammie - I'm sorry, I didn't know. Your determination is amazing! Ride on!
@Heather and Tammie, joint pain, fibro, and migraines (and many other symptoms) can be misdiagnosed Celiac disease. My wife was misdiagnosed with Fibro and all kinda stuff for years and it almost killed her. We cured her w/out drugs by removing wheat from our house, and a few other foods we figured-out she was allergic to. It is Celiac Awareness month so I thought I should mention it :)
@Heather and Tammie, joint pain and fibro (and many other symptoms) can be misdiagnosed Celiac disease. My wife was misdiagnosed with Fibro and all kinda stuff for years and it almost killed her. We cured her w/out drugs by removing wheat from our house, and a few other foods we figured-out she was allergic to. It is Celiac Awareness month so I thought I should mention it :)
@Tammie. I'm on the NSAID's. When you have complicated joint problems, sometimes you just need them. I also work towards freeing my diet of inflammatory foods, and have other treatment methods but that doesn't mean I don't need NSAID's. Do you know about how diet affects inflammation in the body? Anyway, I just cross my fingers and pray I am doing enough to keep them from ruining any other part of my body. I am going today for a pain shot. I will be poolside tonight, but will get back riding over the weekend.
I wish I could do without the NSAID's... I have to protect my single kidney! I will quit taking them as soon as possible. I avoid taking anything but vitamins and some supplements otherwise. Problem is, I can't walk without it right now. As for the jacuzzi, I have fibromyalgia and I would not be able to ride my bike at all without using it... or work for that matter. I have been dependent on sitting in it after most activity for years or I just plain HURT. I am actually allergic to most medicines so don't take anything except one med, topamax, for migraines. Can't survive without that one. @E M ... post alll you want, I am doing it too it seems! LOL I have been committed to riding every day without fail, the client I work with has asked me if I will do a medical transport, my 18 month old I work with, has an appointment in Ft Worth June 13th, they want me to accompany. That will keep me from riding one or two days! Good $$ but do I do it???
That's the thing around here.. no need for maps.. nothing here to map! LOL I am in West Texas.. the middle of nowhere. We have county roads that are narrow and full of LOTS of oil field traffic that does not care about bikes on the roads. It is just NOT safe. The auto accident rate and death rate out here DAILY on the roads is downright scary.. not a joke. Very few places to ride except the access road along one highway between Odessa and Midland and our local neighborhoods. That is why I go to the local University and go 'round and round' on the 3 mile track to get in my 21 miles. LOL At least it is safe. Those walking, jogging etc. start laughing with me as we pass by each other multiple times. We wave, find different ways to wave and by the time I am finished, we are almost friends having usually exchanged only a word or two during the brief encounters. Some people I see on the path routinely, others I have only seen once.
@Tammie - I would steer away from the from the anti-inflammatories as quickly as possible, prescription or not, if it is an NSAID, as they actually degenerate your tendons and ligaments, two things that you need to be strong for bicycling, and every day life, (besides muscles). The effects won't happen immediately, but over the long term, won't help.
Also, after a tough bout of exercise, it is best for recovery to sit in cold water - as cold as you can stand, even adding ice. I know the warm or hot water of a tub or jacuzzi feels good, but cold water prevents more blood from getting in the innerstitial areas, and fusing to the fascia surrounding your tissues, decreasing your range of motion, and setting you up for injury.
@Kawika - For your trip, I would suggest that getting a rack and pannier would be much less fatiguing than carrying a backpack. I've done two and three week trips before,a nd panniers are the way to go.
A backpack is OK for short rides, (and I did use one with about 10 lbs of stuff on a 111 mile ride last summer), but if you plan on doing that every day, you would get a lot more fatigue in the shoulders/arms than you want. Plus, if any of the days are in the 80's, 90's, your back is going to get really hot and sweaty. Some stretches out West will require you to carry a gallon of fluids at a time, and right there is 8 lbs.
@Tammie - I would steer away from the from the anti-inflammatories as quickly as possible, prescription or not, as they actually degenerate your tendons and ligaments, two things that you need to be strong for bicycling, and every day life, (besides muscles). The effects won't happen immediately, but over the long term, won't help.
Also, after a tough bout of exercise, it is best for recovery to sit in cold water - as cold as you can stand, even adding ice. I know the warm or hot water of a tub or jacuzzi feels good, but cold water prevents more blood from getting in the innerstitial areas, and fusing to the fascia surrounding your tissues, decreasing your range of motion, and setting you up for injury.
HI all, sorry for all the posts in a row, but I was catching up on several days of postings and its hard to remember all that stuff that you want to comment on. Was away for a family event in Nebraska over Memorial weekend and then in DC to help my son get settled in for his internship. Now its time to get back to the serious FUN of riding!!!!!
@ Samantha, never feel ashamed for riding. Any miles are good miles, its the people on the couches that have the problem....
@Brad - I'm glad I didn't go to your party, especially if you were serving that electrolyte infused flavored water, with smell-o-vision.
@ E M Matteson-Welcome Back!
@ Mike & Kathy-Oh my, I don't know how I would do it if I didn't take 15 minutes out the night before to get cloths ready and lunch packed for the next day! It only takes about 15 minutes to do the night before, but, gosh be lazy once and don't do it? That 15 minutes you didn't take the night before turns into a half hour when your trying to get out the door in the morning-and its more stressful I might add-then you chide yourself for not make those preparations the night before.
@ Everybody, people giving US BICYCLISTS a hard time about riding is just because we are making them look bad. Maybe they are having a guilt trip because they know they should join us.....
@ Jenny and anybody else with kids too small to take the big rides. Maybe you can fit in smaller rides in a park or on a trail once in a while so they get a feel for what mom or dad or gpa, gma is doing on the bike and help get our future riders excited. Then they will cheer you on when you take your "big" rides!
@Kathy: I find that getting everything laid out the night before including lunch is much more efficient for me as I tend to forget things in the morning and then have to round it up which delays my leaving time and possibly making enough noise to wake the wife.
First day to ride to work. Took longer to get everything organized and to get going than I thought it would.
@ Tammie, BOO to people who would discourage cycling. You are doing great and have really caught the bug. Don't be afraid to print out paper maps for your rides until you have the money for fancier equipment. Not only is bicycling good for your health, its great for your brain power. Way better than sitting on the couch!!!
@ Ben A, sorry I missed the deadline to sign your petition.
@ Nyla, I think I have seen the "two wheels move souls" quote somewhere. My son has a t-shirt that says: " "Ride your bike" God. "
@Kathy-so neat you did not use your car this month! That is awesome!
Well, an adventure of sort getting in this morning-used my road bike as my Mom and I are going for a long ride after work. Had to get creative getting my gear and my lunch and other needs for the day to work. Used a long handled tote bag and swung it over cross my chest...it was a little heavy and awkward, but, I did it, and given that-I still was able to ride much quicker on the lighter bike instead my regular hybrid. Hmmmm, maybe I should get another lighter bike to commute with? That would make a total of 3 bikes. Maybe someday. Maybe next year. So won't log my total miles for the day until tonight when I see how many I get in for today. Happy day to all!
Cresting a hill, breathing hard; Just taking a drink of my electrolyte infused flavored water, a strong aroma hit me at the very same time. Hmmmm... orange poop. The sensory experience was both appetizing and disgusting at the same time. Very confusing,.. But I'm almost sure the forest road that I found on Saturday, filled with thousnds of trilliums was preferrable.
@ Kathy R, wow what an adventure in Camden. Good for you to show your determination. You should have the Peformance Bike people join you in protesting the bad conditions.
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@ Ben Arguilla, sorry I missed the chance to sign your petition. Bikes are vehicles just like cars and motorcycles and they are way less damaging to cemeteries.
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RE: I phones & the Garmin. I have the Garmin 800 and I mainly use it to track miles and have fun knowing elevation and other things. I will have to try out MIke R's instructions since I will have to leave a car at the Kansas Ctiy airport later this summer and would like to figure out if its possible to get from there to the Amtrak station by bike without too much danger to life and limb. Anybody in the KC area listening?? I'll take suggestions. Also, I know you can save battery life on the I-Phone by putting it in Airplane mode. But that means you can use it constantly for mapping, etc.
My father-in-law lives in Hawkins, WI. Two things I relate to my visits up north, the smell of the manure and fresh cut hay. Down here in the sunny south we are cutting hay and the honey suckle is blooming. Either way, riding the bike is a sensory experience.
Springtime rides in rural Wisconsin….it’s hard to hold breath while pedaling past the less than lovely fragrance of fecal fertilizer and it definitely take longer than driving by, with no option of rolling up the windows..but indeed it motivates picking up the pace, and at least actual manure aids in producing something worthwhile, unlike the metaphorical sort abundantly spread by far too many politicians.
Brad...great comments...but that question about what you "smell"...riding in rural WI, I get to smell much more than I would like at times, and I am not just talking about all those dead skunks in the middle of the roads. I like to think I also have provided a pleasant diversion to many of the cattle feeding at the farms I ride by. The way you can tell that biking season has been going for a while...they don't look up when I ride by. Then there is also all the manure on the roads as the farmers try to fertilize their fields. But all this "smelling" can really provide some motivation for faster pedaling to fresher air. Of course, we do get those great praved rural roads...dairy farmers like their milk to get delivered as _milk_, not butter. So I guess things even out.
My chain wiped into my spokes and ate my derailleur today. I was doing about 20 down a hill and had shifted to a lower gear when i heard a awful sound. I thought i was headed for the pavement but i said to myself that would hurt and was able to get stopped putting down a streak of rubber on the road about 20 feet long. It took a while to untangle the derailleur from the spokes. the cage was bent beyond repair and the wheel needs to go to a shop
Kathy, that is awesome!
@Cynthia - Yes he was serious, I was laughing on my way home after that.
@Charles - I do other riding as well but it's easier to give whole/round numbers. For the most part I no longer use my car. I didn't get gas at all during the month of May!
@Tammie - What you needed was a motor for when you got tired. :p
You go, Kathy R. It's 21 miles round trip for me to my work. Plus, I ride to the gym and over to my daughters house to visit her and my grand daughter.
@Kathy.. a motor.. really! LOL I would have stared blankly too! Well, everyone, I finally met the wind that beat me today.. gusting in the 40's with sustained in the 20's. I could only make 8.5 miles before I just gave up. It was just a losing battle today for me. No way I could continue to fight it. Maybe when I am a bit stronger and more experienced but this is just not weather for a beginner. Of course, now that I am back home and settled, the winds die down. I am NOT GOING BACK OUT NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT TEMPTS ME!
@Kathy-your kidding right? What else could you do but stare at him?
When you go to the state rankings you can see tabs for your state's rankings of individuals and teams. Is it possible to add tabs for workplaces and communities? It's nice to be able to see those, too.
I just like to beat myself, and I make little goals too - riding one or two more miles each time I do a ride, or if I can not do a long ride, making up the time the next day - always increasing my average. I have felt a big improvement in my pace and stamina in just one month by tracking my miles. I am in my 50s so I am happy with this small improvement.
So I stop at the store on my way home and see my neighbor.
He say, "Hey Kat, how many miles you ride on that thing today?"
I reply, "Well, it's 22 miles round trip to work 5 days a week.
He replies, "Wow, that's quite a distance. Why don't you get a motor for it in case you get tired?"
I just stared at him, blinking dumbly...
I'm temporarily out of the Challenge due to an eye problem. But I hope to be back soon! In the mean time, please take a look at this story of survival: The Long Bike Back. http://bit.ly/10IBOjI
@Roberto - my wife and I usually go non-stop, but we probably "cheat." We have recumbent trikes, so even if we stop, we're lounging!!! Check it out at www.tadpole-tales.com I have to say, they are a lot of fun. It's feels like you're riding around on a go-kart. Always have a grin on my face. :)
@Brad-didn't get a chance to say today, but, thanks so much for that insight on riding, it was beautiful.
@roberto, I am a non stopper too. Just since this year. I've left friends at intersections before. Oops!
Had to renew the plates on my vehicle today. Rode over on my bike to do it. :)
Jenny, I usually ride like that too. I figure 10 miles, or 15 or 30, are the same whether I stopped to smell the roses along the trail or not.
I stop frequently. Since I ride for recreation and not commuting, I don't feel the pressure to "get there on time". I stop for pictures, water break, or even to just take the pressure off of the "tushy" and to just walk around a bit. To smell the air, the beautiful scent of the lilacs, to try to catch that snapshot of the deer in the field before it bounds away, or to catch a still picture of a tree against an evening sky.
@Paul, very impressive indeed. Utah (correct?) is beautiful, and I'm sure your commute is a good one.
@Cycling Roberto- When I comute to work I ride non stop both directions. My comute is 30 miles each way.
Recently, I've gotten myself hooked on riding nonstop rides. No breaks, only stopping when necessary for lights and stop signs. Since my daily ride averages 40 miles, this can become a challenge if the weather isn't perfect. My record nonstop is 62 miles, and then I had to stop because I ran out of water. Anybody else indulge in this strange obsession?
The heat is not getting to me so far.
Brad-
Perfect, poetic capture of the spirit of the challenge and the essential JOY of the ride!. Thanks for sharing it (-:
Oh yeah, I had daily rear flats for awhile when using a road bike with panniers, even with the Maxxis Refuse, which is kevlar lined tire for less flats. Switching to a touring bike this year I've had on rear flat in my 678 commuting miles in 2013.
@Scott-you know, that was one of my thougths, commuting with a road bike could possibly lead to more flats?
@Tammie, in the past 3 years I've had a completely torn Achilles, ruptured ATF ligament, and a chip the size of my thumb broken out of my anke, all from the same incident. Hang in there, it gets better, I can say riding is the #1 thing that has healed me so quickly. On the road bike/hybrid question, I commuted on a road bike with panniers for years. It eats year tires quickly (think teenager with a Corvette), that said, ride what you have and have fun!
apropos of yesterday's conversations on funny cycling stuff we do when not actually cycling - I was talking to a friend last year in the parking lot after a club ride about how I often drive to places using the roads I cycle on since I know them so well. He said he was driving in the car with his wife, and she asked why he was going on certain roads that weren't the most direct. His response was that they had less hills.
Brad, loved your comments about riding whatever you can according to your abilities and feeling good about whatever that is. I would like to forward that to my fellow Workplace participants, giving you credit, to hopefully inspire them to ride more often. Some people put too much pressure on themselves viewing this as a competition, and then getting discouraged when others are ahead of them. We all need to be doing this for the right reasons, whatever those are for each individual.
@ J. Hugh Strickland-I am working on more than two.....considering a "real" no gear commuter bike (although my local bike shop guy says the Mongoose is awesome and in great shape-just had gears and chain replaced). And possibly trading in the Mongoose for a lighter newer hybrid. Just not ready to part with it yet.
Preach on Brother Brad!
Amen Cynthia Nelson, what you only have two bikes?
Yes, Friends lots of differrent riders for lots of different rides!
All get to feel better and have more fun!
Now on to the French Pastry! Bon Ton Roulle!
I have been riding all my life. On some type of old steel bike of some sort or another. I got my Mongoose Hybrid in 1998 and I am still riding it today with love and care. We have been through many a mile together. I still use it for my commute and for many years did organized rides on it. Two years ago I made the decision to get a road bike, (I called it my Mercedes), and I love it! However, I just can't bring myself to put a rack and panniers on it. So, I continue to commute with my Hybrid (my sedan). I also like the workout I get with the hybrid. It makes me stronger too. After reading some of these conversations about how fast or far some ride, just remember its all about health, education for yourself, and just getting up and moving. If you are inspired then your inspiring someone else. If you feel good others feel good, if you are educating yourself on the cycling sport than you are learning one more thing you did not know yesterday. That's part of what it is all about. Be yourself, be your best, ride on with peace and glow forward with all the wonderful things your commute/ride held for you.
We all go the distance allowed by our own abilities. Your 5 might be the same as his 20 or her 40, and certainly worth more than hundreds of pretend miles. Take consolation in the 20 daily trip points - the great equalizer. It doesn't have to be competitive, it should be fun. Pick a direction you've never gone before... wave at people... breathe deep - what is it you can smell here? Did you hear that bird? Never stop exploring. If you're trying to lose pounds it may be better to track how long you are on your bike rather than how far you've gone. When you are done; are you a little winded? Good! Do you feel good?
Great month! Warming up--finding my legs. Let's see who in the top ten is up for another.
This is my second year in the Challenge. Last year as well with this year I just look at the riders a couple spots ahead of me. Then I try to pass them or at least stay close. I don't try to be a leader but I am leading in the team, bragging rights are fun for now. The most important part of the Challenge is my much improved health and all the bicycling friends I have gained. Ride & Smile for Life is Good.
Keeping the doctor away? My blood pressure has been running high the past couple of years. Yesterday at a doctor appointment, after a solid month of riding, it was 116/76. Woo Hoo!
Keeping the doctor away? I used to be a regular patient at the chiropractor. I started riding again 3 years ago and haven't been back to the bonecrusher in 3 years. There is alot to say about the benefits of riding!
A mile a day keeps the doctor away? Or something like that...
I must say that it's really encouraging to read what others are doing. I think we beginners don't need to be too hard on ourselves. Instead we need to remember that every mile we ride is one mile more than the couch potatoes are doing.
And don't compare yourself to me either... I am pushing myself really hard right now. I could not do it if I was not taking prescription anti anflammatories and had a jacuzzi to sit in after every ride! I am a beginner trying to really go beyond my comfort zone.
I am the turtle in the group when I go on the group rides here!
Samantha, I feel the same as you do. I feel like a tortoise in a crowd of hares, but I keep plugging away every day.
Samantha, remember everyone here started out the same as you are doing. Those that are riding many daily miles just didn't get on their bikes and do big miles at the start. It takes years to build up to the daily/weekly miles that some on here are doing. Don't feel bad. Feel good at your acomplishments!
I rode 15 miles today and patted myself on the back ... then all of you put me to shame! I stand in awe at the daily miles many of you are able to ride!!
I am one of those people who mainly shops at yard sales, and a couple of months ago found an old Giant hybrid at a thrift shop. I would rather have a road bike, but this has been good for my purposes so far as I rediscover the fun of biking :)
This is my third year in the challenge and still riding my hybrid (or cross bike, as it was called 20 years ago). I have thought about getting a road bike, but for now I also continue to be "cheap". LOL
I have seen people loaded up and also have very little on road bikes. I am going to ride cross country next summer on my 2011 Scott Hybrid road bike and will only have a small back pack with me and anything I need along the way I will pick up. Stay at hotel/motel every night and hand wash jersey set each night. Plan on riding 75 miles a day ( 6 days a week) so I want to travel lite.
@Christine THANK YOU so very much for your support in my Bike MS ride! You are amazing!!!! I was determined to ride 2 hours today no matter how hard the wind tried to knock me off my bike.. and it did try a few times. I do plan to continue to use my hybrid for the casual city rides and if the road conditions are not good.... such as wet roads... like that is really going to happen very often here! The hybrid really gives you a great workout. It is comparably a very heavy bike.
I rode my hybrid 4 years, (cheaper bastard than Mike)
The road bike was a huge improvement on weight, aero, posture, and endurance for my medium to long road riding, mixed with commutes with no loads to carry.
Doug there are many different styles of bike, each suited to it's ideal purpose. Hybrids and touring bikes meet the requirements you mention.
Please dont bother bashing cheaters :(
They have a hard enough life ekeing their way through a shameful miserable existence.
Cheers !
If you load a road bike down with a rack and panniers, doesn't that defeat the purpose of getting a road bike? And wouldn't a hybrid offer better stability across a variety of road conditions than a road bike when fully loaded? (We'll say 20-30 lbs in a single pannier on a rear rack, more if using a second pannier and a trunk.)
@tammie - I lugged it out on my hybrid for over a year before I broke down and bought the road bike....because I din't understand and was cheap...lol. You are way ahead of me and you will love it!!! Still ride the hybrid when the road bike is in the shop and on the days I want to slow down and cruise or explore some dirt trails, but I love my road bike!!
I completely understand the ortho problem and easy on the joints and other problens, I twisted my ankle 12 weeks ago and tore a ligament... it has not healed and I can not stand long or walk very far but I can ride my bike without any problems. Go figure! I wear a brace when I am on the bike just to avoid twisting it again when I step down because it is very weak and I have already done that once and fallen after a group ride. Everyone tried to catch me.. wasn't funny! Just got in from a 21 mile very windy ride.. wind is 26 mph ststained gusting into the 30's.. I wanted to give up at mile 7. I had my arms laid across the handlebars at times and my chin on my arms.... can't wait to get my road bike for days like this.
@Jeffrey. I have a 500 and love it but seeing that the 510 and 810 have the live tracking feature may mean I have to save some pennies.....My wife is understandably anxious when I am on a ride especially solo, since getting a call last Oct from police that I had been hit while cycling......I had used the endo app for awhile but had stopped because I was on longer rides and it just chewed up the battery. Periodic texts while riding aren't the same as the live tracking.....have some homework to do ....thanks !!!
@Laurie - the "guilt" is a good thing....lol. At the same time you have to listen to your body. If you are wiped out, take the rest day. The challenge is not a sprint, its a marathon
@ Len - In my local board the person who holds the number 1 spot seems to be a bit full of it as well... That's all I'll say in regards to him.. But I don't understand a reason to cheat in this challenge. The only person they are cheating is themselves.
About the Garmin cycling computers one other thing they offer and something that has put my wife a little more at ease is the LiveTrack feature in the 510 and 810. It connects to the cell phone via bluetooth but uses very little of the phones battery power so it can track much longer rides this way than with the Endo app and from what my wife says it has better real time tracking than the app did. I know the idea behind it was to share your races and training stats live but it works great for my wife to see where I am at and that I am still moving, since I have used this she hasn't freaked out when my 1 hour ride ended up 3 hours or when the sirens go off and she see's that I am still moving along my favorite country route. It was a little spendy but the peace of mind was well worth it.
Len, It looks like I can see into the future. LOL
Nice to see some people might not have done any riding, and just filled in the blanks for the whole month, before the month ends. Not saying he did or did not do any rides, but when you just add in days and continue to fill out the whole month everything becomes suspect.
Heather - I'm going to a phys. therapist tomorrow to get help in getting rid of some residual pain, weakness & limp related to my hip fracture last year. Interestingly, none of that stuff seems to interfere with turning cranks on the bike. Go figure.
@Stephen: in PA is was cold today, so the jacket was good. It has vents under the armpits and on the back also (with a wide lip so that the rain does not run down your back.) In hot weather it would not be a good thing to wear for the reasons you mentioned.
Anyone have a favorite pair of bicycle gloves for cold weather and for just so. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and this week I have been waking up with tingling in my one hand. This happens to me when I overuse my hands.
Dave"Shut up Legs" Cairncross, I saw earlier about the post of the Garmin Edge 800. I have had mine since it came out and love it also. They do have a new Garmin Edge 810 out now and olny difference is that it has upcoming weather details on it and would be good if you were going for a long ride like cross country. Other than that, you may want to stick with the 800 as it is much cheaper. I do wish that they would put the wind info on it and then it would be perfect
@Heather, I am amazed at how biking is not a mainstream supported sport. I wonder if other sports get the same negative attention. My thoughts are that most people can ride bike because it is an accessible activity that anyone can do easily and we are just reminders of what they ARE NOT doing. Hope that makes sense.
Someone else commented that there should be a "like" button for these comments, and I totally agree!!!
Less than 50 minutes to go at work, then it is some ME time on my bike!
@Heather
Dont worry, we'll never be understood by lazy people who stereotype us
We just have to be content with ourselves
Lance didnt help as it turns-out
Go Cav!
@Karen: About the showerpass jacket, is there some point when it becomes too hot outside to wear it? I bought a pair of rain pants and find if it's much above 60 degrees I might as well just let the rain soak my legs because I sweat so much in them it's virtually the same thing. Thanks! @Tammie: my wife exercises a lot. Sometimes I'd get mad because it meant sometimes we couldn't do things I wanted to do until she finished exercising. Then I realized it's important to her, that it made her happier and healthier and in turn I was becoming happier, too. I hope your family discovers the same thing. You do have to be a little selfish and take time for yourself to become a better you.
Awesome ride today!
Friends, I have a new Orthopedic problem. You would be amazed at the people (friends and family) who consider my cycling "extreme". I'm one of the least extreme cyclists on my own friends list here. Thankfully, my problem still allows me to cycle, swim and do yoga. I enjoy telling people that when they say "OH NO! Do you have to give up cycling now." Do you ever get tired of defending this sport/hobby?! Do they ever quit? I get so tired of explaining that it is good for the joints and low impact. I guess everyone assumes I'm trying to become Lance Armstrong or Mark Cavendish.
Yesterday I had planned to spend my day riding, stopping at the lake and other relaxing spots, and then continuing on. However, the cold and rain and breeziness conspired against me. I managed to get in almost 22 miles, which is a lot for me. Today I am still feeling wiped out and I feel guilty about wanting to take a day off........
Yea, I think that comment from Brad made everyone's day. I will not at bunps in the road again when driving a vehicle the same way.
Yes a general like button on the comments would be neat, but, if you friend someone you can "like" on their profile page.
@Laurie-I can relate.
Did my first organized metric century Sunday, rode just over 66 miles in about 5 hours. About 75% flat and 25% hilly, some a real challenge. I've ridden a 200 mile weekend before but not in an event, just a camping trip with a friend. Looking forward to more events! :)
I keep looking for the "like" button for some of these comments.. hehehe. I like them all!
@ Cynthia, since the challenge started I have biked over most of the roads I usually drive, and I have noticed that now wherever I drive, I recall what my last bike ride was like.
@Brad,
After my hip fracture, but before the surgeon let me back on the bike, I found myself walking on the wide shoulder to a an appointment along a route that I normally ride. As I approached a driveway on my right, I instinctively checked behind me for any approaching car that might be planning to turn right. I did that like I always do -- I glanced down to my left where my rear-view mirror hangs on the end of my drop bar -- only I wasn't on my bike, so it wasn't there.
Or holler into the (empty) back seat: rough road ahead!
Brad, do you also say out loude "BUMP" before you realize you are in the car...LOL...You just made my day
@Brad, thanks so much for the laugh. Love it!
@Michael-so very much agreed! I just want to keep going, but, I so look forward to the close of the business day knowing its going to be great to ride home. And, in the whole process I am so thankful. I whisper that too the winds every morning.
You know it's happened that moment when you do happen to be driving a car, see a bump coming, and lift and raise your butt off the seat a bit.
@Cynthia-I get Post-Ride Depression every day when my morning commute ends at work! Then again, I have to remember the bright side; I'm fortunate to have a job to commute to every day. Too many out there still don't have one yet...
@Paul-I think I have arrived. Driving my car is so foreign anymore and I feel guilty and odd when I do drive! I thought it was just me! Ok, I am not crazy, I am not crazy....ha ha. In fact, my parking space at work has been taken over by someone else. Now, my mission is to get bike racks at our businesses in my little town. Not one business has one.
Among the greatest things cycling has brought me is the warm feeling I get when a friend/acquaintance takes-up cycling, and thanks me for inspiring them :)
I do it for myself, and I totally get my effort worth, but this is a huge bonus.
@Tammie...hang in there and don't get discouraged. Riding can be a great way to get around AND exercise AND help save the planet. You know you will have arrived when you start feeling guilty about using your car and/or you put more mileage on your bike than your car! And the folks in this community can be an encouragement. Let us know when you need a pep talk...and good luck with your MS ride. (PS My parents recently got back from a trip to Amsterdam. My mother said, "I have never seen so many bikes in my life...they have parking lots that have more bikes than cars." I said, that is what ALL cities should look like! Ride on!!)
@Jenny, Tammie, et al who are "shirking" their familial responsibilities, I sometimes feel a bit guilty about taking off for a ride, but hey: who's gonna take care of me except me? And we all know that if Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. I ride for me because I enjoy it and get the added benefit of some exercise as well. If I drop a few pounds in the process, all the better! How do you know a happy bicyclist? Count the number of bugs in their teeth!
@Tammie, my BIL has MS, so the cause is near and dear to me. Unfortunately, between my age and my weight, doing 100 or 150 miles in a day is a very daunting thought for me. I'll be riding on your shoulder, cheering you on! Don't worry about unsupportive family members. Show them what you can do, and maybe you'll inspire them to get up offa their butts and do something! We are *such* a lazy nation!
@ Tammie - Sorry to hear that your family isn't so supportive, but like Karen and Cynthia said.. That's what we are here for! This is such a great community of people. Keep up the amazing work. :)
Here is one for all out there...has anyone ever suffered from post ride depression after an event?
Jenny, there is a reason why when you are on an airplane, they tell you that in case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first. This is the only way you can help others, by taking care of yourself first.
@Karen, good to know about the Shower Pass Rain Jacket! Thanks for the input.
Tammie, keep it up! I agreee with everyone else, biking is doing wonders for your body and soul. Yes, we all have responsibilities at home, but I say that the dishes and laundry can wait until after the ride. YOU need to take care of YOU. I will admit that I sometimes feel a bit selfish taking my rides, too. My kids are not up to riding as far as I am going, and so each time I go out, they give me a little guilt for leaving them behind. But, it is the "me" time that I need, this challenge did a LOT of good for me last year, having lost over 10# without any other major changes to my diet. I still need to shed those pounds, and so I am committed to biking to feed my soul and exercise my body.
Of course, I wanted to say, I think what I need now. OOPS!
Don't let anyone bring you down about your biking!!
In the end...... You'll be better for it!!
On another note....... I've started using the Endo app (a little) for the iPhone; much better than last years!! Although I won't use it for any ride over 10 miles!
It just eats my phones battery like you would t believe!!
Since 90% of my riding is by myself in the woods; I like to have my phone in case of "what it's."
I've owned my Garmin Map60CSx series GPSr for many years and with handy handlebar mount it gives me all the info i would ever need on "my" rides. Plus I enjoy Geocaching, and pedaling my Fatty and "caching" go nicely together!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Tammie, take care of yourself and do what you love. You have bicycle community support. In time, your family will come around. Hang in there!
@Gregg-Hope you make it!
Keep up the great work Tammie, it's good for body and soul, and you know it is. Don't let anybody discourage you. Remember that every minute you spend pedalling is calories going out and not going in. You have the power to be the person you want to be.
@Tammie. Don't get discouraged. Your family will be happy when they see the results. We are here for you cheering you on, that's what this is for I suppose.
It is raining in my neck of the woods. I still do not enjoy riding in the rain. I used my "birthday money" last year and bought a canary yellow Shower Pass rain jacket, and I feel way cool and safe riding in the rain with it on, a good investment, but I couldn't believe the price tag. I thing what I need now is a good pair of gloves. Any ideas folks? Wimpy in PA.
142 miles is only a little over 7 more hours of riding for me and I got 85 1/2 hours to do it yet. I'll make it. :)
@Gregg .. looks like you may be doing the rain dance. Good luck! 1000 miles, THAT is amazing. People around here are doing rain dances right and left because we really DO need it desperately. As for me, OK, it can rain a few minutes as long as it does not interfere with the time I want to ride! I need to start doing at least 20 to 25 miles a day now. I have ZERO support from my family .. in fact it is complete discouragement and snide remarks. My mother would prefer me stay fat and lazy spending more time watching TV with her and cleaning my house. I am still on the fence between the Garmin 200 and one of the more feature intensive models... will I really use the other features? I seem to be happy now with just the 'basics'. Will I really use all those features? It is really a stretch right now just buying the road bike. THANK YOU @Phil for my second donation! I am more than determined to make every one of those 150 miles of the Bike MS. Getting more excited every day. I joined the team of our local bike club. We have 8 members on the team so far.
Ihttp://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/tammieporter
Looks like I have a good chance to beat my all time record of most miles biked in 1 month, which is 926 miles in May of 2012. I am only 68 miles away from beating it with 4 days remaining in May. I am going to try and shatter the record with a 1,000 miles this month, which is only another 142 miles this month. But with the rainy and stormy forecast this week, it is going to be tough to do it.
In support of Tammie P...since I believe in BIKE MS and supporting newly addicted cyclists, I just donated to Tammie's MS efforts. I encourage others to do the same!
I know this is not a 'donation cause' forum but I felt led to encourage Tammie as she have proved she has caught the cycling bug.
@Brad, Thanks for the tip, I just ordered the 800 for a birthday present at that price :0
Petition for bicyclists rights. Turned away at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery today because I ride a bike.http://wh.gov/lqljv
@Tammie P: congrats on the Bike MS goal! I lead Team HP Omaha Bike MS team of 30+ riders; great supported ride, great cause, great challenge. I relate to multiple bikes: road, commute and mountain/off road!. I have a dumbphone only (for safety), and have a bike computer on the road bike only. Commuting and off road riding, for me, is to get away from all 'connections', so I fully disconnect and enjoy the time away from it all.
I envision you creating and leading your own Bike MS team soon!
I use the Garmin 800, and I would do it again in a second. It's touchscreen display is so customizable, I even have it set to show the time of sunset - the only thing it doesn't do is start a hot shower for you. Not sure if it's still going, but Western Bike Works had them on sale with rebate; about $220 for the unit itself $350 for the unit with the bundle of map card/heart monitor/wheel sensor. Also the site Garmin Connect has a route mapping feature with easy uploads to the GPS.
@Tammie, how wonderful that you found biking and all its positive wonderful attributes! You will enjoy the MS Ride, they are amazing. Just to be a part of such an event and for a good cause. You'll find yourself wanting to participate in every organized ride there is! You really get hooked. This will be the fourth year in a row that my son and I participate in the BIKE MS-Break Away to the Beach ride. I do the 130 mile route. And this year my son is doing the two day double century. I love it and look forward to this event every year. Every year I learn more and more about training and nutrition for an event like this. Last season I lost 15 lbs just training! I was so excited. But above and beyond that, I learned a lot about myself and my abilities. I have other events that I participate in through the year as I am sure everyone here does. But, there is a certain excitement about these big events. Something to look forward too for sure.
Beautiful ride into work today! Not a cloud in the sky, sun shining brightly with a temp of about 60, and no wind. I have energy to start the day to boot. Have a great day NBC participants!
@Ben, signed the petition!
Ben, Signed and put up on my FB page.
@Cynthia I plan to ride each and every mile of the 150 miles! It may take me a while but it will be worth the effort! I just got my FIRST donation.. THANK YOU @Kathy ! I am sooo excited. This NBC has me on my bike each and every day since I discovered it on the second of this month.. keep kicking myself that I missed a day. I have now promised myself to bike a minimum of 10 miles a day.. don't know if I can keep up with that on the days I work but will do my best. I am trying to remember my log in and password to that darn government site.. they sure don't make it easy to sign those petitions! LOL
@Ben - Signed
A principal goal of the Bike Challenge is to raise awareness of and support for bicycling as a valuable, healthy, economical, ecologically sound and COMMON form of transportation. What legitimate justification could there be for turning cyclists away from National Cemeteries? Please take time to read, consider and sign Ben Arguilla’s petition. http://wh.gov/lqljv
The opportunity to connect, support one another and be heard, collectively, is a particular gift of this challenge.
@Kawika. Thanks. Maybe you. Pass the word along.
Thanks everyone.
You can go today to a National Cemetery to honor our fallen heroes as long as you are not a bike rider. Please take the time to spread the word and sign our petition.Turned away at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery today because I ride a bike.http://wh.gov/lqljv
We have a local group called the Chuckatuck Chainring that does a Memorial Day ride, including a stop at the cemetery for a prayer.
Ben, That's very bad.. I am both a retired veteran and a cyclist and that doesn't stand well with me at all!
@Cynthia - Way to go... get 'em addicted when they're small...
@Everyone else - sign Ben's petition and help Tammie bike for MS! Let's support each other in our endeavors.
@ Ben - I signed the petition and shared it on my Facebook page.
You can go today to a National Cemetery to honor our fallen heroes as long as you are not a bike rider. Please take the time to spread the word and sign our petition.Turned away at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery today because I ride a bike.http://wh.gov/lqljv
@Tammie, how awesome you are participating in a Bike MS event. It is an amazing experience training for the event and being a part of it. How many miles are you planning to ride?
Well, for someone who is new to cycling... 9 1/2 weeks now.. and already buying a second bike.. I own a hybrid and am buying a road bike, I am just jumping in with both feet! I have now completely gone insane! I have committed to riding in the Bike MS on July 20th and 21st. It is going to be a LOT of work getting myself physically ready for this but I am determined to do it... somehow. If anyone out there cares to support me, here is a link to my donation page.. just figured out how to set it up! One step, er, pedal at a time. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/tammieporter
Thanks Ben.
Everybody, please take a minute, start an account, and sign the petition.
@J. Hugh It's a joke. Harley Davidsons with all the noise they make are allowed into Ft Rosecrans and are official escorts on Memorial Day here in San Diego.
With visiting weekend friends and thier 12 year old daughter, I was so excited when she said she would love to bike to the store with me. We biked a total of 8 miles. The young girl told me she loved riding bike and when she gets older and on her on own she wants to live in area where she can bike to work and to run errands. Yahoo! How cool is that? Hopefully her spirit for biking and the environment will inspire others in her generation and beyond.
@JHugh was set to only allow friends to comment. I have adjusted that. I understand Touring is not fitness riding. the objective is to tour. However traveling with a bike in the US seems very difficult (having the bike disassembled, boxed, shipped, reassembled). Not friendly at all.
@Ben - signed.
Link for a petition I posted earlier.
http://wh.gov/lqljv
@kathy R I was going to go into detail about travel, but you don't allow comments on your page so here's the short version. I have done both. Virgin Atlantic, the last time I flew to England, had a free bicycle policy, it worked great. Airlines seem to be bicycle unfriendly in the us. Bikes and trains in EU way good. I have used the all in approach for tours with guides, finding that guides sometimes get lost and a garmin map is really helpful. We climbed a French hill twice and then stopped the guide and sorted it out. The bikes are good in my experience, but I take my seat and helmet with mirror. Touring is not fitness riding so it has a different pace and point.
Google taking your Bicycle on plans and then check with the low cost airlines which still are low compared to the Corporate Air robbery Lines.
@Ben A Believe it or not there has been a movement to ban Bicycles in NA Cem. because of the "disruption and disrespect". Go figure! I'm signing.
@JHugh - Do you travel to foreign lands with your bike or do you get one there? I just wanted to visit my bro in Texas with my bike but it looks so expensive to pack it and rentals are way to high priced. My bro wants to come out here too and do the AC to Cape May ride with me and I think I will have to buy a second bike.
I started a petition for bicyclist rights to be allowed into National Cemeteries. I was turned away today because I was on a bike. I was refused my right to pay respect to my dad and father in-law This Memorial Day. please pass the word to all not just bicyclist.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php;h=9AQHx1DV0
I use a garmin 800 and have on short and all day rides. In my experience the Garmin ran about 11 hrs on the longest day of our touring last summer. I don't own a smart phone, and my cell is from Asia so I can wifi in hotspots without paying the smartphone cost.
The advantage of having a map, and being able to put in a new map when traveling is really great. We found banks in France with my garmin, and some great pastries did not slip by because they showed up in towns that otherwise you would have just ridden through rather than ridden to find by chance a pastry or chocolate, or cheese, or wine, or champagne or cafe. so it seems to me that it depends on what you are into. If you are just recording the miles that's one sort of need, if you actually travel or explore then that's another. Also, just because you haven't yet done something doesnot mean you won't. Hats off the the adventures of Kathy R and if you think a cheesesteak is good, last summer we ate Brie de Meaux with fresh local bread and fruit at a Castle ruin in Meaux along the Marne River. This year it is the Loire Valley. The options to explore are great in the undiscovered country all around us.
Upper body work out applauded for the stairs on the BF Bridge. Way to go Adventuring Kathy!
I've been thinking of getting a power pack to carry along with me in case the phone battery dies. Its really not a huge concern except for tracking longer rides. I really just want to get out there and enjoy the ride, and I don't want to carry multiple gadgets.
Picture of Stairs to drag your bike up on the Ben Franklin Bridge Jersey side
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9cV77n_w3yCUlBKUS1wVXItaVk/edit
Picture of Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9cV77n_w3yCc0RQVTU4RVhJUXc/edit
Re: Phone vs. Garmin debate
Running Wahoo Fitness or Cyclemeter app on iPhone in pocket with WF's $129 RFLKT display on handlebar is a game changer. I had 30% battery left after a century ride. iPhone (4s or 5) connects via bluetooth to RFLKT, speed and cadence sensor and HRM. One button upload to Strava. Have been using it for 3 months. Slick! http://www.wahoofitness.com/
@Dave - I totally agree. Leave the GPS tracking to the Garmin.
@Peter, that is what I need! One of the reasons I will get the Samsung phone over iPhone is because you can carry a spare battery. By the end of my ride I turned off wifi just to conserve battery power. Nothing worse than being in unfamiliar territory and have your only mapping ability turn off. In the end I ended up going wrong way on a one way by going over grass to a parking lot and riding thru that. it's really stressful.
The phone has too many other jobs to do and doesn't keep track of rides that well. I got tired of the phone dumping tracks, or it would pause if I made a phone call or took a picture, or the battery would drain, and I would end-up with no/broken track :(
The Garmin has one job to do and does it well, for up to 12 hours, and then you are free to use your phone...as a phone :)
I have been using my smartphone with Endomondo and Google maps. I mostly use the maps if I am on unfamiliar roads, but otherwise it is really just a reference for me.
I'm from WI and right now in Upper MI for the holiday and our grandson's graduation from high school. @ Short Battery Users! I use a small Powerock battery supply for back up to recharge my phone. For long rides I bought a double Powerock. The small one weighs under 4 oz and the large one 8 oz. Other names for these are Power Bank, Juice PAC and others.
@Tammie - I really like my Garmin even if it is only a watch type. Prior to cycling I was a runner which is why I have that model. Cause its a tri watch. Running cycling and swimming (and the lake is warming up as we speak). Just no onscreen map feature. :(
Nice! I have been looking at the garmins and really wonder if the extra expense would be worth it for me getting anything more than the 200. I live in West Texas. Not many roads to worry about! It is the oil field traffic running over us we have to be concerned about!
@Jason -it was a SNJ Cheesesteak from my LCsS (Local Cheesesteak Shop). We don't do whiz. ;)
@Mike - 1) don't know what kind of bike u ride but u cant cross on a recombant. 2) check out my map on endomondo. If u cant see it friend me. 3) roads get crappy half way up marlton pike till downtown Camden. But that's about 2.5 miles. Federal is the worst. Its concrete not asphalt. Just keep pedaling!. 4) weekends only. Don't try to fight traffic 5) its a good time. Gotta do it once.
@Mike - I have a Garmin 410. Its only a watch but I cant afford the 500. Personally I'm leaning on a smart phone (galaxy 4s. Cause i only have a burner cell and the 4s has GPS) I had my ipod touch which got me to google but I nearly killed the battery trying to figure things out without help. I think that's how I got in trouble. I was using google with the bike overlay to figure out my route. It figured i could walk the bike thru a field of poison ivy. No biggie right?
@ Nyla, hope you got one :)
@nyla - i want one....lol
Noted on a series of necklaces at local art sale today: “Four wheels move bodies, Two wheels move souls” (-:
@Kathy congratulations for making it out in one piece and mission accomplished... And I thought I was adventuresome just going to my local HEB right around the corner from me! LOL! Welcome back to the road@Jimmy!
@kathy - Some garmins have the mapping capability you desire and They are not all the most expensive ones. I use a garmin 500. I prepare the routes ahead of time on another service called ridewithgps.com. I then export the file (tcx format) from there to my downloads folder on my PC. I connect the garmin to the PC and copy the file from the dowloads folder on the PC to the New Files folder on the Garmin. Turn the garmin on and go to the training menu. Select courses and your course should be there. Select it and "Do Course". IT is meant as a training tool (racing against the course) but if you prepare the course accurately it works as a turn by turn similar to a car gps. ALL THAT SAID - Take hard copy of the trip sheet as garmin can lose the course periodically (use it on routes you are familiar with first) and when it finds it again it might have dropped some of the turns. There is a rudimentary map that can also get you back on course or bridge the gaps in the turn by turn. ANOTHER CAUTION - if you let ridewithgps.com create the route automatically review it closely. I have noticed that it will for instance route you to a less traveled road but not consider the difficulty of the turn(s) you might have to make ( I try to avoid left turns unless there is a light and/or a left turn lane). I have also seen it suggest a turn when set to Cycling that is illegal for autos. This can usually be sorted out by switching to auto to see how the route changes.
@kathy - I'm amazed that you did this!!! I live in Mt Laurel and consider myself an adventurous rider (willing to explore new routes). That said, I have never gone across the Ben into Philly, for many of the reasons you cite. And this is despite a longstanding desire I have to ride the Schuykill River Trail. I think I am going to have rethink my reluctance...I am in awe !!
@Kathy- you're a brave soul for toughing it out in Camden. It is a seriously shady area. When I lived in Philadelphia, it was told to me only to go to Camden for the Tweeter Center and to buy drugs. I did neither! The big question, which cheese steak was it, and are you a with/Whiz kind of lady?
.....First day for me to ride bike after I rode bike cuashed in rain dayon last week. The left shoulder & back still pain, but it's getting better and I love ride bike everyday. I'll keep going on!! Go bike! GO! GO!! GO!!!
@Tammie - Congrats on Gold!
Totally left my comfort zone today. EM said try performance shorts, well I see on the internet they have stores. Closest one is 25 miles away. But 25 miles to the West of me = riding thru Camden (one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the USA) and riding across the Ben Franklin Bridge (cause I live in NJ and they are in PA). GPS mapping would have been nice (like a car GPS) cause I got lost due to faulty Google directions (took me right to a dead end). And Camden roads SUCK! they put absolutely no money into infrastructure (not that NJ State is much better) but Camden is the worst I have ever seen. However, poverty like theirs is just sad. A real road bike with skinny tires would not make it, I barely made it and I use 700c-38s. Then I must carry my bike up 3 flights of stairs to the bridge walkway. People who walk the walkway are dumb, I truly believe that if it weren't for the guard rail fence they would walk right off into the Delaware (or onto the High speed line tracks below). But in the end I got my Performance shorts for 30% off!! I got to try them on and wear a pair home (much needed due to Camden's roads, my bum is thankful). So the mission was a success! And I just downed a foot long cheesesteak sandwich like it was nothing more than a single jelly bean. Next adventure? Going Down the Shore! 45 miles one way. Atlantic City beware! ;-)
Yay, Tammie! You go!!
Just noticed... I made gold today. Wasn't expecting it quite this soon but have been putting in more miles each day. This is just soooo much FUN!
@ J Hugh - and let us not forget the reverse image raccoon eyes caused by sunglasses....lol
GCC sounds like a wonderful club with incredible member participation in this fine event :)
As a newbie cyclist, This story inspired me: http://m.journalstar.com/news/local/cindy-lange-kubick-moving-day-on-bicycles-making-the-couch/article_cff83b43-ab23-50e4-b587-f5c6ec31efca.html
Skin is the largest organ you have. I am freckled and used to have red hair, they call me a blond now, and here's what I have learned. Not only are there chin strap, glove, shorts, and jersey lines but I have circles of tan on my feet because I wear sandals. I, also, must be careful from now until mid October because I tan right through the jersey. I actually begin to develop a strap line for my heart rate monitor. If I am going to be out longer than three hours I usually put sunscreen on all over before I put my kit of the day on. Some people are weight weenies, but I am pretty much a sun and heat weenie. I use lots of sunscreen, with a little harmful chemical as possible, and plenty of ice drinks during and after each ride, mostly water.
@Micheal on Bicycle, yes those are two great rides, and there are so many in Florida. If you live in a place where you can't and don't ride because of ice, snow, and cold, Here's an invitation to come on down December to May is the dry season with great temps, clubs the have rides multiple days of the week and with endomondo and garmin you can see where others ride and chat up more than a few of the over 600 people that live in Florida and are enjoying year round riding. My winter cycling gear is what they call spring and fall gear in Wisconsin and Vermont. Based on my experience you can ride about 355 days a year on average. All this and you don't have to ride in a city if you choose. This message brought to you by a 7th generation Florida Cracker.
Thanks James and Dave ... I love being out on a bike in the fresh air. I respect every one of us that is is out riding ... we are improving our physical condition, taking control of our happiness, and hopefully inspiring others through our behavior and words to join us biking instead of trying to run us over or off the road. lol
Every 2-3 months I head up to Gainesville to ride, I love riding with GCC, they work for a well behaved and consistent pace line. During late summer GCC sponsors a great double century "Santa Fe" and "Horse Farm Hundred" which is well supported by the club and local law enforcement... one of my favorite 'must rides'.
Mad respect for your riding Judy!
Judy, my friend, you inspire us all. And this challenge has been good for our sport and our advocacy. I hear the same thing from everyone, that they are riding more miles in every aspect, from commuting to club riding. When El Prez Jayson lit the match on this powder keg, I had no idea what a huge success it would be. Every day I look forward to doing my long commute or a sport ride and logging my miles. Yesterday I heard a complete stranger tell a customer in the shop I work at that "they need to get logged in" to the challenge. And I hope you don't mind but I use you and your hand bike as an example all the time to get people signed up. We have a long Micanopy crew ride scheduled for tomorrow a.m., including local cycling advocacy celebrity Dan Connaughton, so I look forward to maybe gaining a notch in our friendly club competition (all the while sucking wind behind the fast guys).
This National Bike Challenge as well as our Gainesville Cycling Club participation has certainly inspired me to ride more. Many days before the May 1 start, after work I would head for the recliner and get on my computer. Now everyday I ride some before work, and as soon as it cools off a bit in the afternoon afterwork I head out for a couple of more hours.
Snakes I avoid! My Hand cycle trike puts me right down at their level. Several of our off road riders have posted pictures of poisonous snakes tangled in bike spokes having missed biting their moving legs. So I guess in reality it is the one that I don't see that might get me!
The tan line that is the most bothersome for me is my helmet strap on my neck. Even though I liberally apply sunscreen on my face and neck I still have a very distinctive white skin strap line on my cheeks and neck. I guess I should be proud since it proves I show good judgement by always wearing a helmet, but it does look funny.
Well it is too beautiful a day to sit with my computer ...happy riding everyone.
aww the glove tan lines.....a badge...and a hell of a conversation starter with those that don't ride and also with those that do. Easiest way to spot a cyclist in the "wild" (when she/he isn't cycling)
Oh yes, and avoid the snakes on the path ahead! You should have seen the giant one that slithered off the path ahead of me... Loooong and slender. I also saw a really large jackrabbit. Haven't seen any huge ones in years. The jackrabbits 30 years ago used to appear the size of miniature deer... Just don't see those big ones anymore but I am seeing some amazing wildlife!
Tammie;
Your posts elicit smiles of recognition- You are clearly hooked , having discovered a particularly life-enhancing addiction. Celebrate newfound strengths; Delight in travels powered by your own two legs and two wheels;. Savor the sensory gifts along the way; Revel in connections with a vast, splendid cycling community. Carpe Diem, Roll onward…Enjoy the Ride! (-:
@Tammie, Getting the tan lines myself from the gloves, and I have no doubt that they will be on my shoulders too soon. (sometimes I wear sleeveless jerseys). Had to get some sunscreen to protect my lily white arse or it will end up as a lily red arse. (I don't tan well.)
I too had an awesome morning! Got off work and 7am and met a couple new friends for a casual ride of 14 miles then a nice lunch. I then kicked it in gear expecting to just put in another 5 or 6 miles before heading home to bed but just could not make myself stop and ended up with another 17 miles! My best day before this was 22 miles. I now spending so much time out in the sun my hands are starting to show 'glove tan lines'! oh, no! What do I do...? they look so funny.
I'm lucky to be a Mileage Challenge participant in the Gainesville Cycling Club, which has some big sport, mountain, and commuting participants, but I'm even more lucky to be a part of this national challenge. When we know our neighbors are watching, and our miles count for some public acknowledgement, we are more likely to use our bikes instead of our cars for recreation, fitness, commuting, and transport. This is the most clever program that the League and endomondo have ever done. Well played.
It would be nice if on the national page, each commenter's name would be followed by the state they are from.
Hi all, awesome ride this morning. Down the highway and rolling. Kind of muggy but not raining at least.
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I agree the CAKE sounds great!
CAKE!
@Kelly, I think you're one smart cookie!
paraphasing Cookie Monster, Me want cake Too. Way to go Kelly
Everyone thought I was nuts today. I woke up at 6am and was out the door by 7 to make a 36 mile bike ride to a bakery that has the greatest cake on earth. Bought some cake and cookies and then biked to my boyfriend's another 25 miles. I can't wait to eat that cake!! This will be my best day yet with approx 80 miles by the end of the day! Yay!!
The most awesome ride with my local bike group this morning! I am so charged! Very light wind, temps much cooler than normal, lots of abundant sunshine made a great go through the countryside. Now I am ready to take on the weekend entertaining out of state friends! Feel great in spirit. Ride on with peace and safety this weekend to all!
I'm setting off on a challenge/adventure of my own today y'all. See you after the holiday weekend.
Tammie - I've had the same challenge. I'd love to be able to search for someone the leaderboard.
JHugh - We are definitely on the same page. I've never had (or seen) the Cuvee, but Leifmanns Goudenband is one of my all time favorites in the world - I'm there in spirit my friend. So where did you see the deals on green bibs and such? Sounds very interesting.
Wow it was so cold and foggy I frosted my glasses to the point they were useless. Not just on the front side but both sides ..
Its almost light enough to hit the road on the bike, its gonna be a cold one. We have had a heavy frost, 30 degrees here now and with riding its gonna be quite a bit colder, guess I'll ride till i'm numb and bring the bike in the house with me to get unfroze from it. :)
Is there a way to see where someone is in the NBC? When I attempt to go anywhere it takes me only to the endomondo stats. There seems to be absolutely no way to see anyone's information in the challenge unless you just randomly browse through the thousands of names... AWFUL!
Cycling is my favorite form of transportation. I’ve long traveled with protein bars and nutritious snacks in general, warily adding electrolyte beverages and “Shot Bloks” in honor of last year’s “ Copper Triangle”. I respect the extensive, intricate science relating to exercise and nutrition. I appreciate shared insights about increasing cycling speed and/or stamina , but reviewing recent comments underscores the MANY elements which will forever separate me from “serious” cyclists. Topping today’s list: I LOATHE SPINNING, and as I revel in refreshing epicurean stops along the way, I am unlikely ever to voluntarily ingest a substance proudly, proprietarily and onomatopoetically identified as GOO. (-;
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E.M and Christine; I envy your purple bikes. Choosing the color that connects with your spirit enhances the Joy of the ride.
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Re: bras- Eschew underwires!; Aim for snug, supportive, comfortable, and endeavor to avoid the unpleasantly smashed-together dreaded “uni-boob” effect unfortunately endemic among sports bras.
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Roll safely through the holiday weekend. Enjoy the View!
Oh, Marty, I would have frozen to death! I nearly froze when it was 58 here!
It was a beautiful night to ride through the parkway, with clear skies, and a full moon. My toes and fingers did get a little cold, despite having gloves on, (just on my hands - I had shoes on my feet), as it is 43, with a wind chill of mid to upper 30's in SE WI.
@Tammie - It is good to set goals. I'm sure you'll do it.
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@Charles - I haven't burned any. I think the only way to tell is to go through all almost 28,000 profiles, and add them up. (Calories and burgers burned don't register if one doesn't record their time, so the answer you get would be off.)
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Christine@ - I feel much better about less strain on your knees. Have a great weekend of riding!
Well, I currently have the bragging rights among the women in Texas! I know I am going to have to probably work hard to keep them but going to enjoy it for the moment. I just put my money where my mouth is and signed up for the MS 150 in July. I may have bitten off more than I can chew but I will give it my best effort. Going to work very hard until then getting ready. Just got a new jersey in the mail today. Can't have too much'cycle wear'!LOL
@Christine purple hair right?
@Skippie, When and where??
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Got 2 new bras and a new seat! I'm a happy camper. Riding on the second gear in front and 4-7 in back works for me! Different, and doable. Headed for bed after a constructive and pleasant afternoon and evening. Dyeing the hair tomorrow and riding my arse off all weekend! Catch you on the flip flop! (Did I just date myself? Good thing! No one else will date me! Mwah!)
On our personal profiles we're told how many cheeseburgers we've burned. Anybody know how many we've burned in the National Bike Challenge?
Low 90s on the way home... I'm spent!
That's not too shabby
The beef ribs are smoking and the beer is really cold., Leifmanns Cuvee Brut made by Alfred at the brewery in Oudenaarde. Tour of Belgium playing back the TT with the sleek looking tights and the bikes that way about 14 pounds. Browsing on line through the cycling specials and supplies and loving all the online shopping bargains. Green bib shorts with an orange under shirt and jersey look really good and all for 35.. Just found that I do have that last box of pistachio Marzipan from Brugge to slice up with the dark chocolate sauce for the end of the meal. Ah cycling!
Bon ton Roule
We've just saved a little over 1/3 of a million dollars, and 1 million pounds of CO2. (I wonder what the interest rate is?)
OK, that's just about enough of that kind of talk.
How 'bout them "insert your favorite sports team here"? (He said to noone while downing a cold one, sitting on the recliner in his man cave, with baggy shorts, white socks and sandals, then belching, with the rapidly cooling last few pieces of a large pepperoni pizza with extra cheese within easy arm's reach.)
My current hybrid bike is blue. Just liked the color. I am looking at a sleek black Giant and a cool teal and white Trek... choices, choices! It will really come down to how they feel! I have riddent the Giant and am waiting for them to get the Trek in my size to try it out. Teal has always been my favorite color. If I get that one it will really CLASH with my blue helmet though! LOL ... and I spent an absolute fortune on that. I have been putting off bra shopping.... I really hate shopping for any type of clothes but have been buying cycling stuff... now have 3 pairs of shorts and two jerseys. Daily washing in the sink now and I NEVER hand wash anything... guess I really love this! There is always something flapping in the breeze on the patio drying now.
PS, Christine, purple is often disguised as the colors "lilac" and "violet" in case you are searching on line!
Christine, i am NOT a shopper, but I would hit Jockey and STOCK UP sister! Tammie, you are making the move I have been contemplating. But I finally put the smoother commuter tires on my bike and it rocks. I'd still get smoked by a road bike, but this will work for this season. I bought the tires 2 years ago for my mtnbike when I thoght I was going to ride like I do now. Timing is everything. Oh rode 2x's today windy and sunny yippee.
@Christine, not that i read the bra story...cycling clothing sizes...and cost are ridiculous for men/women.
HI all, out for my ride around lunchtime. Temps in the 60s but SUNNY!!! Saw three other riders on my regular route.
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@ Christine, nothing wrong with the sports bras from Target. As for the purple bike, I've been riding one for years, and have gone out of my way to accessorize: purple bike bags, purple in my bike helmet, purple jersey, purple gloves, purple straps on my pedals, purple shoelaces (I don't use the clip-ons shoes, I wear mountain bike shoes) and even purple handlebar tape (from Planet Bike, it's a beautiful color!). It took me years to assemble all this purple stuff. HAVE FUN!!!
GIRL TALK! <look away> @Chris, I would also try to work both in, however the bra's come first. There is no "putting off" bra stores for this girl. When exercising, I wear two. Love the thought of a purple bike! @Kathy, I am so sorry to read that you fell down. Get better quick!! Also, the clothing sizes for women's fitness clothes is infuriating. I am curvy all over and I have to buy the most ridiculous sizes!! Things I would never wear or buy in any other kind of clothes. I am pretty sure most athletic clothes manufacturers think all athletic woman are petite and straight up and down shaped.
@Christine - I'd try to work both in. Getting the bike tweaked is good, but the bra is pretty darn important. Good choice on the purple bike, girlfriend!!!
@Christine - Yeah! Purple :)
Can't you go to both places? Well if I had to choose I'd get the bike tweaked. I procrastinate when it comes to buying clothing and if I have something else to substitute I'll wait till I'm in the same area doing something else before going to the clothing store. And underclothing is the worst, no fun there.
Just got back from a ride, frozen nose and toes and fingers, this weather can go back to warm anytime . And the 30 mile an hr wind can quit to geez, windchill is in the high 20's
Ok, I bought my bike because it was purple! All these differences! Too many choices. I like menus that have only one entree!
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I rode to work today on the second front gear only. It felt weird; doesn't everything new? Still took me under 13 minutes to get to work, so no difference there. Is that good? Bad? Indifferent?
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Ok, Boys, you can stop reading now. My everyday bra (yes, I have only one; I'm no bra whore, that's for sure) gave up the ghost yesterday. One underwire started poking out, the other broke in half. Both on the same day! Originally, I'd planned to take my bike in for adjusting today, but now I think I should go to the Jockey outlet instead. More decisions, and I hate making decisions. Which would you do, girls?
@Tammy: Buying your first road bike is so exciting! Given the great advice from E M Matteson, you will also know when you see it because it will be love at first site. ha ha. Do research too, once you narrow it down to a couple bikes. And see which one has the options you will most likely utilize. I looked at several bike brands and I really liked Fuji and that is what I went with. Your making a strong investment for a bike, you want it to be right for you. Almost like car shopping! Good luck on your bike shopping journey!
@ Tammie, you are a fast learner. Half the battle is figuring out how to use advice as a guideline and not a carved in stone rule. When shopping for bikes you have to ask, what am I going to use it for the most? If the answer is mainly for riding on the road and the occasional errand, then a road bike is for you. If the answer is mainly for errands and riding on bumpy and maybe debris filled city streets, then you might need a city bike. Or a hybrid for road biking and touring. Or maybe you are planning on riding through the woods and across the neighbor's field, then you need a mountain bike. Once you figure that out, the most important factor in your decision is: which bike feels the best when I ride it, which bike is more comfortable? Of course it is always possible to do some tweaking after you buy the bike (raise & lower the seat, move handlebars back or forward, buy a different saddle etc.) and you may have to practice to get used to the shifting, but basically one of the bikes is going to feel more comfortable to you. You should buy the kind of bike (work horse or road toy?) that you are going to use it for the most, and you should buy the actual bike (size, shape, etc.) that feels the most comfortable to you. HAPPY SHOPPING!!
OOPS, @Michael - you need to click your name after you get into the workplace rider list and then you can "Change Settings"
@Michael - login, click on Leaderboard and select the Workplace category, click on the current workplace assigned to you and then select edit settings to change your place of work.
I have had my bike 9 weeks today and was lucky to be told quickly that you 'spin' rather than work hard. Use the easier gears and peadal faster when going up hill.. you feel like you are not really working as hard and it really is a LOT easier. You can go further.. enjoy your rides a lot longer! Until you build up your muscles, this is the way to do it. I have had some experienced cyclists tell me I need to change gears and that I am peddling too much.... I just tell them I don't have the muscles they have and am practicing my spinning! I have learned the necessity for more than one bike.. went shoping today. I am currently riding a hybrid and am looking at a road bike. Wish I knew more. Am looking at a Giant and a Trek... is there really a difference? Both about the same price.
@Lloyd, hope you heal well and quick!
@Charles the only way to invite your community is to go to the local home page and post a message there. Unfortunately that only works if people look there-rare. Good luck.
@Llotd - Sorry to hear that. Rest up, and you'll be good to go, but I'm sure not as quickly as you'd like.
@Michael - To find the instructions to change your workplace, go to the right side of this page, which is the News from NBC 2013, and look for March 28th.
How do I change my workplace? It is incorrect.
Yes, that is where my problem was, outside of my knee.
Hi all, out today for my regular ride this afternoon. Cloudy and in the upper 60s. I was just climbing the last hill (a very steep one close to my house) when it started to rain, so my timing was pretty good. Only spotted a handful of other riders out there. Of course now when I'm writing this the sun is back out!
@ Kathy, sorry about the crash. I have been trying to learn to put the weight on my outside foot when I turn. Instinct tells me to put it on the inside foot. I will never be a speed deamon. I gently break a little off and on when going down steep hills. I don't completely let go until I'm sure that I'm past the steepest part and ready to roll up the next hill. Tapping the brakes to slow down for corners might be helpful.
@ Christine, I agree the fitting is a good idea, but use it as a guideline. Once you get your bike fitted just keep tweaking it until you feel comfortable. Half of its what you get used to and how you feel. Once you feel comfortable just ignore everyone else's advice about being too high or low or too far forward etc....
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND STAY SAFE!!
@Christine-I had a knee problem only when I rode. This was some time ago. I was told I did not have my foot positioned on the pedal correctly and that the position my foot was in was twisting my tendons causing a lot of pain and severe discomfort when I rode. Once I learned how to correct my foot position I never had the problem again.
Sorry to my pals if you haven't heard from me. I'm out of the Challenge for awhile, I've got eye problems (torn retina) and must stay off the bike for awhile. Y'all ride hard, and keep the rubber side down. I'll do my best to get back in ASAP!!
This way we can stir up a little good-natured competition.
I see an Invite function so people can invite others to join their teams. Is there an Invite function for communities, so they can invite their freinds and neighbors who may work for other businesses to join the challenge?
You mean some people have more than two chain rings? Why? LOL
@Kathy, Braking could have caused your crash Kathy. Most folks use the wrong (rear) brake when slowing. More on that if anyone is interested. Cadence is personal preference. No hard and fast rules there. Some do 90 while others are quite efficient and comfortable at 60. Bottom line is keep it constant.
@Christine, shift when your cadence is either slower or faster than what you want it to be. Use that rule of thumb. As for when to change chain rings up front, never cross your chain. If going up hill in the little chain ring, never go past the middle from the largest to smallest in the rear. Just the opposite for the big ring up front. Never go past the middle from the smallest cog in the rear.
@Marty and everyone that rides in the wet, remember the painted traffic lines are always slick when wet, and you'll slide-out with amazing ease on them :(
@Christine if the pain is on the outside of your knee, look up I.T. (illio-tibial) Band Syndrome and you'll find stretches and roller technique that can solve this pesky condition. I'm a cheap bastard, and just used a piece of PVC pipe and a couch pillow rather than the $40 roller.
@Christine S Just for an experiment move to the middle chain ring for the next ride. i do not go to the big ring until I'm rolling along pretty good. Think of starting your car off from a stop sign in 3rd gear. You wouldn't right? so using your gears is lke going through the gears on your car. start out in 2nd ring on the front and about 4 on the back and try to adjust from there. Also, have the folks at your shop go over the gears with you when you check the fit. I too have a little trick knee and spinning is so much better I never push with my knees anymore.
@Marty, I remember them telling me that in drivers ed class... some odd 30 years ago... funny how faulty the memory gets.
@Christine, sounds like you're using the highest gear. I rarely come out of the second ring in the front (except today when I went down I was in 3/7, Yep, ouch!) and shift liberally thru the other seven.
Is there a way to find out how many points one had from last year.
@Christine - I was having pain in the IT band on the outside back of my right knee. I went in for a professional fit and the pain is gone. I had my massage therapist check it out today and she noticed a significant improvement as well.
Aha! That's why my left knee hurts! It's akin to today's "Duuuuude!" when you realize something. ;-D
@Rob-how cool is that?
Christine@ It took me a while to find what ETA was besides Estimated Time of Arrival. I had never heard it used for Edited to Add before, but it makes sense. Now, what does AHA! mean? American Heart Association? ;-)
Anyone ever hear of MonkeyLectric? I have the Monkey Light M232, it is fun and well built. The Monkey Light Pro is just being launched on Kickstarter. I think this will be out of my price range, but the video is pretty cool. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/minimonkey/monkey-light-pro-bicycle-wheel-display-system
@Kathy - When it just starts to rain, it is the slickest, because the water lifts the oils from cars out of all of the very small indentations in the road, and creates a nice, slippery surface. After a short time, the oils run downhill, and out of the way. (Well, they don't literally run.)
Okay, guys! The AHA! moment: my left knee does grumble at me occasionally. I tore the ACL in it eons ago skiing, and attributed the pain to that, but it could be the way I pedal. I'll work on that for sure now! I'm taking my bike (tomorrow?) to have the pros check the fit. If I want to keep riding for many years to come - and I do - I need to make sure I'm doing it properly now!
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@Rick and all, I do prefer a standard transmission in my driving, but have been having a difficult time equating the gearing there to that of the bike. Can't seem to wrap my brain around it for some reason. I do drop into lower gear when going up a hill, riding into the wind, or approaching a stop (so it's easier to start again). But I tend to stay on the largest of the three front gears and the highest numbers of the seven rear gears when riding on flat ground. I feel as though if I'm not pumping hard, I'm not doing anything. This is my *first* true experience with anything but a single speed bike, so pedaling hard seems like the norm to me. I will work on pedaling faster, but not worrying that I'm at exactly 90 strokes per minute.
@Cynthia N yes youtube videos can be very helpful for learning to make little adjustments and fix stuff on your bike. also, some shops give classes to aid riders in the basics of adjusting and maintaining your bike which gives some hands on with guidance.
@christine Easy pedaling is a very good style to enjoy cycling more I found. The best thing I learned was to shift before you need to shift. What is coasting? I pedal all the time. I mean you have to pedal if its uphill and if you're going to get up the next one you better pedal down this one, so coasting?
Watch out for the white plastic paint on the roads if it rains or there is any moisture. In Florida that put it on so think some intersections are like speed bumps, and do not change direction on this stuff or you will likely be slipping down.
Lastly, I got run off the road yesterday twice by local school buses. So, I sent my account to the elected folks along with the date, time, bus # and my account of the events. I got a very nice email today from the Bus department, but the best thing was that before I got the email I was out riding and two buses that passed me actually obeyed the three foot law and were thoughtful as to conditions on the roads that we were sharing. The school bus department made a big effort to remind drivers about sharing the road yesterday afternoon and this morning. Some of the buses have video cameras and record the view of the road. I was also invited to let them know if any bad driving does happen again. I was as factual as possible, but I wish I had had a helmet cam. Almost the end of the year so I'm saving the email so if I need to speak up in September i can. Let's be safe out there. Bon ton Roule!
@Rick - Yeah, I know I was lucky. Down hill then right turn and just starting to rain... I just keep thanking the Lord it wasn't worse, even though I'm sitting here grumbling and icing my sore arse.
@Christine-so much wonderful information! You Tube is also an amazing wealth of information for learning.
@Christine - Marty is right about the knee injury... I ride to low in the RPMs for long and put too much pressure on my right knee and it starts to whimper. Same goes for seat position. My seat sunk (which it can do over time) and I had it repositioned by my bike shop. on my next tune up I will have the bike all tweaked again.
so don't worry about all the technical jargon on cadence. Just know that's it's about how fast you pedal. if you're just riding about pedaling then coasting then pedaling a few more times it probably won't affect you that much.
@Christine - don't obsess about cadence. 90 is supposedly optimal, but that also assumes your are working long enough and hard enough for it to matter. Most of us aren't racing. In stretches where I really don't have to work at it, I like shifting up into a higher gear. The slower cadence is relaxing. What you don't want to do is 'lug the engine,' the old term for driving a car in too high a gear for the current speed or grade. And I found that my comfort with higher cadences increased over time.
Christine@ - Definitel pedal fast in a lower gear. It doesn't matter if you are racing, or just getting started. Even if you don't feel muscle soreness during or after, it is still putting more of a strain on the knee area than you want. Too much, and you could end up injured. (I really cringe when I see someone going up a hill under 60 rpm.)
Definitely saddle related. You want a split seat, and then sit back on the seat so that there is a gap in the seat where you need it. If you find yourself sliding forward, consciously move back. One issue for both males and females is Bicycle Seat Neuropathy, when too much pressure is put on the pudendal nerve. And the other issue is the one you were talking about. Both can be helped by a better seat and where you sit on that seat. (So, that all plays into if you have a proper fitting bike or not. If it doesn't fit right for you, if your seat is too low, you will put too much strain on the knee, if it is too high, or angled incorrectly, you will slide forward.)
@Kathy - A slick road and a left turn while accelerating is what landed me on the pavement with a broken hip in December. Glad you got away with lesser injuries. Hope you heal quickly. And be careful out there. As one of my teammates, says, "Keep the rubber side down."
So, I should be pedaling fast, not hard?....ETA.... Yikes. I just looked at the Endomondo information regarding cadence and speed, and I think I'll just stick to riding the way I am. It is SO confusing and at my age, confusion is not a good thing. I'm not experiencing muscle soreness after my rides, either immediately or later, so I must be doing okay. My only soreness is in my lady bits and I assume that's saddle related; I'm working on that. I'm really not in it for the speed, but for the exercise. I can feel that my muscles are getting stronger, I'm getting an aerobic work out, and my stamina is increasing. I'll settle for that! ;-}
@Kathy-how awful! Hope you'll be ok. Don't you hate when things like that happen? Nice to hear the police officers helped you.
@Christine-sounds like you week is not a good one for bike things. Take one thing at a time and breathe! There is an amazing amount of online shopping for bike shorts: bikenashbar.com, performance.com, and teamestrogen.com, & aerotechdesigns.com (someone on this forum suggested the site and I checked it out, looks pretty cool.), also Amazon.com. Good luck!
Christine@ - DOMS is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - Every time you exercise, you break down some muscle fibers. To replace them, you create new ones, and in this process, usually create more. That is how you get stronger. But when a runner runs quite a bit further or harder than usual, a weight trainer lifts much more than normal, or a bicyclist uses too high a gear and really pushes it, particularly up hills, they break down a really high percentage of muscle fiber, which causes the soreness.
RPM - Many cycling speedometers have the rotations per minute as part of their readings. If you don't have that, the safest way to tell is to look at your watch while biking and when it gets to a 5 or 0, whichever foot is lowest, count the NEXT 15 times after that one, that that foot comes down. Coinciding with that 15th time, look at your watch again. If it is not on a 5 or 0, (whichever one you started at), then you're not pedaling at 90 rpm. If you end up even a 1/2 second later, you're putting too much effort into each pedal stroke. A second later, and your rpm is down at about 84. That will result is shorter rides, more DOMS, and also make it less likely that you will ride the next day or two, as not only was the ride harder than it should have been, but you feel worse afterwards. So, shift down a gear or two, and give yourself time to get used to that. (90 rpm not so coincidently corresponds to 180 steps per minute for runners - the most efficient and least chance of getting an injury leg turnover rate for them, provided they aren't running less than 800 meter races. I clocked Usain Bolt at about 220 spm. I also tell any of my runners who have a leg turnover issue to get on a bike and spin at 90-100 rpm.)
@Christine - DOMS Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. You're not hurting with your done but next morning your sore. More common in weight lifting than with cardio sports.
@Christine - I understand about the bike shorts or tights. I'm not that large (size 10 in Jeans) but when I purchased Pearl Izumi I had to buy their XL just to get them past my hips, I've never worn XL in my life. I also agree with the lower waist bands too and I'm no granny. Although at my age it could be possible.
Bike Cadence or RPM's are usually measured with a cadence meter. I bought one to go with my Garmin. I don't know how they measure it with the Endomondo app. However. Think of it this way. Loosen your gears till you are pedaling like crazy with almost no resistance. For me that is about 105 to 110 RPMs. so from there I can increase resistance in my gears by 2 and I'll be pedaling around 90. Of course you have different gearing so won't be the same with you but 90 RPMs is fast pedaling.
@ Kathy - Owwy!! Glad you didn't get seriously hurt!
@Kathy, OUCH is right. Heal well, quickly, and completely! Hope all the police who helped you were young and handsome!
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@Marty, I forgot: what are DOMS?
@Marty, is that Rotations Per Minute or Mile? And how do you know how many you're doing? These are the biking things I really need to learn about. (I just get on my bike and ride!) I went to a local bike shop (without my bike) to check about a new seat...the guy looked at me like I was dumb, but I never thought about bringing my bike! He said I might not even be riding the right bike...that my bike might not "fit" me. Yikes! What does that mean? I am having difficulties with butt soreness and feeling like the saddle isn't right for me. I rode my retro Raleigh a bit over a week ago and despite the coaster brakes and lack of gears, it was like riding in a Cadillac after riding in an army jeep. I want that seat on my everyday bike or gears and handbrakes on my Raleigh!
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I've tried to find biking shorts that I like, but apparently, you are not supposed to have a broad beam if you ride a bike. Even the XLs don't fit. And I hate the low, low, low "waist bands" on today's women's lower wear. (Yes! I wear Granny panties! I'm a Granny, after all!)
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I've had a frustrating week, bike wise. Yucky weather, appointments galore after work, sore butt. Haven't ridden the first mile this week. Tomorrow looks promising for commuting! And maybe the weekend will bring some good biking weather!? Let's go ride a bike!
@Kathy - Ouch! Glad you're okay.
Ouch, went down making a right turn at about 20mph... Thank the Lord I wasn't seriously injured just a skinned elbow and swollen hip. Fell across from a police station too, so I had the police running out to help me. Would have made the turn had the road not been wet. My own stupid fault for not slowing it down. Sigh. The ride home sucked.
@Vanessa - Glad you got your bike back!
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@Moria - Congratulations on the new distance! Guessing from your comment though is that you may be sore because you have it in too high a gear. No matter what the terrain, you should be pedaling at 90 rpm, so use your shift levers liberally. The first few weeks riding like that will feel weird, but you will get used to it, will be able to ride farther, and won't suffer from DOMS. (And, when you know you are going to be coming to a stop, shift down a gear or two beforehand, so that it is easier to pedal when starting up again.)
Vanessa - that is a tough week, but sounds like things are improving fast. Good luck to you!
@Vanessaq - Glad you got your bike back!
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@Moria - Congratulations on the new distance! Guessing from your comment though is that you may be sore because you have it in too high a gear. No matter what the terrain, you should be pedaling at 90 rpm, so use your shift levers liberally. The first few weeks riding like that will feel weird, but you will get used to it, will be able to ride farther, and won't suffer from DOMS. (And, when you know you are going to be coming to a stop, shift down a gear or two beforehand, so that it is easier to pedal when starting up again.)
@Jerry: The Canondale's are made in China, too.....
After work I went on a 8 mile bike rike. An I feel it this morning, but I am proud of my self. I would also like to thank my co-workers on 2 West for words of encouragement. Thank you guys are the best!!!!
Today is the first time that I have commuted to work on my bike this week. Bad weather, and a new diet have made me a little bit 'reluctant' to ride. But todays ride in was just fine, with a bit of fog and high humidity and a 30% chance of a T'shower this afternoon, but something that I HAD to do...
Man its been a slow week for me getting bike stolened than getting my bike back from the bike shop and relearning all the new features likethe new shifters and gears but LOVE the new metal paddles make my old bike look brand new all over again:-) but I have a lot of time to make up for:'-D
@Brad, I rock the same bib shorts in the Pro version. A bit more money, but I like the Pro chamois. You are right, bibs are the only way to go. Now, how about a quality chamois cream? Ever hear of Nubutte by Inyangi? Unlike most out there, this one is not water based. You have to wash it off. Which means it won't sweat off. Look at almost every other brand's ingredients, and one of the first, if not the first, on the list is water.
@Steven...Althogh the label says they are a California company, the Canaris I have were made in China, as were the Craft brand pair. I have been happy with the Aerotech ones, even though I bought their cheapest line. My next pair will likely be Aerotech, but probably a higher end pair. Thanks for the tip on the Canondale ones though.
Got a nice ride in afterwork with my Mom. Then homemade pizza and a salad for dinner after. Life is good. Well,off to pack my panniers for tomorrows commute.
@ Kathy, I have seriously not had a sore butt for years. Just the shorts and the bike seat. Keep adjusting your position while you ride and stretch once in a while and you can keep a lot of other stuff from getting sore as well!
I've tried quite a few shorts over the past few years and what I found felt best to me were the Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool PRO (Elite is pretty good too), I prefer bibs because I don't like the waistband in my belly. I only buy them when they're on sale at around $100. I bought my wife the PI Sugar Short (short cut EM), she's says they feel good and a great price at just over $40. For a comfortable saddle, check out the Selle An-Atomica - it's kind of built like a leather hammock that's split down the middle so each side can flex independently.
@Jerry: I believe Canari is made in California, though you may have to confirm this. I found Canondale shorts that I really like as the liner is completely separate from the padding so you don't really look like you're wearing cycling shorts (if you care about that). I bought them from REI, again, not exactly sure where they are made. (I can check if you'd like).
love it Allen !!
@ J. Hugh - fortunately he's a one term governor.
The Gov. of Florida has just vetoed the cross Florida Bike trail that the legislature funded. It was enough money to complete it, but my guess is that his Hospital/healthcare buddies didn't see anything in it for them. When you have a Gov, that looks like lurch and acts like cousin it you know you are in trouble.
I guess now they are working on connecting some current trails Up here to eventually connect to the GAP Trail in Pittsburgh,,, its called the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, so eventually you'll be able to go from Erie Pa down to Washington DC
I was in London in March this year and I had planned to ride a bike while there. After I saw just how dangerous it was going to be I decided not to. Emma way was wrong but it's not new.
@ Allen - Hehe. Cute.
Couldn't help myself,,, sorry
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/935440_455002791260934_1290991192_n.jpg
@Kathy...and all...Re: Bike shorts.... I found a "Made in USA" bike clothing company, Aerotech Designs. Their prices are competative, and even if they were'nt, I just feel good supporting American jobs.
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/info.html
@Marty - Not a lady? I would never have guessed. Thanks for the suggestions. ;)
@Kelly - Perhaps I will go out this weekend (Memorial day sales) and see if I can find anything at the local larger bike shops.
@EM - Is it really possible to not have a sore butt after a long ride? I'll look into the progel, it's not very expensive.
@Jerry - Hey they are in Pittsburg, PA. I'm in Jersey so not to far away, I could take the Great Allegheny Passage! - or I guess I could just order online. :p
@Kelly - At least she was stupid enough to tweet about it. However, her punishment does not fit the crime.
@Lou - That trail sounds fun although I would never go, cause I don't do that kinda thing alone, Movies yes, dinner yes, ride a 335 mile trail? no.
Just re-read the story about Emma Way's misdeeds. I find less grounds to charge with assault with a deadly weapon. I'm not sure she deliberately tried to hit the cyclist. She apparently rounded a tight curve and clipped him with a mirror - for her, seemingly, a happy accident rather than a deliberate hit. It now sounds more like a case of "DWS" - driving while stupid. But her leaving the scene of a collision and her apparent callous attitude should still rate loss of license and vehicle.
@Jerry, wipe it down including the chain, then relax. You might need to reapply chain lube if you notice it squeaking next ride.
OK, just got completly soaked on the way home. Do I need to do anything for my bike?
Sadly, automobiles are rarely viewed as weapons even when wielded by an angry motorist in an attempt to intimidate or harm the cyclist. Seems ridiculous, and perhaps it is hard to prove the intent, but in this case, what more proof could LEO's want? Fry her.
Just looked at the Emma Way tweet posting. The summary on the page suggests that she has not been charged with any crime. To me, deliberately knocking a bicyclist off his bike using one's automobile sounds an awful lot like assault with a deadly weapon. At the moment, she's getting by with an apology. Jail time, loss of license AND loss of the vehicle seem like the more appropriate level of penalty. It was only luck that kept this deliberate act from ending in a fatality.
@Robert. I haven't made the trip yet, but what I've heard is the Great Allegheny Passage between PGH and Cumberland is a good surface and flat. On the C&O canal between DC and Cumberland there's more noticeable changes in elevation, and the route is apparently a pretty bumpy ride. One advantage of the DC to PGH would be to get the bumpy part out of the way first. An advantage of doing PGH to DC would be that when you finish you'd be closer to home.
@Lou, I plan on riding that route this summer. Any tips on doing it? I'd love to work out a shuttle from DC to Pittsburgh as I live in the Philadelphia area. I plan on riding west to east. How is the trail surface? Thanks!
And this is the mentality of most motorist.. http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/hit-and-run-driver-brags-on-twitter-185037059.html Just need to read the top part of the article. Glad the "twit" was caught.
@ Kathy I was about to recommend the Performance bike shorts. I buy them when they go on sale. Admittedly a nerd, I wear a pair of cargo shorts over the bike shorts because I like pockets. So Ideally I like the really short shorts. Another thing that can make you comfortable is a good saddle. I have a WTB progel saddle that I have been using for years. Well worth the investment.
@Kathy-no doubt there are plenty of places to get bike shorts from but I generally go to bikenashbar.com. They have a wide selection of women's biking shorts at very reasonable prices. (I am poor too and try not to spend too much on gear but am careful to get what I need for safety and comfort.) Bike Nashbar brand makes their own brand of clothing and so far I have not had any complaints on any of their products. Hope that helps! Or, if you live near a bike store or even a Performance Bike Store-you can find good shorts on sale. I visited a bike shop this weekend who was having an end of season sale and I got an awesome pair of shorts regularly $70 for the sale price of $20!
The term comfy saddle makes me laugh a lot. I have found the saddle i like and over time my wife found she really liked the same saddle, even though it was not one of her comfy experiments. what do you do with comfy experiments that really just add to the butte pain? so far throw them out is all I can find to do with them. The only general rule I have found is that the bigger it is the more pain it can cause because you sit on your sits bones not the soft tissue that gets sore.
Rumblefish (MTB) today. Starting to get back into the swing of things. Set a couple of personal records! Pulling out of this weekend's Enduro was still a good idea....
Hi All! Love the food tips. I need to get out my notepad. A funny story for my friends who are afraid to ride on the road. I spent half the night in the emercengy room last night. Not from a bike accident, but because a cursed weed I was pulling flew debris into my eyes. I suffered a cut on the inside of my eyelid, which was painful and couldn't close my eyes. I can ride my bike thousands of miles a year without a scratch and get injured in my vegetable garden, go figure.
@Kathy - I'm no lady, but two inexpensive sources would be Sierra Trading Post and Bikenashbar. Both offer inexpensive options. 8 pannel tends to be better quality and fit better than 6 panel. (I would also recommend padded shorts. Why be uncomfortable after only an hour?)
The unofficial opening of the Great Allegheny Passage was just announced over the weekend. One of the last miles into Pittsburgh from DC was unfinished, and a harrowing mile it was. Now you can bike car free over 335 between the two cities.
Pretty awesome! We've waited about 20 years for this. Now we just have to recruit all the new trail users to sign up for the Challenge.
Ok ladies, I need some cycling shorts (I don't have any). Anyone got any recommendations? I'm poor so trying to find something good for a small amount of money. Padding is optional as I have a comfy saddle... (comfy enough as long as the ride is less than 1 hour, after that I start complaining.)
@Gregg - over the top-love it and did anyone else the Promise to roll together with Volkswagen on P4B page ( Think Blue ) ?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER and Think Blue!
D.
@Autumn - you need to log over a mile to get points. it looked like you were mostly logging half mile rides. However, you should have points from May 17th.
i have loged my miles but not getting any points does anyone have an answer to this.
Hi all just back from todays ride. I took my regular route. Temps are in the mid-70s, the sky is overcast, and the wind was whipping up from a couple of directions. Spotted four other riders.
Rain today here in Wisconsin, but beautiful gorgeous weather is on the horizon for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend with dry weather, very light winds, temps in the 60's, low humidity and partly cloudy skies. How much more perfect can riding get? This should be a very high mileage riding weekend in Wisconsin as people head out camping and hitting the trails on this busy holiday weekend.
@Paige - Welcome aboard! How did you do in the HM?
@Gregg-hey that is so so cool!
San Francisco installed a bike counter on busy Market Street earlier this month. How cool is that? http://bit.ly/13LsmjE
Just adding to the discussion of what we eat before/after, I find that I have more trouble maintaining good energy when I eat "quick carbs". I need to eat a more moderate carb diet balanced with protein and fat. The quick carbs pick me up initially, but they do not sustain me, I will drop off and "bonk" like what was suggested before. If I am on a longer ride, I bring along snacks, but again having to be careful not to eat those "quick carbs". Some of the protein bars work pretty well, sometimes trail mix (heavy on the nuts with lesser amounts of raisins or berries). Or a fruit with a stick of string cheese. Afterwards, it depends on how hard and how long I was riding, but if I am in need, I will first grab a glass of milk, and perhaps toss in a little chocolate. The milk is a great mixture of protein, carb and fat. My rides are usually an hour or so after dinner, but sometimes after breakfast on the weekends. One time, I rode after eating a donut, and I seriously bonked after the first 10 miles!
Ran 1/2 marathon on Saturday, May 18. Running is my primary exercise with cycling as a cross training activity.
Not sure if already mentioned...
DC got my oatmeal for long days, eat at least 1.5 hours in advance to allow digestion. Something which I always carry is Rolaids, each tablet contains around 1000 mg of calcium as well as magnesium. A few minutes before hard efforts eat 1 or 2 to supply your muscles, sort of a poor man's 'SportLegs'. Someone else mentioned Figs cookies. On long days they do a good job of maintaining energy (2-3/hour), try to eat them while riding (while in the back so not to affect anyone else)
Did not get to commute today...was up till 11pm preparing for Memorial Day weekend visitors so being a little tired this morning was a factor in not riding. No worries though, will be heading out for a 15 mile ride or longer this evening with my Mom! ; - )
I eat oatmeal before my saturday and sunday rides. Good fuel.
I have suffered from ketosis before and it is horrible, bonking, is what it is called I believe. I have learned to drink drink drink and eat eat eat before long rides like a 150. A least a couple days ahead of time and the night and morning before the ride. Even on rides longer than 40 miles I need to drink before I am thirsty and eat when I am not hungry. It is learned skill when you are preparing for a long ride. Also, whey protein drinks are really good to have before, during and after long rides. I discovered those and they make a big difference. You can get the powder at Wal-Mart, any nutrition store, health food store, CVS, Walgreens. I get mine from NOW FOODS. As Ray S said too-supplements, vitamins, protein bars and rehydration are key.
I make my shakes with the protein powder and use rice milk or coconut milk as I cannot tolerate regular milk of any kind. Especially before a ride.
Also during the ride, having a bottle of iced Gatorade and water is very helpful. Drink often and much.
Average speed depends a lot on the road surface and where you ride. A smooth road makes it simple to go fast. It's easy to average high teens when you aren't always slowing to pass people or doing the stop/start thing for a bunch of street crossings. Auto-pause helps too, no point dragging your average down while sitting at a red light. And as Paul already pointed out, pedal all the time.
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I'm generally not good at pre-ride eating, during I'll eat a banana or fig newtons or Clif bars, but normally only take food on 25+ miles rides. Post-ride I have a scoop or two of protein power and fill up my blender bottle with skim milk. That is quite filling and occasionally prevents me from eating a lot. A big bowl of Cheerios and/or a big bowl of frozen fruit with plain greek yogurt is good too. Vitamins, minerals and rehydration. Much healthier than hopping in the car and heading over to Five Guys or Penn Station ;)
For 20+ mile rides, I eat a piece of fruit before my ride. I use Nuun tablets in my water for electrolytes and if I'm in a real pinch, I carry an energy snack in my Jersey. I don't use it very often. @gregg, I am horrible about stretching. I really need to do it more.
@Tammie - You probably depleted your muscles of glycogen, and were in ketosis.
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@Dave - There are far too many days when drivers on cell phones cause issues. You can save yourself about $50 and unfortunately end up with the same net effect by just buying a paper target and taping it to yourself. There are too many drivers who think they own the road, and are more than willing to be agressive to prove it.
I eat a couple protein bars (total of 20 grams) and drink lots of water before and after ride and then recover with a good meal afterwards. This usually works for me on our Tuesday and Thursday night group rides (about 30 miles each night). And I also stretch both before and after ride.
@Douglas F, I hate the whole "Share The Road," concept. Sharing implies that I don't really belong there in the first place. Our rural PA roads do not often allow for "sharing" anyway. I take the lane, moving to the right only when I'm sure the car behind can pass safely. "Share The Road" was never meant to be "Get out of my way!" but sadly that's how many motorists interpret it to mean. "Bicycles Present" seems a better way to alert motorists that they may encounter bicycles on "their" roads.
I ride about 40 miles a day, usually nonstop solo rides. I find that if I munch down a Clif bar about halfway through my ride, it keeps my energy level topped up. I make a point of eating a good meal within a half hour of returning from my ride. I also use SportLegs and they work great. Only water in my bottles, and as the weather gets warmer, I add a packet of Clif Blocks for electrolyte replacement.
Well, I have discovered that eating enough does make a difference. I have not been eating or sleeping and I completely ran out of energy as of last thursday. Finally ate real food yesterday.. PIZZA .. cookies salad... and slept 8 full hours last night. Before that I could barely make 7 miles yesterday, today, different story. 19 miles and I could have kept going if it had not gotten dark. Now, i have the same problem with speed! I too am a turtle. I have my moments and am a little better than I was when I got my bike 9 weeks ago.
Doug F Post ride I take a pint or bit more chocolate milk, I'd probably like whole milk better, but use skim and supplement with good bread and butter (not margarine) Dried Cherries are supposed to help as well and seem to, I'm still trying to get my age in under 4 hours last year wasn't bad but I really need to get 15 mph average. I'll eat at the turn around even get a non caffeinated sport drink if they have it and more water
30 miles a liter if its not too hot.
Doug, I find I dont need extra calories till I am doing more than 40 miles. On longer rides I eat every hour or every 15 miles, more often if there's more climbing. I use Clif Bars, Mojo bars, Clif Shots, Gu packs, Honey Stinger Waffles, Bananas etc. I'll usually only eat half of a large bar per feeding. Hydration is super important, Iots of water, and always start with a bottle of electrolyte mix (I use Nuun tablets lately), really helps prevent muscle cramping. After a big ride I have a chocolate whey protein powder drink. Also important as we exercise more to take daily calcium and vitamin supplements.
I want a jersey that says " Put down your stupid phone and pay attention to your driving"
For those who do longer rides (20+ miles), what do you eat before, during, and after your ride? I'm trying to figure out what kind of food will help keep my energy up and not drag me down as I attempt longer rides. My goal is to be able to do two 75 mile trips (150 miles r/t) every Saturday by August. I'm at 45 miles right now, with liberal rest stops, and I found that I had the strength to continue, but not the stamina. My engine was ready but my tank was empty.
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As an aside, I was yelled at for the first time today to get on the sidewalk. This was coming from a guy in a really big, really loud diesel pickup who used vulgar language liberally though, so he was obviously trying (and failing) to compensate for something. I want a jersey that says, "Share the road. Yes, it really *is* the law." and a helmet cam with a sticker that says, "Smile for the camera!" Most jerks aren't jerks when they know they're being recorded. Anyhow...
I went on my first group ride tonight. A ladies group. I went with the slow and shorter set of girls. We pretty much duplicated my effort last night. I was with the larger group for about four miles and I could tell that they would get me gling faster. It was fun. The weather is beautiful right now!
I think I've decided to focus less on speed, though I enjoy the idea of making the bike go fast under my power. I read on the LAB blog about a woman who has survived 2 cancer episodes & is living with diabetes. She says she finds long slow rides best for controlling her blood sugar. I really do enjoy going out for a couple hours, getting 15 or 20 miles. My sweetie worries about me & misses me when I'm gone that long, but gets that it's good for me & I need it. Still wish I was faster. Might make me feel capable of going on a group ride.
@Cynthia Nelson re going faster...Jerry's tip on intervals is the typical strategy for trying to work on speed, but I have a few others. First, you might try riding with some faster riders. A few years ago I went on some rides with the Ripon Cycling team. Now, admittedly, their coach was reigning them in a bit as it was a "community ride," but sometimes I was the only other "community" person. Riding with them was the first time I ever averaged 20+ mph on a ride...on a Schwinn Traveler (this was before I got my Cannondale...I got some real cred with the youngsters being able to hang with some of them on my relic). The other thing about riding in groups is you learn about the value of drafting. But even with the draft, you learn how to "push" which can help your speed. The other thing I do to work on speed at the beginning of the cycling year is that I ride the Traveler when the roads are still crappy and sometimes muddy. Working on a heavier bike, and then shifting to a lighter bike (my aluminum Cannondaly Synapse) can also help your speed. Another thing I try to do regularly during a ride is to keep my speed above the average speed as much as possible during my rides. And I almost ALWAYS peddle. I don't coast much, even when going down hill (I know, many people think I am crazy). If you can carry good speed going down hills, you can help your overall aveage speed quite a bit. Lastly, I find just doing miles really can help. At the beginning of the summer, I am typically 17-18 mph range (but a bit slower today thanks to wind ;-/ ). By the end of the summer, I am closer to 19 mph and have frequent rides aveaging 20 mph. Admittedly, this is quite an "unscientific" approach...and even I would like to go a bit faster, too, even though I have age working against my efforts. But it is how I have increased my speeds over the last three years or so. I hope they help.
Hi all, heat, what heat? Actually temps were in the 80s again today. But I rode this morning back from dropping my car off for a repair. Then I rode again this afternoon to pick the car up again. So no long ride today, but riding for errand purposes.
Christine@ - Someone last year posted a site that had this national and all of the state comments sections that you could copy into any word type document. (Then once in Word, you could do a find for a key word or name.) When I have some time this weekend, I will find it, and see it it still works. (Remind me, if I don't.)
Here's another blood donor. I ride. I don't race. I ride faster in some places than others, but always with the idea that I may have to ride another 10 miles to get to a stopping place. The donation center I use is very close to my homeward bike route, about two miles from work. I stop there, donate, have my juice and cookies, and ride the remaining 5 miles home, perhaps a little less aggressively than normal. Although home is at a lower elevation than the blood center, it's still up and down all the way. The donation center folks know I do this, and I've never had a problem. I wouldn't recommend it until one is confident that one's body responds well to the loss of a pint. That said, my next donation date is a little close to the STP (Seattle to Portland) date, and I may reschedule.
There was a new guy at the blood bank the last time I gave. When he saw I was riding, he asked, "We've told you not to do that, right?"
90 degrees and 54% humidity in Baton Rouge today! How's everyone beating the heat?
Oh yea right? Squirrels are definitely kamikaze!
@ Kathy R These are my rules. You get to make your own. Everyone can have their own and it does not require them to be alike. Part of the fun in funny.
@Cynthia yes, gators, black bears, bobcats, raccoons, deer and wild hogs all on the trails and roads of Florida. Oh! and do not forget the most dangerous squirrels, which I have nick named the kamikaze of the south. Can anyone bark like a squirrel? All the other critters run away, but you must bark in squirrel to make them get out of the way..
@Christine-page by page.
Is there a way to "search" through these posts?
@ Jerry-thanks for this tip! I will have to check it out.
@Andrew-Agreed about eating lots when riding!
@Kathy-Can relate to the errand running scenario.
@JHugh - #9 is a bit of a reach since 23 is my longest continuous ride and even that was broken by a quick run into the hardware store. As a commuter, I prefer speed and ride because, well yes it's fun; but in reality, I just need to get some place. (work, groceries, errands, whatever.) and when I finish today's ride I think, Crap, I forgot the blankity blank, guess I'll have to go back tomorrow.
43 miles on the Domane today - not fast, but comfier than Sunday's MTB ride. Missed the bad weather, too! Good thing about getting back in the saddle? Eating. Loads. And I do love to eat!
@Cynthia A Nelson, and others who want to go faster. The best way to go faster is to do interval training. You can search online for different type of intervals to do. Last year when I started my interval training my average speed increased by 2mph in three weeks. But a warning about interval training. It is hard. It hurts. You are pushing yoursellf to your limits. This is the one I did last year.
http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/go-back-back
But there are many to choose from.
@J. Hugh Strickland-Like....don't forget to include gator siting's along with the wildflowers and birds. ha ha
I especially like the last three, though I don't know if #9 is really true! ;-}
My rules for riding to keep on riding.
1. You are not in the Tour de France. Rides are for fun, fitness and future possibility.
2. Find the satisfying fun in every ride.
3. See number one.
4. If in pain stop, this means real pain not that my Butte hurts today.
5. If bored, change directions with an exploration of a way I never rode.
6. Talk to other riders, especially if they are stopped and you can strike up a conversation. Encourage others. They do not need to know how far you are riding.
7, see number one.
8. Enjoy the wildflowers and birds every day and in every season.
9. Remember that most rides get better after the 20 mile warm up. wind is a chance to work on climbing when you live in Florida.
10. When finished with todays ride, ask yourself, Where to next?
Now that we are averaging over 106,000 miles per day, we are now on target to reach 16 million miles! If we keep on improving like we have been, by the end of this month we'll be averaging 120,000 per day, and on target for 18 million+!
If the route from the blood donation center is safe, one can also travel via bicycle to make a donation. I do it, except not during winter. Tell them, and they just wrap your arm better. And since I switched over to a double unit of RBC, I made myself a sling, and bike that way. (Except I don't tell them about that.) My route is only 4 miles mostly very light traffic, and only has one hill, which I take slowly.
I average 12 to 13 mph. Not the fastest rider or the first rider in but I certainly enjoy myself. I am aspiring to go faster. It takes time and it depends on your on personal goals and what you want for yourself. That is one of the things I like about this sport, unless you make it competitive because that is what you want, it doesn't have to be. You can learn to ride with the big dogs or not and still be a part of the sport as whole. Organized rides are for everyone of every level. And just getting out there any time at any pace and also being a part of this challenge is fun for all.
Me, too, @Burklee! My personal best is 10.5 average over 14 miles, with the last mile always being the slowest. I'm old and fat, too, but when I'm riding I feel like a lithe teenager again! Those were the days, eh?
@Burklee - I see an increase in speed after doing hills. Not big hills, but ones where I really need to work, and each month my avg speed increases a tiny bit. Maybe someday I can ride with the big boys on their racing bikes, although I might need a racing bike for that.
Wow, I don't know how you all get to average 12, 14, 16 mph. The best I've ever done is around 10 mph. No matter how often I ride, that's my best average. It's a consequence of being old and fat, I suppose. But, I can ride far, far longer than I can walk. Oh well. I just keep pedaling along... :)
@Heather, I used to only do 12 and now I do 14 to 16. It's not a pipe dream, it will come.
We are up to 27,131 riders. I continue to inform everyone I know about the challenge and that it is for everyone of all levels, even if your just riding down the block and back, log your miles! Everyone thinks your crazy. I just don't understand why they won't even take the time to check it out. I just purchased a new inexpensive odometer for my commuter bike. I can't wait to hook it up! The one that is there now is an Advocete 25, great little odometer although I don't think they make them anymore. its been on the bike since 1995! It's turned over a few times or more, I am afraid I lost track...which is a bummer.
@Kelly, I can understand that. It does take a while for your body to replace what you gave away! And many people can't give for other reasons (illness, medications, etc.). If you can't give you can usually volunteer at your local blood center or at a blood drive. Especially after disasters (tornadoes in Oklahoma, for example) blood centers are often inundated with folks wanting to give. They can always use an extra hand then. (Can you tell blood donation is near and dear to my heart?)
@ Kathy - Congrats on Gold! It's exciting!
@ Heather - Keep up the good work!
@ Christine - I learned the hard way not to give blood within 6 weeks of a race (running) unless I don't want to run at my full potential. I've got several runs coming up within the next few months so unfortunately I have to wait until the end of summer before I can donate again, but I will be doing it after all of them are done!
PS, Kathy congrats on gold.
Go, Heather, go! You inspire me! @Kathy, congratulations on GOLD! Pave the way for us! We're following you soon! I'm not riding today.
I give blood every 8 weeks (today will make 5 gallons in 6.5 years!) and today's the day, so I'm taking it easy. If you've never considered giving blood, take it from someone who knows: It's not all that bad! I used to faint at the sight of a needle. I still don't watch when they stick me, but once that's done, the rest is just sitting their and squeezing a ball for a few minutes. Be a HERO - give blood!
@ Heather, you will no doubt get to 15, you just need a good downhill! To clarify, by lead from behind, I meant that the ride leader would go last, after all the other riders got going.. But I'm sure you look great from either direction! LOL
@Heather, awesome. What a great feeling huh!? Your doing great and your doing something you enjoy that is all that matters.
@Kathy-congrats on gold!
@ Kathy, that is fantastic!!! @E.M. I'd like to get to 15 mph but that's a pipe dream. I did go from 9 to 12, so far this year. Thanks. I think I look pretty great from behind. ;) HA!
@ Heather, Clydesdales are beautiful and fast. If you ever get to St. Louis, let me know. We've got a spot for you and a bike you can borrow. Grant's Trail goes right past Grant's Farm where you can see lots of beautiful Clydesdales. BTW, a bike club I belonged to when I lived in Cincinnati, often featured LEAD FROM BEHIND rides. That way you never lost any riders!!!! Congrats on breaking 10++
Reached GOLD today!!
GOOD for you Heather!!
Hello all! I hope you are enjoying the rides this week. Last night, I broke my ten mile mark on the new road bike. Improved it by five minutes. I was so proud of myself. I'm a clydesdale on a bike and probably always will be. I might always be in the back of the pack, but I'm still going to keep on riding. :)
No biking for the next couple days...bad weather here in the afternoons always makes the commute home a trial. Additionally, I have started a 'juice fast' that will last a couple days, and don't know how I would do on the normal commute. Going to find out in a couple of days tho'...
Perfect ride to work this morning and squeeze an errand in. For the first time in what seems like forever there was no wind or rain. The scenery included herons, egret, squirrels, gators, and many other winged creatures. I will carry the beauty and serenity of my ride with me all day and pass those positive feelings on to every one I encounter today. Peace, ride happy ride safe all!
On behalf of the Oxon Hill Bike and Trail Club's (OHBTC) National Bike Challenge team, I would like to invite canmd, Random Cyclists, Silver Cycles A, Bike Arlington All-Stars, NIH, Takoma Park Bike Commuters, Bike Maryland, Pax Velo, Sumosito Cyclers, Bike Fairfax (FABB), and Crystal City teams to participate in our Patuxent River Rural Legacy Metric Century, held on June 15. Since the Challenge has been extended through September, please mark your calendars for our Southern Maryland Century-the Indian Head 100- scheduled for Sept. 8. Other DC metro area, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware Challenge teams and solo riders are also welcome to attend these highly rated cycling events. For more information about the rides, visit www.ohbike.memberlodge.org.
@ Gregg, I once came around a parked car only to find a girl on a bicycle heading straight towards me. Fortunately we did not collide. Sometimes these incidents can be a teachable moment: ride with the traffic & walk against it. Just goes to show we still have a long ways to go with public education about bicycling.
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RE: LIGHTNING: The BSA field guide says to move to shore if you are on the water or descend to a lower elevation if you are up high and move away from the direction of the approaching storm. A dense forest in a depression offers the greatest protection. Stay away from shallow caves & overhanging cliffs. Avoid bodies of water & metal fences & anything that might conduct electricity [(like your bike I assume)]. If you are out in the open spread out so you are at least 30 feet from each other. Futher minimize risk by crouching low on with only the soles of your shoes touching the ground. HOPE THIS HELPS, STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
Met a woman and a little boy riding on the wrong side of the road on Haylett St. . This creates a very dangerous situation and its parents like this that are teaching their kids bad habits, which this kid will be doing when he gets older.
Not a good idea to be riding a bike during lightening storm. Lightening is attracted to bikes.
Good deal on this electric bike: http://www.randombikes.com/product/11schwinn-tailwind-pedal-assist-electric-bike-654.htm
I would think this is cheating, though, if you ride this for the bike challenge.
I ride all weather but the 1 time I rode in a lightning storm was the last. Creeped me out.
Thanxs for the response, my problem is now that my range has drastically increased I'm getting farther and farther in the sticks on one of the local bike trails so cover isn't too plentiful. And all this has me wondering what some of the other riders on here do , in that case . Rains not an issue , even snow isn't that bad, but some of our storms do get kinda nasty and show up out of nowhere
Rode 4 miles pulling my 6YO grandson in a kid trailer. He LOVED it! Made me feel better about being bumped out of 1st place in Kenosha. Yay for grandkids!
Allen.. don't! I will take the stoms though.. we could use the rain. That is about the only thing that will keep me from riding. Haven't missed a day yet since starting on the 2nd. Would like to skip a day .. I am so tired lately. Can't pull myself away from the TV riight now.. my prayers for all in the path of the storms in OK! ... maybe a short ride like yesterday.. 3 miles and I can say at least I DID ride. LOL tomorrow will be a lot longer. Wish I could ride to work but there is just no way I could ride 20 miles, work 12 hours .. I would be hot and sweaty! .. and way too dead to make it through the night.
To Allen K. - Don't ride if there is lightning - nothing is worth your life. If your too far to get safely home, look for cover where you are, and wait it out.
Any advice on riding in storms?
Got the summer started with Bike to Work Day in Philly. I am planning many more rides as the weeks roll on!
GREAT JOB TAMMIE!!!! That's incredible miles for your experience. It IS addictive!
Still trying to squeeze the miles in but my thigh is protesting. First road ride tomorrow - lets see how that goes!
Hi all, rainy this morning so I got errands done and got my ride in early this afternoon. Temps in the upper 70s to low 80s. When the clouds covered it felt almost cool but there is lots of HUMIDITY!!. Only a couple of other riders out there. Feels like summer but the local schools still have some time to go.
RIDE ON AND RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!!
I have been a bike owner for 8 1/2 weeks now and have put 312 miles on my bike.. I think that is a good start. Rain... what is that? Actually did ride in a little wet stuff for about 90 seconds.. enough to get my glasses wet and things messy but then it quit. It did feel good. When it rains here it picks up the dust in the air and comes down as 'mud rain'.. very messy! LOL I tried to force myself to ride this morning whle it was still cool, in the 70's but I had just gotten off work and was dead tired, fell asleep on the couch! Guess it is going to be the heat again today.. still relatively cool, only 90 right now! I do freeze one water bottle at night.. unfortunately, I left 2 of my bottles at a friends 100 miles away and won't see him again for about 2 or 3 weeks! have 1 bottle right now. BAD.
Absolutely on not being able to stop getting out. I am in SE Idaho about 3 ish hours south of YellowstoneNP and 3.5 hrs north of Salt Lake. High desert. We will see some snowflurries again usually about 4th of July.There are 3 century rides here this summer. Whoo hoo ridin' against the wind.
Don't complain about wind, heat, cold, rain, snow, or lack of motivation. Just get out there and ride. The more you ride, the more you will want to ride.
Nice 36 mile ride today to bring me to 4700 miles for the year to date.
@ Marty M - Thanks!!!
@Cynthia - "Cycling is good for your mind body and soul. Keeps you fit and feeling great." Some days, it's the only thing that keeps me from biting the heads off of my coworkers. Little do they know that my bike is their safety device!!
AS the temps go up here in Florida, it will be 85 by 10am and nearlng 90 by noon. I ride early, but I find that taking a cold drink for the second half of the ride is very important. I usually freeze water the night before and it thaws out as I ride. We don't have many climbs so wind is an occasion to train for climbs by heading into the wind as much as you want. Drinking water all the time during the hot season is important to rehydrating after a good ride you can't drink enough on the ride.
Biking is an excellent way to lose weight and keep it off. I can speak from experience. As you continue to cycle and improve and do more riding and train for organized rides you will see more and more a transformation of your body.
Cycling is good for your mind body and soul. Keeps you fit and feeling great. Ride on with peace!
Elaine & Tammie, it sounds like you live in the SW US. We lived in the Phoenix area for several years and I LOVED it. You live backwards from the rest of the states: outdoors all winter, indoors all summer, plant your garden in the fall, harvest in late winter. I miss it, especially the dramatic scenery. One thing I don't miss: scorpions and rattlesnakes. Only saw one of the latter, but had plenty of the former, even in the house, one in bed! It was quite a shock going from AZ to WI! We never had to shovel sunshine in AZ!
Tammie, i am getting up early to get out and ride to beat the wind, traffic, and eventually heat. You were mentioning weight loss a while back, check out My Fitness Pal, you set goals, enter your food and excercise ect. And you know what calories you need with the excercise you do. It can also link your numbers to Endomodo(i hvnt atempted that) I am seeing results now. There is a Century here in July and I WILL complete the metric Century. This ride is very family oriented and several distances are offered.The entry fees are very reasonable and ALL goes to charity. Ride on!
@Tammy, I consider 100+ degree weather adverse. IMO one can always put more clothing on to keep warm but you can't keep taking it off to get cooler. Only problem with snow and ice is that it's slippery but summer rains just cool you off.
Santa Fe Century today in ugly winds. Wanted to catch the sag truck after 60, but persevered. Yipee ti yay
@Mike R - Congratulations on your first Century! May you have many more.
Hi all, over in Illinois today for the strawberry festival ride. Kudos to the organizers for including short and xx-short routes so people could get their kids out riding. We did the medium route and ended up with just over 37 miles. Our daughter and her friend did about 18. The temps rose to the 80s and the humidity was pretty bad. So I'm not sure if the sun screen did anything but melt away LOL. The shortcake & ice cream was well worth the effort.
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@ Ian good points about the bikes and safety. Kudos for making the effort to help others ride safely. Your efforts are appreciated!
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Ride on everyone and drink plenty when you are out in the heat!
Great day today. Cheryl and I completed the LAB Traffic skills 101 course today. Next step LCI course. Not a huge leap after riding 62 years. However, it will lead me to certification so I can help a lot of riders to be safe. Safety is a growing concern since any one with the money can buy a high-end bike and ride fast. You may be an aclomplished rider, but what about the guy or gal next to you?
I truly admire those of you who ride in adverse conditions. I whine when it is hot or windy which now is every day. Temps are now reaching near 100 and we have officially hit the mark and summer is truly here. Winds of 25 to 30 mph are the norm and I just have to get used to it. Someone said the wind blows 3 of 4 dirctions all the time and we are occasionally lucky to have the wind at our backs. So very true. I find myself looking for a brief tree to ride under for a momentary shade ... even if it is only for a second.. it is a relief. Unfortunatley our years of drought have decimated the trees here and they are even fewer and further apart!
1st Mountain Bike race of the season- good to be back in the woods on flowing single track, hills and reconnecting with mountain bike friends after a "long winter"
WORS race at Iola. Beautiful day!
1st Ascent Ride on Saturday. Practice ride for Ride the Rockies. This is the hardest bike ride I have ever done. Harder than Ward. Harder the Glen Haven. 1.5 miles from the start we have to climb a 12% hill. With one of the course marshals at the base of the hill telling us "This is your wakeup call." Then the climb was mostly 6-8% or greater for the first 20 miles. With another 13% and a 12% hill tossed in to test our limits. The next 20 miles were not as bad but hard. At least after mile 39 is was mostly downhill.
Rode to work in the snow yesterday! We broke a 30yr record for the longest winter, lasting 232 days. Had the Fatback ready to go incase it got as deep as predicted but rode the 29'er instead since it has full fenders. Only got a bit sideways one time. lol It's nice and sunny today. Yay! Have fun, MH
Thanks, Marty, for the input. I will pass this on to my friend/colleague.
First ride back after high siding my road bike last week. Thigh still tender, but back on it. And the sun's out in the UK!
I'm in Winona, MN this weekend and planning to ride the Cannon Valley paved bike trail tomorrow from the trailhead in Red Wing. It's 20 miles and very scenic along the Cannon River. That will give me a 40 mile ride round trip: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/2263/cannon-valley-trail/details.aspx
@Paul - Children are allowed and encouraged. They are our future. The only issue is that you have to set-up an email address for each of them, if they don't already have one. If they are too young to have one, then you set it up, control it, and don't tell them about it. So then, logging off, and relogging under a different email address would be a bit of a hassle. To make that easier, keep track of their rides on a sheet of paper or spreadsheet, then once a week (but before the end of a month), log their rides all at once.
So what are the status of children re the NBC? I have a colleague who rides with her children to school. Can the children sign up for the challenge and log their miles? I vaguely remember that there were some issues about this last year but don't remember the resolution. Thanks in advance for any clarification.
Nyla, I totally agree with you. This is about getting as many people to ride as you can and have people in cars see more cyclists on the road and get used to seeing this. I have been asking people on a daily basis to go for a ride even if it is only 1 mile or ask them to try to ride for 60 minutes with no distance in mind. All of us started out this way at some point. I now ride bike more than drive my car. No more drive-thru fast food for me either.
@Tammie Possible that you ran out of fuel on the ride. Make sure you have a snack before you set out. Try not to ride on a completely empty stomach. Get some rest, and ease back into it with some gentle miles. Keep at it! Unless there's a medical reason not to push, keep pushing and you will keep getting stronger. Pick up some Clif Shots and Clif bars. One other thing for a novice that might help... try not to count the miles, count the time on the bike instead. So set out for an hour or 90 minutes or whatever, and then notice what mileage you did when you finish.
Thank you! Go Nyla!
I love the comment "Performance enhancing keyboards".. very appropriate... wish mine had that capability but it seems that only my feet on the pedals of my bike make the miles go up. I have had days that I REALLY don't want to get on my bike but so far I have managed to ride at least 1 mile every day since joining on the second of the month. I have been riding for 9 weeks now... and officially have 310 miles on my bike. Is it officially 'broken in' yet? I think I hit a wall last thursday on a difficult ride with wind and hills.. felt like something kicked me in the chest and lost my breath.. enengy left me and it still has not fully returned! That was at mile 8.. finished the 16 miles .. did 4.5 today and was washed out.
Hi all, it was a day of garage sale (our neighborhood) followed by time to close up and get my ride in. Lots of riders out this afternoon. Temps close to 80 degrees but fortunately it was overcast. Its a good thing because HUMIDITY has returned.
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Bravo NYLA, you said it.
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I have apparently inspired a neighbor to get out her bike. She walks a lot but stopped by the garage sale and told me she wants to ride. So I recommended that she take her bike to one of the local bike shops and have it checked out for safety since she hasn't ridden for a long time. Then I suggested she hit one of the local trails to practice shifting etc. so she feels comfortable before trying the road. THIS IS WHAT THE CHALLENGE IS ABOUT. When you get out and ride all the time, your example is inspiring others to try it. THIS MADE MY DAY! By our example you can make your day. Wave to those little kids, the joggers, and anyone else you see out there. Your example helps make biking better for all of us. When drivers see that its YOU, their neighbor, friend, co-worker, you inspire...... RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!!
Yes! What Nyla said. :-) Bodies on bikes.
The competition here is fun and motivating, but this challenge is not about competing for the highest mileage, and any miniscule percentage of people manipulating point totals are both sad and ultimately insignificant. What matters here is bodies on bicycles moving forward…all ages, sizes, shapes and inclinations of both bodies and bicycles welcome. Every mile, and each individual effort, matters. Challenge goals involve increasing public visibility and awareness regarding the numbers and needs of a vast, disparate cycling community, and promoting the myriad benefits, internal, external, ecological and otherwise that cycling offers. Individual rewards are primarily intrinsic, with official prize categories intentionally egalitarian, providing opportunities for anyone cycling regularly. The system is not without frustrations, but organizers have attempted to encourage mass participation. There is a month long window of opportunity to enter mileage, and team captains can enter mileage for those without computer skills or access. A GPS only event would shift the focus to externals, and preclude participation by many. Reading comments consistently shows the variety of souls involved, and the common thread of enthusiasm:- discovered or re-discovered, nurtured, intensified, encouraged, shared and celebrated. Experts share insights and information with novices who often inspire others with their contagious exuberance for new views and experiences. Celebrate the sense of community; share the view; breathe; pedal; SMILE (lips closed of course, to evade the bugs) …Enjoy the Ride!,
got my first century today at the Pinelands triple loop at Batsto/Hammonton, NJ. As an added bonus my bike and I came home caked in yellow tree pollen. Can only imagine what my lungs look like....lol. Great time and the cheeseburger and hot dog at the end of the ride (provided by Shore Cycle Club) could not have tasted better....even with the tree pollen !!
I agree. It looks as if some people have performance enhancing keyboards. I keep beating myself up about it and wishing this was a gps-entry only event, instead of the manual entry of mileage. Fack is, though, these people are only fooling themselves, and often times their beer belly prooves it. The only advice I can offer is, "shut up and ride." It works for me.
Happy Sat! Got up for my morning ride before the weather got really ugly. Then headed to Dave's Bike Shop for a flat repair clinic...I can do that now! Noone had heard of this challenge so hopefully they will check it out. Found out that on Wed there will be a city "bike count". Spotters will be posted around town counting cyclists. I suggested we find out the locations and ride by all of them!! Riding in all weather in ID.
Len, 400 miles is not entirely impossible -- we have some pretty active randonneuring clubs in our area; their *shortest* "official" series ride is 200 km (125 miles.) The rest of the series moves up -- 300, 400, 600 km, and then special event 1000 and 1200 km rides. Some of those boys and girls are pretty hard-core and will actually ride to the ride starts. Now, if you're seeing 400-milers every other day from somebody, yeah, probably bogus!
The web interface for entering your mileage could really use some help. It has been a long time since I saw such a rudimentary entry screen. Oh, and if you want to track time you have to go to another place to put that in, if you can figure out how to 'edit' your entry.
Hi all, there are two ironies of this bike to work day for me. The first is that I work from home so technically, I can't bike to work (unless I ride from my back door to my front door or to my garage). The second ironly is that I was so busy working all day that I barely managed to squeeze in a ride.
@ Ian savor you moment, your words and your ride description sure made me savor your moment with you!
@ Mike, HEYL YES, Lincoln welcomes Nyla and everyone else. The mere mention of ice cream from the UNL dairy store is making my mouth water. Its enough to make me want to hop on my bike and ride back to Lincoln. One of these days I'm gonna get dropped of in Nebraska City on my way in from Missouri so I can do just that. Then I'm absolutely going for a double scoop. In the meantime I'll have to settle for a fruit smoothis from Kaldis in Kirkwood the next time I hit Grants Trail.
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Happy BTW work day everyone!!!
Bike to Work Day here in Colorado is in June. For years I could not participate. I rode my bike to work. But all the places they had open to feed us breakfast did not open until 0700. And I had to be at work at 0600. I retired in Sep 2011. So last year I got to participate in Ride to Work Day. Of course now I work from home. So I rode from home to home and visited every feed zone in the city during my ride. Too bad I could not eat at all of them. I would have consumed more calories than I worked off during the ride.
Cheating, if that's appropriate, on a log that is on the honor system is pretty hilarious really. The only people they are fooling is themselves. I log miles because it's fun. Sure I like to see if I can climb the ranks, but what's the point if my rank is BS? Just be contented with the fact that your own miles are just that... miles you own.
Len I, let us all chant, Liar liar pants on fire! or maybe the deal is like the old idea neurotics build sandcastles and psychotics move into them.
I have Bike to home day everyday! Chocolate 90% waits everyday, I just ride and return.
Honestly, Bon ton Roule!
Why are there so many cheats at this? I mean I found one guy who put down he did a 400 mile ride and 2 more at 7 miles each on the same day...
@ Dave - That made me chuckle out loud.
I enjoyed Bike to Work Day immensely....Is there a Bike to Home Day, or do I have to just stay at work??
Wish the feds or state thought we had 21,000 for revenue sharing. Census was 10, 700. So it must be a zip code calculation. Still I won't be interested in such an outrageously weighted formula. It means if you come from a city with lots of folks there is no way to compete with the small towns, classes help a little, but on first look little places are rewarded for being little. City need to be rewarded for every rider is making cleaner air.
I have a garmin 800. It is good, I love it when i travel anywhere in the world.
Western Bike Works has the Garmin Edge 800 bundle for $350 after rebate. I've never seen it anywhere near this low, maybe because the 810 is out now... http://www.westernbikeworks.com/garmin-800-special-article;ln=16854697&utm_source=WesternBikeworks.com+List&utm_campaign=01076f7931-WBW_5_17_2013_Public&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b3086437d5-01076f7931-68996433
Happy bike to work day.
Biking on your day off is far better than biking to work.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
Did a beautiful 62-mile ride on our tandem through Madison, GA as one of 130 tandem teams on the 2013 Georgia Tandem Rally. What a beautiful town and surrounding countryside. Plenty of hills, too! We hit 41.7 mph on one big descent. Great day on the bike. Miles logged, too.
@J Hugh - Gene is correct. The Community section is just like the State section, based on points per 1,000 residents. The Vermont town, based on the calculations, would have 80 residents. And when you look at it, having 1 of 80 residents in the NBC, is really good. (Vermont, the best state is at 1.8 per 1,000 overall, with Wisconsin having just passed the 1/1,000 mark, and Nebraska at just over 0.8/1,000.) The second town has 56 residents. Your town (and the surrounding area nearby) must have a little over 21,000 residents.
So, comparatively, those two towns are doing a much better job of recruiting for the NBC, even though you each have one rider, and you're doing mega-mileage.
Having said that, based on their population, they are in Class IV, so they aren't even competing against you, as you would be in Class III.
In the NBC post to the right, "New Daily Mileage Record!", they were slightly off with their calculation. We need 130,719 miles per day to achieve our 20,000,000 mile goal. Currently. we are at a little over 101,000/day, and climbing. We started out the first week on target for a little over 10,000,000 miles. The second week found us in the 13,000,000 mile range, and this week, we started in the 14's, and are now targeting the 15,000,000+ mile range.
Put another way, we need 4,000,000 miles per month. For May, we'll probably be close, but should be well over for June-August, giving us some cushion for September..
Gene S Well that is not the math. One rider in one town in Vt has 224 points while the town has 2800 points. My points are 1059 and my town was one rider but has 49.80 points. The second place community has only one rider with 149 points while his town has 2666.67 points. I am just not looking at the community section anymore. It will just go on my survey at the end.
There are an infinite number of beautiful places in this magnificent country (best seen from the saddle of course), but Wisconsin will always be home. I"d just as soon keep Nyla, thank you. I'll fund the chocolate (as long as I'm allowed to share).
Pinelands triple loop out of Batsto NJ tomorrow at 8 am (registration at 730)
http://www.shorecycleclub.org/pinelandsloop.php.html
You are welcome anytime in Lincoln Nyla Greenberg...isn't that correct EM Matteson?
In Eugene, they have a bicycle hearst, for someone's last bike ride.
http://news.yahoo.com/funeral-home-bicycle-hearse-1-last-ride-160000196.html
@J Hugh - I thought the community standings were based on points per 1000 residents. It would make sense then that a single person could make a large contribution in a small town. Dixie (1 rider) is top in WA State.
Though generally happy residing in my corner of Wisconsin, if ever I move, Consideration of ranked possibilities will be heavily weighted in favor of communities offering confectionary and/or caffeinated incentives for Bike-to-Work week. (-;
Happy BTW Day to all. First BTW commute station in Federal Way, ever. And free 12 oz. 'hand-crafted' beverages at participating Starbucks locations for riders who show some bike gear to the barista. That was one good Hazelnut macchiato.
Anyone in the Challenge who wants to ride over to The Jayne Snyder Trails Center in Lincoln, NE today from 430 until 6pm can enjoy free University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Store ice cream as we close out our Bike to Work Week celebrations.
@Christine - it is also quite educational to yell "WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD YOU TWIT."
Congratulations on your recovery, Ian! May you keep that "honeymoon" feeling as long as you live! {{{{hug}}}}
Great thought Ian. We don't appreciate our heath and freedom until lost. "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." ~ Gandhi
It's a lovely day in the neighborhood! We had a strong ride south into the wind and a great recovery ride home. Bright sun and puffy white clouds made all the dogs friendly. It does not get any better than this! Looking back on lying in a neuro-intensive bed and wondering if I would ever ride again, or for that matter walk again-every ride is a fabulous ride. Today was very special. Seize every moment, rain or shine.
What is up with the community standings? The number one community is a place in VT with one rider and number two is a place in CO with one rider. What ever the logarithmic formula is it is screwed up. This is one of those great ideas, listing the actual town or city, that has been weighted in a way that renders the results without real meaning for me. Can anyone explain how the community standings reflect anything meaningful?
If you ride and do it pretty much by the rules, then you are educating people. The problem comes when we take a liberty of two and then we must remember that we are educating people as well but not for the better. Riding generates other riding.
Bon ton Roule! French pastry is way better than donuts.
Great thought Ian. We don't appreciate our heath and freedom until lost. Live and love each day as if it were your last, but learn as if you were to live forever.
@Kelly, not donuts in Kenosha, either. I'm beginning to think I'm the only person riding here. (Except the ones riding against traffic or on the sidewalk. How DO we educate people?)
All this talk about donuts is making me want one. I might just have to go buy one to make myself feel better!
@Thomas - You should buy yourself a cream filled donut for riding. And to console yourself for not having anyone buy you a donut.
::blushing furiously:: I didn't ride today. It has nothing to do with the fact that it's cold out there and supposed to rain later today, honest!! Friday's are the worst day for me to ride. I have to cart my teapot and cup home for washing, plus go to the bank for work. And, no, I am not riding across town carrying mumbeltymumble in cash! It's scary enough in my car! I do feel bad "finking out" on the actual ride to work day, though.
City of Lincoln NE! Free ice cream social for National Bike to Work Day! From 4:30-6pm at the Jayne Snyder Trail Center, free UNL Dairy Store ice cream and prizes from local bikes!! So RIDE by!
No celebrations for Bike to Work Day in Okeechobee, FL. I just rode in as usual and will ride home as ususal. No one ever gives me a cream filled donut for riding to work...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@Dave & Kelly: Such a neat celebration, I am jealous. And yes, people here have no clue about bike to work day, or NBC. Although I am inspired to educate.
@ Dave - That's so fun! Wish my community had stuff like that. You say Bike To Work Day to people here and they have no idea what you're talking about. Lol.
Happy Bike to Work Day :)
Wonderful aid stations in San Diego. The first one I hit was serving french creme filled "bicycle wheel" pastries-YUM!
Huge thanks to CalBike and all the wonderful volunteers getting up so early to show us commuters appreciation!
When people say they are afraid of commuting by bike, they should be reminded that they were afraid of commuting by car at one point too.
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I was stuck behind a couple cyclists last night (while cycling) They were riding two abreast, one on shoulder, one in lane. Easy enough for cars to pass, but took awhile for traffic to clear so I could get by. Now I know how drivers feel ;) I could have asked them to get out of the way, but wasn't sure if they were cooling down or warming up, and I didn't want to pass them, only to get passed by them a mile down the road.
We are expecting bad weather, and it's now raining, so I was out the door for an extended "ride to work" this morning. Cool and overcast did 8 mile loop. Back in my home office ready to wk. Celebrating with a cup of coffee cheers to all who went to wk on their bikes!
Had a little celebration at the office today for anyone that biked to work this week. Not many brave souls but one guy rode in 41 miles (and brave he is since he and 2 others who met up with him rode thru Camden, NJ, which is one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US. Cars are the least of your fears in there)... :-o
Has anyone using the Android App noticed that it engages the time auto pause even when you are moving, and that it takes several hundredths of a mile before it resumes? I "lost" a little over 2 miles yesterday because of that.
Happy Bike to Work Day!!!
Got eight miles in before work. We had fifteen people show up to our kickoff event. Feeling good at 75 and sunny!
Drizzly ride in today in NE Wisconsin. Wouldn't trade it for the world!
Did not commute on two wheels today-woke up with killer sinus headache, ugh, hopefully I can make up the miles this weekend.
@Kathy: My hope would be to maybe sum by workplace state, that would give us a chance in RI (3 of 13 riders are out of state). Seriously though, to keep things in perspective this is about getting people to ride and increasing awareness. The competition is just a bonus.
@Steven. - how would summing by zip code work with company's that have more than one zip code? I work for Comcast and currently have people from 7 different states represented and even more locations within each state.
@jhugh. Bicycle revolver. - like. :)
Go Buddy and crew!
Steven, sometimes it takes 15-20 minutes for all of the points to show up in each category. It sometimes takes longer for the team or workplace categories to record the points.
@nyla: Thanks, that explains exactly what is happening. However, I think the workplace category should sum by the workplace zip code, not the employee zip code. Just my thought on the matter. Thanks again for catching this.
Quadro Alas from Texas Instruments Phillipines Baguio City...
Rod Lozano / Mike Ferrer / Dong Alicante / Buddy Masangkay.....
Go Phillipine Bikers !!!!!!!!!
Gene Smith, I actually did not give all my secrets. The Bicycle Revolver was a great invention shortly after the bicycle became popular about 1900. With one strapped to my left hip I seem to get a lot of respect and sharing the lane is not a problem.
Steven, is it possible that some of your workplace team mates live in bordering states?
Their points would be counted with respective home states, though considered with national workplace total.
Has anyone else seen this situation? Our national leaderboard workplace points are correct, but our local (Rhode Island) are not. The difference is not insignificant (1573 vs 1294). It's also hurting my recruiting campaign for more riders as we're currently #2 in RI (ok, we're a very tiny state so no laughing) and I'm pushing people to join so we can try and overtake #1. I've posted the problem on the endomondo problems link, but didn't know if this a) might confirm others have this problem and b) draw more attention to the problem. Thanks!
Kelly:
In regard to co-worker’s fashion critique, it is perhaps worth noting that “looking stupid” is a highly subjective matter and is, in any case, vastly preferable to actually BEING stupid…which designation might objectively apply to someone favoring appearance over easy, effective and potentially life-saving safety measures
@J. Hugh, your note to "Be colorful and blinky with lights and clothes." made me think of the elephant costume noted in this drawing. FWIW.
I see a link on the Endomondo page. no matter where I am I just click the ENDOMONDO title (it's in the upper left of the menu in big letters) and that takes you to the main feed. Then down on the left there's a link under MY ONGOING CAMPAIGNS.
I agree with Charles Bingham! Link would make it easy for Nat. Bike Chall. participants.
@Charles, agreed!
Please put a National Bike Challenge logo/link on the Endomondo pages to make it easier to navigate back to the home page. Sometimes when you start clicking links you wind up deep in the Endomondo site and away from the National Bike Challenge info. Thanks.
Not pre-arranged or anticipated, but trips in years past to Japan, Seattle and Coronado Island involved stays at places with bikes to borrow. Surprising what a monumental impact that access had on my enjoyment of the journeys. Bicycling is emphatically my favorite way of exploring.. In an unfamiliar realm biking allows immersion in new sights, scents and sounds while covering considerable distances with no impediment to impulsive stops at intriguing locations. I also applaud the inspired notion of buying a cheap used bike to donate later, but my improbable fantasy of the moment would be a network of connections among Challenge participants for potential “loaners” or short term rentals for fellow cycling addicts.
Keep it up Kelly.
I ride in traffic some but not to commute, I have a few ideas for the commuters. First, look for parallel streets to the busy parts of your ride. It sometimes helps to be a block or two away and still going in the right direction, even if a little zigzaggy.
Be colorful and blinky with lights and clothes. The more you and others ride a route the more people start to see you and others. I use a mirror made of stainless steel construction and plexiglass that the company will repair if it breaks, it has not in three years. I attach it to my helmet visor like it was a glasses leg and use a zip tie to reinforce it.
When the drivers in Florida start using their turn signals I will think about lights, until then I point and wave and yell hello so people can see where I am going. Getting their attention is the key, and that's the yelling hello, but this is only on occasion.
I use a vest if I am not colorful enough and my lights are aways flashing front and rear, but get bright ones that people can see at some distance. I have one and two watt lights.
Riding your bike is fun, but it is also a thinking activity on any road or path.
Awwww, Kelly, what a boo! But as you said: you tried! Maybe the idea will remain in her brain and she'll try it again one day.
@Rick, great idea buying a cheapo and either donating it or leaving it where you can use it again! So smart!
I was so proud today! One of my co-workers decided to make the commute by bike this morning. I warned her to leave much earlier than she thought she would need to, but she didn't listen and wound up being a little late for work. She said she would never do that again and is having her boyfriend pick her up after work. I tried to tell her that's exactly how I felt my first morning ride into work except the temps weren't in the high 50's, but in the low 20's and I still managed! But told her the ride home was much better and that's why I kept doing it. I tried to convince her to ride home and if she didn't like the ride home, never do it again, but she wasn't having any of that. Oh well. I tried.
@Jerry-thanks! Great idea!
Does anyone use turn signal lights that are out there for bikes now? They are so cool! What do you think?
Hi all, out today with temps in the 70s and the threat of rain. However, it just ended up being cloudy. Spotted about half a dozen other riders. Wore an old cotton jersey and noticed that there is a big difference between that and the newer moisture wicking ones. You stay a lot cooler with the newer kind.
*********
As far as travelling and bikes: I almost always take my helmet and gloves with me. I have had mixed success with rented bikes (the pedal falls off or some other disaster occurs once in a while). So I have been thinking that I should invest in a folding bike or some other super portable model. I just NEED to get out and ride even if it means sticking my Garmin in my pocket. The Garmin will usually record the miles okay even if it skips around and changes the settings.
ROLL WHEN YOU CAN EVERYONE!
@Cynthia A Nelson. My solution to the mirrors not staying attached to the helmet is to attach the support post with 5 minutes epoxy. The mirror I use is the Relex mirror.
http://www.cycleaware.com/index.php;products_id=1
If the mirrow is damaged I just replace the mirro and flexible piece. The support post is glued to the helmet with the epoxy.
Mike on Bike I had the Blue/White Masi and flip flops.....go figure stayed middle of the pack most of the ride .....
@ earlier comments on safety gear. I have trouble riding without a mirror. 3rd Eye bar-end works best for me. Good glass, wide angle and I always know where to drop my glance to 'check my six and seven.' For commutes and round-town rides, I wear a Light and Motion Urban 550 on my helmet, flashing in daylight, solid at night. The bright amber sidelights are great, and I can point the light right or left as needed to have the best shot at getting someone's attention on a side street. Bright flasher zip-tied on the back of the helmet (Superflash clone), and Light and Motion Vis 180 on the seat tube. I have a light on the bar (Cygolight 300 upgraded to a Light and Motion Taz 800 in 2013), but that is more for winter use. Monkey Electric spoke lights or Hokey Spokes round out the winter side illumination, when things are dark and wet, and reflections off all the wet places tend to make even bright lights blend in. I replaced the CPSC spoke reflectors with LightWeights reflective tape on each spoke, and used 'stealth' reflective tape on my black fenders. I've got one bike frame wrapped with a BikeGlow electroluminescent light, but that is really only visible in dusk to dawn conditions. If you had told me 5 years ago that I'd ride around with $400+ in bike lights, I'd have called you crazy. Now it's the norm for me. I have to 'dress down' for organized tour rides.
I agree with Christine. I just came back from a conference in Daytona Beach, where I sat and watched folks bicycling on the beach every day. I left my bike at home, tho' I had room in my van to bring it, and time to ride. When we go to Michigan the end of June, I'm taking my bike, even if I only ride it one time that week, it'll be worth it...
@George - if there aren't any loaners among family and friends, is there a Craigslist option? I live in Washington state, but travel to the southeast a couple of times a year for work and to visit family. Before my last trip, I used a Craigslist app to monitor for a bike to buy in the area. Snagged an older Schwinn 10-speed with new tires for $50, and it was a better ride than what I had when I rented bikes ($35/day for and Escape 1). My reasoning was that it was about break-even if I bought the bike and gave it to Goodwill at the end of the trip. As it was, I liked the bike and put in a few more $$ for new cables, chain and pump. I left it in my parents' garage for future trips. I still count it as break-even if I don't get to ride it again. My nephew visits my folks a couple of times a week, and he's gotten to ride the bike a few times, so it's all good.
@George, no one in family (or among their friends) who can lend you a bike for the time you'll be there? $40 for 4 hours is highway robbery! I dragged my bike to Louisville for our "vacation" there last year. Pain in the neck, but, man, was I glad I did it! If you were closer, I'd lend you one of ours!
Mike Ruane;
Fascination with words might slightly predate triumphant exhilaration of first training-wheel free teeter down suburban cement driveway; Both expressive outlets enduring and evolving over more than half a century-- profound pleasures, serendipitously paired…each enhances the other. Lucky Me! (-:
I had a red jersey and backpack, constantly jumping to the front to press the crossing button and block motor vehicles as needed. I saw someone with a SLR, was that you?
Started/Ended at Publix? I looked for you there. I asked a couple of people (not during the ride ) Enjoyed it immensely and took a lot of great pics especially on Bayshore.
Just made Silver,still behind my commitment of four hundred miles for the month.I rode the last four days back to back, but my butt was dragging , got in 121 miles but I think I'm getting to old to ride every day. The flu messed me up the first eight days of this month.We are going to visit my wife's family in Ind for 12 days .I found a bike shop in Greenwood that will rent me a road bike for $ 40. For four hours, maybe I can get a few days in.That would be a min of $120 for three rides, seems a little pricey,but I could pick up 100 miles.
Possibly Brian, this ride rode through Dunedin on Alt-19.
@ Michael and all: thanks for the enlightenment. I will be sure to check this out and see if there are any rides in my area for next year.
Michael on Bike was the Palm Harbor one the one in Dunedin?
@Kelly, I'd'a told that co-worker to kiss my rock hard butt!
For info about Ride of Silence (ROS)...
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
We had about 50 riders in Palm Harbor, FL.
Hope you'll join us next year!
This was my 10th year riding The International Ride of Silence. If you are unfamiliar with it, please Google it, then find a ride nearby or organize one where you live. If you ride a bicycle, and you are not part of the advocacy for safer roads, then you are part of the problem. We have millions of cyclists in the USA. If we become a force to be reckoned with, the slaughter on the roads will STOP.
Thanks Thomas!
I think we had over 80 riders for our first year in Medford, NJ. Full township police escort for 8 miles as well as the county sheriffs department. A little girl wearing a bike helmet stood in her front yard watching everyone go by with her mouth hanging open. Doubt she'd ever seen so many cyclists pass her house.
@ Nyla - Very eloquent!
@Cynthia..Ride of Silence is just what it sounds like, a group of cyclists get together and ride fairly slowly and quietly in memorial to the cyclists who have died in traffic accidents in the last year. There was one scheduled in Sebring, FL yesterday evening by the local club there. I participated a few years ago, as I belong to the club, but don't get over there (50 miles away) to ride very often.
If I may ask, what is the ride of silence?
No matter how fast you are there is always someone faster; and no matter how slow you are there is always someone slower. Sometimes slow is just what is needed. Someone help me...
Great turn out for Ride of Silence last night here in Spring Hill, FL. Roughly 40 riders showed up, had a hearse as a pace car and a police escort. Great event overall.
I so agree with Marty! Lights and mirrors are a must. I learned to use a helmet mirror as I am not confident with turning my head to look behind me. Once you get that down, its so easy. I would practice with it first till you get used to it and read up on how the mirror is to be placed. The only thing I don't like about the helmet mirrors is the sticky tape to attach it to the helmet always wears off or gets heated and the mirror slides out of place or if. I cut a small piece of Velcro and velcroed my mirror in. This way it can be easily removed or repositioned. Lights are a must, they can be purchased inexpensively and still be very effective. Great ride in this morning, sunshine and 60's (finally). Happy safe riding and peace to all!
These comments are getting crazy already this year. I don't have time to read back 12 pages a day. I think I saw Nyla's name. If so, welcome back Nyla. :) I hope everyone is enjoying the NBC!
Maryville, TN "Ride of Silence" w/ 30 riders last night. The event came off really well w/ police escort provided by the City. Tremendous support overall.
@ Marty - I've already got a few of those items and the others are on my wish list! I completely agree, I don't care how "silly" I look. One of my co-workers laughed at me already saying I looked "stupid." I said, that's ok. I'd rather look stupid than dead.
@Karen & @Kelly - Other good things to do are to wear a reflective vest, have a flashing front and rear lights. they make lights for the spokes and a string of lights for the frame. Plus, last December, I bought a 900 lumen headlight. It has already proved helpful. And, buy a mirror. Its good to know what is behind you, without having to constantly turn your head. I know all of that is expensive, but you can't put a price on your safety. Anything you can do to make yourself more visible from further away, helps your safety, no matter how goofy you or others think you look. I would rather have a driver laugh at me for what I am wearing, than not see me, until it is too late.
We had 25 for my 1st Ride of Silence in Wauwatosa, WI. I had a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace, as a surprize to everyone at the turnaround at a bandshell, where we stopped for a minute with bowed heads. I and others were close to tears. Unsuspecting park attendees were taking video and pictures. I'll definitely organize another one next year. Bigger and better!
@Karen & @Kelly - Other good things to do are to wear a reflective vest, have a flashing front and rear lights. they make lights for the spokes and a string of lights for the frame. Plus, last December, I bought a 900 lumen headlight. It has already proved helpful. And, buy a mirror. Its good to know what is behind you, without having to constantly turn your head. Anything you can do to make yourself more visible from further away, halps your safety, no matter how goofy you or others think you look. I would rather have a driver laugh at me for what I am wearing, than not see me, until it is too late.
We had 12 riders, plus a boy who was pulled in a carriage at the Ride of Silence at Wheel & Sprocket in Appleton, WI: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/8742439159/
@Kwaika - maybe its a tunnel?
@Nyla. Absolutely true and exquisitely said !! Are you a writer who rides or a rider that writes?
Thanks Dave "Shut up Legs" Cairncross for the link. It will be fun to see myslef riding virtually around the globe. Too bad I didn't see this site earlier because I have almost 7,000 miles on bike so far since 2012. Just started loging miles on here at beginning of this month. No worries, the miles do add up quickly.
Ok everone, we are halfway thru national bike month. I challenge you to at least double your points from now until month end.
Joined 100 other cyclists in Doylestown, PA for the International Ride of Silence.
@Kawika, that bridge exists....in the virtual world. On Endomondo challenges, Tour du Monde-Round the World, I am just about to cross from Honolulu to Los Angeles :)
http://www.endomondo.com/challenges/1634578
@ Christine, well said. I got honked at today and I just did my usual wave. Then when the guy passed me (too close I might add), I decided it was supposed to be a warning honk, as if cyclists couldn't hear a car behind them. Even worse when its a truck. For the most part, the areas where I see the most riders on a regular basis are the areas where I get the most respect. In one spot people seem to have gotten used to me taking the lane (that is riding in the middle of the lane) and if necessary, patiently stopping with my arm in left turn position until I can make a safe left turn. I would have been terrified to do that a few years ago, but now that I'm used to it, I can't think of a safer way to make left turns in some spots.
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND BE AS SAFE AS YOU CAN!!!!
Scott B, You have me confused with someone else maybe Scott Z because I always rode my Bike to school.
@Scott BVZ - your calculations are sound. But I can only give you partial credit. This little excercise was intended to demonstrate that you can plan a 20 mile, one hour ride, but 4 miles and 12 minutes into it, you still have an hour to go. And 8 miles and 27 minutes into it, you still have an hour to go... You do get bonus points for the wind direction!!!
@ Tammy - Agreed! Did you know Ride On spelled backwards is No Edir?
@J Hugh, who told you about my collection of SI calendars? I only keep them for historical work out reference. For the record, I prefer data geek. I do remember you being jealous in the math class. Just as I was jealous that you rode the small "special" bus to school every day...
@Christine - sorry about the word problem. Irregardless, did you know they have an app now that simulates fingernails on a chalk board? :)
@Kwaika, we need buttons under each post for "like", "agree", "disagree" (maybe), "hugs" and "funny". I would click Like, Hugs, and Funny for your post! Keep at it! The bridge is out there somewhere. Just remember to bring LOTS of fresh water for the ride. The water you'll be riding over isn't all that potable.
I live on an Island (Maui) and for some reason no matter how many miles I put on my bike I still can't find that bridge to California. I just keep going around in circles! LOL!
@Karen, this is my second year riding to work. I tell myself a few things to screw up my courage each day. 1) We all die some time. b) It gets easier with each ride. and iii) I probably won't see whatever it is that hits me. All kidding aside, b is the truth. It does get easier with each ride...just as with anything else. Practice gives us the courage to do what we want/need to do.
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That said, I had a jerk with a "watch out for motorcycles" sticker on his pickup try to blow me off the road this afternoon. When I gave him a mouthful, he called me a b***h and told me to get off his ass. Gladly. I've had people ride my tail blowing their horn, tell me to get up on the sidewalk where I belong, tell me roads are for cars, etc., etc. One of these days, I'm going to print out the laws and distribute them to the eejits who can't be bothered. Those who are mean to me, I figure they don't have anyone at home they can pick on so they pick on strangers riding bikes.
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I don't think it's just PA. (When I went to college in Millersville, lots of people rode bikes.) I think it's the US in general. We look at bikes as fun for kids, a way people can race without a car, or a way for people who can't run very well to exercise. Bikes are not seen as transportation in the US. Hence, the NBC! The more we get the word out, the more of us who are seen riding to and from work, library, grocery, church, wherever, the more bikes will be accepted as a legit form of transport!
.
Get out and RIDE!
Snow, sleet and hail on Saturday; nineties yesterday; perfect seventies today; At a time when both economics and an expired passport preclude desired distant travels, Wisconsin’s startling weather shifts recently provide the advantageous perspective of waking in a completely different locale from day to day. Afternoon ride was purely celebrational; Cloud wisps like white chalk on wet blue paper, belated appearance of roadside bloodroot and hepatica, glorious WARM air and sunshine all reinforcing uncomplicated delight of bicycling. Of course wind perversely and quite predictably shifted to thwart anticipated tailwind home, but local topography blesses me with net downhill return rides form most surrounding towns. Health benefits matter greatly, and I do sincerely care about reducing a carbon footprint larger than many of the dinosaurs from whom the carbon was derived, but my primary reason for riding remains “FUN”. Look around, inhale deeply, savor the finest wind-in-your-face glee of a delightful downhill roll. Carpe Diem!, Ride on…ENJOY!
Last night at 9:30 the wind totally died and of course it was dark. That happens here in ID alot. The bike I had for years was a mountain bike. I rode hardly ever, ANYWHERE, and when I was on the road I was not only afraid of traffic, dogs, and big mirrors on pickup trucks, I was uncomfortable. So my suggestion is for new riders to get comfortable on and with their bikes then just do short easy rides to build confidence. Now I love my Diamondback Serene and have over 150 miles on it in a month, but I think I am going to see about going to the next level. I also try and not let the idiots out there get in my head and ruin a good ride. Be safe and RIDE ON!! Rockin' it in Idaho Falls,
E.
@Karen: they have to start slowly. Accidents happen when there is too much apprehension. There is a certain comfort level and will and want to ride on the road that inspires people to try it. Best to start out during slow traffic times and maybe on road ways less traveled. Encourage safety as well, i.e. helmets etc. Another big big key is education, education, education. There are rules to the rode for bicyclists and motorists. If they are aware of those, that will help immensely with the comfort level. It helps you know what to look out for and what to expect of yourself and other vehicles. Good luck in your endeavor. As stated by others-health is such a big part too. The benefits of cycling are amazing. To get the most of those benefits such as weight loss, and just overall feeling fantastic mentally and physically, you have to get out there and ride. The road is an open book. You never know what your going to find until you turn the page. You see things on a bike you don't see otherwise and the best ideas and inspirations you ever had where while you were riding. Not to mention the savings in gas and on the environment.
@ Rob - I would love to move somewhere in which the mentality is a bit different (hopefully some time this year!), but I suppose that's what I get for living in the motor city and surrounding areas. Cars rule the road around here. :(
@Jerry - Bikes are like that, man. Mine does that to me all the time.
@Tammie - You're one of us now. Surrender to the bike side. We have cookies. Except when we run out, then you have to get yourself to a bakery.
@Karen
The only way to avoid all risk is to be dead already. Every activity we undertake involves risk. Refraining from all activity also involves risk. So there is no way to be alive and not take risks. My point is that cycling is not dangerous as compared to other activities that we do not designate as particularly risky, i.e. not as dangerous as it is painted -- and that cycling and walking also facilitate risk reduction (by improving general health).
There’s no such thing as absolute safety. Risk is a relative thing. In 1993, Exponent Corp. (then Failure Analysis Associates, Inc.) published fatality rates for various activities. Here is how some of the activities scored, in Fatalities per Million Hours of Activity:
Motorcycling 8.80
Life Overall
Wow Kelly - that would be tough. I have never had an experience like that in my 5 years of regular commuting in NE Wisconsin. My city has a population of 70,000. I guess I never realized how good we have it up here, except for the long winters of course!
@ Karen - Where I live, I am terrified every time I get on the road because it is not bike friendly at all. 3 of the 6 times I have ventured into the actual road since this challenge started I've had crazies blare their horns at me while passing me (and many pass within a foot of my bike.) I have been sticking to the sidewalks unfortunately if there isn't a big enough shoulder on the road (unless there aren't any sidewalks and I'm forced to ride in the road.)
Only advice I could tell you (being I'm one of those people nervous about being in the road) is to tell them to start slow. Tell them to only ride in the road during off peak hours for the first few times and stay on less traveled roads until they start to feel more comfortable. That's what I've been doing to gradually feel better about it.
Hi all. Just wondering what you tell people who are afraid to ride their bikes on the road. I have been trying to get some of my aquatic friends interested in the bike challenge since they are all very athletic. Accept for the triathletes, who think that
the challenge is not up their alley, most of the comments have been about being
afraid of getting hit by a car. Some even look at me like I am foolhardy to ride my
bike to the pool. I think I did enspire at least one person to ride. Our culture in PA
is so closed to bicycles as transportation.
I just went out to do a short 10 mile ride to make sure my bike was fixed before this evenings ride. But when I got to Hygiene my bike refuse to turn left to go home. It fought me and make me continue riding. My bike finally took pity on me and let me ride home after it realized I only brought one water bottle with me and I was running low on liquids.
@Karen
The only way to avoid all risk is to be dead already. Every activity we undertake involves risk. Refraining from all activity also involves risk. So there is no way to be alive and not take risks. My point is that cycling is not dangerous as compared to other activities that we do not designate as particularly risky, i.e. not as dangerous as it is painted -- and that cycling and walking also facilitate risk reduction (by improving general health).
