My Cousins Place Down South

The weather has been so amazing lately! Mid 70's for the high and sunny. Been trying to take advantage of it and spin my wheels when I have time.

Sunday was the first unofficial ABCx ride of 2013. Five of us met at Kellie's house and we rode to Buda and back. Once out of Kellie's neighborhood we were on Dittmar Rode and went past the Dittmar Recreation Center. I thought to myself, I bet I'm related to these people, I'll have to check w/ Aunt C when I get back before I open my mouth and say something about my cousins. Once home I looked up the full name of the rec center,  A. B. Dittmar or Adolph Barnhart Dittmar. I messaged Aunt C and she confirmed that yes, I am related to Adolph Barnhart Dittmar.

I checked the Dittmar Family cookbook (of all places) and immediately found an Adolph Barnhart (A.B.) Dittmar, son of William Martin and Wally Beck Dittmar. William & Wally married in 1901 and AB was apparently their first child.

A.B. as a child

 Turns out they owned a dairy in S. Austin, the land was bought by the city and the AB Dittmar Recreation Center was opened in 1988. Now it comes back to me that the rec center was where I went to a family reunion with Grandma & Grandpa in the late 80's, I bet it was the year it opened. Too bad I don't have any pics.

So, how am I related? I know the lineage thanks to Aunt C, but I think I'll just use the word 'cousin.'

John Martin Dittmar (your great-great grandfather) was brother to George John Dittmar.
JMD > John J > Bertha > Fred > Kim
GJD > William Martin > Adolph Barnhardt
So that would make the two of you roughly third cousins once removed or something like that.

 The guy who runs the "The Descendants of Martin Johann & Elisabetha Catherina (Oschmann) DITTMAR" group on FB wrote me this

Kim>>>Frederick Harold Meyer>>>Bertha Meta Dittmar>>>Johan Jakob Ludwig Dittmar>>>Johann Martin Dittmar>>>Martin & Elisabetha DITTMAR

 After looking thru the powerpoint pics on the site, I'm still confused, I need a flow chart or several. But either way, A. B. Dittmar was my cousin. Looking thru that group there is a treasure chest of info.

I found this pic of a house my grandmother lived in. She's in the wagon to the right of the 2 kids.

As for the ride, it was nice to stretch out the legs & mingle with other ABCxers.

I did commute home on Thursday & back in on Friday. Very slow, too many squats at boot camp this week? Or was it the Cowboy Cooks? Either way the temperature was perfect!

**************************************************************
Miles for this ride:  22.05
Total miles for the month of January:  107.19  (behind 2012 by  10 miles, so not too bad)
Total miles for 2013: 107.19
Miles  til 2013:  1905.81 (got a long way to go)
One way commutes in January:4
Total one way commutes:4
Odometer
Road: 13244
Cross: 1524.1
Trip2:
Road:  64.9
Cross: 42.44

Lunchtime Ride #1

Too cold to bike to work in the mornings <45 not my thing as of now, so with a sunny day and the highs in the 50's, I decided to take a quick spin at lunch. And even better Kellie joined me! Kellie is training for the MS150 & feels she is already behind, I say BS, she could go out & ride it fine this weekend.

Our plan was to ride 360 from work (North) for 20 mins, turn around & come back. Doing so would mean we would have to ride up the Bee Caves hill. I had warned Kellie about it, so I think she was prepared.

The sun was shining on the walls of 360 making them even more dramatic than usual, I had to stop when going uphill to take a pic.  Love the many layers of color and the deep blue sky.

At the next light, we this a homemade banner. Love that someone felt passionate enough to place this. Love Austin.

Love & Hug More

 

 

 

 

 

Slow turn around at the shopping center, now to go uphill, then slight down, then up, then big down followed by a big up. Fun stuff, I tell you.

It looks like Kellie is going downhill, but I don't think we were.

When we got to the big up (Bee Caves exit heading south) I think I was going 36 mph at one point on the big down, that soon went down to 14mph, which I'm pretty sure went down to about 7mph (I didn't look). This part of the road was full of dirt & gravel---thank you construction trucks. Once to the top & safely over the exit ramp, I congratulated Kellie on making it up, she responded, "That hill was an all caps bitch, even my fibroids are hurting!" Classic Kellie quote!

