August Rides

[Crankin]

My first ride in August was a cool one! I normally do a longer ride on Wednesdays, but I have to do a social anxiety desensitization at 9, at a local coffee shop, with one of my teen clients, and then DH and I are going up to Salem, MA to meet some friends from France, who are here. So, I was up at 4:30 and went out at about 5:10, with my big light, arm warmers, and a vest, as it was 58. I have a much bigger choice of shorter routes, which take me into old favorite riding areas, from the condo, but I usually end up doing the same boring route, just around West Concord. I could have a totally flat ride if I rode to Concord Center, around a bit, and back, but it's often hard to get the light to change with a bike, at 5 AM, to get across the highway. And it was cold enough that I wanted some climbing. Anyway, I went 12 and a half miles, most of it in Acton, a bit in Stow and Maynard. Part of it was the the road I often used to train/gauge my fitness on, when I first started riding, as well as part of my commute when I was teaching. It's a busier road and I did not see one car, and the fog was quite thick over the fields of the apple orchards. There were a lot of people going into the commuter train station at 5:30 AM, including one guy on a bike. I took a bit of a different way back, right at the end, as to avoid lights and traffic. This ended up to be a good route.
I was appropriately dressed, but I feel a little chilled now.
Here's to happy August riding, and I better get my rear in gear, as I am behind in my mileage.

[north woods gal]

I know what you mean about having the solitude of early morning rides. When I was commuting to work and had to be there, early, I often found that my usually busy streets were all quiet and serene. In the winter, it was in the dark, sometimes with snow falling, and I found the sound of the tires swishing through the light snow to be almost spiritual. Great memories for me.

As for August, I'll be continuing my mix of road bike work and off pavement work, occasionally pushing myself on some of our challenging single track, of which we have plenty, just a short ride, away. Don't plan to hit a specific goal as to miles, but I will be pushing myself to become a better rider.

Also, we own 7 acres of thick forested land around our house and I have already been building some single track and a bit wider MTB trails from what's left of some ATV tracks left by a previous owner. Can now do almost half a mile on the loops I've constructed and hope to get it up to one mile. That way I can ride out my back door and practice my MTB riding. Nice to just jump on one of the MTBs and do an instant ride when the mood hits. :)

[emily_in_nc]

Ooops, I posted my first three rides of August in the July thread. In a nutshell, I rode 153 miles over three days on a couple different rail-trails here in Minnesota (Heartland and Paul Bunyan). Yesterday's was the longest at 68+ miles and my longest ride of the year. I'm spent!

[north woods gal]

Great ride, Emily. That's about my tops for the year, too, and I really have no wish to push for more. There was a day when I did purposely plan for a couple of century rides every summer, but that was time consuming because I was always careful to work up to those kinds of miles. I find that my usual 25 to 40 mile a day road work is MORE than enough to keep me in shape, now.

I'm at 70 plus miles for August, so far, but about 15 of that has been some nasty single track that leaves me panting and wheezing in a way that I don't get with my road biking. Another 15 has been on spooky gravel and sand roads. Loving it, though. Not too worried about the miles when I'm having so much fun. :)

Darn off the pavement biking is addictive. I now find myself going out of the way to ride gravel and sand roads, some really nasty ones, too. In fact, I've been practicing on how to work out of a bad fishtail and spin out in the deep soft stuff. The only way to do that is actually trying to ride through those spots, of course. Has boosted my confidence level, though, knowing I can handle it when it happens. Not a great way to add up a lot of miles, though. :)

[ny biker]

I enjoy the solitude of my post-work rides. Even though I ride in a well-populated area the roads are pretty quiet with most people at home eating dinner. I see dog walkers and a few cars but not much else, which is fine by me.

I rode last night, 19 miles, first time on the bike in 10 days. I was listening on my phone to the college baseball game that my nephew was broadcasting. It was a little hard to hear for a few minutes, because I had the wind in my ears going down hill and also there was a brief stretch with some car traffic. When I could hear it again, his broadcast partner was saying "I just can't imagine any situation where you'd need to see Twitter at the refrigerator." I have no idea how that came up during a baseball game. Anyway it was the last regular game of the season so I stopped and took a break during the bottom of the 9th so I could be sure to hear the end clearly. Their team will now go to the playoffs, but there won't be many more games to listen to on my post-work rides. I have enjoyed listening to them.

After the game ended I spent the last few miles thinking about the new gearing that I want for the bike.

The weather was great, around 80 degrees and not too humid. I'm trying to enjoy the warm weather as much as possible.

[Crankin]

I rode with my friend who is moving to Amherst today. Her husband is already out there, and they are going back and forth for the next 2 weeks. But, we already have 2 weekends planned, one in Oct. and one in September, when they will be here, since we still have our theatre subscription with them. Hopefully, we will get out there in between.
We rode to Bolton Farm today, a ride I did a lot in the beginning of the season. Woke up still sleepy, not usual for me, but I figured since my friend is a slower rider, I did not have to work too hard. Then, I forgot my GPS, so all pressure was off! I had no idea how fast I was going. I must say, everything feels easier since I came back from the Berkshires.
It was between 70 and 83 during the ride, but it's humid. Thankfully, after our early lunch, some clouds appeared, just as we started a slog of a mild climb that is unshaded. Since this part always occurs after lunch, I dread it, but it wasn't bad.
A weird thing happened after that. We were going up a short steep hill, just before entering Harvard Center and the General Store. This is a side street that no one drives on... at the top of the hill are like 10 skateboarders, rushing down, one at a time, falling off at times, and letting their boards fly. I yelled "heads up," but no one stopped, as they were being photographed. I was picturing one of them crashing into me. I was furious, and when I got to the general store to wait for my friend, there was a competition set up in the parking lot, with jumps and stuff. We told one of the policeman there, who went to investigate. It kind of felt like a bike race, but definitely, the people were not as nice!
After that, we were getting close to being in home territory. I was feeling drained, hot, and generally yucky. I went ahead of my friend and tried to speed up through Boxborough, more hills, through my old neighborhood, and finally into the home stretch in back to her house. As I was waiting at the light in west Acton, to turn left, 3-4 buses with "Team Lick Cancer," were bringing riders out to Sturbridge for the PMC, tomorrow. They were honking the horn and waving at me, which helped revive me, but the last 3 miles had me just bearing down. I actually lay prone on my friend's cool basement floor for a minute when I got inside!
39 miles, probably 2k ft. of climbing.

[emily_in_nc]

NWG, I've been meaning to mention that DH and I were recently in a Trek bike shop in Park Rapids, MN to get some chammy butter, and I was looking at the fat bikes, just for fun. I commented to the guy working in the shop that I guessed they were super heavy, and he had me pick up a carbon one. Despite the humongus tires and rims, it was amazingly light! Wow. No, I didn't even ask how much it was!

[north woods gal]

Emily, I think the secret is the rims not being solid. Those vents help to keep weight down. Carbon helps, too, but I'm a bit leery about carbon on mountain bikes. With all the rocks and smashing up against objects, a beautiful carbon frame is going to take a beating. Love carbon on road bikes, but if you're afraid of banging up your frame, you are definitely not riding your MTB the way you need to ride it. At my MAYBE intermediate skill level, frame material isn't an issue. I have a very long way to go to justify the expense of a carbon frame on an MTB. Just not in that class.

[Crankin]

I would not get a carbon mtb or fat bike, either.
Today I planned to go to tabata class at the gym, as I was exhausted from riding in the heat yesterday. But, I rode there, a different way. It's only a mile the normal way, today was 1.5 miles, by leaving my street and riding through the neighborhood behind us and then taking a fire road that connects to the gym's parking lot. The neighborhood was nice and I am pretty good now with riding my road bike slowly over dirt and roots. But, there's gates at both ends and I am just not confident enough to ride through the small space where you can get through. I had to get off my bike to get on the trail and put my foot down on the other end.
Wearing road shoes didn't help here, either.

[Crankin]

DH and I went out with no particular route in mind. It's hot, but not humid. I am so sore from tabata yesterday, despite stretching, etc. I haven't been to one of these classes since May, although I do go to other stuff at the gym. Anyway, we were thankful it got cloudy every few minutes and we were sticking to a shady route, when we saw some ominous looking clouds. Looked at the weather and there was a small storm heading in our direction. We thought we'd be fine for maybe a 20-30 mile ride, and we did feel a couple of raindrops, but we started heading back, so we only did 15 miles. I've had a few too many times of getting caught in thunderstorms. I feel much better now, and I think it was best to view this as a recovery ride.
Think I am going to skip power lifting class tomorrow and just commute on Monday and Tuesday. Only a total of 10 miles for 2 days, but I kind of just feel like riding right now.

[Catrin]

Sounds like a nice ride Crankin! I think you are wise to listen to your body and be willing to change things as you feel like doing.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily, I think the secret is the rims not being solid. Those vents help to keep weight down. Carbon helps, too, but I'm a bit leery about carbon on mountain bikes. With all the rocks and smashing up against objects, a beautiful carbon frame is going to take a beating. Love carbon on road bikes, but if you're afraid of banging up your frame, you are definitely not riding your MTB the way you need to ride it. At my MAYBE intermediate skill level, frame material isn't an issue. I have a very long way to go to justify the expense of a carbon frame on an MTB. Just not in that class.

