November 17 Weekend Rides

[Catrin]

Right now I seem to only be able to get on the bike once a week, but I will take it! Today I rolled out of the door planning on a 30 mile country ride, but in the end it was only 10 miles Chafing became a real problem, and even now I can feel discomfort from the chafing - and it is in a terrible place for such things. I've been noticing that my bike clothes are getting large on me and I suspect my Terry liner that I wear with my tights has, ahem, gotten too large THERE.

It was a beautiful afternoon for a ride though! Lots of sunshine, little traffic, and while some may have considered me over-dressed I was perfectly comfortable...temperature wise. Thanksgiving day is supposed to be much warmer than today so I should be able to wear my regular shorts - hoping for no repeats!

[Crankin]

I went for a 23 mile ride; nothing special, around Carlisle and Chelmsford. It was gorgeous, bright sun and 46 degrees. I did not wear my new winter jacket, just my wind jacket, as the new one is just too heavy for sunny days. My problem is the first 1.5 miles for me is downhill and even with slowing, it is chilly. We went up a hill after that, to warm up. There were so many cyclists out, DH and I both commented that it was like summer. Even 5 years ago, you just would not have seen this, although cycling has always been popular here.
Really, any time after noon time, the shadows are long at this time of year, as I ride mostly on wooded country roads. We got back at 2:50, but next time, I will bring my headlight and put it on flashing mode. I had my rear blinkies on at the end of the ride. But, if the car headlights are on, I want my headlight.
Hoping to do a longer ride tomorrow. One that includes lunch.

[happyscientist]

Chafing stinks, but diaper cream helps it heal. I read that on a running site and tried it. That stuff is magic.

I have about a 50 miler planned with my regular Sunday group today. It should be sunny and 60 by the end of the ride. However, it will only be about 35-40 at the start, so it looks like a layering day.

A couple weeks ago as I was kitting up for the ride, I told my husband that I was putting on my "Sunday go to meetin' clothes" (he's from the South). The we decided that cycling was my religion and my bike was my alter.

[Crankin]

I told the rabbi at my synagogue that cycling was my new religion and that's why he doesn't see me at services or even social events anymore .
He told me to ride to temple... it's only about 6 miles.

[azfiddle]

My ride yesterday was El Tour de Tucson - the 60 mile route. More in a separate post, but I felt pretty good about it.

[Catrin]

I told the rabbi at my synagogue that cycling was my new religion and that's why he doesn't see me at services or even social events anymore .
He told me to ride to temple... it's only about 6 miles.

I could have this same conversation with my priest...if I ever actually went!

[Giulianna23]

Went Mountain biking yesterday with other 2 gals I just met...but only did about 4 miles because I started feeling sick and weak again not as bad as last weekend but still bad enough to quit the ride ...sucks . After leaving the Trails went to get some multivitamins and some Iron pills. I strongly believe my hemoglobin counts are low. I have a iron deficiency since I was a child and used to take Folic Acid and a few other vitamins on a daily basis to suplement the deficit. Well....took them this morning, ate my brunch at 11:00 and went out around 12:30 to do a 26 road miles ride I had planned for today. The weather was very nice and sunny so I decided to explore a bit and ended up doing 45 great miles averaging 14.5 mph and didn't get sick at all. At times on the flats I went up to 19mph and my maximum speed was 25. I wasn't pushing myself just going at my comfort pace which is between 13 and 15mph. At some climbs I felt a bit exhausted as normal but not sick nor weak like yesterday and the last few rides I have done. Nw I am watching the football games with my oldest son.

[Jiffer]

Did 20 today with 1150 of climbing, more than I typically have been doing (since I've been seeking out every flat route I can find for a year and a half). I'm slowing adding distance, harder exertion and climbing. It's slow progress, but feels so good to not be riding 5 flat miles at 10 mph anymore!

[cosc]

I rode 20 miles Saturday and Sunday with nice sunny temps in the 60's. This was a super weekend as it was the first time I've been on my bike in 3 months. I've been recuperating from a broken finger on the left and a sprained wrist on the right.
The broken finger happened from a poor start on my bike up a hill on a skinny trail. The sprained wrist was from a fall at school.
My hands still are weak, but shifting gears will strengthen them, right?
All of you TE members with ailments, this too shall pass and you will be joyfully spinning again too.

[azfiddle]

Jiffer, it's so good to see you getting stronger again.

[Trek-chick]

I did 18 miles Sunday on the Macomb Orchard Trail. I find it hard to get out for a ride lately though.

We have been redoing our kitchen for a while now and last weekend did the backsplash so, we are getting there (after a year and numerous set backs) I can not wait until it is completely done and I have more time to ride.

[redrhodie]

I am so proud of my city. We had 2 cyclists die recently on our roads, so they just redesigned some of the major roads making them more bike friendly. They actually took away a lane of travel and put in a bike lane where the last death happened. They also designed the bike lanes that are near parked cars to have a door zone, so they're safe. With the new changes, traffic will be slower and there is enough room for everyone. A huge improvement. I can't believe they actually did this so well. Yay Newport!

I tried them out today, and rode by both ghost bikes. I did feel a lot safer because of the changes. I think of the lost riders every time I ride, but at least now something good came from it.