Crisp and Clear

29 degrees as I set out alone this morning in the daylight of a day off with Annie at the granddaughter's. The thought of a longer ride, still tentative given all I wanted to do today, soon vanished into the 16 degree wind chill. I enjoyed my ride but returned home after a single circuit. Snow showers predicted this afternoon but it should be cleared out for an even colder ride tomorrow which I dare not miss since Friday is really supposed to be a winter mess.

I sold one of the Citizen Folding bikes last night. I actually had two or three e-mails and a gentleman who test rode it in the afternoon but didn't buy. Then I spoke to a woman at 9 PM who didn't want to take the chance of my selling it today before she could see it this evening and asked if I would show it to her last night late as it was. I was at work anyway, where a I still had one bike and told her to come over. She came, she saw and she bought. Not bad for the first day. No nibbles today, but I'm sure it will eventually sell.

This afternoon I did some bike shopping. first I drove out to Paoli to Performance Bikes. I've had a $100 gift card for some months and though I've looked on line several times, never felt comfortable buying what I was looking for without actually seeing it. Namely, a new cycle computer. So I drove a quick 30 minutes to their store (they are opening one here in Center City soon.) And I bought a really nice VDO wireless unit that does everything I wanted including cadence. Then I drove back into the city and visited Bicycle Revolutions on 4th Street to test ride the Fuji track bike they have. I loved the bike. It actually now comes with breaks and a freewheel so its a single gear not a fixie, but the wheel can be turned around if I want to try it as a fixie. It rode really well, though I'd also have to switch the bars to a more comfortable, less deep drop or flat bar if I bought it. Truth is, at that point what would be the point. So I'm probably not going to buy it but enjoyed the ride (and I'm still thinking about it... the price was right.)



Yesterday's ATOC 2nd stage was wet and wild with the win going to Tom Boonen (I'm glad) and the Golden Jersey to Tyler Farrar (That will be short-lived.)I am anxious to watch today's action as it is the first big climbing day and I anticipate Levi moving up in the GC big time.

Let There Be (More) Light...and More Winter

Annie and I rode out into the 36 degree morning and despite the weather channel's assurance of almost no wind, by the river there was plenty. It slowed us some and definitely made it a colder ride. After yesterday morning's ride in the 60's it was a bit of a shock. But at least the sun was shining (well, we go out before the sun is up but right now it is shining, and it was beginning to shine as we made it home this morning which is one of the topics of this post.)Suddenly, we noticed just after the half-way point in our ride that we really didn't need our lights anymore. Just like that, as if a switch had been pulled from yesterday to today, we noticed how much more light it had become in the morning. That is very nice, except that I know that we are only a month and a half away from turning the clock forward again and then it will be pitch black for awhile. At least then we will trade light for warmth...I hope.

The second miracle of the morning was that my speedometer decided to come back to work. I had taken it off the bars yesterday to try to get the battery out and change it. Could not open the d--nd thing for the life of me, so put it back on the bars so that I would at least have the clock with me this morning, which has continued to work. Well, the jostling obviously got the whole thing working. The good news is that I guess I don't need a new battery, and if I ever really do, I'll probably be better off buying a new one not only because it is so hard to get to the battery, but because there is obviously something else ajar in the mechanism which probably can't be fixed. For now, however, I'm able to count my miles a lot easier. That is good since I am hoping to take a longer ride tomorrow (no promises.)

So with the sun shining and a fairly flexible day ahead of me, I've got the bike with me and I'm planning to take another ride at lunch time in addition to using it to do some errands. So I'll update the mileage later.

Next to report, (gee this is a busier than lately post) I've listed the Citizen Folding Bikes on Craig's list for sale. I've received a few nibbles already. As usual I'm giving a really good price just to unload. But we haven't ridden them in a year and I see no serious use for them at this point. They are taking up space. So I rode one back from my office where they've been stored to home and will ride the other one back later. Wow, what was I thinking. Those twenty inch fat wheels really are not what I want to be riding on anymore. I hope they will find a good home.



Finally, yesterday's first stage of the Amgen Tour of California was won by J.J Haedo of CSC. He is a great rider, especially sprinter. You may remember that he won the Philly International here last June. This is his record 6th ATOC stage win. Cancellara kept the yellow jersey and Levi is not far behind. Tomorrow begins the mountain stages and everything will change. I tracked the race via computer all day as well as receiving text-message updates from the Fredcast throughout the race. If you did the same then you know about Jackson Stewart of BMC led out on a solo ride for most of the race until being reeled-in in Santa Rosa. It was fun.

Weird But Wonderful

I watched the Versus coverage of the opening of the Tour Of California last night. Very nice to have Phil and Paul and Bobke back and though there was a lot more talking than racing, that felt good for the first show of the season. Good introductions to the new teams and some of the pressing problems of the sport.

It was pretty clear to me that yesterday's course would pretty much exclude the possibility of Levi's winning. I'm pretty impressed that he did as well as fourth place given the competition of sprinters and time trial specialists. Wiggins' ride was beautiful but Cancellara pretty much has a lock on these events. There is a long way to go until the end, and Levi is well placed.

I just signed up for the Let Levi
Ride web site. Excluding him, Contador and the entire Astana team is ludicrous.

Finally, in the spirit of California, Annie and I rode in 61 degree weather this morning! Weird but Wonderful in February.

A Good Ride Preliminary To The TOC

I rode a nice 14 miles. My regular loop plus a slightly altered route home in order to vary things. It is getting just a bit boring riding the same route all the time. When the weather is better I will have more varied rides to break up the everyday ride. Anyway. It was a good ride and then I drove to NJ to spend the afternoon with my granddaughter and now I'm home in time to sit down and watch the first stage of racing from the Tour Of California on Versus. Hope you are watching if you can.

Double Loop Into The Wind

Actually, the first time around the wind wasn't too bad, The second time around between the wind and this being the first time in a long time I've pushed beyond the usual one loop a day and made it to almost 25 miles for the ride, the wind became a real factor. But it felt great. A took a bit of a break after the two loops and thought about trying a third before I needed to get to an appointment. In fact I started out to do either another loop or a half a loop, but by then the wind was really whipping on Kelly Drive and I turned around and headed into town.

Looking forward to the beginning of the tour of California on Sunday. I know this blog is getting pretty boring. I haven't been doing a good job of finding interesting cycling tidbits on the web to share with you and I haven't been taking many pictures. But spring is coming, and aside from riding more, I may start to have a bit more time in my schedule to pay more attention.

I'm Back!

I returned from Washington DC on a 1:30 train and was out on the Schuylkill by 2:30 with Annie. We had to walk to pick up the bikes as she had used my absence to wisely bring both of them in for tune-ups. Turned out my bike needed a new chain and rear cog. I guess my over 5000 miles really wore out the bike! What a difference. I felt like I was flying on the path. It was so much easier to pedal. We had a really nice ride in beautiful sunshine, a bit windy and 38 degrees. I won't be able to ride tomorrow because my car has to go in for service now. So it felt doubly good to get out there.

