LAKE OKEECHOBEE BIKE RIDE

With the average temperature right around 66F and the sky covered with sun-shielding cloud, it was a near perfect day to ride our road bikes on Lake Okeechobee’s levee. Okay, so maybe some of those clouds did have some H2O in them, but the light rain didn't last but maybe 3 or 4 minutes.

I have to say, though, that the wind was brutal when we were heading towards the town of Clewiston from South Bay. When you’re riding on that tall of a levee, there isn't anything to shield you from the full force of the wind – and today’s wind was steady at 20+ mph with gusts to 30 mph. With the wind coming from the NNW, the only thing between us and the wind was 730 square miles of water.

Once in Clewiston, we had lunch at a lakeside restaurant. It was a very nice place with a large dockside patio! Sandy and I had two beers a piece, so we were well hydrated for the return trip back to South Bay.

And speaking of the return trip, it was much, much easier than the outbound ride. With the wind at about 220 degrees to our left side, we basically cruised into South Bay at a comfortable pace of 18 mph, which was a tad bit better than the 12 mph pace heading into the wind.

Thank you Rossana, Steve and Sandy S for a fantastic day on our road bikes!

U-Tube Video of Ride

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Okeechobee

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/268123755

http://app.strava.com/activities/39299998

TWO BIKE RIDES

Ride 1:

While my wife walked around our block, I rode alongside her on my road bike. We even took the time to deposit a check in our local bank. Love those new ATM’s.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/267714973

 

Ride 2: 

Not being certain who I was going to ride with today, I was pleased when Rey, Ed, Gary and Andre showed up at the meet-up location.

Rey arrived with his bike in the back of his motorized vehicle, but the problem was the bike had a front flat tire. Not a good start! That delayed our departure by at least 20 minutes.

Other than the pesky wind blowing in our faces from the south, there isn’t much to say about today’s routine ride.

Average Temp on this ride was 80.3 with the wind steady at 17 mph. Wind gusts were between 20 - 25 mph. Riding back to the car park was slow and steady.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/267714958

SLOW WALK + WEIGHT MACHINES

After I completed a handful of domestic chores, I slowly walked to and from our fitness center. Once there, I did a series of resistance machines – two sets on each machine.

Now that I have retured home, it’s back to my assigned responsibilities…

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/267372563

http://app.strava.com/activities/39058289

WINDY BIKE RIDE ON A WARM WINTER DAY

Hooray for me, I set a new PR on one of Strava’s segments, Sewer Pipe Road. See, with help from a strong ocean wind, even I can accomplish magnificent feats.

I met up with Steve, Greg and Sandy S at the Meet-up spot and away we went, heading west towards Weston and the coffee shop.

The ride to the coffee shop was pretty much routine and uneventful. We never did spot any voluptuous cycling recruits, something the boys talked about prior to hitting the lanes. Shame on them!

We took a different route back to the car park, which in my opinion makes the ride back somewhat interesting and motivating. The strong easterly wind, however, was not motivating. It was brutal! Steve did a remarkable job pulling us into the wind at 17 mph along wind-swept State Road 84.

We made a quick stop at one of our local bike shops. Sandy had a question to ask the mechanic, plus we wanted to look at the large assortment of rear flashing lights. We never did buy anything!

It was another warm winter day in the sub-tropics of South Florida, USA. Average temp: 80F

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/267055538

http://app.strava.com/activities/38963584

ING MIAMI MARATHON SPECTATOR

For the long-term benefit of my health, mainly my lower back, I chose not to participate in this morning’s 2013 ING Half Marathon in Miami, FL USA. My role this morning was strictly that of a spectator.

So for the three hours that my wife and friends were running/walking the annual event, I strolled around Bayside taking photos of the Port of Miami, docked cruise ships, bridges, yachts, tall buildings, runners and spectators, and various tents that were set up for the benefit of the runners and walkers.

With the average temperature right around 73 degrees, I have to say that I thought I was in heaven while walking around the vicinity of Miami’s Bayfront Park.

An amazing ending to my day was when I ran into my very first DM friend, Rosemary B, coming out of the runner’s post-marathon food area. She had come all the way from the other side of the globe to participate in this and other local events, so running into her was a real plus to what was already a fabulous day.

