Biking this week has been wonderful. I will admit that I did not ride to work all four days (Crapped out yesterday), but that's ok, as that only means I will add those miles to tomorrow's ride, making for a nice 30 mile ride tomorrow morning. I WILL get up early and get those miles out of the way too :-).
Sunday will be a 10 mile ride.
Monday is off, as I have my ballroom dance lesson at lunch and will for the rest of the year.
Got to also try some new gear today. My sweet new all finger gloves and my windbreaker. Having a windbreaker OMG makes you so much warmer not having that wind cut into you. Awesome and great.
I've also been using the handlebar bag to store things and THAT is helpful as well. That is definitely a bag I don't think Dimitrios is going to get back at this rate.
Sticking to this schedule, with the weather, doesn't seem to be a problem thus far. And I like the fact that I'm keeping my current weight, if not loosing more.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Day off for the week so a recap
Rode into work two days this week. Today is a drive day as there is a 60% chance of rain and I also have lunch plans.
Tomorrow and Friday will be two more ride into work days.
I'll admit - it's been hard keeping up this regime. It's been three days straight of riding, and yesterday morning I *ALMOST* didn't make it.
But my new 'placing the bicycle right in front of the door' before I leave every morning has also helped motivate me to ride in.
By the end of this week I'll have accomplished 90 miles on the bike.
Next week, off day = Monday for my ballroom dance class. And I'll make those miles up the following Saturday :-)
Oh, and it's been THREE weeks since I have filled my car up with gas. And I still have half a tank. Awesome.
Tomorrow and Friday will be two more ride into work days.
I'll admit - it's been hard keeping up this regime. It's been three days straight of riding, and yesterday morning I *ALMOST* didn't make it.
But my new 'placing the bicycle right in front of the door' before I leave every morning has also helped motivate me to ride in.
By the end of this week I'll have accomplished 90 miles on the bike.
Next week, off day = Monday for my ballroom dance class. And I'll make those miles up the following Saturday :-)
Oh, and it's been THREE weeks since I have filled my car up with gas. And I still have half a tank. Awesome.
Monday, January 5, 2009
20 miles = Beach Ride on Sunday
As I didn't ride on Saturday, I made up my 10 miles that day by going to the beach with Dimitrios and his friends from Portland. 10 miles each way = make up for Saturday and my 10 miles for Sunday achieved.
It was a 'commute' ride so I rode the Miyata. She looks quite sassy with her Christmas Gear on her might I add (rack, fenders, etc). I shall put a photo up soon enough.
The day was nice on Madiera Beach and we enjoyed throwing the football around and getting a little sun. Only down fall for the day was that we left a little later than we expected to and had no headlights, so half of our ride home we did on sidewalks so as not to inhibit drivers since they wouldn't be able to see us.
Total mileage = 20 miles.
Fatigue Ration = Not that bad. Me and the Wind are still enemies (it makes me fall behind a bit more at this point), but that will dissapate the more I ride in it and get acclamated to it. Keeping hydrated on the ride there was no problem and eating a sub when we got there helped with the hunger.
It was a 'commute' ride so I rode the Miyata. She looks quite sassy with her Christmas Gear on her might I add (rack, fenders, etc). I shall put a photo up soon enough.
The day was nice on Madiera Beach and we enjoyed throwing the football around and getting a little sun. Only down fall for the day was that we left a little later than we expected to and had no headlights, so half of our ride home we did on sidewalks so as not to inhibit drivers since they wouldn't be able to see us.
Total mileage = 20 miles.
Fatigue Ration = Not that bad. Me and the Wind are still enemies (it makes me fall behind a bit more at this point), but that will dissapate the more I ride in it and get acclamated to it. Keeping hydrated on the ride there was no problem and eating a sub when we got there helped with the hunger.
Friday, January 2, 2009
2009, First Ride - San Antonio, Florida - 40 miles
I had slacked this week with the riding. Today I made up for it.
Dimitrios and I went on a 40 mile ride in San Antonio, Florida. Yes, a town in Florida exists as well as in Texas. It's about an hour away on I-75. It's small and very rural and has THE MOST F**K**G HILLS I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH ON A RIDE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.
Which made it cool, and also made it the DEATH of me.
