November 4 rides

[rubysoho]

This weekend I traveled to another state to see some friends and had my first large group training ride (20+ riders). It was a great experience and very eye-opening for me. I learned a lot and met some wonderful people.

What I learned:
*"Car back"
*pointing at holes, arm signals for turning, stopping
*I can keep up with 18-20mph rides on FLAT ground
*I canNOT keep up a high pace on the hills I faced. They were HUGE and nothing I have ridden before.
*Don't change your routine before a hard ride. And even if you feel you are working so hard you can't eat/drink make sure you take time to do it!

It really was the hardest ride I have ever done just based on the hills alone. And also due to a lot of factors I should have controlled better. It was cold (low forties when we started) and it took almost half an hour for my feet to regain feeling. I didn't hydrate on the ride and ended up with a headache and sore joints for a few hours after. The last three miles were my slowest ever (I was toast at that point, but not last! Lol.). BUT I LOVED IT!!!

So I have a lot to work on. Mostly hills. And I can't wait to get out there.

[owlice]

I've attached a picture from my ride today. Thanks to those who told me (on another forum here) about Fat Tires Bike Tours! Not a long ride mileage-wise, but great fun even in the wind wind wind.

Two things could have improved the ride: having a brush with me, and having my hair in a ponytail.

Medusa

[bluebug32]

Did 50 miles with a nice group today in eastern NY. We did some awesome hills and one dirt road climb. When we started out it was 39 degrees, very chilly and there was still some snow on the group from last week's storm.

[Roadtrip]

Weather here was nice, but I woke up very sore and legs achy, so I bailed on the planned ride. Who would have thought bowling would make ones legs so sore... Must be from using muscle groups in ways I'm not used to... Oy!!

Shannon

[azfiddle]

Fredwina, love the pics!

It was a super busy weekend- I was performing at the Celtic Festival, but my sets were at 10 am and 6 pm on Saturday, so I went home and rode 24 miles between performances, out at Saguaro Nat. Park. It was just barely warm enough for shorts and short sleeved jersery at 2 pm!

Today, I rode the last long ride with the Carmichael El Tour de Tucson training group, but had to leave early to get back to the Celtic Festival for my morning performance. I got in 42 miles- I think the rest of the group was doing 53 miles or so.

[bluebug32]

Weather here was nice, but I woke up very sore and legs achy, so I bailed on the planned ride. Who would have thought bowling would make ones legs so sore... Must be from using muscle groups in ways I'm not used to... Oy!!

Shannon

I've had the strangest things make my legs hurt and deem them useless for the next day's planned ride. Exhibit A: swapping my desk chair for a stability ball = sore adductors and no ride! Crazy. Got to play it safe with those legs.

[Trek-chick]

Weather this weekend was nice 55-62* for a Michigan November. I used Saturday as a bicycle maintenance day. Cleaned and lubed all three bikes outside.

I also earned $27 from the LBS for a reward program. This is the LBS I bought the Bianchi from in May. So, I went and spent my reward money and then some on much needed items.

Sunday I went for a short ride (12 miles) at my favorite park. I kept it short because the wind was killing me .

[roadie gal]

Does an hour on the trainer to Epic Rides Texas Hill Country count? Sheesh. We have 4 inches of snow on the ground and it was 27 degrees.