Basement Blog

Date/Time:
08/17/2008 07:03 AM

Route:
New route in preparation for the upcoming summer-outing at the North Point State Park. Route started to the Inner Harbor, Fleet Sreet, right onto Boston Street. Turned right into Ponca Street before 895 and 95, a short about 1 mile long segment leading through a business park/industrial area. Passed a club named ‘Nightshift’ and turned left into Holabird Avenue at the end of Ponca. Continued Holabird Avenue all the way straight for several miles, crossing Dundalk Avenue and Merritt Blvd. Later Holabird Ave becomes Wise Ave which I continued straight for several miles. I crossed a bridge, continued a few miles, and turned right into North Point Blvd at the end of Wise Ave. Continued straight on North Point Blvd to the exit/entrance to 695 and turned left into North Point Road. Made a left into what I believed was Bay Shore Road, but the map shows it might have been a bit too early. [Google Map]

Traffic:
Easy going most of the way.

Length:
approx. 34.3 miles

Bike:
Jamis Durango Hardtail Mod. with 26×2.2 Maxxis Holy Roller

Weather:
very pleasant, nice air quality.

Condition:
I decided to take the mountain-bike out again because I didn’t know what terrain and pavement condition I would run into. But this route turned out to be a winner. It was smooth, flat, beautiful and quite interesting. From city to industrial, from industrial to places that reminded me of NC, Key West or even my old hometown in Germany. This route very much felt like it could have been one of my old routes in and around Mönchengladbach. I even saw a man on a beach bike. It was a very pleasant ride and I was in a good shape for it. I will definitely take this route more often in the future. I hope traffic will be as pleasant on the day of the summer-outing as it has been today.

Overall I’m very pleasantly surprised what a variety Baltimore has to offer. When I first moved to Baltimore I felt stuck and unable to ride the bike at all because traffic felt threatening and dangerous and there didn’t seem to be any streets safe and bike-friendly enough for a longer trip. The more I have learned about Baltimore during my rides in the past few months the more it has felt like a home to me. I have come to the conclusion that my first impression was quite wrong. There really are some great routes and places out there, and streets that are quite easy and safe to ride. It just takes some time, some great resources like bikely.com and a few miles on the road.

Heartrate/Elevation:

Date/Time:
08/10/2008 08:35 AM

Route:
Continuation of previous Falls Road/Kelly Avenue route(s). Kelly Avenue turns into Cross Country Blvd, which I continued until its end. Then I turned left into Fallstaff Rd. Next right into Park Heights Avenue, then second left into Seven Mile Lane. I continued straight. Seven Mile Lane becomes Colonial Road after crossing Reisterstown Road. At the end of Colonial Road I turned right into Deerfield Road. Then I continued straight until the end of Deerfield Road, turned left into Milford Mill Road. I continued straight and turned right into Scotts Hill Dr, right before 695. [Google Map]

I should have continued straight, cross 695 and make a right into Scotts Level Road. But it was time for me to return anyway. After a short break I returned the same route back, via Falls Road and North Charles St.

Traffic:
Easy going most of the way. Got busier on the way back, but still good enough to ride.

Length:
approx. 25.5 miles, 2h 15min

Bike:
Windsor Wellington 3.0 road-bike with 700×23c Maxxis Xephyr

Weather:
warm but pleasant

Condition:
At first I was nervous about taking the road bike out again. Not only am I still more at home on a mountain bike, it also was the first time to ride a longer route on it, and I was worried I’m too heavy for a lightweight bicycle with such thin tires. But the ride went very well, and actually much better than riding the mountain bike with its fat tires. All the hills were not a problem at all, the distance felt very easy, and I could have continued for a good while longer. If I hadn’t had other plans I probably could have made it a 30-35 mile ride. The road bike has become my friend after adjusting the saddle and handlebar. I think I will continue to use the road bike for longer routes and keep the MTB for inner city riding.

If the city streets were in a better shape I might even use it in the city. This was the only problem I experienced today: Getting out of and into the city on the road bike. Many roads are in such bad repair… Potholes, drain pits, cracks, bumps and waves in the pavement felt at times so rough I really was quite worried about the bike. Without any suspension every little bump seemed to have a huge effect on the bike as well as me on the saddle. But fortunately the bike took it very well and didn’t fall apart. The streets became much better once I left Falls Road and entered Cross Country Blvd.

Overall it was a very pleasant ride, and I was in a good shape for it today. Next time I will try to leave earlier and make it a longer trip, maybe up to 35 miles or a bit further.

