Wow, it's warmer where you are, although it's about 86 here. Thankfully, today is overcast, with a breeze, and no pollen flying into my lungs!
We did a low key ride to a café that specializes in waffles. It's at the beginning (or end) of the Minuteman bike trail, so there are a lot of cyclists around there, as it is also a meeting place for group rides. But, as usual, there's a story here. So, I haven't ridden my Guru since last fall. This is the bike I'll be taking on our trip in August. You guys know I don't like the geometry of this bike as much as my Trek, but I also really disliked the Frog pedals I had, because I was becoming unclipped all of the time. This was an issue for some, so I know it's not all in my head, as I read about this. Last fall, I put an extra set of Speedplay road pedals on the bike, but I don't really like to use road pedals when I am on a tour. So DH bought both of us spd pedals with huge platforms. I used the shoes at the gym once and they seemed fine in spin class. So today, I was a wreck before starting; too many changes at once brings out all of my anxiety. Dealing with the different feeling of the bike was heightened about 10X by the different pedals. After a little screaming in the parking lot of our condo, we were off, and it seemed like I was not easily clipping in my left foot, which is the one I unclip with. I was fine with that... the restaurant is about 10 miles from my house and DH insisted we take a packed dirt path that takes you off the main road and ends up near the café. I've been on this trail with my mountain bike; the part in Concord is always muddy and wet, but the next town, where we got on the trail has totally graded it. But... DH had not been on the trail since last fall. There was one section that was sandy, rutted, and torn up. I started skidding, and luckily, I put my foot down and didn't crash into anyone behind me. There was a group of guys on road or cross bikes who told us this was from the town taking down trees from the winter storms and not regrading. I walked over this part. But, I was so spooked I slowed down to such a slow speed, a runner passed me! This would be OK, without the wrecked part, or with the right tires/bike. The waffles were great, and it was not too busy. Obviously, we did not take the trail back, so had a non-eventful trip, except at one stoplight where I had to work to get unclipped. DH fixed that when we got home.
I wish I wasn't so sensitive to change going back and forth between bikes. I love the way the Guru feels, once riding, but, the top tube is not slanted quite enough for me. So, a nice 20 mile ride, and I will ride this bike on Monday to get the muscle memory back.