Training Log Archive: PGIn the 30 days ending Nov 30, 2018:
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Friday Nov 30, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:31:45 23.14 mi (3:58 / mi) +364ft 3:54 / mi
ahr:127 max:152 weight:139lbs
Cloudy, 35, minimal wind. Pleasant ride, no particular plan other than stay on the flats. First went and checked out a couple of ponds to see if they were iced over (one mostly, one hardly at all, both owe their existence to the construction of I-91).
Then south on Rt. 5 a bit, used to be the main road before 91 came, now has good pavement, a decent shoulder, and not much traffic. Then eventually getting back to the Sunderland bridge and decided before I went home that I should check out a couple of places on the south side of town.
One was where some residents have been complaining about the high water levels and wet basements and, when you get to the gist of it, the beavers that are damming the drainage ditches. Water didn't look particularly high today, so maybe someone has taken matters into his own hands (or hers, possible but surely less likely).
And near to that is where there are plans to start a chicken processing plant. Looks like it will get approved, as it will be a very, very small operation. And I thought, as I cycled by the spot, that it is easy to look at what other people are doing or accomplishing and feel a little envious, or a little less happy with what you are doing or have done.
But I will not lose any sleep fretting over the fact that I have gotten through almost all of my life without ever opening a chicken processing plant. :-)
And then home. Feet and hands both got a little chilly after about 60 or 70 minutes. Upper body was often a little chilly (I leave the vents open to let moisture out) but totally acceptable. So need to do a more investigating into better gloves and booties.
On the other hand, the shirt I wear under my jacket is wonderful, really does seem to wick the moisture away from my skin. It has two layers, different fabrics. When I took it off, the inside layer felt completely dry and warm. The outside felt damp and chilly. Remarkable.
Then south on Rt. 5 a bit, used to be the main road before 91 came, now has good pavement, a decent shoulder, and not much traffic. Then eventually getting back to the Sunderland bridge and decided before I went home that I should check out a couple of places on the south side of town.
One was where some residents have been complaining about the high water levels and wet basements and, when you get to the gist of it, the beavers that are damming the drainage ditches. Water didn't look particularly high today, so maybe someone has taken matters into his own hands (or hers, possible but surely less likely).
And near to that is where there are plans to start a chicken processing plant. Looks like it will get approved, as it will be a very, very small operation. And I thought, as I cycled by the spot, that it is easy to look at what other people are doing or accomplishing and feel a little envious, or a little less happy with what you are doing or have done.
But I will not lose any sleep fretting over the fact that I have gotten through almost all of my life without ever opening a chicken processing plant. :-)
And then home. Feet and hands both got a little chilly after about 60 or 70 minutes. Upper body was often a little chilly (I leave the vents open to let moisture out) but totally acceptable. So need to do a more investigating into better gloves and booties.
On the other hand, the shirt I wear under my jacket is wonderful, really does seem to wick the moisture away from my skin. It has two layers, different fabrics. When I took it off, the inside layer felt completely dry and warm. The outside felt damp and chilly. Remarkable.
Thursday Nov 29, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:53:26 27.56 mi (4:07 / mi) +1081ft 3:58 / mi
ahr:130 max:158 weight:139lbs
Cloudy, about 40, NW 15 mph. Figured I'd better get some miles in while it was warm (next week highs are supposed to be about 30), so added on a few miles to my intended route. And it went pretty well. Dressed just about right and in a good mood the whole time.
Though the uphills are still hard work, nothing new there...
Though the uphills are still hard work, nothing new there...
Wednesday Nov 28, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 58:56 15.13 mi (3:54 / mi) +192ft 3:51 / mi
ahr:128 max:148 weight:138.5lbs
About 40, cloudy, NW 10-15. Was about to head out, checked the weather on the computer, said it was raining and was expected to rain for the rest of the afternoon, maybe a little snow too. Where did that come from? Was supposed to just be cloudy.
Looked out the window, didn't seem to be raining. Figured I better just head out, if it rained, it rained. Headed north up along the river, darker clouds to my east, a sliver of sunlight and blue sky to the west.
A bit windy, fighting it psychologically a little, but not so much as usual, which I suppose is progress. :-)
Turned around in Montague, headed back, still no rain. Back past the house, a short loop through "downtown" Sunderland, just to get an hour in. Back home, dry as could be. Computer still said there were showers around.
I'm not complaining....
Looked out the window, didn't seem to be raining. Figured I better just head out, if it rained, it rained. Headed north up along the river, darker clouds to my east, a sliver of sunlight and blue sky to the west.
A bit windy, fighting it psychologically a little, but not so much as usual, which I suppose is progress. :-)
Turned around in Montague, headed back, still no rain. Back past the house, a short loop through "downtown" Sunderland, just to get an hour in. Back home, dry as could be. Computer still said there were showers around.
I'm not complaining....
Tuesday Nov 27, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:20:22 19.95 mi (4:02 / mi) +449ft 3:57 / mi
ahr:125 max:151 weight:139.5lbs
Had to go to the supermarket, so did a ride from there, usual reason, to get some variety. Low 40s, wind W 5-10. Mostly cloudy, a little sun, also got rained on a couple of times. Moderate effort, about what I wanted.
Monday Nov 26, 2018 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:37:11 24.0 mi (4:03 / mi) +608ft 3:57 / mi
ahr:132 max:157 weight:139lbs
Mid-30s, minimal wind, overcast. Rain predicted by mid-morning so I got out early, but then the rain didn't come until late afternoon. Doesn't really matter, just glad to have gotten out.
Meant to take it rather easy, but then that didn't really happen. Time for Gail to get done with her cold so I have someone to pace me properly.
