april 6 rides

weather forecast: 90 % chance of rain, 40 degrees. how lovely.
after watching sunbeams for an hour, DH asks me to go riding with him. sure, let's do it while the weather holds.
The weather held until noon, when some rain drops fell and stopped after a few minutes. we rode to Pert's deli and met some friends, then we rode around mercer island and back.
36 brisk miles. my legs felt like lead and i couldn't keep up with the rest of the guys; so Raleighdon stayed back with me.

now for a nice warm bath.

We had a great day for riding. Morning start was just a tad cool for us, high 50s ending in high 60s. So, I wore my ibex knee armers and PI vagabound II jacket, pulled the sleeves off the jacket at mile 10 and the knee warmers off at mile 20. Just a typical club ride, but TOO MANY DOGS were out there today.

42 kms. Cherry trees bloomin' all over the place with sunny clouds. Then it rained cold halfway through ride.

But got warmed up with a chocolate zuchinni muffin and cupa coffee near end of ride.

On Friday, the Sunday forecast was for temps in the 50s and SUNNY and no wind.

Somehow they didn't figure out that it would be only in the 40s, rainy/drizzley all day, coupled with NNE winds of 29-35kt - a bit of a nor'easter going on here. Positively gloomy and the constant wind makes me very nervous with all these trees all over the place.

Sitting here trying to figure out more ways to waste time on the computer while I avoid the real issue: doing my taxes. Since I'll have to pay, there is absolutely no incentive to do this. :(

Partly cloudy, 45 degrees, light wind from the south, rain/snow predicted but not a bad day, I had to ride... I am celebrating my first 100 miles on my Bianchi. I rode by myself today, 20 mile round trip to Twisp and back.
I learned today:
I LOVE tailwinds, especially on the last half of a ride.
My dog "Harley" hates the new bike, cause he can't go (see new avatar)
It's OK to stop for a granola bar, watch the river and enjoy the local wildlife.
(bald eagle, ravens, Belted kingfisher, flock of Sandhill cranes in perfect formation flying high, robins, cows, marmot)

A great day...

Went out for a short ride. I went early so I could have plenty of time to work in the yard and to avoid the wind because sometimes spring can get pretty windy in the afternoon. The ride was tough today. I think it was because I was dehydrated. I was also very dizzy. I have had this dizziness for close to 8 years. No one can seem to fix it.:( My speed was way down from what it usuallly iis, but it was still nice to be out. The temps were in the upper 30s with pretty blue sky. I got in 20 miles.

I went for a good hard ride today. About 40 km in the hills. Did a bunch of climbing and then did one long steady 3km climb at about 5% and stayed with DH doing about 22 kmh pretty well the entire climb. I am usually more in the 14 kmh range on the climb. I really think the pedaling drills I did all winter have really helped me. I can pedal "round" much more smoothly now and can really feel the difference in power. I will definitely do a lot more work on that when I'm on the trainer next winter - it's clearly time well-spent. And I hit a new max Heart Rate today! (188)

I also had a bit of a scary moment today too. My eyes are still bad so I'm not going too fast downhill yet but I did hit 52 kmh max down my first big hill today. We first rode to the grocery store (about 8 km) to drop off a prescription. When I got back on my bike, I noticed my front wheel was loose! the clipy thingy that holds it on was actually disengaged! I guess when the bikes were in the van yesterday, it got hooked on something and was disconnected. So let this be a lesson to ALL OF US! ALWAYS check your bike over BEFORE you ride. EVERY TIME! I know this in my head, but I dont' always do it. I will from now on.

A great day to be on a bike! I started the day off by joining the club for a 60 mile, hilly ride. The ride started in Louisville and made its way through the tiny towns of Ballardsville, Smithfield and stopped in Eminence. Several of us stopped at the Chat-n-Nibble for lunch and well to chat. The food was great as was the company. Back on our bikes we traveled through the tiny town of Chestnut Grove, made our way through Todds Pointe and ended back in Louisville. The magnolias are in full blossom here as are the Bradford Pears. The crab apples are trying hard to catch up and it won't be long before the dogwoods and red buds paint the hillsides with their pink and white blossoms. I spied an Eastern Bluebird today, a meadow lark and numerous robins. I think it is safe to say spring is knocking at our doors here in Kentucky. Today's morning ride ended up being 56.56 miles.

