Saturday, September 11, 2010

65-Empty Just Like I Like It!!

Success!! Day 65

Weather: 60 deg F. cool and windy
Time I left my house: 8.10 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.45 am
Distance: 8.06 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.9
Max Speed: 23.5
Time: 32.33 min.

Pre-game: Rosh Hoshannah and it’s all good….

Got the armwarmers back on today as I strolled thru my commute. I really took my time and enjoyed the view. So much so that I missed a patch of glass in front of me- thank God for the Tuffy liners (knock wood). Had to check the tires on my way there to see if any shards of glass stuck to the rubber. I have to say that it’s about time this type of weather came back- this summer was Crazy Hot. I mean, how are people supposed to ride in this??

64-Back to Cool

Success!! Day 64

Weather: 66 deg F. cool
Time I left my house: 8.13 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.48 am
Distance: 8.08 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.0
Max Speed: 22.4
Time: 30.21 min.

Pre-game: Possibly my last try before summer vacation ends so I’m soaking it all in…

It was so nice today I wish I didn’t have to work. It seems I won’t be commuting as much in the Fall as my son starts Kindergarten and I may have to drop him off more days than I can handle on a bike. So we’ll see how that pans out. But it was nice- made all the lights today as well as taking the lane- although there weren’t too many cars out so that helped. Wait until school is in… what did you expect?

Friday, August 27, 2010

63-Back After a HOT Month

Success!! Day 63

Weather: 67 deg F. cool and windy

Time I left my house: 8.12 am

Time I arrived at work: 8.49 am

Distance: 8.08 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.1

Max Speed: 25.3

Time: 30.10 min.

Pre-game: First day in a while- summer so it’s all good.

Between the above average heat and humidity, vacation and did I mention heat, I took a break from commuting. I’m a wuss, I’ll be the first to admit, but could you blame me? Anyway, nice to be back. It was cool enough to keep a good cadence without sweatin’ to the oldies. It was nice to get out again.

Looking at my earlier blog entry it seems that the Tour is done and gone- which is kind of sad- it’s depressing that the outcome came to Alberto and how Lance came out early. My wife said that he totally should have quit when years ago when he retired (the first time). Anyway, Specialized came out on top.

I need to get back on my bike- I miss it as sappy as it sounds. I also need to tune up the Schwinn.

Friday, June 25, 2010

600 Miles!!

Success!! Day 61

Weather: 71 deg F. sunny and mild
Time I left my house: 8:15 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.50 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.4
Max Speed: 24.4
Time: 31.20 min.

Pre-game: Friday- sort of bittersweet as this was the last Friday my parents are watching the little guy until after the summer. Still, I wish I had this kind of time to setup all the time.

I felt it today, but at least it wasn’t oven-like heat like the other day. Man that was nuts. It usually takes me 10 minutes to cool down to normal, but the other day it was so hot.

I found that my Planet Bike fender lost some hardware, had to jerry-rig the screw and bolt I found from leftover hardware in my tool box so it would at last stay on--- although after a while it was rattling from coming loose.




UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 81 deg. F hot and not too humid
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 34.27

It's So Dang Hot Out Herrr!!

Success!! Day 60

Weather: 78 deg F. warm and windy
Time I left my house: LATE! 8:23 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.56 am
Distance: 8.08 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.4
Max Speed: 22.2
Time: 31.37 min.

Pre-game: Damn it to hell I got out late again and on one of the hottest days of the year.

Did I mention it’s going to be hot today? What was good is that there was a nice steady wind going on. What’s bad is that I had to try to TT it in this heat and wind. And let me tell you I was drenched when I got to work. No showers, I used so many wipes and I didn’t get to cool off. I really should’ve taken the car today. It’s going to be 90 deg. F and it’s going to be deadly. I joked that those guys do it in this type of heat in the TDF but then again, I’m no pro and those riders do that for three weeks at almost 6 hours a day (for 120 plus miles).

Note to self on re-evaluating equipment, namely my shoes. My right shoelace kept getting undone by the crank, so I’m thinking of getting some nice MTB shoes with the Velcro. I can’t keep stopping for these laces.



UPDATE:
The ride home.

Weather: 88 deg. F HOT with a little tailwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 34.27

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Do You Catch Yourself Looking at the Scenery as Well?

