20190901 cycling

It was an OK week for riding. I managed 15 miles every day before work. I had to cut Saturday’s ride short due to weird dizziness but I got in 22 miles on Sunday before breakfast.

Monday
78° humidity 89% wind 3E
Two slow loops. Not a good start to the week.
15.61 miles

Tuesday
75° humidity 97% wind 3SE
Two, slow loops. Sleepy.
15.57 miles

Wednesday
76° humidity 97% wind 2 SE
Two loops. A tiny bit faster.
They mowed along the SR56 MUP. They haven’t mown in months. There are clumps of clippings on the
MUP and all over my legs.
15.37 miles

Thursday
76° humidity 97% wind 1NW
A little faster today but then my heart rate goes into the red zone.
15.53 miles

Friday
76° humidity 92% wind 3N 4NE
Two loops. Not as sleepy.
15.57 miles

Saturday
79° humidity 97% wind 6-7E
Feels like 95°
Too windy! Though it was nice to feel a tailwind on SR56.
Had to cut the ride short. I was stopped at Mansfield and filled up my water bottle and I felt dizzy. It passed but I rode home. At least I made my Apple Watch August Goal.
16.89 miles

This month 576.6 miles
This year 4153 miles

Sunday
76° humidity 95% wind 2NE
Three shorter loops.
22.71 miles

This week 117.2 miles
This year 4175 miles

20190825 cycling

I am settling into my routine of waking up too early and riding 15 miles before work. As the week goes from Monday to Friday, my average speed goes down as I am more tired from lack of sleep. At least the weather was nicer though still too warm in the mornings.

Monday
74° humidity 89% wind 2N
Two loops in the dark listening to feral hogs. I saw three deer crossing Mansfield at CLR
15.55 miles
11.7 mph

Tuesday
76° humidity 89% wind 3 NE
Two loops. The brightest setting on my bike light lasts about one hour before it starts to blink.
15.55 miles
11.4 mph

Wednesday
76° humidity 89% wind 3E
Wasn't feeling it. Saw Randy running on MPB.
15.55 miles
11.3 mph

Thursday
76° humidity 93% wind-NE
Two loops. Tired but I kept going.
I hear owls and feral hogs.
15.53 miles
11.2 mph

Friday
76° humidity 91% wind 2 NE
Two slow loops. TGIF so I can sleep in some tomorrow and ride with the sun!
15.48 miles
11.2 mph

Saturday
77° humidity 93% wind 3NE 5N
Heat index 95°
I wanted to ride 30 miles but knew that wasn't going to happen as soon as I started pedaling. I just couldn't make my legs move any faster. And the wind seemed to be against me at every turn.
I wasn't too tired after 3 loops but went home anyway.
ZBar Protein Chocolate Mint is better than I expected. The mint is subtle. B+
24.64 miles

Sunday
77° humidity 92% wind 2NE
No energy. Where has it gone?
I did three loops looking for it but could not find it.
LunaBar Nuts over Chocolate A+
86° feels like 96° winds 5 NE
24.61 miles

This week 126.9
This year 4033

20190818 cycling

I started working on Monday. I started getting up at 4 am and riding about 15 miles before breakfast. It went well the first three days. I decided to go a little shorter on Thursday and had to go shorter on Friday as well because of rain. I hoped to have two big rides on Saturday and Sunday. It rained on Saturday which cut my ride in half. I had a good ride on Sunday so ended with a decent amount of miles for the week. I miss riding in the sun.

Monday
81° humidity 89% feels like 88!
Way too hot at 4 in the bloody am.
Two shorter loops. Less people jogging and more traffic.
15.49 miles

Tuesday
77° humidity 97% wind 2 SE
I felt a little faster but also sleepy. I never got xpected my eyes to get heavy while pedaling! Two loops.
15.46 miles

Wednesday
79° humidity 94% wind 3SW
Sleepy again. The his time I could feel it from the start.
15.55 miles

Thursday
75° humidity 94%
Rainy and windy. I cut it a little short.
13.18 miles

Friday
Rain delay.
76° humidity 92% wind 6-8 SE
Shorter ride because of rain.
13.18 miles

Saturday
76° humidity 93% wind 6 SW
There were a few drops of rain but I didn't mind. I figured it would help keep me cool. I planned on going 30 miles. After my first loop, I saw some very cool dark clouds. The radar showed rain coming but I did another loop and got about 2 miles from home when the rain came down. I rode home.
16.88 miles
11.5 mph

