Coffeeneuring Challenge #7

11 november

SR54 east at Meadow Pointe Blvd

I hadn’t really planned to do my last coffeeneuring challenge until the weekend. The boys left for school and I started looking at possible routes. I mapped a route to take advantage of the NE wind. I went out Meadow Pointe Blvd to SR54. I went east to Ashton Oaks. It is a newer residential development. The main road is two lanes with bike lanes. The trees are small and do not provide shade yet. I took Ashton Oaks Blvd to Grecko Dr. Grecko ends at Chancey Road.

Chancey Road

Google maps don’t show whether a road is paved or not and I was surprised when the pavement stopped. I checked my map to make sure I wasn’t lost. I proceeded with caution because I have narrow road tires. They have no tread to grab in sand so I didn’t go fast. Some parts were washboard and made my brain bounce. The pavement returned at New River Road. I continued to Morris Bridge and turned north. Morris Bridge is narrow with no shoulder. The road is busy but the speed limit is 25 mph on this portion. I turned again at SR54 and headed back. Even a busy road feels better with a bike lane.

SR54 west at Vending Road

The wind did not feel like it was behind me. 

Wild Berry Smoothie, 290 calories. Cinnamon Crunch Bagel, 420 calories

I went south on BBD along the MUP. I turned at the hospital and went around the back of the mall to Panera. 

Panera patio

Panera has a small bike rack and I locked my bike.

Wood screens help buffer traffic noise from SR56

I decided on a known treat with a Wild Berry smoothie and Cinnamon Crunch Bagel. 
I sat on the patio and enjoyed my snack.

Cinnamon Crunch bagel is best when toasted.

27 miles 13.5 mph

Coffeeneuring Challenge #6

5 november 2015

I saved the two closest coffee shops in case I only had time for  a short ride. I had to work in the evening but felt like riding longer than the 3 miles to Starbucks. I could have ridden two loops around my usual route but Coffeenuering has gotten me used to taking new routes. There aren't many options from my house but I planned a route to go a little farther than I had been before. 
The route to SR54 was familiar and so was SR54. However, I turned north at Curley Road. I have been on the road many times in my car. I knew it was narrow but didn’t realize how narrow until I was on the bike. There is no bike lane and no shoulder. The speed limit is 45 mph for much of my route but does increase to 55mph for the last block or so.

SR54 at Bruce B Downs

I turned on Wells Road. The boys’ school as well as two other schools are on this road. School was in session so the road was quiet. I turned south again on Boyette Road. This road is also narrow. The speed limit is 30 mph but most people drive 40 mph or faster.
I turned west on SR54 and continued to Bruce B Downs. BBD was widened a few years ago and includes a bike lane as well as a MUP. I rode in the bike lane until I realized the MUP was empty and paved.

Bruce B Downs at SR56

There is no sidewalk along the front of the shopping center. To get to Starbucks, I had to ride through several parking lots. I felt particularly vulnerable riding through the parking lots. Starbucks is not bicycle friendly. There is no bike rack and I had to lock my bike to an umbrella stand.

I decided to try the Orange Mango Smoothie even though I am not a fan of mango nor bananas in smoothies. The smoothie was thick and the banana smothered the taste of mango.I got a slice of Washington Apple Pound Cake. It was dry bland and disappointing.

Washington Apple Pound Cake and Orange Mango Smoothie, 630 calories

I had two choices to go home. One is easier to ride except for the wind. The other route requires crossing BBD twice because there is no sidewalk on the east side of the road. I opted for the shorter in length but probably longer in time route.

Aronwood Blvd at County Line Road

Coffeenuering Challenge #5

4 november 2015

Meadow Pointe Blvd just south of SR54

The wind was coming for the east but I have already gone that was in Challenge #3. I wanted to go to Panera in Lutz. It is only 6 miles west of my home. In order to enjoy a scone guilt-free, I needed to ride longer. I planned my route to take advantage of the winds as much as possible. I knew I would have to return home against the wind so I planned the majority of my ride before I got to Panera.

SR54 at Bruce B Downs

I went east on CLR to Mansfield to Beardsley to MPB. Then I went north to SR54. I continued riding SR54 to Livingston. The bike lane stops at Lexington Oaks but there is a nice, wide shoulder. The bike lanes starts up again where SR56 comes in. SR54 is a busy and fast highway. I felt safe enough riding on the shoulder and bike lane.

SW corner of Livingston and SR54 looking towards Panera

Panera has a lone bike rack in the tall grasses. Panera was busy and it took a while to get my smoothie. The smoothie was runny and disappointing in that I drank it too fast. The scone was as good as expected.

1995 Trek 1220

The ride home was slow and windy. I rode along SR54 to Oak Grove. Oak Grove has no bike lane but there was little traffic.

Caramel Apple Thumbprint Scone and Wild Berry Smoothie

I turned east on CLR. There is no bike lane but it was repaved this spring and they added a narrow shoulder. The shoulder widens at the overpass then disappears completely. That was only for two miles then back into MP with its bake lane.

Meadow Pointe Blvd/CR54 and SR56

25.5miles 13.6mph

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.