I got my Tshirt from Evomo today

Today my Tshirt that I won from YourMTB.com and Evomo arrived in the mail. It's a really cool shirt!

If you want to know more about it it's called Epic Grind.

I just won $200 from YourMTB.com!

I have been winning a lot of stuff it seems lately! I was chosen as YourMTB.com's member of the month and was awarded $200 cash!

Here's the link to the posting.

I'm $200 closer to my new bike!

I won a tshirt from Evomo!

Last night I got an email from a guy at YourMTB.com saying that I had won a tshirt from Evomo. The design they were giving away was called Hurl, it's pictured to the left.

I think the guy on the shirt must have ridden in Chernobyl.

Team DINO does it again LOL

OK, so after a few wrong turns I got to MR. W.'s apartment to go on our ride.

Tm:
Mi:
Tp. Spd:
Av. Spd:

I bought some cool biking tshirts

So I was in my local Salvation Army Family Superstore, when I found some really cool biking tshirts. They were from the Race to Replace which actually took place locally in Indy.

Running

I am a noob runner.

http://noob-runner.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

Tour de Carmel 2006

Today was the 2006 Tour de Carmel.

Tm: 1hr. 41 mins.
Mi: 22.03
Tp. Spd: 22.5mph
Av. Spd: 12.9mph

D.IN.O.@TRTP Intro

I was pretty excited and nervous about my upcoming first race. So when the day came, I was ready. On the way to Mr. W's apartment we stopped at Steak 'n' Shake and got steak burgers and shakes.

When we got to the trail we unloaded our bikes and raced over to the registration tent. The lady handed us 2 long forms to fill out. We were like “Oh man, we don't have time for this!” So then I told her that Jon and I had previously registered, and we didn't have to fill them out. Whew! We got our number plates and started tying them on. Then Mr. W. took a bunch of pictures with his camera.

We also got our jerseys that we had purchased and tried them on. I had to get a large. Those jerseys were tight! Unfortunately the theme this year was "Peace, Love, Mountain biking" I'm not opposed to peace, but it always seems to be unsupportive of our troops. They were colored like they were tie-dyed. We both decided to not wear the jerseys in the race. We're going to wear them in the Tour de Carmel.

We got to the Starting line, after everybody else, while the announcer was giving the rules. We had almost missed our first race!!! After the horn, we all took off raggedly like a bunch of noobs. LOL. Jon wiped out about 30 seconds into it. About a minute later he passed me (like he always does) and kept up with the pack. I was tailing several of the stragglers and we kept trading positions in the beginning of the race.

When I cama to the overpass, I had to stop because my front tire's quick-release was loose. Some other racers from other classes passed me and yelled "Keep going!'... Pretty nice. They were all pretty friendly. I didn't have much trouble except for wiping out once and light stomach cramps. I was way ahead of the stragglers and behind the pack so I crossed the finish line alone.

When I finished, Jon was waving at me, and coasted to a stop. He came in 2 places ahead of me (he had taken a wrong turn somewhere and had to backtrack) We traded stories and more pics were taken. We traded in our number plates for t-shirts and sweatshirts. We unfortunately had to leave before the results were announced but I called the day after and found out. I placed 18th, and Jon came in 16th.

Anyway, I had fun and I'm looking forward to doing it again!

Lessons learned:
Always give yourself enough time for any unforeseen circumstances before a race.
Go over you bike and make sure everything is how it's supposed to be, it will save you time in the race.

Here are the pics the race photographer took:
http://www.dinoseries.com/mtb/photos/2006/race7photos.htm

Tm: 44 mins
Mi: 7.35
Tp. Spd: 18.2
Av. Spd: 9.8mph

Note; Stats include race, and to truck.

My first race is tomorrow!

I'm really excited and a bit nervous!

7 miler

To stay ready for the upcoming D.IN.O. race, I went to West Park, went up the big hill, did the big oop, went down the short trail, did the big loop again and went home with a little time in West Village.

Tm: 33 minutes
Mi: 7.39
Tp. Spd: 21.5mph
Av. Spd: 13.1mph

Soma Lever

I bought a Soma Lever at my LBS today when I was in to get a replacement bolt for my toe cups. The bolt was free and I needed a tire lever...

I didn't have much time, so I just circled Laurel Lakes.

Tm: 5 mins
Mi: 1.37
Tp. Spd: 18.8mph
Av. Spd: 15.5mph

I got a new helmet, a Giro Indicator

Bike Wave was out of medium-sized helmets, so I went to Nebo Ridge and bought a black '06 Giro Indicator. To get the specs, here's a link. I really like it so far, and hopefully I can get out and try it today...

Tm: 26 mins
Mi: 5.58
Tp. Spd: 16.2mph
Av. Spd: 12.8mph

Rum Run!

It's 5a.m. EST, I'm getting ready to go up to Plymouth to see some friends at the blueberry festival. We are also going to go to the Rum Run trail. I'll probably get home after 12, so stay tuned....

Later....
It was a great trip! We got in five laps, twice on the Beginner, twice on the Intermediate, and once on the Advanced.

The beginner trail was pretty smooth, while the intermediate had a lot more uphill and steeper turns. The intermediate had this awesome tabletop that you could get some air on. The advanced had a 15-foot drop/jump/hill that you could avoid, jump or ride down. I wasn't even going to think about jumping it.

Before we got to the trail while we were loading our bikes, the plastic shell fell off of my helmet. I knew it would happen some day. I rode with it loose all day, but I'm going to need a new one.
I will have to retire my well-worn Giro Mojave.

