Post-Ride High

[indysteel]

Hey ladies. I road yesterday for the first time since December 30th and just had to share my "high" with people who understand.

Last year, was my first year "on the bike." I started riding a hybrid in June and a road bike in late July. I ended the year with a little over 2,000 miles and a strong addiction. I've spent the last two months in snow/rain purgatory here in Indianapolis, waiting for the skies to clear and the temperature to warm.

It was worth the wait. Yesterday's ride was great, especially with my new wheels (detailed in a separate thread). I was riding with some new cycling friends, and we had a blast. I've been active all winter, but nothing compares to how I feel when I'm on my bike (well, yoga comes close). There's something about it that just makes everything else feel right in the world. I know I'm not alone here in thinking that. I'm so excited about the coming months and miles.

Anyway, after bouncing around like a crazy person from happiness both yesterday and today, I just thought I'd share. Life is good.

Kate

[lizbids]

Yeah, me too! I got happy when I did my miles in the park over the weekend. I'm giving myself a break today b/c I didn't eat enough to start exercising, but I sure hope I can go tomorrow...:D

[GreenLady]

Me too, me too! Last year was my first "season" riding a road bike, and I loved it. Unfortunately, I get bored very easily (I cannot tell you how many hobbies I've had and abandoned); after not riding all winter, I was a little afraid of clipping into my pedals again.

But no... Today I did my first ride of the year. I am slow, and the bike needs some love, but moving feels so good! I've been walking around smiling like an idiot all day because I still love the bike and the road and the wind and everything about this sport.

Happy spring!

[annie]

I know exactly how you feel! I had very little bike time this winter, for various reasons, weather being the biggie. I finally got out today for my first "real" ride of the year. OMG!! It was so wonderful!! I've been riding for 20 years, and to be off as long as I was..........not good! Now I feel like ME again, a person who bikes. There's nothing like it. Pure joy!

Annie

[BikeMomma]

Being in California, I'm lucky in that I'm able to ride all winter. But today being the first workday of Daylight Savings Time, I was able to ride outdoors after work for the first time since DST ended last Fall. No more being stuck in the gym! Yay! The great weather today made it doublely awesome.

Glad you guys are able to get out there & ride too. Take care. :)
~BikeMomma

[crazybikinchic]

Anybody else start singing "I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike" before a riding a rally?:D :D :D

[freelivez2]

I could not get off today. I got stuck by 3 trains today which gave me an excuse to almost get a traspassing ticket and to circle the park while the boys played rugby. sweet. but once I got of the trail it was fabulous.

p.s. I quit rugby to bike!

[indysteel]

Anybody else start singing "I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike" before a riding a rally?:D :D :D

I didn't sing, but I got so excited before the ride that I started jumping around like a crazy person. I'll likely have a repeat performance on Sunday when the local bike club has its first ride of the season. I get to see lots of cycling friends that I haven't seen since November. Yippie!!!!

[TrekJeni]

Yes, I feel your pain Indy girl. I'm in Cincinnati. High of 72 today. I rode my bike to work FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER today and then I meet the regular club ride after work. I'm certainly starting to rack up the miles! Yippee.

Last Friday was gorgeous here. I came to work alll giddy and my bosses insisted I leave by 2 so I could GO RIDE! :D :D :D I love my bosses!

Jeni

[BikeMomma]

Yes, I feel your pain Indy girl. I'm in Cincinnati. High of 72 today. I rode my bike to work FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER today and then I meet the regular club ride after work. I'm certainly starting to rack up the miles! Yippee.

Last Friday was gorgeous here. I came to work alll giddy and my bosses insisted I leave by 2 so I could GO RIDE! :D :D :D I love my bosses!

Jeni

Got any job openings???????! :p :p :p :p
~B

[indysteel]

Last Friday was gorgeous here. I came to work alll giddy and my bosses insisted I leave by 2 so I could GO RIDE! :D :D :D I love my bosses!

Jeni

That's awesome. My boss sometimes takes "pity" on me when it's gorgeous out, my work is done, and I start sighing while staring out the window. I'm trying to pace myself though and "abuse" his good graces only when necessary (like when it's beautiful out on Friday but is supposed to rain all weekend).

I love that the weather is finally turning nice, but can feel myself already going a little nuts, too. If last year is any guide, I will spend the next 9 months thinking obsessively about the next ride/fix. Even when I've already ridden on a given day, I stare longingly at other riders that I see on the road while I'm driving. Jeez, I feel like a junkie.

