Spring - when do you get back outside?

[velo]

I know we are all over the world, but in the Midwest of America, I'm looking forward to March, although it does look like it will be coming "in like a lion". Still, March is when I feel like I can begin to consistently be outside riding, and do so less bundled up. What is the beginning of your riding season, usually, and do have anything particularly exciting to look forward to (new bike, training for a charity ride, century, something else)? This time of year always improves my mood. Yeah, those of you in Florida and Texas.... don't rub it in too much that you've been riding all winter. ;)

[roadie gal]

I get back on the road when the snow is gone and they've swept away the gravel that they put down for the ice. This could be anywhere from April to early July (2 years ago).

[Crankin]

Last year, I rode through the winter, a few times each month. Generally, though, I do my first real "ride" of the year between March 5 and March 15. Sometimes, there's still some melting snow on the side of the road. I am very leery of this, since I no longer have a hybrid or mountain bike to deal with water, sand, etc. It really does depend on the conditions of the roads. I also am lazy about cleaning my bike, so I don't want to put myself in a situation that will need a major cleaning.
Since my good friend broke his hip on black ice on a morning in March when the temperature was going up to 60 for the commute home, I tend to pay more attention to these things.

[Artista]

I am primarily a mountain biker and have been able to ride every weekend this winter. I'm looking forward to warmer temps in March so that I can wear fewer clothes, but March and April are our snowiest months in Colorado. Depending on the timing of the snow storms, I may not be able to ride as often during the next couple of months as I did from Dec - Feb.

[shootingstar]

I've been cycling several times per wk. this winter --when one averages it all out. Which means some weeks I cycled daily and other weeks, nothing.

We go through cycles of very cold, snowy/icy winter weeks to melting and dry pavement. The winters are different here than Ontario or B.C. There would be a chunk of time in Mar. - Apr. where I can't cycle (when I don't have studded tires).

I'm only cycling around 10 km. or so each day. And most of it is functional cycling --work, grocery store, meeting, etc. Not lots but believe me at temp. of -15 to -25 degrees C, that's cold enough for me and to do it when it's still night half of the time, I consider it toughing it. I was surprised from last winter, how helpful these dinky little bike rides were helpful to my overall fitness.

Some pics of my area in winter that my partner took when he was cycling around: http://velourbanismblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/winter-cycling/ Our municipality does have a program where they do try to keep the major bike-ped park paths, clear of a lot of snow and some ice. It's actually pretty good given the reality of our winters.

[Artista]

Yeah, those of you in Florida and Texas.... don't rub it in too much that you've been riding all winter. ;)
I don't envy the people in southern states riding all winter. I think that it's as difficult for them to ride in the extreme summer heat as it is for northerners to ride in the cold of winter.

[malkin]

I don't envy the people in southern states riding all winter. I think that it's as difficult for them to ride in the extreme summer heat as it is for northerners to ride in the cold of winter.

And here it is the worst of both worlds, too much of a mess in winter and too hot in summer.
The cyclist and pedestrian deaths have really gotten to me this year.

[velo]

I don't envy the people in southern states riding all winter. I think that it's as difficult for them to ride in the extreme summer heat as it is for northerners to ride in the cold of winter.

Um... OK... Sorry. I was just excited about spring and thought others would be, as well. I'll keep my enthusiasm to myself, then.

[Artista]

Um... OK... Sorry. I was just excited about spring and thought others would be, as well. I'll keep my enthusiasm to myself, then.
I didn't mean this as a slam at all. I simply meant to point out that southerners' riding season IS winter. They'll be envious of us northerners riding all through the summer.

[indysteel]

I sure wish some of your enthusiasm would rub off on me, Velo. I'm feeling really blah about biking right now. I've really enjoyed my winter routine of running, yoga and resistance work and am not sure I'm ready for it to end/change. I'm looking forward to mountain biking, but road biking not as much. We'll see if it kicks on the first truly nice day of spring.