While I was away I did catch up on most of the magazines that had piled up and some, but not all, of the podcasts.

Gorgeous Sunday

A wonderful 39 degrees and the sun just coming up stunningly over the river as Annie and I rode this morning. I'm really happy I was able to get a ride in before leaving for the week. And, at least according to the forecast, I might not have been riding much even if I were going to be home. I'll be taking a pile of cycling magazines that I need to catch up on, and at least 6 podcasts that I'm behind, and I'm hoping to find some time for them. I know there will be some more information about what is going on with the Giro excluding Astana and other Tour teams. Bad business, again.

A Quick Check-In

Just time today for a quick check-in. We rode, Annie and I together, for the first time in awhile. Did a very nice loop despite one dismount for construction on the path, and one for a train passing over the Locust Street exit. Then I took the bike for a day of errands, meetings, appointments, hospital visits, etc. I am awarding myself6 miles for all of that, though I can't be 100% sure since my odometer is not working. It may only be the battery. I'll check it when I get home next week. The temperature this morning was 38 de4grees and the day warmed nicely into a lovely day for riding. The forecast is for bitter cold this weekend, so we'll see whether I get another ride in before I leave.

Back Into The Routine

The temperatures are still cooperating, though beginning to fall. Not 60's but high 40's this morning. I'll take it. Hopefully I'll get another ride in tomorrow and Sunday (though it is supposed to be pretty cold Sunday.)After that I will be out of town for the rest of the week and don't expect to be able to take the bike with me. I'll take the pile of latest cycling magazines that have been piling up the last week or so instead. Perhaps I'll have some interesting things to share, though I won't be riding. I'm not even sure of my internet access during this trip, so Sunday morning may begin a hiatus.

Too bad I have to leave, I feel like I'm finally getting back into the routine.

Catching Up

Today was an exceptional day for a ride, but I only had time for a late morning single loop. Still, it was good to be out on the bike after really not getting out much the last few weeks. The hectic schedule I've been keeping and the cold, dark mornings have really discouraged me this year. But, I rode today and I will continue to try to ride whenever it is reasonable. finally took the time to close out my January stats and start the February count. At 230+ miles January didn't set any records and I'm not sanguine about February. I'll just have to make up for it come spring and summer.

Still Riding

But not really writing much. Just wanted to reassure those of you out there that despite the frigid weather I'm still riding almost daily. Rode Sunday and today. Over 20 degrees is no problem. I probably could have managed yesterday's single digits as well, but didn't push myself. I haven't felt much like writing, though. I'll keep in touch.

No Excuses

No excuses for not riding today. I just didn't feel up to it.

Meanwhile check out the publicity growing around the idea of a city-wide bike sharing program in Philadelphia: in today's Inquirer

Another Pleasant Ride

After a lovely ride in the brisk but gloriously sunny weather (34 degrees,) we took off for our granddaughter's 2nd birthday party. She is now the proud possessor of a glider that we hope will enable her to learn to ride a bike without having to go through the training wheel stage. Of course, she will need better weather, but the wait for spring will only make it more likely that she will be old enough to handle the bike and catch on to gliding, and then riding, quickly.

Video Of The Loop

Well, if you've ever wondered what it is like to ride the Schuylkill Trail along Kelly Drive to the Falls Bridge as we do everyday, here is a video from the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia. Definitely very boring, but you wondered, so here it is. Actually, it covers from the Bridge back to the beginning of the Drive so normally I would be riding the other way, but you'll get the idea, if you have absolutely nothing else to do. Check it out!

Otherwise today was a wash out.

Kudus To Portland...As Usual

As usual, Portland Oregon, the friendliest cycling city in America, as acted even more aggressively in protection of cyclists rights, and lives. Check out the article in today's NY Times:

Portland Acts to Protect Cyclists

A brisk ride this morning, comfortable 44 degrees but heading back toward winter.

Summer Temperature; Winter Wind

A rainy morning combined with a long day and late night last night kept me from an early ride. I didn't get out until after 2 PM on my day off, but managed to ride 23 miles on another beautiful lull in winter. The temperature was around 62 degrees and it felt great riding without a jacket,etc. The wind, however, was winter strong so the work-out was better than might have been expected. Temperatures are beginning to fall, but still promise to be relatively moderate for morning rides the rest of the week.

A Perfect Day

January in the mid-sixties, who can complain. Of course, at 5:45 AM it was only 48 or 51 depending on which radio station you believe, but it was still a wonderful ride. Then I was able to take the bike with me for the first time in awhile. It only added a few miles, but was great fun getting around the city on this gorgeous day. I love darting around traffic!

Well, That Was Winter

At least for the moment winter has disappeared again. Not that I'm complaining. It is near 60 degrees this afternoon and the forecast for the week is continued warm weather. Of course at 6 A.M. it wasn't that warm and probably won't be in the coming days. In fact, it was 38 degrees and drizzling when Annie and I did our loop, but it felt good anyway. It was warming even as we rode and after Fridays arctic ride my toes were plenty appreciative.

Now This Is Winter

Went out for my morning loop with the temperature at 17 degrees. Now this is winter. Annie doesn't ride under 30 degrees or so, but actually this was an easier ride than Wednesday because there was very little wind. Wednesday's wind with today's temperature would have been too much. As it was, the temperature (or the layers) definitely slow me down. In this cold I feel like my pedaling is much more sluggish. I almost think it is the bike, not me. I don't know if anyone out there knows the physics/chemistry of it (I sure don't,) but it feels like the pedals actually are more sluggish. Anyway, it was beautifully clear and a wonderfully bright last-quarter moon gave way to a sunset just peeking over the horizon as I came home. Nice. Forecast is warmer for Sunday.

Finally, A Longish Ride

Well, it has taken me awhile to clear my schedule, but despite a few early snow flurries the weather cooperated with me today and I rode 36.6 miles. May not sound like that much, but after the past month or so, it was a lot. Especially in the killer wind that was howling down Kelly Drive. I felt like I was going up the Alps! But then I would come back along West River Drive and feel revived. So I kept going until I had reached my goal...you see 36.6 miles translates into just about 59 kilometers. So this was a birthday ride. My birthday isn't until Saturday. But I won't be riding on Saturday or tomorrow and even if I get out Friday morning it will only be for a regular loop. So one kilometer for each of the 59 years that I will celebrate on Saturday. Plus the extra exercise will allow me to be less guilty when, after my talk in NY tomorrow, I head to the newly re-opened 2nd Avenue Deli for a birthday lunch.

For the past few months we've been detouring around some very exacting construction going on along Kelly Drive just before reaching the Falls Bridge. I finally stopped to get a few shots of it. Looks like they are doing something that will forestall flooding at that spot, which has been a problem in the past.

