I've been riding have you??

[elevenpointfive]

My roommate and I agreed it would be just too ridiculous to unleash the infernal combustion machine for the small things we wanted tonight. A few dinner ingredients, the latest music mag, bathroom stuff, you know? So we threw the headlights on and took to the streets. 10 miles of sweet summer night riding on nearly empty roads, enlightenment of fellow customers ("you rode your bikes in the dark?" --"that's what headlights & taillights are for! you should try it, it's great!") and on the way home the sky started lighting up with an electrical storm. Beauty! Can I say again I *love* bikes?

[goddess1222]

AMEN elevenpointfive!!!!! bikes rule! i am sure dinner tasted sweeter knowing you brought the goods home on your own two wheels.

[elevenpointfive]

You know it, goddess! Best risotto ever!

And I don't even hurt, derriere excepted. I think this is the week, ladies. I think I'm gonna top 50 miles this week, for the first time since last fall when I got sick! I've ridden 28 since Sunday and if I keep feeling this good I can do at least two more rides this week! Pardon my exuberance, but I'm so freaking happy I can ride even this much again! It's a long way off from my old self, but it's so much better than the NOTHING it was all winter, I tell you!

-eleven, very happy!

[IronHorse213]

In an effort to have a successfull century ride to talk about after this weekend, I implore my fellow peddlers to cross fingers, pray, think good thoughts, whatever suits, that Vermont will be sunny and warm, but not too.

I've been planning this ride for 4 months and though I'm under-trained mileage-wise due to rainy weather here in NY, I am really up to ride on roads sans heavy traffic, roller-bladers, and foot traffic! I'd even be happy for cloudy, with light sprinkles vs. rain...

Thanks!
'calla

[aka_kim]

IronHorse, are you doing the Blazin' Saddles Century? I was so jealous about getting to ride in Vermont I had to do a search for Vermont centuries. Now I'm really jealous if that's what you're doing -- that ride looks like fun! And weather report says partly cloudy....

So, fingers are crossed here in California.

[annie]

Good luck, Eleven and Ironhorse, in meeting both your goals! Let us know how you do.

annie
::::::keeping fingers crossed for good weather in Vermont and a strong, healthy feeling for Eleven::::::::

[IronHorse213]

Yep - that's the one - Blazin" Saddles. Let's hope it's at least "low flame" saddles, weather reports are for rain... Reports on Monday! thanks AKA, etc.

'calla

[Barb]

Two days until Tour de Cure. I am riding 30 hilly miles for American Diabetes Association. The scary part is that I haven't riden more than 12 miles per ride for more than a month due to weather and work!!!! Wish me luck!!!

[elevenpointfive]

Rock 'em, Barb! Is the Tour before or after your last day of work commute? That could be a good training ride.

[elevenpointfive]

And, thanks for the good vibes, all! Last night I did what I've never done before, and got lost on an MTB ride. By myself. After dark. Smart eh? Fortunately I'd told my roommate about my ride, and two hours after I said I'd be back, I finally got within spitting distance of home, and there he was driving out to find me. I had my lights and some emergency food like I always do, but still, going three times as far as you intended, one hour of it in total dark, is a little tiring and scary! I honestly don't know how I missed the loop, but I did. Gotta be careful exploring on your own! I feel so stupid.

Needless to say, I am a little sore and tired today. But the 50 miles I was shooting for are under my belt due to that little detour. Not quite how I wanted to do it, but now I know I can. Woohoo, getting the miles back in my legs!

[goddess1222]

woo hoo eleven!!!! glad you are ok. i firmly believe that the universe watches out for the goddesses. such a great story to tell for years to come.

[IronHorse213]

Wooooow elevenpointfive! Your "adventure" sounds really scary to moi - I'm glad that you made it back safely dispite, and that your roomie had the get up to go out looking!

Can I take a moment here to get on a little soapbox and remind the list community to wear identification whenever you ride, alone or in a group. I've one too many stories of people, even group riders, getting separated and then hit or hurt, with no ID on them.

I wear dog tags ($10) which list my name, home and cell emergency contact numbers, blood type and donor wishes.

www.RoadIDcom - makes a really nice ID for the wrist, ankle, dog tags or to attach to shoe laces with a lot of info room for around $20. check them out.

whatever you wear or carry, please do it whenever your out, just in case!

I decided to buy several riding friends RoadID's after I heard recently that the Central Park Jogger didn't have any ID on her, even though she ran at night, late and alone; She was ID'd only after missing three days of work when a co-worker called the hospital on a hunch. They ID'd her by the description of a ring she wore that he remembered.

End of soap box now,

be careful out there!

[Barb]

I did my Tour de Cure. I punked out and did the 15 mile route instead of 30 miles. My knees had been aching for two days before and I was under trained. I worried about it all the night before. When I woke up I realized that I ride for me, no one else. It is supposed to be fun and not stress me out. I rode 15 VERY (oh my gosh) hilly miles and felt great when I finished. I could have done 20 but not 30. The key for me is that I got out and rode and was happy about it. I don't have to draw blood every time out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still debating about riding to work tomorrow (my last day). It is only 12 miles but lots of traffic and I am forced to ride on the sidewalk most of the way.

[elevenpointfive]

Congrats, Barb! 15 hilly miles. Feel proud. And your riding philosophy sounds totally healthy to me--if you don't enjoy it, why do it? It can be work, yeah, but it shouldn't be something you *dread*. Make sure you treat those knees right, okay?

Did your last-day ride happen? It sounds like a tough route with all the sidewalk and traffic.

How's everyone else's riding coming along? I haven't been on a bike since Friday (been feeling icky, boo).

I always have my ID on me, no matter where I go or how lost I get. IronHorse213, that's a good site, but it will be even better if you fix your link.

Road ID

[elevenpointfive]

Originally posted by IronHorse213
Yep - that's the one - Blazin" Saddles. Let's hope it's at least "low flame" saddles, weather reports are for rain... Reports on Monday!

*taps foot, looks at calendar* How was it?