April 8th rides

[SandyLS]

Finally off the sofa and on the bike. I just got back from my first side of the season, 20 miles with a coffee break at the half way point. It felt great to be back on the bike, but I sure can tell that I haven't been rideing all winter. I was pretty slow compared to last year and I'm sure my sit bones will be a bit sore shortly. (I do have a trainer and my bike sat on it all winter, if only I would have sat on the bike!) I have a hard time figuring out how warm to dress for different conditions. Today it was 55-60 F. I seemed to get it right, light smartwool base layer with a heavier Hind layer over it. Tried out the new Terry Bella knickers I got as a Christmas present. They were very nice. I wore a pair of wool knee high ski socks with them to cover the rest of my leg.

[makbike]

Joined the club for a late morning 35 mile ride. Along the way we got off course. The first time was intentional for we wanted to look at a newly discovered waterfall. The second time was not planned but we managed to find our way back to the course and complete the ride with smiles on our faces. It was a tad bit wind and the sun was teasing us most of the morning. We rode through some beautiful sections of rural Louisville. It was an enjoyable ride sure wish the rain would skip us the next few days.

[short cut sally]

The weather here hasn't been bad, but the wind has been so gusty that I haven't dared to ride for fear of wrecking. I decided I couldn't put it off any longer, went out for a 10 mile windy and hilly ride. I sure do feel so much better. I am so out of shape, the granny gear was my friend today!

[Crankin]

Had my first ride not wearing wool or fleece. It was 57 out and I wore my new Terry Bella knickers, a regular LS jersey with a sleeveless base layer, and my vest. And, regular gloves and no booties (still wearing wool socks). Did my usual 15 mile loop with 2 variations; I did it in the opposite direction, so it's easier in the beginning and I cut out one part and substituted it with a cut through street that is a nice short downhill. It was much windier than I thought and I was fighting a stiff cross breeze the whole way out. I also got stuck behind a line of cars behind a school bus on one of the few flat parts of this ride, so I had to slow down there.
Some of of my chronic pain spots were hurting, but the best thing was, I had my PT appointment right when I got done. Nothing hurts now!
15.06 miles, 15.2 average.

[OakLeaf]

The usual loop with the usual suspects. Along the way we picked up another rider for about 5 miles, but he decided not to hang with us. He was annoying me anyway because he stayed at the end of the paceline and waved everyone in front of him. I don't mind if someone isn't up to pulling, but just stay in line and peel off as soon as they get to the front!

Winds were 20 mph steady, gusting to 33. Pretty exciting going over the bridge ! 37 miles, since I took the same bridge both ways.

[KathiCville]

Sun came out, finally, after five days of drizzle, so I scooted out the door to get in 21 miles west of town. Most of ride was on a beautiful, quiet road to our reservoir; rest was on a busier stretch that seems to bring out the WORST in people. One guy in a huge pick-up revved his engine as ferociously as he could manage as he tore past me, kicking up black smoke in my face! My presence on the road probably delayed him all of, oh, 2 seconds on his journey, but the boy just HAD to register his displeasure........!!

[redrhodie]

Commute + a few extra miles, I think about 37 for the day.

Harry Nilsson's "Me and my Arrow, straight up and narrow" started going through my head, and I decided to rename my bike Arrow. Suits her to a tee. Good hill climbing song, too.

I also thought about changing my screen name to "bonker" or "bonkers". Either suits me, and it reminds me of when David Sedaris was a Christmas elf at Macy's, and he called himself "Blister". I think that's so cute.

I think about you guys when I ride. You're all so inspirational.

[Jo-n-NY]

My first after work ride of the season, although short at 9.5 miles. I met my friend on route from her coming home from her job and stop at my husbands job to drive home with him.

Spring on Long Island has been terrible. Last year we began doing this right after daylight savings time took effect. We are almost a month behind.

~ JoAnn