There’s no such thing as absolute safety. Risk is a relative thing. In 1993, Exponent Corp. (then Failure Analysis Associates, Inc.) published fatality rates for various activities. Here is how some of the activities scored, in Fatalities per Million Hours of Activity:
Motorcycling 8.80
Life Overall
@Scott .. All I know about your word problem is that I am TIRED by the end of that ride! We have 15mph winds most of the time here and 20 to 30 lately. I am in Odessa, TX! More than one Odessa to talk about. We actually got about 5 minutes of rain yesterday and of course I rode in it. Got home soon after it started though and had only gone 2 miles. After it stopped I got antsy and just HAD to go back out and did another 5 miles ... Yep, cycling is definitely in my blood... I am doomed!
IDK-Headwind, tailwind, sidewind? Aren't they all the same when no matter which direction you turn is always wind?
Hi all, out today in sunshine and temps in the 80s again. Saw three or four other riders out there (I may have seen one guy twice).
********
To clarify: all outdoor miles count and no (THAT IS ZERO) indoor miles count for this challenge.
Headwind = wind that blows your head off
Tailwind = wind that blows your tail off
Sidewind = the kind you need to stay upright in a velodrome
ROLL SAFE EVERYONE!
Christine calm down. It is just that Scott, you remember Scott the teacher.s pet in math class, is trying to play cyclo computer. Just treat him like always and see the humor in his math focused life. I bet he even has a calendar with all his workouts written out in longhand, he keeps them with the last few years of calendars. It is just Scott.
Answers to Scott's riddles:
Original estimated ride time - 60 minutes
Revised @ mile 4 ride time - 72 minutes
Revised @ mile 8 ride time - 87 minutes
Total ride time (assuming no more wind changes) - 87 minutes
Wind direction - in your face (it's a headwind)
I don't do pschanalysis, so I won't comment on the OADD.
ARRRRUUUGH! Word problems! The bane of my existence! The reason I almost quit high school! I hoped when I graduated, I'd never, ever, ever see another one. Word problems are fingernails on a blackboard to me...even worse than someone saying irregardless! AAAAAARRRRUUUGH!
what a great ride w/ the Mayors yesterday. 35- 40 riders and a police esscort. That may be the first time i have ridden next to flashing red and blue lights instead of in front of them. signed up 3 new riders 4 NBC, that felt good!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Hi Brian, so you're the other rider listed in Odessa... LOL
ROS starts at the Publix @ Curlew and Alt-19 at 7p riders are being asked to show by 6:30p to review instructions and route. It's being sponsored by the Suncoast Cycling Club use this link for more info...
http://www.suncoastcycling.com/eventsandlinks.html#ros
There is also a ride leaving from downtown Tampa @ 7p from the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
So, riddle me this banter boys? I start out on a 20 mile bicycle ride with a moderate headwind and have a steady 20 mph pace. At mile 4, the headwind picks up and I’m only able push at 16 mph. At mile 8, the headwind really gets strong and I’m only able to maintain 12 mph for the remainder of the ride. What was my original estimated ride time at the start of the ride? Revised at mile 4? Revised at mile 8? Total ride time? Was the wind coming from the West or the East? Did my OADD (Outdoor Attention Deficit Disorder) have anything to do with this post?
@Christine - I believe you are correct about tailwinds. Such a thing does not exist in Nebraska. I do like Kathy R.'s theory, though. All winds ARE headwinds here. Or else I'm just slow. Hard to tell which some days.
Brad, the conversation was about tailwinds. i know that made you think breaking wind, but there is a difference. If you would lead a ride occasionally you would not know when I fart.
Marty, Seinfeld show was right. Yada yada yada yada.
Michael on Bicycle what time does the ride start in N Pinellas? I was wanting to participate and I'll be darned if I didn't forget my helmet!!!! Duh! I live in Odessa and hope to have time to make it home and be there for the start.
Tailwind - is a Headwind in which you go faster that your average speed with no wind.
Headwind - a headwind that causes you go much slower than average speed with no wind
Crosswind - A headwind that causes you to go slower than with no wind, faster than with a headwind but your bike is at an angle.
Conclusion - all winds are headwinds that are further classified by speed.
@Michael Gandabunchofotherletters, count every mile that your butt in on a saddle and your feet are pushing the pedals. Even exercise riding counts! (Imagine that!) (Well, except if you're indoors on a trainer or an exercise bicycle [don't know which stationary stationery to use, so I said exercise].)
Don't forget, ROS tonight! Remind your friends!
http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-international.php
@Ray S. soooooo true! I always feel like I'm riding into a headwind, no matter which direction I'm going. I'll be heading east, battling a heck of a headwind, all excited about turning west to catch the tail wind, when BLAM! I head west directly into a head wind. How can this be??? Tail winds have to be a cycling urban legend.
.
Can you tell I come in here to catch up on the chatter and make my inane comments as I go?
Welcome back, Cynthia! Now get riding!
@Brad, what a great quote from Einstein. I'm so glad your my SMART brother and know such SMART things. (Not like Skippy.) ::ducking ...goosing? and running::
@Michael: Yep! Count them all!
@Michael. Yes, everything can be included! Your fun rides can be marked as Cycling Sport, any commuting or errands can be marked as Cycling Transport. And I typically mark rides with the family as Cycling Transport in order to not bring down my average "hardcore" speed.
So in summary, log everything it is only cheating if you enter more miles than you rode.
Good morning, all! This is my first year participating in the Challenge so please allow me a question. This coming Friday I will be participating in a Bike to Work Day event on my way to work. Getting to/from the event is out of the way of my normal commute. Can I include those miles in my daily total? Thanks!
Tailwind? What is that? I believe that is an urban legend.
JHugh Farted. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHA
@Kathy - It's theoretically possible, but has never been proven to exist in the real world.
Beautiful morning at 52 degrees and a mild tailwind with a predicted 73 and clearish for the Ride of Silence tonight in S. NJ. Can't ask for better.
@Marty, Brad, and JHugh - Do boys ever mature into Men or are women totally deluded into thinking that such a thing is, although rare, possible.
@kelly- you totally need a new route. that goose sounds mean!
Whew, after almost two weeks of not being able to commute because unavoidable life things got in the way I am finally back on track! I have missed my two wheeled commute and the NBC dearly and I am so happy to be back logging miles. Here we go!
@J. Hugh - Since when did we start talking about OCC? And how can the last C stand for Development? There isn't a C in Development that I can see. (How did you know that I'll have to wrap duct tape completely around my head, a few times, just to keep me from uttering important facts, that everyone should know.) For instance - Duck tape was first created in 1942, and was originally Army green. After the war, the name was changed to Duct, still keeping the tape name. And now, there are similar products out there with either Duct or Duck.
@Marty OCC means Over Cranial Development or as Dad would say "Marty your head is too big for your hat"". As to posts, it is amazing to see you write down all that stuff that is rattling around in your OCD. I bet you're the guy with the duck tape on his mouth at the ride of Silence.
@Howard F, I heartily recommend TwoSpoke.com. It's one of the friendliest cycling forum on the web.
Douglas - I can vouch for Dan and Howard's recommendation. I have learned a lot from bikeforums. Good luck and have fun!
Agreed Howard! bikeforums is very good.
Douglas, http://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php is also excellent. Has a large number of individual forums.
@ Brad - I love that quote.
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about. ~ Albert Einstein
You wouldn't believe me.. I was attacked again today by the same goose with it's babies. I didn't see them because they were on the other side of some bushes. It flew up and hit the side of my bike so hard the chain switched gears. I tried to pedal faster to get away and this bird was chasing me down the sidewalk!
I may need to find a new route home for awhile!
Douglas, try
http://bicycles.stackexchange.com
@ Douglas F, with 25,000 + riders people tend to get plenty of advice, so feel free to ask away!
We have geese here on the work campus, but no encounters so far on bike. On the other hand, I've dodged small rabbits and then the worst - a few weeks ago on my 25 mph straightaway, some crazies were running radio controlled cars in the road- totally unpredictable trajectories. I missed them, but I'm not sure how.
Can anyone recommend a site that has a good/responsive bicycling forum for general bicycling questions?
Well, after reading some of the weather conditions others ride in.. I realize how easy we have it here and how absolutely SPOILED I am! I did not want to go out when it was WAY down to 52 and today only rode just over 2 miles because we had thunder and a little rain! Oh, my, I can't imagine what I would do if I lived somewhere else.... my poor bike would never see me.
Here in Portland, Oregon we've been spoiled rotten with GORGEOUS weather for at least a month now (knocks on wood). This past weekend Portland had over 7,000 riders participating in the Sunday parkways, which is a neighborhood bike for any/everyone! Tomorrow I'm participating in a Ride of Silence, can't wait! :-)
@J. Hugh - The following are all longer posts: 1) Fence posts. 2) C.W. Post founded his cereal company in 1897, and that is 116 years ago. 3a) The longest Professional Post Player currently is Paul Sturgess, at 7 ft 8 inches. 3b) Gheorghe Muresan and 3c) Manute Bol were both 7 ft 7, and played in the NBA. 4) The longest post Presidential life was Herbert Hoover's - 11,554 days. I could go on, and on, and on. What's OCD? Overhead Cam Distributor? Also, I know about shhhhh, that's why I'm the perfect person to lead a Ride of Silence.
What a great day for biking in NE wisconsin today! From the comments, sounds like most folks are out enjoying themselves in the US. It is interesting to hear from all over. Any Alaskan riders out there?
Brad, 25,000 plus people look at your picture with the clown bike and if you take your ear plugs out you can hear the chucking. Send picture to Clown alley, Ringling Brother Circus! Also, grow the mohawk back it adds to the clown thing. They do make rubber at ons for your helmet if you like the look.
Christine, don't confuse bruises with the birthmarks that Mom and Dad love so much. Oh but birthmarks would be over 40 years old. way over.
Marty, do you know the term OCD. I mean those are two of the longest posts I have ever seen, except for the other Marty know everything ones. Let others have a chance.
Remember what Mom and Dad always said "shhhhh!"
This note from one of my team members. I thought I would share. Check your equipment regularly and be safe out there...
Scott:
I lucked out today. I rode my bike to work without incident, and then rode down to an appointment I had on 14th N with my son. I was too lazy to ride back up that hill, so I put the bike in the back of the SUV my son was driving. As I did, I saw that about 2 inches of the tread had worn away, and had delaminated. It is something I have never seen before. So my son is coming to pick me up, and I’ll be putting a new set of tires on tonight so I can get back on with the Challenge.
God does look out for dumb animals.
Here are the rest of the locations in the U.S. that list Ride of Silence rides tomorrow night at 7. (A total of 265, not county other countries) Hopefully, you can make it to one of them.
NC – Asheville, Banner Elk, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Greensboro, High Point, Huntersville, Kernersville, Kill Devil Hills, Research Triangle Park, Wilmington, Winston-Salem
ND – (None listed so far – the only missing state)
NE – Beatrice, Bellevue, Lincoln
NH – Grantham
NJ – Avenel, Edison-Woodbridge, Lincroft, Medford, Princeton, Skillman, Sparta, West Windsor
NM – Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Mesilla
NV – Las Vegas
NY – Albany, Binghamton, Kingston, Mineola, Nyack-Piermont, Rochester, Utica
OH – Cleveland, Columbus, Oberlin, Toledo
OK – Stillwater
OR – Brookings, Corvallis, Eugene, Phoenix, Portland, Salem
PA – Allentown, Collegeville-Trappe, Doylestown, Harrisburg-Camp Hill, Lebanon, New Castle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, West Chester
RI – Providence
SC – Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, Rock Hill, West Columbia
SD – Sioux Falls, Vermillion
TN – Chattanooga, Clarksville, Maryville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Tullahoma
TX – Amarillo, Austin, Beaumont, Coppell, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, Dodd City, Fort Worth, Houston, Kerrville, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland-Odessa, Mineral Wells, Paris, Plainview, Plano, San Antonio, Sherman
UT – Provo, Salt Lake City
VA – Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Radford
VT – Brattleboro, Manchester Center, Middlebury, Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Woodstock
WA – Renton, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Wenatchee
WI – Appleton, Brookfield, DePere, Delafield, Fox Point, Hales Corners, Oshkosh, Plymouth, Racine, Waukesha, Wauwatosa
WV – Charleston
WY – Casper, Lander
Oh yeah, and while my Garmin is great for recording miles, its pretty bad at temperatures. The weather station reports 88 degrees while my Garmin read 104!!
HI all, here in the greater St. Louis area we got hot! Well not as hot as Nebraska but for a day that was supposed to get into the 70s, it hit the upper 80s pretty quick. And to think that I was waiting for the afternoon to do my ride so it would be warmer! HA. Well the good part was my daughter rode with me and I ended up with 10 more miles than I planned. SO YEAH, KIDS CAN BE GREAT.
*********
Watch out, later in the week they are promising rain and thunder showers. Well, I suppose I could always hit the trail and ride by myself in the rain again. It was actually kind of tun. WE SHALL SEE.
******
I have never encountered GEESE ANGER but my mom grew up on a farm and her best friend had pet ducks. My mom said they could be mean.... SO WATCH OUT FOR DUCKS & GEESE WHILE YOU ROLL!!
I will not complain about hot weather, it's better than riding in the cold any day. This morning was in the 30s again (frost warnings and I just planted my tomatoes!), I was wishing it was 100. Just wanna put the darn winter gear away!
@Jack Mayfield - I always enjoy the 3 days of spring we get here in Nebraska, don't you?
An interesting ride to Jamestown with Pati. Riding up the canyon in rain. And back down in rain. And neither of us brought jackets or vests. We were talking earlier how nice it was to not have to wear or carry cold weather gear. It was cold. And wet. It is amazing how fast Pati can ride up the canyon in the rain so she can get inside to warm up.
Some of you may recall that those of us in the Midwest (including here in Nebraska) were hit with a late season snowstorm on May 2 that caused us to get off to a slow start on the Challenge. So, less than two weeks later, at 2:03pm on May 14th the thermometer on the bank next door reads 100 degrees. No joke. Spring? What spring? Winter > Summer
Sure, Skippy! That's why 40 years later, my ribs are still black and blue!
Dad?
Yay, yesterday was my first commute of the year sans studs or fat tires! Smooth and fast! lol Ride on, Mark H.
Don't make me turn this bike around!
SEE! SEE! THAT'S what I have to put up with. JHugh, are you having those clown nightmares again? You really should talk to somebody about that. (and I told you not to make fun of my bike)
Brad, no one could make fun of your bike. I mean look at it, right out of Clown Alley at the circus. You bring much laughter to people as you roll by and that roll on the ground laughing. Every bike you have had has had the same strange look. they have been theft proof. You should thank Dad for making you and Marty walk since walking is such good exercise for your little legs. I never poked Christine hard, Really!
HA! Skippy (I mean JHugh), like you were the good one - you had dad so fooled. But really YOU were always the instigator. . WE had it easy? Remember the time dad stopped the car and made me and Marty walk home? And YOU were the one that kept pokin' Christine, we didn't have anything to do with it. And what's more, you were always making fun of my bike, always have. That, I'll never forgive you for. I think you were just jealous. pfihblhhhhhhh.
@Christine S Dad always let you get away with such uncool behavior! You, Brad and Marty always get away with everything. Its so unfair!
@Crystal - Unfortunately, not this year. The quickest way is to first filter by number of participants (if you know that), look through the listing, and once you find them, make a note of their overall place. Then, periodically start looking in that place, both a page or two before or after.
When we switch months, early on in the month, look for them in the Overall timeframe, not in that particular month.
Or,better yet, if you have a friend who is on their Workplace team, have them tell you.
@ Christine - Haha! That's what I said! My boyfriend has one of those Hero cameras you can attach to your helmet, I really wish I had been wearing it! I would have uploaded it to YouTube myself!! Lol!!
Ride of Silence
Come and participate tomorrow evening in the Ride of Silence.
Wednesday, May 15th
6:30 Gathering
7:00 Ride Begins
Departing from each Wheel & Sprocket location
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 MPH and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. It will be respectful, silent, safe, short and family friendly.
Remember, we do this ride for 3 reasons:
To honor those who have been injured or killed;
To raise awareness that we are here
To ask that we all share the road
T-shirts are available for first 50 riders.
@Kelly, where's the guy with the video camera when you need him???!! That would have made a great YouTube video. I'm glad you weren't hurt. Growing up in farm country, you know how MEAN geese, especially momma geese, can be!
@Elaine, I love it! Riding to work even when it's at home! YAY!!
@J.Hugh, at my age I'm allowed to SWEAT! BUCKETS! Dad agrees with me!
Is there a way to search companies by name to see how they are doing?
Nice Marty!!!
I love reading and seeing pictures of all this great country has to offer; whatever mode of pedal bike one can choose!!
Well done!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
I'm doubling this challenge up with my triathlon training. This year I'm competing with the Alzheimer's Association's Run for the Memory team. Any support would be appreciated!! http://alz.kintera.org/triathlon2013/cara
@ Marty - Great write and beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing.
I got published again.
http://www.bikeovernights.org/post/pine-creek-trail-pennsylvania
@Tammy - good job on that ride! I lost an intial 15 lbs through cycling, last year. I haven't ridden more than 25 miles either and it took me a year to get to that. I keep trucking away, year by year. This year I am hoping for much more. I know that my cycling gives me good cardio and stamina. Your doing great to get out and ride!
@Kelly, I ride by a goose couple every day. Yesterday, I noticed they had babies too. I hightailed it past them. She hisses at me even without babies in the picture. I can't believe she hit you in the head!!! She must have been reallyl scared and freaked out. Ha. Be careful out there.
I just started tracking any tips or guidance. Just email me. Thanks!
My bell sure gets a workout during gosling season. I hate it when the geese hiss, so a warning bell helps them move away.
Tammie good job on your increases. My freinds are giving me the same encouragement that muscle weighs more and will make your body more efficient. I did hide the scale I rely on how clothes fit. Will be on the look out for Mother Goose bahaha.
@Kelly. Thanks for sharing, you made me laugh! I guess mad Mother geese are another reason to always wear a helmet! For me, my commute brings some pretty frequent "I brake and swerve for prairie dogs."
We don't have geese, we have jackrabbits and ground squirrls here... and I sure was dodging those today. Had quite a few of them run across my path as I was speeding along the path of the college campus. Afraid someday one of them is not going to be fast enough or I am not going to be able to swerve enough. I know my abilities are improving. I used to say I am going out for a quick ride and I would do 1 or 2 miles.. well, todays 'quick ride' was 6.2 miles and this was my rest day.
@Tammie - Don't give up. your probably turning fat into muscle at this point, muscle weighs more than fat. Once you build some muscle the muscle will actually help you lose even more fat. Relax, and stay off the scale, it'll just make you crazy and frustrated
have many rides w/ mid-schoolers and the mayors of Reno/Sparks this week (am & pm) .schoolers as part of safty and basic bike repair for bike to school/ mayors as part of BTWW and their ego campain , will also try to round up some riders for R.O.S. on wed.25,000 riders by tomorrow (maybe) so 1/2 way there.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
So some motorists will have a hilarious story to tell their friends today..
There are a ton of geese on my way to and from work on a particular road. Usually I don't pay them any mind and go past them on the sidewalks. Today I saw 2 next to the sidewalk in the grass like usual, but unfortunately I didn't notice all the baby geese due to the tall grass until the momma goose started balking at me as I approached and all of a sudden all the baby geese decided to wattle into the sidewalk directly in front of me.. I swerved and hit my brakes hard and momma goose took flight and nailed me right in the head almost knocking me clear off my bike into the grass!
I was laughing so hard I had to regain my composure before I could continue on. One vehicle, a man leaned out his window and yelled if I was ok as he has laughing hysterically.
Congrats Tammie on surviving your ride yesterday. What you r looking for is "base training" to help you lose weight. It's all about riding in a certain heart rate zone for a certain amount of time. I'm glad you r enjoying the ride regardless of not losing the weight you want. 3lbs is 3 lbs! Always harder for women than men to loose weight.
@Tammie - Congratulations on how far you've already come!
Biking sure is fun!
(I may be preaching to the choir, but) Just be patient with the rest of the weight loss, as the last half will take longer. Be sure to include a breakfast every day, and careful that you aren't going below 1,000 calories/day intake, (more than that since you are exercising), as going below puts the body in starvation mode, and your metabolism actually starts slowing down.
@tammie. it'll come. small signs such as maybe your rings feel looser. no kidding.
I survived the Law Enforcement Memorial ride yesterday... my new best, 22 miles. New goal, 25 miles. Still don't have speed and I know that will come with time. Now I wish I would start losing weight! I eat 1/2 as much, haven't eaten any real junk food in , well FOREVER... am getting more exercise than I have in 20 years and have lost maybe 3 pounds in the last 7 weeks... but I am having a great time. I could stand to lose at least 30 or more pounds more so it it there to lose. I was able to drop 35 pounds by diet change before I bought the bike.
I will be organizing a Ride of Silence in Wauwatosa, WI.
In case you haven't heard of it, I urge you to attend one in your area, and if there isn't one in your area, why not start one? That's what I did. Here is some more background info on it:
The Ride of Silence is an International event, designed to raise awareness of bicyclists and is in honor of, or memory of those bicyclists hit and injured or killed by vehicles. Rides start at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, May 15th. Organizers ask that you arrive no later than 6:40.
Riders ride in silence, going no faster than 12 mph, and usually for about 10-12 miles, but sometimes less. (Mine will be 10.2 miles at 11 mph.)
To find more specific info, go to: www.rideofsilence.org/
Here are the Ride of Silence locations listed for the U.S. (1st 1/2 - I will post the rest by tomorrow a.m.):
AK – Fairbanks
AL – Homewood, Mobile, Prattville
AR – Little Rock
AZ – Flagstaff, Green Valley, Kingman, Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson
CA – Bakersfield, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles(2), Oxnard, Pasadena, Redding, Richmond, Ridgecrest, Sacramento, San Clemente, San Diego, San Francisco, San Rafael, Temecula, Thousand Oaks, Ventura
CO – Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Woodland Park
CT – Stamford
Washington DC
DE – Lewes, Wilmington
FL – Bonita Springs, Clermont, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lakewood Ranch, Miami, North Pinellas County, Plantation, Poinciana, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Spring Hill – Brooksville, St. Cloud, Stuart, Tampa
GA – Alpharetta, Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Hiram, Marietta, Milledgeville, Peachtree City, Smyrna
IA – Atlantic, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Marshalltown, Mason City
ID – Boise, Burley, Sandpoint
IL – Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Champaign-Urbana, Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Geneva, Joliet, McHenry, O’Fallon, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Peoria, Quincy, Rockford, Springfield
IN – Chesterton, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Goshen, Michigan City, Seymour
KS – Hutchinson, Lawrence, Wichita
KY – Louisville
LA – Boton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans
MA – Boston, East Longmeadow, Leominster, Westfield
MD – Frederick, Hagerstown, Olney, Rockville
ME – Brunswick
MI – Boyne City, Cadillac, Detroit, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Grayling, Grosse Pointe, Harbor Springs, Holland, Marquette, Menominee, Muskegon, Owosso, Port Huron, Portage-Kalamazoo, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Spring Lake, Traverse City, Westland, Ypsilanti (130 so far)
MN – Alexandria, Mankato, St. Paul-Minneapolis
MO – Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Springfield
MS – Hernando, Kosciusko, Ridgeland
MT – Missoula
@Brad - No, I hadn't noticed. Everyone's always been talking to me that way.
Marty - did you notice that everyone talks 'different' to us; are we special?
Paige, some hospitals have special surgical teams that will take care of that for you.
OK people, I'm back and I'm gonna rock this challenge.......
ROLL ON EVERYONE!!!
@Paige - Go to the endomondo profile page for your current team and leave. Come back here and there'll be a big JOIN button under the LOG MILES button. Click it.
anyone know how to change teams???
I'm doing the Ride of Silence, if I remember that is. For some reason during the ride home from work my brain has a tendency to empty of all things, it's like my thoughts can't keep up with me. I get home, eat dinner, putter around, sit... then go "OH CRAP" as the thoughts catch up with me again, which is around 7pm. Need to leave for the ride at 6:30pm.
Since i "telecommute" to work, no not "beam me up Scotty" telecommute Brad and Marty, I take a about a 3 mile ride before I start work. That makes up for not getting the walk time in from a parking lot or around the office I used to work from. Ride on everyone.
It's Bike to Work Week! Keep those miles coming!
OK. I got the calorie thing figured out and then decided I just didn't care anyway! ;) I've lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks now that the weather is cooperating and I can ride more consistently. It should start adding up nicely now with the nice temps. Let's Ride!!!
Anyone doing the Ride of Silence this Wednesday?
Christine I am telling Dad on you, too for eggy Marty and Brad on and for telling others that you sweat. Very embarrassing! So uncool. Grow up please!
@Heather, my Cyclofemme ride was me, myself, and I riding 14 miles, shouting at the top of my lungs how women rule when we ride together. Well, okay, really, I enjoyed the quiet solitude of being the only person on the bike trail because everyone else was paying homage to their muthas. But in my heart I was riding with all the other women riding all around the world. Good on you getting a bunch of people to show up for ride to work!
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@Joe...lovely quote, but I don't remember teaching my sons to ride; someone else must have. There were much more difficult parts of getting them to adulthood, believe me.
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Brad and Marty, please don't stop! It is so much fun reading your chatter.
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BTW, I sweated more riding to work today than I did all last week. Must have been the winter jacket over the sweater and the gloves. Perhaps I overdid it a bit for 30 degree weather?
Oh, thanks alot JHugh, you stupidhead, you know how to wreck everything. Marty we better get lost - wanna go ride around Diane's house again?
The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles. A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. ~Sloan Wilson
@gregg, this is good news!!! I led a bike to work week effort here this week and ten people showed up at our kickoff today. That is fabulous for this rural area. YAY!
Marty and Brad,
I have had enough of this stuff. I am telling Dad when he gets home and you will get yours.
@Brad - Point well taken. But I'm a mirror and you're a face. Whatever you say to me bounces back and into your face.
Besides that, I already had breakfast 1.7 hours ago.
Now that the weekend is behind us and we've all had a chance to celebrate and hopefully enjoy some relaxing time with our mom drinking wine and playing scrabble. It's time to put our differences behind us, and focus on Bike To Work Week. It's a tenuous start with 30 dsgrees this morning in Wisconsin, but tommorow comes change and back to beautiful warm weather. I think it will shape up into a glorious week. So for the sake of peace, camaradarie and the brotherhood of cyclists across the country, I think for breakfast today Marty should have a double serving of GROW THE HELL UP!
Hey Tom L, your picture reminds me of a great movie "The General" about Martin Cahill a Dublin crime boss. LOL a must see movie !!!
@ Brad & Marty, HA HA HA!! Happy MOM'S day to all the other moms out there!
ROLL ON EVERYONE, 24,000 + riders and counting.....
I'm glad that at least some of you found Brad's and my repartee amusing. When we planned it several weeks ago as a build-up to Mother's Day, we wanted to give mothers who may have children slightly or quite a bit older than 3 or 4, a chance to relive that lovely part of parenting again. As brothers of different mothers, we thought it only right that we should make it seem like we were long lost siblings, catching up on childhood.
Since the script we wrote is dome with this writing, we are also done. So, we'll stop, now...... ..... ........
But, only if he stops first.
Great News: The Teamsters and UPS have reached a tenatative agreement, which means UPSers will not have any work stoppage and can ride to work throughout the challenge.
@travis start with some lighthearted miles, then work your way up to the serious ones :)
I haven't even got to get out on my bike. I can't wait to get out here and get some serious miles on my bike this season!
took the df off the garage wall today and within a very short time remembered why i got bent! but the old trek is a great bike and i can do things on it that i would not do on my recumbent. the wrist , neck and bum pain are worth short rides but not the daily miles i like .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Ok got'er done. I would have been a couch pitato if it hadn't been for the challenge. Now I feel better!
FINALLY taking the studded tires off my 29'er today. The ice on my bike trail commute to work in nearly gone. Been a late and chilly Spring up here. Still fun tho. Happy trails, Mark H.
@Brad – but of course! My respect just went way up. At my age, I appreciate a good BM – song.
Scott - A good BM. hahahhahahahhaa Now I think we FINALLY got the conversation down to a low enough level.
Scott - A good BM. hahahhahahahhaa Now I think we FINALLY got the conversation down to a low enough level.
Scott - Bob Marley. Rastaman vibration. Irie, Irie. Love and peace to all (yes even my nemesis - you know)
@Brad and Marty - Happy Mothers Day! Grin! You two make me smile. Your chatter is so worth the price of admission to the NBC.
@Brad - Nice fatty! Who is Marley anyway?
@Marty - When Marly and me grow up, we want a tandem like in your pic! Just wonder what the bike rack looks like and will it fit on the top of our little Suzi?
@Elaine, Kelly, Tammy and other new riders! You inspire and ROCK! I have raced, toured, and commuted of and on for a lot of years. I have not ridden 12 days in a row since the summer of '74. Thank you NBC for motivating so many folks...
I don't know why, but today I need to work up the motivation to go out. Yesterday, I was all over riding in that nasty weather, but today with the sun shining, I need to kick my butt in gear. Go figure!
Hey Marty - I'm rubber, you're glue, whatever you say bounces off of me, and sticks to you.
Mike, I had the same thought about normalizing the team rankings to take size into account. a "medium" team of 11 has no chance against a "medium" team of even 40 members. A points/member, much like the state and community points/resident, would make much more sense in my mind.
@Christine, I had to cancel my cyclofemme ride yesterday-due to rain. I was so dissapointed, but we are going to try again next weekend. I hope yours was fun!
What do folk think of the team size on the leader board?. Can't help thinking a points per persons on the team ranking scheme might be better more universal, or maybe just total of top 10 scoring members of the team rather than this small medium large ranking. Large (>100) seems too large and medium (11-99) just covers too wide a range to be useful. Also IMO the community ranking scheme seems broke. The leader community in my state has 1 rider out of a very smallish population size who is way ahead ahead of all the other communities, hows that work then ?
@ Dan, Like Peter said, you have to enter the time you spent riding for the calories to appear. Go to your profile, then to workouts, then you can edit each workout, adding the time you started, and the time you spent riding for each trip.
It's donuts for me...
@Elaine H it used to be the ice cream for me, but then I found french pastry. OOLALA
Bon ton roule!
12 days for a million miles . . that is way cool . . . How many miles of paved road in the USA ? How long will it take us to ride the number of paved road miles in the USA?
1 million miles! 19 million more to go!! Nice work NBC riders (even Brad and Marty).
@Elaine - He started it!
Kelly and Tammy, I am right there with you! Have had my bike almost a month and I am ready to upgrade to smoother commuter tires. ROCK ON! Brad and Marty you crack me up. My personal philosophy, riding to the local dairy for ice cream is calorie free, especially if you get a kiddiecone! Ride on everyone.
Happy Mother's Day! I owe a debt of gratitude today to my mother because she taught me how to ride a bike. lol I love this vid with the red bike and I watch it every Mother's Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch;feature=share. I thank God for my mother because without the love of either one of them, I wouldn't even be here. I don't ever take for granted the gift of life granted to me by God through my loving mother because since 1973, over 55 million were not granted this gift and were killed by their very own mother. Even though I will not always have my mother with me here on earth, I will never lose my mother because of the perfect life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. I love her and we will both live together in heaven for all eternity. This is the meaning of life and the most important thing that any loving mother could teach me. And I'm also thankful today that she also taught me how to ride a bike. lol Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!
@ Tammie - That's too funny. I've been a bike owner since March (started riding it in April) and I too have been thinking how I would like a second bike! It really is addicting.
Since the start of this challenge I have biked everywhere. I bike to and from work, I've gone to the grocery store, to my boyfriends. It takes me an extra half hour to get to work in the mornings and home, but I enjoy it. The distance to my boyfriend's is much more. It takes me close to an extra hour by bike depending on which way the wind is blowing, but I refuse to drive! I usually have to fill my gas tank up once a week... Last full up was April 29th and I still have a full tank! Awesome!
I have been a bike owner for 7 weeks now and already understand the need for more than one bike! I am already addicted.. No turning back now. I was a dedicated couch potato before this new endeavor! Honest! Today will be my longest ride so far .. 20.3 mile. I have no doubt I can do it since I have been working up over the past few weeks and did 17 last Sunday. This one is special, police memorial ride. I am excited and happy to be able to do it.
Mommmmmmmm - Marty's doing it again. Make him stop.
It's Officially Sunday in the Midwest - Happy Mother's Day to all! (Except Brad)
@Christine-you motivate me, as well!
@Gregg-I look forward to reading your posts, and miss seeing them on the local page. I will never forget when you wrote about your camping trip that year. I took my family and fell in love with it. My hubby said that he has never seen me happier.
Getting close to the first million - exciting! Hats off to the thousands who have pedaled in the NBC, keep up the good work!
Gregg, I agree with you, commuting took me just 15 minutes longer each way - and I got my workout in; so really it saved me time overall in my day. Also saves me $4 in gas money and earns me 40 points for the day.
Bread bags work quite well on your feet to keep them dry in rain. I always carry a pair in my backpack to work in case its raining on my commute home. A lot of people think I'm crazy riding to work, but it's kept me active on a regular daily basis and its become just a part of my normal daily routine. It's so relaxing that by the time I get to work, I am full of energy and wide awake. Riding to work earns me 38 points every day and it takes me only 15 minutes more to ride each way to work than if I drive it, so to ride to work I only need to get up 15 minutes earlier than when I drive. It just makes perfect sense to ride to work as much as possible because after awhile the dollars saved really accumulates.
@ Gregg, I think schools would get more participation in cycling than with other sports because its just as easy to get both boys and girls involved. Some schools have started doing this with mountain biking. It might be a bigger challenge with road bikes because you need safer streets to do that. But it would go great together with the efforts to get safe routes to school.. In any case including bicycle mechanics as part of the program would be great (actually I'm stealing someone else's idea here because some places are already doing this)...
Personal trainers will tell you one of the best ways to see results from your workouts is to log all your workouts, so you can track how much you are doing every day and how you can improve your workouts. They also want you to log everything you put into your mouth. Although it takes some time and discipline, those who do so are the ones who see the most results from their workouts because it shows what you are doing, makes you accountable, overcomes excuses for not working out, and helps you to set goals for yourself. Tracking miles in the challenge here does really the same thing as logging other workouts and your nutrition etc. If you don't keep track,you can easily think you are doing more than you really are and if you aren't seeing the results you want, if you have no record of what you did, you will never know what to do different.
@ Christine S. That is exactly the point I was trying to make to the local bike org. that thought the NBC was competing with their events. They are wrong because the NBC is in TANDEM with all other cycling events. If you ride FOR ANY reason during the NBC and its outdoors, IT MATTERS. You can record it for whatever other reason you want + the NBC. But thats too confusing for some people to figure out I guess.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE & HAVE FUN!!!
I don't know why some riders think its a waste of time to keep track of miles and points. and have a leader board. Do they think its a waste of time for the NFL or NBA or any sports team to keep score at a game and keep standings and records on teams and individual players? Do they think they should just play and forget about points and keeping any records? This is what makes sports fun. So why should cycling and biking be any dfiferent? Cycling is no different than any other sport. The spirit of challenges and competition is what makes sports fun and its no different than with biking and cycling. If schools today had cycling as one of their team sports, I think it would have as much interest as football and basketball does.
The Wisconsin Challenge a couple years ago is what got me started to ride and the more I ride, the more I love biking everywhere.
@Jenny Stelzner I love the NBC, too. There is competittion individually, by city and region, by workplace, by team, by state, and then there is the satisfaction of helping to reach the state and national goals. I like the other challenges that are on Endomondo and log other workouts as well and the competition and commaradery are very motivating.
Winds gusts around 20mph up to 40mph... Riding against it, SUCKS! Riding with it, FUN AS HECK!! But when that gust of wind hits you from the side, SCARY AS CRAP! Haha!!
Today we did a double recycle ride. It only totaled 20.4 miles, but we battled a 25 mph wind over several small hills on 1.50x26" tires. The travoy was loaded and we were pulling about 50 pounds on each of two trips to the recycle dumpster.
Unfortunately these miles do not count for our CIBA 500 miles in May jersey.
If I did not have so many reasons to ride, I would make one up! (62 years on the bike)
Ride SMART everyone
A mile is better than nothing. @Tammie, good for you! Now try to make it 1.25, then 1.5 and before you know it... but be careful. This can be addictive.
I have been making myself get get there every day even if it IS just for that one mile... I feel guilty doing it sometimes but I am doing it! I jumped on my bike yesterday to get that mile in before heading off to work.. did the mile and it only registered .99.. did not count.. had to run out and go up and down the street a little to up it over the mile point! What a BUSY day... but I AM on my bike EVERY DAY! WHAT FUN!
@ Dan - I believe the calories burned only show up if you are using the app. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Someone may have more points than you if they rode more days. Each day you ride a mile is an automatic 20 points. So getting out there each day, even if for just 1 mile racks up points nicely!
@Dan - You have to put in time rode and a starting time. You get 20 points for every day you ride over one mile plus one point for every mile you ride.
My logs show my miles but don't show calories burned. How does that work? Do I have to get more specific someplace on logging the details. I just log the trips and miles. I'm not sure I understand the point system either. There are several that have more points than I, but have less than half my miles. It doesn't matter to me, but my OCD kicks and I NEED to know ;)
@Christine @Kathy absolutely my feelings on the matter of points, events and just go do your ride. I'll be 61 this summer and I am going for my second 330+ rides a year and my second 12,000 miles a year. I have ridden 77,000 miles since of 2006. Why you ask? the points? the gold stars? The Ice Cream? No, the fun and everything I have experienced and the french pastries. Bon ton Roule!
I have a question regarding "other events interfering with [LBS] Bike month events": does it matter? Tomorrow, I'm riding for Cyclofemme's We Ride Together, and my miles will also be logged for the NBC, my Weight Watcher's activity for the day, the WW Live Life Active challenge, and my Earndit points, and my own personal satisfaction! Why can't one ride count for many things?
@Kathy R you nailed it with "I think the challenge isn't about winning, it's about showing how many cyclists are out there and that together we can change laws and make cycling safer for everyone". We NEED to show our numbers and our ages! It's not just kids, it's not just elite cyclists, it's your every day average folks who are out on the roads.
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@Jenny, way to motivate your team! And again, nail on the head with "So it isn't just about the most points or the most miles. Its about getting out there and riding." Have I told you how much you motivate me??
I had a reminder today that checking your pulley wheels and chain for excess lube gunk at the end of the ride is a really good idea. This kind of sticky black or grey gunk can make shifting less smooth. If you find that shifting is sticking a bit or isless smooth check for black gunk.
This can happen even when you wipe off the excess lube after application. It seems to me that riding makes gunk of lubes.
Bon Ton Roule!
There was a mayors ride here a week ago Friday, probably 30 riders all ages all bikes. We rode mostly the really great path ofour Greenbelt and some road. The city has a new Parks and Rec Dir totally plugged into improving conditions. The interesting thing, thecity has a bike challenge also, me and ONE OTHER person have signed up. They are allowing post dating, but where's the challenge in that? And forthe other"low tech" riders, I enter everything from my Nook ;-)
Hey all, don't dispair: a few years ago I was the only one who rode to work regularly, along with 1 or 2 who would occasionaly. Now on the nicer days it's tyical to see 7-9 bikes in the rack. What a beautiful sight!
Right there with you S W S. I'm apparently the only one riding for The McClatchy Company!
I cant believe it. I work for a company that has over 350,000 employees world wide and yet I am the only one doing the challenge. Come on all you Compass employees sign up and join me
"Their excuse? They don't want to become obsessed with it!
@Jenny - My wife says I have OCD with the NBC. I don't think so. But, I wonder why would I have put miles on the tandem with her or on my 1/2 bike every day for the last ten days and be online after she is asleep tonight???
PS, @ Kathy R, well said!
Hi all, I have just been running my jaw anyplace I can to tell people about the challenge. So when we rented bikes recently (near Big Bend National Park in Texas) I talked to the shop owner and told her about the challenge and she thought several people in the area would like it because they like to do stuff like ride the number of miles that they are old on their birthday. Then she started talking about how she used to live in California and she made her community bike friendly all on her own. I said that was awesome and she should check out this web site and go to the League of American Bicyclists web site and find out how to become a bicycle friendly business. So I'm pretty sure she'll do that. She was going to have her husband check into the bike challenge. If they do we'll see some action in Texas.
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On the other hand I tried to get a local bike organization in the St. Louis area to promote the challenge but they wouldn't because they thought it was competing against their May bike month events. So you never know.
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Mainly I just talk to individual cyclists and say they could join and they might win a prize and they can go solo or make a team. Just whatever they want to to, but I tell them to watch out because they are likely to have a whole lot of fun if they get involved.....
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On a more serious note, I saw a white bicycle in Austin, TX today.. That made me sad. Don't know if there is a ride of silence planned for the St. Louis area.. I would be happy to hear from somebody if there is. There is a lot of educating to do for motorists and cyclists alike.
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RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
@kathy r---- spot on ! if I tell people the miles I have from 5-1-12 up to now they think i lie or am plain bonkers. but if i tell them the good parts that get back to DC and the limo riders on cap.hill they at least show a little interest .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
I have a couple of friends who did the Wisconsin challenge 2 years ago but won't rejoin. Their excuse? They don't want to become obsessed with it! Well, I am obsessed and LOVING it!
Totally agree, Kathy. I am the coordinator of the challenge at my workplace, and I am giving away random prizes to participants if they post a ride on the "mystery"date. So, obviously in order to improve chances of winning, they need to ride often. So it isn't just about the most points or the most miles. Its about getting out there and riding.
@ Robert and others, thanks for enlightening me on ROS. This is a great cause. Because of you all, I enlisted to help my local organizer and invited my local team members. Hopefully others will follow your lead and get involved.
Well said @Kathy. I have done the LiveStrong Challenge in Philly six years in a row. It is heart warming to see all the people along the 100 mile course cheering you on. The respect the cyclists get from the police along the route is awesome. I organized the Lehigh Valley Ride of Silence 10 years ago. Sadly, it has never really had a good turnout in spite of attempts to publicize it. It's only through advocacy and education, through group participation in events like this one, that the cycling community can come together and bring about change.
I started tracking 540 rides ago. Once I started, I got soooo much more fun out of my miles. It became a whole cycling brotherhood thing. I made Endo friends, I saw their routes, we encouraged each other, I rode with a few of them, I adopted what I liked, we advised each other and shared stories and adventures, and I became a smarter, better, happier rider. It has enriched my entire life!
Charles, if you go to your team's NBC homepage, click on 'see profile on Endomondo' and you'll see a place to post comments intended to be read by your teammates.
@Robert - This year I am organizing a Ride of Silence in a Western suburb of Milwaukee, WI (Wauwatosa) I think it is a great idea, and a great cause!
We actually have a cycling team that does the MS150 every year and out of all the people I was able to get signed up, the cycling team was not among them. Thankfully I was able to get 50 others to sign up at my work place and at least 50% of them are logging miles. It's sad because I think the challenge isn't about winning, it's about showing how many cyclists are out there and that together we can change laws and make cycling safer for everyone. People ride the ride of silence to show our respect to those that have been injured or died but we ride this challenge to make change so that people won't have to be injured or die. We ride to show we exist and should be treated as equals on the streets and not as a nuisance. Only together can we be strong. When I think of it that way, logging miles isn't that much of a burden.
I keep a Running Journal and log each and every mile I run and since I started biking, I keep a Cycling Journal as well. Maybe it's my obsessive compulsive nature or maybe it's just awesome to look back and see how much you've accomplished. There's no way I wouldn't want to keep track of my miles even if I weren't doing a challenge.
Just curious if there's a way to create a message board on team/workplace/city/state pages where people can post more localized updates. For example, team captains can post encouragement, riders can post warnings of road hazards on popular commutes, people can post updates about group rides, etc. I think it will enhance the experience, and it may help keep people logging miles.
we heard about the Bike Challenge from the gentleman who sold us a DoggyRide for our dog to come on bike commutes with us...she loves it so far, and we are highly entertained (and motivated) by the slight and friendly competition of the Challenge!
I rode up a small hill with that load, but the trip was only about eight blocks long.
I'm fascinated by other cyclists who seem to think tracking your miles is a waste of time or a form of bragging. I enjoy it, and if a little bragging comes with it, then so what? I learned a long time ago there's a difference between tooting your own horn and being a jerk. I love a challenge. I'm in awe of some of the cyclists here. Keeps me on my toes and humble.
Rod, that's quite a load you carried there. Hope there weren't too many hills!
The cool kids on my team are planning to log their miles on the last day of each month because they find Endomondo too difficult/frustrating/time consuming to use regularly. I think some of them even use Garmins which are super easy to sync with Endomondo. I hear it's more complicated if you use an iPhone to track your ride. Typically the cool kids are not the smart kids. :D
I get paid to ride! Today's biggest load; http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/trailer/DSC06418.jpg
Several people I work with are commuters. But none are interested in "tracking my miles", I find it odd that people would ride that much and not even track how many miles they do in a year.
I've been tracking miles on a spreadsheet forever. Then I started using the Endo app and tracking it online. I still add everything to my spreadsheet and make sure the spreadsheet and Endo match!
Since I use Endomondo (actually found out about the NBC through it last year) I don't have to log my rides at all. I don't think this could be much easier, between using the Endomondo app and/or @Burlkee's way of entering rides! @Elaine, I'm with you: I couldn't care less about the prizes (though if I do win one, I'll gladly take it!) and am doing the NBC for the personal pride of bettering last year's numbers. I've talked to several people who ride all the time and you can see their eyes glaze over after a few seconds. Too bad. This is just plain fun, if you ask me!
People are funny! I am doing this for the personal challenge, the community, and because I can. I have had my bike since 4/17, as you can see it's a comfort style and soon will get the commuter tires I put on my mtn bike with the idea of getting out last year and never did. Rock on everyone. and I hit silver today.
@Steven - I got the "hassle of logging miles" thing from someone who participated last year, but doesn't want to this year. All I could think was, 'Yeah, because once you enter your regular commute, log in, click twice and you're done is such a hassle.' And I've found two folks this year who didn't know how to set their standard commute. I don't know, man, I don't know.
I was able to get out today. Managed to miss all wet rain while dodging thunderstorms. But got rained on with rock. In on section of the ride I was near a rock crusher. And the wind must have blown tiny rock in the sky. For about a mile I had tiny rocks falling from the sky on me.
We have someone at work who lives about 60 miles from work. He bikes to the commuter rail near his home then puts his bike on the train, gets off between 10 and 20 miles from work then bikes in. Reverse it for the ride home. He does this 2- 3 times a week. Bicycling is just part of his life. I really wasn't surprised when he turned down the offer to join. Thinking about it, why would someone like that want the hassle of logging every ride? Perhaps the appeal of the NBC is more for recreational types than hard core riders? (though I'm sure hard core riders participate as well). Just a thought.
One of the multi-location local chains in my area has a team registered and they have made mention of the NBC in some of their mailers. The other one doesn't seem to be participating though, which is odd considering the amount of money I have spent in their store due to the NBC. I have told them about it a few times but they apparently don't see the connection.
@ Rob, I'm shooting for the Diamond level. Whether I'll make it or not is another story! I will aim for it till the last day of September!
@ Rob "The Man" Gusky, I'm shorting for the "Diamond" also, but am I that good of a shot?
LBS story about the same around here in Central Florida. I just don't get why they can't see the advantage to participating and building up cycling. As you all know the benefits of NBC could help every LBS. Even the local Trek shop, , where I go to has turned its back, I find it amazing that Trek corporate has a big team. I am asking riders to participate one at a time, its all I can do. I, also, think that competition may turn some people off, and I have gotten the feedback that confirms that. Winning is not why I participate, but it does seem that people think a National Bike Challenge should be about.
I have friends/coworkers who commute, but I cant convince them to bother with joining the NBC. I cant convince any new commuters, but I have tried. I have two coworkers that say they will commute again with me on BTWD which is good.
@Timothy - same happened with my LBS. Told them about the NBC and it never went anywhere. However, I did post it on their FB page, don't know if that helped.
Rob, stopped at a Bike shop in Cincinnati and as if they were participating in the NBC, got the deer in the head light look and a no, can't support all the different rides. Very sad, the store wasn't busy, but sure seemed to be in chaos
Traveling this weekend without the bike, maybe I can borrow a bike and get some short rides in so I don't miss any days.
I found that when I commute, I sometimes need a car for surprise meetings/errands. I almost had to stop commuting. I decided to reverse my commute. I drive to work with my bike/kit/food, ride home in the evening, and ride back in the am.
We are off to a great start with the NBC and are approaching the first million miles. I'd love to see us get 50,000 riders soon. If each one of us could recruit another person or two to sign up, we could get there in a few days. Anyone have any other ideas or things that have worked to get people started? I heard a great story yesterday on our local challenge Comments section. A person wrote this "Thanks HuHot (Appleton) grill chef for the suggestion of this site. It looks like a lot of fun." That place is a Mongolian BBQ joint and it's great the grill chef is helping spread the word about NBC!
@ Kathy - That's an excellent idea just incase a surprise storm decides to hit after I've already left.
@Kelly - it's called keep a dry pair of shoes or slippers in my office drawer. I have dry everything in case I get caught in a down pour.
As long as I am able to ride, there is no way I will allow myself to not light up that diamond medal.
@ Marty - Haha! Thanks, that's kind of the direction I was leaning toward.
@Kelly "Wet Feet" Thomas, the cheapest and quickest way to keep your feet dry is to wear a plastic bag between your socked feet and your cycling shoes. Your feet won't breath very well, but they'll stay dry from the rain.
Does anybody have any recommendations for keeping my feet dry while riding in the rain? Looking for a cheap option. Unfortunately I am working with wet feet today.
@Scott: It's a bit cumbersome, but here it is: If you click the name of the team your'e a member of (right under your pic), a team page comes up. On the right-hand, click "see profile on Endomondo." Once there, you can opt to "Leave" the team. Once you have left, you can join a new team.
@rob I am shooting for WORLD DOMINATION. What is this silly diamond level thing you are talking about? ;)
@ Rob - I'm sure aiming for diamond! I'm at silver too right now and as long as I commute to work each day I should be to gold by Wednesday night. Making my way!
How do I change teams?
Anyone out there shooting for the 5000 pt Diamond level? I figure IF I ride every day and average 13 miles per day, I will make it. I will give it my best shot, just made Silver so I am on my way!
Ahh Wisconsin you gotta love this weather.
@EM. Thanks for keeping us all inspired. I had a great little road ride yesterday. I'm still learning the feel of my bike, but I'm having a great time doing so! Have a safe weekend, everyone! @Gregg, I hope it warms up for you soon. That weather is something else.
Going to do my best to get some miles in but coaching Little league take a lot of time away from riding
There may even be a frost this weekend, so too early yet to plant any flowers.
After a beautiful warm dry week here in Wisconsin temps have plummeted to 39 with light rain and a NNE wind at 22 mph creating a windchill of 29--not a very nice Mother's Day weekend. But warmer weather will return next week..
Cheers from New Mexico...Weather is GREAT. I usually bike 5 of my 7 work days. Not anymore, NBC has me motivated! Thanks to Performance Bikes for turning me on to the challenge.
bike to work week next week , tell all your co- workers to give it a try and join NBC even if only for the week. maybe they will catch the dreaded BIKE BUG!
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
@Robert Last year was my first and I definitely plan on attending again. The issue certainly hits close to home and the ride was very thought provoking and surprisingly meditative.
Kathyrn - glad everything worked out. All the best!
Hi all, did an 8 mile hike today (family fun) so no biking. But I'll be making up for this next week. I'm pretty sure biking is easier on my knees.
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@ Heather, way to go. Leading a ride is a great way to inspire others!
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@ Scott Boyer, ha, ha. I haven't tried pulling a canoe on my bike but I have considered using a bike canoe combination, as in park bike at one end of a canoe trip and the car at the other..
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@ J Gregory. I hope all states get 3 foot passing laws and train the drivers to use them. I think a national advertising campaign to educate drivers about rules of the road with respect to cyclists would be a big help. Kind of like the ads against drunk driving and not texting while driving. In the meantime any measures we can take to make our bike rides safer are okay with me.
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
Who will be doing a local International Ride of Silence ride on May 15th? This will be my 10th year participating.
Watch out Madison, WI. LIncoln, NE is coming for you!!
@ Kathyrn - Glad to hear you're ok! That is some scary stuff!
@Anne, congrats on winning, racing the storms. I've done that a few times and I've only won a few. Always a good fun ride!
I'm getting my bike back tomorrow. I haven't been able to ride for a week and a half, since I was hit by a car. That was my first (and hopefully) last time. Thankfully, my injuries were relatively minor. Amazingly, my bike was able to be repaired.
Gotta take work bike to shop now tomorrow taking bike to shop paddel busted:'(
Taking a bike maintenance class tonight. It's suppose to storm this evening. I'm a good 15 miles from home. Hope it holds out until I can get back to my place!
Greetings from SE Idaho, spring has shown up. Today was a FAB lunch ride. Tx for the encouragement. Ride on everyone!
Hey George, glad you're feeling better. I missed the last 2wks riding because of the flu. Before that I'd bicycled the 8mi r/t to work all but 4x in 5yrs. Glad to be on here now helping the numbers grow. Warmest regards from up in Alaska, Mark H.
Raced a thunderstorm home yesterday and just got in the door as the rain started and about a minute before it was pelting down. Good thing it was downhill the whole way...
Got out for my first ride for the 2013 Challenge.Spent 10 days off with the Flu.The ride felt pretty badbut any ride is better then none.
@ Jerry, we had a week like that last week here in South Florida. Rained every day we got something like 4.5 inches of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, thunder storms, hail, high winds, the works. I didn't log a mile until my commute to work on Monday of this week...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Another beautiful day in Ohio, so I took my hybrid over to Jimmy Johns to grab a somewhat healthy lunch. Nowhere to lock the bike (that I noticed), but they are "freaky fast" and have big windows, so I just parked on the sidewalk.
I can't believe the weather here in Colorado. I could not ride yesterday due to thunderstorms. I decided to ride earlier today to beat the rain. No luck. Rain and hail. I hope to get out sometime today if I am lucky. Very unusual weather for Colorado.
@Burklee, thanks
@Dave - No, they don't. You keep adding up points until the end.
@Elaine - I do the same thing at lunch, though I get an hour, so I can get an extra 3-5 miles. That's a good thing because my commute is only 2 miles roundtrip. Gotta get in those extra miles if I want to have any chance of making it to the Diamond level.
Go Camille!!
@J. Gregory - Utah has a similar un enforced "3 foot" law. Most drivers are pretty respectful of bike space. Like many places, some just don't have a clue and think 3 inches is acceptable. It’s the teenagers texting that I fear most.
@ E.M. - why not combine both? http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/
@ Elaine - You inspire. Cycle on!
Hi gang. Everyone is doing so well. I've been a bit under the weather with some orthopedic issues which have kept me off my bike, but I am participating in bike to work week activities over the next week. I am also leading a casual ladies ride on Saturday. I am really excited to move forward with my riding and training. Hopefully, I can still meet my goals for the year which are to be able to participate in a century tour in October. Stay safe and have fun!
Rust Belt Battle of the Bikes...Come on CLE! Show your pride and pedal power! #cleVSpgh #rustcrown
When did the AEP team take 1st place from Fish on Bikes? I thought the Fish on Bikes team was unstoppable, but it looks like nothing is impossible in the NBC! Ride on everyone!
@ EM Matteson
Vermont recently passed legislation requiring motorists to allow three feet of space when passing a cyclist. While not every driver is considerate, the improvement of the on the road experience has been significant, especially because many of our roads lack a useful shoulder. The law also has provision for cyclists to report the license number of a negligent driver.
Good job Camille! I ride on my 30 min lunch and am improving my time daily. Rock on.
You rock Camille!
HI all, canoeing today so no bike ride.
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@ Lloyd, get well soon we're all rooting for you. You might want to add Premium Rush to your bikie movie list.
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As far as people passing too close goes, we used to have these plastic flags that stuck out about a foot from the side of the bike. You attached them to the back and folded them out. They were orange and had a reflector on the end. They were what they used in Finland to keep the traffic from passing too close. We biked with them in the US for several years. People looked at us like we were nutso, but hey they worked.. Perhaps the commuters need something like this to help with keeping cars at a safe distance.
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@ Camille, way to roll!
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!!
Way to go Camille!
Good job Camille!
7 miles today! Shooting 10 tomorrow..
Anyone doing Tour De Farms in Illinois this June?
Go Molex Lisle!
@Rick, when I get stuck in traffic I just remember the day I cyclocommuted Sept 2011when we had the big blackout, all the freeways and surface streets were jammed, I really enjoyed riding right past all of the carmuters going nowhere :)
@Dave - I know my driving has changed since I began riding to work and elsewhere. I don't tend to drive as fast as I used to on the highway, and I think I'm much more patient behind slow traffic and when highways get congested. If I'm stuck in 30-35 mph traffic congestion on a highway, its still getting me there way faster than I would get there on a bike.
@Lloyd, listen to the doctor and get better soon!
Lloyd, perhaps you can find some bike race videos? There's always "Breaking Away" and "American Flyers"!
@ Lloyd - Wow, no biking, no reading, no computer. Good luck, man. Get better soon!
It's a conspiracy I tell you! Day one of the NBC I rode 54 miles. Day 2,3,4, and 5, we had 12 inches of rain. Now my Doc says I can't ride for awhile. Here's why: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111809206358380206974/posts/TDQqQMLDGK9
But I'll be back and rollin' soon!
Hi Tim, after speaking to leading engineers at the Southeast Bike Summit (with Sec. Ray LaHood) it was decided to have a county commissioner speak to Bob Campbell of Public Works. The concern was that he would keep using technical jargon in his rationale for not accommodating cyclists.
But yes, I have found the BPAC to be an advocate for us once we explain our issues/concerns. I record all my bike drives (including cyclommutes) and video clips are extremely useful in highlighting issues from a bicyclist's point of view. It garners comments like "we've heard it was a problem, but seeing it really makes a difference." For example, my video clips led to the BPAC requesting the Public Works to explain the traffic control system. It will be discussed tonight, I'll post an update later in the week. And you're right, meetings during business hours makes it difficult for the public to attend... coincidence? I'm sure Pinellas and St. Pete have valid reasons... I'm just saying
Michael, I would like to attend the Pinellas (where I live) BPAC meeting, but I work (in Tampa) and the meetings are scheduled for 1:00pm. That doesn't work for most working bike commuters. I would have to take a vacation day to attend. I wish they would schedule them at other times.
Hillsborough, on the other hand, has their BPAC meeting at 5:30pm and that's on my way home. I plan to start attending them.
St. Petersburg has their city BPAC meeting every other month at 7:30am - that's workable.
Did you ever get any satisfaction regarding your signal timing issues?
The weather is beautiful this week in Wisconsin for riding. It doesn't get any better than this. We deserve it after such a cold snowy spring. There is still snow up north in the woods where the snow can't hit it, but it's mostly gone now. There is still ice in the lakes, but the ice should be out soon with the warm weather. Many lakes will not be open for the fishing opener this weekend.
Thanks DC, don't have to ask me twice! :)
Hillsborough County, FL
BPAC - Every 2nd Wednesday of Month ( http://www.planhillsborough.org/calendar/tag_ids:662/ )
MPO - Parent to most County transportation improvement efforts http://www.planhillsborough.org/mpo-board/)
Pinellas County, FL
BAC - Every 4th Monday of Month ( http://www.pinellascounty.org/mpo/MPOCommit.htm#committee )
MPO - http://www.pinellascounty.org/mpo/default.htm
Both links to B(P)AC contain links to upcoming agendas.
At the last BPAC meeting.. The lead transportation engineer explained Hillsborough's signaling system. We learned that since bicycles are vehicles, they are given no extra consideration (such as length of green and yellow signals) although extra consideration is given to speeders of vehicles. Also, they feel it's OK if a bicyclist makes it 75% across an intersection before the light turns green for opposing traffic! ...and that if a cyclist wants to cross when the signal is red that they can push the pedestrian crossing button or wait for a car traveling in their direction! So much for being treated as a vehicle!
If this is the leadership our counties display, we shouldn't expect motorists to behave differently... Only we can change this thought process, we must request "Complete Streets" from our traffic engineers, which take all road users into consideration.
And as always...
Ride like you belong!
@Michael, thanks for your advocacy efforts! Maybe put up some links to your local organizations?
Another reason sport cyclists save CO2 emissions is they become different motorists once they have ridden the road. They take their time a bit more, aren't in such a rush, give courtesy to cyclists, and they are much less likely to run-over cyclocomuters :)
For anyone in the Atlanta, Ga area, the Mobile Social and Atlanta Moon Ride for Big Bert's Adventure this Friday. http://www.themobilesocial.com/ and http://atlantamoonride.com/ .
Also, there's the New Belgium Tour de Fat the very next day. Get your bicycle and let's go have fun!
What a great morning for biking to work in NE Wisconsin!
As important it is for Paul and others like myself to attend and raise issues from local meetings... We NEED cyclists (and pedestrians) to come to BPAC (Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) and MPO (Master Planning Organization) meetings!!!! Until large numbers start showing we'll just be a secondary (at best) consideration!
I can't say it enough, please find out about local meetings and ATTEND!! Communicate with others in your circle (cycling clubs, friends, coworkers, etc.) to get them to attend...
@Paul Jefferies, keep up your good advocating for us cyclist. We appreciate it.
Paul Jeffries - A sad state of affairs. We won't get improved biking infrastructure until there are more cyclists out there, proving the need. And we won't get more cyclists out there until there is better infrastructure. I thank you for fighting the good fight.
pretty please ? Any congresspeople who are ACTUALLY interested in making a difference in the lives of most of their constituents, true progressives, who might actually help us improve the living part of our lives. My heart goes out to anyone that was hit by a distracted driver. Was T-boned last year 1 day prior to my birthday (February) as my wife and I went for a little pre-dinner ride, slow speeds equals lucky. However, no matter the excuse on the part of drivers, understand that most of us commuters are not looking for a fight and we DON'T have a steel casing to protect us against distracted folks, so spare me the they were taking up the lane (you lost about 10 seconds ---> OH LORD !) Sorry for ranting, I LOVE BIKING !
I am reminded of that field of dreams quote "Build it and they will come"... can we get some better biking infrastructure nationwide please ?
Topeka Kansas Accident Update - The girl, who has been identified in the media, is 12 years old, in 7th grade, and her injuries are significant. She was riding on the shoulder of the road, with a friend, who was not hit. Near the point she was hit, there is a turnoff to a gas station from the 50 mph road. The driver is a 32 year old female.
After 7 days, I'm pleased to report that Utah State University is ranked number one in the Colleges/Universities workplace division. 106 riders, 2,251 miles, and 6,608 points. Not bad considering the rough weather during week 1 of the challenge. Go Aggies! Be well - Be safe all.
Hi out today in some hot hot weather. My heart goes out to the young lady in Kansas. I'm riding with my kids and I want them safe so I want it to be safe for everyone else. Common sense should dictate how bike lanes are made and designed. As for honking drivers, I always wave. If the honking is friendly the wave is friendly and if it's not it's not.
Ride on everyone and ride as safely as you can!!!
On a happier Challenge note, almost 600,000 miles in the first week!?!? And 22,000+ riders?!?! At this rate, we should breeze by both the 50,000 riders and 20 million miles! Keep up the great work everyone.
You are right, Hugh. I had read about House efforts to gut the funding for cycling and pedestrian projects when considering a transportation bill (I think) some time ago. It is still depressing to seeing it in action.
DOT's everywhere are in the business of moving cars faster. Congressman John Mica (R Fla) chairs federal transport money and has made safer roads for peds and bikes an option for everyone at the request of his Party. Paul's experience is a result of what Rep. Mica and the House Republicans have done to transportation funding.
Just got back from a local meeting re a Hwy project connecting Green Lake and Ripon, WI. Current plans do not include a separate bike trail, to the frustration of a significant number of folks attending (maybe even a majority). The DOT's idea of taking care of cyclists and pedestrians is a five foot shoulder...that includes a rumble strip, that makes a good portion of the shoulder unusable for cyclists. Yea, like what responsibe parent will take their kids on a 3-4 foot shoulder with semi-trucks, truckes with boat trailers, etc. buzzing by at 60+ mph? Only serious cyclist might even try, and they would more likely be on the more enjoyable and rigorous local county roads.
What was particular depressing was the seeming disregard for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. One of the "improvements" was to shrink a 45 mph speed zone putting a popular intersection used by school children, pedestrians, and cyclists into the 55 mph zone with people accelerating out of the 45 zone. Talk about insane planning. Even the county sheriff asked to keep the intersection in the 45 mph zone, but to no avail. "The experts know more about setting speed limits." Hey, I am a professor. I get "experts," but sometimes local practical wisdom is much more prudent. Fortunately, while the plans may be in "wet concrete," there is still some hope for changes, both to the speed limit and the bike trail. But it is depressing when "safety" concerns are more focused on motorists than cyclists and pedestrians, who are MUCH more vulnerable. And that is not even bringing in the fact that the only planet we have needs FEWER motorists and more cyclists. Now THAT is a real "safety" issue.
And on a pedagogical note...I could have populated several days of a logic course with all the faulty and fallacious reasoning evident by the presenters. At least I think I will have work for quite some time (both teaching and advocating for cycling). Ride safe and advocate for bikes (and pedestrians)!
Some teams are showing up in the wrong state. Take a look at the team called "Bike Commuter CABAL" they don't to be in NC. I wonder if there's a typo in someones' zip code.
@ Mark I thought of this too and have asked her to check and see if this is the reason her rides are not registering. I am just waiting to hear back from her.
@Jeffery - Try this - Go to Endomondo, click on Training, select one of the workouts from the calendar, on the right below the calendar select edit. Verify that the include in statistics check-box is selected.
Last year at least 8,000 never entered a mile. It is the NBC equivalent of the no show. Bon ton roule! or as the saying goes some people are joiners and some people are doers.
@ Burklee, There are still some glitches out there as we have a rider in our workplace who has logged miles both in the warm up and since the challenge started yet her miles are not getting counted in the challenge so currently despite her transport rides she has 0 points. Perhaps some of the 0 point totals on the leader board are folks that have ridden but their miles are tallying up yet? I have a help request in on this one so hopefully they will figure out what is going on.
@Burklee - Yes, all of the people on the Leaderboard with 0 points, are just those who have either signed-up on May 1st or after, or signed-up before that, and re-saved their ZIP Code since May 1st.
p.s. I do like your "bikey" term.
Here are some reasons for Vermont being so "bikey". First of all, it does help to have a smaller state, as more bikers tend to know each other, and the bike shops and bike clubs get into it, they can thus recruit comparitvely more participants.
(The following are as of Sunday evening, so, sorry for the old statistics.)
Vermont has recruited 1.39 NBC participants per 1,000 residents, so far. When you look at it, that is pretty small, especially when you consider that there are on average throughout the country at least 184 bicycle riders 16 years old or older per 1,000. So, partly because it is small, Vermont has done a much better job of recruiting than any other state. Comparitively, Wisconsin has 0.80 NBC participants per 1,000 citizens, and Nebraska follows closely with 0.65. Then, other factors are points and miles per rider, average number of times they've ridden, and average miles per ride. (This is where all of those participants who've signed-up but not ridden, really lower the averages for everyone.) Points per rider: VT 43.15, WI 31.83, NE 19.23. Miles per rider: VT 18.14 WI 13.75, NE 7.28. Average # of Rides per Participant: VT 1.25, WI 0.90, NE 0.60. Average Miles per Ride: VT 14.50, WI 15.20, NE 12.18. All of the other states have much lower recruitment numbers, so even if their NBC participants are riding more often, or riding further than those in these 3 states, they still have a much lower participation rate, and therefore can't ccompete.
To give you some examples from last year, at the end of the Challenge, at the low end of the scale, Nevada, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and North Dakota all had recruitment numbers hovering around 0.02 per 1,000 citizens, and Mississippi ended up with 0.01. Vt had 2.04, WI 1.12, and NE 0.92.
Plus, Vermont has one final advantage related to its size. Riders there more often bounce againts its borders on many of their rides, (sometimes a few times on a ride),and the effect, like a trampoline, gives them a nice big push, and thus more miles.
@Robert - But there are people on there with 0 points, there are several pages of them. They clearly have not started logging miles. Curious. Perhaps it has something to do with signing up since the official start...?
@Burklee & @Robert - There was some kind of glitch with Endomondo when we shifted over to the official start of the Challenge. Anyone who signed-up during the Warm-up Period but didn't log any miles then, or now, isn't listed on the Leaderboard, although they are included in the total. If they logged a ride since May 1st, they are listed on the Leaderboard.
Some must have registered and haven't started logging miles.
Does anyone else think it's odd that here on the home page we have 22,188 people participating, but when you go to the leaderboard, we only have 14,277 names listed? The same is happening with Lincoln's page; the home page says we have 660+ people signed up, but the leaderboard only lists 360+ people. These leaderboard numbers include the folks who have 0 points. Can anyone explain what that's about?
Hugh, yes the state and community scores are points per 1000 persons.
@Karen- thanks for the pat on the back to us Wisconsinites! I ride all winter to work unless there is a huge blizzard. Snow tires are great and its not so bad to ride in the cold when you put on enough layers lol. You should try it sometime. The feeling you have after a winter bike ride is like you accomplished something great lol.
Vermont has 1/3 the population of Nebraska. There are 575 riders scoring points in Vermont verses only 500 in Nebraska. Nebraska needs to have @ 1500 riders scoring points to catch Vermont (PS, of the 500 in Nebraska, over 300 are from Lincoln.
First week and half a million miles already!
isn''t the state ranks handicapped by a formula of population? it seems to me that low population and with the same number of riders get more credit on the points system. OK, people who know the answer please come forward.
Burklee - I've been wondering the same thing, and those Wisconsinites must be polar
bears to bike in the cold for over half the year. My hat is off to you guys, your my heroes.
So what is it with Vermont? They're so bikey! They have mountains, so it can't be that the terrain is all flat and conducive to easy biking. Is it all the maple syrup? What? I went to their Wikipedia page to read about the state. They don't have anything about their state finishing 1st in the NBC last year. I'd be all over that if Nebraska finished 1st. I'd love to hear from some Vermonters. (Vermontians. Not sure how they refer to themselves.) Stop riding your bikes for a few minutes and tell me how you guys are doing this.
Thomas, I agree. My commute is very regular and I see the same cars and trucks all the time. There are several that give a friendly toot as they pass me.
@Ed - I have a 1 mile commute, too. Most of it is nice, quiet neighborhood street. Only 4 blocks is busy downtown traffic, and if I time it right, it's not bad. I'm only four blocks from the grocery store and 10ish blocks from the coffee shop, drugstore, recycling area, ice cream store, and place where I get my hair cut. So, if I want to really get some miles, I have to go out for a ride. Boo hoo for me, right? :)
My thoughts and prayers go out to the young girl in Kansas, I hope she has a speedy recovery.
I ride on a couple of questionable roads in my area, and for the most part I feel pretty safe. But, a pedestrian was killed last fall on one of the roads that I ride on. She was walking on the wrong side of the road, with traffic, and so she never saw the car coming. It is a common spot in which people don't slow down quickly enough when coming into the city limits, and the driver had just crested a hill. She was far enough down the hill that I think the driver could have seen her, but if he was going too fast, then perhaps not. In any case, I think of that poor lady every time I ride on that road, and it causes me to be especially aware of everything that I see and hear. (There is also a dog that sometimes is off its leash in that same area, so another reason to be cautious).
All Cleveland State Riders, I just started the Cleveland State University TEAM! If you want to, please sign up and represent CSU!
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones, I commute on my bike the 15.5 mile round trip about two or three times a week. Five times if the weather is good. In this lower class, "pickup truck" society that I live in here in South Florida, I'm one of the few bike commuters in town. I have become a regular part of the daily commute for most people in the area, and get waves and horn toots from strangers in cars and trucks. It's still a dangerous thing to do, but if you keep your wits about you, it's possible to minimise the danger and enjoy a nice ride twice a day...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@Burklee - aside from commuters (aka cars) not paying attention and acting like I was more of a pain in their ass for that short trip. It was great little ride. People at work stopped me and asked me why I rode. My response - "Why not?" Culture where I work is to drive - and only in vehicles. One ride at a time this summer. Try to change the culture.
@Ed - Way to go! How was it?
My commute is not even a 1 mile and I had excuses (meetings, how to get kid to day-care, etc) - today was the day I finally made it happen with a goal to get it done unless weather is my only concern. #NationalBikeMonth
@Alleyne - Hello!!
Hello :-)
Always sad when I hear about a cyclists down!!
Heal quickly young lady!!
The "car culture" of our country is always dishearting.
With that said, it has gotten better, but still has a long long way to go!!
Just because you drive a 4500# missile does't mean you "OWN" the road; it means you have more responsibility!! Some are up to it, while others lack any sense of responsibility, instead they feel a sense of entitlement!! When that changes, we'll all be better off!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Our 'rights' don't amount to much when one is lying in the hospial - or worse. I think Paul Jeffries got it right - "...but one must be wise when sorting out how to stake out this legitimate right." The automobile-centric culture needs to change, but I believe it will be a slow evolution. Take heart in the fact that we are all part of the change. Do what you can, BE SAFE, enjoy the ride... My heart goes out to the young lady in Topeka. I think of my daughter...
@Michael - I hope she is OK. She is a juvenile, and was in serious condition, according to online reports. It happened on SW Topeka Blvd., and SE 53rd St. From the look of the Kia, the girl's bike was hit by the front bumper, and the momentum of the vehicle threw her into the passenger's side of the windshield. The car had to be going pretty fast. She may have been hit from behind, as she was travelling Southbound on Topeka Blvd.
Her quick recovery will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, Unfortunately unpredictable cyclist make the roads dangerous for everybody, the good news is police officers HAVE and WILL ticket them the same as motorist. Encourage cyclist with unsafe habits to join a responsible bicycle group who will inform and enforce safe riding habits.
@Robert - All y'alls company is doing better than my, I mean our, one person company.
Young Female cyclist hit in Topeka, KS. I have not found out if she survived or her name (in case it's someone I know or have riden with). The area has many nicely paved, and wide road leading out into the county that many cyclist frequent. I particulary dislike the speed of the local traffic but have had to ride the road on many occasions. Local motorist blame the rider for not using the gravel area (which often has debre, large rocks, and frequent tire popping hazards).
Kansas placed 10th last year, Topeka 20th, with three teams (KVBC 3RD, TCCP Part 2 4th, & KVBC II 5th), as well as Myself 1st, Eric Nordgren 2nd, & Brian Carr 10th.
Topeka has adopted a bikeways plan, but I have not heard of any funding or significant construction (or marking) to implement this safety precaution.
Please send your support as you are able on the matter.
Ride Safe,
Mike L.
Given that New Neighbors Contact Service is my one-man team/company, I'd say our placement (always use the plural pronoun) is doing quite respectable.
Thank you everyone for all your input. It is greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately, I completely missed this challenge last year due to the fact it is not advertised on Endomondo for some reason. It still isn't...IDK why? Anyhow, I am having a ton of fun recruiting, assembling, and riding for an awesome team- San Diego Cyclists. We are #2-4 overall (depending on time of day) in midsize teams and competition is strong! Mad respect to Arlington and Colorado Springs! Thanks to all involved for this great challenge!
Kelly, if this happens again, jot down his license plate number, pull over and call the police. It's called "intimidation" or in some places "harassment" but it's illegal. In PA where I live, we have a 4 foot passing law. And make sure you take the lane. Don't ride over on the edge of the road. Unsafe, and more likely to crash and fall into the roadway.
See you on the road.
@Kelly, sorry to read about all your struggles with motorists on your commutes! Sometimes it comes down to people just can't be bothered to slow down even for a second. I have found wearing a video camera on my helmet has proved beneficial in a recent situation where a driver on the local highway (no shoulders) forced me and a concerned on coming motorist off the road but a camera will only help after the fact and not stop the problems for a while. My commutes consist of 8 miles on a 65mph highway with a shoulder then 6 miles on a 55mph paved county road with no shoulder or a 12 miles on a 60mph highway with no shoulder and 2 miles of the 55mph county road and now on my second year of commuting most motorists are finally giving me some space. Keep searching for a safer route and maybe even visit with your employer about shifting your hours so you can avoid the high traffic periods. You may also want to check with the local law enforcement about rules of the road and even invite them to sit and watch the areas you ride at the times you have the most trouble, they may be willing to help out (after all it IS their job) Ride safe out there!!
Kelly, I can appreciate the close-passing-cars. Sometimes I have a fanstasy of, when riding, having a yardstick on the end of my left handlebar just to show folks how much room they must give me. The only problem...too many folks would probably see it as a target. Also, depending on the laws in your area, it is often illegal for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. That is not comfort when dealing with an inconsiderate motorist, but we do have a right of way and a right to be on the road...but one must be wise when sorting out how to stake out this legitimate right.
Great job Colin, welcome. It's a great tracking program.
I ran across this challenge just by chance, but have been biking at least part of the way to work for just over one year. This past sunday I did my biggest ride by far - 22.2 miles each way (so 44 milesround trip ) with an hour break in the middle.
Summer is coming for many of us. Stay cool when riding in the heat. Here are a few tips: http://www.lloydlemons.com/cycling/2013/05/cycle-safely-in-the-summer-heat.html
Yes so I attempted to ride in the road on my way home from work today. One guy blew his horn the entire time it took him to pass me... Needless to say I didn't stay on the road for much longer. I was extremely intimidated and felt I had to pedal way faster than I was comfortable with. A few cars came way too close to me for comfort. :(
@ J Hugh, not just me. The venerable Sheldon Browne recommended this technique. Most pros do it this way. Motorcyclists know not to use the rear brake. Now for some physics: when you apply your brakes (front or rear) your bicycle pivots on the fulcrum that is your bottom bracket. Regardless of which brake you use, the rear wheel want to lift off the ground. As a result the amount of down force that wheel has with the ground is far less than the front. A wheel that loses contact while under braking can lock up and cause a skid. Not good. This is why you use the front brake with more force than the rear. As for flying over the handlebars, you would have to panic grip the brakes to generate enough stopping force to cause that to happen. Gentle pressure is the answer. I ride over 250 miles a week and have done so for years. Never went over the bars yet.
@Brian - Welcome to the Challenge! You'll have a lot of fun, too!
This is sage advice from old Hawaii about avoiding foolish arguments. A little tough to understand, but wise and beautiful. "But no get mix up wit all da kine stupid talk from da guys dat donno notting. Dey ony like make argue bout everyting. You gotta figga, if you talk lidat, den you goin stay make argue everytime."
I'm psyched about this. Just ditched my truck a few weeks ago and was saving tons of money by taking transit. But by commuting by bike I'll be saving $83 more each month. Very cool. Oh yeah, plus it's good for my health and kind to the environment. What a concept!
Christina - Ride when you can. Ride for fun. It's all good and it all counts the same. Glad to have you join us.
I joined the challenge just to be a part of it, but it's really not possible for me to ride my bike to work. I ride on my lunch hour, and after work.
as of now 10,111 riders have points.
If someone touched me with their BMW, I'd take it as a compliment. Normally, BMW drivers try to stay as far away from mere mortals as possible....
Well some cyclists make it difficult for the rest of us by not following the rules of the road. I saw two this weekend, one took the lane riding dead center down the wrong side of the street at a Y intersection and the other couldn't decide and kept changing sides every quarter mile. This was a busy street (4 lanes at 45mph). I wish cops around here would ticket cyclists as well as cars, cyclists should be held responsible too.
@ Kelly - When you have some time check out the "Commute Orlando" website, commuteorlando.com, as well as the CyclingSavvy webiste, cyclingsavvy.org. You will find a lot of information and some good strategies for cycling in traffic at a much reduced stress level.
@Chad - Never heard that one before. LOL. Bummer about all the near misses between cars & bikes. I follow the rules of the road (because you have to regardless of mode of transport) and try to ride courteously at all times, but sometimes you get drivers who'd be mad if you made sure the roads were strewn with rose petals for them(off to the side of course, cuz those can be slippery). Some folks just won't be happy no matter what you do. Be safe, all.
I had some idiot in a BMW actually touch me with his car this morning as he sped by. I kicked his door panel and left a nice souvenir, but I would really like 5 minutes face to face with him to vent my anger. It just shows that the old joke still holds true: What is the difference between a BMW and a porcupine? The porcupine is the one with the pricks on the outside! ;)
@ John - Wow. That's crazy. I had a bad experience with a cop just on Saturday. I was riding on the bike path and an unmarked cop was sitting dead center in the bike path at an opening for cars to exit a subdivision clocking cars coming down the major roadway. I stopped my bike directly next to him and politely asked if he could move so I could pass. He just stared at me. I asked him again and he refused to move his car and told me to go around him even after I kept saying I can't, you're in the way. Finally I had to walk my bike around him and tilt the bike to avoid hitting his car with my handle bars. I should have got his car number and reported him, but I was so angry I didn't think of it until I got home.
@ Tim - I actually wanted to take a class in regards to that, but I can't find any being offered here in Michigan. I checked on the League of American Bicyclists webpage. :(
Thank you to all the tips from everyone. I've looked at Google maps a bunch of times for less traffic routes, but unfortunately none of the side streets go all the way through the main intersections that I have to cross. All routes point to major roadways. I actually switched my route a couple weeks ago from an eight lane road to a four lane one. A lot less traffic and slower speed, but still very busy. Maybe a few more weekend trips taking the main roads, I'll get up the nerve to attempt it on my way to work one morning.
I'm more nervous about people getting angry rather than getting hit. Unfortunately we have an extreme un-friendly biking area where I'm at.
In regards to bicycle commuting safety we generally have it pretty good in Fort Collins except when the Sheriff's deputies get involved - http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130501/NEWS01/305010039
As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say, "...it just goes to show you, it's always something - if it ain't one thing, it's another".
Just an FYI to others, if you think your "Local" page is wrong (for example, I was grouped in with Columbus instead of Cleveland), try this... Go to the settings page, remove your zip code, save, re-enter it and save again. If you joined before a "local" community was created, you don't automatically move to it. I did the zip code change and now I'm in the right place.
@Kelley, I watch my friends routes, and constantly explore to find routes with the least exposure to cars.
Wow Franc, didn't know you had it that bad :( We have cyclist hating nutsacks here too.
I have to tell you that, while everyone is correct and as a cyclist you legally have the right to a whole lane; you try that around here and someone will kill you. I live in a state with virtually NO cycling culture and with many small minded, unthinking idiots. Just the other day one actually went out of his way to get into the emergency lane (easily six feet wide) which I was riding and honk his horn while he was no more than a foot from me and then sped off with the middle finger showing. If I'd a caught him, I'd a shoved his car up his arse.
Kelly, I have two separate routes to and from work to deal with traffic with one section in each where there is no shoulder. In that case you are perfectly in your right to take the whole lane of traffic. Draw some endomondo routes to see if you can find some back streets with less traffic, it may increase your ride a little but that is a plus right.
Kelly, I commute 22 miles each way. Most of this is on urban streets and some 55mph speed limit highways. I'm most comfortable on multilane streets where I can ride in the center of the outside lane and the traffic flows around me in the other lane(s). It's like having a 10 to 12-foot bike lane without all the rubbish that usually collects in them. The key is to be as visible as you can be!
I also have found some very wide (greater than 16 feet) streets that are easily shareable.
You should consider taking a traffic cycling course, such as CyclingSavvy or the league's TS101. There are others, depending on your location.
I have a question for those who commute to work by bike. I'm pretty new to biking and I have been commuting to work with mine. I'm fairly lucky because approximately half of my route is on a bike path, but the half that isn't tends to get a lot of traffic especially after 5pm when I'm heading home for the day. I have been using the sidewalks, but I'm constantly slowing down at every side street to make sure no cars are coming out because nobody ever sees me. There aren't any shoulders on the road, just a curb. During the day on the weekends I ride in the roads near my home because there isn't much traffic, but by job during the weekdays there is plenty. I'm pretty slow on my bike and wondered if I should just stick to the sidewalks or attempt the roads and if I should attempt the roads, any tips?
All this talk about dogs, D-bags with ear buds, cars.......
Makes me glad I ride 95% of my time in the woods; where all I have to worry about is a few wood-rats!!
Oh well, we all have to make sacrifices!! Ha Ha Ha
Pedal On!!
Peace
Thought about the halt thing, but learned that the water bottle works just as good. I've had to use it a few times. Pull the top, aim and squeeze. Managed to stop 2 or 3 dogs right in their tracks, wondering what them!
Although, on a hot sunny day, water would be the last thing you want to waste on a dog.
When it comes to dogs, the only thing I worry about is me hitting them and falling. I find that if I stop riding, they always back off. They just want to chase the bike, not attack the rider. I have never had a dog actually challenge me once I stop riding. It doesn't matter the breed or size of the dog. For me it has always worked.
@Kathy R I made a little strap that is right there by my stem. just practiced a little and experimented to make it safe, secure and quick draw.
@Robert E wow you are welcome to your choice, but have learned that for me front breaks can lead to split lips and face plants.
Gloves, Helmet, water bottle, halt, Glasses,bell, lights flashing, brain in in Gear, Bon Ton roule!
@ J. Hugh... toss the rear brake. Front only is how I roll unless descending a very steep hill, then it's two parts front, one part rear.
See you on the road.
@J. Hugh Strickland - So what do you do? Ride with a can of Halt in your hand the whole time? I would never have had time to get the can out and spray it at the dog.
I have adjusted my brakes so that when I brake the front is nearly always less gripping of the wheel than the rear. It took awhile to get the mechanic to understand what I wanted when I got a tune up. this is just my choice. Weight shifting helps but I have to practice to keep the skill.
I lose language control when unleashed dogs appear. I carry halt and use it whenever there is any doubt whether on a leash or not. I would halt the owner but legal entanglements might arise if there is not threat, as I understand it.
when surprised by a dog and, its possible, I sprint. So far I have not been caught. If a dog is in the road I stop put the bike between me and him. I tell him to go home, and use halt if he get in range. I have tame several dogs that just watch from their yard now.
I was attacked by a dog on a retractable leash, the owner wasn't paying attention and the dog shot out on the road trying to get my leg before the owner could lock the leash. I hit the dog and stopped to see if he was ok cause the dog yelped pretty loudly and was limping. Owner says, "serves him right for going after you". Totally irresponsible.
Douglas, get off of the saddle and get your center of gravity as far back and low as you can in those situations. That way locking the brakes won't flip you and you will stop as fast as possible. Don't swerve unless you know for sure nothing is coming behind you.
I rode today almost two hours ago and I am still waiting for my "points" to show up. It seems others on the Leaderboard have been updated throughout the day, but mine have stayed the same. Any one???
I have been fortunate enough that most everyone I encounter on the multi use trails does tend to walk on the right even when they do have headphones on. If someone hears me or not I still slow way down just to help with the polite cyclist image since so many always say "that cyclist flew right by and scared the poo out of me" but I am also out there for the joy of riding so losing a few seconds or lowering my average speed means nothing to me. The dog issues have also been minimal, there is one dog on our town (I call Marmaduke) that occasionally gets out and wonders about but he and I always have a pleasurable encounter he will even let me stop and pet him if he doesn't think I am going to take him back to his fenced in yard other than him everyone keeps their dogs leashed and most even keep them on a short leash when encountering others on the trail. I personally don't use headphones because I too agree I need to hear what is going on around me way to much for that.
@Gregg, I agree with you about the cost savings even if you don't ride for "transportation". Back when fuel was cheap many people used to "go for a drive" just to get out, well that is what most of my "recreational" rides are, they are just an excuse to get outside and go travel around, I even did a Christmas lights ride this last Christmas instead of driving around in the car and spending money on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
When I see dogs being walked on a leash by an "adult," I slow way down. Those adults illegally walking without a leash generally pay very good attention, and young kids tend to be responsible pet walkers. I agree with Gregg though, cars are a lot less cumbersome to deal with. When I run, I wear earbuds, but unless I'm on the track, the volume is low enough that I can hear. On the track, it is cranked because I need something to drown the monotony of running around an oval repeatedly. Plus, with apps like Endomondo,you cannot assume a runner with earbuds is actually listening to music, they could simply be listening to a "coach."
First real ride of the year. 27 miles may have been a bit much for me. It hurt a little. But the weather was fabulous and the sounds of nature were wonderful. Get out there folks.
It's worth it.
what about those who walk dogs on a long rewind leash with earbuds eating food w/ both hands and smoking? had one of those ?
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
While riding today on a paved and designated trail an unleashed medium sized dog ran out in front of me. My first instinct was to hit the brakes hard. I missed the dog but ended up locking the brakes and flipping over the front. No damage to the bike that I can tell and just a sore shoulder and small scrape on my knee, fortunately. My question to those who ride a lot is, What do you do if an animal (or person) runs out in front of you? Do you try to swerve? Hit the brakes and hope they don't lock? Hit the animal (or person) and hope no serious injury occurs? Also, is there a way to adjust brakes (cantilever) to get maximum braking power without the possibility of locking them?
I agree with everybody about not wearing earphones. I don't wear them when running or cycling. You can't hear a darn thing around you and way too many times a runner or cyclist haven't heard my bell or shouting. They are a danger to themselves and others around them. Safety is key!
1. beware the recreational mind set which leaves the brain at home.
2. The law may require or prohibit but with little to no safety related enforcement, discussion or education and that cheap earplugs are winning, and lights, bells and helmets are avoided for cosmetic reasons we all are in danger from each others.
3. Safety equipment is not an indulgence it's really smart but due to the cult of ignorance that runs strong in america we have these problems.
I am thinking of getting an air horn which they say makes 110 db sound. That's semi truck or jet plane level. But I still just hope for personal responsibility to win the day and have not made the purchase yet.
We even confuse ourselves. Here in Florida there is and was a great deal of stuff given away to riders and runners that said "Ride Right, Walk Left." Then the local government posted rules that ask for Runner/Walkers to walk on the right.
lets be careful out there! Eyes open, Brain engaged, Bon ton Roule!
Recreational riding may not save any gas, but it will save vehicle trips to the doctor's office and hospital and the huge medical bills that you encounter when you have to go to those places. There is a lot more cost savings from riding a bike for any reason, other than just transportation costs. Part of our economic problems today is due to obesity and poor health. Most people who ride a bike on a regular basis for any reason will literally save thousands of dollars in medical costs every year. Riding a bike will reduce medical costs, unless you have an accident on your bike. :( Since I started riding a bike to work and regularly about 3 years ago, I have not had to see a doctor even once for anything. I haven't missed a day of work either in those 3 years. That proves the health benefits of riding for any reason and the more healthier you become, the more money you will save.
Wow, there are 2 riders with over 500 points already and looks like they are competing against one another.
Runners and walkers need to stay to the right on trails shared by bikes, just like bikes.. They should not be walking double or wandering all over the trail or they are going to get hit by a cyclist. And like you said even if cyclists warn that they are passing on the left, many can't hear them because they got ear plugs in with music. Several times I've almost hit walkers on the CB trail and I've yelled passing on the left, but because they got ear plugs with music, they can't hear me and some wandered over to the left side just as I was going to pass them--very dangerous move on the part of pedestrians, especially when they are listening to music. If they are going to wander over to the left side, they better look behind them for passing cyclists before they do so, no different than a cyclist who wants to pass on the left. That's why I really don't care for off road trails that are also shared by pedestrians because pedestrians tend to wander all over the trail and forget that cyclists also ride on the trail.
Oh yeah and it doesn't matter if you're on a roadway or a bike path, you're still operating a vehicle.
Oh yeah, and hearing aids.
See FL 316.304 Wearing of headsets.—
(1) No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.
Amen to biker Sunday. Rode to church today. Awesome ride took different routes coming and going. Bonus is very light traffic. My experience with the earbuds are runners/walkers on the shared paths who can't hear you. :-(
J. Hugh, as you should be aware of Florida Statutes do not permit the use of headsets of any type while operating a vehicle, other than a hands-free cellular phone devices. However, I see people every day riding bicycles with their ears plugged. I rely on my sense of hearing way to much for that.
J. Hugh, I agree with both your posts. Get as many people as possible to record their miles! When I'm talking to people about the National Bike Challenge it is not uncommon for them to say "Oh, I don't ride enough" and I reply that it doesn't matter how far they ride sign up regardless and enjoy the ride.
I also choose not to use earbuds when riding my bicycle. It is to hard for me to hear what is going on around me and when I don't know what is happening around me I am at greater risk of being involved in a collision.
Well said J. Hugh - The impact of bringing signficant results in front of our leaders will help demonstrate the real need for improved bicycle facilities and the potential benefits to our society. Got to get up and ride now!
Please reconsider using earplugs when out on the road or trail.. I got run off the road by a radio deaf person on a bicycle today. He could not hear me shouting or ringing my bell as i approach him weaving along to the music. no injury and he did see what the problem was without me losing language control.
be careful out there. Bon ton Roule
miles are miles if ridden outside on roads or trails which promotes cycling. We need every rider we can get; the one milers and the 125 milers. I think this is a cooperatetion. The more we cooperate by encouraging everyone who rides to record their miles and be visible the more likely we all as citizens will win the competition for funding better safer riding and places to ride. No bucks, no buck rogers which means its about the funding. So let's put the fun in funding by riding and encouraging others to ride.
It was Biker Sunday at church; trying to fit in. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9cV77n_w3yCeUVsSHlNejRETTA/edit
Hey how do u guys load up the pics do u go thur facebook? Thanks
In my opinion, sport miles are just as important as commuting, especially if those sport miles are on trails. The roads are already there, so more bicyclists shows lawmakers that they need to take bikes into account when planning roads. Trails are there or are planned, and bikers out using them shows that the money isn't being wasted. (Ever notice they put those counter things at trailheads occasionally?) As for CO2, if I'm out riding for hours on end, that means I'm not out driving aimlessly or sitting home using electricity to watch TV. I'd be happy to use my bike for my work commute, but it really can't compete with slippers and a walk down the hall :D
Amber - a person could be burning gas as part of their recreation, and most people do. So recreational biking is saving CO2
Spinning and indoor miles DO NOT COUNT!!! Sport miles do. They are outdoors and increase the visibility of cyclists. This is one of the goals after all to make cyclists more visible. The more cyclists we see out there the more people are enoucraged about trying it. I work from home so I can't commute. My only commuter miles are to do errands: grocery store, bank, post office, etc. But I do my "regular route" from home so I don't drive at all when I do it. So I don't feel bad about counting those miles since no driving is involved and I'm promoting cycling!!
RIDE ON EVERYONE AND RIDE SAFE!!!
The commute home on Friday in Erie, Pa was truly heavenly. The sun was shining, there was a gentle breeze and the air aroma was in the spring peak of sweet aromas.
Youre also not cutting CO2 or saving gas if you are riding for sport and not transportation. Ahhh.... Never thought about that huh. I think spinning is pushing it for adding as miles though. Reading the official rules though it says nothing about what type of bike you have to ride or where. At least I didn't see anything in the toolkit about it. Someone correct me if I am wrong! Lol
Pam, from the "Rules": Miles pedaled on a stationary bike or trainer do not count.
Seems to me that the spirit of this Challenge is to be outside, riding a bicycle. You aren't "cutting CO2 emissions" or saving gas money by riding a stationary bike, in a gym.
Someone noticed that people are posting miles from spin class. Is this part of the challenge? What do you think of this?
WOW, with 20,000+ riders its going to be a job to keep up with all these posts. We need all of you short distance or long it doesn't matter. Just get out and have fun riding. Congrats to all the people getting their kids signed up. I got my daughter signed up this year. She had some miles in the warmup, now we need to get some for the challenge.
***************
RIDE ON EVERYONE!!
@Preston, good move, he is the next generation of cyclist! I got my son to join the NBC and my team so he can add his commute to college miles :)
Getting new bike for the grandson. We'll start adding his statistics. He's 12 and riding to school.
@David J Clifton, we love to share our cold and snow. You can thank me later.
John, BTV Digirati is always welcoming new team members. Even if you're retired. I think you'd be a perfect fit. http://www.endomondo.com/teams/9703602
@David B Groseclose. I was able to change the workplace picture at www.endomondo.com/customize
@Vanessa - Good idea. The most important thing on your bike is you.
@Vanessa - Good idea. The most important thing on your bike is you.
Finally took my bike to the shop my brakes were faulty n my back tire was shredding now im using my secondary bike to get around hopefully my bike be ready by next saturday n I can hit it hard....
@John - there are several teams with the name "retired." Click on the endomondo logo top right then search on the word "retired." One of those teams might be a good fit for you.
Retired, interested in an "unaffiliated" team for Challenge.
@Marty keep that Snow out your way, for being in upstate NY it went from winter to spring in a day, sunny and 70s enjoying it. Was a tough winter of biking.
@ Kally T.-- good on u, I do the same and this year I will be moving from my long wheel base recumbent to a tadpole trike and building a trailer so I can make even more trips w/o the u know what.
Born in Ypsilanti and around our house we don't talk about the u know what like we don't talk about THAT team down south of U of M .
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Marty, we lucked out, no snow that stuck. We've been getting a lot of cold rain and sleet. Wet, but bikeable.
Made the 15 mile (14 plus 1 mile new detour) commute home tonight on the 1/2 bike. My stoker was feeling a little better and we chatted about taking a short spin on the tandem. A 2.28 mile spin to be exact. She's a competitor and did not want to give up the daily points. Let me rephrase: my stoker, wife and best friend of 25 years rocks!
A report card for current Wisconsin weather would include: Uncooperative, oppositional, defiant, ill-mannered, does NOT play well with others, and is definitely NOT living up to potential. Nevertheless, motivated equally by those arbitrarily enticing challenge points and a determination to avoid wimping out, I have been pedaling a persistent , pitiful two miles each day. Wednesday offered icy rain ahead of a Winter Storm; Thursday a simple, soggy, pervasive gray chill; and today we have returned once again to insistently spitting distinctly taunting slivers of sleet., Refusing to bother with biking gear, I slog out in clunky snow boots, puffy gloves and ear muffs, muttering mutinous meteorological epithets along the way…..and yet…..by the last homeward half mile, I am comfortable, energized and oddly uplifted, reveling in the perverse childish pleasure of “nyah, nyah, do your worst, I’ll show YOU!”
Are we having FUN yet? Somewhat paradoxically, the answer remains, emphatically YES!
Welcome ALL to the 2013 Bike Challenge. Carpe Diem and Roll On!
I'd like to upload my business logo for my Workplace Team. Anybody know how that is done? Thanks.
@Kelly: That's awesome! Keep us posted!
@Gregg - For some reason, they are holding theirs on the Saturday morning after, which is the alternate date/time for those in the Southern Hemisphere, because there it is Winter. (Well, maybe in parts of Wisconsin, it is too!)
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@Kelly - It is amazing how we've been indoctronated our entire lives that to get anywhere, we have to drive.
Made the 15 mile (14 plus 1 mile new detour) commute home tonight on the 1/2 bike. My stoker was feeling a little better and we chatted about taking a short spin on the tandem. A 2.28 mile spin to be exact. She's a competitor and did not one to give up the daily points. Now that is what I call giving up "one for the Gipper!"
Since this challenge I decided to challenge myself to commute by bike for everything I usually do by car. In 3 days alone it is unbelievable how many miles I have biked. I never realized exactly how many miles I actually drive. Wow.
They had a Ride of Silence at Wheel & Sprocket in Appleton, WI last year. There were about 15 of us and they gave us Ride of Silence t-shirts to wear. I assume they will be having another ride this year.
@Marty - You're welcome, and great first name! Did you get hit hard with snow over there?
Ride of Silence - Organizers are looking for anyone from Hawaii, North Dakota, or Connecticut (or anyone from any other states to add to the ones already in your state) who would be interested in organizing a Ride of Silence, as those are the only states not represented for the 10th annual ride.
In case you haven't heard of it, the ROS is a ride held throughout the world at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday in May. It is free, usually around 10-12 miles, and riders ride no faster than 12 mph, similar to a funeral procession, and all in silence. It is designed to raise awareness of bicyclists, and to honor bicyclists injured or killed by vehicles.
It is very easy to organize. I just determined a course, paired up with my LBS, and talked to the police. The expenses are minimal.
Marty, you're a wealth of information. Thanks.
@Ray - You're right, I misspoke when I said fair. I should have said, More accurately reflects efforts within that state to get more people out riding, (which I think is the NBC's underlying goal - they have just quantified it to give us something concrete to shoot for). But it also isn't necessarily about data, either. If you are like me, and like numbers and data, most of the information we want is there. It just has to be extracted.
In answer to your 63 point question, the person who rode 43 miles obviously got more exercise, but the person who rode 3 miles over 3 days, is probably more of the type of person the NBC is looking for. They want more people to ride bikes. That 3 mile total person may be changing their health and lifestyle for the better, like the woman who posted a few posts earlier who just bought her first bike. There aren't too many people who ride 43 miles who aren't already bicyclists. (There are exceptions, like 38 years ago, I rode 100 miles in a charity ride on a borrowed bike, with no training. That didn't make me a bicyclist, just a person with very sore legs.) And that 3 mile person will more likely inspire others, because they can more easily relate to them, and they may think that if they can do it, then so can I.
It is outdoor miles only - it's covered in the FAQ section.
Ride of Silence - Organizers are looking for anyone from Hawaii, North Dakota, or Connecticut (or anyone from any other states to add to the ones already in your state) who would be interested in organizing a Ride of Silence, as those are the only states not represented for the 10th annual ride.
In case you haven't heard of it, the ROS is a ride held throughout the world at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday in May. It is free, usually around 10-12 miles, and riders ride no faster than 12 mph, similar to a funeral procession, and all in silence. It is designed to raise awareness of bicyclists, and to honor bicyclists injured or killed by vehicles.
It is very easy to organize. I just determined a course, paired up with my LBS, and talked to the police. The expenses are minimal.
Scott B. Van Zyl
@Rick Gilbert. Thanks.
Sorry about the snow in the midwest (and elsewhere). I think we stole some of your heat out here in Puget Sound. Forecast is for highs around 80 on Sunday. Good day for the May Day Classic - a local ride from Phil's Bike Shop out to the Carbon River entrance of Mt Rainier NP and back (105 miles). I plan to do about 80 miles of that, if the legs hold out. For anyone in the area (Federal Way, WA), there's same day registration, and it's only $25. It's worth the ride just for Phil's pavement commentary on the climbs.
@ Jack - Straight from the FAQ (under the Toolbox):
Every time you get on your bike the miles count. Whether they are for fitness, fun, or transportation make sure to join and log them on nationalbikechallenge.org. Miles pedaled on a stationary bike or trainer do not count.
@Jack - Outdoor miles only, good sir!
Are we counting miles on stationary rollers / trainers or only actual outdoor miles? I'm fine either way, but since the rules don't address this issue, I wonder if everyone is doing this consistently. Would be nice to have an official pronouncement on the question. (Lacking that, let's hear what people are doing.) My vote: Outdoor miles only. Counting indoor miles could lead to counting spin class, and I don't think that's what this challenge is about. Get out and ride.
Do people from Texas carry the famous bicycle revolver? @Kelly Thomas tell the manager or call the regional manager at McD's since its my guess they don't have a clue about the sprinklers since they don't ride. @Ray I want as many bikes out riding as possible as often as possible One is infinitely greater than zero.
More rain in Cen Fl but my new customized cyclocross bike is really so much better in the rain than any bike I have ever had. Bon Ton Roule!
Go Tammie - great to have you on board. I hope you enjoy the Challenge!
Go Texas, I can now point out to my friend there that not everyone's scared to ride on the roads in the Aggie State. :) something bout traffic and Texas drivers.
What business puts a bike rack on the lawn directly in front of sprinklers?! I went to McDonald's on my lunch break to get an ice cream cone since it's so beautiful out and after I locked it up the sprinklers turned on! I got wet and so did my bike. That was fun... not. At least the cone was good!
I am new to this and have only been a bike owner for about 6 weeks. I hope Texas moves up but we have been experiencing wicked weather for the past two days with winds in the 40 to 50mph range.. I still put in 2 miles yesterday out of sheer determination.. nearly blew me over and froze my ears off! The weather is improving now. Onward Texas.
Cynthia, you should come to the River to Sea Ride in Wilmington, tomorrow. I'll be there, getting in some extra miles.
@Ray- You can see miles per state & community by going to the leaderboard and clicking on the state or community name in the rankings. To see each individual's miles, you'd have to click on their name in the rankings. A pain, but possible. As an individual whose commute is 1 mile each way, thanks for not discounting my small daily contribution. :)
Hello out there North Carolina! Where are all our riders? We have 194 signed up with very few logging miles.
I've got a sick stoker, so I'm plotting my 1/2 bike ride strategy for the weekend to keep up with those pesky bug lab folks at USU. Must have more miles! Ride safe all.
(A short adendum): With the current ranking system, last year, 8 of the top 10 recruiting percentage states were in the top 12 in points ranking, and 9 of the bottom 10 in recruiting percentage were in the bottom 12. So, points per population gives one a very close approximation of the goal of recruiting more for the Challenge.
@Jim - Right, I can see the state leaderboard, but I'd like to see a leaderboard of mileage (or points) by state based on participants.
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@Marty - It really isn't about fairness, it's about data. Say I logged 43 miles on May 1 and received 63 points, while someone else rode 1 mile on May 1-3 and also received 63 points. From the leaderboards you can't see 43 miles versus 3 miles. That doesn't mean the person commuting a mile a day is less important. It just doesn't satisfy my curiosity to see where the miles are coming from. Points say one thing, miles say another, half the goal is number of riders, the other half is number of miles. I just think it would be interesting to see miles per state overall, and the average per registered rider by state. Using my numbers from earlier, you see this: Vermont has great participation, Wisconsin has logged a lot of miles and Ohio has the highest average per rider.
@Ray & @ Kelly- If they can only pick one way of organizing the rankings, the way they are doing it is the most fair. Especially when you consider that this Challenge is about getting more people riding, but also getting them signed-up for the Challenge. There is no one chart that gives one everything. But a leaderboard based on mileage compared to the riders signed-up would tend to give you the opposite of what the Challenge goal is, and that is to get more riders. Newer riders tend to ride quite a few less miles than more experienced riders. If the ranking were miles per rider, that would give the advantage to states that recruited mostly more experienced riders as their miles/rider would be higher, (but they wouldn't be contributing anything to getting more riders out there). And people and groups in a state that were getting more people to ride for the first time, would tend to be near the bottom of the list, as their average would be much lower.
Last year, Vermont was the leading state with getting people signed-up, with just over 0.2% of it's population. The next two best were Nebraska with 0.11% and 0.09% for Wisconsin. That is great when you compare it with the all states combined percentage of only 0.009% of the population. (Oregon was slightly below the national average with 251 signed up and a percentage of 0.007.) But it is lousy when one considers that a 2002 estimate of bicyclists 16 years old or over had it pegged at 18.46% of the population, or about 57,000,000.
Last year, we had 29,091 in the challenge, which is 0.051% of that 2002 estimate, (and I'm sure now would be under 0.05%, considering there is a slightly higher percentage of the population bicycling).
If we had every bicyclist sign-up for the Challenge, we could all ride 4/10ths of a mile on the first day, and have accomplished our 20 million mileage goal for the entire 5 months. (Can you imagine how that would bog down the servers!)
Click on the state Ray and it will list the riders by order of mileage.
@ Ray - I agree.
Well I say, Come on NEW JERSEY, we can do better than 34th place!!! Pedal faster! :)
On thing I mentioned on the survey after last year was that there needs to be a leaderboard by mileage. Ranking by total state population gives you one perspective, but I'd like to see actual miles. For example, Vermont has 7,682 miles from 802 riders, Wisconsin has 28,166 from 4393 riders and Ohio has 12,083 from 1,129. It would be interesting to see a state leaderboard based on actual participants as well, to show what the active riders are doing.
@Lauren-great to hear your accident did not deter you from what you enjoy doing! Hang in there and way to go!
@ Marty - That's crazy! This is my first year doing this, but it seriously surprised me to see that Oregon only has just over 100 riders signed up. Aren't they one of the most bike friendly states? I'm in Michigan and even we have more riders signed up than that!
Statistically Speaking v01
I know quite a few states have or are still experiencing strong weather effects, but Vermont's early lead is just rediculous. To give you an idea of how far they are ahead - You would have to add up the next seven states to just barely beat Vermont. Put another way, if you took the last 43 states, Vermont would still be ahead of their total. Right now, Vermont has 1/3 of the points in the entire country!
Vermont, the easy winner of last year's Challenge, it at it again. Half-way through the Warm-Up Period, they were in 4th place, well behind Iowa. When they finally got rid of their snow cover, it took only a few days to pass Iowa, then a few weeks to pass Wisconsin, and if the May 1st storm was a day earlier, they would have passed Nebraska, too.
Vermont is definitely not resting on their defending championship laurels.
May the force (on your pedals) be with you.
@Vanessa - You can log those lost miles manually.
Hope that you're ok Lauren P.
@Lauren - Way to overcome your fears! Unfortunately, that is one of the most common types of car accidents with bicyclists. They either don't remember seeing you as they pass you, or think they have enough time to make the turn, because you're "just on a bicycle", and they underestimate your speed.
Bike accident 3 weeks ago made me nervous to get back on (a car turned in front of me while I was going down a hill and I couldn't stop in time)... but I commuted to work today!
Sucks balls I found out that when I ride thur some of the federal building in my perimeter my gps is blocked off so theres like a 1 and half that wont read:'( sucks but Ican go on a good ride on the weekends:-)
I joined yesterday, uploaded my gpx files from May 1st & May 2nd for my commute. I shows my miles but I have zero points. When are points calculated? Should my rides I uploaded have calculated points already?
Used the endomondo app on my apple 4s phone today for a 21 mile ride. I usually use my Garmin, but forgot to get it today. So used the phone. It logged my ride, but it did not save anywhere. Don't know how it was deleted. I logged ride manually but lost the data before I could look at the details. Probably user error on my part but I wonder if others have had glitches with the apple phone endomondo app.
Thank You everyone for the concern. Let's hope I remember how to ride the thing once it gets here.... ¿ ;P ?
We were spared here in Minneapolis of the snow. I'll take the cold wind coming from the north over snow.
"Gregg Warning Most of these cities set records for the most snow in a winter storm in May"
We had a couple of inches here in Lincoln, Nebraska last night and the forcast is for it to be crappy all weekend. There is no doubt that it's cutting into the miles people are putting in. I'm a commuter and I should have at least thirty in right now, but I have less than half that.
Gregg - any reports that the fugitive is riding a bicycle?
Had enough snow this year, thank you!!
Thankfully it stayed to the south of us!!
@Gregg W, that's some crazy snow totals.. Glad I'm in NC.
Be careful while riding near Madison, WI. There is a fugitive who is reported as armed and dangerous.
Most of these cities set records for the most snow in a winter storm in May. Many have never even seen any measurable snow in May before. Lot of snow in northern Wisconsin and with temps remaining cold this weekend, the lakes will still be froze for the fish opener. This will be a first in history. In the Fox Valley here we are going to get a lot of rain this weekend, which will cut into biking time for many. I will ride in the rain when it's warm, but rain in the 30's and 40's is beyond my limits.
These snowfall totals today are amazing. Anyone bike in snow today?
Here are the latest peak snowfall totals by state as of late Thursday morning:
•Buckhorn Mtn., Colo.: 28.2"
•Near Buford, Wyo.: 20"
•Near Harrisburg, Neb.: 6.1"
•Near Edson and Quinter, Kan.: 4.5"
•Forest City and Britt, Iowa: 11"
•Blooming Prairie, Minn.: 18"
•Beresford, S.D.: 6"
•Rice Lake, Wis.: 17"
Some other notable totals include:
•Ft. Collins, Colo.: 10-16"
•Near Boulder, Colo.: 8"
•Denver, Colo.: 3.2"
•Cheyenne, Wyo.: 12.8"
•Omaha, Neb.: 3.1"
•Sioux Falls, S.D.: 1.5"
•Rochester, Minn.: 13.5"
•Des Moines, Ia.: 1.1"
Linda,
Only miles on bikes that go places count. No credit for spin bikes or stationary trainers.
I agree with Scott's rationale. 2 people on a tandem = 2 people on single bikes. Both get miles. Now one person riding a single and pulling another empty single along side to get double miles? Nope - penalty for dangerous and dumb.
Hmm... How should one count unicycle miles?
As we say in Alaska, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. I live in a rain forest, so I always wear rain gear when I ride. During our icy winters I use studded mountain bike tires. My mantra as I'm being pelted in the face by hail and 40-60 mph head winds, "I'm doing this for my health, I'm doing this for my health."
Raining in central Fl and we need it. Put the fenders on and rode in the gap between drops, sort of. when I returned i washed and blow dried my bike. My wife taught me that the leaf blower is a great blow drier. It is so much easier and faster.
Bon Ton Roule!
Linda M, while it might not count for points on NBC, it counts in the points for LIVING IT UP!
Went to the country of Spain from 4-10 thru 4-26, Did the Camino de Santiago. Went 500+ miles, but of course this would not count. Do any miles count when you do spin class.?
@ Susan - If you use Endomondo to track your rides, you don't need to log your miles. It does it automatically. If it shows sport, but you want commute, when you go to start your ride just select the cycle - transport option and you're good to go!
Question - even if I am using endomondo - Will I still need to log my miles? Although, when I look at my profile, it does show cycling, sport amd my miles from yesterday, do I need to use cycling, commute?
Utah State University/Bug Lab is in the hisouse....wuuuup wuuuup
HI all, out for a quick ride today. Sunshine, wind, and temps in the 60s. But I'll take that over snow. As for you snowbirds, you get bragging rights for braving the weather and serve as an inspiration to the rest of us. Here in the St. Louis area we don't have snow at the moment, but we have hills and those never go away! LOL
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@ Burklee, glad you got the parts. Will have to check out your new digs next time I get to NE. Congrats to the Bike Kitchen.
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@ Michael Lemuel, welcome back. Sorry about the bus accident, good luck with the ears, and we'll all be waiting for you to blow us away with your inspiring riding!
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RIDE ON YA'LL!!!
@Tim M - we are recording our tandem miles completed as individual rider miles until told otherwise. In my case, my stoker would be driving a car if she was not riding the tandem with me. The same car we use to car pool to work together. She is getting the same NBC health and environmental benefits as a single rider, just on a full bike...
What! No FB page?
How should tandem riders log their miles?
I blew up my ACL, MCL, meniscus, and LCL last May during the second day of Bike To Work Week. This year I'll have a new bike and its redemption time! Good to be back on the bike and starting to commute again.
Joe Domin - You may want your members to check their profiles to check they have the correct zip code (different local settings can put one team in separate local goups) and that you all have the same workplace selected (different forms or spellings of your workplace can effectively put you at different workplaces)
Just looked at my Endomondo profile, and I'm a much faster rider than I thought -- 55 mph! Woo Hoo. All those "Commute" entries credit me with miles, but at zero time. Makes for some interesting statistics.
@mark - You get extra points in my book, buddy!
Anybody know why the points for national and local don't match at the team or workplace level? The national looks right but the local is too low. Individual points match at both levels.
Yay, Chistine!!
#2203 - yay me? Dammit Marty I need that flux capacitor.
Yay! Kenosha, WI got it's own community this year instead of it being lumped in with Lake County (??? I'm old, got no memory) last year. At this moment, I'm #1 in Kenosha, WI! I'm savoring this because I doubt it will last. Yay, ME!
I think extra points should be awarded for riding in the snow and for riding a singlespeed!
@Burklee - I knew there was a reason your state total yesterday wasn't good. Thanks for giving Wisconsin a little lead on you, (and a false sense of biking superiority) before you blow past us in a day or two.
@Marty - May snowfall. I haven't had any coffe yet, cut me some slack, man. :)
@Burklee - I thought you get snow in Lincoln every year, sometimes even several times a year.
Yesterday was the first measurable snowfall in Lincoln in 46 years. I wonder if they are counting the sleet as part of that. The weather was miserable yesterday. Glad I got up early for my short ride.
@EM - Thanks for the parts you left for LBK! We've got a new place now. It's a shop, so it's a lot more space. We won't be tripping over each other. We're excited, and slightly freaking out. We'll have to pay rent now!
Precip should end this afternoon, so I hope to get in a ride after work.
@Michael Lemuel - Glad to see you back! Hope you're okay. Have fun exploring Connecticut.
Thans Brad, figured it out and just finished notifying the rest of the team how to do it. I was able to identify 4 different workplaces in the system that we were signing up for, although we all seemed to be on the same team. Go figure
Speedy recovery Michael L
Timothy Walsh - Go to the Leaderboard - click on your name to get to your profile - on the right side, click on Change Settings.
It was a great first day of the challenge in Utah despite the snow and cold. Not only did our team rank 1st at Utah State University, as of this morning team AGRS also ranked 2nd in Utah! Woo hoo! Cycle on team AGRS! I know, it is a very long challenge, but this first year team is up for it.
@Kevin B (Blah Blah Blah) Hey Cuz, it's 20 degrees in Logan this morning, but no new snow. Hope your Tucson team can keep up as we turn up the heat...
@Michael L - I and many others were inspired by your riding last year, and learned a lot about goal setting, and resetting, and resetting yet again. I hope everything works out for you, including not having a tumor. I know you'll inspire local bicyclists in Connecticut, just like you did in Kansas.
Darn it, just realized there are 2 AEP work places, with the AEP team associated with both and it figures I'd be in the wrong one. Anyone know how to switch?
Hi Michael L - good to see you bach. Anyone here from the "Rust Belt"? This sounds like a good idea. http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/Cleveland-and-Pitsburgh-vie-in-National-Bike-Challenge
Great to see many friends back for another round. Welcome to all new participants. I'm looking forward to watching everyone overcome they're own personal goals.
I like last year's Jersey's better! Help me if I don't end up getting one anyway. I'm a little conserned about being off my (brand new) bike since the bus wreck, and finding out I have an area that is (or could become) a brain tumor. Because of the bus accident (and lack of prosecussion) I'll admit I'm very concerned about riding in the local traffic. I'm still out for at least a week unless someone lends me a bike while I wait for an "old friend" to get shipped to my new home in West Haven, CT.
Things are slowly progessing w/ my care at the Veteran's Hospital. The first (ear) surgery is done and we're waiting on long term results. I've reconciled with the fact things will take much longer than the one year I originally anticipated. The silver lining seems to be in many "NEW" destinations to explore.
Ride Safe!
Mike L.
Hi Gahlord, you and the other Vermonters are killing me again this year. Very nice start out of the blocks - but myself and the other 4140 riders on Team Wisconsin were hoping you guys were going to take it easy this year. Is the Logger on your team this year? http://www.youtube.com/watch
Thanks, Andrew. Now I see it in the News column.
Todd Nelson: Today is the official first day of the challenge, so everyone's points from the warm-up period got zeroed out.
Perhaps I'm missing something, but if I understand correctly there is presently no provision for a team captain to remove a member from the team. I think we need that.
With the new team size rules, and no way for a team to remove an uninvited member, it is possible to sabotage a rival team by planting a member who bumps the team into the next size category, removing it as a class competitor and pitting it against much larger teams.
I don't know for sure, but it looks like this may have actually happened already at the end of the warm-up period, and my own team, RABL (Riders Against Bike Lanes) may have been the most immediate beneficiary. We were third in Small class going into the last day, behind Shut Up and Pedal Philly. We ended up second. SUPP disappeared from the Small class rankings. Did they get a whole bunch of new members? No, they only got an eleventh, with no points, on the last day of the period.
I have no way of knowing whether there was any hostile intent involved in that case. If there was, I want it understood that as far as I can determine RABL was not involved -- and I'm the team captain. But the possibility of such a thing being arranged with hostile intent is pretty obvious, and the ramifications could get pretty crazy.
Therefore, I think there is a need for teams to have a means to defend against such tactics. The most obvious way would be to let team captains remove team members.
I invite comments and suggestions from the organizers and others regarding this.
Bruce: it usually takes the Endo team until mid July to get most of the kinks out.
I had 200 points yesterday. After I logged 13 miles today, I only have 33 points. What gives?
The Endomondo challenge screen has a National Bike challenge. However it does not seem to be related to this one. Start and End dates are 12/31/2012 - 12/31/2013. It also only tracks road biking.
I use a mylar "talc visor" on my helmet, mainly to deflect bugs. I make the bottom edge hang just low enough to do that, but high enough so I can look under the visor in the rain. I also can raise and lower it a little while riding.
The bugs! Several times it felt like someone threw a pinch of sand at me.
I always always ride with lights, front, back and on either side. During our "dark time" ive even gone so far as to string LED x-mas lights on my bike!!! More than one motorist has slowed up and rolled their window down to say "i saw you from a mile away!!" My reply, thats the point, and glad it got youir attention!!!!!
always better safe, than sorry!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_du_SwbX5nTI/TRBOxF46rxI/AAAAAAAABRA/dO1ETDEvk8s/s1600/Dec.+20th%252C+Papa+P%252C+Pugsley+006.JPG
J. Hugh - Some slight corrections: 152 (out of a total of 153) /3,060/5,355/8,415
Kelly: see also "bike ninjas"
Rode my bike for the first time at night today. The weather was amazing. I'm quite shocked to see though how many walkers and cyclists don't have any lights at night! If I hadn't had my lights I would have never seen these people and may have took them out!
@ Ray - Haha! I got smacked one too many times in the face tonight by them. Yuck!
Now I'm not saying I want the cold & snow back, but I'm already sick of the bugs.
I've logged 4000 miles already on bikejournal. This Challenge should be interesting.
See you on the road.
my first-time at doing the challenge
... and now, over 18,000!
The number of riders is growing by the hour. Almost 18,000!!!
@Kevin B - blah blah blah
@Sue J Hewitt, Yeah, I agree that it's weird that a bunch of people have disappeared from Team and Workplace lists.
As we head toward the end of day one, it is good to remember that there are 151 days to go. Most impressive numbers on day one from some people, however remember that riding every day will earn 3020 points plus the actual miles at one point each. If one rode an average of 35 miles a day then you would add 5320 points. Your total would be would be 8240. So there are many ways to ride the challenge, and riding your challenge will be the key to fun and accomplishment.
Points reset tonight or was that last night?
Snowflakes falling from the sky as I finished up this morning, gotta love springtime in the Rockies :)
The "don't show until you log a ride IF you happened to sign-up in the warm-up period instead of waiting until May " is terrible change. Very confusing. That was not the case last year, and that was not the case during the warm-up months. New people sign up today and can see right away that they are on leaderboards, on teams, riding for workplaces, etc. Those of us who signed up a little early are being treated differently, and held to a different level of being considered a "rider."
I can not wait to get on the bike, and ride through the heat 96 degree weather
Folks who don't want their birth dates displayed publicly can change their profile settings accordingly (or enter a fake birthday).
Only 7 miles but 2 big climbs and winter storm warning in Dunn county
Not sure if I should attempt the drizzle and cold spring day. New Bianchi here and no lube!!!
Despite a 90% chance of rain, didn't see a drop on the commute in Baton Rouge today!...was hoping for blackout on my Bike Month Bingo! http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/promo.php
@Virginia - Yes, your miles count, no matter the purpose. The only difference is that when you ride for pleasure (sport) your CO2 savings won't change.
Trying to keep my ranking up in the top 100 is pretyt difficult with a 9-5... Usually it means getting up at 5am, riding (20-30). Cleaning up, riding (5) to work, riding (10) during my lunch break, riding (5) home and then packing another (20-30) in before bed. Makes for a long day but it's a lot of fun and I sleep very well at night.
I am not employed, therefore I hav 0 commuting miles. I do cycle for pleasure and exercise. Please count these miles
Randy, you certainly have some beautiful mountains out there, but a lot of bike-y areas are quite hilly. San Fran, my own beloved Pittsburgh, Seattle (I'm told, never been). I'm sure many others.
In the end, it just makes you stronger and makes things more fun by the change-ups. Sure, I'd love an extra point or two for the 400 ft. climb in the last two miles of my ride home (heck, I'd love it if they just counted all my rides today, some bugs at the moment).
But they're doing the best with what they've got. Keeping things dead simple helps. When you get down to it, it's all just it's own reward and this is just a game you can choose to participate in and enjoy... or not.
@Randy - It is just based on points. 1 point for every mile you ride, 20 points for each day you ride. That you get to spread out your gear wear and tear between more gears than most of us is just a bonus for you.
Here is a link to a video of a motorcyclist crashing into two unsuspecting bicyclists on one of the most dangerous roads in California. Luckily, both bicyclists received only minor injuries, which is miraculous, when considering what could have happened. It happened so fast, I don't think rear view mirrors would have even helped. Warning: It is a little scary to watch.. Ride safe out there.
http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/caught-tape-motorcyclist-crashes-2-bicyclists-143949954.html
Way to go. Does anyone know if elevation gain is part of this or just total miles. Hard to ride to far in Utah without hills.
@ Craig, venting is perfectly OK. I agree w/ another post, which encouraged you to link up w/ a local bike club. If one doesn't exist are you game to start one? Sounds like it's you against the anti-cycling world. You need better odds there in Moronhead City! Any chance you could move to a more bike-friendly NC town like Cary or Carboro? Hang in there.
48 miles today. Nice start to The National Bike Challenge.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
Yes, I just checked and its Eric Bradford Nordgren. I remember him from last year - he is the real deal, genuine article. Must be something in the water around Topeka...
@Randy - If you knew what Eric did last year, you would have no problem believing it. Him and several other riders in that area were just monsters last year, putting in multiple long rides a lot of days, including a lot of rides with each other. Don't worry though, he won't average 170 miles per day. (In case you are wondering, it will be less.)
He probably used a trick that we learned last year, from the early leader - start your ride at about 3 or 4 in the morning, after the drunks are off the road, there is minimal traffic, and when we get to the hot part of the season, it is cooler.
Randy, I had similar thoughts last year, but Michael Lemuel made a believer out of me! http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/06/meet-the-1-rider-in-the-national-bike-challenge/
I have a hard time believing someone rode 170 miles half way through the first day
CHALLENGE: ACCEPTED. Celebrating by commuting each way to work this month and mountain rides on Wednesday nights!
No first ride here...South Florida is in the middle of a 'weather event' with pouring rain, winds and lightening and all the rest. Left the bike at home today and drove the truck, and may have to do that the rest of the work week. Forecast for next week is much better, but I give away the first four days of the campaign waiting for it to clear...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Did 4.5 miles today. That was enough in 37 degree rain.
8 inches of fluffy white snow in Fort Collins today - lousy for bike commuting but we need the moisture - BAD. "The sun will come out - tomorrow ..."
rode early -early this am but ed. would not take miles- rentered after normal am ride and it worked . time won't be right miles are there and if i find any problems I can go back and delete and start over.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Day 1 here we go ............
Will ride tonight when I get home and log my miles then.
No miles today - went for a run instead...awesome weather - love it :)
@Sue~ once you log a workout you/whomever should pop up.
Peace
great workout!
Anyone else who did the warm-up NOT get rolled over to the May leaderboards? We had 21 of us at work Health District of Northern Larimer County signed up prior to midnight on April 30, and although we have home pages, and show for the warm-up period, none of us are on ANY leaderboards for the challenge now. It says our workplace has 24 riders, but except for the 3 who signed up this morning - the rest of us are GONE.
@El-welcome!
Hi guys, new at this.....
To all of you biking in warm temps........ :)~
I had a great start to my 2013 NBC.
Minus the 30 degree temps!!
Early morning pedal....... Followed by the bike rodeo...https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hm5rp0YpGEg/UYFSFzadEqI/AAAAAAAADNI/VXgukKQM0gs/s640/blogger-image-2049908110.jpg followed by more riding!!
Pedal On!!!
Peace
This is the National biking event, but is anyone doing the 50 Mile Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Tour in Mexico this month? Should be Crazy fun!
@ Kelly, I can really relate! Nobody's interested at all. They think I am crazy too, but impressed at the same time. I think to most it is unthinkable. Not bad, just not something they would do.
HI all, out in sunshine this morning with temps rising into the 80s. A handful of other riders out there mainly on the trail.
Sorry for all of you who have snow or other crappy weather today. Hope the weather starts cooperating soon.
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Glad to hear that the Lincoln Bike Kitchen is getting a new home. I left a donation on the door of the old building this weekend. Hope somebody found it & can put it to good use!
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HAPPY BIKE MONTH!!
Team USU ORP is in the race!
@Kelly - Well, they're gonna miss all the fun!!
I wish I could get more friends/family to do this challenge. Nobody is even remotely interested. They all are impressed with me, but think I'm crazy. :(
Anybody else go for a ride right after midnight and not get points for it. I started at like 12:15 (may 1st) and those miles aren't being counted on my current point score????
What I like about the NBC is that the challenge part is open to interpretation. It is not a race, or a most miles wins. I challenge myself. I just love to ride every day if possible. Maybe that is part of my personal challenge in this. As far as prizes go, each ride is a prize I get for sure and that is most important.
Bicycle Times sent out a mass email for the NBC today!. I sent a note to my local shop guys and to the corporate people. One of the challenges for all of us is to get as many people to ride as possible, even just one ride. One ride is infinitely greater that zero.
@Kelly - Like Berklee mentioned, one is supposed to have U.S. ties to be here. While there are some that don't have either connection, they generally only stick out the first several days of each month of the Challenge, because of the time zone differences.
Since there are so few challenges like this worldwide, I personally don't have a problem with anyone without U.S. ties being in here, as being in this Challenge is really fun. Not only that, but they aren't eligible for any of the prize drawings or to be a winner in any of the various categories, so it doesn't hurt any of us.
@ Burklee - Thanks for the clarification!
@ Kelly - From the FAQs: NBC is "open and free to anyone who lives in the U.S. or works for an organization with U.S. employees." So folks in other countries can compete. International, but not.
Can somebody clarify something for me? I guess I assumed that the National Bike Challenge was for people in the US being it said National rather than International, but I noticed the top several people on the leaderboard are all from other countries. So is this competition International?
@Michael Sternberg - What confuses you about the challenge? Perhaps we can answer your questions.
I remain confused about the challege but will commute and recreate extra hard for the month of May
Minneapolis is suppose to get 8-12 inches of snow by Friday morning from snowstorm Achilles. . This is just totally freaky.
@ Jerry It's really wierd but a late May snow storm is hitting the central and upper Midwest again. They ran out of letters for snow storms and are on the second round. It's suppose to get really cold here tomorrow, too, but I hope no more snow. They still have snow up north and the lakes still have ice in them and will probably not be open this weekend for the fish opener. There has never been a year in recorded history that the lakes in northern Wisconsin still had ice in them for the fish opener. Last year was the earliest spring I have ever saw and this year is the latest spring. Hard to believe we hit records on both cold and warm in consecutive years.
BRING IT!!!
@Andrew and @Ken: Super-bummer, but yeah, no search function. If the other team is within your same local challenge, though, you can navigate over to your local challenge and check out the leaderboard there. Then you'll only be seeing teams within your area.
Saved by the $99 B&B +bike deal at http://www.lookawayinn.com/ on day 1 of GUAR.
Go Freeloaders!
Ken Kress, I asked about this problem earlier, and no one seems to have an answer. It seems like searching wouldn't be a hard feature to add, but it doesn't seem to be there. It doesn't even look like there's any permanent URL for each team's page.
My sympathies, @Jerry! It seems winter wants to really stay around this year! Crazy, crazy weather!
I want to engage in trash talk with another team. How do I find them? Is there any way to look up a team by it's name?
4" of snow so far and still snowing. Don't think I will be riding today in Colorado.
What a day in the Swamps of South Jersey, sang, In The Pines In The Pines for the whole 15.5 miles. I hope no one herd me.
Absolutely beautiful temp this morning and dead calm - but I had to drive to work :/ Almost everybody's ahead of me - for now...
Started off the 2013 NBC with Midnight Ride in Appleton, WI. Less hours of sleep last night, but well worth it. A memorable ride with temps in the 60's and soft breezes. Ride on everyone!
Yes! The high fives before the key bridge were a nice shot of adrenaline.
Rode to work today....first day of MANY, God willing. A beautiful morning, though my heart goes out to those areas suffering even more snow today! Spring will come eventually. Ride on, ride safely, everyone!
31 degrees and light snow today in Logan, Utah. Winter does not want to let go this year.
@ Cynthia - Thank you! My ride in to work was great. Only had some pain when I stood up to pump my pedals, other than that it felt fine. :)
Glorious ride in this morning - made even better by the BikeArlington team high-fiving all the riders going through Rosslyn Circle. What a great way to start the day.
Correction: That would be the East Coast Greenway Trail.
@Craig - Wow, it stinks that folks are so bike UNfriendly, there. Don't let them stop you, though, because you advocate for a good cause! Lots of people here are behind you. Feel free to do some venting here. We sympathize.
Got up a bit early this morning to take a short ride on this first day of NBC since I couldn't ride to work. I have to go look over and possibly write a rent check for a new Lincoln Bike Kitchen location! LBK has been "homeless" for 2 months now. We've kept serving Lincoln through Mobile Bike Kitchen, scheduling random locations around town and advertising them on Facebook so people know where we'll be. Our last 3 outings were so busy, it was awesome. We're very excited about a possible new home, but it definitely means stepping up fundraising activities. Our previous location was generously donated rent free. We're so close to being able to submit our 501(c)3 application, thanks to Boise Bike Project's help. Anyway, I thought I'd get in a ride early while it wasn't raining/snowing, as predicted for later today. It's snowing in western Nebraska now. *sigh* Happy riding to all. Let's crush that 20 million mark like we did with the 10 mil last year!!
@ Craig, wow that's terrible. I don't know local rules/ regulations but I do know that other people carry copies of local and state regulations (might be in state driver's testing manual) with them, either as a download on an electronic device or a paper copy. That way you can show them to the police when you get stopped. Often the police don't even know what the laws are. Some cyclists also have cameras on their helmets or somewhere so they can record what goes on in traffic. I hope Michael on the Bicycle will jump in here as he as a lot of experience with this type of thing. Don't know if you have a local bike club or bike shop that can help you out.
*****
Just wanted you to know you are not alone in this fight!!! GOOD LUCK, we need people like you!!!
@ Jerry-oh my on that snow forecast!
@ Craig-I live not to far from you and I am sorry to hear about such a horrible experience. I have to say it is more friendlier down this way and I haven't had any problems. There are bikers of all kinds on our roads, and although the roads aren't to bike friendly as far as use all the towns along our stretch of the South Brunswick Islands are installing bike paths and lanes. The ultimate goal of our county is to connect to the Greenway trail from Wilmington down into South Carolina. Never give up on what is important to you. Good luck!
@Craig - WOW! When I think off all of the things my community should be doing for bicycling, I get frustrated. But after reading what you face, it is simply unbelievable. I knew that some areas/states aren't bicycle friendly, but I guess I didn't realize the extent. That some areas could be 10, 20, 50 years behind the times... I hope that some here can provide advocacy advice, although what you have done with the plan committee should have also been a good start. It is obvious that the committee's findings didn't have much sway with your local government. Hopefully, your mayor or alderperson will have a bit of compassion. There must be someone high up in your community who is pro bicycling/pedestrian, otherwise, why the committee? Unless both of them were state mandated, in which case you would probably have to take your real concerns there.
I organized a Ride of Silence in my area. It is designed to raise awareness of bicyclists and honor those that have been hit and killed by vehicles. The date for the 300 rides around the world is May 15th, at 7 p.m. Maybe if you tried organizing one there, even just bringing it up to one of the commanding police officers might help. It might be a way for you to raise awareness in the police department.
Good luck.
Happy first day of NBC to all! Hope your commute is as wonderful as ever. My goal this year is to ride 5 days a week as opposed to 4 days, and with the challenge being extended to the end of September I will be able to log more miles as the Bike MS Event I participate in every year is in Sept.
@Kelly-good luck and take it easy! I think a lot of us can relate to your excitement, and not letting anything hold you back.
My story is 3 years ago I trained all summer for an MS Ride and I fell one week before the ride and turned out I fractured my elbow. Needless to say it was a hard lesson in patience and frustration. The doctor urged me not to ride and although I was determined too, I decided not too, it was a good choice. Sprains, strains, and broken things are part of the sport.
The Verazzano Bridge half crossing was March 2012, also on Facebook.
NATIONAL BIKE MONTH!!!!
@Vanessa - Your healthy example should help with them joining. But even if some don't, at least you are doing something good for yourself.
@Jerry, I feel for you. Holy cow! Good luck out there today, everyone!
Don't mean to be a downer but it's very hard to bicycle here in Morehead City, NC. Having been stopped by Morehead City police 5X in 2012m 3 times for bicycling (and told things that weren't the law): 1x for sitting at a nearby beach with a friend who was visiting from out of town and had just come back in from kayaking and once for walking across the high-rise bridge from here to Radio Island. I've also been nearly missed by a Lowe's Home Improvement Truck and told I couldn't file an incident report with the police because I wasn't harmed even though the driver broke the law. I was nearly missed 2x this February by 2 motorists. When I calmly and nicely tried to explain the rules of the road to the second person, he threatened me physically and gave me half the peace sign. When I called the police and gave them his license plate number and vehicle info they came and listened to the story again then said, "what do you want us to do?"
Sadly aand despite having bicycled across halfway across the Verazzano Bridge in March of 2013 and bicycled a one-spped coaster bicycle from Morehead City to Harrisburg, PA and working for Harrisburg Bike Taxi there for the summer then bicycling a 5-speed from Harrisburg to Richmond, VA in 46 hours over Labor Day weekend 2012, and then peddling a Rhoades Car 200 miles from Oxford to Bowling Green, OH over five days in late September, early October of 2012, I'm not bicyling much if at all anymore here in Morehead City.
Particularly frustrating since I served on the Morehead City Comprehensive Bicycling and Pedestrian Plan Committees in 2006 and 2010 and was trying to use my 2010 Campaign for NC House fund the development of a non-motorized greenway connecting the downtown waterfront with the western commercial district passing the City's schools and wanting schools and community groups help build it as a way of giving back to the community.
Basically, I'm just a freak of nature in these parts. People don't even know how to say "thank you" around here. Fact is when people see me coming they tell new people to not talk to me...as I suspected happened yesterday when I visited a real estate office on Atlantic Beach to talk about kayak tours, etc.
Too bad because this area has an awesome history of race relations and commitment to the environment in the past.... Sorry to babble on...just have to let go, no point battling others over these things. It ends up simply poisoning oneself. Besides I'm very fortunate to have fun things I can work on at home like the edible landscape, etc (photos on Facebook under my name). Wishing you the best.
Craig k. Hassler
@ Craig, wow that's terrible. I don't know local rules/ regulations but I do know that other people carry copies of local regulations with them, either as a download on an electronic device or a paper copy. That way you can show them to the police when you get stopped. Often the police don't even know what the laws are. Some cyclists also have cameras on their helmets or somewhere so they can record what goes on in traffic. I hope Michael on the Bicycle will jump in here as he as a lot of experience with this type of thing. Don't know if you have a local bike club or bike shop that can help you out.
*****
Just wanted you to know you are not alone in this fight!!! GOOD LUCK, we need people like you!!!
@ J Hugh - Never crossed my mind to see one. I'll keep that in mind.
@ Marty - Thanks for the advice. I will definitely use it.
I'm so excited to start this challenge this morning! It's going to be a beautiful day here today. High in the high 60's and sunny! Couldn't ask for better!
Cant wsit to hit the road im trying to get some of my fellow co workers to join they are csriouse and looking it up so who knows maybe I get a riding buddy good luck to every2 I be paddeling a lil later but ill make sure to put a good number up hopefully it dosent rain so much ystdsy it was a complete wash out 5 hrs of nothing but rain, havefun
Pretty cool – At one minute after midnight Central time on May 1st, at the start of the 2013 National Bike Challenge, Audie Hadiwidjaja leads everyone with 75 points, followed closely by Hou Sheng with 73, and then Steven Gu at 64.
The state leaderboard won't be updated until at least 45 minutes after every state is in May, and I'm not staying up that late to see how the Appleton, WI midnight ride did.
May the force (on your pedals) be with you.
The challenge starts tomorrow. And the forecast for Colorado is 4-10" of snow on May 1st.
That's true. May is usually a big joiner month. I hope we get more UPSers. We only have 4 riders this year compared to 19 last year. With over 400, 000 employees, you would think we would have more than 4. Drivers I know are exhausted from wallking over 10 miles per day. They buy a new pair of shoes about every 3 months. With a 10 hour work day, they have very little time in the day left and is usually dark already when they go home. It pretty rough on them and their families, who don't see them much during the week.
@ Gregg, we are just getting started, so lets hope that lots more riders start rolling in as we go along!!!
We don't have as many riders this year as last year. Last year we had over 30,000, but only about half actuallyy recorded any miles.
I'm excited to join this challenge and, with fellow members of Green Mobility Network, welcome any who dare to log their miles and show their style on two wheels.
The wheels on the bike go round and round, round and round, the wheels on the bike go round and round all through the town......
15,000++ riders and counting.....
Kudos, Rick Gilbert! You are so right! Silly to lie about something that ultimately has no monetary value - not a promotion for lying about things that do - just glad to see that others are intelligent enough to "get it".
If there are any other Real Estate Agents who want to team up, let me know! :)
@Kelly - Sprains can sometimes be more of an issue than a break, as there is very little blood flow in tendons and ligaments, unlike muscles. Plan on taking an extra 10% more time to get to work, give or take, just so you don't have to push it. And then at work, if you are at a desk, try to have that leg raised as much as possible. Avoid NSAIDS, as they actually help degenerate tendons and ligaments - something you don't want.
@Phil way to go sticking with the issues. In my accident the guy admitted his responsibility and it is the insurance folks that seem to think they are paying the bills personally. I will stick with the issues.
@Kelly do you see a good sports chiro? I have gotten great results on injuries like sprains and other misalignment with soft tissue damage.
@Rick G the big prize for me is the riding with such a great bunch of people. Thousand and thousands of people on bicycles going for rides, invisible but present.
HI all, Soo many great comments. Had a great few days in Nebraska. Got a little riding in with my daughter and one of her friends. Driving day today so I ended up 2nd for MO for the warm-up period. Looking forward to the real challenge where my goal is to ride as many days as possible and to get in more commuter miles than I did last year.
**********
RIDE ON EVERYONE!!!
Good news, it's only a sprain! Dr said to stay off it for a week, but I didn't even do that when I broke my other foot. A little sprain isn't going to stop me from getting on my bike tomorrow and riding to work! Haha.
@ J. Hugh...my Oct 24 2011 (yes, 2011) came to a halt when I biked into a fresh patch of cement where the sidewalk crossed a business driveway. No barricades, they were literally pouring more cement 30 ft away. Cracked helmet, 3rd degree separated shoulder...construction crew did not help me, I had to call 911 on my own while they covered their a**, cars also kept going by even though I could not stand up. Finally one month ago, I got the out of court settlement check after getting a lawyer...no one else wanted to do anything for me but hope I would go away. Now I have 2 new bikes!
This Endomondo is NOT user friendly. Somehow it is even worse than last year.
@Kathy - cheating? The biggest prize in the NBC is for bragging rights. There was some chatter on the blog last year about some mileage claims. I don't much worry about it. I'll log my miles - manually for most commutes, by phone app for most longer rides, and hope I get lucky on the prize drawings. If somebody else logs fictitious rides and miles, I just hope they are not involved in any more serious fraud elsewhere in their lives.
Ready to start the NBC and the Commute Challenge for Bike to Work Month here in King County, WA. And hoping I'm up to the challenge of Phil's Hill on the May Day Classic on May 5. 20 million miles, people. Let's ride!
I was struck by a car on january 16th. I should have gotten a lawyer along with my health care team invovled from the beginning. Take no chance on your health, but remember no insurance company want to pay a dime if you will go away.
I'm pumped about this Challenge. @Joe Sacco, our State rocks.
@Dave: they're going to be sending something out tomorrow to their members. Good luck in 2013!
I'm new to the NBC this year too. I missed it last year, and could have placed well with my best months, 900 miles in July and August.
@Katie, why isn't there an NBC advertisement on Endomondo home or challenge pages? Many Endo's dont even know about it.
@Scott: Happy to have you in the Challenge!
New to the NBC and looking forward to the challenge. Had a fabulous time at the Moab Skinny Tire Festival last month. 175 miles by tandem in 4 days. The festival is a great first event of the ride season and a great motivator to stay fit over the long Utah winters. Too bad the miles don't count.
@ Kelly, get the x-ray! Dont mess around with possibly broken foot. Heal it right, you need that foot the rest of your life.
@ Marty and Franc - Thank you for the advice. Not too happy about it though! May be going to get it x-rayed tonight.
Here's an August 2010 article about the booming bike business of Mn.
http://minnesotabusiness.com/inside-minnesotas-booming-bike-economy
3 years later it still rings true, and not just for Mn.
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ Brad, so true. I was just reading an article in Energy Times about how transportation by bike has increased over the last couple years by 30%! This proves that people are looking for healthier, affordable modes of transportation.
@Rob: how cool! Good luck. Post on this forum how it went!
Never Mind. Doh!
How can I correct a typo in my employer's name?
Cynthia and Brad - you expressed perfectly what the Challenge is all about. Can't wait for the NBC Midnight Ride tonight in Appleton, WI! Our plan is to lead the nation, for a few hours at least!!
How does the NBC determine if someone is cheating? I mean someone could log miles and never ride.
Lets go Hickory Velo club. time to start logging some real miles
Cynthia - great sucess story. And I feel the same way in that all we can do is set a good example. As more people get used to seeing more bikes on the road it will gradually get accepted as just another mode of transport and more people will consider giving it a go. The barriers get eroded away, and even more bikes are on the road which continues the social pressure in a positive direction. And so it goes - An upward spiral of life and health.
So excited for this year's challenge. I love reading all the comments and stories, its a neat way to learn and share like experiences. Even though I commute all year long, this is a great "event" that inspires me and keeps me motivated. I have spread the word at my work place but there is very little interest. Yet everyone talks about getting in shape. I can only lead by example and by doing my best. Coworkers comment on my weight loss (due to biking and some weight workouts at home). I tell them to "Get Up and Ride!" I have always biked all through my life and I need it for my mind body and soul, especially now that I am older, it has become a WAY of life. I couldn't live without my two wheels. Now with this years NBC and training for an MS Event in September I am hoping to lose more weight and everyday I ride I become a stronger person and better person. Be safe, have fun, enjoy life-Peace.
@Howard - This is our first year promoting the NBC at my company as a wellness initiative. So far we had over 30 people join, up 26 from last year. Currently we aren't offering any incentives because I got started too late trying to promote (I wasn't on last years team) but hope to be able to offer some GCs or t-shirts with the company logo on them next year.
@Kelly - Not a good idea at all until you get it set. Even then I'd be easy on it because if you have to reset it, good luck.
I commuted in the past to work everyday.I did not own a car for 7 years.
My commute to work now is 23 miles(interstate/bridges).
Most of my riding now is of the leisure type.
I will be keep track of miles,which i do anyway(log book).
@Kelly - I did break my big toe playing volleyball barefoot once, and had to ride home almost 20 miles (not barefoot). But it isn't a good idea to ride with a fractured foot, at least not until it is set and immobilized. For a sprain, it is best to ice it off and on for the first 24 hours+, then afterwards, it would actually help recovery to ride gently in a low gear, and after each ride to ice it down.
Yay! Michigan hit 200 riders this morning!
On a side note.. Does anybody know if you can ride your bike with a sprained or fractured foot?
Hi saw the link on facebook was cariouse n join I ride bike daily so why not and keeps me focus on doing something new n exciting I never logged in my milage this wsy so this is all a frist just downloaded the app n excited tostart using it at work:-) good to see others enjoying bike riding as much as I do exciting way of staying healthy.
Been setting up the NBC as a challenge within my company, as a wellness program initiative. We've got 30 riders signed up, much better than last year! The Company is also offering up LBS gift cards, which I am using as incentives. How are others (who are leading the charge in their company) getting participation up?
@ Eric, you go, too! :) You'll always remember your first century...
@Heather... training for your first century? You go, girl! Been lurking on this board, watching the progress of others. Glad to see how cycling has become a part of life for many others on here. It's a major part of my life - between commuting to work and the weekend club rides, I'm on the bike a LOT. In fact, my health and sanity depends upon it :)
@Russell - Hope you're cleared for biking on the 3rd!
Anxious to START riding. Winter has hung on until just a few days ago. Ice just cleaed off of Lake Charlevoix yesterday. Now, exercise stress test last week found something the doc didn't like and my doc doesn't want me to start any exercise program until I see the cardiologist next Friday, May 3rd. May be the same thing they saw a few years ago, but for now, I have to follow doc's orders. I loved this challenge last year, too. It really motivated me to ride more often.
I love this challenge it pushed me last year to ride more miles but I'm sad to report I did not win any prizes hoping to change that this year.
All riders: consider joining my NBC team
Currently #1 in California, #12 overall and growing
Cheers!
http://www.endomondo.com/teams/9209455
@Mick
You selected cycling sporrt as your favorite sport
GO to profile, settings, select cycling transport,
:)
@Dave - brilliant, thanks!
Does anyone know how to change the default settings in the import from Garmin section of this website? It defaults my rides to Cycling, Sport and manually changing most of them to Cycling, Transportation is kind of tedious...
@Ash, Hello, I live near USD and ride all over San Diego. I just sent you a friend request.
i would like to have a riding partner. I live close to downtown San Diego and work in Linda Vista @SDCOE - located accross from USD. Any takers?
You and me both, Susan.
I've been training at the gym with spinning classes. The temperature in Anchorage, Alaska, this week is just above freezing. I am looking forward to riding to work starting mid-May!
Training for a ride in June from Gettysburg to Washington DC and back. Looking forward to logging my miles for the Challenge!
Eric, me too! It's in October. Good luck!
Started the riding season this past weekend. Looking forward to the warm weather!
1st time on the bike. Included 10 mile tour of Burlington with tour the city event.
Wheeeee....
I ride all year, but looking forward to this challenge again.
Training for my first century this year. This ough to help keep me motivated
just joined; ready to pedal!
@MichAEL: Glad you didn't forget!
Yeeeeeh,
Yoiks! I almost forgot about re-upping for the challenge this year.
Oh yeah, I'm ready!!! I went out for a ride on my new road bike yesterday. Gonna take some getting used to, but it was pretty sweet. My cargo bike will be up and running next weekend, also. Let's do this!
Well, here we go again! I am taking early retirement effective May 20th., so my commuting mileage may not be so hot this year. Of course, I'll be doing the bulk of my job searching on the bike, so I should be able to keep the overall mileage at about the same levl as before.
The bicycle is the solution for so, so many things. Where do I start? From commuting to sport, from fitness to travel, from the environment to the economy, I could go on for days. Perhaps it best summarised by Robb Penn as he"...rides a bicycle to get to work, sometimes for work, to keep fit, to bathe in air and sunshine, to travel, to go shopping, to stay sane, to savour the physical and emotional fellowship of riding with friends, for fun, occasionally to impress someone, to scare himself and to hear his boy laugh." Brilliant!
been riding quite a few years now and I still hit hit places like Goodwill,The Sally , Thrift stores where I find things that will get me through untill I can afford those accessories I think I can not ride without.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
Sometimes when I'm leaving it's raining a little but by the time I get to work it's raining a lot. And it's really not that bad. If it had been raing heavily when I was going to be leaving it may cause hesitation, but when you're out there, you just get used to it, your perspective adapts... A little or a lot is not so much different. I find the sound of the rain on my jacket and helmet cover very soothing - much like raindrops on a tent. (also; fenders are a good idea. And also also, does anybody have a recommendation for wet weather gloves?)
@ All! Thanks so much for your encouragement. I generally ride if its raining especially on the way home when I get caught. But, this was torrential.
@Lydia - Oh I need rain covers for my panniers! I think I had an inch of water in them this morning. Thank goodness I packed well and everything was still dry.
IMHO riding in inclement weather takes practice.
Once one knows what they can handle/deal with, it's all gravy!
Think baby pedal strokes!! ;) LOL
It does bring a great sense of accomplishment to deal with whatever Mother Nature throws at you!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@Cynthia -- Like Kathy I love riding in the rain too. And like Rob I ride to work all year round regardless of the weather. I have a pair of Vaude drop pants that I put over my work pants in heavy rain and I stay completely dry. I have a rain coat that keeps me completely dry too (My panniers even have rain covers). I commute in my work clothes (dress pants, skirts, dresses, heels) and have never found a weather situation I couldn't conquer on my bike. There is always a huge sense of accomplishment that feels amazing when you reach your destination even if you are cursing on the way. You can do it. It just takes that first step.
@Cynthia - Don't let rain deter you, rained the whole way in this morning (NJ) 51 degrees (11 miles) and I was happy as a lark. I don't have any real rain gear just a Pearl barrier jacket and Pearl winter tights. Rain reminds me of begging my mom to let me go out and play when it was pouring. Maybe I'm crazy but I love it.
Hi Cynthia, you can do it, it just takes some good info and a will to do it. I ride to work everyday year round in any kind of weather. It took me awhile to dial it in but it's not an issue any longer. I'm sure there are many people here who could help. I found some good advice here http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/20-Commuting and I would search, read and ask questions. Good luck to you!