The cool thing? Going downhill on a rural road where only orange trees are on both sides of you, continuing to pedal, which in turn, makes your speed go up to 38mph (yes, you read that right...38 MILES PER HOUR). Not only does the pedaling make you go faster, but you also gain enough speed to kind of propel yourself forward on the next upcoming hill and then the hike up that beast is not as bad.
The bad?? Hill after hill after hill that will knock you down to 8 miles an hour and make you feel like your lungs are going to fall out of your chest. No matter how slow you go, that incline just wants to destroy you.
I did good with hydrating and wasn't really fatigued until about halfway into it, then it was my foot's fault (so to speak)...my cycling shoes are new and with the socks I had on, the seams rubbed my big toe til I had to pull over and twist the sock around for it to not run. That also happened with my mountain cycling shoes and after a few wears, they stopped doing that/got broke in. I also got some shoulder and neck fatigue, but that's usual for me as I scrunch up on the bike when I shouldn't. But no dehydration, no starvation (Cliff Bars to take a bite out of while riding every 30 minutes and drinking water every 15minutes mixed with a sports drink). I think I finally found my 'fit' on the bike AND my regime to stay in the game.
Dimitrios helps too. There were a couple of times on those blasted HILLS where I would have just stopped if I was on my own and sat down and threw in the towel. With him there goading me on....really did help.
We started at 12pm and ended at 4pm. Awesome day.
I took the camera, but I didn't get any photos as I was too busy RIDING. my point-n-click is just too heavy for me to wear in my jersey pocket on my back. Gotta maybe get a handlebar bag like D had so I can just grab it when necessary and toss it back in there. Putting it in the saddlebag, doesn't quite work as well.
I think we're going to do this ride once a month so that my stamina on hills gets better, and continue to add miles to it each month like I had planned. By the end of the year, I should be putting in about 750 miles in just training rides (IF I stick with the plan that is). And with my 40 a week (10 miles a day) for every week....that will be 2080 miles in that. Granted, I'm sure the Florida summers are going to mess those numbers up (RAIN), but that's the goal anyways.
On the way home, we stopped in Tarpon for Greek food, a small walk (as that's all my legs could take) and home to shower and now...to collapse on the couch.
The 40 miles made up for four days of slacking. Tomorrow I will do 20 and then be caught up to have an 'off' day on Sunday OR ride 10 miles...however I choose.
Now, to the couch. I still need to post a lot more, but my hour of being on the computer for the day is done (sticking to only two hours a day on the days I'm NOT at work).
Happy New Year's everyone!
Dimitrios and I went on a 40 mile ride in San Antonio, Florida. Yes, a town in Florida exists as well as in Texas. It's about an hour away on I-75. It's small and very rural and has THE MOST F**K**G HILLS I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH ON A RIDE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.
Which made it cool, and also made it the DEATH of me.
The cool thing? Going downhill on a rural road where only orange trees are on both sides of you, continuing to pedal, which in turn, makes your speed go up to 38mph (yes, you read that right...38 MILES PER HOUR). Not only does the pedaling make you go faster, but you also gain enough speed to kind of propel yourself forward on the next upcoming hill and then the hike up that beast is not as bad.
The bad?? Hill after hill after hill that will knock you down to 8 miles an hour and make you feel like your lungs are going to fall out of your chest. No matter how slow you go, that incline just wants to destroy you.
I did good with hydrating and wasn't really fatigued until about halfway into it, then it was my foot's fault (so to speak)...my cycling shoes are new and with the socks I had on, the seams rubbed my big toe til I had to pull over and twist the sock around for it to not run. That also happened with my mountain cycling shoes and after a few wears, they stopped doing that/got broke in. I also got some shoulder and neck fatigue, but that's usual for me as I scrunch up on the bike when I shouldn't. But no dehydration, no starvation (Cliff Bars to take a bite out of while riding every 30 minutes and drinking water every 15minutes mixed with a sports drink). I think I finally found my 'fit' on the bike AND my regime to stay in the game.
Dimitrios helps too. There were a couple of times on those blasted HILLS where I would have just stopped if I was on my own and sat down and threw in the towel. With him there goading me on....really did help.
