2018 mileage:1201.9
Today I rode a slow, tired round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 9.9 miles in 1:20. Part of the reason for the slowness was undoubtedly the persistent heat—79° when I began at 10:15, and 83° when I finished. And another factor is that now that I'm doing all my rides in shorts, my legs are developing sores where they rub against exposed cables and parts.
Nevertheless, I was glad that today put me over yet another mileage milestone for the year. This helped to offset the fact that May was, overall, a very poor month for my stats. This is attributable, though, largely to the fact that between my trips to New Jersey and Interlochen to hear my compositions, I lost 8 days. But I expect better things in June!
Also, my bright yellow "visibility vest" that Christy gave me last year is beginning to come apart, with the zipper separating from the fabric. I think this is because of my large stature straining against it. (Despite the fact that when she gave it to me last summer, I kidded Christy, "XL? But I wear an S!") So after the ride, I ordered a new one -- XXL -- from Amazon.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
25th ride of 2018 - Wednesday, 5/30/2018
2018 mileage: 1192.0
I took it easy on myself today, and just did one slow round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10.2 miles in 1:21. And while I was there, a significant event occurred. I was taking a brief break, sitting on my trike and texting my sister (who I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow night when she comes to Michigan from her home in Georgia for a visit). Suddenly, a fellow triker pulls up beside me. I had met him last summer, but never learned his name then. He handed me a card on which he had written, saying, "Since we can't really have a conversation out here, I thought I'd give you my contact information, in case you wanted to text or email me." Nice!
We seem to have gone right from winter into summer, too, with very little intervening spring. When I began my ride, at 9:30, it was 73°, and when I finished, it had risen to 78
I took it easy on myself today, and just did one slow round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10.2 miles in 1:21. And while I was there, a significant event occurred. I was taking a brief break, sitting on my trike and texting my sister (who I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow night when she comes to Michigan from her home in Georgia for a visit). Suddenly, a fellow triker pulls up beside me. I had met him last summer, but never learned his name then. He handed me a card on which he had written, saying, "Since we can't really have a conversation out here, I thought I'd give you my contact information, in case you wanted to text or email me." Nice!
We seem to have gone right from winter into summer, too, with very little intervening spring. When I began my ride, at 9:30, it was 73°, and when I finished, it had risen to 78
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
24th ride of 2018 - Tuesday, 5/29/2018
2018 mileage: 1181.8
Though I was dreadfully slow today, I did at least manage to make myself go consecutive round trips to Marsh Park this morning, riding the 18.7 miles in 2:23. Also, because yesterday was a scorcher for May (93°), and it's supposed to get plenty hot again today (upper eighties), I made myself get out nice and early. When I started, just a few minutes past 6:00, it was a very bearable 67°, up ro 75° by the time I finished.
Though I was dreadfully slow today, I did at least manage to make myself go consecutive round trips to Marsh Park this morning, riding the 18.7 miles in 2:23. Also, because yesterday was a scorcher for May (93°), and it's supposed to get plenty hot again today (upper eighties), I made myself get out nice and early. When I started, just a few minutes past 6:00, it was a very bearable 67°, up ro 75° by the time I finished.
Monday, May 28, 2018
23rd ride of 2018 - Monday, 5/28/2018 (MEMORIAL DAY)
2018 mileage: 1163.1
At midday last Wednesday, Michelle and I left town for a few days. A composition of mine was performed that evening at the Interlochen Arts Academy, and then we stayed in northern Michigan until yesterday morning, returning home mid-afternoon. So, not having been able to ride in recent days, I was glad to get back to it this morning, even though it was a very modest ride. I had considered doing two round trips to Marsh Park -- but, as I neared it, I realized that I needed to use their restroom quite urgently. However, my early ride meant that the arrival there at 7:00 a.m. preceding their unlocking ... so I reluctantly wheeled about and headed home, settling for a single round trip (10.2 miles, in 1:20).
