Day 95: October 15th (Route: Carbondale, IL to Chester, IL)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 48.02
Ride Time 3:53.40
Work, kJ: 1927
Average Power, watts: 135
Normalized Power, watts: 162
Average Speed, mph: 12.12
Forecast Wonderful Day for riding!!!
*Short because took a few days off from writing...
-Slept at Joe and Geordi's last night
-Checked at bike shop to fix shifter, too pricey, have to ride the small ring home
-All you can eat spaghetti last night for $3.99 (great choice)
-Thermarest I slept on was plush (I want one)
-Joe made breakfast which was great (oamlet with veggies)
-Missing Fat Tire Fest this weekend
-Road with Dakota to Chester
-Taking the time to soak in the rest of the trip, cool to ride with someone, means later I will have what it takes to ride with someone
-Watched a lot of t.v. with Joe/Geordi/Dakota - all about food/dirt/pawn shows
-Both J&G have road across America twice - once together and other with MS
-Beautiful ride from Carbondale to Chester
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Day 94: October 14th (Route: Elizabeth, IL to Carbondale, IL)
Day 94: October 14th (Route: Elizabeth, IL to Carbondale, IL)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 90.95
Ride Time 7:05:40
Work, kJ: 3486
Average Power, watts: 135
Normalized Power, watts: 177
Average Speed, mph: 11.81
Forecast - Sunny with lite winds - 70+ degrees
*Short because I took a few days off from writing!
Couple notes from todays ride...
-Road with Dakota from Alaska for a little bit
-Got lost and ended up doing an extra 10 miles
-Fall Foliage is spectacular, on the alternate route I saw Riggs Lookout Tower
-Rode 10 miles on dirt/gravel when I got lost
-Physcially starting to feel fatigue from the last couple days of riding
-Nutrition not on track
-Slept on a picnic table last night
-Great conversation on the road with Dakota last night (met up with her yesterday and road for about 10-20 miles)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 90.95
Ride Time 7:05:40
Work, kJ: 3486
Average Power, watts: 135
Normalized Power, watts: 177
Average Speed, mph: 11.81
Forecast - Sunny with lite winds - 70+ degrees
*Short because I took a few days off from writing!
Couple notes from todays ride...
-Road with Dakota from Alaska for a little bit
-Got lost and ended up doing an extra 10 miles
-Fall Foliage is spectacular, on the alternate route I saw Riggs Lookout Tower
-Rode 10 miles on dirt/gravel when I got lost
-Physcially starting to feel fatigue from the last couple days of riding
-Nutrition not on track
-Slept on a picnic table last night
-Great conversation on the road with Dakota last night (met up with her yesterday and road for about 10-20 miles)
Day 93: October 13th (Route: Utica, KY to Elizabethtown, IL)
Day 93: October 13th (Route: Utica, KY to Elizabethtown, IL)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 105.75
Ride Time 7:46:11
Work, kJ: 4632
Average Power, watts: 164
Normalized Power, watts: 197
Average Speed, mph: 13.48
Forecast: Nice fall weather! Chilly in the AM, however hot in the afternoon!
*Post is short like the next four as I took a couple days off from writing...soaking it all in before the end nears...
Left the park this morning and it was great to sleep under the stars last night! Ride was great, however the shifter on my bike (left) went out, which means I don't get the opportunity to shift from my small chain ring to my large, stuck in my small chain ring which means high cadence for the remainder of the ride!
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 105.75
Ride Time 7:46:11
Work, kJ: 4632
Average Power, watts: 164
Normalized Power, watts: 197
Average Speed, mph: 13.48
Forecast: Nice fall weather! Chilly in the AM, however hot in the afternoon!
*Post is short like the next four as I took a couple days off from writing...soaking it all in before the end nears...
Left the park this morning and it was great to sleep under the stars last night! Ride was great, however the shifter on my bike (left) went out, which means I don't get the opportunity to shift from my small chain ring to my large, stuck in my small chain ring which means high cadence for the remainder of the ride!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Day 92: October 12th, 2010 (Route: Hodgenville, KY to Utica, KY)
Day 92: October 12th, 2010 (Route: Hodgenville, KY to Utica, KY)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 127.37
Ride Time 8:35:33
Work, kJ: 5558
Average Power, watts: 178
Normalized Power, watts: 211
Average Speed, mph: 14.68
Forecast - Rainy all day and about 60 degrees with wind from the NW at 10-15 at times...
Not sure where to begin on this post? Maybe I'll dry up and then start writing! It rained from noon till I got off the bike, however I did get a treat tonight which is always nice.
So the day started off early, I woke around 6AM and just lingered as I really could start riding then, the sun wasn't up and riding without lights can be dangerous so I waited until the sun came up. It's starting to get a little cold in the mornings like up in the Mountains out here in Kentucky. I really don't like riding in the cold so allowing the sun to warm up the air temperature is nice to have! I rolled out of the Park at about ten minutes till eight and took off! I really wanted today to be a big day, along with tomorrow, however we will see how the legs feel and if the weather cooperates.
I didn't feel bottles or have breakfast this morning even though I was up early. I ran out of fuel last night while cooking dinner so no hot water for oatmeal this morning. I road 10 miles before I filled up my bottles and thats were I started my nutrition plan for the day. I ate a Gu and a banana, with the plan of hitting Gu's every 40 minutes on the ride. I had a plan and a destination today, the destination was Sebree, KY - close to 140-150 miles from where I started. I know this may seem a bit large in volume for the day, however I really wanted to see how the leg was feeling and get back to riding! The legs great as you can see from the distance I was able to cover today!
After refilling my bottles I get to the road. The mind is full of all kinds of thoughts, however about 5 more miles in to the ride the mind goes into riding mode! I'm enjoying the day, watching the ride time and really just enjoying the ride. Scenery is amazing, trees starting to hit peak foliage, sun fighting with the clouds whether or not the rays will be able to shine bright today. Clouds building out west, and when I mean build, as if the whole Western sky is turning the darkest of dark. I continue to monitor the weather and enjoy the ride, passing by some of the most beautiful fall foilage one gets to see in the autumn. Trees line the road, then open up to see some of America's farm land, lots of corn fields! Colors from all shades of green, to orange, to reds, yellows, browns, pretty much all the pigments one can possibly think of I saw today, truely a blessed morning. Along this stretch this morning I also passed a horse and buggy, Amish country here in Kentucky.
