My Most Recent Ride 2012 (Part V in a series)

Thanks, and trust me when I say, the Cheetah isn't just any trike.

 

Took the MTB out to enjoy this fall weather.
Paved road
Gravel road
Packed dirt
Loose dirt
Soft sand
Fire road
Game trail
No trail
Great Fun!

 

It had to happen. Today's ride was done wrapped in my bulletproof thermals.

With Jens in London for a few days, Loke needed his 'long' morning outing from me which means the trike. 34 F and in the pre-sunrise gloom it looked potentially clear. I waited until about 7:30 to go assemble the trike as the sunrise was due at 7:45. I miss the 3 am dawning.

It wasn't too bad. I didn't need my mask though I used my windproof sunglasses so I wasn't streaming tears. Perhaps because of the morning's cold, Loke was very excited as I settled into the seat, pulled on gloves. He was woofing and yodeling which echoes just beautifully between the apartment buildings. I'm sure the neighbors loved awakening to his musical serenade.

He ran flat out through a beautiful sunrise as I kept up rather than letting him pull me. Frost was on all the car windows though not so much on the grass. I dressed about just right to counter the windchill.

8.3 miles and not a bad start to a day.

Terii

 

Well I didn't wrap up like Terii, but I did ride yesterday and it was COLD. Temperature was 57 degrees.

I started out with a long sleeve biking shirt, long spandex riding pants, a windbreaker, put cotton glove liner inside my bike gloves. The only thing that didn't change was I kept my lightweight riding socks and Lake bicycle sandals on. Once it hit 50, then I go to my 2 pairs of socks and regular riding shoes plus a fleece.

It was supposed to be sunny today, but was constant clouds. Weatherman lied to me again!!!

Still got in 20 miles on my loop ride. Only saw 1 other bicycle and only a few hardy joggers. People stayed inside.

 

22 Miles

-at an average speed of 16.7mph.

This was my first real bike ride on real streets in over a week.

After a week of vacationing in Florida, walking on the beaches,
walking the dogs, eating in restaurants, gaining weight and watching the sunsets...
today's ride was a real good workout.

We highly recommend the Sportsman's Lodge Motel, in Eastpoint, Florida.
Pet friendly, kitchenettes, view of Apalachicola bay... we loved it
and hated to leave.

 

41 miles today

Rich and I went for a good ride this morning out to the West of town. There was heavy fog the first hour and we got pretty well soaked.
As usual the wind picked up and cleared the fog, then became a nuisance in itself blowing about 15 mph.
We met a group of roadies on two different occasions, but they were riding the reverse of our route. They are a fairly friendly group, and we have ridden with them in the past. They do like to ride fairly fast though!

I was riding the V-rex today and stayed in the 15 to 16 range, if I want to ride fast I bring the Corsa. Lately I've been enjoying riding the Rex, especially since I set it up for touring with the 1 1/2" tires and touring crank. It tends to smooth out some of the rough roads around here now!

 

So, beautiful weather with just a few clouds and the temperature in the 70's. I started early and Betty joined me later on the Eliptigo. Imtookmthe Cheetah out slow letting the legs get good and warm. Lots of riders coming in on the Riverwalk the Brag fall ride was in town.

Just after getting on the Fort I saw a rider catching up with me. A nice little two stage climb in front of me so I decided to hold him off. I did! Once on the top of the ridge I kept the power on until I reached the downside. A sharp fast off camber curve that I had too slow way down for and he caught me. He was riding a nice Specialized CF with deep Aero rims. I quickly caught up,to him and we chatted a bit. He said he was a bit surprised I held him off as long as possible nut he would have caught me sooner or later. "Really! I thought you caught me because I had to slow down for that curve or flip.". He persisted in that line of thought so I began slowly increasing my power output. It took me about a mile before he called uncle. "I wasn't planning on riding hard today". I said okay, I'll back off a bit. We came to a busy intersection and he jumped out in front. I let him lead keeping about 25 feet behind him for the next five miles with him constantly checking to see if I was still there I gave him a wave when I turned to go back to meet Betty.

I was thinking it was going to be an easy spin back in until I saw a bunny up ahead. He pulled out off of a side street and punched it. I thought what the heck and gave chase. He wasn't an easy catch, I followed him several miles unable to close the last 50 or so feet but he couldn't drop me either. He finally sat up for a drink and I pulled up beside him. His story was the same, "I'm taking it pretty easy today", yeah right. I rode with for a bit and then let him go, he was holding about 21mph and that's more work than I wanted to put out. Shortly after that I met up with Betty. Up until that time I had about 25 miles with an 18 mph average. Another 12 miles with Betty for a real nice day.

 

Ward, you are worse than me. The difference is you can still catch them! Good for you and on a trike no less!!!!! I guess that shows them trikes can indeed go fast!

I rode Friday afternoon 34 miles from Coulter Bridge to Tremont (in the Great Smoky National Park) and back.

I was surprised. It was perfect riding weather. Partly cloudy but 65 degrees. Light wind. Only saw 3 fancy road bikes and about 6 recreational bicyclists. (Townsend has a great greenway which follows on both side of the road. It is getting more and more popular.)

Got back home around 4:30 PM for a shower and then a glass of wine on the back porch with my wife.

Hmmmm. Life is good!!!

 

Another 31 miles today, nobody to chase though except myself. Managed to beat a few of my own rides. Jon, you going to make 2000 miles? Hope so.

http://app.strava.com/rides/25148119

 

Should do it. Only the second time in my life I rode over 2,000. (Last year was the first time.) I attribute that to my new Strada. It is such a pleasure to ride, that I am riding more often and longer rides. I am right now at 1,840 miles and do 80 - 100 per week right now. So, 2,000 is in the "bag" if nothing bad happens.

 

Jon, you are doing well in your rides keep it up! Ward, you were too nice to those guys...Next time put the hammer down.

 

Harder to do with the WC than the Dragon. I can but I have to burn a few matches so it really depends upon how far i plan on riding. The small front wheels and having three vs two you really feel the friction, especially on rougher roads. But I'm still sort of building up, I think I'm going to be able to get a bit more speed out of her by next spring.

 

Ha, you still did well, if both guys had to say "...I'm just taking it easy..." yeah right, they knew they were toast.

 

Where have all the Bunnies gone.

Out riding my normal ride. When I drove to the parking area, saw 2 bunnies making the loop. When I finally started riding they were gone and no others showed up.

So I rode my 20 miles in this beautiful Tennessee fall weather with the leaves starting to turn brilliant colors and enjoyed the day.

This was a celebration ride for me. I had a stress test done on my heart today because I was having some chest tension and breathlessness issues. About 10 years ago I had this done and I lasted 12 minutes on the tread mill. My cardiologist said I was "athletic" and gave me a clean bill of health.

Now 10 years later I am back on the tread mill all hooked up to look like Frankenstein. I am 10 years older yet I lasted 13 minutes on the treadmill. See all this bicycle riding pays off folks!!! BTW, the nurse and technician said my heart looks fine. I have an appointment next month with the Cardiologist who will probably tell me the same thing. But this is again GOOD NEWS!!!

 

Way to go Jon! A faster bike wants to go faster so you end up riding harder working your heart and lungs more