January rides -- outdoors!!

[ny biker]

I like the idea of using vaseline for "glue."

I rode today and did not need a nose buff or anything else on my face. It was a bit chilly at the start, around 45 degrees, but it was 60 in the sun by the time we finished several hours later. It was a club ride, planned distance of 42 miles but actual distance of 46 due to a missed turn (which occurred near the place where John Wilkes Booth hid out after shooting Lincoln -- it's an interesting, historic part of southern Maryland). There were seven of us to start, and after about 15 miles two riders took a short cut back to the start while the rest of us continued on the longer route. We had a great time.

I tested out several things today, including new pedals (with a longer shaft, to solve a problem with my heels hitting the cranks), new warmer tights and new shorts. The pedals (Speedplay X-2 with custom shafts) were great. The tights (Sugoi Subzero) did a good job keeping my legs warm -- I have more problems with cold legs and feet than most people, so I was happy that they were warm enough for me at the start but did not feel too warm later in the day. The shorts (Gore Oxygen) were okay but I think the chamois is too padded to be comfortable for me on longer rides. I also tested putting shearling insoles in my shoes. My feet were nice and warm, but the shearling was a bit too fluffy around the toes. Still I would consider using them again for shorter rides on cold days.

The ride started at a grocery store parking lot, which for some reason was full of sea gulls this morning. They were mostly just sitting on the pavement. It was odd, and of course made me think of "The Birds." A few miles from the end we passed a house where a man makes wood carvings of large animals using a chain saw. There was a horse, a pig, a giant lizard, and a big chipmunk out on his lawn. He makes benches, too, and they're all for sale, though he said it was just a hobby.

[emily_in_nc]

It was SO windy today, I had to abort my idea of riding to the Padre Island National Seashore, which we'd planned on. Instead, I did 21.9 miles in the slightly more sheltered neighborhoods. At least then I could turn to get out of the stiff south wind now and then to get a break instead of heading for 15 miles straight into it!

Also did about the same mileage on Saturday as a recovery ride. Looks like the cooler weather is finally heading our way here on N. Padre, so I probably won't get in so many rides, if any, in the coming week. Glad to have the gym to go to for the less nice/cooler days.

Stay warm, everyone!