September 27, 2014
I went on the Saturday group ride that I normally do on Saturday's. There is no way I am riding by myself again without knowing how to change a flat. I had looked at my front tire earlier in the week and it was looking very worn so I was taking a chance even riding with the group with that tire. If I had a flat...hopefully it wouldn't be so bad that the tire was unable to be repaired . I prayed a lot today.
As it turned out one of the other guys, Tom Donahue, had the misfortune of not one but two flats. His back tire was as bad as my front tire. He had every intention of getting the tire replaced at the bike store at the end of the ride. However, his misfortune was my gain. We had a flat changing clinic right on the ride with the guy who is the professional mechanic, John, for Team Garmin as well as some other professional teams.
We lost a lot of time, though, with that flat clinic and the pace of the ride picked up dramatically. We lost the fast group so John suggested we try encapsulating. What the heck is that I asked? It is when the riders in a pace line quickly move off the front and keep a constant rotation at the front of the line to keep the riders legs fresh and the pace quick. As soon as you are at the head of the pace line you pull off. It creates a slipstream when the ride rotates towards the back of the pace line which helps to save energy and your legs. Clever. I knew I was on that ride for a reason. Seems I always learn something from this mechanic. This encapsulation really does work and did pick up the speed of the pace line and saved my legs too. I felt the best that I have felt at the end of the ride. We averaged 17.2 mph for 36 miles. Not bad.
John had agreed earlier ( before Tom has his first flat) that he would show me how to change out the front tire when we got back to the store parking lot. Lucky for me that my tire held up. It was definitely dry rotted and worn and when we took off the tire it had a patch in it from months ago. It definitely needed to be trashed and a new tire on the front. I had several to choose from and he picked the Bontrager C2. Tires don't last as long in Florida due to the hot asphalt surface wearing the tire down at a faster rate.
John graciously showed me how to not only change the tire but how to change a flat and look for hazards as well as make sure that there are no pinch flats. I took about 15 minutes but I feel as though I have a better understanding and possibly change a flat without assistance...front or back tire.
Sorry Laura....... I asked him about metal tire levels. He said that metal tire levers are used only in extreme circumstances. He doesn't even use tire levers. He has changed so many tires in his career...guess he has strong hands.
Tomorrow the group goes out on their own and will do 60 miles out to Fort Myers Beach bridge. Yep....a Florida hill. I plan to go with the group and hope I don't get dropped!!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
The Birthday
September 26, 2014
Well I knew it was coming. Another year older. What did I do with the day? I talked with lots of friends and family who called to wish me a happy birthday. Cards from various people started coming in on Wednesday and I was so happy to receive all cards and the calls. Lots of posts on Facebook too wishing me a nice day. My friend Mary even sent flowers. She knows how much I love flowers so it helped to make the day even more special! I miss being home with everyone.
What did I do with the day? My brother and sister law wanted to take me out to dinner so I graciously accepted their invitation for a 6 PM dinner. For the rest of the day I decided to put my new patio set together. The is the first time I have every done something like this.
I got all the legs on the chairs assembled on all four chairs only to realize I had the legs on the wrong side. Ugh..... Unassemble and re-assemble.
It took me about 1.5 hours to finish the four chairs and I had enough of the patio Here's what done so far.
Well I knew it was coming. Another year older. What did I do with the day? I talked with lots of friends and family who called to wish me a happy birthday. Cards from various people started coming in on Wednesday and I was so happy to receive all cards and the calls. Lots of posts on Facebook too wishing me a nice day. My friend Mary even sent flowers. She knows how much I love flowers so it helped to make the day even more special! I miss being home with everyone.
What did I do with the day? My brother and sister law wanted to take me out to dinner so I graciously accepted their invitation for a 6 PM dinner. For the rest of the day I decided to put my new patio set together. The is the first time I have every done something like this.
I got all the legs on the chairs assembled on all four chairs only to realize I had the legs on the wrong side. Ugh..... Unassemble and re-assemble.
It took me about 1.5 hours to finish the four chairs and I had enough of the patio Here's what done so far.
I
I still have the table to put together but that's for another day.
I met my brother and sister in law at the Clam Bake in South Fort Myers for New England style seafood. It was yummy. I hadn't seen them since July when I stayed with them overnight in Ocean City. It was good to catch up and now I have a family support network here. Whew!
Clam Pass Beach
September 25, 2014
I had planned to go to the beach for my birthday but with the weather looking iffy for Friday I decided to go on Thursday instead.
Since I am on the beach diet I tried a new beach....Clam Pass. It has a huge hotel on the beach ( formerly the Waldorf Astoria and now The Naples Grand). I arrived in the parking lot at 9:05 and there were few cars there. Did I have the right location? My question was soon answered by a friendly driver of a shuttle to the beach. Yep...a shuttle. The beach was over a half mile away and with all the stuff I was taking with me ( for only two hours....I gotta not bring so much stuff next time) so the shuttle was a welcome site. It picks up passengers at the hotel first and then comes back to the parking lot for non hotel guests.
The Naples Grand
The driver was very friendly and when I told him that it was my first visit to this beach I got the grand speech about all the things that I would find at the beach. Paddleboards, jet skis , a snack bar that serves breakfast, lunch and drinks ....and of course a beach umbrella and chair for rent.
