I’ll continue to ride in southern Indiana. I really enjoy it.

Do you want to ride the Hilly Hundred this year? October 8, 9, 10th? Riding on 9th and 10th.

I’m undecided on the HH. I could really be insane, and try it on the single-speed (if I have it by then).

Unless we have a brew cruise tomorrow, I’ll have to pass on the brownish-frothy stuff. I only have two left at home.

It was a great ride. I’m sorry you had to miss it.

I know you’re loving your new bike, but make sure your LHT gets some love now and again.

My lower-carb diet is affecting my bicycling, but I don’t normally go fast anyway, so I’ll just have to deal with it.

I couldn’t drag my lazy butt out of bed early enough to ride today. I threw the Dahon in the trunk, and drove. I did ride about 1/2 miles from a parking lot to work though. Does that count?

As for news, I barely read it. What happens when I do? The blood pressure rises, and I have enough to worry about in life.

2 wheels:1 road

I’m hoping the honey colored saddle won’t stain anything, but I usually wear black shorts, so it shouldn’t be too noticeable.

I’ve ridden about 40 miles on the new saddle. I still need to tweak it a bit, but it’s more comfortable than the stock WTB saddle that came with the bike.

It’s sitting on top of the Velo Orange seatpost, but I think I need to adjust fore-aft a little more.

Yep, I don’t want to have to keep buying more saddles, so I’ll do better to keep this one dry.

I worked late last night to update a server after hours. The non-rush-hour ride in the dark was quite pleasant, other than a woman on a cell phone who nearly rear-ended me about 1/2 mile from home.

Amen! These are awesome. Around here, you can often find them at Kroger, Wal-Mart, or ValuMarket.

Do you feel that the relatively-small wheel size impacts the folder’s ability to handle hills and so forth? I keep thinking about buying one for trips, but I’m afraid (because I’m a moron who likes to ride fast, LOL) that I won’t enjoy it as much as a regular bike.

Then again, any bike while traveling is better than none!

I can’t scoop myself a normal portion of ice cream either. What is saving me lately are Edy’s Slow-Churned (lower fat) single-serving cups. You can get them for a buck apiece at Jewel/Albertson’s. I have one every night after dinner, and savor it slowly. Instant portion control!

I need to work on restraint too. I don’t think I’ve gained weight, but I don’t think I’ve lost any either, and given the amount of riding I’ve done this year, that’s a little disturbing.

The tunnels were neat. The long one was actually a bit creepy. I rode halfway through, then shut off my lights. It was truly totally dark.

My wife tells a story where she rode through one of them years ago with no lights, and had to guess the slight curvature of the path through the tunnel.

I would have walked if I hadn’t had a headlight.

I’m enjoying the trip as much as possible for a conference. They are keeping us pretty busy. If I had a bike here, I’d have little time to ride it.

There is plenty of food to be had, but I’m showing some self-control (for now).

Have a good trip.

The folder looks like a lot of fun.

Thanks for the info on the plant. I took the pictures of it, because Kristy was commenting on them when we saw them along the road on the drive there.

After reading a bit more about them online (now that you provided a name), it seems like an awesome plant for a garden… if only I had the time for one.

The folder was not the ideal bike for that ride. I was quite sore later in the day. It was worth the adventure though.

I didn’t go to Michigan and back today as originally planned. That’s for the best. I needed the time to clean house and pack for tomorrow’s flight to DC.

1. Like Michael, I love the mixed terrain with the folder. The double track quality is really inviting!

2. the plant with the butterfly is ‘Joe Pye Weed’, or Eupatorium. It grows in moist soil and I have 2 batches of it. Love the stuff.

3. ride looked even better with the pics. i’m so dying to get out for some adventure!

There will be NO riding this weekend. Saturday the 14th is still up in the air.

My Brooks has sagged pretty badly. I need to try to lace it. Just adjusting the tension isn’t going to be enough.

I’m currently using the WTB saddle that came with the bike. I don’t love it, but it doesn’t make anything numb either.

Whether I fix my Brooks, or buy another, I need to quit getting it wet. I just couldn’t bring myself to ride it while covered in a plastic grocery bag, but if I’m going to use a leather saddle, I may need to get over that.

Have you tried tensioning your Brooks? I have had sagging problems with mine as well, that are leaving me wondering what I should do with it. I might end up going with a non-leather saddle (gasp!). I love my Brooks, but it’s been trouble lately. Let me know if you figure anything out.

I had heard I should head north to some park areas, but I didn’t have time.

My time on the upcoming trip will be limited also, but I’ll see if I can get up that direction.

The weak spot on my Curve is the frame latch, so I’d keep an eye on that, but other than that, it’s a pretty sturdy bike. Enjoy it!

Cool.

Trying to ride Sunday morning, 9am. Are you free?
I have about three hours.

Lemme know if you can make it. Route is up for debate.

Patrick

Looking forward to seeing it.

When I moved out of Mom’s house in ’84, I didn’t have the money for a TV set. I got used to having a library a short distance away, listening to the radio/turntable/tape player, and the like. When I finally had the money to buy a TV set, I had higher priorities (at various times over the years: bike parts, car parts, a canoe, different bike parts, rock climbing gear, camera gear, a computer, other bike parts, a bike–any trends developing here?).

I don’t really miss TV. It’s kind of nice not having one.

I’ve had several periods where I didn’t watch TV, each of several months in length. I could give it up entirely, and I would read more books. My wife, on the other hand, really likes the occasional TV show.

Free TV club? Are there dues?

Great to see you are still riding so many miles!

I won’t say how often I have NOT been on my bike…

Great reports.

We sent our cable packing a couple years ago, I’m a free TV only kind of guy, we need to start a club.

We don’t have cable, either. I thought we were the only household in America that didn’t have it, but now I am pleased to see that there is indeed someone else around who isn’t a slave to what’s on tv. When we do watch tv, we mostly watch PBS, especially Nova, Nature and Frontline.

I have dealt with some of my issues on my Bianchi by getting new handlebars (nice wide Nitto Noodles, same as I have on my LHT), swapping saddles, and buying new gloves. I have found that Specialized gloves seem to work very well for me.

I certainly understand the desire for a faster bike. I don’t know anything about recumbents, but you seem to like them. I can definitely see how they might be more comfortable. Why not?

