3500 Miles

Tuesday Ride

2008-06-24T20:40:00.001-04:00

Rode tonight with Jeff. The wind was absolutely brutal on this otherwise nice evening.

21 miles
Avg: 16 (18 down at Haines)

Friday ride

2008-06-21T18:36:00.001-04:00

18 miles

Wednesday and Thursday

2008-06-20T08:29:00.002-04:00

I got rained out Wednesday. Halfway around Haines point I found myself stuck in a pretty violent thunderstorm that crept on up on me. It was a bit scary. I booked it home.

13 miles

Thursday I rode with Jeff and Tom. We cranked out 25 miles at a good pace -- about 17.5.

Odometer: 625

Sunday hills

2008-06-17T08:07:00.001-04:00

On Sunday my legs were pretty beat, but I went out for a ride anyway. Only 12 miles, but all hills. This was the first time I rode through the ghetto to try riding the hills at the National Arboretum. It was worth it.

Saturday ride

2008-06-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

Rode hard Saturday. Did 22 miles including the hill on the way up to the cathedral.

Friday ride

2008-06-14T10:24:00.001-04:00

It was hot as heck last night. 24 miles...

Wednesday ride

2008-06-11T19:07:00.000-04:00

17 miles this evening...the heat finally broke.

Tuesday ride

2008-06-04T08:26:00.001-04:00

Didn't have much time last night, so I only rode 15 miles. I sprinted the whole thing...finishing in about 50 minutes. Felt good.

Ride updates

2008-05-30T10:20:00.004-04:00

I have been out on four rides since my last post.

19 miles, 26 miles, 18 miles and 20 miles.

Last night's 20 miler was brutal for some reason. I was at Haines Point riding in the big group. I rode a few laps on my own then joined the group for three. It was everything I had to stay with the group. Either they were going faster than they usually do (possible because I joined them 35 minutes later than usual and they speed up each lap) or I am not in good enough shape.

Odometer: 474

I also got to ride with my new jersey...been wanting a white jersey for a while and it came in the mail 2 days ago:

Wet ride

2008-05-14T11:58:00.001-04:00

I set out to ride last night after 3 solid days of rain. When I got down to Haines Point I discovered the whole place was flooded from the overflowing Potomac. Needless to say, my ride was cut short.

13 miles.

Rainy ride

2008-05-09T10:23:00.001-04:00

Last night at Haines the road was still wet from the rain. Not many folks were out there. That fact combined with the after-rainfall stillness made it very quiet and calm. Nice riding...

15 miles

Wednesday ride

2008-05-08T08:14:00.001-04:00

25 miles at Haines last night.

Ride updates

2008-05-05T17:59:00.003-04:00

A few entries since the last post...on Friday I stole away for 15 miles at lunch. On Sunday I could only muster 15 as well because it was so terribly windy.

Today I was able to ride down to Old Town and back for an even 20 miles.

That makes 338 miles on the year so far. Nothing special, but way better than this time last year.

Thursday ride

2008-05-02T11:10:00.002-04:00

I rode 26 miles yesterday, most of them down at Haines Point. The laps were at a fast pace as I rode a few with the big group and then two with Tom. Feeling it a little today...

Not bad for the Brownies

2008-04-28T10:05:00.002-04:00

Considering they did not have a draft pick on the first day, I would say this was a better than expected draft.

Lunchtime ride

2008-04-25T12:29:00.002-04:00

I was able to get 15 miles in at lunch today. My computer is still broken and it is really starting to annoy me not having stats. Next week I am buying a new one.

Lunchtime ride

2008-04-25T12:29:00.001-04:00

I was able to get 15 miles in at lunch today. My computer is still broken and it is really starting to annoy me not having stats. Next week I am buying a new one.

Wednesday Ride

2008-04-24T09:59:00.001-04:00

A cranked out 28 miles last night. Half of those miles I did with a local racing club. It was nice to ride with those guys because they pushed me harder than I usually push myself.

The weather is getting warmer...finally.

Tuesday Ride

2008-04-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

24 miles down at a windy Haines Point.

Riding again

2008-04-15T16:57:00.003-04:00

Over the last couple weeks I went on three rides. One for 34 miles, the next for 24 and then on Saturday a short 15 miler. My odometer is still broken, so I am going by memory on the rides.

Cathedral Ride

2008-01-12T16:03:00.000-05:00

I went out this afternoon for a short 14 miler. The highlight of the ride was climbing the hill on the way up to the National Cathedral. It's a good 2.5 mile hill that gets you breathing heavy by the top. Of course, getting to catch your breath at the foot of the cathedral is a treat no matter how many times you do it.

My computer is still dead, so no stats.

Lunchtime ride

2008-01-10T17:16:00.000-05:00

I stole away today for 15 miles at lunch. I have no stats because my bike's computer died three miles in. That sucks because now I have to go buy a new one. WISH LIST!

Cage Match

2008-01-10T08:56:00.000-05:00

Pippin and Spencer (Liz's sisters' puppy) duking it out.

I think I may actually ride this year

2008-01-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

After a lackluster 2007 (only 800 miles) it is time to get back on the bike. I probably won't come close to my 2006 mark (we have a busy, busy summer planned), but I would like to double my 2007 mark.

So far this January I have been out on three rides: 33 miles on New Years day, 17 miles the day after and then 22 miles two days ago.

I even went out for a brief two mile ride yesterday in which Pippin pulled me on the bike the whole way. The little furball was actually strong enough to pull me the whole time. I was quite impressed. He was wiped out afterward though.

I am going to try to keep this blog more updated with posts about rides, Pippin, trips, whiskey of the single malt variety and maybe an occasional political post.

Vineyard Vacation

2007-08-21T13:40:00.000-04:00

(This is the beach we are staying on...and that is Pippin wandering about)

We have been on Martha's Vineyard for four days, and I have been out on a ride every day. The terrain is gentle rolling hills along beach roads. It is gorgeous.

The temps have not topped 75 degrees all week. So far I have logged 75 miles.

Here are a few pics of some of our rides:

Me

Me...and Liz

Liz and Dad

Not much riding, but some beach time

2007-05-14T18:52:00.000-04:00

I haven't been riding a lot. I am only at around 300 miles for the year, and most of those are weekend warrior miles.

This weekend there was no ride because we went up to Cape May New Jersey for some rest and relaxation.

It was a beautiful weekend and we got to take Pippin to the beach for the first time. Above is a pic of him running with Liz and then me dunking him in the ocean for the first time ever below.

Sunday Ride

2007-04-25T10:34:00.000-04:00

I went on a great ride this Sunday which should help me get back in the saddle on a more regular basis. Tom posted the ride stats over at his blog and I posted the route below.

Back in the saddle

2007-03-25T16:54:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally here and it is time for me to start riding again. From January 1st through today, I have only managed to ride 125 miles. The time off has been nice, but as the days are getting longer and the temps are rising, I am finally feeling like riding more.

Liz and I rode 20.5 miles today. Most of it was doing laps down at Haines Point with a friend.

Finished!!!

2006-12-18T19:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally finished! My weekend riding took me right up to my goal of 3500 miles. I now am free to sit back and enjoy the holiday season without worrying about when and how I will get my next ride in.

This experience has been a great one for me. I learned that I can actually make a New Year's resolution and follow it through to the end...over the course of a year no less. That is very satisfying.

I also learned that for me, sometimes it takes the weight of a personal commitment hanging over my head to actually be productive. I can't tell you how many days this year I would have much rather sat on my butt at home than go out on a cold lonely ride after work.

Not that every ride was cold and lonely. Much to the contrary. The majority of the time I spent on my bike this year (233 hours assuming a 15 mph pace -- that is almost 10 straight days of nonstop riding or 4.5 hours of riding every week of the year) was time well spent. I listened to many Alistair Beggs sermons on my iPod, a couple C.S. Lewis books, 1776 by David McCullough and some others.

I also shaired great conversations when I was lucky to be joined by friends and family including my buddies James, Jesse, MAC and of course Dad (who got me over the winter hump and in position to finish a little earlier than I had anticipated). And Liz should get some credit for loggin at least a couple hundred miles with me!

And, of course, the solitude on many a beautiful day was a refreshing time to think, clear my head and pray.

Time well spent.

So what now?

I will of course keep riding, and keep logging my rides here. I am considering shooting for a higher number next year but at present work looks to be taking up more of my time in the past so I may have to reconsider that. We will see. I guess it all depends on if I have that one-too-many glass of champagne this New Year's!

After all, that's how this whole thing got started!

Mileage update

2006-12-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted my last couple rides. I got out for 20-something mile rides on Saturday and Sunday and then did not get back on the bike till Thursday when I rode 24 miles.

I went out early this morning and logged 16 miles.

The weather is ridiculously warm right now so I anticipate finishing my New Year's goal tomorrow or Sunday.

I only have 33 miles to go!

A quick morning ride

2006-12-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

I had very little time for riding today, but was able to get out early this morning. I only rode 13 miles.

My odometer now reads 3380.

It's COLD out!

2006-12-06T11:28:00.000-05:00

I forced myself to go out on a ride this morning at 7:30 (it was the only time I had today because of work). This was the first time I have ridden in sub-freezing temps since January and I forgot how much I hate being cold.

I managed to get in just over 16 miles before I was frozen to the bone.

My odometer now reads 3367.

I hope to get a similar ride in tomorrow morning and then ride both Saturday and Sunday. If I do that, I should be well under 100 miles to go heading into the early part of next week.

50-mile weekend

2006-12-03T14:15:00.000-05:00

I got out for just over 20 miles this morning. I now have 149 miles to go.

Stats:
21.78 miles
Avg 17.1 mph
1 hr 16 mins
Cad 81
Odometer 3351

Saturday ride

2006-12-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

The unusual stretch of warm winter weather ended today, as the temps plunged from the 70's down to the 40's. It gave me a chance to sport my new Descent winter gloves which kept my hands pretty toasty.

