WEDNESDAY GROUP BIKE RIDE

It was an extremely hot and humid ride today with Rey, Gary, Greg, Donna, Tom, Stephen, Ron and Jeff B.

The first highlight of this morning’s ride was when I captured a close-up photo of a giant bull grazing behind a barbed wire fence just up the road from Flamingo Gardens in Davie. No bull, he was a giant!

The second highlight was the delicious egg sandwich that I purchased at Einstein’s Bagel Shoppe for $2.00 off the regular price. What a deal!

The scrumptious sandwich and neighborhood blend coffee gave me the needed energy to pedal back to the car park, which was mostly against the wind.

In all, we rode through the cities of Sunrise, Weston, Cooper City, Davie and Pembroke Pines.

Ride Stats

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE TO GYM

I rode my mountain bike to the gym, tagging alongside my wife as she walked. It was her choice to walk! The path that we took was 1.2 miles from home. I took note that I needed to ride six more miles to reach my weekly goal of 100 miles!

When we arrived at the hospital’s fitness center, we both did a complete weight-machine workout inside the gym.  We kept it to one set per machine.

Afterwards, I parted my wife for six miles more, slowly riding around the single-family-home section of our sub-tropical, South Florida neighborhood.

The real-feel temperature was in the middle 90’s Fahrenheit. Hot, hot, hot!

 http://www.strava.com/activities/159626808

SOLO MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

Not in the mood to go fast or follow other bikers in a pace line, I slowly rode my mountain bike solo to Einstein's Bagel Shoppe and back - taking a few pictures as I rode along the sidewalks and bike paths.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2895051#

OASIS AMOUNG THE THRONGS OF HUMANS

Often hidden among our rapidly growing human population, which is currently at 5.8 million and growing, South Florida has a smattering of scenic oases filled with sub-tropical fauna that can be seen only by slowly riding a bicycle or by taking a stroll on our myriad of concrete sidewalks.

I’m seen standing at one of my favorite locations in Broward County, a county that has the deplorable reputation of being non-bike and non-pedestrian friendly. Ours is an air-polluting car culture! On average in our county, there is one bicyclist and two pedestrians struck by automobiles every day.

LACK OF POSTS

Absent from our fitness blog are the last three months of routine exercise posts. I guess you can say that I became overwhelmed posting all that we do in regards to exercising, running and cycling. So often, time is at a premium.

No promises, but I'll do my best to continue posting our daily workouts.

Solo Plus Group MTB Ride

This morning’s shorter-than-normal MTB bike ride was a combination of solo riding and group riding. It was a solo ride to the coffee shop and a group ride from the coffee shop back to my vehicle.

 

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2253003

TRAINING RUN AND ESCORT CYCLING

My choices this morning was a group ride or ride alongside my wife while she did a training run. Those were my two cycling options this morning. Guess which one I chose!  No contest, I might add! 

Leaving our home right as the sun began to rise, we did a routine 4 ½ miler east to west and then back east through the shopping mall’s one-mile long parking lot.

Because today is President’s Day, hardly a car was in sight, only one county bus picking up a handful of patrons from Sears & Roebuck’s bus depot. We essentially had the mall’s parking lot to ourselves. That’s a good thing!

The beginning temperature was a comfortable 57F. One hour later, it had skyrocketed to 62F. Oh how we love our sub-tropics during the winter months.

Jan’s Stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/446729064

Bob’s Stats: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2247180

US ROAD CYCLING 50-MILE MTB RIDE

“Don’t be afraid to love” That’s what was spray painted on the concrete surface of the New River Greenway where I stopped to take a photo. And I was totally unaware of the script until I uploaded the photos from my camera onto my computer’s hard drive. What are the chances of that happening?

Anyway, I left our home this morning around 6:30 a.m. with a particular goal in mind. That goal was to ride my mountain bike on trails and sidewalks for 50+ miles.

The specific route that I chose was generated by me using the web site, RidewithGPS.com. Satisfied with the route, I uploaded the course into my Garmin Edge 500, attached the small GPS unit to my mountain bike, and then away I went into the dark of morning when the temperature was reasonably comfortable at 46F. During the 50 miles of cycling, I don’t believe the temperature rose too much above 70F. It was a beautiful Sub-Tropical day in South Florida.

