The pursuit of 4,000 miles.. Update..

   When the month of December started I needed 319 miles to get to 4,000 miles.. I know I can do it.. but to do 319mi. in a very cold month like December.. plus the sunsets around 5pm.. is a daunting challenge.. I just can't let the cold weather defeat me.. I know I can do it.. just stay focus..
   So on Friday.. Dec. 2.. I got home a little earlier than usually so I quickly got on my bike for a 21.3 mile ride.. it was sunny an chilly especially as the sun went down.. the ride was a out and back route.. down to the bridge that goes over the Catawba River.. its also the border of North and South Carolina..
   Then on Saturday.. Dec. 3.. I got out for a bigger ride.. 31.1 mile ride.. this is a very scenic route that I've down before.. its one of my favorites.. its a loop with much to see..  I go on very quiet roads and goes over 3 bridges with great views..
   On Sunday.. Dec. 4.. I met with Scott & Jim on a new route.. we met early.. this way I could see the Pats game.. I had plans to see with my kids.. the game stared at 1pm.. It was a 35.9 mile route with rolling hills.. It was cold when we started and it never really warmed up.. I was dressed appropriated.. its always fun to do new routes.. I've been on these roads by car.. but not by bike..
    On Thursday.. Dec. 8.. I got out for a cold ride.. 12.6 mile ride.. do you see the theme.. COLD rides.. it was a out and back route..
   On Saturday.. Dec. 10.. I got out for a chilly & windy 27.35 mile ride.. this is pretty much the same route I did last Saturday.. it does get old riding in cold weather.. need to get more cold weather gear..
   On Sunday.. Dec. 11..  I didn't ride.. not only was it cold.. I had plans with my kids.. so if I wanted to ride I would of had to wake up early.. It was in the 20's when I woke up.. and the weather forecast said it won't warm up much.. so I passed for today.. I still feel I'm in good position.. not only that its supposed to warm up to 50's & 60's later in the week... I now stand at 3,809 miles.. I'm getting closer..
Be Happy.. Be Safe..

Breaks Over

    I had a great break from bike riding.. 9 days of no riding.. Spending Thanksgiving with my Mom & Dad was great.. Got to see my sisters, nieces, nephews, daughter, and grandson.. The only sad part was my own children didn't come.. Being in a car for as many hours as it would take was hard to over come.. it was a long drive.. 17 hours up to Boston in 1 day.. Then on the way back broke it up in 2 days.. the 2nd day was no fun lots of delays.. everyone understood..
    One of the many joys of the trip was spending time with my grandson.. Ryan 2yrs 8 months.. and talking one on one with my daughter Katrina.. we had many great conversations..
   2nd was going to my nephews last high school football game.. He is a Senior at North Shore Tech.. I think he played awesome.. Even thou I froze to death with his mom.. my sister Dawn.. I'm glad a went.. the final score was not in their favor..
   3rd was going to the Beverly vs. Salem game.. which is played on Thanksgiving at 10am.. this year was the 113th time they met.. My nephew Ryan & I went.. what a great game.. Beverly won 46-20..
   the 4th thing that made this trip so special was LOBSTER.. I've been dreaming about lobster for along time.. When you go to New England.. if you want some of the best lobster you better get it.. I was planning on it.. I told everyone.. So we actually had 2 Thanksgivings.. On Thursday we had a traditional Thanksgiving with all the trimmings.. at my sister Dianne's house.. it was very good.. but on Friday.. was a day to remember.. we talked about it for weeks.. On Friday morning my sister got a email from a friend saying he was going out in his boat to catch lobster and asked how many would we like.. we said 12.. so around 2pm he delivered to our house.. 12 of the finest lobsters all about 1.5lbs.. for a great price.. they didn't have a chance.. they took longer to cook then to eat.. we also had fried clams.. fried shrimp.. chix fingers.. onion rings, french fries.. we had our own.. seafood fest.. we will all remember this day.. on Saturday I took 3 lobster home to North Carolina.. they made the trip.. 33 hours later.. I'm cooking lobster for my children.. It had mix reviews.. but they all got eaten..
   Bottom line is I had a blast.. the drive SUCKED.. but I would do it again.. I really like living in the Carolina's.. but around the holidays it doesn't feel the same.. nothing like family..
   Now its time to get back to some bike riding.. I'm 319 miles short of 4,000 miles.. I do feel I've got a good shoot at doing this.. but I'll have to make the most of my opportunities.. the sunsets around 5:10pm.. so weekend rides are going to be were I get most of my miles.. On December 31st.. which is a Saturday.. I'm hoping to end the year with a 100 mile bike ride weather permitting.. I got my fingers crossed.. Here's to my best year of bike riding.. Be Safe..

" DING "

   On Sunday I reached my goal of 3,650 miles..My goal was to reach my goal this weekend so when I go to Boston I could relax and not ride.. but to reach it I biked a ice cold late Friday afternoon ride.. I got on the bike @4:55pm..I was racing the daylight as the sunsets at 5:20pm..I didn't get off the bike till 5:40pm...The temps were dropping fast with a good breeze..temps were in the 30's.. I finished with a 12.4 mile ride..
   On Saturday I got my car checked out.. so when I go to Boston I had nothin to worry about.. so by the time I got done it didn't leave me much time for a ride.. thats why I had my bike with me.. I ended up parking my car by a school.. getting on my bike around 3pm.. I hit the road heading south.. as I head south I had no idea were I was going.. I figured I head south 11 miles then turn around.. My turn happened to be Buford,SC.. when I saw the sign I immediately thought of Jackie Gleason's charator in "Smokie and the Bandit"..."Buford T. Justice"..this was a fast course with easy rolling hills.. I finished with 22.4 miles.. it was a mild day..

