March cycling: In like the Lion of Flanders, out like...?

[lauraelmore1033]

Khg, I love The Oatmeal. I've seen the comic you mentioned and totally relate!

[azfiddle]

Getting in some of the nicest cycling weather in Arizona- did 41 miles on Saturday with my women's cycling club and Sunday I rode up Mt. Lemmon almost to milepost 16. I started from home and it's 5 miles to the base - so I had nearly 50 for the day, but met my husband for lunch at one of the regular cycling hangouts in Tucson - "Le Buzz" cafe. I enjoyed a slice of quiche and a light mocha and part of a cookie afterward.

It was my first serious climbing day in a while. The two brevets I've done had over 4000 feet of climbing but it was spread over 200k. Mt. Lemmon is just up, up, up and I had about 4500 feet of ascending, mostly in about 16 miles. My two friends went to the top, but I was feeling a little chilly after we got over 6000 feet with the clouds and breeze- and I had other plans for later in the day, so I headed down.

[rebeccaC]

Getting in some of the nicest cycling weather in Arizona-

same here....no climbing for me this weekend though.

Rode into downtown L.A. for a day of riding and photography. The Ballona Creek and the Expo Line bike paths take me the 17 miles from the beach to the USC campus downtown and then just a couple of miles of city roads into the arts district and then the industrial area. Sundays are a good day to be biking in those areas of downtown as there is very little traffic in the industrial areas and few cars parked in the arts district, which makes it easier to photograph some of the street art there.
Met a friend, who lives downtown, at the Urth Caffe in the arts district for lunch (a hummus and tabouli salad for me). I had a great time just riding and looking for images. I rode home in time to see the last early sunset at the beach as daylight savings time changes it. 57 miles total in perfect weather.

[buffybike]

We had gorgeous weather in North Georgia all weekend, sunny with highs in the 60s. I rode 38 miles on Saturday (my longest since I broke my wrist in December) and 16 on Sunday. I was in heaven.

[Jolt]

First (short) ride of the season yesterday...rode to the bike co-op to volunteer for the afternoon, then back home. Not even a 6-mile round trip but it was a nice sunny 45-degree day and the roads going there had enough of the snowbanks melted that it felt OK to ride (the potholes on one street on the other hand...UGH). I brought home a lot of sand though...next time should rinse the bike off a little before bringing it in the house. It was also the first ride with the Power Grips that I finally got around to installing. Not sure I am going to like them (especially around town, since getting in and out complicates starting and stopping) but will do some adjusting and give it a chance. I felt like they were keeping my feet turned in a little which didn't feel right, so will loosen them a little and see if that helps.

[SheFly]

I've been riding all winter - lots of fat bike riding on snow, and lots of cold temperatures.

But yesterday? A balmy 45 degrees! No winter mittens, no bulky tights, no down jacket... It was, however, WET! By the time I got home, everything was soaked, and VERY gritty. Bike got a wash and the clothes have now been through the machine twice. Given the reports I'd heard of the road conditions (MA is only 1.9 inches from setting an overall snow record) - narrow roads, puddles hiding pot holes, etc - I opted for the bike path, with just a short venture onto some very quiet roads to get some elevation. So nice to be able to ride outdoors with less gear, and without needing lights!

SheFly

[Crankin]

I so want to ride, but I am not ready to face the craters in the roads. I can deal with wetness, dirt, and even cars on narrowed roads. I am telling myself the season is long and another week or two won't kill me, but now is the time I wish I still had a mountain bike. I did notice that the roads in Acton seem less impaired than in Concord, and I saw some crews already filling in potholes this morning.
I am going on a hike with a friend this afternoon, and since it will be colder the next few days, I won't feel as bad about not riding.