Wow, thanks for sharing all the inspiring and fun links! My area is predicted to have heavy rain for the next three days. Again....another week with more and more rain! As it is right now, there is no way I could bike to work in this constant downpour. I just don't have the right gear to ride in rain like this, but, I sure thought about what type of outfit I could throw together so I could ride. But my senses telling me don't do it, I am glad I didn't. Its not a safe option. So, my new mission is to work on getting some decent rain gear (thanks to those who shared some ideas). Does anyone ride in rain like this?
Nice reference Michael.
Heres a good story of an american family in a society where bicycles rule the road:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323789704578447220409612126.html
Liz, probably too late... but because of Endomondo and Strava, even though I live in Tampa Bay, I now have cycling buddies in at least Canada, Hawaii, London, Germany, Ireland, and Australia (not to mention across the US)! We provide motivation and learn from each others experiences... how cool! Now if I could only visit and cycle with each one, I'd be a happy camper. Don't forget everyone, please...
Ride like you belong!
Liz, probably too late... but because of Endomondo and Strava, even though I live in Tampa Bay, I now have cycling buddies in at least Hawaii, London, Germany, and Ireland (not to mention across the US)! We provide motivation and learn from each others experiences... how cool! Now if I could only visit and cycle with each one, I'd be a happy camper. Don't forget...
Ride like you belong!
@ E M - Wow! Thanks for sharing those links. That lady with the 6 kids is amazing! If only half the population had her dedication!
Hi, I'm writing an article about the National Bike Challenge and how people use connective technologies in cycling. Please contact me if you are interested in being interviewed for this piece! Deadline is 5pm (central time) today. You can e-mail me at lizreid13 [at] gmail [dot] com.
I just finished my training in the mountain 39 Km
I live off the bicycle and travel on my LHT. Adverging 9,000 miles a year. That's just my touring mules.
Last year it was 30,000 bicyclists going 12 million miles!
Car free? check these out:
http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/biking-families
http://bikeportland.org/2012/06/28/with-six-kids-and-no-car-this-mom-does-it-all-by-bike-73731
Just curious, how many riders were involved last year?
@Brad Thanks for the price info on the Garmin Forerunner at BuyDig,com It is $99 with free shipping as you said I ordered it because I can't afford anything else like an Edge. Hopefully , it will get delivered before the Paper Discovery Duathlon, which is next week on Sunday. Hoping our warm weather continues into next Sunday because last year really sucked with the rain and cold winds. But I still came in 5th in my age group last year and hoping this year I have improved enough to finish with an award.
Answer to the origional question - If I still lived in Europe within the city where I had access to great public transportation I could use along with my bike Yes I would go to 0 car however, I don't feel it is an achievable task here in the U.S.A. due to the fact the city areas are so vast. Also americans are not used to running to the store every day or two to go shopping, most go for a week or two at a time for most items. It is just a different culture. Iprefer to ride everywhere but the car is always an option if necessary.
We don't have as many riders this year as last year, but hopefully a lot will register these last few days before the challenge begins in 5 days..
1 gmc jimmy = 1100 mi.
1 nessin leaf (elec.) 7600 mi.
1 lwb recumbent over 15,000 since last may.
1 bike-E 600 mi. +
2 df ?.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Our family went to 1 car and it works great. I ride my bike everywhere. Not sure if I could do it if I still had kids at home. It works well and the money is not tied up with a second car and all costs related to it. :-)
@ Cynthia, car free would be the ideal. I'm not sure we're ever going to get to that, but we do plan to go to 1 car instead of two (well 3 counting the one our kids have in college) in the future. This would probably involve moving to a smaller town that is more bike friendly and less hilly than where we live now. Realistically, it will also involve getting our kids through college, which will take at least 3 more years.
*******
However, there are people who have gone car free and if you search for the League of Amercian Bicyclists web site you will be able to find some stories about some of them. Other bicycling organizations have featured stories about people going car free from time to time. So if you search around the web for bicycling related web sites you will no doubt be able to find some of them. Remember even if you're not completely car free, the less you drive the more brownie points (or mabye we should call them "BIKIN POINTS") you earn. The only way America is going to get better is for as many people as possible to work for better conditions for walking & biking and for better public transportation including high speed rail, busses, more Amtrak to more cities etc. etc..
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GOOD LUCK!!!!
I wish I was car free, but then how would I carry the bikes to out of town adventures?
I have made progress 12,000+ bicycle miles last year and just 5000 in the car.
Living in florida I can not get my head around winter cycling, for as I say winter in Florida is like summer in Scotland.
great to see so many riders of all sorts and purposes. I find it hopeful.
Car free? I think about it ever now and again. I ride everywhere but sometimes I just need a car to carry stuff. Plus there's that winter thing... not that I didn't ride this winter but not every day. this was my first cycling winter in NJ and my clothing was not enough to keep me warm. Thermal my *ss.
I live too far away from work to be car-free. However, I have cut down on some of the other trips that I take, like the grocery store or other destinations in town (I live about a mile out of town, and 20 miles from work).
Here is a question I would like to pose to all out there: have you been, or are you contemplating or have actually become car free?
Like within recent years to the present?
If you have or are, what is the good and bad of your experiences?
Getting excited about our Moonlight Ride tonight! http://www.facebook.com/events/552780274745206/
I have been trying to bike but the snow keeps getting in the way. I put on 18 miles Wed night anyway.
Brian - even though tenths of a mile aren't displayed, it seems like they are there, and will add up into whole miles as you pass .9
Does anyone know how 1/10 of miles are calculated. I am assuming that it's rounded up but what is the cut off
Got a quick ride in this morning in hopes it will keep me sane for the 6 hour drive ahead of me. Taking my bike with me even though I am actually going to walk with fellow cancer survivors because this weekend I will aslo get to ride with my son!! He is supposed to be taking me on a trail called mopak or something like it in Lincoln, very excited for this weekend except for the darn car drive part.
@ Dan & David wind just makes you stronger! I am not sure how the wind is like in your part of the world but living next to Wyoming on the sandy soils of the Nebraska panhandle means lots of wind and few trees crazy enough to grow here. I hope you still enjoy the ride even if the wind does push you around a bit.
No more time to catch up on all the news so I will just say ride safe everyone!
@Marty, etc....Someone told me, only my california team member s mileage counts toward my state totals. Im trying to recruit more locals, but it aint easy. Looks like team Krazy Legs may catch us :(
Used to be a runner before changing to bikes so have a Forerunner 410 with a bike sensor. Works great and less expensive than the Edge. Not that I wouldn't mind having an Edge 810...
My partner and his "Fatty" yesterday afternoon.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oLvf63TYf8A/UXnAj-yjGaI/AAAAAAAADK8/XjF1e3Nz_MU/s640/blogger-image-1926834825.jpg
I've always used my Garmin Map60CSx handheld GPSr.
Geocaching and pedaling, is a great combo!!
Have a great weekend all!!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
A couple of you mentioned the Garmin Forerunner watch - BuyDig.com has a good price on it: $99.99 Free Shipping after Coupon Code: "VMEMOMDAY20" and using Visa's V.me Checkout. I myself use the Edge 800, which is excellent (thanks to T)
@Dave - I tried every combination of riders, and couldn't figure the 7,011 number. My only guess is that they didn't want the Crazy legs team members to feel bad.
@Kelly - After you refuel and rehydrate after the HM, the best thing you could do for leg recovery is get on the bike and spin, (very low tension), for 3-6 miles. Your legs will thank you for it, maybe not initially, but towards the end of the ride and the next two days. Good luck in the HM!
@ Dan...the wind is my worst enemy too. would rather have it cold and snowing than ride on a windy day, but I stilll do.
Hi all, out today in gorgeous sunshine, temps in the upper 60s, and hardly any wind. What a nice change. Lots of other riders out today too.
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@ Marty yeah Missouri moving up is the good news. I'll take credit since I've been promoting. But the bad news is somebody just posted a bunch of miles and now I'm in second. Would have to ride my bike to Nebraska to make up. LOL But since I gotta help my kids move, I guess I'm gonna need a vehicle, so my bike will be in tow. Looks like the weather in Lincoln is going to be pretty nice for the weekend, so I'll be putting in some (s)miles for sure!
Wind in Newport News was BRUTAL this morning on the way to work... I kept checking to see if my brakes were rubbing!
Well, the riding in California is great, cant wait for the challenge to start for real. Anyone know why my team shows +14k points on the national leaderboard, but when I look at States, it only shows+ 6k points?
Well as I figured, rain for the 5:00 o'clock commute. Right at 5 like someone turned on a light switch. Too funny. Well torrential down pour here I come!
My poor bike has been in the shop since Saturday. :( I get it back tonight though! Won't be riding any tomorrow however, due to having a half marathon Saturday morning. Want to rest up! Can't wait until Wednesday to start this thing!
@E M - Don't look now, but in less than one day, Missouri jumped past another 3 states. At this rate, you will be in first place by May 8th!
Just got approval to send out intercompany mail to promote the bike challenge in our region. Got 6 new members already. :D
@Rick - I would have ridden but I can never fit what I buy at Lowes on my bike. Besides after the second stop my stinking car broke down. Would have been better off strapping the topsoil to my bike rack.
@Kathy - I just had one errand, but it was the best day of the year to date, so it became a 28 mile errand by bike. I had a ship-to-store order to pick up, and that gave me an excuse to ride instead of going straight home to haul/spread mulch. Hmm... I think I need more ship-to-store orders to pick up.
@E M - Don't look now, but in less than one day, Missouri jusmped past another 3 states. At this rate, you will be in first place by May 8th!
I'm in first place at my place of work. (Don't tell anyone: I'm the only one riding there!)
@Joshua B, way to go!! I'm trying to hit Platinum before the challenge starts as well. Only 125 points and 5 days to go!! I should be able to make it!
4 for 4 days this week! Wahoo. Great spin to work, its warmer than it looks out, but, may have to contend with some rainfall on the trip home. Be safe and peace to all.
Bag - Welcome to the monkey house!
@Bag - Welcome to the Challenge!
@Bag - Welcome to the Challenge!
Oh well dummy me. I thought there were prizes for the warmup. I also thought you got double points for commuting miles. OH WELL. IT WILL BE FUN and you get invisible triple points for having fun!!!
Hit Platinum today which is pretty exciting. To bad they are all going to disappear next week but oh well. I think if I ride just a bit more then I have been then I should have no problem hitting diamond during the challenge which will be almost 1500 point more then I got last year. I hope everybody is having fun and that everyone has fun and stays safe. Good luck to all.
@Adam - No, points during the warm up don't count towards the challenge and prize drawings. Hit it hard once May 1 rolls around!! :)
So do the points attained during the warm up period count towards the prize drawings?
Rode this afternoon with temps in the 50s and not raining or snowing. A little wind, but not as bad as it has been. No other riders spotted. Some nice construction workers recommended I move to the sidewalk to avoid in progress oil, grease, and sand being added to the road. I obliged since the alternative was slow traffic and stinky fumes.
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10,000 riders++ Only 40,000 to go!
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Missouri is up to 41st place with a whopping 51 riders!
If you didn't ride today you missed one of the 10 best days of the year in NJ
www.thejerseypedaler.com
The 'bag' is on board!!
@DanBailiff you go Dan!! I'm the poor slob who had to drive on the best day of the week to run 50 errands after work. :'-(
What a morning to ride here in SNJ! With all weather weirdness climate change rocks today (one day at a time). It was such a joy to ride on new pavement laid down most of my route to office and back, and to jam to "Bluse Traveler" hits like "Just Wait" and "Brother John" while slipping smoothly past the blocks of cars lined up at the lights. I feel sad for the poor souls who think I am the crazy one....
Good poin E.M. - I use Pearl Izumi WXB shoe covers and they, like most of the others have cutouts on the bottom for cleats. If I'm out in the rain very long, water always ends up working it's way into my shoes and rewarding me with soggy socks. The only one I noticed that was different was Showers Pass. Theirs comes as a full coverage 'sock' and leave it up to you to cut the bottom if you need to. And on a related note; does anyone have any recommendations for wet weather gloves?
I can recommend the Novara rain pants. But be aware that they don't keep your feet dry. You still need waterproof shoes or something!
@ Brad thanks for the information. I have been doing some research, but, its always nice to have input on something as important as rain wear for biking. This will help me in my quest for road worthy rain gear. Have a great day!
The rain gear I use is Novara that I found on sale at REI (jacket and pants were about $200 for both). Keeps me totally dry no matter how heavy the rain. Somwhat heavy for hot weather though, and even with the pit zips and breathable fabric I get some sweat buildup anyway, especially in the arms. My friend with Showers Pass says the same thing. These 'breathable' fabrics aren't as magic as they say, no matter which one you pick. I've been wearing both through the whole of winter also, I don't need much else.
Sunny ride for my commute this morning! Yeah sun! Finally, although we are supposed to get another cold front. Good news, I recruited a friend to ride to work this morning. Lets hope she gets the biking bug and becomes addicted! What is nice is that we can ride together, which is always a good incentive for someone who is just starting on their commuting journey.
@Andrew - I don't know why it didn't give you or me an answer in the search function. But anyway, here they are for now -
University of Utah 582nd place with 804 points
Brigham Young university 628th 700pts
(extra credit)
Utah State University 94th place with 2,762 points.
And like I said earlier, once we hit May 1st, they will be very hard to find for a while.
Maybe they can make it easier next year?
@Andrew - I don't know why it didn't give you or me an answer in the search function. But anyway, here they are for now -
University of Utah 582nd place with 804 points
Brigham Young university 628th 700pts
(extra credit)
Utah State University 94th place with 2,762 points.
And like I said earlier, once we hit May 1st, they will be very hard to find for a while.
Maybe they can make it easier next year?
@Joe... yeah, you're probably right... maybe just PG or PG-13, but you never know what people are sensitive to! Thought it was pretty spectacular myself!
Great webinar tonight, thanks
@Mark~
That wasn't that bad!! Lol
Thanks for sharing!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
Mr. Money Mustache wrote a hilarious (but R-rated) rant about the wastefulness of driving when you can bike. I have a link to it on my site: http://www.tadpole-tales.com/1/post/2013/04/mr-money-mustache.html
A good read for this group, if you don't mind some adult language (his site, not mine!).
@ Joe-Thanks!
@Christine - Don't you just love that feeling?! :)
@Cynthia~
The mens and women's version of the jacket I own are on sale right now!!!
The best money you'll ever spend on rain gear!! ;)
http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/closeout/womens-elite-20-jacket
Peace
Great ride this morning. Steve Danskine and I rode 40.2 and I felt good the whole ride.We averaged 14.5 for the trip. We did 13.6 going into the wind for first 20 miles but had an average of 14.5 for the whole ride,not bad for an old guy after losing 30 percent of my lungs some years ago when me and my bike lost a fight with a car going all most 50miles per hour.I don't know what our was for the 20 mile return trip
@Andrew, the only other way I've found to search is to change my company or my leave my team. then you can look for a new one. The search system is not very friendly.
@Kathy - Yeah, I was just hoping for a less convoluted way to search for a company, and I used BYU as an example. It's overwhelming to have to go through the whole leaderboard instead of being able to search.
ShowersPass!!!
Hands down, the best rain gear I've ever owned/used!!
Adding up all the $$$ I've spent on rain gear over the years; I should've just put the $$$ towards ShowersPass in the begining!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
@ E M or anyone-What rain type or brand of rain gear do you use?
@Andrew - BYU it's around page 65 on the national work list. Just happened to see it today. http://www.endomondo.com/
Rain, rain, rain. So I took the trail and had it all to myself except for a couple of joggers and a couple walking with umbrellas. WET, WET, WET. But hey it was fun and I got to test my rain gear! Of course now the sun has come out. The forecast was upside down because it was supposed to be dry this morning and wet this afternoon with the threat of thundershowers!! LOL!
1 million miles in the pre-season and approaching 10,000 riders with a week to go before the big reset for the official May 1 start. 2013 is going to be a good year for the NBC. The weather is finally starting to share up and we are ready to roll in the Wisconsin Fox Cities!
I'm riding about 125 t0 150 miles per week right now. Have logged about 2600 miles in the past 11 months. Hope to grow that average.
Rode 10 miles yesterday. It was great even with the 24 mph headwind on the way home. I felt SO great last night! Slept like a LOG!
@MartyMalin I appreciate your help. I just tried to follow these instructions to search for a few companies, such as "brigham young university" and "university of utah", but it reports: "Endo is sad - nothing matched your search criteria".
Looks like the weather is going to break finally and I'll be able to start commuting to work again just in time for this year's Challenge! Can't wait!
Good Morning! Another day of gray, 40 degrees and 15mph wind. The kind of sideways wind that brings small drops of rain with it. I am wondering where our normal abundant sunshine is? It's been days since we have seen it.
@ Harry & David, FUN miles can be recorded as "CYCLING/SPORT" and errand miles can be recorded as "CYCLING/TRANSPORT" What you list as an occupation is up to you, but last year several people listed their occupations as "RETIRED"
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HAVE FUN!!!!
David M Baker Greenwood IN
I am retired so no longer communte, I ride with CIBA and other Bicycle Clubs on my Road Bike, I do run errands
I am retired, so no longer commute. However, I still ride when I can, on recreational rides with my wife on our tandem, with clubs on my roadbike, and on errands with my commuter bike.
@Andrew - The best way to find them is off of the Leadreboard. Click on the Endomondo on the upper right of this page, then type in the name (or the first part of the name) in the search box. If you only typed in the first part, you can then select from the team or workplace options. (But that won't give you where they are in relation to your Team/Workplace.)
There is no easy way on the Leaderboard. If they are from your state, you can just scroll through the teams or companies listed on your state page. (For most states that is pretty quick.) If it is a team from a different state, go to the National page, then Leaderboard, then States, then find the state, and select the Team option. If it is a Workplace from a different state, you have to look through the full Leaderboard. But, if you know which size category they are in, you can save a little time by filtering for that.
Once you find them, make a note of where they are in relation to your Team or Workplace, and then you can subsequently find them somewhere in the same relation to your Team/Workplace as they were before. The only exception would be early in a month, when standings can be drastically different than they are later.
Is there any way to search for a company or team in the leaderboard?
Heidi - sounds great. This is something new for us, but it sounded fun and we thought we'd give it a try. With all of the cyclists in Portland, I bet you'll have a number of people interested in a Midnight Ride. Good luck!
Thanks @EM. I am totally going to have to get used to the shifting and brakes. They are different than what I am used to. Still excited, tho. :)
@ Rob - Wow! An event at midnight?!? That's awesome. You've inspired me to create an event here in Portland, Oregon. Although, we have so few riders compared to the Midwest states it might just be me out there riding by myself. :-)
@Heather-good advice from E M Matteson. I did just that when I got my first road bike. It took awhile, but, the patience paid off.
@Rob, you are really into this! Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. I am in my bed. I will have to join you at 7 a.m. on the 1st. ;)
@ Heather, congrats on the new bike. Your life will be changed forever. I suggest that you ride on flat areas and trails or some kind of low traffic area to practice gears and shifting until you feel comfortable. Shifting takes some getting used to, even for people who are just switching from one type of shifting to another. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!
Anywhere else kicking off the Challenge with a midnight ride on May 1? Maybe we will be in the lead for at least a few hours! http://www.facebook.com/events/514871325221990/
Hey Carmy: only riding on a bike outside counts. Go enjoy the spring!
@Heather-so excited for you!
I tested and picked out a road bike over the weekend. It's being accessorized this week. I can't wait to take it on the first real ride! I went with aluminum and carbon fork. Specialized Dolce. It's a pretty bike. I've never had drop bars or real gears. These gears are sort of on the side of the grip. Anyway, I'll be ready for the challenge!
Ah, eternal winter! 40 degrees with 25 mph wind on my commute today. Although I enjoyed my beginning of the work week ride to work. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Put the word out there to our local bike group about the NBC and some friends. Hopefully they will sign up.
Mon Pierre, a little more love please. Merci!
You ride your car to a gym to ride a bike?
Carmy - No, indoor exercise is NOT included. I believe one of the main intentions of the challege is to get more people out on the road on bikes so that everyone (motorists as well) will begin to see bicycling as a viable and beneficial form of transportation.
Does riding inside in a class(spinning,cycle, or what ever u want to call) count for miles??? Thanks Carmy
Good point. Thanks.
@Marty~
Watch out man!! ;)
When I bought mine, I had two road bikes, two mountain bikes, one FS and one HT.
Now all road bikes have been sold, and only one lonely FS MTB hangs in the garage!!
Peace
That's great info @Joe S. I'm also in the North land and I'm planning on buying a fatty before next winter.
Who needs hills? 30+ mph gusts are as diffifult and even a little dangerous. But on the bright side, rolling at 26 mph with a tail wind is fun until the next turn.
@Brad~
I made a post earlier, and then it was gone; WTH?? Lol
Anyway, the one big thing to realize is the difference the 100mm BB will make. Much wider than any other pedal bike out there. Even if you choose a non offset ride (which the Pugs isn't), you'll have to deal with the 100mm BB.
A lot of people have problems with (their knees), the wider "Q" factor.
Anyway, like I said in my earlier post, I'm NOT trying to sway you one way or the other.
I also was drawn to the ML at 1st, then I actually thought about it. If I lived where this fine gent http://coastkid.blogspot.com lives; then hands down the ML would be mine. Here in northern Mn. IMHO the ML is overkill; and my Pugs treats me just right!! ;)
I know a few guys who own FatBikes, and bought a ML only to sell them after 6 months or so because their knees couldn't handle it; whatever "it" was for them.
@J. Hugh~
The big tires make short work of any kind of sand, just like any kind of snow. The whole key is PSI; there's a sweet spot for sure!! The ML is spec with the MWOD crankset. I'm not sure the tooth set, I'd have to check Surly's site for the exact spec.
On my Pugsley I run a Mr. Whrily triple up front, and during our non dark times I love the big gears!!
@E M~
Thanks, I think!!! Lol ;)
It's snow again???!! Boo
I'm definetly ready for shirts weather!!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
J. Hugh - The Pugsly didn't pedal as hard as I thought it would - especially on the road, I don't think it was that much different than a MTB. But when I was messin in the little bit of mushy snow, I was glad to have the lowest gears. And, yes, It is supposed to be very good in sand too - soft sand? don't know until you try it. I would think a regular old MTB would be fine in the wet zone though.
32 c wide enough for me. Even with florida sand I just can't see myself working those tires through a big pile of soft sugar sand, while on the beach it might be ok in the wet zone where its all packed. Just sticking to the road and trails with a keen eye for the road wash after any rain. I think with moonlander you would need a really big toothed cassette and a double chain ring say a 30 x 20. Glad it does not snow in FLA
@ Joe, fat tired fun! Love the photos!
@Brad~
I had the Moonlander dillema when they 1st hit shops too.
If I were to live where this fine gent, http://coastkid.blogspot.com lives, then I was all in!!!! For where I'm at, the small ;) tires of the Pugsley are more than plenty.
I'm not trying to sway you one way or another....... He's something to think about though........
Some people have issues with (their knees), the wider "Q" factor of the 100mm BB.
An informed buyer is a happy buyer!! ;)
I know 6 guys who've gone the Moonlander route. A couple flat out hated it.
2 had to sell them cause their knees could not take the ride, all be it 6 months later. The other two flat out love the s^*t out of them!!
The 2 who sold are hardcore winter endurance racers who ride 9:zero:7 fatbikes, it turned out the ML wasn't all they thought it be.
Anyway, like I said, not trying to sway ya; just letting you know.
Pedal On!!
Peace
Out riding today over in the Edwardsville, Illinois area. Temps. in the 40s to start and up into the 50s by the time we got done. Cloudy day but the winds weren't so bad. The trails were not super crowded.
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Watch out everyone Missouri has climbed to 42nd place in the pre-challenge period.
Out riding this afternoon with big flakes coming down. Nothing sticking to the ground though - just wet - is everybody gonna pummel me if I say it looked kinda pretty?
I took a Pugsly out for a trial yesterday - I even found some residual snowbanks in a park to play on. I def want fat tires. I can get a good price on it, but I think I would prefer the Moonlander for the even bigger tires (if your gonna go, you might as well go all the way). Hold out, or go for instant gratification?
It isn't Mexico or Caribbean weather but it was a Super, Sunny, 60's, Sunday in NJ. A well enjoyed 35 mile ride after a great non biking vacation.
www.thejerseypedaler.com
@ E M, oh yes, very sorry!
Was out yesterday morning for my longest ride of a long while...54.4 miles in the LAST annual Okeechobee Rotary Club LOST (Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail) ride. It was the 10th year for the ride, but the decision has been made to not do another one. Weather was good, but a bit windy and I had an excellent morning of riding...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
@Laura LF - In order for the calorie estimate to work, you have to enter the time it took to ride each of your rides. (I'm not sure if weight needs to be entered or not). But anyway, it is just an estimate, as there are a lot of other factors that affect how many calories a person actually burns, with bike, wheels, tires, terrain, wind, and clip/cage options being just some of them.
Last years' challenge got cut short. My bike was stolen from my place of work. Have a new bike now and have a couple of locks. Looking forward to getting back on the road tomorrow. My riding last year encouraged my husband to increase his biking too.
@ Jeffrey, hope the weather cooperates for that Lymphomathon. Mahoney State Park is a great choice for the event!
I have to thank everyone for their spirit, determination and helpfulness, I have learned a lot about riding in the white stuff from your stories and tips. So far in my part of the world we have seen more snow this month than we did all winter, we have had rain, tornado warnings, hail warnings, ice and blizzard conditions and some how I have found the courage to ride each and every day this month, albeit not as much as I hoped but a ride is a ride and I have never had a bad ride, even one on ice.
@E M, Next weekend is the Lymphomathon in Ashland, all the Lincolnites should be walking with me and all the other survivors!
Calling all Lincolnites. Anybody up for a ride next weekend?
@ Cynthia, that's mother-daughter, and yes you are right they will be great memories.
@E M Matteson-enjoy those father daughter rides. They will no doubt become wonderful memories.
Hi all, Out this afternoon in the sunshine. Temps were in the 50s and the wind was definitely not as bad as it has been lately. Got a chance to promote the challenge to a few riders the past couple of days so hopefully we pick up some more individuals or even a team or two around here.
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@ Cynthia awesome that you are riding with your mom. I plan to do some riding with my daughter while she is home from college for the summer.
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@ Aaron, FUN YES FUN, LOTS OF (S)MILES!!!!
Today was a great ride! Although the weather could have been nicer for this area at this time of year, we rode with 55 degrees and at best 15 mph wind. All in all it was a great local cause, and it was the first annual. With many riders not detered by the dark clouds, cold and wind. My Mom and I rode exactly to the dot-30 miles. I feel great! The ride benefited church food banks and the t-shirts thay gave us were really cool. Looking forward to next year and the 2nd annual.
I noticed that the calories burned calculation is not working for me. Has anyone else noticed this on their NBC profile page?
Let's have fun!
back on the bike after stomach virus. Nice and cool, probably the last until November. Watching a replay of the 2013 Arno Wallaard Memorial on CF Live. Enjoying the Netherlands countryside and the young racers. Bon ton rolle (not Dutch).
Joe - I'm not giving up my road bike anytime soon. I like the range it affords me... to reach out and go places I've never gone before; to see new roads... places... towns... The speed can be exilerating (not always fast, but when I'm of a mind). And although I love the speed, I have a love/hate relatonship with numbers; focusing on them helps me push myself to go faster and further than I otherwise would have, but focusing on them also distracts. From just breathing deeply the smeels of the earth... enjoying the feeling and peace of just being out in the country... the gestalt of the ride. Hopefully I can strike a balance between the two. Sometimes I just have to take a deep breath and clear my mind. But you, my friend, should be a salesman; I'm pretty sure I need a fat tire bike.
There's a conspiracy rumor going around that Vermont has sabotaged Wisconsin's weather and is holding them in a winter headlock.
@Joe -
I feel the same way, but about my tadpole trike. There's nothing like a recumbent!
Check it out: www.tadpole-tales.com
It's great when you love your ride.
Mark
@Brad~
For what it's worth.......... I've done the road bike thing, I've done the commuter bike thing, I've done the mountain bike thing.
Nothing, and when I say NOTHING; I mean NOTHING has brought the joy of riding back to me like my FatBike.
After 6 years of ownership, I still have the smile, and when I say smile, it's the big s*^t eating smile of "I know something you don't" kind of smile!!
Remember how you felt when as a child, you threw a leg over your 1st pedal bike??
I have that feeling every day with my FatBike.
Now I know, that's why we all ride, but I lost that love for biking and 6 years ago I regained that awesome feeling!!
The stability, the I can ride over and wherever I like... IE. exploration mode.
Yeah I know, preaching to the choir!! LOL
Pedal On!!!
Peace
@ Skip, yes it counts. You just record your miles as cycling/sport when you ride for fun and cycling/transport when you are doing errands like going to the bank or the grocery store or post office. You get more points for the transport miles but you still get 20 points for every day you ride more than a mile. BTW, last year several riders recorded their occupation as "retired" including one of the top mileage riders.
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@ Pavol, cancel? AWW.
Thanks Joe. Through 12" of fresh snow??? About 4" is the most I ever did - and it wasn't on purpose. Like you said I had a hard time maintaining any momentum or even keep it pointed in a straight line. I am thinking sooner or later I will probably end up with some fat tires ;-))
I Don't commute. I'm retired. I ride a lot though! does that count?
I would like chancel my join. How is possible? Pleas Help me!
OOH OOH, Missouri is up to an entire 35 riders and we have climbed up to a shocking 43rd place.
Float, yes to a point. slip and slide, yes sometimes to that also. The big tires help out a lot at keeping me going in a straight line. A lot of times I'm all over the place looking for a good solid line. It is what it is in that respect. Again it beats pushing. ;)
Speed? Naked my Pugsley weighs in at 35-36#'s, so it sure isn't a speed machine. I've always thought of it as what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!! ;)
I ride it year round and I consider myself stronger for it.
The drive train holds up well salt and all, (I lube them once a week or as needed), I think the key there is I keep it in cold storage in our 3 season porch. This way it avoids the dreaded freeze thaw cycle. The only thing that kills it is this time of year. A good tune up and a replacement part here and there has been all it has needed.
Aluminum jockey wheels help also.
Heavy wet snow is about the only thing that will grind me to a stop.
As long as the 4" wide tires have a good solid base to get some good solid grip, I can pedal through it.
Although, the right psi makes all the difference. I've been on rides where I've dropped air and add air dozens of times. While a pain in the *ss it beats walking. ;)
I've also pedaled through 12" of fresh powder with psi as low as 3#. Normally I ride at 8-12 psi during our dark time.
What I like the best is snowshoeing in a path (as wide or as skinny as you'd like), I like it to be about 24-28" wide, let it sit and set up, Usaually over night and you have yourself some sweet winter single track. It snows again you ask, well stomp your trail all over again. It's some work, but totally worth it IMHO. Nothing better (to me) than being in the woods in the dead of winter pedaling my bike. There's also a point where smaller tires can ride the same trails, as long as there not rutting things up its all good.
As I always say, to each their own!!
Pedal what you want because you love to pedal!!
I think I covered all your questions, if I missed one let me know. It's almost quiting time!! :) :)
Pedal On!!
Peace
HI all, back out today after a rainy, yucky yesterday complete with a torndao threat. Didn't wait for the temps to get into the 50s, just headed out with an extra layer into the 40 degree temps. Strong gusts of wind from the West & North so hard pedaling in those directions, but I made up for with with some nice speed going in the opposite directions. NOt a lot of other riders out today, but I was happy as always to ride outside .....
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@ Rick Pierogis and Runzas are food. Both involve some form of cabbage baked into some type of bread. The latter were brought to Nebraska by the Russian-Germans and can be eaten in the stadium at home games among other places. Beer is always good post-ride!
Joe - I've been curious about that 'riight' bike of yours; In thick snow does it ride on top of the snow, kind of float rather than sink and squish down into it? And I'm figuring with all that rubber contact surface it must push harder and/or slower, right? Has it seen salted roads, and if so, how are the draileurs holding up. 2 years ago when I put some Nokian studed on a MTB, I figured I was all set for winter, but I found that if the snow gets more than an inch or 2 thick (especially that dense mush that car tires create) it sterts to push around and get a bit squirlly. Initally the studs were rock solid on ice, but now after 2 years they're worn down and I am getting a little slip. So tell us all about it.
@Andi~
You're on the wrong bike!!! ;)
Lol
Pedal On!
Peace
@Joe. That looks like what we have, Which is awesome for skiing, not so much for my bike...
Totally on the same page Melyssa. I'm hoping this gets me moving again.
Super excited to get on the bike and start riding!
looking forward to this I need some extra motivation to get on my bike
@ Joe - Wow. I'm so glad I don't live where you live. Yikes!
Yesterday, one could see dirt; today, ah not so much!!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGcA9Olrwrc/UXFXsubXsVI/AAAAAAAADJU/41CrFDZA7RI/s640/blogger-image--21157659.jpg
@Henry Edmonds-do you participate in the MS Break Away to the Beach ride?
So excited to join again this year. I'm hoping that the weather improves as May begins so I can start riding everyday.
Now if the weather would just cooperate.
I can't wait to start this.
I started cycling for exercise about two to three times a week at 5 to 10 miles and increased my work outs up to three to four time a week, 15 to 25 miles. Each Sep. I ride 150 to 200 miles over two days to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) because there are people I know and love who have MS.
I have started riding two years ago, on a beautiful Bianchi CC, 2012 model and I have already put on 9000 miles.
Retired and 71 years old and started riding March 2012 and rode 3000 miles on a Trek 7500 Bicycle and a Terra Trike Tour II. Going for 4000 miles by next March 2013 .
Guess now I will either have to reclaim my bike from my son, or go buy that new hybrid we have been talking about. This challenge is just the kick I needed to get back on a bike.
15.5" of the white stuff in our driveway this morning!!
My big boy tires made the ride to work more than enjoyable!!!
Long live the FatBike!!! Ha Ha
Pedal On!!!!
Peace
How about this, training ride with my 72 year old Mother last night, we did 16 miles together in preparation for a 30 mile charity ride on Saturday morning. But the kicker is we rode over a high rise bridge spanning the Intracoastal Waterway. And she was right there behind me for the climb over to the island area and back! Her healthy attitude, love of riding, and taking care of herself all her life has been my inspiration that I am most thankful for. I encouraged her to sign up for the NBC. It's supposed to rain tomorrow morning just in time for the ride start. Won't be the first ride in the rain and it won't be the last! Wahoo! @Marty-enjoy your bike camping trip, regardless of the temps it sounds like fun! Hope everyone had a great morning commute. Peace.
Shaun, and then there are the atrocious cyclists whose riding habits make car drivers mad at the rest of us. Follow the laws and be safe.
In SE wisconsin, we should get some light snow for several hours Friday afternoon and evening - perfect prelude for my first bike camping trip of the year. I'll leave Saturday morning at 4, right when we hit 30 degrees. It should warm up to about 40, and dip down to close to 30 on Saturday night. But it will be a tad warmer on Sunday and Monday. But if you don't hear from me by Monday night, that means I'm a popsicle bicyclist somewhere in South Central WI. (Maybe I'll bring (no name provided)'s snowblower along with me, just in case.)
Motivation to put the snowblower away and get the bicycle out. I think it's finally spring in Central PA.
Drivers are atrocious creatures with little regard for anyone but themselves. Ride safe, girls and boys.
@Brad, at near $3.50 a gallon, it will add up!
Mine is about 1 1/2 gallons per day. And that doesn't count the going out for lunch when I had the car.
Ready to bike home into the mists of Wisconsin... Actually looking foward to the ride!
Biking in to work saves me 1 gallon of gas every time.
yeah...! Challenge is on Twitter! Awesome....I'm signing up to follow!
@ Marty - so you remember the story about the caller from New Mexico trying to get tickets to the '96 Olympics (Atlanta). Caller was allegedly told he/she would have to contact Olympic committee in his/her country for tickets.
@Hugh - not a lot of experience with KMC, but certainly no bad experience (7/8 and 9 speed chains). Wet winters in the Pac NW do a number on anyone's chain. I go through 2-3 in a 5000-mile year. Hard to keep'em grit-free when you ride to work every day.
@Mark - Since when did New Mexico become part of the good old USA? ;-)
Very windy and chilly here in New Mexico (USA). Reminds me that Spring is fickle.
hughstrickland@gmaildotcom
Any one who has experience with KMC chains on their bike. I am interested in your experience. hughstricland@gmaildotcom
Might miss riding today. My turn for stomach virus, I am hoping not.
East Anglia (UK) also experiencing the 30mph winds... great fun one way and utterly infuriating the other; part of my route was through what can only be described as a dust storm. As Andrew Dodds said, it seems the weather is finally on the up. Now for the wind to just die down a little!
South East of UK being battered by an unrelenting 30mph wind - all of which seems to be in my face! Road riding is very slow to very fast (depending on direction!) and MTB is dodge the flying branches.
Out of the wind, though, starting to feel like spring and the trails are dusty!
A nice white and silent pedal into work this morning.
It is April and not Jan. right?? LOL
Their calling for 10+ inches through tomorrow morning.
I love my Surly Pugsley!! Ha Ha
Pedal On!!
Peace
A nice ride to work this morning in Okeechobee. 66 degrees with no real wind, light traffic and everyone behaved themselves. Made for a plesent beginning for my work day here at the Florida Forest Service...
We've reached a milestone in the Challenge - We finally have at least one person signed-up from every state! (One state has had at least two signed-up for a few weeks, but now the three registered haven't logged any rides yet.)
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@Kelly - Try to think of it as an experience that will make you stronger for your future rides.
Bad ride home. Caught in a downpour riding against heavy winds. Temp 47 degrees.... Took me 20 minutes longer than usual to get home. I'm beat!
@EM & Patrick - "bio-ethanol powered" -- or at least re-fueled. I prefer to end my ride with a brew, not start it that way.
@Ray - last year the community definitions seemed almost random. This year it looks like there's a more granularity -- maybe too much, since I'm the only rider in my 'community' at the moment.
Hi all, out today in what started out to be cloudy weather, but ended up sunny with temps in the 70s and me with a jacket that I had to stuff away. A handful of other riders out there, but no bugs to worry about. LOL
Absolutely gorgeous day, mid-70s, sunshine, no wind. 20 mile ride down a country road, saw wildflowers, old farm buildings, and a early 1900s graveyard on the side of the road. Thankful for the time to reflect on beauty in the world.
Pierogis are good, Runzas are better!
I have a Pierogi Powered sticker on my bike. Seemed like the right thing to do at the time...
You can just eat the bugs that stick to your teeth, extra protein :D (not me, I'll stick to a clif bar)
--
What is the actual definition of "local" on here? There are 4 people registered in my city (community) and we appear to be in different "local" groups. I'm in with those in Columbus, the others are with Cleveland. How does one get added to a local group, can you change, is there a way to see all the local groups?
The best part of this mornings commute was a bright cardinal sitting on top of a newspaper that was laying in a driveway. Still somewhat cool temps though, but, certainly don't have the snow to content with. Keep warm and happy riding to all.
Sooooon----- a new trike and over summer will build a body (velomobile ) so no real worries as to weather. riding one tomorrow around 40 mi. and a sharp little SWB.
Have had really harmful thoughts towards whom ever flipped the switch in boston.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
tomorrow's ride in memory of Martin Richard of Boston, Ma. His neighbor remembers that he was a blonde little boy that liked to ride his bike.
HI all: BUGS? SUNBLOCK? Not here, not today. Temps in the 40s and pouring rain with threats of thundershowers. So I ducked out between showers for a ride close to home and managed to run an errand in the process. More rain predicted for most of the week.
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Happy spring everyone!
@ Ray -- or your teeth - Sorry I said that, but after I thought it, I couldn't keep it to myself.
The bugs are still a ways off here - 38 this morning and 51 for the homeward commute, but sunny both ways. Can't complain.
Hard time turning that page here; (believe me I'd like to), when I look out my window and there's still 3-4' of snow in our yard; the page won't turn!!! Lol
Peace
Let's change the subject, it's spring! It is time for discussing the important things, like how to keep bugs from sticking to the sunblock :D
@ Rick LIKE!
good luck
@ EM - I've bought biking-specific gear for my winter riding, but when we went on a couple of snowshoe outings a year or so ago, I reached into my bike gear for appropriate apparel. The other side of adapting cross-country ski wear to biking.
@Brad~
As long as my hands are warm, the rest of my body falls in line. I guess I'm lucky in that regard. If I'm chilled during my 1st mile or so, I'm all good.
Sounds like we thought the same on the Wolv's.
I'm leaning towards their non SPD version of this boot. I've always gone flats during the winter.
Joe Sacco - I've come to the same comclusion, that it's different for everybody. I'm amazed at how liittle I need on my body, even down to 0. My extremities are a different matter though; 45-60 minutes and my fingers and toes go from cold to painful. Funny you should mention 45NRTH, I was salivating over the boots they released this fall (Wolvehammer?), but because of the high price, limited distribution, and unknown sizing or preformance - I held off. Have you had any experience with them? Or has anybody here?
@Christine, nope no need for a fray check. You would think they would have though.
@All: Lots of great ideas on this post about where to get riding cloths. Looking forward to checking them all out.
@Rob,
Nice write up!!
I've been rocking Lou's Neoshell jacket since late 2011, and it's served me very well!!
When my Craft Storm tights are toast I'll be giving Lou a call to hook me up!!
Besides my Dogwood Design Plus Pogies, Lou's threads are the best winter cycling purchases I've ever made!
Peace
Joe - Lou is definitely the man! I wrote about his clothing in a blog earlier this year http://www.foxcitiescycling.org/dialing-it-in-2/
EM - Congrats to you and all other Cornhuskers out there!
BREAKING NEWS: Just learned that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln made the list of Bicycle Friendly Universities (League of American Bicyclists program) and with silver status at that. Made my day!
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Re winter clothing. I tend to look at clothing designed for cross country skiing for my layers.
It's all fine and dandy to read what others are doing during their cold weather rides. Until you get out there for yourself; what works for others, may not work for you!! I've been winter riding for 10+ years..... During that time I found out what worked for me and what just plain didn't work. Lots and lots of trial and error. Some may not have the cash flow for trial and error, I'm lucky enough in that area. Northern Mn. is an excellent testing ground for supposed cold weather gear.
www.45NRTH.com has some awesome gear. www.foxwear.net has very reasonably priced cold weather gear. Lou will steer you in the right direction!!
Icebike hasn't been updated since 1998, but a lot of what's on there is still relevant today. The other site, never been there.
It's sad we're still talking "cold"
Enough already!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
Cynthia: thumb through the heel, fingers through the toe? Sounds like a great idea! How did you stop the socks from raveling where you cut? Serge? FrayCheck?
Rob, isn't it funny how different the weather is from last spring! I'm off to check your links. Thank you!
Pssssst! Cynthia! Change the date! No one will notice! ;-}
@Rob, thanks for the info, will have to check it out.
Hi everyone. My heart goes out to Boston. I just went there for the first time late last summer and had a wonderful visit. I am grounded this week from my bike due to a muscle strain. I'm actually on crutches-which is awful. Hopefully I will be up and running here soon. I bought a new commuter bike last weekend-a vintage cargo bike with built in rack. It needs a little work here and there but I got it all cleaned up and accessories swapped over. I should be on it by May. I can't wait for our challenge to start!
I have found some good info on cold weather riding at these two spots: http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/53-Winter-Cycling and http://www.icebike.org/. Hopefully we won't be having these discussions until next winter :)
Hey Kelly, me too, I love hearing all the stories! Such a great forum to connect with like minded people from all over, not just your front doorstep. I don't really have any one to discuss commuting with locally, so I went on to You Tube and there were a lot of demos on layering for cold weather riding. I learned a great deal and then hit the thrift stores for clothing that I could make work,but I did spring for a really good pair of cold weather riding pants. They were expensive but well worth the money. I could not ride through the winter without them. They have got me through two winters so far. Here is another tip I hope that anyone will find useful. I made a pair of arm warmers from a set of long black warm soccer socks. Can be purchased at any discount store, I think I got these at Walmart, and I cut the heel and toe off. They work great! Only cost a couple dollars! I couldn't believe it.
@ Cynthia - Thanks for that! I enjoy hearing from people like you. It's an inspiration. I'm actually very new to biking and have made a few commutes in low 20 degree weather and I froze my tushie off, still learning how to layer properly. I'm trying to make biking my main commute and I wish more people would share their stories! I love reading them!
I will be participating in a 30 mile event this weekend, the real points for NBC don't start till May 1. Sniffle sigh.
@Kelly Thomas & LPK: I do ride my bike for errands, all over my small town. And...actually I have toted cat litter home on my rack. I also purchased a shopping bag pannier (www.bikenashbar.com) that holds a paper grocery bag down in it and its great when you just need a few things and cat litter or cat food. It takes a little practice to learn to balance but over all it works great! People do think I am crazy especially my co workers, I do want to lead by example and I love using my bike to commute and do chores/errands as much as I possibly can. As time and weather have gone by and I continue to cyclo-mute I have evolved and learned what to wear and when, as I ride through the winter, not just during the NBC. This has been such a thrill. I am so happy that I embarked on this journey. I try to coax others into at least giving it a whirl, but, I think they are more afraid of how they will look to others or yes, that they are just lazy. It takes awhile to learn how to incorporate this in to your life but once you get it down, its well worth every second. Honestly I could go on and on but, have to get to work. Happy safe riding and peace to all! Lead by love.
We have all been affected and will be for some time to come. The immediate victims
and their families are in my prayers.
Kelly - the definition of bad weather changes after you've been at this a while. As you ride more often, you find better clothes, and you adapt as the weather evolves. Don't be too concerned about your co-workers rejections, lead by example, and keep pushing on. A few years ago everyone thought I was crazy too, now its down to only most people ("You didn't bike in TODAY, did you?"), and actually a few co-workers have joined in.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected.
@Burklee - Early reports are 2 dead and about 2 dozen injured, some severely. It looks like it was spectators, so mostly firends and family of runners.
Yeah, thats really terrible.
@ E M - That's what I've been doing when I drive places. Look for bike parking spots or easier routes. The only excuse I want to have for not biking is bad weather.
Thinking good thoughts for the injured in Boston.
Hi all, out early this afternoon with temps in the 60s and wind from the south with some heavy gusts. Its couldy as well. I have stopped just trusting the overall area forecoast and gone to looking at the local more detailed information. Otherwise I woulda been sittng worrying about thunderstorms instead of riding.
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I see that Missouri has a pitiful 12 riders right now. No wonder we are in 46th place! What are you people waiting for??? Guess I need to get more fliers out there.
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As for the excuses, yeah, they are really easy to make. Mine usually involve complicated intersection crossings or someplace safe to put my bike. I just need to tell myself, ok so just walk across or maybe park a couple of blocks away if thats the only place I can safely tie up my horse -- uh bike. One of my goals for the challenge this year is to do a higher percentage of commuting so I need to pay attention to good bike parking spaces.
@ Burklee - I know exactly what you mean. I get so many excuses as of to why they can't do it. In reality I think they should just be honest and say, "I'm lazy and don't want to do it." I drive. I drive all over the place, but I still make an effort to ride my bike whenever the opportunity is available. A quick run to the grocery store, sure! Lugging home a 40 lb box of kitty litter? I'll drive. Haha!
Yeah, wow how terrible!
@Kelly - Yeah, I hear a lot of that, "travel by bike?!?" panic. "But there are hills..." "The store is a mile away..." "How do you carry anything home?" Sometimes I wonder how these people get out of their houses and function in daily life. I guess they do everything in a car. I'm not knocking motorists, really I'm not. But if the store is 12 blocks away and you're not running a bunch of other errands that will take you miles away from home, and you're so unhappy about your physical condition, then do something about it. Sorry for the rant, I've just been getting this sort of stuff from my best friend for years, despite my offers to accompany her on walks and that I've repaired her bike. Excuses. But I guess I'm guilty of the same sometimes, myself. The NBC makes it easier to not make excuses, though.
@ Kelly, California only have 147 riders. I have tons of local rider friends and I cant get any of them to join. They mostly dont track or only track on Strava. I have gotten 8 of my Endo friends to join my team.
It's 62F! I can't see any blue sky out my window, but it's bright and not raining. Am I actually going to get to ride this afternoon???? I sure hope so. I need the callouses!
@ dameon - Wow. Only 6 riders? And I thought Michigan was bad with only 68! Where is everybody at? I tried convincing co-workers and friends to join the challenge and they all thought I was a tad crazy. Commute to work? Travel by bike? You want me to do what?!
Nevada is ready, all SIX of us. Maybe if it was the National Horseriding Challenge we could round- up a few more butts in the saddle.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER!
D.
E M - we are ready in the Fox Cities of Wisconsin with 700+ riders. Looking forward to our Midnight Ride at 12:01 am on May 1 to start the NBC off right!
http://www.facebook.com/events/514871325221990/
@E M, We look to be ready here in Nebraska, 410 riders posting just under 46,000 miles for a warm up! My company is looking ready too, after only having two participate last year we are now have 32 riding.
Looking forward to some warmer weather and those shoe covers and rain gear to keep me dry on my commutes when we get that much needed rain our parched area is praying for. Thanks everyone for the advice on the shoe covers :)
E M - we are ready in Appleton, WI with 300+ riders and counting on our Community team. Looking forward to our Midnight Ride at 12:01 am on May 1 to start the NBC off right!
Just over two weeks until this year's challenge begins. Are you ready for some real fun?
Hi all, a very windy and sunny ride this afternoon. The gusts of wind were especially heavy from the south. Lots and lots of riders out today. Had a flat just for fun. Many offers to help but I had the right kind of spare this time. Just because it was kind of on my way, I stopped at a local bike shop to pick up a couple of extra spares just in case. There is some construction on part of my regular route and I suspect that is the reason for the flat.
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Got another rider to sign up for the challenge today!
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RIDE SAFE AND KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE!
Sounds like a plan, thanks Rob.
On the board for the first time this season. 17.3 miles (windy as hell today) on the highway and LOST bike path. A nice day for an easy ride...annual LOST Rotary ride next week, 54 miles round trip. Going to be fun, if the rain will hold off....
David, based on your zip it looks like you are in the Louisville area - I spent 10 years on the other side of the state in Ashland. I checked and your local organization is not hosting a free local challenge. I would contact the Louisville Bicycle Club and see if they are interested to host your local challenge - its free for them and easy to administer. Good luck to you and Louisville!
Yeah Peter I've tried that. Since I've changed states the local option has not been available. Oh well.
@ E M - That's what I thought you were talking about (he said naively).
David, this happened to me several times last year and once this year. I just relogged in.
Has the "local" option that appeared next to "national" in the top left been removed for this year?
Reason no one from North Dakota has signed up for NBC? Too busy snowmobiling? Cross Country Skiing? Building igloos? Polar Bear Hunting? I was just listening to the latest winter storm and marveling at the nature gone wild sense of things.
@ Marty, the guy in the stretchy shorts blowing up his tire (see Burklee's story below).
@Marven - For the NBC, you will have to pick just one to be your workplace. Maybe make the other one part of your team?
What do I do if I have two workplaces?
@E M - What are you talking about?
@Jeffrey Shower Pass shoe covers I love them.
@ Burklee, just goes to show you can't judge a pumper by his shorts!
J. Hugh - I heard a tire blow last year, around the 4th of July. Some people thought it was an M-80 going off. A fella was pumping up his tire just before the Bike Kitchen was about to close. I was watching him. He just kept pumping and I thought, "That oughta be about full," but he was wearing the little stretchy shorts, so I didn't say anything since I figured he knew what he was doing. BLAM! and a puff of dirt had him walking his bike home.
First time ever with exploding tire today. The tire sounded like a gun when it went off and at 24 mph I held it upright and got off the road. The Tire has a huge tear from the metal strip all the way to the middle of the tire. I was very close to home nearing the end of the ride so only missed 2.5 miles. Called and got a ride home.
Bon ton Rolle! Now a little mechanic work and off again tomorrow.
Jeffrey,
A fellow rider swears by plastic newspaper bags, which he wears inside his shoes. There are neoprene shoe covers that work pretty well with cleats. I like my Garneau covers, and another fellow rider likes Sugoi. Make sure the cleat slots in your shoes are sealed - usually with a patch of waterproof tape. Take out the insole and look to see that it's there. Shoe covers are durable, but you can age them prematurely by buying too small or pulling roughly on them or fitting them such that they cover the contact surfaces of your shoes.
When I started, I was wearing my Garneau covers over MTB shoes - a tight fit, and it took too long to mess with that when commuting. I bought a pair of Garneau Ergo Zero MTB shoes - sealed leather shoe with an attached by a neoprene cover. The cover is not impervious to water, but it keeps me dry enough, even on longer rides. Warning - winter bike shoes aren't cheap - $150 and up, and that's taking sale prices into account.
None of this works if you don't keep water from running down your legs into the shoes. To prevent that, I wear Novara Headwind bike pants over my bike shorts. They are water repellent and windproof on the front, breathable and cool on the back. The pants are trim fitting, but they are not tights, so the zippered cuff overlaps the top of the Ergo Zero's or my shoe covers and keeps the rain from coming in the top.
Great weather this morning, but the rain gear may get a test this afternoon.
@Jeffreh, a rider I respect has recommended Endura shoe/boot covers. Endura products seem well designed and durable (I have a jacket and two pairs of their commuter pants). Another friend uses Rivendell spats... and a poncho, for commuting in the wet. I wear smartwool socks and treat my shoes for water repellency. I do not commute in cleats. For snow I use Merrell Jungle Mocs with sno-seal wax treatment
Does anyone have any good suggestions on keeping my shoes and feet dry on rainy and slushy rides? I have looked at several different shoe covers but ultimately I can't figure out which one is the best to buy.
Hi all, Cloudy and colder today. I wish the weather would stop freaking out.
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@ Heather, congrats on the promo and good luck with the bike shopping. Tis the season, there is a bike swap here this weekend too.
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@ Dameon, thanks for the well wishes. It seems that one area (Hazelwood) had tornado damage, but luckily no serious injuries were reported.
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RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
Ray dont bumb me out lol, last year I thought points rolled over. If not I will be up to the challenge.
Rob, it will be a longer haul on May 1 when we go back to 0 ;)
@Heather April If you're looking for a something so you can carry things on your bike, I reccomend a Wald 535 rear bike carrier. It is a bike rack with 2 baskets on either side. Because it is all one piece, it looks nice and carries a lot of stuff (two 12 packs of soda on each side, plus whatever you bungie cord on top of the rack). I have one and now use my bike to run all sorts of errands. You may need to get a Sunlite monostay adapter to help with the mounting (I needed one and it looks good and is very stable). Here are the links:
http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/wald570-520-535rearcarriers.html
http://www.sunlitecycling.com/product_detail.php+Adapter&cl1=RACKS
and some pictures of a bike with a Wald rear carrier:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B000AB6DCS;index=3
Got the gold medal out of the way, now the long haul for the other 2.
Got the gold medal out of the way know the long haul for the next 2.
@ dameon...I'm finally back around to a long wheel base too. First recumbent, in 1990 was a long wheel base, then a couple diamond frames, then a short wheel base, then a catrike, then three different Bacchetta high racers, and now finally back to a Bacchetta Belladare long wheel base. Love the Bacchettas!
hey thomas ----- always glad to see another bent rider in the NBC. have a lwb and am looking @ trikes to build a coro-plast velomobile. we have a group on FB if you want a look ( velomoblies- coroplast).
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Just joined, for the second season. Did well last season, met my goal and spent a lot of time on my bike back and forth to and work and sports rides on the weekends. I log all my miles on Bike Journal anyway, so logging in here is just another step. I guess I need to set up a team here in Okeechobee, FL, where I'm the ONLY GUY ON A RECUMBENT BIKE.
Another great day yesterday. 68 miles to the shore. Check out pics www.thejerseypedaler.com
Yeah - Hawaii is now on the leaderboard!! Last state left is North Dakota...
Heather - Wow, congrats on the promotion, you hard worker you!!
It snowed here last evening. Bleah. It was nice enough to grill this past Sunday, and yesterday it snowed. BTW, I highly recommend peeling and coring a fresh pineapple, and slicing it lengthwise into 8 pieces and grilling it. Soooo tasty.
Great commute this morning, birds singing, moist spring morning air. Looks like rain though maybe for this afternoon, but, that's ok. Plan to run errands on my commute home so hopefully those clouds will stay at bay. Want to sharing some info about these great new biking shoes I purchased over the winter from Bike Nashbar. I have had the opportunity to wear them this week, They are cycling sandals. I love them, they are so comfy. I wore them with a pair cycling socks, since its still a little too chill to wear them as a regular sandal. They are comfy on bike and off, in fact, I am wearing them at work today. And for those of you who use clips, there is a (covered) opening on the bottom to attach clips too. I highly recommend them. The sandals are made by Bike Nashbar and run about $60 but I was fortunate to get them for $30 during one of their super sales. Happy safe riding out there whatever your temps or weather patterns. @Heather, nice on your promotion! Even nicer your upgrading your bike! Good luck!
Hi team. Yesterday was 90 degrees in Maryland. I cycled five times (four commute) and got in 14 miles. Very awesome for early April! I'm going to a bike swap this weekend to look for a new commuter that I am going to be setting up a cargo crate on. I'm also looking into a new Specialized road bike because I got promoted at work this week. It's about time I had some comfort on my rides. I hope all of you that are cold, get a warm up real soon. I feel for you. Ride on!
@ EM --- Hope all is well in your area and the people in all of Mo. & Ark. are safe.
MAKE THE HARD TIMES PASS SWIFTLY !
D.
@ Jeffrey L, glad to know that neither rain, nor snow, nor blizznado can stop these cyclists.....
Hi all, not out today as the weather was playing games, now cloudy, now sunny, maybe I'll rain or send you some thunderstorms. Well it played games all day and finally sent us thunderstorms and lightning while we were at a bike event this evening to kick off national bike month. Sad for the people who rode their bikes to said event. They could have floated home.
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@ Burklee, thats brilliant. I'm going to try and get to the trail this weekend and tape some fliers to some bikes. They do it for car windshields, so why not bikes?
I think we are using the Same hashtag this year #bikechallenge
Is there a Twitter hashtag for the '13 challenge?
I believe there are over 100,000 employess in america from the company that I work for and I am the only one registered.
Come on all Compass-Group employees sign up now
Why doesn't Endo have an ad up on their main page and challenge page for the NBC? Last year I knew Leonard Wright was doing a superhuman effort in the NBC but I never even knew it was thru Endo???
No exposure on Endo site=less interest and less successful NBC
I've posted about the NBC on my FB page as well as on the Weight Watchers (national) site. Only a couple people at work, some of whom are handicapped, some of whom live where they work, so I can't push it there. Every chance I get, I'm either writing or talking about it! I tell people you don't *have* to ride to work or ride for transportation, though if you can, all the better; just Get Out and Ride! Reconnect with your childhood and increase your fitness at the same time! Just do it! ::oh, yeah, I'm preaching to the choir here, aren't I?::
@Brad - It is a quirk, but that just happens to be the way they are doing it. To get your team position for that category, you have to look at the page you are on, say it is 3. So, the last one on that page is the 30th in that category. The top one on that page would be in 21st place in your category. Then just count to where you are. I know, it is more work for us, but I can see the logic, too. It offers a quick way to see what real overall place the team ahead of you is in, so you know what to shoot for.
I just found a quirk in the leaderboard. Up until today I had looked at the team standings only viewing 'All' team sizes (from the drop down menu), I wondered what place we were in just among the 'Small' teams, and doing so, our team position stayed the same. What I found is that medium and large teams dissappear from the list - but thier place numbers also dissappear. So say if a medium team was at place 30 (hey Tanners), That team does dissapper but so does the number 30. Now there is nobody in 30th. The place numbers are static and stuck to the team; sorting by team size doesn't really re-sort.
Christine - We had that here in Nebraska last year. We cooked in March, then had a small cold spell in April, then cooked again the rest of the spring & summer. We've got daffodils here though. Poor things are probably out there wondering why they bothered... It's pretty cold and wet out there today. Should be 50's on Friday, 60's & a chance of more rain on Saturday.
I'm gonna print that flyer in NBC's toolkit and attach it to bikes here at work probably once a week. Bike counts in the spring & summer here get upwards of 30. I know one fella in another department is already registered. I've recruited three others from my section so far, and will nag the folks who were on my team last year. I am not above nagging.
Statistically Speaking v.ii
We have just under three weeks until the Challenge officially starts. We need to talk the NBC up like E M is doing, if we not only want to meet our Challenge goals, but even reach where we were last year. Right now we have less than 1/3 the number of participants we had last year on April 30th. I know we will get a lot more signing up as the weather cooperates and the May 1st date approaches, but lately, we have been adding about 250 participants a day. We need to get over 500 per day to even reach 2012. Nationally, about 27% of those 16 and over ride a bicycle at least once a year.
In 2012, Vermont was the best state in the NBC - not only winning the points challenge, but they also signed up 0.21% of thier population. And that is only a little better than one out of every 500 riders! Wisconsin was next in line with one of every 892 riders, followed by Nebraska, with a little less than one in 1,000. If we averaged about 1 of every 1,600 riders, or 1 of every 6,000 of the population at large, we would easily meet our rider and mileage goals.
Does anyone know if the NBC will send a few email reminders with the new website address out to last year's participants? That would definitely help.
Last spring we were complaining about it being too warm, too soon. This spring Old Man Winter doesn't seem to want to leave. If - IF - we get that window Saturday, I'll be out riding. I need to toughen up my muscles and build some callouses before May 1. C'mon, Spring, Wisconsin needs some sun and warmth! My daffodils and tulips haven't even blossomed yet!!
@Brad & @Cynthia - I second the opinion. I know you're not in bear country, but after the CRAAAACK, I was expecting to read how you outbiked a bear. Hope your elbow/arm/shoulder doesn't feel bad in a day or two.
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@Mike - You're welcome! The calculation works the same way for communities
@Brad, beautifully poetic details of your morning commute!
Marty - Thanks for the explanation. Always wondered but never took the time to find out how the calc was done
Slushee raining down from the sky this morning, all I needed was a cup and a bit of blue raspberry syrup. It was freezing in the branches, the evergreens drooping under the weight. When I came around one corner and entered unto the trail it looked like a heavy wall of fog ahead. Once I got closer it turned into a tree fallen down, its branches encased in delicate ice filagree. While I was stopped trying to pick my way around it I heard a deep CRAAAACK which caused me to keep my eyes up watching for the next one to go. I never did see it happen though. Further on, more branches down, and mystical dark streets in Neenah where the power had gone out. Saw one more downed brach just a ilittle too late; tried to hit it square, but with the ice I did manage to go down and scrape my elbow. As long as I was stopped anyway, I pulled the brach out of the road - my boy scout moment for the day. A memorable morning. Love and light everyone,
@E M, it only slowed us down, it did not stop us from pedaling!
Nebraska had "BLIZZNADO" today (tornado & blizzard conditions)
@Gregg - Good screen grab.
Our spring is just lovely: http://i.imwx.com/web/multimedia/images/miscellaneous/677763_650x366.jpg
The temp has still not hit 60 degrees even once this year and the overnight lows are going back to freezing. This is really ridiculous. I've never seen winter hang on like this for so long. We've had a late April snow storm before, but the cold has never hang on for this long. Our growing season is so short to begin with that farmers are really worried now.
We desparately need some heat to stop these winter storms. But I should'n't complain because it is much worse in South Dakota, where they are getting up to 2 feet of snow. The Wolf River is 6 inches from flood stage and rising rapidly.
"Daryl, I don't know all the details but the states are ranked based on the population of that state somehow.
@Daryl - (I know this is a longer answer than you wanted - sorry) The ranikings are the total points of everyone from a state who has logged miles in the NBC, divided by the official population of that state, in thousands. For example, if Rhode Island had 10 riders who rode enough to get 10,000 points, and their population was 20,000,000, then it would be =10,000/20,000, or .50. It is the simplest way to do it fairly. That way, it levels the playing field for Rhode Island to be able to compete with a state with a large population, like California.
To be fairer, someone would have to quantify hundreds of positive and negative factors like mountains in the West, heat in the South, traffic and congestion in the East, drunks in Wisconsin, plus other factors like average age of residents, hours of free time, prevalence of potholes, availability of bike paths, and a host of other differences. And even then, those factors would be subject to interpretation.
With the way it is, it is very objective, quantifiable, and verifyable.
Are the rankings for the states based on what is average for the riders within the states?
@ Rob, its even crazier to find Missouri so far down on the list, almost at the bottom among the states with riders. But look out I started passing out filers today and will keep doing so for the rest of this month. We have the riders and they are doing the miles, they just aren't recording them. I keep telling people, Missouri is close to the bottom and I can't do it all myself! LOL
I am still amazed that we have no riders in Hawaii and North Dakota. I guess its more than the weather that motivates people to register for the NBC!
37 and rain in Oshkosh, WI... snow expected tomorrow. Low tonight of 28, high tomorrow of 34. ... Let that sink in a second... twenty-eight!!!! Are you kidding me? I need to get some riding in before the challenge starts! :)
Great weather here in Phoenix, If you can pick it up you can take what you need.
Yeah, maybe we can share a little. We'd be happy to give some of our excess heat from down here in the St. Louis area to those of you up north. Maybe then I wouldn't have to ride at 6 in the morning to avoid the heat all summer. I'm good with spreading the heat! LOL
I hope Gregg Warning can deliver that UPS shipment! LOL
I like the new diamond level.
Peter, I packed up a bunch of solar energy in boxes and called ups. They advised it might be radioactive or a hazardous material since we all should wear sun screen. I was hoping it would work so I could get a shipment of 80's in July and August for by then all we will have is 90's and 100's.
By the date spring is here but in Oshkosh, WI spring weather is on BACK ORDER like most of Wisconsin ! Now that the Doctors have me feeling much better and I really want to go two wheeling. Someone in Florida please ship up about three million tons or more of 80 degree weather with very light winds. Thanks in advance.
Hi all, quicke rides today since it was halfway decent this morning but getting windier and cloudier by the minute. Sooo looking forward to the actual start of the challenge. Hope the Wisconsin riders don't get washed away or have to put blades on their wheels just for the ice.
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Welcome to all the newbies out there you are in for a treat!
RIDE SAFE YA'LL!
Karen - Welcome to NBC, Part Deux! Hope it's as much fun for you as it was for all of us last year.
Kerstin - Congrats on your new bike! Always fun to get a new ride.
P-R is great race. I got to ride through the forest of Arenburg last summer on the cobbles. It is so hard to do, it is a shock to the system. I have a new way of seeing that race. The average time was around 27.5 mph. My average speed over the cobbles was 10 mph and I had to rest at the end. Inattention is what I can pilot error and the poor guy who hit the sign did a face plant and then later it was found he broke his wrist. Pilot error! Lets be careful out there! Bon ton Rolle
Marty----- Had a friend do that last fall but it was a Ped. crossing button pole , broke his shoulder and just got back in the saddle 2 wks. ago. Good thing came from it ,HE NOW WEARS A HELMET.
MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Kerstin - still feels like when you were a kid at Christmas, right?
@Brad - I'm glad noone heard me lol! If Sir John and company would have been on bikes with 4" wide tires, they might have made it.
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@Kerstin - Welcome, Germany. How was the big snow storm you had just before Easter?
Today I've got my new bike.
Marty - I think I just saw the Franklin expedition still trying to find the NW passage.
@Berklee - He shouldn't have looked back - there wasn't anyone in the race behind him.
@Karen - Thanks for the weather update. We really don't mind your weather report, because SE Wisconsin will actually be warmer today and tomorrow, if you combine the two temperatures. (Just barely.) The last patch (for now) of snow finally left my yard on Sunday, 18 days after Spring arrived. We just started 3 days of rain, followed by snow. In fact, it will rain so much, we're worried that April showers will bring Mayflowers, and other ocean going vessels, directly to us, without having to use the St. Lawrence seaway.
Love Lehigh County, PA! Used to drive through ABE on my way to Millersville from Denville, NJ waaaaaaay back in the early 70s. Lots of great memories! Welcome, "Newbie"!
Filed my taxes and celebrated by finally riding my bike for the first time this season, as my indoor bike is beginning to turm my stomach. ( Hopefully, next year I can invest in some cold weather gear.) Not to make those people feel worse who are not having
nice weather right now, but in Lehigh County, PA it is a beautiful day today, 75 degress
and sunny - a great first ride. Have a nice Challenge everyone Thanks for all the tips.
- The Newbie.
Marty - I looked at the video you linked. OW!!
@Richard & @ Leslie - Welcome bacK! Yes. Log now for fun, and for Endomondo to get the kinks out fo the revised programming, and come May 1st, for real. I went OTB last October because of a faulty pedal. Here is a video of a pro racer in the Paris-Roubaix 254.4 km race on Sunday, having a surprize encounter with a stationary road sign. (Not as bad as it could have been.)
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/the-turnstile/heads-cringe-most-painful-bicycle-wreck-ll-see-172857281.html
Looks like no riding for several days again as winter storm Walda approaches the midwest. All of Wisconsin is under a flood watch from noon today until 7 pm Thursday. We are going to see everything from winds, rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and floods. The ice just went out on the Wolf River yesterday, but Lake Winnebago is still iced in, but the winds and rain should break it up by this weekend. The people on the east shore are going to have to carefully watch conditions as ice will begin to start pushing up the shorelines into the houses. The ice shoves can literally destroy any home in its path.
Glad to be back for the second Challenge! Happy riding to everyone this season! I'm just back to commuting/short weekend rides after going OTB in March. (Ow.) I assume we can log miles now, but only May-September miles "count" in the Challenge?
Wow, could warmer temps and maybe some spring possibly be here? It was so nice not having to put on and take off 3 layers of cloths before and at work! Hope there are no more cold snaps! Happy riding to all and safe riding no matter what your mission.
I have discovered that people are much happier on a well functioning bike than they are on a barely functioning clunker!
Goodmorning everyone be healthy and smile,lets have fun this summer
PS Nebraska way to go. Maybe we can get that kid with the football to help us out!
Hi all, just short rides again today. Pretty nice weather in the 60s but still some wind to deal with. Looking forward to that challenge MAY-be..
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@ Burklee, way to go with the cycling and re-cycling. PS The April Lincoln ride just got moved. Hopefully we can get together in the beginning of May in Lincoln for a ride!
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@ Troy, welcome back!
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5000 riders and we are already racking up the (s)miles. I'm gonna try to get Missouri moving because we are pitifully far down on the states list. Lots of kick off bike month events going on now so I'll try to spread the word.
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5000 riders, how about that!
The weather set in here this evening and I decided not to brave the elements and cyclo-commute home, lighting ultimately stops me from riding every time! Looks like spring will have a brief intermission for a rainy/snowy mix tonight turning into a potential blizzard and with a high of 16 degrees tomorrow. Not sure how many miles I will ride the next few days but I made the commitment to 30 days of Biking so looks like I am pedaling in the snow again, and just when I tied with Rob on the leaderboard too :p
@ Burklee, way to go, turning cycling into re-cycling! And as for the weather, we are getting it now in the panhandle so it's headed your way.
@Burklee - You get the Green Award of the week. Biking and hauling your recycling. Way to go! Let's hope this talk of freezing rain is just that. I'm done with winter.
Brian - I believe that merging can only be done for Workplaces and not Teams, but you are right, Katie is the one who can help with this.
It is possible to merge two teams together if you contact the challenge support. Katie "Challenge Staff" Omberg helped consolidate multiple workplace listings into one and assign all into the correct group.
Evelyn, I don't believe that is possible. I would have people leave BikeErie team and join the Bike Erie team. The last one will be the captain and they can delete the team. Good luck in the Challenge!
is it possible to merge two teams together. Bike Erie is the team I wanted to be on.James G. wanted to be on that team also. We accidently created BikeErie(without the space)not realizing our other Bike Erie members had already created an team account.
Thanks for help with this.
Evelyn Wesman
[email protected]
combo high winds , snow , and cold here in the high desert but back in high 60s tomorrow. Had to drive in today anyway so worked out fine!
1- eat your hearts out Orange.
2- looking forward to a great game tonight and a speedy recoverey to K. Ware.
3- GO BLUE!
4- MAKE A SAFE BIKE BETTER !
D.
Lovely weather here in Lincoln last week and weekend. I got in a nice 18 miles before the 30+ mph winds really got going on Friday. I was able to haul away the recycling on my bike with the folding baskets I just got. It was 49° this morning on the way in to work and will get up to 70-something today. The forecast for tomorrow night and Wednesday is freezing rain. Ah, mercurial Spring!!
Report from Appleton, WI - seems more like the Pacific Northwest this week. Cold, rainy, possible snow later in the week. It will make the spring weather that much more welcome when it finally arrives!
Finally some springness, here.
Ok explorer 8 worked thanks Charlie thanks brad ride on my friends
57 degrees at 9:23 this morning in Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania. Highs in the low 70s with winds around 5 mph....Nice
Gregg I am so sorry to read your post that it is still snowing in WI. :( I hope the spring thaw comes very soon. I can't imagine how difficult that makes cycling.
It has warmed up here in MD, considerably. The next four days are all 50-75f night and day. I can dig it! Lots of cyclo-commuting will take place.
Statistically Speaking -
Some milestones for the Warm-up Period, which started Feb. 1st:
*Collectively, today, we're averaging just over 7,000 miles per day.
*Tomorrow, we will pass 100 miles riding per person.
*On Monday, we will pass the 500,000 mile mark! (It looks like we may break 1,000,000 miles by the end of the Warm-Up Period. According to my calculations, we'll reach 1,173,421.68 miles [+/- 7.49 miles] before the end of the Warm-up Period.)[This last part is just shovelling.]
James, we had a rider using XP and explorer 7 that couldn't see the top menu. He upgraded to explorer 8 and now it all works.
Woke up this morning and it's snowing again. Ugh. Suppose to get an inch of slushy snow here and further north 3-6 inches. Ice conditions for ice fishing are still in excellent condition around here and most lakes up north are safe enough to drive on yet. At this rate there will still be good ice fishing in May. This is a terrible spring for biking in Wisconsin, but I have been braving the cold freezing temps and windchills in the morning and have successfully completed 2 full weeks of biking to work, which is 18 miles round trip every day. But it takes me 10 minutes every morning to layer myself and put on all my winter biking clothing. My hands get a little cold even with winter ski gloves, but not too bad.
@Clark - It is! Sounds like a nice trip.
Looking forward to logging my mileage as I train for a Wa. to Ut. ride this June.This sounds like fun!
James, the leaderboard is working for me. Are you seeing the word ' Leaderboard' just below the top green bar? That should be a working link. And to be sure you're on the same page that I am looking at, here's the address: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/nbc2013
Is the leader board available yet? If so then my screen is not showing it. Any suggestions.
April 5th, Still too cold (for me) to ride here in northern vermont. But hope to ride next week if the sun shines and warms it up some.
Joe S, Thanks for the warm hands tip. Let's hope I won't need it for a LONG time. (Actually, I have some REI full-finger gloves that do a very nice job in almost any conditions for my VERY short commutes in Ripon.) I agree with Brad, although last night's ride gave me hope that spring REALLY is on the way, even inspite of the last gasps of winter.
OK-the first day was crazy and the weekend is in my cross hairs-who's next?
Hi all, out for a couple of shorter spins today. Nice sunny weather, temps felt like the 60s without the wind. Happy to say that proposition "P" passed on Tuesday. This will generally help conditions to improve for the trails and bikers around the greater St. Louis area!
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@ John S. Way to go. It's great to get you son interested and teaching him the tracking tricks. Bronze already, feel proud!!
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@ Burklee & Jeffrey L. Lincoln just keeps getting better and better every time I get back. Its my home town too. Gotta love it!
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Wishing you all happy riding!
Any idea how to limit the # of people on our team? Thanks!
I would like to welcome all the Tri-State Generation & Transmission employees to the challenge. We went from a two rider company last year to 18 riders and looks like we are still growing! Thank you so much for joining the Challenge and as always ride safe out there!!
For those who were wondering how to upload a company logo go to http://www.endomondo.com/customize and when you log in you should see in the middle of the screen an option to change your logo.
@J. Hugh don't be bitter, reconsider!! ;)
You have NO IDEA of what you're missing!!
-10 and pedaling my Pugsley through the woods...... Life is GRAND!!
As I always say, to each their own!!
Although, don't knock till ya tried it!! ;)
@Brad~ UNCLE in a big way!!!
Since Florida winter is like a Minnesota summer I could not imagine being anywhere else for winter.
Joe - I know where you're comin' from too. Winter is winter and I can live with that, but now here in mid Wisconsin we are expecting snow/sleet tomorrow night. Enough already. I give. Alli alli infree. UNCLE!
poor choices of where to cycle can't be overcome by gear of any kind.
Sure Brad, I'll be right there with ya, right after we DON'T get the 1-3" of snow they're call for tomorrow night!!! Ha Ha
@Paul~ ditch the gloves and get some Dogwood Design Pogies, for cold weather comfort!!
The best $$$ I've ever spent for comfort during winter; hands down!!!
I haven't used anything put my summer full finger gloves with them, no matter how cold!
Opps, come on warmth!! ;)
I only stopped to take my hat off - really. But now it all became clear. A couple of birds were chittering nearby... off in the distace, a train whistle... the air felt like velvet... it felt like chage... like a new beginning... Life and light everyone.
Rain gear is for rain......... Cold weather gear....... That's a whole other animal!!
* Make that "...which are NOT as good in extreme cold..."
I gotta agree with Joe S. here. Gear is the key to almost any condition...this said from someone in east central WI (who also lived in the Twin Cities for 15 years, 11 of which w/o a car). I will admit that sometimes cold and wet feels worse than snow and freezing. But generally, it's what you wear that makes the difference.
[A gear lament...when living in MN, I had the BEST pair of "gloves." Full knitted woolen with Thinsulite gloves (complete with a "trigger" finger hole) WITH a woolen/thinsulite mitten pull over. They were the best winter riding glove I have ever had. Alas, I lost them either on a bus or at a store somewhere. I have been in a "Holy Grail" like search for replacements for years. All you can find these days are half-gloves, which are as good in extreme cold....but one can still dream!]
It is 50 degrees and sunny, that means I'll be able to ride without 3 or 4 layers of clothing for the first time in a few weeks. No hat, no face mask, no gloves, no boots, no goggles. I don't think I'll go crazy and wear shorts though. Warm weather is on the horizon, now I just want a good rain to wash the salt away and then my road bike can come out and play.
@J. Hugh~~
Northern Mn. during the dead of winter??
A stiff head wind, low 50's and rain, adapt and over come!! ;)
I'll take it!! ;)
I have the gear for that!!!
Lets all say it at once......... Showerspass!!! Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
43 miles on this beautiful day. Maybe Spring has finally arrived in NJ.
Last summer we did the last 12 miles into a strong head wind in search of our barge and dinner. The temp fell into the low 50's and it began to rain. Other than an enclosed cycling pedicab with a hot drink bar there was no way to improve this with any amount of gear. Ah! this was france in July! So, we learned that once you start off sometimes you just must finish the ride. Cycling is a perseverance sport.
John Schley what about an email account that you run for him? That way he can be his own person in the NBC.
@John Ha Ha Ha Ha
There's no such thing as bad weather, just poor choices in gear!!
Lol
@ Joe S. Consider it Mother Natures incentive to keep you moving. :)
@ E M Matteson In order to create a seperate account for him we would need to get him an email account, since he is under the age of 13 we don't want to do that. So I created an excell spreadsheet that tracks his miles and points. We will reward him somehow as he changes point levels and then periodiclly once he gets over into silver. He crossed into Bronze earlier this week.
as of right now 2217 riders have posted a ride. Bon ton Rolle!
My miles from yesterday and this morning are present now on my workouts; and only this mornings miles were awarded points.
No points for either today or yesterday...... yet.
<3s out for Olymipic BMX Brooke Crain. Get back out there. USA a:)
I didnt get much riding time in but it rained and that is more important than my ride.The grass is greening up again.Maybe Ill have some Fall crops from my garden.
The heat of this summer can easily make us forget what winter was like in 2011: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5258/5463991749_81554d9caa_b.jpg We broke many snowfall and cold temp records that winter. Our climate isn't just heating up, but goes to extremes on both ends.. It was only a few summers ago that my air conditioner ran less than 5 days the entire summer. The Neenah pool was closed for an entire week in July because it was so cold.
There's always a big difference between average temps in early August and late August here bringing average temps of the whole month of August lower. But these cooler temps in early August are quite abnormal. Early August normally will bring what is called the hot dog days of summer. We got married August 7, 1988 and it was also a hot summer and every anniversary since it is normally very hot this time of year. Early August this year is very noticeably cooler than any other anniversary we had.
I cant believe its already august! Where'd the summer go?
@Gregg - Today's weather in Neenah was slightly above the historical average for August. The next few days will be cooler than average, but still not as low as the average September numbers of 71/51.
Me: Sure, I'll have the jalepeno stuffed quesedillas.
Me: Man it is nice out there…I think I'll go for a nice ride
<time lapse - 15 miles from home>
Jalepenos: Remember me?
There's going to be a lot of cycling action here this Saturday in Menasha, WI--the Diablo Cycling's Twilight Criterium.
In the spirit of the long running Otto Grunski races criterium racing is back in Menasha. For the second year the races will be back on what was the more traditional course along Broad Street at Jefferson Park before the Superweek Races were moved to a downtown track. The Diablo Cycling Twilight Criterium will come to the streets of Menasha this Saturday for some fast paced action for both the cyclists and spectators. The race is part of the WCA cup series.
What is a criterium you ask? Sometimes known as a crit it is is a bike race held on a short course (usually less than 1km), often run on closed-off city center streets. Race length can be determined by a number of laps or total time, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Generally the event's duration (commonly one hour) is shorter than that of a traditional road race — which can last many hours, sometimes over the course of several days or even weeks, as in a Grand Tour. However, the average speed and intensity are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line without having been "lapped."
Events often have prizes (called primes, pronounced "preems", and are usually cash) for winning specific intermediate laps (for instance, every 10th lap). A bell is usually rung to announce to the riders that whoever wins the next lap, wins the prime.
Success in road criteriums requires a mix of good technical skills — in particular, the ability to corner smoothly while "holding your line" on the road, as well as rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional "sprint" ability to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners.
The .7 mile course along Lake Winnebago & the Fox River is the perfect spot to bring the entire family and spend the day watching some exciting racing action. Races start at 10:30AM with the Pro Race at 6:30PM.
For those who would like to try their hand at racing that day, there is a citizen race available designed for folks who have never done a race prior. You can pre-register for that event at USA Cycling through this link https://www.usacycling.org/register/2012-2631
Everything has come a month early here since March and that trend is continuing with a more September like climate now in Neenah. There's a September chill in the air when I commute to work now at 4:30 in the morning.
Some bike carriers for the back of your car make great bike stands for maintenance work.
The weather looks perfect for biking this weekend here with highs in the upper 70's and lows in the 50's and 60's.
I have some cycling pics of the Cranked group ride last night in an album on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/sets/72157630963744126/
80% humidity can kiss my ____ well, I'll be nice. Send cooler weather to the mid-atlantic too please.
Sounds great, bring some down to us! Tampa Bay area still has a couple more months of 90's!
Enjoying the cooler weather up here in Appleton, Wisconsin!
Another story from my medium sized workplace that is using the NBC as our summer physical activity wellness program. This is from someone in upper management who jumped at the chance to particpate in our workplace effort and then signed up her friends and family on a Team. "Both my husband and I bike commute, and we estimate that we save about $1,600 a year by commuting. (Hey, cool, that’s enough to buy a new bike!) But more important are the health benefits, which are hard to tally costs for. And even beyond that are the psychological benefits which are, as the Mastercard commercial says, “priceless”. When I bike to work I arrive energized. I have spent time outside, seen wildlife, waved to neighbors and friends, passed through the world at a pace that allows me to notice the new paint job on that house, and how the garden is blooming at the next house, and so on. I have moved my body and my mind. The days I ride to work start better and stay better throughout the day. Bike commuting is the ultimate attitude adjuster."
Just 50,000 more miles until we see 10,000,000.
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS rolled into town yesterday (classic car show & shine) thousands of 50s 60s 70s cars poodle-skirts white-Ts w/ luckys rolled up in the sleeve
ROCK WHEN IT ROLLED very HAPPY DAYS-ish it is fun but excuse me while I cough, sneeze and wheeze--------
make a safe bike better------D
If you don't have lube, goto your LBS and ask which lube is best for your chain with the type of riding you do! For example, I ride on the road in mostly dry and sandy conditions so I use Prolink, a lube designed to not let sand stick. Some are designed for wet conditions or MTB riding. Remember to give time after you lube and wipe off excess so it doesn't just get flung off when you ride!
Can't ride? Good time to do some maintenance on your bike!
Make sure bolts are snug (don't grab end of wrench and tighten with full force)
Using an old t-shirt, clean and lube your chain,
Examine your tires for debris.
Pump up tires to recommended pressure.
Clean your braking surfaces on the rims with the pot scrubber side of a sponge.
Check your brake pads... look for wear, time to change them? (it's easy)
How about your cables, getting harder to squeeze? Lube them...
No stand? Place bike upside down (on handlebars and saddle) to get lube into cable housing. While there, lube the pivot points on your derailleurs.
Also while upside down, using shifter, run through the gears on the rear...
Hear chattering sound in larger gears? try adjusting the knob where the cable enters the rear derailleur ONE "CLICK" AT A TIME. After each change run up and down the gears again until it sits quietly in the larger gears. Make sure you count the clicks so you can return to the original position if all else fails! (Normally the cables stretch slightly so expect to turn counter clockwise). By click, I mean you'll feel the detent (or tightness) for a moment... slight adjustments should be all you need.
Sound hard... it's not... need help but no buddies around? check YouTube to watch how it's done. Still need help, just post here, there are many that can help!
You'll be glad you did, your bike will feel soo much better so that you can...
Ride like you belong!
PS, forgot to mention that I saw three deer (still with spots)!
HI all, brief ride yesterday evening and another this morning. Decided its way better to ride in the morning as the air is much cooler and the humidity is much lower. Spotted four other riders on my shortened route today.
@ Cynthia, I agree the rain is good news and bad news. Its not worth risking an accident due to wet brakes or people not seeing you. Good for you to do some alternate exercise.
@ John, welcome to the Platinum club.
@ Heather, 1000 brownie points for your advocacy efforts!
9,932,741 and counting people. RIDE ON AND STAY SAFE!
Well, my commute week is shot! There is a tropical depression hanging over our area. This county gets 29 days of rainfall a year and we have had 6 of those this week with predictions of another 4 to 5 days of 80% rain. Just pouring down all day....no way to ride in this. Guess I will have to make up for next week, won't mind doing that! Grateful for the rain though. So, I decided to use this time to do some weight training at home. That is always a good thing to do. Ride safe and well to all and how great on the 9 million miles!
@Heather get you some good lights for your bike a bright flashing LED light for the back and a bright white LED light for the front...can never have to many lights and wear a reflector vest if you can get your hands on one...and some kind of bell so you can scare the hell out of those PED's...hehehe its about being seen and being safe I surely hope your wearing ahelmet also :)) Good riding the nights are very cool to ride :))
Gregg, Grats on the UPS and cycling article. That is VERY cool. :) I did some small commutes today for bike advocacy. We had two events tonight, one right after the other. I even rode a couple of miles in the pitch dark-which is unusual for me. I am getting more comfortable with all different situations now.
Come on Endomondo, get the bugs fixed!
thanks EM all yours by way of faulty deraileur
@John congrats on platinum
Finally made Platinum.
Hmm, 117,000 miles to go....based on the 18,000 miles every 5 hrs, I'll say Thurs the 9th at 8:43 am.
OOPS, just noticed that Dameon took 444 central, but didn't say what day. Guess we would have to split the no prize prize in that case! LOL
I'll say Wed. Aug. 8 at 4:44pm central standard time (US). LOL
Lets go for a grand total of 12.5 million!!
@ Gregg, nice article. Congrats on your leadership in your team effort (not to mention all the miles and money saved) RIDE ON!!
New challenge - what will the final mileage total be? My guess 12,987,789.
Tomorrow 8/8/2012 at 16:54 on NBC time it lists post
444pm central
Anyone want to guess the day and time the leaderboard hits 10 million?
rob hore your right would not want to go over 10,000,000.00
UPS put a nice news story about the NBC and about us 20 UPS employees who are riding in the bike challenge on upsers.com, which is our employee intranet site that is accesible to all UPS employees worldwide. In the "collossal" companies division UPS is leading the challenge. This is the article on upsers.com:
Pedal Happy UPSers
Team participating in cycling challenge
UPSers are no strangers to logging mass amounts of miles. But they are in some uncharted territory thanks to the inaugural Get Up & Ride National Bike Challenge.
A team of 20 UPSers have amassed more than 11,350 miles since May 1. With the challenge wrapping up August 31, the team has a sizable lead in the “colossal businesses” category over Hewlett-Packard and AT&T.
Gregg Warning is pacing the effort. The Oshkosh preloader has totaled over 2,632 miles to and from work, stores and wherever else his pedals can take him. He’s burned an estimated 155,480 calories and saved over $600 in driving expenses.
“I have biked to work every day, except for one, during the entire challenge,” Gregg said. “The dry weather has been great for biking, but the heat has been very challenging.”
Gregg’s miles are part of 11,371 UPSers have tallied thus far. According to Endomondo – a sports community based on free real-time GPS tracking of cycling – those miles have burned 453,190 calories and saved $2,098 in expenses.
With all of the competitors combined, the challenge is nearing 10 million total miles. To learn more about the Get Up & Ride National Bike Challenge, visit http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/.
Only 135,266 miles (and counting) to go!!
@Frank - If it will help your curiosity at all, a week ago I checked, and there were a little over 1,000 NBC participants who had logged in only one ride (They had between 20 and 39 points.)
@ Lydia, that makes sense.
Hi all, out this morning and liking the temps in the 70s again. Spotted about 10 other riders. Also, its getting a little crowded in front of the bakery. Four bikes today.
Wow, so Jeff, you are saying that our 10 million isn't 10 million because of some duplications?? This could make the number crunchers a little crazy. LOL
BTW, Wisconsin has three communities in the top three for August. Come on Lincoln, you can't let this happen.....
KEEP ROLLIN' EVERYONE
As someone who doesn't have a fancy phone or device to track miles while riding and enters them manually on the computer, I would hate to have my "duplicate" workouts deleted because I enter multiple rides (commute, transport) in one day at the same time. All I enter is miles and not time started, finished, etc... It looks like I'm doing multiple rides at the exact time but that is just how Endomondo displays them.
Who will log the 10 millionth mile? It's coming right up now pretty soon...
I hope before we hit 10 million, they go through the workouts and get rid of the duplicates.
I have seen some folks that have multiple workouts that start at the same time. I have noticed a couple times doing Garmin uploads that the site forgets you had old workouts and tries to re-upload them. If you don’t notice them, it’s very easy to upload old workouts again.
everyone knows hypothermia can occur at 60 degrees right ?
BRRR...
it was 44 degrees when i went to ride this AM my knuckles nearly got frostbite
HI all, out today with a 7am start time and a starting temp around 70. Saw a half a dozen riders and one car passed a little too close.
Congrats to Sue on getting your workplace organized for the challenge. I don't have any suggestions other than to read about the "bicycle friendly businesses" on the League of American Bicyclists web page. http://www.bikeleague.org They have several articles about bicycle friendly workplaces (in the "American Bicyclist" magazine and talk about some of the incentives that have been used to get people to ride more and drive less. Good luck.
@ Troy and Burklee, hang on to that nice weather in Lincoln. I will be there on about Aug. 16 to help my daughter move in to her dorm. If all goes well maybe I could join you guys for a ride on Sat. the 18th?
@ Ronald, I agree that the ghost bike and the related rides are a good way to remind people to watch out for cyclists and to memorialize cyclists who are needlessly killed by careless drivers. I also like the idea of "move over for emergency vehicles and cyclists." We need a national campaign, like Cyclists Against Bad Driving or something similar. Every state needs a three foot law and every state needs massive advertising to make everyone aware of what the laws are. My heart and thoughts also go out to Colin's family.
RIDE SAFE everyone & if you get a chance to speak before any groups, please remind them to share the roads!!
Only 142 more points to go to reach platinum, I will hit it this week. The opressive heat in here in Metro Phoenix won't stop me. :-)
@ John i think its a super reminder that of the cyclist that move along the road quietly and remember the cyclist that lost their lives. and many times un-noticed.. The ghost bike will definetly remind others to look out for the cyclist in the future. I hope that every state adopts this idea! Most of all I hope that the people that share the roads with cyclist give way enough space to pass safely so we can travel the roads safely forever.. and no most ghost bikes will be placed along some stretch of road again !!! Again my heart and thoughts go out to the family of Colin, Next weekend thier will be a tribute ride in his honor detail here
@ Ronald what a great Memorial!!! The white bike is a great idea!
riding in Arizona, where the streets are flat but the heat is not :D
In honor of Colin Bateman take some time to read this article about how the family wishes to honor him and support cycling in florida Thank you
http://spacecoastmultisport.com/news/2012/8/4/ghostly-reminder.html
For what it's worth, there are more like 22,600 riders putting in all these miles. There are thousands of folks at the end of the queue who signed up but never recorded a mile. So, a bigger pat on the back to all you industrious types who turned the cranks and recroded the miles. My curiosity wasn't strong enough to keep clicking through to find out how far up the rankings you got before you hit someone at the 100 mile mark. Lots of 20s when you finally starting getting mileage recorded.
My workplace adopted the National Bike Challenge as our main physical activity wellness program this summer. And it has been a tremendous success for our smallish (medium sized) workplace. As our organization's program evaluator I want to know what has worked and how to improve it as we've supplemented with our own internal incentives and a leader jersey contest. I've asked staff to submit stories about what the bike challenge has meant to them. Here is one.
"I have used biking and the Bike Challenge as my major motivation for losing weight. When I returned from my last major vacation I weighted 214 lbs. I knew that the only way to lose this weight was to do a combination of dieting (as little as possible) and biking (as much as possible). I’ve been a bicyclist for years but I’m not always motivated to put the miles in to really make a difference on my weight control. That’s where the Bike Challenge comes in. Participating in this program and tracking my miles has really helped me to stay on track. I also have to admit that I like the competition part of this program and I’m proud to have earned the Sport Points Leader jersey. The best part however, is that over the course of the summer so far I’ve lost 26 lbs! I still have a few to go to meet my goal but I’m sure I’ll pull it off. The program has been great. Let’s do it again next year!"
Keep up the great work everyone - at the current pace, looks like we will achieve 10 million miles on Thursday. WOW!!
@Burklee - I echo your praise for the weather in Lincoln this weekend. Rode the same route that you and Jay did, but on Sunday morning and continued on the Homestead Trail south to Cortland. The wild plums are thick all along the trail. Saw about eight turkeys in Wilderness Park and had a couple of whitetail fawns run alongside me on the path for a short stretch. That cool north breeze reminded me that fall will be coming eventually.
It was beautiful in Lincoln on Saturday. Temps in the low 80's and a north breeze. I got my spokes fixed (upon closer inspection, there were two that were broken) and wheel trued. Then Jay suggested we go for a ride. We drove to the Jamaica North/Bison/Salt Creek Levee Trails parking area and went south on the Jamaica North. We picked wild plums, and saw 4 deer (3 still with their spots) and a turkey. We made 13 miles total. The most Jay has ever gone on one ride is 8, so she did awesome! She was all sweaty and out of breath. I wasn't; that was just a nice leisurely ride for me, since the trail is flat and we rode about 9-10 mph the whole way. I am so proud of her!! She wasn't as sore on Sunday as she thought she'd be. Next Saturday is supposed to be really nice again, so we're thinking of going there for another ride. I can't wait!
Less than 250,000 miles to get to 10 million. GO!!!
Hi all, out today with a later start time (after 730am) did my usual route plus breakfast outdoors. By that time I had spotted 31 cyclists. Then I added some extra miles for good measure. @ Leonard with the 9999, I finished my ride today with 40.98 miles. Could have ridden up and down the street to make it 41, but didn't.
Took my daughter's bike for a tune up to get it ready for college.
Congrats Jeane on the 50+ and to Leonard for the almost 10,000 club, .and to Gregg for making a strong finish in the TRI after such a rough start.
@ Tami, yep the rain is fun when its not too cold or windy. It was actually nicer in the rain yesterday than today with the 80-90 temps and humidity that made me sweat like it was raining! LOL
RIDE ON EVERYONE!
It was really tough and challenging today in the Oshkosh Triathlon with big white caps and waves crashing into Lake Winneconne beach this morning at race time as a cold front was powerfully pushing in from the northwest. My swim time was really bad and I tried not to panic because I couldn't get any breathing rhythm going with white caps crashing into my face and swimmer's arms and legs hitting me in the head and thrashing all around me. Instead of waves of 50 this year, they had waves of 100. I kept telling myself not to panic in the rough waters and that I didn't have far to go to make it around the last buoy where I could touch bottom again. Once I made the last turn and had the waves pushing me toward shore, I started dolphin diving pushing off the bottom with my legs and body surfing on top of the waves reaching shore very quickly. I had one of the worst swim times of everyone with over 12 minutes in the 1/4 mile swim. But I did super well on the bike against a strong northwest headwind and started passing a lot of riders, who were really struggling against the wind. My goal on the 15 mile bike course was to finish it under 45 minutes and I finished really strong with an unbelievable time of 43:50. My transition time into the run went really smooth and finished really strong in the 5K run with just 23 mintues and 23 seconds. So even with a very bad swim time, I amazingly came back strong and finished 59th overall out of 231 men in the sprint division. Everyone else said they really struggled in the swim and bike and that it was horrible with 100 athletes in each wave with such wind, rough water, and big white caps. But no award this time because I finished 8th in my 50-54 age group. Mike Jovanivich, who was first in my age group in Green Bay, also took first today. He did super well and even came really close to winning an award overall. He is 54 years old and also from Neenah and finished 7th overall. Next year he will be out of my age group and into the 55-59 age group. I couldn't believe it , but a guy who was 79 years old finished the OLYMPIC DISTANCE with the white caps and wind. I told him he is was incredible. He says he trains every day all year for this. If I can finish even the sprint distance at his age, I will be happy.
Just to congratulate all of our superb Track and Road Heroes you have made Great Britain very proud and even Greater , its been an amazing Olympics here in London, we are all speechless Cheers everyone Woolfie
Thanks Michael. I found it. I was on my phone. Happy riding. @Leonard that sounds like something I would do except for the zillion 9's part. ;-)
Heather, isn't there a link to support in Endo's menu on this page? (my browser doesn't support their latest styles so I can't verify)
Hey @Bruce, I do the same... yesterday there was a large boxer mix harassing cyclists out on a rural road. I rode at him, made myself big (by standing), growling snarling and barking... he ran home with his tail between his legs! LOL
I don't have problems with them, just the lovers with their irresponsible owners.
BTW - my experience is the same as others on multi-use trains... I warn others that I'm approaching but presume they don't hear me and go 'wide'. I also slow considerably when approaching families. I've stopped riding with groups that ride fast on trails... all that does is make us look bad! Judging by the way they control intersections, that job is led by the Florida County Traffic Engineers. CUTR, who apparently advises Florida Counties on changing signals which besides making motorists stop much more frequently at signals (making them a step closer to rage) also makes cyclists look like law breaking, self-centered assh*les, a bad combo. While their long term plan makes sense, the infrastructure just isn't there yet but they won't let facts get into their way.
This week FDOT is holding round-tables all around the State... I can't wait to see their recommendations for cyclists and pedestrian's safety! So just...
Ride like you belong!
Only I could manage to stop 1 mile short - 9,999 points after today's ride!!!! :-)
Does anyone have the link to ENDO's web support? I'm trying to build routes but that section of the website isn't very user friendly. Thanks.
when I encounter dogs or deer or any animal on the trail I just growl at them ...they just look bewildered and run away.
got a few miles we got RAIN!!!
Great job Jeane. Keep at it. You'll get stronger and stronger. Had my first 100 mile week with almost 113. After my commute to work today, got a base mile ride done in between t-storm threats. Dark clouds were rolling in with a bit of thunder just as I was finishing. Feeling good, sleeping well. Not losing much weight, but, feeling stronger. If I get the chance tomorrow between rainstorms, will try to do short recovery ride. 10 milllion miles is getting closer. Keep riding everyone!
Jeane, that's amazing! Too often, we never realize what we're capable of until we put our minds and bodies to the challenge. Congratulations!!
Woooooooooha!
Good job Jeane, keep it up and you'll be looking for a new goal once your body gets use to the distance. It will get use to it, trust me on that
This week did my first 50miles, actually it was 53! Not too sore after just the next few days my body was tired, still managed to get in another36 miles.
@ Michael and all those who have encountered unruly dogs. I am sorry it is so frustrating. I wish people were more aware for everones and everythings safety. @ Burklee. that is truly an amazing story. very interesting and determined to be rid of an suv with such a large family even Thank you for sharing that!
@ E M Matteson, isn't rain riding awesome! Less traffic and no sweat you can be accused of. so refreshing I hope it was great fun for you!
Hi all, woke up to thunderstorms. Checked the weather and realized I would only have to deal with rain, so I went for it and cyclecommuted to my class. Hint: wear dark shorts and take a dry pair of socks with you when you ride in the rain or right after it just rained. Puddles happen!
@ Gregg, good luck with the TRI.
PS: It's okay to sing when you ride in the rain!!
I was dripping in sweat last night after biking the 16 mile bike course and 3.1 mile run course for the Oshkosh Triathlon tomorrow. I haven't really run much since the Green Bay Triathlon in June, but I did very well in the run. It was getting dark, but I cooled off in the lake after the run. The run goes on the famous Winneconne bridge over the Wolf River. Today, I am going to mostly rest and will pick up my registration packet to see what wave I will be in and I am just doing a warm up and recovery ride and going to swim the 1/4 mile sprint swim course 1 more time. I'm loading up on carbs with a pasta supper tonight. All I am going to eat tomorrow morning is an energy bar and a gel pack 15 minutes before race time. That really worked for me in Green Bay. The temps are going to be around 60 at 6:45 am race time, so that will be great. I finished 2nd in my 50-54 age group in Green Bay and Mike Jovanavich (age 54), who is also from Neenah, was 1st. I checked to see who the winners were last year at the Oshkosh Tri and Mike Jovanivich was 2nd. If he is registered this year, I plan to keep him 2nd. haha
My daughter works at the Building for Kids Children's Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin and they mixed lemonade with a bike: https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/423377_10151119708030751_691040854_n.jpg
This is cool.
@Bruce - Thanks.
Gahlord - thanks for the local interpretation.
sometimes when I yell on the left ppl dont respond so I yell again and if no response I look on the right or left and just go around.If they have small children I always slow to a crawl and proceed slowly.children are unpredictable and I surely wouldnt want to hit a little one.
@Martin I used cushioned pipe clamps ..took the rubber off ,painted them black and put them back on.They work great.Ill try to get a few pics this weekend.Im not good with all this new fangled computer stuff but Ill get my cam out and get some pics.
Rob, that farmer was doing a "performance art" piece about Vermont vs Wisconsin in the NBC. ;D
I added a forum specific for the National Bike Challenge to my new cycling website. Feel free to post away! http://www.tadpole-tales.com/forums.html#/
I've also added some information on several new rides we've taken in Wisconsin. I'll be adding some trails we hit this week in scenic Door County. Got a personal best this week in 50km ride!
Any feedback you guys have would be appreciated!
The intervals are working. My fastest time to Jamestown was 2:50:02. That was a ride when I was trying to ride as fast as I could. Today was 2:39:02. And today was a relaxed ride. When I ride up to Jamestown my cadance in the climb was 50-55 with a heart rate of 155-160. Today my cadance was 85-90 with a heart rate of 140. I shaved 10:30 seconds off my best time. And I wasn't even working hard. The intervals are working even though I have only been doing them for three weeks.
Time lapse photos of my ride to Jamestown.
HUMMM Burklee, maybe you should charge him a fee for fixing the bike. That might make him think twice about being careful in the future. BTW, I have heard that if your bike has a lot of spokes (say >25) you can still ride it with a broken spoke (just wrap the broken spoke around a non-broken one and tape into place, but get it fixed ASAP). Hope its better soon!
@Burklee - oh, the joys of parenthood. Best of luck and the only advice I have is "many things improve over time".
This just appeared in the Appleton, Wisconsin Post Crescent and is just another reason why Wisconsin HAS to beat Vermont for at least one month of the NBC! I think this farmer was prematurely celebrating Vermont's 1st place standing in the NBC.
smoke from Ca. fires and trip digit heat, forced inside today. all right of way belongs to peds when it comes to sidewalks here (Nv.) and, if bike lanes are available you are setting yourself up for the blue & red lights. plus give a tude and impound is on the score card. i would rather walk-it. make a safe cycle better. D
I heard a "twang!" on the way home, half a block from the house, but couldn't figure out what it was. I took my bike inside for a few minutes. I was getting ready to head out on errands and something was funny with the back wheel. One of the brake pads was not at all aligned with the rim. "What the..." That "twang" was a spoke breaking! Crap. So, I decided I'd ride my mountain bike, even though it's like pulling a sledge of concrete blocks compared to the Trek. Our 21-year-old boy borrowed my mountain bike for "errands", which turned into him being gone 2 days. I started pedaling and it was just all wrong. The cage plate was not angled down like it should be, and there was what looked like yarn wrapped around the pulley bolts on the upper and lower pulley. No, I don't ride that bike regularly these days, but that doesn't mean you don't take care of it while you're borrowing it. I said yes because I thought, surely, at 21, he's figured out that he needs to treat others' things with respect. I'm reluctant to loan him anything again. I ended up riding Jay's tiny little Gary Fisher to work this morning. I'm getting that spoke replaced tonight, though. So, Forum, am I being overly sensitive on this?
I'm totally with you all on the sidewalk issue. It has to be absolutely, 100% necessary, no other real, safe choice to be found, before I'll ride on the sidewalk. And I go at a snail's pace when I do, even when I don't see anyone around. You never know when little kids will come exploding out of the house to play, or a small animal will dart from under a car or bush or behind a tree. I'm really anti-injury. I followed this link off the LAB site, http://bikeportland.org/2012/06/28/with-six-kids-and-no-car-this-mom-does-it-all-by-bike-73731. Absolutely amazing. And we thought we were really doing something riding our bikes to the store and the co-op in the same trip. She makes my sweetie and me look sedentary. :)
@ Leonard, Well said. I generally use a bell to warn walkers, etc. that I am coming up behind them. Some people (non cyclists) get confused by "on your left". And yeah, I only use the paths/sidewalks etc. when there is a safety issue or when its the only alternative. Paths, sidewalks, & multiuse lanes have their purpose and if we think of that as being a safe place for walkers, kids, slower riders etc. then we need to show the courtesy you mention when we use these areas. We need to contribute to that safety by showing consideration for others. By the same token, I'm not the fastest rider on the road and I appreciate hearing "on your left" a bell or a "good morning" before being passed by other cyclists on the road.....
Ride on all, and be safe!!!
Leoanard, I agree with you completely. I do the same and ring my bell, which has two cheerful notes and usually puts a smile on their face. Thanks for sharing your experience.
@ Michael on Bicycle, I've had the unfortunate experience of hitting a dog twice. Once I ran over a small dog and I'm afraid I injured it worse than I was hurt. The second time it was a BIG dog, read INSTANT stop - went flying over the dog and hit the pavement hard. Ended up destroying the bike even though I wasn't hurt that bad. I now keep the number for Animal Control programmed in my cell phone and I don't hesitate to use it. I also carry a pepper spray (I really don't like to use it but I feel it is better to spray a dog that is chasing me than to allow it to continue to chase cyclists). Usually one dose of pepper spray will stop a dog from ever chasing another cyclist.
DON'T hesitate to call animal control when a dog is causing problems, it is their job to "control" animals and if the dog's owner isn't willing to do it then they deserve to be reported. Remember, if you are having a problem with a dog, you can bet other cyclists are also having problems with that dog. It's better to get the situation stopped before someone (cyclist or dog) get hurt and if a call to animal control is what it takes, then so be it........
Tami, Michael on Bicycle, Scott (and others),
A few comments on sidewalks and bicycle paths ( also know as multi-use-paths). I don't mean to upset anyone with these comments (meaning I know I will) but to me a sidewalk is just that, a place for people to WALK. In many areas it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk. That said, there are times it just makes more sense to ride on the sidewalk than on a narrow, busy road.
Think of it this way, how do you feel when a car blasts past you on the road without giving you any room or hits their horn as they come up behind you?? Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk at high speed is just like a car blasting past you on the road. Hollering "ON YOU LEFT" is just as bad as a car blowing it's horn!!!
When cyclists are riding on a sidewalk, they need to remember the sidewalk is designed for people that are walking. The cyclist needs to SLOW DOWN to the same speed as the person they are approaching from behind. In place of "on your left", try a simple "hello" or "good morning". All too often the walker doesn't hear you coming and will be startled no matter what you say. I usually start talking to them when I am still well back, many time they still jump when they finally hear me.
I feel the same way about traveling on a "multi-use-path", when others are using the path, SLOW DOWN to their pace till you can safely pass them. I love seeing youngsters riding their bikes on a path, trouble is, you never know where they will go. I've had them turn sharply in front of me numerous times (it doesn't have to be kids, I've had grown-ups do the same thing!!!).
I know everyone loves to ride as fast as they can. When you are riding on the road or in an area without anyone else around, crank it up all you want, go for it. On a sidewalk or path when others are around, SLOW DOWN!!! If you are in too big a hurry to slow down, don't ride on the sidewalk or path........
HI all, back from Nebraska where my daughter was taking care of a placement test and some registration stuff for college. Out this morning in 70 degree temperatures and a zillion degree humidity. I would be happier with 85 degrees and low humidity. Saw four other riders. Also HURRAY, a crew was out trimming some bushes on Clayton Road. Anyone who rides eastbound on Clayton near Geyer knows what I am talking about. These annoying bushes were hanging out across the wide shoulder and almost into the road. Talk about hazard. I stopped and thanked the crew doing the cutting. Later I stopped at a stop sign and a confused driver honked at me to go. I yelled at him "YOU GOT HERE FIRST" and then I went, since he refused to go first.
I totally agree about earbuds, cyclists are missing something by not listening to the world around them and more importantly to the traffic. Sometimes I feel like yelling at honkers: Don't honk, I can hear you coming....
@ Ernest, congrats on weight loss and gas savings
@ Tami, happy legs = happy cyclist and thanks for keeping your dog under control. I think the neighborhoods I ride through must have some pretty strict dog ordinances because I haven't had dog issues other than people walking their dogs on the street and having to go around them.
@ Bruce, stop making me hungry... LOL
@ Scott, think I would have had a problem with the duckies too
This guy's idea for a "cheap headlight" is pretty nifty. http://www.youtu.be/edikfIC-RJU
@Bruce - That light sounds like a great idea! Whenever you can provide a picture, or any other details, that would be helpful. Did you use pipe clamps to attach to the handlebars? For some reason, I'm picturing the washer as either a Maytag or Whirlpool.
@Scott-I probably would have just simply crashed down the embankment and into the river at the mere sight of two grown men in wetsuits wearing inflatable duckies around their waists. Glad you were able to keep your wits about you. ;-)
I have been that person that sometimes gets a scare and moves left when someone yells "passing on the left". I don't listen to music when I'm out walikng or running on the rec paths in Madison, but I do tend to zone out. And the funny thing is it happens more when it's a man's voice.
Gas also rose to 3.99 here today. Up from 3.49 about 3 weeks ago. I plan to ride my bike more, thank you. Congrats Chuck on 1000 miles. Keep riding toward the 10 million miles everyone.
@ Brad yes its about 2 .5 inches in diameter.They sell it as a work light.It has a maget in the center of the back case to hold on to metal although it isnt very strong .To enhance the magnet I countersunk a washer in the back of the case I built from redwood.It works very well.Ill try to get a pick of cyclops here soon.
I have noticed that announcing on your left only works with fellow cyclist, anyone else seems to move quickly to your left. Happened to me again last evening on a fairly wide bike/pedestrian trail. There were 2 men in wetsuits with large inflatable ducky's around their waists, walking ahead of me. I was riding about 20 mph and as I got closer yelled out, on your left, the largest fellow, immediately spun to his left blocking me. I had just a few inches left to get by without going down the embankment into the river. The other man was busy yelling at his friend, calling him stupid.
Thank you Tami! From someone that hit a licking love in a Golden Retriever. The irresponsible owner let the dog sit beside the road in the community where I live. He was behind their car and came out to say hi when he heard me coming.. We were both surprised, I'll never forget that curdling yelping as my bike rotated around and trapping him. I was thrown and the bike went bouncing down the road with the retriever running in the opposite direction.
Since then (after a 6+ month recovery) I've had to lock my brakes several times because owners allowing their dogs to run free in the community and on local trails. Like some motorists, they have that same dumb look and say something like "what's the problem?", I keep saying to myself that I'm going to call the police next time but never have.
Another reason I try to stick to the roads and...
Ride like you belong!
Riding on quickly to 10 million--only a half million to go.
I had a nice walk with my large dog and son who was in the stroller. We saw over a dozen cyclist who use the six foot wide sidewalke by us as the street is a very narrow two with with aggressive impatient drivers ( nothing new right.). Well I make sure my dog is sitting and out of the way in case he gets an urge to lick or address the cyclist as he fears no one and knows no strangers - 100 lbs of licking love! I just want to make sure all involved is safe. Well I was in position as the cyclist wes coming toward me an dwhen he passed I allowed my dog to stand and begin walking next to me again not knowing there was another cyclist coming up behind us and quickly passing on the left. She had earbuds in and was oblivious to safety - I am human and not used to looking behind me to resume my walk on the side WALK and all three of us nearly got hurt - the cyclist my dog and me - baby was safe! It just made me realize all the more how vulnerable we are out there no matter what and even though I have scared people in the morning by anouncing "on your left!" and have actually been cursed out for it I will make sure I continue. I don't want some silly oversight to cause me or someone else injury. be safe guys let us all know you are behind us! Have a great ride!
Keep up the great work everyone. The 10 million mile target is now in our sights. It has been a fun journey, thanks for riding along with us.
Congratulations Chuck. Keep on riding.
Great Job Chuck an Congrats!
Congrats Chuck!
Ride like you belong!
Alright I just reached a new milestone toady. I have riden my first thousand miles today in the challenge which is also my first challenge. I am now planning to try for 1500 by the 31st. So keep riding my friends.
We have a lot of motivation now to have a strong finish in the challenge. Gas went up to $3.99 gallon here in Neenah. They said on the news last night that within a matter of hours, it was going to go up to about $4/gallon due to pipeline problems.
Bruce, by a puck light, do you mean one of those round, under cabinet lights, about 2.5" in diameter?
Bruce, love the idea.
cyclist killed by olympics shuttle bus
working in the garden most of the day picking tomatoes onions squash and bell peppers good stir fry tomorrow along with my homemade kefir yummmmm. got old cyclops out tonight for a few miles in the dark...my homemade front light works pretty well just bought 2 puck lights with 24 leds at the local store$1.99 each made a wood frame for them from some redwood i had in the shop and ACRA GLAS ed the straps to hold the contraption to my handle bars.Less than 10 bucks and it works gr8t.
Ernest and Chuck, wow guys that's great! (catching up on the thread)
and don't forget...
Ride like you belong!
E.M, Cora, Tami... you guys rule! enjoy cyclommuting. 70's huh, we'll be in the 90s for the next 2-3 months. I'm envious!
@ Michale L. you do not need to apologize for the fire you have for a sport that you love so much. With what you have said I will start adding a few extra miles to all my rides plus it will help improve my health. I just starting biking this year at age 50 and I love it. Wish I started many years back. Oh well it is better late than never as they say.
anybody ever try 510 brand shoes?
@Ernest - Congratulations on all of the biking and the huge weight loss!
@ Ernest @eghtown Gonzalez:
Congratulations on your riding commitment and weight loss, i also ride a GT I bought a couple years ago. I still ride solo for sport and commuting to work.
tami every ride starts w/ the first pedal
@Mike Ruane - marriage is how I ended up in TN!
I am so happy. I just started back to riding about a year ago and I normally commute to work. Initially it was hard to get my legs going after the first block when I stopped for traffic. I felt as if I could't really ride a bike. I have slowly built up and continued to add miles. For the first time today when I had to stop and get a drink and restart I had absolutely no problem going and in reality my legs felt more like what took ya' so long , come on and lets go! It was a great feeling - ( and then the wind stopped blowing!!! lol) But I was able to maintain that feeling throughout the rest of my ride and thouroughly anjoy it. I am so very glad to have joined this challenge as an individual rider to allow myself to be more aware of what I am and am not doing. There are truly some wonderful people in this challenge. Thank You Guys and keep riding like you did when you were a kid!
Just a thought : February I was sold this hand me down GT, I've gladly named, Blue Betsy. I've put an average of $30 of gas each month. Driven an avg of 40 miles. That's it! I've put more miles on my bike in a month than I have driven all together during this time. Oh, and I'm down 75lbs. And since I join many group rides, my social life has improved. Cyclommuting has changed my life. Thanks for reading.
Wisconsin is going to reach 2 million miles today. Go cheeseheads!
Funny - I ride southwest on the way to work, and northeast on the way home... Although I have actually experienced the wind shifting from north to south or vice versa while walking on my mid-day break (I don't call it a lunch break, because I don't eat then) - which is frustrating to no end, as I want the wind in my face on the way back to work to help cool me off.
@cora I wonder that, too. My experience is usually that the wind in my face when I'm going north on the way to work, and then again when I'm going south on my way home.
Hi all, out on a shortened ride this morning since I had to run someone to the airport. Temps. nice in the 70s. Spotted three other riders. Got honked at so I waved. When the honker passed me he yelled something (sounded more like barking): all I heard was OVER. Assume he was trying to tell me to move over. Not a chance, there is plenty of space on that road for everyone and even a middle lane. I wanted to shout back READ YOUR DRIVER'S MANUAL.
As far as wind goes, once in a while I get lucky, but its usually a 50-50 because if I get wind at my back going one direction I will get it in my face going the other way. But still I love the sound and the feel of it: especially if its hot or humid, the wind is great. The only time I don't like it is when the gusts are over 40-50 mph.
As far as the rain goes, its great on a hot day when its just a brief shower, perfect to cool you off. But its not so great if its a pounding rain that doesn't quit. So I wish a nice shower for all of you. RIDE ON EVERYONE, it's our last month to enjoy this challenge..
I would also like to know where to find those tailwinds of legend...
I swear around here that the wind shifts with the sun, so when I commute I am always riding away from the sun and into the wind. It was such a strong headwind yesterday on my way home, that all I could hear was the wind rushing past my ears.
@Jeff, this is a very good point.
I tend not to ride in the rain much. Not because I would get wet, it’s that people in thier cars have enough trouble driving properly on good days. :-p
Would have rode today, except for the sheets of dark rain that came down from 6 am to now.....gotta get some good rain gear huh? Raincoat just would not have been enough today. Cause, I woulda still rode....can anyone relate?
@Michael on Bicycle That six gap looks like a real good challenge maybe i will start training for it. Price is very reasonable too. Thanks for posting the link to get to also.
P.S. I guess I am never going to win a prize. It's a good thing I'm happy just riding my bike. :)
One more month, Michael! :) Ride on, friends. The weather has cooled in MD, finally. It's been great to get back on my bike a bit more.
Yea me too, somehow I thought today was the last day!? missed logging my cyclommute home yesterday. Not caring about the drawing, odds are better to get rainned on today, will my miles be counted in July or are they gone... "Miles that are not logged in time can still be logged later, but will not count in the leaderboards.", Guess that means... sucks to be me, so what happens to these miles? I upload data at work when I cyclommute, so sounds like I've lost about 150 miles from the last 3 months. :(
You go Dameon... better get ready for my cyclommute, have a good day all!
Ride like you belong!
dam missed log by 1min. Carol is in Savanna Ga. for a peds, cyclist, and commuter conference,the moon is full, it WAS the last of the month and the Truckee River pathway was calling. with flint and steel I lit my candles ,mounted the trusted steel steed and road off into the moonlit night. pass the cat house (stray felines ) from a distance it sounded a little like this fourm of late- sorry must be the full moon- and on towards the bright lights of Reno. on the way back it kicked in -no money no phone no ID. just flip-flops-t-shorts and a trusted steel Steed ride-on ride-on ride-on
@N8 Anderson - " try to catch that feeling when you're riding with the wind against your back and you're at the right speed and its quiet and your feel like you are "inside the wind. Makes [you] feel 12 years old again"
:) :) :) :) :) - nothing else need be said!
@Peter D Sarfas - Thank you and keep going. The riding has a positive impact in so many ways even if it feels like slow going (last 20 took a year but I wasn't trying to lose so didn't pay much attention).
I'm always trying to keep the wind at my back but I seem to have the uncanny ability to be kissing it most of the time......or at least it seems that way....
How does one end up in TN from Scotland (2 places I want to visit!!)
Im just happy for another day,my tires are still up my mind is somewhat clear,and Im riding on a nice padded seat!!
I'm confused N8, what is this "wind against your back" phenomenon you speak of? Much like sitting around a fire with the smoke in my face, I always find myself riding into a headwind or a crosswind. I think I'll take my mountain bike out tomorrow, maybe then I'll be able to find that infamous tailwind :D
Heather you are right. I my emotions are high. I am angry at a few for demotivating a group I'd hoped to inspire. I was wrong to generalize my anger and post it in public forum. Mike Ruane, thank you. Your story speaks to what I wanted. To enjoy the gusto of life. I thought if I successfully encouraged a higher goal it would give everybody something to be even prouder of. Today ended my push. I'm going to keep it light tomorrow, and go on with the goals I want to do for me. If this let's someone down, I'm sorry. I need more validation that I'm part of a team, and not just an individual.
Please, if you have a problem with this, me, or whatever, take it to my page instead of the public forum. I was wrong to post my problems with individuals here. Everything will still be open for all to see but not in everyones face.
Thank You,
Mike L.
Sounds like fun Gregg! but I'm a bit too far away... in Tampa Bay. I was hoping to do Six-Gap in Dahlonega, Ga... ( http://www.cyclenorthgeorgia.com/index.php ) However I'm afraid my back just won't be able to handle it. I'm VERY bummed... all because of an irresponsible dog owner.
For those in the SouthEast that are looking to challenge themselves (what here?), you really should check it out. It takes place in 59 days and has various routes from a 35 valley ride to a century (100 miles) with over 11,000 feet of climbing (a breeze for @Jerry)! It's also a great ride to bring your non-riding family, the whole area gears-up (pun intended) to offer great art shows, antique stores and more... I've done it twice and hope to make it a 3rd time (next year?).
Ride like you belong!
Love is the Answer..... one of my favorites song by Englad Dan & John Ford Coley. But hey, I'm a part-time DJ so I can pull obscure song references out of anything.
Just completed my first 300+ mile month (all on a mountain bike). My bike tech keeps trying to get me on a rode bike but I enjoy trails too much. I still enjoy this site and this challenge and can't wait for the weather to cool down out here in Arizona so that my wife will start riding with me again. Overnight lows hoovering around 100 make for pretty hot afternoons.
As I stated in one of my previous posts... try to catch that feeling when you're riding with the wind against your back and you're at the right speed and its quiet and your feel like you are "inside the wind". Makes me feel 12 years old again, some 29 years ago.
Happy and Safe riding everyone!
Hey everyone. Enjoy your rides, enjoy your life. Ride when you want. This is not a competition. The winner get nothing. This is cycling awareness and it looks like it is totally worth it. Riding a Gazillion miles is not what impresses me. Making a choice to ride the bike in lieu of jumping in the car is what is impressive. I ride only what will give me a balance in a busy life. I don't need anyone telling me to increase my mileage by 18% in August. I have other things to do also. Be safe out there everyone, and enjoy the ride.
Heather - thanks. Love is the answer.
@mike ruane - I applaud you for what you have achieved with the NBC. I too am diabetic and took up bike riding again after an 11 year absence since I moved to TN from Scotland. Dropped 30 pounds with another 25 to go! From the start of another Irish proverb, may the wind be always at your back!
I am amazed at the emotion here today. Please take a step back from your pc's and this chat board. I know we all love our sport but the intensity...is it necessary? SO much negative energy. Have some heart for your fellow man or woman, even if you don't understand or agree with them. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ― Mother Teresa
Are there any riders here from other states coming for Race the Lake in Fond du Lac, WI on August 19, the 90 mile bike race around Lake Winnebago? I'm not doing it to win any prize money, but there is $11,000 of prize money being given away. High Cliff State Park is the half way point on the course and $300 is being given away for the first rider to reach the top of the hill there. The only requiremenst for entering this race is that you must be able to average at least 12.4 mph and get to High Cliff by 10 am or they will not let you finish the race and you will need to complete the whole course no later than 7 hours and 40 minutes when the course will close.
Wisconsin did a million miles last year in the state challenge. 15,000 more miles this year and we will reach 2 million.
and I do watch the leaderboards......I can't help myself and I do get annoyed when I slip......but then I get on the road and its only a few miles in that I remember the exploration of new roads and routes is what it is all about
Mcnall- you went too far. My family time is not your concern. I don't have a wife, and my daughter no longer has a mother. That is not your affair to deal wiith. I'm sorry that none of you wanted an encouragement to go further. I would have hoped people who are doing their best would be self validated. Don't you see, that despite having only 60% of the participation, we have managed to maintain twice the expected pace? Everyone is to be congradulated. Instead your focusing on CAN'T, and reviving dead topics about your dismay at my performance. Ask the other Kansas riders if they see me out even in this heat. You want me to ride only for me than fine. I'll be glad to save the money on food, I'll enjoy the addional rest, and I won't bother trying to be an inspiration. The rest of my miles are for me, and those who want to come along.
Yes, I'm writting this in anger. I expect I'll have some appologies for certain individuals later. Most people who are my friends should automatically note that they are exceptions. Right now, I just need to be left alone.
P.S. I'm at 177.4 miles right now. I'm going to eat my first supper, then go meet my friend for some more miles. BECAUSE I WANT TO.
We are gonna make it happen! 10 million miles baby!
Well....I've been quiet and reading. I confess that I was initially drawn to Michael's call to ride more. I then did the math and realized that while I am fortunate enough to have the health and the time, this was something that I did not want to do. I'm 58 and recently retired from a hectic/stressful career that I absolutely loved and pursued with all the gusto and drive that Michael is currently demonstrating in the NBC. I applaud that, and could easily be sucked in to trying to do more. I also know, that my pursuit of my career when I was younger came with a price. I won't belabor that point, but let's just say my wake-up call in late 2009. In addition to learning I have an under active thyroid (no energy and SLOW metabolism and not really influenced by lifestyle), I learned I was pre-diabetic. Since then, I have changed my lifestyle and the role of cycling ( a lot of stationary bike riding when I was working and on the road - ugh !) as been critical in that change. In short, adopted riding because where I grew up it was the only mode of transportation...and I remembered liked it. I also like the challenge of trying to go faster then I did the last time. So since the end of 2009, I've dropped 47 pounds (and got to wedding weight - gasp!!) and recently got my first normal A1c score (blood sugar) in over 2 years. I did not set out to do this as a goal...it happened by riding and eating smarter. But fundamentally....the riding is FUN if it wasn't I don't know where I would be. I have to watch myself because I could easily try to do even more......but with a 4 month old first granddaughter, I have finally, at 58 learned to actually practice balance. I truly admire Michael and I applaud all those others that remind me to stop and smell the roses.....they don't bloom very long.
All the nest to everyone and to bastardize an Irish proverb......may you ride as much as you want......and not want to ride more......
mazel tov
My profile is public - so if you happen to be visiting southern NJ, take a look, drop a note.....rides available in Mt Laurel area or Sea Isle City (love the beach!!)
Hi all, I was out again this morning with cool temps in the 70s. It was a little misty. Saw about a dozen other riders. The last one was on a bike that was too small and wasn't wearing a helmet so I hope he wasn't going far. Also noticed a new bike in front of the bakery. This one is red and white.
I am enjoying everyone's comments and Gregg's photos. I sure hope Leonard is right and we can continue to stay in touch through this page even after the challenge is over. I'd sure miss everyone otherwise.
@ Gene, I guess things haven't changed much since we lived in Ohio. There were always a lot more dogs on the Kentucky side of the river. We also noticed a lot more dogs in Wyoming when we rode into that state from Nebraska once. I carry pepper spray, but I have heard of squirting dogs with water (somehow I an skeptical about this idea, and besides you need the water to drink). Earlier in this forum somebody recommended some kind of loud firework that you just throw on the ground to scare the dogs away. That made me wonder if some kind of toy pop gun would do the trick. I hope you get some good ideas.
Keep posting everyone, and ride whenever you get the chance!!
Has anyone every ridden the ACA route through Kentucky? What advice can you give me about the dogs? I passed a cyclist today going West who said she was bitten outside of Elkhorn. Has anyone else had problems with the animals (canine I mean)? How did you handle it? Any advice you can give me, please e-mail me at [email protected] in the next few days as I'm heading that way soon and I want to be ready!
Thank You Leanord. I do hope "normal" endomondo continues and to stay in touch. You are great an dmust have an amazing wife!
Gregg you are awaesome! Such great shots and good living. Thank You for sharing, it is appreciated!
Great pictures Gregg!!!
If you want to see a some cool shots taken at the Redgranite quarry, check out the link here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/sets/72157630644165762/
The guys out there love seeing the pics I take out there and it gives me some practice in sports photography. When I camp in Wautoma, I ride my bike over there a lot. It's 10 miles from Wautoma. They do some very dangerous stunts over there and they closed it once because every summer guys get killed there. These young guys just think they are immortal and do some pretty dangerous risky stuff diving off the rocky cliffs.
This is Big Smokey Falls: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/sets/72157630812639180/ Looks like a lot of fun. But you have to rent rafts from the Indians because the Wolf River on the reservation is not public DNR land. It is governed by the Menomonie Indians. If you are caught rafting or fishing on the river on the reservation, without special license from the Indians, there are stiff fines.
The raft just fits inside my van over the seats folded down and hangs out just a little, so I tie the hatch down. It's best to go rafting with someone, one in the front and one in the back, so each can help paddle through the rapids and steer around the rocks. But last Friday and Saturday I went rafting myself and this is when a bike is nice. I locked my bike at Wild Wolf Inn on Hwy 55 just outside the Menomonie Indian Reservation, which is where I get off the river and then I can bike back to my van up on M about 3 miles and there is a gravel road to a DNR landing on the river. This is Wild Wolf Inn's short rafting trip which was about 2 hours. The water level had risen a lot because it rained a lot that week up there, so very nice rapids. There is some quiet water, but then there are many small class 1 & 2 rapids. If you want bigger rapids and even a waterfall, you have to go to Shot Gun Eddy in the reservation and you will go over Big Smokey Falls. I can't raft there with my own raft because that is in the reservation and the Indians have their own laws for fishing and use of the river there and unless you are licensed to be there, you can't just fish and raft there. Then on Saturday, I did another section of the river, getting off at the Hyw. 64 bridge in Langlade and putting in about 2 miles upstream at Irigation Hole, which is another DNR landing. I love the scenic beauty of the Wolf River up north: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7686091442_628ec0ab2c_c.jpg
This also was a 2 hour trip by river.
The lake was so calm last Friday night that I could have just floated all night on the lake and my raft was more comfortable than a water bed: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7685900360_2f0aea4de5_b.jpg
This is my own raft, which is really nice. When deflated, it fits in a small tote and it's easy to blow up with my canister vacuum that I can hook the hose and reverse the air. The raft has 5 chambers, so you can't sink it, even if you get a leak in one. The only place I ever got a leak is in the floor from going over rocks white water rafting, but they were just pin hole leaks and patch nicely. It's a nice raft for white water rafting on the Wolf River up north. And it works great for fishing on small lakes up north.
It has all the manual settings, but it also has automatic settings as well when you don't want to play around with the manual settings and just shoot. But you can do some neat stuff when you learn how to use the manual settings.
I have a Canon REBEL EOS T1i I have 2 lenses--the basic 18-15 mm with image stabalizer which eliminates camera shake when you zoom in and i also have a zoom lense 75-300 mm, which also has image stabalizer.
@ Gregg - What kind of camera do you use for your photos? Most seem really excellent, and I am looking to purchase a camera and I'm not sure which kind to get yet.
@ Phil Wandrey I agree with you about the music. I never listen to music when I am riding outdoors. In the RPM spin classes, the music is great. But the outdoors is music to my ears. I saw an amazing sunset on Pickerel Lake in Forest County last weekend. The lake was like glass and the orange glow over the lake was spectacular. Here's the link to the pic: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7685575676_4a2ee0685c_b.jpg
I'm hoping to go back up there this fall when the leaves are changing color and do some biking and white water rafting on the Wolf River. There are a lot of back roads with views of many lakes, streams, and Wolf River that is so beautiful in the fall.
The best way to really view fall colors is to bike and raft or kayak on the Wolf River. Bring a lunch and eat it on a big boulder on the river.
I asked professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness. And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men. They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them. And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Des Plaines River. And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion.
@ Phil-- I could not have said it any better as thats a great post. I always carry a small pocket camera with me on ride. I get photos of sky or deer or turkeys or squirrels or what ever presents its self to me. Have even got turtles crosing the road also. @ Cora-- Ride with the with the wind as its a lot easier. Have fun also. I used to have a road bike but never again as i don't like to lean over so i got a hybred bike and love it. I am not a fast rider but i get there sooner or later.
Phil great comment,! Your right, God gives us many beautiful things in this world, we should take the time to enjoy his work! I live on the east coast of Florida and get to see the sun come up Quite often. It looks like it's rising out of the Ocean.
@Betsy I ride alot of miles and agree with your statement 100 percent. I ride for my own satisfaction. I actually look to see how many other riders are out there. I ride a lot down beach side so i see many riders traveling by bike to get there. They make more of a statement then me. I just fly through and then back again. I hope it keeps me young and healthy and of the pain meds as long as the endorphines continue to pump out of my body.
@Rob about link to Michael. There is no mention of family in that interview. I was under impression from previous blogs that he also had a wife and child.
Alone in MY head is a very crowed path
Q. to www. was- distance across America E. to W. is
A. from www.- same as it is from W. to E.
Q. to self-how far has it ben to get to where I am
A. to self - perhaps as far as I have Ben
babbling and bubbling w/ the best of creeks- Dameon
Always remember to enjoy the great outdoors while riding! God provided an absolutely spectacular sunrise this morning in Omaha, 1/3 of the northeast sky covered in bright pink clouds. Took a little detour and found a great new spot...at the trail's end...a babbling, bubbling creek...oh my. This must be part of why we ride.
Lastly, put away those cell phones and ear buds...the real music and scenery is there to fully absorb.
@Dan - read this for more info on Michael - http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/06/meet-the-1-rider-in-the-national-bike-challenge
Michael Lemuel - what kind of job/life affords you the opportunity to log 163 miles (13+ hours) every day? Not to be skeptical....
@ Heather and Tami - The two of you are at the TOP of my list of those who exemplify the goals and purpose of the National Bike Challenge. The dedication and enthusiasm you have both shown to cycling is an inspiration for all of us. Thank you both for participating in this challenge.
Tami, Even though the NBC ends in another month I am hoping they keep this site open so we can continue to communicate with each other and encourage everyone to continue their cycling activities. To me this isn't a four month challenge, it is a changing your lifestyle challenge. I hope people will continue to ride year-round (as weather permits), if for no other reason than the health benefit of cycling!!!
Personally, I am exceptionally proud of getting out almost every day, for at least a half-mile, and getting into shape to be able to ride the 11 miles to my full-time job on my mountain bike, while still being a full-time mom and a part-time student.
Thankfully, I've been able to take my son with me when I ride, making many of my rides valuable family time. My husband doesn't bike, but I even got him to ride along on the moped a couple times.
Some days, after work and school, I lack both the time and energy to ride - but that's ok because I still exceeded my personal goal. I had planned to bike to work for the first time on August 7, but made that first ride 2 weeks early, and today rode to work for the second time, as until my summer class ends, Tuesdays are the only day I don't have to take the car.
Weather permitting, I plan to ride in to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays during August, and each time I do, I will feel like I have done something incredible. I may still be new to cycling, but I have learned so much from everyone here, and I have done something that others thought I could never do.
And someday I'll get a road bike, so I can ride like the wind!
It is time for this little old lady to add her 2 cents. Individuals riding 100s of miles a day don't really influence the broader bike culture or biking climate, their accomplishments chiefly provide personal satisfaction.
On the other hand 100s of individuals riding a few miles a day are bound to have an impact on awareness, acceptance and accessibility.
Here follow my bona fides:
I am on the verge of my 2nd platinum-all on the basis of riding daily: to the library, to work, to the market, to church, to my knitting group, to the post office, to the cafe to meet my friends. From the vantage point of my 7th decade I proclaim ' It"s easy and it"s fun.'
Dittos, it not the total mileage that impresses me but the effort of dedication and exuberance! Heather and others that are new to this lifestyle continue to impress the hell out of me! (while keeping balance in their lives)
Saddle Sores! (when I have more time I'll post some suggestions and a great site for more information)
Ride like you belong!
@Heather your on the leader board that puts you on top of your health. So yes you are on top of something. Your doing a great job keep it up.
@ Dameon, my comment was in response to Michael Lemuels from yesterday which was moderately over the top in its request. I am often times not very eloquent especially while flustered. I believe that this is a great personal challenge backed by a good grouping of the community. I am grateful that I can participate on all levels and will be sad to see it end. @ Heather, you are awesome I wish a fraction of my patients had a touch of your motivation and zeal for function and lufe!
I'm nowhere near the top of anything but I'm happy being #175 in MD.
@Michael We are not trying to be nay sayers as you put it. It was how you worded your blog yesterday. The extra effort you asked for by the people on the "top leader board". I for one left my real opinion out so I didn't get thrown out of the challenge as well as loose my right to use this app. One thing I think I can say is that if any of the 27,000 plus are on the leader board they are on the top. Not all of as I noticed on a few of your rides have over 16 hours to dedicate to riding. It is not healthy from a medical standpoint either. Your body is going to start eating its own self to survive so be careful.
Okay, I hear everyone who's saying they already put in everything they can
That's Great! I still believe with determination, desire, and dedication we can reach a higher milestone. So, if you're doing your best I ask you to keep up the pace for our final leg. If you know you can contribute more, then I'm asking you to contribute what you can in a united effort to reach a difficult but obtainable goal. Please don't be a nay sayer and let those who can be motivated be so.
Have Fun, Ride Safe
Mike L.
Hi all, out this morning for the usual ride. For the second time in recent memory we had decent temperatures in the 70s. Only a half dozen riders spotted today.
As someone solidly in the middle of this challenge, I can say that I ride because I love to ride. Yesterday I skipped riding because family & friends planned a canoeing trip that we have done for several years now. Turned out it was the perfect day to skip because it rained most of the morning and stopped just about the time we were scheduled to hit the water. I understand what Tami is saying. As far as my riding goes, I have done the juggling act: I made it to some big, fun rides: but I also skipped here and there to do other stuff with family & friends or just to get caught up on work or at home. This is true, not only for this challenge but for many years. When my kids were little, we did a lot less riding. When they got big enough to join us, we got them out as much as we could. For this challenge I have been riding as many days as possible but not always as far as I would like to ride.
The goal is to be out there and show the world that America can ride too, that we don't just care about our cars. This is about quality not quantity. This is about paving the way for more bicyclists and safer riding for all. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the stories I read here: most recently by Dameon. All we can ask is that everyone do their personal best. If you have a few minutes, please share your stories. Tell us about your contribution: making it possible for others to ride, making it safer for them to do so. And giving us ideas about how we can help too. Do it your way with a team, with family, with friends, or solo. Please record your miles, so we can get a better picture of how bicycling is progressing around the country. RIDE ON EVERYONE!!
@Dameon I dont see it as bragging. I myself do many charity rides and step up and help as many as I can in my group rides. Education and training being passed down by other riders is good. Part of this challenge.
I'm glad I added my part to this challenge. It pushed me to not just ride to places, work, but to ride every day like I used to.
Nice to see all the comments.This year I am really enjoying riding.I have been riding at a faster pace and a better cadence through watching some videos by a Olympic trainer.when I feel like Im slacking I rememb er to go back to the basicsI have lost 17 pounds since this challenge Feeling very good.Im not nearly as fit as I was when I was 18 but Im at least 1/2 of what I was.My knees dont hurt anymore ..Glucosomine helps.Keep biking friends!
p.s. our 5th bike is a leaf in disquise
@ Dameon, I here you my friend. All of my rides are recycled and as a matter of fact, I'm riding cross country on one of those recycled rides - a Diamondback I pulled out of the trash and slowly upgraded over the years. Its gotten me 2175 miles so far and I have a little more than 1500 to go. My NBC friends can follow the journey at www.connorsarmy.blogspot.com! Keep on biking my friends!
Hi Tami - if this sounds like bragging or a campain it's not - i ride almost eveyday the way most americans drive" everywhere" my 2 rides are handmade and 100 percent recycled -i volunteer w/ the kiwanis bike program where we repair,sell donated or unloved bikes and we help young men and women learn to maintain,repair and ride in a clean and safe environment-we hold safety programs, give out hundreds of free helmets, award scholarshipsand much more-my love of27 years is administrator for our alternative transportanion program at the r.t.c.here - we ride 2-4 times aweek together w/ greetings for everyone and sometimes I have dinner in the park ready for her ride home - thats how our team rolls and we know there are thousands like us with no real need to count theirs or others miles - just the grace. thanks nbc for bring us all together
Endomondo is a great way to keep track of our miles riding. We do not track our swimming miles each week or running miles. Too bad this did not exist for my 23 years of commuting (6,000+ miles each year. 4 years in a row I logged over 15,000 miles each year.) No kudos for those years, however I am now 66 yrs old and can still open a can of whoopass for a sprint at the end of a 50 mile training ride. It does not really matter where you are on the leaderboard-just ride smart, ride safe and be proud of your efforts. Do what you love and love what you do and you are unbeatable.
Biking has become a major source of transportation for me. Of the 3,948 miles I have biked this year so far, 2,368 miles were for transportation. Biking has saved a lot of money and reduced air pollution and that extra money allows me to do a lot more in life that I would never be able to do otherwise. The most important benefit, though, is still my health. I have so much more energy to live life to the fullest
Looking for motivation? Check out this pic: https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/155_10151083143548188_229779903_n.jpg
respect to leonard
Tami, I agree - I love to ride but it isn't the only thing in my life. I've been married to a wonderfully supportive woman for over 47 years. She is 100% behind my cycling as long as I am having fun and enjoying myself. I've long since learned how far I can go and still enjoy riding. I think the participants in this challenge have all done a fantastic job developing a new lifestyle. It's not about a person's place on the leaderboard, it's about an individual challenge for each person. Someone just starting out can not expect to reach the level of someone that has been riding seriously for years. This in no way makes their accomplishments any less meaningful - if anything their accomplishments are even more significant than the seasoned rider. We need as many people as possible to develop a love of cycling - 5 miles a day 2 or 3 times a week is more important than 500 miles a week. I hope everyone that has participated in the challenge keeps on riding - the challenge doesn't end in August, that is just the beginning, the time when each person needs to become committed to continue their personal trek to a new and healthier lifestyle.
Well said Tami - I hope everyone involved is having fun and enjoying the ride. I am sure am, thanks everyone for making the NBC a healthy and fun part of my life the past 3 months.
I by no means am on the leader board. I am however very proud of the mile I have accumulated and it has been very empowering to achieve the different levels on my own. I did not join a team an dam not joining a team. I do not need anyone to pick up my slack and am appalled that it should even be suggested at any level. If my husband were going to attempt to step up to the plate I would be unsupportive for once as he nearly fell in to this obsessive stuff. I married a man not a bike ot a port. My child has a human father not a bike. I am very proud of John for his hard riding as he remains family oriented as well. It is a delicate balance to not be obsessive with the sport. There is a line that some people are crossing of they are even being honest in their milage that is obsesiveness and does not leave any room in life for living. I love to ride but I also love to live. I took a day off to play with my child cause he won't be little for long and I am proud of that. This is not a socialistic competition we do not need to cater to one another and should push ourselves and offer support without being annoying and overbearing. Lets remember we got into this because we enjoy the ride - most of us will ot win anything more than an irreplaceable sense of self accomplishment and that's more than I can ask for.
Increasing 30-40% is not really realistic for the leaders. I'm currently over 800 miles in July, so that would be an extra 240-320 miles in August, that is a lot of time. I tried for a July platinum, but I'm going to fall short, though I'm easily on track for a triple by the end of August. I want to do better in August than I did in July, but I don't know if I'll be able to achieve that. Those 7000+ who have never logged a mile need to step up and either start logging or start riding, whichever the case may be.
@Dale Congrats on platinum and new record
GREAT COMMENTS ALL WEEKEND - Reno-Sparks-Tahoe had the pleasure of hosting the the Tour De Nez this weekend and on sat.in my 70th someting mile I got the thrill of being passed by one of the contestants on his handtrike (trumped my ego) , later sat in the shade of a cottonwood shared h20,fruit and stories- most inspiration I have had in many many miles - wish all 29225 could have sat in! Best to all- Remember THE BEST BIKE IS THE ONE YOU WILL RIDE
WooHoo. I just hit Platinum! I've only been riding for a couple of months. I also broke my record this morning for the fastest ride to work at 16mph. 14.7 miles in 55 min.
Great morning for a ride, temp was just right, no wind, and a sky filled with stars. Just a little fog to give it a surreal feeling. It's morning rides like this that make dragging my butt out of bed at 3 am all worthwhile. Ride safe.
I agree that life's responsibilities take over sometimes. That, and the weather. 9 million? Let's celebrate!! Happy riding, friends
Everyone should be encouraged to continue cyclomuting (very cool word). I have been for almost 3 years now and could not imagnine any other way to go. I love it so! Education for motorists and cyclists alike is so key and each one of us has an oppurtunity to encourage other people to at least try it once, educate people on the rules of riding and educate those who travel in their cars. Sure there are the cyclists and motorists out there who do not do the right things or can be nasty and mean, but, again education and patience is the best way to get the messages out. We can lead by example and be the change we would like to see in the world. Happy Monday All! I know mine is going to be much better since I road this morning! @JB Gregory-I can so relate.
@Michael on Bicycle I agree I dont have any spare time left from my own personal daily responsibilities which I enjoy and appreciate to do any extra miles.
My guess is most NBC challengers have full schedules already. Just look at the number that have never logged miles. Honestly my hope, besides that many will keep riding through the year, is that they will be more careful when driving! It would be great if many gained new insights just by keeping up with these posts, even those that rarely ride. Cyclists have little to protect themselves from motorists that think they can still get to work on time if they leave a couple of minutes later. I'm sure challengers in many communities can post about cyclists killed during the NBC.
I HOPE when they see a bicycle on the road, they will display an understanding that the cyclist may be required to "swerve" because of something not visible to them (like glass). If these postings have influenced even a couple of carmmuters to change lanes when passing and not pass a cyclist to make that right turn just up the road, then that would be fantastic!
By reading this "blog", many new cyclists have learned how important it is to use their lights, how to adjust them for maximum affect, where to ride on the road for safety, how to keep hydrated, tips to cyclommute efficiently, and much more!
My appeal would be towards roadies, that have no problem riding the roads over the weekends but refuse to consider cyclommuting. Instead of giving reasons why it won't work, take the challenge and figure out a way to cyclommute even once a week! In my opinion this is the fastest way to move forward, when they cyclommutge other motorists will see the uptick in cyclommuters and some will try it themselves increasing the momentum...
Ride like you belong,
-michael
90 days 9 Million miles! We can reach 12 Mil just by keeping up our efforts. But why limit ourselves? With a small push we can reach 13 Mil. I know I said I'd go for 12 plantinums, but with us pushing 12 up to 13 so will I. That means my goal is going from 15,540 to 17,040 miles (plus 20 miles for any day I miss riding). What I'm asking from everybody is a 18% increase in riding. For those in leading positions please increase 30-40% to cover other people who can't increase for whatever reason. I know it's a lot to ask, but I BELIEVE in the American people to overcome when presented a challenge. We have 33 days left to go 3,909,897 miles distributed between 29,201 riders that's only 134 miles/person and 4.06 miles/day/person. I'm commiting to 163.82 miles/day (5406 more miles). Please join me, finish strong and make August AWESOME.
my first night ride....it was fun and much cooler I saw NO other bikers out there.
Wow, 9 million miles already with a couple days to go in July! New tires I bought for my commuting bike seem extremely slow and heavy. Going to send them back. Possibly go to 26 X 1.75 instead of 1.95's. Great weekend for riding. Low 80's and sunny. Beautiful day today on the Little Traverse Wheel Way. I've never seen so many cyclist on the trail. NBC has been great. Keep cycling everyone!
actuly looking forward to my commute tomorrow
Gregg, my prediction is that fall will come in November-December, pretty much like last year. Was there even a winter last year? If there was I must not have gone out on that day. HAR!
@ Brad I heard the Cicadas the first time this year 4th of July weekend. This is normally an August event. The bees which normally come out around your food and soda cans at picnics in August here have been bad in July this year. We had an injury on the preload at work last week. One of the package car loaders was stung by a bee and had an alergic reaction and had to go to the doctor. Since March are climate has shifted a month early and this may continue through winter and nfuture springs and summers. So farmers may have to make a month adjustment now in planting and harvesting.
I think we are going to have fall a month early in Wisconsin this year because everything this year has arrived a month early here, even the dog days of summer came a whole month early in July rather than August . The wild blackberries up north which normally don't ripen and aren't ready for picking until Labor Day are already ripening now. I slept with the windows open last night and the nights are getting cooler already with the warm summer like September days like our climate always is the first couple weeks of school. when the kids and teachers sweat it out with no air conditioning. Climatewise it really feels like school should be starting next week. There is already some maple leaves beginning to turn color up north. Peak color in northern Wisconsin is normally early October and southern Wisconsin late October, but I think we will see peak color in northern Wisconsin this year in early September and southern Wisconsin late September and early October. Last Friday night it got really cold during the night (46 degrees) under clear skys in the northwoods and fog settled in just like it always does there in early September. In our climate it feels so much like next weekend should be Labor Day weekend. This is really crazy that since March we have still not returned to our normal climate and running a whole month ahead. First major snowstorm on Halloween rather than Thanksgiving weekend? Definitely looks like a real possibility at this point.
Woo hoo! Hit platinum with 2 days to spare. Should grab another 60 or so points with my commute to work Monday & Tuesday. This bike challenge has been great! Hate to see it end next month. Hope there's another one soon.
Cicadas are the sound of summer, of that year when you were young.
Sorry John Jay... that was me, figured it was the only way I could catch you in the rankings! :-)
Is any one having a problem with new version of app not doing correct mileage. I seem to loose about 15 miles on my longer rides. That is a big difference from my cat eye and previous mapped rides from old version. Maybe I am doing something wrong.
Oops, haven't heard of the ITS? check this link out...
http://www.cutr.usf.edu/programs/its/index.shtml
(feel free to search for cycle to learn how bicycles are taken into account)
Goto go!
It is crazy, isn't it. Definitely makes it more understandable of how so many Florida motorists can say "I see cyclists jumping lights all the time!". If this hasn't happened to your city yet... it will, unless we (alternative road users) can stop it (or more preferable to me, modify the ITS model quickly, to consider cyclists)
For us Florida riders, there is some good news though...
The new 2012 Florida Driver's Handbook is out and it contains MUCH MORE bicycle supportive language. This means future drivers will learn the rules if for no other reason than there might be a question about bicycles on the test!
Since state specific, I didn't want to post here but if interested check out my posting including excerpts and link to full text... (link is long, might have to be copied and pasted in browser.)
http://westfloridacycling.com/index.php;Itemid=122&func=view&catid=66&id=5453
Also easy to navigate to, in Forums, click tab "recent discussions"
I want to thank the Committee for a Bikeable Community (CBC) the advocacy committee of the Capital City Cyclists, who worked hard with the State to have this language included!
I noticed the CBC has a team here in the NBC! (sorry if you guys were trying to stay incognito, this is great stuff) The Capital City Cyclists Club ( http://CCCyclists.org ) are located in Tallahassee and are very active (I believe club also has team in NBC).
There are some that would like to start a chapter of the CBC here in Tampa!
Time to ride...
Ride like you belong!
@Michael on Bicycle That was so fast the cars barely made it through. Extremely dangerous and unsafe. If accident would of happened I would blame the city. Your later post about pedestrians walking across the street would be very unsafe in this situation also. We need to find a way to start changing things before number of riders is to low to do anything.
Thanks for reminding me, I meant to see how much I caught on video...
Ride like you belong!
wow that was a fast light. i add an extra mile on my commute to work so i dont have to bother with intersections with stoplights. theres actually only one busy intersection on my whole 12 mile commute to work but i still avoid it.
@michael money changed my mind lo. i could get a bike now but id be completely broke after so im going to save up and be able to buy a nicer bike with some left over for extra bike stuff.
