Second C&O training ride

[divingbiker]

so tell us about the kayak lesson? Where was it? Was it with Atlantic Kayak? What did they cover? At least you survived. Hope the water wasn't too cold.

It was with REI, and we were on the Potomac at Riley's Lock.

We reviewed a few strokes, then did self rescue using a paddle float, and also helped someone else by turning over and emptying their boat, then stabilizing it while they got back in. The latter I could do, with a bit of struggle.

But oh my, the self rescue ate my lunch. I was doing something wrong, and couldn't get the paddle (with float) to stay perpendicular to the boat, so I kept falling back in. My boat has a big cockpit so there's not much room at the front of the boat, but I think the problem was with me and not related to the boat I've got. I told Kalidurga and 7rider that I can never go kayaking alone, because there's no way I could save myself. I am extremely sore today.

The water was in the high 60s and there was a lot of "salad" in the water. It wasn't bad unless you had to stay in the water forever as you tried over and over to get back in. By the end I was a bit chilly. The rain held off till we were done, so that was good.

All in all, a frustrating day.

[Kalidurga]

I wondered if your cockpit would make it difficult to hold your paddle in the proper position. But you can go kayaking alone, because you'd have to lean pretty hard to swamp a rec boat like you and I have. And, depending on where you go, if you did manage to swamp the boat you could just swim and pull it to shore, then drain it and get back in there. You may not want to go out in the middle of the Chesapeake alone, but there are plenty of other places where you definitely can.

Did REI mention the paddle sling? That's one of the options that Potomac Paddlesports showed us.

[divingbiker]

Did REI mention the paddle sling? That's one of the options that Potomac Paddlesports showed us.

Yes, she mentioned the paddle sling at the end. I'll have to check that out.

[7rider]

Zen. KD. We missed you. My friend ended up calling while we were still on the trail and saying she watched the guys but wasn't staying for her own race....she was heading home. So, we didn't head to Lilipons and went instead to Bassett's in Poolesville for lunch. We called both of you, but neither of you had your cell phones turned on!!
We got in our 30. It rained the whole way there, but stopped as we arrived and remained rain-free the whole time. That's not to say it was DRY, however. Trail was quite muddy - lots of puddles.
Here's a before and after pics. Bike had to get a nice bath when I got home...KD, the chain is now so shiny...you'd be proud!
Sadly, as I was putting my gear away, I noticed my helmet strap was broken! Not the chin strap...but the bracing strap that holds the helmet on your head. So, I had to head down to the LBS afterwards and get a new helmet. Drat!
Here they are in shiny newness, packed and ready to go.


Here's what happens when you ride a muddy trail with no rear fender:


Here's the finished icky:

[Kalidurga]

Actually, my phone was not only turned off, it was sitting at home. Sounds like you ladies had a good ride. The C&O can actually be a lot of fun when it's mucky

Zen and I had a good time at the Ed Sanders race. There was major bike pr0n (both bikes and half-nekkid riders). We watched the 45+/55+ categories, marveled at how much mud and ripped up grass can be sucked up by bike components (how the chain even made it through the derailleur jockey pulleys is beyond me), and I had the opportunity to meet a guy who's biking blog I've been following. None of my race shots turned out very well, but I did get some decent pics of the lilies. I can't wait to see Zen's photos, though, I hope they're as good as it seemed they would be.





And, after that, I went to pick up my new adoptee and have been taking turns giving him and my girl attention (he's staying closed in the bedroom for the first few days). Hopefully I can make some time to get out on my bike tomorrow, though.

[Zen]

Mud?
You guys are pikers

Not only was the guy half nekkid, he was pouring water all over himself.
I was mesmerized.

[Kalidurga]

The grass/mud mix was what really did it. You could thatch a hut with what was stuck to those bikes.

And, yes, Zen was mesmerized by the half-nekkid guy taking a shower with the water in his hydration pack. And this was after she stood not three feet behind another racer aiming her camera at his, um, chamois. Just can't take her anyplace

[7rider]

Glad to see you at least broke a sweat somehow, Zen.