West Orange Trail

Cavs nab Irving at No. 1

West Orange Trail at Bike Speed | Commute Orlando

A few months ago I learned about the “ Ride With Larry ” project – a bike ride across South Dakota led by Larry Smith, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for 20 years.  Larry and his wife, Betty, will be riding over 300 miles across their state.  I will be traveling to Sioux Falls, SD to take part in the final leg of the ride on Saturday, June 25th.  Participants may select a 65 mile or 30 mile route to the finish line.  A year and a half ago I, too, was diagnosed with PD.  Since then I have learned about the many positive benefits of regular exercise – particularly bike riding.  I hadn’t ridden for quite a while so I enrolled in the Cycling Savvy class to increase my bike handling skills and knowledge.  Since “graduating” last November I have put over 500 miles on my trusty Electra Townie – a comfort bike that allows me to sit more upright, thus being kinder on my back, shoulders and hands.   While providing those benefits, it’s also heavy, slow, and not so great for climbing.  Regardless, it’s a really cool bike!

My plan is to rent a bike in South Dakota.  While less than ideal, I’ll make do.  Delta Airlines charges $ 200 each way to ship a bike, so cost became a major factor.  FYI – Southwest will ship a bike for free as one of two free pieces of luggage (must be properly packed in a bike box) – but SWA doesn’t fly into Sioux Falls.  I found a reputable bike shop that carries my exact model of bike.  I will be bringing my bike seat and bike pedals.  That will allow me to replicate my current experience as much as possible.  My son, Brian, will be joining me from his home in Los Angeles and I’ve made arrangements for him to ride a Bianchi Iseo.

My goal has been to do the full 65 miles in South Dakota.  To prepare for the big ride, I’ve been increasing my mileage steadily over the past month.  I created a six week training plan.  Even though I was traveling on business during the first week, I rented a bike two times in Chicago and rode along the Lakeshore Trail to get in some miles.  I rode about 30 miles each of the the first two weeks, then stepped up the distance to close to 80 miles the third and fourth weeks.  During the third week I did my first 20 miler ever on the Sunday, a couple of 10′s during the week, and finished out with a 30 mile run the next Saturday.  I was feeling strong.  The West Orange Trail ride on Saturday, June 11, 2011, was planned as a 44-mile route – out and back the complete distance of that trail.  After talking to seasoned cyclists, I learned that I’d need to demonstrate my proficiency with at least this distance to have any confidence about taking on the full 65 miles in South Dakota.  I’ve also learned that 62 miles is a “metric century” since that distance in miles equals 100 kilometers.  For a 59 year old, possessing less than an ideal physique (i.e., pleasantly plump), with bad shoulders, and a heavy bike - a metric century would be a big deal.

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