Magnificent or Mundane May Rides!

[emily_in_nc]

I haven't even ridden yet, just starting the thread! Planning to get out a little later this morning when it's warmer.

[Crankin]

My first ride in May was my commute today. It's really nice out, after 2-3 days of cold rain. It was about 52 when I left for work at 9, and really humid, as we actually had a thunderstorm about 10 PM last night. I did not sweat a bit on my way in. I left to come home at around 12:30-12:45 and it's about 65, with a wind that is kind of stiff at times. The sun is in and out. By the time I got to my street, before I went up the hill, I had the jersey and vest unzipped, and the arm warmers pushed down. Yet, I saw some wearing full winter gear. I don't like to be cold, but maybe it was the humidity that had me sweating. A big 10.4 miles, but I feel like I worked.

[Veronica]

I rode my bike in the trainer after work yesterday - Hillacious. It was about 93 degrees when I got off work, hard to head outside when it's that hot!

Veronica

[SheFly]

V - I am shaking my head. It's been SO COLD, and SO RAINY here, that I think I would take the 93 degrees!

Went out last night for a ride that ended up being beautiful in so many ways. First, I stopped to help a little boy who had his helmet on backwards. We turned it around, and he was SO EXCITED to let me know that he and his friend were racing, and when the got to the big puddle, they lifted their feet, and rode right through! Then, it was so beautiful out, I actually stripped my gloves and my arm warmers off. A bit further down the road, I bumped into a really good friend, and we stood and chatted for probably a good half hour. Her daughter committed suicide about a year and a half ago, so we chatted about that, and my brother (approaching the five year anniversary of his suicide). I left continuing on my ride, and instead of being sad or melancholy, I realized how happy I was - I thought of my brother and the good memories we had, I thought of my friend and her daughter, and both brought a smile to my face. As I passed daffodils and tulips finally in bloom after a long, cold, snowy winter, I smiled some more and thought of my beloved grandma.

Traffic was pleasant, other riders were waving back at me, the sun was out, and I really was just enjoying the ride. Later, I passed a farm and the smells reminded me of time spent on my aunt's farm, bringing more smiles. When I got home, I was so relaxed and happy. DH asked how my ride was, and my answer was - BEAUTIFUL.

I forget, with all of the training and racing, to sometimes just appreciate the beauty of the ride. Last night reminded me how important that was.

SheFly (who is just in from another glorious day of riding, but with a bit more purpose, as tomorrow is another race day)

[ny biker]

I rode my bike in the trainer after work yesterday - Hillacious. It was about 93 degrees when I got off work, hard to head outside when it's that hot!

Veronica

I love riding my bike after work when it's 93 degrees. I will rejoice when I finally get the chance to do it again.

Last night was weight training night for me, but I enjoyed the walk to the gym and back. Tomorrow I'll be leading a metric century on a multi-class club ride. I think I will probably want arm warmers to start, and maybe knee warmers, but at some point I should be down to just a short-sleeved jersey and shorts.

[Crankin]

I'm sad. DH went to replace the shifters on my Kuota and in the process, discovered my rear brake is shot. These brakes are pretty old and so I always think that when it feels less grippy than my Guru, it's because the Guru has a version that are 5 years newer. Then, DH went and checked his Kuota, and it's pretty much the same thing. Obviously, we do regular maintenance, replace pads, cables, etc. as we ride a good amount. DH broke down and is on the phone with the LBS to see if they have what we need, instead of ordering them on line. I really want to ride the Kuota tomorrow on a group ride for other leaders, as I just feel I have better skills in a group with this bike. Not that I haven't used the Guru on group rides, but's that's usually when big climbs are involved and tomorrow is not one of those. I think I said last week the Kuota is starting to show its age... not that I need a new carbon bike, but I need to spend some money here.
ETA: We bought the brakes, and they are installed on both Kuotas.Poor DH worked from about 3:30 PM to 8 PM on the shifters on my bike and both brakes. He has to miss the ride for leaders tomorrow because our dryer is dying and we are getting a new one (and a new washer) delivered between 4 and 6. He'll make the dinner, though.

[Dragonfly5]

The husband and I rode just shy of ten miles today. I wanted to ride a little further but the sky got really dark and we had a few passing sprinkles and the wind picked up. Of course, by the time we got home the sun came back out (and then a little later clouded up and rained again - gotta love Maine weather) It felt great to be out and I finally got up the courage to ride over the railroad tracks with the road bike. I know it's a silly thing, but I'm slowly gaining confidence in my abilities