My Recumbent Days

T oday was my first ride with the Garmin Edge 500 cycling GPS.  Comparing it to the Edge 305 is hard as they have only some of the same features. But all in all the Edge 500 is a fine tool.  My speed matched my cycling computer 99% of the time and all other settings matched my 305 except calories.  The only reason for that is that I had the 305 setup with 40lbs of gear instead of 15lbs. So it throws the calculation way off.  The mount on the 500 is far superior to that of the 305.  I do have to learn not to press the lap button on the 500 as it then divides the ride into segments.  I ordered a ANT+ speed sensor to make my speed more accurate under trees, and that will be here Monday.  I designed and built a mount for the new speed sensor, I hope it works.  At least it didn't fall off today. T he weather today was down right ugly, dark and threatening.  The whole time I was riding I was expecting it to rain, but it didn't.  The wind was strong and the fog was ever present.  I

T he sun was bright and the temperature a balmy 53℉, but I was ready for it.  I was wearing my long shirt, long pants and a cycling jacket.  Turns out the temperature wasn't a problem at all, it was the wind that would sap every bit of my strength.  I felt so tired I cut my ride short by a mile.  The wind literally ate my strength.  I still maintained an average of 13mph, but I felt like I was doing 3 mph and my legs ache. Below is my stats. M y Garmin 500 was shipped yesterday so I doubt I will get it until tomorrow afternoon.  I will report on it when I have it charged and setup.  My cadence sensor died this morning, so as soon as it did I changed the battery mid ride.  The new tail light, yes another passed through Chicago yesterday so it to should be here in a day or so.

T his morning I dressed for cool weather with long sleeve shirt and long tights expecting it to be a little cool but warming fast.  Well I was wrong, it stayed cool the complete ride and with the wind it was very cold.  My hands felt numb at times. This is not usual for this time of year.  The weather hasn't been normal here in a long time.  I rode over a mile and a quarter, and felt real good and strong.  The trike seat noise is gone as well as the brake rubbing, so I am dialed in very well.  My ride stats are below.

"Negativity is my worst enemy!" You might wonder why I would say such a thing, well I will tell you.  Last night my wife and I went for a usual Saturday might dinner, and as usual I indulged in loads of bread and butter my favorite.  I didn't get a restful sleep as my Acid Reflex was in full bloom and I was very uncomfortable. This morning I got up freshened up and weighed myself and found I had gained two pounds.  That was strike two on the negativity meter.  I said to myself "don't worry you will ride it off", well I had all intentions of trying my best to do just that.  I got dressed in my long cycling tights and a long sleeve whcking shirt and I was ready.  I had a breakfast of Special K High Protein, and I headed out.  I added air to my tires and headed down the road. First thing I noticed was that the wind was stronger and colder that the last few weeks and I didn't consider this as a negative, just a little more incentive.  I rode a few more mile

T oday I went out just for a  recreation ride, no pressure, just the road and me.  It gave me some time to think a few things through and clear my head. By the time I got home I was able to figure out what to do about the creaking seat and the rattle.  Well the rattle was just my water bottle not sitting properly in the mount. The creaking seat was fixed using some sealing washers, but my next ride will be the test.  I rode a few miles short of my normal ride and a slower pace, but I still enjoyed it.  Lots of traffic today, so I had to be very alert.  Not that I am not alert all the time, but most of the time I can judge the traffic, but not today. All the crazy drivers were on the road. I started working to modify the Garmin Speed and Cadence sensor, just in case I need it.  I prefer not having to use it, but the electronic modifications are almost done. M y ride stats are below.

W ell this mornings ride was just one of those demanding rides.  The wind was stronger than normal and whipping in every direction creating tinny Tornadoes.  It was hard to stay on a straight line, glad I didn't have a fairing or wheel covers. The sun was behind the clouds for much of the ride but when it appeared it seemed to be blinding, and I couldn't read my Garmin even with sun glasses. Oh well I just chalk it off to a rough day. Y esterday I ordered a new Garmin Edge 500 to replace my ailing Edge 305, I hope it is just as good if not better.  I will use my Heart Rate Strap from the 305.  I should have it next week early if it gets shipped today.  Also yesterday I washed the trike, it was a long time coming. I always wipe it down, but grit builds over time.  I used Finish Line bike wash, easy to use and no water needed. M y ride stats are below.