    This set me up to pass 3,650 miles today.. a couple of days ago I called a couple friends.. Jim & Scott.. to see if they were interested in a ride.. they both said yes.. so the plan was to met at Jim's house 9:30 am.. So on the way over I bought some bagels.. make sure I had some carbos in me.. I only needed 32.06 miles to reach my goal.. just to let you know.. Both Jim & Scott like to go at a fast pace.. they didn't let me down.. I could feel my legs were getting tired even before the ride.. between riding late yesterday and not sleeping well.. through the first 20 miles we were averaging 19 mph.. a very fast pace.. I was not going to back down.. I did all I could to keep up.. My thighs felt like a motor with a fan belt that was about to explode.. but I kept going.. kept pedding all I could this was a important day.. and nothin was stopping me...NOTHIN...Scott was still recovering from a car accident.. he stopped at 30 miles..Jim & I kept going.. we were having a great time.. at 32.06 miles we took a celebratory break.. it was @11:45am and took a quick pic.. Jim is such a strong rider.. For a Sunday in November it was a mild day..started with sunshined ended with clouds.. this ride was going to be about 46 miles.. but we wanted to end with 50 miles.. so we did a couple loops in his neighborhood.. ended with 51.03 miles.. It was great to share this with good friends...YAHOO.. thanks Jim & Scott...it was great to be pushed today....I go to Boston to visit family & friends knowing this is behind me.. I can celebrate.. Sam Adams are on me...knowing I passed 3,650 miles... Turkey & Lobster is going to taste sooo GOOD.. can't wait......Be Safe...

4 Straight Days of Bike Riding...4 Totally Different Rides

  On Friday I finally got a chance for a bike ride.. After 5 days of not riding.. with the days being shorter.. the sunsets at 5:25pm.. now it makes it difficult to get the ride in.. But I was determined to get it in..I had a long day at work..so I finally get on my bike at 4:45pm so I made sure I had my lights on..Cause I would be racing the limited sunshine I had..With temps dropping fast it was getting cold.. I got 10.7 mile bike ride in..
   On Saturday.. I had a great ride.. I left at 12:30pm with abundance of sunshine and a slight breeze.. Lots of things to see with the fall colors.. not all the leaves are on the ground.. plus this is a new route which includes going over the Catawba River and by a boat landing were the boats launch to go to Lake Wylie.. My mp3 player wasn't working.. dead battery.. so I had to go without it.. And was I glad I left it.. I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds so much more.. with the mp3 player I get into a zone and even though I enjoy it.. its not the same.. today I got into a medium tempo and maintain it.. this loop begins with hills and ends with hills.. I ended with a 31.2 mile ride.. a funny note my little girl Kellie and I went to the movies.. right in the middle of the movie I felt a cramp coming.. I'm thankful no one was sitting beside me.. that way I could straightin my leg..
   Its amazing how the weather can change drasticly 24 hours later.. On Sunday my friend Ray was comimg over to do this new route.. I wanted to skip some hills so we drove to this Charter school and started from there.. this day was cloudy and breezy day.. the weatherman says it was 59 degrees but it felt a lot colder.. we had a perfect pace.. we took a detour to South Carolina.. then made a u-turn to our car.. we went by a renivated gas station.. looks right out of "Back to the Future".. we finished with 23.4 miles.. we went to downtown Belmont for a cup of coffee with expresso shots..a great way to finish the day..
   On Monday.. I got done early.. and it was warm for a November day.. so as soon as I got home I grap my gear.. plus my mp3 player.. I played it loud with lots of high tempo music.. and I hit a fast rythem and never let up.. nothing like a good workout right after work..I finished with a 15.1 mile ride.. for a total 80.4 miles for the 4 days.. I'm getting very close to my goal of 3,650 miles.. I'm at 3,583 miles.. hope to be there by Thanksgiving.. That turkey is going to be so good.. I'm getting 2nds...Be Safe...

The Code Word Is...."DING" !!

    As Ray & I approach 3,650 miles.. the reason 3,650 miles.. is it gives us a 10 mile a day average for the whole year.. Ray & I have done alot of miles together..but lately we been riding solo... cause we both work a different schedule.. and our kids have a different activity schedule.. He does alot of commuting to and from work & I bike on the weekends and if I get home early try to do a quick 12 mile ride.. So we came up with this code word so when it happens 3,650 miles we would text each other...DING...It looks like next week I'll pass the mythical magical number..with Ray not far behind...The Turkey will be extra tasty this year.. Be Safe & Enjoy some Turkey...

"Zer0's"

    Zero is such a demoralizing number.. I lost zero pounds this month.. I saved zero dollars the past couple months.. And I've got zero vacation days left.. I got 2 more months of bicycle riding as the year comes to a end.. Then I start at ZERO.. January is such a cold month its hard to get on the bike when its that cold out and limited sunshine because of shorter days.. Back in January of 2011 it was hard to pick a goal of how many miles do I want to push myself.. I picked 3,000 miles.. I thought it was attainable but not easy.. While here I am on Halloween at 3,433mi.. I'm trying to get to 3,650mi. for the year..That would put me at 10 miles a day average.. I should make it but with the cold weather.. limited sunshine and Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching.. going to have to make the best of the opportunities.. Have fun & be safe...

3,235.0 miles

     3,235.0 miles...what a unique number..so far that is how many miles I've road on my bicycle..I hoping I've got another 600-800 miles left before the year ends...I've found out that if I put a zero infront of the three its a zip code in NH..or after the 5 its a zip code in FLA or a state road in Texas..if I had time it could be winning lottery tickets..who knows...just having fun with numbers...have a fun October..but be safe...

