Aug 2nd rides

[dachshund]

I did my usual week-day ride, but finally tackled a hill I've been wondering about. It's +10% grade on my map, so it was good to finally try it.

On the way back I hit a big tree-root bump, which I usually miss... came down hard on my back wheel and got a flat. I got lots of encouragement from walkers passing by, who took the opportunity to chat me up while I was doing my chore. No cyclists stopped or asked if I needed help, so I guess a flat is like the plague or something!

[eclectic]

did 2 separate rides today.

Decided to do leisurely this morn, rode the trail and on the way back decided to try a hill that I have never made it up in one shot. The doc gave me some new breathing meds on Monday so here was the test. Grannied down immediatly took it slow and MADE IT TO THE TOP ! !

The hill isn't that long but the top is beyond steep (if you stop you can't start again).

Did my victory lap around the park, met up w/ an acquaintance and chatted for 7 laps

This evening was the club ride. My BF the leisurely, fair-weather rider unexpectedly showed up. The first 6 miles were great. 20 mph tail wind. However, we knew we had about 4 miles against it when we turned around.
Clouds started rolling in and my fairweather BF and I decided to skip the extra loop and head for home.

The rain hit with about 5 miles left to go. The wind gusts were so bad the rain hurt when it hit (when I got home and looked it up we had 41mph gusts) the wind was steady at 25-30mph) We took shelter on the leeward side of a building. Rain would let up a little so we would do another mile and take shelter again. Finally just waited it out. Then it was perfect, no wind, cool and beautiful. Had I not been soaking wet and freezing I would have finished out the ride.

My DBF has decided no more club rides, he has done 3 this season and on each one the wind picked up to 25 mph. (I think he brings it with him

All told today - about 44 miles

[Trek420]

No ride yesterday but I got myself to the dojo for a two hour class. Marinela had said "no black belts ever come to the Wednesday class " But there were four of us there including two visitors: Russ from Texas, Ewa from Poland, Kishna and me. Good class, I was exhausted.