Rides: December 13-19

[owlice]

Ooooooh, I LOVED my ride today!!! Loved it, loved it, loved it!

It wasn't long, but wow, did it ever feel goooooooood!!!! I started out just about sunset, under grey skies and in a light mist, the rain of earlier today having mostly tapered off. Temperature was either 36 or 43, depending on which town's temp one wants to use. :rolleyes: I parked at a neighborhood park to ride my nearest (and much-loved) trail, rode up the street and then into the woods.

It was great! The trail was wet, there were puddles on the trail, the swamp was flowing over the trail, even! I got wet and gritty, water soaked into my shoes, and by the time I got to the lake, just over 4 miles in, I had to peel off a couple of things because I was so warm. It was dark, and a low light fog lay over the lake. I rode around the lake in the dark; I could make out geese, lots of geese, along one part of the lake.

Part of the trail has new blacktop, which means the roughest part of the trail is now smooth, and oh, how lovely that was!! Zoom zoom zoom!

I startled numerous deer, one trail ninja who complained I was about to hit him (I wasn't; not by a long shot. I told him I couldn't see him, and after I left him behind realized I should have told him that he doesn't show up in the dark, so he should do something about that!), a couple of rabbits, and a bird of some kind -- couldn't tell in the dark -- which flew in front of me across the path.

The light on my helmet was reflected back to me by the mist, which presented a column of light straight down in front of me that was pretty distracting; I had to turn my head slightly so that I could see the trail rather than the column of light. I found myself wishing that my headlight was brighter and was glad that I know this trail pretty well (or I'd have surely plowed into something, creek, fence, post, SOMEthing!).

I also found myself wishing that my ride was longer!! Just over 10 miles, but boy, was I tempted to turn around and do it all over again!!

Not the fastest I've done that trail, at 10.4 MPH, but under the conditions, I wouldn't have wanted to go any faster anyway.

It felt fabulous! I loved it!!

[crazycanuck]

When we were planning yesterday's ride late last week we knew we'd have to be out on the trail by at least 730am. It reached 39C yesterday & by about 9am you could feel the heat (ready or not, some like it hot when the heat is on...woo hoo...Thank you The Power Station...).

Twas a short ride & sooo glad we stopped when we did as the next bit we could have done would not have been in the shade...No shade, no wind & a gazillion sand flies is not the best riding combination. Oh and the #*$&%&%&% March flies are back!!! Aghgh

The sand flies are driving me nuts...Going downhill on slippery pea gravel whilst trying to find the best line and keep the sand flies away from your eyes & mouth..is a challenge.

Tons o fun though!

[redrhodie]

I did 27 miles yesterday. It was gorgeous for the first half, then got cloudy and I felt a little cold without the sun. I'm waiting for the streets to dry now, then I'll head out for a short loop.

[Karma007]

8 boring miles on the rollers. i usually enjoy it, but I just wasn't there today. I have an actual day off from work tomorrow, and I think I'm distracted.

[redrhodie]

After waiting hours for the roads to dry, and finally deciding I wasn't going to ride, I got a momentary urge at around 1 pm to go, so I went.:) I felt really sluggish, but did 20. There were still some sections of road that had major puddles which I couldn't avoid. It's not that I don't like wet conditions, but that I didn't really have time to spend cleaning my bike when I have so much other stuff to do. Well, I ended up putting off some more important things on my list, and cleaning both my bikes.:cool: Now my Xmas cards will go out late!

I bet my sluggishness was due to how much crud was in my drive train. My jockey pulleys were thick with gunk and there was a lot of sand everywhere. I tired Oakleaf's chain lubing method of just a few drops instead of a drop on each link. Seems good so far!

[Karma007]

It was SUNNY today! I took an easy 8.5 miler of coasting and daydreaming, catching up on some much needed Vitamin D. Actually, it wasn't all fun and games, my purpose was to see if I could fit in an outdoor ride before work. I can, but it's not an awesome ride. By the time I escape the terrors of suburbia (moving cars, parked cars, intersections, driveways), it's time to go home. Bterr than nothing I suppose. Once the rain stops, I will put the bike rack back on an escape. For now, it was nice to get off the rollers for a day!

I DID notice subtle differences since using the rollers. It's almost a more 'liquid' feeling. Very nice! Now, off to the showers! Have a great day!

[owlice]

I rode both Tuesday and today. Tuesday's ride was ~11 miles, the usual easy around-the-Lincoln Memorial-over-to-Hains-Point-around-twice-then-back route. Headwind on the west side of the Point is what I'm going to blame my slowness on! Yes, yes, that's it!

