Riding weather! Temps in the 50s today made me ride...

[DeniseGoldberg]

What an awesome gift in mid-January - a day with temperatures in the 50s (Fahrenheit, that is!).

My plans are to take tomorrow off in exchange for working January 2nd, and as long as this weather sticks around I still plan to do that. But today? Well, I just couldn't resist. So I worked from 7:15 until 2, then headed home. I need to get another couple of hours of work in, but I wanted to share my escape with you before I get back to working...

I got in a very nice ride, mostly dry pavement, sun, some wisps of clouds. It was 51 degrees when I headed out, and silly me - I can't remember how to dress for that temperature. Actually I did pretty well, since I wore a wind jacket with zip-off sleeves. I took the sleeves off about 3 miles down the road and then I was fine. There is still ice on ponds, and I rode by some wooded areas that are still sporting snow cover. But it felt so good to ride in warmer temperatures. I only managed 18 miles given that I wanted to be home before the darkness came - but that 18 miles felt mighty good!

Anyone else manage a ride today?

[Crankin]

I did! After totally deflating a tire, since it's been so long since I used the pump, I went out on my first solo ride since moving to Concord. I did a 15.2 mile loop that will probably be one of my short mainstays as it gets lighter out. I got home early enough (2:15), but the tire thing took 15 extra minutes, so I was getting worried about it getting dark, by the time I changed, etc. The roads for this loop are well traveled (Denise you've been on both), so there wasn't any sand or too much debris. I stayed off of the side streets as some looked like beaches. I need to do some exploring of other streets in Concord, too. It would be quite easy for me to do some of my old loops, but even though it's only about 4 miles to get to some of them, it involves crossing RT 2A, which is dicy even for cars at rush hour. Oh yes, and there's my street (14% grade) and my driveway (20% at one point). It's really something to look forward to at the end of every ride! If I stay above 5 mph on the driveway, I feel happy.
I might ride tomorrow PM, but I don't think I will have enough light.

[cyclechick314]

I rode too.....couldn't believe the 62 degree weather.
I did overdress....got too hot, and didnt have the kind of clothes I could zip and unzip as needed...I will learn how to do this better.
I also got a flat.....grrrrrr. I think the CO2 cartridges are one of the best things invented. I don't have the hand strength to pump those stiff pumps.
It still takes me quite a while to get them fixed..but I did and then went on my merry way. It was a great ride, on a sunny winter morning.....felt good.

[TrekJeni]

Here in Ohio we have been having unseasonably warm weather. Today's high was 61. Tomorrow though it looks like we're supposed to get a few inches of the white stuff.

I headed over to my girlfriend's house (6 miles away) and then we kicked butt on some major hills. Got another 25 in with her. Went back to her house where her hubby had dinner on the table and my bf handed me a beer. Good day was had by all!

Jeni

[annie]

It was a heat wave in Iowa, too, yesterday! We hit a record high of 51. And you bet I rode! The roads were in good shape. The sun was out. I wish I could have gone longer and farther! But 20 miles was better than none, and then work called. I actually got to ride on Wed, too, so TWO days in a row, outside on the bike, in January. Amazing! Makes me feel like ME again. And today, its snowing as I write this. Typical IA weather. Changes from one day to the next.

annie

[SpinSis]

I didn't get out yesterday--to much to do at work--but I did ride into work today and I plan to do the 16 mile trek out to BF in Bedford around 3pm! Can't wait. Hopefullly, I won't encounter too much traffic then since the ride is largely on well-traveled routes (since the bike path is not a likely option). Ordered a bunch of cold weather riding gear, but it sure wasn't needed this morning!

Robyn: have you see the laminated pocket route maps for rides that depart from the end of the Minuteman trail? They might give you ideas for rides in Concord/Carlisle too.

Enjoy the warmth!
S