kai

Funny- I've never even SEEN one of these . This is SO going on my new car

anyone ever seen a Share the Road plate before? i think thats supposed to be Lance on it...

vettech2112

Hey Kai, can I assume by the two cycling posts that you're a cyclist?

I'm planning to try the Lake Mineral Wells Trailway (from Lake Mineral Wells State Park to Weatherford & back) in a couple of weeks. According to TPWD its a 20 mile run (each way) over a former railway bed now surfaced with packed limestone. I plan to make the trip to Weatherford, have a leisurely lunch & read a bit, then head back.

What I'd like to ask you is if I might be being too optimistic about my plan? I'm only on my bike maybe 4-5 times per month and usually just do 18 miles (over a hike/bike trail near my home - 6 mile loop that I do 3x). The ride doesn't usually wipe out my legs but I tend to have a bit of hand numbness and perineal pain by the end.

I plan to be on my bike as much as possible over what little hilly terrain I can find here in flat Houston as training rides. Would love any advice you can give.

And, yeah, for those of y'all just figuring it out, I'm an information addict and love to pick people's brains.

Thanks in advance!

kai

I can identify with the information addict comment- I myself suffer from that, but I try to view it as a good thing, not a bad thing

I've never been on the Lake Mineral Wells Trailway, but it sounds really intriguing, and I'm thinking we might head up there sometime, if we get the chance (it looks like its pretty far from San Antonio, but we could maybe take some leave and head up mid week sometime- who knows).

I would think you'll be fine to do the trailway. From what I read on the park website, and what experience I've had on rec trails that are created from old railroad beds, the 20 miles should be pretty easy- all flat. If you are in doubt, just don't hammer, and enjoy the scenery (and that sounds like it would be hard NOT to do) .

as far as numbness & pain go- I would first recommend that you change your hand positions, stretch your arms, etc periodically while you are riding- to get the blood flowing. Do you wear padded cycling gloves (the 1/2 finger kind, i would assume). What about the padded cycling shorts? Although wearing a giant diaper (or so it sometimes feels) isn't real appealing, that will help make a difference if you haven't already tried it. Otherwise, I would be sure to stretch your legs fairly often- stand up and pedal periodically. When you stop, stretch really well.

I think you'll be fine. 20 miles at a leisurly pace shouldn't be too bad, esp. if you are used to doing 18 or so periodically. Just take it easy, enjoy yourself, and make sure to drink plenty of water when you enjoy your lunch .

it sounds like a great trip, and I am really jealous.

Incidently, we had a rail trail up in Boston, and since we lived next to it, we would ride it several times a week. one thing that I would be careful for are little kids on bikes (with families)- its a great place for them to learn to ride and enjoy it, and not get hit by cars... but they are still learning. and when they panic, they seem inclined to look directly at what they are trying not to hit, which means you, and they will ride right into you... give them a wide berth.

vettech2112

In order to afford to go to RN school and still have the little things - food, shelter, etc. I'm working a 3-day week... 3 13hr shifts back to back, Friday-Sunday (overnights no less!). Been working this schedule since Aug '02 and will be at it until mid-Dec '05.

Because of a problem with one of my classes in nursing school this past semester, I'm off for the summer. I'm taking the one remaining non-nursing course in the 2nd half of summer but I have the first half free.

As I have Monday morning thru Friday evening free, I'm taking advantage of the time to get in as much hiking as time and money permit. Besides, after you've bought the gear, the expense is bare minimum. Probably a lot less than I'd spend finding ways to entertain myself at home.

In my mind, these hikes are payback for having only 4 weekends off since Aug '02 (not to mention another 19 months, ugh, of working weekend overnights).

This 2nd trip will probably be my last long one... I might could squeeze in one more in late June/early July... but have quite a few day hikes planned. Y'all are fortunate to be in SA as it seems like you have a lot more places to go see that are within 100 miles or so than I have here in Houston. In fact, a friend in Boerne is trying to talk me into coming there after grad. Not a bad idea.

ploddinTod

Ed, I believe there are bike trails through the Sam Houston National Forest, if that interests you. Granted, they wouldn't be that challenging. But they would afford some topographical relief, what with the gullies and such. FYI

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PloddinTod

vettech2112

Not a bad idea. Honestly, I don't know that I'd be up for anything most mountain bikers would call "challenging". I usually cycle on the path along Blackhawk, the one parallelling White Oak Bayou (TC Jester from 43rd to 18th), or Tom Bass Park. White Oak is the only one with any hills of any kind.

kai

I would think that the National Forest would have old fire roads that wouldn't be too challenging- more like a quiet wide dirt road than the fast single track I used to associate mtn biking with. Thats probably a great place to look.

ploddinTod

Ed, Another place I just thought of that would be closer to home is the hike/bike trail from Bay Area Park past Armand Bayou to Red Bluff to Kirby. It's about 6 miles round trip but you could do it several times. Also the loop around Bay Area Park is about .8 mile but beware the aggressive geese in the vicinity of the fishing pier. The whole thing is totally flat but you could swing by the Kemah-Seabrook Bridge to really get those thighs burning.

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PloddinTod