So the Blue Heron got frustrated, having not seen us much over the last two weeks. Pi Guy and I went for a ride on the Sinton Trail loop today and didn't see the sizable bird at all.
I watched the Monument Creek bottom all the time that we were riding parallel to it. Nowhere was our bird friend. Could be frustration, or he/she could be "busy." The last time Lucy and I saw the Blue Heron, it was Blue Herons, a pair of them.
This isn't the first ride since doing the Cottonwood Canyon trail two weeks ago. We managed a ride to the Air Force Academy on the Santa Fe Trail, an extension of the Pikes Peak Greenway trail. That should have been about seventeen miles and on schedule.
If I don't get right to writing, the days get messed up, so I can’t remember the day or date. It was interesting though that when we got close to the Air Force Academy riding between the railroad grade and Monument Creek, part of a retaining berm contained flat bed rail cars tipped up on their sides.
Another day Pi Guy and I started to do the Sinton Trail loop, but at the intersection of 30th and Garden of the Gods Road, Pi Guy had had enough. Instead of continuing to the Mesa Trail, we rode down Garden of the Gods Road to the Pikes Peak Greenway. It turns out that this ride was about the twelve mile distance that we were trying for.
It was here that Pi Guy and I saw the Blue Heron on this ride, in the little reservoir at the bottom of the GOTG Road. We were experimenting the possibility of going around on the west side of the reservoir and looking over the embankment our blue friend was about twenty-five feet distant.
Today the Sinton Trail loop was different for three reasons, we did get all the way around, it's Mother's Day, we had a little gizmo to tell us the exact distance and we didn't see the Blue Heron. Four reasons today was different.
It turns out that my estimates of distance have been skewed toward the conservative. I had thought that the Sinton Trail loop was a little over twelve miles. It is almost exactly fifteen. So its time for some review, repetition on our rides to see what the right distances are. Just for fun.
Maybe the Blue Heron will show him/her self again.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Plan, Diet and Weight
The plan for distance rides, is in the table here. The distance rides are intended to be weekend rides. During the week we should be doing rides of about twelve miles, two or three times. We'd be working on increasing our speed or working hills.
We have already run ahead of schedule a couple of times, and probably will again. This will give us a chance to cut back a bit on following weekends too. After the 16th of August, we'll probably cut back on weekend distances, to maybe forty or fifty miles.
Right now the plan is to attempt the ride beginning September 13th. There's a lot of prep work still to be done though.
Date week # distance
4/5/2008 1 12.0
4/12/2008 2 13.2
4/19/2008 3 14.5
4/26/2008 4 16.0
5/3/2008 5 17.6
5/10/2008 6 19.3
5/17/2008 7 21.3
5/24/2008 8 23.4
5/31/2008 9 25.7
6/7/2008 10 28.3
6/14/2008 11 31.1
6/21/2008 12 34.2
6/28/2008 13 37.7
7/5/2008 14 41.4
7/12/2008 15 45.6
7/19/2008 16 50.1
7/26/2008 17 55.1
8/2/2008 18 60.7
8/9/2008 19 66.7
8/16/2008 20 73.4
Diet/Weight Rant
I was happy that my weight gain over the last week was muscle, 2.1 lbs. Disappointed that my fat loss was only one tenth of a pound, with our scales, virtually indistinguishable.
I've done some research which shows the effect of different caloric intakes. (http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm) My maintenance level should be about 2800 calories, to loose fat 2000 calories, for extreme fat loss, about 1500.
After Thursday's ride I'm really not looking to give 20 to 30 pounds of fat a free ride around Colorado Springs, especially around southern Colorado.
I was trying to keep my caloric intake totals in my head. I thought that I was in the 1500 to 1700 hundred calorie range, but that doesn't compute.
It's time to become somewhat obsessive. I'm re-initiating the "What I ate today" journal. Where I record everything I eat, calculating more precisely what the calories are. I total the daily intake, and budgeting accordingly. Like a hand full of M&M's in the morning, then nothing else all day, or another diet option that lets me fill up with better foods.
End diet/weight rant.
We have already run ahead of schedule a couple of times, and probably will again. This will give us a chance to cut back a bit on following weekends too. After the 16th of August, we'll probably cut back on weekend distances, to maybe forty or fifty miles.
Right now the plan is to attempt the ride beginning September 13th. There's a lot of prep work still to be done though.
Date week # distance
4/5/2008 1 12.0
4/12/2008 2 13.2
4/19/2008 3 14.5
4/26/2008 4 16.0
5/3/2008 5 17.6
5/10/2008 6 19.3
5/17/2008 7 21.3
5/24/2008 8 23.4
5/31/2008 9 25.7
6/7/2008 10 28.3
6/14/2008 11 31.1
6/21/2008 12 34.2
6/28/2008 13 37.7
7/5/2008 14 41.4
7/12/2008 15 45.6
7/19/2008 16 50.1
7/26/2008 17 55.1
8/2/2008 18 60.7
8/9/2008 19 66.7
8/16/2008 20 73.4
Diet/Weight Rant
I was happy that my weight gain over the last week was muscle, 2.1 lbs. Disappointed that my fat loss was only one tenth of a pound, with our scales, virtually indistinguishable.
I've done some research which shows the effect of different caloric intakes. (http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm) My maintenance level should be about 2800 calories, to loose fat 2000 calories, for extreme fat loss, about 1500.
After Thursday's ride I'm really not looking to give 20 to 30 pounds of fat a free ride around Colorado Springs, especially around southern Colorado.
I was trying to keep my caloric intake totals in my head. I thought that I was in the 1500 to 1700 hundred calorie range, but that doesn't compute.
It's time to become somewhat obsessive. I'm re-initiating the "What I ate today" journal. Where I record everything I eat, calculating more precisely what the calories are. I total the daily intake, and budgeting accordingly. Like a hand full of M&M's in the morning, then nothing else all day, or another diet option that lets me fill up with better foods.
End diet/weight rant.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Twenty Mile Loop
Pi Guy and I revisited the Homestead Ridge Trail, today. We left early to avoid the pesky winds. We took the same approach as last time.
The climb after the Penrose Park started out well, but in the same location that Pi Guy slipped his chain last time, his tire went flat. Remember the pack with all the preparedness goodies. I did. Coolness, to have a spare tube.
We went through the changing drill. I got out the offending thorns, and we had the bicycle ready to go in less than ten minutes. (Not trying to be a pit crew.)
When we had reached our previous turn around spot at Barnes, Pi Guy agreed that the ride was easier this time.
We continued this time, pedaling through Old Farm, and up more hill,… and more hill. I wasn’t expecting so much hill. We ended up by the water tank in Stetson Hills. Fortunately it was all down hill from there.
Heading North we hooked up with Cottonwood Creek trail, which we took heading west. A city storm water project was fully engaged in improvement in Cottonwood Creek. We paused at a picnic table to eat a Zone Bar, and hydrate.
Everything was going well until we met up with Academy Blvd., where I expected more trail there wasn’t any. We went south on Academy, up hill, to Dublin, then went west on Dublin.
We had to drop back onto the Cottonwood Creek trail to pass under I-25.
Pi Guy needed a restroom, so we stopped at the Criterium Bicycle Shop. This is the bicycle shop just off the east side of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail and on the west side of Corporate Drive. The building is relatively new, and the restrooms are right up front, almost the first things you see. I chatted briefly with a sales guy. He said that it was the plan of the owner to place the restrooms there, for cyclists like us. Smart marketing.
