Rain

[m.eliza]

I need to whine for a minute, and I think some of you other New Englanders might be sharing my frustrations right now.

I can't take this weather anymore. It's one thing to ride in the rain (that can actually be fun when it's warm), but to ride in pouring rain when it's 45 degrees is another scenario altogether.

Training on a schedule is very important to me. If I don't stick to it, I'll lose all momentum I've built so far this season. But it's kind of hard to keep motivation high when you look out the window and can almost feel the ice cold water sneaking into your rain booties and through your shoes, running off your helmet in streams, and spraying fiercely in all directions off your wheels.

Call me weak, but after being sent home from a group ride a few weeks ago with mild hypothermia, I promised myself I'd never get into that situation again. I can imagine few worse feelings.

I hate cycling indoors, but I may hate this more. I think it's time to bite the bullet and get on the trainer tonight...

Happy training, everyone. Here's to the sun's prompt return.

[indysteel]

I feel your pain. The weather in the Midwest has been wet and cold (minus last week) too. As bummed as I've been about it, I have to remind myself that so many people are truly suffering in the U.S. because of the weather. It keeps things in perspective. Just hang in there. I, personally, having been running more. It's far less weather dependent.

[Savra]

I'm having the same problem here in WNY. I got in a good week of riding and then this lovely wet weather hit. I'm going stir crazy. Although, I'm thinking I should just suck it up and go for a cold, wet ride. And then I step outside. I thought maybe watching the Tour of California riders ride around Tahoe in the snow would give me courage to go riding in the rain - but then they cancelled so I couldn't use that as motivation. Time to do a sun dance? There are rain dances - isn't there a sun dance?? Or even just a "please stop being cold" dance?

[Eden]

no better out here.... we haven't had any consistently nice weather up in the PNW for about 2 years.... other than a nice day here and there (today!) its either been cold and wet (most of the time) or around 100 (a few days last summer)....

[Becky]

Same here. Thank goodness for my gym membership, or I really would be off my rocker by now.

[spokewench]

Well, we have had horrible winds for days and days and days! And, now, we're supposed to get rain and wind for the next two days (it will be cold enough at night to snow too!). I'm really tired of this too!

[Catrin]

I am considering actually purchasing a trainer....in MAY!!!!!!!! Yikes! Hopefully things will break soon...

[Crankin]

Once March comes, we put the trainers away. It's a pain to bring the bikes in from their shed and set up everything for the trainer.
Yes, this weather sucks. It's driving me nuts. And I am not "training" for anything, but my miles are severely lacking this year. Yesterday I ran on my treadmill and lifted weights. This morning, I couldn't face that again, so I went outside and walked briskly with DH at 6:30 AM. It was 45 degrees and intermittently pouring and misting. DH, who never walks or runs as fast as me decided to go out fast from the beginning. Half way through the walk, I feel my hamstring calling out. It's really hurting now. I was just walking too fast for the temperature, early time, etc. It had better feel better tomorrow. I came home and did yoga for 35 minutes and stretched, so hopefully it will help.
I am thinking of putting on my rain gear and riding my hybrid, if even for 10 miles tomorrow. It has fenders, so I can take it. I might also check out some health clubs. I am starting to wish I had the option of a spin class or step class or something...

[hirakukibou]

Arg!! The weather is driving me crazy too. I went to Cape Cod over the weekend. Sunday we went for a ride in the AM and it started out wet and misty then it got actually sunny for about an hour! We lucked out because then it poured. But I actually got in a 42 mile ride that day. Monday and Tuesday we went out in the AM in the rain-- really short rides especially Tuesday where we went out 20 minutes before it poured.

When DH and I were on a group ride last Saturday he said to the guy next to him, "Well, February is almost over." The guy said, "Did you say February?" "Yup, sure did," responded DH.

[PamNY]

I'm frustrated, too, and I'm not training for anything.

We've been luckier than New England, with some nice weather, but this week is horrible. I had a nasty stomach virus and as soon as I felt well enough to get out, the rain hit.

Hope everyone is back on the road soon.

[spokewench]

Yep, it is about 40 and raining this morning! Thankfully no snow.