This 50-mile bike ride was relatively easy because of the cool temperature and because I stopped every 15 miles of so to reload my drink bottle. I also enjoyed a small snack every time I refilled the 20oz bottle. A well fed cyclist is a happy cyclist.

Bottom line is that my mission was accomplished. I’ll now post my ride and results online and then wait for US Road Cycling to mail me my February 50-Mile finisher’s medal.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2244449

TRAINING RUN AND ESCORT RIDE

Janet

It is seven days until Disney's Glass Slipper Challenge, so I thought a seven miler was suitable for my next to

last training run.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/445398528

Robert

While my wife did a Glass Slipper training run, I rode alongside her on my mountain bike handing her the water bottle upon request.

While out and about running and riding, we tested our new Nikon L28 digital camera. We tested both the still shots and video. We will give the small camera a grade of five stars out of five. I especially like the smaller size (than the Nikon L22) plus the instant video button on the upper right.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/445415716

WINDY MOUNTAIN-BIKE RIDE

Today was weight lifting day. It was also a rainy day. But once the pesky rain subsided shortly before noon, I wanted to get in some miles on my mountain bike for no other reason than to test the bike’s new tires.

Just yesterday, I installed new Continental Town & Country 26X1.95’s. These tires are not knobby tires as the originals, so I was anxious to feel the difference between the two.

There most definitely is a difference, a big difference. The Town & Country tires are much quieter than the Kenda Kwick tires. They also make for easier pedaling. The T&C’s are more of a city tire, whereas the Kenda’s were basically made for off-road cycling.

Now that I have new tires on the mountain bike, I’m looking forward to many miles of trail and sidewalk cycling.

Regarding my 2011 road bike, it’s time to put the Felt Z6 in the LBS for a complete overhaul.  I just noticed that the bike's total mileage is 12,212. That's nearly half way around the world.    

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2236565

WALK AND WEIGHT MACHINES

My wife and I walked to and from the fitness center in the rain (sprinkling).

We loved the 68F temperature and light sprinkle, not to mention the cool breeze coming from the west.

Because of the incoming rain clouds, we had to cut short our weight machine workout.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/444633773

MALL MTB ESCORT RIDE

While my awesome wife did a training run/walk around the block and in the mall's parking lot, I rode alongside her on my mountain bike.

 

We were a little late getting out the door this morning, so the mall's traffic was heavier than usual. No problem, we just zigzagged around all the early shoppers.

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2233703

FIVE PARK MOUNTAIN-BIKE RIDE

To be honest, I wasn't planning on biking this morning. But then I remembered that Monday’s are for zapping zeroes, not Tuesday or any other day of the week.

So off I went into the wild blue yonder of South Florida, making up my route as I went on. I wanted a meditation type ride at an easy pace, so I aimed for nearly every noteworthy park in the Southwest Broward area. I think I got them all.

Monday being a work day, each park was nearly empty of people. Nice! There were only a smattering of bikers, joggers and walkers meandering on the trails, as well as an occasional mom pushing a baby stroller.

At one point, to get my bike and myself inside a particular park, I had to do some dirt and grass cycling. This happens when you get lost! I didn't think I’d ever get out of that quagmire of muck and grass. And then when I was riding out of another park, I almost lost it when the tires hit an unseen pocket of deep, loose sand. I was pleased with my quick recovery and unrivaled balance, though.

This was a fun ride in near perfect conditions. The temperature was between 71 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. 

I sure do love winter in South Florida!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2229677

ESCORT RIDE–TRAINING RUN/WALK

Overlooking the Pembroke Lakes Golf Course

Bob: 

After riding alongside my wife for five miles while she ran, I veered off on my own just to get in 100 miles for

the week. Near the end of the ride, I rode past Flanagan High School Falcons where my oldest granddaughter graduated.

This was an all parking lot and sidewalk ride. Perfect weather – 70F and foggy!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2224523

 

Posing next to the foggy lake

Janet:   

This was my first run after last weekend's Miami Half Marathon.

I'll also list this run as a training run/walk for Disney World’s Glass Slipper 10K/Half Marathon Challenge.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/442736812

WALKING AND WEIGHTS

I walked to and from the fitness center all by myself this morning. Not even the stray cats or the neighborhood ducks accompanied me. Solo was good, but I would've rather had my wife accompany me.

Once inside the gym, I did two sets on most of the upper and lower-body resistance machines. It ended up being a super workout.