Our day ended over a delicious post-marathon breakfast at one of Hollywood, Florida’s IHOP restaurants. My breakfast choice was the harvest grain pancake combo. Double yummy…

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/226168160

FIRST SOLO BIKE RIDE

How cool is that, dropping off my wife at her work place and then going for a solo bike ride along horse trails, sidewalks, canals, through parks, and then up the steep incline of Mt. Trashmore?

After coming up with a wonderful idea how to do a bike ride while my wife works today’s four-hour afternoon shift, I placed my road bike, helmet and cycling shoes into the truck and then drove her to work. After parking the truck in Wal-Mart’s huge parking lot, and then kissing her before she walked into the store, I began my first solo bike ride of any significant distance.

Not really having a route in mind, I initially rode along a canal on an asphalt trail that runs east and west from I-75 to St. Rd. 7 (441). Stopping just short of University Drive, I took a quick U-Turn, turned right on Nob Hill Rd, and then rode into Tree Tops Park. After doing some loops inside the park, I rode almost all the way to I-595. Too much traffic, so I took another U=Turn, zig zagged through some trails and then ended up at the intersection of Flamingo Road and Orange Drive.

From there, I rode along another horse/jogging trail, ending up in the 272 acre Vista View Park where Mt. Trashmore loomed. Yep, I had to ride to the top just to get a view from what used to be a county landfill. I've got it all on the digital video camera.

After cruising down the hill at 23+ mph, I rode around the park’s trails, around the huge residential block that lies just north of the park, and then east on the trail that runs parallel to Orange Drive and the canal.

Nice relaxing ride at a pace that was comfortable for the road/trail conditions.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/265895868

Condensed Video of Ride

DROPPING OUT OF GROUP CYCLING

Other than occasionally riding with my cycling club’s Intermediate and Experienced groups, I have decided to no longer ride in group settings. This is a decision that I've been pondering for quite some time, with safety and group fragmentation being the uppermost issues!

For as long as I've been cycling, which has been approximately two years, it appears that biker hitting biker is the number one reason for road bike accidents. I frequently hear of one cyclist hitting another cyclist, resulting in injuries and even death. Tailgating at 15 to 25 mph, I’m surprised there aren't more accidents.

And as everyone now knows, I detest groups that do not remain together. Maybe that’s the United States military in me – leave no one behind. Or maybe I just believe in sticking together as one. Actually, it is both!

As long as I've ridden with our weekday group, seldom do they remain in a disciplined pace-line from start to finish. Peloton fragmentation has become the norm rather than the exception. From what I've witnessed, swollen egos and distasteful competitiveness is alive and well in group cycling.

I’m also remembering when three people in our cycling group passed us by the day one of us had a flat tire prior to cornering. Because of the rear flat tire, that particular individual almost crashed his bike when cornering. The others that passed us by didn't even have the good manners to slow down and ask if everything was okay. I have them on video passing by without even glancing at us while we were standing on the side of the road.

In the place of weekday group rides, I plan on biking in county and state parks, both near and far. My wife has agreed to join me mornings and days when she isn't working. We make a great cycling team as well as a great couple!

I also have plans of doing intervals to build up my leg strength, something I’m sorely lacking. In time, I’ll build up to a 100+ miler, which is something that has been on my cycling wish list for quite some time.

Anyway, whenever I do decide to ride with the cycling club, I’ll remain at the rear of the pack mainly because I do not trust most of the riders in those groups or any group. It’s a shame that everyone cannot be like my friend, Sandy S, and me, safety conscience cyclists.

One last item! I’m not one to tolerate sarcasm. At 71 years of age and retired, I no longer need to endure mockery and insolence. It appears that my rant in regards to being rudely dropped at a traffic signal this past Wednesday has generated just that.

I am a peace-loving individual that now has choices as to whomever I wish to associate with. That is just one of many reasons why I love retirement.

SPEEDY BIKE RIDE

We had three different speed groups leaving the car park this morning, a 20+ mph advanced plus group, an advanced group, and a moderate speed group. I chose to go with the 18-20 mph advanced group.