Oh, I totally agree, I just thought it was interesting, since I expected to barely be able to lift the thing! And you are right about the rims not being solid; the bikeshop guy even pointed that out. A fat bike is not even in my future as it's just not needed for the type of riding I do 99% of the time (it would have been great in Belize, though!), and we don't have space to carry another bike, but I just think they are cool. :cool:

[ny biker]

I led a club ride today, 43 miles. A friend co-led at a different pace category, and there was a fair amount of intermingling. My goal was to average 14 mph, because that is the minimum speed of a ride I'm committed to leading next week, and lately with the super hot weather and periods of inactivity I've been averaging a bit slower than that. I had a couple of slow stretches, one where I slowed down to wait for someone who was off the back, and another when it got hilly. So my average dropped from almost 15 mph after 17 miles down to 13.6 after the hilly part, then in the last 10 miles I worked to get it back up to 14.1. My legs are tired now but the effort should pay off for next week and some harder rides that I hope to do over the next 6 weeks. Along the way I had a nice chance to chat with friends. The weather was darn near perfect.

[north woods gal]

NY, I admire your average speed. You've got me beat, for sure.

We've been at my family reunion at a resort in Delavan, Wisconsin, just one town over from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It's in southern Wisconsin, just across the border from Illinois. The area has always been a resort area for Chicago folks. The resort is on Lake Delavan, itself.

Took my "any kind of road" road bike in my Salsa Fargo, but sure didn't need it. A standard road bike would have worked, but, even so, those big fat 29er 2.2" tires on the Fargo make for a very comfy ride and since you never know what you will encounter for roads in a new area, the Fargo is great insurance. Another plus for heavy traffic riding is how steady and straight the Fargo is when you have only a very narrow shoulder to ride. Much less twitchy than a 700x25 road bike AND if you ever have to take the bike off the pavement and hit the gravel on the shoulder in a hurry for safety's sake, no sweat. The Fargo rides in the gravel about as well as on pavement. About as safe a bike I've found, yet, to ride in traffic.
http://i68.tinypic.com/2hyk9i.jpg

Rode the 13 miles around the lake several times. Easy ride, but some traffic in parts. Multi, multi million dollar homes all around the lake. Quite a change from my north woods, but very interesting.

On the last day, found a nice rail-to-trail called the White River Trail, which starts about 6.5 miles from the resort. It's 11 miles long, flat as a pancake and straight as an arrow. Fine crushed gravel surface. You could even use a road bike. Alternates between farm fields and wooded areas. Very pleasant to ride with lots of families out on their bikes. A one day trail pass costs $5, but it is worth it.

About 6 miles in from the western entrance is a small coffee shop called Cup and Pedal, right on the trail, that rents bikes and serves a great latte'. Super folks.

75 miles in 3 days. Not a lot, but about all I could spare between catching up with all my brothers and sisters and the extended family. All in all, brought back great memories of my younger days when all of my riding was in farm country. Love my north woods, but made me a little homesick, all the same. The open country and corn fields were nice. :)

[Crankin]

Stomach issues kept me off of the bike yesterday. In fact, I barely made it to work. I did commute today; it was 64 at 8 in the morning and just under 90 when I came home at 3:30 (I had an early day). It feels like AZ out there, and windy, too. It looks like a crappy week for riding, heat, increasing hellish humidity, and scattered storms for the next 3 days, and more chances of rain on the weekend. I may try to go out tomorrow, early AM, but I am not going to force it. At the least, I'll do some kind of short ride. I've got a hair appt. at 3, which precludes a lot, then there's the weather, and I want to go see the granddaughter, too.
Meh, I am just shy of 1,500 miles and usually I am hitting 2K by the end of August. I am going to be away a week in September and a long weekend in October, so I pray I get a burst of energy in between.
A whopping 5.3 miles.

[north woods gal]

Hope you're feeling better, Crankin. I know what it's like to commute when you aren't feeling too great. Hey, 5.3 miles is still 5.3 miles. I only did 2, yesterday, but, okay, I put in 4 hours of heavy labor in making MTB trails on our 7 acres of woods. It's paying off, though. I can now put in an hour of biking, doing loops on the trails I already have, right out my door. Some of it is moderately challenging with tight turns and some steep humps. All fun, though.

[Crankin]

I am better, just dealing with some typical autoimmune stuff that seems to occur every year at the height of the season. I went to bed very early last night, and I did wake up early enough to go for a "dark ride," but my heart wasn't in it. I went back to sleep for an hour and a half and then got up and went for a walk, which turned into a run, when I saw a guy running and I caught him, and then ran with him for a bit, until he went ahead, but I kept running until I got home. It was a lovely morning, but I just didn't feel like riding. Glad I did what I did; tomorrow the gym and then hopefully the weather will allow me to get some riding in over the weekend. Have a ride scheduled with a friend Friday, but i think it's going to rain, which we sorely need.
We are leading a ride a week from tomorrow night, so I hope this heat wave has broken...

[north woods gal]

Speaking of allergies, August is usually my main allergy season, mostly a matter of ragweed. Fortunately, we have very little ragweed, up here in our north woods, but if the wind is right, the pollen can be carried into our area. Always an issue, though, when we visit farm country, as we did for our family reunion, last week. Oh, yeah, that old familiar monkey on my back had me tired and sluggish.

22 miles, yesterday, about evenly split between single track on the MTB and pavement work on the Salsa Warbird. Actually tried the Warbird on some single track, too, and it surprised me. Guess it shouldn't have; it's a gravel road race bike and very nimble and fast. Did very well with the Warbird's 700x35 wheels as long as I stayed on the firm stuff, but even on soft sand, I could manage. Have now learned to deal with and control any fishtailing instead of fearing it. Real confidence booster for me.

Have recently upgraded to all 105 components for the sake of confidence - have never had an issue with 105 in many, many thousands of miles with 105. To be honest, though, the stock Tiagra did very well.
http://i66.tinypic.com/161n5av.jpg

[ny biker]

Single track in your front yard -- sounds nice. I tend to get lost easily when I'm mountain biking but I imagine that's less of a problem when you're on your own property.

I was going to get in one more ride with the old group set last night before taking the bike in to replace the cassette, rear derailleur and large chain ring. The weather was decent, not too hot and not too humid. But I was just too tired, and I knew if I went riding after work I'd get to sleep late and be even more tired today. So I just drove up to the LBS and dropped off the bike. I reiterated that I need it back by Friday night in order to lead a club ride on Saturday. It would be nice to be able to do a shake-down ride before Saturday, but I suspect I won't have time.

Instead of going out for my usual Wednesday ride tonight, I will have to either go for a walk around the neighborhood or hit the gym for some stepmaster and treadmill work. We're back to hot and humid, so the gym would be more comfortable, but I'm not sure I'll get home early enough.

Looking ahead, a friend wants to do an 80-mile ride at the end of the month. I told him that it will most likely be too much for me, given the way the autoimmune hives have been kicking up after every daytime bike ride that I've done for the past 6 weeks. He asked, have you been to a doctor? Well yes, and the recommended treatment is to avoid known triggers. I feel like sometimes people don't take you seriously when your reason for not doing something is a health problem that is more of an annoyance than a serious risk. But a short ride followed by a little itching is just preferable to long ride followed by lots of itching and possibly having to take a sick day from work.

[north woods gal]

Oh, having my own personal singletrack on our property is great for the sake of practice and working out, but an incredible amount of work to create. Rocks, roots, small trees to cut and all kinds of boggy humps to sooth out and/or fill. Very darn few level or smooth sections, but even so, probably one of the easier trails by the standards of some of the public MTB trails in the area. Putting two to three hours a day in of heavy physical labor, but worth it. Like most truly tech trails, you need to ride aggressively with some speed to do it right. Slow and cautious just stalls you out. My poor husband has NO real MTB riding experience and is a bit intimidated by it.

A full suspension bike makes life much easier on all our area trails, even mine. A fat bike works, too, but just a bit too bouncy in sections and a wee bit slow to make some of those hairpin turns, not to mention being slow to accelerate with those big wheels and, believe, being able to scoot quick can make the difference between making it through some bottle necks and walking the bike. Oh, well, different MTBs for different terrain.

[Helene2013]

So far, 3 rides in the past week. We're on vacation in dream bike land (Eastern Townships in Quebec). I shorten them a bit (max 60km) due to hills and heat/humidity so high. But enjoying it so much.

[emily_in_nc]

We've done two rides so far in beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. We'd been here on several day trips from Dickinson (closest pet-friendly hotel we could find) in 2013 to drive the scenic loop, and another day to do a long hike, so it's been fun getting to ride the roads this time. The first ride we did was the scenic park loop road, hilly and with gorgeous views. 26 miles or so from the campground and back. DH did it twice, the animal!

Second ride, yesterday, was into town (Medora) from the campground, also some big hills on the way there and back, tho' flat in town. Got some ice cream, then rode back to the campground. Rode extra in the campground to get up to 20 miles.

Today we took the day off to do RV chores, cleaning, etc., and I did a little yoga and light upper body weights in the motorhome for a change of pace. We walk every day but are not doing any official hikes this time since we're pretty far from any trailheads.

Tomorrow we're going to ride the MTBs over to Medora and check out the new part of the Mah Daah Hey Trail, the "Deuce". Have heard it's nice and hope it's a bit easier than the MDH, which we rode a little of in 2013 and found quite rugged and challenging (though beautiful). Our singletrack skills are pretty elementary, so we'll walk when we feel uncomfortable. I am sure it will be gorgeous!

Here are a couple of shots from our scenic loop ride.

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[north woods gal]

Oh, Emily, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for the pics and the post. Making me very homesick for a western view, having spent most of my life out west. How was Dickinson? When I was getting set to retire, back in 2010, did detailed research on cities for a place to retire and Dickinson was one of them (lived in eastern ND as a kid, for a time). Pretty flat, there, of course, but having the park close was a big plus. At that time, though, the big oil boom hadn't happened, so Dickinson was a real sleeper as far as cost of living and such. Curious if you saw any signs of the boom affecting the town, being that it is south a ways from the main activity.

