2548.3 / 1354
Santa Rosa creek has trails following it on both sides. I decided to check these trails out today. Didn't expect to go over ten miles again, but ended up almost exactly 12, and precisely exhausted. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate a headwind? And how I always seem to have a ferocious one on the return trip? The trail is nice, though, mostly through dappled sunlight, going from vineyards and forest to neighborhood backyards, and then downtown Santa Rosa. I rode along the south side of the creek going out, and the north side back. Riders note: There are three streams that join the Creek on the north side, you have to ford them or else ride some (currently unknown) distance out of your way to get across. Not a big problem now and in the summer, but in the rainy season, you have every oppourtunity to get wet.
http://www.born-today.com/Vacations/2005/06/06-07.htm
Saturday, May 28, 2005
2532.2 / 1344. Rode about twenty-two combined miles yesterday and today.
Yesterday, High School Rd -> Occidental -> Sandford Rd -> Hall -> Willowside, dirt road following Santa Rosa Creek. Almost exactly five miles each way, and not too hard for having not ridden since what, March? Carrying the binoculars (in the stretchy harness) proved impractical for any but the easiest rides - they were bumping my knees a good part of the time. Still it was nice to stop and get a good look at an adult Bald Eagle over the Laguna, which I probably wouldn't've been able to ID without the binos, and some other birds.
Today, Rodota trail out to Stony Point Rd. and back - about 12 miles. Pleasant enough, but for a bit of improper rubbing of my naughty bits in the bike shorts, which I eventually sorted out (why I am I writing like one of those prissy Brits? I don't know!). Lots of purple flowers out, along with the usual poppies etc. Really pretty, but I was traveling light today so no photos. Was forcibly reminded on the return how much I hate a headwind. Seemed like about 20mph, and was especially bad on the long straightaways where I could see a mile or more of trail ahead not getting noticeably shorter as I worked my ass off. It just drains my energy, and of course any momentum I might've managed, so I'm pedaling nonstop but just to keep moving, and every mile seems like three. I tried to stay in the highest gear I could manage, sometimes 3-6 but more often 3-5, each downshift a little defeat.
These are the first rides since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. There is a little more urgency to my exercise now, since it's part of what will make this disease manageable... I must say, I haven't felt very good after these rides, but I have pushed it a bit both days distance-wise, and truth be told I haven't felt particularly good with or without the bike rides, so it's not really saying much. I feel good about having made myself get on the bike and go.
The Italian Job (2003): I liked this caper-flick, mostly because I like Edward Norton and Mini-Coopers. It was nicely paced and not generally too serious and self-important like some "actors" and movies I could name.
Yesterday, High School Rd -> Occidental -> Sandford Rd -> Hall -> Willowside, dirt road following Santa Rosa Creek. Almost exactly five miles each way, and not too hard for having not ridden since what, March? Carrying the binoculars (in the stretchy harness) proved impractical for any but the easiest rides - they were bumping my knees a good part of the time. Still it was nice to stop and get a good look at an adult Bald Eagle over the Laguna, which I probably wouldn't've been able to ID without the binos, and some other birds.
Today, Rodota trail out to Stony Point Rd. and back - about 12 miles. Pleasant enough, but for a bit of improper rubbing of my naughty bits in the bike shorts, which I eventually sorted out (why I am I writing like one of those prissy Brits? I don't know!). Lots of purple flowers out, along with the usual poppies etc. Really pretty, but I was traveling light today so no photos. Was forcibly reminded on the return how much I hate a headwind. Seemed like about 20mph, and was especially bad on the long straightaways where I could see a mile or more of trail ahead not getting noticeably shorter as I worked my ass off. It just drains my energy, and of course any momentum I might've managed, so I'm pedaling nonstop but just to keep moving, and every mile seems like three. I tried to stay in the highest gear I could manage, sometimes 3-6 but more often 3-5, each downshift a little defeat.
These are the first rides since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. There is a little more urgency to my exercise now, since it's part of what will make this disease manageable... I must say, I haven't felt very good after these rides, but I have pushed it a bit both days distance-wise, and truth be told I haven't felt particularly good with or without the bike rides, so it's not really saying much. I feel good about having made myself get on the bike and go.
The Italian Job (2003): I liked this caper-flick, mostly because I like Edward Norton and Mini-Coopers. It was nicely paced and not generally too serious and self-important like some "actors" and movies I could name.
Monday, February 28, 2005
2510.1 / 1255
Short ride out the Rodota/West County trail, where I diverted onto a little double-track out into the mustard fields, which are blooming insanely right now. Nice little ride, nothing special, but it was good to get out and eat some bugs.
Short ride out the Rodota/West County trail, where I diverted onto a little double-track out into the mustard fields, which are blooming insanely right now. Nice little ride, nothing special, but it was good to get out and eat some bugs.
Friday, February 11, 2005
2502.9 m / 1238 d.
To Forestville and back, on the West County trail. Whew! Been a long time since I've done this one. It's really rather easy (though I tried to keep up the heart rate and the leg strength by staying in highest gear I could stand) and very scenic. Just a few mild inclines to make it interesting. Anyway, after two years dormant, my bike and I passed 2500 miles today. Got a new, very bright, taillight and got my under-seat bag installed properly, so I'm off to the races.