[SouthernBelle]

I just snuck out for a lunchtime ride and feel wonderful. Not the first ride of the year, but the first with a sleeveless jersey!!!

Happy dance.

[sulis]

These are the days I'm so grateful to work early morning hours. Yeah, being to work at 6am can be hard some times...but getting off by 3 is soooo worth it.

I sped home from work, and was changed and ready to ride within 10 minutes. It was so spectacularly gorgeous. It felt so amazing to be off the trainer and outside in the beautiful sunshine! Welcome spring!!

[Jo-n-NY]

I also am welcoming Spring in even if on the calender is not for another week. I am so happy for DST as I am running home to take a short bike ride also. I think we can all feel one anothers excitement.

Sulis, my husband and I were in Utah a few years ago. I think it is a beautiful state. In fact we scuba dived in a crater I think in Park City. I guess if we ever come again, we will need to bring our bikes.

~ JoAnn

[IFjane]

What everyone else said!

Our cycling group had their first official ride on Sunday and it was wonderful! Another ride this afternoon (leaving the office in 30 minutes!). My bike, Godiva, got all spiffied up for the season last weekend with a new headset, saddle & bar tape. She's calling my name....

[velocilex]

I rode all last week, but my oh my it was nice to go out today in shorts and a sleeveless jersey! I appreciate my nice warm tights and base layers and shoe covers, but there's nothing like flying along in the summer clothes! :D

[DDH]

I had my first ride for the season a few days ago. It was so great to get back out there, then the last two days the rain has come in. Oh, well I will live vicariously through you all for a few days I guess. I have a ride planned this weekend so hopefully it will clear up before then.

[Mr. Bloom]

Indy: Silver and I did 54 miles in the Evansville area. Weather was perfect (but windy)!!!!!

Spring has arrived!!!

I also believe last week was a record mileage week for Silver as well!!!!

[cosc]

:D Yeah, spring has come to visit for a few days in SD, too. I've been riding the last three days in shorts. Biking leaves me with a light heart and a positive attitude.

[indysteel]

Indy: Silver and I did 54 miles in the Evansville area. Weather was perfect (but windy)!!!!!

Spring has arrived!!!

I also believe last week was a record mileage week for Silver as well!!!!

Mr. Silver and Silver: Any chance that you're doing the Harmony Hundred in May? That's about as close to Evansville as I'll be this year.....

Kate

[LadyinWhite]

Spring isn't here to stay on the Jersey shore but FINALLY - today - I had both time and weather cooperating and I could get out for the first real ride out of doors.

I waffled a bit at the beginning, it was still early, damp, I could smell the salt hanging in the air. Was sitting on my bike outside my house thinking it was still a little too chilly (I'm a fair weather rider ;) ) My neighbor came out, she's laughing.. "Just go!!"

So I did.. 25 miles.. sun coming out.. warmth.. total bliss. Saw a couple of girl roadies riding together coming in the opposite direction, we all waved.. HUGE smiles on their faces, I couldn't help but laugh cause I knew I probably had the same smile on mine.

Nice way to begin the season, can't bear the thought of bringing my Girl back down to the basement now. Forecast looks grim for the next week though so.. *sigh* back down we'll go.

Oh! FYI - I kept hearing "Take the lane!!" in my head (from another TE thread) and laughing as I rode through this intersection or that one.

T.

[Waverly]

I went on my first Mtn. Bike ride ever this week! I have been a roadie for about 3 or 4 years and just got my Mtn. bike last week. I also road my road bike off the trainer for the first time this year. The weather has been great and it is a joy to be out. I will say that Mtn. biking has put a hurting on me! I have only ridden twice and I am all bruised up....I am assuming I will quit falling as I get better! It's has been great fun so far....even with the scrapes and bruises :)

Ride on!

Jessica

[indysteel]

That's cool Jessica. The MTB bug hasn't bitten me yet, but I imagine it's just a matter of time...

Have fun on all your bikes!

[lacyliz]

Wow- great to hear from all the "high" rides. me, too- Started last year, hybrid, now road bike. This last week got to get out 3x in a row- HIGH, HIGH, HIGH- wooohooo. Felt great to be on the road. Spinning classes are nothing in comparison to cycling along the beautiful winding, hilly roads of New Paltz.