Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Team Stonequarry Inaugural Ride
Did my first am ride with a guy I know (we coach together, etc.). Picked a 10 mile route with some hills and we set a pace that was "just right". "Just right" means we didn't want anymore by the time we rolled into home. Amazing how I can go 20 and be wiped out and then also be real tired on a 10 miler. Pace, hills, etc. can be manipulated to give a nice workout. We both have the goal of going about an hour in the morning and that's it. The 10 miler didn't take an hour but it was the first time on this route so we were pleased anyway. "Pleased" means we were happy there were no more hills.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
New Personal Best - Distance
I'm not counting 10 years ago on my goals/personal bests, I'm counting "this go 'round".
I've been off the bike for over a week. Son graduating (party, etc), coaching ball, work, etc.... so tonight I had a rare evening and decided to do at least 20 miles. 16+ was my old PR and that was when I was in a groove so busting out and doing 20 wasn't the smartest thing for me to do. Smart isn't my M.O. I had to ride through town (both ways) and it seemed like each time there was an opportunity for the worst case scenario of traffic and lights it was there. The only reason I care is to have a realistic baseline for time so I can have something to beat the next time I do the route.
I ended up doing 23.29 miles at at 12.2 mph pace. Considering all the stops I'm ok with it. At the half way point my legs were tired and I was reminded that I hadn't been consistently riding. When I finally rolled up to my house I was whupped. Painfully so.
I've been off the bike for over a week. Son graduating (party, etc), coaching ball, work, etc.... so tonight I had a rare evening and decided to do at least 20 miles. 16+ was my old PR and that was when I was in a groove so busting out and doing 20 wasn't the smartest thing for me to do. Smart isn't my M.O. I had to ride through town (both ways) and it seemed like each time there was an opportunity for the worst case scenario of traffic and lights it was there. The only reason I care is to have a realistic baseline for time so I can have something to beat the next time I do the route.
I ended up doing 23.29 miles at at 12.2 mph pace. Considering all the stops I'm ok with it. At the half way point my legs were tired and I was reminded that I hadn't been consistently riding. When I finally rolled up to my house I was whupped. Painfully so.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Expanded Commute - Back Home Leg
The commute back home was pretty easy. The co-worker I rode in with was having great difficulties so I just plodded along with him. At one point when we stopped I told him his seat looked low. We chatted and he said he thought the entire frame was too small for him and after looking at it I agreed. He is about my height so I traded him bikes for a trial run. When I got on his bike and pedaled my first thought was "This sucks donkey ass!" as the seat was too low, tilted too far up in the front and generally not working for me. He on the hand felt like he was riding on silk it took so little effort to move. Reluctantly he gave me my bike back and I realized how freaking hard he was working just to get from point A to point B, let alone try and keep up with me (because I'm awesome).
Since we were slowed we got caught in the rain and was quickly soaked. I didn't personally care but I figured with how hard he worked and how soaked we were he deserved a beer. We stopped at a local join along the path and had a pitcher.
The entire commute for the day equaled 29.71 miles. Next I'll try leaving from my house and going for the full deal. That should kill me.
Since we were slowed we got caught in the rain and was quickly soaked. I didn't personally care but I figured with how hard he worked and how soaked we were he deserved a beer. We stopped at a local join along the path and had a pitcher.
The entire commute for the day equaled 29.71 miles. Next I'll try leaving from my house and going for the full deal. That should kill me.
Expanded Commute - First Leg
First leg of expanded commute is over. 16.48 miles total which was no massive strain. The only issue was when my water bottle came out of the holder right as I was going to lean on a post waiting to cross a road. I leaned left to get it fully intending to put my left foot on the ground. However, as I continued to lean I realized my foot was in the recently installed toe cage and that there was a very good chance I was going to fall. As I continued to achieve a horizontal position I tried many things to get my foot out of the toe cage. None of them worked. I fell from the sidewalk into the street and then my foot slipped gently from the toe cage as if coated with butter. I got up quickly to avoid being killed by a vehicle and then took a quick inventory of the various scrapes I got from "the fall". One on the elbow, one on the outside of my calf. The other was on the inside of my other leg when it dug into the gear. I got back on my bike and continued onward.