Any entrance to the water had seaweed. Maybe that's why no one was on the beach.
I went swimming anyway. The water was the warmest it has been since I arrived. It definitely was not the cleanest water I had been in since arriving here but it was certainly ok for swimming.
The day was going fast. I had only two hours to spend at the beach today as the reparimen who are fixing the problems with the house were scheduled from 12-4. I reluctantly headed home....
Here's what I arrived to when I got home.
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Well worth coming home!
I had planned to go to the beach for my birthday but with the weather looking iffy for Friday I decided to go on Thursday instead.
Since I am on the beach diet I tried a new beach....Clam Pass. It has a huge hotel on the beach ( formerly the Waldorf Astoria and now The Naples Grand). I arrived in the parking lot at 9:05 and there were few cars there. Did I have the right location? My question was soon answered by a friendly driver of a shuttle to the beach. Yep...a shuttle. The beach was over a half mile away and with all the stuff I was taking with me ( for only two hours....I gotta not bring so much stuff next time) so the shuttle was a welcome site. It picks up passengers at the hotel first and then comes back to the parking lot for non hotel guests.
The driver was very friendly and when I told him that it was my first visit to this beach I got the grand speech about all the things that I would find at the beach. Paddleboards, jet skis , a snack bar that serves breakfast, lunch and drinks ....and of course a beach umbrella and chair for rent.
Now that's what I call a beach chair. It's more like a bed!
When I arrived on the beach there were not many people there. Did I miss something? Was the beach closed for bathing? What I did see was a lone bagpiper dressed in full kilts playing his bagpipes!
I got my beach chair set up, the umbrella up and decided to relax for a little while. Well that didn't last long. I decided to walk the beach up in the north direction and was stopped by an inlet that was recently made because of the low tide.
I talked to a gentleman who was taking pictures of birds in the area. He said that this inlet was not there the day before. It was caused by storms and low tide. Amazing what nature does.
I headed back down the beach and decided it was time to swim in the Gulf.
I went swimming anyway. The water was the warmest it has been since I arrived. It definitely was not the cleanest water I had been in since arriving here but it was certainly ok for swimming.
The day was going fast. I had only two hours to spend at the beach today as the reparimen who are fixing the problems with the house were scheduled from 12-4. I reluctantly headed home....
Here's what I arrived to when I got home.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
A Surprising Day
September 23 2014
I was bummed this morning when I walked the dogs because what I thought was going to be a beach morning turned out not to be. It was cloudy and there was intermittent rain so the beach was not to be....or so I thought.
I decided to get my FREE coffee at McDonald's ( until September 29th...at least in this area) and drive to the closest beach for a walk. Of course when I got to the beach area it started to rain. However, it was a light rain so I decided to explore Barefoot Beach which is also a nature preserve surrounded by yet again million dollar houses.
Barefoot Beach Preserve has a nature preserve and a beach all in one....like Island Beach State Park. There is a parking lot as soon as you enter the beach access where sunbathers can get right on the beach but I decided to continue along the road that goes through the million dollar house display and out to the gate house at the end of the island. So glad I did that. Barefoot Beach is actually located on Old Hickory Island.
Once through the gate house nature comes alive with gopher turtles and manatees among other wildlife. I wasn't lucky enough to see either a turtle or manatee but I did get some photos of some cool signs depicting the wildlife that resides in the preserve.
The entrance to the first parking lot.
Be careful.
Their home
The entrance to the beach. It's similar to Island Beach State Park as it has a boardwalk entry to the beach with lots of surrounding plants.
Of course....the beach
The cacti garden which is located next to a learning center pavillion
The manatee area. I got out of the car but there was a gate across the access. Darn....sure would have liked to have seen one!
A full description of what you can find at the preserve
and or course....the homes
What started out as a disappointing day turned into a great day of discovery. Thank goodness for coffee runs!
I was bummed this morning when I walked the dogs because what I thought was going to be a beach morning turned out not to be. It was cloudy and there was intermittent rain so the beach was not to be....or so I thought.
I decided to get my FREE coffee at McDonald's ( until September 29th...at least in this area) and drive to the closest beach for a walk. Of course when I got to the beach area it started to rain. However, it was a light rain so I decided to explore Barefoot Beach which is also a nature preserve surrounded by yet again million dollar houses.
Barefoot Beach Preserve has a nature preserve and a beach all in one....like Island Beach State Park. There is a parking lot as soon as you enter the beach access where sunbathers can get right on the beach but I decided to continue along the road that goes through the million dollar house display and out to the gate house at the end of the island. So glad I did that. Barefoot Beach is actually located on Old Hickory Island.
Once through the gate house nature comes alive with gopher turtles and manatees among other wildlife. I wasn't lucky enough to see either a turtle or manatee but I did get some photos of some cool signs depicting the wildlife that resides in the preserve.
A full description of what you can find at the preserve
andand or course....the homes
What started out as a disappointing day turned into a great day of discovery. Thank goodness for coffee runs!
Monday, September 22, 2014
The Naples Princess
September 21, 2014
I signed up for a yacht cruise around Port Royale which is a section of Naples where the very rich live. The cruise also was a sunset cruise around the Gulf of Mexico. How could I pass it up? It was an activity that was offered by my community so I thought....why not.
