Oct 26 rides (Sunday)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa: Just because I'm "glad" it's the end of the season, doesn't mean I won't be riding. I've learned that this is the natural course of things for me, though. I actually like riding in the fall better, too, and this year, at least I have time to do it. I usually ride semi regularly through November and maybe a couple of times in December. Last year my last ride was Dec. 7 and I did ride twice in January, when we got our Jamis bikes. I think I might have missed February.
I've just been a little bummed because I've had a lot of fit issues and then my fibro. kicked up a bit since I got back from my tour. So I have had to slow down and at times struggle, which does not make me happy one bit.
But, I am resolved to deal with what is essentially a strength issue over the winter, so I can feel great in March when riding commences for real again. I am thinking of taking a spin class that is geared for building endurance and strength, using HR zones. It's for 6 weeks and is taught by a one of the top ranked tri athletes in MA, who is a trainer. There's always something to work on!

Oh, I see. I'm glad you keep riding into the cold weather!
That spin class sounds good. I guess everything improves when you build up strength. (you are way stronger than me already though, you biking demon!)

[arielmoon]

I took a few spins around my neighborhood to test out the adjustments to my bike and see how my knee felt. So far so good. The weather here is delightful!

[andtckrtoo]

I had one of those rides on Sunday that start off as a short spin around a favorite "block" (a 17 mile block with some nice climbs, but a standard ride), but morph into oh of those "Oh YEAH! THAT'S why I ride!" rides.

My ride took me behind Cupertino into the foothills and over a couple of shorter but fairly steep climbs. The one climb is a steep grade for about a 1/4 of a mile, then uphill for another mile. I got to the top of that hill, looked around and realized that I had enjoyed the climb and wanted to do more. So when I came to the road that goes up the mountain or back into town, I went up for another 2 miles. I didn't go to the top because of time constraints, but I've noticed that I was climbing faster with less effort than I did the last time I climbed this mountain. I have been working on cadence and spin, and I am finally being converted from a big gear grinder (I have strong legs, so I tend to power my way through things) to a lower gear, higher cadence spinner and it makes such a difference with speed and just sheer endurance!! Then of course, I had a 3 mile down hill where I hit 40 mph - I felt as if I were flying. I can't remember enjoying a ride more. Runners talk about a runner's high - I think I had a cyclist's high! I want to get out there and do it again today but alas, I have to work

[fastdogs]

I didn't to do my usual short mtb ride saturday (Lion's Club park in Rolla), so I wanted to ride sunday. My husband wanted to come along (he never rides) and bring my 5 year old Andy. I tried him out on his 20" wheel Gary Fisher hitchhiker, and he could reach the pedals! Previously it was just too big for him.
So we put the hitch clamp on my trek hybrid and set out for Al Foster trail. We rode the Al Foster trail until it comes to the start of a mtb trail called stinging nettle (about 2 miles)- me on my chocolate bike and my husband on my hybrid with Andy. My husband and Andy headed back- we figured 4 miles for his first time should be enough. I continued on to ride stinging nettle, which was in good shape and quite beautiful- except someone was riding a dirt bike all over it (I don't think they are supposed to have motorized vehicles on any of the Castlewood park trails).
Near Al Foster trail there is a miniature steam railway, so Andy and my husband were riding that when I got back. I turned around and rode back up Al Foster to ride along beside them as the puffed along. It was windy, but Al Foster trail has a bluff along one side and the river on the other, so in addition to being a beautiful ride, it also blocks the wind. We had a great time and Andy looked so cute on his trail a bike in his little gloves, helmet, elbow and knee pads.
vickie

[DebTX]

It was LiveSTRONG weekend here in Austin (my husband is a 2 year survivor.) We rode our second LSC with a large team (Cyclists Combatting Cancer) who share both the cancer experience and a passion for cycling.

The ride was just wonderful. We had perfect weather for our 45 mile ride through the rolling hills of Dripping Springs. It was a beautiful thing to meet so many wonderful survivors and cancer supporters along the route.

I learned to ride ~3 months before last year's Challenge and walked my bike up most of the hills. This year, my goal was to get to the top of every hill on the bike and upright, and I've been training all year for it.

I'm proud to say this big body made it up every hill. It was a great feeling. And while normally I would've thought they'd somehow made the hills easier, it was my husband who pointed out, "Honey, look at how many people are walking their bikes!"

Yay

Two years of survivorship, a wonderful weekend of fellowship, and progress on the bike. Many good reasons to feel good.

Thanks to all the TE'rs who gave me umpteen pointers on preparing for the ride.

Deb

[Aggie_Ama]

Congrats Deb! I was in Spicewood yesterday, the weather was fabulous we couldn't have ordered better for the Livestrong or playing outside in general.

Congrats to DH for a milestone, my dad is a nearly 2 year survivor of colon cancer.

[PamNY]

Mimi, I love your pictures. Everyone else, I enjoyed reading about your rides.

On Sunday I did my longest ride yet on Manhattan bike paths. I'm not sure of the miles -- probably 15-20. I rode from home (Wall Street) to the George Washington Bridge. The ride along the river was beautiful and I wish I'd had time to go farther.

This is the first time I've really wanted someone riding with me. When I talk about how lovely it is up there, everyone says "Oh, I know" having seen it from a train or sailboat or from across the river in NJ. No, they don't know what I saw -- wish someone had seen it with me, but riding partners will come later.

I am thrilled to find beautiful, new-to-me, and relatively safe places to ride. The bike path near my home is pleasant, but most of the area is newly turned into parkland and thus a bit sterile. The northern parts of Manhattan have older park areas, with bigger trees, and a greater variety of people. The scene reminds me of any number of movies about New York.

The bridge was an important goal for me because eventually I hope to ride across it and on to New Jersey. For this trip, I was happy to make it up there and home. It was my most tiring ride yet because I had to go fast to avoid being in unfamiliar areas after dark.

I saw four lyrically graceful kick bikers and a really adventurous Trikke rider. Wish I had space for those at home along with my bike and the four Xootrs we already have.

Pam