PERFECT WEATHER FOR A BIKE RIDE

Who said it was going to rain this morning, the weather man?

While five of us did a 24.6-mile, out-and-back bike ride, not a drop of rain came out of the sky. Other than a stiff breeze that was coming out of the southwest, a byproduct of Tropical Storm Andrea, I would say that the weather was perfect for cycling and all outdoor activities. Okay, maybe not for badminton, but for just about everything else done in the great outdoors. So here’s to you, Mr. Weather Man. (Concealed graphic expletive)

The chit chat was abundant this morning, with the five of us focusing mostly on our ball-less media and the large gathering of clueless turkeys that reside in and around Washington DC, both Hens and Toms and those in between. Enough said on that topic!

With all of our public schools now out of session, the coffee shop was especially crowded this morning. I never knew so many young folks gravitated towards the coffee pot that early in the morning. When I was their age, I don’t recall even liking coffee. For me, however, coffee became a must-have item when I served in the US Navy, where every sailor used coffee as a wake-up tool after a fun night out on the town. Can anyone relate?

Enough of my meaningless chatter! Everyone have a wonderful, safe weekend.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/297181803

SHORT, CASUAL WALK ALONG THE LAKE

Bored from doing housework all morning, I headed out the door for a short, casual walk around our three-mile block. I get cabin fever very quickly!

When I headed out, the sun was hiding behind a bunch of dark clouds. Perfect!

However, just moments after I left our gated area, the sun unexpectedly came out, which wasn't in my favor because I failed to apply sunscreen prior to leaving our condo.

For that reason, as well as an aching lower back, I shortened my walk by not walking around the block. I instead crossed the street and walked along the lake admiring how green and colorful our area has become ever since rainy season began.

I had considered going out for a short ride on my mtn. bike, but Tropical Storm Andrea promises to drop some wet stuff on our area periodically. Hurricane season has arrived, folks.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/323821231

WEDNESDAY GROUP BIKE RIDE

This morning’s ride was one of those rides that had a lot of sidewalk riding as well as a handful of sprints. The five miles of sidewalk riding was when I had to ride to and from the meet-up spot by myself when traffic was at its worst. 

From the meet-up spot to the coffee shop in Weston, I rode only with Senior Rey. The other three in today’s group of five took a different and much faster route.

After sitting on our duffs for over an hour at the coffee shop, all five of us rode together from Einstein’s Bagel Shop back to the meet-up spot. It looked like rain, so we determined that it would be much safer staying together.

It’s always hard to get started again after sitting for so long. Today was no exception!

We were all saddened when Rossana reminded us that she will not be able to ride with us again on Wednesday’s until school reconvenes in September.

After saying our farewells to Rossana in front of her home, Sandy and I finished our ride with a gratifying 23 mph, ½ mile sprint.  “Sprinting it in” is a good way to end any bike ride!     

It was a fun ride with a good group of individuals – and it never did rain on our heads - and my blueberry muffin and coffee at Einstein's was delicious. I call that a “GOOD” day.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/323317762

WALKING IN THE RAIN

I walked to and from the fitness center in the rain with my lovely wife. Once inside the gym, we spent over a half an hour working out on most of the upper and lower-body resistance machines.

It is now time for breakfast followed later by a strawberry smoothie. We earned them!

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/294591177

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/322823185

ESCORT/GROUP BIKE RIDE

After riding alongside my wife for 5.05 miles while she did a training run, I joined my three cycling mates for 21 additional miles.

Because of the threat of rain, we altered our route in order to be closer to cover. It never did rain!

We experienced one mechanical when my front tire suddenly went flat after I ran over a medium-sized rock in Griffin Road’s westbound bike lane. It was a pinch type flat. 

As good luck would have it, where we stopped for coffee was next door to a local bike shop, where I used their air pump to replace the cartridge air with real air. 

Shortly after leaving the bike and coffee shops, we rode our bikes atop Mt. Trashmore in Davie, Florida.  The 1/4 mile climb was a mere 8% gradient. 

Mt. Trashmore, according to my Garmin Edge 500, is only 50 feet above sea level, yet down here in South Florida we call that a mountain.    

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/322374845

PACE-LINE TRAINING WITH CYCLING CLUB

Even though pace line training isn’t exactly what I need at this point in my cycling career, I still joined four other club members for some basic pace line training.

There were five in our group, two ladies, two brand new cyclists and me. For reasons that are obvious, I did all I could to stay away from the newbies.

It was a fun ride, though. The weather was perfect – high of 82 with clear skies and very little breeze.

http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/292801707

CASUAL WALK TO AND FROM GYM

Most folks train to walk, swim and bike faster, while I train my mind to thoroughly appreciate every stride, stroke and crank. Either method of training, in my opinion, is appropriate and beneficial for the mind and body.

This morning’s casual walk to and from the fitness center was particularly hot and muggy. Even though the sky was covered with slow-moving clouds, blocking out the sun’s damaging rays, the air seemed to be suffocating. The 4 to 5 mph wind simply wasn’t enough to keep the body comfortably cooled.

When inside the gym, my wife and I worked out together on most of the upper and lower body resistance machines. Only one set per machine. Forget the “No pain, no gain” cliché today, we had to get in and get out quicker than normal in order to fit in all that we have planned today.

http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/292129119