NEW YEAR’S EVE ROAD-BIKE RIDE

One of the better sights during this morning's bike ride

There were only two of us on today's road-bike ride, Sandy S and myself.

From the car-park area, we rode our road bikes to Einstein's Bagel Shoppe in Weston, enjoyed a sandwich made with cheese, eggs and hot peppers (Spicy Elmo), rode through Weston, cut across a country road to Western Pembroke Pines and Miramar, and then rode on mostly sidewalks and trails back to the car-park, crossing I-75 via Sheridan Street.

This morning's ride was a fun end-of-the-year ride with a valued friend!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2118724

DAY BEFORE NEW YEAR’S EVE ROAD-BIKE RIDE

This morning’s group road-bike ride was typical of most of our weekday bike rides, meet at the meet-up spot in Cooper City, maneuver our way to Weston’s Einstein’s Bagel and Coffee Shoppe on Weston Road taking mostly back-roads and horse trails, BS each other over coffee and snacks at Einstein’s, and then ride back to Cooper City taking a different, more interesting route.

Today being a day when all the school children were out of school, the traffic was notably much lighter than regular weekdays. That’s a good thing!

The weather was ideal for bike riding: temp’ in the low seventies, cloudy with a slight mist in the air, and a northern breeze that kept us cool while waiting for traffic signals to turn green.

Thank you, Tom, Sandy, Stephen, Wally, Ron and Gary for another fun bike ride.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2114967

WATER-BOY, MTB ESCORT BIKE RIDE

Christmas morning was a perfect time to go out for a training run and escort bike ride. With the exception of a couple of walkers walking around the lake, plus the security guy that was riding his golf cart around the mall’s parking lot, nary a person or car was to be seen. Correction, we did spot a couple that was going into the local pet shop to feed the animals. I wonder if they were paid double-time for their good-deed duties.

At 72 degrees, it was a superb time to be outdoors. The cool breeze coming in from the north added to the exceptional weather.

Too bad the ride and run was a short one, for I do believe my wife and I could have continued on for many more miles with smiles.

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2099986

GREENWAY GROUP RIDE

After riding two miles on my road-bike to the meet-up spot to hook up with the guys, Rey, Ed, Greg, Stephen, Tom, Sandy, Gary and myself headed towards the bagel shoppe in Weston. The ride to the bagel shoppe is approximately 12 miles, give or take a few feet. This was Greg’s first ride since crashing his bike back in early September.

Ed, Rey and Gary headed back to the car park early while the rest of us stayed behind chatting about dentists, spiders and clowns, and anything else that crossed our demented minds. We also discussed tentative plans to ride the Withlacoochee Trail in Northern Central Florida this coming spring.

On the way back to the meet-up spot, the strong SE wind significantly reduced or normally blistering, record-setting speed. The wind on the New River Greenway was especially strong. The greenway runs parallel to Interstate Highway 595.

This morning’s ride was another fun ride with fun people.

May the force continue to be with us!

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2097021

MIRAMAR/BASS CREEK ROAD MTB RIDE

After leaving my estate shortly after 8 a.m., I headed south towards Miramar hoping that I would be able to find the Bass Creek Road Bridge that crosses Interstate Highway 75. I chose that particular bridge because of the wide bike lane and the fact that there are no on-ramps or off-ramps. Safety is my middle name!

I did find the bridge and I also found a wide asphalt bike trail that runs between 172^nd and 178^{th Streets} as well as Pines Boulevard and Miramar Boulevard. Large sections of the bike trail ran through a tropical island that reminded me of Gilligan’s Island. I believe I even spotted Ginger Grant walking her white poodle. Gilligan was nowhere to be found.

Heading home via Sheridan road was a breeze, a pesky breeze that was blowing in from the southeast between 15-20 mph. Thanks to the weekend traffic, which was surprisingly light, crossing the normally-busy Sheridan Street Bridge was easy as pie.

This was a lovely winter ride on my mountain bike, one that convinced me beyond a doubt that I live in a tropical paradise.

Did I mention that the average temperature was a comfortable 76F?

