The fragrance of gardenias was everywhere yesterday during my almost 18-mile ride.
The gardenias have been in bloom for a couple of weeks now, but yesterday they seemed to be at their peak. The sweet fragrance was everywhere and it was very enjoyable. I enjoyed the sweetness around every curve.
After my morning ride, Chris and I spent the day restocking the food supplies which we had drawn down during April due to our many travels. We expect to be home for most of May! Yay.
Due to a dental appointment, I won't be able to ride today, but I am hopeful of getting out again tomorrow and enjoying the gardenias again.
We are experiencing some absolutely fantastic weather. I remember other South Florida Aprils where the temperatures were already in the 90s and the humidity was oppressive. These days, however, the humidity is enjoyable and the temperatures are only now beginning to reach into the 80s.
I rode almost 22 miles yesterday and did not even really break a sweat because of the pleasant humidity. I did a longer ride through some areas that I only infrequently visit. It is nice to note the changes and the route I rode has a very nice wild area which is not unlike the trail I rode last summer on the Great Allegheny Passage.
For the evening, Chris and I headed off to Tiki52 and $2 Tuesday. I think I am writing too much about Tiki52 because it seems to be getting busier even as the snow birds are departing. After enjoying some adult beverages and wings, Chris and I walked out onto the dock at the marina and stared longingly at the ICW. It has been too long since I was out enjoying it from a boat.
Well, the big event was Tax Day--and while I had already filed my taxes the small fortune I owed the government was withdrawn from my accounts yesterday. Ouch! I did a little too good in my investments, of course that was before the tariff nonsense which has negated all of the gains on which I just paid taxes. I am pretty sure 2025 will not be a repeat of 2024--we have a long way to go to get back to where the previous president left us.
Crossing the Loxahatchee River Tequesta, FL April 9, 2025
It was a cool 63 degrees as I headed off on my bike yesterday morning. Having been away, it always feels good to get back out on my bike. Yesterday was no different. The wind was cold even with a sweatshirt, when I started the ride. I finally warmed about 4 miles into the 14-mile ride I had planned.
It was great to be out on the bike after driving over 2500 miles during the previous 9 days. What a trip! Tequesta to Elkridge to Ithaca to Elkridge and then back to Tequesta! Whew. And that does not include the travel around Maryland.
We are off to Tampa tomorrow for boating, a ballgame, and an overnight. I am excited to boat Tampa Bay for the first time. I hope the weather holds. It is supposed to be pleasant and sunny!
Today we have a few house projects that need attention and so I will be skipping my bike ride., It is amazing how things seem to go awry when we are gone.
My last bike ride, which was Friday morning, ended with a rough climb up a small hill. I shortened my ride by three miles due to the stiff wind I was experiencing. I wound up only riding just over 14 miles instead of my usual almost 18.
I forgot to look out the window and check the flag across the street to determine the wind speed before I departed. The first half of my ride was pretty good since I head west. It was not until I began to ride some of the east legs that I noticed the wind. It was coming from the east at about 20 mph with higher gusts. I had a lot of fun riding west, but paid a price when heading east.
The worst part of the ride was the final leg led which is up a hill riding to the east as I crested the small hill, the wind hit me full on and it almost felt as if I was going to be pushed backwards. But of course I wasn’t
Mondays are an interesting day to ride my bike around Tequesta. I chose to go a bit later in the morning due to some patchy fog, and I do not want to be riding along a busy street in difficult driving conditions.
What makes Mondays interesting?
The garbage trucks and the lawn maintenance vehicles. Yesterday, for instance, there was one spot where between the trash truck and the lawn maintenance vehicles there was no room to even ride a bike past. I had to dismount and walk around.
But on a beautiful morning, such as yesterday, there are also lots of people to see and acknowledge. I try to say good morning to them all hoping that the greeting will brighten their day.
I took a short video of riding across a bridge and saying good morning to a fellow biker on the bridge.
Yesterday was another great winter day in South Florida. Temperatures climbed into the mid-70s and I managed an 18+-mile bike ride. I chose an alternate route to my usual path just to see some place that I had not visited in a while. I took this image as I was about 3 miles from home near the end of my ride.
I have been very encouraged by how quickly my body is responding to the increase in physical activity over the past relatively inactive two months. While I do not delude myself into thinking that I am back in shape, I know that with continued activity I will increase my stamina and lung capacity.
Today is supposed to be another beautiful South Florida day.
From the Loxahatchee River Bridge Tequesta, FL January 27, 2025
I crossed a milestone yesterday during my 17-mile ride. I have logged 5000 miles since I purchased my bike three years ago and decided to ride seriously.
