Time Trial Results

I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.

The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?

Neil
385/275/200

"The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
>
> The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
>
> Neil
> 385/275/200
>
If it is not too hilly you should be able to get down to between 15 or 20
minutes fairly easily. Of course if there are way too many walkers and
they don't move to their side when you call out "passing--on your left"
and ring your little bell, then that's another story.

del

Del Cecchi wrote:
> "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> > I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> > part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> > the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> > minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> > for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> > large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> > the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> > 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
> >
> > The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> > percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> > could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
> >
> > Neil
> > 385/275/200
> >
> If it is not too hilly you should be able to get down to between 15 or 20
> minutes fairly easily. Of course if there are way too many walkers and
> they don't move to their side when you call out "passing--on your left"
> and ring your little bell, then that's another story.

That was a problem today. Perhaps the low number of path users
contributed to the problem. When the path is busier, people stay in the
correct lane.

I did pass a couple of people, so I did get to ring the bell and call
out "left", but I didn't want to risk a spill or hitting someone. So in
the worst cases I quickly dismounted, got ahead of them, and took off.

Speaking of safety, I did wear my day-glo yellow jersey. Small aircraft
were buzzing the park thinking the bike path was a landing strip.....

The Historian wrote:
>
> That was a problem today. Perhaps the low number of path users
> contributed to the problem. When the path is busier, people stay in the
> correct lane.
>
> I did pass a couple of people, so I did get to ring the bell and call
> out "left", but I didn't want to risk a spill or hitting someone. So in
> the worst cases I quickly dismounted, got ahead of them, and took off.
>
> Speaking of safety, I did wear my day-glo yellow jersey. Small aircraft
> were buzzing the park thinking the bike path was a landing strip.....


And (sorry walkers), but what makes walkers think they can walk 3 in a
row??? They do this a lot. Sorry ladies (guys don't seem to do this),
but walk single file. I just got back from my 6 mile run and I don't
know how many times I had to actually get off the path at Ocean Beach
to pass them. There were maybe 3 or 4 groups of walkers taking up the
whole path. Grrr......

SFrunner wrote:
> The Historian wrote:
> >
> > That was a problem today. Perhaps the low number of path users
> > contributed to the problem. When the path is busier, people stay in the
> > correct lane.
> >
> > I did pass a couple of people, so I did get to ring the bell and call
> > out "left", but I didn't want to risk a spill or hitting someone. So in
> > the worst cases I quickly dismounted, got ahead of them, and took off.
> >
> > Speaking of safety, I did wear my day-glo yellow jersey. Small aircraft
> > were buzzing the park thinking the bike path was a landing strip.....
>
>
> And (sorry walkers), but what makes walkers think they can walk 3 in a
> row??? They do this a lot. Sorry ladies (guys don't seem to do this),
> but walk single file. I just got back from my 6 mile run and I don't
> know how many times I had to actually get off the path at Ocean Beach
> to pass them. There were maybe 3 or 4 groups of walkers taking up the
> whole path. Grrr......

The ring is very effective. People don't care for others. They think
they're alone. At the shopping center, when someone is blocking the
escalator, I get upset and climb up very fast, and make sure my elbows
hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.

mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:

> People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.

I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
the error of their ways.

The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.
>
> I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> the error of their ways.

Am I supposed to educate people??? Especially when the guy is 50 and
does not know that some people would like to get to the next floor
faster? If he has not realized that in 50 years, what is going to
take???? Some people need a "physical shock" to understand. Words are
just words for them.

The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.
>
> I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> the error of their ways.

Here in Toronto, you are blocked everywhere!!! In the escalators, on
the highway, on the sidewalk, etc. People don't care. Just watch that
video filmed here in Toronto. No one is calling the police!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aVbDpXd7A0

Sometimes you want to teach them the hard way like this:

http://www.tmz.com/2007/01/05/wilmer...-clubgoers-ass

<mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168201774.493735.309110@v33g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
>
> The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
>> mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
>> > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb
>> > up
>> > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't
>> > apologize.
>>
>> I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
>> the error of their ways.
>
> Am I supposed to educate people??? Especially when the guy is 50 and
> does not know that some people would like to get to the next floor
> faster? If he has not realized that in 50 years, what is going to
> take???? Some people need a "physical shock" to understand. Words are
> just words for them.

Now, Mike, I do understand your frustration. I feel it, too. But do you
really think that they are getting the message you are sending? Or do they
just think you are a jerk? Saying "Excuse me...May I get by?" will give
them more of a message than elbowing them will, don't you think? It just
doesn't help you vent as well.
>

teachrmama wrote:
> <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1168201774.493735.309110@v33g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> >
> > The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> >> mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> >> > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb
> >> > up
> >> > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't
> >> > apologize.
> >>
> >> I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> >> the error of their ways.
> >
> > Am I supposed to educate people??? Especially when the guy is 50 and
> > does not know that some people would like to get to the next floor
> > faster? If he has not realized that in 50 years, what is going to
> > take???? Some people need a "physical shock" to understand. Words are
> > just words for them.
>
> Now, Mike, I do understand your frustration. I feel it, too. But do you
> really think that they are getting the message you are sending? Or do they
> just think you are a jerk? Saying "Excuse me...May I get by?" will give
> them more of a message than elbowing them will, don't you think? It just
> doesn't help you vent as well.
> >

Well, I know it's a bad idea. But I become emotional, I do things I
would not think doing. When I see that guy blocking the escalator, I
become like the bull who sees a red flag!

mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:

> The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> > mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> > > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> > > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.
> >
> > I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> > the error of their ways.
>
> Here in Toronto, you are blocked everywhere!!!

