Christmas Vacation week rides [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

azfiddle

12-21-2011, 02:25 PM

Anybody else have reasonable weather and free time for rides this week?

I started the week with 213 miles to get to my goal of 4800 miles for the year. Yesterday, I did 31 miles solo, mostly sunny and cool (mid-50's) with some clouds out on the far east side of Tucson, at the edge of the Catalina and Rincon Mountains. Two Coyotes, 2 Cooper's Hawks, a lot of Phainopeplas and a pond at a park had a Great Blue Heron and some ducks, mostly Mallards and Wigeon.

Today I rode with a club, and ended up with 52 miles southeast of Tucson, mostly desert. Weather was much like yesterday. Warm enough for shorts, and I started both rides with arm warmers under my windbreaker, but a few miles in, tucked them away because I was too warm. 3 roadrunners, a Red-tailed Hawk and a probable Prairie Falcon, too.

So I'm down to about 129 miles before January - and the weather outlook is getting better and better.

Anyone else?

tealtreak

12-21-2011, 04:14 PM

goldfinch

12-21-2011, 04:25 PM

I am back at my winter home base in Texas. This is my first year of riding and I checked and have 1397 miles as of today. With luck I'll get 1500 for the year but that means 100 miles in the next 10 days. After being off the bike for a month the past couple days of riding have really been noticeably harder than before I quit riding.

redrhodie

12-22-2011, 09:44 AM

Since my BC diagnosis, I've been doing the same 18 mile loop during the week. Today, I finally felt like seeing different scenery. Still one of my usual routes, but I haven't done it in 2 months, so it felt fresh.

It was in the 50s, sunny, and breezy. I saw horseshoe prints in the sand on the road by the beach, but didn't see the horse and rider. Just knowing they were there was kind of cool. I lucked out, and all the uphills had a tailwind. I still didn't feel like climbing, so I didn't do my training hills. They would have been into a headwind, and I'm still using my health as an excuse to avoid stress; proud slacker that I am.

Tomorrow it's supposed to rain, but I may get out Xmas eve for something.

Owlie

12-22-2011, 06:17 PM

Nothing thus far. Tomorrow's supposed to be decent, so I may do loops around the neighborhood.

maillotpois

12-22-2011, 06:20 PM

Since my BC diagnosis, I've been doing the same 18 mile loop .....

What did I miss???? :eek:

redrhodie

12-22-2011, 06:30 PM

What did I miss???? :eek:

Didn't you get my invitation to the party? ;) The whole saga is here: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=45493

Don't worry, it ends well!

maillotpois

12-22-2011, 06:40 PM

I feel like Rip van Winkle. I slept through the whole thing - well not really. Wow. Good for you for keeping a regular riding schedule. I might fall into self pity, immobility and chocolate. :)

redrhodie

12-22-2011, 06:59 PM

I feel like Rip van Winkle. I slept through the whole thing - well not really. Wow. Good for you for keeping a regular riding schedule. I might fall into self pity, immobility and chocolate. :)

No you wouldn't! Well, maybe the chocolate. It's a good excuse for indulgence, that's for sure.

The bike has been my savior. It's the only place I really got mad. Even though my rides have been especially easy, I know a lot of tension comes out.

I'm already planning on bike commuting to the rads 3 days per week. We'll see how that goes. I have a feeling it will make the whole thing better.

maillotpois

12-22-2011, 08:19 PM

Excellent. So glad you have a plan - and that the bike's been helping you work through it all. :)

maillotpois

12-22-2011, 08:21 PM

Oh and to the theme of this thread, I am planning 115 miles tomorrow. It is supposed to be below 30 at the start at 5 am. Who planned this ride?? (that would be me). So far all the men who were coming have bailed an it is just me and 2 women friends. Who's tough?

azfiddle

12-22-2011, 08:37 PM

I rode 22 miles today, to Saguaro NP and back, and 2 trips out to the picnic ground, but unlike you maillotpois- me and my bike don't want to brave those cold temperatures, and tomorrow it might even be snowing here in the morning (!) - not too common here in the desert.