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2094853

WATERBOY BIKE RIDE

While my marathon-running wife did a training run/walk in the mall's parking lot and in CB Smith County Park, I rode my road bike alongside her.

 

Whenever she would ask for the water or Gatorade, I would ride beside her and then hand her whichever bottle she requested. 

 

Doing it that way, she doesn't have to carry a bottle in her hands while running.

 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/417661203

ATLANTIC OCEAN, A1A, 37-MILE MOUNTAIN-BIKE RIDE

Starting out early this morning with no particular direction or route in mind, I headed eastward from my home so the wind would be at my back during the second half of my solo mountain-bike ride. I figured there would be nothing better than to have the ocean wind pushing me westward whenever I began to tire during the backside of the sub-tropical 37-mile ride. I was right!

For the most part, on the way to the ocean I remained on Griffin Road’s undulating sidewalks, making many stops at cross walks, intersections and driveways. A lot of time was wasted at those!

After riding underneath Interstate 95, I rode on the hilly, scenic terrain that lies on the south side of the Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale Airport. I had a ball riding up and down the steep inclines.

From there, I switched to Old Griffin Road and then Stirling Road until I crossed over the Intercostal Waterway, which is a sight to behold all by itself. You can bet that I stopped midway on the bridge for some photos.

The return ride was on sidewalks as well, mostly on the north side of both Hollywood and Pines Boulevards. While riding through downtown Hollywood, it was apparent that I startled a table full of visitors whenever I rode somewhat close to their sidewalk breakfast table. That’ll teach them for not sharing their food with hungry me. At that point of the ride, I was famished.

The highlight of the ride, of course, was when I rode along Hollywood Beach’s famed beach boardwalk. People wearing scanty bathing suits soaking up the sun were in abundance, as were outdoor café’s full of breakfast goers and coffee sippers. 

There were also hordes of walkers, runners and bikers sharing the boardwalk with me. Who could blame them, for the temperature was steady at 80F with a comforting 10 mph ocean breeze. Perfect!

How can it be that the north is experiencing such bad weather, while here in South Florida we are enjoying weather to almost die for!?

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2072205

ESCORTING MY WIFE WHILE SHE RUNS

While my wife did a training run in the mall's parking lot and the county park, I rode alongside her on my road bike handing her the water bottle whenever she was thirsty. 

I also rode up to her whenever she wanted a small piece of Shot Bloc, raspberry flavor.

Ride Stats

GROUP ROAD BIKE RIDE

Bob hanging out in the LBS

Ron checking out a new bike

After biking three miles to the meet-up spot, I then joined Sandy, Tom, Ron, Gary and Stephen for a ride to Einstein’s Bagel Shoppe. After sitting and chatting for nearly an hour at the coffee shoppe, we rode back via some new bike lanes that I never knew existed. Ron went ahead to the LBS for some bike repairs, so the five of us briefly joined Ron at the bike shoppe whenever we were finished with our bike lane ride.

Two of our riders basically led our group this morning, with Tom taking the initial lead most of the way to the coffee shoppe and then Stephen taking over the lead from the coffee shoppe back to the meet-up spot.  It was Stephen that led us towards the newly discovered bike path.  Good job, Stephen and Tom!   

Our average pace to the coffee shoppe was something like 16.5 mph, but then our pace decreased considerably because of the narrow bike lanes and strong 18 mph east wind.

It was a fun ride with a bunch of great guys! Hopefully, we’ll do it again this coming Monday.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2063974

HERALD BL’DG MTB RIDE

After working out in the gym for 45 minutes on most of the upper and lower body weight machines, I saddled up on my mountain bike for a casual 15-mile ride around the neighborhood. 

I rode on sidewalks and paths, no roads! It’s safer that way when cycling alone.