[ridebikeme]

Ahhh I couldn't agree more with all of you!! It certainly has been a very challenging spring. Like some of you, I've been back on the trainer, but of course always look for the nice "outdoor" ride. :)

Being a shop owner, I can also tell you that it is truly driving everyone indoors. When the sun is projected, then the shop gets busy again, but otherwise I'm puttering on shop projects. I've heard the same thing from everyone, whether you are a contractor, are in landscaping etc...

Hopefully we'll all start to see sun here on a regular basis:DI know I'm looking forward to shutting down the woodstove.:eek:

[Crankin]

Spokewrench, if I saw snow now, well, it wouldn't be nice.
I went for a 13 mile ride on my hybrid this morning, the same route I do at 5:30 AM, before work, usually on the road bike. I pulled out my rain pants, which I haven't worn in 4 years and wore my Gore Alp-X cycling boots. I was pretty much dressed correctly, although I was unzipped before I had to climb back to my house.
It's misting and foggy, and at times there was drizzle in the beginning, but it's actually not bad out, since it's 52 and not 45. The sun is trying to peak out. Since my Jamis has a pannier on it, it looked like I was commuting, cause i certainly wasn't going to win any speed records. One guy passed me right before the hill on Rt. 62 heading back to Concord center, and I caught him. That was my only effort.
Going to take a nice warm shower now.

[SheFly]

I had resigned myself to the dreaded rollers tonight, but DH has coerced me into a SS MTB ride outdoors instead. Once I'm out, I'm fine - it's the getting out that's hard in this weather. Thankfully, this is a well-timed rest week for me, but I can't completely slack as I have a race on Sunday (please don't rain, please don't rain).

Worse - my parents are coming to visit this weekend. Whatever will we do if it's raining (please not the mall, please not the mall).

SheFly

[redrhodie]

Worse - my parents are coming to visit this weekend. Whatever will we do if it's raining (please not the mall, please not the mall).

SheFly

I love going to the movies when it rains. The smell of rain and popcorn is nostalgic and soothing. That's my vote.

[Crankin]

Take them to see the Chihuly exhibit at the MFA. No special ticket needed; the exhibit is part of the regular price admission. Even non-art lovers will like it.
I think you'll be fine for the weekend, though.
Hoping I won't be freezing my azz off at my graduation, which is at the Bank of America Pavilion, catching those lovely freezing winds off of the harbor.

[m.eliza]

This weekend at the BOA Pavillion? You must be graduating with my sister. Maybe I'll catch a glimpse of you grabbing that diploma :)

[SheFly]

Crankin - congrats again on the graduation! I'll keep fingers crossed for lovely weather for you.

As I suspected, once I was ON the bike OUTSIDE, I was actually fine. Managed 2+ hours on the SS MTB (is that resting?!?!?!?). I'm really glad now that I did go out.

Red - the movies sound good, but for some reason, my parents LOVE to shop when they come to visit. And with the CDN $ higher than the US right now, they'll likely want to do even more ;)

SheFly

[Crankin]

m. eliza, is your sister getting her graduate or undergraduate degree? There are two separate ceremonies and I will be at the graduate school ceremony, at 10 AM.
Thankfully, I have a 3/4 sleeve stretchy, knit dress that is pretty warm. And that lovely robe and hood to cover it should help.

[spokewench]

Snow on the ground this morning. It is 32 degrees and tonight is supposed to get back down to 32. My poor perennials are all very unhappy

[SheFly]

Snow on the ground this morning. It is 32 degrees and tonight is supposed to get back down to 32. My poor perennials are all very unhappy

So sorry! But as sorry as I am, I do have to request that you don't send it this way ;).

SheFly

[spokewench]

So sorry! But as sorry as I am, I do have to request that you don't send it this way ;).

SheFly

I'll do my best but no guarantees!

[m.eliza]

Crankin, she's getting her graduate degree at 10am. It's been a long time coming. She'll finally have some well-deserved free time to do what she loves--travel! When my mother got her bachelor's degree a few years ago, it was about the coldest May day imaginable with every type of winter precipitation coming down all morning. Most of the graduates got to sit under a tent, but since she was the valedictorian, she had to sit up front and brave the elements for two hours. Personally I think the valedictorian should have been allowed to enjoy the ceremony... I'm hoping for much better weather for you!

