48 Hours to SHOWTIME...

            In 2 days the "24 Hours of Booty" event will begin.. This will be my 3rd time.. I really enjoy doing this event.. Especially the mass start.. Usaully 1200 riders.. And the best part is.. all cancer survivors that you meet & talk to.. there is such energy at this event.. that even when I'm tired.. I always say.. "I can do a few more loops"..
           The Booty event started 11 years ago.. Its a 3 mile loop around Queens University in Charlotte, NC.. Lots of volunteers, vendors with food, bike support.. Its difficult to ask for donations.. but I know its for a good cause.. this year I've raised over $500.. and in the 3 years of doing this event.. I've raised over $2000.. deep inside I feel good about that.. 76% of all donations go to the charities themselves.. The weather is always hot.. with a chance of thunder storms.. and this year should be know different.. heat index over 100 degrees.. I've promise myself not to make any bold predictions.. about how many miles I'll do.. Just go and have FUN.. enjoy the event.. talk to a few more cancer survivors.. cause this is what this event is all about.. I"ll still finish with over 200 miles.. having fun on 2 wheels.. and be safe...

10,000 MILES

    I've been bike riding for over 30 years.. Wish I've recorded all my miles.. it would be a impressive total.. I wouldn't be surprise if it was over 40,000 miles.. I've biked across Florida twice.. Boston to Manhattan.. and all over Long Island, NY & the state of Florida, NC, MI & Mass.. and the training miles to go with it...
   Since 2007 I've got into the habit of recording my miles...and later this month I will participate in my 3rd "24 Hour of Booty"event.. and in the next few months I will be fast approaching 10,000 miles.. And why stop... I'm always looking for new roads or trails... always looking for new motivation and challenges.. passing 10,000 miles has a great ring to it... I've found my passion.. Hope you can find yours..The one thing that bike riding does.. its a great way to manage the stress that life can bring.. its for all abilitys.. easy on the joints.. its even better to bike with friends.. or a great way to meet new friends...
be safe..  And I'm having fun on 2 wheels...

Happy Father's Day.. The Fanning's Go Hiking

    Crowder's Mountain is in Gaston County, NC.. between Gastonia & Kings Mountain.. they have many hiking trails.. with great veiws.. I've wanted to hike it with my kids for a long time.. but chores, projects, or sports always pervailled.. But as Father's Day approached.. I knew that this could be the day.. So the kids & I headed out early..cause we knew it be a hot day.. I packed a cooler with Powerade & water.. and some watermelon.. So, Conner, Kevin, Kellie, & I started at the base of the trail called "Backside Trail".. it was a strenuous 1 mile hike.. and just as we got to the top we had to climb over 300 steps to the top.. We had a great veiw.. 360 degrees.. you had to be careful.. there weren't much safety precautions.. You could see the tall buildings in Charlotte, NC.. but the veiw was not crystal clear.. there was a hazy from the hot temps.. We spent about 45 minutes moving to different vantage points to see all we could.. took plenty of pictures.. we took another trail back called "Tower Trail" it was about 1.6 mile trail.. that weaved up & down.. both trails were very shaded.. we didn't see much in wildlife.. Did see one person running up the "Tower Trail" with 10bls weights in each hand.. Hiking the trail is free.. I could see myself back for a workout..
    After the hike we went to Tony's Ice Cream.. its been around since 1915.. They make the best shakes.. and we weren't disappointed.. we had shakes, burgers, and fries.. guilt free.. what a great way to end the day.. hope you all had a great Father's Day.. be safe...
"having fun on two wheels"...


    

"Heaven or Hell"

FALLS PARK..GREENSVILLE,SC

    If bike riding the New River Trail Ride is HELL.. Then bike riding the Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail Ride is HEAVEN.. The New River Trail is In VA.. The Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail is in Greenville,SC.. Alot of things fell into place to make the New River Ride so bad.. It was so early in the season.. there wasn't alot of amenities.. Ray & I could've been better prepared.. but we were so anxious to do it.. the weather was partly sunny and cool..55 degrees..  we didn't bring much water or snacks.. we thought there be more stores available.. NOT.. plus if we were to ride it one way we should of rode it Galax,VA to Pulaski,VA.. not the other way around.. Our ride was uphill.. After 20 miles of uphill.. our smiles weren't smiles.. after 58 miles we were speaking a unprintable language.. we did finish the 58 mile ride.. We'll be better prepared for This ride the next time... or NOT..