[Crankin]

Rode 21 miles with my friend this morning, just locally. We started at 7:45 and when I was driving home from her house, it was already 87 degrees :eek:. Freaking humid, too, but at least that went down, as we rode. Feels like Florida. Glad I went, and glad I mostly stayed behind my friend, who is slower than me. I did pass her on some of the hills, but not all, as I usually do. A good way to keep myself from blowing up.
Rain/thunder forecast for both afternoons this weekend, so more getting out early is in store.

[emily_in_nc]

Oh, Emily, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for the pics and the post. Making me very homesick for a western view, having spent most of my life out west. How was Dickinson? When I was getting set to retire, back in 2010, did detailed research on cities for a place to retire and Dickinson was one of them (lived in eastern ND as a kid, for a time). Pretty flat, there, of course, but having the park close was a big plus. At that time, though, the big oil boom hadn't happened, so Dickinson was a real sleeper as far as cost of living and such. Curious if you saw any signs of the boom affecting the town, being that it is south a ways from the main activity.

Glad you enjoyed the photos. It is truly gorgeous here!

Dickinson has "benefitted" (and I use that term loosely and sarcastically) greatly from the oil/fracking boom. It is just awful. Crowded, full of traffic, signs, construction, lots of new cheap extended-stay motels and ticky-tack apartment buildings have gone up along the interstate corridor. We came first in 2013 and used it as a base for visiting the park, and it was bad enough then with all the construction mess everywhere, but it looked even more built up this time (though we just saw it from the interstate). Hotels there are surprisingly expensive because of demand (we paid about $140/night for a La Quinta back in '13). Yes, it is a boom town, but I sure wouldn't want to live there. Good thing you did not move there right before the boom, though I guess if you'd bought a place you could probably sell at a profit now!

[emily_in_nc]

Two more rides here in Teddy Roosevelt Nat'l Park in western North Dakota:

1. Today we rode the Scenic Loop again, in the opposite direction from a couple of days ago. This direction seemed just a little easier, and is the opposite direction from the way most motor vehicles travel, so that was nice. Again I stopped half-way up all the big hills, rested for a bit to catch my breath, then started back up again. I think two more low gears in the back would enable me to get up these kinds of climbs without stopping. I could have ridden my Bike Friday, but my Trek is more comfortable for me, faster, and lighter, so I preferred to take it, despite the gearing issue. 28 gorgeous miles, one stop for a bison herd to cross, lots of prairie dogs. :)

2. Yesterday we rode the MTBs from the campground into Medora, then south to Sully Creek State Park (a very hilly couple of miles) to pick up the new section of the Maah Daah Hey single-track trail, known as the "Deuce". That didn't last long. Within the first half mile we hit a steep, curving, narrow downhill section where the tall grasses on either side prevent all visibility ahead. I just can't deal with not knowing if I'm about to plunge into a creek at the bottom of a steep descent. This was followed immediately by a steep and narrow curving climb, so we bailed out. It was just past our skill and comfort level. I think if we'd been early in the season without the tall grasses, so we could see what was up ahead, we might have been braver.

So, we headed back over the hills to Medora and rode down to the part of the original Maah Daah Hey we'd done in 2013. It started off fun and much easier than the section of the Deuce we attempted, with a couple of small creek crossings. We (and our bikes) got muddy! But then we got to creek crossing #3 and encountered a large herd of cattle blocking the creek and the trail. There was no way around them, and they weren't budging, so after attempting to wait them out for awhile, we grew tired of waiting and had to backtrack and give up on that idea!

We had one final trick up our sleeve to try to ride some single track. We could get on the wide shoulder of the interstate (allowed here) briefly to get down to a Buffalo Gap trail access and try that for a bit. After pedaling up the long ramp to I-94 westbound, we realized there was construction taking the interstate from four to two lanes, and almost no shoulder on the part we'd have to ride (since it was really the left lane of the eastbound side, temporarily re-commissioned to take westbound traffic, including big semis, etc.) So, we had to turn around and give up on that idea too. There's no other way to access that trail that we're aware of, so we were stuck. The singletrack gods were just not on our side this time!

With all our attempts and riding around town plus to/from the campground, we still managed to get in 25 miles, but only about 2 of those were on singletrack! :rolleyes:

[north woods gal]

Thanks for the update on Dickinson, Emily. Yup, that's what I feared. One of my factors in choosing a place to live was a stable population and economy. In my research, I specifically eliminated areas that either had a lot of population growth or that were losing population. Dickinson would have been a mistake for me.

Also, you did exactly what I would have done on those MTB trails. I can handle some of our local intermediate level trails, now, but only after riding and scouting them a bunch of times. Knowing the trail and what to expect is a BIG plus on being able to ride the trail. Just don't have enough of the daredevil in me to plunge into the unknown and probably a good thing, too, since I ride solo, so much.

Weather had been muggy, muggy and muggy and rainy, to boot. Mostly I've been clearing and making MTB trails on our property and some of the neighbor's (with permission). Plan to do lot's more, but already have enough for a good workout by doing laps. My goal is to have enough trail and variety to continue my learning, right at home, instead of trudging the MTBs over 4 miles of pavement to get to my local MTB trails. Hate pushing big heavy treaded MTB tires at low pressure over pavement, all the more so when I have excellent drop bar road bikes for pavement work.

Overall, then, not a lot of riding this week, but clearing and making trails is HEAVY physical labor, believe me. I'm exhausted at the end of the day.

[Crankin]

Today we did most of a ride we had abandoned with a group, when the participants were acting squirelly and we seemed to be stopping every 5 minutes! It started right down the street, so off we went. I knew it was going to be cooler today, and still humid, but it was probably not a good idea to wear sleeveless, for the beginning of this ride, with no shrug, as it was 67 and cloudy. But, I warmed up. This ride was really pretty and never more than 10 miles from home, in either direction, whih mattered as pop up thunderstorms are predicted. We rode through one area that I had never been in, along the shores of Lake Boon, in Hudson and Stow. We found out why, when we saw a sign saying it was a private right of way for people who lived there... quite nice, though, but of course, once out of the private road, followed by a short climb. We both kept feeling big drops of rain every once in awhile, so eventually, we stopped to look at the radar, but saw nothing, so we did not take the short way home. However, shortly after that, when we were in our old town, we looked at the route and saw that it went up the aptly named Hill Rd. DH had done this earlier in the week, and I was starting to lose it, with 10-13 miles to go, as we were going faster than is usual for me. So, we shut the route down and made our way home, the usual way. At one point, a small group of riders almost collided with us, so we passed them and when we got to an intersection, there was lots of traffic and 3 police cars. It was weird. A giant truck stopped to let us turn left and the other riders caught us, but then peeled off. I suspected they would end up back on the street we were on, which they did, just as we were doing the final climb of the ride. It's easy, but I was tired. All of a sudden, lots of riders passed me, so it may have been some sort of charity ride, and that would explain 3 Acton police cars at that intersection.
33 miles, and a good workout, despite some mild complaining from me! And, I saw another woman wearing a Cycling Country jersey from the Spain trip we did. It's such a small cycling tour company, I was surprised.

[Crankin]

Did an 11 mile ride this morning, at 7:30, with DH. 70 degrees and 100% humidity. Another heat emergency later on. I told DH I did not want to hammer, but he thought I needed a "workout." This is his go-to short route, I've done a slightly different version of it, as what we did today has a left turn onto Main St, from a street with poor sight lines... I don't even do it in my car, as the house on the left hand corner of a T intersection, sticks out into both streets. It is very weird! But, Sunday morning, it's fine. I was pissed the whole ride, and I kept up, but I keep wondering why I get so angry when I have to ride fast. I feel fine now, and my average was very respectable for me, including one annoying climb.
Hoping for normal New England weather next weekend.

[ny biker]

Thanks for the update on Dickinson, Emily. Yup, that's what I feared. One of my factors in choosing a place to live was a stable population and economy. In my research, I specifically eliminated areas that either had a lot of population growth or that were losing population. Dickinson would have been a mistake for me.

Also, you did exactly what I would have done on those MTB trails. I can handle some of our local intermediate level trails, now, but only after riding and scouting them a bunch of times. Knowing the trail and what to expect is a BIG plus on being able to ride the trail. Just don't have enough of the daredevil in me to plunge into the unknown and probably a good thing, too, since I ride solo, so much.

Weather had been muggy, muggy and muggy and rainy, to boot. Mostly I've been clearing and making MTB trails on our property and some of the neighbor's (with permission). Plan to do lot's more, but already have enough for a good workout by doing laps. My goal is to have enough trail and variety to continue my learning, right at home, instead of trudging the MTBs over 4 miles of pavement to get to my local MTB trails. Hate pushing big heavy treaded MTB tires at low pressure over pavement, all the more so when I have excellent drop bar road bikes for pavement work.

Overall, then, not a lot of riding this week, but clearing and making trails is HEAVY physical labor, believe me. I'm exhausted at the end of the day.

Back when all I had was a mountain bike, I rode it more on pavement than on dirt, and I did pretty long rides, too. I switched to slicker tires for a while, then got the road bike. Some years later when the road bike was being repaired I rode the mountain bike on a paved rail trail a few times, and only felt like it was unusually difficult when I went up hill -- then the bike felt kinda heavy. There are a couple of charity rides in this area that are part paved, part gravel, about 30 miles total, and I'd like to try them on the mountain bike. I just have to address some fit issues first, if I'm going to be on it for that long.