We started at 12pm and ended at 4pm. Awesome day.
I took the camera, but I didn't get any photos as I was too busy RIDING. my point-n-click is just too heavy for me to wear in my jersey pocket on my back. Gotta maybe get a handlebar bag like D had so I can just grab it when necessary and toss it back in there. Putting it in the saddlebag, doesn't quite work as well.
I think we're going to do this ride once a month so that my stamina on hills gets better, and continue to add miles to it each month like I had planned. By the end of the year, I should be putting in about 750 miles in just training rides (IF I stick with the plan that is). And with my 40 a week (10 miles a day) for every week....that will be 2080 miles in that. Granted, I'm sure the Florida summers are going to mess those numbers up (RAIN), but that's the goal anyways.
On the way home, we stopped in Tarpon for Greek food, a small walk (as that's all my legs could take) and home to shower and now...to collapse on the couch.
The 40 miles made up for four days of slacking. Tomorrow I will do 20 and then be caught up to have an 'off' day on Sunday OR ride 10 miles...however I choose.
Now, to the couch. I still need to post a lot more, but my hour of being on the computer for the day is done (sticking to only two hours a day on the days I'm NOT at work).
Happy New Year's everyone!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Merry Christmas To all and to me = BIKE SCHWAG!
Christmas was outstanding for me. I really do have the best boyfriend ever.
Bike Schwag for the holidays (from him) include the following:
- Clipless Pedals and Shoes for the Trek (score! as I've been wanting to remove the BMX pedals from that bike. That bike is my exercise/training bike and having those on with the mountain bike shoes just made the bike SO heavy).
- Biking Windbreaker Jacket - something I desperately needed. I have WARM gear, but WARM gear doesn't protect you from the wind going through your clothes. I can't wait for the 'Florida Winters' to get here so I can try/wear that puppy and try it out!
- Fenders for the commuter bike (so I no longer will have a dirt line up my back when/if I get caught in the rain...AWESOME).
- Biking Shorts (bought by his mom)
- U-Lock for the commuter. This will come in lots of handy. :-)
We rode at Ft. DeSoto on Christmas Day...after fanangaling the bike (Trek) around, I believe we FINALLY got both the seat and the handlebars in a acceptable position that's comfy for me to ride. Rode it again on Saturday to a friend's house and back and damn, it was comfy and no fatigue at all, except for the neck and shoulder muscles, but that's my bad for crunching up when I ride.
The riding has gone well. I didn't ride into work this week, but plan on beefing up the mileage on my days off to make up for it. I am quite excited to use all my gear as well.
Bike Schwag for the holidays (from him) include the following:
- Clipless Pedals and Shoes for the Trek (score! as I've been wanting to remove the BMX pedals from that bike. That bike is my exercise/training bike and having those on with the mountain bike shoes just made the bike SO heavy).
- Biking Windbreaker Jacket - something I desperately needed. I have WARM gear, but WARM gear doesn't protect you from the wind going through your clothes. I can't wait for the 'Florida Winters' to get here so I can try/wear that puppy and try it out!
- Fenders for the commuter bike (so I no longer will have a dirt line up my back when/if I get caught in the rain...AWESOME).
- Biking Shorts (bought by his mom)
- U-Lock for the commuter. This will come in lots of handy. :-)
We rode at Ft. DeSoto on Christmas Day...after fanangaling the bike (Trek) around, I believe we FINALLY got both the seat and the handlebars in a acceptable position that's comfy for me to ride. Rode it again on Saturday to a friend's house and back and damn, it was comfy and no fatigue at all, except for the neck and shoulder muscles, but that's my bad for crunching up when I ride.
The riding has gone well. I didn't ride into work this week, but plan on beefing up the mileage on my days off to make up for it. I am quite excited to use all my gear as well.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Back to Biking La la la
Only rode to work once last week. After still getting over the cough/crud that I had the week before, I just didn't want to chance it.
Was going to ride this weekend, but stayed out a little too late from a Christmas Party and didnt' get up as I had planned. Then, when I did get up, was too hungover, in pain. Ah well.
Rode into work today. Only have a three day work week this week so I will be riding two days out of the three (the last day I might ride too...depending on if I get a package here or not). Or maybe just ride in, see if I get a package, and then get the car later on in the day?! Hummm....