Sunday
75° humidity 92% wind 1S
I rode CLR to BBD to Flatwoods. Overcast which keeps the heat down.
Construction across from Hunters' Green has traffic barrels sitting in the bike lane from McDonald's to Hunters' Green. It is annoying that they think it is OK to leave them there as storage.
Flatwoods.
I got to Trout Creek and found the trail flood d but also the approach to the bridge. I texted Lisa and turned around. I explored a different path and found it went to New Tampa Nature Park. Then to Dona Michelle and back to BBD. I went back to Flatwoods to see if Lisa was there but she had texted me. I talked to a couple of guys getting ready to ride. They thought it might be passable and so I took a chance.
I went slow and lifted my feet and made it through. I rode to Morris Bridge and back through. I saw people going the north route which would take them through Clay Gully which was underwater. I went to see.
It was very underwater and I didn't want to ride home with dripping feet. I turned around.
Coming back though Trout Creek, I was going to fast down the bridge and got wet despite lifting my feet. Oh well. Only 7 miles to go.
Rode home along BBD. I felt good and not at all tired. Maybe you t was the waffles I ate before my ride.
33.21 miles

This week 122.9 miles
This year 3898 miles

20190811 cycling

My last week of big miles. I start work on Monday and I have to be there at 7 am. I am planning on getting up at 4 am to ride before work.

Monday
78°-81° feels like 89° wind 4-6 S
Two quick loops before swimming. More traffic on the road and school starts next week.
ZBar Peanut Butter Cookie is OK.
15.64 miles
12.0 mph

Tuesday
79°-85° feels like 95° winds 9 SW
Three clockwise loops. Legs felt strong or maybe it was because I pumped up my tires.
ClifBar White Chocolate Macadamia Nut A+
24.40 miles
12.0 mph

Wednesday
Rain delay.
81° humidity 86% wind 5 NW
Some sprinkles. Enough to keep the temperature lower.
First loop and wind changed to 7 W
Another loop and wind was now 3 SW
I had planned to do 4 loops but it was getting late and I was getting hungry for real food.
ClifBar Protein Peanut Butter & Chocolate A++
29.26 miles
11.8 mph

Thursday
77°-82° feels like 90° winds 2S-5NW
Two shorter loops before swimming. Pushed it a bit. No stops.
15.56 miles
12.4 mph

Friday
79°-89° feels like 101° winds 2S-8W
Too warm and too windy.
Open house at JLMS meant cars parking in all the wrong spots and in the bike lane. What a mess. Headwind along Mansfield and Beardsley and I had nothing left to push when the wind was helping. A slow ride. I was ready to quit after one loop and my goal was three. I kept going and even hoped for a light rain to cool me down. Instead I got a downpour with 1 1/2 miles left to go.
ClifBar Luna S'mores B+
24.52 miles

Saturday
80°-88° feels like 102° winds 2S 2N 5NW 5W
The plan was for four loops or 30 miles. I went easy knowing it was going to be hot. Even the winds were hot. Big puffy clouds never hid the sun and no chance of a cooling rain. I called it quits at 3 loops. Still, a good ride.
Fueled by @skratchlabs
24.61 miles

Sunday
80° humidity 92% wind 2S
Early ride. I miss the sun but not the heat it generates. SR56 has no streetlights and there were joggers who had no lights no wore anything reflective. I came upon them just as another bike was coming there other way with a very bright light that just about blinded me.
Two shorter loops.
15.55 miles

This week 149.6 miles
This year 3793 miles

20190804 cycling

Another good week for miles. Thirty miles is still not easy but it getting easier. Also, a little faster.

Monday
74°-77° humidity 95% wind 4-5 NE
Two quick loops before my job interview today. (I need a job!)
Luna Creamy Dreamy Peanut Butter ✅
16.83 miles
12.2 mph

Tuesday
76° humidity 92% wind 4 SE
Quick ride before swimming with Andy.
One big loop and two minis.
ClifBar Nut Filled Peanut Butter 👎
13.33 miles
12.5 mph

Wednesday
79°-89° Feels like 101° winds 2-4 SE
Fours loops. Hot and sticky. I am lasting longer. My feet were cramping for a few miles near the end.
ClifBar Crunchy Peanut Butter A++
32.47 miles
11.6 mph

Thursday
74°-80° humidity 92% wind 4 N
One loop and 2 minis before swimming.
ZBAR Chocolate Chip is OK.
12.65 miles
12.4 mph

Friday
74° humidity 94% wind 5 NE
Overcast and sticky. The wind slowed me down some but the clouds kept the heat away. I saw 4 catfish on the SR56 MUP! They must have been blown out of the pond 200 yards away during the storm last night. Luna Caramel Walnut Brownie is a bit too sweet.
24.75 miles
11.7 mph