The gym was nearly devoid of humanoids, so my weight routine flowed smoothly mainly because I wasn't interrupted and annoyed by people camping out and texting while on the machines. We've all seen those types in the gyms. I have always surmised that those kind of people more than likely texts during times of intimacy – if you can imagine that.

Enough said on that topic! Have a wonderful weekend!!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/442153654

GROUP ROAD-BIKE RIDE

Robbins Park

Greg, Ron, Rey, Stephen and Bernie.
Not pictured is Sandy in the latrine.

This morning’s road-bike ride involved riding with Sandy, Greg, Ron, Rey, Stephen and Bernie to the bagel shoppe and back, taking an entirely different route back to where my truck was parked.

It was good having Bernie back from Cape Cod, MA.

The early morning fog and cloud coverage made for a cool, relaxed ride. The average temperature was a comfortable 73F.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2220225

Group and Solo Bike Ride

Standing From L to R: Bob, Sandy, Ed, Greg, Christina, Stephen
Sitting From L to R:  Wally, Tom, Ron, Gary, Rey

This morning’s ride was another ride that had a good mixture of road biking and trail/sidewalk riding. This morning’s bike of choice was my road bike.

I started out riding with Ed, Rey, Gary and Wally. Forget riding with the advanced group, their main focus is speed and nothing else. I’m into this biking thing for the fun of it, not to test my speed and endurance every time I saddle up.

Taking a break in Vista View Park

After coffee and snacks, I rode with the same group as far as Boy Scout Road in Davie. It was there that I veered off towards the south and towards Vista View Park.

Not in the mood to climb Mt. Trashmore, I simply road through the park, crossed the canal, and then turned south on 148^th Street – east on Sheridan – and then into the housing area that features an electric waterfall at

its attractive entrance.

After riding around the perimeter road in CB Smith Park, I then rode directly home. It was especially hot today, so the post ride shower felt exceptionally good.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2215970

Mustang Trail, Cedarwoods and More

Pembroke Lakes Golf Course in Background

Group road-bike ride with both the slow and fast group! 

 

Thank you Rey, Ed and Wally for allowing me to ride with you guys to the coffee shoppe.  And thank you Sandy, Tom, Greg and Stephen for showing me the way home.  Well, nearly to my home.  We parted ways at Flamingo Road and Franklin Academy, at which time I added miles to my morning ride by cycling through Cedarwoods.        

 

This morning’s ride was a nice mixture of road cycling and trail riding.  

 

The average temperature was a comfortable 78.8 degrees F.   
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2211919#

LIFETIME MIAMI HALF MARATHON

On the steps of the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL

Same time, same place, only the name has changed.

The ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon event is now called the Lifetime Miami Marathon and Half Marathon.

I no longer participate in this or any other running event, but Janet does. And I’m glad she does, because this event gave me an opportunity to ride my bicycle along the course while she and the other marathoners did their running and walking thing.

Even though I was not an official escort cyclist, I still managed to ride the entire half marathon course with the exception of the last mile or so. And I managed to ride alongside my wife from mile marker six to mile marker 10, being very careful not to get in the way of the other runners.

It was only when we spotted threatening weather did I make the decision to head towards the AAA Arena where our truck was parked. Riding a bicycle in the rain simply isn't my thing.

Somewhere between mile 7 and 8

Anyway, Janet did quite well considering the high temperature and crowded conditions, plus the fact that she wasn't  feeling quite up to par. 

I was proud of her 3:20 finishing time. The only blemish during the entire day was when the marathon folks ran out of half marathon medals at the finish line.  How discouraging that must have been to the late finishers! 

The marathon people promise to mail Janet and the other 1,500 back-of-the-pack finishers their medals in 10 to 12 weeks.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2210113
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/439695972

MTB WITH DAUGHTER

“But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”

I thought of Revelation 11:18 when my daughter and I rode through our county park earlier today, only two days after the ill-mannered revelers trashed this beautiful park in the name of fun. They are the concert-goers that I spoke of during Sunday’s escort ride, causing massive traffic jams before sunrise in an attempt to enter the park for the chili cook-off and country concert.

After riding through tons of trash and over heaps of broken glass on and around all of the bike trails, there are no words to express my abhorrence with much of the human race.  It’s a miracle that we didn't end up with flat tires. I might add that the buzzards were having a field day!

