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Wahoooooo. :D :D :D :D
There's still snow but hubby and I got out for our first 12 mile ride yesterday and it was a gorgeous 47 degrees. I even got up the mile and a half hill on the way home. Thanks to all who listened to me b.... and moan about the weather. Still snow in the forcast but Spring is in the air.
Anybody else get out for their firsts.
Me too! I managed 22 miles yesterday, and plan to repeat that today. Rather than plan a route ahead of time, I chose the roads that were dry. I think that we're really lucky that most of this white stuff seems to be evaporating at this point and not melting all over the roads.
I am sending my wishes to the weather wizards to not bring the snow that is predicted for tonight!
Sshhh Denise,
Don't say that bad word, maybe the weather wizards won't find us. Glad you got out to ride too.
Jody
It's spitting icey rain and I am sooo crabby about it. I changed out my pedals on my beater last night (in the warm and cozy living room of course!) and I really want to try them out.
Our snow (here in NJ) is just about all gone. I was also able to get out yesterday, if only a twelve miler. But yippee! no cold body parts, no sore shoulders from hunching up from being cold, and best of all, that wonderful rush from being free, female, and over 50 on my bike :D
Of course, it is rainy again today, but that's OK, because I dropped off my bikes at the shop for their spring servicing.
I can't ride again til Thursday.
To comment on the other post, yep, I think the trainer does pay off and I know for myself I don't have too much of a "breaking in period."
I also got out yesterday, 17 miles, better than nothing and it felt wonderful!
Yes, today was rainy so I searched for spring and summer jerseys.
Well I did another 12 today. What a gorgeous day. There was a bit of wind but not to bad. Now there's a winter storm watch out for us on Wed night. Geez, just when the snow was starting to disappear. :mad:
Hey Karen, I bought the Brooks B17S and wow, what a difference. I have happy bum. :D How do you stop from sliding off the thing though? Its pretty slippery.
8 to 12 inches of snow!!! Are they kidding? Please, Please tell me it isn't going to happen again. I've tasted freedom. I can't go back to the basement and the trainer.
And I thought they let some kid loose with paint and the kid just decided to color in the weather map! Here's hoping the forecast - which keeps changing - is totally off the wall. This has been one long, long winter. It seems to me that it started early (snow in November, before Thanksgiving), and it's going on much too long. And here I thought the roads would be clear for weekend riding...Quote:
Originally Posted by Surlygirl
http://denise.smugmug.com/photos/18076638-S-1.jpg
Based on a comment on this map Wednesday evening, I realized that I hadn't given the appropriate credit for the picture. It came from the Boston area page of the National Weather Service website.
Who is Baby? :D
Just good old New England Slang SadieKate. ;) Ever listen to Boston Rob from Survivor who's now on the amazing race. He cracks me up. Boston slang to the max.
AHHHHH! I never complain about snow, but I am p*****. My students are scheduled to perform a play that we have been working on for 4 weeks tomorrow. Even having a delay will cause issues. Well, if it's nice in the PM I will x-country ski and hopefully the roads will be good enough on Friday, since I have the day off. I don't want to go to spin class! The weekend looks good.
Nice map, Denise.
Robyn -Quote:
Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin
I can't take credit for the map - I just copied it from the National Weather Service web site! Here's the link to the NWS page for the Boston area - just click on the map (near your house) for the forecast.
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/box/
--- Denise
Hey Karen, I bought the Brooks B17S and wow, what a difference. I have happy bum. :D How do you stop from sliding off the thing though? Its pretty slippery.
Jody:
I proofhide the saddle and that makes it much less slippery. I have the same as you, the B 17 S. I have been actively looking at Surly bikes lately because I am interested in either a mtn. bike or a cross bike to complement this rotton weather we seem to always get. Tell ya, when my kids are oput of school I am thinking of heading west!!! Nice that we avoided the foot expected last night. Conor and I will be riding tomorrow out towards Leominster....
karen
enjoy your new saddle
Hey Karen,
If you decide on a Surly, check out alfred E. bike. www.aebike.com
They had the best deals on them and you can get them built up or as a frame. They are great because FFF. Fatties Fit Fine, meaning fat tires, and there is room for fenders for all the slop. They are heavy but If you are using just as a pre-season bike it shouldn't matter. I put a carbon fork on mine which really helped and since I'm only 5 feet tall the 42cm cross fits pretty good.
