3.7.2011 Ride: What's Two Hundredths of a Mile.

It's an odd sort of day after the Mountainburg ride.  Not so much a sense of tiredness as a disconnect, a feeling of being in a haze.
I stopped at the hardware store before doing my ride today.  I've seen Mallory many times but didn't know her by name until today.  A great smile for this grey Monday.
Being somewhat of a stickler for the truth myself, I've pondered the mileage discrepancy between my computer and mapmyride and google map's accounting. On my ride to Overland Park, KS last September,

 I happened to ride on US Hwy 69 which is basically an Interstate except in name, which is why bicycles are allowed.  There was very light traffic on the road and it cut out about 15 miles from what turned out to be an 82 mile ride that day - plus a 20-25mph head wind!  But I digress.  Riding on that route allowed me to check my computer against the mile posts, which I assumed were accurate.  After several checks, my computer was within .01 to .015 miles.  That seemed impressively close.  As I was riding today, I was calculating how much of a difference two hundredths of a mile would make.  It really seems inconsequential. But, on a 70 mile ride like yesterday, that would add up to 1.4 miles.  Again, not huge but much greater than I would have thought.  Now, I have the bug in me to find a place where I can check just how accurate my computer is.
So, the dog.  When I parked in a neighborhhod, he was on the other side of the fence.  He barked half-heartedly but quickly began wagging his tail and came closer when I talked to him.  Unfortunately, he had on an invisible fence collar and could only come within 15 feet. 

The road along the treatment plant must be extremely fertile.  There was a half mile stretch near it where there was a profusion of beer can plant blossoms. 

I mentioned a sense of disconnect that translated into a feeling of being on autopilot as I rode.  The upside to that is I rode along without much effort. But the downside is that I found I wasn't as vigilant as I usually am so vehicles seemed to sort of sneak up on me.  Fortunately, I was on very quiet roads.

As I was approaching the bridge to cross the White River on Wyman Road, a very large bird in a tree caught my eye.  As I drew closer, I realized it was actually two birds.  And, then, lo and behold, even vultures do it.  I stopped as quietly and as quickly as I could but it still wasn't fast enough.  This was shot just seconds afterward.  The female is on the left. 
I continued on to the Wyman Valley Rd, my little Shangra-La, where today I was met with a stiff head wind riding east.  Being there fit the melancholy mood of the day.
One would think after a ride like yesterday, I would have chosen a ride of least resistance for today.  But, for some reason, I seemed compelled to park up high and give myself a good steep climb for the end of my ride today which went easier than I anticipated.

Today's Ride:  74 mins.  Miles: 13.66  52 degrees.  Miles YTD: 1,205.91.
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3.6.2011 Ride: Pat & Phil's Big Adventure

Pat & Philip in the middle of their Big Adventure

Even though I have participated in several long rides and events, I still seem to build up an excitement and anxiety the night before.  I had a dream last night that I showed up at the event and I had forgotten to bring my bicycle. Otherwise, I slept well.  The 26 degree reading did present a bit of a challenge and concern but the day promised to warm up quickly.

When I did arrive, I was glad to see that I had not forgotten my bike or any other essential piece of equipment.  Pat and I pushed off about 20 minutes before the official start time.  We were a bit chilly to start but not too bad.  I did a few windmills with my arms to warm up my fingers.  The lead pack caught up with us about an hour later.  In the mirror, the group was so tight that at first I thought there was a vehicle approaching as there must have been about 35 riders in that pack.  I wish I had thought to dismount and take a picture as they approached as it was rather impressive.

Staying warm & cozy

The wind was relatively calm to start and we were having a good ride, finding a nice groove, Pat and I rode well together.  Pat's thoughts were to probably go to the top of Mt. Gaylor and then head back, a ride of about 50 or so miles and I would continue to Mountainburg for the 75 mile ride.  Given that he had only done one 25 mile ride so far this year, that would certainly be a good second outing. Secretly, I was hoping that once at the top, the temptation to do the entire route would be very appealing.

I tried to get some action shots as the fast riders zoomed by.  None of the photos really came out and they certainly didn't have that blurred effect I was hoping for.  But, this one picture seemed rather interesting, especially because of the cyclist's blue gloves.

At the Top of Mt. Gaylor

Sometimes rides just go extraordinarily well. Everything seems to click and a ride feels almost effortless. We were at the top, and Pat's up for heading down the other side of the mountain, at least part way.  All right.  We don't have any delusions that coming back won't be more of a challenge but, right then, on that beautiful day, things felt very good.






