2008 – 1105
December – 152
New Year’s Eve – 25
It was the last day of the year and I was short of two minor goals by only about 25 miles. I was looking to finish a somewhat dismal December with 150 miles (50 short of my normal goal), and get to 1100 for the year. I started riding in mid-July and I am pretty pleased with the numbers. Especially considering I do most of my riding at lunch time which has natural time constraints. I played phone tag and missed a riding partner so I set out alone. I had a pretty good idea that heading to Shawnee Park for the Riverwalk and back should get it done. We were having guests over to celbrate the new year and time was a little short. We put the twins down for a nap and I headed out. I thought – screw it – and went for the long ride.
I made my way down towards U of L which reminded me of my Soph/Junior year of college when I had my first adult flirtations with bike riding. I passed the vicinity of Churchill Downs and headed out Algonquin Parkway to the wild, wild, west side. It had been windy since I set out but nothing like this road. The wind blew directly in my face all the way out Algonquin and followed on Southwestern Parkway as well. It wasn’t until halfway through the Riverwalk that I got some relief. The evidence of high water was still aplenty. I rode through heavy debris, mud and then finally a large puddle. It put an end to the nice clean up I put on the Bridgestone. By the time I made it this far I checked my watch and I was running quite behind schedule. The wind was too much to overcome. I thought through how to get from downtown to home the quickest and decided to head out to Oak street in Old Louisville and the take that into Germantown. I ended up picking up Newberg Road around Tyler Park and taking that to the Zoo to get back to the homestead. I am a bit of a sucker for routes that do not repeat and work as actual loops. This did the trick and I only repeated my own street. It was a great ride and my stomach was growling. I headed in for some lunch and to get ready for the revelry.
I have really enjoyed bike riding this year. I am thankful for my employer who doesn’t seem to mind the rides plus the shower time needed afterward. My Mom for watching my children anytime I ask. My Father who led the campaign for Christmastime wool garments. My wife and children for giving up what is admittedly not much time together. I think it is great that people outside of my own family read what I have to say. I have long wanted to have some sort of outlet to ride even it is only simplistic narratives about me riding my bike at lunch time. A special notice to my friend Tim. We have known one another for some time through a time I went to church for/with my wife and ended up playing Church League softball. He has been kind enough to let me borrow a very fine bike to ride around on. Also, sharing the knowledge he has collected over many more years of riding. Sometimes I get to calling too much to chat nerdily about bikes. His wife periodically refers to me as his “boyfriend” haha. Thanks again Tim. Hopefully we can get out soon and knock down some miles.
My goal for 2009 is 2500 miles. We are also hatching plans to train into and knock out a century ride.
Happy New Year to all!
