Started out with a soaking wet Christmas morning run, then the sun broke through for some mountain biking later! A great day with family and no obligations! :)
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Started out with a soaking wet Christmas morning run, then the sun broke through for some mountain biking later! A great day with family and no obligations! :)
It's summer here in New Zealand. I let my husband sleep in on Christmas morning while I went for an easy ride around the bays of Wellington. Halfway around I met some friends on the beach for a little sparkling wine. A VERY little sparkling wine, given that I still had to cycle home! I discovered that bubbly is not performance enhancing, even while still sober. I made it home eventually though, very sun burned. :cool:
I got in a fast (for me) 18-mile ride this afternoon. Beautiful day, and you see a lot more along the trail now that all the leaves are gone.
This leaves me about 6 miles shy of my revised goal for the year. It's supposed to rain tomorrow and Thursday is shot...
Rode just over 15 miles today. It was windy, 44 degrees and started raining the last 2 miles. Still enjoyed getting out on the bike and still on goal to keep riding outside until the end of the year (at least 1x/week). One more week to go and then I'll see what the new year brings
I got out yesterday for 22+ miles (needed to work off those Christmas cookies!). Fairly cold, but nice and sunny. Tried out the new aero helmet and the new wind barrier base layer. Thumbs up for both.
HillSlugger, can I ask what is the wind barrier base layer? Sounds like I could have used it today!
Pearl Izumi Barrier Wind Front Longsleeve BaselayerQuote:
Originally Posted by Dog
I did it, I did it!!! I hit my mileage goal...actually I crushed it! I hadn't checked to see exactly how far I was from reaching it for nearly a month. I knew I was pretty close, but until today...I had no idea that I made it. Some of you might remember my disappointment in coming up 40 miles short last year of reaching my goal of 7,000 miles. So at the beginning of this year, my goal was to once again reach that 7,000 mile mark. As of today, I have logged 7,232 miles for the season, which for me began on March 7th. I am utterly thrilled to have not only reached, but surpass my goal. I can definitely end this season with a smile on my face. :D
Linda
Wow!! Congratulations. I remember you were bummed last year.Quote:
Originally Posted by nscrbug
<and I'm thrilled I'm very close to 3000 miles. I will definitely get there.>
congratulations nscrbug! I am closing in on mine- less than 58 to go and a week of vacation and warming weather so I will definitely get there (4800) and maybe a little more. Tomorrow I should be knocking off about 25 more.
We were able to get out for a ride around the neighborhood yesterday and today.
A great Boxing Day ride in the rain and muddy trails! Then I decided to slog it home on the road. It's days like these that feel so good to go out and do it, then come home and get showered up, cleaned up and warmed up! :)
It was in the 50s and sunny Christmas eve and I rode about 10 miles,slow but so happy I was out riding.On Christmas I went for about 13 miles and it was great I did a small hill. This was the best present because this has been the first weekend since I hurt my back and hip in September that I've been able to ride my road bike:D. I feel so great and happy to be back!!
Today we had a a looot of fun :D
I did my regular 18 mile ride. I've figured out that doing this same route a lot is like meditation for me. I think that's why I've been doing it so much right now. I must need it.
It was windy but not cold. I overdressed, thinking there would be a wind chill factor, and instead got sweaty, and then got cold because of that. But the wind felt good. I can't believe I'm to the point of thinking that. I've come a long way on this bike. :cool:
So far it's been a mild winter here with wind and rain bigger deterrents to riding than the temperature, at least if you're willing to ride in the 30s. I rode today, on Christmas Eve, and last Thursday for about 20 miles each time out. I'm choosing flatter routes and the cold and wind are definitely slowing me down, but it sure beats indoor riding! As of today, I've ridden as many times (but not as many miles) this month as in November, and with this week off work I'm hoping for another ride or two this year.
