Having received a few additional donations from relatives at Christmas, my updated 2008 stats are as follows:
Number of rides: 63 (22 more than last year!)
Total mileage: 1,226.2 (343.9 more than last year!)
Total ride time: 94 hours, 14 minutes (24 h, 37 m longer than 2007!)
My own contributed funds: $308 ($80 more than last year!)
Friend and family support: $657 (updated)
Total funds that One for All raised in 2008: $965 (updated)
COMBINED 2007 & 2008 STATISTICS
Number of rides in 2007 & 2008: 104
Total mileage in 2007 & 2008: 2,108.5
Total ride time in 2007 & 2008: 163 hours, 49 minutes (6.8 days)
My own contributed funds in 2007 & 2008: $536
My friends contributed funds in 2007 & 2008: $1,257 (updated)
Total funds that One for All has so far raised: $1,793 (updated)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
My 2008 End of Season Report
As my 2008 cycling season ends, I am proud to report that I accomplished all of the personal goals that I set for myself, such as hosting a bicycle ride on Livestrong Day in May, participating in Chicago's "Bike the Drive" ride on the Memorial Day weekend, planning and riding my own "50 at 50" half century ride in July, participating in Oak Park's "Wright Ride" in August (as well as the Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Ride in October), and riding over 1,000 miles for the season. I also started this blog to chronicle my "One for All" initiative. My final 2008 stats are as follows:
Number of rides: 63 (22 more than last year!)
Total mileage: 1,226.2 (343.9 more than last year!)
Total ride time: 94 hours, 14 minutes (24 h, 37 m longer than 2007!)
My own contributed funds: $308 ($80 more than last year!)
Friend and family support: $567
Total funds that One for All raised in 2008: $875
COMBINED 2007 & 2008 STATISTICS
Number of rides in 2007 & 2008: 104
Total mileage in 2007 & 2008: 2,108.5
Total ride time in 2007 & 2008: 163 hours, 49 minutes (6.8 days)
My own contributed funds in 2007 & 2008: $536
My friends contributed funds in 2007 & 2008: $1,167
Total funds that One for All has so far raised: $1,703
Number of rides: 63 (22 more than last year!)
Total mileage: 1,226.2 (343.9 more than last year!)
Total ride time: 94 hours, 14 minutes (24 h, 37 m longer than 2007!)
My own contributed funds: $308 ($80 more than last year!)
Friend and family support: $567
Total funds that One for All raised in 2008: $875
COMBINED 2007 & 2008 STATISTICS
Number of rides in 2007 & 2008: 104
Total mileage in 2007 & 2008: 2,108.5
Total ride time in 2007 & 2008: 163 hours, 49 minutes (6.8 days)
My own contributed funds in 2007 & 2008: $536
My friends contributed funds in 2007 & 2008: $1,167
Total funds that One for All has so far raised: $1,703
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
My final ride for 2008? . . . perhaps.
On a Monday afternoon that saw near-record temperatures throughout Chicagoland, I elected to take a half day off from work to ride what could be my last bicycle ride of the season. Even if I ride again in '08, it will undoubtedly be with extra layers of clothing, none of which were needed today as the mercury climbed well into the 70s, cooled somewhat by moderate breezes. Today, I rode for nearly two hours until the onset of twilight, which now comes well before 5 p.m. On my final warm weather ride, I chose to combine two of my favorite routes for a total of 25.6 miles.
On this beautiful day, as I rode through the villages of Bartlett, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Roselle, and Bloomingdale, I reflected upon my 2008 cycling season. I recalled its start -- just days after my 50th birthday -- when I enthusiastically pedaled along the streets of Anna Maria Island on winter days that would normally be spent indoors. I also recalled the transcendent qualities of my first ever "Bike the Drive," which still puts a smile on my face as I remember the sensation of cycling along skyscraper-studded Lake Shore Drive. I also recalled my "50 at 50" ride in July, when I accomplished another personal milestone that I had planned for this special year. But most of all, I reflected on my overall accomplishment -- the sheer number of rides, the sheer number of hours, the sheer number of miles. My "end of season report" will summarize all of these statistics later this month.
