Okay, realistically, it's probably just the most useful website, but coolest sounds more fun. So check THIS out.
This is from the US National Track and Field website. It is a wonderful little tool that uses google maps to help you create routes. It is originally designed for running, but the applications are endless. I have already checked out some different routes that I have ridden (and it seems to concur with the odometer on my bike) and I have looked at some routes I am wanting to ride.
Now, on a side note, I rode my bike to work today. I was running late this morning, and I can fly to the school when I need to. On my way home, though, I took the long way, so I went three miles today instead of one. It still didn't do much for calorie burning, but it will help keep me limber until a real ride.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Back to work
School started up again. Yesterday (I'm writing just after midnight) teachers reported back, and students return the day after Labor Day. Oh what fun...
Seriously though I am looking forward to getting back into a normal routine. I hope to make exercise occur at a normal and/or consistent time of day. I will hit up the coaches at the school to find out when the track and weight room are available so I can use them as well.
My riding will not be anything impressive since I only live 0.5 miles from the school. However, there is a way I can wind through the neighborhood to kick it up to one mile. What's the point though? One mile isn't even enough time to work up a sweat, much less burn any calories. So I believe that I will continue to walk to school UNLESS I am going to change clothes and go for a long ride immediately after school. I can see myself doing that in the winter so that I can take advantage of the warmest part of the day.
Until then, I'll just continue the power walks and hit the bike in the late afternoon when it gets cooler.
On a positive note, I had two teachers tell me that I look like I've lost some weight. Apparently it is not much yet, but every little bit helps.
Right now, I'm just trying not to stop.
Seriously though I am looking forward to getting back into a normal routine. I hope to make exercise occur at a normal and/or consistent time of day. I will hit up the coaches at the school to find out when the track and weight room are available so I can use them as well.
My riding will not be anything impressive since I only live 0.5 miles from the school. However, there is a way I can wind through the neighborhood to kick it up to one mile. What's the point though? One mile isn't even enough time to work up a sweat, much less burn any calories. So I believe that I will continue to walk to school UNLESS I am going to change clothes and go for a long ride immediately after school. I can see myself doing that in the winter so that I can take advantage of the warmest part of the day.
Until then, I'll just continue the power walks and hit the bike in the late afternoon when it gets cooler.
On a positive note, I had two teachers tell me that I look like I've lost some weight. Apparently it is not much yet, but every little bit helps.
Right now, I'm just trying not to stop.
Friday, August 21, 2009
No ride, but an interesting day
Unfortunately I did not get to ride today. :( So sad....
But I did get in a decent walk today by going to the library. It was about 2 miles or so. I decided to shake things up and do something a little more "full-body." I planned on taking a ride after the boys went to bed, but that thrown all in arrears. Friday nights are family pizza and movie night. We make 2 pizzas from scratch, and each son helps mommy make one, but I digress.
Well, while I was walking home this afternoon, I got caught in a massive downpour. That was fun, and wet. The bottom dropped out of the sky and it rained rained rained!! The problem was that a tree limb fell in the storm, hit a power line, and knocked out the power in the neighborhood. It took about 2 hours for all to be restored... which meant that movie night was pushed back... so the boys have just gone to bed... and I am not going to start my ride at nearly 10 at night. So I am planning on getting up early to go on my ride.
Before the storm, though, I did come across something here in town that I had seen, but never really looked at. This is a German WWI 150 mm howitzer! Now, you should be asking yourselves, "what is a 1917 German cannon doing in front of town hall in a small, rural, southern Virginia town." I'm glad you asked. This was taken as one of the so-called "spoils of war." The local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter managed to acquire this, somehow, at the end of WWI and donated it to the town as a memorial to those local citizens who served and died in the war. They also managed to get some of the projectiles for the weapon. You can see them lined up on the right-hand side of the cannon.
