February 2 Rides

[tulip]

15 miles in one hour flat. It was coldish, 50 or a bit less, and I took a long time to warm up. Hammered up a hill, the only one.

[Velobambina]

Black ice precluded any riding on pavement, so I spent some time w/Coach Troy. Afterward, husband said, "let's go ride on the C&O." Figured it would be OK since it's gravel/dirt & my mountain bike has some awesome nubby tires. The ride there was dicey (in the car)--black ice all over the roads. Once we arrived safely, unpacked the bikes, and got going, we were pleased to find it relatively easy riding. There were a few icy patches and some puddles that had frozen over with a very thin crust of ice. I had fun, plowing through those. The cold ground really was a plus---it didn't start getting muddy til the very end of the ride, when the temps went up to unfreeze the ground. Saw a good many dogs with their owners, which is a regular treat when I ride the canal tow path.

Went only 15 miles but loved every minute.

[IFjane]

Black ice precluded any riding on pavement, so I spent some time w/Coach Troy. Afterward, husband said, "let's go ride on the C&O." Figured it would be OK since it's gravel/dirt & my mountain bike has some awesome nubby tires. The ride there was dicey (in the car)--black ice all over the roads. Once we arrived safely, unpacked the bikes, and got going, we were pleased to find it relatively easy riding. There were a few icy patches and some puddles that had frozen over with a very thin crust of ice. I had fun, plowing through those. The cold ground really was a plus---it didn't start getting muddy til the very end of the ride, when the temps went up to unfreeze the ground. Saw a good many dogs with their owners, which is a regular treat when I ride the canal tow path.

Went only 15 miles but loved every minute.

Wow, VB, it's funny what a difference a few miles (location-wise, that is) makes! No black ice here, thank goodness.

Upper 40's, a tiny bit of sun, light wind. 36 miles. Longest road ride for '08!

[Geonz]

40 very rigorous miles going to the Illini Chill, riding the 20 miles and riding back. Studded tyres made things relatively safe (we got 6 inches on Thurs/Fri) but I'm a wimp so I dabbed a lot when there was drifting (talkin' 2-3 inches max here - they had plowed and mashed stuff down) & when it got slushy when it crept above freezing. Probably averaged 10-11 mph but on a reg'lar bike would have been more like 16-17... it was good to be TIRED at the end
I think my longest ride for '08, which is funny considering I did three metrics the last week of the year Funny waht having the week off work will do!