100 miles closer to a cure

An update, and a reason to celebrate

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:31:29 GMT

First, I am still here, sorta. I am thinking of moving this blog to my own personal space; LJ has been scaring me lately with the threat of shutting down, so I haven't been wanting to post too much. Stay tuned!

This post is to announce two very awesome things:

1. On April 6, 2008, I started training and keeping track of every mile I've gone. I recently made a goal: 3,000 miles before April 6, 2009. Why 3,000? I'm turning 30 this year.

I got up this morning with 8.5 miles left to go. I cycled to work, cycled home for lunch, and at the corner of Tower and Judd Falls Road, I hit my 3,000th mile. I've gone 3001.1 miles as of this very moment.

The curious thing? April 6 is the anniversary of my grandfather's death (13 years ago). Today is the anniversary of my grandmother's death (a year ago). With this in mind, I, Kelly Alice Wood Bulkeley, do hereby dedicate all 3,000 miles to my lovely grandmother on this the anniversary of her death.

May she rest in peace as I tear up the road.

2. I made a training movie! I will be doing this periodically, so if you haven't yet, please watch my movie!

Click the link, hit pause, let it load at least halfway, then hit play:

March 2009 is Right Now

So far, rave reviews.

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081119.228

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:15:33 GMT

Today's weather was: COLD, snowy this morning, highs in the upper 20's today. BRRR!!!!

Livejournal was down for most of yesterday, so no post yesterday. I did my usual 13 miles, so nothing new or fancy to report. I am only walking today; my legs are sore and my back is killing me, so I am going to take it easy and not do the trainer. Today is also a "purple" day, if you all know what I mean...

Morning
Walked 3.2 miles at an average speed of 4.2mph. Gotta love the new music I am listening to! (P!nk)

Lunch-time
Having a really nice lunch right now.

Afternoon
Walking home in the snow. 3.2 miles.

Evening
Taking it easy on this "purple" day!

Total miles for the day: 3.2 miles

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081117.226

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:06:43 GMT

Today's weather was: COLD, snowy this morning, highs in the 30's today.

I didn't do anything over the weekend; I was completely run down by last week's exercise and stress. Just look at this week I had:

Green=miles cycled, Blue=miles walked
Pink=miles cycled and walked (cycled, walked)
Gray=no activity that day

I'm adding here my monthly weigh-in as well; around the middle of the month, I weigh and take measurements to document my progress. Here's the latest facts about my figure:

As of 11/17/2008, and since 1/1/2008...
Weight: 139
Height: 66"
Chest: 35"
Waist: 27"
Hips: 35"
Neck: 13"

Pounds fat: 23.9
Pounds lean: 115.1
Current BMI: 22.43 (normal)
Current BF%: 17.2% (athletic)
Current WHR: 0.77 (avocado)

Today's exercise
Morning
Walked 3.0 miles at an average speed of 3.8mph.

Lunch-time
Staying warm!!!

Afternoon
Walking home in the snow. 3.0 miles.

Evening
I did 35 minutes, which is 8.2 miles on the trainer. Boss fight took longer than expected!

Total miles for the day: 3.0 miles

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081114.223

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:38:38 GMT

Today's weather was: Cloudy to sunnier in the afternoon, high in the lower 60's/upper 50's!!!!!

Morning
Cycled 3.2 miles at an average speed of 14.2mph. Max speed was 21.7mph.

Lunch-time
Cycled 2.0 miles at an average speed of 12.0mph. Max speed was unknown since I didn't bring my thingie.

Afternoon
Cycled 13.8 miles at an average speed of 16.2mph. Max speed was 33.6mph. I just love the fact that I got a nice long ride in before the snow!!!

Evening
Taking a break because I will have earned it!

Total miles for the day: 19.0 miles

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081113.222

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:34:31 GMT

Today's weather was: Drizzly, windy, lower 40's.

Morning
Walked 3.0 miles at an average speed of 4.2mph

Lunch-time
Stayed in, too yucky.

Afternoon
Walked 3.0 miles at an average speed of 4.2mph!

Evening
Cycled 30 minutes for a distance of 7.0 miles

Total miles for the day: 13.0 miles

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081112.221

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:21:44 GMT

Today's weather was: Drizzly, windy, lower 40's.