I am not sure whether 5000 miles in 3 years represents serious riding, but I have definitely enjoyed my time in the saddle. Yes, I've had a few mishaps, but fortunately they have all healed, mostly. I have learned that bike tires do not last as long as car tires and we all know that car tires never last long enough.
Father's Day on the GAP Southhampton Twp, PA June 16, 2024
2024 was a good year. Riding the Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) with Patrick and Jeremy was the highlight of the year, if not my whole riding history. I had never been pushed to ride 60 miles in a day before and followed that with days of 45 or more miles. It was a challenging, fun and beautiful ride through Pennsylvania and Maryland during which we were blessed with good weather.
I also rode 300 miles to raise money for cancer research during October. I fully enjoyed the pressure and the challenge of completing the 300 mile during a month which was shortened by a trip and of course there was not a small amount of weather to consider.
I have places and trails yet to explore--even right here in Florida. And I continue to enjoy getting out on my bike even riding around my nearly standard route. I have been pleased how quickly I got back into decent riding shape after being away for most of December and January.
Pelican Over the Loxahatchee River Bridge Tequesta, FL January 25, 2025
I managed a short 12-mile bike ride yesterday afternoon. The weather warmed enough, into the mid-60s, for me to risk life and limb on the streets. As an aside, the risking part was very real as I nearly got hit by a motorcycle which blew through a 4-way stop--and I was in the pedestrian walk way (which is allowed in Florida) with the right of way. The biker only smiled when I yelled at him to get his attention so that he wouldn't drift into me as I slammed on my brakes.
I am amazed at how out-of-shape I have become after the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Years holidays. Too much wine and the snow/ice kept me from exercising.
As can be seen from the image of the pelican, it was a pleasant day, although the winds got strong at times.
I believe we are headed into a more seasonal stretch of weather, which means highs in the mid-70s and lows in the low-60s--kind of like today is supposed to be.
It was six years ago, this week, that Chris and I were vacationing here in Florida and we purchased the condo in which we now reside. I remember the weather wasps bad as this past week has been--that's why we decided to, just for fun, look at some condos. And then we bought one.
It has been a week since I last rode my bike. Since I did not bring it north with me, it will likely be a couple more weeks before I again risk life and limb on the streets.
It is funny though, how I look forward to my rides. I need to find something to replace the activity while we are in Maryland in the winter!
My last ride was just short of 12 miles before Chris and I departed Florida. Chris and I rode together and enjoyed a bright sunny and warm day. There was no wind and we enjoyed a leisurely ride through the neighborhoods.
A fond memory and something to look forward to doing again upon our return south.
Santa Needs a Cookie Tequesta, FL December 16, 2024
For the first time since my bike accident last week, I was able to ride yesterday. It felt good to be out on my bike again and relatively pain free. My hip pointer remains tender, but otherwise I felt fine.
I managed just over 17 miles and enjoyed the seasonal decorations along my route.
One yard decoration stood out as both disturbing and interesting. The skeleton Santa in the image to the right was that decoration. Clearly, Santa is not eating enough Christmas cookies as he is all bones--not even any skin. I actually was looking forward to this particular yard decoration because it has been erected since Halloween. During the Thanksgiving season it was transformed into a seasonal display and now has morphed into a bony Santa.
I am not a fan of using skeletons for decorations other than at Halloween, but this works on a slightly macabre level. Sadly, this was not the only use for skeletons in Christmas decorations that I saw, it was just the biggest.
I guess it is easy to get tired of snowmen and sleighs. But really? A giant skeleton Santa is not the answer.
Riding on a Beautiful Day Tequesta, FL December 11, 2024
It happens every so often.
I ride my bike a lot. During the past three years I am 70 miles short of riding 5000 miles. Over the course of that time I have been involved in, fortunately, a very few mishaps mostly through my own stupidity, but there have also been times when I laid my bike down to avoid a more serious situation like a car running running through an intersection without looking when I had the right of way.
My most recent mishap occurred on Wednesday. It came at about the 4 mile point of what became a 22-mile ride. For me it was my most serious spill as I am still, two days later, feeling some pain and recovering. Even so, I rode another 18 miles after the mishap and enjoyed the ride knowing I would be working out the aches and pains later.
The mishap happened quickly. I was riding with a friend, which whom I have ridden many miles, and a miscommunication between us resulted in me hitting the pavement. He thought I knew we were turning right and I thought we were continuing straight. He was in front and I was in trail to his right. I caught his back wheel and had just enough time to protect myself as I hit the pavement. I remember that when my head thunked onto the roadway I was very happy I wore my helmet. In addition to a few scratches and some light bruising, I tweaked my achilles tendon which is still recovering. I can walk, but not my normal gait yet. The only damage to my bike was that the handlebars and the front wheel needed to be aligned.
