Oct. 23rd rides

I saw only one other roadie out today, my new buddy cycling-sarah. I was just past the turn around point of my short out and back ride, when I saw her coming. I didn't even recognize her until we just about passed each other! Isn't funny how anonymous we become on our bikes? I've even had my own brother not know me as I've pulled up next to him! Anyway, I turned around and tagged with Sarah for a very enjoyable rest of the ride, ending with a little over 20 miles.

She and I both got off to later starts than usual. I was waiting for it to get over 40º. Once out, it was gorgeous. I was dressed just right, wearing everything I own, just about! I've started wearing a wool turtleneck first, a tech base-layer over it to stop the wind, then my jacket. I usually wear the base-layer first. Not sure which way is best, but since I felt so good today, maybe the new way. We'll see, once it gets cold, what's really better.

We're riding again tomorrow and Sat, too. I'm not slowing down at all at this point. I love riding my bike at this time of year.

I finally made it on a group ride with my moms' group. They leave at 9 from a spot about twenty minutes away by car, and my daughter tends to sleep late so we have never made it before. There were five mothers, six toddlers (one mother has twins). Three of us on road bikes and two on mountain bikes with slicks. The first bit was slow enough that it was difficult to ride -- it took me a while to find the right gear. We stopped and picnicked and let the babies run around a park for a while, then we rode back at a slightly faster pace. The two with mountain bikes bailed out to go home when we got back to their entrances to the bike trail, but my daughter was asleep so I kept riding with the roadies. We picked up the pace and had a great ride. I dropped them off at their exit and rode back to the car, making it just about 20 miles exactly.

It was a lot of fun. I don't do group rides so I need to learn how to stick with someone else's pace. The two with road bikes are both much more experienced riders than I am -- they both race -- but they commented that our paces were well matched and we are planning to ride together soon. The big group rides every Thursday morning and I'm going to try to keep going ... my daughter loved it, and even the slower pace is still a good workout when you are pulling a trailer.

Plus, you should see how happy people look when they come around a corner and see a whole line of mothers and babies out for a ride. Even the crabbiest people on the bike trail (that would be the male time trialers -- they always seem pissed off to see anyone else using the trail during their training time) smiled at us today. (It probably helps that the group leader is a stickler for safety and etiquette.)

I commuted - for real this time! (Well, I drove the car as far as my mailbox, just because I ran out of time to walk my bike down to the road.) I even went to the grocery store, if only for some pita bread. Didn't have the means to carry anything else, and that was mainly about visibility. If I'd brought a bigger backpack, it would've completely obscured my hi-viz jersey, plus my larger packs don't have any reflective material on them. As it was, I was "this close" to running out of daylight - five more minutes and it would've been full dark, so I was glad I did my shopping before class and pushed the pace a little on the way home.

It was a beautiful day and I didn't want to waste it, especially since I'd missed the last three club rides for one reason or another. Plus, I'd been on the verge of a panic attack all day because of (unrelated) phone calls DH and I each had - so I was nervous and a little scared to ride, but figured that the cure for that was to just do it, finally, after all this time thinking about it and preparing for it by keeping most of my stuff at the gym. I feel empowered!

27.2 miles RT, 15.1 average, 1831 feet of climbing, three impressed beginner aerobics students :)

Until the clocks fall back I have time to ride after work. I took my roadie out for my first ride of any kind for October. :eek: Originally I planned a 13 miler but was having so much fun I made it 20.51. Gorgeous day although being a native Texan a bit cold. It was around 60-65 with a north wind. I wore knickers and long sleeve jersey. I was comfortable albeit a weeny compared to Red's 40s. I saw two other male roadies out which is about average for this road and got a friendly wave from both including the one riding aero! He must not have been training too hard. Tonight it is a run and this weekend a mountain bike trek. Lovely but warm forecast for this weekend, we'll be back in the 80's. I did notice my leg tremor most of the ride and am hesistant to ride alone until I see the neuro. It is always something isn't it?

Red- Enjoy your beautiful weather, I have really been loving the pseudo fall we get here for the one day it stays.

Xeney- I smile everytime I see the couple that brings there baby jogger to the trail. Something about people being active with the kids warms my heart.

waaaaaaa!

I am still out of commission with the knee.

I shall ride vicariously through the rest of you!

:D