New post format: I am only going to post the summary stuff (calories, miles, hours, days, etc) once a month or whenever I hit a milestone; otherwise, I will be giving a daily summary of miles completed as I do them. I officially started my walking season on October 15th, so here is October 15-November 12:

10/15: Walked 6 miles
10/16: Walked 6 miles
10/17: Cycled 6.4 miles
10/18: Walked 4.5 miles
10/19: Rested
10/20: Cycled 6.4 miles
10/21: Walked 6.1 miles
10/22: Walked 6.5 miles
10/23: Walked 8.0 miles
10/24: Cycled 6.4 miles
10/25: Rested
10/26: Rested
10/27: Cycled 6.4 miles
10/28: Cycled 7.0 miles, walked 4.1 miles
10/29: Walked 6.4 miles
10/30: Walked 8.2 miles
10/31: Rested
11/1: Walked 1.5 miles
11/2: Rested
11/3: Cycled 6.2 miles
11/4: Cycled 12.0 miles, walked 1.5 miles
11/5: Cycled 12.0 miles
11/6: Cycled 10.3 miles
11/7: Cycled 8.2 miles
11/8: Rested
11/9: Rested
11/10: Cycled 7.0 miles, walked 6.1 miles
11/11: Cycled 7.0 miles, walked 7.1 miles
11/12: Cycled 7.0 miles, walked 7.0 miles

As you can see, the last three days have been walking for 6-7 miles, then cycling 7 miles. I pop on the bike trainer when I get home and put in about 30-40 minutes of sweating at my average pace on that thing (~14mph). It's great exercise that leaves me feeling good and exhausted.

I was also about 4 pounds from my target weight this morning, which also feels pretty fan-freakin-tastic.

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081112.221

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:03:32 GMT

Today's weather was: Sunny, blue skies, high in the 40's, brisk.

The new training schedule is going exceptionally well; the combination of walking and cycling is REALLY benefiting me so far. I'm doing an average of 13-14 miles a day (6 or 7 walking, 7 cycling). I will be ramping this up to about 20 miles a day once I get used to the new routine. I've been keeping track of food I have been eating, too, since my urge to feast on fast food and sweets gets out of control during the winter. You can see what I've been munching on at loca_locavore.

Since 4/6/2008...
Miles cycled: 2123.4 at an average speed of 14.1 mph
Miles walked: 67.8 at an average speed of 3.7mph
Total miles completed: 2191.3

Hours in the saddle: 150.6
Hours in my walking shoes: 18.6
Total hours completed: 169.1...that's 7.1 DAYS of just straight exercise!!!

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 168
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 52
I have trained 76% of that time.

I have burned a total of 83,491.65 calories.
That is: 154.61 Big Mac sandwiches, or 397.58 Hershey Bars!

I have lost a total of 20 pounds (17 fat, 3 lean); 9.5 inches, 8.3% of my body fat, and 3.2 units from my BMI.
I currently have a normal BMI, am athletic per body fat%, but am still a "fat hourglass!"

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20081030.208

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:13:15 GMT

Today's weather was: Started off cloudy, now sunny, 40's, blue skies, windy!

Wow, I've been TERRIBLE about keeping this journal updated! Well, you can't blame me TOO much; since the Ride, I have been cycling but not as much. Walking season has officially started, so I will be posting all sorts of stats about that.

So what has happened since the Ride? Well, I have cycled and walked another 400 or so miles and lost another few pounds. I am currently holding steady around 140, which is exactly where I want to be (total of 22 pounds lost since last year!).

Many of you out there have been asking me about a new goal for the winter. I am technically training for next year's Ride, and my goals for this winter and coming spring are such:

1. During the winter, I will walk to and from work every day, cycling on days that are warm enough to cycle (above 45 degrees in the morning).

2. Between September 13, 2008 and next year's Ride, I will cycle no less than 2,000 miles.

3. I will walk or cycle, NOT drive to work, with one special exception. It has been at LEAST 208 days since I last drove myself to work. I am giving myself 7 "blizzard days"--days that are just too nasty to walk (meaning below -20 or dangerous conditions). So far, I have used 1/2 of a blizzard day for the nor'easter we just had. I will be tracking these on my spreadsheet.

4. My training schedule will include at LEAST 6 miles of walking plus 7-14 miles of cycling a day. That's 2 hours walking and 1/2 hour-1 hour of cycling every day for a total of 13-27 miles of moving a day. I am working up to this level of activity now to prevent burning out.

5. I will NOT gain any of the weight I have lost back; I will allow a few extra pounds, but nothing over 150 will do.

So those are my goals for this winter, next spring and summer. I'm sure I can do it. And now, for my favorite part, the stats!

Green days are days I cycled; blue days are days I walked, and pink days are days I did both!

Since 4/6/2008...
Miles cycled: 2060.7 at an average speed of 14.11 mph
Miles walked: 51.5 at an average speed of 3.6mph
Total miles completed: 2112.2

Hours in the saddle:
Hours in my walking shoes:
Total hours completed: 160.3...that's 6.7 DAYS of just straight exercise!!!

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 160
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 48
I have trained 77% of that time.

I have burned a total of 79,703.74 calories.
That is: 147.60 Big Mac sandwiches, or 379.54 Hershey Bars!

