Nov 4 Rides

[bike4ever]

fastdogs - Did you ride Al Foster at Castlewood State park? I saw a family loading their trailer as I was leaving the parking lot.

It was beautiful in the 'Lou yesterday. I met two new women mountain bikers early in my warm up. One had her bike upside down with issues. I made a quick adjustment to her brake pad, and she was back on the bike.

I was able to ride with shorts and a long sleeve jersey. The trails were all covered with leaves which means you can't see the rocks. I went to a technical section to try and clear a very washed out part. Unfortunately, I landed hard on my knee. I'm glad I had some tissues with me.

As I was finishing, I ran into the two women from earlier in the ride. They were asking about the beginners trails in this park. I took them to one called "Love." It really is one of the easier trails for true mountain biking in this park. On our first slight climb, one girl didn't get into the easier gear and did a tip over on the trail. She landed hard on her knee and that was the end of our ride. Oh well, I just continued up the trail for another loop. It still was a beautiful ride.

[fastdogs]

I've never been to castlewood state park yet- it's been recommended though. I got on al foster trail just off of 109, outside of eureka. There's a parking area there where we loaded up. You can't miss the pink folding bike! Say hi if you do ever run into us, always interested in meeting more of the TE people!
vickie

[RoadRaven]

27 rolling miles and the hills did not irritate my knee!

V.

YAY!!!!!

[Veronica]

YAY!!!!!

Thanks! I was pretty much dancing on my pedals after we did the hills. They are small and not very steep, but even those had irrititated me. A little victory!

V.

[RoadRaven]

I know Veronica... any hill is a little victory, but hills whenyour knee plays up - ouch

And my partner and my 17yr old both have sore knees at the moment - so my "yay" for a pain-free-knee-ride was genuine and 'refreshed'...

[indigoiis]

I rode 55 miles Sunday in Southeastern Mass. with my local bike club.
It was not as exhilerating as past rides.

I am trying to figure out why. The scenery was lovely and the roads were clear despite the bad storm that came through New England on Saturday. Some things to consider:

-I got trapped riding behind two men. One was a loud and gregarious man who did not like being passed (but then would pass and slow down in front of me.) The other was an ancient Northern british fella, very nice and kind in every way, who forgot to put his teeth in and was wearing kilt socks. He was like a machine. He never stopped. He went about 13 mph steady. They got me lost, because the older gentleman took a left (as soon as we took it I knew it was wrong... but what do you do? I should have turned around and let them go.)

-It was windy.

-I was hot and cold. It was about 55 and I had on a long sleeved jersey and a jacket. I could have taken the jacket off, but our little team never stopped.

-I was afraid of losing these two dudes because I was in a different state, and in an area I do not at all know, and regardless of the (somewhat ambiguously painted) arrowing, I was not secure about where I was going as I had not done a thorough mapmyride study of the ride, which I normally do in a very OCD kind of way.

-I didn't stop for lunch, because these guys didn't stop.

-When I felt the energy to pass, which was fairly often, I would, and then the younger, loud dude would come right up and pass me again, and then slow down in front of me. As if to say, sweetheart, tuck in behind ol' Daddy. Maddening.

-At one point, we were on a highway. With real exits. I was terrified. I nearly messed my shorts. We were as lost as easter eggs.

-My bike didn't feel right. Granted, it's been two weeks since I've been on it, and I wasn't really prepared for a 55 miler. Duh.

So.

It pays to research the route. Thoroughly and as obsessively as one likes.
It pays to not get caught up behind men who don't like being passed.
Don't get caught up behind anyone. (Note to self: Don't ever feel obliged to not pass or to keep someone with you. You are not a Saint. Stop trying to be one.)
It pays to stop and eat, and not worry about who is watching or flying by.
It pays to bring gatorade.
It pays to stop and check things if things feel off.
It pays to stop and take off a layer if need be, even if you have to stop again and put it back on in a few miles.
It pays to remember it is not a race.
It pays to enjoy the scenery.

I did okay.
But I didn't do my very best. That bugs me, but I don't regret doing the ride.
Some days are better than others.