riding into June and the beginning of summer

[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.

[emily_in_nc]

Sub-zero weather riding....shiver! You are a beast, NWG!

Crankin, I agree that a ride like that in 95 degrees would be miserable. 75 degrees = cycling nirvana for me. My DH likes 80+. I prefer 65-80. But, we make do. Most days, one of us is a little happier than the other on our rides. Often they start out oat my ideal temp but rise to his by the end. Today was like that: somewhere in the 70s starting out and mid-80s by the end, but overcast, so it didn't feel too bad.

Today's rides: 16.53 miles total of utility rides on two different bikes (MTB and Bike Friday). One ride to a produce stand mostly on an unpaved trail, and the second ride into a grocery store in town. Two short rides but both hilly and fun. The reason for two rides is that we could only carry so much stuff at once. We're essentially living a car-free life since we refuse to take our motorhome out of a campground once it's parked, until we leave for the next place. As long as we have three bikes each, we're set!

[north woods gal]

Good for you, Emily. Why drive when you can ride?

[Crankin]

We are in Portland, Maine and I must say there are as many craft breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants as in the better known Portland. I haven't been here in 12 years. Yesterday, we got here at noon and basically ate, walked and shopped, had coffee, wine, and beer. Today we went on a guided bike tour of the islands in Casco Bay. It was just us and the owner of the company, as most people wanting day tours don't want to 25 miles. We met the guy at the ferry, which was a 4 minute ride from our hotel. We were on the ferry for about an hour and 15 minutes, very pleasant and historical. There are tons of islands. We arrived at our first destination and rode about 10 miles. Just beautiful, with almost no cars. But some of the roads he took is on were dirt; the first was fine, but the next 2 were progressively rutted, sandy, and rocky, and I said no more. Fine for a hybrid, but not for my 25s. Then we rode to the one inn where we had lunch, overlooking the bay. On to a short 20 minute ferry ride, to an island connected to the mainland by a causeway. This was really cool. Then we rode back to Portland, on a combo of rural, urban, and bike path roads. The rural was fine, as was the urban, but the path sucked. Tight turns, clueless walkers, and all the things I hate about paths. From there, we rode back to our hotel, a different way, avoiding some cobbles and then promptly rewarded ourselves with gelato.

[emily_in_nc]

Good for you, Emily. Why drive when you can ride?

PERZACTLY.