This took me back as there is a small Amish community that lives North of Wichita where I went to school. They make some of the best home cooked meals you will ever taste if you get the chance, and the bread is to die for! I passed a couple has there heading the opposited direction, I wondered were they were going and I'm assuming they thought the same of me! I was nice to see a couple enjoying the day, traveling by horse has got to be a much slower pace then even by bike, maybe comparable however I've never traveled by horse and buggy, another thing to add to the list! Cruising along I just enjoyed the day, (not raining yet) taking in the views of the farm lands and the trees. Then I saw something I haven't seen in a long time, an Amish gentlemen out plowing the fields by horse accompanied with his dog. I watched as I traveled on by and wondered what it must be like to live the life with all the traditions they have. Some day I'll have to go and see...
Traveling on I'm in the zone now, taking in some Gu packets every 40 minutes to allow the continuous trickle of carbohydrates to my system, feeling great I keep an eye on the miles traveled and the ride time. With the terrain I have the ability to average close to 15 mph for the day if everything goes as planned. Hyrdating and hitting the Gu's for energy I continue on, up the hills, down the hills and taking the curves as if I'm racing! Really enjoying the ride, not thinking about my leg as it appears to be healed up and ready to rock n' roll! I continue on, heading into this big dark wall in front of me, low on water I stop at this little convenient store about 50 miles into the ride, once I dismounted my bike the clouds opened up and started to down pour. I grabbed a few things out of the bag and headed into the store, I figured the storm was going to be here for a while, so I wanted to take the opportunity to dry out and charge my phone.
After close to an hour I got back on the bike. Traveling down the soaked highway I take on water in my shoes from the spray from my front tire and really just enjoy it! Nothing I can do now, I have to ride a little bit more alert as wet roads and old tires sometimes don't mix so this is going to slow me some. I keep riding strong but more cautious. Minds really tuned into the ride, not really thinking about much else besides left leg, right leg driving the pedals into the ground. Mentally alert I continue on at the task at hand, that is to get to Sebree by nightfall. Now that I have lost an hour to the rain I start to question if I'll make it by then. I continue to ride and not really paying attention to the roadsigns I miss my turn and go seven miles North out of my way, the mind so locked into just riding that I failed to make a left turn. I pack track after running perpendicular into highway 60. I'm pretty mad at myself as I needed the time it would take to go 14 miles out of the way on todays ride. I make the back track and find the correct road. Enjoying the ride as it sprinkles here and there with the occasional rain I just put my head down and ride.
Up and down some solid climbs I enjoy the rain as it falls on me while I ride down the road. Nothing like riding in the rain! Continuing on I really don't think about much besides attacking the ride, really wanting to get to Sebree I ride as if I'm in race. A steady race as I'm not really trying to push it, just stay aerobic and enjoy the ride, however on some of the climbs I went into a power interval zone and just enjoyed that too! It was a lot of work climbing the hills today, with one that rose to at least 13%, it was short, however long enough to get me out of the saddle and want to quit at the top, I did ride it, it felt so great to climb that little pitch with no pain, a couple weeks ago this would have been a no can do. So thankful to be healed up!
The legs back for sure! Not sure if its 100% however I know its on the mend. I continue to ride, stop and fill bottles then it starts to rain a little harder. Nothing I can really do besides ride, there is not shelter near in open farm country here in Kentucky. I could go to a farm house, however riding on wet muddy gravel up to the house to stay for just a few minutes I don't think is worth the trouble. The rain is warm rain so I'll continue to ride. It's getting later in the day now, close to 4PM and I'm now thinking I need to get after it if I want to make Sebree. I continue to ride, stop to check the map and when doing so the rear goes flat, I'm thinking great, another delay on this long day will definitely not allow me to get to my goal destination. I patch it and head out, however 1/4 mile down the road it goes flat again, I check and the patch didn't hold, could have been the moisture in the air. So I try and patch it again, however this time I get dumped on again as the dark clouds open up and rain on me with a fierce presence as to tell me I shouldn't be out here. The lightening has been striking pretty close, along with the booming of the thunder, I love T-Storms, however they are much more enjoyable sitting on your front porch wathing them, versus riding through them!
After about 30 minutes I go to a new tube and forget about patching the tube. I figure by now I'm close to 50-60 miles out and there is no way I'll make it to Sebree, KY. So alternatives, I think church with a pavillion or something, really not sure where I'll be staying at this point in time, though I really don't care, there is still light available to ride and that's what I'm going to do! (That was the goal of the day) Back on the saddle I'm riding, thoughts at bay and focused on getting as far as I can with the weather conditions I'm in. Riding through this little town I run into another cyclist headed East and he mentions Utica Fire Station is about thirty miles away, so I have a new destination and looking forward to getting dry!
Ten miles down the road I stop at Whitesville, KY and make a phone call to my friend Brian Hofstrom that I used to work with back in my asphalt days. He lives in Owensboro just 10 miles north, not really wanting to get off the route I mention he could meet up with me in Utica at the fire station. He gladly accepts the invitation and offers to bring dinner and I'm thinking a hot meal, what a treat after riding ~130 miles in rain and rolling terrain. I continue to push the twenty miles to Utica from Whitesville. When I start the quest to Utica there is still a little light available, however its getting dark and I mean dark. No sunset tonight just dark filled clouds blanket the sky above. The spirit is high though, as I have a destination and a reason to get there now so I continue to ride!
Once through Pleasant Ridge I know that I have about 10 miles to go so I start to push the pace as its getting dark! Not thinking about anything besides I shouldn't be riding at night I continue to ride. Brian and his son Oliver pull up next to me, state I have a couple miles and I'm there. The hills through this 20 mile section were a little unexpected, but fun! I love to be challenged and this was a great day to be challenged! Rain almost all day, with rolling terrain that you could roll if you carried the momentum through the base of the hills, into the center of the hill, then worked your tail off to roll the crest of the hill! Well worth it as you get to descend the other side and enjoy the force of gravity. I some times think I'm only riding 65 miles of a 130 mile ride in terrain like this as I only have to work half of the time! The other half I enjoy the scenery!