I rode alone today down to Old Town where they were having some sort of festival that required men to wear their scottish kilts and women the same. Pretty cool...

It was windy on the way home -- about 15-20 mph prevailing in the face. I rounded the ride out with some laps down around the tidal basin.

Stats:
30.32 miles
Avg. 14.9 mph
2 hrs 3 mins
Cad 65
Odometer: 3329

Thursday ride stats

2006-11-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

It was ridiculously warm today so I took the opportunity to log some miles.

I listened to this new U2 album I bought on iTunes. There are some great live performances on this one.

Stats:
29.89 miles
Avg 16.3 mph
1 hr 50 mins
Cad 75
Odometer 3299

Getting closer

2006-11-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

I got out for an early morning ride yesterday with James. We went down to Old Town and back. The trails were empty at the early hour.

Total ride was 23 miles. My odometer now reads 3269.

Not sure if I will have time to get out today...

100 miles in four days

2006-11-26T17:41:00.000-05:00

While in western PA for Thanksgiving Dad and I rode Wednesday through Saturday. We had absolutely beautiful weather for this time of year and I enjoyed the rolling western PA hills (as well as the company on my bike--I am pretty tired of riding alone)...although as I rest today on the couch, my legs are telling me the downtime watching football instead of riding is well-advised.

We rode 20 miles on Wednesday, 15 on Thursday, 32 on Friday and 33 on Saturday. My odometer now reads 3249.

Here are some pics of our ride on Saturday.

Pre-ride shot...

On the road...

On all four rides we followed many creek beds...

The upside to climbing western PA hills is the sloping gentle descents...

Odometer shot...

Dad assumes his post-ride position...

After all four rides we went out with the whole family to Penn Brewery. Two tall Penn Weizens treated me just right!

Hilly riding in Pittsburgh

2006-11-22T16:59:00.000-05:00

I am home for Thanksgiving now and I got out on a 20 mile ride today with my dad. The hills make racking up the miles harder, but I really like the change of pace and the change of scenery.

My odometer now reads 3166.

Mileage update

2006-11-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have been terrible and posting my rides lately. But that does not mean I haven't been riding.

I am still on track to reach my New Year's goal of 3500 miles. I have been riding on average 4 times a week which has been especially challenging these last few weeks as work has been incredibly busy.

I went out on Friday for a 20 miler and then did a 25 miler yesterday with my buddy Jeff. Today I cut my ride short at 13 miles only to get back in time to watch the Browns drop a heartbreaking loss to the much despised Steelers...sigh.

So as we head into the Holiday season my odometer reads 3146 miles. 354 miles to go. That means I need to average around 9 miles a day for the rest of the year. Completely do-able.

Sunday ride stats

2006-10-22T17:16:00.000-04:00

It was a bit chillier today than yesterday, and definitely more blustery. Winter's coming soon...ugh.

I did a lot of city riding today. I rode down H street to try to spot some of the new bars and restaurants people have been talking about...I found the Pug, the Rock and Roll Hotel, Red and Black and Palace of Wonders. All are new H street bars that the owner hopes help revitalize the H street corridor.

I hope they do, considering they are all blocks from my new house.

The guy who opened these bars also has opened the Argonaut (pictured above before renovation) which seems like a place that I would frequent. He plans to open four more bars/restaurants on the H street corridor.

More pics of the future and current homes of these H street establishments...

Stats:
23.21 miles
14.8 mph
Max 26.7 mph
1 hr 35 mins
Odometer 2814

Not many days like this left

2006-10-21T17:43:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful Saturday here in the nation's capital. It was warm, -- 64 degrees -- sunny and calm. This weekend is the calm before the storm so to speak in the Chapman household. Liz and I close on our first house on Monday. After that, many of the available extra hours next week will be spent getting the apartment in the basement ready to rent and nailing down other loose ends. So I appreciate the weather and the opportunity for nice rides this weekend (hopefully the rain holds off tomorrow.

I had intended to ride down to Mt. Vernon and back today but when I got halfway there the trail had been closed for renovations. I had to reroute and finish my ride with some laps at Haines Point.

Stats:
34.33 miles
Avg. 15.2
2 hrs 15 mins
Odometer 2191

NOTE: Above phote courtesy of this flickr user. He has plenty more great snaps of the DC area.

8 straight days

2006-10-16T18:23:00.000-04:00

I have been lazy about posting my rides, but that doesn't mean I am not riding. Today was my eighth day in a row to ride. I have not had time for long rides with work, but at least I am not falling behind on the miles. Today's ride was 23 miles.

23.4 miles
Avg 15.2
Max 27
1 hr 32 mins
Odometer 2738

Less than 800 miles...

Ride update

2006-10-11T19:26:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted my last couple rides, things have been pretty busy here. I got out today for 21 miles, putting me at 2643 total. 957 miles to go in just over two and a half months. This will be tough...I am going to go buy some new winter gear this weekend.