All ten of us were moving along at a reasonably fast pace, riding together as a peloton should, until four of us got caught up at a red traffic signal. The lead six did not stop or even slow down, which is downright rude and inconsiderate in my opinion.

Despite our gallant efforts, we simply could not catch the lead six when cycling into the 15 mph north wind. Sandy S would pull, I would pull, and then Sandy would pull again, all for naught. Finally, after nearly exhausting ourselves, we slowed to a reasonable pace, taking Indian Trace all the way to the coffee shoppe for our only break.

You can bet that the lead six heard from me shortly after they arrived. It’s debatable whether or not my rant will have any impact on future rides. I doubt it, because some folks simply take delight in dropping other bikers even with the help of traffic signals.

Anyway, had I not escorted my wife for two miles while she did a training walk/run, my overall pace would have been nearly 17 mph for the 32 miles. As it is, my overall pace was something like 13 mph with a top speed of 22.5 mph. Elevation gain was 156 feet, which had to of been the Interstate Highway bridges.

http://app.strava.com/activities/38440328

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/265227374

GYM WORKOUT AND NEW TROPICAL FISH

In need of a weight machine workout and some new tropical fish for our smaller 10 gallon fish tank, I walked to the gym, did a weight machine workout, and then walked to Petco where I purchased four Panda Platys.

With the small fish securely in a plastic bag, I walked the nearly one mile back home hoping they wouldn’t suffocate in the small bag. They didn’t, and I’m here to report that they are happy with their new home.

Our two felines, Gigi and Santana, simply love the new fish.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/264929026

HOMESTEAD, FL BIKE RIDE

I left home at 6:45 a.m. this morning and returned at 5:15 p.m. this afternoon. In between those two times, myself and seven other cyclists did a 66 mile bike ride with a moving time of 4:45:26.

After driving my truck to Miami’s city hall and then meeting up with the other guys, we took off in the general direction of Homestead, Florida, which had us passing through Coconut Grove and the Redlands.

A quick stop at the sticky bun and strawberry farm proved to be to no avail because of the mile-long line. We agreed to skip the buns until we passed through that area after lunch.

When we arrived in Homestead at around mile 33, we decided to stop for lunch at a Mexican restaurant that had several outdoor tables set up underneath a large overhang. Our gang took two tables, four at one table and five at the other table. Oh, I forgot to tell you that we had a visitor at my table, a six month old kitten that just loved to rub against my legs. In return for his love, Sandy S and I fed the little critter some of the chicken from our enchiladas. I also gave him some re-fried beans – and he loved them.

Not too long after leaving Homestead on our way back to the city hall parking area, the sky emptied tons of liquid sunshine on us and our bikes. We were soaked from head to foot and then some. The pouring rain also made our return ride relatively dangerous while in traffic.

Another quick stop at the sticky bun place again proved to be to no avail. The line was even longer the second time around. We did, however, stop at a strawberry farm stand that sold the best doggone strawberry ice-cream cone that I have ever put into my mouth. It was still raining like there was no tomorrow, but we still licked those ice cream cones down to the bottom of the cones.

Still wet when we arrived back at the car park, and in a rush to place the bike back inside the truck, I forgot to turn off my Garmin Edge 500 when I threw my bike into the back of my Ford Explorer. The time and distance has been adjusted to reflect only the bike ride and not me driving my truck north on Interstate 95 through downtown Miami.

This was an exceptionally fun ride with a great bunch of guys.

For those of you that have wondered what the City of Miami, Florida USA looks like, the first and last part of this video shows me driving through the downtown area of Miami along Interstate Highway 95. The other seven minutes of the video has us riding our bikes through charming Coconut Grove and then through farmlands and nursery areas in the Redlands. Our destination was Homestead, Florida, the gateway to the Florida Keys and the Florida Everglades. For optimal enjoyment, please change the video quality to 1080p and then watch on full screen.

Video Link

Ride Stats:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/264716267

WALKING, TALKING AND GOOFING UP

3/10ths of a mile was not registered because I stupidly hit the stop button instead of the mode button. That’s what I get for multi-tasking and running my mouth at the same time.

