16 May 2013
Interactions
#256 / #70
16 May, 2013
Riding as we do largely on the local long MUP (multiuse path) we see many people: bicyclists, walkers, equestrians, skateboarders, roller bladers, even those weird mobile stair step machines. But on our trikes, we only get to interact with them briefly, unless we are traveling in the same direction and are either being passed or passing, or bellowing extremely loudly to have a conversation. Of course, we could stop altogether, but that's hardly the point of a bike ride.
So are the occasional shouted comments like "nice bike," "where do you keep the beer," "I want one," "thanks for the flag," "get a flag," "get a real bike" real interactions? I don't know, because they are one way. I hear them, but I don't get a chance to respond. Maybe I get a chance to contribute a big grin or a thumbs up or a single finger or a shouted "asshole". I'm not particularly proud of the last two, but I do have a temper.
Anyway, enough philosophizing. Red Leader and I buzzed up and down the American River Parkway Trail from Sunrise to Watt and back. I was truly irritated when my Strava app failed to upload my data and apparently lost it altogether (temper, temper). But I got over it.
Next bike ride is to the dentist for a cleaning. Maybe that's why I was grumpy yesterday.
14 May 2013
Stray stay
#255
Took off around 8am (an hour later than I had planned) but it was still cool enough in Folsom. I went around Lake Natoma "backwards" again, crossing the Folsom Auburn bridge, north shore, the Hazel Bridge, then south shore.
I saw more walkers than bikers.
I did see another triker, with cool spinning disks on his flag pole. He was riding with two jersey-kitted diamond frame riders who quizzed me about mounting waterbottles behind the seat.
Some squirrels, no snakes.
I'm a little behind logging miles for May is Bike Month, but I'll do a longish ride with Red Leader tomorrow, then ride to a dental appointment, then probably two rides this weekend, which should catch me up nicely.
(I went camping this last weekend which explains my 'no posts' but I'll tell you that Red Leader went out twice without me.)
Off to the garage to reattach my rear fender stay. It held in place for more than 2 years with some blue loctite but it is time to reapply it now.
CU
Took off around 8am (an hour later than I had planned) but it was still cool enough in Folsom. I went around Lake Natoma "backwards" again, crossing the Folsom Auburn bridge, north shore, the Hazel Bridge, then south shore.
I saw more walkers than bikers.
I did see another triker, with cool spinning disks on his flag pole. He was riding with two jersey-kitted diamond frame riders who quizzed me about mounting waterbottles behind the seat.
Some squirrels, no snakes.
I'm a little behind logging miles for May is Bike Month, but I'll do a longish ride with Red Leader tomorrow, then ride to a dental appointment, then probably two rides this weekend, which should catch me up nicely.
(I went camping this last weekend which explains my 'no posts' but I'll tell you that Red Leader went out twice without me.)
Off to the garage to reattach my rear fender stay. It held in place for more than 2 years with some blue loctite but it is time to reapply it now.
CU
08 May 2013
Bug city
#254 / #67
Red Leader and I couldn't think of where to ride, so we defaulted to our default: Lower Sunrise, from which we zipped to Watt and then zipped back.
The bugs were out. I snorted one up my nose, like getting water up your nose while swimming but wigglier! Several more bounced off my glasses or face. If I was at the appropriate angle to the sun, I could notice the clouds of bugs before I rode through them and stop breathing for a while.
Speaking of breathing, part of the bike trail was green with pollen. I take allergy meds all year out here and am very glad for them this time of year.
We saw a charming and very fast white velomobile twice, another trike twice, and a couple of 2-wheeled 'bents. I think one of them was a fellow I see on the First Saturday rides - his dopplering hello sounded like he recognized me.
We were passed by a large group of road bikes in a paceline. The leader had the loudest 'on your left' I have ever heard. So, being in a cheerful and puckish mood, I bellowed my very loudest 'thank you' right back.
CU and remember, rubber side down.
Red Leader and I couldn't think of where to ride, so we defaulted to our default: Lower Sunrise, from which we zipped to Watt and then zipped back.
The bugs were out. I snorted one up my nose, like getting water up your nose while swimming but wigglier! Several more bounced off my glasses or face. If I was at the appropriate angle to the sun, I could notice the clouds of bugs before I rode through them and stop breathing for a while.
Speaking of breathing, part of the bike trail was green with pollen. I take allergy meds all year out here and am very glad for them this time of year.
We saw a charming and very fast white velomobile twice, another trike twice, and a couple of 2-wheeled 'bents. I think one of them was a fellow I see on the First Saturday rides - his dopplering hello sounded like he recognized me.
We were passed by a large group of road bikes in a paceline. The leader had the loudest 'on your left' I have ever heard. So, being in a cheerful and puckish mood, I bellowed my very loudest 'thank you' right back.
CU and remember, rubber side down.
07 May 2013
Nothing to see here, move along, move along
#253
7 paltry miles in Folsom.
Went out on roads, back on trails.
Stopped for coffee.
Checked out the wetlands.