My rides this week have been weak. On Saturday I played in the alumni lacrosse game at Gordon's homecoming. I got the crap beat out of me and my legs still have not recovered, although today's ride I was finally able to climb out of the saddle.

I rode laps today down at Haines. It was still, brisk and overcast. Soon it will be all those things plus freezing cold.

Ride stats:
21.42 miles
15.8 mph
1 hr 21 mins
Odometer 2643

Monday ride

2006-10-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

I got out on Sunday for a quick 17 miler and then Monday for 25.

The fact that we recently went under contract on our first home has made time for riding sparse.

Monday ride stats:
25.45 miles
Avg 16.5
Max 27
1 hr 32 mins
Odometer 2567

The last 1000

2006-10-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I passed mile 2500, meaning I have a little less than 1000 miles to go over the next three months.

Giddyup...

Saturday ride states (I lost the stats for Thurs and Fri):
24.05 miles
Avg 15
1 hr 39 mins
Odometer 2524

Monday ride stats

2006-09-25T18:23:00.000-04:00

Today was a gorgeous afternoon, so I headed out a little early for a ride. There won't be too many of these left...the cold temps are closing in.

22.31 miles
Avg. 16.8 mph
Max 30 mph
1 hr 19 mins
Cad 73
Odometer 2467

Weekend rides -- update

2006-09-24T18:07:00.000-04:00

I rode Friday, Saturday and Sunday...Friday's ride was short, Saturday I rode nearly 30 miles and today James and I went out for a 20 miler.

My odometer right now reads 2444. I figure I will be right around 2500 miles at the end of September.

That means to make my goal I need to ride 1000 miles in October, November and December. 333 miles a month should be no problem -- but I am going to have to ride in the cold.

Tuesday and Thursday rides

2006-09-22T16:09:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday I rode a quick 16 mile ride after work...not much to write about.

Yesterday I got out for a longer ride and even worked in a couple laps at Haines with the local cycling teams.

Thursday ride stats:
25.16 miles
Avg 18mph
Max 32
1 hr 24 mins
Odometer 2383

Sunday ride

2006-09-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

I didnt get a chance to post all my rides last week, but as you can see on the odometer I have actually been riding.

Today I went out with Liz for a leisurely ride through the city. We went up to the cathedral and then down to Haines Point. It was 80 degrees and sunny -- a welcome development after a week of rain and chilly temps.

18.91 miles
1 hr 28 mins
Odometer2342

Weekday rides

2006-09-09T11:56:00.000-04:00

I got out for two 20 mile rides on Wed and Thurs. I am about to go out for a longer one today. Here are the stats from Thursday's ride.

22.21 miles
Avg 19.3
Max 35
1 hr 9 mins
Cad 65
Odo 2207

Weekend rides in the city

2006-09-05T19:26:00.000-04:00

I rode on Saturday and Sunday this weekend...both rides took advantage of the empty city streets (Houses in Dupont Circle above...we rode through the area twice on the ride). On Sat. I rode alone, on Sun. James was my riding partner.

Saturday Stats:
29.96 miles
Avg 15.6
Max 25.9
1 hr 55 mins
Cad 65

Sunday Stats:
32.15 miles
Avg. 14.5 (we did a lot of touring, lots of stop and go)
Max 30.4
2 hrs 12 mins
Cad 60
Odometer 2166

Saturday evening ride

2006-09-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

Liz and I were stuck spending the whole day checking in the fall semester's crop of interns, so I had little time to ride. I got out at around 6:00 for a little less than an hour. It was gorgeous out -- the remnants of Hurricane Earnesto had left the area only hours before I rode leaving the sky scattered with low hanging clouds and a chill in the air. Not a soul was down at Haines Point...I had it all to myself.

Stats:
16.31 miles
Avg 17.7
Max 27.1
55 mins
Cad 76
Odometer 2104

Lunch break ride

2006-08-31T17:49:00.000-04:00

I got a quick ride in today at lunch time. It was really windy out and unseasonably cool (low 70s).

Stats:
14.95 miles
Avg 17.4
52 mins
Cad 76
Odometer 2087

Tuesday ride stats

2006-08-31T12:05:00.000-04:00

18.26 miles
Avg 14.4
1 hr 16 mins
Odometer 2072

Weekend rides

2006-08-28T18:38:00.000-04:00

On Friday I went out for a leisurely afternoon ride with Liz. We covered 16 miles down along the tidal basin.

On Sunday James and I went on a longer ride touring much of the city and then riding up to Bethesda. Stats below:

42.7 miles
Avg 16.4
2 hrs 36 mins
Cad 67
Odometer 2054

Multiple ride posts

2006-08-25T12:40:00.000-04:00

I have been lazy posting my rides this week.

I rode Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Tuesday:
15.76 miles
15.8 Avg

Wednesday:
23.23 Miles (W/ James)
Avg. 16.4

Thursday night group ride at Haines:
19.49 miles
Avg 17.7
Max 33.6 (on a sprint)
1 hr 6 mins
Cad 65
Odometer 1995

Morning ride around the Tidal Basin etc.