FURMAN COLLEGE

    The Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail Ride was a AWESOME ride.. we were better prepared.. but the weather was spectacular.. sunny & warm.. about 80 degrees.. this trail had plenty of shade.. more than enough amenities.. We got up early Saturday morning.. stopped at my favorite coffee house.. we were on our bikes by 10 am.. the sights & sounds were awesome.. lots of people on this trail.. some walking, some running, roller blading..all kinds of bikes.. we started in Greenville, SC headed north.. as we headed north the crowds thinned out.. we rode around Furman College campus.. a beautiful campus.. then moved on to the town of Travelers Rest.. a quaint town.. then headed back to Greenville, SC.. rode around Falls Park & Greenville Zoo.. had a 5 star burger at Liberty Tab House.. by the minor league baseball stadium..The Greenville Drive a Boston Red Sox farm team.. We  also got a free tour at the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum.. For a total of 35 miles.. This was a HEAVEN type of ride.. We'll both be back... I think I'll be back before Ray...I might even ride to Greenville from Charlotte..Its only 90 miles away..  Did I hear a challenge out there.. your on.. be safe & have fun on two wheels...
 

I hate flat tires...

     I woke up early one Sunday.. looking forward to a long bike ride.. As I got on the bike I was still undecided on which direction I was going to go...I did decide to ride to Clover, SC.. it was a warm day.. with plenty of sunshine.. very quite roads.. great scenery.. I took a short break at a Circle K store.. Enjoying a ice cold coke on a warm day..  I was at 26 miles at this point.. as I head back.. I was hitting a groove.. but as I was approach a bridge that went over Lake Wylie.. and back me into NC... I hit a MONSTER pot hole.. It was the size of a coffin.. I knew I was in trouble.. The hole rattle the bike so bad it threw my back lite & bike pump out into the road.. I thought I had 2 flat tires & bent rim.. so here is the good news.. I only had one flat.. no one ran over my lite or bike pump.. and it didn't throw me.. it only took 15 minutes to change tire.. and limp home.. the round trip ride was 47 miles.. A few days later I bought some bright yellow paint.. went to the MONSTER hole & paint the hole to warn other riders.. about 50 yards before hole I marked the road with same paint..saying "HOLE".. since that ride the hole has gotten bigger.. I might have to repaint it.. overall it was a good ride.. I'm not going to let a flat tire ruin my ride.. Be safe & have a great day...

What are the odds?

      I've been commuting to work by bike for a couple weeks now.. I only do it once or twice a week.. Early this week as I was biking home.. my route heads west.. I had to stop at a railroad crossing.. because of a freight train.. at about 4 miles into my ride.. about 6 miles later I had to stop in downtown Belmont for another train heading west.. Now this is a freight train.. with about 70 to 100 train cars.. then at the same spot another train heading east.. then the train heading west stopped.. right in the middle on the road.. I waited a couple of minutes.. but the train never moved.. all cars & me were making u-turns.. as I finish my bike commute home.. I thought to myself.. What are the odds of getting stopped by the same train.. with in 30 minutes.. as you travel home.. I say slim to none.. even by car let alone a bike.. most of my rides are uneventful.. which is good.. all I'm trying to do is save some money.. get some exercises..  Have a great day.. Be safe..