Boarding time was 5:45 PM with sail time at 6:15. It was a 2 hour tour which was plenty of time to cruise out to the see the Port Royale homes and see the sunset.
It was breathtaking and well worth the time.
Naples Marina where the Naples Princess is docked.
One of the Port Royale homes.....an island home that is.
More Port Royale homes...complete with their own yachts!
Sunset in the Gulf of Mexico
There were drinks on board, music and a good time had by all on the cruise ship. We docked back at 8:15 on schedule.
I am told that the homes in Palm Beach on the east coast of Florida are even more impressive than these. I didn't care.....it was the sunset that I will remember!
I signed up for a yacht cruise around Port Royale which is a section of Naples where the very rich live. The cruise also was a sunset cruise around the Gulf of Mexico. How could I pass it up? It was an activity that was offered by my community so I thought....why not.
Boarding time was 5:45 PM with sail time at 6:15. It was a 2 hour tour which was plenty of time to cruise out to the see the Port Royale homes and see the sunset.
It was breathtaking and well worth the time.
One of the Port Royale homes.....an island home that is.
There were drinks on board, music and a good time had by all on the cruise ship. We docked back at 8:15 on schedule.
I am told that the homes in Palm Beach on the east coast of Florida are even more impressive than these. I didn't care.....it was the sunset that I will remember!
The Ride that Almost Wasn't
September 20, 2014
I woke up thinking I was going to ride with the group out of the TREK Naples store. However when I looked at the weather I decided that it was not worth the risk. STRONG thunderstorms...85% probably....even the radar map agreed on weather.com so I heeded the warning After walking the dogs I looked at the weather again....just 10 minutes....and the weather had completely changed and the day was going to be ok for riding. Only problem was that it was too late to get to the ride.
I decided to try and catch the group as they crossed Bonita Beach Road and Imperial Parkway which is about 5 miles from my house. They always go to Panera's at Coconut Point and there was a good chance that I could meet up with them along the way.
Off I went and when I got to that intersection there was not a rider in site. Do I wait or did I miss them? I decided to continue to ride on the normal route and if I didn't meet them on the road I would certainly catch them at Panera's. Worst case scenario would be that I would be doing the ride solo. Lo and behold....one lone rider with a Trek jersey. Most of the group does ride wearing that jersey. He rode up to me and I recognized him immediately but didn't know his name. I learned later that his name was John and that he had a flat and told the group to go ahead and he would catch up. Only problem was that I had not seen the group. Where did they go? John and I were not far from Panera's and thought for certain that we would meet the rest of the riders at Panera's. There were at least 10 other riders according to John.
We arrived at Panera's and no riders. What gives? We never did find out what happen to them. Joh said they talked about doing more miles. Maybe they rode up to the airport which is another common ride that the group does at times. It rained very briefly at Panera's and we decided to leave to avoid the rain but we were soon out of it....within a mile or two.... and the roads were dry.
We never did run into the group so we decided to ride at a moderate pace....he could certainly ride faster....but was gracious and said he would ride at any pace I wanted. It gave us a chance to get to know each other a little bit more. He is originally from Tennessee and he visited his parents here three years ago and decided to move his wife and himself here. He had a Garmin that had a GPS function that when his wife logged into some Garmin account...she could find him. That can be good or that could be bad. It's amazing what technology has given us......no privacy....but definitely safety.
John and I decided to get in a pace line and I rode back with him for another 5 miles before I decided it was time to turn around and head home. I ended the day with 44 miles and knowing a little bit more about one of the regulars.
What I learned from all is this.....is that indecision is not a good thing. In the future I am going to the ride start.....even if it's raining. It can be raining at home and just 3 miles away the sun could be shining.
I woke up thinking I was going to ride with the group out of the TREK Naples store. However when I looked at the weather I decided that it was not worth the risk. STRONG thunderstorms...85% probably....even the radar map agreed on weather.com so I heeded the warning After walking the dogs I looked at the weather again....just 10 minutes....and the weather had completely changed and the day was going to be ok for riding. Only problem was that it was too late to get to the ride.
I decided to try and catch the group as they crossed Bonita Beach Road and Imperial Parkway which is about 5 miles from my house. They always go to Panera's at Coconut Point and there was a good chance that I could meet up with them along the way.
Off I went and when I got to that intersection there was not a rider in site. Do I wait or did I miss them? I decided to continue to ride on the normal route and if I didn't meet them on the road I would certainly catch them at Panera's. Worst case scenario would be that I would be doing the ride solo. Lo and behold....one lone rider with a Trek jersey. Most of the group does ride wearing that jersey. He rode up to me and I recognized him immediately but didn't know his name. I learned later that his name was John and that he had a flat and told the group to go ahead and he would catch up. Only problem was that I had not seen the group. Where did they go? John and I were not far from Panera's and thought for certain that we would meet the rest of the riders at Panera's. There were at least 10 other riders according to John.
We arrived at Panera's and no riders. What gives? We never did find out what happen to them. Joh said they talked about doing more miles. Maybe they rode up to the airport which is another common ride that the group does at times. It rained very briefly at Panera's and we decided to leave to avoid the rain but we were soon out of it....within a mile or two.... and the roads were dry.