Success!! Day 59

Weather: 60 deg F. sunny and mild
Time I left my house: 8:10 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.50 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.2
Max Speed: 25.1
Time: 29.57 min.

Pre-game: It’s Friday! No issues other than my mom oversleeping and me trying to change the little guy before I left (my parents sleep his room).

Excellent day. Was scouting out shots for the possible vid I keep saying I’m going to do. It’s funny that every day I commute is different, just like they say how every time you surf is never the same as the last, which is why this is pretty addicting (read:cool). I think if I were to make an exciting video that can compete with the talents on Vimeo, then I’d have to take a few angles, different shots, and probably have to storyboard it out. Dang these hobbies!! It’s what keeps me sane I guess and from going postal at work.

BTW for those following behind your screens (yeah right) if anyone cares, I’ll save you from comments on the ride home. Unless it’s something notable, I’ll leave the stats and maybe even edit that down to just the time as I’m not in a rush to get home, unless the Mrs tells me to of course…



UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 69 deg. F with a little headwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 34.03

Too Nice a Day Not to Ride

Success!! Day 58

Weather: 61 deg F. sunny and mild
Time I left my house: 8:19 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.53 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.8
Max Speed: 24.3
Time: 30.45 min.

Pre-game: Almost late.. but had gone anyway.

Finally a Spring-like day and of course, I had to TT it. My legs are a hurtin’. I got to remember to stretch when I get to work, but how many co-workers have you seen in a corporate atmosphere doing a downward dog? It is kind of weird but then so is commuting by bike. For now, of course.


UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 71 deg. F with a little tailwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 34.27

Friday, June 4, 2010

Why All Offices Need Showers

Success!! Day 57

Weather: 73 deg F. sunny and warm
Time I left my house: 8:15 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.48 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.6
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 31.04 min.

Pre-game: Friday!!! I would’ve gotten out earlier but my parents needed some help in feeding the little guy.

Pretty warm out but enough breeze to cool me off. Of course, once off the bike, it’s like springtime in Bangkok, but whatev, that’s what we bike commuters have to face, the sweet stickiness of summer. Since we don’t have showers at work, I have to do the ‘ol outdoors way- wipes. Bear Grylls wouldn’t mind and heck if I care if my coworkers mind (OK, maybe I mind just a little). It’s been a year so they shouldn’t have a problem by now… or do they?

Anyway, been off for a couple of weeks due to a number of things, but it was a nice return. Hopefully I can get a vid up soon of my ride. More to come.


UPDATE: The ride home.


Weather: 84 deg. F HOT HOT HOT and a little headwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.8
Max Speed: 25.2
Time: 32.04

My wife commented or rather, made a face akin to someone who smelled a hobo coming out of a subway, high noon in August. Thank God for running water in my house.

On another note- my little guy celebrated his 5th birthday last month and I made a video of his first five years. All you parents out there can understand- after you go through 5 years of photos and videos and you sit there through all the camera shake and lowlight shots, you're just amazed how much they grow. Anyway, enjoy:





Holden's Five Years from Dell on Vimeo.

It's Gettin' It's Gettin' It's Gettin' Kinda Warmer

Success!! Day 56

Weather: 68 deg F. sunny
Time I left my house: 8:15 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.48 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.4
Max Speed: 22.9
Time: 31.28 min.

Pre-game: Friday!!!


Nice out- a little warm, but not headwind or such. I had some easy spinning to do as I my legs needed some healing. I was a little more cautious today, which explains the slower times. It was beautiful outside, I will one day tape my ride on my camcorder.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 75 deg. F with a little tailwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 32.27

500 Miles on the Schwinn!

Success!! Day 55

Weather: 58 deg F. sunny
Time I left my house: 8:22 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.53 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.7
Max Speed: 24.8
Time: 29.01 min.


Pre-game: Barely made it out on a non-Friday ride- I wonder when I’ll ever be on time with a non-Friday ride.

Nice day today- warmer than usual. It’s funny that I thought I was going so slow I actually made some good time. There was a point where there was a green light at an intersection (for those in LI, it’s North Service road of the LIE going West, past 106/107) and I usually slow down and wait for the cars to make the turn as I’m in the turning lane, but something made me gun it, and I had a close call with a car (not signaling) making a right and I was going straight.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 73 deg. F with a little tailwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 32.27

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Bluebird kind of Friday

Success!! Day 54

Weather: 53 deg F. sunny
Time I left my house: 8:09 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.44 am
Distance: 8.08 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.5
Max Speed: 24.3
Time: 31.25 min.

