Doc

After breakfast, it was time for my first ever horseback ride.  The wrangler and her helpers got me settled into the saddle on "Doc".  Here's the money shot of Doc and me.

After about 1/2 hour, I was ready to call it enough for a first ride.  Went to the room to post the photo.  In the afternoon, I again rode Doc - this time for a hour-long riding lesson.

After the lesson, I was feeling a little more comfortable riding.  Learned more of the way to guide the horse, getting him to go where I wanted him to go.

After a shower and changing into my evening wear, I settled into a stool on the bar in the saloon.  Was a little hungry.  Had some bar-food washed down with pints of Kilt Lifter.  Later, we moved into the card room to learn how to play Texas Hold-um.

Tired. I headed to my room about 10pm.  Had an order of deep-fried cheese curds and some fries as food.  Foir pints of beet, and a couple hours of practice poker..  Unfortunately, I was so wired, I had problems getting to sleep.  It was an awesome day.

50th High School Reunion

This was my reason for driving to Kenosha County, WI.  Normally, I would be attending my army unit reunion, but 50 year high school reunion took precedence.

The reunion was held in the pavilion at Jeddy's Bar in Brighton, WI.  Its is a nice facility for the size of our group.  I was one of the first classmates to arrive and a couple of the last to leave.  Was an good way to spend 5 hours on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Good food, unfortunately they did not have a craft beers on tap.

Had to take a couple "Tylenol" to calm the brain from the noise.  I was exhausted and my speech was gone by the time I got to my hotel room.  Crashed into be early.  Great day.  Great to see and visit with so many of my classmates.

10 Years

10 years ago I was admitted to UNMC suffering a stroke caused my a failed heart valve. During these 10 years I have been treated for 4 different cancers.

I had speech therapy and cardiac rehab.  For exercising, I re-discovered the bicycle.  In May, 2007 I started this blog at Black Hills Fat Tire Festival.  Earlier this month. I published my e-booklet.

Life is an adventure. I am not done exploring. Keep tuned...

Major Life-Changing Events

Thanks for postings on facebook, I found out today is Viet Nam Veteran's Day.  Did not do anything special to remember the day except to wear one of my Viet Nam / 199th LIB caps.

The commemorative day is not well known.  I am not surprised, with the way we were treated and how the country would prefer forgetting it.

It was a different country.  That was driven home to me as a high school classmate (who had posted this clipart on her FB page) commented

"Thanks to everyone who served in Vietnam. I know it was virtually 100% of my graduating h.s. class in 1965."

More information about my service in Viet Nam can be found on my web site at:  http://tomwinfield.com/army.html.

The last week of March in 2005 was a big week for me.   That week I was in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Hospital.  My roommate drove me to the hospital believing I had suffered a stroke.  I had been sick for over 6 months but my doctors could not find out the cause. 

About a day/night in the hospital, the ran several tests.  My health started turning for the worse.  I remember staff where going to take me for an MRI.  Instead, I was rushed into surgery.  I woke up with lots of tubes in me and a new (mechanical) heart valve.  

One of my doctors later told me that it was emergency surgery and that they almost lost me.  I don't remember the night I was admitted into the hospital - I was in there for about a week.  One March 31st, 2005, I was release from the hospital and started the journey to recovery.  Some friends call it my second birthday, I call it an anniversary.

15,000 Miles!

The weather has been windy, and have not been able to hit the 15k miles mark.  Yesterday, the temperature was awesome, the air was dry, but windy from the South.  Met a couple new friends there were thinking of riding fron Silver City to Malvern.  Just what I needed.

My log had been showing I needed 9 miles to break 15,000 miles since I started riding in July 2015.  Met my two new friends at Silver City.  They both ride Terra Trikes.  I rode my hardtail mountain bike (Trek 4300). 

