Rain Rain Go AWAY!

[Susan126]

What is up with our weather lately? It's Friday, May 27th and it's pouring outside my kitchen window! My grass looks great though! Very dark green and thick and lush. No wonder I'm vitamin D deficient and on prescription vitamin D (once a week I have to take a 50,000 capsule of vitamin D). Maybe I'll see Mr. Sun on the east side when we drive over to see our son in Spokane.

On the bright side my hubby bought me a new bike. I hate riding my Specialized Compact Ruby Expert (all carbon frame sweet components like roval wheel set, all ultegra parts) in wet or nasty weather so my training on such days is nil. So Joe bought me a Cannondale Synapse Feminine Alloy 5 Compact. She's beautiful too. She is going to be my winter/wet weather bike. She comes with shimano 105 shifters and cranks but for winter/wet weather riding that will do. Joe said he will upgrade the components as they wear out. So eventually I know she will get a nice upgrade.

This is my Specialized (warm weather summer time bike):

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QAzXKJkYhBc/S__P1pzJCLI/AAAAAAAABNg/Zq0D8v7t9L0/ruby_expert.jpg

and this is my new Canondale Synapse:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QAzXKJkYhBc/S__P1qO1PcI/AAAAAAAABNk/0DDrCezijng/synapse5.PNG

We ordered her last weekend from REI in Seattle (they were out of my size frame) and we picked her up last night. I wanted to take her out for a test ride today but POURING rain is a bit too much for me. So hopefully Monday afternoon when we return from Spokane.

When the weather gets a bit nicer I will take pictures of them both. These pictures I grabbed off the vendor sites.

[Biciclista]

congrats on the new bike. We got new bikes too, but ours have fenders. Why are you buying a fenderless bike for rain riding?

You stole my song. Yes, we're tired of the rain too! (Doesn't that sound funny coming from Seattle?)

[bmccasland]

Yeah, and I think I'm mad for considering moving up there. :rolleyes: I interview via phone next friday. It's hot, muggy, and SUNNY down here in the Big Easy.

hi-jack over

Sweet ride Susan126! Maybe the weather will clear and you can take her for a proper intro spin? :)

[malaholic]

Congrats on the new ride, they are both beauties! You probably won't be able to fit fenders as-is on the cannondale but a shop (or you, if you are a bit handier than I am) can cut a regular pair of fenders and use bridging brackets to get coverage on either side of the brake. That is what I did with my Ruby last year to turn her into a rain bike (I have the Ruby Comp which is lower quality than yours in both frame & components so I don't feel too bad about riding her in the rain.) I was able to take them off by myself and I think I'll be able to put them back on too now that I've seen how it is set up.

I have a confession to make though - I think this crappy weather is all my fault. Irony tends to follow me... I recently bought my "sunny weather only" dream bike, and we've only had rainy weather since then. I've only been able to put 60 miles on her since getting her built which is driving me CRAZY.

I had been struggling to come up with a name/title for the new bike, until yesterday DH suggested that I call her "The Rainmaker". I think that fits perfectly.

[Susan126]

Hey Biciclista I do have fenders for her. Joe bought some that he can easily put onto my bike. I just loved the colors, the feel, and handling of the bike! And I love the light aluminum 6061 frame. So thin and light. Not like the older aluminum bikes I remember. Like my old Trek 2200 with 7005 aluminum frame. My new Cannondale is light. Not as light as my Specialized carbon Ruby but pretty close. And congratulations on your new bikes Biciclista. What kind of bikes did you get?

Bmccasland . . . hot, muggy, and SUNNY! Are you sure you want to give that up to move here? Our falls, winter, and springs can (and usually are) very wet. We have had some freaky nice springs but usually it's wet. Our nice weather begins on July 5th! Right Biciclista? Last year's RAMROD, held on the last Thursday in July, was HOT! Reaching into the 100s. And our nice weather usually lasts through September, sometimes October. But once November arrives the gray blanket arrives and stays until July.

So if you still want to move here, try and make it at least during the summer months so you can enjoy our "perfect" summer weather. Brief but wow so wonderful.

Malaholic . . . so you're the one to blame for this rainy weather?!!! lol . . . so what kind of bike is the rainmaker? :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

I'm with you Susan! Beautiful bike btw... but I am frustrated with this weather, as you already know. Buying a rain only bike would not get me out in it though, so I commend you for being so willing:) I'm sure the east side of Washington won't be raining though, they're lucky over there in that regard.

[lauraelmore1033]

Your rain bike is nicer than my sunday best bike!

