Bicycle Diaries
30 years riding, 15 years writing
Up the miles
Another couple of pounds and I’ll be able to fit into my old jeans. So far this week, I’ve lost 5 pounds and as I sit here writing this, I’m still sweating from today’s ride.
Today I decided to up the miles, went out early so I could stretch the water bottles by riding in cooler weather. A lot of people out there today, spring has a way of signaling to the body that it’s time to shed the winter pounds.
MTB: distance 20.64 miles, average speed 13.0 mph.
Snakes & Turtles
On the trail today, all I saw were turtles and snakes crossing my path. There was this huge snapping turtle on the trail behind the lake, mosquitoes flying all over it’s head, no wonder it’s walk seemed dizzying. The snakes are cool, as long as you cross behind them, not in front of them.
MTB: distance 15.00 miles, average speed 13.3 mph.
Need another water bottle
In order to go greater distances, I need more water. Right now the mountain bike has 2 bottle cages, but they hold the smaller 20oz bottles. There is the possibility to attach another cage underneath the bottom tube, and it could hold a larger 24 or 27oz bottle. With another bottle, I can start riding 20 to 30 miles without having to stop to fill up.
Yes, I drink a lot of water on a ride. It’s what I became accustomed to, it keeps my body from cramping up.
MTB: distance 14.99 miles, average speed 13.6 mph.
Glad I walk also
6 months off the bike.
All that time from riding and I felt fine today, and it’s because I continued walking at least 3 times a week throughout the winter months.
My quads were hurting whenever I rose off the seat to hammer up a hill but at least I’m not panting while keeping a good steady pace.
MTB: distance 14.67 miles, average speed 13.3 mph.
Pollen season awful
The pollen count in Charlotte was 3 times the norm.
Stayed off the bike in April waiting for the rains to wash away the yellowish dust that was everywhere, giving those with allergies reason to stay indoors.
We had some good rain yesterday, so today I decided it was time to begin the process of getting back into summer shape, can’t wait to go to the beach.
MTB: distance 14.90 miles, average speed 12.9 mph.
Missed the spinning
Once you get used to it, spinning is fun.
It can take years, but once you condition your muscles, spinning for an hour at a good cadence comes natural. It’s almost akin to walking, if your mind had to think about it, you’d fall on your face.
Still waiting for the warm weather to kick in, when at the end of a ride, your jersey and shorts appear like instead of drinking your water bottles, you just poured them on you.
MTB: distance 15.13 miles, average speed 12.3 mph.
5 month break
What a long winter, glad it’s over.
Spring is starting to peek it’s head out and I’m wasting no time in introducing myself. After our usual morning walk, I gave the mountain bike a good cleaning and oiling.
Hopped on for a quick around the block test ride and it induced me to put the gear on. Started out easy, my goal was to just average over 12 mph. Surprisingly, my legs felt fine, but cramping was close by whenever I jammed.
A lot of work is going on in the McAlpine, new overpasses for creeks, fresh gravel for trails. Though I ride the same trails, every year brings small changes and new challenges.
MTB: distance 13.2 miles, average speed 12.5 mph.
Breezy afternoon
The weather has been great.
Fall is the best time to be in the Carolinas, nice and cool at night and it warms up just enough in the afternoon. Been walking after dinner, haven’t gotten a chance to ride in the last week, so I suited up today.
MTB: distance 14.95 miles, average speed 13.7 mph.
Soggy Week
Rain came to the Carolinas.
For the last week, all it’s done is rain. A bit late, since all our lawns are dried up by now, but any precipitation is welcome. This afternoon, the Sun shone on the backyard signaling me to suit up and go for a ride.
Plenty of cross country runners from the nearby Catholic school were out running the trails. They know by now to give me room when I ring my bell signaling that I’m about to run them over, since they occupy the width of the trail.
MTB: distance 14.66 miles, average speed 13.9 mph.
Got out before the rain
The local radar told me to get out early.
There was a huge copperhead on the main trail, a walker alerted us all to it’s slow crossing of the gravel. By now I’m accustomed to their presence, but when I began riding on the McAlpine, I would mistake them for a branch.
MTB: distance 14.62 miles, average speed 14.1 mph.
Charlotte, NC
Spent 10 years in Charlotte, a block away from an entrance to the McAlpine Creek Greenway.
Switched to a mountain bike from the road bikes I was accustomed to riding for 15 years.
The time spent on these trails was most appreciated.
Trek Fuel 70
