A Midnight Rider

New Years Eve From London

2012-01-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Harry in Belgium for sending me this link. Turn up the volume and go full screen. Incredible display.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1yLRK2M8YQ&feature=youtu.be

Janurary 7th Ride

2012-01-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

As always: Click any photo for big.

Distance 37 miles
Ave speed 11.4 mph
Time 3:13

I offered to take Dave and Paul on a route neither of them had ridden before. Fairhaven to Fall River and back. It's a ride I had done a few times either alone of with "the kid" who now lives in Austin.

We did some urban riding in the city of New Bedford, but my mates were out of their comfort zone. Both are relatively new riders and are "not there yet". People who have been riding and especially commuting know what that means.

Crossing the bridge to do some city riding.

The streets were relatively quiet in the city.

Stuff like this made them nervous.

When we finally got beyond the airport things quieted down some and everyone was comfortable again. We came upon a pond after a couple good climbs and stopped for a breather and to walk in goose shit.

Paul posing for a candid shot.

Did ya hear the one about the three Irish guys who walk into a bar in Boston?

On the return leg we decided to take a side road and see where that took us. It was 57F in the early afternoon on January 7th. Weather like this is too good not to take advantage of. I had a general idea where we were and said if we run into a sheep farm, we're good.
We were not really lost, just not sure where we were. On a bike if you keep riding eventually you figure it out.

Is thisTennessee? Coon hunting? WTF

My next Woolrich jacket

Sheep farm. We're good

Do you know where we are? No do you? No .

This road most likely leads somewhere

One thing is why in the F**k would a town put something like this near a school.

Things eventually got back to normal in rural Massachusetts. More butter, less guns.

The Weather is Cooperating Nicely

2012-01-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

The weather is unusually mild making going for a bike ride the natural thing to do. I stay pretty close to home because it does change quickly in these coastal communities. I decided to top of the tires before heading out and broke the valve on the rear tube. Changing it was quick and painless in the garage. On the road things never come together that smoothly.

It's very quiet on the roads in the middle of the day. Everyone is at work or school and us retirees have free reign. The weekend looks like it will offer two good riding days. It would be nice to get a couple of hundred miles before leaving for Kansas City on Thursday.

Rochester Saw Mill

Vaughn Hill Road. Rochester MA.

This used to be a business that moved houses.

Quonset Hut home

18th century cemetary

New Year Day Ride in Fall River MA.

2012-01-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

click any photo for big

The temperature was approaching 50F at the start of the short New Year's Day bike ride in Fall River. A handful of riders showed for the ride. It was a last minute decision which may have kept the ridership down. On a day like today there would have been a lot more if there was some publicity. No matter, this was perfect for those of us "in the loop". Fall River is know as the city of hills and there are some doozies. Weatamo St. is famous for it's steepness and could easily be used for one of those crazy bike races where riders try in vain to reach the top of the hill without their hearts exploding. Naturally, we went the other direction to avoid any temptation of trying that.

Close to the end of the loop I decided to do some sight seeing since this was my first time riding in Fall River. I had seen "the foundry" many times while driving the highway over the years and have wanted to find a way to get a closeup. Today was the day and I broke away from the group a mile or so from the end of the ride.

The sign said "Emergency Access Road" Good enough for me and my bike.

It's been a while since anyone drove this road

Running back to the bike before the timer took a photo. Late again.

Later on I met the gang at Friendly Ice Cream to see if anyone wanted to keep riding for a while. There were no takers but luckily one of the group had a six mile ride home through the city. I rode with Bruce toward his abode for a while before breaking away for the return trip to the starting point.

Thirty miles to a ham sandwich. cheap cheap unlike gas prices.

Bruce and I blasted through this red light. We owned this road.

Portuguese in Fall River? Who knew?

Fall River has a reputation for very aggressive drivers. None of them were out today and all those we did encounter gave us plenty of room and were very courteous at intersections giving us the right of way. I was told however that tomorrow is a work day and things change during the commuting times. Lots of eff use and horn honking.

Is there any city in the Northeast without a Flat Iron Building?

The only traffic of the day. Plymouth Ave.

The last climb of the day. It was a humdinger.

December Saw Lots of Rides

2011-12-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

The daily commute really allowed me to get lots of miles during December. A couple of road rides was the icing on this cake culminating with a 30 mile ride today on the Rochester MA loop.

There is a group doing a New Years Day ride and I am going to join them. They don't have a route yet, only a meeting place. They are a university organization so they will have something ready by Sunday no doubt.

Ducks

Lonely stream crossing

Mr Goodwrench lives here

Acushnet MA. summer farm stand

Running Errands

2011-12-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

I had a few errands to run around town and had all intentions using the car. While walking the dogs I noticed quite a few people on bikes on the MUP. Why not? I said and did all the errands by bike. It was only around 4 or 5 miles total riding and the temps were in the high 20's. It was cold but only felt cool. Winter riding this year has been pretty neat.

Popcicle Toes

2011-12-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize till the end of the ride that I had no feeling in my toes. As they say, "what you don't know...". Today was one of the standard 25 mile loops through the neighboring town. In the two hour ride less than a dozen vehicles passed. It felt like I was on tour somewhere in Upstate NY or out west again.

I did take the steel touring bike on this ride and am always amazed at how smooth it rides. It's a 2007 Novara Randonee and it's a really great touring bike if you ever take the plunge.

Climate change sale

It was windy last night

Acushnet MA.

Rochester MA.

Barn work in Mattapoisett, MA.

Back yard art

It's been a while.

Two More Bike Commuting Days

2011-12-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

One of my peeps.

The bike commute to the Salvation Army is coming to an end. December 24 is the last day for the bell ringers and consequently the last day for the driver (me), who brings them to the markets. Today was a great bike riding day with temps around 60F. I'm kind of liking this climate change, and am hoping I'm long gone when the shit hits the fan.

Speaking of markets, I have learned not to buy any "fresh" items there. When ever possible I get local produce, and can get fresh eggs from a place just off the MUP in Fairhaven. MA.

Eggs are just ahead behind the greenhouses.

Time to Bundle Up

2011-12-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today was the first really bundle up day of the season. Crossing the harbor is the worst part. It's always windy and cold.
There is also lots of construction on the latter part of my commute. Or first part depending on weather I'm coming or going. Which can get confusing at my age.

Carrying bike from bridge to lower road.

Construction makes things safer. I ride inside the barrels.

Last hill to climb

Fairhaven High School ( MA.)

Winter is Coming

2011-12-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Only four more days till the solstice and the beginning of winter and the holiday season. It's also called Midwinter and Yule.

Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time

Today felt like winter with the temperature hovering around 27-28 F. It wasn't bad riding to the market because there was no wind. There were a couple of comments about riding in the cold. Those people haven't seen the light yet.

Where I meet my peeps. I'm usually the only atheist in the building.

Early morning in downtown New Bedford, MA.

It's the last week of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. I drive the ringers every morning to their assignments. The running joke is that their religious boss has told them they are all fired on Christmas eve.

Food shopping on a cold December Sunday.

Cold and Wind

2011-12-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

I could hear the wind roaring as I awoke. "Wow, this could be a tough ride to work". There were a couple of spots that the gusts knocked me around, but just the though of riding and not driving the five miles to the office made the ride seem right.

Full on sustained wind in my face. 30MPH

Construction makes this usually treacherous crossing a piece of cake.

No Work, No Miles

2011-12-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Early morning walkers.

Click any photo for big

My annual miles have dropped off considerably since retiring. The 20 mile daily commute really added up obviously. Also preparing to get back into soccer coaching took up a good chunk of riding time.

It's just over 1500 miles this year which is around 600 miles under the average of the last few years. We are planning a bike tour for the summer which will afford plenty of incentive to go out and ride to get the fitness level up to snuff.

Doing the 10 mile daily commute till the 23rd. Then what? Who knows. Here are today's sights.

Freighter at Pier 2

Freighter bow looking from Pier 1

Oil barge making it's rounds

Scallop boat returning to port

City Riding

2011-12-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day of rehab since I had a heart stent installed on Nov. 21. It's a 6 mile ride to the hospital and the day screamed for a bike ride. Needless to say the staff was a bit surprised. I told them I ride every day and also walk 4 or 5 miles with the dogs. After a 30 minute ride into the wind and mostly uphill, rehab sat me on some machine that resembles a recumbent bike that has handlebars that mimic rowing for 5 minutes. My heart rate got to 85 and recovered to 58 in a little over a minute. "See you next Wednesday". I am scheduled for 36 visits at $15 each. I flinched and we agreed that I would continue till I lose 10 lbs. Now that I have incentive, that should take about a week.

New Bedford was twice the richest city in America. It was the whaling capital for a long time then transformed to textiles in the 1920's. The 1% who ran things built some very spectacular homes.

On the return trip, I ran into a regular biker crossing the bridge with his buddy.

Enough Wind to Stop A Bike

2011-12-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

I got on Rt. 6 in Fairhaven only to find myself riding dead on into a sustained 45 MPH wind. If I stopped peddling my forward momentum would cease immediately and the wheels would stop rolling. I briefly though about turning around to get my car. Riding over the bridge and open water was a chore but the return trip was as easy as pie.

Winter is gradually setting in but the biking is still the best part of the day.

Lost and Found

2011-12-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Cargo Ship from Panama arrived yesterday

As always. Click any photo for big

A few months ago I lost my best glasses. I gave it a few weeks to see if they would turn up then decided to replace them when BJ's had a 1/2 price sale. Three weeks ago, I lost the BJ's glasses and ordered a new pair last Tuesday. Friday I found the first pair in an old glass case in my catch all basket in the kitchen. Today I was packing my rain gear for the ride to work and found the replacement pair I lost three weeks ago in a pocket.

