10/08/2014
Wow, has it really been since Dec 2013 since I last posted? This morning's ride in reminded me about posting as I came across a large Copperhead snake on the trail. I no longer look forward to riding in the dark (which I have already had to do a few times this year).
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Ride the friendly streets...
12/24/2013
I forgot how friendly the roads have been the last year or so. I was reminded about that last month when a lady in a minivan slows to yell at me to get on the sidewalk. There were three lanes available so she still had two and traffic was not bad; that was still not enough for her. I guess I should be glad she was not texting and actually noticed me out there. That does not happen much anymore.
Ride On!
Paul
I forgot how friendly the roads have been the last year or so. I was reminded about that last month when a lady in a minivan slows to yell at me to get on the sidewalk. There were three lanes available so she still had two and traffic was not bad; that was still not enough for her. I guess I should be glad she was not texting and actually noticed me out there. That does not happen much anymore.
Ride On!
Paul
End of year summary
12/24/2013
Well, the year is almost over and I am looking back at my "Bike to Work" rate this year. I like to hit above 60% each year but did fall short this year due to missing 2 months after neck surgery. Even with that I was able to make it back to about a 51% level. The ice storm did not help much either as I missed three days there. I think the coldest day was 18deg for a morning ride.
I also have some challenges ahead as the fitness center at work is closing so that leaves me with wash cloth cleanings in the morning until they build some shower facilities later in the year.. That seems to work okay when it is 25deg in the mornings wut will not work well when it hits 60deg or higher..
The Allen bus service may be my answer in warmer weather with TAPS which goes by close to my work. We'll see how it goes.
Go out and ride this Holiday Season.
Paul
Well, the year is almost over and I am looking back at my "Bike to Work" rate this year. I like to hit above 60% each year but did fall short this year due to missing 2 months after neck surgery. Even with that I was able to make it back to about a 51% level. The ice storm did not help much either as I missed three days there. I think the coldest day was 18deg for a morning ride.
I also have some challenges ahead as the fitness center at work is closing so that leaves me with wash cloth cleanings in the morning until they build some shower facilities later in the year.. That seems to work okay when it is 25deg in the mornings wut will not work well when it hits 60deg or higher..
The Allen bus service may be my answer in warmer weather with TAPS which goes by close to my work. We'll see how it goes.
Go out and ride this Holiday Season.
Paul
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Even more slippery?
12/5/2013
Well, it may have been slippery in the rain a month ago but tomorrow will be worse and I will not ride to work on my bike. But, as the sleet started tonight, I did manage to make a run for it from work and get home safely tonight in the freezing rain. Luckily the roads stayed wet and did not ice over. My jacket, helmet, bike, shoes, etc did ice over though. It was really cool (as in neat, fun, exciting). The rim brakes did not work so I was glad to be on my fixed gear where I could slow it down without the brakes. I wish I had studded tires to ride in the ice!!
Ride on!
Paul
Well, it may have been slippery in the rain a month ago but tomorrow will be worse and I will not ride to work on my bike. But, as the sleet started tonight, I did manage to make a run for it from work and get home safely tonight in the freezing rain. Luckily the roads stayed wet and did not ice over. My jacket, helmet, bike, shoes, etc did ice over though. It was really cool (as in neat, fun, exciting). The rim brakes did not work so I was glad to be on my fixed gear where I could slow it down without the brakes. I wish I had studded tires to ride in the ice!!
Ride on!
Paul
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Slippery when wet!
10/15/2013
I want to caution commuters that ride in the rain. I rode in today just to do an update like this and tell you what to watch for. An here is what I found:
Riding on the street may be safer once again for another reason. As I rode on the trail in a very light rain, I noticed the creek bridges were slippery as expected. Be careful not to change direction or brake suddenly on the wet wood. Also, some of you may have some of these repaired bridges where they put a plate of metal from the sunken concrete up to the wooden bridge. These two foot long metal plates are very "SLIPPERY WHEN WET". I had to turn at the end of the bridge and must of been on the metal and went down very fast. So please be careful out there. Some things are not as they appear.
And, on the way home in the dark and rain, it is hard to see walkers and runners with no lights. Again, I feel safer in the street for that reason.
P.S. The crash was nothing too bad with light rash and just a limp for now. Will see how the knee does as the days go on. It feels better on the bike than walking right now so that is a good sign.