Saturday
76°-82° feels like 89 winds 4 SE
Overcast when I started which kept the heat down. The sun came out on my last lap when I was already feeling tired. Chain making noise. Needs lube from all the rain this week.
Luna Creamy Dreamy Peanut Butter is messy in the heat.
32.21 miles

Sunday
76° humidity 93% wind 2S
One loop then down to BBD and back. I saw Ryan was n my way back. He got upset that I was home before him or that I passed or something. I don't understand him. He laid on the ground for a minute. Then got up, rode him bike down the driveway, around in a circle then back into the garage.
12.83 miles according to my Apple Watch. Strava is having trouble uploading my ride.

This week 145
This year 3659

20190728 cycling

It was a good week for cycling. There was rain on Wednesday which messed up my plan to ride 30 miles that day. And I had to wait to ride on Thursday but I did get my miles in.
I am finding it easier to ride longer when I am properly fueled. Though I do find myself getting tired after 20 miles. I guess I will get stronger and faster if I keep with the longer distances.

Monday
72-77° humidity 95% wind 4 NE
Quick ride. One big loop and several minis to make up the hour.
12.64 miles
12.5 mph

Tuesday
74°-83° feel like 92° wind 2-6 S-SW
Three loops. Wind seemed stronger at times. Almost ran over a crawfish on SR56.
Mis-timed was he light at Mansfield and almost got hit by two cars. Oops.
24.60 miles
11.9 mph

Wednesday
78° humidity 89% wind 4-5 SW
The plan was to ride 30+ miles. I got two loops in, 21 miles, and I heard thunder. I was at the clubhouse so I stopped there to see if the rain would go by quickly.
81° humidity 85% wind 4-5 SW
Rain let up but didn't stop. I wouldn't have mind the light rain but the thunder makes me anxious. I rode home.
I feel like I don't deserve to eat the ClifBar because I didn't ride long enough.
22.76 miles

Thursday
76° humidity 91% wind 6 S
It rained all morning. We got 2" as of noon. I hoped for a dry ride but didn't expect it. The roads were wet and one car managed to splash water on me with a lane in between us. I didn't know if I should go slower in case I managed to get 30 miles or faster to avoid the rain?
77° humidity 87% wind 5 SE
14 miles in and the rain was coming. It started about mile 15. It was light and no thunder so I went another loop. By mile 16, I had to take off my glasses.
I was soggy when I got home.
24.51 miles
11.5 mph

Friday
73° humidity 95% wind 1E
Two quick loops. Trying to make up for the rain. Dark skies in the west.
A few drops starting at mile 13.
15.65 miles
12.1 mph

Saturday
74°-83° humidity 97% wind 2 E
Sticky ride. As the temperature got warmer, the wind got stronger or I got weaker.
The first two loops were good. I felt myself slowing down about mile 20. Also sick of eating sugar at that point.
The last loop wasn't bad. I even had some energy to push the last 2 miles.
ClifBar Builders Protein Cinnamon Nut Swirl for my treat was too sweet.
32.50 miles
11.5 mph

Sunday
73° humidity 94% wind 3-4 N
Late start so sun came up 1/4 through the ride. Legs felt good and wanted to push. I guess they needed no recovery.
Two shorter loops.
15.62 miles
11.6 mph

This week 148.2
This year 3513
I made my goal for the year of 3500 miles

20190721 cycling

I feel pretty about my riding this week. I had to two but rides of 30 miles each. They aren’t difficult but uncomfortable at times. I think I have figured out the fueling I need for the rides. I hope to increase my mileage to get up to 40 or 50 miles in a single day.

Monday
80° humidity 82% = 85° wind 2 S
Short and quick. Hot and humid.
9.07 miles
12.4 mph

Tuesday
79°-87° humidity 87%-69% feels like 99°
Light SE wind
I tried the Honey Stinger Cherry Cola Energy Gels. They have the best taste. They are small like the Skratch gels so I ate one every 3 miles.
Three loops around MP. Very few clouds meant it was very hot.
Started getting hungry around mile 20. I stopped eating the Honey Stinger and thought about eating the Untapped Waffle but it is mostly carbs. I ate a nut Butter filled ClifBar when I got home. (I prefer the regular ClifBars.
24.55 miles
11.8 mph

