Rides -- tell us about 'em!

[owlice]

I took a ride yesterday I didn't much enjoy, alas! I wanted to get in 30 miles, as the weather was so good and it's been so long since I've had a ride of more than 12-14 miles. So I went to the C&O Canal towpath, intending to ride up 15 miles then back.

That's not what happened, though. Tire-grabbing muck is what happened, in just a few places for the first six miles, and then in many more places for the next two, to the point where I just wanted to get away! I turned around just after eight miles, and wow, was I glad to get back to my car! I drove home, changed my clothes, and then drove to my nearby (paved) trail to ride there.

So I did get in 30 miles, but not all at once. I learned that yes, I can have a ride I don't like at all! Didn't stop it from helping, though, I've gotta say; the pinched nerve in my neck wasn't bothering me after the C&O ride. Amazing how that works; biking as medicine for... well, just about everything!

What riding have you been doing?

[redrhodie]

I did the same 20 mile loop 3 times this week. I also rode my trainer twice, and am now taking a few rest days in a row because there was a little ache on the side of my knee which I don't want to develop into an injury. Probably time for a massage.

[hammertime]

The only ride I did this week was one inside... it's still cold in Chicago and we aren't quite through with winter yet

but this was my first ride on a trainer with my own bike. I usually do spin classes, but the bike shop near my house is offering rides via a trainer. It was awesome... I am surprised how much harder it is to keep your pedal stroke smooth on these trainers... it was good. I'm going to be doing 2 of these a week.

I'm going to race this year ... and need to start training like a racer Getting a new Specialized Tarmac as soon as the 52's come available...

so that was my ride this weekend... nothing outside yet here in the windy city...

[Zen]

Don't pressure me.

[hammertime]

Don't pressure me.

you are always so funny Zen... I am not quick witted like some... I do not have that talent, but love it in others

[chicagogal]

The only ride I did this week was one inside... it's still cold in Chicago and we aren't quite through with winter yet

but this was my first ride on a trainer with my own bike. I usually do spin classes, but the bike shop near my house is offering rides via a trainer. It was awesome... I am surprised how much harder it is to keep your pedal stroke smooth on these trainers... it was good. I'm going to be doing 2 of these a week.

I'm going to race this year ... and need to start training like a racer Getting a new Specialized Tarmac as soon as the 52's come available...

so that was my ride this weekend... nothing outside yet here in the windy city...

Ditto on the trainer ride today. 50mi hilly course on the computrainer. It kicked my butt! I probably went out too hard at the beginning trying not to let one rider overtake me, then she blew up and quit at mile 23, ugh! She wasn't the only one to bail either. Only 2 of us finished the whole course, and I was sooo glad when it was done. But I was proud of myself for sticking it out, although my legs are still hurting. . .

I can't wait until the weather is good enough to ride outdoors!

[nolemom]

Florida weather is wonderful this time of year. I did 40 miles on Friday; Saturday's group ride was a blast and I managed to hang on to the front group for longer than usual - 50 miles; Today, we went around Lake Istokpoga and had a great tailwind for the ride home - 70 miles. I rode in a sleeveless jersey today it was so warm. Remind when I am complaining about the heat in August that there is a reason I live here.

[annielynn]

Went on my first group ride Saturday since November! It was really hard for me to get going. I would never have imagined that I would have such a hard time getting back in the groove. At our half way stopping point I was ready to turn around and go back to the truck. I didn't thought. I made it through to the end (30 miles) and was happy that I did. Just goes to show that the trainer doesn't keep me in as good of riding shape as riding outside does.

I am looking forward to my next group ride on Saturday.

[WindingRoad]

I've also been training indoors way too much. Indiana weather has yet to get decent for riding. I got in a 20 miler yesterday outside and it was wet. Did a short run today and it too was wet. Tonight we are supposed to have a 30 degree temperature drop, yuk o barf! I will be soooooooo glad when the weather gets better. I really want to get stronger because I'm moving in August to Philadelphia. Sounds like there's a big cycling community there and I'd like to be in good riding shape. I'd LOVE to be able to race if I can find the time. It's a little daunting not knowing the area and trying to find safe places and groups with which to train. Anyone familiar with the area?

[shootingstar]

We set off at 7:30 am, with the intention to take photos while certain display lights were on along a waterfront.

But we were too late, so kept on riding and went somewhere else to take pics. at top of a hill.

About 18 kms. but it was near freezing. Am enjoying the peace now.

[pfunk12]

I did the N2 ride yesterday morning - a ride that 7rider often mentions since it's a regular Saturday morning thing. It was a fairly large group for a cold winter morning. There was one minor bizarre crash involving 2 cyclists. One of the cyclists said that he started having trouble breathing and just lost control. So during an uphill sprint, he veered into the cyclist. Fortunately, the cyclist that he ran into only ended up with a sore hip. That ride was 67 miles.
This morning, I joined 2 of the guys from the shop to do the "early shop ride". We meet at 7:30 - an hour before the shop ride begins. When we started, the weather was decent - about 38 degrees but very cloudy. They were calling for rain late in the day but it started to sprinkle about 15 miles into the ride. And it got really damp and cold. So even though we were cold, wet and couldn't see very well, we had a lot of fun. That one was 35 miles.

[Triskeliongirl]

I had an amazing club ride yesterday. An unseasonable blast of warm air, started in the mid 60s, highs hit 74, and we rode in shorts and short sleeve jerseys by the ride end (I did start in my PI vagabound jacket, but unzipped the sleeves off pretty fast). Imagine that, in the middle of january! Everyone was in great spirits and pushed hard, despite some strong headwinds, but then we felt it later!

Our club rides had been cancelled due to bad weather the last couple of weekends, so it felt so great to be riding outside again!