Yes, wow, what a week. It rained on Monday and Tuesday. Even with the rain, by Wednesday evening, I had 1680 miles. Not bad for a yucky part of the week. On Friday, I rode 20 miles total in the morning. By the time I got to Sanford, the wind was picking up and I almost turned around and went back home. My legs felt like rubber. I guess they weren't ready to ride yet but I kept going. I'm glad I did as it turned out really hot and muggy later on the day. I saw a turtle in the grass by the Rail trail. I also saw, further down the trail, a doe with her fawn. The fawn was so cute, but I knew that if I tried to get my camera out, they would be gone anyway, so I just stopped and watched them for a couple of minutes.
On Saturday, July 2, I rode to Sanford in the morning. I saw a coyote cross the road on 9 mile. That's the first time that I have ever seen a coyote when I was on my bike. I was hoping that he wouldn't think I was breakfast and come back and attack me. When I got back to the house at 9:15, it was all ready getting hot and humid. And because of the high humidity, that was all of my bike rides for that day.
So, yes, WOW, for the month of June, I rode 807 miles. That is just amazing to me. Not bad for having 7 days of rain.
Now, my total which includes 2 days of July for last week is 1760 miles. That means I only have 251 miles to go. That sure seems more reachable than when I first started back in March. Who would have thought that I would have that many miles by the end of June?
I feel really good now about keeping the "tread on the payment" and racking up the miles. I'm on the downward slide now and I can see the end in sight. It's a very good feeling and I thank God that I have been able to get that many miles in.
So, till next time, "when the tread meets the payment."
Monday, July 4, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Very interesting Week
It rained at least 3 days this week. I got drenched twice. One time I was 4 miles from home and it started to pour. I don't mind getting wet as it actually felt good but when my glasses get rain drops on them, I can't see where I'm going and that can be a big problem on a bike.
On Saturday we had our family reunion. I have 7 sisters and 5 brothers. 4 brothers made it to the reunion and 5 sisters. We had about 50 total there and had a great time. We have had it in Sanford for many years at the park and of course I rode my bike this year.
I saw deer this week, one of them I could have gotten a picture (I think) but I forgot to grab my camera. He was eating along the rail trail and didn't hear me coming till I was pretty close.
One day this week, I rode toward Coleman again. I don't really like that way going by myself. There are to much brush and trees and not enough houses in some areas.
On Monday of this week, I had 1500 and by Saturday I only had 1620. So that's only 120 miles for the week. Not very good but considering the weather and the reunion, I did ok. As long as I can keep the tread on the pavement, the miles will continue to roll up. That leaves me with 391 miles left. Wow, that doesn't sound like that many to go when I think of all the miles that I have done.
See ya next time.
On Saturday we had our family reunion. I have 7 sisters and 5 brothers. 4 brothers made it to the reunion and 5 sisters. We had about 50 total there and had a great time. We have had it in Sanford for many years at the park and of course I rode my bike this year.
I saw deer this week, one of them I could have gotten a picture (I think) but I forgot to grab my camera. He was eating along the rail trail and didn't hear me coming till I was pretty close.
One day this week, I rode toward Coleman again. I don't really like that way going by myself. There are to much brush and trees and not enough houses in some areas.
On Monday of this week, I had 1500 and by Saturday I only had 1620. So that's only 120 miles for the week. Not very good but considering the weather and the reunion, I did ok. As long as I can keep the tread on the pavement, the miles will continue to roll up. That leaves me with 391 miles left. Wow, that doesn't sound like that many to go when I think of all the miles that I have done.
See ya next time.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Week of VBS
We had VBS this week from 9:00 to 11:30, so it made it difficult to ride mornings. But 3 out of 5 days, I got up early and rode.
Monday, I got up early and rode to Sanford and back. On my return to 9 Mile, I saw a fawn coming out of the woods and he ran right down the road. He was so cute and he finally went off in the woods. He looked kind of confused and wasn't sure where to go, but I'm glad he made it to safety without getting hit.
After VBS, Clif and I went to Houghton Lake to meet Ben and Cindy. They had some cookies that they donated to our church for VBS. So after returning home, I rode some more. I did manage to get 40 miles in that day which really surprised me.
Tuesday was a very nice day to ride but I only made 25 that day with everything going on.
Wednesday, I decided to sleep in a little and not ride before leaving for VBS. I still managed to get 31 miles by night time.
