November Rides

[Crankin]

So, we have a pretty bad nor'easter predicted and the rain has already started. It's snowing up in Burlington, VT.
Got up, and DH and I decided to beat the rain, after looking at the weather. In order to give ourselves motivation, we decided just do one of our usual weekday early AM loops, and stop at a café for breakfast on the way home. We actually had a pleasant ride, despite it being 41 and cloudy. Saw lots of other riders doing the same thing as we were. Had a nice Mediterranean breakfast sandwich and coffee, and then rode the 3.5 miles home, for a total of 14 miles. It was spritzing when we left after eating, but only briefly. However, the rain started in earnest about 45 minutes after we got home.
DH spent an hour trying to adjust my Frog cleats on my winter shoes, so I don't fly out of the pedals unexpectedly. I know this has been an on going issue for a lot of people, and now it seems to be right. He also worked on my regular shoes I use with those pedals, but those were not as bad. I love my winter shoes, so now I can use them more. I expect to commute right up through the first snow, so it will be easier than shoes, booties, and sometimes chemical warmers.

[AppleTree]

I need to dig out my toe covers. 30 miles on the rail trail, it was chilly today, foggy, damp and cool, I never really did warm up today. I had two layers of tights, a winter jersey with a base layer, wool socks and a wool neck gaiter... It was in the low 50s most of the day, but felt colder. At least it wasn't raining. We are in for a bout of rainy days over the next few weeks I think. It might be dry tomorrow morning, so will take that opportunity while I can, maybe do 15 to 20 miles!

[shootingstar]

Did a grand total of 20 km.....wanted to squeeze in cycling, then produce / grocery shopping by bike to farmers' market and then, grocery store before first snow fell.

I was right --it snowed within 1 hr. after I got home.

[marni]

did the Independence ride today. This is a ride that follows the principles of Joey's shoes, for every Independence ride jersey purchased, a handicapped veteran rider gets a jersey. in addition to that, the funds raised go toward buying specialized wheelchairs and bikes for handicapped veterans.

we started out in the mid 50's and ended in the mid 60's/ Some pretty heavy (15-2 0 mph headwinds that shifted around to a quartering headwind by the time we headed back. So inspiring
to pass a group of blind veterans riding with partners, and several hand cranked bikes. Aside from the cold it was sunny.

all in all we did 42 miles in 2:45 which was not too bad considering the wind.

[salsabike]

did the Independence ride today. This is a ride that follows the principles of Joey's shoes, for every Independence ride jersey purchased, a handicapped veteran rider gets a jersey. in addition to that, the funds raised go toward buying specialized wheelchairs and bikes for handicapped veterans.

we started out in the mid 50's and ended in the mid 60's/ Some pretty heavy (15-2 0 mph headwinds that shifted around to a quartering headwind by the time we headed back. So inspiring
to pass a group of blind veterans riding with partners, and several hand cranked bikes. Aside from the cold it was sunny.

all in all we did 42 miles in 2:45 which was not too bad considering the wind.

Marni, that ride and that cause sound awesome.

[rebeccaC]

Sometimes I need to be in a place that’s good for my soul, a place to clear my mind, bring me peace, ignite my creativity, give me clarity and lets me be still, feel calm and be connected to nature. Joshua Tree National Park is one of my magical spiritual heavens to bike, hike and climb in......to just be

[lph]

Nice photos, RebeccaC! Are you setting up a rope for the next team in that one shot?

[lauraelmore1033]

Those are beautiful photos. I'm jealous of the non Mordor-like weather.
Sunday I accompanied DH to Marymoor park for his third Cyclocross race. I did a quick zip up the Sammamish River Trail to Bothell and back on the recumbent while he warmed up for the race. Lots of trail walkers and sunday drivers who suddenly became sprinters when they noticed the fat lady on the funny bike was about to pass. Made them eat my dust anyway and arrived back to the park just in time for the rain to set in and to watch Dh do some fun slipping and sliding in the mud. Makes me want to do it some day...

[rebeccaC]

Thanks lauraelmore and VeganBikeChick

Lph, thanks…..she and a couple of her friends were starting their climbs after we had finished that route.

[Crankin]

Just finished my early morning annual birthday ride. It was predicted to be between 33 and 36 degrees, so I wore my winter cycling jacket, a thermal jersey, and a LS base layer. Of course, I got downstairs, and it was 41. Sometimes it is warmer at my house, on the top of the hill, than in town, but I didn't notice a difference. I had to unzip about halfway through my 13 mile ride. Very pleasant, though slow, as I'm just not warmed up and it is cold, despite being warm from my clothing. Now that it's no longer Daylight Savings Time, the sky was light, though not completely when I got back.
A good start to a very long day. I am seeing clients from 9-7, then going to a friend's house for dinner. Now, I have to get my azz in gear, so I can go vote before work.

[Blueberry]

Happy Birthday, Crankin! Sounds like a perfect way to start the day!

[AppleTree]

What a cool idea Jolt!

[ny biker]

I led a 34-mile club ride today. It was cold and gray, thermometer said mid-40s but without the sun it felt colder. I would have been warm enough except the group's pace was a bit too slow, and I was coasting for too much of it. I was riding sweep but there were a few times when I just had to speed up and pass people in order to warm up.

Afterwards we stopped at a nearby Dunkin' Donuts for coffee and hot chocolate.

Despite the January-in-November weather, we had a nice ride with a good group of people. I posted the ride on the club's schedule in order to force myself to get out and ride, and I'm glad I did.

[marni]

did my normal Wednesday ride yesterday and it was much better than last week. Yes the winds were really blowing last week as the same 42 miles only took 2:30 instead of 4:30 and the average mph was up from 13.2 to 14.8. Only problem was that it started out cold 40's and ended in the low 70's so by the time I was finished I was feeling like boiled lobster. There are only so many layers one can take off.

the ride stats were 450.2 miles in 2:30 at an average 14,8 mph.

[AppleTree]

Wow, great stats Marni! 450 miles in just 2 1/2 hours!! 😋