Countdown: 1 week to go...

My metric century is one week from today!


Excited, but also nervous-apprehensive-worried-intimidated-freaking out a little bit.


Hopefully that feeling will add up to a nice boost of energy.


Anyway... can't wait!

Announcing... The Cyclist's Seat Store!

THE CYCLIST'S SEAT STORE! 

Show some love with cool stuff from our shop!

Click the tab up top to check it out.


Then order with Google Checkout at the bottom of the page.


More items coming soon!


;-D

Fog and a freakout...

For the second morning in a row, I woke up to the weather alert on my phone, "Dense Fog Advisory."  I looked out the window and confirmed it.  I figure it's tough to ride when you can't even see your hand in front of your face.  Therefore, I am going into withdrawal again.  And, I'm also quietly freaking out a little bit since my metric century is now just eight days away.

Old bicycle friends...

Did a quickie before work again this morning.  I really need to try to get a few longer rides in before my metric century in a week and a half.  But, I'll take what I can get at this point.  I saw Cigar Guy for the first time in awhile (cough, cough.)  He was doing his thing, riding his orange cruiser doing "look Ma, no hands" and smoking his cigar.  I also saw Cruiser Lady a few days ago, but I didn't get to say "hi" since I was in my car.  I hadn't seen her in a long time and was hoping she was okay.  Sitting there at the traffic light, I realized I have never seen that woman or her bike standing still.  I have only seen them in motion.  And considering that she's an older, petite woman and her cruiser appears to be a bit huge for her, I wonder how she even comes to a stop without falling over!  By the way, you know that post I wrote yesterday about older people not wearing helmets?  Yeah, well, Cigar Guy and Cruiser Lady fall into that category.  And I seriously doubt either of them could be talked into wearing one, either!  

Helmet-phobia vs. helmet habit...

It appears that many older bicyclists have helmet-phobia.  I don't mean to stereotype, but I have observed this to be true.  Maybe it's the "I grew up riding a bike without one of those things on my head and I've survived this long" mentality.  As for me, I grew up riding my bike all over the place with my friends and we didn't have helmets back then either.  However, somewhere along the way they popped up and started protecting people's noggins and it looked like a pretty smart thing to do.  Now, I always bike with a helmet, and I mean always.  That's because I have just that kind of luck that the one time I leave the house without it, that's exactly the time I'll wipe out and regret not having it on.  And the "helmet habit" (as opposed to "helmet-phobia") is definitely being passed on down in my home.  My daughter sees that I always wear mine, so she wants to wear hers too when she rides her scooter or her bike.  And you know I want to protect her little noggin more than anything!

Off track during Spring Break...

Arrgghhh!  


My daughter's Spring Break vacation really messed up my riding!  She went back to school today AND I got back on my bike, too.   


I did a quickie 5 miler just to get back in the swing of things.  I freaked out a jogger who turned around to change direction and practically ran right into me... a man walking along in his own world who practically jumped out of his shoes when I called out "on the left" and passed him... and a woman biking toward me who I confused the hell out of when I greeted her with "good morning" when it was actually 7pm.  Yeah, that last one was my bad.  I usually ride in the morning, so ya know...

 

Countdown: 2 weeks to go...

2 weeks to go until my Metric Century!


(gulp!)

The wardrobe...

Okay, so I'm not much of a fashionista, but recently I have been adding to my wardrobe.  


My Google Android cycling jersey finally arrived in the correct size.  It's pretty cool looking and feels good on.  I also ordered a smart looking jersey from the Florida Bicycle Association.  I can't wait for that one to get here.  I remember when I first saw it on their website a few years ago, I really liked it.  And now, I will finally get to wear one.  Plus, the money goes to a great organization that is doing important work for bicyclists in our state.  My next jersey will be from the Loop The Lake Ride because I qualified for one of those, and I'll receive it shortly after the event next month.  I would also like to get an Autism Awareness jersey because of my daughter.  However, I've seen two online, and one was kind of ugly and the other was even more expensive than the jerseys I've already bought.  So, I think I'll hold off on that one for a bit and maybe keep looking around.  


