First outdoor ride of the year

[Crankin]

We're having our January thaw, quite conveniently on a day when I was at home. DH came home at noon and we went on a little 15 mile jaunt, just on one of our regular routes. I know this is nothing compared to all of you tough winter riders, but I really don't ride regularly outside Dec.-February. Anyway, took the Jamis Coda out and I took the pannier off for this ride. It makes a big difference in the feel of the ride. It was quite a nice day, about 42 and partly sunny, with a light breeze from the "warm" wind direction.
Just a fun ride, and I feel like my winter training program is making me strong. Frankly, I want to enjoy the next 6 weeks of winter so I can x country ski more and then have the snow magically go away on March 1st!
Meh, I'm at the university now, waiting for my weekend class to start, so I have to miss riding outside tomorrow, since I have to be back here at 9 AM.

[HillSlugger]

We're having our January thaw, quite conveniently on a day when I was at home. DH came home at noon and we went on a little 15 mile jaunt, just on one of our regular routes. I know this is nothing compared to all of you tough winter riders, but I really don't ride regularly outside Dec.-February. Anyway, took the Jamis Coda out and I took the pannier off for this ride. It makes a big difference in the feel of the ride. It was quite a nice day, about 42 and partly sunny, with a light breeze from the "warm" wind direction.
Just a fun ride, and I feel like my winter training program is making me strong. Frankly, I want to enjoy the next 6 weeks of winter so I can x country ski more and then have the snow magically go away on March 1st!
Meh, I'm at the university now, waiting for my weekend class to start, so I have to miss riding outside tomorrow, since I have to be back here at 9 AM.

Congrats!

The thaw is happening here, too. I'll get my first outdoor ride tomorrow.

[sundial]

Isn't this break in the weather great?

I took advantage of the 55 F weather and rode today too.

[Catrin]

The weather is wonderful - and I took advantage of it as well! I am really looking forward to when I am safe to hit the roads and be able to put some miles under my wheels!

[Owlie]

It's been really nice here too this week (even considering the fact that I have to dodge the big clumps of snow falling off various campus buildings ). I've gone out several times and thought "This would be a really good day for a bike ride!" then realized that my bike is back home in Cincinnati. Come on, March!

[chicagogal]

my first outdoor ride of 2010 will be on Sunday! I can't wait. The temps are supposed to be in the low to mid 30s - still cold, but so much warmer than we have had! (still need to bundle up, though . . . )

[DebW]

It wasn't my first ride of the year, but I did extend my commute home from work today by taking the bike path toward Lexington for some extra miles. I was happy to have studded tires due to the snow and ice on the path, but there were some commuters on road bikes riding the path also.

[moderncyclista]

I tried last night to do a critical mass ride on my Aurora. We got over 10 inches of snow in late Dec. and it has yet to melt. Main roads were clear but all side roads were a mess.

Also, I'm getting over a minor cold and wore out fast. Still on medicine. Well it was a valiant effort at least.

[Dogmama]

You ladies are amazing. In AZ, I hate anything below 60 degrees. I'll ride in it, but I hate getting dressed up like the Michelin man. We pay in the summer - when landing on the pavement can net 2nd degree burns to your body. Rubber side down!

Deb - I can't imagine riding on ice & snow on my road bike. But, I can't imagine DRIVING on ice & snow.

[withm]

Woo Hoo!

Not only did I make the 1st ride of the year, it was the first ride in over 10 weeks! It was only 13 miles and frankly by mile 5 I was thinking it was time to turn around and head home cause my shoulder started to ache.

It's been 8 weeks since my AC decompression, 7 weeks of PT, and I'm up to about 50-55% range of motion (starting from ZERO ROM) so I figured it was time to try it out. It was about 45oF, cloudy, but no wind to speak of so that was good. By 2:30-3:00 it started to get cooler. It really felt good to be outside having fun after all these weeks even if the sun didn't participate. Still looking at another 4-6 weeks of PT though.

Martha

[crazycanuck]

Urgh...I rode early early this morning & glad i left at 615am! It wasn't too hot heading into the hills(..well ok except for the wind) but about 5km from home I could feel the temp rising...

Tis already 32C outside & who knows if it'll reach the forecasted temp of 41C...we'll be inside today

[XMcShiftersonX]

I know the feeling! I did a couple end of the year rides that were in the upper 30 degree range, and with my facemask and warm clothes it was actually just fine. No ice on the road, just a few slick spots. This is my first year that I intend to ride outside as long as it's not raining. I did my first ride of the year a week ago with my husband. It was my 3rd time outside with my clipless pedals, and my first time doing hills with them! We did a nice 30 mile rolling hill ride. It was so nice to be outside instead of on a stationary bike or a trainer - I can't stand it, but I know need it!

[HillSlugger]

It was in the low 40's today! I did 26+ miles on the tri bike. I'm definitely not in outdoor riding form

[makbike]

I too took advantage of the winter thaw. I squeezed in 22 miles and it felt great to be outside even if I was a bit chilled when I arrived home. Back to the trainer tomorrow for the rain is moving in for the next week. It was nice while it lasted.

[Crankin]

I was so jealous yesterday; it was 45 degrees and sunny out and I was in class. She gave us a break, so I did get to walk about 1.5 miles. There had to be at least 100 cyclists riding up/down Mass Ave. in Cambridge.
At least I got outside. Snow tonight. Since tomorrow is a holiday, I hope to get out and x country ski in the afternoon.