I have lost a total of 20 pounds (17 fat, 3 lean); 9.5 inches, 8.3% of my body fat, and 3.2 units from my BMI.
I currently have a normal BMI, am athletic per body fat%, but am still a "fat hourglass!"

2008 Ride For Life: "The Answer"

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:04:09 GMT

So, here it FINALLY is: my 2008 Ride For Life post. It seems these days that I have so much going on that I barely have time to blog here anymore; however, I definitely wanted to get these thoughts on paper so that next year, as the time winds down and my butterflies wind up, I can look back on last year's achievement and smile.

On Friday the 12th, we headed over to the Hangar Theater to register for the ride. They gave us registration sheets with our currently raised totals, and buttons with a number 1-10 on them, signifying the number of rides we have done (I got a button with a 3 on it). Then, we watched an awesome safety video, Russ and Todd said a few words, and we were off to get our goodie bags and turn in any remaining funds. While there, I ended up finally meeting Mary, the lady who was completely wowed by movie. When I finished collecting my goods (including an awesome hat), I walked outside the theater to find a photographer waiting for me. He wanted to get my picture for the STAP newsletter, which I will be featured in apparently!!!! Mary was overwhelmed by my donating my entire economic stimulus check and wanted to write a story about it. Sweet!

The morning of the ride started out a typical Ride For Life morning: wet and sleepless. I had been cursing the weather forecast all week, seeing it change from 70 and sunny, to 65 and rainy to 80 and cloudy. Finally, forecasters settled on a unanimous decision: cloudy, muggy, 65-70, rain stopping around 4am with a chance of rain after 4pm. As most of you probably recall, rain can make or break a ride. Turns out we were REALLY lucky this year; the day after the ride? 90 degrees and windy. Monday? 60 degrees, wind and rain. Sounds VERY familiar if you ask me...

The night before was for preparations, including...

Putting sponsor ribbons on my bike...

Putting my number on my jersey...That's right, Douglas Adams fans, yuk it up. That is why I am calling this ride "The Answer." :)

After only getting maybe three hours of sleep, I got up at 5, got dressed, got undressed (changed my mind about what I was going to wear) and ate maybe four bites of breakfast (taking it with me into the car), we loaded the bikes and headed to Stewart Park. We got there around 6:15 and it was already a scene...we had to park pretty far away for once! We got our jersey tags taken off, got into position in the parking lot, and waited for the opening ceremonies.

People milling around the parking lot, pumping tires, eating gels and getting ready!

Just before the ceremonies, I turned around and looked at Cayuga Lake. There was a low, beautiful mist on the lake just as the sun started coming up.

The opening ceremony was short and sweet, as in previous years. The riderless bike passed through the crowd to symbolize those no longer with us, a few speakers spoke to us about how proud they are and how important the money is (NY State recently cut AIDS program funding...) and we were sent on our way at around 7:00am.

Leg 1: King Ferry
I completed the first leg in my best time ever: just over an hour. The first two huge hills happen within the first 10 miles, and the total leg is 17.6 miles. Having practiced these hills several times this summer, I had no problem whatsoever. At the rest stop, I used the bathroom, ate a bagel and a banana and was about to head out when I saw Jake pull up. He asked me for a hug because of what he had just seen, which is where I will pass on the bad news to you all: there was one tragic casualty during this year's ride. Jason Becraft, a fellow rider, passed away about 10 miles into the ride. He apparently fell off his bike due to a seizure or heart attack. He was immediately assisted by several cyclists, including two doctors, who tried to revive him. All of our hearts go out to Jason's family, especially his two small children. I will be attending his memorial ceremony on Friday, along with what I presume will be many others like me.

Union Springs (aka Onion Rings)
The trek from King Ferry to Union Springs is honestly a blur; It was only 13 miles from one point to the other without any major features other than Wells College. I reached Union Springs before 9:30am, ate a PB&J and a banana, and headed on out to Verdi Signs.

Verdi Signs
12 miles later, I was at Verdi Signs and starting to feel a little tired. I wasn't as tired, however, as the guy riding a fixie! For those of you who aren't cyclists, a fixie is a fixed gear bike. This dude was doing the ride on a fixed gear bike!!! I told him he was hard core and made my way to lunch. On the way, I passed through Montezuma where, yes, it did rain for the third year in a row on me. That's ok...it lasted a minute and I had plastic baggied my stuff! The view was absolutely stunning.

Seneca Falls
LUNCH! I made it to lunch at 11:30, 1.5 hours sooner than I did last year. Already I knew I was kicking butt time and speed wise. I had a sandwich and some chips; surprisingly, I wasn't all that hungry even though I should have been. Again, waited for Jake, then headed on to the leg I knew was going to be the most challenging.