Anelia

12-22-2011, 09:13 PM

We have snow so yesterday I got on my mountain bike and decided to ride 20 miles. I had to shorten 1-2 miles becuase after 2 hours I was freezing. I had my full face helmet to keep my head warm and some layers of thermo clothes but my mittens weren't warm enough on the downhill. I also had lots of slippings, one I couldn't handle and I fell. My handlebar hurt my leg but it's only blue, nothing serious. I have to stop myself from overdoing things because I know I can be OK with 1,5 hours in winter but not more. I'm going to travel today so no bike or strength training in the next few days. I think I worked hard enough these weeks so maybe I won't feel much guilt. But I'll try to do my best to sneak for a strength work out today.

shootingstar

12-23-2011, 04:30 AM

Not today.
But tomorrow we'll do simple cycling for groceries, etc. He bought studded tires and wishes there abit of soft snow. :p

Right now it's dry with very little ice patches here and there. Plus slick areas where people didn't shovel.

Crankin

12-23-2011, 04:39 AM

I haven't ridden outside since Saturday. We had 2 days where it was really warm and I had to work :mad:. Yesterday, I was ready to go out at 5:30 AM, but the roads were really wet, so I bailed and went to strength and core class.
I am exhausted from going to the gym at 5:30 AM 4 days this week. I finally get a job where I don't have to rise at 0 dark thirty and now I'm getting up at 4:50, when I don't have to. I went to spin class this morning and Wednesday.
Still at 37 miles to reach my goal. It's going to be a high of 34 tomorrow, but about 40 on Sunday. Between the 2 days, I'll get it done. May be time to break out the fleece balaclava tomorrow.

Aggie_Ama

12-23-2011, 05:26 AM

goldfinch

12-23-2011, 06:20 AM

I had about 18 miles yesterday, with 1418 for the year. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be cold and tomorrow wet so I don't know that I will ride. So, getting to 1500 for the year may not happen. The dog is sick again too and I can't go far. Poor old thing.

redrhodie

12-24-2011, 06:16 AM

25 miles yesterday, even made some new friends along the way (see below). I need to get more miles training for my next race, an 80-85 mile mountain and road combination but it is pretty chilly for Texas today. Might be on the trainer while my Christmas cookie gift baskets are baking.

What is that?! It doesn't look of this world. I like it. :)

The Sat morning lbs ride was canceled, but I think I'll be riding over there later to go to their holiday party.

Should be 20 miles.

Grits

12-24-2011, 06:35 AM

We have had unseasonably warm weather lately, which makes it good for cycling, but doesn't seem "Christmasy," but I'll adjust! Rode 27 miles on Sunday. It started out in the low 50's and dropped quickly to 44 with some wind chill by the end as the sun dropped. My toes were freezing even with smart wool socks and toe warmers, but I'm a wimp about cold temps. Rode 40 miles yesterday with temps in the low 60's. That is my longest ride since my broken foot in early Sept., and I can definitely feel it today. Have on my compression stocking and been using an ice pack. And I am so slow! Haven't seen these speeds since first starting out! Trying to feel good about the distance and not get bummed about the speed. Two rides planned for next week.

Catrin

12-24-2011, 09:48 AM

Aggie, what IS that? It does look like the end of the world :)

I am swinging back and forth about riding outside this afternoon or the trainer. It depends on how windy it gets...sunshine and 39 degrees is hard to beat this time of the year and I need to try out my new shoe covers ;)

Owlie

12-24-2011, 10:10 AM

Catrin, it's pretty breezy here. I want to ride outside, but my car is being a bit...uncooperative right now. Plus there's baking to do. I'll set up the trainer on the patio in the sun while the cookie dough is in the fridge, and hopefully be able to sneak a ride in on Monday.