We were lucky. He was unhurt.
I got up and shook myself off and determined that I could continue the ride. I stretched out my foot so I could pedal and we had a very enjoyable ride from that point onward.
Solitary Turkey Vulture Odenton, MD December 5, 2024
It was so cold yesterday that the only thing flying when I took Finnegan for a very short walk was a solitary turkey vulture.
It was so cold that at one point the wind chill, or feels like temperature, was 18 degrees. And yes, that is Fahrenheit.
It was a bright sunny day, and cold.
I have not ridden my bike since the month began, of course I did not bring it along on the trip because I expected it to be too cold to ride. I only managed 110 miles during November and am 92 miles from logging 5000 miles on my bike! I am hoping the weather is nice in Florida the next two weeks so that I can get a few rides accomplished and maybe cross the 5000 mile threshold.
Chris and I have been having a wonderful time reconnecting with friends and family and we look forward to more enjoyment when return closer to Christmas.
I discovered, while Chris was away, that I was unable to both walk Finn and get a meaningful bike ride accomplished.
Finn walks for about a mile-and-a-half. When he and I walk we do it in just under 30 minutes--and that includes numerous stops for his personal business.
He enjoys his walk and is a a trooper. One would think that a dog of his size would not enjoy such a long walk at a brisk pace, but he definitely does. And it is good exercise for both of us. But by the time we finished Finn's walk, it was getting too late to get my usual 17 mile bike ride in before noon.
Chris is back now and I was able to get my ride completed this morning while she walked Finn!
Over the Loxahatchee Tequesta, FL November 15, 2024
I realized that my bike ride is generally defined by some body of water. It might be the ICW, or the Loxahatchee River, or even the ocean; but I am never far from water.
I enjoy riding over the bridges and looking for the tidal level and the wildlife. Even along the ICW and the ocean there is always activity.
Yesterday's ride was an interesting one. As can be seen in the image, the sky was partly overcast, but there were blue patches. This was just about 2 miles into my almost 18 mile ride. Within the next few miles, the sky becomes completely overcast and at times I wondered if I might get rained on. Fortunately, there was no rain, just an ever strengthening wind that was very cool and at times made the ride difficult.
But in reality, it was just another great day in Florida. Chris is in Maryland today and she reported the morning temperature in the 40s. It was cool here too, the morning temperature was 67. Too cool to go to the beach, but it will warm to almost 80 later.
Tortoise Enjoying the Day Tequesta, FL November 7, 2024
I managed an 18-mile ride yesterday. I really needed the ride to get my mind in a better place.
Wow.
The craziness has already begun.
There was more traffic than usual on my ride. Lots of lawn workers and municipal activity not to mention the trash trucks. There was one stretch where they had dug up the sidewalk to lay new pipes, but of course the sign announcing that was right before the construction and there was not other way to get past except to walk my bike in the street going against traffic. Thanks guys!
With the holiday coming, there are lots of preparations and planning that need attention. Chris and I still have not clarified our in-between Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. There is a ten-day gap where we will either hang around Maryland or come back to Florida (fly or drive?) for a brief time.
I'm sure we will get it sorted soon.
The highlight of my ride yesterday was the tortoise by the street. It did not seem to mind my presence, which was nice. One thing I like about my Ray Ban Smart Glasses is that they allow me to snap images while on the move. IN this one the pole got in the way. I'm never sure exactly when the image is taken.
So I am still in shock at the election outcome and the red wave.
Chris and I managed a short, 12 mile, bike ride yesterday which did help alleviate some of my pent up frustration. It was good to be back out on the bike and able to process the events of the previous 24 hours. I enjoyed seeing a pair of sandhill cranes and a tortoise along my ride.
I have to admit I'm having a problem coming to grips with the American people electing a convicted felon and sex offender who has demonstrated misogynistic, traitorous, biased, authoritarian, and egomaniacal tendencies and who also, by the way, does not respect The Constitution.
But, we did!
Yes, I say we. I am an American and I have to shoulder the burden of what just happened along with the rest of We the People.
North Fork Loxahatchee River Tequesta, FL October 23, 2024
I took the adjoining image while stopped on the Tequesta Bridge over the N Fork of the Loxahatchee River. It was one of those scenes that only infrequently happens with puffy clouds and a nearly smooth river surface. I stopped my bike ride to enjoy it. It was a great day for a ride and I added over 18 miles to my total for the month.
