I've been riding have you??

[MightyMitre]

Wow - looks like there's been some seriously cool riding going on.!

Just thought I'd add my own update...

On Sunday I was in Italy and took part in a Gran Fondo. For those who might not know, they're organised mass participation races, very well organised and very well subscibed. Some are so popular you have to register for the following year at the end of the race.

I was riding in the Gran Fondo Campagnolo, one of the hardest ( I've since found out) but also quite famous as it takes in the actual mountain where Mr Campagnolo had the idea for his quick -release wheels, after he got a puncture and his frozen fingers couldn't undo the nuts.

I'd opted for the 'small' 50 mile route, as I only decided to do it the day before.

What a day! The first climb was 19km long and rose to 1400 metres and by the time I got to the top it was Alpine! Just to explain, here in England I live by the sea and 1400 meters is higher than our highest mountain, so I was totally awestruck.

Although I coped with the climb welll, taking lots of little breaks, I was just too slow and it took me 3 hours to get to the first feed zone where they were begining to pack up, so I decided to hitch a lift back in the broom wagon.

I'd only done 30 miles in total but I was so pleased - I couldn't belive how high I'd climbed.

My totally insane boyfreind did the full 120 mile which took him 11 hours. If you're interested he's written a report for www.cyclingnews.com which should be on there by the start of next week.

It was such a cool day - there were a smattering of English riders, but as I don't speak any Italian I got by with various smiles, waves and gestures. Even though it's a race and the winners are top Elite riders, professionals in everything but name, eveyone was very friendly and so helpful. Can't wait to see the pics....

[chrisanna]

Hi Five Betty!!! What a climb and what a great sounding ride!How did your body handle the change in elevation? Mine needs to adjust to altitude - out to Colorado last year and I needed about 4 days to feel like I could even breathe properly.

[Barb]

I never did ride my bike to work. That's ok cuz now I am out for summer and ready to ride!!!! I head up north this weekend but I think I'll do more swimming than riding. Gotta love the great lakes. Have a great weekend everyone!

[IronHorse213]

Well, I want to thank you all for the good thoughts focused in my direction on the 21st. My friend Sonja and I got on the route for the Blazin Saddles ride a little later than expected Sat. am. , and it started up hill - not good, nor easy. Overall it was very hilly (for me; Sonja's more experienced at this and had a road bike, where mine is a mt.bike)

The route was beautiful - lots of little brooks and ponds and cows and farms along the road - Sonja even had to stop for cows crossing! She rode 70miles or so.

I thought I would do better, but I did put 30.85 miles behind me, which folks say is not bad considering what I was riding and where. I was bummed out at first, but thinking it over, that's not bad.

After all, it got me to ride to work this week which is a goal! So more of that and less of being bummed. Onwards towards a cycling weekend!!

ta!
'calla

[gapgoil]

so, as I have posted previously, a local ski hill decided to open the lifts for weekends in the summer, thanks to the support of our local riders. That said.... it opened yesterday...and I rocked!!! Sure, I wasn't the fasted girl on the hill, but I was one of three, and was certainly having the time of my life! Smooth runs, nice rocky descents, steep little drops and FAST technical DH fun.

yep... I've been riding!

[Irulan]

Originally posted by gapgoil yep... I've been riding!

here's a pic from today:
Liberty waterfall

This trail goes 5 miels up thought the forest next to a creek. Over all gain is about 1500' feet. Most of it is gradual, but there's a 1.5 mile section that's pretty much hike a bike due to switch backs and exposure and just the way the trail was built. We had fun, went exploring up past this sign
great sign until we hit the gate that marks the state line. Then, 6 miels of smooth ripping downhill,, woo-hoo...

Irulan

[Kpicha]

Woo hoo! Nice legs! And I thought I really liked soccer legs

Sounds like it was an awesome ride!

[Irulan]

you were talking about MY legs. right?

Here's what was interesting about this ride. It's rated "strenous" in the local guide with a 2-5 difficulty rating, mostly 4 (scael of 1-5)
I made a lot of inquiries and got feed back like this:

"I've hiked but never biked it" to "yeah, there's a hike-a-bike
section" to, "that's a HARD ride and then from a riding pal who did it last week: "brutal but you'll be fine" (said with a smile, we ride together quite a bit)

Sure the hike a bike was a pain and there was a climb but it wasn't freaky or scary or hard for me. Does this mean I have a hig tolerance for toughness or just that I"ve been around. You wouldn't want to bring a beginner, or someone that was a whiner, or someone who would freak with exposure. this would have been me a few years ago!! Attitude and comfort zone are half the battle I think!

Irulan

[MightyMitre]

Cool picture! - the more cool photo's I see the more I've been thinking about having a try at some mtb stuff. They're so inspiring!

I love road riding but mtb-ing looks way more adventureous.

I also think getting rough and tough in the hills would improve my nerve and bike handling on the road as now and then, especially on steep descents I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.

Might have to dust off/oil up the old mtb and look out for some nice easy beginners stuff round my way....

[Susan126]

Way cool picture!

Glad to know there were others out this weekend having fun on their bikes!

Saturday, Joe and I did a 45 mile road ride in the hot hot sun! Sunday, we did a 26 mile mountain bike ride with 5 friends. A thirteen mile grueling uphill and then a sweet cross country/downhill! What a weekend!

Great picture Irulan! Looks like you had as much fun as I did! Don't you just hate to see days like that end?!