Crunchy

October 12, 2010 saw us leave a little before the 5:30 pm start time. We are trying to make use of all the daylight we can find. 22 miles at 13.6 mph.

Our wheels made crunching sounds as we rolled over the dry leaves on the trail. One could almost imagine locomotive sounds as we passed miles of rail-trail. The crunching sounded like steam, whistling wind, or singing steel as our wheels crushed through the leaves.

It will only be a few weeks until the sun is low enough we can't get an hour of riding in after 5:30. I'm already looking forward to next year!

October 5, 2010

Not much happening this time of year. The days are shorter and cooler. "Let's ride where we can stay in the sun," was the quote of the day. We had a good ride with 28 miles covered at an average speed of 13.0 mph.

The new parts of the Cardinal Trail are exciting. The trail lures us farther and farther. Hope to ride to Muncie soon.

Big Trees

Our stop in the Humbolt Redwood State Park put us in big trees. We camped in a second growth area with trees growing in rings from the stumps of big trees that were cut years ago. There were bear proof boxes for us to put our food and items that had touched food in.

Our next stop took us thru Fernbridge, Ferndale, Rio Dell and Scotia, California. The road lead thru Stafford, Pepperwood, Redcrest, Weott, Myers Flat, MIranda, Phillipsville, Redway, Garberville, and Benbow, California. We stayed at Richardson Grove State Park.

Piercy was one of the next towns, and at Leggett we began our journey on route 1. There was a climb from around 500 feet above sea level to over 1500 feet above sea level. Then we made a ten mile descent to the ocean and on to Westport. It was interesting to go from the big trees to the ocean in one day. The sounds and smells of the waves were different from the silence of the forest.

Cleone, Fort Bragg, Mendocino and Albion, California were towns we traveled through. After Elk, California we camped near Manchester, California. Some of our group hiked about one mile to the beach and experienced the very cold water of the Pacific Ocean. It seems there is a Humboldt Current that flows past Alaska and brings cold water down the coast. The water in the ocean is always cold.

On through Point Arena, Ca., we traveled through Anchor Bay, Gualaia, Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point, Ca. The day was rainy and cold, so we stopped at Fort Ross, Ca., and spent our only night in a small motel. All the shivering riders were happy to be in rooms instead of tents.

After Jenner and Bodega Bay, Ca. we turned inland to go through Valley Ford and Tomales, Ca. On through Marshall, Ca. to a camp near Pt. Reyes Station put us in our final night in tents.

We road Sir Francis Drake Blvd through Samuel P Taylor State Park and our last views of Redwoods. On to Lagunitas, Woodacre, Fairfax, Ca. Then through San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur and Gorte Madera, California put us in Sausalito. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, California and the trip was over.

California

We have made our way down the Oregon coast, staying at Sunset Bay State Park, Port Orford, Brookings, and in the Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park. Through Trinidad, and stayed last night between Arcata and Eureka, California.Tonight should be in Burlington Camp Ground in the Humbldt Redwoods State Park, near Weott, California.

Wild Coast Trip

Started our bicycling from Eugene,OR. and pedaled to Florance, OR. the first riding day. It rained for first day and night. Some sun on first ride and then rain again. Everything is wet. Logging is a large business in this part of Oregon. We encountered fast, noisy, logging trucks hauling huge loads of wood. I'll post some pictures of logged areas when I can.

From Florence we cycled to Sunset Bay State Park, near Charleston, OR. Some of the riders went down to Cape Arago and saw sea lions, seals and surf.

Friday, 9/10/2010 we are on the way to Humbug State Park, near Port Orford, OR. Fishing is one of the local ways of making a living. Fresh crab, and other sea food are for sale. I enjoyed a salmon burger. Wind off of ocean is cold.

Neighborhoods

8/24/2010 was a short slow ride. 10.7 miles at 10.6 mph average. We stopped early so one rider could get back the the church council meeting that evening. Still a good ride. We talked about houses and where various folks lived or had lived, as we rode thru neighborhoods near the church.

