We're bored. The weather is marginal. I think about heading to the casino (Grand Ronde, 110 miles one way) just to have something to do. Then, over-eat at the buffet, stand around, be bored some more, get home early in the AM.
12 gallons of gas at $3.77 / gal. -- $45.24.
Buffet . . . Let's call it $20 w/ tip $65.00 rounding off. And "walking around $$$.
Hell, I can do it for $75 easy . . . Or drive to Longview for something to do, get some chocolate and stuff at WinCo.
Let's do one of them . . . Let it be a surprise.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
We're stressed out, fatigue and amotivational. The weight is creeping up -- to the extent that I don't want to put a number on it.
But a review of exercise regimen here suggests that I get 3 days a week, or more. Days off rarely extend beyond two, or three.
I need to persevere, maybe re-group, re-assess, re-estimate. I don't need to train for the Tour de France in order to maintain fitness gains.
(Talking to myself here helps. I just wish I were a better listener.)
But a review of exercise regimen here suggests that I get 3 days a week, or more. Days off rarely extend beyond two, or three.
I need to persevere, maybe re-group, re-assess, re-estimate. I don't need to train for the Tour de France in order to maintain fitness gains.
(Talking to myself here helps. I just wish I were a better listener.)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Exploration!
6.8 miles, walking. 686' ascent. 2 hr. 11 min. 3.1 mph avg. pace --
Walked to the end of Peter Johnson Rd. Then east though across the grass path, up the draw along the creek drainage to the end of the "trail" such as it is. Then follow the bottom drainage and move forward (east) and I could see clearing ahead, maybe 1/4 mile.
The woods break into Gustafson Bros. clearcut and up the ridge to Rd. 490 -- the access along "Lone Ridge" . . . Gravel logging road down to Youngs River Falls 3.74 miles, then Youngs River Rd. return home, at about 10 PM.
Sore feet from walking on the asphalt roadway (Youngs River Rd.), but otherwise we feel fine. I'm wanting to get the MTB up into these roads, explore more of this area.
A -- start of the grass path at Peter Johnson Rd. end.
RD End -- end of grassy path.
B -- end of any path whatever, creek drainage.
Peter J -- previous extent of walking into woods.
CR -- Creek drainage (trickle ditch, step across)
Bound -- Boundary of clearcut.
RD -- Start of logging road to 490.
Walked to the end of Peter Johnson Rd. Then east though across the grass path, up the draw along the creek drainage to the end of the "trail" such as it is. Then follow the bottom drainage and move forward (east) and I could see clearing ahead, maybe 1/4 mile.
The woods break into Gustafson Bros. clearcut and up the ridge to Rd. 490 -- the access along "Lone Ridge" . . . Gravel logging road down to Youngs River Falls 3.74 miles, then Youngs River Rd. return home, at about 10 PM.
Sore feet from walking on the asphalt roadway (Youngs River Rd.), but otherwise we feel fine. I'm wanting to get the MTB up into these roads, explore more of this area.
A -- start of the grass path at Peter Johnson Rd. end.
RD End -- end of grassy path.
B -- end of any path whatever, creek drainage.
Peter J -- previous extent of walking into woods.
CR -- Creek drainage (trickle ditch, step across)
Bound -- Boundary of clearcut.
RD -- Start of logging road to 490.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
MTB -- Recovery Ride
Probably an hour, on the road. MTB (Trek 3700), easy pace, smooth at about 60%. Tucker Creek Rd, Ft. Clatsop, Old 101, Youngs River Road. Gaining better momentum and steering control riding up the driveway!
Re: Group
Wednesday, 22 June, 2011
We've been "tired" of late. Rain, weather has been marginal. Motivation has been abysmal. I wonder about riding and intensity/duration/recovery. I wonder about getting back into a moderate walking routine.
I like the riding, but it seems to burn me out for the most part.
We've been "tired" of late. Rain, weather has been marginal. Motivation has been abysmal. I wonder about riding and intensity/duration/recovery. I wonder about getting back into a moderate walking routine.
I like the riding, but it seems to burn me out for the most part.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Walk --
2.38 miles, 3.1 mph avg. To the end of Peter Johnson Rd. and up the draw, past the "pond" -- looking for the connection to "Rd. 490" and up that hill. Old logging roads in the area are "on the map" but over-grown and abandoned.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Crown Camp Rd. Jct.
This is a new set of routes -- Extension from Youngs River Falls and the river/creek bed, and then a connection out to Crown Camp Road Junction, the intersection with the Gearhart water resevoir, just below the summit on Lewis & Clark Rd.
