12 year absence

 Hello!

It's been 12 years since I turned thirty and began tracking my daily bike rides for the year. It is so much fun to look back at that year and the adventures I had. 

It was a time of transition. In June I moved to camp and began what I thought would be my dream job. In a lot of ways it was. Alas, a lass pulled me away to MKE. This was another exciting adventure, but I didn't keep up on my writing. 

I'm back writing now because two years ago, when I turned 40, I wanted to complete another challenge. Similar to my 30 year old year when I rode every day. I thought I could do a triathlon every year on my birthday. It didn't happen. Kids were tiny... 5 mo and almost 2. 

Anyway, now that they're grown (2 and almost 4) I have time to tri!

Today, Sept 2 was my first go at it. Times are rough but fairly accurate. 

9:16 start time

750m swim: 21 min 14 second 

Transition: 15min 36 seconds

20k bike: 53 min 31 seconds

Transition: 6 min 27 seconds

5K run: 33 min 21 seconds

Total: 2 hours 10 mins 9 seconds

Moving: 1 hour 47 mins 57 seconds

   I swam at our Y's outdoor pool. It was pretty crowded and we ended up with 5 swimmers in my lane. I typically ONLY swim when I have my own lane. I'm pretty self conscious about knowing all the rules and not being in people's way. 

I'm not fast but was able to plod through without feeling completely spent. The transition to biking took some time. I did this on my own and had to manage a wallet and phone etc in addition to changing my gear.

 I biked up the Monon on Paul. My estimate was I would need to bike to 146th St and turn around to get the required 20K and return to my house. I was right on. The bike was pretty easy. I didn't try to crush it at all, but kept things moving. 

 

 

    The transition to running was pretty quick. Same socks, new shorts, shirt, and shoes. I decided to run laps in the neighborhood in order to have access to a water bottle I perched on the mailbox. 

     The small loop was just under .75 miles. On the third loop I took the longer path   which ended perfectly at my driveway. Running was by far the hardest part. I walked   several times and was averaging just under 11 minute miles. It was the only point I was putting in hard effort. 

    Swimming- I'm not sure I can improve more than a minute or so. But I'm pretty sure I can get it under 20 minutes.

    Biking- This is a strength and I was pretty conservative today. Strengthening my run will help make me more confident to bike harder. I also may ride Tony at some point.

    Run- This is where I think I can make the most improvements. 9 min miles might be a long way off, but I can get them under 10.

Don't hold me to it, but I might tri again in Sept. 

Humpty Dumpty

I've continued to ride to, during, and home from work.  This may need to be rethought as I took the worst spill of my cycling career today.

Bruce has low pressure in the front tire which affected handling significantly.  Coming down a paved hill while cornering, he slipped out from under me.  Scraped knuckels, forearm, knee, and back on my left side.  The brunt of the fall landed on my left shoulder.  Lesson learned: keep tires at pressure even if they are determined to be "good enough to get through today".

Gnarly (with a capital G)

Fin

Day 364, 8/29/15

LONG Hike with Courtney.    Tooled on her Specialized.

Day 365

Rode down to office in AM.  After work I mounted Tony and began 1.5 hour, 24 mile rideto return a Redbox movie.  The drop off isn't that far when taking a direct route, but you don't stumble upon cool looking A-frame cabins taking the direct route.

 

Day 366, August 31st

Final day of my year long challenge!  Going into this I was feeling a bit listless turning 30 and wanting to commit to accomplish something without drastically changing my life.  Riding a bicycle everyday for a year was challenging at times (weather, travel, forgetfulness) but overall it was a great reminder to make time for the things I love to do.

2015 was not a leap year, so I obviously made a mistake in my counting of the days.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the only mistake I made this year.  Examples I'm willing to talk about here will be cycling related.  First, there were some days I did not ride a bike.  2-3 times I would get back from out of town and count a post midnight ride as the previous days.  Also I can think of one example I simple forgot to ride until I was laying in bed.  At 1:30 AM I jumped up and completed a loop around Monument Circle.  In honesty, the most difficult part was writing a blog for no one but myself :)    Though imperfect (which I never claimed to be) the year was a success!

Today's ride was on Bruce to and from work and then to Big Woods for wings (I had pizza with Court 2 days prior), beer, and a board game with some friends old and new.

As a penance for my shortcomings I will continue to ride everyday until I don't.  Blogging will no longer be as important to me, but if anything interesting happens I will let you know!

Moon's Full

Day 361, 8/26/15

Start of a stretch of groups that will last through the weekend. Rode Bruce around camp.


Day 362

Biked to HR first thing to set up for Hanover's Xcountry group.  Had to fill in for a sick counselor at the pool.

Later, on a night hike, I was able to maneuver without a torch as the moon was shining bright!


Day 363

Filling in again for a sick counselor, I rode down to the office in AM.  My group responded super well to everything and we had a lot of fun!