October

     October is my favorite month..When I think of October I think of vibrant fall colors..Here in the Carolinas we also think of Carolina Blue cause of the blue skys in the fall.. Carolina's fall is the best time of year..After a very hot summer..cooler weather is much appreciated..There's so much to look forward to in October..Football season is starting to heat up..wether it is High School, College, or the NFL..In baseball we have the fall classic..The World Series.. All kinds of apple festivals..and most of all the changing of the leaves..For cyclest it is the best season with the cool morning and warm afternoons..then cool down again in the evening..all summer long I get up early to get my ride in before it gets to hot.. now I can ride late morning or early afternoon on Sunday..and feel the warm of the sun..I love riding my bike fast..but that is not the only thing I like about it..To me riding a bike is like riding in a convertable at 10 mph and enjoying the sights and sounds..my 2nd favorite is walking in to Starbucks and smelling that coffee fresh brewed.. but that is another story.. back to riding..one thing about October that is so unique is when I go bike riding early in the month..How much the scenery changes from beginning of the month to the end of the month..wither you ride the same roads or different roads.. at the end of the month we celebrate Halloween...just a thought...my bike and I will dress up as Evil Kneveil on his motorcycle...have a great month...Be safe..

Priorities or a 911...Who Knew...

     Something happened to my friend and I...and we both had a panic in our eye...You see my car could need a oil change this weekend and I'll postpone it to the next weekend or the weekend after... better yet...at this moment my passenger side back tire has a slow leak and instead of repairing it...I just put air in it and I'll get to it someday...like mowing the lawn..I'll get to it soon attitude...
     But my bike..it jumps right to the front line...ASAP is not soon enough...I treat it like a first born...I like my car its great...useful and I do need it...but my bike...totally different...its like a extension of my body and when I"m on it and riding my bike we hit a rhythm that propels my body to a new gear...I'm sorry but only a person who rides a bike on a regularly would understand...I know my family doesn't...
    You see I went for a ride today...towards the end of the ride...the battery died...I said that "Sucks"...So at the end of the ride I had to ask friend how many miles were on his speedometer...cause this year I'm trying to see how many miles I can ride this year...So that being said...I knew I had to get a replacement asap...there was a panic...that I couldn't ride till I do...I did...I can sleep now...
    My friend Ray is been doing a great job commuting to work by bicycle...about 4 out of 5 days...on his ride back on Friday his front tire was low...he didn't worry at first...thinking he would put air in it later...When he got home he notice it was flat...He said to himself I'll patch it no problem...but that was a problem it didn't take...he was busy on Saturday...so later in the day we were trying to find some tubes for his bike...His bike take a unusual size..4 bike shops later and with a sense of urgency... he found some he thought about buying all of them...but resisted and only bought 2...
    We both felt better by the end of Sunday...We are back on track...by the way I'll fix that tire soon I promise...

Country Roads

    One thing I like about where I live is..When I leave my house for a bike ride..and I'm undecided about what I should do...I get on my bike start pedaling...let the wheels start rolling...I look at my watch..look at the horizon to see where the sun is.. make a left then a right or make right then a left..BINGO..I have a ride..I can change it on a whim..I can also change the diffaculty..Hills or a nice flat couse..On Sundays I like doing a longer course..When I leave my house I can do 25mi. to a 100mi. depending on time.. lately I been riding with a couple of friends meeting at their house one week.. then meeting at a bike shop on the other Sundays for a nice thigh busting fast pace group ride.. so many options.. Never boring..you add a mp3 player with all your favorite music for those high tempo rides..sometimes adds a little kick and energy to the ride....I live in Wesley Chapel, NC..Just south of Charlotte, NC....Be Safe...

New Month-New Roads-New Adventure

Here's to a beginning of a new month..Like every month we start at zero..  I ended August with 254 miles.. not bad.. But with the fall season fast approaching.. going on new roads thats always exciting.. Just going down the same roads.. looks new with the changing of the leaves.. cooler tempertures after a hot summer thats going to feel good.. I'm less than 30 miles to 3,000 miles.. for the next few months I'm hoping to ride about 200 miles a month.. with one or two more centurys.. hopefully some good fall rides.. cause as it gets cold it gets harder to get on the bike.. be safe...

Let the Countdown Begin...to 3000 Miles

Here I am.. less than 40 miles to 3000 miles..I'm at 2,960.98 miles as of today.. Back in January I knew this was possible.. but I didn't think I would get here by Labor Day week-end.. I had alot of great rides.. Topped off by the "24 Hours of Booty" event held in late July.. I had some unbelievable months and weeks.. were I biked over 100 miles a week..500 miles a month.. I just kept pushing myself.. it was alot of fun.. In August, my riding really slowed down.. Thats alright.. I'll concentrate on more quality rides.. changing tempos.. hopefully doing one or two more centurys.. There are so many great roads where I live.. by the end of the year hopefully passing 3,650 miles.. that be a 10 miles a day average...try to get my family more involved.. Nothing like a family ride.. This holiday week-end we are hoping to go riding either The New River Ride in Virgina or The Virgina Creeper also in Virgina.. which ever we decide I know we will have a great time...

 Be safe..

NUMB3RS...

