August 9th Saturday RIDES

[bluebug32]

Great group mtb ride today. 15.5 miles and some good hills (20% grade at one point). Heading to the couch....

[divingbiker]

Well, I'm the underachiever of the bunch. I rode Miss Gulch over to the gym, 6 miles round trip. (Of course, I also did an hour of water aerobics, a 2.5 mile run, and lifted weights also, so there wasn't a whole lot of time for a longer ride.)

[Blueberry]

I didn't ride today, but I worked the finish line rest stop of the Tarwheels' Bikefest (was going to sweep, but my back has been cranky). DH did sweep - they had assigned him another partner - who bailed at about mile 20 on the metric He came back to the finish line and was ranting because he doesn't like to "go slow" and "have to hang with those people." Probably a good thing he didn't finish the sweep. And a good thing he doesn't know my speed. Ah well - good thing DH was well prepared (and I had stocked his bag with goodies to get him through the ride). It was an interesting experience to be on that side of the table - most of the riders were awesome, and thanked us for doing such a good job! A few chewed us out - they got lost. I drove the course to check the markings, etc. last weekend (and it was re-checked just before the ride), and there were signs and marks at every turn. Apparently, they threw away their cue sheets ("we didn't really need those!"), and just followed groups. These are popular cycling roads and not riders were apparently associated with this ride. I really wonder what else they think we could have done?!

Overall, though, a beautiful day and a great experience! Now to figure out how to strengthen the back (hopefully!) and get ready for the MS 150!

CA

[fastdogs]

rode my mtb today, met up with uforgot at rolla lion's club mtb trail. I had so much fun!!! Up to now, I've been riding by myself, and it was so much fun have someone to ride with. It's a great little trail. We saw a deer; last time I rode there I saw a groundhog. There was nobody else on the trail. It made my day!
vickie

[Trek420]

Went to the dojo, riders zooming by, did you hear a small whine "wish I was riding"?
Ran errands, saw Oakland Yellowjackets club ride zip by, another small whine.

It's ok, I rode to work twice this week and had a great time.

[Mr. Bloom]

I think it is so cool that I can bike with my 81 year old father. He was going 14 mph in some spots.

You tell your dad that if I live to be 81, I'd feel good if I looked half as strong and rode half as fast! That's outstanding!

We did our typical 19 miles on the tri-course.

The whether here this weekend is outstanding!

[boy in a kilt]

I had a strong need to go to the hardware store. Since I haven't been riding much lately, it seemed like a good day to go on my bike.

I came home with a new drill (we don't own one), a set of bits, two new door knobs to replace the ones on the house when we moved in and a latch for the gate that can be opened from both sides. Need to put the latter high enough that DS can reach it but DD can't.

Don't know the mileage because the bike computer is inoperative. But I had a fun ride. Even though I grew up in Portland, I don't know the southwest part of town very well.

[BarbaraAlys]

You that rode in 72 degrees, or 'cool in the morning'...I'm SOOO ENVIOUS.

I did 42 miles in the Melon Patch Tour in De Leon, TX. At 7:30AM it was 80 Degrees. My bike computer read 104 at the highest.

This was out in the country, rolling hills, no big climbs but lots of long slow rises that kill me. I kind of wanted to do 71miles, but I went there with some swifties and didn't want them to have to wait for me for hours. As it worked out I finished my ride about half an hour ahead of them (they were on the 71). My average, 13pmh, their average 18mph. <sigh> When will I get faster!?

It was a beautiful day and a well organized ride. I really need to get a camera and take pics on rides like that. I love seeing where all of you get to ride. When we got home I discovered that my rear tire is flat. I remember going through some glass about a mile from the end. Great timing, huh?

Barbara

[pardes]

Great photos, Mudmucker. Dads and daughters on bikes are a special thing.

I was in the LBS when a father and two very very little girls came in to buy their new bikes. My gosh but those trikes were sooooo small. They pedaled all over the store with pink streamers flapping in the breeze. I told the Dad that his daughters would never forget these moments just as I have never forgotten my Dad teaching me to ride in 1955. The memories are burned into my brain. He died only a few years later at 46 so I am extra grateful for those times we had together.

As for my ride today, did 10 miles, dropped my chain, at breakfast, contemplated my navel, and assessed how very inadequate I am to take on inclines. Heck, there was a 70 foot rise over a 0.2 mile stretch and I had to walk it. I decided, after that, that the monster incline up to the top of the Reservoir was not in the picture for me today.

[han-grrl]

I did a lovely 3 hour mtb ride with hubby. It started to rain as we biked to the trail head, but then it stopped and the temperature was quite lovely!

we did my usual route in reverse, in the Gatineau Park...which was acually a lot more "pretty" than the other way...

[Brandy]

106 miles and 15,000 feet of climbing! Unsupported, solo training ride. I'm so proud of myself!!!



Here's a map of the mountains so you can get a better idea...

[Red Rock]

I actually went for a real ride toady in the 100 degree heat. I forgot to mention I did about 21 miles. It was nice to be back on the bike again after living on the trainer. I took a few pictures of what I saw, I thought you all might like them. I have another pic but can get it to post.

Red Rock