We're checking distances. It's about 4.33 from the junction out to the "loop" and what's marked here as "Road 9." Then that loop gets some distance in it, and some climbing.
We're exploring at this point . . .
We're checking distances. It's about 4.33 from the junction out to the "loop" and what's marked here as "Road 9." Then that loop gets some distance in it, and some climbing.
We're exploring at this point . . .
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Road 490 -- Lotsa Walkin'
We decided to drive to Youngs River Falls and then navigate the loop on Road 490 up to the crest of the ridge and return on the lower access road. Driving cuts 8 miles of riding on the highway out of the equation.
Trail starts at "001" which is the parking lot at Youngs River Falls -- actually the quarry. Then up to "R490" which is the junction between the "upper" route and the lower route. Ride sequence runs "Road 7" to "Road 1" in descending order. I first navigated on the Google Earth map, and out on the trail from "Road 1" to "Road 7" to figure out the route -- and got lost about "Road 3" where I turned right and descended down to Youngs River instead of taking a left and ascending to the ridge.
Entering at Youngs River Falls ("001"), the route is a long uphill. Between the loose gravel and the incline, it's more pragmatic to walk than ride. The lowest gears on the bike don't provide enough forward speed to balance on the loose gravel. The bike bounces and lurches on the gravel, gets off the line, takes a lot of energy to steer.
Road 411 is a climb up to Road 490 -- Then 490 becomes a long steep climb, very long, very steep. Walking and pushing the bike is a significant workout.
(We opted for budget, "Hi Tech" trail shoes. These are ankle height, with a bit of a "lug" sole. They seem perfect for riding and walking on these roads. More comfortable and secure than the Avocet shoes, which are intended mostly for road touring.)
Navigation entailed a lot of GPS checking. I had intersections marked w/ numbered flagged waypoints, and was able to confirm location, find the route to the next flag/junction.
There are a LOT of side roads which don't appear on the maps. (This is the character of logging areas.)
Coming down the back side of the ridge I was getting entirely disoriented as to direction and where I might be headed. I checked waypoints/flags and kept anticipating which way to turn at the next two junctions. This worked for me.
Finally, coming down the slope, I recognized the road I was on the other day -- when I got "lost" . . .
And we got a clearer view where the roads lead, what the intersections look like. There are plenty of options for getting lost!
8.41 miles, lots of walking. The elevation gain says 1256 ft. 1 hr. 20 min.
Lots of varied pace, intervals in essence. Walking and riding.
We're getting less anxious about "washing out" the front wheel on turns in gravel.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday --
2.24 miles, down the road from home, across the dike at Tucker Creek. 45 min. more or less. I'm bored. 215 lbs these days, more or less. More or less . . . more or less.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Mt. Bike -- Rd. 490
16.6 miles, about two hours on the MTB. We intended to enter on Logan Rd. and ride to Rd. 490 on Gustafson Bros. logging area. We managed, despite having the GPS and having looked at the route, managed to get lost.
Ended up at the Big River Quarry at Youngs River Falls -- coming in from the ridge and Rd. 490 somewhere down to Youngs River. There's old pavement on the road that follows the river. But we somehow missed getting up along the ridge, ended up on the east side rather than the intended west side. Lots of new roads in the area, active logging and routes not on the GPS.
But then rode up 411 and back to Logan Rd. Gravel surface road presents some challenges: traction when climbing, being able to follow a line on gravel. And then loose gravel and stability/safety when riding at moderate speed or descending.
We just take our time, get plenty of varied aerobic work.
Damned Garmin seems not to want to open base camp without the unit being connected online. That's horse-poop! What if we're out somewhere w/ the laptop and GPS and want to look at a 15" screen?
The display on the GPS is more and more obviously inadequate for navigation. Can't see details, and easy to lose current location when searching for a route out of an area. $500 unit and it seems like Garmin would have this figured out. I don't need Hunt/Fish applications and really don't care about moon phases.
We'll check Google Earth tomorrow and figure out where we actually rode. At least we're piecing together the terrain, and it's interesting riding.
I was 215.4 lbs this morning. Floating between 23% and 27%, depending on hydration.
Ended up at the Big River Quarry at Youngs River Falls -- coming in from the ridge and Rd. 490 somewhere down to Youngs River. There's old pavement on the road that follows the river. But we somehow missed getting up along the ridge, ended up on the east side rather than the intended west side. Lots of new roads in the area, active logging and routes not on the GPS.
