Anyone ride today?

[redrhodie]

I did! It was supposed to be a rest day since I had an extra funky time on the trainer yesterday (thank you, George Clinton) and was expecting rain/snow mix today. Imagine my surprise when I woke up to sunshine! Couldn't resist. I just did my regular 23 mile loop.

[maillotpois]

Sun - what a treat! We rode a 65 mile training ride in on and off rain yesterday and today it is sunny and beautiful. Of course. :rolleyes: Today is bike washing day.... lots of smashy worms to remove.

[Veronica]

Heading out for a ride now.

Veronica

[Catrin]

Looking outside at the drizzle and icky pavement sighing... come on Spring!

[tangentgirl]

I'll be riding in an hour or so!

[Ritamarie]

I did too! I had to be out of town several days this week then we had snow, so I was off my bike since last Sunday. I was going to get out today come h*ll or high water. My husband had to put a few hours in at work so he biked in early this morning, and I met him for his return trip home. Got in 23+ miles. Short, but sweet to be on the road with my hubby. We don't ride too much together in the winter since he gets most of his miles in commuting and I get most of my miles in on my long lunch breaks either solo or with the girlfriends. I'm looking forward to more time with him come spring. I've noticed a steady decline in my speed with no one to push me all winter!

[malkin]

Yay! A surprise of nice weather here too.
Fifty on the tandem; double sweet, because Brewer's turning 50 tomorrow.

BONUS: Tailwind and a miraculous string of green lights on the way home when we needed them most--haven't ridden this far since August!

[kiwi girl]

Rode a flat inland 50 km instead of the hilly/coastal 80km I had planned. The coastal route was under Tsunami warning as a result of the Chile earthquake. In the event there was just a bit of a tidal surge with one corner on the route I would have done having very minor flooding later in the day - but better safe than sorry. Actually I was really tired (having had 36 hours in Sydney on Friday/Saturday) so the longer hillier ride might have been a bit of a stretch anyway.

[kmehrzad]

Yes, I finally got out for a ride today and saved my sanity (well sorta). Rode with a friend for about 18 miles, from McLean, VA to Ballston. I thought it would be a relatively flat, low traffic ride so decided to take my single speed --- mistake! There were quite a few hills with most of the roads having NO shoulder and a fair amount of traffic. I managed to ride into Ballston without too much concern, however, on the return trip we took a different route and there was one fairly steep hill that was tight in terms of traffic passing by (again, no shoulder whatsoever). I haven't walked my bike in a LONG time, but decided to do so for safety sake. I wasn't comfortable with cars passing only inches from me on a single speed, no less, which didn't allow me much wobble room to climb. We made it back to our cars and I gave a sigh of relief.

Afterwards, I took an eight mile ride of my own along the W&OD bike trail. Hardly anyone else was out there, and I enjoyed the solitude.

[HillSlugger]

I tried but failed! :(

I knew it was going to be windy so I planned a route that goes up and down a stream valley and mostly protects me from the wind (but not from the hills). This route requires me to drive to a local park for a start so as to keep the total distance doable. So, I load up the bike into the car and drive on over to the park to discover that it was impossible to get in because there were mounds of plowed snow blocking the entrances. So, I head to another park to find that it's never been plowed. Same thing at a third park. Came home, in a pissy mood and no longer wanting to ride. Went for a run instead. Meh...

[nolemom]

I rode 27 miles but it was not the ride I intended. Started with the group and realized right away that my queasy stomach was not settling down as I hoped. I was suppose to do a 65 miler, but cut it short and rode very slowly home by myself. Somehow, it was okay. I kept hearing the mantra of one of the men I ride with - as long as you're riding, it's a good day on the bike.

[DebW]

14.5 miles for me, over Page Hill from both directions twice.

[shootingstar]

Of course..but only 20 kms. or so today. Had to do some grocery shopping for a nice home meal we're preparing to celebrate end of Olympics today. The market was awfully quiet with everyone else glued to a tv screen or going to arena.

Saw the crowds queing up to share in mob outdoor viewing of Canada-U.S. Olympic gold medal hockey game. This one site takes up to 8,000 people. And down the street, we can hear the cheering erupting from the arena for each goal. (seats 20,000 people) And car horns outside blasting in unison.

It is North American sport history happening right now....something like the Superbowl. But then I never followed football.
:)

[moderncyclista]

As soon as the ice melted enough to ride, I was out and about sloshin' around. Makes me think I need slightly wider "winter only" tires. :D Today, I'm planning a short jaunt to a friend's house. Peace, Love, & Bicycles.

[kmehrzad]

I tried but failed! :(

I knew it was going to be windy so I planned a route that goes up and down a stream valley and mostly protects me from the wind (but not from the hills). This route requires me to drive to a local park for a start so as to keep the total distance doable. So, I load up the bike into the car and drive on over to the park to discover that it was impossible to get in because there were mounds of plowed snow blocking the entrances. So, I head to another park to find that it's never been plowed. Same thing at a third park. Came home, in a pissy mood and no longer wanting to ride. Went for a run instead. Meh...

Your efforts have to count for something. Glad you got in a run anyway.

[7rider]

I tried but failed! :(


Oh, that's a bummer. At least you had running as an option.

I got out for my first - and only - ride in the month of February. On the last day of the month. :rolleyes:

Just before we got dressed for the ride, I pivoted with tights in hand, and PING! I threw out my back. Actually, I have this rib that frequently goes out right where it attaches to my spine at mid-back. I just spent two sessions at the chiropractor this past week and was finally getting to the point where I could inhale and not feel as if I were getting stabbed in the back with a knife. And there it went again. Oh. Joy.

So, I spent the last 20 minutes with ice packs on my back, downed 3 ibuprofen pills and off we went to the shop for the ride. The first five miles were great. I felt like it was getting stretched out and was starting to relax. But in the next 5 miles, it started seizing up. Grrrr.

Got in 21 miles - about 10% of my goal for the month - and tonight, it'll be my TENS unit and more ice. Thank you, Pfunk12, for offering to hang back with me in the Park.

[pfunk12]

Got in 21 miles - about 10% of my goal for the month - and tonight, it'll be my TENS unit and more ice. Thank you, Pfunk12, for offering to hang back with me in the Park.

It was great to see you and ride with you! Hope your back feels better. I ended up doing just over 38 miles. Went up Mormon Hill with Eric and the second time up, it was tough and it hurt :eek:

[tribogota]

Rode the regular Sunday training including intervals. Usually I do 15 intervals up this steep hill, down a steep hill, flat, circuit of about 3-4 mins. Today I did 20, my record!

[Flybye]

Got out for 18 miles. Twas a balmy 40 degrees outside. Had to get off the bike 5 times and walk it through snowy patches on the bike trail, but spring is a coming :D:D:D

[Ritamarie]

I really enjoyed reading about everyone's rides. East coast, west coast, middle-coast :-) New Zealand, British Columbia! All in pursuit of the ride today!

[IFjane]

I rode today - only the 2nd time on the road this month. :( Nice, slow ride with a friend who is recovering from breaking the ball of his femur. The wind was brutal, though, and clouds covered us most of the time, which made for a chilly 20 miles. Still, 20 miles is much better than no miles.

[tangentgirl]

I like this measuring in kilometers, it makes it sound very long. Watch this: I rode 62.764416 km today. See? Maybe the US should adopt the metric system.

Mixed it up a little, rode north instead of my usual route south. Climbed a hill I haven't ridden in a few years. Ate a delicious apple at the top. There ya go. Nice ride.

[Crankin]

Deb, where is Page Hill? Always looking for new challenges.

No ride, just a 11K x country ski. As we were approaching our house, we got behind a whole bunch of women riding down Strawberry Hill. I felt jealous, but was tired enough not to try and go out and ride after skiing.
The road bikes come out next weekend. At least I did two rides in January and one in February, on my hybrid.

[PamNY]

Yes! Despite the two feet of snow we had, the bike path and most park paths were cleared. At 40 degrees, the remaining slush wasn't frozen so my 25 miles was easy.

I saw lot of interesting hawk behavior, including nest-building, mating and the chasing away of other birds. I'm watching two nests and looking for a third, so it's a busy season. I'm so grateful that the bike path gets cleared quickly and thoroughly.

[OakLeaf]

Hee hee, I showed up for the club ride and at 38°, it was just me and the Canadian. Too nippy for the Floridians. We did the short 37 mile loop, I couldn't motivate to do 54 with just the two of us.

Besides, it's Bike Week! DH and I rode the motos this afternoon. :)



7rider, ouch, hope you feel better soon. :(

[annielynn]

I did!!! I rode 61 miles in the Tour de Cure in Orlando. My first long ride since buying my bike in August! It was hard but I am so glad that I did it.

[Lemongrass]

Yesterday's ride, as it's Monday lunch time here.