Commuting 101

On Monday.. April 16.. I rode my bike to work.. I was alittle nervous.. getting on my bike at 5:50 am in complete darkness.. I had plenty of lighting on my bike.. I had 2 headlights and 2 tail lites.. some of these roads I never road my bike on during the day.. let alone in the dark.. There was one part I was very nervous about.. that was the 1 mile I had to ride my bike on a very busy road.. over a very narrow bridge it has 4 lanes.. 2 going each way..  that goes over the Catawba River.. I'm glad to say no problems.. the whole morning ride went smooth.. uneventful.. 13.4 mile ride in about 50 minutes.. a quick change.. and I was ready for work.. about 9 hours later.. it was time to ride back.. now in the morning we had cool temps with no wind.. the afternoon was totally different.. it warmed up to 82 degrees with lots of sun and wind.. from were I work.. I was heading west.. directly into the wind.. I was getting tired of fighting the wind.. In the spring time in NC we get lots of wind and it always changes.. going over the bridge with alittle more traffic turned out to be no problem.. everyone was very patient as I rode my bike over the narrow bridge..  other than that my first day of commuting was a huge success.. for a total of 26.8 miles of riding.. more hilly than I thought.. right now I plan on doing aleast once a week.. hopefully I can find time to do 3 times a week.. not only save money.. but help get my metabolism up.. so I can burn calories.. its a great way to start the day and sort out any personal issues.. and keep the mind sharp.. Have a great day...Be Safe...

I Missed My Bike..

    I didn't realize how much I missed my bike till I got on it yesterday.. I could hear my bike calling me.. its been so long.. I had to put air in my tires.. We went for a 31 mile bike ride on a warm Friday afternoon.. With the warm weather.. I was itching to get on my bike.. Everything fell into place.. We didn't miss a beat.. I covered the distance in less than 2 hours.. not bad.. Its always hard to ride in cold and windy weather.. So, on Saturday.. I went for another 20 mile bike ride.. This has been only the 6th time I've been on the bike this year.. the first in consecutive days this year.. I didn't even get on the bike in February for one ride.. a goose egg for the month.. Its amazing how life gets in the way.. Well, with warmer weather and daylight savings time here to stay.. I should have more time to ride my bike.. Have a great weekend & be safe...

"I Had The Million Dollar Suitcase"

   This weekend was my son Kevin's birthday.. He turned 14 on Saturday.. He was busy with friends so we planned on getting together on Sunday.. Sunday started out awesome.. as I was going to get my coffee I found $5.00 in the middle of the road.. I thought to myself.. today is going to be a great day.. Spending time with my kids is always awesome.. So my kids and I went to Sports Connection.. we are trying to save our tickets for a big prize.. so we play a variety of games to big amounts of tickets.. So we are playing our last game together..The 4 of us.. Kevin, Conner, Kellie, & I... Its "Deal Or No Deal".. So as they shuffle the suitcases.. Kellie's say's "7".. so we picked it..we picked 5 suit cases.. first deal was 35.. no deal..pick 4 suitcases.. second deal 36.. no deal.. we all took turns picking suit cases.. over my left shoulder "Kevin say's" we got the jackpot.. So we wittle down to the last to suitcase.. one with 3 tickets or jackpot of 200 tickets.. The deal was for a 101 tickets.. We took the deal.. to much to lose.. but we had the JACKPOT.. of 200 tickets.. Imagine if we were on the game show.. "Deal or No Deal".. A Million Dollars.. As we left Sports Connection I added the tickets up.. we are at 1,325 tickets.. Its fun working together for a prize.. I had a great weekend.. Hope you did... Be Safe...

3X..3X..3X

   My friend Ray said it best.. 3rd time is the charm.. This will be my 3rd "24 Hours of Booty" ride.. this time I will make no promise of miles or funraising goal.. I will raise money.. but I'm going to enjoy the event.. Hopefully its under 100 degrees, last time it was closer to 110 degrees.. Cycling is my thing.. I'm very passionate about cycling.. Its not my favorite thing to ask for money for charity.. but I do.. cause I'm trying to turn my passion into money.. to help people who have come down with a cancer.. This will be my 5th cycling event.. where you were required to raise money.. I've personally raised over $5000 for  a variety of charities.. Personally, I love challenges.. If I can turn a challenge into money for cancer or a organazition who helps people.. I'm up for it.. One idea is to bicycle ride from Charlotte NC to Charleston SC.. Leaving Charlotte NC at sunrise and arrive at Charleston SC before sunset.. same day.. Well getting back to the event "24 Hours of Booty".. It doesn't matter if I train or not I will do 200 plus miles.. My team (Diamond Springs) will just go with the flow.. I like the idea of bicycling the 24 hours and letting miles add up.. And letting the dollars add up.. so if any one can find $5, $10, or $25 please let me know.. or you can support my team or me.. This is only one of a hand full of 24 hour events.. this will not be the last time I mention this.. be safe...

