US National White Water Center, Charlotte N.C.

Wow, great day for riding a bike. Got up and rode for 17 miles on the road then later I went to the US White Water Center to ride the trails there. The trails are great single track riding. I helped build some of these trails way back in the 90's with Jack Crouch and the Tarheel Trailblazers. I hardly recognized any of the trails just a few spots I could remember. Overall I would say that the Center has done a great job on the trails and the Center is fantastic. I think I want to go back and try the white water rafting or maybe take the kayaks and try the lake. Going to plan a trip there in the near future.

Whew... what a month!

Well April is over tomorrow and it has been some month. At the end of March I was barely riding ten miles a day. Now at the end of the month I am up to 15 to 17 miles per day. I am back enjoying the ride too. No more sore butt, or tired legs. I feel fresh as the day before, everyday now. This is the best shape that I have been in for years. Like say around 12 or 13 years ago when I rode all the time. I am losing weight too, 17 lbs and counting. I hope to end up losing around 30 lbs before the end of Summer. I would like to see my weight back at 160 or so. Well At 187 I am on my way. I have not really changed my diet any. I just am trying to cut back on the amount that I eat. Man that is so hard around here , my wife is the worlds best cook. It is hard to turn down seconds. Also I have cut back on between meal snacks too. Our trip to Colorado is shaping up. Got my airline approved case for my bike, and I feel like I am fit enough to ride just about anywhere, even them big old Rocky Mountains. I can't wait to get back out there and see my Sister and her kids again and this time ride those Mountains.

For the trip

For my trip to Colorado this Summer I got me a airline case to take my bike. Pretty cool so now I got a way to get it there safe, just need to get the $ to pay for it.

Easter Sunday

Nice Easter Sunday to get out and ride my new favorite route the Gold Hill Ridge + It takes me about an hour and thirty minutes to ride if the wind isn't bad. Beautiful views of the surrounding Piedmont area of North Carolina. All this is just a bike ride away for me. I try to take advantage of it as often as I can.

Cycling Computer Reading

Looked at my cycling computer today. The odometer reading was 292.68. I did not start out with a cpu on the bike, I think I had right at 100 miles on there before I got the computer on. So looks like I have rode somewhere around 400 miles since I got back on the bike. Chris, my son has not been riding anywhere near the mileage that I have. I hope to kick his young ass in another week when we go back down to the Uwharrie National Forest to hit the trails down there. I feel really good to be back on the bike and getting back in shape. I have lost about 14 lbs so far and I think I am going to lose quite a few more if I stay at it. I am 47 years old now, so I feel like if I want to do this it is now or never. I see so many folks my age and they are just not able to even think about exercise anymore. I had a guy at work who just can't believe that a "Grown Man" would ride a bike. I think it is because he knows he couldn't do it. Not that he can't, he won't. Looks like work. Sure the first month was hard, but then it just gets fun. As I feel my legs getting stronger and my heart beating easier, I know that for me this is the right track. As I look ahead to the months coming up I know there will be challenges. The heat is just around the next corner so is another birthday.

Bike log 4 /18 /2011

Well I have been back "on the bike for about three months and my fitness level has increased dramatically. I can ride almost anywhere with out much discomfort or bother. So I guess now is the time to start riding a little more seriously. Maybe do some hill training or some sprint training I don't know. I do know that I am up to 14 to 15 miles a day now and my weight has dropped to 189. That is the first time since the end of last Summer that I have been this light. My goal is to get to somewhere between 150 and 160 lbs if possible. I think I can.

Sunday 4/17/11 D.12.922 MX. 32.9 AVG.10.8 T. 1:11:48 RT. Gold Hill Ridge
Monday 4/18/11 D.15.344 MX. 30.2 AVG 11.3 T. 1:21:36 RT. Gold Hill Ridge +
Tuesday Off
Wednesday4/20/11 D.17.558 MX.33.3 AVG.11.3 T.1:33:33 RT. Gold Hill Ridge ++
Thursday 4/21/11 D.15.791 MX.30.6 AVG.10.6 T.1:29:48 RT. Gold hill Ridge +
Friday 4/22/11 Off Rain all day and cold.
Saturday 4/23/11 D.17.591 MX.31.6 AVG.10.6 T. 1:39:48 RT. Gold Hill Ridge ++
Sunday 4/24/11 D.15.86 MX.30.6 AVG.9.7 T. 1:38:08 RT. Gold Hill Ridge +
Monday 4/25/11 D.17.535 MX.32.1 AVG.10.9 T. 1:36:44 RT. Gold Hill Ridge ++
Tuesday 4/26/11 Off went to get bike box in Charlotte
Wednesday4/27/11 D.16.337 MX.30.6 AVG. 11.2 T. 1:27:28 RT. Rain broke up the ride
Thursday 4/28/11 D.17.552 MX.33.0 AVG. 11.4 T. 1:32:37 RT. Gold Hill Ridge ++
Friday 4/29/11 D.15.816 MX. 31.6 AVG.12.0 T. 1:18:52 RT. Gold Hill Ridge +
Saturday 4/30/11 D.17.855 MX. 29.6 AVG.11.2 T. 1:35:41 RT. Reverse Gold Hill Ridge ++
Saturday 4/30/11 D.8.890 MX.17.7 AVG. 7.2 T.1:14:25 US National White Water Center