July rides

[ny biker]

How is it July already? I am refusing to turn over the calendar to a new page. It seems like it was just early April.

Although the weather is definitely not April. I led a ride yesterday, 40 miles. If it had been just slightly longer it would have been miserable. There were four of us, two people who have been off the bike until last week due to medical issues, one person who just finished Bike Virginia so is in peak form, and me who is doing better than expected given how many weekends I have not been riding. We rode an easy, comfortable pace, which was important for the weather. Too often on hot days I end up "leading" riders who are faster than me and they finish strong while I am miserable from too much exertion in the hot sun. We also had a fair amount of shade, and at both rest stops we were able to go into an air conditioned building for a break. Overall it worked out well. Before the ride I had made cue sheets for various short cut options; the two people who just started riding again did opt to cut 10 miles off the ride, but it was due to their gradually easing back into cycling as much as the weather conditions.

The ride start was a park with a covered picnic pavilion but no running water, so I also prepared for the heat by having a cooler in my car with cold drinks, ice packs and a spray bottle full of cold water. I also had a microfiber towel, Wet Ones and a hairbrush in addition to snacks and clean clothes. After finishing the ride I opened up the car doors and then went and sat in the pavilion, sprayed cold water all over my head, arms and back, cleaned the sunscreen and dirt off my legs, and had a drink and snack while cooling down and drying off. Cold water on the back of your head and rinsing the sweat out of your hair does really help when it's that hot. Eventually I changed into clean clothes, fired up the A/C in the car and headed for home.

[Crankin]

Wow, you and I are twins, when it comes to heat. We are supposed to do a club ride Wednesday, with a high of 91. It won't get that hot by the ride's end, but with humidity, I am mildly concerned. However, the leader is my friend and he will stick to the moderate pace of an average of 13.5. It's pretty shady, but I am sure I will be pouring my water over my head.
I rode to and from the gym at 5:10 am and back at 6:40. It was cool, 70 and 93% humidity when I went, and much drier and pleasant when I came home. It's only 1.3 miles each way, and that is about all I wanted to do outside today.
Next weekend looks perfect for riding, but looking ahead, I am seeing heat again next week, when we do our annual Berkshires trip. It is hard and hilly riding; last year we cut a ride out and went out and did a 15 mile ride early in the AM, it was so hot one day. Not that there isn't a lot to do there, but I look forward to this trip every year.

[north woods gal]

Sounds like you both know how to deal with the heat. Our summer, so far, has been the hottest, ever, for us - way above normal for heat and heat index numbers. Not sure how I would have handled it all if I could bike, right, now. The heat has definitely been an issue for my walking, though. It's the pits for walking. Taking advantage of shade when I can find some is a big help, as you've mentioned. Going out, early, helps, too.

Stopped in at my local shop, today, to have the Log Lady single speed set up for more road duty. I'm switching out the tires to a more road friendly, faster tread and will up the gearing just a bit. I plan to use both single speed bikes when I get cleared to ride, again, as mostly road/gravel bikes with maybe some easy trail work. Mostly road bikes, though. I'll use the single speeds to get in condition and to use on the road as errand/utility/fun bikes.

Don't know if I can ever trust those skinny 2.2" wide tires again for serious trail work after this accident. Staying with fatter tires on the trails is definitely a move in a safer direction. I'm going nuts, though, not being able to get out and ride. The trainer is a good thing for conditioning, but it does nothing for my need to ride. Under two week to go, now, before my next doctor visit and X rays to see how much I've healed. I am so praying for good news.

[rebeccaC]

Under two week to go, now, before my next doctor visit and X rays to see how much I've healed. I am so praying for good news.
My prayers for that too…..and I’ve continued lighting incense to keep that going for you!!!!!!!!! :)


....I also prepared for the heat by having a cooler in my car with cold drinks, ice packs and a spray bottle full of cold water. I also had a microfiber towel, Wet Ones and a hairbrush in addition to snacks....
you organize like I do!!!!! :)



Our usual June marine cloud layer with its perfect low 70s weather is just about gone and with that there will be a few days this month in the high 80’s to low 90’s but thankfully not many and the low humidity and ocean breezes help here too. I actually enjoy the challenge of riding in high heat as long as I’ve acclimated to the temps (hot yoga helps in my body experiencing heat as less severe), keep very well hydrated/fueled and dress accordingly.
Still just commutes, rides for doing photography and the occasional bike path ride with Alex.

Next week I’m doing impact assessment work at some utility-scale solar plants in the desert and I’m thinking of doing a whole day’s ride in the eastern slopes of the sierra’s where temps will be much better than the high desert. I want a good long hard ride cuz it’s been toooooooooooooo long since I’ve had one.

[emily_in_nc]

We did our usual ride (35-36 miles) in the heat and humidity yesterday morning. When I stopped to pee at a park one hour in, I was drenched in sweat and could feel my heart beating really fast. After a rest in the air conditioning and drinking a bunch of water, I felt much better, and the rest of the ride was actually not too bad since we gained a light tailwind on the way back. It really is the humidity more than the heat, as the temp at the end of our ride was "only" 87. I don't know what the humidity was, but high.

After a nice cool down in the pool and lunch, we did a utilitarian ride on our cruiser bikes to the bank and vet to pick up meds for our dog. By the end of that one (~ 4 miles), I was sweating again, but stops in the air-conditioned bank and vet did help.

This morning we'll be leaving our our usual ride soon. It's so tempting to skip it in this heat, but it's not going to get any cooler here in Florida for a long time, so I might as well get used to it. The fact that there are still other cyclists (and even runners, which is hard to fathom) on the trail this time of year helps with not feeling so alone in my suffering!

[north woods gal]

Thank-you for the incense, rebecca. Very much appreciated and, yes, I do believe that such things have their effect. Again, thank-you.

No break in our weather, though nothing hotter than the upper 80s. That, at least, is more the norm for July at its hottest, up here.

On the day I get cleared to ride, hubby has promised I get to buy a new helmet, no matter how expensive. Then we'll celebrate at our favorite restaurant, that night. Next day, the new and safer me starts riding. I may do some mods on my trails by blocking off and/or destroying some of my trick object setups, just to avoid the temptation. Hubby has already helped remove one or two. As I walk along my trails, now, I shake my head when I see the worst of them and wonder how I ever managed them on a bicycle.

My neck brace and still slightly battered face have started a lot of conversations with strangers. Interesting to discover that so many folks have reported either knowing someone who has had similar mountain biking accidents (or even someone who died) or who have had bad bike accidents, themselves. I've always known that mountain biking at the intermediate level and above is a dangerous sport, but this has been a very real confirmation of it. Also confirms my resolve to retire and stay on the easy trails from now on. No bicycling is without its danger, of course, but at least I can choose to make it less risky by the type of riding I do. I do see a LOT more low traffic road riding, especially gravel road riding in my future. Gravel riding has been a favorite of mine, all along, not to mention I have the bikes for that kind of riding, even for the roughest of roads.

[Crankin]

I went out at 5:15 am and did a 12 mile ride. It was cooler, 72, but 93% humidity. Need I say more?
I went to the other side of town and did a loop around Concord center and back, a longer route than last time. Forgot that Tuesday is when the Crack ‘o Dawn riders come to Concord. I used to see them when I lived by the center and rode on Tuesday.
Seemed like hundreds, but maybe 50 riders at 5:45 am.
Still on the fence about 35 miles tomorrow.

[emily_in_nc]

nwg, you are being smart. I too have changed some things about my riding since my accident last year. If I am approaching an area with no sight line, I go much slower than I was going the day I crashed. I no longer expect the road to be clear around that next bend -- I expect there to be a problem and ride with that in mind. Still, you can't foresee everything, no matter what you do. Some of it is just dumb luck.

I did manage my ride today but left off one of my small loops, so ended up with 34 miles instead of my usual 36. It was a bit cloudier but even more humid than usual, and my speed was low for me, but I got it done. The pool sure felt great afterwards!

Good for anyone who is managing to ride in this summer heat and humidity. And Happy Fourth of July to all those in the US! Tomorrow is our day off for laundry and errands, and I am looking forward to a break from the bike. I will work out in the air-conditioned gym instead. :)

[rebeccaC]

and a happy fourth for you emily!!!!

Stopped to ride Caryl road again on my way home today……the poplars are in full leaf and the geraniums are reaching 10 ft high into the trees in places…..perfect way to decompress after a day of work. Low 70’s with a slight cooling breeze from the ocean.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/43138777712_25a9eb70e2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28J2vFw)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1801/28319156407_9e90c6797c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/K9t5zn)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1806/42284042355_3daa37a451_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27quLD2)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/42284039305_8195ab98f6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27quKJr)


https://farm1.staticflickr.com/913/28319158837_fc1e5740f8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/K9t6ig)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1824/43138709992_19ee532f90_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28J2axW)

[north woods gal]

Nothing like your pics to bring a smile to my face, rebecca. Thank you, as always. We both live in beautiful, but very different, kinds of country. Love the flowers. Seldom see that kind of display along our roads.

Emily, part of me thinks it's a shame we both had to have accidents to rethink how we bicycle, but a much bigger part of me is so grateful for a second chance. Now it's up to us to use what we have learned.

Good workout on the indoor trainer, yesterday afternoon, after a brisk morning walk. I still prefer the walking for th sake of variety and being outdoors, but this darn neck brace is really, really uncomfortable in this heat. It's going to give me a mighty strange tan line. :)

[Crankin]

That made me laugh, NWG.
Emily, I always have anticipated issues on rides, and while perhaps it slows me down in certain spots, I feel like it has helped me avoid crashing with other people on the road, or with road hazards. I know people who come on my rides when I lead, always tell me they appreciate me warning them in advance about stuff like this.
So, on that note, we both decided to be a little more cautious today, because of the weather. Although it is slightly cooler (only 87 as I speak) and noticeably less humid, the real feel prediction for 12-1 pm, which would have been the end of the group ride was 99. What we ended up doing was riding to the new part of the bike trail around 8 AM, 5.6 miles, and then riding to the end of the new part, since DH had not been on the trail. Then we turned around and got off the trail a bit before the point we started at, so we could go out to breakfast. Had a fairly healthy breakfast and an almond milk latte, and headed home about 6 miles on the road. This ended up being 20.2 miles, mostly shady. We went really slowly until we got to breakfast, although we did pick it up a little on the way home from there. I always say how much more pleasant riding slowly is, but I am not ready to totally give it up at this point.
Probably will go out in the early AM again. Friday I have boot camp and finally, the heat wave will break, with thunderstorms all day. My DIL is coming over with my granddaughter, but we won't be able to try out the trailer because of the storms. Weekend looks awesome, though.

