I've been riding have you??

[Irulan]

C'mon gals, truth now, anyone been out? Here's a ride report from yesterday

Thursday is always ride day.
So pleasant down by the river. It's early not too hot. Bike feels different, I've had a creeping seat post problem, finally got the seat back up for a good extension, much better. The last few rides I have felt like crap due to horrible allergies and not a lot of sleep, today I feel good! Kathleen is the one who's out of it withthe pine pollen.

We take the usual loop, tracing much of the 24 hour course. It doesn't look too beat up. The Saigon area is starting to get overgrown, a narrow track with weeds and grassed getting to be 4 ft high. No big deal except for the nettles and poison ivy.

mmm... fun, I took the hubby's advice to power through the baby heads and now I"m getting good at moving through/over them, as compared to picking my way through in a granny gear. Lots of power today, ,this is the best I've felt in about 4-5 ride. Powered ver the log pile, and amazingly enough never hit the granny gear going up half mile hill. (high five) That really brought to mind how your energy level can vary so much due to different
factors.

the Devil's drop wasn't too trashed from the race but I didn't run it clean today. Oh well, a two footed dab is better than a wipeout any day,

Silly move of the day was on a little move on a small section of tiny babyheads and there was this tree.....no no, just a little one, about 2" I put my hand out to steady myself, and my glove snagged and over I went. D'oh!! 12 miles in an hour and half, for those of you that care.

On the way home, stopped at lbs to get a new helmet for the whiny kid, he really did need a new one. Also, I"m getting a new chain put on the Svelte Hawaiin. Nothing like hearing the lbs guy mutter "sweet ride" under his breath as he wheels it away.


Irulan

[Veronica]

I've ridden 5 out of the last six days.

Sunday rode the tandem with the local club. Nice ride - nice group of people. Ended up at a local bagel shop after.

Tuesday went out on my own. Ran into one of the guys from Sunday. He said he was impressed with how well we climbed on the tandem. That made me feel good. Tandems climb like pigs generally.

Wednesday was another tandem day. 95 degrees out. It''s a good thing we can generate a decent wind to keep us cool.

Thursday went up a local climb with AKA Kim. Great ride. Not too much traffic, bike or car. This is a pretty well shaded route so even though it was hot, it was pretty pleasant. Set a new record on Fluffy. 39+ miles per hour going down a big hill, that was without pedaling. Drafted Kim for a good while on the way back. I guess next week it's my turn to pull. :)

This morning was another tandem ride. Met up with a couple of guys at 5:30 this morning. We met them through the local club's bulletin board. It was actually kind of cool outside this AM. Kept my jacket on the whole time. They ride MWF mornings so I'm going to try to join them either with the tandem or solo until I go back to work.

All told about 115 miles this week. That will be it though because we're volunteering at the San Francisco Maritime Park both days this weekend.


Veronica

[Susan126]

Hubby and I did the TOSRV-WEST ride on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18 in Montana. Joe calls it the "Great Montana Postal Ride" because it met the old post office credo "neither rain, hail, sleet, snow, or gloom of night shall keep us from our course" or something like that. Well we didn't have the gloom of night, but the clouds were dark enough to make the early afternoon look like late evening. We did unfortunately have snow, ice pellets, rain, snow pellets, and plenty of wind to make the ride a little more interesting (temps running between 28 deg and about 45 degrees). For those of you not familiar with the TOSRV (Tour of Swan River Valley) ride, it's a two day road ride from Missoula, Montana to Big Fork, Montana and back, which allows for two different starting points and two different ending locations that allow you to ride between 105 and 126 miles each day. Hubby and I put in 210 miles on Saturday and Sunday - qualifying us for a double century! The ride goes through some of the prettiest scenery in western Montana and provides a real great opportunity to test your winter training program out. Although the weather was a bit brisk. Joe and I had the best time of our lives. It was challenge, we met great people, the support was top notch, the food mmmmmmmm delicious. We thought we would need a week off from biking to recoup but by the following Saturday we did a 15 mile mountain bike ride with 12 of our friends and you know what?! It was a blast! One of the things about road riding is that it helps to build up your endurance. My mountain biking endurance and climbing have been phenominal since I started road riding. Now with the weather (finally) getting nice here in the Tacoma/Sumner/Enumclaw area Joe and I have been riding every night after work. From once a week on the weekends this past winter to almost every night this past week. Monday and Wednesday we rode our mountain bikes, Tuesday and Thursday evenings we did 35-40 mile road rides. This weekend biking! Tomorrow, Saturday, we are mountain biking with a few friends. Sunday we are doing the Peninsula Metric Century. You wanted the truth ..... here it is! LOL
I'm ready for summer 2003!

..... I am in a mountain bike race this June in Leavenworth and I am doing the Courage Classic in August!

