Did my first metric century today. Home -> Cortland -> Roca -> Bennet -> Home
Time: 4 hours 11 minutes
Average Speed: 15mph
I think it's pretty good for my first long ride of the season. I'm still breaking in the brooks swallow. I have to say: It's not as comfortable as the B17. It might be just a pinch too narrow for me. I'm gonna give it some more time though.
Showing posts with label ride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ride. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Studs
Yesterday was my first ride with studs. No falls, so either I was on my game (read: chicken shit of falling) or they work pretty well.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Ride
I went for a nice ride today, although it wasn't as nice as the plan. The plan was Lincoln to Cortland. Cortland to Roca. Roca to Bennet. Bennet back to Lincoln. 56 miles.
Well, I took a wrong turn after roca and ended up on a gravel saltillo road. Only got 50 miles in, oh well.
I'm hoping to get ready for track and back in a couple weeks.
Well, I took a wrong turn after roca and ended up on a gravel saltillo road. Only got 50 miles in, oh well.
I'm hoping to get ready for track and back in a couple weeks.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
87 Miles, LBL
I went on a ride to beatrice today, by the way of the homestead trail. It was a nice ride, big showing: Me and the ride leader.
Crushed limestone is punishing, especially 4 hours of crushed limestone.
Crushed limestone is punishing, especially 4 hours of crushed limestone.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday ride
Distance: 25mi
Time: 2 hours
It was a nice ride. I rode up to the edge of downtown, then jogged over toward the cemetery on O. Unfortunately, the only open entrance is on O, and I didn't want to mess with that to see graves!
So I rode down 33rd street to Normal. Then jogged over to the lake. I got pretty close to the lake when I heard "USE THE TRAIL" yelled from a car on the opposite side of the road. Maybe I should start yelling "USE A BICYCLE" at every motorist I see? I doubt they'd care, those sealed cabins are pretty sound proof. And it's not like it's the perfect temperature outside for rolled down windows (it is).
Then I went out East on the trail (I thought I'd take his advice, afterall there's no good road for where I was going).
Road past a "No Trespassing" sign that was practically on the trail. In fact, I was strongly tempted to rip it off: I pay to raise their land values and build a trail by their house, then they put up a no trespassing sign. Screw you buddy. See if I share with you again.
Road on East until the trail ran out. Then I proceeded through the muck on foot. I wanted to ride around in the really expensive section of housing out here. Apparently there's a hospital out there? It mentioned an emergency room but didn't mention a name.
Then I took a trip down to 84th, down 84th, then down Old Cheney. Decided I'd stop being obnoxious and use the Old Cheney trail once I got to 70th.
And on home I went. Good ride, only one rude driver. Alright, only one _really_ rude driver.
I'm convinced more of us should cycle on the road. Lincoln drivers have a lesson to learn. I'm thinking I should get a critical mass ride started. I think about 8:30AM on a Wednesday would be good.
It's our road too. We pay for it too.
Distance: 25mi
Time: 2 hours
It was a nice ride. I rode up to the edge of downtown, then jogged over toward the cemetery on O. Unfortunately, the only open entrance is on O, and I didn't want to mess with that to see graves!
So I rode down 33rd street to Normal. Then jogged over to the lake. I got pretty close to the lake when I heard "USE THE TRAIL" yelled from a car on the opposite side of the road. Maybe I should start yelling "USE A BICYCLE" at every motorist I see? I doubt they'd care, those sealed cabins are pretty sound proof. And it's not like it's the perfect temperature outside for rolled down windows (it is).
Then I went out East on the trail (I thought I'd take his advice, afterall there's no good road for where I was going).
Road past a "No Trespassing" sign that was practically on the trail. In fact, I was strongly tempted to rip it off: I pay to raise their land values and build a trail by their house, then they put up a no trespassing sign. Screw you buddy. See if I share with you again.
Road on East until the trail ran out. Then I proceeded through the muck on foot. I wanted to ride around in the really expensive section of housing out here. Apparently there's a hospital out there? It mentioned an emergency room but didn't mention a name.
Then I took a trip down to 84th, down 84th, then down Old Cheney. Decided I'd stop being obnoxious and use the Old Cheney trail once I got to 70th.
And on home I went. Good ride, only one rude driver. Alright, only one _really_ rude driver.
I'm convinced more of us should cycle on the road. Lincoln drivers have a lesson to learn. I'm thinking I should get a critical mass ride started. I think about 8:30AM on a Wednesday would be good.
It's our road too. We pay for it too.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
60 Degrees!
Saturday was gorgeous. I went for a nice 27mile ride which made me realize just how hard it's gonna be to get my miles back up. I actually felt fine to continue, but I had other things to get done and my back tire seemed low (pumping it up with a frame pump wasn't a pleasant sounding idea either).
