Quote Originally Posted by chicagogal View Post
Hi rhyme,

I live a block from the lake front trail, so the ride you did has become my get a ride in before work standby. It is a great ride, especially early in the morning before it gets too crowded.

The first time I did it out and back, I too found it to be hard (especially that slight uphill by soldier field). But after you do it a few times, you will see that it becomes much easier!!! Really, the hardest part now is getting out of a warm bed before the sun comes out.

But yeah, the wind can be brutal. I have stopped checking the speed/direction of the wind b/c knowing that I will be facing 15mph headwinds on my return is the likeliest thing to get me right back into bed! I just try to remind myself that riding into a headwind is the closest we chicagoans get to riding up hill, so we might as well appreciate that it is just making us stronger.

Have fun while riding and don't let it become a chore! For me, it's my excuse to get to work a little late after having some "me time" in the morning (lucky for me, I can make my own hours).
The circuit I've started doing (every other day, I'm not yet strong enough to do it every day) is on at belmont and off at 58th or so.

The first time I did that 25 miler, I felt like total jello by the end - exhausted but I also didn't stop at all - two and half hours non stop. The second time, I took a break at 58th, had a bite to eat and then did the return, and that was a LOT easier. I'd like to try pushing it a bit further...Have you ever been south of there (south of 58th)? Is there anything past that? I'm tempted to try going another 5 miles or so (making it 35 total), but I admit I'm a little scared of the return, the headwind can really make for an exhausting ride.