Ok ..... someone else's turn! :)

Sue

[zen_grrl]

My partner and I have been on holiday for the last week and rather than go away for the week we decided to spend every day on our bikes on local trails. It's only just gotten consistently sunny here and it was murder sitting at work every day thinking "this is fantastic weather for being on my bike", so we took a week to do just that. Rather than ride all day every day we did about 12 miles of riding a day, a mix of easy singletrack, very technical singletrack, baby downhills and fire roads. It was a brilliant way to spend a holiday and I'm more chilled out than I have been in months, although the thought of going back to work on Monday isn't a great one!

[goddess1222]

well, my experiences are not as epic as the fabulous ones listed here, but on my regular sunday morning rides, there is this field of blooming lupine, acres and acres of it. purple and beautiful. every time i ride by, it is as if someone sprayed the air with perfume. it's intense. it gives a nice balance to the decaying dead animal about a mile up the road.

will be riding at Hagg Lake on sunday. i am a little nervous though, lots of hills, but a gorgeous ride. i found out that a female cyclist got hit by a car up there on wednesday. i got a little sick to my stomach when i heard this, but decided i am going to go anyway. i am traditionally a scaredey cat, but i am really learning how to fight my fears and take some risks. i am learning if there is no risk, there is no reward.

[Irulan]

I alwasy look at nature out on trail.Some of my friends think I am nuts... Hey look, a geranium!!

Irulan

[Terry]

I'm at the end of my riding season. This past Monday, our ride ended by 8:30 a.m...it was already 90 something. We now have to plan weekend rides north (about 90 miles or so into pine top country). Was going to ride after a client this morning but, it was too hot by 9, so I went to spin...the sun comes up around 5 and it doesn't set until after 8; evening rides would last until midnight!

Boo....I'll have to live vicariously through you all.

All the grass, wild flowers and cool weather sound wonderful from where I sit.

Have fun!
Terry

[gapgoil]

spent yesterday at the opening of some DH trails in our area. Tons of fun, very muddy, very tricky, but very fun. Loved the feel of my bike, enjoyed the lifts to the top (I hate to climb) and was able to take in some of the scenery as well. It's nice to look out over the rivers and forests and lakes in the area, not something that I see everyday while in the city or riding XC.
But, there was a downside to the day, when I crashed and did a number on my knee. I went to the clinic to day, and it's sprained, so it needs to heal up before I get back in the saddle....although if I put my clipless back on, I could atleast peddle with 1 foot!!
Keep posting your rides ladies....I'll need something other than the Tylonel 3's to get me through the healing process!!!
:p

[goddess1222]

i know about crashing. i did on mother's day. take care of yourself.

i went up to the lake today. i decided i would go around the lake twice. 20 miles, which is further than i have ever gone. it is very pristine, gorgeous views, and clean air. saw only a few velo hotties. a little early i guess.

i am so amazed how the air can smell so clean, and then when you come around a bend, it smells so sweet with all the wildflowers blooming. and how the wind feels on the downhill when you have just busted butt to get up the hill. gravy!!!

[ridin a giant]

Wishing you a speedy recovery...... perhaps it'll rain and the sun will come out when your helped .....

here's to wishful thinking

:D

[Irulan]

lots and lots of ice. and then more ice. And don't forget you can buy tylenol with coeding over thr counter up there!!

Irulan

[MightyMitre]

Hello - I'm finally back! The site seemed to be down for ages, then I've been away, so I'm pleased it's back and running. In the mean time I've been out riding my bike....

On Saturday I went for a ride with my brother and boyfriend up to a place called Kington, near where my parents live which apparently has the highest gold course in Europe. We climbed for a while but when we turned to come back it was fantastic - we just freewheeled for about 5 miles, with amazing views of the countryside whizzing by.

Then on Thurdsay I went out by myself for about 43 miles ( longest solo ride I've done) and had such a good time.

I rode up to a town on the borders of Wales, which is very sleepy and rural, and from the looks of suprise and interest I got, I gave the good people of Hay quite a turn, rolling up on my road bike all lycra'd up, with my blue lensed shades and my figure hugging jersey. Had a great cup of coffee and a slice of date and walnut cake though.

The last 8 miles up to Hay were tough- lots of short sharp hills, but the view of the rolling Welsh hill sides were fantastic.

Do you ever go out on a training ride only for it to change half way through? I decided the difference between a bike ride and a training ride is when you have to stop and admire the view. All thoughts of 'training' went out of my head and I figured there's plenty of time for the head-down, hard ride stuff on less interesting roads.

I came back along the main road which was more or less flat and with a tail wind was merrily going along at 18mph, following the route of the River Wye and admiring the water meadows, the flowers and the bend in the river. Ahhh... so tranquil. :cool:

Sadly today I'm back at work.....:mad: Roll on the weekend!