Noticeable in the self photo is that our weather was perfect for any type of outdoor activity.  Average temp: 78F  

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2062142#

TRAVELING, WEIGHT TRAINING AND RUN TRAINING

It’s amazing how lackluster one can begin to feel when they must defer working out due to various responsibilities of life, such as traveling to a faraway state to assist a family member, taking a couple of days off to undergo a needed epidural injection in the lower back area, and then sort of hang out at home to be with our new local resident that will be sharing her life with us in our humble home in the sub-tropics of South Florida.

We are overly pleased to have my youngest daughter, Diane, share every facet of her life with us under the same roof. She is an absolute pleasure to live with. She is currently re-acclimating herself to life in the tropics versus life near the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It’s goodbye snow, hello sunshine.

The epidural injection, which amounted to six injections in the lower back area, went really well. For sure, moving my body about without intense pain in a Godsend! Even though the pain and discomfort has now subsided, at least for now, I must realize that any physical exertion, like working out, must remain limited. I may not feel the pain, but the back is still a mess.

Despite the limited workouts the past 10 days, I’ve still been able to do two weight machine workouts in our fitness center and one short escort bike ride.  Come hell or high water, I am determined to keep up the gym workouts. The results of doing three weight machine workouts per week the past two months is beginning to show, on the scale and when gazing into the mirror.

 

Janet, on the other hand, has maintained her run-training in good fashion. While I did the traveling, she stayed home with the cats, did her run training, and also reported to work nearly every day that I was gone. She’ll be more than ready to tackle that half marathon in Disney World this coming January.

Run, Walk, Ride and Flat Tire

After being out of town for six day helping my youngest daughter move from Eastern Tennessee to South Florida, I volunteered to escort my wife on my mountain bike while she did a training run.

I ended up with a flat rear tire, so I had to pedal extra hard the last mile and a half (while there was still some air in the tire) to make it home without having to walk the bike.

Why is it always the rear tire!?

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/411369932
 

Alternating run/walk routine with no specific time to walk or run!

My husband ended up with a flat tire on his mountain bike half way into my training run/walk. He handed me the water bottle and then hightailed it home while there was a little bit of air still in the tire.

My run went really well despite my escort having to leave me. Average pace for this run/walk was 13.33 minutes per mile. I’ll take it!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/411353158

SOLO MOUNTAIN-BIKE RIDE

After heading out on my mountain bike at 7:15 a.m., and then riding past the meet-up spot a tad bit earlier

than the usual meet up time, I decided to bypass the car park area and instead head towards the coffee shop ahead of the group simply because I would not have been able to keep up anyway. Wednesday being the advanced ride day, I thought my choice was the wisest choice. Mountain bikes just can’t keep up with speedy road bikes.

My solo ride to the coffee shop was uneventful but enjoyable, that is whenever I was riding on the trails away from the endless horn-honking, lung-polluting traffic. I commented to one of the lady school crossing guards that we have way too many motorcars hindering a quiet, peaceful existence. She unreservedly agreed!

One block before crossing over Interstate Highway 75, I spotted Ed and Wally at a traffic signal. As soon as they got a green light and left the intersection, the three of us gasped our way over the interstate bridge and then into the shopping mall’s parking lot where Einstein’s Coffee & Bagel Shop was beckoning for our business with the aroma of fresh made bagels and freshly made coffee.

We enjoyed some hot coffee, a bit of chatting, and then five of us (Ed, Rey, Wally, Gary and I) departed for the ride back to the meet-up spot. I left the group three miles into the return trip so that I could ride through Vista View Park and then ride the safer bike trail that led to my wife’s work place. That’s where my ride ended!

When riding slowly on the bike trail, I noticed a lot of splashing going on in the canal that runs parallel to the bike trail. Perhaps the gators were feeding off the tasty, defenseless fish and the unwary, padding ducks. Just maybe…

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2025155

ROAD BIKE RIDE TO WESTON

Today’s ride was with my favorite wheel mate, Sandy S. Because he missed out on Monday’s ride, and I only rode six miles yesterday escorting my wife while she did a training run, we both got together today for an extended road bike ride through four different cities.

Vista View Park was one of our destinations, as was Weston’s Regional Park at the west end of South Post Road.

