What's Up With Another Blog?

Well, what is up with another blog? First of all, it's mine. My goal is to provide information about (1) jogging and mountain bike (MTB) trails in Dallas/Fort worth, (2) descriptions of other trails I have been or will go on as I travel, (3) just general stuff. What you won't find here is the ranting and raving that seems to have taken over many posts. I will evaluate the trails and greenways I bike or jog on so the reader can make an evaluation regarding the available areas in the DFW metroplex and parts of Texas.

When I began to get into jogging anf biking I found it was kinda difficult to obtain realistic reviews on trails around me. I hope this will make it easier for others to find parks, trails, greenways, rails to trails etc to j or b on.

A bit about me and my stuff. I have a mountain bike - a Trek 6000. I started with a Trek 4300 but found I needed a heavier bike for some of the stuff I do. For complete description of my bike click here;
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/6_series/6000/
I like this bike very much and can recommend it if you are looking. My jogging shoes are Mizuno's and if you are new to jogging I highly recommend going to a running store to be fitted. There really is a difference.

To track distances, speed, and heart rate I use a Garmin Forerunner 305. Won't win any beauty contests but works well. See it at: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=349&ra=true. It uses a chest strap to monitor heart rates and the unti itself straps on your wrist.

For software I use a web based program to track all my workouts - http://www.mapmyrun.com/ I know it says run in the title but it does track biking as well as other forms of exercise. It is not waterproof so swimmimg must be entered manually. Iphone has an ap for mapmyrun.com and it does work pretty well but I have had problems with my iPhone battery running out before I'm finished.

More and more I find myself enjoying biking over jogging. I haven't given up jogging, especially before work in the mornings, but whenever I can I do bike. I am not a purist or a weight nazi. I enjoy off road biking (we really don't have mountains in North Texas), crusing on county roads with little traffic, and state parks. The one area I stay away from is street biking in the city. Too dangerous for me. I would rather hit a tree that a 2000 Ford F-150.

Finally, a great source for trail conditions in North Texas is http://www.dorba.org/ The Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association does a wonderful job of keeping posted conditions up to date for many tails in and around the metroplex. Check'em out and if you are from the DFW area please join. When I discovered them I joined and I think it's important that we support our sport.

My next posts will start the process of evaluating the trails etc I ride or run on. I may occasionally throw in some other stuff so stay tuned. I appreciate hearing from anyone out there. I do travel some and I would love to hear about other trails and where to rent bikes in your area.

Later