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~ Diabetes, Cancer Fighter, Father of Twins, Kayak Fishing, Woodcrafter, Lover of Life

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Tag Archives: Bicycle

Thunderstorms, Traffic Jams, and Heating Pads

18 Monday May 2026

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Amateur Radio, Cancer, Cycling, Life, Uncategorized, Weather

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Tags

Bicycle, Cheaha Challenge, Dermatologist, Doctor Appointment, Early Bird, Family, health, Life, Race, Skin Cancer, Sleep, Thunder, Thunderstorms, Travel, Weather, writing

Yesterday started way earlier than any sane person should be awake. My alarm went off at 4 am, so I could head out and set up my communications station before the Cheaha Challenge bicycle ride began. I left with plenty of time to spare and figured I’d be sitting there relaxed and ready by 7 am.

Well… that didn’t exactly happen.

About halfway there, traffic on the interstate came to a complete stop. Not just eastbound traffic either — westbound traffic was stopped too. Since there were no warning signs or construction notices heading east, I naturally assumed there had been a major accident somewhere ahead.

After sitting there long enough to question every life decision that led me to that interstate at 5-something in the morning, traffic finally started moving. A mile or so ahead, I spotted three state troopers slowly leading traffic and preventing anyone from passing them. Later, I found out the state had scheduled paving work between 6 am and 8 am.

Because apparently that sounded like a wonderful idea.

By the time I finally arrived, I was an hour and a half late. Thankfully, the folks working with me had already set everything up and had the station ready to go before the race started. That was a huge relief.

The ride itself actually went very smoothly. Considering the number of riders spread out across those routes, that’s always good news. We had only a couple of reports of cramps and dehydration. Usually, there are at least a few wrecks or injuries somewhere along the route, so we were fortunate not to have any serious incidents this year.

Today was a completely different kind of long day.

I had another doctor’s appointment to have more cancer removed from the side of my back. The doctor gave me strict instructions to take it easy for the rest of the day. After several mornings of getting up before daylight, I wasn’t exactly heartbroken to hear those words.

So I obeyed the doctor’s orders perfectly.

I came home, got settled into my recliner, turned the heating pad on high, and took a long nap. Right now, I’m starting to feel a little more pain creeping in, so I’ll probably take some pain medication before heading to bed tonight.

At the moment, I’m also keeping an eye on the weather radar. We’ve got several thunderstorms moving through the area. Nothing severe, but some of them are putting on a pretty decent lightning show.

Oddly enough, I’ve always loved listening to distant thunderstorms. It reminds me of being a kid when summertime storms were just… storms. Back then, nobody seemed to classify them in three different ways or warn us about them two weeks in advance. They would roll in during the afternoon, cool things off for a while, and move on.

Tomorrow will be another early morning with yet another doctor’s appointment around 11:30. Then, Thursday brings another pain block procedure. I’m really hoping this one works better than the last one did.

Until then, I’ll probably remain parked right here in my recliner with the heating pad doing most of the heavy lifting.

Screwed up Appointments, Making Sawdust, The Fish are Waiting, Meeting Boyfriends, 100 Miles of 1000 Bicycle Riders

12 Tuesday May 2026

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Amateur Radio, Arts and Crafts, Cancer, Family, Fishing, Kayaking, Life, Nature, Retirement, Uncategorized, Woodworking

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adventure, Amateur Radio, Appointment, Bicycle, BoyFriend, Cancer, Cheaha Challenge, Dad, Daughter, 🚴 Doctor Appointment, Engagement, Family, Fishing, health, kayak, Life, River Life, Skin Cancer, Surgery, writing

The title should say it all. It’s already been a busy week, and it’s just getting started. Read on if you want to know more.

My appointment with the dermatologist didn’t exactly go as planned.

Late Friday night, I received the automated reminder call about my surgery appointment at a completely different location. Naturally, that raised a few questions. So first thing Monday morning, I called the office to confirm everything.

The receptionist confidently informed me that my appointment was for a skin check and not surgery.

I questioned her ability to read the schedule correctly, only for her to double down and assure me that she was absolutely correct.

At that point, I had a feeling this was going to become one of those “well, this ought to be interesting” kind of days.

So, despite my suspicions, I drove the thirty minutes to the appointment. Once I got called back, I explained to the nurse that I thought there had been some kind of mistake. I told her I had previously rescheduled my surgery, and somehow the purpose of the visit had gotten mixed up.

She looked at my chart for about ten seconds before agreeing with me.

That was both satisfying and aggravating.

I told her that I had tried explaining that to the receptionist earlier, but apparently my medical degree from the University of Common Sense wasn’t enough to override the computer screen.

The nurse then informed me that if I wanted to reschedule surgery, I would have to speak with the surgery team.

That was the moment I realized surgery was definitely not happening that day.

Nothing brightens your morning quite like driving thirty minutes, burning expensive gas, and finding out you basically took a scenic tour of Alabama for no reason.

After I got home and cooled down a bit, I decided to spend some time in the workshop. I built another planter similar to the one I made for my mother. This one still needs a finish, but I’m thinking about just using shellac and letting the wood speak for itself.