      Its amazing how numbers run our lifes..and how we get excited about numbers..Weather its how much money we can make or Touchdowns my team scored..or how many miles I can bike in a day, week, or a year...I once went 6 years without car and biked ride everywhere...I wish I wrote all the miles down that I did...its also amazing how many people thought I loss my license..but no it was a personal challenge that lasted 6+ years...sometimes I look back..and smile...more is not always better...But this year is a special year...not only am I biking alot of miles...I'm sharing it with a good friend...His name is Ray...Here we are in August and we are still pushing ourselfs to new limits...this year has been a phenomenal year and know matter what it will go down as a great year...I'm fast approaching 3,000 miles and most likely past 3,650 miles...hoping to get close to 4000 miles...But I'm also thinking about what I can do to push myself in 2012...Here it is I'm 50 years old pushing myself to new limits...when other people are thinking about retiring or about slowing down...not me...life is a ride...I'm pushing hard to the end...A famous person once said..."People don't stop playing, because they get old...They get old because they stop playing"...Live life to its fullest...don't let people tell you what makes you happy...Do what makes you happy...cause when your number is up...there is no do over...

New Roads

I love new roads...August been a quiet month for me...Enjoying a break from riding but now I'm starting to miss it...When I got on my iron horse to start my ride...I knew my friend Ray wouldn't be able to join me...I was on my bike at 9:20am...It was very warm and humid...I hit a rythem early and never let up...adding some new roads to some roads I'm already been on...It was a fast 23.2 miles at 17.5 avg...
Every ride is just adding to my already record breaking year...I'm fast approaching 2,900 miles...Hoping to ride every day in September...as I get closer to a new goal of 3,650 miles...and if I reach that...4,000 miles...is that possible...Absolutely...

2011 24 Hours of Booty..Recap

   Its now been a week since I got off my bike...here are some final thoughts about the ride..I had a blast!!! First I want to say Thanks to everyone who sponsored me..I did me best and gave it my all..I rode all 24 hours of the ride..7pm-7pm no sleep for 38 hours..I was hoping to get to 300 miles..I fell alittle short..I finished with 253 miles..on Saturday the temperture was 101 degrees a record in Charlotte,NC..with a heat index close to 110 degrees...I know I could of rode more but once I realized I wasn't going to get 300 miles..I slowed down..started to talk to more people..enjoy "Bootyville" more..that is quite the place..the food was good.. the best things about the event was they added a hydration station on the other side of the loop..because it was so hot..it made a difference..I would also like to give a big high five to all the Volunteers, Sponsors, and the spectators...they make the event what it is..I would do this event again...

Goal: $1,500.00
Achieved: $1,330.00

"SHOWTIME"

It's less than 12 hours to "Booty". It's suposed to be Extremely hot the next 48 hours..but I do feel like I prepared for it...At 7pm tonite I'll get on my Iron Horse and do the best I can..I still plan on ride all 24 hours 7pm-7pm..but with the heat index around 105 degrees.. I'm going to drink lots of fluids and listin to my body.. I'm going to give it my all...thanks to all my friends and family for all your support... I do feel like I can do it..I've trained hard.. 300mi./24hrs..Yes..yes

48 Hours till "Booty" Time

I can feel the butterflies coming..as I get anxious for the start of the ride. I've trained hard..I feel that I'm ready for the the 24 hours of booty..I've logged over 2,400 miles on my bicycle.. 3-100 mile bike rides in 5 weeks...and I also accomplished 15 straight weeks of over a 100 miles..I'm happy I got alot of people on my team...I raised some good money for a great cause...Thanks for the support...
300 miles/24 hours...7pm-7pm...Yes..Yes..

Decisions...Decisions...

Lets begin on Friday nite, My son Conner got a phone call from his patrol leader saying they needed another volinteer. So they could do the outing tomorrow. He asked me and I said yes. So the next morning we got up and met the boys at the church. Then drove in 1 car to Marshville,NC. Where we helped The Habitat Humane Society work on a house. Today there goal was to put in landscaping. Not just us. There was lots of help with one person deligating. He kept everyone buzy. This is one of those times I was glad I did this. It was very rewarding, definatly will do again. The boys did awesome. Lets fastward to late in the day,I was trying to get a bike ride in. I see a opportunity, so I jump on my bike,my neighbor says storms are coming becareful. I look up and see nothing. I decide to do this 20 mile loop. Well 8mi. in I could see clouds coming and moving fast. I was heading east and the clouds were coming over my sholder. Only problem was I had to go west to get back. So, I made 2 quick right turns. What a difference. Now I was headed into the storm.The wind was really kicking up. Glad I had 2 hands on the bike. A pick up truck passed me then about 50 ft. in front of me stopped and asked me if I needed a lift. At that point no rain. But something told me to take it. So I did. 1 minute later it was pouring rain out with the wind still gusting. His name was Josh a Waxhaw Police officer going to work. As we were going to my house we saw a big tree down on the road. It was started look dangeress out there. I'm glad I swallowed my pride and took the ride. He dropped me off and I said a big thank you, I only got in a 9.75mi. ride in...300mi/24hrs..Yes..Yes

New Idea....New Challenge

As I was doing the century ride. Seeing that sign in Pageland gave me a new idea, new challenge... Where I leave my house at sunrise and 12 hours later I'm on Myrtle Beach,SC...this would be about 170 miles... I beleive I can do it..right now I working on the logistics...getting a ride back... Or I know some companies who have offices in Charlotte, NC & Charlseton, SC...where I get on my Iron Horse in Charlotte at sunrise and Pony Express to Charlseton,SC by sunset... this would be a tougher challenge its about 195 miles...it would take about 12-14 hours...maybe next year...300 miles... 24 hours...Yes...Yes...

