Going faster and further!

This week has been quite a great week in the saddle. I've completed longer rides, to new destinations, and gotten quicker in the process. This week has really energized my love of riding and I'm going to ride as long as I can before the weather changes.

On that topic, the weather, I know that my time to ride is getting lesser with each day. I grew up in southern California, so we had riding weather for 12 months a year. The same isn't true for here in Wisconsin. Once the weather gets cold, and the rain and snow start to fall, and ice builds up on the roads, my bikes are basically going to have to go into hibernation. 

My plan is to transition into doing treadmill walking and maybe some light weight work. The treadmill will help me to keep some of my cardio gains, and the weight work will help with strengthening my core muscles that seem to be in constant pain for most of my adult life.

September 17, 2024: 12.48 miles

The beautiful weather here reminded me to really enjoy the time I can ride, as I know the cold season is going to be here sooner than I expect. Once the cold is here, I'm going to have to leave the bike in storage and look at alternative forms of exercise. Today's ride mainly consisted of riding on our local state trail, which is probably the flattest road in the whole area. That meant I was able to work on getting up to speed and holding it for longer distances than if I was on the streets. Today's ride was also the longest ride in a while.

I'm also looking to see how far I can ride on the trail. This particular trail (rails-to-trail) is just over 50 miles from end to end. My eventual goal is to do the complete length, but I'm thinking I might be able to do 20-25 miles of it this fall. Time for some logistics planning!

September 21, 2024: 15.86 miles

Today I had my wife take me down to the trail head of our local bike trail, and met me at another trail head for almost a 16 mile ride. I really enjoyed the ride, as I didn't have to deal with cars and frequent traffic lights. It was also the first time I rode in the second half of this ride. At about mile 12 or so, I noticed the clouds getting dark ahead of me, so I hoped I wouldn't encounter rain. Lucky for me, I avoided the rain and was able to rendezvous with my wife dry as a bone. I just love this trail! I've got another 37 miles of this trail to explore!

Rock Lake, WI

Lake Mills trail head of the Glacial Drumlin trail.

The obligatory pic of the bike on the bridge over Rock Lake.

I got to ride through a tunnel that went under a road. So fun!

September 23, 2024: 12.15 miles

Today's ride was a route I rode early on in the month. According to Strava, I had an average speed of 0.5 mph higher, so I guess I am making some fitness progress!

This ride also pushed past my monthly goal! I'm going to try for 150 miles by the end of the month. If I keep my normal pace, I will be really close, like 142 miles. I might try to squeeze in one more ride before the end of the month. I know the colder weather will soon be upon us and I do not have cold weather riding gear, so I will have to hang up the bike for the season.

Snapping a selfie with most of the ride completed. 

The city placed their mobile sign in the middle of the bike trail.
Yes, I was annoyed enough to take a photo.