1,000 miles
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008Yesterday, I hit 1,000 miles of riding so far this year. I’m running a bit behind where I thought I would be by now, but I don’t mind — especially given the fact that I was out for at least two weeks when I got my wisdom teeth removed. Last year, I hit 1,000 miles on May 27, so I’m well ahead of where I was last year.
Monday night, I rode on Shilo Road after work. It felt great to get in about a 25-mile ride after work, I haven’t done enough rides like that lately. Shilo Road is always a fun challenge, with lots of twists and turns and a very rough road surface where you must choose your line very carefully. I stopped by Bean Blossom Creek to rest for a moment.
Bean Blossom Creek
An interesting gate alongside Shilo Road that I hadn’t even noticed before
After Shilo I was on Anderson Lane for a while, where I saw a wild turkey and a couple of deer. As I was heading back on Old 37, on the big climb near the fire station, another rider passed me. He was going a lot faster than I was, and I was impressed with his climbing abilities. I greeted him as he passed, but he didn’t say anything.
Old 37 climb
Wide open space
To keep things interesting, I decided to go home a bit of a different way than usual, going by Lake Griffy. I often avoid this because of the big climb on the other side of the lake. The lake looked gorgeous as the sun was getting low in the sky and reflecting off the lake. Lots of people were fishing, both in boats and on the shore.
Lake Griffy
The climb wasn’t as bad as I remembered it being, and also served as a reminder of how far I’ve come in the last year or so. It was still tiring, but it was a lot easier than it’s ever been before. I passed another rider on the way up and said hi, but he didn’t return my greeting.
Thousands of dandelions by the Bypass
Overpass
Part of campus
Plaque
The rest of the trip home followed my commute route and was easy and relaxing. A great post-work ride.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Congratulations on hitting the 1000 mile mark, that is an impressive number so early in the year. The ride looks great and relaxing.
Cheers to the next 1000!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:40 am
I’m amazed that you can do this after a full day of work. But with views like you had, I guess it makes it worth it. I’d be riding through slums and abandoned factories – not nearly the impetus that open fields and lakes give.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:00 am
That’s right. Way to go. Make me feel like the slacker that I am by posting your mileage. I have excuses, but they are just that, excuses. I know from previous harder efforts, we can all find time to squeeze in rides. Your 1,000 miles to this point, with the dental agony you recently dealt with, is proof of that. Good job.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Thanks. Marty, I am lucky to live in a small town. I can be at work, or in the middle of nowhere, in 15 minutes from my apartment, even by bicycle.