The Solo Century Ride

Early in the week Ray said he wouldn't be able to ride Sunday. So for a few days I've been pondering what kind of ride I should do. I started to look at the map. It came to me, I couldn't remember when the last time I did a century solo. I live in Wesley Chapel,NC..south of Charlotte,NC. I headed east on New Towne Rd. towards Monroe..When I got downtown Monroe,Took right on Rt 207 So. Took that all the way to Pageland,SC. Took a left on Main St. & a quick right on Rt 151 So. were I came across a quik mart with shade for a snack and Poweraide. Had some nice conversation with some local folks, before heading to Jefferson,SC. This was at 31mi. Just as I left the store I saw a sign that said "Myrtle Beach 133 mi." That gave me a idea more later. It seemed like the more I got into South Carolina the more I went back in time. I was in & out of Jefferson in a blink of eye. I contunue So. on Rt 151 were I took a right on a small road headed for Rt 157..I missed it and found some big hills. My time at 50mi. was 3hr. 2min. with the last mile up hill. I found Rt 341 took it west towards Keshaw,SC. I was hoping I was going the right way. I was getting low in water. At 61mi. I took a break at a Subway, were I enjoyed a ice cold coke & a sandwich,and more ice cold coke. Today was a scorcher it reached 95 degrees. When I left Kershaw, I left the hills,to fast rolling hills it seemed like I picked up the pace toward Heath Springs,SC..where I took a quick break for Ice and Poweraide..Then took Rt 522 north were I seemed to hit a rythem, I finished strong the 2nd 50mi. took 3hr 6min...the whole route 103.25..took 6hr..21min..considering how hot it was I felt great..something to build on...300mi/24hrs..Yes..Yes

34 Days till "Booty" Time

I took a couple of days off from riding..rest is just as important..I don't want to get on the bike on July 29 with tired legs..On Wednesday morning I woke up at 4am..to get on my bike @430 for a solo ride..14.14 miles @ 17 mph avg..Wednesday nite my car broke down going to pick up my son at football practice..what a dilemma I was in..I got my friend to get my car towed to his office Thursday am..I decide to ride my bike to work..I always want to do that..I know I could but the logistics..I know it was at least 25 miles..so to be at work at 630am..I would have to leave at 430..I also put on my rear bike rack so I could use my saddle bags..I prepared everything the nite before..I woke up at 4am..left my house @440am..It was a great ride very peaceful..It was awesome to leave when it was dark & watch the sun come up..28.7mi. 1hr 38min later..My neighbor Ray gave me a ride home..the afternoon traffic is a little much to ride home in..on Sat. I got a mid afternoon ride.. a solo ride it was hot above 90 degrees..17.61mi..I eased up knowing I was going for a big ride on Sunday..giving me 127.85 miles for the week..11 straight weeks with a 100 miles..Yeah.. 300mi/24hrs.. Yes..Yes..

Burnsville Ride...the Sequel

2 weeks ago, when we did this ride Ray wasn't able to finish the ride, one of his clips on his cycling shoe broke..so for 2 weeks Ray couldn't wait to do this route..I did tell him it was a little hilly.. but its like going to a resturaunt and asking how hot are the wings.. sometimes you just have to find out for yourself..Its just Ray & I..we start @6:50am..we wanted a early start..before it gets hot and no shade..we are moving at a pretty good clip..having a good time..I forget what mile marker, around 27mi. But up ahead is a big Bull it looks like its in the middle of the road..we thought we were seeing things..but sure of enough, there it was in the middle of the road..it was bigger than both of us..it didn't bother us. We get to Burnsville 35.2 miles into the ride..we stopped for 15 minutes, sat down on a picnic table that was just built..as we get on our bikes..we said next stop New Towne Village..but the hills were endless, there seem to be more this time, and they grew..Ray was running out gas..no sooner did we go down one we were going up one.. these hills just took energy and motivation out of us..67.4 miles later,we finish the route and Ray said "thats the last time I"m doing that route" this route bother Ray more than me...Any time I can get on my bike its a good day..we wouildn't want them all the same..300mi./24hrs..Yes..Yes..

50 Days Till "Booty" Time

Here it is Monday an I already have a 100mi.. 9 wks in a row getting over 100mi.. Ray & I got together late Mon. for 18.5 miles..it was hot, but there was plenty of shade..Tues. nite I got a solo ride for 14.77 miles..to finish May w/ 565.69 miles I was really happy with the results.. I even did more miles than I thought. I knew 500 miles was possible but I knew I had to stay focus.. Ray also passed 500mi. for the month. On Wed. I tried to get a group ride w/ Trysports but I was running late an missed it..but to keep this interesting I blew a tire & tupe rushing..put to much air in tires..Had to find a replacement tire quick.. I did!!! So on Fri. I did a solo ride of 22.46 miles to finish the week w/ 158.38 miles...300 miles/24 hours..Yes..Yes..

A Huge Success!!!

Diamond Springs Team..Ray..Bill..Scott..Jim

Ray & Bill's 1st annual NTV bike ride was a huge success. We both woke up early to set up for the ride. I set up a canapie and brought out a table & chairs,w/a umbrella from my patio. We knew it be hot. Come mid day it would reach 90 degress. Also set up 5 gallons of water & 2.5 gallons of gatoraide. And our neighbor gave us a cooler fulled w/ ice cold half liters. Then I set up some snacks cookies, bananas, and chex mix. Ray was working on his famous bagels, made from scratch. 8 o'clock was fast approaching and we wanted to start on time. At 8am we had 14 riders. It was great to see neighbors & kids joins us for our maiden loop. We had a told of 25 riders all doing what they can. Both Ray & I knew today was more about our comunity involved, not about speed & time. Each loop was 3.56mi. and today we weren't counting loops. We took many breaks through out the day, our last break was at 88mi. we enjoyed our last few miles talking about how glad we were that we did this. We finished with 102.65 miles.The next day,a mom posted on our neighborhood webpage bullitin board "thanks for organizing it, my boys had a BLAST".. seeing that made it worth doing the event ..300mi./24hrs..Yes..Yes..

