March 2 rides

**makbike** · 03-02-2008, 03:28 PM

I completed my first century of the new season today. The club hosted a ride which started in Jeffersonville, Indiana and made it way to Salem to the Maple Syrup festival held in this little town.

The morning started chilly and gray but the forecasters had promised a sunny, warm day so spirits were high. By the time we made our way to the first store stop doubts were being shared about the truth of the forecast. The temperatures were dropping, the skies were thick with gray clouds and it started to rain! The group continued on its way with many weary, cold faces - not many smiles to be found at this point in the ride. The roads were covered in cinders so riding was tricky at best. We had been warned to bring several spare tubes and cartridges and that did prove to be sound advice by the end of the day. By the time we made our way to the festival the sun did make an appearance, the temperatures began to climb and smiles were found on all the faces.

The ride back took its toll on tubes - one after the other blew and group found itself on the side of the road several times (I think in the end we counted 10 flats!). While changing one tire we were treated to a large flock of sandhill cranes flying over - they have a great call and heads turned toward the skies to watch them make their way north. Later in the day we were treated to two dueling red tail hawks - what a show and I wish I could have stopped and watched it play out above our heads.

This proved to be the slowest century I've ridden - not because of the terrain or weather but simply because the group as a whole was taking it easy. In the end we logged 101.9 miles and I averaged a leisurely pace of 15.0 mph. The body is tired, muscles are talking - my bruises from my encounter with cinders are speaking up from time to time and my spirits are very high. What a great day to be on my bicycle!

**smilingcat** · 03-02-2008, 04:26 PM

I think I should be posting this under blond moment...

Went riding Friday for 20 miles. Had to come home before it got dark. Bit chilly. Yesterday, I dumped the bulldog race down in SD. The weather was just looking really awful. Went back to bed around 5:30AM. Slept in. That was nice

Later, I went out under heavy overcast and rode 28 miles with 2000 feet of climb. Felt okay. Bit damp, bit chilly.

Then today, it was just gorgeous. (bit hazy when I was at top of Palos Verdes.). Took the dogs for their walk first, came home then headed out. But I forgot to have breakfast. Forgot to take snacks with me. And my two water bottles only had water no accelerade/cytomax nada. Same route as yesterday. Bonked around mile 20 mark. So I literally limped home. When I made it home I wolfed down my cranberry scone, a banana, and chai latte with all that sugar and some OJ. When I woke up wo hours later, my inner thigh cramped up really bad. That'll teach me

starting next week with daylight saving time, I should be able to ride Tues thru Sun. yippee!!!

Overall, it was a fun ride.
smilingcat

**Ticia** · 03-02-2008, 04:56 PM

29 miles today and I tried my hardest to hang on to the "fast" trio on this long flat stretch. Wow, that was challenging and my calves are telling me all about it at the moment

I need MUCHO practice here

It was a gorgeous day. After my ride I hung out on the lawn with the kids and their friends alllllll afternoon. I cannot believe it is February. I know it is a tease, but I'll take the sun when we can get it.

7 rider I could have used some of your speed today; you are FAST!

**HillSlugger** · 03-02-2008, 05:27 PM

I did 2 laps around my "Time Trial Loop" + another 9 miles for good measure.

Lap 1: 10.98 miles, 40:30, 16.3mph
Lap 2: 10.98 miles, 41:52, 15.7mph
Extra: 9.19 miles, 38:42, 14.3mph

I'm pretty tired. My run tomorrow morning is going to be hard.

**Aggie_Ama** · 03-03-2008, 04:42 AM

I am an admitted wind wimp. Went outside fully dressed and felt the 25 mph winds. Walked back in the house, changed and went for a 4 mile mostly leisurely hike with DH.

**Fredwina** · 03-03-2008, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

I am an admitted wind wimp. Went outside fully dressed and felt the 25 mph winds. Walked back in the house, changed and went for a 4 mile mostly leisurely hike with DH.

Don't Blame you. IF it wasn't for the club ride, I would have turned around (The San Gabriel Mountains make a might handy wind block

)

**Jo-n-NY** · 03-03-2008, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

I am an admitted wind wimp. Went outside fully dressed and felt the 25 mph winds. Walked back in the house, changed and went for a 4 mile mostly leisurely hike with DH.

me too!!!! I went for a 5 mile fitness walk with my girlfriend in my jersey, riding jacket & long fingered riding gloves. I drove to her house with my bike and we made the decision at her house. It would have been my first outdoor ride this year. The forecast was for less wind and temps at 46. Instead it was galeforce winds on the south shore of Long Island. geeeeze

~JoAnn

**tulip** · 03-03-2008, 07:27 AM

I took an hour's ride on the new Bike Friday. It was windy and a bit cold to start, but I warmed up and really like this bike! It felt like I was riding a regular bike, except for the curious looks that passersby gave me. Great ride, big hill was not bad at all.

**Fredwina** · 03-02-2008, 04:52 PM

My Cycle computer malfunctioned staring out

The further east I rode the windier it got. Around the baseball stadium I got into a sandstorm. good thing I was wearing a matte finish helmet. Had some more dust storms going up to the park where the women's ride meets. We decided it was too windy and canceled the ride , so I rode west to escape the wind. Of course I then found the afternoon breeze coming in from the ocean. I turned around and came , but not before getting a flat
24 miles

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