In the past month and a half, I’ve really gained an appreciation for a wide variety of bike routes in and around Washington D.C. I certainly have made a significant commitment in training for the ride, but I’ve also dealt with the shock of real life and time management. Some days, waking up at 6am to cycle just isn’t practical and other days I’m too busy after work to fit it in, but on a whole, I’ve found a way to prioritize cycling.
Although I’ve slacked on the blog writing front recently, I just finished a program sponsored by The Op-Ed Project (www.theopedproject.org), so I’m all fired up to get typing. The project was essentially built on the premise that 85% of op-ed articles are written by men and most of the submissions are from men, so the seminar gives women the tools to submit op-eds and enhance the public debate. Pretty cool stuff. I have some ideas brewing, so I’m really looking forward to writing articles and pitching my ideas to various publications.
Anyway, back to cycling—the big day is not so far away anymore. In the last final push, I’ll be cycling daily of course and increasing the mileage. I really benefited from a group ride last week because it pushed me to go a lot faster than usual. Not to say that I kept up with everyone, but I definitely realized that cycling at a faster pace for long periods of time is definitely doable, and I just wasn’t pushing myself hard enough. Too bad I missed the ride today, but I was off in op-ed land and plotting to change the world (which was an extremely valuable day’ work).
As I get closer to the ride, I’m trying to figure out what the next steps should be with my blog. Writing about the ride really gave a good platform to share ideas and write about cycling, but I’m not sure where to take the blog next. Maybe make it about my life in DC or find a new charity ride to pursue? I guess I should get through July 31st, and then start asking those questions, but as someone who over plans everything, I can’t help but ask.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sara [realy] Bikes DC [now]
[Yummy graduation party treats-finally posted the pics!]
The title of my blog finally makes sense! I finally moved to D.C., so now I actually bike in D.C. I've definitely been good about getting out there to cycle in the past two weeks, but I've been slacking in the variety department. I pretty much found one trail I really like and that's about it. I take M Street up to the Key Bridge and follow the Mt. Vernon trail pretty much up through Alexandria and turn around. For the moment it works, but pretty soon I'll need to spice up my routine so it doesn't get too boring. I'm a little weary of cycling on the roads, but I'm sure that will just take a little time to adjust to traffic.
College has definitely spoiled me and the real world came at me so fast with little time to prepare. Where has all my free time gone? Adjusting to the 40-hour work week is definitely a big change from the college class schedule. I've made the decision that in the interest of socializing and more free time in the afternoons, I need to get that ride in early. I mean really early. Really, really early. Ok, maybe it's not that early, but it is to me. So, I've been rising with the roosters at 6am. Yikes! That leaves me enough time to get in 15 miles before work. My goal is 5 days a week, but in all honesty, it's been more like 3 on the weekdays and one on the weekends. At one point, I thought riding in the morning meant I would have more time and could ride in the afternoons too. Ha! That's crazy talk. It's a lofty goal, but isn't realistic for me right now. I had been attempting to tone down the coffee drinking, but with my new little schedule, that's almost a laughable idea.
I'm getting both excited and nervous that the century ride is swiftly approaching. Unfortunately, I missed out on what sounded like a fun B2B training ride this weekend, as I was out of town, but hopefully, I'll make it to the next one. Recently, I've been slacking on the fundraising front, but maybe it will pick up soon. I know there are a few more letters I could send or people I could ask, but it feels like I've asked everyone I know. I've never enjoyed asking people for money, but it's such a good cause and fun event, that it's really worth going the extra mile, putting in a little extra effort and really asking everyone I know to donate..
Got to go and make it out for a nice Sunday ride before it gets dark!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bike in a Box
After what felt like an eternity of rain, the sky finally let up and allowed for one last good ride. Brad Choi, my sister's roommate, and I cycled through Colonialtown on Sunday to get to the Cady Way trail, which is a smooth ride that heads toward Winter Park, FL. We started out at 9:20 a.m., so it goes without saying that we didn't beat the heat. This ride confirmed that it's always more fun to ride with others rather than alone. Most of the ride the weather was probably high 80s to low 90s.
This trail definitely beat out the West Orange Trail just because it's so much closer to my house and requires minimal driving to get to it. Although, driving is required nonetheless. Biking from home would mean driving on 50, which would mean impending death. Rt 50 is one of the most dangerous roads in the country and several people die crossing it each year. It's kind of like the ugly strip mall road of Florida.