Maybe it's just me, but I find this fascinating! Too many people I know here just see a cannon and think that there is nothing special about that. Yet how many have actually taken the time to stop and think of either it's significance or its rarity. This is the kind of rare gem that makes traveling so much fun! There's a lot of stuff out there to be seen and experienced, but too few actually do it. Every time I slow down and look around, I love it.
You should try it too.
And in case you are interested, it appears that Norwood, Massachusetts has the same thing. Maybe they were on sale after the war.
But I did get in a decent walk today by going to the library. It was about 2 miles or so. I decided to shake things up and do something a little more "full-body." I planned on taking a ride after the boys went to bed, but that thrown all in arrears. Friday nights are family pizza and movie night. We make 2 pizzas from scratch, and each son helps mommy make one, but I digress.
Well, while I was walking home this afternoon, I got caught in a massive downpour. That was fun, and wet. The bottom dropped out of the sky and it rained rained rained!! The problem was that a tree limb fell in the storm, hit a power line, and knocked out the power in the neighborhood. It took about 2 hours for all to be restored... which meant that movie night was pushed back... so the boys have just gone to bed... and I am not going to start my ride at nearly 10 at night. So I am planning on getting up early to go on my ride.
Before the storm, though, I did come across something here in town that I had seen, but never really looked at. This is a German WWI 150 mm howitzer! Now, you should be asking yourselves, "what is a 1917 German cannon doing in front of town hall in a small, rural, southern Virginia town." I'm glad you asked. This was taken as one of the so-called "spoils of war." The local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter managed to acquire this, somehow, at the end of WWI and donated it to the town as a memorial to those local citizens who served and died in the war. They also managed to get some of the projectiles for the weapon. You can see them lined up on the right-hand side of the cannon.Maybe it's just me, but I find this fascinating! Too many people I know here just see a cannon and think that there is nothing special about that. Yet how many have actually taken the time to stop and think of either it's significance or its rarity. This is the kind of rare gem that makes traveling so much fun! There's a lot of stuff out there to be seen and experienced, but too few actually do it. Every time I slow down and look around, I love it.
You should try it too.
And in case you are interested, it appears that Norwood, Massachusetts has the same thing. Maybe they were on sale after the war.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's been a long depressing week...
Last weekend I did the unthinkable... I weighed myself! (insert nervous gulping sound here)
The result? I gained 15 lbs!?!
I must admit that this shook me pretty badly. I'd spent so long working so hard, and here I am gaining weight? I went into a bout of severe depression for a few days after that. To make matters worse, some of my cycling friends informed me about how much weight they gained and expanded around the midsection. Needless to say, that made things worse.
However, after a couple of days, I started doing some research here are some points that seem to be considered while riding to lose weight:
The result? I gained 15 lbs!?!
I must admit that this shook me pretty badly. I'd spent so long working so hard, and here I am gaining weight? I went into a bout of severe depression for a few days after that. To make matters worse, some of my cycling friends informed me about how much weight they gained and expanded around the midsection. Needless to say, that made things worse.
However, after a couple of days, I started doing some research here are some points that seem to be considered while riding to lose weight:
- DRINK MORE WATER!! This seems to be a consistent key, and it seems that I need to drink more while cycling than other forms of excercise I have done in the past.
- DISTANCE!! This is of vital importance. Upon further investigation, the guys who gained weight while riding seemed to ride anywhere from 8-12 miles per day. The difference is that they rode in short segments of a couple of miles at the time. Now, this leads to my next point:
- CONTINUITY!! I have read various studies arguing for and against segmented workouts. However, conversations with people who have successfully lost weight cycling seem to say 15 miles per continuous ride is how they did it. Long story short: I need to ride longer distances more often.
- SCHEDULE!! Although I am just excited of the prospect of losing weight, but I need a little more patience. I think I will have to change the schedule for one day aerobic, one day anaerobic.
- GET OFF THE D@MN SCALE!! Two points here:
- First of all, muscle weighs more than fat. So as I build muscle and tone my (already beautiful) legs, the weight will go up with the increased muscle mass.
