Urban MTB Ride - single speed style

I went to bed disappointed last night because they were calling for rain. I had ridden my single speed to and from the gym Saturday, but that was just not enough riding for me. I hoped to be able to ride today, but had come up with an alternative plan just in case it was raining. Imagine my surprise when I woke up and there was blue sky! I enjoyed a good breakfast then changed into bike clothes. I debated on whether to drive to Mill Mountain and get in a long patrol ride or go crazy and do an urban-style mountain bike ride. The catch to the whole day is that Ritchey, my geared bike is ill and unable to go out and play; so I would be riding Copper, my single speed.

Since it was in the upper 50's and very nice out, I decided to go for the urban-style bike ride.

So off I went. After crossing Williamson Rd, I headed for the parking lot of Crossroads Mall so that I could hit the light at Rutgers Ave. Meandered through the neighborhood and over to Huff Lane Park. I cut through on the sidewalk at Huff Lane and rode along the fence line not realizing there's a new gravel path at the very end of the park nearest IHOP. After riding through the parking lots, I arrived at the light in front of Target. Waited on green then headed down the Lick Run Greenway - the first of many Roanoke City Parks and Rec properties I'd visit today.

At Brown-Robertson Park, I saw some neat artwork, so I rode over to it and took some pictures. Shortly thereafter I continued down the greenway to BT Washington Park. After crossing Orange Ave, I headed toward and passed through the Hotel Roanoke parking lot. Then over the bridge next to the obnoxious Taubman space ship. Went through the Market area then cut through Elmwood Park to the Mill Mtn Greenway next to CHRV.

Soon after suffering would commence. I turned and went up Walnut Avenue, one block at a time. I'd ride, take a break, ride, take a break, etc. Sylvan was nearly my undoing. I finally just got off and walked to the first switchback. Got back on and rode towards Monument Trail. This too would also push me to my limit. I stopped many times, walked plenty. I was able to ride some sections. The downhill section was fun! I stopped at the Monument for a long break and to take a few pictures.

Eventually continued on towards WoodThrush. Zoomed down it carefully. Walked a bit near the bottom in the rocky section. It was tossing me all over and with the one speed, I couldn't keep enough momentum to safely ride it.

Got to the water tower and headed down towards the parking lot. Crossed Riverland and down the gas line right of way. At the Roanoke River Greenway, I stopped to move my front brake cable. The greenway was busy today. I got off of it at Peidmont Park because I wanted to go back across Walnut Ave Bridge without crossing traffic there. Headed back home by way of Elmwood Park then took the pedestrian bridge across to Hotel Roanoke, back up the Greenway a bit to the Civic Center. Cut through the parking lot to get to Williamson Rd.

I took Williamson Road home. Cut back into the neighborhood at Breckinridge. I stopped at the library to take a picture of some more artwork. Not long after this I would be rolling back into my backyard. I rode 19.5 miles in a bit over 2.5 hours. I guess had I not stopped for pictures so many times, I could have cut about 30 minutes off of the ride. And perhaps if I were in better shape for one gear, I could have shortened it more than that. Oh well, it was a great ride. I got to see stuff that normally I don't pay attention too. I also got to utilize many of the Roanoke P&R sites. It was a great ride. I look forward to doing it again sometime. With and/or without gears. Hopefully I can get Ritchey to the bike shop next weekend.