[Biciclista]

they are Dahon folding bikes I'll post photos tomorrow after we get them home.
Enjoy your bikes, I'm glad you already have fenders :D

[colby]

I'm with you Susan! Beautiful bike btw... but I am frustrated with this weather, as you already know. Buying a rain only bike would not get me out in it though, so I commend you for being so willing:) I'm sure the east side of Washington won't be raining though, they're lucky over there in that regard.

It's been raining over here pretty much all week, too and supposed to rain most of the weekend. ;) It's mostly been showers intermixed with sprinkles and bouts of hard rain, but definitely no clear skies to speak of for a bit now (and even then there were threatening clouds). It's been a "squeeze in a mostly dry ride here or there once or twice" kind of week. In fact most of the month has been like that, spot days of sun here and there, one hot weekend, otherwise threatening clouds and/or rain, 30-100% chance of precipitation. That said, we probably do have it a little better than you. ;)

Aside from the fact that I'll have to consider sprinklers and lawn care, I'm all for spring turning a little more into summer. ;)

[NbyNW]

bmccasland, don't let them scare you. The PNW is paradise! I would move back there in a second.

It's been a wacky year for weather all over the place. And yes, these late spring rains are strange, but if you move you'll probably go through a period of adjustment adapting to a different climate and different seasons anyway.

I hope you all get some good riding days in soon! I'm doing southern Vancouver Island this weekend, rain or shine, and I am woefully out of shape!

[bmccasland]

... Are you sure you want to give that up to move here? Our falls, winter, and springs can (and usually are) very wet. We have had some freaky nice springs but usually it's wet. Our nice weather begins on July 5th!

But you don't have hurricanes. I want out of the "blow zone". Then there are some professional reasons, that are best discussed over a glass of wine.

[salsabike]

Beth, I too think it's paradise here! You can ride and run all year round. We don't have temperature extremes. I love it.

[MM_QFC!]

But you don't have hurricanes. I want out of the "blow zone". Then there are some professional reasons, that are best discussed over a glass of wine.

another VERY happy transplant to the Pacific Northwest here, and I'd be delighted to welcome with a glass of wine, Beth! :D

[Stellar1]

I too, love the NW. When I travel and fly back home over the Sound I'm always excited to see home.

Now about the rain: I rode out to the Black Diamond Bakery yesterday (Sunday) dodging rain showers. Really it wasn't bad, lots of mist, but no real rain. That's why gortex was invented.

My hubby just had his Orbea Onix re-geared and is chomping at the bit to get in a hill ride. His riding career started when he lived in Hawaii so I have a hard time getting him out in below 65 degree weather.

See you on the road.

Stellar 1 (Rodriguez Stellar, coming up on six years old.):)

[forestbiker]

This is one of the worst Memorial Day weekends ever! :mad:

[Susan126]

Just got back from a weekend in Spokane visiting my son. No rain on Saturday or Sunday. We did have a gray start but by noon the sun broke out and it was breezy and nice. When we left this morning it was raining. Had a great visit with my son. Did not get a ride in so I'll have to ride after work this week or go to the gym.


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/blocks2.jpg
My daughter, my son, and me at Riverfront Park.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/nopedestrians.jpg
Bike trail at Riverfront Park. I believe it goes all the way to Coeur d'alene, ID. I will be visiting my son again this summer and I plan to ride the trail.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/fountain2.jpg
Fountain at the park.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/fountain3.jpg
My daughter and me.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/park.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/park2.jpg
My son and hubby enjoying the sunshine as they munch on mini donuts and milk.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/radioflyer.jpg
Radio Flyer. Not bike wheels but some mighty BIG WHEELS! :)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/slide.jpg
Both of my kids, out of college, in their twenties, and they still act like kids! Weeeeeee!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/slide2.jpg
Look Mom, no hands!

[NbyNW]

We got rain all 3 days for our Memorial weekend ride in Vancouver Island. I didn't bring my rain layers but had a great time anyway!

Beats getting snowed on in Edmonton. :cool:

[MM_QFC!]

I too, love the NW. When I travel and fly back home over the Sound I'm always excited to see home.

Now about the rain: I rode out to the Black Diamond Bakery yesterday (Sunday) dodging rain showers. Really it wasn't bad, lots of mist, but no real rain. That's why gortex was invented.

My hubby just had his Orbea Onix re-geared and is chomping at the bit to get in a hill ride. His riding career started when he lived in Hawaii so I have a hard time getting him out in below 65 degree weather.

See you on the road.

