New again.

[Geonz]

Is it dry yet?

(Slapped on the Gore-Tex and rode in the rain at lunch today. Right now the radar is to laugh at - we are a wedge of clear between RAIN RAIN RAIN... so I guess I'll get to the bike shop for the inside ride without getting my shoes and socks (no gore-tex down there ) any wetter. Time to put 'em on and go!

[Dogmama]

I'm here to tell you that the hardest part about riding is putting on the helmet, shoes, etc. Once I was out there, I wondered why the h*ll I haven't been doing this!

You know how things just "come" to you when you're riding? I had a friend who was a recovering alcoholic. He used to describe drinking as "I take the first drink and the sh*t just disappears." I thought - that's the way I am on the bike. Holy moly - I'm an addict!

[Xrayted]

Hiya Pooks and Denise. Nice to see you both back on TE. Ya know, your bike doesn't have an expiration date. She will be there for you when you are ready. So if you find that you have other more important things in life to attend to for a while, she will undoubtedly forgive you. They are real cool like that. I know this from experience as my bike has forgiven me for not spending time with her for a while.
Tonight after reading this thread, I put her on the trainer and am about to ride. It will be a blissful reunion. Thank you for the inspiration.
I think you will find, like a true friend, when you two finally get a chance to hang out and play again, the "conversation" that ensues will be just like no time had passed between you.

Good luck ladies...

~X.

[pooks]

I just pulled on my cycling knickers and immediately felt a surge.

I'm on my way out the door, will report in later.

Thanks for all the warm welcome backs!

[pooks]

5.4 miles -- 54 degrees, overcast.

Wore my smartwool zip-T and Terry knickers with my boure-yellow short-sleeved jersey on top (because yellow and black is so classy with heather plum, don't you know). It was a pretty good combination for the weather though my calves were a bit chilly.

But the last block, the sun came out for a sec and as soon as it did -- I was HOT. Then it went back under.

It will take awhile for me to figure out how to dress for cool weather, but it felt good.

[Bad JuJu]

It will take awhile for me to figure out how to dress for cool weather, but it felt good.

I've found that the only way to go is to wear layers, and make sure you have someplace to carry anything that you peel off, like a jacket. It sounds like you did layer wisely--so if the sun had stayed out, you could just whip off that jersey and put it...somewhere (bungeed to rear rack, stuffed in bungees on Camelback pack, compressed into handlebar bag, etc...), and have it handy in case you got chilly again. Sounds to me like you've already figured out how to dress for cooler weather.

[pooks]

Well, I understand in concept because I first started buying microfiber bottom layers and such when we were traveling in the UK in February.

And I always ended up stripping off layers back when I was walking a couple of miles a day, or especially hiking.

What it will take me a while to figure out is what will work best for which temps when cycling, where the self-generated breeze will eliminate some of the heat my body generates. But you're right, I think I kind of nailed it, first try today!

[CyclChyk]

Welcome back POOKS! I too have been away (remodeling several rooms in the home and still going............. detail work is the WORST)!

Let us know how it goes for you the first couple times out. I am nervous about my first time out again as its been over 2 months I am sure my butt bones have gotten gooshy and things are gonna ache................

Good luck and have a GREAT time!!