In a matter of four days I went from two pair of glasses I don't like to five pair. It's like the old days with telephones. One in every room. But I do get to see things more clearly on the daily commute.

Living along a working waterfront is pretty neat. There is always something interesting going on.

Calm Waters

2011-12-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

You have heard the phrase, "the water was calm as glass". This is what that looks like.

It was unusually nice for a November commute this morning. On the lighter side. I wear a strap to keep my pant leg from getting tangled in the chain ring and this morning after crossing the bridge and portaging the stairs to the lower roadway, I notice the strap was missing. It's a nice one I got at REI so I decided to back track. The problem is that the bridge opens to allow boat traffic on the hour and it was getting close to that time. If I'm on the wrong side, I will be late for work.

I road back looking for the strap at a good clip but had no success. After carrying the bike back down the stairs for the second time I decided to pull up a sock over my pant cuff as a temporary fix. Sure enough the strap didn't fall off and was still attached to my ankle, hidden from view under the cuff. I got to work on time but as the first sentence mentions, it was an unusually warm day. I was sweating profusely when I got to the office. Then my shirt began to stink. Then all the bell ringers piled into the van that I was driving to bring them to the shopping centers. peeeeee u.

Bell Ringers

2011-12-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Today was the first chilly day of the season. It was around 40F and windy on the way to drive the Salvation Army bell ringers. Naturally I got caught in the middle of the harbor when the bridge opened. Both ways as a matter of fact.

BTW Here is the reason for my not posting for a couple of months.

I ride to the city daily to deliver the Salvation Army bell ringers to their stores. In this setting one gets to see a different side to these people. They are mostly down and out, but all are nice.

Salvation Army bell ringers

Derelict boat in New Bedford, Ma harbor.

It's That Time Again.

2011-11-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

Road construction is not good for bike tires.

High School soccer is done for the year and now it's back to bike commuting. This is the time of year that I volunteer to drive the Salvation Army bell ringers to their posts. It gives me a reason to bike commute again, and a reason to update this blog. There were a couple of commutes before the holiday but yesterday actually began the regular driving duties. It was also my first flat in years. Without losing a beat, that tire was back in service lickity split. But, but, the nut that holds the skewer on the wheel fell off. For the life of me I couldn't find it and consequently couldn't put the rear wheel back on. Call the wife, get a ride to work.

I did manage to find the part when I returned after working and everything worked out. I did get to ride again today.

Part of the scallop and fishing fleet is in port.

Portuguese Whale Boats

Freighter off loading in the Port of New Bedford.

Swansea/Somerset/Warren Interstate Bike Ride, October 15th

2011-10-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

"In continuing to raise awareness for the planned South Coast Bikeway,SRPEDD hosted a bike ride through Swansea, Somerset and Warren on Saturday, October 15th at 10am. The ride was approximately 23 miles long and began and ended at the Hugh Cole School at 50 Aslyum Road in Warren, with a break and refreshments at Pierce Playground in Somerset. The route took advantage of the newly constructed Warren Bike Path as well as the Swansea Bike Path and bike lane network. The overall route mirrored a segment of the South Coast Bikeway and also the southern end of the Taunton River Trail in Somerset, another regional bikeway planned in SRPEDD’s Southeastern Massachusetts Bicycle Plan."

High sustained winds with gusts exceeding 50MPH and hills. Lots of hills. I thought I was going to need defibrillation..

Hold onto your hat with the cross winds here.

Swansea MA. Town Hall

Swansea MA Library

Crossing into Somerset MA

Nice wide bike lane.

Riding down by the River.

My tooth filling started playing a radio station here

Taking photos of the power plant.

Myles Standish State Forrest

2011-10-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sue and I packed up the bikes and drove to Myles Standish State Forrest near Plymouth MA. for a Columbus Day bike.

Columbus Weekend Ride

2011-10-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

Click any photo for big

Distance 39 miles
Time 3:05
Ave 11.7
Max 28.8

It's a long holiday weekend and the weather cooperated The initial plan was to ride down to the harbor for the Buzzards Bay Regatta.

Billed as the showcase event for New Bedford Community Rowing, the regatta is attracting teams including juniors, scholastic and masters teams in a variety of racing shells. There will be men's, women's and co-ed teams taking part, and five colleges are sending teams, including UMass Amherst, Fordham, Roger Williams, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Boats will take 20-30 minutes to complete the course, and the event will conclude around 1 p.m. more

Since it was such a beautiful day with temperatures in the 80's doing a bike ride first seemed natural. We set out to do one of our regular routes. After a couple of miles I made an offer to do something different. Dave accepted and we set out on a route that would make Captain Kirk proud.

There were a couple of times when neither of us knew where we were and any biker worth his salt know that if you just keep riding, you will get somewhere. I did mention that if we were in a mall there would be a map with a red dot saying, "you are here". It all worked out obviously and it turned out to be a really good riding day. "A cut above" as they say.

Wifey and I ended the day at our favorite bistro in Seekonk, Chardonay's , who on Sunday's offer a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two entries. The best part about this place is that the main dining area is out of sight and sound of the tvs and the bar.

Here is the proof.

There was lots of this traffic free riding.

Dave is a law abiding citizen who waits for the traffic "OK" before crossing the bride. I'm a scofflaw. Ergo the photo from inside the traffic controls.

Notice the draggers in the background.

Woony River 2011

2011-09-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Click any photo for big. Feel free to copy and use anything here.

We chose the 25 mile over the 50 mile this year because of the threat of rain. Sleeping in an extra hour seemed like the thing to do on this day. Dave and I arrived at the designated parking lot in Providence and the first thing we noticed was how many cars in the lot had multiple flats. We were told there was a vandalism spree the night before and that it was the first time that has happened in this area. Those Brown University kids. Sheesh.

Preparing for Waterfire

We're off

Your going to be famous

Riding the west side of Providence

Tandem

The WBRU peeps

Low bridge, everybody down

The temperature settled in at around 80F but the humidity was wicked, 95%. The hills seemed much steeper and longer because the humidity sapped everyone's energy. Fortuitously, there were only a couple of minor rollers after the halfway point and the return trip was a can of corn.

The humidity got to a few people on the hills

Halfway point

Capital Building in Providence, R.I.

Another sponsor, REI

Everyone was treated to a pretty nice spread at the end of the ride. Pulled pork, veggie burgers, beans, slaw, and yellow jackets were served. A nice bag of "swag" was given to each rider and radio station WBRU had a spin to win game, giving away hats, Frisbees and other stuff.

This is a well organized ride on a moderately challenging route. Put it on your calender for next year or better still book mark This link and sign up for their e-mails. There is much more to offer in addition to this ride.

Manhattan

2011-09-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Wifey and I decided on a spur of the moment weekend in New York City. It's a four hour bus ride from home and we had enough points to get a free hotel in Times Square. It's another perk of New England life where there is nothing we can't do within a few hours of home. Big city, ocean, mountains, wilderness you name it, we can get there.

Today we took the Hop On, Hop Off bus. Our first stop was Ground Zero and I have to say that I was very encouraged at the union presence. It's patriotism at it's best, where we are not only standing up to terrorist but more importantly war on the working class.

We did return to the Lower East Side that has become our favorite part of the city. I really get annoyed when I'm in Times Square because it's just too crazy.

Times Square is nuts.

Orchard St. on the Lower East Side is more my cup of tea.

Click this for big and notice how the building look wrinkled in the middle.

The United Nations will be in session this week and the place was full of security and film crews.

United Nations Building.

Flat Iron Building

So Ho building made of iron and painted to look like stone.

Angry looking owls

New York never gets dull. Lately I have been going two or three times a year. May is the Five Boroughs Bike Ride where 32,000 of of gather to take over the city for a few hours. If you like to eat, the variety and quality of food alone will have you testifying about the city to anyone who will listen. If your in the Bowery around Delancy Street, try this place.

A Trade Off. Biking for Football

2011-09-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Biking has been at a premium because of my new position as a high school soccer coach. Naturally there is a blog for that and it's HERE.

Sue and I are taking advantage of a free trip to NYC this weekend. We earned hotel points through our credit card and we also got a free round trip bus ticket each when the bus rolled through the depot last year without stopping. The GPS confirmed our complaint and that got us the freebee.

My plan is to take her to Lower Manhattan and walk over the Williamsburg Bridge into Brooklyn to spend a good part of the day. Evenings in Manhattan naturally.

Hurricane Irene

2011-09-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

The SouthCoast of Massachusetts lucked out yet again as Hurricane Irene passed inland. Maximum gusts of 72 MPH with very little rain relegated Irene to Tropical Storm status. She did clear most of the weak limbs from the trees and took down some lines, but all in all, everything is OK.

In other news. Road bike riding came to a complete halt in June. Lots of miles on the commuter bike while the Felt carbon fiber sits lonely in the garage. A few hours of each day are now devoted to planning and exercising high school soccer practice. We have a team Facebook page HERE .

More hurricane photos

Cooking soup on the bike touring stove

MUP Damage

Playing in the ocean during a hurricane

I missed the initial shot of these two 12 year olds. Their father told them to

go back in the water so I could take their photo. Dad said the kids were not too

bright. These two apples didn't fall far from the tree.

These neighbors took an after dinner hurricane walk. Each one of them lit a cigarette by the

time they walked down the driveway.

The family who smoke together.......

Little Compton R.I.

2011-08-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Click once for big, again for bigger.