On the other hand, it strikes me as totally amazing that each morning I seem to be able to walk down the stairs without any difficulty. I still hold onto the bannister because at this age I hold onto any bannister I see. But I go down rather spryly.
Thinking back to when I was running regularly, "spryly" was a word never used in such circumstances. Always some sort of aches and pains. One step at a time coming down, hanging onto the bannister pretty tightly. Much as I miss the running, the biking doesn't seem to beat me up. A pleasant change.
And my back? Usually a little soreness, sometimes not. As long as it stays like it is now, I'm delighted.
--------
4,699 so far. The plan was to get to 4,750 by the end of November. Ahead of schedule just a little, helped having good weather in Austin. And every mile done when the temps are in the 30s (or 40s) is a mile that won't need to be done in the 20s (or teens). And going out when it's colder than the teens isn't going to happen. :-)
Meant to take it rather easy, but then that didn't really happen. Time for Gail to get done with her cold so I have someone to pace me properly.
On the other hand, it strikes me as totally amazing that each morning I seem to be able to walk down the stairs without any difficulty. I still hold onto the bannister because at this age I hold onto any bannister I see. But I go down rather spryly.
Thinking back to when I was running regularly, "spryly" was a word never used in such circumstances. Always some sort of aches and pains. One step at a time coming down, hanging onto the bannister pretty tightly. Much as I miss the running, the biking doesn't seem to beat me up. A pleasant change.
And my back? Usually a little soreness, sometimes not. As long as it stays like it is now, I'm delighted.
--------
4,699 so far. The plan was to get to 4,750 by the end of November. Ahead of schedule just a little, helped having good weather in Austin. And every mile done when the temps are in the 30s (or 40s) is a mile that won't need to be done in the 20s (or teens). And going out when it's colder than the teens isn't going to happen. :-)
Sunday Nov 25, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:18:29 21.12 mi (3:43 / mi) +450ft 3:39 / mi
ahr:135 max:162 weight:139lbs
Balmy day, upper 40s, light breeze from the north. Drove down to West Springfield, did a loop down to Suffield, CT, gently rolling and no snow/ice along the edges, which was the point of going. Well, that and the chance to ride someplace new, which is always a draw.
I'd thought about combining it with a visit to the WCOC meet at Sessions, but with snow still in the woods I decided that there was a reasonable likelihood of slipping/falling, neither something that my back or butt would appreciate. So will wait for another time.
Good effort today, especially the second half coming back north. Trying to hold the same pace as the first half, and the difference between a slight tailwind and a slight headwind was certainly noticeable. Legs have had some energy recently. :-)
I'd thought about combining it with a visit to the WCOC meet at Sessions, but with snow still in the woods I decided that there was a reasonable likelihood of slipping/falling, neither something that my back or butt would appreciate. So will wait for another time.
Good effort today, especially the second half coming back north. Trying to hold the same pace as the first half, and the difference between a slight tailwind and a slight headwind was certainly noticeable. Legs have had some energy recently. :-)
Saturday Nov 24, 2018 #
Note
Travel back from Austin. No problems. :-)
Friday Nov 23, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 1:30:14 23.52 mi (3:50 / mi) +617ft 3:45 / mi
ahr:125 max:154
Austin tour #3. From my niece's, over to the South Walnut Creek bike trail and out it for about 10 miles. Real nice, just one road crossing. A bit of a SW breeze picking up, noticed it on my way back.
Came back the same way for the first few miles, then Austin streets for the last few miles just for variety.
Another outing that was just plain fun. Love riding new places.
Came back the same way for the first few miles, then Austin streets for the last few miles just for variety.
Another outing that was just plain fun. Love riding new places.
12 PM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 17:11 3.72 mi (4:37 / mi) +5ft 4:37 / mi
ahr:115 max:131
And then last ride of the visit, my niece's back to the bike shop to turn in the bike. Right through downtown. Lots of bike lanes there so no problem, but I was taking it extra careful anyway, didn't want to do anything stupid right at the end of the trip that would damage the bike or me.
Warmer today, sun just coming out after a cloudy morning, temps about 70. No complaints.
And good progress (as planned) towards 5,000. But it's about to get harder...
Warmer today, sun just coming out after a cloudy morning, temps about 70. No complaints.
And good progress (as planned) towards 5,000. But it's about to get harder...
Thursday Nov 22, 2018 #
12 PM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 1:57:36 30.17 mi (3:54 / mi) +741ft 3:49 / mi
ahr:119 max:145
Austin tour #2. Another fine day (especially compared to back home today), upper 50s, minimal wind. Headed north from my brother's on familiar roads and then at some point just started exploring, meandering around north Austin. Heading eventually for my niece's house in east Austin, but when I was getting close I hadn't been out long enough. So off for a bit more exploring, eventually getting to her place with the desired 30 showing on the Garmin.
Totally enjoyable. Minimal risk. And a lot easier doing the miles than it's going to be back home.
Totally enjoyable. Minimal risk. And a lot easier doing the miles than it's going to be back home.
Wednesday Nov 21, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 1:37:06 24.48 mi (3:58 / mi) +671ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:124 max:145
Tour of a bit of Austin. Couldn't have been much nicer. Pleasant day, mid-50s, minimal wind. Riding in shorts. :-)
And Austin is pretty bike friendly, lots of places to go where you've got plenty of space.
Headed north on a route I knew from last year, went a little further than that time, plus wandered around in a few places just playing tourist. Wonderful way to see a city.
And a lot easier getting in a few miles than back home right now. :-)
And Austin is pretty bike friendly, lots of places to go where you've got plenty of space.
Headed north on a route I knew from last year, went a little further than that time, plus wandered around in a few places just playing tourist. Wonderful way to see a city.