**************************************************************
Miles for this ride:  10.58
Total miles for the month of January:  67.37  (behind 2012 by  13 miles, so not too bad)
Total miles for 2013: 67.37
Miles  til 2013:  1945.63 (got a long way to go)
One way commutes in January: 2
Total one way commutes: 2
Odometer
Road: 13222
Cross: 1506.3
Trip2:
Road:42.81
Cross:24.62

first commute of 2013

Completed my first commute to work last week. In an unusual twist I went to and from work on the same day. Usually I ride home on Thursday (leave my car at work) then ride back into work on Friday.

When I first looked at the weather app it showed a high of 70 on Friday and a low of 63, well to be that means when I wake up on Friday it will be 63, but apparently I think completely backwards than the weather people and that will be the low the next morning (huh?) Friday morning occurs from midnight to 11:59am, isn't that when the low temperature on Friday usually would happen? NO! I woke up and it was 42 degrees! Not a happy Kim.

So the ride to work was COLD until I got to the hills, then it warmed up a little bit & I lost my breath! And to make matters worse, I woke up late, thus didn't have time to go to MiV, so Rudy's tacos it was.

Ride home was uneventful, but I made it in 42 mins ride time, that's the time to beat for the year. I'm wondering if I could do it in 35 on the road bike? hmmm

Don't think I'll be commuting this week, lows at 31 each morning, even w my new headgear, that's way too cold!


**************************************************************
Miles for this ride:  9.16   & 8.41
Total miles for the month of January:  56.79 (behind 2012 by 4 miles, so not too bad)
Total miles for 2013: 56.79
Miles  til 2013:  1956.71 (got a long way to go and it's too cold to ride!)
One way commutes in January: 2
Total one way commutes: 2
Odometer
Road: 13211
Cross: 1506.3
Trip2:
Road: 32.21
Cross:24.62

my favorite in town ride

It had been a rainy cold start to New years in Austin, kinda unusual for us lately. ATx has been in a 3 year drought, so I've grown very accustomed to the sunshine, even if it is a cold day. And since I'm such a wuss for the cold I've been going to boot camp instead. Needless to say when I saw the forecast for SUN on Sunday I was excited, now to just find someone to ride with me!

Kellie to the rescue! I'm afraid I might have scared some others off because of the hill.  I hope they know if they can't get up the hill this time that there's always a next time & that I'll wait for them, I never leave people behind.

That got me to thinking about why I formed ABC, I was just getting over the stroke, but in somewhat of a dark place since I wasn't playing soccer & the Austin chapter of the Luna Chix wasn't going to happen. I had really enjoyed the Luna Chix, but there were many things wrong w it...were we wanting new cyclists or intermediates and if we were targeting beginners, why in the hell were the bike rides 20 miles long? For crying out loud, beginners can't just start w a 20 mile ride, they need to work up to the mileage. I still wanted a group to ride with, so I talked to some of the other Luna Chix peoples and they gave me ideas & helped at the beginning (need to figure out how to get others more committed to helping this summer). ABC was off & running. It took some guts to make those first  few web posts & hold the first few rides, but what a difference it has made in my life! I'm sure it took guts for some of them to show up, too. Hope ABC has made a difference in their life, too.

I figured I had 3 choices at that time. (1) continue living a blah life like I was (2) go on ACA rides and cycle alone (3) take a chance and develop something that I felt was needed in Austin. Yes it was a risk, but a risk I wanted to take, I had to do something, couldn't just sit around & be miserable anymore. By starting up ABC, it has brought so much friendship, joy & love into my life, of course there has been one incident of frustration, but I will soon be chuckling to that one.

If you don't like how things are going, you gotta do something to change it, or accept what is or not happening. With enough work, it's worth the risk.

Back to the ride.

It was cold in the shade and going against the wind, but perfect in the sun!
Since we would be in a canyon or neighborhoods, we would be avoiding the wind for the most part.

Stopped in the middle of the 360 downhill to take pics of the Christmas trees. I say I would have to agree that those who decorate them need to take the decorations down come January, or maybe someone needs to post yard signs or a banner for their business saying they cleaned up the trees? Good PR?

