Bicycle Diaries
30 years riding, 15 years writing
Fast trails today
The gravel trails have smoothed out.
Didn’t have to exert much effort to maintain a good pace today. All the gravel that was laid down in the summer months has been packed down by walkers, runners and bikers. At this point, even a road bike can be used on the trails, but I’d rather have the comfort of a full suspension mountain bike.
MTB: distance 19.23 miles, average speed 14.2 mph.
Eye infection
An eye infection forced me to curtail riding.
A couple of weeks back, shortly after cutting the grass, my right eye freaked out on me. I couldn’t see anything out of it and had to wear a patch because looking at any light source caused me a lot of grief.
Thankfully we had some antibiotic eye cream in the medicine cabinet that alleviated the infection. I kept walking but felt that riding would dry out my eyes too much, or worse, I could get something in them, like dirt or a bug.
MTB: distance 14.89 miles, average speed 13.8 mph.
Reached my target weight
Finally lost all the pounds I had gained over Winter.
Over the four months I was off the bike in Winter, I gained 15 pounds. The holidays always sees us eating more than usual, I was no exception.
For the past five months, I’ve walked and biked trying to lose those 15 pounds. My body had adjusted to the new heavier me but I just couldn’t fit into any of my old jeans.
This year, I’m going to watch what I eat during the holidays, all the way into my mouth ;)
MTB: distance 14.60 miles, average speed 13.8 mph.
Midday ride
Lunch or ride?
Debated whether to eat a sandwich or grab a banana and go for a ride. After perusing the weather station and seeing the nice temperatures with a slight breeze to accompany me towards the lake, the banana won out.
MTB: distance 15.74 miles, average speed 14.0 mph.
Leash them dogs
Today, it was let dogs go day.
Why do owners insist on letting their dogs run loose on the trails? Aside from the obvious problem of running into them, how do I know they’re not going to attack me as I ride by?
MTB: distance 14.95 miles, average speed 14.1 mph.
Water for your dogs
Finally, the temperatures have come back to normal.
Though a good samaritan is still leaving a water dish with a big jug of water beside it for those thirsty dogs on the trail. Good to know there’s a water break on the main trail, just in case it’s needed, bow-wow ;)
MTB: distance 14.63 miles, average speed 13.8 mph.
Oh, the heatwave
Be careful what you wish for.
The sun came out and has brought with it a massive heat wave, with temps in the mid 90’s. At least the humidity is low, so it’s not that bad to be outside, but for exercising, it could be detrimental to your health.
MTB: distance 14.65 miles, average speed 13.8 mph.
The sun comes out
Feels like I live in the U.S. Northwest.
All this rain, though good for the trees makes one feel gloomy. I can only imagine why people in Seattle tend to work all the time, rain does have a way of preventing outdoor activities. Today and tomorrow calls for sunny skies, time to ride and clean up the yard of all the debris that has fallen.
MTB: distance 14.58 miles, average speed 13.9 mph.
Bambi crossed my path
Riding on the trail that runs beneath Boyce Park, a baby dear crossed my path. It had that distinctive color pattern we’ve come to know as Bambi. The big white spots on it’s back is what caught my eye, slowed down to see it run through the woods and disappear from site.
MTB: distance 21.23 miles, average speed 13.4 mph.
Fresh air
Pumped up my tires.
With the rains packing down the fresh gravel, it was time to put air back in my tires. It proved to be the right call today, since I exerted little effort to keep the average speed up.
MTB: distance 14.94 miles, average speed 13.8 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
