4000 miles, a jersey review and random thoughts...

[Veronica]

My mileage goal for this year was 5276. Various events throughout 2007 kept me from riding as much as I would have liked. But that's life. Besides a goal is not supposed to be something you know you can do.

Yesterday's ride with Jo and Thom was great and my rollover 4,000 miles ride. I was testing out some new cold weather gear I got. My new jersey from Ground Effect is awesome. I got the Popsicle with wind blocker in the front. I kind of wish I had asked for the Ice Queen after yesterday's ride. It also has wind blocker in the shoulders and arms. The Popsicle is merino wool in the sleeves and back. The Ice Queen is fleece in the back. The sleeves are a little long for me, but it doesn't bother me. My core was never cold, but my arms were most of the day, even with a bolero over my jersey. The zipper pulls are the best. I like to unzip when I'm climbing and zip up again for the descents. These were easy to use, even with my full fingered gloves on.

It was the longest ride I've done since I hurt my knee, at right around 65 miles. The knee is holding up well. It does get stiff while riding and stretching at stops definitely helps. I'm so glad Jo asked us to tag along because we've been stuck in the 39 mile rut for awhile.

Thom always beats me on the climbs, often by more than a few minutes. But I did manage to one up him later in the ride. I've always had better endurance, so the longer a ride goes, the more evenly matched we are. He was drafting me and decided to leap off the front as we were approaching a small hill. Initially I went with him, but my HR was getting too high. So I coasted for a little bit, let the HR drop. He looked back and saw I wasn't working, so he eased up a bit. I caught him at the bottom of the hill and flew by. You know that look sprinters have as they put the hammer down to get to the finish... you know the grimace of pain one. Yeah, that was look I had. But it was fun too. I'm so lucky to have someone who pushes me in a good way. I just wish I could get as fast as him on the extended climbs.

I'll log a few more miles before the end of the year I'm sure. And next year I'll still set the goal at 5276. I'm planning on five doubles, so that's 1000 miles right there.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

Veronica- As you say- always another year!
Yes, it was pretty darn cold out there yesterday. I've taken to wearing knee warmers either over or under my tights. I also wear arm warmers under my jersey. That seems to help too.

One of these days I'd love to do Diablo with you all Had hoped to do it sometime this week, but holiday and other stuff got in the way, plus rain rain rain for the next two days (:

I'm so impressed by your goal to do 5 doubles. I hope your knee heals soon.

Meanwhile- Happy New Year and safe riding!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

4,000 miles- congratulations!!!!!!!

[RoadRaven]

Well, I don't have any Ground Effect stuff (despit living RIGHT here!) but I do know people who have, and they really like it too.

And congrats on your 4000miles! I've just managed to make 4000kms - a bit shy of your achievement!

And way to go, d_i_c_k_y knee considered, thats a great result for 2007... and 5 double centuries next year???

I am waaaay impressed - any century daunts and intimidates me - metric, imprial, double... more... I had a goal to ride my firat imperial century this year - and I haven't, not even a metric this year!

Well done V. And look out 2008, huh?

[jobob]

I'm so glad Jo asked us to tag along because we've been stuck in the 39 mile rut for awhile.

"Tag along"? Lest anyone get the wrong impression, I was always the one bringing up the rear. They spent lots of time waiting for me after the climbs.

These freakin' kids, they've hardly ridden at all for months and they still keeel me on the climbs.

Of course the fact that I'm inherently lazy and don't particularly enjoy suffering whilst climbing doesn't do much for my pace either.

V's new Ground Effect Popsicle jersey is quite stunning, btw - red with black trim, which goes very nicely with her red bike w black components. And her red Sidis. Stylin'.


Just curious, V - why 5276 ?

[Veronica]

V's new Ground Effect Popsicle jersey is quite stunning, btw - red with black trim, which goes very nicely with her red bike w black components. And her red Sidis. Stylin'.


Just curious, V - why 5276 ?

Thanks! I really like the jersey.

5276 is one more mile than I rode in 2006. My goal is really to ride more than I did the previous year.

V.

[crazycanuck]

V...that's what aye like aboot you SF chickies Ye like Ground Effect

Now for CC's commercial break
I love my Ice Queen as it keeps me warm n toasty on those blech rainy blustery rides home after work in June/July/Aug. I also like the reflective bits at the front, side & back as most Ground Effect stuff does.

If you're wondering what V's new joisey looks like http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/produc...il-POP-WOM.htm

Commercial break over

[jobob]

If you're wondering what V's new joisey looks like http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/produc...il-POP-WOM.htm

I generally saw it from the back.

[maillotpois]

Congrats on the 4000!! Sounds like a great ride - and a terrific jersey. I may need to check that out...

You'll have no problem making your goal next year, I am sure. You've got a full slate and I will be thinking positive knee thoughts so you put that behind you for sure.

Here's to 2008!!

[DirtDiva]

4000 miles is still a lot! And seen in in considerable sartorial style. Ooooo I want a Hot Toddy. I'd probably never get around to wearing it actually on the bike though.