Then you'd better suck it up.

mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:

> The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> > mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> > > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> > > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.
> >
> > I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> > the error of their ways.
>
> Am I supposed to educate people???

How difficult is it to be polite???

Learn to say "excuse me" or "I beg your pardon." It's really not all
that hard.

The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> > > mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> > > > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> > > > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.
> > >
> > > I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> > > the error of their ways.
> >
> > Am I supposed to educate people???
>
> How difficult is it to be polite???
>
> Learn to say "excuse me" or "I beg your pardon." It's really not all
> that hard.

I use "excuse me" when appropriate. Those people won't even apologize
for blocking me.

mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:

> The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> > mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > > The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> > > > mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the
> > > > > shopping center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get
> > > > > upset and climb up very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of
> > > > > course, I don't apologize.
> > > >
> > > > I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> > > > the error of their ways.
> > >
> > > Am I supposed to educate people???
> >
> > How difficult is it to be polite???
> >
> > Learn to say "excuse me" or "I beg your pardon." It's really not all
> > that hard.
>
> I use "excuse me" when appropriate.

"Excuse me" is *always* appropriate.

> Those people won't even apologize for blocking me.

That still doesn't mean you need to be an asshole.

The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > The Queen of Cans and Jars wrote:
> > > mikesmith9999@hotmail.com <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > > People don't care for others. They think they're alone. At the shopping
> > > > center, when someone is blocking the escalator, I get upset and climb up
> > > > very fast, and make sure my elbows hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.
> > >
> > > I don't see how being an asshole is supposed to make anyone else realize
> > > the error of their ways.
> >
> > Here in Toronto, you are blocked everywhere!!!
>
> Then you'd better suck it up.

Yes.

mikesmith9999@hotmail.com wrote:
> SFrunner wrote:
> > The Historian wrote:
> > >
> > > That was a problem today. Perhaps the low number of path users
> > > contributed to the problem. When the path is busier, people stay in the
> > > correct lane.
> > >
> > > I did pass a couple of people, so I did get to ring the bell and call
> > > out "left", but I didn't want to risk a spill or hitting someone. So in
> > > the worst cases I quickly dismounted, got ahead of them, and took off.
> > >
> > > Speaking of safety, I did wear my day-glo yellow jersey. Small aircraft
> > > were buzzing the park thinking the bike path was a landing strip.....
> >
> >
> > And (sorry walkers), but what makes walkers think they can walk 3 in a
> > row??? They do this a lot. Sorry ladies (guys don't seem to do this),
> > but walk single file. I just got back from my 6 mile run and I don't
> > know how many times I had to actually get off the path at Ocean Beach
> > to pass them. There were maybe 3 or 4 groups of walkers taking up the
> > whole path. Grrr......
>
> The ring is very effective.

It wouldn't be enough of a warning. A two-wheeled tractor trailer is
rushing towards them.

People don't care for others. They think
> they're alone. At the shopping center, when someone is blocking the
> escalator, I get upset and climb up very fast, and make sure my elbows
> hit them. Of course, I don't apologize.

Sorry Mike, that's just rude.

"The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
>
> The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
>
> Neil
> 385/275/200
>

A Time Trial on a MUP (Multi-Use Path) is a really *bad* idea.

MUP's are dangerous in general for cyclists, due to the presence of walkers,
bladers, dogs, children, etc.

GG

"GaryG" <sorrynoemail@NOSPAMX.com> wrote in message
news:s5Doh.252$A_5.219@newsfe06.lga...
> "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> > I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> > part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> > the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> > minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> > for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> > large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> > the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> > 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
> >
> > The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> > percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> > could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
> >
> > Neil
> > 385/275/200
> >
>
> A Time Trial on a MUP (Multi-Use Path) is a really *bad* idea.
>
> MUP's are dangerous in general for cyclists, due to the presence of
walkers,
> bladers, dogs, children, etc.
>
> GG
>

It will depend on which MUP he's using. We have some great trails in my
area but once you get a mile out of town you only see cyclist. The
pedestrians don't go too far outside town

I've rode the trail Neil mentions and I agree it can be a problem due to
walkers, etc. I also rode a section of the nearby Schuylkill River Trail
and found it was less crowded.