[goldfinch]

I ride in the winter in the south. I have had my two biggest mileage months ever this January and February. Most of March I am birding with my sister, who rides very little, then I am headed up north. I think March and April will be my down time. I backed off last October and November, when Minnesota stinks for riding. I cranked it up again with new excitement in Dec, Jan and Feb, and then plan to dial it back again for a couple of months. It helps keep me excited about riding to have the off time. I do have to ride enough this spring to be ready for a Metric Century in Minnesota on June 1. I did it last year and man it was cold. But it is a beautiful ride and I don't want to miss it. :)

[marni]

Living in Houston we don't really have a winter stoppage to our biking unless the wind and the rain get viscious. I have been off of my bike since Feb. 1 when a passing car kicked up a rock at me and I dodged into a deep Texas rumble strip and crashed. Nothing for me but a road rash all along the right side of my face and a totaled helmet with panel peeling back and lots of cracks. Lost consciousness but didn't spend any time in the Hospital. Since then it has been in the rapair shop. Fortunately, the frame is ok, as are the gear stack, pedals and cranks but it's taken them this long to get all the replacement bits, so I have new wheels, new aerobars, new chain, new brakes, new cables, new bar wrap etc. Got it back last week so my winter break is over, now if it only would stop raining.

My Bebe looks beautiful and almost like new, so now I'm back to seriously training for the Little Red Riding Hood in Utah in June which all four of us biking sisters will be riding in celebration of my 65th, wne and if it stops raining and blowing.

[Crankin]

Just to add that winter does not mean I go inside. While I may be on the trainer or at a spin class, I am also outside nordic skiing, snow shoeing, or hiking.
I can't stand being inside for too long.

[nuliajuk]

I'm not looking forward to spring melt, because it will be a mess. We had a lot of snow this winter. I get outside more during actual winter than in melt season, due to the high risk of crashing on wet ice (done it once, was off the bike for weeks with a torn acl).

[Kathi]

I'm outside almost every day of the week, except weekends, because I'm skiing. Alpine mostly but some xc. If we have a crappy (meaning no fresh snow) March and April then I'll start riding more. I'm not ready to end the ski season so I'm praying to the snow gods for a snowy spring. If we get a rainy May, which I'm hoping for, I'll use the trainer.

[Kathi]

Living in Houston we don't really have a winter stoppage to our biking unless the wind and the rain get viscious. I have been off of my bike since Feb. 1 when a passing car kicked up a rock at me and I dodged into a deep Texas rumble strip and crashed. Nothing for me but a road rash all along the right side of my face and a totaled helmet with panel peeling back and lots of cracks. Lost consciousness but didn't spend any time in the Hospital. Since then it has been in the rapair shop. Fortunately, the frame is ok, as are the gear stack, pedals and cranks but it's taken them this long to get all the replacement bits, so I have new wheels, new aerobars, new chain, new brakes, new cables, new bar wrap etc. Got it back last week so my winter break is over, now if it only would stop raining.

My Bebe looks beautiful and almost like new, so now I'm back to seriously training for the Little Red Riding Hood in Utah in June which all four of us biking sisters will be riding in celebration of my 65th, wne and if it stops raining and blowing.

Happy 65th! I'll be celebrating mine in June, too. Possibly on Bike Nebraska. Sorry about your accident, glad your bike and you are ok.

[Dogmama]

Feeling like a wimp. It's 40 degrees outside and I'm considering that it might be too cold...

Reference to those of us living in a blast furnace summer - you just go out in the early mornings. Generally it's 7- to 80 degrees and very nice for cycling. Just get inside before 8-9AM. Commuting isn't too bad since you're going from air conditioning to air conditioning.

[Crankin]

I would not like riding all year round. It would burn me out. I so look forward to x country skiing for 2 months. This year, I have a much more positive attitude toward riding and starting the season, because I took 2 whole months off from riding outside.
If I still lived in Tempe, I don't think I would ride from mid May to mid September, even at 5 AM. I used to walk then and it was like 90-95 degrees. My season would be the winter.

[SheFly]

I haven't stopped riding, and live in New England. I've ridden my cross bike in the snow, my MTB in the deeper snow, and spent a considerable amount of time on the road bike already. i think I've only ridden on the rollers a handful of times, and am still riding about 5 days a week (or more). Yesterday was my longest ride so far this year - just under 75 miles in 4 hours. It's been raining through the night here, and now it has switched to snow, but I'll probably at least get out on the bike path a bit later.

I was nervous on a road ride last week. We left the house around 5:30 pm, and while it had been sunny and warm during the day, the temp started to drop, creating black ice where the melt had hit the road. Fortunately we all stayed upright, but I'm not sure I'll be too eager to repeat that one anytime soon.