And a lot easier getting in a few miles than back home right now. :-)
Tuesday Nov 20, 2018 #
Note
A short trip to Austin to visit my brother and his family for T-day.
Monday Nov 19, 2018 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:00:50 15.66 mi (3:53 / mi) +130ft 3:51 / mi
ahr:132 max:148 weight:139.5lbs
Today reminded me of why I've never really liked December -- cold, wet, just generally gloomy. Except it's still mid-November. My mood this morning seemed to match the day, gloomy. Had the usual Monday lunch with Dave, that brightened me up a little. But then a ride was on the agenda, and while it wasn't really cold (mid-30s), and there was only the slightest hint of a wind, and the inch of slush that fell overnight had melted, my enthusiasm was pretty low. But there will be days when it will be a lot worse, and I needed to get in a few miles.
Pumped up my tires before I left, had been about 40, got them up to about 55-60, better. Went off and meandered around the flats south of town, putting out a good effort which, when it's on the flats, I feel more in the legs than the lungs. And I certainly felt it in the legs.
And that was all good. Got home in a much better frame of mind than when I left. Thank you, juniors... :-)
That despite a moment of nervousness. At one point a truck came up from behind, waited while a car passed coming the other way, and then I could hear it accelerate. I could see another car coming the other way, but I wasn't sure how close it was because my attention was on a puddle just ahead. And I don't like to go through puddles because they can hide potholes of unknown size, and who knows what might happen.
So I steered as straight a line as I could, right along the edge of the puddle and, as I said, a bit nervous. In a moment I was past the puddle and could pull back to the right, and the truck was by me, and it was clear it had gone completely in the other lane and I had a ton of space.
It's a small town. People give me a lot of space. But I never take it for granted.
Pumped up my tires before I left, had been about 40, got them up to about 55-60, better. Went off and meandered around the flats south of town, putting out a good effort which, when it's on the flats, I feel more in the legs than the lungs. And I certainly felt it in the legs.
And that was all good. Got home in a much better frame of mind than when I left. Thank you, juniors... :-)
That despite a moment of nervousness. At one point a truck came up from behind, waited while a car passed coming the other way, and then I could hear it accelerate. I could see another car coming the other way, but I wasn't sure how close it was because my attention was on a puddle just ahead. And I don't like to go through puddles because they can hide potholes of unknown size, and who knows what might happen.
So I steered as straight a line as I could, right along the edge of the puddle and, as I said, a bit nervous. In a moment I was past the puddle and could pull back to the right, and the truck was by me, and it was clear it had gone completely in the other lane and I had a ton of space.
It's a small town. People give me a lot of space. But I never take it for granted.
Sunday Nov 18, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:19:56 20.1 mi (3:59 / mi) +435ft 3:54 / mi
ahr:132 max:160 weight:140lbs
Pretty balmy day. Mid-30s and no wind to speak over at 9 am and didn't seem like it would get much nicer, so might as well get out on the early side. Nice ride up along the river, back through Old Deerfield. Minimal traffic too.
Thinking some more about whether colder (and therefore denser) airis more work to ride through, it also seems that the denser air would mean more oxygen in each breath. So maybe it all cancels out.
Thinking some more about whether colder (and therefore denser) airis more work to ride through, it also seems that the denser air would mean more oxygen in each breath. So maybe it all cancels out.
Saturday Nov 17, 2018 #
Note
As I mentioned on this log about a month ago, it's time to see if we can raise some funds for the junior program.
In thinking about it, and what form Marathon Fundraiser 2 might take, I have reminisced a bit about the recent past, and in the process discovered that two of the O' events I enjoyed the most were the Junior Nationals this past April at Mt. Tom and, back in January 2015, one of the many events in Florida that Gord Hunter has made happen. Both had lots of kids there. Both had a really good vibe. Both were just plain fun. And I wasn't orienteering.
Over the same time period our juniors have won the last three Future Champions Cups and turned in increasingly better results at JWOC. In Erin Shirm and Greg Ahlswede they have two outstanding coaches. Things are happening.
So it's easy to make the case for supporting the juniors. The challenge is just to do it.
Here's what I'm proposing for MF2. I'm not running any more. I might still have a little orienteering in me, but not much. At this point my regular exercise comes from riding a bike. There is no plan B. And this time of year it gets pretty hard some days to get out the door. Actually, it gets pretty hard a lot of days.
But, invariably, when I do get out, no matter how miserable the conditions might be, I always come back with a smile on my face.
My log shows that this year so far I've ridden 4,510 miles. That's a pretty good number. 5,000 would be an even better number. Targets are nice, and getting to 5,000 has gotten me out a few times this past month when I might not have otherwise. And as the weather gets worse....
As with MF1, I'll start things off with the first pledge. A dollar for every mile I ride from today, November 17, through the end of the year. And if I make 5,000, I'll double it. So I'm possibly on the hook for $980, or more if I just keep cruising past 5,000. Though it's certainly not going to be easy. And I'm not going out when it clearly isn't safe.
So, who will join me to help raise some money for the kids?
Option 1 -- pledge a certain amount a mile, whatever you want. Maybe add a bonus if I make it to 5K. Or whatever other motivation you might dream up. Everything helps.
Option 2 -- figure out your own challenge, make it public, maybe get others to join in supporting you.
If you're willing to help out, just make a comment on this thread, saying what you have in mind. If you'd rather help but not make it public, send me an e-mail at pg@crocker.com. The main thing is to just do something.
Last time lots of folks pitched in. Let's see if we can do it again.