To Forestville and back, on the West County trail. Whew! Been a long time since I've done this one. It's really rather easy (though I tried to keep up the heart rate and the leg strength by staying in highest gear I could stand) and very scenic. Just a few mild inclines to make it interesting. Anyway, after two years dormant, my bike and I passed 2500 miles today. Got a new, very bright, taillight and got my under-seat bag installed properly, so I'm off to the races.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Monday, February 07, 2005
2478.1 / 1234 days, dropping the mileage-from-last, as it should be relatively obvious that I rode 8.3 miles since the last ride.
Just a short out-and-back to get some pictures of oaks and mustard in the "golden" evening light: http://www.born-today.com/Vacations/2005/02/02-07.htm.
Just a short out-and-back to get some pictures of oaks and mustard in the "golden" evening light: http://www.born-today.com/Vacations/2005/02/02-07.htm.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
2469.8 / 12.6 / 1230
Okay, on a roll (sorta)! Second day, twice the miles. My legs were actually a little sore today - from a 5-mile ride! - so I was glad to get out and work it off.
It has been a week since I cut back on the sugar. This means quitting Coke (from a 24-to-60-oz-per-day habit), no longer adding sugar to coffee, and no chocolates, ice cream, or other sugary desserts. I still drink my Martinelli's and cran-raspberry juice (no ADDed sugar, but plenty 'nuff in the fruit juice itself, I reckon) and eat fruit and other stuff that contains natural amounts of sugar, so it's a fairly small sacrifice, but still significant I think. I was a little worried about diabetes, but the net result, after a week is simply a generally better feeling. Another part of it was... just be tired of supporting the big national brands (McDonald's, which I quit a few months ago after seeing "Super Size Me" and Coca-Cola), and maybe just trying to strip away some of the unnecessaries, now that smoking is a distant memory...
Anyway: good ride today - 12 and a half miles! A bit of chafing, but hey, it wouldn't be "Road Rash diaries" without some of that!
I hope to build at least a little bit of stamina for the late-March vacation in Mexico. We've signed up for ocean kayaking off Cabo San Lucas (!), so I want to be up to that and any other tasks. Tomorrow, I may even go to the gym (it has been more than two years). Would you be a little annoyed if your "health club" continued to collect $40/month for TWO YEARS without so much as a postcard to make sure you're okay? They're sorta the only game in town, and... I think... I let stuff like this get to me too often and I should learn to let it go. I could;ve quit the gym at any time, but kept the membership because (a) I don't want to give up on getting in shape and (b) I could afford it most of the time and it was worth it to me for (a).
Onward and upward!
Okay, on a roll (sorta)! Second day, twice the miles. My legs were actually a little sore today - from a 5-mile ride! - so I was glad to get out and work it off.
It has been a week since I cut back on the sugar. This means quitting Coke (from a 24-to-60-oz-per-day habit), no longer adding sugar to coffee, and no chocolates, ice cream, or other sugary desserts. I still drink my Martinelli's and cran-raspberry juice (no ADDed sugar, but plenty 'nuff in the fruit juice itself, I reckon) and eat fruit and other stuff that contains natural amounts of sugar, so it's a fairly small sacrifice, but still significant I think. I was a little worried about diabetes, but the net result, after a week is simply a generally better feeling. Another part of it was... just be tired of supporting the big national brands (McDonald's, which I quit a few months ago after seeing "Super Size Me" and Coca-Cola), and maybe just trying to strip away some of the unnecessaries, now that smoking is a distant memory...
Anyway: good ride today - 12 and a half miles! A bit of chafing, but hey, it wouldn't be "Road Rash diaries" without some of that!
I hope to build at least a little bit of stamina for the late-March vacation in Mexico. We've signed up for ocean kayaking off Cabo San Lucas (!), so I want to be up to that and any other tasks. Tomorrow, I may even go to the gym (it has been more than two years). Would you be a little annoyed if your "health club" continued to collect $40/month for TWO YEARS without so much as a postcard to make sure you're okay? They're sorta the only game in town, and... I think... I let stuff like this get to me too often and I should learn to let it go. I could;ve quit the gym at any time, but kept the membership because (a) I don't want to give up on getting in shape and (b) I could afford it most of the time and it was worth it to me for (a).
Onward and upward!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
2457.2 / ~5 / 1229 days smoke-free
Road Rash rides again! The bike has been gathering dust for most of two years. It is such a gorgeous day, I had to get out and ride. The back tire may have a leak, but at least held air long enough for this little ride. I want to work up to the 40-, 50-, 60-mile rides again, but let's pretend I never did those , and just get a couple of 5- and 10-milers for now. I note that sometime since the last time I looked, my rear light was broken off. Sigh. I will get a new one, one that takes the same rechargeable AA batteries I have for my camera.
Road Rash rides again! The bike has been gathering dust for most of two years. It is such a gorgeous day, I had to get out and ride. The back tire may have a leak, but at least held air long enough for this little ride. I want to work up to the 40-, 50-, 60-mile rides again, but let's pretend I never did those , and just get a couple of 5- and 10-milers for now. I note that sometime since the last time I looked, my rear light was broken off. Sigh. I will get a new one, one that takes the same rechargeable AA batteries I have for my camera.
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