SheFly

[Eden]

We don't quit riding up here in the PNW either. We don't have really harsh winters - rare snow/ice in the lowlands, so you just have to tough out (and dress for) the rain and chill.

[marni]

of course some of us here in the south ride all through the summer as well, heat, humidity and sweat puddles all over the place.

[WindingRoad]

I'm enjoying my gym workouts and mixing things up right now BUT... today was an awesome ride in almost 50 degree weather. I will probably start doing more regular outdoor rides when we have 45-50 degree days in March if we are lucky. I am gradually getting used to adjustments I made to my bike before I get too crazy out there. I want to make sure I don't cause myself some serious pain trying to work out some kinks.

[SheFly]

It's been raining through the night here, and now it has switched to snow, but I'll probably at least get out on the bike path a bit later.

Well, the bike path was a slushy, wet, miserable mess, so we ditched out onto the roads. On our SSCX bikes. With no fenders. On snow covered roads. In a snow/rain/ice downpour. I don't think I have been this wet on the bike in a LONG time. It was definitely miserable, but still better than riding on the rollers.

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SheFly

[redrhodie]

I'm back out there! I usually ride all winter, but ended up taking about 6 weeks off. Getting back in the saddle hurt a lot last Thursday and a bit less today. After Thursday's ride, which ended up being several miles longer than intended due to a wrong turn on a detour road, I almost couldn't carry my bike up the stairs. Today was better. I think I'll get my fitness back pretty fast. My advice to anyone who has taken the winter off, make the first ride short.

[climbergirl]

Here in the Great White North (aka Minnesota), cycling can be tough in the winter. Sure, I see folks out commuting on those awesome super-fat-tire winter bikes, and mountain bikes, but when it's 6 F and the roads are a rutty mess, I'll drive or walk or stay home, thanks. Or take the bus. If there's an accident, the bus will win!

Anyway, my partner and I committed to riding every month this year. January we got two good rides in, but February was looking like a no go. It's been SO cold and snowy! But the last few days have hit above freezing and the main roads (with bike lanes) looked pretty good, at least on the north side. We got in a 17 mile ride, but it included some NASTY patches of deep puddle, slush, and mixed ice/slush. Came home muddy, soaked and cold, but very happy! Neither of us went down, so life is good.

We took the mountain bikes out. I can not WAIT for the roads to clear and dry a bit more so I can get back on the road bike. I miss it! Also, in late December I got a new steel-frame light touring bike (Cinelli Gazzetta della Strada, OMG) and I'm SO EXCITED to get out on it! I haven't even really had it on a test ride yet. :( But she's too pretty and too new to take out in the slop. Here's hoping things dry out in March!

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[tulip]

I got out for a two hour ride yesterday. It was in the 50s and sunny, finally. It's not the cold that keeps me in during the winter, it's the dark and gloom and the rain. It's been a very gloomy and rainy winter, and I don't ride in the gloom and the rain.

[indysteel]

I got out for a two hour ride yesterday. It was in the 50s and sunny, finally. It's not the cold that keeps me in during the winter, it's the dark and gloom and the rain. It's been a very gloomy and rainy winter, and I don't ride in the gloom and the rain.

That's what gets me. I don't mind running on a grey day and, in fact, I quite like it. But for some reason, it feels really depressing on my bike. So, I use the winter to pursue other activities, and I enjoy the diversity that brings. Given that I've had some muscle imbalances develop over the past few years, which I think cycling has either caused or worsened, I think my body does, too. I'd love to include things like x-country skiing and snow shoeing, but we don't get enough snow and whatever snow we do get doesn't tend to stick around long enough to pursue such things.

[Owlie]

I've barely ridden this winter. I've taken the new cross bike out twice since I got it. I don't ride much below 35, and while the CX bike is okay on the bike path, it's the roads on the way to the path that worry me. I've also been working at least one day each weekend, and with the short days, I haven't been able to get out even if it is nice.

I'm hoping for some nice weather soon. It's 40 degrees, sunny, and I'm done with my lab work for the day. Hmm...

I'll be trying to finish my thesis before April (or July). How much riding will get done this spring is up for debate.