Anyway, I was very happy to get one last good ride in before dropping off my bike at David's World Cycle to be boxed up. This makes my move feel very real. The next time I'll ride my bike is in Washington, D.C., hopefully on Tuesday. About 95% of everything I own is boxed up ready for departing Florida on Saturday. I don't know when or how I accumulated so much stuff, but I really hope it all fits in that Uhaul...and my apartment for that matter.
My parents are having a little get together for my college graduation Thursday. The food will be catered by my mom's cafe: Roho Art and Coffee (rohoartandcoffee.com), a.k.a. yummy Cuban food. The dessert, however, was in my hands. Therefore, it's cookies in several forms all requiring orange and blue icing. Of course there's a standard cookie cake with a big mortar board from Publix (a.k.a the best supermarket in the world that will be missed when in DC) and individual cookies from Cookie Cousins (www.thecookiecousins.com).
Yes, you guessed it- individual BICYCLE COOKIES in Gator colors. This is possibly the dorkiest thing ever, and I cannot wait! I'm planning on taping info about my bike ride to the little sweet treats. Yum!!!
I actually learned about The Cookie Cousins, a local Orlando cookie designer, when I went to a Cystic Fibrosis luncheon fundraiser with my mom a few weeks ago. They had Lily Pulitzer dress cookies because it was a luncheon/fashion show. I figured if you can make a Lily dress, sure enough you can make a bicycle out of dough. Too bad I can't fund my own fashion show to raise money- that would be awesome.
This trail definitely beat out the West Orange Trail just because it's so much closer to my house and requires minimal driving to get to it. Although, driving is required nonetheless. Biking from home would mean driving on 50, which would mean impending death. Rt 50 is one of the most dangerous roads in the country and several people die crossing it each year. It's kind of like the ugly strip mall road of Florida.
Anyway, I was very happy to get one last good ride in before dropping off my bike at David's World Cycle to be boxed up. This makes my move feel very real. The next time I'll ride my bike is in Washington, D.C., hopefully on Tuesday. About 95% of everything I own is boxed up ready for departing Florida on Saturday. I don't know when or how I accumulated so much stuff, but I really hope it all fits in that Uhaul...and my apartment for that matter.
My parents are having a little get together for my college graduation Thursday. The food will be catered by my mom's cafe: Roho Art and Coffee (rohoartandcoffee.com), a.k.a. yummy Cuban food. The dessert, however, was in my hands. Therefore, it's cookies in several forms all requiring orange and blue icing. Of course there's a standard cookie cake with a big mortar board from Publix (a.k.a the best supermarket in the world that will be missed when in DC) and individual cookies from Cookie Cousins (www.thecookiecousins.com).
Yes, you guessed it- individual BICYCLE COOKIES in Gator colors. This is possibly the dorkiest thing ever, and I cannot wait! I'm planning on taping info about my bike ride to the little sweet treats. Yum!!!
I actually learned about The Cookie Cousins, a local Orlando cookie designer, when I went to a Cystic Fibrosis luncheon fundraiser with my mom a few weeks ago. They had Lily Pulitzer dress cookies because it was a luncheon/fashion show. I figured if you can make a Lily dress, sure enough you can make a bicycle out of dough. Too bad I can't fund my own fashion show to raise money- that would be awesome.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Deconstructing the Bicycle
My one hour lesson on how to fix a flat at David's World Cycle gave me a new appreciation for my bicycle. I first learned how to take off the back tire and then completely deconstructed the front wheel, pulled out the tube, checked for my hypothetical hole in the tire, replaced it and put it all back together. Of course I watched the instructor do it first and then gave it a try. I never realized that the tire completely comes apart with a tube in the middle and little spoke holes all around the rim. How cool- now I can speak bicycle.
He also taught me a nifty trick that if there's a visible hole in the tire to use an empty gel packet wrapper or dollar bill before putting the tube back in so you can make it safely home without getting another flat before entirely replacing the tire. It's definitely reassuring to know that if I'm out cycling on my own that I can take care of a flat without freaking out or being stranded. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to stay lucky with no flats, but at least now I'm prepared for whatever comes my way.
