Who’s riding Saturday?
By mike | May 15, 2008
Team Clydesdale rides at 8:30 am this Saturday (May 17), meeting in the west parking of of the Rochester City Library for a 25 miler.
We’ll hit the Clinton River Trail this week, riding west through Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills and as far as we can before it turns to ballast.
Topics: Training | 2 Comments »
The ghosts on the trail
By mike | May 13, 2008
The radio said there was a dense fog alert this morning and indeed it was thick. As I took the first turn from home on my bike this morning headed for Paint Creek Trail, the traffic on Adams Road was rush hour-heavy. I worried I wouldn’t be seen by coffee-sipping, cell phone chatting commuters.
Safely made the half mile to the trail entrance and turned east. The trail was shrouded in billowy fog. It was quiet, almost surreal. My riding glasses dripped with condensation and I could only see maybe 100 feet ahead.
Five minutes in I saw my first ghost. Standing by the side of the trail, ears turning, tail flicking, it was a big doe, hearing me approach. As we both materialized in the fog about the same time, there was a brief, five second eye contact. I cold see her big brown eyes widen in fear. Then she bounded off. Beautiful.
On this morning’s 15 mile ride, the same thing happened three more times. All does. All looked pregnant. Fawns will soon be born.
The ghosts along the trail made me almost forget the 40 degree cold.
Down another pound this morning.
Topics: Along the way | No Comments »
What a day for bike riding
By mike | May 10, 2008
So there I was, wishing I had scheduled a Team Clydesdale ride this week instead of next when, about 8:45 am this morning, the phone rang. It was Tim, saying a group of very impatient riders were at the meet spot.
He had them all say their names in the phone.
I felt guilty. For a second. “But wait, we didn’t have a ride sked for today,” I told Tim. “It’s next Saturday.”
“Well.. everybody’s here anyway,” he said.
Bottom line, Tim became team captain for today and took the group out.
I went out about an hour later. My ride partner today was my wife, Jennifer. We set off for Paint Creek Trail from our house at a super pokey, sub-10 mph pace. She rides too low on the bike but refuses all my suggestions to raise the seatpost. She tends to stay in the same gear, too. I think she did the ride to please me and, as we knocked off about 13 miles, I felt guilty again.
I think she enjoyed the trail, though. She did a 10-miler two weeks ago and today’s 13. All she needs is more time on the bike.
At any rate, she headed for home and sent me off alone to get in a little more heavy training. Along the way this morning, I ran into Jim, a Clydesdale regular, out for his training. He told me a red tailed fox had just crossed the trail in front of him. We regularly see deer but this was the first fox sighting I’ve heard of. Jim headed home, I headed on.
A mama duck was giving her newly-hatched ducklings swimming lesson in a pond at the Lake Orion end of the trail. Nearly, some kids had set up a lemonaid stand right on the trail and seemed to be doing a brisk business. In Lake Orion, I pedaled over to the Paint Creek Bicycle Shop to look up my old friend Todd. Todd, I discovered, no longer works there. I looked around briefly, fantasized about a new bike for a couple of minutes, and pushed off again.
What an absolutely beautiful day for bike riding. I ended up with 22 miles for the day.
When I returned home around noon, I had two e-mails waiting from others who expressed interest in joining Team Clydesdale.
So, here’s the deal. Next Saturday… and every Saturday there on, we ride. Just show up at the library at 8:30 am.
If we change the route or meet space, well post it here. Meanwhile, click on the forum link above. Introduce yourself and use the forums to further our Clydesdale community, suggest training routes, ask and answer bike questions.
Topics: bicycle | 1 Comment »
State Capitol bicycle rally and ride on June 5
By mike | May 5, 2008
I guess protest is too strong of a word.
But if you’re tired of vehicles buzzing too close to your bicycle… if you think our roads should have wide shoulders or designated bicycle lanes and if you dream of a day you can ride in traffic and feel safe… then mark June 5 on your calendar and participate in the Lucinda Means Advocacy Day June 5 at the State Capitol in Lansing.