Stellar 1 (Rodriguez Stellar, coming up on six years old.):)

I've got a Stellar too...and since you mention the Black Diamond bakery, it reminded me of my friend Estelle - an amazing person and cyclist, who actually designed the Stellar. She moved out of the Seattle area, but loved that ride, as well as any other ride with a bakery on the route!
There's even an out of print book that she wrote the preface for, Bakeries by Bicycle - A Guide to Puget Sound's Best Bakeries - By Fred Wert. Unfortunately, a numer of the bakeries are no longer in business, but it's uniquely Puget Sound anyway ~
I rode out in the Carnation valley yesterday and also lucked out in avoiding any downpours...the sunshine and blue skies this afternoon was a nice surprise, so I fit in a walk since I didn't have my bike with me...
Tailwinds!
Mary

[Susan126]

Black Diamond Bakery . . . one of my favorite stopping spots!

Carnation . . . one of my favorite riding spots!

Glad to see a lot of people got out on their bikes this crazy weather weekend. So, when can we say good bye to this weather pattern? I'm ready for 70 and up temps with plenty of blue sky and sunshine.

Jessica, I read at the cascade forum that the training rides were canceled due to rain. Did you get out this weekend?

[colby]

Bike trail at Riverfront Park. I believe it goes all the way to Coeur d'alene, ID. I will be visiting my son again this summer and I plan to ride the trail.

It sure does. From downtown Spokane, there is a paved MUP-like section that takes you just past Gonzaga, then there's a nice bike lane for about 10 or so miles to Spokane Valley. From there, it goes back to MUP for about 20 or so miles to Post Falls (over the Idaho border), then some turns on the road, then back to MUP for about 5 miles into Coeur d'Alene, then some turns on the road, then back to MUP alongside the road on a nice lakeside tour of Lake Coeur d'Alene. We usually have wind going one way or the other (as I'm sure you enjoyed even though it was sunny ;)) that changes a little as you cross the river and again in Coeur d'Alene along the lake, but it varies. The trail is generally flat, with some rollers, and a couple of hills toward the Coeur d'Alene end.

If you go the other direction from downtown, you can connect to Riverside State Park (probably 5 or so miles the other way). I can't vouch for that part of the trail, I can't ever figure out how it connects by myself going East to West and riding through Riverfront Park sometimes drives me nuts. ;)

Happy riding! Glad you brought some nice weather for a couple days and enjoyed the red wagon and giant blocks (and garbage goat, I presume). :)

[Susan126]

Colby it looks like I will be doing three things on my next visit. 1. Visit my son, 2. Ride the trail, and 3. Do some exploring! :D

I ordered a beautiful map a month or two ago of the entire trail system. It's in color, lists points where you can park, connections everything. So with my map and bike with me this summer I will be ready for a wonderful ride and a great adventure. :)

The garbage goat is one cool critter. It scared me at first; the air suction is strong. Now where does all that garbage go? :confused: :p

[XMcShiftersonX]

Jessica, I read at the cascade forum that the training rides were canceled due to rain. Did you get out this weekend?

No, I didn't. It was raining :( This Thursday it looks like it's not supposed to rain so I think I'll try to do Tiger Mountain from the house. It's almost 40 miles, with two big hills (one being Tiger Mountain :D). I still want to do the 100 mile Flying Wheels ride, but it all depends on the weather and if I get enough training in until then. I think I'll wait to register until the morning of, just in case it ends up raining the day of, because I'm not going to do it if it's raining. The way things have been going, that seems like a very real possibility!

What about you, get any rides in lately? My husband did this 40 mile loop by our house today that's pretty hilly, I'm jealous. I spent the day at the Harborview Trauma Conference instead!

[Susan126]

No I didn't get a ride in this Memorial Day weekend. Joe, Jackie, and me went to Spokane to visit Aaron so zero riding accomplished. After work today I went out on my new Cannodale and got 5 miles in before returning home. It began raining and I just didn't feel in the mood for a ride in the rain. My last big ride was Sunday, May 23rd, 85 miles. I'm going to try and ride on Thursday after work (according to the weather report our nicest day this week) and then do either the 70 or 100 mile route of the Peninsula Metric this weekend.

I will keep thinking sun sun sun for your Thursday ride Jessica! :)

[Biciclista]

your son is VERY HANDSOME! and what a great park you guys went to..
sun? uh. hm. i remember that.

[Susan126]

Thanks Biciclista! It was so nice seeing him this last weekend. :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

Yay! Finally got to ride outside for the first time in ohhh.... 2 weeks?? I did 45.6 miles, and I would estimate about 3,000 feet of climbing. But I was definitely feeling it and did a much slower pace than usual. However, I did two big hills that always scare me, Tiger Mountain, and 140th. If the weather does what it's supposed to I'll get in two similar rides on Monday and Tuesday (I have to work this weekend). I hope everyone got to enjoy some bike time today, FINALLY!!!

