Bicycle Diaries
30 years riding, 15 years writing
Clean trails
Looks like the city swept the trails this week, it made for a nice ride, no more dodging debris. I’ve seen them clean the trails before, they use a small tractor with a brush at the end. When they’re sweeping, you’d better not be around cause the dirt clouds permeate the tree lines.
MTB: distance 18.78 miles, average speed 13.1 mph.
Very Windy
The wind that brought us rain the last couple of days, hung around today to remove whatever leaves were left on the trees. The trails were still wet but not very muddy, at least you could pedal without feeling bogged down. The temps were nice, in the 70’s, had to enjoy it cause tomorrow it’s going to get cold.
MTB: distance 22.84 miles, average speed 11.8 mph.
Leaves are everywhere
Spent the weekend picking up leaves, took a break this afternoon to go for a ride. I’ll be at it again tomorrow to finish up before Tuesday’s garbage pickup.
The trails are great, nice and packed, very fast. Had to dodge quite a few people on the trail this afternoon, mostly dog walkers with very long leashes. There are bike riders out there, we cross paths, very rarely do I get to ride along with someone but I’ve always been cool with riding solo.
MTB: distance 17.30 miles, average speed 13.2 mph.
Weather is here
Absolutely wonderful afternoon for riding, it was like riding a stationary bike in an air conditioned setting. I just couldn’t stop riding, ran out of water and dipped into the Sardis Club’s tennis courts to top off my bottles.
I would still be riding but I started to cramp up, so I headed home for a hot shower. Can’t wait to get out tomorrow and do it again, fall weather, gotta love it.
MTB: distance 25.01 miles, average speed 13.6 mph.
Daylight shortens
While out riding today, the daylight started going away towards the end of my ride. I don’t much care for daylight saving time, it destroys any hope of exercising in the afternoon, for any long period of time.
MTB: distance 15.21 miles, average speed 13.1 mph.
Warmer weather
This afternoon, the temperature went above 60, so it was time to ride. It’s not that I can’t ride in the cold, it’s that I’d rather not, for fear of catching the flu that’s been going around these parts. By the end of next month, I’ll have no choice but to ride in the cold, but I’m hoping that my body will have gotten used to the winter germs by then.
MTB: distance 20.99 miles, average speed 13.3 mph.
The McAlpine main trail
Stayed on the main gravel trail all ride long.
In the McAlpine, when it rains, like it did yesterday, it can get rather muddy in the side trails than meander through the trees. The main trail, for the most part, stays intact due to it’s gravel roots.
The main trail is 2.5 miles long, starting on Sardis Rd. and ending on Independence Blvd. A nice 5 mile loop away from cars and with the occasional deer crossing.
MTB: distance 19.68 miles, average speed 13.1 mph.
Legs felt tight
Couldn’t get up any speed to speak of, so I went exploring.
Shot off into the neighborhoods and discovered new areas. It was hilly, but it was good exercise, especially for getting my legs back in shape. Thankfully my mountain bike has 24 speeds and it’s easy to shift, because if you’re not in the right gear, you suffer, big time.
MTB: distance 16.09 miles, average speed 12.7 mph.
Cooler Temps
Fall is upon us, long sleeves are in order.
Waited till mid afternoon to go out and ride. The temps were in the high 50’s, about as warm as it was going to get today. The trails were full, a lot dog walkers taking advantage of the nice fall weather.
MTB: distance 19.27 miles, average speed 13.1 mph.
Squirrel Crossing
The city needs to put some signs up.
Today, I had a number of squirrels cross my path as I was riding down the trails. One decided to cross in front of me as I was riding by, a mere inches from my front wheel was he. Another had this huge nut in his mouth, further hindering his speed.
MTB: distance 16.01 miles, average speed 13.2 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