[Veronica]

Good to see you back! That solo ride sounded like a lot of fun.

My personal theory is that biking is supposed to be fun. Sometimes that means a meandering pace to enjoy what's around me. Sometimes that means hammering. Mostly it's somewhere in between. :)

I've had a dreadful cold all weekend. Volunteered at the Maritime Park on Saturday and was miserable. Sent hubby by himself on Sunday while I spent the day snoozing. But I seem to be on the mend.


Veronica

[MightyMitre]

Sorry to hear about your cold - sounds rotten.

I agree, cycling is first and foremost meant to be fun. Some days I'll go out planning to do a hard ride and not really look around me, but I love the countryside and being away from the town, so I have to be strict and make sure I work hard some times. Otherwise, there's nothing better than just taking it fairly easy and smelling the flowers....

Hope the cold clears up soon so you can smell the flowers again too.

[goddess1222]

welcome back mighty mitre!!! i was hoping you would come back around.

[Barb]

I confess, I have not been riding! It seems every time I get a chance to ride, something else comes up. Either it's raining, or it's sunny but I am at work, I'm at an after school thing for my son or, Help! I'm being buried by housework!!!!

I have got to get into a groove with this. I cannot commute to work (traffic, dress code etc.). Sometimes I even talk myself out of a ride cuz there aren't places at home that are very inspiring. I can go miles and miles on very flat, high traffic pavement with tons of stop lights. If I want anything more interesting, I have to pack up my bike and drive 30 to 40 minutes to get there. I guess need to just pick two days and say, I ride before anything else. Anyone else run into this problem?
I also ride alone. The bike clubs near me ride too far and too fast for me at this point. whine, whine whine! ok I'm done.

[goddess1222]

i don't ride with a club either because i like to go at my own pace. in most cases, club rides are great, but you get dropped. i hate that. just because i am not as fast, doesn't mean i am not working hard.

this is how i see it: you have to feed yourself and take care of yourself before you can take care of others. go for your ride. no one is saying your son isn't important, but the fact is, you are his caretaker, and you are the most important. RIDE, RIDE, RIDE. and then ride some more.

[MightyMitre]

Hi Goddess 1222 - yes, I've been very busy but it's nice to be back.

Sorry to hear you haven't been out much lately Barb, sounds like you've got a lot going on. I know just what you mean when you say you need to get back into the groove. This time last year I was talking myself out of rides with the most stupid excuses and then feeling bad for not going. But now I seem to be on a roll - if I miss a weekend ride it feels strange.

I think that's a great idea to set a side a day or two and put cycling first. Choose your days then go for it - and let us know how you get on.

Alternatively, how old is your son? Is he old enough to ride with you? A friend of mine has a 10 year old girl and she just goes and goes! She loves it. It takes them a long time with plenty of rests, but they often do 30 mile rides together.

[Irulan]

my comment, being mom of two sons, ( and not knowing the age of yours) is a) you can get in a lot of riding done inbetween pick up and drop off b) get in a rotating carpool so you get some time off c)they can walk or ride a bike to thier activity or home from school... you do not have to be there for everything or drive them everywhere.

I think taking them with you is great too... my 13 year old did 12 miles of mountain biking with 2000' of climbing with us yesterday.

Irulan.

[Dogmama]

I echo - you need to make time for yourself! Two days a week is modest. Make a "date" with yourself and do it because you're worth it! Even if it's only 30-60 minutes, at least you got on the bike.

I'm in AZ (so is somebody else here?) in Tucson and you have to be in by 8AM because it's already getting up to 95 degrees. If you go skin-side-down-rubber-side-up, the pavement can cause serious burns! So, I get up at the crack of dawn & ride. Go to bed at 8PM and my life hasn't suffered from (1) missing evening TV or (2) not reading the morning newspaper.

Also, I tend to ride alone because I like to drink in the cool fresh air - it's very fleeting in the summer - and be with my thoughts. Especially Saturday mornings - I have a little route that takes me through some low lands that are cool, with little ranchettes and I can feel the tension just drain.

That's enough from me!:D

Kim

[Barb]

Irulan

I hear what you are saying, unfortunately, there is no opportunity for carpool. No one in my city attends his school and it is too far for him to walk. He really is not the biggest problem. Mostly it is either rain or putting housework and caretaking ahead of riding. Summer is coming and it will all get easy again. I just miss the good cool spring riding times.

I rode yesterday, even found a safer, faster place to ride. I have chosen Mondays to ride by myself and Thursdays to ride with my son. If it stops raining today, I might even get 10 to 15 miles in after work! Man, I cannot stand spring for all the rain!!!

[Irulan]

oh, forget the housework!!!

