silver ride report and updates

[silver]

Mr. and I had a great ride today. We've had a tough winter/spring with Mr. losing his father and other issues that we have been dealing with. Also, the midwest weather has been rather uninspiring, with rain, snow, cold, wind, and floods. So, needless to say, we've not had the opportunities for the riding that we would have liked.

So, we today, we had one day free in Gulf Shores, AL with nice weather. I've been anxious to get a longer ride in (with all that's going on, I've not had a ride longer than 50 miles this year) I like to work up by 10's and 15's in ride distances. So, I was hoping for a metric century. Mr. was somewhat unmotivated, so we made him a bail out plan if he wanted it, with the understanding that I could go on to get the 62 miles in.

We did two loops of the west end of Fort Morgan Road and finished strong. We averaged 17.3.

Then we spent some time on the beach and ended the day at Tacky Jack's 2 for some "Mexican Garbage" beer and wine.

It was a lovely day!!

Other news from the Silvers:

I am now officially LCI #1950!!!! It was a beast getting everything put together to get to the seminar and the weather was so cold and windy and rainy the weekend of the seminar that I wondered if I'd ever want to ride again. But I did it and accomplished a year long goal. Now I'm planning to do put on some training classes and starting to think of my next goals which include wrench and fit certifications.

This past Sunday I completed my first triathlon of this season (my fifth ever). This was my first "longer than a sprint" triathlon. It was 1500 meters swim, 40k ride, 10k run. I got third place in my age group! I'll get Mr. to post a picture. I hadn't had the opportunity to train the way that I would have liked for this tri, but I decided that I'd plow through anyway. My biggest obstacle was the swim. It was my first longer swim, in "real" open water (meaning not a little bitty lake) with waves and wetsuit. I told Mr. to expect me out in an hour and I finished in 35 minutes. This was a triumph for me.

So, that's what's going on with silver.

Mr. has been working hard. I'll get him to post an update.

So, go ahead, ask questions, give me your update, silver hugs to all! I love y'all!






My wave started 20 minutes later than clock time

[makbike]

Silver,

Congrats on your tri!

Are you and Mr. Silver coming to Kentucky for the Horsey Hundred?

[Melalvai]

That sounds great. I'm quite a bit envious, of your LCI and your triathlon. Hopefully some day I'll get there, at least the LCI.

[silver]

We are planning to!

[Mr. Bloom]

Silver did awesome!

I rode the Tri Riding and Running course before the competitors got to it. The wind at beach level was fierce and for Silver to have maintained the average she did on the bike was outstanding!

I almost missed Silver because she was so fast in the swim - very impressive. The white caps in the sound were whipping due to the wind, and I'm quite impressed with how well she did.

The Tri-volunteers did really great - particularly for a first event. With the Naval presence in Pensacola, there were some gung-ho volunteers and competitors. EVERYONE was great!

After checking out of the Condo, we went to BIKESPlus in Pensacola after I had two days of flats (after my rides were complete...). They were outstanding as well. I now have Kevlar Tires...worth it to me to avoid flats since I usually ride after work when darkness could be a problem...and repacked hub bearings...

Then, we were seriously REAR ENDED by a Pensacola driver...With three bikes in the van, our rental options were limited, so with a few newly drilled bolts and DUCT TAPE holding the bumper on - we're driving a wrecked van back to Indiana tomorrow...I'm going through my unpretentious, I really don't care what people think phase but I didn't want the complication of leaving a car 700 miles from home for a repair...

[Red Rock]

Wow!! What a story. Congrats on the Tri. Someday, I will do a "Sprint" but not quite yet. I am glad you made it back home safely with the car in one piece. At least no bikes were injured, or you all for that matter.

Good luck in getting your distances in. Your doing better than I am.

Ellen

[Zen]

Great shots!
Did you cut your hair short?

What we've been up to?
What come immediately to mind-
One TE'er hit by a car, one got married, some of us concerned about being seen as poseurs or Fredas, and others went kayaking and looked at birds



.

[Velobambina]

You are awesome, E!

[OakLeaf]

Way to go Silver! Great job on the tri and getting your LCI!

And y'know - if you can't fix it with duct tape, it ain't broke.

[indysteel]

Congrats on your latest tri, Silver and I'm glad the both of you got a nice day of riding in.

Are you still planning on doing the Horsey? I hope we can get together. It looks like I may be going down there by myself.

Be good!

[SouthernBelle]

Great Job. I pride myself on driving ugly vehicles. But even I don't have anything duct taped!

[Jo-n-NY]

Silver, congratulations on the tri and becoming LCI.

The pics are great!!!

~ JoAnn

[sundial]

CONGRATULATIONS SILVER!!!

What an outstanding job in your meet! I know it's been a tough training season for so many because of the uncooperative weather. Well, you just stepped up to the plate and knocked that baby outta the park.

Forgive me for asking......what is LCI?

Mr. Silver, as always you are there to save the day.

[silver]

I did get my hair cut shorter. It's a little longer than shoulder length and dyed back to my natural brown. but in the pictures it's pulled back in a pony tail.

And LCI is a League Cycling Instructor. this is a certification program from the League of American Bicyclists. It focuses on safety and riding technique and gives credentials to teach several League safety classes. The Seminar to get the certification is somewhat strenuous.

Thanks gals for your continued encouragement.

I saw IFJane's wedding pictures! What fun! But who got hit and are they OK?

[Mr. Bloom]

Are you still planning on doing the Horsey? I hope we can get together.

We'll be there...We're staying at the Hampton Inn again. Maybe we can meet along with Makbike again and at least start the ride together (before everyone leaves the middle aged Mr. Silver in their dust)