A View of the Beach

Shell Bed
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 20, 2023

 Walking the beach yesterday morning, Chris and I imagined a scene in our minds of the shell beds weaving into the waves of the ocean and with the horizon in the distance. 

We tried to capture that vision, but alas, I think we were too late in the day and the sun had risen too high into the sky for the colors to be as vibrant as we saw them in our minds. At some point, I guess I will need to head out sunrise when the tide midway between high and low to attempt capturing the scene in our minds with a camera. 

Shell Bed 2
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 20, 2023

We enjoyed our beach walk, however. The day was beautiful with temperatures moving into the 80s again. The ocean was calm and the surf breaking in the beach was not so violent as it had been.

Finnegan enjoyed walking with us. He does not like the water so much, but enjoys sniffing the seaweed and other items that find their way onto the shoreline. The best part is that it is mid-February and we are enjoying beach time. How awesome is that?

BTW, following the beach walk, Chris and I rode a 16-mile ride, just to get moving for the week. I love sunny and bright weather.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Busy Days Even in Retirement

I grasped Friday firmly and ensured that the day did not pass with a whimper.

The day began with a great 21-mile bike ride. I added a few new twists and turns to an existing 17-mile route and enjoyed the best part of the day cruising through Jupiter and Tequesta. The route has more traffic than I like and so I do not ride it often, but I enjoy the loop down Loxahatchee River Road and then along Indiantown Road and back towards home along Island Way which continues to have wild and open spaces that I enjoy riding past. It felt good to be out on the bike for a significant ride after a couple of short workout days. 

During the middle part of the day, Chris and I went to our storage room to sort and repack. It seems that with every visit we reduce the amount of items stored there, even though we continue to add boxes to the mix. In an important side note we have replaced all of the cardboard boxes with solid containers. Some items are there for the long haul. Our storage room is convenient to the recycling center and we take the cardboard directly for recycling. The box containing Easter-themed decorations was bright home in anticipation of decorating for the holiday. As a side note, Ash Wednesday is next week. I didn't write that it was next Wednesday intentionally.

And then last evening Chris and I went to see A Man Called Otto, finally. The movie was a good as I had hoped it would be and it represented my first trip to the theater since Top Gun Maverick!

It was a full Friday, even without a trip to the beach to enjoy the 86 degree temperatures, and today promises to be a busy day as well.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

Hearts and Roses and Valentine's Day

Flowers for Chris
Tequesta, FL
February 14, 2023

The day of cards, wine, flowers and expensive dinners, not to mention chocolates, is past.

Chris and I had a full day, but mostly wasted day waiting for another shipment of wine from UPS. It was another mess, but at least the wine arrived, finally. UPS really needs to get their act together on deliveries. Yesterday's delivery was not on the truck for which they continued to send me tracking information. I know, because as the day got late I tracked the truck down and talked to the driver. Fortunately, the truck with the wine finally came and made the delivery.

Gopher Tortoise
Tequesta, FL
February 14, 2023

I enjoyed a 15 mile bike ride, while Chris stayed home waiting for the wine. Along the way I spied a tortoise which kept a watchful eye on my as I took an image. That was early in the day.

Instead of going out for an expensive dinner, Chris and I celebrated the event with a home grilled salmon dinner and a very nice bottle of wine. We find dining together to be far more enjoyable that being out in public fighting for a table in an overcrowded and understaffed restaurant. 

And so it was Valentine's Day 2023. 

Whew. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Welcome Friday--Enjoy the Ride

Yes, it is Friday again. Another week is slipping into history.

Egret on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 2, 2023

For those of you who live in the frozen northern region of the country, Nicole sent the graphic yesterday. It is only funny if you realize the Punxsutawney Phil made the prediction for six more weeks of winter yesterday. So maybe there is hope after all!

For our part here in South Florida we walked the beach in the morning, it was another idyllic beginning to the day. That was followed with a 15 mile bike ride and a busy afternoon around the house. I guess I needed the recuperation after Wednesday's construction project. Fortunately, the bike ride was uneventful, but enjoyable.

