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Showing posts from September, 2010

The rain stopped for a bit!

T his morning I had a few things to get done, but I managed to get out as soon as possible.  The rain is do to return this afternoon, but the weather forecasters have not been right in a while. I rode 10.16 miles in 40:15 minutes at an average speed of 15.1 mph and a max speed of 23.3 mph. I burnt 586 calories and my average HR was 149 bpm and my max HR was 163 bpm.  The temperature was 63℉ when I started and 67℉ when I returned home. The winds were from the NNW at 4 mph. My stats are below.

Rain, Rain and more Rain

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I t looks like bad weather until Wednesday so riding is out. I ordered a Nathan wrist wallet the other day as I realized that I had no room to carry my wallet while the trike is in lite weight mode. I am hoping that this will serve the purpose. I wanted to order it in another color, but it seems like there are none available in anything but black. I will update with a photo once Google gets the editor fixed. I am using the old editor until the fix arrives. Nathan Reflective Wrist Wallet

MARS ride from NJ Bents in Hamilton Square

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T his morning went for a group ride with three other members of MARS. Steve Friedlander led the ride through West and East Windsor and Heightstown. We rode 22.05 miles under very cloudy skies. A few times it started to rain, but all in all we lucked out. My average speed was 14.0 mph and my max speed was 26.6 mph. I burnt 1,219 calories and my average HR was 137 bpm and my max HR was 169 bpm. The members that rode with me were Steve, Bert and Ming a potential member. When we returned to the bike shop Charlie was there and we were able to look around, and buy if we wanted. I will post photos once I receive them. Below are my stats. L to R Steve, Bert, Ming next to the Black Widow Me Steve Front to Rear Bert, Steve and me L to R Ming, Bert, Me,Steve L to R Bert, Me, and Steve

Windy start to the weekend

T his morning I got a little later start as I have my weekend chores to do. The ride was a little daunting as it was very windy again.  Even with the strong winds I pushed forward trying not to loose against the wind. I rode 10.18 miles in 42:23 minutes at an average speed of 14.4 mph and a max speed of 26.2 mph. I burnt 561 calories and my average HR was 142 bpm and my max HR was 154 bpm. My stats are posted below. UPDATE: Tomorrow I am going on a MARS group ride leaving from Jersey Bents LLC in Hamilton Square NJ.  Not sure the distance we will go, but I am assuming 20 miles will be in order.  We will stop for linch at a Pizza and Sub shop over in Windsor Village. When I get home I will post my stats and info about the ride.

Ever thickening fog & Jacket test

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T his morning I got up to a cloudy sky and thickening fog. The fog seemed to worsen as the morning progressed.  I decided that I wasn't giving up a day of riding so I got my gear together and headed out.  I turned on my headlight and my flashing taillight and put on my new Brooks Essential Jacket.  The jacket is a super bright yellow called Nightlife™. I rode 10.17 miles in 41:56 minutes at an average speed of 14.5 mph and a max speed of 24.3 mph.  I burnt 544 calories and my average HR was 144 bpm and my Max HR was 160 bpm.  The temperature was 66℉ at the start of the ride and 67℉ at the end. My stats are at the bottom of this post. M y impression of the new Brooks jacket are as follows.  You can see this jacket from a very long distance off even in dim light or fog.  The vents on the back are probably useless as you are pressing against them in the recumbent position. It does stop the wind and wasn't very warm, but I wish the vents were better. Brooks Essential Jacket (N

No ride today but purchase made

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T oday I was unable to ride as I spent the morning have an epidural shot into my cervical column, to treat chronic pain. I hope to ride tomorrow morning. I made two purchases one yesterday and one today. The first was for one yard of 1" wide reflective iron on material to go on my flag to make it more visible. The second was for a new chain keeper to replace the one on my Terracycle idlers. The original goes on from the back and the chain can get free. The new one clamps on the outside.

