EPCOT

Words cannot express what a great time my wife and I had at EPCOT yesterday from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. We make it our practice to visit EPCOT every April during the International Flower and Garden Festival. April 2013 was no exception.

We rode some of the rides and then visited every country around the world showcase, marveling at all the different flower arrangements during our travels.

I'll be putting together a video slide show for all to view. Please give me a full day to collect all photos and then upload them into U-Tube. Believe me, you'll be in awe when you eventually view the slide show.

It's good to be back home, though. We missed our two kitty cats.

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/270194580

Video Slide Show

DOLLYWOOD

Welcome to Dollywood, the Smoky Mountain's ever popular amusement park.

Right off the bat we rode on Thunderhead and the Wild Eagle, two roller coasters that are guaranteed to shake your innards and rattle your head. That they surely did! Add to that some greasy post ride chicken fingers and fries, plus the pizza and beer shortly after leaving the amusement park, and old Robert was taken completely out of his healthy eating mode.

Bottom line, my roller coaster days are over with, as well as greasy foods. As far as the pizza and beer goes, they stay. LOL

I'll tell you what folks, if you ever want to see some unhealthy people, just visit Dollywood. Never in my life have I seen so many obese individuals, which is somewhat surprising seeing as though many of them have no teeth. I mean, how do they eat so much without teeth?

The pickin' and grinnin' was fantastic all throughout the park, as was the ride aboard the Smoky Mountain Railroad Train.

We had a great time in Tennessee. Yeh haw.....

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/303821456

Video Slide Show

MOUNTAIN BIKING THROUGH PARKS

Robert

Because of the early morning rain and gloomy forecast, our regular road-bike ride was cancelled. However, not to be denied our Monday morning ride, Sandy S and I met on Stirling road riding our individual Mtn. bikes. He was riding his 2012 Mongoose and I was riding my Sears Comfort bike, an antiquated 1995 model.

There was nothing but a light sprinkle when we both left our homes, but the rest of our ride was rain-less and under the protective (from the sun) cover of slow-moving grey and white clouds. In short, it was a perfect morning for biking.

Sandy

Sandy led us through some housing areas and bike paths that I never knew existed. I do believe even if my life depended on it, I could not retrace this morning’s route without a great deal of help from my Garmin GPS. I’ll save the file and then reload back into my Edge 500 should I ever want to repeat the ride.

We even did some off-road riding along a canal that is located in Tree Tops Park. Even without front or rear shocks, my bike handled the hills, bumps and lumps just fine. I can now see why so many people enjoy riding their fat-tire bikes along Mtn. bike trails.

Not too far from the end of our morning ride, we veered off into Flamingo Gardens (http://flamingogardens.org/Wildlife.html). After parking our bikes by using the kickstands, we enjoyed a delicious strawberry smoothie made by a pretty young lady that works at the fruit counter. While sitting on a bench and sipping our ice cold smoothies, we could have reached out and touched the passing peacocks. How cool is that?

Sitting next to our table was an all-black stray kitten with pure white whiskers. He/she was so cute! Good thing my wife wasn’t with us, for she would have wanted to bring the charming little critter home with us.

http://app.strava.com/activities/50107512

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/301756595

CASUAL WALK AND WEIGHT MACHINES

When I left our home to walk across the street and around the lake to the fitness center, the cloud coverage was nearly 100%. When I left the gym 40 minutes later, there was no cloud coverage. Ordinarily, that would be a welcome change.

The significance of the cloud coverage change has everything to do with me cutting my walk shorter than planned. Without any sunscreen applied to my arms and head, I thought it wise to remain out of the sun.

As it was, I walked home with my gym towel draped over my head, which made me feel like my friends in the Middle East walking across the barren dessert.

While in the gym, I tugged and pulled on most of the resistance machines. I did use 25lb free-weights for my arm curls, but otherwise it was an all machine workout.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/301028835

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/263172756

FOUR-CITY BIKE RIDE ON SIDEWALKS

This morning I rode my fat-tire bike 22.5 miles on sidewalks through the cities of eastern Miramar, Hollywood, Cooper City and Pembroke Pines. Because of all the sidewalks that were in disrepair, plus the Saturday morning traffic at intersections, I used extreme caution by going very slow.