I am in awe of the stunning colors of the morning as we walk the beach. The blue skies of the past few days have been very enjoyable, made more so by the cloudy overcast days of last week. 

Looking North at 9 AM
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 2, 2023

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

In the Morning, On the Beach

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
January 31, 2023

 Given the combination of calm winds and mild temperatures, Chris and I went to the beach for our morning walk yesterday. 

Admittedly, it has been a while since we went for a morning beach walk, but we were not disappointed. The day was a classic January South Florida day with blue skies, light winds off the ocean, and medium surf. It was a fantastic way to begin the last day of January 2023 and it reminded us both why we are living here. 

Pelicans on Patrol
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
January 31, 2023

While we were walking a squadron of pelicans flew over. We almost always stop to admire them. They fly in formation I imagine that they always seem to be enjoying the air currents as they fly above or skim over the ocean's surface.

After the walk, we managed a short 11-mile ride on our bikes. Chris is really coming along in her stamina and endurance. The ride yesterday took me over 1024 miles ridden since September 3rd and I rode over 250 miles during January. I think I am getting my money's worth out of my bike.

The first month of 2023 is now history and now we are queued up for February. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Lurking in the Water

 

Looking South from Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
January 30, 2023

The South Florida idyllic January weather returned yesterday and Chris and I made the most of the opportunity to get outside and enjoy life. After a series of days with high winds, clouds, and occasional rain the blue skies and calm winds were welcome. 

We biked our base circuit, just over 15 miles, to enjoy the day and the weather. The water on the Loxahatchee River was very still and provided an amazing reflection of the shore and sky as we rode across the bridge in Tequesta about 9 AM. 

Portuguese Man O War
Loxahatchee River
January 30, 2023

It being Monday, later during the day we met friends at our favorite watering hole for a few adult beverages. The beauty of the day continued as we watched the sunset explode over the Jupiter Lighthouse. But my eye was attracted to something sinister floating in the Loxahatchee River. Something that I find all too often on the beach, but rarely in the river. It was a larger than normally seen Portuguese Man O War floating just in the river near where we were sitting.

The Portuguese Man O War is the bane of swimmers and snorkelers as well as beach goers. Their tentacles deliver a nasty sting than can ruin a beautiful beach day. Most of the ones washed up on the beach are small with a sail of up to 3 inches, but this one had a sail of about 10 inches, meaning its tentacles had to be at least that long under the water.

It is sad that the seemingly placid sight of a Portuguese Man O War floating on the river can have nasty consequences.

But such was the day. And the evening was perfect ending with friends at the Square Grouper.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Bike Ride

Yesterday was an exciting day, in terms of bike riding.

When I bought my NordicTrack S22I trainer, I developed a route, a tough route, which went from my Tequesta home north along US 1 to the Hobe Sound Natural Wildlife Preserve and then back home riding along Beach Road on Jupiter Island past the uber-expensive homes. It was a 23 mile trip requiring two drawbridge crossings and riding along a fairly narrow 2-lane road as well as risking life and limb along US-1.

The Ocean
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
January 27, 2023

It was a great ride. I had not done the ride before because I did not want to do it alone. Thursday evening my friend Fran suggested we make the ride, and that is what we did yesterday. I logged just over 23 miles, he rode from his house which is a bit longer and I believe he logged over 25 miles.

The day was cold! Yes, for South Florida it was cold and windy. The temperature was about 63 degrees when we set off under overcast skies and facing, at times, a headwind of 15-20 mph. The ride north was tough. Along US-1 the wind was in our faces and this particular stretch of US-1 undulates continuously. Once we got off US-1, the wind was broken by vegetation and buildings. The ride south along Beach Road, heading home, saw us post an 5-mile average speed of 15.8 mph, which is definitely high due to the wind assist at our backs. The total elapsed time of the trip was just over 2 hours, including stopping at Hobe Sound to view the ocean.

Surprisingly, we were not the only crazy bikers out riding. We passed more than a few others enjoying the day and the relatively light traffic of Beach Road. I enjoyed looking at the multi-million dollar, (some into the $30Ms) houses along the road and biking past the high-end golf course.