Tri Girl

12-24-2011, 10:43 AM

well, nothing spectacular, but last night a group of 13 friends (and two kids in trailers) did our annual Christmas like bike ride. Only rode 6 miles, but it took an hour since we were really looking at lights and taking our time enjoying the cold night air and singing Christmas carols. :)

Aggie_Ama

12-24-2011, 11:31 AM

Red and Catrin - It was a child's toy, one of those semi-hard plastic ones. I saw it on the side of the road, it was a three-headed dragon. I tried to bring it home for my puppy Jens but it was too big to carry in a jersey pocket. So I left it to protect the road or amuse other riders. :D

Catrin

12-24-2011, 12:25 PM

I had to smile when I saw your picture, it reminded me of some of the wonderful grade B science fiction movies I loved as a kid :)

I just got in from a 35 minute ride in 39 degree temps. It was windier than I expected, but that isn't why I cut it short. Shortly into the ride I started getting pain in the middle of my chest, when I breathed deeply. I was dressed for the temps and had a balaclava on, but I am a mouth-breather in the cold because of...ummm...sinus issues when it is cold. I also have asthma. Things did improve but my chest stayed a little tight so I just made one loop in the park I was riding in and came home. It seemed better to be safe than sorry...especially since I left my phone at home and the park was empty.

Beautiful ride though, pure sunshine and clear air. I rode about 7.5 miles in 35 minutes, so that wasn't too bad :)

Crankin

12-24-2011, 12:36 PM

It was between 28-29, so we went for a hike. I really think 33-35 is the lowest I will go for a road ride, so I need to get my 37 miles in all tomorrow, when it will be near 40 and the roads will be clear for people like me who don't do Christmas!
Unfortunately, DH lost the GPS we use for hiking, skiing, snow shoeing. It's "old" in terms of technology; the attachment thing just broke, but he never felt it fall off. We were at Great Brook Farm, so no big deal, but for some reason I couldn't find the trail with the bigger climb and we ended up at a dead end. I had my trail map, but I think there are more trails open now than what are groomed for skiing, and I realized I have never been there without snow, except for my one horrible attempt at a group mountain bike ride.
We retraced our steps, but couldn't find it. It wasn't busy with people, but someone must have picked it up. We saw a couple of mountain bikers and a few runners/hikers. So, we are now looking for a new GPS that we can use for the trails. Thankfully, it was not the one he uses on his bike.
I think we hiked about 3.5 miles.

azfiddle

12-24-2011, 02:19 PM

Aggie Ama, sure am glad you cleared that up! My DH and I puzzled over that picture for a while and gave up.

Speaking of my DH, it was our first ride together in quite a while today, so that was really nice. It has been pretty cool for Tucson, in the low 50's, and a little breezy- so it's sometimes hard to figure out what to wear. I settled on shorts, a short sleeved, arm warmers and a windbreaker. I ditched the windbreaker right away, then the arm warmers, as we rode uphill, but went back to the windbreaker on the way home. Even wished for an extra layer on my legs for a while.

Next week it's going to be warming up to the 70's!

Fredwina

12-25-2011, 03:31 AM

Geez, sounds like I am missing everything, like MP.
A little too frosty here in Upstate NY, but tomorrow looks promising, provided my cold weather don't unravel anymore.
Should have better weather towards the end of week, but I'll be a 1000 miles away from my bikes, getting mom set up in Memphis. may rent a bike when I come back in April. May, as she lives next to Overton Park.

OakLeaf

12-25-2011, 06:19 AM

I haven't had the road bike out since I've been south, for a number of reasons - hope to remedy that before the New Year - but I rode the commuter to midnight Mass last night. :)

Hope this isn't too much for TE - I'm really not religious, but the ritual carries a lot of meaning for me, and this year I was feeling the need. I'm only about a mile and a half from the church, but it's on a narrow main road that I'd never ridden at night before. I took an alternate route that kept me off the main road except for about 200 yards.

