Weekend bike ride!

[Crankin]

Well, the metric is done.
64 miles, 3,200 feet of climbing. Only 2 roads that were new to me. The big climbs were all starting at mile 30 or so. One I hadn't done in a very long time and the other was on the last metric (I usually ride it going the other way). I liked this ride, although riding by my street at mile 7, wasn't good, and being 2 miles away at mile 59 not so hot, either. Nutrition was good, although I started feeling a little crazed at about 55. At mile 58, I finished my 2nd Lara Bar and drank, and then I was better, knowing 2 beers and a pulled pork sandwhich were waiting.
The ride was supposed to start at 9, with a mass start. We got there at 7:45 and left at around 8:15, after some cajoling with the staff that we wouldn't kill ourselves.
I am pretty tired, but, some of it is the effect of the 2 beers. All in all, nothing is hurting, just normal stiffness, which I have already stretched out.

[velo]

Catrin - that's great that you are getting out on your bike whenever you can and feel good about it. This summer is almost "the one that wasn't" for the midwest, and I for one am grateful. I hate the heat and would happy to just slide into a long autumn at this point.

Crankin - way to go! Sounds like you did everything right and finished strong. Beer can be that kind of motivator, can't it?

[emily_in_nc]

Good for both Catrin and Crankin!

I have been a slug the past few days after our very busy trip to New Mexico. We hiked or biked pretty much every day there, but since getting back on Monday, I've only been on my bike once -- just having a hard time getting motivated. I think that's probably not that atypical after a busy, active vacation. Plus we're packing for another trip today. Tomorrow we're hitting the road to NC (a two-day drive from KC) as my step-father is having knee replacement surgery on Monday. We'll help them out for awhile, then do some preventive doctor appointments while there (since all our doctors are there). I'm sure we'll get some cycling in although the part of NC my mother lives in is not the most cycling friendly, though we're hoping to get up the mountains to do the Virginia Creeper Trail. After all that we'll swing up through Ohio to do some more chores for Barry's folks. They live in a better cycling area, so we may get some riding in then.

[goldfinch]

I did the last two days of RAGBRAI. What an amazing experience. Today the weather and the roads were perfect. Thousands of cyclists with wind at our backs and cool temperatures.

But I ate too much.

[Fredwina]

Catrin, Crankin, great for both of you.
I did about 26 miles around town. Broke a spoke, but found out I can get my 'bent in the Fiat!

[rebeccaC]

I did the last two days of RAGBRAI. What an amazing experience. Today the weather and the roads were perfect. Thousands of cyclists with wind at our backs and cool temperatures.

But I ate too much.

Sounds like a perfect ragbrai day!!!!...even the eating too much I ate more PIE on my ragbrai than during any other week of my life!

My last day had some great hills ending in Dubuque. Where did it end this year?

[goldfinch]

It ended in Fort Madison, with some significant hills on the last day. But with the cool temperatures and the following winds the hills did not feel bad at all as I slogged my way up.

I don't like pie.

But I sure like slabs of ham and pork on homemade buns.

[rebeccaC]

How can anyone not like fresh homemade peach pie and vanilla ice cream made by church ladies

I'm a vegetarian...but I did see some great pork chops being devoured by many people each day!!! Did your ride make you think of doing the whole ride in the future?