Bad Week

Because of very strong winds and lots of rain, my mileage this week is not good.  I only rode 103 miles.  So I'm really hoping  that I can do better next week.  I hear Monday is supposed to be hot so I will get up early and ride and then plant my garden.

 On the bright side, I did see 5 deer this week on my small journey as well as lots of Robins.  I also saw in a field on 9 Mile 3 sand hill cranes.  They are an awesome bird to watch and I even got to see them fly high up in the sky.  I almost went into the ditch, I was so intent in watching them take off.  Their wings are amazing in length and just a cool bird to watch.

   I also saw a chipmunk sitting by his hole and as I rode by he ducked inside of it.  But I wondered if I could be his size what was he thinking as he saw me coming down the trail and my "monster" bike.  I would probably hide too.

    I almost hit a rabbit on the trail as he darted across in front of me.  But he escaped by the fur on his tail and made it safely across.
    Some new flowers are appearing and I did take a picture of some red ones.  I hope Cindy can help me post them when she's home again.  I'll have a long list for her by the time she gets home.
     A lot of other bikers on the trail,  sure don't stop at the stop signs.  I guess they must think it doesn't mean them.  Most of them don't even slow down but just zip across hoping a car isn't there to plow into them.  One of these days, a biker will be getting hit because he or she couldn't take the time to obey the law. 
    Well, hopefully, next time I can have a better report to give to you,  that's in miles and the weather.  ;)

    So see you next time when  I hit the trail and get those miles in.  I now have 853 done which leaves me only 1158 to go.  Yes, I am getting there, one mile at a time. 

Wind, Wind, Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day.

Mon, May 16,  rode 3 times for a total of 38 miles today.  Best yet for miles in 1 day.  It was very, very windy though and at times it felt like the wind was pushing me sideways and then backwards.  

Tues, May 17, another very, very windy day.  I was hoping to get 30 miles in but only made 25.  Saw some pretty flowers along the rail trail.  Seems good to see new life sprouting up.  I wish I could have a few days without wind.  That would be great. 

Wed, May 18,  another very windy day.  I saw 2 deer on my travels but I knew I couldn’t get my camera out of my back-pack in time.  I have to figure out a way to carry my camera on my bike.  It’s to big for my pocket so I need to get me a little bag that would clip to my handle bars.  I managed to ride 25 miles even though it’s church night.  I am happy with that.  I have also been seeing 2 cardinals.

Thursday, May 19,   It rained in the morning when I was at work and then on the way home, it rained again.  I waited for a little while and it stopped so decided to take off and give it a try.  After all, I wouldn’t any more than get wet.  I was going to just ride 5 miles and then ride back for a total of 10, but once I reached my goal, I decided, that I wasn’t wet yet so I might as well keep going.  The sky was dark in one section but light in the other part.  I made 10 miles and turned around.  I rode 2 miles and then it started to sprinkle.  But up ahead, down the trail, the sky was blue and I could see sunshine.  So I was hoping that I didn’t get drenched before I got to the sunny part. 

   I made it to Sanford with only a few rain drops on me and it was cloudy but I couldn’t see any rain clouds.  When I got to 9 mile, it started to sprinkle.  I had not paid attention to the sky and didn’t notice the dark clouds rolling in.  It was a drizzle as I rode along and all of a sudden, I noticed a turtle along side the road.  I knew that I had time to stop and get my camera out as turtle’s don’t move fast.  So I did.  His head was out for the first picture but for the second one, he stuck his head in. 

    I got home without getting drenched and was going to go again after supper.  But it rained and rained and so I will have to settle for 20 miles today.  I now have 670.  Can I reach 700 by Saturday?  We shall see.

Friday:  May 20,   After work, I rode 5 miles to Sanford and then back.  I could only do a short ride as I was taking supper to a friend and I had to get everything cooked.  So after the meal was delivered, I hopped on my bike and rode 10 miles (one way) and then back home.  My total for the day was 30 miles.

Saturday, May 21st, I got up early and left the house at 7:30 to ride into the Tridge.  It was a beautiful morning to ride and with no wind, I made good time--1 hour and 5 minutes.  A lot of joggers were out this morning and a few bikers but I saw those people near the tridge.  On the way home, there wasn't much traffic at all on the trail.
  
  In the afternoon, I went again.  This time half way into Midland, and then I turned around and headed back.  It was some windy but not as bad as earlier in the week.
    After supper, I started out again and did my shortest ride of the day just to Sanford and back.  Because by this time, I was getting tired.  My grand total for the day is 50 miles.  Yes, that is not a misprint.  I broke my personal record today and rode 50 miles.  Not only did I make 700 but I now have 750 miles.  This week I rode a total of 187 miles.  Not bad for a week's work.
My goal is getting closer as I only have 1261 miles left to go.  We only have 5 more days of school left too so that will help me a lot.
     So until next time when the "Tread Meets the Pavement."