If we weren’t a little pressed for time I would have purchased a new tube to replace the one that flatted earlier. Criterium's placement is so convenient for stocking up on those consumable items. I’ll head over later to get that tube.
There is a reservoir just south of Garden of the Gods Blvd. next to Fountain Creek. “Look, up in the sky, a Blue Heron.” Or is it the same one we’ve seen before?
Except for the tired legs, the rest of the ride was uneventful.
When we got home I mixed up some vanilla milk, with vanilla syrup and 1% milk. Joe Friel in “Cycling Past 50”, suggested skim milk and sugar as a recovery drink with in thirty minutes from the end of a ride. Skim because fat delays digestion.
Our distance for the day was about twenty miles. We’ll be doing the short distances for a week once the weather stabilizes warmer.
The climb after the Penrose Park started out well, but in the same location that Pi Guy slipped his chain last time, his tire went flat. Remember the pack with all the preparedness goodies. I did. Coolness, to have a spare tube.
We went through the changing drill. I got out the offending thorns, and we had the bicycle ready to go in less than ten minutes. (Not trying to be a pit crew.)
When we had reached our previous turn around spot at Barnes, Pi Guy agreed that the ride was easier this time.
We continued this time, pedaling through Old Farm, and up more hill,… and more hill. I wasn’t expecting so much hill. We ended up by the water tank in Stetson Hills. Fortunately it was all down hill from there.
Heading North we hooked up with Cottonwood Creek trail, which we took heading west. A city storm water project was fully engaged in improvement in Cottonwood Creek. We paused at a picnic table to eat a Zone Bar, and hydrate.
Everything was going well until we met up with Academy Blvd., where I expected more trail there wasn’t any. We went south on Academy, up hill, to Dublin, then went west on Dublin.
We had to drop back onto the Cottonwood Creek trail to pass under I-25.
Pi Guy needed a restroom, so we stopped at the Criterium Bicycle Shop. This is the bicycle shop just off the east side of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail and on the west side of Corporate Drive. The building is relatively new, and the restrooms are right up front, almost the first things you see. I chatted briefly with a sales guy. He said that it was the plan of the owner to place the restrooms there, for cyclists like us. Smart marketing.
If we weren’t a little pressed for time I would have purchased a new tube to replace the one that flatted earlier. Criterium's placement is so convenient for stocking up on those consumable items. I’ll head over later to get that tube.
There is a reservoir just south of Garden of the Gods Blvd. next to Fountain Creek. “Look, up in the sky, a Blue Heron.” Or is it the same one we’ve seen before?
Except for the tired legs, the rest of the ride was uneventful.
When we got home I mixed up some vanilla milk, with vanilla syrup and 1% milk. Joe Friel in “Cycling Past 50”, suggested skim milk and sugar as a recovery drink with in thirty minutes from the end of a ride. Skim because fat delays digestion.
Our distance for the day was about twenty miles. We’ll be doing the short distances for a week once the weather stabilizes warmer.
MIdland Trail
On Tuesday Pi Guy and I went out for a ride. This time to see how far out the Midland Trail goes. The trail map shows it going out as far as 20th Street. But the dotted "to be completed" lines point to Manitou Springs.
This ride gave new meaning to the words "Wind Trainer." The wind was SWS and powerful. Nice when it's at your back. It was a short ride, about twelve miles out and back.
We saw the Blue Heron, maybe a Blue Heron, and not the one that we had seen just a few days before. It was standing in the middle of Monument Creek about behind the Colorado College. (Rats, no camera.)
Monument Creek is up, not run off stage yet but up a little. We have about two feet to eighteen inches before we won't be able to cross just past the Bijou bridge.
Amazingly, the Midland Trail stops at 20th Street. Just like the map said. A more decked out road cyclist answered our question. He said that this was the end of the trail. Yes, it is slated to go as far as Manitou Springs, and that Manitou Springs was his destination, but it doesn't go there yet. You have to suck it up and smell the traffic.
Pi Guy and I swung down by G&C Packing Company, which is a meat processing plant, to see if there were any possibility of a trail down by the Fountain Creek heading west. NSL. Then we headed back.
Did I say that it is nice to have a strong wind at your back? (That's rhetorical.)
I don’t think that I said anything about it not being nice to set down your water bottle while your getting your bicycle out and not pick it up again for your ride, did I?
As we were cruising back on the Rock Island Trail, almost home, we saw the/another Blue Heron. They are great birds, big, and they fly with their legs trailing out.
This ride gave new meaning to the words "Wind Trainer." The wind was SWS and powerful. Nice when it's at your back. It was a short ride, about twelve miles out and back.
We saw the Blue Heron, maybe a Blue Heron, and not the one that we had seen just a few days before. It was standing in the middle of Monument Creek about behind the Colorado College. (Rats, no camera.)
Monument Creek is up, not run off stage yet but up a little. We have about two feet to eighteen inches before we won't be able to cross just past the Bijou bridge.
Amazingly, the Midland Trail stops at 20th Street. Just like the map said. A more decked out road cyclist answered our question. He said that this was the end of the trail. Yes, it is slated to go as far as Manitou Springs, and that Manitou Springs was his destination, but it doesn't go there yet. You have to suck it up and smell the traffic.
Pi Guy and I swung down by G&C Packing Company, which is a meat processing plant, to see if there were any possibility of a trail down by the Fountain Creek heading west. NSL. Then we headed back.
Did I say that it is nice to have a strong wind at your back? (That's rhetorical.)
I don’t think that I said anything about it not being nice to set down your water bottle while your getting your bicycle out and not pick it up again for your ride, did I?
As we were cruising back on the Rock Island Trail, almost home, we saw the/another Blue Heron. They are great birds, big, and they fly with their legs trailing out.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Homestead Ridge Trail
Pi Guy and I went for a little longer ride on Saturday.
The wind was blowing, according to the weather channel about twenty to thirty mph, and the sun was shining. We sun screened up with some SPF 30 spray.
We headed east on the Rock Island Trail then north on Academy Blvd., against the wind. We then cut across to the Homestead Ridge Trail at its start. I had been out this way before as far as Penrose Park.
The trail from Penrose Park inclines upward. It was a much steeper incline than I expected (possibly 6%) and quite a trial. (Remember our inexperienced legs.) I didn't notice the wind on the Homestead trail although I knew it could be a factor on the return.
We both did notice the Sky Sox Stadium that had no game from our perch at the top of Barnes road, as well as noticing all the new businesses out on Powers. The difference in elevation is about 600 feet, from home to where we were.
Our legs still are not acclimated to even the hills around Colorado Springs. It'll be a couple of weeks before we even get to a twenty mile distance. (Unless we get brave and up the distance training.)
We were only going for twelve miles but riding to Barnes Road was more like fifteen miles round trip. Next week end we'll plan on a seventeen mile ride. The weekend after, we'll come back this way and make our way over to Cottonwood Creek, down to Pikes Peak Greenway and back home.
That loop route should be about twenty miles, loaded at the front with that intense hill around South Carefree.
But this ride except for the tail wind on the way back, and the unexpected climb, was pretty uneventful. Considering some of the events that could happen, I'm happy.
Hey, I did get to break out my sunglasses.
The wind was blowing, according to the weather channel about twenty to thirty mph, and the sun was shining. We sun screened up with some SPF 30 spray.
We headed east on the Rock Island Trail then north on Academy Blvd., against the wind. We then cut across to the Homestead Ridge Trail at its start. I had been out this way before as far as Penrose Park.
The trail from Penrose Park inclines upward. It was a much steeper incline than I expected (possibly 6%) and quite a trial. (Remember our inexperienced legs.) I didn't notice the wind on the Homestead trail although I knew it could be a factor on the return.