What started out as a casual walk to the gym and back turned into the type of walking that I would have to do should I decide to walk next weekend’s ING Miami (Florida) Half Marathon. I’m still undecided, but I have a feeling that once I get there I’ll be jumping into my assigned corral with the rest of the slugs.

At 74 degrees Fahrenheit and the high altitude clouds offering some welcome relief from the bright Florida sunshine, it was a perfect morning for walking outdoors. Near the end of our walk, however, all of the clouds had disappeared.

We noticed that more people were out walking this morning than usual. Perhaps a few of them were sticking with their New Year’s resolution for a healthier lifestyle.

At mile 1.31, we ducked into the gym for a weight machine workout. Our gym workout lasted around 30 to 40 minutes. We both were pleased with our gym session and our walk.

Walk Stats:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/264108894

POST FLU BIKE RIDE

The average temperature for my first post-flu bike ride was 58F. Perfect!

After riding solo to the car park for 4.15 miles at an average pace of 8 mph, I joined five of my cycling comrades for a cool, windy ride that ended up averaging 12.8 mph for the entire half-century ride – and half of those miles were directly into an 11 to 15 mph northwest wind.

For the first time this year, I wore black tights underneath my black cycling shorts. It felt that cold!  There was no sense in becoming chilled right after  recovering from the flu.

For the most part, this morning’s ride was enjoyable. However, the group became seriously fragmented most of the way home. We also had an issue when some riders within the group extended their ride prior to pulling into the coffee shoppe. They did so un-announced.

For the benefit of the group, these issues must be addressed. Enough said!

Video of Ride:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa5GM7W2PmA

Ride Stats:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/263327065

http://app.strava.com/activities/37898849

FIRST WORKOUT IN OVER A WEEK

Because of the dastardly flu bug, this was my first workout of any kind since January 8^th, 2013, and that was when my wife and I had to walk to the car maintenance shop to retrieve our truck.

It felt wonderful to again walk around our neighborhood at a decent pace and not feel like I was dying. I’ll resume biking when I feel 100%, which should be sooner than later.

With the upcoming Miami ING Half Marathon just days away, maybe my wife and I will have better luck this time around. Last weekend’s events in Walt Disney World were total washouts, losing nearly $700 in event registration fees in the process. I understood when I signed us up months ago that there is a no cancellation policy, so I have no hard feelings towards Disney. Some things in life simply do not pan out as planned.

At mile 2.0 of today’s walk, I stopped in at the gym and did an abbreviated weight machine workout. I don’t believe I was in the gym more than 20 minutes.

It was rather warm outside today, with the average temperature right around 79F. I’m re-hydrating with Glaceau Vitamin Walter, dragon fruit flavor. Good stuff!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/263037016

WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND

Congratulations to all of you that ran and completed one of Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend events this past weekend.

The flu has a way of altering one’s plans, and that surely was the case with Jan and me this past weekend.

For the first time in eighteen years, we did not run one single event during this year’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Feeling a tad bit better by Saturday evening, we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to drive up Sunday, stay at the new Art of Animation Resort, and then drive back home Tuesday morning. Our original Art of Animation Resort reservation was cancelled with 100% refund.

Despite feeling mildly blah during our two-day stay, we still enjoyed our brief visits to EPCOT, The Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. And we thoroughly enjoyed our initial stay at Disney World’s newest resort, the Art of Animation Resort that is located right across the water from POP Century Resort.

After compiling what pictures we did take during our visit, I put together a short slide show for everyone’s viewing pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwK6HtOCQME

AUTO-MAINTENANCE WALK

Our truck was due its 3,000 mile oil change, so my wife rode to the auto shoppe with me. We signed the auto-hospital admittance papers, played Frogger while crossing busy Pines Boulevard, and then walked from the mall area all the way to our home via Flamingo Road and Johnson Street.

There were groups of Ibis’ about stabbing their long beaks into the soft ground looking for worms. They made me think of our upcoming breakfast.