In Pleasant Ridge, I got waved down by a car and offered to stay in the church, however with a warm meal just ten miles away I had to decline. I think this may be the first thing on the trip I have turned down, however I knew she understood and I'm thankful that the offer was on the table, though I probably should have accepted as riding at night with no lights is not safe and I wouldn't support doing so even though I did tonight. I like to lead by example and this is not something I am proud of, however I needed to make it and the traffic was low so I went for it.
Pulling into the fire station Brian and Oliver help me pull my rig into the Fire Station. I eat a wonderful chicken dinner and some yogurt and we talk for close to a couple of hours, reflecting on the past and new ideas on the Hofstom World. It was great to see a friendly face that I haven't seen in years! After hanging out for a little while I get to typing and thinking about the ride tomorrow, the goal tomorrow is to get into Illinois, Eddyville, IL to be exact! Looking forward to the ride after I wake and wipe all the cob webs away, just to do it all again...
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 127.37
Ride Time 8:35:33
Work, kJ: 5558
Average Power, watts: 178
Normalized Power, watts: 211
Average Speed, mph: 14.68
Forecast - Rainy all day and about 60 degrees with wind from the NW at 10-15 at times...
Not sure where to begin on this post? Maybe I'll dry up and then start writing! It rained from noon till I got off the bike, however I did get a treat tonight which is always nice.
So the day started off early, I woke around 6AM and just lingered as I really could start riding then, the sun wasn't up and riding without lights can be dangerous so I waited until the sun came up. It's starting to get a little cold in the mornings like up in the Mountains out here in Kentucky. I really don't like riding in the cold so allowing the sun to warm up the air temperature is nice to have! I rolled out of the Park at about ten minutes till eight and took off! I really wanted today to be a big day, along with tomorrow, however we will see how the legs feel and if the weather cooperates.
I didn't feel bottles or have breakfast this morning even though I was up early. I ran out of fuel last night while cooking dinner so no hot water for oatmeal this morning. I road 10 miles before I filled up my bottles and thats were I started my nutrition plan for the day. I ate a Gu and a banana, with the plan of hitting Gu's every 40 minutes on the ride. I had a plan and a destination today, the destination was Sebree, KY - close to 140-150 miles from where I started. I know this may seem a bit large in volume for the day, however I really wanted to see how the leg was feeling and get back to riding! The legs great as you can see from the distance I was able to cover today!
After refilling my bottles I get to the road. The mind is full of all kinds of thoughts, however about 5 more miles in to the ride the mind goes into riding mode! I'm enjoying the day, watching the ride time and really just enjoying the ride. Scenery is amazing, trees starting to hit peak foliage, sun fighting with the clouds whether or not the rays will be able to shine bright today. Clouds building out west, and when I mean build, as if the whole Western sky is turning the darkest of dark. I continue to monitor the weather and enjoy the ride, passing by some of the most beautiful fall foilage one gets to see in the autumn. Trees line the road, then open up to see some of America's farm land, lots of corn fields! Colors from all shades of green, to orange, to reds, yellows, browns, pretty much all the pigments one can possibly think of I saw today, truely a blessed morning. Along this stretch this morning I also passed a horse and buggy, Amish country here in Kentucky.
This took me back as there is a small Amish community that lives North of Wichita where I went to school. They make some of the best home cooked meals you will ever taste if you get the chance, and the bread is to die for! I passed a couple has there heading the opposited direction, I wondered were they were going and I'm assuming they thought the same of me! I was nice to see a couple enjoying the day, traveling by horse has got to be a much slower pace then even by bike, maybe comparable however I've never traveled by horse and buggy, another thing to add to the list! Cruising along I just enjoyed the day, (not raining yet) taking in the views of the farm lands and the trees. Then I saw something I haven't seen in a long time, an Amish gentlemen out plowing the fields by horse accompanied with his dog. I watched as I traveled on by and wondered what it must be like to live the life with all the traditions they have. Some day I'll have to go and see...
Traveling on I'm in the zone now, taking in some Gu packets every 40 minutes to allow the continuous trickle of carbohydrates to my system, feeling great I keep an eye on the miles traveled and the ride time. With the terrain I have the ability to average close to 15 mph for the day if everything goes as planned. Hyrdating and hitting the Gu's for energy I continue on, up the hills, down the hills and taking the curves as if I'm racing! Really enjoying the ride, not thinking about my leg as it appears to be healed up and ready to rock n' roll! I continue on, heading into this big dark wall in front of me, low on water I stop at this little convenient store about 50 miles into the ride, once I dismounted my bike the clouds opened up and started to down pour. I grabbed a few things out of the bag and headed into the store, I figured the storm was going to be here for a while, so I wanted to take the opportunity to dry out and charge my phone.
After close to an hour I got back on the bike. Traveling down the soaked highway I take on water in my shoes from the spray from my front tire and really just enjoy it! Nothing I can do now, I have to ride a little bit more alert as wet roads and old tires sometimes don't mix so this is going to slow me some. I keep riding strong but more cautious. Minds really tuned into the ride, not really thinking about much else besides left leg, right leg driving the pedals into the ground. Mentally alert I continue on at the task at hand, that is to get to Sebree by nightfall. Now that I have lost an hour to the rain I start to question if I'll make it by then. I continue to ride and not really paying attention to the roadsigns I miss my turn and go seven miles North out of my way, the mind so locked into just riding that I failed to make a left turn. I pack track after running perpendicular into highway 60. I'm pretty mad at myself as I needed the time it would take to go 14 miles out of the way on todays ride. I make the back track and find the correct road. Enjoying the ride as it sprinkles here and there with the occasional rain I just put my head down and ride.