One milestone that occurred on this ride was reaching the 2,000 mile mark -- the total mileage that I have accumulated since purchasing my Trek bicycle in March, 2007. When I also factor in the mileage ridden on my Florida rental bike, my two-season "One for All" mileage grows to 2,108.5.
On this beautiful day, as I rode through the villages of Bartlett, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Roselle, and Bloomingdale, I reflected upon my 2008 cycling season. I recalled its start -- just days after my 50th birthday -- when I enthusiastically pedaled along the streets of Anna Maria Island on winter days that would normally be spent indoors. I also recalled the transcendent qualities of my first ever "Bike the Drive," which still puts a smile on my face as I remember the sensation of cycling along skyscraper-studded Lake Shore Drive. I also recalled my "50 at 50" ride in July, when I accomplished another personal milestone that I had planned for this special year. But most of all, I reflected on my overall accomplishment -- the sheer number of rides, the sheer number of hours, the sheer number of miles. My "end of season report" will summarize all of these statistics later this month.
One milestone that occurred on this ride was reaching the 2,000 mile mark -- the total mileage that I have accumulated since purchasing my Trek bicycle in March, 2007. When I also factor in the mileage ridden on my Florida rental bike, my two-season "One for All" mileage grows to 2,108.5.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
1,200 miles!
Although not nearly as warm as last weekend, the weather this weekend was satisfactory enough to get in two rides -- a ride through Schaumburg and Roselle on Saturday that was just shy of 20 miles, and a 17 mile ride through Bartlett on Sunday.
On the latter ride, I reached another seasonal milestone -- 1,200 miles for 2008!
My next goal is to ride another 26 miles before my riding season ends. If I reach that point, my Trek odometer will register 2,000 miles since purchasing it in the spring of 2007. [Note: I already surpassed my 2,000 mile mark for the combined 2007 and 2008 seasons on October 11th, but 112 of those miles were on a rented bike in Florida].
On the latter ride, I reached another seasonal milestone -- 1,200 miles for 2008!
My next goal is to ride another 26 miles before my riding season ends. If I reach that point, my Trek odometer will register 2,000 miles since purchasing it in the spring of 2007. [Note: I already surpassed my 2,000 mile mark for the combined 2007 and 2008 seasons on October 11th, but 112 of those miles were on a rented bike in Florida].
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Trek's Breast Cancer Awareness Ride and surpassing the "2,000 miles in two-years" mark
On an abnormally beautiful Saturday morning for October, I drove to the Trek Bicycle Store on Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove and participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Ride sponsored by Trek Bicycles. The ride passed through parts of Downers Grove, Westmont, Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, Darien, and Hinsdale. Major roads used in the ride were Chicago Avenue, Burlington Avenue, Clarendon Hills Road, 91st Street and Madison Street. The path hugged the frontage roads of I-55 and passed near Argonne Lab and Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The weather was perfect with no wind and temperatures near 70.
I reached an important milestone with this ride. About 5 miles into the ride, I passed the 2,000 mile mark for my combined 2007 and 2008 mileage (882.3 + 1,117.7). Today's ride (30.3 miles) was my longest ride since August. When the ride ended, my seasonal total stood at 1,143.1 miles, which is 375.9 miles ahead of my total mileage at this date last year.
I reached an important milestone with this ride. About 5 miles into the ride, I passed the 2,000 mile mark for my combined 2007 and 2008 mileage (882.3 + 1,117.7). Today's ride (30.3 miles) was my longest ride since August. When the ride ended, my seasonal total stood at 1,143.1 miles, which is 375.9 miles ahead of my total mileage at this date last year.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A return to the Prairie Path
After nearly two weeks away from the bicycle, I eagerly awaited my first ride in October. I chose to ride what I call the Great Western Trail-Illinois Prairie Path triangle, which courses its way through Winfield, West Chicago, Carol Stream, Villa Park, Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. After driving to Prairie Path Cycles (where I bought my bike 1,875 miles back), I followed the squashed triangle in a clockwise direction, first taking the Illinois Prairie Path to the western terminus of the Great Western Trail, then taking the GWT to its eastern terminus in Villa Park, then turning westward to follow the Main Branch of the IPP back to my starting point.