[emily_in_nc]

Man, those photos, rebecca! I just can't imagine riding in such a gorgeous area. You are one lucky woman.

Today was crazy. After putting two loads of laundry in the dryers at our RV park laundry area this morning and hanging out a load of bike shorts, jerseys, and our fitted sheet, which gets tons of clothes stuck in the deep pockets if I attempt to put it into the dryer, I went to the gym. Did my workout (light weights, abs, and some yoga), and stepped out afterwards into POURING rain. Couldn't even hear it in the gym because of fans and TV. The laundry room is close by, so I ran over and was able to get stuff out of the dryers and folded. But then I was stuck there for another hour as the rain was coming down in sheets, accompanied by very close and loud lightning and thunder. It was actually kind of scary since the storm just didn't move. This was one of those times that being car-free was not fun, as I was stuck just a couple of blocks from our motorhome, but unless I wanted to get drenched, I couldn't get there from here! Normally I would have had a rain jacket, but it didn't look threatening when I started out; this storm blew up outta nowhere.

Thank the gods, I had a book with me, so I sat in the laundry room and read for an hour, watching the lightning and thunder. I was starving, though, as it was past lunchtime at this point.

Finally, it eased up, and I was able to wheel the two folded loads of laundry back to our site in our laundry cart. There I found that all the stuff I'd hung earlier had gotten thoroughly soaked. DH was there, but the storm came up so fast, and so much was hung out, he just couldn't get it in before it got wet, so let it hang. With more rain coming on the radar, I ended up having to take all the stuff off the lines back up to the laundry room after lunch and re-washing it just to get it wrung out so it could dry. Put it all in the dryer on very low heat, as there was more rain threatening, so I didn't dare risk hanging it up again. By the time I got it out, it was sprinkling again, so I threw a garbage bag over the laundry basket to get it back to our site, finally re-make our bed, and put everything away. I got the bed made at 4 pm! :rolleyes:

So, today's laundry took nearly all day. Ah, the glamorous RV life....NOT! :D

I did get in a mile or two on my cruiser bike, as I was able to ride back and forth to the laundry room when I didn't have to schlep baskets along and when it wasn't pouring. Tomorrow we're hoping for less early-day rain and plan to get out for our usual ride!

[Pax]

I rode to the beach and managed to catch a sunrise, it’s so quiet and peaceful at that time of day.

18341

[rebeccaC]

I rode to the beach and managed to catch a sunrise, it’s so quiet and peaceful at that time of day.
:):):)....good to see your words again!!!!!

thanks nwg and emily!!!!

[Crankin]

We had our heavy rain, but it didn't last as long as predicted. Temperature and humidity should be down to normal in 2-3 hours. It's below 80, finally.
Granddaughter is here; we fit her helmet to her and before we could test out how she fit in the trainer, she ran over to the strider bike we have sitting in the basement, and tried to get on. She's not big enough yet, but she knows hemet=bike. We are going to do our maiden voyage with her in the trailer, tomorrow, just 2.2 miles to the playground. After she goes home, we will do a small ride.
Only 3 people in my boot camp today. It felt really hard, and I was kind of dizzy until I ate breakfast. Then, went I went out to the store, I started feeling off. It's kind of calmed down, though and I am looking forward to a low humidity weekend of riding.

[emily_in_nc]

Have fun riding with your granddaughter, Crankin!

Pax, great to see you on here. Are you in Florida?

Amazingly, we managed to get all four of our weekday rides in this week (M Tu Th Fr). This morning's was the most comfortable, since it was overcast, which kept the heat down a bit. Still very humid, but at least without sunshine, you stand a fighting chance. The last two rides this week, I felt a bit better, so perhaps I am acclimating to summer in Florida.

We met a nice guy visiting from Puerto Rico today on our ride (he needed directions), so we rode with him for a few miles. He was riding a cool little Tern folding bike. Talked to him about the hurricane last year and how he fared. He owns a business and said that they have gone full-solar now, so if the power goes out again, they should be good. Really nice guy and a strong rider. Then I get home and see Hurricane Beryl heading for the islands and cringe. Hopefully it will weaken and give them a break -- and not come up to Florida either!

[north woods gal]

Neat to meet such a guy, Emily. I do hope those people can get a break and avoid any hurricanes, this year.

Our temps have moderated to more normal July for us, so the walking has been quite pleasant. Okay, except to the deer flies and black flies. Used to be able to mostly outrun them on the bike, but not so on foot. Never leave home without the bug spray, now. Darn things.

Still need to do some mods on the new Pugsley I bought just before the accident. Hope to switch out to better rolling tires and will be adding a rear rack. The new Pugs will be kind of my heavy duty ECR for going down dirt and sand roads where even the ECR might struggle and, yes, we do have such roads, up here. Once you start down an old logging road or fire road you never know what you'll find. The new Pugs may even get modded to a single speed. Kind of a doomsday utility bike. That would be fun. We'll see.

[Pax]

Emily - yup, we got invited back to New Smyrna by a couple of friends so we’re spending the month of July at the beach.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily - yup, we got invited back to New Smyrna by a couple of friends so we’re spending the month of July at the beach.

That's great, although not sure I would choose July to come to Florida. But a free place to say is a free place to stay, right?! :D

[Crankin]

Our first experience with the Burley went fine! I rode ahead of DH, who has the trailer on his Guru, so I waited after I turned onto the street with park. She was perfect. There were others at the park with trailers, too... lots of young parents my kids' age, I seriously don't know how they can afford a house in my town. We stayed for about an hour and fifteen minutes, and then she promptly fell asleep in the ten minutes it takes to ride home. My son had to wake her up when they got here an hour later, and she was not happy. But, the experience was a success. Next time, we will ride on the bike trail, although we probably will drive to the beginning.
Later, DH and I went out and did our shortish 18 mile flat loop. It is just perfect out, 78 degrees and dry. It was kind of fast, but, I handled it. Hope to do a long ride tomorrow. We leave for the Berkshires on Thursday, and I have not ridden more than 36 miles on one ride, although, I've climbed enough.

[north woods gal]

Love the pic and really, really glad to see the helmet. Thank-you.

[rebeccaC]

well we have some heat (for here) for the weekend....90's here at the beach and 100's not far inland, back to the 70's next week though. since i'm planning a hard ride next week i did a 64 mile ride into the santa monica mountains with two friends for the climbs. Lots of water/fuel/taking breaks in the shade and thankful for the help the ocean breeze gave on the last 9 miles home on the bike path. my first climbing in too long felt good!

[Crankin]

NWG, she loves the helmet. Given how tiny she is, this one will fit for awhile. It even has a ratchet!
My son told me they were very nervous about her going in the trailer, but they survived. When my DIL dropped her off, we showed her everything, and that helped a lot.

[Crankin]

Note to self. Do not eat cranberry walnut chicken salad in the middle of a ride, on a hot day.
I survived, but that semi-ruined a really nice ride I have done twice with a group, in an area I don't ride in often. It starts in the town my DH works in, about 22 miles northeast of here, in a park that has tons of parking and bathrooms :). The first part is a bit hilly, goes through some suburban semi-rural roads and developments and then through part of a state park. We stopped at a farm at mile 15 or so, and while the stop here on the group ride is more of a rest/snack stop, we were ready to eat. There wasn't much in the cool food section, so I thought the chicken salad would be healthier than a huge muffin or cider donut. I shared with DH, ate my Lara Bar and also shared an ice coffee. So, I didn't eat too much, and I actually felt a bit energized right after we took off, at least enough to get up the last big hill. There's a lot of downhill and rollers, more rural riding in the second half, until you get about 5 miles from the end. I was fighting barfing, which is not something I do more than every 10-15 years. Stopped twice to drink long drinks of my Skratch bottle, and 1.5miles from the end, I wet my head with water.
OK, I was feeling a bit off at the start, but nothing that could have caused nausea. It was between 80 and 83, no humidity, and the ride was very shady most of the time. So, I attribute this to the food, and the fact although I've been riding 4 days a week, most of it has been short rides. This was 35 miles... hope the heat (85 degrees) predicted for our trip this week does not have the same effect.
Still, glad I went.

[north woods gal]

Glad you survived, Crankin. Could it be that the salad or chicken was bad? Has happened to me. That might explain it, too.

Four days to go till my follow up X ray on my neck and I'm really, really sweating it. All the worst case scenario stuff keeps floating through my head. I so desperately want to ride, again, but I know it's up to the doctors, not me. Oh,how I wish I could go back in time and get a do over, but life doesn't work that way. Time to keep the faith. In the meantime, I just keep on walking.

[Crankin]

NWG, our brains are wired to go to the worst case scenario. Even those of us who are not prone to anxiety or negative thinking often have to fight it at times. You are right, the decision is not yours, so focus on what you can do. You know that eventually, you will ride!
I don't think the food was bad, as DH ate it. He was fine. I attribute it to a combination of things, but mostly assuming I was fine to ride, since I did a fast, but shorter ride on Saturday, after feeling crappy on Friday. I did not sleep well last night, so I skipped the gym, and am heading out for a short walk, before it gets up to 90 again. Thankfully, I don't have to be at work until 10.

[emily_in_nc]

Hope you're feeling all better now, Crankin. I rarely eat anything beyond a cereal bar, poptart, or (my fave when I take the time to make them) potatoes on my 35-36 mile rides. I am afraid eating anything heavier might make my tummy rebel too, though I tend to have a strong stomach. And I drink only water because of my braces, not wanting to have anything sugary in my mouth for very long (I rinse well with water after I eat my snack). My rides are obviously easier, though, with only gentle climbs, not like what you are dealing with up there!

nwg, good luck with your doctor's appointment. I hope he will clear you to ride (fingers crossed)!