Up and down some solid climbs I enjoy the rain as it falls on me while I ride down the road. Nothing like riding in the rain! Continuing on I really don't think about much besides attacking the ride, really wanting to get to Sebree I ride as if I'm in race. A steady race as I'm not really trying to push it, just stay aerobic and enjoy the ride, however on some of the climbs I went into a power interval zone and just enjoyed that too! It was a lot of work climbing the hills today, with one that rose to at least 13%, it was short, however long enough to get me out of the saddle and want to quit at the top, I did ride it, it felt so great to climb that little pitch with no pain, a couple weeks ago this would have been a no can do. So thankful to be healed up!
The legs back for sure! Not sure if its 100% however I know its on the mend. I continue to ride, stop and fill bottles then it starts to rain a little harder. Nothing I can really do besides ride, there is not shelter near in open farm country here in Kentucky. I could go to a farm house, however riding on wet muddy gravel up to the house to stay for just a few minutes I don't think is worth the trouble. The rain is warm rain so I'll continue to ride. It's getting later in the day now, close to 4PM and I'm now thinking I need to get after it if I want to make Sebree. I continue to ride, stop to check the map and when doing so the rear goes flat, I'm thinking great, another delay on this long day will definitely not allow me to get to my goal destination. I patch it and head out, however 1/4 mile down the road it goes flat again, I check and the patch didn't hold, could have been the moisture in the air. So I try and patch it again, however this time I get dumped on again as the dark clouds open up and rain on me with a fierce presence as to tell me I shouldn't be out here. The lightening has been striking pretty close, along with the booming of the thunder, I love T-Storms, however they are much more enjoyable sitting on your front porch wathing them, versus riding through them!
After about 30 minutes I go to a new tube and forget about patching the tube. I figure by now I'm close to 50-60 miles out and there is no way I'll make it to Sebree, KY. So alternatives, I think church with a pavillion or something, really not sure where I'll be staying at this point in time, though I really don't care, there is still light available to ride and that's what I'm going to do! (That was the goal of the day) Back on the saddle I'm riding, thoughts at bay and focused on getting as far as I can with the weather conditions I'm in. Riding through this little town I run into another cyclist headed East and he mentions Utica Fire Station is about thirty miles away, so I have a new destination and looking forward to getting dry!
Ten miles down the road I stop at Whitesville, KY and make a phone call to my friend Brian Hofstrom that I used to work with back in my asphalt days. He lives in Owensboro just 10 miles north, not really wanting to get off the route I mention he could meet up with me in Utica at the fire station. He gladly accepts the invitation and offers to bring dinner and I'm thinking a hot meal, what a treat after riding ~130 miles in rain and rolling terrain. I continue to push the twenty miles to Utica from Whitesville. When I start the quest to Utica there is still a little light available, however its getting dark and I mean dark. No sunset tonight just dark filled clouds blanket the sky above. The spirit is high though, as I have a destination and a reason to get there now so I continue to ride!
Once through Pleasant Ridge I know that I have about 10 miles to go so I start to push the pace as its getting dark! Not thinking about anything besides I shouldn't be riding at night I continue to ride. Brian and his son Oliver pull up next to me, state I have a couple miles and I'm there. The hills through this 20 mile section were a little unexpected, but fun! I love to be challenged and this was a great day to be challenged! Rain almost all day, with rolling terrain that you could roll if you carried the momentum through the base of the hills, into the center of the hill, then worked your tail off to roll the crest of the hill! Well worth it as you get to descend the other side and enjoy the force of gravity. I some times think I'm only riding 65 miles of a 130 mile ride in terrain like this as I only have to work half of the time! The other half I enjoy the scenery!
In Pleasant Ridge, I got waved down by a car and offered to stay in the church, however with a warm meal just ten miles away I had to decline. I think this may be the first thing on the trip I have turned down, however I knew she understood and I'm thankful that the offer was on the table, though I probably should have accepted as riding at night with no lights is not safe and I wouldn't support doing so even though I did tonight. I like to lead by example and this is not something I am proud of, however I needed to make it and the traffic was low so I went for it.
Pulling into the fire station Brian and Oliver help me pull my rig into the Fire Station. I eat a wonderful chicken dinner and some yogurt and we talk for close to a couple of hours, reflecting on the past and new ideas on the Hofstom World. It was great to see a friendly face that I haven't seen in years! After hanging out for a little while I get to typing and thinking about the ride tomorrow, the goal tomorrow is to get into Illinois, Eddyville, IL to be exact! Looking forward to the ride after I wake and wipe all the cob webs away, just to do it all again...
Day 91: October 11th, 2010 (Route: Louisville, KY to Hogdenville, KY)
Day 91: October 11th, 2010 (Route: Louisville, KY to Hogdenville, KY)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 64.77
Ride Time 4:36:16
Work, kJ: 2669
Average Power, watts: 158
Normalized Power, watts: 189
Average Speed, mph: 13.79
Forecast - One of the most beautiful days yet! 85 and sunny with west wind 5-10 mph...
The last couple days have been wonderful! Kirk Kandle a friend of mine that I met on the TranAm in Oregon took wonderful care of me this weekend! Fed me, gave me a place to crash, a hot shower, a cool dog to play with Miya, and the works! Hanging out with him and Sarah over the weekend in Louisville was well worth the 80+ miles round trip off route to get there! So many great things happened over the three days I was there I'll have to write up a post when I have the time about my time off. All I can say is that Kirk knows how to host!!! Thank you my good friend for everything and I look forward to catching up soon...
I departed Kirk's place around 11AM this morning, I decided to depart late becuase I was only planning on traveling 65 or so miles to Hogdenville, KY where I have access to the Larue Country Park behind the middle school which I figured would take a little over four hours to get there. Heading out of Kirk's place the temperature was perfect for riding, not to hot and not to cold. The sun was shining bright but tucked behind a small thin layer of clouds that you could barely notice however it made for a nice warm feeling without the intense UV rays that one might feel without cloud cover. I rolled down Payne street where I hooked up with Bardstown road which I planned on taking all the way to Hogdenville. No turns today, just a straight shot all the way, however I did have to turn in Bardstown, KY as the road meandered to the west. Riding through Louisville I took it all in, all the bike shops (4 on this street within a couple miles) the restaurants, coffee shops, and all the local shops (so many of these). I really like the city of Louisville as its layed out nicely for commuting and the traffic is really great I think!
