Rides -- tell us about 'em!

[hammertime]

The only ride I did this week was one inside... it's still cold in Chicago and we aren't quite through with winter yet

but this was my first ride on a trainer with my own bike. I usually do spin classes, but the bike shop near my house is offering rides via a trainer. It was awesome... I am surprised how much harder it is to keep your pedal stroke smooth on these trainers... it was good. I'm going to be doing 2 of these a week.

I'm going to race this year ... and need to start training like a racer Getting a new Specialized Tarmac as soon as the 52's come available...

so that was my ride this weekend... nothing outside yet here in the windy city...

[Zen]

Don't pressure me.

[hammertime]

Don't pressure me.

you are always so funny Zen... I am not quick witted like some... I do not have that talent, but love it in others

[chicagogal]

The only ride I did this week was one inside... it's still cold in Chicago and we aren't quite through with winter yet

but this was my first ride on a trainer with my own bike. I usually do spin classes, but the bike shop near my house is offering rides via a trainer. It was awesome... I am surprised how much harder it is to keep your pedal stroke smooth on these trainers... it was good. I'm going to be doing 2 of these a week.

I'm going to race this year ... and need to start training like a racer Getting a new Specialized Tarmac as soon as the 52's come available...

so that was my ride this weekend... nothing outside yet here in the windy city...

Ditto on the trainer ride today. 50mi hilly course on the computrainer. It kicked my butt! I probably went out too hard at the beginning trying not to let one rider overtake me, then she blew up and quit at mile 23, ugh! She wasn't the only one to bail either. Only 2 of us finished the whole course, and I was sooo glad when it was done. But I was proud of myself for sticking it out, although my legs are still hurting. . .

I can't wait until the weather is good enough to ride outdoors!

[nolemom]

Florida weather is wonderful this time of year. I did 40 miles on Friday; Saturday's group ride was a blast and I managed to hang on to the front group for longer than usual - 50 miles; Today, we went around Lake Istokpoga and had a great tailwind for the ride home - 70 miles. I rode in a sleeveless jersey today it was so warm. Remind when I am complaining about the heat in August that there is a reason I live here.

[annielynn]

Went on my first group ride Saturday since November! It was really hard for me to get going. I would never have imagined that I would have such a hard time getting back in the groove. At our half way stopping point I was ready to turn around and go back to the truck. I didn't thought. I made it through to the end (30 miles) and was happy that I did. Just goes to show that the trainer doesn't keep me in as good of riding shape as riding outside does.

I am looking forward to my next group ride on Saturday.

[Biciclista]

We have been riding to the opera for about 3 years; we hated the car/parking/traffic situation so much it was a no brainer. But Yesterday it started to rain and it was about 42 degrees when we left the house. It rained on us lightly all the way there. Riding to downtown on a sunday is nice because there IS less traffic, so it was a nice ride.
We got to a Pho Restaurant across the street from the opera house. As we walked in, it started to pour out. I was pretty wet already so i was glad to miss the deluge outside. We wore raincoats, booties and rainpants. The opera was great (Il Trovatore) with wonderful singers and scenery. It was dark when we got out of the opera, so we rode the 1 mile or so to the light rail station and took it to our neighborhood.
I'm still riding my old Raleigh Mixte, which has been a strengthening exercise, but I'm really glad to have it.

[arielmoon]

I have been taking spinning classes on Sat to replace the bike Shop group ride that I can not do due to the several bumpy roads they go on. I am enjoying the classes and I should think they are going to be beneficial to my road riding. The instructors rotate each week and they are all different but in a good way.

It was really windy Sun but I was determined to get some actual road miles in so I did my smooth highway route and did 24 miles. With the wind at my back I was SUPERWOMAN... not so much on the way home Like nolemom I was sleeveless so I figure there are worse things than gusty wind!

[tulip]

On Saturday I went for a cold ride, but I was all bundled up so it was all good. It was about 15 miles; not sure since my bike computer wouldn't cooperate. My road bike needs new tires, I know, but my house also needs a roof so I'm way too cheap to buy tires at the moment. While it was a good ride, I was worried about my tires...I guess I'll have to get some soon so that I can mark that particular worry off my list.

Yesterday was a total garden day. Today we have thunderstorms, but it's clearing up now so maybe I'll get a little spin in.

[WindingRoad]

I've also been training indoors way too much. Indiana weather has yet to get decent for riding. I got in a 20 miler yesterday outside and it was wet. Did a short run today and it too was wet. Tonight we are supposed to have a 30 degree temperature drop, yuk o barf! I will be soooooooo glad when the weather gets better. I really want to get stronger because I'm moving in August to Philadelphia. Sounds like there's a big cycling community there and I'd like to be in good riding shape. I'd LOVE to be able to race if I can find the time. It's a little daunting not knowing the area and trying to find safe places and groups with which to train. Anyone familiar with the area?