In thinking about it, and what form Marathon Fundraiser 2 might take, I have reminisced a bit about the recent past, and in the process discovered that two of the O' events I enjoyed the most were the Junior Nationals this past April at Mt. Tom and, back in January 2015, one of the many events in Florida that Gord Hunter has made happen. Both had lots of kids there. Both had a really good vibe. Both were just plain fun. And I wasn't orienteering.
Over the same time period our juniors have won the last three Future Champions Cups and turned in increasingly better results at JWOC. In Erin Shirm and Greg Ahlswede they have two outstanding coaches. Things are happening.
So it's easy to make the case for supporting the juniors. The challenge is just to do it.
Here's what I'm proposing for MF2. I'm not running any more. I might still have a little orienteering in me, but not much. At this point my regular exercise comes from riding a bike. There is no plan B. And this time of year it gets pretty hard some days to get out the door. Actually, it gets pretty hard a lot of days.
But, invariably, when I do get out, no matter how miserable the conditions might be, I always come back with a smile on my face.
My log shows that this year so far I've ridden 4,510 miles. That's a pretty good number. 5,000 would be an even better number. Targets are nice, and getting to 5,000 has gotten me out a few times this past month when I might not have otherwise. And as the weather gets worse....
As with MF1, I'll start things off with the first pledge. A dollar for every mile I ride from today, November 17, through the end of the year. And if I make 5,000, I'll double it. So I'm possibly on the hook for $980, or more if I just keep cruising past 5,000. Though it's certainly not going to be easy. And I'm not going out when it clearly isn't safe.
So, who will join me to help raise some money for the kids?
Option 1 -- pledge a certain amount a mile, whatever you want. Maybe add a bonus if I make it to 5K. Or whatever other motivation you might dream up. Everything helps.
Option 2 -- figure out your own challenge, make it public, maybe get others to join in supporting you.
If you're willing to help out, just make a comment on this thread, saying what you have in mind. If you'd rather help but not make it public, send me an e-mail at pg@crocker.com. The main thing is to just do something.
Last time lots of folks pitched in. Let's see if we can do it again.
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:19:26 31.34 mi (4:27 / mi) +359ft 4:24 / mi
ahr:113 max:143 weight:139.5lbs
The first part with Gail, she seemed to need a little encouragement to get out the door. We had about 8" of snow Thursday night. By afternoon yesterday the roads had been clear enough to ride, but my enthusiasm had been lacking and I'd passed. Today she had seemed in the same state of mind. So a joint outing at least got us both out.
Did 14 with her. Thought I should do some more, so just headed south, sticking to the flats, it's just safer than up in the hills where you don't know what might be around the next corner, and certainly safer than dirt roads, which can be frozen and icy and you won't know until it's too late.
So anyway, another hour to ponder. Was thinking for a while about whether it was justified to blame something other than me for slower speeds as it gets colder. Like, more clothes on so more wind resistance. Or, colder air, so it's dense, so also more resistance. Perhaps true. Or perhaps just need to pedal harder.
And then also thinking it was time to pull the trigger on another attempt to raise funds for the junior program. The first time, MF1, certainly made a difference. And my sense was, and still is, that there are a lot of folks who are absolutely willing to pitch in, they just need to be asked.
So I worked out the details of what seemed to be a good plan (including that the mileage on this ride would count), and before I knew it I was home, the first 31 miles done on the way to 5,000... :-)
Did 14 with her. Thought I should do some more, so just headed south, sticking to the flats, it's just safer than up in the hills where you don't know what might be around the next corner, and certainly safer than dirt roads, which can be frozen and icy and you won't know until it's too late.
So anyway, another hour to ponder. Was thinking for a while about whether it was justified to blame something other than me for slower speeds as it gets colder. Like, more clothes on so more wind resistance. Or, colder air, so it's dense, so also more resistance. Perhaps true. Or perhaps just need to pedal harder.
And then also thinking it was time to pull the trigger on another attempt to raise funds for the junior program. The first time, MF1, certainly made a difference. And my sense was, and still is, that there are a lot of folks who are absolutely willing to pitch in, they just need to be asked.
So I worked out the details of what seemed to be a good plan (including that the mileage on this ride would count), and before I knew it I was home, the first 31 miles done on the way to 5,000... :-)
Thursday Nov 15, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:24:25 17.17 mi (4:55 / mi) +272ft 4:51 / mi
ahr:113 max:152 weight:139.5lbs
With Gail. The battery that powers her electronic shifting seemed to have run out of juice, so she was left in a single gear, lower than she would normally be in. So I put mine 3 lower than normal and got an hour's practice at using a higher cadence. Clearly not something I'm used to.
About 30F, very light breeze from the south at times. Felt balmy.
Added on about 3 extra miles at the end, starting with once up Claybrook.
About 30F, very light breeze from the south at times. Felt balmy.
Added on about 3 extra miles at the end, starting with once up Claybrook.
Wednesday Nov 14, 2018 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:34:39 20.03 mi (4:44 / mi) +1227ft 4:28 / mi
ahr:130 max:152 weight:138.5lbs
Invigorating, I suppose. Low 30s, NW about 20. Planned a route in the lower hills on the west edge of the valley, hoping to lessen the wind. Certainly did make it more variable, never knew what direction it would come from. But I'm pretty sure that's an improvement over out on the valley floor, open fields, when you're going into the wind it is just unavoidable and rather unpleasant.
Started in Whately by the Whately Inn. To Williamsburg (with 2 or 3 miles of dirt road thrown in), Leeds, Haydenville, and back to Whately. I was a bit apprehensive about the last 8 or 9 miles, should be a crosswind, feared it might be a headwind. In fact, it just kept changing. Not so bad.
