20160320 cycling

Monday
70° wind 7 SSW
The wind felt against me at every turn. I got up to13mph by the time I reached SR56 but never got higher and had to work to maintain it. 
I had to stop for a bus at Beaconsfield & MPB. A state trooper and driver behind him cut me off as I was crossing SR56 with the light. Assholes
10 miles 12.95 mph

Tuesday
82° wind 8 SSW
It was slow and windy. We rode to SR56 and back through WRHS. 
Oh well, at least I got a ride in.
5.5 miles 7.8 mph

Wednesday
69° wind 2 SW but shifted to NWCLR to Aronwood. I had to stop at SPES for crossing guards. Rode in the street along SR56. There are some big bumps and gaps on the MUP at Hueland Pond. 
I saw the couple who pick up the trash. He was riding a bike while she walked. 
I had to slow down for bus at MPIII and for a bus at Hillhurst Dr. The buses are no longer picking kids up on the same side so it takes longer for them to cross the street and board. 
11 miles 13.2 mph

Thursday
71° wind 2 SSW
I went out CLR to BBD. I felt little wind. I felt strong too. I had a good pace on SR56. I had to stop at the light at Mansfield. 
The wind against me on MPB but I kept pace. I slowed down a bit on Beardsley. I pushed it to get above 14 mph pace. The wind felt stronger than 2 mph
11 miles 14 mph

Friday
Andy & I went out after dinner. It was a beautiful evening, Overcast and little breeze. 80°
We went to SR56. Andy road in the street along CLR because of the blocked sidewalks. He did well and stayed close behind me. 
5.5 miles 8.11mph

Saturday
Dark. 67° wind 5 NE
Ryan went out before me. I forgot to tell him to turn on his light. I saw him turning onto Mansfield and sped up to catch him. He moved off the road to let me pass not knowing it was me. I showed him how to turn on his light and turned around. I was warmed up by then and rode hard the rest of the way. Because it was dark, I didn't notice my bike computer hadn't been reset. I let it go and tried to keep it at 14mph
Sunrise was at 7:35. Andy was waiting for me when I got home. I beat Ryan home. 
10 miles 14 mph

I rode 6 days for 54 miles

20160313 cycling

Monday
Errandonne #5 #6

Most of the time I try to ride by the rules of the road. I am waiting in line to turn left.

12 miles 11 mph

Tuesday
Errandonnee #7
Ride to work.
4 miles. 11.74mph
Bike home
4 miles 10.3 mph
I love the idea of commuting by bike. I am close enough but Florida is too warm and my work does not have facilities.

Riding includes negotiating construction projects.

Wednesday
63° wind 8 ESE
It felt good to get back on my road bike and the cooler weather was welcomed. The wind didn't bother me until I turned around on Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. 
10 miles 13.3 mph

Thursday
Ugh, the wind.
65° wind 10 ESE
The wind didn't bother me until I turned around on WRB. I went from 13.5 mph to 12.4 mph and finished with 12.5. I was in my lowest gear just to keep moving. Dark Sky said it was 4 mph which I know is bullshit. 
10 miles 12.5mph

Friday
67° wind 9 SE
I felt a little stronger today or maybe the wind wasn't as strong. I managed to keep some of my speed as I turned around on WRB. 
10 miles 13.2 mph

Saturday
Errandonnee 8-12
27 miles 12 mph

I rode 6 days for 77 miles

* I know a group of cyclists cycling is called a peloton but these cyclists were just standing.

errandonee #8-12

I was going to call it quits for the Errandonnee challenge. I didn't think I would be able to get it done. Also, there didn't seem to be much to be gained if I did finish. Then the organizer posted the patch that those who complete the challenge can purchased. I want the patch. I also got an email the other day that my library card was expiring. I don't use it often but it is nice to have. I am now t scheduled to work Sunday and Monday but the library is closed on Sunday's and Monday's. I have to work today but not until 4 pm. Today would be the day to get the last 5 errands completed. The library opens at 11 so I waited until 9:30 to go since Google maps said it would take an hour to ride to the library. It was warm and windy. 

Half of the CFLs I need to recycle.

I took my Crumpler backpack. It is more padded and has some channels to allow airflow against my back. However, it is heavy.

#8 I went to the bank to deposit a $100 bill my dad gave me. There is no bike rack but I didn't need one. I used the walk up ATM. Category: personal business

It looked like rain but it stayed away.

I rode up BBD. I saw some wild turkeys along the side of the road. Turning east on SR54, I got hit with the wind. It was worse along the open fields. I went past the library as it wasn't quite 10:00. 

Saddlebrook Golf & Tennis resort

#9 I went to Home Depot. No bike rack. I locked my bike to a pole and walked inside. I carried  two bags of CFL bulbs to be recycled. The bulbs were not broken during the ride. Category: You carried what?

