mileage blog

total miles

7643

 

 

training for the Cape Cod Getaway begins 4-1-2010

training miles 2010: 856

goal: 1200

Miles since last tune-up:

2629 (new bike)

training miles 2009: 699

9-3-2010
Felt especially good today. Took the flat way in and the long way home.

37
8-31-2010
Another cool morning and very hot evening. That first stretch of road from work to the train station felt like an oven. Took it easy, the flat way in, the hillier way home.		 28
8-30-2010
Forgot to retrieve my train pass from my daughter now in college, so it's 2 straight days of biking after my vaca. I don't bike much on vacation because the family doesn't. Cool in the morning today, hot in the eve. 		30
8-20-2010
I didn't make the 19th so I did the long ride again. Felt better afterwards this time. In the evening 22 miles in 1 hr. and 24 minutes. Not bad! 		37
8-17-2010
Maybe I overdid it a little. It was 90 degrees out in the evening and maybe it would have been better to do the 15 miles than the 22. Nevertheless I did enjoy it. I paid the price the next day when the arthritis in my neck flared up. Oh well. I'll be back on the bike on the 19th! 		37
8-13-2010
Fifteen miles in, thirteen miles back. Made good time, felt tired, but good. That newly paved University Avenue is really, really nice. 		28
8-11-2010
Still very humid this morning, maybe 75 degrees. 15 miles in 57 minutes in the morning, 22 miles in 94 minutes at around 7 o'clock. It was really beautiful after work, around 75 degrees and not very humid at all. Nice		 37
8-10-2010
Tuesday was a lovely morning but so humid! It was almost clammy, like riding inside a cool sauna or a cloud. Made good time, arrived at work really, really sweaty. Made great time home, too, 13 miles in 54 minutes over Bellevue Hill. 		28
8-6-2010
It was the hillier, shorter way both ways today. I was strong and fast. My knee pain is completely gone now. I am expending less effort to go faster, using a faster pace in a lower gear. I am having fun.		 26
8-3-2010
Beautiful morning in the upper 60's, humid afternoon in the upper 80's. I had good rides both ways and made good time. Took the long way home through Westwood, Dedham, Needham and Newton. They are done paving University Ave.! It's so nice and smooth now. 		37
7-28-2010
Another gorgeous morning of about 70 degrees, a little on the humid side. I left late so there was a bit more traffic to contend with. Checked out the progress on repaving University Ave and found no progress, so there you go. Grooved pavement is no fun. :( Nevertheless I made good time both ways. Too bad it is so difficult to vary my route now. 		28
7-26-2010
It was a gorgeous morning and I felt great. At around seven when I left my home it was only around 70 degrees or so. Perfect, really. I made good time going in. By five-thirty when I left work the wind had picked up a little, so I biked into a 21mph head wind all the way home. Good workout! 		28
7-22-2010
Nice ride today, fifteen miles in, thirteen miles back. Made good time. 		28
7-20-2010
I felt fast today. Nice rides to work and back. I felt strong on the hills and fast on the flats, and spared no speed since I knew I would not be riding the next day. I still like to avoid rain to avoid the clean-up job on the bike afterwords. 		28
7-16-2010
Took the shorter, more hilly way both ways. In the morning it was a nice temperature, around 75, but really, really humid. At night it was 85 and really, really humid. Got leg cramps at night, but, you know, there are worse things. 		26
7-15-2010
Took the flatter way both ways today. I did enjoy myself. I made good time, too. 		30
7-13-2010
Took the hillier, faster way in and the longer, flatter way back. I made a bet with the oncoming thunderstorms and made it home dry except for my own sweat. 		28
7-6-2010
Warmest morning yet at 80 degrees, probably 85 degrees when I got to Westwood. Not calculating speed today! After work it was 97 degrees! I biked to the train - the heat was like I was in front of an open oven door, hot air on my eyes. Whew! I think I weigh about 4 lbs. now. 		18
7-4-2010
Leisurely ride with the family on the Minuteman Bike Trail from Bedford to ice cream at the Candy Castle in Lexington and back again. :) 		8
7-2-2010
Another gorgeous day! I rode the hillier, shorter way in, averaging 14.7 mph, and the longer, flatter way home. 		28
6-30-2010
Got a ride part way this morning. Beautiful day, not too hot. Nice day for a recovery ride. 		23
6-29-2010
Took the Subaru in for service in Natick. Natick to work and back, 17 miles each way. 		34
6-26 and 6-27-2010
CAPE COD GETAWAY. 14.7 miles per hour. 		150
6-25-2010
Easy day to loosen up. 15 miles each way. 		30
6-22-2010
I was very fast (for me) this morning. 13 miles each way. 		26
6-21-2010
Took the flat way in and the long way home. Felt good, strong. 		39
6-18-2010
13 miles each way today, taking the shorter, hillier way. 87 degrees and wicked humid on the way home. Musta lost five pounds. 		26
6-17-2010
I had a good ride in the morning but chose to eschew the rain on the way home and chose to take the train. 		18
6-15-2010
I wanted more miles and got them. Biked to work by way of Newton, Needham and Dedham. Biked home by way of Canton, Norwood, Dedham, Needham and Newton. Good rides, good pace, good times. 		46
6-14-2010
Training loop through Newton and Needham. Cloudy and mid-60's. Nice. 		17

6-11-2010
Better day. Decent ride into work, 15 miles in about an hour, excellent ride home, 15 miles in 58 minutes. Chilly in the upper 50's in the morning, nice in the upper 60's after work.

The other day I had the strangest head wind. It was in y face when I was going west, and still in my face when going northeast. Bizarre.

