2024 cycling week 16

The mornings got a bit warmer but the humidity is still low.

I had to stop riding in the 10th gear, it is skipping all the time.

I had a long ride on Saturday through Flatwoods. I don’t know why I can’t ride easier and enjoy more of the ride.

Another good ride on Sunday morning. I went out early to avoid the heat and wind. I avoided the heat.

there was no rider around this spider-man motocycle. maybe he was off fighting crime. he wouldn’t be able to get far in the suburbs with no tall buildings.

This week 124 miles

This year 1,861 miles (+261 ahead for the year)

Streak 1,513 days

2024 cycling week 15

April 8-14

Mornings were not quite as cool. But the wind has been strong this week.

On Tuesday, I rode my bike to the dentist and back for some extra miles.

Wednesday and Thursday were really windy. The weather got cooler but was still fine.

On Saturday, I rode to Sprouts.
I could smell the jasmine while riding through Hunters’ Green. They use it for ground cover.

bottle brush shrub in k-bar ranch

On Sunday I just rode around Meadow Pointe. I had no destination in mind but wanted to ride 20 miles. I sometimes wish I had more choice of routes. But I hate taking the time to drive somewhere and it would going back to my (analog) miles as my e-bike is too big and heavy to transport.

I don’t need to go someplace to enjoy riding.

This week 127 miles

This year 1,737 miles (I love that I am 200 miles ahead of my goal for the year.)

Streak 1,506 days

2024 cycling week 14

I was actually hoping for cooler mornings. The AC went out on Saturday and cool overnight temperatures help cool down the house.

The AC was fixed on Wednesday so I was back to hoping for 60° mornings but I didn’t get my wish. It wasn’t too cold and I rode every morning.

On Saturday, I rode around Wesley Chapel and New Tampa doing some errands. The only concern is being able to stop at more than one store and keep items on my bike safely. Do I need a motorcycle saddle bag? Do they make such a thing for bikes?

I meandered on Sunday riding through Union Park and River Landing.

This week 124 miles

This year 1,610 miles

Streak 1,499 days

2024 cycling week 13

Mornings weren’t too bad this week. I was concerned about forecasted thunderstorms on Thursday but they stopped before I woke up.

I got in an extra ride on Friday meeting friends at a bar.

I rode to The Grove on Saturday for an excuse to buy chocolate.

On Sunday, I rode down to Tampa Palms. I rode over the interstate on New Tampa Road instead of trying to ride past the entrance on BBD. This was difficult with my regular bike but a breeze with the e-bike.

This week 131 miles

This month 535 miles

This year 1,486 miles

Streak 1,492 miles

2024 Cycling week 12

It was really cold on Wednesday and Thursday but I managed to stay warm enough and ride in the mornings.

It rain d on Friday morning. I wore my (cheap) poncho. My legs were wet because the poncho doesn’t cover them. My body was soaked from sweat. So I ordered a better poncho from CleverHood.

Saturday was a ride to Sprouts.

Sunday was a casual ride against the wind. I came back and Cleaned bike and lubed chain

Realized what the noise is when I ride over 18 mph. The chain hits the guard

This week 118 miles

This year 1,354 miles

Streak 1,485 days

2024 cycling week 11

The week started out cold. I didn’t want to switch back to afternoon rides because they are shorter.

I found that I can still be warm

Enough if I wear a thin base layer with my winter jacket.

It warmed up as the weekend approached.

On Saturday, I ran errands and came home with honey, and groceries and plants. It wasn’t much but I could feel the weight slow me down some. I wonder what a full load will feel like?

On Sunday, I road before lunch. I tried to make it casual but then I sped up to get back home so I could leave again for lunch. I hope I can somehow make it on my bike with pizza and fries still hot.

This week 120 miles

This year 1,237 miles

Streak 1,478 days

2024 cycling week 10

Back to weekday cycling in the morning! There isn’t much to look at in the dark but it is nice to get it out of the way.

On Saturday, I rode down to Sprouts. I am trying to make weekends more for casual rides and not long workouts. But with the weather getting warmer, I am still sweating quite a bit. I will probably wear gloves if it is over 80° because my hands get sweaty and I hate that feeling on the handlebars.

I still had 68% battery so I didn’t charge it after Saturday’s ride. Part of my wanted to go shopping but I knew I would be cutting it close with the strong winds. So I just did a long loop instead.

This week 113 miles

This year 1,117 miles

Streak 1,471 days

2024 cycling week 9

stopped for school traffic on monday

Monday & Tuesday were still cold in the morning so I rode in the afternoons.

I am learning to just ride a moderate pace, not trying to go harder, just longer. It is nice not being too sweaty when I get home.

The afternoons are getting warmer and windy. I came home a bit sweaty on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is time to switch back to my morning ride.

I rode in the morning on Thursday.

It was quiet and dark.

February mileage 493

Streak 1,462 days = 4 years

On Saturday I rode back to Oliver’s to have the front panniers installed.

ominous clouds on the way home

On Sunday, I rode up to a friend’s house and stayed whiled it rained outside.

This week 119 miles

This year 1,004 miles

Streak 1,464 days

I love that I am a week ahead of goal.

2024 cycling week 8

More cold mornings this week.

I have completed my Apple Watch February challenge so I no longer need to exercise 103 minutes each day. I did an easier ride on Monday afternoon but then felt guilty by Tuesday and did 18 miles.

On Wednesday, I rode to the dentist. It was very cold!

Then I rode to the Oliver’s to see about a chain. They couldn’t do it then so we scheduled it for Saturday. Another 18 mile day!

On Thursday, I did another 18 miles after work.

I tried riding slower on Friday. I did OK for about an hour then got bored.

On Saturday, I rode my bike to Oliver’s, the local bike shop. It was time for a new chain, cassette and overall check of my e-bike.

I went to Panera while it was being worked on.

I ordered the front panniers and asked about an extra battery. It is not yet available.

I rode home the long way.

I did a long ride on Sunday mostly to get in my exercise minutes and it was a beautiful day.

This week 129 miles

This year 885 miles

Streak 1,457 days

2024 cycling week 7

Monday and Tuesday were warmer but I have gotten used to being lazy before work. I should be sleeping in but spend the extra time playing puzzles and games.

I rode to the dentist on Monday. The appointment was in the afternoon so I had to rush to get there. I went the long way home.

I found myself not having the motivation to ride hard. I try to listen to my body and I guess it just wants me to take it easier despite the longer rides.

It rained most of the weekend. On Saturday, I went out to run some errands in the drizzle and managed to get very wet. I prepared better for Sunday, I wore my poncho but my legs and feet got wet.

This week 94 miles

This year 756 miles

Streak 1,450 days