July 2nd rides

[Crankin]

I rode for the first time in 6 days, been fighting some bronchial crud. When I didn't sleep until 8 o'clock, I knew I was well enough to ride. So, I drove to my friend's house and we started off at 80 degrees and very humid, with thunder showers predicted for late this afternoon. My lungs were not happy for the first ten miles or so, but it did involve climbing Oak Hill, which feels much shorter now, but today was hard. I went really slowly compared to usual and I stopped at the top of the climbs to wait for my friend who is a much slower rider than me. The good thing is when we stopped in Harvard Center, we noticed that the general store which has been closed for one-two years is now reopened. So I went to buy some more energy drink and had a good laugh when the first thing I saw when I walked in, in front of the register was about ten different flavors of Shot Blocks. This is a major stopping place for cyclists, so they did their research. After visiting a newly found porta potty, we headed up Bolton Rd. to the end, into Bolton Center. The beginning of this road is a long gradual climb, which always annoys me. It's not steep, but it always hurts. Today was fine, though, because I MADE myself pick a slow speed and just turn the pedals over. When I'm not trying to to follow my husband, I'm a bit more relaxed. It turns out that rest of this road, which we usually turn off of to do more climbing is a nice downhill and more shady than the beginning. After we crossed a major street, we stopped at a nice park and ate our Luna Bars. As we sat there, I heard thunder and noticed the sky was very dark to the north. So we headed out and rode through some lovely farm country, very flat, which is unusual for this area. When we got back to the main road we decided to stay on it until we had to turn off to get back to my friend's house, so we could take shelter if it started to rain. We were about two miles from her house when it started thundering really badly, so I told her I was sprinting ahead... I don't think I've ever done this stretch so quickly, since it's always at the end of our rides when I am tired. The wind was really gusting, but, the rain didn't start until I was in my car on the way home. It's already sunny again...
31.03 miles, 15.3 average.

[sundial]

So I went to buy some more energy drink and had a good laugh when the first thing I saw when I walked in, in front of the register was about ten different flavors of Shot Blocks. This is a major stopping place for cyclists, so they did their research.

Don't you just love those little dives tucked away in the farmlands? :)

Today was recovery ride/doggie exercise day. It was sunny, windy, and hazy. Did 4.72 miles. :)

[Zen]

No ride today but I'll toss in yesterday's.
Brunswick to Harper's Ferry-12 miles round trip.
I thought it was going to be longer, guess I should look at a map next time :o
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Ruffles.jpgThis is where the river flows uphill;)


http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/GoingUpstairs-1.jpg
Stairs to RR bridge

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/CyclistMustDismount.jpg
You can't ride up them, you hot-dogger you.



http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/HarpersFerry.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/OldBridgepiers.jpgNo rafters today, but wait till this weekend:eek:
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/MUD.jpg
OK, I know it's not much but it was FUN

[makbike]

It was a tough day on the bike. I got a late start in tackling my new sixty mile route. I needed to ride the entire route, collect mileage markers and mark the route for an upcoming club ride. I knew ten miles into the ride it was going to be a long day. My legs were dead, dead, dead. I guess the 54 miles of hills I rode yesterday did me in and today I would pay. I kept plugging along and even with my dead legs I did enjoy the scenery - the countryside here is just beautiful. Along with my dead legs I felt really dehydrated - went through 100 ounces of fluid today and still felt thirsty. The one big climb about did me in and I gave some serious thought to dismounting and walking to the top but I slowly, very slowly made my way to the top (1/2 mile climb @ 9.9% grade). As the ride progressed so did the wind. I fought a crosswind or headwind the entire day. I would have loved a tailwind but it was not to be today. In the end I logged 60.09 miles and am exhausted!

[Susan126]

Went for an early morning ride. My legs were dead dead dead too. Last night I went mountain biking with the Lunachixs and it was a tough ride. These ladies can ride! But anyway, my poor legs they were just whimping out on me. And I felt kind of tired myself. So when I spotted an espresso stand about 7 1/2 miles into my ride I stopped and ordered an iced venti mocha. After drinking all that sugar and caffeine my legs and me came back to life. Either it was that or a mental thing. Whatever the rest of my ride was awesome. The temperature was 71 when I began but very very humid. Normally I could see awesome views of Mt. Rainier but not this morning. Rainier was washed out from the white humid sky. I could just make it out. I finally got to climb some hills today for the first time on my new bike. I was afraid that I would be walking going from my old road bike a triple with 650 wheels to a compact with 700 wheels but I climbed those hills better on my new bike then I ever climbed with my old bike! Better bike? components? stronger legs? Who knows, all I know is I flew up the hills this morning! Got a good 30 miles in.