Distance 18.3 Miles
Max       25.5 MPH
Ave        11.6 MPH
Time         1:33

Number 1 son was home from Boulder for a couple of days and we decided on a bike ride in Little Compton R.I. Sakonet Point was our destination which is a 45 minute drive from home. Main Rd. or Rt77 has moderate traffic and is flat.

I wanted to show everyone an old inn and restaurant that was built in the mid 1800s. While we were checking out the view from the property we noticed a couple on bikes near the lagoon. I didn't realize there was a road there and we came upon this.

Where does this road lead?

While we were deciding on which direction to take, another couple obviously riding to or from a beach passed by and we decided to follow.

We felt like explorers discovering a new land.

This was a really nice spot and we decided to ride over the hill to see what was ahead. Cresting the hill made it feel like we had just walked into one of those mirrors where when you walk through your in another dimension or land. Wifey's comment was, "we found another gem". There were lots of people and most came by bike. It really did seem like a Disney movie set, where everyone was laughing the the kids were all running and squealing when the 6 foot waves came crashing on them.

Lots of bikes translated to no fat people. Seriously, only one overweight boy out of a couple of hundred people. There were also lots of alien accents. New York and Southern "money" accents

The homes reinforced my money comment above.

When we road back we looked at the entrance sign and sure enough it said "Private". However it seems that people on bikes are welcome.

Tall Ship Eagle

2011-07-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Coast Guard Tall Ship Eagle docked in New Bedford on Friday. Our rowing club will be hosting much of the crew at a cookout tomorrow. We figure around 75 of them will show.

I was surprised at how young the crew was. I thought that it was academy grads or seniors who manned the ship but after seeing them today I'm now thinking sophomores.

The bridge spanning the Acushnet River is under repair for a few weeks. Those of us on bikes have two full lanes to ourselves. During heavy traffic when the cars are all backed up a few of us have been meandering across the bridge weaving around our two full lanes.

Everything to the right of the yellow cones is traffic free.

Tall Ship Eagle

Fast Ferry to Martha's Vineyard.

Anthony's Beach

2011-07-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Biking to the beach. The red back has towels, books, sun lotion the green bag is a beach chair.

Boston Magazine recently ran a special on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts. Buzzards Bay was often mentioned for sailing, fishing, swimming among other things. It mentions that the Bay is fed by the Gulf Stream which keeps us from the freezing cold and snows common to areas away from the Bay. The beaches are numerous and have been a destination for decades. This time of year, the Gulf Stream warms Buzzard Bay to a comfortable 75F. Very nice for a dip or a swim, which is what we have been doing daily for the past couple of weeks.

Fort Phoenix was our destination for the past few summers, but budget cuts have forced area town to now charge for beach access at a cost of $15/car. Naturally, walk on(s) and bikes are free. However, the towns have also banned parking on the streets near the beach with a fine of $35 if ticketed. Fort Phoenix is the only free beach that has ample free parking and access which is good for most but it now attracts the shit bums too. Those are the ones who rifle through bike bags, break into cars and steal anything that is left unattended, including blankets, chairs, coolers or whatever.

Because of biking, wifey and I rediscovered this little secluded beach in town that I had know about forever but because the others were so popular and nice, we never thought to swim there. That's all changed, it's a mile from our home and still a hidden gem.

Secluded and empty Anthony Beach in Fairhaven, MA on Buzzards Bay

Onset Beach and the Cape Cod Canal

2011-07-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Fast moving change of tide through the canal

Distance 49.3

max speed 31.7 mph

ave speed 12.4 mph

time 3:36

As always. Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger.

I was talked into participating in a tennis tournament today and grudgingly accepted without knowing the competition. Two things came together to get me to take a bike ride. The competition was way over my level and there was an odd man out situation. I jumped at withdrawing, called Dave and we did a 50 mile bike to the Cape Cod Canal.

Since this has been a regular route of mine for three years, I got a chance to show Dave, a first year roadie some of the out of the way places that one doesn't see from the expressway.

Onset Beach in MA.

Salt Water Taffee

Riding along beach road

Main St.

From Onset we had to ride on busy US Rt. 6 for about a quarter mile to get to the entrance of the canal bike path. The path was busy but we only road a half mile before exiting back on the main road. Once there I showed Dave the hidden access road that led to the bike, pedestrian walkway over the Bourne Bride.. The traffic was backed up on RT25 as far as the eye could see with vacationers making their way to "The Cape".

Traffic backed up getting onto the Bourne Bridge crossing the Cape Cod Canal

Pleasure boats riding with the current in the Canal

The ride to Wareham and the Canal never gets dull. Every time I ride it I see something different, explore side roads and paths and strike up conversations searching for out of the way nuggets that the locals sometimes share.

Car Wash

2011-07-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last time here boyfriend threw the bucket of soapy water on her. He wasn't around today. Dam.

All the riding has been short trips around town. The coffee shop, the market and daily rides to the beach. Ah the life of a retiree. One of the stops is to get fresh eggs. There is a house behind a large property filled with abandoned greenhouses. The place suffered it's demise by KMart, Sears and supermarkets selling gardening supplies. The house has a small pen with goats, and chickens. Emily's eggs are a self service place and they sell for $2 a dozen. A really good deal for fresh eggs daily.

M.S. and Tractors

2011-06-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Click any photo once for big. Click again for bigger.

Distance       33 miles
time               2:16
Max speed   32   MPH
Ave speed   13.2 MPH

The weather was just beginning to clear after a few days of off and on rain when the call came to go for a bike. Dave and I decided to do the Wareham loop. We pretty much had the roads to ourselves for the first few miles when we suddenly ran into a tractor parade. I asked the cop directing traffic if it was the marijuana growers protesting the laws but was told it was the first annual parade for a man who was the tractor fixing guru in town that had recently died.   Everyone agreed that the parade would be shorted if there was a next time because about half of the tractors broke down during the parade.

While waiting for the tractors to cross a small group of bikers passed us by. We all agreed that today was perfect for riding. Soon another couple passed, then a few more. We finally realized that they were all wearing numbers and eventually found out that we had run into the MS150 annual ride. That also explained why in a couple of out of the way stops, there were cops stopping traffic to let Dave and I through cross roads and intersections.

At one stop light the cop on the corner held up his hand for a car to stop. He then pointed at me as I was approaching the intersection behind the car to go on through. The car began to move forward, the cop held up his hand for it to stop, pointed at me still behind the car and gave the "come on" sign. The car began to move forward again and the cop repeated the whole routine yet again. It was not unlike an Abbot and Costello skit.

I tried to get this shot looking back over my shoulder on a downhill, through a tunnel, on a curve. I got most of it.

Only a few more miles for these MS150 riders to reach their overnight stop at MA. Maritime Academy.

Crossing paths with more MS150 riders

Fairhaven's Annual Fathers Day Road Race

2011-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

First and second place runners

As always,click photo for big, again for bigger.

The first two runners were a good five minutes in front of the rest of the field. These guys were impressive and when a friend ran by me I mentioned that he still had a chance. "The leaders are no more than thirty minutes ahead", I said.

Last year my neighbor Taylor had a miserable race, finishing back in the top third of the field. This time he was ready and took 4th place. The remarkable thing is that he just completed his junior year of high school.

The field was represented, as in all events like this, by runners of all ages, sizes and shapes.

Ages

The Sole Sister were well represented by my neighbor Alexa and her friend Haley both of whom are my car washing neighbors. Two bucks for a pretty darn good car wash. Not a bad summer job for a couple of young entrepreneurs.

Shapes were well represented. Be sure to click this photo for big.

What is any event without the cool kids on bikes.

Here ya go. Click this one.

On the way back from the race I was riding the MUP and heard a bike approaching fast. Howyadoin? was muttered as he passed. He was really pushing, then I could see him start to fade. My guess is that his chase urged kicked in when he saw me ahead of him and apparently he used everything up to pass. He seemed to be the typical older "new" rider. Mid 50's, a nice hybrid bike, yet wearing a racing kit and a helmet.

If you think over 40 and spandex is unappealing, try pot bellied and over 50 wearing said spandex, racing along a bike path at 12 MPH. As the kids say, ewwww! Anyhow, without changing my speed, I began to gain on him and as we approached an incline on the path he glanced back and saw me only a few dozen yards behind. I think it may have demoralized him and he did pull up to tighten the strap on his clipless shoe. "How YOU doin' " I said as I rode past.

A Day With The Lovely One

2011-06-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

As always. Click photo for big. Click again for bigger

Distance 33.2 Miles
Saddle time 3:00 hrs
Max speed 23.7 mph
Ave speed 11.0 mph

The Lovely One, AKA wifey, offered to go on a ride with me today. She is not set up for long distance biking and her offer was a pleasant surprise. Our average speed was down a bit, but considering her being on a hybrid and out of riding fitness, it wasn't that bad.

We chose a relatively flat 32 mile loop to the center of Wareham, MA which is considered by the locals as the gateway to Cape Cod. It's rural riding at it's best offering wide lightly traveled roads through cranberry bogs, small farms and ponds. The turn around spot is Wareham Harbor on Buzzards Bay.

We chose a bike ride over sitting at home watching the Boston Bruins victory parade on TV and I am happy we made the right choice. I also got to buy a favorite lunch, egg salad on white at Cumberland Farms convenience story. yum.

Mary's Pond, Rochester MA.

The Lovely One taking a Luna Bar break.

Esterbrook Farms. Rochester MA.

Buzzard's Bay in the background.

Someone ignored the stop sign suggestion

Birthday Party in progress

There was a left over photo from last weeks trip to Boulder and #1 sons place.

Good book, nice view, cheap bourbon. Perfect.

KABOOM!

2011-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Boulder, Colorado

Click photo for big, click again for bigger.