Most sidewalks that were in need of repair were located in the eastern Miramar area, which is an area of that suburbia city that has changed considerably in the past twenty years. What used to be a lovely area of our county is now an eyesore for we who take pride in our homes and property. You can bet that I won’t be riding my bike through that area ever again.

If I wasn't carefully maneuvering my bike along broken uneven sidewalks, I was using caution not to run over piles of glass left by wankers that love to break their beer bottles on concrete after drinking the beverages. 

As a side note, I noticed numerous old cars parked in the driveways of that area that were equipped with enormously expensive wheels and low-profile tires. The wheels and tires were worth more than the cars.

Anyhow, that’s life in our three-county metro area, which reportedly has a population of over six million. 

I’m beginning to wonder if it isn't safer riding in designated bike lanes, or maybe I should just choose a better sidewalk route.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/300472077

SELF-CREATED CYCLING ROUTE

100% SIDEWALK BIKE RIDE!

After creating a route on Ridewithgps and then uploading that particular route to my Garmin Edge 500, I jumped on my fat-tire bike and then followed the directions on my Garmin.

Other than a couple of unnecessary U-Turns, the directions were right on the money.

I never knew my Garmin had that capability. Nice surprise!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/299676637


WALK AND GYM WORKOUT

Total walking time includes time in the gym lifting weights and doing multiple stretches. 

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/261869080

ROBINS PARK BIKE RIDE

I rode to the coffee and bagel shoppe only with Ed this morning. The others, from what I understood, had plans of hammering it during rush-hour traffic. I wasn't in the mood to ride fast on traffic-clogged roads during rush hour, so riding with Ed was the better of the two choices. Ed, by the way, is 81 going on 59. He’s a very interesting person to ride with and speak with.

After snacking and drinking, seven of us did the Robin’s Park route. Ed didn't feel like riding through Tree Tops Park, so we altered our route so as not to include Tree Tops after riding through Robins. Both parks because of their curvy, narrow bike paths are extremely slow riding.

It was a beautiful day, with the average temperature right around 82F and a steady wind blowing in from the northeast at around 8 to 10 mph. The humidity was quite high, but that was never an issue. After living in the sub-tropics for 71 years, one becomes accustomed to tropical temps and high humidity.

I think all of us did an equal amount of talking while pedaling. I like this type of ride! Thanks to Ed, Sandy, Greg, Marco, Tom and Ron, this morning’s ride was particularly enjoyable.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1246516

BIKE RIDE ON ROADS, SIDEWALKS AND BIKE PATHS

My best guess is that today’s bike ride was done on 25% roads and 75% sidewalks and bike paths. As soon as it began raining 11 miles into the ride, I got off the roads and stayed off.

Wanting to log extra miles because of Strava’s latest challenge, I split from the group prior to our coffee break and not too long before the first of two rain showers.

After consuming vitamin water and cheese crackers at Einstein’s, I went my own way without any route or direction in mind. I just knew that I wanted to learn new areas without having to follow close behind someone else’s wheel. I also felt going back out on the wet, vehicle clogged roads would have been too dangerous. I feel that I made the right choice.

Anyhow, I did find some bike paths that I never knew existed. Some of them were really nice while some were mediocre. I took the bad with the good and continued trucking on, again, with no direction or distance in mind.

During the 40 mile ride, I pretty much documented all riding areas by stopping often and taking pictures with my smart phone’s camera. It was fun being a cycling photographer!

Coming up shortly is a slide show of most bike paths and sidewalks that I rode on during today’s relaxed ride. But first it’s time to eat lunch. After lunch, I’ll make my wife and me a delicious smoothie for later. I like to have a scrumptious tasting smoothie waiting for her when she arrives home from work.

http://app.strava.com/activities/48961519

SIDEWALK BIKE RIDE WITH A MIXED BAG OF SIGHTINGS

There are two facts that were confirmed this morning during my 16-mile sidewalk bike ride.