Heading South on Bardstown I pull up to a light and an orage VW (old one) pulls up next to me. The guy driving mention he really likes my trailer, we exchange a little conversation before the light changes about my travels and him wanting to get back into cycling, he thought it really cool I was lugging all that gear behind me! I continue south passing underneath a couple major highways and dealing with a fair bit of traffic when I finally ride out of the city, the ride from Kirk's to the edge of the city was great, wide four/six lane road then once out of the city it turns to a two lane with really no shoulder, I didn't really care as I'm extremely careful when riding these roads. I pretty much ride the white line, when climbing hills I stall out my pedal stroke to allow for cars to pass and really take all the necessary precautions one would take when riding on the highway. Kirk and I talked a lot about this when I as in Louisville, the fact that many don't ride in the road or at all because of fear of drivers. The facts of the matter are though, when your riding in the road you are a car, I best is to allow yourself room to manage traffic if they dare buzz you, meaning don't ride on the curb, I don't like hugging the curb becuase its just not safe. I typically ride in the passenger tire ware mark on a four lane road if not the middle of the right hand lane. If its one a two lane road I'll ride close to the curb but not too close, I want to feel comfortable with the road and riding directly on the curb is just not safe.
Heading out of Mt. Washington I navigate the rolling terrain with no problem, I'm feeling extremely strong today, I should after a couple days of rest and great food! The thoughts are really silent today as I'm really just enjoying the ride, the mind is engaged in pedaling and thinking about making it under 4.5 hours today. The wind might have something to say about that though as I have kind of a southwest wind today. I like it as its warmer then the wind I had last week and much more enjoyable to ride in!
I enjoy the fall foliage as its turning and this is what I've been waiting for! It's breath taking, I had to stop and take a couple photos today on the road and I think it was well worth it. The leaves appear redish orange with this neaon glow to them when the light hits them, so beautiful. This is what reminds me of Louisville back in 2008 when I first experienced a fall/autumn like this. I know this is why I love Louisville so much, not to mention all its culture, friendly southern hospitible people, and don't forget the "Pie Kitchen", along with so many other great things I love! For those of you that have never been to Louisville, I recommend going and make sure you have plenty of time to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, Mahammod Ali Museaum, Locus Grove, Falls of the Ohio, Art Museums, Church Hill Downs, 4th Street Live, and so many other great attractions. I know my favorite though and that's the "Pie Kitchen" - this place will please any sweet tooth! If you have time to make it out to Hubers (sp) Winery in Souther Indiana I recommend it as well - especially in the fall to pick fresh apples, pumpkins, along with tasting that fresh apple cider...
Hitting Bardstown I refill my bottles and continue on, I would have filled my bottles five miles before Bardstown, however the guy wanted to charge me for ice and I was in the mood to pay for ice even though I found 30 cents on the pavement at stop lights today! (Feeling rich!) I continue south with only a 20 miles or so to go, still feeling strong I'm thinking about what it is I'll do once to the sight tonight, in work mode today, thinking short day before a couple long days. I hope to be out of KY and IL by Thursday of this week and in MO, ready to finish off the remaining miles. All depends on how I'm feeling and if I'm doing the right things. I failed to eat on the bike all day today, just really wasn't hungry so I downed as much water as I could though as I didn't want to dehydrate. The energy levels never fell off the table for the entire ride which was awesome, I didn't push it today at all just rode nice and steady!
When I was in Bardstown today I took off my jersey and just rode in my bibs today, I haven't done this on the trip at all, however I wanted to get some sun today. It felt so good to just ride and enjoy the sunshine beating down on me, I figured a coupe hours of sun on my pale white body would be good source of vitamin D that I often crave on this trip and to be honest I need to start evening out the cycling tan I have, after 90 days on the road I have a killer tan!
Once into Hogdenville I stop at the library, refill bottels and head to the park. I get to the park around 4:30PM and make up some dinner, take a quick nap and really just start feeling tired and sluggish. I know its from not eating on the bike today, however I really didn't think about it while riding today, I was just riding. Mind goes into a little down place, pretty cranky so I know I need to get some food in me. Took a short walk, maybe close to two miles or so for some bananas and yogurt which hit the spot, then I walked back and started typing. Now its time for bed!
O' one last thing - after I downed the 32 oz of yogurt and 4 bananas I saw the brightest shootign star I have ever seen in my life! What a sight it was, it took my mind right back to normal!!!
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 64.77
Ride Time 4:36:16
Work, kJ: 2669
Average Power, watts: 158
Normalized Power, watts: 189
Average Speed, mph: 13.79
Forecast - One of the most beautiful days yet! 85 and sunny with west wind 5-10 mph...
The last couple days have been wonderful! Kirk Kandle a friend of mine that I met on the TranAm in Oregon took wonderful care of me this weekend! Fed me, gave me a place to crash, a hot shower, a cool dog to play with Miya, and the works! Hanging out with him and Sarah over the weekend in Louisville was well worth the 80+ miles round trip off route to get there! So many great things happened over the three days I was there I'll have to write up a post when I have the time about my time off. All I can say is that Kirk knows how to host!!! Thank you my good friend for everything and I look forward to catching up soon...
I departed Kirk's place around 11AM this morning, I decided to depart late becuase I was only planning on traveling 65 or so miles to Hogdenville, KY where I have access to the Larue Country Park behind the middle school which I figured would take a little over four hours to get there. Heading out of Kirk's place the temperature was perfect for riding, not to hot and not to cold. The sun was shining bright but tucked behind a small thin layer of clouds that you could barely notice however it made for a nice warm feeling without the intense UV rays that one might feel without cloud cover. I rolled down Payne street where I hooked up with Bardstown road which I planned on taking all the way to Hogdenville. No turns today, just a straight shot all the way, however I did have to turn in Bardstown, KY as the road meandered to the west. Riding through Louisville I took it all in, all the bike shops (4 on this street within a couple miles) the restaurants, coffee shops, and all the local shops (so many of these). I really like the city of Louisville as its layed out nicely for commuting and the traffic is really great I think!