Tm: 1 hr, 23 mins
Mi: 11.44
Tp. Spd: 22.5mph
Av. Spd: 7.9mph

Bought a bike rack

So I bought a bike rack from Dick's. It's a Graber TrunkRack2, and it takes two bikes. It's all black and it can fit on cars, mini-vans, and SUVs without hitches.

It will come in handy.

I got my bike back today

If only it would stop raining...

The LBS only had to replace the front granny gear, although the chain needed to be replaced. It was stretched but I didn't want to wait while they ordered a 9-speed chain. Only 3 links needed to really be replaced, so they did it.

My bike is at the shop

To get the granny gear replaced. I would have done it myself but I don't have a crank tool, and it's cheaper if they do it. The guy said my chain was toast but probably could make it for another month. I didn't want to put $30 more into a bike that will hopefully be replaced next year.

So, my bike should be operational by Thursday.

Free shwag, Cannondales, & bent cogs at the TRTP

And lots of bikers, two tents (BGI and Cannondale), the HMBA trail crew, a downed tree, lots of female joggers and the Cannondale dog. What a great day! ;-)

Yesterday I was busy at the BMV (D.E.L.P. Woot!) so I wasn't able to go biking with Mr. W. and Jon. They were borrowing 2 Specialized full-suspensions, an Epic and a Stumpjumper. They only had time for one lap though.

So I got up at 6a.m. and left a little after 7a.m. for the TRTP. Jon was the only one who was going to ride. AS we got ready, a big group of female jogger took off. We decided to go down the "easy" entrance, because that's how the DINO race is going to start. I'd hate to go down the "hard" entrance with a bunch of racers all around.

Lap 1
Tm: 45 minutes
Mi: 7.5

1/2 lap
Tm: 22 minutes
Mi: 2.84

Total
Tm: 1 hour, and 7 minutes
Mi: 10.34
Tp. Spd: 18.6mph
Av. Spd: 9.2mph

New path at West Park

There was a new 1/2 mile long path at West Park. It ends about 50 ft. from Shelbourne Rd. It's pretty nice.

I also saw prep for a wedding in Crossfields.

Tm: 30 minutes
Mi: 5.73
Tp. Spd: N/A
Av. Spd: N/A

TRTP Users Meeting

I'm posting this before the event (link) in case I can't get to my PC in time afterwards.

Mr. W. and Jon will be there around 5 p.m. and we're going to do to 2 laps if it's possible. After that, (if Jon remembers his camera) we're going to try to get some action shots. (I'll post them here) Also Mr. W. is borrowing 2 Specialized full-suspension bikes, an Epic and a StumpJumper. I hope to try them out.

None of us ended up making it, so that's pretty disapointing.

Went to the State Fair yesterday

Since I went to the State Fair yesterday I wasn't able to get out for a ride. And all I did today was circle Laurel Lakes. Some is better than nothing I guess.

Tm: 15 minutes or so
Mi: 1.30
Tp. Spd: N/A
Av. Spd: N/A

Got my bike fixed

I took my bike to the LBS today to get the brakes tightened and the rear tire fixed. I mentioned to the guy that I was going to race, and he told me about a race this Sunday. Then I told him that I'm going to do the D.IN.O. race at the TRTP. He asked if I was doing th Junior class. When I said that I was doing the Into class he said that it would be easy. Sweet!

That reminds me, my entry form was officially mailed today. I ordered a jersey, too. Now, if Jon would just scrape together the money for him entry and jersey...

Not to self: Remember to switch brake pads (v-barke on front, cani' on back)

Tm: 15 minutes
Mi: 0.5 (or so)
Tp. Spd: N/A
Av. Spd: N/A

After long last... t was cut short...

Sadly, yes. My rear tire needed some air so I hooked it up to my cigarette lighter powered compressor (Yeah, I know, I need a pump...) and tryed to fill it. After about 10 minutes of no noticable difference in pressure I gave up and headed out. I noticed that when I would swerve, the tire would fold a little and make a cruching noise. Not cool. By the time I got into Crossfields the tire was pretty much flat. So I walked, jogged and coasted back through Laurel Lakes, and then carried it down the sidewalk home.

I inspected the tire but I couldn't find the culprit. I'll have to take it into the bike shop.


Tm: 20 minutes
Mi: 1.0 (give or take...)
Tp. Spd: N/A
Av. Spd: N/A

Dropped my water bottle

This was the first time I have ever dropped my water bottle as I tried to stick it in the cage! If that happens the race I'm gonna just leave it and suffer thirst.

I went to West Park and I noticed there was a big group by the base of the big hill. It was some local acting group putting on a Shakespearean play. I would've stayed and watched, but I was hot and sweaty and the whole crowd was basically parent with little kids. So I passed.

I just did two big loops then went out of the park. That's when I dropped my water bottle and it started to rain. By the time I got back into Laurel Lakes the rain had stopped. I crossed the road and went into West Village. I mostly just jumped curbs near the pool, then went home.

Tm: 30 minutes
Mi: 5.62
Tp. Spd: 17.2mph
Av. Spd: 11.3

Lost my bike taillight :-(

After my ride today I realized that I didn't have myred 5-LED bike taillight on the clip. It must have come off when I was riding at the TRTP. So now, I have to buy a new one. Oh well, just $5.

I circled the three Laurel Lakes, then went into West Village. I decided to go off the pavement so I road on the rocks and dirt. It was fun with all of the ruts and bumps.

Tm: 20 minutes
Mi: 3.2
Tp. Spd: 19.8mph
Av. Spd: 9.7mph

Town Run Trail Park at last!

So I left the house at 15 'till 11a.m. with the sky threatening to rain. But the sun was trying to keep the scheduled isolated thunderstorms off as long as possible.