A: Numerous road bikers are arrogant, inconsiderate, and they ride with no regard for the laws. I haven’t the time to get into all of the particulars, but suffice to say that this morning I witnessed many infractions, rude gestures, and downright stupidity. During one instance, I almost witnessed two cyclists get wiped out by a car coming up in the right turn lane. Had there been impact, the cyclists would have been at fault – yet they gave the car the finger. Talk about wonderful public relations. I’m not making this up!

B: Motorists can be just as arrogant, especially those who beep their horns simply because the car in front of them doesn't jack-rabbit forward whenever the traffic signal turns green. Those very same arrogant motorists were more than likely on the way to church. In fact, I’m positive one of them was by the way the family inside the car was dressed. Maybe they were late for the sermon, one that they need to listen to and heed.

Anyway, other than what I witnessed throughout my sidewalk ride, I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. And my overall pace wasn't that much slower than when I go out with the guys during the week on the roads.

Some of the more passive sightings this morning were a little grey squirrel that stood alongside the sidewalk on his hind legs waving at me as I passed, diving mocking birds, Ibis’ scurrying for worms in the grassy areas, Blue Jays looking for prey, Sparrows flitting about, and an old fat duck slowly crossing the sidewalk right in front of me. There were also a bunch of dogs being walked by their human owners. In passing, I learned that the dogs were friendlier than the owners!  Imagine my surprise!

Average temperature during my ride was 77F and there was a cooling breeze coming in from the south. Not too many clouds, just a beautiful clear blue sky as seen in the two above pictures. All of our colorful sub-tropical flowers were in full bloom.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/297716324

LEISURE RIDE WITH THE GUYS

Leisure bike ride to Einstein’s Bagel Shoppe and back with Ed, Sandy and Greg!

It was extremely windy this morning, all four of us wanted to talk while riding, so we rode at a snail’s pace. We also drank our coffee and consumed our snacks at a snail’s pace.

The forecast was for scattered showers, but we remained high and dry during the entire ride. Lots and lots of wind, though. Average temp was around 83F.

I wasn't keeping track, but today marked my 18^th day in a row cycling. No reason, it’s just that I love riding a bike.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/296817387

RIDING FIVE DIFFERENT SEGMENTS ON LAKE OKEECHOBEE’S LEVEE

What a day it was on Lake Okeechobee’s Levee, riding on five different segments.

We rode on five different segments, or areas of the levee, because of either gravel surfaces or road closures. We actually had to re-rack the bikes back on my truck and then drive to five different locations. All of that just to learn what areas were asphalted and what areas still had hard-packed gravel. The hard-packed gravel would have been acceptable for mountain bikes but certainly not for road bikes.

When we arrived at the next-to-last area in Moore Haven, and after we rode up the steep ramp to the top of the levee, we were met by a guard in a guard house telling us that the levee was closed at that point because of construction. He suggested that we backtrack four miles on US 27, take a left turn towards Joe’s Fish Camp, and then ride the levee from that point southward towards Clewiston.

After re-racking the bikes once again, I told Stephen to forget Joe’s Fish Camp, we’re driving my truck directly to the Tiki Bar and Grill in Clewiston for lunch. And then after we fill our bellies with food and beer, we would then ride our bikes into the 25+ mph wind all the way south to John Stretch Park and back. He

agreed – and that’s what we did.

Without a doubt, that was the toughest nine miles of biking that I have ever experienced. The wind was so strong that you dared not take one hand off the handle bars out of fear of being blown over. Just to take in some fluid, I had to bring my bike to a complete stop at mile five.

After reaching the park and then emptying out the beer and Gatorade, we soft pedaled back to Clewiston at a steady 20 mph – confirming that cyclists have a love/hate relationship with the wind.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/296581030

NICE, EASY RIDE IN RAIN SHOWERS

My goal this morning was to ride at least 30 miles, a few by myself and most with the cycling gang. Ends up, I rode 25 miles with the guys and a smidgen over 5 by myself.