It was a beautiful night for a ride and I'm really glad I went. Happy holidays, all.

redrhodie

12-25-2011, 08:18 AM

As I was planning, I rode the the lbs's pizza party yesterday. It was fun! I was the only one who came by bike, and I felt under-dressed, even though I wore my good tights and rode my fancy bike (and pictures were taken, and I'm in my helmet. I'm such a dork). It was colder than I thought, and I was considering taking one of the offered rides, but of course I didn't want to let on that I was anything but hardcore. Afterward, one of my friends rode back to the park and ride with me, where I left my car, and that was really nice. He carried one of my presents for me, but the cold must have numbed our brains, because I forgot to get it from him, so he ended up carrying it for nothing; but chivalry is not dead.

I wasn't planning on riding today, but it was too nice out not to. It was in the high 20s with sporadic flakes of snow falling, but not enough to stick. There was hardly any traffic, and the few people I saw appeared joyous. I saw an old guy I've ridden a few miles with here and there, but he was going the other way, so we just exchanged a Merry Christmas and a wave. I got my clothes just right, unlike yesterday when I was really cold even though it was a bit warmer. My regular 18 mile loop, but I'm so glad I went.

Merry Christmas everyone!

katluvr

12-25-2011, 08:38 AM

Haven't been on my bike since October, but had to get out for a Christmas day ride. About 20 miles, neighborhood route. My bike computer said it was 75 degrees, it is a sunny & beautiful day. I wore my vixen socks! Just can't ever figure out how to get picture from my phone to my TE post !
K

Crankin

12-25-2011, 08:40 AM

OK, Red, you've inspired me to go out there, no matter what.
I thought it was supposed to be "warmer" today? The snow flurries freaked me out, but it's too dry to stick or form ice. But, I'd really like it to get to 30 before I venture out.

luv2climb

12-25-2011, 08:44 AM

Went to San Francisco yesterday intending to climb more of the steepest streets, but when I got there I took one look at 22nd Street and said F-it! I wanted to climb, but I didn't feel up to maximum effort up 31.5% grades, or the cobbled 30% grade of 24th St on Potrero Hill. The fact that I got there hours later than I wanted didn't help. The queasiness I experienced near the top of Sanchez St finalized my decision to avoid The City's steepest.

Instead I rode around the Noe Valley and Diamond Heights areas. There are plenty of grades in the mid teens to low twenties, so that was good enough for me. Where else but San Francisco can you ride less than 11 miles and climb over 2,000'? :D

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/136237713

GoPro and Contour really need to work on their cameras to make them more usable at night. Even on well-lit streets, all the footage recorded at night was useless. This sucks because I climbed the steepest hills after dark.

Here's the footage that did turn out okay. These hills only have grades in the mid teens to maybe 20%.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7zbjWj6SkM

The hill I didn't climb-22nd St
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/bottomof22ndStatChurch.jpg
View from the top of Sanchez St
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/viewfromtopofSFclimb.jpg
Crappy evening shot of Sutro Tower from the top of Cumberland St
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/viewfromtopofSFclimb2.jpg
Even crappier night shot looking up 21st St. I had to stabilize the camera on my saddle, so excuse the angle.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s66/hardmf1/nightshotof21stSt.jpg

Catrin

12-25-2011, 09:35 AM

...
Hope this isn't too much for TE - I'm really not religious, but the ritual carries a lot of meaning for me, and this year I was feeling the need. I'm only about a mile and a half from the church, but it's on a narrow main road that I'd never ridden at night before. I took an alternate route that kept me off the main road except for about 200 yards.

It was a beautiful night for a ride and I'm really glad I went. Happy holidays, all.

Considering how much we share here, I hope it wouldn't be too much :) I am fighting the urge to ride today - sunshine fills the sky again but it is windier than yesterday...and I've friends expecting me at their house this afternoon and I don't know how they would take being ditched for the bike :o I've been looking forward to this all week, but it is amazing how strong the siren song of sunshine and >40 temps at the end of December is!

