April rides

[Crankin]

I went out yesterday morning, with rain threatening. It was warm, though, about 64 and humid. Rode 15.8 miles, through familiar, beautiful roads in West Concord and Sudbury, and decided to come back by way of a more main road in Maynard, to my home, so I could get some flat riding and get my average up! My arm warmers were off after mile 8.
Very glad I went out, wished I could have gone longer, but I had a lot of stuff to do, and I didn't want to go grocery shopping in the rain. Got back in a timely manner, and I only had winds and sprinkles while shopping.
When I was leaving, both of my neighbors were out there, when I brought my bike out from the basement/backyard, into the parking area. One of them runs and also rides. She is probably 10 years older than me, but is in great shape, so maybe I can have another riding buddy.
Winter returns tonight, with snow and cold temperatures for the next 3-4 days. Sigh.

[azfiddle]

I've chalked up two commuter rides: to work and back on Friday, plus a trip to the bakery for a total of 22. Today I rode across town for a workshop I was a co-facilitator for. I broke the rules and brought my bike inside the university building but then no one else was using the building except us. About 17 miles today. The weather, which has been unseasonably warm all through February and most of March was cooler than usual yesterday and close to normal today- but very pleasant temps in the low 70's on the way home.

[azfiddle]

"Let's go for a breakfast ride tomorrow" I said. "Fine" he said, even though he woke up a little late. "How far do you want to go?" he asked. "Not 60 miles!", I said (thinking maybe 30.....). "Let's get in a little climbing first" he said.

So I let him decide and we went east and north although unbeknownst to me he was set on trying some special tacos at a restaurant on the far west side of Tucson. We got to "breakfast" at mile 43, around 1 pm, by way of the "loop" path that encircles Tucson. There we were at the trendy new courtyard shopping and restaurant plaza. "If they're still serving breakfast I want the breakfast burrito with avocado" I said. He stood in line to order while I waited like a vulture for a table in the shade to open up. "I got you the avocado torta" he said. "What? I wanted the burrito!". "I heard you say avocado" he said. It was interesting - a big toasted roll with beans, avocado, a fried egg, tomato slices and some chipotle dressing - but not what I really wanted. I ate part of it. Then 10 miles more home for a total of 53 miles.

Husbands- gotta love 'em.

[Pax]

I really hope to get out soon, the snowbirds are heading home and they finally finished the construction surrounding our place, now as soon as the pollen goes I'll be good to go.

[Crankin]

That breakfast sounds really good, AZ.

[azfiddle]

Crankin, the breakfast he was dreaming of was something a friend told him about: beer battered deep fried avocado tacos (we've been trying out being vegetarians). The torta was good but not what I planned on: eggs, potato, avocado burrito. I don't particularly like fried eggs with runny yolks.

We only recently discovered this place. I had another breakfast place in mind, but was happy to do the longer ride- most of it was flat on the multi-use path that nearly encircles Tucson.

[ny biker]

I could never do a breakfast ride -- I have to eat a couple of hours before riding or else I'll pass out. I'd have to make it a "Breakfast II: The Sequel" ride.

We had a big all-class ride scheduled for Saturday morning, with routes of different lengths for different ride categories all starting at the same place and sharing a rest stop. I was supposed to lead one of the rides. It's in a pretty flat area, which is not ideal for the training I need to do right now, but I figured that pushing myself to ride fast would make it useful. But then the weather intervened and we had rain in the morning, so the ride was postponed for a week. The forecast for the next day did not look inviting -- under 50 degrees and windy -- but the Saturday rain was expected to end by early afternoon. So I made plans to do an afternoon ride with a friend. We used a cue sheet from a ride we had done about a month earlier, 36 miles with a decent number of hills including two that are steep. I'd say it seemed slightly easier than when we rode last month, but not by much. So I still have work to do! There were a few random raindrops near the beginning and the sun was behind clouds more often than not, which kept things on the cool side. But pollen levels were down thanks to the rain, and overall conditions were good for a nice ride.

I considered riding again on Sunday, either joining a friend for a short ride or just easy pedaling on the indoor trainer while watching TV. But instead I decided to go out for a walk.

The all-class ride is rescheduled for this Saturday, and right now the forecast says cold and windy. I don't think many people will show up if conditions don't improve -- people who don't usually ride through the winter won't have the gear or the motivation to ride in the weather we're currently expecting. I mean, I do ride through the winter and I'd rather not go out on a cold windy day, especially when the forecast for the next day is much better. I'm actually struggling with the commitment I've made to lead rides like these, because I have no say in whether or not they get canceled when the weather is bad.

[Crankin]

NY, when I do a breakfast ride, I eat a small breakfast before the ride, like whole grain cereal with almond milk and fruit, and we plan to eat the real breakfast at a place not too far from home, so we don't have to ride far on a full stomach. Or, if the breakfast is in the middle, we make sure we have digested a bit, and proceed slowly at first.

[emily_in_nc]

20 miles in the neighborhoods + one rural road around my mom's place on a gorgeous spring day. Started out in the upper 50s, ended around 70 degrees. Sunshine, low humidity, and light winds that started picking up at the end of the ride. Gorgeous azaleas & flowering trees everywhere. Lots of green green green. Doesn't get much better!

Due to a large number of RV projects plus family time plus cooler than usual spring weather many days, we're only getting in around one ride per week while in NC, but I guess that's enough so we don't fall completely out of cycling shape. We're still hiking around the very hilly campground daily and doing some workouts inside a couple of times a week.

