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Monday, September 29, 2014

Plum Island - Beautiful

Today Judy and I took a 16 mile ride on Plum Island. Any ride or hike on Plum Island is always balm for the soul -- the soft ocean air, the shore birds, an occasional deer peeking over a dune, and the flora -- especially at this time of year, when the marsh grasses and shore shrubs come alive in a symphony of color.

We rode from the Parker River wildlife refuge headquarters on the road into the island to Hellcat Marsh on the refuge, back, and up along the shore of, by this time, a dark and brooding ocean, then jogging out along the dunes to the High Site at the Northern tip of the island, then back along the river side, with its quaint cottages and little boats, and, finally, back down to the start. No hills on this ride, but a stiff sea breeze challenged us when we rode into it, and filled our sails when we rode away.


Weather: 70°F, cloudy and windy, Wind ENE 18-24mph
Terrain: mostly flat
Distance: 16.3mi
Speed: (avg) 13.8mph; (max) 19.6mph;
Avg Cadence: 77rpm

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Lovely Merrimack River Ride with Judy and Debbie

Had a wonderful ride, today, with Judy and Debbie, along the Merrimack River from Ferry Park, West Newbury, through parts of Haverhill, Merrimac and Amesbury to Newburyport and Maudslay State Park, and back on the West Newbury side.

Judy and Debbie at Alliance Park, Amesbury, MA
More nice pictures in the Gallery

We finished up with a pleasant picnic in the shade by the riverside at Ferry Park. Life is good! A beautiful ride and great company!

Weather: 86°F, sunny, moderate humidity
Terrain: flat to rolling
Distance: 15.5mi
Speed: (avg) 12.4mph; (max) 36mph;
Avg Cadence: 71rpm

Sunday, September 21, 2014

It's Amazing

It's amazing. I just couldn't seem to get motivated yesterday. By the time I got going and made several trips back into the house for forgotten items I had to settle for a short ride -- the 10 mile Hooker Farm loop. I pedaled off with the enthusiasm of someone following doctor's orders. They say that aerobic exercise is not only good for your physical health, but also can improve your mood. The headwind on North Broadway laughed and scoffed. I surprised myself and rose to the challenge. I pedaled on, ENJOYING the wind. THIS is what it's all about - not just the exercise, but being out in the open air, enjoying this picturesque ride, enjoying the undulating terrain, up as well as down, and, yes, enjoying the wind. By the time I pressed over the last hill and enjoyed the final descent, I felt like a new man. "It's amazing," I thought to myself, "What a blessing that I can even do this!"

Weather: 72°F, partly cloudy, moderate humidity, Wind SW 7-15mph
Terrain: rolling
Distance: 10mi
Speed: (avg) 12.2mph; (max) 34.4mph;
Avg Cadence: 74rpm

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Harbinger of Autumn - Arlington Pond with Judy

What a beautiful crisp day -- harbinger of autumn -- actually had to wear our windbreakers to ride the 18mi Arlington Pond Loop today. Headwinds were strong at times, but was still able to maintain a reasonable pace, using the heart monitor. 
 
Weather: 56°F, sunny and crisp. wind NW 8-20mph
Terrain: rolling
Distance: 18mi
Speed: (avg) 11.9mph; (max) 40.2mph;
Avg Cadence: 75rpm

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Another Delightful Ride - Arlington Pond-Shadow Lake-Zion Hill

Another delightful ride with Debbie today, 23.8 miles over the picturesque Arlington Pond Loop with an extra loop past Shadow Lake and up bucolic Zion Hill. Continued using the heart rate monitor to pace myself, and felt strong at the end.

on the Arlington Pond loop
  
Weather: 76°F, sunny
Terrain: rolling
Distance: 23.8mi
Speed: (avg) 11.4mph; (max) 44.6mph;
Avg Cadence: 71rpm

Took us 2 hrs and 5 min