Small bikes, stupid trails, injuries and rides with J2

It's been a while since I've posted up...not due to a lack of things to discuss...just because I'm lazy. Or, busy. Or, stupid. You take your pick.


Small bikes:
I was leaving work the other day. I'd hopped on the Cannondale to ride home...was leaving my parking lot at work, and had just pulled out in to traffic at Lake Eastbrook Dr and 28th St. This is generally one of the more dicey portions of my commute as there is lots of traffic coming from many different directions...most of which are just as happy to run me over as look at me. On this particular day, though, something other than the traffic caught my attention.

There was a man riding a bike from one parking lot to another in roughly the same area I was riding. Sadly, the traffic prevented me from hauling out my camera and snapping off a picture...as it assuredly would have been an amusing one. But, in the interests of expressing the situation to you, my loyal reader, I will paint as vibrant a picture as I may using my semi limited vocabulary.

This man was on a bike...a bright purple bike with yellow and white daisies painted on it. There was a white faux-wicker basket on the front, and it had white tires that appeared to be approaching the end of their life cycle. What was particularly interesting about this fairly large man on this fairly feminine bike was that it was exactly that...a feminine bike. It was a 16" barbie bike of the type sold at Wal-Mart or Target. No. Seriously. My first impression was that this a-hole had stolen some 7 year olds Barbie bike and was riding it to make his get-away. Where are the police when you need them? Probably too busy staging SWAT raids on MC's street in a veiled attempt to obtain further evidence of our subversive cycling activities.

After another 2 seconds of inspection of this mans bicycle I realized that he couldn't have stolen it. In an astonishing fete of bicycle engineering, this man had fit himself to a little girls bike. He had attached a seat post that was easily 2' in length...possibly more. And, had replaced the handlebars with a set of old-school 70's style ape hangers. The kind where you would normally be grabbing on the the grips at about ear level. Except, since this bike was so short, his ape hangers really only came up to about his waste. What I found particularly interesting was that he had replaced the original pedals. Pedals which were designed to fit a 7 year old foot, with standard platform pedals from an adult bike. However, the crank arms and drive train remained completely stock. Thus, he was pedaling like mad to go about 10mph. I believe he was pushing a cadence in the 110-115 range in order to "hurry" across the busy section of the bank parking lot.

As I stared with what must have been a fairly amusing slack-jawed, stupefied look upon my face, this 'cyclist' of sorts looked over and made eye contact with me. His reaction?

"Nice day for a ride!" he stated cheerfully.

I didn't reply...I just was lost for words. What would have been an appropriate response?

Riding with J2:
Last Sunday I had the privilege of riding with J2. While all the Asheville portion of the JDRF team was in recovery and slowly making the journey back to West Michigan, J2 and I had simultaneously concluded that there was not Sunday ride planned. And, that simply would not do.

John and I met at my house at Noon-ish and set out for a 60-ish mile trip to Grand Haven and back. And, I had a blast!

We had a few exciting moments as we dodged through traffic at the US31 interchange in Spring Lake and then hopped on the Draw Bridge to make our way South in the Grand Haven. But, other than that, the ride went really smoothly.

The wind was pretty heavy out of the Northwest, which meant the ride on the way out was a bit tough. But, it meant that we got to go check out the big rolling waves on the lake...and, they were HUGE.

Wind helped us out on the way home and we made pretty good time...the total route finished in the 65 mile range...and we hustled for a good portion of it.

All-in-all, it was a ton of fun. J2 rocks!

Injuries:
So, my knee has been screwed up for about 10 days now. It took a little time fo the Dr. to figure out what the issue was...but, now I'm pretty sure we've got it nailed.

Some sort of an issue with how tight the muscles and tendons are in my left leg. Basically, it is so tight and out of place that the tendon that runs on the front, inside of my knee is causing my kneecap to track incorrectly. That incorrect tracking means that the cartilage is inflamed and is sensitive, plus the bones around the knee area are clipping the edge of my knee cap as it passes over the bones when I bend my knee.

In short, it hurts a lot every time I move it.

Doc put me on a 10 day regimen of 2400 mg of Ibuprofen. 30 minutes of icing it daily. And, solid routine of stretching.