We both did notice the Sky Sox Stadium that had no game from our perch at the top of Barnes road, as well as noticing all the new businesses out on Powers. The difference in elevation is about 600 feet, from home to where we were.
Our legs still are not acclimated to even the hills around Colorado Springs. It'll be a couple of weeks before we even get to a twenty mile distance. (Unless we get brave and up the distance training.)
We were only going for twelve miles but riding to Barnes Road was more like fifteen miles round trip. Next week end we'll plan on a seventeen mile ride. The weekend after, we'll come back this way and make our way over to Cottonwood Creek, down to Pikes Peak Greenway and back home.
That loop route should be about twenty miles, loaded at the front with that intense hill around South Carefree.
But this ride except for the tail wind on the way back, and the unexpected climb, was pretty uneventful. Considering some of the events that could happen, I'm happy.
Hey, I did get to break out my sunglasses.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
More Rides
Pi Guy and I have been on three rides since last post. A break in good health for Pi Guy (a cold) and a change in the weather to the colder extreme prevented us from getting out for almost a week.
(I thought that this would put us behind schedule, but I was wrong.)
Getting out again, I was considering Pi Guy's endurance, and suggested that we ride up to the Austin Bluffs, Union Blvd. intersection where there has been a large intersection project. It would be about four miles round trip, and give us a chance to more closely look at the progress of the construction.
New to Pi Guy was the underpass under Union, and the path parallel to Union. Familiar with our usual route to Rocky Mountain Calvary, Pi Guy said that we could even bicycle there on this path.
Rather than back track and return home, with Pi Guy's approval, we headed up the bicycle path parallel to Austin Bluffs, to the east.
At the access to Palmer Park we picked up a gravel road that took us up into Palmer Park. The incline near the end of the gravel portion, our inexperience, and the type of tires on our bicycles cause us both to spin our tires. But we persevered. The rest of the ride was on the asphalt road that runs through the Park. And it was down hill from the crest of the park to home. The whole distance was about six miles.
Our next ride was somewhat more intense for our inexperienced legs. We headed out to the Pikes Peak Greenway, and went up the Sinton Trail. The Sinton trail has a steady incline until it meets up with the Mesa Trail, which we would then take to the south.
I thought that we would have an incline down as soon as we were on Mesa Trail. I'm wrong a lot. We still had more hill to climb before enjoying some coasting.
Even the first coast was short lived as we had to climb from the 30th Street, Mesa Road intersection to the top of the hill by the Garden of the Gods Club. Pi Guy slipped his chain again, and was tempted to walk his bike up the rest of the hill. I restrung his chain and prevailed in encouraging him to take the rst of the hill on the bike.
Once at the top of the hill, we had an extended coast along Mesa Road until we came to the I-25 pedestrian/bicycle overpass. We stopped in the park on the east side of I-25 by Fountain Creek. A blue heron was just finishing eating in front of us, then flew away downstream. Then we returned home. This trip out was about 12 miles and tougher on our legs.
The last trip out was just a day later and a repeat of our trips out to the end of the Rock Island trail at Powers Blvd. Although the temperatures were in the high seventies, maybe eighties, the next two days were supposed to be a return to winter, not fit for fair weather cyclists like us.
(I thought that this would put us behind schedule, but I was wrong.)
Getting out again, I was considering Pi Guy's endurance, and suggested that we ride up to the Austin Bluffs, Union Blvd. intersection where there has been a large intersection project. It would be about four miles round trip, and give us a chance to more closely look at the progress of the construction.
New to Pi Guy was the underpass under Union, and the path parallel to Union. Familiar with our usual route to Rocky Mountain Calvary, Pi Guy said that we could even bicycle there on this path.
Rather than back track and return home, with Pi Guy's approval, we headed up the bicycle path parallel to Austin Bluffs, to the east.
At the access to Palmer Park we picked up a gravel road that took us up into Palmer Park. The incline near the end of the gravel portion, our inexperience, and the type of tires on our bicycles cause us both to spin our tires. But we persevered. The rest of the ride was on the asphalt road that runs through the Park. And it was down hill from the crest of the park to home. The whole distance was about six miles.
Our next ride was somewhat more intense for our inexperienced legs. We headed out to the Pikes Peak Greenway, and went up the Sinton Trail. The Sinton trail has a steady incline until it meets up with the Mesa Trail, which we would then take to the south.
I thought that we would have an incline down as soon as we were on Mesa Trail. I'm wrong a lot. We still had more hill to climb before enjoying some coasting.
Even the first coast was short lived as we had to climb from the 30th Street, Mesa Road intersection to the top of the hill by the Garden of the Gods Club. Pi Guy slipped his chain again, and was tempted to walk his bike up the rest of the hill. I restrung his chain and prevailed in encouraging him to take the rst of the hill on the bike.
Once at the top of the hill, we had an extended coast along Mesa Road until we came to the I-25 pedestrian/bicycle overpass. We stopped in the park on the east side of I-25 by Fountain Creek. A blue heron was just finishing eating in front of us, then flew away downstream. Then we returned home. This trip out was about 12 miles and tougher on our legs.
The last trip out was just a day later and a repeat of our trips out to the end of the Rock Island trail at Powers Blvd. Although the temperatures were in the high seventies, maybe eighties, the next two days were supposed to be a return to winter, not fit for fair weather cyclists like us.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Fifteen Miles
We made one more ride, getting started. We were going to go twelve miles, over to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail then up to the Rockrimmon Trail and back.
It was another beautiful day but breezy, in the high 60's. There were joggers out as well as other cyclists all up and down the trail.
The trail north of the Sinton Trail turn off was new to me. Actually there are two trails, and we ended up on the Front Range Trail. The Pikes Peak Greenway traverses, I think, on Sinton Road. So we stayed on the path, and were able to avoid automobile traffic.
On the North side of Garden of the Gods Road we notice the work of some beavers. We had never seen any nor had we considered that there might be urban beavers in Colorado Springs. But the downed and gnawed trees were undeniable. And some were fresh.
The trail bridges Fountain Creek several times. At the first crossing after passing under I-25 I had heard some cyclists behind us so instead of turning up the trail I went straight. There were four cyclists traveling in a group, their colors gave them away. They were appreciative that they could get by so easily.
We ended up going up past Woodman Road. Rough figuring, we would travel about fifteen miles. This would be about a week ahead on our schedule for weekly increases in distance.
At a trail map near a trailhead Pi Guy was ready to head back. It was quite warm so Pi Guy doffed his sweatshirt I took off my jacket. But when we got back to the place we had pulled of for the group of cyclists earlier. We pulled off again to put warmer clothing because of the wind.
It was then that I noticed that there was a retail bicycle shop right there. Criterium Bicycles, who knew? It's on Corporate Drive, if you're driving.
Somewhere along the ride there was a sign announcing that there was an intention to complete a bicycle trail extending from Wyoming to New Mexico. A ride for another time.
Good ride. I had been concerned that Pi Guy wasn't going to be able to keep up, he is always in a following position. Several times during this ride he pulled up to mention observations of interest, an abandoned soccer field, and a larger animal scurrying away in the brush. He's doing well.
Warmer, we headed home. This happened last weekend.
It was another beautiful day but breezy, in the high 60's. There were joggers out as well as other cyclists all up and down the trail.
The trail north of the Sinton Trail turn off was new to me. Actually there are two trails, and we ended up on the Front Range Trail. The Pikes Peak Greenway traverses, I think, on Sinton Road. So we stayed on the path, and were able to avoid automobile traffic.