We never did run into the group so we decided to ride at a moderate pace....he could certainly ride faster....but was gracious and said he would ride at any pace I wanted. It gave us a chance to get to know each other a little bit more. He is originally from Tennessee and he visited his parents here three years ago and decided to move his wife and himself here. He had a Garmin that had a GPS function that when his wife logged into some Garmin account...she could find him. That can be good or that could be bad. It's amazing what technology has given us......no privacy....but definitely safety.
John and I decided to get in a pace line and I rode back with him for another 5 miles before I decided it was time to turn around and head home. I ended the day with 44 miles and knowing a little bit more about one of the regulars.
What I learned from all is this.....is that indecision is not a good thing. In the future I am going to the ride start.....even if it's raining. It can be raining at home and just 3 miles away the sun could be shining.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
The Flat Tire
September 17, 2014
Well I knew it was going to happen one of these days. Today was the day. It was raining when I left the house this morning at 7 AM for the 7:30 AM ride and I took the wrong road to get to the start of the ride. Two strikes down and one more BIG one to go.
I didn't think the ride was going to happen so I stopped to browse in Lowe's. I was only in there ten minutes and of course the sun was coming out and drying the roads. OMG. I still have ten minutes to make the ride and with the ride start being about five minutes away......I thought...why not....I can still make it. When I got to the parking lot at 7:25 AM Team Estrogen of TREK was in the parking lot. Three women and one guy. Sorry Uri ( they only guy) ....you have now just joined Team Estrogen for the morning. I talked with the leader, Karen, who I considered The Marine Drill Sargent and asked." Is there a ride today?" She barked back....."Why not?" Because of wet roads and myresponse was...."It's only water!" So off we went to FGCU ( Florida Gulf Coast University) for a ride through the campus and back to the start ( It made me think of the time Laura took us through the Princeton University campus) It was an easy ride. The pace was way below the advertised pace..16.mph vs the 22-24 mph advertised. Now when does that happen? Saturday's ride group was bigger and the pace more consistent.
Karen had a flat in the first three miles. She is a pro at changing flats and a back tire to boot! We were back on the road in about seven minutes and the rest of the ride was uneventful except for that darn Florida hill ( the bridge) on Estero Parkway. I stayed with the group on the first ride over but got dropped on the way back. I need to work on short climbs since that is all that I will be doing in Florida.
We came back to the parking lot with only 22 miles. Ugh.....I got up at 5:30 AM for 22 miles I thought to myself. NOT. I am going to do extra miles. So I said my goodbyes to the group ( I should have asked if anyone wanted to go with me...duh) and off I went solo. They were roads I have been on before so I wasn't worried about getting lost. I was just about at the turn around point and I felt that I was bouncing on the bike. Rut row....my tire was going flat. Six miles from the start and not a soul around to change the flat. I thought about walking but it was getting hot and it would take me a LONG time to walk back. I called my neighbor who graciously came out to pick me up even though she was flying back to Manhattan this afternoon. I did see one cyclist but the neighbor was already on her way so I didn't even ask for help. I started walking and within fifteen minutes I was happy to hear my phone ring and see my neighbor Marci approaching right behind me. Thank goodness for great neighbors!
Once back at the ride start I went in to the TREK store to have the tire changed. The Drill Sargent was there and I was fully expecting a lecture on why I didn't know how to change a flat. She was gracious ( after all....she is the manager of the store and this flat tire increased her daily sales) and informed me of a free clinic each month on tire changing. WHERE DO I SIGN UP! It's on my calendar to attend this class the first Thursday in October. It will be very expensive not to mention nerve racking if I don't get on the bandwagon and learn how to change a flat..
Another Day In Paradise( A DIP) ......well almost. Three strikes and I should be done for the day with a bit of bad luck. Here's hoping that the flat tires will hold off until October's training!
Well I knew it was going to happen one of these days. Today was the day. It was raining when I left the house this morning at 7 AM for the 7:30 AM ride and I took the wrong road to get to the start of the ride. Two strikes down and one more BIG one to go.
I didn't think the ride was going to happen so I stopped to browse in Lowe's. I was only in there ten minutes and of course the sun was coming out and drying the roads. OMG. I still have ten minutes to make the ride and with the ride start being about five minutes away......I thought...why not....I can still make it. When I got to the parking lot at 7:25 AM Team Estrogen of TREK was in the parking lot. Three women and one guy. Sorry Uri ( they only guy) ....you have now just joined Team Estrogen for the morning. I talked with the leader, Karen, who I considered The Marine Drill Sargent and asked." Is there a ride today?" She barked back....."Why not?" Because of wet roads and myresponse was...."It's only water!" So off we went to FGCU ( Florida Gulf Coast University) for a ride through the campus and back to the start ( It made me think of the time Laura took us through the Princeton University campus) It was an easy ride. The pace was way below the advertised pace..16.mph vs the 22-24 mph advertised. Now when does that happen? Saturday's ride group was bigger and the pace more consistent.
Karen had a flat in the first three miles. She is a pro at changing flats and a back tire to boot! We were back on the road in about seven minutes and the rest of the ride was uneventful except for that darn Florida hill ( the bridge) on Estero Parkway. I stayed with the group on the first ride over but got dropped on the way back. I need to work on short climbs since that is all that I will be doing in Florida.
