Basic_B

I started my ride a little later this morning than usual. I didn’t hit the road until after 8 AM. I just felt like enjoying the extra hour of sleep. Plus, now that it isn’t so hot one of the primary reasons for starting super early has been removed.

Anyway, I did 41 miles with an average speed of 16 mph. It was a fairly hilly route, particularly at the beginning and then right at the end again, which kind of hurt.

There’s only a week to go now, so if you haven’t made a donation now is your chance, I would really appreciate your help. You can help me reach my fundraising goal for the Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood 2009 by sponsoring me. It’s easy. Just click this link and then click the donate button to make a donation.

Marcella and I did a nice 16 mile ride yesterday evening. I adjusted her front derailleur prior to the ride and I think she was a little happier with the gearing options she had on the hills. She couldn’t shift onto the small chainring previously.

This morning I did a 39 mile solo ride. It was a nice morning out. A little cool to start. I averaged 16 mph and climbed 1469 feet. I was chased by dogs twice. One time by a really tiny little dog that was fast as hell. I thought the little thing’s heart was gonna explode he kept right behind me for so long.

Now I’m watching the Panthers season opener against Philadelphia. It’s not going too good right now.

Now for the reminder. You can help me reach my fundraising goal for the Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood 2009 by sponsoring me. It’s easy. Just click this link and then click the donate button to make a donation.

Just returned from my Sunday morning ride, and now waiting for the cable guy to arrive. I was surprised when they suggested he could come by Sunday morning, but it worked for me because it meant I didn’t have to take off any time from work.

I did 30 miles with a 16.6 average. Getting better. Because I knew I couldn’t do a longer ride I pushed pretty hard in a couple of places where I would ordinarily lose pace. I think that’s a good training habit. Still not where I would prefer to be, but shows a little improvement.

Marcella and I went out for a ride last night too, and did 15.6 miles. It was her first time back on the bike in a while. I’m impressed at how she did, on a couple of the longer hills she had to dig down and power her way through—keep the head down and just keep turning the pedals over and eventually you make it to the top. She did good. I rode the fixie which helped even things out a little bit. Even though it wasn’t as intense of a ride as I might do sometimes by myself, I think it probably helped this morning. My muscles seemed like they got warmed up a little quicker. It wasn’t as much of a shock to the system.

Not much wildlife to report: a few dogs, a jogger, and a single bunny. Pretty morning though. A little bit cool right at the beginning, but then either I got warmed up enough that I didn’t care or the sunlight heated things up a bit—probably a little of both.

Later today I might try and do a little yoga to loosen up and stretch some muscles out, and then there will likely be the obligatory Sunday nap. Oh, and the Vuelta España is underway, I might try and catch a little bit of that online at Universal Sports.

Now for the reminder. You can help me reach my fundraising goal for the Bike MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood 2009 by sponsoring me. It’s easy. Just click this link and then click the donate button to make a donation.

I took an evening ride tonight after work. The weather has turned really beautiful this week with cooler temperatures and light that is starting to feel like Fall. I know we will still have plenty of really hot days left in September, but for at least this week things have been less oppressive.

As for the ride, it was my first time on the bike since 8/23, so about a week and a half. That’s not good. While I can get on my bike and ride 50 miles, I can’t do it with any kick, and I won’t get that kick unless I start spending more consistent time in the saddle.

I did 17.4 miles this evening and averaged 16.2 mph. I was out for just over an hour. I would like to be doing that same distance and more with an average over 17 mph, so that’s how far I have to go, and there’s only about a month now before Tanglewood.

Marcella and I have made some plans to get out and ride together on Saturday morning. She also needs to start preparing a little bit, and getting back into bike form. And then we may both do solo rides on Sunday morning. I know I’m planning on doing a longer solo ride then. So it’s looking like a big bicycling weekend.

Now for the reminder. 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.

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?