Nice day for a ride & derailleur problems

T his morning was perfect weather for a ride, the temperature was a beautiful 60℉ when I started and 64℉ at the end. I rode 10.10 miles in 41:05 minutes with an average speed of 14.8 mph and a max speed of 28.2 mph. My average HR was 143 bpm and my max HR was 161 bpm and I burnt 561 calories. My ride stats are below. I ran into some derailleur problems and will head over to my LBS after I shower.  For some reason it jumps cogs and isn't smooth. I think it wasn't adjusted correctly last time I was in. UPDATE: I went to my LBS with the Black Widow and he adjusted the tension on the rear derailleur and it seems fine now. I went for a test ride around the parking lot and it shifted well, but I wasn't at any speed to be sure. Friday I will test it again on the road.

Winds have died down some, what a relief!

A fter yesterdays ride from hell, I was dreading going out today, but I pushed myself. There are those days where I get in a funk and want to vegetate.  Today I started out and was pushing hard and not getting anywhere. I continued to push and near the end of the ride I looked at my front chain wheels and realized the reason for the hard time was that I was in the large ring not the middle ring. I can't believe I was so stupid and did such a bad move. I rode 10.14 miles in 41:26 minutes at an average speed of 14.7 mph and a max speed of 23.6 mph.  I burnt 541 calories and my average HR was 149 bpm while my max HR was 160 bpm. The temperature at the start of the ride was 45℉ and it was 62℉ at the end of the ride. I sure needed my new jacket today, but it is sitting in Portland OR for the last four days. UPS said it is on time for delivery. M y stats for today's ride is below. I t looks like next season I will have to buy new cycling pants as mine are all large.

Windiest ride to date

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I headed out today with a smile on my face as I was looking forward to the ride. Well after the first five minutes the smaile was gone from my face.  The winds were so strong that I had a hard time pushing against them. They seemed to be coming from all directions at once.  The leaves and debris were flying everywhere including in my face. The winds were 18 mph gusting to 28 and the temperature was 59℉ at the start and 62℉ at the end of the ride.  I rode 10.26 miles in 44.35 minutes at an average speed of 13.8 mph and a max speed of 20.0 mph.  I burnt 527 calories which has to be wrong as I worked my butt off trying to fight the wind.  My stats are below. B elow are the modified Flag mounts with included anti-noise grommet. Grommet added to eliminate tapping noise Grommet added to eliminate tapping sound

Cool 61℉ ride into a 15 mph headwind

T oday's ride was all and all usual for this crazy weather pattern. There was a constant 15 mph wind that was in my face no matter which way I turned. I rode 10.15 miles in 41:21 seconds at an average speed of 14.7 mph and a max speed of 24.4 mph.  I burnt 561 calories and my Average HR was 145 bpm while my Max HR was 164 bpm.  The trike was performing great even when the pilot was not performing well. My stats are below.

Fall jacket ordered

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S ince I lost weight I found that my Pearl Izumi jacket no longer fit and that the long tail in the rear caused me nothing but pain. So I went on the hunt for a jacket that would work well on a recumbent.  I found a few, but decided that the Brooks Essential Run Jacket from Road Runner Sports would fit the bill.  I had to order site unseen as the stores don't carry them yet. below is a picture of the jacket.

I tried for a bearing test ride, but things didn't go as planned.

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I started out this morning with intentions to give the new bearings a test. I first pulled on the wheels to check for play and there was none, a good thing.  I then headed out for my ride. The only true test would be to see if my speed increased etc.  Well that idea didn't bear any fruit as there was a very strong headwind of 15 mph.  But all in all my average speed even with the wind increased to 15.1 mph and my max speed was 24.7 mph. I did the 10.13 miles in 40:11 minutes.  I burnt 532 calories and my Average HR was 151 bpm while my Max HR was 166 bpm which seems to be normal for me. The temperature at the start of my ride was 67℉ and at the end of my ride it was 70℉. My stats are below: W hile I was riding I kept on hearing a taping noise and thought it was coming from the rear of the trike.  I checked everything and figured out it was the flag staff hitting the inside of the hole in the second support.  I then decided to slip some heat shrink tubing over the shaft and shri

New Bearings Installed with a little fighting!