The stretching made an immediate and sustained difference...my knee feels MUCH better after I started stretching in the last couple days.

I should be back in action on Sunday. Provided I don't do something stupid to injure myself in the meantime.

Stupid Trails:
So, I thought it would be a good idea to take my kids out for a bike ride today. And, in the interests of giving them a bit more freedom from traffic, I thought we'd just head over to Kent Trails for a ride. My thought was that the kids would enjoy being able to ride on a trail were they essentially "owned the road".

Well...I still think they might have. If we could have found the trail.

My plan was to give the new-ish section of Kent Trails along M6 a try. I knew that it connected to the old section of Kent Trails as it heads south of 60th St. Unfortunately, there are no good places to park and hop on Kent trails as it moves south through the residential area in Grandville. I didn't want to park in some guys yard and then hop on the trail. So, I decided we would just go park at the new Metro hospital along M6 and just catch the trail from there.

The problem?

You can't get to the trail from anywhere along there. Seriously...the hospital? No access. The new Hyatt Place hotel being built? No access to the trail. The City of Wyoming kids park? No access. The newly built ITT Technical School? No access.

Ok, ok. We'll just ride back toward Byron Center road and catch the sidewalk heading south. From there we'll hop on the trail from where it crosses Byron Center. Sadly...there is no sidewalk. And, there is no place to connect with the trail unless you are willing to hop out in to traffic.

In short, this is a trail with no access. You can't actually get on to the trail from anywhere...at least, no where near the most populous area the trail passes through.

Now, forgive me if I am just being a bit dense. I assure you I'm not being willful. I legitimately am failing to understand. Why in the world would we have built a trail that doesn't actually allow anyone to use to get from anywhere to anywhere that is actually on the trail?

I've always viewed "bike trails" as being great for recreational purposes or for commuting in the very narrow circumstance in which you live and work along the trail. But, they've never really seemed useful to me...partly because they don't appear to be terribly safe if you're planning to ride at speed, and partly because they just aren't practical as a route for my commute. I don't live along the trail. I don't work along the trail. And, the trails in my area don't actually go in a direction that I ever need to go. So, I just have no need for them.

But, I've generally been willing to defend the expense to build them because I understand that they may have a use for some people.

Out for a ride with your kids? Use a trail. Nice Sunday ride on your cruiser bike? Use a trail. Rollerblading? Use a trail. Out for a walk? Use a trail. Out for a run/jog? Use a trail.

There are all kinds of people who might use a trail for plenty of valuable reasons.

But, if our community is going to build a trail that runs along a highway, passing through some of the most populous areas on the South-West side of town...you'd think that we'd want to make that trail accessible to the people in that area. There is a huge new hospital right there. How many of the staff working at that hospital, whose parking lot has Kent Trails pass directly through it, would ride their bikes to work? Well, none right now...because, in spite of the fact that the trail passes with 5' of their parking lot...there is no way to get from the trail to the parking lot. The whole trail is fenced off...on both sides. What's the point? How many people are going to stay in that Hyatt Place hotel who might want to use the trail for a jog or a ride? Too bad...you can't get there from here.

I'm failing...completely and utterly...to understand the purpose of this trail.

And, to be quite honest...this isn't the prettiest section of trail in history. It's along a highway...not known for its sublime beauty or breathtaking scenery. And, the whole thing is fenced in on both sides to within 6" of edge of the pavement. The combined effect of lots of pavement, cement, inaccessible buildings, and fences leaves one with the impression of a prison yard.

So...if you'd like to know what it would be like to spend time in the clink...check out the new section of trail along M6.

If you're looking for a place to take the kids for a bike ride...probably better look someplace else.

Sunday Ride.

Hey all...I'm going to do a ride tomorrow afternoon from my house. So, for those of you who didn't get to have any fun in Asheville...come on over and ride with me!

I'm thining about something in the early afternoon. But, I'm open to moving that around to suit the needs of the people who want to attend. The earliest I could go would be about 11AM. And, I'm willin to go as late as is needed.

If we have a few people who are interested in 60sih miles, we could do the route from my house out to Grand Haven and back.

Comment on here or email me - ceningolmo @ sbcglobal.net if you are interested.