Thursday, I got up early and rode past the IGA store a little ways. The sky was really cloudy as it had rained during the night. I was coming through Sanford when it started to sprinkle. And then it poured. By the time I was to 8 mile, I was soak and wet. By the time I got home, I was even wetter. It wasn't a cold rain so that helped a lot.
In the afternoon, Clif and I took the truck with our bikes, went to the Nature Center, and Curt rode in with us to the Tridge. It was a beautiful and fun ride. I want to do that trail again.
After supper, I rode again and this time I saw a really small baby turtle on the trail. He was so cute.
Friday, I decided not to ride before leaving as I was tired from all week. So in the afternoon and evening I once again rode.
So it wasn't a fantastic week for riding but don't think I did to bad for as busy as I was. I now have 1456 miles. I only did 196 miles this week, but that's ok. I'm still getting there 1 mile at a time.
I only have 555 miles left to go to reach my goal. I will keep pushing forward and hopefully, I will get there.
Monday, I got up early and rode to Sanford and back. On my return to 9 Mile, I saw a fawn coming out of the woods and he ran right down the road. He was so cute and he finally went off in the woods. He looked kind of confused and wasn't sure where to go, but I'm glad he made it to safety without getting hit.
After VBS, Clif and I went to Houghton Lake to meet Ben and Cindy. They had some cookies that they donated to our church for VBS. So after returning home, I rode some more. I did manage to get 40 miles in that day which really surprised me.
Tuesday was a very nice day to ride but I only made 25 that day with everything going on.
Wednesday, I decided to sleep in a little and not ride before leaving for VBS. I still managed to get 31 miles by night time.
Thursday, I got up early and rode past the IGA store a little ways. The sky was really cloudy as it had rained during the night. I was coming through Sanford when it started to sprinkle. And then it poured. By the time I was to 8 mile, I was soak and wet. By the time I got home, I was even wetter. It wasn't a cold rain so that helped a lot.
In the afternoon, Clif and I took the truck with our bikes, went to the Nature Center, and Curt rode in with us to the Tridge. It was a beautiful and fun ride. I want to do that trail again.
After supper, I rode again and this time I saw a really small baby turtle on the trail. He was so cute.
Friday, I decided not to ride before leaving as I was tired from all week. So in the afternoon and evening I once again rode.
So it wasn't a fantastic week for riding but don't think I did to bad for as busy as I was. I now have 1456 miles. I only did 196 miles this week, but that's ok. I'm still getting there 1 mile at a time.
I only have 555 miles left to go to reach my goal. I will keep pushing forward and hopefully, I will get there.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Another Week on my Adventure
Well, it's been a very hot and muggy week. Monday through Wednesday was extremely hot. They even had a heat advisory out so I knew it was going to be tough riding. I got up early those mornings and got my big ride in first thing and tried to do very short rides during the heat of the day.
Thursday was a little cooler to ride. But Friday it rained all day. Saturday it was cloudy in the AM and I tried to go for an early bike ride, but it was still a fine mist out so I waited till the afternoon.
I saw a medium size turtle this week on the trail. He was half way across. So I stopped to get my camera out. By the time I got it ready, he had turned around and was sliding into the grass so no picture of him. I always thought turtles were slow, but not him. Must be alot of turtles this year as I have seen more this first month than all of last summer.
Not much new to report. I've seen deer again. More of the pretty flowers are out now so I'm always looking for new ones that I have missed.
One thing that I hate to see on the trail, is a person on roller blades with a dog on a leash. I always feel so sorry for the dog, having to run that long of a time. Maybe the person should be put on a leash and dragged down the trail to see what it feels like.
So as of Saturday, I have 1260 miles. That leaves me with only 751 to go. I can't believe that I am that close. Right now the Tread is Meeting the Pavement pretty good and I hope to keep it rolling. See ya soon.
Thursday was a little cooler to ride. But Friday it rained all day. Saturday it was cloudy in the AM and I tried to go for an early bike ride, but it was still a fine mist out so I waited till the afternoon.
I saw a medium size turtle this week on the trail. He was half way across. So I stopped to get my camera out. By the time I got it ready, he had turned around and was sliding into the grass so no picture of him. I always thought turtles were slow, but not him. Must be alot of turtles this year as I have seen more this first month than all of last summer.
Not much new to report. I've seen deer again. More of the pretty flowers are out now so I'm always looking for new ones that I have missed.
One thing that I hate to see on the trail, is a person on roller blades with a dog on a leash. I always feel so sorry for the dog, having to run that long of a time. Maybe the person should be put on a leash and dragged down the trail to see what it feels like.
