I have 110 miles so far. Not bad for just starting out. It's been very windy and cold the last 2 days. Even on the warm days it was windy and hard to ride. But I love being out in God's country, with the fresh air and seeing animals or even the green grass coming up.
Last week as I was riding the Rail Trail in Sanford, I noticed up in a tree some movement. So when I got a little closer I could see it was a squirrel. But there was something different about this squirrel. He was hanging on a very small branch just dangling. I was watching him and it looked like he was having a hard time trying to go back up the branch. I thought as I got closer, "Please don't fall on top of my head as I go under". I didn't really want to give the squirrel a free ride. But I made it safely under and kept on riding. When I came back through, I didn't see him. So I don't know if he climbed back up or fell to the ground and ran away. That's the first time I have ever seen a squirrel on a skinny limb like that and dangling in the air.
Next week is spring break, so I hope to be able to ride mornings. That way, I might be able to see some deer. This morning in the car, on my way to work, I saw a doe and a fawn, crossing the road. (I have seen deer cross in the same area when I was riding the rail trail last summer.) Then they got across and went back in the same direction they came from.
Well, that's my report for now. I will try to keep the tread on the payment and keep the wheels going. So far I haven't crashed with my new tires. But, my son, Chad, told me that I wasn't a good biker unless I wiped out. Last year I wiped out twice so guess I did ok. We'll see what this year brings.
So until next time when the "Tread meets the payment."
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Rest of The Story
It looks like I didn't post at the end of last summer, so I will give an update. After I reached my goal in July, I kept on riding. After all, I was doing to good to stop. During last year, I rode in snow, and I got caught in a few rain storms. I also rode when it was windy out and I rode through the leaves as they fell to the ground in October. What a great sound that was! To hear the crunch of the leaves was awesome as I rode through them.
And there were a lot of hot days that I rode.
At the end of October I had rode 3603.5 in 2011. That still blows my mind that I rode that much but when I think of every day getting up and going not just once a day but sometimes, 4 to 5 times, I guess it would add up fast.
Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement. And we will see what 2012 will bring.
And there were a lot of hot days that I rode.
At the end of October I had rode 3603.5 in 2011. That still blows my mind that I rode that much but when I think of every day getting up and going not just once a day but sometimes, 4 to 5 times, I guess it would add up fast.
Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement. And we will see what 2012 will bring.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Unbelievable week
Monday, I started out with 50 miles. It was a hot day We got a load of wood at 6:00am and then I rode 20 miles total. After lunch we got another load of wood and then at 3, I rode to Sanford and back.
In the evening, we got another load of wood and once again I rode to Sanford. When I was almost home, I realized that I only had 2 miles to go to make 50 so I went down Nielsen Road. Not bad for getting 3 loads of wood too.
On Tuesday, I was kind of tired after getting wood and riding 50 miles the day before, so I only went 20 miles total. My total now is 1830.
Wednesday was another slow day as it rained in the morning but I did manage to get 20 miles in again.
Thursday was another hot day but I managed to get 55 miles in. It really helps to do my long trip early mornings. If I ride to the Tridge, that's 25 miles. So it makes it easier to do my short (?) rides when it's hot out.
Friday was an awesome day. It was cool in the morning, so I rode to the Tridge and back. I had a goal in mind and wanted to make it. Even though it was hot, I took lots of water and didn't try to break any speed records. At 8:00 at night, the temperature in Sanford said 98. So it was very hot. I broke my personal record and rode 65 miles that day. My old record was 60. So that evening I slept really good.
That brings me to today. This still seems like a dream to me. I made my goal and a little bit extra. When I made my goal at 1:45, I was on the Rail trail between 8 and 9 mile. A couple was coming toward me. I raised my arm and gave a shout and they started laughing. I told them I had just reached my goal. I now have 2016 miles. And I did it in less than 4 months. I started March 17th and never thought I would make it till October. Wow, that's all I can say is, "Wow". 291 miles total in July and this is only the 9th.
So what's next, you might ask. Well, I will keep on riding. I probably won't push myself as hard, but you never know. I love to ride and God has given me good health so far and that will keep me going.
As the "Tread Meets the Pavement", who knows how many miles I will have by October. But I will still keep you posted, and I want to thank all of you for your support. That has meant a lot to me.
Until next time, see you later.
In the evening, we got another load of wood and once again I rode to Sanford. When I was almost home, I realized that I only had 2 miles to go to make 50 so I went down Nielsen Road. Not bad for getting 3 loads of wood too.
On Tuesday, I was kind of tired after getting wood and riding 50 miles the day before, so I only went 20 miles total. My total now is 1830.
Wednesday was another slow day as it rained in the morning but I did manage to get 20 miles in again.
Thursday was another hot day but I managed to get 55 miles in. It really helps to do my long trip early mornings. If I ride to the Tridge, that's 25 miles. So it makes it easier to do my short (?) rides when it's hot out.
Friday was an awesome day. It was cool in the morning, so I rode to the Tridge and back. I had a goal in mind and wanted to make it. Even though it was hot, I took lots of water and didn't try to break any speed records. At 8:00 at night, the temperature in Sanford said 98. So it was very hot. I broke my personal record and rode 65 miles that day. My old record was 60. So that evening I slept really good.
That brings me to today. This still seems like a dream to me. I made my goal and a little bit extra. When I made my goal at 1:45, I was on the Rail trail between 8 and 9 mile. A couple was coming toward me. I raised my arm and gave a shout and they started laughing. I told them I had just reached my goal. I now have 2016 miles. And I did it in less than 4 months. I started March 17th and never thought I would make it till October. Wow, that's all I can say is, "Wow". 291 miles total in July and this is only the 9th.
So what's next, you might ask. Well, I will keep on riding. I probably won't push myself as hard, but you never know. I love to ride and God has given me good health so far and that will keep me going.
As the "Tread Meets the Pavement", who knows how many miles I will have by October. But I will still keep you posted, and I want to thank all of you for your support. That has meant a lot to me.
Until next time, see you later.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Wow, That's All I have to say is Wow!!!!!!!!!
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."
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."
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.
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