2024 cycling week 6

The mornings were cold but the afternoons were nice.

I rode after work. Because of the Apple Watch challenge, I rode longer in the afternoons. I tried to ride slower but kept finding myself pushing harder.

On Thursday, I rode 3 shorts loops. It is 18 miles and I did it in just over an hour.

I didn’t need to do any big rides for my mileage goal on the weekend. But I still rode longer because of the Apple Watch Challenge.

On Sunday, I rode up to Amber’s and Robert’s house to give them some valentine’s treats. I rode home the long way to get to 103 minutes.

This week 127 miles

This year 662 miles

Streak 1,443 days

2024 cycling week 5

The weather got cold again and I rode in the afternoon after work.

January ended on Wednesday and I had ridden 455 miles.

Saturday’s ride was longer than I usually like. I rode to BurgerFi for one last #BirthdayMonth treat. The closest one is in Odesssa which is 16 miles west of here.

suncoast bike trail

The ride there was OK despite being on a busy and fast road. The ride back was very windy and I got caught at many traffic lights. But the fries were worth it.

By Sunday, I had 98 miles so I didn’t need a big ride. But I ended up doing 17 miles. I was riding more for the minutes than the miles.

This week 116 miles

This year 534 miles

Streak 1,436 days

2024 cycling week 4

Gloomy skies riding home from the dentist

I rode to the dentist on Tuesday. My mouth was numb on the way back but I chewed some gum anyway. It really helps with the dry mouth.

The temperatures got warmer and I was able to ride in the morning, Wednesday through Friday. I like getting in longer rides but I miss the extra free time in the morning.

water station at flatwoods

I had a good ride on Saturday. I rode down Morris Bridge and through Flatwoods. I wanted to redeem my #BirthdayMonth shake from Burger21 and wanted to get in some miles before I got there. I didn’t plan well and wasn’t hungry when I got there. But I ordered some sweet potato fries. The shake was worth the effort.

heath bar shake and sweet potato fries from burger 21

The temperatures are dropping again.

chocolate candy from world market. malteser biscuits are excellent.

On Sunday, I rode to the Grove. I wanted to check out the decor at World Market. I ended up with just chocolate but I got to talk to a guy about my bike.

This week 112 miles

This year 418 miles

Streak 1,429 days

2024 cycling week 3

i received the coffeeneuring patches and stickers in the mail

Another week of up and down temperatures.

I planned to ride 25 miles on both Saturday and Sunday. But I got an invite to drink with friends at Ford’s Garage. I went the long way to get in the miles.

I did get a good ride on Sunday despite the chilly weather.

This week 99 miles

This year 305 miles

Streak 1,422 days

2024 cycling week 1

I am trying something different this year. Instead of documenting each day here, I am just going to do a little post about my week.

My cycling goal this year is to ride 5,000 miles. That is just under 100 miles per week. So I will aim for 100 miles per week and it gives me some leeway in case I need to ride a little less some weeks.

An ideal week would be to ride 15 miles Monday through Friday and 20 miles on Saturday & Sunday which would be 115 miles. Rarely does an ideal week happen so I will do what I can.

The weather was cold this week. I do not like to ride when the temps dip below 50º. I can ride but the ride ends up much shorter.

Monday was New Year’s Day and I got a longer ride in. Tuesday through Friday were chilly and I rode after work. I like that I can start work a bit earlier and quit earlier so I can ride for about an hour before I need to worry about dinner. It was also nice that school was out so I didn’t have to worry about that traffic.

All the rides were around Meadow Pointe. I would stop and take photos of the cows if they happened to be near the fence.

This week 109 miles

This year 109 miles

Streak 1,408 days

2023 cycling week 52

Monday
Christmas Day
Start: Cloudy, 69°F, Feels like 68°F, Humidity 92%, Wind 17 (24) mph from SE
End: Cloudy, 69°F, Feels like 68°F, Humidity 92%, Wind 17 (26) mph from SE
I expected rain so I went out without water.
It was windy (very windy at times) but no rain. I didn't want to ride too far without water.
I rode through Meadow Pointe to SR56. I rode through some new townhomes and then back the way I came.
I rode through Warren Acres Blvd through to Oldswoods. I went back up to SR56 then home. There wasn’t much to stop and photograph. Everything was grey. Even the cows were lying down in the tall grass and I could barely see them from my bike.
18.05 miles
15.5 mph

Tuesday
Start: Cloudy, 71°F, Feels like 72°F, Humidity 83%, Wind 6 (11) mph from NW
End: Mostly cloudy, 72°F, Feels like 70°F, Humidity 78%, Wind 9 (12) mph from NW
Warmer and less windy.
I took a circuitous route through Wiregrass and Seven Oaks to SR54.
I found the Buddhist center and took a few photos. There were workers there painting so I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked. I was invited to look around inside but I felt dirty and sweaty from my ride.
I went around the longer way and found that the pavement ended and the road was not in good shape.
Once I was back on paved roads, I rode to Meadow Pointe and home.
21.44 miles
15.5 mph