@ Brad my friend told me about a weed called purslane.Its all over in my garden.I guess over in Europe they love the stuff .I got online and looked up about it ..turns out it is high in minerals and Omega 3.I got some awesome recipes and have been eating these weeds for awhile now.The rest of the garden is really stressed because of the drought but there is a silver lining....WEEDS.LOL
No, pedestrians are required to push the button and wait for the next cycle for the pedestrian signal to be turned "green" for them. Last week I saw a young couple with a toddler and baby approach a similar wide intersection where the vehicle light (same direction) turned green just before they arrived. Since it had already turned, they had to wait about 3 minutes in the sun at about 4pm for the next cycle. Both of the kids became more "unhappy" as the time went by. That was just one signal, I can't believe the hoops pedestrians have to go through here in order to cross the street.
This also throws the responsiblity on the pedestrians so motorists can blame the pedestrian if they are hit. Florida isn't #1 in pedestrian and cyclist deaths for nothing!
it was raining this AM and all day long.I just got down the street a bit and got drenched but got a bit of a ride in.Rain is soooooowelcome.
Michael, can't beleive how fast that light was. On that light, if a pedestrian crossed using the crosswalk button, it would probably be too fast for them too!
I posted another short video clip showing how cyclists are law breakers... or so motorists must think when they see us blowing through signals like this! What do you think the driver of that silver car was thinking? http://vimeo.com/46548126
I'd like to hear feedback "does anyone think this not dangerous?". Imagine a car doing 55 knowing that the light sequence is short so they're expecting it to change any second and one of us is killed. The driver of the silver car (to my right) says he saw the whole thing... to bad for us since they swear in court that the signal was red when we crossing. FHP has solved another case of cyclists not obeying the law!
Let me say that the local BPAC has been very receptive to these videos and some intersections have received longer yellow signals. The problem is that the method of setting the timing does not consider cyclists and that is horrendous.
I could use help with the description of the clip, please post suggestions! The target audience isn't easily swayed.
Ride like you belong! (but be alert and ride defensively)
Travis, what changed your mind?
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
― A.A. Milne
Now I know Queen Anne's Lace and Chicory. I've been seeing milkweed and Monarchs lately too.
Any input appreciated, I am cosidering getting an old kestrel sci500 frame and basically building it up like a road bike. I love the old look of them but I am a little nervous about treating a tt bike like a road bike wth the possibility of weird positioning. has anyone out there tried this?
Team Russia-USA here ;)
looks like no new bike for me this year. im gonna save up and get one in the spring when the new 2013 fuji models come out.
Expended on my hybrid, I meant!
@jeanie that's good to know! The shop owner said the energy I expend for 25 miles on my road bike could probably get me 35 on a road bike. Exciting! I had a nice 10 miles in the country today with my other half. We did a couple of miles of trails. MTB kicks my butt big time. It was peak day heat too-around 95, got a later start than we wanted. I'm enjoying the opening day of the Olympics now.
Jerryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy did not see you at the bridge ride/walk today must be because the talk was maybe 5 thou/ me i,ll say 10 to 12 it looked like the rib cook-off on a sat night ended up doing 108 in 7hrs 36min w/3 stops went past bowers manison,1/2 washoe lake and back to other side of carson city towards johnson ln. and back 2ed 100 down with one more in oct everyone ride safe
HI all, Commuter/recruiter today. Took most of my regular ride with cool temps, below 70 for a change when I started and lots of other riders on Clayton Road. I think the count was somewhere around 12-15. Then I turned on to Geyer at the same time as another rider and we had a nice long conversation all the way into Kirkwood. Gave her tips on joining NBC, so I hope she will be posting soon!
All that yacking made it impossible for me to keep track of more riders but there were a lot of them. Breakfast outdoors and then on to my class. When I came home just after noon the temps were in the mid-90s, so I'm glad that I only had a few miles left.
I generally find myself somewhere in the "passanger seat" section of the road when I'm riding by myself. If its a hazardous spot, I tend to stand up and ride just to make myself more visible. I have flashy lights at the front & back of my bike. RIDE SAFE EVERYONE and watch cycling in the olympics if you have a chance!!
For those that watched the Olympic Road Race today... did you notice the green sections of pavement with the bike symbol at London's intersections? They're there for cyclist's safey, known as bike boxes, here's some more information...
http://www.fcgov.com/bicycling/pdf/bike_box.pdf
Ride like you belong!
Endomondo Team - Any way to add comments to the Community page? I would be great for local riders to communicate with each other! This would allow us to organize for advocacy as well as local rides...
Until then, Tampa Bay riders can use the forum on http://WestFloridaCycling.com, you'll also find listings of local groups and rides as well as local advocacy efforts.
Ride like you belong!
On riding location, I notice drivers are exponentially enraged at cyclists based on distance from the right edge of the street. However, drivers give more room to cyclists the further they are from the white line. So where does this put me? I usually ride 30% the lane from the white line or between center and "passenger seat" when riding alone. When riding 2 abreast I ride "driver seat" and may file up to allow safe passing (I always try to go behind "passenger"). In the case of less experienced cyclists I ride "driver" to protect them. With peers it just so their not talking to my deaf ear.
On recruiting, let's also try to get participants who have not riden any miles finally on their bikes and recording miles. I'd hate to see us reaching our 50K then having to note XK-XXK riders didn't log any miles for the duration of the challenge. A kid riding up and down his block umpteen thousand times may not know how many miles he's put in but we can at least count that he's riden that day. Invite your parents or grandparents for a relaxed ride in the park, maybe even have a picnic. A bicycle built for two is akward without someone to share it with, so start riding it until someone joins you.
@Tim- You'll reach platinum just by riding every day. Just have fun, Everyday! Now that's a prescription.
for me it seems the bigger the vehicle the less room they give me.
Interesting tip Michael, I had been noticing the same thing during my commutes. Where I ride the lanes are narrow so if I hugged the white line the cars would "hug" me but if I just moved over and followed the right groove of the lane the cars would actually slow down until they could pass and they would cross the centerline to pass, it doesn't add that much time to their commute but it sure does make my commute more enjoyable.
Jerry, Thanks so muchfor sharining. Glad you are doing wel l and keep peddlin'
@williams Great story about sidewalk before i go for my ride hopefully i remember for my next encounter. LMAO
@Heather - I upgraded from a nice hybrid to a Giant Avail Composite 1 road bike earlier this month and what a difference! I love it. Going faster, longer and easier now. You won't regret the upgrade.
@Michael - Oops! You meant racers! I was thinking of commuters. (Note to self: Enhance reading skills.)
@Michael - That's cuz there's no ref to red card the drivers. If only...
Seriously, the best thing you can do to protect yourself when riding on the road is to ride further away from the road's edge (line). Being close gives the perception that you can be passed safely w/o a motorist moving over. The presumes you are wearing bright clothes and using lights.
When a vehicle has to move over to pass, it also signals the vehicles behind them that might not have seen you. I use my handlebar ends as indicators... I'm safer with them close to or just "touching" the white line, about 2 feet from the line.
That's part of,
Ride like you belong!
You go Heather!
=/ All these senseless cyling deaths. I wish something could change, and fast. On a more positive note, I went to a new cycle shop today and looked at Specialized and Cannondale's entry level WSD road bikes. Oh my, how nice are those? I can't wait to change from hybrid to road!
Watching Olympic Soccer... so funny, every time a player gets even lightly touched, they fall to the ground clutching themselves. LOL Meanwhile Bicycle Racers crash and continue with gashes and broken bones!
@Jerry, that is such an inspirational story! And just when I needed a little inspiration to ride harder and farther. thanks for sharing. I really enjoy reading everyone's comments and posts here. I'll miss you all after the NBC is done, but I guess we have next year to look forward to.
William, you should of told him that his car is too big for the sidewalk.......
Had some jerk in a car pass me this morning, slow down, and start flipping me off and pointing at the side walk, then take off. The funny part was when I caught him at the the stop sign at the bottom of the next hill. He was really surprised when I knocked on his window and aske why he was so upset with the sidewalk. He just started flipping me off again and turned off my route, but I got to laugh about it for the rest of my ride into work.
Nice cool 66 deg morning in Appleton, WI. I threaded the needle through storms both to the north and south. Some of my friends were not so lucky... But they said they enjoyed it. Have a great weekend everyone!
The NBC miles goal is achievable, but we're falling short on the riders goal. One more month to go -- recruit your friends, family, coworkers... It's about advocacy, folks. Let's give the LAB the data they're after, and then some. We're doing great so far!
823 points, can I hit 1500 target before they call time? fingers crossed
1969 miles and 3348 points here.I didnt start on here until18 may and havent missed a day.I usually ride more but its been sooo hot.The Ragbrai ppl sure were hot!!!
Truly an inspiring story Jerry, Thanks for sharing it. I can think of number of people I've encountered at the hospital where I work who could benefit from your example.
Two flats & two chains with 1672 miles and just over 3100 points for this year, this challenge. I also got new gears and a new derailleur on the front, but these were the result of many years of wear & tear. I suspect the new chains were mainly needed as the result of worn gears on the front.
Jerry, what a story. Now I am impatient to get out and ride some more.
NEVER STOP ROLLIN"""
Jerry-wow, what an inspiration! You fire me up to ride more. Greg, congrats on 4000 points/2300 miles. 9 million miles is closer every day. Keep riding everyone. Now that I'm off work, I'm going for a ride!
This is an article I wrote two weeks ago for the Amercian Diabetes Tour de Cure website about how the Tour de Cure changed my life.
How the Tour De Cure Helped Me to Ride and Changed My Life.
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes two years ago at the age of fifty-five. I was an Air Traffic Controller which requires me to have a Class-II medical certificate. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I lost my medical certificate. It usually takes about a year to get a medical certificate back after being diagnosed with diabetes. I started a program of diet, exercise, and medication. Three weeks later I had my follow up test. The next day the flight surgeon called me and offered me my medical certificate back. He was impressed with the changes I had made in three weeks, which was a real boost to my confidence.
I have ridden a bicycle for several years, but my riding was an easy seven mile ride, one to three times a week. I rode about 100 miles a year. I enjoyed riding a bicycle but did not do a lot of riding.
I had several friends who rode their bicycles on long rides. I needed to exercise more and did not really enjoy working out indoors. I enjoyed riding a bicycle, so I decided to buy a nice road bike. I did some research and narrowed my choices down to four bicycles. I test rode each bike about 10-15 miles, and I bought a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Three Ultegra bicycle. I had the bicycle custom fit and bought a Garmin GPS with a heart rate monitor. With the loving support of my wife, Karen, I started my new routine of bicycle riding to get in shape.
I started riding my new bicycle at the end of July 2011. My first week I rode 102 miles, more than all of last year. My second week was 65 miles. Third week 128 miles. I was riding 15-30 miles when I was out riding. I was riding three to five days a week. In my fourth week of riding, I read an article in our local newspaper about the Tour de Cure bicycle ride that was scheduled for Saturday, four days away.
I decided to sign up for the Tour. Since I had many questions, I emailed the event organizers with my questions. The support I received was fantastic. They answered my questions and gave me a free registration, so all I had to do was raise my support.
I signed up for the 100K ride (62 miles). Since my longest ride to date had been thirty miles, I went out and did a 40-mile ride. My wife Karen and I went out and drove the route I would be riding. It had a steep hill up to Carter Lake, another steep hill further into the ride, and rolling hills for the ride back to Longmont. I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. I had doubts I would be able to ride up the two steep hills.
On the day of the Tour de Cure, I watched the 100-mile group leave and was getting more nervous. When it was time for my ride I lined up with several hundred people near the front of the line. All my riding had been solo riding, and here I was in the middle of this large group of riders. Did I mention I was nervous? Try very nervous. The tension continued to build up while I waited to depart.
After what felt like hours, we started the ride. Once I made it past the first turn without any problems, I was fine and started to enjoy the ride. Right away, I was passed by about 20,000 riders. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that many, but it was still a lot. About two miles into the ride, I had a three riders right behind me. About a mile later, they pulled up beside me and introduced themselves as Alan and Mark (brothers) and Scott, Alan’s son. I rode with them the rest of the ride. It made for an enjoyable ride to have someone to talk with and get encouragement from. I was impressed with the police support at the intersections and the support at the Aid stations.
And then THE HILL at Carter Lake. I had been dreading this part of the ride. Alan told me they would wait for me at the top. I started up the climb. Pain, agony, and exhaustion assaulted my legs as they let me know their displeasure with this climb. At the first switchback, I had to stop and recover. I was one third of the way up the hill. I started out again and passed someone. How did that happen? I made it to the next switchback and didn’t have to stop. I felt like I had a boost of energy. I made it up the rest of the hill going faster than I did at the easier portion at the bottom.
I met back up with Alan, Mark, and Scott at the Aid station up by the lake. After a brief break, I got back on the bicycle to continue, having a great ride and enjoying myself.
And then THE SECOND HILL I started up this hill and, about half way up, I needed to stop because my legs were voicing their displeasure again. I unclicked my left foot, stopped, and leaned right. My right foot was still clicked in, and down I went. I wasn’t hurt, just embarrassed. Several riders stopped to make sure I was okay. One of them rode the rest of the way up the hill with me to make sure I was ready to continue. I joined back up with Alan and his family and continued the ride. The rolling hills and the way back to Longmont were hard but not as hard. When we arrived back at the fairgrounds, I was surprised to find out I was not tired or sore. It was a great day, even with the hills.
By participating in the Tour de Cure, I found out I could ride longer distances. After the Tour, I continued to ride. I rode 511 miles for August and 475 mile for September. I started to ride up in the mountains with rides to Jamestown and then finally made it up to Peak-to-Peak Highway, which was not even remotely possible back in August. I only rode 375 miles in October and 233 miles in November because the weather started to impact my riding. I didn’t ride in December. Then in January and February I was riding about 100 miles per month. Then as the weather improved, I was back up to 366, 496, 1,058, and 790 miles from March through June respectively with more riding in the mountains. I rode a couple of centuries on my own; plus I rode the Denver Century and, six days later, the Boulder Sunrise Century. Some of the rides I like to do are rides up to Estes Park, Ward, Brainard Lake, Jamestown, and Peak to Peak Highway.
As I keep riding I keep pushing myself to improve and accomplish things that I would have never believed I could do a year ago. Since I bought my bike I have ridden 5,089 miles in less than a year with an elevation gain of 196,127 feet (that’s 37 miles above sea level and where meteors burn up in the atmosphere) and fourteen days, 14 hours, and 4 minutes on my bicycle.
None of this would have happened if I had not been diagnosed with diabetes and ridden in my first Tour de Cure. While I wish I did not have diabetes, it has been a blessing in disguise. I am in better shape than I have been for years and have made some great friends. I have some goals to accomplish that I never would have made if I did not have diabetes. My goals for 2013 is to participate in Ride the Rockies, Pikes Peak Climb, ride up Mount Evans, ride Trail Ridge Road, ride further than my first year, and complete more century rides.
So for those of you who have just been diagnosed with diabetes, don’t be discouraged. Your life is just starting. It is up to you to make the most out of your life.
ive gone through 5 tubes, 2 chains, one cassette, and 12 spokes on my mtn bike since this challenge started. im to rough on that bike lol
I put newVittoria tires on my bike about a week before the challenge started and probably will need to put new tires on again before Race the Lake on August 19. I have a new set to put on and will probably put them on a week before the race so that they are broke in and will make sure I'm not having any issues with the new tires.
I've reached 4,000 points in the challenge and over 2,300 miles.
Hi all, out this morning in upper 70 to lower 80 degree temps and occasional breeze. WHERE IS EVERYONE??? I didn't see any riders on Clayton Road, did I miss a memo?? I did see six riders later. Unfortunately three of them were a mom and her two kids. They were not wearing helmets and what was worse, they were riding on the left side of the road. I was too far away to catch up to them and tell them that they need to be on the right side. So, not only do we need to educate drivers, we need to educate cyclists as well. I just hope they got where they were going in one piece. Massive education campaign is desparately needed...
@ Tami, welcome to the platinum club !!
Extra brownie points to anyone educating drivers and cyclists about the rights and wrongs of cycling. RIDE SAFE EVERYONE !!
@Cynthia I am not familiar with that one. I do that citrus and pga tour down here in Florida. Great support from many the whole way.
@Tami - Awesome. Just awesome.
@Bruce - Dude, you're gonna get a ticket. Speed demon! :)
@Dongsung Shin - I been sayin' that for years!
@ John Jay - Good to know that the cortisone shot works. Thanks for the info, glad your foot is better.
@Tami you go girl, so very awesome!
Thank you sweetie. I feel like anyone else though, guess don't give thoughts to diagnosis and it may slow me down more than i think. I would love to do a century with you, can we do a quarter first!!! Lol
Had a beautiful long commute this morning. Post dawn, no traffic, somewhat quiet. Took the long way in as a start to training for an MS 150 coming up in Sept. Is anyone out there familiar with Bike MS Break Away to the Beach Ride? It sounds like they need more peole to ride. This will be my 3rd year. It's a 150 with a 200 mile option across North Carolina. Starting on the western part of the state and ending in Sunset Beach. 2 day event. If anyone is interested go to www.breakawaytothebeach.org
Have a wonderful day!
@Tami Congrats on making platinum. Big accomplishment for someone with MS. Keep going, we can do a century together.
Funny! It will be interesting to see if someone chimes-in that WANTS to go back to aluminum alloy after having a carbon machine! I still remember how my wrists "tingled" on longer rides (and rough roads) when I used alloy.
Travis, there is a downside to carbon... it is much more fragile than alloy. Simple mistakes can cause scratches and chips. A crash which shows no visible damage can render a carbon machine unsafe (due to unseen internal damage).
Ride like you belong!
와~ 가입되었따!!! ^^
@ Mike on bike- Stop it your making me drool. I miss Carbon fiber even though my old one was an 90s Trek 2300 pro. Heavier than aluminum bikes today but so much better than the 1500 (aluminum) that I'm riding now. Sure I had 105s, but they were down tube shifters. Love to finally have integrated shifters. Two more drawings left (crossing fingers).
Just got tagged by that rain. Forecast calls for AM showers. I hope not. Granted, this year has been great cycling weather for me because I <3 heat. Connecticut will be a strange thing for me.
i made it 29100....... suck it
RAIN RAIN RAIN thank you God for prayers answered.Im sure the RAGBRAI campers here in town dont mind getting a little wet .I saw a bank sign saying the temperature was 105 degrees.
@ Burklee you are rockin.The other day I DID trigger the radar sign thingy they set in place.I was doing 26 in a 25 zone.I MUST slow down a bit.
well i may have had the frame wrong. its fujis roubaix sl with ultegra and a A6-SL alloy frame vs a jamis zenith comp with 105 and their carbon frame.
Steve is right on, as much as I liked my alum frame bike, it doesn't compare to the vibration absorbing properties of carbon frames. I'm on my second carbon frame and they're getting better all the time. I'm not aware of any company still putting R&D into Alum. frames so you'd be buying older technology. Does anyone make an asymmetrical aluminum frame? The 105 will definitely get you by until you decide to upgrade! I have the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1 which is being discounted heavily with SRAM Force components, which in my opinion is much nicer than Ultegra componets (I've had both)
Enjoy the research, you'll love the results!
T-storms and heavy rain all day today. No cycling today. Nearly finished with installing rear fender on my old mountain bike. Used zip ties for tab behind bottom bracket because front derailler body wouldn't allow the fender mounting tab to reach the brace between the chainstays. Once done, I can rid to work on wet days and not get wet from moisture on the road. More than half way to 9 million miles, keep riding everyone!
@Travis - If you can't go all the way to Carbon/Full Ultegra. Get the Carbon bike now and provision for some upgrades later -- then go for the Dura Ace! My aluminum frame was loyal to me, but oh what a difference full carbon makes on longer rides.
@Burklee glad your back and went for check up on mortons neuroma shrunk to grain of rice and going to wait one more month to see if I need another injection. Still have the LOOK KEO pedals also. I slid the cleats back as far as they could go and that has seemed to take the pressure off the metatarsals that were causing my pain. Center of cleats run through just behind widest spot of foot.
@Burklee - Glad you're feeling better and back to form "motoring" up that hill. I like the occasional mobile radar station that the police set up in our town that shows your speed. I don't use a bike computer, so it's my only chance to see how fast I'm going. Needless to say, I've never made it FLASH the numbers to indicate that I'm exceeding the posted speed limit.
should i get a bike with a carbon frame with 105 components or an aluminum frame with full ultegra components.
Check out this news story about NBC rider Lois Bowman - Happy Birthday Lois if you out there reading this! http://augustafreepress.com/2012/07/24/long-time-eastern-mennonite-university-librarian-takes-to-the-bike/
Yeah! Finally starting to lose some weight and I feel great - cycling is the happening thing to do :-)
Wahooo 50 miles today in 2:47:28 great start for the day!
Out this morning with temps quickly rising from the 70s into the 80s. By the end of my ride it was about 86. Only about a half dozen other riders out there. I started at 6:15am, maybe others were out there earlier to beat the heat. Its supposed to hit 106 today with a heat index of something like 111. I would happily trade with Sharry for a couple of days.
@ Dameon, flooding the internet, facebook messages etc. is a great way to start. Anybody got experience making videos? Maybe start with U-tube and work our way up. The campaign would have to be creative and catchy but serious.
@ N8, luckeee, thats what riding is all about
@ Burklee, welcome back, ride on and on and on....
RIDE SAFE EVERYONE!
@Melinda: Good new rule. Just have fun!
@Sharry: 50°? I am sooo jealous. Gonna be 101° here today.
@Heather: Congrats on making 25 miles! Feels great, doesn't it?
@Nyla: You go, woman! You're gonna whip that Triangle, I can feel it!
To all you Personal-Besters, 1,000-milers, Platinum-Levelers, and Multi-Platinum acheivers: YOU ALL ROCK!!! W00T!!
I can happily report that I did not have West Nile Virus, just some flu-like thing that made me feel awful and kept me off my bike for a week. But now that any encephalitis fears are gone, I was back on my bike today. Man, that felt good! Got up to 14 mph going up the hill to work. I remember 3 years ago, before I started cyclocommuting regularly, I couldn't get to work (a 1.1 mile trip) without stopping at least twice to rest. Now, I could show up on a police radar gun!!! LOL. I lost a lot of points being off the bike so long. But, I've got padded shorts now, so I think this weekend me and my bike will go eat up some miles. Yeah!!
I've been commuting to work (15 miles) for about a month, at least a few days every week. I'm working on doing it every day. I've decided that even when I get the rack I will continue to use the backpack, since it is also a camelback. I've found I drink water far more often with that convenience than with having a water bottle (generally drinking 1.5 liters/hour). And the water stays cool, too! Clothes, food, and toiletries are all in the backpack.
@Cora - Before I started commuting I noticed around here that most people with short commutes were using backpacks and shoulder bags, the ones with long commutes were mostly using trunk bags. I have about an 8 mile commute to work so I chose a trunk bag with panniers. I think it is alot easier on the back and shoulders and cooler during these hot days.
You know that feeling you get when the wind is at your back and you hit that just right speed and you can't feel it pushing you or the wind resistance in front of you or blowing past your ears...and you feel like your riding "inside the wind". Yeah, I got that today. Made me feel like I was 12 years old on my mongoose bmx again.
This bike challange and forum is awesome. I would be more than willing to join a campain to try educate the public about sharing the road with cyclists. I am fortunate enough that close to 60% of my usual bike route is trail not road.
Safe riding to all the cyclist out there.
flooding the internet w/ 29,000 any way we can might not be a bad way to go
( internet geeks unite and show us the way)
So sorry to hear of the loss of another cyclist. Maybe we need to start a Cyclists Against Bad Driving campaign and blitz the airways. The major cycling organizations that recently joined together should be leading a campaign to educate drivers. Cyclists belong, ride safely everyone!
Very sad and so close to home also. Makes my wife nervous as it seems drivers are getting more careless. A society of no responsibility is growing worse daily. FHP and even local police try to find excuses all the time and get away with it. I say to save on tax payers money all enforcement agencies should have to ride on unmarked bikes with helmet cams and ticket the idiots in cars to full extent. Only problem is some attorny will find a way to say it violates their rights. I grew up being taught it was a privledge to drive. Wish I knew what happened to that rule.
Damn, another cyclist, Colin Bateman, killed in Florida. What is it going to take to correct this, local government shows no will to educate motorists. And unfortunately if all goes as normal, FHP will find some excuse to not charge the aggressive motorist, Yvonne Price. Sickening, MOTORISTS NEED TO SLOW DOWN AND DRIVE SAFELY!
Ride like you belong!
It's so sad to hear about cyclists getting killed, but when you think about how many cyclists are on the roads in the summer, the number of accidents is quite minimal.
For hydration , I drink about a bottle of water every hour on the bike. My commute to work is only about a half hour, so I usually don't have to drink anything on the bike . I just wait until I get to work and then fill up a 32 oz cooler jug with ice water from work and that will last me for about 2 hours until break and then I will refill again. We get just a 10 minute break because our shift is less than 4 hours. Our starting time varies every week according to volume, but in the primary we start at 5:05 am. We have to have everything out of the trailers no later than 8:30 am because it takes 10 minutes for a package to travel through the center on a conveyor belt to the package cars on the white belt. The early starter drivers need to leave by 8:45 am and the later starters by 8:55. So our work shift is typically less than 4 hours, but in November and December our volume doubles and we have to start a lot earlier. During peak December we unload and sort close to 40,000 packages per day,which the drivers have to deliver late in the evening before they are done.
Sad again a cyclist was killed while riiding his bike in Brevard county Florida He was hit from behind as a car just passed another car and returned to the right lane. 44-year-old Colin Batement of Cocoa Florida died on the scene of the accident. No charges have been made yet of the driver
Cora, I'm not convinced it's a saddle issue. While moving the saddle forward could help with the reach you could inadvertently end up with knee pain. If you move the saddle, mark the old position with some tape so you can change back if not happy.
If your position on the bike is sitting upright (non-road bike), It could be the weight of the backpack, I found mine more comfortable lengthening the straps so it sits lower on my back (on road bike).
I'm still leaning towards the stress of making the first cyclommute at this location with so many unknowns. On the way home you should be more relaxed, so if it feels better the saddle is probably OK. Moving the handlebars shouldn't affect your knees, but I'd still mark it with tape upon any change so you can quickly return to the old position if it doesn't help.
Hi all, out this morning. When I woke up the weather reporter said it was 86 degrees, I was happy to find out it was more like 76 when I started. Saw about 14 other riders. Traffic has been polite, letting me get into the lane to make left turns in a couple of spots. Also the traffic lights were cooperating today, which always makes the ride better.
@ Cora I was thinking that that the back/shoulders might be a positioning thing too. I had the same problem and adjusted seat height and angle (moving seat further forward), changed hand positions once in a while, and just stretching my arms & back helps. If it is possible to move the handlebars closer or further away, that might make a difference too. BTW, congrats on making the commute.
@ Suzanne, three centuries in a row, wow what a great way to contribute to Make a Wish
@ Melinda, not competing is a great idea. Just relax and have fun riding. RIDE HAPPY EVERYONE!
Here's my latest blog post by a writer from Post Cereals. Whole grains can help you to ride far! http://bit.ly/Ofa42A
I didn't even consider being this close to Platinum!! Wow....this is getting exciting!! Keep up the great rides everyone - your posts inspire me to pedal on closer to my personal goal!!
@ Michael - It is 11 miles to work on the route I took this morning - If I need to bring my son to day care, it will be 11.5. This is my first commute to this job. I had commuted to a prior job, about 4 years ago, but that was only 7 miles, and pre-baby.
I knew I needed to make the trip in under an hour due to day care, so I did not attempt it before I thought I could do it. My husband is home with our son today, so I was able to leave early and give myself plenty of time.
I'm thinking the shoulders may be related to my seat / bar postioning, and the backpack. My bag wasn't very heavy today, but it was the first I've rode with a bag in years. After some stretching this morning it has gotten better.
Sorry Michael, I'm new to posting videos. If anyone has problems viewing them, please leave a comment on my profile page. Include the type of computer (Win, Mac) and which browser you're using. I presumed Vimeo converted the format as needed but I guess it's up to the poster. If anyone has experience with this, please advise on the best file format to use!
Does anyone know how the new hydration calculations are made for those using the Endomondo app? Does it use your weight, height, distance, speed, and weather conditions? Yesturday on my normal 24 mile commute home it said I should have drank 167 fl oz of water! There is no way I would carry or could go through that amount. On hot days like yesturday, 98 degrees, I would go through 1.5 large water bottles of water mixed with HEED. On any days in the 80's usually only one large bottle of water with HEED.
Yea Cora! How far is it to work? Have you already been commuting but wanted to go faster or been waiting to start until ready?
When I have sore shoulders it normal means I was tense, that's normal considering we're not just going for a ride but needing to arrive at work on time and ready to work... I can now recognize the tenseness while riding and attain a more relaxed position (ie adjust my hand position). Other times it's just realizing you're stressed and forcing your self to relax. I can always tell when hitting bumps whether I'm too tense.
If your just starting to cyclommute, it will be more stressful as you learn the timing of lights, when to leave, what to prepare the night before, etc. It also becomes less stressful as vehicles start to recognize you and leave more room. On my morning commute 90% of the cars give me at least 6 feet of clearance, when I started many years ago, I was lucky to get 2 feet!
you'll find it gets easier as you discover little tricks to keep you on schedule. For example, I keep all my toiletry items in my backpack ready to go as well as a spare tube, energy bars, etc. Once you get everything organized and on a predictable schedule it gets way less stressful!
Ride like you belong!
Allez Cora!
When I started the NBC in May, I did so with the personal goal of riding often enough and far enough to build up to the point where I could ride to work by August, in under an hour. I am very happy to say that today I have achieved that goal, 2 weeks ahead of schedule! And other than a little soreness in my shoulders (?), I feel fantastic! Thanks to one and all that have supported me on my journey!
New rule for me: Stop trying to compete with my husband and start just enjoying myself while riding my bike. :D Much happier ride.
I am riding 300 miles this Friday, Saturday & Sunday for Make-A-Wish/Wish-A-Mile in Michigan - the best fundraiser ever! This is my 7th year to participate and the 25th Anniversary for WAM (wish-a-mile). We raise funds for children with life-threatening medical conditions. 900 riders are riding with me!!!
@Nyla, you should be commended. You built up to that 80 just as steady as can be. :)
@ Michael on bicycle We have red lights over here in Brevard County Florida that are the same. We also have local enforcement that won't even enforce safety unless there has been an actual accident. I agree with it seems they are all about keeping their precious vehicles moving. I don't understand why motorists get so mad at the inconveinence of a cyclist every once in awhile. They are more disrupted by other motorists then us. I think as society gets heavier and lazier it is going to get worse. I can't believe how many I see on riding lawn mowers that have less then a third of an acre even.
Training startet again in July after my broken toe stooped me in June. Yeaaaah.
Bike Mike- I can't see the vid because of format.
Pedaled 80 miles today; Upcoming “Copper Triangle” is 78 miles. Of course in relation to mountain climbing today’s ride was comparatively horizontal with the added advantage of adequate oxygen. Looking at the Copper Triangle course in light of my lack of high altitude experience, I’ve realized that the odds of actually finishing are greatly against me. I have been working on improving my cadence and increasing my endurance on inclines. Unfortunately I’m obliged to report that I still dislike climbing steep hills-(with a comprehensive, classic “Green Eggs and Ham” level of dislike.) I’ve also reluctantly concluded that my default desperate measure for managing such ascents, (egregiously off -key a capella choruses of “I am Woman”) is unlikely to suffice. Accordingly, I’ve scaled back my ambition somewhat. Current intentions involve traveling as far on cherished recently tuned elderly bicycle as possible- without dying; without wishing I were dead; and without requiring supplemental oxygen and/or paramedic intervention. (-;
mmmmm 50°
The rest of the country may be cooking, but I'm getting tired of rain and 50 degree weather here in Valdez, Alaska. Makes it hard to be motivated to ride.
HI all, catching up on all the posts since Sat. We took a trip to Memphis Sun. and came back today. Lots of cool stuff: record companies, civil rights museum, guitar factory etc.
Congrats to Susan, Phillip, & Cora for all the miles.
@ John & Martin: I figured it was a dog, but just picture a boxer in boxers and a boxer (dog) chasing a cyclist (as long as the dog wasn't actually loose). That could be pretty funny. BTW, anybody remember what kind of dog was in the American Flyers movie??
@ Burklee, get well soon, we need you to help out keeping Lincoln at the top of the challenge
@Rob & Bruce it would be awesome to have all the RAGBRAI riders logging in.....
Iowa here and Ragbrai is coming on the 25th here.Some RAGBRAI bikers are already signed up on here and have been training.Im not sure we will see an influx because they will just be posting normal miles of riding ,be it RAGBRAI miles or other.expecting 20k to 25 k bikers.I cant ride any stretch this year though.
@Rob glad to hear you're up and about!
Like Brad, I also record my rides, though with less production value. ;-)
Here is my first post ( https://vimeo.com/46147548 ) highlighting the new dangerous signal patterns in the Tampa Bay area. I have many more examples showing that it's not a fluke. Watch out for this in your area, we have enough to worry about without local governments causing more conflicts between cyclists and motorists.
Ride like you belong!
@John - Just thinking about the visual makes me chafe.
@burklee that is just awful. I'm so sorry. I hope the tests come back soon and they get you feeling better. @rob I wouldn't be surprised if many of the rag people are logging.
RAGBRAI justed started yesterday in Iowa. I heard they might have several thousand (or more) people posting to NBC and that this could have a significant impact with the rankings. Can anyone from Iowa confirm or deny this rumor please. Thanks
@martin Glad to see some humor on the site at times. It would of been a good visual. from there being chased in a pair of boxers those would of been extremely funny.
@ray Yeah i figured it out a little later. My wife laughs as I can be a little slow on the humor end of things.
I hope its not WNV. But if it is, I hope that you caught it early.
I've been sick and haven't ridden since last Tuesday. Waiting on tests to find out if I have West Nile Virus. It made me miss the Cornhusker State Games. And I had bought a pair of padded shorts for the ride and everything. I am so frustrated. And tired. Ugh.
Way to go Cora!!! Have a great ride to work. You are doing wonderful, keep up the fantastic rides.
@ Martin - Actually, since my goal all along was to be able to ride to work by August, I will be logging a lot more miles coming up, so I think that is entirely possible! I am planning on making my very first ride to work (11.5 miles each way) tomorrow.
@Cora - Congratulations on the great accomplishment! I'll bet you can do Platinum and a half. (2,250 points)
@John - Sorry about that. About half of my comments are serious, and the others aren't. I usually like to make it subtle, too, so I decided against writing about boxer shorts running after you, which would have been rediculous and a very different visual.
@Brad - That was my favorite TV show growing up.
If anyone is interested: I occasionally take pictures to document things I've seen and places I've been. A sort of photo travelogue of my bike adventures. Here they are: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/;type=3
Master Po: Close your eyes. What do you hear?
Young Caine: I hear the water, I hear the birds.
Po: Do you hear your own heartbeat?
Caine: No.
Po: Do you hear the grasshopper which is at your feet?
Caine: Old man, how is it that you hear these things?
Po: Young man, how is it that you do not?
When you go out: listen... smell... see... Experience the moment.
@John - I think you missed the humor in Martin's boxer comment ;)
Only 49 more weeks until the Tour de France.
How about that TDF finish yesterday?? How awesome was this year's tour!? I loved it. Can't wait for the Olympics next weekend!
@Gregg-- I wish i could make it up to that Oshkosh air show some day as my brother has been there many years ago. I have seen a reenactment of the Pearl Horbor attack Over at Mount Comfort air show east of Indy. It will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck for sure.
Surprisingly easy getting back on the bike after the Scenic Shore 150 this weekend. I could do another 75 today! ;)
@martin sorry i meant the dog boxe. If I had real one chasing me I would have to find new direction to go.
@Cora..Proud of you. :) Congrats!
Rode through scenic Lamoille Canyon, one of the most beautiful routes in Northern Nevada.
Nice job Cora, congrats!
Tomorrow at Air Venture in Oshkosh the Steve Miller Band will be performing in concert at 7 pm after the air show and next Saturday the special highlight of the air show will be a reenactment of Pearl Harbor, which is suppose to be really spectacular.. Next Sunday, all students 6-18 will be admitted to the air show free with any paying adult, so a great day to take your kids to the air show.
Platinum is a nice achievement.
Whoo-Hoo! Thanks to the extra lap around the lake I made Platinum today! Yeah!!!
@Doug - The videos at the top of this page are helpful, and would have helped me if I would have looked at them when I first started. Once you get used to where things are, you will find it to be very easy. Points = miles ridden since May 1st + 20 * days ridden. So you really accumulate points quickly by riding as many days of the week as possible, no matter how short. (The ride, not the individual.) And when you find how to get to your profile, you can find total miles, miles per wek/day/month/year.
With over 700,000 people who have arrived here this weekend for AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, filling every motel, campground, and college dormatory from Milwaukee to Green Bay , a bike is the best and most efficient and fastest way to commute to the EAA grounds this week for the air show. Witmann Field in Oshkosh this week is the world's busiest airport with more take offs and landings than even O'hare Field in Chicago. The congestion in the air and on the roads is horrendous with all the road construction in Oshkosh. But the daily air shows this week are well worth a visit, if you can find lodging Many residens in the area go on vacation this week and rent out their homes. It's probably the only lodging available now in the area.
@John Jay - Boxers have to stay in great shape to get ready for the the next time they are in the ring. This includes going for a daily run. But I didn't know there were any who could run that fast for that far. (Probably a flyweight)
@Tami McNall, you have the advantage of "live feed" because you're always connected to the internet (data connection via your cellphone). My phone service does not support data. It doesn't even use the same phone. My android phone (HTC G2) is leftover from when I could actually work and go to school. I can only access the internet on it via WiFi.
Great job Susan keep up the great biking. Phillip that's a great way to challenge yourself.
Whoo Hoo!! Have biked 2,011 miles in exactly 3 months!! Race the Lake is 4 weeks from today! Can't wait!
I did it! Just finished my 544 mile TDF challenge. What a reward it is to finally achieve what I have been aiming for. Maybe I'll do 1/2 of the TDF next year.
I use a Powerocks portable battery with connecting wire that weights about 4oz and doubles cell phone usage. (www.Powerocks.com) I got mine when I got my cell phone . @ Camelbak users, the insulated feed tube helps alot but you have to use it regularly in hot weather. I keep the bladder in the frig and add cold water and ice when I use it. I also put Soft Ice Packs that I slide down in front and back of the bladder.
This is a refreshing way to end a hot ride: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/7621483730/
It's the weekend. It's hot. Don't cook in your juices. Find somehwere wet and jump in: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/7615014108/ I captured this amazing shot at the quarry in Redgranite, WI.
@Michael Lemuel, I am confused. When my battery dise on me while riding it doesn't lose any information as it is giving a live feed. It just stops at that moment in time and the extra info will come from the bike computer. Have you tried to see that this is this case? It truly is a live feed until the phone stops.
@Dameon Had a boxer in Tenessee chase me daily down the road from my house. He could hit about19.5 across his whole acre.
It's a w00t day for me as I cross 10,000 miles early in the morning. I tried getting GPS up for my last 70+ miles but phone was at 3% by my 34th mile and I had to stop tracking via GPS so that I wouldn't loose that data. Our shop got a tandem recumbent in and I hope they let me take it for a tour. Er, or should I say let me give tours with it. a;) Thanks to down tube converters, I have bar end shifting again. I am still hoping to get STI's, but this is a great improvement for now. Everyone is doing awesome as we have 58% of our goal riders having completed 81% of our goal mileage 67% of the way through our challenge. Well on our way to complete 12,000,000 miles by Aug. 31st. As a goal for next year; If we can get another 21,051 riders and keep our current pace; We can reach 21 Million miles. The key will be ADVERTISMENT!!! The rider's are there already doing their miles, we just need them to participate. It will be easier to get them to participate if they know this is happening BEFORE it starts. Kimberly-Clark, and Trek could be our best advertisers with reach in most bicycle shops (Trek), and department stores (K.C.). Bicycle clubs, and non-profits, are the next two greatest outreaches, by getting envolved with the community. Let's stay strong with the final 3rd. Ride Safe!
I enjoyed reading everyone's posts today.
@Chuck, a second platinum sounds like a good goal. Thanks for the incentive, and I'll see if I can keep up with you.
@Ian, it's great to hear from another tandem rider. Today's 28 miles were on our tandem, a nice couple hours or so rolling up and down hills. It was a perfect day for a ride.
@ Bruce, You ARE NOT DEAD YET, and you beat me, I am only on my second platinum.
To Phillip, Jacque,.Chuck & Travis, you guys are doing great.. KEEP ROLLING
working on 3rd platinum..not too bad for a gimpy old man left on the road for dead
@Dameon - They can run faster than 27 km/hr for 100 meters. (I did it in metric, since they are from Germany.) In fact, they are so fast, they were the official mascot of the 1972 Summer Olympics. They were originally bred to hunt Dachs, and we all know how fast Dachs are.
did any of you know 15.9mph is not enough to out run a Dachshund for 1 block
i have 237 miles to go to reach my goal of 1000 miles. hopefully i can get a new bike soon so i can crank out those miles in no time.
@ Phillip and Jacque great job keep up the great biking
I myself just went Platinum today so my new goal is to do a double platinum by the end of thechallenge. I've only been biking since April of this year so I am very proud of myself.
Keep riding my friends
Tomorrow I will be reaching my goal of riding 1/4 of the miles of the TDF in the same 23 day period that the pros ride. I'm so excited to reach this goal.
Good Jacque, 500 miles is a good goal. What's your challenge goal?
Way to go Heather, 25 miles is a great milestone.
I have 106 miles to go to reach my personal challenge of 500 miles with this campaign. It's so encouraging to read all the stories of novice riders to road warriors! Thanks for all the inspiration. GET UP & RIDE!!
Great job Heather keep it up.
Way to go Heather! you've been working hard toward this, steadily increasing your miles. Nice Job!
WOO HOO HEATHER WAY TO GO!!
Different ride today because I had a class. COMMUTER, OH YEAH!! Out to breakfast, then class, then home again, home again jiggety jig! It sure makes a difference to have a break in the middle of your ride, because your legs forget that you were riding earlier and that last hill doesn't seem so bad after all.
Ride on ya'll !!!
I just did my first 25 miles. :) Happy riding, friends!
In addition to commuting to work, I am riding the Vegas Grand Fondo on Sept 22nd in memory of a friend who passed away after a 7 yr battle with cancer. I've signed on with Team in Training to raise $3000 to help cancer patients and their families.
If you would like to honor someone who battled cancer or continues to struggle against cancer, for a small donation, I will create a dog tag with their name and your personalized message and attach it to my bike during the 122-mile ride. At the conclusion of the ride, I will mail it to you along with a small token of appreciation. For more information, check out my website @ http://pages.teamintraining.org/ne/vbvegas12/casecasa
You can also check out www.TeaminTraining.org for more information.
Normally would not post to a group like this, but time is running out to raise funds for this event.
Thank you
Dave
Brought my bike in to have the crank rebuilt. The bike repairperson told me it would be inexpensive to fix. It was. I was hoping it would be an expensive fix because there were some mighty pretty new bikes in there. I was salivating. All is good though, my bike's crank runs smooth again, it's all tuned up and it still is joy to ride. I purchased it in 2008. One of the better purchases I've made in my life.
@Chuck. Congratulations on your first 1,000 miles. It is a great accomplishment. Good luck on getting your second Platinum.
@ Gregg I have seen your many post about Baraboo and the Dells etc.Wisconsin is a very beautiful state >i have been to all those places many times.Im from Galena Ill and Dubuque Iowa now live in Mid Iowa.I always liked the drive up to laCrosse along the river.Also remeber going to Nelson dewey SP as a kid for picnics etc.Also going to Gays Mills for apples etc etc.House on the Rock is fun too.Horicon Marsh is another nice area.Beautiful!!
A Granny Gear is the easiest gear you have - "so easy, your granny could ride up a hill using it."
What is a granny gear? I'm a granny, but I don't think I hve one! :) Just completed my personal Tour de France challenge: Rode 25% of the tour miles (540) and finished up two days early.
PS, Ian, true confessions, I have a granny gear on my bike too, and I'm not afraid to use it..
@ Ian, thanks for the invite to the Hilly. I have done it three times (but not in a row) and am looking forward to doing it again. Its a great party on wheels!!! I had hoped to get my kids out there again, but the fall break comes on the wrong weekend this year, so this might not be my lucky year.
@ Miguel and Ian congrats achieving your PERSONAL BEST/PERSONAL GOAL, WOO HOO!
@ Gregg I have to agree about safety and fear, no reason to go to extremes, but I'd like to believe that we have some control, preparation, learning how to be as safe as possible etc. these are things everyone should strive for... Ride safe everyone
I've always believed that biking is just as safe as anything else you may do in life, including watching a movie at a theater. When its your time to go, it can happen almost anywhere and at any time and at any place and at any age and and there''s nothing you can do to change it. This doesn't mean we can live recklesly and don't practice safety, but we don't need to live in fear.
Hello all I just wanted to let everyone know I just reached my first goal in riding. I just trun one thousand miles today on my first bike. I just started back biking at the age 50 and it is the first bike I have own since being a kid many years back. As a kid you never think about the miles you ride , but as an adult you count and feel each one. WOW I never thought I could it but I did. Plus tomorrow I will reach Platinum after the first five miles WOW. I am truly looking forward to my ride in the morning.
My next major goal is do a double Platinum by the end of the challenge. So keep riding my freinds.
I almost forgot to invite EVERYONE to ride with me and 5,000+ other cyclists this October in Southern Indiana as CIBA presents the 45th Annual, Hilly Hundred Bicycling weekend. Cheryl and I have done it on the tandem a few times, but we used "Granny" gear on many of the big hills.
Temps in Indy are steady at 72 degrees also. We got drenched and rode into winds that made us feel as though we were standing still. We were happy for the change as we are a disaster area also. 7 riders showed for the Mon/Wed/Fri Franklin Trainer today and we were all thrilled to ride in the cool rain. Riding for 30 days/800 miles across Yucatan/Belize/Guatemala/Quintana Roo in 100+ temps did not count for my Endo miles but it sure got me ready for this hot spell. Ride safe and for all those that can not ride.
Ray - And that's not the oddest thing. I really don't understand it, but I find that when I go out, the people always shout, 'There goes John Jacob Jingle Heimerschmidt".
PS, the Dells are great, full of rollers. Also the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is worth a visit!
HI all, out early with the temperature hovering around 72 degrees. The cooler air felt pretty good, but the rain yesterday made it pretty humid. About a dozen other cyclists out today. I was happy to be warned with an "on your left" or a "good morning" by the riders who came from behind me to pass me by. Of course, I agree that you have to vary your mileage and your cycling routine accoring to what else is happening in your life and what nature is throwing at you. I have taken a few days off here and there myself. I noticed that the first day back in the saddle after a couple of days off my legs were burning, but by the third day my legs were feeling pretty relaxed for most of my ride. Thats what I call progress...
Despite the recent rain, most of the grass around here is pretty yellow. And every single county in the state of Missouri (only exception the city of St. Louis) has been declared a disaster area due to drought. That's how bad it is.
It was shocking to wake up to another shooting. My kids actually went to one of the local premiers of the Batman movie with their friends so my heart really goes out to the people in Colorado. It's so sad that something that is supposed to be fun can turn so tragic.
Keep rolling, keep riding, keep safe. Remember our "job" is to show the world that bikes belong ....
Thanks, Brad, now I'm going to be singing that song all day long. Hi-ho the derry-o...
Florida is one of the few places that is getting any rain. I have only had to cut grass here once all summer and all I was doing was cutting weeds in my lawn. The leaves are already turning color (yellow and brown) and falling off the trees in Wautoma. We are still running a whole month ahead in climate and I think we are going to start seeing temps moderating now and cooler evenings in a couple weeks as we begin to enter more fall like and September like weather.
We got those floods in May that helped restore the moisture here from our dry winter, but in the southwest part of the state toward Madison, they did not get that. Governor Walker is touring the fields now and has declared 29 counties an agricultural disaster. We are not going to have any cherries or apples this year either because they blossomed in March and then froze. Many farmers have also lossed livestock due to the heat. And the dairy farmers have also been affected by the heat. We are all going to see the effects of the drought with food, meat, and milk prices this fall. Hamburger is already up to $4.00/lb
@Bruce. I ride with a high cadence that makes my riding easer. But I do want to increase my speed, so I am doing intervals. Rding in the mountains is more fun than intervals. But getting faster means more miles in the mountains. So it is a trade off. I am not killing myself. But my first day of intervals each week feels like I am killing myself as it is my most intense day. Three days of intervals in a row. Then I get to relax and take it easy. Even though I only started my interval training I've notice an increase in my average speed. But as my wife, son, and friends say, "You are insane."
These are the kind of rock formations you will find in the Dells: https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/529183_3530816992434_2133531987_n.jpg I have a small pontoon boat and along with my bike, I love exploring the area on my own, instead of the expensive boat tours where you don't see all that much. People camp on the sand bars in their boats and swim on these sand bars. People even jump off the rocky cliffs, but not highly recommended this year with the low water. You have to be careful even with boats because there are hidden treasures under the water. :(
It's very nice to explore the Dells on bike, but your legs will get a workout on all the hills, especially down by Devil's Lake. Downhill is fun on a bike. I went 40 mph for 3 miles down hill--quite a challenge going up.
@ Brad He's a crying farmer in the Dells now. The crops are pretty much a total loss. They would love to find a way to channel all those billions of gallons of water flowing in the water parks to their fields. It's very dry here, but there it is a desert. Even the weeds and poison ivy are wilting.
Oh, and I have another friend who live in the Dells. This guy's a farmer... in the dells :/
@ Heather I forgot what rain looks like. lol
@ Michael on Bicycle The Dells are on the Wisconsin River and is very scenic with the unusal rock formations and brings tourists here by the thousands every day. This little town of about 2,500 becomes a metropolis of people in the summer and is a big tourist trap. The boat and army duck tours are the most popular tourist attraction, but kids ususally are not all that interested in natural beauty and boat tours, so a lot of hotels and resorts have built huge indoor waterparks, which attracts people here year around. Wisconsin Dells is known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World" and Mt. Olympus is a huge resort here with both a theme and water park, both outdoors and indoors to keep you cool in this heat. They have every kind of slide and ride in water you can imagine. If you have never seen the natural beauty of the Dells on the Wisconsin River, it's worth a visit sometime, but can get very expensive to stay with the big resorts charging over $300 or more per night. Even budget motels charge over $100 per night. The cheapest way to stay is camping 20 minutes south at Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo with 2 nice beaches and also a scenic wonderland with the rocky bluffs with great hiking. They have hot showers and electric hook up sites under $20, but also need to purchase a state park annual sticker for $25 or I think it's $7/day. This is Witches Gulch in the Dells: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7498725266_88b2011cdb_c.jpg And this is Stand Rock where the german shepherd jumps across: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7484136302_e6a8a5e800_b.jpg
Michael - Wisconsin Dells was a picturesque area of bluffs, gulleys, dells, and cool rock formations that the Wisconsin River has carved out over the eons. You can still find some of that if you go looking for it, but it has now become a tourist mecca of ginormous waterparks, bungee jumping, roller coasters, go carts, magic shows, ski shows, Ripley's belive-it-or-not museum... and if you were looking for 'The Mystery Spot' your search is over. But I did find out with a friend a few months back, that 'the country' is a surprisinly short bike ride out of the tourist development - at least from where we were. Never stop exploring.
@Rob, feel better soon. I think the mild winter last year really didn't kill off germs or pests like it usually does There are so many unusual illnesses this summer. @Gregg the heat is sweltering across the US, along with the drought. I will be SO glad when it ends. Here in MD, when it's not 100+ and dry...it's POURING rain. We are having violent extremes regularly and neither makes cycling easy. Still, the NBC achieved 8 million miles. How exciting is that? Go Team!!
Gregg, what are the Wisconsin Dells?
Florida seems to be getting everyone's rain the last couple of weeks... Many of the local bike trails are flooded in sections. Too bad we can't send it back your way!
The Wisconsin River is so low that some sections are almost completely dried up and they are getting very concerned about the supply of water. Lake Winnebago here looks like pea soup and our water comes from this lake, but there is no way I will drink it when you see what it looks like.
It was 107 in Wautoma on Tuesday. I have never seen in my life so many days in the 100's and 90's or a drought this severe in Wisconsin.
Loving the cooler temps today, but not going to last. That 100+ temps was awful and spent most of my vacation swimming, but got lots of swim training in for the Oshkosh Tri in 2 weeks, so I am a much stronger and faster swimmer now.. The heat and humidity is coming back tomorrow in the 90's and Monday when I go back to work looks like the worst again with 95. The leaves are beginning to fall already because it is so dry. The drought is really devastating and the Wisconsin Dells area looks really bad. They said over 80% of the country is abnormally dry and over 50% of the country is in a very severe drought.
Bruce, add intervals to cadence workouts and you'll have additional speed as well as less fatigue. Cadence (pedaling RPM) is an important consideration to anyone looking to go further. During rides use both, hi cadence which works the cardio system as well as low cadence which works the lower muscles (and gives the cardio system a break). Switching between the two allows balancing the efforts and go further with less fatigue.
@ Jerry Ive been riding for years but only this year working on cadence.I found that getting the cadence down right will make me go farther with less fatigue and the speed has come up along the way.No point going like a wild man and then up the road pull over because of a torn ligament or whatever.The point is to have fun and at the same time get fit.No need to try to kill yourself to get fit .LOL
Our peerless leader Rob da Man Gusky is out sick
Saw him Monday, he looked like a bag of nails and sounded like Tom Waits
Today saw he has out sick - some nasty stuff out there at the moment
Must be bad he hasn't ridden all week...!!!!
Get well soon
@Dan - Most definitely, but you can take breaks for sleeping, food, and work.
@Miguel - Congratulations on your new PB! It's also good to stay hydrated.
Two questions:
1) How do you keep the black olives from falling off your monocycle?
2) What are you chasing on the table?
Go for the Platinum level every month and watch that 10,000,000 mile goal get surpassed real quick! Once we achieve 10,000,000 miles do we keep on pedaling thru August 31st to see the final mileage totals?
also ive still been drinking and partying while doing this ! :D
just hit a P.R. on a bike for life! never done this many miles in a month ever, ever! woot!
I concur with Michael. My miles have gone down as I am now working on increasing my speed. I can ride centuries. But I want to ride faster. So I am working on interval training. Which is harder than riding 100 miles in the mountains. So shorter rides. But much more intense rides. When I rode the Boulder Sunrise Century, I told my wife I left in the first wave so I could finish in the top 95%. I want to get faster so I can finish in the top 70%. And hopefully someday in the top 50%. I have so show these riders that are 30 years younger than me that I can keep up with some of them.
Hey all!
I was under the impression that miles can be entered after month end and they will still be counted (except towards the drawing). Looking at June, it shows the miles were last updated on July 1st... what happens to June miles entered after July 1st?
Al & EM, I agree that we should not stop uploading our miles after platinum is reached. However, we must keep in mind that goals change over the riding season. For example, I rode over 1300 miles in May (mostly cyclommuting) in support of Bike Month and Ride Your Bike to Work Week/Day. Since May my miles have dropped to support my season goals. This may mean riding less miles at a greater intensity or longer rides and less cyclommuting. Other factors, including summer storms and heat also affect riding. While it might increase miles uploaded if we ride through thunder storms, that is just not safe (at least not in many Gulf States)!
So, don't be surprised if a fair number in the top 20% (and many other riders) log less hours... that's why we need to document every mile of every challenger.
Lastly, I would also like to see statistics that I can present to local government (BPAC, MPO, Commissioners, etc.) to show the number of local cyclommuters, miles commuted, gas/green house gases saved, roads used for cyclommuting, etc. This could provide the ammunition to justify spending Local & State money on bike facilities and awareness towards cyclist concerns.
Ride like you belong!
Couldn't agree more. Platinum level doesn't mean end of the ride. We're on the verge of 8 million miles now, not time to stop riding. Al and E.M.-you each have it right! Keep riding and enjoying the experience. People see me riding to work & etc and then I see folks in the pharmacy and they ask "did you ride your bike today? I should be doing that." And maybe they will! I feel stronger and more energy with each ride. I like that and it helps get through the tough days at work. Keep riding everyone!
@Melinda, Take care of the knee, it can cause all kind of problems. Many times knee problems result from the bike seat not being properly adjusted. Might want to have that checked to be sure it is right for you - sometimes even a 1/4 inch can make a tremendous difference.
Definitely agree about the night riding, a good set of lights and it is much more comfortable riding at night than during the day. I don't like to get up early either but I would much rather ride at 3:00am than 3:00pm.
I love my bike lanes and canals in Phoenix/Glendale! Subdivisions where no one drives are very nice too!
Since some of you wanted statistics, here is one.
As of right now, Vermonteers have ridden an average of 14.51 miles per day for days that they rode. (It would be impossible for one of us to calculate how many miles per actual ride.)
As a comparison, Wisconsin riders have ridden an average of 16.53 miles per day ridden.
The big reason that Vermont is so far ahead of everyone else is that they have just under 2/10ths of 1% of their citizens signed up for the NBC, whereas Wisconsin has just over 1/10th of 1%.
Congratulations to Vermont for being the first state to reach 1,000 points per 1,000 residents, or 1.00 point per resident!
Hi all, Busy couple of days here but still got my ride in each morning. Getting out at 6 is the way to go since temps in the 70s beat temps in the 80s or 90s any day. Generally 6-10 other cyclists out at that time, unless it is a weekend and then there are sometimes too many to count.
I agree that just because you reach platinum its no reason to quit. All the great stuff about riding is getting out, clearing your head, getting the exercise, and catching all the sights sounds and smells that you miss when you are driving around in your car. Even the feeling is different. In the early morning I can still feel the coolness coming out of the trees at the side of the road, sometimes followed by a hot blast when I get out in the sun, or dead still air when I have to stop at a light or stop sign. I like listening for the traffic behind me, watching the other riders as they approach, whether they are speeding down a hill or pumping hard to get up the next one, or even occasionally being surprised by one who sneaks up behind me. I like feeling surprized when I look down and see how many miles I have already gone. Sometimes I'm anticipating the next traffic light: should I slow down or speed up? Will that white bike with the silver helmet on it be in front of the bakery today? Will the kids be on the diving board when I go past that pool? And thinking about a nice cold drink at the end of my ride.....
Don't stop at platinum, keep soaking it all in, keep riding everyone....
We're closing in on 8 million miles! 43 days left of the NBC. I hope people aren't reaching the Platinum level and thinking that's it--no more logging miles. This thing is bigger than any one individual. There are the personal challenges, too. I'd like to be in the top 10% when it's all over, but my rank at the end won't have any effect at all on my rides, the enjoyment, or my body. It's a nice, friendly challenge, and I enjoy it every time I mount up. The other part I enjoy is logging the miles in here, and especially reading the comments that are posted. 2,075822 miles to go in 43 days. Let's go get 'em.
Naples Fla also very dangerous!!!Amazing how many cyclists we have here with no designated paths.Thinking of moving to St Pete. there they have the Pinellas trail which goes north of Tampa To the end of St Pete.
Very hard ride this morning. My knee is still recovering. But I'm glad I went out. Learned 2 things today. 1) There's a lot less traffic at 5 am then there is at 6:30 am. 2) It's a whole lot COOLER at 5 am then at 6:30 am. As much as I don't like getting up early, maybe I should rethink the whole 5am thing.
I would love to see those stats, too. How about average # of miles ridden/day?
Re: bike lanes -- Here in Gainesville, FL (home of UF), we have bike lanes everywhere. That being said, Florida is a very dangerous state for bike riders and we just had a very sad bike fatality this week.
expanding on that...
I would think that cities looking to work on improving biking would love to see where people are *actually* riding, especially diving into the people that are commuting.
I would love to see a page that anonymously shows all the routes (minus a mile off each end to protect privacy) all laid out on a map.
Have you folks at Endomondo considered issuing a statistical analysis after this challenge is completed? Think of the data gold mine you have on the state of American bicycling. You have over 28,000 bicyclists with millions of miles bicycled nationally. You could analyze data by average length of ride, average speeds,by age and sex, day of the week, all by state and nationally as well. I'm sure there are other types of data as well. I would LOVE to see that kind of data.
\o/ woo, bike lanes!
Who's for some bike lanes?! Here in Greater Hartford Area of CT bike lanes are very hard to find.
What a great idea!
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/world/europe/in-denmark-pedaling-to-work-on-a-superhighway.html;hp
RE cycle computers - I will say I like my sigma that does 2 bikes separetly. It allows mew to use the same computer on various bikes without changing tire sizes. I also know at the end of the year how many of my miles were on the everyday workhorse and how many on the leisure cruisers for maintenance considerations.
When I was leaving work yesterday I thought I might have been in for some action seeing the black clouds rolling across. Halfway home the wind changed direction and freshened up substantially. I wasn't let down. It was a wild, wet, invigorating, ride, with the rain blowing down in sheets. A power wash for both me and the bike. It felt pretty good after 2 hot, humid days with my clothes stuck to my skin. But could have been a lot more fun if the wind wasn't roaring the wrong way :/
Whooohooo just hit 1507 points and the next medal level....now I'm riding with the big dogs!!!
@ Jerry thats Awesome 5K whoot Whoot.. I am working toward that Whewwww!!!!
congrats on the 5k miles!!!
@Jerry, 5000 miles in a year is FANTASTIC!!! Back in the late 90's I considered that to be a good year, since then I find myself looking for a "little" more each year. It becomes an obsession! As time goes on, the number of rides and distance increase. You are at the beginning of a journey that will take you 10's, even 100's of thousands of miles on your bike. You will feel better, stronger and healthier throughout your life. Ride safely and enjoy the experience.
@Jerry - Here's to many more thousands!
I used to ride 100 miles a year. But last July 25th I bought a new road bike and started serous riding. Today I went over 5,000 miles since I bought my bike. In slightly less than a year.
Not much compared with Michael Lemuel, Leonard Wright, and the others at the top of the leaderboard. But a major accomplishment for me.
@Eleazar - You can't be done already, there are still 45 days left! Besides that, we're almst on pace to break 13,000,000 miles. If you drop out now, we'll never make it. We still need your help. (Maybe make a game of it by trying to jump up in the standings, either number-wise, or percentage-wise.)
I MENT RIDE. D.
I've completed the National Bike Challenge on Endomondo. What's next? Do I get a plaque or something?
Mark hp makes Q. bents [street & speed are sweet] got my first lwb from a little place in Glendale Wi. like yellow one in showroom @ Recycled recumbents.com and will be building a trike [tadpole] from atomic zombie . maze & blue fan living in the Sierra's in reno . keep breaking up the pavement and remember THE BEST BIKE IS THE ONE YOU WILL RIDE D.
@ dameon - Thanks, we have been so far. The Gekko fxs are easy to fold and transport. Definitely one of the reasons we chose those trikes. ... Anything to keep people excited about cycling is a good thing!
If you really want to know how far and fast ur going just draft a vehicle ahead of you and ask him or her to tell you how fast he was going....and please dont slam on the brakes.
mark bents are wonderful- trikes are fun and mostly safe but a different kind of pain in the @#* to transport and last velo's do it all enjoy your new rides
RIP Cookie Lady. You will be missed by many. http://ning.it/OdeDtP";
Hey everyone, I am "cranked" about our new recumbent tadpoles we bought. I made the switch from a mountain bike to the tadpole. Almost went with the road bike, but these are a LOT of fun!!! Check out my new website at www.tadpole-tales.com
Great mind think alike and all. I count tire revolutions. Very simple and back to basics and FREE. The only catch is if I lose count I have to go back to the beginning and start over. :/
@Cora - One problem I see with your painted line on the front tire idea is that you didn't specify in what direction the painted line should be directed (or that you shouldn't use black paint). If someone were to paint a line parallel with the outer edge of the tire, while riding, the line would only appear once the entire ride. It might get frustrating for someone using your method to always end up multiplying one times their circumference, and ending with the same amount every ride, no matter how many hours they rode. Each day they would earn about 20.002 points.
But if one wanted to get technical, when they opened their eyes after blinking, the line would show up for them again, so if they blink a lot, they could put a lot of miles down.
@Jason - Cora's idea is great, unless you aren't good with visual cues, or like to keep your eyes on traffic. What about clipping a baseball playing card to your fork, then counting the number of clicks as it hits the spokes by buying one of those cheap grocery counters and clicking it in sinc with your spokes, using your hand that you're not holding onto the handlebar with. Then when you get home, dividing that number by half of the spokes on your front wheel, and then multiplying by the circumference. (Or, if you don't know the circumference, multiply by the diameter [or 2x the radius], and pi [roughly 3.14159].
Jason, You should really upgrade to one of those rotary tapes the construction guys use. Or, you could paint a line on your front tire, and count how many times the line shows up, then multiply by the tire circumfirence.
I use a tape measure. I lay it on the ground and ride next to it. Its only fifty feet long, so when I reach the end of it i put my kickstand down and move the tape measure in front of me again. At the end of my ride I can just add up the number of times I have moved the tape measure then divide it by the time it took me to ride! I never have to use them darn batteries or poke those little buttons on your fancy bikeclometers. Good old trusty tape measure.
Or if you have a smartphone, you can download an app that will handle mileage fine for free. Granted to see it while riding you would have to get a mount most likely.
Thanks so much for the info! Very very helpful! I had an Advocet on my old bike, its about 20 years old and so that being said, imagine my surprise on how much cyclocomputers have changed! It's a little overwhelming...but, now I have some good ideas on where to start and what to look for.
I've used several brands of cyclocomputers over the years, a few have failed. I've found Cateye to be the most reliable.
It depends on how much you want to spend. A basic cyclo-computer will do everything you need, but step up to a GPS unit and you get even more toys. The ability to upload the data and overlay on a map makes the extra money for a GPS device seem less expensive. Part of the fun of riding for me is getting back home to see the line showing me where I went, looking at the graphs to show elevation, comparing my progress, etc. I have a couple Garmin watches from my running days, they have been used for tracking runs, walks, hikes, rounds of golf and cycling. Way more data than I need, but it's motivation. But, if all you want is to know how far you went, the $10-$25 non-GPS devices work just as well. As Paul pointed out, I'd avoid the super cheap ones at *mart, spend a few bucks more for a better one at a bike store.
Cynthia, I should have mentioned that once setup, most are very easy to use. Normally you just need to learn the button(s) sequence to display the data you want. Some have a mode where they "cycle" through their displays in a preset pattern so you don't have to push a button if you don't want.
Hi, Cynthia, I have a Sigma BC1009 wired computer and have been quite pleased. Simple and easy to read...and not too expensive (but I received it as a gift). I would NOT recommend a Bell one. I got a couple of those at a local Kmart and have not been very pleased (but I am muddling through with them mainly for tracking commuter miles). FWIW.
Cynthia, I have been using a Cateye Strada with cadence (wired version). It works great and has some other nice features like max speed, average speed and time / duration.
Cynthia, All inexpensive cyclometers will at least provide the basics: Current speed, Average Speed, Ride odometer (distance) and Total odometer. Most are easy to setup by picking your wheel size in a setup menu. Most also allow you to choose between displaying distances and speeds in Miles or Kilometers.
The next level will have an additional wired sensor for cadence which is your Pedaling RPM (revolutions per minute). Units with the second wired sensor (the first is for speed and odometer) are fast becoming replaced by wireless sensors but wired is still less expensive if you can find them.
After that you get features like GPS, Altitude, temperature, grade of road (percentage of incline or decline compared to level road). Neat stuff, but not what you're asking about...
The decision you need to make is who is going to install it? If you, then wireless is easier to install since you don't have to worry about running the wire down the fork to your wheel. The thing many forget is to leave extra wire around the headset for turning and around suspension forks. So, if you or family or a friend can run the wire, then a box store will carry an inexpensive model from about $10. Running wire for cadence adds more complexity but should be able to be done by anyone "handy".
If you need a professional to install the cyclometer then visit your local bike store (LBS) where I'm guessing you'll find one between $25-$30 and they'll probably install it for you for free to gain a new customer. This also allows them to do a safety check if your bike isn't brand new.
HTH,
-michael
Good Morning fellow riders/commuters! Any suggestions on a simple easy to use odometer?
@Charles, the new app is working fine for me, I do have an average speed of over 38MPH because of the first app I used.
@ Charles sound like alittle cell tower trianglation going on there !!!
LOL Charles..riding in the ocean sounds like a fun experience!
@Russell AMEN on everything you said! Life is a gift ...you have brought me back to reality once again.TY
Peter, thanks for the inspiration and reminder that every day is a gift. My story is: head-on car accident 12/23/96 put me in hospital for a week with collapsed lung, cracked sternum, bruised lungs, lots of separated ribs, soft tissue damage, abrasions and bump on head from being knocked out. That was before mandatory air bags. I was wearing a shoulder harness and seat belt. Recovery was better part of 2 years along with months of PT for back, neck, and leg problems not to mention the problems with flashbacks, nightmares and difficulties riding/driving a car. 1998 I bought my Mongoose Alta mountain bike (no suspension) had the LBS put a taller stem on it so I wouldn't have to bend over as much. Started riding again hoping to ease my physical pains. 2009 I bought a used Cannondale road bike & started riding road bikes again. Today I have no health restrictions and very few issues from the accident. Have ridden as much as 1200 miles a summer. Longest ride of 75 miles. Doctor credits my cycling and sax playing with helping my lungs recover. I'm blessed. I got to see my sons grow up, graduate high school and one graduate college. Every day is a gift. Don't forget it. I remember it every time I ride my bike or play the sax.
had an idiot make a hard and fast right in front of me today. I politely saluted him and he stopped hard. Just to put down his window and tell me next time to slow the *****k down. I told him it was nice to see that he knew how to stop and head his own advice. saluted him one more time and took off. Never did see him again.
I updated the Endomondo app for iPhone last night, and today my bike commute more than doubled from the usual 1.56 miles to 4.15. The map showed me doubling back on part of my ride and also riding out in the ocean. Has anybody else noticed any GPS bugs with the new version of the app?
Hi all, back from a long weekend off the bike. Mostly driving, retrieving the kids from camp in Bemidji and enjoying the closing ceremony. They brought a fellow counsellor home with them for a few days and later today a former exchange student will be arriving. So it will be a busy couple of weeks around our house, but fun.
Got back in the saddle about 7am today with temps in the 80s. HEY, WHERE DID EVERYBODY GO??? Seemed kinda quiet in terms of traffic and only 4 other riders spotted. Around noon I got my ride back from the shop: just in time so I can stop borrowing my daughter's bike.
@ Brad & Peter, thanks for the inspiration. And Gahlord, great photo. These are the things that keep the rest of us going. RIDE ON EVERYONE!!
Brad;
Traveling slowly enough to savor that sort of soul-replenishing abundant olfactory and general sensory extravagance might be my favorite among myriad gifts of cycling.
Thanks for sharing the view (-: Roll on, Inhale deeply, ENJOY!
One of my team members is doing a Bike & Build ride and they just got to Wisconsin. You'll like this pic: http://spoketales.tumblr.com/post/27333074713/wisconsin-taken-with-instagram
@peter, you brag all you want to-you sound like you deserve it! Your making us proud. :) @Brad, that sounds like such a lovely morning. I wish we could have all experienced it with you. Hello friends. I just came back from a long weekend-refreshed and ready to ride again. The 100 degree weather finally broke in my area. I hope you all have a great week!
An early Sunday ride with an old friend. No pictures today, but I brought back something more vivid but entirely less tangible; a plethora - an artist’s palette - of smells from the country: damp swamp, the smell of woods, of cedars, a carpet of dry pine needles, grasses and crops, fields and plants of all sorts - cattails, chicory, clover, thistle - at first morning damp and then drying out as the rising sun warmed the earth, and later hot and dry and each area with its own wonderful aroma. The wide variation of the colours of life as experienced though the nose. I don't know if they were more prevalent today, or was I just paying attention this time. And a good friend to share it with. What a glorious day...
Well, here starts a new week! Took last week off, mostly to spend energy fundraising for a Septmeber MS ride. Gosh, I missed being on the bike and commuting. Glad to be back in the saddle. BTW/@Peter, your amazing and inspiring, it goes to show how a spirit can not be kept down when there is will and desire! How awesome to get to the Platinum status!
@ Peter Top rated in my book. Plus you are inspiring. Keep riding and keep smiling. You just put a big smile in my heart.
@ Peter I agree with Martin you are a great inspiration for us all. A big D for your rating. I my self will break Platinum before the end of the month. I'm 50 and just started riding a few months back. I just need a 120 miles to break my first thousand miles. As the most interesting man in the world would say. " Keep riding my friends"
@Peter - Ride On! Rated - D Good inspiration for the rest of us.
Sorry, continued:
1 ) 68 years young 2 ) 10/07/82 stricken with cancer, cemo damaged vain in legs and had blood clots in left leg. On rat poison ( warfare a blood thinner ). Reduced circulation important legs. 3 ) Mr. Author Righteous and family moved slowly into my knees and left hip. 4 ) 02/28/01 stent installed 5 ) 12/08/02 open heart surgery, three by-passes and a valve 6 ) bacterial blood infection.
Self rating : a little of A Little of A and alto of D
So just do alto of D and the points will take care of them selfs
Ride safely and enjoy life!
I broke "Platinum" in the middle of June. There is 47 days left. With riding every day, you'll get 940 points ( 20 points a day ) and with riding 12 miles a day average, you'll end up with 1504 points ( Platinum ).So, get riders joined up. You can rate me, A ) Bragging B ) Complaining C ) Whining D ) Wine'n to "Ride and Smile" for "Life is Good" ( Two sayings I came across since restarting biking
I guess I ran into some solar flares today new phone app kept shutting off.
Little by little.
I got cellulitis in my ankle.Had never even heard of it b4 but getting better .Id like to do a little more riding even though work and personal stuff take up a lot of time.Biking is GOOD exercise!
Solar storms can interfere with GPS satellite transmissions. Maybe if you make a tinfoil hat for your Garmin... and better make a matching one for yourself just to be on the safe side.
Readers of Pogo will remember never to tust Friday the 13th., even when it falls on a Wednesday. My cell phone jumped ship on my way home. Perhaps I forgot to zip the trunk bag pocket where it used to stay with my on board hairbrush. This isn't as tragic as it sounds: I had that phone for seven years, and it was charmingly obsolete when I got it. I would tell people, "This isn't just a dumb phone; it's a phone suffering from Mongolian Idiocy!" I was sort of hoping, though, that the British Museum would make an offer for it.
I ordered a state of the art smart phone about an hour ago.
@Lloyd Lemons. Mine went haywire. I needed to replace the batteries in the cadance unit. Working fine again.
Yahoo, Broke Platinum with yesterday's commute. Have over 500 miles so far this summer, but, some were in March and April, so, didn't count for NBC. Goal for summer is1000+ (1500 preferably but haven't reached that the last 2 summers. Schedule has not allowed for many longer rides. Keep riding everyone, 10 million miles is in sight!
E M Matteson...I noticed that under my workplace listing a few people have two entries - one with zero points. I assume that they created a new profile for whatever reason, and their old one is still open, with no activity. Nationwide this could account for some if not all of the zero entry profiles.
Normally my GPS works fine. Today it went bonkers. Wonder why that happens.
29 points to hit Platinum, I'll have it on Monday from my commute to work... Looking forward to joining the 'big guys' on the board and finishing out the program in their company...
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
N8 brings up another interesting possibility: I have a photo album on Facebook called 'Bike Adventures', wouldn't it be nice if Endomondo allowed posting of pictures here, to share with the people that would most appreciate them.
364 points to go Platinum! Should hit it by the end of the month. Hopped on my bike to put in 20 miles today and ended up doing 30 and riding over to University of Phoenix Stadium where the Arizona Cardinals play. That place is huge and it was cool to see it up close. Wish I could post a couple of pics I took. I hope they do another Bike Challenge when this one is over!!!!
Tami, I'm glad you got to enjoy some time with your son - treasure those moments, time flies and they don't remain young for very long. (My son is in his 40's....) Have a wonderful ride Monday.
You know I didn't ride today - just couldn't drag myself out of bed and Sunday is my usual day off so my husband can do his favorite group ride. I am glad though as much as I enjoy to ride I had a delightful day with my 2 year old playing in this little miniature plastic pool and watering the garden. It will just give me more happy thoughts while riding on Monday!
Anyone from the challenge riding in the Pensacola, FL, area? I'll be down there for several days between Monday, July 23 and Saturday, July 28. I'd like to hook up w/you folks if possible and do some riding. My primary purpose in Pensacola is to assist my father-in-law, who's currently undergoing rehab in a nursing home. I see riding as a way of helping with stress related to this task.
@vonn - The Gettysburg address is: 97 Taneytown Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325. ;-) Historically, it didn't have a ZIP code. That didn't get added on until 1963.
Sorry, I didn't get to bike today, so I'm in a goofy mood.
Hi all, couldn't resist checking the messages even though I didn't get to ride today. Just checked through all the registered riders and noticed that out of 28,000 some riders about 21,500 have any points for the entire period. Whats with the 6,500 slackers out there??
Larry, saw your comment about the biking in the Gettysburg area and was wondering if you are from that neighborhood. I am hoping to be there in November of 13 for commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the address. Do you or anyone else out there have any info. All I can find thus far on the net is rather commercial and not historical. A number of years ago, I became interested in reading about the civil rights movement and felt I needed to understand more history to grasp why we are where we are today. That led to reading about Lincoln which let to the Civil War. So of course that led to some travel. I hope someday to get to Atlanta to King Plaza. Been to Memphis to the National Civil Rights Museum which is in the converted motel where he was assasinated and to the school in Topeka which is the basis for Brown verse Board of Education. So much to learn and so little time.
Hello Bruce not sure what happen but I hope you feel better and can get back to riding your bike soon.
hope I can be 100% next week....its hard being gimpy
Took a week off for vacation, and then it took me a week to get caught up reading the comments! I had planned on 2 rides a day during vacation, but after getting lost biking thru the woods on day 1, and then having heat and humidity both over 90 (I couldn't breathe standing still!), I didn't come anywhere near my goal. Thus I have LOTS of making up to do!
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Burklee - So sucky about the break in at the bike shop - As for hiding and locking the tools - it should not be difficult to build a shallow cabinet using the peg board as the back, that the doors could then be padlocked with a heavy hasp. I'd help you build it, but I'm a bit far away in Central Wisconsin.
I have my favorite sport set as sailing. My Garmin 800 always uploads as Sport. So it doesn't appear to be related to favorite sport. But if someone HAS found a way to change the upload default I would love to know.
@David - I think if you set the 'favorite sport' on your profile, that becomes the default. I always import from my Edge 500 and everything is sport as per my profile. If I need to change something to transport, I simply edit the workout and change the type after importing.
@David Don't think you can fix the default on the unit, but you can edit the workout on this site and change it each time you upload them.
hey tempe/az; any other riders out there who need a riding buddy are in it for the joy and not the speed?
ok, got the new Garmin Edge 200 and it downloaded real smooth. However, my stats for the morning commute came in under cycling/sport, not cycling/transport. Im sure if I dick around long enough I will find the correction, but can a Garmin user give me the quick adjustment fix? Thanks,.
@Travis, I dumped my bike going around a turn last month. Got a nice hematoma and all. Wound up having to take a month off riding before my leg looks semi-normal. Thankfully no really bad lasting damage. I hope your Dr. appt get's you some good advice for recovery!
Travis, if it helps, I broke 3 bones in my back and 3 ribs one year ago from last April in a crash. I was off the bike for about 6 months but I'm basically back to where I was before the accident. This year in May I rode over 1300 miles for the NBC. Yes, I have more lower back pain during and after a ride but it's manageable. What regularly hurts the most? My tail bone! I guess it's harder to diagnose and takes longer to heal. Be patient, you will get better!
@Travis, bummer man,You're doing the right thing going to the Doc to get checked out I crashed back in May after I really got into a grove cycling, Put up with and tried to work through the pain in my shoulder. Finally broke down, saw the Doc. and had an MRI. I tore just about everything in my shoulder including my bicep. Surgery scheduled for the 19th. Really bummed out, but maybe I can still bike with one arm?? Good luck with you!!
last month we had someone steal a bike from our shop.
Rob, we've had similar problems @ TCCP. Our thief has been working slowly picking a couple tools or parts at a time. It gets demoralizing trying to help our community only to have our clients steal from everybody.
ive only done 71 miles this month. wow that crash really set me back all ive been able to do is bike to work. its been over 2 weeks since i crashed and my backs still bothering doctors monday probably x rays too. i hate the doctors lol
Great job Chris that is awesome. I have 175 to hit my first thousand. I just started biking just a few months back.
Turned over 5000 miles for the year! Trying to get even faster and skinnier for CX season.
Day off today. Biked to the hardware and grocery stores this morning. Warmed up fast today. 62 degrees this morning but got over 80 fast. 5 pm we had 93 degrees. Thankfully humidity is low. Fire danger very high again. Ten got 15 miler in tonight just before dark. Next ride will put me over platinum!! Wahoo! Commuting nearly every day really adds up. Keep riding everyone, 8 million miles is in site!
I biked the Battle of Gettysburg on Tuesday with Bob of Gettysbike.com, it was a blast!
@Gregg - in Wisconsin, I believe the Bike Fed is planning to celebrate with Fed Fest again in September. I don't have any other details at this point.
@...well, everyone - Thanks to all of you for your expressions of empathy and good wishes. I knew I could count on all of you for support. The fella who started Lincoln Bike Kitchen, Pepe, owns a restaurant, Pepe's Veggie-Mex Bistro, and has already set a date for a fundraiser. The broken window is boarded up. The side garage door is repaired and a hasp and padlock have been added. They stole the garage door opener controller, too, so we turned the power off to the door. When we replace the tools, we'll devise some way of locking them up out of sight, because it's obviously not enough just to keep them in a locked house. We've all worked hard to grow this enterprise to be able to help everyone who needs it, so this has been quite a blow to all of us. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the support you've offered. You're a great bunch of people. You all really are. Thank you.
@Burklee - Anyone who would do that is scum. I hope someone catches him/them. Maybe keep an eye out on your local Craigslist.
@Gregg - It will be August 4th, at 5:42 p.m.
Is there going to be local bike festivals organized again this year, celebrating 10 million miles?
@ Rob I'm going to be just a little more optimistic and guess that as we get closer to 10 million, there is going to be so much excitement, that everyone is going to be out riding to get us to the 10 million mile mark, so I am going to go with my wedding anniversary date on August 7. Next year, will be our 25th.
@ Rob, thanks for providing the link to the article. Man, that really hits home. I used to live a couple of miles from there.
@Burlklee - that is terrible news, some people just don't get it. I hope the tools are returned or you get donations for replacements soon. Here is the newspaper with additional details. http://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/thieves-steal-bike-kitchen-tools/article_07367726-cdad-5bf9-bd67-7b38515fe2ae.html
@Gregg, based on averaging 85,000 miles per day, we should achieve 10 million miles in about 30 more days or around August 12.
We should have a contest about when we will reach 10 million miles. We might make it before the end of July, but more than likely will be early August sometime. We should all pick a day and hour and see who is the closest.
Wow, Burklee, that sucks big time. I'm sure you'll get through it in even better shape than before. For every scumbucket who would do something like that, I'm sure there are hundreds of good, caring folks who will help put things back together.
Bike co-ops are an extremely valuable resource for a community. Here in Columbus we have two of them, both in rather dodgy neighborhoods, which of course is where they are most needed. I'll pass the word around locally.
Coming off of a low mileage week, but we've gotten a "cold snap" with highs in the upper eighties and mornings in the sixties. Keep pedalling, all!
Hi all, out for the usual morning ride, spotted at least a dozen other riders including a couple on a tandem. Then I took a second shorter ride to the bank. The first ride was with temps in the 70s, the second closer to 90 degrees.
@ Burklee, WOW that really stinks. I'm glad you let us know about this. Maybe League of American Bicyclists or some other bike related publication could do an article about the Bike Kitchen to help you guys out. HOPE SOMEONE IS LISTENING!!!!
Have a great weekend everybody. Back at ya next week. Remember every good bicyclist is OUT SPOKE 'N
Burklee. I heard you mention the Lincoln Bike Kitchen before, but never clearly understood what it was until now. What an outstanding idea, an invaluable resouce, and a terrible tragedy. Hope you folks are able to put the pieces back together again. Best wishes and good luck.
Sometime Tuesday or Wednesday morning, someone broke into the Lincoln Bike Kitchen and stole all the bike tools and our two tire pumps. They also broke into the garage and stole a Redline and a BMX bike. Still plenty of parts and bikes at the kitchen, but no tools to install the parts or bring the donated bikes to rideability. This is devastating to our ability to help people keep their bikes rolling. It's pointless, as well. Anyone can use any of those tools, free of charge, whenever we're open. Parts from donated bikes are free. We don't charge for any of that. We take donations of money, if someone wants to give after getting a part or repair.
Lincoln Bike Kitchen is on Facebook, and has a blogspot.com site. We're gonna need donations. All of those tools were purchased with grant money and donations. I don't know how we're gonna help folks for a while. We'll bring over what we can, adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, vise grips, etc., but the speciatly tools... I don't know.
Stealing from a non-profit. Wow. I know the vast majority of you don't live here, but I just really needed to post this.
I noticed the Badgers jersey too. I thought it looked like someone I know, but I'm not sure because he's usually wearing a Tanners/Fat Tire jersey. (Paul R, is that you?)
Hot and dry here in Indiana also as the crops are about done for i think. They calling for rain over the next few day but not looking for much they saying. I get out in the am for my ride when its cooler. Have a great weekend all.
HI all, out this morning with temps in the 70s and lots of other riders.
@ Gregg cool pics of your ride and of the UPS delivery bicycle. We have drought in Missouri as well. They have asked to declare every single county in the state as disaster areas due to bad weather and poor crops etc.
@ Al, I know you can get jerseys on-line. Try searching: cycling jersey, Badgers, & Wisconsin" and you will probably come up with what you want
Keep riding everyone, the less car fumes the better!
@Al Are you talking about the Badger jersey that the guy in the middle is wearing? I'm not sure where he got that from. Probably UW Madison sells them.
Gregg, nice picture. I want to know where I can get a Wisconsin jersey, though.
The drought is very severe and is very devastating in Wisconsin, especially the Madison area, which has not seen any rain all summer. There is no end in sight to this drought and we are still running a whole month ahead in climate and are in August climate now.
I am the guy on the right, climbing the High Cliff hill in the 100 mile century Backdraft Tour sponsored by the Neenah- Menasha Fire Rescue: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7544751226_dc86e9af80_b.jpg
Hot and dry here in the east. Mornings are very pleasant temperatures; hot and sticky in the afternoons. I just keep pedaling in fairly low, comfortable gears. Not a lot of speed up the hills, but it works. Enjoy the rides, everyone.
No rain here in Indiana but we mite get some later in the week. Got out this morning with son and did a 29 mile ride. 10mph wind slowed me down on the way out but a good push on the way back home.
@Savanni and @Thomas, same issue here in NC. Rain / Thunder storms yesterday and today. But, I did manage a quick 10 miles last night, in between the storms.
@Savanni, I have the same issue. The rain storms are rolling in here in South Florida and I got caught last night on the way home from work. Ordered a new rain jacket this morning from Amazon.com, the stuff in my panniers just had to go into the drier when I got home. I didn't ride today as I could see it rolling in on the radar before I left for work this morning and didn't want to get wet a second day in a row.
As much as we need rain here in Texas, it is keeping me off my bike and making me sad.
Oh well. My panniers aren't waterproof, but I'll order the waterproof liners today. And they'll arrive just as the rain stops and we go into drought. ;)
@Timothy, Sounds like me when I am skiing moguls, screaming like an eagle, falling like a rock.
mm u got good thoughts just drop the 50lbs of sugar and i am in
@Gregg & @Dameon - I like the delivery bikes the way they are - just insulate them, and fill them with Ice Cream!
gregg might work better w/ a tadpole and trailer?
These are the UPS delivery bikes that they will be using during the Olympics: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/ups-cycling-deliveries.pdf
Back in the saddle today after my crash last week. Flew like Superman, unfortunately didn't land like him. :)
@ EM and Gregg, If he volunteered for the London duty I bet he would have trouble being on the wrong side of the road (or whatever it is called in English). lol How would one signal for turns? So many changes. Then when he returns he would probably go the wrong way around the lake to work the first morning!!
Smoke has cleared and it is time to ride!
Hi all, out this morning and it was even better than yesterday, 72 degrees when I started. A lot of other people felt the same way, about a dozen riders compared to yesterday's three.
Welcome to all the new riders. Remember you can enter miles from previous rides manually if you have them recorded somewhere.
@ Heather, glad you got the light replaced. Enjoy your night riding!
@ Ann glad to hear signs of life from Omaha.
@ Gregg, you should volunteer to take your bike to London & help out with the deliveries. LOL!!
@ Melissa, sorry to hear about the Michigan tragedy. Our thoughts go out to the family & students. RIDE SAFE EVERYONE.
Melissa my prayers are going out for the family and Ray good luck in the challenge
Just peeeeedaling in the rain....just peeeeedaling in the rain.....what a glorious feeling with never a complain.......just had to do it...got caught in a most quiet, slow rain the last 3 miles...it was awesome!!!
Just joined the Challenge, ok lets ride.
School teacher and a cyclist from Howell, MI struck by a vehicle yesterday and died. Very sad! <http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article;nclick_check=1>. Ride safe everyone.
nbc'ers next mo. burning man will be here in n. nevada. last year almost 54.000 people attended with many, many, many riding bikes. we [sparks nv kiwanis bike program] will provide 6 to 8 hundred of those. Close to where this event will take place is a ranch known to a few as FLY GEYSER . iMPORTANTANCE , Privt. owned seldom even a plane flying over . look it up on web, because soon the crush of this once a year event may invade this seldon disturded gem as sponsors of burning man are trying to purchuse this land . enough of my ev. rage 4 today go out and beat up some pavement- Dameon
I have to leave for work at 7:10 every morning, but if I get up at 5:45 I can get 3-5 miles in real fast to get my daily points! Then Saturday mornings are great to do 20+ mile trips! Keep up all the great adventures everyone!
@Melinda - hang in there...I know what you mean...I got a bee sting on my lower back and really don't feel like riding, but....remember your personal goals!
@ Troy - thanks for the extra points! ha ha, that would be nice! @ Heather and Chuck-thanks for your encouragement as well. Hang in there everyone...we are getting closer! Enjoy the ride!
Very frustrated. I can't seem to get out on my bike this week. Urgh!
While UPS surely will be busy with Olympic logistical support, it must also attend to its normal London deliveries. With increased congestion in the traffic forecast, UPS will be employing alternatives, such as pedal-powered delivery bikes and delivery on foot.
@Ann - I don't know about that "too cool to be gross" line. Ick. Yesterday, it looked like a peregrine had gotten a pigeon, and left some pigeon bits out in front of the State Office Building here in Lincoln. They're as bad as our teenagers about picking up after themselves!
Riding through downtown Omaha early this morning, I wasn't the only one thinking of breakfast... saw a great big peregrine falcon snacking on a juicy rat... right on the sidewalk, 16th & Howard. It was too cool to be gross.
Yay to Kerry and others starting to cyclommute... that's fantastic!
Stay safe:
1) Ride with lights, front and back (both flashing during the day)
2) Don't sit too close to median line, ride 16"-24" from the line. Otherwise motorist get the impression they can use the full lane to pass... dangerous!
3) Use a backpack, even if not necessary, motorists respect cyclommuters more than recreational riders.
4) The more you ride the same route at the same time the safer it is. You'll find more motorists will watch for and even expect you to be there.
Lastly, ride predictably, for example don't follow the shoulder during right turn lanes... stay in your position in the through lane. From the motorist's perspective it can appear that you are weaving around when sitting in the shoulder.
Put all this together and it means... RIDE LIKE YOU BELONG!
Congratulations to all the new cyclommuters!
@ troy; yup but im not doing 500 miles in a week..yet :D im on a single speed cruiser in the valley of the sun.
@miguel, your miles start back over on sunday. each week it zeroes out, you should have a "monthly total" next to your weekly.
odd that my miles are fluctuating. thought i had hit 500 miles on sunday but appears not.
@Gene, good luck RAAM is awesome!! @Bruce, feel better soon. Leg infections suck. @bruce and EM- I took the light back today and they were really fair at the cycle shop, did an even trade and made sure the second one worked before I left. :)
@ Heather I know what you mean about quality.I strive to buy quality products.If I cant find them I make them or have ppl I know make them.That includes machinery I use in my shop.
was 60 degrees when I went riding early this AM ,,still worked up a sweat but not like the past several days
got an infection in my leg so had to slow down a bit ...Hope to get better soon.
@ E M he was upset becasue your ride is better than his, along with that you were enjoying yourself at the same time.
@GeneConnor, my hat off to you to Ride Across America!! Keep it up and I wish you good luck, nice weather & great ride conditions.
Subaru's don't break down very often and there are lots in Vermont so maybe Wisconsin has a chance?
Hello Everyone! I'm 1/4 of the way across the country in my Ride Across America to benefit Sunrise Day Camp. I'm currently in Pagosa Springs, CO and I leave for Del Norte, CO on Wednesday (which means I'll be climbing Wolf Creek Pass) - do any of you Colorado natives have any words of advice about the climb up 160? You can read about my cross country journey at www.connorsarmy.blogspot.com!
@Bruce - I hope your car gets fixed quickly. (Good wishes from everyone in Wisconsin!)
Hi all, out this morning in balmy 77 degree weather. Such a relief after the 90+ temps. Not many other riders out there. Experienced courtesy as one driver let me into the center of the lane and slowed down so I could make a left turn. Later I had a BLAH moment when I was climbing the steep hill near my home. A driver rolled down his window, letting out both cold and hot air as he said "Try the sidewalk". Like Dave and Chuck I was happy not to be in a cage..
BTW: I found Jeff's Thermos Nissan 2465 18-Ounce Stainless-Steel Hydration Bottle at Target. They also had a similar 16 oz bottle.
Congrats on the commute Kerry!
RIDE ON ALL!
I agree with you David I would much rather be on my bike than my car.
Great Job Kerry keep it up. My wife and me are at three weeks of commuteing to work each day and we love. We are now adding an extra 10 miles to our ride.
Riding home from work on my bicycle in 90 degree+ sunshine, humidity in 90s, sunscreen melting into my eyes, stinging, I can't help but feel sorry for all those poor people in their metal, glass and plastic cages with whom I share the road.
What a gorgeous VT morning, cruising along the East slope of Mt Mansfield on RT 100 South. It's probably a blessing that my Suby is in the shop as I'm now committed to a 25 mile work commute until it gets fixed. Great way to add 50 miles on days like this to the Vermont total mileage cause.
First commute to work today! 6 miles, felt great!
@ John about bees stings. Go to drug store and look for a thing that looks like a pen and is called AFTERBITE and will take the pain right out of a sting or bite quick.
Yeah 7 millions miles riden so far !!!
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." --Albert Einstein
Did a fun 12 mile bicycle poker ride on the Hoddlebug trail in Homer city Pa. this morning. My poker hand was awful but I met some really nice people and had a great time. Rode another 10 miles after then stoppped at the festival the community was having. Music, crafts, food and good people. Got to love these small communities and the people who make this country great. God bless America!
HI all, out again this morning and it was a little cooler thanks to yesterday's storm. I got a mile from home and realized I forgot my water bottle, so I had to backtrack. Lots of people out riding and several cyclists at the outdoor cafe where we had breakfast.
@ Heather thanks, I keep rolling but have limited the miles a little because of the heat. I am lucky to have a great support team here at home and through the NBC site, and that I have been able to borrow my daughter's bike while mine is waiting for parts.
RE: your headlamp: I hope the store will replace it for an even trade with the receipt. If they do, check the next one before you leave the store. It is frustrating to buy something and find out it doesn't work and even worse when you need it and can't get a replacement right away. I heard that there is a company that will make things on a 3-D printer. You send them a model and picture and measurements of what is broken and they will print you a new one. Somebody supposedly got a stroller part that was cheaper than the factory replacement and the 3-D copy was made from a stronger material. So maybe that is where things are going. But of course that would still involve WAITING>>>>. BTW, congrats on making almost 20 miles!!
Keep rollin' everyone !
This is the type of morning I love riding in the Oregon countryside. Sunny and 70. Rode past grass, wheat, oats, and crimson fields. Mint, blue berries, cane berries, corn, and green beans. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and deer. Only bad thing, bees. Got stung within the first 5 minutes of the ride. Oh well, the pain went away quick enough.
I just started tracking rides with Strava.I was wondering if any one knows how to delete rides I saved,my storage is getting full.
Getting close to 7 million miles Nice!
Cooler temps are heavenly this weekend, but looks like it will start heating up again by the middle of this week.
Great ride Heather, you are getting better and better - you will be able to get your 20 mile ride in very soon. Definitely do not want to run out of water in this heat. I typically carry 3 water bottles with me and usually stop at least twice on longer rides to refill them. I am well known at many of the convenience stores with 50 miles of home. (Frequently the c-stores will allow you to fill your bottles with ice from their fountain service machine, I always ask and I also buy something to snack on while I'm there.)
@Heather April - congrats on the long ride, that is awesome!!!
I know the feeling of running out of water. Did it a few days ago. About 5 miles (25 minutes) from the house and the temps were crazy hot. Nothing between there and home.
Be careful in the heat everyone!!!
I went out early today and rode 16.5 miles (my longest ride ever). I was trying for 20 but the heat index hit 100 and I ran out of water. I was maxed out. On the way home, I was looking for a store I could buy Gatorade at and I passed a guy out watering a garden. I asked him for water from his garden hose and he actually went and got me a cup of ice water. What a dear. If I am going to be riding that long, I need to get some electrolyte replacement tabs or gels. Great to be back on my bike though!! PS I wore my new Bontrager Jersey for the first time. It's nice!
I think of what the bikes were like 40 plus years ago.. heavy and not much options as to components but people rode for the fun of it and didn't really care to much about what brand or company made it. As long as the bike was sound and got down the road, the adventure is still the same... Heck my first bike was a Murray 24 inch single speed and to me that was like the best thing... I road everywhere i could on roads, dirt trails, even to school everyday 5 miles one way.. So to have a bike today with all its engineering marvel and technology is cool but the the journey is still the same....Pedal one revolution at a time and get down the road.. Good riding everyone !!!
@jason Yeah and short of higher end components all bikes over 2 grand are about the same.
John, so true. Isn't it true that pretty much all bikes under $2000 are all about the same.
@Heather I think quality left in all things manufactered when society as a whole quit complaing and all our big corporations and now smaller companies went overseas. Sad because I dont think we can get enough people to make a stand to make a true difference. Could be wrong though.
Great job Jacque on helping your neighbor in her new adventures of cycling. It sounds like she really enjoyed your help. Great Job and I agree with Troy you should get extra points for helping a new cyclist.
@ Jacque, that is awesome!! @EM, you are a great role model. You never quit! I was planning on a couple of night rides next week, so I checked my new treck head lamp I paid $22 for a couple of weeks ago...broken. Not even used once. I wish I knew why quality items can't be produced anymore. I need to go return it but the shop isn't open until Monday. I hope they don't give me any trouble.
Hi all, out this morning in the 80 degree heat. Over 70 other riders out there! Had breakfast mid-ride, strawberry smoothie, YUM!
At the risk of sounding like an echo chamber: Congrats to Josh on the new bike and to Melinda on the long ride. Also 1000 brownie points to Jacque for bringing in another rider.
Here's crossing my fingers in the hopes that our little thunderstorm & rain will bring a break in the heat! GO BIKE!
@Jacque-I've personally awarded you 100 bonus points for paying it forward and creating another potential enthusiast. Way to do your part!
Logging only 2.68 miles today in not my usual...but I helped my neighbor start biking today. She was excited to do almost 3 miles!! It's a great feeling to 'pay it forward' for others wanting to get healthier by cycling!! GET UP & RIDE!!
@Randy. Thanks. I've come along way from the 2 and 3 miles I was logging mid-May.
@Josh. Three words. Padded Bike Shorts. :D
@ Dean, You're welcome, the Michelins should work just fine - I really believe the secret is having the thorn resistant tubes.
@Melinda, congrats on your longest road ride...
@ Josh, congrats on your new bike!! I've got an 06 Fuji Roubaix... And I love it...
@Bruce, I would love to do RAGBRAI one of these years. Sounds like so much fun. I've heard that it has turned into a real PARTY!! for the whole week.
It's on my list of things to do..
I did the CNC (Cycle North Carolina), my states version of Iowa's. It was a lot of fun... I think I'll do it again this year...(1st week of Oct)
23 miles nice! I just got my first nice bike which is a 2012 Fuji Cross 3, went 9 miles last night, and another 21 this morning. My butt and wrists are gonna be pretty sore, time to lounge around in the pool!
I don't know when, but oh look! I got gold! And I did my longest road ride today at 23 miles. :D
@Daly, @Charlie and @E M, thank you for your input. Now just to make a final plunge.
@Leonard, I tried to get Bontrager hardcase tires, but ended up with Michelin Tracker with Bontrager Thorn resistant/self sealing tubes. If the Michelins don't hold up I'll special order the Bontragers. Thank you.
many of you in other parts of the country may not hasve heard of RAGBRAI .Its a trek across Iowa every year taking different routes.My town will be hosting an over night for bikers this year.I know each year there are at least 20 k bikers.A couple years ago when I lived in Dubuque Iowa which is a town of many hills they hosted between 18k and 20k bikes who were thoroughly exhausted.I might try a leg this year but I cant go all the way because I cant breathe farm chemicals etc although hog manure doesnt bother me lol.Any way this RABRAI is a lot of fun.
hey Chuck you know what it takes so keep up the good work.Bad habits are hard to break but.....not impossible.always look to the other side!!!!!!
Just wanted to thank everyone for the comments and support. I will post every few days to let everyone know how I am doing. Again thanks
Chuck, the slow and steady approach works better than fast & furious, so you are doing this the right way and we are all cheering for you!
Chuck , keep it. It will provide years of benefit to you and those who care about you.
@ Chuck- you go! Decide...commit...succeed. Keep the commitment. You've got all of us behind you!!!!
It's too hot and dry here for camp fires. A little spark will put the whole campground in flames.
It will be a nice break this weekend from the heat, but it looks like the heat is coming back by the middle of next week. The only thing you can do outdoors this afternoon in Wautoma is swim. The heat is really getting very intense here and there is an excessive heat warning until 10 pm tonight, when the high temps will begin to moderate, so I am enjoying a little break at Mc Donalds. lol. I did get in a little ride around Silver Lake this morning. But before riding back, I jumped in the lake and did some swimming. I got my tri shorts on, so was good transition training for my next triathlon the first weekend in August.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jacque for the support and I hope you reach your 500 mile goal and then some. Like you I am a beginner/intermediate and I'm really enjoying my new life style. Keep on riding.
Chuck, nice job on your weight loss! Keep it going!
Toasty 51 miler today to end my vacation! Nothing better about riding in Nebraska than sweating profusely, drinking Chia Fresca and Goo, feeling a little tired...and then, BAM, a fully loaded cattle or hog truck flies by and provides the sweet aroma to wake you back up!
@Chuck....yes, it was a great ride this morning for me also!! Good for you on your journey - keep going!! My goal is to document at least 500 miles for this campaign! I'm a little more than half way there!! These rollers are a real kicker but a good challenge for me as a beginner/intermediate rider!! RIDE ON Y'ALL!!
@ E M, Thank you for being so considerate of my distaste for a certain four letter word. I realize people must have jobs and I do appreciate your sensitivity for my feelings. :-)
Good morning all just finish with a 20 mile rile today and although the temp is 90 with a heat index of 100 I had a good time. I do ament that I wanted to stop a time or two but kept pushing through the negative thoughts. I know the only way for me to lase the weight is to keep at it day in and day out. I started at the weight of 354 pounds there weeks ago and as of today I'm down to 334 pounds. I still have a long ways to go ,but I am taking it one day at a time.
Hi all, Out this morning at 7 and by the time I got done at 8:45 the temps. were already hovering around 90. Eventuallly they are supposed to reach 109 with a heat index of 115. Its a good day to sit in my basement office and w**k (no offense Leonard).
@ Dean, I use a Garmin edge 800. Not cheap but I love all the features (temp, time, speed, direction, distance, calories, elevation, ascent, descent). I also love the guy on the bike. You can set a speed and it will tell you if you are going faster or slower than that. But beware: all the extras cost extra. You can add a heart monitor, you can buy a more detailed map, etc. One nice feature is that it lasts all day on a single charge and you can recharge it from your computer, so no expensive batteries.
Nyla, didn't you watch the "Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle" movie? They travel through the internet and come out in 3D. Surely bike parts can manage the same feat!
KEEP 'EM ROLLIN'
I like my Garmin 800, was on sale last fall so I made the plunge. It works well. I have replaced the heart sensor twice in the first year. I am disappointed in the mapping features of Garmin when compared to the Endomondo app on my phone. So, when I get lost I often use my phone to pick the best route home. It is amazing that a GPS company is outdone by the free app. Overall, the Garmin is a solid unit that I am pleased with most of the time. I rode all winter with it as well so it seems to handle the weather well.
@Nyla - Perhaps you could get a replacement from either the Time Tunnel or Time Machine?
@Leonard - It seemed a lot more real back then. That might be why I didn't do so well in History classes.
@ Martin, Thanks for the memories, I haven't thought about Mr. Peabody and Sherman for years. Always enjoyed their adventures with the WABAC machine.
But Martin, Surely theirs would be two-dimensional?
@Nyla - Good luck in your quest for parts. You never know unless you try. I can offer one suggestion, but you probably won't like it (No, its not that you should get a new bike - I have a bike from 1982 that I consider family): Try contacting Mr. Peabody & Sherman, (I don't have their number). They might be able to find one with their WABAC machine.
@Dean: I use a Garmin 500 for my rides and I like it because it's small. If you also run, you may want to consider one of the Garmin watches (I have the Garmin 405CX) which works with the heart rate strap, cadence sensor on the bike and foot pod on your running shoes.
Hi all, out in the heat today (upper 80s) to get my miles in. Back to the regular route with one car cutting it close but otherwise a good ride. Temps reached over 100 later in the day. WHEW!
@ Nyla, I've also got an old bike in the shop at the moment. I told them just to replace the gears with as close as they could come to the orginal. I don't know what you have in your area but down here there is a place called Recycled Cycles: http://www.recycledcycles.net that specializes in fixing up old bikes. Another idea is to type in the exact name and model of your bike, including the year in Google and see what you come up with. GOOD LUCK.
RIDE ON, slowly and carefully in the regular riding direction...
I'm looking to get a gps unit with heart monitor, cadence, etc. at a reasonable price. Leaning towards a Garmin 500. Any suggestions or what do you use?
Took my much loved, long obsolete Azuki 10 speed (17th birthday gift in 1972 (-:) )for a tune-up this week at superlative Sammy’s Bikes in St. Charles, IL. Amid their dazzling array of beautiful, pricey, high-tech bikes and equipment, delightful Sammy and his team of similarly splendid cycling souls welcome my modest elderly bike with enthusiasm, and treat it with great care and respect. Beloved, newly tuned bike is now rolling along swiftly, smoothly and quietly. Unfortunately, due to an entrenched decades-long preference for pedaling in my highest gear, the smallest gear on the rear cassette is badly worn, and the chain slips in that favorite gear. I can replace the rear cassette and chain, but modern available parts would not match the current gear ratio. I love my bike just as it is, so now I’m on a mission to find matching original replacement parts…..convinced this is not an impossible task in our internet-connected find- Anything- Somewhere world…just wondering if anyone out there knows of a good resource for OLD bicycle parts?
II have sung their praises before.. get a couple ‘Thermos Nissan 2465 18-Ounce Stainless-Steel Hydration Bottle’ from amazon. I continue to be amazed at how well these things stand up in the constant 100 degree heat of Austin.
I only had one for a ride the other day and used it with 5 ice cubes. I also took a normal water bottle completely full of ice and I couldn’t stand the normal bottle after 30 or 40 minutes. The thermos was plenty cold two hours later.
Here in Central Florida, completely frozen insulated bottles provide under 30 minutes of cold water! Bummer, cold water for less than half of my cyclommute home...
Getting ready for a hot 98 Deg F ride in Appleton, WI. Oh the simple pleasures of 2 insulated water bottles filled with ice water!
@Heather... got a chance to read some old posts and really like your advocacy posts.
Thanks for letting NBCers know about the next step and attending City Council, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meetings. Most don't understand that local government wants to improve the situation and just need citizens to come out to discuss concerns and support cycling/pedestrian efforts.
@ Mike, it's a "HEY, I GOT A REAL JOB" photo. hehe Welcome back!
I used to load UPS trucks in WI (Oak Creek). I recall the summer loading was hot and miserable, but not as bad as the long winter of frozen feet in the steel toed boots. I really enjoyed the upgrade to sorter, but I think that job is automated now, isn’t it?
Hi Heather, I like the graduation photo! LOL
Ho! I hope everyone had a fantastic fourth. I was manning a bike information table at our fireworks celebration. We saw many families on bikes which was pretty awesome! Can you believe this heat in the US? It's going to be 104 Saturday in MD, but down in the 80's next week. Sounds like I can plan to continue to work my way towards Platinum!
@ Bruce the goal is to get out as many days as you can. Once I almost overheated on a ride and had to sit under a bridge to cool off and get rescued by car. Not heat stroke, but closer than I ever care to come to it. So I learned my lesson, now I go slower in the heat and am more careful about drinking and taking a break now and then and not pushing the mileage. This is not a race and it's not about mega miles. It's about being out there and making cyclists visible with good cycling habits. So you are doing it right and can feel proud of what you have accomplished. Please take it easy out there everyone!
cant do as many miles as before cause of my lungs but havent missed a day since I joined 18 May.ust have to slow down ans save my energy by going economy.
That's the spirit!
HI all, my husband & I got out on the Katy Trail this morning about 8 and finished just before 11 am. According to my Garmin the temps were in the low 80s when we started and about 98 in the shade & 102 in the sun by the time we finished our ride. This was dusty fun because we met so many other riders including a couple of guys who were just completing a cross Missouri ride. They had started in Kansas City and today they were on their way to trails end in St. Charles. We saw a family of Asian people who just looked soo happy out on their ride, that it made me feel great. Wildlife sightings included an indigo bunting and a large turtle. The turtle was right out on the trail, being carefully guarded by a couple of bikers. Cyclists are just that kind of people!!! We also spotted a couple of guys on recumbents that looked like large spiders crawling along the ground. They were headed in opposite directions. What were the chances they would pass each other on the trail right in front of us? EVERYONE KNOWS THAT A BIKE MAKES EVERY DAY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Keep cool and enjoy!!
Had a rockin Shady Lane 4th of July ride with the Colorado Springs Cycling Club in Colorado Springs today. Great in the shade,but hot in the sun with tempratures approaching 96 degrees. Hooray for the USA!!
@Gregg-I can't believe UPS is loading trailers by candlelight!
PS - I think we just caught Gregg at a low moment during our recent long stretch of high heat and humidity here in Wisconsin. He is one of our best cheerleaders in the NBC!
Hi Gahlord and all Vermont residents. Speaking on behalf of all Wisconsin participants, with the possible exception of Gregg ;), "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight on the bike lanes of Milwaukee, we shall fight along Lake Mendota and the Wisconsin River, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength on the trails of the Northwoods, we shall defend our state, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the Elroy-Sparta, we shall fight along the fields and in the streets of the Fox Cities, we shall fight in the hills of the Southwest; we shall never surrender"
Thanks to everyone who comiserated! The power is still out at home, and the family fun wagon is still at the garage, which also has no power. (This morning's paper reported that our neighborhood should be back up by Friday, and the garage's on Saturday. The bus drivers are still on strike, too, but at least I don't have to play "bus tag" or smell diesel exhaust - even the hybrid buses smell bad.) Nevertheless, I got on the bike these last three days for my usual 22 mile round trip: mornings have been great, but the afternoon trip home has been VERY sweaty. I've been quite strict with my hydration routine, believe me!
Congratulations to everyone who got prizes!
Greg, that's not the right attitude at all. Sure, many of us in Vermont have been enjoying giving our cheese nemesis a good trouncing in the NBC, but if you give in then it's not as much fun. VT is small, loves outdoor activity and is decently organized to activate riders -- we're competing with each other as much as at the national level. Plus, the center of our ridership is also our largest population center. Many of our riders are 1-5 miles per day commuter/fun riders. But the NBC really rewards that kind of consistency. --- Are there any groups you can tap into in Milwaukee to get involved/activated etc? Look for a good cross section of geeks (logging miles is really the hardest part of this challenge), alt-culture (hippies, bicycle rights, local pride) and fun lovers. Identify a few leaders to form some teams and keep them focused on competing against each other in the monthly leaderboard. You'll get back in the game I'm sure of it. ---Keep at it! From a friend in VT.
Okay! Something happened this morning! I just looked at my total points and they actually DO include the 200 that I earned on Saturday. Someone went out and fixed that. The monthly totaly is off, but that's as it should be. :D Thanks to the folks at National Bike Challenge for figuring this out. :D
Thanks y'all for trying to solve this. It isn't a big deal. It was just a shame to have a big ride not count because of the strom. I know that this challenge is about much more than 1 ride. :D
We will never catch up to Vermont. :(
I got pics of the Cranked Group ride last night. Check them out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/sets/72157630000522147/ There was a smaller group last night because of the heat and also holiday. Many firework shows are being canceled because of extremely dry conditions and the heat. One spark can easily start grass fires.
Early mornings are best times to ride in this heat. But tomorrow is going to be the worst with actual temps where I am camping in Wauotma, WI of 104. Heat indexes will be around 115 and dewpoints over 70 with a heat warning in effect. But Saturday and Sunday look much better with temps in the low 80's. But the cooler air is not going to last with the heat building again by the middle of next week. I drank 64 oz of water at work yesterday and was like hell inside the UPS trailers, but it is even hotter on the twilight shift after the heat of the day builds in the trailers. The trailers have a coating to prevent interior heat, but it still gets hot--hot enough to melt candles and has to be around 120 degrees.
Kathy, it seems like he should be able to do it from the NBC page, too.
@Kathy, With some coaching I wrote up a formal request including sample data and suggestions today for the Challenge team to consider. It included some alternative data rules that would allow rides like Pete's to count towards the "entire period" as a minimum. Even if rides don't count for the monthly drawings they should count for the "entire period". I am optimistic that after some time we will have these rides counted in the challenge. It is already in Endomondo so once they decide how to handle we could see their point total change.
@Kathy: Have Pete try going to his profile on the main Endomondo site. Click on "Workouts," and then "Enter New Workout." I think you can put it in there manually, either with or without a route. If you go manually, you can put in the date, distance, time, etc. From what I've read, the workouts put in there will automatically copy over to the National Bike Challenge.
Pete Beers rode 178 documented and witnessed miles in near 100 degree heat on Saturday, June 30, but was unable to log them that evening due to widespread power outages in the DC area. I and many others on his and other local teams are very disappointed that The Challenge has not to date made it possible for him to get these hard earned miles logged for the Challenge, either for June or July. Please do something about this.
@Al - You will definitely make Platinum. As of July 4th, we will have 9% reach Platinum, and by the end, maybe 21-22% will be there. (One big help to being in the top 10 for a month is to ride every day, even if it is only a little.)
Congrats Phil and everyone who made platinum so far. As I struggle to stay in the top 10%---and usually don't by the end of the month--it occurs to me that a lot more than the top 10% are on course to make platinum by the end of this thing. Now I've probably motivated enough people with this so that I have no hope of being in the top 10% by the end of July! God bless, keep rolling, and let's have fun while we're at it!
Hi all, out on a different trail today. Not too crowded on a weekday. It was in the 80s when I managed to ride. Right now its 99 degrees.
@ John, you are indeed lucky!
@ Burklee & Phil, YEAH, GO NEBRASKA! BTW, Burklee, I fogot to tell you that I saw a turkey crossing the road when I was riding on Sunday. However, it was not attacking anyone, just minding its own business.
@ Heather, a thousand brownie points for making good use of your time!!
Keep rolling YA'All & happy 4th of July tomorrow!!
@ Ray, I didn't even see the typo till you mentioned it - even then I had to reread the comment 3 times before catching it. I think that's called a "Freudian slip". (And yes, I did enjoy my job for over 30 years - I've been retired 17 years now and still remember a lot of very interesting projects that I was involved in.)
@Phil - Way to go! I'm in Lincoln, and yeah, it's just gross outside. I must be getting fairly acclimated because I went for a 4 mile jaunt around Near South last evening around 7, and it really wasn't that bad. Go Nebraska!
Reached Platinum status today, with a very hot and humid 40 miler, here in Omaha, NE. Even early to mid mornings is so sticky, but we ride for our health! Looking to 3,000 points by contest end!
Cheshire is not as flat as you think, when you seek out hills like Rough low at utkinton, its a little monkey , come and try it out with me sometime , and i will supply the oxygen after it phew
@Kate Powlison-Congrats for being on the top of the board! I have good news. While I haven't been cycling, I've been continuing my advocacy. Twenty cyclist of all varieties showed up last night to our city council meeting and helped get a bike lane ordinance passed that has been in discussion since...get this....2005. Yes, we have trouble with grassroots efforts here. But, things are looking up and we continue the fight. We have a group ride planned later in July to show off the first part of a larger bike route plan and we are excited at this small victory. Ride on, friends!
@Leonard, you clearly miss the job, since you "accidentally" used that 4 letter word in place of the word you meant. It is too coincidental to be considered a typo ;)
@John - That makes you a lucky man, in my opinion.
@Leonard - My humblest and most abject apologies for the use of that word. Had I but known it would cause such anxiety, I would never have mentioned it. Sleep well, dear Leonard, and ride an extra 20 for me. :)
@ Burklee, I hope you realize this is supposed to be a family oriented site and yet you are using a four letter work that some of us may find offensive - OK, maybe it's only me but do you have to use words like w#%k, it beings back memories that can result in sleepless nights and I know you don't want to be responsible for causing an old man to lose sleep. If you must mention such things, I find "job" to be a much more acceptable wording. :-)
@ Thomas T, I've heard rumors about a recumbent being in the neighborhood but I haven't even see it yet. He has had it out a few times, I just haven't been around when he's been riding it.
@burkley I am still wanted and needed that much at bhome also
@Bruce & @John - It'd be kinda nice to have the time/ability to just ride and ride, wouldn't it? Work is always getting in the way. I've got a sweetie at home who seems to like me enough to want me around a lot. There are 8-ish hours of volunteering at the Bike Kitchen to be done and chores that never end. And then, there are cats at home to whom I must be a loyal subject. Sometimes it's surprising that I can get out of the house for a ride. It's awfully nice to be wanted, though. :)
@bruce Yeah it seems like some just keep riding I am stay at home dad and cant even find that much time to ride.
@Leonard...I thought that looked like you with Red in those photos on F'book! Great time to ride with kids that want to learn to ride correctly and well. Have you tried Red's new (old) recumbent yet? I'm on mine every day now that I have new/better tires, and loving the commute to work here at Florida Forest Service...
Thanks to everyone that congratulated me on winning one of the prizes. I received an email from the prize committee yesterday and am looking forward to receiving more information about the Better World Club. I would also like to thank them for offering prizes to the riders in the NBC. Their participation in this program adds a bit of excitement to the challenge.
Thanks for the complement Paul, I've been having some very enjoyable rides the last few days with one of my friends and his grandkids. Not far, not fast but a lot of fun - feels good just to get out and be able to do some fun, relaxed rides with no pressure (self induced) to keep going and going and going.......
Bruce, I'm not riding 24 hours a day. Just any minute I'm not sleeping, eating, or spending with my daughter (since she hasn't figured out pedals yet). I'm about to turn her bike into a fix gear so she's not using the coaster brake as a foot rest.
Way to go, Kate Powlison! It's great to see a woman rider at the top of the monthly leader board! Keep up the great work. Here's hoping you stay there for a good long time.
I'm within a point (mile) of Lenard Wright! I consider that an honor. Lenard must be doing some slacking. ;-) My temporary "success" must be because we are getting FL like weather up here in WI. At one point on my ride this afternoon, my computer gave me a reading of 101!?! Glad I had lots of water, but the riding was hard.
Every day.
wow some of these guys sure must ride like the 24 hours of lemans...just keep going and going and???????
went out riding despite my chronic respiratory prob.Didnt go far but it was nice to get out a bit...even if is hot.
@ Nyla, there was a farily large piece of watermelon in our fridge yesterday, which disappeared today after my ride!
HI all, Was out in the actual heat (90+ degrees) about 10 am this morning. Rode on the trail with a lot of other people. At least the trail has a few trees. Good thing it's a relatively flat trail because my daughter's bike was staging a protest: limited shifting only. I believe I have resolved the conflict and will attempt my regular route tomorrow.
@ Steave, wow what bad luck. I believe that if you have three pieces of bad luck you are due for three pieces of good luck, so you are totally entitled to some good luck. Hope your power is back on soon. In the meantime seek out the nearest swimming pool, library, or someplace you can cool down. Chill & roll everyone!
@ Pete ~ You uploaded your miles from June 30th, on January 1st? I think you mean July 1st, and they should update. I had mine update for me before, not at the end of the month, but when I didn't put in a 62 miler until the next day.
Just out of curiosity. Due to the power outages in the DC area, I wasn't able to enter my June 30 miles until January 1 in the evening. Totally understand that I missed the prize drawing, that is cool with me. I'm not in this for the prizes. I'm curious if my points will be updated at some point though. I rode 178 miles on Saturday, and it would be a shame for those to not get counted. :D Thanks!
@Steave-Keep your great attitude! These trials and tribulations are just evolution's way of weeding out the weak. You are strong along with about 28, 272 others on here (give or take a few thousand that seem to think the only challenge is to simply register for the NBC). I hope your power comes back on soon. A cool home would at least make it easier to relax when you need to take a break from fighting the good fight.
@Steave - That all officially adds up to, in technical terms, a total bummer, Dude. Sorry things are rough right now. It'll get better. Eventually.
@ Steve Scott, that sucks! I hope it quickly gets better and warmer for you!!!
Well, I was hoping to post a nice, "let's begin the third month of the Chalenge on a hapy note," but the elements have ben most uncooperative. First, we had a fearsome storm on friday with 80+mph. winds. My house still has no electricity. Then, after icing down the frezer, etc. My wife's car quit, yesterday. My bike is now the only working vehicle the household can call its own - and the city's bus drivers are on strike as of today. This morning, though on my way to work my rear derailleur decided that I realy needed
yet another high gear, and jamed the chain betwen the casete and the frame - at speed. This ort of thing makes life interesting.
I realy have enjoyed the Chalenge so far, and I'm sure I'll enjoy the second half just as much. It's ben intersting to se that just my ordinary utility cycling routine puts me firmly in the 97th percentile of the participants - in points. Keep pedalling, al!l!
@Joan - Platinum prizes are drawn for once, at the end of the Challenge. The Platinum prizes are a bike trip through CA wine country or a White Rim bike trip. Airfare not included. :( If you click Prizes, you can get a list.
Maybe a silly question--- but are there prizes for platinum level (other than the satisfaction of making platinum and getting more fit as the summer goes on- which is great in and of itself)? I saw the bronze, silver, and gold winners (congratulations!) but none for platinum. Just curious. Keep riding everyone!
My June cycling mileage was hurt by two out-of-town trips and crazy amounts of rain from a hurricane and a tropical storm. July should be much better. All I have to be concerned about now is 100+ degree days and 80-90% humidity. But I'm ready to roll!
Another day of scorching heat and broiling sunshine turning timid headwinds and familiar, minor inclines into torturous, interminable “Are We THERE Yet?!” tests of will. Surely both 1 and 9 are better suited as initial digits in phone numbers rather than temperatures? I seek inspiration for my continuing, Quixotic “Copper Triangle” quest by reminding myself that Lance Armstrong used to drag bricks behind his bike (uphill of course) to train for mountain riding. On the other hand, Lance Armstrong also speaks almost fondly of pain and suffering as an integral part of his world class level of riding, (Mark Lucas must take a similar view?) whereas I strive to avoid actual physical pain when possible (my particular form of masochism being limited to an occasional perversely satisfying wallow in emotional angst (-;) To everyone out rolling in the relentless heat: Stay safe, hydrated and take frequent, replenishing breaks. (I recommend copious quantities of watermelon and ice cream (-:)
Karen, I was notified by e-mail because they needed a shipping address.
@ "el embajador"-nice research on that cycling monster, Mark L. What a brut, I was sure he had committed a double entry error. Can you imagine cycling 210 miles in the high heat and humidity of the East Coast? Well I guess Christopher W. will have to be happy competing for the number one spot of his home state. Both you guys enjoy the ride.
@ Christopher W - Not everyone in the Challenge has access to a GPS. I did a quick check on Mark Lucas and it appears he is a legitimate rider from Connecticut. 10 years ago he was riding 15,000 to 21,000 miles per year. http://articles.courant.com/2002-06-12/news/0206120614_1_enthusiast-cycling-miles
Hey Christopher W., if you rode 900 miles in 24 hrs you would need to average 37.5 mph for the whole day! The Endomondo police will chase down that guys double entry. They caught one of my teammates, who incorrectly made a double entry of a metric century he had ridden. Why not contact Mark L. to get his side of things, perhaps he's not aware of his apparent double entry mistake. Thanks for keeping them honest. Crank it up for that 900 mi. day-LOL!
A friend handed me a Bianchi Cromor, i think that's the model name. It needs new paint and over haul of components. Though I'd like to keep most of the original parts. I'm hoping to have her complete by August for my first charity ride in Sept. Follow me on twitter or Instagram (@eghtown) as i put pix of all my efforts to bring this vehicle back to life!
Have a great ride everyone!
Love the current leaders data (Mark Lucas). Can we see your GPS data from Friday's ride? Two 105 mile rides? Anything is possible with a manual entry. I think I'll ride 900 miles today :)
Heard all the good things about Gatorskins. So a year ago bought a pair because the brand I was using I couldn't find on sale. Put them on and in the 400 miles I had them on the bike, I had 5-6 flats. So frustrating. Previous brand was getting 5000 miles with maybe a flat... So, took them off and went a different direction. Just wore out the brand I had on the bike... so replaced them this weekend after about 5000 miles.
Gatorskins here too ... So far so good ....500 mile and counting and no flats !!!!
Does anyone know if we have to actually check the list or will they notify us that we won something? I didn't see my name in a quick glance but if they don't send you notification I'll look closer. :*)
Gatorskins are on all my bikes and have been very pleased with their performance. Not a single flat in 4 years!
Went to some 'Gatorskin' tires for my Bacchetta Giro commuter bike over the weekend. They seem to roll easier than the cheap tires I had on there before, and are supposed to be a lot more resistant to flats. Hoping that last statement is true as I'm getting really tired of fixing flats on the roadside on the way home from work....
@ Congrats Leonard on the Membership Win ...Awesome !!!
@ Michael I noticed 75% of his rides are transport , Maybe he doesnt want anyone to know his work routes . And he probably has those set to private.
Michael, this is probably because you are only seeing the public workouts of this guy.
I'm lost!!! I Just put in another 13 miles to beat the #2 guy (for July), but then I looked at his workouts and he hasn't riden since June 26th, and his workouts are sparatic and only a few miles at a time. Is this some weird glitch?
hello fellow nbc 'ers maLady now rides my first bent and after fxin a flat I took her for a spin and remembered why I got all bent up in the first place. Its a bike- e w/ 16" f and 20" rear tyres,, add a 3 speed internal hub, a rans style seat w/cane creek shock and your heart will melt ! So heather remember THE BEST BIKE IS THE ONE You WILL RIDE. Ride safe- Same road, same rules. dameon
@leonard congrats as well! @travis I think many of us are hoping to win a bike.
HI all, Out early with a plan to get it about 30+ miles. Only made it to 24 because my front shifter went funky on me. So called home & ended up having breakfast in Kirkwood. Bike is now in the shop for a few days waiting for parts. Will have to try riding my daughter's bike tomorrow.
It is dry here like everywhere else so fireworks have been cancelled by some neighborhoods. Heat is scheduled to continue and there are fire warnings everywhere, only we don't get the cool Smokey the Bear ones like they have in Wisc. & MN.
Congrats to Nyla & Leonard on your prizes. You are both part of my prize for participating in this challenge.
@ Bruce way to overcome a challege!
@ Heather, the water is a great choice in this weather!
Stay hydrated, keep cool everyone, & roll when you can!
I wish i could win a bike. i have to save all my money for college now...going to college in key west is going to be expensive!
Heather, thanks for the heads-up (-:….it hadn’t yet occurred to me to check. I can always use another water bottle (like to keep a couple partly filled and frozen for hot days). I’m tickled to win anything…and bicycling has been very good to me in that regard. Outside of bike related ventures, my lifetime “winnings” consist of a quarter for creating the funniest Halloween place mat in fourth grade, a set of long-handled barbecue tools in the seventies, and a table decoration from a conference several years ago. Biking has upset my every-¬ other- decade winning average (-; I won a tune up, water bottle and hat at an employee health fair in 2010, and a fine set of tires in last year’s challenge (delight only slightly mitigated by the fact that the splendid 700x28 tires don’t fit the 27 inch wheels on my bike (-;)…I think of them as aspirational tires for the bike in my future)
Congratulations to ever-inspiring Leonard Wright, and all the other winners!…which, when I consider the most enduring and valuable prizes of this challenge, includes EVERYONE participating (-:
@Nyla, check the challenge prize list yet? ;)
@gregg, I'll admit the heat is killing me. I really can't ride much. The over 100 heat indexes and high humidity fire my asthma up. I hate that it does but I'm tired of stressing out about it. I had 60 miles less in June than May, as the heat rose. I plan to just do what I can. This fall, I'm buying a road bike and will be able to get lots of miles in then as the heat eases off. I'm also in the process of buying a kayak and gear, so this fall will be especially fun!
Last Year’s challenge didn’t finalize totals for preceding month for several days. I regret the change this year…as there must be a number of people each month unable for various reasons (computer glitch, power outage, vacation out of internet range etc. ) to log all miles by midnight. It seems the previous system was more supportive of cycling efforts and more in line with stated intent of the challenge. There should be at least a brief window of opportunity for late entries, and new riders enthusiastic to discover the Challenge (Welcome Wayne Munoz!) should have the opportunity to get credit for June rides.
Frequently traveled route rendered grueling today by heat, humidity and dropping blood pressure. Familiar winding one mile incline required 3 rest stops! Much better after lengthy replenishing midpoint break. Blessing for return journey is that my unincorporated town occupies a lower elevation than most surrounding destinations, so although roads ripple in any direction (I envision traversing the vastly magnified surface of a potato chip) the net effect is generally downhill toward home (-; Roll on cautiously in record-setting heat!
Be careful with the heat. About half of the country, 23 states are in triple digits. It did hit 100 in Wisconsin Dells today and dehydration is the most common health issues. It is so dry here that many counties have burning bans--no open fires , camp fires, burning etc. It is also illegal to ignite fireworks in many places throughout the state. There is very little chance of any rain this week The drought is really getting very serious in much of Wisconsin and prayers in church were offered. Governor Walker already has applied for federal aid for the floods in Superior and a loss of 80% of the cherry crop, which bloomed early and froze this spring and there is also quite a loss of most fruit trees and also maple syrup. And now the drought on other crops is realy taking a toll. The crops in much of the state is really looking horrible at this points and the heat is suppose to continue all week. Very dry here, but Wisconsin Dells area looked really bad. It was really busy and crowded in Wisconsin Dells with traffic and people seeking relief in the all the water parks in the area.
I use a cyclometer to track my miles. My battery never dies and I always know my mileage.
It's over 100 degrees here so I only rode 11 miles today. Tomorrow I'll ride at night when it's cooler.
How many of us got short changed because we couldn't log miles from 6/30 before the end of the month because of power outage? I would have 73 more points if I had power last night.
Wayne: location apps that pull in GPS (like Endomondo) drain batteries fast regardless of device--iPhone, Droid whatever. For long rides getting a spare battery case as another commenter suggests or getting a dedicated GPS computer for your bike and then using Endo's upload feature will work better than switching your phone. ...unless you're looking for a good excuse to get a new phone. ;)
Richard: if they have an open team and an open slot (teams max out at ten riders) there's a join button. Otherwise the team leader will have to invite you.
How do iIjoin an already existing group if I am set up as a single rider?
I use an external battery pack built into a case for my iPhone. I don't think it is going to survive my first century. Been looking at the 1 on woot today for $20, think I'll pick it up so I have a spare for the ride.
So, I rode 64 miles today, so if my math is correct that should equal 84 points, 64 + 20 bonus points. So why does my point total only equal 75. Timing of the update perhaps?
Glad I saw this challenge today. I'm currently training for my first century on Aug 11th with the great folks of "Try All by Fire" and what better time to join a challenge like this. I've logged a 72 mile and a 88 mile ride along with my mid week 20 plus rides this month. The only problem is the battery on my phone that I use this great app on doesn't make it as long as I do. I got to check into another source if I continue to do these longer rides. I'm using a droid right now which works great other than the battery issue. Any suggestions? BTW reat job Endomondo, love the job your doing.
@ Burklee G: Welcome to PLATINUM!!! Way to go!
I'd like to know who would be interested in a wheel and pedal reader that could be transmitted to your smart phone to verify distance & read cadence. If you had access to this information in conjunction with/ or in replacement of your GPS data what would you want improved or added to the Endomodo application? If you also spin, or setup your bike for stationary use, how could it help you, or what would you need from the application or hardware? I figure the hardware will need to read rear wheels for stationary setup bikes.
I did get a quick ride in yesterday before we had to leave to attend a family reunion at
Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI which is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Neenah. I am only 6 points short of 3,000 points, but plan to exceed that this evening after we get back to Neenah. I was not able to take my bike with me in my mini van because my mother and dad rode with us and with coolers and luggage, there was no room to put the bike in and I don't have a bike carrier. But my mother and dad treated my wife, daughter, and I to a private room and deluxe stay last night at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Baraboo for taking them to Devil's Lake, so I am not lacking any comfort. It is a 5 star luxury hotel that I would have had to work a whole week to pay for myself, so we are enjoying our weekend here. It was very nice to see my older brother from Fox Lake, IL near Chicago who celebrated his 60th birthday on June 29th this year. I don't get to see him and his family much, so it was really nice seeing him yesterday. I have 1 sister, 2 brothers, and my mother and dad will be celebrating 62 years of marriage on August 19, the day that I will be racing in Race the Lake in Fond du Lac, WI, which is a 90 mile bike race around Lake Winnebago and is the largest inland lake in Wisconsin and the race is the largest all citizen timed bike race in the US that travels through 4 different counties. The halfway point is High Cliff State Park with a challenging hill to climb, but I have climbed the hill several times before, so I don't expect to have a heart attack. Our visit in Wisconsin Dells this weekend has been a luxury stay. There is no water park here in the hotel, but a nice indoor pool and hot tub on the 4th floor and a deluxe gourmet complimentary continental breakfast in the Glacier Rock Restaurant. I am going to have to ride a century to burn all the calories I consumed this weekend. We are attending church at 7:30 am at St. John's Lutheran Church in Baraboo and then later this morning, we are taking my mother and dad to see the Witches Gulch on the Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River. It is very hot here in the mid 90's, but there is no lack of water with literally billions of gallons of water flowing both naturally and artificially in this water park capital of the world. I think there are more tourists in this little city of 2,000 people right now than in the entire state of Wisconsin. It's nice and cool at the Witch's Gulch because it is like a cave on all the narrow passageways that take you among some interesting and spooky rock formations on the Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River. It's quite an interesting story about the guy who first explored this area and discovered what is now known as the Witch's Gulch.
Yeah, it's the international lead time. People who have done there workouts hours ago, but they are just now showing up because it was in July their time and we just entered July.
It is 12:01 Central, and Ivailo Karamanolev is leading all 28,196 other riders for July.
How do meet a challenge ? TEAM-Work! Babes where are you?
I just finished the month with a metric century, plus a little, 63.11 miles when I rolled back into my driveway. I took a couple short breaks to cool off a little, as much as one can cool down when it is 90 degrees in the shade. I did see a lot of other cyclists, but there were places where I had the trail to myself for miles at a time. I did stop and snap a picture of this little fella. He (or maybe she) let me ride by the first time, but must have been camera shy because he ran away after I went back to take a picture. https://sites.google.com/site/btd819423fsavr98ddea5/r_IMG_0267.jpg
Great morning of mountain biking at Reforestation Camp in Green Bay.
Nice to be in the woods in the shade!
Way to beat a slump Bruce!
I didnt feel good this AM .Respiratory probs have plagued me for 40 years.I was sitting feeling Whoa is me,then I thought NO get out and ride ....about 3 hours later than I normally do.It was great biking ... very little wind and I had the best avg yet .It felt great!!!!!
@Emily I'm not even on a mission, just riding cross country for vacation, and I count all my miles as transport because I'm biking to transport myself on vacation, to the store, to the campground, to the city park - even to the shower:) Sounds like commuting to me (well, maybe not the shower part).
Just hit Gold today!!!!!
made platinum today!!!
Burklee, congrats and welcome to the platinum club. I feel like we should be issued platinum cards good for a free t-shirt or something.
Hi all, got started before 6am to get more miles today and beat the heat. It was in the 70s already and right now its about 102. I know what you mean about the numbers game, sometimes I get back to my neighborhood and think, if I ride up and down a couple of dead end streets I can add two or three more miles. Then I get to my street and go around in circles a few times to round off that last mile. Its kind of silly but fun!!
Had breakfast at a nice cafe in Kirkwood. I have passed it several times before. There is often a bicycle out in front, so I was trying to figure out whose bike it is. Decided it must belong to someone who works there.
@ Emily, you are on a mission, I would count the miles as commuting, esp. if its your only transportation for the entire trip. How far have you gone? What part of the country are you in now? Are you going east to west, or vice versa? If you come through St. Louis let me know, could offer a meal or shelter or something...
@Travis - Ouch! Good luck on getting platinum today.
@H. Joan - Way to go! I can only dream of a near century.
And speaking of platinum... I MADE PLATINUM TODAY!!!! Platinum before July...gooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallll!!!!
I'm riding my bike across the country to raise money for my cousin with cancer. Should I be logging my miles as commuting or leisure?
Way to go Jaime!
I rode my bike at another Patriot Guard Riders event today; one biker among many others, but theirs are motorcycles. Forget buying a motorcycle for being in that (great) group - I like being the only traditional biker ( no motor on mine.)
So I participated on Critical Mass (Houston, TX) last night. I wish i had an image of our first take off. The crowd of cyclist covered over 5 city blocks and all the lanes. Any single car must of felt overwhelmed by the sea of cyclist. Hundreds of people were out in great spirits. It was an amazing experience seeing "strength in numbers" at its true form.
Have a great ride everyone!
The way this challenge is set up, I don't see how anyone could not get anything less than 600 points in any given month. All you have to do is sit on your bike and ride at least around the block to claim 20 points each day. In July I'll try to do just that and get at least 620 points. I'll probably end up with enough miles to claim platinum.
K.. thanks guys
yeah it's while they are cycling either on your home home page under where it says the person it out cycling will be the link to peptalk - just clck it and a windo will open that lets you type your message. OR if you look at the workout as it is happening on the map part top left will be a small peptalk link same thing, click it and enter your message.
@ travis I will loan you my son's hockey suit if that will help ;)!!!!
@ richard send a pep talk to your friend ...lol!!!! when they are out riding and it has peptalk on there status just click that!!!
Could some one please let me know how to send a pep talk to a friend?
Jerry Bengtson - I think we can agree that each person has different nutritional requirements. The important thing is to listen to your body - it will tell you what it needs.
Getting caught up in even numbers can be such a head game. I think it's a human foible that we are all suseptible to. On the plus side perhaps thats one of the things that pushes us to go just a little bit further. But regardless; excellent accomplishment Joan!
@Ronald im thinking full downhill gear now!
I'm beginning to think mispronouncing and misspending my name in the media is s conspiracy. LAB just fix their misspelling when the newscaster pronounced it as if French in origin for "the mute" (le-mule). The correct spelling and pronunciation is Lemuel (lem-U-el). Say lemming.. say Emanuel..say Lemuel. A rose by any other name may still be a rose, but if you call it a nose, somebody's going to look at you weird for smelling them. a;)
Crach pads for Travis !!! :))
@ John where did this happen so I can avoid the area ....
to add to my last post i get into alot of crashes too lol
im going for platinum tommorrow even after a really nasty crash mtn biking today. i was catapulted from my bike and slammed my lower back into a tree it was really violent knocked the wind out of me for a few seconds too. its the worst crash ive been in a long time not looking forward to how its gonna feel in the morning. Tomorrows ride is only going to be on the road for sure.
H.Joan Davies a 92 bordeaux thats pedal-lite-ful sleep well tonight D
Hi all, out again this morning about 6:30. Heat rose quickly from 60s to upper 70s. Spotted a dozen other riders including a guy with a crate attached to the rack on the back of his bicycle. (Suppose he was reading this blog??) Later, while it was 105 outside, I took my bike in to get a new cable. The shop confessed that they messed up adjustments when putting in the cable last time and gave me a free cable. But they also decided I needed a new chain: A NEW CHAIN, like I just got one a couple of months ago. The mechanic was suttly trashing the fact that I was riding an old bike. All kinds of complaints like not wrapping my brake cables inside the handlebar tape. Then he gave me a hard time for making minor adjustments myself. Like, I'm gonna stop in the middle of a ride and head for the nearest bike shop to get help. NOOOOOOO
As for miles counted, recreation or not, the most important thing is that we are out there making bicyclists more visible, getting healthy, accomplishing missions, and having a good time. I would totally ride a new bike in the house!!.
@ Joan congrats on the metric century/almost miles century. I think I'm gonna wait for any century attempts until the weather gets a little cooler.
We know we are having more fun than those people at the gym. RIDE ON YA'LL!
@H. Joan - WOW. Great ride!
@H. Joan Davies - that's awesome.... congrats!! Being that close to 100miles, I would of rolled out the few extra to get that century!!
Amazing had a car make a right turn in front of me. Followed him to his drive and he asked what was wrong with that. I told him it was against the law. He ntold me his dad was a cop and said there was nothing wrong with it and chased me down the street. I called 911. The cop showed up and said unless he hit me there was nothing wrong with it unless I could prove it was done with malicious intent. If i would of hit him it would of just been an accident. If i want to change it I have to go to city council for this county county over FDOT. I guess there is no end to the garbage going on these days and i will have to keep my eye out for him. He is the one that would be malicious and run me over given the chance.
Just finished my longest ride ever... 92.80.... Whoo Hoo. @ Brad W: Now I need to find some bordeaux cherry chocolate chunk ice cream-- LOTS of it!!!! .lol :-)
@Brad. Sorry Brad. Wrong ice cream. It needs to be Vanilla Swiss Almond. Much healthier. At least two containers worth so you get the full benefit.
As long as you hydrate and listen to your body, riding in hot weather is not a major issue. It is just not as much fun and riding in cool weather.
Michael Lemeux - you ROCK. I love that you are a part of this challenge. Your such a star! I'm off my bike today and tomorrow as our heat is over 100F. I hope to be back on it Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone and good luck next week (prize drawings)!
Great idea Brad I've never tried that flover.
@BradLPK - I am SO with you, man.
Had a great ride this morning, went out just after 6 am the wind was low and it was nice and cool.Got back just before 9am and rode a nice 35 miles First time been able to ride all week because of the heavy rain and wind.Most of the time it's great living in Flordia.
If you do walking, swimming , running, and other workouts like this, on endomondo, you can enter all your workouts for all sports, not just biking and all your biking miles will automatically get entered into the NBC, too. In the Endomondo site, you can print out a statistical graph and chart or list by year, month, or week for any sport and for all sports and I can also see how many miles I biked for transporation compared to sport. For example my statistical chart and graph on Endomondo shows that currently i n 2012 I have rode a total of 3,245 miles. 2,004 were for transport and 1,241 were sport or recreation. And I can also print out a mileage graph that shows my mileage count for sport and transport for each month and even for each week. I really like the Endomndo site because it includes all sports, not just biking. This is a link to my current Endomondo 2012 cycling statistical graph, comparing mileage for transport and sport by month: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/7467924630/
As a health precaution everyone should eat lots of bordeaux cherry chocolate chunk ice cream.
@Martin Malin. Even if you enter your miles manually, you can enter the time of your ride to get calories burned and average speed of your ride by clicking "new work out" on the endomondo site directly. The miles will automatically get entered into the bike challenge as well. I just use my bike computer to track miles and time and works great for me. There are certain routes I do regularly (work, grocery store, gym, pool, parent's apartment, and I have favorite routes I do for recreation and sport and I have these drawn on the Endomondo maps and saved and when I ride any of these routes that I have saved on Endomondo, all I have to do is select the route and it automatically enters the miles and then I enter the time of the ride and I have a record of calories burned and average speed of each ride. I like the statistic link on Endomondo because you can get graphs and charts printed by year, month, week etc. and that is really nice for a complete record of every ride you did.
It is very easy to dehydrate when the dew points get this high and you won't even know you are dehydrated until it is too late.
Everyone drink lots, ride in the early morning and use extreme caution when riding in this heat and humidity. Very, VERY dangerous.
@ Michael Lemeux, FANTASTIC interview on the LAB site, great job.
For those that haven't seen the interview, here is the link:
http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/06/meet-the-1-rider-in-the-national-bike-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-36531
Burklee - Now that sounds like work. I've been entering my total (exercise) time for a day in a spreadsheet for the last 20+ years. I don't think I want to put down each ride's time just so there can be an innacurate calories burned number for my ride. There are way too many factors that affect calories burned, like stops/starts/bike type/etc... As far as heart rate - I'm not that worried about it, unless I go into defib or it approaches or acheives zero.
@Michael - Wow, really great story on the LAB site. I don't know how you do it, man, but keep doing it! You are amazing. Really.
My house is small, not enough room to ride, which is why I ran into the door. I was training, trying to adapt to the brakes/shifters on the hoods, yeah, that's what I was doing, nothing worthy of a timeout :D Luckily I didn't bleed all over the white tape on the bars.
Riding in the house Ray??? Ain't it cool how bikes tend to release the inner child - but better, because now no one can yell at us - well except for spouses and car pilots... But, hey everyone; don't forget to have fun :-D
@Martin - If you go to the Endomondo home page and click "Workouts" at the top, it will show you a calendar with all your rides denoted by bike icons. If you click on one, it will load that ride, then you can go to the right side of the page, click "Edit" and enter your time, and your heart rate, if you've got a monitor. That will calculate your calories for you.
Like you, I am amazed at full gym parking lots on gorgeous days. I would think people would just go outside and play. I don't know, maybe they're all too dignified for that. I personally have never had that problem. :)
@Ray - Riding the bike in the house? Are you looking for a time out, Mister? And, how big is your house??? Glad you're liking the new wheels, man!
@Travis - 59 points in 2 days? No problem. You got this.
@Michael-Noone should be worried about which category miles should be logged into. The numbers above for calories burned, and carbon dioxide and money saved are just approximations. For some of us, they might be somewhat accurate, and for others, they are way off.
I don't have a smart phone, so I enter my miles in manually. When I do that, there is no place to put how long it took me to ride. Because of that, my stats show ZERO calories burned. I'm sure there are many others who don't have a smart phone.
Many (including you) have pointed out ways the dollar saved amount is inaccurate. And I agree. I also think that it wouldn't hurt if they also include some type of savings for sport miles. It would be fair to say that most of us are riding at least partly for our health. To get the same amount of aerobic physical activity, most people would belong to a gym. What about all of the money saved by not belonging to a gym. Or, if they are just concerned with money saved by not driving a car, most who go to gyms drive their cars there. And with many of us with multiple bike rides each day, one should count the savings of not driving to the gym several times a day. (As an aside, I've always been amazed at seeing a gym parking lot full on a 70 degree day, as I either would run or bike past. Sometimes, one can even see someone circling the lot, hoping for a spot closer to the door so they don't have to walk as far to the entrance, so they could go inside and wait for a treadmill or stationary bike to be free, on such a beautiful day.)
Great to be back on the bike. Goodbye Tropical Storm Debby! You were a pain in the arse!!!
Thanks, E M. Only 37 miles on the bike so far, but I really like it. I haven't pushed myself too hard yet because of the heat, but can really feel the upgrade in performance. It already bit me though, was screwing around and riding it in the house and slammed my hand into a doorknob, oops :D
Michael, I believe the dollars we're seeing is the money saved because we rode our bikes instead of driving our cars. Granted, if you would normally take the bus or carpool instead, it is overestimated. In principle, though, it's the cost of the gasoline and vehicle wear that we saved by riding instead of driving.
I hate when the phone tries to correct me when I'm right. I DO mean bus FARE not FAIR.
I think endomondo probably way overestimates the cost of riding for me. I spent less than $250/yr to transit anywhere I wanted for the 4 years I had my last bike. That cost included the bike, all accesories, maintenance, and emergency bus fair for foul weather. Bus passes would have cost me 4 times that, and not been availible after 6 or on weekends. I won't even start to compare personal vehicle cost. CO2 should be higher for sport than transit anyway. Compare the fuel cost /mi. of a road vehicle (replacement to transit) to that of a atv, dirt bike, or other motorized "sport" vehicle (replacement to sport). If it's NBC that is concerned with which way a mile should be counted, than shouldn't it be NBC to ask clarifications for their records?
What a great day, just completed our Bike Arlington team meet up and happy hour at Coyote Grille in Fairfax, VA. At least 5 Washington DC area teams were in attendance, great to see so many of my teammates and their families. Congrats Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, Bike Arlington, and all who helped to put on this fun event.
@Michael Its good that you can ride all day.Commute ,transport Its all good...you still have to crank the pedals.Im semi retired but have a small biz and a garden plus other obligations but Id just as soon be out all day cruising.I can't go at hot rod speeds due to respiratory probs I got from Nam but I set a good cadence and try for 50 to 60 miles per day.I know I could do a lot more.Keep rolling!!!
you can do eeet (Arnold Voice)
2 days left for the month and i only need 59 points to platinum. i think i can do it!
Hi all, Out at 6:30 again while the temps were still in upper 70s and lower 80s (by the time I got done). Right now its about 105 outside. Saw about a dozen other riders this morning.
@ Ray & Ronald: congrats on the new bikes!
@ Tami & Thomas: being off the bike for a few days means you will enjoy it that much more when you get back on.
@ Ernest: College zone = not anti-cycling, that should tell you something about who is smart!!!
Okay, gotta go make an adjustment on my front derailler cable....
@Pamela, you can see that information by clicking on the tems icon, found on the leaderboard page.
The Leaderboard now shows riders by state but I wonder what the Team rankings are by State.
In case you guys aren't on the email list-the pro version of the tracking app is on sale for $1 right now. :)
Speaking of dogs, you may be able to find something at fireworks stands called 'adult poppers'. These are similar to the snaps you throw on the ground but are LOUD. A team member clued me in on these. I've used them twice (throw them at the ground, not the dog) and they've worked both times.
I've tried everything else and have been bitten twice this year. Suffered a pretty serious fall last year when a dog got under my wheel. You definitely don't want this and good luck getting dog owners to take responsibility. The brand of poppers I use are called 'Pop Pops' and are $2 for a box of 20.
@ Michael Lemuel - For me, I think of "cycling, sport" as being any riding that is for sport, or in other words, just for the fun of it. I believe that "cycling, transport" is only appropriate when you are using a bike to get somewhere, in place of other modes of transportation - car, boat, bus, train, plane, etc.
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I do believe there is some cross-over, as I sometimes bike to the park with my son, and when I take a direct route, I call that "transport" - since the ride is about getting me and my son to the park and back - BUT - I probably wouldn't have gone at all if I didn't want to go for a bike ride - so in that sense it's more "sport" - since getting there isn't really the reason for the ride.
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That being said, I don't personally care which way you log your miles, but you will vastly overestimate your dollars and CO2 saved by selecting "transport" over "sport" and I find these statistics to be enjoyable to see (Helps me justify spending the money on the bike and trailer parts when I get an accurate picture of the savings they generate).
@Darla-@Troy- Get a small bottle of pepper spray at the bike shop for dogs and you should not have any more trouble with that dog and also report it to the animal shelter also as state law to keep dogs contained from running loose is a state law. I have sprayed one dog and have had no troubles with it sense and it never come slose to road any more. We have called into out local animal shelter and they have gone out and talked to the folks also. If it happens again they can be charged.
@Randy If you log all your transport miles as sport, then none of your transport miles will show any CO2 or dollars saved. I log all my miles in the proper category, so that at the end of the year, I will have an accurate total of how many dollars I have saved by using my bike for transportation. It's one of the major reasons why I bike to work every day because the savings is over $7 per day or about $35/week. The savings from biking to work really adds up over a whole year.
DOGS AND BIKES... Uphill, on the final stretch home after a 30+mi ride, I must have looked pretty hilarious trying to pedal as hard as I could up that hill with one leg while kicking at that German Shepard with the other.
@John Nisbet: Hi John, I freestyled my homebrew LED bike light based on stuff I found on the internet, basically others who have done this. Here are a couple:
http://www.instructables.com/id/High-power-LED-bike-head-light-with-integrated-hea/
http://www.ledsupply.com/docs/700-Lumen-LED-Bike-Light.pdf
Good luck!
