I want to ride faster

[indysteel]

I'm glad it's not just me. I think my perception of what is and isn't a windy day has really changed, too, this winter. In the summer, I'd think it was windy if there was even a slight breeze. What a laugh! I would pay top dollar for a day like that now when the wind nearly knocks me down most rides.

Of course, slow or not, I'm very grateful that the weather's been so nice and that I'm remained healthy this winter. There's only been one weekend that I couldn't ride at all and that was a bit by choice (I decided to beat myself up in a 2.5 hour yoga class instead). I might not get a ride in this weekend either with rain/snow predicted but I'm taking tomorrow off and the skies look clear. At the end of the day, I'd rather be slow than grounded.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

At least where I live, there has been definitely more wind overall once Autumn kicked in. It IS harder to ride in the wind, and the cold can slow you down, not to mention the heavier layers of clothes.

[Kitsune06]

I hate to say it, but speed is more dictated by strength and endurance than the clothes you wear, the equipment tacked on and all those precious grams. It's not until you're really racing, when strength and endurance match those of the competition and you need every edge that you can get, that these things are important. Until then, you're just buying excuses.

[RoadRaven]

Kit... don't "hate to say it"

Its true... absolutely and comprehensively
Say it... say it loud - too many people I race with blame the bike, the shoes, the helmet, the gears, the cranks.... etc etc etc... Very few own up to their own performance!

(I race at entry level still... )

And I am going to borrow your phrase - "buying excuses" - its perfect.
Excellent word crafting.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sorry, but I can't afford to buy excuses- spent all my spare money on winter biking clothes so I can KEEP RIDING! I rode almost 4 hours today in 31F and almost got frostbite. Didn't bother looking at my speed, the hell with THAT... I just wanted to make it home alive!

[Bike Goddess]

Lisa- I just think that riding in 31 degree weather is a feat in itself! Besides, I think temperatures that low do have an effect on your speed. As SK said, it takes longer for our bodies to warm up (if they ever do!!!).

[RoadRaven]

31'F???

Isn't that about 0'celsius???

Congrats on making it home without frostbite!!!

Brrrr.... I have trouble with a few degrees above freezing - let alone on it or below!!!

You rock, Lisa... and all you other gals who bike in the Northern winter... (In the southern hemisphere we had a 26' day here and yesterday it was 31'C (thats about 75-85'F I think in your language?)