5/20 rides

[Crankin]

Today I went on a group ride that did a 31 mile loop of Cape Ann. We started out in Gloucester at Stage Fort Park and rode into downtown Gloucester, past the fisherman's statue, and around many beautiful coves, harbors, inlets, and a few "private" roads that hugged the shore. We cycled into Rockport, and stopped at the visitor center to use the bathroom. The lunch stop was a mile before the end, and since there was a long line and I had just eaten my Luna bar, I headed back to my car, with a few others. The traffic in the downtown area was kinda busy and the other riders were going all around the cars on a one way street... until someone yelled at them. I hung back, got in the lane, and was treated nicely by all of the drivers.
It was getting close to 80 when I finished, but the ocean breeze helped. Tomorrow is going to be 90, so it sounds like an early AM ride to me!

[redrhodie]

I did a quick 22 miles in town. There were a couple of annoying car incidents. Both times, my pet peeve, which is when a car rushes to pass me, even though I've taken the lane and am traveling at or near the speed limit, in order to beat me to a stop sign. I hate that, but it doesn't happen that often. That's why it was weird when it happened twice in a couple of blocks.

The rest of the ride was quite lovely! Light winds, full sun, flowers in bloom, and not a lot of traffic. Nothing else to complain about!

[nolemom]

Managed a 50 mile group ride despite the looming rain clouds in Central Florida. The cycling gods smiled on us and we managed to avoid all but a few drops. Our weather is suppose to clear tomorrow, but we can't complain. We desperately need the rain.

[Urlea]

Today was my first 50miler *EVER* The ride was great & I felt/feel really empowered about it!!

It was a very hilly route in the country to prep for a hilly HIM next month. Wildlife was abundant. Snakes, muskrats & turkeys all crossed the road in front of my during the ride.

The conditions for the ride weren't ideal. 30+ Mph winds the entire time. For the portions into the headwind all of my speed was zapped & then again parts of the crosswind were very difficult to keep the bike upright in the gusts. My chain also derailed twice, which has never happened to me before, but I was able to get it back on & working again pretty easily.

Other then that, it was a beautiful day. The wind helped keep the higher temps comfortable. My fueling was perfect, my gear was perfect & I made it!!!

Woohoo!!! Really excited to do more of these longer rides. I LOVE IT!

[shootingstar]

congrats urlea!

I didn't see as many critters....but in my 42 kms ride this morning which is within the city, I passed a young coyote..just 3 ft. away from the bike lane, which is part of a major road thronging with car traffic. It was very close to me. It came out of a local park near the university. We looked at each other and I sped up..

So strange to see one there.

This is the 3rd time I've seen this creature or similar within last 12 months. And there are joggers in this park..by the ocean.

[HoosierGiant]

60 windy miles and three of east-central Indiana's covered bridges -- gorgeous day for a ride!

[smilingcat]

First time in a while. Felt great to be on a bike. Didn't get dizzy spell. Lost just a little bit of conditioning.

It was wonderful to be out and riding casually. Not a training ride but just ride for fun. What a concept My HRM seem to be broken so one less thing to be enslaved. Lack of HRM freed me from the chain of training.

[deedolce]

First Time Trial!! I felt like a total poseur, with my little road bike, mirror, and big saddle bag and bento box! Surrounded by $1k zip tires, tt helmets and bodysuits on mostly men with 5% body fat!

It was too fun for words. And I didn't blow up!!

[SheFly]

I did "two-wheeled therapy" yesterday. Started with a 50 mile ride out to Harvard and back (so, a bit hilly). I was with my coach and another woman I race with, so the pace was fairly brisk.

Not having taken out enough of my emotion on the road, I then headed over to the TT - another 12 miles and actually did well given the miles already on my legs for the day, finishing only 3 seconds slower than my first outing of the year!

Today? More bike therapy.

SheFly

[Reesha]

I went to meet up with the high school cycling team that I coach outside an LBS, and not a one showed up! (Figures, finals are over!) Dismayed that I'd have to ride alone, I was then invited to ride along with two older gentlemen! We rode a relaxed thirty miles and talked the whole time. It's so nice to make new friends over bikes!

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Had an awesome 32 mile Wed night ride!! Excellent weather and I just felt really strong... Had another new PR for this weekly club ride. 17.4 mph avg!! ...and I felt great afterward! :-)

[short cut sally]

There were big plans for a group ride. My riding partner, her DH, fellow co-worker, DH and myself. They all bailed so just DH and I. This was his first ride of the year, for 19 miles. I don't care to ride afternoon or evening, as I've lost all energy by then. I am a morning rider. So riding at 5pm was hard for me. DH did really well. He says he's not sore today but I beg to differ as he's made comments about sitting and repositioning, wonder what he would say to another windy ride tonight!.