I have the same gut problems. I keep telling myself I’ll watch what I eat and drink, but I never seem to do it. Bah!

I went out for LBC’s A Good First Century on Sunday (bonked at mile 70 b/c I couldn’t eat, but still pretty stoked I made it that far, considering I was pretty much off the bike for six weeks due to an injury right before) and got saw a ton of ‘bents — especially tandems, oddly enough! They look like a lot of fun to ride, and they really are impressively fast on any kind of downhill grade at all.

I’ve been seeing things here and there talking about fitness vs. appearance. I know a fair number of folks who can ride the wheels off a bike (to say nothing of out-riding a few who are pretty slim in appearance) but who carry a few extra inches here and there.

Keep it all in perspective. Perspective helps offset that depression, too.

I don’t really remember a specific smell from the tobacco. It was a hot, humid day, and there were a lot of plant scents. I might not have noticed the tobacco.

Do those tobacco fields just smell incredible? We don’t have those around here, as far as I know.

The link to the route is in the first paragraph.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/102824

My route didn’t go through Otisco, but you could modify it like this:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/113493

At just over 30 miles, there really is only one water/food stop in New Washington, but that shouldn’t be an issue.

I hope you feel better soon!

Get better fast, enjoy having Kristy home with you when she gets there, and stay off that bike for another day or two so you can ride more enjoyably when you do get back on.

I have hiked at Clifty Falls before… about 8 years ago

I remember seeing your Edwardsville pictures before. Maybe not where you’d want to live, but makes for nice photography.

Tim,

I’ll be doing this again sometime. We’ll have to plan at a time that works for both of us.

You did get to ride though.

What luck running into John, and getting to ride with him.

You managed to pull off a camping trip, with some great mileage to boot. Way to go!

The view from Edwardsville is fantastic. There was a town (borough, really) called Edwardsville in PA. It was awfully bleak …

I hope the weather improves soon — the between-storms mugginess is what gets me!

I enjoy riding in the rain occasionally, but strong wind and lightning do bother me.

It was a great ride. I was pretty sore on Sunday, but I feel fine today, and rode the bike to work.

RideWithGPS has an “embed code” option under share. I used that. It’s not just an image, you can drag, zoom, and scroll. It’s pretty nifty.

Take the Quickbeam out for a spin around town. Hell, take the Rans out to blow the cobwebs out.

It was great riding with you again. Congrats on your first century!

Thanks also for answering my question. It sounds like our appetite behaves kind of similarly to mine.

I’m curious now. I think I’m going to poll all the cyclists I know about this.

Good luck on your century! Sounds like an awesome carb-loading plan.

I’m often not hungry immediately after riding home from work. I think the exercise kills the appetite. I’ll be hungry a couple of hours later though.

If I don’t ride, then I’m hungry when I get home. There may be some merit to that.

That said, I’m seriously consuming some pizza and beer tonight after riding home from work to prepare for my first-ever century ride tomorrow.

Be safe, watch out for the lamp posts.

Since I kind of had an altercation with a lamp post and haven’t been riding for a week or so while the soft tissue damage sorts itself, I’ve noticed that I’ve been really hungry.

Except after long rides, when I suddenly want to eat everything in a 3-mile radius and then go out for dessert, I’ve noticed that I feel hungrier on days that I don’t ride.

Do you run into the same sort of thing at all?

Now you’ve gone and inspired me to get back to food logging. The internet is awful like that; I just can’t handle the peer pressure!

The veggies are still at the store. I told you I needed to go!

p.s. — where are your veggies? You need some green stuff!

We stay together as a group rather than everyone at their own pace.

We don’t currently have a ride planned, but keep an eye out. I’d be pleased to meet you on an RCCS ride.

I rode into work today also. I don’t have any other errands to run, so it’ll be more like 34 miles for the day.

Elizabeth,
It was a beautiful, if slightly hot, day. We went through a lot of water.

I am feeling better. I’m not sure if it’s the exercise, or something else, but I won’t complain.

Thanks for coming up to ride. You’re welcome any time.

Its a guy who lives near me in Manchester UK.

PS a stone is 14 pounds so he started at 546 pounds !!

keep peddling

I think that’s one of the wisest things I’ve ever read. Glad you were able to ride to work today! I saw your comment about the medication — I was on one briefly for my allergies that had a similar effect, and once I switched off of it, it cleared right up. Here’s hoping it will clear up similarly for you!

I even managed to ride to work today. I feel better right now, but that’s probably the endorphin buzz.

I haven’t changed clothes yet. I’m actually sitting at my desk still wearing my helmet. Why yes, I am a dork.

Okay, time for work.

Keep working at it. It’s hard to figure what triggers an episode for me, so I finally quit trying to figure that out and just dealt with working my way out of the depths. Hearing platitudes about how well life is going for you (you have a wonderful wife, a better-than-many-have job, etc……) doesn’t help any.

I’ve chosen to not be depressed that my May bike mileage will be less than my March mileage. My June bike miles will probably be even worse than my February mileage.

Best results, my friend.

I hope things will start looking up soon. Depression sucks

Fast sucker, too.

The 5.5 miles climb was on the Blueridge Parkway. It was long but not horribly steep. It was followed by a 4 mile descent at much faster speeds.

I’m planning another ride tomorrow on a wonderful mountain gravel road with switchbacks! I’ll take pictures and post here.

Internet access is limited, as we have to drive to a place with wi-fi.

As for the pass-over, I found that on a ride back from C’Ville after buying my Lazer commuter helmet (that Tom inspired me to purchase).

Yes, I could steer the Ryan through the cutbacks under power.

The headlight is the Dinotte 600L. I’m also running a Dinotte 140L tail light.

I love the lights, but they are battery operated. I’m really wanting a hub dynamo. That will mean a bit less brightness from the headlight, unless I shell out the money for the Supernova E3 Triple headlight.

I already have a lot of money into the lighting system I have here, but I bought it back in the Fall of 2008 and was unaware of hub dynamos at the time.

I just noticed you mentioning the “lake”. That was the Ohio River at Bethlehem.

Thanks for the encouragement. I felt horrible. I was sick again today. I think I’ve figured it out though. My new diet is not working well.

I’m going to have to go back to a more traditional “watch what I eat” diet. Then I’ll have the energy to ride again.

