November Rides

[north woods gal]

Oh, yeah, cleaning bikes. I commuted in Chicago in the winter (crazy me) and with all that darn salt on the streets, cleaning my bike was an every night thing when I got home from work. That road salt can really eat up a bike. Yuk!

Busy all day doing errands, so by the time we got home from work, already too dark to ride, so just did another session on the trainer. Really miss those long days of summer when I had time to do so many things. Still not used to it getting dark so early. Almost feels like jet lag or something.

[ny biker]

I miss the longer days, too. I bought a light therapy box and have been using it at 5 pm every day for the past couple of weeks. You're supposed to use it in the morning, but the sun is already up when I wake up, so I'm using it after sunset. So far it's not preventing me from sleeping at night, except in a good way -- I'm going to bed at normal time rather than falling asleep on the couch at 9:30 or 10:00.

As for cycling this time of year, I bought two good headlights a few years ago and they were a great investment. I can still ride after work without worrying about when it gets dark. It's all on roads, but years ago I used to ride single track after work once a week with a small group of people. I think it helps with your bike handling skills to ride with just a headlight or two to light the way, because you have to be ready for unexpected bumps in the road or path.

And speaking of riding after dark, I went out last night for a ride. A week ago the roads were wet from rain so I decided not to take a chance with wet leaves on the pavement. Well yesterday we got some unexpected light showers in the late afternoon, but I went out riding anyway. The temperature was just around 50 but I thought the humidity would keep it from feeling too cold. But I was wrong, it was pretty chilly out there. I was okay mostly but was cold on the downhills and faster flats at the end. It was really the first time I've felt cold on a ride this fall, and I won't complain about making it to mid-November before having to say that. I pumped my tires to a lower pressure than usual for better grip and went slower than usual on the downhills to avoid skidding on wet leaves; as a result my overall speed was slower than usual. But I was able to get in more than 17 miles of riding without incident and only a little discomfort.

Now I'm trying to decide what I'll do this weekend. Was going to ride on Sunday because I have things to do on Saturday, but it's going to be cold and windy on Sunday. So I'm trying to figure out the best way to rearrange my schedule for Saturday and squeeze in a bike ride while we've still got above-average warmth to enjoy.

Oh and p.s. yes I will have to clean my bike after last night's ride, but the chain was due for a cleaning anyway. And there wasn't too much road spray -- no mud stripe on my back -- despite the fact that I didn't have my clip-on rear fender.

[north woods gal]

NY, our weather up here in northern Wisconsin is due for a change, so I suspect more November-like whether is headed you way, too. We're supposed to have some snow the next couple of days and then high temps in the 30s, next week. Well, it was great while it lasted. Did some trail riding, this afternoon right up to being too dark to see.

[ny biker]

Yes they're forecasting for us to be 10-15 degrees above average for high temps for the next couple of days, then on Saturday night it will get colder than average and windy and will stay that way through Monday. So sunshine and mid-high 60s today through Saturday, but only in the 40s on Sunday before adding in the wind chill. So far they're expecting things to be pretty much average later next week, but longer range models indicate colder weather for the end of November into December. (Yes I am a weather nerd. But how else will I know how to dress for bike rides??)

So Saturday will be a busy day for me, but I should be able to squeeze a 30-ish mile bike ride in between the things I need to do. Then I will have to find something to do on Sunday, preferably something indoors because I prefer not to be out in 40+ mph winds.

[Crankin]

The weather will work out perfectly for me, as we had to switch our theatre day to the matinée on Sunday again, so Sunday needs to be my rest day. It's going to be 50 and windy, with rain. Then, a colder trend, but probably seasonal.Like NY, I am hyper aware of the weather, mostly so I know how to dress for riding or other outdoor activity. It amazes me how many people I work with have no idea of the weather forecast.

[azfiddle]

I've been continuing to commute frequently- actually will finish a "perfect commute week" for the first time ever today. It was cooler this morning- 43 degrees according to the weather service. I surprised myself by actually riding in the dark and the cooler temps today. Riding home should be great though.

[Crankin]

Sometimes, my spring commutes are like that; 38 in the AM and 75 or even 80 on the way home. When I was teaching, and left for work at 5:45 on the bike, I remember a couple of days going in wearing full thermal winter gear and coming home in a sleeveless jersey and shorts.
It is beautiful out today. I was in a bad mood as all of the members in my women's support group cancelled this morning, so off I went to the grocery store and then after lunch, I went out for a very short ride. I really should be resting today, as I've done lots of muscle work this week, but it's 60 degrees at the end of November! My assessment of my body was correct, so I rode for about 30 minutes, got some fresh air, and now I feel very sleepy. Need to wake up, so I don't fall asleep babysitting my granddaughter tonight.