I think I saw five child carriers.
The trails were just packed. So I gave up on them after riding some of the better ones. The newer trail out on the southwest side is pretty nice. It's sectional (complaint coming) but it's new enough that it doesn't affect the ride. And even though it's completely residential it doesn't see as much intense use.
Which brings me to my complaint: Why does Lincoln build trails like sidewalks? Do you build roads sectionally? No. So why would you build trails sectionally?
I actually think the trails are just missing the final step of road construction: The smooth top coat of cement or asphalt which can be stripped and replaced and repaired with tar many many times.
This seems to be how they build trails in Des Moines (they're all rail trails though).
The trail system here really is pretty cool. But it just doesn't cut it for a fast rider. I'm gonna be looking for new, non-trail, routes now. It's more stressful than busy roads (mostly because of the dogs) and you just can't keep any speed with all the thump-thump-thump-thump-THUMP-thump-THUMP-thump.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday Ride
Distance: 25mi
Avg: 13.5mph
Route: Around the south side trails
Yesterday was a pretty nice ride. It was fairly windy, but the wind really only bothered me going straight south (almost directly into it) on parts of the trail with little coverage and some mild incline.
Still some slick spots. But not too bad.
Lots of irritating dog walkers and walkers. Special thanks to the older couple who thought the dividing line was a convenient his and hers trail setup.
Avg: 13.5mph
Route: Around the south side trails
Yesterday was a pretty nice ride. It was fairly windy, but the wind really only bothered me going straight south (almost directly into it) on parts of the trail with little coverage and some mild incline.
Still some slick spots. But not too bad.
Lots of irritating dog walkers and walkers. Special thanks to the older couple who thought the dividing line was a convenient his and hers trail setup.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Flat Tire. Crap!
The odometer reads 804 (it's been a long winter), and poof. The tire begins deflating after a winter formed crack in the bike path.
So I bought a patch kit and bike mountable pump today; and a couple of spare tubes. The tube was patchable though, so I figured a $0.30 patch would be fine over a $6 tube.
Oh well, I was ready for the ride to be over anyway. It was cold today. The temperature was fine, but there was a lack of sun exposure and it was very windy.
I also saw warming patches at the shop. For $2 I'll skip them and buy shoe covers. But I'm wondering if I can order a box online for something more reasonable, like four times cheaper.
So I bought a patch kit and bike mountable pump today; and a couple of spare tubes. The tube was patchable though, so I figured a $0.30 patch would be fine over a $6 tube.
Oh well, I was ready for the ride to be over anyway. It was cold today. The temperature was fine, but there was a lack of sun exposure and it was very windy.
I also saw warming patches at the shop. For $2 I'll skip them and buy shoe covers. But I'm wondering if I can order a box online for something more reasonable, like four times cheaper.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Beautiful Weekend Rides
This weekend was beautiful in Lincoln, as was today actually (I was at work).
Saturday I managed to get in about 20 miles before I realized my toes were cold enough to hurt. Oh well, it was one of the longest rides I've had since November!
Sunday I got in about the same, except it was just numb instead of pain. These summer road shoes just don't do well in winter weather. I suppose I should open my wallet and buy some covers huh?
I got buzzed on a side road by a little grey compact sedan. I don't know why on a residential road, with little traffic, you have to wait until there's a parked car and an oncoming car to pass the cyclist you've been following?
So, anyway, I caught up to him at a stoplight and buzzed him back. Don't worry, no touchy touchy. That's about my only wannabe story. You don't get much on a short ride.
Today my bike was so squeaky I couldn't bear to not clean it. Not to mention it was disgustingly grungy (and I meant everything, not just the drivetrain). These first days of spring coming up are going to be ugly for maintenance time.
I've been thinking about setting 200 miles a week as a goal. Since about 40 of that is commute miles, and probably half of the rest will be on group rides I think it won't be too boring. That's really key though. While I'd like to get faster, fitter, farther, etc. If I'm not enjoying it I'm not going to do it. Why ruin a good thing with obsessive training? I'm not going to win any races.
Saturday I managed to get in about 20 miles before I realized my toes were cold enough to hurt. Oh well, it was one of the longest rides I've had since November!
Sunday I got in about the same, except it was just numb instead of pain. These summer road shoes just don't do well in winter weather. I suppose I should open my wallet and buy some covers huh?
I got buzzed on a side road by a little grey compact sedan. I don't know why on a residential road, with little traffic, you have to wait until there's a parked car and an oncoming car to pass the cyclist you've been following?
So, anyway, I caught up to him at a stoplight and buzzed him back. Don't worry, no touchy touchy. That's about my only wannabe story. You don't get much on a short ride.