Pre-game: I love Fridays!! It’s such a great feeling to not have to rush and TT all the time.

Beautiful ride out today, a bit of headwind, but nothing like the other day. It was a bit chilly at first, but after a few miles, it started warming up.

Got to Find a Mailbox en Route

Success!! Day 53

Weather: 63 deg F. sunny
Time I left my house: 8:15 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.54 am
Distance: 8.07 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.2
Max Speed: 22.8
Time: 29.51 min.

Pre-game: I think I made it out OK since I also had to drop off some mail (tax man’s calling for school tax!)

Nice day today- warmer than usual. It’s funny that I thought I was going so slow I actually made some good time.




UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 73 deg. F with a little tailwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 35.27

Holy Headwind Batman!

Success!! Day 51

Weather: 51 deg F. sunny with a LOTTA headwind
Time I left my house: LATE: 8:19 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.56 am
Distance: 8.06 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.9
Max Speed: 22.2
Time: 32.36 min.

Pre-game: Guess who tried to get out early and guess what happens when they make a plan to get out early. There’s gotta be a better way.

Wind like you wouldn’t believe today- which explains my avg. going down to 14 mph. It was not fun, let me tell you, it was a challenge. And to top it off, I was supposed to be early, which was also a wash since I left the house like 20 after. There’s got to be a better way during the weekdays.




UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 65 deg. F cool,
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 35.27

Friday, April 23, 2010

I Heart Friday Rides

Success!! Day 50
Weather: 49 deg F. sunny with a some headwind
Time I left my house: early 8:09 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.45 am
Distance: 8.06 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.2
Max Speed: 23.2
Time: 29.53 min.


Pre-game: It’s Friday and my parents are home to take care of the little guy, so it was nice.

Nice ride today, a little chilly, but after some pedaling, it wasn’t an issue. I found a way not to get apprehensive on the shady area- go Cyclo-cross on the side of the underpass, which means I have a little dirt path to follow alongside the road and not the actual road itself. My only concern is the crap that resides on the side of the road will all collect there, so I have to be cautious. I don’t have to worry about cars however, which is a plus and they don’t have to worry about me. Safe is always good.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 66 deg. F cool, a damn strong headwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.9
Max Speed: 23.5
Time: 34.08

The same kind of wind that can kill a man's spirit, like looking at your cycle computer and only going 13 mph when you think you're doing so well... man that was some wind. Me legs hurt!

400 Miles on the Schwinn!

Success!! Day 49


Weather: 52 deg F. sunny with a breeze
Time I left my house: LATE! 8:22 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.53 am
Distance: 8.06 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.5
Max Speed: 22.5
Time: 29.24 min.

Pre-game: Rushing again to get out the door, same old same old- and I thought I was being early.


Had to TT again today, tried to do the new efficient pedaling I found on YouTube the other day. Can’t say that it made it much faster and my legs feel the same, but I guess we’ll see. I don’t know if I’m doing it right. I’m going to see if I could do a proper fitting on both my commuting and weekend rigs—looking to get aero bars for my Schwinn so we’ll see if that proves beneficial. Yes, more toys!!

On another note, finished my son’s 5-year video I was looking to do before his 5th birthday. I will post when the time comes, hopefully people will like it and not think I’m another one of those doting proud parents. (Then again, who isn’t??)

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 66 deg. F cool,
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: n/a
Max Speed: n/a
Time: 32 min.

Not really recorded this one, but the usual ride with some hill climbing.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I Can Never Get a Break

Success!! Day 48

Weather: 59 deg F. sunny with a breeze
Time I left my house: LATE! 8:23 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.58 am
Distance: 8.11 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.6
Max Speed: 23.7
Time: 29.24 min.

Pre-game: Rushing again to get out the door, same old same old- this time little guy was ready, but had poured milk all over himself right before we were leaving… Dang it!!

Had to TT again today, even though I did a weekend ride and three days last week, I felt me legs hurting. Don’t know if that’s because I was TT’ing or I was just plain tuckered. Regardless, it was nice to get out again and this time on a clean bike (washed the Schwinn with my 5-year old on the weekend as sort of a bonding experience.) so I felt good. But I need to plan better to get out earlier. Not sure what to do. Looks like rain Friday, so this could be it for the week.



UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 63 deg. F cool,
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.6
Max Speed: 25.5
Time:32.43

Got out of work late, so I tried TT'ing it home. Of course, my legs thought otherwise. Ouch.


Thursday, April 8, 2010

Maybe The Dog Ate The Keys

Success!! Day 47

Weather: 56 deg F. sunny with a breeze
Time I left my house: early (for once) 8:16 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.51 am
Distance: 8.09 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.3
Max Speed: 23.9
Time: 29.53 min.

Pre-game: Still no sign of the keys, so I had the kid in a stroller and came back and biked. My legs are totally cooked but it’s so nice out I can’t complain.

Was a great ride- I couldn’t believe I’m putting out more power I guess my legs are adapting. Third day in a row I commuted, so let’s see how tomorrow goes. I’ll be coming in the rain. Old geiser gave me a honk today, I was all the way right and had no room, I didn't want to take the lane because I saw this guy coming, and I erred on the side of caution, Mr. Coke Bottle Burgess Meredith-type with no depth perception, some other time my friend!!

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 69 deg. F cool, a lot of headwind
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.9
Max Speed: 23.3
Time: 34.00
Legs are cooked and in this wind, man... this was hard. Still no sign of the keys. Might have to ride in the rain tomorrow. Bring it!!

Why Volkswagen Sucks and Why You Should Always Have a Spare Key for Your 2002 Volkswagen Passat

Success!! Day 46

Weather: 65 deg F. sunny with a breeze
Time I left my house: early (for once) 8:16 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.51 am
Distance: 8.09 miles
Avg. Speed: 15.4
Max Speed: 23.3
Time: 31.37 min.

Pre-game: Holy moly. My wife misplaced her Passat keys and since we don’t have a spare, had to use my car to get to work. So I had to get my little guy ready, shower, get my clothes and bike ready, JOG over to the sitter’s with the stroller and diaper bag, come back and bike to work. It felt like a brick.

Was a great ride however, I felt a bit slow. Note to self, put the child seat back on…and get a f__ing spare for that dang VW!!!

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 85 deg. F summerish with gusts
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 35.27




The Return!

Success!! Day 45

Weather: 60 deg F. sunny with a breeze
Time I left my house: early (for once) 8:15 am
Time I arrived at work: 8.46 am
Distance: 8.09 miles
Avg. Speed: 16.0
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 30.22 min.


Pre-game: Wife is off for Easter break so it’s all good. Unfortunately, it’s her last day, so we’ll see how late I get out when it’s back to work for her. Today, my son was at the door when I was setting up my bike. He was saying how he wanted to ride with me. He’s four and I told him when he’s a little older. He said he can’t wait. I told him I’d miss him and I love him, that just makes it all worth while, all of it.


Was a great ride- until it started raining about two miles before my destination. It wasn’t pouring, but I wasn’t prepared to get any rain (thank you again, Channel 61 traffic and weather). It should be a nice, dry, ride home. I was extremely inspired by this weekend’s ride…watched the Tour of Flanders and saw Cancellara kick Boonen’s ass on a climb, holy moly, once he broke away, there was no way Boonen would catch up. And…Sunday is Paris-Roubaix- get the DVR ready!!

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 66 deg. F cool,
Distance: 8.45 miles
Avg. Speed: 14.4
Max Speed: 22.7
Time: 35.27


Nice ride home, felt it in my legs, but it was just nice feeling to know I’m having a three-day weekend as well. I had to sort of rush as my wife was going out tonight, but got home in time.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sitting Waiting Wishing Freezing

Well, for those interested, I've taken a hiatus from bike commuting. A combination of snow, sleet, ice, freezing temps and wind gust over 25 mph, have me leaving the bike in the garage and reaching for the car keys.

In the interim, I've been hibernating. On Xmas the family went up to Shawnee Mt. in Pennsylvania and we went snowboarding/snowtubing. The rest of the vacation, I went on the trainer a couple of times, but missed being outside. I've been playing my new Takamine and learning some songs on YouTube, joined a cheap gym, reading Vendela Vida and just hanging out.

As luck would have it, it was 40 degrees and I went on my first 24 miler yesterday. I admit, it was tough. I was cooked on a few hills there.

Hopefully I can get back out there. The days are getting longer again so it will be OK.