I got to the TRTP, loaded my bottles, set my glasses in my helmet and started towards the beginning. The start of the TR trail has a nice little slope, but one side has a nice (rocky, twisting and just slightly unsafe. Note the sarcasm just dripping from my voice... I mean words... text whatever.) rut. I had to stand at the top of the hill for a few minutes to get myself prepped for it. Finally I eased off the brakes (only slightly) and shot down. It wasn't too bad.

My first lap I decided to take it easy and just get re-aquainted with the terrain and hazards. A few miles into it I took one hand off the handle bars and took a drink. Bad idea. I was still pedaling and my front tire glanced off a rock... I got to know the weeds of TRTP very well. Some must have had little thorns/needles because my leg and arm began to burn like a million misquito bites. I thought "Oh boy, there goes my ride!" but after a quarter mile of going slow and itching (and scratching) like crazy I finally forced myself to stop scrathing and after a bit the ichiness went away.

The rest of the lap was pretty much uneventful except for when I had about 3 miles left to go and I pulled over to let a biker with a blue jersey (male, mid-thirties or so) pass me. About a half-mile later I heard a shout and crashing and a deer jumped right across the path! There was another biker going the otherway on on the path (and these sections are about 20 feet apart) and he yelled "Did you see that?!?!" I yelled back "Yeah!", and he was like "That's so cool!" I've never had that happen before!

When I pulled out of the woods, I took a brake uner the pavillion. The first lap was good, I didn't make all of the hills (some due to my rear derailleur not shifting properly, and some to me not having enough speed) but I went over all of the obsticles, with the exception of a log pile that's just too hard for me right now.

The second time down the beginning it wasn't so hard. I decided to go faster this time. I passed a guy (white jersey, late twenties) talking on his cell phone on the top of a hill. I asked him if he was ok, and he said yeah, so I went on. Five minutes later he passed me. (much to my chagrin) When I went under the bridge on the way back there was a dad with his daughter and son. The idiots were standing all over the pathway, so I had stop untill they moved. (They did have nice bikes though)

A couple miles from finishing I heard another crash and saw the hind-end of a deer disapear in the brush on the side of the trail. I was like "Wow! Twice in one day!"
It was a great ride! I might not win the DINO race, but I shouldn't come in last.

Lap 001
Tm: 48 minutes
Mi: 7

Lap 002
Tm: 45 minutes
Mi: 7

Total (2 laps combined)
Tm: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Mi: 14.05
Tp. Spd: 17.7mph
Av. Spd: 8.7mph

4mph over the speed limit

I went to West Park, kicking myself for not going to the TRTP yesterday. I started to go up the big hill (my front derailleur worked!) but there was a family at the top so I slowed to much then my chain jumped and I stopped. I turned my bike on the side of the hill then flew down. (Always the best part) Since I didn't get to the top I hadn't shifted back in my second gear, leaving me pumping like a maniac 'till I shifted. (up 2, down 1) I did the woods trail at a faster speed than normal, trying to get ready for the trail. Then I went and blasted the small hills and headed back towards home.

I crossed from Laurel Lakes to West Village amd decided I was going to break the speed limit. (the speed limit is 20mph) I've done it before but I wanted to go faster, so, when I got to the longest stretch of straight road I took off. For the first block I only pedaled slowly faster which wasn't good enough. I got up to 24mph before I had to slow down to make the turn. It was fun.

I went by the pool and fountains, getting my breath back. About then a Porche 911 pulled into West Village, the guy was driving slow just looking at everything, so I made a point of "racing" him for a few blocks. (me, of course, going a lot faster) Then I jumped the curbs by the pool and headed home.

Tm: 29 minutes
Mi: 5.98
Tp. Spd: 24mph
Av. Spd: 12.3mph

Went into the Village of West Clay

I was planning on hitting the Town Run Trail for a few laps today, but after checking the HMBA forums, I didn't. Since we got .05" of rain on Thursday they want us to stay off it 'till Sunday. Oh well, next time...

So I went through West Village, out onto 131st St. and crossed Towne Rd. to go to the Village of West Clay. It's a pretty ritzy, up-scale neighboorhood with it's own restaurant, bank, courthouse, two pools, a golf course and a bunch of parks. The whole place is designed to look old, all of the houses on small lots with pretty good landscaping. At a certain point a kid (male, brown hair about 14 years old) with a red full-face helmet started up his motor scooter and started up the same street I was going. As he got closer I increased speed but he shot past me.

On the way out of the Village of West Clay, there was a biker (roadie, middle-aged male, overweight) with a white helmet and tanktop going the other way. He waved and nodded and I said hey, and went on.

After that I went back across Towne Rd., though West Village and circled the three Laurel Lakes.

Oh, BTW, check out the little flash flickr badge I put in the sidebar. It's showing pics of my bike.

Tm: 30 minutes
Mi: 6.02
Tp. Spd: 22.0pmh
Av. Spd: 11.9mph

Short ride - 60th post

I went for a short ride after the rain rain, and right before dinner. Did a circle around Laurel Lakes, and went by the pool in West Village.

Although I didn't spend much time on it my front derailleur seemed to behave. I'll have to check it out thoroughly...

Tm: 11 minutes
Mi: 2.41
Tp. Spd: 16.3mph
Av. Spd: 13.3mph

My front derailleur is def not working

Well, my front derailleur is def not working. I could not get it to shift at all. Fortunantly it's stuck in second, so I can ride, just not up steep hills. I'm going to see if there is a fix in the mtb repair book I checked out at the library, if not, I'll take it in to my LBS.

