Let's see...yesterday...oh, yes. Produce run for Community Meals, grocery shopping, home, eat, gear up and head out. Rain was in the forecast but only a slight chance and not until later in the afternoon. Still, I made sure to take the rain cover for my small rear pack in case I had to stow the electronics, which there are three of at the moment: phone, camera and digital recorder.
I parked down on Habberton and Hwy 45 but I still wasn't quite sure which way I was headed even once I was on the bike. Toward the trail or more rural and up and over Round Mt? Round Mt it was. I thought of heading out Hwy 45 all the way to Hwy 412 but I wasn't in the mood to deal with cars zipping by. The route up Round Mt. is a climb but it's peaceful and quiet and then I could work my way back down to Wyman Valley, or Shangra La as I like to call it.
Round Mt. is one of the highest points of elevation in the area. I try to imagine moving up here in 1884 (or before as the settlement had to be lived in before people could die to create a cemetery) and settling where water doesn't easily flow and miles from the closest small town. Even now, it still feels very remote.
Less than an hour into the ride, a few sprinkles began to fall. They were consistent enough that I thought it prudent to pack the camera away. Every time I thought of pulling it out, there would be more sprinkles. By 3:00, the rain had become more steady. Oddly, or perhaps not, that is when my energy perked up as well. I really do seem to enjoy riding in the rain and get invigorated by it. Though, it was a good thing it wasn't too heavy as I did not bring clothing to counter a stronger falling.
After Wyman Valley, I worked my way over to the Stonebridge area, Black Oak Rd, 15th St to the southern end of the trail where I then made my way back to Habberton Rd.
I had set my eyes on 50 miles, but as the end was approaching a few more miles seemed to be in order. With it being cloud and rainy, darkness was quickly descending; still not quite used to it getting dark by 5:00. But the last few miles came easily and quickly and a double-nickle it was. And, once I was off the bike and saw that I was only 2 minutes away from a full 5 hours of ride time on the bike...well, I just had to hop back on for a couple of more minutes.
Oh, yes...Valentine's Day. I'm not sure why the 14th of November should feel like it should be Valentine's Day. Perhaps it's because of the V in November which resembles or reminds me of a heart. Obviously, I have ridden too many miles.
14 November Ride: 5hrs 1min. 55.51 miles. 72°-59° 15-20mph Miles YTD: 8.904.44 (Good thing I rode those extra 5 miles)
Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 23.31
Donations for Biking for Food, which support the Community Meals at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, AR, can be sent to: Biking for Food, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Or, make a pledge per bike miles ridden at www.stpaulsfay.org/bikingforfood.html.
To see older postings, search the Archives listed on the right had panel.
To see postings before 15 August 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike2.blogspot.com
To see postings before 11 June 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike.blogspot.com
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