A little century at Lake Hefner

Today I did a little century at Lake Hefner.  Since it's only 9.5 miles around, that meant I had to do 10 loops around the lake (just shoot me, will you??). 
10 little loops.  10 agonizingly long loops.  10 boring loops.  10 not-so-bad  loops. 
I'll go with the last.  It wasn't too bad.  I did some out and backs, some normal loops, rode all the extra little roads that I could to add as much mileage as possible (4/10ths here, 7/10ths there- it all adds up).

I saw A LOT of people enjoying their morning workouts.  Some people were out there for a very long time.  Saw a group of soldiers in full packs hiking around the lake.  I saw them lots of times as I passed them on 3 loops.  I was going to see them again, but at mile 32 I heard the sound you don't want to hear:  kkssssssssssssss.... 
Rear tire went flat (why is it always the rear I ask you?).  Sounded like it was the valve, so no fixing that tube.  Flipped the bike over, changed the flat, had trouble with the CO2 inflater so I couldn't get the tire fully pumped back up.  Luckily I was close to home, so I rode home, took a rest stop and pumped the tire back up.

My ride was broken down into three segments:
30 miles- then rest stop at the house
40 miles- then rest stop at the house
30 miles- then finish!
I figured this would give me opportunity to refill the camelbak, the water bottle, and sit in the cool for a few minutes.  It worked out well- better than I thought.  I was thankful to be able to use my  own bathroom, change my shorts after 70 miles, and re-apply chamois butt'r without prying eyes.

Here is my progression of pictures from the day:

Sunrise over the lake

Lap 1

Lap 2

sun getting brighter

Lap 3- still smiling

Lap 4

I wish I could go as fast as the cars on the highway

woo hoo- halfway done

number 6

Lucky #7

8- don't let the smile fool you- I'm hurting here- and two pedal strokes from tossing my bike over  the dam

90 miles- almost done!!!

YES!!!!  Done!!

It took me 7:03 to do it.  Not great.  I averaged over 15 on the first 50, but the last 50 was not good.  My overall average was 14.1.  It was hot and I was getting very tired.

Well, and the longest training ride I've done in the last 5 weeks has been 32 miles... so there you go.

Tragedy hits our community

This weekend OKC suffered a great loss.   We lost two cyclists who were out for a weekend ride.  Both were at the hands of car drivers. 

Saturday, July 17th
Alan Spencer, 56, of Edmond, OK lost his life to a hit and run driver early Saturday morning.  He was traveling southbound on Midwest Blvd. when he was struck from behind and killed by a coward who left the scene and didn't bother to check on him or call 911 to have someone check on him.  He was discovered by another passing cyclist who called 911.  There were no witnesses, and nobody was with him to provide comfort during his final moments.



Sunday, July 18th

Clyde Armstrong Riggs, 75, of Edmond, OK lost his life after being struck from behind while traveling eastbound on Britton Rd. just east of I-35.  The driver of the vehicle stopped, called 911 and has fully cooperated with police.  Charges have not been filed as of yet.



I'm incredibly saddened, devastated, angry, emotional  that two of my fellow cyclists were murdered while out for a weekend ride- something I do on a regular basis.  It could have been anyone I know.  While I didn't know these two fine men, they are brothers on the road.  Their families are left to grieve and the unanswered questions will always remain unanswered.  I pray for them, for their families, and for the community.  Godspeed Alan and Clyde.

Gimme some cucumbers

I picked my first cucumber from my garden today.  It is short and fat, and it looks delicious.  I can't wait to cut into it at lunch!  There are other cucumbers growing on the vine, getting bigger and closer to picking each day.  While my garden has been an overall disappointment, I'm looking forward to trying again next year and making it bigger and better.  I'm thrilled when I go outside and get to eat something from the garden and wish that my crops were more plentiful so that each evening I could pick fresh veggies from my own backyard.   Next year it'll be better.

A two hour tour...