At midday last Wednesday, Michelle and I left town for a few days. A composition of mine was performed that evening at the Interlochen Arts Academy, and then we stayed in northern Michigan until yesterday morning, returning home mid-afternoon. So, not having been able to ride in recent days, I was glad to get back to it this morning, even though it was a very modest ride. I had considered doing two round trips to Marsh Park -- but, as I neared it, I realized that I needed to use their restroom quite urgently. However, my early ride meant that the arrival there at 7:00 a.m. preceding their unlocking ... so I reluctantly wheeled about and headed home, settling for a single round trip (10.2 miles, in 1:20).
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
22nd ride of 2018 - Wednesday, 5/23/2018
2018 mileage: 1152.9
Another glorious day for a ride today! When I began, at 7:00 a.m., it was cool (53°) but calm and cloudless.
The day stretched out ahead, beckoning full of promise, as well. Michelle and I are driving to northern Michigan today for a choir concert this evening at the Interlochen Arts Academy, whose repertoire will contain a composition I wrote specifically for them.
And then, since because of the holiday weekend she has no school on Friday, Michelle is going to take both today and tomorrow as personal days, allowing us to enjoy a little romantic getaway in northern Michigan, and we'll come back home on Sunday.
Accordingly, with the drive ahead of us plus my need to pack yet, I kept this morning's ride to a single round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 10.2 miles in 1:20.
Another glorious day for a ride today! When I began, at 7:00 a.m., it was cool (53°) but calm and cloudless.
The day stretched out ahead, beckoning full of promise, as well. Michelle and I are driving to northern Michigan today for a choir concert this evening at the Interlochen Arts Academy, whose repertoire will contain a composition I wrote specifically for them.
And then, since because of the holiday weekend she has no school on Friday, Michelle is going to take both today and tomorrow as personal days, allowing us to enjoy a little romantic getaway in northern Michigan, and we'll come back home on Sunday.
Accordingly, with the drive ahead of us plus my need to pack yet, I kept this morning's ride to a single round trip to Marsh Park, completing the 10.2 miles in 1:20.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
21st ride of 2018 - Tuesday, 5/22/2018
2018 mileage: 1142.7
Today is the 25th anniversary of the devastating auto accident that so upended my life (and nearly terminated it). I was run off the highway by another driver, whereupon my car tumbled and ejected me from the window. Upon landing on the pavement head-first, I incurred a Traumatic Brain Injury that left me in coma for 2 months and in the hospital for 6, ultimately unable to communicate vocally any longer.
ANYWAY ... I had intended to celebrate it with a long(er) trike ride this morning—consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, which would have been my first time doing that on consecutive days since October 19-20. But then, shortly before beginning my ride, a college friend (Peter Moberg) commented on Facebook, wishing me a Happy Life Day (which is what Michelle and I call May 22, since the doctor told her I very likely would not live the night), and then adding, playfully, "I think "Life Day" might be a great title for a new musical composition. Know anyone who writes music?"
Eager to get home and get started on a composition with this title and featuring two of my musical passions (a piece for handbell choir, with piano solo), I decided to truncate my plans and only ride a single round trip. This 10.2-mile ride took me a slow 1:19, as I wrote music in my head. 😎
Today is the 25th anniversary of the devastating auto accident that so upended my life (and nearly terminated it). I was run off the highway by another driver, whereupon my car tumbled and ejected me from the window. Upon landing on the pavement head-first, I incurred a Traumatic Brain Injury that left me in coma for 2 months and in the hospital for 6, ultimately unable to communicate vocally any longer.
ANYWAY ... I had intended to celebrate it with a long(er) trike ride this morning—consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, which would have been my first time doing that on consecutive days since October 19-20. But then, shortly before beginning my ride, a college friend (Peter Moberg) commented on Facebook, wishing me a Happy Life Day (which is what Michelle and I call May 22, since the doctor told her I very likely would not live the night), and then adding, playfully, "I think "Life Day" might be a great title for a new musical composition. Know anyone who writes music?"
