In 2012, I set (and achieved) the obnoxious goal of riding 3,000+ miles on my road bike. As cool as that was, it had a negative effect on the amount of time I spent mountain biking with friends. I usually tend to ride my road bike alone. I consider it my "me time"...and I personally have a hard time holding discussions with my friends as cars zip past us! The past few years I made sure to make my cycling goals be a combination of miles ridden on both the trail and the road. It's been a nice balance....and I haven't ditched any mountain bike rides (or friends) because I was calculating how many miles I needed to get in on the road that particular day or week.
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| Blossom Drive and Starview Road -- July 29, 2016 |
I only had one mountain bike ride planned this week which provided the opportunity to get out on my road bike each day but one. It was a nice reminder of why I love road cycling. My
rides haven't been long...
my back can't handle anything more than
15-20ish miles...but they've been fun and enjoyable. Late July is one of my favorite times to get out on my red Roubaix. The south central Pennsylvania blue sky, white clouds, seemingly
endless green corn fields lined with blue chicory, and countless local farmer's produce stands form a picturesque back drop for any ride. A ride that include helping a lost motorist find where he needed to go. A ride that provided the opportunity to run a few errands and leave the car parked at home. A ride that include unexpected turns down a road I didn't know existed. A ride that include conversations about the architecture of a stone bridge with two random strangers near the Susquehanna River in Saginaw. All of which were rides that brought me a sense of well being and happiness. Yeah...it's been a great week on the road.
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| The blue chicory that grows along side of the Pennsylvania roads and highways is my favorite wild flower -- July 29, 2016 |
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| The Harvest Moon Roadside Farm Stand along North Sherman Street Ext is one of my favorite places to stop for locally grown corn, watermelon, other fruits & vegetables -- July 29, 2016 |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- July 29, 2016
