June Riding

[emily_in_nc]

NY, so sorry about the saddle sore... no matter the cause, those are no fun. Definitely sounds like a saddle change is in order. I have heard that wearing two pairs of shorts helps. Also, you might try lidocaine cream (from any drug store) to numb the area. It has to be applied every hour or so but really helped me when I was having a bad saddle issue. I bought Gold Bond brand at Walmart. Good luck!

NWG, I saw on the news about the storms in Wisconsin and hoped you weren't getting hit too hard. Sounds like it was bad but could have been worse. Glad you're okay! Out cutting up trees and everything...you are one fierce woman!

[Crankin]

Yesterday I had a car free day and it was the hottest day of the year. Rode to the gym, did my class, rode home (2 miles). I woke up with my sinus/cold thing back in full vengeance. I know I *never* get just a cold, so the 10 days of being sick and ruining Memorial Day weekend should have been a hint. This is why I felt so horrible on the rides I led last weekend. I had no choice but to ride to work, though, and it was still cool-ish out. On the way there, a woman yelled at me that my flashing tail light was blinding her! Good, she saw me.
My car was finished, and was sitting at the place, about 3/4 of a mile from my office. It was already 6:15, usually getting quieter in terms of traffic, but going to the car place forced me to go right through West Concord village. It was complicated by the fact an ambulance came through and the traffic was backed up, and a train had just come through, so people were exiting the commuter lot. I was in the lane, which I prefer, as there was no room to ride along the cars. First, another cyclist came up on me and got on the sidewalk. The traffic started moving and Icaught up to him. Then another rider, a woman said "coming through," and passed me, in the narrowest of space between the traffic and parked cars. I had to make a left to get into the car lot and the traffic was just stopped. I rode up on the sidewalk, which I abhor, but there were no pedestrians. Then I crossed at a crosswalk and rode on the sidewalk on the other side, until I got to my car. I gladly drove the 1.5 miles home.
This all made me thankful for normally taking a left where I had to go right to get my car... or, I actually go up a hill and around the business district to get to Main St and on to my street.
Since I am leaving for my trip in 10 days, I am going to the doctor tomorrow. My sinuses are pounding. I may do my group ride, which leaves from Concord Center, but I will have to drive there, and skip the lunch overlooking the river at one of the member's home, to get home, clean up, and get to my appointment. If I feel really awful, I won't ride.
Thursday night DH and I are leading a ride and I am not really looking forward to it. Only 17 miles, though.

[north woods gal]

... NWG, I saw on the news about the storms in Wisconsin and hoped you weren't getting hit too hard. Sounds like it was bad but could have been worse. Glad you're okay! Out cutting up trees and everything...you are one fierce woman!

Thanks. Yeah, definitely some of that pioneer woman spirit helps if a gal wants to live, up here. I think it's just part of the program for any woman who lives in a rural area where the outdoor life style prevails. I do miss some of the girlie stuff, though. Just not many opportunities to dress up and go out on the town. Standard wardrobe is jeans and a sweatshirt, most of the year. On the other hand, it is kind of nice to go without makeup and go bra-less when out in the woods. The deer and bears don't care.