When we started out, I could feel that I would have to take it easy.  Think i did not have enough, right food this morning to undertake the ride.  But, headed out anyway.  Stopped a couple times on the way to Silver Creek Bridge.  We stopped to visit for a while at the bridge.  Headed on South a little further to 305th St.

At this time, I knew i had had enough.  Would be rough enough getting back to the car.  Seemed that even the tail wind did not help me.  I was exhausted when I got back to the car.

Could hardly walk when I got home and unloaded the bike.  Too tired to think about processing photos or write this blog posting.  Restless night in bed. 

But, I made my goal - 15,000 miles. 

Miles on the Hybrid

Topped off the air in the tires of the hybrid bike. After a stop at the bike shop, it was down to the Wabash Trails trailhead park. Temp was in the 60s with sunshine and a little breeze from the NE.

Had 2 reasons to ride the Trek 7200 FX - Had been riding the road bike most (needed some variety) and needed a few miles to take the bike over the 4000 mile mark. Headed out toward the Western Historic Trails Center. Visited a little with the staff there.

On the way back, I achieved my goal for the ride - the bike rolled over 4000 miles. I ended up with just over 16 miles on the ride. If I ride tomorrow, I should hit a big mile mark. What is it? You will just have to wait.

1000 Miles, Finally

This year has been rough to rack up the miles. Nasty winter, flooding all summer (all Council Bluffs levee trails closed - and it more than half of the trails), stifling heat and humidity in July, A-fib meds slowing down my heart rate, and some depression from not being able to get out to ride (lessens the desire to ride).

This morning I just HAD to get out to ride this morning. When I logged yesterday's ride, I saw that I need 15 miles to hit the 1000 mile mark. After coffee at Panera and a stop at the car dealership (that's the topic for a later post), I parked at Lake Manawa Nature Trail parking lot. Rode the trails and streets to the Trails Center.

Added a little by riding the N side Lake Manawa park, and a mile past my car (and back). Anyway, I made my 1k.

Made it - 2000 Miles

The last 2 1/2 weeks has been rough for me --- no bike rides. Yesterday, I finally broke the streak.

Sunny day, temperature in the low 40s, but a bit windy from the North. Forecast is that the weather will be going down the tubes over the next week. Had to ride.

Headed out from Xtreme Wheels North to Big Lake. The photo above is my road bike on the marshland observation bridge at Big Lake. Continued riding Iowa Riverfront Trail to the Western Historic Trails Center.

Being it Thursday, Jam and Bread was in full swing. I stopped for a granola bar and bottle of G2.

The new paving on the Western Historic Trail is completed. When I got to Indian Creek Trail, I had a decision - South to Lake Manawa or North back into town. Since I needed 22 miles to make my 2000 miles for the year, I opted for the ride down to Manawa.

The Missouri River level has continued to drop - great to see that.

By now, the wind seemed to pick up. Just in time for my ride into the wind. I grabbed a shot block to suck on, and headed North. Since I had forgot to bring the heart monitor, I took it easy. The climb up the bridge on Harry Langdon was brutal. Once I dropped down to South Ave, I know I had it without bonking, with some legs left (but not much).

Relaxed a little at the bike shop and headed home. Mission Accomplished - 2002 miles for the year! Nothing like the 3355 miles I ended up last year, but a good effort with the weather, floods, and treatments.

12,000 Miles

July 2005 I started riding a bicycle to get exercise after a heart valve was replaced with a mechanical valve. Exit interview after cardic rehab asked what I was going to do to keep active so that I don't lose the progress I made during rehab.

I decided to check out cycling. Bill at Xtreme Wheels put me on a Trek Navigator and - as they say - the rest is history.

During my 25+ mile ride today, I broke the 12,000 mile mark. I think that's pretty good for a 63 year old. It makes many days on the bike since the longest day has been under 50 miles.

Next goal is 2000 miles for the year.

