Bicycle Diaries
30 years riding, 15 years writing
Overflowing creeks
The McAlpine creeks were overflowing and I couldn’t find a way to cross over to the main trail.
I wanted to make my way to the lake, to see what level it was at, but after riding in a foot of water for a few miles, I had to give it up. I escaped up through Boyce Park and made my way back home on the neighborhood streets.
MTB: distance 6.01 miles, average speed 9.0 mph.
Hot and muggy
Went for a ride a bit late today. Temps in the mid 80’s with very little wind, I did have a bit of a tailwind heading back from the lake but it was short lived, felt like gusts.
At least I’m not in Florida with Fay, the rain event. I think after all is said and done, Fay will have soaked every part of Florida. On the bright side, the storm has lessened any drought conditions the Sunshine State was in.
MTB: distance 13.37 miles, average speed 13.7 mph.
Lights, Camera...
A film crew was doing a commercial in the McAlpine.
I interrupted the filming a couple of times, felt kind of bad, but they were happy to yell cut as I rode by. The commercial was for Breast Cancer, a worthy message indeed.
MTB: distance 13.65 miles, average speed 13.7 mph.
Sunday miles
Sunday has always been the day when I’ve logged the most miles. Train all week, do a longer ride on Saturday and then let it all hang out on Sunday.
Though I haven’t done a club ride in a number of years, I still have the habit of making Sunday the day to show off those leg muscles. I haven’t been riding that often, lately I’m doing morning walks, but that doesn’t stop me from seeing what my legs can do.
MTB: distance 19.01 miles, average speed 13.2 mph.
When dogs attack
We all share the McAlpine, walkers, runners, bikers and of course the dog walkers.
Every now and then, there’s that dog that comes at you from nowhere. Without warning, it lunges at your leg that’s attached to the bike pedal, leaving you little time to react.
This afternoon, such a situation confronted me, I had visions of rabies shots at the emergency room. Luckily, the owner reacted in time to reel in her ravenous pet, inches away from my leg.
MTB: distance 13.64 miles, average speed 13.7 mph.
Above 12
Whenever I go out for a bike ride, I try to keep my average speed above 12 miles per hour. I’m not scorching the trails at this speed, but at least I’m getting a good cardiovascular workout.
The trails have dried up by now from this week’s rains, but the creeks are full of debris. The city seems to be attending to other greenways, cause I haven’t seen them around the McAlpine lately.
MTB: distance 11.94 miles, average speed 13.4 mph.
New Asphalt
They’ve been paving the roads with new asphalt this week, so I had to try out the smooth surfaces.
The weather was great, temps in the high 70’s and a cool breeze from the North. I did 2 laps around the McAlpine and then headed into the surrounding neighborhoods.
MTB: distance 15.25 miles, average speed 13.1 mph.
A bit tired
After two days straight, I was pooped out today.
I kept a good cadence for the first 10 miles, but faded out in the last 4. Rather than over exert myself, I decided to take it easy or else I would of paid for it in the coming days.
MTB: distance 13.30 miles, average speed 14.2 mph.
Drizzle Ride
As I’m leaving my driveway, heading towards the trails, it starts to drizzle. Knowing that it’s just a Sun shower, having looked at the radar, I continue riding into the woods.
Let me say that it was a refreshing ride, with cool drops of water alleviating the heat of the afternoon. I did contribute to the drops by sweating all over the bike, but hey, gotta drop some pounds, too much chocolate ice cream ;)
MTB: distance 18.92 miles, average speed 13.8 mph.
More miles, more speed
It feels good to ride more often.
Over the last couple of months, one thing or another has kept me off the bike. I’ve had the chance to get out and walk instead, but there is no substitute for miles ridden.
MTB: distance 13.31 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
