I will call it….The Beast

Day 11, flat tire number four.  Yes, around mile 5 or 6 this morning the tire slowly started to deflate.  Either (a) the new tubes are junk or (b) there is something in the liner of the tire or on the wheel.  I’m pretty sure (b) is not the problem so (a) is going to be the answer.

I was able to pump up the tire three separate times to get myself to work…well at least within a mile where I walked the rest of the way (with sandals).  I had to make a decision.  I asked DB if he’d take the bike to the shop so I could get it professionally tuned up.  So we did just that.  Yes, I road in a car today and I’m disappointed in myself too but I didn’t have any other choice.  The bike, which I will now call The Beast because it continues to eat my tires, will be ready to rock n roll tomorrow and the girlfriend will drop me off to pick it up.

I went for a run after I got home and the legs feel super heavy.  It was nice to move on foot rather than wheels for a change but do I miss the speed already.

Beautiful sunrise this morning (looking backward riding)

By pictures like the one here keeps me going each morning.  Before the flat happened and I looked back to see this I though, “That is exactly why I love doing this.” 

DB and I are heading out early tomorrow morning on our Ferraris for a long ride.  Time to learn DB a thing or two about cycling.  I’m pretty jacked about it and the girl should be in the etta in the next few hours.  Should be a good weekend if the rain will hold off. 

Time to chill for the weekend.  If you want to ride this weekend, hit me up.  Go USA – time to destroy England!

Later.

33% down

Piece of crap new tube...tear indicated by arrow.

Day ten was another interesting day on the bike.  I was very sluggish waking up this morning and on my ride to work.  Although the bike was running well, my legs were feeling the desperate ride from yesterday evening.  Not too much unusual about the morning commute.

Work was work and my legs locked up like concrete because I sat around all day.  I know I’m not putting in that much mileage for cycling but the whole brake issue from yesterday drained me.

Around noon time I headed out to lunch (walked to Crystal Cafe) and on my way back in I checked out the bike; and would you believe it, A FLAT TIRE!  The rear tire was completely flat.  I used my hand pump and nothing.  So, in my tie and dress shoes, I took the tire off and took a look at the tube.  A split down part of the seem….a brand new tube defective.  Go figure.

I replaced the tube and put the tire back on and pumped up the tire as much as I could with the hand pump.  I probably only got about 20-25 psi in it and I need around 70.  Guys from work, whom I’ve never even met, responded to an email when I asked if anybody had a foot pump.  I even got a phone call from Manny who was willing to let me use some of his CO2 cartridges.  It was cool to see the quick feedback for a fellow biker.

I opted to go to Matheny’s Motors where my buddy and his grandpa work.  They hooked me up and I was back on the road home.  I was just going to really take it easy and give me legs a break but the ride started quick and with a little wind to my back I decided to attack the ride some.

I made the return trip in 48 minutes…yesterday took 65 minutes!  I was pretty happy about the ride…has me looking forward to the time trial possibly scheduled for the end of next week.  Things are going well now I’m running out of food so I’ll be hitting up the grocery store this weekend…wait till you see how I’m going to take care of this.

Until tomorrow, peace.

Day Numero 9

Well.  Today …well today wasn’t all that fun.

I took off a little earlier than usual thinking it was going to be a nice cool morning commute to work.  Unfortunately, my rear tire did not feel like staying pumped up.  Yup, another flat!  I was over half way and approaching Belpre when this happened.

So KW came to the rescue because I did not have my spare tubes yet (although I did get a pump this past weekend).  I walked for about two miles and didn’t realize that would destroy the cleats on my shoes – that was realized trying to get home.

I got to work still ahead of schedule.  I found the closest bicycle shop which was Bob’s Bicycle shop located about a mile from work.  At lunchtime, I walked, with flat tire in hand, to the bike shop.  I bought every single 26 x 1.75-2′ tube they had!  While at their shop, I replaced the punctured tube with a new and pumped the tire up with their equipment.

Walked back to work and proceeded to put the tire back on the bike all of this being done wearing my tie   I couldn’t quite get everything perfect so I waited until after work to fix it.  I spent 30 minutes after work trying to get the tire on properly and just couldn’t get it perfect.

Thus, I rode home with the rear brake rubbing the ENTIRE time.  Oh, and the tire pressure was 20 psi too low!  All the above combined equalled a hell of a time getting home.  I busted my butt and didn’t make it home for over an hour!  I’m exhausted and my legs are shot.  Good sleep and lots of recovery foods are in store tonight.

Hope tomorrow brings a little better luck.  And just a tidbit of info…I’ve been riding for over three years and only have had a flat tire once…I’ve had two flat tires in the last five days.  You do the math.  Route 7 is not very friendly to cyclists…

Out.