Ride on!
Paul
I want to caution commuters that ride in the rain. I rode in today just to do an update like this and tell you what to watch for. An here is what I found:
Riding on the street may be safer once again for another reason. As I rode on the trail in a very light rain, I noticed the creek bridges were slippery as expected. Be careful not to change direction or brake suddenly on the wet wood. Also, some of you may have some of these repaired bridges where they put a plate of metal from the sunken concrete up to the wooden bridge. These two foot long metal plates are very "SLIPPERY WHEN WET". I had to turn at the end of the bridge and must of been on the metal and went down very fast. So please be careful out there. Some things are not as they appear.
And, on the way home in the dark and rain, it is hard to see walkers and runners with no lights. Again, I feel safer in the street for that reason.
P.S. The crash was nothing too bad with light rash and just a limp for now. Will see how the knee does as the days go on. It feels better on the bike than walking right now so that is a good sign.
Ride on!
Paul
Friday, August 9, 2013
Remembering the commuter cautions
8/09/2013
As I am full swing into commuting to work I am again reminded of a few good pointers when I come across cyclists or walkers on the bike trails:
- Don't wear earphones in both ears. You will not hear me warning you that I am coming and you will be startled as I go by.
- When it is dark out, wear lights or reflectors. I can't see you with my lights until I get very close if you do not have reflectors.
Good for all of us to remember. Be safe out there.
Paul
As I am full swing into commuting to work I am again reminded of a few good pointers when I come across cyclists or walkers on the bike trails:
- Don't wear earphones in both ears. You will not hear me warning you that I am coming and you will be startled as I go by.
- When it is dark out, wear lights or reflectors. I can't see you with my lights until I get very close if you do not have reflectors.
Good for all of us to remember. Be safe out there.
Paul
Friday, August 2, 2013
In July I was feeling good and getting more base miles to supplement my commuting to work. The National Bike Challenge has been a good way to keep me motivated to ride more. July also brought a great trip to Colorado where I was able to ride from 8000ft up to 12000ft elevation. I feel I am in better shape now and ready to keep up the longer rides.
Looking forward to the warm August weather to ride :)
Paul
Looking forward to the warm August weather to ride :)
Paul
Yes, more old stuff to catch up. The progression with my riding has been slower than I thought. In June I tried the Frisco Cycling club north ride and got beaten up pretty bad. I needed to get more base miles and high intensity riding in. By the end of June I tried the criterium rides at Craig's Ranch. The first week I got dropped really quick. The second week I got dropped as well but then entered the second race to get more of a beating. It was a great way to get high intensity training back. The neck is doing fine!
Enjoy the ride.
Paul
Enjoy the ride.
Paul
It is already August and I have some catching up to do on my cycling progress.
In May I started the riding to work as soon as I was cleared and that has been going good. I had good rides so far and it was not until late July that I had any issue with any cars. Things are going pretty well between the cars and bikes out there as far as I can tell.
Ride on!
Paul
In May I started the riding to work as soon as I was cleared and that has been going good. I had good rides so far and it was not until late July that I had any issue with any cars. Things are going pretty well between the cars and bikes out there as far as I can tell.
Ride on!
Paul
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Back in the saddle...and Ouch!
5/10/2013
I am trying to work back in to the higher mileages of last year but I think it will take some time. I was feeling great until mile 5 when I started noticing the saddle that I have not been riding on for 2 months. Ouch on that thing! I had to press on and found some great areas past Erwin Park with some dirt roads that were tree covered and very nice and quiet. That helped break up the thought of riding and by the time I got back home I had a 40mile ride as a first for this year. That will be a good base to work off of and get some more in each week hopefully.
Enjoy the Ride!
Paul
I am trying to work back in to the higher mileages of last year but I think it will take some time. I was feeling great until mile 5 when I started noticing the saddle that I have not been riding on for 2 months. Ouch on that thing! I had to press on and found some great areas past Erwin Park with some dirt roads that were tree covered and very nice and quiet. That helped break up the thought of riding and by the time I got back home I had a 40mile ride as a first for this year. That will be a good base to work off of and get some more in each week hopefully.
Enjoy the Ride!
