By the Water

 

Boat on the Loxahatchee
Tequesta, FL
September 13, 2026

The weather was fantastic this morning. I was greeted by blue clear skies and temperatures in the upper 70s as I began my bike ride. 

It felt good to be out on the streets again. 

Gopher Tortoise
Tequesta, FL
September 13, 2026

I realized this morning, as I began listening to  Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4, that my rides are defined by rivers and water features. I ride along the river and often the ICW or the Atlantic Ocean. I enjoy the changing scenery of the water, be it boats or shoreline features. I especially love looking at the water when it is flat, as it was this morning. The single boat heading under the bridge this morning caught my attention and made me wish to be out on the water on so perfect a day.

I was heartened to see two tortoises this morning in their usual places. I have not seen them in well over a month and thought perhaps they had moved on to other areas or been killed. The one in the image even posed for me by keeping his head out of his shell. 

It was a good ride and I could tell it had been almost two weeks since my last ride. I was six minutes slower than usual. 

Hopefully, the weather is moderating and I will get back into biking shape. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Between the Storms

 

Looking West into the Afternoon Storm
Tequesta, FL
September 3, 2026

The weather pattern remains stormy. That tends to limit outdoors activity especially related to beach activity. 

I was able to get in my morning bike ride. I was lucky. It began raining, hard, about 30 minutes after I returned home. It was a nice ride and I felt good to be back out on the streets. The river was flat again and I took an image of the clouds and their reflection, but it was nearly identical to the one I posted on Monday.

Music at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
September 3, 2026

Chris and I headed to Tiki52 for the evening. Although afternoon storms were brewing, the weather radar showed they would stay offshore—and they did! We experienced a brief rain shower, but no lightning or thunder, which often accompanies storms passing further inland. After dinner, we enjoyed some music from a unique duo called the Holidazed, featuring an instrumentalist who primarily played the saxophone.

Today we are making final preparations for our Labor Day Weekend trip! We fly out bright and early tomorrow--before dawn bright and early. Sometimes I wonder why I make reservations for so early in the morning, but getting out early usually avoids the schedule-changing afternoon storms. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rain and Thunder

 

Yesterday Morning 
Tequesta, FL
August 28, 2026

Yesterday was pretty much a wash-out. We enjoyed rain and thunder all day long. We were only able to get out for a short walk with Finn during a break in the storms. There was no chance of a bike ride. 

Afternoon
Tequesta, FL
August 28, 2026

I had hoped the weather would get better, but alas, it didn't. By 2 PM, the storms were everywhere.

Some days are just tough to get out. Yesterday was one of those days. We did head out for the evening to have dinner with friends and that was nice. Finn enjoyed going out with us. I think he likes their cat, Tigger. 

I managed to watch some pre-season football. I was forced to get a subscription to the NFL Network in order to watch the out of market preseason games and it came in handy on the stormy afternoon. Sadly, the Orioles were playing a late night game on the West Coast. At least they won!

Today is not starting much better. There is a rain shower sitting right on top of us. Ugh. I am not sure if the rain will be all day again or not. I guess i am going ot have to ride my NordicTrack S22I in some exotic location. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Fighting Ibis in the Yard

 

Pair of Ibis
Tequesta, FL
August 27, 2026

So my connection to Florida goes back a long way! 53 years to be exact. That is when I entered the University of Miami as a freshman! It was a shock when a kid from nowhere Upstate NY got dropped off at a college he had never visited into a dorm room without air conditioning! 

That was the welcome I had to South Florida. Fortunately, I had a bike as my only means of transportation.

Sebastian

In those days the Hurricanes had a mascot known as the Sebastian the Fighting Ibis and that is why to this day I still smile whenever I see Ibis along a road or river. They remind me of my time at Miami.

Yes, I departed Miami during my Junior year and went to Syracuse to graduate. There was some discussion that my class time was interfering with my beach time. There was a small lagoon with a nice beach a short 15 minute bike ride from the campus. My friends and I spent many great afternoons at the beach there. Too many afternoons I guess in retrospect. 

I saw the Ibis during my bike ride yesterday. I enjoyed being out yesterday after the storms during the night. There is a rain cloud sitting over us this morning which is diminishing the chances that I will be able to bike today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Abbreviated Ride

 

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
August 25, 2026

I made it out during the late-morning for a ride yesterday. Heading out at 10:30 AM was an experience. The temperature was already 87 degrees under a bright, scalding sun. 

