I Have a Need For Speed

July 4, 2012 Independence Day PEDALS adventure: Make no mistake about it…it was hot!  But the Independence Day morning ride was not as bad as one would think, considering the day reached a high of 103 degrees.  In a reprise of our Memorial Day breakfast ride (see blogpost Spring Launchings) , two sets of neighbors joined us for an 8:30 am ride to Dunkin’ Donuts via the YMCA path, the Pufferbelly trail and a couple of neighborhoods.  By waiting until 8:30, the overnight humidity had burned off and the middle of the day heat hadn’t yet come.  Note to self, early rides are better if they are not too early.

As we rode on the YMCA path, we passed many people jogging the trail, looking (in my opinion) at us enviously as we sped passed them, wind whipping through our hair, quickly on our way to the end point of our ride.   I, on the other hand, did NOT look at them enviously, struggling with each step, NO WIND whipping through their hair  and far away from their end point.  That was when I realized why I like to bike;  I have a need for speed.  IF (and it is a big IF) I am going to expend the energy in an activity to increase my physical fitness, whatever activity I choose must give me the most bang for my exercising buck:  what can I do that covers the most distance with the least amount of discomfort with the greatest chance of natural and shaded surroundings (sounds like a bad story problem).  The answer of course is biking.   In the amount of time it took for us to ride to Dunkin’ Donuts, and back again (not counting the relaxation time and yummy donuts) we covered more miles and got out of the heat faster than most of those joggers…that’s a win in my book.  Yes, I did at one time train and complete the Indy Mini 13.1 mile race, after which I never really ran another step (so much for the philosophy that once you start running you become addicted to it) , which confirms my statement: I have a need for speed!

My fellow riders standing in front of the large tree blocking the path

The most interesting part of the ride was looking at the storm damage from the previous week’s 90+ mph winds.  In fact, the Pufferbelly trail at one spot was blocked by a very large tree, which we went around on the already well worn grass.  Other assorted limbs and trees were scattered about, reminding us how fortunate we all were that we suffered no damage.  Oh yeah, the demented looking squirrel who stood frozen on a limb, staring us down, was a pretty good laugh too!

Ride stats:  8.5 m (RT), Time: 59 min. 50 sec. (should have gone around our cul de sac a couple of times) ODO: 276 miles

Look carefuly for the deranged squirrel.
I'm glad he wasn't related to Rocky the flying squirrel.

Notable Nature Sightings:  Large tree covering the bike path, one slightly deranged (and too tame) squirrel.