Around and Around

This evening's ride was 22.3 miles at a 13.3 mph average. We tried something for the first time. Instead of meeting at First English Lutheran Church, we met at the Cardinal Trail parking lot adjacent to Industires Road. I stayed at the church until our normal 5:30 p.m. start time and then drove to the parking lot. At 5:45p.m. I was on the bike and riding north on, the as yet unopened section of, the Cardinal Trial.

We covered just a little over eleven miles before there was no more pavement to ride on. The paving machinery, in the middle of the trail, required we dismount and walk around. Toward the north end of our journey there was a bridge not yet repaired that we also had to go around. Other than those two obstacles, our wheels went around and around.

Oficially this portion of the trail is not open yet. In the short time we were riding, there were at least twenty folks using the trail. It was a testiment that there will be demand for the completed trail. Families, couples, single riders and friends hiking were all eager to enjoy the benefits that this railtrail offers. It will sure be nice when it is complete. It's wonderful already.

Promise of things to come

Tuesday 8/10/10 was mostly on the Cardinal Trail. The section of this trail north of Industries Road has seen a lot of work in recent weeks. The base coat of asphalt is in place for several miles. Although the trail is narrow on this coarser aggregate, it is still an enjoyable ride.

We traveled 20 miles with an average speed of 12.9 miles per hour. Time constraints were a factor in our ride. With more time we would have continued north. The trail certainly holds a promise of good rides to come. We talked about riding to Muncie, Indiana in the near future.

It is a credit to the persistence of interested members in our community that the Cardinal Trail is near to adding many miles for folks to enjoy. Bicyclists, joggers, and I'm sure a few pet walkers will all benefit from the beauty and safety of the soon to be completed sections of this rail trail.

You gotta have heart

Tuesday 8/3/2010 saw a quicker ride that usual. We rode 15 miles at an average speed of 13.6 mph. Now I know that doesn't sound very fast; but, when you consider we started through town at our usual relaxed pace, and stopped for traffic signs and lights, and rode several hills, it was a good workout. Once out of town we raced down a hill, approaching 30 miles per hour. Then the race continued up the hills and out of the valley we had descended into. I remember thinking that my mind wanted to do the things I did in my youth. Sprint, stand on the pedals, and spin up hills were my mind's goals. The heart with clogged arteries, and a stent, didn't agree with that thinking. I'm happy with my physical condition, especially for my age. I just had to realize I can't keep up with younger or lighter riders. You've got to have a healthy heart to race like a kid.

Cycling is...

Tuesday evening, July 13, 2010. My brother rode with us. For someone who is primarily a softball player, his riding a bicycle was a brave act. He had no problem keeping a good pace and it was great to show some of the trail we ride. We covered 11.1 miles at an average speed of 10.3 mph.

The ride would have been longer but, near the north end of our portion of The Cardinal Trail, it rained. We rode home in rain. An interesting comment, after the ride ended, was, "Bicycling is all wet." We were able to smile about the rain and tried to recall the first half of the ride, which was dry.

Happy Birthday

Tuesday 7/6/2010 - One of our members was going to celebrate his 70Th birthday tomorrow! 11.8 mph average and 12.3 miles. A new rider to the group was there to, "Get back into riding again," since his triathlon age group had changed. He just celebrated his 65Th birthday. I rode with this triathlete years ago and it was exciting to see him back on the road. When asked if we had bumped the pace up too much, the reply was, "If we had gone any faster you would have lost me." We do get a little excited from time to time. Our speed will still be what the slowest rider can tolerate.