On the North side of Garden of the Gods Road we notice the work of some beavers. We had never seen any nor had we considered that there might be urban beavers in Colorado Springs. But the downed and gnawed trees were undeniable. And some were fresh.
The trail bridges Fountain Creek several times. At the first crossing after passing under I-25 I had heard some cyclists behind us so instead of turning up the trail I went straight. There were four cyclists traveling in a group, their colors gave them away. They were appreciative that they could get by so easily.
We ended up going up past Woodman Road. Rough figuring, we would travel about fifteen miles. This would be about a week ahead on our schedule for weekly increases in distance.
At a trail map near a trailhead Pi Guy was ready to head back. It was quite warm so Pi Guy doffed his sweatshirt I took off my jacket. But when we got back to the place we had pulled of for the group of cyclists earlier. We pulled off again to put warmer clothing because of the wind.
It was then that I noticed that there was a retail bicycle shop right there. Criterium Bicycles, who knew? It's on Corporate Drive, if you're driving.
Somewhere along the ride there was a sign announcing that there was an intention to complete a bicycle trail extending from Wyoming to New Mexico. A ride for another time.
Good ride. I had been concerned that Pi Guy wasn't going to be able to keep up, he is always in a following position. Several times during this ride he pulled up to mention observations of interest, an abandoned soccer field, and a larger animal scurrying away in the brush. He's doing well.
Warmer, we headed home. This happened last weekend.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Rock Island Trail
Pi Guy and I went for a second ride the same week. This was also about twelve miles. Our access to the Rock Island Trail is almost immediate from our home and from here to Powers Boulevard is relatively flat for about six miles. We've done parts of the trail as a family, and I used, fairly regularly, three or four miles, as part of my bicycle commute to work.
The Rock Island Trail does have its challenges, however, some of which I am familiar. The trail parallels Constitution Avenue. The intersections pose dangers, if, as a bicyclist, you observe and use the pedestrian crossing.
I have seen from my bicycle perch some nasty auto accidents being pulled from the Union, Constitution intersection. The next intersection, Circle and Constitution, is set up the same way. I had seen, here, a cyclist that had been hit, broad side, and flung from his bicycle. I was in time to hear his vocal chords match the pitch of the approaching sirens.
Academy, Constitution again is similar, but the Academy cross traffic is much, much heavier. I have been nearly clipped on numerous occasions. People in automobiles often times find the crosswalk a convenient place to stop to observe oncoming traffic when they are attempting to turn on to Constitution. At times their eyes are looking in the wrong direction to see you entering the crosswalk with the ped x-ing light.
Another time, a cyclist was actually road cycling on Constitution. He was excellently outfitted with wetsuit, a really (!) nice road bike, and great training as exhibited by his velocity. He thought that he would be able to run a yellow, almost red, traffic light at Academy.
He was wrong. Five lanes of northbound traffic began to move as he crossed the southbound lanes. He almost had to put his bike down, but turned south into the outside, of the three southbound lanes.
I'm glad that all I had to do was shake my head, and not make a cell phone call for an ambulance for him. 8<) But what a bad reputation he gives the road cyclist. Recognizing these perils Pi Guy and I had a good ride out to Powers and back.
The Rock Island Trail does have its challenges, however, some of which I am familiar. The trail parallels Constitution Avenue. The intersections pose dangers, if, as a bicyclist, you observe and use the pedestrian crossing.
I have seen from my bicycle perch some nasty auto accidents being pulled from the Union, Constitution intersection. The next intersection, Circle and Constitution, is set up the same way. I had seen, here, a cyclist that had been hit, broad side, and flung from his bicycle. I was in time to hear his vocal chords match the pitch of the approaching sirens.
Academy, Constitution again is similar, but the Academy cross traffic is much, much heavier. I have been nearly clipped on numerous occasions. People in automobiles often times find the crosswalk a convenient place to stop to observe oncoming traffic when they are attempting to turn on to Constitution. At times their eyes are looking in the wrong direction to see you entering the crosswalk with the ped x-ing light.
Another time, a cyclist was actually road cycling on Constitution. He was excellently outfitted with wetsuit, a really (!) nice road bike, and great training as exhibited by his velocity. He thought that he would be able to run a yellow, almost red, traffic light at Academy.
He was wrong. Five lanes of northbound traffic began to move as he crossed the southbound lanes. He almost had to put his bike down, but turned south into the outside, of the three southbound lanes.
I'm glad that all I had to do was shake my head, and not make a cell phone call for an ambulance for him. 8<) But what a bad reputation he gives the road cyclist. Recognizing these perils Pi Guy and I had a good ride out to Powers and back.
On the return trip we head back toward Pikes Peak. Here's a morning view.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Inaugural Ride
The inaugural training ride for Pi Guy and me started as a family ride to the Dog Tooth Cafè, with us taking advantage of more warm weather. (This time the gelato selections were orange, watermelon and kiwi.)
We left Lucy and Blue Jay to return the way we came, while Pi Guy and I went along Columbia, to the west. We continued until we had access to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail from Culubra Avenue.
From that access point, just north of Uintah, we headed south, and unnecessarily crossed Fountain Creek to be closer to I-25. It was fortunate, however, for two reasons. One was to see the pedestrian/bicycle I-25 overpass access. The other reason is that there are public restrooms there, and I had been concentrating on my water consumption.
We left Lucy and Blue Jay to return the way we came, while Pi Guy and I went along Columbia, to the west. We continued until we had access to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail from Culubra Avenue.
From that access point, just north of Uintah, we headed south, and unnecessarily crossed Fountain Creek to be closer to I-25. It was fortunate, however, for two reasons. One was to see the pedestrian/bicycle I-25 overpass access. The other reason is that there are public restrooms there, and I had been concentrating on my water consumption.
This is a view south from the bicycle trail in Monument Valley Park. The Star Gate portal is in Cheyenne Mountain, straight ahead.
We continued south on the trail crossing another excellent pedestrian bridge.
One result from our exploration was the realization that if the creek rises, a low concrete bridge taking us back to the west side of the creek will be under water. This would cause a pursuit of other routes.
From the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail we found the I-25 underpass to 8th street. And confirmed it with the Colorado Springs Trails Network Map. Another underpass, 8th Street, allowed us to get on the other side of 8th, and avoid the traffic.
The trail curled tightly to the right and climbed to the elevation of the street, and just about 100 ft. more to the south was a gravel trail that announced access to Bear Creek Park. Rode on this trail to, nearly, Bear Creek Park.
We doubled back taking a small detour at the Confluence Park. (Actually we were trying to find a way to the Penrose Library.) Unless we got onto trafficked streets there was no way to cross the rail yard. So we headed north, trail wise, passing under Bijou Street, then found the trail down the east side of the railroad tracks into downtown.
Briefly stopping at the library, we loaded books up in the backpack and headed back home.
This part of the trail passes by the Colorado College athletic fields, and through the Monument Valley Park. And you hardly notice that the deciduous trees have no leaves. The creek is well maintained and peaceful, at least now before the snow runoff.
We traveled about twelve miles.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Blue Jay Tube Replacement
Pi Guy and I were given a reprieve by the weather on a Saturday and set out to repair Blue Jay’s bicycle tire. It was chilly, still, at a little under 50 degrees, but doable. I had purchased a pair of tubes at Target earlier in the week. Blue Jay has a Schwinn so that is the brand we bought. I had confirmed the tire size before we went to the store.