- Secondly, I need to focus on the waist line, and not the scale. Which is also depressing, but at the same time I need to consider this: I gained 15 lbs, but my clothes fit exactly the same. You try adding that much without having to adjust your wardrobe.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Random thoughts
Just a few comments today. I haven't had a chance to ride yet because I have spent a majority of the day in the library or in class. It has not been a fun day, and I don't know if I will get to ride with the rain we're having today. *insert big frowny face here*
Yesterday was a busy day as well, but I was able to get in a quick 5 mile jaunt. I hope to do the same tonight after the boys go to bed.
I do want to make a comment regarding why I like cycling, outside of the whole "hoping-to-lose-weight-and-feeling-better-physically" thing. It starts with my love of driving. Ever since I got my driver's license I have LOVED driving... perhaps that is why I spent 3 years driving buses... who knows.
At any rate, as a teenager, I loved sneaking away for a Sunday afternoon drive. In south Georgia, we had many roads that were sloping and curvy, with little to no law enforcement. I would go out and push my car and driving abilities. There was nothing like a drive in the country.
Cycling is kind of like that, but a little more intimate. When you are on a bike, you feel the curves of the road, the imperfections, the gravel... Everything that exists on the road, you become a part of. I find things you would never see otherwise. On one ride, I found 3 snake skins that had been shed. I have seen deer and many other animals who otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
Perhaps the best part is the weather. Admittedly, it can (and sometimes is) the worst part. But think about this: on a bike (or a motorcycle for that matter) there is no climate control. You feel the hot or the cold. If it is wet, you are wet. The notice the individual smells, the wind, and anything else going on around you.
In short, when cycling, you are truly riding in the country. In a car, at best, you are merely riding through the country.
Think about that next time you are out driving. Would you rather be in or going through the country?
Yesterday was a busy day as well, but I was able to get in a quick 5 mile jaunt. I hope to do the same tonight after the boys go to bed.
I do want to make a comment regarding why I like cycling, outside of the whole "hoping-to-lose-weight-and-feeling-better-physically" thing. It starts with my love of driving. Ever since I got my driver's license I have LOVED driving... perhaps that is why I spent 3 years driving buses... who knows.
At any rate, as a teenager, I loved sneaking away for a Sunday afternoon drive. In south Georgia, we had many roads that were sloping and curvy, with little to no law enforcement. I would go out and push my car and driving abilities. There was nothing like a drive in the country.
Cycling is kind of like that, but a little more intimate. When you are on a bike, you feel the curves of the road, the imperfections, the gravel... Everything that exists on the road, you become a part of. I find things you would never see otherwise. On one ride, I found 3 snake skins that had been shed. I have seen deer and many other animals who otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
Perhaps the best part is the weather. Admittedly, it can (and sometimes is) the worst part. But think about this: on a bike (or a motorcycle for that matter) there is no climate control. You feel the hot or the cold. If it is wet, you are wet. The notice the individual smells, the wind, and anything else going on around you.
In short, when cycling, you are truly riding in the country. In a car, at best, you are merely riding through the country.
Think about that next time you are out driving. Would you rather be in or going through the country?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Today was a fun day riding. One of my fellow teachers, who lives in my neighborhood, and I went for a ride together. She has a nice fixter of a beach cruiser and is jsut now attmpting to start riding her bike to save fuel and miles on her car. So I showed her some good routes to ride, and we went to the post office. Together we managed a full 3 miles together.
We went along at a nice 12mph (or so) pace. We made it back to her house, I dropped the hammer and pushed it for a hard ride after that. I went down a stretch of road that has nice gentle hills (if you can even call them that) and I cruised along at about 17 or 18 mph for that stretch for an additional 8 milesm making 11 total for the day. It was a nice ride, and also fun to have someone with whom I could chat for a while.