100 Miles of misery

Sunday was a beautiful day...sadly, I ruined it by bonking during the last 10 miles. Luckily I don't bonk very often...but, each time I do...I am reminded of why we try so hard to avoid it.

I'm pretty sure that if I took all of the misery of a weeks worth of riding and bottled it...that would be a beverage called "BONK".

Anyway. I took off early (5:30AMish) on Sunday morning on my Volpe. It was COLD...well, cold for this time of year. 54 degrees when I left my house. That meant I hauled out the knee warmers and my Zephyr vest. ANd, I was wishing I had arm warmers. My theory for doing a long ride on the Volpe was this; it weighs nearly double what the CAAD9 weighs and, therefore, should make the CAAD9 feel faster when I get back on it. So, I left my house to head for MC's house. About a 25ish mile ride for me.

Upon arrival I found the SWAT team outside his door. Sadly, I was actually releaved to find out all those police cars and flashing lights were for the SWAT team. As I was riding toward his house I was very nervous that the flashers ahead were an ambulance...knowing that a small group of cyclists would be meeting us there I was very afraid that one of them had gotten pegged by a car. Luckily, no one who isn't a drug dealer/wife beater/local thug was harmed.

I don't actually know why they were there. They appeared to be setting up a small arsenal with which to storm the house on the corner (about 3 houses down from MC). For all I know there was an Al Qaeda splinter cell working out of there and we are now all safer Americans. Or, this was just an elaborate set up for Big Brother to watch MC's cycling activities and document some of his known associates. We cyclists do represent a dangerous counter culture...taking up space on the road, annoying drivers, going slower than motorized traffic, saving money, reducing carbon emmissions, reducing noise, getting exercise...and this may have been the initial stages of a serious crackdown on the Holland cycling ring. I'd better start sleeping with one eye open. I think The Man is trying to hold me down.

Anyway...I did 25 miles on the Volpe. But, since this was the first time I'd ridden the Volpe for about 5 weeks, I totally forgot to prep it. So, I was trying to remember headlights, taillights (I was leaving in the dark), and anything else I might need. What I forgot was a water bottle. And, breakfast. Ooops.

I was able to borrow a bottle from MC when I got to his house. I'm sure SWAT has photo documentation of the transactio. So, I was able to hydrate on the next leg of the journey.

Next step was to do a 25ish mile trip from MC's house to O'Connor Castle just south of Fennville. I was able to convince the gang (MC, Brad, Rob, J2, Brian and Heather) to wait a second while I ran in to the 64th St. bakery and grab a bagel. And, by this time, the sun was up, the temp was up, and life was good. By this time I'd stripped the knee warmers and vest. I finished a whole bottle of water, a small OJ and a bagel on the way down. SO, I was hoping that was catching up on the hydration.

After meeting the rest of the gang from JDRF West Michigan team...we went out for our training ride. PLan was about 45ish miles of lovely Allegan county riding. And, it was exactly that. Lovely. And, it involved riding.

I must admit I was thoroughly enjoying myself other than that tell-tale sign dehydration. I was feeling thirsty. I was starting to feel a little low on energy. And, I was starting to get hungry.

About 20 miles in we stopped for a few minutes because, sadly, we had a couple riders take a fall. During the stop I borrowed a couple bucks from Rob Andro and bought myself a gatorade and granola bar. But, at this point, I believe I was just delaying the innevitable.

The rest of the ride went fairly smooth. I was able to hook up with Brad and we started riding a pace that was a bit more brisk...which I was happy about. After a final water/bathroom break in Douglas...the group hit the road again and I hooked up with Derek, Brad, and Janet and John Jasker.

I always feel lucky when I get to ride with good people. And, this was no exception. I couldn't have had a better group to ride with...but, this time in particular I felt lucky.

With about 10 miles to go I hit THE WALL. I mean... any sense of doubt or nagging thirst/hunger went away and was replaced with a complete and total sense of exhaustion. A sort of park-the-bike-and-lay-down-on-the-side-of-the-road-for-a-nap type of exhaustion.

I just had nothing left...it was full bonk. The group realized they dropped me...and, Derek came back to drag me back up to Brad and the Jaskers. Brad gave me some hammer gel that might well have saved my life. And, after that, I just hung on. I got in to Jaskers draft...and did my best to keep the bike upright. And, it was harder than I can explain.