Heading South on Bardstown I pull up to a light and an orage VW (old one) pulls up next to me. The guy driving mention he really likes my trailer, we exchange a little conversation before the light changes about my travels and him wanting to get back into cycling, he thought it really cool I was lugging all that gear behind me! I continue south passing underneath a couple major highways and dealing with a fair bit of traffic when I finally ride out of the city, the ride from Kirk's to the edge of the city was great, wide four/six lane road then once out of the city it turns to a two lane with really no shoulder, I didn't really care as I'm extremely careful when riding these roads. I pretty much ride the white line, when climbing hills I stall out my pedal stroke to allow for cars to pass and really take all the necessary precautions one would take when riding on the highway. Kirk and I talked a lot about this when I as in Louisville, the fact that many don't ride in the road or at all because of fear of drivers. The facts of the matter are though, when your riding in the road you are a car, I best is to allow yourself room to manage traffic if they dare buzz you, meaning don't ride on the curb, I don't like hugging the curb becuase its just not safe. I typically ride in the passenger tire ware mark on a four lane road if not the middle of the right hand lane. If its one a two lane road I'll ride close to the curb but not too close, I want to feel comfortable with the road and riding directly on the curb is just not safe.
Heading out of Mt. Washington I navigate the rolling terrain with no problem, I'm feeling extremely strong today, I should after a couple days of rest and great food! The thoughts are really silent today as I'm really just enjoying the ride, the mind is engaged in pedaling and thinking about making it under 4.5 hours today. The wind might have something to say about that though as I have kind of a southwest wind today. I like it as its warmer then the wind I had last week and much more enjoyable to ride in!
I enjoy the fall foliage as its turning and this is what I've been waiting for! It's breath taking, I had to stop and take a couple photos today on the road and I think it was well worth it. The leaves appear redish orange with this neaon glow to them when the light hits them, so beautiful. This is what reminds me of Louisville back in 2008 when I first experienced a fall/autumn like this. I know this is why I love Louisville so much, not to mention all its culture, friendly southern hospitible people, and don't forget the "Pie Kitchen", along with so many other great things I love! For those of you that have never been to Louisville, I recommend going and make sure you have plenty of time to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, Mahammod Ali Museaum, Locus Grove, Falls of the Ohio, Art Museums, Church Hill Downs, 4th Street Live, and so many other great attractions. I know my favorite though and that's the "Pie Kitchen" - this place will please any sweet tooth! If you have time to make it out to Hubers (sp) Winery in Souther Indiana I recommend it as well - especially in the fall to pick fresh apples, pumpkins, along with tasting that fresh apple cider...
Hitting Bardstown I refill my bottles and continue on, I would have filled my bottles five miles before Bardstown, however the guy wanted to charge me for ice and I was in the mood to pay for ice even though I found 30 cents on the pavement at stop lights today! (Feeling rich!) I continue south with only a 20 miles or so to go, still feeling strong I'm thinking about what it is I'll do once to the sight tonight, in work mode today, thinking short day before a couple long days. I hope to be out of KY and IL by Thursday of this week and in MO, ready to finish off the remaining miles. All depends on how I'm feeling and if I'm doing the right things. I failed to eat on the bike all day today, just really wasn't hungry so I downed as much water as I could though as I didn't want to dehydrate. The energy levels never fell off the table for the entire ride which was awesome, I didn't push it today at all just rode nice and steady!
When I was in Bardstown today I took off my jersey and just rode in my bibs today, I haven't done this on the trip at all, however I wanted to get some sun today. It felt so good to just ride and enjoy the sunshine beating down on me, I figured a coupe hours of sun on my pale white body would be good source of vitamin D that I often crave on this trip and to be honest I need to start evening out the cycling tan I have, after 90 days on the road I have a killer tan!
Once into Hogdenville I stop at the library, refill bottels and head to the park. I get to the park around 4:30PM and make up some dinner, take a quick nap and really just start feeling tired and sluggish. I know its from not eating on the bike today, however I really didn't think about it while riding today, I was just riding. Mind goes into a little down place, pretty cranky so I know I need to get some food in me. Took a short walk, maybe close to two miles or so for some bananas and yogurt which hit the spot, then I walked back and started typing. Now its time for bed!
O' one last thing - after I downed the 32 oz of yogurt and 4 bananas I saw the brightest shootign star I have ever seen in my life! What a sight it was, it took my mind right back to normal!!!
Day 88: October 7th, 2010 (Route: Danville, KY to Louisville, KY)
Day 88: October 7th, 2010 (Route: Danville, KY to Louisville, KY)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 86.96
Ride Time: 6+
Work, kJ: 3425
Average Power, watts: 152
Normalized Power, watts: 195
Average Speed, mph: 13.09
Forecast: Hot and sunny with a NW wind...
Seventh day of a 85+ miles of riding - I'm tired and I'm going to leave this post at a one liner!
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 86.96
Ride Time: 6+
Work, kJ: 3425
Average Power, watts: 152
Normalized Power, watts: 195
Average Speed, mph: 13.09
Forecast: Hot and sunny with a NW wind...
Seventh day of a 85+ miles of riding - I'm tired and I'm going to leave this post at a one liner!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 86: October 6th, 2010 (Route: Booneville, KY to Danville, KY)
Day 86: October 6th, 2010 (Route: Booneville, KY to Danville, KY)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 96.13
Ride Time 7:26:18
Work, kJ: 4639
Average Power, watts: 171
Normalized Power, watts: 201
Average Speed, mph: 12.74
Forecast: Sunny and windy...(Temps in the 70's and wind out of the W/NW at 10-15 mph
Last night was cold! I slept out on the deck of the little hostel that has been built behind the church in Booneville, KY as I did the night before in Whitesburg. I figured I would be warm enough, however the wind got to me during the wee hours of the morning and I woke, however I did manage to get some quality sleep last night, I actually think I slept 4-5 hours straight before waking which is great considering I haven't been sleeping well. When I woke I was cold, not sure if this is what woke me or something stirring about? The fog had settled in and was so think I couldn't see the church which was right next to me. Once I saw this I thought, I'm going to sleep in and wait for the sun to burn off the fog. The forecast for today is supposed to nice and sunny so no need to ride in the cold!