10 Days on the bike

OK, not constantly on the bike for 10 days - I have ridden every day in the last 10 days. During that period I logged in 193 miles. One of the days I only rode 3.5 miles - during trail work. The rest of that day was shooting the cyclocross race at Swanson.

Its harvest season in the heartland. With wall-2-wall sunshine for the last 2 weeks, the combines have been busy. That kind of weather has been perfect for bike riding.

After 2 days riding in the Wabash Trace, the last 2 days I have ridden the loop around Council Bluffs. Looks like the Missouri River is slowly receding - again! Will take some time before we will be able ride the full loop at Lake Manawa.

Thankfully, West Sidewinder is (and has been all year) above water lever and rideable. Weather is gonna be awesome for THOR's Bring Your Kid Mountain Biking festivities on Saturday at Lake Manawa.

Lastly, today I (finally) topped the 1500 miles mark for the year.

1000 Miles and Counting

Beautiful morning today. Sunny, cooler, dry, light breeze - bike riding weather! Even wore a jacket heading to the bike shop.

Headed out on the road bike about 10:30. Took it easy the first couple miles. Along Mosquito Creek I opened up and got the speed up. In Lake Manawa SP, I turn over to the mountain bike trails to check out the water levels. The Missouri River is down over 2 feet in the last 2 weeks. Unfortunately, the dirt trails are still under water (though the water is slowly dropping).

On to the Western Historic Trails Center. The paved trail behind the Center is still underwater. More trees are now over trail (beavers?). Stopped for water, G2, and granola.

Feeling good during the ride. Pushing the speed, hammering the ride (for me, anyway). Was thinking of continuing around CB, but changed my mind and decided to continue the ride returning to the bike shop. Instead of miles, I concentrated on speed (do miles tomorrow).

Back at the shop, I figured out that my 20+ miles in 1:31 was close to 13.5 mph. When I got home and logged the ride, I calculated my ride at 13.58 mph. The fastest ride for the year. And, during the ride I rolled over 1000 miles for the year.

Speaking of bike rides

Last week I rode over to check out the new South Omaha Bridge (Veteran's Memorial Bridge). From the Iowa side, its looking nearly completed. They are pouring the decorative red concrete in the median. i have heard that one of my cycling friends has ridden across the bridge.

The new bridge has a bicycle/pedestrian lane on the North side. This will then give us another safe river crossing.

There is still a section of the Veteran's Memorial Trail from the levee to the motel that have not been completed.

While riding one day this week, I started thinking about how many miles I have ridden in the less than 5 years I have been riding. Thinking that it has to be near 10,000, I totaled it up. I am at about 10,600 miles! Some time last Fall I hit the 10K - no fan fare, just pedaled past it.

Yesterday, I attended the THOR Trail day at Lewis & Clark Memorial. Taking it easy, I took photos and procured refreshments. Check out thee photos at http://thor-trails.blogspot.com

3000 and Counting

The weather was cloudy, winds from the north, temperature about 55. At least it was not looking like rain! (Yesterday I got caught in drizzling rain.)

Was not sure how far I wanted to ride - see how I felt. The 3000 mile mark was near (less than 32 miles needed). Headed out from the bike shop. When I hit Indian Creek Trail, the wind hit me head-on. It was relentless, but I pedaled on at about 10 mph.

Stopped at the Trails Center. Feeling pretty good, so continued up the Iowa Riverfront Trail, past the Bob Bridge to N. 25th St. Since it was just a couple miles to Big Lake, I went on (wanted to see what progress has been made there). At Super 7, I got a flat - probably a pinch flat since it happened just crossing a rough drop at the road crossing.

Repairing the flat went pretty good (since I just had to fix on Monday). Thanks to the pump Dennis got me, I was back on the trail. At this time - do I continue to Big Lake and back on the Iowa Riverfront Trail - or ride though town to just get back to the bike shop?

I opted finishing the ride. Work continues on the lake shoreline. Does not look like anything more was done on the boardwalk.

