small update- got the cross bike home and swapped over some generic 35's from the ex's hybrid. talk about cushy! Anywho, I have been stalking a route home to get some dirt or grass. Friday morning i set out and hit the road, had a rough day at work and seemed pretty tired at the end of the day and was going to see how I felt which would dictate if I will explore the stalked route. I get to a location of where I would either go for it or not, I send the text out- "going to explore, legs feel good, see you soon" I get the response to have fun...
I get through the Joe Palai Park which is just paved paths as I expected..whatever, it's a cut through. As I am about to exit I spot a section of dirt which looked like singletrack, hook the left and it was just a short lived path to a neighborhood.. this neighborhood is where I wanted to be in order to bring me to the park I knew had dirt or a mixture of cross bike type soil.
Entering new Weltz park, I wasn't sure if I could pass through so it was my main objective to see if I could do just that. After being greeted by a local midway I get the "these aren't fun trails" and "you can't make your way through, I've been walking here 30 years". Well, little did he know that you actually can get through using what looked like a deer trail but only lead to the back of some office buildings. Sweet! I stop and find myself on the map to locate where/what I should look for to get into the other trails I saw using google earth. With two failures and almost abandoning the idea of getting through, I spot a small opening and ride it. I entered in a drainage ditch. Spotted the biggest buck I've seen in years just chillin in the center drain. As I was reluctantly greeted by the deer I noticed some more single track and proceeded. Mind you that this is in west long branch... I was not worried about hunters as it's posted however I could totally see someone sneaking back there with a bow. I exited the park behind the ASPCA in Tinton Falls, crossed the street into 80 acre park. This place has a lot of intertwining trails and loops. It was TONS of fun, the trails aren't anything spectacular but it was a great time. This week i will explore More of these trails and get a better understanding how much more i can do on the way home.
As I gain my legs back and my endurance back I have a goal of riding to work 3 days a week (weather permitting) and if I can sneak a weekend ride, I will.. I also have a goal of 1000 miles for the year. I only rode 225 this year and my body shows. I am at my all time highest in weight @205. I couldn't continue like I was. I am fully committed and driven to meet my goals for the year. I may not be fast as some but I don't care, for this moment I need to get in control of my health so I can be around for my family.
Edit: i am in the market for some chargeable lights without wires.... what do you recommend?