Regardless of the above, Diane and I enjoyed our eight-mile ride. We went down memory lane when we passed by the high school where Diane’s daughter, my granddaughter, graduated.

Diane is doing quite well with her bike riding. Her first ride was one mile, second ride was six miles, and today’s ride was eight miles. Her next ride will be double numbers. Soon, she will be joining me on many of my longer mountain bike rides. 

She’s turning out to be a wonderful wheel mate.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2196750

IMPERIAL HALF CENTURY BIKE RIDE

Shortly after signing up earlier this morning to compete in a virtual 50-miler with US Road Cycling, I decided that there is no better time than today to hit the road and trails for the Imperial half century. The thought of earning a medal for my efforts was my motivation.

 

So that’s what I did this morning, pedal my Felt Road Bike 50+ miles – partly with my cycling mates and partly by myself.

 

Approximately 70% of this ride was on asphalt bike trails and concrete sidewalks, which greatly decreased my overall pace. I’m not making excuses, but you just can’t get up to speed on bumpy bike trails and concrete sidewalks.

 

Anyway, near the end of today’s route loomed Mt. Trashmore in the Town of Davie’s Vista View Park.

 

After climbing the mountain, I met a lady at the top of the mount that was managing a professional photo shoot. Here’s the story: Just last night, my youngest daughter assisted the lady in Wal-Mart when the lady lost the keys to her rental car. She concluded that she lost the keys while trying on shoes, and thought maybe the keys were dropped inside a shoe.

 

The lady was in tears, so my youngest came to the rescue and found her keys – and yes, they were inside a shoe. Diane also helped her find a nice pair of sneakers to wear on the photo shoot.

 

And by golly, she was actually wearing those blue sneakers when I met her on the mount.

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2195139

ESCORT MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

While my wife did a Miami Half Marathon/Glass Slipper training run/walk, I rode alongside her on my mountain bike.

 

While riding and running, we observed the foolishness of countless car, trucks and peds attempting to get inside CB Smith Park for the annual Chili Cook-Off.

 

In one word: Craziness!

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2190405#

NEIGHBORHOOD MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

This was an impromptu mountain bike ride around the neighborhood as well as past where I used to work

and where my granddaughter graduated from high school.

There was a great deal of activity in the county park when I passed by because tomorrow the park and local country music radio station will be hosting the Chili Cook-off, an annual event that consists of many flavors of chili plus a few popular country music stars doing their thing live onstage. We can hear them singing from our screened patio.

The average temperature during this ride was 80F.  Check out that beautiful blue sky in the above picture!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2188198

A TRIO OF RIDERS

After patiently waiting for fifteen minutes, I was going to give my wheel mates two more minutes to arrive at our biking meet-up spot. If they didn't show, I was then going to map out a route of my own to do. I’m no stranger to solo bikes rides, so either way I was going to get in some miles.

First Rey arrived and then Stephen, surprised as I was that the others did not show – nor did the truants let us know that they would not be riding today. Oh well, maybe some of them shied away from the low temps and strong northerly wind. Quite frankly, it was a perfect day for a ride.

We took the typical boring route to Einstein Bros Bagel shop in Weston. But after we enjoyed our snacks and coffee outdoors on Einstein’s patio, we rode on a combination of bike trails and roads, ending up in Robins Park in Davie, FL.

Greeting us in the sub-tropical park were several attractive young ladies on horseback, smiling from ear to ear as they galloped past us while we were crossing the narrow bridge that is located near the east side of Flamingo Gardens.

In the horses wake, of course, were a few obstacles to dodge. My only request was that my wheel mates in front of me miss the dung piles. We all know how rear wheels throw water and debris back towards the trailing biker.

Thankfully, my wish was granted!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2184898

DAUGHTER TRAINING RIDE IN COUNTY PARK

My youngest daughter’s second bike training ride was today, in the relative safety of our neighborhood county park.

My daughter, my wife and I hopped on our individual bikes and then headed for the park, which is only 5/10ths of a mile from our gated community. Once in the park, we navigated on most of the bike trails, staying off the perimeter road where an occasional car or truck passes by.

With the temps in the high 50’s and the sky void of clouds, it was a perfect time of day for a leisure ride. The ducks and geese were enjoying the park and mild weather as well.