My hubby was running errands this morning while I was riding and he spotted me on his way home.  He said I looked "sharp" in the new jersey.  It's funny, but it kind of gave me a boost of confidence because I felt pretty "sharp" wearing it!  
;-P

In the immortal words of...

Aerosmith, 

"I'm back in the saddle, again.  I'M BACK!"

Felt so good to ride this morning.  Bike was like "buttah"!  Very smooth since the tune-up.

;-D

Reunion today...

Beloved bike is coming home from the shop today!  I can't wait to ride again.  And yes, I know it's only been two days!  ;-P


Anyway, need to get back to it because my metric century is only 2 1/2 weeks away.  Yay!

Jumping out of my skin a little bit...

Is my bike like crack?!!  Sounds stupid, right?  But, my beloved bike is at the shop.  And I'm feeling a bit antsy.  Kind of like I'm jumping out of my skin.  Like I have some excess energy that I need to release and then I'll feel better, more relaxed and peaceful.  


Beloved bike comes home tomorrow.  Thank G-d!  


I think I'm an addict.

Thanks for the hits...

Wow!  "100 Total Pageviews"!  I wonder who else is reading my blog besides my hubby?!!  Thanks all!  ;-D

Proud of my blog...

Another sticker I made...

My ass...

Rode yesterday, taking a rest day today.  I have to say, my ass has completely morphed since I really amped up my cycling the past few weeks.  I mean, it's smaller and more muscular.  It's crazy how much it's changed, and I mean that in a good way.  It's been a long time since my jeans and shorts have fit like this, and I love it!  


Yes, I just wrote a post about my ass.  Deal with it.  ;-P

Feel like a carefree kid...

I've heard it said numerous times, "When I bicycle, I feel like a carefree kid again."  I certainly can attest to that, as well.  This morning, my ride took me away from the bills, the devastation from yesterday's earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and that assinine crap all over the news with Charlie Sheen.  Thank G-d for cycling!  Even if it's only a temporary reprieve, I don't know what I'd do without my ride time!

Correcting bad habits...

Recently, I've noticed a few habits that I probably need to correct.  Sometimes I realize that my right foot is rolling or inverted.  Not good.  And, occasionally I think I'm leading my pedaling with my toes too much.  Every once in awhile I can just barely feel my left toe clip graze the ground.  Probably not good, either.  So, I'm trying to be more conscious of keep my feet straight on the pedals and in the clips.  And when I do that, I immediately notice an increase in the power of my pedaling.  I should probably read up on some good form tips, that would be helpful.
  

Countdown: 3 weeks to go...

3 weeks to go until my Metric Century!
O... M... G... !
;-D

Positive changes...

I am enjoying my rides immensely, and I can feel the positive changes in my body, too.  I can feel my legs getting stronger, maybe even the strongest they've ever been.  I'm definitely losing inches in some key "trouble spots", too.  And, of course, there's the de-stressing factor.  The healthy aspects of cycling are also helping motivate me to watch what I'm eating.  It's all good, all the way around!        

Cool Saturday AM Ride...

Very nice ride this morning.  A cool front (not cold!) moved in yesterday, so this morning was crisp and clear.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky.  I debated wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt (jersey came in wrong size, and I'm waiting for delivery again.)  But I knew the sun would warm things up as time went on.  And, it did.  Rode 18 miles, and once again, had to stop only because we had family plans for the day.  It was a great ride and I wasn't ready for it to end.  Oh, and I only had to yell, "Hey, get off the phone and pay attention!" at one driver who came too close to comfort.  I only had to yell once!  Yeah, that's another reason why it was a great morning!  ;-D

Taking beloved bike to the doctor...

This Monday my beloved bike will go in for a doctor's appointment.  Bike needs a tune-up before the metric century.  Shop says if I drop bike off Monday morning, I should be able to pick back up by Tuesday afternoon. Thank goodness, because I will miss bike while it's gone.

Road ID's have arrived...

Got our Road ID's today (mine & my hubby's.)  They're even nicer than I expected.  The bracelets appear to be good quality, sturdy, and durable.  I am sure they will last a long time.  I just hope that no one ever HAS to look at them!  