My off days this week will be Sunday and Thursday. Rest of the week will be riding/commuting. Even if I need to pick things up at Target!
Was going to ride this weekend, but stayed out a little too late from a Christmas Party and didnt' get up as I had planned. Then, when I did get up, was too hungover, in pain. Ah well.
Rode into work today. Only have a three day work week this week so I will be riding two days out of the three (the last day I might ride too...depending on if I get a package here or not). Or maybe just ride in, see if I get a package, and then get the car later on in the day?! Hummm....
My off days this week will be Sunday and Thursday. Rest of the week will be riding/commuting. Even if I need to pick things up at Target!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Update on Sickies and Cycling
My throat is a little wonky because of all the congestion.
BUT...I feel almot 100% better...so the Mucinex is working and yes, I'm blowing and coughing it all out.
Should be about 90% better tomorrow and me and the bike...ARE ON!
Then I'll continue my regime that I had planned.
10 miles (AT LEAST) ... a day, for five days out of the week. I'm allowed two days off, but not consecutive.
Until January...then I bump up the mileage more per day (and yes this means riding around/exploring either on my way home or before work on some days).
Also going to start doing the hundred push-up's challenge and sit ups every morning when I crawl out of bed. I used to run in the mornings (for only like 15 minutes) but it helped get me motivated and I don't really need to run if I'm riding ya know?.
On a good note, I am back at my usual weight before I had all the surgeries (120-127lbs). I had gained about 10 pounds but that is gone now since I've been so good with the commuting and the riding. Woohoo.
2009 is the year to get my muscle back. I lost it due to surgeries and stuff this year, time to get back in the saddle.
BUT...I feel almot 100% better...so the Mucinex is working and yes, I'm blowing and coughing it all out.
Should be about 90% better tomorrow and me and the bike...ARE ON!
Then I'll continue my regime that I had planned.
10 miles (AT LEAST) ... a day, for five days out of the week. I'm allowed two days off, but not consecutive.
Until January...then I bump up the mileage more per day (and yes this means riding around/exploring either on my way home or before work on some days).
Also going to start doing the hundred push-up's challenge and sit ups every morning when I crawl out of bed. I used to run in the mornings (for only like 15 minutes) but it helped get me motivated and I don't really need to run if I'm riding ya know?.
On a good note, I am back at my usual weight before I had all the surgeries (120-127lbs). I had gained about 10 pounds but that is gone now since I've been so good with the commuting and the riding. Woohoo.
2009 is the year to get my muscle back. I lost it due to surgeries and stuff this year, time to get back in the saddle.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Week of Crud
After making up my mind how often and how much I would ride (see entry below). A turn has come against me.
I got sick last week. Wednesday to be exact.
And I am still blowing enough snot out of my face, I could create the lollipop guild...all three of them.
So, no riding for the past week. It's been a bit of a bummer as I really want to ride, but I also don't want a face full of snot/uncontrollable nose running either.
As soon as the phlegm/plague leaves my body, the biking will continue.
In the meantime, stay tuned.
I got sick last week. Wednesday to be exact.
And I am still blowing enough snot out of my face, I could create the lollipop guild...all three of them.
So, no riding for the past week. It's been a bit of a bummer as I really want to ride, but I also don't want a face full of snot/uncontrollable nose running either.
As soon as the phlegm/plague leaves my body, the biking will continue.
In the meantime, stay tuned.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Weekend of Blah..
Thanksgiving Weekend ended up not being to great. We were rained out 3 out of the four days, and were only able to ride about 20 miles. Dimitrios got a flat tire, and the replacement tube was the tube from hell and had two freaking holes in it. Needless to say, we were both pretty on edge this weekend as the plan to ride 80% of the time we were up in Tally, was ruined. Had I known it was going to be like 110% chance of rain EVERYDAY except for Thanksgiving, I would have just suggested that we ride to my grandparents and back...that would have gotten our ride in and been awesome.
HUMPH.
Anyways...
Have rode in 3 out of the five days this week. Thought a doctor's appointment was one day, which it was not. Actually it was the next day. But I did ride to the grocery store and back with Dimitrios on Monday to make up for the missed day.