I could post the planned route, but I ended up off-route twice. Then I bailed early.

This was the planned route:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/45268

I ended up following Blue Ridge all the way to Hibernia before heading east on Charlestown-Bethlehem Rd.

I also ended up on Miles Rd east of Paynesville Rd. That wasn’t quite on my route either.

I wrapped things up at New Washington.

Hang in there Dave, hope you’re doing well. But I have to say, paleo schmaleo. Eat a wide variety of good food in moderation and ride your bike! It worked for you before and it will work for you again. Just my own opinion.

The Park Tool School was a huge help.

As far as my birthday, it’s almost a month away!

Mine was three weeks ago. My older stepdaughter’s is later this week.

Great job on the commuting, nail and all you still managed to keep on movin’. It’s inspiring to those of us who are fair-weathered two-wheelers.

2. mileage good. more mileage gooder

3. brownies good. brownies bad. too much brownies badder.

Under the paleo concept the quantities consumed of each “in” food is up to the individual. You can make it meat heavy if you want, or more
fruit and veggies if you prefer, as long as the foods you eat are paleo.

More is explained here: http://paleodiet.com/definition.htm

I’m up for a lunch ride. I’m trying to ride to work every day this week. Succeeding so far.

Maybe a lunch ride this week?

I had planned a route from my house here:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/39540

It’s a work in progress, and I didn’t have any plans of when to ride it.

I’m planning on bringing my old hybrid and leaving it here, so that I’ll have a bike here even on days that I drive.

If I drive tomorrow, I’ll bring that bike.

Once you’ve had time to heal, we’ll need to have a ride in the Bloomington area.

Tim, Could our century idea take place in the same general area as yesterday’s ride?

I also need to ride a century soon.

Many decisions to make with the wife soon. Where to live, when to ride, other “big plans”

2. The 42×622 (700x40c) is about as wide as I should go. Any wider and I’ll have clearance issues with the fenders. Pebbles and rocks between the fender and tire would be annoying. As far as the Contis, I was already at OYLC and they don’t do Schwalbe. Both are good tires.

3. Blah!

4. I figured you’d be riding the Ute whenever you can this week, being it’s still a new bike and all. So what bike did you ride?

What really helps is having that one or two rides of length in a month, at least for accruing raw distance.

And that was a pathetic Dec. =)

2. interesting you ordered more Conti Contacts. Surprised you didn’t go for a wide Schwalbe.

3. Stress- I feel ya

4. Gonna try to test “cargo” Ute on Thursday. I can commute M and W, but no need for big cargo until then. I need to put a little bit of time in to practice packing and distributing weight. I’m not much of a scientest

also check out my blog, dawncrowell.com.
=]
laterz

Beautiful photos. I love your blog.

Phyllis,
Yep, that’s Dawn. She cut her hair a few days ago, and due to the lighting it makes her look about 12. Pretty funny to tease her about it.

Elizabeth.
I like riding short distances in the snow (much like I did on the day of this post), but I really don’t want to ride my full 16.5 miles commute that way. I’m not brave, just careful.

My daughter, Dawn, is a great kid. She just turned 18 in December. She’s doing really well in her senior year of high school, and is making plans for college.

As far as a vegetarian wife… There is a version of it made with cauliflower crust. It just doesn’t sound as appetizing though.

Unless I cook it on the back porch, in the George Foreman cooking-thing, though, I don’t see it happening at my house. Jenn’s vegetarian, and wouldn’t be very happy about me cooking that much meat in the kitchen…

I didn’t manage to ride to work in the snow today–opted to drive instead, partly because I was late getting going this morning. I’m off for a couple days, so maybe Friday!

It wasn’t frightening. Animal fat is good for you! (with many caveats).

I have been feeling better about my weight again. I’m hoping to have my weight permanently below 200 by the time Kristy gets home (end of March).

I generally try to give more notice on rides in general, but sometimes an opportunity crops up at the last minute.

I love the LHT. Thanks!

Sorrry I missed it.

Patrick

So sorry david.

Under the paleo concept the quantities consumed of each “in” food is entirely up to each person. You can make it meat heavy if you want, or fruit heavy if you prefer. As long as the foods you eat are paleo. Though if you need to lose a lot of weight you may have to limit the fruit.

Rest in peace Michael & May you be in a comfortable place!

The subject of the post is meant to compare my bicycle commute with the car-commute of the majority.

and you might be right. my commute is always dark.

Apertome,
Thank you! I moved my Dinotte tail light under the rack tonight, so the trunk bag is back on the rear where it belongs. I have a Planet Bike mount on the rack (thanks to Tom above), but my primary tail light is the Dinotte.

As far as the panniers, they don’t have a hook on the bottom, but a ring. The rear rack doesn’t have a hook for a ring. I think I can buy a couple of small S-hooks and solve that though.

Tim,
1: Only when climbing steep hills!
2: The bike is ready to go. The hard part is me getting my lazy butt out of bed. See you in the morning.

2. looking forward to seeing it tomorrow

May it serve you well for as long as you enjoy its company.

The rear rack in that picture is already in the trash. I pulled it off of my daughter’s bike as a temporary measure.

I’m getting an Axiom Odyssee rear rack, and the Surly front rack installed at the LBS. I should have the bike back Wednesday.

I’ll have pictures of the finished bike soon.

My wife and I have two vehicles. We could lower that number to one, save on gas, parking, insurance, and my mental health.

We’ve also considered moving someplace warmer.

16 miles is a long way to go in the serious cold.

If you feel cold while you’re riding, maybe you need to work on getting your layers figured out. If you do it right, you can be fairly comfortable.

On the other hand, maybe I’m just a freak who doesn’t mind the cold.

Yep, it will be more fun on the LHT… I’ll have lower gears.

Apertome,

By the time I get home from work today, I’ll have more miles in for January than I did in all of December, so, yes, it was good to get out.

I have spoiled my wife’s surprises a few times. No fun!

http://groups.google.com/group/surlylht

They both happened in the same month, so I didn’t worry about differentiating between them for this purpose.

