Christmas Vacation week rides

[Grits]

We have had unseasonably warm weather lately, which makes it good for cycling, but doesn't seem "Christmasy," but I'll adjust! Rode 27 miles on Sunday. It started out in the low 50's and dropped quickly to 44 with some wind chill by the end as the sun dropped. My toes were freezing even with smart wool socks and toe warmers, but I'm a wimp about cold temps. Rode 40 miles yesterday with temps in the low 60's. That is my longest ride since my broken foot in early Sept., and I can definitely feel it today. Have on my compression stocking and been using an ice pack. And I am so slow! Haven't seen these speeds since first starting out! Trying to feel good about the distance and not get bummed about the speed. Two rides planned for next week.

[Catrin]

Aggie, what IS that? It does look like the end of the world

I am swinging back and forth about riding outside this afternoon or the trainer. It depends on how windy it gets...sunshine and 39 degrees is hard to beat this time of the year and I need to try out my new shoe covers

[Owlie]

Catrin, it's pretty breezy here. I want to ride outside, but my car is being a bit...uncooperative right now. Plus there's baking to do. I'll set up the trainer on the patio in the sun while the cookie dough is in the fridge, and hopefully be able to sneak a ride in on Monday.

[Tri Girl]

well, nothing spectacular, but last night a group of 13 friends (and two kids in trailers) did our annual Christmas like bike ride. Only rode 6 miles, but it took an hour since we were really looking at lights and taking our time enjoying the cold night air and singing Christmas carols.

[Aggie_Ama]

Red and Catrin - It was a child's toy, one of those semi-hard plastic ones. I saw it on the side of the road, it was a three-headed dragon. I tried to bring it home for my puppy Jens but it was too big to carry in a jersey pocket. So I left it to protect the road or amuse other riders.

[Catrin]

I had to smile when I saw your picture, it reminded me of some of the wonderful grade B science fiction movies I loved as a kid

I just got in from a 35 minute ride in 39 degree temps. It was windier than I expected, but that isn't why I cut it short. Shortly into the ride I started getting pain in the middle of my chest, when I breathed deeply. I was dressed for the temps and had a balaclava on, but I am a mouth-breather in the cold because of...ummm...sinus issues when it is cold. I also have asthma. Things did improve but my chest stayed a little tight so I just made one loop in the park I was riding in and came home. It seemed better to be safe than sorry...especially since I left my phone at home and the park was empty.

Beautiful ride though, pure sunshine and clear air. I rode about 7.5 miles in 35 minutes, so that wasn't too bad

[Crankin]

It was between 28-29, so we went for a hike. I really think 33-35 is the lowest I will go for a road ride, so I need to get my 37 miles in all tomorrow, when it will be near 40 and the roads will be clear for people like me who don't do Christmas!
Unfortunately, DH lost the GPS we use for hiking, skiing, snow shoeing. It's "old" in terms of technology; the attachment thing just broke, but he never felt it fall off. We were at Great Brook Farm, so no big deal, but for some reason I couldn't find the trail with the bigger climb and we ended up at a dead end. I had my trail map, but I think there are more trails open now than what are groomed for skiing, and I realized I have never been there without snow, except for my one horrible attempt at a group mountain bike ride.
We retraced our steps, but couldn't find it. It wasn't busy with people, but someone must have picked it up. We saw a couple of mountain bikers and a few runners/hikers. So, we are now looking for a new GPS that we can use for the trails. Thankfully, it was not the one he uses on his bike.
I think we hiked about 3.5 miles.