While in Vista View Park, we rode up the steep incline that led us past the model airplane airfield and then next to the mountain bike trail on the west side of Mt. Trashmore. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take pictures for documentation purposes and because we are both narcissistic.

After stopping and resting at Einstein’s Bagel Shoppe, we rode eastbound on the Greenway, a wide concrete bike trail that begins in Markham County Park and ends many miles east of the park. We chose to exit the Greenway at Flamingo Road and Interstate 595, a very dangerous intersection in anyone’s opinion. We survived, but barely.

This route took us past Tom H’s home and Flamingo Garden’s tropical expanse. Tom wasn’t home, so we continued to ride past the gardens without collecting $200 – and without stopping for a strawberry smoothie. Darn!

Sandy’s ride ended at the car park and my ride ended at my wife’s work place. I thoroughly enjoyed today’s ride!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2023182

ESCORT BIKE RIDE IN COUNTY PARK

While my wife did a training run inside the county park, I rode alongside her on my road bike.

More times than not, I attempt to keep my bike riding at a minimum during my wife's off hours, which explains why my overall mileage has been somewhat low these past few weeks.

The temperature this morning was perfect.  Not too hot and not to cold - "Just right" as baby bear would say.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2019522

Not too long after noontime, Bob did a weight machine workout in the fitness center.  He did two sets on each of the upper and lower body resistance machines.

SUPER-WET MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

Staying dry underneath a pavilion in county park

Thinking that the light sprinkle would soon pass, I headed out on my mountain bike for a leisure afternoon ride with plans to end the ride at my wife’s work place. Once there, I was to pick up our vehicle, drive it and the bike home, and then pick up my wife at closing time.

Well, so much for the light drizzle ending. Actually, the sprinkling did end - as soon as it turned into a tropical downpour – and the rain didn’t let up until I finally arrived at my wife’s work place 12 miles and nearly three hours later.

Needless to say, I looked like a drenched rat wearing a blue and orange cycling kit sitting atop a mountain bike.

The upside to all of this riding-in-the-rain nonsense was that I arrived at Janet’s store right when she was scheduled for her one hour dinner break. That being the case, we enjoyed a Whopper with fries and a garden salad with chicken at the neighboring Burger King.

Being inside out of the driving rain felt wonderful! Being with my wife was a super-size bonus. I’ll take that type of super-size bonus any day over super-sized fries.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2010815

RUN/WALK–MTB ESCORT RIDE

Janet ran for 40 seconds every two minutes during her short training run around the lake and in the mall’s parking lot.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/404070981

 

Bob rode alongside his wife while she did a short training run/walk around their lake and in the mall’s parking lot.

Nice morning – 71F with a comforting breeze from the northeast.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2006636

35-MILE, THREE-PARK, MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

Collage of today's ride

Around 6:35 this morning, I took off on my mountain bike at the same time my wife took off in the truck, only I was heading out for a fun MTB ride and she was heading to work. Seems unfair, huh?

Not having a clue where I was headed, this morning’s ride turned out to be pretty darn good as well as educational. When riding through the Forest Ridge area, I learned who Fort Lauderdale was named after.

After riding around the “Forest Ridge” and “Tree Tops Park” areas,  I twisted my way around a bunch of trials and country roads towards another park called “Vista View Park.”



Taking a break along Orange Drive Bike Trail

Vista View Park is the park that used to be a large landfill. The area now serves as one of Broward County’s favorite parks for joggers and cyclists mainly because of what we locals call “Mount Trashmore.”

After riding on more trails and sidewalks, mostly trails, I entered my neighborhood’s park, “C.B. Smith County Park.”

This 345 acre park is a mere stone’s throw from our home, 1/2 mile to be exact. It was in this park that I got a good photo shot of what appears to be a Florida Wood Stork.

All in all, this morning’s bike ride was an awesome journey. I simply love riding my MTB in and around my sub-tropical neighborhood.

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2003403

WOODPILE ROAD-BIKE RIDE

This was a morning road-bike ride with Steven, Tom, Ron and Sandy, starting out at 8 a.m. from our usual meet-up location.  