Fredwina

12-25-2011, 11:18 AM

Was pretty windy here, to bu got in 8.34 miles
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Y9Sd1mFT9g/Tvd09tdRq7I/AAAAAAAAREc/KwNP7HVj6KI/s640/100_0474.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IpA4tz9JNvA/Tvd0_0nwOhI/AAAAAAAAREg/v6P_LP9sraU/s640/100_0475.jpg

nscrbug

12-25-2011, 11:36 AM

Merry Christmas everyone! We got in a nice 40 mile ride on an absolutely gorgeous (albeit windy!) Christmas morning. It was a great way to start the day. :)

azfiddle

12-25-2011, 01:12 PM

Continuing on our quests to reach our mileage goals, yet another ride to Saguaro National Park, my DH and I rode 27 miles. It was cold to start, 38 degrees but warmed so fastI ditched my jacket and tights half an hour after we left (meeting place with friends and one had his car there). It was probably 50 by the time we got home and a beautiful sunny morning. Less than 58 miles for me and 97 for my husband now. 4800 is my goal and his is 6000.

maillotpois

12-25-2011, 01:49 PM

luv2climb - that was Sutro Tower, not Coit. Cool pics.

luv2climb

12-25-2011, 02:44 PM

Oops, my bad! :o Thanks for letting me know. I just started going down there again after almost 20 years, so I'm a little rusty with my landmarks. Post edited.

Owlie

12-25-2011, 03:13 PM

I'm going out tomorrow. I was hoping to get out today, but Christmas dinner's timing didn't work out so well for me.

goldfinch

12-25-2011, 05:52 PM

Windy here in the Rio Grande Valley. I only went about 6 miles on the bike, but I walked two and ran one also. So, I am happy enough.

bluejellybean

12-25-2011, 06:26 PM

Started out with a soaking wet Christmas morning run, then the sun broke through for some mountain biking later! A great day with family and no obligations! :)

Pip

12-25-2011, 08:20 PM

It's summer here in New Zealand. I let my husband sleep in on Christmas morning while I went for an easy ride around the bays of Wellington. Halfway around I met some friends on the beach for a little sparkling wine. A VERY little sparkling wine, given that I still had to cycle home! I discovered that bubbly is not performance enhancing, even while still sober. I made it home eventually though, very sun burned. :cool:

Owlie

12-26-2011, 03:13 PM

I got in a fast (for me) 18-mile ride this afternoon. Beautiful day, and you see a lot more along the trail now that all the leaves are gone.

This leaves me about 6 miles shy of my revised goal for the year. It's supposed to rain tomorrow and Thursday is shot...

Dog

12-26-2011, 04:45 PM

Rode just over 15 miles today. It was windy, 44 degrees and started raining the last 2 miles. Still enjoyed getting out on the bike and still on goal to keep riding outside until the end of the year (at least 1x/week). One more week to go and then I'll see what the new year brings

HillSlugger

12-26-2011, 05:16 PM

I got out yesterday for 22+ miles (needed to work off those Christmas cookies!). Fairly cold, but nice and sunny. Tried out the new aero helmet and the new wind barrier base layer. Thumbs up for both.

Dog

12-26-2011, 05:27 PM

HillSlugger, can I ask what is the wind barrier base layer? Sounds like I could have used it today!

HillSlugger

12-26-2011, 05:30 PM

HillSlugger, can I ask what is the wind barrier base layer? Sounds like I could have used it today!