;-)

Irulan

[annie]

Barb,

I think we must all have a difference tolerance for messy houses...... mine is pretty high! ;-) I usually pick the bike over the broom, dust cloth, etc. And I must admit my house looks like it. But over the years, it gets easier to ignore some of that stuff and I am a much happier and nicer person to for my family to be around after I've gotten in a ride. If I am grouchy, they will tell me, "Mom, would you please go for a bike ride??!!" I guess we each have to do the best we can. Good luck in making more time for yourself.

I've been out a lot, rain or not. (My bike gets cleaned even if my house doesn't.) Tons of road miles and, finally, my first time off-road for the year this past weekend. It was great, once I got the hang of it again. I love riding in the woods, it's such a great feeling to be out and away.

[Dogmama]

Don't worry about dust bunnies until they get bigger than the cat.

Tell your family they can write their names in the dust, but not the date.

Go ride!

[MightyMitre]

My boyfriend and I moved into our flat 2 years ago and have we done any decorating? No chance - as both of us are avid cyclists the house seems to come 2nd, 3rd or even 4th place to most other things.

We have 8 bikes in the flat because we don't have any outdoor space, spare sets of wheels here and there, a mountain of wheel bags. Not to mention the inner tube, the track pump and the nine-speed cassette that's been sitting in bits behind the door in the sitting room for the last 2 months.

We have small oil marks on the carpet in the hall ( another reason why we haven't bothered to decorate yet), next to where the tool box lives and about 10 waterbottles that scattered themselves around the kitchen. If the weather's wet there'll also be shorts and jersey's literally hanging round the place drying.

I must admit there are days when all the crap really gets me down and I'll have a rant, but there's other days when I feel our place really could give a small bike shop a run for it's money!! :D

PS - What's a dust bunny and do you think we get them in England?

[Veronica]

Fluffy lives in our living room. My "excuse" is I commute to work and it's easier to load and unload the saddlebag if he's in the house - not the garage. Thom bought a stand for him and his home is right next to the piano. :p

Veronica

[Barb]

What's a dust bunny and do you think we get them in England? [/B][/QUOTE]

If you don't know what they are, don't even worry about them!!! Mine are about the size of a softball and live under...well most everything. I think thwn the dust and the dog hair join forces, you either have to do battle or feed them!!!!!!!!!

I put them on ignore yesterday and hit the road. It was cold and wet but I got in 10 miles. I have karate tonight then tomorrow I push for a 20 miler.

Thanks for all your good words, it got me back out there!

[MightyMitre]

Eek - don't like the sound of dust bunnies, but congratulations for going out in the cold and wet.

If you can get yourself out there when the weathers rotten then sounds like you'll be raking in the miles before you know it and the dust bunnies will have to fend for themselves!:p

[Terry]

Dust bunnie live everywhere! The ones at my house like to live around my shoes and purses in the closet. I just shake'm off.
I keep seeing those commercials with those Swifter thingies that are supposed to rid the home of dust bunnies. The problem is, YOU have to guide that Swifter thing around chasing the dust bunnies! The nerve of those advertisers; first they tell you they have a way for you to get rid of dust bunnies and then, you find out you still have to chase them down. The nerve.

As I mentioned in a prior post, our seasons have changed and we have to go north to ride, so, the only time we ride is on weekends. Here was my ride:

Yesterday we drove to the east side of the Mogollon Rim (it's pronounce Moe-ghee-own) outside of Payson AZ. The trail is called "Highline Trail" and is at 6200 elevation. It was gorgous!
However, our local oracle of mountain trails, Cosmic Ray (seriously--check out his book, "Fat Tire") calls this trail
"tough/advanced". It was.

We were frazzled and had injuries after the first 4 miles.
The Park Service has not cleared out LARGE dead trees that you had to climb/lift bikes over, constant hair-rasing downhill hairpins and switchbacks...it was rough! The Park Service also failed to mark/clear the 20 yard trail leading to the creek THAT IS ON THE MAP that you are supposed to take or go on; the trail goes on another 51 miles!!! We missed the cut off. There was no marker.

We had only went out about a mile and realized there were no other bike tracks and, we were going up again. We turned back. We had to stand on rocks to survey, beat the bushes, back track all along, close to the creek. Suddenly, while standing and riding, 2 of us saw an area that looked like a camp sight. We walked in a few yards and there was the trail. We went across the creek (had to carry the bikes--hugh boulders) and up on the other side was a parking lot and ranger station. We couldn't believe it! We could not see that 50 yards across the creek to the parking lot because of all the foliage/trees. By then, the sun was blazing and we still had a 4.7 up-hill highway ride back to the trail head. The UV index wound up to be 100+10 up there. I'm a lovely shade of rouge along the outline of my Camelback. That was the hardest 12 miles I've ever ridden!
However, I must say, it has made me tougher, more focused and determined to become a better rider. Also, it was so beautiful and enchanted...thought I was in the land of Hobbits. We took pictures...I'll see if I can attach one for you all.
Terry

[Irulan]

gives a whole new meaning to the word "epic" eh?