57 Days till "Booty" Time

 Ray & I are having such a great time doing this. We are so motivated. Its getting addictting..We do our big ride on Sunday and try to add new rural roads to small towns that we haven't been to by car let alone a bicycle. This is my 8th straight week with over a 100 miles, and I feel good. With all the miles were doing its adding up quick. I'm almost at 1400 miles in 5 months. 900 in the last 2 months. Our donations are starting to come in. We are talking to alot of people. And everyone is doing what they can. On Tues. Ray & I got up early to ride.We were on our bikes @430am for a 14.63mi. ride. On Fri.I got up early for a solo ride 14.7mi. and to finish the week on Sat. with solo ride of 22.4mi. with a decent avg. of 17.5 trying to keep from going all out knowing I had 100mi. ride the next morning. I finish the week w/116.12mi. With all the riding.. rest days are just as important. With a century tomorrow that will put us over 500mi...300mi/24hrs..Yes..Yes..

Ray & Bill's 1st Annual New Towne Village Century Ride

   Tomorrow is the big day...About 6 weeks ago as we were doing our loops in the neighorhood. We do this either late after sunset or early in the morning before work to get the miles in. Plus its safe, well lited not alot of traffic.. Well as I was saying.. Ray has been toying with this idea and he final sprung it on me.. I said are you #%@$^&%$ crazy!!! Well, I try to do less loops in the neighborhood he's trying to find a away to do more. Well, 3 loops later..Ray this is a great idea. Then we tried to pin point a day..and conclude May 29th @8am would be perfect a 3 day weekend..plus w/Monday being off, if it rains we could do it on Monday.. plus we thought if we could get our community involved that be a big plus..So we made flyers and made postings on NTV website..The more the merrier & we feel speed and average go out the window today...
..Its more important on this day to get more people involved.. We will most likely do it again next year.. So as Ray & I are try to add miles every where we can..as sick as it sounds, if we avg. 100 miles a week, like we have.. that 100 miles would put us over 500mi. for the month.. With the 24 Hours of Booty approaching and fast.. Ray & I will be ready..On July 29, @7pm..we will be going for 300 plus miles..7pm-7pm or 300 miles which ever comes first..I know if I get to 300 before 7pm..I'm not stopping.. I plan to ride ever minute & and hour I can...Yes...Yes...Yes...

Sunday's Great Ride- May 22,2011

    Ray & I had a neighbor join us for this new route that Ray had planned out 65 mile route. We live in Wesley Chapel this route was going to take us east towards Monroe and Wingate then north towards Burnsville and back. We started at 7am, we wanted to get a early start knowing it be hot when we get done. We barely got down the rode when Ray broke a clip in his shoe. This meant he couldn't lock his shoe in. So he decided to head home to try and get shoe fixed. This was @ 6.5mi. And make up the miles later. But he was bummed. Mike & I continue on through Monroe. Once we got on the other side of Monroe the rodes were perfectly quiet and shaded rolling hills. But that was all about to change. We were looking for a place to refill our water bottles. We found a church w/ a big shaded tree. Then in Burnsville there was 2 stores, 1 was out of Gateraide so we went to the other store. About 20 minutes later. We were going down a hill pretty fast, when I heard a big bang..It was my rear tire blew.when we went to change it, my spare had a hole in it. But Mike being the perfect boy scout, he was prepared out came surgical gloves ready to bring my bike to life. His spare tupe worked on my bike. Within 25min. we were back on the road. But it was starting to get hot & later in the day. This half of the ride has less shade & the hills seemed alittle bigger & more of them.We final came upon a gas station to get more drinks. I just filled my bottle with ice. By this point I knew I had to get home. My dad was visiting from out of town. He was driving to MA from FL was only staying a few hours.So once I got on the other side of Monroe(lots of lites in Monroe)I picked up the pace. 64.39 miles later. As I walked into my house to see my dad. I must of looked like crap. It was good to see him. Worth the rush back...

66 Days Till "Booty" Time

This is starting to be a broken record.. But this is good..7 straight weeks of a 100 miles. I hoping to have 15 straight weeks of 100 miles before I eas up. On Sunday, Ray and I did 50.5 miles. We started in Wesley Chapel headed east towards Wingate on some really quiet roads. Every Sunday we try and do something different. This route was a winner. Till we tried to find a road that didn't excist. My next ride was a Tuesday nite @9pm 5 loops in the neighborhood for 17.61 mi. On Wed. I drop my Bike of for a new rear cluster of gears & a new chain. I picked it up next day..as soon as I got home. I changed clothes got my mp3 player. I didn't get far. I didn't notice at first but my rear brake was rubbing, with mp3 player I didn't hear it..I only got 8.4 miles. I notice the next day my rear wheel was not in 100% a quick fix..On Sat. I finish the week w/a solo ride a fast 32.36mi.@17.5 avg I slowed down knowing I had a 65 mi. ride the next day..I finish the week w/108.9 mi.. 300mi./24hrs..Yes..Yes..