The plan was to ride a couple of hours and spend some time at the town pool to cool off. On the way the call of the new bike park was to great to pass up. We did a couple of easy runs before continuing to the pool.

We only got a few miles when that kaboom happened. My rear tire had a blow out that was so severe, it tore the tire apart. We did the only natural thing, call Ma for a ride and have a couple of beers.

Call Ma.

We walked to an outdoor brewery that was dog friendly and ordered chicken wings and beer

Here comes the beer now

The tire

Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, Colorado

2011-06-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today was the grand opening of the Valmont Bike Park in Boulder Colorado. We borrowed bike to ride to the event with Sue and Keith on a vintage tandem and I was handed an American Flyer that looked like Pee Wee Herman's bike that had been left out in the weather since the movie was filmed. A squeaky rust bucket is the only way to describe it. Also a left my camera at home and was forced to use my cell phone for photos.

Waiting in line for the jumps slalom

Double slaloms, obstacle courses, single track and cross track racing circuits and more.

Keith and ma on a vintage Schwinn tandem.

The Great Divide in Colorado

2011-06-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Riding over the Great Divide in Colorado National Park

Still over 10 feet of snow

German motorcycle touring riders

The glaciers did a nice job forming this. Yes?

Soccer with A Crazy Guy On a Bike.

2011-06-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger.

Distance       41.95 miles
Pedal time     3:09
Ave speed   13.2 MPH
Max speed 41.3 MPH

Received an e-mail from a touring biker via the warm showers web site. We also had tickets to the US/Spain match in Foxboro Ma. To make this all work out, I drove a few miles to pick up Matt, pack his stuff in the car and get him back to my house pronto. This was our first meeting by the way. Once at the house we gave Matt 15 minutes to shower and change so we could get to the game before the traffic got too heavy. In the mean time we were making calls to our friends, The American Outlaws to get him a ticket to this nearly sold out match. We did get him one in the sections with the flags above. Just click the picture once for big and if you want click it again for bigger.   Matt is the guy in the red shirt.

Nothing further will be said about the match, and if your a fan, you know why.

A smallish group of the Outlaws marching and singing their way to the stadium

It's a long trek to the upper level

Our guest began his bike ride in Atlanta on April 18th riding up the Atlantic coast to Boston. After a short hiatus he will continue from Boston and ride due west in Canada. Possibly back to his home in So. California. What a nice way to spend the summer. I rode with him as far as the Cape Cod Canal which is around 20 miles (as the wheels roll on the back roads).

The start of the day's ride. River Rd. in Mattapoisett, MA.

In front of the decommissioned light ship Nantucket in Wareham Ma.

Coffee and scones in Onset Village, Ma.

Crossing the Bourne Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal

I have done this before

Warm Showers is a nice way for people to host touring cyclists. They provide feedback from previous hosts and first contact is by cell phone. In short, anyone considering hosting or staying with a host has the ability to make an educated judgment on weather or not the two of you want to get together. Matt was a good guest by the way. He is also posting his ride on Crazy guy on a bike .

L'Eroica

2011-05-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

I saw this over at Mindful Mule and decided to expand it's presence.

L'EROICA (english version) from Edouard Sepulchre on Vimeo.

Rochester Boat Race

2011-05-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

As always click any photo for big. Click again for bigger.

I am always on the lookout for events in the area that I can ride my bike to attend. Naturally there were plenty of parades and services around the area, but those types of things are not something that interests me.

The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race is a quintessential town event that has deep roots in the community.

The event, which began in 1934 with 14 teams, has morphed into a much-anticipated annual race where about 90 teams jockey to paddle down 12 miles of the Mattapoisett River with the fastest speed. With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, Boat Race Chairman Arthur Benner delighted members of the Rochester Historical Society with a special talk on May 18 that focused on the history of the event that is a dear tradition to many in Rochester and beyond. more

It was a pleasant surprise to see so many people on bikes at this event. Anyone could pedal to different crossing to get a good feel for the race. I rode to Wolf Island road to watch a few of the racers cross under the road. The place was mobbed and the road was bottle necked with motor vehicles. Those of us on bikes simply road on to the next viewing spot while the cars began jockeying to get out of the area.

After a few boats crossed under, a few of us saddled up for the four mile ride to the finish line. The place was festive and had the feel of the beginning of summer.

Done

Crossing the finish line

Last few yards

Yup, this here is our boat.

Lending a hand

The finish line judges

#39

Vamanos

Just Like a Commute

2011-05-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

A seven mile ride to the local hospital to have some testing done seemed like commuting again. It was also the first sunny morning in over 20 days. Every other has seen rain in one form or another.

Whenever I go into the city now days, a detour is in order. It seems that a couple of states refused stimulus funds from the federal government. Massachusetts applied for a share of these and got a really big chunk. Lot of construction going on fixing roads, bridges and building the commuter rail to Boston.

While cooling off outside the hospital entrance, I struck up a conversation with the security guard who is also a bike rider. Two and a half hours later he was still on duty and told of some guy inspecting my bike. He doesn't know if the guy was a fellow rider or if he was casing the bike. The guards presents no doubt kept my bike safe if in fact the other guy was a dirt bag. It could have been innocent also, but either way, the bike was in good hands.

The camera is usually in the bike bag because we never know what we'll see.

Lap Dog

2011-05-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Serenity a young terrier was stuck in the town shelter far too long. He got adopted by a family with a small dog and two young children, settled in, and now thinks he is a lap dog. Also on the MUP I ran into a couple of regulars on bikes. Unfortunately the photos came out very blurred and are not good enough to post. One 30 something guy on his trike and an 80 year old Mr. Botelho who calls his daily rides on a comfort bike his Portuguese triathlon.

Riding down town I saw the big rigs and buses near the theater. I had to detour a couple of block to see who was playing tonight and was tempted to get a couple of tickets.

I also took a ride through the city's original cemetery and found some very old graves in unusually good condition.

A co worker recently bought a home in the historic district of downtown. It's a very unique place that was once a carriage house for either a whale boat owner or textile factory owner. I didn't recognize the name on the plaque of the home, but it pretty much had to be one of the two.

Storm clouds were brewing and it was a race home to beat the rain. By the way. The local weather man says he has awakened to morning rain the past 21 days. This crazy weather has lingered for a few weeks and it will be an event when the sun and warm temperatures return.

People on Bicycles

2011-05-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Click on photo for big. Click again for bigger.

Distance      33.1 Miles
Time              2:37
Max speed 33.1 MPH
Ave speed 12.6 MPH

People on Bicycles Connecting South Coast Communities sponsored a bike ride to raise bike awareness in this part of Massachusetts as part of the Bay State Bike Week activities. The weather forecast threatened thunder showers and heavy rain. There was a group leaving New Bedford and one leaving Fall River and were to meet at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus.

Five of us hailed from Fairhaven which added a few extra miles to the trek. The ride went off without a hitch and the weather also cooperated on the New Bedford side. Fall River however got dumped on pretty good just as the riders were gathering. That probably kept a few from participating and a couple of not so hearty souls were debating weather on not to do the New Bedford section also. But we all left en mas from Fort Rodman for the twelve mile ride to the campus destination.

In Fairhaven on the way to the ride I came across a fully loaded couple. Being a touring cyclist I couldn't help but ask, "are you on tour". They were, and had began in Connecticut three days ago and were on their way to Ottawa. Yes that Ottawa, in Canada. First they wanted to see Cape Cod and the islands and their next stop was Woods Hole. We talked a bit about touring and went our separate ways.

At the end of the ride while returning from U Mass, I saw two more fully loaded riders. Naturally the question arose, "are you on tour".    "No, but we are training for one".   Two young women were training for their ride from Anchorage to New Orleans. Yes, Alaska to Louisiana this summer. We rode together and talked of touring for quite a while till our routes parted ways. Naturally I now have the fever to pack up and ride off for a couple of weeks. If only....

On their way to Ottawa via Nantucket

Anchorage to New Orleans in July

Here are some shots taken on the fly.

West Island, MA.

2011-05-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

A short ride out to West Island locate at the end of Fairhaven Sconticut Neck Road peninsula. It's a 7 mile spin from the house that can provide some really nice photo ops. For example.

Home of the plumber from This Old House series

Lobster men

Low tide

Chow dahh

2011-05-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

Miles 19.6
Max 22.5 MPH
Ave 13.3 MPH
Time 1:28

It's been over a week for a long ride, since NYC actually. Today finally offered some decent weather with the bonus of some sun. Tomorrow is the last day without rain for the next six or seven according to the forecast. Just after taking the above photo riding through the parking lot, I turned in time to see a monster pot hole a foot away. I had just enough time to grab the handlebar and the camera strap caught on my wrist just as it was about to go flying across the lot. The bike went into the pothole hard and the camera hit the handlebar while in the zoom mode and I really fear it's toast now.

Happy Friday. Enjoy.

It's A Conspiracy I Tell Ya.

2011-05-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger

Thing have lined up perfectly to keep the bike miles to a minimum. Not only that, but the walking miles and the time at the spahh has also suffered. Now that the time is available again to get back to some serious miles, the weather man says, "I'm afraid it's going to be like this for the next ten days or so". There is no need to repeat his forecast, but obviously there is no mention of the sun.

Commuting in ugly weather is really no big deal. Just dress for it and ride. However, joy rides for us retirees lose their luster in the windfograincloudycoldsonofabitch weather patterns. There is an event type ride on Sunday that has a chance of success, and maybe, just maybe, there will be something between now and then. If not, there will be other days to ride.

