OK, I didn't get quite as early a start to my outdoor riding season as others here, but I got out there today. Still on target with what I did last year.
I had kind of a limited time schedule, as this afternoon I went for a "tea and pastry" pairing lecture at the local museum, with some friends. I decided to go out around 11:30, and actually left a little before, as I was "losing my mojo" rapidly. DH decided to come with me.
So, we did the 15 mile loop that is the easiest one for me to gauge my fitness on. I felt great riding down the hill and on my street. Then when I had to turn to get out of my neighborhood, 2 cars were going by, so I had to stop. I was sprinting pretty fast to catch up to DH, when I saw She Fly ride by, in the other direction! The first half of the ride went pretty well. No pains, or complaining from me. DH seemed to be hurting a bit and his HR was up. We stopped at about 6.8 miles and I undid my pit zips. I knew I was probably overdressed, but I didn't want to be cold.
The fun sort of began when we started up the backside of the loop. There are 3 smaller type hills, ones that by the middle of the season I can go up at 12-13 mph, not in the granny. I didn't even try for speed, but I managed 10, but using a lower gear than normal. After that I just wanted to get home, tempered by the fact I had to ride up my driveway, let alone my street. DH had sprinted up the last hill and he was "done." The street didn't feel too bad and I made myself not look at the computer going up the driveway, as I was cursing myself for moving to this house, thinking about the nice flat street I used to live on!
It was very nice out, about 46, a little windy. I feel good and plan to go out again tomorrow. All the climbing while nordic skiing really did help me keep my endurance up, but I have some work to do.
There's a photo in the what do you look like? thread.