At work I told a few people and we had a good laugh. They all agreed they wished they had witnessed it.
The ride back is going to be interesting but I suspect the worst will be that I will be extra tired tonight and tomorrow.
At work I told a few people and we had a good laugh. They all agreed they wished they had witnessed it.
The ride back is going to be interesting but I suspect the worst will be that I will be extra tired tonight and tomorrow.
Expanded Commute Today
Today's commute didn't start at my house but where I would be meeting a co-worked whenever we go in together. From that point to shower and then to work it is around 16.5 miles. On the way home we would leave right from work so a few miles will be shaved off. The full there and back commute will double my daily miles so it will be interested to see how tired/sore I am later and tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I'm considering doing something stupid tomorrow. Which kind of excites me. Last week's commute was about 6 miles each way and I met a co-worker part way there to start. I'm commuting into work again tomorrow and am thinking of backing the start point up to the 13 mile point. My longest since I've "been back on the bike" has been 15.x miles so the leg in isn't an issue. However..... riding back may destroy me.
Occasionally I like to do things which may destroy me to challenge myself. And since I won't be destroyed until I get back home I can lay on the floor and wish for death in peace.... and air conditioning.
Occasionally I like to do things which may destroy me to challenge myself. And since I won't be destroyed until I get back home I can lay on the floor and wish for death in peace.... and air conditioning.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Cost / Savings of Commuting Calculator
I've created a spreadsheet to try and determine how much I save or how much it costs me to commute to/from work. I'm ignoring the "value" of the exercise itself for this exercise.
If I drove to/from work it would be a distance of 14.2 miles. If I rode my bike the whole way I would save 14.2 miles worth of fuel, vehicle wear/tear/maint and whatever else goes into that. Each day I ride in I look up the price of fuel and enter it into my spreadsheet. The way I have it now if I ride in the whole way and use today's fuel price ($3.799) I would save $5.187 each way for a total of $10.274. That's nice and all but how much do I spend to commute? I will buy a little rack for the back of my bike, I have increase wear/tear on the bike, etc. so that needs factored in as well.
Overall it is going to be a savings for sure.
If I drove to/from work it would be a distance of 14.2 miles. If I rode my bike the whole way I would save 14.2 miles worth of fuel, vehicle wear/tear/maint and whatever else goes into that. Each day I ride in I look up the price of fuel and enter it into my spreadsheet. The way I have it now if I ride in the whole way and use today's fuel price ($3.799) I would save $5.187 each way for a total of $10.274. That's nice and all but how much do I spend to commute? I will buy a little rack for the back of my bike, I have increase wear/tear on the bike, etc. so that needs factored in as well.
Overall it is going to be a savings for sure.
First commute... done
I use endomondo to track my bike miles, pace, etc. Here is the workout I captured from the 6 mile partial commute: http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/uSByR95WfSs .
The bike path we were on was really nice and peaceful. It had trees on both sides, a river to the right, and a railroad track to the left. Typical of a "Rails To Trails" initiative many states have going. There was only about 1 mile where we had to share a road with traffic and there was room for us to safely ride and not interfere with traffic. We did have to get in a turn left lane but we hammered on the pedals and didn't cause anybody a problem. We will search for ways to stay off roads without adding significant distance but even if we don't improve that stretch it is acceptable.
We didn't push the pace today as we know we didn't have showers at work, that's getting arranged for during lunch today.
Morning Weight: 262.5lbs
Total miles: 6.85
Time: 30:52
Avg Speed: 11.4
Miles Saved Versus Driving: 4.1
The bike path we were on was really nice and peaceful. It had trees on both sides, a river to the right, and a railroad track to the left. Typical of a "Rails To Trails" initiative many states have going. There was only about 1 mile where we had to share a road with traffic and there was room for us to safely ride and not interfere with traffic. We did have to get in a turn left lane but we hammered on the pedals and didn't cause anybody a problem. We will search for ways to stay off roads without adding significant distance but even if we don't improve that stretch it is acceptable.
We didn't push the pace today as we know we didn't have showers at work, that's getting arranged for during lunch today.