[pericat]

We went for a short ride with the dog this Sunday; he's getting on toward 11, so going at dog speed is not fast. But he's not bad, paces really well for short bursts. We were in the middle of the island, on some Crown lands, pretty rough in spots. It was lovely weather; almost summery. Stopped to listen to some wrens, and then to nibble chocolate while lying about on moss in the sun.

[azfiddle]

Pericat, that sounds lovely!

[ny biker]

Your dog looks like a nice riding companion.

[pericat]

It was! We like to go out that way on weekends once the drier weather starts. Take dog and bike into the middle, then flop onto moss and read, nap, eat a bit of lunch or apples. There's a dogwalking group that comes through pretty regularly while we're there, so we'll be invaded by the furry masses as they go and have to batten the lids on any edibles...

If I get this right, this is a pic from last year, high summer in the woods, that's my partner:

18004

[pericat]

Thank you! He's a good buddy; he makes me go slow enough to hear the birds.

[Pax]

Pretty pup, pericat!


I got to ride today!! Guess the gym and working for a living is helping (I have to walk some at work), my legs felt much stronger and I went a bit farther.

[ny biker]

Fantastic!!! Yay Pax.

Looks like I've gotten lucky with the weather -- the best day to ride this week is today, just in time for this week's post-work hill ride. A polar vortex is headed here this weekend so I need to get in some good miles tonight.

[Crankin]

The weather here over the next week is horrible until next Wednesday....

[rebeccaC]

We went for a short ride with the dog this Sunday; he's getting on toward 11, so going at dog speed is not fast. But he's not bad, paces really well for short bursts. We were in the middle of the island, on some Crown lands, pretty rough in spots. It was lovely weather; almost summery. Stopped to listen to some wrens, and then to nibble chocolate while lying about on moss in the sun.
that sounds like a wonderful use of a bicycle :)

Did a ride into downtown L.A. for a long work meeting yesterday. Low 70’s and 46 miles of easy gliding through the day mostly on bike paths and ending with a sunset at the beach and dinner with Ellie. Cooling down to the low to high 60’s the next few days. Looking forward to kayaking the sea caves in the Channel Islands National Park for a relaxing weekend.

[Catrin]

Pericat - that really sounds like fun!

Here? Meh...cold and miserable for April. If I had known spring was only going to last a couple days then I would have paid more attention to it.

[khg]

On Sunday my husband and I did the Emerald City Bike Ride (https://www.cascade.org/node/23791) here in Seattle--it was a sold-out event of 7,000 cyclists. We got to bike a newly-constructed highway bridge across Lake Washington that is not yet open, and then a section of I-5 that was closed to traffic for the event. We got to play on the freeway!

As one might expect with a ride of 7,000 people, there were some madhouse moments, but the whole thing was so much fun! Biking on the closed interstate was the best part--4 freeway lanes worth of space makes one heck of an awesome bike lane! It ranks up there with some of the coolest things I've done on a bike.

The new lake bridge:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1492/26191173392_2205ae696e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FUqBn3)

Now THIS is what I call a bike lane!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1634/25678761174_cb1db248d9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F89n4C)

Obligatory selfie to prove we were there:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1520/26191164622_357fa21480_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FUqyKQ)

[rebeccaC]

As one might expect with a ride of 7,000 people, there were some madhouse moments, but the whole thing was so much fun! Biking on the closed interstate was the best part--4 freeway lanes worth of space makes one heck of an awesome bike lane! It ranks up there with some of the coolest things I've done on a bike.
cool indeed :)

in the second photo is that a reversible lane like downtown seattle to the U of W area? When I drove that express lane I though how great it would be to be closed for a bike event. Gotta luv the cascade bike club for all they do for bicycling!!!!!!

[Pax]

... It ranks up there with some of the coolest things I've done on a bike.


That is so fun!! I got to do Bike The Drive in Chicago one time, not an interstate but they do shut down Lake Shore Drive (six lanes) and you get to pedal along the lake in that wonderful quiet!

[Crankin]

Weather looks like I may be able to get rides in on Friday and Sunday. Saturday is my club's workshop, so I have to prepare my voice for 4 one hour sessions... and standing up for 4 hours.

[khg]

cool indeed :)

in the second photo is that a reversible lane like downtown seattle to the U of W area? When I drove that express lane I though how great it would be to be closed for a bike event. Gotta luv the cascade bike club for all they do for bicycling!!!!!!

Yes, we rode the reversible express lane section--we got on at the U District and exited at the south end of downtown. It really would make an amazing bike route--people have been clamoring for a bike path alongside it or something. But getting the whole road was way better than some silly little bike path!

The freeway hadn't been closed down for bikes to ride on since some road race event in the 90's I believe. Some of the post-ride emails that have gone out have had a tone like Cascade is thinking of making this an annual event--I hope I'm reading the tea leaves correctly, as I would do this every year. I had a blast.

[ny biker]

I had a bit of an adventure last night. Managed to get started a bit earlier than the past couple of weeks, not as early as I would have liked but at least I would be done before 10 pm. Riding along a bit concerned by how tired my legs felt on the uphills. But in general enjoying the ride. The extra layers that were too warm last week were just right for last night's cooler temps.

So I'm pedaling down a hill and wondering why I'm bouncing. That was weird. But it stopped and now it's uphill again. Pedal pedal pedal, cross the intersection, pedal pedal... oh, my tire is flat. Rear tire, if course.

At this point it's somewhere around 9 pm. Totally dark. Residential neighborhood with nice ($$$$) houses. I had to ride a bit further to get under a street light. I can't remember the last time I had a flat. I know how to change a tire but am not good at it.

So I had a snack (priorities!) and got all the tools and spare tube out of my seat bag. Checked the garmin -- I'd ridden almost 14 miles with 4-5 to go. I thought about calling a friend who lives nearby to ask her to pick me up, but earlier in the day she had said she wasn't feeling well. Either I call a cab or I fix the tire.

