Christmas Vacation week rides

[Dog]

HillSlugger, can I ask what is the wind barrier base layer? Sounds like I could have used it today!

[HillSlugger]

HillSlugger, can I ask what is the wind barrier base layer? Sounds like I could have used it today!

Pearl Izumi Barrier Wind Front Longsleeve Baselayer

[nscrbug]

I did it, I did it!!! I hit my mileage goal...actually I crushed it! I hadn't checked to see exactly how far I was from reaching it for nearly a month. I knew I was pretty close, but until today...I had no idea that I made it. Some of you might remember my disappointment in coming up 40 miles short last year of reaching my goal of 7,000 miles. So at the beginning of this year, my goal was to once again reach that 7,000 mile mark. As of today, I have logged 7,232 miles for the season, which for me began on March 7th. I am utterly thrilled to have not only reached, but surpass my goal. I can definitely end this season with a smile on my face.

Linda

[pll]

I did it, I did it!!! I hit my mileage goal...actually I crushed it! I hadn't checked to see exactly how far I was from reaching it for nearly a month. I knew I was pretty close, but until today...I had no idea that I made it. Some of you might remember my disappointment in coming up 40 miles short last year of reaching my goal of 7,000 miles. So at the beginning of this year, my goal was to once again reach that 7,000 mile mark. As of today, I have logged 7,232 miles for the season, which for me began on March 7th. I am utterly thrilled to have not only reached, but surpass my goal. I can definitely end this season with a smile on my face.

Linda

Wow!! Congratulations. I remember you were bummed last year.

<and I'm thrilled I'm very close to 3000 miles. I will definitely get there.>

[azfiddle]

congratulations nscrbug! I am closing in on mine- less than 58 to go and a week of vacation and warming weather so I will definitely get there (4800) and maybe a little more. Tomorrow I should be knocking off about 25 more.

[Koronin]

We were able to get out for a ride around the neighborhood yesterday and today.

[bluejellybean]

A great Boxing Day ride in the rain and muddy trails! Then I decided to slog it home on the road. It's days like these that feel so good to go out and do it, then come home and get showered up, cleaned up and warmed up!

[jelee1311]

It was in the 50s and sunny Christmas eve and I rode about 10 miles,slow but so happy I was out riding.On Christmas I went for about 13 miles and it was great I did a small hill. This was the best present because this has been the first weekend since I hurt my back and hip in September that I've been able to ride my road bike. I feel so great and happy to be back!!

[Anelia]

Today we had a a looot of fun

[redrhodie]

I did my regular 18 mile ride. I've figured out that doing this same route a lot is like meditation for me. I think that's why I've been doing it so much right now. I must need it.

It was windy but not cold. I overdressed, thinking there would be a wind chill factor, and instead got sweaty, and then got cold because of that. But the wind felt good. I can't believe I'm to the point of thinking that. I've come a long way on this bike.

[Marquise]

So far it's been a mild winter here with wind and rain bigger deterrents to riding than the temperature, at least if you're willing to ride in the 30s. I rode today, on Christmas Eve, and last Thursday for about 20 miles each time out. I'm choosing flatter routes and the cold and wind are definitely slowing me down, but it sure beats indoor riding! As of today, I've ridden as many times (but not as many miles) this month as in November, and with this week off work I'm hoping for another ride or two this year.

For those interested in wind protection, Gore makes a nice short sleeve base layer with Windstopper material covering the front and wrapping over the shoulders and sides with a mesh back. It's very close fitting but quite comfortable and effective. I wore it in a range of temperatures in late summer and fall. I see TE has a long sleeve winter version.

[azfiddle]

Tucson weather is perfect right now! Mid-60's, maybe as high as 75 at the end of the week. My DH and I rode about 27 miles this afternoon. Speeding toward my year-end goal- should get there tomorrow or the next day :-)

[deeannef]

I have been getting back into better distance and climbing mode for the "A Ride for Life" in Santa Clarita which will have a bunch of Pro riders including George Hincapie, Amber Neben, TeJay Van Garderen to name a few. I am sure I only will see their backsides as they leave me in the dust, but it should be fun anyway. :-)

[Crankin]

Today I did my first, last, and only group ride of the season. I rode about 33 miles along the NH seacoast and inland Greenland, Rye, and Northampton, NH. This was my group's Chanukah party (last wk. was the XMas party) with a choice of the ride, a 4 mile walk, or sitting and watching the turkey cook. DH and I both rode, along with 7 others.
It was about 48 and mostly sunny until the end, when the wind kicked up and it got a bit dark out. The ocean was gorgeous, lots of waves crashing on the shore, and we saw some crazy azz surfers, too. This was a very social ride, even for this group, so I was out there for awhile.
The meal was outstanding, with turkey, latkes and applesauce, lots of salads and desserts. Then we did a Yankee Swap. I am pleasantly tired, like from a long ride in the middle of the summer.
I have about 5 miles to go to make my goal of 3,000 miles, which I will give myself if the weather doesn't cooperate by Saturday. Right now it's freezing and windy out.

[azfiddle]

Crankin'- sounded like a great ride and party.

My DH and I rode with Desert Tortoise and her husband for a little more than 20 miles in absolutely gorgeous desert winter weather. It was our first time meeting in person and we really enjoyed riding together with them.

There is still snow on the peaks of the Catalina and Rincon Mountains but it was warm enough for shorts and short sleeved jersey for most of the ride through the desert foothills, with a stop at a park that has a pond and marsh about halfway through.

My husband and I continued on for a total of 35 miles, and I passed my goal of 4800, ending up at 4803 for the year. 2 or 3 more rides are still in the works with my vacation and the perfect weather!