My top speed this morning was 20.4 mph, elevation gain was a whopping 110 feet, overall pace was a blazing 11.8 mph, and my average HR was 104 bpm. I heart my heart!

Average temperature was 79F, we were faced with 16 mph winds from the ESE, an occasional light rain shower fell upon our helmets, the visibility was 10 miles, and the UV Index was 5. Another awesome day in paradise!

That’s all, folks!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1230875

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA'S CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE

BEST

Ever since I began biking just over two years ago, I have frequently become disgruntled over the lack of bike lanes and/or bike paths. Our passion for cycling often becomes blighted because of all the injuries and deaths resulting from the integration of bicycles and automobiles. Our local governments can put up all the “Share the Road” signs they want. The sad fact is; bikes and motorcars don’t mix well.

In my perfect world, every major road would have a separate path just for pedestrians and bicycles, as pictured on the left. And I’m not talking about a white line painted on the side of the road signifying a bike lane. I’m talking about an asphalt pathway that parallels the roadway with an attractive barrier separating the two.

But when I look at this biking thing as a whole, both road biking and fat tire biking, the USA does have specified paths. They are called “sidewalks.”

BETTER

I live in a three-county, frustratingly overpopulated section of the State of Florida. This area is called “Southeast Florida.” We have approximately six million people living in the three-county area. That’s a lot of people. We house slightly more citizens in our three-county area than does the entire country of Denmark, a country that promotes cycling over driving. Copenhagen, from what I understand, is world famous for its biking culture and now officially the first Bike City in the World.

Getting back to our sidewalks; if I wanted to, I could cycle from one end of our large three-county area to the other and seldom have my bike wheels touch a roadway. Granted, I wouldn’t be able to pedal at the speed of our road bikes, but I doubt the cyclists in Denmark do either. If that’s not the case, I stand to be corrected.

GOOD

This morning was a perfect example of our cycling (or walking) infrastructure. For 20 straight miles, the only time I was forced onto a road was when I drove from one sidewalk to the other through intersections. Because of our traffic signals and cross walks (or cross rides), not once did I feel threatened by motor vehicles. And in checking with the State of Florida regarding our sidewalk laws, it is legal to ride your bike on sidewalks unless a certain municipality’s law overrides the state law. Rarely is that the case!

While safely riding on our sidewalks, about the best I can expect as far as overall pace is around 9 to 10 mph. Today’s pace was 8.7 mph only because I chose to go slower than normal.

So if we Americans would be content with slowing it down, which is something that I continually promote, we can rightfully advertise that we are indeed one of the top cycling countries in the world.

Note:  I took all three pictures today during this morning's 20-mile bike ride.  

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1229066

http://app.strava.com/activities/47995120

OUT AND BACK BIKE RIDE

This morning’s ride was an out and back bike ride with Stephen, Tom, Sandy, Greg and Scott with one extra stop at Z’s LBS so that one of our guys could look at new road bikes. I think he found one!

While in the LBS, I glanced at a few hybrid bikes but didn't see anything in my price range. I’m not going to spend a whole lot of money just for a sidewalk bike.

Part of our coffee shop conversation this morning centered on why the majority of people remain silent when riding in an elevator. Any thoughts on the topic?

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1227470

http://app.strava.com/activities/47859289

TRIATHLON OF SORTS: Weights, Cycling and Walking

In between light rain showers, I headed out towards Cedar Woods for a ride along the lake. Biking along the 1.3 mile long bike/running path was a delight. I spotted lots and lots of ducks doing their duck thing.

Had it not been for the rain showers, and the fact that I forgot to bring along a waterproof bag (sandwich baggie) for my cell phone, I would have stayed outdoors for more mile and smiles.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/294692897

Usual casual walk to and from the gym with my wife.

75 degrees Fahrenheit, mostly cloudy with a comforting breeze coming off the ocean.

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/255149804

SANIBEL ISLAND BIKE RIDE

We did something different today, my wife and I.