We came back to the parking lot with only 22 miles. Ugh.....I got up at 5:30 AM for 22 miles I thought to myself. NOT. I am going to do extra miles. So I said my goodbyes to the group ( I should have asked if anyone wanted to go with me...duh) and off I went solo. They were roads I have been on before so I wasn't worried about getting lost. I was just about at the turn around point and I felt that I was bouncing on the bike. Rut row....my tire was going flat. Six miles from the start and not a soul around to change the flat. I thought about walking but it was getting hot and it would take me a LONG time to walk back. I called my neighbor who graciously came out to pick me up even though she was flying back to Manhattan this afternoon. I did see one cyclist but the neighbor was already on her way so I didn't even ask for help. I started walking and within fifteen minutes I was happy to hear my phone ring and see my neighbor Marci approaching right behind me. Thank goodness for great neighbors!
Once back at the ride start I went in to the TREK store to have the tire changed. The Drill Sargent was there and I was fully expecting a lecture on why I didn't know how to change a flat. She was gracious ( after all....she is the manager of the store and this flat tire increased her daily sales) and informed me of a free clinic each month on tire changing. WHERE DO I SIGN UP! It's on my calendar to attend this class the first Thursday in October. It will be very expensive not to mention nerve racking if I don't get on the bandwagon and learn how to change a flat..
Another Day In Paradise( A DIP) ......well almost. Three strikes and I should be done for the day with a bit of bad luck. Here's hoping that the flat tires will hold off until October's training!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Swimming in the Lap Pool
September 16, 2014
I thought I would try my luck at swimming today. I had wanted to go to the beach today but I had too many things at home to do. I signed up for a yacht sunset cruise out of Naples on Sunday so I thought it best to be prepared in case the yacht sank or I fell over the side! The boat sails around the Gulf of Mexico to Port Royal....home of the 1% of the rich population of this country. I will be sure to have photos of those homes.
So back to my swimming....I mean attempt at swimming....laps in the pool. My goal was only four laps. I thought to myself... "How hard can that be?" The answer...."Very hard!" I made a half lap and I was gasping for air. So I though....How do the fish do it? How do they swim underwater and breath. However since there are no fish in the pool to consult I decided that I better look for some swim lessons or otherwise I am gonna be fish bait!
I did finish four laps but it wasn't easy. I now have a new respect for swimmers in Triathalon events
and for anyone that can swim!
Another Day in Paradise. A DIP. Look for the reference in future blog posts.
Scene of the Crime
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I thought I would try my luck at swimming today. I had wanted to go to the beach today but I had too many things at home to do. I signed up for a yacht sunset cruise out of Naples on Sunday so I thought it best to be prepared in case the yacht sank or I fell over the side! The boat sails around the Gulf of Mexico to Port Royal....home of the 1% of the rich population of this country. I will be sure to have photos of those homes.
So back to my swimming....I mean attempt at swimming....laps in the pool. My goal was only four laps. I thought to myself... "How hard can that be?" The answer...."Very hard!" I made a half lap and I was gasping for air. So I though....How do the fish do it? How do they swim underwater and breath. However since there are no fish in the pool to consult I decided that I better look for some swim lessons or otherwise I am gonna be fish bait!
I did finish four laps but it wasn't easy. I now have a new respect for swimmers in Triathalon events
and for anyone that can swim!
Another Day in Paradise. A DIP. Look for the reference in future blog posts.
Scene of the Crime
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Another Humid Ride in Florida
September 13 2014
Woke up to very humid conditions and a good chance of rain but I went to the ride start just to check it out. On the way....in the distance to the north near the beaches.....lightning brightened the dark morning sky. It was only 6:30 AM. The ride starts at 7 AM!
There were many eager faces ready to ride. I am getting to know some of them by their names already. Even before the ride started one flat.....ugh. Concerned about the rain I just wanted to get going as we did after the flat was changed.
The group was choppy and disorganized with wide gaps between riders. We eventually lost a good portion of the group and we didn't know why. We went the usual route and stopped at Panera's in Coconut Point for a quick water break before heading back. The group that we lost joined back with us as we started to head back to the TREK Naples store. We found out that ther were two more flats from the same bike. Ouch. It turns out that there was a hole in the tire itself and a dollar bill inserted in the tire finally fixed the problem. The ride picked up and the group broke down into two groups. I stayed with the slower group. We headed back and turned on Vanderbuilt Beach Road which is the "Speed Zone" which is equivalent to the Macho Mile coming back to Cranbury. I was able to achieve 27.5 mph for a few seconds ( sorry Laura.....no proof/photo of that number on the speed odometer) but tonight my legs know I was pedaling that fast.
I also bought a rear blinking rechargeable light as a safety precaution for riding the Florida roads....even in the daylight. Thanks TREK Naples for suggesting it. Works like a charm and is very bright.
Here is the rest stop at the end of the ride.....37 miles. The Second Cup
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Treats in the display case.....Cake Pops
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They have day old muffins ( Laura...I almost bought one in your honor but I couldn't finish it without you and Jim to help!)
I hope that the route will change from time to time. This is the third week of the same route and I am getting bored.
I decided to do extra miles at the end of the ride with one of the riders, Tom Donahue, who I met back in February when I first rode with this group. He had ridden to the ride so I rode part of the way back to his rental home with him. He will be moving here permanently soon and is having a house built within a mile of the TREK store.