2006-08-22T12:27:00.000-04:00

Woke up early Monday morning and went for a ride at Haines Point also took some of the roads I am not familiar with to get around the tidal basin. The weather was great almost a little chilly first thing in the morning and there weren't very many people out on bikes. My 3 laps turned into 4 laps though as I was determined to catch the guy in front of me. Wind was in the face on the back side of the point unlike the previous day.

Stats:
22.1 miles
1:22:18
Max 24.9
15.5 avg
Odometer:1,001.06

Putzing around DC

2006-08-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

I didn't feel like riding one of my regular routes today, so I tried something different. I started by riding 3 miles east on Pennsylvania Avenue...at about the 3rd mile I realized it was getting to be a pretty sketchy neighborhood so I turned around and headed back into DC.

I took Mass Ave. all the was through the city. The traffic was sparse because it is Sunday so this was much more enjoyable than you may think. I enjoyed riding through embassy row until my legs began to realize I had been going steadily uphill since 21st St.

It's avout a 2 mile hill all the way up to the Cathedral. When I got to the top I rewarded myself by sitting in one of the gardens at the cathedral and finishing a water bottle.

(These are pics I took when we went to the Cathedral last year)

From there I headed back down Mass Ave. and then down 21st to Constitution where I picked up 14th and finished my ride with a couple laps at Haines Point.

It wasn't a fast ride. But it was fun to putz around DC and see some of the sights that I too often take for granted.

Stats:
23.99 Miles
Avg 14.6
Max 31
1 hr 39 mins
Cad 60
Odometer 1937

Finding My Way Around

2006-08-20T12:11:00.000-04:00

I wasnt really feeling up to putting in long miles so I cruised around my corner of the district. Looked for a gym found some streets I probably won't go back on and saw some beautiful neighborhoods.

Stats:
Miles 9.4
Odometer: 978.96
All of the other stats don't really matter for this one.

Saturday ride

2006-08-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

Jesse, James and I all rode together Saturday afternoon...stats:

25.71 miles
Avg 16.3

First Official Ride as a DC Resident

2006-08-19T12:07:00.000-04:00

Tim, Jesse and I got out for nice ride and a few short sprints at Haines Point.

Stats
26.0 miles
16.3 avg
Odometer:969.56

What is the DC park service thinking?

2006-08-17T19:32:00.000-04:00

Every night after work hundreds of DC area people head down to Haines Point to exercise. Thursday night in particular the volume picks up because tons of riders go down there for a group ride.

Tonight's group ride stunk. The park service turn on all the sprinklers (which are more like firehoses with heavy pressure) and doused the track. Hence, the ride was foiled.

Nevertheless, I rode on my own and logged some miles.

Stats:
28.97 miles
Avg 17
1 hr 42 mins
Cad 64
Odometer 1886

Wednesday ride stats

2006-08-16T21:45:00.000-04:00

I waited for it to cool down today and headed out for a ride a little after 6:00. I rode down to Old Town on this breezy and sometimes blustery evening. Getting out of the city tonight was friggin' miserable. I got boxed in on Independence by commuter buses no less than three times -- so annoying.

Once I was over the bridge I finally began to enjoy riding. But for a while I was wishing I had stayed home and sat on my butt for the second night in a row.

I was anything but sprite today. Slow going for the most part...the only exceptions being a 2 mile stretch before OLD Town in which a rider drafted off me (I felt I needed to save face and give him a good ride so I kicked it up to 19 mph) and a three mile loop at Haines in which one of the fast horses who regularly rides down there sprinted past me (I used it as an opportunity to get a free ride and up my avg mph).

Stats:
22.45 mph
Avg 16.4
Max 24.9
1 hr 22 mins
Cad 68
Odometer 1857

NOTE: My colleague Mike today asked me if I was interested in riding a century with him next week. I couldn't say no, so it looks like my first century ride is imminent. Should be interesting.

Monday ride stats

2006-08-15T17:48:00.000-04:00

I went down to Haines Point to log some miles after work last night. I rode a couple laps with a guy I have seen down there multiple times. His name was Daniel...nice enough guy and good rider. Nevermind the fact that he and I probably dont see eye to eye on any matter of politics. I listened to him talk about Iran and how "f-ing crazy" Ahmadinejad is. I agreed wholeheartedly until he described George W Bush as "just as insane" and then proceeded to launch into an argument of moral equivalency that would make any liberal from academia blush.

Oh well, he helped me keep a good pace (and he seemed like an otherwise nice guy).

Maybe next time I ride with him I will tell him how misguided I think those views are. But somehow, I suspect he wont be convinced.

Stats:
16.75 miles
Avg 17.1
58 mins
Cad 75
Odometer 1835

Final Pittsburgh ride

2006-08-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

Dad and I got out for a short ride on Sunday afternoon. Both of us were exhausted from the weekend's festivities.