Irulan

[Dogmama]

Reminds me of my first real dirt bike ride. A friend told me about this area that was for "beginners." Not on your life - especially for those of us who have been flat-lander-roadies! Huge drop offs, cambered turns, big boulders in the path that went straight up - I ended up pushing the bike through a lot of it. No shame either, just wanted to get to the end!! Oh, and it was about 90 degrees and I brought one lousy water bottle (hey, it was only 10 miles!). Climbing is one thing I do *really* well on my road bike, but I'm not used to ruts bigger than my front tire! (whine whine whine!)

[IronHorse213]

Hey!! I'm so glad the list's finally back!!! I've been missing it. Was it gone for everyone? It went out of commision just before my big first ride - on May 4. I rode all 42 miles (plus at least another 5 going and returning) of the annual Five Borough Bike Tour! It was hard and very crowded - I believe I actually walked through most of the Bronx leg - and I definiately wanted to quit at least a dozen times, but I didn't! This, however, is completely an example of having done the thing much better than actually doing it. It wasn't fun doing it, but I'm proud of myself that I did - I did almost a half century!!!

Since then I've done one 20-mile trail run from home to my work location to see if I could really ride to work (my goal for the summer) and only a few short rides becuase the weather in the Northeast has been horrible! I'm growing moss it's been so rainy here. I sneaked in a 5 mile spin Saturday morning before the rain started coming down hard... my poor bike didn't know why all kinds of bit and pieces of cut grass and leaves/buds were sticking to it! (it's a newbie and rain riding is something I avoid generally, but just couldn't stand another weekend without)

I have a 70-mile ride planned for June 21, so I'm hopeing that some very hard work in the gym and a few more good long rides will prepare me for it....

I'm glad you all are back and I'm looking forward to reading up on what you've been doing!!!

'calla
iron horse warrior

[pedalfaster]

Like a few other posters, I just discoverd the that the board is back up and running.

Riding season has finally started for me. I did my first mtb ride of the year this past weekend; a 12-hour race. Boy did that hurt.

I've had a couple of longish road rides and my next "event" is a 162 mile ride across the state.

Will probably make it down (Louisville) for a few master's nats events too...anyone else going?

Happy riding everyone :)

[elevenpointfive]

Hey all, newbie checking in. Haven't been riding much but I hope to change that soon. The winter was rough, got sick a lot, had to start from scratch and it's been slow going. But 30 miles a week is better than nothing, am I right? It's mostly commuting for now, trying to get used to being on the bike again. Trying not to dwell on past glories, such as they were--I used to sock away 500 miles a month. Seems a long way off, now. But y'all are an inspiration to a recovering grrl in the North Star State. I *will* check back tomorrow after I ride, yeah. Low mileage and all. ;)

[Susan126]

Hello and welcome elevenpointfive!

Hey we all have to start somewhere! Just keep biking and before you know it you will be doing those 500 miles a month rides in know time at all! This site is an inspiration to me and I always check it out whenever I need a boost. Right now I am training for a 3 day event in August. Let's keep each other motivated! Can't wait to hear about your ride!

Sue :)

[tinkerbell]

Hey, welcome to another rider from the land of 10,000 lakes. Well, I' m not much of a winter rider myself so I'm much like you--starting over. Fortunately in less than a month I am doing a 4 day 350+ mile ride around S. Minnesota to raise money for AIDS (Red Ribbon Ride) which means I have to get my butt in gear, and fast! Nothing motivates a girl much like the thought of 4/ 100 or so miles days in a row on the bike in steamy July! The weather here hasn't been all the great as well so far this Spring, which means I've been struggling to get started. Luckily today is beautiful, so I hope your ride goes well. Head downtown tonight and watch the pros at the Great River Energy Festival--watching the women and men zoom around the downtown crit is sure to motivate a girl!! I want to grow up and be just like them ;) Even if you aren't into the racing scene it's still a sight to behold how fast they go. And if you really want to see a motivating sight check out the crit in downtown Stillwater on Sunday with it's 24% grade--makes me wince as they speed up that hill time after time (I'd be happy to make it once!)...well, happy riding, maybe I'll see ya on the road!!

[tinkerbell]

Ooops, bad grammar...I'm not raising money for AIDS, but rather the fight against AIDS ;)

[elevenpointfive]

Sue, Tinkerbell, thanks for the welcome. :) Nice to meetcha! How's riding? Tinkerbell, the AIDS ride sounds hardcore.