You can get the details here but, to quote from the sponsoring League of Michigan Bicyclists:
June 5, bicyclists from around the state will join forces for a RIDE & RALLY at the State Capitol building. Our goal is to show state policy makers that bicyclists have a collective voice. And that voice is concerned about bicyclists’ safety on roadways.
Just by showing up you will make a difference, since there is truly strength in numbers! You will learn which issues LMB is targeting and how you can reach out to your state legislators. We will arrange for you to meet with them that same afternoon.
If you’re a bicyclist who wants to improve the state of cycling in Michigan, come rally with us. Afterward, enjoy lunch on the Capitol grounds, compliments of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
There’s no charge. Proceeds are paid from the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Fund. It was established to further the mission to which Lucinda so passionately dedicated her life. Lucinda’s friends who wish to honor her life and vision are encouraged to contribute in her memory. Lucinda tragically died of a stroke at the age of 49 in 2005. She was the former director of the LMB.
I’ve signed up for this event. Anyone want to meet me in Lansing?
Topics: Event | No Comments »
My dream challenge
By mike | May 4, 2008
I’ve always wanted to ride cross-country. Realistically, I’m not sure that is in the cards until/unless I retire.
So, here’s my new goal: To ride the entire shoreline around the Michigan “Mitten,” starting on Lake Erie north of Toledo, up through and around Detroit, along Lake St. Clair and up the St. Clair River to Port Huron, on up the shoreline through and around the “Thumb,” around the “Tip of the Mitt” and back down along the lake Michigan shoreline to the Indiana border.
Figure that is about 1,000 miles? Maybe longer. Certainly is doable over a summer’s riding season, even if broken into segments by just weekend and vacation riding.
Suppose I could even add the Upper Peninsula, too. Making it a 2,000 mile trip. Unique. Fun. Challenging. Might even find other willing to go with me and plan.
Aren’t dreams and goals great?
Topics: Touring | 2 Comments »
First team Clydesdale Ride of the season
By mike | May 3, 2008
This was our first “Team Clydesdale” training ride for the 2007 bike season and we did a variety of distances. Those who met us in the parking lot of the Rochester Library did about 18 miles.
I started from my home and logged 32 miles. Others picked us up along different parts of the Paint Creek Trail and did from 20 to 26 miles.
Here’s a short video on today’s ride:
Our next Team Clydesdale ride will be May 17. Again, we’ll meet at 8:30 am in the parking lot of the Rochester Library. This time we’ll head west on the Clinton River Trail.
Topics: Training | 3 Comments »
Group training ride Sat. May 3 still on
By mike | May 2, 2008
… but if it’s pouring rain or bad weather is obviously imminent… I’ll train indoors.
Looks like it will be cloudy, with maybe some drizzles, but not worse. We can handle that, right?
Topics: bicycle | No Comments »
My first ride event of the season - come join me
By mike | April 18, 2008
I just signed up for the Ride for Hope on June 28th.
I will be joining many others who will be pedaling their bikes between 23 and 67 miles in an effort to raise money forExtreme Response International.
Extreme Response International is a nonprofit, global outreach organization dedicated to providing relief and support to people in extreme, often life-threatening conditions. With a passion for the world’s poor, Extreme Response International programs target those at greatest risk.
The ride is in Attica, MI, located between Lapeer and Imlay City.
There are different distances and surfaces, so you can find just right for your training level. There’s a Bar-B-Que afterwards.
Come join me.
Topics: Event | No Comments »
On the Trail Again
By mike | April 17, 2008
My 2008 bike season welcome video…
Let’s go ride.
Topics: bicycle | No Comments »
My indoor training
By mike | March 31, 2008
Here’s how I’ve tried to stay in shape this past winter.
This is a look at my indoor training setup.
I haven’t been nearly as devoted to this as I’d hoped… thus I’ve gained about 15 pounds over the winter. I have no excuses other than sloth and weak character.
But that is past. I’m doing an hour a day now, five and six days a week on this gear. I’m about to head outside. All my bikes have been cleaned and are ready. Need to get some atteries for the electronics but I should be outside this week.
Meanwhile, here’s my winter setup… and a handy device that heps you forget how boring it is to exercise indoors.
Topics: Training | No Comments »