I’ll label this ride “The Woodpile Ride” because Tom showed us his huge pile of cut logs when we rode past his home on the way back to the meet-up spot.  He is in the process of taking out older trees for much younger ones.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1999241

DISNEY’S JINGLE JUNGLE 5K AND WINE & DINE HALF MARATHON

Janet and Bob with Mickey and Minnie

Vacationing in Walt Disney World during 2013’s Veteran’s Day weekend included participating in two running events, Disney’s Jingle Jungle 5K and Disney’s annual Wine & Dine Half Marathon.

The Jingle Jungle 5K took place on Saturday morning beginning at 7 a.m. and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon kicked off at 10 p.m. on the same day. Whereas Janet participated in both events, Bob, because of a lower back issue, participated only in the 7 a.m. event that took place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Janet at Wide World of Sports

Dressed in red tops and black running shorts, Bob and Janet ran for 30 seconds every two minutes during the entire 5K event, resulting in a clock time of 44:20. Bob’s back issue turned out to be a non-issue during the shorter of the two events.

Janet, on the other hand, participated in both events using basically the same walk/run method during both distances. Although she would have preferred to finish a bit earlier in the half marathon, she was still pleased with her clock time of 3:18:19. When you consider that she ran a 5K in the morning, plus the fact that the half marathon took place in the late evening, kudos must go to anyone that finished under Disney’s strict three and a half hour time limit.

Tina, Deanna, Janet and Lisa

While Janet was participating in the half marathon, Bob wandered around EPCOT for nearly seven hours putting an annoying strain on his lower back. By the time they finally left EPCOT for their resort room at 4 a.m. Sunday morning, his lower back discomfort turned into lower back pain.

Jokingly, maybe he should have participated in the half marathon with his wife. Doing so would have taken him off his feet much earlier. Then again, he would not have had the occasional option to sit with a cold beer in hand.

Bob’s 5K stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/402814195

Janet’s 5K stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/402811922

Janet’s W&D stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/402811933

1/4 IMPERIAL-CENTURY MOUNTAIN-BIKE RIDE

I may be slow as snail poop rolling uphill when riding my mountain bike, but I never fail to thoroughly enjoy every mile, be they into the wind or with the wind, uphill or downhill.

During today’s ride, the steady 20 to 25 mph wind provided me with a good aerobic workout when heading north and east. No problem, I simply geared it down allowing my speed to decrease significantly. I see no sense in rushing something I love doing!

After crossing the Stirling Road I-75 bridge, the Griffin Road I-75 bridge, and then riding up Mt. Trashmore, my total ascent for the day was an unbelievable 184 feet. Average pace was 9.0 mph with a maximum speed of 19.3 mph.

Average temperature was 86F with partly cloudy skies. I’ve already mentioned the strong wind from the ENE.

Another fun ride in the books!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1984905

COUNTY PARK ESCORT BIKE RIDE

Bobo’s super-duper, cycling Escort Service comes to the rescue again, as Bobo himself escorted his lovely wife around the park while she did her final training run in preparation for Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon that takes place this coming weekend. I’m really excited for her, as this will be one of many half and full marathons that she has completed in and out of Walt Disney World.

The weather was ideal for this morning’s escort ride and run, with the temps holding steady at 74F and a sky that was as blue as the water surrounding the Florida Keys. Waterfowl in the park was plentiful, as were hawks and other winged flying breeds.

One hawk in particular left his perch atop a tall light pole as my wife ran underneath. Thinking that the hawk was going to dive bomb her while she was running by his pole, she became somewhat frightened at the prospect of being speared by a hawk’s sharp bill. All went well, though, as the hawk flew off to another pole.

Hawks rule!

  Ride

  

 Video

FOUR-CITY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

When I was setting back the clocks one hour last night, I knew I would have to leave an hour earlier on my rides so as not to be riding in the sun too long. I also heard on the weather forecast that the wind would be picking up today shortly after daylight.  And that it most certainly did.