I liked the weather-beaten look of these doors, though, I wished the photo captured more of the interior than the reflection of the tower.  But, I really like that the door is secured by a billiard cue.

Yes!  Once we reached the spot where Pat planned to turn around, he figured, what the heck and we continued on to Mountainburg.

The bearded cyclist is David who came up from Little Rock for the ride.  He caught up with us at the top of the mountain but didn't stop and rode on.  We caught up with him at Mountainburg, the turn-around point.  I loved his full grey beard, which seemed especially striking against bike gear and he was kind enough to pose for me.

I asked Laura, one of the BCO organizers of the event how many riders had signed in.  150, which compared to 104 from last year.

I was reaching for this last remaining quarter of a peanut butter sandwich, when someone said, "Oh, I was about to have that."  I apologized and said go ahead.  A very friendly argument ensued, where each of us insisted the other have it.  He said to split it.  No, I have plenty of food in my bag," I said. Finally, Mori took it and then he offered me some of his dark chocolate.  Of course, I had to take his picture.  At first, he told me he was from Belfast.  So what if he didn't have an Irish accent, I was fully ready to believe him.  Actually, he was from the Philippines, 20 years in New York and now Tulsa (at least that's what he told me!)  I really enjoyed meeting him..

"Look, Mom.  No hands!"

 Back up we went with a nice tail wind.  The nine miles up went well and we even passed a couple of bikers!  After going down the mountain on the north side, it was basically a level shot back to Fayetteville. We made one last quick stop at Brentwood, 15 or so miles from the end. There was an added excitement for me to this ride as I got to be part of a new long ride for Pat. His previous long was about 50 miles, which we also rode together.





One last picture of Pat once we were back, seemed in order. He was too tired to hold up his bike as I requested.

All-in-all, today was just a very excellent, excellent, excellent day.
A curious side note.  When I was pulling into the driveway at home, my first thought was that I had to go out and do my one hour Daily Ride.  Too much sun?

Today's Ride:  5hrs 47mins.  (Total time: 6hrs 45 mins).  Miles: 71.51*  30-55 degrees.  Miles YTD:  1,192.25.
* According to mapmyride, the ride was actually about 74.8 miles and according to google maps, 73.5 miles. I have checked my computer several times for accuracy during the past year and it has been very accurate.

3.5.2011 Ride:

I am at a point in this journey where the road ahead can seem very long.  Make no mistake, I still enjoy, thrive on riding every day.  It's the balancing act with the rest of life's daily activities that becomes the challenge.  Finding that balance, continues to be an ongoing process where one day I think I have it down only to feel a bit overwhelmed the next day. I thought of my analogy with the Samurai warrior again today as I believe honing discipline is the key to success.

Today turned out to be a very interesting day. In the morning, I assumed today's post would be short given that a minimum ride would be squeezed in at the end of the day after Rachel's soccer tournament. But I have several photos, more on the line of "what I did on my summer vacation" than artistic compositions.
Rachel's first game was brutal as the temperature was only in the mid 30s and the wind was between 15-20mph. They lost 1-0.  Between games, I headed over to meet Dorothy and the Roadies where our brand new Roadies' jerseys were handed out.  Dorothy started the Roadies several years ago with just a few riders and now there may be as many as 30 or more riders on a weekend. That is Dorothy in orange with her eyes closed.

Back to fields for the second game where the weather conditions were better but, unfortunately, it didn't help the girls as they lost that game as well.  Two friends at the game mentioned the bike trails nearby and I set out for them.  Under construction is the Crystal Bridges Museum, which will house some well-renown art pieces when it is completed this November.  It is set in a small valley and coming upon the construction site feels as if one has accidentally discovered some very top secret project. 

Orion and Zeus

A short ways up the trail, there is an overlook for getting a better look at the secret project.  I met Orion and Zeus there with their human counterparts.  Orion has a very big wet tongue. I love Great Danes.
The trail is very impressive and I followed it for several miles, turning back only because getting back home to make dinner beckoned.  The trail is supposed to be part of a 35 mile Greenway running from Bella Vista all the way down to Fayetteville but the Greenway just lost it's funding. Seeing the trail and knowing the trail in Fayetteville, I thought what a loss that this project may not happen.

Just off the square in Bentonville, I came across this house with the water tower behind it.  I thought it was a very interesting juxtaposition.