The Sun Shone (briefly) on 2008

The rain ended early and Annie and I started the year with our first ride, a simple loop of 13.4 miles. The sun was actually out and the temperature was 50 degrees. Not bad for January 1st. The sun had just about disappeared by the time we came home and the rest of the day was pretty dreary. Tomorrow's forecast is not promising, but it is my day off and I would like to get at least a slightly longer ride in for a change. We'll see. I also have a lot of work to get done before a speaking engagement in NY on Thursday.

Meanwhile, I thought I'd share this Cycling Code of Conduct posted on the Fredcast website. It comes from Australia and is part of a growing recognition that we cyclists are going to have to take ourselves more seriously as road users as more of us use the roads. Enjoy

Last Ride Of The Year & Year Totals

A bit colder this morning and a stronger wind, but another gloriously sunny morning as Annie and I rode our last loop of the year. It has certainly been a very enjoyable and productive year cycling-wise. All of our various group rides as well as our regular morning rides; our learning more about bike maintenance; our various new bikes and growing collection of cycling paraphernalia; all and all a very special first full year riding together. Our schedule didn't allow a longer ride this morning, though once again I would have liked that, but we settled for the usual 13 plus miles and brought the total for the year for me to 5082.3 miles! That is 1082.3 miles above the very ambitious goal of 4000 miles I had set for myself. Well, I will err on the side of caution, mindful of my ever increasing responsibilities and more and more hectic work schedule and set the goal for 2008 at 4500 miles. That increases last year's goal but doesn't presume that I will necessarily be able to duplicate this year's riding.

So, tomorrow we begin the count again. Unfortunately a previously clear forecast has been changed to rain (again!)I hope we will be able to start out the year riding, but we'll have to wait and see. And you, dear reader whoever you are, will hear all about it hear at Bicycle-Musings - (I'm A Ludwig) as usual. Happy New Year!

Happy Blogaversary

Yes, one year ago today I set out to blog about my new found pastime, bicycling. I can't say that I haven't missed a day, but I can say that I've been very consistent and while not pretending to be either an expert or a blog/journalist, I have tried to also find and share other items of interest that I pick up from my browsing of the web and other sources. I hope those of you who have read Bicycle-Musings (I'm A Ludwig) regularly have enjoyed it.

Today was another lovely late December day. The temperature was 48 degrees when Annie and I went out and rode a loop. I wish we had more time today as the ride felt really good and I could have kept going, something I haven't felt in awhile.

Anniiversary Ride

No, not the anniversary of the blog, that's coming up in 3 days. Today is Annie and my 38th wedding anniversary. The weather is gorgeous and we rode a lovely loop this morning. Would have liked to keep riding, but our kids are coming and we are having our Thanksgiving dinner (postponed.)

Gorgeous Sun and Wearing Wind

Another great looking day, but much more windy than yesterday. I rode by myself as Annie had an early appointment and it was a hard but invigorating ride. So much so that I couldn't resist staying on the bike to do some food shopping after my ride. Came home and put the panier on the bike and grabbed my messenger bag and went off to Trader Joe's to shop. big dinner tomorrow for our 38th Anniversary; a kind of Thanksgiving for the Thanksgiving we missed due to my mother's passing. The granddaughter will be joining us...and her parents and a few friends. Hope to get another ride in first. The warm December is wonderful, though at 38 degrees it was hardly as warm as yesterday.

The Big 5000

Misty and threatening to rain but 50 degree temperature lured Annie and I out for a Sunday morning ride. The thirteen plus miles around our loop put me over the 5000 mile mark for the year! Given the small number of miles I will cover in December, it is both a great milestone and a bit anti-climactic. I would have rather burst through the 5000 mile barrier with a good 50 mile ride, but beggars can't be choosers, or something like that. So now with only a few days left in the year, if the weather cooperates, I should be able to add at least a bit to the yearly total, but I will have to give some thought before setting a new goal. Conventional wisdom would say that if I reached 5000 this year I ought to shoot for more next year; at worst I ought to at least try to match this year's total. But it took an awful lot of riding and a schedule that miraculously cooperated with some of our weekend rides to accomplish this years total and there is no guarantee that my schedule in the coming year will cooperate equally. So I may just be cautious and shoot for 4000 again and see what happens.

Ah The Winds of Late Autumn

It is relatively warm and the sun has just come out through a dense morning fog. Couldn't ride this morning...too tired. But Annie and I did our loop this afternoon. Even more windy on Kelly Drive than on Wednesday, but we need to ride when we can these days.It was actually lovely.

Thought I would share this great idea for a bike rack that comes via Allen Snell's Bike Stories Thanks Allen.

Evening Sunset

A pleasantly warm December day lured me back out on the road, but not until late afternoon. Temperatures were already beginning to drop and the wind on the east leg of the river loop added to a much needed workout. So often I've watched the sunrise as I am finishing my morning ride. It was quite nice to watch a particularly beautiful sunset on today's ride. I did the loop twice and given the forecast have no clue when I'll be out again. It sound like tomorrow will be a washout but there may be another window Friday morning. The weekend looks like snow. I shaved 24 more miles off my new goal of 5000 miles for 2007. With a little weather luck I should make it.

Despite a very late night last night I was determined to ride this morning. The spinning machine was an ok work-out yesterday, but it is not a lot of fun. While I may still have to use it when the weather is really bad, 36 degrees and clear is not a good enough reason to stay in bed even if I didn't get to sleep until midnight! So Annie and I rode and it felt great (I have to admit the spinner makes riding the actual bike seem much easier, though the significant reduction in wind from the previous few rides helped, too.) The sun rose magnificently over the river as we rode.



Before riding I glanced over Today's NY Times and found this great picture and article on cycle cross that I recommend.

Spinning

Talk about riding with all the comforts! the New York Times ran this picture of a guy with a 500 watt stereo on his bike and this accompanying story:
check it out.

As for me, I must admit, the cold and dark mornings are getting to me, especially in light of my heavy schedule. So I decided that today would be the day when I experiment with the trainer indoors. We'll see how it feels.

Pretty + Windy = Pretty Windy

It was a very pretty morning and I thought I might get a long ride in. But the wind was very strong and coming directly at me along Kelly Drive and I almost gave up after completing one loop around the river. I convinced myself that I really needed to push to get to at least two loops, my fitness is off a bit after last week's lay-off, but thaqt was all I could do. Of course, the fact that it was about 36 degrees didn't help and in the windier sections of the ride my hands and toes were pretty cold. It was a good ride and a good workout, but that beautiful sun can be decieving.

A Cold Crisp Return

My week of formal mourning came to an end and Annie and I went out for a quick ride in the cold (32 degrees0 crisp morning. It was really beautiful out and I enjoyed the ride. Felt strong and very happy to be back on my bike. It has been a long week, sad but mixed with much appreciation for all the support I received from the community. Not much more to say.