The '<10>
I have also decided that I have to ride AT LEAST 10 miles a day every day (with the exception of two days a week, not consectutively). Since I cancelled my gym membership, this will help make up for the non-exercise, me thinks and I will also start the hundredpushups challenge this weekend for upper arm strenth (and also do crunches while doing that). Doing all the milage I have done these past two months has been great. It put me back at my weight that I was at when Dimitrios and I started dating (I had gained some weight due to trauma from my two surgeries this year. Not a lot, but enough that I noticed it and it did not make me happy (about 10lbs). If I keep this up, I'll be doing stamina and training rides in no time.
Next week - I won't be riding on Monday, Wednesday (possibly because of the rain chance) ...those will be my off days for the week. If I ride on Wednesday due to no rain chance, then I can take Saturday off if I like. We shall see.
HURRAY for Cycling!
HUMPH.
Anyways...
Have rode in 3 out of the five days this week. Thought a doctor's appointment was one day, which it was not. Actually it was the next day. But I did ride to the grocery store and back with Dimitrios on Monday to make up for the missed day.
The '<10>
I have also decided that I have to ride AT LEAST 10 miles a day every day (with the exception of two days a week, not consectutively). Since I cancelled my gym membership, this will help make up for the non-exercise, me thinks and I will also start the hundredpushups challenge this weekend for upper arm strenth (and also do crunches while doing that). Doing all the milage I have done these past two months has been great. It put me back at my weight that I was at when Dimitrios and I started dating (I had gained some weight due to trauma from my two surgeries this year. Not a lot, but enough that I noticed it and it did not make me happy (about 10lbs). If I keep this up, I'll be doing stamina and training rides in no time.
Next week - I won't be riding on Monday, Wednesday (possibly because of the rain chance) ...those will be my off days for the week. If I ride on Wednesday due to no rain chance, then I can take Saturday off if I like. We shall see.
HURRAY for Cycling!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Added all the commuting days ...now just need to add the training rides and we'll be good
So...probably about another 100 miles to this one, but this Green shows all the riding that I've done pretty much just commuting to and from work:
Green Stats
Total Workout Days: 69
Distance Traveled: 690.52 mi.
Gas Saved: 38.36 gallons
Money Saved: $133.50
Carbon Offset: 742.7 lbs. of CO2
Green Stats 
Total Workout Days: 69 Distance Traveled: 690.52 mi.
Gas Saved: 38.36 gallons
Money Saved: $133.50
Carbon Offset: 742.7 lbs. of CO2
Monday, November 24, 2008
Stats fpr the year so far:
Awesome:
Green Stats
Total Workout Days: 34
Distance Traveled: 347.51 mi.
Gas Saved: 19.31 gallons
Money Saved: $67.19
Carbon Offset: 373.8 lbs. of CO2
Green Stats
Total Workout Days: 34Distance Traveled: 347.51 mi.
Gas Saved: 19.31 gallons
Money Saved: $67.19
Carbon Offset: 373.8 lbs. of CO2
Week Review
Rode last week three days out of the week. Can't complain. The weather has been cold, but I like these cold rides, even if it hurts my hands a little bit.
This weekend, Dimitrios got the Miyata together with her new derailer and I took her out on a spin on Sunday to Lenny's (our favorite breakfast spot) and Target. She rides like a champ and is pretty comfy too. No clips on her (as she is the beater/commuter) but I've got 'rat traps' and those work just fine with tennis shoes. Now we just need to get the rack on the back and she's good to go!
This week we'll be doing lots of trails and riding on Friday/Saturday/ and Sunday up in Tallahassee, FL. I cannot wait!
Toodles!
This weekend, Dimitrios got the Miyata together with her new derailer and I took her out on a spin on Sunday to Lenny's (our favorite breakfast spot) and Target. She rides like a champ and is pretty comfy too. No clips on her (as she is the beater/commuter) but I've got 'rat traps' and those work just fine with tennis shoes. Now we just need to get the rack on the back and she's good to go!
This week we'll be doing lots of trails and riding on Friday/Saturday/ and Sunday up in Tallahassee, FL. I cannot wait!