I think last winter my limit was about 20F, assuming not much wind. For this amount of wind, 30 might be about my limit. We'll see.
----------------
It was also a fine day for outdoor activities in general. Mowed the "lawn," really needed it, hadn't been done for 2 or 3 months. Got a two-for-one in the process, took care of most of the leaves at the same time. The wind was my friend in this, blowing all the chopped up leaves into the trees. Perfect. In 30 minutes the place was looking good. :-)
Started in Whately by the Whately Inn. To Williamsburg (with 2 or 3 miles of dirt road thrown in), Leeds, Haydenville, and back to Whately. I was a bit apprehensive about the last 8 or 9 miles, should be a crosswind, feared it might be a headwind. In fact, it just kept changing. Not so bad.
I think last winter my limit was about 20F, assuming not much wind. For this amount of wind, 30 might be about my limit. We'll see.
----------------
It was also a fine day for outdoor activities in general. Mowed the "lawn," really needed it, hadn't been done for 2 or 3 months. Got a two-for-one in the process, took care of most of the leaves at the same time. The wind was my friend in this, blowing all the chopped up leaves into the trees. Perfect. In 30 minutes the place was looking good. :-)
Tuesday Nov 13, 2018 #
Note
There was a NEOC local meet at Wachusett on Sunday. Got me thinking back to when it was used before, so I did a little looking through the archives. Brought back some memories.
1. An A meet, September 17-18, 1994. Both days we had the start up on top, took the chairlift up, so that would have made the courses faster. On the other hand, leaves were still up. So who knows. 8.6 km in 88:31 the first day, 9.4 km in 89.10 the second. Day 1, Day 2.
2. The Billygoat, April 21, 1996. Start and finish at the base of the ski area. 13.9 km, 2:05:21. Seems I skipped #18, which saved some woods running but not much distance.
3. Another A meet, September 28-29, 1996, first day at Townsend, second day at Wachusett. Again, start and finish at the ski area. 9.9 km, 91:58. Map.
4. NEOC club champs, October 19, 1997. 5.5 km, red course (no blue), 62:57. Once more, start and finish at the bottom. Map. And used master maps, and it was on the clock. Ah, the old days... :-)
And then I guess we lost access. Until now.
1. An A meet, September 17-18, 1994. Both days we had the start up on top, took the chairlift up, so that would have made the courses faster. On the other hand, leaves were still up. So who knows. 8.6 km in 88:31 the first day, 9.4 km in 89.10 the second. Day 1, Day 2.
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2. The Billygoat, April 21, 1996. Start and finish at the base of the ski area. 13.9 km, 2:05:21. Seems I skipped #18, which saved some woods running but not much distance.
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3. Another A meet, September 28-29, 1996, first day at Townsend, second day at Wachusett. Again, start and finish at the ski area. 9.9 km, 91:58. Map.
.jpg){kind=link}
4. NEOC club champs, October 19, 1997. 5.5 km, red course (no blue), 62:57. Once more, start and finish at the bottom. Map. And used master maps, and it was on the clock. Ah, the old days... :-)
.jpg){kind=link}
And then I guess we lost access. Until now.
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 54:37 13.54 mi (4:02 / mi) +359ft 3:56 / mi
ahr:124 max:150 weight:139lbs
Just enough time to get this in before it got darkish -- would have been happier getting home 5 or 10 minutes earlier, and very unhappy getting home 10 minutes later. At least I've got a very bright jacket with reflectors on it....
Actually, just looked it up, sunset today was 4:30, got home about 4:28, should have been lots of light, but there was a very heavy overcast.
Was raining most of the day. Road were still wet when I was out, but at least it wasn't raining.
About 40, light NW breeze.
Actually, just looked it up, sunset today was 4:30, got home about 4:28, should have been lots of light, but there was a very heavy overcast.
Was raining most of the day. Road were still wet when I was out, but at least it wasn't raining.
About 40, light NW breeze.
Monday Nov 12, 2018 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:35:09 21.92 mi (4:20 / mi) +987ft 4:10 / mi
ahr:124 max:156 weight:139.5lbs
Mostly an easy pace through the lower hills in Montague and Leverett. Didn't feel like working hard, so didn't.
Sunday Nov 11, 2018 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 51:42 12.62 mi (4:06 / mi) +142ft 4:03 / mi
ahr:127 max:145 weight:139lbs
North along the river and back. About 35, sunny, WNW 10-15. Not all that pleasant, but could have been a lot worse.
In the contest between how many cars I would see and how many icy patches I would have to ride across, the cars won 2 to 1.
In the contest between how many cars I would see and how many icy patches I would have to ride across, the cars won 2 to 1.
Saturday Nov 10, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:56:49 28.31 mi (4:08 / mi) +545ft 4:03 / mi
ahr:130 max:150
On my way home from the Cape and decided on a ride in the Plymouth area. It had rained a bunch overnight and was supposed to clear out in the morning and get increasingly windy. Seemed like 11 might be a good starting point, the rain gone, the wind not as bad as it would be later.
At 11 I was sitting in my car thinking about whether there was a plan B, or C, or D. It was raining, it was windy, it just wasn't real nice out. I dialed up some weather forecasts, but it seemed much the same elsewhere between Plymouth and Sunderland. Eventually I managed to get up the necessary resolve, get changed, and get out the (car) door.
The first bit was a quick trip through Plymouth, past some big statue, past a very unimpressive Plymouth Rock. Then out of town to the south, eventually into Miles Standish State Park (though whenever I hear the name Miles Standish, I can't help but think of Kilometres Deboutish). Up and down all the time, because that's what the terrain is like.
Then west into cranberry bog country, zillions of them, pretty, but also pretty annoying because there was no shelter from the wind. And eventually turning to the northeast, back to where I started.