If you haven't seen the following incredible video, take a look. Imagine cruising through Manhattan traffic on a Unicycle!

In Mourning

Blogging and cycling will be on hiatus following the death of my mother this morning.

A Quick Hello

Given my schedule I have been riding less and blogging not at all. Perhaps things will slow down in a few weeks. Meanwhile I didn't manage to get up and out yesterday morning and only added a few around town miles. today Annie and I managed one loop despite both being home on my "day off" (meaning only two meetings!) I also rode around town a bit and added 16.4 to the total. The 5000 mile goal is beginning to fade, but much will depend on December's weather.

Perfect Autumn Sunday

Annie and I waited to ride after I returned from work this morning. We went out around 11 AM and the weather was perfect: sunny and brisk. We wrestled our way through the crowds on Kelly Drive gathered for some regatta or other on the river and then were clear, riding up to Ridge Avenue and then up the Wissahickon trail to the Rittenhouse House and back along West River Drive. Only about 18 miles, but very pleasant and a good re-entry for Annie who hadn't been on her bike all week.

In other items of interest, check out the upcoming Tour of Pennsylvania scheduled for the last week in June. It is a UCI event for under 25 year olds with a huge purse of $25000. The tour starts in Philadelphia and ends in Pittsburgh. Should be fun.

Frost

This morning's ride was brisk and wonderful; first frost sighted along the grass on the West River Drive. But it felt so good to ride and I rode a bit more on errands today, but not nearly enough. I wanted to keep going in a way that I haven't felt for a few weeks (getting two good night's sleep in a row helps,) but time did not allow.

I did come across this fun internet tv series, The Bicyclist which I had time to watch a few episodes. Just fun. I recommend watching a few episodes, though I'll eventually view them all.

No ride to Lancaster Sunday; life is too hectic right now, but we'll ride somewhere.

A beautiful fall day: sunny and crisp. Exhausted as I've been I woke up a bit late and then rode 30 miles around the loop. It was not easy and at points not even fun. I'm too tired and the wind was strong. But in the end I was happy I did it and loved the ride. I thought about getting off the loop and heading out but I didn't feel like dealing with cars and I wasn't sure how far I'd be able to go anyway.

I returned home just in time to spend some time with my visiting grandaughter in the park. a great way to end the ride!

Looking Ahead To Sunday

Not much to write about today. The rain this morning combined with growing exhaustion kept me off the bike until late afternoon when I used it to go out to vote and run an errand or two. A paltry 2 miles. But tomorrow is a much needed day off and if I have the energy a longer ride. Meanwhile, if things are stable we may join Hazon in an unsupported ride back in Lancaster county. for those who might be interested here's the ride info and route map.


Lancaster Farm Fresh
Bike Ride
Nov 11, 11:00 am
(raindate: Nov 18)


Savor the sights, sounds and smells of Lancaster County Amish and Mennonite small family farms. 30 mile route on rural roads over rolling hills and four covered bridges, few moderate climbs.

11 AM start at Ephrata Middle School This is not a supported ride.

Link to route map | Directions

RSVP to csa@kolami.info. Ride leader and contact Mark Kaplan cell phone (215) 906-6200

Tough Weekend/Great Cycling News Story

We had a tough weekend. Our cat began having seizures on Friday and we spent hours at the University of Pennsylvania Vet Hospital on Friday, Saturday night and Sunday morning, wiping out all plans to ride. The cat is holding his own, but it remains precarious. I finally got back on the bike this morning and did a regular run. It was particularly enjoyable since after the clock change it was light again for most of the ride and that's really nice.

If you haven't seen today's NY Times you should check it out. A great story about the bike economy growing in Portland Oregon, including a great video if you can check it out on the web page. Bike Economy

Busy Isn't The Word

Busy isn't the word for the past few days. Both yesterday and today I was out and about on my bike working, from meeting to hospital to meeting. After yesterday's regular morning ride I added enough miles so that the paltry 7.3 miles I rode around town today still left me with an average two day total. I was unable to get up this morning to ride for really only the first or second time since I began to ride every day. Yesterday was just too long. But while I didn't ride in the morning I rode all around town to and from three hospitals. The ride s between sharing in people's angst helps clear my hear, too.

I stopped by Bicycle Therapy on the way home and picked up a set of brake pads for my rear brakes. I put them on and toed the front brakes which are still squeaking somewhat. I'll bring the bike in next week when i have a chance. The shop was too busy to look at it right away as they usually do and I didn't want to leave the bike. I hope we'll have a decent ride Sunday morning, though I still have too busy a day planned to do any distance. We hope to ride over to the Schuylkill Banks Park in mid afternoon for the community meeting about the plans to construct a bridge over the rail track to access the trail.

3 Rides: Fitness, Commute and Therapeutic

The Fall weather is really even better than riding during the spring or summer, I've decided. Despite the fact that today should have been my day off, I couldn't take it. Too bad as the weather would have led me to ride to Valley Forge before the winter makes that impossible. Instead I had some important meetings that I had to attend to. So instead of catching up on sleep and then riding, I awoke at regular time and rode the loop. Then I took the bike to work and rode into North Fairmount for the meeting. Rode back making some stops around the University including the newly opened EMS Store where, lo and behold, running the cycling department is our old friend Mike from Bustleton Bikes. It was good to see him and chat. Then I went to the office for some more appointments. Finally, at the end of the day I felt like taking another ride and so did the loop yet again. This last ride was necessary to keep my psyche in check as it had been a somewhat frustrating day, I had missed a day off, and it was starting to affect my mood. The ride cleared it all out.

Today's rides amounted to 35.5 miles allowing me to close out October with over 431 miles putting me over the 4700 mark for the year. It looks like I have a pretty straight shot at reaching 5000. Not bad!

"I'm Always Happy When I'm On My Bike"

Yes, I could have said that, but I didn't. After a lovely ride this morning I took my bike to work and used it for a hospital visit this afternoon. As I was riding back up Spruce Street from the hospital I pulled up at a traffic light next to woman on her bike. We simultaneously acknowledged each other, said hi, and I must have routinely said "how are you doing?" To which she replied "I'm always happy when I'm on my bike." Of course, I couldn't agree more. And it was a gorgeous day to ride. I thought about just riding on for awhile until my next appointment. But I contained myself. I do have one more appointment to ride to later today, and will fill in the mileage later.

Here We Go Again

A beautiful morning's ride. The temperature was about 34 degrees and it took me a little while to remember how to dress! But with my doubled jersey, fleece lined paints over knickers, thick socks and long-fingered gloves and ear warmers, I felt great. As expected, it takes a few more minutes to warm up the muscles in the cold, but it was a fine ride in the clear, crisp air. I'm not sure how much colder I want to go this year. I think I went out on some days last year that were potentially more dangerous than I realized. Now that I have the spinning machine at home (which I still haven't tried) I may forgo the single digit days.

