March 27 Rides

[pfunk12]

I did the Saturday morning "N2" group ride. It was about 33 degrees at the start - pretty chilly so it took a while to warm up. A bunch of us did the Poolesville route which gave me 65 miles for the day. I felt strong but my legs were burning on some of the hills. A good burn. Nice group of cyclists and a lot of funny and bad jokes.

[OakLeaf]

Today was a yoga and running day, this afternoon DH and I rode a couple of miles downtown to a wine tasting/art walk. I remembered to bring my jackets since we'd be coming home after dark when it was much cooler. He didn't.

[Crankin]

Deb, Where did you go to in Lowell and how did you get there, specifically?
I drive down (up) West St. in Carlisle to the intersection of 225 and 27. Then I take 27 into Chelmsford center, to Rt. 110 into Lowell, into that horrible rotary thing where I have to go, to get downtown. I was taking Lowell Rd., past Great Brook to Rt 4 for awhile, but it's actually a mile or two longer. But, I'm asking, because I have tried to think of a way to ride there, without going through that rotary. I could take the trail for about 2/3 of the trip.
The drivers in Lowell are scary enough in the car, but, I still keep thinking of riding. I will be doing another internship there next year, where the place is right on Rt. 110. Going does not involve the rotary, but going home does.

[DebW]

Deb, Where did you go to in Lowell and how did you get there, specifically?
I drive down (up) West St. in Carlisle to the intersection of 225 and 27. Then I take 27 into Chelmsford center, to Rt. 110 into Lowell, into that horrible rotary thing where I have to go, to get downtown. I was taking Lowell Rd., past Great Brook to Rt 4 for awhile, but it's actually a mile or two longer. But, I'm asking, because I have tried to think of a way to ride there, without going through that rotary. I could take the trail for about 2/3 of the trip.
Going does not involve the rotary, but going home does.

I went to the Boot Cotton Mill. Not knowing Lowell at all, I just followed the path to it's end (behind the Costpoint Center at Rt. 110 and Rt. 3) and followed Rt. 110/Chelmsford St. into town. When I saw a sign pointing to the Historical Park in the opposite direction I was going, I turned around and went down Central St. and found the Boot Mill. I didn't encounter a horrible rotary. 110 wasn't the best for biking, but it was doable. On the way back, I took Dutton St. to 110. GoogleMaps bike route actually gives a zigzag path on smaller roads into downtown.

[7rider]

Nice group of cyclists and a lot of funny and bad jokes.

That about sums 'em up!

DH and I saw the thermometer this a.m. and decided to shut off the alarms, shut off the coffee maker, and head back to bed. We both have lost our enthusiasm for below-freezing ride starts since the daffodils and forsythia are in full bloom, the tree buds are filling in, and Spring is definitely in the air.
So, we left much later, cruised through Rock Creek Park, stopped at the LBS. Our standard weekend cruise. 35 miles.

[pfunk12]

That about sums 'em up!

DH and I saw the thermometer this a.m. and decided to shut off the alarms, shut off the coffee maker, and head back to bed. We both have lost our enthusiasm for below-freezing ride starts since the daffodils and forsythia are in full bloom, the tree buds are filling in, and Spring is definitely in the air.
So, we left much later, cruised through Rock Creek Park, stopped at the LBS. Our standard weekend cruise. 35 miles.

Can't say that I blame you. Pretty tough to ride on a cold morning when you are already thinking about packing your winter riding clothes away (or you already did). Isn't Rock Creek Park beautiful this time of year? The shade of green is amazing.

[roguedog]

50 miles of gorgeous marin roads. man, there's a lot of traffic out there. larkspur to bovine bakery n back on a new (to me) bike with new gears. hmmm.. need to work up to be worthy of my gears.

was lovely out there. i think i have a mild sunburn.

[jp4995]

I did 9 miles yesterday, the weather was sunny and beautiful here in OH. I bought a new pair of bike shorts yesterday and I took them out for a spin. I think they're keepers!

[Crankin]

Thanks, Deb. Actually, you did go on the rotary if you took Dutton St. back. It doesn't look like a real rotary, but all of those lights where Dutton intersects is part of it. My internship site next year is just past Central St., so it might be doable. Thanks!

[DebW]

Thanks, Deb. Actually, you did go on the rotary if you took Dutton St. back. It doesn't look like a real rotary, but all of those lights where Dutton intersects is part of it. My internship site next year is just past Central St., so it might be doable. Thanks!

I should mention that there are a couple of strange road crossings on the Bruce Freeman Trail in Chelmsford. To cross 110 you have to ride on the sidewalk for a ways with a sharp funky turn around a light pole by the road (which you can walk of course). At the crossing of Rt. 4 you have to do sidewalk for a short distance to reach the push-button light, and the path entrance on the other side is difficult to spot (crosswalk not in line with path). All the other crossing points are on minor roads and have a stop sign for bikes. There is no light to help you turn left from the path onto Rt. 225 but traffic was light there. The path takes you by beautiful Hart Pond where there is a small town beach - nice place for rest stop.

[Selkie]

I didn't ride yesterday (the 27th), way too cold and it was my scheduled long swim day.

That said, I am finally back out on pavement, after several months on the trainer with Coach troy---between the 19th and 25th, I got in 220+ miles outside. All the Spinervals suffering paid off.

Since today (Sunday) is my planned long bike ride day, I got out at predawn for a decidedly chilly 43 miles on the Orbit! Had to bundle up but it was a great ride.