I am now a fan of this company.  
I like their story - Dad and son create a business out of need for this item.  
I like their product - simple and affordable, plus it might someday save your life.
And I like their style - great website infused with a great sense of humor.  


Great job, guys!    

7 Sneaky Ways Cycling Takes Off Pounds - from Bicycling.com

Nice article, especially if you need a little motivational boost.


7 Sneaky Ways Cycling Takes Off Pounds - from Bicycling.com


http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/nutrition-weight-loss/7-sneaky-ways-cycling-takes-pounds

My biggest fear about my Metric Century...

Did a 5 miler before work this morning.  I was sore from recent rides and fighting a nasty headwind since it was about to rain.  And that's when it hit me.  More wind and a few raindrops.  But, something else also hit me.  I realized what my biggest fear is regarding my upcoming metric century ride.  It's not falling, or getting hit by a car, or even not finishing.  My biggest fear is the wind.  Why?  It can be debilitating.  It can slow you down to the point where you are cranking it out and practically getting nowhere.  It makes it harder to control your breathing and you wind up exhausted from fighting with it.  In a nutshell, biking in wicked wind can almost ruin a perfectly good ride.  I want to rise to the challenge that I've set for myself with this metric century.  I want to face it head on and kick its ass.  I know there may be variables that day, such as rain or wind or heat or cold.  But, I really hope and pray that those variables don't play a role in my ride.  I want it to be just me, my beloved bike, and the route laid out in front of me.  And then, I will attack it with everything I've got.  

New characters I've encountered - Old European Couple...

I introduced you to Cigar Guy and Cruiser Lady in a previous post.  Now, I want you to meet Old European Couple.  I've seen them several times recently.  He rides a cruiser and she rides a three wheeler.  They roll along slowly together.  He's in front, turning the pedals in a laid back, relaxed manner.  She's right behind him on a big old adult tricycle, pedaling in equal time, just as slowly as him.  They both have baskets on their bikes.  I could be completely wrong, but I'm guessing they're from Italy.  I can envision her cooking a monster sized lasagna, while he tells stories about the old country.  They probably have a huge family that's loud and very loving.  Every time I say, "Good morning, " to them, they return the greeting just as warmly and with sincere smiles.  I can tell just from that brief exchange that they speak broken English.  They seem to be from another time and place.  As if they'd be right at home riding those bikes down a street in Italy, instead of here in South Florida.  I'm curious, and I wonder if I'm even remotely right about any of this.  But, I'll probably never know.

Tuesday AM - Back to work & back to short rides...

Got in 6 miles this morning before work.  Did sprints for the last mile, and it felt really good.  I shoot for 5 miles (Tuesday - Friday) and anytime I can squeeze out a bit more, I'm happy.  I figure every mile counts.  And with my wifey, mommy, and employee responsibilities, I need to make every little bit of my ride time count.

When braking leads to a standoff...

I'm riding along, in my groove, doing my thing.  I'm paying attention, so I can already tell the driver heading this way doesn't notice me.  So, I start braking.  Then, the driver sees me and instantly becomes perplexed about what to do, so he brakes.  Now, we're both stopped and in a standoff.  Go - No, You Go - Are You Going, Dammit?!!  I'm now standing flat footed on the ground.  So just go, buddy!  Sometimes there's arm waving involved, either giving direction or out of frustration.  And still, neither of us is getting anywhere.  Crap.  Typically around this time, other cars appear and the driver is now backing up traffic.  In South Florida, it takes all of about three seconds for a driver to start laying on the horn.  Now, I REALLY don't want to go.  I don't trust the driver and the tension is building now that other cars are involved.  I don't want to be the reason the traffic is backed up and several people are honking.  Have I mentioned that at this point I could give a shit who has the right of way.  I will defer to the big, metal monsters and wait for all the cars to go, so then I can.  And that's because in this standoff, I have a lot more to lose than them.

Cooling off, South Florida style...