I have one errand today that will allow me another quick ride. Tonight, after what promises to be a very hectic day, if I'm not too tired, I want to go back up to Philly Bike Works for a make-up class in bike maintenance. It is the class on truing wheels. But I'll have to see how I'm feeling.

The Last Sunday On The Drive/Some Cool Videos

This is the final weekend for the closing of the West River Drive to cars and the weather is perfect. Annie is home and we slept in, both of us being pretty exhausted, but got out at 10 AM for a ride. As expected that late in the morning, the drives were crowded. The section of West River Drive from Sweetbriar to the parkway had some kind of organized charity walk with masses of people. We took Kelly Drive which was passable but crowded. I didn't mind as much as usual. I was glad to be out on a beautiful fall morning. The temperature was in the low 50's and there was a brisk wind. And I liked being amongst the larger community taking advantage of this great Philadelphia asset. When we got round to the West side it was clear all the way to Sweetbriar but impassable beyond that, so we turned back and came around Kelly Drive again. We traveled 17.9 miles.

Speaking of cycling in Philadelphia, thanks to the Philadelphia Bicycle Blog for bringing this U-tube video of bicycling in Philadelphia;. For those readers who've always wondered what our fair city looks like, here it is. A couple of the shots come very near to where I live and to where I work. Enjoy!




And friend Fritz at Cyclicious shared this great video from London and I pass it on to you all. It is really fun.

Late Ride, Wet Ride, Good Ride

Not only did I hesitate this morning, I bagged it. Too wet, too dark, too tired. But I was able to get my work and errands done and save an hour this afternoon to ride instead. It was still raining, though not very heavily at first; by the time I finished the ride it was pouring. There definitely were few distractions in the way of pedestrians, riders, runners or dog walkers, though there were one or two of each over the course of the hour. I arrived home good and soaked on the outside, but shed my rain gear and except for my gloves, socks and shoes, I'm good. A few more miles in this relatively low mileage month can't hurt.

Rain Gear

I can't deny that I hesitated. I've become spoiled by all the good weather of this summer/fall. This morning it was raining and the temperature was falling a bit (but not much.) For a minute I thought of skipping the ride, but I had prepared for the weather and had my new rain gear and so, I suited up and did my regular ride. Slightly wet, well protected and thoroughly enjoyable.

Our Hearts Go Out

(photo: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)


This incredible photo taken off the Kryptonite Blog by way of the Fredcast Blog really says it all. Our hearts go out to those who have been and are being impacted by these tragic fires.

Today I managed a very nice 30 mile ride, just a triple loop around the path, but much needed to rebuild some stamina that I think I'm losing by not having time for longer rides. My legs felt dead and I didn't think I'd make it around once! But, as usual, as I rode the strength began to return and my speed increased. I must say though that it was still a struggle through all three loops. I went out around 1 P.M. after much needed sleep-in morning and slow start. Which was OK as it was raining in the early morning. And not long after I came home the rain began again and doesn't look like its going to let up tonight. so my timing was perfect. tomorrow morning is a question mark.

You may be asking yourself, what in the world an uninteresting picture of a NY Taxicab is doing leading off today's post. Well, I snapped the picture while stopped at a red light along 9th Avenue on Sunday because the advertising space on the top of the cab read: "I Break For Bikes"! Which I thought was pretty cool, amazing, in fact. I knew there was a good chance the lettering wouldn't show up because of the way the light was situated, the fact that I wasn't as close as I would have liked to be etc. And then I saw that, in fact, the lettering didn't show up and thought I'd skip using the picture. But then I thought, well using the picture would remind me to bring this to your attention. I don't know who pays for those ads; whether it is part of a NYC campaign or a cycling advocacy group, but it was truly inspiring to see such a message atop a taxi. I only hope the driver read it.

Good ride this morning; just the regular loop but I have my bike for errands today so will add a couple of more miles before I put in today's total. Rain is predicted for later today and tomorrow. I hope it won't be significant tomorrow as I'd like to get a longer ride, something I haven't done really since the summer ended.

Returned my light to Bicycle Therapy as the battery wouldn't charge. He tried the other unit he had and that wouldn't take the charge either, so I got a refund. Meanwhile my regular little light wasn't working this morning and I had no AAA batteries left in the house. So I rode without lights and went around the West River Drive. Was that smart? Probably not, but I just couldn't deal with the pedestrian traffic on the Kelly Drive side of the path.

I Can't Believe I Woke Up

But I did, despite arriving home from N.Y. last night around midnight. I was up and out at regular time and even managed to ride fast enough to increase my morning mileage to 17+ miles. Annie is away with her sister who is undergoing some surgery. I rode the loop and then some, but decided that riding the West River Drive is really unsafe in the dark. I just won't do it again until the clock changes and it is lighter. Or, I thought, until I get some serious lighting instead of the little battery powered lights we've been using. So I stopped in to Bicycle Therapy on my way home from work and bought a serious lighting system, with a rechargeable battery pack etc. It is a Blackburn System X6 and looks like it will make a real difference not only in being seen, but in actually being able to see the roadway, which is what I'm looking for. I wanted to attach it all tonight and try it in the morning, but the battery pack does not appear to be charging, so it will be back to the shop tomorrow. Meanwhile, I'll be turning around at the falls bridge in the morning.

Sunday Sunrise

A very early Sunday ride and only once around the loop. My incredibly busy streak continues and I'm off to NY (third time this week) again today. But the weather is beautiful and West River Drive is still closed on Sunday for a few more weeks so riding that side before daylight is much safer than it has been this week. Annie and I have been riding the West side of the river on the path despite the slightly unsafe darkness, trading that risk for the more annoying and equally unsafe numbers of people clogging up Kelly Drive even at 6 in the morning. My schedule being what it's been I haven't been paying too much attention to other cycling news but there doesn't seem to be that much this time of year. Certainly all the news on cycling seems to be taken up with discussions of the growing trend in the trade to create comfort and commuter bikes and to "grow" cycling amongst non-sporting types. It's a great idea and a great trend, but I'm not sure if there is a real market there. To the extent that I've seen an upswing in cycling around here, it is fitness that is driving it. We'll see. It certainly would be great if more people used bikes to get around, especially for the high number of short trips that city life requires. More bikes in the street ought to increase awareness and safety. Right now, more places to easily park bikes along the streets would be a boon for me.

Long Time No Write

I have continued to ride on a regular basis, my usual morning routine and occasional commuting days. but the pace of my professional life has simply not allowed time for even the quickest check-in on the blog. Sorry about that. All I've been able to do each day is enter the mileage, a subtle sign of life for those of you who may have noticed.

I won't bore you with everything that has kept me from the blog; but this week alone I've driven back and forth to New York twice and Washington once with another trip to NY scheduled for Sunday. I've done two weddings, two funerals...Oh well, I said I wouldn't bore you.