Eager to get home and get started on a composition with this title and featuring two of my musical passions (a piece for handbell choir, with piano solo), I decided to truncate my plans and only ride a single round trip. This 10.2-mile ride took me a slow 1:19, as I wrote music in my head. 😎
Monday, May 21, 2018
20th ride of 2018 - Monday, 5/21/2018
2018 mileage: 1132.5
This morning I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for only the second time this year. It was a challenge, but one I was glad to be able to meet.
When I went to the early morning small men's fellowship group I attend, at our church, my friend and ride, Paul, noted to me, "Better get your ride in early today and save the piano practice for later. You can practice when it's raining!" Paul knows that my preference is to practice in the morning—my favorite time of day, and when I am fresh and full of energy and concentration. But I heeded his wisdom, and am glad I did, since rain is projected to me moving in this afternoon, and, as a signal of that, a heavy blanket of clouds rolled in during the morning, obscuring the mostly sunny skies I enjoyed when I began a little past 9:30 a.m.
My ride today of 18.7 miles took me 2:25.
This morning I rode consecutive round trips to Marsh Park for only the second time this year. It was a challenge, but one I was glad to be able to meet.
When I went to the early morning small men's fellowship group I attend, at our church, my friend and ride, Paul, noted to me, "Better get your ride in early today and save the piano practice for later. You can practice when it's raining!" Paul knows that my preference is to practice in the morning—my favorite time of day, and when I am fresh and full of energy and concentration. But I heeded his wisdom, and am glad I did, since rain is projected to me moving in this afternoon, and, as a signal of that, a heavy blanket of clouds rolled in during the morning, obscuring the mostly sunny skies I enjoyed when I began a little past 9:30 a.m.
My ride today of 18.7 miles took me 2:25.
Friday, May 18, 2018
19th ride of 2018 - Friday, 5/18/2018
2018 mileage: 1113.7
I want very badly to get back to the point where consecutive round trips to Marsh Park is my 'default' ride ... but I didn't do it today, either, despite yet another glorious riding day. When I left, at 9:45 it was 61° and mostly sunny; the sunshine held throughout the ride, and by the time I finished the 10.2 miles (a slow 1:21 later, it was up to 65°.
I want very badly to get back to the point where consecutive round trips to Marsh Park is my 'default' ride ... but I didn't do it today, either, despite yet another glorious riding day. When I left, at 9:45 it was 61° and mostly sunny; the sunshine held throughout the ride, and by the time I finished the 10.2 miles (a slow 1:21 later, it was up to 65°.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
18th ride of 2018 - Thursday, 5/17/2018
2018 mileage: 1103.4
What a stunningly glorious day for a ride! Here is the sight (and scent) that confronts me when finishing my rides, on the sidewalk paralleling Lohr Rd., coming up the hill from Oak Valley.
I began just past 8:30, at which time the sky was cloudless and the temperature already 59°. My ride of 10.2 miles took me 1:13—I would have liked to have done two round trips to Marsh Park on such a beautiful day, but schedule was crunching me a bit, so I kept it to one. And by the time I finished, it had soared to 73°!
Also, I went over another mileage milestone (the first in a while, since April 27), going over 1100 for the year.
What a stunningly glorious day for a ride! Here is the sight (and scent) that confronts me when finishing my rides, on the sidewalk paralleling Lohr Rd., coming up the hill from Oak Valley.
I began just past 8:30, at which time the sky was cloudless and the temperature already 59°. My ride of 10.2 miles took me 1:13—I would have liked to have done two round trips to Marsh Park on such a beautiful day, but schedule was crunching me a bit, so I kept it to one. And by the time I finished, it had soared to 73°!
Also, I went over another mileage milestone (the first in a while, since April 27), going over 1100 for the year.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
17th ride of 2018 - Tuesday, 5/15/2018
2018 mileage: 1093.2
We have gotten a great deal of rain here recently, the latest being overnight and into this morning. When I rode at 9:15, I had hopes I might escape it—though the air was gray and heavy with moisture, at least no precipitation was falling. But much of the ride ended up taking place in a sprinkle, light to begin with but increasingly heavy late in the ride, and consequently I allowed myself to settle for a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10.2 miles in 1:13. (At least the temperature was very comfortable, however, at 65°.)