I drove up to Indy for the night expecting to meet up with the Full Moon Ride, but I was 24 hours early.  Instead I rode with Paul and Kelly to Bakersfield and Rathskellar.  Polka Boy in the house!

Photos

Day 358, 8/23/15

Did some MTBing on Handies Trail.  Intentionally left my phone behind but quickly turned around for it as I stumbled upon a photo worthy scene.

Turtles mating.  More detail below.  WARNING: PG-13 rating

Night hike later that evening.


Day 359

Rode Bruce to work, lunch, and home before returning to the office to go on a road ride.

After installing new cleats and I finally got to hit the road with Tony.  His third chain ring was helpful in the climbs, but I had to learn the nuances of the set-up.  A stiff link gave me some trouble until I gave up on getting my hands dirty and broke it in a bit.

Old CYO signage north of camp.

Day 360

Rode Bruce to office and stopped at OPC to get hot water for my chai tea.
Around 4pm I gathered up some Post Office items and biked in on Ichiro.  I made it just as the office was closing and then continued to tool around downtown.

Coming down the Old 46 hill I was cut off by a PACK of wild turkeys!

20th, 21st, 22nd

Day 355  BIRTHDAY!

Paul came this morning and brought me breakfast.  He also brought me a super cool insulated growler.  What a thoughtful nice guy.

Speaking of nice, thoughtful guys: I said goodbye to Tom, my fixed gear Tom Masso frame.  Paul took it back to his brother Tommy who is moving to Chicago and in need of a city bike.  The frame hadn't gotten much use since I've moved down to BC (none) so I'm happy to give him a new home.

In memorandum:  May 4th, 2013- August 20th 2015

Unfortunately, Paul's presence on camp alerted staff to it being my birthday.  They were kind to not make a huge deal, but I was so close to flying under the radar!
Rode on camp and said good bye to the group I was working with.

Later I drove Irchiro down to Louisville where we met with Emma for the Langhorne Slim show.  It turned out to be Slim's bithday as well!  He's seen below donning the birthday crown.

Day 356  Same Age Day!

Checked out the Falls of the Ohio with Kristin.  Interesting to visit the commencement site of Lewis and Clark's journey, but the site was not especially beautiful.

Tooled a bit on Ichiro.  Ate pizza rolls and shot pool.  Kristin made delicious dessert.


Day 357  Matt's birthday!

Went to putt putt, batting cages, arcade.  Rolled with Irchiro before heading back to BC.

Camp Life

Day 352, 8/17/15

Day off!  Rode to breakfast and stopped in at the office.


Day 353

Woke up early for a run and swim.  Biked to last day of our often interrupted training.

All tied up in low ropes training.

Day 354

I am back on counselor duty today.  Before the group arrived I rode camp setting things up and cleaning cabins that were supposedly cleaned already!

Before riding back for the night we played Life and Death in the Forrest, a survival game based around groups being herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores.  First time playing and everyone seemed to love it.  Even the herbivores (my group) who got eaten repeatedly.  Exhausted and with no voice, I retired.

Training and Tour

Day 346. 8/11/15

Rode to training and around camp.


Day 347

Rode to and from training.


Day 348

Filled tires again this morning.  Rode down from BH and all over camp trails as Sts. Francis and Clare were on camp.


Day 349

More trail riding to check on groups, counselors, and chaperons.  Also got a swim in before Upland.
 
Upland Brewery is on camp this weekend for their tour.  Blakey Security Solutions was in town to help monitor the debauchery.  As you can tell from the photos below, they have some room for improvement.  
Lesson learned, approach groups of late-night-drunken-skinny-dippers with caution.  The overzealous woman who decided to use me as a scratching post should probably not be back next year.  Thanks to BSS co-president, Carrie for photographing my scars.

Day 350

A rough morning was improved by Carrie's miracle peppermint oil.  Made our way out for an afternoon MTB ride.  The most eventful activity of the evening was eating Upland's pulled pork from a drink pitcher... yum!

From Upland social media.

Day 351

Spent the morning riding around camp and cleaning up.  Went for a swim that afternoon.

Folkin' 'Round

Day 342, 8/7/15

First SY group here and they are a LOT of fun!  I have never been around a group of adults so willing to try new things.  Favorite quote, "I always knew I could be a camper!"

Rode Ichiro inside BH after campfire.


Day 343

Indy Folk Fest today!  Once again Paul and the crew did a spectacular job putting on the event.  The Hostel will miss Paul dearly.

Photo from Indy Hostel FB page.

Freewheeling sponsored the bike valet and there were a couple of nice whips to test ride.


Day 344 

SHORT ride after long day training.


Day 345

Filled tires on MTB to get to training.  It has another slow leak that will need patched.  Rode to training and stopped to move giant log in path.  Somewhere along the morning I lost my "wallet" which was with me to order new sunglasses that I lost at Folk Fest... one of those weekends.