There were no mishaps, no close calls, just bunch of fun riding and laughing. We even took the time for some photo ops at various “Kodak” locations.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2183042

SMALL GROUP ROAD-BIKE RIDE

This morning’s road-bike ride was typical of most of our weekday group bike rides except this time I broke off from the small group with the sole purpose of riding farther than I would have ridden had I stayed with them. 

My goal was thirty miles, I reached 34 miles. Success!

I broke off from the group at SW 26^th St and 142^nd Avenue.

With a steady wind of 15-20 mph coming out of the NW, the ride towards Weston was slow yet steady. The second half of today’s ride was much easier as well as a tad bit warmer than whet it was in the beginning.  The temperature at the beginning of the ride was 50F.

There were two groups today, one slow and one fast. I chose the slower of the two. 

Thanks Ed, Wally, Greg and Gary for the enjoyable ride.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2181249

TWO PARK MOUNTAIN-BIKE RIDE

Even though I had all intentions of keeping this impromptu MTB ride between 10 to 12 miles, I ended up with just over 20 miles. I suppose when you’re having so much fun you just don’t want it to end, not only during biking but during numerous activities that we engage in throughout our lifetime.

Biking around Mt. Trashmore’s dirt and gravel bike trail was one of the physical highlights of this brief ride. So was taking a breather underneath a picnic pavilion in the same park. In one word; tranquil!

After coming off of the South New River Bike Trail, I secured my bike inside our truck that was parked at my wife’s place of employment. As good luck would have it, she was scheduled for her lunch break just as I walked into the building. Perfect timing!

The Chicken Teriyaki sub sandwich was enjoyed by both of us.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2179552#

COOL BIKE RIDE IN THE TROPICS

It was a bit on the chilly side this morning, so I dressed to fit the occasion – long tights, one long-sleeved cool max shirt, one cycling jersey and one high-visibility wind breaker. Turned out, I was overdressed once the sun showed its full brightness.

There were eight cyclists this morning split into two groups. Greg, Sandy, Stephen and I made up the faster of the two groups while Ed, Wally, Rey and Gary made up the slower of the two groups.

Not wanting to spend too much time yakking away at Einstein’s Bagel Shoppe, my group left earlier than normal. We rode the Green-way from Markham Park to Flamingo Road and then took the Flaming Road’s service road all the way to Tom’s abode. Tom wasn't allowed to come out to play this morning because his yard chores piled up on him. In fact, we stopped by his home only to find him outdoors watering his new trees and plants.

After one quick stop at Flamingo Gardens for a facility break, we headed back to the meet-up spot. End of story…

RE-TRAINING RIDE

This was my youngest daughter's first re-training bike ride. It's been ages since she has been on a bicycle.

She did great!

Next ride, CB Smith County Park for some needed road training!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2139092#

GROUP RIDE WITH THREE STOPS

Robert at Flamingo Gardens

Bob, Greg, Ron and Sandy at
Alex's Bike Shop

This morning I rode with Sandy, Ron and Greg. Ed, Rey, Wally and Gary showed up, but they rode in their own little group. The problem is, they seldom like to take different routes back to the meet-up spot. I’m more into varying our return route to make the ride more interesting.

We stopped at three different places today, Einstein’s Bagel Shoppe, Alex’s Bike Shoppe, and Flamingo Gardens. While in Flamingo Gardens, we took advantage of the resting Peacocks by taking several pictures.

According to my Garmin Edge 500, the temperature reached a high of 82F during our ride. It is 82F here in South Florida and -20F in some of our northern states. Guess where I’d rather be! However, according to the weather genius’, our temperature should drop down in the lower forties tomorrow morning.

I’m sure glad tomorrow is a scheduled weight lifting day and not a bike riding day.

Bob with Peacock at
Flamingo Gardens

http://www.strava.com/activities/104506828

INTERMEDIATE CLUB BIKE RIDE

Shari, my favorite group leader, was the leader of this morning’s intermediate-paced road-bike ride.

Altogether, there were nine riders in this morning's group.

The ride was relatively slow, but that’s what you would expect from a ride that took us through many residential neighborhoods and several parks.

There was one mechanical this morning when my rear tire went flat, and one mishap when a young boy of 10 years of age went down at an intersection. He and his father got tangled up when coming to a stop.

Other than the boy’s bruised pride, thankfully there were no injuries.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2133939