Toodles!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Week Review (11/10-11/16)
Week was good. Best thing to talk about this week was my ride on Sunday to my friend Melanie's house.
Melanie lives about 10.92 miles from my house and I figured instead of having a bazillion cars at her house for moving purposes, all she really needed was arm muscle (plus, where to park all those cars in DT St. Pete where there are alleys and such?). So I work up - started my ride at 11am and got to her house by noon. It was a nice brisk ride and no honking horns or rude people whatsoever.
That ride made me realize that I can, in fact, ride pretty much anywhere and everywhere if I just take the time out for it. That's the catch - you have to prep for rides, bring a change of clothes, etc. And depending on what you're doing, it's not a bad thing, but if you were going to the symphony - for example, you might want to rent a car...but yea, it's doable. Totally.
Didn't ride in this morning as I have a headache and was pretty worn out from the ride yesterday, but this week's commute schedule is Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (possibly Wednesday too - we'll see if I'm up for it). I brought clothes changes today so that I could if need be on Wednesday even . So yea, looking forward to it.
And next weekend. We'll be in Tallahassee with my good friend Brendan and we plan on doing a nice ride through my mom's neighborhood and possibly all the way up into Georgia if we can. Awesome.
The new derailer for the Miyata is on it's way. I cannot wait to get that bike up and running and ready for commuting!
Melanie lives about 10.92 miles from my house and I figured instead of having a bazillion cars at her house for moving purposes, all she really needed was arm muscle (plus, where to park all those cars in DT St. Pete where there are alleys and such?). So I work up - started my ride at 11am and got to her house by noon. It was a nice brisk ride and no honking horns or rude people whatsoever.
That ride made me realize that I can, in fact, ride pretty much anywhere and everywhere if I just take the time out for it. That's the catch - you have to prep for rides, bring a change of clothes, etc. And depending on what you're doing, it's not a bad thing, but if you were going to the symphony - for example, you might want to rent a car...but yea, it's doable. Totally.
Didn't ride in this morning as I have a headache and was pretty worn out from the ride yesterday, but this week's commute schedule is Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (possibly Wednesday too - we'll see if I'm up for it). I brought clothes changes today so that I could if need be on Wednesday even . So yea, looking forward to it.
And next weekend. We'll be in Tallahassee with my good friend Brendan and we plan on doing a nice ride through my mom's neighborhood and possibly all the way up into Georgia if we can. Awesome.
The new derailer for the Miyata is on it's way. I cannot wait to get that bike up and running and ready for commuting!
Monday, November 3, 2008
End of October
The end of October had me not cycling as much.Riding Stats for October are as follows:
Total Distance for the Month: 65.20 miles
Total Calories: 2,158
This does not show the rides we did in Portland however, add about 40 miles to this and we're set.
(note: All information is logged on the http://www.mapmyride.com page under the name Ritapita or bikingbettie@gmail.com
There was a vacation to the Portland, Oregon area planned, and it was a blast. We did lots of commuting there via bicycle and walking (thanks to the lovely Seth and Kaya for letting us borrow their bicycles on our days there). Bottom line: I loved it there. And am going to try as hard as I can to get up there to move. Starting at the beginning of the year, the wheels are going to be put in motion to get up there.
Had a 'equipment' failure right before we left for Portland. One of the rear bicycle lights broke and the clip for it is no longer attached to it. Bummer, but fixable.
And I have a new addition to my family. Her name right now is unknown (still can't think of one), but she's a 1988 Miyata Road Bike. Got her on Craig's List for 100 bucks:
She needs some work and some TLC. The wife hadn't ridden her in about 10 years. So the tires are dry-rotted. But I think I can put about 40 bucks of love into her and sha-zam! I will have a commuter bike for the work week. Complete with a rack and lock holder. I am pretty excited about this. The Trek I can then spruce up and do some cool stuff with to make it more of a 'race' bike and this one can be used for errands or going downtown, to work and/or the movies.Today is the beginning of November. Ride schedule to and from work is every 5 days for now on, weather permitting of course. I will be riding this week from Monday-Wednesday. Driving in on Thursday with clothes change and then Friday-Wednesday the next week. Riding will probably happen a lot more as the weather is staying cooler and nicer.
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