Heartrate:

Date/Time:
08/03/2008 08:34 AM

Route:
Followed my last route again on West University Parkway, left onto West 40th Street toward the Rotunda, right onto Evans Chapel Road right before the grocery store, then left into Roland Heights Avenue, immediate right to Lawrence Avenue, at the end onto Woodheights Avenue and then finally a right onto Falls Road right before the intersection of Falls Road and West Cold Spring Lane. I continued straight on Falls Road, then left turn to Kelly Avenue which becomes Cross Country Boulevard. Continued straight for a while, then u-turn and followed same route back to Falls Road. Continued straight on Falls Road, turned left onto North Charles Street. [Google Map]

Traffic:
Easy going most of the way.

Length:
approx. 17.5 miles

Bike:
Jamis Durango Hardtail Mod. with 26×2.2 Maxxis Holy Roller

Weather:
quite warm but bearable, not too humid

Condition:
To be honest, after waking up sweaty I didn’t feel like riding this morning. I felt I needed another day off but I forced myself to go out and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more pleasant outside than inside the house. I tried to take it easy during the first few miles, but near the Rotunda I was tired already and wanted to return. I pushed myself further finally reached Falls Road where I again had some doubts about this trip. The uphill segments were more painful than last time I rode this route, but I made it, turned left into Kelly Avenue, just to find another ascent. That’s when I had real doubts I could really take this route to Frederick/Hagerstown one day. Not unless I seriously trained for climbing hills.

Then something interesting happened. After I climbed that hill I didn’t feel any pain anymore…the road continued with a slight incline, but I had no trouble continuing my ride. The road was very nice, traffic was very easy, it actually felt as pleasant as a flat route. I finally began to enjoy this ride and thought that I could continue like this for the next hour. I decided to continue this route for a while, have a short break and return. This trip was almost like swimming in the ocean, having to fight some waves before you get into calmer waters. Once I passed these first hills it became a really nice ride.

The return felt much easier, too. Rewarded by a fast and long decline I felt energized enough to handle the uphill segments on Falls Road. I definitely want to try this route again and ride further, perhaps 25-30 miles, perhaps with the road bike once I get used to it.

Heartrate/Elevation:

Date/Time:
07/29/2008 05:53 PM

Route:
Took the road bike out for the first time for a quick, short trip to Lake Montebello and two laps around it.

Traffic:
Easy going all the way.

Length:
approx. 28 minutes

Bike:
Windsor Wellington 3.0 road-bike with 700×23c Maxxis Xephyr

Weather:
very hot and humid

Condition:
For the last few weeks I have ridden the bike daily, to the office in the morning and back home during rush-hour. The trips became shorter and more intense, especially in the afternoon, as I tried to rush back as quickly as possible through an increasingly uncomfortable heat and humidity. Today I decided to switch the bike and attempt another trip after I returned from work, taking out the road bike for the first time. I had to adjust the brakes, but I was surprised how well this bike could be handled despite the ultra-thin tires. I still have to get used to the brakes and handlebar, but I enjoyed riding so fast in comparison to my old MTB. The weather was hot and humid, I felt tired and not really up for a longer ride today, so I returned again after two laps. I plan to take this bike out more often as long as the weather allows, and keep the bike trainer for winter or rainy days.

Heartrate:

Date/Time:
07/13/2008 07:42 AM

Route:
When I looked at the map after riding Falls Road back on the 4th of July I found that if I had continued just a few meters further I would have reached the Robert E Lee Park I once visited a long time ago to take some pictures. I had no idea this park could actually be reached by bicycle. I followed my last route again on West University Parkway, left onto West 40th Street toward the Rotunda, right onto Evans Chapel Road right before the grocery store, then left into Roland Heights Avenue, immediate right to Lawrence Avenue, at the end onto Woodheights Avenue and then finally a right onto Falls Road right before the intersection of Falls Road and West Cold Spring Lane. I continued straight on Falls Road passing the Mt. Washington bike store and making a right into Robert E Lee park. [Google Map]

Traffic:
Traffic was manageable and felt easy most of the way. Only one short segment on Falls Road, I think between Cliffhurst Road and Clarks Hill, felt a bit uncomfortable as far as traffic was concerned. The road became more narrow, and although there was a speed limit of 25 mph, traffic continued with at least 35-40 mph. Measures to control the speed there would be desirable. But most of Falls Road still felt relatively safe to ride.

Length:
approx. 12.7 miles

Bike:
Jamis Durango Hardtail Mod. with 26×2.2 Maxxis Holy Roller

Weather:
warm but pleasant wind, not too humid

Condition:
Route was challenging but much more pleasant than when I attempted this route on the 4th of July. Uphill segments were not as painful as before, my heart rate was more under control, and I reached Robert E Lee park in only 28 minutes which surprised me. I always thought it was further away. In the past I found taking the bus and light rail to Mt. Washington more painful than riding the bicycle today. I was well rested and the weather was great. I will take this route more often to explore the park some more, and also Kelly Avenue, which will take me to the Frederick route.

