October Miles

Well, this would have to be the month that killed my average...The weather started bad and ended worse.  Plus, a little burn out and sickness and my miles dropped to 842 this month not including the rest of the month and I missed a century.  I realize that being realistic is the best thing to do and rest is important, but I'm still disappointed. I did increase my running miles and ran more days than rode.  The good news is that I seam to be stronger for it.  When riding out into the wind of Hurricane Sandy yesterday, I was able to do surprisingly well for fifty miles.  I wasn't sprinting or pushing too hard and still ended with an average that was good without the wind only slipping below 20 twice the whole ride.  Maybe I should rest more often:-)
I was also able to get the front deck done, including new front step.  I think it looks pretty darn good!!!

One Busy Day...

As a kid growing up with a car enthusiast father, one learns to appreciate cool cars and motorsports history.  It has been thoroughly engrained in me and I miss my old 63' Dodge Dart.  So, it is a wonderful pleasure to go to a big car show once in a while and share some of your knowledge with your own son.
I had just sat down to coffee with Kim and Pat after the finish of the Southgate ride and they had mentioned the Lake Mirror Classic was going on. I was ecstatic and had to go tell my son.  He kind of didn't know what to say.  I told him there would be some cool cars like what he likes to watch on Top Gear.  He said that he had never seen a Ferrari in real life so off we went.  It was going to be a busy day;  92 miles on the bike, a car show, the Florida game and a free jazz concert provided by PSC.
It was fun finding a place to park.  We managed to find a place that I knew wouldn't be too far away from the downtown area and still not too close so we could leave quickly if we needed to.  Jared was

Highlands Bikefest is coming...Update 11/4/12

Update:  A scheduling conflict has come up and I will not be able to go:-(  I am incredibly sad about this but it is for the best.
There is this certain type of euphoria that accompanies me when I ride my bike.  I have yet to figure out exactly how to describe it, but it is just there along for the ride.  Don't get me wrong...the rides can be long, hard, and painful.  But, riding brings me joy not just because it is fun, but because it lowers my stress levels, makes me fit, I am able to meet new people, and it allows me to compete where otherwise I wouldn't be able to.
The improvement is showing as well and there has been a marked improvement in speed and endurance throughout this season.  The rides I would normally fear like the Tuesday night crit rides, I have learned to actually like and enjoy; keeping myself away from danger and trying to stay in the front of some really talented riders.  And, they actually are starting to say "hi" and welcome the strange rider on the strange bike...even so much to offer the tips I need for riding in such a competitive group:-)
But, I haven't been able to get to some of the longer rides away from town due to income so I welcome the thought of the few that are located near me.  The Highlands Bikefest is coming in December and I can't wait to see some old friends and meet some new ones and laugh and not have to worry or be forced to think about the other things.   Here is a picture from last year.  It was nice the first half of the century but the last half of the century on Saturday was rather miserable.  The whole weekend was great, though;-)
 

It is also interesting to see my weight in the picture and know that last year I weighed in at 215 during this ride...yikes!  I am down to 180 now:-)
I am really welcoming the thought of just being in the moment and sharing the fun rides that I have had with some great people.  Bring it on and let the fun begin:-)

September Miles

So many things are going on this month so the time to write about last month's miles has been low. For some strange reason, with all the weather (5.5 inches of rain in Lakeland for September according to the ledger) and the time off the bike, I still managed 1112 miles. This seems funny to me and I had to double check (twice) to make sure the math was correct. It's so cool that I am keeping up with my goal and am now at 32 centuries for the year.  Yes!!!
However, once this month started, the time on the bike has been off.  It has rained almost every day and the last week has brought thunderstorms in in the early afternoon.  Normally this wouldn't stop me, but with money tight, the thoughts of having to replace bearings and a chain or worse kind of puts a kink in my step.  Although the kink doesn't seem to show when I am out running in it.  I managed to up my miles a little over last month running and over the last week, this week, has been big.  My legs are sore:-). And, today, was going to be another century, but I woke up sporting a sore throat. So, I took another day off and will probably do the same tomorrow so I don't get worse.  It's better to take care of myself now than worry about not performing later.
Some bad news from last month are that a couple of friends have left the business that I so readily support with all my energy.  They will be missed and I sincerely hope they are happy where they land!!!
Some good news is that I have managed to obtain three job interviews over the past few weeks.  I didn't get the jobs, but it is nice to know that perhaps the job market may be opening up a little, finally! As much as I like working at my job, I have to support my son as much as possible!  This is also one of the reasons for lack of time.  Job application addiction is a good thing:-)  I am hoping the weather starts to show the sun more and that the job markets shows me the light.
Goals for this month are to maintain bike fitness, get some work done on the decks as the rain stops (stain the back and finish the front), and enjoy my son!  Everyone enjoy the October fun!