I had some time to think during my ride yesterday. I continue to be amazed at how many people still support Trump even after he is clearly exhibiting signs of old age, bordering on dementia, far worse than ever exhibited by Biden--and yet most felt that was disqualifying for the job. I am very concerned that should Trump get elected he will not finish his term and we will have the most inexperienced president ever in the form of JD Vance. The republican ticket is a potential disaster for America and people don't get it. There is no plan. Everyone wants a plan from Harris, and she has provided it but many refuse to accept it. She has posted it on the Kamala Harris website.
Yesterday was filled both exciting and frustrating activities.
Me Taking a Victory Lap Tequesta, FL October 21, 2024
In the excitement category, I completed 300 miles for the American Cancer Society October Challenge! My friends and family raised $430 to fight cancer. Thank you to all who participated by donating. I have enjoyed having a biking goal. Although I achieved the 300-mile goal, I will continue to bike until Chris and I head off on a short vacation during the last week of the month. I expect that by the time October 2024 concludes that I will set a new personal record for the number of miles biked during a month.
In another example of excitement, Chris and I voted yesterday. It was the first day of early in-person voting in Florida. I was happy to vote and make my thoughts known on a wide variety of candidates and issues. It was a complex and very long ballot.
Carlin Park Beach Jupiter, FL October 21, 2024
Finally, and now comes the frustration, Chris and I decided to head off to the beach to celebrate Happy Hour. The weather, from our Condo, looked windy but nice. We did not see the multiple rainstorms over the ocean until we arrived at the first of the two beaches we visited. Arriving about 4 PM, we set up on Carlin Park Beach to enjoy watching some brave surfers in the extremely rough, red flag rough, surf. The waves did not appear to be to be suitable for surfing--but there were a few brave souls attempting to enjoy their sport of choice.
We had been at the beach about 10 or so minutes when the rainstorm to the right in the image descended upon us. We expeditiously broke camp and headed to the car. Not to be thwarted from our desire for a beach happy hour, we headed to our favorite local Jupiter Island beach just south of Blowing Rocks. The weather to the looked better in that area. We arrived there about 4:30 PM and got set up. We enjoyed being on that beach for about 15 minutes, and almost a glass of wine, before a more severe storm appeared and drove us from the beach.
We arrived home at almost precisely 5 PM, soaked to the bone and covered with wet sand. The weather at home, of course, was sunny and pleasant.
It is Sunday in October. Football, pizza, adult beverages are on tap for today.
Chris and I have noticed that weather is cooler, in the high 60s and low 70s in the morning. It is a bit warmer today as the temperature is reported as 75 degrees at 8:00 AM.
The lower humidity and temperatures are refreshing. It almost seems like autumn.
I have been enjoying my near daily bike rides with the cooler temperatures. Yesterday I rode a path that took me to the main highway through Jupiter, Indiantown Road, and around the area to enjoy some different scenery.
Of course, today's big event is football! Most of the family teams are playing. The Ravens do not play until tomorrow night and the Cowboys have a much needed week off.
And finally, Chris and I are excited about college football. Did you notice that #5 Georgia knocked off #1 Texas last night 30-15? Go Dawgs!
In baseball news, I hate to mention it, but congratulations to the Yankees who punched their ticket to the World Series yesterday. I'm still hoping the Mets make it back into the Fall Classic since the Orioles failed to show up for their playoff games! No one really wants to see a Yankees-Dodgers series.
I rode 22.20 miles yesterday. Thus far, I have logged a total of 268.64 miles. I am looking forward to my ride today and I have 31.36 miles remaining to reach the 300-mile goal.
Riding 300 miles for the American Cancer Society has been one of my main goals for the month of October. I am very excited about it and after yesterday's ride, the finish line is in sight. I estimate that I will complete the 300 miles in three more rides.
Crossing the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River Tequesta, FL October 18, 2024
Yesterday's 21.15 mile ride brought me to 246.44 miles logged for the month. That leaves me with 53.56 miles to go.
Yesterday was a cool, overcast day. I was surprised how cool the day was with temperatures in the low 70s. I have become used to riding with temperatures in the 80s and accompanying "feels like" temperatures in the mid- to high-90s, I rode my usual route, with a couple additional loops to get over 20 miles. Today, I have another route that I will ride, just to provide a change of scenery.
I rode 21.15 miles yesterday. Thus far, I have logged a total of 246.44 miles. I expect to ride about 20 miles even with the windy overcast conditions. I have 53.56 miles remaining to reach the 300-mile goal.
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