Spring - when do you get back outside?

[SheFly]

It's been raining through the night here, and now it has switched to snow, but I'll probably at least get out on the bike path a bit later.

Well, the bike path was a slushy, wet, miserable mess, so we ditched out onto the roads. On our SSCX bikes. With no fenders. On snow covered roads. In a snow/rain/ice downpour. I don't think I have been this wet on the bike in a LONG time. It was definitely miserable, but still better than riding on the rollers.



SheFly

[redrhodie]

I'm back out there! I usually ride all winter, but ended up taking about 6 weeks off. Getting back in the saddle hurt a lot last Thursday and a bit less today. After Thursday's ride, which ended up being several miles longer than intended due to a wrong turn on a detour road, I almost couldn't carry my bike up the stairs. Today was better. I think I'll get my fitness back pretty fast. My advice to anyone who has taken the winter off, make the first ride short.

[climbergirl]

Here in the Great White North (aka Minnesota), cycling can be tough in the winter. Sure, I see folks out commuting on those awesome super-fat-tire winter bikes, and mountain bikes, but when it's 6 F and the roads are a rutty mess, I'll drive or walk or stay home, thanks. Or take the bus. If there's an accident, the bus will win!

Anyway, my partner and I committed to riding every month this year. January we got two good rides in, but February was looking like a no go. It's been SO cold and snowy! But the last few days have hit above freezing and the main roads (with bike lanes) looked pretty good, at least on the north side. We got in a 17 mile ride, but it included some NASTY patches of deep puddle, slush, and mixed ice/slush. Came home muddy, soaked and cold, but very happy! Neither of us went down, so life is good.

We took the mountain bikes out. I can not WAIT for the roads to clear and dry a bit more so I can get back on the road bike. I miss it! Also, in late December I got a new steel-frame light touring bike (Cinelli Gazzetta della Strada, OMG) and I'm SO EXCITED to get out on it! I haven't even really had it on a test ride yet. But she's too pretty and too new to take out in the slop. Here's hoping things dry out in March!

[tulip]

I got out for a two hour ride yesterday. It was in the 50s and sunny, finally. It's not the cold that keeps me in during the winter, it's the dark and gloom and the rain. It's been a very gloomy and rainy winter, and I don't ride in the gloom and the rain.

[indysteel]

I got out for a two hour ride yesterday. It was in the 50s and sunny, finally. It's not the cold that keeps me in during the winter, it's the dark and gloom and the rain. It's been a very gloomy and rainy winter, and I don't ride in the gloom and the rain.

That's what gets me. I don't mind running on a grey day and, in fact, I quite like it. But for some reason, it feels really depressing on my bike. So, I use the winter to pursue other activities, and I enjoy the diversity that brings. Given that I've had some muscle imbalances develop over the past few years, which I think cycling has either caused or worsened, I think my body does, too. I'd love to include things like x-country skiing and snow shoeing, but we don't get enough snow and whatever snow we do get doesn't tend to stick around long enough to pursue such things.

[Owlie]

I've barely ridden this winter. I've taken the new cross bike out twice since I got it. I don't ride much below 35, and while the CX bike is okay on the bike path, it's the roads on the way to the path that worry me. I've also been working at least one day each weekend, and with the short days, I haven't been able to get out even if it is nice.

I'm hoping for some nice weather soon. It's 40 degrees, sunny, and I'm done with my lab work for the day. Hmm...

I'll be trying to finish my thesis before April (or July). How much riding will get done this spring is up for debate.

[nscrbug]

Well cruddy weather combined with recovering from my carpal tunnel surgery that I had on both hands earlier this month, had me confined to the gym for the whole month of February. My target date (if the weather and my hands cooperate) to get back on the bike is St. Patrick's Day. I did a spin class this morning (no standing) and my hands were mildly protesting. I still don't have full functionality in my right hand and my left one is still bandaged up (stitches come out tomorrow...yay!). Given the discomfort I was in during the spin class, I'm not sure if my target date is a tad bit too ambitious...we shall see.

Linda

[redrhodie]

Well cruddy weather combined with recovering from my carpal tunnel surgery that I had on both hands earlier this month, had me confined to the gym for the whole month of February. My target date (if the weather and my hands cooperate) to get back on the bike is St. Patrick's Day. I did a spin class this morning (no standing) and my hands were mildly protesting. I still don't have full functionality in my right hand and my left one is still bandaged up (stitches come out tomorrow...yay!). Given the discomfort I was in during the spin class, I'm not sure if my target date is a tad bit too ambitious...we shall see.

Linda

I hope you're feeling better, Linda!