Update Your Bookmarks and Links!

I've moved my blog to the web server where my web site is hosted. That really does make sense. I've been having lots of problems logging into Blogger and viewing and posting comments. I get a lot of blank pages and decided to switch to a blogging program that resides on my server.

So, for today's blog, and every blog hereafter, goto http://www.moronacity.com/blog.

As always, Moronacity.com will also lead you there. :-)

47.6 MPH

That was my top speed, today.

Heading toward Eagle River from Ahmeek, Pat took off in a mad sprint down a hill and I chased after him. We reached almost 40 mph and I joked with Pat about his sprint. He told me that he had to try to reach 40 mph after watching those guys in the Tour de France doing 50 mph. It wasn't until later in our ride that we rode a great hill with new, smooth pavement heading toward Lake Linden that we hit 47 mph. It was incredible.

The three of us, Jerry being the third, shifted into our hardest gears to make the most of the hill, but we had no idea what was going to happen. Pat rode by me and I pedaled a bit to chase after him. Then, we all tucked low to lessen the wind resistance and let the bikes take over. We were not drafting. Midway through the hill, I looked at my computer, then I had to look at it again, and again. I couldn't believe it - 47 mph! I have never gone that fast before, not even descending into Copper Harbor.

As usual, it was a hard effort road ride. I was riding with two guys who are in better shape than I, and who can climb hills with much more ease, even into the hard headwind we had. With the exception of the hill climbs, we traveled anywhere from 20 to 30 mph.

The important thing is that I do feel good about this ride. I was out for three hours and I've found that road riding can be quite beneficial to my mountain bike racing.

Pat is picking me up this evening to head to Michigan Tech to help with the kids' ride, so I'll get a chance to spin down and loosen my legs up, along with putting more time and miles on for my weekly goal.

Tomorrow, I fully intend to ride Churning Rapids, again, but I think I'll switch it up without pushing it too much. That will take some planning because there really is no easy route in the Keweenaw, unless you ride certain trails at Tech.

Thursday, I won't ride, because I have a long shift at the hospital, and it will be wise to take a day off before my 12-hour race. Friday, I've decided to do a light ride, because I won't race well after two days off. I would feel heavy and lazy. I have a short day on Friday, so I might just commute to work. We'll see what the weather blows my way.

47.6 mph . . . wow!

Day One

It's Monday, so this is the first day of the week for me. I rode for two hours and forty minutes. This is a great start to reaching that ten hour mark! I rode Churning Rapids, again, and managed to squeeze out a little more mileage. I hit twenty. Man, I feel good.

I'm pretty optimistic about the upcoming week. I plan to ride Michigan Tech tomorrow, so that may end up being a three hour ride. I'll ride Churning, again, on Wednesday. You may be thinking, "Jeez, Di, take a break," but realize that I am. I have a twelve hour shift on Thursday - so no riding, and I can't ride Friday because I have a twelve-hour race on Saturday. I'm estimating that I'll have eight hours of riding in before Saturday. Yes, this will be a great week, and I plan to see some weight loss as a result.

Horse Vs. Bike

One would think that any given day in mid-July would be spectacular for mountain biking in the Keweenaw. One would think.

Today held firmly at 58 degrees F and the air was quite lively with a strong wind that was heard rushing through the leaves. The trees swayed with more animation than I was able to muster today. It is summer. It is summer. Yes, it is summer. I keep telling myself that, but it just doesn't feel like it. It feels like spring.

I had to deliver the registration papers for the horse I sold a couple of months ago. I met the new owner at a horse show that was going on at the Houghton County Fairgrounds. I kept watching his daughter ride my horse and thinking to myself, "I really want to ride." They offered several times, and I finally hopped on when she was done showing. I gave the daughter a few tips and made plans to show up to the stable Tuesday morning with baby pictures and a desire to ride. I'll have to pack my half chaps and get my riding boots out.

It certainly is not mountain biking, but over a decade of horseback riding prepared me quite well for my new sport. Balance, strength, relaxed muscles, it is all key to both sports.