@Joe - I've had some real adventures with dogs and bikes, but nothing gets the adrenalin pumpin' like when you've got a large, fast one, with a big mouthful of teeth on your tail and you're going up a steep hill near the end of your ride. Makes me feel so alive!!!
Sure fire way to wake up on your early morning pedal???
Getting chased by a dog!!!!
I really really hate that; but in a strange way like it too!?!?
Is that weird?? Lol
Pedal On!!
Peace
It makes a difference to the National Bike Challenge! They don't count 'sport" miles and "transportation" miles the same in terms of CO2 emissions, money saved by riding, etc.
@Jenny - Get well soon! Dog bites hurt, poor you.
@Michael - Don't sweat the criticism, man. You got some miles! Shoot, I just thought you were retired, or maybe a bike messenger or delivery guy or something. Some days I just wanna take the day off and ride, (not today - heat index will be 105-110,) and I did a couple weeks ago, for everyone else's safety... but I don't, because I'm a good bear. I kind of envy those of you who can ride and ride most days, both because of your endurance, and because you have the time to do so. Ah, well...
Interesting note - Rumor has it a wild turkey has taken up residence along the creek by the Antelope Valley Trail and Lincoln Children's Zoo, and he or she is having quite a good time scaring the bejeezus out of passing bikers and joggers. I love Lincoln!
The calm after the storm. A beautiful day for riding in Florida today.
Finally back on my bike after all most two weeks off. First a minor outpatient procedure that had me off for five days, then problems with my back, and then tropical storm Debbie...this is the first time I have been on the bike since 19 June. Feels great to get in that ride to work as it wakes me up and I'm more productive early in the day after the ride. I was getting a little 'soft' around the middle too, and need to burn the calories.
@ Chamayne Ortegon.... Living near the "Big Air Conditioner" known as Lake Superior, you always carry or wear a jacket because when the wind switches, the temperature can drop as much as 30 degrees in 30 minutes or in 2 blocks. I have actually seen the wall of cold air before hitting it. My glasses even fogged-up.
@Michael Lemuel, I don't think it really matters how you log the miles as long as you are out there. I log all my miles as Sport and I commute to work a lot. I'll admit, I'm just too lazy to change the setting back and forth. So just leave it at sport.
I am on my third " day off of riding" and annoyed by it. Initially it was the weather and when i rode Monday I didnt realize we were under tornado warnings and I shouldn't have. Today though the weather is amazing the wind and humidity is nearly nothing but I have work obligations that is requiring m y vehicle later in the day. What would they do and expect if i got rid of my car as having one is not required for my job on hire. Funny the company even put in a bike rack for me whenI asked which is cool but only proves to frustrate me more today!
@ Michael Lemuel, I have no problem with you logging everything as transport - I log everything as sport - I figure we balance each other out since probably half my rides involve transport and I figure half your rides are sport (well OK, maybe not quite balanced out since you are riding many more miles than I am but you get the idea.....).
Back at the end of May this very subject came up and I had commented on the LAB blog about how most of my rides have elements of both transportation and sport involved. The main point is, you are out riding and that is the primary objective of this challenge - to get people out on their bike more often.
@ Bruce, Thanks for a good laugh - I am entitled to laugh because I've been there, done that........
It's usual pretty simple - transport/commute if it has a purpose aside from cycling (getting somewhere to do something, eg shopping, working, eating, playing, swimming, running, visiting etc), and sport if the purpose is mostly cycling (and its benefits and joys) itself. To my understanding sport does not refer to racing here but mostly to "not transport". Of course sometimes this is not clear cut (going for a joy trip and have some lunch during the ride, going on a bike vacation) - in this case just do whatever you feel right -any cycling is great! For me a bicycle is pretty much exclusively a transportation tool (exception might be a fund raiser, or bike vacation) so most of my miles bring me to some place where I need to be to do something.
@Michael - I also have no commute (work at home), I log all my miles as sport. Personally, I think transport should be used for rides in place of driving, whether that is going to the office, running an errand or riding to the store. I'm not racing either, but trying to log a bunch of miles in order to move up in the rankings is a sport to me, even though I know I have no chance of competing with those lucky people that get to ride all day. I do agree that there is lack of clarity with only sport and transport though. My 50 mile ride on Sunday replaced what might have been a "Sunday drive" in my car, is that sport or transport? I didn't go anywhere, just took a very long ride from my house back to my house. From the FAQ: "The Challenge is an exciting new program that encourages people to bike for transportation and recreation." Whether you ride to the office or spend half the day on your bike, you're meeting the goal. When I see your miles, it makes me want to call in sick and just spend the day riding. I got my new bike today (well, yesterday), so now it's time to justify that sticker price with many more miles in less time.
Opps, correction. I don't feel logging my miles in as sport is appropriate.
I'm seeing a rise in complaints that I log in my miles as "transport", and questions about my commute. I DON'T HAVE A COMMUTE! I (un)fortunately can't work
My doctor won't let me. The alternative would be to log my miles as "sport" which I don't feel is appropriate since I'm not a racer at racing speeds, or even with race appropriate equipment. I am however the crazy person who rides all day and leads the nation in miles. So that being said, should I change my miles to "sport" on the sole basis that I don't have to do them and I do more than anybody else?
Got a chance to break in the new bike and it felt really good I have been riding a Mountain bike on the road and finally into a road bike...Awesome !!!!!
@ Gregg Warning..... I can only dream of 70 degree days. But I'll be in Wisconsin at the end of July and ya'all can laugh at the girl from Austin wearing a light jacket! :-)
@ Jenny, get well soon.
Record breaking temps for this date and dewpoints exceeding 70 are going to make it feel very sticky tomorrow here in Wisconsin. I'm going to need to drink lots of water at work and also on the bike.
Lots of great conversation today. Love it!! Jenny we need you back soon so take good care and heal quickly. Others, if you own a dog be responsible and ALWAYS control your pet. On the bungee topic, be very careful with these devices. I have seen people with very serious life changing injuries when the bungee unexpectedly breaks. Keep being creative and design the bungee out of the solution. Finally, I enjoy asking irate drivers to repeat themselves because I can't hear them. They cool off a little the second time around. However, it usually spoils my day or at least half the day. Ride on!!
NOTE TO SELF;Do NOT eat black beans and rice the night before you plan on an early morning long ride.OK go ahead and laugh at my expense.I was on a 25 mile ride this AM and was wheeling along at a pretty good clip thinking all was right with the world when I go about 2 miles from home and suddenly it hit me like a sucker punch to the gut.I drastically slowed my pace until I was like 3 cranks then coast about 300 feet and repeated this slowly agonizing all the way.Well I wheeled in the driveway skidded to a stop ,dismounted faster than I ever have didnt even take off my helmet ,rushed to the bathroom ...fortunately no one was in there. wow close call.lesson learned AMEN.I even made some more miles later...keep on biking folks!!!!Eat beans America needs gas.
if 200 lumens is enough for you you can get the apex rechargable headlamp for 120-150$ depending on where you get it. http://www.princetontec.com/
Hi all, out early (6:30) but had to rush my ride due to a dentist appointment. Only saw 3 other riders today. Lost a yellow flashing light that was on the back of my bike. GRR. Will replace it with another one but will have to secure it better.
@ Heather, what a grouch that driver was. She was obviously wrong, and as Leonard already pointed out, it is in fact illegal to ride on the sidewalk in some places. It is obvious that driver education is in order here. The Missouri driver's license test book contains an entire page about bicyclists and their rights. I think the problem is that too many drivers haven't read the manual for years. What we need is an advertising blitz to educate drivers: billboards, TV, internet, whatever it takes. Local bicycling organizations and bicycling business need to team up and educate the public. You handled the situation perfectly.
Since we're talking about annoying drivers, I always wave at the ones who honk. My logic is, if they are honking because they are annoyed with a biker, I'm annoying them right back, and if they are honking because they are friendly, well, I'm just being friendly.
As for the turn signals. Nyla is right the old school was to use your left arm and hold it out straight to go left and bend it up to indicate you are turning right. This signalling does in fact go back to the dinosaur days when cars didn't have turn signals or for use in case your turn signal wasn't working. Also the left arm has the advantage that everyone will see it. You can also use your right arm to indicate you are turning right. If you want to make sure they get the message, point your finger in the direction you are turning.
KEEP RIDING EVERYONE
@david Brock. Please post ur flashlight conversion here or on the web. LOTS of us could use an inexpensive alternative to $250 + commercially sold lights.
@Jenny, I sure hope it isn't too serious and you are back on your bike soon.
I just made platinum yesterday and did 15 more miles today for 60 miles this week so far.
I am going crazy sitting here at home with my leg up in the air (got bit by a dog the other day as I was finishing my ride home). I am watching the stats grow, and hope to be back in the saddle as soon as I can!
Jason; I learned the right angle/left arm signal when I first learned to drive (in the dim distant reaches of dusty antiquity, when dinosaurs roamed the earth)l so it has always beens my ":default setting' for a right turn...but most folks now tend to think I'm only waving at them, so I'm trying to remember to just extend my right arm. I suppose the original arm signals were for early vehicle travel when cars didn't have turn signals, and the left arm was the only one that could easily extend outside of the car...
I used to get worked up with drivers I'd yell, f bombs, the bird. Now I just smile and blow them a kiss. Life is too short.
They always seem to be in a big hurry to get past you, yet always had time to slow down or actually stop to confront you. WTF?
2nd broken spoke in 4 weeks.....ugh. $20 a pop at the local bike repair shop is starting to add up. May be time for some new wheels.
The benefits of cycling as if you weren't already sold on it:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/411797_405211596187082_122293765_o.jpg
It's perfectly acceptable to extend either your right or left arm in the direction you are going. Many motorists don't seem to understand the left arm at a 90 degree angle signal, so I don't do that.
I have a question. What do most people use for the right hand turn signal? I use the left arm at a 90 degree angle signal and most drivers seem to be confused by it.
@Nyla: in the figure-it-out department of making do: for night commuting, I really wanted a great headlight, but didn't want to pay the $500 or so for one of the super lighting systems. I home-brewed a super high-powered LED headlight: ordered the LED and electrical components, mounted them using a copper pipe fitting inside an aluminum flashlight housing. Came in at less than $100!
With the NBC almost 1/2 over, approximately 3/4 of registered riders have gotten us over 3/5 of the way to our goal. This report courtesy of the Division of Numbers. We now return you to your daily ride.
Nyla, I'm pleased to hear that even bugees with a higher sense of adventure are seeking you out. You'll do them proud.
Travis, fit and feel should be primary - but you gotta love how it looks. I love the Fuji and I'm happy to find a fellow compatriot. And yeah, you're right; you can't edit your comments, but you can delete your own and have a re-do.
I really haven't had any issues with aggressive drivers, just the occasional morons that like to make stupid comments. Almost every time I pass a police officer when I'm on the road, I get a friendly wave, makes me feel like they'll be on my side in a fight with a crazed road rager.
Burklee, I applaud your adaptability motto and appreciate your milk-crate hose-clamp strategy for permanency and heavy cargo. Hose clamps are also on my list of favorite items for secure, versatile connections..I keep a box of different sizes in the house, a zip-locked assortment in the car, and ideally at least a couple with my bike tools. I relish the challenge of coming up with inexpensive practical alternatives for much pricier gear.(-: I wonder what other strategies and inventions creative “shoestring” cyclists have utilized in the bungee, hose-clamp, duct-tape and determination- to figure-it-out department.......?
@Heather Carry a boat horn and tune her out next time. Sux that people can be so bitter to others.
Oddly, if I travel in my hood, many are unhappy with a bike on there path of motion. Closer to the universitys and downtown, people give us the right of way. Would be nice if education and awareness of cyclist could be a part of earning a driver's license.
wish you could edit your own post but @brad i might get the 2.0 its about the same price as the team replica. the team replica looks cooler i like the green on it.
@ Brad (LPK) thanks ill prob get the altamira whether i get the team replica or the 3.0 depends on what i can find in my size lol
@Cynthia - If you've got a milk crate lying around unused, you can attach that to your rack. I attached mine with 4 hose clamps. The hose clamps are extremely secure. Small ones cost around a dollar each. I clamped one crate on top of my bike rack, but I suspect there may be a way to attach a crate to each side with the clamps, provided it gives you enough heel room. I found the clamps to be far more secure than bungees for this application. When our van wasn't running, I attached one crate to my rack with clamps, then clamped a second crate to the first crate, and was able to haul off the recycling in fewer trips. I just carried empty plastic containers in the second crate, because it wasn't attached to the rack, but the hose clamps held firm. Adapt, improvise, and overcome!!!
Cynthia: there are all sorts of splendid panniers available, some conveniently “grocery sack” sized and made to easily lift off for use while shopping. Definitely appealing when affordable, but as a particularly parsimonious pedaler I enjoy bungees also..they work extremely well with some creativity…(versatile as duct tape…thought the watermelon was a significant challenge (-;). Recently I’ve been riding with a simple, open cardboard box about the same length and slighter wider than my rack, bungeed securely for holding groceries and such. It provides more stable transport than the basic bungee-bag-rack combo ...I’ll be checking thrift shops and yard sales for a similarly sized wicker basket. As a bonus, most of the bungees have been rescued from the roadside, having clearly abandoned their previous posts in search of greater adventure (- ;) I often turn a regular reusable grocery bag into an impromptu backpack. (My standard approach for transporting unwieldy impulse purchases from Trader Joe’s (-;) Neither attractive nor aerodynamic, but functional, cheap, lightweight and readily available. (-: Stay hydrated and Enjoy the Ride!
@Heather, I'm sorry to hear of your experience and yes, I think community education on bicycle laws is one of the keys to our safety out on the roads. Where I live (population less than 450,000), I'd say the majority of the drivers are courteous of bicyclists maybe out of empathy because they probably ride or run on the roads or know someone who does. I try to spread my love of cycling because the more people who are out there on two wheels - the better!!
@ Heather, Sad to hear about your experience with the driver of the car. Unfortunately many of us have had similar experiences, you did a very good job handling it. (Side note: In many areas it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk, at least around here.) We need to have some type of MAJOR driver's education program relating to the rights of others on the roads - i.e., cyclists!!!
Hey everybody on the National comment board: Today is Bike-to-Work Day here in the Denver region. (We schedule it later in the year here than the regular "national" one to ensure we're out of the snow.) So, I'm wondering if the Colorado stats will spike today. However, we're in the midst of record heat (all time high temps, and consecutive 100+ day records in Denver), and lots of bad fires all over the state, so I'm guessing we'll have a lower turnout than usual...
@Heather: yes, very unfortunate. I don't know where you live, but here in Colorado, I believe there is a hotline phone number specifically for reporting aggressive drivers. I don't know what exactly happens when you use it --- but who knows, even getting a phone call from the State Patrol *might* at least set her straight a little...
@John - Thanks for the update. It's good to know my options, and what to expect from them. I appreciate the info. Glad you're feeling better.
@Heather - How rude of that woman. Way to keep your head. I suspect it may have been that she was late, and as we all know, poor planning on her part should definitely have been treated as an emergency on your part. *eye roll*
@E M - I think you are absolutely right about our messing up the planet. I really think we've all got to stop being so nearsighted and short term oriented. We all have to do whatever we can, however small, to reduce the damage. Biking to get to work or run errands is one ot those small things. Just like rain drops that make up floods (sorry Florida), little things add up, both to damage and to restore. Now, if we could just get Congress around to think like that...
Travis, I have had the Altamara 2.0 since last fall and I'm still glad I chose it. I also rode the 3.0 and it's awfully close for less $. I chose the 2.0 for the Ultgra shifting, carbon/alum aero wheels and some component upgrades over the 3.0 - but I could easily live with the 3 without feeling shortchanged at all. I would call it a great value. Incidentally, I like the flat finishes they came out with this year, but I love last years gloss over carbon even more - it really shows off the distinct swirling patterns of the unidirectional carbon. If you get a chance, see if there are any last year models to look at, if so you might even get a good discount. Sorry, I am not familiar with the SST.
@Burkley I havent changed pedals yet either.
@Burkley I havent had any major pain from neuroma since injection. It is smaller as I can actually feel it moving now. Might need one more injection as Doctor also said. It only hurt real bad for about 36 hours after the injection.
Another beautiful morning commute! My friend joined me today, she is on a mission to lose weight. She has 2 more miles to commute than I do. I encouraged her to join the NBC. I am getting very good a bunjeeing (sp) groceries on my bike, although its a little awkward. Think I need to invest in a pannier or some type of bag that is made for shopping and that will easily attach to my rack. Have a wonderful day out there everyone and happy commuting!!
@Heather, what a horrible experience. Its so frustrating that there is such a lack of respect.
@Heather Yes I agree and the biggest and first rule is that a car is a priveledge to drive a car and not a right. I am not that old and that is what I was taught. Wish I knew what happened to that rule. I have at least one encounter a month like that here. Sad when it happens with a grown up driving and a teen sitting in the passenger seat.
I had trouble in traffic yesterday afternoon. A woman tried to aggressively pass me on the left in a major intersection when there was no room. I would have been hit or knocked over so I put my arm out like I was turning to secure my space and that pi**ed her off. She barrelled up on me and revved until the next light where she started yelling at me "Get your bike on the sidewalk where it belongs" and "You shouldn't drive in the road if you can't go as fast as a car." The intersections were a block apart. I was not going majorly slow-just following the flow of traffic. I thought she was going to get out and hit me. With things like this happening, it's frustrating. It sure would be a deterrant to a new rider. What if this happened to a rider on thier first or second day out? I can understand why so many people fall into the "interested, but concerned" category as the League of Bicycilsts calls it. Our communities need some real education on the rules of the road.
@Travis-I would buy the Fuji.
I cant decide on a road bike im stuck between a fuji altamira team replica, or a fuji SST 3.0 or a fuji altamira 3.0. Any suggestions?
If my bike had doors, they would have been blown off earlier. I was riding down a trail when two bikes suddenly appeared in my mirror. There was no courtesy "on your left," (not that I heard at least) they were just there, then beside me, then past me and gone as fast as they appeared. I don't know how fast they were moving, but I was doing 16.5mph at the time and they passed me like I was standing still. The rider in the back had her front tire about an inch from her partner's rear tire. While it was impressive to see them fly by, it was also a little insane. There were 5 or 6 other people in front of me they had to pass too, one of which was weaving all over the trail. The woman in back was on a road bike, couldn't tell what the man in front of her was riding, but his tires were pretty wide. Usually when someone passes me, I try to keep them in sight, but there was no way I was going to keep up with those two. I was at close to 38 miles into a 50 mile run, that's my excuse for not trying :D
We sure could use some rain in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin. Everywhere else in the state they get rain and even floods asnd we get nothing. It is so dry and crops are not doing well here.
commute to work was windy. i had a strong headwind for the whole 12 mile trip. it only took me about 15 mins longer than usual.
HI all, out a little later this morning but didn't notice much difference in the traffic. I'm getting better at taking the lane to make left turns and when getting out of the right turn lane completely in some spots. Sure don't want to get hit by someone going around me to make a turn. Saw 18 other riders today. Lotsa joggers and dog walkers saying "Hi". Temps. still cool enough today, but the next couple of days we are supposed to hit 100, so I'll try to ride early.
Sorry to hear about all the bad weather around the country. Wish some of that Florida & NW coast rain could fall in Colorado, etc. to put out those terrible fires. I'm convinced we've messed up the planet and it needs all the help we can give it, so KEEP RIDING EVERYONE!!
Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
No headache today, but I changed a few things.
Rested under a tree halfway home and drank a gatorade. (Regular - I don't like the artificial sweetners)
Went a little slower, not much, just a little
I noticed even with sunglasses I do squint some for various reasons. I tried to keep my eyes fully open more.
I like the idea of trying one thing at a time to try to issolate the problem more.
Hope everyone if Florida is faring OK with all the rain. Just a reminder, I don't think you get 20 points for the backstroke... Good luck in riding it out.
Wish I could send some of the rain to Colorado.Tropical Storm Debby has cut into my miles,here in Naples Fla.Just starting to clear this afternoon.We had a good four days of rain here.
Rode a few miles during lunch -- it is BEAUTIFUL out today!!!
Lanny, Send some of that Puget weather to Colorado. We have been in the 100's for a week now and with this High Park fire at 83,000 acres and not even 50% contained the smoke is keeping us from commuting to work let alone training to race. Send us rain.
TDF on deck.. Wiggo, Evans, Gesink, hum I think the sprints are going to be the most exciting with Cav and Sagan. Safe ridin all.
Well, ALRIGHT! Glad Rhode Island's Woonasquatucket River Watershed bike folks provided a link to this challenge. Count me in to try to put those 10M miles SAFELY in our third-eyes.. "Let's be CAREFUL out there...," said the guy who, last month, wasn't quite as careful as he knows he needs to be...
FYI for those of you who have edured with the heat this month. Up here in the Puget Sound region (Wa) we have had 5 days with temps above 70 and not in a row mind you. Six and Seven are to come tomorrow and Friday (fingers crossed). Also, we have had 2" of rain this month. Looking forward to putting up my winter/early spring clothing for the next two months and not cleaning the gunk off my bike every two days from riding in damp conditions. Keep Pedalin'!
@ Mike - Thanks for the heads up on the bike stamps. I'm out of stamps and going to the post office today,so I'll get some.
@Jerry - Maybe you've already done this or the headaches only come on in the heat, but have you had a bike fit done? I got one,and got rid of my old ill-fitting bike. I was able to buy a used custom-fit bike from a lady who has almost the same measuerments as me. Headaches and other problems are gone.
If TS Debbie doesn't leave pretty soon, I am going to put my bike in the car and just start driving north until I find some sunshine!
@Jerry J - I have a suggestion that might help you pin down which of the suggestions is your problem. You'll have to allow yourself a headache or two, though. After one ride, simply drink water. If dehydration is your problem, that will solve it and the headache will be gone. If not, try Kool-Aid or some other sugary drink (not caffeinated), which will help if low blood sugar is your issue. If those don't do it, try a G2 or Powerade Zero, which have electrolytes, but no carbs. Try them on successive days to help you figure out which is the problem. It's not foolproof, but could work. I'd guess an electrolyte imbalance; specifically sodium. I rode my bike to an early doctor appointment a few months ago, then home. I drank probably three or four 20 oz. bottles of water. They checked my blood and urine. Later that day, we went to the park for a very long walk. All day I had a headache - not bad, but annoying. I was drinking plenty. The next day, my doctor's nurse called with test results, and she said my sodium was way low. She recommended G2 or Powerade Zero, since I'm diabetic. I don't have the headache since I stopped drinking just water on rides. Not sure that's what's up with you, but that's my two cents.
I wish TS Debbie would get on about her business so I can get out and do some riding.
@Mike, I saw those. The commuter one is weird because she has front and rear panniers. She must have a hardcore commute :) also if you have it check out the heel strike on her rear panniers. That said I think those are cool stamps and I plan on getting a sheet for display
Not relevant to any discussion thread, but I just noticed that the U.S. Post Office came out with Cycling Stamps. I know some of you must be as crazy about cycling as me, so you might want to stock up. They are forever stamps, so I got enough to last a while.
@Jerry- It's more than likely your blood sugar levels causing your lightheartedness. After all, the only source of energy for your brain is...glucose. Careful not to drink too much water. This can dilute the sodium concentration in your system and cause hyponatremia. I doubt it's your electrolyte levels. You lose very little electrolytes through sweating and researchers have found that the concentration of electrolytes is actually greater in your body after a marathon.
@Jerry, I do think your having sodium and electrolyte issues. It's not hydration in general if your drinking that much water. If you don't want to drink gatorade, you can get tablets and gels to use along your ride as well. You can get that gatorade in a powder and mix it into one of your drinks (the towards the end bottle) and see if that helps while your still on the bike. Some of the more experienced riders will give thier advice too. Good Luck!
I have to deal with 100*+ temps daily here in AZ/ I fill my Camelback with ice and water. I wear a "cool" bandana and also have a small ice pack under my helmet. I also take 2 bottled waters that I freezed the night before. That water starts thawing within minutes and I use it to pour on my head thru the helmet vents.
In that case it sounds like the heat is the guilty party. Jerry B's suggestions are likely to help.
One way I deal with the heat we are having is to mix half my drinks the night before and freeze them. Before I leave I add the rest of my drink to my water bottles. It helps keep the water cooler longer than ice cubes.
Jerry. Along with your water make sure you are putting electrolytes in your water. There are several options out there for your electrolytes. From pills you take to powder or tablets you put in your water. The hotter it is the more electrolytes you need.
I do wear sunglasses amd have a small visor on my helmet. I good part of my afternoon ride is in shade too, so sun might not be the problem.
Jerry, bright sunlight can also add to the headache effect. Stop and get out of the sun once in a while if you can. Also wearing sunglasses and a helmet visor can help. Light colored clothing (especially on your back) will help keep you cooler.
Thanks Gregg. Gave up soda years ago. I drink at least 100oz of water a day, including 20oz on the way home (17+ miles - 1hr 20min avg) I have been getting headaches near the end. Drinking gatorade when I get home clears them up. I am not sure if its the liquid or the sugar in the gatorade that fixes me up.
YO Betsy, welcome to the platinum club. You rock!!
Headaches are often a sign of dehydration. Make sure you are drinking at least a bottle of water every hour while riding on long distances and also need something to eat for energy. Soda is a bad thing to drink because it draws water out of the body and will increase your risk of dehydration.
Suppose to get hot and humid in Wisconsin too this week. I drink about 64 oz of water in a 4 hour shift unloading packages from UPS trailers. We have an ice machine and I fill my water jug with ice every day, The trailers are coated to prevent interior heat, but they are still a sweat box inside and it gets really awful. I work early mornings and not as bad as the night shift after the heat of the day has built up inside the trailers.
What causes the slight headaches I get on long rides? Lack of water? Loss of blood sugar?
Any sugestions for combating them?
Been doing lots of walking since my bike was in the shop ,now will do my best to get those KM going one more big week of work and then cycle time.
Came up on a walker today while riding on the outside of town. He was wearing a long shirt, long pants, carrying a big bag. He sat down in the shade of the stop sign. He looked about 19-20 years old. He was shaking. Gave him one of my water bottles 'cause he had none and called the local police to help him. It was 102-degrees. He was walking from Casper to Gillette. STAY HYDRATED everyone.
Wow it was HOT today. 100+ here in Texas. It was so hot my iPhone overheated twice while in its case on my ride and lost some data. I filled it back in though. Hope yall's weather is nicer where you are and you are staying cool. Keep pedaling!
@Betsy - You rock, Miz Betsy!!! I look forward to being Platinum by Saturday - Friday if I roust myself out of bed early a couple mornings this week. GO!!!
Whoot! Whoot! Today I are platinum! Not bad for a little old lady who only rides her bike to work - 3 miles each way- to church, also 3 miles ( this sounds like a used car pitch) and modest recreational rides on the weekend. Its not so very much riding to be sure-but its an everyday thing for me so the miles and points keep adding up.
@Karen & Ronald - Thinking of Debbie blowing through your area... hearing the music played for the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz"... Dunnanananana, dunnanananana. Of course, I often hear that while I'm pedaling... not sure what that says about me.
Amen Ronald...I wish she would blow on by! Don't expect to log much this week. I
@Troy & @EM - Thanks. The ride to Cortland was nice. I wouldn't do it in that heat again, but on a day when it's in the 70's or low 80's, that would be a really terrific ride. I just read in the Great Plains Trails Network newsletter that the connection from Cortland to Pickrell is almost done, so you will be able to get all the way to Beatrice on the trail. I probably could never do that one, but it will be nice for those who can. I wouldn't want to try riding Hwy. 77 at all with all the truck traffic. So, if I can do 45 and a half miles on the trail, maybe I can do 25 on the highway (with serious, nasty hills) in the Cornhusker State Games.
TS DEBBIE keeping the riding in FL to a minimum ...PLS move on DEBBIE 10 inches of rain,High winds and Tornado warnings ...enough of it already !!!!
Hi all, rode this morning. Keep tweaking my ride a little to keep it interesting. Saw about 10 other riders.
@ you people in California, please tell Senator Boxer to keep the funding for local control over safe biking and walking projects.
@ Burklee, man I am so proud of you. Way to go!! Now I need to add Cortland to my list of places to ride when I get to Lincoln!
Is anyone else thinking about doing this ride through the fingerlakes region of NY? Please help in reaching my goal, thank you for all you rhelp in advance. http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davidjclifton/red-ribbon-bike-ride
I was happy to have that 100oz Camelbak while I was out for a 50 mile ride yesterday afternoon. Even though I opted for the black pack, after close to 4 hours in the sun and 85+ temps (plus my body heat), the water was still cold when I got back home. Anyone have an insulated drinking tube? Does it actually help any?
I biked around Iowa City and Cedar Rapids this week. Especially enjoyed the trail from Ely to Cedar Rapids. Both cities were fun to bike around. I saw a lot of cyclists out and wondered if they were in the NBC. Anyone from either of those areas?
@Burklee-Good ride! I haven't been brave enough to attempt the trip to Cortland and back, yet, but I really like the Jamaica/Homestead trails. It WAS a hot one yesterday. Good thing you beat the heat with a "fill up" at the turnaround point.
We should hit our first 100 degree day of the year this week. If I had to choose between 40 degrees and 100 degrees I'd take 100.
I rode down to Cortland on the Jamaica North and Homestead trails yesterday. It's 45.65 miles roundtrip from my house. Much of the Jamaica North trail parallels and runs through Wilderness Park, which makes for a nicely scenic, shady ride. I had no idea when I left at about 8 a.m. that there would be a heat advisory for our area. I brought plenty of Powerade and a pear. At the Sinclair station in Cortland I bought two 32 oz. Gatorades. I drank one and ate my pear, put most of the other one in my emptied bottle. I stayed hydrated, which is good, cuz it was hot. I was done there at the end. Remembered to work on cadence, Martin, so I made it most of the way without pain in my knee. At the end though, I was pretty sore...especially my butt. Oy. The worst, though, was my neck and deltoids. But, a shower, taking it easy for the rest of the evening, and some ice on my knees really helped. By 10 o'clock last night I was recovered enough to help a young woman with a baby change her flat car tire. I wasn't sure I could do it, but I made it all the way to Cortland and back. I did it!
Picked up a Surly Disk trucker this weekend. So much more comfortable riding our crappy roads on the steel frame than the Trek 1.2 aluminum bike I was riding. :)
Gregg, gas is falling here in Maryland too. When we started this challenge, I noticed it was in the $3.80 range and now it's $3.20. Last week, I just bought my first tank since the challenge started. btw, Marylanders we moved up this month! :)
The Big Manitou Falls was really something to see after the rain and floods this past week: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7430002810_8f224af5c7_b.jpg
Biking is prohibited on all trails in the park because it is very dangerous. Climbing into the gorge is also prohibited with severe fines if you are caught. But if you talk to residents of the area, they remember the days as kids of exploring and climbing into the gorge and they said there are interesting caves in the gorge.
Next weekend is a family reunion in Wisconsin Dells at Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo. If you ever come to the Dells here, the most popular and scenic place to camp is Devil's Lake, which is just a short drive south of the Dells. However, this campground fills up quickly, especially on weekends. But overflow camping is also available at scenic Mirror Lake State Park and also Rocky Arbor State Park.. You will never pay more than $20 for a Wisconsin State Park campsite with electric hook ups and hot shower facilities. But if you camp at one of the hundreds of other private campgrounds in the Dells area, it is not uncommon to pay over $50 per night for a camp site. There are also hundreds of motels in the Dells area and are very expensive and can range anywheres from $100/night for budget motels to over several hundred dollars per night in indoor waterparks and theme resorts. Wisconsin Dells has more waterparks than any other place in the world and more are being built in this city of only about 2,600 residents as these indoor waterpark resorts attract guests from all over even in the cold winter. The price of these waterpark resorts are much lower in the winter.
Our riding is really paying off in $ just like I knew it would. The low demand for fuel is causing the gas prices to fall and may fall below $3/gallon by fall here, if the demand for fuel continues to slump.
The "Little" Manitou Falls at Pattison State Park near Superior became really big after 10 inches of rain last Wednesday and this pic was taken on Friday and by then the water had receded considerably, but was still a thunderous raging river crashing violently over the falls with a cooling mist: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7436852798_6b110e9522_b.jpg
The only biking I did yesteday was a round trip ride of a half mile to the restroom at the beach in the park because they were cleaning the campground restrooms and showers and my bowels could not wait. The 1/4 mile ride back to the camp site felt much better lol Yesterday was quite boring and uneventful for me driving 6 hours home from Superior. Looking forward to riding to work tomorrow after a week off. Only 7 days of work and then off again camping for another 5 days at Camp Philipp in Wautoma, WI, only an hours drive away. But since I will be towing my pop up camper again, my bike will ride in my van with me.
Hi all, out early this morning to beat the heat. Lots of other people with the same idea, I'd say at least 60 or so. Its hard to count the large groups of cyclists.
There was a birthday party & ride for the Chain of Rocks Bridge in downtown St. Louis but I had too many other things going on to be able to go to that. Mabye someone else in this area went & can tell us more.
@ Gregg, nice bear pics
@ Richard -- keep your head down LOL
@ Eric AWWWWsome
@ Mike H - hope they are recording those miles ! YAY LINCOLN!!!
Biking along the pine tree lined shores of Trout Lake near Boulder Junction, WI on the Crystal Lake paved bike trail was a very scenic relaxing ride and a great place to stop for a rest. I wanted to bottle the clean air and forest smells here: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7436600088_5b0c7e36a1_b.jpg
@Michael L. I have the perfect solution for breathing and eye protection.I use a helmet in my wood shop that has a self contained ffan unit and a full face shield.It blows filter air over your head and down ur face like an air wash.The helmet looks like Darth Vader and you may get a stiff nech cause its much heavier than a safety helmet for a cyclist but hey,,,,,it works.I need this because I damaged my lungs and airway in VN 40 years ago.I like bicycling because I can regulate my speed etc without overdoing it and trying to breath into my mouth when I over work.I cant go fast for very long but in my mind I sure want to...just dont have the lung capacity Bruce
Great week. After being gone to wedding out east until Monday, rode every day commuting/etc Tues-Sat for over 75 miles. Topped off the week with 40 at the dedication ride for North Eastern State Rail-Trail on Saturday. Over 200 people showed up to ride and share lunch. Great trail! Part of it runs along east side of Mullet Lake and Aloha State Park. 70 miles in length from Cheboygan to Alpena. Trail will be a great asset for N. Michigan and sunrise side of state. Thanks to DNR, Trails Council and all government representatives, agencies and entities that came together to make it a reality! And I turned 57 (can I really be 57?) last week on the day we broke 5 million mile mark. Great job @Jerry, @Mike, @Eric and all. Keep riding!
@Eric, but a great daddy at that!
When I rode the Boulder Sunrise Century yesterday I made sure I left in the first bunch of riders so I would have a chance of finishing in the top 95%. I think I made it. At least 40 riders finished after me.
Over 1,500 riders this morning in Lincoln, NE for the 10th annual Trail Trek event. Rides from 10-miles to 40-miles in length. WAY TO GO LINCOLN!
8.3 miles pullin a 4 year old and a 2 year old after way too long off the bike makes for a very tired daddy.
Safety glasses work great to keep bugs out of the eyes. One of my teammates uses a hospital mask to prevent bugs in his mouth. I find that solution to prevent easy use of my hydration pack, too restictive in air flow, and just looks well creepy or sick. I've thought of mosquito netting but haven't had time to make one and test it out. I also have to decide if the netting will be loose, or have a "pocket" for the straw on my hydration pack. Any thoughts?
@Gregg, great pictures, can't believe you got that close to them.
@Richard Dont forget about amount of good protien you ingested also
@Gregg, great photos! Can't believe you went TOWARD that momma bear!
Last night I rode at dusk. Big mistake. Lots and lots of gnats. It reminded me of that old joke....How can you tell if a bicyclist is happy? The number of bugs in their teeth!
@ Gregg, Beautiful pictures, thank you for posting the link to these photos. Sounds like you and your family had a wonderful vacation. Glad you were able to have the time to get out and enjoy nature.
Yay me, I'll be getting a Jersey next month for my B-Day. Ride Organizers, a matching shorts option would be nice. Granted, people are particular about their padding options (I don't even want a pad), but having a base design to order from should be doable. Myself, I would also like the option to add my name (for both top and bottoms) and personal/team logos. I'd think some company teams would appreciate a logo location to. This way Jerseies could be personalized, but have a standard layout.
This is the link to the bear pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/sets/72157630258205298/. The flooding in Superior was really devastating. This is how the Big Manitou Falls looked on Thursday evening after the floods: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7430002810_8f224af5c7_b.jpg
Just finished my first road race ever in Laramie- Citizens leg of the Dead Dog. My goal was to keep finish and not fall- lol. DONE! Also logged in my fasted mph ever. Wind was 20-30 with gusts to 40. We raced down first and then back up. Of course the wind was coming down the canyon so the the second half of the race was with a strong head wind. BUT, we finished. Whew! What a ride.
Just got back from our vacation at Crystal Lake in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest and at Pattison State Park near Superior and Duluth where they had 10 inches of rain last Wednesday and massive flooding causing over 10 million dollars of damage.. Entire roads and bridges were washed away there. We like hiking around the Black River and Manitou Falls. The river was violently flowing over the falls and was very different from last year. The Black River begins its winding journey about 22 miles southwest of the park at Black Lake on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. As it passes through Pattison State Park, it drops 31 feet over Little Manitou Falls, forms Interfalls Lake, and then reaches the spectatcular Big Manitou Falls. After leaving the Pattison State Park gorge, the river meanders another 5 miles to the Nemadji River, which it joins for the final 10 mile journey to Lake Superior. The short watershed means rapid changes in the character of the falls, from the thundering cataracts of spring to the more placid tumble of early autumn. Because of the 10 inches of rain on Wednesday and all the flooding, we saw a spectactuar view of the falls with water violently thundering over the falls which this generation has never seen before. The water was gushing over the falls so violently that there was even a mist just like there is at Niagara Falls. I captured some beautiful pics with even rainbows. The 165 feet vertical drop at Big Manitou Falls is the highest in Wisconsin and the 4th highest east of the Rocky Mountains. For 3,000 years, humans have lived and worked along the Black River. Now, people from around the world come to see Big Manitou Falls and right now it is a very thundering and violent fall. I will post some pics soon and give you the links to see them. On our vacation I biked on a lot of beautful paved bike trails and back paved roads through the forest around hundreds of lakes in the Northern Highland American Legion Forest, which is such a beautiful place for biking with rollers. Usually I didn't even see a single car while biking on the roads there. It is so quiet with only the sounds of nature while riding. Last evening about 7:30 pm as I was biking on BB near Pattison State Park, I past Susan Rd, which is a gravel road and I saw a mother black bear with 3 cubs trailing behind. The mother bear made the cubs climb high up a tree as she kept her eye on me. I had my camera with me in my back pack and slowly and quietly pulled it out and took pictures of her and got one of the cubs climbing the tree. I went just a little closer to her, but did not want her to come running towards me. lol When I took a few steps closer to her, she stood up with her front paws up on the tree and growled at her cubs to climb higher. I took a couple more pics and then got out of there because I was afraid she might come and attack me. I will also post some of these pics and give links to them. We had a lot of rain and storms almost every day on our vacation for 2-3 hours each day, but then would clear up and the sun would come out and get really warm and humid. It was really hard to know when it was safe to bike because these storms would violently pop up at unpredictable times.
I got a lot of miles to post from this week because we were camping and I was biking in areas where there was not any cell or internet connections.
I rode 50 miles this week - my best week yet! Also I am excited... ordered my HP Velotechnik Gekko fx recumbent tadpole trike today - get it in a week!
@George Denys. Fantastic! Way to stick with it!
Riden 100 plus miles each of the last 3 Saturdays.
George Denys
Great riding this week.Went up to Hilton Head S. C. Logged 176 miles for the week .Best week I have had since I was hit on my bike and almost killed.
@Joe - I ride a Trek Navigator 2.0.
Early ride today and tried a new loop. Didn't like it because I had to go through a bad intersection with cars getting on and off the interstate. There are a lot of those around here, so I try to find the best alternatives. Spotted 24 other riders.
To the bike shoppers out there. You can always ask for different components before you buy the bike. Like if you have a favorite saddle or something. The bike shop can adjust the price accordingly so you get more of the bike you want!
Keep em rollin' !
Proper diet is complex but look around and you can see the effect of a high carb diet on the general public. The key is to get protien, fat and carbs from the right source and I good balance. I recommend reading "Paleo Diet for Athletes". It explains the benefits of the Paleo diet but with some modifications for fueling muscles for endurance sports.
My two bikes, at present, are a Specialized Cross Roads (trail) hybrid and a Ross Professional Gran Tour 10 speed. The Specialized is genearlly my bike of all work. I got her from one of our local bike co-ops for the astronomical sum of $15.00 (I had a lot of volunteer hours on the books at the time, so I got the full 75% members' discount.) I have since spent a little over $100.00 on new handlebars, a new saddle, and folding Wald baskets. About a week later someone donated two all carbon Cannondale road bikes, so I've been cursing my bad luck ever since: we have a very strict rule that co-op members can only buy one bike a year. I got the hybrid specifically to be a snow bike, since there are studded tires for 700c wheels but not for the old school 27". I have named her Hsüeh Mei-ling since she's from Taiwan. That translates, "Belle of the Snow." She's not likely to win any races, but she's a great grocery hauler, and she gets me to and from work reliably.
The Ross was from a garage sale about twenty years ago. It dates from the early 'eighties, when Ross attempted, without success, to avoid bankruptcy by actually making good bikes, instead of discount store cheapies. I call that bike my "old warhorse" (Ross, in German is a warhorse as opposed to any other kind of equine.)
Speaking of diet, a good "moderate" approach is the Zone Diet. It is a good approach to "smart carb" living. It isn't a severe carb restriction, but the carb choices are very important. The concept behind it is to change your body from a carb-burning machine into a fat-burning machine, focusing on controlling your insulin levels so that there are no blood sugar spikes or valleys.
My main workhorse is a Reynolds steel framed '87 Trek 400 Elance but updated with new 10 spd Ultegra and wheels. Putter around (<30m) on my '68 Raleigh internal hub 5 spd Sprite, '02 Raleigh hybrid (rain commuter) hardly moves since I fendered the Trek. '84 Raleigh Gran Prix that rarely comes out since I built the Trek. I'd really miss the STI's & SPD!
I would encourage anyone thinking about changing their diet to something like one mentioned below to consult their physician first, as they aren't for everyone. Your body burns fuel in several ways. Most of those ways involve glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the muscle. If you don't take in adequate amounts of good carbohydrates, there is nothing to resupply the muscle, and you end up losing muscle mass. In the short term, one can lose weight on a diet like this. But when one loses enough muscle, their metabolism slows down, and the weight loss reverses.
Not only that, but your heart happens to be a muscle. If you lose some of it, how can that be good?
Also, when I mentioned that it wasn't for everyone, my brother is a good case in point. He was on this diet for about 3 years, his cholesterol levels shot up, and he ended up needing 9 stents and a double bypass over the course of 1 1/2 years. So, hereditarily, this may be the worst thing for you. But I don't believe there is a way of testing beforehand. I don't think it is worth the risk to take that chance, just for a temporary weight loss.
There are better and safer ways to reduce weight on a permanent basis.
At the encouragement of my riding partner I have switched to a high fat, low-carb, moderate protein diet. Since March 1, 2012 I have lost 40 pounds. We ride for hours without hunger or hitting any walls, because when we burn fat there aren't any walls.
I encourage all bikers to take a serious look at the science behind this phenomenon by reading Gary Taubes' "Good Calories, Bad Calories" and his follow up "" Why We Get Fat". Dr. William Davis, a preventive cardiologist, wrote "Wheat Belly" in which he further explains the devastating effects of carbs to our physiology. One more source addressing bicyclists is Drs. Phinney and Volek's "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance" .
Fuji Altimara just last year. I love the feel and fit of it AND it shows the naked unidirctional carbon, which to me looks like the swirling patterns of burled wood - I also find it beautiful. I feel light and fast on it. It damps out road shock somewhat and on smooth blacktop, it feels like I'm floating. However that being said I was very surprised recently that my friends Waterford 'wrought iron' bike weighs about the same as mine!!! My previous road bike is a Trek 1500, which I rode for over 20 years and has now become my cottage bike. A Trek 4300 MTB for trails and my foul weather bike. And an older Raleigh M45 MTB with Nokian studded tires for ice and snow (excellent on ice, however when the snow gets to 2" or more it does start 'floating' around). I wasn't so sure about those fat tire bikes at first - now from what I've heard I'd love to try one in the snow.
I was riding a 1999 Raleigh M-50 Mountain Sport for a long time prior to it being stolen recently :( It was a heavy, all-steel beast,with 2" tires, 26" Weinman 519's, old-school rat trap pedals (shins beware)l, profile handlebar extensions and a newish Trek saddle (the original was not too comfy). Now I'm riding a Jamis Ventura Comp I picked up used but for a good price. I put a few bucks into it and had it tuned up and enjoy it a lot. Don't know much about it besides it's aluminum with carbon fiber forks and is light as hell, big difference from the Raleigh and this is my first road bike. I have to say I've enjoyed my commute and errand running a little more the past couple weeks.
For now, I ride either an '07 Trek 7100 hybrid or '01 Trek 4500 mountain. Next Wednesday I'll be rolling on a Spec Allez, couldn't convince myself that I needed the Tarmac.
@ Joe - A Viner Shark - I think it's an an old Italian mountain bike. Bought it used, and had it completly rebuilt for commuting. New hubs, new gearing, 26x1.25 street slicks. I love it.
I ride a Giant "cross" bike, which I bought in the mid-90's. Prior to that bike, I had a junky Huffy 10-speed and it was not fun nor comfortable to ride. I had a friend who got me interested in doing a bike trip to LaCrosse, and so I bought a new bike and SO glad that I did! Have ha it now for about 20 years.
@Joe- I ride a Giant TCX2 cyclocross bike with 700x35c tires for my commute. Chose it for the different kinds roads I have to travel. I breeze past the mountain bikes, but, the road bikes breeze past me. I just wish my tires would pump themselves up to 120 lbs. when I hit pavement, and yes, I would buy this bike again... maybe upgrade to the TCX1 or TCX0. This bike is light years ahead of my old bike of 13 years, 25 years ago, an American Eagle 10 speed in which my top speed was 52mph (No gloves, no helmet, after I got off the bike, thought about what could've happened, especially going over a cattle guard, didn't ride for 2 weeks).
@Joe - When you said a Surly Pugsley with 4" tires, I was picturing 4" diameter tires and thinking of how could one put serious miles on for the NBC with tires that small. Little did I know they were 4" wide. That really changes my mental image.
hi'ya joe i ride a short and long bent the swb uss vision r42 is taking me along on a 61.25 treck tomorrow sporting my first ever clipless peds. remember the best bike is THE ONE YOU WILL RIDE. go forth stumper and ride. Dameon
@Joe - I have three road bikes.
My sentimental favorite is a Trek 720 touring model bought new in 1982. I've logged about 40,000 miles on it, including about 10 bike camping trips solo or with one other person.
My Schwinn Fastback is 6 years old. I've been riding that a majority of the time this year.
And then my sister bought me a Trek 5000 two years ago for driving to VA from WI numerous time to work on her house, It is by far the nicest and fastest bike I own - but I haven't ridden it yet because I don't feel I deserve it yet. A few more trips to VA, and getting faster would do it.
When Leonard says he bikes at a pedestrian pace, well, I bike at a snailinian pace.
And then I have a 30 year old Tunturi stationary bike that I've logged 16,300 whatevers on during the winter. (The best I can figure is that they are the equivalent of half-kilometers.)
@Joe ...I ride a FUJI 2011 Crosstown 2.0.with 26" tires. Its a very confortable ride for me here in Scottsdale, Az. Just wish the weather would cool down a little so I could ride more.
HI all, Rode this morning when it was wonderfully cool outside, in the 60s. Saw about 8 other riders. Did some extra miles since I got out so early: it felt great!
To answer Joe's question, I ride a Cannondale ST 600 that I bought in December of 1987. Its a hybrid road/touring bike. Its PURPLE, made in USA, & I love it, just need to figure out how to get some touch-up paint. So yeah, a bike is a way better investment than a car, how many people keep their cars for 20+ years and only spend a few bucks a year to keep it going? I wouldn't know what to get if I was going to get a new bike, but it would definitely be a road bike of some kind. Also, I would advise anybody getting a new bike to keep the old saddle if its more comfortable for you!!
RIDE ON PEOPLE!
Ok, here's a question I've been thinking about for awhile.
What's everybody pedaling?
Mind you, I could care less if you pedal a walmart special, just as long as you are pedaling.
I don't care where ya pedal; your bike will explain that question.
I'll go 1st..... lol
A Surly Pugsley, 4" tires and all.
Peace, Joe
I really liked the Allez last night, and the Tarmac is lovable, but I just don't know if I'll still love the riding position in 10 years. At this point I'm 95% certain I'm going to get the Allez Comp 105. I plan to do my 25 mile loop later this afternoon as a comparison to my hybrid and if all feels well at the end, I think I'll have the final 5% of the puzzle.
Just like many here I often go further than I intended. Sometimes you never know what you are going to find. Last week I saw a full scale fiberglass F16 fighter jet in a farmers yard. Last year I accidentally stumbled upon the grave of a wonderful, kindly bishop from my youth (one of the good ones). Sometimes I find myself thinking; I've never been through that town before... I wonder what's down that road? Never stop exploring.
Ray - If you think you are going to stick with it, buy the bike you love - you will never regret it. I rode my last road bike for over 20 years, I figure the new one I bought this past year will last me for as long as I'm able to keep pedaling.
Not sure how to "reply" to an earlier post, but I rally enjoyed Philip Hinkle's video. The images are fun, but it's the combination of images and music that really makes it! Philip, where did you find the music?
@Cynthia - which Bike MS do you ride? I lead Team HP Omaha (27 cyclists so far) in the Nebraska MS ride (Sept 8/9 2012). We have 6 HP Bike MS teams around the countyr as well (265 riders total).
@Phillip, that was a great video! Thanks for letting us go on your ride with you.
@Phillip - Nice video. All I could think while watching that is "Wow, Wisconsin is flat." Y'all have some really nice roads for riding there. Thanks for posting that, it was fun to watch.
@Phillip: I just watched the video, too, and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for sharing!
I have been thinking of doing something similar for my commute to work and my commute home, just to give friends and family a feel for that aspect of my life.
Cora, I too have had the experirnce of finding that my LBS knew nothing of this. I left some info with the owner. Also, I did the same for our two local bike co-ops, my favorite cyber café, and our local pizza place (which now boasts wonderful bike parking - six U racks protected by a parking block and spring post!)
With this year's challenge nearly half over, I think it might be time to start thinking of 2013 and encouraging the local coordinating organizations to make strenuous publicity efforts; a charity kegger at a local bar to pay for printing can generate an awful lot of fliers, and there should be no shortage of people willing to spend an afternoon pedaling them around to local places.
@Jerry - I hear ya'. Some days it is like dragging yourself to the bike, but then you get out, and you practically have to drag yourself off the bike. Or maybe somebody else has to do it for you... *ring ring* "Hello?" "Where are you? It's time to come home." "Sorry, Honey, I'm just on the trail, and the ride is so easy today..." Like that. Good luck on that Century tomorrow!
@Philip: That was a great video! I saw a guy with a GoPro mounted on his bike just this morning!
I planned on only a short ride today just to keep loosened up as I am riding in the Boulder Sunrise Century tomorrow. http://www.bikerpelli.com/boulder-sunrise-century.html . Which will a a hard ride for me. The climb out of Lyons to Peak to Peak Highway to a hard climb. But when I got up I did not want to get on my bike. I had to force myself out the door to ride. But as soon as I was on my bike I did not want to stop. I had to force myself to keep the ride short as I planned. But it was hard to stop.
Thanks for the review, Lanny. The rental has the thumb shifters, I also found them to be unusable from the drops. The model I'm eyeing has 105 components. I really like that Tarmac, but I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on a "first" bike, especially one that costs more than all the other bikes I own (or have owned) combined.
I have seen flyers for the challenge in some of my local bike shops, but one of the shops that had the flyers wasn't even aware of it! Next time I find some flyers, I'm going to bring them with, to hand out to riders I pass on the roads and trails. I told a couple people I met at the park (I ride to the park with my son, and then we stop to play), but it would have been easier if I had something to give them.
We are nearing the halfway point of the Challenge - a little more than 2 months left. The number of riders joining the Challenge has slowed to less than 100 per day - at that rate we will not achieve 50,000 riders by August 31. We have tried press releases, but the most recent one did not provide a signficant increase in riders. One simple ideas is this - if every rider successfully encouraged one other person to join the NBC, we could achieve 50,000 easily. What other ideas do you have? Better yet, just do it. Although the Challenge is providing motivation for lots of people, it would be fun to achieve both 10 million miles and 50,000 riders.
@Rob-yea, how bout those points?? Very motivational. I do ride on the weekends and I participate in two organized rides per year, one local ride that benefits adults with disabilites and an MS 150.
5 for 5 - nice going Cynthia. I find the NBC to be that extra motivation that is helpful sometimes. My riding has increased due to it. Used to strictly commute to work during the week, never rode on weekends. Now I don't want to miss the 20 pts per day!
I have been commuting for a couple years now, and I have to say the National Bike Challenge has been a great inspiration to keep going. I met my goal this week of riding 5 out of 5 work days! You just see and take in so many beautiful things that you can't see in a car. I saved $30.00 in gas. Peddling was good for my mind and body and the scenary and freedom was good for my heart and soul. My work week was so much easier and less stressful. Commuting by bike has now become a lifestyle and I will never stop. I also ran errands, it's not that hard to bunjee a 16lb bag of cat food to the back rack. LOL. The biggest bonus yet is a friend joined me on her commute this morning, and she loves it...hopefully she will catch the bug too. No doubt there are alot of you all out there who can relate to this!!! Well, off to start my 9 to 5! Happy day to all!
@phillip Your video is beyond awesome. I'm such a geek. ha! Now, everyone will want a gopro!
@Ray. Two years ago I bought two bikes. Trek FX 7.3 hybird and a Specialized Allez. I had been out of the sport awhile and thought the FX would do for some commuting and light riding. However, I caught the bug and wanted to ride further. My budget allowed me to buy the Allez Sport Triple. I love it and have over 4,000 miles on it. The only drawback I didn't like was that the Allez was equipped w/Sora shifters (thumb shifters). IMO these are somewhat useless when your start to ride more aggressive in the drops. I recently upgraded to Tiagra shifters and I love them. So, if the Allez is equipped w/Tiagra shifters or 105's or even a SRAM package, and you want to save a litte cash for other items, you can't go wrong w/the Allez. The Taramc is a sweet bike and one I have my eye on, but I'm glad I didn't jump on it while transitioning back into the sport. I'm sure if I did, something would've happened and $2,500 would be sitting in my garage unused. Keeo us informed on your purchase.
@David - Congratulation!
I almost made the decision to buy a Specialized Tarmac, but wanted to take a road bike out for a test ride first. The LBS sent me home with a Spec Allez (not sure which model) and I just put 15.75 miles on it. It is a big switch from my Trek 7100 hybrid, but was a fun ride. I was a bit wobbly and not as confident in the turns, but it was a fast ride, and a lot more of a workout. I'm going to try to get in 25 more miles tomorrow after work before returning the rental. The saddle was a bit harsh, but the bumps didn't bother me at all. My neck was a bit stiff, but no other complaints. Now I'm torn, do the smart thing and get an up-level Allez as a starter road bike, or pay a lot more money for a souped up Tarmac? The Secteur could also be an alternative, it didn't feel very impressive on the test ride last week, but I went straight from the full carbon Tarmac to that aluminum Secteur, so it didn't get a fair deal. Decisions, decisions.
Here's a little fun for some to enjoy. My 44.5 mile ride today in a 6 minute timelapse with 9,999 pics. Shot with the GoPro mounted on my aero bars. Enjoy the WI countryside.https://vimeo.com/44492389
If anyone was in any doubt about the benefits of cycling, I just had my 2 yearly check up at the health centre. % body fat down 30%, blood pressure of a teenager, cardiovascular, strength,flexibility,blood works all top notch. The report told me ny body age was 14 years below my chronological which is a huge plus as a I tear up the aarp mailer!
Get up and ride!
BTF
My bike is finally fixed now i can finallly get more riding in!!
@ Jenny, I was going to have my husband identify your bird, but I couldn't get the link (not public maybe??) Sorry
Congratulations: Mike Staten! The first Platinum is the hardest.
I've only worn sun sleeves by Pearl Izumi (I like them because they are long) to keep the sun off my arms but they really didn't do much to keep me cool when I lived in Vegas unless I soak them (and keep them soaked with water during my rides). I have medium to dark skin and tan easily and I always slather on sunscreen (SPF 50 or 70 when I can find it) except for on my forehead to avoid the burn when sweat drips suncreen into my eyes (a sweat Gutr headband is handy). Sunscreen helps with the bib tan lines on my back because the sunlight does go through my jersey. One tip I learned is to flip the bottom of my shorts up every few rides to smooth out the severe tan lines across the thighs. Congrats to those who made Platinum - that's AWESOME!!
@ Savanni: I wear regular spandex cycling shorts and cycling jerseys. There is a very well defined tan line on my legs from the shorts and my upper torso hasn't gotten any amount of sun to speak of through the cycling jerseys. (My wife says she can see a faint white line across my back from the heart rate monitor strap so I do gt a little sun through the cycling jerseys but not very much.) Even riding a diamond frame bike, my legs still get a LOT of sun - not as bad as my arms were getting but enough I can tell when I over do it. Probably your best bet for your legs would be sunblock (if you can find one that doesn't run all over when you sweat).
How about other clothing? What kind of UV protection does spandex provide, like cycling jerseys and running shorts? Because of the heat intensity here in Austin, I'm only out in the mornings and evenings, but I should probably be considering some options for protection. One problem being that on a 'bent, I'll need leg protection as well, and I'm not really sure I want the extra heat capturing.
@ Mike Grote - I started using the "sun sleeves" a month or so ago. So far I have been pleased with them. Living in south central Florida the sun is very intense this time of the year. I have a good base tan year-around but I've been out a lot later in the day than usual so I tried the "sun sleeves" (the ones I have are supposed to be "arm coolers" - they don't do much cooling in Florida's heat and humidity but they do block the sun). They definitely make a difference, my arms aren't as tan as they were a few weeks ago - and they are not getting burned anymore!!!!
I haven't had any problems with fit or with them sliding down my arm (I had the same question as Ray about how they would fit and if they would stay in place). All in all, I would say they are worth it for stopping sunburned arms, as far as "cooling", not so good in Florida's humidity (I can feel some cooling effects when I hit 20+ mph - problem is I seldom reach that speed.....).
I haven't tried the sun sleeves, but I wear UV blocking beanies under my helmet to protect my scalp, they seem to work, no burns yet. Columbia Sportswear makes some that are very thin and you barely notice you are wearing them. As an added perk, they keep the bugs from sticking to my head. I have some compression and lightweight base layer shirts which also claim to block UV and so far they have kept my arms from frying and don't seem to hold in too much heat. As for the sleeves, I have to wonder how well they would stay up, especially for someone with skinny arms, like me. I assume they would either slide down, or be so tight they would be uncomfortable, like socks. Then again, sunblock lotion is not all that comfortable either.
Hi all, out early again. Weatherpeople are promising rain & thundershowers this afternoon. It was in the 70s again this morning and not as humid as yesterday. Seven riders spotted today.
@ Russel, sorry you didn't get a chance to rent a bike in DC.
While I was riding this morning, this popped into my head:
>>Don't need stress management, or pills, or drugs,
Just give me a bicycle, helmet, and gloves.<<
RIDE ON EVERYONE, HAPPY 5 MILLION MILES!
Hooray I made Platinum!!!
Does anyone else use strava? mine crashed during a century (at mile 95....) and I can't get it to work again. I can't get my stats AND I can't record any other rides. Any suggestions?
With all the sun exposure from massive amounts of riding, I've decided to try some of the "sun sleeves" that have hit the market from many of the cycle clothing manufacturers. I haven't seen anyone else around my area with them. Just wondering if any of you have tried them and what you opinion/experience has been.
So glad all my riding friends are still doing good this week despite the heat, etc. Congrats on the longer rides and new bikes! I am a little under the weather mid-week with a stomach bug so I'm off my bike in these 100f days. I go away this weekend but I plan to join you all again next week. I am stoked that like someone else said with 60% of the expected riders in this challenge, we are kicking ass!!
Today I've hit my 5,000th mile and 4th Platinum. Whew! I want to thank all of the challenge coordinators for inspiring me to do this. I'm trying for one more before we hit July. I have no doubt we'll hit our goal of 10,000,000 miles despite only having >60% of the riders. Here's to everybody for setting goals and blowing them all away. Let's show the public what we can do, and don't forget to get every rider to sign up. I still find riders who never heard of the NBC and bicycle everyday. Try to get your local media to run a story. While we ride as individuals, we also ride as teams, workplaces, communities, states, and as a community of CYCLIST (which we all belong) and we all have something to be proud of even if none of our stats are on the "leaderboard".
Mike L.
Whoa! Back in the saddle again after 6 days off for a visit to DC and a wedding in Deleware. So wish I had my bike. Both Washington DC and Lewes, Deleware seemed to be quite bicycle-friendly. Would have been alot easier on my feet, too. Back at the commute yesterday and today. Very hot, humid at high of 96 today. But cooler for rest of week, in high 70's. I'm paying for the time away from the bike. And congrats, we hit 5 million miles. Big ride this Saturday. Dedication of Northeast rail trail. Should be fun. Keep riding everyone!
I saw this bird on my ride tonight, and I have no idea what it is. Its about the size of a goose or turkey, Any ideas? Here's the link to the picture on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php;set=a.2327341824523.139506.1279013837&type=1&theater¬if_t=photo_comment
cadence cadence cadence this 15 to 25 MPH wind will definitely test it when you ride into it but its soooooo fun turning around after 10 miles or so and ride like the wind!!!!!!! wooooohooo
@Burklee - This was nothing compared to a few months ago, just before moving. I had the perfect amount of water to pressure cook a mixture of chickpeas and garbanzo beans for 20 minutes. I absentmindedly left, and when I got back about 2 hours later, the pressure cooker must have pressure cooked the burnt smell into the paint (no carpet/curtains). The place smelled like burnt marshmallows for at least a month.
So my evening cycling will consist of visiting Dynamo Stadium just to experience the crowd. Our city is doing a demo of B Cycles program. A city (Houston TX) bicycle rental program with Trek cycles and help from Bike Barn. Which comes with a promise of slice of pizza! And if it's not to late, go watch a summer solstice ceremony. Taiko drums!
Nothing better than riding a bicycle to absorb these experiences!
Thanks for reading!
Hi everyone. I was out early again to beat the heat. It was in the 70s and ok as long as there was a breeze, but already humid when the wind was standing still. About 9 other riders on the road..
@Burklee, what an inspiring story. Man, I would never want to be the judge for picking the best story from this bike challenge. But yours is up among the top stories for sure.
Here's my tale of the day. I was looking for something in the UNL student newspaper and I discovered that Bike UNL has plans to apply to make UNL a Bike Friendly Campus. Your story and that news just totally made my day. Wish I had time to go out and take an extra ride...
@Burklee- Yes it is amazing how a bike ride clears out your head. After i start out in the spring and get my riding legs under me with a few short rides and if not really windy i will take of and just ride and ride. Its amazing how many miles you can ride when you don't think about it and its fun also. :) Keep on riding.
@Martin - Mmmmm... blackened greens. :) Don't you love the way the smell of burnt food lingers for a few days? As a bonus, there's the extra calories you burn scrubbing the pan afterwards. I have much experience burning food.
I love this site. You guys are awesome!!
@Burklee - Glad you had such a positive mood altering time riding. I thought of your cooking prowess the other day when I decided to steam some greens. While they were steaming, I thought I would get onto this site for just a minute to look at the comments... It had been a while since I made Cajun greens. Finally scrubbed the pan.
@ Burklee, You got it, a bicycle can be better than anything a doctor can prescribe when you are feeling stressed out and mad at the world. There is something about being on a bicycle and going for a nice easy ride that sooths the mind and causes many of your frustrations to evaporate. Glad to know you are feeling better. { Isn't it amazing how an easy 2 mile ride can turn into a 15 mile ride that turns out to be so enjoyable!! }
Jaime - If you know when and how far you rode, you can add those past workouts manually, and they will still count, just not for the May drawing, since that was already held.
Bummed out that I didn't register for this challenge until this month. Otherwise I would've been able to log in another 1000 points I had in May (520 miles plus 480 points for the 24 days I rode). I wanted to register before May 1, but thought you had to have a smartphone to participate. Someone at the Bike Fed of Wisconsin told me I could just manually enter my miles. So as of today I would be at 1878 points had I registered sooner.
Cora, one other thing. For all tires (and 16 inch tires in particular), make sure you order the correct inner tire diameter. This link explains ETRTO and why this is important. I learned the hard way that all 16 inch tires are not the same. http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/size_markings
@Cora - I bought some tires here for a BOB trailer last year, worked out well. Good luck! http://www.biketrailershop.com/bike-trailer-tires-c-255.html
@Cora - Congratulatins on the new bike! I'm sure you'll like it.
Equipment failures are one of the things we all could do without. Its frustrating when you want to ride, but can't. (In your case, when you want your son to be able to go along with you, but he can't.) Maybe take your trailer with you to the LBS.
had to take car in yesterday and by time I got home it was 97 degrees and very high humidity, and gone last night. So added a little to today's ride...14.28 miles. I will try to add to every day to make up for yesterday. Going to be another scorcher today so glad ride is over.
I took the day off of work yesterday for the safety of all my coworkers. I've been all stressed out, ready to rip people's heads off simply because they exist. I rode out on an errand yesterday. It should have been a >2 mile round trip. I got where I was going and thought I'd just go a bit farther to make it a nice even number of miles. Then I got to Sheridan Boulevard. I've never ridden on Sheridan and it's a very nice street, so I thought I'd go to 33rd, then turn around and go home. But at 33rd, well, it's really close to the Rock Island trail, so I rode down and got on that, cuz I could get home on that. But then I could just ride up to the Bob Devaney Sports Center, cuz that's a nice trail. And at the Sports Center, well they've taken a lot of buildings out of State Fair Park, I should ride through here and see what they've done. It turned into 15.2 miles. It was ridiculously hot and windy, but I'm back at work today, and my coworkers are safe once again. :) A good bike ride costs less than a doctor visit and a prescription, works immediately, and the only negative side effects can be remedied easily by a shower, a change of clothes, and a bottle of chocolate milk. I feel much better.
Bought a new bike last night... a Schwinn - so far only took it for a test ride around the block, but think I'm really going to like it. I'll have my husband tighten and adjust everything so that it is ready for a bit longer trip after class tonight.
.
Also discovered that the reason for both of the flats on my trailer was due to the steel belts coming thru the inside of the tire. Sure would have thought the local-bike-shop-that-shall-remain-nameless that fixed it the first time would have noticed that! So now I need to replace the tire... but so far no luck locating a 16 x 1.75 tire that will fit the wheel. Only one I found that said it was that size was a BMX tire, and the wheel went right thru the middle of it without touching, so I don't think that will work!
Sure hope I can find one soon, it makes my heart break to have to say no when my son, Josh, asks if we can go for a bike ride...
@Jeanie - So far, 20,113 of 27,553 have logged some miles. (7,440 haven't logged any yet.)
As of last night, altogether we are averaging 183 miles per registered rider, and 251 miles on average for anyone who has logged any miles.
Just curious . . . Any way to know how many of our 27,000+ riders are actually logging miles?
with temps forecasted in the mid to high nineties today and tomorrow, and 7 straight days of rides....I think its time for a rest day or two. Let''s see if I can sit still that long
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking."
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Wow! 5 million miles! Is that so cool or what? Great going for everyone out there! Hopefully when the challenge is over we will continue to challenge ourselves and ride and commute!
something tells me it's going to be a long day so -blue skys, tailewinds and green lights to everyone, everywhere - Dameon
@patrick I thought you could view my maps cause I rode with the gps on. I always have it on though. Phone is smarter then me takes to long to figure out how to turn it on and off. I shut off the Endomondo app everytime though.
1 million miles in 10 days, with only 27000+ riders, way to go all.
@john jay, GPS must be on because I can view the map after each ride. Is it because I have the "pro" upgrade? I wouldn't think that should make a difference.
Bruce, don't let good humor leave a bad taste in your mouth! Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
i know this is the national section but there was a bike stolen from a shop in New York a very expensive bike. http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Rare-bicycle-valued-at-5-500-stolen-from-bike/4c3M6YgRvkiIafBpCtSTKg.cspx#.T-FSPh-UdTB.facebook
check out the pic of the guy who stole it and the bike.
If anyone wants some inspiraion... Below is a link to one of a series called "Raising an Olympian". This one is about Chris Hoy, who has 3 Gold Medals in bike track racing over two Olympics.
http://shine.yahoo.com/team-mom/video/chris-hoy-raising-an-olympian-29441984.html#crsl=%252Fteam-mom%252Fvideo%252Fchris-hoy-raising-an-olympian-29441984.html
(You havwe to copy all three lines.)
I just watched several.
Also, to get you warmed up for theTour de France, the USA Track & Field trials will be on TV 6 times from this Friday until next Friday. (Only 2x if you don't have cable.) (Yes, I know it's running, but we're all kindred spirits.)
@ Vonn and E M: Thanks for the tips. Will do.
got my new shimano slx 9 speed cassette on today! But now i have to replace 8 of my spokes tomorrow at least i do the work myself.
I m come back, ready to log miles, we have a lot of rain, but its funny to ride offroad!!!
The Good Humor ice cream man turned to sharp in front of me from right to left when I was coming up to a stop sign.There was quite a drop off on the right hand side and I nearly had to bail.I maintained my balance but it left a bad taste in my mouth .LOL
@ Cora, My wife and I spent a couple weeks pressing our hands on his feet to help him pedal. It started to show slow progress until he "got it". Our hands were placed on the top of his feet during this training and we were behind him. As you may guess our backs were a bit stiff for a few days ; > !
@Patrick, Is your GPS on. mine only loads the time if I forget.
I only ride in sandals and my spd pedals work really well. This has cured many foot complaints. My summer tour starts tomorrow so loging on will be infrequent for a month. Good rides to everyone.
H. Joan, another cause of foot discomfort as you ride longer is shoes that are tied/velcroed to tightly. Loosen them up a bit and see if it helps.
@ H. Joan, I wiggle my toes every once in a while to loosen them up. You can do this on the flats or mild downhill when you don't have to pedal so hard or when you are at a stop. I also take my hands of the handlebars (one at a time) to stretch my arm and shake out or wiggle my fingers. Hope this helps.
HI all, out this morning for 19+. Temps. were already in the upper 70s and it was humid. A little wind too, but nothing like what you guys are getting out west.
@ Rob what an awesome ride, and to top it off with a popcycle. Those are the kinds of days we live for.
@ Ronald & Stephen, welcome to the platinum club!
RE the kids: I agree with Leonard, sign these kids up and record their mileage. After all the idea is to get more riders out there and what better way than to inspire the next generation. My son got his first bike when he was three and he figured out how to ride right away. What really got our attention was his "BRAKING." He practiced that a lot. Where did he learn braking? From Thomas the Tank Engine. They will all get the hang of it. In the meantime, look out Flintstones, here comes Cora's son.
AS for Charlie and the Mountain Dew can rescue: that's just legendary, dude.
FIVE MILLION AND TICKING.... RIde on!
@ Stephen S. Congrats on Platinum! General question for any and all... My toes start to get numb as I am increasing my distances. I've been in my same shoes for a little over a year. I'm trying to do more pulling on the "up" to get stronger and get more out of each pedal stroke. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Stupid question. I thought my ride work out automatically uploaded from my endomondo pro app, right? I'm having to manually enter the data each time. I must be doing something wrong?
Any other questions Heather? lol
Wondering if that three miles is going to tick over to 5 million before I get out of here in another hour. How exciting is it to be halfway to our miles goal already???
Awesome video Phil. I wish Neenah could become more like Davis.
I made Platinum today! Woohoo!
Thought it good to revisit Davis, CA, a platinum Bike City...no school buses, more bikes than people! Decades of committment and planning, so great to see.
http://cityofdavis.org/bicycles/streetfilms.cfm
@Randi: Congratulations!! That is awesome. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was in high school. My sister taught me and I remember running into a tree, LOL!!
My 5 yr old is now officially off training wheels! He loves riding his 2-wheeler. He also loves the trail-a-bike so he can go on longer (or faster) rides!
Got out with my son Gary and we got in a 23+ mile ride. Had a good head wind going out but nice tail wind pushing us back home. Son hauls his 3 yr old daughter out with him a lot. He got her a bike a while back and they walk her around the neighborhood as she pedals it on her own. She has grown up watching dad pedel in front of her. Woin't be long befor she can ride the tag-a-long he has also. I am up to 1117.5 on my log book now for the year.
I think I am recovered from Sunday's ride. I did the Denver Century. The first part of the ride was great. Rding through downtown Denver than over to Golden, up Lookout Mountain. As we got further north we hit high temperatures, 50 mph crosswinds. Several people who were planning the century made a right turn for the 60-85 route instead of the left turn for the 100 mile route. Many people were walking up the hill to the turn. Though I think walking up a hill is harder than riding up the hill. I just plodded my way up until I could make my left turn. Than we had the headwind. The last 25 miles were brutal with temperatures getting up to 115 degrees. The last two aid stations had ice for our water which was a real lifesaver. Then just a short 20 miles yesterday due to high temps and wind. Got out earlier today to avoid the high temperatures.
@Charlie - Thanks for making a different in the Mt. Dew can's life today. There's a special place in aluminum heaven for you.
@Joe - I've seen that Hemingway quote before. I just have a hard time imagining him on a bicycle, but I'm sure that's probably how he got around Europe much of the time.
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. –Ernest Hemingway
@ Tami & John, I think your young one is picking up the desire to ride from both of you. There is nothing better you can do for your children than teach them to live a healthy lifestyle, it's something they will have all their lives.
@ Cora, Keep taking you young one for rides, he will figure it out before long and then you will not be able to stop him.
These are our future cyclists, there is no such thing as starting them too soon. Children learn best by example, you keep riding and they will want to ride also. I can tell I will have a lot of competition in the coming years, I can think of nothing that would make me happier. (I think it would be wonderful to see a 3 or 4 year old win one of the bikes - that is something they would remember throughout their life and they would never leave cycling.....)
@Tami - That is awesome that your little one is starting to ride already. My son is 3 and 1/2 and has not yet figured out how to pedal. I keep hoping that if he watches me pedal from the trailer enough times that eventually it will just click - but he still refuses to put his feet on the pedals. He'll go the full 1/4 mile to the corner and back just scooting along with his feet on the ground.
Yea @Ronald, Congrats and welcome! ;-)
Beautiful day here today. At least for the morning ride. Lots of people out early because of the heat. Rescued a Mt Dew can from the top ledge of the bridge over the river today. I think it was lost and was going to jump into the water far below. At first I simply rode by but as I got aways past I had to return and help it out. I carefully stored it in my empty water bottle rack and was going to take it to my work. However, as I past the blue recycle bin on campus it wanted to go there. That's why I think it was lost, desperate and ready to jump off the bridge. Glad I didn't leave it behind.
@Tami that is so awesome and look at your little one. He is adorable on his bike!
@Heather - the way out was a challenge, but the way back, well it was a breeze.
@Tami - Sign him up for the NBC. He would probably be the youngest, and would already have 20.5 points - well on the way to Bronze! @Leonard had better watch out for him in a year or two.
@ Tami I am very proud of him also must get it from you
I took my little 2year old out on his bike this weekend. He just learned how to pedal but cant steer well. He managed to go ~1/4 mile and see daddy helping the neighbor. He then played a bit and rode back home. I dont push him to be this active I am proud of him and I am concerned about where he will end up when he gets older. Who knows maybe the Tour De France awaits him!
@Ronald GO YOU! @Rob-what a day. You are a better rider than I because I could not tolerate a wind that high. Summer starts tomorrow and were already expecting 100 degrees on Weds here in the mid-atlantic. I am probably going to regret my goal this week. haha
@ Rob, That is the joy of riding - those are the kinds of rides you will remember the rest of your life. Glad you were able to have such a wonderful ride.
Almost 5 million miles... NICE!
@ Rob- what a great day you had!
@Daly- thanks for the encouragement. Sounds like we both need a calm day. Good for YOU getting saddle time! It feeds the need for sure.
Got my Platinum Points Yeahawwww !!!!
Rode from Iowa City to Kalona, IA and back through Hills, IA today. Total 45 miles with south wind gusting 30 to 40 mph, gravel roads, hills and temps of 95 (but it was a dry heat). I left Iowa City at 9 am and didn't return until 6 pm. Several stops including an Amish grocery (Stringtown Grocery) where I enjoyed their homemade, spicy jerky, grape spritzer, and an orange. Had a nice lunch at Kalona Bakery. Stopped to cross a gravel road and an Amish guy stopped his wagon also and we chatted about how hot it was. At one point, in the middle of Iowa farmland, I took a break under a shady tree in a cemetery. A woman stopped her pick-up and asked if I was ok. I told her I was just cooling off and getting out of the sun. She comes up to me and offers a popsicle, she must have been coming back from shopping. She told me her kids were in the truck and they suggested I might enjoy a popsicle. Boy, did I! That was the top highlight from a fun adventure. I'm tired and looking forward to a good nights rest.
HI all, Out this morning. Temps in the 70s and humidity creeping back in. There was real heat this afternoon in the 90s, so glad I wasn't riding then. Saw 10 other cyclists this morning.
@ Heather, the kayak is fun, but I get tired of sitting in one position, so I think I prefer a canoe. Its great weather for being on the water!
Four million miles people: RIDE ON!!!!
Seyboro Cycle Club, Goldsboro, NC offered a wonderful double century last weekend.
My first.
@Jeanie: You're welcome :-)
@H. Joan: It's also very windy here in Reno so I drove part of the way to work and rode my bike. Still, the wind kept pushing me onto the narrow road. I knew it would be a gusty day but I needed to get in the saddle today. It's what makes me happy. Good for you for getting in the miles!!
I am having a great time vacationing and also biking in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest near Sayner, Plum Lake, Boulder Junction, and Minocqua, WI. This is a road and mountain biker's paradise. It is very hot and humid and storms and tornados are popping up all around us. We have a pop up camper on a lake front camp site on the beautiful beaches on Crystal Lake. The entire lake is a designated beach and you can walk around the whole lake on the beach, which is about 1 1/4 miles around, so it is a small lake. Hopefully , no storms or tornados blow in off the lake because we are sleeping only about 75 yards from the lake. I also found a group here in Minocqua that rides for 55-60 miles every Sunday morning at 7 am on the rural woodsy roads around here that have nice rolling hills around hundreds of lakes and streams. It is really nice biking here with no traffic and very scenic. I had a really nice time biking with them and they were very happy to have me join them. Nice to bike with someone who is familiar and knows all the nice back roads.
@Jeanie West-that is an amazing goal. Will also definitley check out hte Reve Tour.
Did my vacation in Oklahoma doing the OK Freewheel bike tour. Love my extra 517 miles and it was a beautiful state.
At my hometown is raining, we were waiting for that, tomorow we can ride!!!
@Daly, thanks for the heads up on the Reve Tour. How awesome and inspiring! I'll definitely be following them as they ride.
Had all intentions of a 50 mile day. Started out fine. About 26 miles in the wind kicked in- Geesh! Had to push into it on the down. When when my bike stared to wobble off the shoulder I thought I'd better get home. Checked current wind speed in Casper 25mph. It was a good workout for the legs, but didn't reach my goal. :-( Maybe tomorrow? I hope so.
Got out this morning with Gary and Phil and rode to town and back. Was nice going in as we had a tail wind. Coming back home was another matter. I got home and checked the Weather channel for my location and it says the wind was ssw at 16mph. No wonder i was on the small sprocket most of the way home. :) Got in a tic over 27miles today.
@Jeanie: What a wonderful goal!! You've inspired me to set a goal for myself, and that is to commute to work by bike or take a liesurely ride on the non-rest days of the Tour. Did you hear about the six women who are bicycling the entire Tour de France route called the Rêve Tour? http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/women_and_bicycling
After a 10 day layoff from riding due to our family vacation I finally got a chance to ride again this morning. Five miles into the ride I broke a spoke. Must be Monday.
@Ian, well said!
@Jeanie - I've had that same goal for several years. Haven't quite done it yet, but this year... I always love their rest days. They give me a chance to catch up.
@Larry - It is only the miles you ride outside going somewhere. It gives one the opportunity to find time between doing everything else to get out there and enjoy the outdoors. And the best way is to incorporate it into everything else.
Question? Does the mileage from a stationary bike count in the National Bike Challenge?
@Cynthia: My next goal is to ride 25% of the Tour de France miles over the same 23 days of the Tour, which starts on June 30. 25% will be 539 miles.
I am greatly impressed by all the contributers to this wonderful web site. It is a chapter in world history that so many people of all ages are living examples of the health and happieness we share. I am not surprised that many of us also swim, run, kayak, SCUBA, etc. Competitveness can be utilized to achieve so much more than just individual rewards. We are all brothers & sisters on 2 wheels riding to save our planet and lead by example. Thank you all for taking a giant pull at the front. Ian
@Heather and all. Oh yes, Kayaking is on the list to try. It will be so very awesome if we hit 5 million miles. When you think about it, that in itself is a great goal to crush. Shows how united people can be and what good things can be accomplished.
@Cynthia! Way to go. Setting goals and crushing them is pretty fun. I didn't ride much this past weekend but I did kayak and really enjoyed that. My goal is to commute as much as possible Mon-Friday this week. I hope everyone had a great Fathers day. We are probably going to hit 5 million miles this week!
Mondays are never bad when you start it on 2 wheels! No such thing as the Monday morning blues here! My goal this week is bike 5 out of 5 days. I am averaging 3 to 4. Anyone else out there have a goal to set? It can be hard when life gets in the way....
Nice to be back on the bike today for a commute to/from work. Been off the bike the last five days after a minor outpatient procedure last Wednesday afternoon. My day starts a lot better when I'm starting it on my bike!
Great ride in Iowa City tonight - rode out to Hills and back!
Can I just say, I love my bike, and I love riding.
@E M Matteson Yeah our bike shop is out of cassettes right now haha. hopefully more come in tues.
HI all, out early and rode a couple of loops. Ended up with 28 miles, which is about the same number of riders I saw. One rider per mile, that's pretty good. Only some areas have significantly more riders than others.
@ Peggy, nice not to have to pay attention to the calories etc. But for many people 5-10 pounds can be the difference between healthy and not so healthy....
@ Travis sorry about the casette, I'd give you mine, but we got rid of them after we sold the last car that had a cassette deck. LOL But seriously, I hope you & Dameon get repairs soon so you can get back to the serious (FUN) business of riding.
Happy father's day to all the riding dads out there!
broken spokes on my 700c rim fixed w/ 26" running a k-kross w/ no rear brake as I use v,s on a lwb bent not my best day will pick-up spokes [ as in more then one tomorrow . ride with joy and remember the best bike is the one you will RIDE
Happy Father's Day to all. Met a friend for a ride and had a delightful 20 mile jaunt up the towpath. Had no guilt at all when I ate my lunch as I worked off pretty much everything I took in. Beautiful weather, 72 for a high, slight breeze, clouds off and on. Couldn't ask for a better day. Keep on cycling!!!!
Really enjoying the challenge again this year, just wish the sun will come out soon , never mind hope to get some riding in august when me and my son visit California, so look out Lance.
I finally made Platinum! I'm the fourth person on our team to make Platinum. Keep riding.
Was supposed to use today to rest and recover, woke up and rode 20 miles instead.
Where are these 12 riders who are not local but still live in Topeka?
Question: How is it that our city (Topeka, KS) has 114 riders but there are only 102 that show up on "local" statistics?
Happy Father's Day!
For those of us who scare another generation by having a child ... Happy Father's Day. To all our kids who say "Daddy watch this!!!", thanks for the cardiovascular checkup.
Mike L.
well my riding is hindered now. i need a new cassette and maybe a freehub :(
Hi all, rode from Creve Coeur Lake into St. Charles to have lunch, about 18 miles round trip, some of it on the Katy Trail. Temps in the 90s, so slower riding. Lots of people out raising money for cancer.
@ Randi, good for you. I think its a good idea even for experienced riders to take smart cycling classes, and to become trained instructors so we can generate even more riders.... Ride on people!!
@Dorian, Lanesboro is a small treasure in the middle of now where. I feel like when the trail opens up into the village it is like you were instantly transported into a bustling city. Last year was my first opportunity to explore the area. Really enjoy the entire trail.
Hey ya'll - I just participated in a Smart Cycling 101 class presented by the League of American Bicyclists - I highly recommend it - especially for those of us rather new to riding.
35 miles through some brutal hillage in Anaheim Hills today. Time for ride #2. Probably another 20 or so
3.76 more miles today! Woo hoo! I didn't want to stop. (Fuddy duddy hubby.) :)
Ah, but we can't all be you, Peggy!
Really - who cares about weight and calories burned. I haven't weighed myself in 13 years and I don't count calories. And cheeseburgers? You really needn't be concerned about how many cheeseburgers you "burn." (Do hold the bun, however). Don't you all know that "calories in, calories out" is bunk?
Lanesboro is beautiful this time of year. Davis and I rode 61 miles in two outings on the roads and Root River Trail today. That is a new one-day personal best for Davis. He had more in him.
put 16 miles on the today going to and from work, hate to work on saturday, but it was federal over-time, yahoo.
@Troy - Yep you're right! Biked this morning to go pay the Kohl's bill. Went to Sam's to get an industrial roll of aluminum foil! Check the back pack before I left the house to be sure it would fit. Totally didn't take into account how much more a full roll weighs! ;-) Now waiting for it to cool down before I go outside again and do a little maintenance on my bike.
@ EM - thanks for the term 'rollers'! You are right about having just enough power to get back up the next roller!! It's a fanny kicker, but fun!! I'll be out for a week as I'm going fishing on Lake Gaston in VA-NC area. Back on the bike after a week!! Ride 'em y'all!!
Thanks for the input! :) I'll go by the lower estimates, and if it's more than that, simply a bonus.
@EM there are a lot of rollers along the highway trail hereI think they are a lot of fun you go dowm 1 hillabout 25MPH and then encounter another hill and get down to about 7MPH then down again lol.Otherwise most of the trails around here are pretty much flat as a pancake ...steady speed.Where I come from there are plenty of hills.
What to do after completing the distance of 2 Tour de France in 46 days? Remind your friend they said they'd buy dinner and do another one faster.
I love rollers. They have a lot of those on the bike trail from Crystal Lake to Boulder Junction in Wisconsin.
Hi all, rode this morning with temps in 70s and spotted 9 other riders.
@ Jacque, I think your hills are what I call "rollers" you go down one and almost have enough power to get up the next one. Enjoy!!
@Jim - Go to the top of the page, click Prizes, Winners, and the dropdown to switch June to May.
does anyone know who the winners where for may?
It was a great day for riding here, too. 49 when I left the house this morning. Four miles from home, I turn, and the scenery there makes me glad that I got up and riding in the morning. This afternoon was a warm ride home. Now, if we could just educate the drivers of motor vehicles to slow down and move over instead of seeing how close they can come to my most leftward protruding body part or handlebar....
@Astrid - Based on what I've seen, the lower number is probably a closer estimate of how many calories you are burning. Having said that, they are all just estimates. There are way too many factors involved to be totally accurate. Besides the weight, distance, and time, there are dozens of other factors that play into calories burned: Net elevation change, stops and starts, how quickly one accelerates after a stop, wind direction, your speed (someone biking 20 miles in one hour will burn more calories than someone biking 20 miles in 2 hours, all other things being equal, (The wind resistance increases in a geometric progression the faster one rides.), and then there are all of the bike factors. The total weight of the bike is a factor, but not as large of a factor as the weight of the ends of the moving parts, like the tires, (sew ups, clinchers, inner tubes, thorn guards, etc...), wheels, pedals, spokes, shoes, and lower legs. The smaller the ratio of these to overall weight, the better. Riding position and attire also play a part with wind resistance. I could go on with more, but I will leave you with one final one - how efficiently your muscle cells function versus the efficiency with someone else the same height/weight, etc... The only way to find a very accfurate estimate for yourself is to volunteer for a study in an Exercise Physiology lab.
@ Ray. I ride a Tarmac and love it, but my gut tells me the Roubaix may be the better choice for you. Despite your not feeling much of a difference, it should better on the roads that you describe, and a little more comfortable for long rides. I don't have a problem on long rides with my Tarmac, but on paper its built a bit more for speed and the Roubaix for rough roads and comfort. This is from last year but take a look: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-specialized-roubaix-comp-sl2-11-42319
Uh-oh Chamayne. You are now at serious risk of never driving your car to the train station again. Way to go! My 'addiction' began when I couldn't keep my car out of the shop and couldn't hack the 90 minute trek to work via bus. I've never looked back!
Today I was on a bike path (part of the Ohio to Erie Trial) with heavy vegetation on both sides when I came upon a deer and her fawn. They ran off ahead of me and with the mother darting back and forth across the trail, I dared not try to pass so I slowed to allow them to run ahead. While she could have easily jumped the vegetation, the fawn could not, so she choose to stay on the trail. After a few hundred feet, the trail crossed a creek, and they were able to go off. Definitely more personal than seeing a deer from a car!
I finally did it! Left the vehicle in the driveway today! Rode to the train and then to work!
I have done extensive Google searching of calories burned by cycling. The best estimate I came up with was .28 calories/pound/mile at a moderate intensity level. Just round that off to .25 calories and it's easy to do the math. A 160 pound person would burn 40 calories/mile. 200 pound person 50 calories/mile.
My own experience with religiously tracking calorie intake, exercise, and weight loss showed the .28 calorie estimate to be very accurate.
I'd love it if Endomondo is right. ;)
It's FitDay.com
@Astrid
Can You give me link to this site? I'd like to check this out :)
Astrid - Does the other site use the distance, or just the duration? If it is just the duration, then Endo would be more accurate - clearly you would burn more claories in 49 minutes riding 10.5 miles than, say 7.3 miles, which would be closer to my pace. If the other site does not use distance and duration, they may be underestimating how hard you are working.
I have found Endo to be very accurate - I work out on Wii, and it gives me a calories burned based on my performance, and the Endo number for the activity is normally almost the same.
Since I'm very curious now - what is the other site?
That's the funny thing - both sites have the same information. Age, height, weight, and how long it's taking me to finish my ride. I guess it's just frustrating that the two estimates are so different!
Astrid - Calories burned are based on your height, weight, gender and exertion level. The more accurate the information used to measure these, the more accurate the calorie calculation will be. If you are entering information manually, Endo uses your distance and duration to estimate your exertion level, and uses the data you have entered for height, weight and gender to calculate your calories. The more information the system has to calulate exertion level, the more accurate it will be. If you add heart rate data and/or use the Endo app to track your rides, you will get more accurate results.
So - to answer your question - whichever site is using the most accurate and complete data will produce the most accurate calculation.
Astrid, I'm no expert but there are calories burned and then there are net calories burned. That could be part of the difference in the calculation. Probably the other website is telling you how many additional (net) calories you burned because of exercising besides the calories you already burn during normal activities. It's also possible that this website is factoring in your weight, speed and time to come up with a more accurate estimate of the effort level required which may result in the higher numbers you see here. However, I couldn't actually tell you which one is right.
Astrid, My thought is it always find a number of sources, and use whatever one is the lowest. If you keep accurate track of your food intake, over time you will know how accurate it is. But going with worst case scenarios are always safe.
For my 11.5 mile ride this morning garmin says 450, the Journal of Sports Sciences calculations gives me 625 and endomondo gives 453. I use 450.
One more thing, he did a quick fitting on that Tarmac before I went out and then matched up the other two bikes to same saddle height/angle, saddle to bar distance, etc before he turned over the keys to them.
I have a question about calories burned while riding. According to Endomondo, my 10.5 mile, 49 minute commute burned 630 calories. Another website I'm using to track food and exercise says that the same ride burned 398 calories. Which one do you think is closer to accurate? It's such a huge difference, makes me wonder...
Thanks for all the encouraging words!! I live in the Hill Country so all my rides are on what I call short hills. For every up, there is a great reward of down!! I figure if I can ride about 22 miles in about 2 hours, then on a flat road I should be doing really good. But...no flat roads around here!! So I get a great workout riding the hills. Onward!!
Thanks for all the feedback so far. It's a lot of money, so a big decision. I'm definitely going to rent for a long ride first, just to try to get past the awkward stage before deciding. Going from 700x35c tires on a "heavy" hybrid to the 23c on that very light Tarmac (it was a SL3 Expert model) was like taking off training wheels for the first time. The Roubaix had basic wheels and was noticeably heavier, and the Secteur was aluminum, so those two were closer in feel to my hybrid. I have purchased a couple bikes from that shop and get a lot of accessories from them. I talked with the owner at first and then worked with the general manager who has spent a lot of time answering questions, explaining the details, understanding my concerns, etc. He rides a high end Tarmac and may be a bit biased, but says he has put 120 miles a day on it before, so that says something. I'll hit a couple other local stores to get some more opinions.
Ray, it sounds like you're on the right track, I just went through the same thing last year. I agree with Jerry and would say that the fit is just as important as what bike you choose. I would ride a bunch of bikes from a few different shops, don't be shy, I rode my last bike for over 20 years, I wanted to be sure that this next one was the best possible choice. In testing bikes you are also feelng out the shops, and if it's one you are considering seriously go back 2 or 3 times and chat them up to see if you feel confident in thier knowledge and future support. As you are trying bikes you probably will eventualy find 1 or 2 that just feel right (for me it came down to Fuji and Ridley, and I ended up with the Fuji because I also loved how it looked - the unidirectional carbon reminds me of burled wood). But as mentioned fit is critical, and that starts with the frame size, and that is something you can't change later. So as you look, pay attention the what size frame you are testing and how it feels, and ask each shop what size they think you should be on. So after you narrow it down to the bike and size then there is still all the fine adjustments in every axis for the seat and handlebar, and that's where the shop guy works his magic. As Jerry inferred, sometimes a small change can make a substatial difference in how comfortable it is. I am happy to say this has all worked out perfectly for me, and I've never ridden a more comfortable (or faster) bike, although I'm still working on finding some better shoes that will keep my feet from getting tingly (and eventually numb) on longer rides. Oh, and also I think you will find that carbon takes some of the shock out of road bumps - but you will still feel them. As far as rough roads: my skinny tires have done pretty well on the urban roads in Wisconsin, but I always try to steer the clearest course. Although just last week I ran over a very large stone i didn't see - but I felt it and heard my tire spit it out the side - ka-ping - which did lead to a flat, but my first due to road conditions. And I also was skeptical of the Zertz inserts; maybe they help a little, but I don't know... and I question wither they might weaken the frame at that point. Good luck. Fun and exciting stuff. Never stop exploring.
@Michael that is a rough day!! Ronald - congrats. :) All these platinums in one week is pretty awesome!
@Michael...Such is Life !!!
@ Michael L. - Some days you just can't win :-)
Yesterday was a "there'll be days like this" day. I get in a solid 96 miles day with more planned after I open the shop (Topeka Community Cycle Project) for a couple hours. Then, I'm taking a quick brake when I hear my back tire blow. Okay, It's a hot day maybe the heat got to it. So I pull it off buy one of our tubes air it up and remember I had some trueing to do anyway from the spoke that broke a couple days ago. POP... Another tube flat. The sidewall in the tire had developed a hole. Okay, time to replace the tire, but before I get that on may as well do the trueing right with the tire off. PING... another spoke. !#$% &5%$4 3#€;_- &%$!!!! Start heading home because I have an early appointment today and replacement spokes at home, I see thunderstorms toward home (6 miles away). Yay, for 4 hours sleep and riding my 3 speed until maintence is completed (29er is needing some work to).
But if I moved south, I'd have to watch out for alligators and snakes ;) At least up here, where we only have winter and construction season, there are plenty or orange barrels to light the way. Then again, I do ride along the Cuyahoga River all the time, that has been known to burn before and who knows what Godzilla type creatures are lurking in that water.
79 points to Platinium !! Yahoo!!!
@ Charlie & Martin, I was going to suggest using packing materials, like bubble wrap or some other wrap and duck tape (it comes in colors so you can get fancy).
@Ray - To answer your one big concern - There are probably several states you can move to that have smoother roads. I would think that most of the southern ones would be better, because they don't have to deal with frost heave and road salt.
(Sorry @Ray and @Charlie - I just felt in the mood to say some stupid comments.)
@Charlie - Thanks for the tip. I'll try it. But I do have one question. If I cut a section out of my inner tube, what do I use to keep the tire from going flat?
@Martin, I was also very annoyed by the rattle of my stain less bottle. I cut a cross section from an inner tube about an inch and a half long. Then I slid it onto the bottle to the area where the cage contacted the bottle. Next I carefully wrapped the tube and bottle in that area with electrical tape. I also added a couple sections of tube to the top and bottom of the cage. It has been quiet for years.
Looks like it is going to be potentially very stormy on my vacation next week when we are camping in a pop up camper. :) Chance of isolated thunderstorms every day next week and Monday and Tuesday it says the storms could be very severe.
@Ray. I also had a bike fit when I bought the bike. The little adjustments mean a lot. I went back for a second fitting because on long uphill rides in the mountains my left knee would start to bother me after 50-60 miles. The second fit solved the issue. And the adjustment was a very small adjustment but it made a world of difference. And solved the problem.
@Ray. A carbon fiber frame will give you a smoother ride. When I bought my road bike last year, I switched from a Trek Hybrid bike. One thing I was looking for was a bike that was not a racing bike, but a frame that would let me ride more upright. Bikes I test rode were the Madone 5.2 H2 fit, A Cervelo bike, I don't remember the model, A Specialezed Roubaix, and a Cannondale Synapse Ultegra. I test rode each bike about 20 miles. All were great bikes, but the Cannondale Synapse was the bike I choose. For me it stood out above the rest of the bikes.
Just got back from the LBS and some Specialized test riding. Took out a Tarmac, a Roubaix and a Secteur. First time on a road bike since a Schwinn Sprint 20 years ago, if you want to call that a road bike. Going from a mountain bike and a hybrid (both Trek) to a high end road bike is a huge difference. First spin on the Tarmac was uncomfortable, bars way too low. Next out was the Roubaix which was much more comfortable due to the handlebars being higher, but I really didn't think the Roubaix was any smoother with its "Zertz inserts," the bumps felt pretty much the same. They flipped the headset on the Tarmac and that made a huge difference on the second ride. I only put a couple miles on each, not a lot of time, but enough to get a basic feel. I took the Secteur last just for comparison (much less expensive) and it really didn't feel any different than my hybrid. So, I'm leaning towards a mid-level Tarmac, but it's a lot of money, and a big change in riding style, so can't decide. I'm going back next week for a better test ride and plan to rent a similar bike for a long ride before I make a decision. I will keep my two Treks, so the road bike would be just for the road and paved trails, no errands or shopping trips. I'm basically looking for a road bike for longer runs on the road, higher speeds, quicker launch from a stop, better hill climbing. I have done 40+ miles a few times on both my mountain and my hybrid. My one big concern, other than the price tag, is the terrible roads in Ohio. Any thoughts? Comments?
@Martin and Ronald, thanks for the words of encouragement. Just went out today and got a Garmin Edge 200. My other mileage counter sucked and this one seems a lot easier to use. I have a ride scheduled for tomorrow. Should be good weather, I hope. I enjoy riding along the D&R canal towpath. Relatively flat and most of it is smooth. Scenery is wonderful as are the scents in the air. Lots of honeysuckle around at this time of the year. Looking forward to my ride and seeing how my Garmin works. Cheers!!!
HI all. Morning ride again with temps in the 60s. Spotted six other riders. Had to bang on the back of a guy's truck to get him going at a stoplight. It was a left turn and he wasn't paying attention. When he heard the bang he opened his door and looked at me. I yelled "its green" and he took off. I, however, had to wait out the next cycle of the light. GRRRR!!!
Looked at my map and found a couple of new places to ride through a neighborhood instead of the main road. It was much nicer than the main road with traffic & a non-existent shoulder.
RE: Water bottles. Most of our bottles for bicycling are still Nalgene (BPA free) or the Polar brand ones. I have never noticed any bad taste even though 90% of the time we drink water. I just stick them in the dishwasher (top shelf) to clean them. I will try the stainless steel next time I'm buying bottles. Sounds like a great idea for hot weather.
@ Gregg, your sunrise sounds gorgeous. Its nice to be that far north in the summer!
@ Rob, Sorry to hear about the fires out west. This is another reason we need to get more people on bikes. The planet needs all the help it can get. Feel proud of what you are doing to make the planet a better place!!
Yippeeee!!!! I have officially made platinum.
RIDE ON EVERYONE!!!!
@Savanni - It looks like many Camelback water bottles are BPA free. Check out your model online, and see if it is. I used to use the standard squeeze type water bottles, and just leaving plain water in them for a relatively short time would give an off taste. And forget about anythiing left in the bottle from the day before. (Now as far as a regular Camelback with the backpack and pouch - I don't know. I have one, but haven't used it for years.)
Please tell me more about water bottle brands. I once tried out a supposedly stainless steel water bottle and even after cleaning it many times it would taint the water within minutes. For the last few years I've been using a plastic camelback water bottle. Not unhappy with it, but people are frequently telling me about chemicals. Are camelbacks maybe safer?
I'm also in Austin, and... yeah. The heat. It's intense.
This forest fire is making it hard! Time to bandana it up again! For everyone else enjoy the fresh air!
@Jeff - We don't have it anywhere near as bad with heat in Wisconsin, but a few years ago, I switched from a regular water bottle (with BPA) to a BPA Free one. But one thing I noticed with both of them is that even if the temperature is only in the 70s and definitely in the 80s, is that after an hour or so, the water tastes bad. Chemicals still have to be leaching from the plastic - just different ones. I wouldn't notice the off taste with a sports drink in there, but I'm sure it is just being masked.
So, I've gone exclusively to stainless steel. (I just use a non-insulated one, since its not as hot here.) There is no bad taste, even with temperatures in the 90s. Although I've found two minor disadvantages - 1) It is a little more cumbersome to get the water out. 2) Sometimes for larger bumps, either I get my (metal) cage rattled, or my cage rattles my bottle. Both of these I can live with, knowing that what I drink has fewer chemicals.
@Joshua Congrats and have fun
Hi all, this is my first challange on endomundo and my first challange ever. I just got myself a road bike too.
Another thing about gear: water bottles. I bike in Austin, and we had 90 days of 100+ heat last summer. At some point I tried out a ‘Thermos Nissan 2465 18-Ounce Stainless-Steel Hydration Bottle’ and will never go back to a normal bike bottle. My old good bottles would be annoyingly warm after 30 minutes. Now I have to be careful not to add too much ice or they will not melt. I normally only add 3 cubes to my fridge-chilled water. I have bought 5 or 6 of these bottles now to outfit all my bikes, plus one at work just to use at my desk.
Case in point, on Monday I put 8ish ice cubes into a room temperature bottle and filled it with water from the sink and closed it up and put it on my bike. Left the house at 7 am and it was about 75 degrees outside. Left the bike outside at work where it proceeded to get to around 100 when I left around 5pm. So 10 hours later, I opened it up and took a big pull and while the ice cubes had melted ( I expect they were half melted before I left the house), the water was still quite cold.
It also depends on what you are going to do with the bag and cargo. If you are using the bike mostly for groceries, something like an Axiom's Hunter Shopper Bag works great for dropping bags right into it, but doesn’t work as smoothly on a Topeak rack vs a ‘normal’ rack.
I also have a ‘Pacific Outdoor Equipment Chilli COOP Pannier Rear UNIVERSAL Bike Cooler Pannier’ that is huge, and somewhat insulated that I use for cold or larger stuff.
Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DX with Side Panniers with the Topeak rack is the way to go. The bag slides into and out of the rack so easy.
@Karlin Warner – ‘Hi, I am looking for recommendations on panniers. ‘
Like Dean, I use a Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DX with Side Panniers with the Topeak rack. The Topeak racks have quick release and the bag slides right in and out and I remove the bag most everywhere I go. I rarely use the side panniers so far, but the trunk bag holds quite a lot of stuff.
Plus with the trunk bag, I don’t have weight off to one side. Quite frequently, I would carry more weight in the pannier than the weight of the bike.
@ Wayne Thats Awesome !!!.. ditto on the Coffee :))
Oh I almost forgot I had my cholesterol checked the beginning of May. My overall cholesterol dropped over 60 points!
@Ron, Martin, Back in the beginning of January I started really watching what I ate. I actually started a vegetarian (almost vegan) diet. I also almost drink nothing but water, except for my mandatory cup of coffee in the morning. The pounds really started coming off when I started my cycling routing, since I started I've lost 30 lbs. controlling the two factors; what’s going into the stomach, and your exercise routine has a profound effect on the weight!
@ Martin your right about loosing the weight slowly.. its easier for your body to adjust too and it stays off Inisitally i was loosing 2 lbs a week and now its abot 1lb a week and I hope will continue until i hit my target I some of the weight lose will convert to muscle building which helps for the pushes up the bridges and mountains.
@ Beth Your doing the right things to change who you are and Most important of all is the inprovement in everyones health when they ride!!! Ride safe and Have fun and the Benefits will be rewarded.. Believe it !!
NBC Jerseys have been moved to the following page;
http://mtborah.com/our-products/re-order/national-bike-challenge/
I still can't afford one, but if you can, get them before they're gone for good.
I picked up a set of Bontrager basic panniers last month, nothing special, but they do the job for what I need. Easy on & off and decent sized. If I was commuting with my laptop (well, my company's laptop), I think I'd look for something custom designed for a laptop. Rugged, padded, waterproof, and somewhat difficult to remove so someone couldn't just swipe it and run at a red light.
@Karlin- I have TOPEAK bag with drop down panniers, hooks to it's rack. Nice big openings, expandable. Has a dovetail to slide on rack and it is easy on & off. Have had others but this is the best one I came across.
@Beth - I too was last a LAB when it was LAW. Losing weight at between 1/2 a 1 lb a week is probably the best and healthiest way to do it. Any weight you take off slowly will be more likely to stay off. When you get frustrated with the slow process, just keep in mind how long it took to put the weight on.
I don'ty know if you've ever watchedthem, but the Biggest Loser type shows are motivational and exciting, but they aren't very realistic in the real world, as they raise our expectations of ourselves. Who in the real world can lose 8, 10, 12 lbs a week, for several weeks?
But you are correct in adding exercise to help with your cholesterol levels.
Good luck, and let us know periodically how it is going, or if you have any questions along the way.
@Melinda - Having a DH with the same interest as you is extremely helpful. You can encourage each other to ride, and because of that, you will keep on finding more time to bike.
I love it. My ride this afternoon was harder than before, but a lot of fun. I love challenging myself to keep going.
@karlin I'm looking at basil panniers. They fit on the classic bike rack and come in some cool colors and patterns. @Ryan We don't have showers where I work but we do have two bathrooms and a closet so I make do by freshening up (before everyone else arrives) with travel size toiletries and hang my cycling clothes in the closet every day. One thing that really helps are "wet ones". I buy the value sized bag of singles at the store. This requires me to carry a backpack of work clothes and stuff every day but I make do. Like Charlie, people in my office are used to me and my routines.
Thanks, Elizabeth, Brian and Paul! All very helpful!
@Ryan, others have mentioned one of my favorites for your situation, the wipes used for little person cleanup. I also found a bathroom i use. I store a washcloth and small hand towel at my desk. During the day they dry out pretty good. Folks nearby are used to my stuff spread out in the office. Also, my wife says you need one really good friend to honestly tell you if you smell too much. lol
OK, I am on with this challenge. I have been trying to loose weight since the first of the year and it has been slow going since I haven't really been doing any exercise. With that said, I am down about 10lbs or so since Jan. 1 but I got the bad news my cholesterol is up when I had my physical this month. So it's time to get serious with the exercise. I used to belong to LAB way back when it was LAW. I always enjoyed the bike rides and am now looking forward to getting back into it again. Beth
Karlin, my biggest recommendation is to make sure you get a rack that supports your panniers correctly. There are lots of different combos out there, but if you get a rack that doesn't support the panniers correctly, you end up with your panniers smacking against your spokes as you ride. Everyone always screams Ortlieb (and yes they are great) but there are plenty of other great options out there. I have panniers by Seattle Sports (totally waterproof), Axiom (super cute flowery design) and a set by Racktime (very easy to take on/off the bike). If possible, try out some different types to see what you like. If you're buying online, read the reviews (I found all my panniers with the lovely helpful reviews of others).
I have a 9 mile (14km) ride to work. I enjoy the ride but I have nowhere to clean up when I arrive sweaty. What do you do in this case?
Anyone have a good site for comparing bike styles and prices?
Karlin, I adore my Ortlieb Back Roller Classics. They're waterproof easy to put on/take off, and can be found for about $70 a pair new.
What a beautiful day for riding a bike here in Wisconsin! We are really getting spoiled with this dry cooler weather in the low 70's. But it's going to heat back up to near 90 by the weekend again. I saw this beautiful orange glow at 4:20 am this morning as the sun was beginning to rise over Lake Winnebago on my ride to work this morning: https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229929_427027263995793_1483680141_n.jpg. How can you not like to ride with views like this along the lakeshore? I love the fact that it is getting light out already at 4:15 am when I ride to work. But it won't last because in a few more days, it will start getting darker again.
Hi, Karlin. I am afraid I don't have a recommendation for the kind of panniers you are looking for, but several years ago when I started bike communiting in the Twin Cities (my wife and I went 11 years there without a car), I found some great metal collapsable baskets that you could mount on a rear rack. They were perfectly sized for a paper grocery bag, which really helped with shopping. I mounted one on each side and still have them on my classic Schwinn Suburban "commuter bike" that I use for errands around town. I don't know if they still make these, but they may be of interest to some of you other urban/commuter riders. One warning...they are not the lightest things in the world...but then neither is the Suburban. ;-)
Hi, I am looking for recommendations on panniers. Thus far I have been commuting with a small backpack to carry my change of clothes and lunch to work. I have had enough of the sweaty back and am looking into putting a rear rack on my mountain bike and buying some nice panniers. It looks like there are lots and lots of styles of panniers, so I would appreciate recommendations... What type/brand are you using? What do you like or dislike? Thanks in advance!
Couldn't agree more!! It is a vicious 'cycle'! LOL. Its like a bug bite that gets infected and contagious sooner or later your family and friends get infected!!
@Melinda and Jacque - Thanks for sharing your excitement with us all. Whether you ride a little or a lot, you're welcome company in this group. It keeps us all revved up and motivated. Beware, though, that the more you ride the easier it gets, and that usually leads to more riding. ;-) It's a vicious 'cycle.'
Hi all, Out really early this morning and surprized to see so many other riders out so early (10 others). Temps. in the 50s when I started and the 60s by the time I got done.
@ Mike on a Bike, thanks for telling us about all the great ways you are pointing out safety hazards and taking steps to make corrections. There is a traffic light around here that is almost too short for cars to cross. There is another one where the walk light button seems to have no effect, so some documenting is in order. My gripe is grates so I was thinking of taking pictures and rating them: great grate, good grate, bad grate, bicycle eating grate....
@ Burklee, seriously none of us should ever miss our bike.
@ Jackie, way to ride.
RIDE ON EVERYBODY!!!
@Jay - Thanks, good luck, and speedy healing to you!
@Jacque-I'm with Leonard, fifty miles a week is no joke for a new rider! Your doing great. @Melinda, I am excited for you! Enjoy that Trek all you can. I forgot to mention that today I saw another novice commuter out early this a.m., probably the first I have seen in six weeks. That was exciting!
@burklee I actually developed the neuroma after switching to the graphite LOOK KEO Before that I had the small spd which I never had any problems. Sometimes they come back. Took my shoes in to the doctor and he noticed that the one screw into the shoe sits right under the metetarsal that developed the neuroma. I will keep all informed on how well the cortisone works and the desolving of the neuroma as expense of new pedals will have to wait a little while.
I'm so excited. The last time I rode actively was around 17 years ago when I was in college. My DH and I are becoming avid cyclers now. I may not be the fastest, or the strongest, but I sure am loving it. The only trouble I have is finding the time to ride. I'm going to squeeze another ride in tonight before church. And I will say that having the right bike is a whole lot better than a cheap Wal-Mart bike. I like my Trek Navigator. :D
@ Jacque, WAY TO GO!!! You have every right to feel proud. I'm glad to see you are riding and enjoying it. I think this challenge has been very beneficial for many new riders. The more people we can get riding bikes, the better it will be for everyone.
Holy cow Jacque, a "newbie" averaging 50 miles a week is pretty incredible! Don't hurt yourself, still 2.5 months to go...
Ride like you belong!
@Jacque - Great job! You should be proud of youself. That is what this challnge is all about, to get more people out riding so we can collectively not only be healthier, but also raise awareness of just how much fun it is, and that we belong on the roads.
@Jay - Tell me if it helps. I have one in my left foot and one may be forming in my right. I've put arch supports in my shoes because I read that flat feet, which I have, more easily form Morton's neuromas, and have a callus cushion (the little donut-shaped foam pad) over the neuroma in my left foot. My doctor said it's best to put off any surgical treatment because recovery takes a long time, which would put me off the bike. I have heard mixed reviews on cortisone injections in various body parts, but never for Morton's neuromas. What kind of pedals did you have, and to what kind will you be changing?
Being a newbie in riding my new hybrid over 250 miles starting May 1st is very satisfying!! I'm glad to be a part of this challenge....and I'm pretty proud of myself!!
I know I am going to have to do some serious catching up now.
Smile John, at least you'll be well rested for the weekend rides!
I should take advantage of this "inside information" and put on some heavy miles to pull you back. haha
No riding today or tomorrow just had a cortisone injection to the foot for a mortons neuroma. Have to change my pedals and cleats also.
Oh yea, I also want to say "Thank you" with a video clip from yesterday's morning cyclommute, showing an intersection with a new lengthened yellow light that the BPAC help instigate. It felt a lot safer, not having to worry about cross traffic! one intersection down, xxx more to go!
Ride like you belong!
No cyclommute today since BPAC starts @ 5:30 in Tampa.
I'll be showing 3 video clips which show hazards to cyclists in the bike lane.
1) A community watering so heavily that the water runs off in "streams" across the road. This causes a loss of braking and increases the risk of getting a flat.
2) A construction project on a 4 lane road w/bike lanes where they directed all traffic into the left lane with construction barrels on the line forcing a cyclist into a dangerous position. All for patching holes on a cross street!
3) Debris in the bike lane. In Florida cyclists are required to ride in the lane if provided. We are allowed to leave the lane for obstacles but that makes us look unpredictable to motorists who can't see the debris so just see cyclists as weaving. When calling Public Works I was told that Hillsborough County no longer maintains the bike lane. I believe that If cyclists have to ride in the bike lane, then they should be well maintained.
My objective is to build awareness on cyclist's needs. Perhaps water bills can include verbiage about over-watering. Road construction companies can make minor changes to protect cyclists.
My objectives to posting it are: Show that when we become more involved changes will be made. Hopefully influence others to run with the baton. Does your area have a BPAC or BAC or MPO? Find out! Attend meetings and if possible get others to attend. After all, these are our streets as well.
@Jessica - Good for you. I don't bother buying a pass anymore either. By riding my bike, I can leave my house 20 minutes later than if I rode the bus, and get to work in plenty of time. Even on hot days when I have to take clothes and change before work, I can leave 10 minutes later. And, if I'm running a bit late, I never have to worry about missing the bike!
I didn't buy a monthly bus pass this month because I am now officially faster than the bus! I wouldn't be if they ran on time haha.
@ Mike fabulous way to put that woman in her place. I like your style!
Mike - glad you were able to maintain control and not go down! When it happened, where were you positioned in the lane?
This is the perfect scenario where video taken to the authorities could make a difference.
Ride like you belong!
I like these new triple wall tires I thought one of my brakes was dragging so when I got home I looked at my tires etc.My back tire had a narrow crown staple on the outer edge and my pressure was down to 35 PSI.they are usually 80 PSI max.I think I had been riding for a couple days like this.I aired up the tire and took off again.It was like flying.It was a good training experience LOL
Charlie - The mount is Velcro'd to my helmet so it always points forward. In Florida, vehicles don't have front license plates so I'm not sure if there would be much advantage. A second camera mounted on the frame facing rearward would be a good way to go.
My videos are used to document the rides so I'd love a rear camera but my guess is it might cause legal challenges as the timestamps would vary. Hopefully, technology will improve and get cheaper so I can get another... then I'd use the Drift facing back.
I have a (creative) friend who mounted a camera on the handlebar and a second on a custom bracket facing back. As I remember, the rear was used more to provide multiple angles than any other reason.
BTW, another use... I've had problems with short yellow signals making crossing intersections very dangerous. I took video clips to the local BPAC and showed them several occurrences of me entering intersections legally (on yellow) and before I left the intersection, I turned my head to capture the cross traffic getting a green signal! Hmmm, what do you think those motorists thought as the cyclist went across after the light turned green?? Most of these events happened when I was moving around 23mph, a cyclist traveling around 16mph would lose the signal before being halfway across.
On this morning's cyclommute it happened again at a previously documented intersection. However this time I had cleared the intersection before it had turned red! Wow, I documented a problem for cyclists, took it to a public meeting and its been fixed!! Tomorrow, I plan to show debris in the bike lanes which I refuse to ride though. Perhaps public works will resume maintaining the lanes after being cut back due to the economy...
Ride like you belong!
I used to ride my bike thru the drive thru back in college, was never an issue. One time, I even got an entire bucket of chicken strips for free, because it was almost closing time and they made too many. Haven't done it recently though.
Mike, I'm glad it wasn't more serious. I got about the same thing from a pick-up in March, just when I was proud of myself for getting out on a cold day. I got off the pavement quickly yesterday when a sewer pumper truck passed me and I didn't have any idea how he cleared me when I saw how close he was to the white line. We have a 4-foot law in PA now. It says the motor vehicles are to clear us by a minimum of 4 feet and pass at a "prudent and cautious speed." The general public and drivers of big sewer pumping trucks need a lot of education on the law.
Rain, rain, rain...
@Mike - Glad you're OK. I would have done the same thing after her non-apology.
HI all, out early this morning with temps in the 60s. Spotted 9 other riders including one guy who passed me with cheerful greetings and conversation. Thats the way to start the day!! This evening I saw a group of 24 riders, but I wasn't riding at the time. I will have to figure out where they came from because as far as I know that street is a dead end....
@ Mike McD -wow, ouch, glad you were okay. Way to make the drivers aware that you are out there. A car came close to me today and they had a rack with bikes on it on the back! I stuck my arm out and waved it a little to try and indicate to the next car how far away they should stay.
RE: Fast food, yeah the best plan is probably to skip it altogether. But they shouldn't be giving us dirty looks or a hard time. Our money is just as good as everyone elses. Bicycles are vehicles and we have every right to use the drive up window. Maybe the best plan is to take another bicyclist or two with you when you go. And if the weather is good, look for a place with outdoor tables. If enough of us snub the businesses that don't like our bikes (see examples below) maybe some of them will get the message...
Strange sites, no I never saw a guy on a mountain bike hauling a canoe, but I have been canoeing and even the kevlar ones are heavy. But there was a guy on the BRAN who hauled 2 kids in a trailer the whole ride.
got "nudged" from a side mirror on the way to work this AM. Fortunately, it was low speed. When I caught up to the car at the next red light, the women didn't even realize that she had hit me. She also didn't apologize but said I shouldn't be riding on the side of the road so I rode the rest of the way in the middle of the lane in front of her going the speed limit.
@Michael, do you always ride with the helmet cam pointing forwards? Or, do you sometimes set it pointing to the rear? Thoughts?
I rode in the rain last night, I think about 100 drops hit me and that was it. It looked like it wanted to open up at any second, but it never did. As buggy as it is with the drought, I can't imagine how bad it will be if it ever rains. It has been nice being able to ride almost every day and my lawn doesn't need much attention, but some rain to knock down the dust on the towpath and help clean up the roads would be nice.
Really loving this dry weather in Wisconsin biking, but we are really having a severe drought and the crops are really showing signs of dry and heat stress. My lawn is brown and burnt out and the cracks are getting huge. The strawberries in the fields are small this year and they are drying up, so I have a feeling the season is going to end quickly. But it cooled off into the 60's today, which is nice temps again for biking, but very windy. Our climate is still running a whole month ahead, which is kind of freaky because we are now in a typical July weather pattern with more heat coming by this weekend and there is little chance for any rain. We will be on vacation next week camping up north with our pop up camper and I don't want rain then, but we are very badly in need of some rain soon to salvage any crops here. It is getting very dusty and dry and crops looks really bad.
My wife and I took a vacation for a week. Had one good ride while I was gone. We were in Chama, NM to ride the train. The Cumbres & Toltec. On the day of the ride we chased the train up the road in our van until we could not follow it anymore. Drove back down the mountain and had lunch. I gave the train a 2 1/2 hour head start before I started my ride from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO. I beat the train in by 1 1/2 hours. Beautiful ride over the passes. And than a descent in the high desert country. It is good to be back home in Colorado, though the smoke from the fire up here is strong this morning. When I went out for today's ride, I got out of the smoke as I rode west. Just a short ride up in the foothills today.
Was just noticing that I cross the 1000 point mark with my commute to/from work today. I have been loading the info, but not paying a lot of attention to the points for the last few weeks. Guess I'll be in the drawing for the bikes at the end of the summer.
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee
@Cynthia, raining like mad here too today. I don't see me having time or energy to deal with it tonight but the rest of the week looks promising. I'm two days behind where I usually am at this point-going to have to work harder!
BTW - Anyone in the market for a helmet camera? The Drift Stealth (1080p) is my first attempt and I'm mostly happy with it. The camera captures vehicle license plates if needed later.
My biggest grip is that the timestamp is lost when changing batteries. To be legal in court the timestamp should be visible and accurate (per a couple of attorneys I checked).
The Drift uses a LION battery which lasts approx 2hrs... on long rides it must be swapped and then the date/time reentered (a pain to see the LCD panel in the daylight)
Perhaps others using different helmet cams can relay their experiences. Do any helmet cams retain the date/time?
It's raining in sheets....hopefully it will subside some by 5pm. Riding in rain isnt too bad, it can sometime be quite refreshing, but, this is crazy. Been coming down all day for what seems like the last two weeks. I am not going to let that stop me for my love of riding to work, or riding period. Just have to gear up and go with the elements.
I'm hooked on century rides now after my first one last weekend. I'm doing another one on July 29 at the Best Friends Gourmet Bike Tour here in Neenah. I did the 55 mile route last last year, but I signed up for the century one this year, so this will be my second century. This one also has lots of bakery and food at the rest stops and a nice picnic afterwards. I am getting spoiled with these gourmet bike tours and it seems like I can eat like a horse and still not gain any weight. We aren't going to get all this food at Race the Lake in August and the pace is going to be a little faster there with a lot less stops and rest, so that will be a bit more challenging, but it is 10 miles shorter than a century, which is when I started to feel like I rode enough in 1 day.
I've had no problems walking my bike in Publix, Wal Mart, and Target. Best Buy said no, so I left, walked my bike over to Office Depot and purchased my big external drive so I could keep all my ride videos. (I record rides using a Drift Stealth helmet camera.)
@Micheal - I got the same dirty look from one customer at my local grocery store when I walked my bike through the store. What I found more interesting than the one dirty look, was that there were no quizzical ones. Everyone else acted as if this were perfectly normal, and something they see everyday. Even at the check out, they didn't mention the bike, until after I said "Gosh, it sure would be nice if they'd bring back the bike rack." (As there used to be one right outside the door). They then said "Oh yeah, I wonder waht happened to it" and promised to ask the manager.
.
The bike rack is still not back, so now I lock my bike to the cart corral, since there is a no parking zone next to it.
Thanks for that, Michael. Almost forgot about the farmer's market today at one of the parks I normally ride through. I think I'll slap the bags on my bike and pedal over there after work. I don't know what is in season, but I'd love some fresh asparagus or zucchini or yellow squash or green beans. There is one neighborhood where the trail runs between some backyards and a few have small gardens, it's cool to see how things grow day by day, I'm hoping to see some people sitting out out selling veggies this summer.
I had a moment of weakness yesterday on the ride into work as I passed the local Micky-D's.... No racks to speak of, hostility from the drive through people, and as I started to awkwardly walk my bike in, there was nothing but dirty looks from everybody inside mowing down on McDisasters. I learned the error of my ways and picked up some fruit......
Ray - its all good. I have heard a lot of good things about the Garmin for the type of riding you are doing. My daily commute is 8 miles each way - the farthest I have gone this year in one trip is not more than 20 miles. I admire what you and other sport riders are able to do when you set your mind to it. Keep up the good work!
Good point, el embajador. If I am just out commuting or doing errands, watching the data really isn't that important and in those cases, I'll probably just use my iPhone. But for 25, 40, 50 mile rides, without having that data right in front of me, I tend to get lazy. I need to do more transport riding, to replace those hops in the car to grab food after a sport ride, but I can't hit a drive-thru on a bike and most places don't have anywhere to lock up. I know there is a rack in front of Five Guys, but that's just a little too far away to try to ride home from after refueling. I don't know if I should be complaining about missing bike racks at fast food places, or accepting the fact that I should just stay home and eat something healthy.
Cora. My issue with the manual entry is that when you pick a point on the road, and then pick another point a mile or two away, it draws a straight line no matter what curvature is happening in the road. So to get an accurate ride distance, I have to sit there and draw an extremely detailed path around whatever roads i traveled. The "Map my Ride" system automatically follows the curvature of the road between two points making it easier for me at least. No matter, the mobile app works for me and to each their own. It's a good issue to need solving because it means we're riding.
I love the smartphone app, started using it when I lost my cycle computer a few years ago. I've been using it ever since. But I must agree with Ray, it kills the battery life of my phone. So far I've been ok, and not had the need for the phone after spending the day on the bike. But if I'm going on longer rides it is my biggest concern. Did a week long bike ride across North Carolina and couldn't run the app, just killed the battery and didn't have a whole lot of places to charge up for the next day. This is were a Garmin would be great.
Hi Ray - a different perspective here from Wisconsin. I use the smartphone app and like the convenience of simply hitting the start/stop buttons. I put the Iphone in my panniers, then go about enjoying my ride, which is generally commuting or transport. I especially like the Endmondon app for transport, as I may go different ways to different places and its nice to know that my mileage is being accounted for. Good luck in the Challenge and enjoy your summer!
The smartphone apps are good, but if you like to see the data while you are riding, not very convenient. Part of my motivation (since headphones are out) is watching the distance increase, keeping an eye on my pace, seeing heart rate and with all the talk of cadence recently, I added a cadence sensor too. I am using a Garmin Edge 500, which has great battery life and a lot of storage space. The smartphones can do all the same, with adapters and same accessories, but again, you can't watch the numbers very easily (safely) while riding. A basic bike computer can provide most of the same real-time data at a fraction of the cost, and coupled with the smartphone app, you still get the fancy mapping data, but I like the all-in-one device. Plus, I don't have to worry about finding myself in need of help with a cool phone and a dead battery.
Michael - I wonder why you do not find the mapping to be intuitive? If your route is not one you will repeat frequently you can just enter a workout and select "Draw map for this workout" - then you simply click on the map to draw the route. If you take the same route frequently, you can enter and save it as a route so that you only need to draw it once. I have not tried map my ride, but I only use manual entry, as I have no GPS or smart phone, and I find it to be very user friendly.
I've found the smart phone app to be the best way o logging even though I usually forgot to turn the darn thing on and off at the beginning and ends of rides. Logging the routes manually isnt very intuitive on here (unlike a site like "map my ride") and I usually vary a little everyday with my rides so I wouldnt want to make generic routes. The garmen GPS sound interesting though. May have to start saving my pennys.
Persistence and consistency count! Even if you only commute a couple miles per day, the points add up! Keep pedaling and logging, short-commuters :_)
What's the strangest biking you have seen recently? On Sunday when it was 90F out, there was a guy on a mountain bike towing his Wenonah kevlar canoe with a portage cart leaving a backwaters area of the Mississippi River. He was at least 2 miles from anywhere he could have put into the water and had at least a mile before he was near any residential area. Talk about a hard core biking enthusiast.
A workout can be edited, but it is very tricky!! And not very intuitive.
Basically save the workout as a "route". Search the "route" and edit it. Got to workout and add as "route".. update data ,because once edited it strips all the gps data out. Then probably should go back and delete the "route"..
Like I said, tricky!
To get calories to calculate, you need to have entered a height and weight in your Endo profile, and then enter the duration of your ride. If you are logging manually from NBC, you will need to edit the workout to enter the time. I log my rides from the Workouts tab in endomondo, as this makes it easier to enter the correct start time, duration and route. Mine should all be public, so fell free to check out how I'm doing it.
You can also log in more detail by going to your profile and clicking on the workouts tab. From there you can log your start time, distance, elapsed time, etc. You can even import directly from a Garmin device or from a file for other devices.
@Mona - you can't delete part - but you can delete all, and then re-enter manually.
Hi Everyone-I wanted to share a link to a site that has all sorts of outdoor activites in the Upper Midwest it's: http://www.midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/outdoors_recreations/bicycling/weekend_bicycle_trips.html
Have fun and enjoy!
Thanks for your help out there! Yea, how do you get your calories burned to show up. I have worked to figure that out with no success.
Cynthia -- I think it is set up so each leg of your commute counts as a trip. That's why it has numbers in the dropdown menu, so you can add trips. So a total round trip commute would be two trips.
How do you get your calories burned to show up?
I've seen it both ways... 2 one-way entries or 1 two-way entry...
I keep them separate... manually I see the mileage with "2" next to it I click the "-" and change it to "1" ((one way). So just be consistent! I'm off to change, bye.
Question: when logging your miles for commuting, is the total "trip" considered one way in or to work and then home?
I took my bike for a service and someone picked me up by car. Unfortunately I forgot to stop Endomondo. Now I have a speed for more then 60km/hr :)
Can I delete a part of the ride?
@ Russell...about calories...I also think you have to give data on your height and weight to get a number to register. FYI.
@Burklee Green
I am also a diabetic. I use Hammer Products for my food source on my rides. For shorter rides I use Hammer Gel. For longer rides I use the gel and Perpetuem. I also use the Endurolytes Fizz in my water.
@cheryl zadrazil
A good general rule to increase your milage is to increase it by about 10% a week.
"I am looking at increasing my cycling distance. I am wondering if there is a general rule regarding the amount of miles I should add on weekly inorder to increase my miles"
I've been riding so much that when I drive I want to brake with my hands. lol
HI everybody, I got in a ride early this morning. Saw about ten other riders. Some joggers are even saying hi these days. I have a Trailnet shirt that says "walk, bike, run." We are all in this together. Had to cut the ride short because of predicted thunderstorms. Barely got back from my ride and got the lawn mowed when it started pouring.
@ Cheryl, ditto the other comments, just get out and ride when you can. I think 3 days/wk minimum is what doctors recommend for exercise in general. And now some of the bicycling magazines have been recommending some "recovery time" before a big ride. So the rule seems to be mix it up a little different lengths of rides and different intensity is good. Basically once you feel like you can go out and ride about 30-35 miles easily you will be ready for fifty. However, note that weather conditions can be a factor. I can ride a lot more miles when the temps are under 80 than when they are over 80 degrees. Also, humidity is a factor. If the humidity is high, I ride better in lower temps. and if the humidity is low I can ride in hotter weather.
RE: food, I'm really glad everyone is chiming in. We are all different with our food needs and you have to experiment and figure out what works for you. Bottom line, you need food and water & electrolytes.
RE: Driving. I ride from my house most days, but once in a while its nice to ride with other people. Riding my bike to the ride start is often impractical because of the distance to the starting point. If I never drove I would have to skip some rides altogether. And some places are just not safe to ride through to get to the ride start. So I say mix it up a little. If you do end up driving to the ride start, maybe you can find some other riders to carpool to the ride start with. Although it can be a game of 3-d tetrus getting all those bikes on a rack. In fact we used to have a picture of the way we got 4 bikes on our rack so we could do it faster the next time. Then some of us got different bikes and we had to start all over. .. LOL
Happy trails everyone!
@Bruce, sometimes it takes a half-hour or more for the points to get caught up. I think totals are carried over from one computer system to another on a scheduled basis. The "local" numbers seem to take the longest.
@Russell, you have to enter your start time and duration. Are you using a cycling computer?
Hey, how do I get calories burned to show up?
Thunderstorms and heavy rain limited my commute to one way today. But, managed to get short ride in before work and at lunch. Will try same tomorrow, then schedule and wedding this weekend will make any further riding impossible this week. Oh well, will have to make it up next week. Weekend of 23rd is dedication ride for Northeast rail trail at Cheboygan. I'll probably ride 25-35 miles that day. Should be fun. Michigan Mountain Mayhem went well last weekend. 1500 riders and only the third year. Keep riding everyone!
I cannot wait till we hit that magic 1 million dollars saved. I dont think that there is any better way of telliing big oil and the auto industry that they are on their way out. I hope people are looking at that number and thinking about how much money could be saved if we had every one of the 200+ million liscenced drivers in this country on bikes.
Im not sure how they figure points here.Am I biking backwards?
Got my wheels back! Also, the LBS showed me a sweet Trek Lexa in my price range. I'm going to wait until later this summer to buy another bike but that gives me something to look forward to. I also bought my first real Jersey. :-D
I drove to work today for the first time since back in April, it made for a very strange commute. Everyone thought that i was out sick when they didn't see my bike in the rack.
A rear axel failure four damaged balls that i change, but i found a damage mace too, i will change it on next payment, now i will lose miles, grrr!!!
I have ridden every day for the last seven days. I haven't used my car at all (but I did ride with my housemate to two different events that she was going to, anyway). Tonight, I shall drive. But do I remember how? What was that third pedal for, again?
Burklee-thanks for the advice,I do like Powerade Zero. I guess I'll have to take it with me along with my water.
Well, class begins for me again tonight. I haven't missed a day yet this month and I am hoping to keep up with my riding. Sometimes with working full time, going to school part time and being a wife and mom there are just not enough hours in the day. Thankfully I have a trailer again, so I can take my son with me when I ride. Perhaps we shall start riding to the library...
@George - It's just smart to know what you need to keep yourself from getting sick on a ride and doing it. I rode down to Southpointe Mall once, which is a hilly, twisty ride. I didn't take along any food 'cause I thought I'd be fine. I'm diabetic and ended up making it to Scheel's before I passed out from low blood sugar. I bought a gel pack thing there. That was the worst tasting thing I've ever had in my life, and I'm a bad cook, so that's saying something. I prefer Powerade Zero and some fruit, but whatever you like that keeps you going, take it along.
Whenever I ride 30 or more miles I tend to get sick.My last two rides I added two G U gels to my ride in addition to my usual harvest bar.My ride is usually between 30 and forty miles. These last rides I did not get sick. My rides last between1:45 and three hours depending on miles.I'm open to any comments.
I like the thought of using the bike instead of the car to get to your "starting point" of the ride. However, we do need to take some things into consideration. Using myself as an example, I am a busy working mom of 3 children and most days I only have a small window of opportunity to get my ride in. Most of my rides start from my house, but it is a good 15 miles to the nearest trail, and if I want to add interest to my rides, I would rather load up my bike and drive to my starting point, otherwise I would burn up all of my riding time in getting there and getting home. Also, my kids don't have the same endurance as I do, and not the same quality bike, so their ability to ride longer distances is quite limited.
I ride from the house 90% of the time, takes too long to get the rack on the car, the bike loaded up, etc, etc, that's time which could be spent riding. I work at home, so I don't get to commute to/from the office, so I make up for it by commuting to/from the trail instead. --- That RAAM looks pretty cool, I think I'd rather be on the bike than in the car coasting at 15mph. Well, maybe for a few hours at least, then I think I'd rather be in the car.
@Mike_on_Bike, totally agree about not using gas to go for a bike ride. Wonderful touring group that rides around here but my petrophobia almost always keeps me from driving to their start points. Turn the cranks, not the key.
@ Karen, Yes there are RAAM teams (up to 8 riders) but only one rider is on the course at a time (not like the drafting teams in the TdF). Kind of like passing a batton from one rider to another - when one rider stops another starts from the same place. (Team riders start Saturday the 16th.)
@ Michael oB, No, I've never even qualified for RAAM (too slow...). The closest thing to "live coverage" for RAAM is their leaderboard/tracking system. There are no video broadcasts that I am aware of although some of the individual crews may web-cast parts of their rides.
When ever I do a ride with others I try to ride to the ride. I only use the car if absolutley unavoidable. Seems odd to take your car to a ride that you could ride your bike to and from.
Ray, good advice about parking in the middle! Riding from the house can also provide the same advantage. I avoid using the car for local rides for two reasons... 1) Won't get back in car with wet riding gear (can lead to saddle sores). When traveling by car, I use a water gallon bottle to rinse myself (and bike) down and clean change of clothes. 2) My problem, but somehow seems wrong to use gas to go for a bike ride!
Yep, just ride. When I started riding this year, I was doing 5-20 miles, then one day decided to go for a long ride and went 40. I did 50 on Saturday in less time than it took to do that 40 the first time. I have no specific training regimen, some days I ride a long way, some days short, usually depends on when I can get out. One tip I read somewhere was to park in the middle and then go from there. So if you want to ride 40 miles, park (or leave home) and go 10 miles out, 10 miles back and then based on how you feel, either turn around and do it again, or go 10 miles out the other direction. Don't ride 20 miles from your car/house and then kick yourself when you realize you have to ride 20 miles back and don't have the energy or desire. (been there, done that)
Cheryl....just ride and enjoy yourself. You don't have to track your miles and do scheduled increases....just ride til your not having fun any more and stop. Eventually, you will have ridden 50 miles and your won't even know it. I used to think my 15 miles commute was a big deal. Now I don't even count it as a work out.
@Cheryl that is an interesting question and one I have had before. Thanks for asking it. @Michael, you are the man with the links! Awesome. I love watching the Tours on t.v., always have. I'll never aspire to be a racer but I love to watch racing -in track & field, cars, bikes, skaters, etc.
Leonard - there are teams for RAAM. I know a couple folks who are on one and racing...I think it starts before or after the individuals tho....
I have found that increasing my miles is a combination of incremental increase and keepijng the fun in it. I have over time increased my miles to about 40 per day. When I take a break, lower my mileage on a tour or trip or for whatever reason reduce ride miles then I do the following.
I start with a ride the combines 20 minutes of warm up to sweating (spinninng), then 1'40" of harmmer down. I monitor heart rate and cadence to get 80 rpms and about 140 average bpm. This gives me an idea of where to start to get back to my target daily fitness level
I ride for fitness so I am looking to ride at 16mph over 40 miles as a daily target, more or less ;-)
Two things I have learned with this. Building back speed and increasing distance can be done at the same time through increases in increments of no more than 10 % in a five day stretch. Also, this is for a 60 year old clydesdale with the wring body type for cycling. The last key is to have fun.
Leonard have you done RAAM? It's on my bucket list... I'll let you know when I head out to Sebring to qualify. I understand the qualification is for 2 years, so hopefully within the next year or so...
There's no live coverage of RAAM is there? I'd love to watch some... I remember some video of (last year's) RAAM where riders used Duct Tape to hold their heads up! I can only imagine what RAAM must be like since my neck is usually the last thing I'm concerned about on double-centuries!
Congrats Cheryl! Here is a good site (http://RoadBikeRider.com, sign up for the weekly newsletter. It may not answer all your questions but should help!
Start a slow increase in weekly miles, there's no rush you have lots of time. Knowing when you're ready is more subjective. I knew I was ready for my first century (100 miles) when i could do 70 miles without "blowing up".
Stay positive, you'll make it!
@ Michael on Bicycle - Good points about watching bicycle races. I would like to mention the toughest bicycle race in the world. The TdF is an interesting little ride made up of professional teams (kind of short, only 2185 miles in 23 days).
If you want to follow real people (i.e., folks like most of the people in this challenge that have regular 9 to 5 jobs), follow the Race Across AMerica (RAAM). It starts tomorrow in Oceanside CA and ends 12 days later in Annapolis MD. It covers 2989.5 miles (over 800 miles longer than the TdF and finished in half the time) - the winner usually finishes in about 9 days.
BTW, this is a SOLO race, not a team drafting race (no pelotons, NO drafting allowed). It is all individual effort. Once the clock starts tomorrow, it doesn't stop till the rider arrives in MD. NO scheduled breaks, NO rest days, NO multi-million dollar teams, just determined individuals doing something we all like, riding their bikes.
To follow the action, go to:
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam.php
I am looking at increasing my cycling distance. I am wondering if there is a link, website or a general rule regarding the amount of miles I should add on weekly inorder to increase my miles and how I should vary my rides during the week (ie) long vs short. Also, I am planning to bike 50 miles in the Door County Century come September, so how do I determine if I"m ready? The websites I've found seem more geared toward competative bikers. I'm just your average, overweight, middle-aged women striving for fitness. Any help would be so appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Since the NBC started I haven't lost any weight, but lately noticed all my clothes fit so much looser! Thank you National Bike Challenge!!! Ride on and happy Monday!
Now that you're enjoying cycling again... have you watched any bike races?
There's lots to learn by watching the pros and listening to the commentators. Besides, now you've seen how even a 5mph headwind feels you'll the appreciate the effort they are making and how cycling truly is a team sport.
Universal Sports and NBC Sports (formally Vs.) cover cycling and on your computer try http://www.steepHill.tv for coverage of all the races. Definitely try to catch the Tour de France starting July 1st to see the best of the best. Don't worry about getting all the rider's names and teams, that comes with time! Enjoy!
Ride like you belong!
A few years ago I was 210+ pounds and 5'8". I bike a lot, but I found one also has to monitor food input. There are some nice apps that help you do that--enter the food & quantity as well as enter your exercise. That way you monitor calories in and calories out. (Lance was notorious for doing this--actually weighing everything to be accurate.) Now I'm a little under 150, and I feel like I have a lot more energy than I used to and probably in the best physical condition of my life. Most importantly is the "bella in sella" factor (Italian for actually "looking good in lycra"). You need to eat some carbs on long rides because your body won't burn fat unless there are carbs available; just don't overdo it.
Don't beat yourselves up! Weight loss in the beginning is hard to measure because you are building muscles which is 3X heavier than fat. It will come fast however when you keep up with the rides. As Leonard has pointed out... if you don't go to fast your body will consume fat... push too hard and the body switches gears and won't burn fat. If your commute to work is less than one hour don't eat much more than normal.
My commute is 1.25 hours and I drink only water... when I arrive at work I'll have a big glass of choc. milk (if I push hard otherwise a Yoohoo) and a banana... For lunch I'll have high protein, like P&J or Tuna fish on dense bread (like Arnolds). Throughout the day I'll munch on pretzels with peanut butter, grapes and lots of tea & water.
Ride like you belong!
@Russell, I think alot of us are feeling stronger but not seeing on the scale yet. I saw a couple of pounds drop off, but am hoping for more. I'm thinking about registering for my first tour this fall @ the 30ish mile level. @Michael L - Congrats!! I see how hard you've been working.
CONGRATULATIONS to Michael Lemuel for capturing first place overall. Michael, you have worked hard and really applied yourself to reach first. You've earned the position and respect of everyone participating in this challenge. You are an excellent example of what this challenge is all about. FANTASTIC riding, you are one awesome person. Keep the pedals spinning and be safe - enjoy your rides.
@Martin singing cadences out loud insures that you are also breathing deeply.
@Al - If that is true, then I must have a lot of muscle in my cranium, at least that is what people keep on telling me.
@Russell: There have been some really inspiring stories on here. Keep pedaling and working at it. I like to measure progress in the waist line and feeling good, instead of weight; muscle is more dense than fat.
Hey, I like the waist line idea. And I am feeling better, stronger. 3-4 years ago I dropped to 168 lbs. Felt good and climbing was alot easier, but, felt it was too light a weight for me. Thanks for the perspective.
Hot day, 92 degrees or better. Thank goodness humidity was fairly low and wind was blowing, until tonight. Graduation open house today so only time for short ride just before dark. Still motivated. Over 4 million miles for the entire group is a motivator, too. Feeling stronger, but, weight not changing much. Hoped to drop a few more pounds as of now. Will keep cycling. Goal 180 lbs by end of August!
This Challenge is great. Enjoying all the comments and learning a lot. It's June, with longer hours of daylight as we approach summer. A good time for me to get up earlier and enjoy more miles on the way to work. I'm itching to get more miles in as time permits. Would like to get a 40 or 50 miler or two in soon, with my sights on a 100-miler my wife and I can do on our tandem in August. I love the discussion about putting in the calories immediately after the ride, but I'll take ice cream instead of the beer.
After platinum, you just have to move to the leaderboard category. I should hit platinum tomorrow, from there I'll just keep riding to be one more bike on the road and to keep my name near the top. I went bike shopping today, went in look for an slightly better than entry level road bike, walked out ready to buy one 3 times what I intended to spend. I figure might as well spend a bit more for a much better one that will last a long time, rather than get a "cheap" one only to end up buying a better one next year. They had to order what I think I want, but no commitment to buy if I don't like it. If I do buy one, I'm going to have to ride a few centuries to justify the price to myself.
just did another 6.2 I feeeel good...maybe 100 miles per day by end of season!!!!
Cadence is a wonderful thing - I am never going to be the fastest but I can keep going and going! Echo comments about riding with earbuds; you become oblivious to things going on around You. I felt like today was ride with no hands day...did I miss the memo? You have to shout pretty loud to be heard when passing dudes changing tracks or adjusting their ithings with no hands on the bars. Almost as bad as driving with no hands on the wheel on the beltway.
@Bruce - Right on! Making it instinctive like you are doing means you don't really have to think about it, and you will find that you will actually end up being able to go the same speed as before for a lot longer distance, recover quicker, and will want to ride farther the next day than you normally would have. Then the miles and points will really start adding up.
been working on my cadence.I have found that boosting my cadence makes me less tired and my average time running the same route even in a strong head wind was only .3 off my regular pace.No more paying attn to ground speed.I just shift down when I feel the pull.After 30 miles dont hurt at all.Two years ago I was ready to heve knees replaced LOL.
@karen no, just shirt less (my user picture). HPD wouldn't like that so much. But some spots allowed the naturalist to run free for several minutes before we hit the public trails.
@John Henry - We're all learning from each other. I've already learned several things from others. If I can save even a few knees as part of this...
@Michael L Congratulations on taking over 1st place! Those are some impressive mileages this month. You had to do that much to pass Leonard.
AboutCadence - @Michael L mentioned the method I use for cadence, and that is playing a tune in your head, (or singing out loud, but quietly), that is the right cadence. I didn't mention it in my earlier posts, because some might think that it would be a good idea to download several songs with the right beat, and just play them while riding. But that is just too unsafe. (There are several websites for getting song lists that are 90 beat per minute songs, just look up "90 beat songs". Some even say they are for the proper cadence for biking or running. I recommend getting to know some of these songs, and then doing like @Michael L does, and play them non-electronically.)
I've volunteered for a lot of running races as the lead biker, and runners who think they have the volume turned down low on their earbuds, thinking they can still hear everything around them, will not hear me even if I am shouting at the top of my lungs less than 5 feet behind them or 10 feet in front of them, (the first is for more than one distance race after the races converge, and I'm trying to clear a path for the lead runners in the longer race, and the second is when the race is out and back on a bike path and I'm bringing the lead runner back). I finally have to tap the former ones on their shoulder and hope they jump away from me, not into my bike.
To think of having earbuds while biking, you simply cannot hear all of the traffic noises with them in. And now with all of the electric cars, it is even more difficult to hear them normally, let alone with a distraction.
And this part is particularly for women - One can never be too careful nowadays, as some with bad intent in a desolate area could come from behind cars or bushes, and knock you down. You want to have as early a warning as possible. It is also a good idea to not always ride at the same time of day along the same route, establishing a routine that someone can detect, particularly if that route has infrequent traffic.
Please everyone - be safe.
Knock, knock.... Leonard!!! Your a hard man to catch, but here I am. It's been exhausting! Endomondo, Kimberly-Clark, League of American Bicyclist; Thank you for inspiring me to see what I could do. I haven't felt this confident in myself since I got out of the army. Leonard, a special thanks to you for being a awesome person with a great personallity. You didn't take it easy on me, yet you always had words of encouragement. I look forword to these last 2 1/2 months. I hope we get a chance to meet.
Plutonium? At 5,000 points. Yes please
I think they need a level above platinum....what do we have to work towards after we get there?
Earnest...did you do it naked?
Just wanted to mention I partook in my first social bike ride. It happened to be yesterday's World Naked Bike Ride (Houston). It took cycling to a level i didn't expect. We in circled several versatile neighborhoods, radio station, universitys, parks and several diverse watering holes. 20miles or so, 7pm-1am, with several shuttles at stops in case someone had to go back to start. An interesting experience to say the least. Met one NBC member and encouraged several!
If your curious, my twitter feed semi NSFW Instagrams.
https://mobile.twitter.com/EGHtown/status/211611427558002689
Have a safe ride everyone. Thanks for reading. :)
@ Gregg, congrats on the century. I hope I'll be able to get one in before this challenge is over. Its been a long time since I tried one.
Hi all, out early this morning and did part of my ride in reverse just for fun. Temps in the 70s but noticeably more humid than yesterday. Spotted 45 other riders.
RE: The water bottles. I just stick mine on the top shelf in the dishwasher to clean them. I mainly drink water. I don't like the sugar either, but at least the G2 has less than the regular Gatorade. There are probably other drinks with electrolytes...
My best food tip is bananas (anything with potassium helps with the joints). I also read that if you don't eat and go ride for an hour you will be burning fat instead of what you just ate. Of couse, you don't want to ride any longer than that on empty, we don't want people passing out. Maybe you could test what you can tolerate as far as eating and riding by using an exercise bike. I'm not a doctor, so DISCLAIMER HERE.
@ Leonard, thats the best way to go: enjoy both the riding and the eating. No way you can do that driving...
@ Jenny, I have to agree with you. My bike is a road/touring hybrid. My front tire is a little wider than my rear tire because I have concerns about grates. The neighborhoods around here have grates at the bottom of steep hills and the grates go all the way across the street. So if its wet, I am inclined to detour briefly across the sidewalk. I'm sure I could go faster with a strictly road bike or even a different front tire, but safety trumps speed. And some bike paths are gravel, so the hybrid is good for that too. Besides my bike is purple...
@ Heather, sorry to hear your wheels are out of comission. Since your knee is bothering you, you might have the bike shop help you adjust your seat height when you pick it up.
@ Ron, I am 159 away from platinum, so lets see who gets there first!
I survived the Neenah/Menasha Fire Rescue Backdraft 100 mile century tour in this hot windy weather from the south without a flat and they didn't need to rescue me. haha This was my first century ride. Our group of about 30 riders had just 1 flat.. The Neenah/Menasha Fre Rescue gave us great support with subs, fruit, bagels, cookies, baked goods and other snacks at 4 rest stops, plus plenty of ice and water and gatorade. Plus we had a spagetti dinner with salad and more fruit, and desserts, including dairy queen treats at Jefferson Park when we got back. I really enjoyed the 100 mile tour even in this 90 degree heat--looking forward to doing this tour again next year--great route!
@ Michael Cranked Bike Studio roadies in Neenah here always top off their Tuesday night rides with brew.
Bikes, which bike to buy next for my commuting and long rides? I am leaning towards a drop handle bar commuter style bike. One that you can load up with gear, reasonable tires for both gravel trails, streets, snow and still drop down out of the wind. Maybe even a steel frame for comfort. I may still need a light fast bike to ride on the pure speed trips but I can keep my old aluminum frame that I am riding now for that purpose. Put on smaller tires, etc. Take your time and think about what you want to spend most of your time doing. Go to bike stores and try a few. Then go home and dream for several days. Only after waiting, then go back and make a purchase. Used is probably a great route if you can find the size and model you want. New if you are in a limited used market, small town area. Just my opinions....
244 points to Platinum !!! This is going to be an interesting week !!!
You've really done it now Jenny... better carry a spare tube or patch kit on your next ride! LOL
BTW - If you eat quickly after your ride (in your "glycogen window") you can almost eat anything without it landing on your hips. On some long rides you'll see roadies with coolers filled with beer waiting for their return... hey they're high in carbs! :)
Eric, your post sounds like me... I am burning a lot of calories, but I am also eating a lot to compensate. I wish I could just turn off the hunger and eat the same way, but I just don't seem to be able to do it. I eat a pretty clean diet, however. I sometimes blow it in the evening, so that is where I should concentrate on.