We rode through Pelican Bay which has about 20 sub developments and great roads for riding. I rode about 3 miles out and decided to turn back as I need to get back to run some errands before heading back to the girls who were waiting for me at home.
I ended up with 43 miles for the day. Longest ride here so far!
Woke up to very humid conditions and a good chance of rain but I went to the ride start just to check it out. On the way....in the distance to the north near the beaches.....lightning brightened the dark morning sky. It was only 6:30 AM. The ride starts at 7 AM!
There were many eager faces ready to ride. I am getting to know some of them by their names already. Even before the ride started one flat.....ugh. Concerned about the rain I just wanted to get going as we did after the flat was changed.
The group was choppy and disorganized with wide gaps between riders. We eventually lost a good portion of the group and we didn't know why. We went the usual route and stopped at Panera's in Coconut Point for a quick water break before heading back. The group that we lost joined back with us as we started to head back to the TREK Naples store. We found out that ther were two more flats from the same bike. Ouch. It turns out that there was a hole in the tire itself and a dollar bill inserted in the tire finally fixed the problem. The ride picked up and the group broke down into two groups. I stayed with the slower group. We headed back and turned on Vanderbuilt Beach Road which is the "Speed Zone" which is equivalent to the Macho Mile coming back to Cranbury. I was able to achieve 27.5 mph for a few seconds ( sorry Laura.....no proof/photo of that number on the speed odometer) but tonight my legs know I was pedaling that fast.
I also bought a rear blinking rechargeable light as a safety precaution for riding the Florida roads....even in the daylight. Thanks TREK Naples for suggesting it. Works like a charm and is very bright.
Here is the rest stop at the end of the ride.....37 miles. The Second Cup
Treats in the display case.....Cake Pops
They have day old muffins ( Laura...I almost bought one in your honor but I couldn't finish it without you and Jim to help!)
I hope that the route will change from time to time. This is the third week of the same route and I am getting bored.
I decided to do extra miles at the end of the ride with one of the riders, Tom Donahue, who I met back in February when I first rode with this group. He had ridden to the ride so I rode part of the way back to his rental home with him. He will be moving here permanently soon and is having a house built within a mile of the TREK store.
We rode through Pelican Bay which has about 20 sub developments and great roads for riding. I rode about 3 miles out and decided to turn back as I need to get back to run some errands before heading back to the girls who were waiting for me at home.
I ended up with 43 miles for the day. Longest ride here so far!
The Fun Things to do in Southwest Florida
August 18th thru September 13, 2014
Now for the fun stuff that has nothing to do with the bike.
When I arrived here with Al Lowich it was work work work for the first three days. Hanging temporary shades on the windows, pictures and just plain unpacking. By day four we said it was time for some sightseeing and a change of scenery! Al had never been to see the gulf beaches so that was our first stop.
We went to Barefoot Beach first. Million dollar homes ( I didn't get any photos....darn) surround the beach and the road meanders until the guard entrance where there is an entrance fee. Since we only wanted to look at the Gulf we turned back and went to see Bonita Beach. Bonita Beach is not far from Barefoot Beach....in fact the two are connected and is located on a main road sprinkled with houses and various beach access parking lots neatly tucked away so well that it was easy to miss them. We turned around and were lucky enough to find a parking space. We walked in the sand and looked at the Gulf and talked with a few folks and then went on our merry way.
Next stop was Naples.....home of the Ritz Carlton, The Waldorf Astoria and many other extravagant hotels and restaurants. We stopped at Tin City ( a tourist trap for sure) and walked around the pier shops. We were getting hungry but decided to look for some other venue in town to have lunch. We drove down Fifth Avenue ( Florida's version of Rodeo Drive) and settled on a restaurant called Aqua. The menu didn't have just want we wanted but the owner was very accommodating and had the chef prepare Grilled Grouper over vegetables. It is one of the best meals I have had here in Florida.
In my development directly across the street from the house is the town center complete with a post office, nail salon, hair salon, restaurant ( The Railhead) , a gas station and even a car wash. What more could a person need! There is always happy hour (except on Tuesday's during the summer) at the Railhead Cafe . Al and visited the Railhead several times after a hard day of unpacking and even had dinner at the bar one evening. Food is reasonably priced and tasty.
By Sunday we again needed a rest day from unpacking so we headed to downtown Ft. Myers to visit the Edison/Ford museum. Ft. Myers was the winter home of both men and they had their houses and gardens located right next to each other and on the banks of the Calahoochee River. Here is the link to some photos and information about the site.
http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/
Very interesting place and definitely worth a visit....although mid afternoon when we went is not advisable especially in the summer months as the historic site is all outdoors except for the museum at the visitor center.
I have decided that while I am here in Florida I will go on a "beach diet." Now that I have a parking pass to all of the Collier County beaches for the next year I am going to visit them all.....one a week. Here is Vanderbuilt Beach in North Naples.
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Now the weather conditions.
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It was a pleasant day at the beach.
Here is the sunset on one of the walks in Village Walk ( my community) with my two girls, Tracey and Cindy
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Tonight my neighbor and I went out for a bite to eat. The name of the restaurant is Ford's Garage.
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The car is over the bar and blows fake exhaust when the bartender pulls the cord.
Now take a look at the bathroom facility.....
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Now wouldn't you want that faucet and sink in your house? Too funny.