30
6-9-2010
After a miserable morning of arthritis and ibuprofen I rolled into work. I felt better, but rain cut short my plans for a better ride home. 		18
6-8-2010
After running a 5K with Donna to benefit the AIDS Action Committee, I rested yesterday and got back on the bike today. I still felt tight from the run, so I took the flatter way both ways. On the way home, 15 miles in 64 minutes. 		30
6-3-2010
Took the hillier, shorter way in and the flatter way home. 13 miles in 54 minutes on a foggy and pleasant morning. Good for the skin. On the way home I felt good. I was caught in a thunder shower about three miles from home. Refreshing. 		28
6-2-2010
21 miles in, 21 miles back through Westwood, Dedham, Needham, Newton and Brookline. Nice hot day. 		42
5-31-2010
Little ride with my daughters to loosen up after yesterday's big ride. Nice day. 		8
5-30-2010
Rode with Cheryl from Andover to Crane's Beach and back, about 57 miles. It was a beautiful day and we had a great ride. 		57
5-27-2010
My well laid plans for at least 28 miles today lie in shambles on the pavement. In the morning I could see it was really going to rain hard on me and my unprotected backpack so I took the train. Then I was all psyched up to kick ass all the way home the hillier, shorter way, but I got a flat tire a mile in and my pump broke with the thing half inflated. So I limped back to the train station. Ah well.		 6
5-24-2010
Warm in the morning, hot after work. 15 miles each way. In the morning I made most of the lights. 57 minutes. 		30
5-22-2010
17-mile training loop, untimed, some good hills. My knee hurt for about three quarters of the distance, off and on. I'm hoping it's only because it's my third day in a row of hard riding. 		17
5-21-2010
Took the shorter, hillier way both ways today. It was in the upper 60's/lower 70's - perfect weather. I felt good. 		26
5-20-2010
Through Newton Center this morning, comfortable at 60 degrees. Back through Needham and Newton after work. Beautiful day, wonderful ride. 		39
5-18-2010
13 miles the morning after 15 miles felt tired but good. It was a little chilly at 53 degrees but not bad. I arrived completely drenched in sweat. Mission accomplished. Disappointed by cold rain I took the train, making it a short day. I arrived completely drenched in rain.		 16
5-17-2010
I was reminded today of how much more pleasant it is to bike all the way to work and all the way back. Also I need it. Tomorrow I will try. Biked to the train in the morning, beautiful morning, a little chilly. Perfect weather after work. 15 miles in one hour. 		18
5-13-2010
Deceptive weather today - chilly in the morning, air heavy with rain, then hot and muggy in the afternoon. Biked to the train in the morning and all the way home after work. 		18
5-11-2010
Cold this morning a 37 degrees, I biked to the train. I passed some young whippersnapper just to prove I could, but my knee don't like the cold, so eventually I had to let him go. After work it was very pleasant, cloudy, upper 60's. I hooked up with a youngsta on a single speed. He works down the road and he usually kicks my ass, but I kept up with him okay tonight. 15 miles in 66 minutes. I got a ways to go. 		18
5-7-2010
Biked both ways the hillier, shorter way. In the morning it was in the low 50's - cool enough to make my knee ache - but I did okay. I have strategies. I timed the way home - 13 miles in 54 minutes. Not great, not bad! 		26
5-5-2010
A discombobulated morning caused me to bike to the train without my backpack and then back home to get it. Too late to take the train, I rode both ways today. Absolutely gorgeous day. Something was looking out for me today. 17 miles in the morning. 15 miles in 56 minutes after work. Nice. 		32
5-4-2010
Biked through Newton Center on the way to work. Thunderstorms caused me to take the train home. 		21
5-1-30
My 17-mile training loop, a couple of nice hills. 1 hr. and 5 minutes. Nice day, bit of a head wind here and there. 		17
4-30-2010
Biked to the train in the morning, home from the train at night. Pushed hard - broke a sweat both ways, but short miles. Nice day, though. 		6
4-23-2010
Rode to the train in the morning, home at night. There was a head wind that made it feel chilly at 60 or so degrees, but I made good time (for me). 13 miles in 53 minutes. 		16
4-21-2010
Biked to the train this morning. It was about 45 degrees, not too chilly, but chilly enough. Fell in behind a rider at Kemore Square, broke off at the Mass. Ave. underpass. After work it was in the mid-60's again, very nice. I had a good ride - 13 miles in about 50 minutes. 		16
4-20-2010
Biked to and from work today. In the morning it was uncomfortable at about 42 degrees, in the evening sublime at about 63 degrees. Went through the five roundabouts and over Bellevue Hill in the morning and home the flatter, longer way at night. Felt pretty good. 		28
4-15-2010
Despite good intentions I ended up biking to the train both ways today. Guess I'll hammer another day. 		6
4-7-2010
Tricky weather day today. Sunny and in the mid-40's this morning, Weather.com had promised 51 degrees and I found myself underdressed. Took the train. During the day the temperature rose almost 40 degrees. By the time I got back on the bike at about 5:30 it was in the 80's. I did not time myself but made a good showing, smoking some much younger guy on the flat. :) 		18
4-5-2010
Another beautiful day. I took the faster, hillier way both in to work and back. Around 45 degrees in the morning, about 65 degrees in the evening. In the morning, 13 miles in about an hour. In the evening, 13 miles in about 50 minutes. Ya, I kicked ass after work. 		26
4-3-2010
Training loop over three hills. Beautiful, sunny day. 17 miles in just under an hour. Later a liesurely ride with my daughter. 		23
4-1-2010
Lost track of my miles there for a while, but mainly I was at the gym. Biked to the train in the morning and home at night. 15 miles in 1 hr. 6 min. 		18
12-1-2009
Biked to the train. Biked from the train. 		5
11-25-2009
I think I missed entering a train trip or two, oh well. Biked to the train this morning. Some other cyclist pulled in ahead of me off of Park Drive and of course I just had to smoke him :) Biked home in the rain, 50 degrees, 15 miles.
18
11-12-2009
Biked to the train. Biked from the train. Ho hum. 		6
11-9-2009
Biked to the train. Biked from the train. 		6
11-8-2009
Biked a 17 mile loop. It was up near 70 degrees. Yes, yes, yes. I passed some guy going up a hill - I figured he would catch me, but no. 17 miles in 65 minutes. I am almost back. 		17
11-5-2009
Biked to and from the train. 		6
10-26-2009
Took advantage of the nice day, Orion and Cassaiopea shining brightly as I took my bike out this morn. 37 degress. Rode to the train in the morning and all the way home at night. Got a flat. Probably averaged 14 mph. 		18
10-25-2009
Ten mile ride to loosen up. I did not time myself. It was a wet road strewn with leaves. I took my time not wanting more road rash. 		10
10-22-2009
To the train and back again, again. 		6
10-14-2009
3 miles to the train, 3 miles back. 35 degrees in the morning, 51 degrees at night. Dark both ways. 		6
10-12-2009
3 miles to the train, 15 miles home. 41 degrees in the morning, getting chilly! 		18
10-8-2009
3 miles to the train , 3 miles home from the train. 		6
10-6-2009
Second ride since surgery. 3 miles to the train in the morning. 15 miles home at night. It hurt some. Avg. 15mph. On the summer bike again :)		 18
10-5-2009
First ride since my surgery. 3 miles to the train in the morning, 3 miles to the temple at night. No drivers tried to kill me. 		6
9-14-2009
Rode in and back the relatively flat way. Drivers were arrogant bordering on homocidal in the morn, simply arrogant in the eve. I averaged a little under 15mph. 		30
9-11-2009
Rode in the flat way, home mostly on the train. Drivers were middlin' arrogant. I averaged about 16mph. 		18
9-9-2009
To and from work, 15 miles each way. I averaged a little under 15mph. Drivers were polite. 		30
9-6-2009
Another little bike ride with my wife :) 		10
9-5-2009
Little bike ride with my wife. :) 		10
9-3-2009
The recreation trail, Stowe, VT., with the family. :) 		10
8-25-2009
First full ride with the beater bike. 15 miles in the morning in 1 hour, 22 miles in the eve averaging 15.7 mph. Very successful. The doctor said I could do anything I want, so I am. :) 		37
8-18-2009
Rode up Bellevue hill this morning, exploiting my positive attitude. Drivers were mildly aggressive. Halfway down Enneking Parkway I broke a spoke. Now I need a new back wheel and brake pads. Guess it will be the beater bike for a little while :) 13 miles - averaged around 14mph even with the broke spoke. 		13
8-16-2009
Did a 10-mile loop to stay loose. Felt good, but the hernia got a little irritated at about the 5-mile mark and I had to back off a little. 		10
8-13-2009
Taking it easy. Rode 13 miles in, 15 miles back. 		28
8-6-2009
My first day back on the bike since my hernia. Through Newton, 17 miles, home the flatter way 15 miles. 		32
8-2-2009
I didn't have much time for a workout, so I took a short 10-mile loop up Fisher Hill or so and came back with a hernia. 		10
7-28-2009
Feeling sore from my spill, took the short, hilly way in. Cars were mixed polite and homocidal. Went home the flatter way, cars were more polite. 		28
7-26-2009
Went a little too hard around a wet corner on my 17-mile loop, went down, slid 20 feet across the pavement. Got a good spot of road rash. Cars were sparse and sympathetic. Finished the ride. Did the calesthenics. 		17
7-23-2009
Took the hilly way both ways. 13 miles in 51 minutes each way. Road home into a headwind with rain and a deathwish. 15.3mph average. Cars were scared of me. 		26
7-22-2009
Climbed Bellevue Hill this morning, 13 miles in 51 minutes, average 15mph. It was misty. I got all full of road dirt. It was cool. Drivers were reasonably polite. Made good time home, 15 miles. 		28
7-20-2009
Rode the flat way in today at an easy pace. Drivers seemed mildly annoyed. 15 miles in 56 minutes. 15.5 mph average. Likewise home. 		30
7-19-2009
Moderately hilly loop going for consistant pace. Nice day, few cars. 17 miles in 65 minutes: 15.5 mph average. 		17
7-16-2009
Chose the flatter way today both ways. Each way about 15mph. Went to work a little late - lots of traffic. Drivers ranged from polite to annoyed.		 30

7-15-2009
Biked the shorter hillier way in and back. The bridge is open! Made good time. Drivers were polite.

26

7-14-2009
Biked the flat way in and the long way home. In gthe upper 50's in the morn and 70's in the afternoon. Averaged almost 17mph over 22 miles.