Tm: 24 minutes
Mi: 5.58
Tp. Spd: 18mph
Av. Spd: 13.3mph

Banana guard

Boy, it's hard, riding in 92' degrees... esp. when your front derailleur won't shift. I tried going up the big hill twice, but the stupid shifter wouldn't work. So the second time I walked my bike up the hill and rode down. I'll take my fun even if I can't work for it. So, I did a big loop and circle by the pool in West Village and then went home.

I was going through an older issue of Bike mag, and I came across the Banana Guard. What a great idea! LOL

Edit: I accidently deleted my stats when I started my ride on 8/2/06, so these are what I remember...

Tm: 25 minutes (or so...)
Mi: 4.7 (I know it was more)
Tp. Spd: N/A
Av. Spd: N/A

7.5 miles in 30 mins

Boy, am I sacked...

I'm going to try to enter a DINO series race at the Town Run trail, and I have to do it (according to last year's results) in about 34 minutes or so. So, I did 6 laps around Laurel Lakes and went into West Village to get the last 1/2 mile in. Boy, was it hot! My water bottle was very hot and unappealing... and I could feel the heat coming through the bottoms of my shoes. I was gasping for breath but I did it with a few pauses of pedaling.

But, I proved that I can go 7.5 miles in 30 minutes. Since it was all flat pavement, I'll probably be slower, but I was fighting a strong head-wind, so I might be faster.

When I got home I was soo exhausted I could hardly stand up, so after a couple of glasses of cold water, I slumped against the bathroom wall for over 10 mintes. I was trying to relax and not puke or pass out. Fortunantly I didn't do either, and after a while I was ok. That race should be fun!

I also found this picture called "Bee is for bicycle"
- Link -

Tm: 32 minutes
Mi: 7:98
Tp. Spd: 18.9mph
Av. Spd: 14.5mph

Biking mags from library

At the library today I got a bunch of kinda old (a few months) Bike and Mountain Bike mags from CCPL. IMCPL gets Bicycling, but they're always checked out. And I got a book on mtb repair... I could use it.

I just went to West Park, around the big loop, one of the water pathways, and did the big loop again. I did not go up the big hill becuase it's been raining a bit and it's soggy. I went the long way through Laurel Lakes, then went into West Village. I went by the pool, then back home.


Tm: 26 minutes
Mi: 5.56
Tp. Spd: 21.5mph
Av. Spd: 12.9mph

Rode quickly to get home fast

I had to go quickly because it looked like it might pour rain at any second and we were expecting a contractor to come, to look at our deck. (and I had to be there)

I did the big loop at West Park once, and went home

Tm: 15 minutes
Mi: 3.41
Tp. Spd: 18.2mph
Av. Spd: 13.4

100 recorded miles!

Today was the day that I got over the 100 mile mark! (of recorded miles... I probably have almost 200, but I can't say that for sure) I love my cyclocomputer!

I have been noticing differences... nice differences I might add. I'm overweight, and now my clothes are becoming a little looser! Also, my leg muscles have never been this hard or big, and my endurance is light-years ahead of what it was last year! I LOVE BIKING!

Anyway, I went to West Park, up the big hill, through the woods trail, across the water pathways and I blasted the small hills.

Tm: 25 minutes
Mi: 5.08
Tp. Spd: 23mph
Av. Spd: 12mph

Bracelets

I started to go to West Park, but at the first exit (out of Crossfields) I waited to cross, to go to Coxhall Gardens, but the traffic was heavy. So I went back, crossed the street and went into West Village, and tried to cross there, but it was the same. So I circled around by the pool and then went back through to Laurel Lakes. I was just getting into Crossfield when I was passed by a roadie. After about 1/10th of a mile, I turned around, but I didn't see a glimpse of him at all on the way home.

Oh, I almost forgot... today was the first day that I wore my pink Survivor bracelet that I recently acquired. I'm going to try to wear it every ride, alternating it with my others. (until I get a LiveStrong bracelet anyways)

Tm: 25 minutes
Mi: 5.27
Tp. Spd: 17.6mph
Av. Spd: 12.2mph

Floyd Landis won the Tour de France!

Yesterday, Floyd Landis, an American from Team Phonak, won the Tour de France! The best part is that one of his sponsers was Specialized footwear! :-D

Anyway, my bike ride was ok... I went to West Prk, went up the big hill, went on the woods trail and blasted the little hills. I then went home.

Tm: 23 minutes
Mi: 5.12
Tp. Spd: 21mph
Av. Spd: 12.7mph

Inbetween rain

I went to West Park, and went around the big loop once, and both water pathways. I also cirlced the Laurel Lakes once again. I had to do it all inbetween rain, so I didn't quite get up to 6 miles.

Tm: 28 minutes
Mi: 5.98
Tp. Spd: 21.0mph
Av. Spd: 12.4mph

19.1mph under own power!

I went to West Park, and went around the big loop twice, and since nobody was on the water pathways, I went on those too. On my second time around the big loop I decided to try to go all-out for a bit. It is all flat, no hill, and a headwind. I managed to get up to 19.1 mph under my own power! And I was only in 2&9! I didn't go up the big hill because it's been raining and I new I'd hit puddles on my way down. On my out of West Park, I turned right instead of going straight and went down the Crossfields cul-de-sac, and then headed towards home. I decided to head the shorter way around the Laurel Lakes, and went around the Lakes again.

Tm: 30mins
Mi: 6.56
Tp. Spd: 19.1mph
Av. Spd: 13.1mph

No LiveStrong bracelet at my LBS

I went to one of my LBS's and asked if they had any LiveStrong Bracelets. She said no. I was disapointed... I want one so bad!

Got a Japanese Beatle down my shirt

I went to West Park today, and it was blazing hot! I went up the big hill twice, went on the woods trail, the water pathways, and the big loop around the park. I then headed towards home the long way through Laurel Lakes. I then went a little ways into West Village and that's when the Japenese Beatle hit my and went down my shirt. I had to stop and pick it out. Then I had to wait a few minutes waiting for a break in traffic to get back to my house.

Tm: 30 minutes
Mi: 6.24
Tp. Spd: 21.5mph
Av. Spd: 12.4mph

Specialized Podcast

Earlier today I sent two Tour de Carmel entry forms to Jake and Gabe, yesterday I gave three to Jon, Mr. W. and S. W.

When I got to West Park today there was some sort of kids event at the base of the big hill. They had a small tent setup with a van and a Park ranger truck near by. They were right on top of the sidewalk that leads to the hill so I didn't go down to see what it was. I could hear the singing from the Crossfields-to-West Park entrance. Also, there was a bookmobile parked by the main pavilion. I was going to check it out, but it was really just a book store, instead of actually a library. So I blasted the small series of ridges by the swings hen headed towards the woods. I wen through the woods rail then headed towards home the long way through Laurel Lakes. Then I looped around in the new section of West Clay, then went home.

EDIT: I just discovered that Specialized has a weekly podcast! Once I get my PC back on it's feet I'm going to subscribe!

Tm: 32 minutes
Mi: 6.27
Tp. Spd: 17.7mph
Av. Spd: 11.8mph

Got my Tour de Carmel confirmation

Today in the mail I got a reciept from Carmel Clay Parks and recreationsaying that I had paid and was now registered in the Tour de Carmel. Later I acquired some extra registration forms to give to Jon, Mr. W. and S.W. I'm also going to send two forms to Jake and Gabe, but I doubt they will be able to attend the event. Unfortunantly I got no bike ride in today. I need to get back out there!

Entered the Tour de Carmel

I put my entrance form, for the Tour de Carmel, in the mail today. (it's actually going tomorrow because I missed today's mail truck.)

I'm going for the 20-miler becuase I can do 20 miles in about 2 hours.

After week of none...

I finally got to get out on my bike! It was great!

Tm: 28 minutes
Mi: 5.62
Tp. Spd: 20mph
Av. Spd: 12mph

Yesterday my internet went out

Yesterday my internet went out, so I wasn't able to record my ride on the proper day.

I just went to West Park, went on some of the trails, then headed back home the long way through Laurel Lakes.

Tm: 25 minutes
Mi: 5.15
Tp. Spd: 18mph
Av. Spd: 12.3mph

Group ride downtown

Mr. W., S.W., Jon and I left a little after 6:30p.m. from the bank parking lot, crossed the road and started down the Canal Tow Path.

At a stop light a punk in a car yelled at us "Hey motherf******s!" I ignored him, but at the next light, he yelled "Don't I know you from somewhere?" Then I told him to shut up, and that was the end of that... fortunantly.

Mr. W. said that we could try the woods trail today if we wanted to, so at the first opening we went for it. It was really muddy so it wasn't much fun and we got back to the main gravel path as quickly as possible. When we exited the woods we were right across from a bridge so Jon and I crossed it, but, finding it was a dead end we turned around. As I came off the bridge, I swung wide onto the path to avoid coming close to a guy walking. My rear tire kept sliding and I wiped out. My left knee dug into the gravel, leaving me with a good deal of blood running down my leg. Boy, did it sting for a while!

A little farther down the trail, we turned off onto the White River bike trail heading downtown. When we got farther downtown, Mr. W. got a little mixed up and we spent 10 minutes getting back to the right path. Then we kept going.

When the trail ended we kept going on the sidewalk all the way downtown to the circle. We circled the circle (sounds funny...) and paused for a few minutes to get out water bottles filled from the extras Mr. W. was carrying. We didn't have anything to eat because we forgot to stick the power bars in our bags, so we turned around and headed back. At one of the hotels on the circle, there were several high-end vehicles parked there, including; a black Hummer H2, a light blue Mercedes, and a red Ferrari.

Heading back up the way we came was pretty uneventful. Jon and I were way ahead of Mr. W. and S.W. and were making pretty good time at 14mph. A biker (guy, slightly overweight, older thirties/mid forties, blue jersey) slowly caught up with us then passed us. Jon and I tried to stick with him... but I fell behind as Jon stayed with him for a while. Then the guy stopped for a rest, about a mile from finishing, so we blazed by him. After we crossed the next intersection Jon and I turned on out taillights since it was getting darker.

Jon and I got back to the truck before Mr. W. and S.W. did so we decided to see if we could buy any food while we waited. Jon guarded out bikes while I went into a CVS Pharmacy, but everything was so expensive I decided we could wait. When everyone was a t the truck, Mr. W. passed out South Beach Diet chocolate meal replacement bars and we dug in. While we stood there eating a yellow Ferrari Spider went down the road slowly so we got a good look at it. Then we loaded up and headed out.

At the first McDonalds we came to, we all got grilled chicken sandwiches, and at the next McDs we all got chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream cones. A great ending to a great ride!

Tm: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Mi: 23.64
Tp. Spd: 18.8mph
Av. Spd: 10.5mph

Almost ran over a snake

I turned out of my driveway the opposite way of normal and headed towards the schools. I turned in and went down the main road towards the pond (really it's a retention pond) and turned off the road. I went down the gravel trail that goes about halfway around the pond. It abruptly stop, but I kept going till I came up to a 2-foot drop-off. I turned around and headed back to the schools. I almost ran over a black-colored (garter or garden?) snake on the path. Then I went out, around the front of the schools via the walk paths then went across to Wexley Chase (the neighborhood across from the schools) and went around in there for a bit. Then I crossed back to the schools, and turned back towards home. I passed my driveway and went into the new section of West Clay which is across from Laurel Lakes. I circled back by the pool then went home.