Some rain, a lot of wind. Was getting low blood sugar starting about mile 22, so I stopped and had a chocolate milk and a Cliff Bar. Did the trick.
Though my Garmin could have used a boost too. It ran out of oomph about half a mile from the end.
At 11 I was sitting in my car thinking about whether there was a plan B, or C, or D. It was raining, it was windy, it just wasn't real nice out. I dialed up some weather forecasts, but it seemed much the same elsewhere between Plymouth and Sunderland. Eventually I managed to get up the necessary resolve, get changed, and get out the (car) door.
The first bit was a quick trip through Plymouth, past some big statue, past a very unimpressive Plymouth Rock. Then out of town to the south, eventually into Miles Standish State Park (though whenever I hear the name Miles Standish, I can't help but think of Kilometres Deboutish). Up and down all the time, because that's what the terrain is like.
Then west into cranberry bog country, zillions of them, pretty, but also pretty annoying because there was no shelter from the wind. And eventually turning to the northeast, back to where I started.
Some rain, a lot of wind. Was getting low blood sugar starting about mile 22, so I stopped and had a chocolate milk and a Cliff Bar. Did the trick.
Though my Garmin could have used a boost too. It ran out of oomph about half a mile from the end.
Friday Nov 9, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:40:52 26.24 mi (3:51 / mi) +333ft 3:48 / mi
ahr:127 max:143
Last day of the conference. I didn't see anything on the morning's schedule that was appealing, and after a bit of pondering decided I didn't need to be there until about 1:30. :-)
Off reasonably early, out to Chatham and to the NWR at the SE corner of Cape Cod. Took a nice walk down the beach and past some tidal pools. And then, because it was quite windy, decided to see what the rail trail was like, thinking it might be a bit sheltered.
Which it was, which was a plus. As was the overall outing, essentially 13 miles out and then back the same way. Almost no one out. Lots of oak leaves swirling around, nice to have a bike that handles pretty much anything.
One thing I hadn't expected was how many "level crossings" there were, meaning where the trail crosses roads. There was one over (over route 6, the main Cape artery), and one under, by way of a big culvert. For the rest you had to worry about the cross traffic.
For entertainment I kept count on the way back -- 21 times there were Stop signs, and at 11 of those there were also signs telling you to get off your bike and walk across. Seemed like a lot. But at least the road traffic was (very) light, so at each one I'd approach, listen, and look but forget the stop part except in a couple of cases where someone actually was coming. So not so bad. And actually, there were several cases where cars saw me and they stopped. Don't know if that's the usual custom, but I was impressed.
And then back to "work," A couple of sessions that were fine, plus the annual meeting that I skipped out on partway through, even though I was Sunderland's official voting delegate, because it was going to run way late and there was a session about evaluating your superintendent where I thought I might learn something. Which I did.
Home tomorrow, but probably will fit in another nature stop and another bike ride before I get there. Nice to have a look at different places.
Off reasonably early, out to Chatham and to the NWR at the SE corner of Cape Cod. Took a nice walk down the beach and past some tidal pools. And then, because it was quite windy, decided to see what the rail trail was like, thinking it might be a bit sheltered.
Which it was, which was a plus. As was the overall outing, essentially 13 miles out and then back the same way. Almost no one out. Lots of oak leaves swirling around, nice to have a bike that handles pretty much anything.
One thing I hadn't expected was how many "level crossings" there were, meaning where the trail crosses roads. There was one over (over route 6, the main Cape artery), and one under, by way of a big culvert. For the rest you had to worry about the cross traffic.
For entertainment I kept count on the way back -- 21 times there were Stop signs, and at 11 of those there were also signs telling you to get off your bike and walk across. Seemed like a lot. But at least the road traffic was (very) light, so at each one I'd approach, listen, and look but forget the stop part except in a couple of cases where someone actually was coming. So not so bad. And actually, there were several cases where cars saw me and they stopped. Don't know if that's the usual custom, but I was impressed.
And then back to "work," A couple of sessions that were fine, plus the annual meeting that I skipped out on partway through, even though I was Sunderland's official voting delegate, because it was going to run way late and there was a session about evaluating your superintendent where I thought I might learn something. Which I did.
Home tomorrow, but probably will fit in another nature stop and another bike ride before I get there. Nice to have a look at different places.
Thursday Nov 8, 2018 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:06:19 17.4 mi (3:49 / mi) +253ft 3:46 / mi
ahr:128 max:145
In the vicinity of Hyannis, along the coast for a few miles heading west, and then back. Another nice day, though a little cooler than yesterday, about 50. Still rode in just shorts and one shirt, was a little chilly but OK.
Had a major problem getting going. Dropped the chain off to the inside of the small chain ring and it got jammed. It's happened before and I've gotten good at fixing it quickly, but this time whatever I did just got it more jammed. At some point another biker showed up, did I need any help. Not that he knew what to do, but he did offer moral support.
Finally figured it out, got the chain back where it was supposed to be, and then made a little adjustment in one place that I think will stop this from happening again. We'll see.
The ride itself was fine, and once again hustling along rather well. Maybe just having shorts on has something to do with it.
----------------
And another day of conferencing, though I skip out on the meals and the speeches, hence the chance to do some biking and some birding. Sound mind in a sound body, right? Certainly good for my morale.
Did go to three sessions, learned something at each, so that is not so bad. One about ways to make things more efficient, certainly ought to be possible even though we are dealing with educating children and not making widgets, as folks are quick to say.
The second was about the new state system for measuring how schools are doing. Well, we have to deal with it so might as well understand it.