Pearl Izumi Barrier Wind Front Longsleeve Baselayer (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_14221006.html)

nscrbug

12-26-2011, 06:08 PM

I did it, I did it!!! I hit my mileage goal...actually I crushed it! I hadn't checked to see exactly how far I was from reaching it for nearly a month. I knew I was pretty close, but until today...I had no idea that I made it. Some of you might remember my disappointment in coming up 40 miles short last year of reaching my goal of 7,000 miles. So at the beginning of this year, my goal was to once again reach that 7,000 mile mark. As of today, I have logged 7,232 miles for the season, which for me began on March 7th. I am utterly thrilled to have not only reached, but surpass my goal. I can definitely end this season with a smile on my face. :D

Linda

pll

12-26-2011, 06:26 PM

azfiddle

12-26-2011, 06:40 PM

congratulations nscrbug! I am closing in on mine- less than 58 to go and a week of vacation and warming weather so I will definitely get there (4800) and maybe a little more. Tomorrow I should be knocking off about 25 more.

Koronin

12-26-2011, 06:40 PM

We were able to get out for a ride around the neighborhood yesterday and today.

bluejellybean

12-26-2011, 07:01 PM

A great Boxing Day ride in the rain and muddy trails! Then I decided to slog it home on the road. It's days like these that feel so good to go out and do it, then come home and get showered up, cleaned up and warmed up! :)

jelee1311

12-26-2011, 09:59 PM

It was in the 50s and sunny Christmas eve and I rode about 10 miles,slow but so happy I was out riding.On Christmas I went for about 13 miles and it was great I did a small hill. This was the best present because this has been the first weekend since I hurt my back and hip in September that I've been able to ride my road bike:D. I feel so great and happy to be back!!

Anelia

12-27-2011, 05:13 AM

Today we had a a looot of fun (http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/397213_327313327287558_100000266793305_1286302_264430726_n.jpg) :D

redrhodie

12-27-2011, 08:27 AM

I did my regular 18 mile ride. I've figured out that doing this same route a lot is like meditation for me. I think that's why I've been doing it so much right now. I must need it.

It was windy but not cold. I overdressed, thinking there would be a wind chill factor, and instead got sweaty, and then got cold because of that. But the wind felt good. I can't believe I'm to the point of thinking that. I've come a long way on this bike. :cool:

Marquise

12-27-2011, 01:27 PM

So far it's been a mild winter here with wind and rain bigger deterrents to riding than the temperature, at least if you're willing to ride in the 30s. I rode today, on Christmas Eve, and last Thursday for about 20 miles each time out. I'm choosing flatter routes and the cold and wind are definitely slowing me down, but it sure beats indoor riding! As of today, I've ridden as many times (but not as many miles) this month as in November, and with this week off work I'm hoping for another ride or two this year.

For those interested in wind protection, Gore makes a nice short sleeve base layer with Windstopper material covering the front and wrapping over the shoulders and sides with a mesh back. It's very close fitting but quite comfortable and effective. I wore it in a range of temperatures in late summer and fall. I see TE has a long sleeve winter version.

azfiddle

12-27-2011, 10:07 PM

Tucson weather is perfect right now! Mid-60's, maybe as high as 75 at the end of the week. My DH and I rode about 27 miles this afternoon. Speeding toward my year-end goal- should get there tomorrow or the next day :-)

deeannef

12-28-2011, 12:19 PM

I have been getting back into better distance and climbing mode for the "A Ride for Life" in Santa Clarita which will have a bunch of Pro riders including George Hincapie, Amber Neben, TeJay Van Garderen to name a few. I am sure I only will see their backsides as they leave me in the dust, but it should be fun anyway. :-)

Crankin

12-28-2011, 02:26 PM

Today I did my first, last, and only group ride of the season. I rode about 33 miles along the NH seacoast and inland Greenland, Rye, and Northampton, NH. This was my group's Chanukah party (last wk. was the XMas party) with a choice of the ride, a 4 mile walk, or sitting and watching the turkey cook. DH and I both rode, along with 7 others.
It was about 48 and mostly sunny until the end, when the wind kicked up and it got a bit dark out. The ocean was gorgeous, lots of waves crashing on the shore, and we saw some crazy azz surfers, too. This was a very social ride, even for this group, so I was out there for awhile.
The meal was outstanding, with turkey, latkes and applesauce, lots of salads and desserts. Then we did a Yankee Swap. I am pleasantly tired, like from a long ride in the middle of the summer.
I have about 5 miles to go to make my goal of 3,000 miles, which I will give myself if the weather doesn't cooperate by Saturday. Right now it's freezing and windy out.

azfiddle

12-28-2011, 02:40 PM

Crankin'- sounded like a great ride and party.

