Wheels are turning again

DAB · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 152 Location: Surpise, AZ

Well, it's not backpacking - but I got out and it felt great!

After a couple years of diapers - most my gear has been on the back burner. The good news, I got a new (used) Haro X1 mountain bike for xmas. I cleaned it up and made some minor repairs to get it rolling smoothly.

I was able to pickup the kids from daycare yesterday with the baby buggy and wow - that extra 75#'s can really give you a workout - even on flat pavement.

So, I have made a commitment to ride at least 5 times a week to drop some pounds, get my cardio going and strengthen my legs for the Canyon in April.

No replies necessary - most of this is just self help stuff anyways! Waaaa Whooo - it's good to get back outdoors!
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Douglas

- To those who do... and to those that don't. Cheers!

DAB · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 152 Location: Surpise, AZ

I'm sticking to my guns and got another evening ride in last night. I would guess it was only about 6 miles - with a nice steady even grade for the first 1.5-2 miles.

My bike gear is a few years old and my battery for my Night Rider light gave out about a mile into the ride. Not a big deal, as most of the ride is urban and plenty of street lights - but I do like it for people to see me.

Woke this morning pretty stiff after 3 days in a row of riding - felt good. Should be excellent training for my upcoming hikes - and I can do it in about 45 mins when the kids are in bed!

Nice - feeling alive again.
_________________
Douglas

- To those who do... and to those that don't. Cheers!

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

After several years of not riding I started riding again. I now have 9 bikes, vintage Schwinns, Trek rode bikes, Giant road bike and a Giant Mtn. bike.
Getting ready to leave for an afternoon ride on one of my road bikes.

misha · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 16 Location: glendale

I have been biking to work once a week to lose some weight and get into better shape. Road bike only, and taking the multi-use path along the Arizona Canal and Skunk Creek. Amazing how 8.5 miles each way can REALLY wipe me out!

DAB · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 152 Location: Surpise, AZ

I used to live off that trail and could ride from Arrowhead mall to Scottsdale if I wanted. It was really easy to put on 20 miles if you wanted and never worry about a car.

I have been doing about 5-6 miles. But a couple times with the kids in tow and that makes for a heavy load.

I missed thurs for rain, frid - for happy hour and well... today for sat with kids. Sun is forecasting rain - so - I'm already running behind. It will be 5 days next week for sure!

Anyone else use biking for training / conditioning???
_________________
Douglas

- To those who do... and to those that don't. Cheers!

threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

I have been riding a bike as well. Biking is more difficult compared to hiking. The attention and concentration needs to be there and it is a three times a better workout than hiking, even with minimal elevation change.

I do find it a little frustrating when I can't daydream on a bike like I can on a hike.

Biking and hiking have something in common though, they can be both pretty expensive habits.
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You can never eat too much candy...

azbackpackr · Posted: 1/26/2008, 7:17 pm Post subject:

IGO · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas

threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

Seeing I hike a lot in the warm weather, I don't bring chocolate often. It melts.

I prefer bringing Gummi Bears, Dots, Mike and Ike's and Smarties for hiking. I also love the orange slices with the sugar coating (from Sprouts), at least I don't have to throw away the orange peels!

The best candy isles in town are Target and Sprouts. Target has all my favorites in the "king size" boxes. Sprouts candy is in bulk and their gummi bears and orange slices are awesome. Their green apple licorice is a must as well. Sprouts has a trail mix that has chocolate covered graham cereal, dried marshmallows, almonds and pretzels that is called something like campfire trail mix... this is my daughters favorite and is a healthier alternative than all of the above.
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You can never eat too much candy...

azbackpackr · Posted: 1/27/2008, 5:50 am Post subject:

I eat while I ride, too, if I'm on a smooth stretch. Not on rocky trails, gotta have both hands on the handlebars for that. I have tried talking on my cell phone while riding a bike. The wind hits the antenna. I have tried yo-yoing, (up and down and around the world) while riding a bike. It works pretty well, but gets old quick.

By the way, the best addition to my snack bag on an epic ride or hike are the Mocha Clif Shots. They will really pick you up right about when you are ready to hit the wall. Caffeine will do that! Plus, they remind me of when I was a kid and used to sneak a taste of the Hershey's Sundae Fudge in a jar in the fridge. I don't eat candy at all, unless it's dark chocolate! Werther's are okay hard candy. But never anything that has the potential to get stuck in my teeth. Eeeyew!

Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH

My friend Josh brought some Sour Patch Kids on our hike today. I forgot how good those things are! I'm not a fan of candy, unless it's chocolate, more specifically, dark chocolate.
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