Black & White Movies

When the sun refuses to come out, I sometimes imagine I'm in a black & white movie. 'Not a bad thing, especially when riding the bike as I stay cooler and don't have to slather that greasy sunscreen on my skin. The darker skies also add some mystique to the old farmhouses and barns we pass by, making you wonder about past lives and the type of lifestyle that now inhabits the surroundings. The photo here is one of a few old field stone homes that Gary and I passed by; unusual building materials for this area. The ride started at the Tops Plaza in Chili and went to Brockport, taking many quiet flat roads. I used to avoid this ride, wanting more hills at this point in the riding season, but at 37.2 miles, it was a good workout. Brockport is a lovely old town and provides many options for places to stop for a break. 'Stopped at the Tim Hortons where I enjoyed an iced mocha coffee, while Gary had a bagel and hot coffee. We were back on the road in less than a half hour with a little more energy than we may have started with and discussed some alternatives to the Sunday rides to increase the number of riders. Taking the popularity of the Tuesday group rides into consideration, we may try having two groups; long/fast and short/leisurely to accommodate more riding styles. We would also start at 8:30am and skip the midway breakfast stop. The option of a tailgate party or driving to a nearby restaurant after the ride is finished may work well. This is an advantage to those short on time, as they can just leave when we return. 'Love to hear some other thoughts on this plan?

Zen Moments

Tuesdays ride this week started from Veteran's Park in the town of Rush with perfect weather conditions-sunny, low 80's and no wind to speak of. The riders actually split into four groups; long and fast, just long, short, short and leisurely, if I am remembering correctly. I hope that worked for everyone. I had just five in my group; Tom, the two Steve's, Ed and myself. I have to say, this was an exhilarating ride! I felt so energized, just rode my very best. The excellent route was part of the reason - thanks Del! I did take one detour though, as I could not bypass Stonybrook Rd., with it's amazing hills. I hit 39.7 mph on this road...really nice! This would also have been a zen moment for me, my only focus is on the road, breathing and feeling the sensation of flying. Does this happen to anyone else riding?

To follow that theme, we came across the Wat Lao Buddhadham Buddhist Temple on Martin rd. How did such an beautiful, exotic and ornate structure end up in such a remote,rural location? Backroads can be very interesting. Biking exposes us into things most drivers will never see.

Tailgate party had some nice treats. Thanks Mary and Steve for the beans and delicious healthy cookies. I did not move quick enough to get one of the very decadent layered cookies that John brought, but I'll bet they were amazing. Many other good things to choose from. Always fun to see what people bring:)

Photo credit goes to Rochester's "City" newspaper.

Avon Calling...

Yesterday I was back in Rochester and rode with the Sunday riders from Avon to Geneseo. It had been a while since we started at this location and I missed it, but next time I will carpool; burned through a quarter tank of gas by the time I got back home, (a lot for a Honda Fit). On the plus side, I was able to pump up the volume on some favorite tunes and that was especially nice because I did not listen to ANY music on vacation. We had 6 riders, Gary, Chris, Terry, Enrico, Bobo and myself, (some of the names have been changed upon request). Terry suggested I take the name Flamingo, after I told him some of the mean nicknames I had growing up. Beats "stork" anyday, so I'll take it! Nice ride but a little short at 28 miles. I'd like to do this one again next year but make it longer - maybe 40 miles or more. We could start at the Fishing Access Park in Rush, take E. River Rd. to Avon and head towards Geneseo. I would like to find alternatives to Rte. 63 and Lima Rd. as they are somewhat busy with road traffic. With the longer route, we could skip breakfast and have an early lunch in Avon on the return, if needed. Just a suggestion.

Selkirk State Park

It's not often that we go away on a vacation for more than a few days, so taking a whole week off to stay at Selkirk Shores State Park was a treat. We stayed in a rustic old cabin that despite its' small size is quite charming and provides the the absolute basics such as a fireplace, kitchen and bath. The screened in porch that faces the lake (from a distance though) is a nice extra. The trees in the park are very old and beautiful and the trails are extensive, especially if you are walking. I choose to venture out onto the trails on my old hybrid, to see if I would like mountain biking and I loved it! I also did not fall, which was a concern after the falls I took on my commuter hybrid earlier this year through some mixed terrain rides. Alec joined me on one of the trail rides and he seemed to love it too - plans are already forming in my head for future excursions like this with my son. I also want a REAL mountain bike sometime in the future. Anyone else?

Holy Heat Wave!

Our ride on Tuesday night (7/6/10) was about as hot as it gets around here. Must have been around 90 degrees when we started at Dryer Road Park; good turn out despite the temps. I had six in my group; Steve W., Michele, Tom, Brian, and Olga. Great new roads on this one, which went to Bloomfield and then further south of that. Super hills, not too difficult. The second half of the route felt like it was all downhill, so we cruised back at a nice speed. Hardly a car passed us and the sun was a big orange ball in the sky over the scenic landscapes. Michele let us use her spray bottle to cool ourselves with-really works too, especially when you get back on the bike and the water on your skin begins to evaporate, cooling you in the process.

I made a batch of blueberry salsa and brought it with chips to share with the group. A big hit too! Thanks Kathy E. for the recipe. Thanks Karen for the beer - so glad she is riding with us again :D

Solace & the Fourth of July

'Got out before 7:00am yesterday. I wanted to see the lake. 'Thought that may make my heart feel a little lighter. Saturday was an emotional day; filled with pride seeing my son march in the parade with his Robotics team, (something I would never have dreamed he would do) but later I dealt with the passing of my uncle. So, this ride gave me some time to think about my family and how things keep changing. My uncle lived through more pain and loss than most of us endure, and he never complained or fell apart that I know of. A very strong, proud and hard working man. I am glad he is no longer suffering, but will miss him. My mom will miss him so much more. We celebrated the fourth and my uncle at his house with an amazing display of fireworks that my uncle planned for with the help of my cousins' family and the pyrotechnic skills of their teenage children, Janice and Edward.
Today I rode again, alone. Feeling stronger, so I headed for the hills on Furman Rd and Sweets Corners. The view of from the top of Furman hill was very hazy despite the cloudless sky - glad to be on the road early with temps heading for the 90's. Watched some of the Tour de France on Dave's iPhone - free app that actually shows live coverage. A french rider took first place, Sylvan Chavanel. Lance is in fifth place overall. Apparently the road conditions were not up to par and the majority of riders came into the finish refusing to sprint, as a protest. Race referees will have a difficult time determining placement of the main pack - all rode in with same time. Oh the drama!

Cool, Sunny Rides

I'm late to post for last Tuesday's ride (June 28th), but it was a good one. Starting from Ginegaw Park into the many hills of Marion and Williamson. This was the most challenging evening ride of the year with the craziest hills on Warner Rd. I've done them before, but forgot how tremendous they are. Michele, Steve W. and Brian raced up the hills, while Tom and I paced ourselves at a slower rate. I am definitely more comfortable with that. 'Love to race down though! 'Was glad for the cool temps., this ride would be much more challenging in the heat.

We had a different mix of people at the tailgate; some new folks that I met include a very vivacious woman named Margaret, a tall older man named Bill and one of the mom's I met at a Robotics picnic in May, Heather. Did not meet Bill's wife, who was there - maybe next time. Many of the regulars were missing - hope the hilly area did not affect the turnout? I know not everyone likes the hills. I thought I would really feel this ride for the next few days, but I did not.

Road this morning, about 16 miles, felt great! It was only 54 degrees when I left at 7:30am, but with the sun, that was perfect.