Meanwhile the weather remains wonderful and I'm happy to get in my daily ride, though I wish it could be more. I haven't had time for a long ride for weeks.

Anyway, time for another photo at least. this one was taken sometime last week when I went out for an afternoon ride after forgoing a rainy morning ride. I noticed that the Park ranger along Schuylkill river Park was on a bike and snapped him talking to one of the park users. I was surprised that unlike both the City Police and The campus police on bikes, he didn't wear a helmet.

In Winter Mode - At 70 Degrees!?

Yes, Annie and I, after missing a great riding day yesterday for various personal reasons, set out in 70 degree October weather for our morning ride today, but had to switch to our winter mode of route choice because, despite the summer temperatures, sun rise is now too late for us to have safe lighting on the West River Drive portion of the route. So we crossed the Falls Bridge and then turned back. We had enough time to return along Kelly Drive all the way to in front of the Art Museum and thus did not lose any distance, but it is not quite as enjoyable a ride because by the time we come back along Kelly Drive jogger and walker traffic has increased significantly. The West Side is less trafficked. Such is life.

Another Holiday Weekend

Annie and I were up and out early this morning because I needed to be at services early. We rode our regular loop. but it was very dark and I think we probably shouldn't have gone down the West River Path, but should have turned back on Kelly Drive as we did all last winter. But we made it despite the darkness. Now we go into the last weekend of the long High Holy day period and I'll be off the blog until Sunday. Enjoy!Go Phillies!!

Off To A Good October

Not a sight one expects to see everyday: How about a Rolls-Royce equipped with a bike rack. But in Center City you never know what you're going to see. In fact, just as I was snapping this photo I missed a better one - a gentleman, perhaps from the Philadelphia Orchestra, riding by on his bike in a tuxedo and carrying in one arm a cello.

But nothing is stranger than the fact that the Phillies actually won the Eastern Division Championship. The stars must indeed have been weirdly aligned.

Making up for yesterday's abbreviated ride because my early class was canceled today we were able to do a double loop of 21.9 miles. I will actually update the numbers again later since I will be taking the bike to do some errands today.

September Mileage Totals

September came in like a mileage lion, starting on the Hazon ride with over 100 miles in two days, and has maintained a decent pace reducing as we've moved into the work year. Annie is back and we did a lovely Sunday morning ride today at our usual early morning time since we have numerous events to attend today. So despite beautiful Fall weather and the still closed-to-traffic West River Drive, we only did our loop once and clocked 13.3 miles. That brought the September mileage to 472.5. That brings the year-to-date mileage to 4262.8. If I am to reach the 5000 mile mark for the year I will have to average 245.7 miles for each of the next three months. If we get any kind of cooperation from the weather it should be doable. That is my goal.

What's good For The Goose

I did ride on the second morning of the holiday. Annie did not and I was moving fast, getting around the loop twice. On the second go round I hit a goose. Three geese crossed the road together and one changed his mind mid-way and it was too late for me to change my trajectory. We all went down. Miraculously neither me, nor the bike nor apparently the goose were seriously hurt. The bike was fine. I took some minor road rash and a slightly sore shoulder. Came right out of the clips and -- this is going to sound weird -- actually felt good after the crash. I've never really gone down other than the stupid falls when I was almost standing still and could unclip. This was a real spill and it felt ok to get it over with. I managed to finish the ride with no further incident.

Abbreviated Wednesday

Still in the midst of holidays Annie did not travel to New Jersey and I don't really have time for a day off. So while we had the luxury of not having to awaken at 4:45, we were still out pretty early and only for a short ride. But the weather is spectacular and it was a nice ride except for the fact that there is some major repair work started on the path coming back on the West Side. We had to dismount and carry our bikes up a short stairway and back down to return to the path. We lost time and momentum but it wasn't too bad. Sunday we will not be able to take advantage of the usual West River Drive closure because of other obligations beginning pretty early in the morning, though we may be able to get a quick ride in if we start early enough.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the world Interbike has begun. The major U.S. trade show of the bicycle industry is taking place in Los Vegas. It began with an outdoor Demo for a day or two and will move indoors for the rest of the week. Anyway, The Fredcast is providing daily coverage podcasts and Cyclecious is covering it pretty heavily if you want to check out what's new.

Yesterday's Breakfast Ride

We went for a wonderful breakfast ride yesterday morning. Organized as usual by Henry, there were nine of us, including our friend Sandy whom we enticed to join us. She had an adventure! The route was up the West River Drive, over the Falls Bridge and into Manyunk. Up Main Street, up Umbria and down to River Road. I'd been afraid to try this ride with Annie, but she did great and I'm glad we were able to do it with others. The hill up Umbria was really a lot for Sandy. But we all waited for her and eventually she made it. Then we followed River Road instead of just using it to access the Schuylkill River Trail. I'd never done this. It is a lovely ride. Unfortunately, not five minutes after getting on River Road we heard a load pop. It really sounded like someone was shooting at us. But it was Sandy's tube blowing out, and I mean blowing out. Six of the group were already ahead of us and did not realize or stop. Larry and I stopped and luckily one of my tubes fit so we managed to change her tire pretty quickly and catch up with the group. Then we made it to the appointed breakfast location, ate and returned home with no further incidents. The day was glorious weather-wise and the roads, both on and off the trail, were crowded with cyclists. It was really great. I had to officiate at a wedding last night and we were out until midnight, so with the ride after the fast the day before and our regular ride this morning, I'm feeling a bit tuckered out. But the ride was worth it. It was just 30 miles round trip.

Here's Larry working on Sandy's bike (and Sandy.)



Here we are at breakfast. Henry is in black against the window. Next to him is Nancy.



Oh! And lest I forget: on the ride home a wasp become stuck behind my glasses, between them and my eye. I was "lightly" stung, before I could get my glasses off and let him out. It bothered me all day, but was really not a bad sting. Just a funny sensation that took until this morning to get rid of.

Catching Up

Rode on Friday and added the total to the monthly count, but had no time or psychic energy to write. I was completely taken up with preparations for Yom Kippur.

Meanwhile the blogosphere has been commenting on the Floyd decision, though not as manically as I had expected. There have been many fair analyses. Perhaps among the most succinct is this from the Fat Cyclist:


So, Is Floyd Innocent?

My natural tendency is to believe that most people have good motives most of the time. So I believed Tyler is / was innocent, and I’m inclined to believe Floyd is innocent, too. I sure hope so, because Stage 17 in the 2006 TdF was the most inspiring race in modern times.

Innocence aside, I think that Floyd made a strong case that the lab failed in its job to provide unimpeachable results. Strong enough to provide reasonable doubt. Which means, as far as my sense of justice is concerned, that he should not have been found guilty.

So, is Floyd innocent? I think so. Should he have been found not guilty? yes.


This morning Annie and I are joining Henry and the Sunday Breakfast ride again. A couple of our other friends are planning to join us. I'll report later today.

