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

cycling october 19-25

The sun is rising later so most of my rides start out in the dark.

It was a good week for biking. I rode twice to Zephyrhills. The rest of week I rode just one loop around Meadow Pointe. My total for the week was 104.6 miles. 

I stopped to take a shot of the horses and cows during Coffeeneuring #3

Monday was set aside for Coffeeneuring. I had to work early on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was tired on Thursday but wanted to go for a long ride. With the NE wind, my choices were limited so I went back to Panera in Zephyrhills. The ride was pretty good and makes me want to try to ride to Dade City soon. Dade City is only about 5 miles from Zephyrhills but there are hills. I hate hills and do not ride them in our flat area. 

I saw a group of horses and their riders on Saturday morning.

Wiregrass had a walk for breast cancer on Saturday. Dillard's participated and encouraged us to do so as well. I thought about it but I walk enough at work. The extra 3 miles would really bother my ankle. Also, I was close to riding 100 miles for the week so I rode. 

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.

september cycling recap

According to the National Bike Challenge, I rode 23 times for a total of 373 miles in September. My Strava app keeps track of the weeks, not the months.

August 31-September 6 6 rides 99.9 miles I didn't realize I was so close to riding 100 miles for the week. I would have rode around the block once to get that extra digit.

September 7-September 13 I didn't ride on Friday so I could watch Andy bowl for Special Olympics. It rained on Saturday so I didn't get a chance to ride before work. I didn't have to work on Sunday so I rode to make up for missing two days. 86 miles

September 14-September 20 I only got in 2 longer rides. I like working early but then I can only do a shorter ride. 84.2 miles

September 21-September 27 I worked a couple of evening shifts so I got in some longer rides. 101.4 miles

September 21-October 4 I didn't ride on Monday because I went to watch Andy bowl for Special Olympics. It rained on Tuesday. I was glad I didn't work until the evening on Wednesday so I could ride longer to make up for missing two days. I got in 3 long rides in 3 days. It felt good and bad at the same time. 73.8 miles

My route only changes when the winds change.

As of October 4, I have ridden 2,680 miles in 2015.

coffeenuering

I have never heard of coffeenuering. Is that even a real word? I saw the posts last year about coffeeneuring. I was too late to join but interested. When I saw the post announcing the dates for this year's challenge, I started thinking about joining. I don't drink coffee but tea and even hot chocolate are allowed. One of the rules is that it has to be seven different locals. Do we have seven different coffee shops in my area? (Different locations of the same chain are allowed.) I opened maps and started a search. Panera, Starbucks, Panera, Starbucks... Dunkin Donuts? Even though it is fall, it is still hot in Florida. Does Dunkin' Donuts have decent iced tea or chai? Other than chains, there are no independent coffee shops in the area. There is a artisanal bakery about 8 miles away. I have never been and their website is little more than a place holder. Since I cannot try many new places, maybe I will try some different drink or treat at each place. The challenge started October 3. The challenge is supposed to happen on the weekends but does allow for those of us who work on the weekends. I worked this weekend so maybe I will try Monday or Thursday.

bike lanes and multi-user paths

The 8 mile loop I ride is a mix of narrow roads, bike lanes, multi-user path and sidewalks.

I do not ride on sidewalks as a rule. They are too narrow and I hate to negotiate around pedestrians.

I like the bike lanes and prefer them. They are usually wide enough to ride around any debris or broken pavement.

Two of the roads do not have bike lanes. Mansfield is too narrow so they widened one of the sidewalks to accommodate multi-users. It is concrete and has curves. It is good for pedestrians but not for bikes going faster than 10 mph. I only ride it when I am with Andy. Meadow Pointe Boulevard is currently a two lane road. The right of way will accommodate future lanes. There is a wide multi-user path (MUP) along one side so they opted not to provide bike lanes. I used to ride the MUP. I had to yield to pedestrians and most of the time it was OK. Other times, pedestrians would walk/run in the middle of the path. I learned to say “on your left!” when passing another cyclist. This doesn't work so well with pedestrians. Most didn't know what it meant and some would even move to their left and I would have to brake hard. I began to say “Behind you!” which worked better except for those wearing headphones. I got a bell but found that only help a bit more. People walking dogs is another problem. The dogs would hear the bell but their owners might not. Some people even let their dogs walk without a leash. I do not trust those dogs. Who knows what they might do as I ride by. The worst obstacles are kids waiting for the bus. They are oblivious to others and like to stand in the middle of the path. Many are too busy texting others to pay attention to their immediate surroundings. Even after ringing my bell, there were still some people that would not move. I once said something and a parent told me to ride in the street. I am offended by this as I have a right to ride on the MUP.

I prefer the MUP along SR56. There are less people and obstacles. When the path was closed last September because of construction, I did ride in the bike lane. The speed limit on SR56 is 55mph which means most are driving 60mph or faster. I have to trust that they will stay in their lanes and allow me to ride. I learned to ride confidently but was more than happy to go back to the MUP when it reopened.

One day, I was riding south along the MUP on MPB. I saw some people taking up a majority of the path ahead. I decided to move to the street to avoid them. To my surprise, I found the road to be smoother. The MUP is asphalt but not to the standards of the road construction. The pavement is uneven which can be felt when riding. I started riding in the street on MPB even when the MUP was not blocked. I have not had any problems with vehicles coming too close or hinting at me to get out of the way. I typically hug the white line. One problem is that I have to stop for school buses. The worse is when I have to stop for a bus at the bottom of Hillhurst. I hate losing that momentum.

Another benefit to riding in the road is that vehicles on adjacent roads, will stop for me whereas they usually don't if you are crossing the street at the MUP. Drivers ignore the stop signs and the white lines where they should stop behind. I know I am no saint, but I have become more aware and careful since I started riding again.

Riding in the road is generally safe. Drivers need to be aware of cyclists and allow them to ride. Cyclists need to be aware that not all drivers will give them the right of way. I typically ride expecting drivers to do the “wrong” thing.

august cycling recap

t’s been too long since I posted anything. I feel like I need to do some meaningful, catch up on all the past weeks. Then again…

I rode 99.9 miles last week.
I got some decent miles in on Monday, Tuesday & Saturday.

My average speed is increasing by small amounts. I can average just over 14mph for even a long, leisurely ride.

The thing that makes me stop riding are my hands and seat. I keep thinking about getting different handlebars to change my position. I would love to try out the various handlebars from Nitto.  I almost never ride in the drops. They are wasted on me.

march cycling recap

Time change messed up my morning rodes but made it possib;e for Andy to ride with me after dinner.

Week 1
I started off well. On the days I started work early, I started at 7am and rode 9 miles. On the other days, I rode 13 miles. I need to work to make this longer. I rode five days, 87 miles. 

Week 2
Time change. I hate it. Sunrise isn't until 7:45 and starting at 8am is too late for the days I work early. I rode 3 days for 31 miles.

Week 3
The boys were off for spring break. I had more late shifts so I got more morning rides in. I rode once with Andy. My average speed has increased a bit. I rode just under 70 miles.

Week 4
Still not back into a good routine. I rode just over 60 miles.

New Tom Bihn bag for my road bike.

We saw the Schwan's truck and had to make our ride shorter so we wouldn't miss his visit. The empty road is quiet but has some broken glass we have to avoid.

I rode 240 miles.

Weight has been steady. I have been cheating too much to lose any weight.