I turned the bike over and inspected the tire. There was no sign of a puncture. I decided to try to pump the tire up and see if it would hold air.

I rarely use my frame pump. It's super light. It's also hard to get onto the valve stem. I had to try several times before I was able to get any air into the tire. Finally I got the tire back to a non-bouncy psi. While doing this I considered the best route to take back to the community center where I had started the ride. My normal route is on dark, quiet, hilly residential roads. I decided to head out to the main road (a couple of blocks away). It's not flat but there are bike lanes on it and it's well-lit. After a couple of miles I stopped again under another street light and pumped up the tire, then continued riding. Most of the time I rode standing up, trying to lean my weight more on the front than the rear. It was pretty tiring.

The bike started feeling bouncy again but I was only a few blocks from my car, so I kept riding. I made it back around 10:00. Ha ha.

I already have new tires since the ones on the bike were looking worn. I was planning to put them on after my ride this weekend. Instead I will change them both tonight or tomorrow. So that will be a good refresher course for my tire-changing skills.

I think maybe I want a new frame pump...

[khg]

That is so fun!! I got to do Bike The Drive in Chicago one time, not an interstate but they do shut down Lake Shore Drive (six lanes) and you get to pedal along the lake in that wonderful quiet!

Yes, isn't the quiet amazing! A ride event motorcycle went by at one point, and it was astonishing how much noise it made.

[Pax]

Wow NY, some fun. LOL



Yes, isn't the quiet amazing! A ride event motorcycle went by at one point, and it was astonishing how much noise it made.
I was amazed. Chicago has a pretty high and steady ambient noise level (as I'd guess most cities do), so riding along and actually hearing your tires on the pavement, birds singing, and the waves on the lake, was just awe inspiring. It would be so cool to live someplace where the cars were electric, and the majority of people rode bikes or took electric public transport... very peaceful.

[lauraelmore1033]

Yes, we rode the reversible express lane section--we got on at the U District and exited at the south end of downtown. It really would make an amazing bike route--people have been clamoring for a bike path alongside it or something. But getting the whole road was way better than some silly little bike path!

The freeway hadn't been closed down for bikes to ride on since some road race event in the 90's I believe. Some of the post-ride emails that have gone out have had a tone like Cascade is thinking of making this an annual event--I hope I'm reading the tea leaves correctly, as I would do this every year. I had a blast.

We did this ride as well! Dh rode the tadpole trike, since he is still feeling a little delicate and 7000 people jostling and being squirrelly sounded a little dangerous. I thought it was a great opportunity to see parts of the city you'd never see otherwise. Don't know if I need to do it again, but it was pretty cool.

[pericat]

Not how you want your evening ride to go, NY, that's for sure.

I should practice with my frame pump more; if nothing else, would probably be good for my biceps. I have been making a point of not doing any adjustments on my bike with tools other than the ones I normally carry; I've found some gaps that way. But frame pumps are a step too far; they're light, they telescope, they're practically little transformer pipes and my gadgetbrain adores them but I dread having to use one again. Once was enough. I've got skookum tires on the wheels, heavy as sin, may they never go flat! Our roads are pretty crap, though.

[ny biker]

Okay I just changed both tires. It took more than an hour. As mentioned they were both looking worn so I had already bought new ones and was planning to put the new ones on after this weekend's ride. Luckily the big club ride planned for tomorrow was cancelled tonight. I didn't get home from work/running errands until 9:30 tonight and now it's almost 12:30. If I'd had to do other ride prep tonight (starting with digging out my Amfib tights for tomorrow's cold weather) and then wake up early just to get official notice that the ride was cancelled, I would have been cranky to say the least.

I also changed both inner tubes just to be safe. One of the new ones has a ridiculously short stem which I'm sure will drive me crazy so I might end up changing it again. Also I had a really hard time getting the rear wheel on and off the bike. But now it's all back together with new inflated tires. They're Continental Grand Prix 4000s II. I've used Conti Gatorskins before but this is my first set of GPs. I hope I like them! I folded up the unpunctured tube and am keeping it to use as a spare.

As for the cause of the flat, I had to inflate the bad tube and put it in water to find the tiny hole. Then I found the tiny piece of glass in the tire. There was a small hole on the outside of the tire which I had found on the road under the streetlight. But the glass was pushed in enough that I didn't feel anything sharp at the time. There's an old, larger cut in the tire that never led to a punctured tube, so my guess is that the tire is now just too worn and thin to be as puncture resistant as it was before. Btw they're Mavic Yksion Comp tires. I'd use them again.

So. It won't be spring-like on Sunday but it should be sunny and not too cold -- well, we'll have a hard freeze overnight but it should get above 50 later in the day. It will definitely be the better day for being outdoors this weekend. I don't know yet where and when I'll be riding my bike, but I'll be out there somewhere.

[Crankin]

I used the Conti 4000s before I started using Gatorskins. They are easy to get on and off, semi-good for flats, but not perfect.

[Pax]

NY, weird about the stem, also annoying in the long run. Glad you found the piece of glass, always hated a mystery flat.


Finally got in a great ride yesterday (and when I say great, I mean great for my new normal, short but wonderful). I rode to the beach, then up the sand to the inlet and watched the surfers surf for a bit. It seemed like such a short ride I didn't take water, lesson learned! Had to stop at 7/11 and buy a bottle at the halfway mark.

[Crankin]

We only buy tubes with the long stems, non-threaded.