#10 I rode over to Publix. The bike rack is small and out of the way. I would have missed it but saw another bike over the hedge. I got some juice/smoothie. I tried some smoke sausage samples. I got some eggs. I usually eschew plastic bags but got one just in case there was breakage and oozing eggs. Category: You carried what?

This stuff was thicker than juice but thinner than a smoothie. It was odd.

I imagine trying to use a u-lock with these racks would not be easy.

#11 I rode back to the library. It was busy because they are having early voting for the primary. Florida has closed primaries and I am registered as an independent so I am not allowed to vote. I rode around looking for a bike rack. I missed it the first time because it is the low concrete type with just eye screws set into the concrete. I got my library card renewed. Category: personal business or arts and entertainment 

I haven't used it in years but it is nice to have.

The ride back SR54 was OK. I was getting a little tired. I haven't ridden this long in months. The wind grew strong again as I turned south on MPB. I rode in the street until I could easily go to the path. There is no bike lane so the path is safer but bumpier and busier. Though today I mostly just saw adolescent lizards darting across the 10' path just before I got there. 

I turned west on SR56 and rode to Panera. I was tired. 

The only time I sit at the patio is when I rode my bike. It is windy.

#12 Panera for lunch
There is a small bike rack. I put my bag and helmet at a table at the patio and went inside to order. I got smoked ham & Swiss cheese sandwich. It is my go-to when I have extra calories. I got kettle chips, iced tea and a scone. I saved the scone for later. Category: Wild card

The eggs made it home intact.

After I was done eating, I rode home in the wind.
27 miles 12 mph

Total errand :12
Total miles : 60.96

20160308 errandonee #7

Tuesday
Errandonnee #7

I rode my bike to work and back.
68° wind 6 ESE
Rode up to Mansfield. Dusty from construction. Wind was with me. I got a little sweaty though I didn't really ride hard. My backpack does not channel air. 
4 miles. 11.74mph

81° wind 9 ESE
It was tough going home. It was too warm and too windy. The wind was against me most of the ride. My clothes felt too tight. My pedals gripped my loafers well enough,but my feet slipped inside my shoes and jammed my toes.
I had to take a shower when I got home. 
4 miles 10.3 mph

I have worked at my present job for just over a year. I had looked for a place close to home so I could ride to work. I have had too many excuses not to ride before. Now I know it is because I just don't like it. I would rather wear a skirt to work and do not have a step through bike to ride. I do not have the facilities at work to shower or change. Florida is just too warm to ride without sweating most of the year. I will try to ride more next winter.

20160307 errandonne #5 #6

The timing was right and I made the turn along with the cars.

#5 Ride to Home Depot to get LED flood lamp

Took the Trek 820. Beautiful and breezy. The breeze turned to wind on BBD. 
I rode in street until Pebble Creek then moved over to path. One car nearly hit me. He was turning left on BBD and wasn't looking right. I saw a sprocket (the collective term may be peloton but that is when they are moving) of cyclists waiting for the light at Flatwoods. 
The sidewalk stops abruptly at the entrance to the shopping area. I wasn't prepared and had to ride against the traffic to get to the proper side of the street. I was surprised to see a bike rack at HD.

Too many choices. I opted for daylight.

I got my lightbulb easily and checked out. I had my blue backpack and put the bulb inside.

I waited at the crosswalk for the light to change.

#6 Lunch
I rode over to Panera for lunch. 
There is no bike rack so I parked my bike along the patio fence rail.
I got ham & cheese sandwich, kettle chips and iced tea. It was probably more food than necessary but felt I deserved it with all the riding.

I rode home along the west side sidewalk until New Tampa Road. It was narrow and two bikes cannot pass each other. I switched over to the path. My hands and feet were going numb. I wore my regular sneakers and the soles are thin and flexible. The wind was against me along CLR. 

I learned that four miles is my limit for riding in street clothes as my underwear rode up and my feet got numb.
When I got home and went to change the bulb, I found it was cracked. I went back to Home Depot but drove my car since I also needed groceries.

12 miles 11 mph

20160306 cycling

Monday
55° wind 2 NNE
Yay on the minimal wind. So nice not to have to fight it. 
One loop. I didn't push until SR56 so my average isn't better. 
10 miles 13.6 mph

Is the sidewalk really open or did someone just move the sign?

Tuesday
Warmer. 54° wind 3 NE
I was almost too warm in my thick sweatshirt. I tried to ride harder but found I did t have the energy. 
Another ride (man or woman, I wasn't sure) complimented my Chivaz Chuckles socks. 
10 miles 13.3 mph

I love the wispy clouds of spring.

Wednesday
Warm and windy. 67-73° wind 3-9 W
I had put on my long socks based on the weather at 8 but went back to bed. It was warmer at 9 but I didn't feel like changing my socks. I wore my tights. 
Windy. I went out CLR to BBD. I was going at a good pace but had to stop for the barrier at the mall entrance. I stopped, took a photo and rode in the street. The path is torn up at one point. I stayed in the road until The Ridge. 
I stopped at my usual spot before MPB. I forgot to hit resume until I hit Beardsley. Wahoo shows that I went along the road but left off the miles. Strava thinks I flew over the houses. 
I was up to 14.2 but the wind was too strong on Beardsley. I finished at 13.7 mph 11 miles

This explains why the sidewalk on north side is open. I just rode in the street.

Thursday
56-63° wind 3 ENE but felt stronger. 
I didn't have the energy to ride hard or longer. I feel congested after the ride. 
10 miles 13.3 mph

my happy pills. or at least the pills make me less moody.

Friday
Errandonee #1
67° wind 3 W
What a beautiful day to ride. Sunny and cool with a light wind. The wind made me not realize I was working up a sweat even though I wasn't riding fast. It makes me want to ride to work tomorrow.
5.92 miles 11.9 mph. It was probably over 12mph but I didn't pause the app when I was stopped by the lights.

I did not carry the cheese puffs on my bike. just posing for the photo.

Saturday
Errandonnee #2
Chilly and some wind. 
I rode to Nutrition Smart to get cheese puffs for National Cheese Doodle Day. There was no bike rack so I locked my bike up to the railing used to corral the shopping carts. I also got some pomegranate juice that was carbonated and icky. I was getting on my bike and lost my balance. I did a slow motion fall. Ugh. 

i use the cross walks and signals to cross busy highways.

I rode over to Fresh Market for local honey. I got some for Danielle at work. 

local raw honey can help alleviate seasonal allergies.

I rode to work. Odessa and Jacklyn were sitting on the bench. Odessa was surprised to see me. I locked my bike up to the stair railing. The bike racks are not near the employee entrances.
It took a few minutes to get the lock position right. I hadn't used the u lock before. 

I walked in with one pant leg rolled up. Kathy looked at me a couple times before she asked, "Did you ride your bike to work?" Yep.
3.75 miles 8.62 mph

I rode my bike home. It was warmer and windier but felt OK. It took me less than 20 minutes. I think it would be nice to ride in a skirt but I would need a step through frame. 
4.09 miles 12.45mph

20160228 cycling

Monday
56° wind 2 ENE
I felt strong and rode hard. I got up to 14mph then turned on WRB. The wind was against me the whole way home. I went down to 13.9 but pushed it back up to 14 to finish. I hit resume too early and Wahoo said my average 13.6. I will believe my bike computer. 
10 miles 14 mph

Tuesday
DarkSky is failing me with the wind reports. It said 2-4 and it felt more like 8-10. WeatherNerd seems more accurate thought they both use Forecast.io for their data. Weird. 
63° wind E to SE
Decided to ride short and hard. I got up to 14.4 mph but lost much of it on Mansfield. I finished with 10 miles 14.1 mph

Wednesday
Rain and wind. No ride. 

Thursday
Cold and windy.
51° wind NW 3-6mph
I tried riding hard and did get up to 14 mph average but lost it on the way back. 
11 miles 13.7 mph
Coughing

Friday
50° wind 5 mph NW
I headed out west on CLR. The wind was against me and I didn't have the energy to push. I got stopped at SPES with the crossing guards. A boy was walking to JLMS. (He was dressed in jeans and t-shirt and carrying an instrument.) I turned into SR56 and found the wind was against me again! WTF. I had no energy to fight it. My average dropped down to 12.4. I decided to turn at Mansfield. The wind was behind me and it felt better. My averaged climbed to 12.9. I turned onto CLR and the wind was against me again. The boy was there. If he was going to JLMS, he was late. I couldn't get my average any higher. I had no energy. 7 miles 12.9 mph

this flag barely moves unless it is very windy

Saturday
56-60° wind 6-8 mph NNW with strong gusts. I started out west on CLR. The wind was against me on SR56 so I turned onto Mansfield. I went down Beardsley to MPB. I did get much above 12.5 mph average.
16 miles 12.4 mph
Coughing when I was done. 