Good news is, I got out for 12 miles this AM. Don't laugh--that's a pretty decent ride for me right now. Baby steps. It was super nice out, calm, 65 to start, all the birds singing and feeding kids, and butterflies starting to mass at the clovers. Almost bisected a garter snake--but a little fancy stepping on both our parts and he slithered safely off. Yeah it's great to be back on the bike. :D A new butt would be nice, though. Owww. Bummer that I missed the race in town, but that's par for me lately--haven't been up on events.

[Susan126]

No laughing just yahoooooing for you elevenpointfive! Morning rides (especially on a weekday) are one of my favorites! Especially the ones on my favorite country back roads (no traffic)! Birds singing, like you said, beautiful fields of wildflowers, cow pastures, and some awesome backdrops! And oh boy do I remember those sore butt checks and sit bones! But mine are all broken in (thank goodness) :p and in know time at all so should yours! Don't worry about events right now just get out and ride and build up your body, butt, and distance! And most important . . . just enjoy being on a bike! :) Summer is ahead of us and I feel it will be a good one!

[Barb]

Yahoo only 7 more days of work til I am off for the summer. I have decided to celebrate by riding my bike to work on the last day. I will take an hour in VERY heavy traffic but I will get a kick out of it and I am sure my coworkers will!!!

Next saturday I ride in the Tour De Cure for American Diabetes Association. It is a very hilly ride (YUK) and I live in a very flat suburb so I know it will be a challenge! It is 30 miles, early morning so I should be ok. This is my second ride ever :)

[Dogmama]

OK ladies, this really works, but I suggest doing it in privacy because it looks a little weird.

Right after your ride & your shower, get your blow dryer out, set it on max/cool and dry off that tender area. Ahhh, relief! Then, get a little desitin ( baby butt ointment) and slather it on.

That, with the raging endorphins, and you'll be in hog heaven!

Kim

[Irulan]

This one was a fun one yesterday:
Rollercoaster (http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/images/rollercoaster.jpg)

10 miles of rollers, what a blast. Just right kind of day very warm but not hot. I hadn't been out there in three years, it seems a lot easier than it used to be!

Irulan

[Kpicha]

Originally posted by Irulan
This one was a fun one yesterday:
Rollercoaster (http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/images/rollercoaster.jpg)

10 miles of rollers, what a blast. Just right kind of day very warm but not hot. I hadn't been out there in three years, it seems a lot easier than it used to be!

Irulan

Yikes! Those hills sure do look steep! :eek: They'd be fun to go down but I'd hate to have to go back up them

[Irulan]

Originally posted by Kpicha
Yikes! Those hills sure do look steep! :eek: They'd be fun to go down but I'd hate to have to go back up them

look again at the elevatio profile. It's marked off in 25' increments... kind of misleading until you look close. So you drop and rise 30' in a roll... that's why it was fun.

Irulan

[Kpicha]

Ahh, I see now. I was wondering how that was "fun" :) Thanks!

[elevenpointfive]

My roommate and I agreed it would be just too ridiculous to unleash the infernal combustion machine for the small things we wanted tonight. A few dinner ingredients, the latest music mag, bathroom stuff, you know? So we threw the headlights on and took to the streets. 10 miles of sweet summer night riding on nearly empty roads, enlightenment of fellow customers ("you rode your bikes in the dark?" --"that's what headlights & taillights are for! you should try it, it's great!") and on the way home the sky started lighting up with an electrical storm. Beauty! Can I say again I *love* bikes? :D

[goddess1222]

AMEN elevenpointfive!!!!! bikes rule! i am sure dinner tasted sweeter knowing you brought the goods home on your own two wheels.

[elevenpointfive]

You know it, goddess! Best risotto ever! :D

And I don't even hurt, derriere excepted. I think this is the week, ladies. I think I'm gonna top 50 miles this week, for the first time since last fall when I got sick! I've ridden 28 since Sunday and if I keep feeling this good I can do at least two more rides this week! Pardon my exuberance, but I'm so freaking happy I can ride even this much again! It's a long way off from my old self, but it's so much better than the NOTHING it was all winter, I tell you! :D :D :D

-eleven, very happy!

[IronHorse213]

In an effort to have a successfull century ride to talk about after this weekend, I implore my fellow peddlers to cross fingers, pray, think good thoughts, whatever suits, that Vermont will be sunny and warm, but not too.

I've been planning this ride for 4 months and though I'm under-trained mileage-wise due to rainy weather here in NY, I am really up to ride on roads sans heavy traffic, roller-bladers, and foot traffic! I'd even be happy for cloudy, with light sprinkles vs. rain...

Thanks!
'calla

[aka_kim]

IronHorse, are you doing the Blazin' Saddles Century? I was so jealous about getting to ride in Vermont I had to do a search for Vermont centuries. Now I'm really jealous if that's what you're doing -- that ride looks like fun! And weather report says partly cloudy....

So, fingers are crossed here in California.