More to come as I explore more!
Now for the fun stuff that has nothing to do with the bike.
When I arrived here with Al Lowich it was work work work for the first three days. Hanging temporary shades on the windows, pictures and just plain unpacking. By day four we said it was time for some sightseeing and a change of scenery! Al had never been to see the gulf beaches so that was our first stop.
We went to Barefoot Beach first. Million dollar homes ( I didn't get any photos....darn) surround the beach and the road meanders until the guard entrance where there is an entrance fee. Since we only wanted to look at the Gulf we turned back and went to see Bonita Beach. Bonita Beach is not far from Barefoot Beach....in fact the two are connected and is located on a main road sprinkled with houses and various beach access parking lots neatly tucked away so well that it was easy to miss them. We turned around and were lucky enough to find a parking space. We walked in the sand and looked at the Gulf and talked with a few folks and then went on our merry way.
Next stop was Naples.....home of the Ritz Carlton, The Waldorf Astoria and many other extravagant hotels and restaurants. We stopped at Tin City ( a tourist trap for sure) and walked around the pier shops. We were getting hungry but decided to look for some other venue in town to have lunch. We drove down Fifth Avenue ( Florida's version of Rodeo Drive) and settled on a restaurant called Aqua. The menu didn't have just want we wanted but the owner was very accommodating and had the chef prepare Grilled Grouper over vegetables. It is one of the best meals I have had here in Florida.
In my development directly across the street from the house is the town center complete with a post office, nail salon, hair salon, restaurant ( The Railhead) , a gas station and even a car wash. What more could a person need! There is always happy hour (except on Tuesday's during the summer) at the Railhead Cafe . Al and visited the Railhead several times after a hard day of unpacking and even had dinner at the bar one evening. Food is reasonably priced and tasty.
By Sunday we again needed a rest day from unpacking so we headed to downtown Ft. Myers to visit the Edison/Ford museum. Ft. Myers was the winter home of both men and they had their houses and gardens located right next to each other and on the banks of the Calahoochee River. Here is the link to some photos and information about the site.
http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/
Very interesting place and definitely worth a visit....although mid afternoon when we went is not advisable especially in the summer months as the historic site is all outdoors except for the museum at the visitor center.
I have decided that while I am here in Florida I will go on a "beach diet." Now that I have a parking pass to all of the Collier County beaches for the next year I am going to visit them all.....one a week. Here is Vanderbuilt Beach in North Naples.
Now the weather conditions.
Here is the sunset on one of the walks in Village Walk ( my community) with my two girls, Tracey and Cindy
Tonight my neighbor and I went out for a bite to eat. The name of the restaurant is Ford's Garage.
Now take a look at the bathroom facility.....
Now wouldn't you want that faucet and sink in your house? Too funny.
More to come as I explore more!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
The Charity Ride for Fallen Cyclists
September 1, 2014
Today there is a charity ride for two cyclists from the Velo Naples club...one with brain injuries that are requiring rehab. The ride will help with medical expenses.
Some of the riders are the same from the Saturday TREK Naples store ride. The ride started at 7 AM again. Ugh....that means another early morning for me but it's worth it to help out a fellow rider who has been injured. Didn't get much other information on the injured riders but I was glad to be part of the event.
The route today is two separate loops. One comes out and back to the ride start at 22 mph and then continues in the other direction and back to make a 40 mile route.
The ride was fast but the two ride leaders for this pace....17 to 20 mph....are great. Peter and Mario keep the pace line intact in the bike lane and call out safe riding tips as we stay in the paceline. When riding in Florida in a group there is always a paceline.
On the second loop I encounter and tackle my first Florida hill.....the Estero Parkway bridge. The group is much stronger than I am at this point....hey....it's the last 10 miles by this point and my legs are tired. Another rider, Tamara, gets dropped as well and we decide to ride back together. She rode the entire ride without water! Not because she wanted to but forgot her water bottles and didn't want to miss the ride. Too bad I didn't know that at the beginning of the ride as I always have a spare water bottle...empty of course....but very easily filled with water......and I would have gave it to her to borrow. She knows to look for me the next time we ride together and she forgets her water bottles. Amazing that she could keep up with the group without water for 40 miles!
The end of the ride brings up back to a breakfast burrito and drinks at Moe's. I was happy to have food at the end of the ride. Some people were even having beer! Hey.....10 AM in Florida is like 2 PM in NJ. The ride is finished and it's time to celebrate.
Today there is a charity ride for two cyclists from the Velo Naples club...one with brain injuries that are requiring rehab. The ride will help with medical expenses.
Some of the riders are the same from the Saturday TREK Naples store ride. The ride started at 7 AM again. Ugh....that means another early morning for me but it's worth it to help out a fellow rider who has been injured. Didn't get much other information on the injured riders but I was glad to be part of the event.
The route today is two separate loops. One comes out and back to the ride start at 22 mph and then continues in the other direction and back to make a 40 mile route.
The ride was fast but the two ride leaders for this pace....17 to 20 mph....are great. Peter and Mario keep the pace line intact in the bike lane and call out safe riding tips as we stay in the paceline. When riding in Florida in a group there is always a paceline.
