Weekend Rides 5/11-5/12

[carlotta]

I went out on the cyclofemme ride here this weekend. I figured it'd be a good chance to get out, see some new scenery, meet some people, etc.

There were 10 and 35 mile loops so I figured the 35 would be a nice ride and I wouldn't be a total slow-poke on my commuter (cross bike, rack, fenders) since it was a bit more social, no drop, etc and my road bike is out of commission at the moment. Long story short, my ride sounds a lot like GLC's above... we left late and I realized that I don't like riding in that big (20-30) of a group, especially on busy trail and with mixed etiquette from the group. It was also really slow going and by the time we got to the park for a break (~14 miles in) it was 2 hours after the supposed start time (~1:30 of ride time, I think we left almost 30 minutes late). Luckily, a few of the others who knew the loop were equally unprepared to spend the entire day riding 35 miles, so they split off to head home faster and I tagged along.

Positives: The ride back was great! There ended up being four of us in the group, and I like that size group. Definitely got to see a bunch of new scenery and some great roads. I realized that I can keep up on the commuter (even if the bell has an annoying habit of dinging itself whenever I hit bumps just right and I won't let the lack of road bike keep me from riding with them again.... although it was motivation to get it back in working order.

[Catrin]

Ok, so it wasn't a WEEKEND ride, but it was a ride I finally got out for an hour and put in a bit over 13 miles in almost 80 degree temps and sunshine - it was awesome!

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This is my first 'selfie' ever, I was really enjoying the sunshine! I tried to find some flowers, but there weren't any where I could get them in the same picture as my bike.

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My beloved Gunnar. I've gone from 1 bike, to 3, now back down to one. I love this bike - but eventually will need a backup commuter of some kind.