37
7-12-2009
Nice Sunday morning - about 70 degrees. Did a loop from Brookline to Needham and back through Newton. Looks like I averaged around 16mph!		 17
7-10-2009
Biked the short way in, long way home. Pushed hard, felt good. 		37
7-9-2009
Ridiculous July weather in the morning - iron gray sky and 58 degrees, kinda nasty. Nice going home, around 70 degrees and sunny. 13 miles each way, 55 minutes about, each way. 		26
7-8-2009
Rode in in the morning, 15 miles in 58 minutes. 55 degrees in the morning, 67 degrees at night, looked like rain, took the train. 		18
7-6-2009
13 miles in 53 minutes in the morn, 22 miles in 1 hr. 20 min. in the evening. 		35
6-30-2009
Biked to work and back, 15 miles in, 13 miles back. Rainy in the morning, nice at night. 		28
6-27 to 6-28-2009
Cape Cod Getaway fundraising bike ride, 150 miles.		 150
6-25-2009
Back on the bike after a week of rain. 15 miles in, 13 miles back. 		28
6-18-2009
Biked the long way in to work, 20 miles in about an hour and 20 minutes. This route features a hill that's about a mile long. Good workout. Still chilly in the mid-50s. Only one arrogant driver this morn. In evening it was raining and I took the train, rode the 3 miles back from Back Bay Station. 		23
6-16-2009
Hit it hard, 15 miles in 58 minutes in the morning, 20 miles in 66 minutes in the afternoon. Drivers were stupid to arrogant. Light rain in the morning, sun in the afternoon. 		35
6-13-2009
I really didn't need this cold that I've been fighting off for the past week. Today I biked a hill route that took me 17 miles through Brookline, Newton and West Roxbury and back, hitting Summit Ave for the final headwall. Took 66 minutes. 		17
6-10-2009
Rode easy in the morning, it was chilly, about 55 degrees, cars moderately aggressive, 15 miles in 58 minutes. Rode hard home, cars were polite, it was in the mid 60s, I thought I was kicking ass but it was 15 miles in 1hr. and 12 min. 		30
6-6-2009
Rode a 12 mile route over several local hills including the infamous Summit Ave. 		12
6-4-2009
Took the train in the morning, rode home at night.		 18
6-2-2009
Rode straight out Beacon and down into Newton Highlands today then on down to work, total 17 miles. Still chilly in the low 50's. Went home the hillier shorter way, 13 miles in about 55 minutes. Drivers were a bit more agressive today. 		30
6-1-2009
Felt good today. Passed the 500-mile mark in my training program. I am behind. Cold in the morning, 45 degrees and sunny. 15 miles in 59 minutes. Upper 60s felt like in the afternoon, 13 miles in about 50 minutes. I am a little faster today. Cars were polite to mildly aggressive. 		28
5-31-2009
10-mile loop today. 40 minutes. I felt like I kicked ass. Cars were polite. 		10
5-30-2009
20-mile loop from Brookline to Westwood and back. Took about an hour and twenty minutes on the new bike. I felt old and slow in the head wind. Some guy tried to kill me in the rotary but I was once again too fast for him - even in my old slowness. 		20
5-24-2009
Did my 10-mile stay loose ride. Had the old beater bike. Cars were reasonably polite. 		10
5-22-2009
Beautiful morning, about 60 degrees. I took the hillier, shorter way, 13 miles in just over 50 minutes. Things were looking up. In the eve I rode the flatter way home, still feeling stiff from my near death experience from the 20th. A spoke in my rear wheel broke. Bike shop tomorrow. 15 miles in an hour and a half on a broken wheel. Drivers ran in the polite to slightly annoyed range. 		28
5-20-2009
Left a little later than usual so there were more cars. Some guy in a silver Infinity coupe tried to kill me in the rotary. A lot of Massholes don't know what a 'Yield' sign is. It was about 55 degrees and temp increased about 10 degrees during the commute, so by the end I had to take off some clothes. Though tired I made reasonable time. 15 miles in around an hour and a few. After work I had a slow leak in my front tire so I was concentrating on avoiding road hazards. A lady in an oncoming car decided to try to make the left ahead of me and almost took me out. I had to take the bike down to avoid getting killed. She was nice, got out of the car to see if I was okay, not like the jerk this morning. Other than road rash I'm okay. Tomorrow I'm going to take the day off and take the train. Drivers today were stupid, arrogant, and homocidal.		 30
5-19-2009
They predicted 39 degrees this morning but luckily it was only as cold as 42. It was sunny with a nasty chilly little breeze. I thought I had a slow leak in my front tire but it seems I may have left the valve open. 15 miles in 1 hr. and 7 minutes. Home in the evening, upper sixties, slight headwind, felt great. 15 miles in 1 hr. 3 min. Drivers were polite again today. 		30
5-18-2009
Took the train to beat the rain this morning from Ruggles Station. Rode home at night, felt pretty chilly in the low 50's. Drivers were basically polite. I was carrying a heavy pack both ways. Made it home in the evening, 15 miles in 1hr. and 7 min. 		17
5-15-2009
Had an appointment this morning so rode in to work a little later. After my day off I thought I would do a recovery ride, but the stress of wanting to get to work kept my pace up a little higher than I would have otherwise. Upper 50s, sunny, 15 miles in 1 hr. and 5 min. about. After work I rode home the hillier shorter way and tried to push it fairly hard. It was humid and in the mid-70's. 13 miles in 55 minutes. Good workout. Drivers were mildly annoyed in the morning and more annoyed in the afternoon. 		28
5-13-2009
Rode in to work in the morning, 45 degrees, 15 miles in 1 hr. 4 min. Drivers were polite. Rode home the same way at night, 15 miles, 1 hr. 3 min., it was in the mid-60s, drivers were arrogant. 		30
5-12-2009
I had what ended up being inadvertantly my biannual checkup today. I biked in to work in the morning on the old bike (since I was going to have to lock it up in a public place) but made pretty good time: 15 miles in 1 hr. and 4 min. It was about 45 degrees. I left work at 2pm and rode to the train, took the train to Back Bay Station and rode over to Mass. General Hospital for my physical. Afterwards I rode home, altogether about 4 more miles. It was in the upper 60s. Drivers were polite.		 19
5-11-2009
After a week of illness I am back on the bike. Drivers were polite in the morning and mean in the evening. 45 degrees in the morning, 15 miles in 58 minutes. 65 degrees in the evening, 13 miles in 55 minutes. 		28
4-29-2009
This morning's 50 degrees seemed cold compared to yesterday morning's 60 degrees and especially yesterday afternoon's record-setting 93 degrees. I feel a cold coming on. Took the train from Ruggles in the morning. This afternoon it was about 60 degrees for the commute home. Drivers were less arrogant but more stupid today.		 17
4-28-2009
Warmer this morning, about 60 degrees. Felt old and slow, but made good time. 15 miles in 59 minutes. Getting faster! :0) This evening 93 degrees. Got a little dehydrated. 13 miles in 54 minutes.		 28
4-27-2009
Gorgeous morning this morning, about 50 degrees and sunny, light wind out of the east. Heavy backpack this morning - brought in 2 changes of clothes. Made great time: 15 miles in 61 minutes, felt strong. Drivers were arrogant bordering on homicidal. Felt less strong in the evening. Drivers continued arrogant. Temp was around 70. 15 miles in 65 minutes - not bad.		 30
4-24-2009
Biked in to work in the morning, upper 40's temp., sunny, 13 miles in about an hour. Biked home in the evening 15 miles in about an hour. Things are looking up. Drivers remain polite. 		28
4-23-2009
Biked to Ruggles in the morning, took the shorter, hillier way home. 13 miles in 1 hour. Drivers continued to be polite. 		15
4-20-2009
Biked to ruggles in the morning, 37 degrees, home in the evening, mid-40's, light rain. Drivers were relatively polite. 		18
4-16-2009
Biked to Back Bay in the morning and home at night. Almost 40 in the morning, not much warmer at night. Drivers still trying to kill me, but in a lazy way. 		18
4-15-2009
Biked to Ruggles and home at night. Upper 30's in the morning, 40's at night. Drivers remain offensive. 		17

4-14-2009
Rode to Back Bay in the morning and home at night. Temp in the 30's in the morning and 50's at night. Arrogant drivers.

18
4-7-2009
Biked to the train in the morning and home at night. Still in the upper 30's in the morning. Made Ruggles Station at 6:25am. Biked home at night up the Enneking Parkway. That route will make a nice interval route. It was in the mid-40's. Drivers were somewhat arrogant, but non actively homocidal. 		15
4-3-2009
Biked to the train in the morning. Was going to bike to the train at night. Train did not come. It was a thunderstorm, about 50 degrees. Biked 13 miles in about 1 hr. 5 min. My Gore Tex shoes filled up with water. I couldn't feel my feet. Several drivers tried to kill me but were unsuccessful - bwahahahah! 		18
4-2-2009
Biked to the train both ways. No one tried to actively kill me today. 		6
3-31-2009
35 degrees in the morning, biked to back bay. Around 50 degrees in the afternoon, biked home, 15 miles in 1 hr. and 10 minutes. Drivers were polite.
18
3-26-2009
Biked to Ruggles in the morning. It was about 32 degrees. Biked home at night. It was about 47 degrees with light rain. Drivers were arrogant.		 17
3-25-2009
Biked to Back Bay in the morning, home at night. Temperature was 30 degrees in the morning and almost 50 at night. Drivers were slightly annoyed. 		18
3-20-2009
Biked to Ruggles in the morning, sprinting hard. Sprinted some more from the train station to my work. It was about 35 degrees. It was little more than 35 degrees for the ride home. 15 miles in 1 hr. and 9 minutes. Drivers continue to be polite. What's up with that? 		17
3-18-2009
Biked to the train both ways: Ruggles in the morning, Back Bay in the afternoon. I made a good sprint of it in the morning. Drivers continue polite at least near me. 		5
3-16-2009
Biked in to work this morning. Drivers were tolerant. It was around 34 degrees. 15 miles in 1 hr. and 10 minutes. Took the train back, to Boston, biked home from Back Bay. 		18
2-18-2009
Biked to the train this morning. Drivers were nice. Temp was about 20 degrees. Rode home in the evening through a pretty healthy snowfall. Hit a pot hole and bent my rear wheel. I'll have to bend it back into shape this weekend. 15 miles in about 1 hr. 15 minutes. Drivers were not quite homocidal. 		18
2-11-2009
Biked in to work today, 15 miles in 1 hr. 10 min. Drivers continue partly annoyed. It was about 32 degrees, a little colder than I expected since Weather.com said it would be 35. A little more ice along the road. Whee. In the evening I biked the 15 miles home. It was a balmy 47 degrees! Very nice. Only a couple of drivers tried to actively kill me. Shaved 5 minutes off my recent best: 1 hr. 5 min. 		30
2-9-2009
I was running late, so biked 2 miles to Ruggles Station this morning. It was 21 degrees. Still a lot of ice on the road. Road home, kind of in the middle of the road, since there is a wide band of loose road sand, ice and snow at the edge. 15 miles in 1hr. and 10 minutes. Drivers were definitely annoyed.		 17
2-5-2009
Finally pulled my bike out of the snowbank and took the train with it back to Boston. 		3
2-3-2009
Biked hard to the train. Missed being on the bike so I really pushed it. It felt good. In the afternoon it snowed way more than I thought it would so now the winter bike is covered with snow, standing in a snow bank. Guess I'll bring it into the warehouse and let it dry off over the weekend.		 3
1-23-2009
Biked to the train at about 8am in the morning. It was about 18 degrees and lots of traffic, but traffic was pretty mellow. At night I rode the 15 miles home. Drivers were a little more agressive, but not bad. 		18
1-13-2009
A tale of two T stops again today, Back Bay Station and Route 128 Station. It was about 20 degrees in the morning and 30 degrees at night. Some idiot in an SUV tried to kill me twice in Kenmore Square, but I survived. 		6
1-9-2009
Took the short rides both ways today. It was about 17 degrees this morning and 28 degrees this afternoon and I was just not in the mood. There were no drivers to speak of at 6am. Though traffic was fairly heavy at 630pm, drivers were mainly polite until I was almost home, then some guy in a Scion had to cut me off. I followed him home - not in a mean way, but I just wanted to see what his hurry was. Sure enough, he was two blocks from home when he endangered my life. I arrived at his house three seconds after him. Now, that's being in a hurry. 		6
1-6-2009
Biked to Back Bay Station in the morning and Westwood to Brookline at night. Drivers seemed moderately annoyed. Temperature was right around 34 degrees both ways. 		18
12-30-2008
Late for the train, I elected to ride the whole way in, 15 miles, 35 degrees, dusting of snow. I rode into an orange dawn. That night I took the train to Back Bay Station and rode home from there. Drivers continue to be uncharacteristically polite.		 18
12-24-2008
Same old same old, to the train and back. It was about 31 degrees and a few flacks in the morning, about 37 degrees and rain on the way back. Drivers continue to be uncharacteristically polite. 		6
12-17-2008
Biked through about 1/4 inch of slush to the train this morn, 35 degrees and sleet. I love my new gortex trail-running shoes. I arrived totally dry. Drivers remain basically polite. Can't tell if they're annoyed or not. Biked back to the train in the afternoon. Conditions weren't bad. Road was a bit wet. Temp was around 30. I had to chip the ice off the bike before I could ride it and the rear deraillieure was frozen solid, but I made it home ok. 		6
12-15 to 12-16-2008
Both days road to and from the train, both days it was dry and around 35 degrees. Drivers were polite. 		12
12-8-2008
Rode to the train again this morning. It was REALLY nippy at 17 degrees with a wind chill around -2. Still pretty nippy in the evening, right around 19 degrees but at least there was no wind. I biked the flat way. My breath froze on my neck gaiter. Drivers were basically impatient and annoyed, always gunning their engines close at hand or zooming past, leaving me with a lungful of hydrocarbons. Oh well. 		18
12-3-2008
Rode to the train in the morning. It was a bit nippy at around 30 degrees. At night I rode the longer flatter way, it was around 38 degrees. Drivers were reasonably polite or not unpleasantly indifferent. 		18
12-2-2008
Rode to the train in the morning and back to the train at night. In the morning a BMW passed me going about sixty down Comm. Ave. It was about 40 degrees out. 		6

11-26-2008
Rode to the train in the morning via the Riverway and the fast hilly way home. Had a flat :(
I think I need a new front rim.

