November 14 rides

[owlice]

18.5 miles in cool weather on wet trails covered with wet leaves; it was great! I was going to do just 10-12 miles, but once I got to the end of one trail/beginning of another, took it, and then took another until I ran out of trail, so I had to turn around and ride back to my starting point.

I found a jacket in the closet that is good for cool weather, though I had to take it off eventually because I was too warm. Had on light sweats over biking shorts, and that was okay, though I probably could have done without them.

Now to go shower, because I stink!!

ETA: But before I go.... I saw BLUEBIRDS!!!!!! I was SO excited to see them! I haven't seen any all summer. Bluebirds!! Also saw (and heard, of course!) a Belted Kingfisher, a bird of prey I couldn't see well enough to identify (though he was not a Red-tailed, that I know), and deer, including a well-antlered buck, who crossed the trail in front of me and then went down to the stream and crossed it, looking for all the world like a magazine cover.

[shootingstar]

40 kms. --4 degrees C, grey and it drizzled abit for 1/2 hr.. Local mountains have snow now. Then near end, I dropped by a LBS where I haven't been for past 9 months, to check out for discounted merchandise

Was amazed to see joggers wearing only a long-sleeved shirt, shorts.

[Owlie]

I took a brief (2 mi) ride around the north end of campus. My ride, however, was impeded by the marching band and the need to go buy food. (Oh, yeah, food...)
Tomorrow is supposed to be nice too, so I think I'm getting up extra early and getting a ride in!

[Miranda]

Very nice unseasonally warm weather here in the midwest.

Went alone for a 30mi loop w/some fun rollers. Furthest I've been out since my crash. Man, I am beat!

Worst, first dog charge since my dog crash. Omg, that was SO mentally challenging. But, somehow I managed to hold my composer and make it through it. Last 10mi went to yuck after that. Bonked bringing in it. Think the mental challenge spent my legs more than anything. Whoa.

However, I am still glad I went out... and that I can post my ride here on TE's thread.

Miranda

[blackhillsbiker]

22 miles round trip out Nemo Road until I ran out of shoulder, then back to town and up to LBH for a lesson in bike maintenance. There is a sign almost at the top of a killer hill that reads "Reduced Speed Ahead." It makes me laugh. I'm going about 5mph in granny gear at that point. Much slower and I'd be going backwards. I didn't walk it, though, so I'm improving. It was sunny and cold. I kept adding and subtracting layers depending on whether I was going uphill or downhill.

Then home for a PBJ, a quick shower and change and off to a rehearsal. I could have taken the van, but I took my bike instead. Added another 9 miles to my day. It was a good day for biking here in the Black Hills.

Deb

[blackhillsbiker]

P.S. To Miranda:

Yay for you!! I'm sorry you met up with a dog, but glad you handled it well. You must have almost freaked out. The fact that you didn't says volumes about how strong you are! I'm glad you're back on your bike.

Deb

[Miranda]

P.S. To Miranda:

Yay for you!! I'm sorry you met up with a dog, but glad you handled it well. You must have almost freaked out. The fact that you didn't says volumes about how strong you are! I'm glad you're back on your bike.

Deb

Hey, just wanted to say thanks for that. I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately some of my crash injury stuff is permanent damage I just gotta live with. That has driven me to having thoughts like: is this worth it? do I get back on the bike at all? Well, giving up the things I love about cycling would be sad in the big picture. So, I figure I just have to find a way to overcome my fear, and not let it dictate my life choices.

They say what doesn't kill us, in the end makes us stronger. So, bless you, for that thought... I guess in the end I will become/am stronger.