Paul
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Bike to Anywhere Day
5/5/2013
May is starting out to be a great month. May 1st I was cleared to ease into my bike riding again. I rode to work Friday and it felt great! Nice to see the sharrows again from aboard my bike.
May 17th is bike to work day so start getting ready for that and make sure to ride to work on the 17th..
Also, the National Bike Challenge kicked off this month (nationalbikechallenge.org ) so start earning points on that bike!
And today will be my first day on the road bike; my bike to anywhere day (anywhere my saddle says it is okay to go).
Hope to see you out there on your bike soon.
Paul
May is starting out to be a great month. May 1st I was cleared to ease into my bike riding again. I rode to work Friday and it felt great! Nice to see the sharrows again from aboard my bike.
May 17th is bike to work day so start getting ready for that and make sure to ride to work on the 17th..
Also, the National Bike Challenge kicked off this month (nationalbikechallenge.org ) so start earning points on that bike!
And today will be my first day on the road bike; my bike to anywhere day (anywhere my saddle says it is okay to go).
Hope to see you out there on your bike soon.
Paul
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Downtime
03/28/2013
I am definitely missing the bike riding. So much in fact that I have started doing something I swore I would not - to ride a stationary bicycle. Every time I see people riding them in the gym I tell them they are going nowhere. Ironically I now find myself going nowhere. The good thing is that I am doing fine and can ride and in fact get a good workout in the Spin classes. Although my shoulders and neck still get sore easily, I can get some real work for my legs and get my heart rate up as well.
So, until I can ride again (next checkup for X-RAYS is May 1st), I am looking at the Collin Classic as a ride on the horizon. Please look up www.CollinClassic.org for more information. Starting this year the Collin Classicit benefits CityHouse in Plano.
And while I am off the bike I need to see what is happening with Allen's Sharrows and bike trails and let you all know.
Paul
I am definitely missing the bike riding. So much in fact that I have started doing something I swore I would not - to ride a stationary bicycle. Every time I see people riding them in the gym I tell them they are going nowhere. Ironically I now find myself going nowhere. The good thing is that I am doing fine and can ride and in fact get a good workout in the Spin classes. Although my shoulders and neck still get sore easily, I can get some real work for my legs and get my heart rate up as well.
So, until I can ride again (next checkup for X-RAYS is May 1st), I am looking at the Collin Classic as a ride on the horizon. Please look up www.CollinClassic.org for more information. Starting this year the Collin Classicit benefits CityHouse in Plano.
And while I am off the bike I need to see what is happening with Allen's Sharrows and bike trails and let you all know.
Paul
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Off the bike for a while...
3/5/2013
Well, December 27th brought another flair up of my neck pain. I have not been able to ride bike much recently. Yesterday I had a double disc replacement and fusion in my neck. Hopefully I'll be back on my bike in a couple of months.
Although I never get on those "exercise bicycles" that go nowhere, I have a feeling I'll be using one quite a bit in the next two months to keep in shape.
Please ride some extra miles for me.
Paul
Well, December 27th brought another flair up of my neck pain. I have not been able to ride bike much recently. Yesterday I had a double disc replacement and fusion in my neck. Hopefully I'll be back on my bike in a couple of months.
Although I never get on those "exercise bicycles" that go nowhere, I have a feeling I'll be using one quite a bit in the next two months to keep in shape.
Please ride some extra miles for me.
Paul
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Save some for me...
01/26/2013
Although my commute to work is short, every now and then I get a little more exercise by chasing a car that cuts me off or something along those lines. I get a quick sprint in to give them a piece of my "common sense". I wonder if I have given away too much of that?
Enjoy the ride.
Paul
Although my commute to work is short, every now and then I get a little more exercise by chasing a car that cuts me off or something along those lines. I get a quick sprint in to give them a piece of my "common sense". I wonder if I have given away too much of that?
Enjoy the ride.
Paul
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Starting the New Year slowly
01/19/2013
Well, after a lot of riding to work last year, this year has started slower. A pinched nerve in my neck is making it a little less comfortable than usual. But I am able to get out on the commuter bike with its upright position. Tuesday was my second day for the year and there was snow and slush on the ground and there was snow and snow pellets falling. It made for a pretty interesting ride and I am always up for the challenge! It went well! Oh, and my new Pearl Izumi Balaclava kept my face and head nice and comfortable. Very nice.