Good luck and have a great ride. Oh and I did proofhide the saddle and that seams to have helped, thanks.
Jody
Jody:
Glad the proofhiding worked for you...I did have one slipping incident after I proofed my saddle but it was my own stupid fault :o I am leaning in between Giant and Specialized for a beater bike right now and I will probably end up wit a mountain bike...but I do keep staring at them Surly's. I just hate taking my beauty 5200 out with all the sand and salt on the roads right now.
I don't want anything bad to happen to the carbon :eek:
maybe we'll bike into each other this week,
karen
I find this discussion pretty interesting. I have had my 5200 out 3 times. I've stayed away from roads that have enough sand for a beach and have a fender on, but I am not sure if I could justify buying another bike to ride just in March. Of course, I say this as my husband just bought a travel bike to take with him to Europe 5-6 times a year! I have a mountain bike, which I did take out after the blizzard a couple of weeks ago, but it is too heavy for me on the road. It took me an hour to ride 11 miles when my average is usually just around 15 on the same route. I also have a hard tail mtb that i could use, that is lighter, but that means seat and pedal changes.
Too much to think about!
It's 38 and sunny. I'm on Spring break with no plans. Sounds great right? I have an upper respitory thing going on and a really sore throat. My new bike comes into the shop on Monday. I HAD BETTER FEEL FABULOUS BY THEN!!! (shaking fist in the air)
Robyn:
So what do you find so interesting if you yourself have several bikes??
confused,
karen
Well, the hard tail isn't really mine. It started as my husband's mtb and it's the one i started riding on, before i got my road bike. Now it's esentially set up for any guests we have, who may want to ride with us, or my son who uses it once in awhile. I think what I meant is that I have a nice road bike, a good mtb, so I don't know if I would buy, let's say a hybrid or cross bike to use at this time of year. I have seen some group rides that focus on trails and roads in one ride (easy stuff) that would not be fun with my mtb on the road part and impossible to use my 5200 on. I think eventually, I might do this, but not this year.
Of course, today, the warmest day of the weekend and i don't feel so great. I went out to do a hill ride yesterday and ended up not doing that route, only going 17 miles. My legs felt like lead and my attitude sucked, too. I should stay home today, but it's so nice out!
Hey Robyn,
Sorry you don't feel well. I've had the same problem this week. Think I'm fighting a bug off, but just feel run down. Opted out of a ride with hubby yesterday and today so he took my son.
Have you thought about just putting slicks on one of the mountain bikes for a few weeks till the roads are cleaned up? Probably the hardtail would be best.
My Surly tank is great because its a cross bike I can put fat tires on and ride the dirt and then skinnies when I ride the road. I pay on the hills because its heavy but I need the workout anyway.
Feel better, we hit the 50's this week I hear.
We have had sun for the last 10 days, so now only about a foot and a half of snow left. The paved roads are clear, other than a lot of sand on sides, still chilly -10 c or so in am, but I couldn't wait any longer, I went out for a ride on 21, 22 early in am so that the mud on my road was still frozen, got out to the paved and away I went, it so fun to pedal and move forward, not just stay put, trainer is ok for winter, but not the joy you get by going somewhere. I can't believe how I felt so young and carefree on that first ride last week, felt like I was 6 getting my first very own bike (had to ride to school), I am 53 now, but still feel like a young chick getting out and riding. The last few days have had a dreadful cold, can't taste anything or breathe and eat at the same time, but took Vinny(my bike) out anyway, not great speed but just fresh air. Back to work tomorrow, on the 11-7 shift so am thinking of maybe commuting to work(approx 25 miles) and having my daughter pick me up at 7 (too dark for me) will depend on this cold, but that is my goal for this riding season, to commute 3-4 out of 5 days. I think the older I get, the more I appreciate spring. have a great day everyone Lori
Seems like there are a lot of colds going around this list. I did the right thing Surly, and did not ride Sunday. I did go for a 3 and a half mile hike in some local conservation land; about 500 feet of climbing in mushy snow. I probably shouldn't have. But I feel better today. I had my last session with the personal trainer today. More time to ride... I have a dentist appt. Wed. and i am not going to work (although i could have gone in late) so I can come home and ride. Thursday looks good, too.