Other accomodations are extended if a rider requests. This ride was only about an hour in length because one of the riders voiced a need to be back in town for a 7:00pm party. Our goal is to experience an hour or more exercise and meet the needs of each member of the group. Join us for an enjoyable evening any Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

Ride Between the Hedge

Tuesday June 29, 2010 was the last ride of June this year. 20.1 miles at an average speed of 13.3 made an enjoyable evening. The temperature was in the low seventies and humidity was low. A north wind encouraged us to ride that direction first so that we would have a wind assist coming home. There was an comment this evening, when we were on the unfinished portion of the Cardinal Trail, north of Industries Road. As we rode side by side, between "Jewelweed" (Impatiens capensis) plants that were at least waist high, he said, "It's almost like riding between rows of hedge." We eagerly await the completion of this trail and know there are many folks using it already.

I will say that the wild raspberries, along the nearly completed Cardinal Trail, have been harvested as quickly as they ripen. Certainly there are many resources that are utilized by trail users. It isn't just a trail to walk or bicycle on. The sights and coolness under trees are just a few of the wonders to enjoy.

A Few Hills

Tuesday June 22, 2010 was a northern route. We managed to get into hills on Buttermilk Road, Weiss Road, and Smyrna Road, north of route 121. One of our riders was hopeful to be able to ride up Elks Country Club Road south of the railroad tracks. After riding up and down most of the evening that last hill was not a problem. Our evening tour covered 11.9 miles at an average speed of 11.3 miles per hour. Church Council meeting and another event caused our ride to be shorter than usual. We try to accommodate the needs of each rider.

A highlight of the evening was a stop at one of the artisan springs in Glen Miller Park. The water has been cool and refreshing for generations. I am always surprised by the number of people who visit these springs and wonder if there really are benefits from the mineral water.

Murals

Our evening ride visited six walls in Richmond where work on murals has been started for our "Festival of Murals." It was exciting to see the progress and to know that more art work will soon adorn walls in our community.

We rode 18.1 miles at an average speed of 12.3 mph. Another great ride with good fellowship.

The Palladium-Item ran these words in an article recently:
"Nine artists have been selected to paint murals for this summer's Festival of Murals in Wayne County. In Richmond, six walls have been selected and matched with the following artists:

•Damon Reed of Chicago at Pete's Corner Cafe, 168 Fort Wayne Ave.;

•Diana Toschlog of Richmond at the Parker Company Building, 923 N. E St.;

•Justin Montavon of West College Corner at Bertie's Music Bar, 1129 E. Main St.;

•Joe Thompson of Center at Richmond Civic Theatre, 1003 E. Main St.;

•Amy Rheinhardt-Jackson of Indianapolis at Firehouse Restaurant, North D and Eighth streets;

•Mark Gardner of Centerville at Paust Printers, 14 N. 10th St.

•Amy Mitchell of Eaton, Ohio, will paint a mural on the Logston Building, also known as Grandview Pharmacy in Hagerstown; Carly Mattingly of Cambridge City will paint on the National Road Antique Mall in Cambridge City; and Pamela Bliss will paint on the US Bank building in Cambridge City."

What? Wet weather.

We determined to ride for an hour even with the threat of rain. At 12.6 miles, with an average speed of 13.9 mph, we didn't quite make our goal. Someone coming out of the church, before we began, said that it is sometimes more enjoyable to ride in the rain.

Attitudes toward bicycle riding in the rain are probably as numerous as riders. Many parts of the world, and some parts of our country, take rain in stride. If the local climate is wet, there is really no choice but to ride in rain. There are certainly many tools that a bicyclist can use to make rain more tolerable, if not enjoyable.

It is important to stay warm. Rain jackets and pants can hold moisture in so that the rider gets wet from a different direction. Some of the more sophisticated products "breath" and let body moisture out. A good quality rain jacket is probably the minimum that a bicycle rider in the rain needs. My experience is that the rider will be wet at some point in the rainy expedition. Keeping warm prevents the body from entering hypothermia. There are booties and shoe covers by the handful to choose from. An, "if all else fails" solution is to use empty bread sacks between socks and shoes. This won't necessarily keep you dry, but it will help stay warm. It becomes more important to be aware of drivers when it is raining since many don't expect to see bicyclists.