Dorothy threatened me with death, or worse, if I didn't get a picture taken of myself with the new jersey.  I passed a couple who were mounting their mountain bikes on their car and doubled back to ask if they would take my picture.  I'm glad I stopped as I ended up having a good conversation with them. It's the part of taking journeys that I really like: randomly meeting people and having what I call micro-encounters.  It turned out that Amy and Jesus had come down from Joplin and spent over 3 hours riding the trails down in Bentonville.  They were preparing for the Quachita Challenge in April.  So, thank you, Dorothy, for insisting I get a picture or I would not have met them.

Jesus and Amy

Though it was a short ride today, it felt very full.  I leave you today with a shot of this barn I often pass (while driving) near Joyce & Crossover.  The sun was low in the sky and lighting up the details and the nuances. For instance, the hinges definitely stand out more than if the sun had been higher up and hitting the barn at a less direct angle.  Tomorrow's the 75 mile ride and I feel in good spirits for it.

Today's Ride:  68 mins.  Miles:  12.08. 38-42 degrees. Miles YTD:  1,120.74.
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3.4.2011 Ride

Rode early this morning and I passed the pasture with the tall wheat-like grass waving in the wind.  The delicate strands made for a good image in the hazy sunrise but I knew I would never be able to capture what my eye was seeing.  Instead, I opted for this close up image with the filtered light behind which captured the essence of what I was after.
I'm glad I got my ride in early as the wind has picked up mightily since this morning.  Another busy day with another soccer game at 5:30 with a 90% chance of rain at game time. 
I was tempted to do the Big Hill several times this morning in preparation for the 75 mile ride Sunday which includes 9.5 miles of almost continuous uphill on the back end.  But, this body is weary and an easier ride seemed in order.
My other challenge this morning as I rode my very familiar neighborhood surroundings, is coming up with new images. It

tends to make the total time I'm out longer as I stop looking for interesting shots.  The fence and trees is one that I am very pleasantly surprised with. I originally stopped to take a picture of the fence and as I was lining up the shot, the trees completely changed the composition making it much more interesting.  I also like how that one rail of the fence glides over the roof of the barn at the same angle.

For the barbed wire fence shot, I laid down flat on the ground to make sure all the wires had the sky for a back drop.  I think it is interesting that when this shot is viewed with the wires running vertically, it has a much different and, to me, a bit more ominous feel.

Today's Ride: 61 mins.  Miles: 11.35.  55-62 degrees.  13mph winds.  Miles YTD: 1,108.66

A BIG thanks to Anne & Scott O'Leary-Kelly for their donation to Biking for Food. 
A note to those sticklers for the truth:  The riding time clock stops when I stop to take pictures (or for any other reason).  Riding time minutes is just that, time riding on the bike.

3.3.2011 Ride: The Locksmith Cometh

First, let me thank John for lending me his ear while I rambled on like a zombie on the phone this morning, tax time and all.  It did help get the juices flowing in my sleepy body..
Another quick ride, another day where I cannot spend much time trying to update the blog. 
I combined my ride with doing handyman work at a renal house where I needed to change three locks for the new tenant.  With the pannier bags packed with tools and new locks, I felt as if I should have a sign hanging off the side: PZ's Lock & Key or some such.

Along the way, I passed Paula working on her flower beds.  We have known each other for many years as our daughters have played soccer together.  She is also a bike enthusiast which I imagine she got from her parents who have done extensive biking.  Whenever her parents are in from Iowa, I always end up trading biking stories with her dad.

At the house, Tina's cat was a bit cautious at first, but she quickly warmed up to me and sat with me as I changed the locks.  She made good company as I struggled with the third lock. It took some trial and error before I finally realized that the original strike plate on the door jamb was not installed properly.  She patiently sat on the window sill or the couch until I had it figured out.

Yellow swing-chair in front of house on Hwy 45.  I didn't notice the bird sculpture when I was taking the picture.  It seems to be having a conversation with the bench.  I also didn't notice the daffodils when I was taking the picture.







For the Record.  This blog has been viewed 1,314 times since it started back in the third week of January.  The United States represents the vast majority of the views but there have also been views from Canada, China, Russia, Portugal, Italy, The Netherlands,Germany, The United Kingdom and Singapore.  I love receiving comments from everyone but would especially enjoy receiving a quick comment from any of the viewers from these other countries just letting me know who you are.

A wonderful big thanks to Walter Reeves (my brother-in-law) for his generous donation to Biking for Food.  For those who happen to be viewing this from the Georgia area, yes, this is THE Walter Reeves, the gardening man who you can hear on radio and see on TV.