Heather, I am kind of torn between the hybrid that I ride now and the thought of getting a newer bike-a road bike. I ride a lot, and I am envious of the speed that some others can pick up on a road bike, yet I do like the flexibility of the hybrid that I have now, I can go on various road surfaces without worrying too much about my tires. I have yet to get a flat tire (Knock on wood). Nothing really wrong with my old bike, except that it is "old". I think it fits me just fine, and I don't think I would know the difference if it didn't. BTW congrats on your story!
Welcome Jeanie! I was up in Gainesville last week with members of the Gainesville Cycling Club ( http://gccfla.org ). They are very active in the area and have rides you might enjoy joining!
I also carry extra nutrients in powder form on long rides. I no longer use Gatorade however, because of the high sugar content, it damaged my back teeth.
Hearing about the lights you've added brings a smile to my face!! Hopefully you're noticing an increased "safety zone" around your bike. Sounds like you're well on your way, enjoy...
Ride like you belong!
-michael
This is my first time to post, but I wanted to thank Michael L for the good tip about taking pre-measured Gade powder on rides. I use a baby bottle brush and plenty of hot water to keep my Gade water bottle from getting stinky. And thanks to Michael in Tampa for earlier posts about lights on your bike. I now have two rear flashers and one front. BTW, I'm up in Gainesville FL.
@ eric b.n. - I don't think it's a matter so much of what I eat (I have HORRIBLE eating habits) but the fact that I spend most of my riding time with my heart rate right in the middle of the fat burning range. I have well over 9,000 miles so far for the year, that burns a LOT of calories no matter how you look at it..... I kind of laugh at the fact this challenge is tracking money saved, if I were to use the money I spend on all the extra food I eat to buy gas, I could afford to drive a big motorhome to Alaska and back (from Florida) for a summer vacation.....
Bike is in the shop for a few days. :-( also, they measured my bike and said its too short for me by a couple of inches. I knew my legs were crunched because a knee has really been bugging me. I have a crazy long inseam for height. I kind of want a road bike with drops-am looking at used ones but I wish I understood fit and sizes a little more
Yesterday we passed 150 miles per NBC registrant. If we had 50,000 registrants, we would only need to average 200 miles to reach our 10,000,000 mile goal. But as it is, we will need a little over 300 per person, but should get well over 400. (That is counting all of the 7,000 - 8,000 or so who haven't logged in any miles yet.)
I'm jealous. I have been trying to get back to those kind of fat numbers for 10 years. I had them when I was a serious triathlete in the early 90"s, but haven't been able to push away from my wife's excellent cooking - and everything in between :) What do you eat (or not eat) that gives you those numbers at your age??? I would be interested in giving it a try... I have a ruptured disc in L4-5 that is slow to heal and arthritic knees that are painful if not continually stretched... Weight is a concern. More miles seems to just lead to more food to compensate and I make no progress of the fat ratio. I would like to be in the 190 range (at 6-3) but cannot get much below 210... would be interested in your take....
@ Michael L, You ride your cadence the same way I do - I'm not usually paying that much attention to the cadence monitor while I ride - I just like to look at the data after the ride to see what went on (I'm an information junkie....).
What are you doing up at 1:00am?? Don't you know it's bedtime??? With all the riding you've been doing, you need your sleep - lots and lots of sleep. :-)
{ If I didn't waste so much time on this darn computer I'd be able to ride more miles. }
@ Gregg, Just for reference information - my body fat consistently measures around 11-12%. Cycling does burn fat.... By the end of the summer, I expect to see my body fat to be somewhere around 7-8%. (Last year it ended up about 8%, I spent much of the winter building it back up to about 15% knowing I would be burning it off this summer - that was even before I heard about the NBC.)
@ Michael, Ditto on the Garmin Edge 305 - it's an older model Garmin but it works great for my type of riding. I like to be able to review my rides and this gives me the information to see both the strong points and when I was having problems. Great little gadget.
Cadence...I've never had a computer for cadence. Really, I just listen to or sing a song with a strong cadence. I'm not sure using a computer is as good. I use a fast cadence down a hill, or early in the day. Up a steep hill or once I'm tired I'll switch to a slow cadence to just keep going. I'll listen to my cadence to get a better idea of how much I can give in order to reach my destination in the quickest time (self psychology).
@ Len, My average "speed" for my century rides is around 14.3 - not very fast compared to when most of the riders around here are doing but it is a speed I can maintain for hours at a time and repeat day after day. I may be old and slow but I can go on and on for a long time. :-)
@ John Henry, I spent almost a year working out with a cadence of 95-100. It got me used to turning the pedals at a higher rate. I've since backed off to around 85. (You can tell the days when I'm really tired - my cadence drops down to the upper 70's.)
I buy my G2 in the big can and fill 3 old script bottles with a water bottle's worth of G2 powder for the day. It saves a lot of weight since I can get water almost anywhere and the bottles are just the right size for pouring through the small water bottle cap. I use old NOS or Gatorade bottles for G2 because I don't want the G2 making my actual "Water" bottles stink.
@Len, Just an idea if you are tired of moving your magnet on the crank arm for the cadence sensor. Someone shared with me the idea of a magnet placed in the hole opposite the pedal. At the local hardware store look for "rare earth magnet". Buy a circular disk magnet just the right diameter for your crank threaded hole (where the pedal threads in. The magnet will stick to the end of the pedal shaft. Then align the cadence sensor with the new magnet. Works really well and stays put. In my case it is 1/2 inch diameter.
Obesity: A Big Fat Problem For America’s Future:
http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/the-exchange/obesity-big-fat-problem-america-future-193852066.html
Let's face it. Our technology has made America into couch potatoes and fat ,which has resulted in a national health crisis of epidemic proportions. Solution? "Get Up And Ride"
Hi all, drove over to Illinois today to do an organized ride. Somewhere along the way I missed a turn and ended up riding half of the ride by myself. Between the Garmin, the ride map, and a map on a bike path, I got back on the "real ride" and ended up with 60.49 miles. I was concerned about the heat since the temps. were into the 90s by the end of the ride. I drank one water bottle of G2 on the way to the ride, followed by a bottle of water, then another G2 (the ride had water stops so I was able to fill up with cold water and only took 2 water bottles with me, the G2 was powder) and then another bottle of water to finish off the ride. After the ride I found a grocery store and chugged a single serving of chocolate milk, since milk is supposed to help your muscles recover after riding. As for the chocolate: well, I earned it!! Also ate a couple of bananas, nuts, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for this ride. Despite the heat I did not get a headache, I think all the liquid helped with that. Guess I'll find out tomorrow how the old muscles are fairing.
@ John yeah I was checking out your path today as the stormed rolled around you. Glad you made it back there never fun to have flat especially when its storming !!!
I am so tired of flats. Changing a flat as the storms roll in all cause the LBS had no kevlar tires.
Did a "half century" this afternoon. I had two 24oz bottles in frame cages and 6 (yes 6) 20oz bottles in small softside coolers on my rear rack. (1 on each side) All that water weight was quite noticeable. I drained the two 24oz before the halfway mark and nursed a couple of the others on the last half, so my plan to sweat all that weight away didn't go too well. Now where are those ice packs for my knees?
I use a Garmin edge 500 with the speed/cadence sensor. Every so often you have to readjust the magnet on the crank arm.
@Michael
Thanks a lot Michael! I'll have to buy one and check this out.
I use a Garmin Edge 305 cyclometer but there are many cyclometers with cadence. They usually use a magnet on the crank arm and a sensor on the bicycle frame so each pedal stroke is counted as the arms go around. On inexpensive models the sensor is connected by wire, it is now more common to be wireless.
Oh my knees!!!
How are you checking your cadence? Counting on your own or do you have any program to do that? I think my cadence is also not correct so that's why I am asking :)
Martin thanks for the advice I need it.
Because of me reading some of these posts here, I think I might try a higher cadence ride today. My usual cadence is anywhere between 75-85 on average. I think I need to try a ride where its closer to the 90+ range. So its off to ride I go... Oh and my rides are 30+ miles most of the time. Not the longest but not the shortest either. My main problem is stamina. My last ride I averaged 17 MPH in the first hour, then it just dropped, and I only had a 15.8 MPH average....
Nice write-up Heather!
My gearing... In general on my cyclommutes my goal is 100rpm. That said, sometimes I want to work my legs - lower rpm (around 90) (but listen to your knees!) and other times my cardio system (high rpm, maybe 105). Oher factors, traffic signals - small ring (front) and fairly easy cog in back (if starting requires lots of power, your chain won't last as long); Headwind - higher rpm; Uphill - small ring, high rpm; Downhill - large ring and medium rpm for more control.
Experienced users will remind you not to shift when applying power to the pedals, instead, light pedal while shifting then put the hammer down!
This cadence thing is new thinking to me also. My husband has been trying to coach me on it as I go into the highest gears and of course don't last. Thanks for backing him up. I will cont.inue to try and remember to start counting.
I took a day off. I only did two miles yesterday instead of my normal 25 mile commute. Wow... I feel *good* today!
@gregg good luck tomorrow in your centurybut I know you'll smash it!@Leonard & Nyla thanks! I was honored to share a little more about myself. I realized yesterday after five weeks, I don't feel quite the newbie I did although I have a long way to go! I'm more confident now. I'm excited for riders like Cora who are also breaking stereotypes and getting euphoric highs while cycling. Going out in a couple of hours for my weekend ride. Have great ones today. Celebrate 4 million miles!
@john henry, @E M, @Nyla - If your cadence is a little slow, don't try to change it overnight. Instead, several times each ride, when you think of it, go for a slightly faster cadence, maybe only 5 or 6 counts per minute. After a few weeks, you will find that that cadence is feeling more natural. When you can sustain that, then try for an even faster cadence. Once you are comfortable with a faster cadence, you will find that you can bike longer than before, you won't be as fatigued afterwards, and you won't experience DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).
My cadence is also slow around 65.I just got a computer for this challenge,it sure has shown me alot.I have been trying to up my cadence at 75-80 I burn out real fast. It's like learning to ride all over again.At 65 I can ride all day.I am 60 years old and when I heard Leonards cadence was 80 to 85,I found I need much improvement.
A quality head got me here. My quality head will see it through.
Only 8 more riders, and we will have 500 riders surpassing Platinum level and 1,500+ points.
( >2,000 @ 1,000+, >6,900 @ 500+ for Gold)
( >100 @ 2,000+, one more for 10 @ 3,000+, and 2 @ 4,000+)
Hi all, got started before 7 am today. Temps in the 60s. Dropped my chain on the way up a hill. Yay wet wipes! Spotted 7 other riders today.
@ Bob D. The BRAN, yes I went once (BRAN 5) and have every intention of doing it again. Next year is a real possibility since both kids will be in college there. Nebraska is ranked 41 for bike friendliness by the League of American Bicyclists. But Lincoln and Omaha both have bronze bicycle friendly ratings and the third largest city is a stadium so no riding there. The state just passed a 3 ft. passing law and most roads have nice wide shoulders. So I say phooey to the ratings, Nebraska is a great place to ride. And BTW Lincoln is kicking you know what in the NBC ratings. So enjoy whats left of the BRAN and maybe I'll see you there in a year or two.
@ Nyla, I have to confess that I never paid the slightest attention to cadence. I used to ride the same stretch of road and put it in the hardest gear possible and push as hard as I could for as long as I could. It was just a blast. Nowdays I do pay more attention to shifting, that's what happens when you live around hills, but I'm not a big fan of spinning. The easiest gears are the last resort.
6 million miles to go. Let's get busy,
Long prior to the persuasively specific science recently generously shared by Martin pertaining to the importance of a proper (90 or so) pedaling cadence, I’ve known for many years that my cadence is “wrong”, involving an overwhelming, entrenched preference for high gear barring strong headwinds or steep inclines. I haven’t actually counted but suspect it is closer to 60 than 90. In light of the clearly extensive research involved, particularly regarding injury incidence reports, I certainly wouldn’t recommend my approach to anyone, but I do find myself wondering if I’m the only closet cadence anarchist in the crowd? High gear is persistently most comfortable and enjoyable for me, in contrast to “spinning”, which I find both swiftly fatiguing and outright painful. It also invariably conjures up cartoon imagery of Wyle E. Coyote racing of a cliff in pursuit of the roadrunner…legs paddling furiously in midair…going nowhere. I’ve assumed it must be a matter of needing practice, and employing different muscle groups or fibers (fast-twitch vs. slow twitch, perhaps?). Likely a matter of pure luck, but apart from a unilateral bout with bursitis 27 years ago,(when I rode far less but weighed considerably more) my renegade style hasn’t seemed to cause problems, and I’ve rationalized that I’m simply incorporating strength and weight training into the process. I know I’ll need to make a major adjustment at least in the short run if I intend to continue my “Copper Triangle” quest. I much appreciate recent suggestions regarding core training as well. I‘ve been making a conscious effort to downshift more consistently on inclines (in part because my front hybrid derailleur was rusted into immobility from lack of use at my last tuneup, and the teeth on my smallest gear are worn to the point where the new chain slips off, rendering highest gear inaccessible on that bike)
In the end it always comes down to the fact that I ride first and foremost for enjoyment, and not only don’t enjoy the higher cadence..I actively loathe spinning. I’ve often thought that if I were obliged to maintain that cadence, I would be inclined to stop riding altogether. Is it just me?
@David Just got our 2 year old first bike so he can ride with me during the day when it is nice. I try to squeeze a ride in between the radar loops but lately there has been no let ups until midnight.
@Gregg, I love your suggestion to bike part way to work. Right now, my commute is 13.5 miles on the Erie Canal Path and I love it. But I've often considered what I might have to do differently if I had to work a longer distance from home. That's a great idea I will consider if and when the time comes.
John Jay Mcnall's comment "These afternoon storms are killing me" reminded me of a commuting hint I wanted to share. Here in Denver, this time of year, we often have a chance of thunderstorms, usually in the afternoon. In the past, that meant that I would often miss days of commuting when the morning's forecast called for a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. What I've started doing is a "reverse commute": I drive in to work with my bike (and my gear). In the afternoon, I can just take a look at the sky (and maybe the radar loop), and decide to the ride home. Since mornings are rarely stormy, it is no problem to commute back in the next morning. It's really made a difference in the amount of commuting I do!
@Martin - Thanks for the info. You are a storehouse of knowledge, sir.
@Gregg - Good luck on that century this weekend. I am officiating my first wedding this weekend... a little easier than your impending enterprise. Have fun.
I'm doing my first century ride this Sunday and it is suppose to be in the 90's. But we are going on the ride early at 6 am and should be done no later than noon before it gets really hot. So I don't think the heat will bother me too much, if I drink enough water. I'm also bringing some energy bars with me.
Bob,glad you have enjoyed BRAN. I have done it several times in past years though not for several. Nebraska is a beautiful state with varied terrain despite all the "flyover" jokes. Most communities are filled with dedicated gracoius people. Glad you enjoyed my native state.
@Burklee - It was probably a teacher. A lot of times, 90 is an 'A', or at least an 'A-'.
I don't know who thought of it, but I am sure it was just by observation. Someone counting the cadence of their runners, making a note of it as an interesting but useless fact, and then at the end of the season seeing that those with the slower leg turnover got injured more. When you are watching the next Olympics, check out some of their cadences using the method below. Anyone over 800 meters will be at almost exactly 90 rpm. The difference in speed for the faster runners and the shorter distances all has to do with stride length. (Anyone not close to 90 will most likely have a much longer injury resume than the others.) (Also, if you see them warming up or doing a warm-down, they will still have the same cadence, just a much shorter stride length.)
While biking, you are also effectively changing your stride length by changing the gear you are in. Also, sometimes, bikers will spin by going at just over 100 RPMs for a short time, which helps revitalize their legs, as you are pushing against almost no resistance.
When some of my runners have a slow turnover rate, if they also have a bike, I tell them to us that and spin. The muscle memory from biking will carry over to their running.
The worst case I ever saw was someone doing 50 RPM biking up a minor incline. It made my knees sore just watching them.
@ Laura, Perhaps you could ride part way to work, if you can find a good place to park and you got a means to transport your bike with you. Even, if you ride only 5 miles and drive the other 35, you are saving 10 miles of fuel every day. That is always an option people have who live real far from work. Most businesses will allow you to park in their lot for the day, if you let them know you want to bike part way to work. Sometimes, there are even park and ride lots for people who car pool. But these lots also work good for people who ride a bike part way to work. One of our drivers at UPS does this and drives part way to work and then rides his bike the rest of the way which is about 7 miles. That gives him 14 miles every day commuting part way to work with his bike and 34 points in the challenge. A package car driver usually works 10 hour days Monday-Friday (50 hours/week)
@Martin - Thanks. I was hoping you would come back at me with a method for measuring cadence, and here you've given me three. I think I'll go with the watch method. :) So who determined that 90 RPM is a good cadence?
Whooo hooo just entered my miles for the week as I'm doing BRAN; Bike Ride Across Nebraska. 400 miles in the past 6 days and they'll be another 55 tomorrow! NE is really a beautiful state when seen from a saddle.
Wishfull thinking on my part. Rain coming down sideways. Maybe later.
Gorgeous bike photos: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/06/pedal_power.html
@Burklee - You don't need a cadence meter to determine your cadence. If you have a watch, it is pretty easy. And all you need is 10 seconds to do it. When you are not in heavy traffic, look at your watch. When the time (the seconds) ends in a zero or a 5, (using those numbers tends to be easier to remember, especially if you have a watch with a dial), whichever foot is down, that is the foot you will use to count up to 15. The next time that foot is down, that is one. When you get up to 15, simulatneously look at your watch to see if the second time ends in either zero or 5. If it ends in a 1 or a 6, you are pedalling way too slowly. One would think that only one second doesn't make much of a difference, but it does. If it takes you 11 seconds to get 15 revolutions, that is less than 82 rpm, and you are putting too much strain on your tendons and ligaments, particularly in the knee. It would be a good idea to occasionally do that on both level and uphill surfaces, to see if you are getting into the proper gear.
Now, if you don't have a watch, you will have to use one of your ice cubes, (I hope you don't have a 5 lb. block of ice, as that could take a while), measure its weight and surface area, plug that into a formula along with the temperature and humidity, to determine how long it will take to melt, in minutes. Then count how many revolutions it took and divide by the time in minutes.
If you've used up all of your ice on your knee, then use a sundial, and count your revolutions for an hour. (I have two suggestions - 1) Buying as light a sundial as possible, as some of those cement ones can get pretty heavy. 2) Make sure you are facng the same direction at the end of the hour as at the start.)
@ Heather, Excellent article Heather, you did a fantastic interview!!! Your riding and your involvement in the cycling community has been an inspiration to all of us, keep up the wonderful job you are doing getting others involved in cycling.
Another hour until wife gets home. Looks like I might be able to sneak in a ride before bad weather hits. Did not get lucky yesterday. These afternoon storms are killing me.
Does anyone know anything about Dorado brand bikes, and if so, could you direct me to a place with more information on them?
Heather: Cheers and Hurrah....What a wonderful interview. You are a perfect "Poster Person" for the Challenge...You beautifully exemplify and articulate all that is positive, joyous, inspiring and inviting about participation in this Challenge.
Congratulations and Keep Rolling!
@ Burklee - I find that what helps me feel better is to do a short warm-up, then a 20 minute or so yoga routine, followed by some more standard stretches. I do my yoga with my WII, but you can do it anywhere. A good sequence would be
1. left side warrior 1, warrior 2, triangle, twisted triangle
2 right side warrior 1, warrior 2, triangle, twisted triangle
3. downward dog
4. Crescent pose left
5. downward dog
6. crescent pose right
These poses are all good for stretching your entire body, and your legs especially. I will generally end with runner's and hamstring streches, as well as quad stretches.
http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/06/challenge-recap-week-6-why-i-ride/
Well, check out Heather on the News from National Bike Challenge Week 6 Challenge Update. She's famous!!
No access to a WII, no cadence meter. I do have ice though! :) Mainly just using ice and rest. Pain started after taking some hilly streets this weekend. It didn't hurt after the ride to work this morning, which is uphill, but the tendon does still feel a bit swollen. I could stand to stretch after rides. So, no ibuprofen, lower gears on hills. Gotcha.
@Martin - What do you do for a living?
@Leonard - You're welcome! I've already learned quite a bit from everyone else on here, and am looking forward to what I will learn in the next almost 3 months. This NBC has really been fun and helpful to me. Tips and inspiration from those putting in mega mileage, like you, and how you respond to everyone who comments on your rides, make me feel like I can become not only a better rider, but a better person, too. And the excitement from those who've just taken up biking and have reached a new distance milestone, including @Stephan's son going back and forth in a driveway, or have felt incredible like @Cora, has been infectious! I wish there was a way to measure the energy we all receive from those posts.
@ Martin, Thank you for the information (I know you were helping Burklee, but I found your information useful). For a long time I used a cadence of around 90 rpm. The last couple years I have found a cadence around 80-85 feels more comfortable and efficient for me. Now I know why.... (I also appreciate the information on NSAIDS - never knew that....)
One of the nice things about this challenge, when a person posts a comment they never know who may benefit from what they say. The more we interact with each other, the better it is for everyone.
@ Cora, YOU GOT IT!!! - I think the description of your ride is exactly why I ride the mileage I do day after day. I find cycling to be euphoric, it's a feeling I can't seem to get enough of. I can see you now, finding ways to get out and ride every chance you get. Never lose that feeling, it's a life changer......
@Gregg - I definitely agree about core strengthening. I have all of my runners do it. We start out doing a core workout after their three hardest workouts 3X a week. Each core workout aways includes planks. 20 seconds prone, 20 on a side, 20 supine, and then 20 on the other side. The key on the prone ones is to be as straight as possible and not have your butt up. After three weeks, they do 40 seconds of planks each side 3x a week, and add the easier routine the other 4 days of the week. After another 3 weeks, the planks are changed from a timed routine to doing 10 leg raises with one leg. Killers, but effective.
HI all, Rode this morning again. Nice and cool in the 60s. Spotted 3 other riders. Two joggers said hi today. Yesterday a driver measured my uphill speed at 4 mph. I just laughed and said it was steep right there.
@ Gregg, I saw Minnesota from the air on the way back from helping the kids & car get to camp. Man, tons of lakes down there. I thought, its like when you look down on some place with a lot of swimming pools, but they just have bigger ones and they are natural!
@ Burklee, good luck stretching out & strengthening those muscles. If you have access to a WII FIT, some of those exercises might help. I just turn off the annoying "coach" and play music or something instead.
@ Laura, you are out riding and that is what counts. Nevermind that the work commute is too long. Mine is too short cause I work at home. But hey just enjoy riding when you can and think about the gas & energy you save when you make those errand trips.
@ Cora, you are hooked for life, this is not a bad thing.
Happy trails everybody
Almost 4 million miles.
Let's ride folks & reach 4 million by the end of the week.
If we each ride 4 or 5 miles, we'll be there.
I've always heard about "runner's high" but thanks to bad knees, I've never really enjoyed running, and never felt that. But tonight, on my bike, I think I experienced that. I'm still a novice when it comes to biking, but my ride tonight was not just fun, it was absolutely euphoric! And if not for the NBC, I would not have been out there tonight. So thank you NBC, and thank you fellow riders, I feel amazing!
Perfect day. High about 80 with low humidity. Never really felt hot. Day off today and got a good 25 miles in. Great riding on days like today. Will commute to work rest of the week. Probably won't have much opportunity to ride next week.
Only problem I have is I live 40 miles away from work. Plus, I work a 12 hour shift.. wish I could ride to work but in my case it isn't practical....
I really enjoy riding my bicycle .What a nice way to work out and to meet new ppl.I know I wont give up my truck as I cant haul 1000 bd feet of white oak or walnut on my bike but for all the errands and short trips plus going back and forth to work the bike is the way to go .The old gas guzzler can sit until needed.
Gregg, that's a very good post on saving energy. I started biking to work (22 mi. round trip) four years ago when gas prices went through the roof. In the couple of weeks I spent getting in shape for that, I found there's very little I can't do on my bike as well as I could in the car. After a year, we went from being a two car to a one car household, and that REALLY saves a lot of money. Keeping a car on the road costs an average of about $8,000 per year, according to AAA. I once shared my tire pump with a guy in his twenties who told me, "I hate cars. Every time I get a car I wind up broke!"
@ Martin All of your advice is very good. One thing I would add is strengthen your core with exercises. There are many exercises on line that will strengthen your core. Biking itself doesn't do much to strengthen your core. The stronger core you have, the more miles you will be able to bike pain free and with a lot of enjoyment because biking depends heavily on your core muscles.
"Americans Rank Saving Energy Ahead of Vacations: http://news.yahoo.com/americans-rank-saving-energy-ahead-vacations-151120223.html One of the best ways to save energy is riding a bike to work and for other transportation needs. I have never regretted the decision to ride my bike to work. It's the best decision I have made in my life. I actually look forward to getting up in the the morning and riding 9 miles to work. It only takes me 15 minutes longer than by car and I only have to get up 15 minutes earlier than I did when I drove. I'm also going to ride my bike on vacation on some beautiful paved bike trails in the forest and around some beautiful lakes. The air is so refreshing there.
a few metal specks and a staple caused a flat tire. Put in a new inner tube and home before dark clouds and a possible thunder storm thru the Grace of God.
@Burklee - The latest scientific research has shown that there is no inflammation of the affected area when the've examined at tissue under a microscope. So all ...itis's are really ...osis's. Which means that the pain is caused by a degeneration of the tendon, not an inflammation. If your doctor recommended NSAIDS, don't take them, as he/she is behind the times. NSAIDS cause a degeneration of tendons and ligaments, the exact opposite of what you want. Ice is good, followed by any activity that doesn't cause any pain. They also make patellar tendon straps, which could help with your rehab. My guess is that you have done a combination of building up your biking miles too quickly, in conjunction with being in too high of a gear. Ideally, you want to have a cadence of 90 RPMs. This is the same for running, where they want to have 180 steps per minute (That holds true from 800 meters to ultramarathoners at any level. 400 meters and under they have fastr leg turnover. I think I remember clocking Usain Bolt's turnover at somewhere around 220.) So, use your shift levers even for small hills and just before you get to a stop light/sign. The quicker you can get to 90 RPM the better. (Now, there is an exception for those on this board who are putting in mega mileage. They've strengthened their tendons and ligaments over several years of riding, so they can actually be efficient in the mid-lower 80's.) Good luck! Once you are pain free, start doing strengthening exercises, so that you work the front of the knee area, first starting out with light weights, nice and slow, and then gradually building up.
LEts go!
Gah, patellar tendonitis. Dang it. Ow.
Hi there! We've posted a "I'm in the National Bike Challenge because __________." post on the Challenge's Facebook page. The conversations on this homepage are great, and I'd love to see how you fill in the blank! Just go to www.facebook.com/nationalbikechallenge to post the reason *you* ride in the challenge!
Hello Alleyne, a MTB-ker from South Africa. Also do road racing!!
If you are looking for a great place to vacation in Wisconsin with some really nice bike and hiking trails and great fishing, Vilas County in northern Wisconsin is really nice. There is a campground on Crystal Lake with your own sandy beach site on the lake, which is really nice for family swimming.. These are usually full with reservations on weekends, but you can get weekday sites yet. They are only $15/night and are in the American Legion State Forest near Minocqua and Boulder Junction, WI. Since it is a state park, you will also need a park sticker. You can use any camping unit you want on these sites from tents, pop ups, and trailers etc and there are paved biking trails from the campground that connect with Boulder Junction, Sayner, and St. Germain. You will not find any better paved biking trails in the whole state than in this county. The trails go through the forest, so it is mostly shady and there there are literally thousands of lakes and streams along these biking trails. There are also some of the best mountain biking trails in the state in Vilas County. The world's first snowmobile was invented in Sayner, WI And Sayner is home to the Plum Lake Golf Club. Founded in 1912, Plum Lake Golf Club is the oldest 9 hole golf course in Wisconsin. And if you also like fishing, Boulder Junction is known as the "Musky Capital of the World." Vilas County offers 248,389 acres of public forest. In 2005, over 1 million board feet of lumber were harvested, enough to build 100 single family homes. The forest you see is second growth forest and comprises 85% of the county. The entire county has only 21,966 primary residents, but the population increases on average by 60,000 people per week in the summer. Vilas County itself has over 1,000 lakes and neighboring Oneida County has an additional 1,200 lakes and 53 miles of streams. The basis for air quality in the state of Wisconsin comes from air samples at the DNR Trout Lake Headquarters in Boulder Junction. There is no lack of clean air here and is a perfect vacation area that is quiet and has every kind of outdoor recreation here. We are vacationing at the Crystal Lake campground for a whole week beginning Father's Day weekend. I can wait to camp there and of course bring my bike and also an inflatable 4 man raft for navigating some of the small remote lakes for some great fishing. The shops in "downtown" Boulder Junction are very old and unique.
Chesla, To remove a team member (1) click on the team name (by your points on this page) (2) Click "See profile on Endomondo" (3) Click on the "Members" tab. (4) Click "Remove" to remove the rider from your team.
Somebody please tell me how to delete/remove a rider on my team. I'm the captain and we have a ghost rider. Someone signed up and is not logging miles and no identification.
Hi SJ riders:
Remember to go to Team Bike Challenge (May) and note your trips there. Go back here and transfer (manually) your stats. If you enter your weight, it will calculate the calories burned more accurately. If you have other friends to invite, please do so.
Hoang
Hello. Any mountain bikers out there?
Gene Connor - good on you for your cross country ride. I'm in Wisconsin, so won't be able to join you on your starting leg. I assume you will be taking the southern route, but let me know if your plans include Wisconsin. Bon Voyage!
I think were going to hit 4,000,000 miles this weekend. Very cool Also congrats to the 1000 points people this week. You rock!
Woohooo! 1000 points last night (but not logged until this morning)!
I'm going to put this out there again in the hopes that someone will read it. Are there any cyclists in the San Diego area who might be willing to join me for a 20+ ride on Sunday, June 24th? I'm heading out on a cross country ride to raise money for Sunrise Day Camp (the only dedicated day camp in the country for children with cancer) and I'd love some folks to join me the first way - especially if they know the area. If you can join me, e-mail me at [email protected] and let's ride together!
First time riding in the early morning. I love it.
Pic of me on the bike course at the Green Bay Triathlon by John Cooper Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/7161848277/
More pics here: http://www.backprint.com/go.asp
Endomondo team - Thanks for adding the Rider Leaderboard to States! Feel free to add teams anytime you'd like. ;-)
HI all, out this morning in 60+ weather for a ride. Spotted 11 other riders, about half of them were women and two were teenagers! Also commuted to the drive up window at the bank (yeah the one that has the sign about no bikes in the parking lot).
Forgot to mention that I was trying to recruit the park ranger at Itaska for this challenge. She said she has been commuting 25 miles each way for years. But then she wasn't sure if she qualified because she uses electronic assist. I told her she should sign up anyway, its better than driving around in a couple of thousand pounds of steel...
@ Nyla, I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt riding in the drizzle in Minnesota. But I was having so much fun I didn't care that it was a little cool.
@ Cora How exciting that Josh is getting into the riding and map reading. This is an endangered skill since we have all the electronic mapping devices
@ David -- hi back
@ Heather -- Bicycle Friendly, this is indeed important. We all should get involved any way we can
@ Gene, no the 1000+ points is my grand total for the challenge.
Keep rolling everyone
@Mike ended up with the cheaper rubino today. As luck would have the LBS was out of teh kevlar tires and the pro slicks Had to go to next town over to find the one I got and picked up the last 2 tubes. I guess there have been a lot of flats lately. Rain washing all the little debri into the bike lanes I think.
My first day at a new job. Itll be a 12 mile commute to work all downhill on the way there .
a riding friend once told me "there is no bad weather- just bad clothing ". I try to get my gear before I need it .
I have a ten-mile commute to work on rural roads, with the pinnacle of the commute about 4 miles from work. As go over it, I am going west. Sometimes, there are ominous clouds on the horizon, and even lightning. I tuck down on my bike, pedal like crazy, and think, "Well, the race is on now." Some things, we just have to be out there to experience. How much stuff have you seen on a bike that you've never seen out a car window?
@Nyla, that is when I decided to never own a car again. It was my first day on a bike in nearly 5 years, I realized I missed my connecting bus to get to work and raining. I look at my bike look back in the direction the bus should come from, then to the direction of work and decided to hop on my bike and see when I'd get there rather than guaranteeing at least an hour of tardiness. About a mile in when I would assume most people to start complaining about needing a car, all I could think was "I need rain gear!" Got to work 30 minutes late and my co-workers were looking at me all drenched to which I just responded "What? It'll dry!"
@Nyla-Well said, well said. I think the years of commuting regardless of the ambient conditions, just ended up making me pretty nonchalant about riding in thunderstorms and whatever else nature could throw at me. My inner child always comes out when I'm racing a few yards ahead of those first big fat raindrops before the deluge hits. It makes no difference if I win or lose, the fun is in the challenge.
@John Jay: I had problems with the Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick, but the Rubino (less expensive, tread and wire bead) has worn like iron. It is a little heavier, but for training it's worth not having to stop to repair a flat.
I said earlier today that I had not had a flat in years running Vittoria and jinxed my luck. Got a felt today! Not due to the tire, however, but to a stem which suddenly tore away from the tube.
@ MOB At my age you stay dry when you can Lol !!!!
My wife was giggling at me cause she squeezed a quick "normal" ride in and got to work with a light misting parked was getting into the door of work as the downpour came!
Anyone else ever find yourself riding alone in objectively ridiculous weather (facing icy splinters of water hurled horizontally by gale force headwinds; losing race against sudden torrential summer drenching; *insert regionally appropriate meteorological mischief here) and laughing out loud with sheer exhilaration? I might attribute this perversely gratifying phenomenon to some primal, atavistically hard-wired visceral response to triumphant elemental confrontation, but I suspect it has more in common with the defiant glee of a two-old successfully engaging in behavior to which any responsible grown-up would put an immediate and unequivocal STOP! Cheers to all “mature” souls with unruly children abiding within…consistently choosing to Come Out and Play ANYWAY(-;
Cyclommuted between the drops, eat your heart out Ron! :-p
Ill be riding tonight now that the storms have passed also !!!
That was not a ride for the 20 points either. I am hoping to get out again later tonight. I actually had to go pick up the car before it rained and that was the fastest way.
Soon we are gonna save a million dollars lol
I ´m agree with Jenny, i have no problem about rain, the problem are bugs and thunders. The last rains have electrical storms before and i have been hitted by ice.
gatorskins are great tires, but expensive. I use Kevlar belted Forte tires, on my trail \ commuter and road bike. No flats in over a year. Much less expensive!
been using continental gatorskins for years, good tire
I second Sigmund Bergmann. I put gatorskin tires on my road bike after a rash of flats on a tour two years ago. No more flats!
@ Leonard Wright: I too had the same problems with both, Slime and Attack but we've discovered a product called: True Goo and had NO valve fouling problems and it does a good job of sealing to, FYI.
Actually, Vittoria's "Rubino" ("Rubino Tech" if you have the old 27" wheels) are even better. The Gatorskins have weaker sidewalls, and the heavier riders have had problems with that.
Gregg, the rain is fine, but please don't bring on the mosquitos!
They actually have a kevlar liner (think bullet proof vest) in the tire. I have run 1500 miles and even hit by a car but NO flats!
google gatorskin tires. They run right over glass and stuff.
JJ and Lenoard,
Have you tried tuffy strips? I like them alot and it has reduced flats, right until I get down to the thinnest rubbe on the tire. Rain here in Fl today! We need it too. Got the ride in, but a little wet at the end.
We don't want storms, but it's been a very long time since we have had any rain in Wisconsin and farmers need rain badly now for their newly planted crops. The last significant rain was when we had all the floods in early May with 4 inches of rain. Our lawns are really dry and brown now and we are going to be in a severe drought soon without rain. The farmers are irigating their new tender crops that are coming up, but there is only so much irigating they can do. The extended forecast for the next 10 days shows little chance of any rain. Friday there is just a 30% chance of an isolated thunderstorms, but they have been saying that for a long time now and we get nothing. Definitely no rain today and it is a gorgeous day to be riding a bike.
@ John, not sure about the weight of a slime tube - haven't tried one of those. Used slime in a couple tubes years ago, had trouble fouling the valve, never used it again.....
Took Josh (my 3 year old) out on my 6.6 mile route again last night. He really likes this route, because there is a park halfway thru, and I stop to let him play a while. What is really surprising is that he already knows the route! As we approached the turns, he would point and say, "That way, Mama!" Then, when we got home, I got another surprise, when he asked to see our map! He had seen me log my route before, and wanted to see where we had just gone! That little boy amazes me every day, and adds extra joy to my rides!
Just want to say to Everyone...You are all doing GREAT! Keep the tires rolling and enjoy the ride. Look forward to seeing you all out there.
@ Michael, where do you buy your Conti 4000's and how much per tire?
@Stephen - Your son is really impressive! It looks like he may be ready for the roads soon.
Hi Heather, you keep surprising me by getting more and more active! BTW - ask LAB about their "Cycling Savvy" classes. They are designed for teach the safest methods of riding on the road.
Tonight I'm riding my bike on a most exciting ride: across town to a bicycle community workshop where Matt Wempe from the League of American Bicyclist's is going to tell us how we can be a Bicycle Friendly Community. Our initiative is in it's early stages. I believe Bike MD helped organize it.
Agreed, my videos show that cars pass much closer when raining... I believe that motorists are giving the vehicles in the left lane more room. After years of habit, it will be hard for them to remember that there may be a bicycle ahead to the right (even in the rain).
Still sticking to my Conti 4000's, because of their long life and minimal flats. Watch out for the "improved" 4000S which 75% (3 out of 4) of mine have had blowouts!
@mike It was the same for me with origonal Vittoria up to 2500 miles. But another one 1400 miles in i have had six flats now.
I hope the rain lets up a little today. I would like to get in a nice long ride!
On flats: I've had really good luck with Vittoria Rubino tires. Nothing (knock on wood) seems to cut into them and they don't pick up bits of gravel. There are multiple versions, a cheaper (wire bead) version as well as a more expensive foldable version. Leonard--I'm with you on the storms. Not just uncomfortable, I'm also worried about being seen by drivers. That's where most of my low mileage days come from too.
@Leonard Thanks wrote down your info from yesterday. Only able to find online so far for those tubes. I rode with a slime tube for awhile. Do you know if they are similar in weight?
@ John, if the thought of excess weight doesn't bother you, I would recommend getting thorn resistant tubes also. They are "heavy" but they will stop 90% of your flats - I had 2 flats one morning on the edge of a swamp area, read got eaten alive by mosquitoes, that's when I went to my current tire/tube combination.
@ Bas, That's the whole idea, if I can't have fun I'm not going to do it. Looks like there is a little break coming so I will go out for a bit.
Got 2 flats last night. Then a blood blister walking to the first turn around waiting for wife to pick me up. Going to go get some kevlar tires today.
@ Leanard, I don't blame you, good decision!
@leonard: don't forget biking is supposed to be fun :)
I totally wimped out this morning - got up at 2am to start my ride, looked at radar, saw a lot of thunderstorms headed my way, decided to go back to bed!!!! I don't have to ride in thunderstorms so I will wait for a break in the weather later today and get some miles in between the storms.
@ Martin, The Driveway Century! I like it!
When I got home today my boy was at it again - riding up and down the driveway to get his miles and points. He was proud to tell me he rode eight miles - on the driveway -280 laps! It makes me dizzy just to think about it! LOL!
Thanks to all for the good advice on the flat tire problems. I will be putting good tires and tubes on my cyclocross bike for my commutes. I like this forum and try to read as much as possible to learn, I am a novice and always looking for good advice. For other novices, like myself that have alot of questions may I suggest reading "The Cyclist's Training Bible". I don't plan to compete but this book has alot of good information that I have implemented to my ride while I commute. My commute is now getting easier every week. More enjoyable. Thank you!
went from average speed of 11.6 for 18 miles in mid May to 14.4 for same trip today.Im sooo out of shape but Im getting back.
@EM - Itasca State Park is a favorite memory from my childhood. Our first real family vacation was up to Minnesota to camp at Itasca. I can easily picture in my head that road looping around the park and by the stand of enormous Jack pines in Preacher's Grove. We'd feed the raccoons marshmallows and sandwich bread by the campfire at night (a different time for parenting). What I'd give to biking there today. Glad to hear there is still beauty to be found there. Safe travel back to Saint Louis.
@Thomas. I also use 26x1.25 tires. I put Specialized "Fat Boys" on last year for commuting and love them. Rode all year without one flat. Picked glass out of the tires several times, but nothing made it through the thick rubber to the tubes. They have no tread, but that works great on pavement, which is 99.9% of my riding.
riding thru rain and severe thunderstorms cloud formations with a prayer for a safe trip.
102 out today. Glad I rode in the morning!
just got my first ride of the month in. nice mtn bike ride but the trails are really muudy i had mud up to my rotors on my 29er in some spots. it feels great to get back out i was going through withdrawals lol.
@EM GO GO GO! 1000, you are kicking this thing in the tush!
@Martin and @ Stephen sign me up for the driveway century. I like a challenge and a laugh. Plus, I'm pretty good at turning in tight spaces. :)
@ EM Matteson - for the month of June?
OHH, OHHH, I just passed the 1000 points mark!!!
People sometimes tell me that they don't want to ride a bike because it's too dangerous. But this is really a silly excuse not to ride a bike. Many things we do every day are much more dangerous. The most dangerous thing we do is drive or ride in a motor vehicle. I have a much greater chance of getting hurt and killed while driving and riding in a motor vehicle than I ever will on a bike. My brother-in law's kids will tell you from first hand experience that riding in a motor vehicle is much more dangerous than riding a bike. They were all in a horrible motor vehicle accident this past winter when their babysitter was taking them to school. Their seat belts and a miracle of God allowed them to escape with only minor scratches, but this accident could have been fatal as the van slid on some ice and rolled several times down a 40 ft. embankment.. These kids will tell you to click it every time you get in a motor vehicle because driving or riding in a motor vehicle is the most dangerous thing people do every day. And when you ride a bike, be sure to click it too, and wear your helmet. Seat belts in a motor vehicle and helmets while riding a bike can and do save lives as you can see from this video from a news story that was on Fox 21 News in Minnesota on May 23 about their motor vehicle accident: http://www.fox21online.com/content/seatbelts-save-local-familys-lives
Is there anyone on here from the San Diego area? I am going to be leaving San Diego on June 24th for a cross country charity ride and I'd love to be able to hook up with some fellow riders for the first leg of my journey.
HI everybody, Spent all day Sat. driving up to Bemidji, MN with my kids (well 14 hours) they are both working at one of the language camps up there. First my daughter was going to take her bike, but then they figured out that they would be so busy with the kids that they wouldn't have much time to ride. I realized that I had all day Sunday to goof off and remembered that Itaska state park has a bike rental place. So I drove over there and rented a mountain bike. I rode up and down all the trails and then took the "trail" (which is actually a road) that "goes around the lake" (it goes in a loop, but not exactly AROUND the lake). There were people all over the place riding with their kids. One leader riding with a bunch of little kids yelled "bike ahead" and made them all stop. It was sooo cute. There was almost nobody on the trail/road with the 17 mile loop (temps. in the 50s and drizzling rain), so I was having a great time cruising. I had to laugh at the signs telling the bikes to SLOW DOWN for the "steep" hills. Steep? Not compared to where I usually ride in the greater St. Louis area. Well, its all what you get used to. Ended up with about 25 miles. Travel day Monday, so no riding until today. Out this morning in 60 degree temps. Spotted 10 other riders and discovered where the local Google Earth car goes at night.
Man, so many posts over the weekend:
@ Michael M I Swear thats funny...
@ Michael L, maybe someone would trade prizes with you
@ Cynthia, I just put the hood of whatever jacket I'm wearing under the helmet
@ Scott, Kudos to your daughter, way to go, start them young
@ Stephen, what I just said about starting them young
@ Gregg, congrats on the TRI. Also, I often ride to the polls, its a mile from my house. I do it just to make a point. .....
Finally, last but not least @ Heather, kudos on the 10 miles. Good luck bike shopping. Keep in mind that getting narrower tires and a different seat can be ways of upgrading your current machine. HAPPY TRAILS EVERYONE.
June 5, which is United Nations World Environment Day fits right into biking and other forms of human powered transportation... Awesome !!!!
@Gregg - Congrats on completing you first Tri...and taking home some hardware, too!!! If you are like I was after my first (at age 49), you are already hooked and planning for you next one.
I've been fortunate to be able to participate in triathlons for the past 13 years, and still look forward to my next event.
re: WNBR - this started out about 5 years ago in Europe (Spain, I believe) as a protest against the high cost of petrolium-based energy products. It was never intended to be a "social" event, but has become just that as it spread to the US. Only time will tell if the "political" message will ever overcome the social event.
Living and running (but not yet biking)...Naturally
@Stephen - Are you planning on organizing a Century Driveway Ride anytime soon? (75 feet out and back, 3,500 times, with 6,999 U-turns. Each rider would need a bike trailer just to hold the cue sheets.)
Biking nude and in a group? Wow, that's a whole new aspect of this sport to look forward to as I get more and more fit, eh? Hysterical. What will they think of next?
My family is signed up for the bike challenge now - including my two kids. As I came down the street on my bike yesterday evening I could see the kids out riding. They were excited to get their miles in! ---- 35 times up and down the driveway per mile!
That property on the river is really cheap because the only thing on it is a mobile home and a shed and it's been for sale for a couple years now and nobody wants to buy it because who wants all these rowdy drunk tubers floating by your house all summer? The only thing this property would be good for is a tubing business Seriously, if someone will go into a business partnership with me and we turn this property into a tubing, bar, bike rental and campground business, we would have thousands of tubers coming here every week in the summer. The mobile home could serve as base of operations and the shed could easily be turned into a concession and rental places for tubes, bikes, and camping. To run the tubing business, all you need is a wagon and tractor to shuttle tubers upstream--very minimal costs to run..
@Gregg - Here is the full list of Naked Bike Events I found on line. (Some don't have their 2012 dates firmed up yet, which is a bum mer. Butt I've heard that some participants in the past have been know to be rather cheeky.)[FYI - I've never been to one, and don't have any plan to attends any time in the future.]
Midwest
Chicago, IL: 9 Jun 2012
Columbus, OH: 9 Jun 2012
Madison, WI: 16 Jun 2012
Saint Louis, MO: 28 Jul 2012
Northeast
Albany, NY: 11 Jun 2011
Baltimore, MD: 9 Jul 2011
Boston, MA: 9 Jul 2011
Burlington, VT: Jun 2010?
Montpelier, VT: 9 Jun 2012
New York City, NY: 11 Jun 2011
Philadelphia, PA: 4 Sep 2011
Pittsfield, MA: 4 Jun 2011
South
Austin, TX: Jun 2012
Charleston, SC: 28 Jul 2012
Houston, TX: 9 and 16 Jun 2012
Lexington, KY: 25 Aug 2012
Louisville, KY: 1 Sep 2012
Miami, FL: 12 Jun 2010
New Orleans, LA: 9 Jun 2012
West
NakedCyclists.org also lists rides in the Pacific Northwest region (including BC, Canada). Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM: 5 Jun 2011 (Previous rides: 19 Jun 2010)
Bellingham, WA: 11 Jun 2011
Berkeley, CA: 18 Jun 2011
Black Rock City, CO: Sep 2010?
Boulder, CO: Jun 2010?
Denver, CO: 7 Aug 2011
Eugene, OR: 09 Jun 2012
Los Angeles, CA: 16 Jun 2012
Portland, OR: 9 Jun and 16 Jun 2012
San Diego, CA : 9 Jun 2012
San Francisco, CA: 09 Jun 2012
Santa Fe, NM: see Albuquerque/Santa Fe.
Seattle, WA: 6 Aug 2011 (Cyclonudista Luminata/Night Ride). Future and Previous Ride info at Seattle Timeline
The weather is really heavenly here for biking and picking more strawberries lol--sunny, 70's and low humidity.
I made a gourmet belgium waffle for lunch, but it turned out to be more of a dessert after I added a scoop of ice cream on it, with some whipped cream, maple syrup, and fresh Wisconsin grown strawberries that I picked yesterday at our local farm here. You can go in the fields and pick your own and they charge $1.45 lb. Nothing against California, but your strawberries they sell in our grocery store here are horrible because they are picked green and gas ripened. Now I have to go biking and burn off all those calories, but I might just have to stop on the way and pick some more berries because they are not lasting very long in this house. haha It's so nice that they are conveniently located on the CB bike trail, but it's too tempting to stop and pick some every time I bike past there. I'm going to need to bike a lot of miles in June to burn off all the ice cream and strawberries and strawberry shortcake that I am eating this month. They will be picking for at least 3 weeks now.
One other thing about using "thorn resistant" tubes. I only need to put air in them every couple weeks. They are thick enough that there is very little pressure loss (I run them at 120#) - I lose more air trying to check the tire pressure that the tires lose by themselves in two weeks....
I'm sure in the Fox Valley area here, if anyone tried riding nude, they would be arrested by the police. At Wolf River Trips near New London they allow you to bring beer in coolers on their tubing trips if you are 21+ with ID, but they warn everybody on their shuttle bus to keep their clothes on when they are tubing on the river because they said you will be arrested by the police or county sheriifs, if you expose yourself. The police do watch the river every weekend with binoculars, looking mostly for underage drinking and if they suspect that you are underage, they will stop you when you get downstream. If they see you expose yourself, they will arrest you, too. They make arrests there every weekend. mostly for underage drinking or drinking and driving because they sit outside the parking lot, looking for people to drive off after they have been drinking. By the time many of them get back to the landing at Wolf River trips, they are really drunk. The river gets pretty rowdy on weekends with a lot of drunk tubers. I go tubing there, but I bring my own river tube, which has a back rest and mesh bottom and is even nicer than their tubes, rather than pay their rip off price of $13 to rent their tubes and use their shuttle bus, which takes you about 1 mile upstream. I only paid $14.99 for my river tube and use it many times on the river for free. My bike is a nice shuttle for me. I lock my bike near the bridge by Wolf River Trips where I get off the river and drive and park upstream at a county park where I get on the river with my tube. Wolf River Trips can't forbid me from using the river there without paying their fees because the river is public DNR land and so many feet by a bridge is public county land. They make so much money there every weekend because they rent tubes and shuttle thousands of tubers every day in the summer at $13 each. As long as I don't go on their personal property, they can't stop me from tubing on the river there, too, without paying. There is some property for sale on the river upstream from Wolf River trips and if I could get some money for the downpayment, I'd like to buy the property and turn it into a tubing business and campground myself and charge only $10 per tuber. lol They make so much money every summer there without any other competition that they can close down after Labor Day and then they vacation all winter in Florida. Must be pretty nice to make enough money during the 3 months in the summer and vacation the rest of the time in Florida. If I started a business there, I would also rent bikes. :) Anyone want to go in a tubing/campground/bar/bike rental.concession business partnership with me for 3 months? I'm serious. You will make enough money to live on in 3 months and can vacation all winter in the warm south.
I guess in Madison they do allow the nude ride and will only arrest those with lewd behavior. There is a lot of protesting, though , by residents. Mazo beach, which is also near Madison on the Wisconsin River is public DNR land and the state allows beachgoers to be nude there, too, if they wish. This has also received a lot of protesting there as well and some residents have tried to get it stopped, but without success. As far as I know the beach there is still clothing optional, but some people who use the river along there for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking etc. don't like it.
Gregg: WNBR is this Saturday, I think everywhere. I'm going to join, but won't go totally naked. I'm not completely convinced that the police will let us get away with it.
I agree about the low tire inflation causing pinch flats. I check inflation and top off air every day now because my high pressure tires do lose air every day and lot of the flats I was getting are due to low tire inflation.
Biking to the polls today to vote in our historical recall election of Governor Walker. This has divided our state and caused a lot of hard feelings and everyone can't wait to put an end to all of this. It's been ugly and we need to move on and just get up and ride.
So when is this World Naked Bike Ride this year? I'm not planning to join them, lol but there were over 100 men and women in Madison last year who rode nude on this ride on June 18: http://host.madison.com/vmix_10c0f6a8-99dc-11e0-bace-001cc4c002e0.html
Lots of flats this morning.
This morning my bike punished me by flatting when I hit a break in the pavement. Instant pinch flat. I was already thinking "oh, hey, I better check the pressure". Fortunately, I had my spare tube with me, and I'll see tonight if I can patch the punctured one.
However, as I'm changing the tube, I notice that the rim tape has migrated, so the bike was also telling me about an unexpected problem. I put everything back together, then got to a shop and bought some tape. I'll fix that tonight, too.
What???, a flat tire again???, grrr!!!
A week or more? I check my tires every time the bike leaves the garage for a ride. My hybrid generally maintains pressure well day to day, but my mountain bike seems to lose air when it is parked. My hybrid picked up a rusty nail in the rear tire a couple weeks ago, must have hit it at the perfect angle, straight through the tire, small entry hole and a few rips on the rim side. Even though I was on a downhill at around 20mph, I heard that air blow out very quickly. I was happy to have spare tubes, tire levers, multi-purpose tool and an air pump at the ready, but I learned to put some paper towels in the bag for the next time. It was no fun sitting there on the side of the road replacing a tube in the rear wheel, but it was the first time I got to use my roadside repair kit, so it made it worthwhile.
The other way to reduce the number of flats is to ensure your tires are inflated to the appropriate PSI (ideally, checking almost every time you ride). I find that whenever I do get a flat, it's usually after I haven't checked tire pressure for a week or more.
All - I have learned the hard way that Leonard is right when it comes to flats, invest in good equipment. I am a daily commuter and used to have several per year. Now I use kevlar belted tires (Schwalbe Marathon Plus in my case), Stopflats tire liners AND thornproof tubes. The tires aren't cheap, but they last a long time 10,000+ miles and the best part is - no more flats. Well worth it for me.
Cynthia - I bought one of these 2 years ago and have been very pleased. Nice to have in a rainstorm and doubles as a seat cover for my Brooks saddle. http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Helmet-Covers.html
The little bit of rain I thought was just another one of those quick passing coastal AM showers turned into a full blown rain storm! Good thing I had my rain jacket on! Need a helmet cover though. Does any one have and or use a helmet cover? I was wondering how effective they are....I like the conversation about bike tires/tubes & flats. Very informative.
I too suffer with a lot of flats, on both bikes. I was talking to the wife about it last night after work and she asked what I could do to have less flats? I told her I would need to buy some 'better' tires for my bike, the 26"x1.25" GeaX Street Runners I have on now were about $17 a piece, but I'm paying for it in tubes at $5-6.00 each. Need to do what Leonard did and get the good tires!!!
@Dean - The best thing you can do to prevent flats is to regularly replace your tires. I'm on slicks and I really like the Continental Sport Contacts. I also like the reflective sidewall on them as I do about half my riding in the dark.
@Dean I can't claim the mileage that Leonard can, but my wife and I use extra or triple protection tires on all our bikes. No flats yet! I keep thinking I should just leave the spare inner tube, patch kit, and mini pump at home, but you KNOW what would happen if I did!
@ Dean, I use a 700-23 tire, the Bontrager Hardcase. This tire has Kevlar belts that will stop "most" punctures. I also use "oversize" (28c-32c) THORN RESISTANT tubes. The combination is heavier than "standard" tire/tubes but I haven't had a flat in over a year (20,000+ miles). If you are not worried about a little extra weight and you don't want to deal with flats while riding, look into the Kevlar lines tires and thorn resistant tubes - side note: I usually get over 16,000 miles from the front tire (common tire life is 3-4000 miles).
@Dean - Or, if you convert your tires to shoes, (see avatar), you won't have a flat ever again. The only problem is if you forget to double knot, then the shoelaces come undone.
@Dean - I'm not sure if you're already doing this or not, but what I always do is put talcum powder inside the tire, rotating it to make sure the entire inner tire is covered, and I'll inflate the tube and run it through my hand that also has talcum powder. When I put the tube and tire on, I'll inflate it part way, bounce the tire, then deflate it, before inflating it for the final time, all to make sure there are no potential pinching issues.
How do you deal withe excessive tire fllats? I have 700c x 35 tires. I put lightweight tuffy liners in and that helped alot, but still getting more flats than normal. I'm due for new tires, any suggestions on my plight?
@Heather. I think the bike shop relationship is maybe the most important thing. Once you find someone you trust that is also on top of cycling topics, the rest all falls into place. Whether you actually buy a bike from them or just some of the accessory stuff they will appreciate your business. They may not even be the cheapest source but if they are local that is worth something too. It gives you a place to ride to just for a visit.
@Gregg W - Way to go, man! I'm sure lining up for your first triathalon you were probably just hoping to hang with the pack. Great job coming in 2nd in your division!
No... Steve Roberts could not have just logged in 400 more miles since I left for my last ride. I knew I had 55 miles to get back into 2nd place. Now he has also displaced Leonard Wright. If anyone has a good used newer road bike, please let me know. I want to beat him fairly despite his obvious cheating!!!
@ Michael. A jersey would be cool to win. Don't think I would ever buy one, so I'd have to win one to try it out. Otherwise, I kinda want one of those bottle openers. Might have to buy one if I don't win one.
@Gregg: Congratulations! That is an impressive time! I do 19-20 miles on the trails here (just a beginner) and the best time I could manage was 1:10:00 (and I'm only half your age :P). 1:18:00 for a 400 yard swim + 16.5 bike ride + 5K run is phenomenal.
i havent rode in more than a few days. its been nothing but thunderstorms and heavy rain. this weather sucks so much. i start working at a local bike shop this week so ill be biking to work now.
This competition is a way to set and achieve small attainable goals while improving my overall health, so it's more about celebrating these accomplishments rather than bragging. Learning how to increase my endurance and speed is important to me as well as saving on gas while reducing CO2 emissions. My favorite phrase after I ride is "I always have a great time" despite not always finishing with a "great time" as I strive to improve my fitness, speed and ability to ride through strong cross and head winds. It's a win either way for me.
@ Scott - Your daughter could even make platinum by the end of the challenge if you make a point of at least taking a ride around the block each day. 1500 /20 is only 75, so even with no points for miles (which she is clearly getting also) she could make platinum in 2.5 months with daily rides. With 3 months to go, I'd say it's an attainable goal. My own goal is similar, as I challenge myself to at least ride the half mile around my neighborhood each day if I don't ride anywhere else.
As a beginning-again rider, I am still working to improve my speed and endurance. Last year I made infrequent trips to the park or grocery store, but before that, I had done no real riding since 2003.
Got a 12 mile head wind on my way out. The advantage is it will be a fast ride home.
Trek 100 charity ride this weekend (trek100.org)... all proceeds go to the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes against Childhood Cancer). We are making the 19-mile segment a 3-generation family affair with my father and my 5-year old son. Who else is going to join us in kicking cancer's a**???
Heather, I feel that how well the bike fits you is just as important as what kind you choose, starting with the frame size right up through the positioning and adjustment of everything. Going to a local shop isn't a guarantee of a good fit, but I think these days most of them are pretty good. Still it might be a good idea to go to several, try a few bikes and get a feel for the people there. Last year when I was looking at bikes, it was suggested that I neede d a smaller frame. I was skeptical, but now that I've ridden it for a few months - I've never been on a more comfortable bike. And with seats you never know what is going to feel right until after you use it for a bit. So a few test rides might give you an idea of what seat works well for you. Overall it could make your ride more comfotable and enjoyable, so you might even want to go longer. I'll warn you though: the more you look and try, the higher you will keep pushing your price ceiling.
Cora and her son, Scott and his daughter, Heather and her highly contagious enthusiasm, and many similar souls delighting in two-wheel transport underscore the fact that the central value of this Challenge involves expanding regular participation in a shared celebration of cycling pleasures and possibilities, rather than accumulating points and miles for “bragging rights” and potential prizes.(though the healthy competition is energizing, and certainly increases the fun (-:) Today my region is offering one of those rare, perfect, unambiguously glorious days for pedaling . Enjoy the Ride!
@sonia, thanks for the advice! I do need to visit our LBS (2). I am excited about everything bike related this summer. This challenge and all if you are just amazing! Even the people I ride with that are also novice are impressing me. Two of my friends are riding more than ever. After taking my b/f on my ten mile ride, two hours later he said "so, how far should we go next weekend..15?" lol We are all contagious. @gregg you rock! Congrats on your placement this weekend.
Thanks everyone -- I'll tell her she made a splash. She's a lock for gold, at 370 points, mostly from rides to and from school (at 1.75 miles each way). We won't be doing that anymore after next week, so we'll have to make sure we get in our weekend rides. And I'll have to see if any of her summer camps are feasibly bikeable.
@ Scott, Congratulations to your 6 year old daughter (and to you for taking her for the ride). There is nothing better than introducing your children to cycling, the earlier the better. Get her to go for the gold - all she needs is 25 rides in 4 months, that's less than 2 rides a week. I know the two of you can do it and imagine how happy she will be knowing she earned the gold!!!
@Gregg - Good job, man!
@Scott - Wow, 16 miles for a six year old. Holy cow! Looks like I'm gonna have to ride a lot more to keep up with the 6-year-olds in the pack. :)
We rode to the Farmers' Market down in the Haymarket on Saturday. The way the roads are all torn up down there, it was really the most sensible way to go. Ah, construction season in Lincoln! Jay rode her Dorado with the big metal pannier baskets on the back, though we didn't find enough to buy to need them. Then we went to The Mill for some coffee and a nosh. It's about a mile and a half from our house via fairly quiet streets, so the ride was very nice. Lots of others rode their bikes as well. We just had gorgeous weather on Saturday too. It all conspired to make Saturday a beautiful day.
Wow….I was six when I learned to ride without training wheels! I doubt I ever rode more than a mile or two at a time until Junior High. You and your daughter are a spectacular example of what is most important about this challenge: The opportunity to motivate, inspire, engage and involve cyclists of all ages. You also illustrate why removing the age limit was so valuable; What better way to get kids excited about bicycling than to have families rolling along together (- : Huge CONGRATULATIONS to your daughter…16 miles is a VERY BIG DEAL! May your future hold many similarly splendid shared rides. Carpe Diem!
Wow Scott! 16 miles for a 6 year old? That's amazing! Tell her she's my hero. I rode just under 13 yesterday, and my legs were killing me by the end of the day! Hopefully she got extra ice cream (or another delicious treat) to help her celebrate her achievement!
My 6 year old daughter rode a lifetime best 8 miles up to the park with me yesterday. When I told her what she'd done, she said "you're going to put it in that thing, right?" meaning the National Bike Challenge. When we were done at the park, she insisted on riding back with me, rather than taking the car with her mom. So 16 miles! And with it, 3 more reminders to log her miles for the challenge.
I was in the Green Bay Triathlon yesterday and this was my first triathlon ever and I am still shocked. I won the 2nd place award trophy in the men's sprint division in my 50-54 age group out of 14 men. I finished 30 overall out of 429 sprint participants and 25 out of 163 in the men's sprint division. The sprint was a 400 yard swim in the man made lake at Ashwaubomay Park, then 16.5 mile bike, and finished with a 5k run (3.1 miles). I broke a personal bike speed record in races and averaged 21.6 mph on my Schwinn Paramount. Out of 163 men in the sprint division I had the 20th best bike time. My fnish time for the entire event was 1:18:52.4. Tim Petrie (33) from Fond du Lac was the overall men's winner with a time of 1:04:55.4 and Jessica Sigl (25) from Green Bay was the overall winner in the women's division with a time of 1:13:47.9
Wise words Sonia! Find the bike that fits! A good deal on a bike isn't a good deal if you can't stand to ride it!
Arthur - have a great week as well. Good luck with the challenge, it has been fun for me so far.
@Heather, I love reading your updates! I have bought--and sold--some bikes on craigslist but I recommend that since you are riding so often, you really should get a bike that you will enjoy riding. I suggest you go to your local bike shop (LBS) and test-ride some of the bikes there. It will give you a better idea of what bike size you need to look for, and what kind of bike you feel comfortable riding, and what to look for on craigslist. You may even end up falling in love with nice, but inexpensive bike at the bike shop, and maybe they can work out a deal for you to pay for it in payments. Making friends with your LBS will definitely benefit you in the long run. :)
Aaaahhh, another wonderful commute to work on 2 wheels! The only way to go!
Ride safe everyone and have a great week.
@ Heather Congrats on your longest ride...your doing great !!!
Wow, I wasn't paying attention to June only stats enough to see why Steve was so high. I just used it to develop a goal for this afternoon. Oh well, I'm sure he'll get things straightened out but it was good inspiration on a day that when I needed it.
When I describe the Challenge, people often ask “How do they make sure that reported mileage is accurate?” I smile and say “It’s the honor system“…. a matter of trusting the integrity of cycling participants, and explain that rewards for participation are primarily intrinsic- a sense of personal pride, satisfaction and accomplishment which simply wouldn’t exist if recorded distances were fictional. No prizes are awarded for highest miles.
Last fall I realized I had failed to recalibrate mileage for a recently revised familiar route..so I went back and deleted half a mile from each affected workout. I choose to believe that other participants are similarly concerned with an accurate total. There are occasional glitches with the recording system…we all had a chance to see that with the lag in awarding points on June 31. Sometimes an obviously inflated number may appear in the statistics, but it is typically resolved within a day or so. Reflecting both Luddite and Pollyanna proclivities, I choose to have more faith in the people pedaling than in the electronic reporting technology involved when discrepancies arise. Suppose we give one another the benefit of the doubt? In any case, even if someone were to fabricate mileage, resultant fiction should have no power to detract from anyone else’s genuine sense of accomplishment. We should not feel obligated to prove anything to anyone but ourselves.
And from an uncharacteristically cynical perspective; Even if you aren’t prepared to give fellow participants credit for integrity, at least allow some consideration of intellect……Surely someone truly (albeit inexplicably) intent on gaming the system would have sense enough to avoid absurdly inflated, scrutiny-inviting numbers?
Christopher - I understand your frustration. In this case, the tracks show telltale signs of an equipment glitch. Hopefully Steve is able to address this in short order. If not, I'm sure Endomondo can. Thanks
Maybe I jumped to conclusions too early Rob? It just seems so many folks posting 100+ mile rides (twice a day somtimes) without supporting data, or bad data, to rank up. Pretty sad :(
Christopher W - it appears Steve Sansenbach is having some issues with his GPS - give him a little time to correct his rides and get his equipment sorted out. Thanks for your patience.
@Heather - Congratulations on your longest ride yet!
Moose in Antigo.
@Heath - You are more than welcome to join the Badgerland Striders - we have room.
@Heath, I just joined LPK Uprising last week and we have room :)
@Nyla, according to the Wikipedia page I just wrote, moose don't get seasick, so I think we'll be ok. However, I'm not so sure about the mess a chocolate moose might make in the hot summer sun.
@Martin, for the sake of what is now 25,999, consider me corkified.
after doing my first 10 mile ride yesterday, I have alot of appreciation for someone that can do 100 miles every single day. I think my sit bones might never forgive me. Also, my heavy hybrid commuter isn't really fun to do long distances on. I may have to start checking craigslist for something different.
looking for a team to join
@Nyla - Good points! Maybe someone before us has had a drunk moose/camel, seasick, on a ship, in a bottle, and just "put a cork in it". (Hence, the derivation of that phrase.) And speaking of putting a cork in it, I won't say any more on this subject, to the relief of 25,992.
Getting ready for the first full work week in June. It's a wimpy excuse, but it was raining here Friday. I'm planning to get back on the commute tomorrow; chance of rain through Wednesday. I have a great amount of admiration and respect for those of you who ride right through the rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc. I imagine the leaderboard will straighten itself out by the end of the week, as we settle into our routines for the month.
Keep on pedaling!
Martin and Gary: Hmmm…Archimedes was probably dealing with a camel..and an alcohol container of alternate configuration.
Also, though I truly have no desire to place a damper on deserved enthusiasm for what is clearly an ingenious solution…have you considered the unspeakably untidy specter of a potentially seasick (and hungover) moose within a tightly confined environment?
@Gary - And yet another dumb guy from that era was Hippocrates. He invented his own oath. I know of a number of people in this day and age who say they have taken his oath - I'm sure some have on this board. But they never finish the sentence. They don't say if they took his oath from someplace, like the library, or if they took his oath to someplace. Maybe half of them take it from, and the other half take it to the same place. Why don't they just make up their minds, and leave it there. Better yet, make a number of copies, and just give one to everyone who wants to take it. And another thought - Why do they always take his oath? Why don't they take an oath like the one I heard my dad say after hitting his thumb with a hammer? Is it because the Hippocratic Oath has more prestige because it is named after someone, almost all of the other oaths* (see below for at least one exception), aren't? I can see where someone might not want to take an oath like, "%)@?&^#" Not only do we not know who invented it, it is also very hard to pronounce. So, maybe sometimes they actually take an oath like %)@?&^#, but when they tell their friends about it, it is just much easier to say they took the Hippocratic one. *I've heard that Sorcates took the Rhadamanthine oath. If true, he must have hid it well, as no-one else has taken it back.
@Martin - Plato? Socrates? Morons!!
@ Scott Schlegel : Yeah I know a couple people who do centuries daily, it's cool and yet mind boggling ( I am jealous really!!! LOL). Sometimes if you are that concerned you can look at the actual workouts and that sheds light with some riders.
I'm a little skeptical of the points many of us have when we are only 3 days into the month. Some close to 400 points really.
@Michael - No. Your name gets thrown right back in the hopper for the next month.
If you win a prize in May, are you ineligible for other monthly prizes?
@Gary - PERFECT!!!! You've solved the moose/beer bottle conundrum. The answer had heretofore eluded mankind since the time of Archamedeaz..., Arkameadease..., Ar..., Plato.
going for another ride, dropping too many places and I have to try and redeem myself!
@ J Hugh Your to funny... night riding has its challenges especially with an exploding cat populations Those darn things dart out any time and anywhere ... But makes the rides interesting ..))
@ john take care your foot ...still a good ride none the less. ;))
@Martin, I've heard of people having entire ships in bottles. What if we just put a moose on one of those ships?
There are not shortcuts!!!, keep pedalling till the goal, and enjoy it.
is something goofy with the calculations today on this site? I rode 8.1 miles at first adn got 22 points. I thought it would be 28...
Years ago , I had an annoying farm dog that regularly chased me. I read somerwhere that diluted vinegar or clorox would soon stop that behaviour. The recommendation was that the proper technique involved slowing down and a good squirt to the face. After threee times I never saw the dog again but did ruin a pair of shorts from blowback as the shorts had multiple bleached out spots. Carried in my 2nd water bottle. Was this humane-never really thought about it-if it is me or the dog, the dog loses every time.
Nevermind I found It
Jerry, where are you seeing who won prizes
Not a moose in sight in Florida. Few tree rats and my can of halt remain in its holster for another day. Lovely nw breeze for this time of year and it was a head wind for only 24 miles. Halt is effective on people, they say, in a pinch. I've removed it from its holster a few times but never hadd to use it on people, and only once per doggie. Although I would have rather done the owners.
Ronald LOL I would use regular mace on the owners. I wanted a double century but group ride only goes so far. My wife is also cocncerned about my foot. I have been seeing a sports surgeon hopefully it will be resolved quickly.
Thank you Martin! Recent Challenge-inspired illusion of aberrant athleticism notwithstanding, I’m a klutzy individual, with an entrenched inclination toward lounging, books and bon-bon consumption. Words are generally my sport. As for your moose containment conundrum, I’d recommend the chocolate variety (- :
@ John Thanks for the Info Ill look in to that.... Is that for the owner or the Dog?...lol. I guess something else to add to the bikes accessories ;))
@Gary - Bad news! I called the Milwaukee County Zoo, (The only place you will find a moose in this area, unless you are watching reruns of either Rocky & Bullwinkle or Northern Exposure.), and they wouldn't let me borrow their moose to check out our theory, I guess I will just have to be satisfied with biking with that moose four years ago. (I was measuring a running course in the zoo for a local 5K, and he ran around the perimeter of his enclosure to keep up with me.)
They make a mace like spray for dogs that doesnt harm or hurt. Funny when the dog runs from you. If you live in country might want to call law though. Homeowner might chace you. Its called HALT!
@ Jerry I'm happy I won anything, but I would have rather won a Jersey (since I've never owned one) then the Park Multi tool.
@Ronald AGREED! I almost made the dinner table for a Golden Retriever as I was getting ready to enter Hoyt, Ks.
I reallyHate it when people let their dogs run loose and then laugh as your trying to get away from the damn thing Grrrrrrr !!!!
@Martin, you're my hero!!
Excuse me for being a math geek. The odds for winning prizes in May were:
Bronze:
@Gary - I'll let you know if I succeed - moose can get mean pretty quickly. If he decides to charge, I'll let him buy whatever he wants.
@Nyla - I've thought since I first read your flowing prose that you should be a published author. You really know how to wax both poetically and eloquently.
@Martin, maybe you could fit him into a beer keg?? Ha!!
Oh @Nyla, a turtle was never so beautiful!
Awesome day to ride in the AM 55 degrees.It was 42 yesterday at 6AM .That is definitely white knuckle stuff.When I kick up over 20 mph its like when I worked in the freezer plant....frostbite LOL.
Perfect weekend pedaling weather: Bonus view was beachfront-basking, serving-platter sized turtle..(apparently heliotropic) - improbably elongated neck stretching in evident bliss toward lakeside sunlight . Hadn’t realized turtles could smile (-:
@Gary - I had to look it up, as I didn't remember. Now, the bigger challenge would be to get a moose in a beer bottle. (A different time while in Canada, I did buy a moose in a can. [Stuffed animal - still unopened, after almost 20 years])
@Martin, so do you know how to get a mouse into a beer bottle??
save the trails Juan, hit the road
All this talk about Canada and the McKenzie brothers with the Great White North on Saturday Night Live reminds me of a bike trip I took around Lake Superior on a whim. This was quite a few years (decades) ago, at the same time as when the GWN was on SNL. When I got into Thunder Bay, I thought it would be a good idea to buy a map of Ontario, so I would know where I was going. So, I went into a convenience store, and while looking around, noticed that everyone was talking just like Bob and Doug McKenzie! I thought it was hilarious, as the GWN had the speech pattern down perfectly. Then, just after getting onto the Trans-Continental Highway, one of the first side roads I came to was McKenzie Station Road, followed by MacKenzie Beach Road, and finally MacKenzie Height Road. I was beginning to think that every road in Canada had some version of McKenzie in it. All in all, it was a very memorable trip, for that and countless other reasons, including coming within one or two inches of getting killed instantly, followed an hour later by another close call. I found the nearest campground and made that day a short day.
Finally its raining!!!, mud during mountain bike rides, another chance to test our skills.
John: The leaderboard defaults to the current month instead of "entire period" so that might be what you're seeing.
Just dropped like 39 places and noticed people who are about where i was have month of may showing and point totals for that. Is there a glich in the system that banyone is aware of.
I missed National Donut Day. Bummer.
Ronald thanks one spot about 25 miles from house had a front flat with two little staples glad i checked twice before putting in new tube. I usually only carry one.
@Tim - if this is not working, let Endomondo support know at http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/support. I heard there were some issues like that at the beginning of May, but thought it had been fixed. Maybe it is not working again because it is a new month?
I was checking your track there John thats a nice ride you did ..very cool !!!
Made it back from my ride with five minutes of battery left on phone. How lucky is that
Anyone else experiencing bugs with entering mountain biking miles. My epic 38 mile ride today only got me 38 points, not the 58 I was expecting.
Wow, ive hit that tow path trail a couple of times in the last 2 years and haven't experienced anything like that so there must be some migrational nonsense happening. Hope it's more hospitable next time cause it's a great trail
Same crazy geese in Ohio. I took a ride on the towpath a couple weeks ago, through downtown Akron and south for another 10 miles, geese were everywhere. I had to stop a few times to let them waddle away from the path so I could get by without too many hisses. Between the hissing and all they left behind on the trail, I don't think I'll be riding that direction again for awhile. I assume they were Canadian, I heard them calling me a hoser as I went by :D
Saturday Morning Ritual: Ride to the local farmers market (with a couple park detours along the way) and fill up the the rear rack with more produce then it should ever have to carry. The only logical thing to do next is to grab a craft beer at the Wild Goose next door before peddling back to the house to cook up some brunch. Gotta fuel up for the afternoon ride....
Beer and donuts? Sheesh, maybe I'M Canadian.
@Rob, that's definitely a clue, but were they drinking beer and eating donuts?
@Gary - these geese were saying eh? after they hissed, so I figure they were Canadian.
We're going out today-I'm determined to get my first ten miler this year, or more. @steve your bike rack system sounds like a dream! I can count the number of racks my whole town has on two hands. @bruce I had an ankle biter chase me for half a mike yesterday, but he couldn't keep up. He should have been leashed-he was trying to attack me from the curb as I was getting on my bike. @EM hey you got out! Be safe travelling.
Getting ready to ride. Hopefully a whole lot of miles. Rain was terrible yesterday.
@Rob, were those Canadian geese? We have hundreds and hundreds of them on the Erie Canal path in Western New York. What a wonderful treasure/nuisance they are. I never get tired of seeing the babies and watching them grow up. Have you seen "Fly Away Home"?
Had to stop on the east side of the Trestle Trail in Menasha, WI to let 6 geese and approx. 30 goslings cross the trail. The geese were hissing, so I patiently waited for them to cross and urged them along with my bell. Sometimes you just gotta wait...
@Bruce, I drag raced a deer over the weekend. She was on the Erie Canal path and had jumped down into the adjacent wooded area. We also traveled a few hundred feet before she decided to head north away from me. Of course, she was basically running an obstacle course in the woods while I was in the wide open - otherwise I'm sure she would have handled me quite easily. Regardless, it was one of those moments I'll never forget. Happy riding!!
VerMontreal Ride - Magnificent!
HI all, I rode early this morning and was surprized to see 7 other riders out there. It was cool, in the 50s, so I was actually wearing long sleeves for the first time in weeks. It was strange to see the zero total when I logged in, but now I have miles again. Glad to see everybody talking about bike racks again. Keep fighting the good fight. We want people riding and we want to make ourselves visible again.
How's this for a slogan? BRING BACK THE BIKES!!! Bikes ruled in the 1890s and they need to rule again. Have a great weekend everbody. I'll be driving to Minnesota tomorrow, helping kids get to camp, back at ya next week. RIDE ON!!
I drag raced a rabbit today.He clocked out at 12.9 mph for about 200 feet then shot off into the grass.Got me thinking of hare and tortoise story I heard as a kid.
Our rack program
http://city.milwaukee.gov/ParkforFreebikerackp14181.htm
I'm fortunate that I ring the bell and someone opens the overhead door and I ride into the heated, card access only shop, and park my bike in my shop area with compressed air and water. There is also the fact everyone working in their knows it's my bike.
Where I work, the leadership has taken two parking slots in the structure and placed a secure chain link fence "dog kennel" with fence on the top. We have racks to hang our bikes on. Each rider brings their own security device. The cage is entered only with our badge via the prox reader. How great is this! Thank you BryanLGH Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.
My wife asked if they could get a rack at work and they installed one near the employee entrance. She often directs the guests to it as all of the other people who used to ride no longer works thereto it as the poor rack only holds her bike normally.
I am on the Wellness Committee at work, and one of the initiatives that we accomplished was purchasing bike racks for our employees to use near the employee entrance, and one for the customers to use in the front.
Heather. Went to a Doctors office we visit regularly and went up the stairs instead of elevator. Looked like a long shower bar bolted to the floor under the stairs. I do believe that is their bike rack.
We almost missed it... Today is National Donut Day!
I would like a bike rack at work. There are so few in my area. I bring my bike inside. It's not the best situation. I was told upon asking, maybe they'd consider putting one (out back). While its nice they'd consider it-why am I relegated to the back door? Is a bicycle rack an eyesore or a shameful thing? Also, I do my part on media. I bring up the NBC as many times as I can.
We have a Kohls store that its version of green is one parking slot for a electric car has a plug in spot. Ironically the only thing I have ever seen parked in it are cars that have only gas tanks. What is one to do if he needs to recharge. I guess it just proves bikes are still the best means of transportation.
@Ray Swanson: Our community has mandatory bike rack laws, but they only apply to 'new' construction. Even if they rip out an entire strip mall and rebuild, it's somehow not considered new ('what? it's not new, it's just upgraded!'). It's really sad. I think you are right, "if they build it, they will come" applies to bike and bike racks. I've seen a 500 car parking lot without ONE SINGLE bike rack installed. And we supposedly live in such a green and progressive community! PFFFFTTTT!
The only problem with trying to get media and such or even yahoo to post on main page is there is no doom and gloom involved. Would be nice though.
I guess "just ride" is where I'm at. We all know the benefits and it's better than just sitting around. Three of my friends are now riding for fun. Riding solo is great, but sharing this with friends just makes it so much more.
Thanks Ray!!!
Bushwhacking shouldn't be necessary to access the bikerack. I shouldn't have to relocate the employee picnic table, and I'm not parking my bike behind a store.
I don't think all the cycling I've done has made me green. I'm eating more food, I'm drinking more water/sports drinks and I'm buying new bicycle parts and accessories. If anything, I'm using more resources by stimulating the economy to deliver the food and products that my increased cycling amount has required. Without bicycle friendly shopping locations, I still have to drive to places to refuel. More bike lanes or trails would be a great benefit from this challenge, but I'd like to see some investment in bike racks and legislation to require shopping centers to provide the means to secure bicycles. Gas stations are required to provide air, why not require stores like Walmart put bike racks in a safe & secure location in front of the doors? My bikes will never replace my cars for day to day transport until I have a place to "park" at the store. I don't even think the two local bike stores nearest me have bike racks, they might, but I've never noticed.
I think if we could all get out local newspapers, media, and TV stations to cover a news report about the May results of the NBC, we can still get 50,000 riders in this challenge. That goal is not out of reach by any means with more publicity. There are a lot of people biking who have not yet heard about the NBC. Before the challenge started I informed the UPS corporate communications office about the NBC, but as far as I know, there has been no company wide promotion of the challenge yet. It takes awhile with a company this size to get some action. We could easily have more than 16 UPS riders with an internal nationwide UPS employee promotion of this bike challenge, so I will keep following up. 16 is not many riders nationwide when UPS is one of the collossal companies with about 450,000 employees. As far as I know I haven't seen anything in our local papers either-- "The Oshkosh Northwestern" and "The Post Crescent" in Appleton. However , both these papers did cover the Wisconsin Challenge last year and the Post Crescent interviewed Rob Gusky, myself, and also Brad Waldoch about our participation in the challenge last year. We just need to have more publicity from the news media and we can easily get 50,000 riders here. Contact your local newspapers, TV stations, and media and lets see if we can't get more publicity of the NBC by the media. People are sick and tired of all the political crap that dominates our news media. It would be so refreshing to hear something about the NBC that is actually accomplishing more positive things for our nation than anything else.
If I am cycling for pleasure instead of driving to the movies or to just pass time am I not still being green? I believe anyone who partcipates in cycling and running are still saving the environment. All. the alternates i can think of consumes electric or gas, something that has to be produced.
You know i am so happy to have been in ninth place for my county and yet it is sad. i only ride 4 miles a day which says alot about the community and our lifestyle choices....
I was hoping to make the top 100 in the National Challenge in May, but I ended up at 152. But I did make the top 50 in the Wisconsin challenge and finished May at 35. So I was very happy about that.
I'm doing the Green Bay triathlon on Sunday. I've done duathlons before, but never a triathlon, so this will be my first time. I like swimming. It's just not one of my strengths, but I hope to become a more competitive and stronger swimmer by doing triathlons. Since this is my first time, I'm doing the shorter sprint courses--400 yard swim, 15 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. The lake is a shallow man made lake, so it should not be rough or choppy, except what is created by the swimmers themselves, so this is a good triathlon for beginners like me. I just have to swim 1 lap around the small lake. I have a wet suit and am planning to wear it because I think the water is going to be quite cold because they just filled the lake 2 sweeks ago with cold fire hydrant water and it has not had much chance to warm. We have had very cold temps this week down in the 40's overnight. The air temp on Sunday at race time is only going to be in the upper 50's and low 60's, so pretty cold for a triathlon. But my wet suit should help keep my muscles warm, so I don't cramp up. I tend to cramp up real easy in cold water.
I was able to get in 362 miles for May, not bad since it was all commuting miles. I know that is just a warm up for some here but I am happy with it. Hoping to be able to get some more recreational miles this month since I am no longer coaching my son's team. Hope everyone has a great ride!
24 hours in the Canyon event is this weekend, I plan on getting a heap of miles in to start this month off strong. Hope to see some of you all out there! Good luck & ride safe!!!
First day of summer vacation (one of the many perks of being a teacher) is a great day to ride. Rains last night brought cooler temps and a challenging wind to a gorgeous hilly ride through the rare air of the central Louisiana (450 ft max elevation - go ahead and laugh - it's funny, but those are ourhills!)
Have another great month everybody! Stay safe!
Back to the workouts!!!
Yeah, my name's not on the winners' list, either. The only prize I won is that my pants are a little looser. Wait...WINNING!!!
PRIZE LIST IS UP! I'm not there but good luck everyone.
@Heather- I ride my bike to work every day rain or shine, (or snow) and have been doing so for about 6 years. I love riding my bike and that it saves me gas money and helps my health is only a HUGE bonus. It's fun. YAY for you! Keep it up!!
Had a great ride on our tandem in CVNP on the Tow Path Monday. Packed a picnic lunch, saw the great blue heron chicks flapping their wings - ready to take flight soon. Put my new clip-less pedals on the tandem. Nice to be hooked up on the new ride.
@ Al Lauland your showing only points for june,
Why is it that when I look at the Leader Board, I don't have any points although my points do show up on my home page?
What an exciting first month of riding, Can't wait to get started here in June and keep it going, not just for the rest of the challenge, but for the rest of my life.
Well this is odd. If point totals are all caught up then the number of riders and their points didn't make dramatic changes yesterday. Faith in humanity temporarily restored.
Leonard Congrats on keeping first last month. I got 29th with 2 days off can't complain.
@ Heather, You have every right to be happy, I think you are doing FANTASTIC!!!! Points and miles don't matter, what counts is that you are getting out there and riding. Be safe and keep the pedals turning.
The leaderboard is now displaying June by default. If you want to see your past point totals select either 'May' or 'Entire Period' from the drop down list.
@ John, What you are seeing is the standings for the month of June. If you look on the left side just above the leaderboard there is a box that allows you to select each month or the entire period. The overall standings appear under the entire period. BTW, I'm still ahead of you, I'm currently ranked 5263. :-) Now I've got to go ride - if I can avoid all the storms headed this way......
Leonard Thank you and yeah weather looks bad down here already going. I am going to try and catch you again. Your a good inspiration.
I am confused I went from 34 place with no points updated yesterday for miles rode. I am now in 13000 something with 0 points. I thought it was an accumulation of points. Did the system crash. Somehow the new side challanges also have strange data. I also like heather am doing this for a work out and fun but the challenge pushed me harder.
I'm not going to stress the cheaters or the points, although mine did update today. I am doing this for fitness and environmental reasons and nothing else. I would love a new TREK bike because I only ride a seven speed hybrid-but hey, who knows? I ended the month at way way way more miles than I ever dreamed when I started out in the early warm up period. I'm happy!
12:06 AT MY HOUSE, BIKE HAS NOT BEEN DELIVERED YET!
Wish I could ride to work. 45 min ride and I only have 30 to do it, change, and get my class ready due to daycare opening time. :( maybe when the kids get older. Already looked into other day cares. The one we have is the only one that works for our schedule.
I work at home, so I don't get to enjoy the fun of commuting to work. I'm not complaining though, I kinda like that 3 second commute to the office in the morning. ;) I guess technically a bunch of my 'sport' miles are 'transport' because I stopped driving my bike to trailheads and now bike directly to/from them, which really adds to the miles. I managed to ride 24 of 31 days in May, even put some miles on my Dad's bike while I was home for Memorial Day weekend.
Thanks for the warning, Mr. Warning. I'm hoping that I can afford to keep rubber on the wheels! I also wonder wether milage will fall off in July as many of us also like to watch The Tour. . which alas, is also the coolest time of the day. oh, woe is me.
I started road biking about 7 weeks ago. I did just 15 miles today as I was tired, but I did the 15 to get my tally up to 500 pts so that I qualify for the gold. Like other people, my pts still show 470 (I still have to get 20+15 for the 15 miles I did today). Hope it gets updated. I'm going to try and get to platinum by the end of next month (basically double my bike workouts). I was planning on doing that anyway.. the bike challenge is just an added incentive. Have fun everybody!
I started riding last year and in the Wisconsin challenge, the month that I rode the most miles was August with 924 miles. I'm happy to announce that I broke my previous all time record this month with 2 more miles at a total of 926. :) My goal in June is to break my new May, 2012 record.
Some people already have points for June and I thought how can that be. Then I realized that these are people who are not living in the US and it's already June where they live. lol
I was lucky enough to win a prize last year! I ride frequently, but as a sport rider, not transport. Last year, the prizes were only based on transport points, and so I had very few of those. But, one of my trips to the grocery store last July must have done it, as I did win a month's supply of Scott Tissue products! Those who cheat have just as much chance of winning, and I don't believe that there is much that any of us can do about it, but the cheater KNOWS who he/she is and has to live with himself. Hopefully there are very few of them and that the majority of us are decent, honest people.
Same Here Thomas
I already won! I haven't had to buy gasoline since April.
I have ridden more because of the challenge. I did not take my car to work once this month. As the month progressed I rode more. I road in the rain, the cold and near one small tornado and did not know it. Then I realized I could hit 1500 point so I started upping the miles. I think I made it just waiting for the update.
Even if someone is dishonest here, it will not really give him any better chance of winning a prize because winning prizes here is based more on the luck of your name being drawn rather than how many miles you rode. In the challenge last year, those who biked the least miles were the ones who won most of the prizes. Those of us who were at the top of the leaderboard won nothing. :( But, I don't encourage anyone here to see if they can ride the least miles to win. lol Winning prizes here is 99% luck and only 1% based on how many miles you rode. So unfortunately, if you cheat, you will most likely not win any prize. Cheaters will probably have bad luck for cheating.
I noticed no points update today. I logged my commute around 8:30 pm EST and at 10:30 still have not updated. I thought deadline was 11:59 PM.
Id love to win a road bike since i dont have one but a new helmet would be nice since i already crashed mine into a tree but i dont have the money to replace it. it looks fine but they say to replace it after bad crashes.
They say they will verify mileage of winners, but I really don't know how they intend to do that. All my workouts are documented via my Garmin devices, but for someone without a GPS or smartphone, how would they prove it? At the end of the day, its still down to honesty, if your numbers look legit, I doubt you'll have to prove anything. A picture of the rear tire on my primary bike should be proof enough :D
Don't get discouraged. It's taking hours for the points to catch up. See earlier posts for theories and more.
@Al - My concern is that the system lends itself to abuse and the prizes incentivize it. At the current odds and depending on how many bikes are given away this month, it's either 1/6000 or 1/3000...which aren't bad odds on a $1000 prize with no entry fee. The extreme couponing shows where people will take advantage of systems to get things they really can't use and don't want have given me a dim view of contests that rely on the honesty of the participants.
very bummed, I got no points from today's miles :(
Although I don't ride either for the prizes, whatever level you have reached, you will have just as much chance of winning a prize as anybody else in that level. If you reached gold this month, you have the best chance of winning a prize in gold than in any other level because only about 5,000 riders out of over 25,000 riders reached gold this month. Next month the odds of winning will be a lot less because more riders will reach gold. But in the challenge last year most of the winners were not at the top of the leaderboard. So even if your standings are towards the bottom of the gold, you could be that lucky rider who wins a new bike. This should challenge and inspire everyone who did not reach gold this month to reach gold by next month, so that you too can be in the drawing at one of those gold prizes. Won't it be great, if everyone reached gold next month? You can only reach gold when you get up and ride.
Love my city, Houston, TX! Road out solely on designated bike lanes marked by our city. Unexpectedly, I experienced more than just the road. Got caught up with fan crowds as Houston Dynamo team were loading off their bus, as they are scheduled to play tonight. Left that to run into 2 different live bands. One was rocking at a pub. The other was featuring a country band, at a our downtown park. Finished off my evening with a pleasant ride home. Courtesy even came from many drivers. An exceptionally pleasant bike ride! Btw, i got some sunglasses from a promo booth! #win :)
@Michael, I agree. It's not about the points, or the prizes. I have at least a 5-times better chance of winning the daily lottery than winning this month's bike or any other particular gold prize. It was motivation, and I will continue to be motivated to get to the platinum level by the end of August.
@John, it's the old "They're only cheating themselves," almost. There are over 25,000 people signed up on this thing, and not very many will win a material prize. The winners, though, are the ones who are putting a few more miles in and getting into better shape.
In the motivation category, this silly little game we're in is certainly doing its job. It's a lot of fun, too, and there are still three months to go! Ride on.
HI all, short ride today in the early afternoon. NOBODY else out riding. The big ZERO. I suspect it was the weather, there were thunderstorms off and on all day and I picked the one hour to ride when it was supposed to be dry. Thank goodness I only got sprinkled on a little. It was nice and cool, in the 60s, which felt good.
@ Cora, I was about to say the same thing about the roads: they were built for the cyclists, in the late 1800s when bicycles ruled. Cars came later. We could tweak the slogan "take back the night" and make it into "take back the roads, for the bikes" or something...
@ Michael on the Bicycle, ouch, I have heard lots of dog stories but never that awful
@ Michael Staten, OUCH, get well soon and sorry about the bike, I agree that the other guy's insurance should have to pay for the damage.. Also check your homeowners insurance if you have that, it may cover something.
RE: logging the miles, mine seem to have been recorded and points added:. I suspect delays earlier today were caused by those slackers who didn't bother recording their miles every day. Come on people at least record them once a week!!! Right now I have 964 points. The points are fun, but the best part about this is meeting all of you. I really look forward to reading all your posts every day. I want to get out and do my ride so I can record and get to those posts...
I'm really trying not to care. This thing has motivated and pushed me further than anything has physically in years. Whatever the points say tomorrow won't change the last month or the miles I've ridden since joining up. This has never been about winning a bike or although I will say its been an added measure of motivation seeing my place in the standings. Try not to worry about it everybody cause it is just a number written in pixels, it sais nothing about you as a member of the biking community.
I think the system is about to be seriously gamed...even more than the guy logging 104 miles/day 6 days a week. Except for the 1 day he logged 203 miles then 104 miles the next day.
3 hours ago there were 25,670 riders and the 500 point cuttoff was at #5464. Any bets on what the numbers will look like tomorrow?
This is probably the biggest mileage day of the month because some must have waited until today to enter their miles and this is why it's taking so long for everyone's miles to get updated.
I believe the 11:59 deadline is according to your local time zone because we all started the challenge at different times, depending on our time zone. The eastern time zone started logging miles first and now they will end the month first, so eveyone has the same amount of time to log miles.
lots of people updating info for the deadline I am guessing is overwhelming the system and causing a lag...?
Yeah, I didn't get any points or miles for today either. Maybe they're doing the count for May (for prize drawing?), but it's not the end of the month yet. Today is still May.
Usually it only takes a few minutes, but today it has been hours with no update to points. I wonder what is going on.
I've noticed points take a few minutes to update. Just check back in a few minutes - maybe 15 minutes. My goal was 1,000 points for May and I think I just made it. I'll be Platinum in June - just 500 more points.
I, too, have noticed no points update yet today.
no points update yet...
Anyone having a problem with their points for today no updating. Thursday. I entered my ride in several hours ago and it shows up in my workouts. But my points never updated.
My first entry today was 12 hours ago. Still no points update.
A flat tire during the workout, i have to come back to house walking, now i will fix it and try it again.
I had a nice 47.4 mile ride just now. Managed to miss all the weather. My milage has also showed up but not the points. Nothing is showing up on any of the seperate challanges either.
4 hours and still waiting for my point update. Grrrrrr1
I am also having the milage but not the points update.
It's taking much longer today. I'm guessing it's because many folks are entering lots of data today, instead of as they go along. Kind of a bummer, as I'm anxious to see where I land on the leaderboards, and where my team lands too.
I read the prize rules, they say your miles need to be entered by 11:59 PM to count, but they don't mention a time zone. Are there processes calculating point for each time zone? or is 11:59 PM specific to a particular time zone that isn't spelled out in the rules?
I noticed the same problem also, nice to know I'm not alone.
Same problem, Gary -- but it seems to be selective, as other team members of mine have had both miles and points update.
@Randi, no, the points should update within at most, an hour or 2. At least, that's what it's been doing all month long.
I submitted a problem report for this. It probably wouldn't hurt if more people also submitted reports.
Ditto, Gary. Miles are there, points are not.
I thought points updated at midnight.
Same thing happening to me as well. My miles for today are not showing up.
I'm having the exact same problem as you are Gary
Is anyone else having a problem with points not updating? I logged miles over 6 hours ago that show up on the miles counter, but not on the points counter.
@ Nyla, thanks for the credit given to me... LOL!
@Michael on Bicycle,
I know exactly what you mean about dogs with no leash. The same thing happened to me last year. I was coming around a curve on a bicycle trail when a dog appeared out of nowhere and dashed toward me. I had no choice but to brake hard and topple over because my feet were still clipped in. The owner of the dog (walking about 100 feet behind the dog) actually had the nerve to laugh. I was so mad at her but did not know what to do other than telling her that her dog could have been killed or injured if I did not brake hard and took the fall.
Some people are so thoughtless. Whatever happened to "do unto other what you would have them do unto you"?
Heather April:
I’m certain you have numerous local opportunities, but if you don’t select an “in State” invite, You are entirely welcome to join “LPK Uprising” (-: We are based in Wisconsin, so your points would add to your state’s local challenge, and contribute to the team total for the National challenge. “LPK Uprising” grew out of some comments last October, when the official Wisconsin Challenge had ended, but the website remained open and I found myself in first place among the few hundred cyclists still logging miles. I noted that even though it was clearly a fleeting statistical fluke due entirely to post-challenge attrition, it was nonetheless an enormously gratifying and motivating position for someone historically chosen last for playground teams. This led to a flurry of comments from other former “Last Picked Kids” (we are indebted to Jenny Stelzner for the official term (- ;). There seemed to be a number of us near the top of the leaderboard. Observing that one should clearly never underestimate the formidable resolve of a former “LPK”, I decided that would be my team this year, in honor of all present, former and future “LPKs" everywhere! (-: Care to Come Out and Play?
@Michael S-get well soon. Hope you win a new bike in the challenge if you're "golden." Or if not, I hope the driver's insurance will spring for a new frame.
I always ride like I'm invisible. Even tho a driver may look right at you, They don't always see you!!
@ Michael T S yesssss get well soon. bikes can be replace.. you just get well !!!
@Michael T Staten - Glad you're mostly ok. Sorry bout your bike, man. That sucks. I always assume that drivers aren't watching for me, and thus always ride ready to hit the brakes.
@Todd Spargo - Ohhh, sorry to hear that. I had one of those. It was omg painful. My sympathies.
No one told me about the ingrown hairs.
In a world of stress, people not paying attention,The guy who is late to an appointment, Drivers texting,or busy sipping down their Starbuck's while they drive.. WE as bicyclist need to be much more aware of our surroundings and keep these things in mind. I remembered along time ago that its better to be a defensive driver than to assume everyone around you is going to do the right thing..so take the time to STOP at the STOP signs, Look both ways, and give way if needed and just wave. WE as cyclist have the opportunity to Educate the Public and to Show people that Cycling can be fun and beneficial to our health as well as our Worlds Ecology. Just as in automobile driving there are bad drivers and good drivers And in our world of cycling there are good and bad Riders. If We...(cyclist) can find ways to share our experiences and Good habits with younger Cyclist the message will be passed on. And Work with communities to get the Word out what really are the rules of the Roads in your area. Its even odd that even the Police and Highway Patrols are sometimes not clear as to what Cyclist rules are. So work with local law enforcement to help educate your communities. ...Just saying !!!!
30 days into the challenge a car turns left in front of me...my wrist is sprained (could have been worse) and my bike's frame is cracked. Lame!
@ cora I learn something every day about bicycle history thanks !!!!
The worst are the dog walkers on the trails who feel they can allow their dogs to roam w/o a leash! In the last month I've come across several like that, one dog stepped in front of me and caused me to come to a quick stop... they thought it was cute! Last April, I broke my back hitting a dog of an irresponsible dog owner...
I feel safer out in the street with the cars!
Ronald no I dont mind if you friend me on endo
@Ray - I hate nothing more than dirty looks from walkers or runners on the BIKE trail. It specifically has BIKE in the name!
And people who don't think bicycles belong on the road need a history lesson. The first paved roads in our country were built for bicycles, not motor vehicles.
@ John I know what causeway your talking about I live on MI And I agree it is a problem for all cyclist and I would bet the fishing blogger is just as rude on the water as he is on the road. He probably thinks he owns all the water he fishes on. Btw John Do you mind if I friend you in Endo?
I have done a lot of street riding this month and for the most part, vehicle drivers have been very observant and courteous. When I'm on the street, I almost always have my high-vis yellow/reflective safety vest on and at night I'm loaded with lights. I always make it a point to try to make eye contact with cars that are attempting to turn across my lane, ready to stop if they aren't paying attention. When someone sees me and waits, I'll pedal faster to get out of their way and wave to say thanks, most of the time that gets a nod back, but occasionally (usually when it's a young lady) I'll get a confused look or wave. On Tuesday night a guy in a truck coming up behind me could easily have passed me and safely made a right in front of me, but he slowed and held up traffic to allow me to cross first. Courtesy is nice, but I hate it when I hit a 4 way stop and a car waves me on and I'm not ready to roll yet, then I look like a fool scrambling to get my feet on the pedals to power through the intersection. Other cyclists / walkers / runners on the bike paths are generally more rude than cars are. Drivers think they own the street and walkers think they own the trail. But, on both road and trail, politeness is by far the majority, in my experience.
The sad part is the blogger if anyone noticed owns a fishing charter. Wonder if he is as rude in the water as he is on land. I know there are a lot of maritime laws. I would assume he is not the safest on water either.
I've been 156 miles since the early warm up! I bet I did 20 miles a month previously, if that. What this challenge has done for me is wonderful. Btw, I'm the only active person in my community in this challenge. If someone has an opening and wants some miles, I would switch teams. Mine's dead.
William The road we have the most trouble on here is a causeway to cross over from mainland to oceanside or vice versa. The problem is it is patroled by FSHP so the cyclist losses in all cases. The blog was wrote because he is mad because they are going to actually put in a bike lane and he forsees it as a bigger problem. In Florida according to the rules of the road for cyclists just like many other states we have the right to the whole lane. It was the blogger who called it an easment. I call them dirt collectors.
When a monster EMP hits the earth one day all them cars and trucks are going to be dead anyways and we will be glad we got our bikes :))) just saying :))
Went back by a coffee shop to catch a friend and got stuck in hail. It's gonna be a COLD ride home.
HI all, medium sized ride this evening because there were thunderstorms this morning followed by gotta take kids to various doctor and dentist appointments to get forms filled out for camp & school and study abroad. It was nice and cool with temps in the low 70s and that kind of cool evening air that felt great after so much heat and humidity the past few days. I was riding fast so I could get back before it started getting too dark. I spotted three other cyclists, including a guy who passed me. I got cudos from a guy jogging in our neighborhood for making it up a particularly steep hill. You can't help it around here, no matter which way I go in or out of our neighborhood its a steep hill. Makes for great leg muscles, that is, if you happen to be a mountain goat!!
RE: bicyclists as vehicles. Yes we are vehicles when we ride, just like motorcycles, cars, trucks, mini-vans, etc. We are vehicles and we have every right to be on the road. We have the right to take the lane. We have go to with the flow of traffic (unlike joggers) and we are expected to use traffic signals and alert drivers when we are going to make turns etc. AND yes, like other vehicles there are cyclists and drivers out there who break the rules and get distracted. We have responsibility to ride safely and responsibly. For me this means sometimes I take the lane. There is one left turn where I just get in line with the cars and wait for the light like everyone else. I make the turn and the cars don't seem to mind. When I go straight I usually move up to the front at the right of the front car in line. I put my foot down on the traffic island on my right and wait for the light to change. If it is an area with heavy traffic I may use the sidewalk. It really all depends on the situation. I just do what I think is the safest. I wish everyone else would do the same. Use hand signals etc. but don't assume that every driver is going to know what the signals mean. It doesn't hurt to actually point your finger in the direction you are going for good measure. In areas with heavy traffic stand up and cycle to make yourself more visible. Take whatever measures you can to educate those around you about safe sensible cycling and driving and sharing the road. Like everyone else I PAY MY TAXES and I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD no matter which vehicle I choose. No nonsense about getting out of the way. We all have to share the road together. SAFE RIDING EVERYONE!!
Here is a great, thought-provoking article that discusses how rule-breaking bicyclists undermine public acceptance of bicycling infrastructure projects. At the end of the article, there is a link to a superb archived NPR broadcast on a similar topic, featuring Tom Vanderbilt, author of the New York Times bestseller "Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do." - http://www.bicycling.com/print/60136
From George Graphos WBAY Green Bay: "There is a frost advisory tonight for Langlade, Marinette, Forest and Florence counties in WI, and Menominee County in MI. Brrrr...... 80's in March and frost the last day in May--what is going on with our weather and climate this year?
David I agree withn you on education and perspective both my boys get it. I hope they pass it on to their families as well. Thanks for the info
John Jay Mcnall, you need to read the vehicle code of yours and other states. Cyclists in all but 3 states (in the USA) are never required to ride on the shoulder (what you are calling an easement). Why? Because shoulders are not designed for vehicle travel. They end abruptly, vary dramatically in width and quality, and have lots of debris that can cause flats and slide outs. Cycling on a shoulder sets the rider up for right hooks, pull outs, left crosses, and buzz passing (narrow shoulders), because motorists are not looking for vehicles moving on shoulders. Sure, some shoulders are very nice, wide, clean and continuous with no drive crossing, but that varies greatly depending on location. Bottom line, the law does not require cyclists to compromise their safety just for the convenience of motorists. They can change lanes to pass. And if not the cyclist can pull over occasionally to let them by.
John- A kid that I would place around the age of 8 shouted at me from the back of his parents car yesterday, "Get a car retard!" Education and perspective need to change more than anything to make the streets safer. This blogger seems to feel that it was illegal for the cyclist to be riding the white line at a time when there was no bike lane for him to be in. Depending on the state, it may now be illegal because they have a lane specifically for the cyclist to be in, but prior to that time it wasn't. He also mentions that he shouldn't have to move for a cyclist, so he is probably one of the many that believes he is paying for the roads through the gas tax and thus owns it. To clear that up, the average driver pays a 2 cent tax for every mile that they drive via the gas tax (Based around the average car in the US of 24 mpg). Problem is, the average vehicle does 6 cents of damage to the road per mile driven. So the average person driving a car in this country is doing 6 cents of damage to the road per mile, and paying 2 cents for it. The average cyclist is estimated to do 3/10 of a cent of damage per mile driven. Most of what the gas tax does not cover has to be pulled from the states general revenue, which we all pay into. So technically, it could be said that a cyclist pays more to use the road than a motorist does. Check out the Bicycle Times magazines, they have some great articles on changes in infrastructure and policy that have made a huge difference in citys throughout the country and the world.
Sorry for length and spelling I have hit a boiling point with some of this. The afore mentioned highway is not posted as no bicycles either.
Besides this challange what is antones advice on improving saftey for anyone on the roads regardless of modes of transportation. I do not know how many other states have issues on the road to the point where the state has put signs in the middle of crosswalks notifying drivers that it is a law to stop for pedistrians in the middle of it. After a flat tire massive thunderstorm rolling in and reading this guys blog i decided today was a better day to go back homeMike Badarack • Top Commenter • Owner at Space Coast Flyfishing Charters
Some of these bicyclist are a nuisance and need to get out of the roadway, absolutely no reason they need to be traveling on the highway. Don't get me wrong, some are very considerate and use the easement, however, some expect you to try and get around them and then yell at you if you come to close because they are to selfish to get out of the road. Some even ride side by side, impeding the flow of traffic. On most roads there is a three foot easement between the grass and the white line marking the edge of the travel lane, but the bicyclist elect to ride the white line expecting everyone to swerve to avoid them. Even with this bicycle lane I'm sure some of these bicyclist will continue to obstruct traffic by riding the line. Alot of us are towing boats, trailers for equipment, etc, and have come so close to hitting these bicyclist because there is no way for us to go around them or swerve into another lane due to vehicles next to us, and we shouldn't have to. Hope these lanes will help but alot of these bicyclist follow none of the rules of the road and are a hazard to the motorists.
Rob -- at the end of the day when I log my miles, I then go to refreshing the page obsessively to see my updated points. :D
Gregg & Gary--Thanks for clarifying how the prize system works. Ronald Williams-it is the personal accomplishment, not the prizes, that counts. Thanks for the supportive comments. Charlie L-A good ride does take precedence over any kind of prize (kind of). I rode today w/enthusiasm and achieved the Platinum level w/1521 points. Thanks for helping me refocus on what should be my priority in this challenge.
Dameon-I agree w/you -Damn the prizes, and catch the cop! ( in my case, it's catch the bike courier) Thanks for your encouragement.
@ Dedrick Sorry to hear that.. I got an old Beach cruise you can have its in pretty good condition just need to get down to florida to get it
Missed a week of commuting due to illness and a CRAZY work week...feels great to be back in the saddle, despite the two bridge closures due to construction, adding 2 detours to a route that already goes through 2 construction zones. That's Baton Rouge for you!
Unfortunately, my bike was stolen. I was enjoying this challenge.
I'm looking forward to seeing how well I can do in June. Not having classes for 3 weeks in May took a toll on my commuting miles. I'm ready to get back in the swing of things and put some miles up on the board.
Missing a day of riding really hurts. I was #2 in Colorado and 10th National. Which was a huge suprise to me, since I've only been riding since the end of July 2011. But I had to take eight days off for my uncle's funeral. When I came back I was 14th in Colorado and 184 National. Slowly working my way back up. But as much as I love to ride, I won't be trying to get back up where I was. It was easy to maintain. But it would take a lot of time to get back up to those positions. I'll just be happy to stay in the top 10 in Colorado.
Michael - I haven't been driving the car much either. Even the kids have started parking their bikes behind my car in the garage and I've stacked some lawn fertilizer and mulch back there as well. It's too much work to take the car now!
Its also nice to know that each day I don't drive, it puts a few dollars in my pocket (also known as the new bike fund.)
At our current rate, a million miles a week, we could be at 16 million+ miles by the end of August. Holy banana seats, Batman, that's a lot of miles!
Savanni - I have experienced the same thing. If you take a day or two off, many people will pass you by. I enjoy the challenge of trying to move ahead. Thanks everyone for adding an extra level of fun to my daily riding.
Wow, if I go one day without cycling I slip on the leaderboards. If I go two days, I *plummet*. You people are tough competition, and I'm just shooting to stay in the top 1500!
Here on Lake Erie's shore we often get a "lake breeze" that kicks up in the afternoon. It cools everything down with both temp and wind chill. It also give us the chance for a westerly breeze in the morning and an easterly breeze in the afternoon. Translation, commute was up hill both ways.
My car has moved "maybe" 10 times in the last 3 weeks and most of the time it did move, my bike was in the back to ride somewhere else. Anybody else having to dust off the keys?
Gregg, my husband suggested that "the gales of November" had come really early yesterday. Or late for last year, maybe. It has been amazingly windy here less than a mile from the lake shore! Thanks for the heads up about the temps tomorrow. I was about to tuck my thermals away for the season. I'll give it another day or two.
Wow! Based on the changes in my community, lots of people took the time to enter their stats over the weekend or they got some really great riding time in! Congratulations to all! Now I've got to catch up!!
After record heat in the 90's across much of the country last weekend looks like I am going to have to dig out the long thermal bike pants tomorrow morning for my last commute to work in May. Temps are going to fall to 44 degrees by morning. burrrrrrrrr! This has really been a crazy and unusual year. Some strawberries were picked before Memorial Day this year in Wisconsin. There is no historical record of strawberries ever being picked before Memorial Day in Wisconsin. So this has set a new Wisconsin record. Chicago reached 97 degrees on Sunday. This is the hottest temperature ever recorded in the windy city so early in the season. Memorial Day was nearly just as hot with a high of 95. But highs may not get out of the 50s on Thursday! South Bend, IN also recorded its hottest May day on record Sunday by topping out at 97 degrees. And Cleveland,OH tied its all-time record high for May by hitting 92 degrees on Monday.
@ pamela I never tried looking for those, but it turns out if you click Leaderboard -> communities -> click on your city you can see all the folks in your city. Never knew that I have the second most points in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area. :-p
Is there a place where I can see all the Gold and Platinum riders in my area?
Michael.. Thanks for the pamphlet link. It is a great resources to have with you when you are out and about.
Way to go to my wife. You made it to the Gold. We love you Tami keep up the good work.
Great idea Ron! It can sometimes take time to find the right statute in the booklet (especially with a copy standing in front of you), searching the PDF should make it a lot easier.
@ "Billy the Fish", I've had dogs run with me like that, not trying to chase me, just wanting to run. Unfortunately I've also hit a couple dogs that ran in front of me, resulting in some nasty spills. I like dogs but I don't want to see them (or me) get hurt.
@ Michael ..great Idea about the pamphlet I am going to download and have it on my Android....Thanks !!!
3 million and counting...
Florida cyclists, use this link for the bicycle laws. http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/bikelaw.html
Notice the green pamphlet on the right, click it for a PDF of the rules, or order the pamphlet which is small enough to fit in your jersey pocket. Many law officers are not well versed in bicycle laws, carrying this pamphlet can save you from having to defend yourself from a summons. For example, I was stopped for not riding on the shoulder, I was able to show that I was riding legally because it did not meet the requirements for being a bike lane which satisfied the officer (he asked where to get the pamphlet).
@david that dog is something else!!!!! How cool is that video? :) @dan..screw the prizes. Your doing this for more than prizes. The chances you'll win the one you can't afford is pretty remote, heck the chance any of us will win anything is pretty remote. You are doing awesome! Don't quit now. :)
@Dan The platinum drawing is not until the end of the challenge. The gold is the highest level for monthly prizes. Those who have reached the gold level by the end of May will have a chance at the gold prizes every month. If you can reach platinum this month, go for it. It can't hurt. It looks like I will reach it on the last day this month on my commute to work. But, even if we reach platinum this month, we will still be in the gold level drawing this month and if you don't win there, we will be in the silver, and if we don't win there, we will also be in the bronze. Quite a few riders have reached gold, so the chance of winning, is not very great, but your chance is just as great as anybody else. I didn't win anything in the Wisconsin challenge last year, so maybe this will be my lucky year, like a new bike. :)
@Peter State and community points are points per 1,000 people
@Peter - The community and State points are calculated as points per 1,000 residents in that area, to help equalize points between large and small areas. If we want our area to do well, it is our job to not only log as many miles as we can, but to get as many people that we know who ride a bike in our area to join.
@ Gregg & Michael, way to go on the miles. The first time I ever rode over 500 in a week was on the BRAN, the Bike Ride Across Nebraska 545 miles in 1985. That was the official total, but we rode for a few days before the ride started so our 7+ days total was probably closer to 700 or so. That was back when my husband and I rode at an average speed of 10 MPH. (Not that I go much faster now, my average is around 13, but I have done spurts of 18+). Years later I did a similar Wisconsin ride with my daughter.
@ Dan, you shouldn't be scared off by a prize. Just keep riding and having fun. Maybe if you do win, we can take up a collection...
@ Jeff, OUCH, stolen bike. Do you have a picture of it? I heard a story about how a lost bike was found by posting pictures of it & other details in a local bicycle club newsletter. I believe it was found within hours and not by the police. It might also help to post pics & a description in a local bike store near where it disappeared. Your riding buddies are likely to be the most help. GOOD LUCK!
RE: Bikes and the law: depending on the local laws it might not hurt to carry the state drivers manual with you when you ride. Then you could defend yourself with the real rules, which too many drivers forget about, or really aren't familiar with (esp. if the law was passed after they took their drivers test).
@ Burklee & Troy, OMG, PIONEERS PARK. You guys are making me nuts, I so want to come back and ride all over Lincoln. I used to ride out to Pioneers Park all the time! I lived at 12th & Van Dorn, and loved to ride out to the park and ride around. I suppose by now that old trail is pretty beat up. Burklee, congrats on getting the Trek and riding 10 miles!!! Really you are alomst halfway to that 25 dhallenge, keep it up!!!
how is the number of state and comunity points determined?
Just found a perfect compnion for Leonard...
Some FYI for Rider safety Did you know in Florida the law states....HEADSET NOT TO BE WORN [§316.304]
A cyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or listening device, other than a hearing aid, while riding.
(Loud headphones can damage hearing and shut out the outside world. However, no cyclist should depend on hearing before turning or changing lane position.)
@William- d'uh... reading failure on my part. Sorry!
@William- Go to your profile and then select "Change settings." You can change your standard commute mileage. My mileage varies depending upon where I'm working so I set up three different named choices.
I recently moved and change my normal commute mileage. I was able to update my normal commute miles from 2.475 to 1.6 but when I hit "log" it adds up to the previous commute mile total, 4.95, instead of my new mileage total, 3.2. I do not mind physically putting in my miles every day but it was very convenient using the commute as a standard and just hit log.
@Dan, ride on with enthusiam. The possiblity of winning a prize is so remote that you can deal with that if and when it happens. We can't let a prize get in the way of a good ride!!
hey dan good on you did 64 today & am # 2 in the reno- sparks, Nv comm. 140 behind a sherriff and i say dam the prizes and catch the cop. oh yeah, am also not working for the man anymore. keep going the best bike is the one you will RIDE ! Dameon
Ron, you are correct but Michael is correct that we do have a problem with FSHP because they apparently do not accept that cyclists should be on the road. The local police and sheriffs depts often don't charge the drivers because they feel it's difficult to make their case in court but they aren't as hostile to us as FSHP
@Dan - keep riding! The Platinum level prizes are drawn at the end of the campaign in September, and you're already (almost) there! By being at the Gold level, you are entered for the Gold level prizes, and if you don't win there, are entered into Silver and again for Bronze. That's a lot of chances! Gold is the magic level for now... Congrats to those making Platinum already in the first month!
@ Michael The bicycles was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sorry it happened I am sure his family is not to happy at this point .. Let it be a lesson to pay close attention to your surrounds and listen for trouble before it happens.
Dan is it really about the prizes or personal accomplishment? I don't know you from Adam but I would say your doing an awesome Job !!! don't worry about the prizes .. you are already a winner in my Book !!!
@Troy - Hey, you probably passed me. I might just be the slowest person in Lincoln. I know what you mean about those trails. I imagine that's what riding an actual mountain bike trail is like. They oughta just rip out the asphalt. Shoot, plain dirt couldn't be too much worse. Your tail light story doesn't surprise me. Glad you didn't lose it. You were huffing and puffing, too? I sounded like I've got COPD or something trying to get up those hills by Pinewood Bowl. It makes me question the wisdom of of even thinking about trying the Cornhusker State Games. I am so tired of all the wind. And have you noticed how it always conveniently switches direction so that you have a constant headwind. Ugh!
Oh no, it happened here again too.. 54 year old Cyclist killed in St. Pete ( http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/18645401/2012/05/29/54-year-old-bicyclist-struck-killed-in-st-pete )
This is something like the 12th cyclist killed in the Tampa Bay area this year! The authorities have been silent except the Florida Highway Patrol who always seem to find reason to blame the victim.
Please be careful out there!
As I close in on the Platinum level (1450 pts as of 5/29) I looked at the prizes associated w/ that level. The prizes require winners to pay out-of-pocket for airfare and other costs, which as a retired person I cann't afford. Should I stop w/ 1499 pts, so I stay in the Gold level, which has some very nice potential prizes? Or do I ignor prizes and max out my last two days of May riding? My May goal of cycling 600 miles has been achieved ( 864 mi. currently) and my other goal of riding every day of May is w/in two days of being accomplished.
Currently, I am listed as the #2 rider in Maryland, just 59 pts behind the #1 person for the state. This challenge has been amazing for me! Seven months ago I was on 13 meds per day w/ uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, etc. Now I am "hanging" w/ cycle messagers who are 10 to 20 years younger than I and make a living doing cycle transportation as a job! How cool is that.
Congrats, Burklee, on the refurbished bike! Maybe I got passed by you at Pioneers Park yesterday? I was the guy huffing and puffing up the little hills there like they were the Rockies. Tried to ride the bike trails out at the park, but switched to the roads after almost getitng my fillings rattled out of my mouth. Got home to find my taillight had actually come unscrewed and was just laying nicely atop my gear cables. It was so nice to have an 18 mile an hour wind instead of a 30 mile wind!
Thanks Charlie... Since my previous monthly best was 874 miles (3/2011) and I broke my back one month later in April after hitting a dog, I'm definitely a proud peacock today!
(The dog was a golden retriever who escaped with a small gash and bruises!)
@Jeff - Sorry for your loss... keep an eye on Craig's List! In a recent case down here, a stolen bike was put up on Craigslist and when the police wouldn't follow-up on it the owner "stole it back" after arranging for a test-ride!
Some greasy bastard stole my bike today.
@Michael on Bicycle - those are some awesome numbers. Ride on proudly!!
I got my Trek 7300 finished this weekend!!! Thanks to Charles ("Sure, you can fix that one up. You've got plenty of hours.") for spoke replacement training, Luciano, for wheel trueing training, and Jacob, for fine brake adjustment training. Those Bike Kitchen folks know what they're doing, and slowly, they're teaching the rest of us what to do. I rode out to Pioneers Park on the road. I only took a small bit of bike trail. Pioneers Park has hills! But, I thought it was a good place to start training. It was 10 miles, roundtrip. I took 8 stops, which isn't terrific, but that's better than dying. :) That bike is an awfully nice ride. It seemed much easier than George (my mountain bike). Now, I need some sort of laziness-banishing spell...
Hi all,
I had to wait to ride this morning until the rain ended. Temps were in the 70s but it was humid, so it was a good thing there was a little breeze. I only saw 5 other riders, but two sets of riders were a mom & a kid (under 10). Most of the schools around here are out for the summer so the YMCA summer camps have started. I saw about 5 bikes parked in front of the local YMCA. YAY!
I've gotta say that you guys are inspriing me to ride more. I would normally get out on the weekends for at least 12 miles per day and then get out one other weekday if possible. Now I wake up and think, I've gotta ride today, its the National Bike Challenge. I think about all of you guys who are out there riding too, and I push myself to ride closer to 20- 25 miles. Also, I keep reminding myself that I should ride on some roads where I almost never see other cyclists. I say, at least people will see me and maybe somebody might think: "Hey, I can ride there too...."
@ Pamela, sorry to learn of the death of another cyclist.
Ride safe everyone and please remember to watch for riders when you are driving!
On Friday morning this past weekend I was eating breakfast inside our pop up camper when I saw a deer walking down the road past our camp site. I got a nice pic of him:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/464268_3380222067655_267340267_o.jpg
Thanks National Bike Challenge, I've risen to the challenge!
I Just checked my history since I got my Edge 305 (GPS enabled cyclometer) in 2006... totaling 35,102.47 miles. This month I've broken all my records, total miles: 1187.54 and total miles cyclommuting: 842.86 at an average speed of 18.8 mph (includes today's tough ride in at 16.1, pushing into Beryl's wind). This brings my total cyclommuting miles to over 12,915.99 miles since May 2008.
Thanks to everyone ahead of me for being my personal carrot, I couldn't have done it without you! LOL My daughter graduates from HS on Thursday so I only have my cyclommute home and tomorrow but I will surpass 1200 miles for the month.
The most miles I ever rode in one month in my life was 924 miles in August last year. There is a possibility of me breaking this record this month, since I have rode 832 miles this month with 3 days still remaining this month. I'm planning on joining the group ride tonight at Cranked Bike Studio in Neenah, which is a 30 mile ride. I really enjoyed the group ride last Tuesday night. There were about 50 riders that showed up last week and was really cool riding through downtown Neenah with such a large group. We all stay together in a group until we get to Hwy. 76 on County G. Then west of Hwy. 76, everyone hammer's down and the group begins to split into several smaller groups. I can possibly keep up with the fastest group, if I can stay in their draft, but if I once fall out of their draft, forget it. lol. The 2nd fastest group is more to my level and even that group was a challenge for me.
Charlotte Spokes People is #1 in Charlotte area. We have 3 people who will hit Platinum soon. We hope all team members hit Platinum during the contest period. A cyclist was killed in Charlotte, NC this morning. Ride safe.
Steve Roberts round trip 104 mile commute to work every day to Ohio University does seem rather odd. Why live so far from work? At my average speed of 18 mph that would take me almost 3 hours of riding each way. I wouldn;t have any energy left to do any work after I got to work. Riding 6 hours to and from work every day would be all the work I could do. lol
Another great 30 mile Morning ride around the Phoenix valley. Great way to start the day before work.
No ride yesterday, no ride today or tomorrow (have to go out of town for work) so that only leaves Thursday to add some miles/points before the books close on this month. I'm happy enough making the Gold this month, and riding 350 miles (mostly commuting) miles for the month. Will miss my bike the next few days while I'm in Lake City working and attending training.
Woo Hoo ! I hit Gold over the weekend, riding an antique single speed cruiser around the lake!
please vote this: https://getsatisfaction.com/endomondo/topics/set_the_rhythm_of_your_run_min_km_mi
I am in Sunset Beach which is right below Southport. Beautiful here for sure! Had a great ride to work this morning. Quiet and peaceful, great way to start the work week after a 3 day weekend! Hope all those commuters out there are having a good ride this morning!
@Leonard, that does sound lovely. Usually all of my miles are in the city-I'm working on finding nearby routes that aren't. The refuge is not close, about 45 minutes. I won't be joining you all on the commute today but I'll see you on the roads tomorrow. :) Happy trails!
@ Heather, Sounds like a beautiful place to ride. I'm fortunate in that one road I ride on borders a state park and another goes through a wildlife refuge, never know what I will be seeing in these areas. Glad you were able to have such a wonderful ride.
@ Michael, Congratulations on reaching 2,000+ mile and for doing a century on a cruiser. That takes extra effort - remember it's not the equipment, it's the engine driving the equipment. (Sometimes the engine has to work harder to drive the equipment to achieve the same results!!)
I just hit my 2000th mile. For fun I did it on my Free Spirt 3spd, that I earned and rebuilt at the Topeka Community Cycle Project. I got home at 77.3 miles so I went out for another 28. Now I can say, I've done a century (hundred miles) on a steel frame crusier. As for Mr. Roberts who claims 200+ miles today, I don't care! Claim what you want, I don't believe it, and as far as I'm concerned Leonard is my ONLY remaining challenge. It just peeves me that you had to ruin the rankings. I have my witnesses, you just have claims. GROW UP!
I only got one ride in this weekend- a leisure one at a wildlife refuge here. It was a beautiful day and ride. I am so excited for the first major prize drawings! Good luck everyone! Gregg, your milage is just amazing.
I'm thinking I'll make platinum by the end of next week! Sweet! Anxious to see who wins the prizes this month! Hope they post that.
Nice job, Gregg!
Only 3 more days this month. I should be able to reach Platinum before the end of May. I just need to bike to work all 3 days, plus an additional 13 miles by 11:59 pm Thursday.
Just spent a great weekend at the US Men's National Championship in Greenville SC--great win by Tim Duggan LOTS of bikes and folks out riding. Got to ride a little Saturday in Greeneville and as far as I could up the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Mt. Mitchell from the Folk Art Center on Sunday. Western NC is one of my favorite places in the world. Looking forward to commuting to work as much as possible this summer. Maybe I'll win some swag.
I spent the 3 day weekend camping near Wautoma, Wisconsin and also took a day trip to Mt. Olympus, the largest waterpark and theme resort (160 acres) in Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world. It was only an hour's drive away from our campground and I had 3 free water park tickets. There is no lack of moving water in this city, which has hundreds of resorts, hotels, campgrounds with metropolis of waterparks and with many of them that are indoor for year around fun,even in the winter. The population of this city is only about 2,600, so it is a great place for college students to find summer and part time jobs because there are more tourists here than residents everyday The beauty of the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton area with the scenic rock formations on the Upper & Lower Dells, along with every type of water ride and slide you can think of attracts thousands of tourists every day of year. The city is also very tourist bike friendly by providing bike lanes all over for tourists to visit the city, including the downtown tourist trap of sovenir shops, attractions, and eating places.
Hi all,
Instead of a ride today, I had more of an adventure! My daughter & I rode to a local coffee shop. She had a pinch flat and a fellow rider (Charley) stopped and gave us a hand changing it. Other people at the convenience store where we pulled over to change it also offered help. People can be sooo nice!! BTW Charley was getting ready to ride in Massachusetts. He and his son were going ride 200 miles in two days to raise money to fight cancer. Go Charley!!
Yes, we did get to the coffee place, had breakfast outdoors and then stopped at a local sports store to get a new tube and get an opinion on the shape of the tire. It was okay, so just a new tube for now.
Didn't get a rider count today, but saw several people out riding and several having coffee, etc. We saw one family riding with their kids (both under 10) so kudos to that family. We also saw the granny on the three wheeler!
And yeah, we got home before the temperature got into the 90s. However, the humidity was already pretty bad.
Happy Memorial Day everyone!
@Cynthia I used to live in Southport, NC. Loved it there.
Commuting to work and running errands around town its a great feeling and allows one to have a sense of community. As you ride around town you start to notice others who are doing the same. Its great fun, great excerise and so freeing. I would encourage anyone who has ever wanted to start commuting by bike, just try it one day and you will be hooked! I live in a rural coastal environment and its nice to know that I am doing my part to help protect the area and reducing car pollution.
Any one out there from southeastern north carolina?
What a great morning to log in some miles! Wahoo!
Is there a way to search for a specific, rider,workplace, community, or state in the standings?
There is a state based leaderboard. Click National, then leaderboard, then states.
I am pleasantly surprised how much this mobile app motivates me to ride. When the weekly miles reset on Sunday, that zero miles bugs me and I really want to post a ride. I enjoy seeing where other people ride, gives me ideas for new places to ride.
@Nyla - Thanks. Then its just me. I just sent them a follow-up message. They must not like my avatar choices.
Martin...my Wisconsin local option disappeared briefly during the "allegedly" Vermont-engineered California/Wisconsin "cybersabotoge incident" (-; ...and I had log in again for the local challenge when it reappeared, but it has been consistently available since then.
I prefer to use my GPS, but the battery life on my phone is too short and I can't always get it recharged in the middle of my ride. Then, I use my speedometer data to fill in the gap, or replace the lost data (which happens every time my phone loses power before stopping the ride)..
@ Ray, when I hit local it only shows Topeka, KS for communities on the leaderboard. I know there are more cities participating.
New Mexico does not goes easy on riders. Winds have been in my face all week. Nonetheless, got the gold!
I have a 10 mile loop around my house an I've probably done 200 laps now this year. It hasn't gotten old yet cause part of it runs next to beautiful lake Erie and it goes through some awesome neighborhoods. All on bike lanes or paths. Many are suprised to hear it but Ohio does have some very beautiful locations.
@Ray - I haven't seen a local option since Thursday or Friday morning of the first week, when NBC said they had a problem for Wisconsin and California, ande jokingly said it was Vermont's fault. Later on Friday, they said it was fixed. I didn't see it. I sent them a message Sunday or Monday, and someone asked me some follow-up questions, as they didn't seem to know about the problem. I haven't heard anything since. Does anyone from Wisconsin have a local option, (or am I the only one that doesn't have it)?
I ride alot of the same miles day in and day out. All are mapped. I enjoy the ride regardless of repetitiveness. I am glad mine are all mapped also because of all the questions with the top rankings.
Hi all, just back from a 24+ mile ride. Out last night with a bunch kids celebrating the end of school with a picnic & campout, including burning old homework and letters from colleges they chose not to apply to. Donuts at about 6 AM and when we got home everyone was out jogging in the 70+ weather. Decided to get my ride in before the temps reach the 90s. Gonna go read until the zzzzs catch up with me.
Saw 50+ riders today including a man who was riding with his son, about age 10-12 and a guy walking his dog while riding his bike. Forgot to mention that yesterday I saw a granny riding an adult sized three-wheeler. GO GRANNY GO!
RIDE ON EVERYONE!!!!
Michael - look at the top of the page, to the left of leaderboard, you should see National / Local. Click on local and it will switch to state, then click leaderboard again.
Can a developer please add a state based leaderboard.
Joses Waller: Sounds like a good time to leave town for your rides.
Glad I got my 500 points in before now...wildfire smoke has blanketed the city I live in, and there's no way I'm gonna exercise in that stuff.
@Michael L - That does look strange, to say the least.
Roman, I know you (and your sister) ride your miles, and know your computers are properly set. Unfortunately I have seen some people log in miles for days that haven't started, and I just lost my second place (National) to someone who just recently logged in a supposed 104 miles a day except Sundays. Frankly, I just don't believe he always did the exact mileage 6 days a week and couldn't post them until the 26th of the month. That would bore the tar out of me doing the exact same century 22 of the past 26 days.
This week has been strange for even the Midwest. Winds have been in the 20 + MPH range from mainly the East and Southerly directions. just makes another ride with resistance training I guess.
One of our Mind Brain Social Club Riders had his wheel get stuck in a deep crack in the road this week, went over the handle bars and broke his collar bone... Please send Pat Gilbert some good vibes and keep him in your thoughts and prayers...
Micael on Bicycle: actually, I'm coding in Haskell on Linux. Strange choices, but they are the (current) end result of years of exploring programming languages.
the space coast was HOT this afternoon, and as usual the wind during the day likes to fight back !!! fun, short, good ride!!!!
I went 65 miles in the Williamsburg Weenie Ride that covers Williamsburg/James City County, York County and New Kent. The ride was not for weenies though there were so many truckin' hills that the last 15 miles were my toughest yet. Three Saturdays in a row of doing 60+ miles I'm taking next Saturday off well I won't be doing 60 miles anyway.
Hi all, 25 miles this morning. Wanted to get out before it got hot (will be 90 later today), and about 109 other riders had the same idea. At least that is how many I counted, there may have been a few more, at least one group was large and hard to count because we were passing each other going different directions. Guess I should go to the local bike shops and leave info. about the challenge. I wonder how many of them are participating. At any rate that was a new record for how many riders I have seen without me being on an organized ride!
My sister is looking for a made in USA road bike. Doesn't have to be brand new, so I was poking around on the internet to see what I could find out. Came up with this:
www.usstuff.com/bikes.htm and a few discussion forums.
WARNING: Some places in Missouri are ticketing people who have bike racks on their car. If the rack covers up the rear license plate they can give you a ticket. So somebody came up with the idea of letting us buy a third license plate (its like a temporary plate) that matches the regular plate and goes inside the rear window. So hopefully that legislation passes and we can get these third plates so we don't get ticketed. My husband thinks its becuase the cameras at traffic lights can't catch you if the plate is covered up... Makes me want to go put warnings on the cars of people with bike racks....
@ Gary Yeah, I know we probably won't get anywhere with LS/JVZ, too bad, because they have the song that would make a great ad. But Rush drummer Neil Peart has actually done some major bicycling. If you are interested, check out his book "The Masked Rider" about his bicycling in west Africa.
@ Burklee, love how you are getting into the challenge. I'd happily donate my miles to your team if I could, just to help Lincoln beat Omaha. LOL
today was a very hot ride in the 90 % range.42.2 miles 2 Hrs 12mins 19 avg. we started out with a large group today.
Missed the rain. great morning and great ride. Love cool mornings like this in Utah.
Chilly and rainy in SE Wisconsin this morning. I think my bike will stay in the garage till it clears up. Need to check the weekend weather reports. I was really hoping to clock some miles these three days!
Nice ride around north of Okeechobee, FL today with a breese out of the north-north-east. 44.7 miles in two hours 15 minutes, for a fast average and brought my weekly miles up to 115+. Feel good about that considering I didn't commute on the bike two days this week. Now if I can keep it down to two beers this weekend, I have about hit my mark for the week and my continued weight loss.
Roman - I agree with you 100%. I have not found any instances of riders "cheating ". The first week there were some multiple entry issues as people got used to the system, but these were quickly self-addressed. I have been impressed with the people here on NBC, in fact, it has made me more hopeful for the world as I see the kindness of strangers.
Thanks for your input.
Since the purpose of this challenge is to get as many backsides on bikes as possible, I'm not sure I understand the snarkiness of some of the comments here...not all of us have GPS or GPS compatible phones. I've ridden every mile I've logged and so have all the people on my team. Why assume people are making things up just because their technology isn't as good as yours?
sorry just found out it was a pound - it was meant for me to eat it all.... who knew
Wife just fueled me up for tomorrows ride. Half a pound of bacon and some eggs.
not questioning miles rode just the amount of miles on certain individuals. I enjoy and appreciate the integrity of most people on this site.
Savanni - I'm a developer as well, working in .NET. I presume you have a Mac, what platform do you code in?
HI again, just reading the posts cause I have a couple of minutes.
@ Cora, glad you got a chance to read the article. Donating the old bike to a women's shelter is a great idea. If you take it to the bike shop for some tweaking, let other people know your idea, you may inspire others to make similar donations.
@ Scott, I have been using wet wipes for years. I keep a pack in my handlebar bag. If they get dried out, just add water (which we all presumably carry with us)
@ Carlos, don't quit riding. Check the League of American Bicyclists site or your local bike store to find out who in your area is working to make it a better place to ride.
@ Ray, I have the same issue with bike racks. We need more. The Bike Wisconsin ride I did a couple of years ago has the riders vote at the end of the week and picks their favorite overnight spot (mostly schools) and dontates a bike rack. There must be ways we can encourage businesses to put up proper bike racks, or to get cyclists together to offer to buy bike racks and put them up in favorite shopping spots Take your bike in the store with you and if they say something tell them you couldn't find their bike rack. You could use it like a shopping cart if you have a city bike with a basket on the front. LOL
@Michael on Bicycle: thanks for telling me about SportTracks. It's a windows-only program, so I can't use it, *but* I'm hacking my own similar program. Primarily because I'm a nerd and proud of it, and primarily because the only thing I enjoy doing more than riding is writing useful programs. Who knows when I'll be done, though, because I spend most of my time on work.
I don't track using this site either...does that mean I'm logging miles that I never road?
Maybe they use a different GPS? Maybe the bike everywhere and don't drive? Why all the hostility?
I am going to go out and ride before the afternoon storms come in. Got to keep muscles warmed up for 80 mile charity ride tomorrow. Should end up with 100 + as i am riding to the event and back as leonard would do.
"As you accumulate Challenge Points, you will achieve prize levels. This will automatically enter you in the prize drawing at that level." People *don't* get prizes simply for entering miles. You're entered into a drawing for prizes at each level.
I finally got my guy on his bike AND in this challenge but his gps app isn't tracking properly, like so many before him that complained about it. His is only tracking the duration, not the miles. Mine works perfectly and always has. It's a shame. He has an old iphone that isn't on the current IOS and I wonder if that has something to do with it. I will look at some of the support stuff this weekend, because Maryland needs help!
I dont know if they do just hoping they do. I am in top 30 and have had people pass me doing more miles then leonard. As a matter of fact at the rate they are adding miles they might pass him. I dont question leonards as they are very realistic and consistent.
Well when you're unemployed some days all you do is bike.
I use a gps thank god. I have seen some questionable miles myself. Looks like some live on their bikes and dont sleep.
Most of the top leaders don't use GPS and put in "transport" miles of >100??? Can I just add 1000 miles per day and jump to the lead? Really... I hope there is a validation check prior to giving out prizes to these people.
We just passed 100 miles logged per person in the NBC!
43.2 mile ride today. My longest yet! Told a group of riders about the challenge so hopefully our numbers grow! I had a lady get as close behind me as she could and lean on the horn...repeatedly. I was on a 4 lane road, as far to the right as possible, and there was noone in the next lane. I hate people. I turned around and waved...
Safety is definitely a major concern when it comes to bicycling, but bike friendly also means ample places to secure your bike. Other than fences, cart corrals and sign posts, places to lock my bike when going to the store, a restaurant, etc are mostly nonexistent around me. I have biked to the grocery store and locked my bike to the fence, but last time I biked to a fast food joint for takeout, I was left to lock my bike to itself and hope for the best. For me, that is the primary reason I don't bike for transport more often. Bike lanes won't help if people won't use them because they can't lock up their bike when they arrive.
@ Christine & Heather - You got GOLD! Woohoo!!
There are 4 women on my team. The four of us hold the top four places on the team. Three of us have gold, the fourth will have it by the 31st, if she remembers to enter her miles. At the ice cream social last friday, I was talking to the person who's in 2nd place on the team. She confessed to secretly being in competition with me..."I get in every morning and quick enter my miles so that I can be in first. At least until you log in." (I knew she had some competitiveness in her!) Of course, I hear that, and instantly in my head I'm saying, "Ok, IT"S ON!!" I was actively trying to keep 1st place as the captain, but now it's serious! Before, it was just that I wanted our team to beat the other state agency teams, and for Lincoln to beat Omaha. Now, it's personal!!! LOL. The competition does add a little spice to the Challenge, doesn't it?
It's not terribly likely to rain tomorrow, so I'll get up and put some miles on my bike. (Then, tomorrow night, the 25 year class reunion. Duhn, duhn, DUHN. (Trepidation mixed with morbid curiousity.) I am lovin' this. Get out there and ride safe over the long weekend, everyone.
E M - I'm like @Savanni D'Gerinel, anoher reason I like SportTracks is my data is stored on my computer, they're mine!
Hey E M, if you're still using Garmin tools, check out SportTracks, it gives you more control of your data. For example, you can tell it to ignore time when under a preset speed. This allows you to keep the Garmin collecting data even when not moving and then you decide how to display the data later (like a filter). I don't want to bore others so here's the link... http://zonefivesoftware.com/sporttracks. It exports GPX files suitalbe for importing into Endomondo (and other sites).
Way to go Christine, great to hear about your lights, they do make a difference!! Make sure the rear is adjusted level and straight behind for best visibility. For example, don't adjust the rear light slightly to the left for passing cars. I mentioned it before but it can't be said too much.
To level the rear:
Place rear wheel near wall with light on and "mark" the light on the wall with a post-it note.
now, walk the bike away from the wall, the light size will grow but it should say on post-it note., adjust as necessary and then tighten it tight. Your light will now be visible the furthest away it's capable of.
Way to go Carlos, keep at it! On advocacy, I feel the same way and have been attending local BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) meetings for coming on two years. Using my helmet camera I've created video clips and documented unsafe cycling conditions for the BPAC. This provides them physical evidence to request changes. In your area check out: http://www.miamidade.gov/mpo/m12-comm-bpac.htm (hopefully you didn't mean Ohio! lol)
BTW - you didn't mention, why three falls? Are these from avoidance maneuvers or possibly equipment failures? (we know it's not operator error) ;-)
Good on you, Carlos! Keep on biking, but be sure you are SAFE as you do. I see signs saying people don't see motorcycles...they see bicycles even less. Wear bright clothes, even a safety vest. I just bought some strobing lights for the front and rear of my bike, not just for at night, but to increase my daytime visibility. My first year back on a bike (after a 45 year hiatus!) I had quite a few spills. It was odd to have scraped knees again after all those years! Take care, Carlos. Be safe and ride well!
Alright Carlos! Stick with it, man. Being out there riding is the first step to making things safer for all.
Yesterday, I fell off my bike for the third time since this challenge started. "Bikes Belong" but apparently I don't belong on a bike, or at least that's what my wife said. But I'm enjoying myself too much to take her comment to heart and I'm not going to let a few scrapes keep me from all the benefits of riding. Since I've been riding to work frequently, I've been able to identify areas that are dangerous for riders in Miami and I started hoping that people will see me and say "This street is too dangerous for that guy to be riding on it, let’s make this street more safe for him to ride" Knowing Miami residents, they are more likely to say "That guy is slowing me down, he should get off my street." This means I can't wait around hoping for uninterested people to do things for me. As I wait for my minor wounds to heal for next week’s commutes, I'm going to join the ranks of local cyclists who have already started working to making the streets safer to ride (You ARE out there.... right?). After the streets are safer, people may see me riding and say, “Look at that guy, I can and will do that too.”
Keep at it everybody, stay safe and congrats on all your personal achievements.
HI all, its 11am and I'm just sitting down to record this. I was out at 7:00 to ride while the temps were still in the 70s. Its supposed to get up to 90 later today. I saw 9 other riders, two of whom were kids. One of them was a girl riding her bike to school. WOO HOO!!
@ Christine & Heather, two pedals up for making gold!
RE, recording the miles. I have a Garmin that records my mileage, route, and a bunch of other cool stuff (including how many calories I burn, my fav.). I just load it on my computer and copy the total to Endomondo. No need to give up your current system just to participate.
RE: kids & bikes, the League of American Bicyclists has also been working with kids & safe bicycling: Check out the article: "Cabbage patch Targets At-risk Youth with a Safe Urban Biking Program" http://cabbagepatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2012AmericanBicyclist.pdf
RE: riding to work, I know there have been articles about this recently. Maybe a search on the Internet would reveal some of them. I know workplaces with bike lockers and showers are something to aspire to. Of course, my workplace has all that good stuff, cause I work from home. A "Bicycle Friendly Business" is part of the League of American Bicyclist's challenge program. Others are bicycle friendly community, state, and campus. Maybe I should apply to be rated as a "bicycle friendly business" LOL
RIDE ON PEOPLE RIDE ON....
Thank you E M for sharing this article _ http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/urban-legend
.
This was a powerful story, and well worth the read. I've just gotten a new El-cheapo bike, and my husband wanted to sell the old one to a recyler, but after reading that story, I am going to donate it to our local battered woman's shelter. It may not be the best bike anymore, but maybe it will still help make someone's life a little brighter. Maybe I can convince a local bike shop to give it a tune up before I donate it.
Michael on Bicycle, THANK YOU for that great information! I bike less than 2 miles to work but I can still get pretty sweaty in that short time. Fortunately, I work in a relatively casual environment (bookkeeper at a church) and so far, no one's complained about my clothes being all over my office or any uuuuhhhh aromas (??) therein. You should write a primer for newbies: So You Think You Want to Bike to Work? Really excellent information!
I end up writing down my daily time and mileage in a file that I've been keeping for eight years. Then I go over to endomondo and just enter the mileage for the day.
The huge number of applications and websites that all do the same thing is rather off-putting for me. I joined Endomondo for this challenge. Years ago I joined Green Light Ride for a different challenge. In that case I stopped logging there as soon as the challenge end, and I'll likely do the same here on Endomondo. But I'll keep my file and the application that can read for the rest of my life. Maybe they can engrave my lifetime miles on my headstone. :D
I don't use Endomondo or ener manually. I have a gps-enabled cyclometer (probably like your friend, Christine), after uploading to MY app (not on internet), I can export a GPX file. This GPX file can then be uploaded to Endomondo... a couple of steps but easy.
Scott - Great idea! ALL Silver riders should receive a package... Handled correctly, it creates a new product and audience to target that Kimberly Clark helped to create! Perhaps the points could be used as a multiplier to determine the number of coupons received? lol
@Christine - I'm amazed at the scepticism tat I've been finding, too. Keep on working on him. Maybe after you tell him of your latest accomplishment...
Scott, I've got a buddy in Maryland I keep telling about the NBC, but he's stubborn and hasn't joined. He uses another app to track his miles and doesn't want to change or enter them by hand. Hey, I've been trying, and I'll keep on him. He used to be the worlds worst (best?) couch potato, now he pedals his arse all over the county and runs marathons!
@Heather @Christine - Congratulations on the great accomplishment!!!!! You've acheived GOLD before any Olympians this year! Now, set your sight on Platinum and beyond!
Heather -- good job on the gold, but even better job riding it for Maryland! I've been trying to get us ahead of Virginia, and back into the top 20, and we've done both, for the moment anyhow!
Christine -- I find baby wipes to be a great way to freshen up upon arrival at work. Hey Rob -- KCC ought to be doing some sort of cross-promotion here. 50 packs of unscented wipes as monthly bronze prizes! What do you say?
I've thought about getting one of those mosquito net hat things from the outdoor store, but not sure how well they "breathe" or how they would impact visibility after dark. I have a basic pair of safety glasses from the hardware store that I wear at night or cloudy days in place of sunglasses. They do a very good job of keeping things out of my eyes. The worst thing is when you are taking a deep breath just as a bug decides to fly into your mouth ;)
Welcome Christine & Heather to a fun and healthy lifestyle, sounds like you'll both be continuing well after this challenge ends! Looks like many yearling's are discovering the enjoyment and advantages of cyclommuting over carmmuting.
I've cyclommuted over the last 4 years 2-3 times a week, a normal schedule has helped me to keep it safe and organized. Luckily my current job has shower facilities so my biggest concern is getting to work early enough to prepare and be at my desk on time.
At other jobs, I've found local gyms (sometimes hotels/motels) that will allow you shower facilities for a small monthly fee. Many gyms however, charge the full amount since cyclists can't "prove" that they'll never use any equipment. The influx of the 24/7 mini-gyms should help but not all have showers.
When I first started with my current employer, I couldn't use employee showers facilities (probation) and there were no local gyms/Y/hotels/motels around. This brought me to our last option... sponge bath or in my case paper-towels. The handi-capped stalls give plenty of room, some even have hot water! (mine didn't)
The bigger problem I've had cyclommuting is clothes, I don't like using a separate "kit" on the way home. For me, what works best is rinsing all my clothes before showering and hanging them up over the stalls (remembering to be cautious to others). After my shower I wrap them up in the towel. At one job, they would stay wrapped until ready to leave which meant putting on damp clothes... in Florida it's not so bad because you'll be wet anyhow after a few minutes on the bike, but very cold when putting on in A/C.
At my current job, I've found a place out of sight to hang the clothes, with a small fan underneath they dry in about 4 hours. Out of sight? Sometimes in offices with cubes there is space between the cube and the wall behind, I have a little less than 12". Before, I used my cube storage areas to drape my clothes with the small fan inside (you have to leave some area for air-flow or they won't dry, ie don't allow door to fully close)
A couple of other thoughts...
I always cyclommute with a backpack even when not carrying fresh clothes, why? 1) motorists respect commuters more that roadies, 2) Consistent and convenient for toiletry items, spare tube(s), tire irons, energy bars, anything I might need in a 25 mile ride. 3) Allows me to stop and pick-up items on the way home. If you need a new pack, find one with lots of reflective elements. Once you've stocked it to your satisfaction it's always there and ready to go.... one last thing to remember!
Sorry for the rambling nature, I'm just "freewheeling" after seeing these great postings! The more cyclommuters, the safer it is, the more try cyclommuting, the safer it is, the more that then try.... at some point this becomes an exponential force and can't be stopped!! Keep this up and the DOT will have to think about adding "car lanes"!
I'm so excited to see this develop! :-)
It is amazing the different textures bugs have! Some are chewy, some are crunchy! I was wondering if there was some kind of screen one could put across their mouth that would allow breathing and keep the bugs out! Or, even better, a whole face screen to keep them out of the eyes as well!
@Christine Congrats on your accomplishment! 142 miles is no joke. I am proud of you. I'm a yearling too. It really takes dedication and heart to push through sticking with this type of activity when your new at it and not the healthiest or youngest. You rock!
Congrats Christine. This challenge has really brought out my competitive side which has put me on my bike quite a bit this month. Luckily it has been dry, but quite warm. I already miss winter, back when the bugs were still hibernating. A trail following the river at dusk is not the place to be, last night was like riding through a hail storm.
my data have been gone! very sad! I am doing maunally
Finally! Got gold for May! 142 miles so far in May and the month's not over yet. Not bad for an old fart who's been riding less than a year! I'm so grateful for this challenge to really motivate me to get up and ride. (I don't know how much my co-workers appreciate all the sweat till I get cooled down, but ... oh, well!)
Heather - congrats to you and all the other Gold medal winners (me included) in NBC. Enjoy the ride!
@heather Good job on the GOLD
@Martin, emails went out to all participants yesterday about the months end. I bet that is why the miles went up big time. Today for me: GOLDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!
We had a huge increase in miles logged in on Thursday, pushing our average per day up enough to get our projected finishing mileage to over 12,000,000! Perhaps some of yesterday's miles logged included participants finally logging in miles from the first part of the month before they head out for Memorial Weekend. But we're still not doing well on total number of riders. We'll hit the half way point on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, but at this rate, we won't reach 50,000. I've told close to 10 about the NBC, but only think one of those actually signed up. Either I'm not a good salesman, when I can't even sell something that is free, fun, challenging, and rewarding, or when they see me on my avatar bke, they think I have a few screws loose and they don't want to have anything to do with something I belong to. (It's probably the latter.)
Hi everybody! Got a good ride in today. It was a little windy (from the south) but the temps were still in the 70s this morning. It got hotter later in the day and its supposed to get into the 90s tomorrow & over the weekend. So I will definitely get out early again.
My second ride today was a little crazier. Needed to play a game of musical cars so my daughter could get the one my son had. So I ended up depositing my daughter to pick up one car and drop of the other one for my son who was at work. So it was sort of a commute by me, or a half commute maybe..
