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?

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

42-Damn You Wintery Gusts!! And...My First Honk!!!

Success!! Day 42

Weather: 30 deg F. cold, a crazy headwind

Time I left my house: Late (surprise) 8:25 am

Time I arrived at work: 9:01 am

Distance: 8.08 miles

Avg. Speed: 15.1

Max Speed: 22.4

Time: 32.14 min.

Pre-game: There’s got to be a better way. With all the prep work once my wife leaves, I should be out the door after I feed the little guy. I got him to the sitter’s by 8:14 am, but didn’t get out until 8:27. Go figure. Of course I was late. I don’t think I’ve been on time all winter. It’s also all the layering.

Bad ride today. Well, bad in a sense that the headwind was like the bully pushing my head down with his straight arm as I was swinging away at him. The cold wasn’t a factor, (I was suited up with the blizzard jacket, a neck gaitor I use snowboarding, my Specialized winter BG gloves with Thinsulate flex, my tights and EMS breatheable waterproof/windproof skullcap), but the dang wind! It didn’t help that I haven’t been on a bike in a week and a few days, so I’m apparently slower. Hopefully, it’ll get better. I’ve really got to find a way to get out on time. I’m really trying. And my parents have screwed us again (although, not on purpose) so I don’t have that Friday liberty of leaving at 8:00am.

However, I did get my first honk, which was pretty humorous. It was a lady in an SUV. I was running out of shoulder, I looked back and signaled to take the lane. I took it and heard the big honk. I stopped at the light at the intersection and waited for her. She was turning and I motioned that she had nothing in front of her, so go ahead and turn. She lurched up and rolled down her window,”What, you can take the whole lane now?!!” And drove off. I wanted to yell,”Well, yes, actually!” but it didn’t matter. I had my neck gaitor on and really was over it. Awesome. Unfortunately, motorists are ignorant or forgot we cyclists can take the lane just like they can. Especially those SUV soccer moms on their way to school/work.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 34 deg. F cool, crazy headwind

Distance: 8.43 miles

Avg. Speed: 14.0

Max Speed: 21.8

Time: 36.18

It’s been cold and windy which is such a challenge to make any sort of good time home. At some points during the ride I was only on the second ring (the middle ring, not the granny gear, although I was tempted) so it was pretty rough. It’s the first time in a long time whether I was making a good choice to ride today, all things considered. But like anyone doing this, it’s now a challenge. And it’s personal.

There was a coworker who was going to her car as I was putting on my gloves outside before I set out home. She said her son tried it for two days and gave up. (I give him credit, his ride is much longer- Valley Stream to Syosset is a hike compared to my 8 mile jaunt). And she mentioned she thinks we’re crazy. She did like that I was well-lit because I was wearing my PB rear blinky.

Winter is just hard…. Blizzard alert this weekend. We’ll see what happens.

41-Back On The Saddle... So to Speak

Success!! Day 41

Weather: 46 deg F. cool, a little headwind

Time I left my house: Late (surprise) 8:27 am

Time I arrived at work: 9:02 am

Distance: 8.08 miles

Avg. Speed: 15.7

Max Speed: 23.3

Time: 30.59 min.

Pre-game: I really tried this time. Although bundling up would prove to lose a couple minutes. I should wear all my winter gear (tights and jacket) to the sitters when I drop off the little guy, even though I look like an alien in all that wear.

OK ride today, it’s been a while (two weeks) since my dual flat in the dark and rain… so I was a little cautious and apprehensive. I just wanted to get to work. BF suggested to get some Schwalbes or Armadillos which cost a pretty penny, but are worth the investment. My legs weren’t up to par and the speed/time shows it. I was so late it was embarrassing. Changing out of my winter gear is timelier and I got to my desk at 9:11 am... I can’t believe how warm I got with the Addidas Blizzard jacket. I need to tune up my gearing, a low gear, it’s been jumping so I’ll have to take a look at that this weekend. It’s supposed to be a quiet/snowy weekend.

Hopefully, it’ll get better.

UPDATE: The ride home.

Weather: 50 deg. F cool, a little headwind

Distance: 8.43 miles

Avg. Speed: 13.9

Max Speed: 23.3

Time: 36.31

Well, the cookies I had ordered from a coworker arrived. It’s a Crayola cookie dough and cookie design kit that my kid would love to make. I couldn’t NOT bring this home this weekend… especially if Saturday called for snow (which it rained… ALL DAY I might add…) So during lunch I got some bungy cords and found an old box to rig the dough and the bucket of cookie design kit into. I have to say, the Schwinn held up pretty nicely; being a touring bike, I knew it wouldn’t have any problems. I kept it on the middle ring for most of the ride, and obviously, no TT records here folks. I also was extra cautious at night what with the double flat the other week so I shouldered the bike for the shady parts. But… success!!! Needless to say, we made the ugliest cookies known to man… but the kid had fun!