So now that I have finally ridden in real life the ride that I had ridden so many times on my exercise cycle using Google maps, I am anxious to do it again with Chris, as soon as we get her up to riding in the 20 mile range. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dodging the Rain Clouds

 

Looking South from Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
January 23, 2023

It was an uncharacteristically cloudy day complete with passing showers yesterday. When I first went out for my morning ride, I decided to wait a bit. Chris and I were able to get Finn's walk in, barely, between the showers.

About 10 AM, I was able to get out onto the streets and risk life and limb for a 15 mile ride. I had planned on a longer ride, but the weather kept changing around me and I decided to keep it to me normal ride and to add any additional side trips. I felt as if I was dodging the rain throughout the ride. And I was! 

I even accomplished a few projects around the house and managed to change auto insurance companies for the first time in my adult life. One big downside to living in Florida is the continuing insurance hassle. Auto insurance is out of sight and property insurance is worse. I was informed that my condo policy was not going to be renewed because the company is terminating operations in Florida. So, I have more insurance fun ahead. 

All in all, it was another great South Florida day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Port Salerno

 

Port Salerno, FL
January 18, 2023

Getting back in the saddle, of our bikes, Chris and I took a ride through a local state park and out into Port Salerno yesterday. It was a short ride, only 12 miles, but we had a good time and saw numerous, as in more than five, gopher tortoises along the way. We are careful to not double count the tortoises we see as we pass by them in both directions. 

We enjoyed the ride and continued on from the end of our usual stopping point into Port Salerno and along the streets. We had fun and saw shops to which we may soon return for further inspection. It was, as the image suggests, a beautiful day and there were more than a few other bikers out enjoying the weather.

Sunset over the Jupiter Lighthouse
Square Grouper, Jupiter, FL
January 18, 2023

After the ride we did some projects around the house, but decided to join a friend and head off to the Square Grouper for Happy Hour. It was another delightful afternoon along the banks of the Loxahatchee River and we were able to enjoy sunset as it enveloped the Jupiter Lighthouse.

It was the perfect ending to another enjoyable South Florida January Day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree
Tequesta, FL
January 6, 2023

 On one of my biking routes there are a couple of Banyan Trees. 

One, in particular, is very large. Not as large as the banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, which covers a whole city block, but large for this area. It takes up a significant area and provides a natural rest stop in the shade. 

The tree, on a corner, is where I usually pause to take a water break and just enjoy the day. Yesterday, although a bit cool when I was riding, it was only in the mid-60s was another perfect South Florida day.

Sadly, the image does not really provide the true sense of just how big this tree has grown until you notice the house next to it on the right.

I enjoy recording sights from my rides. I only did 16 miles yesterday because of the cool weather, but it was another great ride. I have to admit, I actually wore a long-sleeved fleece-lined hoodie to keep warm.

Today--Chris and I are off to Port Canaveral to begin a week long journey on Wonder of the Seas, the biggest, baddest cruise ship in the world. Chris believes that size matters!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back on the Streets

 

Looking North from the Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2022

One good thing about being back in Florida is that I am again out on the streets on my bike. I have ridden the past four days and logged over 55 miles. Yesterday was a light day in that I only rode just over 12 miles. But, it was still a great ride and the weather was perfect. 

Friday's Ride
Tequesta, FL
December 9, 2022

I miss my truck, though. We left it in Maryland when we flew back to Florida for a couple weeks. We will fly back to Maryland for Christmas. The plan is to drive back to Florida after Christmas. The flying saved over 30 hours of driving! Not having the truck, however,  limits my biking to the local area and Chris and I cannot load up and head off to other places for biking. I have a number of routes and variations that I can ride starting from my house, but with the weather so nice heading off to some distant places is fun as well. 

Chris has become very good on her bike and rides with me almost every day. We are routinely riding 14-16 miles, with the obvious exception of yesterday. 

There are many more miles ahead of me and I am hoping to do a longer overnight ride this summer in Maryland.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Fall--A Valuable Biking Lesson

 

Yesterday I took a significant fall with my bike. 