Of course, now I’m already thinking about building a few more. Maybe some of the same size and a couple of larger ones, so I’ll have a little variety. I’ve also got plans for a few different planter designs I want to try.

That’s the problem with woodworking. One project turns into six more before the sawdust settles.

Tomorrow, however, is fishing day. 🐠 🎣

The kayak is loaded up and ready to go. I even modified my new measuring board by adding foam underneath it so it’ll float.

At least that’s the theory.

I also attached a cord to it because experience has taught me that “floating” and “recoverable” are two completely different things when something goes overboard in twelve feet of water.

The replacement part for my reel finally came in, so it’s fixed and ready to go, too. I’m looking forward to getting back on the water.

The rest of the week should be fairly uneventful… or at least I thought so until one of my daughters informed my wife and me that she wants us to meet her boyfriend.

That usually means things are getting serious.

For years, she was the daughter who always had a boyfriend, while my other daughter played the role of the “third wheel.” Now the tables have turned a bit since my other daughter seems to be heading toward engagement territory herself.

As a dad, it’s strange watching all this happen. One minute they’re asking for Happy Meals, and the next minute you’re evaluating boyfriends like you’re conducting job interviews.

And finally, Sunday is the annual Cheaha Challenge bicycle ride. Riders will be taking on routes exceeding 100 miles. I’ll be stationed at Rest Stop #2, handling communications via ham radio, coordinating assistance with bike repairs, and helping ensure riders can get back to the start line if necessary

There are already over 1,000 riders registered, so it’s going to be a long day. We’ll start around 7 a.m. and hopefully wrap up around 4 p.m.

Most years it’s fairly uneventful… but every now and then things can get exciting.

Let’s pray everyone stays safe and upright.

Cycling Can be Hazerdous to Your Health

15 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Cycling

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Tags

Bicycle, Cannondale, Cycling, Road Rash, Sports, Trek, Wreck

When I first started cycling, I was using a bicycle that I had purchased from a fellow co-worker some twenty plus years ago.  That meant the bike I was riding a bike that was close to thirty years old.  I used that bike for nearly a year before purchasing my new Cannondale.  The old bike, a Trek, had what I call suicide shifters.  The shifters were on the down tube and you had to take one hand off the handlebar to shift gears.  Most of the time I had no issue with doing so but sometimes, with the bike being so old and poorly maintained, the shifters didn’t work well and I would lose concentration and off the bike I would go.  Luckily, the whole time I rode this bike I never had any broken bones, just minor road rash.

Photo Jun 28, 8 28 32 PM
Photo Jun 28, 8 28 58 PM

 

 

 

2013-06-15 08.53.36

My 35 yr old Trek after a minor incident.  I still have this bike.

 

11182069_10152861279333946_226892881171225610_n

My new 2013 Cannondale

 

 

 

 

Saturday Blues

14 Saturday Apr 2018

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Cycling, Weight Loss

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Alabama, Bicycle, Charity Ride, Cycling, Old Howard, Perry County, Youtube

I’ve spent a lot of time today on my computer, mainly deleting old files and moving some files around. Just trying to get more organized.  While doing so I found some GoPro videos of some bike rides that I’ve been on.  I decided I’d share one with you.  This video is of the Old Howard Bike Ride.  This ride is located in Perry County, Alabama.  The event benefits Sowing Seeds of Hope.  Here’s the link to the event

https://www.samford.edu/events/old-howard-100

The video is less than 2 minutes of the first twelve minutes of the ride.  It is a century ride but I only rode 30 of those miles.  As you can see, it starts off pretty flat but it gets pretty steep toward the end.

If you’re ever in the area around the mid part of April and if you’re a cyclist, I would highly recommend this ride. It goes through three counties of the historic Black Belt.  In fact, one of the rest stops is at a historic Victorian home. Again, it’s a charity ride and it goes to a good cause.

 

365 Day Photo Challenge 133/365 “Happy Weekend Everyone!!”

15 Friday May 2015

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Photography

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365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Amature Radio, Bicycle, Boy Scouts of America, BSA, Cycling, Family Award, HDR, Photography, Volunteering, Wordpress

http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/HDR/i-DB7L6gb/A

I was just notified moments ago that I was nominated for the WordPress Family Award by Deborah Crocker  http://www.talkingtomyweightlosscounselor.wordpress  I am beyond speechless.  Thanks again for the nomination Deborah.

Tomorrows plan is to get up and take a ride on the bicycle, put a battery on charge, empty all the nonessential crap out of the back of my truck and load items needed for the bicycle event on Sunday.  I might even try to do some much needed yard work if I can squeeze it in.

My wife and I had a discussion the other day in which I felt a little put out.  I volunteer for several organizations and if I’ll let them they’ll work me every weekend.  I volunteer for several Amateur Radio organizations, Boy Scouts of America and a couple of local churches. I would like to think that I would be remembered as someone who volunteered his time and like to help out in the community.  But, according to my wife I’m looking for things to do other than spending time at home.  Really??  I’m not really sure I convinced her otherwise. My volunteer work with the scouts has slowed down somewhat being that I’m no longer scoutmaster but I have taken on other responsibilities on a higher level in the district which does require me to attend several meetings a month but it’s nothing like every Monday night and camping trips every month.  I guess that’s part of being married.

