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

Group-of-Five Road Bike Ride

Despite the strong northerly wind (gusts to 30 mph) that was smacking us in the face when heading north, this morning’s weather was picture perfect for a bike ride or anything else one might do outdoors. Even gardening would have been fun in this type of weather.

According to the Weather Channel, the low was at or near 60F, partly cloudy and only 50% humidity. Perfecto! My bike’s Garmin Edge 500 confirmed the temperature.

After riding to the traditional bagel shoppe in Weston, the five of us, Sandy, Ron, Greg, Tom and I, headed south on Weston Road towards the South Post Bridge. This particular bridge crossing over Interstate Highway 75! Believe it or not, my top speed of 27 mph was not realized when descending the bridge. Mine and everyone else’s top speed was measured when heading south on six-lane Flamingo Road in Cooper City. However, it may be safe to say that at the time we were showing off in front of an attractive Senorita that was cycling south in our bike lane.

If we were lizards, we probably would have thrust out our colorful throats when passing the young lady. Just to make it crystal clear, though, I was not the lead biker. I was the last of five to pass.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2128444

NEW YEAR’S DAY ESCORT BIKE RIDE

While my wife did a training run in the rain around the mall's parking lot, I rode alongside her on my road bike.

Other than a slight drizzle, the weather was perfect for a training run.  Average temperature was 73F!

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2121579#