As I headed out I thought to myself, this is why I don't ride in the late-morning. But, I really wanted to get a ride in, right up until I crossed the Loxahatchee River and saw the storm clouds! 

They were dark and foreboding storm clouds hanging right over the area I was biking into. As I continued on, even though, I was not yet under the clouds, it began lightly raining on me. It was then that I changed my course and headed home to beat the rain. 

Returning home after the short 5.2 mile ride, Chris and I pulled out the autumn decorations and began transitioning the house for the season. 

Autumn Decorations
Tequesta, FL
August 26, 2026

Today's big event is the window inspection to close out the permit from the Village. So no biking today as they were not nice enough to provide an expected time for the invasion. Yes, the new windows are finally going to be approved. We contracted for them on February 6th, they were installed on June 24th, and now on August 25th the final acceptance will occur--well except for two panes which need to be replaced because they do not have the colonial grids installed. I am told they are coming. Soon! Like maybe Christmas?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Equipment Failure!

Well Used Biking Shoe
Tequesta, FL
August 19, 2026

 My bike shoes expired yesterday. 

It was not a pretty sight and, worse, it meant that I could not ride. I was not a happy camper. 

After doing some quick research, I was at the local bike store 15 minutes after it opened. I went home with a nice new pair of shoes. And I bought new cleats as well since the old ones were well worn. It took me about 30 minutes to install the cleats and then the new shoes ready for their first ride which was a only quick one around the community just to make sure that the shoes clip-in easily to the pedals and also, more importantly, release when required. 

Looking through the logs, I determined that the old shoes had about 6000 miles on them and one round of golf! Yea, I accidentally grabbed my biking shoes instead of my golf shoes once. That was an interesting round of golf! In retrospect, the golf round may be the reason that the right shoe failed since I'm left-handed and rotate on my right leg when swinging a golf club. 

Now I'm ready for the inaugural ride with my new shoes! But, that will have to wait for a few days since mornings are going to be busy for the rest of the week. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It Does no Good to Complain

Flat Water but Ominous Clouds 
Loxahatchee River, Tequesta, FL
August 10, 2026

 It does no good to complain about the weather. Weather just is! 

I have been trying to get out onto the streets for a nice bike ride since we returned from the cruise. There have been passing rainstorms nearly every morning along with occasional thunderstorms. 

Yesterday looked different and I headed out. 

Sand Hill Cranes
Tequesta, FL
August 10, 2026

I enjoyed a nice ride or about an hour, and then the rain swept in and drenched me. There was nowhere to hide and I just had to keep riding and suck it up. It was funny as I passed a flag-person directing traffic through a construction zone and remarked to him, "This was unexpected." He smiled as the rain dripped off his helmet.

I enjoyed the ride, but I should have looked closer at the clouds when I snapped the image of the river in Tequesta, about 3 miles into my almost 18 mile ride. Would I have stopped? Not likely, but at least I wouldn't have been so surprised when I got wet. 

Drier weather is coming!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cranes, Lettuce and Travel Preps

Sandhill Cranes
Tequesta, FL
July 17, 2026

 Apparently, the sandhill cranes are enjoying the South Florida heat and humidity. Yesterday, I saw three of them on my ride. That is unusual. I sometimes come across two, but three is unusual. Perhaps the third was a chick of the pair, I didn't slow down to try and figure it out. 

Packing Preparations
Tequesta, FL
July 17, 2026

The cranes pretty much go where they want. They also are not too concerned about me and my bike, which is nice. They neither run nor attack--I am especially happy about the not attacking part. 

Lettuce Wars: I am glad that someone in authority clarified the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak: lettuce! Let us stop eating lettuce! Funny though, we are being told that it is better to eat head lettuce rather than bagged lettuce. That seems a bit counterintuitive to me.

Finally, we began packing for our cruise which departs in a week. Chris wanted to get things laid out, and we did! Packing is incredibly stressful for some people. She also has commandeered one of the guest bedrooms and her dresses are hanging there, waiting for final packing into the garment bag. For me, however, I can pack in about 30 minutes, but I'm a guy. I'll begin laying stuff out maybe the morning before we depart. Fortunately, the cruise port and parking is only about an hour drive away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Really Most Sincerely

 Happy Hump Day to all!

Boat Heading Down River
Tequesta, FL
July 14, 2026

I hope you partied hard to celebrate Bastille Day! Chris and I enjoyed some nice French wine last evening as part of our celebration. Really, and most sincerely, we had a very subdued celebration.