Rest Spot on Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
February 19, 2022

I headed out for a 15 mile or so ride and was cruising at about the 2.5 mile mark in Tequesta headed over the Loxahatchee River bridge when the fall happened. I love that bridge and usually stop at a spot to look at the river and get a sip of water. 

Yesterday there was a crew power washing the bridge and the rest area. They were using a highly chlorinated solution to cleanse the concrete. As I approached they did pause spraying the noxious mixture, but what I had not considered was the power-washing hose which had been carelessly run for well over 100 feet from the truck on the side of the street diagonally across the wet sidewalk to the other side where the crew was doing the work. As it turned out, it was a recipe for disaster that I did not recognize. 

As I started riding down the bridge, I ran out of room to remain on one side of the hose--and here is where I made a nearly catastrophic mistake, I aimed my bike over the hose, but given the length of the hose and the angle across the sidewalk, it was a shallow angle of attack. As I crossed the hose both tires were swept from under me and I crashed into the side rail with my shoulder, back, and elbow; finally landing on the sidewalk on my knee--which has a nice, and at the time bloody, scrape. 

Blood? Yes there was blood. Pain--not so much! The most painful injury was one finger which managed to get a piece of glass imbedded into it. I always wear a helmet and so I do not know if my head hit anything on the way down. 

I got up, shook myself off and considered ending my ride by either returning home or calling Chris to come and fetch me, but being a "guy" and after determining that my bike was undamaged except that the chain had come off, I decided to ride a for bit and check things out--both me and my bike. 

In the end I continued my ride although I shortened it to 11 miles. When I arrived home Chris tended to my wounds and discovered the damage to my back. All-in-all I am not much worse for the fall, which could have been much more serious. 

The lesson learned? Don't ride over hoses with a shallow angle of attack.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Chris Gets a New Ride

 

Chris with her new Bike
Tequesta, FL
October 25, 2022

I finally followed through on a promise that I had made since before we returned to Florida. Chris has a new bicycle!

She had been riding an old hand-me-down which was not nearly large enough for her. She has long, and I might add beautiful, legs. She needed a larger framed bike. Her old bike also did not coast as well as a new bicycle which forced her to work harder.

For those who are interested, it is a Giant Vida in Charcoal. 

Chris Riding
Tequesta, FL
October 25, 2022

As we have been increasing ride mileage, she has begun to experience some back and shoulder pain which is a sure sign that the bike is not properly adjusted for her. In this case, the bike frame was too small to properly adjust. I had made as many adjustments as the bike could make. 

Chris is routinely now knocking out 14-15 mile rides with ease. We are touring many areas around Tequesta and Jupiter. In the planning are some new places such as the local Jonathan Dickinson State Park and River Bend Park which both have trails and paths to explore. 

I am looking forward many miles of biking with her. 

BTW, yes, her bike is bigger than mine--but you know, size doesn't matter. Actually in terms of bikes, it does matter. It is critical to have the right sized equipment for both enjoyment and safety. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Storm Clouds Down the River

Storm Clouds from the Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
October 8, 2022

 Saturday was my last day of temporary bachelorhood as Chris returns this morning. 

The almost 10 days alone managing the house have been only slightly challenging, but I have to admit that I am not very creative at finding things to occupy my time. I have been working on a number of projects around the house and I can report that, with the sale of my small wine refrigerator yesterday, the garage is finally unpacked and my tools are stored in a newly purchased workbench. 

I accomplished a short 9.3 mile recovery bike ride yesterday. I kept it short both because I had the long ride the previous day and the storm clouds were gathering. I managed to complete the ride before the rain arrived raising the humidity back to uncomfortable levels. I have been enjoying rides with low humidity and temperatures in the high 70s. It seemed cool. I likely won't get a ride in today because I need to head to the airport to retrieve Chris. This will be my second of three trips to Palm Beach International in four days.

Kienzle Wall Clock
Tequesta, FL
October 9, 2022

In project news, I can report that the last container moved from Maryland has been unpacked. The container contained one of the two wall clocks that we retained and brought with us. It is now hanging in a specially prepared spot, pending Chris's approval.