Saturday I am going to a bike maintenance workshop. I hope I actually learn to change a flat. With all of the mechanically inclined people on this list, I am embarrassed. When I ride by myself, I tend to not go more thn 20-25 miles because I am so mechanically challenged and worry that I might have an issue. I wish I could say this is a case of being of a generation that didn't teach women these skills, but my dad was the klutz in my family and my mom could fix anything.
Doing the happy dance. What great weather! 54 and climbing. Hope all who still have snow get a chance to get out.
Hey Robyn, where is the clinic on Saturday, maybe I can escape and join you?
I rode today!!!....first time since 03/11. I still have a slight nagging cough in the morning but I figured cover my mouth in the AM, do an easy "recovery" type ride and drive tomorrow as a rest day. It just felt sooo good to be out there again on the bike! and in the 70s this weekend so I might try another easy ride!
The clinic is at the Trinitarian (sp?) Church in Concord Center, on Thoreau ST. It is sponsored by AMC. You have to be there at 9:45 AM, bring a wheel, tire irons, pump, and lunch. I am not sure if there is still room; it says you can register at the door, but there is no phone # for the guy I sent the check to. If you go to the web site www.outdoors.org and scroll down on the right side, click on the Boston Chapter. When you get to the chapter home page, you can find the cycling activity page and you might find something there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Surlygirl
I am going for the techie stuff. I think there will be some stuff in the afternoon that will be too basic for me (and you).
I finally rode 20 miles yesterday with some hills. Today I did 14.5 and I feel like I have never ridden. This is quite discouraging! Let me know if you are coming to the worksop.
When are you girls going to post some pictures? You've seen us northern Californians! We've seen emily's trails. We've seen Irulan hugging a tree. When we going to see you?
Hmm... I'd be happy to post some pics, but unfortunately we seem to have another serious rain storm getting in the way of cycling this weekend - at least in the Boston area. Sounds like Saturday will be a total washout, but there's still a possibility of a Sunday ride (I know, I know, I'm just dreaming...). If the weather permits a dry ride, I'll bring my camera with me. Pictures may be coming...Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
Can you gals in California send some of your nice weather our way?
In the meantime, here's a non-biking photo from my early morning walk on Tuesday (3/29) - anyone for some very wet riding? Not me - my bikes like staying on the road, and they don't like riding through standing water!
http://denise.smugmug.com/photos/18662618-M-1.jpg
--- Denise
If you're still looking for clinics - I took a couple of one-on-one sessions at Belmont Wheelworks before I started touring on my own. I just checked their web site, and it looks like they have both individual classes like I took and Park Tool classes that look more like structured classes. I was really happy with my one-on-one sessions. More info at http://www.wheelworks.com/class.htm.Quote:
Originally Posted by Surlygirl
--- Denise
Hey Robyn I'm not going to make it on Saturday, to many kid obligations. Looks like a good thing to do on a rainy weekend. You'll do fine.
Here's a ride to consider and I've heard its lots of fun. The Flattest Century in the East. You have to register early though since it fills up by June. You can choose 25, 52, 68 or 100 miles. This is a ride, not a race the organizers say. Check it out. www.nbwclub.org and then go to the Flattest Century page. You can print out a registration form. I think Hubby and I are going to do it and it gives us all summer to train since its not until September.
Hey Denise, that looks like my back yard! The old Blackstone River has been over its banks once already this week. Good thing I live up on big hill.
Well, it's practically my back yard - that photo was taken along the road leading into a college campus next to my townhouse.Quote:
Originally Posted by Surlygirl
I did get out riding today. I snuck out of work at 3 this afternoon - the sunshine was beckoning, I knew my bikes were screaming at home, ready to ride - and the weather forecast for the weekend makes it sound like this isn't going to be a riding weekend.
Yup, that wide band to the side of the road is sand! Some of the towns have started cleaning the roads, but for the most part they are still a mess with sand on the side, and lots and lots of pot holes where you could lose your bike! And I figured I'd better include a picture of my bike too so you'd all know that I was really out wandering on two wheels. Here it is, patiently waiting for it's ride to stop taking pictures! Ah, springtime...
http://denise.smugmug.com/photos/18724935-M-1.jpg http://denise.smugmug.com/photos/18725984-M-1.jpg
Glad to see that N. Andover has as much sand as Boxborough. I did notice that other towns are starting to clean the roads (Stow, Bolton), but sometimes it's close to May 1 before it is done here. I went to spin yesterday before work because I thought it might be raining in the PM. Of course, it was gorgeous, but I didn't want to overdo and ride twice. This morning I went for a 2.5 mile walk in the rain and am now heading out to the clinic.