I had thought that I had “slimed” her tires, but didn’t see any evidence of that. “Slime” maybe a brand name. It is the stuff that keeps a tube from going flat by sealing from the inside small punctures. I’ve done several others of our bikes since we ride on the trails so much, and are liable to pick up the goat heads.
I was please with Pi Guy’s involvement in doing this repair. We noted that the tire manufacturer’s name was adjacent to the valve stem, just as Mike at Bicycle Village had suggested as protocol. Lucy was our photographer, as we made the change.
We followed the technique that we had observed with Mike.
We checked the tire at the relative position that we observed the puncture in the tube for any remaining projection. When I sealed the puncture with my finger Pi Guy observed that it appeared to be the only one. We checked the rest of the tube just in case, considering that I had removed two thorns from the tire when it went flat.
Pi Guy corrected me when I didn’t slightly inflate the new tube before having him insert it into the tire. We did inflate it slightly before replacing the tire back on the wheel, and checked to see that we didn’t pinch the tube. Pi Guy saw one such pinch point, which he corrected. We inflated the tire, mounted it on the bike, spun it (it looked true), and checked the brakes. That was it, a successful change.
I had thought that I had “slimed” her tires, but didn’t see any evidence of that. “Slime” maybe a brand name. It is the stuff that keeps a tube from going flat by sealing from the inside small punctures. I’ve done several others of our bikes since we ride on the trails so much, and are liable to pick up the goat heads.
I was please with Pi Guy’s involvement in doing this repair. We noted that the tire manufacturer’s name was adjacent to the valve stem, just as Mike at Bicycle Village had suggested as protocol. Lucy was our photographer, as we made the change.
We followed the technique that we had observed with Mike.
We checked the tire at the relative position that we observed the puncture in the tube for any remaining projection. When I sealed the puncture with my finger Pi Guy observed that it appeared to be the only one. We checked the rest of the tube just in case, considering that I had removed two thorns from the tire when it went flat.
Pi Guy corrected me when I didn’t slightly inflate the new tube before having him insert it into the tire. We did inflate it slightly before replacing the tire back on the wheel, and checked to see that we didn’t pinch the tube. Pi Guy saw one such pinch point, which he corrected. We inflated the tire, mounted it on the bike, spun it (it looked true), and checked the brakes. That was it, a successful change.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Preparing to Ride
One of the reminders that I came away from my ride with Blue Jay was to be prepared. (Kind of Boy Scout-ish) To prepare with, not only a cell phone, helmet, and water, but with a tube replacement for each bike, a pump, bicycle multi-tool and a first aid kit, even on short trips. With summer coming we’ll also want to be prepared with sunscreen.
As Lucy has reminded me, first aid should come first.
I’ll have a waist pack by the bicycle helmets that contains a first aid kit of some large and small band aids, some anti-biotic ointment, some gauze, and iodine, alcohol, or peroxide, and some Purell. Also included in the pack will be tools and a spare tube. That way when we leave on a ride one of us can grab the bag and strap it on.
There are some things we should be looking at our bicycles for before leaving on any rides. Spin the tires to check for alignment of brakes and true of wheel, then a slower spin for a quick surface check of the tires. Tire pressure should be checked with a squeeze. Brakes should engage well before a full pull on the brake handles. Warning lights need to be checked for operation.
I didn’t make any progress this week on reducing my cycling load (i.e. weight). It might be the Benadryl. I don’t know how that stuff works, but allergy season is upon us. It could also be my weakness for M&M’s.
As Lucy has reminded me, first aid should come first.
I’ll have a waist pack by the bicycle helmets that contains a first aid kit of some large and small band aids, some anti-biotic ointment, some gauze, and iodine, alcohol, or peroxide, and some Purell. Also included in the pack will be tools and a spare tube. That way when we leave on a ride one of us can grab the bag and strap it on.
There are some things we should be looking at our bicycles for before leaving on any rides. Spin the tires to check for alignment of brakes and true of wheel, then a slower spin for a quick surface check of the tires. Tire pressure should be checked with a squeeze. Brakes should engage well before a full pull on the brake handles. Warning lights need to be checked for operation.
I didn’t make any progress this week on reducing my cycling load (i.e. weight). It might be the Benadryl. I don’t know how that stuff works, but allergy season is upon us. It could also be my weakness for M&M’s.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Silver Lining
A few days later, Blue Jay was asking to bicycle to the Dog Tooth Cafè. We call it that but the proper name is Dogtooth Coffee Company. It’s on the corner of North Corona and East Columbia, a really out of the way place, unless you’re on a bicycle on the Shook’s Run Trail. That is how most of those who don’t live in the neighborhood find it. That is how we came across it.
February has been blessed with many warm and beautiful days. On that particular Thursday we did don our bicycles and helmets. The whole family was invited to go but Pi Guy was busy with a computer basketball game and the ride wouldn’t be all that challenging. And, Lucy had some around the house stuff to do.
The trip to was uneventful.
Blue Jay enjoyed a pistachio gelato, my favorite. But being February she had exhausted the last supply of it. I had black cherry gelato instead. The girl behind the counter said that she was coming in early the next day to make a fresh round of gelato because the weather was so fine. She also joked to Blue Jay that she had sampled some avocado gelato to a boy about her age. Not something Blue Jay was inclined to try.
Blue Jay and I ate outside, enjoying the sunshine. We then mounted our bikes for the return.
On the way back Blue Jay began to waiver on and off the path. Since Shook’s Run Trail passes behind a Safeway we stopped to get water from a vending machine. We had not taken (my mistake) water bottles with us.
I thought her tires were unusually loud as we continued down the path. As we turned on to the Rock Island Trail, I realized that the culprit was a flat tire. It was a “goat head” flat. So we walked both bikes the rest of the way home.
Silver lining? Now we have a.) A “practice” flat to replace, b.) A reminder for me, to always prepare with cell phone, water, a tube replacement for each tire size, and a pump, even on short trips; and c.) Another reminder to stay on the trail to avoid what is locally known as “goat heads.”
Goat heads look like small pea seeds with spikes, they are sturdy enough to easily puncture the tire and tube of a mountain bike.
February has been blessed with many warm and beautiful days. On that particular Thursday we did don our bicycles and helmets. The whole family was invited to go but Pi Guy was busy with a computer basketball game and the ride wouldn’t be all that challenging. And, Lucy had some around the house stuff to do.
The trip to was uneventful.
Blue Jay enjoyed a pistachio gelato, my favorite. But being February she had exhausted the last supply of it. I had black cherry gelato instead. The girl behind the counter said that she was coming in early the next day to make a fresh round of gelato because the weather was so fine. She also joked to Blue Jay that she had sampled some avocado gelato to a boy about her age. Not something Blue Jay was inclined to try.
Blue Jay and I ate outside, enjoying the sunshine. We then mounted our bikes for the return.
On the way back Blue Jay began to waiver on and off the path. Since Shook’s Run Trail passes behind a Safeway we stopped to get water from a vending machine. We had not taken (my mistake) water bottles with us.
I thought her tires were unusually loud as we continued down the path. As we turned on to the Rock Island Trail, I realized that the culprit was a flat tire. It was a “goat head” flat. So we walked both bikes the rest of the way home.
Silver lining? Now we have a.) A “practice” flat to replace, b.) A reminder for me, to always prepare with cell phone, water, a tube replacement for each tire size, and a pump, even on short trips; and c.) Another reminder to stay on the trail to avoid what is locally known as “goat heads.”
