Bike Ride!!!!!

[Catrin]

21 miles today - and got a taste of wind and subjected myself to a couple of longer inclines. All my body-parts feel fine and I felt stronger when I started than I have on recent rides. Apparently there is something to the idea that we get stronger when we allow our legs to rest when they ask for it

[emily_in_nc]

I rode 12.7 miles late this afternoon. Hip was barking at me a bit since I'd done my longest ride of 2011 yesterday, so I didn't try to go longer. It was overcast and upper 50s, with a bit of a breeze. Lots of cyclists, runners, walkers, and kids out. Just felt good to get a workout in, even if it wasn't the best ride I've had lately!

[Catrin]

Wooot! A balmy 54 degrees this afternoon so I got a bike ride in - 23 miles and it felt great! Heart rate is higher than I would like to see it - but I have been off the bike since October so a decrease of some cardiovascular fitness is only to be expected. There is only one way to get it back!

I also climbed two hills that I have not been climbed since my injury and I did not have to walk them It was something of a suffer-fest even in my lowest gear, but these hills are quite steep! Had to deal with some snow in the bike lane of a somewhat busy road but I will take it - and I just rode in the regular car lane until I could get around it. Bike is filthy though, so she will have to get some loving attention after dinner and a beer!

[emily_in_nc]

We also had a wonderful day here in NC -- how does 79 degrees on Feb. 27 strike you? Wow! Needless to say, the average high for this date is only around 57, so this was highly unusual, but I'll take it!

Got in just under 23 miles in shorts and a ss jersey. If I'd known how warm it was going to be, I could have worn a sleeveless!

I work from home on Mondays so am planning a short ride at lunchtime since it's to be in the upper 70s again before a cold front comes through. Supposed to be quite windy, so hopefully that doesn't prove to be a problem.

[Catrin]

Sounds wonderful, Emily! We had 54 degrees, and snow still on the ground from Friday. My poor LHT was FILTHY and it took most of the evening to clean it. I have to make do with wash-rags in the middle of the living room with Ms. Explorer turned upside down on a piece of carpet just for this. The ride was worth it

[marni]

We had similar temps here in Texas yesterday and I got in a 50 mile ride. Unfortunately the winds, predicted at 8-12 mph were actually more in the 15-20 range with gusts to 30mph. The difference was 24 mph with the tail wind and fighting hard to make 16 mph against it. It was challenging to say the least, but I enjoyed it and am not hurting too much today so I guess the 10% increase in training is starting to show some effects.

[PamNY]

Marni, that does sound challenging. Wind changes things, doesn't it?

I did a lazy, easy 20 miles or so with gorgeous blue skies and temps around 50.
Signs of spring are everywhere and I felt great.