Wednesday
Start: Partly sunny, 70°F, Feels like 70°F, Humidity 45%, Wind 9 (13) mph from NNW
End: Cloudy, 69°F, Feels like 70°F, Humidity 47%, Wind 6 (13) mph from NNW
With the wind coming from the NW, I wasn't quite sure where to go. Riding west means crossing I75 and there are not many roads with bike lanes once I get there.
I went north to SR54 then west to Old Pasco Road. There is no bike lane but the should is OK for most of the route to Overpass Rd.
I crossed back over I75 and then south on Boyette. I detoured through the Wesley Chapel Rec Center. I haven't been in years and there is an actual building there now instead of just restrooms.
I was on Boyette near SR54 and a truck with trailer passed me. He had to stop and blocked my path so I had to wait for his to move so I could continue. Jerk.
There wasn't much to see so I only stopped when I had to go lights.
22.54 miles
15.5 mph

Thursday
Start: Cloudy, 59°F, Feels like 58°F, Humidity 94%, Wind 7 (10) mph from N
End: Cloudy, 60°F, Feels like 60°F, Humidity 93%, Wind 8 (10) mph from NNW
I was still cold from my wet walking this morning. It wasn't that cold but I dressed warm. I put on dry socks and my hiking boots. I wore my thin gloves.
I told Ryan I wasn't planning on a long ride. I for one large loop then started feeling warm so I did another. I even did a little extra to make sure I got to 112 exercise minutes for the day (even though I made that Apple Watch goal and no longer need to try.)
21.91 miles
15.6 mph

Friday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 59°F, Feels like 53°F, Humidity 55%, Wind 13 (17) mph from W
End: Mostly sunny, 59°F, Feels like 57°F, Humidity 55%, Wind 13 (17) mph from W
Very windy and chilly.
Placed a bagel order at Panera to pick up on my way home.
I rode up WRB to SR54. I didn't want to cross twice so found a way through several parking lots to cross BBD.

I rode through Seven Oaks then across to the hospital to the mall.
I took my new Abus folding lock but could get it to work with what I was trying to lock my bike to. I still had my u-lock and used that.
The ride home was fine. I was getting too cold to keep riding to get to my 112 exercise minutes. I am at 102.
17.34 miles
14.2 mph

Saturday
Start: Mostly sunny, 56°F, Feels like 60°F, Humidity 69%, Wind 7 (14) mph from NW
End: Partly sunny, 59°F, Feels like 61°F, Humidity 63%, Wind 8 (15) mph from W
Cold and I wanted to stay inside. But I don't want to ruin my streak. I am at 1399 days.
It didn't seem too windy until I was riding into the wind. My Florida blood is just too thin for anything under 60°
I had planned on one loop so brought no water. Of course, I decided to do two laps.
There wasn't too much traffic.
Riding in the sun felt good.
I was trying to get to 84 minutes and I was almost home. So I went to the next street and rode slower. Without the wind, I could hear my chain. It needs some love and lube.
22.10 miles
15.5 mph
1400 days

Sunday
Partly sunny, 67°F, Feels like 68°F, Humidity 52%, Wind 6 (10) mph from W
One loop. No stops.
Chain was noisy so I stopped and gave it some lube. Also added more stickers.
11.28 miles
15.4 mph

This week

This month 531 miles

This year 3,870 miles

Streak 1,401 days

2023 cycling week 51

It got cold this week. So except for Monday, I rode after work in the afternoons.

Monday
Cloudy, 58°F, Feels like 53°F, Humidity 90%, Wind 6 (15) mph from W
Wasn't prepared. My weather app said it felt like 57°. But it was apparent that it felt colder and I wasn't dressed for it. At that point, I decided on just one loop.
I can now ride on the MUP before The Ridge as it is paved. But they are still blocked so I have to go slow around them.
9.54 miles
15.4 mph

Tuesday
PM ride
Sunny, 61°F, Feels like 60°F, Humidity 41%, Wind 9 (14) mph from NNE
Chilly & windy.
Rode the large loop. Cold in the shade.
11.49 miles
15.8 mph

stopped for a school bus

Wednesday
PM ride
Mostly cloudy, 66°F, Feels like 65°F, Humidity 51%, Wind 9 (16) mph from ENE
Got stopped a few times for lights and a school bus. Warmer today.
11.42 miles
16 mph

Thursday
PM ride
Sunny, 71°F, Feels like 69°F, Humidity 36%, Wind 15 (17) mph from NNE
Sunny, warmer & still windy.
Large loop.
11.49 miles
15.5 mph