[Geonz]

April's off to a slower than usual start... the usual commute April Fool's day.... I had snuck out a couple of Saturdays for my favorite 20 mile loop from the house but blustery winds at 45 mph were in the forecast.
So instead I plowed through the wind to the bike shop and paid for a new bicycle.
18005

I already have a longbike but... this one is a discontinued model and marked down ... I test rode it just to make sure it didn't fit, except... it did.

Monday I rode from work to bike shop and left Xtracycle there and rode it back... Tuesday commuted and went to teh Bike Club Pre-Season Party ... went shortest way home rather than the nicer long way because of... 25+mph winds...
Rest of week commutes were okay tho' I didn't get to do my usual lunch "lap around campus" because it was generally raining (it does, at least, wait for me to get to work & it stops before I have to leave)...

Today I had a REAL ride... out to St. Joseph for the "Illini Chill," and back so 11 + 20 + 11 miles (but on the Trek 7.5 FX so they were lots easier)... winds only 15 mph and the temps got above freezing by noon! My legs are tired and happy...

[Pax]

Nice new bike, Sue, it must feel like flying after your old bike.

[Geonz]

LOL no, not with those FAT tires. It's actually a little bit slower, I *think* (but impossible to tell since it's been so windy). The Xtracycle is still going to have an important place, especially since it has the dynamo hub and the bicycle powered blender, and the Transport has very *nice* disk brakes on that front wheel but ... they're not going to charge a light, much less my telephone the way the Xtracycle will (or at least it should once I figure it out...)

WHat I am especially happy about, though, is that it seems to have (in the week I've had it) equivalent or even more "WTF???" effect on drivers, who have been giving me the same wide berth that I get on the Xtracycle (but not my 'fast' 7.5 FX). I'm going to try to construct a little crate for the front with ... oh, for starters, a portable charger for USB things... maybe try to figure out a camera mount? ... if I actually were good at such stuff, I'd design a rotating Squirtgun or Projectile Releaser or Bubble Machine...

[azfiddle]

Thursday I just had time for a quick 11 miles after work. Friday was a busy day and the midday weather wasn't great- still windy and occasional showers after work. But today was gorgeous! My husband and I rode up Mt. Lemmon past milepost 6 - (total 27 miles for including riding from the house to the base). Then I got off the Ruby, had lunch and took the Surly to buy groceries and to go look for a new saddle for her.. but no luck so far.

Tomorrow is looking less favorable, with 67% chance of rain after 11, accompanied by wind gusts up to 31. Too bad because they have Cyclovia schedule from 10-3 pm - closing down streets for pedestrians and cyclists....

[emily_in_nc]

I am officially tired of gusty wind and way colder than normal temps! Here in NC, we are to be in the mid-20s tonight. In April. With all the flowering trees and shrubs in a riot of color.

This is just wrong.

I know many have it worse, but I am not a happy camper! We have only been able to manage riding once per week (picking the warmest day each week, which has been a Monday every week lately), between wind, cold temps, and general busy-ness. Ready for spring, for real!

[Pax]

... oh, for starters, a portable charger for USB things... maybe try to figure out a camera mount? ... if I actually were good at such stuff, I'd design a rotating Squirtgun or Projectile Releaser or Bubble Machine...
Bwaaahaaaa!! You crack me up! But I know you'll actually rig something up... please take pics.

[Crankin]

It's been the same here.... rain, rain, wind, one nice day. Yeah, I rode through the winter, but now, very little riding. We spent all day presenting at our club's bike workshop yesterday. Very good, but all I could think of was we are missing another day of riding. Today is nice and sunny, but cool and windy. I want to ride, but our friends who had plans with, want to hike. I may sneak out for a short ride before we hike.

[rebeccaC]

oh, for starters, a portable charger for USB things... maybe try to figure out a camera mount? ... if I actually were good at such stuff, I'd design a rotating Squirtgun or Projectile Releaser or Bubble Machine...

If you work out the bubble machine let us know and I’m getting a SON hub for my front commuter wheel…:)

btw…I have a friend who likes to ride across continents. She uses E-Werk and a cache battery with a SON hub to charge her garmin, phone and ipad mini.

[Crankin]

So, I was so determined to go for a ride that I went out this morning at 5:30 AM. Unfortunately, it was spitting rain, and I had no idea there was a chance of rain. But, it wasn't that cold for early in the AM, so I went off. After I had gone about 4 miles, the rain got harder, I was at the point where I could home the way I planned, or turn around, and it would have been the same distance. It really wasn't bad, so I kept going.
My ride ended up being a grand total of 7.3 miles, but it felt good. Now i am off to the gym and work.

[pericat]

April is my month for leaving winter behind. Today did an 11.4km ride, which is not far by most standards, but is very hilly so I was pleased with the effort. I made pics of elevation and gradient, since the mapping site does that:

18006

18007

New bike behaving very well. The gearing is very different from my old hybrid, but I think after all there are enough to get round all these bloody hills.

[Crankin]

I just came home from the hardest group ride I've done in a long time. It isn't that I haven't ridden in the area the ride was in, but there were some different roads and the on the familiar ones, we were going up instead of down. There were a lot of people; I did the shorter ride, which was only 28 miles, with 1775 feet of climbing. Long climbs... the longer ride was not much longer, 34 miles, but with almost 700 feet more of climbing, on hills I know that suck at this time of the year. So until the 2 groups split, near the end, I was in the front of the short rider group/back of the faster people. We rode to the Wachusett Dam, actually around it, through some gates on a sidewalk right next to the water. I had to put my foot down, with sharp right turns, I was getting dizzy. Once we got to the viewpoint, it was all uphill, although there had been lots of climbing before, too. Beautiful day, sunny, cool at the start, a day where it is hard to dress right. I was unzipping and zipping, and switched to a lighter head cover and took out my glove liners, which made it OK.It's about 55 now and the wind died down.
My average was the kind of average I have when I ride in the Berkshires (i.e. big climbs). But, I am happy, I stayed up front in my group and was clearly in sight of the faster people until they split off. And, I had my highest speed descent, ever, 33.6.