But then rode up 411 and back to Logan Rd. Gravel surface road presents some challenges: traction when climbing, being able to follow a line on gravel. And then loose gravel and stability/safety when riding at moderate speed or descending.
We just take our time, get plenty of varied aerobic work.
Damned Garmin seems not to want to open base camp without the unit being connected online. That's horse-poop! What if we're out somewhere w/ the laptop and GPS and want to look at a 15" screen?
The display on the GPS is more and more obviously inadequate for navigation. Can't see details, and easy to lose current location when searching for a route out of an area. $500 unit and it seems like Garmin would have this figured out. I don't need Hunt/Fish applications and really don't care about moon phases.
We'll check Google Earth tomorrow and figure out where we actually rode. At least we're piecing together the terrain, and it's interesting riding.
I was 215.4 lbs this morning. Floating between 23% and 27%, depending on hydration.
ICK! And It's JUNE.
Marginal weather, threatening to rain, overcast, but not too cool. It's been running just about borderline on the edge of 60F day in, day out.
Can it possibly be that I'm over-booked on options? A couple road bikes, and MTB, hiking, walking options. I haven't used the Nordic poles or walked from 3 Cups Coffee House in a long time. I need to get back into a routine, something regular, although the variation helps with the boredom.
The Wednesday AM appointments in PDX tossed me off my routine. I'm counting the stair work and jog on the Sky Bridge as a workout -- because it is.
Let's plan tomorrow to explore Road 490 and the ridge. Pack a lunch, plan to be out most of the day. Hell! I could dress for rain.
http://www.brevins.com/webcam/
910 AM PDT SAT JUN 11
TODAY
today mostly cloudy. highs 55 to 60. northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
TONIGHT
tonight mostly cloudy. lows around 50. northwest wind 10 to 15 mph...becoming light wind after midnight.
SUNDAY
sunday mostly cloudy. highs 60 to 65. northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
SUNDAY NIGHT
sunday night mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. lows around 50. west wind 10 mph...becoming light wind after midnight.
The weather page came up with a new description -- "Patchy drizzle"
ICK!
Ohhh yeah, I was 215.4 and 27% this AM.
Can it possibly be that I'm over-booked on options? A couple road bikes, and MTB, hiking, walking options. I haven't used the Nordic poles or walked from 3 Cups Coffee House in a long time. I need to get back into a routine, something regular, although the variation helps with the boredom.
The Wednesday AM appointments in PDX tossed me off my routine. I'm counting the stair work and jog on the Sky Bridge as a workout -- because it is.
Let's plan tomorrow to explore Road 490 and the ridge. Pack a lunch, plan to be out most of the day. Hell! I could dress for rain.
http://www.brevins.com/webcam/
910 AM PDT SAT JUN 11
TODAY
today mostly cloudy. highs 55 to 60. northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
TONIGHT
tonight mostly cloudy. lows around 50. northwest wind 10 to 15 mph...becoming light wind after midnight.
SUNDAY
sunday mostly cloudy. highs 60 to 65. northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
SUNDAY NIGHT
sunday night mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. lows around 50. west wind 10 mph...becoming light wind after midnight.
The weather page came up with a new description -- "Patchy drizzle"
ICK!
Ohhh yeah, I was 215.4 and 27% this AM.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Practical Application -- Fitness Gains
We had appts. at the VAMC, PDX all day -- more or less. First appt. was 8 AM, which means getting on the road at 5 AM, getting up at 4:30 AM.
First objective was to get the CPAP into the respiratory clinic for a reading and new mask. (Continuous Positive Air Pressure -- CPAP, it's a machine that keeps the airway open in people w/ sleep apnea.) Appt. for that was 12:45. but it's a "drop off" and we did the drop first thing. Six floor, we took the stairs from "Parking 2" -- 8 flights.
Then 4 flights down the stairs and across the Sky Bridge to the OHSU cafeteria for breakfast -- and yesterday's entry on this blog from the iPod 4. Once at OHSU, it's 6 flights of stairs down to the cafeteria.
40 minutes to eat and blog . . . and get back to VAMC for my 8 AM.
Running late and the elevators take forever at OHSU, I ran the stairs -- 6 flights up and then jogged across the Sky Bridge. I'm thinking the bridge might be a half mile.
4 flights down to my appt at VAMC -- the whole point here is that I'm now able to take the stairs and jog the Sky Bridge. That takes some fitness gains.
Some up and down the stairs between Travel Pay, and Dental. My dental appt. was 10:30. I had 90 min. after my 8 AM and so travel pay, pick up the CPAP, run out to the truck, stow the CPAP, grab the dental stuff and back up to the second floor.
