November 10th rides

[Crankin]

Well, it's another spring like day here in New England. Since neither myself or DH have time to ride this afternoon, we did another 5 AM ride. Or, I should say, I did another 5 AM ride and he came with me for the first time.
It's so warm, I had to abandon the clothes I had put out last night. I ended up with knickers, a regular weight LS jersey, with a sleeveless base layer and a vest. It was 55 degrees at 5:06 when we left...
Of course, my usual route of keeping it flat because of the earliness of the time, went out the window and we started by going up Strawberry Hill Rd. Interestingly, DH said that I was going much faster than usual. I wonder if not being able to see your computer helps? After that, we did a loop and headed into Concord center, where the businesses were all getting deliveries. Since it was later than I usually hit this spot because of the extra climbing, there were a few more cars, but it's amazing how many houses are still dark.
Right when we were turning off of Main St. to head back, I heard someone yell, "Hey, there's some more bikes." There were at least 4 cyclists riding down Main St. I wonder if it is the very warm weather, or they are regular early AM riders.
A total of just over 12 miles in about 48 minutes, which is about as fast as I can move at 5 AM! We rode side by side most of the way, because we each were getting blinded by the others blinkie on the back of our bikes. But my headlight has worked out great. There are very street lights where I live and I can actually see with this light.

[indigoiis]

I had pretty much unofficially closed the long-commuting season a couple of weeks ago, thinking I could get short commutes and rides in when I could but the full 28 miles would have to wait until Spring. Well, Crankin you're right, the weather is gorgeously warm today, so I decided to do the entire route. It was great. Balmy! 28 miles in 1/2 darkness, 1 hour 45 minutes total. And no red lights!

[Selkie]

Crankin, glad you like early morning riding! It's a whole different experience and more peaceful. My favorite time of day!

It has been relatively mild here, too. I haven't had to layer up as much or break out the toe warmers. In addition, I haven't cut back my daily mileage yet due because of the chill. Enjoy it while it lasts. If I recall correctly, this time last year it was consistently colder. So far, we've had only one morning where it's been below freezing (just barely, too).

I hope it's a sign that we won't have endless cold weather this winter (or snow/ice).

[redrhodie]

I was planning on a rest day today, but after reading of the Northeasters having great rides, I went out. It really was perfect New England riding weather, warm with a cool gray calmness to the sky that reflected in the still ocean. I knew from what Crankin wore that I needed to ditch the wool turtlenecks that I've been wearing for weeks in favor of a lighter base. I wore a light jersey and fingerless gloves, and was perfectly dressed.

Before riding this morning, I put new tires (red Micheline Pro Race 3s) on my bike, and did a major cleaning of the cassette while the wheel was off. My thumbs are sore from coaxing the tires on, but the bike felt like new, bright and sprightly. Tomorrow I'll rest. Today was worth it.

[SheFly]

Got out for the first MTB ride since the avulsion fracture in the ankle (I took the air cast off yesterday - it's been 4 weeks since the fracture). As others in the Northeast have said, it was balmy for this time of the year, and I was SO EXCITED to be riding OUTDOORS!

Unfortunately, I had to ride after work, in the dark. I usually don't mind this, but with all of the leaves on the trails, I was literally hitting everything, and sliding on the leaves. Went down at one point and landed pretty hard on my hand of all things, but NOT the ankle!

Yay for warm temps in November, and YAY for a great MTB ride.

SheFly