[nscrbug]

Well cruddy weather combined with recovering from my carpal tunnel surgery that I had on both hands earlier this month, had me confined to the gym for the whole month of February. My target date (if the weather and my hands cooperate) to get back on the bike is St. Patrick's Day. I did a spin class this morning (no standing) and my hands were mildly protesting. I still don't have full functionality in my right hand and my left one is still bandaged up (stitches come out tomorrow...yay!). Given the discomfort I was in during the spin class, I'm not sure if my target date is a tad bit too ambitious...we shall see.

Linda

[redrhodie]

Well cruddy weather combined with recovering from my carpal tunnel surgery that I had on both hands earlier this month, had me confined to the gym for the whole month of February. My target date (if the weather and my hands cooperate) to get back on the bike is St. Patrick's Day. I did a spin class this morning (no standing) and my hands were mildly protesting. I still don't have full functionality in my right hand and my left one is still bandaged up (stitches come out tomorrow...yay!). Given the discomfort I was in during the spin class, I'm not sure if my target date is a tad bit too ambitious...we shall see.

Linda


I hope you're feeling better, Linda!

[Melalvai]

I commute in all weather and in Missouri we get ALL weather. So I ride my bike every day, but I don't ride for fun unless it's nice. The main difference between "commute" and "fun" is distance--my commute is a couple miles, even with errands I don't ride more than 10-12 miles in a day and without errands it might be 3 or less. A fun ride could be anywhere from 10 - 100 miles. (More likely 40 or 50 at the top end, though.) I plan to change out my snow tires this weekend, and maybe go for a recreational ride-- a shorter one than longer!

[Jolt]

Just to add that winter does not mean I go inside. While I may be on the trainer or at a spin class, I am also outside nordic skiing, snow shoeing, or hiking.
I can't stand being inside for too long.

Agreed...there's no reason to be stuck inside all winter (and allowing that to happen is a good way to turn into a real grouch!). Just different activities; I have been enjoying the snowshoeing and x-c skiing this year and not doing much running lately, because the trails have too much snow to run in and I just don't like road running as much. I've gotten out riding once so far this month...just a short ride to the local bike co-op where I have started volunteering. Still lots of snow and yuck on the side of the road, but it was OK on the mountain bike. Will need to look into getting a different saddle, I think--it wasn't comfortable last year and it certainly isn't comfortable this year either!

[TrekDianna]

I was able to get out and do 38 miles last weekend and 52 yesterday. We have a lull in the rain and beautiful high 50s low 60s weather!

[Jiffer]

I'm not in Florida or Texas, so does the fact that I'm in Southern California make it okay to rub it in? ;) I ride year round and can't imagine having to ride in the conditions many in the world do during the winter. It actually got unusually cold here this year, even snowed at my house once, so I've experienced some cold weather riding, but probably nothing like you. My husband dreams of moving to Colorado, but I can't imagine riding in the winter there! I love my California weather.

As for goals . . . I've been accomplishing mini milestones in my journey back to former fitness. After an extended time off the bike due to health, I've been enjoying getting in longer rides, with different routes I used to do, checking each one off my "bucket list". I've been loving Strava and I use that as another motivator to go out and do a segment or more faster than I did before. My biggest accomplishment of late is a big climbing ride I hadn't done for two years, and I got my second fastest time ever, which was a thrill. I wish I had some big organized event to plan for. A century, but we're kind of broke, so unless I "pirate" a ride like I did the Palm Springs metric recently, I won't be doing any of those soon. However, my husband is all pumped to pull me on my first come back century, just him and me, and anyone who wants to come with us. And he has it in his mind to help me get a sub 5 hour century. It's doable if it's flat, and I train enough beforehand, but I'm having a hard time really motivating myself cause . . . well, it's gonna hurt!!! And I don't have a specific date set, cause it's not like an organized event or race. I guess I just need to set a date and do it. :)

[maillotpois]

SheFly - I'm cold just looking at your pictures!!!

[Biciclista]

my husband rode his bike everyday for more than 3 years. He took a couple days off when he got sick. Where I live (Seattle) you really can ride every day if you don't mind being cold and/or wet. He thrived in the worst of weather. He'd call me on the way home from work to see if i needed something from the store, and he'd be happily describing the puddles, the wind, or the snow. He really scared me one year so we decided he needed a snow bike. Then he really could ride in any weather.
Me, on the other hand; I have discovered that I can usually manage to find 1 day per week with weather suitable for MY riding preferences all year round. It really pays to keep riding all winter because getting back to it is so painful.