Flew back down the trail (mostly a tail-wind). Ended with the ride against the wind from Manawa to the bike shop. All-in-all, I good ride. And, I hit my 3000 mile mark (800 miles over last year's total).

Bike Rides and a Wedding

It was a blustery night for the October Full Moon Ride. Five of us headed out from Xtreme Wheels. Temperature about 50 and gusty winds from the North. Rode up to IWCC, tooled around the college, and rode back. Short ride - but kept the streak running.

No time to ride Saturday. Ham Radio breakfast then do a couple things before heading North for Roxzanne & Ryan's wedding. Brought the hybrid hoping to ride Sunday.

The wedding venue was Ponca State Park. Was a little cool, but the rain kept away. The ceremony was held outside, overlooking a Missouri River vista.

The Reception was at the Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center. It was a beautiful place for the wedding. Appropriate for folks that love the outdoors like Roxy and Ryan.

The couple took a ride on their "bicycle built for two".

The function was well attended by T.H.O.R, Psycowpath, and other bicyclists. Was a enjoyable party. Once the karaoke started, I had to call it a night. Was enough for me.

Roxzanne and Ryan Feagan, congratulations! Best wishes for your life together.

When I stuck my head out the door of my room Sunday morning - I saw frost on the car and it was still dark at 7am (I wanted to ride at 8). First frost for the season! Walking over to "breakfast", found it was a bit chilly. Decided to wait to ride at home when it was warmer.

After a nap at home, drove into CB. Rode from Xtreme Wheels, along the bike path. Planned to ride to the Trails Center. Dennis saw me there, so I rode up to the Bob Bridge and on to Big Lake with him. With lots of legs left, I decided to ride back the same way - giving me almost 35 mile ride. That ride took me over 2800 miles for the year, 600+ miles over last year's total.

2500+ Mile

Back pedaling Monday. Had a SWINT (Wabash Trace) board meeting that evening so decided to ride Malvern to Imogene (or as far as I have time for).

Just as I left Malvern I met Randy - a Silver City residence. We were both stopping to clear a branch on the trail. We rode together to White Cloud. Nice to have someone to ride with.

Previously, I had ridden from the south to Strahan and out of Imogene perhaps again to Strahan. But This was the first time I attempted the Malvern to Imogene ride. That 13.6 miles section of the Wabash Trace is a roller coaster. Seem like always climbing or descending.

Today's photo -- believe it or not, THIS is 370th St in Mills County, Iowa! The Wabash Trace is to the left at the street sign. There are still dirt streets/roads in Iowa in the 21st century.

Didn't quite make it to Imogene when I had to turn back for the meeting. Think I was about 1.5 miles short (turned around at 390th St.) Back in Malverm, as I loaded the bike on the car, I see I got a flat - what great timing. That bike needs new tires anyway and are on order.

Yesterday was a "touring" relaxing pace ride on the hybrid. A ride to post miles, not training. Rode from the bike shop to S. Omaha Bridge, to Trails Center. Stopped for break and on up to the Bob Bridge. Then rode non-stop (except for lights) to the bike shop.

Blew past the 2500 mileage mark for the year. My 30 mile ride on paved trails put me at 2520 miles for 2009. That's over 300 miles over last year's total.

This was the first relaxing ride on the hybrid since the new tires. Really enjoyed the ride. Averaged just under 13 mph over the ride.

Mileage Milestone

What a year it has been. Bicycle mileage for the year just surpassed last year's total. Now at 2209 miles for the year. And it is still August!

What has been contributing to the higher mileage? 1) I got a leg up on the year by riding most of the winter - partially thanks for the studded tires on my hardtail. 2) We have been getting a lot of rain throughout Spring and Summer. This has forced me to ride more pavement and more on the Wabash Trace. More miles for the same effort. 3) As I become a stronger rider, I ride longer before tiring. Last year 15-20 mile rides are long. Now I regularly ride 25-30 miles each time.

