Janauary 13 rides

[GLC1968]

Now this is a change...the CA girls riding in the cold while over here in NC, it was pushing 70! What is the world coming to??

Rode 50 hilly miles today. We anticipated no wind and we were sorely disappointed! Gusts across the farmlands up to 25-30mph...made the flats feel worse than the hills! I am proud to say that I didn't touch my granny gear even once today AND I tackled some of the tougher hills entirely on the big ring. Gotta build that leg strength....

[kelownagirl]

Where's the whining icon? I want to ride my bike!!!!

6 degrees F. Too much ice and snow. Must get back on trainer....

[Geonz]

Today's ride was back and forth and then out to Owen's Funeral HOme for the memorial for Fritz, who connected me with my Gazelle and was in other countless little ways a positive thing.
He was one of those guys who listened really well - and paid attention, too - and was definitely on the side of the little guy. He's the one who told me - when others were saying "be careful, start slow" - that I should go 17-18 for that ride across Indiana.

So different people got up to talk. The "emcee" of sorts asked "Susan" to come up. She said that many of us wouldn't know who she was. She had been in college wanting to ride her Schwinn LETour but needing to replace the rotten tires. Yellow Pages. Schwinn. "Can you put these tires on for me?" "Can't you put them on?" So Fritz taught her to install tires, and invited her to the next club ride... more stories,and at some point the light went on in my head. Susan - Notorangelo . RAAM and more. And Fritz got her started.

More people, more stories and the last guy eclipsed them all with the story of why he had to leave his correctional systems job for bicycles. (Did I mention he rooted for the "little guy" -- even if the little guy was somebody we'd be afraid of?) It redefined "unsung heroes" and I left thinking that you just never know.

.. that guy/gal next to you might just be a recovering hero. Be nice to each other.

The other lesson: the little stuff you do every day turns into big stuff when you're not looking. Make good habits.

[Bad JuJu]

Well, the lowest temp I braved on yesterday's ride was a chilly.....59 degrees! Aside from some minor headwinds, it was gorgeous January day (more like an April day really), so after a couple of weeks of 20-mile and shorter rides, my cycling buddy and I did 40 miles, mainly because it just felt so good. At the finish, I realized I was beat--it sure doesn't take long to start losing conditioning.

Back home, after a shower, DH suggested a motorcycle ride. Yes I was tired, but it was still a beautiful day, so we spent two glorious hours out in it. Nice day!

[five one]

I can be the queen of dillydally and though I love being out on my bike, I sometimes have a hard time getting suited up and out the door. We've been having this unusually cold weather in NorCal and I really don't have the right clothes as I tend to not ride outside much in the winter. That being said, I made it outside at 2 pm knowing it would have to be a shortish ride. Rode from the house to the Coyote Creek Trail. Once on the trail, I rode 10 miles out and back, then home. I was wearing just the right clothing combo and stayed comfy with the exception of my toes which were frozen after an hour. I thought Smartwool socks would be enough, but I think my rarely used shoe covers would have helped a lot. At any rate, it was lovely out there, sunny and crisp at 45 - 50 degrees. Hardly any riders/walkers/runners on the trail, but there WAS the usual afternoon headwind from the north hitting me on the way out. Coming back was great however! Ended up riding a tick under 30 miles in just over two hours. Afterward, I warmed up in the shower, put on some cozy sweats, and had a well earned cup of hot chocolate. Hoping to get out again tomorrow for a longer ride.