A Lovely Ride A Lousy Commute

Annie and I rode in the beautiful rising sun this morning. We encountered a train blocking the tracks both coming and going which has not happened in awhile. It doesn't seem nearly the pain in the neck it was when we first started; it is, rather, an opportunity to ride at least an additional mile in order to use the Chestnut Street access.

I took the bike to work in order to use it for a hospital visit. Yikes! Traffic in town was horrendous. Even on a bike getting through the streets was very difficulty and all the more nerve wracking since the cars were in a frustrated state of mind. I managed, but really for the first time, didn't enjoy myself. I was just glad to finish and get back on this side of Chestnut Street.

The big cycling news of the day is the arbitration ruling against Floyd Landis. I am saddened but not surprised. Not because I believe Landis is guilty. Obviously I don't know and having read his book can really see his point regarding the lapses in the chain of evidence against him. But unless the verdict is overturned on appeal, and I haven't heard whether Floyd will make an appeal, he has to be considered guilty and the cycling world loses a pretty great cyclist (or gets rid of a juiced up impostor - which is it? That's the problem.)

Too Gorgeous To Miss

I declined taking a long ride with a friend in order to conserve strength for the weekend, Yom Kippur requires a great deal of energy, fasting, and speaking all day. But after a quiet morning of working on sermons it was time for a little ride. The little ride turned into a 30 mile ride, just a triple loop around the Schuylkill, but I couldn't resist. The day was so beautiful. Perfect blue sky, perfect temperature and low humidity; a breeze but not too significant a head wind. Luckily I had just enough water with me for the ride, but hadn't brought any snack. So I stopped at the truck-stand that is always on Kelly Drive and used the opportunity to get a picture. I think the guys name is Dave who runs it. He is 80 years old and has been running that truck for close to 60 years I'm told! I tried to take a shot of one of the mansions on the ridge above the drive just to showcase the day; not sure it came out too well.





Took a shot of some of the activity that greeted me at the start of the Schuylkill River Park both coming and going. Looks like they're shooting a scene for a movie or commercial. We see more and more of that in Center City Philadelphia these days, which I guess is good.



Finished the afternoon with a visit to my Chiropractor, George Rhodes. George is also a very serious cyclist and I thought the old bike chained to the front of his office for use as a bike rack was worth a picture.

A Commuting Day

I rode my bike all over town today for different work-related errands and a few personal ones. The weather is perfect and it helps my spirits to be on and off the bike all day. I rode the loop this morning without Annie; she was very tired and we were up rather late after our bike class. It amazes me how few more miles I add on riding around town. My total today was 19.9 and 13.3 of that was the regular loop. So doing everything else that I needed to do, really going from one side of town to the other and back, a distance that some people would drive, others would take a cab or a bus all together only added 6 miles!

Nice comment on the blog from one of the guys in the bike class. I hope others in the class get a chance to check it out.

I've been really enjoying two great cycling information sites:Bike Radar and its sister site: Cyclingnews.com. They are great sites, though Bike Radar is much more sophisticated aesthetically. I am adding both to my site-roll for easy daily check-ins.

Last Bike Class

Our four session bike maintenance class ended tonight with a session on brakes, cables and shifters. This session was less hands-on than I would have liked, but I did learn a fair amount, especially about brakes and brake cables. The second part was too rushed and I didn't feel like I knew what was going on.

The ride back and forth was good and added a few miles to our otherwise regular ride this morning.

4000 Miles and Counting

The first phase of the holidays came to an end and Annie and I were out riding on what felt like a beautiful fall day. Perhaps a bit early, but the chill was fine and we road over 20 miles before I had to get to work. I took the bike for a variety of errands later on. It felt good to be riding today. A good way to decompress from the tension of the holiday services. Most particularly my mileage chart has now topped the 4000 mile mark, my original goal for the year. It is hard to tell the rate I'll be able to ride as the season gets busier and the weather begins to turn, but 5000 miles is not out of the question. It has been a great year of riding, a transformative year, really. That transformation and the role of the bike was the subject of one of my sermons during the holiday. Now if I can figure a way to create a link to it and store it as a pdf I'll make it available here. But it may take me a few days to figure it out.

I listened to the latest Fredcast today. David was offering an invitation to "joost" a beta program that has all kinds of TV content. Most importantly cyclingtv, so I asked for an received an invitation (its is an invitation only site in its beta form) they are being given away first come-first serve. I downloaded it and browsed around for awhile. Way more TV than I need, but the cyclingtv does make it worthwhile.

Pre-Holiday Ride

A gorgeous pre-fall morning; because of the holiday Annie did not go to New Jersey so we had a Wednesday together, however because of the number of things that we need to do individually and together to get ready we still only rode one loop of 13.3 miles. It was nice to ride in full daylight. I've found that as the season changes again I'm not enjoying the deep darkness that we ride in at 5:45 AM. Plus, I'm not satisfied with our lighting systems. I hate the thought of spending what it looks like we should in order to have a better solution, but I will have to look into that after the holiday. Meanwhile, that's all from me until Sunday

No Ride Today...But More Great Pictures

Last night Annie and I rode up to the Neighborhood Bike Works (known as Bike Church, as it is housed in the basement of a Church on the University of Pennsylvania campus) for the third of our four sessions in basic bike maintenance. It was the first time that Annie felt comfortable to ride in Center City traffic to get there and back. It was great having her make that step. This week's lesson was on headsets and wheel hubs. We took apart our headsets and greased the bearings and ditto for the hubs. The headsets on the Fuji's are threadless, integrated and sealed. We took it apart basically to show it as a comparison to the unsealed type which most of the other folks were working on. Then we took apart our front wheel hubs and took out the bearings and greased them up and put it all back together. Great fun and I'm beginning to get a little more confident about working on the bike, though I'm not sure how much I will do on a regular basis. Next week is the final class, on brakes and cables. Below are a couple of photos from last night's session.




This last one is my bike with the handlebars removed and the headset exposed.



So, this morning it was very dark and wet outside. Not actually raining, though it is right now, and we were tired from going to bed late after class last night. For one of the few times in the last year we just bagged the ride and got a little more sleep. It's a stressful week for me and I have to take care. I have the bike with me for things I have to do for work today, so I hope the rain stops or I may not get on it at all.

But we have been receiving various photos from friends from our last two adventures and I thought I'd just put them up here today. The first one was taken by Dineen at Bike Philly.



The next is a series taken by our friend Jake on the Hazon Ride. Enjoy!

A Quiet Ride

After all the excitement of yesterday a new week began with just a regular quiet ride of 13.2 miles. Humid but fine for riding and relatively empty trail made for a relaxing ride before a busy day. Counting down to the Holidays and to the waning riding weather. Not that the weather will be a factor for a few months yet, but the time for long rides and the number of organized rides will definitely be impacted. We are looking into some in October, but haven't decided.

Bike Philly!