There's no such thing as free lunch, so my free bike repair lesson turned into a shopping spree. I bought womens gloves and then tested them out on a short ride when I got home. They're very comfortable and cushony, but rather drab and ugly. I really wanted to buy the kids gloves because they were so cute and colorful, but that didn't work out. I also got an extra water bottle holder, so I'll have two for hot days, and another mini air pump. Last week at Orange Cycle I got a cycling jersey on the clearance rack for $34, marked down from $118. I can never turn down a good bargain, especially when it comes to cycling.
All the accessories really start adding up, so it's good to find the deals. It's especially nice when the local shops have decent sales because then I can still save and support local businesses. Although, I must say the Shimano pedals I bought awhile back were a to-die-for deal online. So, you never know where the bargains are, just keep your eyes peeled. The only item I've purchased for cycling and have regretted is my odometer. I really should have bought the wireless version that gives the average miles per hour for the entire ride instead of just the changing speed as you go. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't figure out how to change the clock after day light saving time, so I'm an hour off the rest of the world. It would be nice to know the average speed per ride and try to improve upon that instead of just guessing.
I'm looking forward to a sunny Memorial Day Weekend that will hopefully include a trip to the beach and lots of cycling. The past six days it has rained constantly. Rain, rain go away. Sunday I'll be trying out the Cady Way Trail with my sister's roommate.
He also taught me a nifty trick that if there's a visible hole in the tire to use an empty gel packet wrapper or dollar bill before putting the tube back in so you can make it safely home without getting another flat before entirely replacing the tire. It's definitely reassuring to know that if I'm out cycling on my own that I can take care of a flat without freaking out or being stranded. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to stay lucky with no flats, but at least now I'm prepared for whatever comes my way.
There's no such thing as free lunch, so my free bike repair lesson turned into a shopping spree. I bought womens gloves and then tested them out on a short ride when I got home. They're very comfortable and cushony, but rather drab and ugly. I really wanted to buy the kids gloves because they were so cute and colorful, but that didn't work out. I also got an extra water bottle holder, so I'll have two for hot days, and another mini air pump. Last week at Orange Cycle I got a cycling jersey on the clearance rack for $34, marked down from $118. I can never turn down a good bargain, especially when it comes to cycling.
All the accessories really start adding up, so it's good to find the deals. It's especially nice when the local shops have decent sales because then I can still save and support local businesses. Although, I must say the Shimano pedals I bought awhile back were a to-die-for deal online. So, you never know where the bargains are, just keep your eyes peeled. The only item I've purchased for cycling and have regretted is my odometer. I really should have bought the wireless version that gives the average miles per hour for the entire ride instead of just the changing speed as you go. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't figure out how to change the clock after day light saving time, so I'm an hour off the rest of the world. It would be nice to know the average speed per ride and try to improve upon that instead of just guessing.
I'm looking forward to a sunny Memorial Day Weekend that will hopefully include a trip to the beach and lots of cycling. The past six days it has rained constantly. Rain, rain go away. Sunday I'll be trying out the Cady Way Trail with my sister's roommate.
Friday, May 15, 2009
West Orange Trail
Whenever I drive home from college, I always notice the bike overpass with a huge "West Orange Trail" sign hanging above Florida's Turnpike. Yesterday I decided to try it out. I was impressed with the trail, very similar to my favorite, the Hawthorne Trail in Gainesville/Hawthorne, FL. Although, it's a little hillier. I can't believe I complain about hills. When I used to run cross country during high school in Connecticut some of the race paths cut through mountains. The last race was tredging through snow and mountains. No wonder I don't like to run anymore. In Florida, there's no such thing as a mountain, just hill or slightly larger hill.
I started the trail out by Winter Garden and Oakland, FL. I got to ride over the turnpike, which was of course exciting. Not really sure why- just fun to say I did. I also learned that Oakland, FL got its name due to the overwhelming amount of beautiful oak trees in the area. The trail has several rest areas and even rents out bikes to people for the day, which I thought was pretty cool.
My only issue with the West Orange Trail was the distance from my house. I drove almost 30 minutes to get there, cutting through two major highways and probably racked up $6 in tolls on the Sunpass. Geez! There must be a closer entrance to home. Given my luck, I was driving straight toward the ugliest looking clouds. I would have liked to ride 25 miles, but I cut it short at nine and missed the rain by about 5 minutes. Phew! Not just any rain- it was a torrential downpour with thunder and lightning of course.
At this point I'm a little frustrated with the cycling options of Orlando. Tomorrow I'll try some of the loops near downtown, but I'm afraid of the deadending cycling lane issue. In any other state that would be ok, but people drive like maniacs here. The only place there are worse drivers than Orlando is Miami.