T his morning the Bearing Tool arrived and I had already removed the wheels and axles from the trike. I tried my best to remove the axles from the wheels, but they would not give way. I picked up my stuff and headed for the Halters Cycles where Jason was able to get the axle and bearings out. Next the four bearings were installed and I left to reassemble the trike. It took me all of 15 minutes to have the wheels back on and the brakes installed. The left brake worked perfectly but the right was rubbing. I tried my best to see what was wrong but no dice. Another visit to the shop corrected the problem,  The rotor was ever so slightly warped, but Jason has a tool to correct the problem. Tomorrow as soon as the weather clears I will be out testing the install.  I do not foresee any problems as the bearings went in with out a hitch. The inner lock nut couldn't be tightened all the way as it bound the bearing, but a slight fraction of an inch loose corrected the problem. My two inner lo

A Snails Pace

T his morning I planned on using my local route that has been closed for repaving, but that idea didn't bear fruit.  I made my usual turn onto my normal route and rode about 200 feet when again the road was closed, so I turned around and headed for Claremont Road detour.  I rode 10.03 miles in 42:03 minutes at an average speed of 14.3 mph and a max speed of 23.1 mph.  I burnt 541 calories and my Average HR was 145 Bpm and my Max HR was 158 Bpm.  The temperature was 54℉ when I started and was 60℉ when I returned home. The winds were from the NW at a constant 15 mph, which is strong, but doable.  The problem was with the leaves and dirt being blown in my face.  I feel like I washed with sandpaper. As usual my ride stats are below the text. W ith luck I will receive the bearing tool by the end of the week, but that depends if it went out on time.  Tom is being very nice loaning me his custom made tool, which is one of a kind.

Cool 59℉ ride

T his morning I headed out a little later as I was waiting for it to warm up a bit. It was 57℉ when I left and 59℉ when I arrived home.  I rode 10.64 miles in 43:14 minutes at an average pace of 14.8 mph and a max pace of 24.2 mph.  I burnt 575 calories and my Average HR was 143 and my Max HR was 156 bpm. There was a very slight wind of 6 mph coming from the WSW. My stats are shown below.

New Route today and computer problems

T oday's ride took me on a different route do to construction.  I rode 10.37 miles in 41:41 seconds at an average pace of 14.9 mph and a max pace of 25.5 mph. I burnt 557 calories and my average HR was 149 bpm while my max HR was 162 bpm.  My stats are below. The temperature was a little cool at 65℉ so I had to wear a cycling jacket which I hate wearing as it bunches up in the front as it isn't shaped for recumbent riding. A s I passed the road construction area I asked the crew when it will be done, and he said "Don't you think that you being handicapped should ride on the sidewalk?" I looked at him and jumped out of my seat as quick as I could, and his mouth dropped open. He then said "I thought that that was one of those special wheelchairs." The rest of the crew started laughing and the police officer guarding the site looked like he would pee in his pants. I ran into computer problems the other day, and thought by changing the battery in the C

Nice ride today 72℉

T his was a great day for a ride.  The temperature was a beautiful 72℉ with 4 mph winds. I can live with that.  I rode 10.15 miles in 41:10 minutes at an average speed of 14.8 mph and a max speed of 24.3 mph.  I burnt 583 calories and my average HR was 148 and my Max HR was 163 bpm. My results are below. T oday's ride was real nice until I reached mile marker 9 where the road is a gradual up hill climb for about a mile.  Over night the work crews were out grinding down the surface in preparation for paving.  The surface was now like a wash board causing severe pain in my neck and a chattering of my teeth.  I rode a few hundred feet and was forced to ride the grass apron the rest of they way taking a huge chance as it is strewn with glass. Y esterday my new Phil Wood bearings came in and I will make time in a few weeks if not sooner to have them installed. My battery on my cadence sensor is dead, or at least that is what I think is wrong.  Later today I will change it and see.