[nuliajuk]

Spring? What's that??? We've just gotten slammed with another blizzard and the temperature will go down to -20 C (-7.6 F) overnight, with wind chill of about -28 C (-18 F).
I've have mixed feelings because I can get one more week of x-country skiing in, and with the sun setting after 7 p.m., it's possible to go for a long ski after work. On the other hand, I was doing road rides already by this time last year. Oh well.

[Miranda]

Funny, I just got up this morning and looked out the window at the chilly gloom, and thought I hate Spring lol. My allergies and asthma flare up. And it's still pretty chilly here in the Midwest. The roads are a mess. AND the Spring wind, omg gag!

Alright, now that I'm done crying like a big baby lol here's some happy thoughts...

The daylight is getting LONGER...and *that* makes me happy. Those of you that suffer from winter S.A.D. depression can relate. And agreed, sunshine makes everything better!

So this season I hope to re-unite with some old club friends and do more of that. I know that many of them are starting riding now. The roads will need to be dry and not too bad of shape for me to join them.

I DO NOT want to jepordize my still healing broken ankle from my Fall xc bike crash. The Fall is truly my fav time to ride...which I obviously missed out on...so hopefully I will find some cyling love in Spring.

[Crankin]

Sigh. It's 32 degrees out. Although it's sunny, there's a brisk breeze and a real feel of 23.
I'm going on a hike.

[Catrin]

Sigh. It's 32 degrees out. Although it's sunny, there's a brisk breeze and a real feel of 23.
I'm going on a hike.

I hear you Crankin - and it doesn't help that the local news folks keep mentioning what the temps were this time last year. I MIGHT ride the trainer later today and check out my new shorts depending on how my cooking schedule goes. I hate to be on the trainer at all, especially this time of year.

[Crankin]

I believe I heard it was 74 last year at this time.

[SheFly]

It was definitely a cold weekend for riding in the Northeast. Still managed 83 on Saturday and 62 yesterday, despite the cold temps and the @#$@#$ wind. I think the wind made it worse. And yes, last year was a delight by comparison. This morning, it is 15 degrees at my house. Someone should pound that groundhog!

SheFly

[Kernyl]

I've been out a few times this month. I usually head out on my cross bike (on road) for a little more security in case of snow, ice, gravel on the road. I will likely switch to my road bike sometime in April.
Although I have also been snowshoeing, nordic etc this winter, I can't wait for warmer temps and longer rides!
I'm also waiting for the snow to melt in the woods so I can get on my mtn bike. I want to try a couple races this year. But we're supposed to get more snow tomorrow. ugh.

[Catrin]

It was definitely a cold weekend for riding in the Northeast. Still managed 83 on Saturday and 62 yesterday, despite the cold temps and the @#$@#$ wind. I think the wind made it worse. And yes, last year was a delight by comparison. This morning, it is 15 degrees at my house. Someone should pound that groundhog!

SheFly
I bow to your awesomeness! I have managed to ride an entire 12 miles outside this year, you rock!

[Crankin]

I figured you were out, SheFly. I saw someone (male) riding up my street, out of my window at around 9 AM, when it was about 25 out.
I've kind of lost my will for riding in the 30s right now. I think, if it hadn't been windy, I would have gone out for a short ride. I ended up doing a hike in Estabrook and I was cold for the first half and then heated up, after a climb. There was a precarious stream crossing, and I finally got myself across by scooting on a tree branch that was down, on my butt. The rock crossing did not look too inviting, as it was wet, slippery and the thought of falling into water at 36 degrees was not thrilling me. But, after that, the climb was good, I ran up a lot of it and I felt like i had a good workout.

[SheFly]

I bow to your awesomeness! I have managed to ride an entire 12 miles outside this year, you rock!

Don't bow to low ;). There are lots of people who have ridden more, and lots who have ridden less. Don't think that those 12 miles aren't an achievement given the winter we've had!

Crankin - good for you for getting out for a hike. At least the wind shouldn't have been as bad in the woods :)

And Kernyl - my first MTB race is this Sunday - it might be in some snow, though, hopefully, RI will be spared!

Can't wait for spring. Think we have been spoiled the past couple of years with some early nice weather.