It was a chilly morning, even with the long sleeve t-shirt and tights that I layered upon my regular jersey and shorts. When I started my ride at about 10:52, it was 56 degrees. By the end of my ride at 1:10, it had warmed to 64.
Shortly before I concluded my ride, I surpassed the 1,100 mile mark for the season.
It was a chilly morning, even with the long sleeve t-shirt and tights that I layered upon my regular jersey and shorts. When I started my ride at about 10:52, it was 56 degrees. By the end of my ride at 1:10, it had warmed to 64.
Shortly before I concluded my ride, I surpassed the 1,100 mile mark for the season.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
September retrospective
Well, September has come and gone. Although I exceeded my goal of 1,000 miles on the first day of the month, it was not a great month for cycling. One of my weekends was devoted to helping my Mom unpack in her beautiful new apartment. One of my weekends was spent watching the rain fall and worrying about the sump pump as the Chicago area endured three days of record-breaking rainfall. And I spent September's final weekend enjoying one of my other hobbies -- astronomy --- at the Prairie Skies Star Party near Kankakee, Illinois. Despite these factors, I was still able to come within 4.5 miles of my September, 2007 mileage.
In the end, my total mileage for September was 101.5 miles, bringing my 2008 seasonal total to 1,077.20. Hopefully, October will bring some nice weekend weather so that I can extend my record-breaking total and enjoy cycling for a little bit longer in 2008!
In the end, my total mileage for September was 101.5 miles, bringing my 2008 seasonal total to 1,077.20. Hopefully, October will bring some nice weekend weather so that I can extend my record-breaking total and enjoy cycling for a little bit longer in 2008!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It's nice to be back on the bike
After a nine day absence, during which time I saw the Chicagoland area experience the greatest one-day rainfall in its history and the remnants of Hurricane Ike adding to those rainfall totals the following day, it was nice to resume my cycling in beautiful autumn-like weather. Under a cloudless, azure sky, I rode surface streets in Schaumburg, Streamwood, Bartlett, and Bloomingdale. Having heard from fellow cyclists that parts of Poplar Creek and Busse Woods were still under water, I avoided all trails.
Tonight, I surpassed 1,050 miles for the season.
Tonight, I surpassed 1,050 miles for the season.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
What next?
On Friday evening, I watched the "Stand Up to Cancer" special on television. Without commercial interruption, this hour-long program ran simultaneously on the three major networks. With a balanced mix of celebrities and average citizens, the program was informative, moving, and provided an additional "shot in the arm" to my own fund-raising efforts!
After I've spent the last few months in pursuit of my goal of cycling 1,000 miles in 2008, it has become a little disorienting now that I've reached and surpassed that milestone. To keep myself motivated, I've decided to set some new "mini goals" for myself, as follows:
Goal #2 = 1,100 miles for 2008 = 64.1 miles to go
Goal #3 = 2,000 miles in 2007 and 2008 = 81.8 miles to go
Goal #4 = 4 days (96 hrs) on the bike = 15.75 hours to go
Goal #5 = 1,250 miles for 2008 = 214.1 miles to go
Goal #6 = 1,500 miles for 2008 = 464.1 miles to go
Goals 2 and 3 will be achieved in late-September. Goals 4 and 5 are more challenging, but are still achievable by season's end. Goal 6 is less likely, but who knows? When the year first started, I didn't think I'd be cycling 1,000 miles by September 1st, either. Stay tuned.
After I've spent the last few months in pursuit of my goal of cycling 1,000 miles in 2008, it has become a little disorienting now that I've reached and surpassed that milestone. To keep myself motivated, I've decided to set some new "mini goals" for myself, as follows:
Goal #2 = 1,100 miles for 2008 = 64.1 miles to go
Goal #3 = 2,000 miles in 2007 and 2008 = 81.8 miles to go
Goal #4 = 4 days (96 hrs) on the bike = 15.75 hours to go
Goal #5 = 1,250 miles for 2008 = 214.1 miles to go
Goal #6 = 1,500 miles for 2008 = 464.1 miles to go
Goals 2 and 3 will be achieved in late-September. Goals 4 and 5 are more challenging, but are still achievable by season's end. Goal 6 is less likely, but who knows? When the year first started, I didn't think I'd be cycling 1,000 miles by September 1st, either. Stay tuned.