Some mornings, it seems that crises abound. Like this morning when one of the chargers failed to charge a watch and phone. I am sure it was operator error--but it still becomes a crisis. 

Yesterday, in addition to Bastille Day, I enjoyed a great ride. It was another nice day. 

I wasted a few minutes trying to capture the sun glinting off a spider's web. The camera would never actually focus on the spider and the images didn't work. 

I stopped to take the image of a solitary boat motoring down the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River. The river was pleasantly flat and I wished I had been in the boat rather than on my bike. But, I rode 19 miles and was able to enjoy the ride and the day. The weather was not nearly as oppressive as it had been which made the ride even nicer. 

As an aside, mangos are ripening and falling from the trees. They make a mess on the roads and sidewalks. Sadly, they usually do not survive the impact with the street or ground and so I have not collected any.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday Morning

 

Sandhill Cranes
Tequesta, FL
July 12, 2026

It was a cloudy morning--and perfect for a bike ride. While the temperature was in the mid-80s, without the sun adding extra heat, the ride was one of the most enjoyable I've had in a while. I added an extra mile to my usual 18-mile ride just to revisit an area I had been ignoring. 

Construction in Progress
Tequesta, FL
July 12, 2026

I rode around Tequesta and stopped on the bridge peering out at the fairly flat river. There were more people out biking or walking than normal. One dog did not like me riding past and nearly pulled its handler into my path and that was a bit exciting, but overall traffic was light.

There are a number of houses in different stages of construction and I was able to see the progress. 

Getting out on the bike was a fantastic way to start a Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Stopped at the Tracks

 

County Line Crossing
Tequesta, FL
July 9, 2026

As I was beginning my bike ride yesterday, I was stopped by a freight train. It is a bit frustrating when that happens because the freight trains take more than a few minutes to pass. 

My 20 mile Route
Tequesta, FL
July 9, 2026

As I pulled up to the tracks there was a boy there taking a video of the train. He was on an electric bike and had apparently crossed the tracks just before the train. He got bored before the train finished passing and continues on his way.  

While I was watching the train pass, I considered changing my route a bit. I decided to do a tour around Tequesta and down into Jupiter. It wound up being a nearly 20-mile ride, but it was also slow because it bordered some busy streets and I had to use the sidewalks more than usual. I was, however, able to ride the path through Limestone Creek Park again, which made me very happy. 

I enjoyed the ride and it was a great way to start the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Independence Day Bike Ride

 

New Observation Pier
Limestone Creek Park, Jupiter, FL
July 4, 2026

I managed to get out yesterday on my bike for the first time in a week. It was also my first ride during July. I have been sidelined with a flat tire and burned through three inner tubes before I sought professional help. 

I wrote earlier about my flat tire and lack of replacement inner tubes. My frustration continued as I bought a new inner tube, while waiting for my Amazon order to arrive, installed it and immediately it blew and went flat. 

Trail through Limestone Creek Park
Jupiter, FL
July 4, 2026

Being a bit slow, I replaced it again! Same result. I thought that I had thoroughly checked everything looking for sharps that were causing an almost immediate blow-out.

So, with the third time being the charm, I took the wheel to the local bike shop and expressed my frustration. The tech was very helpful. He looked at the blown inner tube an almost immediately knew the problem--the lining tape between the top of the spokes and the inner tube had failed. The top of one of the spokes was putting a hole in the tube just as soon as I inflated it. 

He re-taped the wheel and installed a new inner tube for me and the problem was solved. I never thought about a failure of the tape. But, the wheel does have over 7,000 miles on it. I guess it was time. I may replace the tape in the front tire, just because. 

That all happened on Friday and I was very much looking forward to my ride yesterday. 

And I was rewarded. I chose a different route on my almost 22-mile ride. This route has side ride through Limestone Creek Park in Jupiter. The trail through the park has been closed for a couple months while one of the piers into the creek was being reconstructed. Yesterday, the trail was open and I was also able to go out onto the pier. 

I didn't realize that I had started a video on my Meta glasses, but I was happy when I later discovered it. 

I had a great ride and made it home before the heat became too oppressive. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Ride that Wasn't

Wheel with Tube Removed - Waiting
Tequesta, FL
July 1, 2026

 I discovered that my rear tire was flat yesterday as I took my bike out of the garage for my morning ride. It was not just a little flat, it was really most sincerely flat. Not a good way to start a bike ride.

