Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 51

I bike 36 miles this beautiful Fall-like day. I take East Honaker Road to Graves Road to Locust Fork Road. These first two pics are of an abandoned home at Graves and Locust Fork roads near Stamping Ground. The mailbox introduces and emphasizes the abandonness of the home. Sue W. of Salt-Rising Bread fame tells me that the home was owned by a lady whose mission in life was to empower black women. She says there are plans for the property.

This robust and handsome Michigander must have taken a wrong turn in Toledo. Photo tilt provided by mailbox cum camera platform.

The history lesson continues as I pedal south down Locust Fork into Stamping Ground.

Bet you can't guess the significance of this field along Locust Fork Road. I know only because I ask Stacy who lives next door to the field. It's a croquet field complete with lights and was a venue for tournament play. Stacy tells me recently-deceased local resident and former field owner, Art Burtfield (?), was an American champion.

When I breeze into Stamping Ground I see Jackie and Sue W., the Salt-Rising Bread people, and Charlotte selling their goods at the farmer's market. Jackie explains the history of Stamping Ground. He surprises me when he says Stamping Ground some years ago had a Ford dealership, theater and three grocery stores. However, the 1974 tornado changed the face and economic activity of Stamping Ground. Sue says I can fill my water bottles at her bakery down the road. Charlotte stuffs my ditty bag with Green Peppers.

My vital stats from my bike computer: Speed (13.3 mph avg., 33.3 mph max.); Heart (124 bpm avg., 156 bpm max.); and Cadence (79 revolutions per minute avg., 199 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 948 calories. Actual pedal time is 2 hours, 44 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 50

The Pig Skull Bike Team rides again! This is Nichloas' first time out since his July 20 accident and it's great having him back. We ride 27 miles today, Sept. 2, early morn before work. I show him a new route off of Biddle Pike. I take him down Indian Creek Road for 1/2 mile to Gaines Road which after 3 miles connects with Long Lick Pike. Gaines is a very pretty and HILLY road. I top out at 41 mph descending the hill that empties into Long Lick Pike. Man, I REALLY LIKE SPEED! Today is like a wonderful fall day--cool and blue. I even spy some leaves that have already turned red. The pic above is Nicholas on Locust Fork Road in Stamping Ground feeling glad he's back in the saddle.

Further north on Locust Fork Road approaching Long Lick Pike is this curious sign. Not too far from here I almost become a dump truck's new hood ornament when I encounter said truck while negotiating a curve on a steep descent. There are quite a few log cabin homes along this stretch of Locust Fork. Maybe some log cabin discount some years ago?

My vital stats from the bike computer: Speed (13.2 mph avg., 41.2 mph max.); Heart (112 bpm avg., 149 bpm max.); and Cadence (75 revolutions per minute avg., 119 revolutions per minute max.) I burn 590 calories. Actual pedal time is 2 hours, 4 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 47

This is the church in Minorsville on US 227. I ride 50 miles this early morn--my first 50 miler! (And my first time out since I got my bike back from the shop. It was a stinkin' tiny piece of glass in the front tire that was puncturing the inner tubes.) The ride isn't bad. My body is in decent shape. It's mental toughness more than anything else. Mental fatigue starts to creep in after 35 miles (I talk to myself a lot).

This is the church altar. I meet Gary H. at the church front steps. He is a parishioner working on the sound system. Gary owns Patriot Autos in Georgetown. I tell him I work at the library. He says he graduated with my boss Earlene sometime during the 20th century. He lets me fill my water bottle. We speak about Alaska, Florida, bike riding, hunting, wild pigs, pastors, cancer and death. Gary mentions that pastor Tom K. is dying of esophagus cancer yet keeps preaching and has wonderful support from the parishioners. I suggest Pastor Tom is an inspiring example to the parishioners on how to die with dignity and moral strength. It reminds me of Pope John Paul's wonderful example.

Stain glass window above church front door.

