August 9th rides!

[Dr. Liz]

Finally made it past the 50 mile mark today (50 miles in one ride that is). We finally did a ride that we have been talking about for about a month. It includes 4400 ft. of climbing, and was a grand total of 51.9 miles. We didn't go all that fast (15.0 mph/avg), but that was partially because I didn't feel so hot when we first started out, and because I wanted to pace myself. And I underestimated myself. When we finished the ride, I could have easily gone futher.

I felt good, and I'm glad we did it. We'll have to change the route next time (we were on a state road that had WAY TOO many cars on it), but I'm glad we finally did what we've been talking about!

And finally! A 50+ mile ride. The next goal is the metric century. This is doable. And then the goal after that will be a true centry.

And as an aside, for those of you who suggested carrying fig newtons - THANK YOU!!! I can't stand GU. The stuff has the consistency of snot.But fig newtons? That I can do. Great suggestion. And (yes, I made DH admit to this, although it took some arm-twisting), my Camelbak is a great idea, because I could carry more water, and since he went through 3.5 bottles of water (and yes, his bike is set up to carry 2), the fact that I was carrying extra water was a bonus. So there!

[Kano]

No ride today -- darn it!

Took my bike along with me to LBS when I went to pick up the seat post that had been on order. Lovely sales guy installed it for me, and checked the bottom bracket, which had a "clunk" -- the only description I could give. He gave it to the service department, and they looked for a while, then said they needed a couple of hours, since they were going to replace the "bottom bracket." I don't think that part has pretty paint, but I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the pedals and their connection to the bike. I had to pick it up before work, late in the afternoon, and then worked til dark...

While I was in the shop, though, I had time to covet. Some bikes on sale, some not on sale, ohhhh pretty! And I was noticing -- drop handle bar shape is so much different from back when I was a teen and had a ten speed. And they all looked small, and dainty, and agile. They had some funky looking mountain bikes too -- those Cannondale bikes with the "lefty" front ends, wow, they pretty much freaked me out! There was also, I think a Gary Fisher Fat Possum? with a lovely orange glittery finish. LOTS of glitter, great orange color!

The Specialized Ruby Comp, and that blue and white Cannondale something or other, though....

Coveting was fun, but I need to shake this cold and do some riding!

Karen in Boise