SheFly

[nscrbug]

I got out for my first ride of the season this past Sunday. It was a "balmy" 26 degrees when I rolled out of my driveway to meet up with my riding buddy. I ended up with 27 miles for our 2-hour ride. Not too bad...considering my hands are still healing from carpal tunnel surgery last month. My goal was to try and shoot for 20 miles...so I exceeded my expectations for that day. Oh...and other than tenderness in my palms from the incision site, the numbness was drastically reduced (almost non-existent...yay!). But I do realize that this was a short (for me) ride, and until I build up to more time in the saddle (50+ miles)...I won't really know the true outcome of the hand surgery.

Linda

[Jolt]

I got out for my first ride of the season this past Sunday. It was a "balmy" 26 degrees when I rolled out of my driveway to meet up with my riding buddy. I ended up with 27 miles for our 2-hour ride. Not too bad...considering my hands are still healing from carpal tunnel surgery last month. My goal was to try and shoot for 20 miles...so I exceeded my expectations for that day. Oh...and other than tenderness in my palms from the incision site, the numbness was drastically reduced (almost non-existent...yay!). But I do realize that this was a short (for me) ride, and until I build up to more time in the saddle (50+ miles)...I won't really know the true outcome of the hand surgery.

Linda

Sounds like you're off to a good start. 26 degrees is chilly on a bike--I'll do quick around-town rides in those temps but a long ride just doesn't sound fun (would rather run or hike, easier to stay warm doing those things than riding). Looking forward to real spring weather--just put trekking bars on the trail bike (wanted more positions than flat bars, and the bike is used for rail trails/fire roads and not really technical stuff) and want to try them out on a longer ride. The short ride home from the community bike shop yesterday was good.

[Crankin]

Well, this is my latest first ride of the year; hoping for tomorrow or/and Sunday. My driveway still has ice and snow patches. I could be Nordic skiing today, but I have stuff to do, so yet another trainer session. I might try a short ride late this afternoon if the above mentioned snow has melted.

[velo]

Gah, I am so ready to ride in some warmer weather. We're 20*F below normal temps these past couple of weeks and another snow storm on the way! I have managed a few hundred road miles this year, but this time last year, we were in the 80's already (and then paid for it over the summer). I wasn't riding again yet, so didn't take advantage of those early warm temps last year. Hoping these cooler temps will result in a mild summer, 'cause we deserve it after last summer. :) I was hoping that by this time all my rides would be outside. Got out yesterday (it was high 20's to around the freezing mark with only a slight wind), and today will be 40's and calm winds, as well as tomorrow, so hopefully will have at least 3 days outside this week before the snow hits. Can't wait for spring to actually "spring".

[SheFly]

The weather at lunch just said that on this day last year, our temp was 83. Today it is 34. Sigh. First race of the season this weekend, and RI (where the race is) just got 6 inches of snow yesterday. Cold be a fun day in the woods!

SheFly

[Bike Writer]

OK, I'm going to be a whiney butt. And yes, I am a wuss about riding in the cold/winter. I live in Michigan. I know better. I seldom complain about the weather. Or winters. But. Dagnabit this is getting sickening already! I've ridden precisely 3 times outdoors since January and 2 of those times were in January for crying out loud! Maybe I got spoiled by our non winter last year where I road outdoors every month and several times a month during the winter, which is unheard of but for the stout-of-heart people, of which I am not. I've ridden the trainer some throughout the winter but I've even lost my motivation for that lately, like almost everything else. This awful winter has sunk its claws in and won't let go and it's enough to get the most cheerful positive people down. Color me frowning, sad and pining for a breath of fresh air. I need bounce in my step! Please.

[ny biker]

OK, I'm going to be a whiney butt. And yes, I am a wuss about riding in the cold/winter. I live in Michigan. I know better. I seldom complain about the weather. Or winters. But. Dagnabit this is getting sickening already! I've ridden precisely 3 times outdoors since January and 2 of those times were in January for crying out loud! Maybe I got spoiled by our non winter last year where I road outdoors every month and several times a month during the winter, which is unheard of but for the stout-of-heart people, of which I am not. I've ridden the trainer some throughout the winter but I've even lost my motivation for that lately, like almost everything else. This awful winter has sunk its claws in and won't let go and it's enough to get the most cheerful positive people down. Color me frowning, sad and pining for a breath of fresh air. I need bounce in my step! Please.