Not feeling so well so cut my ride short

I haven't felt well since last night, just a little out of whack so today's ride was cut short. I rode 5.12 miles in 21:10 minutes at an average speed of 14.5 mph and a max speed pf 20.3 mph.  I burnt a paltry 291 calories and my Average HR was 137 Bpm while my Max HR was 149 Bpm. My ride results are posted below. UPDATE: It is now 11:59 AM and I forgot to give the weather report for today's ride. The temperature was 82℉ and the wind was from the West at 21 gusting to 35 Mph. I do hate these strong winds, they just tire me out especially when I am not feeling well.

Schools back and my first scary ride

T his morning I headed out for my daily training ride, the weather was beautiful and the temperature was 69℉, with winds out of the SW at 9 mph.  I rode 10.15 miles in 40:26 minutes and burnt 560 calories.  My average speed was 15.1 mph while my top speed was 25.3 mph.  My average HR was 153 Bpm and my Max HR was 166 Bpm. R iding today was a bit of a challenge, not do to weather but do to all the additional drivers on the road as school opened here today. I counted two near misses and three people backing out of driveways without looking.  I had to be more on my toes today than ever. All in all a great and enjoyable ride. F riday I ordered the four bearings from Phil Wood web site, I hope to put them in the fron wheels this fall. Below are my ride stats for today.

Strong Winds Still With Us.

I wanted to ride my local training route this morning, but the winds were way to strong. The winds were blowing from all directions at 23 mph and causing dust and dirt and everything else to be flying in the air. I rode 7.20 miles in 30:20 minutes at an average speed of 14.2 mph and a max speed of 22.2. I burnt 379 calories and my average HR was 140 bpm and my max HR was 155 bpm. The temperature was 68℉

Hurricane Earl Slowed me down

T his morning I left for my ride with the intention of riding my normal ride and route, but was I wrong.  As soon as I left I realized that Hurricane Earl left some very strong winds behind. The constant wind was variable at around 25 mph and there were a few gusts of over 35 mph.  So I decided to keep to my local roads and streets.  I rode 9.08 miles in 39:29 minutes at an average speed of 13.8 mph and a max speed of 22.6 mph. I burnt 484 calories and my average HR was 140 bpm while my max HR was 154 bpm. My stats are posted below this post. S o far my removal of the rack has not effected me in any major way other than my pushing and lifting handle is gone. It will make transporting a drop harder and pushing much harder.

Earl is here not ride do to rain/CherryBomb is here!

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L ast night I removed the rack and the Planet Bike Superflash and installed the NightRider CherryBomb taillight. The trike has a totally different look to it, I have to get accustomed to it.  The CherryBomb is much brighter than the SuperFlash and has a much wider beam. As all lights the CherryBomb is brighter in the center. The CherryBomb is mounted on the neckrest support and looks real nice. Below are photos of both the trike and the taillight.

Great riding day before the storm

I think today will be the last day of riding until Earl passes us. The winds are starting to pick up and it is the calm before the storm, I hope we don't get hit to bad.  I rode 10.05 miles in 40:31 minutes and burnt 557 calories.  My average speed was 14.9 mph and my max speed on the flat was 27.5 mph.  My average HR was 147 bpm and my max HR was 164 bpm. I had to work a little harder to maintain speed today and I feel it. The temperature at the start of my ride was 81℉ and the wind was from the SW at 10 mph and climbing to 18 mph. My stats are below. M y NightRider CherryBomb taillight will be here later today so I might have time to work on mounting it, and implementing my loss prevention system.

Fantastic ride today

T oday was a real good day for a ride, yes it was a hot and humid 86℉, but the wind was half the speed as yesterday. I rode 10.14 miles in 41:45 minutes at an average speed of 14.6 mph and a max speed of 25.1 mph.  I burnt 561 calories and my average HR was 141 bpm and my max HR was 162 bpm. My elevation gain for today was 254 feet. My stats will be at the bottom of this post. Y esterday I started fabricating a safety tether to make sure I don't loose any parts of the new NiteRider taillight.  When this project is complete I will post photos of the light and it's loss prevention system.