And I agree, I would have turned back on that difficult trail, too. I guess that's just the price of doing so much exploring, Emily -- sometimes what you find is not as rideable as you'd hoped. It's funny that you had to turn back due to a "cattle jam." We only see them behind fences around here, and in much smaller numbers.

[ny biker]

Did an 11 mile ride this morning, at 7:30, with DH. 70 degrees and 100% humidity. Another heat emergency later on. I told DH I did not want to hammer, but he thought I needed a "workout." This is his go-to short route, I've done a slightly different version of it, as what we did today has a left turn onto Main St, from a street with poor sight lines... I don't even do it in my car, as the house on the left hand corner of a T intersection, sticks out into both streets. It is very weird! But, Sunday morning, it's fine. I was pissed the whole ride, and I kept up, but I keep wondering why I get so angry when I have to ride fast. I feel fine now, and my average was very respectable for me, including one annoying climb.
Hoping for normal New England weather next weekend.

I understand getting angry when you feel you "have to" ride fast. It's one thing to push yourself to work hard because you want to, but another thing entirely when someone or something is pressuring you to ride above your comfort zone. As for the weather, well, it was 85 degrees when I woke up yesterday at 4:45 am. I would have been thrilled with 70, despite the humidity.

We had our club's annual picnic ride yesterday. As a ride coordinator I was expected to lead one of the rides. I missed the previous all-club rides this year when I was supposed to lead, so I felt that I did not have the option to miss this one too. As a result I ended up doing a 43-mile ride on a day with excessive heat warnings, very high humidity and temps in the high 90s. There is absolutely no way in hell I would have done anything like this on my own. If it were up to me I would have done a much shorter ride and would have started earlier. I was mostly okay for the first 30 miles. Most of the people I was "leading" were so much faster than me that I never saw them at all the entire day. After the rest stop I was with a small group for a while, but then I decided to stop. Someone from our club had arranged in advance with a local business owner for us to use his place as an optional water stop if needed, and knowing the hills that we had to climb before reaching the end I knew I would want that extra water. However everyone that I was riding with chose to keep going, so I was alone after that, for the last 10 miles. Even with the extra water and frequent stops in the shade to take off my helmet and pour water over my head, arms and torso, I barely made it. I don't think I've ever been that badly affected by the heat -- I almost started to cry a couple of times. My stomach was bothering me so I probably didn't have enough to eat, which was making things worse. Fortunately the last few miles were flat.

When I finally reached the end I went straight to my car, which I had parked next to a building where there was some shade from the sun. I had several blue ice packs in a cooler in the car, and I took them out and put them inside my jersey, front and back, and sat down. Took off my shoes and helmet and just sat there. Drank some orange juice that was also in the cooler. Thankfully there was a bit of a breeze. At first I was worried, I was breathing rapidly. But after a few minutes I felt better. I took one of the blue ice packs and held it against the back of my neck, then the top of my head, then either side of my face. Many of the other people in the club had already left, after doing a shorter ride or finishing the longer ride much faster than me. Most of the rest were inside the building. But eventually a few people noticed me and asked if I needed anything. One came over to talk to me, another came over with a tall spray bottle full of water and gave me a good soaking. I was surprised at how fast the water dried, even with the humidity. Eventually I felt better and started to feel hungry, so I went inside and got some food. I still looked like hell, though -- people kept asking if I was okay. On the way home I went back to the place where I'd gotten the water and bought some stuff, to thank them for letting us stop there.

I thought I was the only person who was so affected by the heat, but later I found out that I wasn't alone. Several of the faster riders had cramps that continued after the ride ended. One person on the shorter ride stopped and called her husband to come get her. And one person at the picnic felt like she was going to faint, but didn't say anything to anyone until a man noticed her and asked if she was okay, then helped her move over to the doorway where there was a breeze and cooled her down with the hose.

When we do these all-class rides, they tend to be chaotic. The "leaders" don't really lead anything. Each group starts separately, with someone else telling them to go, and no chance for the leaders to make any pre-ride announcements or even get a good look at who is in the group so they know who to look out for on the road. And we don't have the option of making changes or canceling the ride if the weather is bad enough to be a safety risk. I am planning to say something about this to the club decision-makers.

On another note, this was my first ride with the new drive train. There were two big changes -- a 46T large chain ring instead of a 50T, and two larger cogs on the back (28 and 32) for easier climbing. Because of the heat I didn't want to push myself too hard, so I stayed in the small chain ring (34T) for most of the ride instead of using the new 46T large chain ring. For a few miles of flat road I did try out the new chain ring, and it was definitely much easier on my knee than the 50T ring and also easier to shift between large and small since there's not as much of a jump between them. I did use the new larger cogs on some of the hills, especially at the end when the heat was getting to me. For the most part the shifting was smooth but a few times it felt off. I will probably do 2-3 more test rides and then take the bike back for a derailleur adjustment. But overall I am already glad that I made the changes.

[Crankin]

You are lucky you recovered, NY. I would have disliked that chaos, too! Fortunately, our club follows the rules for hiking trips, so if you go ahead of the leader, it's bye, bye. Some of the leaders hated this change when it was instituted for insurance liability, as it's different than a regular bike club, where people just go off on their own, it seems. But, we had only be leading a year when it started, so we didn't care. I give you credit for getting out there, in those conditions, which we are now having today. Yesterday it was cool here.
The thing is, about the anger and riding fast, I would never ride fast or push myself if I didn't ride with DH. I can push myself for short intervals, at the most. On group rides, if I am with people at my level or a bit below/above me, I get an angry competitive spirit, but I always pay for it afterwards, in terms of recovery. It's a battle in my head. I'd like to be faster, but I am not so good with the suffering. Plus, I've been doing some kind of endurance exercise for 35 years, and DH was a slug until about 18 years ago. He played tennis and raquetball, but complained bitterly when I would even suggest taking a walk! After all of this time, I sometimes wish I could be a fat, unhealthy old lady like everyone else my age, but I just can't stop now...

[emily_in_nc]

I was pissed the whole ride, and I kept up, but I keep wondering why I get so angry when I have to ride fast.

I am the same! I think, for me at least, it is just the whole "I want to do my ride MY way and not anyone else's way" thing. A control thing, I suppose. I want to be the master of my own universe, thank you very much. :rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for the update on Dickinson, Emily. Yup, that's what I feared. One of my factors in choosing a place to live was a stable population and economy. In my research, I specifically eliminated areas that either had a lot of population growth or that were losing population. Dickinson would have been a mistake for me.

Also, you did exactly what I would have done on those MTB trails. I can handle some of our local intermediate level trails, now, but only after riding and scouting them a bunch of times. Knowing the trail and what to expect is a BIG plus on being able to ride the trail. Just don't have enough of the daredevil in me to plunge into the unknown and probably a good thing, too, since I ride solo, so much.

You are welcome (re. Dickinson update)! And thank you for the validation that you would have turned around too, in the circumstances we encountered. I hate feeling like a wimp, and I am generally pretty fearless when it comes to road rides, but singletrack is a different animal and brings out different responses in me. And of course, herds of cattle and dangerous roads do as well!

That said, I did pretty well waiting out a couple of bison on our final road ride in TRNP! :D

18125

[emily_in_nc]

The thing is, about the anger and riding fast, I would never ride fast or push myself if I didn't ride with DH. I can push myself for short intervals, at the most.

Ditto ditto ditto! My DH is a gifted rider. I always tell him that if he'd really been into it as a young man, he could possibly have been a competitive racer. He's the polka-dot jersey guy, not a sprinter, but an amazing hill climber. He used to routinely beat guys 20-30 years younger up the climbs when we were in a club and did weekend club rides. At age 62, he hasn't slowed down much at all, and trying to stay with him, for me, is an exercise in frustration. So either I draft off him and he goes a bit slower than he'd like to, or, more often, he rides his pace and loops back to find me when he's gotten too far ahead.

I guess it's frustrating for him as well since he'd love for me to be able to stay with him, but sometimes I think he's not as understanding as he could be. Men and women are different physiologically, and even barring that, we all have different abilities in various exercise realms.

Like you, I just want to keep on riding my ride as long as I am physically able. And I don't want to beat myself up if I am slower than someone else (man or woman). Like you too, I am a bit more competitive than I should be, always have been, and that is part of the frustration. If I didn't care, it wouldn't matter, and I'd just not worry about it. Right?

[Crankin]

Right! My DH was encouraged to race when DS was racing, but he never wanted to do that. We ride together at a slightly moderated pace for him, but there are many times he is just as complaining as me. When we do long rides without others, we are not going fast. Part of it is he has been riding more than me recently. Not longer rides, but very short ones where he goes fast. I am glad we ride together, but I think I am just mad at myself for being lazy. I wish I had started riding in my 20s or 30s.

[emily_in_nc]

I am glad we ride together, but I think I am just mad at myself for being lazy. I wish I had started riding in my 20s or 30s.

You, lazy?!?! Not a chance. You work out more than 99% of women your age. You are likely a perfectionist, as I am, so you get down on yourself and your efforts, but lazy, no way.

[north woods gal]

I'm at the other extreme with my DH. He's suffered from many health injuries, over the years, and has never been much into biking, anyway. Now that he's married to me, though, he bikes with me, everyday, on a short run in the neighborhood with our dogs. He's tried some of my single track, but it intimidates him, at this point. I'm okay with this because I love sharing anything with him and because he indulges my biking addiction. :) When it comes time for my serious biking, I'm strictly solo, though.