[rebeccaC]

I just had to go for a lunch ride in this perfect weather….an easy exploring ride through Venice and some shopping at the large Wednesday Santa Monica farmers market. It worked well to clear my mind and get a little exercise before continuing to work for too many more hours into tonight
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1456/26389339266_9a1fbb80b1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GcWgb3)

Plus now I have a loaf of incredible tartine style sourdough kalamata olive bread, some beaufort cheese, avocados, small heirloom tomatoes and some medjool dates to share with those working with me tonight
.....and a guilty pleasure :)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/25811031114_e91b305467.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FjQhiQ)

[ny biker]

Like Crankin we are in zip up/zip down/zip up again weather around here. Saturday started with rain and conversational snow, then the sun came out and the winds kicked up. Which would have been fine if it was January. Overnight we had a hard freeze, and it was 36F when I woke up to get ready for the bike ride I intended to do. It was a ride with a club that I'm not a member of, a pretty far drive from home, but in the same area as the upcoming Tour de Cure so it would have been good training for that. However it was also my shakedown ride with the new tires, in an area I'm not at all familiar with, and with people I don't know. I wasn't expecting a problem with the new tires but I didn't want to risk being stranded alone or having to bother people I didn't know if there was a mechanical. Adding that to the cold air I decided to just go back to sleep and ride on my own in the afternoon after the temp got into the low 50s.

Then of course I frittered about as I usually do, and didn't end up starting my ride until after 2 pm. I chose a 30 mile route that I used to do all the time when I mostly rode by myself. There are two proper hills, short but steep, plus several long false flats, the kind of gradual inclines that drive me nuts. To add to the challenge I decided to do each real hill twice. I also detoured and explored a bit to add miles. In the end I rode 35 miles with about the same amount of climbing as the previous weekend. The first steep hill was only 4 miles into the ride which guaranteed that my legs would be tired until the end. As for the weather -- it was really cold in the public parking garage so I put on three extra layers (wool shrug, windbreaker, wind vest). After riding in the sun a few miles I took off the jacket and vest, then 2 minutes later put the vest back on again. Then spent several miles feeling like I was either too warm or too cold. Luckily after that I settled into a rhythm, or maybe the sun was at just the right angle, so I was never perfectly comfortable but not really uncomfortable either. With plenty of zipping and unzipping the vest as the terrain changed and I moved in and out of the shade.

Overall it was an enjoyable ride, with the exception of the idiot in the silver Honda who nearly right-hooked me a few miles from the end. I barely managed to stop in time. After making the turn she stopped in the middle of the road. This being Virginia, I figured it was a 50/50 chance that she was either contemplating her mistake and learning from it or reaching for her gun to finish me off. So I yelled from a distance and rode on. I was pleased with how quickly I was able to stop shaking and calm down.

Then last night I went out for my weekly hill ride. It went well -- for the first time in weeks my legs didn't feel exhausted from start to finish. Of course I added in a couple of additional hills so they were plenty tired by the end. In all I rode almost 19 miles. Again temps were in the 50s, from 59 at the start to 50 at the end. Again I started out with an extra layer, removed it after a couple of miles, did lots of zipping/unzipping of my fleece jersey, put the vest back on for the last few miles. Perhaps April should be the month when we celebrate the inventor of the zipper. :D

Last night I tried out a new pair of Endura tights that I recently picked up, because my old Sugoi Midzero tights are starting to look a bit ragged. The Endura tights have no fleecy inside -- they're more like shorts material that goes down to your ankles. But they were warm enough for last night and they have great reflective stuff all over them for night rides.

The Conti GPs are working well so far. They are harder than my old tires, I think -- I feel the bumps more at the same psi. So I'm experimenting with a lower pressure. I did have one mechanical failure last night -- my Light and Motion headlight refused to turn on even though the battery was fully charged. It was a backup, since I also had my Bontrager headlight with me, so no crisis. After I got home I was able to get the L&M to turn on, but I think there must be something wrong with the switch. Both headlights have short battery lives at the highest power output so during dark winter night rides I end up using both of them. Luckily with summer's later sunsets on the horizon I can get by with the just Bontrager for now.

[Crankin]

Did a very short (11.5 mile) ride with DH when he got home. It is just beautiful out, getting warmer each day. Just a bit of residual soreness from my ride Wednesday, followed by circuit training yesterday. Going to ride about 30 miles tomorrow, to test a ride we are leading /14. We did the same route last year, but I don't have it totally memorized. It's close, so we will ride to the start.
Sunday doing hills in Harvard and Bolton with our friends. I think the ride is about 35 miles.

[BikeDutchess]

We had our annual "running the red lights" event today, a.k.a., the Salt Lake City Marathon Bike Tour. So nice to have every intersection blocked off for us and never having to stop! All week we were watching the weather, wondering if it would rain today (we rode it in the cold rain several years ago and will. not. do. that. again). But the forecast kept improving and it was dry - albeit cold (ave temp 37°F / 3°C). Always a challenge to drag ourselves out of bed at oh-dark-thirty for the 6 a.m. start. My toes froze despite my toe covers and it took my fingers about 10 miles to thaw. The road surface for the first half of the course was in bad shape in many places. And I still hate the part through Memory Grove, although I'm guessing the runners love it. It's just scary to do it in the (almost) dark. We got passed by the first handcycle (who started 20 min after the bikes) at about mile 14 - that guy was booking it, amazing! All in all we did enjoy the event again this year - and they do have beautiful medals!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1522/26436892626_ef3cd31ffe.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Gh8Z8y)
Running the red lights (https://flic.kr/p/Gh8Z8y) by DutchRosie (https://www.flickr.com/photos/48330200@N04/), on Flickr

[rebeccaC]

likes not having to stop at all intersections :) sounds like a nice ride bikedutchess!!!