Had dinner at John and Shelle's BEAUTIFUL home.  John let me play his 1958 hollow body Gibson and I fell in love!

Add caption

Photo to come

Training Days

Day 337, 8/2/15

Rode down to office for first evening of training.  Ordered Big Woods and hit up Hesitation Point (the overlook, not the bike shop) with new Program Staff.

Day 338

Rode down to OPC for training day 2. Left Bruce there as we walked everywhere together.  Ended the day with a night hike following Sulli's delicious taco bar.  We had ground chicken for taco meat.

One of the Sullivan chicks.

Day 339

Training day 3.  After a long day of low ropes training I grabbed my bike from OPC and met with Austin for some MTBing.  Hit up Nature Conservatory (which I finally found out doesn't support bikes) and rode for about an hour.

Day 340

Training day 4 brought high ropes and lots of challenging fun.  Rode Bruce through trails to and from the course.

Rancho's climbing tower.

Day 341

Last day of HR training.  This time in a steady rainfall.  Nice to play in the rain, nicer to change clothes and snuggle after.  Our group completed Shawn's "tough" challenge, but not without some trials.  In the end we all got certified!

I rode this morning from BH to bottom of drive then walked him back due to low pressure in the front tire... again.  Time to pay Tad another visit.

FW Adv Games

Day 336, 8/1/15

Up at 6am for FW Adv Games.  Five and a half hours later Sam and I were tasting victory as we slurped it from our giant trophy.  Next finishers were 20 minutes behind!

Photos reblogged from shartman87's instagram

Closing Camp

Day 332, 7/29/15

Started to deviate from the gravel road when moving from upper camp to lower.  Found out the amphitheater has too steep of steps while the pool lends itself well to a fast, fun descent.


Day 333

Bike was still down at the office this morning so I had to walk in to work.  Rode around camp today, mostly running things to HR.

Day 334

Last day of summer camp: biked to closing dinner then drove back to FW for adventure games!

Photo of touchboard (Alight, decent) coming soon.

St. Paul

Day 327, 7/24/15


Biked trails behind lake.  Paul came in later and we rode to Pine Room.  Also shared a campfire and night hike.


Day 328

Ran the Skemotah Scuttle this morning and Paul won the 5K!  (I won a raffle)
After we drove out to St. Paul's quarry to scope it out as a possible location for Adventure.
Once Paul left I biked in to Brown County Playhouse to see Inside Out and the possibly better, Lava Short. 
Finally, Biked down from BH later for last SNL of summer.  Busy day.

Photo by Emily B, perhaps?

Day 329

Biked to work.  Used gear tape to fix up some flies.  Last week and all tents are in working order!


Day 330

Rode down from BH.


Day 331

Went with ADV to White Rock/St. Paul's Cliffs.  Lots of highlights: gaining early admittance, free freeze pops from Jeff at Sparky's Hot Dog wagon, general comradery.

I did not head my own advice regarding sunscreen.

Hesitation (Grace) Point

Day 322, 7/19/15    

MTB had a flat this morning but it held air once I Hans and Franz-ed it (pumped it up).  Rode to and from the office.


Day 323, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!

Early morning ride to the office and then to the horse barn to learn how to groom and saddle the equines.  The wrangler girls are the best!



Day 324

Woke up with a flat front tire once again.  Aired it up to ride down from BH and drove it to Hesitation Point after Mass.  Named for the scenic site of BCSP pictured below, Hesitation Point Bike Shop recently moved in to the old Casa Del Sol.  Tad, the owner is a great guy and everyone should shop there!

browncountymountainbiking.com

Day 325

Drove up to Indy to help at day camp.  Before my softball game I met up with Paul and Kelly and spun on Paul's MTB.

Started out the season 0-2 thanks to the opposing team's late inning heroics followed by a concrete clobbering


Day 326

Retrieved Bruce from Hesitation Point and met Gonzo Tad's mechanic.  Their internet and phone were STILL down from the flashfloods.  At least they were back above water. 

browncounty.com

Rode on camp.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Day 318, 7/15/15

Rode around camp before driving up to Indy for the James Taylor show.  Excellent concert and we were able to avoid Deer Creek traffic by parking < 1 mile away at Hamilton Center.  Made for a fast and easy bike ride to and from while the suckers sat in their cars.

photo (from about where I was sitting) from crowdalbum.com

Day 319

Took the MTB through the nature conservatory trails behind camp.  This was my first time MTBing and I loved it!  Lots of steep grades, obstacles, and such.  Though I need to check on the allowances for bikes on their trails, this will be a favorite spot.


Day 320

Rode down to meet Pat and Brad who rode in to play some basketball.  The rain prevented a return trip for them while I was on my way to Louisville.