Neil - if you decide to ride the River trail do NOT take the bridge from
Valley Forge to the trail. This thing should be condemned. As an after
thought they threw up a narrow wooden walkway on the side of the auto bridge
and it was just wide enough for the bike. I got so scared I wanted to lay
down on the bridge and call 911 to rescue me

GaryG wrote:
> "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> > I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> > part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> > the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> > minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> > for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> > large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> > the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> > 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
> >
> > The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> > percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> > could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
> >
> > Neil
> > 385/275/200
> >
>
> A Time Trial on a MUP (Multi-Use Path) is a really *bad* idea.
>
> MUP's are dangerous in general for cyclists, due to the presence of walkers,
> bladers, dogs, children, etc.

I'll keep that in mind for the time I become a danger to anyone aside
from myself. :-) I needed somewhere flat and without automobiles.

GaryG wrote:
> "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
>> I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
>> part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
>> the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
>> minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
>> for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
>> large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
>> the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
>> 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
>>
>> The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
>> percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
>> could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
>>
>> Neil
>> 385/275/200
>>
>
> A Time Trial on a MUP (Multi-Use Path) is a really *bad* idea.
>
> MUP's are dangerous in general for cyclists, due to the presence of walkers,
> bladers, dogs, children, etc.
>
> GG
>
>
>
In my area, these paths also have a speed limit. In the future, this
could be a problem for Neil ;-)

--
jmk in NC

jmk wrote:
> GaryG wrote:
> > "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> >> I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> >> part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> >> the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> >> minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> >> for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> >> large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> >> the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> >> 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
> >>
> >> The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> >> percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> >> could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
> >>
> >> Neil
> >> 385/275/200
> >>
> >
> > A Time Trial on a MUP (Multi-Use Path) is a really *bad* idea.
> >
> > MUP's are dangerous in general for cyclists, due to the presence of walkers,
> > bladers, dogs, children, etc.
> >
> > GG
> >
> >
> >
> In my area, these paths also have a speed limit. In the future, this
> could be a problem for Neil ;-)

One can only hope.

Beverly wrote:
> "GaryG" <sorrynoemail@NOSPAMX.com> wrote in message
> news:s5Doh.252$A_5.219@newsfe06.lga...
> > "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:1168190821.556233.63050@51g2000cwl.googlegrou ps.com...
> > > I'm participating informally in a contest at www.fatcyclist.com. As
> > > part of it, I needed to complete a three mile time trial. I biked from
> > > the Betzwood Picnic Area in Valley Forge Park 1.5 miles and back - 38
> > > minutes. Yes, it was in starts and stops.. Aside from having to stop
> > > for groups of walkers and joggers that insisted on taking both lanes, a
> > > large dog that took too much of an interest in me, and a turnaround at
> > > the 1.5 mile mark, I was on two wheels most of the time. Not bad for a
> > > 275 pound first time bicyclist who is turning 41 tomorrow.
> > >
> > > The contest, for most improvement in a time trial and greatest
> > > percentage of weight lost, ends August 1. How much time do you think I
> > > could cut off that scorching 38 minutes?
> > >
> > > Neil
> > > 385/275/200
> > >
> >
> > A Time Trial on a MUP (Multi-Use Path) is a really *bad* idea.
> >
> > MUP's are dangerous in general for cyclists, due to the presence of
> walkers,
> > bladers, dogs, children, etc.
> >
> > GG
> >
>
> It will depend on which MUP he's using. We have some great trails in my
> area but once you get a mile out of town you only see cyclist. The
> pedestrians don't go too far outside town
>
> I've rode the trail Neil mentions and I agree it can be a problem due to
> walkers, etc. I also rode a section of the nearby Schuylkill River Trail
> and found it was less crowded.
>
> Neil - if you decide to ride the River trail do NOT take the bridge from
> Valley Forge to the trail. This thing should be condemned. As an after
> thought they threw up a narrow wooden walkway on the side of the auto bridge
> and it was just wide enough for the bike. I got so scared I wanted to lay
> down on the bridge and call 911 to rescue me

I'll try to avoid this bridge, although I don't know quite where it is.
Do you mean the bridge carrying Egypt Road over the Perkiomen in Oaks?
But that's not in Valley Forge.

The Historian wrote:
> Beverly wrote:
> >
> > Neil - if you decide to ride the River trail do NOT take the bridge from
> > Valley Forge to the trail. This thing should be condemned. As an after
> > thought they threw up a narrow wooden walkway on the side of the auto bridge
> > and it was just wide enough for the bike. I got so scared I wanted to lay
> > down on the bridge and call 911 to rescue me
>
> I'll try to avoid this bridge, although I don't know quite where it is.
> Do you mean the bridge carrying Egypt Road over the Perkiomen in Oaks?
> But that's not in Valley Forge.

Here's a picture of it....
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/uowenba/...803676370096/5

>From a Google map I found two names for the road -
Pottstown Expressway and County Line Expressway

The bridge was very busy so I can see why you wouldn't want to ride a
bike across it. The pedestrian bridge they constructed is really scary
to cross.

Beverly