[emily_in_nc]

Yesterday we did a ride on the frontage road where we are staying in North Dakota (Forsyth, a small but cute town with lots of historic homes). It was a really nice road, lightly traveled (since it runs parallel to the interstate, but not close enough to hear road noise). Nice views of the Yellowstone River at times. Had planned on ~30 miles but ended up with 41 since it was easy going. Nice when that happens! The only downside was a bit of a tiff with DH at the beginning of the ride on exactly the subject discussed in this thread; him wanting to go faster than was comfortable for me. Finally he sped off (and cooled off), and we were able to ride together for most of the ride, though he went farther at the end. It is hard for him to "get" that I am just not as naturally fast as him. He insists he's "going easy" and doesn't know why I can't keep up without "going hard". Frustrating.

[north woods gal]

I feel your frustration, Emily. I have done road biking with boyfriends and have experienced the same thing as far as keeping pace, but at least they were patient. Really takes the fun out of riding when you are frantic to keep up, though. Oh, I have the endurance - I can go all day and then some - but the kind of average speed the guys wanted to run was a bit too much for me. Same thing with the mountain biking. They could make some of the nasty steep stuff with a big burst of speed and I, well, I had to walk over the tops. Oh, well.

[blackhillsbiker]

DH and I are in Denver for our 30th anniversary. We brought the bikes and had a lovely 13 mile ride along Clear Creek Trail this morning. :) It has been ages since we've ridden together. Would have been longer but we had an appointment with Mom's financial advisor. All the stuff since Dad died... I think we should get 2 or 3 more rides in before we go back home. It has been so long since we've had a trip that hasn't involved a family health crisis or a funeral. It seems like paradise!

[Helene2013]

I must be some of the lucky ones. :)

Hubby is very patient knowing I will never be faster or stonger than him. When he wants speed, he goes with his club rides. When with me, it is to be together. I'm the one frustrating as I can't achieve what I'd like but it is what is is. He keeps telling me to go at my own pace and he's just happy to see me ride. He is a great coach to me when I need a little push or need to slow done or stop.

When with me, if we are on a bike trail, he will go for a sprint and come back to me. We have the perfect ride to satisfy each one of us.

[emily_in_nc]

You are lucky, Helene! My DH is a wonderful guy, but he is not a very patient person AND, since we are traveling full-time now, he doesn't have a club of faster riders to ride with, so I am his only cycling companion. That is part of what makes this hard since he wants to be able to ride together as much as possible. I told him that the slower person has to be the one to determine the pace, and he gets that, but I think he still keeps hoping I will get faster. I used to be faster, but I was 12 years younger then and hadn't had my pelvic fracture that set me back quite a bit on the bike. When we used to do club rides, he'd ride with a faster group than me and then save his recovery rides for when we were riding alone together. Don't really have that now. He doesn't like to ride alone all that much, and I really don't either, since we are so often riding in new places and need to figure out the routes/roads together. It's different from riding roads we're both familiar with and don't have any questions about.

Consider yourself very fortunate!

[salsabike]

Emily, what about a tandem? We may have talked about this before--my brain is shrinking, I think :-P.

I'll never be as fast as Chris, but I ride a lot on my own. And we have put 8-9,000 tandem miles since we started in 2005, in addition to riding our own singles regularly. We have a blast.

And for all those who instantly say, "I could never..."--rent one and try it first.

[salsabike]

DH and I are in Denver for our 30th anniversary. We brought the bikes and had a lovely 13 mile ride along Clear Creek Trail this morning. :) It has been ages since we've ridden together. Would have been longer but we had an appointment with Mom's financial advisor. All the stuff since Dad died... I think we should get 2 or 3 more rides in before we go back home. It has been so long since we've had a trip that hasn't involved a family health crisis or a funeral. It seems like paradise!

Lovely. I know the family health/funeral times very well--good for you guys for going for this ride! A little normal joy. :)

[Crankin]

I feel lucky like Helene, although I was the one that complained; I *can* ride as fast as we were going on Sunday, but left to my own devices, I don't. But once in awhile, I yell at DH "Do you know how fast you are going?" When he has GPS set on a course, I don't think he has speed set on his screen. I need to go very slowly in the beginning of a ride... it's the same every time. This is why on group rides, I often am doing well, when others are fading, because they went all out in the beginning and I didn't, as well as the fact that many rides are in the area I live in, and they have no idea what climbs are coming.
I'd rather die than ride a tandem with DH. I complain like i did once in awhile, but generally, he pushes me because he knows I can do it, yet he is content to ride at my speed most of the time. I would be scared to death to not be in control and I just don't like the idea of behind "behind" someone while screaming down a hill.

[Aromig]

[QUOTE=Crankin;714007] I *can* ride as fast as we were going on Sunday, but left to my own devices, I don't. QUOTE]

This is me. One of our infamous stories at work involves a group bike ride. There were 4 of us, and a very strong (and aggressive/competitive/Type A) guy who lived in the area was leading the ride. He hadn't told us how long it was, and I was second in line behind him. I was disappointed that we were riding on busy enough roads that we were going single file, and he was going faster than I wanted to. I kept up, but I didn't want to go that fast. In my mind, the torture was compounded by the fact that I didn't know the route/length he'd planned. I kept asking "do you know how fast you're going?" and he'd yell back "yeah. Sure." I never asked him to slow down, but I thought my questions were polite hints that the pace was too fast. After 15 miles, we came to an intersection and I just said "I'm leaving. I'm heading back." And I did.

The guy leading the ride claims that although he got my questions, the fact that every time he looked in his mirror he saw me right there so it was obviously not too fast since I was keeping up. My response is "stop being insensitive."

Pace really does matter to whether I enjoy a ride or not!

[north woods gal]

Not to change the subject, but for the past two weeks I have been working like a dog in the heat, 4 or 5 hours a day, making MTB single track on our 7 acres of heavily forested land. Really brutal physical work with rake, handsaw, chainsaw and shovel. Proud of what I have done, though, even if I am pushing my physical limits for someone my age. All on my own, too, since my DH has disabilities that limit him, physically.

The trail system consists of an outer loop that will be a full half mile in distance when I'm done, but is now just over a third of a mile. Inside that loop I have three inner loops, all interconnected, so lots of options on how you want to ride. This is true single track stuff - very lumpy and bumpy, never flat for more than a few yards, some good stiff climbs and drops, loads of tight turns, plenty of rocks, roots and other obstructions to negotiate. In other words, a full suspension MTB is a big plus. All in all, I'd rate it as an mid-level intermediate trail.

My husband has been very supportive and has also provided some good perspective in that he has never ridden single track. Even with his fat bike, he is NOT comfortable riding my trails. What he finds the most disconcerting, other than the constant bouncing, is the sudden changes in speed/braking needed and the pinpoint steering in the twists. He's never done anything but roads, so he is used to pedaling at a constant, even, relaxed cadence and that is simply impossible on most single track, mine included. He promises me, though, that he will practice.

My average speed on my trails is only 6 mph or so and that's with the aggressive riding needed. Sounds laughable to roadies, I know, but those of you who have done single track will understand. Absolutely love it, though. Been a true labor of love. :)

[Crankin]

I think when I was mt biking, my average speed was probably less!
Today I rode with my friend, probably the last time for a bit, as she will be joining her DH in Amherst. It's really hilly there, long climbs, steep ones, and her DH, who is a very fast and skilled rider mentioned this past weekend that he didn't really appreciate the wonderful riding we have around here; a variety of terrain, steep, but short climbs, lots of rolling areas. His commute home from the university is 14 miles, with 1,400 ft. of climbing.
We just rode locally, as she had to be back by 11, so we rode out to my old school, where I taught, a few roads I really like but haven't been on for awhile. It ended up being 28 miles, so more than I thought we'd do.

[emily_in_nc]

I'd rather die than ride a tandem with DH. I complain like i did once in awhile, but generally, he pushes me because he knows I can do it, yet he is content to ride at my speed most of the time. I would be scared to death to not be in control and I just don't like the idea of behind "behind" someone while screaming down a hill.

Yes, this is me. We have owned three tandems over the last decades (we've been married 31 years, so I am not kidding when I say decades!) Although they are undoubtedly the great equalizers, and at times we had amazing fun on them, over the years, things got worse for us rather than better trying to ride tandem. I think in large part that was because I had gotten used to riding solo and did not appreciate having to relinquish control. Likewise, DH had gotten so used to riding solo that he had a hard time adjusting to having to call out every little thing. He's a quiet introvert, so having to lead that way and be that verbal was just not a natural thing for him.

And even though I would be willing to give it another try, we already have six bikes we travel with in our motorhome and absolutely NO space for a tandem, so it's a non-starter at this point in our lives. We just have to learn to ride together more harmoniously, or ride separately!

[emily_in_nc]

Super fun day today! We rode from the RV park where we are staying to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Garryowen, MT. Ride was on a flat frontage road (after 1/2 mile of gravel in the campground), then turned uphill into the NM. Once inside, we rode the lovely rolling battlefield road along the ridge, five miles each way, stopping for numerous photos along the way. Some really nice climbs and descents; long but not too steep, and just gorgeous! Ended up with 30 miles on the day and went over 2000 miles on the year. :)

[north woods gal]

Emily, you're killing me with these reports of my beloved west which I miss so much. Keep them coming, though. I love them.

Back here at home, I'm trying to get work done on my MTB trails before winter sets in and it sets in, early, in these parts. Way overdue, though, for some nice pavement work. Love my road biking every bit as much as my MTB work and then there is the gravel road biking, which is somewhat a combination of the two. So much biking to do. Whew!