If you look behind me, you can see about 5 trees w decorations.

Old Spicewood was great as usual. winding rode w rolling hills and I think 7 water crossings.

Love that you can see all this "in town"

one of the crossings with a waterfall, decided to stop this time to take a pic

Out of the Canyon we had to head UP to go anywhere, maybe one day I'll ride Old Spicewood the other way to avoid the hill. Ride thru the golf course area then to the convenience store for a break. The lady inside buying beer was impressed we were going 30 miles.

Love this pic that Kellie took.

Ride back was easy, wind at our backs and mostly downhill. we did decide that taking the lane at 183
& 360 was safer than the bike path they have.

Great second ride of the year!

**************************************************************
Miles for this ride: 32.21
Total miles for the month of January:  39.22
Total miles for 2013: 39.22
Miles  til 2013: 1973.78 (got a long way to go)
One way commutes in January: 0
Total one way commutes:0
Odometer
Road: 13211
Cross: 1488.7
Trip2:
Road:32.21
Cross: 7.01

Ride to Georgetown

I forgot to blog about one of my 'better' rides for December. My Aunt & Uncle were having a family Christmas gathering at their house near Lake Georgetown. I had used their house as a starting point for a ride before, but they weren't there when I did that. This was the perfect opportunity for me to ride out there (cuz I could get a ride back, I'm not lazy, just smart!)

I drove to Llama's house, left my car there & then took Parmer all the way to the FM road that leads to Lake Georgetown.

I was keeping a great pace (gotta love it when the wind is at your back). But I had to stop to investigate the lone decorated tree. There are many rogue Christmas trees on Loop 360, and I've rarely seen them elsewhere until now, so per Kim's curiosity, I had to stop, plus the decorations looked like discarded water bottles from bikes, so I was wondering if this was an up-cycle project.

there were even solar powered lights to light it up at night

a closer look revealed duct tape covered water bottles

and other duct taped ornaments. very creative

As I rode on, I was shocked to see I was at mile 15 within an hour. Using commuting time, I thought it would take me 2.5 hours easily to get there, looks like it would be less.

That gave me time to look at the San Gabriel river (the one that feeds Lake Georgetown). It was nice to see water in it and more than just a trickle.

 You always know you are in the country in Texas  when you hear gunshots, I couldn't decide if they were shooting deer, ducks or tin cans, just hoped it wasn't a high powered rifle and they had cyclists in mind.

Once on the road to the lake, I remembered the big hill I had to go up. It had been a while since I had ridden this far, felt great to stretch the legs, now to stretch the lungs. It always amazes me how much easier it is to climb hills on the road bike vs the cross bike (I have different gearing & it is a much lighter bike). Before I got to the hill I was finally passed by Llama! Heard later on that she, too was shocked at how far along I was when she finally passed me.

Up the big hill (only 2060ft gain over 1.4 miles, not even categorizable) then 2 more miles to cold beer,  sausage and best of all, family.

Upon arrival, my uncle took my pic, then my aunt asked if he even said "hi" or anything, he hadn't but it didn't bother me, I think its cute that he wanted my pic, so I posed.

Had a blast talking to everyone. This side of the family is so musically talented. My uncle's ex wife was their w/ her accordian & her husband on the drums & guitar, then various cousins and cousin's kids would join in on numerous instruments (guitars, base guitars, clarinet, cello, tambourine and even a washboard. ) You couldn't help but smile while watching them, so talented. Can't wait for the wedding in May!

first ride of 2013

Another cold to me day in Austin, not much sun and high to be around 51. But since it's New Years Day, outdoor activities must take place.

Kristen wanted to do an urban adventure on the cross bikes, then I received notice that Barton Springs was going to be open for the Polar Bear Splash, Kristen was all in for the Polar Bear Splash, I had to be talked into it a bit.

At 1 we met and drove both cars to BS. Loaded my car with our towels and more warm clothes.  I left my car there cuz its easier to put the bikes on my car (thinking we would be wet when loading the bikes...hello, we loaded the bikes as soon as we got to BS, not after we plunged)

Back to my house, got dressed to ride in the cold and off we went.