I started out a little late this morning as the temperature was a bit cool. It was only 58 degrees with strong winds.  I rode my usual route fighting the wind as usual, but I did enjoy getting out on the road.  The trike and it's engine performed well.  There is one thing I must do today and that is tighten up the lower seat screws as there is a snapping sound when pressure to the pedals is applied. Maybe a washer will help.  I installed my new weather/Altitude/Compass watch on the trike, not because I needed it but because I can.  My ride stats are below and they ling to Garmin connect for more details.

Y esterday I didn't ride as it was stormy all day and night.  The winds were very strong and there were Tornado watches in affect.  This morning I awoke to cloudy skies and very strong winds.  No matter which way I turned all I saw were broken branches and leaves all over the roads.  The winds that remained were very strong and either in my face or pushing me left or right. There didn't seem to be a pattern in the direction they were blowing. All in all it was still great to get out on the trike, as it makes my back feel so much better.  I ordered a new tail light and it will take two weeks or so to get here, I will report on it after my first test ride. Below is my stats and ride reports.

F irst thing this morning I figured I had nothing to loose by trying again to get my left front brake modulated properly.  After three rides and test rides I figured out what had to be done and started the work. After 15 or so minutes I was done and everything seemed perfect. The break levers were firm but not hard and there was no noise from the pads.  I then headed out for my daily route along South Middlebush road.  I averaged 14.1 mph and even with those pesky winds I was able to ride with little trouble.  The weather was nice and I am now in long sleeve shirts and cycling shorts. I also tightened up some loose spokes and tightened up my tail light.  My ride results are below, and it links to Garmin connect for more details.

I rode a little over 10 miles on my usual training route.  My average speed was reduced by a few tenths, as the wind was very strong at points along the route. I still feel good about the overall ride.  Still having some problem with the front brake, I am sure I will get it sorted out soon.  My ride stats are below.

S horter ride do to appointment today and am rushing to get done.  I have been off the trike for two days do to a medical procedure on Tuesday, but now I am back to riding.  On a new medication and so far the side effects aren't to bad, but I am functioning at a bit lower level. A few days and I should be fine. My stats are below.

W ell I got a late start to my ride, but I was glad to be able to ride. I hate complaining, but this darn wind goes where ever I go. If I turn left it is in my face, if I turn right again it is in my face. I am tired of fighting it!  I have to get the trike in for that rubbing brake, it is loud and annoying. I rode my usual route in about the same time as usual. Below is my info.

A fter having a big meal on Saturday night I always feel guilty, I know I shouldn't, but I do!  I usually gain around a pound to a pound and one half, and I am not over weight, but the less I weigh the better my back feels.  So today's ride was devoted to burning some calories.  The usual headwinds did help in that respect, by putting a lot of resistance in my path.  But all in all I did enjoy my ride, and look forward to the next one. F riday afternoon I went into the Garage and found I had a flat on my left front tire.  I looked and looked for a cause, but I had to dismount the tire to look at the tube.  I removed the tube and put air in it and the air held. Strange I thought so I looked harder and finally I jiggled the valve around and found a hole around an 1/8" from the base of the valve.  I thought to my self "These are cheap tubes, could that be the reason?" Well I can't afford to take a chance so I ordered two Schwalbe #6 tubes hoping that they woul

H eaded out this morning not expecting much of a ride, since I haven't been on the trike since the 2nd of September.  The weather and other things kept me away from riding.  I rode a little over 10 miles and even with the strong headwinds I did my best workout this season.  I am still having a slight rubbing of my front left brake, which will be taken care of this week coming. Below is my workout stats.  My Joe Blow Pro pump came yesterday and I am impressed with the pump but not the head.  For some reason the head does not engage my Schrader valve extenders, unless I put undo pressure on the valve.  That is more trouble than it is worth, so I traded heads from my old pump.

F or the last two days the weather has been threatening to say the least.  I dress and prepare to ride then the clouds cover the sky and it gets dark, and I decide not to ride.  This morning looks worse than yesterday, so even being ready to ride, I just don't want to get caught in the rain.  This is very frustrating and I have a bad case of cabin fever.  I am jumping out of my skin, just sitting, and I am bored.  I look so forward to my morning rides, but nature will not cooperate. Y esterday I ordered a new floor pump to replace my original 12 year old one. I ordered the "Joe Blow Pro" which has good reviews, and I hope it has one of those no leak valve.  I hate filling the tires then releasing the hose valve and some of the air escapes.

I started out under cloudy skies, but all of a sudden the rain started to fall.  I sprinted for home, and the rain just stopped.  My son then called saying that he was on his way over, so that ended the fun for today. I hope the weather is nicer for tomorrow. My ride details are below.  My trike was adjusted Friday, but so far so good. Route 27 Local route by joelw135 at Garmin Connect - Details