Our total shuffling distance was 2.01 miles, our elevation gain was one foot, and our gross time was something like 45 minutes. We spent six un-counted minutes cautiously looking both ways before crossing busy roads and hospital and mall entrance roads. That’s a lot of stopping and starting the Garmin. About the only thing that got tired on this walk was my right index finger.

With the temperature steady at 69 degrees F, it was a lovely walk in our sub-tropical paradise.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/259625578

http://app.strava.com/activities/36715157

SLOWER THAN NORMAL BIKE RIDE

The weather in paradise (South Florida, USA) was perfect this morning for a bike ride. The average temperature was 71.4F, the skin-burning sun was hidden by low hanging clouds, and the wind was coming from the east at around 5 to 7 mph. Perfecto, as we say in these parts!

Needing to really slow down my overall pace the next couple/three days, this morning I chose to ride with Ed, Rey and Greg. I have some running/walking events coming up this weekend in Walt Disney World, so I must guard against stressing out my left knee and lower back. Whether or not I’ll actually participate in Disney’s 5K, half marathon and full marathon is still up in the air. Each event will be a game day decision.

The route that we took this morning was basically an out and back route, beginning at Hiatus Road & Sheridan Street – our new meet-up place. I rode my bike to and from the meet-up spot instead of driving my vehicle, so my total mileage is four miles more that my cycling amigos.

Einstein’s Bagel and Coffee Shoppe in Weston was our one rest stop, where most folks in our gang enjoyed coffee and bagels. I brought along my own snack and drink, saving myself the pain of waiting in line to order and pay. After serving four years in the US Navy many years ago, when airplanes still had propellers, I developed a dislike for lines.

Wait, I’m not that old. We had numerous fighter and attack jets aboard my aircraft carrier. But in truth we did have a handful of AD3 Sky Raiders, which were the old single-engine propeller planes. 

Anyone remember those? Come on, admit your age! LOL

Ride stats:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/259295775

http://app.strava.com/activities/36517335

CYCLING CLUB GROUP BIKE RIDE

Saturday morning's bike ride was a group ride with the cycling club that I've been a member of for the past two years.

Our cycling club has two rides every weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

On this charming South Florida day, I chose to ride with the intermediate group (14 to 16 mph) instead of with the larger and faster advanced group (18 to 20+ mph). The deciding factor was my abhorrence for fast pace-line cycling, when drafting becomes a necessary evil.  That type of cycling at those speeds are way too dangerous in my opinion, especially since the skill-level and experience of certain cyclists are questionable.

Our smaller group of seven, which consisted of four ladies and three gentlemen, was about 1/5th the size of the faster group. But that’s okay, because in my opinion we were better looking, which I feel is supported by the picture above.  The larger group, however, also had its share of awesome-looking women.  I've learned that cycling seems to attract pretty ladies.     

There wasn't a whole lot of wind during today’s ride.   But when it was blowing in our faces, it seemed like I was pulling the pack. Not always, but mostly. I really didn't mind, though, because it made me look like a cycling he-man in front of the pretty petite ladies. Laughingly, I'm sure glad they couldn't see me huffing and puffing at times, especially when crossing the Stirling Road I-75 bridge.

During our 32-mile ride, we took one 10-minute rest at one of our popular grocery stores, Publix Market. This particular store was located right off of Glades (Named after the nearby Florida Everglades) Parkway just south of State Road 84/Interstate Highway 595. And for our convenience, the thoughtful people of Publix had a picnic table directly in front of the store just so we would have a place to rest our weary bodies. Nice people, those employees of Publix.

Near the end of this morning's ride, it just about broke my heart when we were compelled to ride over a bunch of loose change in the bike lane along Flamingo Road. The fast-moving traffic more or less dictated that we not stop for the shiny silver coins. I’ll remember where they are, though. Next ride, those coins are mine!

Average temperature during the ride was 71.2F.  Perfect!

Video of Ride

Ride stats via Strava and Garmin Connect:

http://app.strava.com/activities/35995585

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/258254867

NEW CYCLING ROUTE

Despite averaging only 8 to 9 mph on the first four miles as well as the last two miles (all sidewalks), I still averaged an overall pace of 13.4 mph on our new group route, which Sandy appropriately named “Bogart’s Ride” named after Bogart's Deli that is located in the car-park shopping center.  