Day 8

Picture of the fog approaching Belpre

Day 8 started out a bit chilly – around 48 degrees.  The cooler temperature brought out a beautiful fog.  I love fog because it makes the air feel crisp and clean (hahahaha, clean).  The conditions made me want to go on a long ride and skip past work but I decided I should be responsible.

I had the quickest trip to/from work so far; roughly around 49 minutes around a 17 mph average.  It felt good and made me want to set a date to do a time trial to and then one from work.  I’ll take a look at the calendar in the next few days and let you know.  For the rowers following this blog, just think of it as a 10k or 12k test.

Work went by relatively quick even with the extra hour.  I jumped on the bike hoping for the same conditions home but there was a slight cross wind and traffic was exceptionally loud.  An ambulance blew past me on route 7 and scared the s@#& out of me.  I can handle the semis and large whatever a few feet from me but the noise surprises me sometimes.

I made it up to Marietta at a normal return pace.  I did a few errands around the ol etta then dropped the mountain bike off at the Palace (home) and took ol blue back to storage where I picked up the Ferrari.  Again, the Ferrari is fast!  Have I mentioned that before?  haha

So I’m approaching the end of week 2 and 1/3 of the way through 30 days.  The legs are getting strong and I’m anxious to get on a long ride with the Ferrari.  DB and I are hitting up a little ride Saturday morning so I can show him the few little things I know about cycling (he’s a novice but got his own lil Ferrari).

Come join for a trip or two!

Until tomorrow.

Night.

Monday Monday

I got off to a slow start this morning.  I suppose a typical Monday though.  There seemed to be a bit of head wind heading to work.  There wasn’t much to the trip.  I was able to use the new “locker” today.  It worked out well…at least until everybody finds out about it and takes it over! haha

Work went by.  I continue to be extremely hungry at all times.  That goes with the new work outs.  You can only have so many PBJs in a day.  Work was over so I headed off home.

As I left work the wind decided to produce a sustained 10 mph head wind.  So I officially had the worst return time/average so far.  I also found out why the return trips are faster than the trips to work;  the traffic volume is much greater coming home than going to work.  That means the large semis and trucks that piss me off some times actually pull my butt up the highway.  It’s a little give and take I guess.  

This evening was good because I rode the bike around town doing a few things like going over to the boathouse and to my roommates girlfriend’s place for a delicious dinner.  Nice to do those things rather than just trying to bust down the highway to work and what not.

I’m still up for some morning commuters to join me!  Hit me up if you want (just don’t hit me-literally).

Night.

Day 5 & 6 (and 4)

I’m back home from seeing Megan for the weekend.  I took off early yesterday morning and spent the weekend with her.  Had a lovely time…always enjoy her company.

It’s time to recap Friday finally.  Friday was quite interesting.  I left work a bit early so I could get to the DMV before it closed because I have to turn in my Ohio’s DL tomorrow for my auto insurance.  I proceeded to make my way home and right before half way up I noticed something; I was pumping away but slowing down…I look down at my front tire and…shit, it’s going flat.  I wasn’t prepared properly.

Thus, I gave a good ol pal, Susan B, a call to give me a ride.  She agreed thus I kept walking.  Right after that a truck pulled over in front of me and the sweetest lady stepped out and asked, “Got a flat?”  “Well yes I do,” I said.  So we proceeded to chit chat and she asked if I was going to Marietta because she was so I threw my bike in the back of her truck.  I called Susan back and she was almost already to pick me up but just turned around (sorry again Susan!) 

This sweet lady’s name was Mary.  Mary was a supervisor security officer at one of the local chemical plants.  Mary saved the day for me!  I thank Mary for her gracious help and kind words.

I got to my house with a few minutes to spare before the DMV closed so I HAD to get there to get my license.  So I ditched the mountain bike and got on the Ferrari.  Holy crap the Ferrari is fast!!!  After being on the heavy mountain bike the Ferrari seems like nothing.   Ok.  Got to the DMV, passed my test, got my new license, rode up to Devola where my car was in storage, dropped the bike, picked up ol blue, then came home.  I fixed the flat tire, packed, cleaned up, then headed to my Mom’s house to see my bro whom I hadn’t seen for a year.  It was awesome seeing him and I’m glad he’s home for a bit!  I definitely missed that guy and he is growing up a lot.

It was great seeing all the family again.  I made it home around 11 and proceeded to crash out because I was heading up to P-town early Saturday morning.

Getting in the car again was a little strange.  I really appreciate the value of a motor and the mobility it gives me.  I can tell there are going to be a lot of things I usually take for granted come out of these 30 days.  I’ll update you tomorrow on the progress I made at work for getting locker space.  KW helped me out…it’s a good start to a slow process.