Surly, that century looks interesting. The way I am feeling now, 100 miles seems impossible, but I will discuss it with my husband. I have never ridden more than 67 miles (with stops, etc), but I think if I worked at it, I could. Are you going to do the 100, or the 68?
The weather looks good for this week....
And here I thought I was the only one crazy enough to walk in the rain. (But I'm not crazy enough to take my bike out into this crap!) I'm about to head out for a walk in the rain myself...Quote:
Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin
You go girls!
I went back to my trainer and "Sex in the City" dvd for the day. Man, if its not snow its rain. I hate going back to the trainer after tasting freedom.
Hey Robyn, I've never ridden that far in one day either. They have shorter options too. People tell me its lots of fun and you could probably do as much as you felt like because it does have SAG support. I'll be the one at the back!
:D
The workshop yesterday was pretty good. I changed the flat without too many problems..I need to practice taking the back wheel off, though. I have a question for you guys. Do you use CO2 cartridges or pumps for flats? My husband and son swear by the cartridges, but the people at the workshop seemed to not think too highly of them (typical AMC attitude). One instructor said that he has had as many as 5 flats on one ride and how could you know that, i.e. be prepared with that many cartridges. I've been riding for almost 4 years and I have never had a flat, except when I stuck the valve through the tube right in my own basement. I don't ride in the rain (at least i don't start a ride in the rain) and I am very watchful of what's on the road, too. Plus, many of these people commute closer to the city, where I believe there is more crap on the road.
Surly, my husband and I discussed the century. We probably will sign up either for the 68 or 100 miles. We are going out today, hopefully to do at least 25 miles and feel OK.
Hey Robyn,
Hubby and I are also going to commit to the 100. Yikes! That gets hard to train for when the kids all get out of school for the summer but what the heck.
I carry both a CO2 cartridge in my bag and a frame pump, just in case I have more than one flat. I also carry a spare tube and a patch kit. I'd rather be prepared then 30 miles from home and stuck.
I might do the Nashua River trail this week if you want to join me. Any day better than others?
Hey Karen,
Why don't you and your family join us in the Flattest Century.
I honestly do not think we need April Showers after having such a wet March.
My husband and I each carry a couple of CO2 cartrides. He has had to use his once and really likes them as opposed to a pump. I for one still have to learn to change a flat.
I just got the street cleaning schedule in the mail and it looks like street cleaning starts the third of April. I cannot wait. I also cannot believe how much glass is on the roads.
Denise, you pics make MA look like a real nice place to live.
~ JoAnn
[QUOTE=DeniseGoldberg]...and lots and lots of pot holes where you could lose your bike! And I figured I'd better include a picture of my bike too so you'd all know that I was really out wandering on two wheels. Here it is, patiently waiting for it's ride to stop taking pictures! Ah, springtime...[QUOTE]
I thought maybe you included a pix of your bike so we'd know what to look for in case in fell in one of those potholes! :p
I am going to stick to the cartridges. I practiced taking the rear wheel off in the basement before my ride yesterday. I did it, but I wonder if I could out on the road in an emergency! I also practiced changing the tube on a wheel from my old Cannondale. My husband was pretty impressed. We rode 21.5 miles yesterday, with 1350 ft. of climbing. Lots of hills in Harvard. We decided to take it easier on the speed, and not be so hard on ourselves. I felt pretty pathetic on the first long climb, but by the end, felt I had my "groove" back.
Surly, I would love to do the trail with you, but I am a teacher and I can't ride during the day. I am having enough trouble making myself stay after school to work (what a concept) with the advent of nice weather and DST. I usually do little loop rides after school, 15-20 miles a couple of times a week or more. Tomorrow is going to be nice and I have a dentist appt. that will last until 5. But, it will still be light when I get home, so I'll try to get a few miles in. We can ride during April Vacation... or on the weekends. This weekend looks good...