5/3 rides

[westtexas]

... Not a lot of cyclists out, but on a quiet stretch of road, I heard the approaching whir of wheels. 3 guys, all on Trek road bikes.

When I first read this I thought to myself - did you get passed by the same guys I did? They must have all been over 6 feet tall and they were like gazelles they were so lean and fast. It was impressive.

[Crankin]

Ha, I had a similar experience riding at 6 AM today. I didn't set out all of my stuff and get my bike ready with the light as I usually do, because I thought it might be raining. But, it wasn't.
I did a 13 mile ride and by the time I got out there, I really didn't need my light, but I like to have it on when the cars have their lights on. So, I was riding down a short street, heading to make my turn around, when I saw 2 guys riding down the road that goes by Hanscom AFB. I thought for sure they would not turn in my direction, but I sort of felt them as I was making a left and then one flew by me, with no acknowledgement. However, the second one came up beside me and asked me about my blinkie on the back, to which I replied I had no idea what brand it is... he took off and I thought, wow. This guy had an old bike with down tube shifters and he was wearing tube socks and the kind of shoes you wear with toe clips. He was slower than the first one, but I knew I couldn't stay with him. So, my goal was to keep them in sight. I actually did, even after a small climb and a turn, but they finally got really ahead of me before I turned off toward my neighborhood. They must have been going at least 22-23 mph.
It raised my average speed a bit and I felt very virtuous for trying that hard so early in the AM.

[azfiddle]

Shortened version of the after-work ride today. Two other guys had various aches and pains, and we had a stiff head wind going out. I ended up going only 10.5 miles instead of the planned 17, but the tailwind coming back was really fun. It's okay- I think I can get out for 25 tomorrow afternoon.

[emily_in_nc]

Had a lovely after-work ride tonight. Temp was in the low 80s, and there was a pretty strong SW breeze. It was kinda humid, but still quite nice. Rode with DH on our Bike Fridays -- a rare treat as he usually rides his Trek on recreational (not utility) rides, so we could actually ride together -- I'm too slow when he rides his Trek. He started out before I got home from work and got in 40 miles; I got 20.5 in.

[Jo-n-NY]

The week days here on Long Island have been horrible this whole spring season. If it is not crazy wind gusts, it is damp, fog, showers. I don't remember having a full week of nice weather. Anyway, my only rides have been on the weekends which have been GREAT! This is the first time in 9 years that I didn't begin my after work rides in April at least. damn!! That be said, I have 500 miles in which puts me on target for the beginning of May. It must be due to more trainer miles and long road miles than in the past.