My DH and I rode with Desert Tortoise and her husband for a little more than 20 miles in absolutely gorgeous desert winter weather. It was our first time meeting in person and we really enjoyed riding together with them.

There is still snow on the peaks of the Catalina and Rincon Mountains but it was warm enough for shorts and short sleeved jersey for most of the ride through the desert foothills, with a stop at a park that has a pond and marsh about halfway through.

My husband and I continued on for a total of 35 miles, and I passed my goal of 4800, ending up at 4803 for the year. 2 or 3 more rides are still in the works with my vacation and the perfect weather!

shootingstar

12-28-2011, 04:52 PM

Yesterday I commuted-bike to work and then afterwards we biked over to a Persian restaurant for dinner.

Today I went for a 15 km spin after a haircut and then later giving my opinion which was asked for a new creme puff shell a baker was developing.

Desert Tortoise

12-28-2011, 05:25 PM

AZFiddle, do you have some kind of influence on the winds? It was absolutely gorgeous today and NO winds. After we left you and headed home we could see the winds picking up. And now that it is dark they have stopped of course. So what's your secret?

DH and I had a lot fun riding with you and your DH. And it sure was nice to finally have met you in person.:D

Congratulations on completing 4800 miles this year!

DT

azfiddle

12-28-2011, 05:30 PM

DT- no influence- but hey, I'll take a calm day when I can. We'll be doing this again, I'm sure!

It felt great to pass that mileage mark!

shootingstar

12-29-2011, 02:14 PM

We rode in a different direction this morning, with a headwind 50% of time, around 45 km /hr. winds. Stopped at Mediterranean bakery for first time in last 4 months due to previous ice and snow on the route which didn't inspire any cycling here at the time.

Loaded up on their fresh hummus, bread and some phyllo pastries to ride back home. 24 km. , he took off for another 15 km.

Crankin

12-30-2011, 12:02 PM

I met my goal today, with one day left. I really did drag this out.
3,004 miles.
Today my ride was exactly 7 miles to the Trail's End Cafe and back (with a little detour around the back of the North Bridge) for a lunch of sweet potato and carrot soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich. It was sleeting when I left my client's house, about 17 miles from here, but thankfully, it stopped as I drove south. I really felt like wimping out, as it was 34 and raw looking out, and I already went to spin class, but I got dressed and enjoyed my lunch. By the time I got home, the sun was out and it was 37. I rode the Guru today, and I decided I really have to ride this bike more.
Time to reset my bike computers. January 1st is supposed to be 50 degrees.

nscrbug

12-31-2011, 02:06 PM

We got in a 50 mile ride this morning, despite it being cold, windy, and damp out. So with today's ride, it brings my total mileage for the year to 7,315 miles. I would never have fathomed riding that many miles this year. I couldn't be more pleased. :)

Linda

Catrin

12-31-2011, 02:23 PM

Managed to get in a 13.5 mile ride this afternoon in one hour, an artic front comes in tomorrow so there will likely be no riding for a bit. THIS time of the year I focus more on TIS than I do actual miles. Riding in the cold is harder on the body than hot weather, and focusing on time seems to work better for me in cold weather.

7rider

12-31-2011, 02:23 PM

Last ride of the year today. DH and I got out for 22 easy miles to the LBS and back. Relaxing at home, afterwards, we heard a BANG! Psssss...
Went down to the laundry room, where my bike sits - and it was sitting on a flat rear tire. The sidewall blew out. :eek: Glad it didn't happen on the ride. But if there's one thing we have a zillion of in this house - it's extra tires. Sometimes we have to rob Peter to pay Paul, but there is always a serviceable tire around somewhere.

