Bike Safari 2005

Well, the bike safari is history. The training I did paid off and I was able to ride 260 miles. I had some pain in my ankle from the repetitive motion but over all, I did very well.

This is it...

The great day has arrived. I leave work at 1pm to begin the trip to Live Oak, Florida. All that riding in preparation will be put to the "test."

When loading the bike last night, I couldn't get over how light it was. So much lighter weight than my mountain bike. I might really enjoy riding on the lighter bike, speeding along the pavement. Maybe the hours riding up those rocky hills will add up to some benefit.

The most difficult part of the journey is to the gate, it is said. I feel torn about not having David around. I love that little guy more than I can say. Perhaps one day it will be our bike trip. That would be really great to get him out on the road camping. Seeing him growing into his full strength. And really enjoying the out of doors.

Twas the night before....

Last night I packed most of my stuff. Today I made a short list of things I had forgotten. Some of it was important!. Tonight after everthing I have to do, I plan on repacking my stuff to fit the duffle bag.(If it can be done). That way I have less crap to carry. I am looking forward to the trip but will miss David.

Getting ready...

I got most of my stuff packed. Two big duffle bags. Just some undies, socks and a few toiletries.

COGS

Last night we formed the bike club. Cyclists of Greater Sylacauga or COGS for short. I don't know if having a club will make much difference unless, perhaps, there will be more people to ride the roads with.








That COGS might get some clever usage.

1. If you can't run with the big COGS, say on the porch.
   
2. COG jam
3. COGS togs
4. go whole COG
5. COG heaven
6. Root COG or die.
7. High on the COG
8. Top COG
9. Sick as a COG
10. Work like a COG
11. Let sleeping COGS lie
    
12. COG tired
13. Sleeping like a COG
    

It was a dark and stormy night...

Last night a storm howled though. No thunder or lightning but windy. It work me up around 2am. The loss of sleep meant no spin class that morning but I may try to get in a class tonight if nothing happens.

With tears in my eyes...

I am trying to get over some allergies but my eyes seem to be most affected. I have been tearing now all morning. No exercise this morning. Too hard to get up with so little sleep. I have to get home tonight and work out my class. I have no option!

The long ride...

Today I made a 19 mile mountain bike ride. This ride came in sloppy, muddy, sandy soil making the distance seem so much farther. I had hoped to make a 20 mile ride before heading down to Florida. It would be my graduation. I guess I am ready for the Safari.

Hiking with David...

Today I met with Dan Seale and took David on a hike up the Pinhoti. I used the pack and carried that weight up and over Bull Bluff. I had found some hiking poles at Wal Mart that really made the job easier. I felt like I had been climbing a stair master for the 2 hours. When I took off the pack, my legs felt as if I could jump off the ground with every step.

Long ride...

Instead of going to spin class at the crack of dawn, I went a real ride in the national forest. Over 13 miles! It seems that the spinning is helping me to be stronger.

Daylight savings....

Spring forward....

This morning getting up became a little more difficult than usual. We lost an hour of rest. I am looking forward to the extra hour of daylight in the evening. I am wondering if I could get away in time for a ride this afternoon. I won't get off till 4pm but it will seem like 3pm.

Saturday

Today is the last day before daylight savings time begins again. I would like to get in some riding today but who knows what the evening will be like. Little David usually wants Diddle by the afternoon and no one else will do! So if I am to get in some riding, I'll have to be quick about it or figure some way to take him. Next week already seems filled with activities. I can get in some spinning class time but actual riding may be a challenge.

Sleeping in...

This morning I awoke in time for spinning class but I guess the quiet rain lulled me back to sleep. When I woke the second time, I didn't have time to get out to the class so I just slept in. I needed the rest anyway.

So, what happens after the Florida Bike ride? I have an idea that I should carry on with the morning workouts but swap weight training for three days of the week. So Monday, Wednesday, and Friday can be weight training. Then Tuesday and Thursday morning can be spinning or stair climbing. I guess the focus should be to continue with exercise but it should be mainly for endurance and aerobic conditioning. In that case, maybe I should spin 3 or more days a week and weight train for high repetitions the other days.