I rode 41 miles yesterday from Newport to Atlantic Beach and back. 

I named the ride (Strava) the Remarkable 41 because I was quite surprised, and pleasingly so, that nearly every person I saw (riding, walking, running, doing yard work), which were many, smiled and waved at me. 

A friend from Durham County, not a cyclist, wrote me to tell of how many cyclists he observed in and around RTP over the weekend -- and how glad/happy he was to see so many of them out there.

Social media posts are changing ... people are looking for "good news."  Things like asking for people to post anything (like a photo) that will make you smile -- e.g. post a picture of your bike, your last trip to the beach.

What is it about a national crisis that brings out this behavior?  i.e. this is not "normal."  And we should like it.

Stay healthy -- ride on.

NC will be under a stay-at-home order come 5pm this afternoon.  

Here's a link to the order.

Can we still ride?  Yes.  Here's the pertinent info (copied from the order):

I'm hopeful everyone can get out and ride, at least individually, or in very small groups, while we maintain our distancing as requested by the governor.  Maintaining your health is one of the prime combatants to navigating through (or past) any disease.

Ride safe.  Ride smart.  Keep your distance. 

If you're ill, with any symptoms regardless if COVID-19 or not, stay home.

The world has changed.  Our cycling world has changed.  Some pertinent info on the virus and its effects on racing are here:
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/what-is-the-covid-19-coronavirus-and-how-might-it-continue-to-affect-professional-cycling/

Please remember to keep your immune system at peak:
- Exercise!
- healthy eating habits
- sufficient sleep

SARS CoV-2 (a.k.a. Wuhan Virus) is having its way with cycling these days.  Both Italy and Spain have banned cycling; yes, all cycling, even recreational outdoors.

And there are doctors providing info about the benefits (to your immune system) of cycling and where they draw the line (i.e. too much of a good thing can be detrimental).

My thoughts on the matter:
1- If I'm sick, I stay home (doesn't matter what the cause is)
2- I'll likely not be hugging anyone I've not seen in a while for the foreseeable future
3- I'll keep riding
4- I'll expect you to stay home if you're sick
5- I'll continue to scour the 'net for info affecting cycling

Stay safe everyone.

Brand wars ... there's a lot of choices out there when you decide to buy a new bike or simply upgrade.  Here's a take on Specialized vs. Trek.

COVID-19

One of the Tours was affected the last few days ...
https://cyclingtips.com/2020/02/uae-tour-cancelled-amid-coronavirus-concerns/

As we look forward to kicking off our 2020 cycling season on 4 April, we'll likely be in the middle of learning about the widespread effect of the disease, even here in NC.

My research indicates ...
a) coughing/sneezing releases the virus, but due to its "heavy" nature, its airborne spread is very minimal (i.e. it settles with available liquid on things).
b) touching those "things" and then touching your face provides a path to your mouth/nose.
c) it is a disease of the lungs
d) detrimental effects (e.g. death) are largely being recognized with those over 60 and/or having some other immune system liability.

Things to do:
1) fist-bump instead of handshake (keep that in mind when we meet at Flowers!)
2) wash your hands often
3) minimize what you touch outside your home
4) wear face masks if you are very concerned; they are intended to keep YOU from touching YOUR mouth/nose; since the transmission of this one is not airborne, the mask doesn't have an effect on "that" transmission pathway.

If you're coughing/sneezing on one of our rides this Spring, please move to the back of the group you're riding in.  This really applies at any time as no one behind you needs to be exposed to whatever you have ... particularly during the flu season.

Converting from vehicle mindedness to cycling wonder

For those just starting to cycle and are wondering what the transition is like from one passion to another ... or just wondering what the experience is like with a cycling group ... here's an article of one person's experience and a little of what they've learned.

To train or not to train -- indoors.  

I'm a hot weather rider and am stuck inside during winter.  Here's a perspective on the different aspects of that trainer you have in your den (right?):

Cycling to work was studied recently and the conclusion was a lower risk of dying WHEN COMPARED TO walking to work or taking transportation.

Check it out.