Wednesday
76° humidity 91% wind 2 sw
Heat index when I finished 99°
Four loops. I pushed to hard on the first two. Slower on the third. Crawled on the fourth. I do not like the Clif Bloks Margarita. More salty than sour. Ankle started hurting about mile 20.
30.02 miles
11.8 mph

Thursday
72° humidity 100% wind 2 NE
Fog and steamy ponds. Short recovery ride. Early because I have an interview this morning.
9.07 miles

Friday
75°-78° feels like 80° wind 1SW
One big loop and two minis and good speed today, too.
13.35 miles
12.7 mph

Saturday
75°-87° feels like 99°
Wind 2E 5SE
Four loops. I held myself back and had more energy for the last loop. Bike shorts are too big and pad kept bunching up and ouch! I need to get fast with 30 miles before I can try 40 miles.
30.05 miles

Sunday
75° humidity 95% wind 3 E/N
One recovery loop.
Sun was rising.
9.06 miles
11.8 mph

This week 125.1
This year 3356 miles

20190714 cycling

I am feeling much better about cycling these days. I have figured out the fueling which makes me want to ride longer and stronger.

Monday
77° humidity 93% wind 5 SW
Delayed because my son was wearing my shoes on his own ride.
Wet. Light rain. At least it kept the heat down. Quick ride, just one loop.
9.07 miles

Tuesday
79° humidity 88% wind 5-9S
Heat index 92°
Two big loops. Wind from the south felt good except when I had to battle it on MPB.
I stopped at mile 5, I thought I had hit Resume but the screen was dim to save battery. I didn't realize until I stopped at mile 11. I lost 6 miles. Bother.
I put Skratch orange in my first bottle. I also took Skratch chews. On odd miles, I ate a chew. On even miles, I sipped some water. I still did my stops but they were shorter since I didn't need to chew a whole protein bar. The Skratch Labs Orange Energy Chews are good. I don't know if it was this new fuel method, or the clouds, but I did not feel exhausted at mile 20. I finished strong.
22.82 miles

Wednesday
77° humidity 91% wind 6-8 S
I was told that SR56 was going to open today so I went out that way. I brought 3 bottles, 2 with Skratch drink mix. I also started eating Skratch chews right away.
83° humidity 75% feels like 91°
I stopped at Hole in One and got an Apple Fritter. It was good, not great.
I also stopped at Living Food Bakery to check it out. More health foods and tea. I got some cookies to take home.
I rode back against the wind. It wasn't fun. At least I was more prepared than last week and had enough water and energy to get me home. At 11:30, they opened SR56 and traffic started to fill the new lanes.
29.29 miles

Thursday
77° humidity 88% wind 6-8 SE
I planned on a recovery ride but my legs wanted to go. I watched my heart rate but it stayed low so I kept pedaling. Headwind along Mansfield cost me some speed.
9.06 miles
12 mph

Friday
77° humidity 93% wind 4-7 SE
Three loops today. Fueled with Skratch Labs Energy Chews and drink mix. Rode well the entire time with only stops at the light at Mansfield.
24.59 miles
11.8 mph

Saturday
74° humidity 93% wind 4-5 E
Rode up to SR56 to Morris Bridge. There is no bike lane nor shoulder for about 3 miles. Drivers were polite and did not pass me too close. No one honked. When I did get a bike lane, it wasn't great. It was bumpy and at times covered by overgrown weeds.
I rode through Flatwoods. Clay Gully was over the trail. I rode through and got wet up the back. The water was colder than I expected. Only one cyclist announced himself. He was shirtless and was wearing white mesh liners that I could see through. No shorts. Barf. He was not thin.
The trail was also under at Trout Creek. I walked on he pedestrian bridge. When did they rebuild it in metal? The last time I walked it, it was wood. One cyclist riding the aero bars gave me finger guns. Hmm.
I had Skratch Matcha Green Tea and Lemons. It was fine. I also tried the Clif Bloks in Orange. They are OK. They are bigger than the Skratch Chews so I spaced them out every five miles.

82° humidity 80% = 88° wind 6 SE
I rode to Starbucks and got some iced tea and ate half of my Clif Bar.
The clouds are keeping the heat down and I have only gone through one bottle in 1:45. I have been drinking every three miles.
26.93 miles
12.0 mph

Sunday
76° humidity 93% wind 2E
Short and slow recovery ride.
9.06 miles

This week 124.8 miles
This year 3231 miles

20190707 cycling

A fairly good week for riding. I think the heat is really affecting me and I have to replace electrolytes. I had to go to a number of shops before I could find Skratch Labs mix which I prefer.