The off-and-on rain yesterday put a damper on outdoors activities--like the beach. But, I managed to get to our storage room to retrieve Halloween decorations and they will be the next project that Chris and I will tackle.

Today is football Sunday and Chris scheduled her arrival to allow for us to become sofa sports geeks and watch the games. The big game for me is the Ravens-Bengals collision scheduled for this evening. It will likely be a late night.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Personal Record

 

Another glorious day in South Florida was logged yesterday. Today will likely not be as nice as rain is in the forecast.

Bike Ride Around Tequesta/Jupiter
October 7, 2022

I attended to projects around the house yesterday, most notably getting the ceiling fan in our bedroom connected to the internet. The project went reasonably well but took longer than expected. The hard part was getting the switch online. Turns out the switch went online easily and quickly, except that I did not receive any indication that it was installed. So I kept trying to install it, but it since it was already online it didn't install. I finally figured out that everything was good and it is now happily working with Alexa!

The highlight of the day was my personal best longest bike ride. The ride was 22.69 miles for a time of 1h52m. I added a new loop around the Turtle Creek community which helped push the ride well over the 20 mile mark. I am not sure I can continue to devote two hours a day to riding, but occasionally I can pull it off. I do wish for more wildlife along the route. It seems that I get excited when I see a tortoise because I get bored avoiding squirrels and lizards. At least the tortoises do not run out in front of the bike. I have been amazed at the stupid squirrels.

And so the day begins!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Interrupted Bike Ride

 

Path of the Ride
Tequesta, FL
October 5, 2022

It finally happened to me as I am sure it at one time happens to most bike riders. 

There I was, riding with a friend in the middle of a planned 20 mile or so route. I heard a noise coming from my back wheel and then within a few yards the tire was flat. I noticed that it was flat when the rim hit the pavement. Fortunately, we were only three miles from his house where I had parked the truck. He rode off and got my truck to haul my bike home for repairs. 

Important safety tip: Never ride on a flat tire! Not only will you need to replace the inner tube and tire, but you will likely incur the added expense of replacing at least the rim if not the whole wheel.

I had been tempting fate by not carrying a repair kit. It is weird that yesterday was the first day that I rode with a small bag under my seat for my wallet and keys. The small bike bag now contains a roadside repair kit including a CO2 cartridge to inflate a tire. I have been procrastinating putting a repair kit together and yesterday's flat spurred me into action.

My Vision of South Florida
Tequesta, FL
October 5, 2022

Until the flat occurred, the ride was enjoyable. The weather was mild and we rode along and area that coincides with my vision of Florida. Small palms among pine trees. Looking at the route of the ride, it does not follow a straight path as we wound through the neighborhoods.  There was an out and return portion and the flat occurred we were preparing to head to the right, backwards down the arrow I drew, into an area we had not yet ridden.

The ride along the wild area was especially pretty. The bright sky highlighted the beauty of the low palms and pine trees. The wild area seemed to go on forever, oblivious to the habitat destruction occurring elsewhere in the region as houses are erected.

I do enjoy these rides around Tequesta and I am preparing to venture further away to explore other parts of Palm Beach and Martin counties.

Programming note: I missed seeing the Crew-5 launch. Poor planning on my part.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday Activity

 It was an interesting Saturday with lots of activity to keep me busy while Chris remains in Maryland. 

I reviewed my cycling activity for September and was happy to have ridden 154.35 miles without really trying. It was good to be back on my bike for the month and able to ride most days. My total was a bit lower because of the hurricane--I didn't ride Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday last week. I didn't ride Friday because I hoped that most of the debris would be removed, and it was. There were a few places where I rode yesterday, my first ride of October, where I had to navigate downed palm fonds. I managed an 11 mile ride yesterday and it took 5 miles for my legs to warm-up and get back into biking after being off most of the week.

Sign Down Along US 1
Tequesta, FL
September 29, 2022

In reviewing the damage to the area I determined that we fared very well during the storms. There were only a few obvious problems including a downed sign advertising Divorce Mediation. I guess their business just fell off. 