On the second loop I encounter and tackle my first Florida hill.....the Estero Parkway bridge. The group is much stronger than I am at this point....hey....it's the last 10 miles by this point and my legs are tired. Another rider, Tamara, gets dropped as well and we decide to ride back together. She rode the entire ride without water! Not because she wanted to but forgot her water bottles and didn't want to miss the ride. Too bad I didn't know that at the beginning of the ride as I always have a spare water bottle...empty of course....but very easily filled with water......and I would have gave it to her to borrow. She knows to look for me the next time we ride together and she forgets her water bottles. Amazing that she could keep up with the group without water for 40 miles!
The end of the ride brings up back to a breakfast burrito and drinks at Moe's. I was happy to have food at the end of the ride. Some people were even having beer! Hey.....10 AM in Florida is like 2 PM in NJ. The ride is finished and it's time to celebrate.
My First Group Ride in Florida
August 30 , 2014
I did my first ride with the TREK Naples bike store. There were about 15 eager faces in the parking lot before the sun came up. There were even a few brave souls who rode to the ride. Florida law requires that those riders have lights on both front and rear of the bike. Good idea with the reputation that Florida has with being unsafe for cyclists!
Ryan who is now the manger of the Naples store led us out of the parking lot onto Vanderbuilt Road. During weekday morning hours this road is very busy but being a Saturday the roads were quiet. The pace was set between 17-20 mph although there were people going faster than the advertised pace. Where have I heard that one before! The group did manage to stay together until the five minute rest stop at Panera Bread in Coconut Point which is directly across from the TREK Estero store. It's just a quick bathroom break, get some water and then back on the bike. This is where the group breaks into two groups and the faster riders go out at 22-25 mph and the rest of us stay in the slower group at 17-20 mph. Did I say slower??? What are they thinking. I did manage to stay with the group until the turn on Vanderbuilt heading to the Naples store. They call this stretch " The Speed Zone" where you can go as fast as you want. What? I am going as fast as I can.
The end of the ride stops at The Second Cup....a local coffee shop... in the upscale Mercado shopping center. Some people stop for coffee or something cold to drink and to get to know the other riders. The rest head back to the TREK store and call it a day.
One ride down.....whew. I ask myself.....How many more of these can I do?
I did my first ride with the TREK Naples bike store. There were about 15 eager faces in the parking lot before the sun came up. There were even a few brave souls who rode to the ride. Florida law requires that those riders have lights on both front and rear of the bike. Good idea with the reputation that Florida has with being unsafe for cyclists!
Ryan who is now the manger of the Naples store led us out of the parking lot onto Vanderbuilt Road. During weekday morning hours this road is very busy but being a Saturday the roads were quiet. The pace was set between 17-20 mph although there were people going faster than the advertised pace. Where have I heard that one before! The group did manage to stay together until the five minute rest stop at Panera Bread in Coconut Point which is directly across from the TREK Estero store. It's just a quick bathroom break, get some water and then back on the bike. This is where the group breaks into two groups and the faster riders go out at 22-25 mph and the rest of us stay in the slower group at 17-20 mph. Did I say slower??? What are they thinking. I did manage to stay with the group until the turn on Vanderbuilt heading to the Naples store. They call this stretch " The Speed Zone" where you can go as fast as you want. What? I am going as fast as I can.
The end of the ride stops at The Second Cup....a local coffee shop... in the upscale Mercado shopping center. Some people stop for coffee or something cold to drink and to get to know the other riders. The rest head back to the TREK store and call it a day.
One ride down.....whew. I ask myself.....How many more of these can I do?
I decided to start a blog of my adventures in Florida since moving here in August. It will be mostly about cycling but will also contain my exploration of what Florida has to offer to a new resident! Photos will not be part of the early blog......although I might add some later as I get more experienced with this blog thing!
I rode with Al Lowich a few times when I first arrived here in mid August as he unselfishly gave of his riding time in NJ to help me and my two doggie girls....Cindy and Tracey.....move to my new home in Bonita Springs, FL.
We explored the neighborhood by bike since there is a 4.3 mile road that circles the development. That adds up to a bunch a miles for a great warm up before going out on the main roads which can be busy. We started at daybreak at 7 AM to beat the heat and were off the road by 10 AM by the latest. The most we could do was about 45 miles although it was Al who rode that amount and I rode about 40 miles. I had enough of the heat by 10 AM.
Roads are in great shape here with no potholes and cracks due to the mild winters. There are bike lanes on many of the roads which make it easy to cycle at a good pace. The only thing that is worry some is the traffic. Florida is the worst state in the US for cyclists. Enough said on that subject!
I rode with Al Lowich a few times when I first arrived here in mid August as he unselfishly gave of his riding time in NJ to help me and my two doggie girls....Cindy and Tracey.....move to my new home in Bonita Springs, FL.
We explored the neighborhood by bike since there is a 4.3 mile road that circles the development. That adds up to a bunch a miles for a great warm up before going out on the main roads which can be busy. We started at daybreak at 7 AM to beat the heat and were off the road by 10 AM by the latest. The most we could do was about 45 miles although it was Al who rode that amount and I rode about 40 miles. I had enough of the heat by 10 AM.
Roads are in great shape here with no potholes and cracks due to the mild winters. There are bike lanes on many of the roads which make it easy to cycle at a good pace. The only thing that is worry some is the traffic. Florida is the worst state in the US for cyclists. Enough said on that subject!
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