Yesterday, "Da Kid" and I did our second annual 4th of July ride (yeah, I know it was July 2). Like last year, we started in Hinckley MN and rode north along the Munger Trail. We started the ride with temperatures at 70 F and a light breeze out of the west. We sheaded north at a good clip (for me) of 16-17 MPH with a nice easy cadence. We stopped near Moose Lake (32 miles) for fluids and to make some minor bike adjustments. We continued north to just south of Carlton and made our turn at 50.5 miles. By this time the day had warmed into the low 80's and more importantly the breeze had picked up and shifted to the South West. "Da Kid" decided to kick up the pace and we started hitting 18-19 MPH going south.
Like last year we stopped in Moose Lake to replenish our supplies and were once more amazed at all the fat people running around with boats, 4 wheelers and other motorized toys. After refueling, we continued to crank our way south. At mile 80 I hit "the wall" and proceeded to slow down. The last 20 miles took me as long to complete as the previous 30 had. "Da Kid" beat me back to the car by a good 25 minutes. At the end, it was 91 F, but we had completed 101.35 miles. My first C-ride of the year. A good day.
Today, we are going shopping!!
Like last year, our stop in Moose Lake troubled me when I see obesity being the norm rather than the exception among our fellow citizens. In the 100 miles we spent on the Munger we did not see more than 30 people using the trail. In our one stop in Moose Lake proper, we saw several hundred obese people with motorized toys. Why have we associated motors with outdoor time? It certainly has not helped our collective fat problem.
*I stole the last pic from EB72. It is a perfect example
19 comments:
If anyone wonders, the Munger trail was part of the MS 150 ride I took with the oldest daughter earlier this summer
Nice! Yesterday I did my first 100 miler ever!
Sometime I thnk we should bomb Japan again for sending us allt hose motorized toys for the wilderness... Snowmobiles, jetskies, 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, I have a great dislike for them all, but then I like to hike and canoe and cross country ski.
I noticed you have me in your blog list as "sage (brushy)". I found that funny.
Chris- CONGRATULATIONS! and I know you did not do it on your Valkyrie either *G*
Sage- sometimes I think you are right but then I remember that no one forced us to buy that junk either. I am glad you are OK with my obtuse humour *S*
I need to get back out on my bike. I have a mountain bike, which is good on our dirt roads, but I put the "street" tires on it to go everywhere faster.
Cranky and I saw a few "fatties" (as we like to say) on the easy trails in the mountains. Once we got a little further into the hikes, those people were nowhere to be seen! And none at the summits, that's for sure!
Notso- I primarily ride for fitness. I think you run for the same reason. The main point I think is that you are getting exercise.
As an aside, if your roads are crushed limestone or similar material, you can buy something like Fatboys or Slicks to fit 26" wheels. They offer less rolling resistance than knobbys but a broad enough foot print for float and control on less than pavement. You can find a good selection at http://www.nashbar.com/
Thanks Mal!
Whew, that sounds hot. My greatest bike accomplishment was Minneapolis to Stillwater and back--nothing compared to the treks you're making. I confess that it was my great idea to stop and get ice cream in Stillwater. Not exactly the best fitness food.
Mal! What cool bike rides you do! It's strange that the US with all its fantastic nature doesn't have more fit people actually. In Sweden the fat/fit issue is becoming a social status issue. Wealthy people tend to be fit while the less fortunate people keep eating at McDonalds. Strange because running in the woods is probably the cheapest form of exercise you can do.
On a happier note: HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!
Mal,
You are quite the bike rider. Sounds like you have some nice places to ride.
I rode for 3 hours this morning.
FYI, like you my Xblog on Saur's blog is not me. I deleted all my blogs not because of a daughter but on one day I got 30 hits from Duke University and it scared me.
Have a great 4th.
Congrats on your century! It sounds like you and DaKid are a great cycling team.
I'm guessing that Moose Lake is not very pristine thanks to all these motorized toys.
sounds idyllic!
You've inspired me lately. My last century in the last century (1993 to be exact), but I've been working back up to it. Last week I did forty miles. Not there yet, but I mainly stopped because I ran out of time. I'm sure I could have done 43 or 44.
My kids outride me now, too. I beat them on the downhills, but they catch up and pass me going up. Unfortunately, I can't get them to go any farther than a couple of miles. I think I could tire them out. Sounds like you've already lost that battle as well.
Mal!
You gave my poor little heart a start when I first saw that picture.
Okay, breathing normally again.
It's been well over a year since I parted ways with the one who outweighed me by more than 250 pounds. He was a little chubby when we met but nothing like that photo. Now all I can ask myself is "what the h*ll were you thinking??!?!?!?"
I am not thin but I am so glad that I exercise regularly. That photo only provides more motivation. (well, that and my appetite as I only run because I like to eat).
Sounds like a beautiful day. Just the weather must have been georgeous.
A friend's been making noises about starting a cycling regimen. Gosh, it's tempting to get back on the bike again.
Glad you've resurrected the blog. I took a little break myself, but the bug's bit me and it's been over a year since my fist post. A special thanks to the one who got me started.
It's also been about a year since I made a commitment to get regular exercise and be healthier. Feels good. Maybe it's time to do my first century too.
Sounds like the two of you have some fun adventures planned.
Have a good weekend, and week!
My sons hates the fact that I won't buy him any sort of electronic game (PS-2, Playstation, etc), but I see absolutely no need whatsoever to "play" backyard ball when we have three+ acres and farm fields on all sides for him to play ball, run, jump, whatever.
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