In the end I made it back to O'Connor Castle where cool beverages, grilled food, and a clear pool awaited. ANd, I indulged in all that was offered. Recovery was fast...I believe the pool helped a lot.

Total mileage ended at about 95 or so...just shy of the 100 I was aiming for. But, near enough as is no matter.

The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging, swimming, and eating in the company of friends. Life was good...other than the bonk.

The best I can do to describe the way I felt about 5 miles from the end was this...

I knew there was a pool at the end of the journey. And, with about 5 miles to go, I was ready to just park the bike and lay down. In fact, I would have just parked, layed down, and called it a day. And, had it been possible for someone to offer me a pool on that spot...that very spot...I would have paid whatever was necessary. I would have, in a semi-delusional state, handed my credit card to anyone who could make it happen and told them I didn't care what it costs. Just make it so that there was a pool right there...on the side of the road where I was laying. Whatever you needed to charge me was fine. Just so long as there was a pool on that spot, right then, so I could cool off, drink water, and not ride my bike anymore.

Instead...I blearily steered my bike to follow Jaskers lead for that 5 miles as I attempted to get to the pool at the end. It was 5 miles...about 18 minutes...of misery. Somewhere during that 18ish minutes I vaguely remember seeing MC ride past me in the other direction. He must have been on his way out to check on the group after he had helped our fallen brethren (and sistren?). MC saw me in my state of considerable distress. His reaction? Well...I was fairly out of it at this point, but I'm pretty sure I remember him pointing and laughing at me as he rode past.

Much to the shegrin of Mrs. Clark, I forgave him this transgression. I didn't mind being pointed and laughed at for a couple of reasons. First, I'm sure I deserved it for not planning food, liquid, and physical conditioning correctly. Second, he saw that I was in good hands. It was pretty clear that J2, Derek, and Brad were going to see me through to the end. Third, we were pretty close to the end and he probably figured I could just about coast home from there. Finally, and most importantly, I had to forgive him because I would have done the same to him. What? It's funny. As long as you aren't the one bonking...the whole situation is pretty hilarious.

As an after thought to this epic post, I feel obligated to comment on something Brian Bowe said to me. We were at the party after the ride, relaxing, eating, recovering, lounging, swimming, etc. A couple people were discussing with me the fact that MC had given me the "point and laugh". I was lamenting my complete bonk-age and that I felt pretty silly. It was somewhere in this discussion that Brian said he was a bit "tickled" to see that I had bonked. By his explanation, he was under the impression that I was able to ride along, putting in miles, with only a theoretical end at which I might stop. To quote Mr. Bowe, "I thought you were able to just keep riding right off the edge of the earth. It's nice to know you're human."

I found his sentiments somewhat amusing and complimentary. Obviously I wasn't concerned that he was "tickled" at my bonk. He rides as much as I do and knows what it is like...he thought it was funny for the same reason I did. And, I felt complimented that someone thought so highly of my riding. Not that he called me his hero or anything...but, in terms of cycling, he sentiments were a bit of a compliment. But, also, I thought it was amusing that someone viewed the miles I put in as being effortless on some level. As though I could just keep riding forever with no real repurcussions. To be honest, I find this funny because it is in such stark contrast to how I actually feel while I am riding. There is nothing about the miles I put in that feels effortless and I assure you that there is most certainly a limit at which I must stop...in fact, I reach it quite often. Apparently I've just avoided having one of those moments in front of Brian. I've managed to remain composed and in control of my longing desire to GASP for OXYGEN while he is around. Score. I've got someone fooled!

Contrary to Brian's comments, I am certainly human. Abundently so...as I often prove. One only needs to attend a Wednesday evening at Grattan to see me prove just exactly how human I actually am. I'm far more human than many others I ride with...Frank, MC, Greg, Aaron, KP, Da'Ve, etc. These are people who can drop me like a bad habit and who don't appear to really even have to work very hard to do it.

Anyway...thanks Brian. Your comments sort of made my day. And, in the end, the last few miles were torture and I did find the pool. But, on the plus side, it was free. I didn't have to pay anyone to make a road-side pool for me.