Today's ride was what I'm thinking of doing for a hybrid commute, except in reverse (from work to the parking lot and back). I might try this out tomorrow for real, since a storm is forecast for this weekend and I likely won't be able to ride for a few days.

I was warm enough today -- a little toasty, actually, once I was fully warmed up! -- but wonder whether I will be warm enough in the same clothes if it's 10 degrees (F) colder out tomorrow morning or whether I need to add another layer.

I saw two Downy Woodpeckers today as I rode; both flew across the trail in front of me. If I'd been a little faster, I might have gotten a bird in the teeth!

[kmehrzad]

Sounds like a nice ride Owlice. I enjoy riding around Hains Point, especially at night, if I'm riding with a group enjoying the sights of Washington, DC. Hope you're able to get out on the early morning ride tomorrow.

[owlice]

Thanks, k! I packed my as-yet-untested-garment-bag-pannier last night and just talked with my assistant to verify he'll be at work (he's my backup plan :D ). I read through one of the commuting threads for inspiration and as soon as I can find a scarf to wrap around my head -- I have a balaclava on order -- I'll give this a shot. I wish it were just above freezing, though, instead of just below, since there are always spots where water runs over the trail.

Signed,

Exorcising my winter wuss, one cold day at a time

[arielmoon]

MRI and CT scans show that I not only have a muscle "crowding" issue but one of the pelvic fractures has not healed. :( Dr. did not say no to riding my bike (he said to stay off my horse totally) but further discussion with my acupuncturist makes me think it is not a good idea. Particularly riding on bumpy roads which are hard to avoid here. :(

I am not sure where this leaves me. The good thing is that I was able to do the 2 fall rides I wanted to :) and it is winter and I have already reduced my riding quite a bit. :rolleyes:

So, I may try to take some spin classes or get a stationary bike because for some reason the trainer and rollers cause pinching and soreness that I didnt get out on the road.

[redrhodie]

(((arielmoon))) that's too bad. Will you be able to ride again when the fracture heals?

[Becky]

DH and I did 6.5 miles on the MTBs today. It was just below freezing, we were both dressed perfectly, and there was no one else out there. Just a perfect day :)

[Ritamarie]

MRI and CT scans show that I not only have a muscle "crowding" issue but one of the pelvic fractures has not healed. :( Dr. did not say no to riding my bike (he said to stay off my horse totally) but further discussion with my acupuncturist makes me think it is not a good idea.

Arielmoon, Dressage rider and bicyclist!? We've gotta talk girl! I feel your pain... no horse and no bike? Whatever will you do?


Exorcising my winter wuss, one cold day at a time

Too funny Owlice! Exactly how I feel.

I had a pretty good week despite the weather. Two 30 mile solo rides Monday and Tuesday. It was in the 40s both days, and I realized that 40 degrees is perfectly comfortable to ride in without any major wardrobe upgrades. Why do most of my riding buddies stop riding when the temps fall below 55 degrees?

I did a 45 mile ride today with two of my hardier friends. It was 22 degrees to start and 32 degrees to finish. I was perfectly comfortable and I am getting the clothes figured out!

[owlice]

Ouch, arielmoon! And yeah, I suspect riding your bike isn't a good idea right now. :(

Maybe it's time to take up swimming?