Stats:
15.3 miles
Avg 15.2

I am now back in DC where the hills are few and far between.

Two Pittsburgh rides

2006-08-13T11:56:00.000-04:00

I rode twice in the Pittsburgh hills so far. I am keeping good pace through the hills, but don't have time to ride too long.

The first ride was very hilly:
16.22 miles
17.7 Avg

The second ride was with Dad and not quite as hilly:
14.54 miles
17.1 Avg

Wednesday ride

2006-08-09T16:46:00.000-04:00

Stats:
16.48 miles
Avg 16.9
58 mins
Cad 72
Odometer 1771

Tuesday ride

2006-08-08T17:25:00.000-04:00

Stats:
26.82 miles
Avg 18.3
Max 26
1 hr 27 mins
Cad 77
Odometer 1755

Monday ride

2006-08-08T16:54:00.000-04:00

SHort and quick...

Stats:
15.77 miles
Avg 17.5
Max 28
54 mins
Cad 73
Odometer 1728

Back in the swing of things

2006-08-06T19:52:00.000-04:00

After relaxing most of last week in the Outer Banks it is time to get back in the saddle. Today, James and I rode the VA loop plus a few laps down at Haines Point.

It was a gorgeous day for a ride...mid 80's, calm and no humidity.

Stats:
31.96 miles
Avg 17.1
Max 35.9
1 hr 52 mins
Cad 70

Catch up on posts

2006-08-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since I've put up my ride stats so here goes a run down of recent trips.

First OBX ride with Tim and Jesse:

Stats:
21.66 miles
Avg 19.9
1 hr 5 mins
Odometer: 836.2

Second OBX ride with Tim:

Stats:
18.44 miles
Avg 19
Mx 30
58 mins
Odometer: 881.6

OBX Recovery Ride with Tim in DC:

Stats:
31.96 miles
Avg 17.1
Max 35.9
1 hr 52 mins
Cad 70
Odometer: 913.56

Bought the wife a new bike so we rode together:

Miles: 13.6
Avg. 13.2
Odometer: 927.16

Can't be in the saddle much due to sickness but I gave it a try:

Stats:
16.4 miles
Avg 16.1
1:12:33 mins
Odometer: 943.56

When riding isn't any fun

2006-08-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

We thought we would ride a lot more than we have down here in the Outer Banks, but the weather has been prohibitive. 100 plus degree temps combined with steady 15 mph winds makes riding tough.

Today we got out for 18 miles, but it was more like a chore than a nice ride.

Stats:
18.44 miles
Avg 19
Mx 30
58 mins
Cad 75

OBX ride

2006-07-30T22:49:00.000-04:00

First ride on the outer banks...it was fun riding with three guys...we kept a good pace.

Stats:
21.66 miles
Avg 19.9
1 hr 5 mins
Cad 75
Odometer 1661

Haines Point with Tim

2006-07-27T20:32:00.000-04:00

Tim's been talking about the infamous Hanes Point Ride for a while now and tonight I experienced it first hand. It was an excellent workout. We did 5 loops and I got dropped twice. It definately takes a little practice to get used to riding with a group and to keep the pace up. Those guys are really good.

Stats:
Max 30.6
17.9 Avg.
28.3 miles
Time: 1:36:42
Odometer: 841.5

Thursday morning and night rides

2006-07-27T18:04:00.000-04:00

Thursday morning I went on a ride with Mike from work.

Stats:
33.9 miles
Avg 16.8
2 hrs 1 min
Cad 75

After work I went out with James and rode the Thursday night ride at Haines...60-plus mile day...not bad.

Stats:
28.53 miles
Avg 18.1
1 hr 34 mins
Cadence 70
Odometer 1640

Getting ready for Thursday

2006-07-26T19:51:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I plan a 40 miler before work and then at least 25 after so I wanted to make sure I took it easy tonight.

Stats:
16.38 miles
Avg 16.4
Max 26.3
1 hr
Avg Cad 75
Odometer 1577

Bike Shop Ride

2006-07-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

I rode to the bike shop from work today to get it checked out in preparation for the OBX rides down Rt. 12.
Stats:
23.8 miles
31.8 max
15.3 avg.
1:26:07
Odometer: 813.2

Finally a Ride

2006-07-24T22:44:00.000-04:00

I thought I may go insane this weekend. Apart from the work at my job, the weather was beautiful and I couldn't get out to log some miles. Finally I did:

Stats
Trip 38.8
2:34:07
Max. 32.9 ( I was steaming down the road headed for 33-34 when I see a deer in the middle of the road staring me down...needless to say I let him win and I hit the brakes.)
Avg. 15.1
Odometer 789.4

A quick after work ride

2006-07-24T20:14:00.000-04:00

I didn't have much time after work today, so I tried to keep the tempo up to get exercise.

Stats:
16.2 miles
Avg 17.7
54 mins
Avg Cad 79
Max 31
Odometer 1561

Rounding out the weekend

2006-07-23T18:48:00.000-04:00

Another day riding with other people...makes life much easier. Liz and Jesse came with me again...we dropped Liz off at Haines Point so she could do her own pace on the flats and Jesse and I rode the VA loop.