Thee Amish Market
I really had to push myself hard for this particular leg; it wasn't all that challenging (one major hill), some annoying rolling hills, but mentally it took all my willpower to keep moving. Why? For some reason, this leg for me is my mountain; once I'm over it, I know I can finish the rest. Let me tell you, seeing that sign at Thee Amish Market made me INCREDIBLY happy. That, and changing my bike shorts and socks. Oh yes, pure heaven. I only wish I had done it sooner; the shorts I had been wearing have left me with an incredible rash/blisters/itchy mess on the back of my leg. If it doesn't start going away soon, I am going to see the doctor about it...

Bellwether Hard Cider
I knew once I got here, I was only a mere 15 miles from home. While the miles between Thee Amish Market and Bellwether were at times grueling, I mostly just sat back and took it slowly. Upon arrival into the winery, I met up with Jake once again just before I left.

Check out the hair. He should do it like that every day, don't you think?

Feeling completely energized, I departed on the final leg to Cass Park.

Cass Park, end of the ride
Emotions ran high as I rode into Taughannock State Park. I climbed the last hill, four miles out, almost bawled when I saw the "Ithaca 2 miles" sign, and literally flew into Cass Park. I am still not sure where the energy came from; whether I had been storing it or it came from another place, but the last four miles into the park were done at a 23 mph clip. A quarter mile from the finish line, I saw the volunteers start cheering for me. It never ceases to amaze me how strong an emotion that still caused in me. Bordering on tears, fist raised to the sky, I crossed the finish line, high-fived the ride coordinator, then picked up my awesome Ride For Life "medal."

All in all: 100 miles in 7 hours for 14.5mph average speed. This beats my first century's average speed by 1.6mph. Most, most excellent.

A massage, a cup of coffee, and 1.5 hours later, we were on the road to the victory ride through town. This year, there were more people out on the streets cheering. It never fails to give me a lift. It didn't compare, though, to the entering Stewart Park, all 400 of us, and watching everyone go wild: the ride coordinators, the volunteers, a few of my friends...just....awesome.

At dinner, the announcement about Jason was made, as were the fundraising totals. All in all, we raised $260,000 and counting! They called out the names of the highest fundraising teams, then the High Gear Club folks. Let me tell you, it was GREAT hearing my name and being able to stand proud. It was especially great to hear them say it right :-D. Dinner was had, dessert was had, and I went home sore, reflective, sobered but happy.

It's amazing how many incredible people I have met through the Southern Tier AIDS Program, people I now call friends. Am I doing the ride again next year? You bet.

Final night

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:15:37 GMT

And here we go. Early bedtime for an early morning. Bike is lubed, ribboned and ready. I'm ribboned and ready, and about to be lubed (bath time!) Time to ride!!!!!!!!!!!

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080818.135-20080909.157

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:53:35 GMT

Today's weather was: NICE! Sunny, some clouds, nice and cool, high in the mid 60's.

Three days until the ride. Three days! I'm so excited. This may be my last post before the event; with work, school and training I haven't really had a chance to sit at the computer and log my thoughts, but here are some tips, things I have learned, and things to remember for next year:

1. Going home for lunch during the day adds an extra 6 miles. It also saves money and I get to eat...

2. Lots of healthy, nutritious, whole local/organic foods. Apples, tuna sandwiches, carrots, celery, lentil soup...The occasional sushi trip. All good because...

3. The weight DOES eventually come off. Yes, it really does, even when you drink...

4. Lots of water. Hydration packs are good.

I was going to post my training calendar, but it is way too huge now and, frankly, I don't have time to figure out Excel or Photoshop. Needless to say, it's impressive.

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 1616.70
Total to go: -616.7
I am 162% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 117.6 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.75 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 118
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 38
I have trained 76% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 33.68
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($3.89) in the Prius: $131.02

I have burned a total of 60,673.97 calories.
That is: 112.36 Big Mac sandwiches, or 288.92 Hershey Bars!

I have lost a total of 19 pounds (15 fat, 4 lean); 9 inches, 7.1% of my body fat, and 3.1 units from my BMI.
I currently have a normal BMI, am athletic per body fat %, but am still apple shaped per my WHR!

Sponsor email!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:46:02 GMT

Hello current sponsors, past sponsors, hopefully future sponsors, friends and family!

Where did August go?????? I can't believe it is only TEN DAYS until the Ride for Life takes place on September 13! WOW! I'm definitely pumped, especially now that I have obtained a new bike pump. I'm not only pumped because of the my new bike pump, though. I'm pumped because of you guys. Thank to you all, as today I have raised $1,898! Let me tell you, when I saw that number sitting on my page, I nearly fainted. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You all are just awesome and are making a HUGE difference in so many people's lives.