Five Boroughs Bike in New York City

2011-05-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

The decision was made a few months ago that this years Five Boroughs bike would also include a couple of free days to see New York. Those who tour on bikes know that the best parts of places we visit are those that are not the popular places. For example Times Square was a crazy place to be but walking over the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn was really something tourists don't normally do.

The amount of people in Times Square seemed infinite

Walking over the Williamsburg Bridge from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn

We visited the Tenement Museum in the Lower East side and had lunch at a very interesting Himalayan joint, before walking over the bridge to Brooklyn. The Williamsburg district is one of the places where the blue collar workers of Manhattan live. Live outdoor racquetball and soccer games were the norm. Hundreds of vendors from every corner of the world, and very eclectic looking flats decorated with the renters flair for art.

This was with a 40x zoom from two block away and seven stories below.

Williamsburg vendors hawking under the El

Public transportation and walking were the only means of getting around on this trip. A couple of the subway stations were really interesting in that the art deco was crumbling, but still very much evident.

Chambers St. stop in Manhatten

Another of the places where tourist don't normally visit is the Bowery District. We all know of it from movies, but how many people make it a point to walk around the place. We also looked around the Five Points section which has recently had a spike in fame from the movie, "The Gangs of New York".

The Bowery Courthouse

Still there are some things you just gotta see. Like the theater below where the Beatles made their American debut and Central Park. Everyone goes there and on a nice day, all at the same time.

Athletic fields of Central Park

Common area. Lots of Frisbee, Thai Chi, and other low key games.

We got a late start from the hotel to the Ferry from Staten Island to Manhattan for the ride on Sunday. The boats ran every 30 minutes and we had to wait for the second one once we got in line there were so many bikes in queue. Parking the car and getting every thing together, riding the bikes the quarter mile to the terminal and all the waiting was so hectic that I forgot the camera in the car. Photos of previous Five Boroughs Rides can be viewed here here and here.

We got word that there were some really bad backups in a couple of spots because of road construction, so a few of us combined our knowledge of the city and detoured off the route ending up cutting the ride short. A common theme among bicycle riders is that it's not the destination, it's the journey. We never made our destination, but and still experienced a great journey.

Golf? Nah.....

2011-04-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Distance 21.8 Miles
max speed 22.7 MPH
ave speed 12.3 MPH
Saddle time 1:45

The early morning fog kept the visibility to under a quarter mile. The temperature was very mild and lo and behold, no wind. After walking the dogs it was a no brainer to hop on the bike for a quickie.

I stopped for a snack and drink at the public golf course in Rochester, MA. This is the place that on the fifth hole, a par five, where I packed up my clubs, walked off the course and never returned. That was six years ago and I was one over par at the time. One guy looked at my bike and commented,

"Where do you keep your clubs?"

"In my attic" I replied

Last summer I went to the driving range to try a bucket of balls. I hit a little more than half of them and left. Golf is completely out of my system now. As a matter of fact, one of the regrets of my life is the time I spent on golf courses over the years.

Westport, Ma. Turnip Country Or Investment Shelter.

2011-04-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

As always, click photo for big. Click again for bigger.

Distance       16.0 Miles
Saddle Time. 1:28
Max speed      37.7 MPH
Ave speed       10.8 MPH

Westport is a route that is kind of on the back burner. It takes quite a while to drive to the central spot where the car can be left without worrying about it. It's the old Village Bike Shop property. Normally the ride is in excess of 20 miles but things conspired to keep the mileage low. Road construction, time, wind.... all the usual stuff.

Without fail, I take a wrong turn somewhere on this route. It happened again today and it was a real bummer.

When I looked over at the signs, I noticed how all the related things naturally fall into place.

This route offers quite a few small but pre-season annoying challenges. Only one was painful, but that one always is because it's at the end of the ride. Not unlike Heartbreak Hill in the Boston Marathon. I'm sure all the guys in the pickup trucks get a chuckle watching bikers struggle up the hill at Hix Bridge Road.

This area of Westport remains very much like it was two hundred years ago. It's upgraded, as much as farm country can be, but there is still lots of evidence of the history of the town. It's most famous for turnips. So much so that the locals call themselves turnups. There is also very old money in town. Big city money which attracts big city families. Those are know as skukes, a bird that comes around during the summer, but flocks in the off season. It's ironic that most skuke families have been a part of Westport years before the turnups started arriving.

Legend of the Turnips

Turnip farm on Main Rd. Westport, MA.

If you take a wrong turn you could end up here.

The land near the ocean and river was gobbled up by the skukes many, many years ago. Most have long private roads leading to their places. But the really old places, those from the 1700's sit at the end of main street near the ocean and Westport Harbor.

Private road leading to Westport River

Probably not a Turnip farmers house.

Waterfront property is much more valuable than farm land.

There are two distinct cultures in Westport Ma. Those who claim the right to farm, and those who claim the right to shelter their wealth. Both manage to live side by side relatively peacefully. Kind of.

A Long Holiday Ride

2011-04-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Distance        45 miles
max speed    35.6 MPH
Ave speed    12 Mph
Saddle Time 3:35

As always, click photo for big, click again for bigger.

The old Nantucket Light Ship in Wareham, MA.

I crossed paths with Dave yesterday. "He said how about a holiday ride tomorrow? "Wareham? I responded"
Another friend wanted to ride with us because he was fed up with his regular hammerhead companions. He says he feels like he is holding them back and he also wanted to do a different route than the three the others have been doing for two years.

Paul just got clipless pedals and shoes to go with them and this was his first time riding with them. He didn't disappoint.

First clipless fall.

We got to our original destination in Wareham, MA and I suggested we ride on to the town of Buzzards Bay, MA and the head of the Cape Cod Canal. When we turned onto route 6 in Onset I looked back to take a photo of Dave. That's when the ghost rider appeared. Non of us knew he was behind us until this photo was developed.

Who is that guy in the yellow jacket behind Dave. We never saw him live, but he sure is there.

We all rested a bit before the wind in our face 25 mile ride back home. Paul liked the idea of riding for the sake of riding and not being concerned with cadence and speed. I think we have a new member to our two man group.

Our next plan is to drive to the head of the canal walk over the Bourne Bridge (above), ride the Cape side of the canal, then walk over the Sagamore bridge, (below) and return on the mainland side. That will be a twenty mile ride, but the way the wind blows here it surely will feel like more.

Things You Learn On Your Bike

2011-04-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Distance 33 miles
max speed 22.5
Ave speed 12.2
Riding time 2:41

As always click photo for big. Click again for bigger.

The ride began on one of the usual routes. A country ride with a medium difficult spot called Lance's Hill. The reason being it looks like one of his photos where he is riding a deserted road in a place looking a lot like and Iowa corn field. On this day however I took a left at the fork bringing me deeper into the country side.

Years ago, work had me driving around this area of Rochester Ma. in my NYNEX telephone truck doing house phone and line repairs. Back then the area was on the lower edged of my comfort zone knowing where I was and how to get where I want to go. Maps got dog eared in some parts of this area because as shown above, there is not a whole lot of people around.

The wind was at my back, I felt good and was feeling a confident sense of direction. Until I came to Hill and Walnut Plain. The names are meaningless for the story, but fit in well with the plot. The intersection was kind of a T in the road, but not really. Here I was on Walnut Plain, the road sign said left or right was High St. I wanted to get to where Walnut Plain crossed Mary's Pond Rd. Obviously I'm at the wrong end and take a moment to stop for a drink and a bit of a protein bar. A rider passed by on High, and offered. "Everything OK". "I'm fine". Naturally I turn around but something is not right. When in doubt, follow the telephone lines. If they are getting smaller, your heading away from the center of somewhere. If the lines are getting thicker, you are getting closer to the telephone office, most likely in the center of town.

As I'm riding I notice the lines getting smaller and the mailbox numbers getting larger. Now I'm thinking back to my telephone repair days. "Didn't Walnut Plain have that funny little turn where you think it's a different road but actually if you go straight it's a different road. High Street right?" I decided to keep going and as long as I don't end up in Middleboro, MA. I'll be fine.

It's also predictable what the return ride offered. Yup, stiff winds in my face.

Something I learned today on my bike. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, who cares if you have to do a little extra pedaling. There are lots of things to see along the way.

Abandoned cranberry bog

The Mattapoisett River

Shortcut to the Atlantic.

Huffin and Puffin

2011-04-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

As always, click for big. Click again for bigger.

Distance      20.8
Time           1.42
Max speed 28.28
Ave            12.2
The wind has been relentless the last two weeks. However riding in the wind for those two weeks had taken the bite out of it.   Even though the sustained winds were in the 20Knot range, and the gusts exceeded 30 often, riding was a breeze.   It's good to begin to feel fit again.

There was one guy on his Pee Wee Herman style bike. He was just moping along huffin and puffin into the wind. But he was wearing a smile.

I had planned to combine two regular routes which would have given me around 30 miles. The second was on a narrow peninsular which would have given me 10 miles of cross winds out and back. It's the land mass across the river from the guy on a bike. I decided to leave that for another day.

Cemetary Crawl

2011-04-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

As always, click for big. Click again for bigger

Riding today reminded me of college Pub Crawls only these were cemeterys. These were very old and were family plots used for generations. One had two babies buried in the late 1792. I thought it was amazing that that was 220 years ago. 220! Incredible.

These plots were on what was at one time the only road in the area. No doubt dirt and probably no more than wagon tracks.

There is nothing wrong with the routes I have when I begin riding from home, but sometimes a new route is necessary just to keep things kind of fresh. I drove around 10 miles to a lot that allowed me to do a 28 mile loop on quiet rural roads. As usual the first few miles were a slog mostly because it was constantly riding up a slight grade. Eventually I settled into a rhythm and even climbing the hills wasn't bad. Slowly my bike riding fitness is improving and the miles are piling on.

