November 26 rides

[Popoki_Nui]

Snow! Nice rare snowstorm today! After whining in another thread , I took "Wo Fat" (my mtb) out for a ride in the stuff. Didn't make it very far, maybe 6-7km, but it felt like 60-70. Hard work, but sooo beautiful, and good for lifting the spirits.
(Ok, for you who get real snow, try not to laugh! A few centimeters here is a major event. )

[Fredwina]

I did 45 miles on the Fredwina-Mobile (my Cannondale road bike). It about 57 , when I left and 70 when I got back, Probably should have done another. 15
Snow? what's that? Seriously, at this time of year it's not uncommon to be cycling in short sleeve in the valleys, and look up and see snow pack on the mountains.

[DebW]

I did a 28 mile ride today, without snow. In fact, temperature was above 50F. My first long ride on the new clincher tires (700x25 Armadillos with reflective sidewalls). They didn't feel a whole lot different than my sewups, and I still averaged 16 mph.

[Veronica]

I did 38 miles, finished just as the rain was starting. Picked up a tube, stem nut and elastic from the new tube left on the side of the road by another rider. I really hate it when I see litter that most likely came from another bicyclist like Gu packets, or bar wrappers. But I find this to be especially despicable. You can't pretend that leaving the tube was an accident and unnoticed. At least with Gu packets and wrappers I can think that maybe it flew out of the jersey.

I had a heck of a headwind as I headed out to the reservoir. I saw a lot of folks from my local club climbing out to the reservoir as I was coming back. So I got a lot of cheery hellos. It was a pleasant ride, although a bit cold.

V.

[Kalidurga]

26.0 miles along the Potomac River on the C&O towpath, up around Shepherdstown, WV. For some reason I couldn't figure out, it was a bit of a struggle. I was pushing myself a bit hard, but just couldn't find a comfortable gear combo. It had to be something either mental or physical, but I'd rather blame it on the dessicated leaves that kept getting caught in my brakes and my cogs and my bottom bracket and my derailleur and that created sooo much rolling resistance... (That's my story, and I'm stickin' with it )

Had an interesting moment: Stopped for a break at a primitive campsite along the towpath. Heading back up a small grassy hill towards the path, I approached a concrete platform where a water pump was installed. I figured I could easily roll the front tire up the few inches that the platfrom rose above the ground (I've yet to learn to bunny hop). But, as the tire hit the concrete two things happened almost simultaneouly-- I let out an "Aw, @*%$!" as I realized the bike wasn't gonna go, and then I stood amazed as I realized a half a second later that I had both feet on the ground and the bike had endo'd out from under me. Made me glad that I keep a loose tension setting on my clipless pedals

In spite of my determination to ride as far into the winter as I comfortably can, it was bittersweet to think that today's ride could possibly be the last for a while.

[makbike]

I was able to talk myself into a club ride this afternoon. I went to bed last night with a mild fever and the feeling that a sinus infection was brewing. The sun was shining and it was warm (low 70's) so I decided to pack the recumbent into the car and I made a trip into Louisville for the Sunday 25 mile club ride. I've taken my recumbent out three times this week (22 miles on Friday, 39 miles yesterday and today's ride). I was feeling a bit discouraged after yesterday's slow and easy club ride (averaged only 13.4 mph) for I felt awful on my bike (slow, no power, etc). However, today I felt much better and stronger (averaged 14.8 mph) so I guess all is not lost. I had a great ride and though I'm looking forward to the snowy season I hate to see this warm weather depart.

[kaybee]

It was 69 degrees and sunny here yesterday, and we hadn't ridden in about a month, so we did one of our regular 25-mile loops. It was a great day to be out, but not riding for a month and training for a half maraton has taken its toll on my legs! But, it was a beautiful afternoon and felt good to be outside.

KB

[Crankin]

Rode about 24 miles with friends. I felt good and it was about 55 out....

[7rider]

Yesterday (the 26th), DH and I took the bikes into Rock Creek Park, via Garrett Park. Rode Beach Drive from Kensington into the District (on weekends, portions of it are closed to motor vehicles, and it becomes one big MUT). Mostly, it was a leisurely ride, until we got passed by a bunch of guys with their Major Taylor team jerseys, so we had to give chase. DH stayed with them on Jones Bridge Rd (a hill), but I got dropped. Oh well. We stopped at the LBS to schmooze and check on the progress of DH's mtb upgrade, then took the shortcut home to end up with about 26 miles.