It's hard to stay cool in South Florida.  But, just my luck, my bike routes appear to have an automated system in place to take care of that.  It's called "sprinklers."  These sprinklers spout nasty canal water that smells like rotten eggs.  I mean, it's disgusting.  Of course, I try to avoid getting hit by them or riding through puddles of it.  But, sometimes I just have to suck it up (no pun intended), and keep on riding.  This results in both me and my beloved bike getting instantly wet and stinky.  The water bottle in the cage attached to my bike also gets hit.  And now, I don't want to put my mouth on the top of it to take a drink.  So, I ride along my merry way, soaked with both sweat and nasty canal water.  And I think about how good a hot shower will feel when I get home and scrub all this gross shit off of me.

Shit in their ears, plus a doggie...

In a previous post, I already ranted about joggers with shit in their ears (a.k.a. headphones/earphones.)  Now, let's take it up a notch to another level of danger.  

Man walking on bike path.  Man holding leash attached to one of those big headed, strong and stocky breeds of canine.  Man does not acknowledge when I call ahead, "Excuse me, on your left!"  However, man's dog has now taken an interest in me.  Clueless man has shit in his ears and has no idea that I'm on my way and his dog is already deciding in what manner to greet me.

This is a scary situation.  I have no idea what drooling doggie is going to do.  I pass as far left as I can.  That's when smart dog starts pulling stupid man in my direction.  Luckily, man is not yanked out of his shoes and hangs on to the leash.  He yells after me, "Sorry!"  I yell back, "It's okay, no problem," even though it really was.  I just hope it was an obvious enough problem that the man will be more aware of what's going on around him and his four-legged pal in the future.  I certainly thought it was obvious from my perspective.

Just to clarify, I love dogs.  I have two dogs.  And I would not put me, my dogs, or anyone else in that situation.

Awhile back, there was this movie "Up" and the character named Dug was a dog whose thoughts were constantly interrupted by, "Squirrel!"  That's a dog for you.  They can be easily distracted, impulsive, and unpredictable.  I don't want to be attacked by or accidentally run into any size dog.  Now, woof.  Enjoy your walk and watch out for me, please.  Thanks.

If I had a penny for every time...

If I had a penny for every time...


- I played a game of  "Go - No, You Go - Are You Going, Dammit?!!" with a car.


- I saw vultures feasting on roadkill and those nasty birds shot me the evil eye as I passed by.  No, really, I'm good, thanks.  I already ate breakfast.  That's all you guys.


- I exclaimed "Oh, shit!", "Fuck me!", or "That sucks!" out loud while riding.


If I had a penny for every time that stuff happened, I'd probably have a few bucks by now.  But, eventually, the pennies would add up and I'd be rich.  And then, I'd buy more bikes.

I'd like to be more aerodynamic...

I know what I said in an earlier post about road bikes.  But, I have to admit.  Sometimes when I'm fighting with a headwind and those fuckers pass me, I do get a little jealous.  Not of the way that hunched over posture looks, or feels.  But, the overall idea of being more aerodynamic.  They're just working smarter, not harder.  


However, the notion of adding on a road bike isn't practical right now.  And note that I said "adding on" because I will never get rid of my current beloved bike.  Anyway, first there's the financial issue.  I have other things to pay for right now.  And then, there's the storage issue.  I already have one bike in my living room.  So, maybe someday when I have the money and a garage I'll get a road bike.  Maybe...

My ride times...

I don't really ride to "race", but I do pay attention to my average times so I can gauge my overall performance.  Today I did 20 miles in about 1:34.  (Once again, I could have kept riding, but I had to stop to get ready for work.)  That's a pretty good time for me.  I usually do a 20 miler in about 1:40.  So, I'm trying to figure out what the difference was this morning.  First of all, it was breezy as opposed to windy out there.  Secondly, I hadn't ridden in two days so I was pretty itchy to get out there.  I think I satisfied some of my withdrawal symptoms.    

Now, let's check out the big picture.  Take the ride I just finished and do it two more times and there's the Metric Century that I'm doing next month.  No problem, right?!!  ;-D

Damn near perfect morning...

