Pedal for a Purpose Day 1

Today

46.22 miles

17.6 mph (Avg)

There was an organized ride this morning as a part of the Beardstown July 4th festivities. I was surprised at the number of riders and the number of people who rode the 20 miles. It was a really fun ride. After we finished I rode another 36 miles with one of the riders. He is a triathlete and so he pushed me a little. It was nice to have someone to ride with and it felt good to go a distance...even though I might feel it tomorrow.

Saturday July 2nd, 2011

18.10 miles

17.9 mph (Avg)

Friday July 1st, 2011

23.56 miles

16.9 mph (Avg)

June 29th, 2011 (Last Wednesday)

18.10 miles

17.8 mph (Avg)

Yesterday

13.66miles

18.4mph (Avg)

There was a very slight southwest wind. It was a very pleasant day and my legs are feeling much stronger. I am fortunate to find time to ride as much as I do.

Last Thursday (6/23/2011)

15.66miles

16.5mph (Avg)

It was an overcast day with very spotty and light showers. It was dry when I set out and the road was happy and cooperative. When I was just about to turn around to come back, the it sprinkled very lightly. This apparently made the road very angry (especially this one part of the road that was particularly smooth). The road released this anger by coming up and smacking me in the face. I was so surprised that I jumped right back up and grabbed my bike (just in time for the only car on the road to pass by). The bike was muddy and suffered a small abrasion on the right handlebar. The right shifter was also moved in a little.

I was also muddy down my front and my face was bleeding. I was otherwise ok. (My watch, however, was broken off of the wristband. Luckily I noticed and found the watch and the band.) I rode home very cautiously, and the road seemed content and happy as if nothing had happened.

My face is healing nicely.

Today:

24miles

14.1 mph (Avg)

I am up in Minnesota visiting some friends and had to take the opportunity to ride on the great trails here in the Twin Cities. There was severe weather forecast but the radar looked clear for awhile and I gave it a try. It rained on me at first, but then it cleared up. I went down Theodore Wirth and then across the Cedar Lake Trail all the way to the river.

Last Thursday

32.17miles

18 mph (Avg)

I had a chance to visit a friend in Omaha and so I stopped for a ride on the Keystone trail. The weather was in the 80's and there was a south wind but it was still a good day for a ride. I am still trying to get the new bicycle adjusted, but I think I may need a different seat. Other than that I really like the new bike.

10.19miles

17.2 mph (Average)

Just a short ride before committee meetings. It was windy from the southeast. I was glad to have the motivation to ride even for the short distance.

16.61miles

17.5mph (Average Speed

I bought a new bike. A Scott S30 and today was its maiden voyage. I'll write more about the bike later and even include some pictures but for now I can say I really like it. It feels more responsive, it rides just as smooth as my other bike, the shifting is slick and I even bought a computer to get more accurate records of my progress. The only thing that is not good is the seat, which is almost to be expected on a new bike.

Today 19miles

For the first time this year, my legs felt strong and I wasn't panting. That's a sign that I am just starting to get into shape. I think taking yesterday off did me a lot of good. The ride really felt good and there was very little wind

Monday

12miles

I was breathing hard and didn't feel that great.