For those interested in wind protection, Gore makes a nice short sleeve base layer with Windstopper material covering the front and wrapping over the shoulders and sides with a mesh back. It's very close fitting but quite comfortable and effective. I wore it in a range of temperatures in late summer and fall. I see TE has a long sleeve winter version.
Tucson weather is perfect right now! Mid-60's, maybe as high as 75 at the end of the week. My DH and I rode about 27 miles this afternoon. Speeding toward my year-end goal- should get there tomorrow or the next day :-)
I have been getting back into better distance and climbing mode for the "A Ride for Life" in Santa Clarita which will have a bunch of Pro riders including George Hincapie, Amber Neben, TeJay Van Garderen to name a few. I am sure I only will see their backsides as they leave me in the dust, but it should be fun anyway. :-)
Today I did my first, last, and only group ride of the season. I rode about 33 miles along the NH seacoast and inland Greenland, Rye, and Northampton, NH. This was my group's Chanukah party (last wk. was the XMas party) with a choice of the ride, a 4 mile walk, or sitting and watching the turkey cook. DH and I both rode, along with 7 others.
It was about 48 and mostly sunny until the end, when the wind kicked up and it got a bit dark out. The ocean was gorgeous, lots of waves crashing on the shore, and we saw some crazy azz surfers, too. This was a very social ride, even for this group, so I was out there for awhile.
The meal was outstanding, with turkey, latkes and applesauce, lots of salads and desserts. Then we did a Yankee Swap. I am pleasantly tired, like from a long ride in the middle of the summer.
I have about 5 miles to go to make my goal of 3,000 miles, which I will give myself if the weather doesn't cooperate by Saturday. Right now it's freezing and windy out.
Crankin'- sounded like a great ride and party.
My DH and I rode with Desert Tortoise and her husband for a little more than 20 miles in absolutely gorgeous desert winter weather. It was our first time meeting in person and we really enjoyed riding together with them.
There is still snow on the peaks of the Catalina and Rincon Mountains but it was warm enough for shorts and short sleeved jersey for most of the ride through the desert foothills, with a stop at a park that has a pond and marsh about halfway through.
My husband and I continued on for a total of 35 miles, and I passed my goal of 4800, ending up at 4803 for the year. 2 or 3 more rides are still in the works with my vacation and the perfect weather!
Yesterday I commuted-bike to work and then afterwards we biked over to a Persian restaurant for dinner.
Today I went for a 15 km spin after a haircut and then later giving my opinion which was asked for a new creme puff shell a baker was developing.
AZFiddle, do you have some kind of influence on the winds? It was absolutely gorgeous today and NO winds. After we left you and headed home we could see the winds picking up. And now that it is dark they have stopped of course. So what's your secret?
DH and I had a lot fun riding with you and your DH. And it sure was nice to finally have met you in person.:D
Congratulations on completing 4800 miles this year!
DT
DT- no influence- but hey, I'll take a calm day when I can. We'll be doing this again, I'm sure!
It felt great to pass that mileage mark!
We rode in a different direction this morning, with a headwind 50% of time, around 45 km /hr. winds. Stopped at Mediterranean bakery for first time in last 4 months due to previous ice and snow on the route which didn't inspire any cycling here at the time.
Loaded up on their fresh hummus, bread and some phyllo pastries to ride back home. 24 km. , he took off for another 15 km.
I met my goal today, with one day left. I really did drag this out.
3,004 miles.
Today my ride was exactly 7 miles to the Trail's End Cafe and back (with a little detour around the back of the North Bridge) for a lunch of sweet potato and carrot soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich. It was sleeting when I left my client's house, about 17 miles from here, but thankfully, it stopped as I drove south. I really felt like wimping out, as it was 34 and raw looking out, and I already went to spin class, but I got dressed and enjoyed my lunch. By the time I got home, the sun was out and it was 37. I rode the Guru today, and I decided I really have to ride this bike more.
Time to reset my bike computers. January 1st is supposed to be 50 degrees.