Heartrate/Elevation:

Date/Time:
07/07/2008 05:48 AM

Route:
No outside route. Decided to do an interval workout in the basement instead: Spinervals 1.0 “No Slackers Allowed” with a mix of ladders, superspins, tempo sets and sprints..

Traffic:
None.

Length:
approx. 43 minutes

Bike:
Windsor Wellington 3.0 road-bike with 700×23c Maxxis Xephyr

Weather:
warm and humid

Condition:
Woke up well enough being excited and a bit nervous about starting the new job today. The workout felt a bit exhausting and unfocused, probably because I had all the other things on my mind. It definitely was a nice warm-up for the ride to work (not logged). The morning felt very hectic although I managed to do everything well in time. Perhaps I should make myself get up at 5am, but that seems quite extreme.

Heartrate:

Date/Time:
07/04/2008 09:45 AM

Route:
A few days ago I discovered somebody’s route from Baltimore to Frederick to Washington DC back to Baltimore on Bikely.com. I also found a route from Frederick to Hagerstown. I was very excited by the idea to ride from Baltimore all the way to Hagerstown. When I studied the satellite pictures I found that these routes really appear to be safe, low traffic, leading through quiet country roads, some even off the roads — and with a length of roughly 76 miles I thought this could be a nice day trip. Some of the pictures along the route, like this one at Panoramio, reminded me a bit of my old college town Furtwangen. This could be a really beautiful route.

From what I can see there are only two or three areas that may become difficult. The first may be to get out of Baltimore on Falls Road. I have never ridden on Falls Road except the lower part from Clipper Mill Road to Penn Station, which is really nice — but I am not familiar with the upper part of Falls Road beyond West Cold Spring Lane yet. Would it be safe to ride the bike in traffic? The second problem area may be connecting the route to Frederick with the second route to Hagerstown. The segment between these two routes looked a bit crazy to me on the map, and I’m not sure yet which path could be a good and safe one to link both of them together. The third and probably the most difficult part could be the climbs between Frederick and Hagerstown, maybe even more along the entire way. Would I have enough steam left to climb a mountain after riding 50 miles? I’m just a normal guy with his mountain bike…not a Tour de France champion

Before I attempt a ride of these proportions I decided to explore the Falls Road situation first. This was my goal for today. I followed the route from North Calvert Street, left to West University Parkway, left onto West 40th Street toward the Rotunda, right onto Evans Chapel Road right before the grocery store, then left into Roland Heights Avenue, immediate right to Lawrence Avenue, at the end onto Woodheights Avenue and then finally a right onto Falls Road right before the intersection of Falls Road and West Cold Spring Lane. I continued straight on Falls Road for about another mile and then decided to return on Falls Road all the way near Penn Station, following the bike route arrows (as in my previous route) until they disappeared. I didn’t really intend to ride along the Tour dem Parks route today, so I had no further directions or notes with me. [Google Map]

After this ride I have come to the conclusion that Falls Road could be a good way to leave the city. Traffic never felt threatening, dangerous or out of control to me, and there was enough room for me to ride and cars to pass by on their other lanes. I think continuing on this route could be doable. Today, however, I was not at all in a good shape — I already was exhausted when I got up and rode on University Parkway. Riding further uphill to the Cold Spring Lane intersection took a lot out of me, and the last series of hills on Falls Road just gave me the rest. The heat and humidity didn’t help there, too. I never had problems riding routes of 40 miles or more and think a route of 76 miles or so should work, too. However, the terrain around Mönchengladbach and the Netherlands is flat, but this route out of Baltimore might be more like a 76 mile long uphill climb. Of course I don’t know yet if this route continues somewhat flat before it’s time to climb the mountains in Frederick and Hagerstown. No matter what, this will be a challenge for man and material — and I will have to work on my hill-condition before I can really begin to think about attempting the full length.

Traffic:
easy going all the way

Length:
approx. 12.4 miles

Bike:
Jamis Durango Hardtail Mod. with 26×2.2 Maxxis Holy Roller

Weather:
post-rain, warm and humid, not very pleasant

Condition:
Found hills quite exhausting today. Was already exhausted last night when I rode back home from Happy Hour (not logged). I should have given myself more time for recovery. Might try this again next weekend. Overall it was more painful than refreshing today.