Dodged some small branches but not too bad (rained yesterday, last night, and this morning).
If I'd known that some joker had gone to the Folsom Lowe's and bought ALL the 2x2x8 furring strips, I would have bought my paint rollers when I was down in that area on my bike.
Who the hell buys ALL the furring strips? grumble grumble grumble.
Strava once again ate part of my ride. Shows 3 miles, not 7. Bah. As the kids would say WTF!?
Tomorrow, a longer ride with Red Leader. He did go a-venturing on Scott Road when it was closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday. He reports "lots of little hills" and "there were trees." I replied, "So, you had shade?" RL: "No, the trees were not near the road".
Red Leader likes shade.
7 paltry miles in Folsom.
Went out on roads, back on trails.
Stopped for coffee.
Checked out the wetlands.
Dodged some small branches but not too bad (rained yesterday, last night, and this morning).
If I'd known that some joker had gone to the Folsom Lowe's and bought ALL the 2x2x8 furring strips, I would have bought my paint rollers when I was down in that area on my bike.
Who the hell buys ALL the furring strips? grumble grumble grumble.
Strava once again ate part of my ride. Shows 3 miles, not 7. Bah. As the kids would say WTF!?
Tomorrow, a longer ride with Red Leader. He did go a-venturing on Scott Road when it was closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday. He reports "lots of little hills" and "there were trees." I replied, "So, you had shade?" RL: "No, the trees were not near the road".
Red Leader likes shade.
05 May 2013
I can't believe how fast you are on that thing
#252
Stockton Bicycle Club Delta Century ride today. I did the 1/4 century, as promised.
It was windy, but not as windy as the recent Bike Around the Buttes ride. The route zigzagged northwest, with the west roads into the wind and the north roads with a less annoying crosswind. Then it zigzagged southeast - still cross winds southbound, but helpful tailwinds eastbound.
The rest stop was at the 15 mile mark, and I suppose I needed the two orange segments and the 1/2 muffin I ate, because I took off like my tail was on fire for the last 10 miles, destroying yet another diamond frame rider's preconception that recumbent trikes are always slow on the flats. I did tell him that I had not maxed out, which would be 18mph at my current fitness level. Which was just bragging on my part.
The event was graciously hosted by Jessie's Grove Winery (really nice zinfandel there - how could I not wine taste when in Lodi's wine country?) with music and a lunch provided.
I don't know if it was the wine or the relaxing atmosphere, but the DJ/MC fellow had the hardest time getting answers to some trivia questions from the crowd (for $15 gift certs from RoadId).
The very first and last segment of the ride was through the vineyard, on an indifferently paved track that was mostly great swaths of gravel.
Some of it quite deep. My trike, even with baldie tires, had no problem, although I enjoyed one spectacular fishtail through a gravel-filled pothole. I felt a little bad for the skinny tire bike riders pushing their rides (or carrying them) through the gravel.
The parking was on a mowed field. After unloading my trike, I crept back over it towards registration in my most granniest gear, the bumps and ruts in the field interacting amusingly with my suspension. My own personal carnival ride!
The roads were rather empty of traffic with fairly good shoulders and nice long sight lines. The few road crossings (two way stop only) and left turns were no problem at all.
I chatted with a fellow in a Arrogant Bastard Ale jersey several times during the ride. His jersey was totally false advertising. As usual, everyone I interacted with was super dandy and nice. He was wondering if his wife would like a trike. She originally got him into cycling but her health issues prevent her from riding a conventional bike much anymore. I will admit that my exhibition of unnecessary speed was motivated by that conversation.
I also talked a bit with a rider Red Leader and I had seen on the Buttes ride.
I left the house at 6:35am for this ride - far far too early for Red Leader. But when I came back from my ride, he was out somewhere on his own ride! (I can tell because his trike is not in the garage and his bike clothes are gone from the dryer.) I wonder he took advantage of today's no-motor-vehicle traffic closure of a scenic road in Folsom. I hope so.
Stockton Bicycle Club Delta Century ride today. I did the 1/4 century, as promised.
It was windy, but not as windy as the recent Bike Around the Buttes ride. The route zigzagged northwest, with the west roads into the wind and the north roads with a less annoying crosswind. Then it zigzagged southeast - still cross winds southbound, but helpful tailwinds eastbound.
The rest stop was at the 15 mile mark, and I suppose I needed the two orange segments and the 1/2 muffin I ate, because I took off like my tail was on fire for the last 10 miles, destroying yet another diamond frame rider's preconception that recumbent trikes are always slow on the flats. I did tell him that I had not maxed out, which would be 18mph at my current fitness level. Which was just bragging on my part.
Smasher of Stereotypes! Pulverizer of Preconceptions!
The event was graciously hosted by Jessie's Grove Winery (really nice zinfandel there - how could I not wine taste when in Lodi's wine country?) with music and a lunch provided.