Decided to take the Shoal Creek Hike & Bike all the way to Town Lake. The fun but can be frustrating part of the SC trail is I'm not skilled enough to ride across some sections, so I have to get off my bike. But it does create picture opportunities.

Once we reached Town Lake, just past the old power plant is the meeting place. Coincidentally a bunch of people were meeting around a band. What pure Austin fun to bike upon a band and people gathering!

So of course we stayed to watch. It really was pure joy to watch everyone smiling & dancing.

Then the band stepped off the meeting place table and marched towards the new bridge to safely access the hike & bike trail.

And of course people followed, it was kinda like the Pied Piper.

And then we followed.

And watched as the band made its way down the ramp.

Lots of people watched & followed.

So off to Barton Springs we went, we thought it would be funny if the band was leading everyone into Barton Springs.


Now here is the pre plunge video that cracks me up.

Into the water we go:

(One day I'll learn how to edit videos.)

I posted a pic of the band on facebook hoping I would find out who the band was, for some reason I knew  Grenita would know & of course she did.

BTW, the band is The Minor Mishap Marching Band. Looking forward to how I can incorporate Honk! TX into a busy weekend...

**************************************************************
Total miles for the month of January:  7.01
Total miles for 2013:7.01
Miles  til 2013: 2006 (got a long way to go
One way commutes in January: 0
Total one way commutes:0
Odometer
Road: 13179
Cross: 1488.7
Trip2:
Road: 000
Cross: 7.01

Ride to 3k.... well almost...

December 30, 2 more days til 2013, 46 degrees, cloudy, 17.5 miles away from 3000 miles for 2012. Time to bundle up & get this over with.

Short-sleeve jersey, arm warmers, capri pants & leg warmers, Alaska socks (cuz they are the longest & it only seems appropriate to wear Alaska socks when it's cold) thicker yellow long-sleeve jersey, CYSMNY thin jacket, long fingered gloveds and my ear bra. Finally located the $18 ear bra I bought last year, good thing cuz I was getting annoyed I spent $18 on a 99 cent academy item, but it's thinner, has ear flaps and best of all a hole for my ponytail to go thru. All in all, it is my favorite ear warmer to wear when I bike and I'm getting over the fact that I paid $18 for it, mostly cuz I used a gift card, isn't that what gift cards are for to buy you something you probably wouldn't buy yourself.

So, I left the house, headed south on Shoal Creek, trying to figure out how to do 17.5 miles, so I made the decision to ride towards Enfield to add the extra 17.5 miles to the normal 10 mile SC loop (now I just realized riding to NW park, do the SC loop& back home is about 15-16). Once at the place where I jump the curb & enter the off ramp (still not sure if this is legal (probably not) I decided to search for another way to cross Windsor. Turns out, there isn't. Maybe those MoPac Improvements will come soon, heard a rumor this is to be fixed so it is legal for cyclists to continue on Jefferson to Hartford, without jumping the curb.

So I turned around & headed back to SC. Rode all the way up to 183, once back in the hood I was at 16.5, so another lap around the block before I headed to my house, ended at 17.55.

cool clouds on the way home

 

Still can't believe I made it 3000 miles.

Fun mathy ride tid bits:
Shortest ride: 1.38 miles to get a beer during Bike Month (May)
Longest Ride: 66..02 Livestrong Challenge in October
2nd Longest was Day 4 on the Katy trail at 55.97 miles
Average miles per ride: 14.31

Month with the most miles: October 437.71
Month with least miles: November: 95.29
Average miles per month:  250
Month with least number of rides: March (6)
Month with most rides: May (31)

And a big OH SHIT!! I just added up the miles by the month & only got 2807...I guess I didn't hit that 3K after all, unless you round. Now to find the error in the xls..

Well that just decided my biking goal for 2013...not really, it is stil 2013 miles but with 100 one way commuting trips. One year, I will actually hit 3000 miles & I will accurately keep track of my miles. Looks like the error occurred day 4 in Katy the day I was sick with pink eye and possibly the day the copy & paste function quit working on the app.
2800 is stilla PR. Oh well, its not the end of the world & like I said, if I round up to the nearest thousand I did hit 3000 miles!