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Barefoot Running
For a while, I’ve been wanting to complement my biking with an additional form of exercise. Many moons ago, I used to do a lot of running, but I gave it up a few years ago when I started commuting by bike regularly. When I ran, I ran in heavily padded running shoes. I would…
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This and That
I just ordered new tires for my road bike. I’ve been running Continental GatorSkins on it for the past several years, and the front tire has lasted almost 4500 miles, with the back not too far behind. I’ve had maybe 2 or 3 flats on these tires the entire time I’ve had them, but the…
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Rain and Routes
Today was another one of those mornings where the weather radar failed me. Usually, weather radar is a valuable ride-planning tool. Today, although rain was predicted for most of the day, things looked fairly dry for my morning ride. As soon as I got on the road, though, the rain picked up, and it rained…
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New Month, New Routes
I rode 16 times in May 2012. We’re now into June. After an exceptionally warm winter and early spring, June has started off with a spell of cool weather. I’ve actually ridden with long sleeves on two mornings this week, which is almost unheard of in June. It’s not ideal weather for enjoying our newly-replastered…
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Off-Road Commute
On a complete impulse this morning, I decided to try out some single-track commuting for the first time ever. I live in Elkridge, MD, and work at UMBC. Directly between my house and work stretches the Avalon area of Patapsco State Park, which is known as one of the premier mountain biking destinations on the…
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Crash Diet
So.. I lost a quick 5 lbs over the past weekend. It’s all thanks to the amazing “stomach bug” diet. The idea is, you catch the stomach bug one day. Then for the next two days, immediately try to resume a regular diet as soon as you start to feel better, thus ensuring at least…
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Ironic Flat
It’s been a sloppy start to May. Almost every day has been cloudy with off-and-on drizzle. Plus it’s been warm and muggy. Not exactly ideal biking weather, but it hasn’t kept me out of the saddle yet. Yesterday I was all set to ride my mountain bike to work, when I discovered the rear tire…
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April in review
April was my first “light” riding month of 2012. I rode only 11 times, compared to 14 times in April 2011 and 16 in April 2010. I did beat 2009’s total of 10, barely. The blame lies entirely with my schedule over the past month. I was on vacation at the start of the month,…
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Grind
I’ve gotten some good hill work in over the past couple of days. Yesterday, I took a quick tour through the Glen Artney area of Patapsco State Park. This area is accessible by taking a right turn near the Grist Mill trailhead, and following the road under the railroad tracks. The road forks, and if…
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New Route Through CCBC Catonsville
After 4 years of bike commuting from Elkridge to UMBC, you’d think I’d have found all of the possible routes, but I’m still finding more. I consider that a good thing, because it keeps me from getting bored with any one particular route. Also, these days I’m finding myself less willing to ride regularly on…