I'm very excited to move up, which is just 2 weeks away. Once I'm in DC, I'm counting on better trail/route options than Orlando. That should help me get into the groove of a more regular, planned out training schedule. The month of May has been extremely chaotic with packing and errands, so I'm sure June and July should be much smoother.
I took lots of fun photos on my West Orange Trail ride, and they'll be posted soon. In my jumble of packing boxes, I've somehow misplaced my camera cords to transfer the photos. Comments and suggestions always welcome!
I started the trail out by Winter Garden and Oakland, FL. I got to ride over the turnpike, which was of course exciting. Not really sure why- just fun to say I did. I also learned that Oakland, FL got its name due to the overwhelming amount of beautiful oak trees in the area. The trail has several rest areas and even rents out bikes to people for the day, which I thought was pretty cool.
My only issue with the West Orange Trail was the distance from my house. I drove almost 30 minutes to get there, cutting through two major highways and probably racked up $6 in tolls on the Sunpass. Geez! There must be a closer entrance to home. Given my luck, I was driving straight toward the ugliest looking clouds. I would have liked to ride 25 miles, but I cut it short at nine and missed the rain by about 5 minutes. Phew! Not just any rain- it was a torrential downpour with thunder and lightning of course.
At this point I'm a little frustrated with the cycling options of Orlando. Tomorrow I'll try some of the loops near downtown, but I'm afraid of the deadending cycling lane issue. In any other state that would be ok, but people drive like maniacs here. The only place there are worse drivers than Orlando is Miami.
I'm very excited to move up, which is just 2 weeks away. Once I'm in DC, I'm counting on better trail/route options than Orlando. That should help me get into the groove of a more regular, planned out training schedule. The month of May has been extremely chaotic with packing and errands, so I'm sure June and July should be much smoother.
I took lots of fun photos on my West Orange Trail ride, and they'll be posted soon. In my jumble of packing boxes, I've somehow misplaced my camera cords to transfer the photos. Comments and suggestions always welcome!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Above and Beyond
Just a few days ago we surpassed the fundraising minimum amount of $500 for the Bike to the Beach Race. Thank you thank you thank you! But why stop there? With just about 2.5 months left before the race there's plenty of time to keep on raising awareness and money for Autism Speaks. I'm going to look into some more creative fundraising strategies as I make the move to DC. On my list is to bring letters explaining the ride and asking for a donation from local businesses and past employers/internships. I've been looking into fundraising for cycling events and the opportunities are endless. In a few weeks there's a ride for M.S. in Central Florida and the top fundraiser for that ride has raised more than $6,000. Wow, I'm impressed. That ride is in just two weeks and would have been great practice for the Autism Speaks ride because there's an option to do 50 miles on Saturday and Sunday each, but unfortunately it's a bit too pricey- $250 to register. Another great cause, but the timing just isn't right. Although, I was very impressed to see such high donation and fundraising numbers from those participatin in the ride. It looked like a lot of the teams were companies in the Central Florida area, so I wonder if companies matched the rider donations. I'll have to look into doing something like that and reaching out to businesses. That seems like an effective way to bring in more donations.
Anyway, I'm elated to be at $675 with donations and can't wait to see where we'll be by July 31st! Share comments or suggestions!
My Updated Donor Honor Roll:
Alana Rush
Ariel Drescher
Evin & Carole Rubin
Jason Sharp
Jay Shehadeh
Jeffrey Joyner
Joe & Dianne Caridi
Kelli Gebbia
Martin & Maria Rubin
Mary Mulderig, Cindy & Allison Rubin
Nicole Varma
Rose Barnett
Suzanna Bedy
Anyway, I'm elated to be at $675 with donations and can't wait to see where we'll be by July 31st! Share comments or suggestions!
My Updated Donor Honor Roll:
Alana Rush
Ariel Drescher
Evin & Carole Rubin
Jason Sharp
Jay Shehadeh
Jeffrey Joyner
Joe & Dianne Caridi
Kelli Gebbia
Martin & Maria Rubin
Mary Mulderig, Cindy & Allison Rubin
Nicole Varma
Rose Barnett
Suzanna Bedy
Safety First!