Leaving our gated community right around 6:35 this morning, the same time my wife left for work, I began riding a course that I had created on RidewithGPS a few weeks ago. They have a ride creating program that actually gives you the turn-by-turn directions on your Garmin Edge 500’s small screen.

Unlike most of my rides, I started off by heading south with the wind at my back. That must have been the calm before the storm, so to speak, because much of this ride was right into the steady 15 to 20 mph northerly wind. Even though I was riding on the trails and sidewalks with my mountain bike, that strong of wind was definitely a hindrance – but a good workout for the legs.

This morning’s course took me through the cities of Miramar, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City and Pembroke Pines. And I have to tell ya, I was really surprised when I found some awesome biking and running trails in the City of Miramar’s western housing area. I found them only because yours truly took a wrong turn when the bright sun was making it difficult to read the directions on my Garmin Edge.

Despite the strong wind, the weather was perfect, with clear skies and an average temperature right around 74F. Any way you look at it, it was a pleasant day for a bike ride!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1976553

NEIGHBORHOOD MTB RIDE TESTING INSTAGRAM

After sleeping in this morning because of staying up late last night watching our Miami Dolphins beat the Cincinnati Bengals in our home stadium, I meandered out with my MTB shortly after this morning’s rush-hour traffic had all but disappeared. I suppose it really didn't matter about traffic because I chose to ride my mountain bike in the park and on sidewalks versus riding my road bike on streets.

While out and about, I again gave Instagram a try. Maybe I’ll get the hang of it with a few more test rides, but today I was spending too much time fiddling with my smart phone and not enough time enjoying the park. Due to my inattention, I almost ran over two geese that dared cross my trail. It’s a wonder they didn't peck at my hairy legs when I sharply veered to the left.

Unlike my northern neighbors in the mid-west and northeastern states who are currently experiencing chilly temps, the average temperature during this morning’s South Florida ride was 80F. Can you say “Perfect weather!?”

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1971248

1/2 METRIC-CENTURY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

Aside from getting lost in a residential section and the hordes of rush-hour vehicular traffic, this morning’s half-metric century mountain bike ride was peaceful and full of awesome tropical sights.

Wildlife spotting’s included countless species of birds, turtles, schools of fish, feral cats, horses, cows, bulls, dogs (large and small), a dead possum, even a squirrel that was begging for leftovers from the patrons at Einstein’s Coffee and Bagel Shoppe. Thinking that he wouldn't like a bite of my Wild Cherry Shot Blok, I tossed the little rascal some scraps from my oatmeal bar.

Unwilling to sit there and listen to a phony Viet Nam war hero (he never served in Nam), I departed Einstein’s and my friends somewhat impulsively. This particular jackal is not a part of our biking group, yet he insists on sitting at our sidewalk table. I don’t get it! Come to think of it, when it comes to understanding people, there are a lot of things that “I don’t get.”

Anyway, I enjoyed my solo ride. The ride was exceptionally slow, but so was the turtle that I spotted.

In closing, I’m slow, I know it, so get over it!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1966696

PEACE MOUND HALF METRIC CENTURY ROADBIKE RIDE

I rode with Sandy, Tom and Steve for 25 miles of this ride. The remaining 6 miles was done on sidewalks at a 9 to 10 mph pace.

For a photo op and a change of pace, we rode through Peace Mound Park in the City of Weston. The park is stunningly beautiful.

This was my first fast group-ride in several weeks. Overall group pace was nearly 16 mph, whereas my overall pace for the entire ride was only 13.3 mph.

The boys really worked me today.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1961472

TOUR de PEMBROKE LAKES MALL PARKING LOT

This was a typical ride when I volunteer to ride alongside, behind and in front of my wife while she does a marathon training run. I’m her mobile water boy.

Restricted as to where we could run and ride at that time of morning, 1 ½ hours before sunlight, we zig zagged around the mall's parking lot until my wife accumulated 10+ miles.

While riding and running in the mall’s huge parking lot, we found a total of 99 cents laying on the ground – most of it underneath a fast food drive-in window.

It was a pleasant morning with the average temperature right around 70F.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1957702