66 kms, or 41 miles. (Had to find a conversion chart as I have no idea how long a mile is). I think I'll stick with metric measurements, it sounds as if I've ridden further!

Rode north to the end of the Canberra suburbs, then home again. Thing was, as I rode north I was riding into a northwesterly wind. As I turned south to come home, the wind shifted to a southerly.

Ah well, that which doesn't kill you etc ...

[five one]

36 rolling miles around the local reservoirs. High cadence ride, so a bit slower than normal. Temps in the high 50's-low 60's. Everything is so green right now. Acacias are blooming (achoo!) and some ornamental fruit trees. Spring in NorCal is nigh...Yay!

[tangentgirl]

Congrats, Annielynn!

[kmehrzad]

I did!!! I rode 61 miles in the Tour de Cure in Orlando. My first long ride since buying my bike in August! It was hard but I am so glad that I did it.

Almost a Metric Century ... good for you. What were you riding?

[marni]

Whoo Hoo I got oout on a bike today, the first ride since getting a clear ct scan after the most recent trailer bike, second head hit in two months incident. We didn't do a great long distance, 30 miles only, but my SAG guy, bless his heart, pulled through the 12 miles of 20 mph headwinds. The big thing is that there was no hesitation ,no confusion no dizziness. My legs are a bit weak and the muscles under my shoulder over the broken ribs are inclined to cramp a bit but other than that it was a good ride so now the weather just has to cooperate while I get back up to speed. I am also restarting with my trainer tomorrow so there will be all sorts of fun and games.:)

marni

[DebW]

Deb, where is Page Hill? Always looking for new challenges.


Between Bedford and Lexington, just north of and parallel to 4/225. Heading east it goes up in several steps - climbs, almost levels, climbs gain, almost levels, climbs a bit more. The other side is a pretty constant grade. Page Rd. in Bedford turns into Grove St in Lexington.

[OakLeaf]

Wow Marni, 30 miles is a LOT for your first ride back. Easy does it is your motto here. Welcome back to the road and hope you aren't too sore today!

[tulip]

I had my first relatively-significant ride in a while on Saturday. 25 miles! Not much, but at least it was outside and not on the trainer. It was still chilly, but my toes were warm in my new winter shoes (thanks, Malkin!)

Even though it's still cold outside, the maple trees are trying to bloom.

[annielynn]

Almost a Metric Century ... good for you. What were you riding?

Thanks ladies! I ride a 2010 Trek 2.1WSD. She was good to me all day. As much as I hated the wind on the way back I was so happy to finish. To top it all off I impressed the hell out of my cycling club and my hubby!!! :) My next goal for 61 miles is to be able to keep up with hubby. Maybe even out cycle him!!

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18149_296222397118_570162118_4512453_7042882_n.jpg

[marni]

Wow Marni, 30 miles is a LOT for your first ride back. Easy does it is your motto here. Welcome back to the road and hope you aren't too sore today!

For me, most days, 30 is a relatively mild training ride as I am more like to do a brisk 50. I''m not sore today but I will be tomorrow since I also started up with my trainer today. Since I should avoid heavy weights and straining for a bit longer, we did an hour of core work, arms and shoulders, and some light stretching. I followed it up with a half hour of cardio intervals, and a half hour of cardio endurance, at moderate rate and elevation on the treadmill. I have a week long week of ridding in the hill country coming up at the first part of april, so I need to have a resemblance of shape by then. I also have the advantage? of knowing my limits of endurance and pain and will not push them or willingly and knowingly injure myself.

thanks for the concern and reminder though

[Red Rock]

I put in somewhere around 20 miles yesterday. My normal loop is roughly 30 and I did not quite make it all the way. I think I have "spring knee". I stopped when I felt my knee ligament start to kick in. I was even conscious about not pushing my knees very much either as I was going up hills and what not. I just hope my knee gets adjusted fairly quickly because it is so nice to ride.

I had no ill effects otherwise. I just need to put more miles in.

Red Rock

[mirliluck]

Yay for the return of cycling weather!

I pulled my Orbea out of the basement last Sunday and she was very happy to not have to hang out with the camping gear and skis any longer. :p

Today will be a 30 mile canyon ride as we'll be in the high 50's today and partly cloudy. Thankfully I've kept up on the spin classes during the winter so I think I'll be good to go. Even got a MTB ride in yesterday, though the trails are still a bit muddy and snow in some places.