Not A Good Week To Ride

Monday wasn't to bad for riding so after work, I rode to Coleman, first time that I have made it there.  10 miles was right to the school sign and then I turned around and started back.  I did see some Easter Lilies.  I know there's another name for them but that's what we have always called them.  After supper, I rode to Sanford, which made my total for the day of 32 miles.

Tuesday, I didn't ride at all as Clif and I went with Curt and Sarah to Mt. Morris to see my brother Don, and pick up the beagle puppy that he had for them.

Wednesday was a little hot and windy.  With it being church night I didn't have much chance to ride but I did get in 2 trips to Sanford and guess what?  I hit 500 miles that day.

Thursday was muggy and hot but I rode anyway and managed to get in another 35 miles.  I think that is my highest as far as miles in one day.

Friday, after work, it was very muggy and hot.  The sky was clear and beautiful with lots of clouds.   But I took off and rode 10 miles.  I had just turned around when I heard it thunder.  I couldn't see that many dark clouds but figured I'd better head for home, because generally if you hear thunder, it means, rain is coming.
I rode about 4 miles and Clif called me and wanted to know if I wanted a ride,  I said, "Well, it's not raining yet."  He said it was raining at home.  So I told him to meet me at 8 mile and I would try to get that far. About 2 miles later, I was going through Sanford, it started to sprinkle and then it poured.  I got drenched.  I called Clif and told him I wasn't going to make it to 8 mile, just pick me up in Sanford.  So my wonderful husband saved me and gave me a ride home.

      I don't mind riding in the rain.  It felt very good, but my glasses get all kinds of spots on them and then I can't see where I'm going so that's a major problem.  I was glad I didn't have to ride another 4 miles when I couldn't see.
     Saturday it rained all day.  So I did stuff around the house that needed to be done and tomorrow, I will get in some more miles, I hope.

   I also saw lots of dandelions.  As kids growing up, our Mom always told us that when we count 100 dandelions, we could go barefoot outside.  So now I don't have to wear shoes outside.  I'm really happy about that.

      My total for the week is 112 miles.  I was hoping for more but I know I will have weeks like that.   That brings my grand total to 563 miles.  So now as the "Tread Meets the Payment", I will only have 1448 to go.

Rough Week to Ride

Monday, I rode even though it was very windy.  I had to push myself to keep going at times.  Much to my surprise, I saw a raccoon in Sanford, just coming out of the ditch along the Railtrail.  Once he saw me, he went back into the bush, but it sure surprised me.  I have never seen a raccoon before in town.  I wanted to stop and grab my camera but he took off so fast that I didn't have time, so I kept on peddling.  I did see 2 geese on the pond again toward Midand.  I stopped and got a picture but not sure if they turned out ok.  If they did, I will have Cindy post them for me sometime when she's home.
     Tuesday was another windy day.  Every time I would coast, it felt like the wind was pushing me backwards and I thought, "this is no good.  I want to go forward".  But I got my miles in.  I didn't see any new animals along the way.  Only a few birds but nothing new.
   Wednesday, more wind.  I will be so glad when I can ride without any wind.  I won't know what to do.  But once again, I got my miles in and was pleased with what I had accomplished even fighting against the wind.
    Thursday was windy again but I started out slow and picked up speed when I could.  It was good just being outside feeling the fresh air.  I saw a few more people on the Railtrail and I had to yell. "Coming through" a few times to get people out of my way so I could go around them.  When I got back home, my day's total was 30 miles.  Boy, I sure earned those miles.

   A rainy Friday kept me from riding much but I did manage to get 1 mile in.  I was hoping that I could make it up on Saturday.
    Today, I woke up and it was chilly.  I rode down to Curt and Sarah's about 7 to let their dogs out but I decided to wait until a little later to ride more miles.
    About 10, I took off and after stopping to the hardware store (for Clif), I kept going toward Midland.  I wasn't sure how far I would go but since it wasn't as windy as earlier this week, I decided my goal was to make it to the tridge.  So that's where I ended up at, turned around and started back toward home.
     The wind wasn't to bad, now and then I would feel a gust, but nothing that I couldn't handle.
      After lunch and resting for a bit, I decided to go for another ride.  I needed 12 miles to reach my goal for the week.  I started out, and I couldn't believe how much the wind had picked up.  This was not going to be an easy ride.  But then when I turned around, it was a little easier coming home and I made good time.  37 miles today. Not bad for a day's work.
    So are you ready for my miles for the week?  (Drum roll please)       125 miles for the week.    Not bad for 5 days of hard riding.   My grand total is 451 miles.  I only have 1560 to go.  I'm pleased with what I did this week but I hope next week is easier riding.
     Until next time "When Tread Meets the Pavement".

Watch out May, here I come.

My goal for today was 20 miles.  It was very, very windy and as I started out this afternoon, I began to wonder how far I should go.  Even down-shifting didn't help me much as I was trying to keep up with the wind.  I rode for 6 miles and told myself that it was just to windy to go any further.  So I turned around and headed for home.  I figured 12 miles was better than nothing.

