April 27-29 Weekend Rides

[Becky]

A perfect day here....no wind, sunshine, and ~60 degrees. The strong sun and absence of wind made it warm enough for shorts and short sleeves DH wasn't feeling well, so I cranked out a quick 23 miles on my own.

Despite having worked hard (mostly off-bike) all winter and being it great shape, I've lost my taste for long rides. Maybe I'm becoming more of a utility/commuter cyclist, or maybe I'm just being lazy Anyone else experience this?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Despite having worked hard (mostly off-bike) all winter and being it great shape, I've lost my taste for long rides. Maybe I'm becoming more of a utility/commuter cyclist, or maybe I'm just being lazy Anyone else experience this?

Yes, I am. I'm finding i really enjoy the 10-15 mile rides now.
The 20 mile ride yesterday seemed more like the 30 mile rides used to seem to me 2 years ago.
i also took the bike computers off my two bikes because i didn't want to feel like I should ride faster anymore.
I think it's partly because i also want to get back home and garden, play with my bees and stuff. I want to do more things!

[Becky]

I think it's partly because i also want to get back home and garden, play with my bees and stuff. I want to do more things!

You might be onto something there......since I quit my second job a few weeks ago, I've been quite busy around the house. I'm exhausted each weekend, but get so much done that it's totally worth it.

There's just not enough time for all my fun

[Catrin]

So my plans changed a bit, but I rode on Sauvie Island for 25 miles! ... It's a bit of a trek just getting to the island, so I doubt I will do it again. I'm much more an urban cyclist and we have great city roads where I can go for long ride in a bike lane. Here is a photo:

Congratulations on completing your ride, sounds great! I am the opposite of you, I've no desire for urban riding, but dearly love my country roads I just love to point my bike in a direction and just go there. I haven't yet done that this year, just waiting to get my base up a bit first.

Today was the most fun I've had on a bike in a long time....

It sounds, and looks, like you had a lot of fun!

[Trek-chick]

DH and I went to the local mountain bike trails for a few hours. It was great but the hills were kicking my butt. I hadn't done much technical singletrack since getting my Trek 520 commuter/ grocery getter. It was a nice change of pace.

[Crankin]

Lisa, I am doing less 50-60 mile rides; last year and the year before only about 2-3 a year, compared to 10 or so before. Two years ago, I did a lot of little farm stand runs, shopping, etc. on my "other" bike. Last year, hardly any. But, I had my highest yearly mileage ever, by doing lots of little rides and maybe 2 25-35 mile rides a week. Some mornings I go out and do 10 miles before work, which are just as enjoyable as 40.
You have a lot of hobbies, so no wonder you want to get back and do stuff. Most of my free time is spent riding, but sometimes I'd prefer to go on a hike, or even sit on my deck and drink coffee. I feel very guilty and get antsy if I don't do at least a small ride. I know that's a bad sign of addiction, but I guess it could be worse.

[Bike Chick]

A group of us went to New Harmony, IN on Saturday to ride the Harmonie Hundred. It was a very windy 50 miles but a nice ride. Yesterday, I rode around the neighborhood and took pictures of the flooding. All the state highways and county roads that we use are closed due to flooding and the interstate is the only access to anywhere. No bike rides longer than 5 or 6 miles for a while until the water goes down.