November 8th Rides (Sunday)

[Miranda]

15mi loop to my favorite farm house. Whew, felt like A LOT more. This is the first time I have been out really since my crash. Wow, I'm so weak. Sure more body parts will be protesting tomorrow. But, as I encountered another cyclists on route it felt great... I thought: "I think I have re-joined the cycling-human-race" lol. So, it was worth it. As posted, beautiful unseasonally warm weather here in the midwest.

[arielmoon]

Crazy windy here in central FL. I was sore from the day before so I picked some flatter roads and did an easy 22 miles. I am preparing for the Horrible Hundred next Sunday where I plan to do the 70 mile route.

[kimikaw]

Beautiful weather here in Wisconsin. Both days did 22 mile rides with my hubby, who just got his first road bike. He can now drop me on flats - versus barely keeping up on his mountain bike - but, I still pull way ahead on the upward hills.

Saturday's route was a combo of roads and paved trail (new Berlin Trail). trail primarily flat, but any road riding around my area is lots of rolling hills Windy day and was surprised by how much a strong headwind on flats suck. In fact was trying to decide what was worse the hills or the headwind. Then on the worst hill (biggest gain/slope and towards end of ride) discovered that the combination of hill and headwind esp. sucks. What was nice to note was that a couple of months ago I'd average 4.5 -5 mph once I got about half way up. And on Saturday was in the 7.5-8mph range. Showing me that while hills continue to be a struggle, I am at least improving.

Sunday we drove the bikes over to the start of the Glacial Drumlin trail in Waukesha, WI. Road out about 11 miles and back. Nice views, trail wasn't too crowded.

However, both days I really bonked out around 20 miles - lost energy, legs were tired, had to really force myself to finish. I think I'm going to have to start working on nutrition and hydration. Drank plenty of water (24 oz over the ride), but still felt wobbly and weak. Unsure if it is electrolytes or low blood sugar / need for actual fuel. Now I will need to figure it out if I am going to push to longer distances. Next ride will try taking two bottles - one with cytomax, one with water. And maybe a GU. Typically not a sports drink drinker - but it does seem to help when I drink a bit of both in the couple of half marathons I've done.

[nscrbug]

LMAO @ pfunk's post! We had 2 gorgeous days over the weekend, here in the Chicagoland area. A little on the windy side, but isn't it always? Did 66 miles on Saturday, and 71 miles on Sunday. Also got in 53 miles today...so a pretty good weekend for me. The only downer, was that I got a front flat on Sunday, 18 miles into our ride. Took a direct hit into the sidewall of my BRAND NEW Conti GP 4000S...crap! With a little bit of ingenuity, we managed to cover up the hole (the ol' dollar bill trick), and get just enough air into the tube in order for me to ride the 12 miles back home. Changed out the tire, and then went back out and rode another 42 miles. The downtime with the flat and then having to ride back home to change tires, did kind of kill my enthusiasm and motivation a bit...but I'm glad that I did get back out to finish my ride. I would have felt guilty of not taking advantage of such a nice day, if I hadn't.

[owlice]

pfunk, for Adonis, I'll take to the roads with you!!