I wanted to take this opportunity to also give a special THANK YOU to my awesome friend, Mamadou Chetima, who threw an amazing bash/benefit the other night and helped one of our fellow riders, Tom, hopefully raise enough money to ride! It's people like you that inspire me and so many others. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and participation in our cause!

It is still not too late if you still want to sponsor me! Since there are only 10 days left until ride day, I am encouraging those awesome people who still want to sponsor me to do so online or with cash. Sponsoring online is easy and fun. Go to this web address: http://www.firstgiving.com/kellybulkeley, click the "Sponsor Me/Us" button and follow the instructions. If you would prefer to sponsor me with cash, you know where to find me!!! Every little bit helps, and I can't thank you all enough for helping this cause and helping ME get motivated!

You didn't think I was going to end this email without some goofy statistics, did you? I am happy to report that as of today, I have still kept off those 20 pounds, cycled 1,527.5 miles, spent 111.1 hours in the saddle, saved 31.82 gallons of gas and burned off what equates to 106 Big Macs (57,353.75 calories)! This has been a tremendous training season, and I thank all of you for your inspiration and support!

Shifting gears, pumping up, never braking or tire-ing,
Kelly

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080818.138-20080830.147

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:47:44 GMT

Today's weather was: Started out raining and gross, turned into a sunny day, 77, winds light from the NW...in other words, perfect ride weather!

Phew...man have I been busy! Training, training and more training! It's been an exciting couple of weeks; a couple of good rides here and there including four high mileage rides (15+) in a row before I took four days off to go to Texas to see my parents. Getting back, I jumped right back into the saddle and did a couple of good days, especially today. Today was the Saturday training ride with the RFL group. I love these group rides; the group is always fun and never leaves anyone behind, including those that get THREE FLAT TIRES on one ride. I discovered today that not only do I need new tires, but I also need a nifty mini-floor pump like Jake's. I am probably going to go tubeless after today's fiasco. I am going to check into that ASAP. A tune-up won't hurt, either...

So, here's today's ride stats since, out of all my rides, this one is the most impressive and important. I told myself that if I can do 60, I can do the whole 100. Well, not only did I do the whole 60, I finished STRONG and ready for more. I could have done another 40 easy. I'm ready.

Mileage: 60 miles
Time it took me: 3 hours, 52 minutes
Average speed: 15.5 mph
Maximum speed: 35.4 mph

At that rate? I would finish the ride in under 7 hours. Considering I get 10 hours to do it, that's damn fantastic.

Because I can't figure out how to post my calendar summary, here is a YouTube video of me being goofy on my bike:

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 1480
Total to go: -480
I am 148% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 108.2 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.68 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 108
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 39
I have trained 74% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 30.83
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($3.95) in the Prius: $121.79

I have burned a total of 55,848.77 calories.
That is: 103.42 Big Mac sandwiches, or 265.95 Hershey Bars!

I have lost a total of 19 pounds (15 fat, 4 lean); 9 inches, 7.1% of my body fat, and 3.1 units from my BMI.
I currently have a normal BMI, am athletic per body fat %, but am still apple shaped per my WHR!

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080806.123-20080817.134

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:23:19 GMT

Today's weather was: NICE! Sunny, some clouds, high in the lower 80's. Winds 10mph coming from the NW.

No, I'm not dead. I could have been though. I did a training ride yesterday from Union Springs, up through Montezuma, and back across from Seneca Falls. Moments after my second passing through Union Springs, a fatal accident happened on 90 and Connors Road, about 2 miles from where I parked my car at Frontenac Park. I had stopped at Verdi Signs and had considered stopping at Seneca Falls, but decided to just do the full 20 without stopping. If I had stopped...well, I might not be typing this right now. Always count your blessings.

The ride went really well. My average speed wasn't blistering or Phelps-like, but it is definitely higher than last year's average ride speed.

Mileage: 33.4 miles
Time it took me: 2 hours, 17.5 minutes
Average speed: 14.6 mph
Maximum speed: 27.2 mph

I took quite a few videos out there and will have some available on my YouTube video page. More on that later.

Other rides I did in the last 11 days were essentially to Ludgates and back. I am hoping to get in a few good rides this week, take the weekend off, and then go full tilt boogie next week.

And now, my report. A few new items added for your amusement.

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 1286.2
Total to go: -286.2
I am 129% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 96 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.39 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 99
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 35
I have trained 74% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 26.80
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($3.95) in the Prius: $105.84

I have burned a total of 49,560.70 calories.
That is: 91.78 Big Mac sandwiches, or 236 Hershey Bars!

I have lost a total of 19 pounds (15 fat, 4 lean); 9 inches, 7.1% of my body fat, and 3.1 units from my BMI.
I currently have a normal BMI, am athletic per body fat %, but am still apple shaped per my WHR!

August Ride for Life update!

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:08:31 GMT

Hello current sponsors, past sponsors, hopefully future sponsors,
friends and family!

Wow, is it already August? Like me on my bike, it has just flown by! It's hard to believe there are now five weeks left before the Ride For Life taking place on September 13.

I wanted to send a quick message sincerely thanking everyone who has sponsored me for the Ride For Life. Thanks to you all, I have not only met but SURPASSED my fundraising goal of $1,200. As of yesterday, I have raised $1,498!!! You all are wonderful and making a huge difference in so many people's lives.

The sponsorship goal isn't the only goal I've met. I am happy to report that as of today, I have lost 20 pounds, cycled 1,134.5 miles (meeting my minimum 1,000 goal!), spent 85 hours in the saddle, saved
23.64 gallons of gas and burned off what equates to 81.86 Big Macs (44,202.83 calories)! This has been a tremendous training season, and I thank all of you for your inspiration and support!

And speaking of support, if you still want to sponsor me, there is still time and there are still two options!

1. Go to this web address:
http://www.firstgiving.com/kellybulkeley, click the "Sponsor Me/Us" button and follow the instructions. This is the fastest, easiest way to sponsor me!

2. If you would rather sponsor me by check, please make a check out to Southern Tier AIDS Program, put my name (Kelly Bulkeley) in the memo field, and send the check to my home address. I will personally take your sponsorships to the STAP office.

Thank you again, everyone...you are the Cliff bar at mile 65, the fresh pair of socks at the top of the lake, and the cheering crowd at the end of the ride that make it all worthwhile.

Shifting gears, pumping up, never braking or tire-ing,
Kelly

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080724.110-20080805.122

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:15:39 GMT

Today's weather was: NICE! Sunny, some clouds, high in the lower 70's. Please let it stay like this!

I've been really busy training, thus the lack of postage. I've had some amazing rides over the past week or so, two of which include newly broken records (I know...AGAIN!).

August 1, 2008 (Day 118)
We decided to see a movie, and I decided cycling there was a great idea. I had no idea I would break a speed record!

Mileage: 7.0 miles
Time it took me: 22 minutes
Average speed: 19.9 mphA NEW SPEED RECORD!!!!
Maximum speed: 31.5 mph

August 3, 2008 (Day 120)
We did a really fun group ride on Saturday that took us up the first two hills on the Ride for Life. I broke a speed record for this season (not counting the fluke from a few weeks ago) while going down a really, really fun road.

Mileage: 31.5 miles
Time it took me: 1 hour, 57 minutes
Average speed: 16.2 mph
Maximum speed: 42.0 mphA NEW SPEED RECORD!!!!

I am going to try to make more regular updates; my regular training has been keeping me really busy. I am loving it, though; I am in the best shape I've been in since first training season, and I'm stronger than ever as far as cycling goes.

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 1134.5
Total to go: -134.5
I am 113% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 85.1 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.32 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 89
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 33
I have trained 73% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 23.64
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.10) in the Prius: $97.79

I have burned a total of 44,202.83 calories, which translates to 81.86 Big Mac sandwiches at my current weight of 142 pounds.

Cyclist's log, spoke date 20080723.109

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:05:34 GMT

Today's weather was: Cool, breezy, rainy, and in the mid 70's. Nice if it wasn't so wet!

I did it!

I met my 1,000 mile minimum training goal!!!!

Just to give this a little perspective:

2006 training (first Ride for Life): about 600 miles
2007 training (second Ride for Life): about 800 miles
2008 training (third Ride for Life): 1,000 miles and COUNTING!

What does this mean? I am definitely in the best shape I've been in for a long time, at my lowest weight since 2006, and just loving the riding! Here's to thousands more miles.

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 1000.2
Total to go: -0.2
I am 100% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 76.1 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.14 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 79
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 30
I have trained 70% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 20.84
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.25) in the Prius: $88.35

I have burned a total of 39036.85 calories, which translates to 72.29 Big Mac sandwiches at my current weight of 140 pounds.

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080717.103-20080722.108

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:06:01 GMT

Today's weather was: On the cool and thunderstormy side, high in the upper 70's, annoying thunderstorms most of the day.

Well, folks. I am 6.2 miles away from my training goal of 1,000 miles of minimum training before the Ride for Life! I am hoping to break this record tomorrow!

I didn't do anything too out of the ordinary the past few days; mostly did East Shore Drive a few times, went to the mall a couple of times, and did my usual CSA run on Thursday. I wish I had done more riding yesterday and today, but 1) a horrible UTI kept me from riding yesterday and 2) nasty thunderstormy weather kept me from riding today. More storms are moving in now, so I am going to wrap this up with some stats!

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 993.8
Total to go: 6.2
I am 99% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 75.7 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.13 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 78
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 30
I have trained 72% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 20.70
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.25) in the Prius: $87.78

I have burned a total of 38,831.64 calories, which translates to 71.91 Big Mac sandwiches at my current weight of 140 pounds.

