April Showers bring... riding

[north woods gal]

That was a nice thing to do, Emily. Good for you.

Light rain, today, but, even so, my trails are not quite as waterlogged, thanks to the soil thawing and some of the water draining off. Doesn't feel much like spring, though. Woods are still dead-ish looking without the snow cover and nothing green popping up, yet. Did a combo of some road work and about an hour on the trail work. Have to say, without any ice or crunchy snow on the trail, the fat bikes sure ride, quieter!

[Crankin]

I rode to work for the first time this year, after going to my core and balance class at the gym. Was still cold when I left at 9:00-ish (38), but I was dressed correctly. I have an alternate route that is pretty and avoids traffic congestion at 2 intersections in the village, which brings my total miles to the office to about 2.4 . At one point, I have to make a left to get on the street that eventually crosses Main St, and is actually the street my office is on. It seemed like there was a lot of traffic here, although it is a road that leads to a highway. Anyway, I had to get aggressive and not only signal with my arm, but also do what my friends call the "teacher shaking finger," so someone would let me in the lane to turn. After that, once I cross Main St., I am faced with a street that has more pot holes than ever. It has been like this for as long as I can remember, so it's not from the winter. After dodging these craters and cars turning into their respective employer's lots, I arrived.
Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it to ride 2.5 miles, bring my clothes, etc. But, when I left at 6:15 pm or so, it was really nice out, around 52 and the traffic, while busy, is starting to die down. I do not take the alternate route home at this time of day, although I have to, if it's earlier, as it avoids traffic back up coming from the train station. I am still getting nervous turning onto my street, since the day last summer when a jerk tried to pass me on the left as I was turning. Although I do it all of the time on weekend and middle of the day rides with no issues, there is a lot of traffic at rush hour. But, I guess it is worth it, as I slept really well and feel great this morning.

[emily_in_nc]

I get what you are saying, Crankin. We normally will walk in lieu of riding if going somewhere < 3 miles away and when getting there super quickly is not imperative. Riding is more fun but takes a lot more getting ready for. But good for you for commuting via bike rather than car. Any car trip saved is a good thing for our planet, and for your health!

[north woods gal]

Plus one on what Emily said, Crankin. It truly is good for you and the planet. Speaking for myself, I would much rather deal with heavy traffic on a bicycle than being trapped in a car.

Wow! I think spring is here. As of today, our lake is completely ice free. Time to take a break from the trail work and do some pavement miles on the road bike. Our lovely open roads are calling.

[Crankin]

I think we are turning the corner. Predicted to be almost 70 here by Monday.
Emily, it would take me about an hour to walk to work and I would not want to face it at the end of the day! Of course, unless my DH met me for dinner in the village (about half a mile) and then drove me home. I don't get bothered by the drive (it's 7-10 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day) and it takes 10-20 minutes to ride, also depending on how I hit the light and how long I wait to make 2 left turns. But, I am going to try and ride there at least 1/3 of my regular work days and every Friday, for my women's group. I am not going to have the group in the summer, so between now and the end of May... after that I want to do long rides on Fridays. I know it's better to ride... but although it's the shortest of my commutes, it is the most traffic laden. When I lived in my house in Concord, it was 5 miles, through the other town center, but usually, I was riding after the big rush hour and I think I am just more used to that stretch of road.While I hated the hill on my street at 7 pm, the part of that commute after the town center was lovely and peaceful.

[emily_in_nc]

I don't blame you for not wanting to walk home, Crankin! I wouldn't either. Just too long a walk after work. When we do a walk like that, it's early in the day and to somewhere fun like a farmer's market. Not after a long day.

NWG, that's great that you're melting up there! I know you're glad to see some pavement.

Today was our usual day off to do laundry and other chores. In between chores, I actually went to the pool here at the campground for the first time ever. The water was a bit cool for me, but I did get in up to my waist, and it felt so good. This was in the late morning. By afternoon, the temps soared above 90. Ugh. However, a front is coming through, and we're supposed to be in the 70s from Friday for a few days, and maybe even down to 45 on Saturday morning! This morning was 69, so that's a change!

We would normally ride tomorrow, but it's supposed to be very windy with a chance of storms, so not sure if we'll make it out or not.

[Crankin]

So yesterday, I rode a total of 7.3 miles. My back was in a spasm again, not caused by riding, though. I felt it building up, most likely from the hike in the soupy snow and compounded by a stupid twisting motion and banging into my space heater at work on Tuesday. By Tuesday night, it was getting worse again. Ugh, I do not want to get an MRI to find out I can't do much about this.
Anyway, by the time I got on my bike, I had been to 4 grocery stores (2 regular, Trader Joes and the natural foods store), had my nails done, gone to a case conference meeting at work for an hour, and done laundry. I have a very busy weekend coming up and had a lot to do. By this point, I had about an hour to ride, before a haircut appointment. It was raw and cloudy, but I got out, despite barely being able to move around. Some pulling in my hips while riding, but no pain, and I felt like afterwards it would feel better. It did, although I really babied it last night with ice and stretching. So, I rode for about 25 minutes. At least it helped my mental health!
Planning to ride to work tomorrow, wearing a cycling dress I bought years ago, but have never actually worn on the bike.
Yes, Emily, when we walk to the village, it is usually to have a glass of wine, eat, or get ice cream. Once we had beer, appetizers, and ice cream. It was a slow walk home!

[Pax]

Emily, that's one big thing I miss about our condo in FL, we had a pool about 20' from our front door. I'd step into a suit and be in that beautiful clear water in moments, did that several times a week. It was heavenly.