Crossing under the highway Rt. 140 in Lakeville, MA.

This right turn takes a rider back in time to the original roads of the 1700 and 1800's

Town of Berkley Ma. inc 1735

The first of many family plots.

Two year old and four year old. Both died in late 1700's

Rt18, The old road to Boston.

Keith family plot.

The Walking Ride

2011-04-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Distance 30 miles.

Time 3 Hrs. (includes walking time)

Max Speed. 31MPH

The intention was to ride the usual route to the Fall River, Ma. town line and back. I had never been on Hicksville road and opted for this new route. It got very rural but was nice. Then I saw the sign. Last year when riding the other end of this route, I crossed paths with another biker. We were going opposite directions and I told him I was going to try the dirt road up ahead. "Don't" he said, "you will do lots of walking".

Now I'm wondering, is this the other end of that same road. I do have two choices, go right or straight and the sign doesn't tell me which one the warning is about. It didn't take me long to realize that going straight brought me up a driveway. Going right, the way I took, was the hazardous, no cell phone road. It was bad, and I did have to walk a bit. Quite a bit. But it was and adventure and really nothing more than a pain in the neck as opposed to being dangerous or anything like that.

Water Supply for Fall River Ma.

The road wasn't bad at all before the turn off to Quanipaug Rd.

Quanipaug Rd got bad quickly

Then it got worse. Not a good road for a carbon fiber road bike.

This whole adventure was around two miles. Some walking, some riding. I got a hoot out of it, but obviously wouldn't do it again. These photos by the way, weren't the worst part of the road. Motor vehicles would have difficulty in a couple of section, but walking them with a big was no big deal at all.

Quanipaug Rd. eventually brought me right to the spot I was talking with the other rider last year. The place where the guy said, "don't go there". I saw it, I did it and I conquered it.

An Easy 30 miles

2011-04-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Rail Trail in Rhode Island is getting busy again. People are emerging from the winter hibernation for outdoor activities. I took a friend who is new to road riding to the MUP but it was slow going. It was OK but I don't think either of us will be doing that again this year unless it's an early morning ride.

We left the trail to scout for a breakfast place we were told about but couldn't locate it. I did come across and interesting place in Warren RI, The Maxwell House.

The weather looks promising for some pretty good riding days this week. I'll definitely take advantage and maybe get some serious miles.

I Saw It. I Did It. I Conquered It.

2011-04-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Distance 30 miles.
Time 3 Hrs. (includes walking time)
Max Speed. 31MPH
Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger.

The intention was to ride the usual route to the Fall River, Ma. boundary line and back. I had never been on this section of Hicksville road before today's decision to give it a go. I was really enjoying this new route and was grateful that I would not be riding this nasty section like Brandon and I did last year. Then I saw the sign. Last year when riding solo at the other end of this route, I crossed paths with another biker. We were going opposite directions and stopped to talk a bit about biking. I told him I was going to try the dirt road up ahead. "Don't" he said, "you will do lots of walking".

Now I'm wondering, is this the other end of that same road. I do have two choices, go right or straight and the sign doesn't tell me which one the warning is about. Actually I also could have backtracked, but us bike riders hesitate to do that. We're adventurers right? The route going straight looked too much like a driveway into the woods. I went right and even though the road was dirt, I was thinking "this isn't so bad. I soon found the the sign maker wasn't being facetious. (the only English word with all the the vowels and in order) It was bad, and I did have to walk a bit. Quite a bit. But it was and adventure and really nothing more than a pain in the neck as opposed to being dangerous or anything like that.

Water Supply for Fall River Ma.

The road wasn't bad at all before the turn off to Quanipaug Rd.

Quanipaug Rd got bad quickly

Then it got worse. Not a good road for a carbon fiber road bike.

This whole adventure was around two miles. Some walking, some riding. I got a hoot out of it, but obviously wouldn't do it again. These photos by the way, weren't the worst part of the road. Motor vehicles would have difficulty in a couple of section, but walking them with a bike was no big deal at all.

Quanipaug Rd. eventually brought me right to the spot I was talking with the other rider last year. The place where the guy said, "don't go there". I saw it, I did it and I conquered it.

Woe Is Me

2011-04-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

As always, click photo for big. Click again for bigger

Distance 34.2 Miles
Ave Speed 11MPH
Time in Saddle 3:06
Top Speed 22.6 MPH

It was the first long road ride of the season and it was done on the steel touring bike. It's heavy.

As I was approaching a cross street six or so miles into the ride, a roadie went speeding by. When I got to the corner and looked up, I could see he was not riding that fast. I'm thinking "his first day out also". The Jr. High feeling of wanting to chase kicked in and I upped my cadence for a couple of minutes. Luckily, I came to my senses, pulled over and took a couple of photos till he was well out of sight. I really don't like that feeling of, I have to catch up.

Before that, another rider and I passed each other on the Phoenix MUP in Fairhaven. I said hello and he just looked. I don't wear a kit or a helmet and I really think he took offense with the look I got from him.

I have been doing lots of fitness over the last couple of months but it wasn't bike stuff. I was in and out of the biking zone mentally for the whole ride and when I was out of the zone I was struggling. In the zone, time passes unnoticed. and riding is a breeze. Speaking of breezes, I'm pretty sure that's was kept knocking me out of the zone. The wind gust were pretty stiff at times. But as I approached the neighborhood I felt like I accomplished something. But my first though entering the house........Woe is me.

Cranberry bogs without the actors.

Mattapoisett, MA. River Rd.

Derelict Light Ship in Wareham, MA.

Just a house, in Wareham

A WWII landing craft

The Wind is My Friend

2011-04-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

Distance 25.2 miles
Ave Speed 11.2 MPH
Saddle Time 2:15

Finally, a day good enough for a long bike ride. Less than a minute after deciding to head to Providence and ride the East Bay Bike Path , the winds picked up. So much so that going for a bike ride was losing it's appeal. A friend declined to make the 35 mile drive to the head of the path, and decided instead to fertilize his lawn. (He is new to biking and doesn't yet know the art of procrastinating.) For me, the upcoming Five Boroughs Ride in NYC was enough motivation to get me out riding, even though along the bay, the temps hovered around 50F. But as always for bicycle riders, a couple of dozen pedal strokes melt away any anxiety or doubts about riding.

Adding up the $$$ as this tanker offloaded it cargo of petroleum

Low Tide

I don't know what this was all about. They were young and my guess, high school ROTC

These self shots always come out much to serious. (and jowly)

I knew there was a wind at my back but really didn't now how stiff it was blowing. When I reached the turn around point I realized that I had a 13 mile ride ahead of me, with a 30 MPH sustained wind in my face. There must be a name for this kind of wind and another rider said it best. "This is wicked pissah". If you live near the ocean this photo will tell you all you need to know about the wind.

Whitecaps=wind

The outbound miles were a breeze, so to speak. Returning was a slog, but a good slog. Just keep saying, "the wind is my friend. The wind is my friend."

New York City

2011-03-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

It was a last minute decision to spend a couple of days in NYC. We took an early morning bus out of New Bedford for the 5 hr. ride to Manhattan.    I'll be returning at the end of April for the Five Boroughs Ride and did some scouting for things to do then while also enjoying the city now. On this trip we stayed in the Upper East Side near Central Park and spent the evening in that section. During the day however we toured the Lower East Side.

Naturally we took a walk through Times Square and other parts of Mid Town. It's crowded, touristy, and hectic. It's also one of those things you got to do when in Manhattan.   Last year we took a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. This year we walked the Williamsburg Bridge. It connects the Lower East Side of Manhattan with the Williamsburg district of Brooklyn.   The Lower East Side is a really neat place to spend some time. One of the highlights is the Tenement District National Park and we toured three different 97 Orchard St. apartments. Each told a story of a different era. 1865, 1901 and 1938.

In between tours we had time for lunch and walked to the famous Katz Deli. Here is the history. Once inside we saw the size of the portions and decided it wasn't for us. (Much too big). We saw a Himalayan joint across the street and decide to eat there. It was a good choice.

NYC is a "fit" city. Walking is a major part of getting around. Even getting to the subway requires lots of walking and stair climbing.   The other thing we notices is the lack of personal cars. There were lots of taxis and buses and limos but not much else.   Another thing is that most restaurants show the calorie count for the meals. A couple of times seeing the amount of calories in my preferred choice, persuaded me to change. One pasta dish I was taking a liking to offered 1700 calories.

This guy was outside our hotel on Tuesday Morning.

Times Square

Williamsburg Bridge

Bikes on the upper level, trains in the middle and autos on the sides

Empire State Bldg in the distance

Upper lever is for bikes and walkers

Katz Deli. There was just too much meat on the sandwiches.

The perfect lunch spot in the Lower East Side

The Tenement District. This was the next step up from Five Points (Gangs of New York area)

97 Orchard St. If you go to NYC take this one hour tour.

Episode 40: Todd Rundgren :: Live From Daryl's House with Daryl Hall :: Current Episode

2011-03-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Put on your headphones, set this to full screen and enjoy.

Episode 40: Todd Rundgren :: Live From Daryl's House with Daryl Hall :: Current Episode

Full Moon Ride

2011-03-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger.

Well, 99% full. It was too nice an evening not to ride. The afternoon gave us winds close to 40MPH and it was a good time to catch the first showing of Lincoln Lawyer. Two thumbs up from me.