Goals for 2012

   For this year I want to mix it up more.. Not to put to much on one thing.. Participate in more running events.. more trail riding.. This year I plan on doing many things.. The Duke Energy run.. which this year its a race up to the 50th floor.. hopefully a mini-triathlon.. I will do the 24 hours of Booty again.. 3rd time is the charm..This time doing the booty I'll set no goal.. just have fun.. and enjoy the event.. But..the big thing I got planned is The C & O Canal ride.. Its a very historical trail that goes back 200 plus years.. It goes from Cumberland MD to Washington DC..they say George Washington surveyed the land to get building materials & supplies DC.. Its 185 miles long.. My friend Ray & I have talked about it for years.. No more talking.. time to do it.. Really looking forward to it.. Ray and I are seriously considering going it both ways.. cause if we park our car in DC.. how we going to get to our car from MD.. Well this is just a short list of things I've got planned for 2012.. hope you all have a successful 2012.. Be Safe...

"A December to Remember"

   As I enter the month of December I needed 320 miles to get to 4,000 miles.. I felt confident I would get to 4,000 miles.. But I was looking at alot of work and I had to stay focus.. As we all know December is a cold month.. There was plenty of time I could of talked myself out of a ride.. Most of the time its not the tempeture that gets you.. Its the wind.. It doesn't matter how many layers I wear.. When the wind can gust up to 20-25 miles it can make it alot colder.. temps that just eats at you.. The 1st weekend I did over 100 miles putting me in good position.. the 2nd week I did 71 miles putting me less than 150 miles.. the 3rd week I did only 40 miles.. As of December 18th I only needed 109 miles and looking good.. But 2 things happenned.. I could fell myself getting sick and it was rainning alot more.. especially when I could ride.. plus the shortest days with the least amout of sunshine.. so 6 days latter I still haven't been on the bike.. So I knew in order for me to get to 4,000 miles.. I needed to go to the docter so on December 24th early in the morning I went to Urgent Care.. So I could get the medicine I needed to feel better.. I also thought doing over 100 miles in the final week would be only fitting.. On Christmas Day.. still not feeling good I went out for a 21 mile bike ride.. the next day.. My neighbors Ray, Mike, and I did a 21 mile ride.. Its always great to ride with friends.. After these rides I only needed 68 miles.. On Thursday I was able to get a solo 15 mile ride.. Then Friday I got a solo 19 mile ride.. this ride was a fast pace ride.. I hit a rythem early and never let up.. I only wanted to do 15 miles.. but I stayed out for a extra 4 miles.. even though it was dark.. I was starting to feel alot better.. So here we are.. On Saturday, December 31st needing 33 miles for 4,000 miles for the year.. My friend Scott called me 2 weeks earlier saying he wanted to be with me when I pass 4,000mi.. So we met at Jim's house at 11am.. The weather was awesome.. around 60 degrees and sunny.. Scott says to Jim and I he had a surprise for us.. so when we hit 4,000mi. we pull over.. Couldn't help me think what is Scott up to.. alittle more than 2 hours later.. we hit 4,000 miles.. we pulled over for alittle high five.. when Scott pulled out a bottle of champange and glasses.. we had a toast to health, family, and friends.. What a great idea Scott had.. We finished with 48 miles.. putting me at 4,015 miles for the year 2011.. Not only did I pass 4,000 miles.. I finished with 125 miles for the week and 334 miles for the month..  What a phenomenal year for cycling.. Back in January I would of been happy passing 3,000 miles.. When I looked at a map.. 4,015 miles is like getting in my car in Waxhaw, NC.. and driving to Alaska.. thats along ways.. who knows whats in store for 2012.. Today I turn 51 years old.. And I've been blessed with a great gift.. and thats my health.. God bless America.. I like to wish everyone a blessed 2012.. Be Safe..