Great Sunday AM ride.  It was a damn near perfect morning.  Sun coming up.  Light breeze in the air.  Really quiet out there.  Only a few cars on the road.  In fact, I think there were more cyclists, joggers and walkers than cars.  Considering the craziness in the world these days, this is my idea of a beautiful thing.

Countdown: 4 weeks to go...

4 weeks to go until my Metric Century!  ;-D

Withdrawal...

I'm suffering some withdrawal symptoms.  Feeling a bit tense and claustrophobic.  My whole body is kind of antsy and I have pent up energy that I need to release.  Why?  I haven't ridden in two days.


Yesterday, I was busy and figured I'd give my sore legs a day of rest.  This morning, I wanted to ride but the wind was whipping and the sky was dark.  I figured I'd get a few feet from the front door before the torrential rain hit.  I went about my business for the day and hoped the sky would clear so I could ride later when I got home.  No such luck.  It rained on and off all day.


So, now I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning's ride.  I plan on getting up early and getting a nice, long ride in before I go to work.  I'll pray to the weather G-ds before I go to sleep tonight!

Road ID coupon for my friends & family...

Great product & these guys have a great sense of humor, too... check out the website!  If you're interested in getting one, you can use the coupon code below to save a buck.  They sent it to me for my friends and family after my purchase.


Coupon Number: ThanksAimee4205572


The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 04/04/2011. To order, simply go to RoadID.com or click the link below:


http://www.RoadID.com/?CID=ThanksAimee4205572

Fat To Fab - Losing Weight While Cycling from Bicycling.com

Fat to Fab from Bicycling.com
http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/nutrition-weight-loss/fat-fab?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-2011_03_04-_-trainingandnutrition-_-fat_to_fab


Yeah, I needed all of that advice and then some!  ;-D

Bought cool stuff...

Just ordered this cycling jersey that I've been eyeing for awhile.  Can't wait to wear it for my ride next month!  


Also, just ordered Road ID bracelets for both me and the hubby (since he's a runner.)  I don't plan on crashing or being crashed into, but better safe than sorry.

Training schedule for next month's event...

Did another quickie 5 miler this AM, in about 23 mins.

My training schedule appears to be shaping up like this:

     Saturday, Sunday, Monday - long rides

     Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - short rides


There will probably be one or two days a week that I can't get out to ride for whatever reason, so those will wind up being my rest days.  I know this is not the ideal way to schedule my rides.  But, this seems to be the best I can push for considering my wifey, mommy, and employee schedules.  So, I'll do the best I can with it!

Good P.R. for bicycles and those of us who ride them...

Did you know that...


     Florida's Governor has proclaimed March 2011 as "Florida Bicycle Month."


     And, the League of American Bicyclists chose May to be "National Bike Month."


Well, now you do.  ;-D

Aches and pains...

I'm 41 and healthy overall, but everybody's got something going on.  Since I was a teenager, it doesn't take much for my neck and back to get really out of whack, tight, and painful.  Two flat feet cause plenty of discomfort, especially if I'm not wearing orthotics in my shoes.  I have arthritis in my left hip from a fall several years ago.  And my job is tearing up my hands, especially the first three fingers and joints of my right hand.  Sometimes when I ride, I feel no pain and my Superwoman cape flies in the breeze behind me.  Other times, it's a slightly different story.  Lately, as I ramp up my riding time, my left hip and right hand are irritating me.  


And on that note, I've got to get some sleep.  I have to get up and ride in the AM.  Those aches and pains aren't going to stop me yet!  
;-P      

Tues. AM Ride - slamming it...

Quickie 5 miler before work this AM.  Kept it in the high gears and just slammed it as hard as I could.  Feeling the burn, hurt so good now!

Oh, and happy March!  My ride is now "next month"!  Hee hee!  ;-D

Bike path issues - Bicycling.com...

Good stuff from Bicycling.com!

http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/its-jungle-out-there?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-2011_03_01-_-trainingandnutrition-_-its_a_jungle_out_there

Stretches for cyclists - Bicycling.com...

Good stuff from Bicycling.com!

http://bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/stretches-cyclists?page=0%2C5&cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-2011_03_01-_-trainingandnutrition-_-stretches_for_cyclists