Friday
PM ride
Mostly cloudy, 69°F, Feels like 68°F, Humidity 62%, Wind 7 (11) mph from NNE
Decided to ride a little easier so I could earn my Apple Watch December challenge. I needed 44 exercise minutes.
School traffic.
Someone moved the barricades on the SR56 MUP so it is easier to get through. Construction hasn't been there all week and I doubt they will show up next week.
10.49 miles
14.4 mph

Saturday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 75°F, Feels like 74°F, Humidity 49%, Wind 13 (17) mph from E
End: Partly sunny, 75°F, Feels like 72°F, Humidity 46%, Wind 10 (18) mph from ENE
Warmer and windy.
I rode up to US301 along SR56.
It would have been a slog on my regular bike but was pretty easy with the e-bike.
There is one spot that is blocked and there is no Sidewalk Closed sign going east. I had to get off my bike to get over the curb.
The return was nice with the tailwind. Actually, it doesn't make much of a difference on the e-bike.
22.59 miles
15.6 mph

Sunday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 73°F, Feels like 71°F, Humidity 69%, Wind 15 (23) mph from E
End: Cloudy, 73°F, Feels like 71°F, Humidity 68%, Wind 12 (22) mph from E
Very windy.
I needed 23 miles and 80 minutes to reach my goals.
I rode up to SR54 east to Fox Ridge Blvd and then back to Meadow Pointe via Chancey.
Traffic was busy for a Sunday but not surprising since tomorrow is Christmas.
Then I extended my ride through KBar Ranch but not enough to make 100 miles this week.
21.09 miles
15.6 mph

This week 99 miles

This year 3,748 miles

Streak 1,394 days

2023 cycling week 50

Monday
PM ride
Start: Sunny, 63°F, Feels like 64°F, Humidity 37%, Wind 8 (14) mph from NW
End: Sunny, 63°F, Feels like 64°F, Humidity 37%, Wind 7 (13) mph from NW
Cold, windy.
Rode up WRB to SR54 to the Post office.
Locked my bike up to a fence by the pre school. Some kids said hi.
PO has a chime on the door that is the same tone as dad's call button.
The ride home was chilly. The sun was going down and no longer helping me stay warm.
16.64 miles
16.6 mph

Tuesday
PM ride
Partly sunny, 70°F, Feels like 68°F, Humidity 55%, Wind 14 (21) mph from NNE
Windy.
I did an easier ride around Meadow Pointe.
11.36 miles
15.0 mph

Wednesday
Start: Cloudy, 58°F, Feels like 51°F, Humidity 94%, Wind 12 (23) mph from NNE
End: Cloudy, 58°F, Feels like 51°F, Humidity 94%, Wind 12 (23) mph from NNE
Very windy.
Two loops.
16.39 miles
14.8 mph

Thursday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 60°F, Feels like 57°F, Humidity 93%, Wind 9 (24) mph from NNE
End: Mostly cloudy, 60°F, Feels like 57°F, Humidity 93%, Wind 9 (24) mph from NNE
Very windy.
Two loops.
16.38 miles
15.2 mph

Friday
Start: Cloudy, 60°F, Feels like 57°F, Humidity 75%, Wind 12 (24) mph from NNE
End: Cloudy, 60°F, Feels like 57°F, Humidity 75%, Wind 12 (24) mph from NNE
Very windy. Two loops.
16.39 miles
15.7 mph

Saturday
Start: Light rain, 64°F, Feels like 60°F, Humidity 92%, Wind 12 (25) mph from NE
End: Light rain, 64°F, Feels like 60°F, Humidity 92%, Wind 12 (26) mph from NE
Ryan was upset with riding in the rain.
The rain was light but the wind was strong. I rode in Tour mode to take it easy and get more ride minutes in.
I left my phone in my pocket because I was concerned the rain might get harder.
Panera has on bike rack that is along the walk. I would block the whole side if I used it. Instead I locked my bike up to the privacy fencing by the patio. (I thought about skipping the lock)
Despite getting a text that my order was ready and on the shelf, I had to ask for it. Then he had to ask someone who had to check.
Panera has paper bags so I put the bagels in a reusable grocery bag to keep them from getting too wet.
I got a cinnamon crunch bagel as my 13th. I ate it when I got home. It is so darn good toasted and buttered.
10.51 miles
11.6 mph

Sunday
Start: Cloudy, 68°F, Feels like 62°F, Humidity 70%, Wind 20 (37) mph from WNW
End: Cloudy, 65°F, Feels like 62°F, Humidity 76%, Wind 18 (34) mph from WNW
Very windy!
I would not have been able to do a full loop, let alone two on my regular bike.
It felt a lot cooler and I am glad I wore long sleeves and tights.
21.39 miles
15.7 mph

