The Farm

So in my journey on my Trek I discovered a beautiful farm on my route. It's located in Liberty Corner NJ called simply English Farm. I particularly like to ride by the place because of the bulls that grace the pasture. But a couple weeks ago I noticed that they were doing hayrides and pumpkin picking for October. So I did a little research on the place and found out that the place also has some history behind. Its been around since the early 1700's and has been a family run farm for the past 8 generations. It was also a camp site for the French army in 1781.......being a history buff I love stuff like that. So anyways last week my wife, my darling little girl and myself went to an over advertised farm for a hayride and pumpkin picking and it was awful. So we swore to redo our day and I suggested this place. I'm sure glad that we went because the place was sooooo awesome.

It was so rustic and beautiful that it took our breaths away. There was just something so genuine about the farm that it was a perfect day. From the old school tractor to the animals to the friendly female farmer who genuinely enjoyed what she was doing. All my love to my awesome wife and darling daughter!!

Cuz thats just Bartus on Trek

Cold weather and WIND!

Its been a couple of weeks since I last posted. Since then I haven't been out so much on my bike. Its October and two things have happened.......cold weather and WIND. The wind makes my rides not so pleasant because its more than a pain in the ass to power up the hills when the wind is trying to knock you backwards. Not fun in my opinion. Then there is the cold weather. Now I really don't mind the cold, actually I kinda love it. Winter time means snowboarding time so honestly i don't mind. But my knee on the other hand does mind it. Especially when the wind kicks in, boy o boy does it hurt. I'm gonna keep going till I cant go anymore this year, which I think might be pretty soon.

Till then i'm Bartus on a Trek

Rain, rain go away

Hate days like today. Its been raining the past couple of days here, and so therefore I cannot ride. But today is the worst of them all. Why you ask? Well its because of the sun shining and the wet roads. Its a teaser saying ahh not good enough.

Hopefully the weekend will be nice though. Got big plans for my bike. I planning on doing my long ride for the first time and I'm pretty excited.

Bartus on a Trek

Keep Rollin'

The weekend was so far the best riding I have done yet. I had beautiful weather courtesy of mother nature so I was able to get some personal bests. I did 21 miles on both Saturday and Sunday and totaled 61 miles for the week. Woohoo go me!! I even saw a snake in my travels, which kinda freaked me out at the beginning. Unfortunately for the snake it caught a one way trip to heaven the following day....not by me of course.

My darling wife is the best and if it wasn't for her my journey would have never started or even gotten this far. She has been more than encouraging. Even to the point of her suggesting I do my long trip sooner than later. A trip to EMS followed, because I needed an extra bottle. I go through liquid like crazy during my travels. My legs feel sore today which is good. Hopefully by tuesday they will be back at 100%. I plan on doing my loop after work.

Bartus on a Trek

Journey on a Bike

Several months ago my journey of cycling began with a GMC Denali Road Bike from Walmart. I would have never thought that I would fall in love with it as much as I did though. I started out modestly with a small 6 mile loop around Bedminster and Bernards Townships, and took two breaks as well. After the first ride I was in love. I kept going harder and faster every time I rode, and I also started thinking bout my future bike. The joy I got from going up and down the hills made me realize that this was my sport. Sure I played soccer and went snowboarding but there is something different about cycling. The freedom of riding through the country side and seeing all the awesome things nature has to offer. But beyond all that I wanted to get better and better, and it was time to invest. Thank God for sales! because my Trek 1.2 was bought a couple weeks ago. Also thanks to my wife Kirsy for supporting me. What a difference a real bike makes. I have been able to increase my ride to a 10.5 mile loop that I can modify to my physical ability on any given day. I went from doing maybe 20 miles a week to doing 40-50 miles now. My Trek bike was the best investment in sports I have ever made. I also named her Janice :)

And thats where the journey of Bartus on a Trek begins!