Doing the Coachella music festival this weekend and despite a late night of music/fun yesterday I did an early morning ride into the San Jacinto Mountains cuz today and tomorrow are going to be filled with even more day and late night craziness. It was good to get some hard exercise in and be in the beauty of these mountains for a few hours. Morning temps in the high 60’s to 70’s. only 36 miles but with some good climbing. Got back and jumped into the Jacuzzi, ate a great breakfast with my friends and now relaxing before going back to the festival in a couple of hours.

[Crankin]

Did 27.5 miles with DH, most of it a test run of our New Member's Ride on 5/14. We didn't change it from last year, we rode to the start and then did not do the last little part, as we headed back home at an appropriate place. There's a really strong wind today, but still beautiful out in terms of temperature and sun. It was about 60 during most of the ride. Of course, we saw our friends, riding in the other direction at one point... with all of the roads to ride on, this happens on a regular basis and we just laugh.
I did not feel very zippy, my quads hurt, but I chalked it up to the wind. Tomorrow's ride is going to be close to 50 miles, as we are changing the start point and riding to the start. Might as well get that first 50 miler in now. About 2K feet of climbing, too. Monday is a holiday here and it's going to be 70 out. Hope my legs are OK to ride...

[azfiddle]

I'm enjoying everyone's ride summaries.

Tuesday: one way commute after being dropped off in the morning... uh-oh, the annoying tap, tap, tap-tap....tap... tap was back. The first two trips to the bike shop hadn't fixed it. No sound when I was standing in the pedals and they agreed the seat might be involved and replaced the Ruby saddle with an Oura. This actually made me happy because the Ruby was little too minimal for me... but didn't solve the problem apparently.
So Thursday, just 4 miles round trip to another bike shop- for a "second opinion". Nothing definite, maybe the saddle/seat post.... but they said just take it back to the shop that sold it to me. Feeling like a pest, but frustrated, I called and they said bring it in. More messing around and lubing the seat post and rails....

Today- finally a real ride... and YES! the noise is gone!! 45 miles out to Colossal Cave Rd/ Pistol Hill east of Tucson and no problems. Except that the wind was from the west the whole day and that meant a head wind most of the way back. At least it was in the 15 mph range and not the 20-30 mph range (with gusts to 40) that blew through here on Friday. Temps were very pleasant.

[Crankin]

First real long ride of the year. It ended up being 45.7 miles, as we took a slightly shorter way home. 2,200 ft. of climbing. We rode to Bolton Orchards for lunch, a slightly different way, which involved lots of hills, ones I am usually riding down!
After lunch was the usual, a long slog up Still River Rd to the Fruitlands in Harvard, then heading toward home. It was about 67 today, I took my arm warmers off, so I guess it's the first short sleeved ride of the year. I felt really good for most of the ride, although the first 2 hills were tough. MY average was slightly higher than the hard ride I did Wednesday, so I am OK.
ETA: The ride had 2,400 ft. of climbing... and my legs feel incredibly good today. Walked to the gym (the long way, 1.5 miles), did my power lifting class, and walked home. It was 38 degrees when I went there and 70 when I came home, all within a bit less than 2 hours. Probably will go for a little recovery ride later.

[rebeccaC]

Doing some work in the San Joaquin valley this week. When I scheduled it I worked in a ride into the southwestern Sierra Nevada’s for yesterday….and to help refocus from a great weekend’s activities…my ride Saturday morning was a good precursor for the climbing on this ride. Beautiful mountains with redwoods, incredible canyons and towering granite peaks. Started and ended in Three Rivers Ca. Long 21 miles of initial climbing to 6300 ft then another 15+ oscillating between 6000 to 7500+ feet until the top of my ride. Well paved roads and switchbacks, very little traffic this time of year and lots of spots to get water made for a good ride too. Temps dropped into the low 60’s about half way up the initial climb, which was perfect for the harder climbing. It was 82 on the valley floor in Three Rivers when I got back. Because of the scenery I stopped more than usual to stretch, drink some water, sit and take in the beauty and quiet peace of the mountains. I enjoyed the ride back down with taking the time to do some photography too.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1509/26505627826_94b99577b9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GodgHd)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/26505625736_611bfb62b0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Godg6b)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1695/26439271472_093128c56d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ghmbh9)

[Catrin]

Beautiful photos, thank you! Such a fabulous place to visit.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[Catrin]

Crankin, it sounds like you had a great ride, and I'm sure walking to the gym the next day helped your recovery.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[azfiddle]

Love the photos, as always

[Crankin]

Best of intentions were thrown aside yesterday, when I woke up with a pounding sinus headache. I ended up doing a short 14 mile ride in the afternoon, where the first 5 miles felt horrible and the rest were quite pleasant. We are having great weather.
Had a lovely dinner with Oakleaf and her DH last night, so I gave myself permission to skip circuit training at 5:45 AM. I rode to work this morning, which was pleasant at 45 degrees. It should be about 70 when I ride home. It might be only 6 miles round trip, but it is definitely a mood enhancer.