In other business, the Orioles are officially out of the playoff race with the loss yesterday. There are only four games remaining in the season and they at least made it exciting. They can finish no worse than .500 ads they already have 81 wins, but a win in one of the next four games would give them their first winning season since 2016. Regardless, they are assured of their first non-losing season since 2016.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding the Circuit

 

15 mile Ride
Tequesta and Jupiter, FL
September 21, 2022

With the biking that I have been doing, I have developed a basic route from which I can take branches and sequels to increase both the distance and the enjoyment of the ride. The basic circuit is about 8 miles from our home around Tequesta.

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
September 21, 2022

Yesterday, Chris and I went for a ride and I determined to push Chris a bit by accomplishing a 15 mile ride. She completed an 11 mile ride on Tuesday and I wanted to push her just a bit more. That was easily done by adding a stretch on what is called Island Way, which is a long connecting street which remains mostly undeveloped and provides a nice ride. 

Chris was game and in the end we enjoyed a nice ride and she accomplished her longest ride to date. I was as pleased as she was to complete the trek. 

I am looking to push her more and get her into the 20 mile range soon so we can do even more difficult rides and she has the necessary confidence to complete them. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Hitting the Streets

 

After making three trips to the PODS during the past two days, about two-hours roundtrip, Chris and I decided to stay home and return the house to a more livable state. 

Bike Route
Tequesta, FL
September 9, 2022

We were successful! But, we still have at least two more trips to make to the PODS to retrieve the remainder of our treasures. I will be getting a storage room today.

One of the things we did yesterday was locate the recycling transfer facility and get rid of the wrapping paper and cardboard boxes that were filling the garage. That helped to reclaim significant space in the garage.

To start the day, however, I went on a long bike ride around Tequesta and Jupiter. I was able to visit some new territory and enjoy the day before it got too hot or rainy. I was amazed that, as I hit the streets, my legs were tired before I even began from racing up and down stairs during the past days. I have been exercising more than I had thought. 

I was dog-tired at the end of the ride. I need to eat breakfast before heading out on these rides! There is a small hill near the end that can seem mountainous, although it is only a slight incline. After 18 or so miles, however, it provides the opportunity to push myself one more time. 

It is great to be hitting the streets again!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Alle-gator (AG) on Patrol

 

Map of My Bike Ride
Tequesta, FL
September 5, 2022

I managed a Labor Day 17 mile bike ride yesterday. It was good to be back in the saddle on a serious ride. My guide toured me through developments that I have not visited before and in one area the wildlife was active and fin to watch. 

The ride meandered through Tequesta into Jupiter. The most interesting part of the ride was through a large housing development in the initial stages of building but where the infrastructure is mostly in place from a failed development a few years ago. It winds into wild areas and I saw deer, rabbits, many species of birds, lizards, and one alligator hanging out in the pond, or is it large enough to be a lake?

Lake or Pond? You Make the Call
Jupiter, FL
September 5, 2022

I sometimes have difficulty determining the difference between lakes and ponds. 

In this case I think it is a lake, but the gator in the lake thinks that it owns the waterfront. BTW, the object in the image to the left is not the gator, that is the fountain. I zoomed in on the gator could tell that it is searching for its next meal. 

Alligator on Patrol
Jupiter, FL
September 5, 2022

Biking through undeveloped areas is a lot of fun because of the wildlife. I saw four deer race across open fields. I knew that within a few years those fields would be filled with houses--but, for now they were open areas. 

Most of the ride was in neighborhoods where the houses start at well above $1M and go upwards from there because of they are either on the river or lakefront property. Yes, they are nice houses, but way out of my desire for a mortgage. I am looking to be mortgage free by the end of September and so buying a house on the Loxahatchee River, while a pleasing thought, is not in the plan unless I win the lottery. Only problem there is you have to play to win. 

It was a beautiful morning to be out on the bike and I am looking forward to many more. The total time of the ride, with stops, was 1h33m with an average speed of 12.3 mph. I have to admit that at the end of the ride there is a small hill (compared to some I rode in Maryland) and I was out of gas in the tank. I went about as far as I could for the second ride after my return.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL