Ride Report: 07.06.08

This started as a fitness ride, but turned into an exploring ride before dark.  Near Lisburn is McCormick Road, which runs along side of the Yellow Breeches for a bit.  I had noted that it looks like a great spot to lay along the bank or go for a swim on a hot day.  This shot is taken from an old one-lane stone bridge about a mile off of Andersontown Road.  The banks are grassy and shaded by the trees:

Once I crossed the bridge I went off course to explore the narrow paved road that I thought might head back, but only on the other side.  It started out as flat and very scenic, but sooned turned decidedly up hill.  It got narrower and a little rougher, then eventually smoothed out to reveal the only house along the whole road.  The middle structure appears to be original, the two additions are currently under construction.  I’m guessing this place to be between 6-7000 square feet.  Must be nice to have the township build you a half mile long driveway:

Once I got done grinding to the top of the hill, I figured out where I was and turned towards home.  Up over another hill, and I found this:

The flag had to be around 10′ by 15′, suspended by a cable over the road.

Further down the road, I came across this guy.  According to my son, it has been there a while, but I never noticed it before.  Probably because I usually ride through the intersection coming from a different direction and turn away from it.  He stands about 15′ tall.  The local high school is Red Land; and their mascot is the Patriot.

 

Halfway through the ride I started getting concerned about a clicking coming from my bottom bracket.  On every pedal stroke I’d get a single or double click.  I couldn’t find anything, but according to Park’s site, I should take a look at my pedal bearings before getting excited.  I test that tonight.

But worse is the fact that I wore a pair of lycra shorts, and rode the hills hard in the humid heat.  This morning I have a nagging saddle sore that I’ll need to nurse this week.  I should have known better.

Misc. Miles: 3.7

Distance: 19.3 miles  2008: 789.7