I arrived home and decided it was far too nice to sit inside so I grabbed a peanut butter and honey sandwich, filled the water bottles and headed back out the door. This time I traveled within the confines of my community but along the way I was treated to some beautiful sights. First, the pastures are so green and filled with little calves and foals - I love spring. I watched a couple of red tail hawks ride the uplifts - looked like a lot of fun. I logged 19.37 miles on this ride and would have kept riding but the tendon in my right ankle was talking to me and begging me to stop :mad:. I headed home and now have it packed in ice.

It was a great day to be on my bike - logged 75.93 miles today, rode without all the warm clothing and soaked in the sunshine (I hope it hangs around for a few days).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by makbike

It was a great day to be on my bike - logged 75.93 miles today, rode without all the warm clothing and soaked in the sunshine (I hope it hangs around for a few days).

---

Oh man, I'm never gonna catch you on Bike Journal! :)

I rode a little over 61.28 miles today, on a CAT2 AIDS/Lifecycle Training Ride. Weather-wise, we had a little bit of everything today: sun, overcast, rain, wind. OK, no snow, so I guess I can't whine too much.

Highlights of the ride: the route sheet made special mention of a steep descent (and they weren't lyin'!), but absolutely no mention of the nice little ascent to get to the top of the hill for the steep descent. The ascent reminded me a lot of housing prices in the Bay Area: it would go up pretty high, flatten out for a bit, then go up pretty high, flatten out ... rinse, repeat. Hopefully the steep descent won't be a metaphor for a housing bubble burst, what with the subprimes and all.

Here's the elevation profile for the ride, as you can see, we had a whole lotta fun between miles 25 and 35!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attac...1&d=1207522348

We led our first ride of the season, despite the fact it was hovering around 40, drizzly, and raw. It was me and 5 guys...
I knew the other people who signed up would want to push the speed a little more than we advertised and before the ride I told my husband not to drop me, since i was the sweep. Anyway, it wasn't an issue, since one of the participants, who is also a leader in our club came on his hybrid and very out of shape. I stayed with him, and I have to say, even I was getting a little antsy, wanting to go faster. I was happy to stay behind him for the first really hard climb, but after that I was warmed up. But, I stayed back and for the first time this year, I had no pain in my groin or hip. So, the PT is working.
25.6 miles, about 1200 feet of climbing, in pretty nasty conditions. My feet were a bit cold when we got back, despite wearing woolie bully socks and my booties.

Just commute adn errand rides, tho' I feel good after yesterday's 80-some. Motivated to be all kinds of productive and get good miles in this week. Starting now...

Did the womens ride, but very slowly, as one lady had cable problems and was forced to single speed it.
30 miles

I got a treat for my ride today. I did 63 miles and all but 10 were with the wind. Which was blowing about 20 sustained and gusting to 35+. But it was warm, between 65 and 70. I have tan lines. The sunscreen was long gone by the time I got home. We went to a birthday party and the way home was with the wind so I made him let me ride. It took a bit less than 4 hours for the distance.

It was much better than the ride last week which was 57 with the last 25 into the wind with hills and the same type of wind and 40-50 degrees.
Kim

Final weekend ride with my cycling buddy before she moves to Boston at the end of the week. Started out cloudy, cool and humid, then the clouds blew out and it was sunny and warm with a light breeze... a great day for riding! ~65 miles with a 16.7 MPH average speed... this is why I am going to miss her... she really pushes me!

Tappering for the rest of the week as I have the MS150 from Houston to Austin next weekend. Should be fun!

Puttered around the north end of Lake Washington, in lively wind and brilliant sunshine. Flowers blooming everywhere, little kids learning to ride on the trail, families strolling in the amazing spring weather.

Stopped at a bench under a wildly fluffy blooming cherry, petals falling like crazy. Watched bikes go by. Got a kick out of the husband-n-wife pairs out riding matching new bikes with matching new outfits.

Wandered down to a beach. Typical PNW: some folks bundled up in layers and wooly hats and mittens, some folks in shorts and t-shirts.

Gorgeous spring day.

My first time ever to post on the ride report thread.