Talking with Kirk last night about my ETA to Louisville I told him odds are it would be Thursday. This is a little off the route, however with six days logged in at 85+ miles I'm due some rest, with one more day to go which I'm sure will be 70+ I'm looking forward to 1-3 days off the bike and let the legs rest up before the last charge to the finish line! I'm getting excited about getting back and plugging myself into society. Scarey as it may sound I'm actually looking foward to it. I hope I can find employment quickly and get all my ducks in a row for school in the spring, I've decided that I'm going to to pursue a PhD with hopes of teaching someday at the university level, where I will continually be challenged and hopefully have a few summers off to explore, travel, and potentially do some more bike touring! As the universal constant is always present, we will just see how things turn out!
After capturing as many minutes possible of sleep, I decide its time to get up so I do and its pretty chilly so I'm going to wait a little more before pushing on westward. After waiting a while and grabbing a hot chocolate to warm the insides a bit I decide its time to push on, out of the foothills of the Appalachians I will travel into the BlueGrass of central Kentucky. I'm looking forward to today as after today I should be close to 700-800 miles from my final destination and this is pretty cool. I'm so close to completing what I started and all in one piece. The leg has calmed and I'm hoping it will hold for the remaining, however you never truely know out here on the road whats going to get thrown your way!
Rolling out of the church I hit more climbing and I'm really not enjoying it to be honest, the mind is but the legs, well not so much! With five days in and two more to go before I hit up the Louisville Slugger museum the legs are screaming its time for some couch time and some movies! What are you doing to us? I'm sure those passing me are wondering what's that fool doing talking to himself, however I didn't care, this morning I was in need of some motivation and talking myself into riding was much needed this morning! Telling myself just two more days to go, huge reward of an ice bath, a warm epsom salt bath, and some rest is just around the corner. The mind was all over the place today, thinking about the boys in the tour that were racing when I started and the fact that they get rest, proper nutrition, massages, and pampered when there riding, I'm thinking that must be nice! I could use that right about now, then the thought popped into my head that they should race with trailers! (Now that would be something!)
The ride today was just like all the others, little climbing here and a little more climbing there! Then it started to flatten out and roll which I liked, then I noticed the head wind and thought, I'll take the hills and long climbs back please. The deal with wind is it never stops, at least when your climbing even the longest of climbs it has an ending, the wind however not so much. The wind was blowing today out of the west at 10-15 mph and it was more like 15 the entire day so I knew I wasn't going to make my destination by the time I wanted as this would slow me for sure!
The dogs of Kentucky did show themselves, the word in the touring community is that the dogs are wild in Kentucky and love cyclist. I think they are like the crazy fans that cheer on the riders in the Tour de France. Thinking about it, all they do is run next to you, barking, in this case cheering me on! Only there wearing fur coats, with no capes or devil costumes, or even naked for that matter. Just running along side barking. Its the silent ones you have to watch out for, the ones that sneak upside and attack at the last minute, though this is rare they do exist! Overall the dog count the last 6 days was close to 40, from small dogs to large ones all just happy to be off a chain. If I were to count the dogs chained up or in kennels along this trip it would be in the hundreds I'm for certain, so many dog lovers in Kentucky! Made me think about my little Jack, in a couple of weeks him and I will be hitting up the dog park for sure!
Rolling along, I notice I need to true my back wheel, this is a first and I'm sure its from riding on the shoulder a couple of days ago, the rumble strips and the debris probably knocked it out, I'll have to wait till Louisville to do this as when passing through the towns today they were all closed as I rode into dusk since I got a late start. I didn't mind getting a late start today though, it was sunny and nice, though the wind made it a little chilly the first half of the day.
I wish something excited would have happened today, however it was a pretty basic day out here on the road. The leg is on the mend and I'm enjoying getting back to normal, I have noticed that I have put on a lot of muscle in the quads and buttocks which is nice. Looking forward to the rest and growth that goes along with it. (As Kirk puts it, tear and repair!) Once I'm back I have so much on my plate, get the nutrition dialed back in, find employment, finish my applications for school, enroll for the spring semester, reconnect with family and friends, reconnect with my pup, and so many more loose ends to tie up! I'm looking forward to it thought, I'm finally getting my motivation and drive back from all the stress thats been thrown at me the last couple of years. I know that many might think, your telling me the motivation/drive has been missing? Yes to be honest I'm a little more motivated and driven then the next guy, seeming to have an endless supply of energy, not sure where all this spawns from, however I got it and I love it! Wonder what I would be like if I actually drank caffeine? I haven't had a soda since high school and its rare I ingest caffeine, true I give up an edge on race day however thats okay with me, I like to try and do things the natural way. Though on occasion I have had some gu or caffeine on this trip to wake me up and give me that extra edge say on day 7 of a 7 day block of training. When I'm rested though, watch out!
Trying to make it to Harrodsburg, KY I failed this evening and shut it down in Danville, KY a few miles south, 9 to be exact. I didn't want to take the risk of riding into the dark, and it just so happens I'm sleeping on a stage again! Danville, KY fairgrounds turned out to be a perfect spot for tonight, I"ll be sleeping on the stage right next to where I can peek out and see the stars! Just wish the light pollution was a little less so I could really take it all in! It's a cool night, hoping I don't get too cold, however I'll be out of the wind and out of sight right on the road I will be traveling North on in the morning. Well its 15 till 10 and I've had a full day of "work" and it all starts again around 6:30AM tomorrow as I want to beat the heat and get to resting, and chores...