[Crankin]

I am tired..
We led a 17.5 mile ride tonight. It's a nice route and very shady, thankfully, because it was 88 when we left at 6. Only 2 people showed up, but that was fine with me. One guy was closer to my speed and the other was up DH's butt. We stayed together pretty well and I refrained from complaining that I was working way too hard. At least the sun was going down, as for the first 2 miles I was just sweating in a way I do not usually sweat. I knew my average would be over 15 and it was.
Yesterday I rode 28 miles (fine), but then we walked to town and had a beer, 4 miles round trip. This morning I woke up stiff and sore and should have skipped circuit training, where we had a sub who taught the class totally differently and beat me up a little more.
Tomorrow I will be riding with another friend, who is up from her summer house on the Cape, but it will be a short, slow recovery ride.

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm not sure how it manages to go so fast, but today is the last day of our long-awaited vacation. Yesterday's ride on the Flatirons Vista Trail was a little disappointing. Even though the Rove is a gravel bike and didn't complain about the trail, it would have been better suited for the mtbs. I didn't enjoy it because I was gripping the drop bars a little too hard, wishing for flat bars, and concentrating too much on keeping skinnier tires on course. Beautiful views, though. Hubby was struggling too riding his old Schwinn High Plains. Today is back to a trail around Golden which is much more relaxing. I think next time I might bring the Karate Monkey and really enjoy the Flatirons Vista. We've managed a ride all days but Wednesday (our anniversary) when we took in a Rockies baseball game. Not really ready to go back to work. At least I enjoy my commute. :)

Deb

[north woods gal]

I know what you mean with a gravel bike and riding them on gravel. My Salsa Warbird is a gravel bike with 700x35s and it does a great job on firm gravel, but I still have to steer a good line through the gravel, always alert for soft or loose spots. It's made to go fast on gravel and it sure does, but when I want to relax and just take a break from having to continuously scout a line through the gravel to avoid fishtailing, I use a mountain bike or my Salsa Fargo, a drop bar bike with big 29er 2.2" tires. Not quite as fast, but plenty fast enough and much more forgiving.

[Crankin]

So, maybe I'd be better off buying a mountain bike to ride gravel? I was a horribly un-technical mt bike rider, but I would like to adventure out to some of the dirt roads in western MA and northern New England. For my skill level, I am not sure what to do.
Today, I stuck by my guns and followed my friend about 75% of our 13 mile ride. She is a 10 mph average rider... she could be faster, but I think suffering is not her thing! I haven't seen her in a month, so we talked and I got to work on my balance skills by riding slowly. I only went ahead for about 2/3 of a road where I like to go fast. I didn't do my usual 17-20, just 15-16, though, as my legs were feeling the past few days of work. Then, right before we get back to her house is a highway overpass, that I went ahead on, too. But, overall, it was a true recovery ride.
Deciding what to do this weekend. We have not been to the beach yet, so may just do a short ride tomorrow, and head down to Falmouth for a late afternoon at the beach and dinner and head home, followed by something longer on Sunday. Or, we may do the opposite.

[north woods gal]

So, maybe I'd be better off buying a mountain bike to ride gravel? I was a horribly un-technical mt bike rider, but I would like to adventure out to some of the dirt roads in western MA and northern New England. For my skill level, I am not sure what to do. ...

Crankin, the dedicated gravel road bikes like my 700x35 Salsa Warbird are actually designed to be gravel road race bikes. They're primarily designed for speed, something like a cyclocross bike, but unlike a cyclocross bike, the geometry on a gravel bike is designed for long hours on the saddle, so more akin to an endurance road bike, but with geometry that favors better traction. People who actually race these bikes on gravel expect to fishtail and spin out, now and then. It's part of the game and they practice techniques to deal with it and stay in the saddle. In fact, I've been doing that very same thing with my Warbird on some of our soft sand roads. Fun, really, and a real confidence builder.

People who ride mostly pavement, though, are not used to sliding around and fishtailing in gravel. It can be spooky. I get that. Going with a mountain bike with wide tires is the best way to avoid this, plus tracking a good line through the gravel and steering are not as critical. Wider on the tires is good for stability, but, of course, it's more work to push big fat tires and slower going.

Should also point out that the actual gravel/dirt/sand road you want to ride is all important as to the bike you need. Have talked to a couple of guys who race gravel, up here, and they tell me that folks show up to races with gravel bikes, mountain bikes and even fat bikes, depending on the condition of the roads. Some of our gravel roads, up here, are so soft and sandy, that even 4WD pickups and ATVs struggle!

Unless you're tall with long legs, like me, I'd shy away from the 29er MTBs. They can be a bit much to handle if you're physically smaller. Same with fat bikes. Love fat bikes, but anything more than 10 miles on a fat bike is real workout and they'll drive you nuts on pavement. For an all around MTB, one you can ride with decent performance on pavement and all but the worst unpaved roads and trails, I think a hardtail (front suspension, only) 27.5" MTB would be my suggestion. These run 2.2" tires (about 56 in millimeters), normally, but most can go with 2.4" tires if you want even more stability.

[Crankin]

I am short, used to be 5' 1", I've shrunk about half an inch. No 29ers or even 27.5s for me. I had a standard Norco 26 inch FS mtb that was too big for me. It was a 15 inch small size, and I needed a 13 inch mountain bike. Most of the dirt roads here are packed, but with lots of rocks. I think, of course, weather conditions change the conditions of the roads. I don't forsee a lot of soft sand roads, although there is one very near my house that attaches a packed dirt road/nonmaintained pavement to a regular street.
My primary road bike is an endurance carbon road bike. My other bike is a custom titanium road bike, with more upright geometry. I have ridden local short stints of dirt/gravel on both, but I have to go slowly. Very slowly. I know all about fishtailing, etc., what fat tires do on the road, etc. I have been riding for years and my son raced both road and cross for 5 years. I just want to have fun, but at this point, I need to think carefully about what I will buy. A lot of the Salsa, Surly type bikes don't come in small enough sizes for me... I tried a few at Harris Cyclery, of Sheldon Brown fame a few years ago (where they were most unhelpful and kind of snotty to me, in a reverse snobbery kind of way). I've seen a Specialized bike that I think met all of my requirements, but I cannot recall off hand what this bike is called; it's new for 2016.

[blackhillsbiker]

The Rove "gravel bike" is a really comfortable path/tourer-type bike for me. It is less aggressive in riding position than a cross bike. I love that I don't have to even think about uneven spots or sticks, etc. when on a path like I did with the road bike. It is comfy and stable. But on loose gravel or rocks/roots/ruts, I prefer my mtb. It requires less concentration. I have a Karate Monkey with big 29" tires and flat bars. Also front suspension which is much easier on my hands and wrists when it is rough. With my arthritis, I steer clear of difficult technical trails. If I hurt myself, it takes forever to heal.

We rode about 50 miles today. My husband was teasing me that we are #stubborngeezersonbikes :) It was glorious. I don't want to go back to work on Monday.

Deb

[north woods gal]

Crankin, sad to say, 26" MTBs are disappearing, now, and that's bad news if you are short in height. Most of the big bike makers are moving to the 27.5" as the standard for MTBs. I know, because I went shopping, earlier this year for a 26" and had one of those "What?" moments.

I personally think this is a mistake. With all the testing I did this summer on our technical single track with all kinds of MTBs, there were still some things that the 26" did the best. A 26" is still tops for quick acceleration and tight turns. I was able to make some quick climbs and tight turns with the 26" that I could not make on a 29er or fat bike. And, yes, my 26" is still more agile than my new 27.5" Giant.

The good news is that you can now find great quality used 26" bikes at great prices. A lot of bike shops won't even take them in on trade, now. Best of luck. Hope you find the bike you need.

[Crankin]

I won't be looking until at least the late fall/spring. Although we toyed with the idea of fatties, I don't think they would get used enough to justify it. I wanted a dirt/gravel bike and possibly an around town bike with flat pedals. My Guru is just too nice for that, although that is what I use it for, since I got my Trek that is only one cog higher in gearing. Plus, I want a bike that I can easily wear a skirt on...
Went to do a ride that I had done with a club earlier this year, modified to start from home. It wasn't long, 25 miles, but goes into an area of another town that is not known for it's "beauty," but actually has a part that is quite lovely and rural, similar to where I live. I knew DH had not ridden here and thought he would enjoy. We relaxed all morning and went out at around 1 and looked up at a very dark sky, that was threatening. After looking at the radar, we determined it would be very close, and felt a bit uncomfortable to go on the planned route. So, we ended up riding 18 miles in Concord and Lincoln. The dark clouds moved slightly northeast, but we were correct; a very strong storm came through, and it poured about 4 miles from our house. We could see the rain pouring down.
So, I haven't done a lot lof long rides this week, but some short, fast ones. Still may do the ride we didn't get to today early tomorrow.

[north woods gal]

We use fat bikes, all year round, but now mostly on our property and for local rides within four or five miles from home. Love them back on the trail or soft stuff, but they are a pain in the butt if you have to do any road work and, especially, if you have to travel any distance. Ten miles on a fat bike is a long ride. Way more work than necessary, unless you are on a rough or soft trail. At least with a standard mountain bike, you can do some distance road work. Maybe not the best choice, of course, but still doable. Used a 26" MTB for many years as my commuter and city bike, riding thousands of miles on pavement.

Very few long rides on pavement since I started this MTB trail project n our property, so my monthly miles total for August is in the dumpster. Do four or five miles of single track work, every day, with lots of climbs, so still in decent bike shape, though. That's the good news. The bad news is that I have been putting in four or five hours a day, too, of heavy labor, making trails, barely able to undress and step in the shower, afterwards, I'm so tired. Have way overdone it. Now coming down with a cold. I do know better than to push myself so hard at my age, but pushing too hard is just my nature. Oh, well.

[ny biker]

This discussion on mountain bikes made me thing that surely Trek is still making a WSD 26 mountain bike that short women can ride. But they show so many different mountain bike lines on their website, I would have to spend a week reading about them all. Seems far too complicated to me. I still have the hardtail 26 that I bought back in 1998 or 1999. It's a men's frame, the reach is a bit longer than it should be for me, but overall it's a quality bike and I plan to keep it. It needs some attention which I've been putting off because I have to spend money on too many other things -- it's not shifting right, handlebars feel a little too wide, and for some reason my heels have started to hit the cranks when I pedal even though nothing has changed with the bike, pedals or shoes so something about the way I pedal must have changed. Anyway I'd like to get it ready to ride this fall or early winter. I got a good back fender for it last year so I can ride it on road in winter when there's lots of sand and salt from storm treatments. I'd rather ride the mountain bike in those conditions than get the road bike so dirty.

Anyway. I went out last Thursday after work for the regular hill ride -- my first since getting the new gearing for the road bike. It was hotter than I expected and I had eaten lunch too late so at first I felt sluggish. But once I got away from the highway and closer to the river it was less hot. I changed the route a bit at the end, adding a couple of flat miles, so in all I rode almost 21. The new gears don't magically make the hills feel flat but they do make it easier when things get very steep.

On Saturday I did a club ride that was very flat. I figured it would be a good chance to play with the new 46T chain ring. Unfortunately it turned out to be one of those rides where everyone else is way faster than me. I had a feeling that might happen, and sure enough it did. I decided that if I was dropped and out of sight of everyone else at mile 25 I would take advantage of a short cut and head back on my own. But at that point we were on a rail trail and everyone slowed down so I was able to keep up. But as soon as we were off the trail they all put the hammer down and I was well and truly dropped by everyone except the ride leader, who was clearly holding back, riding just a little ahead of me, so I wouldn't be alone. This actually kind of annoyed me, though in retrospect I realized I was annoyed because I was starting to bonk and that made me cranky. But it has made me think -- I do the same thing when I am leading a ride and one person is way behind everyone else. Do I annoy them by doing this? Honestly in most cases I'm not riding much slower than I would if they weren't behind me, but a few times I have had to really slow down for someone.

At any rate, we reached a rest stop after about 30 miles and at that point I did decide to take a shortcut back. So everyone including the ride leader went on without me. After that I was able to ride slower without feeling like I had to push harder than I wanted to. The short cut used a longer portion of the rail trail, and I stopped a couple of times to read some historical markers (I love historical markers) and to answer a text message from a relative that I thought might be urgent. So the fast riders ended up passing me near the end even though I was riding fewer miles. Oh well, I was having fun. Then at the end I learned that one of the fast riders was not back yet, after being separated from the group by a red light. He didn't answer his phone so the ride leader drove back to look for him. A couple of minutes later I also drove back to help look, and it was lucky I did because the missing rider was on the trail and not visible from the road when the ride leader drove by, but he was off the trail and on the road when I went by. He had stopped for a few minutes because of a leg cramp and then missed a turn, but did not want to be sagged back. So I drove back to the park where we started and waited for him while I called the ride leader to give him and update.

[Crankin]

Last week 2 riders were killed in separate accidents, near here, on the same day. One, it is clear what happened. Both were during the morning rush hour. The other, which happened on the road by Hanscom AFB and airport, was about a few yards over the town line from my town. This is a hugely popular road with cyclists. The part in Concord has some homes, then lots of office parks. The accident happened either on, or on top of a hill, where there are a few houses and condos, on one side of the road. At the top of the hill, the road turns somewhat sharply left. DH and I could not imagine what could have happened. Unlike the other incident, there has been no talk of it, no names. Last night, I found out it was someone from my temple. I didn't know him, but 2 of my friends know the wife. It kind of shook me up, but, I made myself ride to work today (not on this road, although I did ride it Saturday).

[north woods gal]

NY, glad you have a rail to trail to ride. We have some very short ones in our area, but I enjoy being able to take my road bike off the pavement when I can. Love the variety and the scenery on most R-Ts is often very nice, too. The 11 mile one I did in southern Wisconsin a few weeks, ago, while at my family reunion, could have very easily been done with a standard 700x25 road bike.

Crankin, it always hits me in the gut the I hear of a cyclist going down like that. I worked with a gal in Chicago who lost her boyfriend that way and it was on a road on my commuting route. Nasty road and I could see how it could happen. Really makes you think when you know someone who is in any way connected to such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers to their loved ones.

[rebeccaC]

Once more my after work before heading home from Oxnard favorite ride….Caryl rd.
I’ve seen wild geraniums bloom first, then wildflowers and now bougainvillea’s are adding their color to the ride. Perfect low 70’s and no wind. We haven’t done any longer rides lately but Sat. we are going to the Napa Valley to spend a few days of riding through the beautiful wine country, relaxing and just being together…..feeling blessed.

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and back down ending at the ocean and someones chair :)
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[Crankin]

So.... the sh!t hit the fan last night, when the Lincoln police took down the ghost bike someone had placed at the site of the cyclist death that I described in my earlier post. I've seen a lot of emails and FB posts about this. The person that put the bike there is looking for a private homeowner near the site, who is willing to host the ghost bike. This happens to coincide with the upcoming memorial for another cyclist who was killed in the same town in June. The town is "allowing" a ghost bike to be up for this person for 3 days, and are providing traffic control during the ceremony, but are otherwise being azzholes. There's a lot of bad stuff going around right now, showing how much people hate cyclists. One of the articles I read stated that advocacy for cyclists has finally come to the suburbs...

[north woods gal]

rebecca, thank-you. What wonderful pics! Just looking at them makes me want to grab my bike and ride. :)

Crankin, do take care. It's sometimes hard for us to understand why anyone would hate bicyclists, but as we all know, those people are out there. Watch your back.

[Blueberry]

Crankin-

Do take care of yourself. I've dealt with some similar stuff (friend killed by a drunk driver on a road that was less than a mile from my home) and then someone complained and the city threatened removal of the ghost bike. I have not forgotten how horrid it all feels. Please take care of yourself and let us know if we can help!

[Crankin]

Thanks. I am OK, just pissed! But, glad to be connected to so many different cycling groups, so I am getting good information. There seemed to be a news blackout about this incident, until Mass Bike (an advocacy group) put the article about taking down the ghost bike all over the internet. It was in the Boston Globe today. Although I did not know the man that the memorial on 9/10 is for, I will go, with a group of people. My DH commuted through the spot where he was killed for almost 15 years... Although I also did not know the man killed in the incident where they took down the ghost bike, there is a connection, besides the synagogue. When we first moved to MA, we became very close friends with a family who had also moved here from the west. We were inseparable for years, until a stupid thing ended the friendship. It wasn't like we had a fight, but we did drift apart. About 8-9 years ago, we saw them, as we were leaving a restaurant, and talked for awhile. The husband had also become a cyclist, and I clearly remember him saying he rode with the guy who was killed. It makes sense, as they live in the same town.
Did a 30 mile ride with DH today; this is not stopping me from riding at all. We rode to to the start of one of the after work rides we led last year, did most of the ride, then stopped and had lunch in Concord center. By the time we left lunch, it was 86 degrees and feeling like a desert. DH made a poor choice for lunch, a meatball sandwich, so the 4.5 miles home from lunch was slow...

[rebeccaC]

thanks nwg.....and yeah you should go for a ride :)




(friend killed by a drunk driver on a road that was less than a mile from my home) and then someone complained and the city threatened removal of the ghost bike.

had a friend who was hit and killed in a Venice alley last year. We first made the important contact with the family because they lived in the area and asked how they felt about our doing a ghostbike. then we also talked to the city. We were able to secure a ghostbike to a post by where the incident happened. The family removed it a month or so later and kept the bike. Before, during and after its presence i did and i now usually think of my friend when riding in that block of the alley.

[Crankin]

In both of the cases I cited, the families had been contacted and there were no issues. It's the small town New England attitude that is hurting advocacy, because each city and town is a fifedom unto itself... townies running amok. If you are from here, you understand what I mean.

[north woods gal]

I will do my best to send some of our traditional late August cool down weather your way, Crankin and anyone else who needs it. We'll be just tickling 70 for a high, this next week. Normal for us.

[Crankin]

I still laugh at the wierd looks I get from some, when I ride my bike to the gym. Not from those in my 5:45 am circuit training class, but from the others who are walking in or driving up when I arrive. One even asked, "How can you get up that hill?"

[ny biker]

I walk to the gym, down the big hill to get there and up the big hill to get home. In winter I see most people leaving (going out the back door to the garage) wearing shorts and a light jacket, while I'm bundled up in my long down coat, scarf, hat (sometimes two hats), mittens (sometimes with wool glove liners), wool socks and Ugg boots.

So I did the weekly hill ride after work on Wednesday. Tried another route change that ended up making me climb a really steep hill, oh well. Forgot the cue sheet I had written up for a short extension toward the end, tried it anyway from memory, ended up going up another steep hill to a dead end at a school. Oh well. I might actually do the dead end to the school on purpose in the future. Also I had some problems with my contact lenses, possibly from ragweed or some other late summer pollen. I had to stop and put eye drops in my eyes at one point, and was a little worried the lenses would come out and leave me to finish the ride in blur. I guess I'll wear my glasses next time.