We got in a 50 mile ride this morning, despite it being cold, windy, and damp out. So with today's ride, it brings my total mileage for the year to 7,315 miles. I would never have fathomed riding that many miles this year. I couldn't be more pleased. :)
Linda
Managed to get in a 13.5 mile ride this afternoon in one hour, an artic front comes in tomorrow so there will likely be no riding for a bit. THIS time of the year I focus more on TIS than I do actual miles. Riding in the cold is harder on the body than hot weather, and focusing on time seems to work better for me in cold weather.
Last ride of the year today. DH and I got out for 22 easy miles to the LBS and back. Relaxing at home, afterwards, we heard a BANG! Psssss...
Went down to the laundry room, where my bike sits - and it was sitting on a flat rear tire. The sidewall blew out. :eek: Glad it didn't happen on the ride. But if there's one thing we have a zillion of in this house - it's extra tires. Sometimes we have to rob Peter to pay Paul, but there is always a serviceable tire around somewhere.
Ended up the year with 3,039 miles - fairly low for me. Spent a lot of my weekends running and racing, which doesn't add a whole lot of mileage.
Also had 85 commute days. That's also pretty average. I keep trying for 100, but never seem to get beyond the mid-80s.
18 miles, half with one of the shop guys, to break my downwardly-revised goal of 800. My original plan was 1000, but started late thanks to moving and a wet spring. I suppose I could have done it had I actually ridden in September and October.:rolleyes:
I got out for another 23 miles today, bringing me to 2543, a high for me by about 40 miles. I also shattered my previous high for miles run in the year. It's been a good year.
70 miles today on the road. It was the longest ride I have ever done alone. Quite a nice day at around 73, wind kept shifting which made the ride hard but I enjoyed it. Saw a lot of wonderful animals: buffalo (being raised on a ranch), doves, two roadrunners, a bunch of loose but friendly dogs (this is a rural area), goats and longhorn cattle. Great way to end the year.
I rode every day since Tuesday. Last two included one to Arivaca through desert grasslands with gorgeous views of the Santa Rita Mtns. Today was a ride through northwest Tucson. I added 86 more miles, enjoyed good riding companionship with my DH and ended up with 4911 for the year. More good weather forecast for New Year's Day...
Got out for one last ride. About 3 miles from home I made the unthinkable mistake of crossing my gears and broke my chain. Not a fun way to end my riding for the year. But, one of my goals for 2012 is to learn bike repair and maintenance. This just reinforced it.
woke up on the last day of 2011 crabby and cranky. Thankfully the sun was out and once it hit 38 degrees the DH and I bundled up for a meander - love my new ibex winter gloves! Hit the library then continued out our MUP that borders the Boise River until we heard the distinct call of microbrew from our favorite local brewery, which is only about 4 miles from the house - a perfect way to end the ride, early dinner and a nice beer. Maybe a 24 mile ride but we didn't even have the computer on, it was that kinda day!
First ride of the year today and first flat of the year. :)
Got out for around 25 miles this beautiful. morning. What a way to start the year! I also commuted for the first time in a while on Fri. Not sure what my mileage ended up being for 2011, but I'm happy. Despite all the recent drama, I rode consistently. Here's hoping for good things in '12.
Happy New Year!
Yesterday did 21 km primarily for a snack and grocery shopping for New Year's meals. It was -14 degrees C., colder than some other days but sunny.
Today we'll be out too on the bikes and only abit warmer.
Then for several days this wk. it will hit above freezin'. I will be bike commuting to work.
Started off the new year with a solo ride out along our Springwater Corridor trail. Beautiful, sunny morning, upper 30s starting out with a strong East wind (17mph, with 24mph gusts). The goal was to go south and east then at the east end point, head north and then enjoy a tailwind coming back home.
Got to see the trail on a section I have not seen, saw some restoration work along the Johnson Creek Watershed (those little ribboned plantings) and gave the MB-1 a final shake down ride before it starts its daily commuting duty Tuesday.
Happy new year everyone!