[annie]

Good luck, Eleven and Ironhorse, in meeting both your goals! Let us know how you do.

annie
::::::keeping fingers crossed for good weather in Vermont and a strong, healthy feeling for Eleven::::::::

[IronHorse213]

Yep - that's the one - Blazin" Saddles. Let's hope it's at least "low flame" saddles, weather reports are for rain... Reports on Monday! thanks AKA, etc.

'calla

[Barb]

Two days until Tour de Cure. I am riding 30 hilly miles for American Diabetes Association. The scary part is that I haven't riden more than 12 miles per ride for more than a month due to weather and work!!!! Wish me luck!!!

[elevenpointfive]

Rock 'em, Barb! Is the Tour before or after your last day of work commute? That could be a good training ride.

[elevenpointfive]

And, thanks for the good vibes, all! Last night I did what I've never done before, and got lost on an MTB ride. By myself. After dark. Smart eh? Fortunately I'd told my roommate about my ride, and two hours after I said I'd be back, I finally got within spitting distance of home, and there he was driving out to find me. I had my lights and some emergency food like I always do, but still, going three times as far as you intended, one hour of it in total dark, is a little tiring and scary! I honestly don't know how I missed the loop, but I did. Gotta be careful exploring on your own! I feel so stupid.

Needless to say, I am a little sore and tired today. But the 50 miles I was shooting for are under my belt due to that little detour. Not quite how I wanted to do it, but now I know I can. Woohoo, getting the miles back in my legs! :D

[goddess1222]

woo hoo eleven!!!! glad you are ok. i firmly believe that the universe watches out for the goddesses. such a great story to tell for years to come.

[IronHorse213]

Wooooow elevenpointfive! Your "adventure" sounds really scary to moi - I'm glad that you made it back safely dispite, and that your roomie had the get up to go out looking!

Can I take a moment here to get on a little soapbox and remind the list community to wear identification whenever you ride, alone or in a group. I've one too many stories of people, even group riders, getting separated and then hit or hurt, with no ID on them.

I wear dog tags ($10) which list my name, home and cell emergency contact numbers, blood type and donor wishes.

www.RoadIDcom - makes a really nice ID for the wrist, ankle, dog tags or to attach to shoe laces with a lot of info room for around $20. check them out.

whatever you wear or carry, please do it whenever your out, just in case!

I decided to buy several riding friends RoadID's after I heard recently that the Central Park Jogger didn't have any ID on her, even though she ran at night, late and alone; She was ID'd only after missing three days of work when a co-worker called the hospital on a hunch. They ID'd her by the description of a ring she wore that he remembered.

End of soap box now,

be careful out there!

[Barb]

I did my Tour de Cure. I punked out and did the 15 mile route instead of 30 miles. My knees had been aching for two days before and I was under trained. I worried about it all the night before. When I woke up I realized that I ride for me, no one else. It is supposed to be fun and not stress me out. I rode 15 VERY (oh my gosh) hilly miles and felt great when I finished. I could have done 20 but not 30. The key for me is that I got out and rode and was happy about it. I don't have to draw blood every time out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still debating about riding to work tomorrow (my last day). It is only 12 miles but lots of traffic and I am forced to ride on the sidewalk most of the way.

[elevenpointfive]

Congrats, Barb! 15 hilly miles. Feel proud. :) And your riding philosophy sounds totally healthy to me--if you don't enjoy it, why do it? It can be work, yeah, but it shouldn't be something you *dread*. Make sure you treat those knees right, okay?

Did your last-day ride happen? It sounds like a tough route with all the sidewalk and traffic.

How's everyone else's riding coming along? I haven't been on a bike since Friday (been feeling icky, boo).

I always have my ID on me, no matter where I go or how lost I get. IronHorse213, that's a good site, but it will be even better if you fix your link. ;)

Road ID (http://www.roadid.com/)

[elevenpointfive]

Originally posted by IronHorse213
Yep - that's the one - Blazin" Saddles. Let's hope it's at least "low flame" saddles, weather reports are for rain... Reports on Monday!

*taps foot, looks at calendar* How was it?

[MightyMitre]

Wow - looks like there's been some seriously cool riding going on.!

Just thought I'd add my own update...

On Sunday I was in Italy and took part in a Gran Fondo. For those who might not know, they're organised mass participation races, very well organised and very well subscibed. Some are so popular you have to register for the following year at the end of the race.

I was riding in the Gran Fondo Campagnolo, one of the hardest ( I've since found out) but also quite famous as it takes in the actual mountain where Mr Campagnolo had the idea for his quick -release wheels, after he got a puncture and his frozen fingers couldn't undo the nuts.

I'd opted for the 'small' 50 mile route, as I only decided to do it the day before.

