Week of 09/27/09 - Flu and Work Strike Major Blow - 0 Miles!

Things have been too good on the bike ... meeting goal almost every week with great rides.  Well, this week that came to an end.  Work was insanely busy with the FDA proposal, but the real culprit was a nasty cold (maybe the flu) that zapped my energy and had me hacking, coughing, and blowing all week.  I did not get out once ... first time all year.  Hoping to feel strong enough to ease back in next week.  Man, I hope this kind of thing does not happen next summer.

Week of 09/20/09 - 145 Miles

Work continues to make scheduling rides a challenge ... another big proposal effort underway for FDA. Still managed to find time for 145 miles including some repeats at Columbia Gateway and a fast run to Patapsco State Park and up Bonnie Branch Road. Total miles year to date is just shy of 4,900.

Week of 09/13/09 - Just shy of 150 miles

Even with a busy proposal for the Shriner's Hospital in progress, I logged almost 150 training miles this week. The weekend included 100 miles in western Howard and southern Caroll County.  One of my favorite destinations and turn around points is Sykesville, a small historic town in southern Caroll County.  The town sits along the Patapsco River and was a big stop on the old B&O railroad route.  To reach Main Street you descend in and must climb out (a few great options for that include River Road, which follows the river and some nice horse fames or Forsythe Road, which is less scenic, but a tougher grade).  The old train station was converted to a great restaraunt called Baldwin's Station.  It is one of our favorites and the place we head for anniversaries and special nights out.

Week of 09/06/09 - Leah Rides 50k

Leah completed her longest solo ride to date ... a 50k (31 mile) adventure on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. We started in Fort Frederick at the Big Pool trailhead and went 15.5 miles out and back though Hancock and past some scenic mountain ranges and old mills. "Casey Cannondale" averaged an impressive 11.5 miles per hour.

With the ride, I logged another 140 mile week of training. Saturday saw a solid 56 mile ride to Sykesville with some hilly stretches in Caroll County.