Today I went exploring on roads I'd never ridden on before (well most of them).  I've ridden in the area, but had never traveled this way before. I left from the Lake Arcadia project office and headed towards Luther.   I knew the general direction I was heading, but didn't have a map (looked at the gazetteer closely last night).   I'll let the pictures tell the story.  There's a LOT of them- grab your popcorn now- or just scroll to the bottom and get it over with.

I love Oklahoma windmills

so I get to this intersection- the map shows the road continues 2 more miles

but this is what the road looks like... um, I don't think so.  Guess I'll head north

Uh- I thought the first rule of Fight Club was not to talk about Fight Club.

I certainly don't think advertising where your Fight Club is located is allowed.

I think all stop signs should be changed to this

well somebody stole the street sign so I'm not sure if this is the right street to turn on or not.

It's close to where I need to turn,  so I take a chance and head north.

a mile later I realize I made a mistake.  I should be one more mile over.  

I'm running really low on water, but backtracking to get to Luther is 4 miles.  

If I turn around now I can be at Pops in 7 miles.  There might not even be a c-store in Luther.  

What to do.  What to do?  

I'm certainly NOT riding on Rt. 66 for the mile or so to get to Luther.  

That road is narrow and VERY busy.

I decide to turn around and head to Pops.  While climbing up this really tough hill, I'm rewarded for my slow ascent.  $.60 for the found money jar.  Woo hoo!

A mile later I see this

I take a chance and head down the road.  Most of the time a bike can get around it, but a car can't.  A mistake here means adding more time to the ride and my water supply is getting scary low...

Yup- the road was passable for me.  That's one big hole!

I *LOVE* closed roads- I can ride all over like a crazy person. 

So I'm flying along (well, crawling) and I hear a loud roaring noise to my right.  

I know there's a creek there, but it sounds like rushing rapids.  Like Grand Canyon rapids loud.  

What is causing that?  I see a little footpath so decide to take it and see where it goes.

Wow!  This is very cool!!! What a reward for a little exploring.  It's beautiful (well, except for the redneck trash left behind).

Passed a beautiful tree farm.  

I wanted to go pick some trees out and strap them to the bike to take home.

And right on Rt. 66 there is this neat historical marker.  I had no idea! 

Finally!  POPS!!!  Cream Soda= sugary goodness!!

The bike and I take a little break and enjoy looking at the beautiful sky.

Uh oh- another road closed sign.  No worries- again I was able to sneak by.  

The nice construction worker told me to go by, but to be careful.  Thanks, man!

After the ride- glad to have had a problem-free and exciting adventure.

Let's take a little tour...

...of my yard.  I haven't been outside in a few days to check on the yard/garden so I thought I'd see how the yard is doing tonight.
First place I visited was the garden to check on what is left of my veggies (after the hailstorm in May).

Look:  a cucumber!

and a sweet pepper

the cute little flowers that make me cucumbers

After some weeding and watering, I ventured over to the hubs to see what the prognosis is on the lawn mower (seems to be having some blade trouble).

looked like the dogs were keeping him good company

Oh, and check out the free pond liner I acquired.

 Funny story:  it was big junk day and we put a couch out that we wanted to get rid of- knowing that people usually drive around and take things that look good.  The next morning we go outside to see that our couch has been taken, and in its place somebody left a pond liner.  Strange, but good for me.  I've been wanting a pond in my courtyard but didn't want to buy one.  Score!

Back to the tour.

I headed to the front yard to check on the flowerbeds.  The hosta that was beaten by the hail has survived (albeit with chunks missing), and it is flowering.  It's flowers are just gorgeous.

hosta flowers

Next to the hosta is my favorite ornamental grass.  It's striped.  It makes me smile.

Then I checked on the cactus garden.  Lookin' good.

Then to the pretty flowering bushes that I trim into trees (don't know their name- sorry)

Then I decided I needed to swing in the hammock for a little while.  Not because I worked hard all day and needed the rest.  Not because I deserved to put my feet up.  But just because...

metal artwork in the courtyard

R's bike patiently waiting to be ridden to the pool for a swim

And after 5 minutes of swinging and about a hundred bug bites- I went inside to sit on the couch for another lazy evening.  Life is good!