Tm: 28 minutes
Mi: 5.26
Tp. Spd: 15mph
Av. Spd: 11.0

Tested out my lights

I went out a little before 10p.m. to try out my new lights. They're great! I could see the reflection of the hedlight on a stop sign over 50 feet away!

Tm: 15 minutes
Mi: 2.97
Tp Spd: 14mph
Av Spd: 11.9mph

Vids of the lights

I got some batteries for my headlight and made these vids.

Got my head and taillight

I got my headlight and tailight from LED Shoppe today. If you click on the pic, it takes you to a video that I made.

Reached 22mph

I went to West Park for a quick ride. I went up the big hill and down... that's how I got up to 22 mph. Then I went through the woods trail forwards and headed home, going the long way around the Laurel Lakes.

Tm: 19 minutes
Mi: 3.81
Tp. Spd: 22mph
Av. Spd: 12.1mph

Almost hit a squirrel

I went to West Park through Laurel Lakes. I went through the woods trail twice forwards. The first time, I almost hit a squirrel just standing there in the path. He jumped and ran right before I would've hit him.

Tm: 25 minutes
Mi: 5.32
Tp Spd: 16.1 mph
Av Spd: 12.4 mph

Haircut

Earlier this morning I got a haircut which removed over an inch of hair. This buzz-cut is nice... my head feels lighter and cooler and my hats fit better.

I went to West Park, went through the woods trail forwards, went up the big hill (I haven't done that in a while) and went throught the woods trail again. I wasn't able to get into my 8th or 9th gear because my chain hits my front derailleur. I really need to fix that.

Tm: 29 minutes
Mi: 5.86
Tp Spd: 21 mph
Av Spd: 11.9 mph

Saw first "real" biker at West Park

I went to West Park... I went throught the woods trail backwards, and went over the water pathways. Then I blasted the mini-hills by the playground. In all these times I've been at West Park, I have never seen a "real" biker there. (By real I mean wearing a jersey and helmet and going quicly.) Well, I saw my first today!Then I went throught the woods trail forwards and headed home, going the long way around the Laurel Lakes.

Tm: 25 minutes
Mi: 5.30
Tp Spd: 17.2 mph
Av Spd: 12.7 mph

Tested out my Enduro 8

I went for a 7 minute ride around the Laurel Lakes, and tested out my Enduro cyclocomputer. It's about 1.25 miles around. I'm keeping a little chart on the sidebar of this blog to record all the important info.

Mr. W. is trying to sell his Ellsworth Truth frame on eBay. It's pretty nice!

I got my Enduro 8 and Podbag!

Earlier this morning I got an email from LED Shoppe's distributor CCNow, saying my head and taillight were shipped today. Later this afternoon I got my CatEye Enduro 8 cyclocomputer and Nashbar Podbag from Nashabar. So, I raced out to the garage and hooked both of them up! The Podbag went on fairly easily, but the clamp was a little too short for the seat bars that it attaches to. It was so minor, but it's going to be at a slight angle. So, I angled it so it will be more even when my bike is leaning on the kick-stand. I also had to angle my rear reflector more toward the ground to get the bag to fit. Then I started on the cyclocomputer. It took me a while to get the display mounted, because the first time I put it backwards, then I had to adjust the tightness band. Then I placed the sensor and measured the right distance (5mm) for the magnet. The magnet screws into a little plastic piece that has a notch for a spoke. Then I tied down the cable as well as possible. I had a little extra play in the cable, so I routed it little bit differently than the instructions indicated. Then I took it for a quick spin around the first Laurel Lake. It works great! I'm going to keep a little indicator on front page of my blog that shows the total miles that I've traveled, and the highest speed I have attained. I'm also going to record the miles that I rode in each entry.

My cyclocomputer shipped

My cyclocomputer and podbag that I ordered from Nashbar shipped today!

Ordered some bike stuff

This morning I ordered some bike stuff. Here's a list:

• Cat Eye Enduro 8 cyclocomputer
• Nashbar Podbag
• 5-LED headlight
• 5-LED red taillight
  

Total was less than $50.

Also, I had my bike taken in to my LBS and they redirected the cable as needed.

I didn't time myself

Before I started my ride, I was looking the bike over, and I realized that my front shifting cable was not in the right guide on the bottom of the frame. I'm going to have my LBS fix it since they're the ones who put it on that way.

I was into my ride when I realized I didn't have my watch on, so I wasn't able to time myself.
I went to West Park, through the woods trail backwards, then I headed toward the water pathways. There were a bunch of people fishing and it was crowded. I almost ran over a fishing pole that was laying across the walkway. Fortunantly I stopped in time, but it was close. Then I went through the woods trail forwards, then headed home. I didn't try the big hill because of the cable problem.

15 minutes, no breaks

I went for a 15 minute ride to West Park. The whole ride, neither of my feet left the clips at all. I went over both the water pathways, then headed home the longer way around the Laurel Lakes.

Cruised by the new pool

I went cruising on Dad's Huffy around the first Laurel Lake and then around in the new neighborhood. I went by the pool and there was a lifegaurd on duty. We talked for a while.

Cruised

I went for a quiuck cruise around all three Laurel Lakes today on "Muffy" (my name for it anyway) which is Dad's Huffy Wild Wood.

First group ride today!