We have just returned from Bike Philly. It was a great success. So far the estimates are that there were over 3000 people riding. More official numbers may be forthcoming tomorrow. We were at the start at 7:30 and took off at 8 AM. These first photos are of Annie lining up for the start (wearing our new Philadelphia jersey);



Mark, our companion on the breakfast ride a few weeks ago doing the same;



and the barrier behind which we assembled. We chose to ride with the "relaxed riders," but in such a crowd I'm not sure it made much difference. The pace was slow and occasionally hairy with all these bikes nudged together in places. But we didn't see any mishaps.



We rode down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway onto Arch street and down Arch to Delaware Avenue. We rode along Delaware Avenue to Christian Street and back up Christian around 4th and then over to Lombard. We rode up Lombard to 16th (almost past our house!) and along 16th back to the Parkway and then off into Fairmont Park for another 10 miles. In Fairmont Park we stopped at a rest stop by one of the great mansions,



and there we ran into Dineen from my office, whom we had tried to hook up with but missed at the start.





The ride through the Park was really pleasant. The spirit of the riders was wonderful. The organization and support for this inaugural event was terrific. The only little fly in the ointment was that we decided at the last minute to follow the 20 mile route rather than go for the 35 or 50. I was out very late last night for the services starting the Penitential season and have much to prepare for the holidays approaching. I was a little tired and tense and we called it a day pretty early. Still, it was a lot of fun.

We came to the Finish Line festival and dismounted, spending some time browsing the booths, getting our tee-shirts and grabbing some food.



Hopefully this will become an annual event and we will ride the longer routes in the future. We still managed to put 21.7 miles on the meter.

Ready For Bike Philly!

Annie and I had a pleasant morning ride. I seem to be getting more used to the clipless pedals, though I'm still a little nervous. Changed clothes and shoes and took the bike for running errands today, so added 15.4 miles to the total. We are psyched for the first Bike Philly this Sunday. 20 miles of streets will be closed for cycling; another 30 miles will be available for share-the-road riding, fully supported. Not sure yet how far or how long we'll ride. I'm guessing we'll do the 35 mile loops, but maybe the 50. It will depend, in part, on the experience of riding with close to 3000 people. That's the expected turnout with 2000 already pre-registered. It will be an event and I'm looking forward to it.

A Nun On Wheels

Today only time for another very quick post. This is going to be the way it is now that I'm back into busy season. We rode 13.4 miles this morning. I didn't feel so good on the bike today. Partly because it suddenly seemed quite dark at 5:45 in the morning; partly because now that school is back in session the trail seemed more crowded with more people who don't follow the rules of the road. And partly because I took another dumb tumble because I couldn't get out of my clips well. This time I wasn't even clipped in on the left, only on the right, and still lost my balance. Oh well, I had predicted four falls and this makes three.

We are on our way over to Whole Foods in a few minutes to pick up our registration packet for Sunday's Bike Philly! Should be great.

Finally, as a tidbit for the day, check out Biking To The Monastery a blog by a bicycling nun courtesy of Cyclicious.

Back On The Road

We took Tuesday morning off from riding after the Hazon weekend. Annie went up to NJ to visit Tamar and Shail and today would normally be my long ride day. But I didn't feel like taking a very long ride, partly because I had a million errands to do and two medical appointments late in the day. So I started out late, nearly 10 AM and stopped first at Bicycle Therapy to pick out a new helmet. My old one was shot. Then I headed for the Schuylkill path figuring on doing a loop or two. Actually only had time for one, but it was particularly fun as I met Jacob on the way and we did the loop together traveling at a pretty fast clip. Later in the day I was back at the bike shop. I really needed to get the tension in the pedals adjusted; it was just too hard for me to get out of the clips and I was getting really wary of using them at all. And while I was there I had to bite the bullet and admit that the bike shoes I bought were too tight. They had killed my feet on the ride. So I got a pair a size larger. With the better fitting shoes and the adjusted pedals, clipping in and out became as easy as it always appeared when others did it. I'm feeling much better about using the clipless pedals now. So, with the errands and the loop I added 16.5 miles.

What A Weekend!

There really isn't going to be enough space to describe the extraordinary experience we had this past weekend. Since this is a bicycling blog, I will focus on our ride, which was wonderful fun, challenging and satisfying almost beyond words. But the real meaning of the weekend transpired from Friday night until Saturday night: the experience of being with a multi-generational, eclectic and diverse practicing Jewish community inspired to use all of its resources to developing a healthy and sustainable Jewish community and thereby contributing to create a healthy and sustainable world. But if I begin talking about that part of the weekend I won't stop, and its not the topic of this blog.

So, that's me at 6 AM on Sunday morning just before we took off from Camp Isabella Freedman in Falls River Connecticut at 7 AM. I am wearing my full Hazon NY Jewish Environmental Bike Ride kit: socks, shorts and Jersey, all earned as fund-raising incentives. I was a couple of hundred dollars short of the jacket and a couple of thousand short of earning the GPS.



And that's Annie at about the same time. A few minutes later, obviously, as we joined the group for the mass start. There were three routes: 50, 75 and 100 miles from Falls River to Hopewell Junction NY. Annie and I did the 50. On my own I may have tried the 75; I doubt I would have tried the Century yet, but I was happy to ride with Annie and most of the group. The 75 and 100 mile routes all included the 50 miles we did and all agreed that the 50 miles we did were the hardest part of the ride. It was hard, but not too hard. Probably not as hard as the hills we did on the Lancaster Metric Century, but close. And then there was the killer, nicknamed "Frank," the final 3 miles straight uphill at about a 6 to 8% grade. Knocked the socks off us all.



Along the way we passed country as pictured above. Just beautiful! The roads were fairly free of traffic, though there were some exceptions on more major routes. In a few places local police directed traffic, which was very helpful. And the ride crew! Enough cannot be said about the support, the cheering, the Marshals and medics riding the route and the SAG wagons passing by. There was even a bike mechanic with a trailer-bike shop. I had my front hub bearings greased and new brake pads put on Friday afternoon - free - this was the mechanic's contribution to the cause! Annie's fender was rubbing the wheel the second morning, probably got pinched in the truck carrying the bikes, and he fixed it right up.



Speaking of support, that's our lunch stop on the first day. The food was plentiful and better than expected. (Except that they could have done a much better job of accommodating folks like Annie with wheat allergies. We will try to gently communicate this to the leadership. We know they tried, but it really does need to be more of a priority. It's a long way to ride without proper nourishment.)



Sunday night was spent at Camp Kinder Ring. Marvelous accommodations! Above is the view from our room at sunset.



I didn't take many photos the second day but here are the last two. Above we are all congregating at 79th Street and Riverside Drive for the ride en mass to the Manhattan JCC for the conclusion. And below is a shot of the group on the roof of the JCC at the concluding ceremony. All in all an awesome ride and an awesome weekend.