Ritamarie, looks like you've already exorcised whatever winter wussiness you might have had!

~~~

I drove partway to work today and biked the rest of the way. The biking itself was a little faster than I've done in my test rides; the gearing and wrapping up took WAY too long, though. And then in the middle of the afternoon, I had to ride back to my car and then drive it to work, since parking in the lots after sunset is prohibited. So, no environmental points for this, but at least I got to ride my bike!

[Fredwina]

Hmm.
Thursday about 15 miles on the rail trai;
Yesterday about 24.
Today a Metric, and I go to see snow:p
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vuerRrNlUQI/Sy1ljmZJT8I/AAAAAAAAFd0/iPsH462K1-k/s640/101_0309.jpg
more pics here (http://picasaweb.google.com/jana.lingo/12192009#)
the second was fun, as we were having mild Santa Anas - had a nice 12 mph headwind go all the way back

[HillSlugger]

I did another ride on the rollers today. I'm up to 135 miles for December, but they've all been inside. I can feel my sanity slipping away as the miles add up. :(

[crazycanuck]

Don't try the following on a hot day...

We set out early to do a particular dirt route early this morning as it was (and atm it's 36C) going to be quite hot. I had enough water etc and was having a great time on my own navigating the trails. I only saw one other rider.. All fine & dandy but I really started to feel the heat when I came to an unshaded section.

I didn't have a look at how much water was left in my hydropack & thought i'd have enough to get back to Kalamnuda on a particular trail. I wanted to bypass the Pickering Brook general store but...I then stopped for a moment & did look...oops...Only a smidgen bit left. Panic...*phew* I can hear the nearby road & don't think i'm too far from the store. Man it's hot..will I make it back to Kal in the heat? Urmm..what do i do?

Made it to the store & purchased a Gatorade type drink plus a bottle of water. Thankfully they have a small shaded outdoor area w some tables. :). I sat down & thought..I don't know the quickest trail back...Hmmmm...

I called my dear (who'd just made it back to our vehicle) & came n met me.

Lesson learnt...Hydropack plus water bottle and start at 630am next week when doing this ride again...

[Ritamarie]

Oh, MDHill, at least you rode yesterday. I just watched the snow and ate Christmas cookies.

Gorgeous pics Fredwina! I'd be riding off the road if I had that scenery to look at!

[Crankin]

I did two days in a row of some really tough rides on the trainer, using my Cyclo-Core and Cyclo Zen program. Plenty of one leg drills, super spins, and a couple of big gear intervals. Throw in some functional core work and let's just say my legs are feeling it.
I am doing the program according to my own schedule, so sometimes my rest days are not when the program schedules them. Today I plan to do the recovery yoga and strap on the snow shoes or x country skis.

Riding outside is definitely more fun, but I keep making myself think about how this is going to get me up the hills in Spain next May.

[redrhodie]

Today I'll be putting an old tire on my good bike so she can go on the trainer, which commits me to not riding her outside anymore until spring. I'll be riding my steel bike outside until then (when there's no ice). Last year, I rode the steel bike on the trainer, which left my good bike for outside in the sand and salt. This is probably a smarter move.

[DebW]

Did a 25 mile ride out of Bedford with CRW on Saturday. Only 9 hearty souls showed up in the 20F weather, and the leaders decided we'd all stay together. I couldn't keep up with the fast group, but wasn't generally last either (there was always a leader riding sweep so no one got lost), and the entire group regrouped occasionally at major turns. My clothing/mittens/headwear were appropriate to the ride, but my left foot was cold, and my water bottles eventually froze up. The Camelback bottle valve froze first, the push-pull valve on the other bottle remained drinkable until the last 10 miles. It was an enjoyable ride, but with todays snowstorm, the last one for awhile.

[arielmoon]

(((arielmoon))) that's too bad. Will you be able to ride again when the fracture heals?
I should think so since there never was any pain associated with riding my bike! Also it is unclear to me if the fracture is going to heal at all. Most fractures heal within 6 months before they are considered nonunion. It has been 9 months since my accident.


Arielmoon, Dressage rider and bicyclist!? We've gotta talk girl! I feel your pain... no horse and no bike? Whatever will you do?
Meep! I dont want to think about it. Much more likely that the cycling will be ok. One out of two aint so bad!


Ouch, arielmoon! And yeah, I suspect riding your bike isn't a good idea right now. :(

Maybe it's time to take up swimming?
I would not be opposed to that but I might have to be careful about developing the adductor/abductor muscles that are already being "crowded". I really would like to talk withn someone that is familiar with this type of problem. I cant believe it is that uncommon.

[kenyonchris]

I see everyone riding in these cold temps, and feel like the weenie I am about the cold. I have stuck to the rollers on the road bike, but two days ago it was warm (er) and sunny, so BF and I took the MTBs out. He is a very experienced road cyclist, rides at the track and is a CAT 3 race rider, he bought the MTB to make me happy and ride with me. We have done two MTB rides, one in lots and lots of mud, one with the daughter that was cut short by daughter's problems, so I was looking forward to getting him out with me..
The trail was very basic, very little technical stuff, just windy with some up downs and such. I took the lead and was zipping along, humming King of the Road, when I looked back to check on him...and he was nowhere to be seen. I grabbed a tree so didn't have to unclip and waited and a few minutes later he chugged into view. He unclipped and leaned on his handlebars to catch his breath and complained about being out of shape (keep in mind, he smokes me on the road bike). I couldn't believe he was struggling to keep up with ME. So I hung on to the tree until he was ready and pushed off again, this time going slower. We did ok until we came to a little place where the mud was still deep and sticky at the bottom of a steep hill. I sized it up and went down carefully, sure enough it grabbed my tire. I put a foot down and pushed off, I called out to him to be careful...but it was too late. He hit the bottom and wound up in the bush. I knew better than to comment, so I grabbed a tree and waited. He was so frustrated and irritated with himself that the rest of the ride was not fun for him. He was out of breath, tired of falling, and certainly not used to struggling with the bike. I told him that the MTB is *different*, techinque is different and takes a little time to learn. He did calm down, but it took a few minutes...and some McDonalds....to make him feel better.