Met up with Matt and Kristin to bike to Jon and Maria's party.


Day 321

Louisville riding.

All-Star City

Day 316, 7/13/15

Rode Bruce down to office.  Planned to take a ride in to town to watch the Homerun Derby tonight, but the pending storm resulted in driving to Big Woods for the event.  The bar was empty and not an ideal place to watch, but the derby was amazing!

The Toddfather reigns king!

blogredmachine.com

reddit.com

Day 317

Long night helping ADV and telling an epic musical story during the storm.  Rode camp during the day and drove in to Columbus to practice yoga at Mill Race Park.  Stopped on the way back to watch the All-Star game at Jordy McTaggarts.  The wings weren't half bad!

cbssports.com

Old building, new beer

Day 314, 7/11/15

Back in Indy for the a the weekend.  Enjoyed Public Greens and a ride over to Liz's cook out.

Went to St. Joseph's the night before.  Good beer, cool place.  The construction of this small Catholic Church was headed up by Bishop Chatard in the late 1870's.  Now it is nearly returned to its glory complete with what Catholics like best: beer.

beeradvocate.com

Day 315

Found Bruce left at the office porch all weekend.  I rode him back to the BH at day's end.  Also took Ichiro around the hills of BCSP.  An ADV camper asked if he could ride it saying "I thought you'd say no," as he struggled to mount the too-tall bike.  Had quite a bit of climbing accompanied with some long, fast downhills.

Footwear

Day 309, 7/6/15

Rode Bruce down from BH.


Day 310

Bruce was already down at the office but I rode him back and forth to the maintenance shed in the rain to get gear for Adventure.


Day 311

135 S was completely washed over cause ADV to camp back at Rancho.  Rode back to maintenance to drop off their soap test bottle and then up to Tall Pines to get HR's soaked ropes... which is better than soaked cork.

Finally made it up the Darn hill without touching down!  I discovered the trick is to keep your center of gravity as low as possible.  This keeps weight on the back wheel while preventing the front from popping up.


Day 312

Went for a jog on the gravel roads.  This should become a habit.

Rode around camp and later up to Gatesville Rd.  Had to cut the evening's ride short due to a bubble in my rear tube.  Need to sort it out before Indy Crit on Saturday.


Day 313

Again ran the gravel roads this morning.  Rode down from BH in the beginnings of the day's rain.

My newest equipment came in the mail this week.

Keen's Arroyo II.  This deconstructed hiking shoe is supportive and comfortable.  They run a little big.

Z/2 Unaweep Chaco.  Came highly recommended.  Great for more casual activities.

Amber waves.

Day 306 7/3/15

Rode Bruce down from BH after our week-ending basketball game.  Headed to Buffalouies where famed Indiana songwriter is said to pen "Heart and Soul".  The wings were just "OK".


Day 307

Independence Day.  Rode Ichiro in to Nashville to see the local explosion display.  Before hand we had a sensational game of Ultimate!  The ride home was dark and with heavy traffic.  Will need the Cygolite for future country night rides.

Fun with sparklers.

Day 308

Rode Bruce down just behind the bosses this morning.

After work rode Ichiro n to Big Woods to watch US Women's soccer win their 3rd World Cup Title!  On the way home there were 4-5 deer in the horse pasture.  I startled a younger member of the group who started running towards camp away from the rest.  It continued to run looking for an opportunity to cross the street but I was riding right with it.  Moral of the story: Ichiro is as fast as a deer.

'Cause summer is ready for you!

Day 301, 6/28/15

Rode gravel path at camp.  It has been a butterfly heavy summer!

Proof of butterfly heavy summer

Day 302

Went caving with ADV and was lucky the 50 pound rock that fell on me landed squarely on the helmet.  "I can't believe you're not pissed," said the camper who inadvertently set the rock in motion.  THAT'S why we wear helmets!

Met the family in Cincinnati for a Reds game and checked out a B bike in Covington to get me across the river.  As it turns out these are brand new to the area and several people stopped me to ask the cost and how it works.  Glad to be an ambassador for the bike share!

Jaime wanted to be in my first selfie.  She is wearing my old Reds jersey and her new Reds hat.  Smart kid!

Surly shop in Covington was closed by the game's end.

Day 303

Rode gravel road throughout day.  Skidded around a corner at the car bridge and Lindsey saw me "almost fall"... but I didn't.


Day 304

Zipped down gravel road for evening gathering.  Had a headlamp on but it was still trying in the dark.


Day 305

Rode Bruce to deliver gear to HR.  Nearly bit it traveling across a damp foot bridge. 

The Boom Crew was in town and put on a great show.  I opted out of lighting the fireworks this year as there was PLENTY of help.  Instead I manned the music.  Crosby's "Winter Wonderland" was a huge hit.  Paul, Kelly, and Nik D stayed over.  Good friends are worth losing sleep!