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
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