No elevators. And I'm able to jog the Sky Bridge!
We found a handlebar bag for the new MTB. Took the day off today to sort of catch up on the sleep cycle.
Phase II . . .
We want to work on some weight training, longer rides, road and MTB, get some hiking, and work on flex/stretching. We're running 218 lbs, and 23% to 26%, depending on hydration. I should be able to get 199 lbs and 19% with some focus (and better weather!)
First objective was to get the CPAP into the respiratory clinic for a reading and new mask. (Continuous Positive Air Pressure -- CPAP, it's a machine that keeps the airway open in people w/ sleep apnea.) Appt. for that was 12:45. but it's a "drop off" and we did the drop first thing. Six floor, we took the stairs from "Parking 2" -- 8 flights.
Then 4 flights down the stairs and across the Sky Bridge to the OHSU cafeteria for breakfast -- and yesterday's entry on this blog from the iPod 4. Once at OHSU, it's 6 flights of stairs down to the cafeteria.
40 minutes to eat and blog . . . and get back to VAMC for my 8 AM.
Running late and the elevators take forever at OHSU, I ran the stairs -- 6 flights up and then jogged across the Sky Bridge. I'm thinking the bridge might be a half mile.
4 flights down to my appt at VAMC -- the whole point here is that I'm now able to take the stairs and jog the Sky Bridge. That takes some fitness gains.
Some up and down the stairs between Travel Pay, and Dental. My dental appt. was 10:30. I had 90 min. after my 8 AM and so travel pay, pick up the CPAP, run out to the truck, stow the CPAP, grab the dental stuff and back up to the second floor.
No elevators. And I'm able to jog the Sky Bridge!
We found a handlebar bag for the new MTB. Took the day off today to sort of catch up on the sleep cycle.
Phase II . . .
We want to work on some weight training, longer rides, road and MTB, get some hiking, and work on flex/stretching. We're running 218 lbs, and 23% to 26%, depending on hydration. I should be able to get 199 lbs and 19% with some focus (and better weather!)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
PHASE II
PHASE II -- Fitness base established, an now we focus on a fine-tuning program for strength, flexibility, and endurance. We should endeavor to shed another 15 or 20 lbs.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
New Bike! First Ride!
See below . . . Trek 3700 Disc Brake, SR SunTour XCT V3 suspension fork (SF11-XCT-V3-DS-26-80).
We headed out on the same route as yesterday. Today we started the GPS at the house and checked waypoints. (Also figured out that there is a "notes/comments" feature in the waypoints, and this for logging interim mileage, elevation, etc.)
We'll check elevation as we attack that learning curve. Sometimes I get the data, sometimes not. Today it said 885 feet -- which I presume is total ascent.
Miles:
House to Logan Road entry: 3.76 miles
Logan Road gate to Youngs River Falls gate: 4.62 miles.
Youngs River Falls to home: 4.04 miles.
Total distance: 12.42 miles. 90 minutes, 8 mph pace, faster on road, slower on unpaved.
Some of the typical fine tune stuff --
Rear brake squeaks when released. We'll cleaned it; squeak stopped. Brakes are nice! Two finger grip, sensitive, smooth, lots of control.
Seat post release was set pretty loose. I adjusted seat height several times. I wonder if I just wasn't getting the saddle tall enough in the first place. I don't think it was slipping, no lateral movement, but who knows?
Gear indexes seemed to skip a bit. I think this is break-in stuff for the cogs, chain. They seemed to settle down after a while. Might be my shifting?
Shop filled the tires to 30 lb. We rode that, but I jacked them to 45 lb. This seems about right on roadway. 30 lb. for trails, dirt, soft surface.
Wonderful ride! The fork suspension keeps me from being beat to death on the road. I realize now that with the mt. bike rides the following stiffness is due to being jostled on the road, vibration. The suspension on this bike seems to alleviate a lot of jostle. What is hard to get used to is getting on the bike, getting underway and having the front end compress. Takes some getting used to. (I need to read up on the front fork use/adjust.)
High end gear is about the same as the Nishiki. Low end gears are much lower. Seems to be less prone to lifting the front wheel when climbing steep in lowest gears. (That's frame geometry.) But also, on the driveway here we found that the ultra-low gear doesn't generate enough forward speed to keep the bike on track. It's a balance game.
About 1 1/2 hr moving. The trip data says 26 mph max -- down Tucker Creek Lane or Peter Johnson. I won't go fast down the gravel log roads. Too much chance of sliding and spilling.
