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.