riding into June and the beginning of summer

[Crankin]

I ditched the group ride yesterday; just was feeling off when I got up. Actually had my cycling shorts on, when I decided. Instead, I walked to the gym, did a power class, and then walked home.
This morning, I got up at 4:50 and got out for a glorious 10 mile ride, starting at 5:15. It's funny, before I moved to the condo, I would see tons of riders on my early morning rides, including large groups in Concord center, at 5:30 or 6 AM. Today, was the first time I saw other riders, 2 to be specific. It was 52 out , but I was dressed correctly, except maybe I should have had a light head cover on. Ad perhaps, long fingered gloves.

[emily_in_nc]

I ditched the group ride yesterday; just was feeling off when I got up. Actually had my cycling shorts on, when I decided. Instead, I walked to the gym, did a power class, and then walked home.
This morning, I got up at 4:50 and got out for a glorious 10 mile ride, starting at 5:15. It's funny, before I moved to the condo, I would see tons of riders on my early morning rides, including large groups in Concord center, at 5:30 or 6 AM. Today, was the first time I saw other riders, 2 to be specific. It was 52 out , but I was dressed correctly, except maybe I should have had a light head cover on. Ad perhaps, long fingered gloves.

Brrrrrr! I can't imagine. We are riding in the 80s now, which I enjoy until I stop and the sweat rains down my face. I am such a wimp about chilly-weather rides, but good for you! I can imagine that riding so early when very few are out and about would be very peaceful, but I'll never find out. We're lucky to get going by 9 am.

[north woods gal]

Thanks, Rebecca. I like the idea of the pepper spray and the GPS, too. I do get a little spooked being myself, out in the middle of nowhere, sometimes. Been meaning to add the GPS, anyway, since I have a terrible sense of direction.

Good for you Crankin. Riding in cold weather is very doable. Just a matter of having the right clothing and knowing how to dress. If I limited myself to riding in warm, summer-like weather, I'd be lucky to get two months a year of riding. Even in the middle of the summer, we get days where it only gets into the 50s or 60s. Fortunately, I have all the bike specific winter clothing that I've accumulated from years of riding in cold weather. Very expensive, but it really helps. I also use the same clothing for my cross country skiing, so well worth the cost.

[Crankin]

Well 50-60 is my favorite riding temperature! What I call fall type riding, definitely not winter clothing. I had on knee warmers, thermal arm warmers and a vest. I do have heavy duty winter riding clothing, though. Today was more like, wow, I haven't ridden in these temperatures in about 5-6 weeks. It's about 75 now.
Emily, early morning riding is extremely peaceful. I get up early anyway, and it's much preferred than trying to ride after work.

[emily_in_nc]

Well 50-60 is my favorite riding temperature! What I call fall type riding, definitely not winter clothing. I had on knee warmers, thermal arm warmers and a vest. I do have heavy duty winter riding clothing, though.

Heheh, that's my winter riding get-up. :-) I don't mind those temps too much if it's sunny and not windy, but if it's overcast and windy, I won't ride in temps below about 60. I just hate having my nose run and then starting to overheat and having to peel off layers. It's so much simpler to leave in shorts and a short- or no-sleeve jersey. I just feel a lot freer than when I am wearing more clothing for rides. I guess I learned that from DH, who has always much preferred summer riding. He likes it a bit hotter than me, though!

[Crankin]

Yes, it does take awhile to get ready for a cooler ride. But I don't mind stopping to peel off things. I can push down my arm warmers while riding, and sometimes I leave them that way! In early spring/late winter, I tend to leave my vest on, just because I like it for the safety part; drivers may not be used to seeing riders in March or April. And yes, at cooler temperatures, wind and/or couds make a huge difference in how you need to dress. I agree with you, though, I don't like riding in hot weather, either. I have built up to it, but mostly I can plan shady rides on those days. But, sometimes you have no control. Last year, we led our 50 mile, hilly ride up to Hollis, NH on a 95 degree and slightly humid day. Though it is mostly shady, the heat, plus 3K feet of climbing just about killed everyone. Praying that this year, when we lead this on 7/16, it's 75 degrees and sunny!

[north woods gal]

Wish I had a pic of me riding in sub zero weather in the snow with not an inch of exposed skin, goggles, face mask, the works. Pretty frightening pic for some of you folks that ride in the tropics. Up here, when the weather gets really rough, I do usually ride indoors on the trainer, but I HATE doing trainer miles, so the weather has to get really bad to keep me cooped up inside.

June is really a lovely riding month, up here. The typical high is in the 70s. Have had a few days in the 80s and a few in the 60s, but mostly 70s. Our summers are just so short, though, so I ride as much as I can. I know very well how soon winter comes knocking on our door.