I bought my bike 10 months ago, and still don't know how to patch a flat tire. I have all the materials, the tools, the extra tire rubber, but no idea of what to do with it all. The other day I was having an issue with my cycle chain (which was a 2 second quick fix), but I brought my bike into the shop nonetheless. My Dad and I found out that David's Cycle in Orlando offers free bike repair classes, so I'm all signed up for one in a few weeks. Somehow it slipped my mind to take a class or watch a video online before now. At least I'll get the knowledge before cycling so many miles. I'd rather be safe than sorry.
The other day I also checked out a cool Web site Mary recommended: mapmyride.com. I found a nice looking bike trail by Baldwin Park in Orlando, but have yet to try it. One of the most frustrating part about riding in Orlando is being in a bike lane and then it disappears.
There seems to be no consistency here with the lanes on the roads. I'll have to stick to paved trail rides or see if I can find bike lanes only on mapmyride.com (haven't checked that yet). The other day I rode to Winter Park, got cut out of the bike lane, and ended up on the sidewalk for half the ride :( I'm sure I'll get the hang of Orlando soon, but I'm leaving in just a few short weeks. Right now, I'm debating whether to have the cycling store professionally box my bike to put it in the uhaul trailer, or just stick it in the back of the Durango unboxed. O decisions!
The other day I also checked out a cool Web site Mary recommended: mapmyride.com. I found a nice looking bike trail by Baldwin Park in Orlando, but have yet to try it. One of the most frustrating part about riding in Orlando is being in a bike lane and then it disappears.
There seems to be no consistency here with the lanes on the roads. I'll have to stick to paved trail rides or see if I can find bike lanes only on mapmyride.com (haven't checked that yet). The other day I rode to Winter Park, got cut out of the bike lane, and ended up on the sidewalk for half the ride :( I'm sure I'll get the hang of Orlando soon, but I'm leaving in just a few short weeks. Right now, I'm debating whether to have the cycling store professionally box my bike to put it in the uhaul trailer, or just stick it in the back of the Durango unboxed. O decisions!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Inspiration for Bike to the Beach
My cycling mileage has been lacking recently (I blame graduation festivities!), but I’ve had an extraordinary new inspiration that has gotten me even more motivated and excited about Bike to the Beach.
Just days before graduation, I met a 4-year-old named Joey who will be the inspiration for my cycling and fundraising efforts. My mentor Dr. Barnett from my favorite University of Florida organization, Reitz Scholars, introduced me to the Caridi family, and they have been very welcoming and supportive of my ride for Autism Speaks. I haven’t decided the best way to accomplish making the ride in honor of Joey, but I’m thinking a little laminated photo Velcro-ed to the handle bar should do the trick. By mile 90 when my legs feel like spaghetti and I want to pull over to the side of the road and give up, I'm sure the little photo and inspiration will help me finish strong.
In addition to meeting such a wonderful family, we made strides this week on the fundraising front as well. I finally got around to sending out personalized e-mails through the Autism Speaks Web site and talked to more friends about the race. Joe and Dianne, Joey’s parents, were also really helpful with raising awareness and donations through Facebook too.
Right now I’m listed as the second highest fundraiser of the more than 60 riders. This accomplishment was a direct result of all the generosity of family and friends. Wow! Who would have thought that? I’m really blown away. Just $45 away from the $500 minimum rider pledge donation, so I’m thinking I might have to shoot a little higher and bump up my fundraising goal!
Here’s a shout out and a big THANK YOU to all those who have donated. Did you know 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism and it is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined? Check out the Web site www.autismspeaks.org for more info…
My Donor Honor Roll:
Alana Rush
Ariel Drescher
Jason Sharp
Jay Shehadeh
Jeffrey Joyner
Joe & Dianne Caridi
Kelli Gebbia
Martin & Maria Rubin
Nicole Varma
Rose Barnett
Suzanna Bedy
Thank you all for your generosity and support. Comments welcome and suggestions for the blog too! I’m trying to be creative and mix up the posts. Hopefully I’ll have some cool pictures this week—I’m taking the training to Orlando, as I’ll be home until moving to DC.
Just days before graduation, I met a 4-year-old named Joey who will be the inspiration for my cycling and fundraising efforts. My mentor Dr. Barnett from my favorite University of Florida organization, Reitz Scholars, introduced me to the Caridi family, and they have been very welcoming and supportive of my ride for Autism Speaks. I haven’t decided the best way to accomplish making the ride in honor of Joey, but I’m thinking a little laminated photo Velcro-ed to the handle bar should do the trick. By mile 90 when my legs feel like spaghetti and I want to pull over to the side of the road and give up, I'm sure the little photo and inspiration will help me finish strong.