I finished the week with 5 rides, 54 miles. 

still riding the same routes

errandonnee #2-4

Saturday 2016.03.05
Chilly and some wind, about 60º

#2 It was National Cheese Doodle Day so I thought I would celebrate by getting bag of my favorite, Barbaras Cheese Puffs. I rode to Nutrition Smart to get cheese puffs for National Cheese Doodle Day. It is about 2 miles from my home.
There is no bike rack so I locked my bike up to the railing used to corral the shopping carts. 
I forgot gum so my mouth was dry from riding. I got some pomegranate juice that was carbonated and icky. 
I was getting on my bike and lost my balance. I did a slow motion fall. Ugh. Thankfully there were no witnesses. 

#3 I wanted to get some honey to give to someone at work. Local honey has helped me with my seasonal allergies. 
I rode to the Shops of Wiregrass for Fresh Market. Fresh Market is a local farmers' market and craft show held twice a month. The market starts at 10 but they are open for business as they set up their booths. There were few people walking around at 9:30 so I rode right up the booth, got my honey and left. I didn't even have to get off my bike.

#4 I rode to work. Maybe this is a cheat but I work at The Shops of Wiregrass. Even though I live only a few miles from home, I have never ridden my bike to work. Some of my excuses include: varying schedule which includes nights; single parent with disabled kids; having an elderly parent living with us; living in Florida which high humidity which make riding in summer very sweaty; wearing skirts and having no step through bike.
Today, I threw all those excuses out, put on some dress pants (rolled up the right pant leg) and rode to work.
The cool weather helped me from getting sweaty as well as the casual pace.
There are bike racks through the mall but none near our employee entrance. I locked my bike to the railing for the stairs. It was first time using this particular u-lock so it took a bit to get it positioned correctly. (My first u-locks were purchased in the early 1990s and had the vulnerable lock mechanism so they were thrown out.) I was a little concerned about my bike still being there when I got out but it was in a spot that is frequented by employees on their smoking breaks.
3.75 miles 8.62 mph
I am a salesperson and am on my feet all day. After 5 hours, I really didn't want to have to ride home but there was nothing to be done. My bike was there and I unlocked it. I rolled my pant legs up because it was warm. I rode home.
The MUP home is blocked by construction so I rode in the street, in the bike lane. I didn't wear a helmet and was a little concerned being on a fast highway. I put my faith in the drivers.
I did get hot and sweaty on my way home. It was nearly 80º. It took me less than 20 minutes to ride the 4 miles home.
I will ride again next week as part of the Errandonnee challenge and may do afterwards. On my wish list is a step through bike so I ride in a skirt.
4.09 miles 12.45mph
Total mileage for all three errands, 7.89 miles
Total mileage of challenge 13.81 miles

errandonne #1

errandonnee 2016

Errandonee #1 20160304 Target for prescriptions
67° wind 3 W
What a beautiful day to ride. Sunny and cool with a light wind. The wind made me not realize I was working up a sweat even though I wasn't riding fast. It makes me want to ride to work tomorrow.
5.92 miles 11.9 mph. It was probably over 12mph but I didn't pause the app when I was stopped by the lights.

It was a beautiful day to ride. It was 67º when I left for Target. I rode my Trek 820 (my hardworking hybrid from 1990) and without a helmet. I knew I wouldn't be riding fast and only crossing one busy road at the light.

I don't ride enough just for pleasure nor transportation enough. I find it hard to keep the pace easy and not get into a pace where my heart rate is in zone 1.

I had to add a lock to my bike. I thought about my new u-lock but didn't think the short trip warranted it. I got a cable lock instead.

I used my Wahoo app to record my ride though I put my iPhone in my bag so I didn't look at it while I was riding.

I knew Target had bike racks near the entry doors. The one I picked is also near the bench where employees sit and smoke. Yuck. Happily, the wind was blowing the right way to keep the smoke away.

I wasn't in Target very long. I also grabbed a couple of bags of candy for a friend who just had to put her 14 year lab down.

I didn't think ahead about the bag. I knew I could put my prescription bottles in my handlebar bag but the candy was too much. I have a rear rack but didn't bring the net. I had to hang the bag on the handlebar. This reminded me of when I lived in Hawaii for a summer and would carry my grocery bags on my handlebars of my beach cruiser. Those bags were heavy and affected my steering.)

The ride back was nice as well. I didn't stop my Wahoo app when I got stopped at the lights. I knew it was affect my average speed but this ride was for transport and speed is not part of the equation. I added a neighborhood loop to make sure my ride was 30 minutes long so FitBit would consider it exercise.

I really enjoyed the ride. I am trying to think of other reasons and places I can go on my bike.

I added a neighborhood loop to make sure my ride was 30 minutes long so FitBit would consider it exercise.

errandonee

Errandonnee starts today. It is 12 errands in 12 days. I am going to try. I don't know how many I will get done and I am not going to push myself. Most of my errands are too far to ride the bike or include groceries which are too heavy and cold to carry on my bike. I may even try to rode my bike to work a couple of times.