Why do busses have to go 50mph down Boylston Street at 6:15am

 19
11-21-2008
Biked to and from the train. It was cold in the morning, less so at night. Drivers were moderately arrogant and predominantly non-lethal. 		6
11-20-2008
I had an appointment this morning, so rode 8 miles to Newtonville. It was 21 degrees at 7am. After the appointment it was about 845am and 25 degrees. I rode 14 miles from Newtonville to Westwood. At night it was 30 degrees and I took the train, rode the 3 miles home from Back Bay Station. Drivers were annoyed but not quite arrogant. 		25
11-17-2008
The summer bike is hung up for the winter, the winter bike is tuned up and ready to get dirty. Rode to the train this morning, 3 miles in 16 minutes. Rode home the relatively flat way, 15 miles in about 1 hr. and 10 min. Drivers continued mildly arrogant with intermittant homocidal tendencies. 		18
11-12-2008
29 degrees this morning, 40 degrees tonight. Drivers were moderately arrogant. 13 miles each way. No major incidents to report. 		26
11-10-2008
31 degrees this morning, 45 degrees at night, 15 miles each way. Drivers were dangerously stupid. Despite wearing 5 lights I seem to be nevertheless invisible. Almost ended up under an SUV at the corner of Rt. 1A and Ames Street in Dedham. 		30
11-4-2008
It was chilly this morn, about 40 degrees, but rose ten degrees on the way, necessitating a peeling of layers. Drivers were way too plentiful but polite. 15 miles in about an hour. It was dark dark when I rode home through the 6 rotaries. Drivers were astounded but remained polite. It was very pleasant, in the mid 60s. 13 miles in about 50 minutes. 		28

11-4-2008

4000 miles !

11-10-2008
I missed reporting for a couple of days. Dreamweaver is not getting along with my server. Drivers were on the dangerous side today, almost bought it on the way home. It was cold in the morning, about 35 degrees, warmer in the evening in the upper 40s. Total 30 miles today. 		30
10-27-2008
Did a little cross training with my wife over the weekend. I ran with her on her 3-1/2 mile route. Boy am I sore today! I made it in early, arriving in Westwood with the first light of dawn. I believe I am either not visible enough to drivers or they are just plain arrogant, missing me by inches for no reason. It was about 45 degrees, 15 miles in about an hour. In the evening I sill had some drivers gunning for me. It was relatively warm, in the mid-50s, 14 miles in 55 minutes. 		29
10-24-2008
29 degrees this morning. Brrr! Drivers were polite. 13 miles in about an hour. After a nice 30-degree climb in temp, I actually wore shorts home! Drivers continued polite. 13 miles in about an hour. 		26
10-23-2008
As the days get shorter I am leaving and returning in darkness. This morning it was 34 degrees and I wore a lot of clothes. Time for the winter bike. I'll have to get it into REI this weekend for its tune up. Drivers were a little impatient this morning as I rode 15 miles in an hour, maybe an hour an five minutes. In the evening it was warmer, in the mid to upper 40s. Drivers continued to be annoyed and annoying. 15 miles in about an hour and 10 minutes. 		30
10-17-2008
Despite leaving late this morning, drivers were polite. It was in the upper 40's with a gently nasty headwind of 10-20mph. 15 miles in 1 hr. in the morn, 13 miles in about 55 minutes in the gathering darkness of evening.		 28
10-15-2008
Left a little later this morning as the rush hour traffic was starting to warm up. I had lots of opportunities to avoid collisions as drivers cut me off, turned in front of me, or just sped by at (speed limit) x 3. Weather was nice, rising from the mid 50s to the low 60s as I rode 15 miles in about an hour. Drivers continued arrogant in the evening, temperature a pleasant 60 degrees, 14 miles in about 55 minutes. 		29
10-13-2008
Enjoyed the Columbus day lack of traffic. Sunrise was at about 640am and it was about 50 degrees. Drivers remain impatient but not dangerous. Some idiot yelled an insult from a pickup truck. Why is it always a pickup truck? 13 miles in 55 minutes. I was equally slow in the evening, 15 miles in about 1 hr. 8 minutes. It was 60 degrees as the darkness fell, and drivers were mildly inattentive. 		28
10-10-2008
Beautiful morning, as I left a little late, around 9am, it was sunny and in the upper 60's. Drivers were a little on the impatient side. Made good time until I hit a sharp rock and got a flat. 15 miles in about 1.5 hours. First time I was able to pump a tire up enough with my frame pump to feel confident. Weather was perfect (although it is getting darker earlier and earlier) in the upper 60s. 15 miles in 1 hr. 		30
10-7-2008
Chilly this morning, 38 degrees. Had trouble motivating, biked to the train. Downtown drivers were ok. Very nice ride home, temp in the 60's, no head wind, drivers remained polite. 15 miles in about an hour. 		18

10-3-2008
Drivers were courteous this morning. It was in the low 40s and quite chilly. Caught up with a peloton (an unusual feat for an old man) and drafted them most of the way up Bellevue Hill. They were from Landry's Bicycles, so said their jerseys. I was surprised how fast they lost me on the downhill side. I guess that's the big difference between a double and a triple. I made pretter good time by my standards: 13 miles in 55 minutes.

In the evening drivers either didn't see me or were just plain arrogant. I mean, I was wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket and flashing lights all over myself, so I guess I have to make a new picture for arrogant drivers. It was moderately chilly, in the mid-50's, like me. 15 miles in about 62 minutes.

28
10-2-2008
Warmer today in the mid 60's, a little rain this morning. Someone in an SUV passed me inches away for no reason, otherwise drivers were polite. 15 miles in 1 hr. Chilly in the evening, not used to the early sunset, low 50's. Drivers were patient on the way home. 14 miles. 		29

9-24-2008
Chilly again this morning - shoe covers, nylon pants, nylon jacket, balaclava, gloves with fingers - too much. Once again I had to stop and take stuff off halfway there. Then I was cold and had to put the gloves back on. Can't win.

In general I felt pretty old and slow, but as is usually the case this did not affect my actual commuting time. It just seemed to take longer.

Ran into construction where West Roxbury Parkway meets the Enneking Parkway. I saw it yesterday but forgot. Took a detour to avoid the grooved pavement down Washington Street in heavy traffic and cut over directly to East Street in Dedham. All in all about 15 miles in 1 hr. Drivers were annoyed this morning, but I decided to keep the "stupid" picture up in honor of yesterday's blonde.

Took a slightly longer route home to avoid road construction with a nice climb and descent. Drivers were not exactly polite nor otherwise. It was nice out, in the mid 60's as darkness fell. 18 miles in around 1 hr. 15 minutes.

33
9-23-2008
My pumpkin was definitely frosty this morning. It was right around 42 degrees with a slight and occasonal headwind. First day I had to wear the balaclava. Drivers remained polite, 15 miles in 1 hr. Got cut off by a blonde in a silver Acura on the way home. Luckily I was also turning or I might have taken a bounce off her right rear quarter panel. Seeing me in her rear view mirror, a couple inches off her back bumper, she made an angry gesture to herself. Typically drivers are angry at you after they do something rude, illegal and stupid and almost kill you. Otherwise it was a good ride, still jacket weather as the temp gradually dipped into the 50's. I made the 13 miles in around 55 minutes. 		28
9-18-2008
A very enjoyable ride this morning, a little warmer, in the upper 50's. I took it easy. Drivers were rare and polite. I believe there is a direct correlation between the number of drivers on the road and the level of road rage. 15 miles in 1 hour. It was chillier than I expected in the evening, in the lower 60's or upper 50's, jacket weather. I was no speed demon, 14 miles in around 55 minutes. Drivers remained polite if decidely more numerous, lucky me. 		29

9-17-2008
Ooh, I was tired this morning. Even though I had a good night's sleep and ate breakfast, I was dragging. Sure it was a little on the chilly side - in the low 50's - and I was wearing probably too many clothes, but above and behond all that my legs felt tired and sluggish. I went up quite a few hills and minor inclines in lower gears than usual.

I had company for a change in the East Street rotary! I guess I am not the only crazy fool on two non-motorized wheels out there. As I was coming down the hill on Blue Hill Drive I encountered a flock of wild turkeys by the side of the road. 13 miles in around 55 minutes.

It was a very, very nice evening, in the upper 60's. Drivers were ok. Did 15 miles in about an hour.

28
9-16-2008
Cool this morning in the mid-50's, some clouds. Drivers were neither polite nor homocidal. I did 15 miles in 56 minutes. Took the longer way home. It was very pleasant at 70 degrees. Drivers continued variable. 19 miles in 1 hr. and 25 minutes. 		34

9-11-2008
39 degrees and fog in Westwood this morning! First day of the season I had to wear pants with legs and gloves with fingers. Made good time, though, for an old man. 15 miles in 56 minutes. A BMW cut me off, missing me by inches as it took a right in front of me. If the driver could have waited 3 seconds, he could have made the turn without endangering my life.

