Hello all. Catching up again. Those photos really are beautiful, Rebecca.

Last week I had planned to do some indoor training. That did not happen, due to working very late several nights. On Saturday I got out and enjoyed the 60-degree sunshine with a 35-mile club ride. We had some wind gusts but (a) they were from the south, much better than from the north this time of year!, and (b) the wind was not constant for our afternoon ride, whereas friends who rode in the morning reported steady winds during their entire rides. So we really had great conditions and were happy to be wearing vests and arm warmers in January.

My legs were not happy, though. I've only been off the bike for a month, but it felt more like a year. From the very first hill I felt a total lack of strength. I had ridden the same route back in October and I swear the hills somehow have grown since then. But everyone I rode with had been taking a winter break from the bike, so we all just enjoyed being outside instead of trying to hammer.

We had a rest stop at a park where a group of scouts were camping for the weekend. Apparently they do this every year, including years when we have lots of snow. Chapeau to them! They were planning an "Iron Chef" competition for dinner.

After the ride my legs were aching as I drove around running errands. Too much lactic acid. I usually only feel that way after long, challenging rides. So this was my inspiration to get more exercise while I wait for spring weather. I'm going to increase the leg exercises when I do weight training and will have to shift into a higher gear on the indoor rides.