[Susan126]

Yeah Jessica! So happy you got out yesterday and rode! It was a beautiful day. I wish I could have gone out first thing in the morning but I had to work. But I did go for a quick 20 mile ride immediately after work. :D It does look like Monday and Tuesday will indeed be very dry days. :)

I only have two more weeks of work and then bring on my summer break! I can't wait! :D

[XMcShiftersonX]

Yeah Jessica! So happy you got out yesterday and rode! It was a beautiful day. I wish I could have gone out first thing in the morning but I had to work. But I did go for a quick 20 mile ride immediately after work. :D It does look like Monday and Tuesday will indeed be very dry days. :)

I only have two more weeks of work and then bring on my summer break! I can't wait! :D

Ahhh! That's so nice... I wish I could have a summer break from work. I definitely need a mental break. I'm taking a week off during STP, and then another week in August.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Sue - how did the Peninsula ride go?

[Susan126]

Jessica I didn't go! I woke up at 5:00 AM this morning to a down pour outside my bedroom window and said, "NO WAY!" and went straight back to bed. I just didn't feel like riding in the rain today. I did ride yesterday, not a long ride, but I did ride. Needless to say I need to RIDE as many days as I can this week! So right after work tomorrow I intend on getting a 30-45 mile ride in and that goes for Tuesday, and Wednesday, and any day this week that's nice. It looks like a pretty decent week too.

So are you going to ride tomorrow and Tuesday? The Flying Wheels is this Saturday and it looks like it's going to be sunny. I'm looking forward to it. I want to start early. Like right at 8:00 AM and just take my time and try and finish the 100 mile course. :) At least that's the plan!

[Susan126]

Okay what happened to the weather? I thought today was supposed to be nice. Hmmmmm maybe by the time I get off work at 3:00 today it will be a bit nicer. Tomorrow looks like a beautiful day.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Sue -

That's too bad about the rain! I couldn't remember if the ride was Sat or Sun, I was hoping it was Saturday for your sake, but that's too bad - Sunday was awful! I was at work, but driving to work I was hydroplaning the whole way, so it definitely was not a good day for any ride let alone a 100 mile one with 7,000 feet of climbing! So good call.

I don't know what happened with the weather today. Robbie and I were going to go for a ride this morning, but it was crappy, so we didn't. However, we're crossing our fingers for tomorrow. Hopefully, we will finally do the full Lake Washington Loop, which is 50 miles, and if we're feeling good maybe add the Cedar River trail just for the mileage, since it's totally flat.

I'm leaning towards doing the 65 miler for Flying Wheels. I think I'll still register on the day of, JUST IN CASE it rains that morning. I wanted to do the 100 miler so bad, but I don't want to be miserable either. Maybe after tomorrow's ride I'll be able to gauge what I'm capable of at this point. It may also come down to the day of the ride at the point where you can either go one way for the 65 miler, or the other way for the 100. Someone told me I shouldn't decide until I get to that point anyways, so maybe it's good advice! :) Have you done this ride before? Do you know if all the routes start together, and then break off at different point to extend them? My other friend and her sister aren't sure if they're doing the 45 or 65 miler, but they also want to start at 8. So maybe we could all start together? I think their pace is a little slower than mine, but I haven't ridden with them in a very long time. I, too, would like to take my time with this ride though.

[malaholic]

For Flying Wheels all the routes start together; the decision point for 65 vs 100 miles comes at about 32 miles. The route gets a lot less crowded after people finally split at that point.

I have only ridden Flying Wheels once (officially - I ride parts of the route quite often), but what I remember most about it is not the ride, but how freaking long it took to park at Marymoor. Even though we were there early trying to get an early start so was everyone else. It took us almost an hour from the time we entered the Marymoor (from West Lake Sammamish entrance) til the time we actually got to park. Maybe the East Lake Sammamish entrance would have been faster. Anyway my advice would be either get there well ahead of when you want to start, or better yet, park somewhere in Redmond and ride over to Marymoor instead.

[Susan126]

Jessica it looks like you hit the jack pot. Today is going to be beautiful. Mid 70s and sunny! :) I'm getting ready for work right now but as soon as the clock says 3:00 (I might just have to leave a bit early today :p) I'm out the door for an after work ride. Maybe 30 or even 40 miles?

I have done the Flying Wheels. Joe and I rode the 70 mile course last year. Malaholic is right, around mile 32 you have the option of turning right for the 100 mile course or left for the 70 mile course. And she's also right about the parking. Get there early. We were backed up on the ramp and then onto I405 for our exit to Marymoore last year! Cars with bike racks as far as you can see. I registered early and received my registration packet in the mail. So as soon as I park and get my bike ready I will be ready to roll. I want to start promptly at 8:00 AM. And yes we can start together if you're ready to go around 8'ish or so. :D

Have a great ride today. Don't forget to come and post it so we can all see how it went today. I'll post my after work ride in the evening. I'm thinking if I start around 3:30 - 4:00 I should be finished by 7:00-8:00. I love these long days of light!