Paul
Well, after a lot of riding to work last year, this year has started slower. A pinched nerve in my neck is making it a little less comfortable than usual. But I am able to get out on the commuter bike with its upright position. Tuesday was my second day for the year and there was snow and slush on the ground and there was snow and snow pellets falling. It made for a pretty interesting ride and I am always up for the challenge! It went well! Oh, and my new Pearl Izumi Balaclava kept my face and head nice and comfortable. Very nice.
Paul
Sunday, December 30, 2012
2012 in review
12/30/2012
Well, it will hopefully be raining tomorrow so I will close out my year in review today for commuting to work on bike. Based on available days to ride, I rode to work 162 days and drove 76 days. That gave me a 68% bike commute rate which is 3.4 days a week out of a possible 5 days per week. It was a good bike commute year at the expense of having little rain to keep me off the bike. I hope to see more of you out there on the bike on your way in to work. Have a Happy New Year!
Paul
Well, it will hopefully be raining tomorrow so I will close out my year in review today for commuting to work on bike. Based on available days to ride, I rode to work 162 days and drove 76 days. That gave me a 68% bike commute rate which is 3.4 days a week out of a possible 5 days per week. It was a good bike commute year at the expense of having little rain to keep me off the bike. I hope to see more of you out there on the bike on your way in to work. Have a Happy New Year!
Paul
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Winter arrived (and left already)
12/15/2012
Yes, winter has arrived. We had some cold mornings this week. Monday I was able to see my tire path on the wooden creek bridges due to a very light snow fall over night. I love seeing that as it is not very common in Texas. Then there were a couple cold mornings in the low 20's. That is winter to me! Nice to have long sleeved jerseys and gloves.
Oh, but wait, it is back in the 70's this weekend. Forget what I said about winter and enjoy the spring riding conditions!
Paul
Yes, winter has arrived. We had some cold mornings this week. Monday I was able to see my tire path on the wooden creek bridges due to a very light snow fall over night. I love seeing that as it is not very common in Texas. Then there were a couple cold mornings in the low 20's. That is winter to me! Nice to have long sleeved jerseys and gloves.
Oh, but wait, it is back in the 70's this weekend. Forget what I said about winter and enjoy the spring riding conditions!
Paul
Monday, December 3, 2012
A new Plano / Allen connection is looking good!
12/03/12
At 75 and Chase Oaks, Plano is finishing up on a great connection of their Bluebonnet trail to Allen. They now have a bridge going over Rowlett Creek. Looks like the trail work connecting it to the Bluebonnet is almost finished. This is a great new addition as I will be able to get on right across from Texas Instruments and ride that section to get over the creek and under 75. That avoids my riding on Legacy and having to cross over central into the left turn lane to get on the service road. That has not been easy in traffic (especially in the dark recently).
Now all we need is for Allen to take the connection and connect it to other trails in Allen and we will really be moving along!
Enjoy the ride!
Paul
At 75 and Chase Oaks, Plano is finishing up on a great connection of their Bluebonnet trail to Allen. They now have a bridge going over Rowlett Creek. Looks like the trail work connecting it to the Bluebonnet is almost finished. This is a great new addition as I will be able to get on right across from Texas Instruments and ride that section to get over the creek and under 75. That avoids my riding on Legacy and having to cross over central into the left turn lane to get on the service road. That has not been easy in traffic (especially in the dark recently).
Now all we need is for Allen to take the connection and connect it to other trails in Allen and we will really be moving along!
Enjoy the ride!
Paul
Friday, November 16, 2012
The signs of winter
11/16/2012
It appears winter is getting closer with the mornings in the mid thirties and I see my breath as I ride. A little cooler than I would like for the ride in to work but it is refreshing. I am still trying to get used to riding home in the dark as it makes visibility a little more challenging and important in traffic.After a few weeks it will be the new normal and I will forget about those nice 80degree days of last week.
Paul
It appears winter is getting closer with the mornings in the mid thirties and I see my breath as I ride. A little cooler than I would like for the ride in to work but it is refreshing. I am still trying to get used to riding home in the dark as it makes visibility a little more challenging and important in traffic.After a few weeks it will be the new normal and I will forget about those nice 80degree days of last week.
Paul
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