Before the afternoon bike ride I went to the Indy 500 parade. Lance Armstrong (this year's pace car driver) was there and I got a few pics.

I went on my first group ride of the season today with Mr. W, S.W., and Jon. We started at the 96th St. Monon Trail parking lot, went down the Monon Trail, cut through Broad Ripple, and then got on the Tow Canal Path. When we were in between the the two trails Jon slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting a tree limb hanging over the sidewalk. His rear tire must not have stopped, or he only used his front brake, but he flew up over the handle bars and landed on his feet. He was unharmed from that little stunt. Then when we were almost to the end on the Tow Canal Path, a biker tried to pass me and I kept with him for a good while. Then we came across a road, he acted as if he was going to turn, but he didn't and he pulled ahead of me. I think he did it on purpose! We had a quick break for water and chocolate energy bars, then we headed back, with Jon and I taking the lead and increasing it. On the way back Jon was having some minor trouble with his front derailleur, shifting into the third gear. After Broad Ripple he messed with it again and then it just quit working all together. Since he couldn't pedal, he turned his rear LED light to flashing then started walking. He ran then would jump on, would run by it or coast... and even carry it. I peddled near him slowly and we got to talk. We had a little over 2 miles but it passed quickly and we were soon at the truck.

Overall the ride took three hours, and we (Jon & I) completed it in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Mr. W. and S.W. came in 15 minutes later.

I drank probably 20+ ounces of water right after the ride, way to fast when I should have been cooling down. My gut was feeling worse and worse until after I got home, I emptied my stomach, then I felt fine. I think I learned my lesson.

Well, I really enjoyed my first group ride of the season and I'm excitedly looking forward to many more!

Got my bike back

I got a new wheel and tire from Bike Wave. Total was a little over $60. When I got home I inflated the tire, which for some reason they didn't do all the way, and it seemed to wo work great! I didn't have a change to take it out real far, far enough to qualify as a ride. After I gave my younger brother more biking lessons, I went and got our old Huffy Wild Wood girls coaster at of the barn. I scrubbed it and inflated the tires then took it for a spin weaving around the Laurel Lakes. It's really comfy and is great for hands-free driving! Since my mountain bike can't balance, it was hard getting used to, but I could go for about 30 seconds at a time.

Mr. W. says we're going on bike ride tomorrow! Unfortunantly, until he gets the full-suspension frame he wants, we're not going to go on the Town Run Trail (the best trail near us) so I'm guessing we're going on the Tow Canal Path, or the Monon Trail. It will be my first "real" bike ride of the season!

I'm getting my rear wheel replaced

I took my bike in to Bike Wave today to see what they could do. When I called earlier they said they possible could do while I waited, and I could watch and learn. Well the guy looked at it and said I needed a new wheel. The cheapest they had was $50 (plus labor... which is $6-8) so I said to go ahead with it.

I bent my rear rim today

I was 11 minutes into my ride at West Park, (I got there in a little less than 5 minutes) when I took a corner too fast, and too sharp. My pedal clipped the curb, and I landed on the grass. When I got back on my bike, I realized that my rear rim was bent! It rubbed the brake pads pretty hard, so I decided to walk home. It took me a little less than 25 minutes to walk (every once in a while I would jog for a bit) with my hand guiding the bike. Half-way though Laurel Lakes, a biker passed me, and he was really pumping! So I'm going to have to fix it somehow...

Passed some "real" bikers

I went for a 15 minute ride, circling the Laurel Lakes 3 times. On the way north coming back the first time, I passed 2 "real" bikers (with helmets and jerseys) with another guy (with a cowboy hat) on a bike. They were roadies, BTW. They were'nt going very fast, just coasting. On my second time around, near the same area, they were going the other way.

Tested out my "old" toe clips

I decided to try out my "old" Mt. Zefal plastic toe clips. (that came with the bike when I bought it)
When I got the bike I wasn't used to toe clips so I just took them off. However, the recent rides have been showing me that I could use toe clips, because my feet keep slipping off. So I put them on and went for a quick 6 minute ride around the Laurel Lakes. They worked and I don't foresee a problem with them, so they're staying. I was planning on buying a set of steel toe clips with straps from Nashbar, but I won't need to anymore. I can use the money for something else... like maybe a jersey.

Got pics of my bike

I went for a 35 minute ride to West Park, taking 5 minutes to get there. I saw a rabbit sitting on somebody's driveway. It looked like a statue. I went up the big hill but went down very slowly because it was really soggy. I went through the woods trail twice, forwards and backwards.

Afterwards I rubbed most of the mud off with an old towel. Then I took some pics... here's a link to view them.

18 minute quicky

I went for a quick 18 minute ride to WestPark. I made it there in 5 minutes. I didn't do much because the ground was mushy. So, no hill and no woods trail. When will it quit raining???

4 days of rain + bike ride = slight mess

There was a lull in the rain that we've had so I raced outside on my bike. I went the long way around the Lakes to go to West Park. It was about 50F, so I didn't do much there. There where only 3 other people at the park, and they all rode in a pale green convertable VW Bug. When I was about to hit the gravel path, I saw a puddle, and knew that the whole trail was gonna be watery... so I decided to go for it and if I got muddy... oh well. I got muddy alright! All up my back and my front. But, what else can you expect after 4 days of rain?

6 minute ride

I went for a 6 minute ride around the Laurel Lakes once, because it started to sprinkle.

I went for a 64 minute ride to West Park. I go there in less than 5 minutes. When I went up the hill for the first time I passed a young couple laying on the grass on the back of the hill. ( so I didn't see them when I started.)