69 Days till "Booty" Time

6 straight weeks of 100 miles of riding. Every week had it's challenges. I notice when we do under 30 mi. on Sun. Its up hill to get to a 100mi. On Sunday, Ray an I got a early start, we were on the road by 7am. We rode 32 miles. On Monday morning Ray and I got up @400am to get in a ride 14.1 miles. Then came some crazy weather. On Wed. @1:30am a big thunder an hail storm came through. Woke me up and notice my basketball hoop was knocked down and a tree was almost pull out of the ground. finally got back to sleep to wake up @5am to go to work. Got a oil change after work. had a lite dinner. was feeling a little tired. But knew I had to ride. Its amazing how you put on the helmit, mp3 player, and got on the bike and click your awake. Did a fast 17.61mi. ride @18.2 avg.In order for a 100mi. I had to do 2 rides on Sat. w/ 50% chance of rain all day. My son had football all day.From 8am till we got home at 7pm..So,I rode 16.52mi. early an a 20.46 mi ride later to give me 100.69 miles for the week..
300 miles / 24 hours..Yes..Yes...

82 Days Till "Booty" Time

This was my 5th week in a row of getting over a 100 miles. It had its challenges. First of all Sunday is always my big ride day. But I was not feeling good so I took the day off. So, I got up early Monday to ride, but I still was not a 100%. I only rode 7.2 miles.Tuesday 430am I rode 14.15mi. On Wed. nite I didn't get on the bike till 9:40pm for a 14.15mi. ride. On Thurs. nite I rode 10.55mi. The last 3 rides were loops in our neighborhood. On Fri. I got home early from work so I made the most of the opportunity for a ride, 27.7 mi. The one thing good about this ride it put me over a 1000mi. for the year. On Sat. I waited for it to warm up. So I finally got on the bike late afternoon for 30.3mi. giving me 104.05 miles for the week. I just notice Ray an I didn't get one ride together last week. We knew that might happen.
July 29, 7pm.. we ride.. 7 til 7.. 300miles/24hours..Yes..Yes..

88 days Till "Booty" Time

We did it..Both Ray and I past 400 miles this month. It had its challanges. I finished w/417.1 miles. With the holiday I know this week would be tough..I also signed up for 2 5k races..On Sunday, I didn't get a chance to ride till later in the day,22.41 miles on a warm an sunny afternoon. On Monday I got home early an went for a quick ride of 14.44 miles then after dinner Ray an I got together for 17.64 miles at a medium tempo ride..Then on Wed morning @430am we did14.1 miles a nice easy pace..I went for a solo ride Thursday nite, 17.6 miles at a good pace..On Fri. nite I did a 5k in Waxhaw downtown it was warm an hilly..but I had fun, the next morning I woke up early w/ my daughter Kellie, we did Girls on the Run 5k" in Lake Park..She did great..I had fun running w/her..Its funny I can ride my bike for ever..but a couple 5k's an I'm sore. got to work on my running..That nite I did my last ride of the month..a nice an easy 14.9 miles..giving me 4 straight weeks of 100 miles..300/24hours...Yes...Yes

96 days Till "Booty" time

This week was a difficult week. I rode with a heavy heart. Tell you more later. Last Sun. Ray an I had a old friend join us his name was Joe. We decide to shortin our ride this week. Cause we been doing alot of miles. It was a sunny cool morning, and a new route. We like changing the scenery to keep it interesting. we did 26.5 miles..On Tuesday nite I did a late solo ride, 5 loops in my neighborhood for 18.44mi.. On Wed. Ray and I got togther for a late ride, 5 loops in the neighborhood for 18.2mi. On Thurs. a late solo ride only 4 loops for 14.2 miles..On Sat. I went to say good bye to a good friend his name Larry Dean Wallace Jr. At his funeral mass. It was difficult to ride afterwards but I tough it out..It was a warm sunny day alittle breezy, I did 32.3 miles..Giving me 109.64 miles for the week..and 316.31 miles for April. 400mi. is in reach..300 miles/24 hours..Yes..Yes..

103 days till "Booty" time

We're really starting to add on some miles another 100 mile week. Last Sunday Ray an I did 50.8 miles on a cool an cloudy day. On Tuesday I went solo for10.54 miles. Didn't get on the bike till 9:15pm, did 3 loops in the neighborhood..Then Thursday nite I didn't get out till 9:20pm to ride 15.27 miles it was a little cool @59 degrees..I did 4 loops..I know that if I wanted to hit 100 miles for the week I had to do them Friday nite. Cause they were calling for nasty weather on Sat. So Friday nite I left at just after 7pm on a cloudy an breezy evening..I felt I was racing daylight. I had 25 miles to go. glad I had my lights..24.97 miles later at 17 mph avg. giving me 101.54 miles for the week..300miles/24hrs..Yes..Yes..

110 days till"Booty" time

I had a awesome week of riding. Off to a strong start for the month of April, shootin for 400 miles. Over 105 mi. for the 1st week. Last Sun. Ray an I did a 50.5 mile ride, it was a gorgeous day. Not alot of traffic. At one stop it was so quiet you could hear a leaf roll on the street. Our next ride was Fri. morning we did 14.05 mi. @4:30 in the morning. I was dragging, but nothing a lo-carb Monster drink and a Venti double exspresso won't cure. I was flying the rest of the day. After work I skip dinner and went for fast pace 22.34 mi.ride. I had my mp3 play some great classic rock. Help me keep a strong pace. On Sat. I did a solo 18.24 miles to finish the week. It was a warm breezy day. Got to go I hear my bike calling me. Time for another 50 miles..300mi/24hrs

The Duke Energy Run...The Tower Run...

Here we are in a new month. Wish I could say I ended March strong. But between weather,jobs, an family obligation. I only got in 1 ride. Did end the month w/ a total of 204.72 miles. The 1 thing I did though was the Duke Energy Building tower run. Ran up 49 floors with 500 other runners. It was a BLAST. They started at 9am on Sat. 3/26, they let 1 run go every 15 sec. about 350 runners later I went. I finsh in 11.07 minutes..my place was 151 out of 434 finishers..I can't wait to do it again. In April, I plan on picking it up another notch. I want to do over 300 miles this month. Starting w/20 miles today an 50 miles tomorrow.
300 miles in 24 hours..Yes..Yes..

