July16, 2020 Wow, the MS Ride seems like it happend a long time ago. It was very exciting to be part of and train for this summer. Thank you to all who attended my cooking class which I donated the proceeds from for this worthwhile event.
The first day of the ride got very warm and the hills were pretty long in a few areas. Toward the end of the day I was having mechanical problems with my bike gears. I was at the top of a hill I had just walked up, it was in the high 80's with great humidity. As I leaned down to try to get my chain back on my bike a voice projected out of a beautiful air conditioned vehicle asking "Do you need a SAG?" I smiled and said - "Why that would be perfect," and it was!
The finishing ride into Conneaut was heartwarming. There were alot of folks in town cheering us on. As we approached the park to completion there were people using walkers & wheelchairs, I could tell they were afflicted with MS. I teared up!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, Thursday
Weather is heating up, time for bringing extra water and sports drinks - they really help with fatique. No more driving over to the trail - have to ride the four miles to get there.
My friend and I headed over to Harpersfield again last Sunday in search of some hills. Stopped at a great moving sale while we were at it. Just barely more than 2 weeks until the MS ride.
We'll be ok.
Weather is heating up, time for bringing extra water and sports drinks - they really help with fatique. No more driving over to the trail - have to ride the four miles to get there.
My friend and I headed over to Harpersfield again last Sunday in search of some hills. Stopped at a great moving sale while we were at it. Just barely more than 2 weeks until the MS ride.
We'll be ok.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 16
My daughter asked me "Mom why is it all you talk about on your blog is biking?" Kids can just tell it like it is sometime. I replyed "Go to the first blog - it's about preparing for the MS 150 ride, the biggest physical challenge I've ever done!" Actually, it's more than a just a physical challenge, it is so much mental. It's about being part of a cause to make life better for those with MS.
Yesterday my girlfriend and I started our nine hour long adventure at 7:30 am. It was still in the 40's so we were pretty layered in our most comfortable biking attire. We rode 5 miles to the Greenway and headed south. We were pretty chatty all the way to Warren where we got off and had lunch. The day turned out to be perfect, nice sunshine.
We ended up riding 75 miles with limited breaks as needed. About 2/3 of the way we just layed down on the warm asphalt and stretched. At about 70 miles I asked my friend if she was still having fun - her reply "No!" The conversation was limited at this point. Fatigue was setting in, we agreed to head home.
My body is progressively adjusting to this lifestyle. The muscle on top of each knee was very sore by the end of the evening, but today I felt brand new! The human body is amazing at adapting, thank goodness! I just might make it through this ok.
My daughter asked me "Mom why is it all you talk about on your blog is biking?" Kids can just tell it like it is sometime. I replyed "Go to the first blog - it's about preparing for the MS 150 ride, the biggest physical challenge I've ever done!" Actually, it's more than a just a physical challenge, it is so much mental. It's about being part of a cause to make life better for those with MS.
Yesterday my girlfriend and I started our nine hour long adventure at 7:30 am. It was still in the 40's so we were pretty layered in our most comfortable biking attire. We rode 5 miles to the Greenway and headed south. We were pretty chatty all the way to Warren where we got off and had lunch. The day turned out to be perfect, nice sunshine.
We ended up riding 75 miles with limited breaks as needed. About 2/3 of the way we just layed down on the warm asphalt and stretched. At about 70 miles I asked my friend if she was still having fun - her reply "No!" The conversation was limited at this point. Fatigue was setting in, we agreed to head home.
My body is progressively adjusting to this lifestyle. The muscle on top of each knee was very sore by the end of the evening, but today I felt brand new! The human body is amazing at adapting, thank goodness! I just might make it through this ok.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 9, 2010
Today I rode to the Blessing of the Bikes on the Greenway. It was one of those days I just had to ride, despite the weather. Rode 12 miles in 42 degree weather. At one point I think there were a couple snow flakes! Didn't feel too cold until the cermony was over.
It was good to see our biking friends there. The service started off with Scott Treen playing the bagpipes, nice touch. Pastor Bill McMinn said a few words and did the blessing. He's a great person.
There had been strong winds the day before so Paul sawed up a tree across the trail and I helped him clear it.
Today I rode to the Blessing of the Bikes on the Greenway. It was one of those days I just had to ride, despite the weather. Rode 12 miles in 42 degree weather. At one point I think there were a couple snow flakes! Didn't feel too cold until the cermony was over.
It was good to see our biking friends there. The service started off with Scott Treen playing the bagpipes, nice touch. Pastor Bill McMinn said a few words and did the blessing. He's a great person.
There had been strong winds the day before so Paul sawed up a tree across the trail and I helped him clear it.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May6, 2010
This biking life is really busy! I can be gone for 3 hours easily. Rode with my friend Arlene recently, the wind was so strong there were times we could hardly break 9 mph. Found some hills to practice on, it was exhilarating! The wind at our backs had us up to 25 to 30 mph. Rode to Harpersfield covered bridge on Tuesday.
Riding is becoming easier, looking forward to a challenge of much more mileage.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22
I was reading today about how exercise helps you to think more clearly. Today was very busy getting ready for cooking class, but I decided to take a 12 mile spin around the lake. During that time I went through the whole class in my mind, sorting out which dish goes first and what the order should follow. My time got shortened, I cut four minutes off my usual route. Downhill high speed is 26 MPH, I'm loving it.
The body works, now if I could just erase any wrinkles on my face! Oh well, a good night's rest will help.
I was reading today about how exercise helps you to think more clearly. Today was very busy getting ready for cooking class, but I decided to take a 12 mile spin around the lake. During that time I went through the whole class in my mind, sorting out which dish goes first and what the order should follow. My time got shortened, I cut four minutes off my usual route. Downhill high speed is 26 MPH, I'm loving it.