:) Sue

[MM_QFC!]

Hi there...Sue, you're right, it's usually a zoo at the start...and I am sure that you're probably already aware, but Cascade is having the start line (and parking) on the East side of Marymoor park this year; I think that the Cirque du Soleil presence as well as other events is figuring into that change.

Whatever it is, it's best to not even go near the West Lake Sammamish Parkway entrance to Marymoor - unless, of course, you like sitting in traffic gridlock :mad:

here's the info, map and directions from the Cascade site:

http://www.cascade.org/EandR/flying/FW_Details.cfm

It's going to be a gorgeous day - ride safely and have fun!
Mary

[XMcShiftersonX]

Well.... Robbie and I did the Lake Wa loop today, it was the first time I've done the whole route. It was an all right route. It's weird though because the last couple long rides I've done, I've felt like my body gets really stiff early on (my low back hurts more and so does the front of my crotch. We just flipped the stem on my bike over so my handlebars are lower, I don't know if this is the problem, or if it's just a matter of getting used to the change), it seems like I start feeling my muscles cramp around 40 miles, and my average was only 13.9, which is better than my last ride, but is not the 14.something I was averaging a month or so back, with more climbing! The climbing was only like 1900 today, WTF??? I felt really tired after and it was only 50 miles. It's frustrating because I was doing 40 mile rides with this much climbing in January, and thought I was doing good. And I just know that if I was able to keep that up, if the weather had been nice these last couple of months, I would be able to do the century no problem! Argghh... Needless to say, I think I'll be sticking with the 65 miler on Saturday, and hope I won't die. Sue, do you just want to call my cell a few minutes before you start, and hopefully I'll also be ready. If my pace is slower than yours, feel free to go on ahead. Given today's ride, I'm not going to be pushing myself very hard, so I don't wear myself out.

[Susan126]

I think the problem is not enough rides this spring! And it's been a tough spring with this dang wet rainy weather we've been having. I know I would have liked to bike a lot more than I have been. The last long ride I did was the weekend before Memorial Day. I did 85 miles and I felt great! Since then I've only done a few 15 to 35 mile rides. I'll see how it goes at the turning point (right for the 100 mile course and left for the 65 mile course) on Saturday. I did get out yesterday after work and did an out and back with a total of 31 miles. I had a strong headwind (last night's storm) blowing in on my return but I pushed through it. I felt fine but after dinner my legs began to feel heavy. This morning they feel okay again. I will do that Jessica. I will call you a few times on Saturday morning. It would be fun if we could ride the first 32 miles (and maybe the enter ride) together. Like I said at mile 32 (decision time) I will see how my legs and I feel. I'm watching the morning weather report right now and Saturday looks GORGEOUS! :D Sunny with a high of 77. Sunday even looks better reaching into the 80s they say.

Mary you aren't doing the Flying Wheels this year? Oh you know I will be there early to beat the traffic. I learned my lesson last year!

[HipGnosis6]

The weather's supposed to be lovely this weekend, so all of you turning out for Flying Wheels will have a pretty nice day of it.

Sunday I'm making a dry run on my current commute route. It's a seven mile round trip. Compared to all of you talking about riding centuries, I feel like a wimp - but that's a milestone for me, since I haven't ridden much in a long, long while. I used to bike the Ballard bridge daily, so the Eastlake bridge should be a snap. It's the gently uphill return trip that makes me nervous!

[XMcShiftersonX]

Sue -

I think you're right! Doing a long ride every two weeks is not healthy! But unfortunately, seems to be the only thing I'm able to do lately. I think even if all I did was short rides but frequently I would be feeling a lot better right now. I'm sure once this weather gets better and I'm riding all the time like last summer, it'll be fine!

[Stellar1]

Would anyone like to buy a STP spot? Mr. Stellar has had some bad news and needs to go in for heart surgery next week. I'm still planning on doing at least 1/2 of the ride, not sure about the whole thing. May be quite busy with other stuff. I've been riding between rain showers as much as possible, plan on a long ride Sat or Sun. :) Sterllar 1

[XMcShiftersonX]

So it's our big day tomorrow Sue! The more I think about it, the more I want to wait until the decision point and still keep the century a possibility. That may be crazy, but I'm going to bring enough stuff for 100, and just see how it goes. I had my heart set on the 100 awhile ago, so it's hard to let go of my goal! I'm planning on waking up at 5:30 tomorrow, leaving by 6, Getting to Marymoor at about 6:30, allowing myself an hour to park (like you guys recommended), and the earliest I can register looks like 7:30. So I plan to be put together before then, and hopefully be ready to ride by 8. I'm going to look silly but I plan to to be wearing my orange sleeveless jersey, and black assos shorts, possibly with arm and leg warmers. It looks like it'll be cool in the morning, but heat up pretty quick, and I don't want to bring a bunch of clothes with me! I look forward to seeing you there!