I am trying to talk her into riding her bike to school regularly. That way we will have 3 bikes crammed in the teacher's lounge. Maybe then the school can look into getting a bike rack. That would be GREAT since there are some students who I know would ride if they had a place to secure their bikes. We'll see if it can happen.
Alas, I digress.
On another note, I must say that temperature plays such a dramatic difference. Going out this morning, it was about 20 degrees cooler (upper 70s), with a mostly cloudy sky made the ride amazing. I went a mile further and completed the ride faster than I did on Monday. Yet when I got home, I had a drink of water and was all set for more activities. After Monday's ride, I came home and collapsed on the floor after only 5 miles. Fortunately, the cooler weather is predicted for the rest of the week.
Ahhh.... I'm looking forward to some good rides!!
Finally, here is another great sign I came across while riding. I don't know about you, but I'm quite glad they informed me that the road ends in 110 miles! Not 11.0 or 1.10, but 110 miles. I checked the sign closely and it indeed lacks any period. Sheesh, if there's no outlet, and you've driven for 2 hours, you probably know what you're looking for down there....
We went along at a nice 12mph (or so) pace. We made it back to her house, I dropped the hammer and pushed it for a hard ride after that. I went down a stretch of road that has nice gentle hills (if you can even call them that) and I cruised along at about 17 or 18 mph for that stretch for an additional 8 milesm making 11 total for the day. It was a nice ride, and also fun to have someone with whom I could chat for a while.
I am trying to talk her into riding her bike to school regularly. That way we will have 3 bikes crammed in the teacher's lounge. Maybe then the school can look into getting a bike rack. That would be GREAT since there are some students who I know would ride if they had a place to secure their bikes. We'll see if it can happen.
Alas, I digress.
On another note, I must say that temperature plays such a dramatic difference. Going out this morning, it was about 20 degrees cooler (upper 70s), with a mostly cloudy sky made the ride amazing. I went a mile further and completed the ride faster than I did on Monday. Yet when I got home, I had a drink of water and was all set for more activities. After Monday's ride, I came home and collapsed on the floor after only 5 miles. Fortunately, the cooler weather is predicted for the rest of the week.
Ahhh.... I'm looking forward to some good rides!!
Finally, here is another great sign I came across while riding. I don't know about you, but I'm quite glad they informed me that the road ends in 110 miles! Not 11.0 or 1.10, but 110 miles. I checked the sign closely and it indeed lacks any period. Sheesh, if there's no outlet, and you've driven for 2 hours, you probably know what you're looking for down there....
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hottest Day of the Year, and Another Milestone
No, I am not exaggerating. Seriously, today was the hottest day of 2009 in this area. The temperature was up to 99 with a heat index of nearly 110. I swear, I thought I was back in Georgia. Nonetheless, I went for my ride today. Although I could have easily written off part (if not all) of it, I knew I needed to go.
So I ran my errands by the post office, registered my son for kindergarten, and picked up some textbooks from the junior college (where I teach at nights). All in all it turned into a 9.75 mile ride for the day, but it was miserable!!!
I stopped three times to fill up my water bottle, and even stopped in one convenient store just to cool down for a couple of minutes. My legs were putty and nearly useless by the time I got home. I felt worse then after Saturday's ride more than twice as far.
The worst part was that I was so tired, I fell asleep before taking a shower. Ugh....
Fortunately, tomorrow will not be as hot, and the rest of the week is lining up for the mid-80s. I am looking forward to some good rides before I must return to teaching.
The other great milestone is that today I passed 400 miles on my bike! It's a little weird thinking that I have ridden that far, but obviously I have. I am looking forward to many more miles, but also looking forward to losing some weight. Alas, I still haven't come to weigh myself. I guess I'll do that in another hundred miles or so...
So I ran my errands by the post office, registered my son for kindergarten, and picked up some textbooks from the junior college (where I teach at nights). All in all it turned into a 9.75 mile ride for the day, but it was miserable!!!