Spokewench, I can't even imagine snow right now. I guess I can't really complain about a little rain!

[Crankin]

I hope to see you there, m. eliza. Maybe I should put a bike symbol on my cap?

I am assuming the BOA pavilion is covered, at least, though the winds may be blowing in from the sides.

I am sorry you had snow, Spokewrench. But, I have to say, I agree with SheFly. Don't send it here.

[m.eliza]

I believe most of the Pavillion is covered, if not all of it. Hopefully you'll get a seat far enough away from the edges to avoid the bitter winds.

In other news, I heard Sunday is supposed to be just "mostly cloudy," but until then, this is what my life has become...

http://i52.tinypic.com/30w8h79.jpg

Sigh...

[Jolt]

This weather has been the pits! It has been much harder to get the motivation to go out and run lately b/c it's gray and depressing and cold rain is just icky--some sunshine would be much appreciated. I just hope we have a nice day next Saturday because moving in the rain would really stink...

[ridebikeme]

Although Sunday presented us with a day of "gray" it did NOT present us with rain:D Another friend and I rode to Pinkham Notch yesterday, and on the way back down to Gorham the clouds lifted to bright blue sky and tremendous views!! I was so excited!! Had a great view of Mt Washington and the surrounding peaks, which was a special treat. I only wish that I had not left the camera in the car:rolleyes:

Although today it's back on the trainer...



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[SheFly]

We'll be up this weekend (Thurs through Tues) and are hoping for good weather to be able to do our annual Jefferson Notch ride on Friday! We start in Gorham, up Rte 2, over Jefferson, down Crawford, over Bear, back on West Side, and over Pinkham to finish. Let's cross our fingers for clear skies and moderate temps!

SheFly

p.s.
LOVE those views of Washington.

[ridebikeme]

Ohhh that's a great ride Shefly... hopefully the weather will be kind to us:rolleyes:

[indigoiis]

Last week we had cruddy weather, but I vowed to bike at least to the bus daily. I managed. Once on the bike it didn't seem as bad as it was when looking out the window. This week is really cruddy. It's hot and humid right now with thunderstorms predicted for later. I'm okay with rain, okay with cold and hot, but I'm not okay with thunderstorms for a 28 mile commute.

One thing I've found about riding in the rain is that it's best not to overdress. I wear a lycra undershirt (long sleeves), regular jersey on top, very light (not waterproof) windbreaker over that. Keeps the water out fairly well and breathes. I don't wear raingear because I end up wetter inside from sweating. Bleh!

Yeah, the weather is cruddy and discouraging. But give it a shot - at least a few miles, and see how you feel.

[Crankin]

Just got back from a short ride; probably only my 3d one since March where i could wear short sleeves and shorts, with no other gear. Actually, I could have worn sleeveless, as it felt tropical. Yesterday it was 53 and raw on my errand ride and today 73 and 55% humidity. I don't do well with that kind of temperature change in such a short time, so i changed my route to include the shadiest streets I could think of!
Last ride here for a week as we are leaving for San Diego tomorrow. Hoping the June gloom doesn't get too bad there (cool foggy, cloudy weather, esp. by the shore). We signed up for a casual bike tour. They actually drive you up an 850 ft. climb and you ride down and then go all over La Jolla and PB. We are going to see if they will let us ride up the climb :). They give you hybrids for this tour, but the place also rents road bikes. We might do that another day, but I'm a bit nervous that their smallest size won't be small enough. And besides, I am supposedly going on this trip to see my son and my dad...

[m.eliza]

Yes, it was HOT today (or at least it felt like it in comparison to recent weeks). I guess it's going to be one of those years where we completely skip spring and head right into summer. I hate to say I even wished for a few drops of rain during my ride this evening... I guess I'll never be satisfied with the current weather.

San Diego sounds awesome, and so does that descent! (Oh yeah, and the climb, too...)

And congrats on graduating, Crankin! I did happen to see you walk shortly before my sister did, though I was pretty far back so I couldn't see much. I'm glad you had beautiful weather. There were some very moving speeches by the honorary degree recipients, as well.

Indigoiis, you're right, I need to get over my reluctance to ride in bad conditions. Once I'm out there, I should be fine. It's just getting going that's tough.