I went on the woods trail twice forwards. I went over both of the

Longer way back

I went on a 35 minute bike ride to West Park. I made it there in a few seconds less than 4.5 minutes!
Twice on the paths, I passed a Middle-Eastern Nun walking with a guy (of the same nationality) I had never seen a Nun at the park before. I went up the big hill all the way sitting down. Also I blasted that small series of hills twice.
On my way back home, I went the longer way past the Lakes.

Almost got hit by a car

I was just starting out on my way to West Park and I was coming up on a Y in the road. Some idiot took the crve practically without turning, going into the opposite lane, and almost hitting me! It was like they didn't even see me. Anyway, I made it to the park in less than 5 minutes. It was 63F outside and a bit nippy so I kept it short... a 20 minute ride. On my way home as I was turning on to the final sidewalk, I had to slam on my brakes... there was a mother duck along with 3 or 4 ducklings on the sidewalk! Fortunantly, I missed all of them. After I got home, I raced back to the spot with a camera, but I couldn't see them anywhere.

Wore my biking shirt

I went for a 47 minute ride to West Park. I passed a couple dozing on top of a picnic table inside of a open-sided shelter, and a shirtless guy with his little boy and two dogs. I don't think he was picking up their waste, because I saw some laying the the middle of the path. Pathetic. I ended up going up the hill the first time out of the saddle, because when I shifted into my 1st gear (in the front) it wouldn't shift, so I had to turn around, get it properly shifted, then retry. My second time up the hill was all the way sitting down, so that was cool. On my from doing the woods trail forwards I passed a lady walking her huge black great dane. He wasn't even on a leash! It was about 80F, so I wore my biking shirt for the first time this year.

Mud-splattered!

First I went down to the parking lot of the soccer fields and hopped the 5 speedbumps for fun, then headed to West Park. I made it there in less than 5 minutes. I headed towards the bridge walkways, but bypassed the first because there were 4 little kids and their mom (or sitter maybe?) on it. Then I went up the big hill. I headed towards the woods... the paths were muddy with puddles from last night's rain. I got muddy water splattered all over me! It was good I had my sunglasses on or else I would have gotten a bunch in my eyes. In all it took 25 minutes.

biking

I got to West Park in 5 minutes. I went up the big hill twice about 95% sitting down. On my way to go through the woods trail forwards for the first time I passed an Oriental lady carrying her little boy. I later passed them in the parking lot, she had a dark blue Scion xB. Pretty cool! My second time though the woods trail I timed myself at apx. 57 seconds. I was going almost top speed in 2&8. (gears) When I went over the bridge walkways I had to slam on my brakes when 3 Mallard ducks rose up from the water on one side and flew over the bridge. Kinda startling... On my way back through Laurel Lakes I was feeling good, so I circled the 3 Laurel Lakes again pretty much non-stop pedaling.

Got to see some biking friends

After church I went to see some of my friends (who are mountain bikers) and their bikes. One bike was a Kona Fire Mountain the other is a GT. (I forget the name) My friend got some Optic Nerve Membrane Sunglasses (with 3 pairs of lenses) yesterday.

Before the rain

I went for a quick (25 minutes) bike ride today before the rain hit (more like intermittent sprinkles) I wore a short-sleeve shirt (and it was 55F) and forgot my waterbottle, so I made it quick. I didn't even want to try going up the hill. On my way to do the woods trail backwards I passed a group of about 5 ladies all walking dogs, so I passed them on the grass. It was cold, so I headed home quickly.

All around West Park

I went for a 40 minute ride to West Park. (through Laurel Lakes) I went up the big hill mostly sitting down, and I went over the wooden sidewalks over the water. There were several people fishing today. I went through the woods trail both ways. The puddles were practically gone, which was surprising, since we had rain just a few days ago. On my way from the woods to the parking lot I passed a Hispanic boy on a yellow dual-suspension bike... I was going to fast to figure out what brand and kind of a bike it was. I discovered a nice little set of mounds and those were fun to blast over.

On my home I found an empty beer bottle, so I picked it up. (to throw away at home) It probably looked wierd to see an underage biker with a beer bottle in his water bottle holder!

When I got home, I helped my 5 year-old brother learn to ride his bike, then we both washed our bikes.

Rain

It rained all day so I was not able to get out for a ride.

Went to West Park

I went to West Park (through Laurel Lakes) for a 30 minute ride. It took me 6 minutes to get there... slower than yesterday. I went through the woods walking trail reverse of how I normally do it, and I avoided water and mud today! I then circled the 3 Laurel Lakes, then went home.

I got my bike muddy - 1st time this year!

I went for a 25 minute bike ride to West Park, through Laurel Lakes. I went up the big hill once, sitting 50% of the climb. Then I went down it. (which was slightly scary, because the last time I went down a big hill my brakes went out!) I came across a smallish puddle and I went right through it. About 50 feet later, I discovered a huge puddle covering 15 feet of the path! I tried to go around it (walking my bike) but ended up with my shoes soaked.

Got my bike!

I got my bike from Bike Wave today! Like-new Deore shifters and brakes, plus specialized pedals! They also replaced all the cables and put on a new chain. I'm going from 24 gears to 27.

When I got home, I circled the 3 lakes in Laurel Lakes twice. (I'll be doing that route a lot throughout the summer...)

I can't wait til tomorrow!

My bike should be done today!

My bike shold be done tonight at 5 p.m.! I can't wait! All like-new brakes and shifters... w00t!

Welcome to my biking blog!

Welcome!

I'm going to record what I did on my bike... how far I went, when I went, what is was like, etc.

Right now my bike, a Specialized Hardrock Comp is in the shop, getting a newer set of brakes and shifters put on. It should be out by Thursday, though.

TTYL!