Late October Ride

Nice Day

It is late October and it is Sunny and in the 60's. I did not even have to think about layering today. I was fortunate enough to get most of my chores done yesterday and this morning, so after church (and lunch) I headed out for a short ride.

I only went 16 miles. that was because I really wasn't paying attention to the route and I thought I was further from home than I actually was. I'm not too familiar with the loops north of my house. I do know the roads, but I don't have a sense of how long some of the routes along those roads are. Oh well, I got back in time for the second half of the Pats game.

Lost and Found

I found a brand new, stuffed dolphin in the road. I had just crossed over onto Himmelfarb in Millis when I came across it. I turned around, documented the find (took a picture) and brought it home for my youngest daughter.

Found on Himmelfarb in Millis.

Memorial

I often ride on Miller St. in Norfolk on my way back. It is scenic as it passes through a conversation area. however today it was a little different because I knew that there would be a road side memorial set up for Taylor Meyer of Plainville who's body was recently found.

One of two memorials set up along the bridge on Miller St. which was covered with condolences.

I didn't know her or her family. I couldn't help but think of my own two daughters (7 and 3). I can't imagine how this family much feel to lose their daughter in such a tragic and needless way. You can only protect them so much...

Ed

I saw Ed mowing his lawn as I passed by his house. He said he was going to try and get out for a ride later in the afternoon. I winder if he did. It was a really nice day to get out.

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Riding with the Family

Upper Charles Trail, Milford

I had promised my family that we would do a family ride on Sunday. So we did. It was fun. It was the first time Catherine rode on the Bike Path without her training wheels. It was also our first time riding with Elizabeth in a bike seat.

We parked in the center and went out and back both ways, stopping for lunch in between. Overall we did almost 6 miles. Not bad for a 6.5 year old :-)

Catherine is much faster now that she isn't on training wheels. I think next time we may go to a longer Bike Path.

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To Blackstone and Back

Bonus Day of Riding

This weekend is a big release weekend and I have to go in on Saturday. So in order to rest up, my manager let us have a half day today. I took advantage and went for a ride.

Wild Turkeys!

I headed out not really knowing where or how long I was going to ride for. I knew I wanted to go "west-ish". I toyed with the idea of heading out to Southwick Zoo, but I wanted to be home at a reasonable time. Anyway, as I was riding on Cross Street in Bellingham, I came upon a bunch of Wild Turkeys.

Wild Turkeys. Probably finding refuge in the U.S. this Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend...

Blackstone

I eventually decided to keep the ride relatively short (26 miles it turns out) and when I got to East Blackstone, I kept right on to Elm Street. I had never ridden on that street as I usually head further west at that point. With the exception of the gigantic quarry, it was very scenic.

Nice scenery along Elm St in Blackstone.

Nice Day

It was pretty much perfect weather, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to take advantage of it.

The foliage along High Street in Bellingham.

Bike Shop Afternoon...

When I got back I gave my bike a good cleaning. I washed it to get all the dirt and grime off of it. I also cleaned the chain as it was overdue.

While I was at it I also washed my daughters bike. I figured her chain could stand to be cleaned, however that was tougher than expected. My Park Tool Cyclone Chain Cleaner was difficult to fit around the chain on a bike that small. Eventually I just left the top off and was still able to get het chain pretty clean.

It was difficult fitting a chain cleaner tool around the chain on my daughter's bike.

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Dreary Sunday Ride

Cold, Miserable, and Tired.

Well, the weather forecasts I had seen on Friday for Sunday indicated that it would be a warm and sunny day just like Saturday. It wasn't. It was cold, overcast and even threatened to rain at times. I had the option of going on another group ride with the people I rode with yesterday, however I decided not to. I was still somewhat tired from yesterday's ride (and Oktoberfest party) and I didn't want to have to worry about "keeping up" with a fast group. Also, I wanted to go for a shorter, more relaxed ride. Not to mention that I had to get home and mow the lawn. It had grown tall after 3 weeks.

I layered up and headed out for a 20 mile ride. It was much slower that yesterday's ride. I even felt a few rain drops while I was out.

Rear Derailer

My rear derailer is starting to act up. It doesn't shift smoothly and sometimes not at all in a certain gear range. I'll have to get that looked at.

A Record!

At some point along this ride I had crossed the "1,349 mile mark" for my yearly total. 1,349 miles was my record for most miles in a year so far (in 2006). I may get a few more ride in before I retire the bike for the season...

...or maybe I'll hop on the old 1982 Schwinn Varsity ;-)

Mowing the Lawn...

It took a while. When I was almost done I saw one of the riders I almost joined with this morning, (Paul), ride up the street to his home. Or at least I think I did.

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Saturday Morning Group Ride

Another Chilly Morning

The weather forecast called for Sunny skies and temps in the mid 60's during the day. However I had plans during the day, so my only shot of getting a ride in was during the morning. It was chilly in the morning as you can see from the picture below. Time to gear up.

Another Chilly Morning.

Group Ride

I met up with a group of local riders at 7:30 am. I had ridden with this group once before and got smoked. However I won't get faster if I avoid riding with fast riders.

Climbing...

I hung on to the group for the most part. I mostly got dropped on the climbs. One for the riders was talking about their cycling trip to Portugal and about the serious climbs he did there (not to mention serious food and wine consumption). They very very patient with me and I think they only had to wait for me 3 or 4 times.

At one point I wanted to cut the ride short and drop from the group. I felt like I was holding them back. I'm glad I didn't.

Bill, Tom, and Ed during a more relaxed section discussion the riding, food, and wine in Portugal.

The ride was a hilly ride consisting of just over 2,000" of elevation gain over ~35 miles. Definitely a good workout.

Home Just in Time...

I got home just in time to take a quick shower and take my oldest daughter to her soccer practice.

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