I had a replacement inner tube. For all the good it did me. 

Somehow, I managed to put a hole in it installing. Ugh! I guess it got pinched between the rim and the tire.

I had trashed my only spare inner tube.

I thought I had more, I usually buy multiples, but it has been well over a year since I had a flat and I guess I didn't realize that I was down to my last spare.

So I waited an hour for the bike shop to open only to find, as I pulled on the locked door, that it is closed on Wednesdays. Amazon will be delivering later today.

I didn't ride yesterday, nor will I ride today. This is not the way I envisioned starting my favorite month of the year.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Early on the Street

View from Tequesta Bridge
Tequesta, FL
June 10, 2026

 I headed out on my first ride of June this morning, a bit earlier than normal. It was also my first ride since school ended and it was weird not to be dodging kids and school busses. It was a quiet overcast morning. 

Given the high humidity, I was happy the sun was not beating down on me making me even hotter than I was. 

BIke Radar on Back with Light
Tequesta, FL
June 10, 2026

There was a relatively cool breeze when my ride began. That made the ride all the nicer.

I modified the attachment of my rear-facing radar to the bike. I have determined that I need to carry a saddle bag on the back with some of my repair gear in it. That meant that the recommended attachment for the rear-facing radar to the seat stem will no longer work. I managed a workable solution using cable ties. It isn't perfect, but it is functional. 

New Bike Seat
Tequesta, FL
June 10, 2026

Yes, I need a new back tire. I am procrastinating until it strands me somewhere so that I can swear at myself for procrastinating.  

This was also the first ride with my new bike seat. Wow! What a difference. I can actually sit straight on the seat and enjoy the ride. I don't think I realized that I wasn't sitting straight before. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crossing a Level

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
May 26, 2026

 I was shocked when I logged my almost 18-mile ride yesterday. I have ridden just over 7,000 miles on my bike. And in terms of miles ridden in a month, the over 175 miles ridden this month are my most in a month since July last year. I guess I have been slacking off a bit in terms of getting out on the streets.  

Chris at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
May 26, 2026

I enjoyed riding yesterday, even though the winds were strong in my face for parts of the ride. The southeasterly wind gusted to about 30 MPH at times and that really added stress to a ride. But, I am getting into good shape.

For the evening, we headed off to $2 Tuesday at Tiki52 collocated with the Blowing Rocks Marina. With the temperature sitting at a pleasant 87 degrees and a nice breeze coming off the water, we enjoyed sitting under the Tiki for Happy Hour and dinner. We enjoy Tiki52 for its relaxed dining, good prices, and dog friendly atmosphere. Finn accompanied us last evening, as he often does. He really enjoys the Happy Hour wings!

It was an enjoyable day after the holiday weekend.

And now, on to Hump Day with a travel day looming on Friday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

They Used to Chase Me

 

Dog not Restrained Playing in a Yard
Tequesta, FL
May 19, 2026

I grew up in a very rural area. A two lane road with wide shoulders passed in front of our house and once I learned to ride a bike, the shoulders were my ticket to freedom. 

I loved to ride my old coaster bike. I'm not sure they even make them anymore, but it was a single speed bike and to brake I had to push backwards on the pedals. I often biked on roads where there were no houses for long stretches though the hills of Upstate New York. I learned to change inner tubes and maintain the bike in rideable condition. It is crazy to think that I never even thought about communication although I might be a long way from help. We did not have cell phones then--they weren't even invented. If I broke down I would either fix it myself or knock on a door and ask to use the phone. 

Aside from inattentive drivers, the most dangerous thing that I used to encounter along the roads I biked were dogs. In our 1960s rural area, many people allowed their dogs to be in the yard without restraint. I used to tense whenever I saw a dog because there was a better than even chance that I was going to become prey in a game of chase. I have been chased by many dogs and, in total self-defense, I learned how to motivate a dog to leave me alone with my foot.

I recalled those times this morning as I passed two unrestrained dogs who ignored me because they were properly trained and under their owners control. I realized that times have changed in the intervening almost 60 years since I was riding the roads in Danby, NY. 

Even restrained dogs usually ignore me as I pass their owners. I no longer tense when I see a dog, I expect it to be calm and allow me to pass without more than a glance. 