Monday, September 1, 2008
1,000 miles . . . and counting!
My cycling season started early this year, on Anna Maria Island, Florida on February 24th. Exactly 191 days, or 52 rides, or nearly 78 hours on the saddle later, I reached my goal of riding 1,000 miles in a single season. Originally, I thought that my Florida miles (111.8) would prove critical in reaching this landmark number, but in the end, they were merely a mental "jump start" to ignite a two-wheeled fund raising project that is now a whopping 378 miles ahead of last year's figure on September 1st.
Today, my 27.6 mile ride coursed its way through Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Streamwood to the Poplar Creek Forest Preserve Trail, where I completed the large loop, then rode back home through the streets of Schaumburg. I reached the 1,000 mile mark while passing through the Schaumburg Metra Station at 11:30 a.m.
So where do I go from here? I keep riding, of course . . . to the stratosphere of my expectations. My goal is now open-ended, and only time will tell what my final mileage will be when autumn's cold forces me to stop. Stay tuned!
Today, my 27.6 mile ride coursed its way through Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Streamwood to the Poplar Creek Forest Preserve Trail, where I completed the large loop, then rode back home through the streets of Schaumburg. I reached the 1,000 mile mark while passing through the Schaumburg Metra Station at 11:30 a.m.
So where do I go from here? I keep riding, of course . . . to the stratosphere of my expectations. My goal is now open-ended, and only time will tell what my final mileage will be when autumn's cold forces me to stop. Stay tuned!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
On the verge
I am on the verge of reaching my goal of cycling 1,000 miles in 2008, and it's not even September yet! Today, I rode 32.4 miles, bringing my seasonal total to 975.7 miles. My ride today was to scenic Busse Woods bicycle trail, following the Meacham Grove trail/Roselle train station/Plum Grove Road route outbound and the Weathersfield Way/Salem Road/Schaumburg train station route back. My tentative plan is to surpass the 1,000 mile mark on a 28-mile Labor Day ride to Poplar Creek bicycle trail and along Schaumburg streets. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Wright Ride pushes me over last year's mark
Originally posted to Livestrong.com blog on Aug 17, 2008
Today, I rode 30.5 miles in the Wright Ride, which coursed its way through Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn, Riverside, Brookfield, La Grange Park, and Western Springs. By doing so, I exceeded my total mileage for 2007 and came within a half mile of reaching 900 miles for 2008. I now need only 100.5 miles to reach my goal of 1,000 miles! I may have to start thinking about establishing a new goal once this one has been achieved. ;-)
Today, I rode 30.5 miles in the Wright Ride, which coursed its way through Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn, Riverside, Brookfield, La Grange Park, and Western Springs. By doing so, I exceeded my total mileage for 2007 and came within a half mile of reaching 900 miles for 2008. I now need only 100.5 miles to reach my goal of 1,000 miles! I may have to start thinking about establishing a new goal once this one has been achieved. ;-)
My July rides for LAF
Originally posted to Livestrong.com blog on Jul 31, 2008
In July of 2008, I rode more miles than in any previous month of my life -- 311.5 miles in 14 rides. This was 4 more rides and 64.9 miles more than I accomplished in July of last year, which was my previous record month. My longest ride this month was 52.3 miles on July 26th, when I completed my "50 at 50" Half Century Ride. My total accumulated seasonal miles through July of 2008 is 789.6! I only need 211 miles to reach my goal of 1,000 miles!
In July of 2008, I rode more miles than in any previous month of my life -- 311.5 miles in 14 rides. This was 4 more rides and 64.9 miles more than I accomplished in July of last year, which was my previous record month. My longest ride this month was 52.3 miles on July 26th, when I completed my "50 at 50" Half Century Ride. My total accumulated seasonal miles through July of 2008 is 789.6! I only need 211 miles to reach my goal of 1,000 miles!