Now - just how many miles will I end up with? I think that 3000 miles is surely in reach (that's only 800 miles - and in one 7 day period this month I logged 155 miles!)

Here's some of the things I have learned:

To keep cramps at bay, I need to drink a 20 oz bottle of G2 about every 10 miles. That is in addition to the water I carry drink from my hydration pack.

Variety keeps me looking forward to ride. I change the bike I ride, the trail I ride, the trail surface I ride.

When riding, I sometimes will do "intervals".

On my hybrid and hardtail have have 2 bottle holders. My full suspension bike one. To lengthen my ride without cramping - I chew/suck on a "shot bloks (tm)".

The "ergo" grips (thanks Blaine) on my hybrid and proper position of the saddle are very important factors allowing me to ride longer before I have problems with my hands and feet.

Riding the right bike for the trail and conditions greatly improve the riding experience.

That's about it for today - getting to be bed time. Need to rest so I can ride tomorrow. Forecast is for awesome riding weather this weekend!

2000 Miles!

Had a great, Grade A+ ride this morning. Went to Silver City and rode to Malvern and back.

That ride took me to over 2000 miles for the year. That's just short of 600 miles ahead of last year's pace. Last year I ended up with 2203 miles. At this rate, I should make that by the end of the month.

The weather was ideal (about 70 deg when I started). I arrived in Malvern about 3 minutes faster than my last best time. Logged the ride at 1 hour, 12 minutes for the 17 miles round trip ride. That's over 14 MPH. Fastest ride for me on the Wabash Trace.

Later, I dropped off my Fuel EX7 at Xtreme Wheels. During my ride yesterday, I noticed it skipped on the chain a couple times. Surmised the chain and cassette are worn. That was the case.

Weather forecast is for showers the next 2 days. A couple days off the bike will give me some time to work more on my web site and burning DVDs.

BHFTF Day 3

Today was Day 2 of the Mickelson Trail Ride. Today's ride started from Rabbit Cycles in Hill City. At Mountain View trail head, I got on the trail - riding to Custer, took a break, and rode the last 2 sections to Edgemont (end of the trail).



This photo was taken in Sheep Canyon. Was another beautiful section of the trail.

The weather started up foggy and misting. At Custer, the mist stopped. After Pringle, the fog lifted. At Sheep Canyoh Trail Stop, I had to shed a layer. As we neared Edgemont, the sun came out.



This photos is of the 4 riders today. Jane, Doug, Ed, and me. Doug and Ed ended up riding the while trail over the 2 days. (109 miles!) I rode 39 miles today, a personal best (longest ride). Basically 64 miles over the last 2 days.

The day ended up at the Elks Theater for the Film Festival. I did not win any swag. :( And, the did not get the Beer-Muda Triange T-Shirts.

Hoping to ride tomorrow morning.

A Week of Riding

Last week I did a lot of riding. Starting Monday the 11th through yesterday, I logged 138 miles. Rode 7 of the last 8 days. Yesterday rode 0ver 20 miles on the trails of Lake Manawa (3+ laps). That was my best effort.

Last month, I set a goal of 1000 miles before Black Hills Fat Tire Festival. I achieved that goal, with miles to spare (1070 miles).

Finishing packing today. Heading off toward Rapid City tomorrow. Going to take an extra day on the road to play tourist and take photos.

It was 2 years ago that I started this blog at BHFTF. Watch for my postings from the festival (time permitting).

Two Weeks until BHFTF

Its just 2 weeks until the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival!

If you have not registered, head over to www.bhfattirefestival.com. A fun, activity packed, long weekend is planned. I have attended the 2 previous festivals. You will not be disappointed. Rides, races, food, films, camaraderie, for all. I will be doing the 2 day Mickelson Ride.

Hope to see you there!

Oh, by the way, yesterday I hit the 900 mile mark for the year. Ride on...