Hang in there with the weight loss efforts. I like you have struggled with my ability to get it done. I know what works for me to lose weight, but for some reason, I lack the drive to stick to it. I have found that losing weight is difficult when life gets busy and I get tired. I find it much easier to have a plan and stick with it when my life is in balance and I take the time that I need to exercise and eat healthy. My troubles usually start with my “care taking” tendencies. I constantly feel like I need to make sure everything is okay for everyone else, before I dedicate time to my needs. Life is BUSY and if I don’t schedule it, then it doesn’t happen…and that includes prioritizing exercise time and meal planning.

Frequently I get bored with going to the gym and find that I need to exercise in some other way. Maybe you should re-evaluate what the bike riding means to you and see if it would be better to use the bike for enjoyment and not your primary means of exercise. I think I’m hearing you say that “time” is something that you are short of, and commuting with the bike takes time. When I am short on time and feeling stressed, I reach for my drug of choice…chocoate! It can be a no win cycle if I’m not careful.

Unfortunately, no one has the answers. Each person, by a process of doing what works and re-evaluating things when they are no longer working. The emotional/psychological element to weight loss is the hardest piece to master. Remember to surround yourself with positive and supportive people who encourage your healthy lifestyle.

Hang in there…you can do it. Good luck with your weight loss efforts in 2010 and thanks for sharing your journey with the rest of us.

Sherry

I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all to post what you eat here on your blog. A woman on another blog that I read does that, she lists everything she has eaten that day at the end of her post.

I keep track of what I eat using Weight Watchers Etools. I think it’s very important to track food intake.

I know exactly what you mean when you say you are dreaming about bikes rather than getting out there and biking. I do the same thing with garden seed catalogs! I do a lot of dreaming over the pretty pictures, when I should be out there weeding and watering.

Happy New Year to you and your bride! I hope it’s a wonderful year for you.

Phyllis,
Once you dress for comfort (bicycling tights or shorts), warmth (lots of layers, balaclava, etc), visibility (reflective vest), and protection (helmet) you look goofy enough that adding some Christmas lights just doesn’t matter anymore. Those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter.

John,
Heh! Yep, that’s where I’m heading too.

Once you start touring, I know you will be hooked. I do one every year now. A week to 10 days.

Putting a curb on the eating is the hardest part of this battle, I know. My weight loss has trickled down to .5 lbs. per week through this holiday season, but I am thrilled about that. I usually pack on 8 to 10 lbs. between Halloween and New Year’s Eve. The fact that I am losing anything at all is another Christmas miracle!

3 Dale Nunn’s grandfather’s barn just about a half of a mile from the first picture.

4 Taken on Haywood Rd just pass the Community Church with the two story house to the left, just outside of the frame and looking straight at the Borden post office.

5 Same spot on Haywood Rd, if you were to walk pass the bike you would end up in the creek.

6 Looking up Jackson Rd hill, right behind Borden High School.

7 This one is a little bit of a guess, but I would say it was taken from Jackson Rd looking back over Borden just before the back entrance to Top of the Rock.

#2 Mark, I’m envious. I would ride a fixed-gear bmx trike to take advantage of something like that.

#3 Dave, you know the weight thing. You’ve done it. Slow and steady and consistent

Yeah you would. Don’t beat yourself up. I first started cycling when my oldest was six, and my youngest was two. I raised them around bikes, and bought them nice, fairly expensive bike shop bikes. Today they are 23, 21, and 19, and we still own all three Trek bikes. But they are hanging in the garage, and are rarely taken out. I have kept the bikes, even though people have offered to buy them from me, because I figure that one day they will catch on, and want to ride a decent bicycle.

Just keep encouraging her a little, and set the example. She will figure it out one day.

It’s been too long since I lost any weight. I really miss the way it feels. I’ll get there again.

Congrats on the progress. Keep going. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.

I’m doing very well, down 40 lbs. I feel great, it’s amazing how much more energy I have. I don’t collapse into the lazyboy when I get home from work any more!

We still both prefer to ride bikes to work.

This is a very good idea. We have only one car between us, and it has saved us a heap of money. I live a 22km commute from work (sometimes 15km, depending on the site im at), and commuting by bike everyday is the best thing i’ve ever done. Having no car is just more motivation, and you won’t regret it.

cheers,

Daniel

I am pretty sure I know where the coon hunters club is, or at least where it use to be…

My inlaws live in Curby.

I admit checking routes is perhaps more sensible, but who wants to be sensible? Mutual Funds are sensible. Depends undergarments are sensible. White rice is sensible…

In any case, it sounds like you had a good time. You also learned an important lesson regarding GPS route planning: there is no substitute for actually checking the route in person.

Apertome,
Thanks. I was able to ride the bike in Sunday’s RCCS ride. I probably did more damage to the bike on Sunday’s ride than I did in the crash. I stretched a derailleur cable when it caught on a log. Everything on the bike is coated in mud. Yech!

And I echo the others, better to break something than break yourself.

I hope you have now been disaster-proofed, and will not have any more crashes.

Now I don’t have a rear fender and I need to decide if/when to replace it.

Glad you are not injured (aside from your pride and some hardware).

You’re a living testimony to the health benefits of bicycling. A lot of people have no idea that something as much fun as a bike could lower your heart risk by 50 percent! Way to go!

The information detailing the walk was on the front of the shirts in pink.

I had a near miss with a school bus this morning!

I haven’t stepped up my exercise yet, still just the walk every day. But I’m sure my body is getting used to that, so I have to step it up and add in something else. My weight loss has slowed to a snail’s pace now, about a half pound per week. I’m not complaining, though! I’m moving in the right direction, and am feeling great.

Small world.

It was sure a pretty day, good to see you enjoyed it, keep up the good work!

Sorry that life has been getting in your way. Hopefully things will find a tolerable equilibrium soon.

Thanks! I’ve been busy, and Kristy is out of town until the end of November, but we’re hanging in there.

I have fewer problems with seasonal depression now that I ride a bike. I think that being outdoors, even in the winter, and getting sunlight and fresh air is a good thing. Then again, I live a bit further south than you. I didn’t always though.

I did read your last blog entry about the rude driver. I read them all… except the gardening ones. I’m not really into gardening.

The rude drivers are rude to everyone. They’re not just rude to pedestrians or bicyclists. They’ll cut you off when you’re driving a bigger vehicle also. There’s something about people that changes when behind the wheel. I used to be that way, but bicycling has changed that. Some of my cycling friends admit to still being very impatient drivers.

I’ve recently taken to wearing earplugs on my commute. It’s probably not legal, but it is safe. I can hear fine. I’m not listening to music with earbuds, just deadening the noise a little with cheap foam earplugs. It is much less jarring when a truck honks at me. The earplugs have the added benefit of keeping cold air out of my ears so that I don’t suffer from earaches as often.

You blog post makes it sound like you are beginning to hate humanity. Don’t do that for the few idiots. They are in the minority.

In exercise news, I have lost enough weight that I comfortably do step aerobics again! I am excited about that. I have a lot of VCR tapes, so I dusted off the old VCR and popped in a tape. I like being able to work out in my living room instead of going to a gym.

Hope you are doing well!

I really like this line for some reason.

You know better than I, it’s discipline and more discipline. You’ve done it so you can do it again. After Oct. my weekends will open up for less soccer and more riding, if you’re interested.

Having ridden in those parts a little bit (albeit different routes), I know the terrain well enough to know you were challenged by it.

During the MS rides I worked and rode, participants were reminded that the challenge they were facing was only for a day or two–the challenges faced by those helped by the funds were all the time.

You had great weather once the clouds left Saturday morning. Jenn and I did a century ride with the LBC on Sunday–cloudy early with patches of sunshine as the day progressed.

I think I’ll stick with my Hybrid for in town and my recumbent for long charity rides….til I find something better.

Jerry

I still have work to do, and then I have to maintain, so I’ll just keep plugging away.

Good for you for riding to work as much as you can — the snow will be flying soon enough

I’m doing great with Weight Watchers, 34 lbs. and counting. I am adding some DVD workout sessions to my daily walking. Gotta keep the old bones moving……..

I’m so happy for you both, ain’t love grand?

Hope you have time for something this Fall. My commuting is steady but the longer rides have disappeared.

Note to Christy. You better treat him well. Although you seem pretty nice I guess I should be telling him that! LOL.

You Better Treat her good man! Congrats you 2

Congrats on your first anniversary. We’re just celebrated our zeroth.

Congratulations and enjoy the trip!

I’m driving to Florida in one day. It was going to be today, it’s been bumped until tomorrow.

When we get there we’re not staying in a hotel. We’re staying somewhere with actual cooking facilities, so that will help.

I’m also going to make the bicycle my main mode of transportation while I’m there.

Although we will be going to restaurants, If we can continue to split a meal, it should work well.

I rode to work today. It was quite chilly!

I’ve eaten well and I’m taking control again.

I didn’t intend to eat well while in San Antonio. I planned to enjoy myself, and I did. I regret that decision now.

The weight gain started a while ago. I really haven’t lost weight since March. I need to get busy.

I’ll be in Florida soon (getting married on the 12th), but I’m going to put more effort into eating healthy while I’m there. I’m also bringing a bike.

We have enjoyed gorgeous weather in Chicago this weekend, cool and sunny. I got a lot of work accomplished in the garden. I hope you were able to get out on your bike and enjoy it if you had good weather.

I’m down 31 lbs. now, and I can’t believe how much better I feel. I hope you can get back on track.

Keep up the good work, safe travels on your trip.

I’m sort of the same as you. Commuting’s been great (9 of last 10 days), but long rides have disappeared. could make Family Camp 110 a challenge. I’m having 2nd/3rd thoughts.

I’m flying to San Antonio on Sunday and I don’t have the money to rent a bike while I’m there. I posted on BikeForums about borrowing a bike, but no responses, so I guess I’ll play pedestrian for a few days.

I’m driving down to Florida next month for my wedding, and I’m taking the recumbent. I’m planning a 40-mile ride along Highway 1A from Cocoa Beach Florida, so that should be fun (and flat!).

I rode quite a bit last week, so much so that by the end of the week, my legs were really sore. I took Sunday off the bike, and rode to work this morning. It was about 80 degrees, with a stiff headwind, and muggy. But I loved every mile of it.

Keep it up. You rock.

I accidentally came across the news report of you cycling to work and decided to check out your blog. Very inspirational stuff!

Sad to hear that you’re finding it a bit tough, but get back on that bike! You’re doing so well so just keep it up! Nov 09 will be the 2 year anniversary of your blog – I know you know that, but hit it hard and hit it happy!

G’luck mate.

you’ve come a long way. get miles. feel the wind. feel the sunshine. suffer!!

Try to make the healthiest choices with your food, I know that’s not always easy, though. Hang in there!

Funny, the LHT I want is a “heavy workhorse” too.

As far as “wimping out”, I really thought I could handle the 120 miles. I have enough miles now. I think the fact I hadn’t been riding the recumbent much had a lot to do with it.

As for bikes, well, you know how bike taste is. You gotta do what’s best for your riding style and pleasure. As for number of bikes, while my situation is obsessive, I do think that having 2+ is beneficial in the long run: mechanicals, different muscles, different ride types, etc. I think the prob is that both Oria and Nermal are similar, slightly heavy workhorses. Maybe you need 1 workhorse, but another providing a different ride.

‘course, what the heck do I know. Just stay out of the flooding!

Awesome to read about you biking in the rain.. it’s just the shock of going from dry to wet that sucks… just like jumping into a pool.. or any other transition.. we humans don’t seem to like transitions… lol.. I guess Newton had it right.. all that about inertia..

Well done!!

Enjoy!!

Dave

I’m down 27 lbs now, and should really start doing some other exercise besides my walking. It’s way too dangerous to ride my bike anywhere around here, people drive like maniacs on a good day. I hope you enjoy your biking!

My diet was much better yesterday, and I’m eating well today so far.

Eating well while traveling requires planning ahead, so I need to get planning.

Congratulations on the weight loss. It does make a huge difference doesn’t it?

I’m doing well — I’m down 25 lbs. since May 2 when I started Weight Watchers. I can’t believe how much better I feel, physically and mentally. My heartburn is gone! That is a blessed relief for me.

Where are you and Kristy going on vacation? I hope you have a great time traveling.

Apertome,
I ordered Continental Touring Plus tires for Nermal. I’ve been running cheap(ish) Bontrager tires and had a number of flats. Oria has Schwalbe Marathons, and has been flat-free so far. I really like the Schwalbe tires, but these Contis were cheaper.

I’m still sick today (blah), but I have to drag myself to work. I won’t be riding though.

Just out of curiosity, what kind of tires did you order?

http://tinyurl.com/lbyvtc

I hope you are feeling better, and that your shoulder is getting stronger. Pain can wear you down, I know.

Enjoy yourself, you deserve it.

I started taking vitamins and fish oil two years ago, and that helped quite a bit. I’m not entirely sure why I’m having more problems now. It might be poor sleep due to pain.

I’d really rather avoid drugs or further medical care. I’ve had it up to here (hand at my neck) with doctors and medical bills.

It probably isn’t helping any that I haven’t ridden my bike since Friday. That changes today. I’m riding to work today.

Could it be time to talk to your doc about an antidepressant? I took Prozac for about 5 years, and was able to go off it several years ago, and I have been doing very well. The Prozac definitely helped me, especially with that “paralyzed” feeling that you are describing — that inability to get anything accomplished. There’s also a great book that I got a lot of help from, I think it’s called “Getting Up When You’re Feeling Down”. You might want to look for it in the Amazon used book section, you could probably pick it up pretty cheap.

I hope you feel better soon!!

I don’t carry anything for dogs. I can usually just point and yell “NO!”, and they stay back. I’m sure I’ll get bit some day, but I have dogs, and love dogs.

I had been thinking about a stainless bottle or two, but the plastic ones are so cheap.

Tim,

It was a great ride. As far as the incident, all’s well that ends well.

I rode the full ride to work today, but I’m planning a partial-ride tomorrow, so my monthly mileage will probably be closer to 540, but that’s okay too.

Sounds like you need a nice, stainless steel water bottle. They are kind of pricy for a water bottle, but they are really nice. And dog proof!

I’d really rather crawl back into bed, but I have to go to work.

I feel better now, and will ride, but I imagine it’ll be hard to get going in the morning.

The warmer weather seems to be making it easier for me though. I’ve figured out that I prefer steamy hot over brisk.

Two days down, three to go.

I’ve also been eating too much, but I love food! I baked some brownies a few days ago, and bought ice cream. There’s nothing quite like hot brownies with vanilla ice cream.

The brownies are gone now, maybe I can get back to losing weight.

In addition the the mixed-terrain ride and the century ride, I’d like to plan a 60-70 mile route starting at a coffee shop along Bardstown, and ride to Charlestown for pizza and beer, then ride back.

It would be a way to get more people to actually stop and enjoy the pizza, beer, and company more than having it at the end of the ride.

I’ll probably have the cables replaced while I’m there, they are not in good shape.

I’ll bring Oria for a good check-up too. That bike has 2300 miles now.

Tighten the L limit screw half a turn.

I saved the spoke sizing information, so I can make more spokes easily enough to replace any that are compromised.

I’ll be going to the shop Saturday morning, and will be there until 3:00, if you want to bring it out.

I threw the chain into the spokes. That lead to a skid. I unwrapped the chain, and put the bike in the truck (this was at the end of the ride), and didn’t notice anything wrong until I got home. Some of the spokes are slightly bent, and the wheel is out of true. Nothing broken, and the rim is fine, but it probably needs a few spokes and re-trued.

I want to get the shifting issues worked out first, so I don’t do it again.

Seriously, you would have had to really hit something hard to hurt that thing.

Let me know.

He was not aggressive at all. Several of us took pictures. He didn’t move until I touched him, then he just slithered off away from us.

I guess I need to plan and ride some solo rides in Louisville to get to know the area better.

Good luck on the coffee issue. I need my two cups in the morning or my day is shot!

That house boat looks inviting.

Glad yours turned out better.

I would go the cheap route too, but I am cheap, just ask my wife.

What color is best? Whatever can of rustolium whally world has on sale!

Wonder what story lies behind the iphone?

AS for RCCS rides, I’m looking at a couple weekend dates. Do we want to do the gravel ride or the century first. Give it some thought (me, i’ll take the gravel just for the base miles).

I cook simple meals. Some are healthy, some are not. I have a gas grill. I’ll usually grill a steak. Sometimes I throw corn on there (after soaking the whole ear in water for a while).

I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. I also eat frozen dinners when I’m short on time, or just lazy.

David, have you been cooking any healthy meals lately? We just got a little gas grill, I have never had one before. I love it so far — last night I made grilled tuna steaks, and they were delicious.

I am envious that you can ride your bike on errands and feel safe doing it. I don’t like riding on city streets, too many cars going way too fast!

I don’t “diet”. I just try to eat reasonably and track everything I eat. I’ve had ice cream, beer, pizza, and other things recently. I just can’t do that every day.

Today is a beautiful day for riding here, but I’m spending the day running errands (on the bike), working on the bikes, and cleaning house.

I’ll be riding Nermal (my upright bike) to work tomorrow, and that bike needed some cleaning, chain lube, and new brake pads before another commute.

Useful work (like planting shrubs) is the best exercise. That why I switched from the elliptical to a bicycle last year. I can accomplish something (travel) and get exercise at the same time.

The bicycle has it’s limitations though. It doesn’t help the upper body at all.

Those double digit losses in the first month or two feel incredible, but remember that pace is not sustainable. I’m now averaging about 5 lbs per 30 days.

Stick with it, and you will totally transform your body and feel much better.

I didn’t ride yesterday. I hope to ride today but I’ve got a ton of stuff around the house to do. I’ll probably squeeze in an hour though. I’ll also ride to run a few errands here in town.

I’ve been getting a lot of exercise planting a couple of new shrubs. I had to dig a two large holes, which took a lot of work. I started my weight loss journey on May 2, so it’s been just about a month. I am down 14-1/2 lbs, and I feel a lot better already. I have a long way to go, one day at a time!

Enjoy your cycling, I hope you have nice weather — the weather is gorgeous in Chicago today.

What usually helps me is allowing 15 minutes of some time-wasting activity, like playing solitaire on the computer, or watching tv in the lazyboy, followed by 15 minutes of something productive. I’ll go back and forth like that for a few hours, and I can trick myself into getting a lot of housework done that way.

Then some days I seem to have boundless energy and willingness to do all the mundane things without even thinking about it. The brain works in mysterious ways. I hope your blah spell passes quickly, and that your shoulder starts to get better soon.