I stopped three times to fill up my water bottle, and even stopped in one convenient store just to cool down for a couple of minutes. My legs were putty and nearly useless by the time I got home. I felt worse then after Saturday's ride more than twice as far.
The worst part was that I was so tired, I fell asleep before taking a shower. Ugh....
Fortunately, tomorrow will not be as hot, and the rest of the week is lining up for the mid-80s. I am looking forward to some good rides before I must return to teaching.
The other great milestone is that today I passed 400 miles on my bike! It's a little weird thinking that I have ridden that far, but obviously I have. I am looking forward to many more miles, but also looking forward to losing some weight. Alas, I still haven't come to weigh myself. I guess I'll do that in another hundred miles or so...
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Longest Ride Yet!! ...And some disappointing news
I am super excited after yesterday. I rode for a whopping 21.5 miles! That nearly doubled my previous single trip distance of 12 miles. I used to think that 10 miles was pretty good, well for a fat guy that is. As it turns out, I am capable of much more.I went at (what I consider to be) a disappointing 14 mph. I could sit here and talk about the headwind (which was pretty bad), or the heat (upper 90s!), or even that there were more hills than anticipated (which is true). All of these things came together to make it a challenging ride. I pushed myself longer and farther than I ever had before, and in the end, I wasn't thinking about how hard it was, the hills, the heat, or anything else. I was thinking how much I wish I had taken a camera! There were some nice scenes along Hwy 301, but I can wax poetically about that at another time.
Not only was I excited about the distance, but I have also been going for three weeks as of yesterday. In that time, I have cycled 104 miles! This works out to 4.95 miles per day in that time. Which tells me that I am hitting the overall average, AND that I have largely compensated from my family vacation to Georgia.
Now for the disappointment. I was speaking with a far more avid cyclist than I. He explained (completely unsolicited and unawares of my plan or this blog) that for weight loss, I should expect to cycle 12-15 miles at a time! I don't know how I will get that much out everyday. Maybe I will kick my goal up to 10, I'm not sure. All I know is that I have A LOT more work ahead of me.
I will try to get in a 6 mile rie tonight, but I have at least 10 tomorrow with the various errands I have tomorrow (Monday). Here's to a lot more work, and a lot more fun!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Llama Road Kill (Almost)
It has been a long hard 3 days since I returned from Georgia. I have pushed myself hard and had a lot of fun with it. After doing 7 miles worth of errands on Tuesday, I went out that evening for a quick 3 mile ride to make 10 for the day.
Yesterday, I left for the Wednesday night service at church early and asked my wife to pick me up on the way whenever she caught up to me. I went down a fairly busy stretch of road that I had never ridden before. I should have known it would be more difficult when I had to cross the interstate (I-95). That was an adventure, but it was funny watching the reaction from teh driver behind me.
We were stopped at a traffic light immediately before the interstate. I was looking around, and I could see that he didn't like having a cyclist in front of him. Fortunately, we were on a slight downgrade, and I was able to get myself up to about 22 mph or so, and slingshot myself up the overpass. He was visibly impressed when he passed me half-way up the hill. He even gave me a "thumbs up."
That was all fine and dandy. The bad part came when I was on the rightmost of the four lane divided highway (two lanes in each direction). Most of the vehicles were passing in the left hand lane, which is greatly appreciated. (As a sidenote, if you see a cyclist, give him plenty of room on the road!!)
Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a semi came past me with about 6 inches to spare!! It scared the ever living crap out of me!! Years ago, I drove buses, and I learned that 6 inches it more than enough room, but it still scared me when I wans't expecting it. Now, in all fairness, the trucker had cars in the next lane and could not move over, and I understand that he didn't/couldn't clow down just for a cyclist. But whoa.... that was something.
I had to stop for a few moments to collect my thoughts... which, now that I think about it, is better than stopping to collect body parts. Still it shook me up and I ended up going slower for the rest of the evening. That was why I only managed to do 10 miles. Nonetheless, I made it to the county line, which was definitely an accomplishment.