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080715.101-20080716.102

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:37:16 GMT

Today's weather was: HOT, sunny, high around 90, winds NW 6mph.

Wow, the last couple of days have included some amazing rides! I'm having a blast training and have added some new stats, such as total number of hours in the saddle, my overall average speed for all rides, and how many calories I have burned and the Big Mac equivalent (The Cheeseburger Factor).

20080715.101
I went into work, set a speed record, then home the long way, setting a speed record for that particular ride! I love that I'm getting faster every time I ride.

Mileage to work: 3.2 miles
Time it took me: 10 minutes
Average speed: 19.2 mph A NEW SPEED RECORD!!!!
Maximum speed: 29.8 mph

Mileage to home: 13.7 miles
Time it took me: 51 minutes
Average speed: 16.1 mph
Maximum speed: 32.5 mph

20080716.102
Went into work taking East Shore again; did the entire 17.1 miles in 1:!5, which isn't too bad. Did a quick 1.2 miles for lunch, then came home the short way. All in all, 21.5 miles!

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 949.2
Total to go: 50.8
I am 95% of the way there!

Total time spent in the saddle: 72.1 hours
Average speed for all rides: 13.16 mph

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 75
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 27
I have trained 74% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 19.71
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.27) in the Prius: $84.55

I have burned a total of 37,896.88 calories, which translates to 70.18 Big Mac sandwiches.

Cyclists's log, spoke dates 20080708.94-20080714.100

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:42:48 GMT

Today's weather was: Warm, cloudyish, high around 80 with relatively calm winds.

Today is day 100, which turns out to be a very special day! Not only did I do a whopping 36.1 miles today (which is 40% of a century!), but I also officially met my fundraising goal. That's right, folks, I have officially, as of this moment, raised:

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone reading this who donated; you have contributed to an awesome, worthy cause, and I am very grateful to all of you!

I decided, today, to do 36.1 miles, which included the following rides:

Morning ride
Went to work via Pine Tree. I took a video with my new video camera of the entire ride; I am working on getting this on YouTube. Stay tuned!

Total mileage: 3.2 miles
Average speed: 16.0 mph
Top speed: 30.5 mph

Afternoon ride
Went home for lunch, then back to work. Man, I love that it only takes 11 minutes to get home!

Total mileage: 6.4 miles
Average speed: 12.8 mph
Top speed: 27.2 mph

Evening ride
I did some errands downtown (~ 5 miles), then did East Shore Drive through Lansing, then home via Triphammer.

Total mileage: 26.5 miles
Average speed: 14.7 mph
Top speed: 32.5 mph

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 907.8
Total to go: 92.2
I am 91% of the way there!

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 73
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 27
I have trained 73% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 18.91
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the Prius: $75.64
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the MouseMobile: $324.53

Video!

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:38:19 GMT

I have learned how to do basic movie creation/editing and posted my Ride for Life movie on YouTube:

It isn't the best quality in the world; next video will be MUCH better!

Sponsorship and update!

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:54:56 GMT

Hello current sponsors, past sponsors, hopefully future sponsors, friends and family!

With two months and five days left until the AIDS Ride for Life, I have fulfilled my promise: I received my Economic Stimulus check yesterday, and have made my donation to the Southern Tier AIDS Program in the amount of $600! While I am sure the government would have preferred I spend this check on a new flat screen TV, I felt that donating the money was the better route; I am fairly certain that the 40 million people living from HIV/AIDS will benefit from this money far greater than I would with higher resolution and more channels...

For those of you new to the mailing list, this year will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Southern Tier AIDS Program sponsored event that has now raised over one million dollars for AIDS research over the past eight years! Last year alone, 320 of us riders raised a QUARTER OF A MILLION dollars! This year's Ride for Life is taking place on September 13, 2008, and what an event it will be: hundreds of sponsored cyclists battling Upstate New York weather and hills for 50, 85 or 100 miles around beautiful Cayuga Lake. Our goal this year is 350 riders and $275,000 for local AIDS and HIV services, and I know that we can meet it with all of the love and support each and every rider has from friends and family like you!

My fundraising goal for this year is $1,200. This year, I am asking my sponsors to match me. Please help me raise the other $600! Just like last year, if you sponsor me, I will put a nifty red tyvek ribbon on my bike with your name on it. This year, I will also dedicate a specific mile, checkpoint, or group of miles to you!

If you would like to sponsor me for this event, you have two options:

1. Go to this web address: http://www.firstgiving.com/kellybulkeley, click the "Sponsor Me/Us" button and follow the instructions. This is the fastest, easiest way to sponsor me!

