June Riding

[north woods gal]

I know I shouldn't complain, what with so many having to deal with extreme heat, of late, but we're stuck in another one of these long drawn out cool and very wet spells. Temps have been struggling to even break 70 and rain, rain, rain with drizzle thrown in for a little variety. Have even had to resort to wearing leggings on some days. Earlier in the month, when we got stuck in one of these miserable wet weather ruts, I managed to ride between showers. Now I'm just saying the heck with it and riding in the rain. The fat bikes are getting me though it all, though, even for trail riding. Standard size MTBs would sink out of sight in some spots. Hope July brings some sunshine, at least.

[Crankin]

Well, if it's of any interest, the same changeable weather here in Spain. We are in the mountains, though, which I believe is somewhat common. First day of the riding, no issues, but on the second day, we got the 2 climbs in and it started pouring just as we were getting ready to leave the lunch stop. We shuttled to the hotel, where it was sunny. The next day, we had a fabulous ride, with sun most of the way, and only a short period of light rain. Yesterday was a rest day. We did not do a cable car ride over a natural park, as it was 35 degtees and raining when we got there!
Today it is pouring. We are supposed to be shuttled to the top of a mountain pass, to ride down... that is probably not going to happen!

[Crankin]

Did not ride today; it was pouring at the top of the pass and 40 degrees and windy at the coffree stop and the next lunch stop. Even with leg warmers, rain jacket, toe covers, and long gloves, it was horrible. And, it was about 50 miles of downhill. One older (than me) woman, got out and rode the last 25 miles, with one of the leaders. She had no rain gear, gloves, or head cover. It was warmer when she started (50?), but it started pouring again as we rode down in the van. The other 2 women had no cold weather gear with them, so DH and I were not alone. I am still seeing beautiful scenery! That woman who rode is giving me a pain in the azz. I am being nice, but there is always at least one on every trip.

[emily_in_nc]

Glad you are having fun in Spain, Crankin, though sorry about the chilly and wet weather. I would hate that. Glad the scenery makes up for it!

[Geonz]

Wednesday night I led our "level 1" ride ... one of those days where nothing's where it should be. I didn't know where my keys were and thought I'd left them at work so ... I head out and get to work and they're not there -- they're on my bike, dropped down in the basket. Oh, but I've left my waist bag at home so just hope I don't need wallet or cough drops or pepper spray or...
... and when my rear went smack, smack smack on the 6 mile ride back from the ride, I realized that the bag wiht the pump was at work.
... happily, the cyclist who went by me goin' the other way as I was walking figuring out a plan turned around and inquired, and he had not a pump but C02... so I praised my disorganized self for at least having figured out a "quick uninstall" for my crate on the back of the bike (cargo longbike), and having tube handy. He had good flashlight and time THen he says "I thought it was you -- and know you have a long way to go." Sweeet
THe other kinda nifty thing is... well, maybe he was just tired, but ... he expected me to be able to fix my own flat *And* even though this was the first flat I've had on this bike it went pretty seamlessly. I couldn't find the cause ... so perhaps a pinch flat on our rough roads b/c ... just swapping the tube worked.

760 miles for June Might not get much at all today w/ storms everywhere...

[rebeccaC]

Now I'm just saying the heck with it and riding in the rain.

"We can whine about the rain. We can swear at it. We can hide from it. Or we can just ride in it as best we can...and be fully alive while we do it." If you can do a long ride through a heavy downpour ending with your body and mind intact, you’re ready for pretty much whatever…. and there’s always the warmth of home and hot chocolate to return to.

…and a bonus is getting to clean the grit out of all the beautiful places on your bike that the rain has made nasty.....my bikes purr when i clean them

I luv riding in the rain…….eta well, it doesn't rain that much here though and few really good storms

[rebeccaC]

Maybe TE could get a group together, someday, and do a foreign tour. Italy?

Geneva to Trieste through the Swiss Alps and Italian Dolomites, from Lake Geneva to the Adriatic Sea….why not a day of base jumping in the Dolomites too….I’m in if you are…. and if KHG ever comes back and sees this thats 5 with her husband and Alex

[Crankin]

I don't think it would be easy.
A trip like that would be out for me. I've hiked and driven in the Italian Alps and I know, even with training more, that would kill me. I like hills, but what I did in Spain is enough for me. It would be fun to do a group trip, just not one with climbs that have 15-20% grades and last for miles.
Some of you are a lot younger than me... I am pretty good for an old lady, but I know my limits.