Speaking of accomplishments, with today's ride, I have managed 26 miles in 3 days! (I would have gone further today, but the rain was eminent, and I didn't want to get wet.) Tomorrow I will step on the scale and see if there is any progress.
Yesterday, I left for the Wednesday night service at church early and asked my wife to pick me up on the way whenever she caught up to me. I went down a fairly busy stretch of road that I had never ridden before. I should have known it would be more difficult when I had to cross the interstate (I-95). That was an adventure, but it was funny watching the reaction from teh driver behind me.
We were stopped at a traffic light immediately before the interstate. I was looking around, and I could see that he didn't like having a cyclist in front of him. Fortunately, we were on a slight downgrade, and I was able to get myself up to about 22 mph or so, and slingshot myself up the overpass. He was visibly impressed when he passed me half-way up the hill. He even gave me a "thumbs up."
That was all fine and dandy. The bad part came when I was on the rightmost of the four lane divided highway (two lanes in each direction). Most of the vehicles were passing in the left hand lane, which is greatly appreciated. (As a sidenote, if you see a cyclist, give him plenty of room on the road!!)
Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a semi came past me with about 6 inches to spare!! It scared the ever living crap out of me!! Years ago, I drove buses, and I learned that 6 inches it more than enough room, but it still scared me when I wans't expecting it. Now, in all fairness, the trucker had cars in the next lane and could not move over, and I understand that he didn't/couldn't clow down just for a cyclist. But whoa.... that was something.
I had to stop for a few moments to collect my thoughts... which, now that I think about it, is better than stopping to collect body parts. Still it shook me up and I ended up going slower for the rest of the evening. That was why I only managed to do 10 miles. Nonetheless, I made it to the county line, which was definitely an accomplishment.
Speaking of accomplishments, with today's ride, I have managed 26 miles in 3 days! (I would have gone further today, but the rain was eminent, and I didn't want to get wet.) Tomorrow I will step on the scale and see if there is any progress.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What exactly is a Wonder Llama?
I think it is time for you to meet the cast of characters in this endeavor, which would include me and my bikes. I wanted to to start things off with me; not because I am arrogant and self aggrandizing, but because I know that a few of you are wondering where the title/nickname/moniker of Manuel the Wonder Llama originated. Well here you go, wonder no more…
It was at a ripe young age that I first saw Monty Python and the Holy Grail (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071853/). It was on A&E, and yes, I did watch that channel in 8th grade. If you have not seen it, then take the time, otherwise, this post may sound like gibberish. (Let’s be honest, it may still sound like that, but we’ll see.)
At the beginning of the film, the dramatic opening credits are cut short due (twice) and finally they hire another crew to finish them. Due to budget cuts, they hire a super cheap group peopled almost exclusively by llamas. One of the crew was named Ralph the Wonder Llama. By the end of it I came to love Monty Python, and I was starting to learn the subtleties of their humor.
So, it was the very next day in school that I was in Georgia History when things came together. My teacher was Mr. Sweat. Seriously! His name was Mr. Sweat! If you think that is bad, his first name was Delmos. I swear, it is like his parents didn’t think he had to grow up in school. But I digress…
So we were discussing women’s suffrage in history, and one of the girls in class was up on her soapbox about women’s lib. I saw the opportunity and I couldn’t resist. I raised my hand and threw in my two cents worth:
Me: Mr. Sweat, I agree. A woman’s place is not in the kitchen…
Classmate: Finally a guy who gets it!
Me: …we need her in the rest of the house: to do the laundry, make the bed, clean the living room…
Needless to say, this did not go over too well with everyone. Some laughed, but my colleague got quite irritated, and challenged me:
Classmate: I swear, you really are just like every other guy I can’t believe you. Just who do you think you are?
Me: (Thinking of the intro to Holy Grail) “I am Manuel Llama”
Her: Huh?