Goat heads look like small pea seeds with spikes, they are sturdy enough to easily puncture the tire and tube of a mountain bike.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bicycle Maintenance Class Finish
Pi Guy was very attentive the whole time of the Bicycle Village maintenance class. But had no questions when Mike asked.
Mike then showed us some combination tools that we might want to have when road riding. We returned to the demo bike with Mike asking if there was anything else that we had specific questions about. My question had to do with posture on the bike and how to adjust the handle bar post. He explained that the handle bar post it self was not adjustable but that there were different handle bar options as well as different handle bar attaching options that would make that dimension of posture on the bike vary.
He continued saying that the brake pads require replacement when the pad was flat instead of showing the grooves in the pad. One should also check that the pads haven’t glazed. Some brake adjustment can be made at the brake handle.
When Mike spun the wheel he noticed that it wobbled slightly between the brake pads. He checked that the axel was seated correctly, and then showed us how to “true” the wheel by tightening a spoke. He explained how the adjuster was threaded and how that would effect the direction of the tightening turn.
We talked a little about proper seat height.
He spoke a little about chain cleaning and lubrication. Saying that using a few drops of a silicone based lubricant could be applied then as the chain was spun using the pedal, the chain could be wiped down with the cloth. The cloth would both clean the chain and spread and remove excess lubricant.
Mike asked if we had purchase our bicycles at Bicycle Village. I answered that we had so he reminded me that we have a free annual tune up. The bicycle technician at that time would check out the bike and make adjustments.
He then demonstrated the use of the gage that would indicate the amount of stretch the chain had experienced. With mountain bikes he suggested that a chain change should occur about every 1,500 miles.
Pi Guy still had no questions; and had remained attentive the whole time.
It didn’t seem right having gone over bicycle basics, to then walk out into the cold, blowing, almost snow of February. Pi Guy agreed pulling on his alpaca hat. The van fired up and we headed home.
Mike then showed us some combination tools that we might want to have when road riding. We returned to the demo bike with Mike asking if there was anything else that we had specific questions about. My question had to do with posture on the bike and how to adjust the handle bar post. He explained that the handle bar post it self was not adjustable but that there were different handle bar options as well as different handle bar attaching options that would make that dimension of posture on the bike vary.
He continued saying that the brake pads require replacement when the pad was flat instead of showing the grooves in the pad. One should also check that the pads haven’t glazed. Some brake adjustment can be made at the brake handle.
When Mike spun the wheel he noticed that it wobbled slightly between the brake pads. He checked that the axel was seated correctly, and then showed us how to “true” the wheel by tightening a spoke. He explained how the adjuster was threaded and how that would effect the direction of the tightening turn.
We talked a little about proper seat height.
He spoke a little about chain cleaning and lubrication. Saying that using a few drops of a silicone based lubricant could be applied then as the chain was spun using the pedal, the chain could be wiped down with the cloth. The cloth would both clean the chain and spread and remove excess lubricant.
Mike asked if we had purchase our bicycles at Bicycle Village. I answered that we had so he reminded me that we have a free annual tune up. The bicycle technician at that time would check out the bike and make adjustments.
He then demonstrated the use of the gage that would indicate the amount of stretch the chain had experienced. With mountain bikes he suggested that a chain change should occur about every 1,500 miles.
Pi Guy still had no questions; and had remained attentive the whole time.
It didn’t seem right having gone over bicycle basics, to then walk out into the cold, blowing, almost snow of February. Pi Guy agreed pulling on his alpaca hat. The van fired up and we headed home.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Replacing the Tire, Revelations, Clarification
Replacing a tire, according to Mike, our affable guide, should have the manufacturer’s name lined up with the valve stem hole. With the tire’s back bead within the rim, replace the tube, valve stem first. If you’ve already used your spare tube, a patch might be necessary. A little inflation will help get the tube in the tire and on the rim.
Mike let out a little additional air, checking to make sure that no part of the tube was being pinched by the tire and rim. Then he started working the remaining bead back onto the rim using the tire tool at the end to finish it off. Another check of both rim beads confirmed that there was no tube caught.
The tube was then inflated in two stages first to set the beads then to full manufacturer’s maximum recommended pressure. He engaged the small chain ring on the tire with the lower part of the chain (dangling) and the axle replaced in the slots in the rear forks. Mike said not to over do it on tightening the release lever. It could bend the forks or damage the bearings in the hubs.
As the last task he reaffixed the brake cable to the linear brake pull. He then mentioned that to release the front wheels there were some retaining tabs, as well as the release lever.
I’ll have more on the class later.
In my reading I have had some new revelations, like why “those” cyclists shave their legs. I always thought that there might be a minimal aerodynamic benefit, but that smooth was also a little “off” for a guy. My mistake. It has more to do with the ease of cleaning up road rash after a spill.
You don’t need to worry about me and Pi Guy and shaved legs. My leg hairs have never seen the razor. Pi Guy has remarkably hairy legs for his age, however, I can’t even get him to shave his fledgling mustache.
But if leg shaving is planning ahead for less pain, I’m not going to dis smooth legs anymore.
Another thing is “those” tight bicycle shorts. It’s not just fashion; those things have saddle cushions built in. This could be troublesome. If we wear them, the general public probably won’t know by seeing us. They’ll be covered up.
And, to clarify on my weight posting, what I am using for "waist" is a measurement “level around the belly button.” 8<)
42.3
Mike let out a little additional air, checking to make sure that no part of the tube was being pinched by the tire and rim. Then he started working the remaining bead back onto the rim using the tire tool at the end to finish it off. Another check of both rim beads confirmed that there was no tube caught.
The tube was then inflated in two stages first to set the beads then to full manufacturer’s maximum recommended pressure. He engaged the small chain ring on the tire with the lower part of the chain (dangling) and the axle replaced in the slots in the rear forks. Mike said not to over do it on tightening the release lever. It could bend the forks or damage the bearings in the hubs.
As the last task he reaffixed the brake cable to the linear brake pull. He then mentioned that to release the front wheels there were some retaining tabs, as well as the release lever.
I’ll have more on the class later.
In my reading I have had some new revelations, like why “those” cyclists shave their legs. I always thought that there might be a minimal aerodynamic benefit, but that smooth was also a little “off” for a guy. My mistake. It has more to do with the ease of cleaning up road rash after a spill.
You don’t need to worry about me and Pi Guy and shaved legs. My leg hairs have never seen the razor. Pi Guy has remarkably hairy legs for his age, however, I can’t even get him to shave his fledgling mustache.
But if leg shaving is planning ahead for less pain, I’m not going to dis smooth legs anymore.
Another thing is “those” tight bicycle shorts. It’s not just fashion; those things have saddle cushions built in. This could be troublesome. If we wear them, the general public probably won’t know by seeing us. They’ll be covered up.
And, to clarify on my weight posting, what I am using for "waist" is a measurement “level around the belly button.” 8<)
42.3
Friday, March 21, 2008
Fixing a Flat
So we did go to Bicycle Village for their basic bicycle maintenance class. I imagine that during the summer, especially after a bicycle sale, that the class was just that, a class. As it was, Pi Guy and I were the only two that showed up.
The “instructor” (more like “guide”), Michael, was very friendly and was good enough to ask what it was that we were interested in learning. He went to the bikes on the show room racks while we waited in the maintenance area, and pulled down a Trek hybrid to use as a demonstration model.
We started with how to change out a flat. This particular Trek bicycle had the skinny Presta valve, as opposed to the fatter Schrader valves. Because the rear tire has the mystique of the derailleur chain rings, Mike used this wheel to demonstrate.
