April Rides

[ny biker]

I did ride last night, as planned. Averaged speed was about 0.1 mph less slow than last week. So, progress! I did feel better than last week. My quads were pretty tired at the end but that was normal since it was a hill workout.

As noted in the thread I started over in the apparel section, I decided I need a reflective windbreaker for night rides. It was in the high 50s for the whole ride (16 miles and almost two hours including a snack break, from 9:30 pm until almost 11:30). I think it was a bit humid. For the first couple of miles I was a bit underdressed, then was okay during the hilly part -- warm enough going up and chilled on the descents. But in the last few flat miles I was cold. I was wearing a wool long sleeved base layer, short sleeved jersey, fleecy arm warmers and a wind vest. I think if I'd been wearing a windbreaker instead of the arm warmers and vest I would have been unzipping and re-zipping a lot on the hills, but overall would probably have been more comfortable.

[emily_in_nc]

We are having so much fun riding here at the beach! I had no idea this little stretch of the US even existed in the Florida panhandle, but it is a big deal. Google "30A Florida" if you don't believe me. The bike path isn't ideal, as there are many driveways and road crossings, but it's fun to tool along from beach town to beach town (one in which every building and home is white!), go by several pretty lakes, occasionally catch a peekaboo view of the ocean, and have the ability to stop at little shops, restaurants, bakeries, and a zillion bike shops along the way. You just can't worry about speed, as you have to deal with slow/novice riders, some walkers, construction, and other things that slow you down, but in between, you can zip along pretty well.

I agree with you, nwg, it is a shame about the 26" wheel MTBs going the way of penny farthings. I have really enjoyed riding my MTB these past few days, and just can't imagine riding one with larger wheels at my size. It feels like a big bike anyway, compared to my Bike Friday with 20" wheels, my beach cruiser with 24" wheels, and even my 700c skinny-tired roadie, just because that bike is so much lighter and more streamlined. My MTB shifts very well, accelerates quickly, fits me perfectly, and since it's a full suspension, really smooths out all the bumps and cracks and occasional potholes or gravel areas of the trail. It is really a pleasure to ride, and with a rack (which I have, but not here) and smooth tires makes a fine "town" bike.

Yesterday we managed 27 miles in three rides -- one long and two brief (out to dinner and over to walk on the beach). At our very slow average speed here (10-11ish), that's more time in the saddle than it sounds. Today we took it easy and only put in 11 miles in three rides: one to Publix for some groceries, and again out to dinner and to the beach. We also walked at least 8 miles, mostly on the beach.

We'll probably ride again tomorrow, but not Saturday, as I can only imagine the zoo the path will be that day! That will be a beach walking and dune hiking (there are some trails) day instead, before we head back to central Florida on Sunday.