Back to the full moon. Tomorrow will show us a Super Moon as some put it. It's the closest to Earth in 20 years. This evenings temperature hovered around 60F for most of the ride and the sky was clear as can be. Perfect. Some of the high school players I coach had an indoor match which I stopped by and watched for a bit. It was a Portuguese team vs the American from Fairhaven. Naturally the yanks won handily 11-8.

Indoor Soccer.

Outdoor hoops

I head the bus approaching and from experience know that bus drivers here are dickheads.

The proof is in the photo. He didn't give and inch when he passed.

It began to get dark after leaving the arena and the moon gave a great show.

A Week of Biking and Other Stuff

2011-03-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

The bikes have been tuned and the weather is sort of cooperating. The main thing is that the path and roads are now clear. The wind has been horrendous this week often gusting to the 50+MPH range. A couple of times a gust caught me and threw me and the bike off kilter. Double digit speed was at a premium this past week.

The sights are always there for the taking.

Old English Tudor style building architecture

Unitarian Church steeple in Fairhaven Mass.

A mid week trip to Cambridge, MA to hear former Liverpool defender and NE Revolution head coach Steve Nichol give a talk on the team

An adult tree house in Fairhaven, Ma.

We ended the week at a fantastic Jazz concert.

The Old and New

2011-02-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

We spent the afternoon in Boston while wifey's new car was being prepared. We had time for a leisurely lunch at a really good Italian place on Brighton Ave. This place is as good as most of the North End Trattorias, and when you add in the cost, it puts most of them to shame. I did spot this three story wonderful bike shop on the same street. It reminded me of the shops in Austria and Germany whree I did lots of drooling when I walked in. Just like this place. Three floors of bikes and stuff. The trek 520's really got my attention. Except for the $13000 bike, most were priced very nicely, and the 520 was a few hundred under the MSRP.

It looks like the old red Mini has been sold. Less than an hour on Cars.com got a call. The prospect came by the house, made an offer and we had a deal. The new Mini is big. Actually they called it an SUV at the dealer. Wifey bought this car sight unseen and got one of the first ones shipped to the US from Germany. Going over all the electronics with the sales agent felt and looked an awful lot like a pre flight check for a jet. It's going to take a bit of studying and playing around to get to know all the features.

I have a strong feeling that when the old mini is being driven away, wifey may shed some tears. She really loves that car. Her baby she calls it.

It also looks like we got into the NYC Five Boroughs ride in May. The 32,000 spots sold out in one day. At $75 bucks a pop, that's a chunk of change if I say so myself. But, it's also a deal for what you get and how it's organized.

Goals galore in Barclays Premier League

2011-02-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Barclays Premier League went goal crazy as records tumbled on another remarkable weekend.

A total of 43 goals were scored over the two days as the clubs turned on the style to the delight of the fans.

The thrilling tally beat the previous Premier League best of 41 set on 8th-10th November 1997 and equalled on 27th-28th November 2010.

A stunning, sensational and scintillating Saturday saw 41 goals fly in, the most in a single day in Premier League history.

Eight penalties were awarded, breaking the the previous record of seven in a day. Seven were converted, also a new best.

It was a truly remarkable afternoon, even by the standards of this thrilling campaign which has seen a feast of goals and eye-opening results.

Shame On Fairhaven, MA

2011-02-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month and the MUP has still not been maintained. It's use is designated as the town's alternate transportation route. Letters have been written, complaints have been aired and not even a response from the town BPW.

As things are now, those who need to get across town have to walk on the very busy and very fast, interstate Rt 6, where there is no shoulder or sidewalks. A disaster waiting for the right moment.

The Mayflower is also in town for repairs. The two shipyards in town bring in some very big and sometimes very famous boats.

NYC Five Boroughs Ride

2011-02-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

What a great way to see New York. Riding your bike on traffic free streets. Admittedly there will be 32,000 other bikers, but it's not as bad as that number suggests. This will be my fifth time and it's always a hoot. Registrations are filling very quickly. http://www.bikenewyork.org/index.html.

The Finale

2011-01-29T05:27:00.000-08:00

The birthday week in California was a hit.

We had a Thursday midnight flight to Boston out of LA which allowed us to lallygag some before the two hour drive to LAX. We decided on the Mount San Jacinto tram. . It was the Palm Springs highlight and the $23 fee was a bargain.

The bike ride around Palm Springs was lame. We both found the place a very mundane. It's pretty much a retirement city with a casino. The casino people fit the stereotype perfectly. You know the type. It's the guy at dinner wearing his cap, but his lady doesn't notice because she is on her cell phone. They are both fat and smoke. The world famous Follies made us both feel like we had been flimflammed. Kind of like the Irish clan that offers to put a new roof on your home for an unbelievable cheap price. Watch the video on the link and decide for yourself.

The boys only stayed for the weekend but before they left we took a hike to Deep Creek. A 10 mile drive up dirt roads, a five dollar entrance fee per person allowed us to hike two miles into a canyon, cross a creek so cold that it felt like someone was banging your feet with a hammer. It was neck deep in places by the way. The reward was to sit in natural hot springs. The family loved it. I liked the hike, even the strenuous hike out of the canyon.

We finished the trip with dinner in Santa Monica, where the week began with a bike ride to Venice Beach, before returning to LAX for the red eye to snowy Boston.

California is a place we both like as a winter getaway. Especially Santa Monica which is very cool. We will be back.

View of Palm Springs Valley from Mt. San Jacinto

Round Valley Trail Mt. San Jacinto

Hiking the trail at the top of Mt. San Jacinto

View from the tram

Birthday Adventure Part II

2011-01-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

The birthday adventures continued with a hike to Deep Creek in San Bernardino county. A desert hike that took us two miles into the canyon, to the river. We had to cross the river that was unbelievably cold. It was worth the hike and the crossing pain because once across there were hot pools of water that had seeped out of the mountain. It was bath temperature

As always, click for big. Click again for bigger

Beginning the hike to the river

The hike got steep

And steeper and deeper

We were not alone, but who is complaining

The water was so cold it felt like we were walking on nails

The landowners cabin. $5 per person to access the trail

A long dusty ride to the main road

For part three of the birthday trip the boys flew home to Boulder and Atlanta and wifey and I drove to Palm Springs.

Stay tuned

Biking The Beaches of Southern California

2011-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Surprise birthday trip took us all to Santa Monica California. After an evening arrival we gathered at a Mexican restaurant for a light dinner and heavy drinking. That combination eliminated one rider from our Saturday bike ride along Santa Monica and Venice beaches.

There were lots of running groups this day and my suspicion is that they may be the same club but different levels of runners.

The beaches are full of fitness "freaks" who do some out of the ordinary routines and most are really fit, naturally.

Besides the fitness freaks there are plenty of the regular type of freaks. (so to speak)

It has been said that dog and owner often resemble each other.

Most importantly. Bikes and their riders.

We ended the day at the US/Chile soccer match at the Home Depot Center and got a new Facebook wall photo.

Next stop on the birthday bus.......Palm Springs for a bath

Surprise Birthday Trip

2011-01-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

When wifey turned 60 the boys and I took great pains to plan a trip without her knowledge. I told her how to pack and just go with the flow. At the airport check in she found out where we were going and of course it was on her list. She and I spent a few days together in St John's in the Virgin Islands. On the 5th day, we chartered a small sail boat for a moonlight cruise. During the cruise the boys came on deck from down below to add another layer to the surprise. Needless to say, it was a wonderful vacation.

Tomorrow is payback. Wifey has the same set up for me. We are flying out of Boston to lands unknown to me. I have two possible destinations as a guess. Both are because I am such a fanatical football fan and also a coach. My choices are Barcelona because they are playing Racing (rah sing') on Saturday. However, the US is playing Chile on Saturday in LA. Hmmmmm. We'll see.

It could also be Iceland. Or Bermuda.

Blizzard and Baltimore

2011-01-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

Another blizzard heading our way. Wednesday is predicted to be the brunt of the storm. I am leaving early Thursday morning for National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention in Baltimore. If the plane is allowed to leave that is. We'll see.

We got a few inches of Snow on Saturday which again closed the MUP. The town DPW is still fighting with the Selectmen over the purchase of a new truck. Till then, they are holding the MUP hostage saying they can not plow it without special equipment.

You Tube Some Winter Blues Away

2011-01-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to vibespread.com

The Bicycle Bunkhouse. Dalbo, MN

Tim Cook ride across America

"First Day" Hike

2011-01-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

There were lots of choices in activities to welcome in the new year. A bike ride, a row on the Acushnet River, a couple of walks, and runs. We chose to hike the Blue Hills just outside Boston.

There were a few choices of guided hikes of different levels and times. Because we had hiked these hills many times wifey and I chose to go out on our own. We did a mildly strenuous hike which took a little over two and a half hours. The weather cooperated with the temps hovering around 50F for the duration. I did see a couple of road bikers out for a ride, but on this occasion, I didn't envy them in the least.

Groups forming for different levels. Red flag means very intense hike. We opted out of that one.

The towel was to dab the perspiration on this winter hike.

There is always another hill to climb

Climbing to skyline trail

Two of the friendlier hikers on the trail

Happy New Year. Enjoy

2010-12-31T14:32:00.001-08:00

Panama Photos To Get Me Through The Snow Days

2010-12-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger.

Watching the ship traverse the canal on the Pacific side.

In the pool, on the beach.

We could talk to the crew. The ships were that close

Eco Vena on the southern Pacific coast of Panama

Presidential Palace in Panama City

Snow Riding Decision

2010-12-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

I though about riding this morning. There was just a dusting of snow but it was crunchy. That says that it's getting colder. I decided to drive and it took very little time to realize that biking would not have worked out at all. The roads were no longer safe enough to share. There will be other days.

