Day 196: The McAlpine Locks bike ride

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love cycling so much. This morning Carrick and I headed out on our bikes to ride part of the Louisville Loop. The downtown portion is only a couple miles from our house, so we picked it up at Waterfront Park and rode out toward the McAlpine Locks and Dam near the Falls of the Ohio. We’ve ridden that part of the bike path before, but never realized until today that the bridge to the Locks is open to the public certain hours of the day. We decided to check it out. It was a long, gradual climb to the top of the bridge. On a hot, humid day like today it really got my heart rate climbing too. But it was worth the effort. We watched one of the barges loaded with coal push its way down the Ohio River. 

In October 2003, McAlpine was designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers. A 10-year, $278 million expansion project on the Locks was completed last year. Here’s a good aerial view of the Locks and Dam. 

Many times when I’m out on my bike I feel the need to push myself a little to get some good cardio work out of the ride, but my favorite rides really are the ones where Carrick and I ride at a comfortable pace, explore our surroundings and stop to take photos along the way. No time frame, no itinerary, no plans at all. Just riding, talking and enjoying the sights along the way. Here are photos from today’s journey: 

A challenging hill for a newbie like me.

 

Entrance to McAlpine Locks and Dam

 

Carrick riding up the other side of the hill. I was too tired. One hill was enough for me.

 

Time for a break.

 

Coal barge.

 

Boat

 

Cargo carried by the barges.

 

Mmm, DONUTS! This was on the bike path after we left McAlpine Locks.

 

Bike path along the waterfront.

 

A nice shady section of the bike path.

 

Downtown Louisville

 

Lincoln memorial. We haven't been on this side of the bike path in quite a while, so this was a nice surprise. We had no idea it was there. Sculptures by local artist Ed Hamilton.

 

Lincoln memorial

 

We stopped for a rest and a water break at the park. This is the barge we took photos of earlier at McAlpine Locks.

 

Some cyclist cover 1000 miles in a month. It took me almost a year, but it was a fun milestone to see on my computer today.

 

Despite the heat and humidity, it was a fantastic day today. I’m looking forward to our next ride. 

Today’s food journal: 

Breakfast:
– Chocolate Builder Bar = 270 cal.
– Gu (1 package during bike ride) = 100 

Lunch:
– Chicken Tandoori Samosas = 160
– Organic LF chocolate milk = 180 

Dinner:
– Turkey sub sandwich = 280
– Baked Lay’s potato chips (about 12) = 68
– Iced tea = 0 

Snacks:
– Skinny Cow ice cream cup (2) = 240 

Exercise:
– 2 hour bike ride (18 miles, 139 average HR, 11.5 mph average) = 714 calories burned 

Life’s a journey. Enjoy the ride! 

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Thanks for visiting.

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