Monthly Archives: August 2009

Uneventful Ride

Posted on by
Reply

I got in about 33 miles this morning. The ride was pretty uneventful. Other than the donkeys early on the route, I don’t think I saw much wildlife beyond geese until right at the very end when I saw a bunny.

I started the ride strong, and was averaging 17 mph after the first 10 miles or so, but then I hit the hills and the headwind and there went the average. At the end I think I only averaged about 16.2 mph. Still, it was a nice morning out. The humidity is fairly high, but the temperature is mild.

I’m sleepy now. I’ve got some coffee, but we’ll see if I remain awake or if I go ahead and conk out for an hour.

Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood 2009

Posted on by
3

Today I’m writing about a cause that’s important to me and a cause that I know you will want to support. I have decided to join in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) by cycling in Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood, and I’m asking you to join me in this important fight by sponsoring me.

The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. Every hour someone is diagnosed with MS. Currently there is no cure.

The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. Of those, 2,300 live in central North Carolina. That’s why I’m riding in the Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood and I’m asking you to help me make a difference.

You can help me reach my fundraising goal by sponsoring me. It’s easy. Just click this link and then click the donate button to make a donation.

Your support will mean so much to me and the over 400,000 Americans living with MS. Can I count on your help?

Good Training Ride

Posted on by
Reply

I managed a good ride this morning, although I’m pretty beat now. I got back a few minutes ago, and managed 45 miles. I haven’t looked at the rest of the stats yet, but I know the 45 is right. The last 10 miles were tough though. I didn’t have anything left in the tank and just had to set my mind to simply turn the pedals at whatever pace I could, so I know my average speed is probably pretty low. I think I probably need to eat a little better before I go out for a ride of that length.

Somewhere around the 25 mile mark I also had to stop and tighten a spoke on my rear wheel. I’ve been having to tighten spokes after pretty much every ride recently, which tells me something is wrong. Probably time to take the wheel into the shop. I can do a simple home truing, but I don’t trust myself to do a really good job, nor do I have a truing stand. I’m wondering if one of the spokes is partially stripped where it threads into the nipple at the rim.

Not much to report from the road today. Plenty of farm animals I guess: donkeys, goats, horses and cows, and lots of dogs, but none really bothered me. No real wildlife however, except some cranes and herons wading in the lake as I rode past.

There was a stiff headwind coming from the West it felt like, which is also when, and probably a big reason why, I had such a tough time in the last part of the ride—because I was riding right into it.

The Tour to Tanglewood is coming up again pretty soon and I really need to start fundraising, as well as getting into shape for it, so here’s the first mention of it here. If you would like to contribute to the fight against MS, and support me in the Tour to Tanglewood bike ride please click this link and make a donation. Any amount is appreciated, and know that it is for a really good cause. I’ll be making a more focused plea for donations that should be appearing on the blog pretty soon that tells more about the ride and the cause, but I plan to ride at least 50 miles, and am considering options for more. Thanks!