Winter Miles

2010-12-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

It's the coldest week of the year and I will exceed 100 miles of biking. Go figure. Part of the reason is that one car is in the shop and wifey needs the other. It forced me to ride in sub freezing temperatures and it also made me realize that sub freezing does not translate into being cold. The clothes thing you know. Also the fact that there are two commutes every day really adds the miles.

Here's what got my attention the last two rides. Excuse the blur. It's a new camera and I'll work that out.

As always, click for big. Click again for bigger

A gaggle

Freighter riding high. Almost empty.

Tugs

Coasting down Union St. to the New Bedford, Ma waterfront.

Freighter booms can be seen in the distance

Fishing boat getting refueled by a fuel barge.

Time Travel

2010-12-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

A short ride or walk up the MUP can transform one over a hundred years in time. It's a place to bring out of town guests for the fter dinner walk.

At one time the town of Fairhaven was farm land. The stone walls, which are evidence of pastures or fields, are everywhere. One area in that has not changed in all those decades is Lopes Farm. The old trucks and buildings are still used. Every day the farmer is down by the silo shoveling coal into 50lb bags for sale.

Douglas is the resident guard dog who never leaves his yard and may or may not sound the alarm when something is amiss. Depending on his demeanor at the moment.

Truck still in use, although it never leaves the farm.

The barn

The tin roof of the silo blew off 4 or 5 years ago.

The back of the barn

Douglas, the sometimes guard dog.

You Rode Today?

2010-12-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

Arriving at the kitchen at 6AM, wheeling the bike into the store room and all activity stopped. The stares of disbelief because I rode my bike today. It was 22F but with a 30 mph wind the chill brought it to single digits. The look on the faces when I began to disrobe and they saw the beads of perspiration.

Actually I didn't feel the cold at all, but the wind got me. It was like climbing a mountain. Because of the wind I was behind schedule. As I approached the swing bridge the traffic light turned yellow, then green again. A few seconds later, yellow, then red, then green. I figured out that the bridge tender was telling me to "chop chop" and get onto the span so he could close the gates to traffic. Once I passed the first barrier, the bell sounded, the gates closed and the process of opening the bridge began. It takes around three or four minutes for the span to drop six inches to allow the bridge to swing open. That gives me plenty of time to cross, hop over the gate and be on my way. I'll have to bring the guy a coffee or something tomorrow.

Wifey and my little Lucy made the cut in the Animal Shelter Calender. They are October gals.

The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

Winter Is Almost Here. Solstace 2010

2010-12-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

Another week, and the winter solstice arrives marking the beginning darkness and harsh weather. So what is the Winter Solstice exactly? It's the day when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn (which means less light for us in the Northern Hemisphere).

Christian mythology is interwoven with contemporary observances of this holiday time. Parents can help their children develop an understanding of the multicultural and interfaith aspects of this holiday time and view "Christmas" as just another form of Solstice. Have gift exchanges and feasts over the course of several days and nights as was done of old. Party hearty on New Year's Eve not just to welcome in the new calendar year, but also to welcome the new solar year.

It's also the time to put new tires on the commuter bike. I have had a pair of 700x35 hanging in the garage for at least two years. Could even be longer. There have been a couple of predictions of light snow and colder weather. That brings out the "sanders" which can make the roads treacherous for us bike commuters. This commuter will find out soon enough if the theory of wider tires equal better traction.

Today's photos. As always, click for big, click again for bigger

Fairhaven, MA. High School

Plumbers Supply Building. New Bedford, MA.

Crazy Heart.

2010-12-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon is movie day at this house. Yesterday we showed the movie Crazy Heart. I am not a country music fan, so this was a long afternoon. Jeff Bridges, as usual, did a great job getting into character.

I once mentioned that people like Jeff Bridges, Brad Pit, Ed Norton and a few others, become the character they play, while others like Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington and Will Smith always are Cruise, Washington and Smith. A wise sage simplified it for me by saying, the first three are actors, the second three are movie stars.

Back to Crazy Heart. If your a country fan, you may like this. If you are like me and do not like three cord country music, skip it.

The storm yesterday not only brought rain, but mild temperatures. There were some lingering mist for the morning commute, but the 55 degrees more than compensated. The first stop was Red Box. All lit up naturally.

It Wasn't Bad At All. The Weather That Is

2010-12-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

This reminded me of workers in the South. Lots of guys standing around looking at a hole in the ground.

As usual, click photos for big. Click again for bigger
At 5AM I retrieved the papers from the front porch. It was crisp and clear with no hint of wind. WMVY radio my station of choice forecasts a high of 34 with the current temperature at 16F. By 5:30 it had warmed to the low 20's. From experience I knew that sans wind, that is not bad riding weather.

I was about to go out and start the car to warm it up for my 5:30 ride to work when my conscience kicked in and reminded my why I have bikes and winter cloths. I put a couple of layers on and rode into the darkness. It was the first day that the long john bottoms came out of storage and along with two pair of socks, my bottom half was fine.

A tee shirt (for cooking at work), a turtle neck, gloves and winter jacket took care of my upper torso. A face mask and stocking cap kept my head warm. When I got to the shelter some five miles away and was confronted by the crew about biking in this weather I told them that actually the only thing cold was the tip of one finger. Like many have written on various bike places, "once you get the wardrobe sorted out, it's not bad riding in the winter.

Above and below. Shelter volunteers

Sights from the ride home

Unitarian Church of Fairhaven

Fairhaven Town Hall

Congregational Church of Fairhaven

The Bell Ringers

2010-12-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

As always, click for big. Click again for bigger.

My afternoon job is to transport the Salvation Army bell ringers. They all get a little more than minimum wage and this may be the only job opportunity most of them could handle. They are all very nice, but also very poor souls. They all have a story of why they are down and out, and it's amazing how they don't judge each other in the least. We have a great time between stops and it often times resembles the TV show "Cash Cab"

Here is a tip. If you want to do something besides throw a few coins in the kettle, buy the ringer a cup of soup or coffee, or a sandwich.

Making Progress On the MUP Extension

2010-12-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Click any photo for big. Click again for bigger

The MUP in the adjacent town of Mattapoisett, MA has been held up for a few years because of the NIMBYs. (Not in my back yard). The local newspaper had a photo of the progress being made, which prompted a ride to check things out. This MUP could have been completed in mid decade and now we have a Congress that may squash any alternative transportation dollars.

The original idea was to have a continuous trail from Providence R.I. to Provincetown, MA. which is about 120 miles. There are sections in both states completed, but also vast swaths of overgrown railway corridors. Some are close to residences but all publicly owned. All have been engineered and are either in fights with local residences or waiting for federal money to be released.

This one could be a truly wonderful ride and could be a destination for bike touring people. This 120 miles could be enhanced into a week long tour by adding a couple of days on Martha's Vinyard and in P-Town.

A Few Words to the Choir

2010-12-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

It's really cold today?
Yes it is

Aren't you freezing riding a bike?
No.

As part of the choir, your reading this and maybe nodding along. We get the above comments daily. It annoys some of us. It makes some angry, but it also makes us part of a pretty special group. Outdoor people who realize the benefit and joy of doing things other that driving and sitting on a couch watching TV. We are part of the winter activities group now. The type of person who adjusts to the elements so we can continue doing something we enjoy. If it was difficult or painful, just about all of us would stop doing it. As members of the riding choir we can testify that commuting by bike in the winter is fun, cheap and healthy. Aaaaaand, if you dress right, it's not cold either.

Spending a week in the topics for a week long birthday celebration for your son is also fun if your with the right bunch, add a "ky" to the end of fun. I submit the following evidence.

As usual. Click once for big, click again for bigger.

Quick Quiz. Guess my favorite subject in this photo.

Disco Night in Panama

Part of the funky

Panama

2010-11-24T06:35:00.001-08:00

Went for a ride along the Panama Canal before driving to the southern Pacific coast at Ecco Venao for a week of beach and surfing. A little partying thrown in for a change of pace.

Old Work Commute

2010-11-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Downtown Taunton, MA.

It's been six months since retirement and the daily car/bike commute in Taunton, MA. I got a call that the cook was leaving for a new position today. That was as good as any excuse to get on the bike. Just like the old days, I parked at the police station and rode the six miles to the office.

Temperatures in the low 40's with a pretty good headwind brought the bike commute memories back. Biking always made it easier to go to work and I think it had some chemical reaction to exercise that did that. Whatever it was, it came back during today's ride. It's the last one for a while because I will be flying to Panama tomorrow for #1 son's 40th birthday party.

Forty of us will be celebrating with Keith in the evenings, but we will all be doing different stuff during the day. Snorkeling, hiking, riding, sight seeing, surfing or just hanging out. It promises to be quite and event, with different themes every night. It will culminate 10 days from now with a formal Roasting of the guest of honor. Ironically the roast is scheduled for the last night to eliminate any animosity that may happen, from carrying over into the week long party. Those who may be offended can stew on the flight home.

Abandoned State School in Taunton, MA. The off road part of the commute.

State School

Meanwhile back in New Bedford. The crew of this freighter reported two stowaways who crossed the Atlantic undetected. Reportedly they were trying to make their way to Canada. They were two young men from Pakistan trying to join their families. They did not have the money to get to Canada legally so they took a chance. Now they are in federal prison awaiting their destiny.

The stowaways were oh so close.

Early morning at the marina. No boats till spring.

Div. 1 Boys Soccer: Fernando Baptista's OT strike lifts New Bedford into state final | SouthCoastToday.com

2010-11-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

Div. 1 Boys Soccer: Fernando Baptista's OT strike lifts New Bedford into state final | SouthCoastToday.com