May 5th rides

[Crankin]

Did a 30 mile club ride today,in the North Andover/Topsfield area. I have been on most of these roads with Denise G. (for those of you who remember her) and in fact, the ride started right by where she lives. It was mostly flat with one smaller climb in the middle. The pace was fast for this group; when we stopped in the middle of the ride, at the top of the hill, my average was 16. After that, we slowed a bit, causing me to move up to the front and I ended up being a "human arrow" at the last turn, a very busy intersection. One kid in a truck yelled, "F****n bikers" at me when I was standing by the intersection pointing the way for the riders. I was not in the middle of the road! I called him an a**hole, despite the fact I was in earshot of a very nice police officer who was at a construction site and helped the riders get through a difficult left turn.
It's 80 degrees, low humidity, and just gorgeous out. Beautiful ponds, wetlands, and farms on this ride. At the end, we ate lunch at the college where the ride started. Too bad I have to go to class tonight!

[Tri Girl]

I left for work an hour earlier than normal and took an extra long detour around the lake on my way to work. It was so cool and calm (and extra buggy). I might have to do that again- it was soooo nice and peaceful!
Caught the sun coming up over the lake.

[shootingstar]

20 kms. I think. Then grocery shopping.

Many hrs. later..I discovered I missed a whale sighting in water close to home!! :eek:
http://insidevancouver.ca/2010/05/05/40-foot-gray-whale-spotted-downtown/

I rode by this area but at the time it might have occurred later during the day. It is VERY rare that whale, wild dolphins swim area in this water body. usually they are several hundred kms. out in the water. Far from Vancouver.

[owlice]

I got back a bit ago from my ride. I'm trying to banish my inner wuss, she who quails at riding in the dark, in bad weather, and so on, so I set out just before 9 PM for an 11-mile ride on my usual trail through the woods and around the lake. I had the lake to myself; I saw only 5 other people, two cyclists (one with no lights whatsoever) and three runners, on the trail.

Bunnies on the trail are to night-riding what squirrels are to daytime driving: pea-brained and harboring a death-wish.

[Selkie]

I got back a bit ago from my ride. I'm trying to banish my inner wuss, she who quails at riding in the dark, in bad weather, and so on, so I set out just before 9 PM for an 11-mile ride on my usual trail through the woods and around the lake. I had the lake to myself; I saw only 5 other people, two cyclists (one with no lights whatsoever) and three runners, on the trail.

Bunnies on the trail are to night-riding what squirrels are to daytime driving: pea-brained and harboring a death-wish.

Isn't riding at night wonderful? I have to do it out of necessity but have come to love it. Bonus---no need for sunscreen. ;)

You're right about the Bunnies---there are certain sections of my route that are bunny territory and I really have to be alert for them. Unfortunately, I have hit some, despite my best efforts. I regularly see foxes, raccoons, rats, owls, cats, and deer, too (while decidedly urban, Arlington has more than its share of wildlife!). Once, I saw a skunk!

[TriMom217]

I RODE MY BIKE!! for the first time this season and did not die :) did a 15 mile loop near home and LIKED it! the last time I did this ride I was miserable and thought of selling the bike LOL

can't wait to get back out :)

[owlice]

mickchick, I've enjoyed my (few) night rides and was glad I took them, but I'm not at the point of loving them yet; I'm still a little nervous. I hope to get over that!

I rode at night on Saturday, too, and saw beavers (!) next to the lake. I don't know that they even looked up as I rode past. I also startled a deer, but that happens regularly during daylight hours. I didn't see anything cool I could identify last night, just the usual scrambled-brain bunnies.

TriMom, YAY!!!!!!!

[kmehrzad]

Owlice,

I love night riding, too, but don't get to do it that often. The Potomac Pedalers Touring Club is holding a Moonlight Monument Ride on 5/22. I've gone on several of these rides and thoroughly enjoyed them along with seeing the monuments in DC lit up at night. Consider coming out for this one. Here are the details. (By the way, you don't need to be a member to do the ride.)

ALL levels * 15 miles * Meet up at 8 PM * Tenleytown, DC
Moonlight Memorial Monument Ride. Gather at 8, snacks available. Rides depart 8:30 til 9. Start location will be posted on the bikepptc.org and bike123.com -(usually Tenleytown, DC, so plan on that area). A tradition started in 1981 - See our Nation's Capitol as few have. Past rides toured the Capitol, Washington Monument, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial, and Georgetown and Hains Point on the banks of the serene rippling night time Potomac. Illuminated granite buildings, quiet streets, easy parking, and low traffic will contribute to a memorable experience. Participants will be given a cue sheet and receive limited mechanical support from roving mechanics on bikes, but we suggest that bikes be in working shape before beginning the 15 mile ride. Bikes must be equipped with working lights, and organizers will have some available at special prices. Support provided by Mt Airy Bicycles/College Park Bicycles. See www.bike123.com for updates.
Linda and Larry Black 301/831-5151

[lo123]

Yesterday was the third week of a new ride I'm leading. 5 people, including myself, mostly climbed for the first 5 miles then cruised a bit before an awesome descent. Then climbed halfway back up the mountain to go back to the start :)

18 miles total. Slowish pace (around 13), but fun.

[owlice]

kmehrzad, thanks for that information; that's a ride I can certainly consider!