No Hills

Tuesday, June 1, 2010. This evenings ride was with three riders and we covered 18.4 miles at a pace of 12.9 mph. It was a sunshine evening with very little wind. One of the riders commented that the time for the ride wasn't a problem as long as we didn't get into hills.

We are fortunate to be able to find relatively flat routes or choose to head for the hills. Continental glaciation, in our geologic past, left moraines that Richmond is just on the edge of. We can choose to ride the out wash plains, which are flat. Going another direction puts us into the piles of earth the glaciers left behind, which we call hills. Tonight's ride was mostly flat and everyone was satisfied.

There is always time to talk while we ride. Fellowship is an important part of each weekly ride. Our pace is peaceful enough that everyone can keep up and rigorous enough that our heart rates are up.

We Wind Again

May is supposed to have flowers brought by April showers. There are still threats of thunderstorms in May. In fact, there are storms, and showers, and frosty mornings, and just about as much weather as a bicyclist would want. I suspect the threat of thunderstorms kept some of our riders from coming out tonight.


Only two intrepid riders fought the west / southwest wind. Our average speed was 11.7 miles per hour and the distance was 14.7 miles. In spite of the wind we had an enjoyable ride with pleasant conversation. The invasive wild honeysuckle was blooming at its best. The air along the trail was thick enough with their perfume that it was almost chewable. Another invasive, cressleaf groundsel (senecio glabellus), was filling fields with its yellow blooms. A lot of people mistake this plant for wild mustard. It has only been in this area since about 1988.

Wind will continue to blow in our lives and on our bicycle rides. I still feel we are winners when we brave the wind and complete our goals. We wind again is an appropriate statement for the completed effort. May many of our winds be from behind.

Delicious

A cool evening and lots of spring tasks reduced our number to two. We had a very enjoyable ride into a north wind. It isn't very often that the wind blows from the north, so we got to ride roads we seldom travel. Spring trees still bloomed and the views we shared from glacial deposited hill tops were gorgeous. Topping the beauty of the trees was an aroma so strong it was palatable. The lilacs were at their peak and the odor was delicious. It was almost as if we occasionally rode into an invisible cloud of perfume. The sweet smell was nearly enough to knock one off of the bike.

Our average speed was a lesurely 10.8 miles per hour and the trip only 15.7 miles. I found a nickel and picked it up. The treasure of a few cents was an small reminder to me that opportunities come to us and we can find them. Each bicycle ride is an opportunity, and I was thankful to be blessed liveing in a country where they can be taken advantage of. We also met several people on the Cardinal Trail who one of our riders knew. These were reminders that relationships are important and should be nurtured. I'm already looking forward to the next ride.

Colorful Clouds

The colorful clouds of Tuesday's ride were the blooming redbud trees. They appeared as wisps of purplish-pink floating in the forest. The Cardinal Trail portion of the ride included sections that were Redbud tunnels.

It really was a beautiful ride. There were wild flowers to behold as we rode by, multiple species of blooming trees, and birds. We came upon a green headed mallard duck and were treated to a splashing take off. Clumps of Trillium pointed their triangular blossoms to the sky. Sprinklings of small white blooms dusted the forest floors adjacent to the road. Even Phlox flowers flowed over walls in town. It was an enjoyable ride.

Five riders participated and our distance was 18.5 miles. A first time this year rider joined us and we changed the pace to include everyone. The average speed for this ride was 10.9 miles per hour. I'm always grateful for a safe ride and everyone seemed in good spirits when it was over. A good start to another year.

