July riding

[steppink]

I carry pepper spray in my pocket also, for that " just in case dog or even worse the just in case person ", as I also ride alone, though it wouldn't help much against a bear

[Crankin]

I have only had one dog run in, on my street.

[kernowcyclist]

Seeing dogs off-leash by the roadside makes me very vigilant. I was knocked off my bike by one years ago on my way to work, on what was usually a busy road but luckily was clear at the time. The owner just casually strolled past as I untangled my legs and heaved the bike off , and called 'Allright?' then carried on. She seemed supremely unconcerned. I carried on to work, fuming, where I was overtaken by the shakes and my worried workmates plied me with sweet tea. No damage, just a bruise or two. I didn't see the woman or the dog on that route again though.

[marni]

Todays ride was a relaxed out and back on the shadiest route we could find. Fast enough to keep a steady cadence of 79 and slow enough to talk about things so a good combination of effort and therapy. Started and finished early enough that the heat wasn't too brutal. 26 miles in 1;45 for an average of 14.0. Thanks to riding buddy Mx for doing the ride with me.

[Crankin]

I helped lead an impromptu group ride. There were only 6 people, of varying speeds, so a lot of stopping and back and forth. But, a nice day, and good climbing. I've done this route before, so I was prepared. I was a little surprised they all knew my name, but I have no idea who these people are!
30.1 miles, with 1650 ft. of climbing. I am glad I didn't ride to the ride, as it would have made it just under 50 miles. Really slow, but, still fun.

[Crankin]

Yesterday, DH and I did a very short ride of 13 miles, including the steep hill I did on Friday. My knees were killing me after the ride Friday, and I really was trying to figure out why, since this is not a usual problem for me. Then, I realized that my early AM ride Thursday, I had shorts on, it was about 50, and I was definitely stiff when I started. I should have had knee warmers on, so learned my lesson, I cannot be like DH!
Today we explored some new streets in Sudbury. We rarely ride in this direction, although it's a very local ride. We ended up going up a climb of 11% grade. There are 2 charity rides going on today, going through Concord, so we wanted to avoid all of that. It's really hot and humid, too, but thankfully, the clouds mostly helped. I was just soaked through, when we stopped for a brunch sandwich, about 3.5 miles from home. We rode about 29 miles, very happy to be showered and in the AC.

[marni]

another hot and humid ride started early and kept it short and sweet, 33 miles in 2;30. Starting temp at 7:30 was 80, finishing temperature at 10:15 was 92 but feels like was triple digits 103 because of the humidity. Thankful for the group I ride with and for the occasional clouds and breezes.