129 days till "Booty" time

It was a great week of riding. 4 rides and 3 times hitting the parking garage. The run up the Duke Energy Buiding is this Sat. 9am..I think I'm ready..Even after the run up 49 floors. I'm going to keep running the parking garage.Great workout in alittle amount of time.last Thurs.nite Ray an I got out for 14.1 miles.I did a solo ride on Sat. 22.5 miles @ a good pace 17.5 avg. On Sun. morn. the best ride in along time.Ray planned a new route. Nothing like new roads.43.3 miles of rolling hills an horse farms. I don't think we saw 10 cars that morn. Today was a double workout. a real calorie burner.I got up @4am rode my bike for 12.6 miles went to work.An @lunch ran the parking garage.31 floors."Lets do it"

136 days till "Booty" time

The weeks seem to fly by. July 29th will be here before you know it. I felt great after running the parking garage. But I reluctantly rode the next morning, with my neighbor Ray for 3 loops 10.5 miles. knowing on Wed its my long day. I work both jobs every Wed. Staples during the day. Wait tables at nite. I was exshausted by the end of the day. When I woke up Thurs. am my thighs were screaming. Made it differcult to get in an out of truck. Lots of stretching an Liquid Advils. Buy Sat am I felt alot better. Sat. I did a solo ride for 20.3 miles. W/ daylights savings time here, hopefully get more evening rides. On Sun. the whole team got together for a ride. We met at the Booty loop. We all did over 41 miles. It was cool to start but warmed up nice. Giving me 72 miles for the week. Tomorrow I plan on running the parking garage again. this time warm up better. 300 miles in 24 hours..Yes..Yes

143 days till 'Booty" time-Part 2

I celebrated by doing 25 push-ups and delivering 60 more cases of paper. I just finished sign-up for the Duke Energy Run to the Top.
Last week was not a good week for riding. It was cold and rained all weekend. Plus, Ray and I couldn't ride together, conflict of schedule.. I did get a solo ride on Thursday nite. 14 miles around the neighborhood. Got a short Friday right after work 11.35 miles. Both at a good pace. I got a Elliptical machine a few weeks ago. Hadn't had a chance to use it, till this weekend. Got on it 3 times. Sat., Sun. and Mon. What a workout. Hopefully this week more rides. On Sunday plan on doing atleast 40 miles. I will run the parking garage again..300 miles in 24hrs..Yes..Yes

143 days till "Booty" time-part 1

Before I tell you about the rides we did last week. Let me tell you I did some thing crazy today. I work for Staples. Were customers order online an I deliver to there business. One of our customers has a big parking garage in back about 6 storys high. Well on Sat. I read in the paper about a run up the Duke Energy building. 49 storys,they are only excepting 500 climbers. I said to myself before I sign up, I need to test myself.That brings to lunch today, I brought my running clothes an instead of eating I ran. There is 5 stairwells 4 of them 6fl. 1 is 7fl. At first I only plan on doing 20-24 fl. But I felt good so I ran all stairwells some twice.Ended up being 50 floors up an down. In under 18 minutes..

March 1st... Only 150 days till "Booty" time

We are still in a nice warm pattern. We got out for 4 rides this week. Thurs. nite we got out for 14.1 miles. we were going at a good pace. I started wearing leg weights during the day. Hope to get my legs to turn quicker. Tonite I could feel my legs move quicker. Sat morn. went solo for 15.57 miles.cool an breezy. Sun. morn. Ray an I did 31.3 miles sunny an warm. we both felt like it was a great ride. we both got up early Mon. morn. 430am for a 10.53 mile ride. Giving me 166 miles for the month of Feb. 327 miles for the year. Hopefully in March we can top 200 miles.Its supposed to rain this weekend. But we'll find time..300 miles in 24 hours..Yes..Yes

Only 157 days till "Booty" time

Its been a mild week here in the Carolina's. Ray and I were able to get out for 3 rides. On Thursday nite we did 4 loops in our neighborhood. Each loop is 3.5 miles for 14 total miles. We do this for safety cause its dark out when ride. On Sunday, We rode just over 25 miles. We took a different route with more hillys. It was mild an breezy this morning. But still comfortable. On Tuesday morning At 4:30am, Ray and I got on our bikes for 14 miles. We did 4 loops in our neighborhood. As it gets warmer we'll do this about 2 times a week getting a ride in before work. Just around the corner is Daylight savings time. Can't wait....
300 miles in 24 hours...Yes..Yes

Only 163 days..Till "Booty" time

On Sunday..2/13/11..Ray and I hit the trails..The weathew was perfect sunny, cool and about 50 degrees. We found a great trail not far from our house. Called Sherman Branch Trail. Just over 10 miles a total body workout..Look forward to going back when we have more time.
Mountain bike riding brings the kid out of me..The weather this week is supposed to be mild hopefully we can get out a couple of times..

172 days till "Booty" time

Its been cold and wet all week not a good time to ride...Today 2/6/11..Sunday..Ray and I finally got out for a ride...Still cold and sunny..It did warm up..To about 45 degrees and a cool breeze that seemed to be in our face no matter which way we turned...But we did get a 30.54 mile bike ride in...Just under 2 hours...Didn't warm up till about 17 miles...still manage over 16 average...Hopefully this week we can get more rides in....I know I can do 300 miles in 24 hours...can't wait to do it...

Only 179 days...till"Booty" Time

Today..Jim, Scott, and I biked 51.64 miles giving me 161 miles this month... On a cool sunny morning..45 degrees out...