Tomorrow I am meeting a lady I met at my local gym for a 50 mile ride. She was looking for a riding partner as I was. Sometimes dear hubby isn't availabe, working, or daughter so this will be great if she and I are about the same pace. We'll see how well we ride together tomorrow.

[Zen]

So when I spotted an espresso stand about 7 1/2 miles into my ride I stopped and ordered an iced venti mocha. After drinking all that sugar and caffeine my legs and me came back to life.

Just like spinach for Popeye!

[redrhodie]

I got out in the swampy air this morning and rode for about an hour and a half. I didn't see any other riders after about mile 5. Just some cows, a girl in English gear riding a white horse, and 2 sailboats out on the foggy sea.

There was not much traffic. Not much wind. I even felt strong on the hills. Perfect day.

[Blueberry]

I did about 12 miles of errand running. Post Office (why, oh why do they never have a bike rack?), couple of stores, by the shop and to the farmer's market. It was lovely here today - upper 80's and less than 50% humidity. We're back to miserable tomorrow.

[Susan126]

Just like spinach for Popeye!

:p LOL Zen, I think you hit the nail on the head. Caffeine must be my spinach because I felt strong to the finish after downing that venti mocha!

:D

Sue

[Southside Sally]

I did a quick 18 miles after work today. It was 91 degrees but not too humid when we started, and was 84 at the end. Gorgeous evening!

[han-grrl]

I did about 20+ km round trip on the mtb trail - more of a fitness trail, gravelly...but given all the rain, it was best to stay off the technical stuff around here for a bit...

It was *supposed* to be a group ride with some people i know, but i headed out first expecting to be caught, but never did! I kept riding, i set a goal for a certain chalet along the trail, but never made it, it was further than i thought...that's ok. i climbed the hills in my middle ring, and it actually felt good! I let it go on the descents, and got some air off some rocks...eventually i met up with hubby and a friend on my way back. They were surprised how far i got to...

It was a 2 hour ride in the end, which is what i wanted :)

[rbs4fun]

wow, I can post here! :)

I rode a little over 24 miles at 5:30am today. Took me 1hr 45 minutes. Still slow going.

Yay I graduated from the "newbie" area. LOL.

[jesvetmed]

Got in a group ride with the club tonight. 25 miles around the Bayview State park area. BEAUTIFUL NIGHT!

After we had a potluck at the beach. As we sat in the shelter drinking our beers and eating (fresh picked strawberries... mmm!), the light show began. Thunder and lightning in front of us over the water -- it was VERY cool -- our own fireworks show! We finished the ride just in time, it seems.

Avg speed around 16mph. Another girl and I kicked the boys' butts on the Bow Hill Road (ugh... that is a bad one!). :D

[NoNo]

Over the last few weeks I've been staring longingly at my beloved mountain bike, remembering the fun times we used to have. After I picked up the Dolce last September, the only time I touched my precious Hardrock was when I moved. My legs were feeling a bit sore from all the squats I did Monday, and it was on the warmish side. I thought, "This would be a perfect day to hop on the bike and thrash around in the dirt!"

I have no idea how the hell I used to ride this thing! I couldn't even pick it up to get it out the door!:eek: The trail is a little over a mile from my house, so I just rode there. Wow, was it slow! How weird to be sitting upright again, too.

Got to the trail, turned down the path, and thought "What did I just get myself into?" What a weird feeling it was having my tires sliding around under me, bouncing off rocks and tree roots. Not very far along the trail, I went down a series of exposed roots, my feet came off the pedals (another bizarre sensation to not be clipped in), and I came to an unceremonious halt after the last bump threw me onto the top tube. The girly bits were not pleased:( After the pain subsided, I took one stroke and was immediately dumped back onto the tube:mad: The chain had popped off! Get that all worked out and finally get back to riding. As I enjoyed the scenery the old thoughts of "Which one is poison sumac?" popped into my head. I'm not itchy today, so I guess I didn't touch anything bad, but it was just one more thing I didn't have to think about on the road. Made it around the loop, and circled it one more time. I have a tough time climbing hills normally, let alone when there are rocks all over the place. Is this really what I used to ride on?

Ladies, I have a confession to make: I'm a road weenie now:o I have much respect for those of you on here that regularly ride the trails and play in the dirt. I had fun yesterday, but I think I'll be sticking with my light, fast roadie on my smooth pavement, thank you.

Total: 5.5 of the most harrowing miles of my life, amazingly burning the same amount of calories that it would take me 12 miles to do on the road:confused:

[Aggie_Ama]

27.15 miles commuting home. It threatened rain all day yesterday (sadly it didn't rain we need it) so it was actually below 100!

After getting home I decided cooking was not on my agenda, so DH and I rode 2 miles to the local Subway for dinner. 31.15 miles for the day. :)