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Category: Weather

A long “Trek” but worth it!

A long “Trek” but worth it!

Ordered January 2021, delivered July 2021.

I could be forgiven for thinking that I would never take delivery of a new bike as COVID-19 took hold and, apparently, the entire stock of reasonably priced mid range bicycles was bought up by a population anxious to do something “outdoors” throughout the imposed lock down with attendant social distancing rules. If I had wanted to drop $10,000 on an all singing, all dancing, carbon framed, state of the art super bike then I could have had one before the ink was dry on the check. (Now I’m showing my age; perhaps I should have said “before the digital charge was applied to my credit card statement”) However I just wanted a decent bike that fit me better than my trusty $200 Schwinn from Academy and now I have one thanks to Bike World, San Antonio.

I took delivery of my new bike on July 3rd and so did not get to do any serious riding over the weekend of the 4th due to many other family commitments. The following week we were all stranded in Rockport with flooded streets and so my “running in” period has only just started. So far I am very pleased with the new bike; it has made riding much more comfortable, easy, and recoverable!.

Here are some of my first adventures:

Usually we drive to work!

Usually we drive to work!

On the street that I live.

I wanted to walk around the sub-division to see just how high the water was in relation to the drainage ditch that cuts through the neighborhood but by the time I was level with the boat my boots were almost under water. Various other folks were out in kayaks or just wading through the water; one thought it appropriate to plough through at speed in his pickup truck. There’s always one.

Cycle Training 2020 #37

Cycle Training 2020 #37

Week beginning September 6th, 2020

Looking towards Fulton Beach Road, TX

Now heading into the week ending September 12th, the scheduled date for Conquer the Coast 2020, had it not been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Dang but I’m not having much luck entering this event!
This is the 4th year I’ve attempted to register for it and I’ve only succeeded in riding it once!
… on the other hand …

Cycle Training 2020 #36

Cycle Training 2020 #36

Week beginning August 30th, 2020

Fulton Harbor, TX

Back on track with a good few miles this week following my usual routes through Rockport Country Club and Fulton TX. The miles quickly mount up!

Cycle Training 2020 #35

Cycle Training 2020 #35

Week beginning August 23rd, 2020

2 Preserved Ex City of Edinburgh busses

Much reduced mileage this week due to weather but at least I clocked a few miles.
Confined to the house for several evenings I took to the Internet and found this photo of 2 old friends. Yes, in my youth, I was a nerdy “bus spotter” and remember this pair well.

Cycle Training 2020 #34

Cycle Training 2020 #34

Week beginning August 16th, 2020

Memorial Park, Rockport, TX

Managed a few more miles this week but still falling short of my 50 mile goal. The temperature has been in the 90F range with SSE winds around 10 to 15 mph neither of which promotes enthusiasm for cycling.
Also there was the yard work that had to be done!
On the plus side memorial Park has been opened to the public again and so some mileage can be achieved in the relative shade of the park.

Bad start to my cycling week

Bad start to my cycling week

May 31st, the day before the official start of hurricane season. Yes – let’s not forget that we are entering the six month period of the year when we all keep an extra special eye on the weather forecast, keep our gas tanks full, and have our evacuation plan reviewed and ready to go.

COVID-19 is not the only concern in this neck of the woods. It’s more an unwelcome complication added to our annual tribulations.

So – no cycling today then! But at least hurricane season can wait until tomorrow.