Nice ride home, a few cars still a little too close for comfort. Love to hear that engine rev right beside me, yes I do. . Maybe it's my fault for taking the route with 6 rotaries. It was maybe 68 degrees and sunny as the sun set, i did 13 miles in 50 minutes.

28
9-10-2008
Took the slightly longer way in to work today to catch an extra little hill. It felt chilly, in the mid 50's, sunny. Drivers were ok. 14 miles in 53 minutes. As a bonus, a tractor trailer rolled over on Rt. 128 northbound. The fearsome East Street rotary was a parking lot and I sailed right through like I was the only one left in the world. In the evening it was in the upper 60's and clear, 15 miles in 60 minutes. Drivers were neutral bordering on polite. 		29
9-8-2008
Nice ride this morning through 6 rotaries. Only one driver was annoyed. Sunny, in the upper 50's. 13 miles in 52 minutes. Homeward bound, 13 miles in 50 minutes, upper 70's, drivers were very cooperative. 		26
9-5-2008
Increased traffic at 7am this morning, but everyone was reasonably polite as I passed through 6 rotaries. 70 degrees and a little humid this morn. Probably one of the last warm mornings this year. 13 miles in 48 minutes. Once again there were a lot of cars in the evening, but they behaved themselves. Humid, in the upper 70's, 15 miles in about an hour. 		28

9-3-2008
Another SUV cut me off at a light, big deal. Temperature was in the mid 50's in Brookline, upper 40's in Westwood. 15 miles in 61 minutes. Unusually high traffic volume made for a less relaxed homeward commute. Got some excessive tire noise from an aging Ford Explorer in need of a tune up and too close for comfort. It was around 70 degrees as the evening shadows grew long, 15 miles in 62 minutes.

30

 

 

 

9-2-2008
Motivation is always tougher after vacation. Drivers were inattentive this morning, had a close encounter with a gigantic Lexus SUV. Temperature was in the upper 50's and it was sunny. 14 miles in 50 minutes. Found my tire flat after work. Drivers were neither homicidal nor polite. It was around 60 degrees and bands of clouds were moving in with a light breeze. 15 miles.

29

 

 

 

 

8-21-2008
Nippy again at 53 degrees in Brookline, 46 DEGREES IN WESTWOOD. Ridiculous. Made good time (for an old man) 14 miles in 55 minutes. No driver incidents to report today.

Another very, very nice ride in the evening, about 70 degrees, few cars on the road, 20 miles in about 1 hr. and 20 minutes.

34

8-20-2008
Nippy out this morning at 51 degrees under a clear sky, 15 miles in 56 minutes, drivers mildly annoyed.

I always love it when a car roars past me, veering into oncoming traffic, when if they waited literally two seconds they could pass me on a clear road. This morning it was a Ford Expedition in desperate need of a tune-up carrying a payload of 1 whole passenger. I call this being endangered by an obscenity.

On the way home in the evening it was pleasant, in the upper 70's. I got a little lost on my new route to avoid the River Street Bridge which is under construction. I was crowded in separate incidents by different S-class Mercedes sedans.

28
8-18-2008
Weekday commute, 15 miles in 1 hr, 65 degrees, pleasant. There was a lot of traffic for 6:30am, but people were well behaved. Nice, nice ride home. 20 miles in about 1 hr. 20 min., around 80 degrees, no driver problems.
35
8-16-2008
A short early morning ride to stay loose, 10 miles over Fisher Hill, Single Tree Hill, across Rt. 9 and over by Boston College and home again. It was so foggy I could not keep my glasses clear. It was very early on a Satruday morning so there were few cars.
10
8-14-2008
Ah, I should not have stayed up so late, but I made good time for all my weak-legged downshifting and headache. Traffic was downright civil this morn. Felt chilly at around 60 degrees. 14 miles in 54 minutes. Tried a new way home - I like it! Shortest way yet at about 13 miles, took about 50 minutes.
27
8-13-2008
Nippy for August this morning at 53 degrees, but sunny and pleasant. 15 miles in about an hour. No one actively tried to kill me today. Biked hard in the evening. It was around 80 degrees. Except for some loser swearing at me from their pickup truck for absolutely no reason, no incidents. 15 miles in about an hour.
30
8-10-2008
Did a nice loop from Brookline to Needham and back through Newton Center. 16 miles in about 1 hr. 10 min.
16
8-5-2008
Got a late start today due to family issues. As a result the summer road construction projects were fully underway and drivers were on the mean side. One lady in a Jeep cut me off at a corner and a guy in a Cimmaron jumped out at me from a side street. I guess if I was driving something that got less than 20 mpg I'd be angry too. Then an old Camry decided not to 'share the road,' missing me by inches. Yes, today was a good day to die, but I yet live to ride another day despite their efforts. 15 miles (including detours), 1 hr. In the evening it seemed cool in the upper 60's, since I am used to it being in the upper 80's. I felt a little tight but made the 14 miles in about an hour.
29
8-4-2008
Continued beautiful New England mornings; 65 degrees this morning and sunny. Upper 70's on the way home. I climbed a hill on the big chain ring I had always shifted down for before.
29
8-1-2008
Cloudy, humid and about 70 degrees this morning. Nice, but a little sweaty. 14 miles in 51 minutes. Things are looking up. Felt strong on the way home, sprinting for two green left turn arrows and intersections in West Roxbury and Brookline. 15 miles in under an hour.
29
7-30-2008
Nice, nice morning in the mid 60's. Sun is rising a little later making for nice shade. 15 miles in about 55 minutes. Rode home in the evening, it was in the mid-80's. I was feeling strong for an old man, spent most of my time in the upper gears.
30
7-29-2008
Beautiful day, no flat tire (so far), upper 60's and sunny, 14 miles in about 50 minutes. Made almost every light. Upper 80's and humid on the way home, 15 miles in about an hour.
29

7/26-7/27 2008
Went to ride the summer bike and found the back tire flat again! Upon very close inspection I found an almost microscopic piece of metal embedded in the Kevlar at the puncture site. Since I could not remove it I trashed the Panaracer Strada Pro and put an old Michelin Speedium. So I have one black tire and one blue tire, big deal.

Rode a few local hills on Sunday morning, finished up with some weights and calisthenics.

15
7-25-2008
Rode the winter bike home,, a good ride for having inflated the tire with a frame pump.
15
7-24-2008
Sprinted to the train station dodging traffic. Got a flat after I got off the train in Westwood. I think it may have been overinflated. Forgot my tire kit. Bike will have to stay overnight. Some miles are harder than others. Luckily it was the winter bike, so I am not worried about leaving it.
3
7-22-2008
Went for speed today and got it (on the OMWGFIN scale). 14 miles in 49 minutes. Kept a fast cadence on the way home, but no breakthroughs, 15 miles in about 1 hr.
29
7-19-2008
Changed the flat and took a quick ride to loosen up, out to the Larz Anderson Park and back.
6
7-17-2008
Legacy of the Kenmore Square flat today. I noticed my back tire was 10 lbs. down so I thought, "Hmm. Slow leak?" But I pumped it up and rode it anyway, made it about a mile. Pumped it up and biked back home, changed the flat, made the 8:55am Attleboro train at Back Bay. More bad luck on the way home as a I picked up a piece of metal in the same tire. 3 flats in 4 days. Phooey. Nevertheless up until then I had a good ride for 13 miles up the Enneking Parkway.
18
7-16-2008
Two good rides today. In the morning it was a gorgeous 65 degrees and I did 14 miles in 53 minutes. In the evening it was around 87 degrees and humid, I did 15 miles in about an hour.
29
7-15-2008
A gorgeous morning, right around 70 degrees. Went to work the fast, hilly way, 14 miles in 51 minutes. Took the train to Back Bay Station, bike home through Kenmore Square, hit a humongous pothole, got a flat. Kemore is like a moonscape now as they milk that construction job for an extra year.
16
7-10-2008
Feeling pretty tired this morn, nevertheless made it to work in 52 minutes. It was interesting sharing a narrow suburban street with a tri-axle dump truck hauling a pavement roller up a moderately steep hill. I made the flat way hilly on the way home, 15 miles in around 55 minutes. It was hot and humid, but I felt stronger than the morning.
29
7-9-2008
Did a variation on the flatter route to avoid the grooved pavement, still got bit by new road in Dedham. Made decent time anyway, 15 miles in 1 hr. Upper 70's, hazy and humid today. Took the faster, hillier way home - boy, was it hot! Only in the upper 80's, but as humid as sweat soup. Made decent time (for an old man) 14 miles in around 55 minutes.
29
7-8-2008
Took the flatter way in to work today to make a speedy commute but was thwarted by unannounced road construction in Newton. Nothing like flying off a roundabout onto grooved pavement. 15 miles in 1 hr. Did a variation on the longer way home, got lost in Dedham without much increased mileage or time, 21 miles in 1.5 hours. It was sunny, hot and humid, upper 80's.
36
7-6-2008
I wanted to do a couple of long hills, so I went up Washington St. past Whole Foods and St. Elizabeths Hospital in Brighton, down Market St, down the Charles River on the Cambridge side, back up the river on the quiet Sunday Morning Soldiers Field Road side, back up Market St and over the Chestnut Hill Ave. hill to Comm. Ave., out to Newton Center and back over the Beacon St. hill by Boston College to Chestnut Hill Ave and thence home over Fisher Hill in Brookline. 1 hour.
15
7-5-2008
Biked in a loop that included Summit Ave in Brookline, the Chestnut St. hill in Newton Upper Falls, and Fisher hill in Brookline agan, 1 hr., 15 minutes.
18
7-3-2008
Biked the same way again, 14 miles in around 55 minutes. Excellent morning, mid-60's and sunny. Biked the same way home again, in the upper 80's and humid.
28
7-1-2008
Biked the shorter, hillier way to work, 14 miles in about 58 minutes. It was around 80 degrees and humid. In the evening it was in the upper 80's and still very humid. Biked home the same way, 14 miles in around 55 minutes.
28
6-28/29-2008
MS fundraising bike ride, see story at left.
150

1000 training miles

2008 MS Ride

6-26-2008
Going for that millennium number, took the long way in to work. Beautiful day, about 70 degrees, 20 miles in about an hour and a half. I concentrated on keeping an even pace and staying relaxed.

The latest forecast says rain Saturday and Sunday for the MS Ride. Phooey, but whatever it is, it is.

Rode home the shorter, hillier way, 14 miles in about 52 minutes. It had just rained, so I got wet. It was cloudy and around 78 degrees.

34
6-25-2008
Took the extra long way in today with an extra loop through Norwood. Nice day, around 65 - 70 degrees, sunny. 25 miles in about 1 hr. 45 min. Took the extra long way back, too, nice evening in the mid- to upper-70's, 25 miles in close to 2 hours.
50
6-24-2008
Very humid this morning. Biking glasses fogged over and stayed that way, so I took em off. Felt reasonably good. A guy in an "Engineers" team jersey blew by early on, doing an easy 10mph faster than yours truly. A wicked peloton came burning up South Street out of Dover. Nice jerseys. I did 20 miles in 1.5 hrs., varied the route a little to avoid construction. Almost got run over by a front end loader and a dump truck the other day. Better luck next time, I guess. In the evening severe thunderstorm warnings and a blackening sky kept me off the road. Rode to the train and home from Back Bay Station.
23
6-21-2008
A short ride over some neighborhood hills to loosen up. I felt very strong.
10

6-19-2008
I've been riding the commuter shoes the last two days because of iffy weather. Took the long way in, 20 miles in about 1 hr. 20 min. It was partly cloudy and in the mid-50's. Rode to the MS Society office in Waltham in the evening, then back home, altogether about 30 miles. I took a good sized hill on the way home - felt strong.

109 miles on the week.

1 week left to get in 1000 training miles!
50
6-18-2008
Nice dry road today. Took the summer bike, same route as yesterday, 12 minutes faster. The bike sure does make a difference. The old bike is like biking with five lb. leg weights. Temp in the mid-50's, sunny, 15 miles in 58 minutes. Biked home the fast way, 14 miles.
29
6-17-2008
Still on the old bike today. Weighs 30 lbs. and rides like a brick. Rained last night, and I just got my new bike right again after the last rain. Shimano 105 just does not tolerate grinding road grit all that well. 15 miles in about 1 hr. 10 min. On the way home, same route, I really pushed, kept a fast cadence, muscled my way up the hills in the highest possible gear, and still made it home in 1 hr. and 10 minutes. It was overcast and in the mid 70's.
30

Diamondback Interval 2001

The Old Bike

6-14-2008
Some easy riding around the neighborhood to stay loose. Nice day. Got out the old bike so I could lock it up in public without reservation.
11

6-12-2008
An absolutely beautiful morning, sunny, in the upper 60's. Bike is running great, I'm feeling okay for an old man. I've got the fast shoes and the fast tires. 20 miles in 1 hr. 15 minutes. Well, maybe not that fast. Rode the shorter, hillier way home, 14 miles in 53 minutes. Looks like my average speed is up a little.

99 miles on the week

34
6-10-2008
I cleaned the bike and adjusted the deraillieure. Now the bike is running almost PERFECTLY. In the process I discovered my tires are only good to 150 lbs. on a hook bead rim which I don't have, so I deflated the tires to 120lbs. They seem stable and they are fast.

Combined two routes to avoid construction. It was 77 degrees and very humid. Must have lost 3 lbs. Did 17 miles in 70 minutes. Very warm this afternoon, about 95 degrees and humid. I am starting to look thin. 14 miles in around an hour.
31

6-9-2008
Rode through Brookline, Newton, Needham, Dedham, and Westwood this morning. It was in the upper 70's and very humid. 20 miles in 1 hr. 15 min. Rode back through the 6 rotaries, 14 miles in 65 minutes. Rear deraillieure was skipping.

I put the fast tires on and I'm glad I did.

34

6-6-2008
Took the car in for service in Natick this morning. It was raining hard, about 60 degrees. I got lost biking from there to work, ended up taking the extra, extra long way. Stopped for a break at Wilson Mountain Reservation. 29 miles in 2.5 hours.

110 miles on the week.

29
6-5-2008
Light rain, 10-15mph headwind, temp around 55 degrees. 15 miles in about 60 minutes. It has been a while since I last showed up for work all wet and covered with road dirt. Although I was expecting it to clear up it did not. I left in moderate rain, temp about 61 degrees. As I reached Brookline it stopped raining. 15 miles in about 65 minutes.
30
rainy day
6-3-2008
Rode to Ruggles Station this morning and took the bike on the train for the first time in what seems like a long time. It was beautiful, sunny, about 61 degrees. Rode home the shorter, hillier way, 14 miles in 58 minutes. It was partly cloudy, upper 70's.
16

6-2-2008
Rode to work today, 15 miles, stopped once to mail checks to the MS Society, 63 minutes. Rode the longer way home, 20 miles in 1 hr. 22 min., it was about 77 degrees.

I exceeded last year's training miles today.

35
5-31-2008
Beautiful day. I was able to get in a quick ride to loosen up.
8
5-30-2008
I believe this is the fastest I have ever gotten to work by any means of transportation. I rode 14 miles in 49 minutes. The temperature was in the 60's. Rode home, 15 miles in around 65 minutes.
29
5-29-2008
Biked to work the flatter way (not that there are no hills) 15 miles. It was about 45 degrees and sunny with a 10mph headwind. Biked home in the evening, 20 miles in 1 hr. and 22 minutes. In the beginning of this ride there is one big hill and then the rest is relatively flat.
35
5-26-2008
Hill-climbing workout today, about 2 hours. Rode on the flat for a half hour warm up, easy pace, then climbed two hills, each about a 300 ft. vertical climb, then warmed down on the flat.
11

5-21-2008
I took the shorter, hillier way in, 14 miles. It took longer because I overdressed and had to take off a layer halfway in. I am definitely feeling yesterday's workout. Took the same way home, 14 miles in 55 minutes, light rain.

28
5-20-2008
Feels more like March than May with a wind chill of 39 degrees and a head wind of 10-15 mph. Still made good time (for me) on the hillier / faster way. 14 miles in 59 minutes. Rode 15 miles home in about an hour. It was in the low 60's and threatening rain. I kept a very fast pace (for me) the whole way. A very good workout.
29
5-17-2008
45 minutes of intense interval training.
8

5-15-2008
A little warmer this morning, 49 degrees. Knees were hurting, took the flatter way. It was ideal riding weather on the way home, but the knees were still iffy so I stayed with the flatter way.

83 miles this week!

30

5-14-2008
It was hard to dress this morning. At 6am it was 40 degrees in Brookline and 34 degrees in Westwood. It was probably around 43 degrees when I left Brookline at 6:40am. When I arrived in Westwood at around 7:47am, it was about 55 degrees. 15 miles in 67 minutes, stopping twice on the way, once to call my daughter to make sure she was up for her 7:30 class, and once to take off my jacket and balaclava.

The evening was more consistent at around 60 degrees and partly cloudy. Went the long way, 20 miles in 1 hr. and 20 minutes.

I caught up with a member of one of the MS Ride teams - the team is called the "Polar Type Bears" - his name was John and he recently had hip joint work. Like so many riders who do the Cape Cod Getaway, he is a superhero.

35
5-13-2008
Knees still a little iffy from our annual Mother's Day hike, I biked to Back Bay Station this morning. It was about 47 degrees. Bike home the flatter way. It was in the mid-60's and sunny, I made good time: 15 miles in 60 minutes.
18
5-7-2008
Rode in again this morning. Felt good, keeping pace with some young whippersnapper. 15 miles in 61 minutes. It was about 60 degrees and sunny. Biked to the Newton JCC in the evening, about 12 miles in about 55 minutes, about 70 degrees as the sun began to set.
27

5-6-2008
Rode in this morning, 14 miles in 61 minutes. It was a bit nippy at around 49 degrees, but warmed up on the way. Hauled a heavy backpack.

I have these biking tights I wear sometimes when it's cold and I have nothing else. They are not made for an old man. They fall off! I think I'll sew them to a shirt and make my own super suit, like Spider Man, but with a gut.

Rode an extra mile to the polls to cast my vote at 7pm. It was nice at around 70 degrees.

29
5-5-2008
Biked to Back Bay Station this morning. It was about 50 degrees and sunny. Biked home in the evening, about 70 degrees - NICE.
17
5-3-2008
Biked to and from the garden. I had planned to bike longer, but after the garden work it was 40 degrees and rain and I decided that discretion was the better part of valor.
6
5-1-2008
Biked to the train this morn, 45 degrees and sunny. Biked home, 14 miles in 60 minutes, about 60 degrees, partly cloudy, bit of a bite in the headwind, still.
17
4-30-2008
Biked to work this morning the flatter, longer way. Chilly at 38 degrees. 15 miles, 65 minutes. Biked home, 42 degrees, 14 miles in 67 minutes. Wicked chilly headwind.
29
4-24-2008
Rode the hillier, faster way this morn. 14 miles in 55 minutes. It was sunny, around 68 degrees, pretty much ideal. Biked home, feeling tired, 15 miles in 1 hr. and 9 minutes. It was around 70 degrees. Total miles this week: 78
29
4-23-2008
Biked to the train this morning. It was about 50 degrees and sunny. Very nice afternoon, around 80 degrees. Added a hill and a couple miles to the flatter, longer route. 17 miles in 1 hr. 12 min.
20
4-21-2008
Rode to work in the morning, 15 miles, 1hr. and 10 min. Rode home in the evening, 14 miles in 59 minutes.
29
4-19-2008
A fun little ride with my wife.
6
4-19-2008
SWITCHED TO THE SUMMER BIKE!
4-17-2008
Rode to Back Bay this morning, heat wave, 38 degrees. Rode home the flatter, longer way, 15 miles in 62 minutes.
18
4-15-2008
Rode to the train in the morning 32 degrees, rode home at night, 14 miles in 62 minutes. It was sunny, about 58 degrees.
16
4-10-2008
Trying to fight off a stubborn cold. Taking the short ride today to and from Back Bay Station.
6
4-7-2008
Took a little ride to loosen up today. Training was a little too much while rehearsing with the band for the PTO play. Rode to Ruggles Station in the morning, 38 degrees, rode home from Back Bay Station at night, it was maybe 41 degrees and windy.
5
3-31-2008
Dropped my Subaru at Speen Street Auto in Natick this morning and took the backroads to Westwood, 25 degrees at 7am. Knees were hurting, I had a heavy backpack (hauling my work clothes today) and I'm still with the winter bike shoes. A less than pleasant 1-1/2 hours today. I am a ways from where I have to be.
16
3-28-2008
Rode to the train station and back from Westwood. In the morning it was 38 degrees and rain. Train, rain, ha. In the evening it was 36 and cloudy. I open it is my last chance to subject myself to this abuse this "spring."
18
3-25-2008
Rode to the train and home from work again. Still wearing the winter bike shoes and riding the winter bike. 28 degrees and sunny in the morning, 38 degrees and clear as evening fell. 15-mile commute in 1 hr. 11 min.
18
3-20-2008
Rode to Back Bay Station in the morning and home from Westwood in the late afternoon. It was 37 degrees in the morning and 45 degrees in the afternoon with an 18mph headwind. I did 15 miles in 1 hr. and 13 min. I expect that my time will improve when I get back on the summer bike in late April, early May.
18
3-17-2008
After a month off the bike I'm back. First day of training for the MS Ride. Ran some errands and rode to the train in the morning, 28 degrees and a 30mph headwind, ouch! Rode 15 miles in the evening, around 40 degrees - still a pesky headwind happening - 1 hr. and 9 minutes.
19
2-9-2008
Today I will ride to and from WBUR where I will volunteer on the phones for a fundraiser. You know, if I were 20, I would probably not catalog a 4-mile ride. Now that I am over 50, it seems more of an accomplishment.
4
2-8-2008
Rode to Ruggles Station this morning and did not get stabbed, 27 degrees and snow. Rode home from Back Bay at night, cloudy and around 30 degrees.
5
2-6-2008
Back bay station this morning, 43 degrees and rain. Biked home at night, 37 degrees and rain and dark.
18
1-31-2008
Biked to Back Bay Station in the morning, 24 degrees, little ice here and there. Biked home, 26 degrees.
18
1-24-2008
Biked to the train this morn, 19 degrees. Biked home, 15 miles, little over an hour. Heat wave: 27 degrees.
18
1-16-2008
Forgot my pump and extra tubes today. Have to stick with the train. 21 degrees and clear as the sun rose this morning. Went home early. It was about 34 degrees in the afternoon.
6
1-10-2008
Back after a long period of icy roads. Biked to Back Bay Station today, 3 miles. It was 37 degrees at 715am this morning. Biked from Westwood to Brookline at 6pm. It was about 39 degrees. 15 miles in 1 hr. and 15 minutes.
18
Total for 2007:
1525 Miles
12-26-2007
Biked to and from Back Bay Station, 26 degrees in the morning, 35 degrees at night.
6
12-13-2007
Snowed about 8 inches, then it rested, then it snowed again about 6 inches, then it rained, then it froze. People are still biking, but not me. I will try again 12-19 or 12-20.
12-12-2007
In the 40's today and rainy - it's like paradise. There is little ice left on the road, though one still has to watch out. Biked to the train at Back Bay in the morning, biked Westwood to Brookline in the evening. It was about 39 degrees and DARK.
18
12-6-07
Biked to Ruggles again at 630am. Today it was 18 degrees. Whee. Biked home from Back Bay again at 630pm. Nothing like Kenmore Square in the dark at the end of rush hour. It was about 22 degrees. Whee again!
5
12-5-2007
Biked to Ruggles Station at 630am, 21 degrees. Biked home from Back Bay, 25 degrees. Lovely.
5
12-01-2007
Biked to WBUR to volunteer on the fundraising phones, then to temple for services, then home. 20 degrees and sunny. Brrrr.
3
11-29-2007
On the old bike for the winter. New bike is hanging on a hook in the storage bin.
Biking to and from the train today. 3 miles each way. It's in the upper 30's, supposed to rain midday. I hope it's dry for the commute.
6
11-27-2007
Bicyclist attacked less than a mile from my house by youths wielding a 2x4. The bicyclist fought them off and later refused medical treatment. The youths left empty handed.
11-28-2007
Still riding the new bike. Roads not too sloppy yet. 35 degrees at 630am, 15 miles in around 65 or 70 minutes. Chain broke on the way home from Back Bay Station. Picked up the old bike at REI, dropped off the new bike for repair. Worked out good!
18
Bike is really supposed to be ready this time according to REI bike repair shop MANAGER. I'll pick it up maybe tonight.
11-26-2007
Didn't happen.
0
YAY! Bike is ready. Picking it up tonight.
False alarm not ready.
11-12-2007
Biked to Back Bay, 28 degrees at 7am. Biked home from Back Bay, about 45 degrees at 630pm.
6
Refurbish of old bike delayed. Waiting for a replacement cog for the rear deraillieure.
11-5-2007
Took advantage of DST to bike in just after dawn, 15 miles in 80 minutes, temp in the upper 30's. Took the short hilly way home in the dark, 14 miles, 6 rotaries, about 70 minutes, around 50 degrees.
29
Refurb of my old bike delayed a week. I had fully depreciated it before I got a new one. It needs a new cog for the Shimano 105 deraillieure somebody sold me after I wore out the Tiagra.
11-1-2007
Biked to Back Bay Station this morning. It was a little over 50 degrees. Nice. Biked home under a threatening sky, upper 40's, 15 miles in 58 minutes.
18
10-29-2007
After a rainy week, this week promises a few bright but nippy days. Biked 3 miles to the train this morning, fought off a viciously entitled suit in a BMW. I left with my life, he with a finger. The evening commute was 14 miles, around the mid-40's and falling with the night.
17
10-22-2007
Did the bike to the train thing this morn. It was very pleasant, though dark of course at 6am. 55 degrees in Boston, 45 degrees in Westwood, clear. Biked home under a clear, warm dusk, temperature in low 70's
16

I am resurrecting my old bike for winter use. It's steel - not chrome moly, either. It weighs 30 lbs. and rides like a brick. But if I'm going to grind winter road dirt through my deraillieure, it is not going to be on my good bike.

I got some platform pedals and toe clips so I can wear sneakers or snow boots, and I'm getting some kevlar tires and some Schrader valve tubes. After that I'll just get it a tune up and I'll be good for snow.

10-16-2007
Down the Enneking Parkway at dawn, 47 degrees and brisk. Love that East Street rotary at Rt. 95! Really wakes you up. 14 miles in 60 minutes. Enjoyed a very nice ride, little chilly on the legs at 55 degrees as the sun quickly set at around 6pm, 14 miles in about 60 minutes again.
28
10-13-2007
Biked to and from the soccer game again. A beautiful autumn day, in the mid-60's, sunny.
7
10-6-2007
Biked to and from the soccer game. It was hot, upper 70's and very humid.
7
10-4-2007
Biked to Ruggles Station this morning. 60 degrees and DARK. Had to go home unexpectedly. It was hot and sunny at 330pm, but I had to take the train for speed.
5
10-2-2007
Biked to and from the train: Back Bay in the morning, Ruggles Station at night. Huntington Ave. is always a hairy ride.
5
10-1-2007
Indian summer all gone. 47 degrees in Brookline, probably 42 degrees in Westwood. Chilly on the toes. It was a very nice evening. Made good time, 14 miles in 55 minutes.
28
9-26-2007
A little Indian summer action here, 71 degrees and humid at 6am this morning. Took the short hilly way to work. I'll probably be taking the train this evening to avoid predicted high winds.
17
9-24-2007
Biked to the train this morning. Starting to get nippy in the mornings in Westwood. It was about 50 degrees in Brookline, 40 degrees or less in Westwood. In the evening it was almost 80 degrees. It felt good to take the long way home. I felt strong the whole way.
23
9-20-2007
Biked to Back Bay Station this morning for a change, still stylin. Nicer today, up around 60 degrees. Biking home the short but hilly way tonight. Should be around 70 degrees, woo hoo!
17
9-18-2007
Biked to the train this morning, frosty 48 degrees just after dawn. See your breath weather. All my clothing was black and I had the winter lights happening. One of the school kids waiting for their bus said I was "stylin". Around 65 degrees and sunny for the evening commute, I was slow, 15 miles in about 65 minutes.
18

9-14-2007
Not feeling well. Biked to the train in the morning and back from the train at night. Nice day, sunny, mid-1960's.

6
9-11-2007
Biked to the train in the morning, missed the train, had to go to another station - got myself an extra mile. Biked to soccer coach orientation in the rain. It had been a while since I had to wash road dirt off my face and bike.
16
9-7-2007
Biked the flat way in to work. It was sunny (after sunrise) and in the upper 60s. Since it was in the upper 80's and humid in the afternoon, I decided that discretion was the better part of valor and took the train to Back Bay, biking thence home.
18
8-29-2007
Mountain bike, big fat tires, rack trunk - definitely a different experience. Went mountatin biking in Acadia National Park with the fam.
8
8-20-2007
Biked to the train this morning. It was about 53 degrees and a nit bippy. Biked the long way home through Westwood, Dedham, Needham, and Newton, 22 miles in about 1.5 hours. It was cloudy and cool, upper 60's, little or no wind.
24
8-18-2007
Biked with my child to the Museum of Science in Boston and back.
8

8-16-2007
Biking to and from the train today. This morning we got the little train that couldn't - couldn't go over 25 mph. I would have easily beat it if I had biked all the way.

I am trying to think of a better route home from Back Bay Station. Currently I go through Kenmore Square, where Commonwealth Ave crosses Beacon Street in an X pattern, both headed west. It is a traffic spectacle worthy of Rome.

5
8-15-2007
Nice morning, but feeling the half century today. 15 miles in 58 minutes. Took it easy on the way home, 14 miles, around 75 degrees.
29
8-14-2007
What a gorgeous day! Sunny and about 60 degrees this morning. Biked to Ruggles Station this morning. Biking home from Back Bay Station tonight. It is supposed to start to cloud over and be in the lower 70's for the homeward commute. These short rides are very nice to get loose after the bigger ride yesterday. Also, biking through Kenmore Square is a great adrenalin rush when the Red Sox have a home game.
5
8-13-2007
Cloudy and humid, 70 degrees, indifferent luck at the traffic lights (with a little cheating), 15 miles in 58 minutes. Storm clouds were in the sky, but they all left. Sunny and humid by the end of the homeward commute, 14 miles in around 55 minutes.
29
8-9-2007
65 degrees and sunny, no wind this morning, 15 miles. 80 degrees and sunny with a mild headwind, 15 miles, 60 minutes.
30
8-7-2007
Foggy and humid in the upper 60s this morning, 14 miles in 55 minutes. Around 70, cloudy and humid in the evening, 14 miles again in 55 minutes.
28
8-6-2007
The D Line is down for a month so I will be biking much more often at least to the commuter rail: 2 miles in the morning and 3 at night.
5
8-2-2007
Around 70 degrees and humid for the morning commute, 15 miles in 60 minutes. Around 90 degrees and ridiculous for the 14 miles home, 59 minutes.
29

8-2-2007

1000 MILES

 

7-31-2007
Foggy and 75 degrees this morning for the 15-mile commute. About 80 degrees and humid in the evening, did the 14-mile commute in 58 minutes.

I WANT TO GO FASTER!

29
7-27-2007
One minute off my record this morning, 15 miles in 55 minutes. 78 degrees and humid. It was my turn to cook dinner, it being about 90 degrees and humid in the evening, so I pushed it all the way. With moderate luck at the lights I made the 14 mile commute in 54 minutes.
29
7-25-2007
64 degrees and sunny, did the 15 miles this morning with a smile. Right around 80 degrees for the evening 14 miles. Made the community garden in about 40 minutes. Another 15 minutes got me home.
29
7-19-2007
65 degrees and fog this morning. Stopped to give my son his wake-up call. Made the 15 mile commute in 60 minutes. "Severe thunder storm watch" made me take the train, 3 miles from the station to home.
18
7-16-2007
3 minutes off my record for the morning commute, plus I stopped to make 2 phone calls! 15 miles, 57 minutes. Took the long way home, 22 miles in 88 minutes. In the morning it was in the mid-60's, in the evening in the upper 70's. It remains humid.
37
7-13-2007
Almost collapsed due to stress at work yesterday. Went to the hospital by ambulance, had a stress test, the whole bag. But I checked okay, so it's back on the bike today! 15 miles in 60 minutes. Not bad for a stressed-out old man.
15
7-10-2007
Stopped to help someone with a flat and to change glasses on the morning commute, still made it in around 68 minutes. Upper 60's, very humid. Took the short way home, stopped by at the garden. 14 miles.
19
7-3-2007
Chilly again this morning, lower 50's. I was old and slow. Made the morning 15-mile commute in about 64 minutes. Stopped at the garden on the way home. Took my most accustomed route, 15 miles.
30
7-2-2007
Took the fast way to work for the first time, but took a wrong turn at the rotary. I guestimate it ended up the same mileage as the regular way, 15 miles, 68 minutes. Temp in the mid-60's. Mid-70's on the way home, 15 miles, stopped at my community garden at about mile 13.
30
6-29-2007
Took the long way to work today, 21 miles. Upper 60's, cloudy, still on the humid side. 1 hr., 15 min. Took the fastest way home, 14 miles, but stopped at the garden on the way home.
35
6-27-2007
Morning commute, upper 70's, humid. Probably lost 5 lbs. Made it in 59 minutes. Took the train back to Boston, biked home from there.
18
6-23 thru 6-24-2007
Great Mass Getaway fundraiser bike ride. I raised $1290 and averaged somewhere around 14 mph.
177

6-21-2007
Final training run before the event. Made the 15-mile commute in 58 minutes, 4 minutes behind my all time record of 54 minutes. Lights were 50% kind. New tires, new brakes, tune-up all good. Wearing the fast shoes.

I have been strategizing. I think, since I am finding it hard to get my breathing going early in my ride, I will use the Lance Armstrong angle: hang back in the early part of the tour and then pick up the pace later in the day. So if Lance were a decrepit old man, he might be doing something like me. I am wearing the fast shoes today and contemplating a slightly thicker pair of socks.

Took the train back to Boston, biked home from there. The fast shoes are no good at all for walking.

18
6-20-2007
Taking it easy this week. Eating some pizza, some pastry, drank a beer. Rode the bike home from the bike shop and escorted my daughter on her bike over to her friend's house. Doing some stretching, a little walking.
3
6-16-07
Put new tires and front brake pads on the bike and brought it in for its pre-event tune-up.
6-15-2007
Took the shorter way this morning. 15 miles in 60 minutes. Chilly as the sun came up: 49 degrees. Very nice in the evening, in the 70's. Rode 33 miles through Canton, Walpole, Sharon, Norwood, Westwood, Dedham, West Roxbury, Newton and Brookline. I feel ready.
48
6-13-2007
Tough commute this morning. Light rain with a 10-15 mph head wind. 1 hr., 35 minutes. I wimped out on the homeward ride in the face of 20 mph head wind with a wind chill in the 40's. Biked to the train and home from Back Bay Station.
25
6-12-2007
First day on the new route. Need to do at least 120 miles this week. This morning's commute took 1 hr. and 25 minutes. It was about 65 degrees and partly cloudy. Took it easy going home. Legs felt strong, but I didn't have so much energy. 1 hr., 35 minutes.
44
6-8-2007
Third straight day of back-to-back commutes. I faded about 2/3 the way to work. I think I should start having breakfast again. The trip took about 65 minutes. In the evening I felt strong, but still was a little on the slow side, completing the evening ride in about 65 minutes.
30
6-7-2007
A little on the cool side this morning: mid-40's. Legs were still tired from yesterday, but I made pretty good time anyway, and got to work in about 67 minutes. Made good time on the evening commute, 61 minutes. Unfortunately I was passed by a 20-something-year old on a fifteen-year-old ten speed with fenders.
30
6-6-2007
Skipped some rainy days. Did the commute this morning in about 64 minutes. Tried a new way home, got lost in Dedham, ended up on something called the Enneking Parkway. This is a very fun, twisty road with some mildly challenging hills and I'll definitely do it again. Made good time: about 65 minutes.
33
6-3-2007
Did the AIDS Walk Boston to help my daughter raise funds for the fight against AIDS. We originally got involved with the AIDS Action Committee through our temple.
5-31-2007
Two way commute. Light showers both ways, in the mid-60's. Trip duration was about 65 minutes each way, total 130 minutes. Added a little mileage onto the morning ride.
31
5-30-2007
Carried heavy things for an hour and a half to benefit the local high school. Biked to the train, biked home from work. Eighty degrees, nice. Commute took about 65 minutes. I was slow, but I made the lights.
17

5-26 THRU 5-28-2007
Saturday:  28 miles, upper seventies, felt good.  trip time:  about 1.5 hours.  I kept a good pace. 

Sunday:  Canoeing, 2 hours.  Also, lifting the canoe.  Good upper body workout.

Monday:  More canoeing.   Some gardening. It was about 85 degrees. Had to go home and lie down.
28
5-22-2007
Slightly warmer today, lower 50's in the morning and upper 60's in the afternoon. Made good time (mainly due to fortuitous traffic lights). Afternoon commute took 64 minutes.
17
5-21-2007
After some more cold, rainy days I'm back on the bike. From now on, if it rains, I'll just have to bike anyway. Upper 40's in the morning for the 2-mile sprint to the train. Mid-60's in the afternoon for the 15-mile commute.
17
5-14-2007
In the morning, 15 miles. There was a 20 percent chance of rain and it rained on me about 20 percent of the time. It was about 55 degrees. Some guy 10 years older than me passed me. The trip took 74 minutes. In the evening, 15 miles, 64 minutes. It was in the upper seventies. I kind of hurt myself, but will recover. I am going to give up beer for this training period after I am done with this six-pack.
30
5-13-2007
More Sunday cross training. Hiked 8 miles through the woods with the wife and kids for Mother's Day. I carried water for two, lunch for five, a sweater and some emergency equipment in a backpack. Still, I would have to say that, of the crew, I am the least in shape. I am sore today!
5-9-2007
First commute both ways this year. In the mid-sixties and sunny in the morning, around 80 in the evening.
30
5-8-2007
Upper seventies and sun. Made my commute in about 70 minutes. Knee problems.
17
5-5/5-6 2007
A little cross training for the old man. Saturday hauled 9 wheelbarrows of compost up the hill and carried six bales of salt marsh hay. Sunday turned most of the garden and planted tomatoes, strawberries, and flowers. It got pretty aerobic.
5-4-2007
60 degrees, sunny, headwind of about 8 miles per hour. Commute took 72 minutes.
17
5-1-2007
60 degrees, cloudy. Took it easy.
18
4-25-2007
43 degrees, wind and rain. Ick.
5

4-23-2007
Gorgeous day! Upper seventies and sun. I made my commute in 65 minutes.
17

4-22-2007

Rode to Harvard Square and back with my 11-year-old child.

8
Then there was this long, miserable spring in the upper 30's with rain. If I was younger, I woulda biked.
4-6-2007
17
4-4-2007
17
4-2-2007
5