I see a good amount of road kill during my bike rides. I find this fawn on Long Lick Pike just west of Locust Fork Road. It's a recent kill because the body is still warm and there is no bloating. I move the body to the side of the road. Sad.

My vital stats from my bike computer: Speed (13.2 mph avg., 39.5 mph max.); Heart (126 bpm avg., 165 bpm max.); Cadence (80 revolutions per minute avg., 199 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 1368 calories. Actual pedal time is 3 hours, 47 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 44

Stranded again! Yesterday's early morn 13.7 mile ride before work turns into a lazy morn because I have another flat tire and again no spare tube. I phone my wife and she picks me up and shows me Gaines Road which is beautiful country road that I will explore when I get my bike back from the bike shop. My guess is that there is some pointy thing in the front tire, undetectable by me, puncturing the tubes. I am now a bike guy without a bike. These first two pics are at the intersection of Bond Pike and US 227 northwest of Stamping Ground. This is where my wife rescues me. The pic below shows my bike on Bond Pike facing US 227. Stamping Ground is to the left.

I have divine help today notwithstanding the fact that I am dead in the water...and these goats and old tractor today are the instruments of God's saving help. I like to say my morning prayers while biking these beautiful, peaceful country roads. I just finish my Guardian Angel prayer "Angel of God my guardian dear..." when I notice these goats and old tractor. I stop and take some pics and then notice that my front tire is flat. Flat tires are annoying but my goat-inspired photo op probably saves me from serious injury. Look at the pic below to understand why (left click pic).

This is a long, steep Bond Pike descent that empties into US 227. Last time I rode down this hill I did about 40 mph. It is just after the goats and old tractor.

Some people equate goats with the Devil. Not me.

My vital stats from the bike computer: Speed (13.6 mph avg., 37.7 mph max.); Heart (119 bpm avg., 146 bpm max.); Cadence (82 revolutions per minute avg., 111 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 329 calories. Actual pedal time is 1 hour.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 43

This is the house on Rogers Gap Road. I ride almost 32 miles this morn before work. I bike Long Lick Pike from Skinnersburg Road to Locust Fork Road which is a portion of Long Lick Pike I've never before biked. Really pretty scenery. Pretty Long Lick Baptist Church with graveyard. I believe I bike past JoAnn's home. Take Locust Fork to Bond Pike to US 227 to Stamping Ground then back. Spook a bunch of turkeys on Bond Pike. There is a GREAT, LONG descent on Bond Pike that empties into US 227. It's really great to ride early in the morn--cool temps, quiet, no traffic, great light for taking pics. Unfortunately, I don't have my camera with me this morn. These pics are from yesterday's ride, Aug. 15.

Another pic from Elk Lick Road.

This is the long hill climb up to the lonely cemetery on Hinton Sadieville Road. You can just barely make out the cemetery. Not a good shot, I know, but it gives you an idea of the long, lonely climb.

More flowers along Hinton Sadieville Road.

My vital stats from my bike computer for today's ride: Speed (13.9 mph avg., 37.0 mph max.); Heart (118 bpm avg., 144 bpm max.); Cadence (80 revolutions per minute avg., 128 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 731 calories. Actual pedal time is 2 hours, 17 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 41

Stone wall along Elk Lick Road near Sadieville. I am 15.8 miles into my intended 50 miler when my front tire develops a leak. I don't have a spare tube nor other needed equipment. My cell phone doesn't work out here so I knock on Bobby and Linda's front door and ask to use their phone to call my wife. Linda answers the door and says "You work at the library." I hear this a lot out in the country. I meet her husband, Bobby, who has been on his tractor removing rocks from a field. He introduces me to his other ladies--Susie Q and Clementine; two Blue Heeler bitches from the same litter. Sweet gentle dogs. I tell Bobby and Linda about my dogs, Jack and Molly, and how they are trained for Scott County Public Library's Sit-Stay-Read program. I phone my wife and she picks me up and takes me back to my truck on Rogers Gap.
I like this pic except for the early morn glare down the road. Can't remove it with my polarizing filter nor with photo editing. Suggestions anyone?