Drafting

Had an interesting experience on Sunday's ride. The wind was from the southwest and I was riding south. This put the wind mostly on my right side. From the corner of my eye I detected a motion. Glancing over, I saw a bumble bee coming toward me from behind and to my left. The big bee approached to within about two feet, then dropped back and farther to my left. It's next maneuver was to speed up and come back to within the two foot distance. To my amazement, the bumble bee was drafting along beside me. It was my first bee peloton! We continued for a few hundred feet with the same relative positions. I decided to see if the drafting insect's behavior was just my imagination, so I quickly slowed. The bee flew right across the road, in front of me, and continued on its original southwesterly direction.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but it was fun to imagine I was leading the bumble bee breakaway. The opportunity to observe a flight just a few feet away was delightful. When they crawl around on a flower, bees are easy to see. Their flight is usually erratic and zig-zagging. To see one relatively still while it was flying was a treat. Sure would have been great to know where it was going.

Spring Green

Our ride this evening was with only two riders. We covered 18.5 miles and the average speed was 12.1 miles per hour. Each of us commented on enjoying the sunshine. I found two pennies and we were treated to seeing the first red-winged blackbird this spring. They are an ever present sight during the summer, but it was nice to see the first one of the season.

The winter wheat is sprouted and turning green. Those blades, less than an inch in length now, almost seem to explode out of the ground. One comment from a rider was, "Is your yard that green?" He was noticing yards in town that are a strong spring green already. I suspect the addition of chemicals helped some of the yards we saw. Every one of them was not as green. Even algae in shallow pools of water seem to be greener than it was just a few days ago.

Peepers

March 16, 2010 was the first ride our group took this year. 18.4 miles and an average speed of 11.5 mph. The temperature was in the low fifties, on the Fahrenheit thermometer, and there was a noticeable wind from the north / northeast. Found a dime to start the year off right with coin pick ups. The sun shining was what made the ride good, but the best part of the ride was hearing "peepers". At least that is what my family has always called them.

The spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is a small chorus frog widespread throughout the eastern USA and Canada. I have always counted it as a good indicator that spring is soon to be upon us. The Crocuses have popped up, Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) are back circling in our sky, and we noticed the buds on Maple trees swelled up and ready to shed their bud scales.

There was a lot of snow, this year, in March. It was great to be back out in the sun and riding with friends. Weather permitting, we will be back next week at 5:30pm for another adventure.

Sooner Would Be Nice

I finished February with a twenty mile ride. It was still cold, with temperature in the low thirties. This year has been a good one in spite of the fact that my fenders were very useful. Slush and wet roads made having the fenders almost a necessity. Rides have ranged from ten to twenty-five miles every weekend during the year.

There are more and more bird sounds while I ride. The smell of skunk was evident this Sunday. Both the sounds and the smell are good indicators that the weather will warm up. I am ready for better weather and sooner would be nice.

It's Getting Noisy

Sunday's ride was bright and cold. The roads still had snow cover in places and I discovered it was delicate to ascend a hill that had ice on it. There was an odd feeling when the back wheel spun as I tried to put power to the pedals. Wind out of the west fooled me because it seemed to be from the south. I spent several minutes headed east to get to a good southbound road. Just a zip up of my vest helped to keep out the westerly breeze when I turned back that direction and found myself riding into the wind.

It was a nice ride, with everything still snow covered, the sky was its delightful blue, and the temperature was in the low twenties. The best part of the ride was hearing so many birds! It almost sounded like summer with all the Robins singing their praises to the sun. Compared to just a week ago, there was a lot of noise. It was encouraging to think that warm weather will arrive. I still don't know how soon, but there are more and more signs it is going to get here.

Never stop looking

Church meets every Sunday it is possible. With level 2 and level 3 snow emergency conditions posted by local law enforcement agencies it was more difficult to get around. Fortunately for me the church plowed their parking lot. Last weekend the snow was nearly a foot deep everywhere, except the parking lot.

After our church service I was able to make my way over snow covered streets to First English Lutheran Church. There was bare asphalt available all around the church! I'll admit that it only takes a little over two tenths of a mile to circumnavigate the parking lot. You can imagine it was several circuits to accomplish the eight miles I wanted for the ride. I rode counterclockwise, clockwise, down and up the small hill that is the drive, and even round in circles on one side of the lot.