I guest conducted the Emerson Orchestra in concert Thursday night in one of my compositions, and then left immediately to take the train to New Jersey to hear one of my compositions in concert Friday night, returning to Michigan early Sunday morning. Between preparations for those two events, and being gone on the trip, I have not been able to ride since a week ago today, so I was glad to get out today for even a modest ride, and hope to be able to pick it up now in coming weeks.
I did eclipse a milestone, of sorts, today also, as I went over 100 hours of elapsed riding time for the year.
We have gotten a great deal of rain here recently, the latest being overnight and into this morning. When I rode at 9:15, I had hopes I might escape it—though the air was gray and heavy with moisture, at least no precipitation was falling. But much of the ride ended up taking place in a sprinkle, light to begin with but increasingly heavy late in the ride, and consequently I allowed myself to settle for a single round trip to Marsh Park, riding the 10.2 miles in 1:13. (At least the temperature was very comfortable, however, at 65°.)
I guest conducted the Emerson Orchestra in concert Thursday night in one of my compositions, and then left immediately to take the train to New Jersey to hear one of my compositions in concert Friday night, returning to Michigan early Sunday morning. Between preparations for those two events, and being gone on the trip, I have not been able to ride since a week ago today, so I was glad to get out today for even a modest ride, and hope to be able to pick it up now in coming weeks.
I did eclipse a milestone, of sorts, today also, as I went over 100 hours of elapsed riding time for the year.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
16th ride of 2018 - Tuesday, 5/8/2018
2018 mileage: 1073.3
We are currently stuck in a splendid weather pattern. When I rode today, it was again under a sunny sky, and 70° when I started at 12:15, up to 75° by the time I finished. Feeling the need and desire to get back to composition again, I held it to a single round trip to Marsh Park (though the desire was certainly there to ride more), and this 12.1-mile jaunt took me 1:20 (riding slowly).
We are currently stuck in a splendid weather pattern. When I rode today, it was again under a sunny sky, and 70° when I started at 12:15, up to 75° by the time I finished. Feeling the need and desire to get back to composition again, I held it to a single round trip to Marsh Park (though the desire was certainly there to ride more), and this 12.1-mile jaunt took me 1:20 (riding slowly).
Monday, May 7, 2018
15th ride of 2018 - Monday, 5/7/2018
2018 mileage: 1063.2
I rode outside today for the first time in a week, due to both unfortunate weather and an exceptionally crowded schedule in recent days. However, today was another BEAUTIFUL day for a ride—almost unbroken blue sky, and 66° when I began at 1:15, up to 70° when I finished!
Consequently, I strongly wanted to ride consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, but I found myself wrestling with a difficult dilemma—how to balance my time between competing needs:
(1) Cycling, about which I care deeply, and feel the need to discipline myself;
2) Music, about which I care even more deeply (both piano practice, and composing), and where my real abilities and God-given gifts lie.
So, in the end I limited myself to a single round trip, completing this 10.2-mile ride in a somewhat desultory time of 1:15.
I rode outside today for the first time in a week, due to both unfortunate weather and an exceptionally crowded schedule in recent days. However, today was another BEAUTIFUL day for a ride—almost unbroken blue sky, and 66° when I began at 1:15, up to 70° when I finished!
Consequently, I strongly wanted to ride consecutive round trips to Marsh Park, but I found myself wrestling with a difficult dilemma—how to balance my time between competing needs:
(1) Cycling, about which I care deeply, and feel the need to discipline myself;
and
2) Music, about which I care even more deeply (both piano practice, and composing), and where my real abilities and God-given gifts lie.
So, in the end I limited myself to a single round trip, completing this 10.2-mile ride in a somewhat desultory time of 1:15.
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