Early this morning, shortly after six o’clock, we hopped in our truck loaded with our road bikes and then drove across state to Sanibel Island, Florida. It was a good 2 ½ hour drive, give or take a minute or two.

After stopping for a quick breakfast at a McDonald’s off of I-75, and after applying sunscreen in the parking lot of the same McDonald’s, we then drove across the bridges from the mainland to Sanibel. It was a gorgeous drive across the waterway.

We both were in awe at the height and gradient of the first bridge. I can’t imagine cycling across a bridge as tall and steep as that one, but one day I’m going to do just that. My wife said that she’d pass on that ride.

After parking our truck in the visitor center’s parking lot, we crossed the busy street to begin our 26 mile journey on nothing but tropical-adorned bike paths. Except for the very north end where bike paths or lanes are absent, we traversed the island from one end to the other, stopping along the way to take pictures of the Gulf of Mexico and the people that were enjoying the beautiful day as we were. A nice young lady cyclist volunteered to take our picture while we stood next to the Gulf of Mexico. I love how bikers stick together.

On our return trip home, we stopped at a Denny’s Restaurant for lunch and desert - large salad for my wife and turkey sandwich for me! Regarding the ice-cream/strawberry/hush puppies/whip cream desert, I ordered it, yet we both dug into that scrumptious jewel like there was no tomorrow. We called it “Replenishing spent calories.”

It’s been a wonderful day in paradise.

Map of Ride

RAINY DAY BIKE RIDE

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring! And while it was raining and the old goat was snoring, I was outside riding my comfort bike – with a different saddle installed on the seat post, I might add. I had a Serfas H.S.S. saddle that wasn't being used, so the first thing this morning I enthusiastically installed the cushiony beauty.

This was another one of those 95% sidewalk rides, where the only time I actually ventured out on the roads was when I had to cross from one sidewalk to the other. That and when I crossed over Interstate 75 on Sheridan Road and Stirling Road!

Our usual Friday group road-bike ride was cancelled due to the rain, so when my wife left for grocery shopping, I hopped on the old bike thinking that I’d just go around the block a time or two.

Well, needless to say, I got carried away. One or two blocks turned into a ride of nearly 21 miles.

At first it wasn't raining. But as soon as I crossed the interstate, the sky opened up with a vengeance. And we all know how that goes – once you’re wet you may as well keep on pedaling. I’m glad I did!

http://app.strava.com/activities/47357131

FAT TIRE BIKE RIDE ON SIDEWALKS

Not wanting to ride my road bike in traffic all by myself, and not wanting to ride my road bike on sidewalks, some of which are broken, uneven and missing concrete squares, I decided to break out my ’95 Sears Comfort bike. My plan today was to ride at least ten miles on nothing but sidewalks and bike paths.

First off, my alleged comfort bike is more of a discomfort bike compared to my Felt road bike. For starters, I can’t stand riding a bike with platform pedals. I cannot tell you how many times my feet slipped off the platforms.

Next is the saddle, or why don’t we rightfully call it the concrete block. If the world’s leaders would ever get serious about controlling the world’s run-a-way population growth, all they would have to do is insist that all the males sit on that damn thing for an hour or two a day. I’ll guarantee you, folks, we would finally witness zero population growth.

Anyhow, I ended up riding on nothing but sidewalks for a tad bit over fifteen miles. Notwithstanding the discomfort in my lower region, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. During the nearly two hours of riding, I did not come across one wanker behind a wheel. Everyone was courteous at the intersections and cross walks, a rarity in this region of the world.

Seriously, I am now in the market to purchase a decent hybrid bicycle for touring, something with 700 X 32’s tires or similar! During the days that I don’t road bike with my cycling mates, I would love to explore this county and the counties north and south of me. But the exploring would have to be on sidewalks and what few bike paths we have available. I don’t mind sidewalk riding at all, nor do I mind the slower speeds. I envision packing some foodstuff and rain gear on the pannier and then doing some 100+ milers.

