Christmas Vacation week rides

[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!

[shootingstar]

Yesterday I commuted-bike to work and then afterwards we biked over to a Persian restaurant for dinner.

Today I went for a 15 km spin after a haircut and then later giving my opinion which was asked for a new creme puff shell a baker was developing.

[Desert Tortoise]

AZFiddle, do you have some kind of influence on the winds? It was absolutely gorgeous today and NO winds. After we left you and headed home we could see the winds picking up. And now that it is dark they have stopped of course. So what's your secret?

DH and I had a lot fun riding with you and your DH. And it sure was nice to finally have met you in person.

Congratulations on completing 4800 miles this year!

DT

[azfiddle]

DT- no influence- but hey, I'll take a calm day when I can. We'll be doing this again, I'm sure!

It felt great to pass that mileage mark!

[shootingstar]

We rode in a different direction this morning, with a headwind 50% of time, around 45 km /hr. winds. Stopped at Mediterranean bakery for first time in last 4 months due to previous ice and snow on the route which didn't inspire any cycling here at the time.

Loaded up on their fresh hummus, bread and some phyllo pastries to ride back home. 24 km. , he took off for another 15 km.

[Crankin]

I met my goal today, with one day left. I really did drag this out.
3,004 miles.
Today my ride was exactly 7 miles to the Trail's End Cafe and back (with a little detour around the back of the North Bridge) for a lunch of sweet potato and carrot soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich. It was sleeting when I left my client's house, about 17 miles from here, but thankfully, it stopped as I drove south. I really felt like wimping out, as it was 34 and raw looking out, and I already went to spin class, but I got dressed and enjoyed my lunch. By the time I got home, the sun was out and it was 37. I rode the Guru today, and I decided I really have to ride this bike more.
Time to reset my bike computers. January 1st is supposed to be 50 degrees.

[nscrbug]

We got in a 50 mile ride this morning, despite it being cold, windy, and damp out. So with today's ride, it brings my total mileage for the year to 7,315 miles. I would never have fathomed riding that many miles this year. I couldn't be more pleased.

Linda

[Sky King]

woke up on the last day of 2011 crabby and cranky. Thankfully the sun was out and once it hit 38 degrees the DH and I bundled up for a meander - love my new ibex winter gloves! Hit the library then continued out our MUP that borders the Boise River until we heard the distinct call of microbrew from our favorite local brewery, which is only about 4 miles from the house - a perfect way to end the ride, early dinner and a nice beer. Maybe a 24 mile ride but we didn't even have the computer on, it was that kinda day!

[goldfinch]

First ride of the year today and first flat of the year.

[redrhodie]

Got out for around 25 miles this beautiful. morning. What a way to start the year! I also commuted for the first time in a while on Fri. Not sure what my mileage ended up being for 2011, but I'm happy. Despite all the recent drama, I rode consistently. Here's hoping for good things in '12.

Happy New Year!

[radacrider]

Started off the new year with a solo ride out along our Springwater Corridor trail. Beautiful, sunny morning, upper 30s starting out with a strong East wind (17mph, with 24mph gusts). The goal was to go south and east then at the east end point, head north and then enjoy a tailwind coming back home.

Got to see the trail on a section I have not seen, saw some restoration work along the Johnson Creek Watershed (those little ribboned plantings) and gave the MB-1 a final shake down ride before it starts its daily commuting duty Tuesday.

Happy new year everyone!

[shootingstar]

Yesterday did 21 km primarily for a snack and grocery shopping for New Year's meals. It was -14 degrees C., colder than some other days but sunny.

Today we'll be out too on the bikes and only abit warmer.

Then for several days this wk. it will hit above freezin'. I will be bike commuting to work.

[Anelia]

A friend shot 3 videos from 2011's last ride:
Number 1
Number 2
Number 3