coffeeneuring challenge #4

29 october 2015

I had to work on the weekend. I had Monday off but so did the boys and I took them to the chiropractor and to lunch. I didn’t have time to go for a longer ride until Thursday.
It was foggy and I had to turn on my lights and take off my glasses.

I went out Mansfield and rode across the gap to Kinnan. The two counties cannot agree to connect the two roads. Pasco County has a blockade but Hillsborough county just stops its roads. There is a narrow dirt track that leads from the sidewalk on Pasco to the Kinnan. It is very narrow and bumpy and I am always cautious as I rode across. Kinnan is empty and eerie in the fog.

I had to wait for the light to change.

I turned left at Cross Creek. I hadn’t ridden this route before. I am happily surprised that the shoulder is wide and smooth though not signed as a bike lane. I stop for a rest at Morris Bridge Road.

Morris Bridge south at Cross Creek

Cross Creek east from Morris Bridge

I start south on Morris Bridge and before I get any speed hear a tinking noise on my bike. I stop and check my tired which still feel firm. I look at the chain and drive train thinking something is catching. I spin my rear wheel and hear the think and see the nail hitting the frame as it passes by the brake. Damn.

How did I not see this in the road?

I walk back to Cross Creek to change the tire. I haven’t had many flats and am not good at changing them. It takes me about 20 minutes to get it changed. I know my hand pump is not the best and consider which route will get me to the bike shop quicker. I start out again on Morris Bridge. I am happily surprised that there is a bike lane even though it is narrow. 

I was sure to throw this away rather than toss it aside.

I went to Wahoo App on my iPhone and notice it quit my current workout. I start a new workout and ride on Morris Bridge. I go to Flatwoods Park and ride the paved loop through to Bruce B Downs. Along the ride, I don’t feel tired but it seems like I am having to push harder to get anywhere. I finally stop and check my tires. My front tire is losing air. I pump it up and continue on.

Brice B Downs south from Flatwoods Park

My local bike shop, Oliver’s, is just across BBD. I ride over there and leave the bike with Jason. I walk over to Panera for a smoothie. Panera is bike friendly. I have seen a group of recumbent riders come in after their ride in Flatwoods. There is no bike rack but the short fence surrounding the patio is metal.

I didn't feel like I rode far enough for a scone as well.

After my break, I go back to Oliver’s. they changed the front tube and I purchase a spare tube for my bike bag; $29

The ride home is BBD to County Line Road. 

21 miles