I like the new route as well as the new car park area. I like the new route because it keeps us off a very dangerous section of Hiatus Road and I like the new car park area because we now have three legitimate places to empty our bladders should the need arise. The old car park had no place to discreetly empty out except for some cypress trees along the edge of a lake – right in clear view of a bunch of medical offices, one of them being a urologist office. Comical coincidence, I would say!

Per my Garmin Edge 500, the average temperature for today’s ride was a comfortable 75.6. And who am I to argue with my Garmin!? I’ll take those temps any old day.

We had one mechanical during today’s ride, a rear flat on Greg’s relatively new bike. Three of us stopped to assist with the flat. Try to imagine eight male hands fixing one flat. Unfortunately, my bike’s Contour Roam camera was facing the opposite direction during the tire change, otherwise I would be posting a comical video for all to see.

One half hour after arriving home from the ride, I took my Felt bike to my bike mechanic’s home for a thorough medical checkup. Lady Felt should be ready for our club ride tomorrow, if I opt to ride. More than likely I will!

Everyone have a wonderful, safe weekend.

Above picture is me on Indian Trace Rd. approaching Weston Road.  At the time, I was pulling the pace-line.    

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/257876129

EASY STROLL

This morning’s unaccompanied walk was one of those grateful walks, where you opt to take a slow walk by yourself reflecting on all that you’re thankful for. My list is endless!

After slowly strolling outdoors for one and a half miles, I walked into our fitness center for a weight machine workout, mostly upper body stuff. The only leg machines that I used today were the hip adduction machine and the hip abduction machine, two very important machines to use in later life. At least that’s what I’ve been told by the exercise physiologists.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/257426969

FIRST BIKE RIDE OF 2013

I knew from the onset of this morning’s bike ride that I would be extending my normal biking distance to at least 40 miles. The only uncertainty was the fact that I took out my wife’s ’97 Bianchi Trofeo instead of my 2011 Felt Z6.

During the first twelve miles, the approximate distance from the car park to the coffee shoppe, I knew that I could easily endure the change of bikes. I did, however, have to adjust the height of the saddle even more prior to leaving the coffee and bagel shoppe.

Like all Wednesday rides, we have a fast group and a slow group. I opted for the latter simply because of the uncertainty of the bike. Come to find out, the fast group kept the speed at 20 mph or less most of the time. I could have done that ride!

After splitting from the group near the end of the group ride, about one mile from the car park, I made my way into one of our county parks for more miles.

Looping around the park’s perimeter road for eleven miles isn’t exactly what I consider exhilarating, but I refused to remain in the traffic areas while cycling solo. It just isn’t safe in this area. Our region may be the next thing to paradise, but our beautiful weather, palm trees and ocean beaches attracts the masses and their vehicles. In a nutshell, we have too many doggone cars on our roads. And half of them don’t know where the blazes they are going, or so it seems.

Speaking of our weather, the temperature was 66F at the beginning of this morning’s ride and 77F when I completed the 40.2 miles. The humidity was 58% and the wind was coming from the south, southwest at 5 mph. We expect a high today of 81F.

I’ll think about turning on the central-air when it hits 80F.

Above is a picture of this morning's cycling group.  I'm the guy on the left wearing the Spider Man kit.   

http://app.strava.com/activities/35371217

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/257116500

NEW YEAR’S DAY WORKOUTS

What a wonderful way to begin a new year, casually walking to and from our neighborhood fitness center with my remarkable wife!

This morning’s slow walk gave us an opportunity to discuss what we’ve accomplished during 2012 and what our tentative goals are for 2013. Other than staying healthy, continue cycling, keep on walking, do some swimming during the summer months, and remaining fiscally fit during these difficult times, we haven’t set any new goals to speak of.

I may have increased my annual cycling goal a few miles, and my weekly biking goal to 120 miles, but they are very doable unless the creek rises well above my head. And we have no creeks in our immediate area, only an ocean!

The weather for this morning’s walk was beyond marvelous. 75F, partly cloudy, ocean breeze, low humidity! I’ll take it!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/256614697