riding into the new year

[Owlie]

No new year's eve or new years ride for me. It rained most of today (combined with melting snow), and will hit the lower 20s for the next couple of days. My boyfriend is attempting to find me a bike to borrow when I go visit him after New Year's, so maybe I get a ride in then. Otherwise, it's my last until March.

[azfiddle]

Last ride of 2009 for me was with my husband and a friend who I used to work with. I didn't share her interest in cycling when she taught next door, but since I started on the bike, she has constantly inspired and encouraged me, gave me my first jersey and her saddle when she bought a new one. Although she can ride at a pace over 20 mph, she graciously slowed down to accommodate me at 14-15

We rode to her daughter's volleyball tournament game, then my DH and I meandered on our own for the way home. It was lovely mid-winter weather in the desert- in the 60's with bright sunshine. We covered 42 miles by way of a coffee place, a bike shop, a bike path and a Mexican restaurant. I ended up recording about 1835 miles since I started in July.

[OakLeaf]

Otherwise, it's my last until March.

Periodizing is good. Maybe it'll take you a few weeks to get back into cycling shape, but you'll be mentally rested, eager to get back on, and hopefully physically having strengthened some of those stabilizer muscles that get neglected on the bike.

Even though I can both run and ride year-round, my fitness year has definitely become a cycle, with more running in the winter and more cycling in the summer, and I think it's a good thing.

Our road ride got rained out this morning, but I'll be going out and getting soaking wet on the commuter before too long, just to kick off the year. Just waiting for the lightning and wind to ease up a little.

[papaver]

I'll have to wait at least till mid March before I can ride again. Gosh I miss my bike. Went for a walk today, but only 2 miles. I was dead tired afterwards.
The doggies loved it though.

[Ritamarie]

The doggies loved it though.

What a great picture!

[Trekhawk]

I'll have to wait at least till mid March before I can ride again. Gosh I miss my bike. Went for a walk today, but only 2 miles. I was dead tired afterwards.
The doggies loved it though.

What a great snap!
They look like they are having a blast.

[papaver]

thanx! Taking pictures relaxes me. Not as much as cycling, but it's a good alternative, for now.

[MM_QFC!]

I'll have to wait at least till mid March before I can ride again. Gosh I miss my bike. Went for a walk today, but only 2 miles. I was dead tired afterwards.
The doggies loved it though.

What a great shot! looks like only 1 of 4 possible paws is actually on the ground...those doggies were thrilled!

[Owlie]

Periodizing is good. Maybe it'll take you a few weeks to get back into cycling shape, but you'll be mentally rested, eager to get back on, and hopefully physically having strengthened some of those stabilizer muscles that get neglected on the bike.

Even though I can both run and ride year-round, my fitness year has definitely become a cycle, with more running in the winter and more cycling in the summer, and I think it's a good thing.

Our road ride got rained out this morning, but I'll be going out and getting soaking wet on the commuter before too long, just to kick off the year. Just waiting for the lightning and wind to ease up a little.

I'm hoping that's the case. I have to leave my bike here at home when I go back to school, but on the bright side, the roads around school are not good riding even at the best of times. I think I'm going to work on core and overall fitness as much as I can between January and March.

[HillSlugger]

I did 25 miles on the rollers while wishing I was biking outside.

I'm currently #1 on the Bike Journal TE list but I don't expect that to even last the day

[Becky]

DH and I did 22 miles today.

I had a hard time getting out the door. Something about the new year has me in a funk, and the cold damp air by the river didn't help either! However, it felt good to start the new year with a bike ride, rather than a hangover

[Ritamarie]

Something about the new year has me in a funk

Me too Becky! I was in a funk all day. Something about starting a new bike log and seeing 0.0 miles seemed kinda sad. Not seeing the sun for a few days never helps my frame of mind. And waiting up until 1:00 AM for my daughter to get in (safely thank goodness) didn't help either! I did feel better after I dragged my butt out the door and did 14.5 miles on my cross bike solo.

[owlice]

papaver, as Ritamarie said, what a great picture! (My thoughts may not be original, but they are heartfelt! )

I did 15 miles on my favorite trail today. I picked up my bike Wednesday night after getting it serviced, and the gears are totally screwed up. It was very annoying to have all the higher gears slipping no matter what I did. I ended up riding the big ring most of the ride, though I usually use the middle one. I stopped a few times to try to adjust what I could adjust -- of course I had NO idea what I was doing! -- and eventually made things a little better, but one of my tasks this weekend will be to learn how to adjust the gears, because I can't go through what I went through today again.

All that said, I'm glad I rode!

[owlice]

Ritamarie!

Something about starting a new bike log and seeing 0.0 miles seemed kinda sad.

I see it a completely different way -- it's a whole new year, with all new rides to look forward to!! Time to set goals and plan on how to meet them (and for you, make sure you'll have more miles than your DH... start plotting now!! ) and dream of rides to come and challenges to take on!

This year, I will ride a metric century. I didn't try for one last year, but did get close anyway (by accident, which is why I now have a bike computer), so I have a half-century. I don't know whether I'll try for a century, but it's in the back of my mind; depends on whether I can increase my speed enough.

This year, I will also do another tour. Don't know where yet, but I have some ideas.

Yes, it's a whole new year, a time to reflect on all the lessons from last year (for me, anyway -- I learned an awful lot, mostly the hard way!), think about the rides to come especially now that the days are getting longer, and scheme to find ways to get in even more riding!

[nolemom]

Rode 21 miles this morning with my DH in a steady rain. It just didn't seem right to not ride on the first day of 2010. Can't wait to see what rides are in store for us for the rest of the year.