I'm with you. I'm just plain angry at the weather at this point. Every day I look at the long-range forecast thinking, surely the temperatures will warm up a the end of it. And every day it just stays cold. Yesterday was supposed to be a nice day with temps in the 50s, but the north wind kept it chilly enough to need a winter jacket.

I know it's not as bad here in northern Virginia as it is farther north, but I have lousy circulation so I have to wear shearling-lined boots and super-warm ski mittens even when temps are in the 40s.

I really want to go for a bike ride on a warm sunny day.

[Crankin]

OK, I *finally* got out on the road today. Not far, and not fast by intention, but it was awesome. I have to say, this is the "snowiest" first ride of the year I've had, except for the year I took my mountain bike out on the road a few days after a blizzard in February. It felt a little weird to be dodging the snow by the side of the road in a couple of places. But, at 47 degrees and partly sunny, we are in the range of temperatures that I really like for riding (between 45 and 55).
I might get a ride in on Wednesday, but otherwise, starting Friday, I will be out there all weekend,.

[Bike Writer]

I'm with you. I'm just plain angry at the weather at this point.

Yeah, that's how I'd describe it. Angry. We are supposed to have a fresh blanket overnight by morning. 2 things:
1) thankful I don't depend on weather to earn a living.
2) thankful I am not west or south of where I live because instead of just a covering, those places are going to get dumped on big time 12" to 15" inches of fresh snow.

If we got that much snow at this late date on the calendar I'd bypass angry and go straight to "nuts"

[Catrin]

We got 6.2 inches last night and they even closed my office building for non-essential workers until 1pm. I am SO over this cr*p! I am whining and complaining about this and am not the least ashamed over it. Sigh...guess I've been spoiled in recent years. Thankful for the intense group training at the gym or I would be even more pis**d off about out. Fat lot of good that would do me...

[Jo-n-NY]

Yeah, that's how I'd describe it. Angry. We are supposed to have a fresh blanket overnight by morning. 2 things:
1) thankful I don't depend on weather to earn a living.
2) thankful I am not west or south of where I live because instead of just a covering, those places are going to get dumped on big time 12" to 15" inches of fresh snow.

If we got that much snow at this late date on the calendar I'd bypass angry and go straight to "nuts"

I am with all of you in the weather complaint area. I am on Long Island and if it wasn't snow or rain it was the major wind that kept me off the bike. I got a couple of leisure rides on my fitness bike but only 1 road bike ride which was last weekend. Maybe it is mind over matter but March has been horrible. I sure hope it turns around for the better in April. I can't wait any longer to begin leading the club rides that begin at 8am UGH!!!

[missjean]

Well, I pledged to ride every day in April - just for the fun & to challenge myself - as part of 30 Days of Biking. http://30daysofbiking.com/
So come rain or shine (please good Mother Earth, no more snow!) I'll go for a ride.



.

[ZenBiker]

missjean, you talked me into it. I pledged too.

[Jo-n-NY]

30 days cycling in April. I have a lot of miles to make up. Great idea, thank you for posting!!!!

[velo]

I like the idea of 30 cycling days in April, too. I'd love to have that as a goal. Realistically, we get quite a lot of rain in April, often with thunder and lightning so if it's dangerous it won't happen. But barring that, it certainly doesn't hurt to try. I'm just so ready for spring to get here, although I did have a lot of fun playing in the snow yesterday. But now I'm ready for it to be gone!

[Bike Writer]

Well, I pledged to ride every day in April - just for the fun & to challenge myself - as part of 30 Days of Biking. http://30daysofbiking.com/
So come rain or shine (please good Mother Earth, no more snow!) I'll go for a ride.



.

I signed the pledge yesterday. I'm in! Now let's just hope we don't see snow. I got a head start with a ride yesterday, today and will go out tomorrow too.

[TrekDianna]

It was sunny and about 73 today. I got in 57.3 miles and A LOT of hills. Can't decide now between margarita or merlot.

[Aggie_Ama]

Even though I can ride year round in Texas, I have an 8-5 job so I love when the time changes and I can ride after work! I am very limited on riding in the winter since I only have weekends and this winter I got sick multiple times including a kidney infection so I barely rode. :(

Welcome back to two wheels ladies!