They used to chase me, but no more. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding to Workout

Workout Effort Tracker
Tequesta, FL
May 12, 2026

 We were treated to a hard rain yesterday afternoon. I was fortunate to get out onto the streets before the wetness arrived. I have been working on conditioning and was very excited that 63 percent of my 18-mile ride was in the cardio or peak workout range. I crossed the 100-miles ridden this month mark with the ride yesterday. 

The skies were blue as I began the ride, but the gray storm clouds were already gathering as I pedaled into the driveway. I expected the rain to begin no earlier than 11 AM and I completed my journey just after 10 AM. The rain began about 11:20 AM.

I am planning to accomplish the three bridge ride again soon and am planning to add some additional streets to increase the distance a bit. The ride to Hobe Sound the other day crosses two drawbridges, but the three bridge ride, while having only two drawbridges, crosses much larger bridges situated on main highways. Larger means higher and harder.

Today there will be no biking as we are headed to the Titanic Exhibition in Boynton Beach. It is about an hour away, depending of course on traffic. 

Busy times in South Florida. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Across the Dunes

Looking Across the Dunes 
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound, FL
May 8, 2026

 I enjoyed a very nice almost 23-mile ride yesterday that took me north to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge located on Jupiter Island. October last year was the last time I rode to the beach at the wildlife refuge.

Route to Hobe Sound
May 8, 2026

The route north is tough as the first seven miles are along US 1. Traffic can be very disconcerting because about four of the mile are right on the side of the road on a too small bike lane. And the other part of the first portion of the trip is that it is mostly an uphill ride. Once off US 1, the ride becomes much more enjoyable and the southbound portion of the route is on Jupiter Island along the ocean or the ICW and among the high-end homes and of course, the Jupiter Island Club golf course, upon which I will never swing a club. My route takes me along a couple of the fairways and, infrequently, I actually see people playing the course.

During the Jupiter Island portion of the ride I usually encounter other bikers. Yesterday, they were all headed north while I was riding south. The northern end of the ride is the Wildlife Refuge and in addition to the beauty of the beach and the ocean, there are primitive rest facilities. 

I realized, this morning as I was writing, that I did not take as many images during the ride as I had planned. I had attempted to image the lighthouse while riding with my RayBan Meta AI Glasses, but I must have turned my head too soon and got a nice image of an automobile fender, but no lighthouse. Darn. 

As an aside, I have already ridden more miles this month than I did last month. Not traveling and having great weather allows me to get out more.. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sliding through the Week

Celebratory Margarita
Tequesta, FL
May 5, 2026

Happy Hump Day

 We enjoyed a subdued Cinco de Mayo celebration. Chris and I wound up at home with a pitcher of margaritas and festive music provided by Alexa. We walked over to the Mexican Restaurant last evening, but it was overflowing with people waiting for a table and we walked back home and settled for a Southwestern-style pasta recipe, oh yea, and the margaritas. And just to clarify, knowing it was only the two of us, I only made a half-pitcher of margaritas. 

Out on the Street
Tequesta, FL
May 5, 2026

I managed a nearly 18 mile bike ride yesterday. It was good to be on the street. The morning was beautiful, although I was riding just after a passing rain shower. Although the day heated up, it remained cool and nice for most of my ride. 

In the I should have known it would happen that way department:

Now that I gained access to over-the-air television channels, Comcast and Scripps settled their contract dispute yesterday. The strange news is that Comcast sent me an email advising me that because of the loss of channel access during the dispute, I am getting a credit on my next cable bill! Yay! It's not much, but it is the thought that counts. And it happened without being asked!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tortoise Living Dangerously

Tortoise by the Space Force Station
Tequesta, FL
May 2, 2026

 I got out for a ride yesterday. I wasn't feeling great and so I only rode just over 14 miles. I have been not riding as regularly as I should due to the traveling that Chris and I have been doing. Last month was my lowest month, in terms of miles ridden, since December 2024. Looking back; between the weather and travel I have really been slacking off. I am not even riding my Nordic S22i to keep in shape. I need to do better. 

Tortoise Living Dangerously
Tequesta, FL
MAy 2, 2026

While biking yesterday, I happened upon a tortoise that seemed intent on living dangerously. It, apparently, was planning to cross the street and had already cleared the sidewalk. I was able to get a good image of the tortoise with the Space Force tracking station in the background. I hope it made it across and back because its burrow is on the other side of the sidewalk.

This morning, as there are multiple rain showers in the area. I likely will not be out on the streets. I will power up the S22i and pedal for a while in some distant land.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL