11/22 rides

It was supposed to be a sunny day, around 50 degrees. We headed out around 12:30, and rode to the beginning of the Minuteman Bike Path. DH had never been on it. It was cloudy, breezy, and never got above 48 all day. We thought we were so prepared to spend a leisurely afternoon, eat lunch, shop, and even put the Carradice bag on DH's bike, with our shoes to change into. Alas, we forgot the lock! So we rode to Arlington and determined that we would ride back to Lexington, where we might find a place we could get take out or sit and watch ou bikes closely. We ended up getting a sandwich at Bertuccis. But, as soon as we stopped, it got colder and cloudier, and windier. I was freezing! We ate quickly and got back on the trail. Thankfully, at the terminus in Bedford, we were able to speed up and warm up a bit, once we got out of the neighborhood and on the main road back to Concord. And, we had a tailwind. When we got home, it was 43 degrees out, so I was not imagining that it had become colder. Why does riding in the cold feel harder?
A real assortment of characters on the trail today. Some people were bundled up in balaclavas and we saw several in shorts. Only one sort of rude interaction with a couple, where the man was swerving all over the trail, into the opposite side and the woman had a little dog in a basket. DH called out to the guy that he was passing (nicely) and then I came by.The woman started swearing at me! We followed proper etiquette, so not sure why she was mad.
The Minuteman is really a commuter trail. No pretty scenery, but good opportunity for us to get to some favorite restaurants by bike.
A total of 35 miles.

I did 30 miles around my town. Didn't see many others out even though it was nice riding weather. I think some people just don't ride after a certain date, no matter how nice it is. It wasn't as cold down here as Crankin had it. The ocean warmed things up. I felt great the whole ride.

I was dying to get on my bike after 3 weeks of work trips. It was brisk, but not cold. Honestly, it felt good! Did 12 miles around my alma mater, nothing too exciting. My main goal was to practice clipping in and out with both feet, as that's been a big problem for me lately.

We did a quick 20 around town and I burnt my nose. Nice day.

28 kms. on that date. Grey with just rain sprinkles.
Towards the end, we did some art studio touring since there was an arts festival and a drop-in Ukranian church fundraising lunch..which became a dinner at 2:00 pm. What else would you call a full plate of 6 perogies, sausage on bun and borscht soup? :D Only needed fruit, cheese and tea for supper at home.

30 miles under gorgeous blue skies and mid-50s temps. We were overdressed, but it was a beautiful day. I have had my bike for less than 2 weeks and DH thinks I've taken to it like a duck to water. :D

Hubby and I did a quick, short but strong 12mile ride this afternoon. Tried to time it around our 10yo son's gymnastic practice. Had hoped to stop for a drink half way. Unlike Crankin, we remembered the lock - what we didn't factor in was the sunlight - and did not want to ride this particular route at dusk - or even worse after sunset. So it was a ride to the cute little lakefront downtown of Pewaukee stop to take some water, and ride back.

On the positive, I hit a new PR for avg cadence (86rpm for the ride) and avg speed for the ride. Which felt nice to feel like I am getting stronger. What was funny is the difference between the out and back - due to a head wind - and ever so slight descent going out and ascent coming back. 1st half averaged 16.7mph, total trip 14.5mph, so the return was a bit slow going. This was the first route I rode on the new bike. At that time 6 weeks ago, I averaged 65rpm and 10.5mph. Nice change, huh?

It rained a ton here pre-weekend but my sweet BF wanted to try out the new F/S MTB that he bought just for me (I love the MTB as much as my road bike and swear it makes me stronger and better on the road bike...he finally decided he would hang up the Madone for a while and try out the MTB). So, despite my pleas to stick to the road because of the mud, we loaded up the MTBs and went down to the state park that I knew doesn't close. I told him I would have to put a bag over my head, it was bad form to tear the trail up, but he made me feel better by volunteering for trail duty next work day...
Anyway, it was as much of a muddy, wet mess as I expected. Many of the technical parts were not doable, the stumps and logs were slippy, and the trail itself was so rutted already from the heavy rains that once in, it was like riding in a narrow river. I slipped and fell only a mile in, landing in the mud. Not that it mattered, I was already covered. But I had fun watching his skinny roadie frame wobble along as he figured out the gearing and such. He is a strong rider, so it wasn't a problem except that it was so wet.

I wound up covered head to toe in mud...him too. We had to wash everything down at the car wash (I know, I know....my bottom bracket cringes).

And his opinion? That was FUN.

It was a little cool yesterday, and I wished for arm warmers (must knit some!) or a long-sleeved shirt when I started out, but was fine throughout most of my ride after I'd warmed up. I wore biking shorts with (thin) sweatpants, and that was just enough. Took to the trails, stopped at my mother's house to check on it and sweep the porch, walk, and steps, then continued on before turning around to head for home.

Twenty-eight miles for me; I was wishing for over 30, but didn't get started in time and had to get home so my son (home from college for the holiday, yippee!) and I could go to an early concert last night. It was much cooler by the time I got home.