Monday
78° humidity 87% wind 2-4 N 3-4 NW
Felt good until mile 5. Not sure if it was my pushing or the jerk (driver) stopped in the crosswalk that started the flutter. Tachycardia through the rest of the ride. I rode directly home instead of riding for an hour like I planned.
9.09 miles
12.0 mph

Tuesday
80° humidity 86% wind 7 NW
Feels like 101°
Some clouds and some wind. I was doing well until mile 15. I stopped for a break and couldn't get myself to move any faster.
I stopped at MPIII. I was too early for tennis. I went to leave and got my chain stuck. I tried using a tire lever and broke the lever. (Better than breaking the chain.) I turned the bike over and slowly worked the chain loose. Lifting that heavy bike wiped me out and I crawled home. A few raindrops in the last mile but not enough to cool me down.
22.81 miles
11.5 mph

Wednesday
87° humidity 74% = 100°
Wind 2 NW 5 NE 6 N 6 NW
I went out to BBD based on the first wind reading. By the time I had got to SR56, it had changed direction. Not doing well. Is it the heat? Too much riding yesterday? Struggling through.
As I had 2 miles to go, I realized I should have had a shorter ride because tomorrow is July 4 and Andy doesn't like to go swimming on the holiday. I should have planned it better. Oh well.
22.05 miles

Thursday
79° humidity 86% wind 0W 2NE 3E 2NE
Heat index 94°
Wind kept changing direction but since it was so slight, it wasn't an issue.
Decided to go easy today and not as far.
I saw an alligator enjoying the sun and heat.
16.84 miles

Friday
77° humidity 92% wind 3-4E
Legs weren't having it today. Too much sitting yesterday I guess. The alligator changed his position.
11.18 miles

Saturday
76° humidity 91% wind 4-6 SE
My plan was to ride to Zephyrhills to indulge in a donut.
Hole in One Donuts is closed! Ugh. I did bring an RXBAR just in case but I really wanted a donut. Google Maps suggested Speedway, Wawa and Dunkin. I started to ride to Wawa then decided to go to Starbucks then decided on Panera. That little hill just about did me in. I looked at Bear Claw and Almond Croissant and decided on a bagel and cream cheese. I don't even use half the tub. I filled my empty water bottle with ice and water.
Should I save 2 miles by going the route that is torn up with construction.?
88° humidity 66% wind 8S
Heat Index 98°
The heat and headwind zapped any energy I might have had left. I drank all my water with a few miles to go and started sucking on the ice.
31.35 miles

Sunday
74° humidity 97%
Slow recovery ride before the sun came up.
9.07 miles

This week 112.4
This year 3115

20190630 cycling

I finished the month stronger than I started it. I am glad I figured out why I felt so weak in the beginning. I must eat more protein at night.

Monday
71° humidity 92% wind 2SW
One big loop. My legs were strong though my left knee has started to hurt when I push hard.
12.03 miles
12.4 mph

Tuesday
82° humidity 85% wind 9 NW
Heat index 106°
Hot. No clouds for any shade.
I felt good despite the heat until mile 20. I just don't want to go any farther.
22.80 miles
11.6 mph

Wednesday
78° humidity 83% wind 1-3 NW
Felt strong again despite the heat.
Pushed it a bit. Shorter ride because I have an appointment at 11.
15.68 miles
12.5 mph

Thursday
76° humidity 82% wind 4-5 NE
Less protein lass night didn't affect my ride. Then again, my lunch made up for it.
Short ride, swimming later in too-warm water.
12.62 miles
12.4 mph

Friday
75° humidity 86% wind 4-7E 7 SE
Some wind. Cooled me down and slowed me done. Stopped at MPIII and watched some kids learn tennis. I miss playing but know my ankle would never hold up.
Three smaller loops.
22.97 miles

Saturday
77° humidity 87% wind 3-7-E
I should have started earlier but I just couldn't get myself moving.
I got to SR56 and MPB and decided to try the SR56 extension. It is complete but not open yet. I figured the MUP would be fine.
There were crews working on signage, the reflective grit on the striping and some other stuff.
I saw 9 other cyclists. The majority were riding in the ride in the wrong direction!
It is 3 miles from MPB to Morris Bridge. Then 3 more miles to 301. I had a headwind the entire way.
I stopped at 301 and had an RXBar. Then I went back. There didn't to seem much tailwind.
20.80 miles

Sunday
74° humidity 94% wind 2-3 E
I woke up "late" at 5:11 so I got up and rode right away. Just a short and slow loop.
9.09 miles

This week 115.9 miles
This month 454 miles
This year 2984 miles