Rides: December 13-19

[Karma007]

8 boring miles on the rollers. i usually enjoy it, but I just wasn't there today. I have an actual day off from work tomorrow, and I think I'm distracted.

[redrhodie]

After waiting hours for the roads to dry, and finally deciding I wasn't going to ride, I got a momentary urge at around 1 pm to go, so I went. I felt really sluggish, but did 20. There were still some sections of road that had major puddles which I couldn't avoid. It's not that I don't like wet conditions, but that I didn't really have time to spend cleaning my bike when I have so much other stuff to do. Well, I ended up putting off some more important things on my list, and cleaning both my bikes. Now my Xmas cards will go out late!

I bet my sluggishness was due to how much crud was in my drive train. My jockey pulleys were thick with gunk and there was a lot of sand everywhere. I tired Oakleaf's chain lubing method of just a few drops instead of a drop on each link. Seems good so far!

[Karma007]

It was SUNNY today! I took an easy 8.5 miler of coasting and daydreaming, catching up on some much needed Vitamin D. Actually, it wasn't all fun and games, my purpose was to see if I could fit in an outdoor ride before work. I can, but it's not an awesome ride. By the time I escape the terrors of suburbia (moving cars, parked cars, intersections, driveways), it's time to go home. Bterr than nothing I suppose. Once the rain stops, I will put the bike rack back on an escape. For now, it was nice to get off the rollers for a day!

I DID notice subtle differences since using the rollers. It's almost a more 'liquid' feeling. Very nice! Now, off to the showers! Have a great day!

[owlice]

I rode both Tuesday and today. Tuesday's ride was ~11 miles, the usual easy around-the-Lincoln Memorial-over-to-Hains-Point-around-twice-then-back route. Headwind on the west side of the Point is what I'm going to blame my slowness on! Yes, yes, that's it!

Today's ride was what I'm thinking of doing for a hybrid commute, except in reverse (from work to the parking lot and back). I might try this out tomorrow for real, since a storm is forecast for this weekend and I likely won't be able to ride for a few days.

I was warm enough today -- a little toasty, actually, once I was fully warmed up! -- but wonder whether I will be warm enough in the same clothes if it's 10 degrees (F) colder out tomorrow morning or whether I need to add another layer.

I saw two Downy Woodpeckers today as I rode; both flew across the trail in front of me. If I'd been a little faster, I might have gotten a bird in the teeth!

[kmehrzad]

Sounds like a nice ride Owlice. I enjoy riding around Hains Point, especially at night, if I'm riding with a group enjoying the sights of Washington, DC. Hope you're able to get out on the early morning ride tomorrow.

[owlice]

Thanks, k! I packed my as-yet-untested-garment-bag-pannier last night and just talked with my assistant to verify he'll be at work (he's my backup plan ). I read through one of the commuting threads for inspiration and as soon as I can find a scarf to wrap around my head -- I have a balaclava on order -- I'll give this a shot. I wish it were just above freezing, though, instead of just below, since there are always spots where water runs over the trail.

Signed,

Exorcising my winter wuss, one cold day at a time

[arielmoon]

MRI and CT scans show that I not only have a muscle "crowding" issue but one of the pelvic fractures has not healed. Dr. did not say no to riding my bike (he said to stay off my horse totally) but further discussion with my acupuncturist makes me think it is not a good idea. Particularly riding on bumpy roads which are hard to avoid here.

I am not sure where this leaves me. The good thing is that I was able to do the 2 fall rides I wanted to and it is winter and I have already reduced my riding quite a bit.

So, I may try to take some spin classes or get a stationary bike because for some reason the trainer and rollers cause pinching and soreness that I didnt get out on the road.