So as of Saturday, I have 1260 miles. That leaves me with only 751 to go. I can't believe that I am that close. Right now the Tread is Meeting the Pavement pretty good and I hope to keep it rolling. See ya soon.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A challenging Week
Memorial Day I got up early and left about 7:30. I rode 10 miles then back home. Since it was the parade at 1:00, I rode back to Sanford and watched it. We had a nice, long parade. By this time it was getting hot, so I headed for home. By the end of the day, I had reached a personal high of 55 miles. That made me feel good.
But Tuesday I had to work till 11---last day. It was very hot so I only got 10 miles in that day. It rained in the evening. In fact we had tornado warnings out for Midland County so it wasn't a good day to ride.
Wednesday was very, very, extremely windy. I rode anyway even though I felt like the wind was taking me backwards most of the time. I did manage to get 33 miles in.
Thursday, I got up early and rode 20 miles (total). I did that 2 more times breaking my personal record and getting 60 miles in. I was elated. I also hit 1011 miles so I'm halfway there. What a day that was. And my legs that night were telling me, "no more riding today, we won't budge another mile"
Friday, my legs were still complaining so I only rode 33 miles. I kind of took it easy.
Today, I rode 10.5 miles this morning but by 11:00, it was getting hot. After lunch I wanted to ride again but the temperature said 96. I went just around the block, and then later on I rode down to 8 mile and back, keeping my trips short until it cooled off.
About 7 tonight, I checked the temperature outside and it said, 90, but it didn't seem quite as hot so I rode to Sanford. I also rode an extra mile just so I could have 1085 miles.
On my journey this week, I saw 2 snakes, lots of chipmunks. In fact I need a bumper sticker on the back of my back pack that says, "I brake for chipmunks". They run across the trail all the time. I also saw a wood cock this week. I stopped to get a picture but he (or she) took off before I could get ready with the camera. He (or she) was sitting on the edge of the trail and then flew off into the woods. I saw deer, not sure how many.
On Thursday, I also saw 1 small fluffy cloud in the sky. It was kind of strange because it was the only cloud as far as I could see in the sky.
I also saw an elderly lady riding a big tricycle. It was cute. That's the first time that I have seen a tricycle on the trail.
So, it was a challenging week because of the heat and wind but I thank God that I came through with flying colors. As "The Tread Meets the Payment," I am getting there one mile at a time. I did 232 miles this week which leaves me with only 926 to go. That's amazing to me that I have rode more miles than what is left.
See ya next time.
But Tuesday I had to work till 11---last day. It was very hot so I only got 10 miles in that day. It rained in the evening. In fact we had tornado warnings out for Midland County so it wasn't a good day to ride.
Wednesday was very, very, extremely windy. I rode anyway even though I felt like the wind was taking me backwards most of the time. I did manage to get 33 miles in.
Thursday, I got up early and rode 20 miles (total). I did that 2 more times breaking my personal record and getting 60 miles in. I was elated. I also hit 1011 miles so I'm halfway there. What a day that was. And my legs that night were telling me, "no more riding today, we won't budge another mile"
Friday, my legs were still complaining so I only rode 33 miles. I kind of took it easy.
Today, I rode 10.5 miles this morning but by 11:00, it was getting hot. After lunch I wanted to ride again but the temperature said 96. I went just around the block, and then later on I rode down to 8 mile and back, keeping my trips short until it cooled off.
About 7 tonight, I checked the temperature outside and it said, 90, but it didn't seem quite as hot so I rode to Sanford. I also rode an extra mile just so I could have 1085 miles.
On my journey this week, I saw 2 snakes, lots of chipmunks. In fact I need a bumper sticker on the back of my back pack that says, "I brake for chipmunks". They run across the trail all the time. I also saw a wood cock this week. I stopped to get a picture but he (or she) took off before I could get ready with the camera. He (or she) was sitting on the edge of the trail and then flew off into the woods. I saw deer, not sure how many.
On Thursday, I also saw 1 small fluffy cloud in the sky. It was kind of strange because it was the only cloud as far as I could see in the sky.
I also saw an elderly lady riding a big tricycle. It was cute. That's the first time that I have seen a tricycle on the trail.
So, it was a challenging week because of the heat and wind but I thank God that I came through with flying colors. As "The Tread Meets the Payment," I am getting there one mile at a time. I did 232 miles this week which leaves me with only 926 to go. That's amazing to me that I have rode more miles than what is left.
See ya next time.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
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.
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."
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