[indiana_jane]

Doing some work in the San Joaquin valley this week. When I scheduled it I worked in a ride into the southwestern Sierra Nevada’s for yesterday….and to help refocus from a great weekend’s activities…my ride Saturday morning was a good precursor for the climbing on this ride. Beautiful mountains with redwoods, incredible canyons and towering granite peaks. Started and ended in Three Rivers Ca. Long 21 miles of initial climbing to 6300 ft then another 15+ oscillating between 6000 to 7500+ feet until the top of my ride. Well paved roads and switchbacks, very little traffic this time of year and lots of spots to get water made for a good ride too. Temps dropped into the low 60’s about half way up the initial climb, which was perfect for the harder climbing. It was 82 on the valley floor in Three Rivers when I got back. Because of the scenery I stopped more than usual to stretch, drink some water, sit and take in the beauty and quiet peace of the mountains. I enjoyed the ride back down with taking the time to do some photography too.

So beautiful! Looks like such a great ride!

[Crankin]

I did ride home from work a longer way, a whole total of 5.6 miles. As I was just leaving the parking area, I saw a cyclist cross the highway and turn off on the road I ride home on. I didn't give it another thought, until after I made the decision to go home the longer way. There is a kind of annoying small hill on this road; I was feeling good, so I did the first part in the big ring and then kind of pooped out, so as I downshifted and crested the hill, I saw the cyclist who had crossed the highway, maybe 5-8 minutes earlier. She was seriously ahead of me, but it spurred me on. I got closer to her, but I didn't think I could catch her. So, this is one of those New England roads, where if you follow the road, it bears right and keeps the name, and if you stayed on the road and went straight, the name changes, counter intuitive to what is normal anywhere else. I went to the right, which connects to a road that comes out less than a mile from the condo. The woman slowed after the turn, I guess, because before I knew it, I had dropped her. This never happens to me, especially on a commute. But, for some reason, I was inspired to keep the speed up. I felt like I had a workout for a short amount of riding and was actually sweaty when I got home.

[azfiddle]

Two commute rides this week- yesterday and today. 9.5 miles each way on the new and improved bike pat, which mostly goes along the (dry) Pantano river wash and through the desert. Last night we also did a full moon ride at Saguaro N. Park.

[azfiddle]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1613/25978468863_a0f5d1915b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FzCrHz)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FzCrHz) by Sharon Goldwasser (https://www.flickr.com/photos/133571926@N02/), on Flickr

[Crankin]

Rode 25 miles today, to Carlisle and back the long way. We had a vicious headwind on the way out, until we stopped for a break at Ferns. However, as soon as we got back on our bikes, starting the return trip, we had one of the strongest tailwinds I've ever had on a ride. Mostly, on this route, it's a crosswind. We were flying down Lowell Rd, and even after we rode through Concord Center and slightly changed our direction, we were able to maintain a good pace for me. First ride in shorts this year (I generally keep my knees covered until it's close to 70-75) and I had my arm warmers off after 6 miles. I need new ones. Which ever one I wear on my left side keeps falling down, and I know I don't put the same one on every time! They are Shebeest, women's x-smalls, with nice silicone grippers at the top, only 2 years old. They don't look stretched out. I know my right and left sides are kind of uneven, but this is weird and driving me crazy. It took me a long time to find women's x-smalls, and they are not too big. Anyway, my average was really good, I guess because of the tailwind, but I was able to maintain it through some small climbs at the end, too.

[emily_in_nc]

I finally got out for a ride on Wednesday after nearly two weeks of no riding (weather, family obligations, and general busy-ness). The first mile in, I noticed my computer wasn't registering, so DH and I stopped to resolve that. Finally removed the battery and put it back in after nothing else worked, and that did it!

Soon thereafter, I noticed DH wasn't where he usually is early on in this ride in the neighborhoods around my mom's house. We ride some together and some apart but generally pass each other fairly often on the loops we do. Finally saw him coming up behind me, and he told me that he had been having pedal issues, but I thought that he'd resolved whatever it was. He was heading over to this one area where we warm up, and I was heading to the place where we ride the bulk of our miles. I had forgotten to bring my phone along on this ride, which I never do, so we couldn't stay in touch. He never made it to the main area. So, an hour in, I headed back to Mom's only to find DH back in his street clothes doing some weeding in her garden. Seems his pedal situation was bad enough that he had to head back, as he couldn't stay clipped in. Bummer!

He urged me to finish my ride, so I headed back out for another 1/2 hour, and we ordered new cleats for him (Speedplay Zeros) when we got back. I got in 20 miles on a very pretty, breezy day, temps in the 60s to 70s.

The new cleats arrived today, and he installed them, so we'll try again tomorrow and hopefully have better luck all around!

[Crankin]

Went out after lunch and had a hard, but pleasant 30 mile ride with lots of climbs. We rode to Bolton, near the winery (didn't stop, since it was after lunch), a different way, involving some hills I haven't done in awhile, including the one that goes by my old school. It's really sunny and about 59-60 out, with a breeze, my favorite kind of riding weather. We purposely kept the first 3/4 of the ride at our "touring" pace, and it was enjoyable. The last climb was the one I did on the hard group ride 2 weeks ago. We planned the last part of the ride on flat, slightly downhill roads, which was good, but it's main roads, with lots of traffic. Nothing I am not used to, but kind of a shock after riding in country like settings for 20 miles. We actually pushed the pace during this part of the ride, which was fun, but now I am a bit ready to rest! It's going to be raining tomorrow and Tuesday, so no riding until Wednesday.

[rebeccaC]

Saguaro’s and sunsets ftw Sharon!!!