Liz ended up riding a 26 miles...Jesse and I a tad more.

Stats
27.44 miles
Avg 14.5
1 hr 54 mins
Avg cad 66
Odometer 1544

Saturday ride stats

2006-07-23T13:08:00.000-04:00

I went on a leisurely afternoon ride Satruday with Liz and Jesse. We rode along the tidal basin for a little over 20 miles. Our ride ended 10 minutes before a huge thunderstorm rolled in.

Jesse road Dad's old Jamis Quest which he is considering buying. The frame may be a bit big but we adjusted the seat to fit Jesse. He liked the ride -- seems to be working well.

Stats
22.76 miles
Avg 14.9
1 hr 32 mins
Avg Cad 70
Odometer: 1517

Thursday night pacelining at Haines

2006-07-20T19:43:00.000-04:00

A decent sized group showed up tonight. For some reason they were freaking bookin' it tonight. I definitely struggled to stay with the group but managed to do so for the better part of 4 laps.

Troubling development: my left knee which has been hurting a bit lately was aching and popping a bit as I turned the crank. I rode through it but things like that make me nervous...it is good that I am taking tomorrow off while I travel to North Carolina.

Stats: 27.9 miles
Avg 18.4
Max 35.7 (on a flat during a group sprint)
1 hr 31 mins
Avg Cad 71
Odometer 1494

Wednesday ride

2006-07-19T20:40:00.000-04:00

The heat let up a little today. The heat index only reached 99 degrees, compared to the 105 and 104 of the last two days.

I headed out for a ride at around 5:30. I went to Old Town and then came back to ride two laps at Haines Point. I felt pretty darn good on the bike tonight. I could have gone longer and probably should have but I wanted to save myself for tomorrow nights group ride at Haines Point.

Also, my bike is shifting much better since I took it to the wrenches over at Capitol Hill Bikes the other day. They know their stuff.

Stats:
25.54 miles
Avg 16.4
Max 26
1 hr 34 mins
Avg Cad 76 (I ride right around 90 but apparently I coast a lot)
Odometer: 1466

It is still hot out

2006-07-18T20:05:00.000-04:00

Today's heat index reached 106 degrees! I waited to ride until late -- after 7:00. I didn't ride long, too hot.

Stats:
13.8 miles
Avg 16.5
50 mins
Avg Cad 78
Odometer 1441

It is friggin' hot!

2006-07-16T18:41:00.000-04:00

The temps topped 98 degrees today...and I decided to ride anyway. Arghh...sometimes having a 3500 mile resolution hanging over your head is rough.

I woke up at 5:00 am today...but not to ride. I played golf out at Rasberry Falls (above). We had the first tee time and flew around the course in 4 hrs. I shot a 90 -- not bad on a tough course like that.

After I got home, I ate and then headed out. The heat, like yesterday, was unbearable, so I cut it short.

Stats:
16.97 miles
16.9
1 hr
Avg Cad 79
Odometer 1427

I agree with Tim

2006-07-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

The ride was blistering hot and humid. I left the house at 5:45 though so eventually it began to cool off. I finished The Mayflower book on tape and am now on, The Endurance, the true story of how Sir Earnest Shakelton led his stranded men to safety after 24 months in the Antartic. Very interesting although I must say the guy who reads the book sounds like he is using a fake English accent.
Here are the stats:

Time: 2:00:58
Max. 31.9
Avg. 14.9
Trip: 30.1
Odometer: 703.3

Friday Ride:

I deleted my computer stats for the ride...all I know is I rode 47.3 miles

Odometer: 750.6

90 percent humidity sucks

2006-07-15T18:48:00.000-04:00

Ugh...my legs are still sore from my 60 plus mile day on Thursday. I thought they would be fine but when I got out today they were dead. Plus it was 93 degrees with 90 percent humidity. I finished my bottle of water within a half hour...ugh, gross.

I labored to ride 22 miles today. I am glad it was over. I might take a day off tomorrow. Ok, I am done whining.

On the flip side, this week was my most successful riding week yet as determined by mileage: I tallied 157 miles.

Stats:
22.16 miles
Avg 14.4
1 hr 32 mins
Avg Cad 71
Odometer 1410

To Mt Vernon and back (before work)

2006-07-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

I rode down to Mt. Vernon this morning with a friend from work. It was interesting to pay attention to my cadence on my new computer. I have never thought much about it before.

We got hit with rain on the way back but overall the ride was a pleasure.

Stats:
39 miles
Avg 16 mph
2 hrs 27 mins
Avg Cad 71 rpm
Max 28.4
Odometer 1363

UPDATE: After work I rode 25 miles...not exactly sure why, but I did. My total on the Odometer is now 1388.

4 miles is 4 miles

2006-07-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

I rode to the bike store in a deluge of rain after work to buy a new computer for my bike.