He shifted both derailleurs to the smallest chain rings, and showed us how to remove the brake cable from the linear pull brake. He let out almost all the air from the tube, and then with a flip of the wheel release lever, removed the tire from the frame. He also said that on the road, one could release the wheel, and lift the frame from the wheel.
Placing the wheel on the bench he removed the ring nut from the valve stem (Schrader valves don’t have that ring nut). Mike said that it would be good to notice the orientation of the tire on the wheel. He usually aligns the brand name with the valve stem.
Beginning opposite the valve stem, with a rim tool, he lifted the tire bead from the rim, then repeating the process with the remaining bead. Leaving the tube inside the tire he removed both tire and tube from the rim. Mike removed the tube from the tire and inflated the tube slightly. This is where the tire/tube/wheel orientation is important.
I looked at Pi Guy, to gage his attentiveness. He nodded his affirmation.
Mike said to check the tube as best as possible listening (or looking, if water is available) for leaking air. Then checking the relative alignment of the leak to the tire, he would check inside the tire for any protrusion; he would also check the rest of the tire inside for any other imperfections to be removed. If there were a hole in the tire it would need to be covered over to avoid pinching or chafing the tube. He mentioned duct tape as a possibility. (Even a bill of any currency denomination would work.)
Replacing the tire next time.
The “instructor” (more like “guide”), Michael, was very friendly and was good enough to ask what it was that we were interested in learning. He went to the bikes on the show room racks while we waited in the maintenance area, and pulled down a Trek hybrid to use as a demonstration model.
We started with how to change out a flat. This particular Trek bicycle had the skinny Presta valve, as opposed to the fatter Schrader valves. Because the rear tire has the mystique of the derailleur chain rings, Mike used this wheel to demonstrate.
He shifted both derailleurs to the smallest chain rings, and showed us how to remove the brake cable from the linear pull brake. He let out almost all the air from the tube, and then with a flip of the wheel release lever, removed the tire from the frame. He also said that on the road, one could release the wheel, and lift the frame from the wheel.
Placing the wheel on the bench he removed the ring nut from the valve stem (Schrader valves don’t have that ring nut). Mike said that it would be good to notice the orientation of the tire on the wheel. He usually aligns the brand name with the valve stem.
Beginning opposite the valve stem, with a rim tool, he lifted the tire bead from the rim, then repeating the process with the remaining bead. Leaving the tube inside the tire he removed both tire and tube from the rim. Mike removed the tube from the tire and inflated the tube slightly. This is where the tire/tube/wheel orientation is important.
I looked at Pi Guy, to gage his attentiveness. He nodded his affirmation.
Mike said to check the tube as best as possible listening (or looking, if water is available) for leaking air. Then checking the relative alignment of the leak to the tire, he would check inside the tire for any protrusion; he would also check the rest of the tire inside for any other imperfections to be removed. If there were a hole in the tire it would need to be covered over to avoid pinching or chafing the tube. He mentioned duct tape as a possibility. (Even a bill of any currency denomination would work.)
Replacing the tire next time.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Preparations
Anyway, with the seriousness of my consideration, Lucy suggested that Pi Guy and I take a first aid class. My first choice was bicycle mechanics. But having listed some of my bicycle injuries previously, first aid will take first priority if not first in chronology. So the several challenges we’ll tackle before attempting the long ride are:
First Aid, class or home education, emergency and preventive
Bicycle Mechanics, preventive, repairs, and tuning
Bicycle Equipment and Accessories
Bicycle Riding Technique
Route reconnaissance
Distance training
Provisioning
And, for me, weight loss.
So, our course of action is, for first aid, locate any free first aid classes. Search the library for first aid books, and possibly purchase first aid books. We’ll be purchasing at least the Red Cross First Aid book and the Boy Scouts of America First Aid Merit Badge pamphlet.
Bicycle Village in Colorado Springs has Basic Bicycle Maintenance classes every Monday and Advanced Bicycle Maintenance classes every 1st and 3rd Mondays. Pi Guy and I will pick up on these. The BSA Cycling Merit Badge pamphlet also has bicycle mechanics. We’ll find some other books as well. The Complete Book of Bicycle Maintenance by the Bicycling Magazine folks sounds good. Then we’ll take our bicycles out from the garage for preventive maintenance and adjustments.
We’ll check out various equipment and accessories for bicycles. And plan on what will be necessary for our trip. (And dream of the equipment we won’t be able to afford.)
I’m going to use the Cardio Free Diet by Jim Karas, as a guideline for weight loss. Even though the title seems kind of contra-indicative, the principles of calories in vs calories expended makes for an easy to follow formula. I’ll post my progress in the side bar with date, weight, waist, Body Fat %. My target will be 165 to 170 lbs. (No pressure.) It'll be after the bookstore.
First Aid, class or home education, emergency and preventive
Bicycle Mechanics, preventive, repairs, and tuning
Bicycle Equipment and Accessories
Bicycle Riding Technique
Route reconnaissance
Distance training
Provisioning
And, for me, weight loss.
So, our course of action is, for first aid, locate any free first aid classes. Search the library for first aid books, and possibly purchase first aid books. We’ll be purchasing at least the Red Cross First Aid book and the Boy Scouts of America First Aid Merit Badge pamphlet.
Bicycle Village in Colorado Springs has Basic Bicycle Maintenance classes every Monday and Advanced Bicycle Maintenance classes every 1st and 3rd Mondays. Pi Guy and I will pick up on these. The BSA Cycling Merit Badge pamphlet also has bicycle mechanics. We’ll find some other books as well. The Complete Book of Bicycle Maintenance by the Bicycling Magazine folks sounds good. Then we’ll take our bicycles out from the garage for preventive maintenance and adjustments.
We’ll check out various equipment and accessories for bicycles. And plan on what will be necessary for our trip. (And dream of the equipment we won’t be able to afford.)
I’m going to use the Cardio Free Diet by Jim Karas, as a guideline for weight loss. Even though the title seems kind of contra-indicative, the principles of calories in vs calories expended makes for an easy to follow formula. I’ll post my progress in the side bar with date, weight, waist, Body Fat %. My target will be 165 to 170 lbs. (No pressure.) It'll be after the bookstore.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Lucy Taken Aback
About three years ago I purchased a Trek multi track from Bicycle Village in Colorado Springs. (Remember the shocking gas price rise of 2004/2005?) Work for me, at the time, was about five miles distant, so I began to commute via the bicycle paths of Colorado Springs to work, saving commuting gas dollars and re-acquainting myself with the joys of riding.
Pi Guy and I would go on some longer rides (for him) that he enjoyed, either out the Rock Island, down the Shooks Run, or up the Fountain Creek trails. He would take the old Trek, and I would take the new one.
Pi Guy now has a new Raliegh multi track bike still enjoying riding and developing a sense of adventure and mobility of his own. These times differ from the times of my youth, so we travel together.
The whole family now has derailleur bicycles and ride to various locations within the city. Portal Park with the pool, The Dog Tooth Cafè, and Safeway at the Bon Center are some our favorites. Still, Lucy, my wife, was slightly taken aback when I treated Pi Guy’s comment so seriously. Seriously enough, that is, to start evaluating routes.
In Pi Guy’s mind was the Colorado Springs, Walsenburg, Cortez route. That is the route we usually take to Cortez when heading in that direction. It is also the route suggested by Mapquest as the most efficient. The distance listed by Mapquest is 358 miles. An alternate route, that we thought to be shorter distance wise, would be through Buena Vista, but this was 353 miles. And another choice was through Canon City. At a distance of 349 miles, it is the shortest. This will probably be our route.
