2026 cycling week 42

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new crosswalk island. the traffic engineers think they are helping but they just make things more awkward for pedestrians and cyclists. not the drivers turning right, do not have to stop except for cars.

October 12-18

Weekday rides were typical, 18 miles each day. The only thing that varied was which mode I rode in. I stick with Auto unless I don’t sleep well and need some “active recovery.” And there were three sandhill cranes standing by a pond every morning except Thursday. There were two more cranes standing east of there on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

It was nice to have 90 miles before the weekend officially began.

I did my groceries on Saturday.

I changed the rear tire on Andy’s bike.

I noticed a new rattle. My chain guard was making noise and I figured I lost a screw. But when I looked more closely, I saw that the screw was loose but being held in by the pannier. I took the pannier off and tightened the screw. I noticed how dirty everything was and cleaned it up. I rarely take off that pannier and it is the side with the drivetrain, so everything gets even more cruddier.

I lubed the chain and noticed that the wear is almost at 75%. I guess it is time to replace it.

On Sunday, Andy and I rode to Wiregrass for pizza. It was busy with a Halloween event. Andy rode home but I rode to McDonald’s for fries. McDonald’s has discontinued its curbside pickup so I have to lock up my bike and walk it.

The 8 miles wasn’t enough for me and also the Coffeeneuring challenge continues. It was really windy so I kept it short and rode up to SR54 and WRB to Starbucks. It was OK but the food always takes longer for some reason. I may bring my own snack next week.

This week 137 miles (Strava 128)

This year 4,920 miles (Strava 4,705)

Streak 2,423 day

2026 cycling week 41

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October 5-11

Monday and Tuesday were fine and I did my usual ride. We got over 5” of rain on Wednesday and I struggled to find a time when the rain stopped or at least wasn’t heavy. It was 4:30 when I decided just to get wet because I wasn’t about to let my 6.5-year streak break.

I am very appreciative of the drainage system. Except for the ponds filled, there were only a few puddles.

On Saturday, I did grocery shopping in the morning and went for margaritas in the afternoon.

The Coffeeneuring challenge began and I did my first ride on Sunday. It looked there might be some rain but I didn’t think it would be too bad. It wasn’t, but I didn’t get wet. I went to Starbucks and the drink wasn’t that good.

This week 118 miles (Strava 111)

This year 4,785 miles (Strava 4,577)

Streak 2,416 days

2026 cycling week 40

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September 28- October 4

frozen butter on toasted bagel at panera

Early morning rides every day before work. On Wednesday, I only did 12 miles in the morning because I got my hair cut in the afternoon. I also stopped by Oliver’s and they installed a new brake pad on the rear. I was a bit surprised that they didn’t do both but then I saw it was $60 just for one!

morning glory growing wild on the fence surrounding a retention pond

I did groceries on Saturday.

I didn’t have to ride early on Sunday since we are no longer swimming. I should have ridden after breakfast because it was pretty warm and humid in the afternoon. Sunday was an easy ride and I found that there is another connection to Morris Bridge. The more connections, the better so we have more route options.

This week 137 miles (Strava 132)

This year 4,667 miles (Strava 4,466)

Streak 2,409 days

2026 cycling week 39

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September 21-27

Morning rides before work except for Wednesday. I didn’t sleep well so I decided it was a good day for blood work.

I did almost 29 miles on Saturday for groceries. A woman at Aldi said she sees me “everywhere!” I am the only one with my e-cargo bike so I am recognizable.

I did another early morning run on Sunday. The weather is finally becoming reasonable so I might be able to ride in the afternoons.

This week 128 miles (Strava 123)

This year 4,529 miles (Strava 4,334)

Streak 2,402 days

2026 cycling week 38

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September 14-20

I slept better this week so I didn’t need to take any easy days or “active recovery” days. However, I did ride in Cargo mode when it got windy towards the end of the week.

I did a big run on Saturday for groceries rising almost 29 miles.

My HRV was low on Saturday night so I rode “active recovery” on Sunday. My idea of “active recovery” is riding in Cargo mode and not pushing it.

This week 137 miles (Strava 130)

This year 4,401 miles (Strava 4,211)

Streak 2,395 days

2026 cycling week 37

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September 7-13

Monday was Labor Day so I rode around Flatwoods twice then stopped at Sprouts on my way home. It was 31 miles

The rest of the week, I rode the K-Bar loop for 18 miles. The only difference is if I rode in Auto mode or in Cargo mode because I needed some “active recovery.”

I only needed to go to Publix and Aldi on Saturday so it was 16 miles.

I had good recovery for Sunday so I rode three loops in Auto mode for 18 miles.

This week 138 miles (Strava 132)

This year 4,263 miles (Strava 4,081)

Streak 2,388 days

2026 cycling week 36

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August 21-September 6

I rode in the mornings except for Wednesday. I had a doctor’s appointment so I rode there. It rained on the way home.

I did my grocery shopping on Saturday.

I am glad I only have a few more early morning Sunday rides left this year.

This week 124 miles (Strava 119)

This year 4,125 miles (Strava 3,949)

Streak 2,381 days

2026 cycling week 35

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August 24-30

Monday morning ride was 18 miles. The Apple Watch only gave me half the calories than the week before. Has my body become twice as efficient in just a few days? Ha!

I didn’t sleep well on Tuesday and Wednesday but still did 18 miles the following mornings. I just can’t seem to learn how to rest.

I did grocery runs on Saturday.

I did a recovery ride on Sunday morning.

This week miles 130 miles (Strava 124)

This year 3999 miles (Strava 3801)

Streak 2374 days

2026 cycling week 34

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August 17-23

An uneventful week and I was really glad for that.

I did my early morning rides through KBar Ranch instead of the longer loop. I alternated between 3 fast loops in Cargo mode and 2 slower loops in Auto mode.

I did my usual errands on Saturday and another early morning ride on Sunday.

This week 121 miles (Strava 115)

This year 3,869 miles (Strava 3,706)

Streak 2,367 days