Ended up the year with 3,039 miles - fairly low for me. Spent a lot of my weekends running and racing, which doesn't add a whole lot of mileage.
Also had 85 commute days. That's also pretty average. I keep trying for 100, but never seem to get beyond the mid-80s.

Owlie

12-31-2011, 04:10 PM

18 miles, half with one of the shop guys, to break my downwardly-revised goal of 800. My original plan was 1000, but started late thanks to moving and a wet spring. I suppose I could have done it had I actually ridden in September and October.:rolleyes:

HillSlugger

12-31-2011, 04:14 PM

I got out for another 23 miles today, bringing me to 2543, a high for me by about 40 miles. I also shattered my previous high for miles run in the year. It's been a good year.

Aggie_Ama

12-31-2011, 06:07 PM

70 miles today on the road. It was the longest ride I have ever done alone. Quite a nice day at around 73, wind kept shifting which made the ride hard but I enjoyed it. Saw a lot of wonderful animals: buffalo (being raised on a ranch), doves, two roadrunners, a bunch of loose but friendly dogs (this is a rural area), goats and longhorn cattle. Great way to end the year.

azfiddle

12-31-2011, 06:39 PM

I rode every day since Tuesday. Last two included one to Arivaca through desert grasslands with gorgeous views of the Santa Rita Mtns. Today was a ride through northwest Tucson. I added 86 more miles, enjoyed good riding companionship with my DH and ended up with 4911 for the year. More good weather forecast for New Year's Day...

Dog

12-31-2011, 06:40 PM

Got out for one last ride. About 3 miles from home I made the unthinkable mistake of crossing my gears and broke my chain. Not a fun way to end my riding for the year. But, one of my goals for 2012 is to learn bike repair and maintenance. This just reinforced it.

Sky King

01-01-2012, 08:41 AM

woke up on the last day of 2011 crabby and cranky. Thankfully the sun was out and once it hit 38 degrees the DH and I bundled up for a meander - love my new ibex winter gloves! Hit the library then continued out our MUP that borders the Boise River until we heard the distinct call of microbrew from our favorite local brewery, which is only about 4 miles from the house - a perfect way to end the ride, early dinner and a nice beer. Maybe a 24 mile ride but we didn't even have the computer on, it was that kinda day!

goldfinch

01-01-2012, 10:05 AM

First ride of the year today and first flat of the year. :)

redrhodie

01-01-2012, 10:30 AM

Got out for around 25 miles this beautiful. morning. What a way to start the year! I also commuted for the first time in a while on Fri. Not sure what my mileage ended up being for 2011, but I'm happy. Despite all the recent drama, I rode consistently. Here's hoping for good things in '12.

Happy New Year!

shootingstar

01-01-2012, 10:55 AM

Yesterday did 21 km primarily for a snack and grocery shopping for New Year's meals. It was -14 degrees C., colder than some other days but sunny.

Today we'll be out too on the bikes and only abit warmer.

Then for several days this wk. it will hit above freezin'. I will be bike commuting to work.

Anelia

01-01-2012, 11:23 AM

A friend shot 3 videos from 2011's last ride:
Number 1 (http://www.vbox7.com/play:91ec8eda65)
Number 2 (http://www.vbox7.com/play:cf1a14dd9e)
Number 3 (http://www.vbox7.com/play:0cf54f58ee)
:p

radacrider

01-01-2012, 11:38 AM

Started off the new year with a solo ride out along our Springwater Corridor trail. Beautiful, sunny morning, upper 30s starting out with a strong East wind (17mph, with 24mph gusts). The goal was to go south and east then at the east end point, head north and then enjoy a tailwind coming back home.

Got to see the trail on a section I have not seen, saw some restoration work along the Johnson Creek Watershed (those little ribboned plantings) and gave the MB-1 a final shake down ride before it starts its daily commuting duty Tuesday.

Happy new year everyone!