Using a lot of low gears, lots of shifting for terrain. More focused on effort than speed. The speed gets down to walking pace on some stretches -- slight inclines w/ gravel surface. This is a mt. bike! It's not a racing bike.
Equipment -- The Zefal Mt. Pump won't fit the frame, and so I taped it compressed short and stow it in the CamelBack M.U.L.E. -- along w/ a tube, hex key tool, tire patch kit. I wonder if I should pack the chain tool?
Pearl Izumi shorts (not the bibs), perfect for riding. Cotton T-shirt -- no need for the jersey pockets, the CamelBak stows the gear.
Water, couple bananas . . .
GPS, cell phone, I should take the compact binoculars.
Ohhhhhhhh yeah, and this the reason for riding in the woods -- Yesterday it was a Red Tail Hawk. Today it was five Roosevelt Elk, standing in the road, grazing. I got probably within 25 yds.
NICE RIDE!
Road 490 looks interesting. I think this is the climb up along the ridge. Some elevation gain. I'm looking to ride it, but need to prepare, pack a lunch and take the day for it. The climb up from Youngs River Falls gate is long, steep, unrelenting. Then 490 would be more climbing.
We headed out on the same route as yesterday. Today we started the GPS at the house and checked waypoints. (Also figured out that there is a "notes/comments" feature in the waypoints, and this for logging interim mileage, elevation, etc.)
We'll check elevation as we attack that learning curve. Sometimes I get the data, sometimes not. Today it said 885 feet -- which I presume is total ascent.
Miles:
House to Logan Road entry: 3.76 miles
Logan Road gate to Youngs River Falls gate: 4.62 miles.
Youngs River Falls to home: 4.04 miles.
Total distance: 12.42 miles. 90 minutes, 8 mph pace, faster on road, slower on unpaved.
Some of the typical fine tune stuff --
Rear brake squeaks when released. We'll cleaned it; squeak stopped. Brakes are nice! Two finger grip, sensitive, smooth, lots of control.
Seat post release was set pretty loose. I adjusted seat height several times. I wonder if I just wasn't getting the saddle tall enough in the first place. I don't think it was slipping, no lateral movement, but who knows?
Gear indexes seemed to skip a bit. I think this is break-in stuff for the cogs, chain. They seemed to settle down after a while. Might be my shifting?
Shop filled the tires to 30 lb. We rode that, but I jacked them to 45 lb. This seems about right on roadway. 30 lb. for trails, dirt, soft surface.
Wonderful ride! The fork suspension keeps me from being beat to death on the road. I realize now that with the mt. bike rides the following stiffness is due to being jostled on the road, vibration. The suspension on this bike seems to alleviate a lot of jostle. What is hard to get used to is getting on the bike, getting underway and having the front end compress. Takes some getting used to. (I need to read up on the front fork use/adjust.)
High end gear is about the same as the Nishiki. Low end gears are much lower. Seems to be less prone to lifting the front wheel when climbing steep in lowest gears. (That's frame geometry.) But also, on the driveway here we found that the ultra-low gear doesn't generate enough forward speed to keep the bike on track. It's a balance game.
About 1 1/2 hr moving. The trip data says 26 mph max -- down Tucker Creek Lane or Peter Johnson. I won't go fast down the gravel log roads. Too much chance of sliding and spilling.
Using a lot of low gears, lots of shifting for terrain. More focused on effort than speed. The speed gets down to walking pace on some stretches -- slight inclines w/ gravel surface. This is a mt. bike! It's not a racing bike.
Equipment -- The Zefal Mt. Pump won't fit the frame, and so I taped it compressed short and stow it in the CamelBack M.U.L.E. -- along w/ a tube, hex key tool, tire patch kit. I wonder if I should pack the chain tool?
Pearl Izumi shorts (not the bibs), perfect for riding. Cotton T-shirt -- no need for the jersey pockets, the CamelBak stows the gear.
Water, couple bananas . . .
GPS, cell phone, I should take the compact binoculars.
Ohhhhhhhh yeah, and this the reason for riding in the woods -- Yesterday it was a Red Tail Hawk. Today it was five Roosevelt Elk, standing in the road, grazing. I got probably within 25 yds.
NICE RIDE!
Road 490 looks interesting. I think this is the climb up along the ridge. Some elevation gain. I'm looking to ride it, but need to prepare, pack a lunch and take the day for it. The climb up from Youngs River Falls gate is long, steep, unrelenting. Then 490 would be more climbing.
More Excitement!