This week 109 miles

This year 3,649 miles

Streak 1,387 days

2023 cycling week 49

Monday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 69°F, Feels like 70°F, Humidity 98%, Wind 5 (9) mph from WSW
End: Mostly cloudy, 69°F, Feels like 70°F, Humidity 98%, Wind 5 (9) mph from WSWTwo loops. Foggy.
16.34 miles
15.9 mph

Tuesday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 51°F, Feels like 54°F, Humidity 98%, Wind 2 (5) mph from NW
End: Mostly cloudy, 51°F, Feels like 54°F, Humidity 98%, Wind 2 (5) mph from NW
Cool. Less wind.
17.66 miles
15.9 mph

Wednesday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 55°F, Feels like 53°F, Humidity 85%, Wind 6 (16) mph from NNW
End: Mostly cloudy, 55°F, Feels like 53°F, Humidity 85%, Wind 6 (16) mph from NNW
Had to stop at mile 5, Lost Data Connection. Rebooted the bike. Everything OK. Worse part was trying to put my sweaty gloves back on.
Two loops.
16.37 miles
15.9 mph

Thursday
PM ride
Mostly sunny, 70°F, Feels like 71°F, Humidity 46%, Wind 6 (9) mph from E
Quick loop.
11.39 miles
15.9 mph

Friday
Partly cloudy, 50°F, Feels like 53°F, Humidity 97%, Wind 5 (10) mph from E
Chilly.
One loop plus
14.53 miles
15.5 mph

Saturday
Start: Sunny, 64°F, Feels like 70°F, Humidity 93%, Wind 7 (16) mph from SE
End: Mostly sunny, 72°F, Feels like 74°F, Humidity 77%, Wind 8 (17) mph from SE
Windy
I was on SR56 and entering the MUP at The Ridge when my bike started making a weird noise. I stopped and found a strip of metal stuck in the derailer. I pulled it out and all was well.
I was only planning on 2 loops then realized I wouldn't have enough exercise minutes so I went a bit farther through KBar Ranch.
23.52 miles
15.9 mph

Sunday
Start: Partly sunny, 74°F, Feels like 76°F, Humidity 78%, Wind 9 (19) mph from S
End: Sunny, 79°F, Feels like 80°F, Humidity 64%, Wind 14 (24) mph from SSE
Very windy.
Remembered to ride a little slower in order to get the minutes, not the miles.
Rode to the post office to mail a gift. The kiosk wasn't working.
Rode through Tampa Palms.
Hit most of the red lights on the way home.
23.24 miles
15.0 mph

This week 123 miles

This year 3,540 miles

Streak 1,380 days

2023 cycling week 48

Monday
Start: Cloudy, 63°F, Feels like 60°F, Humidity 93%, Wind 9 (22) mph from NNW
Very windy.
Two loops.
16.33 miles
15.8 mph

Tuesday
Mostly clear, 48°F, Feels like 46°F, Humidity 81%, Wind 6 (17) mph from N
Cold. I layered up and was warm enough for a full loop +.
13.87 miles
15.6 mph

Wednesday
PM ride
Sunny, 65°F, Feels like 67°F, Humidity 36%, Wind 4 (9) mph from N
One large loop.
11.36 miles
16.2 mph

Thursday
PM ride
Mostly sunny, 74°F, Feels like 75°F, Humidity 49%, Wind 7 (12) mph from SE
Large loop. Got stuck in school traffic twice.
Warmer, less wind.
13.36 miles
16.1 mph

This month 541 miles

Friday
Start: Mostly clear, 58°F, Feels like 58°F, Humidity 96%, Wind 4 (11) mph from E
End: Mostly clear, 58°F, Feels like 58°F, Humidity 96%, Wind 4 (11) mph from E
Chilly
Two loops
16:36 miles
15.9 mph

Saturday
Start: Cloudy, 77°F, Feels like 83°F, Humidity 89%, Wind 10 (15) mph from SE
End: Mostly cloudy, 79°F, Feels like 86°F, Humidity 84%, Wind 8 (15) mph from SSE
Cloudy and windy. Took the very long way to Fresh Market for honey.
24.77 miles
15.8 mph

Sunday
Start: Mostly cloudy, 76°F, Feels like 82°F, Humidity 95%, Wind 10 (13) mph from S
End: Mostly cloudy, 79°F, Feels like 84°F, Humidity 78%, Wind 7 (14) mph from WSW
Warm and windy.
Rode down to Tampa Palms. They replaced Tampa Palms Blvd but removed the bike lane in favor of sharrows.
24.61 miles
16.3 mph

This week 118 miles

This year 3,417 miles

Streak 1373 days