RE: riding to school. I used to ride to school every chance I got when I was a kid. I continued doing so in middle school, which made me kind of a nerd. But when I got to high school 10 speeds (esp. Schwinns) were popular, so I just kept riding and didn't stick out so much then. College, you guessed it, I just kept riding. But all of that riding was in Lincoln, NE and later Madison, WI. Both bicycle friendly cities. And Lincoln in particular was easy to ride in. The streets are connected so you can get anywhere by riding on a parallel road to just about any major thoroughfare in the city.
Where I live now in the greater St. Louis area, I have to confess that I did not encourage my kids to ride to school. This place is hilly and the kids would have been walking half way to school just to get up the first hill. As for the middle school & high school, there were some side streets that could have been used most of the way, but then there were dangerous intersections that even experienced riders would hesitate to use. So unfortunately it just didn't seem like the right thing to do. I'd like to think that I picked middle ground by having the kids take the school bus as much as posible, at least to grade & middle schools. For high school it was driving, unfortunately, but at least it was driving and carpooling with other students.
Ok, so the point is that it isn't just about being able to give a kid a bike and teaching them to ride, its also very much about having a safe place to ride. A place where you would feel comfortable for kids to ride, even little ones. The average adult rider can figure out how to get around and learn safe practices. But puttting little kids on tiny bikes in the middle of traffic, just doesn't seem right. So Bicycle Friendly America has also got to mean bicycle safe America. Some communities are great but others have a long way to go. I would love to put everyone on a bike and have them take off to hang out with their friends or just go to school. But it takes committed adults to make the streets as safe as possible (crossing guards are a good start), and physically changing the streets or adding paths or taking other measures to make safe places to ride.
My rides involve some really bike friendly areas but there are a few really dangerous spots (a road suddenly narrows and there is a steep drop off to my right, a wide shoulder beside a road suddenly disappears and there is a shopping mall with lots of people turning in and out, a road crosses a highway or other dangerous intersection with no traffic light...) that I have to get through to get from one safe area to another. These are the hazards that need to be fixed.
@ Gregg, I agree that adding cycling to a school PE and/or sports program would be great. As with everything else there are challenges. Not every parent can afford $500 or more for a bike. To get a better picture of the challenges that might have to be overcome in some areas to get a cycling program started I recommend the article "URBAN LEGEND" from a recent issue of "Bicycling" Magazine. You will be inspried I think. Hopefully you can get it at this link:
http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/urban-legend,0
Paul, you are right. We are all honorable. Those winning prizes will have their data reviewed for obvious errors.
go,go,go,
Just hit gold today!!!!! Thank you National Bike Challenge. I felt I won a gold medal.
Even more sad news on the tragic accident in WI: http://bfw.org/2012/05/24/bicyclist-killed-in-marathon-county/
I'm over the start of South Australia winter already it's been 3 days of rain and very low temp it was the coldest day in thirty years yesterday only got to 12.8 degrees for the day for the month of May. Can't wait for it to warm up just a little!
Switched it up and road the local mt. Bike trails instead of a road ride. 9 miles on the trails feels like 30 on the road...props to those of you racking up your points in the woods!
After you get to the National Bike Challenge page, click the "Log Miles" button right under the big picture of the bike and path. If you've already set your commuter settings, scroll down to the correct day. Your commute miles should already be there. Click "Log" and your done!
How do u manually log miles, I have two commute days at the beginning of May, with my app was set for Cycle, Sport, and not transport... I have manually changed these two days to transport, but doesn't seem to register for my commute total
So sad, some might surmise after reading that article that the motorist is the victim. Please let us know how the investigation proceeds Cora/Wally.
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20120524/WDH0101/205240436/Woman-dies-bike-car-crash-Highway-KK
Sad. She was a hero, making it safer for others. My heart goes out for her family. I hope the motorist is held responsible (yes I'm assuming the cyclist didn't turn in front of the motorist). Unfortunately this is easier said than done in USA unless witnesses step forward. In many European countries, motorists that hit cyclists/pedestrians are presumed guilty and must prove their innocence... this appears to cause their motorists to be MUCH more careful. In Florida, about the only way a motorist gets in trouble is if they leave the scene (hit & run).
Ride like you belong, and don't forget your lights, mirror and bright jerseys.
("Ride like you belong" includes not riding so close to the curb that motorists feel they can squeeze by)
Sad news in the Wausau area. The Wausau paper reports that a woman was killed in a bike-car crash between Wausau and Mosinee. This happened just after 11 yesterday morning. Please ride safe and always watch for traffic whether you have the right of way or not.
@Brad - That's how it works at our house. Our 17-year-old likes so much to call himself a man (!). If he needs to get somewhere, he goes by bike, because when he asks for a ride, my reply is always, "Ride your bike." He's mostly stopped asking. :)
Brad, ahhh the good old days....so true, so true.
Menasha High (WI) had bicycling as a PE elective in 1976. I was in it. I also remeber that our grade school had a bike rack about 100' long and the Jefferson pool had 2 or 3 rows of racks twice that long - and they were always jambed with lots of bikes. Back then if we wanted to go somewhere, it was up to us to get there, our parents did not drive us, you wouldn't even think of asking - unless you WANTED to get laughed at.
I brought a rider in last night! Woot. I gotta get to gold now. They are calling for 85 and sunny all of the long weekend here in the mid-atlantic so I know I can get some riding in. Happy early Memorial Day Weekend!
Loving this hot sunny weather in old blighty! Brilliant for the daily commute!
Stop trying to recruit more riders for the challenge! How am I going to win that new bike with these odds?!?
@ Cora Bicycle is part of the program in Onalaska and Holmen, WI schools for sure. There may be other local schools that I don't know about.
my phone wasnt working right so i only tracked a couple miles. i mtn biked for 3-4 hours today it was a great day too. i did manage to crash 3 times and bend my brake lever.
Speaking of biking to school...
We had clubs in high school for every hobby amd interest you could think of from photograpy, to math and science, but cycling wasn't one of them. Bikes were considered kids toys back then and still are to a great degree by many people. There are guys at work that honestly don't know why I bike to work at 51 years old and why I would want to do that. Some just think I'm really wierd.
@Heather April from 5hrs ago, Yea. I'm w/ you on that kids riding to school sentiment. I read an article about a school becoming really bitchy about its students riding to school. Not giving kids bike racks for which to park their bikes, telling parents they need to carpool their kids and hiding bikes of those kids who do ride. It got me to thinking about the elementary school I went to when I moved to this neighborhood 24 years ago. I used to ride to school when I was in 6th grade here and parked my bike out front along the fence on the bike racks they had out. Those very racks are now gone and every time I ride by on a morning ride, the drive way into the school becomes a parking lot. Now granted traffic isn't moving fast so anybody getting hit wont have much damage to them, but it totally screws w/ kids getting any extra exercise that they so very much need. Schools, albiet can't do muich about their budget cuts, but have cut any and all outside play time and won't let kids be kids riding or even walking for that matter, to school. It totally blows!
that's awesome Gregg!
Way to work up an appetite Gregg!
@ Charlie That's great! It's a rare thing but I think we are getting school districts thinking that the postive benefits to cycling far outweigh any negatives they perceive.
It was so funny yeterday at Wal-Mart. I bought over $100 worth of groceries and made the check out girl give me Festival sale prices on the things I knew were on sale there, so she had to mark down prices on almost half of the things I bought at Wal-Mart. I didn't feel like hauling a whole cargo trailer of groceries from Festival in Appleton, when Wal-Mart in Neenah will sell me everything at the same price. And this lady behind me in the check out line asked, "How in the world are you going to carry all that on your bike?" I told her I have a bike cargo carrier, but I think she still thought this cargo carrier must be huge. lol I was worried a little bit, if I was going to fit everything in it and if I would have the strength to pull it all up the Cecil St. overpass over the railroad tracks. But I got it all in with no room to spare and my legs managed to pull them over the top of the Cecil overpass with a little sweat. haha
@ Gregg and everyone talking about getting cycling into their schools. Check out these links to our local program that we are introducing into all our schools this year. It's someting I feel can be used throughout the country. I've already talked to Dan Andrews and he is expecting people to be looking for more information about our program - now the ball (or bike) is in your court.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TriPOWER/355934924436553;sk=wall
@ Charlie - Where is that?
Our local public schools have bicycling as part of physical education class.
I can only teach my own youth and set an example to other parents and youth by biking according to the rules of the road myself and telling them and others the postive benefits biking has been for me. Once they see what it is doing for me and how I bike, they will be inspired to want the same thing for themselves. The primary instruction begins in the home. We have schools and programs to ASSIST parents in the education of THEIR youth , not to take over THEIR JOB. But as I already have shown schools could have more programs that would not cost that much money at all compared to other sports because you would not need much space or facility than what already is there and each family would provide their own bike for their kids for on the road riding. Many kids already have a bike that they ride, so there would be no additional expense and the ph ed teachers who are already couod just add another unit to their other units at no additional cost other than the printing of some materials. A competiive interschoalastic biking team would have bigger costs, but paying an adult to lead group rides and I would gladly be that adult and i'm sure there are literally hundreds of others adults who would do likeswise and lead a group of riders in quiet neighborhood streets or roads with safe bike lanes etc. with minimal risk of anyone getting hurt.
If the schools would include cycling and how to commute to work and other places in their physical education instruction and offer group bike rides, we wouldn't be trying to teach an old dog new tricks later and people wouldn't be staring at us when we bike to work or to the store or post office, like we are homeless street people. lol
Gregg - It begins with US. And that's one of the reasons for this whole challenge - to spread the joy of biking to others. That's why even though 10,000 of us could ride 10 million miles in 4 months, the goal is to unite 50,000 people to do it. I am teaching my son the love of biking, and I have inspired a friend to get back on a bike with her daughter. What are you doing to promote biking for youth?
Just to show you how we are failing our youth is just a couple minutes ago, I biked down to Van Zealand's on Cecil St. to check on my van and pop camper that is getting the trailer hook up fixed and a biker was coming down the bike lane against traffic head on towards me. This was no kid, but an adult who should know better. There are bike lanes on both sides of the road and there was no need to be biking against the traffic and other bicyclists--very dangerous situation with all the traffic on Cecil St. Schools could make just as much money, if not even more, with cycling included in physical eduation instruction and as an extracurricular activity. It's really just as safe as any other sport and will become even more safe when cycle instruction is taught in the schools in their physical education classes. There is absolutely no reason why it should not be taught in school just like any other sport or activity. Bicycling on the road is a life long skill that will help them their whole life.
If we really want to make more progress in biker friendly states and commnities, the place to begin is with the youth. They are the future lawmakers and is starts when they are in those formative years. If you don't get them when they are young, pretty hard to change attittude later in life. Train a child how to bike, and when he is old, he will not depart from it--a biblical adaption. lol
...and football and basketball make the schools more money. Great point Cora.
@Michael, we have a three feet law in Maryland also. I bet it's not taught in drivers ed. I didn't know about it until I started cycling and looked into the regulations.
@Gregg, there are many news articles now about kids getting in trouble for fighting for their rights to ride their bikes to school. It's ridiculous.
There are already many people qualified for teaching a unit on cycling and coaching it just like any of the other sports and they would be more than willing to for extra pay just like the coaches get paid for ther other sports , but let's face it, school districts don't see cycling to be as beenficial as these other sports. The interest is there and is growing every day. If the schools offered it, there would be just as many kids in cycling as any other sport. But, just as many state lawmakers today come up with a hundred excuses why they can't have bike lanes and bike trails, so we are facing the same problem in the school districts who think any money spent on cycling is foolish and a waste of money. Until we change these attitdues first, nothing will ever happened because they will have a hundred ecuses why it can't be done, just like many states and the federal government use when they propose no funding for bike lanes and bike trails. They'll use the money excuse to their dying day, yet when it comes to other things, then they can spend billions and not blink an eye. The problem with having cycling in the schools is parents and other adults don't see biking as important as other sports.
Hi Greg. I think it has more to do with the history and perception of cycling in the U.S. There is no tradition of cycling in U.S. schools. Most people don't even think of cycling as a competitive sport. Rather cycling is something for kids and maybe for exercise. I think that is gradually changing - but it will take time. I think its a great idea to get cycilng into mainstream school athletics - but it will take a ground-roots push to make it happen. Think back 30-40 years ago when relatively few schools had soccer programs. It was all private clubs. Now most schools have teams because of the growth and popularity of the sport.
Bicycling is much more safer than many other sports. The liability issuue is just a cop out, tpo. They have no libility issue with a swimming pool or hockey, or football, or wreastling, weight lifiting room, which are much more dangerous and kids receive injuries in these sports and there have even been drownings and deaths in football and track and field sports, but that's ok, but cycling is too dangerous? It's all excuses because let's face our country does not see cycling as beneficial as these other sports they support and spend millions of dollars for.
@Gregg - There is a difference between extra-curricular sports that you mention and physical education - which was what you initially started talking about. In many school districts boys football and basketball bring in more money than they spend, and these additional funds are then used to upgrade training facilities for these sports (including weight rooms).
When it comes to pools - these are normally used by the community as well, and generally the revenue from community activity makes them self supporting as well.
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Yes - schools could start a bike club or team if they wanted to, where each child would supply theie own bike, as they do with hockey where they must supply their own equipment - BUT - the interest would have to be there first - AND - there would need to be an adult willing to supervise and coach such a group.
If this is something you really want to see happen, then you should suggest it to your local school and offer to serve as the coach. They just might take you up on it.
Parents can spend $1000 or more for a basketball tournament weekend on motels, meals, gas, admission tickets, shopping etc, but they can't afford a bike for their child to ride. Give me a break!
@E M - hah... We all know there are people that we can motivate and change for something like this, but with LS/JVZ? No way. Think of those people or stereotypes that wouldn't be caught dead doing something.. Better to influence 100 people that you might have a chance with, than a few that would rather be dead (or write a song making fun of you! "Well, I heard Mr. Young sing about her...)
Another issue might be the school's liability; what would happen if a student, as part of a school group, was injured/killed on the street?
Cost is just a cop out. Biking is no more expensive than any other sport. In fact it is less costly compared to a lot of other sports. The schools have money to build swimming pools and the cost of maintaining a swimming pool is much greater than equipping a little room with some stationary bikes. Money is not an issue for equipping weight rooms, but a bike studio they have no money for? I don't buy the cost thing because they have money for every other sport that costs a lot more than cycling does. Do you think hockey gear and equipment is cheap? Ask my niece how cheap it was to equip her son to play hockey in school. It's in the thousands. But a parent can't afford to buy their child a bike? It's mixed up priorities that is the issue here, not cost, because money is not an issue when it come to these other expensive sports the schools all have. The parents themselves would buy, own , and maintain their own child's bike and they don't have to buy the latest Cannondale bike at $8,000. There are good quality bikes on the market that would serve a child well that are $500-$1,000 for cycling, which is much less than the cost for hocky gear and equipment. They don't have to spend $8,000. Many sports that schools have today like swimming and hockey and weight training cost a whole lot more than a bike studio. Millions of dollars are spent on weight room facilities, gyms, swimming pools etc., but they don't have money for a bike studio. It's all an issue or priority and not cost. And cycling is not one of the schools priorities because they don't see it as beneficial as the other sports they have. Shame on them and is one of the reasons why our country is in a crisis because of mixed up priorities, not money. Money is not the issue by any means when you see how much money both schools and prarents spend for other sport. They have no problem spending thousands of dollars for new sports uniforms, when there is nothing wrong with the uniforms they have, but theye have no money for a bike jersey? And the schools wouldn't even have to spend money on bike jerseys, but let the parents pay for their own child.
@Gregg - It's all about $$ - Bikes are expensive pieces of equipment, and it's just not in a school budget to purchase enough bikes, stationary or otherwise, expecially now when budgets have been slashed in many states.
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In my high school, we had a golf unit - because our gym teacher happened to be a golf pro, and happened to own a golf course - and would bring clubs in for us to use. If the same opportunity were available with bikes, I'm sure schools would offer the instruction.
It could actually be a great promotional opportunity for local bike shops - Offer to loan bikes to local schools at the end of the model year, and then offer discounts to kids in those classes.
My daughter just went through driver's education at her high school... I'd be happy if they just taught Florida's "three foot" law.
FS 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing A Vehicle
The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.
How about your state? Best to check, many other states have enacted a similar statute.
We all need a "Leonard" setting in our lives, to aspire to!
E M Matteson, property values go up when there are bike lanes?!?! I've got some gutter yellow paint in my garage. Guess what I'm painting in the road in front of my house?? BTW, I wish I could take credit for the "Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Leonard" but it was Burklee who said it first!
Cora - or for an alternative : "When I look down, I just miss all the good stuff, and when I look up, I just trip over things".
I don't understand why our schools don't incorporate units on cycling and teach kids how to ride safely on the road in their physical education classes. Not everyone is athletic and gifted in team sports , track and field, tennis, golf, swimming etc. Perhaps a lot more students (even teens) would discover the fun and sport in riding a bike and bike racing. The schools could even have group rides and competitive bike teams that compete with other schools just like the other competitve sports they have now.. If my high school would have given me some instruction in cycling in my phy ed class and also offered it as a sport, I probably would have gotten interested in cycling sooner than waiting until I am 50 years old. They taught me just about every sport you can think of and in our unit on bowling, our class met at the local bowling alley. But one sport noticeably absent from our schools even today is cycling. Why? Some of the time in phy ed class could be classroom instruction, teaching some basic things about cycling and rules of the road and every school should have a cycle studio with RPM classes. Most kids in elementary, middle school, high school, and college would love cycle classes like this and in fall and spring could have cycle clubs where students go for rides after school. If we really want to solve our obesity problem and ill health in this country and promote cycling as a fun and worthwhile activity we have to start young and the place to begin is in our schools with cycling classes, group rides, sport cycling, and classroom instruction on how to ride safely, teaching the rules of the roads. Can anyone explain to me why our schools are not doing this? Why do our schools have a phobia with cycling. Are they that afraid of a bike to include instruction on biking? Why is cycling noticably absent from physical education and sports programs in our schools? Can anyone explain to me why this is the case? I just don't get it. Kids are missing out on all the positive benefits they can receive from cycle classes, both stationary and road, and are not being introduced to the growing popularity of the sport of cycling with many not discovering until thy are over 50 years old. Unlike many sports today, this is a sport that can become of part of their life and postively change their life in so many ways to their dying day when they ride safely.
Thanks @Burklee you said it a lot better than I have! The other good part is even for those that don't keep it up after the challenge, they'll have more respect for those cyclists sharing the road with them!!
@Leonard - That's just like my favorite quote "Always reach for the stars, for if you don't achieve them, you'll only fall in the clouds."
Morning ride today. Temps in the 70s and a bit of wind from the south and later from the west. Spotted 6 other riders today.
@ Burklee, you are really capturing the spirit of this whole adventure.
@ Christine, I think we should have "Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Leonard" as a t-shrit for everyone who rides the NBC!
@ Gary, Lynyrd Skynard & Jimmy Van Zant not bike friendly? Maybe somebody needs to get some bikes and get these people out of the bus to go for a REAL RIDE. They might remember or realize how much fun it is and then they could let us borrow a little from the song for a great cause.
Got some new sidewalka and walking/ biking paths around here lately. Somebody musta heard the rumor that proparty values actually go up when you add bicycling and biking paths.
@ Burklee, I'm laughing so hard I've got tears in my eyes. Thanks for the comments. I've always believed in shooting for the stars, if you don't make it at least you are out in the solar system :-)
I agree with you about the points system - the whole idea behind this challenge is to get as many people out riding as possible. It is much better to have 20 people riding 5 miles a day than 1 person riding 100 miles a day (oh, did I just take a poke at myself???).
We are being the change we want to see in the world - guess what I want to see!!!!!
Burklee, we need a LOVE button on these posts! Thanks for the explanation of why I (who ride so few miles, but do it for transportation - despite the new Fiat in my driveway!) have more points than someone who is a long distance rider. I couldn't for the life of me figure that out. The second paragraph of your post makes me more determined than ever to leave the car parked and use my bike as often as I'm able!
I got some really strange looks here in my office when I laughed out loud at "Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Leonard". Very funny, even if it is true!
@Timothy - The really interesting part about the 2M miles... Out of the 24,122 registered riders, only 15,862 have any points. 8,260 people haven't logged any miles. Just think what the mileage would look like if they all added what they've got! The 2M plus miles breaks down to average 131 miles per person. (Yes, I'm an accountant by training.) And then there's Leonard who, having surpassed Platinum, will soon acheive Plutonium status. His Mileage should be measured in trips around the solar system, not just to the moon. Wow. Maybe they should make a status named for him; Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Leonard. I wanna be like Leonard when I grow up.
I was just thinking about the point system. I know some don't like it, as you can have more miles than another, but still be behind them in the point standings. This system is pretty genius. What we want is visibility. You don't get that by just hitting the trails on the weekends. You get it by getting on your bike multiple times per week to get yourself around... to work, the store, the library, your friend's house, school. That's really what will change things for bicycling, and that's what this point system promotes. When people are sitting in rush hour traffic, at another stop light, or they can't merge to avoid construction, and a bike goes zipping by on the trail by the road, maybe they'll see that and think,"I could do that. That could be me, actually moving." And then, there's one less car. The person benefits, and the environment benefits, and the economy benefits, and biking benefits. It's very Ghandian. We are being the change we want to see in the world. Bravo, riders, bravo!
Right on Ferdinand's tail.
2 million miles already, outstanding. Still need a lot more riders so don't forget to talk it up with your friends, even if they don't have a smart phone they can still log and track their rides.
@Christine - a classmate of mine is a guitarist on tour with JVZ band, some of the remnants of Lynyrd Skynyrd. They are definitely not into cycling (mostly the tour bus and tearing things up)!!! Check out Jimmy Van Zant on Facebook...
Severe thunderstorms the next few days... bummer.
Rest of the week raining and hailing winds -won't be riding again :-(
Hello Trek Nation,
I must admit I'm jealous, yet inspired to see my fellow TREK family from the UK, come over and Commute from the Mansion Hill Inn to Waterloo for the duration of their stay, which has been everyday that ends with a Y. Even if I had the leisure of luxury and the time of pleasure, I'm not quite sure my commitment and devotion would allow me to take the hike everyday(20 +miles). However, as I watch and listen to the camaraderie, and sarcasm of the Brits (while they sip espresso), I know why neither one of these great guys have a playlist. Who needs a playlist when you have great pals to ride with.
It is a joy to see these guy's roll out every morning on their Madone. I will definitely go further and do better with a road bike. My five mile commute is no longer enough. Thanks to all the bike advocacy groups. You definitely got a fire under my seat and a motivation to bike longer distances. Unfortunately, with a new playlist.
Go TREK!!!!
I bumped up my ride lengths in the past few days and am really suffering for it with back and knee pain. I do have an old joint replacement that I need to take into consideration. I was doing fine for two weeks with shorter rides. I tried adjusting my seat and had to put it back where it was because that adjustment led to arse pain. I know I am overweight but I'm not entirely out of shape. I worked out even before I took up bike riding. I don't want to be this sore all the time, I just want to ride. Of course, all of my (non-bike) friends already think I am insane and keep telling me to quit. Anything over two miles a day is outrageous to them. My long term goal is to be able to ride for 10 miles straight so that I can join a ladies group here that cycles once a week with 13/20 mile options. I haven't made it to my LBS yet. I'm calling them today to see what their hours are. #frustrated
@Martin - Is it just me, or does that bike look almost exactly like the Orange County Choppers logo?
Hi all! I'm back in the saddle again.... Yep, I got my daughter all graduated so now I hope some kind of routine is returning. Anyway temps in the 70s (Actually, I'm talking about Tuesday, but the clock just told me its Wed. now). So on my late morning Tuesday ride I only spotted one other rider (not counting the guy behind me who happened to be my son).
There was a lot of bike exictement around here over the weekend. My sister is talking about buying a new road bike,.so all of my relatives hanging around for the graduation were passing around my cycling magazines and reading about new bikes and how to get one that is the right size etc. My sister would prefer to buy a made in USA, so I told her she might have to go for a used bike, or else pay big bucks.. Any tips are welcome.
@ Christine, we must be about the same age, because I have been singing that "gimme three feet, gimmie three feet mister..." whenever a car gets too close. But oddly its usually not a mister who is crowding me out, its usually an older female driver. In fact the guys with the pickup trucks are sometimes pretty polite, giving me the lane. So I just think, either I remind them of their mom, or else they just wish they were out riding too instead of driving to wherever they are going or having to mow that yard or work on that construction job....
@ Burklee, yeah, I love rolling through those construction sites, esp. when there is just one lane. You can usually just smile and wave at the person with the sign and keep going while the cars have to stop and wait for the cars from the other direction. LOL
HAPPY RIDING EVERYONE!!
不出差的上下班时间，骑行我的TREK，路上见。。。
@Cora - On Safety 1st's website, they give an 800 number to call for spare parts. The line is open M-Th 8-6 EST, and F 8-4:30. Good luck! 1-800-544-1108
@Charlie - Thanks. I found it! But I think I'll wait a day or two for anyone who wants to now see this avatar, since I've just described it below. Whoever made it (the bike, not the avatar), has a good imagination. My artistic skills reached their peak with stick figures. Once I stopped getting credit for that in art class, I gave up. (I've found that in adult life, there isn't much call for that kind of talent either.)
@Martin Malin, to change your photo go to your Endomondo home page. Near the top right hand part of the screen click on Settings. You will find a Profile Picture field on your account settings page.
I went on the group ride tonight at the Cranked Bike Studio in town here. This was my first time with this group and there was a large group tonight of 40-50 riders because the weather was so nice. There is a group that rides every Tuesday night here. We biked about 30 miles in 1 1/2 hours, so it was very fast paced and racing speeds, but was pretty easy for me because I drafted the whole way. It was a little hilly, but not hard when you can draft behind a rider and let him help pull you. Drafting uses 30% less energy. I could never have rode that many miles solo at the pace we were doing.
@Christine - I think it is an actual working bike. (I found the picture online a while back, but don't remember where I saw it.) I noticed some NBC participants had funny pictures, and since I'm not photogenic, (read camera lens breaking looks), I thought I would put up something funny, and change it every week or two. The only problem is, I haven't been able to figure out what screen I was on when I put that avatar up. [Does anyone know where to change it, or am I stuck with a bike I know nothing about? I'm just glad I don't have to use it for the NBC.] If you haven't clicked on the picture yet, do so, as it is interesting. The front fork has both fork ends going to the left of the front hub. The left fork's diameter is narrower, and looks like it is for steering. And I think the back wheel is only attached on the right. It looks like my knees would hit my chin, if I tried to ride it.
@Cora, a custom metal shop might be able to help you. I remember a few years ago, I needed a couple of parts to fix a car engine. I showed them what I had and they were able to fabricate something for me. Just an idea. I wish you the best.
So very bummed out. I rode to the bike shop to pick up my trailer after they fixed the flat, and I get there, and they lost the mounting bracket! It was an old Safety First trailer, so it seems there may not be replacements available, at least not that I have been able to find online. Anyone have any suggestions for where to get a replaceent or how I could retrofit the trailer with a different kind of mounting system?
Martin Malin, is that an actual bike in your avatar or an art piece? Whichever it is, it is gorgeous!
@Michael on Bicycle, the video seems like a really good idea, and fun too. Do you ever wish it was pointing backwards instead of to the front? Or, do you have a preference?
Thoughts on the Giant XtC Composite 29ER 1...buy it??
@Martin - Currently I take Josh out with me in a tow-behind trailer. He hasn't figured out the pedalling concept yet (he's only 3), but I'm hoping by the end of summer he'll get it. Every time I take him in the trailer we talk about how I pedal, and then I ask him if he wants to ride his bike or big wheel.
@Cora - You are right about Josh being the key for you haveing two other biking partners. For Josh, you can start with a tagalong,they are a lot of fun, and safer too, at least to start out. You are also right about Walmart. I just saw that they do sell a road bike that has a 25" frame, so they probably have a big enough mountain bike too. I would however suggest sticking with a bike with standard size wheels/tires. Tires and tubes are the things one replaces most often on a bike, so you are btter off with either 26" tires for a mountain bike, and 27" or 700c for a road bike. But I also like @Mike's idea of going to a local bike shop. He will get properly fitted, and fit is the difference between enjoying riding and getting out there, or thinkng up excuses and letting a bike collect dust.
@Martin - yes - the 26" is the tire size. Walmart sells larger bikes, with 29" tires, but only online. When our son, Josh, starts asking Daddy to go for a bike ride, and he has to say no, he'll change his mind. That ltttle boy has my husband wrapped around his teeny-tiny little finger.
@Christine - Great idea!
@Christine, that would make a catchy riff for a campaign of PSAs!
Rode Presque Isle PA - highly recommend the view and open space on the ride, fun view of Erie Pa
Does anyone here know anyone from Lynyrd Skynyrd? Or know if any of them are bike riders? Every time someone crowds me on the road, I hear their "Gimme Three Steps" in my head, only it's "Gimme three feet, gimme three feet, driver, gimme three feet on the road!" I wonder if they'd allow us to "borrow" it for a safety campaign?? ;-D
@ Todd - No worries about butting in. As I said, my husband CLAIMS he can't ride a bike. The bike I got is a large 26" and he could ride it with the seat and handlebars adjusted all the way up, if he wanted to. He's just making excuses.
Our son is only 3 now, so my hope is that if I keep riding, that in a year or two my husband will want to start riding with us when our son starts riding his big boy bike.
Go, Go, Go, Let's hit 2 million miles today!
@Cora - Unless you are at least 6' or 6' 2", your husband couldn't adjust your bike enough to make it even somewhat comfortable for even a short ride. But his point about the weight limit is just an excuse, unless that is in the literature for your bike from Walmart, and they are trying to limit their potential liability. I've seen 300 lb. people on bikes. They make bikes that would fit him, but you probably won't be able to find them at Walmart. Because of his excuses, you won't be able to convince him with logic. He will just have to see over time how biking makes you feel better and happier. Occasionally, just happen to mention how good it felt to ride somewhere and enjoy the fresh air, or mention things you saw that were interesting, or birds you heard, anything to help him realize that he's missing out on something good. And in the meantime, start looking around for a bike that might fit him at your local bike shop, with his inseam measurement as a rough guide. At least if you finally convince him, you will know how much it will cost. I just checked online at some bike sizing charts, and he would take somewhere in the range of a 24 to 25" frame in a road bike, and 20 to 22 in a mountain bike, depending on his inseam. Is the 26" you mention for your bike the tire size?
@Cora, Not to butt in, but I am 6'5'' and have been commuting to work for almost 5 years. I know a few guys taller than me. A good local bike shop should be able to get him on a comfortable bike, if your husband is interested in getting out there. Craigslist is also a very good resource in my area.
@Burklee - My husband claims that he can't ride a bike. He's 6'6" so it's hard to find a bike that fits him. I bought a men's bike, partially because I didn't like any of the women's bikes and partially because I thought he might be able to ride it and I could ride my old one when we were together. But now he says he is over the weight limit for my new bike ( 190 for a men's bike, really?)...
I wish there was a leaderboard filter for women vs men, or at least a blog by the organizers to highlight female achievement. There seem to be a lot of us riding but I fear our accomplishments are getting dominated by the men.
@Cora, congrats on the new bike!! . I am excited that you got another rider up and going. My boyfriend is into it now too! He even asked me last night, which app I used to track my rides. He just bought a bike last week. If each of us inspires one person, were doing good!
@Cora - Good job for possibly getting someone else riding. Way to go! I ride a Roadmaster that I bought at Wal-Mart 4-ish years ago. It works fine. It worked better before I let the teenage boys borrow it, but the Bike Kitchen folks fixed it back up. It's awful nice to have a spouse who supports your endeavors. Is he riding along with you? I talked mine into riding in the Challenge, along with 8 co-workers. Half of us were already regular cyclocommuters, the other half said when I asked that they were looking for motivation to ride. Some of them are glad they ride now... It makes maneuvering the street construction, or avoiding it altogether, so much easier. The Challenge is a good thing, for so many reasons.
So, thanks to the NBC for pushing me to ride further, faster and more often, my wonderful husband decided to buy me a new bike last night! Just an inexpensive one from Wal-Mart, but the derailers and brakes work properly, as opposed to my old bike. It was slower going on my first ride last night, but after some adjustments I think it will be great!
I even biked to and from Workout Night with my friend Amanda - for 15 extra minutes of travel time, I got in 40 extra minutes of exercise. And now Amanda is talking about starting to ride again - so I may have inspired someone! I may have to bike to her house more often and convince her to go for a ride with me.
Endomondo and the National Bike Challenge was talked about on our local news here in Lincoln, NE on M 5/21.
My wife also loves the idea, to the point that she's told me to buy another as needed!! Watching some of my cyclommute also sets her mind at ease when she can see how defensive we ride and how well behaved 99% of motorists are!
Of course, it's a double edged sword... run a light, cut through a strip mall, it's all there! If the camera keeps a rider from doing such things they'll be safer anyway.
One extra bonus I didn't plan on... at slow speeds (ie stop lights), motorists see the camera and are extra polite! :-)
@ Michael on Bicycle, I will look into it - I know my wife will now too. LOL!!! I appreciate the information.
Christine; one of my favorite quotes (which I would attribute accurately if I could only recall who said it) is “Never marry anyone who isn’t a partner to your enthusiasm” (-: You clearly have the right partner, and possess “gold” already in the most valuable realm. Celebrate! and Keep Rolling!
@John Jay - If you have the budget I suggest a helmet Cam. I hit a dog and broke 3 bones in my back because of an irresponsible dog owner. In court he said I didn't hit his dog but instead his mailbox! Luckily I had witnesses but I learned, every cyclommute and ride is recorded and saved.
As a side benefit I've shown video clips of short yellow signals and other cycling dangers at the local BPAC meetings. Board members have thanked me because now they had visual proof to take to public works. These short yellow signals cause motorists to believe cyclists are running red lights, increasing tensions!
I use the Drift HD Stealth which captures license plates of passing vehicles during daylight hours, at night the resolution can only capture make and possibly color. One feature which I believe is necessary is the date/time stamp must remain accurate between battery changes. The Drift Stealth looses the date & time and must be reset each time unless plugged into the USB port (not feasible whein on a long ride). If the stamp is wrong it will not be allowed as evidence so this is very important!!
Here are a few... http://DriftInnovation.com , http://Gopro.com , http://Tachyoninc.com
Good luck John, glad you're ok!
BTW - what time of day?
I told my husband (in an email) that I had less than 100 points to reach gold. His response: "Go, my easy rider, go! Go for the gold!" It is so wonderful being married to my best friend, who supports me in whatever endeavor I attempt! Ain't love grand?? Yes, we're newlyweds; 30 years this coming November. ;-D
Got smacked by the Pvc side of the boat trailer All i seen was him talking on the phone and his green and white antique boat. Tried to catch up with him to get any info but missed the lights and he caught them. I am going to keep my eye out for it though as i ride that road a lot. also reported to fish and wildlife authorities hoping they see him putting his boat in or taking out of the water.
JJ Mc, keep safe. Also, if you catch a license plate report the driver for eradic driving. No excuse in a three foot state.
Thank you Burklee, for your empathy…having been lapped repeatedly by a grade school kid on a single speed “Stingray” on my long ago, one and only Century, I can verify that embarrassment is not fatal. You likely have a point regarding that aneurysm/heat stroke thing, but I think you should absolutely Go For it Anyway! (-; Thank You Paul, for the encouragement and crucial advice. I am very concerned about the altitude. I can only be out a couple days early to adjust, and previous mountain visits haven’t involved anything more strenuous than strolling and sightseeing. Altitude makes it harder to get oxygen to muscle and brain cells…..which not only affects physical activity but can compromise clarity of thought. (those paying attention might reasonably conclude that particular ship has already sailed in my case). My first post regarding this event referred to possibly “attempting” rather than “completing” the Copper Triangle. I’m usually pretty careful about my word choice (-; Major motivation for considering even an attempt comes from the fact that on August 20th I will be returning to school..for a late- life career- change Associate Degree nursing program. I’m drawn to the symmetry and symbolism of preparing for and attacking an actual mountain before embarking on a similarly challenging metaphoric climb.
I got grazed tonight and the idiot at least honked to let me know he was coming. I am angry at the stupidity of it but I am glad that neither my bike or me is damaged.
Nyla, Hang in there and keep at your training...but one other thing to consider on a ride in the Rockies. You will likely also be dealing with altitude. I lived in CO for high school and college years when I did more running and no serious biking. But I suspect that you will need to be careful as you will find breathing much more challenging. We have some folks in Ripon training for the Leadville 100 later in the summer and the one thing they cannot really adjust for is the impact of being at altitude. So know you are not alone! Get those lungs in shape...and they will likely get you through, but don't be ashamed if they don't. (As a "for example, my father-in-law took to hiking all the Fourteeners in CO (and the highest peaks/hills/points in the various states he went through on his travels) upon his retirement. He was in shape and could climb at altitude. Still, he got altitude sickness the first time he tried to climb CA's Mt. McKinley. He did make the second time, but he was frustrated about the first trip. It happens to be the best.)
@Nyla - Taking comfort where you can. I understand. Still haven't signed up for the Cornhusker State Games, mainly since my bike isn't ready yet. I'm not sure I'll be able to take the shame of pushing my bike up the hills in a competition. But at least I'll be at the back of the pack so none of the other competitors can see me. Except those who lap me. Shame probably won't kill me. Heat stroke & brain aneurysm, on the other hand... It'll be great. If I'm brave enough to sign up.
Recent sobering reality check for my “Copper Triangle” aspirations: Longest ride of the season so far (54.8 miles round trip) and a chance to try the inclines approaching and climbing away from the St Croix river. All rolling hills and 20 mph headwinds on the outbound journey….Excellent training, I thought -nothing particularly daunting; I arrived on schedule, unscathed and exhilarated for lunch with friends, (steeped in the sort of ill-considered smugness that has ALWAYS boded ill)….Then I set off UP the big hill away from the river..had to stop twice, continued on in lowest gear at a pace easily rivaled by arthritic octogenarians, panting like an elderly dog and wobbling all the way as though auditioning for a remake of remembered “WEEBLE” commercials..succeeding eventually largely because I knew there was a McDonalds at the pinnacle, and a hot fudge sundae with my name on it. (see earlier references to the motivating power of comforting carbohydrate/fat combinations). And this was a HILL, not a MOUNTAIN….involving ONLY ONE steep climb of objectively modest distance and duration in comparison to anything the Rockies will offer….sigh… I have a VERY LONG way to go to approach readiness to attempt even ONE of the THREE “alpine passes” involved in the Copper Triangle. I have visions of falling by the wayside and being peeled off the pavement and scooped up by the Sag Wagon for an ignominious return to the starting point. (Oh…but here’s an upside: I’ll be dead last when I topple, so I won’t be run over by other cyclists (-;)
Looks like I'll "accidentally" hit 50 miles for the day on my afternoon commute. Felt great this morning, so I went for a 22 mile workout before work. After pedaling to work (15+ miles) I realized I was over 37 miles! By the time I get home it'll be over 50 - those miles sure do pile up fast when you take them a few trips at a time!
I am going to bike this afternoon to Experience Fitness in Menasha (formerly Gold's Gym) to train in their indoor pool for my first triathlon in my life, which is only 2 weeks away. It is too windy and rough with white caps to swim in any of our lakes today. The triathlon is being held in Green Bay and since I have done duathlons before, I figure it can't be too much harder to swim 400 yards (1 lap around the man made lake), then 15 mile bike, and then 3.1 mile run. I am only doing the sprint distances this year. The distances in the Olympic is doubled (2 laps around the lake, 29 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run). They just started filling the lake with a fire hose from a fire hydrant yesterday. I got goose bumps just seeing it getting filled yesterday. It is suppose to be sunny a lot this week and the heat is suppose to return this weekend, so hopefully the water won't be as cold as I think it is right now. I'm not sure I can even swim in it before the race because it does not open for swimming to the public until the day after the race.
I meant "... parking one's car in the garage..."
I believe Neenah, WI is the only city in the US that DQ sells popcorn. We have 2 DQ's in town and they are owned by brothers and both sell popcorn. But I have never found another DQ in the world that sells popcorn. lol But it is absolutely the best popcorn in the world. They add something to the oil, which employees are forbidden to share. With butter I will bike another 5 more miles. :)
@Ernest I am proud of you! I feel a little like you also. I'm looking to add more and more stops because everything is within five miles of me. It's not the distance that is a huge deal, it's the lifestyle change and as Leonard says, the consistency. I'm going to hit gold this month too :) @Gregg, heck I'd ride 20 extra for that popcorn too.
The other day, I did find one drawback of parking one's bike in the garage for over a week. I went to a funeral about 40 miles away, and since my name isn't Leonard Wright, I decided to take my car. Well, I got dressed and got in the car. Turned the key - Nothing. Looked at the dashboard - Nothing. Dead battery. I checked the doors. None of them were ajar. Luckily, I was able to call someone and get a ride. That night, after charging the battery, I started my car up and saw that the sensor light for the trunk was on. Someone, who shall remain named-me, unlatched the trunk, and forgot to get whatever I, (I mean he), was going to get out of the trunk a little over a week ago, leaving the trunk light on. There is a bright side to this though. At least it wasn't groceries! And, just typing this up remined me of the wedding I went to wwwaaayyy back in college. It was about 8 miles away. When I got there, I locked my bike up about a block away, took off my biking shoes, and just put my suit, tie, and dress shoes on right there, right over my biking pants. I was a little warm, but it worked.
And for a large bag of Dairy Queen popcorn, I'll ride 20 extra miles. :)
I'll ride an extra 10 miles for a Culver's Turtle Sundae. :)
@Burklee Just tell them they will miss out on the drawing for prizes at the end of May, if they don't log their miles by 11:59 pm May 31.
Check out this video: http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/dog-rides-bike-by-himself/1jrhztirg This is how Vermont is winning the challenge. Is this a legal rider? lol
@Burklee -- as team captain of my team, I've been sending out weekly emails, updating the mileage and point totals (and team ranking) of our team, and providing general encouragement (as well as offering technical assistance for people who might be having trouble with the system). Subtle peer pressure, without calling anyone out...
It seems to be working slowly but surely, as in the last week or so, we've gone from 4 to 6 people actively logging miles!
@Nyla- well said.
@Burlee- heck, if you offer me a couple of donuts I'll ride an extra 10 miles! Don't discount the magical power of donuts.
About the point system: I'm a novice cyclommuter. Endomondo.com has all these challenges that i reluctantly sign up for; fastest mile; most cals; longest distance. Im not a competitive cyclist, and those challenges I may never rank well for they are far above my experience.
This challenge here is successfully encouraging me to ride often. Its rewarding me for effort alone. I ride a mere .90 mile to work, daily. 4 times a day, because now i ride home for lunch. I travel within 5min, faster than using my car.
This is a challenge that honors my simplest of efforts, but has changed my lifestyle all together. Up to now, laundry day is the only difficult task i have when it comes to choosing between vehicles.
Im enjoying this challenge and now im shooting for the stars/platinum. One more day and i reach GOLD!
/me proud!
II believe team captains have the option of logging miles for other team members....but that doesn’t preclude the potential value of positive confectionary reinforcement. With the proper mindset, a donut incentive needn’t establish negative precedent..it should simply provide motivation (and energy) to go for another ride. ( Of course I have a distinct bias in favor of pedaling toward pastries, and a well-honed talent for rationalizing subsequent consumption thereof, so my view is perhaps a BIT subjective (-;)
So, out of 23,624 riders registered, 13,231 are at bronze level, and 15,285 riders are withing three riding days of bronze. There are 8,339 riders who have logged no miles! I know it's not that all of them haven't ridden. I have one person on my team who still hasn't logged his miles. I know he rides... I've seen his bike here at work. I'd offer to buy him a doughnut if he'll just log his miles, but I think that sets a bad precedent. What to do, what to do... How do we get these folks to log??
I think everyone here is riding more than they ever have and under some harsh and challenging weather conditions, which are very challenging even for veteran commuters and cyclists. This month is definitely going to set some new records for me. That's why a challenge like this is a good thing because it takes all of us out of our comfort zone and leads us into new riding experiences that make us stronger, tougher, and full of more endurance than we ever imagined we could do and you will be a better and healthier person because of it. I'm finding myself being able to do some incredible and amazing things that I would have never even dreamed possible just last year. Last spring I really didn't think I could even bike to work, much less ride 50 miles and this year 100 miles in a single ride. Now my commute to work is like a warm up. Everything is relative and what looked insurmountable last year is now within reach and very attainable. If you are struggling with commuting to work or riding your bike for other transportation and riding in less than favorable conditions and even scary and uncomfortable conditions, don't give up! Believe me, it gets easier every day as you gain more experience and as your confidence level goes up and now my commute to work seems too short and even biking in rain, storms, winds, heavy traffic, and drafting in packs with other riders, and even flats on the road, doesn't seem as scary or horrible anymore.
Way to go Heather - I'm glad you are sticking with it and riding as much as you can. Yo don't need to ride hard or far, you just need to be as consistent as possible.
@Gregg - Wind is caused by pressure differentials, and increased wind is due to greater pressure differences. Since there have been such extreme temperature fluctuations, the pressure differentials are greater than normal, and thus winds will be greater. We can only hope that this is a result of the El Nina ocean currents, and not due to overall global warming.
I love getting out there and riding! This challenge is very motivating and I hope to continue logging many more milies. Keep riding everyone!
For those relishing competition, I understand wanting the option of comparing miles as well as points and gaining motivation from seeing what similar cyclists are doing. I am puzzled by perceptions of unfairness. The point system encourages incorporating cycling into daily activities. Among people riding an equal number of days, those riding farther will have more points. How is that unfair? I can respect a decision not to record trips of less than ten miles as a matter of pride or integrity for those who routinely record far greater distances, but that is entirely a personal choice. There is nothing to prevent any participant..even the admirably athletic, frequent century-riding, triathlon-oriented Tour de France types, from simply getting on a bike and going for a ride around the block, or to the local store or library…or ANYWHERE on a daily basis.
For MANY Challenge participants, rides of substantially LESS than ten miles count very much indeed. Consider Tami McNall’s “four measly mile most days” with MS….or Heather April’s escalating infectious enthusiasm as daily totals rise…or the intrepid parents toting toddlers uphill and around town with Burleys….and every soul making a commitment to parking their cars some days and using their bikes for basic transportation. ALL the miles matter.
People accustomed to riding dozens of miles will almost certainly continue to do so irrespective of this Challenge, but those twenty points for just putting your butt in a bicycle seat and pedaling on any given day can be a big motivator for those new to regular biking…or just rediscovering the pleasures of rolling down the road under their own power after sedentary years or decades. KNOWING others my age were consistently out earning those “bonus” points evoked dormant competitive impulses and helped me bypass an ingrained predilection to rationalize “too wet (cold, windy, tired, busy) no time or energy” etc. I love the fact that the focus is on encouraging and celebrating people of any age or fitness level pedaling regularly, on any kind of bike, wherever, on whatever terrain, and for any purpose. I appreciate the acknowledgement of value in ALL types of cycling and the sense of connection with a larger, splendidly supportive cycling community. Though tangible prizes are far from the most valuable “rewards’ of participation, I applaud the fact that all people involved can have the opportunity to “win”, and I thoroughly enjoy the spirited, good-natured competitive instincts (mine surprisingly included) ignited along the way. Carpe Diem and Keep Pedaling!
It seems like everyone all over the country has been having a lot of wind. Why is it so windy this year all over the country? Chicago is typically the windy city, but not here. We were getting blown to Canada yesterday with record setting heat and now all that wind is coming back cooled and is blowing us south to Florida. Seriously, does anyone know why it is so windy all the time all over the country? I've never seen so much wind here all the time in 51 years.
Zdenek, You may not be the only person with this problem. I have heard of one at least one other person with a similar issue. You may want to go to the support page and submit a request. http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/support.
I am used to take my bicycle every days to go working at TI in France
It has been sooo windy in Nebraska! Ugh. I was riding home from Cycle Works Friday evening (after Lincoln's Bike to Work Week ice cream social) into the wind. Going uphill it felt like I wasn't even moving. And I had to keep pedaling downhill when I can usually just coast. Made me think maybe the Cornhusker State Games ride might be biting off more than I can chew. Saturday was Biketacular. Jay and I staffed the table for the Bike Kitchen, getting the word out about the place, and Johnny, Kelly and Luciano did maintenance checks on kids bikes. It was a good time. I got to meet some other Bike Challenge folks there. I spent most of my time at the Bike Kitchen yesterday trying to install six spokes on a wheel correctly. "Correctly" was the hard part. Felt headachey and sick afterwards, probably because I didn't have my glasses on while working. I thought about going for a ride yesterday... something said I should... And today I find that I am just two points short of gold. I had hoped to get gold this weekend. Ah,well... A lunchtime ride today will get me there.
A big pat on the back to everyone who keeps going despite flat tires, near collisions, hip replacements, MS, rain, wind, carpal tunnel symptoms, and those days when you just lack motivation. I think it's all totally worth it! We're gonna make ten million miles... Believe it.
Team JLG South Australia goes international with the help of Alex Jaegemann from Germany our new colleague from JLG - thanks to Alex our kms have doubled and some!!!! Here in Adelaide we are expecting some heavy rain for the rest of the week as we are heading into our winter period. But I sneaked in some kms today......Thanks again Alex for joining us and to anyone else who would like to join :-)
Today, I am going to hit 100 miles cycled this month. This is more than ever! Not bad for an chubby girl with a hip replacement! NBC and the other riders, thanks for keeping me inspired!
This year´s challenge have started very well. Now it appears an issue with entering new guys to teams. All our teams appear as full but they are not.We had to create new team to be able to enter new guys. I do not know if it is only Jaromer issue or global.
Have a nice day. Zdenek
Had a fun time on the Lock to Lock ride in Augusta, GA yesterday. The barbeque lunch was great and the Sno-Cone stop on the way back was just what I needed. Thanks to Andy Jordan and crew for organizing this event the past 20 years - great attendance with about 250 riders.
@Kenneth Roemer - Congratulations on taking up the challenge! I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as the rest of us. Any biking you can do gets you (mostly) fresh air, and stronger muscles and lungs. I find it really fun to see my points accumulate, and each day, see the names and pictures of those who I'm currently on the same page with. Which reminds me, for several days there was someone on my page with the same last name as a friend of mine. I have to give him a call to see if it is his nephew, and also to invite him and his family to join the challenge. I think one great thing about this challenge is that it brings us all together because we are all doing the same thing. If I don't win one of the drawings, it doesn't matter. I have already received a lot more from this challenge than any prize could give. (If I win a bike, maybe I will give it to Gahlord - it looks like he could use a new set of wheels.) I have already received inspiration from people like Leonard Wright, and have nothing but praise and admiration for those who have accepted the challenge despite having a physical condition (and it makes me wonder, If I were in their shoes, would I have as much heart and determination as they do? I hope so.) I've enjoyed reading of lessons learned by others while out on their bikes, the funny stories, and unfortunately the misadventures with flats and motorists. In the end, it brings us all together, and all on the same page, no matter if we end up with 1 mile or 10,001.
Brooklyn Bridge: http://4sq.com/Je5DB6
Hopefully this challenge enriches all of us with a sense of pride for riding bikes outside as opposed to driving a car or sitting on a couch watching crappy telivision. If someone gets pride out of riding a tenth or a century, that's an accomplishment. It's not like we're peddling for egos.... And if you're super serious about points, you should have ridden enough that somebody riding a tenth or a mile here or there shouldnt affect you're ranking. Let's just all agree that this is a good thing and settle it on the peddles...
John M: you knew the rules when you signed up. Don't be a griefer. If you want to do long rides on the bike I scavenged while on a business trip (see YouTube link in previous post) you're welcome to it; a tenth mile was as much as I could force out of it. I get on a bike nearly every day because that's the challenge. The endomondo app tracks my distances and I don't worry about it.
This challenge is meant to help change people's way of life and thinking to a better and more healthier way of living through regular and daily use of this thing we call a bicycle. Many people have never stopped to considered all the uses there are for a bike and how a bike can be be just as important in their life as a motor vehicle is. Just as motor vehicles are an absolute necessity in many people's lives, so bikes are also a necessity and a very important part in the daily lives of many people. When lawmakers see this, they will want to do just as many things for bicyclists as they do for motorists because BOTH are equally important and vitally needed to make one's life whole, complete and healthier. My observation is that this challenge is certainly doing this and people are changing their way of thinking and way of living and gettting much healthier because of it. Positive things do happen when people ride bikes. Keep riding and ride safely!
I see it all as a challenge. I like the long distance riding which is a challenge. Also, convincing myself to ride every day is also a challenge. If I succeed with both then I win, at least on a personal basis. Enjoy the ride!! Whatever you do.
I had a problem with system at first but everybody on page one of my city ride everyday so the 20 point bonus is honestly irrelivant. I all right with anybody able to pull their bike out an ride getting a bonus to do so. I wonder how many people part of this challenge choose to ride 5 miles somewhere to get some points that wouldnt have done so otherwise. In the end, it seems this challenge is more about getting people to ride instead of striking our egos....
The point system rewards people who use their bikes on a regular daily basis. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage everyone to find some use for their bike EVERY DAY and encourage everyone to make riding a normal regular part of their daily routine, just like eating several times a day. Even if people only ride a few miles per day, those few miles per day add up to a lot of miles when you add everyone's miles together.
Gahlord I see where the points come into promote consistency, but they are so heavily weighted towards the low end to be unfair. A person that currently has the same points as I do has only half the miles. For someone like you that tracks mileage down to tenths points are great, but I don't record rides unless they are at least 10 miles. Honestly, I don't care about the leaderboard being points based I'd just like to sort it based on miles to get a more objective ranking (and yes, I do know that miles in Colorado probably don't equate to miles in Kansas).
I am disabled and currently riding a recumbent tadpole trike .... I am totally new at this so I hope I am up for the chalenge..
John M (from a few pages back): the point of the challenge isn't miles, it's points. And points are geared for consistently getting on a bike and rolling forward.
Which is why it's odd to me when I see people post "it's raining today so I'll make it up tomorrow." I wonder to myself "Really? You're going to ride an extra twenty miles tomorrow because you couldn't circle the block in the rain?" ;)
You can't stop Vermont! Just getting started!
Very funny Martin. I'm still making my points for VT though. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch
Just got back from my local grocery store, where I made my strong "Bikes Belong" statement, by walking my bike thru the store to do my shopping, since they no longer have a bike rack. I got one dirty look from a customer, but the staff didn't even question it, acting as if it were perfectly normal. But when they asked if I'd found everything ok, I said "Yes, but it would be really nice if they put the bike rack back outside, so that I don't have to bring the bike in with me next time."
The bagger has been there for years, and remembered it being there before, and wondered where it had gone. She promised to alert the manager. We'll see if it returns.
kev fox,do you get double the points for your dog?
Short of family I only tell my Florida group rides and the people I run into about the challange. I do like the let your air out though.
@John Jay Mcnall - You're missing the entire point of this challenge. If you live outside of Wisconsin, do not, under any circumstances, tell those you work or ride with about this challenge. Now, if you have friends or relatives in Wisconsin, like you do, by all means, not only tell them about the NBC, but if they don't have either a computer or smart phone, buy one for them and have it shipped overnight. And, if your life hasn't been blessed, and you therefore know noone in Wisconsin, you can start to do your part by taking all of the time that you would normally spend riding your bike, and instead start calling 262, 274, 414, 534, 608, and 715 area code numbers at random, and informing whoever answers about the NBC. Finally, and this is for anyone who lives within 1,000 miles of Vermont, is for you to go onto the www.DeflateVTbikeTires.org's website, and schedule when you can drive to Vermont, and let the air out of any parked bikes that you see. Thank you all in advance for your help in this national effort!
Just trying to keep our state up with Wisconsin. I still have family there. I try to get people in my group ride to join. There are a lot more riders out there then showing up just not using app.
I agree with Leonard - this challenge is perfect for encouraging people like me - mid 50's and rather sedentary to get up and ride. :-) Now instead of jumping in the car to run up for a gallon of milk, I try to ride my bike. Not only do I burn calories, but I'm not wasting gas and polluting the air. Yay!
@Troy Stentz - Thanks for the response. That makes sense now. I"ll just keep those miles there as a backup to Pedal My Bike.
@ John M - I don't think this challenge is all about miles. I believe the whole point of this challenge is to get hundreds of people to ride a few miles each day (hence the 20 point bonus), not to have a few people ride hundreds of miles each day. The goal of riding 10 million miles is to have 50,000 people participate in reaching that goal. The more people we can inspire to get involved in this challenge, the better it will be for everyone.
@John V - I think the National Bike Challenge only began on the first of this month. April was the pre-challenge, so I bet your miles from JAN-MAR didn't "count" towards points for the NBC.
At what point do the "points" get calculated? I entered my miles for the year (2,350 miles) and it seemed to have dropped my points from what I had when I only entered the miles for this month and last month (I entered from May to Jan).
Well my dog has asked to come along in the morning for a run,how can i refuse .
If yur battery on smart phone dies and you get home and edit the last few miles does that work or do you have to do seperate miles? i had to re edit yesterdays ride today because it seemed to atomatically removed them.
Just back from another FAST ride on my Bacchetta Strada Recumbent "The Red Rocket". If I ride for an hour today, I can have pizza for lunch and still show a weight loss for the week. Have to ride a minimum of an hour a day to lose weight through the week.
@John- The system probably just hasn't updated yet. Check back later or even tomorrow, and they should be there.
Please explain how the points are accumulated. I just entered 260 miles for this month and have 0 points.
@ Richard: You get 20 points automatically if you cycle in a 24 hour period. On top of that, each mile biked gets you one point. Say today you bike 10 miles, then you would get 20 + 10 = 30 points for the day. You can only get the 20 points once per day. So if you go cycling again during the 24 hour period you only get those mile points. Another participant also made the observation that someone who rides 60 miles in a 4 day period ends up with less points than someone who rides 1 mile per day for 4 days. The first guy gets 80 points while the low mileage guy gets 84 points due to the 20 points per day. If you're after points, then you should ride every day in some fashion to maximize potential points. You can also look under Prizes - Prize Programs for more info.
Can someone please explain to me how the point system works
Tami, Every mile you do is better than sitting. You have a wonderful husband and you are a great inspiration to your family and all your friends. Your positive attitude is awesome. Staying active is the key - anything you do is to your benefit, just keep moving.
Would it be possible for the leaderboard to go by miles and not points? I am at place 1431 with 551 points and 331 miles. The guy at 1200 with 580 points only has 262 miles. The guy at 999 has 609 points and only 309 miles. I can ride 60 miles in 1 day, but a guy that rides 1 mile for 4 days ends up with more points. The goal for the challenge is 10 million miles, not 10 million points. None of the updates talk about new daily point records. Why are the leaderboards all geared towards points while the challenge is all about miles?
Tru Elvis. Fellow MS Rider out here in Washington. Congrats on your ride and thank you for riding for all who have MS. I ride on behalf of my sister. Our ride out here is the best supported ride and event I've ever participated in.
Keep pedalin'!
Had a great metric century today (my first ever) with the Ride for Life starting/ending at the Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church - a Bike MS event, also raising money for diabetes. Beatuful weather, scenery, support, and great riders.
Bike MS 2012 - Coast the Coast 5/19 - 5/20.
What a great day for a bike ride down the shore of New Jersey. A lot of money was raised for a very good cause. The weather was perfect. Sunny but not too hot. We rode down Ocean Avenue of many popular beach town including Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Belmar, and Brielle. The scenery was spectacular. When you are on a bike, you have time to see and notice things that you don't normally pay attention to in a car. All the training I put in paid off. After 50 miles, I felt like I could go for another 50 easily. It helps that the terrain at the beach is mostly flat while the route I trained on is pretty hilly. Thanks to everyone who supported me with a donation.
Thank You guys I just hope it will help anyone with lower motivation, which we all get every now and then. YES she definately gets extra bonus points for towing two kids with!!!! LOL
I actually found out about this challange in a goody bag from one of our local charity rides for early interventions. They had a flyer for it. Only disadvantage was a century ride day before challange started
@ Phil Thanks for the support and i do 175 miles over the two days for two of the events here in florida.
@ Tami - I first rode in a Bike MS event in 1989. I now captain a local Bike MS team (Team HP Omaha) to support those living with MS. Several people close to me have been greatly affected by MS. To ride with MS is indeed inspirational!
I encourage everyone to consider riding their local Bike MS event, among the many organized rides out there.
your welcome keep up the good work.
@Tami - you are a great inspiration! Just keep up the fantastic work you are doing :-)
@Tami- there are no little miles! Good for you and John!
You know I am proud of my little miles... I was diagnosed with MS about 6 years ago and I rode then very leisurely. I try to ride now to continue to remind my legs of the movements they are supposed to make as I had many leasions in my brain. My husband is absolutely wonderful and enable me to take longer rides as the heat really limits me he will let me ride to what I can do and pick me up when the wind is too tough coupled with the heat. Then the other day I got a flat and he arrived with all to change my tire or take me home cause both of my wrists are mildly sprained. I may only do a four measly miles on most days that I am lucky but they feel like a century and I have an amazing husband backing me. Thank You JOHN!!!
@liz the app already has that capability. I've been having my Facebook and twitter auto update all along.
@Gregg, I'm sure you can figure out a way to fix or replace the zipper. Give it a try. It is a challenge.
i ride to school a lot of week days on my shwinn pixie and i ride my bike to friends.
What an awesome day. Maybe Wisconsin is finally done with winter. Only bad part is that I have to be at work. I did manage to get a few miles in by doing laps around the fire station. Very boring!!! But I'm still trying to make Platinum by the end of the month.
iowa has great weather today
@ Phillip, I know that feeling of flustration - I've had 4 flats during one ride (I now use much better tires and tubes). You will have a great day tomorrow, enjoy your ride.
Hey Endomondo -- Any chance you can update app so that we can comment when we share a workout on Facebook? Also, allow the app to share to Twitter? Would help us to spread the word (see: NBC wants you!!)
Today just wasn't my day. I went to go for a group ride, and before I even left the parking lot, something happened and I got a flat in my rear tire. I went into the bike store so that they could fix it up really quick, but it ended up taking about 20 minutes. I headed out anyway to try to catch up with the group, but to no avail (very windy here today). So I turned around and started to head back. About a mile from where I started, I hit a pot hole and blew out my front tire. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better experience. Ever have one of those days?
Rode my bike to work on Wednesday. It was 14+ miles. Took me 70 minutes. On the way home discovered the joy of very sore muscles and very agressive drivers passing on the left and one very big dog. Luckily, no other problems. It felt good to park the car for the day, but I am still recovering. I hope to get a bike ride to work once a week while the weather isn't too bad and ride the bus on other days.
I did not have a good day yesterday. I took my aluminum pontoon boat over to Camp Phillip in Wautoma, WI yesterday where we are camping next weekend for Memorial Day weekend because next weekend I have to tow my pop up camper and I can't tow both. It's about an hour's drive away and I stopped at the quarry in Redgranite on the way to do some swim training for my first ever triathlon in Green Bay in 2 weeks. I am a pro in duathlons now and can bike and run great, but this tri has me getting nervous. I've been swimming in a warm indoor pool, but this is not the same as open water swimming in cold water where you have no black line on the bottom to site. It's been kind of hard lately to find days to swim in a lake around here because although our air temps have been pretty warm during the day, the night temps have been dropping into the low 40's and needless to say the water is VERY COLD. When I went swimming at the beach in Winneconne during our heat wave in March, the lake water was warmer then it is now. We had 2 weeks of really hot weather in March that broke temp records every day that caused our walleyes to spawn in March rather than in April this year. This has never occured ever in the history of Wisconsin and apparently also caused even a mild earth quake in Clintonville, WI, which has never experienced an earthquake before and was really freaking out the residents there when they didn't know what what was the loud banging noises that woke the whole town up every night from the aftershocks..
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I'm getting nervous now because I've been doing all my swim training with a sleeveless Xterra wet suit that I bought last October and was getting use to the feel of swimming in a wet suit and really love it and yesterday when I came to use it, I found out the zipper is broke on it. I wanted to be able to train with it Memorial Day weekend at Camp Phillip in Wautoma, where we are camping. They have a beach there on White River Mill Pond. But that water is always cold because it is a deep spring fed lake, but I thought I would be able to swim Memorial Day weekend there in my sleeveless wet suit that protects most of my body from the cold water. But now I might end up having to swim in just tri shorts unless I can get it fixed before the triathlon in 2 weeks. But I'm afraid the water at Camp Phillip is going to be cold next weekend yet to be able to swim in it without my wet suit and the cold water in just my tri shorts will make me struggle too much. I know the man made lake at Ashwaubomay Park in Green Bay is shallow and is suppose to be warm, but all the lakes I have been trying to swim in around here have really ice cold water and has been quite uncomfortable even with my sleeveless wet suit and I figure that the water may be quite cold in Green Bay for the triathlon. I maybe made a big mistake to choose an early triathlon for my first triathlon when I can't swim very good in cold water. However, today is going to be really warm in the upper 80's and if this warm weather today continues, the water in all the wisconsin lakes should warm up considerably in 2 weeks. But last weekend in Lake Winnebago in Neenah here, the water was even too cold in my sleeveless wet suit to be abe to swim train. When I was at the quarry in Redgranite yesterday and was going to do some training with my wet suit there, that's when I found out the zipper was broke. :( It must have broke this last week when I took it off at Lake Winneconne Park when I was swimming there. I was getting confident and comfortable swimming in my new wet suit and now I am freaking out without it because the water is still so cold to swim without it and I don't know how I am going to train or swim the race without it and in just my tri shorts. I had a river tube at the quarry and just had my feet in the ice cold water and was going to put my wet suit on when a gust of wind came and blew my tube in the quarry and I was forced to jump in the quarry with JUST MY TRI SHORTS on to retrieve my tube from blowing all the way across the quarry. I think I need wind blowing my tube across the lake to force me to swim after it in cold water at the triathlon. lol But I almost went into cardiac arrest from the cold water on my privates swimming after my tube. It was really cold and my privates and toes were going numb. But I managed to catch up to the tube about 200 yards from shore, but it was still really cold on my whole body. But at least I found out that if I have to I can swim at least 400 yards in just tri shorts in really cold water, even though it is torture to my privates. lol When I got back to shore I didn't have the guts to put my body through any more torture like that. The warm sun on the quarry rocks on shore felt so good on my body that I layed down on the rocks and fell alseep for over an hour and woke up with a sunburned body, so now the cold water REALLY feels cold on my sunburn. It was not a good day! :( So now I have to bike and run today with a sunburn. The sunburn is not too bad because I have naturally dark skin and tan very well, but my body hasn't had much sun on it yet and the UV rays are starting to get more intense as we get closer to June 21 when the sun is highest in the sky and has the most UV rays here in Wisconsin..
Usually doesn't take me close to 3 hours to get home from work on the bike - especially on Bike to Work Day. Here's what happened: went to get my commuter bike - flat tire (hole in valve stem). Grabbed the "beater" bike instead. Not much of a problem heading to work - even stopped at a couple yard sales. Later: Left the office late - about 8:00 PM (combination of lots of extra work & wanting to miss the 100+ heat). Stopped at a park, and saw a girl & her brothers trying to put the chain back on her cruiser. Helped them out by putting the chain back on, and went back to my bike - which now had a flat rear tire. Pulled apart the tire & tube, & found out a disintegrating plastic tire liner had sliced the tube. Swapped tubes & found out the backup toolkit I had grabbed that morning had a pump only capable of low pressure. Put all I could in the tire & headed toward the wind (slowly) trying not to bottom out the new tube. When I was almost home, was persuaded to divert an extra mile or so to grab a late dinner for the family. But it sure tasted good.
@Joses - I'll second Charlie's comments, and add that you should keep your wrists straight (In the neutral position). Having them cocked back will definitely lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. That is also why anyone who works on a keyboard a lot should have a padded wrist rest. On my road bike, I use a gel wrap below the regular handlebar wrap, and also change positions frequently. For a mountain bike, you can attach MTB bar ends on the end of your handlebars. This will give you another position or two.
Thanks Charlie L, I think I will eventually get a road bike so I can change hand positions. For now, I will try your advice and see if it helps.
I was told today's daily ride points would be double for "Bike to Work Day". Oh, well but it would have been nice for those of us who are either riding more consistantly, or who recognized the event.
@Joses, I am sure others will have better comments. I also like long rides. Several years ago I had what felt like I guess carpal tunnel might feel like. I got scared and started talking to others and reading. Maybe the most important suggestion was riding relaxed. No straight arms. Have to bend the elbows. Loosen the grips on the bars. I have a road bike. I added padding and double wrap on the handle bars. I always wear gel padded gloves. Finally, I move my hands a lot, at least every 15 minutes. Problem went away after time and hasn't returned. Keep riding!!
Exactly! I think staying positive and being professional while more of the public are exposed to bicycles is important. There are so many people I see riding the wrong way down sidewalks, darting out in traffic, etc. We need to keep a high profile and make sure people see that some bicyclists obey the rules of the road and are predictable. Also, I'm kind of new to long distance biking and think I have carpal tunnel in my hands! Anyone else ever had this, and if so, is there any way to prevent it? I have a Scott Sportster 10 with mountain bike-style handlebars (beating myself up because I really want a road bike now, but I can still cruise pretty fast and love riding it!). Could this be the reason?
Exactly Greg. When you"re stopped at a light or a stop sign and your going to go straight be in the lane. Also use left turn lanes when you become more comfortable riding in traffic and ride in the middle of the lane. If you ride off to the left or just to the right of a lane you're giving drivers the opportunity to try to squeeze by you and that creates a dangerous situation. Once you've made the turn or have gone straight through the intersection then move to the right so traffic can pass and you can continue in the bike lane or as far to the right that is safe.
EVERYONE - We are now on pace to collectively break 11,000,000 miles by the end of August. You may recall that it was only four days ago that we passed the pace needed to log 10 million miles. Monday so far tends to be our best day of the week, and the weekends are our worst. Let's change that trend this weekend!
@Travis - They fixed the mountain bike issue they had the first week. Sometimes, it may take a few hours to update as the number of participants is slowing things down. Report it if it still hasn't updated in another hour or so.
@ Joses. I take up the whole lane, too, when going through a roundabout. Motorists don't need to be upset because I can bike faster through a roundabout then motor vehicles can. I have to do this, otherwise they may try to pass me in a roundabout and hook me going out of it. I do the same thing in a right or left turning lane and take up the whole lane, so no one tries to pull up side of me. They give me the evil eye, too, like I have no buisness there, but it's much more safer that way.
Stopped by the local bike shop to have my Body bracket replaced. While waiting I noticed a guy picking up his new bike. I saw a smart phone on his belt so I asked if he had heard of Endomondo. After showing him the app on my phone he seemed pretty excited, so hopefully we have a new rider soon.
its not counting my mtn bike miles today.
yeah that is what i thought just surprised at new faces and points. Noticed three and four rides a day thought maybe that explained it. All good thank you i will do a 24 endurance ride to get some good points before month is over.
Nice job @Joses, riding like you belong punctuated with a wave... Bet that guy was thinking about you all the way home!
Check out the rules under the toolkit tab at the top of the web page.
The way I understand it is 20 points per day, not per ride. Example: 5 rides of 5 miles each in one day equals the same points as one ride of 25 miles in a day, (45 points). Hope this helps.
I was riding with the flow of traffic today in a bike lane. The lane was interrupted by a right turn lane so after signaling left, I safely merged into the center lane with traffic. I took the entire lane so as not to be run over and a young guy in a pickup came behind me blasting his horn and yelling. I kept my lane and politely moved back to the bike lane once I cleared the intersection. Also, gave the driver a smile and a wave as he drove past yelling. At least he saw me and I wasn't hit! hahaha
not 60 if you ride three times
Yes, 20 points every day you ride + 1 point a mile.
I am confused with some of the totals here. Do you get twenty points everytime you get on your bike? If so that takes away all confusion.
Be careful out there. My husband was struck by a car while bike riding along the Paper Trail out by the Fox River Mall in Appleton WI. The car was leaving a place of business and merging into traffic. The driver did not see him, although there was adequate daylight and he was wearing a bright yellow biking jacket. Luckily the car was moving slow enough he sustained facial laceration. The Emergency Room doctor who sewed him up, stated the research demonstrates cars are looking for other vehicals, not bikers or people. So bike defensively....
@ travis :( that sucks.
Difficult question @Troy, a situation that many victims no doubt wrestle with. How will you feel if you don't report it and later find out that he did it again and hit someone? Just thinking...
@Troy - You're a good sport, fella.
Well my mtn bike ride was great but i had to cut it short after my chain broke. I had less than 500 miles on it too.
@Burklee and Martin - I'll get my payback by eating TWO GALLONS of UNL Dairy Store ice cream at the Bike to Work event this afternoon! Seriously, though, I was a bit peeved this morning and had to vent, but I also have a hard time passing judgement. My wife hit a cyclist a few years ago (no serious injuries) while pulling out of the driveway at the medical practice she works at here in Lincoln. Needless to say, being a nurse and wife of a dedicated cyclocommuter, she felt absolutely awful and it made her a lot more watchful after that. I try not to be an a** when this happens 'cause I don't want to give our lot a bad reputation. There's already plenty of bad cyclists out there without me adding to the group by flipping somebody the bird or making a scene.
As part of the Florida Bike Summit, we tried to gain support for a cell phone ban while driving. I was plainly told by a Legislative aide that our representatives would never vote to ban cell phones because they (the representatives) get too much work done on cell phones while driving. Apparently it's not even common procedure to check cell phone records as part of accident investigations (in Florida). A friend was hit by a car, another vehicle turned around and reported to the police that the person was on the cell phone. They then investigated and the motorist got a ticket for distracted driving...
After hitting a dog and breaking my back last year, the dog owner said I didn't hit his dog. I now record and save all my rides on 1080p HD, otherwise it's just your word against theirs.
@Troy - I live in Lincoln - I'm tempted to call it in myself. We don't need that stuff. Actually, nobody does, bikers or other drivers. How hard is it to just drive? Aren't you SUPPOSED to pay attention while you're driving? The guy who almost hit me yesterday was driving an SUV and talking on his cell phone. Glad you're alright.
@Tony... I second the motion to report the incident!
We are giving away free University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Store ice cream sundaes to all bike riders today at the Jayne Snyder Trails Center in Lincoln, NE (while supply lasts)...ride on by and join us!
@Troy - Glad you're OK! If you haven't done it already, I would suggest reporting him to UNL. Too many drivers think that they can remain totally aware of their surroundings while being distracted by cell phones, texing, shaving, etc... And, little incidents (to him) like this may cause a driver to be more cautious for a few days, or even a week or two, but they tend to revert back to their old habits quickly. But if their employer tells them to not use a cell phone while driving, that will help reinforce the lesson, and make it last longer. We don't need to have you or anyone else on a bike become another statistic (or part of a movie with a much worse ending).
Made Golden on Bike to Work day! Woohoo! Love this challenge!
@Michael, I saw one bike on the way to work but they weren't going to work. I never see any other "real" commuters. I live in a small area though. Our bike movement is really new. I rode to work twice today because I left something home. A true blonde moment. Happy Bike to work Day!
Travis, that's the joy from Mt. Biking though- caked in mud. :) I prefer it to road biking.
Finally, shoulder is getting back to normal and I am back on my bike! Just in time for Bike to Work Day!
Happy National Bike to Work Day!
Unfortunately I only saw one other rider on my 23 mile commute. :-( It's a bit depressing in a large community like Tampa Bay. I'm being harsh however in an area where there have been around 10 cyclist deaths this year in the tri-county area. Apparently law enforcement and local government doesn't care... the signals are still stacked against cyclists and pedestrians and there's been no public outcry for change. I feel like Rambo... expendable!
Please be safe and ride like you belong!
It looks like a great day for mtn biking! I have about a 4 mile ride on the road to get to highland forest where i bike then its all uphill to the trails haha. Hopefully the trails dried out some i dont like biking home caked in mud.
My cyclocommute this morning was momentarily interrupted by a film I was forced to watch by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln employee (who will remain anonymous - license plate #12913). This feature was produced and directed by the same driver as he simulataneously attempted to direct his taxpayer provided utility van through a stop sign at an intersection while talking on his cell phone in an effort to start my weekend off with a bang and an ambulance ride. The movie was an autobiography about me, starring me, and ended with a poignant "sorry" mouthed by the producer and director through the passenger window of his van as he rolled to a stop. As in "sorry, please don't call my employer and tell them I was driving the company van while distracted by my cell phone." Luckily, I escaped with only a slightly more elevated heart rate. Grrrr!
"It doesn't get easier, you just go faster". - Greg Lemond
brisk blue sky morning a great start to a Friday
60 degrees for my 18 mile trip to work 19.2 mph avg was nice but going home has more uphill so I will slow down on My Bacchetta Corsa recumbent. Hope you enjoy your ride to work!
Happy Bike to Work Day everyone! Enjoy the ride!
Happy Bike to Work morning, everyone! In about fifteen minutes I'm going to go out and hit a couple of the meeting locations we have scattered around Austin.
Not out to win, just out to ride. Enjoy it while I can.
Thanks Jeff, I'm not out to kick anyone's butt, I just enjoy riding. At 66 I figure I'm not doing too bad. If I can ride like this at my age, so can anyone else - IF they truly have the desire to do so. Locally I'm known as the first one to be dropped from group rides (usually within the first 1/2 mile). I may be old and slow but I just keep plodding along and enjoying the ride.
Leonard Wright is kicking some butt on the Endomondo National Bike Challenge he is doing (at least)80 miles a day, everyday, since it started. Way to go!!!!
Sunny warm air in the 80's is pushing into Wisconsin for the weekend, but with the heat will come also strong winds from the south at nearly 20 mph and on Sunday it may become a very stormy day.
wish i was back in wisconsin Gregg. The ticket you get her is a whopping 78 dollar failure to yield. No manslaughter charges either. I remember growing up there and we were taught it was a priviledege to get a drivers license. Down here in florida they take the test in a parking lot and it is considedered a right to have a drivers license. How said it is sometimes. And with to kids and a wife i have learned to zip it, occasionally i still catch one at a red light and take a pic of their plate and let them know how stupid they are. Sad part is a lot have a teenager or younger in car they are teaching we have no rights as a cyclist. Istill get out ever day and so does my wife just to let them know they will not win. Just got our younger son at 2 his first bike and helmet.
I doubt whether UPS would provide any funding for bike commuting to work, even though the government has this program. We even got our turkey taken away at Christmas when the recession hit, so I'm sure they are going to say they have no money for this, even though everyone knows they are still making lots of money yet. I've never had a payroll check bounce yet. lol
@John
Good idea to sneak in a mile or so to get the 20 points. Alas, my commute day is good for 64 points, so bad weather tomorrow will still drop me probably 100 or more spots on the rankings. Oh well.
Danny, ride around the block a few times when there is a break in the rain. It's worth 20 points + a mile or two if you can get it in :) Then do your hard miles on the trainer.
Hello all i live in Pa, its great to meet all the participants in this exciting contest. I'm wondering if any in this challenge knows about this new goverment perk for cyclists, and if anyone has been able to get their company to offer it? Thanks for any or all feed back.
Good news for bicycle commuters. As of January 1st, 2009, you can collect a twenty dollar per month tax credit if you bike to work at least three days a week. This was all part of the stimulus bill that passed last Fall.
The credit is available through your employer. (That is if your employer contracts a commuter benefit provider.) If you employer does not have or offer a commuter credit program, talk to you employer about initiating a commuter benefits program. Get your fellow bicycle commuters to back you up on this. Your employer can benefit through tax breaks.
Many complain that $20 dollars a month isn't enough money to interest them in the program. And others state that the paperwork is more time consuming than it's worth.
Last year the leader board let you jump between different units like miles and trips. Looks like this year points is the only option.
@ Danny This challenge is only outdoor cycling.
Ride of Silence was a 12 mph ride where no one talks, but remembers all the cyclist deaths on the roadways last year. At our ride in Appleton, WI I believe they said that there were 68 cyclist deaths on Wisconsin roadways last year.. Any cyclist death is too many but 68 is way too many for any state. So just like our drunk driving laws where you can have your license revoked and if you kill someone, you can even be charged with manslaughter, they are going to do the same thing with drivers who hit pedestrians or cyclists due to inattentive driving or breaking the rules of the road. There will be severe penalties, including losing your license and in the case of a cyclist death even charges of manslaugher may be filed against a motorist.
Friday is normally a bike commute day for me, but the weather says we are going to have lots of rain and thunderstorms tomorrow. I usually do a trainer ride at home to still get some time on the bike during days like that. I imagine however that we aren't supposed to count trainer ride miles for this challenge. Anybody know for sure?
Go, Heather!!
12.73 today! Woo. Having issues though-rear brake pads rubbing the wheel.
I had to go to Monkey Wrench Bike Shop at lunch, and almost got hit by - wait for it - a guy driving an SUV talking on his cell phone. You're shocked and probably skeptical I know, but it's true. I'm in my lane, his lane is ending due to construction, so he cuts into my lane. I braked pretty hard and he continued merrily along. Glad I didn't impede his very important progess or anything. Sheesh. (Insert eye roll here.) But I have spokes for my future bike. Yea!
Today, i rode 29.31 miles doing arrands. In boise,idaho i use the green belt and side streets through neighborhoods to avoid high traffic streets. :)
@Carrie - http://RideOfSilence.org
The ride of silence was organised by a great group of people in Singapore who promote bicycles and a non automitive transportation approach. We in otherwords they cycle. Which makes sense on a relatively small island with electronic road pricing that is very high.
yo
Jenn, what is the Ride of Silence?
I did the Ride of Silence last night. Great ride for a sobering cause....
Points in the challenge keep accumuating throughout the challenge and once you achieve a certain level, you won't lose that level at the end of the month, but you have the opportunity the next month to go up another level. The drawing for gold at the end of the month will be first and all those riders who have reached the gold level will be in that drawing. If you do not win a prize in gold, then you will have a chance to win in the silver level, and if you don't win in the silver level, you will also be in the bronze level drawing. So, if you reach gold level, you will have a chance to win in each level each month. It is possible for a rider to win a prize every month, but only 1 prize per month. If you win a prize in the gold level that month, you will not be elgible for any other prize in the lower levels. However, even though points keep accumulating throughout the challenge for prizes, there is a link to see what points you have by month. Even, if you did not do so well on the leaderboard this month, next month in June you have an opportunity to see if you can get higher up on the board for June. You will be able to see your total points for the challenge as well as for each month. In the Wisconsin Challenge last year, I tried to get more points in the next month compared to the previous and this way you are challenging yourself to do more each month. It's really a great motivater for me because honestly, I don't think I would be biking as many miles as I do, if it wasn't for this challenge. That's why I love this challenge and would love to see it continue year around. Arizona has a disadvantage with the challenge in the summer and if there was one in the winter,, the disadvanatage would swtich to Wisconsin, unless we have a spring winter like we did this last winter. I was biking even in January because it was so unseasonably warm for us. It was so warm that the ice was not even safe to walk on in many places and one day 150 cars took a bath on the lake. lol
Scott Williams, thanks for answering my question - knowing that I don't lose my gold status at the end of the month makes me happy - and I guess I'm well on my way to platinum since points don't reset at the end of the month. Good thing - I was doing the math - I'd have to be seriuosly cool in order to go platinum in one month - 50 points a day is a lot of riding. Ahh, dreaming - how would it be to ride that much! I'll have to ask Leonard Wright ;)
Glad to be back to my 5 mile commute after 2 days of 15 miles each way!
Is there anyone else riding from Oshkosh or JLG in Australia????
That's awesome, Lauren. Points are 20 points for each day that you ride, +1 point for each mile that you ride.
Hello everyone! I wouldn't have ridden today except for this :) I have a doctor's appointment mid-day around 6 miles from work (a hilly 6 miles!) and I almost decided to drive.
One question- how are points deterined?
@Timothy...actually we have hit 1M miles on less than the listed 22K registered riders...only a little more than half of all of the registered riders have recorded mileage, an impressive feat, but i agree with you, lets get more riders and lets get more riders recording mileage (something I am guilty of)
Still raining so bailed out of cyclommute this morning, will try for a ride on the beach after work.
@James, glad you are here. This challenge is motivating many of us! Keep checking in and let us know how you are doing as you move along. Have a great day!
@James, Welcome to the challenge. It is motivating to read posts like yours. I often mention posts like this as I am explaining the challenge to prospective riders. Enjoy the fun and share your thoughts with everyone you know so we can hit that 50,000 number of riders.
Wow, just realized the goal is 50,000 riders, and we're only at 22,000+. Need to talk it up with our friends and get them riding too. 10 Million miles, we're already over 1 million, is very doable.
I have not ridden in 15 years and this is a new meaning to working hard. I used to race and would get in about 35 miles a day for training, now that I took 30 years off and went into the military and all I did was run, this seems like torture. I am glad that I can still do it even with all of my physical issues. Thanks for doing this it gets me motivated!
spent morning 2day & yesterday riding with middle school riders giving tips on safety.
same road same rules ! also vol for the loca kawanis bike prog. here in reno nv . bent
on miles of smiles d
.
Cleaning my bike after the rainy ROS... Just wanted to relay that the "Danger Zone" taillight is totally dry inside! All my Superflashes would show water intrusion with the type of rain we rode through. (read yesterday's thread on safe bicycle lighting)
I'd better hurry, I'm exhusted but want to cyclommute tomorrow. one last thing...
Thanks to all that participated in the Ride of Silence!
Hi all, just an itsy bitsy short ride today. Work intervenes with fun. Temp around 80 again but humidity is starting to attack.
Nice to hear the safety discussion. Getting hit is no fun. I taught my kids to drive defensively: that is just assume that everyone else on the road is an idiot! That goes double for cyclists (not that we are idiots, but that we have to assume all the drivers on the road are). Drivers just don't seem to see cyclists. No surprise when you consider that they don't see motorcycles or even construction workers. Missouri has had a real problem with construction workers getting killed on the job.
So yeah, be careful everyone.
A lot going on here with graduation and all so have a great weekend everyone!
Jerry, I'm in good shape for a flat-lander but I'm pretty sure my legs would have been cramping like crazy in last few miles of those rolling hills!
We rode 7.65 miles tonight at a pace of 12 mph at Wheel & Sprocket in Appleton, Wisconsin for the "Ride of Silence", remembering those who died or were injured on bikes. There was a group of about 15 riders. The weather was perfect for this.
Michael, it was a fun ride. Except for the headwinds on the way home. It is rolling hills with 8% grades. Add the headwinds to that, and plus it is at the end of the ride makes it tough.
We had about 10 riders in the rain for Palm Harbor's @RideOfSilence. Add to that, the police escort canceled. Several cars honked (in support) as they went by and almost all vehicles were well behaved.
@Jerry - Sounds awful, I wish I was with you!
Lisa, we are having the same problem. Our workplace has 13 but our team only has 8. Our 9th member cannot join as well.
My team only has 8 people but it's not letting my new 9th member join, it's saying the team is full. I thought teams were 10 people. Anybody know what's going on?
Agony in the Switchbacks - My first century.
Ride up to Estes Park, CO. High winds as I left Glen Haven. Bummer to have headwinds while climbing to and in the switchbacks. High winds in Estes Park and the canyon during the descent. And than headwinds all the way home.
The climb out of Glen Haven to the switchbacks is 10-13%. Than 15% in the switchbacks. Tough climb for me.
I was going for a short ride today but it was so nice and cool I ended up riding 30 miles instead. I had to work off the fish and chips I had at lunch at Applebee's anyway.
Points don't reset each month - you don't need to get to Platinum each month. After each month, we'll hold prize drawings for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold level prizes. If you're a Gold by the end of May, you'll be part of all three drawings, and you'll continue to be so for the following three months. Platinum prizes are drawn for once, at the end.
So our points - do they reset to zero at the end of the month, ie, do we have till the end of the month to get to platinum or till the end of the challenge? 'Cause call me crazy, but I don' t think I'll be getting 30 miles in each day all month...day jobs, you know...
@michael Good Luck. I feel for you. Your commute in rain is much longer than mine. Everyone, have fun on the ROS tonight. There isn't one within hours of here but I'll be thinking of you!
Weather's turning bad fast... I'm going to leave early and bring bike to Ride of Silence by car so I don't get caught riding home in rain after ROS...
Anybody got any experiences riding a Stratus XP?
whats up with Team Hungary? what company/team are they part of thats u.s. based??
The roads are pretty safe where i am because i live out in the country in the middle of nowhere haha. Though the mtn biking is dangerous the other day i was coming around a corner doing 15-20mph and hit a big hole and bottomed out and just went right over the handle bars and the bike came with me(gotta love clip ins) Amazingly i was alright except for being sore.
My headlight handband with 3 AAA batteries has a low, medium, and high beam and I can not use it on the high beam when a oncoming car approaches because it will blind them. So I use it on the medium setting and is bright enough and the batteries last over a month at this setting, using the light about a half hour every trip to work.
I had a headlight once that was mounted on the handle bars, but I hated that thing. It was bright when it was working, but over a bump, it would go dim. Then I'd have to give it a wack and it would go bright again, until the next bump. lol And this went on during my whole commute trip. I was about ready to smash the sucker. What's funny is that the tail light I use, is the one that came as a packgae with the headlight. And all the reviews of this light say the same thing that the tail light is great, but they all said the headlight goes dim over bumps and you have to give a wack to get it to go bright again.
My headlight is so bright that oncoming cars flash their lights at me wanting me to dim my light because I am blinding them. lol I try to remember this and tilt my head down more when there is an oncoming car so they aren't blinded. But another one of my pet peeves are motorists who don't think they need to dim their lights for a biker. But, bikers are also blinded by oncoming motorists who do not dim their lights. I can flash my light at them , too. lol I just noticed this morning that it is already starting to get light out before I get to work. There is at least 1 week in the summer when I don't even need to use any lights on my commute work because it is light out the whole commute to work. I love that week, but it unfortunately lasts only 1 week.
@Michael...i agree except I ride even further out sometimes depending on the width of the lane...I prefer measuring from the center line... making sure that there's not enough room for the motorist to THINK they can squeeze in between me and the center line. I rarely get honked at and I don't seem to impede traffic. Of course, there is always the fine person who would wait til the last minute to change lanes for a slower moving vehicle that gets upset. I always say ' failure to plan on your part doesn't make it my problem, etc. etc.
Cycle Saavy teaches this method. I like it....I like it a lot!
I also commute to work at about 4:10 am. I hate too much stuff mounted on my bike like tire pumps, lights, etc. that rattle and make noise and that people love to steal when you have your bike parked somewhere. Unless you are going to take all this stuff off every time you park your bike, you are inviting thieves to steal this stuff. For a headlight I use a really bright headlight headband and have a spare with good batteries with me in my road repair kit. I use these headband type lights for everything from camping, fishing, and biking. You are able to direct the light anywhere you want or need it to shine by tilting your head, leaving both hands free. If you hear an animal on the side of the road, by just tilting your head. you can direct the light at the noise to see what it is. For a tailight I have a red flashing light that is mounted to the seat post (and doesn't rattle lol) and people at work have told me it is very visible from at least a mile away. In fact they still can't get over how fast I must be going because they said it takes them so long to catch up to me, lol, but I told them it's only 18-20 mph. The traffic is so light at this time of the morning that I feel more safe in the dark, than I do during broad daylight when the traffic is so heavy. There is usually less than 5 cars that pass me the whole 9 miles to work and a couple of them are people from Neenah who work at UPS, too. . Also, it seems that drivers are much more alert at this time of the morning, watching out for deer and bike commuters lol and they are not as distracted by such things as cell phones, eating, and all the hustle and bustle that is going on around them during the day. In fact it is much more safer for me to be out biking at this time of the morning on County A where the speed limit is 45, than on the highway 41 and 441 race track with my car with people speeding at 75+ mph and fixing their hair, putting on makeup, shaving, eating, texting and talking on the phone etc.. I am much safer on county A any day with my bike than any day on the hwy. 41 and 441 race tracks. Those highways have become nothing but a death highway and now the speed across the polish connection will even increase some more because they are going to expand the lanes on the bridge from 4 to 6 lanes. Then they can fly across the lake in record time. lol
With the hotshot in the back, I can see it reflect off signs at least 4 blocks away, and I bet it could go farther if I could find a better spot to test it. :)
I ride with a Magic Shine headlight....believe me....nobody misses it! Check it out!
@ Michael, I agree totally with your lighting set-up. I also use dual headlights and dual tail-lights. Again, rechargeable batteries are wonderful but having the ability to switch to "standard" AA (or AAA) can be a real advantage on longer rides or if the rechargeable didn't get a full charge for some reason (I carry spare AA and AAA batteries with me, can't always find a C-store open at 5am).
The reflector strips are also a must, anything you can do to make yourself more visible will help.
I think your most important comment is keeping the lights properly adjusted. I've seen way to many cyclists with lights pointing in every direction but where they need to be. Your idea of using a post-it note is excellent - if the lights are not properly aimed they are WORSE than useless (you think you have lights that can be seen but they are totally useless from more than 20 feet away).
@timothy Dude, my biggest fear is another driver's poor decision making. Im happy you were able to continue on. Take care and safe cycling everyone!
The safest riding position on busy roads can be attained by mentally dividing the road in half and then dividing the right section in half and riding that position (about 2 feet away from the right median). Some motorists may not like that position and will honk, but most cars will change lanes far behind you allowing vehicles behind them to see you!
I have been starting my commute at 4am so I
figure everyone is half asleep like me. I use 2
tail lights with different flash patterns, 2 lights
on the handlebars, a red/white flashing helmet
light, 1 red 1 blue valve stem lights, and day
glow vest with reflective stripes. A mirror also
helps see what's coming.
Timothy, Glad to hear you are alright (bruised is much better than broken). I've had similar occurrences over the years - drivers just don't see cyclists or, if they do, they expect us to stop so they can make their turn. Drivers have no concept of just how fast the average cyclist rides these days, if they think at all, they remember riding as a kid at 8 or 10 mph, NOT the 15 to 20 mph many riders are doing today.
ALWAYS wear a helmet (I've shattered two of them) and ALWAYS expect a car to do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time. You've all heard of defensive driving, riding a bicycle means defensive cycling 10 times over!!!
Everyone needs to be extra careful out there, we are the ones that will suffer in an incident with a car - the last thing anyone wants is to be dead right!!
Thanks everyone for the advice. I definitely use lights when riding at night, and the reflective vest is a really good idea for daytime riding. I was wearing dull colors yesterday, because I just hopped onto my bike to run an errand really quick. I have a bright yellow cycling jersey and a bright orange road vest. I will always wear one of the two from now on! Also @Jeff, taking the entire lane is a good idea...hopefully the oncoming vehicles will slow down and pass appropriately.
@Timothy LaBauve (& most anyone) - if there is more than one lane and the road does not have a dedicated bike lane , you should be able to take the entire lane, if the law allows. Whole lot less people will try to buzz you or turn in front of you when you ride like a motorcycle would.
Read your cities bicycle laws. If you can, print them out and stash them somewhere. Even the cops don’t always know the laws.
I do wear the dayglow yellow jerseys, but you can’t have too many lights. I use a MiNewt up front, a Bicycle Spoke LED Light, a Hotshot in the back, plus a pair of Reelights that never need batteries. A great taillight review. http://bicycles.blogoverflow.com/2012/03/tail-light-review/
Danielle, thanks for asking... here is the link for the Palm Harbor Ride Of Silence (http://suncoastcycling.com/rideofsilence.html). http://RideOfSilence.org will direct you to your local ride!
I don't know @Charlie, the new hi-vis Orange Jerseys are pretty bright! ;-)
I work in a courthouse and have been approached by several Bailiffs about my lights. One said when he saw me come around a bend behind him, he thought it was a motorcycle cop at first. Co-workers have told me that when i was behind them (within a couple of blocks) my lights were very "annoying"... (music to my ears, it's hard to ignore something that annoys you!)
Ride like you belong!
Adding to Michael on Bicycle great comments about lights and reflective items. I am a firm believer in "Screaming Yellow" type of colors when riding roads. I have had truck drivers with dirty windshields on sunny days stop and say they never would have seen me if it hadn't been for the bright colored shirt/jacket. This past winter I also added a "Bike Glow" safety light to the frame. It is pretty if nothing else. Not real bright but good in the really dark nights for side visibility. It is a 10 foot long tiny rope light that you can wrap around the frame, as if you were in a night parade.
Good advice on the lights Michael. The more the better.
My rule of thumb is, as a cyclist, I'm invisible! And need to be aware the entire time I'm out there. I even wear a safety vest I picked up for $10. Can't go out without my mirror, drives me crazy not knowing what is behind me.
Michael, try to stay dry on your way to work the rain is definitely coming. Where is the local event for the RIDE of Silence taking place. I live here in Pinellas County. Be safe!
Boy, I hope those storms (showing on radar) stay off the coast until I get to work! ;-)
Don't forget to join your local RIDE OF SILENCE ( http://RideOfSilence.org ) at 7pm tonight. This is a global event to remember those killled on bicycles and bring awareness about cyclists
Wow @Joses, 2 near misses in one day that must have shaken you! If you stick to your route at the same time you will find that vehicles get better as they get used to you. All available routes take me on major 6 lane roads, but I find them safer than alternative routes that I use infrequently where because thely pass much closer.
You didn't mention headlights, my experience is that my headlights have eliminated the creeping car at intersections and driveways (see earlier post). If anything they stop too soon and inch up but still don't enter the right-of-way.
Unfortunately you'll always have jerks who don't want bikes on the road and have no understanding of how scary it is when they act carelessly (or purposely pass close to teach cyclists a lesson).
Please be safe everyone! Glad you're ok Jones!!
Hey guys - can we change our community if we are riding solo - I'm under the Oshkosh corporation banner but in the JLG Industries side of the division..........Its definetely not under settings.
Wow Timothy, glad you're not seriously hurt! I also had two near misses today! I was turning left, signaling and everything, when a truck that was originally about 500m behind me, came within INCHES of hitting me! He had two other lanes to choose from, but instead decided to try and run me off the road! I yelled, threw my hands up, and he pulled into the street where I was turning. He said, "What did you want me to do, slam on my brakes?" Of course I replied, "Yes, or changing lanes ahead of time would have been more efficient for you." Mind you, this was 5 p.m. traffic on a pretty busy road, the guy was probably in a hurry and not paying attention. The other near miss was a driver that thought he was gonna inch out for a "right on red" when he saw me coming down the bike lane with the flow of traffic at the last minute. He screeched to a stop, and luckily I had already premeditated just that. Pretty much, people don't look for bikes and have no idea that we have rights to the road...what hand signals are...or know what common courtesy is. I will try and not ride at that time of the day on THAT road again. I'm a firefighter, a veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan, and a new dad. I see far too often bicyclists and pedestrians hit by dumb drivers. I don't want to die now while just trying to exercise! I really wish bike paths could be safer...
For those commuting at a more reasonable "commuting" pace (12-15mph) , dual Fenix may be overkill. Check out something like a pair of Planet Bike's LED headlights. I like dual lights since one can be flashing while the other lights your way! I personally would suggest staying away from lights with a built-in rechargeable battery. Using your own AA rechargeables will save you down time when the batteries die.
At slower speeds the rear lights are even more important since vehicle closing rates are faster.
Glad you're OK Timothy, that's very scary!!!
If like me you're cyclommuting in the dark, please have lots of lighting! Yes, emergency vehicles with lights have been hit so nothing is perfect but I go out of my way to stand out like a Christmas tree. These are just friendly suggestions based on my cyclommuting experience over many years in different locations.
Here are my current lights:
Front - a pair of Fenix LD22 ( https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php;products_id=2883 ) In the dark, 1 is on steady mode and the other "Strobe" mode (150-200 flashes/min). During the day, both are on strobe mode.
Motorists do not perform "left crosses" when these lights are on! (Left Cross = On-coming vehicle turning left in front of you.)
Something else I love, they take standard AA batteries. The best batteries I've found are the PowerEx NiMH 2700 mAh rechargeables ( http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewitem.asp )
I charge them before each commute, but if I ever run out of power I can stop at any convenience store for some Alkalines! I use PowerEx's charger and each set of batteries last around 8 months before needed replacement (under $20 for 4).
Rear:
1) "DangerZone" LED Flasher - before this I swore for Planet Bike's "SuperFlash". DangerZone by Portland Design Works is brighter and has a more distinctive flash pattern. (uses 2 AAA NiMH rechargeables)
2) "Beacon" by Trek - on my handlebar ends. They make a pair for road bikes and a set for mountain bikes. I use the left (closest to traffic) in blink mode and the right side steady. (uses 1 AAA each)
3) Blackburn "Flea" on my helmet. During Night steady mode and flashing during the day. (built-in rechargeable uses USB and optional solar panel to recharge)
In addition to the lights, I've also applied the "brightest" reflectors I could find. You know the alternating white/red reflectors around trailers "18 wheelers", and how far they're visible... You can get them at truck stops (in 8-10' strips). I cut them up and place them strategically (and stylishly) on the bike.
Does all this mean I will never get hit? Of couse not but they do make me more visible and usually the first vehicle in an approaching group will react from further away and 'telegraph' my existence to the vehicles behind them.
With each step I've taken I've watched the vehicles behind me for results and I'm confident I've make BIG improvements. How do I watch? With a rear view mirror, of course! :-) I've been told by other roadies that my DangerZone is visible from about 1/2 mile duing at 12pm in the Florida Sun!
BTW - lights must be adjusted level or they're not visible from far. I adjust by getting close to wall marking light with post-it note and moving away from wall... center of light should hit the post-it note from any distance!
Everyone please have fun but be careful and take all the steps possible to be visible. I haven't even mentioned cummuting jerseys or backpack with extra reflective beading that I always wear when cyclommuting. -michael
Great Job Timothy for finishing your commute! I recommend you for" tough guy of the week award." We all have to be brave to do what we are doing! We must take a stand! Don't stop! Riding into work this morning at 4:30am I'm seeing more and more riders out there.
@Timothy. :( What a terrible story. I am glad your okay and I hope you can still move around okay tomorrow. I would have been terrified!
Timothy - thanks for sharing and glad you are OK after today's incident. I hope everything heals up quickly. And you are right, this challenge about getting better bike accomodations to make it safer for all cyclists. I would like to remind everyone to be safe out there. Here is one of the better articles I have read about car interactions and some things to be thinking about. http://bicyclesafe.com/
Got hit by a car on my morning commute today. I was on the shoulder of a divided roadway, three lanes on each side. The car came along side me and attempted to turn into a gas station and turned into me instead! Took the mirror clean off, and I got away with a badly bruised left arm and and a sore bottom. Thanks to the EMT who happened to be nearby for checking me out. The driver was cited (I didn't ask what for) and I was able to finish my commute just fine. If feel pretty lucky. I'm currently looking for a better route, but Baton Rouge is not the most bike friendly city, and every route from my house to work includes some kind of construction. I suppose the best way to convince the city we need better infrastructure is by getting out there and riding - showing that there is a need. That's part of what this challenge is about, right!
Be safe out there - always wear a helmet!
This challenge is going to kill me...hahaha... Trying SO hard to stay in the top 500... but it's proving to be very hard.
@Daniel 5°C is 41°F... a bit chilly!! Skipped an AM ride due to those temps and no cold weather gear, just last week
Rode in this morning and just a chilly 5 degrees Celcius not sure what that is in F - but absolute freezing wind chill factor!!!!!!!!!
@Cora - Don't forget to pick your son up. He's probably getting worried by now. ;)
@John, I love racing the rain!!! ... What a motivation for doing sprints! haha. I've managed to out ride a few of them... but have also got caught in many.
Rode into the storm until I felt rain. Weather man said it was moving about 17 to 21 miles an hour. Felt the first drop and turned around. Felt like a kid again trying to beat the rain. The rain was faster then weather man said it caught me. I was soaked. It was fun trying though.
@gregg thanks for the core exercises.
I am totally envious of those of you that have fully supportive bike communities in place!
Early afternoon ride. For once I shared a turning lane with another rider! It was great to have a few words and then ride on. Saw two other riders later. I am now GOLD. Woo hoo. But I won't buy a shirt yet. I'm crossing my fingers that I will win one.
@ Christine, nice that you are seeing some live wildlife, too much of the stuff I see is road kill and it smells funky.
Speaking of funky I was having trouble catching sattelites yesterday so my Garmin said that I rode at 2:45AM and it didn't record a map. I am happy to report that it was back on track today so the time and miles were correct and it recorded my route. The only thing it can't do is tell the temparature. It said it was 90+ degrees, happily the actual temperature was closer to 80!
@ Gregg, nice to remind everybody about the gas prices. Just so they don't go down too far so people think, hey gas went down, so why am I riding? Just think how much more fun it is to buy ice cream at the convenience store and then go burn those calories on your bike than it is to buy gas.
RE: riding in the rain, yeah, you gotta be careful. Brake gently every once in a while to dry off your brakes. Sometimes it can be fun to ride in the rain when it is hot outside. Its a great way to cool off. Once on a Wisconsin ride it started pouring buckets but I decided what the heck, I only had a few miles left and a warm shower awaited me at the end. So I just RODE ON! Happy trails everybody!!
@Gregg, thanks for attending the @RideOfSilence in Appleton!
I'll be attending the ROS in Palm Harbor Florida designated as "sweep", with the goal of keeping everyone together and directing vehicles around us. Many ROS' (like Palm Harbor) also have a police escort for the entire ride to keep everyone safe.
Your bulging quads and razor-cut calves are the envy of your pack, and you start every ride strong. As the ride progresses, though, your hips seesaw in the saddle, your lower back aches, and you slow in corners. The problem? Your core cries uncle long before your legs wear out. Although a cyclist's legs provide the most tangible source of power, the abs and lower back are the vital foundation from which all movement, including the pedal stroke, stems. Here are 8 core exercises for cyclists: http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/8-Core-Exercises-for-Cyclists.htm
Wow, there are at least 14 RIDE OF SILENCE (ROS) rides in Wisconsin and 12 in Vermont tomorrow!
To show support and make a statement that's easy to reference, please use @RideOfSilence in all comments referencing the ROS. -michael
@Michael I'm planning on going tomorrow to the one in Appleton at Wheel & Sprocket from 7-9pm. They want everyone to arrive 15-30 minutes early. Helmet required. Lights strongly encouraged. No registration necessary. Call Wheel & Sprocket Appleton with questions (920) 997-9300 .
David Brock: Thank You! for crucial and vastly reassuring clarification. It is definitely the Copper Triangle I’m aiming for. (Triple Bypass confusion apparently just a misunderstanding during information relay to/from Colorado by another friend) I’m delighted to learn of your “heavy commuter bike” experience. I can go out a few days early to acclimate a bit to the altitude, and I’ll be regularly attacking..(or more accurately wobbling up) those #2 hills near home with (psychologically) unswerving determination (-; while increasing daily/weekly mileage totals. Thanks!
Great ride yesterday! Almost 15 miles and saw: a hawk, lots of rabbits, birds and squirrels, a plastic owl (it looked real even when I was 5 feet away and standing still - old eyes, what can I say), and two deer. I was less than 20 feet from the deer! We just stood and stared at each other for a few minutes, then they turned and bounded into the woods. Don't see that too often from your speeding car! They were talking about thunderstorms this afternoon, but if I can get home before they start, I might get a few miles in today!
For those not aware, tomorrow (May 16th) is the RIDE OF SILENCE.
The Ride Of Silence is to remember those killed while riding their bikes. The Ride Of Silence happens across the globe and there should be one near you. To find a ride close to you, check http://rideofsilence.org/main.php. The rides are short and slow (like a funeral procession) so any riding level is welcome.
Please join a ride to show that cyclists belong and killing cyclists is unacceptable!
Team UPS I assure you I rode more than 4.3 miles today. My gps signal was excellent the entire ride. Maybe I just went faster than the signal.....yea....I doubt it. Beautiful day in Nashville none-the-less.
Here is good article on "How to Overcome 5 Bike-to-Work Challenges": http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/How-to-Overcome-Bike-to-Work-Challenges.htm
At Media Research Center on facebook they were complaining about the high gas prices: https://www.facebook.com/mediaresearchcenter
I told them to start biking to work and use a bike more for transportation and join the National Bike Challenge and I could guarantee them that they will see gas prices fall. It's already working here in Wisconsin. Earlier this spring they were forecasting that gas prices would be over $5/gallon by Memorial Day weekend. However, because of all the biking we are doing to work and for transportation in Wisconsin, we are forcing the gas companies to lower their prices due to an oversupply in the market. And that is exactly what is happening at the gas pumps here. Gas prices are beginning to fall rather than go up as originally forecast. Gas has fallen in the Fox Valley area to $3.72. and my wife said when she was in Winona, MN last weekend, gas had fallen to $3.57 and with a 4 cents off coupon at Fleet Farm, she paid $3.53. It's working guys, keep pedaling!
@ Kyle, Experience and dedication - no animals involved :-)
Thanks Frank, I was thinking I still had 100 miles to go, forgot about the bonus points - maybe something to do with old age and memory (or the lack of it).
@ Joshua, I like your attitude, you can do platnum every month - forget about the drawing, just enjoy the riding. Riding in the rain is alright as long as cars aren't passing you, throwing mud and wet sand in your face :-)
This challenge is really pushing me to just get out and ride. On Sunday, I took a trip around the block, just to get out there (Big block though, since the route ended up being over 1/2 a mile!) after spending the day walking around the Milwaukee County Zoo. I made up for the short ride though, by riding over 20 miles yesterday - all with the cart, and with a flat on the cart on the way back. Had to put my bags on, and skip picking up my son on the way back. One of these days, I'm actually going to go out prepared to deal with flats and the cart falling off...
I feel for you riders who are in a rainy spell. We had it here in Wisconsin this spring when the heavens opened up and I had to do a triathlon to bike to work. There were 3 different places that were flooded over really deep on the way to work.. But now the weather gods are pouring their blessings on the Badger State with dry and early summer weather in the upper 70's and even in the 80's yesterday. It's a very dry heat, which is nice on the bike. Ever since that heat wave in March and the earth quake in Clintonville that tipped chairs over lol, our weather patterns are screwed up. Our weather continues to be a month ahead. We are are now having June weather patterns in May and if this continues, June will be more like July with hot humid days and nights.
Go, @Heather, Go! (but take it slow in the wet, and turn your lights on)
@Heather, congratulations on the mileage/points!!
and I want to make gold every month too! I'm almost halfway there now.
@travis. I am so sick of rain in the mid atlantic. I shake my fists at the weather gods all the time. I'm about to go out in it again. It's supposed to pour today and it's raining at a good clip right now. Entirely frustrating.
@Michael & @Phillip I should have continued all of the way through the explanation, as Phillip did. Sorry. I just got too excited!
@ Michael 81,301 x 14 (days since challenge began) = 1,138,211.38 mi. needed to be on target.
Nice fuzzy math Martin. 10,000,000/123 ≈ 81,301
We are finally on target to surpass 10,000,000 miles by the end of the challenge, as we only needed to reach 1,138,212 miles by the end ot the day today (10,000,000 miles/123 days), and we are already over 1,155,000 miles.
With nicer weather coming, and at least another 10,000 riders by the end of the challenge, we should easily exceed 15,000,000 miles, and maybe get close to 20,000,000.
no riding for me today and its supposed to rain and thunderstorm for the next 2 days. At least i made it to gold already, im hoping to make it to platinum by the end of august but if not its fine cause im riding to stay in shape.
@ scott I just checked my standing and you were on my screen but then I logged my miles for to day so I will be moving up another 24 points I am sure I will keep seeing you around though.
It would be great to be able to sort the leader board by cycling transportation and cycling sport...
Leonard - Congratulations on making Platinum!
@ Phililip I am looking for platnum every month even though I know its a one time drawing at the end. Don't let the rain stop you. Riding in the rain is my favorite time to ride. The air is cool and the rain spray is like a free spa treatment. Just remember to lube your chain when you get home.
Nice ride this evening on the North Augusta Greeneway - what a great place to ride!
Having fun monitoring my ranking as I move up and down the leaderboard.
How in the world are guys racking up 700, 800, 1000 miles in the last 14 days? You guys are animals!
Welcome aboard, John. Welcome to a place where you're not considered "weird" if you bike to work.
Hi Everyone! I bike to work everyday, however I just got around to uploading my miles. Looking forward to participating :-)
I'm going for gold every month!
Its really frustrating that I haven't been able to ride very much in the past week or so, because of all the rain. Although I can't complain too much, because we have been in need of the rain for quite a while now. I'm just ready to get back in the saddle again.
@Nyla:kudos for thinking about one of the challenging rides in Colorado. One big note: The Copper Triangle and The Triple Bypass are two different rides. The Copper Triangle is 70-80 miles and maybe 6000 feet of climbing, the Triple Bypass is 110-120 miles and maybe 12000 feet of climbing. So make sure you know which one you're thinking about and/or that you sign up for the right one (if doing it with the organized ride).
I found the Copper Triangle very doable on my big heavy commuter bike, but it was certainly a goal I worked toward. Do as much climbing as you can! If you're from low altitude, consider getting there early to help acclimate to the lighter air!
But it is definitely achievable by us "mere mortals"! Go for it!
@Heather - It's fun to ride with your sweetie! Mine can't go as far at one time as I can, so we go a ways, take a rest, go a ways... If I want to do a fitness ride, I just get up early and go by myself. I need more of those. I love the quiet and alone time. And I got into my not fat pants today, and got them zipped. Yeehaa!
@E M - Thanks, chick. And, yeah, come see us at the Bike Kitchen, 15th & Sumner, Sundays, 12-4, Mondays 5-9. We'd love to see you. You'll probably find me out back in the garden. My sweetie is in charge back there, I'm the head lackey. I got in 5 miles in 30 minutes at lunch today. That was on a flat-ish trail. I have tomorrow off work for a doctor visit. I'll ride to that since it's right on the trail. Then we may just continue on down the trail. A bad day riding is better than the best day at work!
@Burklee...you might be my cycling twin. Round and slow, but steady as we go! My commute is 1.78 but I often stretch it up to 4. I need to start recreational riding if I really want to get any miles in. I have been studying maps and routes as to where I might do this at places that are more enjoyable than my commute. P.S. Getting my guy his bike today after work!
Hi everybodeee, I added 20 miles to my total today and am getting close to gold. I only saw two other riders, which is a new low. Its a gorgeous daywith temps in the 70s, so I can only think that people are trying to catch up after a busy weekend.
@ Christine, welcome to the cycling brigade! You will be riding with your son & grandson before you know it!
@Burklee. You just made my day. Lincoln a bronze level bike friendly community. See, I knew it, that's just fantastic. I'm gonna check out this "bike kitchen" when I get back to Lincoln.
Before you know it you are gonna work your way up to riding those 25 miles. You are gonna love riding Nebraska highways. The good news is that most of them have nice wide shoulders and not a lot of debris. You will do great. Just remember to drink enough water and eat a banana now and then. Also, you will be surprised how a stop of a few minutes will refresh you after you have ridden a few miles and you will be ready to ride a few more miles. Work your way up to the challenge by riding a few miles any time you can manage it. Then you will be ready for that 25 mile challenge. And as a bonus those pounds will start to disappear. YOU GO GIRL!!
@Christine, Oh to be young again - congratulations on your weight loss, not an easy thing to do as we get older. I fit the "old and slow" part of your comments but age and speed don't matter - what's important is getting out and ENJOYING a ride. Doesn't need to be far or fast, just FUN!!! Have a wonderful time during your rides, keep us posted on what you are doing.
Welcome Christine! Always delightful to encounter another enthusiastic rider among the AARP eligible, double X chromosome contingent- particularly one who shares the revived childhood sense of uncomplicated JOY in going for a ride...while discovering what aging but vastly capable muscles can accomplish, and Celebrating along the way. What Fun Indeed! Carpe Diem and Roll On (-:
@Christine - Good for you!! Way to go. Glad you joined up. I'm fat and slow, but love riding. My commute is only 2.2 miles roundtrip, so it's a good thing you get 20 points just for riding. That's the only reason I'm in the top ten percent here.
I didn't get to ride much this weekend... to the store, to the bike kitchen, to return a movie. I was gonna go for a big ride Saturday a.m., but we ended up going to the Henry Doorly Zoo, so I didn't have time. Won't have time tonight or tomorrow, since we have to be at the bike kitchen both nights. I'm gonna head out for a lunch ride in a few minutes, though, because it's sunny and 73° here. I'm giving serious thought to entering a non-competitive event in the Cornhusker State Games; a 25-mile ride on a hilly Nebraska highway in the middle of July. Scary, but I think I can do it. I'm adopting a Trek 7300 Multitrack from the Lincoln Bike Kitchen. The ride might be easier on that than my Roadmaster mountain bike.
We're over a million miles. Way to go, everybody! Go Lincoln, a new Bronze-level Bike Friendly Community!
Congrats @Christine!! Keep up the good work, you'll be young(ish) before you realize it! ;-) -michael
I'm a 59 year old woman who has dropped 75 pounds in the last three years (my son wants his son to have a grandmother for more years than he had his grandfather) and recently taken up bicycle riding in addition to walking for health. I now own the first bike I've ever owned with more than a single speed and coaster brakes and am riding to work (less than 2 miles) almost daily. I also put in about 15 miles on trails a couple times a week. I had forgotten how joyful bicycling can be. I may be old(ish) and slow, but I'm enjoying the heck out of riding a bike again...and this challenge! What fun!
The Tour of the Scioto River Valley was this past weekend. 105 miles from Columbus OH to Portsmouth on Sat and back on Sunday. Or the Half TOS from Chillicothe to Portsmouth. Beautiful weather on Sat. the usual TOSRV rain on Sunday. I did the Half TOS, total 112 miles, and offer my sincere respect and congratulations to those who cycled the century back to Columbus in Sunday's rain.
Ysidoro - thanks for participating in the challenge. We have a team at work and it is fun to give and receive encouragement. Good luck and stay cool during the summer.
Right there with you Michael Lemuel. I've been playing with the GPS app for a couple days now and it works flawlessly half the time but if there are errors I delete the workout and add it in manually from the bike challenge home page. Hopefully nobody is fabricating miles but I don't see how there is anything to gain by lying. This competition has become a serious point of pride in myself as I went from a very casual weekend rider last year to a full blown morning - commute - night rider and staying in the top 50 nationally would be an amazing accomplishment for me. My legs have been sore every since may began but they feel great when I'm riding....
There are four employees in our department that are riding at least twice a week. We travel to a trail in Brownsville Texas and spend the evening riding various trails with different levels of difficulty. We participated in the annual Jalapeno 100 bicycle ride in Harlingen Texas. Just recently we completed the Pedal to Padre Bicycle ride.
I was in River Falls Wisconsin for a nephew's graduation this weekend without my bike. He really got my curiosity up telling me about the local Whitetail Ridge Trail singletrack. Since I had no bike along he genourously let me use his mountain bike to give it a try. I have no experience of offical MTB trails so it was all new to me, but all the different sections were rated for difficulty and a couple had the highest 'double black diamond', and wow - I had never done anything like this - knarly dude! Most of the trails were a fairly narrow obstacle course threading around trees rocks and stumps, and sometimes OVER rocks, boulders and logs. And bridges across gullys (one bridge was very narrow - maybe 10" wide - but that one had an alternate route down through the gully) The toughest one for me was a steep drop into a hairpin/switchbck turn followed by more turns wrapping around a couple of trees, my second time I made it through without touching ground by hitting both brakes and slide/skidding around the curves. And that section was followed by an endless climb with a little more climbing, and some more after that, and I think there was a bend in the middle of all that too, at least once I lost my momentum and with no chance of restarting on the ascent had to be a pansy and walk it a bit. And the times I did make it there were a couple of points that I was standing on the pedal and just barely moving (cadence of 1?) Also there was a cool plank run that was a banked turn that exited back to the dirt with a fairly good descent. A memorable weekend to be sure. It also gets me primed up thinking about the possibilities for the mountain bike park that's being discussed for Art Lecker Park on JJ in Grand Chute (WI).
I could see a <.49 mile or simply starting and stopping a workout doing that. Just another example of spurious data that currups the system. Personnally I'm not worried about the points. If you ride A mile a day for the course of the challenge you'll get Platinum. In the top 20 however, this challenge is a point of local pride. I'm the #1 rider of the #1 team, #1 workplace (unseen directly including), #1 city in my state, and I represent myself and these communities to the best of my ability. Nationally I'm in 11th place, #5 team, ≈180 workplace, ≈25 city, of 10th place State. We have a lot to be proud of. Especially considering our team is a non-profit organization, our "workplace" consist of two people,and our city has 2 teams in the top 1%. We're not racing for prizes (but I'd love to finally have a Jersey or brand new upper end bike because my upper end bike was 8 yrs old when I got it and the only new bike I've ever gotten was from Wally World), we're out there because we like cycling and we're extreme endurance athletes.
I prefer to log with GPS but sometimes it doesn't start right, has satelite issues, or like today where it "lost" a whole trip, then I correct with my bike computer. I don't like routes because I don't think people actually follow them as often as they think, or simple say they did a route despite not doing it for whatever reason (excuse). My system my have errors, but I do my best to iron them out, and I would hope others would to. In the milage logged early example, does anybody think the guy would bother to delete the workout is he were get extreme whether. I don't, simply for the same reason he posted it early, he's more concerned with rank then pride.
To Michael Lemuel: I saw a rider today get 20 points. How do you get just 20 points? sit on your bike, get off of it and then enter zero miles and get 20 points for not riding.
Casper, WY had a beautiful day today- with just a little wind. Only did 21 miles today but 10.5 was up the mountain. Whew what a work out. But the "coast" down was amazing. Any safety suggestions on coming downhill ? All suggestions will be seriously considered.lol. I'll be glad when school gets out so there will be more time to get more miles in. Hope weather cooperates for everyone this week.
WHOA! Some people (reporting to be in U.S.) are already claiming milage for tomorrow (5-14). Can somebody do checks at least in the top riders for impossible ride reports (such as reported befor they happen, multiple entry, and conflicting times. If nothing else a message to those riders on how to correct errors you think happened (in case the information is correct but looks off because of some error).
I know i wont be hitting 1500 by the end of the month but i will by august. Im going to be mtn biking alot now but i do ride from my house to the place i go mtn biking at too.
We hit 1 million miles--9 million to go.
I hope to get to 1500 before the end of the month.
Hi all. Did a downtown ride today sponsored by Missouri Bike & Pedestrian Federation. Even met Brent Hugh who made the Dutchtown Classic ride a freebee with free food. It doesn't get any better! My husband & I talked a couple of our friends into riding with us. We figured all the teenagers would be sleeping late after the prom yesterday. We were surprised that both their daughter and our daughter were up before we even got home in the early afternoon! Man, it has been a long time since I've done such city riding with soooo many stop signs and traffic lights. I'll look forward to getting back to our regular route tomorrow.
@Leonard, you have proved yourself an inspiration in more ways than one: riding all those miles and then helping all those kids. That's fantastic.
@Gregg, I was planning to reward myself with one of the jersey's when I get to the gold level. Of course, I wouldn't mind winning one. Made in USA is an even bigger incentive to make me determined to get one. And then to have it delivered by a company that is beginning to use bicycles in a big way to make some of their deliveries. That is just so awesome.
Now that I'm alomst done with high school (my daughter will graduate on Friday), my plan is to trade in a couple of the organizations I have been volunteering for and picking up a couple of new ones. One of the new activities will be to promote cycling in any way I can. I have been in love with bicycling for as far back as I can remember, which includes riding my brother's bike until I got my own at age 5. I want to help make conditions better so nobody will have to give up bicycling because they think its too dangerous.
Oh, before I forget we met a man on our ride today who was doing the fourteen mile loop. He told us that for health reasons, he couldn't cycle longer distances. He said he is on a fixed income and can't afford a car. He bicycles everywhere and when he needs groceries, he takes a trailer with him. Another inspiration for all of us!
CYCLING MY WAY TO GOLD......
Congrats to Leonard!! First to the 1500 point marker. You are an inspiration.
Great ride today! I live in Golden Gate Fl. about 7 miles east of Naples.The residential neighborhood I live in has no side walks and no bike lanes posted 25 mph.The average speed is 50 plus,thats no exageration,There's lots of children there,and cyclists.It's unfortunate that you have to fear for your life and that of the kids who play around there.There are no police patrolling the back streets,I have writen letters to the editor about this issue and the sheriffs office responded by putting a radar machine on my land lords front lawn which made it dangerous for him getting out because he couldn't see.Some times you just can't win,I just keep trying.
It is so nice I decided to go for a second ride today
Martin, Thanks much for most welcome encouragement, advice, and taking time to comment (-: If my info is correct, the Copper Triangle takes place on paved roads, and road bikes are recommended. Mine certainly qualifies as one of those ‘rode/road” (R2?) bikes referred to in some recent posts. I know my limits…..I’ve a preference for smoothly paved (mostly level, alas) sparsely traveled secondary roads which seldom require shock absorption beyond regrettably built-in padding. I can face wind and hills….wouldn’t be prepared to deal with jouncing along treacherous off-road terrain (particularly in light of that precipice-perching aspect (-;)
Rainig all day today in Knoxville, TN...sigh no ride today, maybe it will break tomorrow and I can commute to work. Heck Knoxville needs all the riders it can get at this point...lol
@Nyla - I really loved reading your post! So, I just had to comment, even though I am from a flatter part of the same state. I'm sure you will get several responses, and my guess is that they will say that the money you spend trying to retrofit your Azuki so that it is trail worthy, would be better off spent just buying a mountain bike. You can have the chainrings replaced on your old bike to something smaller, and also your cluster to give you better gearing, but you will still be very uncomfortable without a shock absorbing seat/stem that a mountain bike offers. Other than that, and unless you hear otherwise from westerners, I would say, go for the adventure! You will remember it for the rest of your life. (But make sure you get a fair amount of trail riding in between when you get a mountain bike, and then. There is no substitute for having the trail experience, especially if you can drive somewhere on weekends for more technical trails.)
Enticed by the chance to visit family in the area, and inspired by a Wisconsin teammate already registered, I’ve begun toying with the notion of attempting Colorado’s “Copper Triangle” in August. A serious mountain biking contact in Salida has already shared the catchy “Triple Bypass” nickname for the event, daunting info now added to Jerry Bengtson’s decidedly disheartening post describing common 40 mph mountain headwinds….sigh. I’m seeking input/advice/warnings regarding success (or at least survival) prospects for an aging lowland baby-boomer from previous participants and other vertically inclined cyclists: Anything from “Go for it” to “Not unless you have a death wish” (I don’t). A few pertinent facts: bike in question is a beloved long-obsolete Azuki ten-speed rolling through its fortieth year. I would definitely need to adjust my attitude and approach (historic antipathy and avoidance) to steep ascents. I suspect the rolling hills around home would barely constitute speed bumps by mountain standards. … even those I regard as the leg-breaking, lung-bursting variety (lb. squared or #2 in which “#” does double duty, representing both lb. and the profanity sometimes accompanying such ascents) My typical aim on these climbs is to simply maintain sufficient forward momentum to avoid tipping over. I am frankly intimidated by the prospect of being surrounded by scarily intense, uber-fit, shinily- skintight -garbed people pedaling fiercely in a pelaton. (Though pelaton is a lovely melodic word, I’ve avoided the actuality with the same determination and for the same reason; see “death wish”- lack thereof; that I avoid driving, let alone cycling, in urban rush hour traffic.) Also, though prepared for “grueling”, as I was clearly napping in another room when the thrill-seeking genes were distributed, I could easily be deterred by descriptive phrases along the lines of “hair-raising, high-velocity descents down precipice-perching hairpin turns”
On the plus side: there is time to train, though certainly NO athlete I’m scarcely feeble, and I’ve got “stubborn” going for me. So the question is…. Might there by room/hope for a determined tortoise amid a multitude of mountain-conquering hares? With apologies for monopolizing so much “comment” space today- THANKS! in advance for any insights offered. (-;
@EVERYONE - Had a wonderful time this morning working with a kids triathlon event. Kids ages 5 to 16 participated in the triathlon. The Rock'n Heartland Youth Tri Series issued a separate challenge to the public schools of Highlands County: The schools entering the most participants throughout the series will receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the school year -- elementary competing against elementary; middle against middle; and high school against high school.
This is a challenge that needs to be presented to schools throughout the country. We have over 21,000 riders participating in the National Bike Challenge. Imagine the impact we can have on our communities if we can get this type of program into schools throughout the country Kimberly-Clark started the Bike Challenge for their employees a few years ago, now it is a national event. Imagine what we can do for our children if we can get schools to encourage participation in a kids triathlon series.
We have over 7,000 workplaces listed as active in the NBC, imagine the impact 7,000 businesses can have backing this type of program. I'm issuing a personal challenge to all 21,000+ riders in the NBC - get active in your community and challenge businesses and the schools to get the kids active in summer programs. Kids love to swim, ride bikes and run - develop programs in your area to give kids a challenging activity this summer.
For more information, check out the article in our local newspaper: http://archive.newssun.com/archive_detail.php;start=0&numPer=20&keyword=youth+tri+series§ionSearch=&begindate=1%2F1%2F2001&enddate=5%2F13%2F2012&authorSearch=&IncludeStories=1&pubsection=&page=&IncludePages=1&IncludeImages=1&mode=allwords&archive_pubname=News-Sun%0A%09%09%09
Cycling into the wind helps to train your mental cyclist. Really hot summers in Florida are a great mental trainer, too.
I see there is going to be 7 bikes given away in the gold level drawing. Does anyone know how many of these bikes will be given away at the end of May and which ones? We will be half way though the first month of the challenge on Wednesday this week with only 2 more weeks to go. Many of you have already reached the gold level and others of you are very close and will reach it before the end of the month, giving you a chance to win one of the bikes or one of the other gold level prizes such as a Mt. Borah official national bike challenge jersey. I bought one of these jerseys and they are really nice. I like it. They are really light weight and keep me dry and really comfortable with a full front zipper and 3 nice pockets in the back for your cell phone, wallet, energy bars etc and are quality made here in Wisconsin by Badger cheese heads. haha They are $70, plus $4.23 sales tax if you live in Wisconsin, and the shipping is $6.95 to any state in the country by the world's best carrier, UPS. :) We work at racing speeds to get your packages delivered on time. So, if you win one of these jerseys, you are going to really like it. The 1 year supply of tp is a nice prize to win, too. It's nice and soft and the best tp you will ever use. You will never run out for a whole year. haha
I am on track for reaching the platinum level this month, but I am going to have to end the month strong to do it. I can do it, if we don't get any more floods or earthquakes in Clintonville. They woke up every night in March during the heatwave with loud noises and took them more than a week to find out it was an earthquake and aftershocks. lol They were scared to death and people were ready to move out of town , if they couldn't figure out what was causing these loud noises. I think some did move out after they were told it was a small earthquake with aftershocks.
Early ride today. Took a couple of my loops backwards just for fun. Spotted 40+ riders, or maybe it was 50+. I may have seen one group of people twice. Lots of garage sales today.
@ Heidi, glad you are enjoying the posts. You will enjoy a road bike. My daughter and her boyfriend were riding on a trail a few days ago and they switched bikes for a while. He has a mountain bike and she has a road bike. He couldn't believe how much faster he was going all of a sudden. It was even better when my son was riding a comfort bike a few years ago and I switched bikes with him because he was getting tired from riding in the wind. He took off like a rocket and I chased him for a couple of miles before he gave me my bike back. It wasn't too long after that, that we bought him a used Schwinn road bike at a swap meet at a local sports store. You will encounter sticker shock when you look at new bikes. But its true that it doesn't have to be new to be good. I'm still riding a hybrid road/touring Cannondale that I bought in 1987!
@ Heather, Way to get out there and inspire!!
The Florida wind got me today. Thought i was headed into the wind on my way out and when i turned around to come home it hit me. The cross wind was more of a head wind slowest ride in awhile. Should make me faster the next time.
The more I can ride the less I have to spend on gas. The less gas I use the less we have to import, and the more I can spend on other things. The old saying is true the worse day of running and biking is still better than the best day of work.
Winds are no fun. My ride up to Ward, Colorado last week started off with a headwind for most of the climb up to Ward. You know you're in trouble when the flags are standing straight out from the flagpole when you start your ride. Then crosswinds during the descent in the canyon. The only tailwind I had was for the last 10 miles coming home. At least it was not as bad as some earlier rides I had this year. I've had too many rides up the mountains this year with 40-50mph winds.
I think when I retire, I can go motor vehicle free and bike wherever I need to go, especiallky if I retire in a warmer climate than Wisconsin. I'm probably going to be a snowbird and live south in the winter and Wisconsin in the summer. I would miss Wisconsin summers, if I didn't come back here. I love this great state and the people and all the lakes, biking, fishing, hiking swimming, and other outdoor activities.
I've also gotten a tailwind on the same day to and from work and love that when it switches in my favor.
@Thomas That much wind can be tough, just like climbing a hill. I've often had to do that on my 9 mile commute to or from work, but I treat it just like a hill and ride in a lower gear. I also keep body low and head down. Then it's always nice to get the tailwind as a reward, except when the wind switches at work and I get hammered both ways. lol
Just back from a 21+ mile ride in the high winds that are covering South Florida today and for the rest of the weekend. Must have been blowing 15-20mph on the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail this afternoon. Was managing 14-15 into the wind, and 21-24 on the way home. Glad I went out and burned the calories so I can eat this evening. Thats five days in a row I have been on my bike...not a record but nice considering the way the weather has been this past week. Tractor Tom in Okeechobee.
Just finished Cap2Cap (Williamsburg, Virginia) I was supposed to do just 50 miles but I got lost so now I earned 11 bonus miles. Keep quiet though I may have to pay for them.
New Hampshire is totally like being in a salt mine.
@Heather, You are an AWESOME inspiration to those around you - you are doing a FANTASTIC job of getting others involved in cycling - I believe that's what this challenge is all about, getting as many people involved in cycling as we can. The more people involved in cycling, the better it will be for everyone.
@Andy, let's continue that thought... the more motorists that rediscover cycling, the more motorists that will "share the road" better when they (have to) drive! I like it!
@Heather spreads the word, you go girl!
Your excitment and commitment continue to inspire all of us...
Sounds like a great time to be in ohaha! May it spread like a wave across the country.
That's awesome Heather!
I think really, that is the main goal of this challenge. Get more people on bikes, and get people riding more.
I think that it gives people a chance to discover how joyful bicycling really is and show them the perspective of the biker rather than the driver.
I ride solo also but, my boyfriend is going out searching for a bike tomorrow. I have two other girlfriends who have been inspired by my riding committment and have doubled thier daily miles and a third who is going to try her first ride to work today! I am so excited to see so many people around me interested in bikes this summer.
Scott: Recruit more people to simply get on their bike once daily.
I took part in the Mayor's Ride today. It was a great turnout and I am also impressed in the steps Omaha is taking to be a more bike friendly community. I think we have a great cycling community. Joining together and making our voices heard is making a difference.
The mayor of Omaha had a ride your bike to work day today. Hundreds of bikers leaving the Missouri River basin westbound out of Omaha. Really cool to see. I was driving one of our city buses going the other way so it did not effect my time points,but one of those Kodak moments. Omaha has come a long way and is becoming rather progressive! I love the direction my town is going.
Doing what I can to move NY up from 45th position! :)
Thanks team UPS now out will more fun even when I am alone.
If you ever need me to drop out...just ask. Thanks again.
Contrary to popular belief traffic loop sensors do not need magnetic metal to trip them.
Here's a pretty good article.
http://www.humantransport.org/bicycledriving/library/signals/detection.htm
If there is a cross walk they should have the button you can push. I personally just go when it's clear on the loops I know don't detect me
Heidi, I just did 34.2 miles for my job on a definite rode bike. I earned it via volunteer hours at my local community bicycle shop. It's a 20+ yr old road bike that is the fastest of my 6 bikes. You don't have to spend a fortune to find a faster ride. There are plenty of alternatives. And as a bonus, my old rode/road bike gets lots of compliments ;)
@Gary: that's what I can afford, a well rode bike (darn predictive spelling on my "smart" phone)! :-)
@Heidi - is a rode bike a severely used one? Like rode hard and put away... haha... (it's Friday...)
The rains subsided today, so I was able to be back to work. The real work. Commuting to/from work as well as the lunch ride. Loved the rain, but love the road more.
Despite having a monster head cold still ridding. The cool thing is the ride seems to help clear things up, its only now when sitting behind a desk that my head feels like a crushed watermellon
@E M: You are awesome! Love reading your posts. I commute to work on my tractor (aka, my mountain bike) and get passed by 10-20 Lances each way! Saving up for a rode bike and looking forward to the day I can be a Lance!
Team me, myself, & I rode this morning. Only spotted 2 other riders. That's gotta be the fewest riders I have seen. 60+ degrees when I started and 70+ when I quit. When I was climbing one of my last steep hills somebody yelled out the car window as they passed me: "GO LANCE GO!" I raised a fist in salute and laughed the rest of the way home. HA HA!
@Michael, Thanks for the information, I will look into it since I am still using Garmin Connect.
Karen, Keep those wheels rolling, Florida needs all the riders we can get!!!
@Leonard, are you using Garmin Connect? I'm convert my 305 data to a gpx (via SportTracks) and then upload the file. If you're not using SportTracks, I highly recommend it! Like the Garmin Training Center, all data is kept on your computer but it's much better. (http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/sporttracks/)
@Gregg, 90% of my riding is solo - I can't find anyone that rides as slow as I do so I end up riding alone......
@Christopher, Stay active and keep going, by the time you are my age you will be able to make what I am doing look like child's play.
As far as all the information logged with my workouts. I use a Garmin Edge 305 GPS (it's so old they quit making them years ago but it works for me). It has a heart rate monitor and cadence monitor. Everything is recorded during the ride and all I do is plug the GPS into my computer, go to the Endomondo site and directly download the information from the GPS - I make no entries (other than maybe a comment) or modifications to the information, what you see is what happened during my ride.
Thanks Micheal and Burklee!!!!
@Karen - Yeah you do!!!
@ Ronnie We have 1 vacant spot on our UPS team and we would love to have you on our team. Here's the link where you can join: http://www.endomondo.com/teams/gLhI9I-FBTo
@Robbie
Thanks. Good to know
@Danny - They update the "points" once a day. Check back towards the end of the day and they should be there.
See the ALERT in the NEWS if you live in Wisconsin or California
Yay Karen, you rock in Tallahassee! -michael (Tampa Bay)
So I just joined, and I have logged all my miles so far, but it hasn't awarded me points. Am I missing something? I should be around 475 right now.
I hope this doesn't sound "clingy" but would anyone be interested in picking me up for their team? I will try to help as much as I can.
Hey! I'm #430 in the country out of 20K! I rock! LOL!
awk! Where's the local challenge?!?!?
al.groth - I believe that is a funtion of manually logging miles. The time is when the ride was entered into Endomondo, and the miles are automatically split into 2 rides, each being half of the total, logging it as 2 seperate trips.
while trying to see how far people are riding during there workouts noticed that some record 2 rides at same time and distance. Is this 2 different rides or one recorded twice? Ride on...Have a event free and wonderful ride...
Cora, thanks for the encouragement. I'll be out every day I can. As for the riding question, I mainly ride solo unless I can talk one of my kids or my husband into coming. School will be over soon, so I think I'll be able to get my daughter out more. YAY! RIDE ON EVERYBODY!!
This national challenge has been a godsend for me. Riding is all I think about. I'm so proud of myself for doing what I've done in these past 10 days and can't wait to see where the next few months.
Hi Kim - if you have a Wisconsin zip code, welcome to the team! You are automatically on the state team based on your zip code. Good luck and have fun!
How can I join team Wisconsin? I just signed up.
@ E M - If you ride just 1 mile a day, 24 days out of the month, you will make Gold. If you can't get out 24 out of 31 days, you'll need to ride 20 miles for every day you miss.
Man, I so wanna make gold by the end of the month. Gotta cram in as much as I can since a lot of things are coming up, including a graduation. Burklee, no worries, I will be in Lincoln plenty in the fall since my daughter will be a freshman at UNL!
Solo Always.
But it wasn't always like this.
Hammer away!!
Good luck Gregg. Vermont's been raining all week. This is how we roll. :)
We have dry and 70 degree temps coming for the next 10 days. We need to take advantage of this and catch up to Vermont. It won't be long and it will be hot and humid and a sweatbox with dewpoints over 70.
@Gregg When commuting I'm always solo. Few people seem to bike commute where I live and those that do are usually headed downtown and I work out on the edge of town. When I'm riding for sport on the weekend I am usually in a small group of 3 to 10 riders. I still tend to get dropped on the hills and end up riding solo. :)
@Gregg Ive always ridden solo.
Nice weather in wisconsin today and cyclsts were everywhere--packs of them. I like riding in packs because you can hammer out a lot of miles and not get as tired as when you ride alone. Do most of you ride solo or in packs?
In Wisconsin, if you wait at a red light for 45 seconds or more, feel that the light is sensor controled and the road is clear you can legally proceed. Not quite Idaho but you can still keep it legal without having to wait for a car to pull up. I've found that Most stoplights are on 30 second timiing.
Regarding the sensored lights - They are based on a magnetic field, and cars interrupt these, casuing a signal to be sent to the light. They are not weight related. Most bikes simply do not have enough magnetic material on them. A strong magnet or a chunk of iron will both help to disrupt the field. If you are riding a bike that has no iron or steel in it, you have no hope of setting these off.
@ Christopher regarding your question about the pace kcals and all that stuff. I have mine all logged because i use the endomondo app for android. it keeps track of everything while i ride and when im done it automatically uploads it to the site.
Excited that the end of the semester is near for me so I can really start to ride.
@Leonard Wright - I take my hat off to you for all the riding your doing! I only dream of being able to do what your doing when I get your age sir!!! Your a mark I aspire to be.
Question to all...
How do I get the site to start logging kcal, ave speed, ave pace, etc?
I just checked out Leonard Wrights profile w/ all his statistics logged and wonder is that a function of this site to keep track or is it something he logs himself?
Now granted I've only logged 3 rides so far, but ave pace, ave speed, kcal's, etc are all still listed as zero for me. How can I get that to change?
@Gregg Warning, I'll be there easily. I'm at 210 pts but am doing a "Ride the Rocky's" traiing program I saw in the March issue of Outside magazine. one word for it - BRUTAL!!
It rained here in Colorado on Monday. But I finally got out to ride. It is supposed to rain again on Friday and Saturday. Hopefully there will be breaks in the rain so I can ride without getting soaked. It is unusual for it to rain all day in Colorado. It is a nice break from what we normally have. And we need the rain. But it makes it hard to ride. But if I have too, I will ride in the rain.
@Gregg ill be hitting gold soon i need 93 points. i only got 8.44 miles done today it was so cold and windy and it rained too. I usually do 30 or more miles a day.
96 riders have already made it to the gold level for prizes and many more are almost there. I have 14 more points to go and going out riding now and should reach it in less than an hour. Anyone want to take a guess how many riders will reach gold before the end of May?
We have 14 riders in the national challenge for UPS now. Go brown! :) I read in our employee newsletter that in some places UPS is using bikes to deliver packages. I think it is a great concept. Got to have brown painted bikes, though. haha I would love to be a package bike rider.
Yes, the wind in Nebraska can be a challenge...or a great training partner depending on which way you're going.
I wish I had leonards energy at three in the morning though. Around here the wind hasn't picked up or the storm clouds havn't formed yet. All the nature has gone into the shade or hiding before the afternoon storms. My goal is to try and keep up with him to the best of my ability.
HI all, got my ride in this morning instead of in the afternoon. Perfect weather, temps. in the 60s and a sunny blue sky with a handfull of cotton clouds. I spotted 4 other riders and plenty of joggers. One of the riders got off the sidewalk and was coming straight at me. Luckliy nobody was behind me so when I moved further into the lane, I didn't get clobbered. Cyclists are traffic, so we go the same way as cars, joggers and walkers go against the traffic. THANK YOU to the jogger who stepped up on to the grass as I went by so I didn't get clobbered!
Jason, your sandstorm reminds me of one ride we did in western Nebraska. Winds were 50 mph and gusts were as much as 75. We had been dropped of the day before to start our ride and did not have a support vehicle. Luckly some people with a pickup truck came by and gave both us and our bikes a ride to the next town (over 30 miles).
RE: the actuating lights. WE have plenty of them around here and only about half have the pedestrian button in the right direction and place to make use of it. I read up on this on the internet and apparently it has something to do with how much metal there is in your bike. Even small motorcycles have a problem, and they tend to resort to some kind of magnet to solve it (apparently they sell the magnets on the back of some motorcycling magazines). Otherwise, I saw a video on how to place your bike across the circle that triggers the light. Only our lights don't have circles, they have rectangles. I was proud of myself for managing to trigger a light that had a diamond shaped trigger by leaning my bike sideways to give maximum metal to the trigger. I was so startled when all the cars on the crossroad started stopping that I almost forgot to go!! LOL
Devon, chalk one up for the YOOPERS!!
Happy riding everybody!!
i will do an extra twenty to make up for it. I like the extra twenty to get out and ride but going to the end of the driveway to me would not be fair to myself. I did toss it around a lot though.
Steel bikes...riding in the rain...y'all are talking my language. Had my first flat in months yesterday and wouldn't you know it was a day I HAD to be somewhere on time! Thank goodness for the bus/bike rack combo that got me the last couple of miles to the office. Gave the bus driver quite a shock by effecting an almost complete change of clothes while waiting at the bus stop for him to circle around and pick me up at the end/start of his route...
@Gahlord: Too funny! I was just thinking the same thing. How on earth could you make up those miles? Unless of course, your name is Leonard Wright! One of my goals is to ride everyday during this challenge, rain or shine!
Leonard is lucky Ferdinand didn't enter... Yet ;)
I chuckle when I read the comments of peeps saying it's raining and they'll "make it up tomorrow." The system gives you 20 points just for getting on your bike and driving to the end of the driveway and back. Are you really going to do an extra 20 miles tomorrow to make up that difference? ;)
Another day of non stop rain. If it lets up i might be able to get a few miles in today if im lucky. This weather sucks.
@Burklee, Thanks for the laugh - I'm just an old man having a little fun riding his bike.
Question... I have looked at the prize list. Will the total prizes listed for bronze, silver, and gold be given away each month, i.e. 80 Trek H20 bottles for May, 80 Trek H20 Bottles for June, etc., or is that list the total; 80 Trek H20 bottles awarded over the 4 month span, 20 per month? Of course, we're all just in it for the bragging rights (to see who can finish closest to Leonard), but the prizes are nice. :)
And @Jack Green - Yeah, it's sad that you can't win a prize, but go anyway, brother! You're doing great just by getting on your bike!
@David Quade - Howdy, fellow Lincolnite! Will I see you at the rally tomorrow?
@ E.M. Matteson - Didn't mean to make you homesick :P You come on back here anytime!!
#actuating lights, all that is needed is a steel ride. Since I started commuting on a touring bike the lights change for me with no problems.
After having 80-90 temps we had a heavy rainstorm with hail/slush in the afternoon that I ended up riding in. Very cold and since it has been so warm I did not have any warm stuff with me. Spring can be rather unfriendly sometimes.
for actuating lights, I hear a magnet will help.
I keep meaning to put one on a string to plop down onto the wires, but I keep forgetting to. I have a strong magnet on my pedal crank for the cadence sensor that I lean towards them now, works 2/3rds of the time. I only have one or two lights I worry about, and they have a safe time in their cycle for me to go, or I push the pedestrian button.
This week is annoying me so much with the inability to find time to ride. Too many out of town work committments and then I am going away this weekend too. :(
@ Dean I wondered what that number of active riders was. Thanks for figuring it out.
@Jason, you are tough. I would have been in tears if that happened to me. I probably am not cut out for Pheonix weather. haha
Big shoutout to the 20,000+ riders who have signed up to this site since its inception!!!
40% signed in little over a week. AWESOME!!!!
Jason - I was out there too, but after the rain started up. SOAKED. Luckily I was headed the right direction, made great time on my commute home :-) Those of you who don't live in a desert will surely be unimpressed... but a surprise downpour in May is just one of those things that does not happen here! Crazy stuff.
I love this talk of stoplights. I just tried riding over the tar line today and it worked.
me and 3 others headed out today for a 24 mile ride here in the Phoenix area. Bad idea. 5 miles in we were caught in one of those huge Arizona dust storms. The temperature dropped 25 degrees, wind gusting to 65 MPH and a solid downpour of rain. Riding through the dust storm it was like being sandbalsted. Luckily, we all made it back alive and averaged about 15mph into a solid 20mph headwind, thank you adrenaline!
So, Gregg, about actuating lights...last year when I was test riding what eventually became my new bike ( a Cannondale Synapse 6 which now has 4000 miles on it), I pulled up to a light near the Fox Valley Mall. It did not change for the longest time. I waved up the truck behind me. It then changed. As the truck and I made the turn, the passenger yelled out the window to me, "Eat more burgers!" Alas, I have been mainly burning them, according to Endomondo. A cyclist's dilemma...the more we ride, the less visible we bcome to the light actuators. ;-)
Hey all! Awesome event, helping Houghton MI get on the map with 20 miles today!
Only 53% of the 20226 registered riders are logging their miles. I thought it would be a lot higher percentage.
Rode about 20 miles today. Only spotted 4 other riders. It was get out of school time, and I passed one school as they were getting out. Unfortunately, a long line of cars was there to pick up the kids, instead of a bunch of bikers. I did see a guy riding a mountain bike and carrying another bike. Was he picking up a kid from school, I wonder? A few miles later I spotted a kid on his bike, who looked like he was on his way home from school.
Gahlord, yeah, I claimed the blame for the accident, but I still maintain that bikers should get off the road when they have mechanical problems, no matter how empty the roads are. And if its a big, busy ride, its a good idea to go over to the other side of the road and pull out of the traffic. In any case, I learned my lesson. I don't answer the phone while riding anymore. I pull off and call them back.
yeah this weather has been horrible for riding its either insanely windy or pouring rain. i was lucky enough to get a ride in today i wanted to go out after dinner for a quick ride like i usually do but it started raining.
The weather men was off by an hour in a half. I will have to make it up tomorrow.
Just another thirty minutes of rain nand then I think I can squeeze in a ride
Jack Green: Don't sweat the prizes. Most of us are in this for glory. (Though a year's supply of TP would be great too).
At Bob deCamp, I tried everything just as you said, to get it to turn, and I think we all would still be waiting for a green arrow, because it skips the green arrow, if it thinks there is no car there. Until I told the driver behind me to pull up to me closer, it would never have given us a green arrow, :(
@Rob, the intersection I am talking about with the actuated lights are at Harrison and Winneconne. The traffic is so steady on Winneconne, that it is next to impossible to cross on a bike without the light turning green for me. The traffic is usually very heavy there. So I end up waiting for a car to come up on Harrison, to actuate it. It gets frustrating. Another time at a different actuated light, I was looking to turn left, so I was properly in the left turning lane and positioned myself in tthe center of that lane, so all the cars behind me have to wait for me to turn left and so we sat there for 2 signal changes with no green arrow and so I figured out that this is another actuated traffic light and we would all be still stiting there waiting for our green arrow because we would never get a green arrow because it wasn't detecting my bike and the cars were backing up behind me in the turning lane. So I had to motion for the driver behind me to pull up closer to me, so we could get a green arrow. He was being nice and giving me space, but where he was, we would still be waiting for a green arrow. Needless to say, we all were mad, when we weren't getting any green arrow. They obviosly don't think of bikes when they install those type of traffic lights.
I use my phone too much while biking at least theres never any cars around where i ride. I usually see a couple cars every ten miles i bike depending on where i ride.
Then I'm in good company...
After just finishing my first Six-Gap in Georgia ( http://dahlonega.org/index.php/six-gap/three-gap-bike-ride.html ) my phone rang. Approaching my car I tried slowing with one hand, guess what happened... yep, wheel pitches and I go down on a rough chip-and-stone surface, NEXT TO my car!!!
At times going 48mph+ downhill without incident, I pick up the phone @ 11mph and crash! That was 3 years ago; needless to say I no longer keep a phone accessible when riding.
i like this bike challenge but its bad for me as i dont live in the US so i cant win any prizes :(
Tsk, Tsk...I’ve painfully concluded that phone use when cycling is no wiser than when driving. Once answered a call from work while pedaling….started to lose my signal so aimed for a hilltop stop. Phone in right hand, reached for brakes with left….predictably, as only FRONT wheel ceased moving I promptly sailed over the handlebars and landed on my forehead, thus at least fortuitously creating a cushion for beleaguered bicycle’s subsequent swift pinwheeling descent. I had also made the ever so clever choice to remove my helmet briefly to savor summer breeze on deserted rural road. OUCH!..Bloody, embarrassing (bloody embarrassing!) Luckily no lasting harm apart from well-earned ego damage. It was, in every sense of the phrase, A BAD CALL (-;
Too wet to ride today on the Eastern Shore of MD and I had to go out of town for a conference anyway. Missing those wheels!
Thanks Leonard that is a good story, sounds like that ride made a big impact of her. The finishers metal will be one of those cherished memories. One of my wishes is to have my daughter do the Bike Ride Accross Iowa with me. We will see if our recent rides together could be that spark that leads to that.
Take care
Lol EM, you were not both to blame. You were answering your cell phone and you rear ended the other biker. Hilarious, yes. Both to blame I don't think so.