July 26, 2008 -- I completed my "50 at 50" Half Century Ride
Originally posted to Livestrong.com blog on Jul 30, 2008
On this warm day with light northwesterly breezes, I successfully rode my "50 at 50" Half Century Ride, beginning at 7:30 a.m. I followed my self-designed course that passed through ten of Chicago's west suburban villages. I have posted this course to http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/il/-bloomingdale/101262204. In my ride, which lasted a little over four hours riding time, I reached the 10 mile mark at 8:25, the 20 mile mark at 9:24, the 25 mile mark at 10:08, the 32 mile mark at 10:46, the 40 mile mark at 11:35 and the 52.3 mile mark (and home) around 12:45 p.m.
On this warm day with light northwesterly breezes, I successfully rode my "50 at 50" Half Century Ride, beginning at 7:30 a.m. I followed my self-designed course that passed through ten of Chicago's west suburban villages. I have posted this course to http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/il/-bloomingdale/101262204. In my ride, which lasted a little over four hours riding time, I reached the 10 mile mark at 8:25, the 20 mile mark at 9:24, the 25 mile mark at 10:08, the 32 mile mark at 10:46, the 40 mile mark at 11:35 and the 52.3 mile mark (and home) around 12:45 p.m.
My June rides for LAF
Originally posted to Livestrong.com blog
In June of 2008, I rode ten rides for a total of 190.6 miles, which is four more rides and 66.9 more miles than I accomplished in June of last year. My longest ride was 32.2 miles on June 14th, which also marked my first ride on the Great Western Trail/Illinois Prairie Path for this cycling season. During June, I finalized the course that I will follow to complete my "50 at 50 Half Century Ride" using the web resources of Google Maps and MapMyRide.com. Now all I need is a warm (not hot!) day with light winds and no chance for rain. My total accumulated seasonal miles through June of 2008 was 478.1.
In June of 2008, I rode ten rides for a total of 190.6 miles, which is four more rides and 66.9 more miles than I accomplished in June of last year. My longest ride was 32.2 miles on June 14th, which also marked my first ride on the Great Western Trail/Illinois Prairie Path for this cycling season. During June, I finalized the course that I will follow to complete my "50 at 50 Half Century Ride" using the web resources of Google Maps and MapMyRide.com. Now all I need is a warm (not hot!) day with light winds and no chance for rain. My total accumulated seasonal miles through June of 2008 was 478.1.
My February through May cycling for LAF
Originally posted to Livestrong.com blog
I started my cycling season early this year with our vacation to Anna Maria Island near Bradenton, Florida. I rented a bicycle from the Backyard Bike Shop on Longboat Key and, over the next six days, I rode nine times and covered an estimated 112 miles.
But then, alas, I had to return to winter. After enduring a cold late-winter and a spring that seemed anything but spring-like (I only rode once in April), I logged seven rides in May, totaling 160.6 miles.
Tuesday, May 13th was proclaimed as Livestrong Day by the Lance Armstrong Foundation -- an annual one-day initiative to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. To support the spirit of this day, I hosted a bicycle ride in west suburban Busse Woods Forest Preserve. Despite the threatening weather, two other riders from the Schaumburg Bicycling Club joined me, and we made one complete loop (i.e. 7.8 miles) before rain ended our ride prematurely.
On the Sunday of Memorial Day, I rode in the annual "Bike the Drive" along the lake shore in Chicago. This annual event closes down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago and makes it a "bicycle only" road until about 9:30 a.m. Upwards of 20,000 people rode all or a portion of the 30-mile loop that extends from Bryn Mawr Road on the north end to the Museum of Science Industry on the south end, with Grant Park serving as the start/finish point for all riders. In all, I rode 40 miles in gorgeous weather with Lake Michigan on one side and the Chicago skyscrapers on the other. It was a surreal and wonderful experience. Toward the end of the ride, there were so many riders on the road (many of whom were families with children) that I was actually slowed by the high volume of bicycle traffic. However, unlike automobile traffic, this type of traffic was invigorating, not frustrating.