-Jessica

[Susan126]

Good morning! It is gorgeous this morning. It looks like it is going to be a perfect day for a ride. I'm drinking down my coffee and eating breakfast and then I will be off for Marymoor. I'll call you when I arrive Jessica! :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

It was a great ride today Sue! Thanks for sticking with me and motivating me to complete my goal of doing the century! I'm so glad I did it.

[Susan126]

It was a great ride Jessica! Thanks for riding with me too! I really enjoyed your company! You are definitely ready for the STP! After all those hills the rolling/flat ride of the STP will be a cinch! I'm glad I finally got my century in too. This weekend's CATS ride (73 miles) will be breeze after riding the 100 mile Flying Wheels Summer Century! :p

Now I just need to get out after work this week and do some 20 milers. It looks like our weather pattern is improving. So happy about this good news.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Aww I wish I could come this weekend for the CATS ride... it would be nice to do a long distance ride with the group that felt easy, haha! I'm planning on doing a 22 mile flat ride at a slow pace today to recover (hopefully I'll actually make it out there). Maybe I will also ride tomorrow, something a little harder than today's ride but still easy, like the S. Lake Wa loop or something.

-Jessica

[Susan126]

Did you get your 22 mile flat ride in yesterday Jessica? I did an easy flat 15 miles yesterday and my legs felt great. Today after work I plan to do an easy out and back about a 30 mile ride. Slight up hill grade on the way out (about 2% - 3%) coming back is always a bit faster! :) Yea, wish you could make this Saturday's CATS ride too. 73 miles should be fun.

My legs are feeling stronger and stronger. I think I will be ready for my big rides this summer. Such a great feeling! :D

[XMcShiftersonX]

I did get out for the 22 miler yesterday. It was okay. My back is still sore, so that was kind of painful. I think I'll take today off from riding and just relax. I might do a 32 mile ride on Thursday with my friend though, it would be at a slower pace than usual though. How are your feet doing, I know they were bothering you on the ride?

[Susan126]

Sorry to hear your back is sore Jessica. You should try Hot Yoga. It really makes all my aches and pains vanish. It's amazing. My gym offers the classes and my daughter and I usually go once a week (sometimes twice). You can really get some good stretches in when your muscles are so warm from the 105 degree temperature in the sauna where the yoga classes take place.

Here's a link to a description of the class at my gym's web site:
Hot Yoga (http://www.primefitness.com/index.php?CURRENT_PAGE_ID=238)

Well I did a 29 mile ride today after work. I think I'll rest Tuesday and Wednesday and try and ride again Thursday. My foot didn't hurt on today's ride but it really was painful the last 20 miles on Saturday's century ride. The little massage I gave it at the last rest stop helped. I don't know what's up with my right foot. Ever since I had surgery on it in 2005 it's just been acting up.

[XMcShiftersonX]

What type of surgery did you have on your foot, again? I know you said it during our ride, but I couldn't hear everything all that well while we were riding. I was reading up on proper training for ultracycling, and hot spots don't seem too uncommon. It did say if you get hot spots on your feet to take your shoes off at rest stops and massage them, so I think you did the right things. I don't know what else will help... Maybe stretch your feet and all of your toes regularly while riding.

My back finally doesn't hurt today! It was on the left, kind of in the middle of my back. I think it's just a matter of getting used to the position on my bike. I was doing a lot of stretching these last couple days. It was a sore feeling, like my back muscles had been really fatigued. Hopefully that will get better with time. I hadn't had that problem before. But then again I never spent that much time on my bike at once either.

I used to do Bikram/hot yoga a lot actually! I haven't done it in probably a year and a half now though. I've been riding my bike all year round, and then I got my gym membership in Dec. instead. LA Fitness doesn't offer Bikram, and the place I went to before is a Bikram-only place, and I didn't want to pay for both... I don't have time to enjoy both anyways! But it is a great workout and I really enjoyed it.

Also, do you know the time that we finished on Saturday? I forgot to look down at my clock at the end. Did you end up getting a massage? I did, it was great! I think I'll make it a regular thing after these long rides. I'll probably do one 15 minute one each day for STP. How long are you guys staying in Portland after the ride?

It doesn't look like the weather is going to be all that great tomorrow, unfortunately. I might just have to go to the gym with my friend instead. I was going to ride today in Tacoma with some of my co-workers after I renewed my CPR certification but the weather wasn't very nice for that either, so we skipped it!