All three routes require us climbing Wolfe Creek Pass at ~10,800 ft. The Canyon City route has the lowest elevation pass of the alternative passes with Poncha Pass at ~9,000 ft. Going through Walsenburg would require us to ascend La Veta Pass which is ~9,400 ft. Going through Buena Vista takes us over Wilkerson Pass at ~9,500 ft., and after Wilkerson Pass, there is still Poncha Pass at ~9,000 ft. to go over.
44 lbs.
Pi Guy and I would go on some longer rides (for him) that he enjoyed, either out the Rock Island, down the Shooks Run, or up the Fountain Creek trails. He would take the old Trek, and I would take the new one.
Pi Guy now has a new Raliegh multi track bike still enjoying riding and developing a sense of adventure and mobility of his own. These times differ from the times of my youth, so we travel together.
The whole family now has derailleur bicycles and ride to various locations within the city. Portal Park with the pool, The Dog Tooth Cafè, and Safeway at the Bon Center are some our favorites. Still, Lucy, my wife, was slightly taken aback when I treated Pi Guy’s comment so seriously. Seriously enough, that is, to start evaluating routes.
In Pi Guy’s mind was the Colorado Springs, Walsenburg, Cortez route. That is the route we usually take to Cortez when heading in that direction. It is also the route suggested by Mapquest as the most efficient. The distance listed by Mapquest is 358 miles. An alternate route, that we thought to be shorter distance wise, would be through Buena Vista, but this was 353 miles. And another choice was through Canon City. At a distance of 349 miles, it is the shortest. This will probably be our route.
All three routes require us climbing Wolfe Creek Pass at ~10,800 ft. The Canyon City route has the lowest elevation pass of the alternative passes with Poncha Pass at ~9,000 ft. Going through Walsenburg would require us to ascend La Veta Pass which is ~9,400 ft. Going through Buena Vista takes us over Wilkerson Pass at ~9,500 ft., and after Wilkerson Pass, there is still Poncha Pass at ~9,000 ft. to go over.
44 lbs.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
More Family Cycling History
Cycling was also a source of some significant injuries for me, mostly broken bones; toes, the little finger bone in my right hand, and my collarbone. These injuries had, most of the time, the associated abrasions. When I broke my little finger I was pretty far afield (looks like about 22 to 25 miles one way). I had pedaled up to North Springfield, VT, to get a particular radio tube for a Tesla coil that I was building for a science fair project. I put the tube in my P-coat breast pocket. Not to far out of Springfield on my way back, after speeding over a railroad crossing at maybe twenty mph, the front wheel collapsed. I landed with my right forearm first, protecting the rest of me. (There’s a name for this, but I’ve forgotten. There’s also more to the story as far as the Good Samaritan rescue, maybe later.) Thankfully the radio tube survived the crash unbroken.
With the advent of my drivers license, the bicycle diminished, the automobile increased as well as the distances I traveled.
Fast forward to age twenty-eight, living in Durango, Colorado, where I enjoyed witnessing the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in which some local residents rode and, some of whom I knew. The namesake for this race was the Durango-Silverton railroad, a steam excursion train that traverses an engineering miracle route, as the name suggests from Durango to Silverton. The bicyclists would line up on Camino del Rio (6,500 ft.), and at the departure of the train would then race the train to its destination in Silverton (9,300 ft.). The race would travel the fifty or so mile highway route, over Coal Bank (10,640 ft.) and Molas Pass (10,900 ft.), while the train followed its own impressive route up the Animas River valley. I was impressed enough to purchase a twelve speed Trek road bike. I joined some group rides as well as did some around the town riding.
This Trek is now hanging in our garage in Colorado Springs, and is the bicycle that interested Pi Guy in more than riding it up and down our street.
With the advent of my drivers license, the bicycle diminished, the automobile increased as well as the distances I traveled.
Fast forward to age twenty-eight, living in Durango, Colorado, where I enjoyed witnessing the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in which some local residents rode and, some of whom I knew. The namesake for this race was the Durango-Silverton railroad, a steam excursion train that traverses an engineering miracle route, as the name suggests from Durango to Silverton. The bicyclists would line up on Camino del Rio (6,500 ft.), and at the departure of the train would then race the train to its destination in Silverton (9,300 ft.). The race would travel the fifty or so mile highway route, over Coal Bank (10,640 ft.) and Molas Pass (10,900 ft.), while the train followed its own impressive route up the Animas River valley. I was impressed enough to purchase a twelve speed Trek road bike. I joined some group rides as well as did some around the town riding.
This Trek is now hanging in our garage in Colorado Springs, and is the bicycle that interested Pi Guy in more than riding it up and down our street.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Road Cycling Project, How it Started
It was Pi Guy’s idea. “Wouldn’t it be fun to ride our bicycles to Cortez? “ Cortez being Cortez, Colorado, where we have relatives, Pi Guy’s Uncle, Aunt and cousin, my in-laws. The implied “from” is Colorado Springs, Colorado, where we live. Pi Guy is thirteen years old. I’m his dad, forty-four years older. That ten word question covers about 350 miles.
Something in his question established a bit extra drive in me to chase it down and to not dismiss it as just wishful thinking. Perhaps it was to undertake a collaborative project of a common interest and develop a basis for open conversation over the years to come. But it also hooked into some powerful memories from my own childhood.
A lot of my youth was entwined with bicycle adventures. I always had had a bicycle while growing up, the one speed coaster brake kind, and the three-speed hand brake kind. After moving to Walpole, New Hampshire a friend (now professor at Colorado University) and I would take off on our bicycles and traverse into Vermont and out toward Marlow, Chesterfield & down to Keene from our homes in Walpole. We were about the same age as Pi Guy is now.
These bicycle rides were some that would have been considered longer automobile trips by some of our neighbors. And it was before the time of Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong, so there were no real bicycle heroes for a couple of young rural American boys. We also had no real awareness that there was a sport of bicycle racing. It was for me, at least, the satisfactory combination of friendship, mobility and adventure.
With proceeds from grounds keeping when I was fourteen, a five-speed derailleur Schwinn was one of my first major self-funded purchases. It was high tech, and further fueled my sense of adventure and mobility. I would cycle, solo, an occasional forty or fifty mile round trip to Springfield, Brattleboro, Spofford or Acworth; and Keene was a more occasional destination.
Something in his question established a bit extra drive in me to chase it down and to not dismiss it as just wishful thinking. Perhaps it was to undertake a collaborative project of a common interest and develop a basis for open conversation over the years to come. But it also hooked into some powerful memories from my own childhood.
A lot of my youth was entwined with bicycle adventures. I always had had a bicycle while growing up, the one speed coaster brake kind, and the three-speed hand brake kind. After moving to Walpole, New Hampshire a friend (now professor at Colorado University) and I would take off on our bicycles and traverse into Vermont and out toward Marlow, Chesterfield & down to Keene from our homes in Walpole. We were about the same age as Pi Guy is now.
These bicycle rides were some that would have been considered longer automobile trips by some of our neighbors. And it was before the time of Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong, so there were no real bicycle heroes for a couple of young rural American boys. We also had no real awareness that there was a sport of bicycle racing. It was for me, at least, the satisfactory combination of friendship, mobility and adventure.
With proceeds from grounds keeping when I was fourteen, a five-speed derailleur Schwinn was one of my first major self-funded purchases. It was high tech, and further fueled my sense of adventure and mobility. I would cycle, solo, an occasional forty or fifty mile round trip to Springfield, Brattleboro, Spofford or Acworth; and Keene was a more occasional destination.
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