So, as May ended, I was ahead of my mileage for this time last year -- 287.5 vs. 178.7 miles. The difference is largely due to the miles that I rode during my Florida vacation in February.
Thank you for your support and encouragement, and live strong!
I started my cycling season early this year with our vacation to Anna Maria Island near Bradenton, Florida. I rented a bicycle from the Backyard Bike Shop on Longboat Key and, over the next six days, I rode nine times and covered an estimated 112 miles.
But then, alas, I had to return to winter. After enduring a cold late-winter and a spring that seemed anything but spring-like (I only rode once in April), I logged seven rides in May, totaling 160.6 miles.
Tuesday, May 13th was proclaimed as Livestrong Day by the Lance Armstrong Foundation -- an annual one-day initiative to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. To support the spirit of this day, I hosted a bicycle ride in west suburban Busse Woods Forest Preserve. Despite the threatening weather, two other riders from the Schaumburg Bicycling Club joined me, and we made one complete loop (i.e. 7.8 miles) before rain ended our ride prematurely.
On the Sunday of Memorial Day, I rode in the annual "Bike the Drive" along the lake shore in Chicago. This annual event closes down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago and makes it a "bicycle only" road until about 9:30 a.m. Upwards of 20,000 people rode all or a portion of the 30-mile loop that extends from Bryn Mawr Road on the north end to the Museum of Science Industry on the south end, with Grant Park serving as the start/finish point for all riders. In all, I rode 40 miles in gorgeous weather with Lake Michigan on one side and the Chicago skyscrapers on the other. It was a surreal and wonderful experience. Toward the end of the ride, there were so many riders on the road (many of whom were families with children) that I was actually slowed by the high volume of bicycle traffic. However, unlike automobile traffic, this type of traffic was invigorating, not frustrating.
So, as May ended, I was ahead of my mileage for this time last year -- 287.5 vs. 178.7 miles. The difference is largely due to the miles that I rode during my Florida vacation in February.
Thank you for your support and encouragement, and live strong!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My "One for All" fund raising initiative
For the second year in a row, I'm riding in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and the 10 million people in this country who are currently living with, through or beyond cancer.
The idea for my One for All fundraising initiative was born in the spring of 2007, after I purchased a Trek 7500 hybrid bicycle. As I pedaled along tree-lined streets, crushed limestone paths, and fields of prairie grass near my home in west suburban Chicago, a realization came to me -- that my newly refreshed enthusiasm for cycling could not only satisfy my recreational needs, but could directly tie-in with my own charitable giving to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In the manner of a charity bicycle ride, I could support people whose lives have been affected by cancer without necessarily having to join or organize such a ride. Instead, I could design my own "one man charity ride" that could be structured however I wished, and be sustained for as long as I want.
So now I support the war on cancer EVERY time that I ride my bicycle. I have pledged to donate 25 cents per mile that I ride during the 2008 cycling season. For more information about how you, too, can make a difference, please visit my One for All website at
http://77illinois.homestead.com/oneforall.html.
Each one of us can make a difference for all! Enjoy your cycling and live strong!
Bart Benjamin
Grassroots Event Supporter ID: 174344917
The idea for my One for All fundraising initiative was born in the spring of 2007, after I purchased a Trek 7500 hybrid bicycle. As I pedaled along tree-lined streets, crushed limestone paths, and fields of prairie grass near my home in west suburban Chicago, a realization came to me -- that my newly refreshed enthusiasm for cycling could not only satisfy my recreational needs, but could directly tie-in with my own charitable giving to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In the manner of a charity bicycle ride, I could support people whose lives have been affected by cancer without necessarily having to join or organize such a ride. Instead, I could design my own "one man charity ride" that could be structured however I wished, and be sustained for as long as I want.
So now I support the war on cancer EVERY time that I ride my bicycle. I have pledged to donate 25 cents per mile that I ride during the 2008 cycling season. For more information about how you, too, can make a difference, please visit my One for All website at
http://77illinois.homestead.com/oneforall.html.
Each one of us can make a difference for all! Enjoy your cycling and live strong!
Bart Benjamin
Grassroots Event Supporter ID: 174344917
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