Glad to be home after a week away. Did a pilates class at 6 this morning and then rode to Redondo Beach on the beach bike path for breakfast with a friend. Then we met up with two other friends for a 51 mile route into the hills of the Palos Verdes peninsula. The peninsula has climbing that’s only bettered in the Santa Monica mountains in this area. Plus it’s easier to get to and has lots of wide shoulders or bike lanes and well paved roads. We stopped by the Point Vicente Lighthouse for a stretch, fluid, nutrition break and the ocean views. Perfect weather today, overcast during the morning, temps starting in the middle 60’s and ending in the low 70’s when I got back home……did I say it’s good to be home

….................and game of thrones ftw!!!!!!!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1613/26600485376_d1a78c3ae8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GwAryd)

[emily_in_nc]

20 miles again today, but my cyclocomputer was once again not working, so DH has to look at it. The display is fine (so I don't think it's the battery), but no time or mileage registers, and fiddling with the pick-up magnet on the wheel does nothing. At least I've ridden this route enough that I know how long it takes me to ride 20 miles. :D

A very nice day in the upper 60s to low 70s, sunshine, and not too much wind. Traffic picked up when church let out, and in this conservative southern city, you could set your watch by the after-church traffic!

This was my last ride in NC for this visit. We are starting our trek west on Tuesday!

[rebeccaC]

safe traveling and the finding good roads to ride emily!!!!!

[VeganBikeChick]

Wow, Rebecca! I really need to move back to CA. Gorgeous photo!

[azfiddle]

Well, for a work week, I sure got a lot of miles in! I did a second commute to work Friday, 37 miles around the east side of Tucson on Saturday and Sunday did my first ride of the year to Summerhaven atop Mt. Lemmon. Having a cycling guest has certainly pushed the miles, along with the commutes. 151 miles since last Monday; and about 90 on the weekend before that.

Mt. Lemmon temps were beautiful, just a little cool on the descents, but for some reason my digestive system got cranky. I think I waited too long to eat (almost 2 hours) and then ate a chunk of our home-made fruit/nut bar (pan forte). I've never had trouble with it but yesterday I just felt like I had a knot in my system. I took extra rests including one where I just lay down at a rest stop. Our guest from Montreal was riding ahead, but my husband was doing some running and moving the car up the mountain so I had the option of taking a ride. I toughed it out and felt better once I hit the short down hill stretch at around mile 21. I must have been compensating for something because my left hip/lower back/ thigh is complaining. Fortunately I have a massage scheduled for Thursday. No rides until then because of work and weather.

[emily_in_nc]

safe traveling and the finding good roads to ride emily!!!!!

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing some different areas. The neighborhood loops around here, while pretty, are getting pretty boring.

[Crankin]

Did a 37 mile ride with my group today. Beautiful day, sunny, about 60 at the end, but it was supposed to be about 47 at the start and it ended up being about 55. So, I made a slight mistake in my mid layer, too warm, and I should have worn a vest, not a jacket. I made do with taking off my head cover and glove liners, and unzipping, but we stopped with 4.5 miles left, to wait for the sweep, and I had to take my light long fingered gloves off. Of course, I was obsessing about crashing and ripping up my hands, but all was well. It helped, too, because I was really overheating.
This ride starts with a moderate climb, then goes through a state park, and lots of marshland, conservation land, etc. Very quiet roads, with a stop at a farm stand at mile 17. Then there is a steeper hill. It's the kind of ride you think is flat, but it actually had 1,800 ft. of climbing. I don't ride much in this area, north of Boston, but it's rural to suburban.
There was only one group today, and I try to stay at the back of the faster people, because I do not want to be around the squirrelly ones. There was one guy (always a guy) who rode about my speed, who was driving me nuts on the hills, when I dropped him, and then he would speed up to pass me. I was totally grossed out when we stopped about 10 miles from the end, and he spit on the road right by my foot :eek:. He was, let's say, not too appetizing to ride behind, either, but I will try not to be judgmental. The spitting did it for me.
We didn't get done until 1:40, so I headed home instead of going to the lunch.

[rebeccaC]

Leaving tomorrow for a company retreat for the next 4 days so I decided to do an afternoon ride into the San Gabriel mountains with my friend Alex from Azusa and some riders she knows from Caltech. Left from Caltech and rode to Chantry Flats road in Sierra Madre. Only a 28 mile total ride but with a long constant 7 to 9% climb to the end of Chantry Flats road at the trailhead to Sturtevant Falls. Great descent back to Sierra Madre with high 40’s on some stretches and without pedaling once except for starting again after some stops for photography. Overcast for most of the ride with some clouds that could have rained but thinking we were just blessed instead. :)
Enjoyed meeting her friends and had a good time with them on the ride and an early dinner after.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1446/26641528061_5d9d9ae886_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GAdN7H)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1689/26103633793_dd8726e6b9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FLFWTB)

[Crankin]

Did a nice 26 mile ride to the Grist Mill in Sudbury (that I mentioned in the local festival thread), which is now much closer than it used to be... we planned a 30 mile route based on a ride we used to lead, but going in the opposite direction. I had my arm warmers off in 3 miles... lovely day. We stopped, took pictures, noticed people who must have taken a country drive, out from the city, because they were wearing heavy sweaters, scarves, and boots! Love being inland at this time of year. At mile 18, we stopped for a snack break, when the sky got cloudy, the temperature went down, and the wind whipped up. We decided to bag the end of the ride, the way it was planned, as it was pretty much in places we ride in a lot. So, back home on Rt. 117, in a headwind, and lots of traffic. The sun did come out again, but it stayed cool, and thankfully, I put my arm warmers on again when we stopped. My quads are feeling it a bit, mostly from running yesterday, but I have been stretching and using the foam roller all day, so it will be fine.

18011