Stats:
4 miles
Odometer 1324

Cycling between the rain drops

2006-07-12T20:46:00.000-04:00

I squeezed in a quick ride after a thunderstorm.

Here are the Stats:
15.4 miles
Time: 1:00:08
Max. 24.7
Avg. 15.3
Odometer 673.2

Early morning ride

2006-07-11T08:22:00.000-04:00

Liz woke up early today to work out -- around 6:30. She left the house and I couldn't go back to sleep so I figured I would make use of my new found time.

I went out for an hour and did the same ride I did Saturday so I would know the mileage (computer is still busted). The pic above is one of the boats I see off to my left most days when I ride Haines.

Stats:
16.5 miles
1 hr 2 mins
Avg 16.2ish
Odometer: 1320

Monday ride stats

2006-07-10T19:47:00.000-04:00

My computer ran out of batteries after 1 mile today so I don't have any stats...fortunately, I know how far I went because I do the ride all the time.

5 laps at Haines

Stats:
26.6 miles
Odometer 1304

Tim's Sunday ride

2006-07-09T17:19:00.000-04:00

I went out this morning after breakfast for a ride. I didn't have much time to ride because of plans this afternoon so I went to Haines to crank out some laps. As I was making the rounds I was overtaken by a group ride -- all the riders hat Capitol Hill Bike jerseys on. I sped up and rode one lap with them and talked to one of the guys. They said they have group rides Saturday and Sunday morning that leave from their shop on the Hill. That is great for me -- very close. They seemed like good riders and nice guys so I am going to start joining some of those rides. It will help with the miles.

Stats:
23.7 miles
1 hr 29 mins
Avg 15.9
Max 27
Odometer 1277

Sunday Ride

2006-07-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

Today, I just rode around my neighborhood to log the mileage and then onto the YMCA for a 3 mile run.
Stats:
26.4 Miles
Time 1:51:34
Max 36.6
Avg. 14.2
Odometer: 657.8

Riding until the cows come home

2006-07-08T13:30:00.000-04:00

The past couple of rides have involved some unusual run ins with the animal kingdom. Today, at mile 23, I had to stop my bike to let the jersey cows cross the road. What was more amazing than having to stop for the crossing was the fact that in a short 2 minutes or so I watched as cow after cow pummeled the road ahead with certain "obstacles".

On Wednesday's ride, I failed to mention that I was nearly impaled by a velvet 6 point buck running across a soybean field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something moving quickly across the field and this buck was sprinting and not looking in either direction. I slammed on my brakes and actually waved down the minivan coming the option direction which didnt see him. The deer just flew across in front of mye and the minivan, never looking. The driver looked at me and we both started laughing. These are things I am pretty sure I won't experience when I'm in DC.

This week's ride mileage comes to 123.4, and if I want to make 3500 that's about the pace I need to keep.

Here are todays Stats:
Trip: 31.3
Time: 2:04:32
Max 31.4
Avg. 15.0
Odometer 631.4

Saturday ride stats

2006-07-08T13:27:00.000-04:00

I went out for a quick ride today...I am busy this afternoon so I didn't have a lot of time. The goal was to make sure I eclipsed the 100 mile mark for the week to keep my streak of 6 weeks in a row alive.

Three laps at Haines Point...

Stats
16.5 miles
1 hr 1 min
Avg 16.1
Max 23
Odometer 1254

Friday ride stats

2006-07-07T18:18:00.000-04:00

I rode the VA loop this evening. My legs are tired from last night and the drivetrain on my bike is all jacked up...not the best ride. I am going to take my bike in for a tune up tomorrow.

Stats:
23 miles
1 hr 36 mins
Avg 14.4
Max 36
Odometer 1237

Ride stats

2006-07-07T16:12:00.000-04:00

Thursday night ride at Haines Point...paceline all the way around.

Stats:
25.6 Miles
1 hr 14 mins
Avg 19.6
Max 32
Odometer 1214

I think I need a rest day tomorrow

2006-07-05T19:38:00.000-04:00

Finally, it didn't rain as soon as I got off work so I could get a ride in. In preparation for this weeks cycling I downloaded the book The Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick. As of right now the Separatists, as they were called, have just been attacked by indians and are forced to flee in a small boat back to their encampment.
Today's ride was very light since its my third consecutive day of 20+ mile rides and I ran 5 miles before I got the bike. I'm pretty sure tomorrow I will kick back a couple beers and not be in the saddle.

Stats:
20.5 miles
Time: 1:23:45
Max. 33.1
Avg. 14.6
Odometer: 600.6

Ride stats for fourth of July weekend

2006-07-04T18:47:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Liz and I went up to the Poconos in PA to spend a couple days with her family. I managed to get some riding in, but not as many miles as I would have hoped.

As it turns out, I am not in hill-riding shape! The hilly terrain wiped me out, and over the course of the four days I only managed around 60 miles.

These stats are for the total four rides:

59.3 miles
4 hrs 10 mins
Avg 14.6
Max 42 (the upside to hilly terrain)
Odometer 1190