And the third about purchasing, and the myriad of state rules, and the bad things that can happen if you don't follow them very very precisely. Also something good to know a little about but no need to know a lot.
Black skimmers (juveniles) --
Had a major problem getting going. Dropped the chain off to the inside of the small chain ring and it got jammed. It's happened before and I've gotten good at fixing it quickly, but this time whatever I did just got it more jammed. At some point another biker showed up, did I need any help. Not that he knew what to do, but he did offer moral support.
Finally figured it out, got the chain back where it was supposed to be, and then made a little adjustment in one place that I think will stop this from happening again. We'll see.
The ride itself was fine, and once again hustling along rather well. Maybe just having shorts on has something to do with it.
----------------
And another day of conferencing, though I skip out on the meals and the speeches, hence the chance to do some biking and some birding. Sound mind in a sound body, right? Certainly good for my morale.
Did go to three sessions, learned something at each, so that is not so bad. One about ways to make things more efficient, certainly ought to be possible even though we are dealing with educating children and not making widgets, as folks are quick to say.
The second was about the new state system for measuring how schools are doing. Well, we have to deal with it so might as well understand it.
And the third about purchasing, and the myriad of state rules, and the bad things that can happen if you don't follow them very very precisely. Also something good to know a little about but no need to know a lot.
Black skimmers (juveniles) --
Wednesday Nov 7, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:40:27 27.01 mi (3:43 / mi) +301ft 3:41 / mi
ahr:131 max:149 weight:139.5lbs
On my way to Hyannis for a three-day conference for members of school committees in Massachusetts -- thinking, hopefully, that I will learn something useful -- so I left early enough to have time for a ride on the way. And a fine ride it was.
Mostly back roads in Lakeville and surrounding towns, a little south of I-495. Flattish but not flat, and there is a big difference. Lots of very little ups and downs, rarely more than 20 or 30 feet vertically, made it a lot more fun than when it's dead flat and you put it in a gear and just grind away.
And a beautiful day, sunny, about 60 so rode in shorts and a long-sleeve shirt. There was some wind, SW to W, 5-10, but somehow it didn't bother me today. Not that I didn't notice it, but psychologically I was mellow. Just enjoying myself as the miles zipped by. The legs just felt good.
And then off to Hyannis, went to a couple of sessions, one on how to do a search for a new superintendent (which we might have to do in a few months), the other on strategic plans and their pluses and minuses. Not really all that interested in the latter, but nothing else being offered at that time slot was more interesting and I figured I might learn something. Which perhaps I did.
Then I passed on the dinner (bad food and listening to speeches) and went off in search for an alternative. Found a place that was just perfect, Common Ground Cafe, had a large salad and a delicious sandwich. Could not have been better.
Will be early to bed. But first I have to plan a route for a ride for tomorrow. I'll have sufficient time in the middle of the day (skipping a couple of sessions I have no interest in, plus the luncheon). Got to keep my priorities straight. :-)
Mostly back roads in Lakeville and surrounding towns, a little south of I-495. Flattish but not flat, and there is a big difference. Lots of very little ups and downs, rarely more than 20 or 30 feet vertically, made it a lot more fun than when it's dead flat and you put it in a gear and just grind away.
And a beautiful day, sunny, about 60 so rode in shorts and a long-sleeve shirt. There was some wind, SW to W, 5-10, but somehow it didn't bother me today. Not that I didn't notice it, but psychologically I was mellow. Just enjoying myself as the miles zipped by. The legs just felt good.
And then off to Hyannis, went to a couple of sessions, one on how to do a search for a new superintendent (which we might have to do in a few months), the other on strategic plans and their pluses and minuses. Not really all that interested in the latter, but nothing else being offered at that time slot was more interesting and I figured I might learn something. Which perhaps I did.
Then I passed on the dinner (bad food and listening to speeches) and went off in search for an alternative. Found a place that was just perfect, Common Ground Cafe, had a large salad and a delicious sandwich. Could not have been better.
Will be early to bed. But first I have to plan a route for a ride for tomorrow. I'll have sufficient time in the middle of the day (skipping a couple of sessions I have no interest in, plus the luncheon). Got to keep my priorities straight. :-)
Tuesday Nov 6, 2018 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:00:19 15.49 mi (3:54 / mi) +115ft 3:52 / mi
ahr:131 max:152 weight:139lbs
Wet, but not quite wet enough to not go out. Drizzle for the first 40 minutes, then steady rain for the rest. Mid 40s, calm.
Reminded myself a couple of times that rain is not so bad, you won't melt. But two other things do matter. One, keeping your body temperature right, which for today at least was no problem, felt just right.
And two, safety. I can't see as well, nor one assumes can drivers. The road can be slippery, especially where there are wet leaves. And the brakes don't work as well.
Managed most of that by choosing a route with no hills and not much traffic. And then just paying attention.
Was nice to get home when I did, because a few minutes later it was coming down a lot harder. According to the local paper, normal rainfall for the year through this date is about 36 inches. This year so far we've had about 51. Sure seems like there have been a whole lot of days when I've been trying to fit outdoor activities into small windows of opportunity.
Reminded myself a couple of times that rain is not so bad, you won't melt. But two other things do matter. One, keeping your body temperature right, which for today at least was no problem, felt just right.
And two, safety. I can't see as well, nor one assumes can drivers. The road can be slippery, especially where there are wet leaves. And the brakes don't work as well.
Managed most of that by choosing a route with no hills and not much traffic. And then just paying attention.
Was nice to get home when I did, because a few minutes later it was coming down a lot harder. According to the local paper, normal rainfall for the year through this date is about 36 inches. This year so far we've had about 51. Sure seems like there have been a whole lot of days when I've been trying to fit outdoor activities into small windows of opportunity.