In addition to meeting such a wonderful family, we made strides this week on the fundraising front as well. I finally got around to sending out personalized e-mails through the Autism Speaks Web site and talked to more friends about the race. Joe and Dianne, Joey’s parents, were also really helpful with raising awareness and donations through Facebook too.
Right now I’m listed as the second highest fundraiser of the more than 60 riders. This accomplishment was a direct result of all the generosity of family and friends. Wow! Who would have thought that? I’m really blown away. Just $45 away from the $500 minimum rider pledge donation, so I’m thinking I might have to shoot a little higher and bump up my fundraising goal!
Here’s a shout out and a big THANK YOU to all those who have donated. Did you know 1 in 150 individuals are diagnosed with autism and it is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined? Check out the Web site www.autismspeaks.org for more info…
My Donor Honor Roll:
Alana Rush
Ariel Drescher
Jason Sharp
Jay Shehadeh
Jeffrey Joyner
Joe & Dianne Caridi
Kelli Gebbia
Martin & Maria Rubin
Nicole Varma
Rose Barnett
Suzanna Bedy
Thank you all for your generosity and support. Comments welcome and suggestions for the blog too! I’m trying to be creative and mix up the posts. Hopefully I’ll have some cool pictures this week—I’m taking the training to Orlando, as I’ll be home until moving to DC.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Week One Stats
Weekly Distance: 40 miles
Weekly Donations: $105
For the first week out, this was a great start for building up mileage and soliciting donations. Granted I only went on three bike rides, but the other four days I was out of town. I'll save the excuses for another time. My realistic goal is five weekly rides with two days for rest or other cardio activities. I'm not sure about the recommended mileage to start training, so I'll have to do a little more research.
I was so please at how many donations I've received in just the past five days since registering through the Autism Speaks Web site. Facebook definitely works wonders at spreading awareness, but I'll probably send out e-mails to friends and businesses as well. To have surpassed the $100 mark in the first week is unreal. I never would have guessed that would happen, but am so grateful for all the donations.
All in all, it was a great start to hopefully a rewarding journey where I'll raise lots of money, have fun cycling and meet lots of new people. In the next couple of weeks, I'll begin setting some goals for myself in terms of training. I don't want to do too much too fast, but I still want to challenge myself in preparation for the Bike to the Beach. O, and of course the day I forget my camera, I see the biggest turtle ever and a cardinal while cycling!
Weekly Donations: $105
For the first week out, this was a great start for building up mileage and soliciting donations. Granted I only went on three bike rides, but the other four days I was out of town. I'll save the excuses for another time. My realistic goal is five weekly rides with two days for rest or other cardio activities. I'm not sure about the recommended mileage to start training, so I'll have to do a little more research.
I was so please at how many donations I've received in just the past five days since registering through the Autism Speaks Web site. Facebook definitely works wonders at spreading awareness, but I'll probably send out e-mails to friends and businesses as well. To have surpassed the $100 mark in the first week is unreal. I never would have guessed that would happen, but am so grateful for all the donations.
All in all, it was a great start to hopefully a rewarding journey where I'll raise lots of money, have fun cycling and meet lots of new people. In the next couple of weeks, I'll begin setting some goals for myself in terms of training. I don't want to do too much too fast, but I still want to challenge myself in preparation for the Bike to the Beach. O, and of course the day I forget my camera, I see the biggest turtle ever and a cardinal while cycling!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Hawthorne Trail
I was having way too much fun trying to take pictures on the bike path. A great way to break up a long ride. Unfortunately I had to settle for the point and shoot, no way I'm bringing my Canon 20D out cycling.
After setting up my donation account with Autism Speaks for Bike to the Beach, I was especially inspired to start out training. Within just a few hours, already $75 have been raised due to generosity of friends and the wonders of changing a Facebook status.
No day could be more beautiful for cycling than today. Clear skies, 75 degrees- perfect. I have definitely taken for granted living in Florida for the past 5 years, so in my final stretch, I'm going to value the weather along with natural treasures.