2. If you would rather sponsor me by check, please make a check out to Southern Tier AIDS Program, put my name (Kelly Bulkeley) in the memo field, and send the check to my home address. I will personally take your sponsorships to the STAP office. If you need my home address, I will email it to you upon request.

Speaking of goals, I have an update on my training: since I started training on 4/6/2008, I have cycled 824.1 miles (82% of the way toward my 1,000 mile minimum goal), and have saved 17.11 gallons of gas for $73.38 in gas money (at current local price in my Prius). For more stats and details on what I am up to and where I am training, make sure to check out my training blog: http://100milescloser.livejournal.com.

For those who have already generously donated, thank you SO MUCH for your support! It means alot to me, but even more to STAP and the 40 million people living with this horrible disease.

Shifting gears, pumping up, never braking or tire-ing,
Kelly

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080627.83-20080707.93

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:01:55 GMT

Today's weather was: Warm, steamy, high around 85 with calm winds.

Haven't updated lately because while there has been much riding, only one ride was really noteworthy. On Saturday (20080705.91), I did Thee Amish Market to Cass Park, which are legs 6 and 7 on the Ride for Life. It was only 25 miles and flew by very quickly; my average speed over the 1:35 was 15.6mph with a top speed of 35mph. Not bad at all. My notes to self were that the Cayuga Ridge hill was not all that bad fresh, and noted the massive downhill just before Taughannock.

I took waypoints at each of these locations; however, reading the rider's manual tonight, I have discovered that they have changed stop 6 from Taughannock to Bellweather Hard Cider, which is a few miles up the road. I will have to figure out that location's waypoint and put it in my spreadsheet next weekend when I do the ride. The distance from Thee Amish Market to Taughannock was 16.3 miles and from Taughannock to Cass was 8.7 miles.

Today's rides, while short, had me breaking unexpected speed records!

Mileage to work: 3.2 miles
Time it took me: 13 minutes
Average speed: 14.8 mph
Maximum speed: 44.7 mph A NEW SPEED RECORD!!!!

I have no idea how THAT happened...I think my gadget flipped out. I mean, I guess it's possible. I'm counting it anyway!

Mileage to home: 3.2 miles
Time it took me: 11 minutes
Average speed: 17.5 mph A NEW SPEED RECORD!!!!
Maximum speed: 30.5 mph

I flew up the hills and booked it home. Not bad at all!

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 821.1
Total to go: 178.9
I am 82% of the way there!

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 68
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 25
I have trained 70% of the time.

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 17.11
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the Prius: $73.38
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the MouseMobile: $293.54

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080620.76-20080626.82

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:42:29 GMT

Today's weather was: Warmish, muggyish, high in the lower 80's.

Again, nothing too exciting to report. My goal this week was to bike to work, home for lunch, back to work, then home again (12.6 miles). I met my goal and more assuming I either bike home or bike out to Ludgates today. My mileage for the week is 61.1, which is the highest it's been in a while, and I still have Saturday to count. Tomorrow, I am either going on the training ride with the STAP folks or doing Legs 6+7. Either way, a 20 mile plus ride is in my future!

Now that I have two bikes, I should designate which one I'm riding somehow. More on that later.

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 744.7
Total to go: 255.3
I am 74% of the way there!

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 62
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 20

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 15.51
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the Prius: $66.56
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the MouseMobile: $266.22

Cyclist's log, spoke dates 20080610.66-20080619.75

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:25:45 GMT

Today's weather was: Cold, rainy, high in the upper 50's...

Man, what a week! I've been doing my basic rides back and forth to work; nothing too exciting to report on as far as that's concerned. The exciting news actually comes from something very NOT exciting, which was the theft of my mountain bike on Monday night. The Admiral is now gone; only the insects in my carport at the time of the crime could tell you who stole him. Well, like I have been saying for a while, you can't hold on too tightly to things; they fall apart, break, get stolen, etc. I didn't think anyone would want my old clunky bike with Ithaca stickers and a huge crate on the back. Well, to each his own I guess (or, in this case, to mine his or her own now).

The exciting bit comes from my scoring a really awesome cruiser-style bike that happened to be the right size, colors and half the price I was expecting. I'm going to take REALLY good care of this one, which I have named "Rosemont" (Rosie for short). I walked Rosie in the parade last night; that was a lot of fun and I got many compliments on it. So far, it's been interesting to ride (three gears, coaster brake), but interesting in a "this is different from my road bike and a lot of fun" good kind of way.

On with the show!

Total miles completed since 4/6/08: 652.1
Total to go: 347.9
I am 65% of the way there!

Total days trained since 4/6/08: 55
Total days not trained since 4/6/08: 20

Total gallons of gas saved (Prius average 48mpg): 13.59
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the Prius: $58.28
Total $ saved on gas at current gas cost ($4.29) in the MouseMobile: $233.12