The sky was blue and wispy white clouds complemented the view. I could still hear birds, and for nearly two circuits, the carillon played its preset melodies. Cars periodically left the parking lot from some afternoon event in the church. Watching the clouds move, listening to sounds, and enjoying the beautiful snow on bushes and trees helped me pass the time quickly. I'm always amazed at the sensual inputs available for the solo bicycle rider. Never stop looking, would be my advice to any rider.

Good Bicycling Weather

When I ride in twenty-degree winter weather, with the wind blowing, and slush deposits growing between tire and fender, it would be easy to concede to the feelings of cold. Instead, I enjoy the interplay of sun, snow and shadow. First, there is to behold, the contrast, of dark lines extended from trees, with the white brightness of the snow they lay upon. Then I remember warm summer days, as I see the sun shining on everything it can. The sight, so bright, is enough to make me feel it is heating the land. Only the slim shadows limit the sun lighting up the snow. When I spend my time seeing these sights from this perspective, the cold is far from my mind.

More wonders await my searching eyes and stories begin to emerge from my reading. There comes a line of punches in the snow. This sequence of holes shows where a deer walked, or ran. Some fields have only a few of these wandering hoof-punched paths. There are other fields that show more than one deer trip through the pristine snow. Only a few openings in the woods reveal what appears as if there could have been a deer party. In these few there are many trails crisscrossing everywhere. I can only wonder or imagine where the paths lead, or from where they came. I only see where they cross my path. Surely, I imagine, these trails of holes are markers of a search for safety or sustenance. The spacing of some indicates a change of pace. A walk seems to have become a run, as the holes stretch farther apart. Fences have interesting hole punches, on both sides of them, that show the fence was nearly not there when the deer passed.

Other warm bright treats along the ride are birds. A Cardinal seems even redder against the white of snow. Its color is like a flame burning a spot on the branch of a bush, or a blaze as it crosses the sky. A Blue jay makes his warning noise, telling all around that I am near. It has been said that the Blue jay is obnoxious with its noise and aggressive behavior. I welcome the sound on quiet winter rides. On January 9, 2010 I saw Robins searching for food in the snow. I know they stay around most of the year, but I associate them with sounds of summer. It is always pleasant to see the "red" breasts of these familiar birds and think of warm summer times. I remember hearing Robins chirping the summer sun up and singing a goodnight to a warm humid evening. Occasionally a hawk will swoop through the sky and pick a tall branch to perch upon. Hawks radiate strength that speaks to me of assurance and swiftness. I need this reminder that returning warm days are sure to come soon. Flocks of smaller birds inhabit the edges of my route. I see small tracks searching for something they need. Perhaps a bit of salt, or the melted snow making water, is their goal. All of the activity lets me know there is life in the cold world, and that is a warming thought.

Soon the ride is done and I am peeling off layers of clothes. Now I know my toes are cold and my nose needs blowing. Fingers feel for a warm cup. It is enjoyable to remember the sights I saw and have my heart warmed by the life that I was just treated to see. "Soon there will be some good bicycling weather," I am told. I just had some great cycling weather and look forward to the next ride.

New Year 2010

My first day of 2010 was 24 miles. The wind was out of the northwest and temperature starting was 14 degrees F. Even with ice in my whiskers it was a wonderful day.

Clothing has improved so much that a rider can be comfortable even in extreme temperatures. I would encourage riders to avoid cotton garments, cover foreheads, fingers and toes with synthetics, and use something that will stop wind on the upper body. Neoprene shoe covers, ski gloves, and a bright vest work for me.

I'm looking forward to a great year with as much bicycling as can be fitted in. We are planning to have an evening event, where tire changing and a few other maintenance practices can be learned, sometime in March or April. I'll try to advertise it well in advance.