This weekend I'm looking at doing a ride with the club that I don't really like, because the route looks good. None of my friends are available to come with me and I know I'll be dropped within a 1/4 mile due to pace inflation and no sweep, so I'm going to start a half hour early. Also I modified the route a bit to add a second rest stop which I think is necessary on a hot day, and then changed a few things at the end to use more scenic and lower-traffic rural roads. The risk is that I'll be alone with no one to help if something goes wrong, but by starting early I'm hoping to have someone behind me for much of the ride. And I'll send the route to a few friends that I can call in case something goes really wrong.

[rebeccaC]

The risk is that I'll be alone with no one to help if something goes wrong,

nah i know nothings going to go too wrong:) ....have a ride that makes you happy and satisfied!!!!

stopped on my commute this morning and on my early afternoon return to take some photos. Off to some longer rides on peaceful wine valley and shaded mountain roads up north…..and massages…

safe rides for everyone....

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[Crankin]

Went out to do a 47 mile ride and realized we hadn't downloaded the route...
So we just explored some quiet roads in Lincoln, Sudbury, Stow, and back through Acton to home. Saw people blueberry picking at one farm, but it was just before a climb, so we didn't stop; I wanted to get that over with.
I had an embarrassing moment that hasn't happened in a long time. We rode up a new street, a short, steep hill. It flattened out where the street intersected with a main road. DH turned left, I heard cars, and I guess my pedal was in a slightly awkward position as i stopped. My cleat slid on the pavement and I couln't unclip my other foot, as I was already falling! I was not in the middle of the main road, but cars stopped, and I waved them on. Took me a bit to unclip and get up! Oy. No injuries to me or my bike, but I am sure i will be sore.
A decent 35 mile ride, though.

[blackhillsbiker]

Went on a nice long ride by myself Wednesday evening after work (20+ miles). Today I went on a longer ride with a good friend. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to keep up. She was on a road bike, but the Rove is no slouch. :) I'm ridiculously happy to find a bike that is comfortable for me.

[rebeccaC]

I'm ridiculously happy to find a bike that is comfortable for me.
that IS such a good feeling :)....glad you are enjoying the Rove....it's a well designed bike!!!

We did a nice 46 mile ride from Calistoga to Yountville and back on mostly quiet roads with beautiful Napa Valley scenery. A pleasant stop at the Bouchon Bakery in Yountville for heirloom tomato and brie sandwiches, iced tea and a BIG bag of oatmeal, pecan and pouched raisin cookies and a box of French macaron’s to go. Tomorrow we are doing a longer 80+ mile ride with some good climbing over Howell mountain into the Pope Valley then to Lake Berryessa and back through Rutherford.
Temps in the high 70's in the afternoons. Low clouds this morning made for a cooler ride.
Solage Spa ftw!!!!!....well, and now eating cookies on our very private large patio. Feeling relaxed………

[north woods gal]

Continue to work on MTB trails our 7acres and an adjoining undeveloped 3 acres. Now at almost a mile of trails, all loops and all interconnecting. With my AWOL sense of direction, I wouldn't be surprised if I managed to get turned around and lost on my own property at some point. :)

I do finish each day, though, with an hour of riding the trails, which nets me about 5 total miles. Good workout, too, because some very steep climbs right the limit of what I can handle and not stall out, though I do have to hit them just right. Leaves me panting and short of breath in a way that I never experience with my road biking.

I do miss my roadwork, though. The open road is calling to me, as always. Love the challenge and variety of MTB riding, but I am ever so addicted to the rapture that comes with flying down a beautiful paved road. Oh, well, preaching to the choir, here, but nice to be on a forum where everyone understands. :)

[rebeccaC]

Great 4 days of riding, relaxing, eating and spa pampering in the Napa Valley. Longest ride was 84 miles on Sunday with the rest of the days being 32 to 56. Got into the high 80's today but we rode in the morning and did some shopping in the afternoon. Alex doesn’t want to leave tomorrow. She’s outside on the patio looking at property for sale on her computer at the moment. :)
Solage resort in Calistoga ftw!!!!!!!


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[azfiddle]

Just popping in to say hi. I have been doing a lot of commuting, and rode two 25-ish mile rides on the weekend, so nothing super long (it's still summer in the desert here so not so fun to be out midday). I had a record 4 commutes last week.

[Crankin]

I commuted yesterday.
Today, I went to the funeral of my best friend's mom from my hometown (it was actually a joyous occasion, she was 90) and then went to see my granddaughter.
I don't feel guilty about not riding.

[Sky King]

SO EXCITED, 3 day weekend, forecast for low 70's - We're heading to the Owyhee Wilderness area for some bike exploration! Yahoooooo (you can tell I am not an August rider, 100 degree weather & smoke filled air really gets me down)

[north woods gal]

Enjoy, Sky. That's some mighty rugged and and remote territory, beautiful in its own harsh and desolate way, though. Lived in Boise for a time, back in the 70s and did some exploring, there.

[north woods gal]

Finished the month, WAY down on miles, thanks to all my mountain biking, but also because of all the time and effort I put in making MTB trails on our property. In terms of hours biking, still at least a fair month of bicycling for me. Wish there was an accurate way of translating MTB miles into road bike miles, because I'm passionate about both, but the two types of biking are just too different, I guess.

Oh, well, on to September.

[emily_in_nc]

I've been away for a couple of weeks with zero internet (but worth it to be in Bighorn Canyon NRA and Yellowstone NP!) My blog is about three weeks behind real time as a result, but I finally got this post on bicycling Bismarck, ND up. It seems like months ago since we have been so many places since then!

http://travelingtwosome.weebly.com/traveling-twosome-blog/biking-bismarck-a-tour-around-the-city

We have done some really wonderful rides in the past few weeks: through Little Bighorn National Monument and Bighorn Canyon Nat'l Recreation Area (the latter being one of the prettiest places we have ever ridden), a couple of rides in Yellowstone (not very conducive to cyclists), and a couple now here in the amazing Grand Teton National Park, which is as cyclist friendly as Yellowstone is not! And the scenery is simply breathtaking. This place should be on every road cyclist's bucket list. I had no idea!

18135 18136
18137 18138

Hope everyone has been well...it will take me awhile to get caught up on the posts here. We have excellent Verizon signal here in Grand Teton, fortunately, so when I'm not riding, I'm getting caught up online. :rolleyes:

[north woods gal]

Keep those pics coming, Emily. Really enjoying them. What was the problem with Yellowstone biking? Just curious.

[gingergirl]

I live in a flat area and to see the mountains in your photos...wow...stunning. Thanks for sharing.

[emily_in_nc]

Keep those pics coming, Emily. Really enjoying them. What was the problem with Yellowstone biking? Just curious.

Well, there are no bike paths, and the shoulders are quite narrow. On some of the roads, there are no shoulders at all. And there is a LOT of traffic, including many large RVs and tour buses. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been mid-summer since we were actually there in what is considered the shoulder season for this part of the country. We did do a couple of rides, but we were disappointed. Just not much thought given to cycling infrastructure there; in Yellowstone, cars rule.

Contrast that to Grand Teton, just one park south, where there are much wider shoulders on the roads, paved bike paths through much of the park, and some paved "back" roads that have almost zero traffic. Less hilly besides. And the views are much more dramatic with the mountains. In Yellowstone, you mostly see lodgepole pines. The lake was beautiful, and there were certainly other gorgeous areas here and there, but we had to take a bus tour to really see the park.

[north woods gal]

Thanks for the low down on both parks. Have never bicycled Yellowstone, but have driven through it and the traffic was bad, like you said.

[azfiddle]

I concur with the comments on Yellowstone and Grand Teton. We hesitated to bike in Yellowstone but saw several groups and individuals. Grand Teton was fabulous for cycling though.

[Sky King]

Well, there are no bike paths, and the shoulders are quite narrow. On some of the roads, there are no shoulders at all. And there is a LOT of traffic, including many large RVs and tour buses. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been mid-summer since we were actually there in what is considered the shoulder season for this part of the country. We did do a couple of rides, but we were disappointed. Just not much thought given to cycling infrastructure there; in Yellowstone, cars rule.

Contrast that to Grand Teton, just one park south, where there are much wider shoulders on the roads, paved bike paths through much of the park, and some paved "back" roads that have almost zero traffic. Less hilly besides. And the views are much more dramatic with the mountains. In Yellowstone, you mostly see lodgepole pines. The lake was beautiful, and there were certainly other gorgeous areas here and there, but we had to take a bus tour to really see the park.

I really wish Yellowstone's website would communicate better for cyclists - it isn't a good place to bike (I keep trying to tell people that :) ) As the nations largest national park, a very limited "road building season" and horribly strapped for cash, I don't see an improvement in the near future. They do offer some spring riding - before the gates are open to car traffic but even now, the fall visitors have increased dramatically - lots of photographers coming to capture bull elks in rut.

[emily_in_nc]

I really wish Yellowstone's website would communicate better for cyclists - it isn't a good place to bike (I keep trying to tell people that :) ) As the nations largest national park, a very limited "road building season" and horribly strapped for cash, I don't see an improvement in the near future. They do offer some spring riding - before the gates are open to car traffic but even now, the fall visitors have increased dramatically - lots of photographers coming to capture bull elks in rut.

Yes, there were a ton of people there when we were, even with a couple nights with lows in the 20s -- I was so glad to be in our motorhome and not in a tent, but there were many, many tenters. The days we rode our bikes (only 2 out of a full week there), we never saw any other cyclists on the road at all. The springtime is just too early for us to get there since we spend winters east, and we don't like cold weather. So, I doubt we'll be going back to Yellowstone. There are just too many other better places to ride and enjoy wildlife!