Bikes & Beyond had a six gear cassette for my Nishiki in stock, and new chain -- $30 w/ cassette installed.
And so I looked at mountain bikes. I like Trek (Lance Armstrong) . . . The shop had a 2010 Trek 3700 Disc Brake, SR SunTour XCT V3 suspension fork (SF11-XCT-V3-DS-26-80), 21 speed. Nice "tactical" looking dark green/black. $400, $9 for toe clips, installed.
(This is a stock, online product photo.)
I really should go out and ride it!
And so I looked at mountain bikes. I like Trek (Lance Armstrong) . . . The shop had a 2010 Trek 3700 Disc Brake, SR SunTour XCT V3 suspension fork (SF11-XCT-V3-DS-26-80), 21 speed. Nice "tactical" looking dark green/black. $400, $9 for toe clips, installed.
(This is a stock, online product photo.)
I really should go out and ride it!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Excitement! Excitement!
Mountain bike -- We've been looking at the logging roads from Logan Rd. (paved) to Youngs River Falls. (See entries below.) We've been speculating too that we would could park at one end and ride, return and drive back home.
Ahhhhhhhhh, but that mt. bike will run on the road just fine. And a both way ride on the logging road is about the same distance as riding out and back from home base.
Let's guesstimate that the ride to Logan Rd. is maybe 4 miles. I really wanted to chart GPS distance on the trail, not on the road. And so we waited until the trail gate to start up the GPS tracking function.
It's HOT today, maybe close to 80F, sunny. Couple horses on Logan Rd, headed to the trail just like me. The riders appreciated that I announced "bicycle" way back behind before passing, and then got on the other side of the road. Some horses are "bomb-proof" (Equestrian term) -- They're fine around cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors. But these same horses can't figure out bicycles, and they get skittish. The deer in my pastures do the same . . .
I was stopped to set up the GPS when these riders caught up to me. The horse, "Honey Lacey" couldn't figure me out. I removed my helmet, dark glasses, stepped away from the bicycle, and then she realized I was a person -- and came over to say hi.
Those roads in the woods don't look like anything on the map and Google Earth! The clear-cuts have grown over and greened. Logging area roads are constantly being added to, new branches.
I got off on the wrong road, had to check the GPS and reconnoiter.
Mt. bike on gravel, a whole new dimension in riding: Gravel on the road is just unstable and large enough that it's difficult to maintain a line at slow speeds or while climbing. Loose gravel is a spill hazard at speed -- accurate line selection is a must, and use of the rear break, with careful application of the front break.
GPS got me back on the correct route -- though it's not like what the map in the GPS shows. Lots of side branches.
Terrain was much flatter than expected. Altitude plotting shows about 997 feet elevation gain. That's total, up down, up down. No real climbing. Gradual grades.
We scared up a Red Tail Hawk -- at close range, sitting on a branch at the side of the road. Pretty spectacular.
This is a lot like riding a logging road in the Oregon Coast Range . . . But then it is a logging road in the Oregon Coast Range. It's not "deep woods" -- but it is the edge of Weyerhauser holdings, and woodlot forever, miles and miles into the Coast Range.
We came upon the waypoints from the previous walking last week ("Youngs River Falls Access," March 30, 2011) sooner than expected. The route is not quite 5 miles, even with the wrong turn.
Steep coming down the hill to Youngs River Falls, gravel road, and every chance to slide and spill. Mt. bike riding has its own set of challenges! Gears on this bike are low enough to get the front wheel off the ground on uphill grades. Uneven gravel roads push the wheels off their line.
There was a Big River employee just closing the gate on the Falls end -- I got to ask about traffic during the week. He says it's not bad if they're not logging the area. They're not actively logging this area right now.
Then, coming up a hill on Youngs River Road I broke my chain! Jeez!
Of course I have a chain tool . . . at home, not with me.
I walked a bit, coasted down the hills. Then realized I can lower my seat (quick adjust feature) to the point I can sit on the bike and stride like the old "walking horse" bicycles -- before chain drive.
Sheriff and a couple cars stopped to see if I was OK. I'm OK with walking this distance -- a testimony to the fitness gains. I had water, couple bananas, and the mt. bike shoes are designed for walking in. Striding the bike is pretty efficient.
Home again, cut through the neighbor's on Youngs River Road -- That cuts off maybe a mile. Chain repair, remove one broken link, and the chain is too short to reach the extreme end gears.
Also, the large sprocket on the cassette is missing a couple teeth. Bikes & Beyond says I can find a replacement cassette . . . and need a new chain. $50 more or less.
I can live with that.
Actually, we're thinking about a new mt. bike . . . "It's only $$$, and these days I seem to have plenty." Off road riding is fun, a good workout, and a nice change. I can't hardly imagine how much fun it might be without a mechanical breakdown.
Protein shake before/after . . . chicken tortilla enchiladas. We're stuck at 220/215. What's it going to take to move the weight down?
Everyone hits this plateau.
Route images when we get to the WiFi -- probably before getting the bike parts ordered. Bikes & Beyond -- 11 / 4 on Sun. Open 'til 6 PM weekdays and Sat.
Ohhhhhh yeah . . . 8.78 miles, trail and Youngs River Road. I figure the logging road is about 4 3/4 miles. Another 4 miles for Logan Road to the logging road.
12 miles, 13 miles -- we get credit in fitness regardless what we think the distance might be. Couple, three hours.
Here's the image. The route for this day is in White, from Logan Rd. to my house. Try to sort though all the other lines (yellow, purple, blue-grey). These other lines are navigation references for planning this ride.
Ahhhhhhhhh, but that mt. bike will run on the road just fine. And a both way ride on the logging road is about the same distance as riding out and back from home base.
Let's guesstimate that the ride to Logan Rd. is maybe 4 miles. I really wanted to chart GPS distance on the trail, not on the road. And so we waited until the trail gate to start up the GPS tracking function.
It's HOT today, maybe close to 80F, sunny. Couple horses on Logan Rd, headed to the trail just like me. The riders appreciated that I announced "bicycle" way back behind before passing, and then got on the other side of the road. Some horses are "bomb-proof" (Equestrian term) -- They're fine around cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors. But these same horses can't figure out bicycles, and they get skittish. The deer in my pastures do the same . . .
I was stopped to set up the GPS when these riders caught up to me. The horse, "Honey Lacey" couldn't figure me out. I removed my helmet, dark glasses, stepped away from the bicycle, and then she realized I was a person -- and came over to say hi.
Those roads in the woods don't look like anything on the map and Google Earth! The clear-cuts have grown over and greened. Logging area roads are constantly being added to, new branches.
I got off on the wrong road, had to check the GPS and reconnoiter.
Mt. bike on gravel, a whole new dimension in riding: Gravel on the road is just unstable and large enough that it's difficult to maintain a line at slow speeds or while climbing. Loose gravel is a spill hazard at speed -- accurate line selection is a must, and use of the rear break, with careful application of the front break.
GPS got me back on the correct route -- though it's not like what the map in the GPS shows. Lots of side branches.
Terrain was much flatter than expected. Altitude plotting shows about 997 feet elevation gain. That's total, up down, up down. No real climbing. Gradual grades.
We scared up a Red Tail Hawk -- at close range, sitting on a branch at the side of the road. Pretty spectacular.
This is a lot like riding a logging road in the Oregon Coast Range . . . But then it is a logging road in the Oregon Coast Range. It's not "deep woods" -- but it is the edge of Weyerhauser holdings, and woodlot forever, miles and miles into the Coast Range.
We came upon the waypoints from the previous walking last week ("Youngs River Falls Access," March 30, 2011) sooner than expected. The route is not quite 5 miles, even with the wrong turn.
Steep coming down the hill to Youngs River Falls, gravel road, and every chance to slide and spill. Mt. bike riding has its own set of challenges! Gears on this bike are low enough to get the front wheel off the ground on uphill grades. Uneven gravel roads push the wheels off their line.
There was a Big River employee just closing the gate on the Falls end -- I got to ask about traffic during the week. He says it's not bad if they're not logging the area. They're not actively logging this area right now.
Then, coming up a hill on Youngs River Road I broke my chain! Jeez!
Of course I have a chain tool . . . at home, not with me.
I walked a bit, coasted down the hills. Then realized I can lower my seat (quick adjust feature) to the point I can sit on the bike and stride like the old "walking horse" bicycles -- before chain drive.
Sheriff and a couple cars stopped to see if I was OK. I'm OK with walking this distance -- a testimony to the fitness gains. I had water, couple bananas, and the mt. bike shoes are designed for walking in. Striding the bike is pretty efficient.
Home again, cut through the neighbor's on Youngs River Road -- That cuts off maybe a mile. Chain repair, remove one broken link, and the chain is too short to reach the extreme end gears.
Also, the large sprocket on the cassette is missing a couple teeth. Bikes & Beyond says I can find a replacement cassette . . . and need a new chain. $50 more or less.
I can live with that.
