We're riding Baby

[DeniseGoldberg]

Hey Denise, that looks like my back yard!

Well, it's practically my back yard - that photo was taken along the road leading into a college campus next to my townhouse.

I did get out riding today. I snuck out of work at 3 this afternoon - the sunshine was beckoning, I knew my bikes were screaming at home, ready to ride - and the weather forecast for the weekend makes it sound like this isn't going to be a riding weekend.

Yup, that wide band to the side of the road is sand! Some of the towns have started cleaning the roads, but for the most part they are still a mess with sand on the side, and lots and lots of pot holes where you could lose your bike! And I figured I'd better include a picture of my bike too so you'd all know that I was really out wandering on two wheels. Here it is, patiently waiting for it's ride to stop taking pictures! Ah, springtime...

[Crankin]

Glad to see that N. Andover has as much sand as Boxborough. I did notice that other towns are starting to clean the roads (Stow, Bolton), but sometimes it's close to May 1 before it is done here. I went to spin yesterday before work because I thought it might be raining in the PM. Of course, it was gorgeous, but I didn't want to overdo and ride twice. This morning I went for a 2.5 mile walk in the rain and am now heading out to the clinic.

Surly, that century looks interesting. The way I am feeling now, 100 miles seems impossible, but I will discuss it with my husband. I have never ridden more than 67 miles (with stops, etc), but I think if I worked at it, I could. Are you going to do the 100, or the 68?

The weather looks good for this week....

[DeniseGoldberg]

This morning I went for a 2.5 mile walk in the rain....

And here I thought I was the only one crazy enough to walk in the rain. (But I'm not crazy enough to take my bike out into this crap!) I'm about to head out for a walk in the rain myself...

[Surlygirl]

You go girls!
I went back to my trainer and "Sex in the City" dvd for the day. Man, if its not snow its rain. I hate going back to the trainer after tasting freedom.

Hey Robyn, I've never ridden that far in one day either. They have shorter options too. People tell me its lots of fun and you could probably do as much as you felt like because it does have SAG support. I'll be the one at the back!

[Crankin]

The workshop yesterday was pretty good. I changed the flat without too many problems..I need to practice taking the back wheel off, though. I have a question for you guys. Do you use CO2 cartridges or pumps for flats? My husband and son swear by the cartridges, but the people at the workshop seemed to not think too highly of them (typical AMC attitude). One instructor said that he has had as many as 5 flats on one ride and how could you know that, i.e. be prepared with that many cartridges. I've been riding for almost 4 years and I have never had a flat, except when I stuck the valve through the tube right in my own basement. I don't ride in the rain (at least i don't start a ride in the rain) and I am very watchful of what's on the road, too. Plus, many of these people commute closer to the city, where I believe there is more crap on the road.
Surly, my husband and I discussed the century. We probably will sign up either for the 68 or 100 miles. We are going out today, hopefully to do at least 25 miles and feel OK.

[Surlygirl]

Hey Robyn,
Hubby and I are also going to commit to the 100. Yikes! That gets hard to train for when the kids all get out of school for the summer but what the heck.
I carry both a CO2 cartridge in my bag and a frame pump, just in case I have more than one flat. I also carry a spare tube and a patch kit. I'd rather be prepared then 30 miles from home and stuck.
I might do the Nashua River trail this week if you want to join me. Any day better than others?

[Surlygirl]

Hey Karen,
Why don't you and your family join us in the Flattest Century.

[Jo-n-NY]

I honestly do not think we need April Showers after having such a wet March.

My husband and I each carry a couple of CO2 cartrides. He has had to use his once and really likes them as opposed to a pump. I for one still have to learn to change a flat.

I just got the street cleaning schedule in the mail and it looks like street cleaning starts the third of April. I cannot wait. I also cannot believe how much glass is on the roads.

Denise, you pics make MA look like a real nice place to live.

~ JoAnn

[CorsairMac]

[QUOTE=DeniseGoldberg]...and lots and lots of pot holes where you could lose your bike! And I figured I'd better include a picture of my bike too so you'd all know that I was really out wandering on two wheels. Here it is, patiently waiting for it's ride to stop taking pictures! Ah, springtime...[QUOTE]

I thought maybe you included a pix of your bike so we'd know what to look for in case in fell in one of those potholes!

[Crankin]

I am going to stick to the cartridges. I practiced taking the rear wheel off in the basement before my ride yesterday. I did it, but I wonder if I could out on the road in an emergency! I also practiced changing the tube on a wheel from my old Cannondale. My husband was pretty impressed. We rode 21.5 miles yesterday, with 1350 ft. of climbing. Lots of hills in Harvard. We decided to take it easier on the speed, and not be so hard on ourselves. I felt pretty pathetic on the first long climb, but by the end, felt I had my "groove" back.
Surly, I would love to do the trail with you, but I am a teacher and I can't ride during the day. I am having enough trouble making myself stay after school to work (what a concept) with the advent of nice weather and DST. I usually do little loop rides after school, 15-20 miles a couple of times a week or more. Tomorrow is going to be nice and I have a dentist appt. that will last until 5. But, it will still be light when I get home, so I'll try to get a few miles in. We can ride during April Vacation... or on the weekends. This weekend looks good...

[Surlygirl]

Hey Robyn,
I have the opposite problem, three kids and they are home in the afternoon and on weekends and vacations. Only one is old enough to be home alone. Did you register for the Flattest yet?
Hubby and I took a road trip last night (by car but don't tell) to see if we could ride from our house to the Blackstone Bikeway. We got lost in Woonsocket, RI but finally found the start of the path which isn't even really marked. By then it was dark.
By the way, I'm impressed, those hills in Harvard are killers.

[Crankin]

Hey Surly,

Is it possible for you to get a babysitter once in awhile or have your husband stay with the kids so you can do a "girl" ride? Might be worth saving your pennies for! I really want to ride with lots of different people this year. My kids are grown up, but I remember those days. I had some very good teenage babysitters, who became like members of our family. One is now about 34 years old and has 2 kids of her own. She was 12 when she started with us.
I rode about 15 miles today. I finally feel back in the groove.

[Surlygirl]

I'm sure I can work something out. I've started letting my son Babysit his brothers once in awhile but not for hours on end. Hubby is also very supportive but I always feel guilty asking since I have several hours most weekdays all to myself and he only has the weekends.
I rode 20 today, some on the new extension of the Blackstone bikeway in Millbury. You should see the river. Part of the brand new trail was under water the other day and the river is honking.
I wish they put up signs on trail etiquette. Moms pushing strollers, 3 abreast with kids and dogs, walkers two abreast, one on each side of the line and they just turn around and look at you when you say on your left, not that I could go by. Arggg. I'm usually patient but it was annoying today.

[Crankin]

That is why I hate riding on trails. Too many options for an accident. I'm at school now. The kids are taking the written composition part of the MCAS. Why don't you pick a day during April vacation (Tuesday, Wed, or Thursday) and we can meet for a ride. I will drive to you, if needed.

Anyone else interested in meeting for a ride this Saturday?

[Surlygirl]

Hey Massbikebabe,
Where are you? Did you sign up for the Flattest Century yet?
Hubby and I and our son signed up. Should be great fun.