Today my bike was so squeaky I couldn't bear to not clean it. Not to mention it was disgustingly grungy (and I meant everything, not just the drivetrain). These first days of spring coming up are going to be ugly for maintenance time.
I've been thinking about setting 200 miles a week as a goal. Since about 40 of that is commute miles, and probably half of the rest will be on group rides I think it won't be too boring. That's really key though. While I'd like to get faster, fitter, farther, etc. If I'm not enjoying it I'm not going to do it. Why ruin a good thing with obsessive training? I'm not going to win any races.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Slimy Riding
I managed to get in two rides this weekend. One saturday and one sunday. Amazingly I got a 25 mile ride in on Saturday: It was cold, and icy. I probably spent 45 minutes walking the bike across huge ice patches, and other times just riding slow to watch for new ice patches.
Strangely, most people seemed to stay in on Saturday. I ended up going home early due to numb toes: My shoes really are summer shoes, they ventilate much too well for this weather (and I wrap sandwich bags around my toes to minimize that).
I did slide out and wreck on Saturday. I'm still not entirely convinced my rear derailleur is quite where it was before the slide out; but it finds all my gears about as quick as ever so it must be in my head.
Not a terribly big deal, I wasn't doing more than 8-10 and just slid on my butt. I'm not sure how I got out of my pedals, that just happened (they're single release).
Later on, Saturday still, I discovered my right clip was loose.
With my shoes stuck to the pedal I rode into the shop and they pried it out with a screw driver. Nice guys over there at Blue's Bike btw.
Today I got in a measely 12 miles before I got cold. Strangely there were tons of people out today. I got quite a few "it's icy isn't it" to which I thought "you should have seen it yesterday."
Strangely, most people seemed to stay in on Saturday. I ended up going home early due to numb toes: My shoes really are summer shoes, they ventilate much too well for this weather (and I wrap sandwich bags around my toes to minimize that).
I did slide out and wreck on Saturday. I'm still not entirely convinced my rear derailleur is quite where it was before the slide out; but it finds all my gears about as quick as ever so it must be in my head.
Not a terribly big deal, I wasn't doing more than 8-10 and just slid on my butt. I'm not sure how I got out of my pedals, that just happened (they're single release).
Later on, Saturday still, I discovered my right clip was loose.
With my shoes stuck to the pedal I rode into the shop and they pried it out with a screw driver. Nice guys over there at Blue's Bike btw.
Today I got in a measely 12 miles before I got cold. Strangely there were tons of people out today. I got quite a few "it's icy isn't it" to which I thought "you should have seen it yesterday."
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Saturday's Ride
Appx. Distance: 42 mi
Appx. Time: 3:30 hours
Today was a good day to ride, about 10 degrees to cold for normal cycling wear. I really need to get out and do more highway and street riding though, trails here just slow you down too much.
Appx. Time: 3:30 hours
Today was a good day to ride, about 10 degrees to cold for normal cycling wear. I really need to get out and do more highway and street riding though, trails here just slow you down too much.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday's Ride
Appx. Distance: 25 mi
Appx. Time: 1:47 hours
Trails used: Boosalis, Rock Island, Billy Wolfe, Antelope
Today was a great day to ride. Warm, sunny, and not very windy! So I just had to fit a ride in at the end of the afternoon.
All I have to say today is: If you walk the commuter trails in Lincoln, don't apologize to passing cyclists. You have every right to be there. Especially if you're respectfully only occupying the right half of the trail!
Appx. Time: 1:47 hours
Trails used: Boosalis, Rock Island, Billy Wolfe, Antelope
Today was a great day to ride. Warm, sunny, and not very windy! So I just had to fit a ride in at the end of the afternoon.
All I have to say today is: If you walk the commuter trails in Lincoln, don't apologize to passing cyclists. You have every right to be there. Especially if you're respectfully only occupying the right half of the trail!
Saturday's Ride
Appx. Distance: 35 mi
Appx. Time: 3 hours (I got lost a lot)
Number of angry honks: 1
Number of "I love you's" from random men in a passing car: 1
Trails Used: Bison, Boosalis (hwy 2), Rock Island, Billy Wolff, Jamaica North, Pioneers Pk (don't do this on a bike, it's not pleasant)
Best place to stop: Pioneers Park, I wish I'd known this existed before
There always seems to be a lot of talk about Lincoln as a cycling friendly town. And in many ways it is, but in many ways it's quite hostile.
It seems that the city is a big fan of making the city friendly to cyclists. Building dozens of commuter trails (some were even worth building), bike lanes downtown, bridges, occasional underpasses, and etc.
But the people in this city... Wow. You experience it in every town, but I can honestly say I've never feared being rear ended in Des Moines.