Actually, we're thinking about a new mt. bike . . . "It's only $$$, and these days I seem to have plenty." Off road riding is fun, a good workout, and a nice change. I can't hardly imagine how much fun it might be without a mechanical breakdown.
Protein shake before/after . . . chicken tortilla enchiladas. We're stuck at 220/215. What's it going to take to move the weight down?
Everyone hits this plateau.
Route images when we get to the WiFi -- probably before getting the bike parts ordered. Bikes & Beyond -- 11 / 4 on Sun. Open 'til 6 PM weekdays and Sat.
Ohhhhhh yeah . . . 8.78 miles, trail and Youngs River Road. I figure the logging road is about 4 3/4 miles. Another 4 miles for Logan Road to the logging road.
12 miles, 13 miles -- we get credit in fitness regardless what we think the distance might be. Couple, three hours.
Here's the image. The route for this day is in White, from Logan Rd. to my house. Try to sort though all the other lines (yellow, purple, blue-grey). These other lines are navigation references for planning this ride.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Waterfront Walk
From 3 Cups to Maritime Museum along waterfront, back to 10 Ave and Commercial, Am. Legion (got my key card), City Planning (complaint form), back along Marine, Burger King for a Whopper (no cheese, no mayo, no fries, free 20 oz diet Coke), back to 3 Cups.
3.25 miles. No walking poles, no keeping time. Just a practical outing on a sunny day. Helped w/ the stiffness and elevated the mood.
3.25 miles. No walking poles, no keeping time. Just a practical outing on a sunny day. Helped w/ the stiffness and elevated the mood.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike -- It's a Nishiki from about 1988, same era as the Schwinn 564. Rigid frame, straight front fork, 18 speed.
Anyways . . . tuned up the front wheel. It had a wow in the rim. Checked it over and rode it to Lewis & Clark Water Dept. to drop the bill in their mailbox. Reflective vest, Cat Eye halogen light, reflective pant leg straps, reflectors. I was set up to ride in the dark.
Started about 8 PM and got home about 9:15. Probably an hour. The "mountain gears" are low enough to ride up the drive. I remember now that they're low enough to move the front wheel off the pavement on a steep hill.
The gears are set up for riding on "single track" dirt trails and gravel roads -- altogether lower than a road bike. Top end gear is I'm guessing 85 inches. I have no idea about the low end, I'd guess 30 inches.
Shake-down ride before getting out on the Weyerhauser logging roads. We're thinking we should start/park on the Logan Road end of the access (west side). That side looks less active. (But it could be Big River quarry that makes the Youngs River Falls entry look busy.)
This is a nice bike for medium riding speeds, relaxed pace, long/slow and varied terrain/road surface. Fun to ride, and not in any hurry. Heart rate monitor, cycle computer seems entirely beside the point on this bike. Ride at a pace dictated by what you feel your body doing, not numbers.
I'm stuck at 220 lbs.
We're thinking about heavy bag work, and some weight training -- since the weather won't cooperate w/ riding.
Anyways . . . tuned up the front wheel. It had a wow in the rim. Checked it over and rode it to Lewis & Clark Water Dept. to drop the bill in their mailbox. Reflective vest, Cat Eye halogen light, reflective pant leg straps, reflectors. I was set up to ride in the dark.
Started about 8 PM and got home about 9:15. Probably an hour. The "mountain gears" are low enough to ride up the drive. I remember now that they're low enough to move the front wheel off the pavement on a steep hill.
The gears are set up for riding on "single track" dirt trails and gravel roads -- altogether lower than a road bike. Top end gear is I'm guessing 85 inches. I have no idea about the low end, I'd guess 30 inches.
Shake-down ride before getting out on the Weyerhauser logging roads. We're thinking we should start/park on the Logan Road end of the access (west side). That side looks less active. (But it could be Big River quarry that makes the Youngs River Falls entry look busy.)
This is a nice bike for medium riding speeds, relaxed pace, long/slow and varied terrain/road surface. Fun to ride, and not in any hurry. Heart rate monitor, cycle computer seems entirely beside the point on this bike. Ride at a pace dictated by what you feel your body doing, not numbers.
I'm stuck at 220 lbs.
We're thinking about heavy bag work, and some weight training -- since the weather won't cooperate w/ riding.
Irony
Walk from 3 Cups to the Post Office & return. 1.5 miles round trip. Irony is that this used to be the extent I could walk w/o getting stiff and uncomfortable. Now it's just expedient to walk as a means to get where I'm going.
Weight loss is dead in the water at about 220.
Weight loss is dead in the water at about 220.
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