Rides for Sunday Jan 6

[RoadRaven]

Well, Down Under summer has begun and I learned a valuable lesson today.

I had a hard race yesterday, and today decided that going for a 50km very hilly ride (I climb up to 600metres above sea level twice - I must ask my son to work out the total climbing for me) was just the ticket.

So 50km on the flat in recovery mode would be a good thing. But I went in the middle of the day and watched the temp on my bike comp fluctuate between 30-38'C (thats approx 84-103'F). Most of the ride was accmopanied by a stiff sea breeze - only the last 10km of which were as a tail wind.

I went through 3 bottles of water thanks to the local school having a convenientap (some of it tipped over my head and neck as I got close to home - reminiscent of Landis in the infamous Stage 17).

But unlike Landis, my climbing was completely forgettable. On slopes that I would normally climb at 10-12kph, I was barely able to maintain 5kph.

I wasn't close to bonking - my nutrition was ok. But I was dripping sweat, guzzling water and my legs were like mud.

Note to self, choose to do 50km hilly rides at least 48 hours after racing and never in the heat of the day!

So... how did your Sundays go gals?

[makbike]

Woke to yet another dismal day in Kentucky - gray, gloomy and windy. However, the temps were in the mid-50's so I decided to battle the wind and ride. I logged 22.3 miles this morning and until I turned into the wind my average speed was a wonderful 16.8 mph in the end the strong headwind on the way home took its toll and I only average 16.1 for the day. I'm now sitting in in my warm house layering clothes for I'm freezing! Now I have to talk myself into loading the bike and heading into Louisville for the club's afternoon ride - I haven't convinced myself I want to fight the wind this afternoon - still have an hour to debate the issue.

Ride #2:

I did warm up enough so I decided to drive into Louisville to join the club for its 2:00 ride. I hooked up with a fast group and hung on as we made our way down River Road at a fast pace - 20 mph. A group of us formed a paceline and we worked well together as we made our way down River Road. It was a fast ride, not my fastest, but I felt good on my bike and there was a huge smile on my face. It was great to see my cycling buddies. We rode 22 miles and I averaged 16.3 mph - the wind was awful. I'm quickly discovering that my new bike does not handle the wind as well as my trusted "little blue bike - the Tank" There were times today that the crosswinds were moving me and the bike to the right or left - quite the experience.

[SouthernBelle]

We're having those same winds in Tennessee. The first part of my ride was straight into it. Bad, evil wind. I considered just bailing and going home. But then I turned off on a road where this dog lives who likes to run. With me. I've learned to only take this road in one direction so I don't run him toward the highway. Then I remembered I have my new camera. He was not a cooperative subject but I got one decent snap:



Then I turned off on the llama farm road. Snapped a couple of pics just because:





This camera is so much smaller than my old HP I'm going to have to think more about holding it still.

Finally got to the llama farm, but only one llama was in the front pasture and there was a large dog objecting to my presence.



S/he wouldn't come up to the fence.

[mimitabby]

Nice pictures, Southern Belle! you even got the dog!

we rode 18 miles. The temps varied from 38-42 degrees. There was a brief rainless window and even though it was cold, we went for it.

Went from home to Peet's deli and back. Raleighdon led the way and threw in some hills just for fun. 16% grade on the steepest one.

[Mr. Bloom]

Silver and I joined three other Tri-Team members for what turned out to be much harder than we expected.

Five riders, three flats, 20 to 30 mph winds from the south. Fortunately, temp was 60 and the rain held off

I was at 45.8 miles with just under 2,492 feet of climbing!

I would have normally thought it impossible that I would have 65 miles in the first weekend of January in Indiana.

[SouthernBelle]

I would have normally thought it impossible that I would have 65 miles in the first weekend of January in Indiana.

We're having the same weather here. Wonder if we will have to pay for it later.

[Popoki_Nui]

Rain and sun off and on here today, and a little windy too. Still, I managed to crank out just over 50km and got rained on only a little. Nice to get out for a real ride after relying on the trainer for most of December.

[wannaduacentury]

The weather turned nice for me(compared to last thursday 35 w/ 35 mph winds) Today was sunny, lovely and low 60's. We have annual ride in our area called the Elvis Ride(yes it was really for Elvis Presley). A fellow named Doug started it 20 years ago for a casual, no frills ride, no entry fee etc. Tip jar for donuts at the end Had guitars painted on the road for route markings. I did the 15 mile route and had a blast. Toward the end there was a horse farm and 5 horses running and chasing each other. I wish I'd brought the digital camera. darn. A fun day. Jenn

[lauraelmore1033]

It was over 40 degrees and sunny when I set out for a leisurely 35 mile ride on the Centennial trail in Snohomish today. I decided to leave my "underlayer" at home along with the rain gear in spite of weather reports that predicted snow and rain. Those darn forecasters are only right about half the time, so I decided to trust my eyes--which turned out to be a big mistake. The trail was rather crowded with pedestrians and skittish horses until it started to sprinkle around mile 10, and I thought, "no big deal, I'm not any damper than I would be from sweating". Around mile 12, it started pouring and snowing and the temp dropped down to 36 degrees and I was suddenly soaked and COLD! Suddenly, the trail was devoid of human life. I decided to turn around and hightail it back to the car and was greeted by a rather ferocious headwind. I've never really ridden much in the drops, but I was struck by a sudden desire to do so then as I pedalled for dear life. That was the longest 12 miles of my life! It occurred to me that this was potentially a dangerous situation if I developed a mechanical problem with the bike and had to stop moving. I thought of that fellow on the "man vs wild" show and how he's always preaching about the dangers of getting wet in cold weather. He's always getting wet on the show, which, of course, creates an urgent need for him to pop out of his clothes and build a fire. I had a mental picture of myself naked in the woods, my belly exposed in all it's glory and decided I would rather die of the cold-- Or just keep moving. By the time I reached the car I was drenched and shivering, my feet were numb and my legs were crampy. When I got home I boiled myself like a lobster in the shower, but I'm still cold and shivery. Another important lesson learned today...

[solobiker]

No ride today, I have had a bad cold for almost 2 weeks which has kept me out of the mountains. Today I was feeling a little better so DH and I went out touring on our skis for a couple of hours at about 10,000 feet. Have to get that altitude training in Still not feeling great but it felt nice to get out.

[Mr. Bloom]

I've never really ridden much in the drops, but I was struck by a sudden desire to do so then as I pedalled for dear life. That was the longest 12 miles of my life!

Sounds like you had a few firsts!

COngrats on surviving the ride!

[lauraelmore1033]

and lasts, hopefully.:

[cosc]

Weather has been unseasonable warm the last few days so I've been able to get a few rides in. I can feel my leg muscles talking saying there is a need to push it up a notch or too when on the trainer. I miss those breaks I take during warm weather rides. It was fun to have my dh along for the 27 mile ride yesterday. Temp was 39, not much wind and I even got the clothing right. On top I wore 2 thin wool layers and a wool sweater - bottoms were a 2 pair of tights. My feet had 2 thinner wool sock with newspaper around toes and booties over cycling shoes. Head was covered with wool liner and buff. My long fingered gloves were a bit cool which I ended up putting wool liners under. I usually err on the side of too much clothing, but wasn't too sweaty for this ride.

Laura I'm glad you were able to make it back to a warm shower. My rack bag is an all important tool for extra clothes in our cold winter months. In Georgia you probably don't encounter cold rains too often. Even with a raincoat in tow sometimes I wait too long to get it on so get wet anyway.