Here is the scoop on red lights in Wisconsin http://bfw.org/2011/09/16/what-is-the-law-anyway/
The Bike Fed recently had the law changed in Wisconsin so it is now legal for bicycles to ride through red lights after stopping and waiting for 45 seconds if they suspect the light is actuated but is not tuned to detect bicycles.
Wisconsin statute 346.37(1)(c)(4) outlines the one exception to general rule of stopping for red lights for operators of bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds and motorbikes. The exception is for intersections where the lights are controlled by vehicle-actuated sensors – that is, the light will only change when it senses that a vehicle is present. Some sensors do not pick up smaller vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles, and therefore will not change no matter how long the operator waits at the light. If you are on a bicycle and have waited at least 45 seconds at a red light, and you believe the light only changes color when it senses the presence of a motor vehicle, you may proceed through the intersection if it is safe to do s.o
Here’s exactly what the statute says:
“a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1. for not less than 45 seconds, proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The operator of a motorcycle, moped, motor bicycle, or bicycle proceeding through a red signal under this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular traffic, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding through a green signal at the intersection or lawfully within a crosswalk or using the intersection.”
That was officially my wettest bike commute yet. Hoping the gear will be dried out a little before the ride home. (Cape Cod)
Burklee & Heather, re: shopping. There are tons of places on-line with discounted bikewear. Once you know the size and style you can look at all the usual bike stores. You can also look at sports stores. Sierra Trading Post isn't a sports store per se, but they have a lot of discounted sports & cycling clothing. Sports clothing for other sports like running is good: anything that wicks moisture away from your skin and is otherwise designed to be worn outdoors. Bright colors & refelective gear are great. I wear cycling shorts underneath a pair of cargo shorts. A little nerdy maybe, but I like having my cell phone in my pocket.
BEWARE, however, I once answered my cell phone while riding. There was no traffice in front of me other than one rider who was moving at a pretty good clip. So I answered the phone, and BAM, I crashed right into him. We were both to blame, since he stopped in the middle of the road instead of pulling off, and I answered the phone without looking. Needless to say I was a little dazed for a while, but I managed to finish the ride.
I usually go up on the sidewalk and push the pedestrian crossing button to trip the light (assuming they are there, i am fortunate to live in an area with lots of crosswalks and bike lanes).
Most traffic signals I encounter usually have a lot of traffic and the ones that don't, well if there's nobody coming, I don't wait.
@Mike, Best fever you can pass on to your kids. Friend of mine was invited by this grand-daughter to ride in a charity event, half was through the ride the weather turned nasty. He was going to stop so the kids could take shelter - they said no, they wanted to keep going. They finished the ride and he learned that his grand-daughter wore her finishers medal to bed that night. Got ourselves another cyclist!!!
@Ernest, Congratulations on achieving a healthy lifestyle. Cycling will do that for you and the spirit of adventure is an added bonus. Keep the wheels rolling and enjoy the photography (bet you get some great pictures).
Having trouble with traffic lights not changing?
Read this:
http://www.humantransport.org/bicycledriving/library/signals/green.htm
Gregg, check your state laws. In Arizona those lights are considered inoperable and can be treated as stop signs.
Gregg, at many traffic signals you can see a line cut into the pavement and covered with tar. The sensor wire is under the tar, and many times you can stop your wheel on the tar line and it will detect you. I usually put my front wheel directly on the tar, and, while stopped, shift as much weight as I can onto the front wheel. Doesn't always work, but probably works 75-80% of the time.
I don't like those traffic signals that won't turn green with my bike. :(
Mike Bonhan, There is nothing like the feeling of getting your kids to ride with you. YOU GO DADDY!
Gregg, I read about this somewhere: increasing the numbers of cyclists actually increases the numbers of jobs. Unlike more cars, more bikes create more jobs. Bike makers are branching out: in addition to city bikes, road bikes, and mountain bkes, there are companies in the US that are making bikes you can use to transport heavy objects. People use them to move people, and even furniture. And somebody has to sell and maintain these bikes. Some places are even installing showers and bike parking garages due to increasing numbers of riders. Then there are those racks that go on the bueses. Small food businesses and bike rental places are a couple of types of businesses that have been springing along bike and walking trails. And as far as that gas station is concerned, they make more profit (%) off of the drinks and ice cream you buy when you ride than they do off the gas. So move auto industry its time for more Americans to roll on two wheels!
Riding bikes makes us all feel like kids again! It's fun isn't it? My daughter even started riding with me on one of my commute trips. I was going at a pretty good pace and I thought I better slow up so I turned to see how for back she was and "she was right on my tail " she rode close to 20 miles that day. She's got the fever!!
Great job Earnest - keep it going! I love your mention of adventure and exploring.When I was a kid I was always exploring - wanting to know what was down that road (or path). Going further than my mom ever knew. Now I've rediscovered that sense of adventure but with even greater horizons - finding out where this road leads... or what a town is like that I've never been to before... or accidentally coming across a gravestone of someone I knew years ago that I never knew was there in a town I've never been to before. There is so much more out there, more than we will ever know, even in a lifetime. I hope we are all able to keep that sense of adventure alive. It's what keeps us young.
Burklee, hello from another Lincolnite! I agree, Lincoln is doing well nationally. Keep it up!
@Ernesto that is a great story! I am glad you have done so well with cycling and I hope your bruises heal fast :(
@Ernest: Kudos to you! What a great story. I'm with you, the sharing on here is great and makes me feel "united" with all the cyclists participating in the National Bike Challenge!
Also, I have to share: Since April 30th my car has been parked in the driveway and hasn't moved. I've been bike commuting everywhere, including doing a large grocery shopping trip last weekend!
Got a flatty on the way into work this morning 1 km from workshop - kept riding made it some what slower than usual!!!!!!
So many great thoughts, so many brilliant individuals, and I'm a Fan of you'all!
I'm recovering from my handlebar/gutcheck i had a week ago. It hasn't stopped me from biking, but the bruises do look knarly, as it heals. I'm sort of proud of my battle scar.
Just to share my story:
According to my Dr and Wiifit I was obese, peaked at 245lbs. High cholesterol forced my change of eating habits. Obesity forced me to exercise.
4 years later, i dropped to a mere 220 and continued my diet.
I was sold a 'hand me down' mtn bike w/slicks, at the start of the year, as work relocated me less than a mile from home.
Im so happy.
Today i scaled at 185. Cycling has done wonders for my health. And my photography, since I find myself adventuring around my town. Finding new paths and trails every free day i get.
And i dont have to budget for gas! An average of $80 a paycheck back in my pocket!
And im just getting started to settle into a urban cycling lifestyle.
It wasn't as painful as i thought,aside my recent accident. It's always fun to pull up to a friend's house 10miles across town and shock them at what I've accomplished for myself.
That's my story, thanks for reading it. :)
i was gonna for a ride but it is raining,,, Atleast the commute was fun
P.S. I wish there was a "like" button. You guys are making so many great points!!
Burklee, you make me want to turn around and go right back to Lincoln. Its such a great city. I don't know why they haven't tried to become an official bicycle friendly city in the League of American Bicyclists program. They can't let Omaha have all the honors. I grew up in Lincoln and I used to ride everywhere. Lots of connected streets including side streets. Its just so easy. I even rode in the winter in the snow a couple of times. It was faster than taking the bus or looking for a parking space!!
In a perfect world, there would be a Drive Your Car to Work Week
@Heather - Thanks, I was looking there. I have to have plus size stuff and I think I saw some. I often wonder how bad I look from the back on my bike. On the plus side, I think that might keep people from hitting me... I might be big enough to break the car. LOL. And kudos to you for getting on your bike and riding. You go, girl!
@Gregg - Wow, Fox Cities (where are they?) has a lot of stuff going on next week. In Lincoln, NE, we've just got a kickoff rally this Friday and an ice cream social next Friday evening. Folks are encouraged to meet up at one of 3 bike shops in town & ride to the rally together. The social is at our brand spankin new Jane Snyder Trails Center just outside downtown. Should be a nice place once it opens. I think you'll be able to rent bikes there, get your bike adjusted, have a snack or drink, socialize, etc. Lincoln's got a really good trail system. You can see a good map of it at www.gptn.org. There's a bit of a disconnect between the west and east sides of town, but they're working on it. And you could knock me over with a feather when I see how well Lincoln and Nebraska are doing nationally. I never woulda guessed.
@Cora-I love your attitude! I am slow also but I don't give up. We all have obstacles in our way, some bigger than others but just the same. I love that your keeping with a route in your neighborhood for the time being. You rock!
@Burklee - I have my eye on some clothes over at the team estrogen website. For now, I wear the same things I would to the gym. I do okay because I have a larger saddle on my bike. It was a very beautiful day to ride in Maryland!
I finally uncovered the mystery about the bike accident in Sunday's duathlon in Neenah. The reason my dentist and his wife did not finish the race is because Dr. Wubben, who is an orthopedic doctor and who is the father-in-law of my dentist is the one who got hurt in the bike accident, so my dentist and his wife could not finish the race and went to the hospital with him. Dr, Wubben is doing fine. He just had a cut on his head and his shoulder and is sore.
Delete Brad (LPK) Waldoch
One minute ago
I bought and returned a bunch of shorts last year. Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool PRO bibs are the ones I kept - they felt the best on me (the PI Elite was almost as good- also bibs, I can't stand a waitband). They were on sale for about $100, I would have loved to find some cheaper ones that worked well, but they were all pretty poor. There might be other good ones out there, but these are the best that I tried.
@Jason - Thanks for the bike shorts link!
@Greg - How you feelin' after sprinting to work this a.m.? BTW, yer lookin' spiffy in that NBC jersey. :)
Next week is bike to work week and Fox Cities Greenways Inc. has put together a list of activities happening during the week in the Fox Cities: http://www.focol.org/greenways/biketowork/2012BikeWeekPoster.pdf
Sunday 13
May Mother's Day
BIKE WEEK - Bike to Worship
Bike to church, then got out for brunch
Monday 14
May BIKE WEEK - Get Up & Ride
Join the "Get Up & Ride Challenge". http://www.endomondo.com/join/national
Tuesday 15
May BIKE WEEK - Trail Day
Enjoy the day by biking one of the local trails. http://bfw.org/for-your-ride/maps/
Wednesday 16
May BIKE WEEK - Ride of Silence
Date/Time
Wednesday May 16th, 2012, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Location
Wheel & Sprocket Appleton, 3939 W College Ave, Appleton, WI
Details
Everyone is encouraged to join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 MPH) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early. Helmet required. Lights strongly encouraged. No registration necessary. Call Wheel & Sprocket Appleton with questions (920) 997-9300.
For information on other rides in your area, visit: http://bfw.org/events/
Thursday 17
May BIKE WEEK - Bike Safety Day
Fox Cities Greenways Trails for Tomorrow Conference
Trails for Tomorrow Conference
Want to learn more about creating a more sustainable & healthly Fox Valley? Join us for a day of learning at the meeting facilities at Miron Construction. For more information, visit our homepage http://www.foxcitiesgreenways.org
Bike Safety Day
Keeping safe will keep riding fun! Learn more about the Share & Be Aware Program
http://bfw.org/for-your-ride/safety-share-and-be-aware/
Help your children learn bicycle safety by finding many resources at Safe Kids USA:
http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-resources-by-risk-area/bicycling-and-skating/
Stop by the Building for Kids in Appleton, WI at 4:30 for a kids helmet event.
Friday 18
May BIKE WEEK - Bike to Work Day
Save gas and enjoy the commute. Shower facilities at YMCAs throughout the Fox Citie are free to Bike to Work participants.
Saturday 19
May Fox Cities Greenways 2nd Annual Happy Trails
Join Fox Cities Greenways in a family-friendly 5k walk/run or 10 mile bike ride event at Telulah Park in Appleton. Kickoff and registration at 7:30 AM. 8 AM is the 5k start, 8:45 is the bike start. For more information, visit our homepage at http://www.foxcitiesgreenways.com
Heather, at least your shopping center has one bike rack. I hate that our grocery store does not have one. A couple of times I took my bike inside where the shopping carts are. I was waiting for someone to challenge me and I would say "Well, I couldn't find your bike rack." But nobody asked. Once I had the idea that a bunch of cyclists should ride to the store at the same time and protest that there was no bike rack.
At least there is one mission I can do on my bike, and that is go to the drive-up window at the bank. Recently I noticed that there is a sign on the other side of the bank that says "no bikes or skateboards" or something like that. I'm pretty sure they mean that they don't want kids aimlessly hanging around in the parking lot. But I'm waiting for someone to challege me about it. Then I could say "Well, do you really want me to close all our accounts at your bank???" LOL
Almost 20 miles today and a flat tire. Spotted 9 other riders. The weather is perfect, in the 70s but a little windy.
Ride on everybody!!
I almost couldn't ride to work this morning because I couldn't find my flashing red tail light, which I had taken off Sunday for the duathlon and was buried in the garage with all my wife's rummage sale stuff. But I found it and left several minutes later than I usually do and beginning today we were told to be in 10 minutes earlier because of the increase of packages this week due to Mother's Day on Sunday. So I left on the bike really late and had to do a sprint to get there on time. :)
@ Risshan, my last vacation I found a bike shop and rented a bike. It was one of the best features of my 10 day vacation. Check it out locally...
As we all know the automotive industry was and is still being hit hard in the recession and the ferderal government bailed them out on borrowed money. Most people can't afford to buy a new car every couple years as many people were doing before the recesssion. A new car salesman has a rough job because people are really price shopping more than ever when it comes to buying a car. Business is slow because people are not trading out of their cars as often as they did before and are hanging on to their vehicles a lot longer because they can't afford the payments on a new vehicle. Car mechanics are in greater demand today than car salesmen. More people are also using their bikes more for transportation, which has also really slowed business in the automotive industry. I think many politicians don't want to see more people using bikes for transportation because they fear another meltdown in the automotive industry and losing jobs and sending more automotive workers to the unemployment lines. I think they want people to be sick with chronic illnesse and, diseases because it creates more jobs in the health industry taking care of all these sick people. I know this sounds stupid, but that is their thinking. They don't really care about people, just want their own record as a politician to look great to protect their own income, investements ,and assets. That's why its like pulling teeth to get funding for some bike lanes and bike paths because they really don't want to see more people riding bikes. They see bikes as a threat to their own wealth and to their own survival.
On vacation without my bike and watcing my miles get away from me
Heather&david I agree I live two miles from the Y and I ride A cupple extra miles just to get wormed up. I think some peoples problem is that they are afraid to ride to ride on the street becouse it's not safe. Maybe we can encurage people to ride (being that it's national bike month) we can talk to the people at the gym and get them to put up A flier.If you go to the league of American Bicyclists site they have one you can print.
Burklee, I bought these shorts. They look like regular shorts but they have the spandex inside and good padding.
http://www.bellwetherclothing.com/bellwether/mens/shorts-tights/baggy-shorts/ultralight.html
We own 2 old vehicles in our household, which are debt free and are used by 3 of us. . The 2000 Chrysler mini van has over 160,000 miles with new tires and is still running like the energizer bunny. The 2002 Buick Century is approaching 150,000 miles and is also like the energizer bunny. By biking 18 miles round trip to work every day, I hope to be car payment free for a long time yet. Bergstrom Automotive in Neenah, WI here hates my bike. lol
But if people can get over that intimidation and just get up and ride, they probably will see the fat melt off in a couple years and will want to go out and by some new lycra and spandex shorts to show off their hot fit body. :)
@ Lenoard. I agree that biking clothing adds to my comfort on the bike and allows me to bike a lot more and for longer distances than I otherwise could. But part of the reason that many people will never buy or ride a bike is not because they don't want to or don't like biking, but because they are intimidated by the spandex clothed cyclists. Because they are overweight and don't have a cyclist body, they wouldn't be caught dead wearing bike shorts and skin tight jerseys that show every inch of their fat. But they do make other bike shorts and other biking clothing for people who are overweight and very self conscious about their bodies and wouldn't want to be caught dead wearing the spandex bike shorts and skin tight jerseys that many of us do.
@Burklee, Find a local bike shop with knowledgeable employees, they should be able to help you find the right cycling shorts. You don't need to spend a boatload of money but do plan to get a GOOD pair of shorts that fit properly - if you need to spend a little more than you planned to it will be worth it. I rode for years in regular shorts and a t-shirt. Proper cycling clothing does make a BIG difference and is worth the expense if you ride any distance.
@Cora, You are off to a great start. It takes time to build up endurance but you are on the right track. Biking to the store, park, library is a perfect way to increase your endurance. Before you know it you will be commuting to work (and teaching your son the value of getting out on a bike in place of going everywhere in a car).
@Heather, I'm in Sebring, FL, definitely a small town. We have a very active bike club and are working to improve cycling throughout the area. It take time and effort but it is worth it. Every mile you ride is more exposure for cycling not to mention better for your health. Have a wonderful day and a safe ride.
@travis, Been there, know the feeling. Keep riding and your ability to do longer distance will improve. It took me years to reach the level I'm at now - stick with it, you can do it!!!
I have a question. I'm thinking of getting some bike shorts, but haven't the slightest idea what to look for. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to spend a boatload of money, but long rides can be painful sometimes.
Glad to be part of the challenge.....
I need technical help. I created a team (am captain) and we have 10 riders on it. But the team is not registered for this challenge (campaign). Somehow this challenge thinks that I am riding solo. The team is called LGC Bikers Ohio EPA. My workplace shows up on this challenge, as do I, and most (all?) of the other riders on my team as well.
For me, this challenge is providing the motivation I need to get in shape to be able to commute to work. Because I have to bring my son to day care along the way, my 11.5 mile commute would need to be completed within 1 hour. So far I'm averaging about 9 mph - so that won't cut it. But I'm getting out and riding every day, with my son, and trying to improve my pace and speed with every ride. Right now I have a great 2.4 mile route mapped out thru our neighborhood that I've been doing every evening, and I hope to increase that until I reach my goal of commuting to work.
- - - -
Without the points and competition as motivation to get out and ride, and get back into biking shape, I don't think I would ever be able to bike to work. And in the mean time, I'm choosing to bike instead of drive to the gorcery store, the park, the library, etc...
@Leonard, I live three miles from my Y and I have cycled it. The majority of other cyclist there are teenagers. The parking lot is always packed with cars and I feel just like you. I live in a very small community and many of us are within easy commute by bike. At least the Y has bike racks because as I commute more often I am realizing our town is ill prepared for cyclist and it’s not just bike lanes that are the issue. I was at the mall Sunday and realized our entire shopping complex has one bike rack . It's a little discouraging but I am hoping the new bike lane initiative in my town gets it done. Well I better be off, it's a decent morning out there! Happy Trails.
Leonard, that does sum it all up!
Can't do the commute thing due to the layout of the roads and trails in the area but I hope that I can contribute overall.
David, I live 5 miles from the "Y" and ride by almost every day. The parking lot is almost always full. While I applaud these people for going to the "Y" to workout I'm also certain at least 80% of them live within 5 miles of the "Y". Bill Nye, the Science Guy once said "There's something wrong with a society that drives a car to workout in a gym." That comment sums it all up .
Several years ago, my cholesterol was off the charts. I Didn't want to take pills or drastically change my eating habits so I thought I'd start with getting more exercise. Started rcommuting by bike every day, rain, snow or shine and have the cholesterol under control. Biking is an easy way to fit basic exercise into a daily routine. Gives me a few extra minutes in the day to clear my mind before and after work.
Know someone who lives 1/2 mile from their YMCA and they DRIVE to their daily workout. We are lazy people.
WHEEEEEEE! I More than 19,000 riders already, over 1.5 million miles since the “Pre Challenge warm-up” began and rising hourly; cross-generational, cross-cycling disciplines, cross-country (and global…Welcome Australia!) discourse and pedaling participation. As I found to my delight last year, Challenge riders create a community which is not only overwhelmingly civil but also consistently welcoming, supportive and inspiring. Regardless of what, where, when or Why we ride, These are circumstances and souls to celebrate (-:!
Hi everybody! I was out for a shorter ride today (10 miles) because it was rainy. Luckily for me, I managed to get home right before a big downpoor. Didn't see any other riders, probably because of the rain & the time of day (early afternoon).
RE: the discussion about recreational riders versus commuters. Well, I happen to work from home, so I really can't commute to work unless you mean going from by back door to my front door or my garage. So I can only count going to the bank, post office, library, or some similar errand as commuting. Otherwise my miles have to be "recreational." And yes, the bike challange has inspired me to ride more. Every day I think "its the National bike challenge," I need to ride every day. Just one bike on the road can raise other people's awareness. That is me. I go out there get counted. I think, well at least I'm leaving from my house and riding as many days as I can and I'm not driving somewhere to start my ride, so I'm saving gas that way.
The more bikes on the road the safer it will be for all riders. Just seeing another rider makes me feel good. And in some areas around here (greater St. Louis area in Kirkwood and on Clayton Road) I get inspired by seeing those other riders. It makes me think: HEY we belong here. Slow down you drivers, give us some space. I want to shout: HEY THREE FEET, give us three feet!!!
I hope everybody will read more about what is really happening around the country. Check out the League of American Bicyclists web site to learn about the bicycle friendly community/ school/ business/ state program. Check out books like Robert Hurst's "The Cyclist's Manifesto" and Jeff Mapes "Pedaling Ravolution" and all the great bicycling magazines out there.
Ok, I hope I will inspire someone else to get started or increase their riding, or to get their friends and family out riding. JUST RIDE. IT'S FUN!
@Leonard you are awesome! i have yet to do 100 miles in one day i did do 52 yesterday but i was so sore and tired afterwards my left hand is still a little numb too dont even want to get into how my rear end feels haha. I dont think a mountain bike was meant for this but at least i can go over anything in the road.
Leonard, I hope I can still bike just half the miles you do when I am your age. You amaze me.
@ Tim The challenge here is only outdoor miles.
is there any way to convert stationary cycling and other athletic club activities to miles or does this only count for outddooor miles?
Nice Fresh Morning in South Australia - just put my first 28.8 kms(17.9 miles) on the board. :-)
SENIOR CITIZENS ROCK!!!!!
Hey Leonard - for just a bunch of retirees, you all have assembled quite a formidible Workplace. Retired is currently the #3 ranked Workplace in the Challenge out of over 6500 Workplaces. A big shout out from me to all the retirees - very inspiring! Keep up the great work.
got a proper fitting for my road bike yesterday. i cant wait to put some serious miles on it!
Nyla, I was almost one of those with "massive health problems". Five years ago I weighed 250 pounds, had sever hypertension (210/120), stage 4 kidney failure (doctor told me I would need to go on dialysis before long) and a host of other medical issues. I firmly believe riding a bicycle saved my life, my weight is in the "normal" range, my body fat is around 12% and I have the ability to go for 100 miles rides day after day (when I first got on the bike I couldn't even ride a 1/4 mile....). If people can learn about what I have been through and it inspires them to develop a more active lifestyle, then everyone wins.
My goal in this challenge is to help inspire others to get out and ride. I feel many people will look at what I am doing and say to themselves "If that crazy old man can do it, then so can I".
If this motive upsets others, I feel sorry for them. Saving fuel and cutting CO2 emissions is important but the most important issue in this country is health. If a person is healthy, they don't need a car to go 2 blocks to the store - if they need an oxygen tank to make it from their front door to the car, they will never be able to ride a bike.
I agree with Michael on a Bicycle on many of his points. I only use a car if someone else is going somewhere with me - if I'm going alone, I ride.
{ As you can tell, this hit a hot button for me - I was not going to say anything but retirees have rights too - when I registered I put "retired" as my "workplace". Since then 131 other riders have joined as "retired". It's not about building up points or winning prizes - it's about getting people involved and i feel i may have just been able to help inspire 131 other "retirees" to become active in this challenge. }
Michael on Bicycle; Leonard’s post reminded me of one comment you made with which I do take issue.. about “focusing on retirees for spending their days on bicycles”. We are in the midst of a rising tidal wave of aging baby boomers (me among them). I work in a hospital where I am confronted daily with people my age and much younger immobilized with massive health problems caused or exacerbated by sedentary existence, with attendant staggeringly expensive medical bills for dealing with such things as morbid obesity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD etc. Ultimately WE ALL pay for those health care costs.
More people choosing to GET UP and MOVE throughout life, and inspiring others by their examples, have an impact (economic and otherwise) far beyond improvements in their own health.
Or if they make adult carriers, I'll put her in there. lol
I'm going to have to get one of those 2 saddle and 2 pedal bikes and pick her up and then she can help me pedal home.
@Gregg, Liked your comment about "Sunday drivers" - guess I must be a "Sunday rider". I begin my rides at 3:00-4:00am so I can get well away from populated areas and enjoy some stargazing and watching the wildlife in the area. Deer, fox, bobcats and numerous small critters make a ride so much more interesting than fighting traffic hour after hour. I've been riding around Lake Istokpoga for years just to watch the sunrise (typically a 100 mile ride) - if I wasn't riding on a paved road the area is much as I imagine it would have been 150 years ago. These are things a person just cannot see from a car. Maybe we need to coin a new term "cycle-tourist". {BTW, do you know what they call bicyclists in the Florida Everglades National Park?? They are known as "meals-on-wheels". Alligators can reach speeds of 30 mph in a quick dash.) I log all my rides as "recreational" even though there is a very large element of "transport" to the ride if it is looked at from a "tourist" standpoint.
I was given strict orders that I can not ride this afternoon because I have to pick my daughter up from work at 2:30 pm.. lol That is cruel!
It helps if your spouse or significant other and your kids ride, too, so you are able to ride more often for transport. Because my wife doesn't ride, I can't always ride when we need to go somewhere's together. I would rather ride through Kettle Morraine Forest to see it, but in order for my wife to see it too, we drive. We had a party to go to in Neenah last Saturday and I rode to the party and she drove to the party, so that didn't save us any money at all. lol She gets mad at me when we need to go somehere together and I say I want to ride and she has to drive herself. lol My daughter rides because she has no car of her own yet and it's the only way she is going to get to where she needs to go because Dad won't give her the keys to the car and Dad knows she has the ability and can easily ride there. Why waste my gas, when she can just as well ride? lol But she doesn't have the strength to ride as far as I do, so I got to pick her up now from work in Appleton and waste my gas because she isn't able to ride that far yet. I'm still training her. haha Her work isn't any farther than mine and is 9 miles, but she says it's too far for her. lol
Lovely point about “tourism” Gregg. Despite compelling health, economic and ecological advantages, my principle reason for bicycling remains an abiding basic childhood response to nature’s implicit, ever-present, irresistible invitation to just “COME OUT AND PLAY!”
It can take a few minutes for the points to calculate -- I think you'll get your other 40 points soon.
I just entered my wife Karen into the Bike Challenge. Saturday she road 13.6 miles and on Sunday 12 miles. So she should have 65 points.
Saturday 20 points + 13 points
Sunday 20 points + 12 points
But she only shows 25 points.
Her info is enter manually at this time. That should not make a difference should it?
@John There are many people who just drive around for no other purpose then to look at people, lol, houses, scenery, landscapes, natural wonders, buildings, fall color, birds, animals, architecture, sunsets, sunrises, lakes, rivers, bridges, lighthouses etc. It's called tourism. I do these things myself. One day last fall we took a drive through the Kettle Morraine Forest, just because it is beautiful to drive through the forest in the fall. We went with no specific destination in mind. I just drove wherevere the spirt of my wife led me. lol We don't do this as much because of the price of gas. Now I do it more with my bike, so it is still transport. If I take my bike instead of a car to see how many fish they are catching down by the lake, that is still transport because I did it by means of my bike rather than a car. Any time I ride, when otherwise I would have used the car to accomplish the same purpose, I log it as transport. When I was a kid and gas was .19 cents /gallon,, a lot of people just took a drive out in the country on Sunday afternoon for no other purpose orher than a Sunday afternoon drive. That's where we got the terrm "Sunday driver", which now means any slow driver on any day of the week. lol
If you think about it just because we don't commute does not mean we don't save money. We could be out driving a car to do stuff to avoid cabin fever. We should get at least half credit for co2.
Michael; You make your case articulately and with sincere commitment. This challenge should provide a supportive format for strongly held cycling viewpoints, and while I don’t disagree with your points or your perceptions, there other considerations involved. Last year’s Wisconsin Challenge divided ‘transport” and “sport” miles more decisively…with only “transport” miles counting toward potential prizes. It seemed to create an unnecessary sense of inequity and divisiveness among cyclists involved, and inadvertently devalued the myriad benefits of other types of cycling.
Cyclists are a broad and varied group, but still tiny relative to drivers. There is undoubtedly strength in numbers in regard to legislation and raising community awareness. We need to support one another in whatever realm we ride. Cycling benefits extend beyond reduced gas consumption. As with any regular exercise…those who cycle consistently for whatever reason are going to be a healthier group overall than those who do NOT exercise, which ultimately translates to lower health care costs within communities. Exercise provides psychological advantages as well, and it is my bias that exercise in the open air enhances those advantages. (not to mention gas saved by those who get on a bike and ride as opposed to driving to a gym, or other recreational destination). Additionally, hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities are raised by “sport” riders. Money spent, visibility gained and connections made by people pedaling within communities are considerations as well.
My work involves 10 to 12 hour night shifts nearly 40 miles from home. My effort to balance that egregiously large carbon footprint and save money on gas has been to utilize bicycling as my default non-work transport setting. I’ve been doing that for years, but the Challenge inspired me to vastly expand my range and frequency. I traveled farther and far more often than would have been the case had I been paying for gas. I’m healthier, happier, spend more money with local merchants and have an expanded sense of possibilities and strength, even on days when I’m just riding for air and exercise (-;
This year I think the Challenge organizers endeavored to address previous inequities by supporting all cyclists in regard to both riding regularly and miles traveled, providing extra incentive for simply riding OFTEN, and still separating transportation rides from other cycling. Surely all of the information regarding the sheer number of people pedaling has potential impact with legislators, and that info can be broken down to reflect specific Co2 savings when necessary. Cyclists VOTE, and the more awareness we can raise in regard to all aspects of cycling, the more effective our voices will be.
Thank You for expressing yourself so clearly and opening up such a valuable discussion. I hope you lend you eloquence to communication with your legislators and that other voices raised here will be raised with local and national legislators as well.
I’m delighted to see that so many share in recognition and appreciation of Heather’s inspiration and enthusiasm. Those miles are indeed of exceptional value (-:
@ Michael on Bicycle This challenge rewards people with 20 points per day for just riding anywheres, which is a generous reward and will allow even low mileage riders to have an equal chance of winning prizes here as the century per day riders. In fact last year in the Wisconsin challenge the majority of the winners of prizes were people with low mileage because prizes are given away through a random drawing, not strictly mileage. Yet at the same time, this challenge doesn't exclude sport and elite athletes who want to hammer a century ride every weekend or even every day. I think this challenge embraces ALL RIDERS no matter what reason they ride and no matter how good or how far they can physically ride. Some may never reach an ability to ride every day to work. But maybe they can ride every other day or just once a week. Whenever they ride and for whatever reason they ride, good things do happen.
michael- I am a stay at home dad and a studen In college. I have logged almost three hundred miles and feel that is just as important as those who commute to work. Look at the challenge as a way for our society to change its ever growing rate of obesity. Icould easily just sit at home and do nothing. I enjoy riding however and my present job is to care for our son.
Coming from Lincoln, NE and a public health perspective...I love the Challenge for a first year effort! You try something new the first time, you look at it when it is over, keep what worked, tinker with new stuff and try it again the next year in a different way. Let's get all the way through to August THEN weigh in on how to improve it. Omaha has done a Challenge for 6 years and they are trying this new way of approaching it. I am curious to hear what they think of it, once September comes around!
@J. Hugh I love your quote "Fill the streets and trails while leaving the couches empty." I think that for people like me, that's exactly true! I am the average overweight person who is looking for the right path to better health. I find cycling much more fun than the gym. Also, this challenge is full of great riders who are so knowledgeable and inspiring to the beginner trying to increase their abilities.
I am always much more afraid of getting hurt in a motor vehicle, than I am on my bike because of the much higher speeds by which we travel in a motor vehicle and the busier roads that we usually travel in a motor vehicle. Although you always need to be attentive whenever you are on a bike, you need to be even more attentive when you are driving a motor vehicle. My blood pressure substantially rises every time I go up the ramp to Hwy. 41 or 441 in a motor vehicle. And if I am the passenger in a motor vehicle going up the ramp to 41 or 441, then my blood pressure goes up even some more because now I am at the mercy of the driver and 100's of other drivers around him and me. :( One of the reasons I bike rather than drive is because it is SAFER. Yes, it is safer. I can't ride as fast as a car and I don't travel roads as busy as I do with a car. So riding a bike is most often safer for me. The 2 reasons I hear the most why people don't ride bikes is that it is too dangerous and they don't have time. The most danger comes when you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. No other daily activity is more dangerous than this. And as far as I know nobody has more time than anyone else. Everyone is given 24 hours per day--no more and no less. When people say that they don't have time, this simply means that biking is not a priority to them and other things are more important in their lives. Everyone has to prioritize their life for what is best for them and accept the consequences that result from the way that they proritize their time. It's always good every now and then to ask yourself, "Am I prioritizing my time the best that I can to keep myself healthy. Because let's face it. This has to be the most important priority of everyone's life. Because if you let yourself get unhealthy by unhealthy habits, you will be no good to yourself, nor will you be of any help to anyone else. Living a lifestyle that helps you be the healthiest that you can be should be a priority of everyone. That doesn't mean everyone has to ride bikes to be healthy and have fun, but it is one way that can create a healthy lifestyle for many people and it is fun to ride. Try it. You never know if you like something until you try it.
I like your thoughts on the challenge, Andrew. I try to look at all the different ways I can use a bike and besides commuting to work, recreationl , fitness and other sport activities, I use it as a means of transportation for everything I possibly can, so I can reduce the amount of miles on my other vehicles, which allows me to spend money on other things I want. In many respects I look at biking as a fun job that helps pays the bills. Usually anytime I am on a bike (except when I am wet and soggy from rain,floods, and thunderstorms lol), I am more relaxed and less stressful, energetic, and very happy. When I am stressed out, I just put my helmet on, get on my bike, and let the breeze on my face and body,blow it all away and it usually works. It's a great stress and anger management tool for me. I can get rid of stress and anger by hammering the pedals hard. :)
Michael on a Bicycle - I agree whole-heartedly with you on the bicycling issues in America. While the internet is a great place to start connecting and speaking out, I think it is just as important to be involved in your community. Equally important is having a positive impact on others by "setting the example" or encouraging friends to try something new. It's a shame that so many people have excuses as to why they drive a car instead of bike/other. I admire you and everyone on here for being an active part of this website and caring about the direction of this country's transportation infrastructure. Keep on speaking your mind off the road and let your presence be shown on the road. Go bicycles!
More people, more miles, more days of the week by as many different kind of riders as possible will strengthen cycling. I ride 270 per week, my wife does 60 and her riding is a great thing. Zero to 6o miles is huge increase. She is riding 6 days a week. Terrific! I walk every one to ride every way. Fill the streets and trails while leaving the couches empty.
@Michael: No flaming here. I think you have good points. I think commuting on bike is important. I wish we could get more people on bikes to get to work. I can also understand why some people don't. I live a mile away from work. That mile to work is uphill almost all the way. I'm a fat girl riding a mountain bike, and in the summer, even in the morning, I'm a sweaty mess when I get to work. I can wear fairly casual clothes at work, which I have to pack along. I have to change my entire set of clothes before I get to my cube because I'm icky. There's really not any place to do that here, except the handicapped stall, since I'm not a contortionist and don't want to drop my clothes in the toilet. And there's only one real handicapped stall in the building, where probably at least 300 women work. I can bring a towel and some wet wipes, but I still feel icky. Trust me, I've suggested small locker rooms more than once. I think we are all aware that business really runs this country... they're the only ones political leaders listen to. It has to start with businesses making it just a little easier for people to bike to work, even if it's just making a dedicated changing room for each gender. Until business really looks at it and sees the benefits, I don't see government being all that concerned.
I think there is value in counting rides that aren't to work. Riding your bike for errands produces the same CO2 and dollar savings as commuting. Anytime you ride rather than drive, you're saving. I think that should be counted. And maybe some people are just using this as motivation to get healthier and lose weight. If they are, good for them! Perhaps they should make some kind of other challenge for that. But I think you have to start somewhere. I think your points are valid, but I think this is a good place to start.
Michael on a Bicycle, while I totally agree with what you think the Challenge should be promoting, I disagree with your statement: I think that the Challenge actually IS promoting bike commuting much more than recreational riding. Just look for example at how the points are counted for the leaderboards etc: 20 points per day ridden vs only one point per mile ridden. In other words, if you ride 2 miles back and forth every day to get to work like I do, you get (2x2x5)+(20x5)=120 points. If you don't bike commute, to earn as many points, you'd have to either ride a century on a weekend day (100+20) or 40 miles two days (40x2)+(20x2). Not flaming here, just pointing out that the way the Challenge has been set up most definitely already has a very pro-commuter "bias" (which I am ok with)
Michael - I totally get what you are saying. To me, however, one of the great things about the bike challenge is that it doesn't matter why you ride. As my colleague Tim Blumenthal says, when people ride bikes, great things happen. And I think its important that we don't segment ourselves so much - we are all in this together! From a practical standpoint, the challenge does try to address that balance issue by assigning 20 points per day just for riding, regardles of distance or purpose. Hopefully that provides some incentive to the regular, everyday rain and shine riders who don't put in a bunch of miles on the weekend...if it's nice weather.
As for Heather, who is inspiring us all, my hope is that the challenge is working well for her: she can track her miles and only she knows just what is an accomplishment for her. It sure sounds like she is challenging herself each day/week, and that's fantastic. It's fun to see who is riding the furthest...I think of it as who has the most time on their hands!...but I think for me and a lot of people the challenge is personal or about a rivalry with people/teams/workplaces you know.
I'm probably going to be flamed but I'm going to speak my mind, perhaps others feel the same…
This challenge is missing the mark from my standpoint.
My standpoint is as someone who has committed to making a difference for cyclists and has been cyclommuting in the Tampa Bay area for the last 4+ years amassing over 12,200 miles. Over this time the number of "roadies" cyclommuting has stayed consistent while many more of the working poor have joined the ranks. This shouldn't be a revelation, as gas prices raise more and more poor are forced leave their cars and cyclommute instead. If you work for minimum wage, higher weekly gas bills may become out of reach.
Surprisingly (or not) over the last couple of years Tampa Bay car vs. bicycle injuries/fatalities have stopped their many year (decades?) decline and are increasing rapidly, leading the Country as one of the most dangerous areas to ride. Since January there have been 7 deaths just in Hillsborough County, one of several Counties making up the Tampa Bay Area. At the same time funding for bicycle facilities are under attack in the United States Congress.
The National Bike Challenge is important to show legislators that cycling is an important mix in transportation for this country. As impressive as the Challenge's mileage is, if we expect anything to change because of recreational riders we are kidding ourselves. No one can argue CO2 savings when exercising on a bike. CO2 savings can only come from a conscience decision to ride, walk or use public transportation instead of driving.
This challenge should go out of its way to promote and show the impact of riding and walking as alternative transportation! Focusing on just the riders with the highest mileage misses the point, isn't necessarily news worthy and will not lead to a long term solution.
Showing savings in dollars and CO2 via cycling as an alternative to getting in a motorized vehicle is important to show legislators that we (American Citizens) are searching for other commuting options. I have nothing against recreational riders but Instead of focusing on retirees for spending their days on a bicycle; more focus should be placed on riders like Matt Smith who's lost 17 lbs and Heather April who was inspired by this Challenge to try cyclommuting over the week instead of using her car! In my book, her 23 miles are more important than 700+ miles of recreational riding.
Legislators should understand that there are other ways to improve the commuting quality of Americans than more drilling. I'm in a cycling club with over 260 members of which probably less than ten cyclommute even a couple times a week! These riders put upwards to 200 miles on their bikes during weekends and evenings… Why don't they Cyclommute? For most I've spoken to, it's perceived as too dangerous. Perhaps, instead of treating the weakest of the road users as a problem, Government should work with local Bike Clubs to figure out how to improve facilities for cyclists and get more cyclommuting.
If you want this challenge to have a long lasting impact, cut back on your weekend mileage and cyclommute to work!
Way to go Matt! That's a real success story. Good Job
Have also had to change all my mountain bike miles to sport. Never logs mountain bike miles.
Lost over 17lbs in the past month and a half now by commuting a minimum of 4 days a week. Haven't missed a day commuting since the beginning of the month! Loving this life!
Happy week Heather and everyone!!
@Michael. Thanks, I am pushing forward. I logged a commute I did yesterday because I won't be in on Friday. I have a meeting an hour or so north so I'll have to drive that day. Happy week two everyone!
Regarding the logging issue... Has anyone been considering Time zone differences? I'm not seeing a problem but that's the first place I'd look!
Converted all my placeholders to uploaded routes. (I only upload from work, my PC is down, but given a choice of a new computer or Tires/Chains/Cassettes/Bearings/ etc... well you get the idea)
Congrats Heather... looks like you're on your second full week of cyclommutes! I believe I have a BPAC meeting on Wednesday so I'll probably only get 4 days.
You all have wonderful day, need to finish drying the bike and get to the showers!
Still not logging mtb miles today had to change to cycle sport
Same problem as you Mark
Biking in AZ is the greatest right now!
Mark, Yes A few of us are having the same problem
Grats @Travis! What an accomplishment!
Why is the software moving all my loggings to the previous day as soon as I hit "log"? It's been doing this since Friday. Anybody else having this problem?
The timing is so dumb on this, It is way to hot here from may to aug and one would die doing this.
So cool that they awarded 'Early Bird' prizes.
Thanks Velma O. looks like ill be wearing long sleeve tomorrow and not doing 50 miles tomorrow either.
Oh man! I wish I wouldv'e won an Early Bird Prize! :-)
Congratulations Travis M.!! So sorry about the burn. :o(
Yes its frustrating
Is anyone else still having problems logging their miles. I just logged mine for today which is Mya 6th, and it went on Yesterday' date
Did my first 50 mile today new personal record. forgot sunscreen and got burned did it all on my mtn bike too.
Well say what you want, but in my locality, bike lanes are much appreciated. Everywhere bike lanes are made I see more bikers.
What a battle for the top spot in the Team category. The top 2 teams, Riders Against Bike Lanes and the Breakfast Club of Sebring are separated by only 3 points at the present time. Good luck to both of them, we've still got a lot of miles to go yet!
@Gregg, Sounds like you got lucky with the weather. Looks like you did a great job - thanks for letting us know. (It always bad when someone gets hurt during these events, us let know if you find out anything. Will be keeping the injured rider in my thoughts.)
Beautiful, sunny riding weather in Vermont this weekend!
Greater St. L area, second ride today, mostly flat terrain. Considerably hotter than earlier, 90+. Most of it was on a bike path in a park. About 8 other riders spotted (I wasn't really counting this time). But yay for the guy with his kids on bikes! Take it easy in the heat people. Drink appropriate liquids: water + electrolytes.
To Mike H, I love Lincoln!
Hello Gregg! Thanks for sharing the milestones of your event. I'm so sorry about that person's accident, I hope they're ok. Congratulations on your placement today!! I'm really enjoying the cycling challenge!! :o)
@Christopher. I'm sure we will get 50,000 riders here to join, but just joining doesn't help us reach 10 million miles. If you look at the leadeboard over 18,000 riders have joined, but less than half of those riders have done any riding. The good news is that over 5,000 riders have already reached bromze level. But, we have to increase our average daily miles because we won't make 10 million miles at our current daily rate. But I believe our daily current mileage will substantially increase in the summer with warmer and HOPEFULLY drier conditions. At the moment many big riding localities in Wisconsin are not riding, but are floating away in floods and this is a biking challenge, not a swimming or canoe challenge. Right now a canoe is a better means of transport than a bike. lol
We had a duathlon this morning at 7:30 am in Neenah, Wisconsin with over 600 participants. The distance was a 2 mile run, 19 mile flat bike course, and another 2 mile run. It was a very cold (50 degrees) wet, stormy duathlon and at least 1 serious bike accident who was carried away by ambulance. I hope it was not my dentist, Brandon Roth, because I didn't see him come back and his name wasn't on the sheet of the first 175 finishers and he usually does really great.
I and those in earlier waves definitely had an advantage. For me in wave 2 it was dry on the 1st 2 mile run and had dry roads on the bike course to about mile 9 and then the rain came and conditions rapidly deteriated after that as rain and winds picked up with thunderstorms moving in. It was tough on County GG and A with the rain and winds picking up, but I pedaled as fast as I could to beat the storm. When I got back to transition, my running shoes were soaked, so I took my wet bike shoes and soggy socks off and slipped into my wet running shoes barefoot. My wave's bike racks were on the paved walking path, so that was really nice for us. But everyone else's bike was on the wet, flooded, soggy, and muddy grass. I did really great because I finished before it got real nasty. I finished 5th in my age division and was just a couple minutes behind from receiving an award in my age division. My 2nd 2 mile run was about 2 minutes longer than the 1st 2 mile run, so I got to work on keeping my endurance and pace up in the 2nd run and also need to shave some seconds off in my transition time and I also need to win the new $3,200 bike this summer in the National Bike Challlenge and put aero bars on it lol and then next year I will win an award. :) I did very well this year and my total time for the whole duathlon was only 1:26.34.3. and placed 64 overall. I just beat another Neenah guy by 11 seconds who finished 65. I did cross the finish line before 9 am, but the rain came early. :( Steven Powers from Kimberly Clark in the challenge here was also in my wave and I passed him on the 1st run and he never caught up to me, but he did great, too, and finished only a few minutes after me.
I am very worried about my dentist, Brandon Roth. He was not on the sheet for the first 175 finishers and I didn't see him get back at all and he usually does very well. He was in a later wave and some guys said there was a bike accident and the guy was taken to the hospital by ambulance. I hope it was not him. The bike accident caused a delay for some in the duathlon and some riders also got caught by a train on GG. After I finished the race, the weather really got nasty with bad thundersrtorms, lightning, wind, and heavy downpours. We have another flood warning for the Fox River and more rain is on the way for tomorrow and Tuesday before it is suppose to dry out on Wednesday. We badly need to dry out because after having a very dry winter with little snow and a dry warm spring, we are drowning in water. This is really detering Wisconsin riders from going out and riding and it's really hurting Wisconsin in the challenge right now. But we will come back strong, once we dry out, so watch out. :)
@kristin, I love the early morning rides, been fortunate enough to see deer that last 4 days - not to mention a bobcat, fox, and too many smaller critters to mention. Also got to watch a beautiful full moon set this morning followed shortly thereafter by an even more beautiful sunrise. Makes getting up early well worth the effort.
@Kevin, Glad you were able to go with your friend for his first century. I've always enjoyed being with someone when they ride their first century, that is a major accomplishment in anyone's life.
Had a great ride this morning in Knoxville TN....38 miles and perfect weather. Metric Century next weekend for the Tour De Blount. Good luck everyone and keep the rubber on the pavement ;-)
Morning ride in Greater St. Louis area, 26+ miles. Spotted 60+ other riders (I think 66, but one group was 30+, hard to count them all at once). Good to get out before the heat. Way to roll everybody!!!!
Beautiful morning ride at Rillito Park. I saw a Coyote, 3 Bunnys and all sorts of birds. Very noisy for early morning!
100.2 yesterday. Went with a friend who wanted to do his first century ride on his 50th birthday. Perfect weather. Rare day in central Illinois with no wind..... yes, no wind. Was a great day and a great ride.
@Ernest - hope you heal up soon. Have a good week.
10 million miles sounds like a ton of riding until you do the math. 50,000 riders signed up is only 200 miles each rider for these 4 months - which further breaks down to 50 miles each month per rider.. That sould be an easy mark to reach... Heck, my goal is over 1200+ miles for these 4 months myself. Summer heat be damned! Here I come fluids loaded for bear and ready to burn rubber. :)
So a few days back i had a spill on my bike. I somehow allowed my handle bars to gut check me. Ouch is the least I said. Honestly, I was upset with myself due to the injury.
So with one day of recovery, I'm out in this humid 90 day/85 evening weather. It's actually perfect "summer" weather for Houston, TX. This is my first year cycling,in any level. I made this change for my health and I needed a hobby. Now,I bike to work every day.
Just wanted to share a Thank You. Endomondo, all those behind this challenge and the posts from You, this community, adds just the right amount of encouragement, knowledge and competitiveness to keep me on board! Keep posting and most important, keep cycling!
Thanks. :)
Ride safe you'all!
During a slow-poke ride today, I checked out work that Fayetteville, Ark., is doing on its latest bicycle trail, the Meadow Valley Trail, which when finished will run from the existing Scull Creek Trail west underneath Garland Avenue (Highway 112), through the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and then connect to the bicycle lanes on Mount Comfort Road, Temperatures were in the 90s but still a nice ride before the full moon crept out at perigee.
Hi everyone! Glad to see so many other riders jumping on board with the challenge. I took today off to rest but I will be back to commutting tomorrow. Gotta give a shout out to all of you that log 20+ hours a day - you are a real inspiration. Next week is going to be a bigger challenge for me because I have several work comittments that I can't cycle to so I'll have to work in some sport rides on the side. Have a great weekend!
Chris - I put an alarm clock on the bicycle... That way when I wake up I have to go and see the bike before I get back to sleep. This always shames me into a ride.
HTH,
Jay
Aside from a sharp jolt of caffine, how does anybody here get motivation for a morning ride when you get off work at 1am and are planning a ride some 4 hours later...?
I wanted to but just couldn't muster enough gumption to get up for a morning ride so I just got an intense interval workout done on my stationary bike.
overcast and about 65 degrees in Northern Illinois. Perfect weather for a ride... :)
@ E M Matteson...THANK YOU for the shout out to Lincoln, NE
9°C Overcast and showers in the UK today , frost tonight only insulation we'll need will be to keep warm !!
95 in Austin today. it's official, insulated bottles for the rest of the summer.
And a thank you goes out to the idiot at Lake Travis who right hooked me at 40mph on 620. Fortunately my trust Madone knew what to do.
I saw a cool biodiesel bus in Lincoln, NE yesterday. It had a bike rack on the front. Today was a new record for my regular ride in the greater St. Louis area: I counted 80+ cyclists out riding (some groups were too large for me to count everybody) but everybody counts. So get out and ride!!!!
I'm not competitive. I've never been competitive. I have no interest whatsoever in racing. Wait... is racing what I'm doing?
I just joined and haven't yet tried logging but I wonder if there is a time zone problem. Glogalization, don't you know?
I'm having the same problem as others logging miles. Trying logging for today and they go on yesterdays totals. Log them for tomorrow and they show up on todays totals.
Over 18,000 riders now!
Combined we are doing about 50,000 miles per day. In order to reach 10 million miles, we will need to do more than that. But with warmer weather and summer coming and more riders joining every day, I believe it won't be long and we will be up to 100,000 miles per day.
A Question from Ohio: Hey Byan--encountered a glitch with endomondo--for some statistics it's cutting my miles in half. Any idea what I did wrong? Tried the help feature and got nowhere. Please respond asap: [email protected]. Thanks!
off the heart monitor today and still feel bad but I at least got a mile in for the day on my station bike.
I had problems getting todays miles to stay on today. It went on yesterdays instead. I found that if I put the miles on for tomorrow, it stayed in today's slot. Weird, but it worked.
Nyla, I agree with you. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just getting up and riding for the first time again since you were a kid, it's great to see so many of you enjoy riding a bicycle. I enjoy reading about everyone's rides and adventures because this is FUN
I'm having problems logging miles too. Pedaled my @!$%^ all week and the program used to track miles is giving goofy figures.
I'll just "keep riding" and keep track on my own and try the program later.
I seem to be having problems logging miles. Noting sticks for daily miles today.My weekly miles changed,not sure it's acurate.
Burklee,
There are clearly some elite athletes in this challenge, and no doubt many dazzling bikes as well, but the centerpiece of this event is People Choosing To Pedal. Regardless of age, experience, equipment, fitness level, distances traveled, or individual riding inclinations, we are All in that class together. One of my favorite things about bicycling is how accessible it is. There are all sorts of fascinating, enticing, pricey, high-tech enhancements available to refine the experience, but none are essential. Most of my miles happen on the bike I received for my 17th birthday… in 1972! It still rolls very nicely (-; Bicycling is excellent exercise, saves money on gas, and is ecologically responsible, but first and foremost it is simply FUN. Splendid views are available from any bike, along with the pure wind-in-your face exhilaration of a great downhill glide. I appreciate and benefit from the wealth of experience and information other participants have to share, but I believe the most valuable offerings from this splendid cycling community come in the form of encouragement, support and inspiration. Today, in that regard, YOU join the head of our class. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and spirit (-:!
7 weeks ago, I started a year-long commitment to commute by bike (24 mile round-trip) 3-4 times a week and bike to all personal errands within two miles. Almost 700 miles later, it's been great and I've been genuinely surprised by how courteous (most) drivers have been! I hope this challenge inspires others to discover the joys of commuting as well!
I went for a ride with my youngest son and his friend around our neighborhood. My son just recently discovered the joys of riding. They hung with me for 5 miles then I dropped them off at home and went for 10 more miles before dinner.
You know, I completely forgot it was National Bike Month. I've been riding with wings all week and I couldn't figure out why. It must be that I'm in good company.
yay, 4 days straight cyclommuting, first time at this gig... (But my legs are fried)
Have a good weekend all, I'm just going to do minor spinning and recover. (And hit my "honey-do" list)
Booo! MTB miles are not counted?
Great story Heather!
@Heather - Way to go!!
I'm thinking of putting tire liners in our tires. I have a Slime tube on my back wheel & a regular tube (I think) on the front. We're usually just on the street or paved or crushed limestone trails. I have a Roadmaster that I bought at Wal-Mart 5 years ago... I know, I know, but I bought it with my own money, it made me feel good to do that, and it gets me where I'm going just fine. It doesn't put me in the same class as the other riders here, but I am loving this challenge! Should be sunny and warm here tomorrow, so I'll probably drag my sweetie out for a ride. Have a great weekend, everybody!
Friday afternoon commute was short. Annoyed by rude and inconsiderate drivers-
Apparently one foot or five seconds respect is too much to ask. On the plus side, I wrapped the week at 28 miles and that's a record for me.
@Leonard - It's not the weight that's my problem, I agree, my own weight varies each week more than the tire/tube weight. The problem I have is it's rotational weight. While riding in groups it will take more effort to spin up and match accelerations. In some of the groups I ride with that could be enough to get you dropped. On commutes, I've been guilty of treating them like time trials, and I definitely feel the difference in my legs after the many signals on my cyclommutes (something over 25). That's why I like the Conti GP 4000, it's very puncture proof but lighter than thorn resistant tires.
I've cyclommuted in Tallahassee and Fort Myers as well as Tampa Bay, they are smaller communities and didn't cause nearly as much puncture problems as in Tampa Bay. In those areas I had similar a experience as you with longevity and punctures.
@Gregg, I ride a 2011 Trek Madone designed for road racing (I don't race, I just ride). I use Kevlar lined tires (700-23c) with OVERSIZE (28/32) thorn resistant tubes. The combination is heavier than most but since I don't race the weight penalty is worth it. I had 2 flats one morning while riding in a swampy area (read a LOT of BIG mosquitoes) and told myself NEVER AGAIN!!! Went to the new tire/tube combination and have had very few problems - just looked, 1 flat in 26 months. Inch long sheet metal screw in an aluminum strip, took a screwdriver to get it out. The Kevlar stops a lot of punctures, the heavy tubes can handle most things that get past the Kevlar. For me, going for years without a flat is worth the extra weight (my body weight varies more each week than the tire/tubes weigh).
@ Kiel I'll have to try that.
@Kiel - Neat tip, I'll have to try that sometime! These days most gas stations have the pay Air-Pumps that don't hit the pressure that tire repair shops use. In the old days most gas stations used the same large compressor units and could pop a tube in under 8 secs. I'm not sure if the new pay air-pumps could even reach 70 psi and probably won't be able to pop bicycle tube.
@ Leonard It was a sharp piece of glass that put a little pin hole in the tube. My bike is not really a road bike or commuter. It's a racing bike, but besides racing, I use it as a road bike for commuting and touring, etc.. But the structure of the bike is really meant for racing.
@Gregg, here's a tip: you can cut the top off of the presta valve cap, flip it around, and put it over the presta valve (open) and it will pump like a Schrader.
@Gregg Flat tires??? Why??? 3,500 miles on a tire??? NO!! NO!! NO!! I haven't had a flat in almost a year (at least not until tomorrow now that I've opened my big mouth). I typically get 16,000+ miles with my front tire and 6-7,000 miles from the rear. Once went over 35,000 miles WITHOUT A FLAT. Cyclists worry to much about a few ounces here and there (if you're really worried about weight, go on a diet - much more effective than using "light weight" tires.....). My tires and tubes do weigh more than most but I am willing to take the penalty of a few extra ounces to get 16,000+ miles from a tire and be able to go for a year or more without a flat (typical year being 20,000+ miles).
@Heather, I think you only need to acheive 500pts once to be in the gold drawing for each monrth. Not that you should start slcking once you have hit that mark!
You guys are sharp. I made notes. btw, just had a look at the prize list. I need to try for 500 points every month. :)
For presta valves I would recommend keeping adaptor on both valves because I only had 1 and it cracked and broke in half. UPS had air compressor, but I didn't have another adaptor with me, but Bergstrom was so kind to me and took me to Wheel N Sprocket.
PDX riders - join the Fun Between Your Legs @ PDX team
@Burklee - Thanks for remembering the tire levers!
One other important item not mentioned... When removing the tube, track where the hole is located in relation to the tire. You'll want to check the tire at that section for debris, otherwise you could end up with another flat from whatever caused the first. If you forgot or couldn't carefully remove the tube to track the position, you'll want to check the whole tire.
The debris can be a tire cord so be careful when rubbing your fingers along the inside of the tire. Some riders I know use some tissue paper and look for a paper snag. My last several flats were caused by these tiny slivers of "wire" so I also carry a pair of tweezers to pull the cords out of the tire.
I did like my Continental Grand Prix 4000's for lightweight, durability and speed, but they are very expensive. I only had 1 flat with them until the last week when I replaced them and had 2 flats in 1 week. I knew I rode them past life. I rode about 3,500 miles on them and they had some cuts in them. I probably could have gotten a little more mileage, if I had rotated them. I now have Vittoria and they were not as expensive and give me a softer more comfortable ride over bumps and rough roads. But they are a little heavier and therefore I lose a little speed, but isn't too noticeable. Because my bike is older, most bike shops don't have my size in stock (700x20c, so I usually get them online. But Wheel & Sprocket said the 23c will fit , too, which is what I bought from them, but I prefer having the 20c, since I get more speed with them.
Why can those of us outide the big cities not see the stats for the big cities? I don't know if my town is really the highest ranked community in Georgia or not because I can't see the Atlanta area stats.
@Michael. Good list for what to carry. If you use presta valves, put an adapter on one wheel and leave it there just in case. That way you can always use a gas station pump if needed.
@Heather: No worries, changing a tire is really quite easy. That was the first thing I learned to do at the Lincoln Bike Kitchen. Our boy didn't have a bike. We heard that by volunteering there he could get one. The 1st thing Pepe set us doing was taking tires off of rims. You need a couple good tire levers. I like Pedros the best (about $3.50/pair), though other, better riders may differ on that. If you patch, smear the glue on good, wait for it to get cloudy, peel any backing off the patch, put it on, then rub it for good contact. If you replace, air the tube a bit, put it inside the tire first, then put the tire onto the rim. Make sure the valve stem is sticking straight out the rim hole so the rim doesn't cut into the stem. Put the wheel back on the bike before you air it up all the way or else you may not be able to get the tire between your brake pads. (That one I learned by trial & error.) If it's your back tire, make sure you get the chain back on the correct ring. Then air it up and ride! (If any of that sounds wrong or incomplete to anyone, feel free to correct me.) I am loving this challenge and reading the comments on the site. Nebraska is doing a lot better than I thought we would. Yea!
Thanks @Rob "el embajador" Gusky, I use Continental 4000 which are dependable and light for road bikes. I've gotten as much as 8000 miles on them. However I've had problems with their 4000S, supposedly the next step but I've had many blowouts with them!
Glad you mentioned it for @Heather for the next time she needs tires, or has a rash of flats.
Thanks! The best way to avoid a flat is to keep your tires inflated properly. Too soft and you can get "pinch flats" which is when you hit a bump and tube compresses between the ground and rims, it can cause two holes that look like a snake bite. Too hard and a minor puncture can cause a major blowout. For example, it can cause the tire to blow out of the rim and cause the bike to STOP SHORT (possibly throwing you over the handlebars) when that section hits the brake!
That was more depressing than I meant it to be... just check your pressure every couple of days and SQUEEZE them before each ride. I've gotten slow leaks that get me to work without realizing it but are dangerously low when leaving work. Squeezing them will catch it and allow you to fix in the comfort of work, much nicer than the side of the road.
Lastly, keep extra tubes and floor pump at work. My backpack also has extra tubes and patch kits and I use a "frame" pump (it mounts to the frame) so I'm always prepared.
Have a great Friday!
@Heather and Michael - Since I bought some bombproof tires 2 years ago (in my case Schwalbe Marathon Plus) flats have been a thing of the past. Looks like I may have 1 more year of life left on these and I put about 3000 miles/year on these.
oh no, but I worry. I figure the longer and more I ride, the bigger the chances I will have one are. Oh no! But, your top ten on my friends list ;) Your entries are always impressive. I noticed the stats were messed up too. Perhaps as the challenge goes on they will work it out. Have a great day!
Did you have a flat?
Thanks Michael. Oh, I found a non-competitive ladies cycling group locally yesterday and they ride once a week. Going to check that out! Next on my agenda-learning how to deal with flats.
I didn't make it into the top 10 this morning for the first time... :(
However after looking at the top 2 there is junk and fooling around out there! I expect that Endomondo will eliminate duplicate auto entries... but how would they know which were real? For example, @Trek China has 12 entries for yesterday all the same at the same time... The second place rider rode across the Atlantic yesterday.
The Endomondo team certainly has their work cut out trying to keep this Challenge fair!
Oh well, I do it for enjoyment, I shouldn't forget that... off to the showers!
Yea @Heather, 4th day in a row! Great job!
@Riaan, You can still participate in the challenge. You just won't be eligible for prizes. There are several on the leaderboard that are not in the US. Use it for motivation to get out and RIDE!!! enjoy!
Someone plese kick me off this challenge - I misread some parts, I'm not in the states :)
I'm was confused. How is it that Vermont is in the State lead, while 6 of the top 10 communities (including the top 3) are in Wisconsin vs. Vermonts 1. I didn't know quite how they are working the stats... I took a look at the math, and apparently the real thing that Vermont leads Wisconsin in is the percentage of the state population that is participating currently (.12% vs .07%) The stats are based on how much riding is done vs the entire state population. On a per rider basis WI actually put on 11 miles to VTs 7.3. Whats that mean? Well, WI, get your friends to ride, or put on 2x the miles of VT per rider instead of only 1.5x that youre doing now. We might as well beat them across the board! Mwahahaaa! Seriously though - gratz to VT for getting such a good rider turnout.
@Heather - Pretty cool I didn't really think it would work! To bad I don't have a smart phone. I don't need another distraction anyway...
Have a good eve!
Good to be back on the bike after 18 month sabbatical (just lazy)
Way to go Vermont !
Let's get up and ride, Wisconsin before the storms come again tonight.. It's beautiful weather right now.
We Rock , GO VERMONT:-)
Ha! the pep talks are really awesome on the Iphone. Thanks - I needed that. I did a phone interview on bike commuting after work today for our local newspaper and they are taking a picture tomorrow before I ride out the last commute for the week! There is a guy here in town trying to establish bike lanes between major points like the University and Hospital. I hope the interview helps his cause. Great job, everyone!
hey @Brett! As a teenager I was on a volunteer group called the New York City Bike Patrol. We worked with the Police and our bikes were fully equipped with radios, lights, and siren... but we had to pay for the equipment. This got me started on my own repairs since I wasn't comfortable taking this bike to an lbs.
I'm lucky to be good with mechanics but with the internet anyone can perform most of their own routine maintenance. There are several Bike community forums that you can use to research existing postings or ask for help from others.
As an example, I've had a problem over the last couple of days with my front derailleur dropping my chain past the small ring when not being careful. My plan is to go online and re-familiarize myself with its adjustment screws before adjusting the cable. Working methodically is important... in this case, making small changes (a 1/4 turn) at a time and counting the number of turns. This way you can always return the settings to their previous position and start anew.
I never make any changes in a rush or before an important event. After changes I like to take a nice ride to flush out any problems. However, you will make mistakes, that's how you learn! The first time I replaced a brake cable I cut the cable too short. When I realized I needed more clearance for the brake pads the cable was too short to adjust. I Had to throw that cable away and start over. Now I know to screw the barrel out a bit (maybe 10 turns) to provide leeway before tightening and cutting the cable.. That way you can screw the barrel back in for the final adjustment. Experience is the best teacher!
Park Tools has a good book but I normally use the internet since it doesn't become old. Bicycling.com (Bicycling Magazine) also has on-line help.
HTH -michael
Vermont is pulling way ahead in the challenge.
@Michael on Bicycle,
How did you learn all of your bike fixing skills? Trial and error, good book or are you just a natural mechanic? I have started doing more of the smaller repairs but am still not comfortable doing the larger stuff. Any insights would be appreciated.
I can also lube the chain. haha
I fix my own flats and that's about all I will mechanically do with my bike. I'm horrible in mechanics and it seems like the new bikes today are made in such a way that unless you have specific training and experience with the high tech components that are in these bikes, probably not best for me to tinker around with them. I have ruined a lot of stuff by not leaving it to the professionals.
Honestly, I've given up on taking my bike to shops for repairs. I tried several lbs and without exception I had to go back each time for some reason or it wasn't ready when promised. I do my own repairs now and never have problems (I just jinxed myself didn't I?). 2 weeks ago I replaced my bottom bracket on my new Litespeed. It uses a BB30 so I had to buy some new tools but I know everything was done correctly. I know I greased the outer edge enough that it wont 'freeze' to the bike like one original had.
At first it can be nerve racking (our bikes are our babies) but you'll gain confidence quickly with the support you'll find on-line.
My last bike was a Pinarello, I didn't change the headset sealed bearings fast enough (about 10 months) and the outer race had bonded to the aluminum surface in the headset! I tried many solvents to loosen it and took it to several shops. After hearing doubt that it could be removed without damaging the bike I decided to handle myself.
I used a roto-drill to grind away the outside race w/o touching the bike... talk about satisfying!
Within the next month I need to replace all cables... guess who will get that job? :-)
I'm sure there are great wrenches (mechanics) out there, I wish I could find one!
Wheel N Sprocket offers these "free" bike inspections and I've never taken them up on their offer because I'm very mistrustful of things like this. They may not be crooks, but I've had some bad experirence with car repair shops in the past and why I mistrust mechancis like this.
Rather than maintaining a bike, they would much rather sell you a new one. lol
Just like car mechanics, I always wonder sometimes about these bike shop mechanics and if they are always honest and looking out for your good or just telling you false things, causing your bike to be shot, so that they can sell a new bike. :(
Gregg, you can try some Google searches to see what others suggest!
My bike is a Schwinn Paramount. I maybe should not have gone through the water, because according to him, these wheels can not be repacked.
I don't know if what he is telling me is true because I know very little about the mechanics of a bike but he tells me there is no way to get at the bearings in my wheels. So is he giving me wrong information and should I go to a different bike shop? He says there is no way to grease them.
Ernest - Don't dispair, you hopefully you'll feel better tomorrow if not next week! Good luck!
Gregg, keep in mind "sealed" means there are dust covers between the races (over the bearings). The dust cover will NOT keep water out which is why pressure washing or even using a hose with a nozzle around bearings isn't recommended. There are tools to remove the dust covers to re-grease the bearings, some say using precision screwdrivers can remove the plastic dust caps without causing damage. When my wheel bearings got wet, I figured they were safe (per the vendor) but within a couple of weeks the water had rusted bearings and I had to replace the cartridges.
Just my 2 cents,
-michael
@ Bob W - if you do experience any issues, the best way to address this is as follows:
Please go to the thread about the National Bike Challenge https://getsatisfaction.com/endomondo/topics/the_national_bike_challenge_manual at Endomondo Support Forum, where you can see more FAQs or post your own question.
If your issue or feedback needs to be handled by the Endomondo Support team, fill in the form at http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/support and make sure you select ‘National Bike Challenge Support’.
@ Ernest Hope you heal fast. That's always been my fear that I will get hurt sometime and not be able to bike.
@ Waddell When was your last mileage entry? Some take longer to update than others. Check back later and they may agree. If they don't, then let Endomondo know.
@ Michael I asked Gear N Up if wheel bearings on my bike need to be greased after so many miles and he said "no." He said my wheel bearings are totally factory sealed and you don't ever need to grease them . In fact he says there's no way to grease them because they are factory sealed.
Looks like there are still some points calculation issues. On the local leaderboard my points show up as 116 while everywhere else it is 141.The local board number appears to be wrong.
Gregg, we get thunderstorms in the summer that can drop many inches of rain in an isolated area within minutes. I've had to go though areas similar to you described. One thing I've found when the water gets 8+ inches is water may get into bearings and destroy them. My last occurrence damaged my wheel bearings before that bottom bracket. I'm only mentioning so you can take preventative steps when you get home (like repacking with fresh grease).
Ugh, had a fall yesterday and just can't endure my ride, at the moment. Im disappointed, but i have to heal. Safe trails everyone!
Btw, any Autozoner teams or individuals out there? Chime me, for i need a team, please!
Everybody at work thinks I was insane to bike to work today. You guys are making me insane in this challenge. I decided to bike to work at 4:10 am this morning because the storm had passed and it was just lightly raining no more storms were coming between Neenah and Oshkosh for at least an hour. But I had no idea that biking to work today was going to be like a triathlon. It was very warm and humid, so I wore my tri shorts because they dry real quickly. I put on a dri wick t-shirt, and my Marmot biking rain jacket over that and my bike shoes with no socks. The hood fits nicely over my helmet and has a nice extended rim that helps keep the rain out of my face and eyes. Just as I got outside Neenah, the rain started coming down harder, but I found out my bike treads nicely in water. My ride was going quite well considering the conditions because I could see we must have gotten a lot of rain because the ditches were all full of water right up to the road and the fields were all lakes. I saw flashing lights up ahead and that was because the road was flooded. They were trying to open up a culvert that must have been plugged and was backing up the water. I took it slow and there was about 3 inches of water all across the road, but no problem. About 2 miles further, there was about a 1/4 mile stretch of more water over the entire road. I took it slow again, not knowing how deep it was, but was only about 3 inches again. I just couldn't believe how much water there was all over the road and the ditches and fields were full of water. I had to bike close to the center of the road a lot because the side of the road was all full of water. There wasn't any cars on the road at all this morning. Just south of Y, I could see up ahead that the entire road was flooded again and it looked much deeper. I didn't know if I could even bike through it or not. But as as I got closer, it didn't look too bad, so I just took it slow again and was about 8-10 inches deep in the middle. It was at least 1 1/2 feet deep on the side of the road and shoulder. But I made it to work on time and they couldn't believe I biked to work and I told them I was training for a triathlon. lol
Michael Neidhardt - Can't you put yourself in Team Bullseye w/o friending someone? Teams are limited to 10 people, so you may need to create "Team Bullseye Too"
Yes I'm using the i-phone app for my i-phone. Just got home from my commute home and the tool list the elapst time but no miles. Looking at the website it has a section on problems with the app. I'll look at it along with the information you all gave me.
Keep on truckin!!
Nyla, I also look forward to your contributions. It sounds like you had a pleasant birthday. Into everyone's life a little rain must fall, not to say that we can't take a certain amount of pleasure in it :))
Go Morgaine! Great to have you on board!
If you received a friend request from me , it is because you work for Target Corporation and I want you to join Team Bullseye!!!!!
I used to use a bike as my only means of transportation. Now I have leg problems, so I can't, but I still ride the bike for short trips.
Thank you Nyla for your writings.
Heather, I agree with Nyla, it becomes habit forming though my wife calls it obsessive. The only way to "hurt" yourself is to push yourself too far. This can cause your body to dislike the effort and avoid riding so really listen to your body. If you just don't feel like riding then don't. I've brought down my efforts (speed) to allow me to focus on the endurance of this challenge.
One last thing, "ride like you belong"! This means being out in the road in the same direction as traffic at least a foot away from the right side. Riding on the sidewalk is statistically MUCH more dangerous than riding in the street (especially when riding against traffic). Riding at least a foot from the right side of the road forces motorists to realize they may not be able to "share the lane with you" and they'll change lanes or move way over. This also depends on the width of the lane, the more narrow, the further out into the center I'll ride. Riding close to the right side invites motorists to pass without moving over to consider your safety even more dangerous with distracted drivers. HTH -michael
>@Mike - are you using the Endomondo app for iPhone? In the Endo settings, make >sure auto-pause is off, and under the phone's general settings, location services, >make sure they are turned on overall, and the Endomondo location services are >turned on.
Thanks Gary, Heather was asking about the settings to perform live updates via iPhone, are these those settings? I'm a Garmin Edge 305 user. Yes many of you will remind me that that is an old discontinued device. I agree, I've sent it back for new batteries at least three times but it still works and is a lot cheaper than buying a new one (I don't have an iPhone or Android device). Even if I had a Endomondo device, I probably wouldn't risk it on the bike with the way I sweat!
@Mike - are you using the Endomondo app for iPhone? In the Endo settings, make sure auto-pause is off, and under the phone's general settings, location services, make sure they are turned on overall, and the Endomondo location services are turned on.
Congratulations Heather! You may have some surprisingly pleasant rainy rides (-:..the fresh air and ambient scenes, scents and sounds are replenishing in any weather, habit forms quickly, and soon riding regularly just seems normal and simply feels BETTER than NOT riding… Have a Great week and ROLL ON!
Off to the showers! Boy, keeping this updated is throwing my schedule off. Y'all have a fun day and... Ride like you belong! -michael
Heather, not sure... I use a Garmin Edge 305 which is a GPS enabled cyclometer (bicycle speedometer). Once I arrive at work I upload to a program called SportTracks which allows me to export my rides and upload here.
Thanks guys. :) I just got into riding last year and I wasn't taking it seriously. As each ride passes, the more I find myself more interested in it! This challenge gives me inspiration to do it more often because I especially love commuting. I'm a point A to point B kind of person.
Congrats Heather, you should be excited! This puts you ahead of 99% of those watching their guts grow and not sure what to do about it.
@Heather April - You Go Girl!
@mike I used that app every day on my Iphone and it records my workouts perfectly. I haven't used it to manually enter them though. Can you record them real time like I do? I wonder if it would help if you deleted and re-installed the app?
P.S. MD in the top 20 this morning makes me smile. Go Marylanders!
I am going to break 25 miles commuting this week, so excited!! First week I ever rode rain or shine, every day.
Back in the top 10... ok, I update before most others have... so what? ;-)
Funny how my mindset has changed - 3 years ago I used to consider how much longer it would take to bike somewhere. Now when circumstances require me to drive I regret losing potential biking time.
Having trouble with the mileage app for I-phone. Past two rides, last night and this morning, logged the minutes but no miles to speak of. Continually says loading like it should be re-booted. Also is the app supposed to fill in the daily miles for you or do you still have to manually fill that in each day.
Happy birthday Nyla. There are nicer rides just ahead
Yesterday I celebrated my birthday and the Bike Challenge kickoff in Starved Rock State Park, starting the day with a ride along paved park roads and heading for the Illinois and Michigan Canal State trail. Prediction was 75 degrees, PARTLY cloudy, 30% CHANCE of rain….HA! … Day dawned cold, completely overcast and already drizzling.
I resigned myself to getting wet…making concessions in the form of contact lenses and a tar-specked two-dollar turquoise rain poncho. Initial light rain dissipated after a few miles…poncho removed at midpoint in response to misleading promise of briefly brightening sky. Rain returned and escalated steadily as I approached the park again, with everything beyond easily breached poncho perimeter becoming progressively sodden and spattered with the tenacious pox produced by wet crushed limestone. Last few miles evoked ark-building imagery…missed final turnoff and had to backtrack UPHILL half a mile, and yet (optimistically superfluous application of sunscreen notwithstanding), the journey offered an abundance of serendipitous gifts: Densely sweet fragrance of honeysuckle undercut with some spicier scent along a route populated with redwing blackbirds, numerous cardinals, several deer, unhurried rabbits, and one lazily lofting egret. Evident beaver building project left a row of trees pointily severed with pencil-sharpener precision. All things considered a very fine birthday indeed, and a rewarding and resolute Challenge beginning for an aging MayDay baby.
Thanks Rob! I'm not sure either...I just joined today and I'm having difficulty figuring out how to search for teams by area (zip code). I'm just going to keep on having fun on my bike! Good luck to you too!
Welcome to the Challenge Joses! Great to have you with us and enjoy your new bike. Not sure how Albuquerque is doing in the Challenge, but good luck to you.
Haven't owned a bicycle since I was 13 (17 years ago)! I usually run or do circuit training for workouts, but decided "What the heck?!" I wanted a bike for commuting/fitness and bought a Scott Sportster 10. I have been keeping up with road cyclists on local bike paths (though I'm not sure how far they have already gone :)) and kind of wish I had bought a road bike...that's ok though. I'm having a blast and have ridden it almost every day since I bought it! If anyone knows any good routes or wants to go riding in the Albuquerque area, hit me up!
Trek Bicycle Corp. is way ahead of everyone.
We now have 10 riders for UPS on the UPS team, so our team is full. Any new UPS riders should start another team.
Thanks, Endomondo, for the improvements! You are doing a great job with this challenge. Riders are excited to see their results and points, but it does take time for the updates and if we just go out and ride, by the time we check back, the mileage and points will be updated.
It is a beautiful warm afternoon here in northeastern Wisconsin. There was some rain that came through this morning, but this afternoon the sun is out and it is in the mid 70's It is really nice. I only got a few sprinkles on my ride to work at 4 am. The 11 mph wind from the SSW is keeping our lake flys out on the lake and it is a beautiful day to ride the lakeshore today--just gorgeous outside..
Please, can I join a team! Going solo at the moment but would love to join someone team. Thanks
Ok i need to ask something, if I'm wrong let me know, how is possible that in 2 days there is a runner with 417 miles??? Dont you think is a little out of the normal???
I am riding also solo. Is there any team from Czech? Or can I join another team. I try to ride about 350km per week,
Great local TV spot with Chapin Spencer from Local Motion in Vermont, promoting the Challenge. http://www.wcax.com/story/18002393/national-cycling-challenge-begins
Any Target Team members out there in Bicycleland that want to form a team? So far I am Solo. If not, I'll join forces with another team.
I do ride solo as there is no one willing to commute the 20 miles with me to work; and it is mostly done on A roads which can unsettle some people due to the speed & type of traffic using the route.
@Randy: you can join my team, right now it's just me and a friend. I'm commuting about 75-100 miles a week, he's riding when he can. Our team name is: PDX Commuters. I'll look into shipping you a burrito???
I'm riding solo but could easily be bribed to join a team for food. Starting bid: one burrito.
Wade, can I help?
Your solution of riding to the carpool sounds like a good compromise. I cyclommute in Tampa Bay which has some of the highest cycle vs. car crashes in the country. This requires me to be vigilant and find the best solution for each circumstance. If I can pass along any tips or suggestions, let me know!
Bike is rinsed and wiped down, now my turn... off to the showers!
Y'all have a great day!
Yay, made it to the top 10! (even if only for a few minutes)
Weather was beautiful but I may pay for it on the way home...
Need some riding buddies in Tampa Bay!
I cant ride to work due to lack of a safe route, but I can ride to my carpool, running errands and for fun! Keep the rubber side down!
Two short rides today, but some of the numbers in my stats are goofy. Maybe it's because Aprils rides are included, but only as mileage--no other data. Full data started today.
National Bike Challenge and I am Loving the Bike for taking me for a sunset ride this evening. Loving the husband for having a nice dinner for me when I got home. So far so good.
Nice start to the challenge by everyone with almost 50,000 miles for the first day!
He did not enter 374 miles in his endomondo workout today. He entered 1 ride today of 127 miles, so his points are not right. For some reason some people's points are including miles from Sunday and Monday. He is also from Germany and only riders from the US are elgible for prizes.
374 miles is probably a 600k brevet. If you wan tto find out how to do rides like that check out: http://www.rusa.org/
WAOOOO!!! I'm AMAZED, 374 miles in 1 day. This guy should be running in the tour de France!!!
It was hot getting started, but once I did a few miles I could feel the breeze!!!
gpx files should be required.
On the leaderboard, someone rode 374 miles today?
Biked to my gardening job up and down a lot of hills, and back - invigorating!
@ Joe How would you like a trillion bugs to attack you? The lake flys are so thick in clouds near Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin here that you can literally see them in clouds on the National Weather Service Dopplar Radar. You can't possibly survive going through one of those clouds on your bike without choking and gaging and going blind with lake flys in your eyes. It's so bad that I can't ride to work the way that I normally do. But they will be all dead in a few weeks.
@ Jerry You are correct with your understanding of points. But there apparently are some bugs yet that they are working on because some had not had any rides yet today and already had points. lol
Looking for GLBT or GLBT friendly riders to join my team. It is called GLBT Riders Unite.
Regarding the numbers.... I too am very analytical when it comes to the challenge. It is fun for me. From watching past behavior it is not uncommon for people that ride the same ride every day to enter more than one days of data at a time. Sometimes, that messes up the numbers at the beginning of a challenge. Just like cycling, a little patience and all will work out. I am sure those in charge have read your comments and will do everything they can to make sure things are fixed. Just takes some time.
Meanwhile those of us that like numbers should give way to those that share their wisdom and whit regarding the activity we all love. Relax and enjoy the day!!
@Gregg, Regarding your comment yesterday - NO I will not reach the platinum level in one week. That would require over 194 miles a day (well OK, it is possible but what's the point???) I'm an old man, I need my beauty sleep (last time I looked in the mirror it was obvious I wasn't getting enough beauty sleep). I had thought about going for platinum in 10 days but decided not to push so hard - should have it within two week. Hope that is soon enough for you......
I will be expecting you to get to the platinum level by the end of the month { that'll teach you to open your mouth around me :-) }.
I was attacked by bugs on my 20 mile ride had two hit me in the face and one big bug that went down my throat and nearly made me threw up.
Gregg, Rob Harmann has me confused too. Fantastic mileage, so kudos to him for that. But yes, 414 points is a bit much for his mileage. The challenge is supposed to be open to those in the US or work for US companies. He is riding in Germany and doesn't specify an employer.
I am confused on how points are awarded. I thought it was 20 points for each day of riding and 1 point per mile.
But I see people with 40 miles of riding today. They should have 60 points. But they have 120 points. Is there some other factor that is being figured in?
There must be some bug issues with the points and mileage yet. Rob Harmann logged 1 ride today of 127 miles and has 414 points. lol My mileage and points are correct. I entered a total of 45 miles today and I have 65 points. But apparently there were issues earlier this morning that have not been fixed yet.
Last year there was a little lag time, too, when you enter miles and it seemed like the lag time was the longest during busy times on the website and because it's national this year with a lot more riders, it may take a little longer to appear here.
I bit more detail about stats update delays would be helpful. Most of us would probably like to see our Local/National points updated real time (as we enter ride data), but even if it's delayed, it would be nice to know how often/quickly that data is refreshed and reflected on the website.
I'm new to Endomondo and I'm thrilled to be a part of the National Bike Challenge. Can someone explain the lag time from importing a workout to it showing up on my stats and in my points total? On the main screen, it shows the miles I've done today, but no points so far. I know it will be there eventually, but I was just curious about it. Thanks for this great opportunity!
THANKS to Scott Williams from LAB and the Endomondo TA folks for getting Lincoln, NE a local page set up and operating! We appreciate it!
To all the Lincoln riders, please toggle between National and Local at the upper left corner of your log-in page to get Lincoln updates/information.
Happy May 1st! Great biking weather today!
There appear to be some issues with the points calculations on the leader board this morning. What's up? How can the points for any one day be less than 21? And why do riders with no workouts today (May 1) have points?
Spreading the bike challenge news here in Ohio!
great day for a ride in Charlotte, NC
What a beautiful first day of the challenge in Wisconsin as long as you don't ride near Lake Winnebago with trillions of lake flys hatching.every minute right now. lol
Happy national bike month everybody!!
@Michael on Bichael...thanks for the suggestion! Every time that we go to set up a page for Lincoln we get a message that our e-mail address is not recognized as a bicycle advocacy group and we are not allowed to do anything to remedy that...and we have e-mailed Endomondo over a dozen times!
Cannot understand why people in U.K. are not eligible for prizes when we have specialized and Trek stores over here as well
Did you check the tutorials? I wasn't interested in setting up a local homepage but I believe there was a topic on setting up your homepage. -michael
Is there anyone at Endomondo that can help us set up a local page for Lincoln, NE? We have e-mailed your support and feedback e-mail addresses, but still no reply. We have almost 300 riders and we want a local page to share information/support with everyone. We have a bicycle advocacy group, but even they cannot get a reply from Endomondo. Thanks!
Happy National Bike Month!
Riding from NW Hillsborough to Clearwater Courthouse. If you also cyclommute West into Pinellas County, let's ride together! Heading East... wave as you go by!
It was a beautiful morning, eat your hearts out Northeast!
So excited to see Nebraska leading the pack! Enjoy your first day out, everyone!
Go Charlotte Spokes people!
Started off looking a bit grim in the DC area but its cleared up nicely already and I'm already looking forward to the ride home! I grew up in England so riding in the rain is a fact of life. I love my Arkell commuter bag/briefcase http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/laptop-bicycle-pannier/messenger-briefcase-1.html.
I rode in the light rain this a.m. T-showers all day here. I don't usually commute in the rain but I am determined to stay on the bike this summer. I need to check out some waterproof gear-especially a bag. Steven, sorry to hear about your flat!
First day riding and already a flat! Great day for riding though in the DC area.
Great day to start this off in NE Wisconsin. Hope everyone else had decent weather.
Yeeah Buddy! Time to ride! Best of luck everyone.
Happy Bike Month everyone! Ride hard, ride safe!
@ Wally Olsen Get used to this with Endomondo Challenges. There are always European users who have miraculous statistics....they usually get removed from the actual standings.
Okay? I already have to question the guy in the number 1 spot nationally. 266 points by 8 am eastern time. That would mean he is averaging just over 60 mph and started riding at the stroke of midnight.
Woo! Let's RIDE!
@Gregg - Endomondo is planning to reset at each riders local time of 12.01 am
Nobody has answered my question regarding time zone. Is the challenge starting at 12:01 am according to the time zone you live in, which means the easterrn time riders will get an hour earlier jump on everyone else, followed by the central time riders, and then the mountain time riders , and trailing with the Pacific time riders? Then there is Arizona which is mountain time, but they don't go on daylight savings, which means they are an hour earlier than everyone else in mountain time.
This should be a kick in the old chamois. Have been riding to work the last 2 summers and have been lovin it. Ride with the Alaska Chaingang. We're railroaders. Ride Safe. RidinNSmilin.
@ Leonard You were way out in front in the warm up. I bet you will be way out in front in the challenge with as many miles as you are biking every day. You will probably be at platinum level by the end of the first week. :) I hope to make platinum by the end of the first month. If I bike every day this month that is 620 points and then I just need to ride at least 880 miles this month, which is about 220/week. If I bike to work every day that is 90 miles/week. So I just need to do about 130 more miles per week and I will make plantinum by the end of the month.
Looking forward to the challenge!
Only a few hours to the start of the National Bike Challenge. I would like to say THANK YOU to eveyone for letting an old man have a little fun. I'm realistic enough to know that with over 13,000 riders already registered for the challenge I don't stand much chance of staying out front but I have enjoyed it. Time to reset to zero.
Ride safely everyone and have fun!!!!
Looking forward to the Challenge kick off tomorrow. Here's wishing safe riding to everyone. Ride well. Ride safe. Ride strong. Best wishes all!
It's been raining for two days and today we have 30-35 mph winds.Kind of hurt my miles.Looking forward to the start of the challenge tomorrow,hope the weather improves.
@Gregg - you have had some interesting comments in the past, but you have now reached platinum level with your latest NWS radar images of lake fly swarms. Thanks for your contributions to the Challenge!
Today my bike is broken. My son was riding it when he wiped out and broke his leg in 3 places last Fall. It's a 3-wheeler Trike and I haven't fixed it yet. So, today I will see what all needs fixed on it from the crash.
If you have never seen a Lake Winnebago lake fly, you don't know what you are missing. They are like a gigantic Wisconsin mosquito and there are so many of them that they can be seen on the NWS Dopplar Radar: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/grb/.
They typically hatch every year from Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin after Mother's Day. For this reason some people call them may flys. If the weather gets real warm, they go crazy and fly their wings rapidly and kill themself. If it stays on the cooler side, they can survive for several weeks. They are hatching early right now by the trillions because of the summer temps we had in March. They are a horrible plague to anyone who has property on Lake Winnebago and for bikers, runners, and walkers near the lake. Depending on the winds that day, they can go inland quite a ways. They are around my house today and I am a least 2 miles from the lake. It's a nuisance every year for several weeks and some years are worse than others and this year looks like it may be the worst we have ever seen because of a very warm March, when the worms were feeding like crazy on the bottom of the lake.
The challenge starts at 12::01 am tomorrow and all miles will go back to "0", but what time zone? Eastern, central, mountain, or pacific or will the challenge start like new years with the Eastern riders starting the challenge first, followed by central, then mountan, and finally pacific? Since Kimberly Clark in Neenah, WI is organizing this, I am assuming that it will start at 12:01 am central time. But can we get official confirmation of this? Also, the rules say that all miles must be entered by 11:59 pm on the last day of each month to be counted for that month. Again, what time zone at 11:59? Is there anyone taking a 12:01 am moonlight ride tonight to kick off the challenge? I'd love to do that, but I have to be at work tomorrow morning a 4:35 am for a safety meeting and then my shift starts at 5:00 am when I start unloading UPS trailers that are arriving at our UPS center in Oshkosh, WI from the UPS hub in Cache, IL. If I ride tonight and kick off the challenge at midnight, I will be ready for a nap by 5 am, rather than unloading trailers. lol So my first ride in the challenge will be commuting to work at 3:50 am tomorrow morning. Wisconsin is going to have beautiful weather tomorrow to kick off the challenge and temps are going to warm up nicely into the 70's by midweek. However the warmer air is causing the lake flies to hatch by the millions, which is creating a challenge for me to ride to work without having a big breakfast of lake flies in the morning every day and arriving at work covered solid in lake fly juice. Thank God these things commit suicide a few weeks after birth. They don't bite, but they hang together in big clouds and obstruct your vision and they just love to swarm any warm body they can find and literally choke you to death by going in your nostrils and ears and in your mouth and down your throat and stinking up all your clothes and your body and your bike with black bug juice. These things are horrible when you have to ride through a cloud of these. When I use to drive to work with the car, my car was solid black in the front after 1 trip and they do not wash off very easy.
@Nick - still K-C prizes, right? It's just the simultaneous "public" US campaign that has different/separate prizes...
The National Bike Challenge kickoff weather forecast looks great in northeast Wisconsin with sunny skies and 73 degrees tomorrow!
It has not stopped raining for about two weeks in MK - still getting out to ride. My poor washing machine is taking a beating, though!
No prizes or awards outside the US! It's a bit of a poor show after all the effort everyone has put in the previous years to make this such a success. Thanks a lot!
Just trying to get in shape and riding is a great way
Over 12,000 riders now with one more day before the challenge
Totally agree with your comments Paul....a massive step backwards for UK Kimberly Clark employees, who have won the team challenge for the past couple of years.....
Yesterday it was about 60+ and sunny here in the greater St. Louis area & I saw 30+ other riders. Today it was foggy and 50+, & I only saw a half dozen other riders. I also saw some people leaving their driveway in their vehicles to go ride somewhere else. Consider starting your ride from your doorstep and save that gas!
Just a thought Rob, further to my earlier comments, in the unlikely event that we were to win anything could it not be forwarded on by KC in the US to the HR dept of the relevant facility ?? Due to the odds of the draw I'm sure the admin would be minimal .
Thanks for the reply Rob but this seems a bit of a step backwards for us here in the UK as last year when it was KC only we were completely involved , I realise the bigger picture is the enviroment, pollution,etc but it added to the fun !!
WOW! 1 million miles in the preseason. This is gonna be interesting....Pedal ON!
Just looking through the rules and it says all " all participants residing in the US will be entered into the prize draw " , does this mean that Kimberly Clark employees in the UK are not eligible for any prizes ????
I bet we hit a million miles Sunday. Pretty nice numbers.
I gave the Gold's Gym RPM cycle instructor flyers about the bike challenge and she passed them out to everyone in the class today, so we will probabaly get some more Wisconsin riders to join this weekend. There is over 4,500 workplaces and organizations nationwide in the challenge. We have about 600 in Wisconsin so far.
No, you do not have to log daily. I log one Luddite team members miles once a month at the end and they have always counted.
@Gary @Mads But right now is not doing that the website because i run everyday and is not logging my miles, i have to do it manually, i know that the competition starts in may 1 but i need to make sure!!
We have 7 UPS riders in the national challenge, but that is not very many since we are considered a collosal company with about 450,000 employees worldwide. I've emailed some UPS corporate communications people informing them of the national bike challenge and asking them to put some publicity of this internally at UPS on our upsers.com intranet site, but haven't heard anything yet. Bike challenges like this are excellent wellness programs for companies, businesses, and other organizations. Our local UPS managers in Oshkosh, WI are very supportive of biking and the bike challenge and provide a bike rack and any bike commuter can have a locker to store extra clothing and also use the showers in the locker room, if they want or need to. I don't shower there because I unload trailers and 10 minutes after the start of our shift, I'm more sweaty than from biking to work. The showers are nice, though, if anyone wants to use them. Some got showers today, when they didn't want one. A fire sprinkler by door 4 decide to sprinkle about 6:30 am this morning. and the fire department had to come and turn them off. lol They had to shut that door down so no one would get electricuted.
Right Mads, @allan; with the app, all I do when it's running is press Start, and then Stop when I'm finished and it uploads all of the data to the website (this site) automatically!!!! It's awesome! If you decide to Run, Hike or something else, you can pick those workout types as well.
@allan; you can use both the Endomondo free and Pro app
@Gary thanks for you help, when you mentioned the app, are you talking about endomondo pro or another app??
This is awesome! Over 11000 riders and closing in on 1 million miles logged... Keep up the good work!
@allan - if you have a smartphone or GPS (garmin, etc.), workouts will upload automatically once you have the app or upload. If you enter manually, you can put them all in at the end of a week, etc. with a few clicks.
Do i have to log my miles manually daily?????
Or from your own "home" page, your personal overall stats are in the lower left. Change the filter from "All" to Cycling, Transport and you'll see those figures for all workouts logged in Endo, not just this year's "warm-up" period.
@Joseph - up at the top click on Leaderboard, then click on your name - you'll get to a page with your own stats...
Holy crap... 10711 riders.
Our hard work is paying off!
Keep it going guys, and get on your bikes!
I like being able to see the CO2 and money saved for both national and local, but would also like to see the individual contribution on these statistics as well. I think it would really bring it home for more people to see how those statistics affect them as individuals.
I can't wait to get out and ride more. The weather this spring hasn't been great in the mid-atlantic. I ride to work when I can but It's such a short distance that I need to get our more for pleasure to really make the miles and it's always cool, windy, or rainy! Hoping that all changes as May rolls in.
Ridiculously short but restorative ride at the end of a challenging day; Rich fragrance of apple and plum blossoms ,suddenly inexplicably overtaken by an aroma instantly recognizable as the unmistakable scent of the gallon jars of thick white paste pervasive in my long-ago elementary classrooms. Lacking any reassuring horticultural reference for such a phenomenon, I can only assume it indicative of a brain tumor or pending (exercise induced?) aneurysm (-; Nevertheless, it was a splendid evening for a ride, and just at the moment, life is good (-:
Just did my usual 54km commute each way after being off the bike for about 5 weeks. Took me 15mins longer and a lot of pain (saddle sore and legs). I was surprised how quickly I lost fitness. At times I was thinking why am I doing this! Then I thought of all the health benefits and the challenge. Hopefully I will regain fitness quickly and start to enjoy the ride again.
@Joan, The actual challenge doesn't start till 1 May. This is just the warm-up, everyone's numbers go back to ZERO on 1 May.
@Vanessa, Have a wonderful time riding your first century - take your time, relax and enjoy the ride. Remember to stop and smell the roses along the way.
I thought this didn't start until May 1?
And bicyclists themselves are the most friendlest people I have ever met. Most bicyclists acknoweldge each other in some way when they see each other by making contact, waving etc. They are not all stressed out and generally have a smile on their face and seem to be very happy people. Life in general use to be more like this with people sitting on their front porches greeting people as they walked by, even inviting total strangers in for coffee or a beer. Now people secude themsevles and build decks and patios in the back . Our technology and the internet has caused us to lose a lot of the personal contact we use to have with people and now everything is so impersona and stressful. Biking tends to restore a lot of what we have lost from our technology and people want this back again. i know I do and that;s why I love biking. I always have preferred life to be more simple and layed back and not so hurried.
Some of the best experiences I have had with biking so much last year is the people you meet on the road, at races, even at the store and other places I commute to. People seem to be more friendly to me than when I am out driving. Then it's a rat race and road rage and people are more crabby . But when they see me biking, they are more friendly. At least that has been my experience. At intersections when they have the right away, many times they patiently wait and motion me to go first. When I'm locking my bike up at a bike rack someplace, total strangers will stop and talk to me about biking. And even the motorists around the Fox Valley seem to be very respectful of us on the road and think it's great that we bike all over the place as a means. of transportation. I see a lot of support for biking here in Wisconsin and that is great. Many can see that we are often not just out for a joy ride, but are taking care of our business just like them, but doing it on a bike instead. I think a lot of people even envy us and wish they could do it too, but for one reason or another don't think they physcially can do it, or are so busy with their job and everything else that they just don't find the time to do it. Almost every manager at UPS has personally come and talked to me and has really taken an interest in my biking, wanting to know how far I bike to work everyday, how long it takes me, and what other biking I do besides commuting to work. Even many of the mechanics have come and talked to me about biking and many people tell me, that they wish they could bike like I do because they see the postive things that result from it and they envy us.
Being regrettably constitutionally inclined toward lounging and bon-bon consumption, bicycling has been the ONE exercise I’ve consistently enjoyed since teetering on my first two-wheeler half a century ago. Participation in last year’s Wisconsin Bike Challenge motivated me to double my usual annual mileage …and ride further than I ever have in twelve months (-: It vastly stretched my parameters regarding reasonable weather and distance. (and as a bonus, certain recalcitrant, disturbingly pudgy, jiggling portions of my anatomy have receded and become less mobile (- ;) I was continually inspired, energized and challenged by the connection with a larger cycling community. I’m delighted with the national expansion, and enjoying seeing the numbers rise daily. This year’s challenge begins on my birthday, which I regard as a particularly auspicious gift. Welcome to all new and returning riders…..Carpe Diem, Roll On, and ENJOY THE RIDE!
I actually also put down cigarettes a few months ago, and just picked up the bicycling thing around the same time!
Never felt better!
Made my wish from yesterday, we are at 10,008 riders. Keep finding riders.
Vanessa, I am older but had a similar experience. Several years ago started riding first time in 30 years. Last year Endo came along along with the challenge and made it really fun. Lots of good people out there riding bikes!!
I put down cigarettes & picked up a bike last year, at age 50. Never before had I done anything athletic. Endomondo made my transformation fun. This Saturday 7 of my new found cycling friends & I are going on, what will be my 1st 100 miler. I'll be sure to have Endomondo along & add my miles to this challenge. Wish us luck! :O)
Looking forward to getting back into shape. Great women's bike ride on Thursday nights in LaGrange, WI
Gregg, I suggest you get a Topeak Road Morph G Bike Pump with Gauge. it's great. I had been using a really good Lezyne mini pump, but the Topeak has a gauge built in, plus it folds out so you can use it like a floor pump.
How do I change riding for.....
Great to hear stories about people getting back on their bikes. That's what this is all about!
Bought my bike yesterday, have been looking for a while!
Got on my bike for the first time in years today... Felt great!
Only 450 more riders and we will have 10,000 riders. But half of you have not done any warm up yet. We need all of you to get up and ride, if we are going to reach 10 million miles in 4 months. That 's an average of 200,000 miles per state. Many states with big metropolitan cities will ride a whole lot more than that,, but they will have to make up for the states in the bush, who don't have many riders. Perhaps next year based on population, each state can be given a personal goal for their state.
They got air compressor in the rnechanic shop at UPS, but doesn't do any good for a presta valve without an adaptor. Most of the mechanics work 3rd shift because it's the only time they can do their maintenace and repairs on the package cars. It keeps them very busy all night changing oil, repairing, and maintaining a fleet of 100 package cars, plus all the UPS trailers. too, that break down in the area.. They need a bike mechanic, too, for us bike commuters. :)
It was one of those days that I wish I didn't ride to work. On my way to work, I hit a big stone in the road and got a pinch flat about 1 1/2 miles from work. It takes me at least a 1/2 hour to fix a flat and would have been late for work and I knew I could run the last 1 1/2 miles faster than that, so I ran the rest of the way to work pushing my bike. So technically the last 1 1/2 miles was transport running, not cycling. lol. I had a spare tube with me to fix the flat after work, but my presta adaptor on my liitte tire pump cracked in half, so I had no way of getting air. I walked to the BP station on the corner of Schnell and 76 to see if they had any adaptors or hand pumps to get air and they had nothing. The citgo station aross the street had no adaptors or hand pumps either. I walked down the road to Bergstrom automotive and they had no adaptors or tire pumps either that would work on my presta valve. But they said they could take me over to Wheel N' Sprocket. They didn''t even charge me to run me over there, so either they were just being very kind or Bergstrom owns Wheel N' Srprocket in Oshkosh. In any case I was very grateful for that. I knew my my Continental tires were getting bad because I have over 3,000 miles on them and probably why I got another flat in just 2 weeks. I ordered tires online through Amazon and they should have been here last week and have no idea why they aren't here. So I bought a pair of Vittoria Rubino Pro tires from Wheel N' Sprocket. He said these would give me a softer ride, but might have just a little more drag than my Continental Grand Prix 4000's, but probably wouldn't even notice the difference. And I bought a portable CO2 Tire Inflator, so I don't need to carry a presta adaptor or a tire pump anymore. This is so much better than a tire pump because it is so small and can fit in your back pocket and the cartridge has enough pressure to inflate 1 tire fully and you can buy cartridge replacements for just $4 and inflates the tire easily and quickly, so you can get back on the road. I didn't even know there was a portable tire inflator like this on the market until just 2 weeks ago. But it sure beats carrying a portable tire pump with you. I definitely recommend always having a spare tube and a CO2 tire inflator with you whenever you ride.
Hope to see the rider number grow to over 10,000 by this time tomorrow. Go sign up riders!!
I learned to ride a bike when I was about 7 years old. When I was 10 my mother bought me a shiny blue bike at our local hardware store. I rode it all the time until I got my automobile drivers' license and started ignoring my faithful bike. Then about 46 years later, I bought ordered an orange bike, site unseen, from www.PUBLICBikes.com. I named it Orangecicle. And now I am an avid bicycling advocate in my south Texas community. Saturday mornings find me riding with Ciclistas Urbanos around Edinburg, McAllen, and Mission, Texas. "CU on the Road" is our motto! Check us out at www.ciclistasurbanos.org
My workplace's home page currently says 1 rider and 0 employees, though we have 14 riders signed up... is there anything I can do to fix this?
Crazy I was going to buy a bike today anyways! I'm excited!
Just learned to ride a 2 years ago, was not brave enough until then....loved riding my tricycle when I was a toddler but never rode a bicycle until in my 40's.....absolutely love it ~ thrilling! :-) Hope I can gain the courage to ride to work ~ especially LOVE bicyling as a family! :-)
Justin, thanks, I thought it was just me. Mike and Wally, "Local" just disappeared yesterday. It was available before, even yesterday morning. I have the same IE connection as before. Very strange... I emailed Endomondo about it. Haven't heard back.
I have to drive in the car to work. Weekends love to play golf and biking. I'm looking for the challenge . Even I can't win, it is fun. Any team looking for weekend rider?
I work from home but commute to the gym, for shopping etc. So my miles will add up if I get on the bike everytime I leave the house:) Starting May 1st
What web browser are you using? I noticed that Internet Explorer seems to have issues with the Endomondo site (maybe the Challenge site as well). Mozilla/Firefox seems to work a lot better.
Mike, I also cannot see the "Local" link at the top of the page. It used to be right next to the "National" link top left. I do not even see Omaha.
Already road my bike(s) a total of a 1000 miles this year...thinking I need to up this year's goal to 5,000 miles instead of just 4,000. Life is short. Ride Far. Ride Safe.
Got back into cycling a couple of years ago due to gas prices. Loving it and I ride just about anywhere.
@Burklee...if you are talking about Lincoln, NE...we were being included with the Activate Omaha Challenge page, we are trying to get endomondo tech support to help us set up a Lincoln page. For now it is just a "general" Challenge Web Page you go to when you visit Lincoln, NE
Any long distance Unicycle riders out there? I'm ready to ride!!
Our local page seems to have gone away. I can only look at the national challenge page. Wha happened?!?!
I will start out riding 20 miles a week and work to increase it as the weeks go by with an ending goal of at least 40 miles a week
I use biking as a pleasureable cross training tool for my running---I should be able to get 40 to 50 miles per week in and have a half century scheduled for mid June--maybe I can find another century or two before end of August
I'll shoot for a hundred miles per week, 70 to/from work the rest with family.
Here we go...keep on bikin'.
Sounds like fun! I will try to ride my bicycle as much as possible!
All my miles are on a stationary bike for the warm up period. My bike is in the shop being repaired. Hopefully i will be ready when you start.
I've been riding about 20 miles per week for the last month, so going to increase my goal to 30 miles per week to start for this challenge and then increase it as I go along. I'll ask friends if they want to join a team.
I will try to increase my mileage. I usually bike indoors in a spinning class.
I will try for 20 miles per week as a start then will hope to increase it as I go along.
Agree with all that this is something worth doing. As you watch the number of riders it is growing. We all need to help get the word out to even more riders to meet the goal. It is really a good Challenge, just hard to let everyone know. Where is social media when you need it? Also, it is okay to sign up for the Challenge even after it starts so keep telling riders you see about the Challenge after May 1.
I am aiming for 50 miles a week ... since my commute is so short (2.44 miles one way) I will have to bike home for lunch as well ... Looking forward to this!!
This sounds like a fun and exciting challege. My goal is to ride 50 miles a week, maybe more if time permits. Good luck to everyone! Happy trails!
I am aiming for 20 miles a week to start !! Then increasing slowly
It's tight with my schedule, but I'm looking for 30 a week! Hopefully more!
Alright!!! 4-5 miles a day, everyday! let's do this!
10,000,000 miles / 50,000 rider / 13 weeks = 16 miles/wk. Definitely doable for most people even just commuting 1 or 2 days a week. I'm in!
Finished my 14th BP MS150 from Houston to Austin, Texas this last weekend. Saturday was tough with brutal headwinds, Sunday was nice. Taking a few days off to rest and recover.
Training for the seattle to portland (STP) 204 mile ride on July 14/15th, so yeah I'll be putting in the miles while also training for my Tri's and spreading the word about the challenge.
@Gregg Warning. I just joined from WI and hope to help raise participation percentages. I'm doing the Scenic Shore 150 so there will be lots of miles before the ride in July. Doing my part to help. :-)
Although 10 million miles is the goal, it would be nice if we could hit 50 million. I believe that's very reachable if we can average a million miles per state. Obviously, some states will have to do more than a million because the population of some states are quite small in population and some states are not as biker friendly. It will be interesting how this all plays out. this year, since this is the first year for a national challenge.
@Joseph Smith I think we had over 4,500 riders join the Wisconsin challenge last year, but if I remember correctly only about half of those logged any miles. I'm not sure why they joined and didn't log any miles in the challenge. I think many had good intentions, but didn't follow through. In spite of that we reached the 1 million goal in Wisconsin the end of August. The challenge in Wisconsin last year went from May 16, which was bike to work week, and ended on September 30. In the National Challenge this year there are currently over 8,000 riders, but again only about half of these have logged any miles in the warm up. Let's hope we have more than a 50% participation from those who have joined once the challenge begins next week. Get up and ride and ride safely.
Awesome! From the PNW....Have fun ....be safe ..... Ride hard!
This will be a nice extension to April's "30 Days of Biking"!
Grace, the team name and other data can be edited by the person that created the team. Go to your Endo home page and click on the team name on the left panel. There you will find an edit button.
ive been riding to work and home for about 6 years. i ride about 5 miles to work and home rain snow or shine. riding my bicycle keeps me healthy and young, when o get to work im awake and feeling happy
Just signed up. Hope to ride my bike to work and back once school is out.
How do we change our team's name? I made one, totally typoe'd it. :(
I think that the point is some riders may only go a few 10s of miles during the event while others do a few thousand. If the average mileage is 200, that seems like a respectable personal goal. Remember, the point is not about the competition, but to advocate the act of cycling towards a goal; in this case the 10 Million miles.
If the 10 Million mark is smashed, then it will only raise the bar for next year!
Isn't the goal of 10 Million miles a little small. 50K riders would only have to avg 200 miles per person, most riders I know could smash that.
Anyone riding around Maumelle/Little Rock just send me a message.
I think the whole month of May is going to be a big sign up month and will probably reach 50,000 by June 1.
It kind of looks like we will have 10,000 riders by May 1 because every few minutes there are several new riders. It's growing pretty steady right now.
Do you think we will we pass 10,000 riders by May 1??
Almost 8,000 riders and 1 more week before the challenge begins.. Are you ready for some cycling? haha
All my Colorado cycling peeps. If you're looking for a team to join, search for "Team Monkey Butt". Lets log some miles! Also, if you're in the Salida area and would like to ride, drop me a note.
Not bothered by any lake flies at 4:15 this morning, but the warmer air by 9 am was briniging them out in swarms by the lake. I will probbaly start taking the route on the frontage road by Hwy. 41 tomorrow on my commute home. which is only a mile longer.
@Stephen Powers, thanks four the clarification.
The lake flies are starting to hatch. I wonder how bad they are going to be this year. It was so bad last year that I had to go routes farther away from the lake. They are just nasty and they smell when they get plastered all over your clothes, body, and bike. It reminded me of that movie about the killer bees. If it gets really warm and stays warm, they get very active, which kills them faster. But, if it stay on the cool side, they can survive for weeks.
Just created the Broad Institute team for members of the Broad Institute in Cambridge MA.
I'm saving my legs for 5/1, LOL!!!
@Brad Yeah, I noticed there are some guys that are really hammering it here, even in the warm up, which is great. But as far as the prizes here , everyone's kind of on an equal footing because whatever level you can get to by the end of the month, everyone who made that level is put into the drawing for those prizes and if you don't win one there, your name goes into the lower level drawings as well. I think the organizers have done a great job in setting this up and every year it's only going to get better and every year there are going to be more riders in this as word gets out and people start having fun with this. I have to admit that before last year, I saw a bike as a kid's toy. But it's amazing the business that you can take care of, the transportation it can provide even for adults, and the fun it can give you as a toy, even as an adult, and amazing what this thing on 2 wheels can do for your health. I'm giving blood again today at the Menasha library and riding there and the nurse tells me every time, my numbers go right off the chart, they are so good. They like my blood. Good health is one of the most precious things anyone can have because when you are not well, it's no fun and then you can't do what you want to do and you aren't much help to anyone else either when you are not well. So it is important to take care of yourself and your body the best you can and I have found biking to be a very important tool toward that goal. I have gone over a whole year already without a single lost day of work. That has never happened to me in 51 years. I don't know if the challenge last year and the one this year has had any affect on this, but if nobody gets hurt on our preload shift at UPS this week, we will have gone a whole year without a single injury. This has never happened in the history of UPS at the Oshkosh center. They are rewarding all of us with t shirts and a cook out celebration and they already gave us donuts last week for making 300 days.
I have biked 21 days out 23 so far this month and I'm in 92nd place and keep moving backwards. This Challenge is awesome! Brad and Gregg - you won't find me getting lost anywhere - its from the barn to work and back in the barn most days. That's enough for me 5 days a week.
The point system is also great for encouraging regular cyclists to make the extra effort to get on the bike in inclement weather. My bike commute in the rain this morning was shorter than usual, but the 20 points provided the incentive to bike to the metro station rather than drive.
Sometimes guys tell me they can't bike to work because they live too far from work. But you don't have to do it every day if you can't or don't want to. Pick a nice day each week with nice weather and calm winds and do it just once a week. Another option is if it really is too far and you can't even do it once a week is to drive part way and bring your bike with you on a bike carrier or in a truck or van and find a good place where it is permissible to park your vehicle while you are at work and ride the rest of the way. Whatever distance you ride to work, you are saving money and getting exercise for your health, plus you get points in the bike challege for even riding part way and you may find this to very enjoyable every day. One of the UPS drivers who lives in Fond du Lac and drives to the UPS center in Oshkosh every day told me he is thinking of doing this. He wants to just ride maybe 6-8 miles every day one way, so this would be 12-16 miles round trip. He wants to find a place about half way to work and park and ride to work the rest of the way. These are some things people can do when they do live kind of far from work or don't have the best bike route to ride in to work al lthe way. I never thought I would enjoy biking to work in the dark so early in the morning every day, especially when I knew it was 9 miles. I do have to get up a little earlier, but only 15 minutes earlier than if I drive and I don't miss that extra 15 minutes of sleep at all. In fact I get really depressed when the weather is really bad for one reason or another and I have to drive to work. My whole day is ruined and then when it is not as bad as I thought it might be, I'm really mad that I didn't ride. haha
You're on to me Gregg - that's what I did last year. But I have afeeling there are going to be a lot of people beating me this year. I'm seeing big miles accumulating already. I'm no longer the big fish here. But it is exciting to have so many new riders and new names. It will be fun to see how it all pans out.
Thanks for the explanation about trips guys! :)
I think the point system in the challenge this year is good because it encourages newbies and children and those who don't yet have the stamina to bike the longer distances yet to just "get up and ride" somewhere and anywhere's, even if it only is a mile. They are rewarded very generously with 21 points for biking only a mile. This is a great challenge even for a newbie, who can accumulate a lot of points by biking every day, even it all they can do are the short rides. Yet at the same time, it is also a great challenge motivator for the more experienced and long distance rider, who knows if he rides that extra 10 miles, he will get another 10 points that day and if he keeps this up, he might even beat Brad Waldoch. haha
I think this challenge is going to get very intense this year once this all starts for real. I would have never thought last year of riding a longer way home from work. But this year I may intentially get lost with no map and may have to bike down every street in Oshkosh and Neenah to get home. That's the only way I will beat Brad. haha
If EVERY ride is 2 trips, it counts that way for everyone, then I see no problem, Stephen.
Stephen - that equalizes sport and transport.Wither you are doing one long sport ride or your commute back and forth to work you will get 20 trip points, but no more for that day regardless of how many trips are made. 20 trip points per day is the max anyone can get. Then the 1 point per mile will accumulate on top of that. This system of using trip points also attempts to equalize short distance casual riders with the power bikers so that they don't fell like they're getting left in the dust and why bother. No system can ever be perfect, but I think it's a pretty fair setup.
Commute will count as 2 trips? That's not right, then every ride would be 2 trips. To destination, then back.
Slowly recording faster times and longer distances
Had frost on the lawn again this morning. Getting tired of dressing like Sasquatch in order to ride to work.
Spring? A little warm? 101 deg sounds more like Hades. haha
A little warm today abvout 101 deg today looks like spring is finnaly here.
From Oklahoma City and the weather has been nice this spring, hoping to get alot of riding in this year
Closing in on 7,000 riders and 600,000 miles! Great work everyone!
Crisp cold morning here in Neenah, WI (34) and Phoenix is having record heat (104 degrees) after record cold in March. It's very hard on the body to bike in temps like that. We had a week of those temps last summer with also dewpoints over 70.
Bob, maybe those riding across Nebraska that are supporting the Challenge could fly a little banner showing their colors (Challenge Participants). Just something small behind their seat. Or, a National Challenge card in their spokes. lol
I will be doing the Bike Ride Across Nebraska in June; 455 miles in 7 days with 600 other riders, would be awesome if we could get together as a team for the Bike Challenge. This might be something for other cross state rides to promote, The training miles could put us to the moon and back.
Kevin, The challenge includes all cyling - road, mountain, commuting, etc.
During sign up for the challenge you can specify a commute distance. That distance is used later to help quickly log these often repetitive types of rides.
Why does my profile specify commuting? Is this a commuting challenge only?
We also have a bike race this summer in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on August 19 called "Race the Lake" and begins in Fond du Lac at the foot of Lake Winnebago and the 90 mile course goes north on the west side of the lake through Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, which is at the top of the lake over to High Cliff State Park on the east side of the lake, which has a big hill to climb and is half way. The course continues along the lake on the east side back to the finish line at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac, where there is suppose to be beer and everyone in the race gets a pasta dinner. But I heard last year all the fast racers drank it all before the slower ones got back. lol This is the longest all citizen timed bike race in the United States and the course travels roads which is open to traffic, but the sherrifs from all 4 counties along the course monitor and block traffic at all major intersections on the course. There are 5 rest stops that have body fuel, water, porta pottys, if you need to stop. The first wave are the elite racers, which are racing for some big cash payouts. There are big monetary prizes for reaching certain points on the course first, including "the king of the hill" prize for reaching the top of the hill first at High Ciff. I'm registered this year for this and is my first time to do this, so I am really looking forward to this. The only requirement is you have to average at least 12.5 mph and you have to get to High Cliff by 10 am or they will not let you finish the race. It will be a nice finish for me in this challenge, if I make it all the way and will count for 110 points in the challenge. I chose the 20 mph wave because I think I can average 20 mph drafting the whole way in a pack of 50. And if I can't, I can just fall back to one of the slower waves. This bike race is getting bigger every year and has athletes in it from all over the country. There were over 1,500 in it last year. Registration is still open, but waves are filling up fast and once the wave hits 50, that wave is closed. You can register online at this link: http://www.midwestsportsevents.com/racethelake.html
If you want a shot at the money, you need to average at least 26 mph. The winner last year was Doug Kallies from Beaver Dam, WI and he was 50 years old and averaged 26.4 mph. Amazing! I know I could not do that for 90 miles. I might be able to get up to 26 mph with a little tail wind and drafting, but I know i could not sustain that for 90 miles without a rest.
@Timothy Any time you ride, even just for fun, sport, recreation counts in this challenge, too, not just transport and commuting miles. We have a duathlon at Riverside Park in Neenah here on Sunday, May 6 that I am registered for and the bike course for this event is 19 miles, so that is 39 points in the challenge. :)
I work from home so I don't really have a commute. However, if I have to go get groceries I can bike to that for this event.
Not very nice weather in Neenah, WI this morning with a cold 34 degree drizzy rain along with 18 mph winds from the NE, so I didn't bike to work today. But the sun came out and warmed up to 50 degrees this afternoon and got a 17 .6 mile ride in.
Just returned from a wonderful 20 mile ride. Weather is perfect here in NEPA...sunny, 70 degrees, & not a cloud in the sky!
If you're looking at promoting the Challenge to friends and co-workers, there are some helpful graphics here, for both print and web. http://nationalbikechallenge.org/ao/graphics.html This includes a full-page poster and four-to-a-page flyers.
My goal is to have Wyoming be the state with the highest number of participants - based on percentage of the population. So I throw down the challenge to all you state advocacy groups to see what you can do to try to beat us. Wyoming has a population of 500,000 and my goal is to have our state get at least that many miles by the end of August.
Just signed up. I'm going to try and get more colleagues involved.
Sandra - sounds just like something I would do. I'm always trying to make things 'better'. Like Red Green once said, "I'm a guy who learns by doing - and then fixing what I've done".
Lovely ride to work this morning. Beautiful white landscape. Fortunately no ice or snow on the roads, just a little wet. Worst part was the snowflakes getting in the eyes. Gotta love Wisconsin weather.
Messed with my bike too much and fouled up the front derailleur. Now bike is in shop. Miss biking this morning. :( will be back tomorrow. :)
Don't put your studded bike tires away, yet, Wisconsin riders. I just checked the weather report and 1-4 inches of snow is possible tonight in northern Wisconsin mainly north of Green Bay. Unbelievable! We don't get snow all winter and have beach weather the middle of March and now it decides to snow. I still say we are going to have a blizzard on Memorial Day weekend this year as freaky as our weather is getting.
I think we are scaring the gas companies. The price of gas is coming down. They should be scared. :) We've all had enough of their drama and games. They want to play games? We can play, too. haha
If you have any questions or trouble signing up, the endomondo support team can help you: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/support
@Sarah I think minor children can sign up just like adults and they can use their school for their organization. Children could use their own email address if they have one and if not, they probably could use a parent's email address. I think childen can even sign up on teams and it doesn't have to be all children on the team or even from the same state. A family with parents and children can be a team, if they want. Perhaps they can even get a team together from their own school. This is a great challenge that will really help promote biking even among children. Parents should go biking with their kids and teach them the rules of the road. It's a great experience for them. This challenge has the potential to rethink our whole way of life in this country and it can help solve a lot of our problems because these problems are all interrelated.
@Sarah If I understand it correctrly, I think at the end of the month whatever point level you have reached (50, 150, 500, or 1,500), that rider is entered into that point level drawing. The prizes that you can win are better in the higher levels. It doesn't take much riding to reach the 50 point level. If you biked just 2 days that month and 5 miles each day, that is 50 points. It shouldn't be too difficult for even litte children to reach that level by the end of the first month. :)
Good for you, Dee. Biking is a nice thing to share with your sweetie. Good luck!
What a wonderful motivator! As it happens, I started a weight loss and fitness program 2 weeks ago. I'm out of town right now, but I return home on 5/1/2012 and had planned to start bike riding at that time. This challenge fits in perfectly! My husband has been riding for years, and has tried to get me to join him. I've made a personal commitment to begin riding - for my health and fitness - and for an improved relationship with my husband. Learning about this challenge seems like a God Send to me. Best of luck and happy riding to all of you!
Are there instructions somewhere for signing up minor children for the Bike Challenge? My 8-year-old has been begging to participate since last year, but before I can tell her she can join, I need to know how to get her in! Does she need her own email address? Are there different prize categories for children, or is everyone measured by the same yardstick?
Over 6,200 riders now. That's great, but can we get 50,000 riders? We got a long ways to go to reach that goal. I don't think we will do it before the start of the challenge, but I do think there will be a lot of riders joining in May and June and hopefully we can reach that goal yet. The more we have, the better chance we have to hit the goal of 10 million miles. That's a lot of miles to bike in 4 months, but we can do it.
Great, we have another UPS rider who joined , for a total of 5. 3 from Wisconsin, 1 from Minnesota, and 1 from Georgia.
@Amber - you are right, teams are limited to 10 riders. However, when anyone registers from Wyoming, they are automatically put on the Wyoming state team. Hopefully that will encourage folks - excellent movement in Wyoming moving up 8 positions in the past week! Keep up the good work.
I'm looking to form a BIG team with riders from across the State of Wyoming for our Cycle Wyoming team. Are teams limited to just 10 riders?
Hi Andrew - thanks for being part of the Challenge. I will check into mountain biking points and ensure that this is addressed. Hope you enjoyed your bagel - was it poppy seed?
Hey! What do you mean your not counting my mountian bke miles but you count my roadbike recreational miles? There's really no difference. I even rode my mountain bike 3 miles to my local mountain bike trails and got a bagel before the rde too!
@Gregg, I understand we should ride in the traffic lane in the round about. That is what I have been doing and it works pretty good. Around circles is one place we can travel at the same speed as the cars.
@ Charlie That's one of the things I don't like about our round abouts that they are putting in all over Neenah here. They have these nice bike lanes, but when you get to the round abouts, they disappear and apparantly want you to bike on the sidewalk and cross walks, which seems dangerous with crossing traffic with pedestrians.
@Jim Your profile shows now that you have 1 workout and 18.34 miles and 38 points.
Great ride today with my daughter Ali and Aisha Durham, my bestest new friend!
@Jim - Hi, did you log this manually or with a smart phone. When checking your profile you are currently showing 0 workouts and 0 miles.
Closing in on 6000 riders and 1/2 million miles. Not bad for a warm-up. Anybody work at a company and want to get a biking program started? Thats how a few of us at Kimberly-Clark began in 2008. I encourage you to try it - it's been a fun ride!
I just logged my first commute and it shows I have 0 points when will that update
I am curious what other states have for bicycle lane markings in the following situation. When I am riding along in a seperated marked bike lane that comes to an end I merge in with the cars to get through the intersection or section of road ahead of me. Do any states use the Sharrow marking immediately following the end of the decicated bike lane to warn drivers that the bike lane ended?
We need to continue to expand access to safe bike trails in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Lower Platte South Natural Reource District is helping to make this happen.
@Gregg, I agree 100% I firmly believe cycling should be a part of every sports program in ALL schools. Almost every kid has a bike and loves to race, we need to take advantage of that in our schools, teach them proper cycling skills and the rules of the road. Not only will it make them healthier, it will make them (AND THEIR PARENTS) more aware of bicycles being on the road and the laws regarding cycling on the roads
Still can't get my City of Fitchburg (WI) workplace registration to stick. I filled out the support form but have radio silence so far. Are there any staff supporting the National Challenge? Call me at 608 278 7700!
http://main.diabetes.org/goto/Penni
Tour de Cure Century ride in 31 days! So looking forward to it!
National challenge, League of American Cyclists. I'm British, I thought this was a Global effort.
NC needs more riders! I can't believe NC isn't in the top 20 states.
Today rode on the road with my Gary Fisher Superfly mountainbike! Fun time with the kids from Fairfield Court.
It's great that kids under 18 can join the challenge now. They could join under their school and will be a nice challenge for them as well. I think schools should add biking to their phy ed classes and teach biking skills and rules of the road etc. I'm not sure why biking has never been part of a sports program in schools today. I would think there would be a lot of interest in this in elementary, middle, high school, and college and could easily be incorporated as another event in track and field with also competitive multi sports like duathlons and triathlons.
@Greg,
"I feel the earth move under my feet"
I agree, for me, it is the earliest (in my adult years) that I have ever started biking. I bet for those of you who have been commuting all winter, it was a very nice winter for it!
Madison College is #1!! Whooo!!!
I have a drivers liscense and have not owned a car in seven years.I have a Trel 6000 and ride everyday no matter where I need to go.
Nice to see that there are over 5,000 riders who have already joined the national challenge. We have almost 1,000 ridersin Wisconsin and 2 more weeks before the challenge starts on May 1. We have seen just about everything this spring from hot summer like beach weather, to cold freezing temps, to calm warm pleasant evenings, to cold violent sustained gale force winds near 40 mph with gusts over 50 mph that knocked traffic light poles flat to the ground. We have even had earthquakes with tremors and aftershocks in Clintonville. It's been quite an unusual spring to say the least with flowers blooming and walleyes spawning in March this year.
I am determined to ride to work every day in May. Might mean some creative scheduling of appointments.
Thanks for your help, Jack! Cheers, Bryan in Ohio.
@Jack S
You saved the day!
FUTURE REFERENCE TO EVERYONE - Sponsor logos like to use squares.
The snow in Anchorage, Alaska is still on the ground and the moose are hungry but the multiuse trails are getting clear. It is in the 40 degree range and a great time to bike! I am getting ready for a tour in Switzerland in July so I have lots to do in 3 months!
Great ride to work today, two errands on the way. Perfect weather. It's a different experience from those cold, dark winter commutes.
Just rode CicLAvia this weekend. Time is right to ride more.
I have to get in shape for a week long ride in June, and doing the MS city to shore ride in Aug. again.
Happy to be on the Bike Challenge. I have set a goal of 2500 miles this year. This challenge will keep me focused. I have 881 miles to date.
Riding for fun tomorrow on my Batavus..hope to do about 25 miles...
Finally! After 6 weeks of bruised/cracked ribs, Im ready to ride 100% Ill be adding to this at least every other day!
I ordered one of those National Bike Challenge jerseys from Mt. Borah and it got delivered today by the brown guy, the best carrier in the world. :) It's a really nice looking jersey and fits me great.:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greggmichaelphotography/6939245110/
@ Jack - they will need to go into Change Settings by clicking on their name at the upper right of the home page. They will then update "What is the name of your employer or college/university?" with the name of your organization.
Jack, each person will need to change their profile to be part of your organization. To do this, click on your name (above) to go to your profile page. Choose "Change Settings" and then add the new organization name. You can keep the team or the team captain can rename or delete the team.
@Andy @Rob For all the images, it wants SQAURES! So you can just add a few blank pixels here and there to make it a square. Otherwise it will scrunch it into a square in a few places.
@ Andy - Unfortunately, I don't have a quick answer. You might try to resize the logo but I don't have the optimum pixel size. Does anyone have any experience with this?
We need to change our "Team" to be an "Organization". We've registered both, but how do we switch folks from the Team to an Organization?
a tip for using an android, I found that there is a setting for the response time within the program, so you may need to go into your settings to see what the response time is. I have a 10 second delay built into mine, so that it gives me time to push the start button and then get my legs going. If your response time is delayed, it might explain the reason why the android isn't kicking in the GPS recording right away.
National Bike Challenge just passed 4000 riders and is approaching 350,000 miles in the pre-season. Excellent warm-up with 2 weeks before the show really starts!
Wendy --
I have had a little issue with my Android not kicking in the GPS recording until some ways into my ride (you can look at the map to see if that's your problem.) I try to make sure that the app says it has a GPS signal before I start. When I do that, it seems to record accurately. If it's having trouble finding a signal, sometimes closing it and reopening helps.
Scott
Rob - I noticed, when uploading sponsors logos, that it automatically re sizes the images. However it also cuts them off and makes them look just completely scrunched.
What is the recommended image size, or could you optimize the resizing feature?
Check out our page and look at what I mean
http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national
(sports&fitness mag logo)
Watch out Iowa - here comes Vermont! I am amazed at how this state keeps moving up the ranks in the pre-season. Keep up the good work everyone!
I have had tons of problems with the android phone app recording incorrect miles although actual time. Any advice?
@Leonard - Per the rules, a rider recieves 20 points for each day and 1 point per mile. In the case of a tandem, there are 2 riders and each rider would recieve their own points. Good luck with the recruiting, sounds like you guys are going to have a great team!
Tandems should count as three riders because you have el Capitan, stoker and at least one "regular" rider laughing at them.
@Rob, Had a question come up this morning while talking about the NBC. Do tandem riders EACH receive credit for the ride or is it logged as a ride for just one person?? (Trying to talk them into joining the NBC and they ask me, told them I would find out.)
@Sandy and all the CT riders. Looks like Nebraska and some other states are getting stronger and moving up in the ranks. Keep spreading the word and getting more riders to join the NBC. This is just the warm-up, it will really get interesting when everything is reset back to 0 in a few weeks on May 1.
3400 riders and over 300,000 miles. Nice job everyone - keep up the great work.
Have you been keeping an eye on the National Leaderboard? Lets get CT back in the top 10!!
@ Benjamin, Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to search for a community other than by going through each page. Endomondo is planning to add this feature at a future date. Good luck in the Challenge.
Is there a way to search for a community I am not a part of? Sorting the leaderboard alphabetically would work for me.
K2 "...just the bare bones of a name, all rock and ice and storm and abyss. It makes no attempt to sound human. It is atoms and stars. It has the nakedness of the world before the first man - or of the cindered planet after the last."
~ Italian climber Fosco Maraini
Where is K2
Nice add-on with the Facebook sharing option! Just posted it on my Facebook Timeline.
I know Obama bikes on vacation with his family, but pretty hard to do on the job, since all the secret servicemen would have to bike in a pack with him and they would think that is too dangerous. But it would be cool to get him in the challenge. I'm sure he knows about it after the bike summit was held in Washington DC and was promoted there.
We had so much fun in the challenge last year in Wisconsin and at first I thought we would never hit a million miles, but the challenge really got intense and it motivated everyone to bike a lot more than they would have without the challenge. I think the 10 million goal will be reached this year, too. It's really great that it is national this year and it's going to be very interesting how it all plays out. I can see the national challenge becoming an annual thing now, perhaps even expanding to the off season, too, since some bike year around and those in warmer climates probably bike more in the winter than in the summer months when it is too hot. I can easily see this challenge making such a national impact this summer, that we might actually see gas prices begin to fall, due to overproduction and oversupply. This will force the oil companies to lower their prices. We've got a ridership force that is going to make a significant impact on our national economy. Pedal on, America. Make the gas companies drown in their gas.
So I have noticed an odd dynamic in the leaderboard. Washington DC is listed in both the 'Communities' section and the 'States' section, but it is paired with some DC suburbs in the community section. As a result, the points per capita is much lower in the 'Communities' section than it is in the 'States' section. I'm not complaining in any way, it is just neat to notice the odd dynamic of having a City be recognized as a State... (Full Disclosure- I am a DC resident so I would love it if DC was actually a State...or if we had the rights of States...)
At any rate, Wisconsin as a State is kicking some tail at the moment!
Congrats to Pennsylvania for having more than 450 riders with still 20 days to go before the May 1 start. I'm from Wisconsin, in our state challenge last year we started with about 2500 riders and finished with 4500. Our big publicity push will take place in the next 10 days.
getting started today ! YaYYYYYY So exciting...
A teammate asked if points accumulated by teams created eligibility for any “team” prizes. I felt that team rewards were less tangible; a matter of intrinsic gratification, extra motivation and encouragement, enhanced opportunities to promote and participate in a cycling community, and “bragging rights”. Sadly, upon further reflection I’ve discovered several apparently inherent character flaws. Turns out I’m shallow, acquisitive, evidently lacking sufficient internal motivation, and quite alarmingly suggestible as well; Having never previously given the notion even a moment’s fleeting thought, I’ve now convinced myself there SHOULD be team prizes (-;
Kimberly-Clark will be sending a communication to our 50,000+ employees within the next week. We expect to see at least 750 additional people join the Challenge. Congratulations to Pittsburgh, but I'm sure other cities (like Cleveland, etc) are developing their own plans. I think the next few weeks will be interesting as the word gets out. Good luck to everyone and safe riding!
Pittsburgh hits 300 riders and almost 22,000 pre-season miles! Where's everyone at!?
I am a retired guy, so I no longer commute at all. I try to ride daily here in Chicago on the Lakefront bike path. I also co-write a blog on diet, exercise and good health. You can check it out here: http://guysandgoodhealth.com
United States Bicycle Route System expands to 30 US States, 14 of which have already started implementing a network of bicycle routes: http://start.toshiba.com/news/recommended/read.php.
I saw this in the news today. This is really great news. States that have already started implementing the project include Alaska, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
If anyone is near Houston, MN tomorrow (Saturday) I am looking for someone who would like to bike with me on the Root River State Trail from the Houston Trailhead to Fountain. It is about 43 miles one way, so this would be an 86 mile trip. It is mostly flat and not really hilly, except near Houston and there is a steady climb in elevation near Fountain, but not too difficult. It is a woodsy off road, but completely paved trail along the scenic Root River that passes through some really old small S.E. Minnesota towns that long ago were served by the railroad. There is a famous pie shop in Whalen that serves fresh baked pies on the trail and is a very popular stop. :)
Rob, nice work and getting the program to go National!
Good Idea! Seems that generating enthusiasm and encouraging regular cycling among students would be entirely in keeping with long term Bike Challenge goals. Surely it would also enhance family participation and support for the challenge to include younger family members in the event?
Is there any way for students under 18 to participate? Can they waive rights to prizes and just compete for the fun of it?
Anybody been on the National Bike Challenge Facebook page yet? You can check it out at http://www.facebook.com/NationalBikeChallenge
Nice work, invite Quinn....he just got a new bike and now we can't get him off the thing! Ha ha!!
Gregg, Good idea, nice way to track actual savings. I just looked at last year's stats. My wife and I put 4,200 miles on our car (I don't think I drove more than 500 miles of that myself) and I put over 17,000 miles on my bike. I tend to use my bike for everything......
Thanks Wally for getting this together.
Everyone can certainly do what they want, but any trip that I use my bike as a means of transportation, which otherwise I would have to use my vehicke to get there, I log as transport. If I'm just biking for the fun of it, for exercise, fitness, a race event, a tour, etc, then I log it as sport. For me this gives me an accurate total of how much money I actually save by biking for transportation that I would have spent otherwise on my vehicle. For example, if I'm going to a race and I bike there, instead of taking a vehicle to get there and hauling the bike, I log that as transport, but the actual race itself I log as sport because I'm not saving gas money racing. haha
Rode 5 miles today, just getting started
A fun YouTube video from Copenhagen, home of Endomondo http://www.youtube.com/watch
Help! While I was learning about and testing the Endomondo system, I created an organization called "Macs Cheese." Can someone delete this for me or let me know how at [email protected]. Thanks!
Just curious..I notice my team point totals differ between national and Wisconsin leaderboards...apparently because one team member is from Minnesota.. presumably a new accomodation now that the challenge is national? What happened last year when even teams with out of state members were all part of the Wisconsin challenge?
Been enjoying endomondo since January. Collecting data to blast the National Bike Challenge throughout Ohio. Start the blast today or tomorrow!
It appears the 20 point issue has been fixed this morning. Thank you to all those responsible.
Howard, Gregg - Being retired, all my rides are logged as "sport" (even the trips to the store).....
I did get points for EVERY day ridden, but not until I changed one of the days to transport, up until then it was just the miles.
@Howard Last Friday and Saturday my rides were only sport and I got the 20 points each day. It hasn't been an issue for me at all. Hopefully, they can figure out why you aren't getting the 20 points for the days you have only a sport ride because I have been getting the 20 points for any day that I ride, no matter if it is sport or transport.
Regarding the 20 points, seems like it gets added only if at least one ride is transport. I changed one of my rides from sport to transport to test it (wasn't cheating, it was actually using the bike to go to the bank), and my total went up from just counting miles to adding 20 points for every day. Guess once the issue is fixed it will be 20 points even if none of the days are logged in as transport?
Hi Hans - I sent you an email with details on how to customize your local site. Keep up the good work in Florida.
I've set up a local advocacy page, which participants from our area get access to, and which filters local teams and workplaces from the national teams. However, I have not received any email with instruction how to update this local page, and have a real hard time to find out who to contact for that. Any of you know ?
Levi Leipheimer is counting his blessings Monday after avoiding serious injury when a Spanish driver plowed into him during a Sunday-afternoon training ride in Spain’s Basque Country.
The American star knows he’s lucky to be alive and to have otherwise avoided serious injuries in the high-speed accident.
Leipheimer was on a two-hour training ride ahead of Monday’s start of the Vuelta al País Vasco when disaster struck: a car drove directly into him at full speed as he was riding on the right side of the shoulder on a Spanish road.
Leipheimer recounted the accident to VeloNews in an exclusive interview Monday morning before catching a flight back to the United States: http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/04/news/leipheimer-i-could-be-dead-for-sure_211934
Hi Jenny, you are correct - Sport, transport and mountain biking all count the same this year
So, just so I get it straight, this year we are awarded points regardless of sport rides vs. transport rides?
I only had a sport ride yesterday and yesterday it correctly gave me 20 points in addition to my miles. So is this an issue with only some riders?
Hi Leonard - you are exactly right on the rules and your points. You should have been awarded the additional 20 points for each day. There is an issue and currently the 20 daily points are not being awarded for Sport Cycling. Endomondo is aware of this and is working to address it. Thanks for joining us and keep up the great work!
Question for The Challenge Team:
According to the rules:
"1 Challenge point is awarded for each mile ridden
20 Challenge points are awarded for each day you ride"
My question is, How do I get credit for each day ridden??
Since February 1, I have ridden 2488.43 miles total during 40 rides. My point total for the warmup is 2488, why don't I get credit for riding 40 days (800 points)???
Gregg,
According to my mileage logs and my point total, the early bird warm-up started counting mileage on February 1, 2012.
I checked back and looks like we started warm up here on February 9, so the leaderboard has been running here a little over 7 weeks. Is that right?
I made it to platinum today. When did the warm up period begin here?
Hans - another good suggestion. Thanks and I will forward to Endomondo.
Is there any way workplaces can add a logo?
@Gary Wow , that really saves you a lot of money, wear and tear, and maintenance costs on your vehicle
I ride 330+ days per year and have ridden between 8,000 -15,000 miles per year for the last 6 years. I do 90% of my shopping on my recumbent trike with a set of Ortlieb bags.
Gary
I can reach the platinum level this month, if I bike at least 26 miles tomorrow. Many of you have already reached it.
@Gregg - the WI Bike Fed has not yet sent their notification out to last year's riders yet. I believe this is planned for early April. If similar to last year, we should see a nice bump shortly after they hit send on that email.
Pennsylvania has 232 riders and is catching up to Wisconsin with 310. Where are all our Wisconsin riders from last year's challenge?
6 Fitness Tests for Cyclists and How to Improve Weaknesses: http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/are-you-fit-ride#.T3X5IweX9nw.facebook
I just reached gold level!
We now have riders from every state except two (North Dakota and Wyoming)
Nice, cool day (45 Deg F) in NE Wisconsin for the commute to work. Rain tomorrow. I am enjoying the pre-season; seeing people join and finding out about other teams, communities and states.
First time I ever was speeding on my bike going 30 mph in a 25 mph zone. I blame the gale force tail wind today. lol
Wisconsin can get some really hot and humid days in the summer, but sometimes even jackets are needed to watch fireworks on the 4th of July. A couple years ago I only had to run air conditioning a few times. The Neenah pool was closed several days that summer and even for a whole week in July due to the cold weather. When I was a kid, there was even snow flurries once on the 4th of July. That was really wierd.
I wish it was getting warmer, but we drop 50 degrees from our record high temps last week and now many states including Wisconsin are posting freeze warnings. However, these temps are back to normal for us, but our spring blossoms and flowers came a whole month earlier than normal for us because of the record setting temps and now are at risk of freezing.
Word about the Challenge is getting out. This morning we are over 900 riders and approaching 100,000 miles with 5 weeks before the official May 1 start. We are reaching out to a number of organizations and companies. You can check in with your friends, family and co-workers to see if they're interested in joining us.
Don't believe that crap, it's gonna be another hot summer. It's easy to say things that make no sense when you work in an office. Try working outside 70+ hours a week, oh yea, it's getting hotter all the time. Deal with it, don't try to hide it.
Some are saying that temps and precip. tend to average themselves out over the course of the year and that we are going to have a really cold and wet summer this year. I hope not. That would be a bummer.
Great day for the Congressional Bike Ride in DC this morning. This was the final event of the 2012 National Bike Summit. There were several hundred riders, anyone else track it on Endomondo?
So looking forward to tracking all my miles this year! I wish I could ride to work but I do love not driving for all my local errands - 14.6 miles of them today.
I ride to commute as well as fun & fitness on my commuter 3 speed, no longer own a car, would love to see all cities embrace bicyclists & better infrastructure .. safety for all!
@Jeff Wendt, if winter was any precursor to what summer will be, we are in for it.
Last year I managed to get 2,847 miles during these 4 months and I'm looking for over 3K this time. It certainly will help if Austin doesn’t get the 90 days of 100+ like last summer.
Those in Arizona will find it pretty hard to bike in the summer, unless they can do it in the early morning or late evening. It is too hot during the day.
What is the Twitter hashtag for the National Bike Challenge?
@Kristi - thanks for joining the Challenge and sharing your suggestion. This has been raised by others as well and the Challenge team will work to improve this for next year. Good luck to you and the AZ team!
Arizona is very hot may to august, that will impact this. I would love to see this happen in the winter.
Spring officially begins Wednesday, but we are in a summer weather pattern with mid 70's again today and a chance of PM thunderstorms.
@Hans - you raise another good point about manual logging and calories. I have added this to the worklist, but do not yet have an expected completion date. Thanks for your insight and please let us know of anything else.
@ Hans If you log your miles directly on Edomondo with "New Workout", you can also enter the duration and it will compute also the calories and your miles will also be entered automatically into the National Challenge.
In the National BIke Challenge it is very easy to log your standard commute. However, the duration is left to 0, and no calories are counted. It would be more stimulating if not only dollars and CO2 saved increase with each logged commute, but also the calories. Will that change before May ?
Hi Hans - Yes, you raise a good point and we agree with you. For 2013 we are exploring the potential to have the National Challenge during May and give local bike organizations the option of starting their local Challenges begining Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 1 or May 1. For example in Georgia, thier local Challenge might run Feb - May with the National Challenge during the month of May. You don't have a local Challenge in Florida yet, but that may change before May 1. Good luck and enjoy the Challenge.
May through August might be a good time period for this challenge for a state like Wisconsin, but I find that for a University town in Florida this is possibly the worst period of the year. Are there any thoughts of making this challenge a year-round event ?
@Paul - thanks for your comment about the miles tracking. This has been added to the list.
@Jason - glad to hear things worked out.
It just allowed me to register by leaving the company name box empty,my commute box empty, and unchecking the first box on top, can't recall what that stated at the moment. Thanks Andy.
Another quick observation re a quirk in the way the National Challenge and the Endomondo sites tracke miles. It seems that the National/Local Challenge site does a week from Sunday to Saturday when totally miles. However, the workout section of the Endomondo site does a week from Monday through Sunday. This is not a big problem but it sometimes makes for some head scratching when one's totals don't seem to match up from one work out the next...it matters where you are looking at your workout. Maybe something to add to the FAQs section? FYI.
Thanks for the reply, Rob. I am a bit surprised the feature dropped of this year, but this leads me to a suggestion. Maybe at the end of this year, you should float a list of info/tracking features that will be included in the 2013 Challenge to the blog and/or participants to see ahead of time what people think about where you are going with the revised versino of the data. I can appreciate that the switch to national tracking was a BIG jump so simplifications needed to be made for the transition. However, had you asked before planning the new (2012) challenge, I can imagine several of us would have noted the need for the mileage info/rankings. I confess I just assumed that this year would have kept all the functionality of last year...probably a bad assumption on my part. Maybe I should have chimed in sooner. Anyway, glad to know it is in the works already for 2013. And regardless, thanks for the work on this!
@Paul and Martin, thanks for the feedback - that item seems to be popular as it was already on the list for the 2013 Challenge.
I also miss the ability to rank by miles (even though I am much worse in that scenario) and in particular the possibility to switch between total, sport and transport miles. Overall the point system has not changed too much from last year - what I can see the main difference is that everything is 10 times more (since you get 1 point per mile and not per 10), and short distance commuters get the full benefit already from one commute instead of 2.
Here's a link to the problem. I noticed right after I joined the Winter Bike Week challenge, something got screwy. I don't know if it has something to do with the new layout?? But a few of us can't join.
https://getsatisfaction.com/endomondo/topics/server_error_when_joining_the_national_challenge;utm_source=widget_endomondo
I know it is early, but I confess that I still really miss being able to do rankings by mileage. I appreciate that the points system can be encouraging to new(ish) riders/commuters. But I really would like to know where I stack up in terms of mileage on a monthly/yearly-total basis as the point totals feel a bit "cheap" to me (and I confess that my points rankings last year were better than my mileage rankings, but the latter were the ones that I most appreciated/measured, especially since I am more sport rider). Also, last year we were able to rank by "transport," "sport," and "total" miles. I don't see a similar ability this year. Am I missing something? Please bring back the mileage ranking ability--A STRONG suggestion for the 2013 Challenge! Thanks for "listening."
Hi Art - what is the issue, I would like to see it addressed if possible.
It's unfortunate really, I probably won't be participating in this. It's just simpler to keep track of all my workouts under my real name. That's where all of my other challenges are.
I like the new look. It's unfortunate I and a few others have been unable to join. I had to create a new profile just to join.
I am trying to push across our company Nationally. Any prepared information you can share will be helpful.
Charlie - it has been very helpful to have the suggestions from riders and bike advocacy groups across the country. Looking forward to an exciting Challenge this year. Publicity efforts will kickoff next week at the National Bike Summit in DC.
I like the new way to switch from local to national. Thanks.
What do you know I was able to join by starting a new profile. That's great, I guess.
Can't wait to start riding again. My husband, who didn't own a bike till last year's challenge, is excited for the upcoming biking season too. Greg - thanks for the recipe below...I already have all of the ingredients at home.
It's amazing how fast you adapt to warmer temps, 23 sure felt cold this morning.
Check out the cookbook: The Feed Zone by Biju Thomas and Allen Lim. Good meals and as well as energy bars.
Thanks Greg - I checked out the Mayo Clinic info and the slideshow was helpful.
Here's a recipe for homemade energy bars:
4 cups oats
4 cups cereal
1 cup each filler (nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, etc.)
2 cups sweetener/binding agent (corn syrup if you’re a cash-strapped bike racer, maple syrup if you live in New England, and agave nectar or brown rice syrup if you shop at Whole Foods)
1 ½ cups peanut butter
salt to taste
Heat the sweetener and peanut butter over medium and combine the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the heated sweetener mix, pour into a large square pan, and let it cool.
Slice each batch up into 2-inch-by-2-inch squares, each of which delivers about 250 calories and 40 grams of carbs, a perfect dose of energy for 60 minutes on the bike.
Bon appétit!
Here's a site for building core muscles for running, biking, or swimming:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp
And this site is also good from the Mayo Clinic and gives you a slideshow on how to do each execise: Rob Adams
This is for all you Cannondale die hards and bike enthusiasts!!!!! (I am a Cannondale loyal person).
@David B Groseclose. I was able to change the workplace picture at www.endomondo.com/customize
@ Ray - I agree.
I think I get where JHugh is coming from, and he makes a lot of valid points. One thing I have noticed is that no matter how fast a person is, there will always be someone out there faster. I hope no one here feels they have to live up to anyone else's standard but their own. I don't feel Hugh is trying to make it into a contest, but just the opposite; we each set our own standards and goals, and don't need to compare to anyone else. The bike does make a big difference in the speed and distance you can achieve - a heavy bike will be slower, no matter who is on the pedals. And I've noticed too that time IS a big constraint; not everyone has the time or wants to spend 7-9 hours on a bike to achieve a long distance ride - and you shouldn't feel you need to. This leprechaun has the utmost respect for those who ride regularly, whither its 40 miles or 2... who use their bike instead of their car... who enjoy exploring that new road to see where it leads... who breathe deep and take solace in the beauty of the world passing by us at that most perfect ratio of all - bike speed. Because as Burklee has so kindly reiterated - bike speed is the right speed.
Though generally happy residing in my corner of Wisconsin, if ever I move, Consideration of ranked possibilities will be heavily weighted in favor of communities offering confectionary and/or caffeinated incentives for Bike-to-Work week. (-;
Dad?
So RAGBRAI is this next week starting on Sunday. I won't be there this year, but my goal is to ride the same mileage as the ride does each day. Should be interesting.
I'll never give up my cars, as long as I am able to operate them. Insurance/registration doesn't cost that much, and for me, its far cheaper than what it would cost to find substitute transportation when needed (family lives out of town, need a trunk for the occasional homeowner necessity, etc) Using a bike for errands may save gas and emissions from your vehicle, but what do those extra showers, extra loads of laundry, extra consumption of food/water, etc do to the environment?
-
If you do store your car, disconnect the battery or put it on a trickle charger and leave it alone. Starting it once a month does it no benefit unless you actually take it out for a drive long enough to get it up to normal operating temperature. Starting it and letting it run for a few minutes is not good for it.
E M, You have the complete links. This takes us just the youtube page.
Enjoying my rides in Niagara Falls. The weather has been sunny and cool for riding. Ontario, Canada has excellent biking trails and would love to ride the circle tour through the Niagara Escarpment--complete circle tour of paved off road trails through Niagara Falls of 85 miles. A portion follows the famous Welland Canal where ships pass through the locks from Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. We watch a ship go through lock 3 in St. Catherines. The Ontario police ride bikes to patrol in Niagara Falls.
The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles. A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. ~Sloan Wilson
Shorts, jersey, gloves, helmet, shoes, underwear, and of couse bike socks (ones with little bikes on them)!. Ridden as long as a century. During the challenge most days are 20 or more. Never had a problem with chafing.
Entered my miles about 3 hours ago. Still hasn't updated.
@Tammie, You're never too old to ride a bike, have a wonderful time riding with your dad.
@Laurie, you go, girl! You're on a roll lately!
Was just looking at the leaderboard and am really sad about North Dakota. Figured we had more riders or at least riders tracking miles.
Is there a Twitter hashtag for the '13 challenge?
@ Roberto, I don't relish riding in snow and cold.
Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring.
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Desmond Tutu
@Andrew and @Ken: Super-bummer, but yeah, no search function. If the other team is within your same local challenge, though, you can navigate over to your local challenge and check out the leaderboard there. Then you'll only be seeing teams within your area.
Ready to bike home into the mists of Wisconsin... Actually looking foward to the ride!