[Susan126]

I'm happy to hear that your back is finally feeling better. Back pain is one of the worst pains. And I've had my share of painful backs. Now it seems it's my right foot's turn to give me grief. I had bunion surgery in 2005. Specifically a lapidus procedure. I've noticed after about 70-80 miles of cycling the ball of my foot, my big toe, and the top of my foot begins to burn and get painful. I have to stop and massage it and that usually helps. I hope with my increase in mileage and training my foot builds up and strengthens and that the foot pain will eventually disappear.

We finished around 4:13 or 4:23 Jessica, my total ride time was 6:43 and my cyclometer showed that I did 98.68 miles. I thought about riding around the parking lot to get that "100" but my hunger overcame me and I headed straight for the food booth! lol I was going to get a massage but there seemed to be a wait and I wanted to get home before six so I decided to leave. I should have gotten the massage. But my hubby took me out to dinner (that is after I showered and cleaned up first). Then we went home and I crashed.

I will be doing the STP in one day and we reserved a room on Saturday, July 17th at the Marriott Courtyard in Portland right near Lloyd Center. Right next to the finish! Our checkout is the next day. We may stay and hang around for a while; maybe have a late breakfast and then head back home. We'll see as the time grows nearer.

Yea our weather this week has been chilly, wet, and gloomy. But the weekend looks good again! My last ride this week was on Monday, a 29 miler. I'll be ready for Saturday's 73 miles. It should be easy ;) after last weeks hilly century.

So did you ride or go to the gym today? :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

Maybe you could get a gel pad insert for the ball of your foot. That might help! Honestly, I think what hurt me the most after the ride was the bad sunburn I got on the back of my shoulders! Unfortunately, it's now starting to peel instead of turning in to a nice tan. ;)

I actually ended up going for a spontaneous ride today. It wasn't looking too good weather-wise, but when I looked up the forecast it said it was just going to be gloomy, but no rain. My friend Amber was supposed to have come over for a ride or the gym, but she bailed on me at the last minute, and then a co-worker of mine actually texted me and asked if I wanted to come up to Tacoma for a ride, so I did. It was only 13 miles, but it had a fair amount of hills, and he rides at a good pace. It was fun!

Have fun this weekend! I'll be at work, of course... But I'm going to ask my husband if he wants to do the ride to his parent's house in Puyallup and back on Mon or Tues, which is around 70 miles and incorporates a lot of the STP route in it. I haven't done it yet, but I guess it's not too hilly, just miles.

[Susan126]

What a ride I had on yesterday's CATS ride! The rain coming down as I pulled out of my garage should have been a sign. But up north it was dry as a bone. Cloudy yes but dry. But the system was hitting the south sound and where did the ride route take us, you got it south. So instead of my Specialized carbon ruby bike (the one I've been riding on every single training ride. My high end bike) I decide to ride my new aluminum Cannondale (with the lower end components on it). Except for a few short rides on her this was the first long ride. What a difference between the two bikes. I normally ride at the head of the pack but yesterday I couldn't even hang on to the end of the pack. I was dropped. The ride leader was an awesome guy. He waited for me at all of the rest stops. Finally when we reached Ravensdale I told him and the other six riders to just go on without me. I knew the course and I didn't want to hold them up with the approaching rain. So after Ravensdale I was alone. I made it to the supermall and had only 18 miles left of the 73 when the downpour began. Riding my aluminum bike with cranks that felt stiff and wheel sets that hardly rolled and with the rain now coming down in sheets I had enough. PLUS a new saddle! I broke one of the golden rules regarding riding a long ride on a new saddle. My a$$ was raw and sore. I kept standing to releave it. After 55 miles the rain, my butt, and the bike . . . it just all got to me. So I called my husband and he came and picked me up at the supermall and drove me back to the Bellevue park and ride where my car was sitting. This ride was harder than last week's 100 mile course of the flying wheels. Lesson learned. Never ride a new bike in a training ride and now that I know it's capabilities and mine on it, if it is wet and I have to ride the aluminum bike I will move down to CTS and only ride CATS when I'm on my Ruby. I would love to upgrade all the components on my Cannondale (the wheel set, the cranks, the derailleurs, and the brakes) but I think that will have to wait until next year.

My last day of work is tomorrow, Monday, June 21st. I see there is a CTS pre-ride to check out the course for Saturday's ride and I think I will sign up and ride it (weather is supposed to be nice). 88 miles. They are stopping in Buckley for lunch! Should be fun.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Aww Susan! I'm sorry your ride was so crappy! I guess we all have a couple of those....

When is the CTS pre-ride? Do they have the same speed groups as the weekend rides? I might join in on that if I'm off.