The Hawthorne Trail is one of Gainesville's greatest assets and natural spaces. It cuts through Payne's Prairie and shady hammocks giving cyclists a great environment to appreciate the beauty of northern Florida. To make my 20-mile venture this afternoon even better, I started chatting with another UF student/cyclist at the beginning of the trail. What perfect timing- an hour and a half ride certainly flies by when you're chatting it up. What are the odds? I've ridden the Hawthorne Trail several times but usually never see anyone my cycling level- mostly really intense cycling guys going 25 mph.
The last time I rode 20 miles was January, so my legs will feel the burn tomorrow. Today was definitely a good start to increasing my weekly mileage and prepping for July 31. Looking forward to several more Hawthorne Trail rides before graduating and leaving Gainesville.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My Commitment: B2B
Wow, so I'm officially going to complete my first century ride this summer called Bike to the Beach: wwww.biketothebeach.org. The ride is 120 miles- begins in the heart of DC and finishes at Bethany Beach, DE with a big celebration. I just sent in my $165 registration and created my donation page to raise $500 for Autism Speaks. This seems like a really awesome way to meet people and get back in biker shape once I move to DC. There are several training rides before the big event too...and of all places, who wouldn't want to bike to the beach?
I'm really excited to start training and raising money for such a great cause. Looks like I'll be frequenting the Hawthorne Trail in Gainesville a few more times before graduation. Stay tuned...pictures and stories to come!
Want to help chip away at my $500 donation commitment? Contributions of all sizes are GREATLY appreciated. Donate now: http://events.autismspeaks.org/b2b/sarabikesdc
I'm really excited to start training and raising money for such a great cause. Looks like I'll be frequenting the Hawthorne Trail in Gainesville a few more times before graduation. Stay tuned...pictures and stories to come!
Want to help chip away at my $500 donation commitment? Contributions of all sizes are GREATLY appreciated. Donate now: http://events.autismspeaks.org/b2b/sarabikesdc
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Countdown Begins
"Sara Bikes DC" is a tad premature. I have the bike part of the equation, but haven't made the big move to the big city yet. A mere 49 days away, then I'll hit the ground running (well, more like cycling). Buying a road bike was the greatest investment I have ever made. The health and transportation benefits are endless. Not to mention the opportunities to meet people, explore trails and participate in cycling events that support non-profits.
Just a few days ago, I decided against bringing my car to DC. I love my car, Madison, so parting ways at first seemed really hard. But, I don't think I'll have any regrets about it. A car in Florida is a necessity. A car in DC is a hassle. I'm going to bike, metro, walk and zip car wherever I go. The earth and my heart will thank me one day.
In preparation for the move, I'm focusing on riding several days per week and getting back in shape. Today, I rode a short trail, just 5 miles, but it was a good first step. Sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door on the first day back, and then I'm reminded of how much I love cycling.
I bought my bike, Roosevelt, in August mainly as a way to exercise outdoors and ride to work. Riding 10.5 miles round trip a few days per week really helps make the 40 hour work week more manageable. Instead of getting bored at the gym everyday, I would extend my rides several days after work and get to know my town. I really had gotten hooked and by October I completed a 100K race event. Most of the course cruised through the rolling hills of southern Georgia, and the weather could not have been more gorgeous. Not to mention, I still had enough energy in me to cheer on the Gators in the Swamp that evening and watch them crush LSU.
So, in a nutshell, this blog is about me and my adventures.
Just a few days ago, I decided against bringing my car to DC. I love my car, Madison, so parting ways at first seemed really hard. But, I don't think I'll have any regrets about it. A car in Florida is a necessity. A car in DC is a hassle. I'm going to bike, metro, walk and zip car wherever I go. The earth and my heart will thank me one day.
In preparation for the move, I'm focusing on riding several days per week and getting back in shape. Today, I rode a short trail, just 5 miles, but it was a good first step. Sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door on the first day back, and then I'm reminded of how much I love cycling.
I bought my bike, Roosevelt, in August mainly as a way to exercise outdoors and ride to work. Riding 10.5 miles round trip a few days per week really helps make the 40 hour work week more manageable. Instead of getting bored at the gym everyday, I would extend my rides several days after work and get to know my town. I really had gotten hooked and by October I completed a 100K race event. Most of the course cruised through the rolling hills of southern Georgia, and the weather could not have been more gorgeous. Not to mention, I still had enough energy in me to cheer on the Gators in the Swamp that evening and watch them crush LSU.
So, in a nutshell, this blog is about me and my adventures.
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