It's commonplace for a driver to pass you inside your lane (I ride about 1/3 out from the curb so that means they're occupying two lanes). Yesterday I got a honk from a car approaching rapidly (judging by the approach of the long honk I didn't think they were slowing down; I moved, they didn't slow down). Oh, I'm sorry, I meant SUV not car.
About a quarter of the drivers in this town don't know to stop before the crosswalk at an intersection. Usually they're pretty good about not doing it on bike routes, but they do it there as well. It must be even more of an obstruction to walkers because I see it constantly while driving. This isn't surprising though, Lincoln drivers only look good because Omaha drivers are so bad.
Let's look at what makes a Bicycle friendly community (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/communities/bfc_five-Es.php):
1. Engineering (trails, bike lanes, BIKE RACKS, cities designed to be cyclable -- I'm not sure that they count impossible hills against you)
I don't stop at a lot of stores when I'm out so I haven't looked for racks everywhere, but I don't see them out front when I do go to stores. This is something I'd have to look into more.
Another issue here is our commuter trails. These trails are sidewalks, not safe bicycle trails: 84th, 70th, Old Cheney, and probably Superior but I haven't been up there.
2. Education
Nebraska doesn't even educate its drivers on how to drive with other vehicles. So that's an obvious loss, sorry Lincoln.
3. Encouragement
I say good job. The maps of the trails are pretty good (although it'd be nice if they'd put the interstate on the map so that you don't feel lost when you end up crossing it -- just a suggestion).
4. Enforcement
I'm not sure there's much enforcement for anyone on the roads in Lincoln. I've lived here for 6 months and yesterday was the first time I saw a car pulled over here (I think). I'm not complaining, oh no I'm not complaining about that. I just can't offer an intelligent point of view on this one.
I wonder though if Lincoln has a bike squad. They probably should downtown.
5. Evaluation and Planning
Again, no clue.
Interestingly enough not many places win this it seems. Not even Des Moines which has an amazing set of rural trails which connect into the city. And there rural trails aren't crushed limestone!
Appx. Time: 3 hours (I got lost a lot)
Number of angry honks: 1
Number of "I love you's" from random men in a passing car: 1
Trails Used: Bison, Boosalis (hwy 2), Rock Island, Billy Wolff, Jamaica North, Pioneers Pk (don't do this on a bike, it's not pleasant)
Best place to stop: Pioneers Park, I wish I'd known this existed before
There always seems to be a lot of talk about Lincoln as a cycling friendly town. And in many ways it is, but in many ways it's quite hostile.
It seems that the city is a big fan of making the city friendly to cyclists. Building dozens of commuter trails (some were even worth building), bike lanes downtown, bridges, occasional underpasses, and etc.
But the people in this city... Wow. You experience it in every town, but I can honestly say I've never feared being rear ended in Des Moines.
It's commonplace for a driver to pass you inside your lane (I ride about 1/3 out from the curb so that means they're occupying two lanes). Yesterday I got a honk from a car approaching rapidly (judging by the approach of the long honk I didn't think they were slowing down; I moved, they didn't slow down). Oh, I'm sorry, I meant SUV not car.
About a quarter of the drivers in this town don't know to stop before the crosswalk at an intersection. Usually they're pretty good about not doing it on bike routes, but they do it there as well. It must be even more of an obstruction to walkers because I see it constantly while driving. This isn't surprising though, Lincoln drivers only look good because Omaha drivers are so bad.
Let's look at what makes a Bicycle friendly community (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/communities/bfc_five-Es.php):
1. Engineering (trails, bike lanes, BIKE RACKS, cities designed to be cyclable -- I'm not sure that they count impossible hills against you)
I don't stop at a lot of stores when I'm out so I haven't looked for racks everywhere, but I don't see them out front when I do go to stores. This is something I'd have to look into more.
Another issue here is our commuter trails. These trails are sidewalks, not safe bicycle trails: 84th, 70th, Old Cheney, and probably Superior but I haven't been up there.
2. Education
Nebraska doesn't even educate its drivers on how to drive with other vehicles. So that's an obvious loss, sorry Lincoln.
3. Encouragement
I say good job. The maps of the trails are pretty good (although it'd be nice if they'd put the interstate on the map so that you don't feel lost when you end up crossing it -- just a suggestion).
4. Enforcement
I'm not sure there's much enforcement for anyone on the roads in Lincoln. I've lived here for 6 months and yesterday was the first time I saw a car pulled over here (I think). I'm not complaining, oh no I'm not complaining about that. I just can't offer an intelligent point of view on this one.
I wonder though if Lincoln has a bike squad. They probably should downtown.
5. Evaluation and Planning
Again, no clue.
Interestingly enough not many places win this it seems. Not even Des Moines which has an amazing set of rural trails which connect into the city. And there rural trails aren't crushed limestone!
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