I don’t do any gardening. I might eventually, but not this year. I do have a large shady yard. I love the trees, but I don’t enjoy cleaning up after them.

I’m going to try to get some more riding in this weekend, but I have to spend some more time doing housework. I spent most of last weekend riding, and let the housework go.

Unfortunately, I’ve been eating too much and cooking too little. I ate 1800 calories of ice cream in one sitting on Sunday night. Yep, it was a bit of a binge.

My legs were a bit sore, and I didn’t ride on Monday so I could recover. I was back on the bike this morning for a partial-commute, and I’m riding with a coworker during lunch.

Mark,

The weather is looking great. I really need to keep riding a lot this week. I’m off to a poor start so far, with no riding yesterday, and only the partial commute today.

I almost bought a scooter last year, but decided against it because I knew it would cut into my bike riding, and I wouldn’t lose weight.

I did my partial commute again today. Weather is suppose to be warmer the rest of the week, I hope to by on the motorcycle from here out. That will end the bike commute.

Keep up the good work.

I’m a little too sweet myself, about 13 years now.

The bike is one of the ways I am fighting back, I am working really hard to not have to go to four shots a day.

I think it was a project.

It is pretty cool that you got on TV!

Good luck!

Things break. At least with bikes, it’s usually cheap to fix.

I’ve got a morning ride planned with Tim, but if I get out of there early enough, I’ll stop by Jeffersonville on the way home.

Great that you pressed on, anyway. Congrats! That’s farther than I’ve gone in a day in MONTHS!

I’m doing the show-and-go to the Ice Cream Ride tomorrow, so I’ll get in a few miles, anyway. The ride itself is all but FLAT (there are a couple tiny rollers just north of Utica), so come on down if you want.

Jenn will be there on her Giro 26, too.

Email me if you’re interested in riding tomorrow (Sunday).

Well, sort of. I did drive much of the 70 mile round trip.

I parked at a local department store and rode the bike into work. I expect not more than a four mile round trip…

Perfect weather today, I expect bike to work day should be big.

Yep, shoulder pain sucks. It’s just my right shoulder though. I am taking an anti-inflammatory. I also have pain pills for the really bad days, but I try not to take those.

I mostly have problems reaching behind me, or above my head. That’s when it hurts. Not a problem on a bicycle, but getting dressed in the morning is painful.

My doctor is pretty confident that stretching and strengthening the muscles will be a big help. I won’t be able to continue to see the personal trainer forever, so I bought a used weight bench today.

I have already seen some improvement just from the stretching and exercising, but I know if I don’t continue it, I’ll end up where I was before.

Jerry

Glad you got to ride Oria again!

Who knows? You may have hooked another rider!

Let him know about the LBC classes, too.

Jerry

I’d also like to try to squeeze a longish ride in this weekend, but I’ve got a lot of other things to do, so I’m not sure it’ll happen.

I’m also considering breaking out the ‘bent for the commute tomorrow, but by mentioning it here, I’ve probably just jinxed myself.

Olive oil isn’t your normal cruddy vegetable oil. In moderation, it also rocks.

Tuesday evening, I almost got home in time to trade bikes and do the evening club ride. I wasn’t in the mood to ride it on the Raleigh, on which I had done my commute that day.

“Kale Chips
Wash kale thoroughly, trim off stems, and dry the leaves. Spread them on a cookie sheet. Spritz them with olive oil (you can use a sprayer, turning each leaf over to get both sides, or you could toss the leaves with a bit of oil although I think you’d be using more oil that way). Salt lightly. Place in a 350 oven for about 7 minutes. Then use tongs (or fingers) and turn the leaves over. Put them back in for another 5-10 minutes. You know they are done when you can break a piece off and it just cracks off… no tearing required. They get quite brittle. They melt in your mouth. Yummy. (I have made many batches of these and once in awhile I get a very bitter batch but that has been with old greens. Try again with fresh young ones, it’s very good. And don’t burn them!)”

The terrain on the ride is rather hilly. I’ve ridden it many times, but it had been a while, so I had forgotten how hilly it is.

The possum didn’t bother me, he just jumped a little as I approached. The chasing dogs worried me much more, as it was dark, and I couldn’t tell if they were friendly or not.

Today, Wednesday, I’m driving to work again. Not because I have to, but because I’m in pain and haven’t been sleeping well. I’ll write about that before long.

Jerry

Congratulations!

Gene, Do I look 24?

Gene

Jerry

Jerry

I hope I get many years out of it.

Yep, small truck with extended cab was my choice. At the time I bought mine, I was riding to work most of the time, and could borrow a spare car my folks had for really lousy weather or other needs. I had time to search for a good deal. I still have that truck, almost nine years and over a hundred thousand miles later.

That’s some wonderful news……

Congrats to both of you!

Enjoy your biking!

Andy,
I had a great time on Sunday. I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t do the brewpub thing, but I understand people had other obligations.

When you do get your bike out and clean it, it’ll forgive you.

I cleaned, readjusted, and relubed my bike, but rode in the rain again to go get to work yesterday, so you really can’t tell now. It might rain again today, so I’ll wait until tonight to clean it again.

Jerry

btw… I didn’t see you at the RCCS ride today.

This should allow my legs some time to recover.

I’m “training” for my May rides, and I’m eating also! I’m tracking everything, but I feel like I can’t get enough.

Jerry

I’ll be back on the horse one day, and certainly this summer will present time for some adventures.

John, I also work on the far east side of Louisville in Eastpoint. Fortunately a bus line runs from Frankfort directly to my office. I have looked at bike commuting, but at least right now the idea of biking down LaGrange Road is pretty scary.

I sleep plenty, but I’m still having energy issues. I rode to the bus today. I was falling asleep on the bus.

I’ve looked at several neighborhoods I’d like to live in. It’s just that due to my financial state, I’m not prepared to buy another house, and my two dogs make renting a bit troublesome.

I want to live somewhere inside the 264 loop. I think cycling and riding the bus are easier from there. Clifton would work well. The Highlands is nice. Germantown, Old Louisville, all are fine. I’ve actually looked online at a few houses, but it’s just “window shopping” for now.

Dave,

After today, I’m beat… and I still have three more days this week to commute. Also I’m planning on riding an RCCS ride this Sunday. That would mean 20 miles there, 30 mile ride, and 20 miles back. Hmmm…. I’m not sure I can handle 70 miles Sunday, then ride to work on Monday.