One thing, though. The new hybrid would have to have a soft, cushiony saddle. That, my friends, would be my number one priority.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1218885

SLOW/FAST BIKE RIDE

What do you have when you combine a slow bike ride with a fast bike ride? Answer: A moderately paced bike ride!

During the first 15 miles of today’s bike ride, I was either by myself or with Ed, my 81 year old cycling friend. Even though the wind was at our backs 100% of the time, we rode slowly, so slow that I believe I could have sniffed the rose petals while pedaling.

On the way back to the meet-up spot, I rode with Tom, Sandy, Greg and Stephen. Even though 100% of the return segment was against South Florida’s relentless southeast wind, we rode moderately fast.

So there you have it, I did some slow riding and some fast riding. All in all, it was a fun day in the saddle at any speed.

My snack of choice at the half way point was a power bagel. Did I have a premonition!?

Average Temp: 80.6F

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1216331

PLEASANT WALK + WEIGHT WORKOUT

With gym towel in hand and my favorite sleeveless shirt on, which happens to be an old 5K running event shirt from the late 1990’s, I began the short walk from our home to the fitness center for a routine weight-machine workout. As soon as I reached the lake area across from our gated community, I knew right then that I wasn’t about to walk directly to the gym.

I instead walked approximately three miles in and around our hospital and shopping mall’s parking areas, taking in the beauty and the relative quietness of the early morning. The temperature was a pleasant 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The 3-4 mph westerly breeze blew the cool misty air over my half-naked body, making the morning stroll even more pleasant. It was a perfect morning for a casual walk.

When passing by a county bus depot that’s located in front of Sears & Roebucks, I nodded, smiled and wished everyone sitting on the bus benches a good morning. Half of them held fast to their blank stares while the other half outwardly struggled to return my pleasing acknowledgment. I believe I’ll rename the bus benches the “gloom and doom benches.” Some of those people don’t know what they’re missing out on.

When passing by Petco, I was reminded that I need to purchase some small fish for our bedroom’s tropical fish tank. After recently merging all tropical fish into the living room’s 30 gallon tank, the smaller ten gallon tank sits empty of life. How sad!

Arriving at the gym one hour after leaving our happy abode, I ambled inside and immediately began pulling and pushing on every one of the upper and lower body resistance machines. One machine at a time, of course! Only one set per machine, but I do the reps until I cannot move the levers another inch. I feel that once the muscles are totally maxed, there is no need in doing another set. A number of people have different opinions on that issue.

Leaving the gym all pumped up and feeling great, I slowly walked another mile or so towards home. By then, the rising sun had burned off most of the morning mist, promising us that another blissful day in the sub-tropics was in the making.

Now if only I could get those bus-bench pessimists to see life as I see it. On the other hand, I have no idea what their life’s situations are.

Everyone have a blessed day!

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/252412506

DIVERSE BIKE RIDE

This morning’s bike ride included just about every kind of riding imaginable, some of it slow and some of it fast. Between the horse trails, walking paths, grassy knolls, broken sidewalks, residential streets, busy intersections, parking lots and the massive construction project along Interstate 595, finishing up with a good overall pace is next to impossible.

To begin with, I must ride on sidewalks for over two miles at an average pace of 8 mph just to get to the meet up spot. At one point, a school crossing guard safely gets me across the bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

And then there’s the solo ride from the car park back to home, which is another two miles at an incredibly slow pace. Counting those four miles, it’s just about impossible to (truthfully) log a ride with a decent pace. And I do include those four miles on all my rides.

Anyhow, I just wanted to hit upon the pace thing so my DM friends don’t think that I’m ET returning home on his antiquated bicycle. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (often referred to simply as E.T.) is a 1982 American science fiction film co-produced and directed by Steven Spielberg,

The average temperature during this morning’s urban ride was a comfortable 81F. The wind, which seemingly was always in our faces, was around 14 mph. A pesky wind velocity is fairly common in South Florida. Take away our wind, however, and this place would be one miserable place to live because of the heat and humidity.

This was a fun ride with Sandy, Tom, Ed, Scott, Greg, Doug and Stephen.

http://app.strava.com/activities/46808309

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/291846576