Final Post

I am discontinuing my Bacchetta Blog to allow more time for biking. I will, however, continue with my tandem blog (http://dv-tandemusa.blogspot.com/).

Thanks to all who followed me on my Bacchetta adventures.

DAHLC Biking

DAHLC Ride to Eyota: 24.56 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 2 hours 2 minutes, average speed: 12.0

It’s been too long since biking on the Bacchetta—almost 4 weeks. This May weather has been undesirable—rainy, cold and our schedule a bit busy even if the weather would have allowed for more biking. I had been looking forward to biking with the Mayo Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center bike group for 2 weeks when finally a Wednesday with gorgeous weather arrived leaving me with no chance to refuse. A group of 25 DAHLC members gathered outside the center at 5:30 p.m. I was quite nervous as we biked through the rush hour traffic but our group stayed together creating a mighty force down the streets of Rochester. We were led by 2 DAHLC staff members, Amy and Kim, both strong cycle instructors. Their plan was to get us to Eyota and then back to Rochester before the lights went out—I knew this would be a challenge for me. Both instructors had encouraged me to join this Wednesday group but I had reservations as my average speed was not quite up to the advertised speed of the group but tonight I was up for the challenge. My comfort level improved as I reached the outskirts of Rochester. I now was in familiar territory as Dennis and I had biked this route together a few times in the past. As we got closer to Eyota, I began to lag behind, hills are always more of a challenge on a recumbent, but I never felt forgotten. Ride members were watching out for me which prompted me to continue to pedal missing out on breaks that I should have taken. I was in need of water and a stretch break when I finally saw the wonderful Kwik Trip sign in Eyota. I had been pedaling continuously for 20 miles by this time and my legs were beginning to cramp up. The group was already resting at the station when I arrived. I announced that I would like to part from the group and continue riding towards St. Charles rather than back with the group to Rochester. It was getting late and I didn’t want the group to feel they needed to slow down for me. They agreed to my plans only after I guaranteed them that I knew my way home and that relief was on the way. I called Dennis to let him know that I was in Eyota and planned to bike down Hwy 14 towards Dover. He was waiting at the DAHLC for me to return and quite surprised that I was in Eyota. I got within a mile of Dover when my rescue vehicle arrived. This may sound like the ride from hell but it really was wonderful biking the countryside in 70° temps and slight winds. I met many great riders and always appreciate a push every now and then. Stressful—a bit, but I stayed with it and that’s how improvement happens. I will not be up for this kind of challenge again tomorrow but will continue to seek it to increase my riding strength and abilities.

Watch Out for That Ditch!

St. Charles & Home: 11.76 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 54 minutes, average speed: 12.9

Not every ride goes smoothly—today was just one of those days. The weather was great but my mind was just not in the game. I mounted my bike and began pedaling down the drive when I hear an awful noise behind me—I forgot to release the kickstand. Oh well, minor detail. My plan was to bike to the St. Charles Public Library to pick up some bike books I ordered and then head home. I reached the library in good shape and decided to use my new lock to secure my bike while in the library. Returning back to the bike, I noticed that although I took precautions to lock my bike, I left my loaded bag open displaying all the goodies inside. But this is small town St. Charles so all was well. I mounted back on the bike and continued on home. I was almost home when I was forced to the side of the road by 2 passing vehicles while trying to maneuver around rumble strips. I couldn’t keep it on the road edge so took the ditch. I kept the bike under control and came to a slightly less than graceful stop. My trip was riddled with minor distractions but I did make it home without a scratch and sat down to enjoy my library books only to realize I must have dropped my library card somewhere along my journey between St. Charles and home—will have to make a trip back to the library to cancel activity to the lost card but that’s a trip for another day.

Double the Miles, Double the Fun

St. Charles & Home: 14.21 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 1 hour 8 minutes, average speed: 12.3

What to do with a day to myself? Go biking, of course! It was a gorgeous day—temperature in the high 60’s with slight wind out of the NE. I decided to head towards St. Charles and see how my legs felt after pedaling to the Amish Market. Would I have the endurance to bike down the hill into St. Charles and make the climb out so early in the season? No problem! My extra training in the gym prepared me well for this biking season. I’m not getting as many miles on the Bacchetta this spring due to the increased miles we have been putting on the tandem. It matters little to me which seat I am sitting in, I am just thankful for this wonderful spring weather we have been having in Minnesota.

Life is Good!

County Road 35 South: 10.92 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 57 minutes, average speed: 11.4

It’s Easter Sunday and I was itching to ride. The temperature was in the 60’s and the winds were mild so I went out for a short ride south on County Road 35. The ride was so peaceful, with nature all around and uplifting music playing to coax me up each hill. Life is good!

Back in the Saddle Again

County Road 35 North: 3.57 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 26 minutes, average speed: 8.2

My little yellow Bacchetta has returned from its checkup so I took it out for a short spin to test adjustments Kevin made to the shifters. No parts needed replacing but Kevin decided to replace the seat which never seemed to fit quite right on the frame. I was happy to know I didn’t forget how to ride the bike and really felt very comfortable in the seat. I'm looking forward to many happy miles on the Bacchetta this biking season.

Short But Sweet

CR 35 South: 7.11 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 36 minutes, average speed: 11.7

Biking this beautiful day in November now makes 9 months of biking on my Bacchetta. We have been blessed with an Indian Summer in Minnesota this season and I plan to take advantage of it. The ride today was windy but warm. I really do dislike the wind especially when climbing hills but today I knew I would be rewarded when I turned for home, and it was a fabulous trip home! Unfortunately, the wind factor does affect my average speed but that is offset by the enjoyment of being out on the bike.