Morning Weight: 262.5lbs
Total miles: 6.85
Time: 30:52
Avg Speed: 11.4
Miles Saved Versus Driving: 4.1
Commuting.... almost
Recently I dusted off my bike and started to ride. I have only a few hours each week to actually exercise so I decided to get out and ride at night. It's working out well as I am on bike paths that nobody else is on and I'm able to get out about three nights a week. As I've built some miles I've been thinking about doing partial and eventually full commutes to work. After some this and that myself and a co-worker met and did the last six mile (or so) into work. It felt good.
Today is also "Ride Your Bike To Work Day". I didn't know this until my wife pointed it out this morning as I was getting ready to .... ride my bike to work.
Today is also "Ride Your Bike To Work Day". I didn't know this until my wife pointed it out this morning as I was getting ready to .... ride my bike to work.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
2010 Hunting General Info
Complete information for season: http://fw.ky.gov/pdf/1011huntingguideentire.pdf
Benton, KY 42025-5738
Marshall County
Zone 1
Modern Gun - Nov. 13-28, 2010
Archery - Sept. 4, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011
Crossbow - Oct. 1-17 and Nov. 13 - Dec. 31, 2010
Muzzleloader - Oct. 16-17 and Dec. 11-19, 2010
Youth Only Firearm - Oct. 9-10, 2010
Free Youth Weekend - Jan. 1-2, 2011
Benton, KY 42025-5738
Marshall County
Zone 1
Modern Gun - Nov. 13-28, 2010
Archery - Sept. 4, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011
Crossbow - Oct. 1-17 and Nov. 13 - Dec. 31, 2010
Muzzleloader - Oct. 16-17 and Dec. 11-19, 2010
Youth Only Firearm - Oct. 9-10, 2010
Free Youth Weekend - Jan. 1-2, 2011
Thursday, August 12, 2010
First Hammock Camp out of Kayak
Maps Referenced: http://www.henrynet.com/mapping/LittleMiamiRiver.htm
On August 31, 2010 Mikey C. and myself did a short paddle and overnight hang to test out how prepared we are for longer outings. Two things went into where we started, how long we would go, and where we would stop. First was that Mikey C. could not leave until after 7pm (Saturday). Secondly we were meeting up with some others on Sunday for a family paddle. With those two things in mind we decided to do the "Narrows To Bellbrook Canoe Rental" shown in the above referenced map for the evening paddle, hang in the hammocks, and then continue onward until we arrived at "LMR - 60.8 - Ohio Spring Valley Wildlife Area Launch", again referenced in the above map. Upon arrival at the Spring Valley Launch we would meet up with some others and casually float until we got out at a canoe/kayak rental place called River's Edge Outfitters.
The first two legs our our journey were projected to take about 2hrs depending on how much we paddled. Two hrs after the start was just enough time to get to our camp area and setup with a bit daylight to help us out. We each have headlamps but we wanted to make this first night as successful as possible.
Both of use packed our kayaks without regard for what the other was bringing outside of making sure we had some stuff for an evening meal. I brought my hammock, bug net, a large tarp, clothing, beverages and things like extra rope, knife, etc. Even with that little amount the kayak was noticeably heavier and a big more sluggish. I am going to have to work on my weight distribution and get more items up front to balance out how I sit in the water. Additionally for right now I have a large tarp from Lowe's. Far too big for kayak/hiking purposes. It took up way too much room in my kayak.
We arrived at our camping spot which was actually Bellbrook Canoe Rental. They graciously allowed us to camp overnight. When we pulled up to shore we spotted a shelter and decided to hang between the posts. There was also another larger shelter about 50 yards away that had some younger people already setup for tent camping. They had the tents a bit aways from the shelter and had a nice fire going and a bit of music going. Once we got to the shelter we studied the poles and hung up the bug nets with hammocks. Satisfied we got a small fire going and warmed up our food. Afterwards we jumped in our respective hammocks and went off the slumber land.
This overnight was my first extended lay in my hammock. It was VERY comfortable. Once you get in a hammock that is properly setup and go off center you can lay very flat. I took a stuff sack and put some clothes in it to use for a pillow and that hit the spot. Before I knew it it was morning and I awoke refreshed. We packed up and paddled the next leg to meet up for the fun and family portion.