I don't know if it was the wine or the relaxing atmosphere, but the DJ/MC fellow had the hardest time getting answers to some trivia questions from the crowd (for $15 gift certs from RoadId).
 |
| Family giving thanks before eating |
The very first and last segment of the ride was through the vineyard, on an indifferently paved track that was mostly great swaths of gravel.
Some of it quite deep. My trike, even with baldie tires, had no problem, although I enjoyed one spectacular fishtail through a gravel-filled pothole. I felt a little bad for the skinny tire bike riders pushing their rides (or carrying them) through the gravel.
The parking was on a mowed field. After unloading my trike, I crept back over it towards registration in my most granniest gear, the bumps and ruts in the field interacting amusingly with my suspension. My own personal carnival ride!
The roads were rather empty of traffic with fairly good shoulders and nice long sight lines. The few road crossings (two way stop only) and left turns were no problem at all.
I chatted with a fellow in a Arrogant Bastard Ale jersey several times during the ride. His jersey was totally false advertising. As usual, everyone I interacted with was super dandy and nice. He was wondering if his wife would like a trike. She originally got him into cycling but her health issues prevent her from riding a conventional bike much anymore. I will admit that my exhibition of unnecessary speed was motivated by that conversation.
I also talked a bit with a rider Red Leader and I had seen on the Buttes ride.
I left the house at 6:35am for this ride - far far too early for Red Leader. But when I came back from my ride, he was out somewhere on his own ride! (I can tell because his trike is not in the garage and his bike clothes are gone from the dryer.) I wonder he took advantage of today's no-motor-vehicle traffic closure of a scenic road in Folsom. I hope so.
03 May 2013
Ran away to the circus
#251
May is Bike Month ride #2
The circus has colours. Orange trike, baby blue rear spring, pink flag, green flag, red leggings, screaming yellow shirt.
Daredevils who are shot out of cannons have helmets frequently bedecked with flames. So did I.
Feats of daring! 27.5 mph in traffic!
Pathetic gasping clowns! 2.5mph up a hill!
Obstacles to overcome! 12% grades!
I rode to the library to renew my library card and find a fluffy book to read. A 2011 mystery set in 1921.
Then I rode home again, making good use of my granny gear. No riding tomorrow, just lots of stretching and rest.
Then on Sunday the 25 mile route in the Stockton Bike Club's Delta Century.
May is Bike Month ride #2
The circus has colours. Orange trike, baby blue rear spring, pink flag, green flag, red leggings, screaming yellow shirt.
Daredevils who are shot out of cannons have helmets frequently bedecked with flames. So did I.
Feats of daring! 27.5 mph in traffic!
Pathetic gasping clowns! 2.5mph up a hill!
Obstacles to overcome! 12% grades!
I rode to the library to renew my library card and find a fluffy book to read. A 2011 mystery set in 1921.
Then I rode home again, making good use of my granny gear. No riding tomorrow, just lots of stretching and rest.
Then on Sunday the 25 mile route in the Stockton Bike Club's Delta Century.
01 May 2013
pooL eht pooL
#250 / #66
Being a bit bored with Sunrise to Wm Pond, we did the Natoma loop backwards from our usual way, heading out across the Folsom Auburn bridge, then down to the Hazel Bridge.
Red Leader took the old ramp up to the upstream side of the bridge and I, being tired from yesterday's 1100 feet of climbing, headed to the other side of the bridge via the curvy ramp to the top, rocking the middle/little combo. We met up at the Nimbus Flats boat launch, where they are already setting up for a special event for the weekend.
I tried some homemade goo to keep me going and it was pretty good. From Clelland's "Ultralight Backpackin' Tips," it is mostly brown rice syrup with some cashew butter, protein powder, and salt. I've been puzzling over how to stay fueled and not feel crappy from too much food on a long ride. Usually I eat a combo of fresh orange pieces, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky. That's fine, but on a ride longer than 20 miles it is too much in my stomach. I think this goo is going to be good.
I'll take a few days off to let my poor legs recover and then do the shortest ride the Delta Century offers: 25 miles, instead of the 60 I had originally planned on.
Being a bit bored with Sunrise to Wm Pond, we did the Natoma loop backwards from our usual way, heading out across the Folsom Auburn bridge, then down to the Hazel Bridge.
Red Leader took the old ramp up to the upstream side of the bridge and I, being tired from yesterday's 1100 feet of climbing, headed to the other side of the bridge via the curvy ramp to the top, rocking the middle/little combo. We met up at the Nimbus Flats boat launch, where they are already setting up for a special event for the weekend.
I tried some homemade goo to keep me going and it was pretty good. From Clelland's "Ultralight Backpackin' Tips," it is mostly brown rice syrup with some cashew butter, protein powder, and salt. I've been puzzling over how to stay fueled and not feel crappy from too much food on a long ride. Usually I eat a combo of fresh orange pieces, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky. That's fine, but on a ride longer than 20 miles it is too much in my stomach. I think this goo is going to be good.
I'll take a few days off to let my poor legs recover and then do the shortest ride the Delta Century offers: 25 miles, instead of the 60 I had originally planned on.
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