coffeeneuring challenge #3

19 october 2015

I had to work on Sunday and chose to do my third challenge on Monday. It was windy but I wasn't going to let that stop me. The wind was coming from the NE so I chose a route that would take me in that direction on the way out. There isn't much in that direction until one gets closer to Zephyrhills. That meant a longer ride. I wasn't sure I was up for that but decided to see how far I could get. I could always turn around and go to the Panera on the way home.

Google maps only showed a couple of coffee shops in Zephyrhills. One is Oanera and the other is a Cuban café. I opted for the known and headed for Panera. 

The wind didn't seem to bother me much but I was glad it would be behind me on the way home. 
I have only ridden along eastbound SR54 once before and couldn't remember the shoulder condition. It was wide and generally clear. It wasn't a marked bike lane but felt comfortable enough. Once I got east of Eiland/Morris Bridge, the bike lane was marked but also unusable due to construction. I did ride on grooved pavement once to allow an oil truck to pass. I was not comfortable riding in the lane.

SR54 east of Dean Dairy

I turned north at Dean Dairy. DD has no bike lane, not even a shoulder. It is a narrow two lane road with posted speeds at 30mph. I was a little more comfortable riding along this road. I turned at Eiland Blvd which has a rough paved shoulder. It was nice until I got closer to Gall Blvd and the shoulders filled with sand and debris. I rode the line.

Dean Dairy north of SR54

Gall Blvd has no bike lane but the shoulder is OK. I finally got to my first real hill. It felt Like a mountain to me with the wind and my lack of climbing legs.

I got to Panera. There is no bike rack but the tables are steel with spots to secure my bike. I got a smoothie and an Asiago bagel. I don't usually eat so much on my rides. I was a little worried it would be too much and I would feel bad.

My return trip started downhill. I was surprised how twitchy my bike felt. Was it always like this? The longer I rode, the more I realized my back tire was failing. I pumped up the tires before I left the house but it felt low. I could feel every bump and stone. I turned onto Eiland and rode it to SR54. Most of the shoulder was wide enough. A part of the shoulder was very smooth but this section also has a few spots of broken glass.

Meadow Pointe Blvd south of SR54

When I got back to MPB, I filled up my tire. It was really low. I couldn't get it to get that hard but I only had about 6 miles left. The tailwind helped me feel like I wasn't pedaling harder because of the low tire.

I have never had a tire wear down so flat. It looks like I rode on rollers.

I got back to SR56 and my usual route. I flew along the MUP. I turned left onto Mansfield Blvd and almost stopped dead. The road turns east and the wind had gotten stronger. It was a struggle to stay upright. After 30 miles, I feeling tired and happy to be close to home.

Next time I got out for that long I will take a portable charger for my iPhone.

I got home and put my bike in the car to take to the bike shop. It is time for a new tire and I want something wider than 23mm.

coffeeneuring challenge #2

10 october 2015

Traffic is light on a Saturday morning.

I didn’t have to work this weekend which is rare for me. I wanted to ride someplace not so close. I chose to go to Starbuck’s on Bruce B Downs and Richmond Park Dr. I chose a longer route to get in more miles.

It was foggy along Kinnan and I had to remove my glasses because they kept fogging up. I can see well enough to ride with them.

I rode along Cross Creek which does not have bike lanes nor a MUP. The sidewalk is narrow and bumpy from tree roots.

Cross Creek turns into New Tampa Blvd. It does not have a bike lane but does have a MUP. I tried it but found it is terrible shape. It is bumpy asphalt and narrows in too many spots. I chose to ride in the road.

I turned onto Highwoods Preserve Pkwy which has unmarked bike lanes.

My 20 year old Trek still rolling.

I didn’t see any bike racks at Starbuck’s but the outdoor seating is surrounded by a low, metal fence. I chained my bike to the fence while I went inside to order my tea.

Inside was very cold. I ordered an iced soy chai and was happy to get out of there as soon as possible. I drink my tea and got back to riding.

I road along Bruce B Downs. There is a MUP along the road which is pretty wide and usually debris free. Just north of the Trout Creek, sand has built up in a low spot that could be hazardous.

The MUP stops at Pebble Creek. There is a narrow side walk a bit farther but I chose to stay in the road. The sidewalk becomes a boardwalk and it is not wide enough to pass someone going the other way. The boardwalk has not been maintained and there are rotting boards.

Back on my usual loop.

I didn’t turn back home but road farther to get in more miles.

coffeeneuring challenge #1

5 october 2015

I decided to try a new place for my first Coffeeneuring Challenge. Google maps said it was only 6 miles so I moved the route around to get more miles in. I had to ride along some narrow, busy roads but everything was fine.

I went to Stonemill Artisan. By their name alone, I expected breads and other bread type snacks. They had cookies, cakes scones and gelato. It was a cool morning and I ordered English Breakfast Tea and a Toffee & Milk Chocolate Scone. 

I didn't see any bike racks. The place was quiet and I just left my bike outside the shop.

While I waited for my tea to cool, I thought I would have a couple of bites of scones and save the rest for later. The scone was awesome and melted in my mouth. It was gone before I realized it. The tea never did cool down and I didn't want to wait any longer.

I rode back through a housing development. I had heard there was a bike path that went behind the houses. I looked for it but never found it. I did find another path to my friend's apartment. There was a boardwalk that had been recently been restained. I tried to slow down but it was very slippery and I wiped out.

I recovered and went home. On the first day, my back and head hurt. The second day, my should and arm hurt. The third day, my elbow hurt. On the fourth day, the bruises are starting to show.