    After supper, I started out again.  This time I was planning to ride 4 miles and then head back for home.  At least I would have my 20 miles in.  But once again it was very windy and I had to force myself to keep on "trudging" down the road.  I took a different way coming home and when I looked at my mileage thing, I found out that the way I thought was longer was actually a mile shorter.  Great!   Now I have to ride another mile before I could go in the house and relax.  I turned around in my driveway and headed back down the road so I could make up the extra mile.  As I was riding, I decided, "Hey, I'm out here, I might as well ride another 5 miles".  So I kept on going and by the time I got back home, I had my 325 miles in.  I sure worked hard for those miles today, but I did it.  With the 1 mile on my other bike, I only have 1685 miles to go.
 
     I did see some robins today and a couple of blue jays but nothing that I could get a picture of.

Tomorrow starts a new month and I hope I can get more miles in than I have this one.  Hopefully, we have no more snow.
      Until next time, when I take off on my journey and the "Tread Meets the Payment."

Rainy Days

Not much riding this week.  It has rained and rained.  On Tuesday evening, in between thunder storms, I did start out on 9 mile to the Rail Trail.  I was going to ride around the block.  But when I got almost to 8 mile, I heard thunder and thought I should turn around and go back the way I came.  The sky was looking pretty black again.   I figured if I did get caught in a rain storm, I could stop at Curt and Sarah's and at least have shelter while I waited for the rain to stop.  But all I got was a few sprinkles, so I made it home ok.  That was a total of 5 miles for that day.

     After work today, I rode to Sanford and back and as I pulled in the driveway, I looked at my mileage and realized that I wanted to go for another ride later on.  I needed 20 more miles.   So after eating and relaxing a little bit, I took off and rode for 10 miles.  That put me 1 mile past the duck memorial toward Midland.  I saw water, and more water, and more water.  I also saw my first flower along the trail.  And, oh, yeah, did I mention I saw lots of water.  For those of you who don't know the area, theTittabawassee River that runs through Sanford overflowed its banks and the ball park is flooded and in some areas along the trail, there is tons of water.  I also saw 3 deer.  I stopped to grab my camera and the one deer stood there watching me for a minute but by the time I had my camera out, he (or she) had gone back into the brush.  But it was still neat seeing them stand there watching me.
    The bugs are starting to come out now and I don't like them hitting my face as I'm riding.

    On the way back home, I met our good friends and neighbors, Randy & Edwina Novak.  They were on their way home so I rode with them to 8 mile.  They turned and I went straight on the Railtrail to 9 Mile.  It was nice having them to ride with for a while.

    So another day has ended in my quest for 2011 miles.  I did make 301 miles so now all I have left to do is 1710.  At least I made 300 before May 1st.  I'm happy with that.

     In the meantime, I will keep on peddling and I will see you next time, "when tread meets the pavement."

2 More Days of My Adventure.

After a delicious Easter dinner with my family, I took a short nap.  Then I decided to "hit the trail" so I got my bike out of the garage, filled my water bottle and started out.  I wasn't sure how far I would ride but I knew it was a beautiful day and I wanted to be outside in the fresh air.

     There was no wind which was a big relief to me as I rode along.  I went toward Sanford on the Rail Trail and much to my surprise there were hardly anybody riding or walking.  It was a nice change as I didn't have to worry about me running anyone over.  I think I saw 2 people, both on bikes on my whole ride.
   I got to the duck memorial spot which is just outside the city limits of Midland and decided to turn around.  I had made good time as it was easy riding.  When I was going past our neighbor's house--the "Novak's", which is the neighbor closest to our house, I heard people clapping and cheering for me.  I turned around and went to talk to them.  They were all out in the yard and saw me go by.  They are and have been the best neighbors in the whole, wide world.  It was nice to have my own cheering section.  Thanks Novak Family for your support.

       Later in the afternoon before it got dark, I decided to go around the block so I could get 20 miles in.  I actually rode 22 miles so I was happy with that total.

    Yesterday, as soon as I got home from work, I hopped on my bike and rode around the block.  I only had a half hour as I had to take Clif to therapy on his knee.  But I made it in 20 minutes, not bad for changing gears from working to riding.
  
     After supper, I took off  and rode once again to the duck memorial .  It was windy going and several times, I thought that "turning around would be a good thing to do", but I pushed myself and kept on going.  On the way back, the sun was starting to go down but I knew I had time to make it home before dark.  And I did.  My total miles for yesterday was 23.

   Today it's raining and windy but I'm hoping after work to get a few more miles in.  We will see.  I do not ride in the rain (unless I get caught in a rain storm) as I ride for fun and it's no fun to have the rain running off your head, or making my glasses steam up so I can't see where I'm going. 

    So my grand total this year is 269 miles.  It doesn't seem like a lot to me considering I started riding March 17th.  But I have to remember all of the snow days that we had in there, plus there was 5 days that I couldn't ride when Clif had his knee surgery.  I guess, I'm not doing to bad considering everything.  I will keep plugging away as I only have 1742 miles to go.   One mile at a time, as the "tread meets the payment".

    See ya later.