Vital stats from my bike computer: Speed (13.7 mph avg., 40.7 max.); Heart (128 bpm avg., 215 bpm max.); Cadence (77 revolutions per minute avg., 145 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 419 calories. Actual pedal time is 1 hour, 9 minutes. Man, can you believe my max. heart rate--215 bpm! I'm surprised this old geezer didn't have a heart attack. I'm a tough old bird, ain't I?

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 40

Looking down Skinnersburg Road at Corinth Christian Church. I bike about 22 miles today, Aug. 12, before work. Get a late 9:30 AM start at Biddle Pike and eventually end up in Stamping Ground to visit Jackie and Sue (the Salt-Rising Bread people). Sort of warm but the heat doesn't bother me. Feel good going up steep hills. My strength, endurance and cardio have improved. I CAN FEEL IT!!!!!

Interesting shadows at Corinth Christian Church.

Quilt along Seebree Road heading into Stamping Ground. I bike some new roads today in addition to Seebree--Graves and Stonetown. I don't have time to take pics of the other quilts along Seebree. Next time.

Closeup of same quilt.

Some good news. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks--especially if you use pepper spray. Remember the Rottweiler on Biddle Pike that I blasted with pepper spray? I ride by his home today. Guess what? He is there on his front lawn near the road. Guess what happens? Nothing. He watches me pedal down the road. I just hope he has a good memory--biker=pain.

Vital stats from my bike computer: Speed (13.7 mph avg., 34.5 mph max); Heart (125 bpm avg., 153 bpm max.); Cadence (84 revolutions per minute avg., 199 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 568 calories. Actual pedal time is 1 hour, 36 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 37

Nicholas has his skin graft surgery this morn. I'm pointing it out to him. He's not very observant. I also remind him, once again, that he needs to start shaving his arms and legs. Maybe now he'll finally listen to his old man.
Doc says Nicholas will be healed in two weeks.

Not every librarian can look this good. I work really hard to keep my legs pasty white. It's not easy with all this infernal sun shining down. I go through a lot of sun block.

Would you check out a book from THIS guy?

Go Blue! Muscles & Michigan. I ride 33 miles after work down Biddle Pike to Skinnersburg to Glass Pike to Long Lick Pike to Sulphur Wells Road back to Biddle Pike. My vital stats from the Cateye bike computer: Speed (13.3 mph avg., 33.3 max.); Heart (130 bpm. avg., 153 max.); Cadence (80 revolutions per minute avg., 109 revolutions per minute max.). I burn 932 calories. Actual pedal time is 2 hours and 29 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 36

Any idea what this is?

Here's another clue. And the answer is.............

A goldfish! Yeah, right.

Ride 18 miles after work today down Biddle Pike to Skinnersburg to Glass Pike to Long Lick Pike and back. I finally connect with the Rottweiler that chases us down Biddle Pike. He gets a face full of pepper spray. Stops him fast. I hope he learned his lesson. Vital stats from my Cateye bike computer: Speed (13.4 mph avg., 31.8 max); Heart (121 bpm avg., 147 bpm max); and Cadence (77 revolutions per minute avg., 134 revolutions per minute max). I burn 457 calories and pedal for 1 hour, 22 minutes.

Ride To Conquer Cancer, Training Progress, Part 32

Getting really serious about my training. Went and bought me a new bike computer that measures speed, heart rate, cadence (how fast I pedal per minute) and calories burned. All of these measurements can be displayed in real time, average and maximum. There are lot more measurements available. My only complaint is that the numerals are too small for old geezer eyes. This might be something I hand down to my son.

More pics of the Pollard Henry Cemetery from my July 16 ride. This is taken from inside the cemetery looking across NE Countyline Road at an old shack.

There is a plastic case affixed to a wooden post which contains vital statistics of some of the people buried at the cemetery.
This is a closeup of the record for farmer and widower Pollard Mack Henry, died May 27, 1937 of chronic heart disease. Left click for a better look.