Adios until tomorrow.  The rides are getting a bit boring so I offer up to anybody that would want, join me for my trip to and/or from work.  I usually hit route 7  around 6:20 a.m. and 4:10-15 p.m. – it is typically around 14 miles each way. 

Miles for the week (4 days) - 114 

Later!

Day 4 – Brother is home!!!

I’m going to tell you all about today’s ride in the morning.  And let me tell you, it was a VERY interesting ride home. haha.

I’m off to see Michael for the first time in a year.  Glad to know he is home with the family for a bit.  OOHRAH!

P.S. pic of death wall mentioned yesterday.

The small wall between me and death (or fun?)

Day 3

Well day three is done.  My bro made it in this evening from Japan and I’m pumped to see him tomorrow!  This morning started a little wet due to the intense storms last night.  I have still gotten by without getting rained on but I’m sure that is soon to come.  The a.m. ride was lousy because I was stiff and just out of mojo.  Average was same as first day-right around 15 mph. 

So back to the issue with not being able to get a locker at work.  I was doing some work in the office and my manager, yes manager, asked me to come to her office.  She then proceeded to offer her own personal closet to me to use.  I guess my supervisor had forwarded her (manager) an email I had in the pipeline concerning the issue.  Then my manager sent it off to the director of HR!  There is so much support for what I thought was just a fun thing to try.

Return home on Day 3

I realized something interesting on the ride home.  If any of you were wondering, the wall between the road and the 150 ft drop off the Belpre bridge is only approximately 3 feet high!  I figured this out when I was heading over the bridge into Ohio and a large truck blew by me and I moved over towards the wall.  So there I was staring OVER the concrete barrier at the water below.  That was quite exciting.  After that excitement, I made my way back to Marietta at a pretty quick pace.

I stopped by Marietta College to watch a few of my rowers do a 2k test then went home.  Being Thursday, I biked my way to Devola for dinner at the Bs.  Now back home and the first negative thing to my 30 days came up; I just said “no” to going to a coaches meeting at the Harmar!  It was a very disappointing moment for me and it’ll be nothing but hell next time we are summoned, but hey, lets just say I’ll be much happier at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow.

Ok, I’m out.  Night!

Day 2 – Rocking Out

Day two of 30 days on the bike…seems like a long way until the end.  This morning ride to work was much quicker than yesterday – about 1.5 mph average faster.  I made it roughly around 50 minutes.  The early morning metabolism jump-start has kicked in today!

I was starving all morning and had a huge lunch.   I can’t “ride” in other vehicles either, so lunch is either food I’ve packed for the day or one of the local restaraunts.  If more people road/walked/biked to downtown Parkersburg, the local eateries (and shops too) would definetly benefit.  Another interesting thought.

Speaking of riding in cars; everyone thinks I’m really crazy when I tell them my 3o days on the bike includes not even taking a ride in another person’s vehicle.  It is what it is.  I can tell this is going to be a fun time.

Although some think I’m a bit crazy with the whole idea, I’m getting a lot of support from many people – especially at work.  Hopefully my actions can inspire a few others to be more active.  I did hit a road bump at work with the locker situation.  Apparently Uncle Sam isn’t so gracious with allowing others to use his lockers.  Why have lockers then?  Good question and I’m working on some solutions thanks to my good friend KW.

Well, the day ended with a pretty quick ride home.  I swear the average elevation increases coming back to Marietta in comparison to going to Parkersburg, but I increased yesterday’s return average by 1.3 mph.   My first “excitement” took place when I crossed the entrance for AMPO – the entire entrance was covered with large rocks and the bike nearly flipped out from me.  Oh well, shit happens.

A little tired this evening just from getting up earlier but I’ll be ready to hit it again in the a.m.  I need a name for the mountain bike…any ideas?  Later.

Day 1, Tuesday

The mountain bike is HEAVY! I was presented a slight headwind but comfortable temperatures in the morning. A.M. stats – 15.0 mph avg, 13.89 miles, and time of 54:33. That is 5 mph avg and 13 minutes slower than on the road bike. Oh well…call it resistance training.

P.M. stats – 16.5 mph avg, 14.5 miles (went to boathouse first) and in 52:26. There was no wind but moderately hot.

After day one I’m pumped and ready to rock n roll for 29 more days. I can definitely tell usual errands and mobility are going to be much different. I’ve always thought efficiently thanks to my old friends at UPS, but I’m constantly trying to figure out the best way to get all my things done. I even sat down and made a few bills out using snail mail! Interesting thought.

Well hopefully I’ll actually be able to get a locker at work tomorrow to put my clothes and items into and help Uncle Sam promote wellness. We’ll see. Day 2 begins at 6:15 a.m. Later!