2013 Tour De Rook – Leg 22; The Family Reunion Leg

To the stats!

  1. Miles: 23.15Tour_Rook
  2. Time: 1:46.50
  3. Max Speed: 31.5 mph
  4. Average Speed: 12.9 mph
  5. iPod:
    1. Sheryl Crow – The Essential iTunes Mix
    2. Smashing Pumpkins – Gish
  6. Temperature: 89°F
  7. Wind: NE 4 mph
  8. Humidity: 59%

Since it was my Mom’s family reunion down by New Trier, MN. I thought I’d take my bike with, head down early, and hit the bike trails in Hastings. First of all, I figured I would only ride about 15 or 16 miles. I certainly did not expect to be able to do 23 miles. Turns out in the 3 or 4 years since I last rode the Hastings Trails, they have added several new legs. Almost all of my biking happened without having to cover a trail a second time except for a 2 mile stretch of new trail along the Vermillion River.

Oh, and they are in the tail end of road/trail construction. I ended up having to cut through various yards and such to get to the other side of the trails. Hence the 12.9 mph average. The truth is, I expected to be around that average. For one, Hastings trails are almost all hills. What with the river bluffs, and the various coolies and ravines, the existence of any flat trails is less than that of inclines. Plus, there is one hill on Featherstone Road that I take because it is a real challenge. And I surprised myself by actually maintaining 4 mph. My memory is of always ended up at 3 mph.

Another pleasant surprise is the extending of a trail from the old industrial park on Smead Avenue, or 11th street. It would stop just before a hill and you had to ride along the road before picking it up again just below the CP Adams park. Unfortunately it was still under construction. There was a sign that said the park was closed, but I went around it. This is another of the inclines that I find challenging. However more so because of its length, not its steepness. When I got to the top I found that the path was blocked by the road construction, so I cut through the Veteran’s home lawn.

All and all it was a good ride. I was pleased because I got the best aerobic workout I have had in a long time and in the type of heat and humidity that I prefer. And after that I showered at Anytime Fitness and headed for my family reunion. Which is where I enjoyed the following culinary delight:

Booya