Doctor's Orders

Taking a break from the bike for a few days to (hopefully) let my bruised leg/hip heal up from my crash of two weeks ago.

Back to the Birds

The route

Finally made it out to an Early Birds ride. This was my first time riding the winter route, also known as "Trevor's Ride". Most of the regulars were there plus a few new faces. All STRONG riders. I spent practically no time on the front as I did not know the route and also wasn't sure if I would have the legs to finish with the group. So, I tried to conserve as much as possible. I was pretty toasted by the end, even though the consensus was that today's ride was on the easy side compared to the last few rides. It was nice to do a new route. Really nice rural roads most of the way and the weather was a repeat of yesterday (great!). Here is the Motion Based track.

Nice Weather for November

"Usual" Ride elevation profile. Distance: 48.15 miles, elevation gain: 1,764 feet

Did the "Usual" ride this morning. No camera but I did bring the GPS. Here is a link to the MotionBased track of the ride. Weather was great for this time of year. Temperature averaged 46F, sunny skies, light to moderate wind. Maintained a moderate pace, just trying to get some miles in. Tomorrow will be another story if I make it out to the winter "Early Birds" ride, also known as "Trevor's Ride". I expect to be dropped, or at least hanging on at the back most of the time as I have not done any high-intensity rides for over a month. Hopefully the weather will be the same as today!

On the Road Again

Did my first post-crash road ride on Sunday, 50 miles out-and-back down Round Swamp Rd., LIE service road, and West Hills. I had also planned to ride Saturday but I unexpectedly got stuck working for most of the day. Ride was good. A little windy going out but turned into a partial tailwind on the return leg. I think I’m feeling up to an Early Bird ride next weekend. Brought the camera for a ride photo but, once again, discovered that the battery was dead when I went to take a picture.

This morning I took the Trek out for the first time since I crashed with it. I notice some shifting problems and upon closer inspection see that the rear derailleur is scratched up. I guess something got bent out of alignment, will have to try and fix it this weekend. Luckily, it’s still rideable.

And now, for something completely different...

Been off the bike for a few days recovering from my crash. Maybe this is a good opportunity to revisit the bass guitar...

Maybe learn a new song, just for fun...something like this ;-}

Crash

Wiped out on the morning ride today. Some road rash on right side elbow, hip, shoulder, and ankle. I was making a right hand turn and must have hit some wet leaves. The front wheel slipped out and I went down on my right side. I slid a few feet and my lights went clattering down the street. It happend too fast to get my leg out, I wasn't even using clipless pedals. I haven't checked out the bike yet. Other than the handlebars twisting and the chain coming off I didn't notice any other damage. Small rip on my jersey sleeve. Lesson learned: take it easy when trying to turn on wet roads in the dark!

This Weekend's Rides

Sunday's 30-mile "wet" ride

Mixed bag with the weather this weekend but managed to get in two good solo rides. Saturday was the "Usual" 50-mile ride under bright sunshine. Sunday forcast was rain all day but at 7:00am was misty and overcast. So, I got out the rain bike and took a 30-mile ride up to West Hills and back. Roads were wet and there was some heavy fog and mist but it was unusually warm for November (60F). First time I've worn shorts on a ride in over a month. I was happy to get two good rides in this weekend as the next couple of weekends will be busy.

I took the GPS with me on the Sunday "wet" ride. Here is the track.

2006 Tour of the Hamptons Photos

Just found these photos from this year's Tour of the Hamptons in August on the Massapequa Bike Club website. They are kind of low-res...


Look Mom, no hands!


Kind of worn out after 100 miles.


From left, Robin, Owen, me, and John.

Getting Back on Track

Lack of blogging for the past few weeks is a direct result of lack of riding. No rides last weekend due to inclement weather. Only one 36 mile ride the previous weekend as we took care of a bunch of family stuff that weekend. This morning I did the 50 mile "Usual" route and plan on doing another 50 tomorrow, either with the Early Birds out east or another "Usual". Temperature was around 40F this morning, not as bad as I was anticipating. Still doing the 45 minute rides before work in the morning but its important to do the longer rides on weekends so I don't lose all my fitness over the winter.


2006 mileage by month, through October