Been a Good Week!

Not a lot to report today, other than it's been a good week on the bike. Sunday, Tuesday, and today, I was up before the sun and in the road as soon as it was light enough. Actually did a two-fer on Tuesday and rode that evening; had a great time, of course, with the Tri-City folks! Finished (yes, working the next few days, no more riding till Sunday) the week out with 155.42 miles. Respectable, I say.
Be blessed, be safe!

Minor Improvements Are Still Improvements

It's Tuesday once again, where does the time go? I don't mind Tuesday getting here quickly though, because that means it's time to ride with Tri-City! I was excited last week because I almost hit 17 mph average on the route, thought I did well; this week I DID hit 17 mph average and felt great! Haven't weighed in lately, it's time, but it just felt good out there, I am feeling stronger, lighter, and faster.
One minor hiccup though, I have an open blister on a very tender spot for a cyclist; gotcha, it's not what you thought! I've been working in my yard and have a blister in the palm of my right hand almost the size of a dime. Everything I do to to it makes it feel like it's on fire, such as leaning on handlebars! And the worst thing to try to make it feel better is lidocaine creme; like dropping a red-hot coal in my hand! Oh, well, the price I pay to make my yard a little nicer. Maybe one day soon I won't be embarrassed to invite some folks over to ride and cookout; the day is coming!
Until then, be blessed and be safe!

Where'd That Come From?

I don't know whose they were, but I had a great set of legs under me this afternoon on the Tri-City ride. Lately, my average speeds have been in the 15+mph range, tonight I averaged 16.92mph for 28.45 miles; where'd that come from?! That's after riding the last two days, working 12 hours last night, and sleeping about 4 hours today. You think I'd do well just to hold the bike up straight. But, I think we all have days like that, where we get in our zone and anything is possible. Enjoy it while it lasts, I say.
Be blessed, be safe.

A Thankful Memorial Day To You!

I am thankful today and every day for the men and women who serve in the greatest military force in the world. Throughout our history, the American military has defended the vulnerable and innocent and never sought by might to increase our borders. They have sacrificed to give and preserve freedom to so many who might not otherwise ever taste freedom. They bid their families farewell and many went and gave their very lives for strangers. God bless each of them and their families who miss them. And thank you.
Celebrated my Memorial Day with a bike ride, of course, one where I rode where I wanted to and was not stopped at the first checkpoint and ordered at gunpoint to present my "papers." We don't live like that here. I have a nice bike that I worked hard and paid for myself and I pedaled it through beautiful countryside without seeing any bombed-out shells of buildings or destroyed military vehicles. This is a wonderful place.
Rode a little slower today, not that I meant to; cruised out to Bonk City and back, 44.88 miles at 15.2 mph average. Pushed it hard (for me) yesterday and I guess I am still tired. I am trying to lose some (a lot!) weight and am not eating as much so the stores are not there. But, each time I saddle up I am carrying a little less weight, so it's worth it.
I hope you all enjoy your day today, doing whatever you do to revel in your freedom.
Be blessed, be safe.

Happy Sunday!

I love this time of year! Around sunup, the temps are in the upper 60's, and on a Sunday morning, there is almost NO traffic on the road. I left the house just before 7 this morning and nearly had all of Lexington to myself. Rode from my house, through the middle of town, across the dam, all the way to Irmo; came back by Pine Island, back across the dam, and out Old Cherokee to make my way home. Didn't do too bad for time either, by my norms; 33.77 miles at an average of 16.03mph. Would have loved to stay out even longer, but, things to do.
Even so, the ride was not uneventful. Young white trash in Gramma's blue Buick just couldn't resist the urge to shout at me when passing. It amazes me (still) how people choose to display their lack of intelligence and decency. I'm just glad they kept going; that would not have been a pretty conversation- I'm sure I would have had to talk slowly and use really small words.
Be blessed, be safe.

Wow.

Helmets off to the fine folks at Garmin! I sent my Edge 705 to them on the 18th (7 days ago) and on the 25th (today) a refurbished replacement arrived. In these days of customer NONservice, I think that's awesome. Of course I get great service at my LBS, Harrell's Bicycle World too. Busted a spoke last night, ready to ride tonight. Thanks Dan and the rest of the gang!

One Week Later

Other than the "Ride of Silence" last Wednesday, which is a wonderful event which I heartily endorse, I have not ridden since the AOMM. Until tonight. Got back out there with the Tri-City Cyclists and had a great time. Feeling good kind of came and went, but I was pleased with how I rode, covering 23.5 miles in about 1:45 (that includes regroups, etc.). Only downside is I popped another spoke. The Eastons I am running are supposed to have no weight limit and the guys at my LBS insist this is not the issue, but I am not convinced. I am heavy and strong, and sometimes I think I am more than these wheels can handle. For now.
When I did the AOMM last year, I was about 40 pounds lighter and had spent more time in the hills preparing for it. This year, heavier with less training. Same amount of miles, but if you want to do well in the hills, you must spend time in the hills. Period. So after coming home from AOMM and enjoying a couple of celebratory meals, I kicked in and have been making some serious changes in my eating habits. Greatly reduced the amount of sugar, salt, and fat in my diet; and instead of eating three larger meals a day, I am eating five to six small meals a day. I also cut way back on the Coca-Colas which I love. In the last six days I have dropped 12 pounds and can feel it. Now, I know this won't last, the loss will taper off soon, but I'll enjoy it while I can and count it as encouragement to continue. Remember, if I weigh 200 or more next year, I will not ride but instead serve in some support capacity. Either way I'll have a great time, but I'd live to see a sub-9 hour time, maybe even sub-8 hour before I turn 50.
Normally, after a ride like the AOMM, I'd be poring over data collected along the route by my Garmin Edge 705; that would not be the case this year. Something fritzed and I lost all the info on my computer. I contacted Garmin and they were great, walked me through several attempts to restore things, and then had me paackage it up and send it to them. I am expecting either a replacement or my repaired unit back any day now. I really appreciate their customer service.
Be blessed, be safe.