Mikey C's Setup
ENO Doublenest Hammock
ENO Guardian Bug Net
My Setup
Warbonnet Traveler 1.7 DL Hammock
ENO Guardian Bug Net
On August 31, 2010 Mikey C. and myself did a short paddle and overnight hang to test out how prepared we are for longer outings. Two things went into where we started, how long we would go, and where we would stop. First was that Mikey C. could not leave until after 7pm (Saturday). Secondly we were meeting up with some others on Sunday for a family paddle. With those two things in mind we decided to do the "Narrows To Bellbrook Canoe Rental" shown in the above referenced map for the evening paddle, hang in the hammocks, and then continue onward until we arrived at "LMR - 60.8 - Ohio Spring Valley Wildlife Area Launch", again referenced in the above map. Upon arrival at the Spring Valley Launch we would meet up with some others and casually float until we got out at a canoe/kayak rental place called River's Edge Outfitters.
The first two legs our our journey were projected to take about 2hrs depending on how much we paddled. Two hrs after the start was just enough time to get to our camp area and setup with a bit daylight to help us out. We each have headlamps but we wanted to make this first night as successful as possible.
Both of use packed our kayaks without regard for what the other was bringing outside of making sure we had some stuff for an evening meal. I brought my hammock, bug net, a large tarp, clothing, beverages and things like extra rope, knife, etc. Even with that little amount the kayak was noticeably heavier and a big more sluggish. I am going to have to work on my weight distribution and get more items up front to balance out how I sit in the water. Additionally for right now I have a large tarp from Lowe's. Far too big for kayak/hiking purposes. It took up way too much room in my kayak.
We arrived at our camping spot which was actually Bellbrook Canoe Rental. They graciously allowed us to camp overnight. When we pulled up to shore we spotted a shelter and decided to hang between the posts. There was also another larger shelter about 50 yards away that had some younger people already setup for tent camping. They had the tents a bit aways from the shelter and had a nice fire going and a bit of music going. Once we got to the shelter we studied the poles and hung up the bug nets with hammocks. Satisfied we got a small fire going and warmed up our food. Afterwards we jumped in our respective hammocks and went off the slumber land.
This overnight was my first extended lay in my hammock. It was VERY comfortable. Once you get in a hammock that is properly setup and go off center you can lay very flat. I took a stuff sack and put some clothes in it to use for a pillow and that hit the spot. Before I knew it it was morning and I awoke refreshed. We packed up and paddled the next leg to meet up for the fun and family portion.
Mikey C's Setup
ENO Doublenest Hammock
ENO Guardian Bug Net
My Setup
Warbonnet Traveler 1.7 DL Hammock
ENO Guardian Bug Net
Monday, August 2, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Clark Jungle Hammocks
Clark Jungle Hammocks: Clark has plenty of "systems" as well as basic hammocks. As you can see in the below image their WeatherShields have a support which allows for a dome type structure around your upper body and with the help of a ridge line the covering stays away from you. Take a look at this double hammock.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Para-Cord Suppliers
http://www.para-cord.com/
http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=armynavy&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=282024562&Count2=199164986
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350365270848&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SearchResults.aspx?catid=169&site=All+Products&num=10&q=paracord
http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=armynavy&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=282024562&Count2=199164986
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350365270848&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SearchResults.aspx?catid=169&site=All+Products&num=10&q=paracord
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Sources for fabrics
Local
Hancock Fabrics Store #1232
Hours:
M-F 9:30-9
Sat 9:30-6
Sun 12-5
937-429-5895
4472/4474 Indian Ripple RD
Dayton, OH 45440
Noah Lamport - SilNylon is listed as zero posterity on the site.
Specialty Outdoors - List of sources
Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics
Thru Hiker
Speer Hammocks
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/
http://www.vtarmynavy.com/mosquito_netting.htm
NOSEEUM Large Sizez
http://www.mosquitocurtains.com/home/mosquito-netting.html
http://www.noahlamport.com/
Call for silnylon seconds. They don't advertise this on their website.
Hancock Fabrics Store #1232
Hours:
M-F 9:30-9
Sat 9:30-6
Sun 12-5
937-429-5895
4472/4474 Indian Ripple RD
Dayton, OH 45440
Noah Lamport - SilNylon is listed as zero posterity on the site.
