July Rides

[Crankin]

I think one of the reasons I don't want to move to a climate where I could ride all year round, is that I am afraid I'd burn out. This definitely happened to me when I was teaching aerobics; even after I stopped teaching classes, I lasted about 4-5 more years, and then I started riding. I just couldn't stand going to the gym, even though I needed to lose weight! I understand why you are riding so much, it sounds like your DH won't continue this rate of riding, after the year passes.
I am only working about 25 hours a week, less during the summer, since I have a lot of clients away, teens with jobs, etc. I'm kind of like you, in that I am loathe to drive far for a ride start, thus the reason why I haven't gone to a lot of the Wed. rides in my group. But, I need to do one longer (30+) mile ride during the week, to do any kind of decent yearly mileage. It's pretty rare I'd do a ride this long by myself, too. I don't generally do organized (charity) rides, either. Too many people, especially ones acting like racers. I did 2 local metrics last year, and that was fine, because I didn't need to raise money, just pay a sign up fee, and I could start early ahead of the crowds. The one that was super hard is for a very good cause that gives bikes to kids in the city, but they upped the fundraising and DH refused to do it. And the other one is this Saturday, and i am leading a ride somewhere else. I also wanted to do the Soldier Ride again (I did it about 3-4 years ago) alone, as it starts in Concord and it's the one charity I believe in; the Wounded Warrior Project. Again, it's on a day when i am leading a ride.
I barely got over 2,000 miles last year, somewhat because of weather (heat), a vacation that included no cycling, and laziness. That was my lowest mileage in 11 years.

[Giulianna23]

Been riding an average of 150 miles per week. Trying to improve my skills and speed, trying to vary my rides as much as I can in between hilly rides training,Short hard rides, some relaxed rides and lately practicing intense drafting on flat terrain with few rolling hills. Had my first very fast group ride last week and what a difference it makes to ride as a group with each one taking turns pulling the pack. We did 30 miles with a 19.5mph average at the end of the ride. I was a bit tired but not exhausted. I could have gone for another 10-15 miles at the same pace. I couldnt believe that at times we were going at 22-23mph on the paceline. I felt accomplished and vey proud that all the hard work at the end pays off. I Thought it was going to take me much longer to see that average number on my gps screen, but it came sooner than expected and I am so glad. : ) just wanted to share with the forum.

[ny biker]

My ride last night was very nice. I'm still trying to get back the fitness I lost over vacation, so I pushed the pace a bit and my legs were tired as a result. But that was the objective. Total ride was 19 miles with lots of short, steep hills.

My next ride will be a fundraiser for a volunteer fire department on Sunday. It's a long drive to get there, but it will give me a chance to explore some new roads, and I think I can modify their route to use a more convenient starting point for a future club ride. However I think it will rain on Sunday, which will make it somewhat less fun. I just hope there are no severe storms.

[Dragonfly5]

We just returned from our vacation in Grand Isle VT. The riding there is fantastic! Beautiful mountain and lake views, smooth pavement and wide bike lanes on the busier road, so unlike what we have here. I set a goal for myself to ride 100 miles in a week (Sat. to Sat.) I'm at 80.5 and will be riding with a group of ladies tomorrow morning so I'm confident I'll reach my goal. It's incredible to feel myself getting stronger and faster (a little) I'm totally inspired by the miles you ladies ride every week

[emily_in_nc]

Had my longest ride in Walla Walla so far today -- 56 miles. It's easy to put in pretty long mileages here because in the valley the terrain is mostly flat to near-flat with only a few rollers, nothing with really steep grades. The wind is more of a factor than the terrain, and the fact that a lot of the roads are chip-seal, so you do get tired and hands get numb, etc. We had a beautiful day today with light winds, so it was a great day to push the mileage just a bit. Yesterday I'd done just 22 miles so felt great today and ready for more mileage. It's been cooler than normal here lately, but supposed to get hot again starting tomorrow for the next week at least. Ah well, it's that time of year. This morning starting out in the mid 60s, it was downright chilly compared to what we've gotten used to.

Dragonfly, that sounds so beautiful. Vermont is one of my favorite states to ride in, though we haven't been there for years. It's absolutely gorgeous!

Crankin, I totally get what you're saying. I used to really enjoy my winters off the bike in NC, or just riding the trainer and not feeling compelled to go out in chilly weather. I would concentrate on weights and the dreadmill (which I really didn't mind, given good music on my MP3 player) and then be excited to hit the road again in the springtime. However, this year I've really enjoyed being outside in the sunshine all winter long -- it helps my mood just to get out there.

Here's the kind of views we see riding here. You can see why it makes me smile!

Attachment 17295

[kajero]

Woo! Woo! I rode 19 miles today and didn't get lost once. And it was a new route for me. It is the second time this year I rode a 19 mile route and didn't get lost.

I seem to have a problem getting lost when I ride over 16 miles. Yes, I have maps, but I am not good at the reading them. I don't have a smartphone or an expensive Garmin so those to options are not available to me.

OK, I know 19 miles is as much as most of you ride, but it is more than my friends who stay home and watch TV ride!

[khg]

I rode Hurricane Ridge yesterday--and if you're in the PNW, I highly recommend it! Even better, next weekend is the Ride the Hurricane event, where for the morning, the road is closed to cars. http://business.portangeles.org/even...hurricane-2773

Anyway, it was a hard ride, but so beautiful that it made the effort joyous. It also is much more do-able than I had anticipated, as there are no seriously steep bits, just constant climbing, usually around 6%. If you have low enough gears, don't care about setting a land speed record, and can just keep pedaling, it's an eminently attainable big impressive ride! I blathered on a lot about it here, with photos: http://mebikedolomitesoneday.wordpre...ridge-by-bike/

FYI, there are three short-but-unlit tunnels in quick succession--for these you want a taillight (I had mine on the whole ride) and a headlight that is good enough to see the road by, not just a be-seen blinky type of headlight. The road surface seems pretty good in there, the lanes are wide and there's even a bit of a sidewalk if you want to walk your bike through, so the tunnels feel pretty safe, but the transition from daylight to the tunnel is pretty intense. I brought my decent headlight, not my awesome headlight, and next time I will bring the awesome one...

The temperature at the bottom was in the 60's, and it was around 50 at the top. I had on a short-sleeved wool jersey, and my Rapha 3/4 winter bib knickers (probably my favorite piece of bike wear ever. I picked them up on sale, and look forward to weather cool enough to wear them. They are fleecy-soft warm happiness--I call them my Rapha pajamas--and I'm seriously tempted to buy another pair, even at full price... Ouch.) and I would have been fine with less clothing on the way up. But on the way down, even though I felt warm in the sun at the top, I bundled up, and am sure glad that I did. I had a wool cap, arm warmers, a windbreaker jacket, and full-finger wool gloves, and I wouldn't have minded a bit more clothing... So if you do the ride, bring warm things!

A little taste of the day: