Working on the chain gang

I spend a few hours in the woods this weekend clearing trails. Everything was too wet to ride off road and I just felt the need to do some trail work. There are a few different re-routes that have been worked on all winter and with the crazy weather we have had there were several trees down.

So, Sunday morning I headed out with my chain saw to do my part. Almost 2 tanks of gas and 3 hours later, most of the trees were cleared off of two sections. I am sure there are more treed down on other sections, but they will have to wait another day. My chain was dull and I was wore out.

I can't wait for it to dry out so I can try the two new sections. They look like so much fun!!

Back in the saddle again!

After looking out the window all day, I could not take it anymore. With the new time change I was rewarded with an extra hour to be out. So, I baited my hook and casted it out to see if I had any takers that would nibble. Sure enough, one little fishy took a nibble and he was hooked, no backing out now.

So, with some what of a plan figured out, I headed home and started throwing all my stuff in a pile to throw on and head out the door. I was not sure what to wear. I was very hot at work and the temp in the car said 66 degrees. I was thinking about shorts and a long sleeve shirt, but the fish was very cold and talking about a lot more clothes then that. So he talked me in to putting a little more on my rear, but I didn't get carried away.

Long tights and a long sleeve jersey and down the road I went. Forrest was headed toward my house, so as soon as I got ready I took off to meet him half way. What a great ride it was. I was plenty warm at the start of the ride and had some second thoughts about those shorts I wanted to put on, but it was too late. We took off thinking it would be a nice and slow ride since we have not been on the road much. I guess someone forgot to tell my legs, because a little way down the road I looked down and saw I was pulling at 23 mph. It sure did not feel like it to me, so I kept pedaling. There was some good head wind here and there, but overall it was not too bad.

Toward the end of our journey, we hit a few hills that were bigger then the previous road sections. Add that to the increased head wind for that direction and we were really starting to hurt. The temps were dropping as the sun lowered and I was thankful I did not have those shorts on. We kept on the gas as much as we could, but it was more of a struggle.

We ended up with 32.5 miles and averaged 17.5 mph. Not too bad for my second road ride of the year. I sure am ready for spring to show up so I can get out a few more times.

slacker

I sure have become one heck of a slacker lately. I last rode on March 2nd. It was actually my first road ride of the year. It was nice to get out of the basement and ride the bike. I didn't go crazy but still had some fun. I ended up with around 30 miles with plenty of head wind to keep me company.

I am looking forward to the next time I can get out side to ride. The weather has been crap. Pouring rain, tons of snow and then more rain. The best chance I have at riding again will be on the road. All the trails are beyond muddy.

I did take in some sights last week. I have do fly out to Philly on Wed for work. We got our stuff done earlier on Thursday then we thought we would so we walked around down town for a little while. It was neat to see a lot of history things that I normally would not have seen. I checked out the liberty bell and Independence Hall. If I had some more time I would have made sure to check out some of that war and fort sights. Tons of cool little buildings to see all over town.