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