October Rides

[rebeccaC]

Rebecca, I know, I love a good tailwind too, but there were deep puddles everywhere (Mexican roads have terrible drainage), and we could see on the radar that it was about to pour again. About 30 mins. after I took these photos, it was coming down in sheets. If you would have ridden in those conditions, you are much tougher than I!

i wouldn't say tougher.....with seldom getting rain here means i can recall the inner child when it does and just enjoy riding in it and through puddles with my legs up ...a strong tailwind would just make it even better

but then only on a road that doesn't have large potholes hidden by surface water

[Jolt]

I did the Dempsey Challenge (charity ride in central Maine) yesterday…had signed up for the 100-mile ride but only did the 70 b/c I was not going to make the time cutoff and got rerouted at the point where the two courses split. Actually, I probably would have decided on my own to just do the 70 given the conditions yesterday…it was pretty cold (below freezing at the beginning) and WINDY. There was a headwind for most of the ride, making it extra tough (and it's already a fairly hilly ride…one hill is known as "puke hill" and is long and gets steeper as you go up). I was pretty wiped out by the end of it and was glad to have finished! Next time I may just do the 50 miler, to keep it enjoyable and not stressful. It was interesting seeing what bikes everyone else had…I did not see one other Surly (maybe they were all on the shorter rides) and some people were riding what looked like triathlon type bikes. The ride is really well organized and there is a variety of good stuff at the rest stops, including hot apple cider and hot chocolate, which were really welcome on the chilly ride yesterday. There is also a lobster dinner and beer from a local brewery at the end which is a nice way to top off the day. I think more people might have stayed around for the post-ride festivities if it had been a little warmer! Today I am being a lazy bum before heading into work this afternoon.

[emily_in_nc]

There is also a lobster dinner and beer from a local brewery at the end which is a nice way to top off the day.

OMG, you are so very lucky. I need to get back to Maine one of these days. We certainly don't have post-ride eats like that in NC or anywhere else I've lived. Congrats on making 70 miles in what sounds like tough conditions!

[emily_in_nc]

i wouldn't say tougher.....with seldom getting rain here means i can recall the inner child when it does and just enjoy riding in it and through puddles with my legs up ...a strong tailwind would just make it even better

but then only on a road that doesn't have large potholes hidden by surface water

Yes, we used to ride our beach cruisers through huge puddles in Belize all the time, some quite deep, but I hate to do that with my Bike Friday. I am not fond of cleaning my bike after riding in the rain, especially when in a dirty city. I am also leery of strong tailwinds as that means at some point during the ride, I'll be battling an equally strong headwind! There will be plenty of other days to ride. :-)