Heartrate/Elevation:

Date/Time:
07/02/2008 06:13 AM

Route:
Similar to last week’s route through Druid Hill Park to Baltimore Zoo, but didn’t take Druid Park Drive this time. Instead I followed the arrows spray-painted to the ground through Druid Hill Park, along the Jones Falls Trail. I followed the beautiful path and exited the park at Parkdale Avenue, continued to the Woodberry lightrail station, then back on Clipper Mill Road toward Penn Station. Instead of making a left to Charles Street, I continued following the marks right onto Maryland Avenue, then right onto West Oliver Street, crossing the lightrail tracks to Park Avenue. There I must have missed the next arrow, but it was time for me to return anyway, so I made a u-turn, returned to Penn Station and followed the old route back home. [Google Map]

This was another blissful cycling experience. The Jones Fall Trail was really beautiful and a much nicer ride than my previous routes along Druid Park Drive. I had no idea — but I’m sure I will ride this route more often now. I’m quite sure that the spray-painted arrows were indicating the route for the annual Tour dem Parks event in Baltimore. They don’t have a google-map of the route on their website, but I did find two Tour dem Parks routes on Bikely.com here and here. These are the long routes with a length of between 62 and 88 kilometers. I would love to participate in the Tour dem Parks one day, but it looks like I have missed it this year. It took place on Sunday, June 8th. But I will continue exploring this route and perhaps ride its full length on one of the next weekends.

Traffic:
none to easy going all the way

Length:
approx. 10.8 miles

Bike:
Jamis Durango Hardtail Mod. with 26×2.2 Maxxis Holy Roller

Weather:
very nice, sunny, fresh, good air-quality

Condition:
Started out tired but woke up in the first mile or two on the bike. Uphill segments didn’t give me much trouble, but I didn’t feel as energetic as my last ride from/to Mt.Vernon (not logged). Overall very enjoyable and refreshing, especially through the Druid Hill Park.

Heartrate/Elevation:

Mark your calendars: the 95^th Tour de France 2008 starts this coming Saturday, July 5^th. As in the previous few years, this cycling event of the year will again be covered by commentator trio Bob “Bobke” Roll, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen on versus, the former Outdoor Living Network (OLN) channel.

Running until Sunday, July 27^th, the tour will be made of 21 stages and cover a total distance of 3500 kilometers or about 2175 miles. There will be 10 flat stages, 5 mountain, 4 medium mountain stages, 2 individual time-trials, and 2 rest days.

And that’s already all for today. If I find some time to spare I might write a bit about the individual stages later during the the tour.

This is the last of my routes in and in the area of my old hometown Mönchengladbach. It leads into the same direction as the previous Niederkrüchten route, but follows different paths leading to Waldniel. Waldniel is one of several districts in the municipality of Schwalmtal/Viersen.

The route starts through Stadtwald Rheydt again — this time not passing the miniature golf place, but following a different path through the park parallel to the A61 Autobahn. At Waldesrand the route crosses the A61 toward Voosen and continues through Kothausen, Gerkerath, Koch, Genhodder, Rickelrath and Lüttelforst to Waldniel. In Waldniel it continues back on Schulstrasse towards Berg, Steeg south to and through the British Forces base, the Joint Headquarters (JHQ) or Military Complex in Rheindahlen, the Hardter forest, and through Hehn and Holt back into the city.

This route leads through a number of very beautiful areas including Stadtwald Rheydt, Kothausen and Hardter forest, but it is especially fascinating and historically interesting because of the JHQ. This base is open for visitors and can be entered through one of their checkpoints after showing your id or passport. And once you are inside you are really visiting a different country. Street names and signs are all written in English, and even the sidewalks and buildings look distinctly different. I remember when I was a child I thought of the headquarters as a very strange and mysterious island in the woods, such a different world. Even years later I find myself surprised by how different this area looks and feels compared to the surrounding cities and villages. Not so much because of the obvious language difference, but the smaller details, the overall quietness or the emptiness of the roads. I would like to ride this route again and see what this area is like today, more than a decade later.

On the way to or from the JHQ there also is a nice incline I always enjoyed. The route is about 49 kilometers long and ends my series of routes in and in the area of my old hometown. I hope you found any of the previous routes interesting or enjoyable. I’m not sure if and when I’m going to have more routes in Germany as I’m not living there anymore — and I will not begin to collect other routes I haven’t ridden before and that can’t ride myself right now. Instead I will continue to work on a collection of complete routes in and in the area of Baltimore City. I hope I can find a few routes that are also between 30-50 kilometers (18-30 miles) long and relatively easy and pleasant to ride. Longer routes might be interesting, too. I would love to tackle challenging destinations like Washington DC or finding another way to the Northern Railroad Trail. It will be an interesting journey

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