The amount of time that bicycle commuting takes (for the distance) is problematic too. I have very little time to do anything after getting home other than cook and eat, so I can get to bed on time.

I would like to move closer to work, whether I have a car or not.

I’m told that the longer you go without a car, the less you’ll need one. Of course, that would mean your girlfriend would have to do all the driving back and forth…

I know I’ll get wet on the way home. It’s better than getting wet on the way to work. I’ll take a nice hot shower once I make it home. I just hope the hail doesn’t come back. It would be annoying to hear it smack into my helmet and glasses.

I’ve have a few stressful things going on now, but they are temporary, and I’m more capable of handling them than I used to be.

I’m not sure how much of this blog you have followed, but what started as a weight loss project has turned into me redefining myself.

It will be a little while before I buy a car again. I just found out that I owe the IRS money. There goes my car fund.

There was a brief rain during the ride, but not long enough to get me really wet.

Before I started bicycling I would have considered my car problem an emergency. Now, not so much. It’s just an inconvenience.

It’s an example to set for others, in our own way.

Jerry

That’s awesome. I haven’t been practicing on it as much as I should, but I did just have it out in the driveway a few days ago.

I forgot to weigh-in today, but I have a feeling my weight is down a bit.

I did the partial-commute thing today, and it was a nice day for it. If I worked four miles or less from home, I would ride to work every single day, no matter what the weather did.

I appreciate the kind words Elizabeth. I’m really not “The Fat Guy” anymore. I’m going to have to work to prevent myself from becoming him again though.

You have worked so hard, you deserve to get to your goal. Do you remember how you felt 90 pounds ago? How depressing it was? Turn your back on those days. You are not “The Fat Guy” any more, you are a healthy man who truly enjoys living a healthy lifestyle.

Spring is coming — get out there in the beautiful countryside and enjoy yourself on your bike!

Don’t worry about should have and plan for will be. Like Jerry said, just plan something tonight…

I planned to start my partual commuting this morning, but somehow I misplaced my headlight for the bike. I plan to take the truck to lunch and leave it, riding my bike back to the factory, then ride back to the truck after work. It will not be a long commute, but it is a start. Maybe over time I can park the truck further from work of a morning.

Don’t forget Sunday is Easter, see you in Church!

You have come far. Its only a little slip, but make it a full blown spill.

Jerry

Enjoy your time with your daughter!

Got to remember to top of my tires before I ride…

My new “slicks” worked great!

I was almost home when the first torrent hit. I pulled into a “stop and rob” to get under shelter while I had the bag open to get out my rain cape. By the time I got home, the heavy stuff had stopped.

I was to teach parking lot drills for a Confident Cycling class last night, but they rescheduled the drills due to the weather. I heard lots of thunder while in with the class, but by the time we left (about 9:15), it was just a steady shower.

I needed the car today, so I drove this morning.

Storm hit us about 3pm!

Jerry

I did block out time for the April RCCS ride though.

You really need a pump. I recommend the Topeak RoadMorph. It’s almost like a mini floor-pump. It’s easier to use than your standard mini-pump. You can also use the CO2 cartridge inflaters, but if you run out, you’re stuck.

Dave,
I don’t have a grommet, and haven’t bothered to look around for one, because I’m going to replace the front wheel too. When I have the money I’ll get the new front wheel built, and get new tires, because the current tires on that bike were simply convenient to buy at the time rather than what I wanted.

April gets hectic for me, so we’ll see what I can maintain.

But we have not got out again…

Tonight we will pay our last respects to an old friend at the funeral home.

But I am off work half a day Friday, I hope to get a ride in then.

Bummer about the flat, I picked up a repair kit last week, but don’t have a pump with me most times. I plan to stop by Clarksville Shwinn today maybe they can help me out.

Nermal is definitely fiesty and ready to ride. I rode him to work today. The higher gearing was nice. I made it to work in 1:15, which is a record on this bike.

Nermal looks almost fiesty and rarin’ to go.

I’m back on the bike. I rode Nermal (with the new wheel) to work today. It was a great day for riding, and the bike performed flawlessly.

Get on that bike!!

French-cut green beans would look great on that plate!

If we can schedule some time, I have a nice 11-mile loop I ride sometimes. I also have a 16-mile loop if you are feeling adventurous.

I rode Monday, but it doesn’t look like I’ll ride again this week. I was home sick on Tuesday. I was still sick (but at work) yesterday. I’m feeling better today, but I really would prefer to ride Nermal in rainy weather (the rain cape works better that way), but won’t have the new wheel installed until this weekend.

I’ve also been driving *a lot*. My girlfriend lives too darn far away.

Stay out of the rain, I hope it is over for a while…

Glad to hear you are back in the grove!

I’m still not feeling great. The HR guy here stopped by and let me know I could leave early if I want. I have a lot to do, so I probably won’t.

I really had no intention of riding today, no matter what the weather.

When I did drag myself out of bed this morning, I could hear the wind. Although it did let up some by the time I was on the road, it still would have made for a slow, wet ride.

It is that time of year. Time for wind, rain, storms, and, yes, getting sick.

Thanks, I’ll try to feel better.

Get well thoroughly and soon.

I know you’ve been riding. It’s been (mostly) great weather. I’ve been the slacker. My weight started climbing again, so I know it’s time to get back on the bike (wagon) and watch my eating.

I’ve been riding some, too. Teaching others that there is more to riding a bike than riding the bike as well.

A home-cooked healthy meal for your gal — now you’re talking! lol

Dave,
Welcome back!

We went to the zoo yesterday, so there was definitely some walking involved. We went for a hike in the woods (with the dogs) last weekend. There is some exercise involved.

The biggest issue is time. She lives 90 miles from my house. I spend a lot of time on the phone with her (usually late at night) which means I have trouble getting up early enough to ride to work.

I’ve made up my mind that I *will* ride to work at least three days this week. I will continue to work on my eating habits, and I’ll try to go out to eat less often (even if that means cooking for her when she comes over).

The funny thing is, it’ll be less of an issue if we do end up living together.

I’m glad you have found someone nice to spend time with! I have been living with my excellent boyfriend for 7 years now, and it really does make life a lot better.