Monday Nov 5, 2018 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:23:44 20.26 mi (4:08 / mi) +541ft 4:02 / mi
ahr:128 max:155 weight:139.5lbs
Looked like rain was coming, so headed out early. Upper 30s, light breeze from the NE. First time wearing the booties, kept the feet nice and warm. Only part getting chilled was my fingers, so the mittens will be the next addition.
Loop around the Montague plains. Didn't have any particular route in mind, just kept deciding at various intersections which way to go. At the end strung it out a bit just to get 20 miles.
As usual, glad to have done it.
Loop around the Montague plains. Didn't have any particular route in mind, just kept deciding at various intersections which way to go. At the end strung it out a bit just to get 20 miles.
As usual, glad to have done it.
Sunday Nov 4, 2018 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:15:17 17.63 mi (4:16 / mi) +1048ft 4:03 / mi
ahr:135 max:157 weight:139lbs
Out in the Berkshires for the day. Took my bike with me, figuring I'd have a better chance of getting a ride in since it might be too late if I waited until I got home, and that turned out to be the case.
Really pleasant route. A bit of dirt, a few hills, not much traffic, and the one stretch where there might have been traffic there was a nice bike lane.
Can tell I haven't done many hills recently, but I had sufficiently low gears to manage anyway. And coming down it didn't take long to get pretty chilled. 50s, light breeze from the NW, more or less.
Really pleasant route. A bit of dirt, a few hills, not much traffic, and the one stretch where there might have been traffic there was a nice bike lane.
Can tell I haven't done many hills recently, but I had sufficiently low gears to manage anyway. And coming down it didn't take long to get pretty chilled. 50s, light breeze from the NW, more or less.
Saturday Nov 3, 2018 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:05:24 15.27 mi (4:17 / mi) +91ft 4:16 / mi
ahr:125 max:144 weight:139lbs
A front was coming through and we went from heavy rain and calm to sunshine and blustery winds out of the west in about an hour. I was supposed to just get windier as the day went on, so headed out pretty soon after the rain was done.
The pace was a no hurry pace. The effort was somewhat more.
The pace was a no hurry pace. The effort was somewhat more.
Friday Nov 2, 2018 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:21:33 21.05 mi (3:52 / mi) +584ft 3:46 / mi
ahr:134 max:159 weight:138.5lbs
That was excellent. And that just refers to getting out the door. :-)
Rain for much of the day, but there was a break in mid-afternoon, and it was almost 60, and there was hardly any wind, so really. How could I not go?
Pretty nice, and my legs were sufficiently energetic that it wasn't even discouraging. And the conditions were fine, wet roads for the first half, light rain for the second. Looked like it might get heavy a couple of times but never did.
And at some point when the rain was coming down I said to myself, you're 74, you're out doing this, that's not so bad... :-)
Rain for much of the day, but there was a break in mid-afternoon, and it was almost 60, and there was hardly any wind, so really. How could I not go?
Pretty nice, and my legs were sufficiently energetic that it wasn't even discouraging. And the conditions were fine, wet roads for the first half, light rain for the second. Looked like it might get heavy a couple of times but never did.
And at some point when the rain was coming down I said to myself, you're 74, you're out doing this, that's not so bad... :-)
Thursday Nov 1, 2018 #
Note
Going to be hard to make 5K miles this year. Need to do another 770 in the last 60 days, which would be simple if it were summer, but it's not. We shall see. No harm done if I fall short, but it's nice to have goals, even foolish ones.
There's a reason for what might perceived as madness. I like being out doing it, and I like the feeling afterwards of having done it. As compared to going to the gym, which has no appeal at all.
So I expect I'll try to keep doing this as long as I can.
There's a reason for what might perceived as madness. I like being out doing it, and I like the feeling afterwards of having done it. As compared to going to the gym, which has no appeal at all.
So I expect I'll try to keep doing this as long as I can.
4 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:01:54 15.41 mi (4:01 / mi) +52ft 4:00 / mi
ahr:122 max:148 weight:138.5lbs
Strange day. It was supposed to be cloudy in the morning and rain all afternoon, but it actually rained all morning and then was cloudy all afternoon. Just trying to mess with me, I guess.
Had my usual morning walk, try to do an hour or two most mornings, though this one was a bit wet. Figured I'd probably pass on a ride, but then by mid-afternoon there was really no good excuse not to go. So off I went.
Mid 50s, N about 5, sometimes a little more. Roads were still damp but not near enough water to throw up a spray.
Headed south of town on the flats. Somehow my mind had failed me and assumed this would allow me a pleasant ride back north with the wind. It wasn't until about 4 miles, feeling modestly pleased at how I was moving along, that I realized I'd had a bit of wind with me all along and going back was going to be more work. I'm not sure which is disappearing faster, the legs or the brain....
Worked a good bit harder on the way back, just trying to keep the same pace. I have no idea why I needed to do that. These things just happen.
Had my usual morning walk, try to do an hour or two most mornings, though this one was a bit wet. Figured I'd probably pass on a ride, but then by mid-afternoon there was really no good excuse not to go. So off I went.
Mid 50s, N about 5, sometimes a little more. Roads were still damp but not near enough water to throw up a spray.
Headed south of town on the flats. Somehow my mind had failed me and assumed this would allow me a pleasant ride back north with the wind. It wasn't until about 4 miles, feeling modestly pleased at how I was moving along, that I realized I'd had a bit of wind with me all along and going back was going to be more work. I'm not sure which is disappearing faster, the legs or the brain....
Worked a good bit harder on the way back, just trying to keep the same pace. I have no idea why I needed to do that. These things just happen.