It Stung, I Spat, I Rode On.

Back to the Charles River today. Flat, paved bike path. In case you're wondering why the map looks identical for 22 miles and 16 miles: a couple of sections are worth riding back and forth 🔁. It lets me stay flexible about when to head home.

This time I asked someone to take my picture at the START of the ride, so you get to see a version of me that is not yet destroyed.

Destroyed came later. I got home and flopped onto the nice cool floor under the fan next to Squeaks while the other human went to fetch me an Apfelschorle. Squeaks did not move over. She does not share her premium spots. 🐈

The crazy highlight of this ride: I called out "On your left" to warn someone who was about to step right onto the bike path without looking, and an insect flew directly into my now open mouth. Then came the burn of the sting. On the tip of my tongue.

After being angry at the universe for a mile, WTF, I settled on: not allergic, tongue and not throat, did not die. 🐝

22 miles ridden. 198 to go! 🚴‍♀️

Come ride some of it with me. But no talking. Better to keep your mouth shut. 🤐

Rain. No Rain. Thunderstorm. Sunny.

Yesterday forecast for today: rain, all day, again. 🌧️

This morning the forecast said 4 pm would be clear. Excellent. I had a plan.

At 3:30 I check again. Still clear! I get dressed, slather on the sunscreen, check one more time and the forecast now says THUNDERSTORMS. ⛈

Squeaks and I were not amused. I figured a grumpy picture with the cat was going to be today's whole update. 😾

Then the forecast moved the storm to 5 pm. Fine. One hour. Go.

So instead of the grumpy picture you get a sunny one from the river an hour later. It did not rain. ☀️

14 miles ridden. 220 miles to go! 🚴‍♀️

I kicked of the September Challenge!

The first ride is on the books and I am excited to finally kick the challenge off! Yesterday was a washout, but today was 72 degrees with a breeze and clouds. Perfect for me!

And I even spotted the first bright red leaves on the river path. Fall is coming, no more summer heat.

16 miles ridden. 234 to go.

Come ride some of it with me!

The FIRST ride in 2026!

It was supposed to be an easy one. So I headed out on the flat Minute Man Bikeway.

I got irritated about a detour and then I got excited about the fresh asphalt for several miles 😁

It ended up being over an hour and the tiny UPs on the way back did hurt more than they should have. 😫

18 miles / 29 km.

I am planning to do this 14x in September….😬

Ready to ride!

My bike is antique, but ready to ride and fully connected 😃

✅ All Clean and Shiny (yes...I cleaned the chain)

✅ Bike Computer Set-up

✅ Heart Rate Monitor

✅ Cadence Meter

✅ Power Meter

✅ Back Light and Radar

✅ Garmin Connect

✅ Strava Connection

✅GGC Connection

✅ Oh, and Breaks

Just a few things left to do or to figure out:

☑️ Shifting needs fine tuning

☑️ Will the tires hold pressure

☑️ Clean Shoes

☑️ Audio for GPS directions

☑️ New water bottles

☑️ Find front light