Me: And not only am I a llama, I am a Wonder Llama! And nobody messes with a Wonder Llama!!
And so there you go. The official creation of Manuel the Wonder Llama. It is silly, stupid, and crazy. However, that is where the term came from. Sorry if it is a bit underwhelming. But this is where my love of Llamas started. Perhaps that is why I like Carl from "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron." Oh, and this is an artist's rendition of a Wonder Llama looks like. (Thanks Preston!)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A Great New Prank!
So I was glad to get back into the cycling action after vacation. I used today to run some errands around town to get myself started back on a good note. Unfortunately, this town is small enough that my main errands wouldn't take a full five miles. So I got creative and took a long route, and added an unnecessary task just to get my mileage up where it needed to be. Actually, I went a little over 7 miles when all was said and done.
I did, however, come up with a fun prank. I had to go by the Department of Motor Vehicles and decided to stop in and see how they handle a cyclist. I rode up, went in with my helmet, and inquired about how to get a license for my bike. They kept trying to answer about a motorcycle. Big surprise right? The bast part was when I was informed that my helmet was not appropriate for a motorcycle. It took them a while to realize that I was talking about a bicycle!
Oh... it was fun! Stupid, but fun.
I did, however, come up with a fun prank. I had to go by the Department of Motor Vehicles and decided to stop in and see how they handle a cyclist. I rode up, went in with my helmet, and inquired about how to get a license for my bike. They kept trying to answer about a motorcycle. Big surprise right? The bast part was when I was informed that my helmet was not appropriate for a motorcycle. It took them a while to realize that I was talking about a bicycle!
Oh... it was fun! Stupid, but fun.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Back Home and Way Behind
You know, it is generally a bad idea to try and start a new exercise program of ANY kind the week before leaving on a family vacation. We were gone for 11 days, and I only rode my five miles on 4 of those days.
I missed 3 days in travel, 1 due to being doped up on benedryl after being swarmed by wasps, and 3 more due to inclement weather. Ugh... what a horrible vacation for cycling!!
Otherwise the trip was okay. It consisted of much yard work and odd jobs for my mom and mother-in-law. Plus, there were the online graduate classes that I am working on as well. Hmmm.... On second thought, it was not much of a fun vacation now was it?
Fortunately, I am back home! This means I can get back to a regular schedule and get back in the cycling groove! Whoo hoo!!
I plan on starting tomorrow by running my various needed errands on bike. That should cover the mileage easily. Plus, after the many hills in Snellville, the flatlands of southside Virginia will be like visiting an old friend.
And I am sorry that I took so long to update. So I would like to reward your patience with a hilarious sign that I saw today at a rest stop on I-85 in North Carolina. This is one of the better public signs I have seen.
Based upon the phrasing, I guess it is not punishable to use the parking lot as a urinal but NOT as a toilet.
The scary part is that you know they would not have made a sign if there had not been a need for explaining it.
I missed 3 days in travel, 1 due to being doped up on benedryl after being swarmed by wasps, and 3 more due to inclement weather. Ugh... what a horrible vacation for cycling!!
Otherwise the trip was okay. It consisted of much yard work and odd jobs for my mom and mother-in-law. Plus, there were the online graduate classes that I am working on as well. Hmmm.... On second thought, it was not much of a fun vacation now was it?
Fortunately, I am back home! This means I can get back to a regular schedule and get back in the cycling groove! Whoo hoo!!
I plan on starting tomorrow by running my various needed errands on bike. That should cover the mileage easily. Plus, after the many hills in Snellville, the flatlands of southside Virginia will be like visiting an old friend.
And I am sorry that I took so long to update. So I would like to reward your patience with a hilarious sign that I saw today at a rest stop on I-85 in North Carolina. This is one of the better public signs I have seen.
Based upon the phrasing, I guess it is not punishable to use the parking lot as a urinal but NOT as a toilet.The scary part is that you know they would not have made a sign if there had not been a need for explaining it.
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