The body works, now if I could just erase any wrinkles on my face! Oh well, a good night's rest will help.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
Lots of opportunity to experience headwinds. The weather turned cooler, no biking for three days!
Looking forward to a warm-up this week. Biking has helped my clothes fit better, I've lost 2 inches and but only 2 pounds.
My last ride was on Thurs., 27 miles. Goal: to get in at least one day of 35 miles or longer this week and 100 miles for the week.
I've noticed the whole day is great if I get to ride my bike. Chris
Lots of opportunity to experience headwinds. The weather turned cooler, no biking for three days!
Looking forward to a warm-up this week. Biking has helped my clothes fit better, I've lost 2 inches and but only 2 pounds.
My last ride was on Thurs., 27 miles. Goal: to get in at least one day of 35 miles or longer this week and 100 miles for the week.
I've noticed the whole day is great if I get to ride my bike. Chris
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010
Weather has been incredible for biking. The headwinds have added some challenge, but oh, the tailwinds are superb. Was able to do another 27 mile day yesterday, with total mileage 146 in the past 3 weeks. Today I mastered reaching down for my water bottle while I kept riding. I had to, it was so hot I couldn't keep stopping for another drink. Nine weeks to go until the ride. A long way to go.
Weather has been incredible for biking. The headwinds have added some challenge, but oh, the tailwinds are superb. Was able to do another 27 mile day yesterday, with total mileage 146 in the past 3 weeks. Today I mastered reaching down for my water bottle while I kept riding. I had to, it was so hot I couldn't keep stopping for another drink. Nine weeks to go until the ride. A long way to go.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24, 2010
Checked out the weather for the week and decided to accomplish that goal of 25 miles today. Paul joined me on his recumbant bike as we headed into Trumbull County on the Greenway. Our legs got a workout - it is just too much to think of riding 75 miles right now! Watched the cutest sight as four little Amish boys played on a trampoline, laughing at every bounce.
Checked out the weather for the week and decided to accomplish that goal of 25 miles today. Paul joined me on his recumbant bike as we headed into Trumbull County on the Greenway. Our legs got a workout - it is just too much to think of riding 75 miles right now! Watched the cutest sight as four little Amish boys played on a trampoline, laughing at every bounce.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
With the weather being so incredible, my biking progress has been great. Over the past ten days I have watched the nearby lake I ride around go from solid to totally liquid again. The beautiful ride around the lake is twelve miles. Yesterday I added some miles and did eighteen.
Yesterday I noticed the peepers are out. What a great sound! Spring flowers are also peeping. There are still some spots of snow where it was piled.
If the weather cooperates, next week's goal is to progress to twenty-five miles and get my battery replaced on the odometer so I can moniter my speed. It is easy to just ride along and enjoy the view.
Dropping a couple more pounds will make it easier in preparation for the uncoming hills. I continue to keep a food log most days. I find it easier to avoid temptations because I don't want to see it recorded. Call me crazy, it works for me! Chris
With the weather being so incredible, my biking progress has been great. Over the past ten days I have watched the nearby lake I ride around go from solid to totally liquid again. The beautiful ride around the lake is twelve miles. Yesterday I added some miles and did eighteen.
Yesterday I noticed the peepers are out. What a great sound! Spring flowers are also peeping. There are still some spots of snow where it was piled.
If the weather cooperates, next week's goal is to progress to twenty-five miles and get my battery replaced on the odometer so I can moniter my speed. It is easy to just ride along and enjoy the view.
Dropping a couple more pounds will make it easier in preparation for the uncoming hills. I continue to keep a food log most days. I find it easier to avoid temptations because I don't want to see it recorded. Call me crazy, it works for me! Chris
Friday, March 12, 2010
Life is a Journey
I have decided to initiate a new challenge this summer. Why? Because I can, at least I will give it my best try. Really, if you just sit around and wonder you will never know. So here goes -
My best friend and I are entering the MS bike ride - Escape to the Lake. We will ride 75 miles a day for 2 days. The event is a fund raiser for multiple sclerosis, a disease many of us have heard alot about lately.
I am already a better person just by engaging in the planning process. My conditioning started on March 1st. The old exercise equipment in our "gym", basement got dusted off.
Daily I increase the number of steps on the air strider until I think I maxed the other day. Here's the crazy truth of it: I had charlie horses so bad in both legs that the only position I didn't have pain two nights ago was standing up. There was a mattress and boxspring stored on it's side in the spare bedroom and I (if you can imagine) tried to wedge myself inbetween and sleep standing up. It didn't work too well, but it was good for a laugh!
The break in the weather for the past three days was incredible. Each day I rode my usual fairly dog-free loop of seven miles. I was in heaven! There was an incident with a dog chase, hopefully that is done for the year. Will keep you posted on the progress. Chris
My best friend and I are entering the MS bike ride - Escape to the Lake. We will ride 75 miles a day for 2 days. The event is a fund raiser for multiple sclerosis, a disease many of us have heard alot about lately.
I am already a better person just by engaging in the planning process. My conditioning started on March 1st. The old exercise equipment in our "gym", basement got dusted off.
Daily I increase the number of steps on the air strider until I think I maxed the other day. Here's the crazy truth of it: I had charlie horses so bad in both legs that the only position I didn't have pain two nights ago was standing up. There was a mattress and boxspring stored on it's side in the spare bedroom and I (if you can imagine) tried to wedge myself inbetween and sleep standing up. It didn't work too well, but it was good for a laugh!
The break in the weather for the past three days was incredible. Each day I rode my usual fairly dog-free loop of seven miles. I was in heaven! There was an incident with a dog chase, hopefully that is done for the year. Will keep you posted on the progress. Chris
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