That's cool that you're done with work for a little while. Maybe we can go on some rides together now. Because of my work schedule I end up mainly riding during the week. If we end up riding on Tuesday, do you want me to let you know? I'm not sure if we're going to ride on Monday or Tuesday.

[Susan126]

Yea it was pretty crappy but I learned a big lesson. Yes, I'm going to do the CTS pre-ride this Wednesday. It starts from Kent Park and Ride and it's 88 miles long. The course goes up to Enumclaw, into Buckley, through the back side of Bonney Lake, down into Sumner, pick up the Interurban Trail to finish. Lunch stop in Buckley. Rating is moderate which is 14-16 on the Cascade web site. It's a preview ride of the course for Saturday's CTS training ride. I've ridden with the ride leader before. He keeps a good pace and he's an excellent ride leader. Start is 8:30 AM. If the sun is out I will be there. Here's a link with more info on the ride:

Tuesday Ride Information (http://www.cascade.org/EandR/Activities_Calendar_RDetail.cfm?eventID=14141)

I'm celebrating today. My last day of work until fall. :) Kids are dismissed at 10:30 then staff will gather for our annual bbq and good bye presentations. And today is the official first day of summer! :D

Yes, we can ride together on the weekdays. Let me know the days you will be off Jessica! Will you be off the weekend we do the CATS 130 mile ride on Whidbey Island? It's on Saturday, July 3rd. That should be a good one! :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

Oh okay, I didn't know the ride was tomorrow! My husband and I were planning on doing a long ride tomorrow. We'd like to go on that one, but it's too early in the morning and someone has to take care of the dog!

I think we'll leave around 11am from our house, go down the Cedar River Trail, do Tiger Mountain, continue on a route that will lead us to the Black Diamond area, to the Interurban Trail, then back up probably to the Cedar River Trail again so we can go up the 140th St. hill, to our home. That will give us two really steep hills (8-12% grades), and probably about 70 miles total.

I'm looking forward to this weekend's CATS ride... 100 miles, but less than 2,000 feet of climbing! It should be pretty good after Flying Wheels. I won't be able to make it to the 130 mile ride though, I work that weekend :(

[Susan126]

The ride is Wednesday. I thought it was today too but my mistake. That's okay because today is my first full day off. Gee I love summer break! :D Anyway, I cleaned my entire house and went through my pantry and filled a large box with canned goods and food that I am going to donate to the food bank. I'm finishing my last load of laundry and then I'm going for a short ride in the sunshine. Tomorrow I will do the CTS pre-ride.

So did you and your husband ride today? Cedar River Trail, Tiger Mountain, Black Diamond, and returning on Interurban and back to Cedar River . . . now that's a good loop! :)

Yes the elevation for this week's CATS ride is disappointing but I'll make up for it on my weekday rides. I have a few routes I do with plenty of climbing and elevation. I hope the weather is nice for Saturday's ride. See you there Jessica! :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

I'm not at all disappointed that this weekend's ride has barely any climbing!! Finally, a long flat ride! My husband doesn't let me get away with that:)

Yes, we got a ride in, but we shortened it a lot. It was only about 40 miles with just over 2,000 feet of climbing. We left from our house, went down the Cedar River Trail, did Tiger Mountain, went down the street we came up, took lake Francis road to Petrovitsky and back home. I don't know what it is about this ride but it always kicks my butt. I've been doing it since January and it never gets easier. I think it's because there are a lot of steep climbs.

Anyways, I work on Wednesday, so I won't be there for that. But I'll see you Saturday!

[Susan126]

Jessica, you will be doing hills on this Saturday's CATS ride. They changed the route. It's now Tiger Mountain. Start is the same but they are not going to Flaming Geyser, instead they are doing a loop that is more hilly and that will include Tiger Mountain!

I did a 89.32 mile ride yesterday. It was posted at the bike club's web site. We broke up into three groups, fast, medium, and slow. I was in the medium group and our average after almost 90 miles (with quite a few STEEP hills) was 14.5. We stopped in Enumclaw for lunch around mile 48. On Friday I'm going to do a more easy fun ride, 35 miles from Kent Park and Ride to Sumner for lunch and then back. Then the CATS ride on Saturday.

Glad to see you and your husband got out on Tuesday for a ride. How long of a climb is Tiger Mountain. I've done it a few times but never can remember the total mileage. I just know it's long and steep!

Today I will be running around. I have to run up to the mall and buy some new bed sheets, a birthday gift for a good friend, and then later in the afternoon I'm going to help my daughter move some boxes and things into her new apartment. I'll treat her to lunch too. :)

[XMcShiftersonX]

Hmmm, I don't know how long Tiger Mountain is exactly, I always forget to look at my odometer right before and then right after... A couple miles anyways, and about half way through it kicks up from about 5% to 11% grade.