[north woods gal]

You're so right, Crankin. Sometimes I just have to tell my brain to shut up and let my heart do the thinking. :) By the way, I'm like Emily. I can't ride on a full stomach at all. Makes me very uncomfortable.

Thanks, Emily. Hoping for the best, but if I have to fo for another month with the neck brace, doing all my riding, indoors, it won't be the end of the world. Been through worse. I'll get past this. Besides, those darn black flies and deer flies are making my walks just plain miserable. Have to douse myself in DEET not to get bitten. I may just stick to indoor riding for awhile. Get to listen to my music, too, when riding indoors. Something I don't do out on the road for the sake of safety.

[Crankin]

I can't ride on a full stomach, either, but when it is lunch time, I have to eat. My go to is either a half or whole turkey sandwich or veggie sandwich. If I have to make my own, it's almond butter and whole wheat bread. I have a "stock" breakfast or two I eat before a long ride, too. In retrospect, I was still feeling sick from whatever viral thing rolled through my body on Friday. When I get sick, it is always the same. In the winter, it's sinus/bronchitis. In the summer, it's stomach, aches, etc, sometimes mild sinus stuff. I've come to the conclusion that my body really doesn't like hot weather or the sun or really intense exercise (funny, since I lived in 2 sunbelt states for years) and as the cycling season goes on, I usually make through some big event or tour, and then this stuff starts. It's hard to keep a good mental attitude about riding, but since it's so much a part of my lifestyle, I've been trying to just get out there, with no thought of speed or length of ride. I really enjoy riding in the spring and fall a lot more. Still, I look at others who appear way more out of shape than I, and they seem like stronger riders. Well, I keep going! I feel much better, slept well last night and rode 13.2 miles at 5:30 AM. It felt almost cool, at 64 when I started, but after 5 miles, that stopped. I did a variation of the ride I did last week, over to the other side of town, but I will have to reverse one part of the loop, where I chose to go down a small hill, instead of climb. Today the sun was so much in my eyes on the downhill, it felt unsafe. I know the cars can see my blinkies, but if I can't see ahead, neither can they.

[north woods gal]

Crankin, sometimes our bodies are such a mystery as to what's going on with them. I think your attitude to just keep riding because it is a such a part of your lifestyle is so very relevant for me, right now. I'm down to just being able to ride my trainer, for now, but even that meager excuse for riding helps me so much, right now. I used to hate riding the trainer so, but now I'm grateful to the point of tears to be able to do it at all.

My riding during this recovery has been much on my mind, of course. I've already made some resolutions as to the changes I will make when I do start riding, again, but I suspect my accident has changed my attitude in ways that I cannot yet foresee. Maybe being forced to sit out and reflect on my riding will be a good thing. Funny about what I do and what I don't miss, right now, though. I find myself daydreaming about riding out on the road - paved, gravel, sand - or on paved bike trails or rails to trails setups or even logging and fire roads. Yup, roads and more roads. Even for my snow riding, I've been daydreaming about riding around the neighborhood on our plowed roads.

For all my trail riding that I've done these past few years, though, I don't daydream about that technical riding at all. This accident may have spooked me to the point where my techy trail riding days are over. I'm okay with that. I'll just have to try it and see. Just not missing it, at this point.

My taste in bikes remains very much the same, though. These last few years have been very much an odessy of riding plus bikes and fat bikes as distance bikes on roads of all kinds. Can't wait to get on the old Pugsley, again, and just ride out and take any kind of road this country can throw my way, even to playfully riding off on the shoulders and do a little exploring. Such are my dreams, right now.

[ny biker]

Dropping in for a quick catch-up -- did a 42 mile ride on July 4. It was hot but somehow felt better than the ride a few days earlier had been, despite similar conditions. It was sort of a club ride, but not really, since a friend and I decided to start earlier at a different place, ride to the official ride start to meet folks and go with them to the first rest stop, then take some shadier short cuts and finish on a shadier road than the posted route. Our ride start was closer to the last rest stop than the official one, so we finished earlier, too. All the changes were to avoid problems with the heat, and they worked.

Since then, no rides. Instead, I am in the middle of a string of four Foo Fighters concerts -- two last weekend (Maryland and Philadelphia), then one this weekend and another next Monday, both in NY. (It's a long story, but basically I looked at the tour schedule and decided what the hell, they're always fun and I need fun.) Anyway I will be staying in NY for a while for a family visit related to parent health issues. Not bringing the bike with me, because I expect to be busy with other things. My exercise will be walks around my home town, which is actually quite scenic. And dancing for 3 hours per concert, which is actually a good leg workout. :D

I do have time to squeeze in a bike ride tonight... in fact I am leaving now...

[rebeccaC]

ny....foo fighters/fun/dancing are all the same thing aren't they :)

Just a few years ago I did the one day Tour of the California Alps in the Eastern Sierra’s (fondly also called the Death Ride). Riding up both the east and west sides of Monitor Pass and Ebbetts Pass and the east side of Carson Pass made for one of the hardest one day rides of my life. I don’t have the time to train for something like that anymore and I don’t have the climbing strength of body/mind I did then. Since it was on my route this work trip I planned a 58 mile ride up both sides of just Ebberts Pass. I did do a good climbing ride before I left so my mind said I could do it. I planned for a whole day and started in/returned to Markleeville Ca. which is just east of Ebberts.

Leaving early this morning the temps started in the low 60’s ’s and then got into the 90’s. There were a few moments of questioning my sanity…on a long very hot, very steep section going up the already steep east side I actually thought of what I could throw away, my camera included, to lighten the climb...common sense quickly prevailed though. On the west side of the pass, when I came down into the Hermit Valley, I took time to stop at a river site that was very private. I left my shoes/socks, shorts and jersey on a rock and just sat in shallow rapids and let the cold water flow over me. Just relaxing/stretching and refueling on a large flat rock in the heat helped in drying me some and my still wet sports bra actually helped in the heat on the ascent of the shorter but still steep west side. The almost pedal free descent on the smoothly paved east side was welcomed. There were quite a few other riders….some doing training rides for this year’s Death Ride which is this weekend. Very few cars, which also made me a happy woman. I felt good when I got back to Markleeville, mostly from just the pure satisfaction of finishing the ride. Oh yeah…and then just a 30-minute drive to a really good recovery massage (a BIG ftw!!!) at the hotel in south Lake Tahoe.

Alex is flying to meet me in Missoula Mt and we are taking a few days to hike and explore the wonders of Glacier National Park before she goes home and I drive to Oregon for a couple of days work on two projects with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory regarding both wind and biomass energy. This trip will also give me a chance to ride a couple of short sections on the southern Oregon coast on my way home.

Didn’t do much photography on the ride….but here are a few
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/836/41545623390_ff17a27683_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26ifbpy)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1770/43354429661_18bb6cf2e3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2945Muz)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1764/41545536480_d1e220a8f7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26ieJz7)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1802/42450514025_8cbbd0fb9b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27FcYSe)


Btw we now know that this fall Alex and I are welcoming a daughter into this world…:D

nwg…..i left this for you at a wonderful Vietnamese Buddhist temple and meditation center in the desert just north of Adelanto Ca.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/29484405978_4a0ffbd9c2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LVrhFd)

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, Rebecca, that looks like an epic ride. Kudos to you for completing it. I just can't imagine that kind of climbing after being in Florida for so long. I am not sure I have it in me to ride mountains any more -- not that I ever did too much of that anyway!

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your daughter. I know you and Alex must be over the moon!

Enjoy Glacier! I know it is incredibly beautiful but hope there are no wildfires in the area. Smoky hiking = no muy bueno.

[north woods gal]

Again, just beautiful, rebecca. Question: do you find the altitude to be an issue? I suspect a flatlander like me would need some time to adjust.

As for me, had my four week progress check with the doctor, today. Was hoping for something a bit more definitive and conclusive, but all he did was take an X ray of my spine in the damaged area to see if it has been maintaining proper alignment while I heal. Also did all the reflexes, nerve and strength tests. Everything checked out, perfectly. I am grateful for the results, but I'm still to be in a brace for another few weeks, at least, and won't be released from the brace until that final check. Well, there goes my summer, as far as bicycling. I shouldn't be disappointed, but I am. Had hoped to be bicycling, sooner, but that's not going to happen. Oh, well.

Rain, today, but much needed rain, so no complaint, there. Probably won't go for a walk, then, but my heart just isn't in it, anyway. May do the trainer, later.

[north woods gal]

On a more upbeat note (don't mean to be such a grump), he liked my trainer setup. I'm good to go, there. More walking is good, too. Guess I'll just keep doing what I have been doing, for now.

[Crankin]

Glad you are trying to see the positive side, NWG.
Today we started our annual Berkshire trip. It’s a week earlier than normal, because a bike tour has the inn all booked next wkend. Got here around noon, ate on the patio of the inn after buying some sandwiches,and headed out on a warm up ride at 1:45. Did 20 miles, flat to rolling, mostly shady, through Great Barrington and Sheffield. Rural and farms, a bit of suburban state road. Tried a new road, beautiful, but lots of potholes.
This was my fastest ride in the Berkshires, ever. Well, the next 3 days are full of suffering and eating!

[emily_in_nc]

That sounds like a lovely trip, Crankin! Do enjoy.

NWG, sorry that you didn't get released to ride, but glad that your healing process is going so well. I completely understand how you feel; very frustrating. Especially with your short summer season there, I hate that you have to miss it all. But on the plus side, you don't mind riding year-round, so all is not lost. There's always fall...and (shiver...) winter!

[north woods gal]

Thanks, Emily. You've been there, so your words are especially helpful, right now. Everyone's words are, in fact. The encouragement helps. Yes, have been thinking along those same lines, too. What's a few more weeks compared to a possible added injury that could put me out of bicycling for the rest of met life?

Funny you should mention the winter riding. Been on my mind a lot during this down time. No way am I going to beat myself up, again, trying to keep trails cleared all winter long like I did, last winter. That was just brutal. Great learning experience, but brutal. I'm hoping to confine my snow riding this next winter to riding out on our local paved roads after the snow plows have done their job. Yup, let the county do all the snow clearing for me. :) And, yeah, I'll probably do more indoor trainer riding, much as I hate it. Then, too, there's always my cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The trails won't go to waste.

[Crankin]

I’m a firm believer in doing other sports for a few weeks in the winter, NWG. I love x country skiing and snow shoeing.
So, our ride today was a new version of a ride we’ve done before. I wouldn’t call it epic, or even difficult, but for me, challenging because it had long, shallow climbs. This hurts my back and I feel like I can’t get in a rhythm. I need to go back to PT!
But it was so quiet and rural. We stopped at a general store around 11:15 and had popsicles, which revived me. Then, we rode to lunch at the food co op in Great Barrington. DH and I and the male half of our friend stayed on the route for the 6 miles back to the inn. Mostly climbing, but I did not want to be in the glaring sun on the main road.
I spent 30 min stretching when we got back, went in the pool and then had a little happy hr on the porch.
Mexican food tonight. The hordes from NYC have descended for the weekend. Bah.
Tomorrow’s ride is hard and 40 miles. It’s an official group ride, but we only have 2 others. Weather looks sketchy after 1, a bit concerned. Had one of the worst rain riding experiences of my life at the end of this ride.

[north woods gal]

Ha! Can't remember the last time I had a popsicle. Am I getting old or what? :)

One of the things I like about my solo riding is that I can relax and set my own pace. Not the it hurts to be pushed a bit by others, sometimes. When I ride with hubby, we adjust our riding to stay close. That's nice, too.

I am so in awe of you guys doing theses long rides, right now. Kind of hard in my present situation to believe I did those, too, back when. Gives me a goal to work for when I do get riding, again. Keep posting about them. It helps.

Hitting the trainer hard, now that I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Can go hours, now, walking and doing normal activities with the brace adjusted very loose - very little in the way of support, just there to keep me from twisting my neck in a bad way. My neck feels normal most of the time, now, especially when riding the trainer. I think the elevated heart rate while working the trainer is good for the healing. I suspect I'll be a bit nervous about not wearing the brace when the time comes, though. Going to have to regain some self-confidence.

[north woods gal]

Much prefer Shimano on that style of rim brake and that is my favorite style of rim brake on MTBs, by the way. My bike shop guy also prefers Shimano for brakes, in general, but especially on those brakes. Shimanos are easier to adjust and hold their adjustments the best. Well worth the upgrade.

[rebeccaC]

Enjoy Glacier! I know it is incredibly beautiful but hope there are no wildfires in the area. Smoky hiking = no muy bueno.

no wildfires or smoke from any far away fire.....just some clouds this morning and amazing visuals :)
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/922/43416313411_b41ec5b115_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/299xXnM)



Question: do you find the altitude to be an issue? I suspect a flatlander like me would need some time to adjust.

Since I live and mostly ride at sea level, for a ride like Ebbetts I’ll adjust my diet (with some vitamin and iron supplements too) to help increase my red blood cell count which helps in getting more oxygen to my muscles. I scheduled some vo2 max intervals into my commutes home for a couple of weeks to help build the capacity of my lungs to more efficiently absorb oxygen. I also get into a deep breathing style on climbs that not only gets more oxygen into my lungs but helps in relaxing my body and mind. The moments of irrationality on the initial east side Ebbetts climb, that I wrote about, were eliminated by focusing on my breathing technique. I’ve usually used the lower elevation of the Santa Monica mountains to help build my climbing muscles, efficiency, and endurance. Those four things, for me, do help in dealing with the lower levels of oxygen at higher elevations.

Good to hear that your healing is going well…and like the Pema quote below I’m a big fan of focusing on and feeding the positives!!!! I think I’ve written before that….patience is a virtue. :)

[north woods gal]

Sheila, as a rule of thumb, with Shimano components, going higher in price is going lighter in weight, plus it gets you more durability and performance, to boot. You'll especially notice it on ease of adjustments and staying in adjustment. If she can get up to the Deore/XT level on the brakes, she won't regret it. Had those on some older bikes and they were as good as it gets with rim brakes. Not just a matter of status. The cheapo rim brakes used to drive me nuts keeping them in adjustment. Just can't see the point of trying to save a few bucks on something as essential as brakes. That's me, though.

[north woods gal]

Thanks, rebecca. That pic just floored me when it came up. Almost surreal. Hard to believe a place that beautiful actually exists.

I'm not going to be riding the high country anytime, soon, but good tips to store away if I ever do get back to that country. Thanks. Funny how after all these years in the north woods, I still get that closed in feeling. I really do miss those great wide open spaces. Lived there so long, it'll always be in my blood. Enjoy your high country ride. Send more pics if you can. Wow!

[Crankin]

Well, I made it through the big ride of our trip. There were 2 other AMC riders with us, one who I have met, and one who lives around here. The one I know rides about like me and the new guy was super strong! He dropped our friend who was leading on the 2 mile climb. Anyway, it started out cool and a little cloudy; then it got really hot and partly sunny, but cloudy again by the end of the ride. This ride has 4 parts. The first is flat and rolling for 6 miles. Very rural. Then we climb and descend for 10 miles. I have a love hate relationship with this road. It is gorgeous, but the ups felt very hard. I was getting nervous about the 2 mile climb up Lenox Mountain. We took a rest stop at the park in West Stockbridge, where we ran into a parade. I started up the climb and just kept a slow and steady pace. It does flatten out for awhile, after a bit of hard stuff and then is rolling, and then tips up at the end. We stopped for a group pic and then I was the last one down the descent, which ends at Kripalu Center. After this it’s a slog up the road by Tanglewood. Need I say more. Lots of tourist cars going to a concert, as well as the hoards of second home owners. This road finally descends into Stockbridge, where we ate lunch. Since the rain held off, we headed out for the last part of the ride. It’s about 15 miles and part of it was new to us. It’s really pretty, along a river, and then farms, but we made a wrong turn (we went ahead for a bit), and ended up doing a super steep climb. DH realized it, but decided to make me get up this. It wasn’t too long, but at least 10%. We got back about 5 miles after this.
I felt pretty good, but I need to do more big climbs! The ride was 40 miles, with 2,700 ft of climbing. It did rain tonight, and I don’t think we will be riding tomorrow, with 50% chance of thunderstorms.

[north woods gal]

40 miles with 2700 ft of climbing is impressive. Congrats. Well done.

I've been cheating a bit with the neck brace, taking it off for short periods while on my walks. Can't tell any difference as far as comfort with or without, now, after over a month of wearing it. Just being able to feel a breeze on my neck, though, is glorious. I'm also tempted, of course, to jump on one of the bikes and go for a short ride, but to do that I would have to get by a very irate husband. I'll be a good girl and follow orders ... for now. :)

[Crankin]

NWG, do not get on your bike! Please :).
It was cloudy and extremely humid when we woke up in Great Barrington today. Some sprinkles and rain predicted for later. The 4 of us decided to call it a successful trip without riding today. We lounged after breakfast, packed up, and hit the road before the crowds got on the Turnpike. We were home by 11:40. It was sunny at home, but super humid and warm. Looking like rain now. I was happy to stay in the AC. Around 2:30, went out to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, with a scoop of mocha chip, and then went to the store for this week's food.
Summer is half over, but my favorite riding time is September. Rode almost 90 miles in 3 days.
Onward.

[rebeccaC]

Send more pics if you can. Wow!

ok..:)....and Luv for my France in winning the world cup!!!!!!!!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1805/42524462535_a0cf9130dc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MJZbx)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1801/43431471831_b3ffab083e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29aTDrR)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1782/42524456285_9572abb42c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MJXjM)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1761/42524451635_ff0f41d9de_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MJVWB)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/835/41624525250_0ffc0606a8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26qdzbs)

[north woods gal]

Seriously, rebecca, I don't think I've seen better pics than yours from any professional. Those are top tier.

No, I'm not going to get on the bike, Crankin. If I did it, I'd risk a divorce. :) I am ready, though. My final appointment to hopefully get cleared for riding is July 26, so figure I can wait just a bit, longer, after all this time. I am working on the bikes, though, getting them tuned up and ready to go

[emily_in_nc]

Seriously, rebecca, I don't think I've seen better pics than yours from any professional. Those are top tier.


I couldn't agree more!

[rebeccaC]

thanks but thinking that's kind of an overstatement :)......you know if you click on one of my photos you'll go to the flickr page i use for just all the photos i've posted here and for larger images with more detail.

[Crankin]

I did a little 13 mile ride today, usually one I do at 5 AM. I still kind of feel like vegging out from my 3 days of hard riding, then the gym on Monday. I chose the route, because there's some hills, and I definitely feel stronger in the legs after all that climbing.
We had torrential rain yesterday, but my area didn't get any flooding and I didn't notice any debris on the road. One reason I didn't stay out longer is that while it is much, much cooler, the humidity is still going down and I was was really feeling that. No wonder I stayed inside the whole time I lived in Florida. Yesterday, I walked across the street from my office to get lunch, and it truly felt like a bad day in July in Miami.

[north woods gal]

We've actually had some great weather for July, this week, with highs right around 80 and low humidity. Great for walking and being outdoors.

Stopped in the bike shop and announced that I'll soon be riding. Bought another helmet to replace the one that got totaled, but saved my life. Got the same brand and series, except this time, got the M.I.P.S. version for even better protection. Also got another helmet mounted blinkie, since my husband now uses my old one. Really excited that my husband is now doing twice a day rides around the neighborhood with no prodding from me.

While at the bike shop met the previous owner and the guy who built my Gunnar single speed. He said he went a little nuts on the build with the Gunnar, hand built wheels and all, but moved on to other bikes for his riding. We also compared bike injuries and as bad as mine are, his have been more numerous, but, then, he has been racing for many years. He still does the risky stuff, even after all his injuries. I am hoping that I will have enough smarts and self-control to stick with my plan of doing my best to reduce risks and stay away from the challenge stuff. No regret about learning all those advanced skills and nice to be able to talk the the talk with other trail riders, but time to retire. Can't eliminate all risks with any type of bicycling, of course, but I'm going to do my best to better the odds of being able to keep riding into my old age. 9 days to go and hopefully get cleared to ride. I am so ready.

[Crankin]

I am somewhat risk averse, NWG, although I sure do a lot more than 10 years ago. Your plan sounds very sane to me, and you will still be riding. Ultimately, risk was the reason I quit mountain biking.
It was 53 degrees at 5:20 AM, when I went out for a little ride. Just a little ride over to the other side of town, but I did not do the longer loop, as I have to be at work at 9, so only 10 miles. I was wearing arm and knee warmers, a vest, and my lightest weight long fingered gloves. My head was actually cold in the beginning, which is a slight downhill, but it was fine in the end.
I love this kind of weather. The humidity is gone and it should be this way until Sunday, when rain and more heat/humidity will arrive for next week. Bah.

[Crankin]

I rode to the gym this morning. It was a little warmer than yesterday, about 58. No long fingered gloves, just my bolero and vest over my shirt. So beautiful. Class was really hard today!
M husband's company outing is today, starting at noon. It's at a famous ice cream place that has kind of turned into an amusement place, with mini-golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and real food. It's sad, to me. I sound like my grandparents, but I remember when it was just a crowded ice cream place that I took my kids to when we first moved to MA. It's been within 10 miles of all 3 towns I've lived in, but it's just way too commercial for me. We thought about riding there, but I don't want to be sweaty, etc around these people. I guess I have to be nice, though... DH got a promotion a few months ago, so his pre-retirement job has now forced me into the "bosses wife" role again.

[north woods gal]

I think that's part of every marriage. I support my husband when it comes to the groups he's joined and their activities, though I sometimes still feel like an outsider around those people. It's important for him, though, so I do my best.

All day rain, today, so no walking. That's okay, because the bugs have been miserable on my walks, of late. Have to about take a bath in DEET to survive. I really, really hate that stuff, but no choice. Getting eaten alive is worse.

Will hit the trainer for a morning and afternoon session, probably.

[emily_in_nc]

After a demoralizing ride on Tuesday with seemingly every body part hurting (including even my teeth since I'd had an aggressive orthodontic adjustment on Monday), I figured out what was wrong -- I was coming down with a virus. Actually, I am glad that was the case, because my mental state was bad enough on the ride I was ready to hang up my bike for good, or at least for the summer. The heat and humidity were just beating me down more than usual, in addition to all the aches and pains and a screaming lower back for the latter part of the ride. But, turns out I was in the process of getting sick. It's really just a cold, but it did start with some nausea, body aches, and malaise before the other symptoms arrived. Once I realized what was going on, I started zinc lozenges, which really do seem to shorten colds for me. I'm already to the feeling fine but still coughing stage just a few days later. To recover I have stayed off my road bike since, just a few short loops on the cruiser bike around the campground for utilitarian reasons, like picking up a package at the office. Will continue to rest up this weekend and hit the road again on Monday. Really glad I resisted the impulse to go today, as DH got caught in a heavy, early-day t-storm and had to take shelter downtown for an hour or so while it poured and thundered before finishing his ride in light rain. So he's been cleaning his bike and has to lube the chain. Really glad I didn't go!

[north woods gal]

Oh, Emily, so sorry to hear about all this. Just rest up and let it run its course. I've made the mistake of riding when I've been sick and it only makes it worse. Been times, like you, had no choice for the sake of running errands and I know how miserable it can be. Don't let it get you down to the point you stop riding, altogether. That would be heartbreaking. Hang in there, girl. Be thinking of you.

[Crankin]

Glad you are feeling better, Emily. I get this warning of illness in the same way! Like, I was ready to throw my bike down 2 Sundays ago, even though I had been sick Friday and my body was just telling me I wasn't really better. I think I willed it out of me so I was fine for the hard riding in the Berkshires, because I had a slight replay of it all when I rode Wednesday and Thursday. Slight, though. The gym was fine today and I will do a hard ride tomorrow.
You are smart to listen to your body. I did not do this in my 30s and 40s/early 50s and I think it set me up for a lot of stuff that was my own fault. I have a terrible fear of having to slow down (overall, not just my speed), but I am not in the mind set to do this in the foreseeable future. I think my upcoming birthday in the fall (65) is scaring me more than I like!
We went to the outing, ate our lunch, had half a beer, and left. DH had no desire to do any of the activities, either. Instead, we got our grocery shopping done and went to the local farm, so we can do a long ride tomorrow.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for the support, gals! I am feeling so much better. I am just very glad that I actually did get sick, because my mental attitude was really worrying me on Tuesday's ride. No worries, I would never give up cycling! But riding in Florida's heat and humidity does take a certain mental stubbornness (or insanity!) that can be hard to muster when the body is not well. I'm sure I will cope better on my Monday ride and do look forward to it. It was probably good to get an enforced break, since riding year-round in the same area can get stale without the occasional break.

[north woods gal]

Good for you, Emily. We gals can do, you with your riding in the heat and me with my riding in the cold. :)

Less than week to go, now, for my (hopefully) last doctor appointment to get the brace off and cleared for riding. Getting kind of nervous about it, though. Watching every step so that I don't trip and fall and have a setback, though at this point, I'm probably healed enough to survive it. Also a bit concerned/anxious about the new me and the type of bicycling that will work or not work as per my resolutions. Darn patience thing can be hard to come by, sometimes.

[Crankin]

You'll do it, NWG.
We did a 36 mile group ride (that we were not leading) where I felt like I was behind the whole time. No one came for the 50 miler, so the guy who was supposed to lead that, led out for the first 13 miles. He's notoriously uncaring about stated speed (the ride was listed as an average of 11-13 mph). When we got to the split, where some of the group decided follow him for a 45 mile ride, my average was above 14. My sit bone and SI joint were screaming, which was too bad, because this was in an area I have not ridden in, except for a couple of roads, a couple of times. Mostly rural, farms, ponds, and suburban roads, southwest of where I live. It started in a busier suburb, which quickly turned rural. Anyway, between mile 13 and 26 it was a bit better, though with some climbs. We stopped at a farm store for snacks and I was in a really bad mood because of all of this. Well, eating helped a little, but then we had a long shallow climb. I was not with the sweep, but I ended up being alone a lot of the time with 5 people in front of me and 3-4 behind. With 3.8 miles to go the leader's GPS/phone died, so DH led the end. I was very pissed with him, for just leaving me for most of the ride, yet his average was in my usual range, and mine was really on .5 of a mile slower. I think I just dislike group rides, unless I am in charge, and this is a group I like!
We got back to the start, at a commuter rail parking lot, and we used our "trailer park shower," to clean up and change in the car, for a barbecue at someone's house with a pool. I did not swim, but it was nice to sit. The people who did a shorter ride were already there.
At least the weather was perfect.

[rebeccaC]

glad you're feeling better emily!!!!

Spent the morning doing a ride from Brookings Or. to Cape Sebastian and back. With strong headwinds from the north, that gave me a good tailwind coming back. This section of the southern Or. coast highway has been one of my favorites to ride as it has some wonderful views and wide bike lanes. 42 miles with half being a slow, hard, into a headwind ride. I used taking a few photos as a respite going north.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/861/28671160147_006eeca617_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KFzc2n)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/858/28671158667_3a70210b2d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KFzbzR)
Later this afternoon I did a hike into the wonderful Prairie Creek redwood forest.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/941/42840724834_395b6a6fc3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28gFUWN)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/916/42840722504_e2515dbe5c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28gFUfC)

and there was also this on my way south :)
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/930/28671250437_d5cc4f3682_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KFzDS6)

it was a good day........

[north woods gal]

And I thought I had it bad with deer running out on the road in front of me. :) There is something so magical about the Oregon coast. Have visited a few times and fell in love with it.

[emily_in_nc]

Ah, the Oregon coast...so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your photos, Rebecca!

NWG, I hope you are cleared to ride at your doc appointment. I feel sure you'll be able to stick to your resolutions re. riding style. You are a very determined woman!

Crankin, I've had rides like that. In fact, when we used to ride frequently with a bike club in NC, I so often had to ride alone for much of the ride, as I was always in between the fast and slow riders in speed. DH was always up with the faster folks, and I didn't want to poke along with the slow riders in back. It can be demoralizing to get stuck in the middle that way and makes the miles go by a lot slower. Now that I am used to riding alone, I'm fine with my speed. DH rides with me at the beginning, middle, and end of our rides, but does longer loops in between, since he's faster than me by about 1.5-2 mph overall.

[Crankin]

When DH and I ride alone, we always ride together; he doesn't get it when I say "stay with me," on a group ride. He wants to be behind me when I say that, but then I feel the need to speed up. Sometimes he motivates me when I ride alone with him, and other times, we ride more slowly. But, it's not an issue. I am still too fast to be with the slower riders, but I cannot keep up with the faster ones on hilly rides over 20 miles. Some of this is from my back issues, but it particularly made me feel badly yesterday. I truly felt like those in front of me were averaging 16-18, when they all ended up with an average of 13.6-14.0. I don't usually care about my speed, but maybe because this ride felt very un-AMC like, I was bothered. And, even with my Garmin, I get anxious when I am riding in an area I am not familiar with. Being alone increases that.
Of course, I could surround myself with the riders slower than me, which would make me feel good, but I would be frustrated. I have friends I ride with occasionally, who do ride slower than me, and that's fine, because we are talking, etc. and I don't view that as the same kind of ride.
I have to get a new PT referral, as some of the back symptoms are different and may have nothing to do with my mild disc issues. As per my last post, I hate the idea of aging/slowing down, so I need to do all I can to keep myself feeling strong.

[emily_in_nc]

Hope you can get a handle on your back issues, Crankin. I hate it when my back is bugging me, as it was last week. I wake up with a sore lower back with some frequency, but it almost always goes away during the morning hours.

DH will ride with me on our rides together if he's doing a recovery ride, but like you (and I) don't always enjoy staying with riders slower than us, it's not much fun for him to stay with me the entire time when he's feeling good, since he could go a lot faster than me. So, we start and finish together and have a place in the middle where we meet up at a park and ride a couple of laps along the road in and out. We touch base, exchange stories from the ride if anything interesting has happened, and then separate again for a bit. I take two breaks on this ride (one to pee and stretch, one to eat and stretch), and he takes none. So with the way we do it, he gets extra miles in, like he wants, and keeps his average in the 15-16 range like he likes, while I'm normally somewhere in the 13s somewhere.

Got back out on our usual route this morning after taking five days off (other than short cruiser bike rides around the campground) to recuperate from this virus. I felt great today and had no more aches and pains other than the usual old nagging injury stuff, but nothing new. Weather was gorgeous after a very stormy night, sun came out, fresh breeze, cooler; almost felt like fall in central Florida! Blustery headwind on the way back but my mood was too good being back on the bike and feeling like myself again after being sick, that nothing could bring me down. The pool at the end felt awesome as well -- the rain had cooled it down, so it was incredibly refreshing. A good day on the bike that reminded me why I ride! :)

[north woods gal]

Glad you're feeling better, Emily. I, too, love that feeling that I'm "baaacck" after being sick.

Today was a lazy day for me. Just sat around the yard and house, no morning walk or afternoon workout on the trainer. Was a good girl and wore my neck brace all day, but it now does more harm than good, since keeping my neck stuck in one position all day causes my neck muscles to cramp up. Taking the brace off and giving my neck more flexibility actually causes less discomfort, now. Oh, well, couple more days to go and it's over - I hope!

Did stop at the bike shop, though, to see how they're doing on the Log Lady single speed. Having new, faster rolling and more road worthy tires put on it because the road, paved or gravel, is the ONLY place I'll be riding it, now. Yeah, my road bikes are all flat bar bikes, now, and a skinny road tire for me is now 2.25". Ha! Go figure. I'm not the only wide tire freak, though. The owner of the shop told me he has another customer who has sworn off narrow tires for all of his trail work, too. He's riding only plus or fat tire bikes, now. Our trails really are on the rough side, up here. Wider tires are more forgiving of mistakes in technique and they are definitely more comfy, to boot.

Still nervous about doing any trail riding at this point, though. Will have to push myself into trying it, again. Mentally keep re-living the day I had my accident. Not sure if I can handle it. If all my riding from now on is road or rail-to-trail kind of riding, so be it.

[emily_in_nc]

Still nervous about doing any trail riding at this point, though. Will have to push myself into trying it, again. Mentally keep re-living the day I had my accident. Not sure if I can handle it. If all my riding from now on is road or rail-to-trail kind of riding, so be it.

I feel sure you'll eventually be back on trails as you become more comfortable again on the bike. After I had my crash in '05, I got into mountain biking and gravel road riding for awhile and would not ride on paved roads, as I was really nervous being out there in any situation where dogs might come into the road (which caused that crash). It took awhile, but once I started riding on the road again, I was fine. I always had my guard up for dogs -- but I had that guard up before, always, riding in the rural south, so I was only a bit more hyperalert than before. I have found, though, that this nervousness about loose dogs has made rural rides anywhere in the southeast much less fun for me. As a result, I tend to avoid them. I much prefer trails now (paved or unpaved) or riding in parts of the US where loose dogs are unlikely. The south is the worst for people letting their dogs run free, and that still freaks me out. We never run into that problem riding here in central Florida. With the traffic here, loose dogs wouldn't last a week.

[Crankin]

You are right Emily, the only time I have had a loose dog run out in the road by me was in a very rural (like you feel you're in Appalachia) part of central MA. That does not count the time my dumb azz neighbors couldn't control their dog in their own home and it ran out of the house into the street, right as I was going up the hill on my bike. In fact the dog problem in my town revolves around unleashed dogs on the trails. Dog owners insist their dogs are "under control" off leash, but that is not always so. The law has been changed so that dogs have to be on leash on most of the conservation land trails and the owners are so up in arms, it's constantly being contested. The law doesn't apply to them! I am one of those people who gets scared when a dog runs up to me on the trail; I don't know what it will do. These owners are extremely nasty if you say something to them.
I did my little early morning 13 mile ride this morning. I went out later than usual as I don't have to be at work until 11. So, leaving right before 6, there was more traffic and more riders, but still fine, since there's no school buses. The last time I did this route, the sun was blinding me going down a hill, but it was cloudy this morning. We're in the midst of a humid, semi-stormy week. I saw a big crack of lightning on my way home and it did spritz, but overall, just humid. There's scattered thunderstorms predicted for tomorrow, and the group is doing the Mt Wachusett climb tomorrow (will likely be cancelled), so I am going to a museum with my granddaughter and DIL. I still might ride, depending on the weather, though, either before or after they come here.

[rebeccaC]

Feels sooooo good to be back home and with Alex!!! Back to just commutes for, again, a while….. but with some good rides during this work trip in my memory bank!!!


it's not much fun for him to stay with me the entire time when he's feeling good, since he could go a lot faster than me. I’m grateful that Alex and I are equal in our riding and we actually like challenging each other especially on climbs. With her pregnancy she’s now focused on swimming/water aerobics, prenatal yoga and just the occasional bike path ride…..i’ve really missed her on my recent long rides/climbs! I am thankful for our beach walks together and helping her stay strong and happy!!!


If all my riding from now on is road or rail-to-trail kind of riding, so be it.
Thinking we are entering a new phase that will include much less of our past kind of riding but is more than balanced by being blessed with the new journey of raising a child…..and when the time is right, starting with a jogging stroller ftw!!! i'll be happy to just go with what the future holds....even if it's mostly commutes.

[north woods gal]

Dogs are not much of a problem, up here, even though we are very rural. Our game department gets very nasty about dogs running loose and chasing deer or other game and will issue citations for it. Have lived in farm country, though, and farm dogs in some areas that see few bicyclists or even vehicle traffic tend to be very protective of their home. Those have been the worst, in my experience. More than once, I've had to get off the bike and use it as a shield. Was bad enough in some areas, that I changed my bicycle routes. Up, here, though, it's deer popping out in front of you with no warning.

Going to go over the bikes and start getting them ready for riding - again- just in case I get cleared to ride on Thursday. Ot maybe I'll just ride, no matter what. Naughty me.

[Crankin]

The weather here feels tropical, like after a hurricane or tropical storm has come through. I slept late (6:30) for me and woke up feeling groggy from an extra hour of sleep. To my surprise, the sun was out. I was considering going to the gym, taking a walk, or a short ride. I decided to do the walk, so I ate breakfast, and then DH said, "It's raining." I hate this. But, the rain ended by the time I was ready to leave, and I had a nice breezy and humid 3 mile walk. The group ride was cancelled as I knew it would be, as it's already stormy out by where it was going.
I am going to have what I call a "normal person" day, on my day off. Rest day tomorrow, and Friday I am skipping the gym to co-lead the regular Friday ride I hardly ever get to. Sunday we are doing a hilly 31 mile ride in western MA with our friends, in an area I have never ridden in.

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, I can't imagine loose dogs on trails, Crankin. We have ridden trails (paved and unpaved) all over the country and have only a couple of times encountered a loose dog. That's one reason I really like trails these days. When we were traveling in our RV around the southeast, anytime we'd ride outside the campground, seems like we'd get chased by ornery country dogs. Had to turn around several times and cut our rides short for that reason. DH is wonderful, though. He knows how much I fear dogs when I am riding (I love them under other conditions!) and always puts himself between me and the dog(s), or stays back until he's sure I'm safely past, stuff like that. In the south, it is usually the houses/farms that have multiple dogs that are a problem, as there is always a leader who seems to egg the other dogs on.

We have decided to cut back to riding three times a week instead of our usual four, for a couple of reasons. One, DH has had more aches and pains and, at 64, he really feels that too much intense riding is beating up his body a bit too much. He's not the type who can go out and ride "easy", unless he's riding his Townie. But once he's on his Trek, he has to go fast and furious, so three times a week of that (40 miles each time) is enough. The other thing, more for me than for him, is the weather. The heat and humidity are just really tough here, and cutting back by one ride is one less day to have to deal with that. We can take a shorter walk or go to the gym but just don't need to be out in that for 3+ hours. Especially since there's always dog walking, errand running, laundry, and other things to do that put us outside.

So, we took a nice hour-long walk yesterday instead of riding. Today we were back on the trail, and we ended up having to cut the ride short as storms threatened. It looked terrible, but when we got back, it ended up not raining. Seems like storms have been going just east or just west of us all day, but we haven't been hit with rain yet, just a couple rumbles of thunder and some wind. It was super humid on the ride today, though -- whew! Got in 27.5 miles instead of my usual 35, but I will take it.

Good luck tomorrow, nwg! I'll be thinking about you and crossing my fingers and toes you get cleared to ride!

[Crankin]

Yes, good luck, NWG. Cannot wait to hear the results of your appointment.
Emily, when I say trails, I mean trails in the woods. Places where you would hike, trail run, or mountain bike. Every town around here has conservation land, and at least 3/4 of this land has trails. We are blessed with this beauty, but the dog owners in my town are like people who do not believe in vaccinating your kids, if you get my drift. If a dog park is proposed, they go nuts and say it's "not natural." I have been to dog parks in 2 states with my younger son and his dog, and the dog seemed to love it perfectly well.
Your husband is right, we do need more active rest as we age. I generally only take one full day off a week, but today, I did that 3 mile walk and then ran around for 4 hours with my granddaughter at a museum. I feel tired, just like from mild exercise.
When DIL mentioned the phrase, "we'll have fun," granddaughter ran to the basement door and started yelling "bicycle, bicycle... trailer."

[north woods gal]

Thanks, all. Hoping for the best on the report, but will let you know, regardless.

Emily, my routine has been short daily rides for some time, now, but that's typically an hour or two, at most, for a ride, not all day or all afternoon affairs. I find that short daily rides are doable for me at my age without a lot of wear and tear on the body, but they still keep me in good shape. Even if I miss a day or two in one week, I stay in shape. No big deal. It's the long rides that tend to wear me, down, and take so long for me to recover. It's that recovery time that is critical. I'm in my 60s, too, so I know how your DH feels. No shame in cutting back or altering your routine. In fact, it's the smart thing to do if we want to keep riding into our old age. And, yeah, I am going to make a lot of changes in the type of riding I do, thanks to my accident, but plan to keep doing my short and fun daily rides. Those I can handle. Got my DH doing it, now, too, and he loves it. His disabilities prevent him from walking any distance, but he can ride these short daily rides on his fat bike and now he's hooked.

Been my experience, too, on the dog parks. The dogs sure love it, natural or not. They're social animals, after all.

[rebeccaC]

wishing for good news nwg...

If riding in areas with unruly dogs Halt dog repellent ftw….it causes only temporary but extreme discomfort. Buy 2 and use one to get use to how it works. Carry it someplace you can get to it in a hurry. When I’ve carried it, it’s on the outside of my handlebar bag.
It stopped one dog that would have attacked me….mostly though I just give dog treats to friendly or shy, wandering dogs in the old industrial downtown areas of L.A. I ride in.

[north woods gal]

I'M FREE!!! I did it. Got my neurosurgeon's blessing to start bicycling, again. Normally, he would require waiting another week after taking off the neck brace for the neck muscles to strengthen backup, but I told him I've been cheating this past week or so and have already been taking off the brace for long stretches to do just that. He tested my strength and mobility, then shook his head and smiled. Said, okay, we'll skip that part. You have my blessing to start riding.

Got home too late to jump on the bike and, besides, kind of an emotional wreck, so will wait till tomorrow when I'm fresh and alert. Will do a morning ride with my hubby out around the neighborhood and see how it goes.

It's over, though, and I'm going to do everything it takes not to go through this, again. One close call was enough.

[rebeccaC]

:).....

[emily_in_nc]

wishing for good news nwg...

If riding in areas with unruly dogs Halt dog repellent ftw….it causes only temporary but extreme discomfort. Buy 2 and use one to get use to how it works. Carry it someplace you can get to it in a hurry. When I’ve carried it, it’s on the outside of my handlebar bag.
It stopped one dog that would have attacked me….mostly though I just give dog treats to friendly or shy, wandering dogs in the old industrial downtown areas of L.A. I ride in.

Yes, we have been carrying it for years on rides on rural roads. Unfortunately, letting the dogs get close enough to deploy it, if they mean business and are snarling, can be a problem. It is hard to aim properly while riding as well, and once the amount in the can gets a little low, it can be hard to get a hard enough stream to go more than a few feet.

When I had my accident fracturing my pelvis in 2005, I was going for the Halt on my handlebars when I crashed into my husband's bike right in front of me (he slowed down, I sped up when the dogs headed towards us). So while it can help and has saved our azzes a couple of times, it is not fail-safe. Nothing is, with certain dogs.

I thank you for the suggestion, though. Carrying Halt is certainly better than not carrying it.

[emily_in_nc]

nwg, YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Enjoy! I hope your maiden voyage goes smoothly. Very happy for you! :D

Thanks for the clarification on the trails you were talking about, Crankin. We only occasionally ride those kind of trails; they are mostly for hiking, and yes, walking dogs, in my mind. As you know, we mostly ride "official", marked trails, rails-to-trails, city-maintained trails, national forest trails, and the like. Not many loose dogs on those, thankfully. Behind our 11-acre property in NC we used to own, there was an established hiking trail that had been there for many years, unmarked and across the back of many privately owned properties but known by all who lived in this wooded area. We used to walk our dogs there -- but on leash. We did occasionally run into other folks with their dogs off-leash on it, and one of our neighbors' dogs ran into our yard from it and attacked our first Boston Terrier, who defended our property. Needless to say, our vet bills were paid, and that only happened once -- we made sure of it!

[Crankin]

Congrats NWG!!!
Wow, that is a story, Emily. I know some think I am a dog hater, but it's actually the owners I dislike! I don't have a dog because I don't want the responsibility, maybe because I take that seriously. We had a cat for 14 years and I knew that was my limit.
So, good thing I looked at the AMC bike committee calendar last night. There is no Friday ride today. The agreement I have with Jack is that if I show up, I get leader credit for sweeping. That's fine, because I didn't realize it's going to be 90 and humid. I am getting ready to go out now, probably on the shady streets, and then back on the bike trail as far as I can get.

[Crankin]

Emily, I give you lots of credit for riding in Florida in the summer!
DH is working from home and then meeting someone for lunch, so I waited an hour and rode with him. So, it had to be a short ride, and once we got out, we made it even shorter. It's 85 and a dew point of 70, not sure of the actual humidity, but I was so sweaty from a 12 mile ride, I had to lie down on the floor when I got home, and let the AC cool me. This is a ride I usually do before work, a good mixture of flats and rollers, with one or two decent hills. It was my fastest average ever, on this route, which didn't help!
Glad I went, because this is the kind of day I might stay inside. Actually going over to the office, to see 2 clients after lunch and later out with friends for tapas. We head out to Amherst later tomorrow. The ride on Sunday is over 2,000 ft of climbing. It will be hot, but not humid, which I can manage much better. Looking forward to riding in a new place.

[north woods gal]

Yeah, I'm baaaccckk. :)

First ride in six weeks, this morning, and wanted it to be with my hubby. I wanted it to be a together kind of ride. For a bike, I decided on my new Pugsley, since it was a bike that we bought, brand new, but it didn't come home till the day after my accident. In other words, six weeks of looking at a new bike without riding it, not even once. That's pure torture for someone like me.

The Pugsley did exactly what I expected it to do. The new, re-designed Pugs has a longer wheelbase for even better stability, so I expected it to be a steady, predictable ride and it was. Fast, uh no, but about as safe a ride as I could pick for a first ride after my accident. DH and I managed only 5 miles of laps around the neighborhood, but then I did another three full laps on my trails for another 2 plus miles of trail work, making double extra sure to play it safe on the trails. My fears about trail riding didn't completely evaporate - I still balked, here and there, and walked some tough spots - but nice to know I can ride the trails without freaking out. Of the two types of riding, I felt much better about the road riding, though.

Whew! Overall, I was pleased. I was in better shape than I thought I was, but nowhere near where I was before the accident. I've got some catching up to do, but almost cried for joy for being able to ride, again.

Wasn't really planning on making it a double ride day, but this afternoon, I looked at the Gunnar single speed and just couldn't help myself. Hubby and I did another couple of laps for another 5 miles on the neighborhood roads. Honestly, riding the Gunnar was EASIER than climbing hills with the Pugsley. Honestly, the Gunnar rolls so easy that I think a tailwind could push me without any pedaling on my part. Looks like my single speed addiction continues, despite my accident. Again, I have a ways to go to get back in shape, but the fact that I could ride the Gunnar, again, after a six week layoff was like the icing on a very sweet cake of day riding. I am one very, very happy girl.

[emily_in_nc]

nwg, that is great! I can't believe you rode trails on your first ride out after your accident, but at least you showed yourself you can do it, so you won't be too scared to try. Back on the horse! Very happy for you!

Crankin, our dewpoint here has been running around 74-77, so I understand completely what you felt after your short ride. Multiply that by three, and you can see one of the reasons we decided to cut back to only three times a week. For me, it's a 35-ish mile ride, and 40 for DH, who doesn't mind the heat nearly as much as I do. Within the first 30 minutes, I am drenched, and that continues on. At the speed I ride, and with my two stops, it's about a three-hour effort. However (and it's a big however!), we do have a super nice pool to cool off in here in the RV park afterwards. Because of all the afternoon rainstorms here during rainy season, today the pool was actually chilly when we got in! I never expected it to be anything but bathwater this time of year. It was bathwater about a month ago, but since the near-daily rains began, it has been perfect. Really helps revive us after the incredibly muggy rides we do.

Enjoy your riding in Amherst. I can't even imagine how lovely a low-humidity ride would feel right now!

[Crankin]

Thanks, Emily. The ride is in what are called "The Hill towns," so that may give an idea of the terrain.
I remember that bathwater thing well. After 23 yers in FL and AZ, I cannot go in a pool or the ocean/pond without the water being at least 75 degrees. Preferably 80. That means I almost never go in any water!
NWG, that is great. I also cannot believe you went into the woods. Although, I understand why you went. It's called desensitization. But, I hope you stay on the road...

[north woods gal]

I had to try the trails, Crankin, to see how I would respond and I was afraid that if I put it off, I might lose my nerve and never try. There's also the practical side of me that hated to see three years of work building them go to waste, at least as fr as the biking. Although I managed the trails, well enough, I was still a bit shaky and nervous and, like I mentioned, I walked the bike over some spots that wouldn't have even slowed me down, before. I was especially panicky around boulders. No surprise, there. I'm still not sure about the trail riding at this point. Going to have to try some more before I make any decisions.

As for the road riding, though, including the little bit of gravel road I tried, it was pure exhilaration. That's where my heart is at this point, but, of course, it's still a bit early to make any final decisions.

Will ride, again, today. Our weather, fortunately, has been great. Have had the furnace come on the last two mornings and highs have only been in the 70s.

[north woods gal]

I'm working my way back, slowly (a lot of slowly :)), but sure. Managed 15 miles, yesterday and another 11, this morning. No afternoon ride, though, with heavy thunderstorms in progress as I write this, but probably just as well. I do push things. (Duh!) Anyway, first three days back and over 40 miles of riding. Most of those were road, but maybe a quarter trail. I am feeling better about the trail riding as far as being able to do it and not freak out, but that old daredevil, give it hell attitude just isn't there. Might never be, again.

Have been doing a lot of switching on the various bikes to get reacquainted with them all and all have done well out on the road, some better than others, of course. All are roadworthy, though, and that's what counts, since that may be where I do most of my riding from now on. Yes, for those of you who aren't familiar with fat bikes and plus bikes, they can be quite roadworthy with the right tires. That, and it's always nice to bail to and ride the shoulders, safely, if need be, not to mention exploring those gnarly dirt side roads or even a cowpath whenever the mood strikes.

[Crankin]

Our ride today was unbelievably beautiful and very challenging. Not 17% grades challenging, but steady climbs, with portions up to 10%, 2 long downhills, and a road with 3 steep, short climbs past an alpaca farm at the end. This part of the Pioneer Valley is within 5-10 miles of a major area, including 5 colleges, but this was so rural, it felt like northern Vermont. Most of the way, we passed waterfalls and rivers along the road, as well as farms.
I was not the slowest and when we finished, almost all of us had lunch at a brewpub, next to the start, where I admit, I ate onion rings. Of course, I got all stiff on our 1.5 hour drive home and I am pretty exhausted. But it was cooler, no humidity, almost felt cold at points. One day reprieve, then back to the triple H.

[emily_in_nc]

Sounds like a lovely ride, Crankin!

nwg, I can't believe you have ridden that much already. You are a beast. :D

I might not be doing too much riding for awhile as while I was at my orthodontist appt. today and DH was riding, part of one of his Speedplay cleats (Zeros, I believe) sheered right off his left shoe and caused him to go down hard on the road. He was standing to accelerate through an intersection when it happened, and thank the gods, there weren't any cars coming from either of the four directions! :eek: He got really lucky with that.

It was definitely a freak occurrence and of course shook him up a lot. Once he determined that nothing was broken, he gingerly got back on the bike (which is fine other than a wonky break hood that can be easily pushed back into place. He had numerous areas of abrasions/strawberries up his left side: shoulder, elbow (the deepest and nastiest one), hip, and side of knee. Fortunately, it seems like just bruising and soft tissue damage, but he is certainly uncomfortable!

By the time I got home, having no idea of any of this (he didn't want to call and worry me), he had managed to clean all the wounds and put antibiotic ointment and bandages on all but the shoulder, which I took care of. I then walked up to CVS and bought more bandages of all different shapes, sizes, and properties. We already had gauze, tape, and a variety of smaller bandages, but he needed more of the larger ones.

I feel so bad for him! He is an excellent bike handler and rarely has any crashes, especially considering the 1000s of miles he rides each year. But this was a purely mechanical failure. He is going to be sorer tomorrow than he is now, and showering and sleeping will be interesting. I told him I'd sleep on the sofa so he doesn't have to worry about having to turn over slowly and carefully multiple times (or maybe moaning while doing so!)

Since he will be out of commission for awhile, I don't feel comfortable riding very far by myself, since we don't have a car. If anything were to happen to me, mechanical or otherwise, that I couldn't take care of myself, he wouldn't be able to ride out or drive out to rescue me. We have "friends" here in the park, but I don't have anyone's phone number and wouldn't feel comfortable imposing on them anyway, especially if they needed to haul my bike back.

It's funny, just a couple of weeks ago when I was feeling down (about to catch a virus), I thought about giving up on cycling for the rest of the summer due to the heat and humidity. Once I got to feeling better, I didn't really want that, but was looking forward to our new regime of three longer rides a week instead of four. Now it looks like I got my "wish", like it or not. I'm sure he'll be back on the horse eventually, but it depends on his healing time. In the meantime, I guess I'll be walking more, swimming more, and going to the gym more. Not that that's a bad thing, but when you can't do something, you miss it! Right, nwg?!

It is truly always something! :( :( :(

[Crankin]

Sorry about your DH, Emily! The very same thing happened to my son going through the intersection of the major highway that divides my town. Like your DH, he was lucky that the cars stopped. However, this was when we lived about 8 miles from here; he sprained his ankle in addition to the road rash, could barely walk out of the intersection with his bike and he didn't have a cell phone (I think he was in 10th grade, back in the olden days). A doctor from the local hospital stopped and drove him home. I was mad he took a ride from a "stranger!" Tell your DH to rest. His bike will be there when he feels better. You can see this as an opportunity to do other forms of exercise for a bit.
I had a kind of weird injury at the gym today. I was still very sore from my ride. Only 3 people were in class today, so she worked us hard, with some different stuff. She always participates and she was my partner in throwing a 10 lb. medicine ball to me, I threw it back and then did a burpee for 10 burpees. In the middle of the second of 3 rounds, I caught the ball, but just barely, and it kind of hit me in the chest. Ouch. I didn't lose my breath or anything, but it hurts like hell now. I only have a small bruise, but my ribs on one side hurt and I imagine they are bruised. It hurts when I breathe at times, so I am hoping it will go away in a couple of days. I think my hands were sweaty and catching that ball was not easy for me at that weight.
Oh well. Tomorrow I rest anyway and Wednesday looks rainy. Hoping I can at least go to a spin class.

[north woods gal]

Emily, I am so sorry to hear about his accident. Of all the things to cause an accident! Bad enough when we make a mistake, but an equipment failure like that is just not something we can predict. I am so happy to hear that it wasn't worse, though. Not that those road burns aren't bad -they really are nasty - but at least nothing was broken. Give him our best.

I finally got the last of my bikes dusted off, tuned, and given a ride after collecting dust for six weeks while I recovered. 15 miles, today, and four were trail miles. I am getting my karma back for trail riding, but it's heavily tempered with safety in mind. My neck is still a bit weak, so I've been very careful to stand when I go over rough patches as to not have my head bounce around. Chalk one up for the fat bikes in that regard. Those big tires really help to smooth out the ride compared to regular mountain bikes. Yesterday, my DH moved obstacles off the trail for me, such as logs and boulders, that I had placed there to ride over. Also removed some nasty roots. Keeping both wheels firmly planted on the ground from now on. Don't want anything do with the stunt stuff.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks, gals. He is actually doing much better today! He actually got some sleep last night, and we changed his bandages this morning. Two of the wounds are a bit worse than the other two, but both looked better than yesterday. I think they'll heal up just fine. He's sore, of course, but he has a very hard time just sitting around (ever), so he actually walked with me across the road to Publix just now. We walked slower than usual, and he did fine! I carried the heavy bag, and gave him the light one to carry back. I had already done a longer walk to the bank and tortilleria, so I got some good exercise, and tomorrow I'll go to the gym.

Crankin, so sorry about the injury. That sounds painful! I am not sure I can imagine catching a 10 lb. ball. I only work with 5- and 8-lb dumbbells at the gym as it is!

nwg, very glad your DH removed the stunt stuff from your trails. Sounds like you are doing everything right. Really glad you are back on your bikes and know you are verrry happy.

[Crankin]

Thanks, Emily. It's a little better today, not as painful. There's just a small red abrasion, and below it a reddish bruise, which is a bit swollen, but it's small. I had to choose carefully when picking out a shirt to wear today, as it's fairly high up, and I didn't want any comments! Occasionally the ribs on either side feel sore, but it has really decreased.
The weighted ball is smaller in circumference, so it's a bit of a shock when you catch it, and it's heavy. I was trying to be careful, as my instructor is 9 months pregnant... due in 3 weeks and barely modifying anything. She wins the prize, even I was not doing burpees in my 9th month, though, close. We don't usually use it, as there's only one, and we took it out of the main gym, into the room for classes, since there were only 3 of us.
I usually use 10 lb weights for my "heavy" weights and 5 lbs for light. Sometimes, I need to go down to the 8 lb weights for shoulder presses, as we usually do one minute of each thing, for several rounds. I still want to build my upper body, as I feel weaker than I should be. But, I guess I need to put it in perspective. My neighbor could barely lift her bike onto her bike rack and it was painful to watch her attempt it.
The rain is going to hold off until noon, so I think I can get out tomorrow. We are making dinner reservations for our trip to Canada starting next Wednesday. Can't believe it's finally here.

[north woods gal]

Hope you heal, quick Crankin. I only have the faintest tinge of back and blue in one small spot, now, after my accident. Seems like bruises take forever to clear up, though.

All single speed work for me, yesterday and this morning. Did 11 miles, yesterday morning, on the Gunnar, to start. That took a lot out of me. It was right at my limit of what I can handle on a single speed, right now, but I loved it. I really, really enjoy single speeding, all the more when it's single speeding with such a wonderful bike.

Did some errands and stopped by the bike store to pick up my other single speed, my Log Lady. Had heavy lugged trail tires on it, originally, but that really made for hard pedaling. Had the guys go tubeless for me with some much smoother 27.5x2.5" XC tires. How smoothly and easily tires roll makes a huge difference with a single speed. The Log Lady is much more pleasant to pedal now. Did a combo ride of pavement and trail for a total of 4 miles, last night, making it 15 miles on the day, all single speed.

Hit the pavement, again, first thing this morning on the Log Lady to beat an approaching front of heavy thunderstorms. Got 6 miles of laps done around the neighborhood before the rain hit, so over 20 miles of single speeding in 24 hours. I am very pleased, given that single speeding is more of a workout and it took me a few weeks to get into single speed shape, even before my accident when I was in good MTB shape.

Our neighborhood is actually ideal for single speed riding. One lap is 2.5 miles and it is all gently rolling hills, so just enough of a challenge to make the ride interesting, but not so steep as to make it grueling. Then, too, almost nothing for traffic, plus we know all our neighbors along the route, so that's fun, too.

Yes, I did ride the Log Lady with those skinny tires on some parts of my trails. I originally got the bike for trail riding and geared it for that kind of riding. I only ride it on the more level, straight, wide and all dirt sections, though. I won't ride it on sections with climbs steep enough to make me stand on the pedals or on the techy sections. Pretty much like riding a dirt trail through your local park, in other words, so I feel safe riding it on these sections. Being lower geared than the Gunnar also makes the Log Lady a nice option for pavement riding when I'm a feeling a bit lazy. :)

Heading to Brainerd, Mn, tomorrow for a family reunion over the weekend. Will be taking the Gunnar and hubby will be taking his trusty fat bike. The trails in the area are almost all paved (a lot of trails in Minnesota are, compared to our area), so the Gunnar should do just fine.

There are no words to describe how wonderful it feels for me to be riding like this, again. A piece of me that was missing for six weeks is now back in place.