What a day! The first climb was 19km long and rose to 1400 metres and by the time I got to the top it was Alpine! Just to explain, here in England I live by the sea and 1400 meters is higher than our highest mountain, so I was totally awestruck.

Although I coped with the climb welll, taking lots of little breaks, I was just too slow and it took me 3 hours to get to the first feed zone where they were begining to pack up, so I decided to hitch a lift back in the broom wagon.

I'd only done 30 miles in total but I was so pleased - I couldn't belive how high I'd climbed.

My totally insane boyfreind did the full 120 mile which took him 11 hours. If you're interested he's written a report for www.cyclingnews.com which should be on there by the start of next week.

It was such a cool day - there were a smattering of English riders, but as I don't speak any Italian I got by with various smiles, waves and gestures. Even though it's a race and the winners are top Elite riders, professionals in everything but name, eveyone was very friendly and so helpful. Can't wait to see the pics....

[chrisanna]

Hi Five Betty!!! :D What a climb and what a great sounding ride!How did your body handle the change in elevation? Mine needs to adjust to altitude - out to Colorado last year and I needed about 4 days to feel like I could even breathe properly.
:(

[Barb]

I never did ride my bike to work. That's ok cuz now I am out for summer and ready to ride!!!! I head up north this weekend but I think I'll do more swimming than riding. Gotta love the great lakes. Have a great weekend everyone!

[IronHorse213]

Well, I want to thank you all for the good thoughts focused in my direction on the 21st. My friend Sonja and I got on the route for the Blazin Saddles ride a little later than expected Sat. am. , and it started up hill - not good, nor easy. Overall it was very hilly (for me; Sonja's more experienced at this and had a road bike, where mine is a mt.bike)

The route was beautiful - lots of little brooks and ponds and cows and farms along the road - Sonja even had to stop for cows crossing! She rode 70miles or so.

I thought I would do better, but I did put 30.85 miles behind me, which folks say is not bad considering what I was riding and where. I was bummed out at first, but thinking it over, that's not bad.

After all, it got me to ride to work this week which is a goal! So more of that and less of being bummed. Onwards towards a cycling weekend!!

ta!
'calla

[gapgoil]

so, as I have posted previously, a local ski hill decided to open the lifts for weekends in the summer, thanks to the support of our local riders. That said.... it opened yesterday...and I rocked!!! Sure, I wasn't the fasted girl on the hill, but I was one of three, and was certainly having the time of my life! Smooth runs, nice rocky descents, steep little drops and FAST technical DH fun.

yep... I've been riding!

[Irulan]

Originally posted by gapgoil yep... I've been riding!

here's a pic from today:
Liberty waterfall (http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/images/bike/waterfall.jpg)

This trail goes 5 miels up thought the forest next to a creek. Over all gain is about 1500' feet. Most of it is gradual, but there's a 1.5 mile section that's pretty much hike a bike due to switch backs and exposure and just the way the trail was built. We had fun, went exploring up past this sign
great sign (http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/images/bike/sign2.jpg) until we hit the gate that marks the state line. Then, 6 miels of smooth ripping downhill,, woo-hoo...

Irulan

[Kpicha]

Woo hoo! Nice legs! And I thought I really liked soccer legs :D

Sounds like it was an awesome ride!

[Irulan]

you were talking about MY legs. right? :D

Here's what was interesting about this ride. It's rated "strenous" in the local guide with a 2-5 difficulty rating, mostly 4 (scael of 1-5)
I made a lot of inquiries and got feed back like this:

"I've hiked but never biked it" to "yeah, there's a hike-a-bike
section" to, "that's a HARD ride and then from a riding pal who did it last week: "brutal but you'll be fine" (said with a smile, we ride together quite a bit)

Sure the hike a bike was a pain and there was a climb but it wasn't freaky or scary or hard for me. Does this mean I have a hig tolerance for toughness or just that I"ve been around. You wouldn't want to bring a beginner, or someone that was a whiner, or someone who would freak with exposure. this would have been me a few years ago!! Attitude and comfort zone are half the battle I think!

Irulan

[MightyMitre]

Cool picture! - the more cool photo's I see the more I've been thinking about having a try at some mtb stuff. They're so inspiring!

I love road riding but mtb-ing looks way more adventureous.

I also think getting rough and tough in the hills would improve my nerve and bike handling on the road as now and then, especially on steep descents I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.

Might have to dust off/oil up the old mtb and look out for some nice easy beginners stuff round my way....

[Susan126]

Way cool picture!

Glad to know there were others out this weekend having fun on their bikes! :D

Saturday, Joe and I did a 45 mile road ride in the hot hot sun! Sunday, we did a 26 mile mountain bike ride with 5 friends. A thirteen mile grueling uphill and then a sweet cross country/downhill! What a weekend!

Great picture Irulan! Looks like you had as much fun as I did! :D Don't you just hate to see days like that end?!