I spent most of the day tinkering with my new bike and once I finally got it all fixed just right I finally took about a 15 or so mile ride. And oh what a sweet ride it was.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...v/IMG_0495.jpg

I decided to get back on the mtb and take Carmine for a spin down a winding, hilly paved road. We rode by horses, wildflowers, rivers, and new calves. I also realized how being off the bike for about a month was not exactly fun when it came to doing hill work. :p :rolleyes:

Sandra, what a beautiful place to ride. Is it a bike path or a small country road?

Got back into town late -- hit the trainer due to darkening skies and wind (did I mention I am WHIMPY about the weather!?). So I joined forces with ol' Coach Troy again tonight -- this time SUFFER-O-RAMA. 53 minutes of intensive intervals. Sweat ALOT! This is good.

HARLEY: I am missing the Methow Valley SO BADLY.. we have a cabin in the area and cannot get there yet (without the 8 hour drive around from Skagit County). Your picture and ride made me wishful for a quicker pass opening.

Everyone's write ups sound great... the spring weather is trying hard to arrive! I have also noticed all the spring babies -- lots of lambs and calfs all over up here!
Jes

Rain, rain, rain, drizzle, rain, wind, cold.......

Trainer - spin for 45 minutes......:(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Crankin

We led our first ride of the season, despite the fact it was hovering around 40, drizzly, and raw. It was me and 5 guys...
I knew the other people who signed up would want to push the speed a little more than we advertised and before the ride I told my husband not to drop me, since i was the sweep. Anyway, it wasn't an issue, since one of the participants, who is also a leader in our club came on his hybrid and very out of shape. I stayed with him, and I have to say, even I was getting a little antsy, wanting to go faster. I was happy to stay behind him for the first really hard climb, but after that I was warmed up. But, I stayed back and for the first time this year, I had no pain in my groin or hip. So, the PT is working.
25.6 miles, about 1200 feet of climbing, in pretty nasty conditions. My feet were a bit cold when we got back, despite wearing woolie bully socks and my booties.

---

I actually saw you out yesterday. My friend and I passed you on Sugar Rd in Bolton, going in the opposite direction. I didn't realize it was you until we passed, or I would have said hello! Great job on the ride.

We were planning to do a ride that started in Concord, and followed a marked loop of about 63 miles. Met at the high school, dressed, locked cars, all gadgets reset and turned on - uh-oh! My friend had her road mike, but her MTB shoes/clips! We quickly changed back, got into our cars, and drove to her house in Bolton for a change, and started our ride mid-route. Salvaged, so that was key!

As Robyn said, the weather was ugly here - cold, gray and misting. My training plan called for FOUR HOURS on the bike at ENDURANCE pace :eek:. UGH! We managed 3:35, and I was definitely in my Endurance zone, so mostly achieved my goals for the day... Ended back in Bolton with 53 miles, and were rewarded with a soak in the hot tub.

SheFly

61 miles for me. another great day in Chicago. first 30 had a decent head wind, and i was a tad bit tired... but did okay. we stopped for lunch, and i had a yummy BLT:D, and headed back with the push of the wind... gotta love that:D

I realize I didn't do my ride report except for the near miss. The weather was brilliant. Tried out some new roads, and visited some old ones.

On the new ones, I got kinda, sorta lost, so decided to check google maps on my new Palm. Bad news. I can't read the maps without my glasses. :mad:

Did 32.67 hilly miles, max grade 14.5%.

Veronica & I did a 200K permanent, and we lived to tell the tale!

Actually, her survival was not the one in question ... :)

One of us will write up our adventures soon - I have an early meeting at work so I won't be able to write anything up until tonight.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jobob

Veronica & I did a 200K permanent, and we lived to tell the tale!

Actually, her survival was not the one in question ... :)

One of us will write up our adventures soon - I have an early meeting at work so I won't be able to write anything up until tonight.

---

Congrats Jo!!!
Looking forward to hearing about it.:)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrBadger

Tappering for the rest of the week as I have the MS150 from Houston to Austin next weekend. Should be fun!

---

You will have so much fun! Make sure you take the challenge route through the park, it is worth every mile of suffering to climb those hills. ;)

Didn't ride yesterday, instead I did a 5k for Colon Cancer. It was great since my dad and Pawpaw both fought the disease (and beat it). My husband's Gastroenterologist totally smoked me out on the course. :p