Specialty Outdoors - List of sources
Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics
Thru Hiker
Speer Hammocks
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/
http://www.vtarmynavy.com/mosquito_netting.htm
NOSEEUM Large Sizez
http://www.mosquitocurtains.com/home/mosquito-netting.html
http://www.noahlamport.com/
Call for silnylon seconds. They don't advertise this on their website.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Evening / Night Paddel - Spring Valley Launch to Caeser Creek Access
Maps used for trip report: Little Miami River
Last night Mikey C. and I went on a long paddle for an evening. The "Spring Valley Launch to Caeser Creek Access" (view that link on the left on the map) mapped out to 9.89 miles, which I'll round up to 10. The majority of this route was new river for us so when we set out to to find the start and end points it is always a bit of adventure. We frequently use public access to park out vehicles and they close at dark. That means we have to park on the side of the road outside the gate. You never know if the vehicles will still be there on in one piece when we go back to them.
Last night Mikey C. and I went on a long paddle for an evening. The "Spring Valley Launch to Caeser Creek Access" (view that link on the left on the map) mapped out to 9.89 miles, which I'll round up to 10. The majority of this route was new river for us so when we set out to to find the start and end points it is always a bit of adventure. We frequently use public access to park out vehicles and they close at dark. That means we have to park on the side of the road outside the gate. You never know if the vehicles will still be there on in one piece when we go back to them.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Night Paddle - Rt. 68 to Jacobs Landing
Map Used: http://www.Henrynet.com/mapping/LittleMiamiRiver.htm
Link On Map: "Rt. 68 to Jacobs Landing"
Gage height, feet = 1.39 on 09-08-2009 @ 10:30
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03240000
Mikey C. and I did a night paddle last night (7 Sept 2009) and had the type of "good time" that you don't repeat. The section we were on is towards the beginning of the Little Miami and therefore the water flow and height is not what you get further on. Add to that the time of year and we knew that there would be some dragging. Add even more that this section does not have any canoe/kayak rental places that typically keep the river clear of excessive obstructions. What does all that mean? It means that several times we had to either portage around huge tree fall or get out of our kayaks to drag through shallow parts.
The trip took us about 4hrs, 15 minutes but a significant portion of that was spent figuring out the best way to get around or over the three portages and then doing it. Because of the delay we paddled harder than we would like so we could get home at a reasonable time and go to work today. Normally we like to float along and watch nature and enjoy the night.
We encountered a few sets of glowing eyes on our trip. Mikey C. detected a few critters and I seen a deer. We also seen a fairly large cat and tried to entice it into the river for a swim but it was not fooled by our excellent meowing sounds.
We were happy to have crossed off this portion of the Little Miami River. We have one more section north that we expect to be similar to what we just did but we will tackle that in the daylight. As we go South the water will get deeper and the river will have less obstructions.
Link On Map: "Rt. 68 to Jacobs Landing"
Gage height, feet = 1.39 on 09-08-2009 @ 10:30
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=03240000
Mikey C. and I did a night paddle last night (7 Sept 2009) and had the type of "good time" that you don't repeat. The section we were on is towards the beginning of the Little Miami and therefore the water flow and height is not what you get further on. Add to that the time of year and we knew that there would be some dragging. Add even more that this section does not have any canoe/kayak rental places that typically keep the river clear of excessive obstructions. What does all that mean? It means that several times we had to either portage around huge tree fall or get out of our kayaks to drag through shallow parts.
The trip took us about 4hrs, 15 minutes but a significant portion of that was spent figuring out the best way to get around or over the three portages and then doing it. Because of the delay we paddled harder than we would like so we could get home at a reasonable time and go to work today. Normally we like to float along and watch nature and enjoy the night.
We encountered a few sets of glowing eyes on our trip. Mikey C. detected a few critters and I seen a deer. We also seen a fairly large cat and tried to entice it into the river for a swim but it was not fooled by our excellent meowing sounds.
We were happy to have crossed off this portion of the Little Miami River. We have one more section north that we expect to be similar to what we just did but we will tackle that in the daylight. As we go South the water will get deeper and the river will have less obstructions.
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