[redrhodie]

I started out intending to do a 25 mile hilly ride, and felt so good after the hills that I kept going. Ended up with 40 miles. Really gorgeous day here, bright sunshine and in the mid 40s. I went with one less layer (no base-layer under my jersey) just my Ibex jersey and a jacket, and it was a good call.

I dedicate today's ride to my mom, who would have turned 76 today.

[kmehrzad]

I dedicate today's ride to my mom, who would have turned 76 today.

That's a nice way to celebrate her memory.

[HillSlugger]

I did a bike commute today. I knew that there was some wet weather coming in the evening but the weather reports were saying it would start after dark. Nope. It was a wet, cold ride home.

[kmehrzad]

I had my first relatively-significant ride in a while on Saturday. 25 miles! Not much, but at least it was outside and not on the trainer. It was still chilly, but my toes were warm in my new winter shoes (thanks, Malkin!)

Even though it's still cold outside, the maple trees are trying to bloom.

Hi Tulip, what winter shoes are you using to keep your feet warm? That's an issue I have and I'm still searching for the right shoe/boot.

[HillSlugger]

Hi Tulip, what winter shoes are you using to keep your feet warm? That's an issue I have and I'm still searching for the right shoe/boot.

I have the Lake winter boots. Warm and water resistant. Add some Smart Wool socks and I'm good down to 25F.

[azfiddle]

Finally got out for my weekly 14 mile loop ride after work. Almost 70 degrees- it felt great!

Sharon

[kmehrzad]

I have the Lake winter boots. Warm and water resistant. Add some Smart Wool socks and I'm good down to 25F.

I don't use clipless pedals but have toe clips and straps on my bikes. How would that work with the Lake boots?

[HillSlugger]

I don't use clipless pedals but have toe clips and straps on my bikes. How would that work with the Lake boots?

Depends on how much space you have inside the cages. Since you are not restricted to bike shoes you can look at any insulating winter boot. Do you ordinarily ride with bike shoes or something else? Are you looking for the stiffness you get from bike shoes?

[kmehrzad]

Depends on how much space you have inside the cages. Since you are not restricted to bike shoes you can look at any insulating winter boot. Do you ordinarily ride with bike shoes or something else? Are you looking for the stiffness you get from bike shoes?

Is there someplace local that you know of (MD/VA) that sells Lake boots so I could try them on and see how they work inside a toe cage? Very true about looking at some other type of insulating boot, as well. Maybe I need to do an REI run to see what they have in stock.
I ride with a firm Shimano mountain bike shoe (never put the cleats in the shoes). It's not a mesh shoe so it doesn't allow too much air to flow through, but it's not a very good insulator. I've looked at neoprene booties, but with the opening on the sole for a cleat, I'm concerned that cold air will flow in there. Yes, I would like stiffness PLUS insulation. (I'm not asking for much, am I)? :)

[HillSlugger]

Is there someplace local that you know of (MD/VA) that sells Lake boots so I could try them on and see how they work inside a toe cage? Very true about looking at some other type of insulating boot, as well. Maybe I need to do an REI run to see what they have in stock.
I ride with a firm Shimano mountain bike shoe (never put the cleats in the shoes). It's not a mesh shoe so it doesn't allow too much air to flow through, but it's not a very good insulator. I've looked at neoprene booties, but with the opening on the sole for a cleat, I'm concerned that cold air will flow in there. Yes, I would like stiffness PLUS insulation. (I'm not asking for much, am I)? :)

Sounds like a good winter MTB boot would be good for you. No, I don't know anywhere local to try them. I got my first pair used on Ebay but they turned out to be a little to small. I then ordered a new pair going up half a size and it has worked out well.

[kmehrzad]

Sounds like a good winter MTB boot would be good for you.

I will pursue the winter MTB boot. Thank you for your help.

[Crankin]

Look at the PI Gore Tex winter boots. They are woman specific and pretty much fit like a glove. They look like hiking shoes. I found a pair on line for almost 50% off; if you wear a fairly common size, it may be easier to find.



http://brandscycle.com/product/pearl-izumi-womens-x-alp-mid-gtx-shoe-37651-1.htm

[kmehrzad]

Look at the PI Gore Tex winter boots. They are woman specific and pretty much fit like a glove. They look like hiking shoes. I found a pair on line for almost 50% off; if you wear a fairly common size, it may be easier to find.



http://brandscycle.com/product/pearl-izumi-womens-x-alp-mid-gtx-shoe-37651-1.htm

Thank you. I'll do a search for my size (41).