Happy July 4th US!

[makbike]

I rode a short century (90 miles) through some very hilly terrain. It was a small group, started out as six riders and quickly dwindled down to three. There were only two store stops along the way and boy did I welcome both. Our biggest and longest climb took us up the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Our ride captain was very knowledgable about the area and share tid bits here and there along the way. A the top of this long and what seemed endless climb (it was approximately 1 long) we stopped at a lookout sight to catch our breath and take in a beautiful sight. From there we had only 25 miles to go but I swear they were the toughest 25 miles I've ridden in a long time. I found myself counting off the remaining miles. We found ourselves racing an approaching storm the last 10 miles or so and those dark clouds helped all of us dig a little deeper and push a little harder to the finish. The heat and humidity were tough today. I drank 8 bottles (20 oz) of gatorade during the ride, a liter of water and felt somewhat dehydrated (mild stomach/intestinal cramps).

Our ride captain today had ridden a century on Saturday and was riding strong today, boy I hope I can do that some day. He also shared that he has ridden at least one century every month for the past 63 months - I found this amazing to say the least and so very cool.

[im4smiley]

oooh I forgot to say....I saw a Pileated Woodpecker on my ride today!! Flew across the road in front of us ....soooo cool!!

[Trek420]

I awoke to fog. Watching the tour I checked TE, bikerz had PM'd me "how about a ride?".

"let me get some coffee first" I replied and I did.

We agreed to meet up at ACT noon'ish (scene of next Saturdays ride, hint, hint). We had a great ride, the weather had cleared by the time we set out, it was not crowded on the trail. They must all be watching the Tour

I had a case of hotfoot, time to change shoes or new Smartfeet or both so we just did the out and back, skipping Jobob nemesis hill...but not Jobob.

We ran into (not literaly) the Bob's and stopped for a chat.

According to Bikerzs digital helmet mounted weathervane (just kidding, she does not have one but wouldn't that be cool?) we had about 60% headwind, 20% crosswind.

Great ride, great company, nice to see the Bobs. Thanks TE for introducing me to these great folk.

Now just keeping the dog calm.

[salsabike]

We took the tandem on an easy 40 mile trail ride today---no hills, to the bagle shop and back. Taking it easy on the 4th, hiding the cats from neighborhood firecrackers. Went by Bothell Landing Park on the ride home and saw people in costume ready to reenact the Battle of Concord, I believe. Why in Washington State? Why not, I guess...Happy 4th, all.

[betagirl]

Did a 40 mile ride today, with 20 of those with Fuji girl.

Currently I'm admiring the fireworks one of my neighbors invested in. They're shooting them off a bit south of me and I can see them out my office window. Fireworks are "illegal" in Illinois, which equates to everyone driving over the border to Indiana to buy them. They do have busts on the border every year, but most people manage to get whatever they want back.

[Lise]

18 miles to/from my sister's. Headwind the entire way back.

And now, my neighborhood sounds like I imagine the seige of Sarajevo must've sounded. I hate the neighborhood fireworks part of the 4th of July.

[Duck on Wheels]

No ride today as I am again (temporarily) Bikeless. Walked to downtown Sonoma with my 83-yr-old Mom. She was staffing a table on the Plaza, I was walking in the parade with first the Peace and Justice Committee and then Health Care for All. Great crowd, great weather, lotsa fun, and PJC won the grand prize for best parade entry. Then wandered around the Plaza getting blasted by bands from all quarters -- good bands, but hard to enjoy blues in one ear and salsa in the other at once. Walked home, frosted the cupcakes, then took cupcakes and biscotti over to Mom's neighbors' burger bbq and watched the town fireworks from their back yard. Oooooh! Aaaah! Wow! and Ooooh again!