“Life Goes On!”

365 Day Photo Challenge 123/365 “Ride of Silence”

05 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Photography

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365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bicycle, Cycling, Photography, Ride of Silence

Ride of Silence

http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

In just a few short weeks, the Ride of Silence will take place.  Last year about 200 riders took to the roads in Birmingham’s southside and rode about ten miles.  Not a word was spoken.  It’s in honor of all those that were injured or killed on bicycles within the last year.  A list of names is read out before the ride begins.  It’s all escorted by local police throughout the whole ride.  A small fee is collected to help with the expenses plus a nice bbq plate is served at the end of the ride.  I’m not sure if this is available in your town but if it is I would encourage you to participate if you can.

“Life Goes On!”

365 Day Photo Challenge 107/365 “Day of Rest”

19 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Photography

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365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bicycle, Bike Riding, Cycling, Sore, Trip, Twins, workout

http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Photo-Shoots/Kaylah-Mack/i-pkksk2k/A

I spent the day today as a couch potato.  Yesterday wore me out.  My legs and shoulders are sore and it’s tough getting up and down.  I’m not complaining mind you, it’s just been a while since I’ve been this sore.

This past week was a slim week on the bicycle and more on the treadmill. I only biked 47 miles and yet I’ve walked about 10 miles on the treadmill.  Next week I have a lot of preparation to do to get ready for a trip with my twin daughters so my bike riding will put on hold.  Therefore, I’m thinking about putting my bike in the shop for some preventive maintenance and maybe some new tape on my handlebar. The tape used to be white but they have turned to a gray color with all the dirt and grime from changing flat tires with no gloves on.  I’m thinking about going to a red color. Maybe red won’t show the dirt as much.

“Life Goes On!”

365 Day Photo Challenge 106/365 “Old Howard 100 Bicycle Ride”

18 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Photography

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365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bicycle, Cycling, Flat Tire, MapMyRide, Old Howard 100, Photo, Photography, Rest Stops, SAG Support, Weather

OldHoward2015

Today started off and stayed cloudy which is pretty good considering it could have been either hot and steamy or worse, raining.  As far as I know no one was injured or wrecked in today’s ride which is always good.  I on the other hand had a couple of issues.  One that I couldn’t help was that I had a flat about 60 yards from the second rest stop.  I really came out pretty good on that one.  I even had SAG support there if I needed help.  I changed the tube and borrowed the SAG’s air pump as so that I wouldn’t have to use one of my CO2 cartridges.  The other issue is that I’ve got to learn to take these hills better.  I know that the only way I”m going to get any better is to 1) lose weight, 2) climb more hills and 3) do some weight lifting with my legs or something to that effect. I find that I hang pretty good with the big dogs until I get to the steep hills then they pull away then I never see them again.

Start of Ride

Old Howard 100 Start

Rest Stop 1  Rest Stop 2 Rest Stop 3

365 Day Photo Challenge 97/365 “New Task at Hand”

09 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Photography

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bicycle, Codie Lynne, Cycling, Cycling Awareness, Female, Model, Photo, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Topless

http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Photo-Shoots/Codie-Lynne/i-CBLhv9F/A

I made the mistake of opening my mouth to the mayor of my fair city.  I’m glad I like him so well otherwise I would have told him a thing or two.  We discussed the possibility of having some sort of Cycling Awareness event to help promote cycling safety as well as make the city aware of the laws that are out there that allow the cyclist to be on the roads.  I know it’s a long shot but something has got to be done to make these people aware that you can’t pass cyclist on a hill or in a curve.  I’ve even had a car try to run me off the road into some bushes the other day. After discussing this for about ten minutes or so he then preceded to tell me that this is something that I should do.

The really sad part about this is that I have no clue where to start with this.  I’m going to see if some of the local bike clubs and even bike shops in my area can give me suggestions as to how to go about doing this.  I think it would be worth it to get something done.

“Life Goes On!”

365 Day Photo Challenge 88/365 “Another good workout”

31 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by Tim Hughes Living with CML in Photography

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Tags

365 Day Photo Challenge, Alabama, Bicycle, Botanical Gardens, Cycling, Photo, Photography, treadmill, workout

http://tchphotography.smugmug.com/Botanical-Gardens/i-4C4f7gJ/A

Well, for me that is.  Anytime I get through with a workout and my clothes feel as though I just took a dip in the pool with them on then I call that a good workout.  I did 45 minutes on the treadmill at a little over 3 mph.  I know by reading some of the blogs that I follow that this isn’t nothing but for an overweight old man I feel that it is.  It’s a start and tomorrow if it’s nice out I’ll get about 15 miles on my bicycle.  As predicted yesterday we’ve had some pretty rough storms come through here this evening.

“Life Goes On!”

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