Today's Ride:  65 mins.  Miles: 10.97.  65 degrees.  15mph winds.  Miles YTD: 1,097.31.

3.2.2011 Ride: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

 

 

 

I am not sure, but I believe that the picture to the left represents mathematical/trigonometric functions scrawled across the sky by Earthlings in an attempt to communicate with other intelligent life forms in the Universe.

Time is an odd creature.  With the day very busy, I hop on the bike and take off, quickly pedaling down the road as if to hurry and get my ride in.  It takes me a moment to realize that it doesn't matter how fast I pedal as my ride is determined by the clock, 60 minutes.   I'm glad I chose time as the defining measure of my ride as opposed to distance.  Today, I decided to do the Big Hill two times in anticipation of the 75 mile 71 Classic ride on Sunday.  If distance was what determined my official ride, I would have been less inclined to tackle the Big Hill today.

Today was one of those days where the wind feels as if it is with me no matter what direction I'm riding.  There was a pretty good wind out of the east but even when traveling in that direction, the wind seemed to be on my side.   There are times as well when it will seem as if a section of road has a magnetic draw to it so that I feel as if I'm propelled effortlessly down the road regardless of the conditions.  There is a section of road in my neighborhood that is like that.  Conversely, I have hit a section of  road that I seem to slog through no matter what the conditions.
And then there is light.  I passed the door in the picture this morning after dropping Rachel off at school and heading for the recycling center.  The sun was low and hitting the door just right.  I should have pulled over and taken the picture then but I was afraid I might be late for Community Meals.  So, I swung by later but it just wasn't the same. The sun now had a slight haze over it.  And, notice the shadow from the overhang; it was not there when I first drove by as the sun was lower.  This is the door for Word Work on Hill Ave.
So, on this busy day, where I now need to get ready for Rachel's soccer game this evening, I leave you with this close, very gentle, equine encounter.

Today's Ride: 63 mins.  Miles:  11.07. 65 degrees.  Miles YTD: 1,086.34

3.1.2011 Ride: Imagine

"Life is like a strong opiate; once you get high and hooked on it, you keep needing more and more."

Tree and Fence at 11:30 PM

Early Morning Fog in Valley

Rachel and I arrived home just after 11:00 last night from the soccer game.  The thirty miles east of Tahlequa are very hilly and curvy and, from what I could see it the dark, it seemed as if it would make for a pretty bike ride.  I'm never able to go straight to bed after a late night out.  Even though it was in the mid 30s, there was no wind and the stars were out and Lupe was more than happy to join me for a late night walk.  I was already anticipating and looking forward to the next morning and the ride ahead.  I had a dentist appointment at 11:00 and I wanted to stop at Lowe's beforehand, so, that meant leaving around 9:00 when it would only be in the mid 30s. The good news was that by the time I left the dentist office, it would be near 60.

 Sunrise as Seen Off of Windows of Houses in the West

A curious thing is happening with riding.  Given that I managed less than 6 hours of sleep and the temperature was in the mid 30s this morning, one would think that a tough tug-of-war would be playing out in my head over whether I should ride or drive.  But, the night before, driving wasn't even an option and it wasn't an option this morning either.  It was as if biking was my only option. This led me to imagining, as I rode off this morning, a world where bikes were the primary form of transportation.  It seemed very ideal and beautiful for a few miles as it would totally change our perspective on how and when we would get things done. 

Roads without Cars

Of course, without the cars, the roads would be covered with bikes, much like they were in China back in the 1960s and 70s.

Kevin & Keith

At Lowe's, I needed to buy three door sets and have them keyed where one key worked for all three locks.  This isn't an especially noteworthy event but Kevin (and I may have the names backwards - sorry guys!) was teaching Keith how to key the new lock.  Thus, I got a lesson as well and it was interesting following the process.

Bench on Lake Fayetteville Bridge

 

Judy, my hygienist, on the fine art of flossing daily.

Something about this red door with the address of 3333.  Not sure if that is supposed to be a primitive wooden cross or not on the door.

 

 Detail from Son's Chapel Church

 

I took several pictures of the tree shadows dancing on the pavement.  Many variations and I finally settled on this one.  Thank goodness we don't live in a world where bikes are the main mode of transportation or I never would have gotten this picture taken.

Today's Ride:  2 hrs 1 min.  22.61 miles.  39-63 degrees.  Miles YTD: 1,075.27