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 96.13
Ride Time 7:26:18
Work, kJ: 4639
Average Power, watts: 171
Normalized Power, watts: 201
Average Speed, mph: 12.74
Forecast: Sunny and windy...(Temps in the 70's and wind out of the W/NW at 10-15 mph
Last night was cold! I slept out on the deck of the little hostel that has been built behind the church in Booneville, KY as I did the night before in Whitesburg. I figured I would be warm enough, however the wind got to me during the wee hours of the morning and I woke, however I did manage to get some quality sleep last night, I actually think I slept 4-5 hours straight before waking which is great considering I haven't been sleeping well. When I woke I was cold, not sure if this is what woke me or something stirring about? The fog had settled in and was so think I couldn't see the church which was right next to me. Once I saw this I thought, I'm going to sleep in and wait for the sun to burn off the fog. The forecast for today is supposed to nice and sunny so no need to ride in the cold!
Talking with Kirk last night about my ETA to Louisville I told him odds are it would be Thursday. This is a little off the route, however with six days logged in at 85+ miles I'm due some rest, with one more day to go which I'm sure will be 70+ I'm looking forward to 1-3 days off the bike and let the legs rest up before the last charge to the finish line! I'm getting excited about getting back and plugging myself into society. Scarey as it may sound I'm actually looking foward to it. I hope I can find employment quickly and get all my ducks in a row for school in the spring, I've decided that I'm going to to pursue a PhD with hopes of teaching someday at the university level, where I will continually be challenged and hopefully have a few summers off to explore, travel, and potentially do some more bike touring! As the universal constant is always present, we will just see how things turn out!
After capturing as many minutes possible of sleep, I decide its time to get up so I do and its pretty chilly so I'm going to wait a little more before pushing on westward. After waiting a while and grabbing a hot chocolate to warm the insides a bit I decide its time to push on, out of the foothills of the Appalachians I will travel into the BlueGrass of central Kentucky. I'm looking forward to today as after today I should be close to 700-800 miles from my final destination and this is pretty cool. I'm so close to completing what I started and all in one piece. The leg has calmed and I'm hoping it will hold for the remaining, however you never truely know out here on the road whats going to get thrown your way!
Rolling out of the church I hit more climbing and I'm really not enjoying it to be honest, the mind is but the legs, well not so much! With five days in and two more to go before I hit up the Louisville Slugger museum the legs are screaming its time for some couch time and some movies! What are you doing to us? I'm sure those passing me are wondering what's that fool doing talking to himself, however I didn't care, this morning I was in need of some motivation and talking myself into riding was much needed this morning! Telling myself just two more days to go, huge reward of an ice bath, a warm epsom salt bath, and some rest is just around the corner. The mind was all over the place today, thinking about the boys in the tour that were racing when I started and the fact that they get rest, proper nutrition, massages, and pampered when there riding, I'm thinking that must be nice! I could use that right about now, then the thought popped into my head that they should race with trailers! (Now that would be something!)
The ride today was just like all the others, little climbing here and a little more climbing there! Then it started to flatten out and roll which I liked, then I noticed the head wind and thought, I'll take the hills and long climbs back please. The deal with wind is it never stops, at least when your climbing even the longest of climbs it has an ending, the wind however not so much. The wind was blowing today out of the west at 10-15 mph and it was more like 15 the entire day so I knew I wasn't going to make my destination by the time I wanted as this would slow me for sure!
The dogs of Kentucky did show themselves, the word in the touring community is that the dogs are wild in Kentucky and love cyclist. I think they are like the crazy fans that cheer on the riders in the Tour de France. Thinking about it, all they do is run next to you, barking, in this case cheering me on! Only there wearing fur coats, with no capes or devil costumes, or even naked for that matter. Just running along side barking. Its the silent ones you have to watch out for, the ones that sneak upside and attack at the last minute, though this is rare they do exist! Overall the dog count the last 6 days was close to 40, from small dogs to large ones all just happy to be off a chain. If I were to count the dogs chained up or in kennels along this trip it would be in the hundreds I'm for certain, so many dog lovers in Kentucky! Made me think about my little Jack, in a couple of weeks him and I will be hitting up the dog park for sure!
Rolling along, I notice I need to true my back wheel, this is a first and I'm sure its from riding on the shoulder a couple of days ago, the rumble strips and the debris probably knocked it out, I'll have to wait till Louisville to do this as when passing through the towns today they were all closed as I rode into dusk since I got a late start. I didn't mind getting a late start today though, it was sunny and nice, though the wind made it a little chilly the first half of the day.
I wish something excited would have happened today, however it was a pretty basic day out here on the road. The leg is on the mend and I'm enjoying getting back to normal, I have noticed that I have put on a lot of muscle in the quads and buttocks which is nice. Looking forward to the rest and growth that goes along with it. (As Kirk puts it, tear and repair!) Once I'm back I have so much on my plate, get the nutrition dialed back in, find employment, finish my applications for school, enroll for the spring semester, reconnect with family and friends, reconnect with my pup, and so many more loose ends to tie up! I'm looking forward to it thought, I'm finally getting my motivation and drive back from all the stress thats been thrown at me the last couple of years. I know that many might think, your telling me the motivation/drive has been missing? Yes to be honest I'm a little more motivated and driven then the next guy, seeming to have an endless supply of energy, not sure where all this spawns from, however I got it and I love it! Wonder what I would be like if I actually drank caffeine? I haven't had a soda since high school and its rare I ingest caffeine, true I give up an edge on race day however thats okay with me, I like to try and do things the natural way. Though on occasion I have had some gu or caffeine on this trip to wake me up and give me that extra edge say on day 7 of a 7 day block of training. When I'm rested though, watch out!
Trying to make it to Harrodsburg, KY I failed this evening and shut it down in Danville, KY a few miles south, 9 to be exact. I didn't want to take the risk of riding into the dark, and it just so happens I'm sleeping on a stage again! Danville, KY fairgrounds turned out to be a perfect spot for tonight, I"ll be sleeping on the stage right next to where I can peek out and see the stars! Just wish the light pollution was a little less so I could really take it all in! It's a cool night, hoping I don't get too cold, however I'll be out of the wind and out of sight right on the road I will be traveling North on in the morning. Well its 15 till 10 and I've had a full day of "work" and it all starts again around 6:30AM tomorrow as I want to beat the heat and get to resting, and chores...
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